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23
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https://history.okeq.org/files/original/51794f50820e6f610ddbaca277f5f06f.jpg
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https://history.okeq.org/files/original/857717084d696fa751b866247e1bb6c9.pdf
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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
"WWW.METROSTA~qEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY"
UN Ge era Assembly hears pro-gay presentation
"9gockner News ~/ire
It was read into the record by
Argentine AmbassadorJorge
Argtiello.
q’he 66 countries affirmed "the
principle of non-discrimination,
which requires that human rights
apply equally to every hmman
being regardless ofsexual orientation
or gender identity; and
denounced "violence, harassment,
discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization
and prejudice ... because
of sexual orientation or gender
identity:’
statement also called for
the decriminalization ofgay sex,
77
SLxty-sLx nations at the UN General Assembly supported a
groundbrealdng statement Dec. 18 confirming that international
human rights protections include sexual orientation and
gender identit):
It was the first time a statement condemning rights abuses
against GLBT people was presented in the General Assembly.
gay
Americans support
Woclmer News Wire
A Harris Interactive poll released Dec. 3 found that Americans
support a range ofpolicies and protections for gay people.
The Pulse ofEquality survey, cmmnissioned by the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, found that majorities of
Americans favor either marriage or civil unions for gay couples,
hate-crime laws to protect gay and transgender people, letting
gays in the military serve openly, and allowing gays and lesbians
to adopt children.
~ae telephone survey questioned 2,000 adults beBveen Nov. 13
and 17 and had a margin oferror ofplus or minus 2 percentage
points.
Among the specific findings:
* Seventy-five percent of U.S. adults favor either marriage or
domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.
Only 22 percent oppose any legal recognition ofgay couples.
........... Continued See POLL Page-8
Saudi Arabia
"To love is not a crime;’ said
Louis-Georges Tin, president of the International Day Against
Homophobia Committee, which initiated the process that led
to the statement. "To decriminalize homosexuality world,vide is
a batde t’or human rights.... This (statement) is a great achievement
(but) I also want to remind everyone that ending the
criminalization ofsame-sex love wilt be a long, hard battle:’
Leading British activist Peter Tatchell called the statement "history
in the making."
"The UN statement goes much further than see’king the decriminalization
ofsame-sex acts;’ Tatchell said. "k ondemns all
human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender
identity, urges countries to protect the human rights ofLGBT
people and to bring to justice those who violate these rights,
and calls for human rights defenders who oppose homophobic
and transphobic victimization to be allowed to carry out their
advocacy and humanitarian work unimpeded."
........... Continued See UN Page-14
JANUARY 1, 2009
Oklahoma’s 2009 Mr. O.G.R.A.
Larry Bourne chats with the
Metro Star.
By Victor Gorin
Photo: ~adr. OGRA 2009 Larry Bour~ze By Victor Gorin
The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association ( better known as
OGRA) has a proud history ofnot only promoting the country
lifestyle in the GLBT community, but also to the straight community
as well. Letting gay cowboys knmv they can truly be
themselves is a cause they promote proudly, but they do more.
OGRA also has a proud history ofhelping wordBvhile charities
such as Other Options, Infant Crisis Services, Young Gay
Lesbian Alliance, and R.A.I.N.
Also a proud tradition are the OGRA Royalty, which features a
Mr. OGRA, a Ms. OGRA" Brooklyn" and Miss OGRA Anita
Ryder.. The new Mr. OGRA is Larry Bourne, who’s made many
cowboys happy bartending at the Finishline the past 5 years.
Sharing his life and his thoughts with the Metro Star, he gives us
his perspective on our community and OGRA.
................Continued See OGP,A page- 15
comes out ....Page-7
Janua~ 2009
2
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~.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 3
World Aids Day December
1, Remembering the
Past-Facing Future-
The Crisis is not over.
By Victor Gorin
Following the Mayflower UCC ~:orldAIDS
Day Service, Reverend Loyce Newton Edwards
places a card on a o’oss honod~ her siste,;
Lavonn Newton whopassd ~tv~yfivm AIDS
related illness.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ On December
1, the 20th World Aids Day Service was held at
Mayflower Congregational Church, along with
countless others worldwide. Along with music,
preaching and praise was not only remembrance
of those xvho have passed on because of
HIV, bur also hope for the future. The service
concluded with the opportunity to fill out a
card of a loved one lost to HIV and attach it
to one ofa group of crosses in the courtyard.
For Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards the service
had special meaning, as she had lost a transgen-
&red sister, Lavonne Newton to AIDS related
illness. As she put it, "The service was deeply
moving and a wonderful way to honor the precious
lives that have been lost to AIDS, and to
offer comfort to their devastated families. My
prayers continue for more community compassion,
HIV prevention advocacy, as well as more
effective HIV/AIDS related medications."
Being that World AIDS Day is now in it’s 20th
year, this reminds us that although advances
have been made in the treatment of HIV, there
is no reason for complacency. In Oklahoma
there are around 4500 known cases ofpeople
infected with HIV, including around 1700 in
Oklahoma County alone. Currently the fastest
growing rate of infection among demographic
groups tragically is young people aged 15-24,
disproportionately gay and male.
Although medical science is far ahead ofwhere
it was over 20 years ago when AIDS first
became an issue, safe sex is still important. As
Chuck Longacre ofRed Rock North, an HIV
testing/counseling facility pointed out, "R’s still
a deadly disease. The disease can still be fatal.
However, often one can be helped ifthe virus is
detected early, so we encourage those who are
sexually active to be tested every 3 months."
Testing is still available at Red Rock North,
4400 N. Lincoln Botdevard (OKC), telephone
(405 424 7711. It’s a free test, and in
most cases can be completed in around 20
minutes. This, coupled with educational efforts
is also part ofthe reason for the day, and that is
the hope for a better future.
Angda Monson Runs For
O dahoma City School
Board Chair
By Victor Gorin
Photo: Angela Monson, State Representative Anastasia
Pittman-District 99 (Center)Jesus Gasper Lovie
Givens e3~ Danielle Gaddis by Hctor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Angela Monson,
on the last day offiling, got into the race
for Oklahoma City School Board chair. She
challenges incumbent Kirk Humphreys, and
the election will be February 10. As a Democrat,
she was elected to the Oklahoma State
House ofR~epresentatives in 1990-District 99,
and was later elected to the Oklahoma State
Senate in 1993 -District 48. She Served as a
State Senator until forced out by term limits in
2005. She is currently Associate Provost with
the Oklahoma University Health Sciences
Center, and is a longtime ally ofnot only the
GLBT commtmity but numerous progressive
Causes.
Kirk Humphreys was appointed as Chair by
the OKC School Board when the position
was vacated by CliffHudson, and is a former
mayor ofOklahoma City, and an ally ofmany
conservative causes. Learn more about this key
race with our next issuel
Metro Star Classfieds
2" square for as litde as
$43 per issue.
Email: starnews@sbcglobal.~
918.1
’Unsung Heroes’ Honored
for AIDS Awareness
Advocacy
TULSA, OK (PR) __ On Tuesday, three Tulsa
CARES employees were recognized by the
AIDS Coalition ofTulsa at the 19th annual
Evergreen Spirit Awards Luncheon, which
recognizes the work ofcolleagues and volunteers
who have gone the extra mile in the fight
against AIDS in our community:
Jamie Baker, care coordinator; Bruce Lewis, ofrice
manager/executive assistant; and Marianne
X~etherill, registered dietician were among
those recognized with the Evergreen Spirit
Award, which symbolizes strength, courage,
commitment and resilience.
"It is so important to recognize ’the unsung heroes’
in Tulsa’s effort to stop AIDS," said Janice
Nicklas, director ofTnlsa Community AIDS
Partnership and senior planner for the Community
Service Council. ~Our colleagues still
work long hours, to the point ofexhaustion,
and many have vowed to stay at it until we get
the epidemic under control. Sadly, the numbers
ofHIV positive Americans are growing larger
each year and many Tulsans are getting infected
who are unaware that that they are at risk,"
Other Evergreen Spirit Award winners are:
Gary Meadows, Community ofHOPE; Terry
Klein, St. Joseph~s Residence; Chaz Gaut,
Hospice of Green Country; David Odle, Oklahoma
Department ofHuman Services; Barbara
Saunders, community volunteer with the HIV
Prevention Program for Incarcerated Women’s
Program; and Stan Smalts, Oklahoma Department
ofHuman Services. Two top awards were
also given at the annual luncheon: the Truman
Geren Memorial Award for HIV Prevention
was awarded to Heather Nash, American Red
Cross, and the Richard Shackelford Award for
HIV Care honored Shana Cozad, Oklahoma
State Department of Health.
"Our award winners are constantly reminding
Tulsa area.residents to take the HIV test - it is
quick, free and painless," Nicldas said. "Everyone
should know their HIV status."
Founded in t991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way
organization, delivers services to low-income
people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern
Oklahoma. Services include: case management
by professional social workers, access to physicians
and prescription medication, counseling
services, housing
assistance, access to
nutrition information at
its on-site food pantry,
as well as other forms of
support. Tulsa CARES’
mission is "Delivering
social services to
people affected by
HIV/AIDS: For more
information about Tulsa
CARES, visit www.
tulsacares.org.
Tulsa CARES Celebrates
Life
34icah Hartwdl, Nutrition Services Directo~
begins digging~r the Tulsa CARES’ Celebration
ofLife tree-planting co’emony.
TULSA, OK (PR) __ In observance ofWorld
AIDS Day, Tulsa CARES hosted a "Celebration
of Life" reception for its clients.
On Monday, December 1, Tulsa CARES clients,
staffmembers, and friends came together
to celebrate the lives 0f those still living xvith
HIV/AIDS and to rmnember the lives ofthose
who have died from this disease. The "Celebration
ofLife" was replete with food, crafts and
a tree planting ceremony that symbolizes hope
for a cure.
Tulsa CARES’ Celebration of Life in-kind
sponsors ,sere Starbucks, Q~eenies and QEikTrip.
Five Crepe Myrtle trees were donated by
Up with Trees.
Tulsa CARES’ mission is ddivering social
services to people affected by HIWAIDS.
Tulsa CARES is a United W’ay Agency.
For more information, visit vcww.tulsacares.org.
SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY
4 January 2009
in the spirit of Christmas, the 18th annual Loaves and Fishes
Dinner Show was held at the Copa OKC, raising over $6956.
Featuring entertainers (Photo) Ben Williams, Kitty Bob Aimes,
Sonja Martinez, John Beebe and Matthew Heath Fitzgerald, the
show was held on both December 8 and 9, with proceeds going
to help the Winds House, a home & hospice for those living
with HIV.
PeggyJohnson and ReVerend Dl: Kathy McCallie at Church of
the Open Arms Fundaraiser
Oldahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth with OGLPC
Co-Chair Paul ~nompson at the ,amnual NAACP Banquet in
Oklahoma City.
.... Scotty Mandell, Robin D0rner and Loring Wagner strike a pose
at the Diversity Bttsiness Association’s Christmas Party.
Ken Sims, Jennifer Lancaster, Rebecca Hurst and Blaze Bush
at the Marriage Equality Rally in downtown Oklahoma City
December 20.
Santa ( Pam Norton) and Mrs. Santa (Victorola) at the Church
ofthe Open Arms Christmas Party
Dear Editor:
My name is Robaire ~atson and I’m a gay military veteran
who’s been living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years. I
spent 6 years in the military as an openly gay, man. At age 23 I
joined the Navy in search of adventure. Being a gay man, I was
determined that I wasn’t going to allow the military to change
my true identity. My story isn’t about the latest trend or the latest
hot actor, or the latest hot "trick~ it’s about the importance
of"being who you want to be"! Who needs to serve in silence ?
I just want to bring a positive ground breaking story to the
fbrefront. I grexv up in a primarily white small Texas town and
the middle child of a Southern Baptist family. I was in the Cub
Scouts and Boy Scouts, played high school football for a brief
time. I always knew I was gay. After high school, I earned money
t’or college by working in the oil fields. I studied design and
fashion merchandising in Dallas at ~ades School of Design. I
joined the US NaW in 1989 and served six years through two
enlistments until 1995.
Being openly gay in the military and not receiving threats to my
life, allowed me to keep my integrity: I never felt the need to tell
anyone on my command that I was gay or introduce them to
my boyfriend. I always felt that people knew I was different, just
by the way I conducted myself. When you sho~v others respect,
they show you respect in return.
I was a US Navy Ship’s barber who served aboard the USS
Kansas City as it traveled the seas promoting freedom during
the Gulf’~Y~ar and Operation Southern XWatch offthe coast of
Somalia in 1993, traveling to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong,
Dubai, Jebel All, UAE, British Columbia, Mexico, and the
Philippines during my two enlistments. I’m black and openly
gay and never encountered the slightest discrimination aboard
this xvarship.
I have never forced my sexual preference on anyone. I don’t ~vant
someone who’s straight doing that to me. gqaen the "Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell" law xvas passed, my shipmates told me, "\X[atso!~, we
don’t have to ask and we don’t have to tell."
I had a group ofgay friends on the USS Kansas City. We were
the gay version of"Sex and the City" onboard the ship. XXre were
known as the Fierce-Four. Our personal lives were better than
any episode of Q~.eer as Folk. My friends said, because of me,
they were able to be themselves without prejudice. I took several
ofmy shipmates to gay bars & dance clubs, not because it was
my idea, but because they asked me too!
I dated an Ensign and a Lieutenant while in the military. I ,also
dated a Major in the United States Army and a Marine. All the
following military men who came across my, life had to keep
their personal life a secret. It’s not about being an officer in the
military or subjecting yourselfto starring in a skin flick to get
your point across, about "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: It’s knowing
that you have a job to do and a mission to accomplish. ~bu can’t
allow your sexual preference to interfere.
The government needs to worry about the individuals who they
allow to enter the military that haven’t been outside the county
line, and refuse to accept someone who is different. Sometimes,
these type ofpeople want to judge you, based on their religious
beliefs. Ifyou can’t accept me for my race or sexual preference,
will you be there for me in a time ofwar ?
I’m very fortunate that I was able to be openly gay and live
my life accordingly during active duty. I want other men and
women who enter the armed forces who are gay to be able to live
their lives just as openly as their straight counterparts and when
they become veterans to be treated ~vith dignity and respect. I’m
very proud to have done my duty serving my country:
Thank you,
Robaire Watson
San Francisco, CA
wv,~v.metrostamews.com ~ot~oSTAR 5
A NEW PLACE TO
ENDUP
By Victor Gorin
Photo: End ~o owner Blake (Center) wit,§ the
End [J)) dancers
TULSA, OK__ When the first Endup club
on Memorial closed a few years ago, it left a gap
that Blake Alterman knew needed to be filled.
While not for everybody, there are truly gay
men that love to watch the hot boys dance. Not
far from some ofTulsgs other gay clubs, it’s located
at 5336 E. Admiral Place, a site vacant for
over a year last occupied by a straight biker club
called The Luclo! Shamrock. Dancers will be
featured 7 nights a xveek, taking up where the
old Endup left off, but with more than twice
the space and ample parking.
While it is planned and destined to be a swinging
spot for those wanting to watch male dancers,
it has more to offer as well. A section ofthe
bat" ,vi!l be like a regular bar, with pool tables,
cruising and conversation. Other fun endeavors
are planned also with Bathroom Bingo Nights
starting in January, hosted by emcee Earnest
from the ladle’s bathroom, rewarding winning
participants with cash and prizes.
Hours are from noon tmtil 2 a.m. 7 days a
week, so stop by and check it out, especially
during Happy Hour with $1 offall liquor
drinks from noon until 8 p.m. 7 days a week.
As Blake puts it, "xg&’re just looking to have a
good time with a bar that everybody’s gonna
love coming to." Sounds like a great beginning.
SUPPORTERS OF
IT¥ LIGHT UP
DOWNTOWN OKC
By Victor Gorin
Photo: Organizer Trey Hill with activistJames
Nimmo by Hctor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Around 30
determined souls braved the icy chill December
20 in OKC’s Bricktown near the entrance
of the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark,
holding a candlelight vigil supporting marriage
equality for all Americans, including the GLBT
community. Surprising, there were no negative
epithets, fisticuffs or even threats thereofmade
by Bricktown partygoers, only some interested
glances. The event did get media coverage by
KOKH Channel 25, and participants got a free
"Oklahoman for Marriage Equality T-Shirt;’
made possible thru the generosity ofJames
Nimmo, his partner Don Chabot and Brittany
Novotny.
The event came together through the organization
ofTrey Dill & Chuck Longacre, activists
also largely responsible for a previous rally at
the Oklahoma City Hall November 15 xvhich
brought out over 200 people protesting the
passage of Proposition 8, Which took away the
right ofsame sex marriage in California.
As Ms. Novotny praised the marchers, "As we
keep getting people out for events like this,
people won’t feel they have to be scared to be
who they are, and straight people won’t be as
scared to support us. We’ll keep doing this until
all ofOklahoma says Yes, You all are part ofus
and we’re all equal:
January 2009
N
Wockner News Service
Reports: No quick action
against DADT
President-elect Barack Obama rnay not move
quickly to repeal the military’s "don’t ask, don’t
tell" ban on open gays, according to published
reports.
A Nov. 24 report in The AtlantaJournal-Constitution
said: "Very quietly, the Obama team
has let it be known that the new administration
will not immediately reassess the U.S. military’s
policy of’don’t ask, don’t tell: ... Raising the
topic ofgays in the military was considered by
many to be the second oftwo out-of-the-box
decisions that ended badly for a newly elected
President Bill Clinton (in 1993)’.’
The National Journal and The Washington
Tunes said Obama might wait until 2010 to
’tackle the ban.
However, the gay newspaper ~Tashington
Blade reported Nov. 25 that an unnamed
Obama spokesperson said the mainstream-media
reports were premature.
"An Obama transition team spokesperson, who
spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the
decision on how to approach repealing ’Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell’ ... would be ma& after more
experts have joined the Obama administration;’
the paper said.
"Tnese decisions will not be made before the
full national security team is in place;’ the
Blade quoted the spokesperson as saying.
AJuly poll by The \Vashington Post and ABC
News found that 75 percent ofAmericans said
"yes" when ~isked, "Do you think that homosexuals
who do publicly disclose their sexual
orientation should be allowed to serve in the
military or not ?"
The poll found that even Republicans (64
percent) and white evangelical Christians (57
percent) supported scrapping the ban.
The random survey of 1,119 Aanerican adults
had a margin oferror ofplus or minus 3 percentage
points.
Florida’s ban on gay
adoption struck down
A Florida circuit court in Miami struck down a
state law that barred lesbians and gay men from
adopting Nov. 25.
The court granted adoptions to a gay man,
represented by the American Civil Liberties
Union, who has been raising two foster children
since 2004.
"Our family just got a lot more to be thankful
for this Naanksgiving;’ said Martin Gill,
a North Miami resident who is raising two
brothers, ages 4 and 8, with his partner.
are extremely relieved that the court has recognized
that it is wrong to deny our boys the legal
protections and security that only" come with
adoption."
The court ruled that tile ban violated the equalprotection
guarantees of the state constitution
because it irrationally singled out gay people
and their children for different treatment.
The court also found that the ban denied
children the right to permanency provided by
federal and state law under the Adoption and
Safe Families Act of 1997.
"Reports and studies find that there are no
differences in the parenting ofhomosexuals
or the adjustment oftheir children;’ the court
said. "TheSe conclusions have been accepted,
adopted and ratified by the American psychological
Association, the American Psychiatry
Association, the American PediatriCAssociation,
the American Academy ofPediatrics,
the Child Welfare League ofAmerica and the
National Association ofSocial Workers. Based
on the robust nature ofthe evidence available
in the field, this Court is satisfied that the
issue is so far beyond dispute that it would be
irrational to hold otherwise; the best~interests
ofchildren are not preserved by prohibiting
homosexual adoption."
The Florida law barring gays and lesbians from
adopting was the most expansive anti-gay parenting
law in the country. It was passed in 1977
in response to an anti-gay crusade led by Miss
Oklalloma 1958, and orange-juice spokeswoman
Anita Bryant.
Admirals, Generals urge
DADT repeal
A former Army secretary and 103 retired admirals
and generals issued a call Nov. 17 for repeal
ofthe military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" ban on
open gays.
Among the document’s signers were a former
Naval Academy superintendent, retired
four-star Adm. Chades Larson, and former
PresidentJimmy Carter’s Army secretary, Clifford
Mexander.
It is believed that there are about 65,000 gay
people serving in the military, not counting the
627 who were kicked out last year for failing to
stay sufficiently closeted.
Gay band, anti-gay
preacher to participate in
inauguration
Wanda Sykes comes out,
blasts Prop 8
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association, which
is composed of 34 marching and concert
bands fi’om the U.S., Canada and Australia,
will march in President-elect Barack Obama’s
inaugural parade Jan. 20.
Although LGBA concert bands performed at
inaugural celebratious t’or Bill Clinton in 1993
and 1997, this will be the first time a gay band
has marched in a presidential inaugural parade.
~ihe gay contingent will include t77 musicians
in the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue a~er
Obama is sworn in on the steps ofthe U.S.
Capitol.
In making their selections, the Presidential
Inaugural Committee and military musicians
assessed the applications of 1,400 marching
bands, drill teams and musical groups.
Nae committee’s Web site lists more than 40
such participating contingents, including several
high-school and university bands.
Meanwhile, Obama came under fire from gay
activists on Dec. 17 for selecting influential
evangelical preacher Rick xWarren to deliver the
invocation at the inauguration.
Human Rights Caxnpaign President Joe Solmonese
calAed the move ’h genuine bl0w to LGBT
Americans."
"We feel a deep level ofdisrespect when one
ofthe architects and promoters of an anti-gay
agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit
ofyour historic nomination; Solmonese said.
"Vge urge you to reconsider this announcement."
The National Gay arid Lesbian Task Force said,
"We urge President-elect Obama to withdraw
his invitation to Rick Warren and instead select
a faith leader who embraces fairness, equality
and the ideals the president-elect himselfhas
called the nation to uphold:
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
President Nell Giuliano said, "It is ... deeply
troubling that the President-elect has selected
.....Continued See Inauguration Page-11 ’
Comedian xYC:anda Sykes came out publicly
Nov. 15 at a Las Vegas rally against California’s
Proposition 8.
"When California passed Prop 8 ... I felt like
I was being attacked, personally attacked,
our community was attacked," Sykes said. "I
got married Oct. 25. You know, I don’t really
talk about nay sexual orientation, I didn’t feel
like I had to, I was just living my life and, not
necessarily in tile closet, but I was just living
my life. Everybody that knows me personally,
they know I’m gay. And that’s the way people
should be able to live their lives, xgre shouldn’t
have to be standing out here demanding
something that we automatically should have
as citizens ofthis country. And I got pissed off.
They pissed me off. I said, You know what, now
I gotta get in your face. And that’s what we all
have to do now."
Sykes said, as others have, that the passage of
Prop 8 did have an upside.
"They pissed offthe ~vrong group ofpeople,"
she said. "They have galvanized a community:
XWe are so together now and we all want the
same tiling and we are not going to settle for
less."
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The Las Vegas rally was part of a national day
ofprotest against Prop 8 that saw demonstrations
in 300 U.S. cities
and towns, including
such unlikely places
as Allentown, Fargo,
Fayetteville, La Crosse,
Macon, Shreveport and
Missoula.
In California, there
were protests Nov. 15
in 58 separate towns
and cities.
www.metrostarnews.corn N~÷troSTAR 7
Same-sex marriage bill
to be introduced in New
Hampshire
New Hampshire State Rep. Jim Splaine plans
to introduce a bill next year to legalize same-sex
marriage.
New Hampshire already has a comprehensive
same-sex civil-union law, and nearby Connecticut
and Massachusetts allow gay couples
to marry~
Splaine told the Concord Monitor newspaper
that the civil-union law bestows only about
90 percent of the state-level benefits and
obligations of marriage, xvhich leaves same-sex
couples without full equality under the law.
Some 600 same-sex couples have entered into a
civil union in New Hampshire.
EltonJohn does not support
same-sex marriage
Elton John says gays are wrong to want to get
married and should settle for civil unions.
"We’re (David Furnish and I) not married.
Let’s get that right;’ John told USA Today on
Nov. 12. "We have a civil partnership. What
is wrong with Proposition 8 is that mey went
for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of
people off, the,vord marriage.
"I don’t want to be married;’ John said.
very happy with a civil partnership. If gay
people want to get mar}led, Or get together,
they should have a civil partnership.... You ~et
the same e~ual rights.... Heterosexual peopm
get married:
John’s assertion about ~equal rights" is essentially
true in the United Kingdom, where John
and Furnish entered their civil partnership. ~Ihe
UK civil-partnership law is national in scope.
In the U.S., on the other hand, civil-union and
domestic-parmership laws are state laws that
grant equal rights only on the state level, leaving
civilly united gay couples without access
to-more than 1,000 federal rights, benefits and
obligations ofmarriage.
But, at the same time, the U.S. government also
does not recognize the same-sex marriages that
have taken place in California, Connecticut,
Massachusetts or abroad. However, it would
require less ofan overhaul of federal policy to
start recognizing married same-sex couples
than it would to create some kind ofnational
recognition of states’ hodgepodge ofcivilunion
and domestic-partnership laws, some of
which grant all state-level rights of marriage
and others ofwhich do not.
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has said
repeatedly that he supports extending federal
recognition to same-sex unions, though he
does not favor opening marriage itseltto samesex
couples, citing religious objections. Obama
nonetheless opposed California’s Proposition
8, in which voters amended the state constitution
on Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage.
ha a nutshell, Obama does not think gay
couples should have access to marriage but also
does not think any laws should be passed to
prevent gay couples from accessing marriage.
* U.S. adults are evenly divided on xvhether gay
couples should have access to marriage -- 47
percent say yes and 49 percent say no.
* Sixty-four percent think gays in the military
should not have to stay closeted, as required by
the =don’t ask, don’t tell" policy.
* Sixty-three percent support expanding
hate-crime la~vs to cover gay and transgender
people. At present, 31 states and the District
of Columbia have such laws that cover sexual
orientation and 12 of those laws also encompass
gender identity.
* Fifty-one percent favor protecting gay and
transgender people under existing laws that ban
discrimination in employment, housing and
public accommodations. Twenty states and the
District of Columbia have such laws that cover
sexual orientation and 13 of those laws also
encompass gender identity.
* Sixty-nine percent oppose bans on gay adoption.
=We observed a positive relationship between
knowing a gay or transgender person and one’s
attitudes toward them and the policy issues
that affect their lives," said Laura Light, Harris
Interactive’s vice president ofpublic-relations
research.
"Based on other surveys we have conducted
on attitudes toward LGBT people and issues,
the results ofthis survey suggest that public
sentiment in the U.S. is trending toward greater
acceptanF~ ofgay- and transgender-related
policy issues:’
The survey found that people under 65, and especially
those 18-34, are more gay-friendly than
people over 65. Women are generally more
supportive than men. Latinos are more supportive
than whites and blacks when it comes
to gays in the military. Blacks are more supportive
than whites and Latinos on hate-crime
laws. And Catholics and "mainline" Christians
(Protestant, Mormon or %ther Christian") are
more supportive than "born-again" Protestants,
Mormons or other Christians.
Nineteen percent ofthose questioned said
their feelings toward gay people have become
more favorable over the past five years. They
attributed the change to such things as knmving
someone who is gay, seeing gay people
on TV and in movies, passage ofgay-friendly
laws, news coverage ofgay issues, and learning
of the gay-friendly positions offriends, family
members and religious leaders.
"Knowing someone who is gay or lesbian" ,vas
the most significant factor, cited by 79 percent
ofthose whose feelings had evolved.
Seventy-three percent ofthose qu{stioned
know or work with a gay or transgender person
and halfof that 73 percent know or work with
five or more gay or traaasgender people, the
survey found.
Full poll results: tinyurl.com/6nojlq.
Iowa Supreme Court
hears marriage case
The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments
Dec. 9 in Lan~bda Legal’s case on behalfof
same-sex couples who want to marry.
"XTge put our best case forward, and hope that
the court breathes life into the Iowa Constitution’s
promise of equality," said Senior Staff
Attorney Camilla Taylor.
The couples’ case was argued by former Iowa
Solicitor General Dennis Johnson of Dorsey &
Whimey.
"The government has no business standing in
the way ofa loving same-sex couple who wants
to take responsibility for each other and their
fancily," Johnson said.
Lambda filed suit in Polk County District
Court in 2005 on behalfofsix same-sex
couples who were denied marriage licenses,
arguing that the denials violated the liberty
and equality guarantees in the Iowa Constitution.
In 2007, the court agreed that banning
same-sex couples from marrying was unc0nstitutional,
and the county recorder and registrar
appealed to the state Supreme Court.
One gay couple -- Sean and Tim McQ,u)llan
ofAmes -- got married before Judge Robert
Hanson quickly suspended his ruling when it
was appealed.
8 ~÷~roSTAR January 2009
DVD" ’re Angels"
with the release oftheir album.
Jason and &Marco have recently
taken a&antage of C~l~ornlas
United
Metropolitan Community Church
Sunday Services @ 11:00 AM
1623 N. l~laplewood Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
w.mcctuisa.org
Troy Don Wheat34ar 19, 1966 - Dec 6, 2008
TULSA, OK (OkEq) __ Troy Wheat, son
of Betty and Paul Wheat was born on March
19, 1966 in Alva, Oklahoma. He died on the
6th of December, at his home in Tulsa, at the
age of42 years, 8 months and 18 days.
Troy is survived by his parents Paul and Betty;
a sister and her husband, Paula and Bill Miller
ofWoodward; his significant other, Christopher
Roberts ofTulsa; two nieces and their
spouses, Shannon and Craig Chestnut and
thei} children Jace and Jayden ofMustang, Karrie
and Kendel Kay and their children Sloan,
Reece, Braton and Kinley ofAshland, Kansas;
a number ofother relatives and many friends.
He graduated from Alva High School in 1984.
After moving to Tulsa, Troy attended and
graduated cosmetology school in Jenks. He
became a successful stylist in Tulsa. He was
very involved in the Miss Cinderella, Miss
Oklahoma and Miss America Pageants. One
of the highlights ofhis life was when his client
won Miss America in 2006.
A family and friends visitation reception
was held Thursday December 1 lth at Ninde
Brookside Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria, Tul’sa, Oklahoma
74105.
Obituary ofMary Lorene Marlett,
mother ofDemo Candidate Ron
Marlett
Ron Marlett was the Democratic candidate
runmng against Mrs. Kern in HD 84.
The following is from Ron:
My mother. Mary Lorene Marlett, passed from
this world December 17.
She has suffered from Alzeheimers Disease the
past two years,
From my earliest years. I can remember her
involvement in the Canadian County Democratic
Party. She described herself as a Yellow
Dog Democrat, someone who would vote for a
yellow dog before voting for a Republican.
However. she loved her Republican friends.
In a community where racial epithets were
socially acceptable, she taught that those words
wouldn’t be tolerated in our household. When
I hear politicians talk of"family values", I
wonder if they were taught that racism wasn’t a
family value. I attended precinct meetings with
her and accompanied her to a state convention.
She raised my brother and me with values of
equality, fairness and the value ofhard work.
When I was younger she saw that I got to Little
League baseball games when my dad was tied
up responding to an electric outage in the rural
electric cooperative, xXihen I left home, she
became involved in my brother’s scouting as
was extremely proud ofhis attaining his Eagle
Scout Award.
When my father became disabled, she ;,cent
to work at XXrestern Hectric, later AT&T. She
continued there until being offered an early
retirement. She continued to live in Union
City after my father’s death in 1987. She began
having health problems that probably signalled
the onset ofAlzheirmers, but I was too close to
the situation to recognize it. About two years
ago a doctor diagnosed it and told me she had
two years left.
She celebrated her 75th birthday and received
letters from Oklahoma politicians praising
her for her ~vork for the party. Her long time
Democratic friend, Oberta Bergdall attended
that party.
She was particularly proud of having attended
President Carter’s inaugural ball. Toward the
end ofher life, no one in the Democratic Party
could really remember her. When I attended
the C:anadian County Democratic Bean Supper,
I felt I represented her.
She died surrounded by people who loved her
and was very peaceful mad free ofpain. I am
struck by the reliefI feel that she no longer
suffers and the realization that I will not see her
again.
She was a blessing to those she cared for and to
the Democratic Party she loved.
Ron Marlett
www.metrostarnews.com ~Oet~oSTAR 9
Close, but no cigar.
ByJan~es Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ q-he recent release of the biopic
"Milk" about the life and death ofSan Francisco Supervisor
Harvey Milk revivified interest in Milk’s most famous phrases
such as "Come out, come out, wherever you are;’ and "Don’t
blend in:’
Another openly gay activist to have his speeches and writings
dusted offis Bayard Rustin, an openly gay African-American
who was a colleague ofDr. M.L. King and who was given behind-
the-scenes credit for organizing the March on Washington
in August, 1963 where Dr... King made his iconic and forward
lookAng"I Have a Dream" speech. Mr. Rustin was forced to take
a back-seat due to fears that his orientation and arrest record
would undoubtedly be used against the civil tights movement.
From the book Time on Two Crosses: The Collected Writings
of Bayard Rustin by Bayard Rustin (Cleis Press, Carbado and
Weise, editors) we get the succinct gay agenda, if there ever was
one, that I think most ofus gay/lesbian activists can agree on
"the job ofthe gay comnaunity is not to deal with extremists
who would castrate us or put us on an island and drop an Hbomb
on us."
The fact ofthe matter is that there is a small percentage of
people in America who understand the true nature of the
homosexual cornmunity. There is another small percentage who
will never understand us. Our job is not to get those people who
dislike us to love us. Nor was our aim in the civil rights movement
to get prejudiced white people to love us. Our aim was
to try to create the Idnd ofAmerica, legislatively, morally, and
psychologically, such that even though some whites continued
to hate us, they could not openly manifest that hate. That’s our
job today: to control the extent to which people can publicly
manifest anti-gay sentiment." (http://tiwurl.com/5w77yr)
What we should continue to be doing is proving our gay/lesbian
equality ofcitizenship to the broad range of the valuable demographic
~mown as the undecided, who politicians always court.
For our purposes it’s those people who all have gay and lesbian
family members or friends, xvho wouldn’t think ofhurting them
but somehow aren’t connecting the dots that ifsome of us gays
and lesbians are getting hurt, all ofus get hurt.
Dr. King said it in a more engraved style: "It may be true that
the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from
lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important."
Laws don’t prevent crime or change the minds of the incorrigible,
but laws do provide a way to legally make it uncomfortable
for prejudice and violence to be acted out against minorities.
~is is one reason our enemies are very anxious that hate crimes
bills that include language for the protection ofsexual orientation
and gender presentation are not passed either at the Federal
or state level. Our opponents claim such laws would limit
speech and hamper the free exercise of religion. But as Rep Barhey
Dank (Mass.) said earlier in December, 2008 at a Victory
Fund luncheon, these laws are directed at actions ofviolence not
at xvords; expression is not the target ofhate crimes laws, but
physica! behavior is. (http://tinyurl.com/5963au)
Yes, we truly live in the age ofOrwell xvhere words can be
wolves in sheep’s clothing. We read ofMormon and Catholic
spokespeople offended by the peaceful protests ofgay/lesbian
supporters in reaction to losing the November Prop. 8 vote in
California.
It seems these t~vo denominations that gave much of the money
fueling the thei~ ofa civil right in California were surprised
by the bacHash to the imposition of their religious dogma on
the non-member citizens of California
( http:/itinyurl.com/6qp2xz ), (http://tinyurl.com/6215gd).
To me, it looks as ifthe First Amendment establishment clause
is being ignored because there are some denominations that ~vill
perform same-gender marriages yet their religious freedom is being
abridged by the passage ofProp 8.
And just why does prejudice and discrimination seem to originate
with bible-trumpeting homo-haters ?
Could it be because they already live in a ddusional world of
superstition and make-believe, offairy stories about sky-based
good things, and dark-and-dirty ground-based bad things ?
Could it be because they still live in the world ofBronze Age
nomads ~vho had no science and no concept ofa world beyond
the horizon they could walk toward in a day?
The current (I hesitate to call them "modern day") generation
offtmdies lives in a world of technology and communication
that would seem like godly magic to their Abrahamic ancestors.
They use this science to disperse their simplistic balderdash
that’s rooted in desert-wandering myths and witch-doctoring
and think nothing ofthe plain evidence and contradictions that
shows them to be deeply deluded and ignorant. "Ihe last hundred
years have passed them by and disproved the ancient runes
and cabals they so desperately need to explain their conflicting
childhood dreams ofomnipotent, omniscient super heroes
rescuing them from death and oblivion.
Personally I don’t care what they do as consenting adults in the
privacy of their religious establishments or even on the public
street corner. However, no group has the legal prover to impose
religious dogma in the law books ofany state or Federa! code.
There continues to be a principle ofseparation ofchurch and
state, equality and liberty for all, that is paramount to the continuation
of this country as it was founded. African-Americans,
Native Americans, and women have gained their civil equality
in spite of the restrictions originally written in the Constitution
and later remedied by Amendments.
So far, 30 states have amendments or laws forbidding same-gender
marriage in addition to the alleged "Defense ofMarriage
Act" (DOMA). Two states have understood the rights ofgays
and lesbians to have civil marriage, Massachusetts and Connecticut,
with a handful ofstates having various marriage-like rights
available but not the real thing. Close, but no cigar!
Just as Plessy ~: Ferguson was overturned by Brown v. Board
ofEducation ending educational segregation; just as Bowers
v. Hardwick was overturned by Lawrence and Garner v. Texas
removing sodomy laws from enforcement, just as Colorado’s
Amendment 2 was overturned with Romer v. Evans, we can
look forward to our day in a courtroom as well as the court of
public opinion.
Although Frederick Douglass was disappointed by the 1857
Dredd Scott decision that refused full citizenship to free blacks
as well as slaves, he found a reason to look forward, saying, "My
hopes were never brighter than now." Slavery was brought to
forefront ofthe country and the unsavory ownership ofpeople
could no longer be ignored.
Though we gay citizens are not owued physically, our social and
economic prospects are curtailed. Thanks to our enemies, our
own equality prospects been brought to the forefront and our
equality will be won.
Straights and Homophobes: lae
Words hat Bind Us.
By Gerald Libonati
Language shapes our self-image and some of the words we use
are misleading, inadequate or just plain wrong.
Take the word straig!at, for instance. "We use it to describe
heteros; men and women who are not gay or lesbian. And every
time we use the term we indirectly insult ourselves. What does
the word mean in our society?
Straight means proper, upstanding, law-abiding and decent. Are
~oruugbs,eiynogu’srterasitgrahitgwhti.thIfmyoeu, ’rreefegrosotdo,hyoonuetsrta)v:eWl thheenstyroaiug’rhet-oafnfdnarrow.
’Damn straight’ means emphatically right, unequiv0-
cally correct.
So ifheteros are straight what does that make us - crooked,
dishonest, drugged and apparently indecent ?
We need to think ofourselves in a way that reflects the goodness
and quality that exists within our ranks, g[e are terrific people
and we may as well acknowledge that in our language.
Another word that completely escaped our gaydar is the term
homophobia. We use it to define prejudice against gay and lesbian
people. But it just doesn’t seem to be up to the job. It’s weak
and ambiguous. When we talk about someone who dislikes others
based on their skin color we call them racist. Much stronger
word. Phobic people, in general, tend to be fearful but polite.
People who openly disapprove ofgay/lesbian folks are neither.
Are we too nice when ~ve describe our critics in such an affable
way? Homophobic! Doesn’t sound so bad. Surely, the terms
they have for us are more forthright.
Who thought of calling hatred a phobia, anyway? Ac,t,t}ally, it
was psychologist George Weinberg in his 1972book Society
and the Healthy Honaosexual:’ He was tapping into the theory
that violence toward gay people came about because of a fear of
homosexuality, especially by those repressing their own same-sex
urges.
But what about all the other gay bashers who aren’t reacting to
their inner homo ?
The rest ofthe world has already learned that words define us
to others and molds our selfqmage. That’swhy secretaries are
executive assistants and garbage men are sanitation engineers.
GeraM Libonati is the author afthe neu, novel Pete*" [’Vo~7 the storr af:a
fiam°uv.~Ta ro& star who ~oes incognito mfind love. He ~s an award-winningjournalist
in &uth £1orig, workingfir the Sun-SentineL He has also
wri~enJbr ~e .~iiami He,ald, ~e dd~ocam andfi’egznce~jbrgaT/tesbian
newspapers around t,~e munW.
10 ~,~÷t~oSTAR January 2009
ROBERT MATSON’S LATEST
EPIC "A GATHERING" AND
HIS NEW NTURES UPCOMING
By Victor Gorin
Photo: RobertMatson by Victor Go,qn
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Lyric’s Plaza Theater hosted
a unique play with A Gathering, but Robert is a playwright
where one can count on non-convention. After all he brought
us Tails of the Closet and Drama Q~eens, and even a masculine
answer to the Vagina Monologues entitled Beneath the Zipper,
which celebrated the penis. But who ~v0~ld have expdcted agay
thriller on stage, with seat edging suspense that would have awed
Agatha Christie herself? But there it was, entitled A Gathering,
where 9 gay men are trapped on an isolated island, cut offffom
the outside world, and there is a killer or killers among them.
With a scenario almost identical to Agatha Christie’s novel,
"And then there were None," it starts offfun and campy with
the wisecracking antics ofToW "Toneisha" Hayes ( portrayed by
Chris Castleberry) who was supposed to be drag entertainment
but instead was the first to go. Then there was the hard drinking
Dr. James Armstrong ( portrayed by Timothy Stewart), a self
proclaimed bisexual who was enamored with Toneisha ~vhile
she lasted. The play ends in surprise as character Neil Lawrence
( portrayed by Jerome Stevenson) turns out to be the killer, and
concludes with his suicide and that of the last left one left alive,
the handsome resort employee Courmey Claythorne( portrayed
by Scott Hynes), who xvas left xvith the bitter choice ofself destruction
or being accused of murdering all the others when the
authorities eventually arrived.
What inspired this wild tale ? W’ell, besides Agatha Christie, Mr.
Matson added that "I love murder mysteries. I wanted to give
Agatha’s story a different twist. This xvould be a great piece to
work with, and how to make it xvork with 9 gay men. I worked
on it for about 2 years."
Although he has done past work with maW theater companies
includingJewel Box, CityRep, Guthrie’s Pollard Theater &
Carpenter Square, he is currently the Academy Administrator
for Lyric Academy, which involves registration for acting classes
taught there and he teaches adult acting classes as well. As for
the fnture, he is working on" a couple things, including a loud
gay comedy with Oklahoma ties to it." But that’s all he’ll say
right now, so we can all be breathless with anticipation.
someone whose defamatory and damaging anti-gay statements
and vie~vs ... clearly divide rather than unite Americans."
Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., called Obama’s move very
disappointing.
~Religious leaders obviously have every right to speak out in opposition
to anti-discrimination measures, even in the degrading
terms that Rev. Warren has used with regard to same-sex marriage;’
Frank said. "But that does not confer upon them the right
to a place ofhonor in the inauguration ceremony of a president
whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won him the strong
support ofthe great majority ofthose who support that cause:’
GeoffKors, executive director of Equality California, said he is
so annoyed by Warren’s participation that he will boycott the
inauguration.
"I have decided to decline the invitation to attend the inauguration
as I cannot be part ofa celebration that highlights and
gives voice to someone who advocated repealing rights from me
and millions ofother Californians;’ Kors said. "Rick Warren ...
actively works to dMde Americans based on who we are and has
been an ardent supporter of efforts to ostracize LGBT Americans:’
Speaking in support of California’s Proposition 8 before the
November election, Warren said, "We should not let 2 percent
of the population change a definition ofmarriage that has been
supported by every single culture and every single religion for
5,000 years.
In reality, many cultures over the past 5,000 years have embraced
polygamy.
More recently, Warren told
Beliefnet.com that same-sex
marriage is equivalent to
"having a broth& anff Sist& b~
together
... an 01der ~ "
and calling that a marriage...
one gw having multiple wives
and calling that marriage."
(Warren: ’Tin opposed to the
redefinition ofa 5,000-year definition
ofmarriage. I’m opposed
to having a brother and sister be
together and call that marriage.
I’m opposed to an older gny
marrying a child and calling that
a marriage. I’m opposed to one
guy having multiple wives and
calling that marriage:’ Interviewer:
"You think those are
equivalent to gays getting married?"
Warren: "Oh, I do:’)
Brooklyn man
dies after probable
ha e attack
A Brooklyn man who was attacked
with a baseball bat Dec.
7 as he walked arm in arm with
his brother died on Dec. 12.
Josd Sucuzhafia); a 31-year-old
Ecuadorean immigrant, and his
brother were walking together
in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood
after a night out when
three black men shouting
nationa
anti-gay and anti-Latino slurs jumped from an SUV and broke
a beer bottle over Sucuzhafiay’s head, beat him with a bat and
kicked him.
The brother, Romel, escaped down the street, then returned
to the scene and scared offthe attackers by telling them he’d
phoned police on his cell phone.
Police are investigating the killing as a hate crime and are offering
a $27,000 award for information leading to apprehension of
the assailants.
On Dec. 13, hundreds ofprotesters marched from a Bushwick
park to the site of the attack.
Hundreds ofprotesters marched in Brooklyn Dec. 13 after an
Ecuadorean man who was walkinga~n in arm with h# brother
was attacked with a baseball bat and later died. 2he assailants
shouted ann’-gay slurs. Photo byJoeJervis.
www.metrostarnews.com [~Ie~°oSTAR 11
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa
@Club 209, Tulsa
@ ~e Second Chance Animal Sanctuary
@ Finishline, Oklahoma City
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
@ The End Up, Tulsa
@Angles, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
CLUB 209 HOSTS PHOTOGPHERVINCENT
SCOTT
Ok ahomans for Equality art gallery
opens Josh New photo e libit
By Judy Gabbard
Arches by Photographer Hncent Scott
Photography Art byJosh New
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center art
gallery starts a new year ofit’s monthly First Thursday meetthe-
artist receptions featuring photographs from native Tulsa
resident Josh New. The reception will be held Thursday, January
1st, 2009, from 6-9pm.
Josh New, a teacher ofJapanese at Booker T Washington High
School, is currently a graduate student at the University of
Tulsa in photography.
TULSA, OK__ Dennis Olson, owner ofDoArt Worlds,
sponsored the opening of "Pioneering Seas6n" featuring the
photography ofVincent Scott at Club 209, Tulsds Arts Bar in
the historical Brady District. Club 209 features various artists
throughout the year. The Club is also a great place to enjoy local
entertainment on weekends, such as Vallerie Star Light Rock +
Acoustic, Rebecca Ungerma~i with the Frank Brown Trio and
the Three Penny Upright, A Little Bluegrass. Visit Club 209
on the web at www.club209tulsa.com for monthly updates on
art exhibits and entdrtainment.
Vincent Scott is a world traveled photographer whose eye for
the beauty in our world, has thrilled many onlookers coast to
coast. Dennis Olson, an artist in his own right, chose to sponsor
these photographs because ofMr. Scott’s photographic eye and
production techniques. To contact Dennis Olson emaih do@
doart~vorld.org. The opening night was an exciting experience of
fine art, flowing wine and the admiration’ ofhundreds ofguest.
After graduating from Oklahoma State, Mr. New worked in
Japan for three years, where he developed a love oftravel and
the exotic. Since then he has traveled to many countries and
discovered a talent in photography. That love and talent has
brought Inm to TU to ~rther hone his s-kill aa~d allow hu~ the
freedom to experiment aa~d take his photographs further than
just glorified vacation photos.
"My photographs have been, more than anything, my attempt
to control and catalog the world around me’; states New. "I’m
moving in a direction where I am starting to manipulate my
images to illuminate my thoughts and ideas, but they primarily
remain shots ofthe patterns and vibrant colors I see around
me. This exhibit is a sampling ofboth photos I have taken on
my journeys and the first steps in my attempt to, essentially,
photograph my thoughts, which also seem to be constructed in
colors and patterns"
The exhibit will remain up through the month ofJanuary, and
can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pro. 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.
Community Fellowship
"A place where you can be who God created
you to be andfriendghips becomefamily"
ors ip Experience
Sund s 5:30 p.m.
Pastor Neill @urgin
Pasto ressionsOKC, corn
(~05) 761-1878
"~w.ExpressionsOKC.com
Meeting at
Lansbrook ~¢ent Center
6009 NWE~pressway
Oklahoma Cio~, OK
Calif. Attorney
General Brown:
Prop 8 is invalid
by Rex g¢ockne~
In a stunninglegal move,
California Attorney General
Jerry Brown formally urged the
California Supreme Court to
invalidate Proposition 8 on Dec.
19 because, in re-banning sanaesex
couples from marrying, the
voter-approved constitutional
amendment deprived people
of an aspect ofliberty that the
Supreme Court previously had
concluded is guaranteed by the
California Constitution.
Ordinarily, it is the attorney geqeral’s job to defend the state’s
laws, not attack them.
"Proposition 8 must be invalidated because the amendment
process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional
rights without compelling justification;’ Brown said in a
statement.
"There are certain rights that are not to be subject to popular
votes, otherwise they are not fundaanental rights;’ he added in
an interview xvith the San Jose Mercury News. "Ifevery fundamental
liberty can be stripped away by a majority vote, then it’s
not a fundamental liberty:’
Rejecting recent arguments submitted to the state Supreme
Court by gay-rights lawyers, Brown concluded that existing
case-law precedents ofthe court do not invalidate Proposition
8 either as an improper revision of the state constitution or as
a violation ofthe separation-of-provers doctrine. But that does
not resolve the matter; he said.
In its May 15 decision legalizing same-sex marriage, the state
Supreme Court "held that article I, section 1 ofthe California
Constitution provides a right to marry that cannot be denied
to same-sex couples;’ Brown’s office said. "In order to invalidate
such a fundamental right, the court must determine that there
is a compelling justification to do so. But in (its decision), the
court found that no such compelling justification exists. Accordingly,
Proposition 8 must be stricken."
"~ae use ofthe (ballot) initiative power to take avcay a legal
right deemed by this Court to be fundamental and from a group
defined by a suspect classification is a matter ofgrave concern;’
Brown said in his brief to the court. "Proposition 8 should be
invalidated as violating the inalienable right ofliberty found in
article I, section 1 ofour Constitution."
In its May decision, the state Supreme Court struck dmwa the
state’s opposite-sex definition ofmarriage as unconstitutional,
citing a fundamental right to marry under the state constitution
and the constitution’s guarantee ofequal protection under the
lav,r,
The court further determined -- in a move that legal analysts
said was unprecedented for a supreme court -- that any discrimination
based on sexual orientation is constitutionally subject to
the strictest level ofscrutiny by courts, which made it dramatically
harder for any level ofgovernment in California to defend
itself in any arena where gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not
treated the same as heterosexuals.
This was accomplished by the court’s declaring sexual orientation
to be, like race and religion, a so-called "suspect classification"
-- a categorization that forces any government in California
that treats GLB people differently in any way to prove it has
a specific compelling interest, rather than a mere rational basis,
for doing so.
While Prop 8 wiped out the part of the court’s decision that
legalized same-sex marriage, it did not alter the more ground-
,b,reaking part of the ruling that found sexual orientatiT~n to be a
suspect classification.
Gay rights lawyers said back in May that the suspect-classification
determination would prove to be even more ofa
game-changer for California gays in the long run than xvas the
decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
IfBrown’s argument passes muster with the state Supreme
Court, that prediction will have been borne out.
Equality California Executive Director GeoffKors praised
Brown’s court brief and its novel argument.
"He just demonstrated the ldnd ofleadership that isn’t motivated
bypolitical expediency but by what is right," said the head
of the state’s leading gay lobby group.
HIV diagnoses among
European gay men nearly
double since 2000
HIV diagnoses among men who have sex
with men (MSM) increased 86 percent in 23
European countries between 2000 and 2006
-- from 3,003 cases to 5,571 cases -- according
tO a report in the journal Sexually Transmitted
Infections.
Researchers from the EuroHIV program
analyzed data from 24 of the 27 member nations
of the European Union along with data
from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, and
compared those figures with similar year-2000
data gathered from 23 nations.
There were 7,693 ne,v HIV cases reported
overall among MSM in 2006, ofwhich 2,597
occurred in the United Kingdom. Other
nations with high diagnosis rates included
the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and
Switzerland.
Much lower rates ofMSM diagnoses were
found in Hungary, Lithuania and Slovenia,
even though Hungary saw a 118 percent
increase over 2000 and Slovenia saw a 257
percent increase.
Four nations saw a decline in new HIV diagnoses
among MSM over the six-year period:
Cyprus, Iceland, Lithuania and Luxembourg
(though Luxembourg’s rate is still high).
The researchers said stepped-up HIV testing
may have affected the statistics to some degree,
meaning an increase in diagnoses may not
correlate precisely ~vith an increase in actual
infections.
They also suggested that infections may be
increasing as HIV-positive men who have sex
with men live longer and remain sexually active
and presumably able to pass on the virus.
Other findings included:
* In 20 countries, the percentage ofMSM who
had full-blown AIDS at the time oftheir HIV
diagnosis decreased from 25 percent in 2000 to
t0 percent in 2006.
* In 30 countries, full-blown AIDS diagnoses
decreased from 2,422 in 2000 to 1,445 in
2006.
* In those same countries, HIV-related deaths
decreased 57 percent over the period, from 876
in 2000 to 373 in 2006.
"’qge have reported a recent increase in the
number ofHIV diagnoses among MSM in
nearly all (European) countries, and in some
countries this probably" represents a true increase
in incidence;’ the researchers said. "This,
combined with the high prevalence ofHIV
reported in many gay community settings,
the high prevalence ofHIV among MSM
diagnosed with STI (sexually transmitted
infection) and the high sexual mobility of this
population, highlight the need for a Europewide
HIV prevention strategy:’
Wockner News Service
Sweden to strike six sexual
diagnoses from list
Sweden’s National Board ofHealth and Welfare
will strike six sexual diagnoses from the
nation’s official list ofmedical diagnoses onJan.
1, Stocldaolm’s ~ae Local newspaper reported.
The agency will remove transvestism, fetishism,
fetishistic transvestism, sadomasochism,
gender-identity disorder in youth and multiple
disorders ofsexual preferences from the list.
"W’e don’t want to contribute to certain sexual
behaviors being thought ofas diseases," said
board director Lars-Erik Holm. "These diagnoses
are rooted in a time when everything other
th~ the heterosexual missionary position was
seen as sexual perversions."
Homosexuality was removed from the list 30
years ago.
Australian Parliament
gives gay couples equal
rights
Australia’s Senate and House of Representatives
passed legislation in late November that
changes some 100 laws to give gay couples
equal rights.
The measure now goes to the Governor-General
for formal approval.
The changes, introduced by the federal government,
extend spousal rights to same-sex
de facto couples in areas such as health care, ’
taxation, pensions, parenting, public benefits,
workplace benefits, workers’ compensation,
veterans’ affairs, elder care and educational
assistance.
"At long last we have removed discrimination
against same-sex couples from commonwealth
law;’ said Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
Gay campaigners cheered the.move but said
gay couples will not have complete equality
until they can get married.
Chinese gay HIV cases
increase
The percentage ofgay men in China ~vho are
HIV-positive increased from 0.4 percent in
2005 to 4.9 percent this year, the Ministry of
Health said Nov. 28.
But straight sex remains the predominant way
HIV is transmitted in China, accounting for
40 percent ofnew infections, compared with
28 percent from IV drug use and 5 percent
from gay sex.
The gay statistics were based on data collected
from 18,000 gay men in more than 60 cities.
China has recorded a total of260,000 HIV
cases, 77,000 AIDS cases and 34,000 AIDSrelated
deaths.
Burundi’s parliament
votes to ban gay sex
The parliament of the Central African nation
ofBurundi voted to specifically criminalize gay
sex Nov. 22 as part ofa package ofmore than
600 legal changes that included abolition ofthe
death penalty, news reports said.
According to Amnesty International, male,
male sex previously was banned and,ptmished
under laxvs governing "immoral acts.
The vote on the changes was 90 to 0 with 10
abstentions. The measure now moves to the
Senate, then to President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Neither is expected to oppose it.
The small, landlocked nation has a population
of 8.7 million, a life expectancy ofless than 52
years, and a per capita gross domestic product
at purchasing-power parity of $300. ~l-he comparable
figure for the U.S. is $45,800. Norway’s
is $ 53,300, Mexico’s is $12,400 and Vietnam’s
is $2,600.
80% ofSouth A ricans
thimk gay sex is wrong
Despite a constitutional ban on discrimination
based on sexual orientation and its being one
of only six nations where same-sex couples can
marry, South Africa remains deeply homophobic,
a new survey has found.
The Human Sciences Research Council’s annual
South African Social Attitudes Survey,
released Nov. 24, found that 80 percent of
respondents think gay sex is wrong.
Whites, city dwellers and highly educated
people polled less anti-gay than blacks, "coloureds"
(mixed-race people), people with less
education and those living in rural areas, the
Sunday Times reported.
Britain to count gay populafion
Britain’s Office for National Statistics is going
to count the gay
population.
Starting in January, a sexual-orientation question
will be included in
several of the office’s routine surveys, leading to
an eventual estimate
of the size of the nation’s gay community.
Respondents will choose from heterosexual/
straight, gay/lesbian,
bisexual or "other" -- or can opt not to answer.
Officials say the results will be useful for gauging
levels of
discrimination and unequal treatment and addressing
those problems.
The signatories overcame strong opposition
from a group ofgovernments that routinely try
to block UN attention to issues ofsexual orientation
and gender identity. Fifty-seven nations
signed an alternative statement, promoted by
the Organization of the Islamic Conference,
that affirmed the "principles of non-discrimination
and equality," but said universal human
rights do not include "the attempt to focus
on the rights ofcertain persons" because "the
notion oforientation spans a wide range of
persona] choices that expand way beyond
the individual’s sexual interest in copulatory
behavior with normal consenting adult human
beings, thereby ushering in the social normalization,
and possibly legitimization ofmany
deplorable acts:
~ae countries that signed the pro-gay statement
are Mbania, Andorra, Argentina,
Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic,
Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia,
Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany,
Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius,
Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, S~o
Tomd and Prlncipe, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former
Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia, Timor-Leste,
unite~Kingd0m, Uruguay ~Venezueta~ .....
The United States refused to sign the statement,
saying its broad language could reach
into areas that fall outside of federal jurisdiction,
such as the right of each U.S. state to
define marriage.
qt is altogether shameful that on this 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the Bush administration should
take one final swipe at the universal application
ofhuman rights for all;’ said Julie Dorfof the
Council for Global Equality. "The shoe incident
in Iraq last week painfully shows us how
low this country has sunk in the world’s view."
Gays march in Hong
Kong £or first time
Hong Kong saw its first gay pride parade Dec.
13. About 1,000 people marched, including
many who came from Taiwan and mainland
China.
~he two-mile procession traversed Hennessy
Road in the city center.
Attendance may have been positively, influenced
by news reports before the parade, when
Hong Kong’s biggest bus company refused to
rent a double-decker bus to pride organizers.
14 Janua~ 2009
Larry: I see it as being a representative, not just for OGRA or
the gay community but also the State of Oklahoma. We go to
other states and other rodeos and meet a lot ofpeople. Also
important is our fund-raising, which is one ofthe reasons I went
for this title.
Victor: This fund-raising not only helps the charities themselves,
but I’m sure you also see it as promoting the positive
image ofthe GLBT people in the cowboy lifestyle.
Larry: It think it has, and I think a lot ofyoung people have
gotten interested in it because ofthe fund-raising, shows and related
activity. Also people see you don’t have to be a full fledged
cmvboy, just interested in die country lifestyle and having fun.
Victor: Although the world is changing, OGRA still defies
sonle stereotypica! beliefs..
Photo by Chaz
competition is asgreatfor the Cowgirls and Cowboys at
OGR~4’~; Great PLains Rodeo as an), other rodeo.
Larry: Strangely enough, there are still people we encounter
who are shod~ed that there are gay cowboys, that they even exist.
They have interesting questions, such as "Are the rodeos really
rodeos ? .... Do you really ride horses ?"
Victor: Have you ever really roped a cow ?
Larry: Yes I have, nay parents have owned ranches and I have
roped cows, branded cattle, pulled calves, done all diat.
Victor: You grew up in a small town?
Larry: Ha}wcorth, a small town not far from Idabel. g[e lived
on a f~trm there, went to school, did our chores, slopped the
hogs, fed the chickens, took care ofthe horses. We even rode our
horses to school when the buses couldn’t get through.
Victor: So you had a typical growing up there ?
Larry: Yes, but my family moved around a lot, and I experienced
city life as well. I got involved ~vitll the gay community after I
graduated from O!dahonia Christian University ofEdmond
witli a degree of Marketing & Business. After moving back to
IdabeI, my first gay bar experience was the Roundup in Dallas.
I soon began working with HIV organizations including the
Mariah Foundation, Carepoint, and with the OHahoma State
Health Department.
Victor: But the shining star ofOGRA is the Great Plains Rodeo,
which has been held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for
many years as a Memorial Day weekend celebration.
Larry: More and more people are coming to that and really having
fun. Some people are surprised that our rodeos are truly the
same "kind ofrodeos, although we do feature goat dressing and
sometimes other campy events thrown in.
Victor: What impact do you think t~he movie Brokeback
Mountain had on the gay community, society in general, and in
particular gay cowboys ?
Larry: Really it brought the gay community into the mainstream,
that there was more to the gay community than an
urbaaa community ofdrag queens & flamboyant individuals, to
see them as regular people with difficulties we all face in real life.
It made the gay cowboys feel more accepted, to let them kalow
they can be themselves. It also educated the urban gay community
of the problems rural gays face.
Victor: ~¢¢’here do you see die future ofOGRA?
Larry: When OGRA began we were teaming up witl~ other
states, and now we’re doing one the largest rodeos on our own.
Ofcourse we’d like to see more people volunteer, but to put tllis
on with the resources we have shows a true hardworking spirit of
Oklahomans.
Victor: How long have you been in Oklahoma City ?
Larry: Seven years, and I have felt good seeing the increased
interest in OGRA and the friends I have made there. I have been
glad to hear from out oftowners how impressed they are that
the various parts ofthe gay communit); the disco crowd, drag
queens, the cowboys, the lesbians, get along so well together
compared to other places.
Victor: So how do people learu more about OGRA?
Larry: ~lere~ our website ~a-,wv.ogra.net, to learn what we’re
doing, about our events, and other related organizations & chatrooms
where one can talk with other cowboys and learn even
more. There’s room for all types ofpeople and talent, lesbians,
gay" men and we also have some straight members.
There you have it, a proud tradition now 23 years young derived
from the frontier spirit ofOklahoma. The GLBT community
ofOklahoma can look forward to ~vhat OGRA can do for our
future.
Connecticut unlikely to amend
constitution on marriage
Connecticut voters strong!y oppose anaending the state constitution
to re-ban same-sex marriage, according to a QEinnipiac
University poll released Dec. 17.
The poll of 1,445 registered voters found that 61 percent oppose
an anlendment and only 33 percent support it.
Same-sex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Nov. 12
after the state Supreme Court ruled that offering gay couples
onbi civil unions violated the state constitution’s guarantee of
equal protection under the law.
The poll found dlat 52 percent ofvoters agreed with the Supreme
Court’s decision, 39 percent did not and 9 percent had
no opinion.
The poll’s margin oferror was plus or minus 2.6 percentage
points.
MERI Day ofService to Provide
for Foster Children in Rhode Island
& Arkansas
RHODE ISLAND (PR) Dec 8 __ As Marriage Equality
Rh6de Island (MERI) made a commitment to community
service this holiday season it couldn’t help but acknovdedge
sorrow at the passage ofAct 1 in Arkansas, a thinly veiled attack
on the gay community that bans unmarried couples from
adopting children or serving as foster parents. Although the
Arkansas state motto calls for both "Mercy andJustice; neither
was demonstrated by proponents ofthis legislation which harms
families and children. MERI fights for the rights and protection
ofall families in seeking marriage equality for Rhode Island’s
GLBT residents.
On \Vednesday,
December
10 MERI xvas
at the State
House to collect
items for
not only" the
RI Food Bank,
Crossroads,
Amos House
mid the IRIE
Transitional
Home for
women and
children, but
also the foster
children ofArkansas
xvhose
wishes for new
families have
been curtailed.
Mayor Dani
Joy ofEureka ....
Springs, Arkansas
accepted
and distributed
RI donations.
In her letter
to MERI,
Joy stated, "I am greatly honored that your organization would
focus your energy and compassion on our many children that receive
foster care throughout our state. With the passage ofAct I
our state is left with a large number ofchildren that are either in
need offoster care, or currently in foster care... Again, let me say
that I am in axve ofyour compassion during this holiday, season.
We are truly grateful,"
File Photo Eureka Springs Birayor DaniJoy
Food bank requests included boxed and canned goods, pmvered
and evaporated milk, potato flakes, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice,
soup, condiments, crackers, tuna, peanut butter, jelly/jam and
juice. Amos House needs coffee and personal hygiene items.
Crossroads could use slippers, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves
for men, women and children (4 mos - 18).
The young women and their children living at the IRIE Transitional
Program, under the auspices of the RI Foster Parent
Association (RIFPA) learn skills to improve their lives mid break
the cycle ofpoverty. Ten teens ages 16-20 and their 7 children,
ages 4 months - 6 years, live in the facility. Contact MERI for
items noted on the IRIE wish list.
MERI Day ofService partners include RI Pride, inFOCUS and
the Gay Straight Alliance ofWarwick Veteran’s Memorial High
School. For raore information, contact Susan MacNeil at smacneil@
marriageequalityri.org or by calling 401-463-5368
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷t~oSTAR 15
We have a lot to celebrate including the January
20th date for President elect Obama. This year
may be the start of something big for each of
us and our personal endeavors. This is truly a
time to click our glasses together. Here is a litde
about sparkling wines from France and Spain
Champagne
French monks were the first to bottle a sparkling
forra ofwine called Champagne, named
after the Champagne region ofFrance.
The method of making "mousse" (another
name fbr bubbles) in a bottle was invented by
the efforts ofD~reJean Oudart (1654 - 1742)
and Dora Pierre Pdrignon (1639 - 1715),
Benedictine monks and cellarmasters at the
respective abbeys of Saint-Pierre aux Monts de
Chalons and Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers,
The region ofChampagne has a colder and
shorter growing season. Champagne grapes
had to be picked late in the year, with less time
available for fermentation. During fermentation
yeasts are used to convert the sugars of
the grape juice into alcohol and cold winter
temperatures stopped the process. The monks
developed a method of making Champagne
wine by using a second fermentation process
that took place in the bottle during the following
spring. The second fermentation created
carbon-dioxide bubbles that are the sparkle of
Champagne.
Cava
A Spanish sparkling wine is called Cava and
was first made as early as 1851, although the
true roots ofthe Cava wine industry can be
traced back to Josd Raventos’ travels through
Europe in the 1860s, where he was promoting
the still wines ofhis Codorniu winery. His
visits to the Champagne region sparked an
interest in the potential of a Spanish version
Happy fmay noF fi~ ~yeryqne s budget, and its super New ~.... " DPoenr~lgnon. Rose 96/Sn-nply_ _puta; lthough.
h~rd to fifid~ thi~ wifie is ~ller~
of the sparHing wine, usifig th~ same~ , p.roduction
methods. ~e local Maekbeo, P~retlada Inmerial Nectar/This one is
and Xareldo grapes were well smtqd t~h~s more in~er~sting than {he Wliite Star. It~ fruit
wine st de and whereas earlY versions W~e f.o.rw.a.rd..& 9ffdry- deh-cl¯ous.
called champ~n or xampany after Champa~~ .
Catalan winemakers wadted ~o dis{ingui-sh 5~< [: Piper,Hela ieck B~Ut
from the Vr nc 0un par ,
adopted the name Cava aAer the Cat’an qV6?a Toad H611ow Amplexus Brnt/~is one is
~r cave, where ~e wines were tradi{~on~lly ported to Califbrnia from the Cremant region ~::
stored. ...... of F{auce.
Accordin~ t.o S.pan.ish.wine laws, Cava cache C0dorniu Cava Brut/ SparHing wines f"rom
produced m s:x wine [eg~ous ~such as A~:md} ~pain can be among the most interesting in
de Duero, Navarra and ~oja)but 95% ~f taste. ~ey’re usually fi-uit forward & quite
Spanish Cava production takes affbrdable;
Pene&s region. In order for the wines
called "Card’ they must be made in
tional m&hode champenoise. Wines
the lmv-cost "Charmat process" may
called "Spanish sparkling wine".
Food
Champagne tends to
ers or opening courses in a
well with
shellfish like
ofcourse
gegura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva
This writer is one ofthe manager~ at the Grand Vin
wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food
events known in town as dae
Enthusiasts ofTulsa.
9fwine byJames Laube/
This months recipe courtesy of:
Shrimp Verde
Ingredients:
] pound thin linguine, cappelini or PRIMI
PI?~TTI
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
I Bag Spinach
1 Pound Shrimp-fresh ot fi’ozen- shelled and
&veined
2 Cloves Garlic
8 tablespoons thatsanice "VERDE" basil
pesto crema sauce
To prepare:
Boil water in large pot with splash ofsalt and
drop of oil to keep pasta from.sticking
-pasta as directed on package making sure not
to overcook, drain, set aside
Sautd olive oil, gatlic and spinach about 5-10
minutes, add fresh or defrosted shrimp and
sautd in mixture until pink!orange in color.
Add thatsanice! "VERDE" and mix together,
pour entire mLxture over pasta and toss making
sure pasta is evenly coated.
If desired, top with some grated Parmesan
cheese (although strict old school Italians
frmvn on putting cheese over seafood but it
tastes good !)
Serving ideas:
Serve as a first course with a fish entrde like
halibut or swordfish
like
s
)ver
[en& modern
traditional flavors. Ifyou
y from them and they offer
f~atured on many television shows including
the Food Network and have been featured in
nmen
At The BOK Center Tulsa
Brad Paisley
Jan 24, 2009 at BOK Center
With special guests!
Dierks Bentley
Darius Rucker
Ticket Prices: $39.75 & $46.75 Tickets On Sale Now
Cdine Dion
Feb 2, 2009 at BOK Center
RESCHEDULED DATE!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
All tickets previously purchased for the original date will be
honored. Refunds xvill be available at point ofpurchase.
Time: 8:00pm Doors: 7:00pm
Ticket Prices: $167.00, $127.00, $77.00, $49.50
~hlsa is one of45 cites and the only city in Oklahoma on this
tour. 2q~roughout her career, Celine has been honored with
over 1000 Awards, including Grammys, Oscars, Golden Globes,
World Music, Juno and Felix Awards. She is the biggest-selling
female artist ofall time.
Billy Joel & Elton John
Mar 17, 2009 at BOK Center
Billy Joel & Elton John
Face 2 Face Tour
March 17, 2009
7:30pro
Tickets On Sale Now
There is no presale for this concert
Ticket Prices: $179, $99, $53.50
Billy Joel and Elton John, the most successful and longest-running
concert pairing in pop history! Billy and Elton open the
concert with a series ofduets, playing tvcin pianos and trading
vocals. Each artist then performs a set with his own band. A
grand finale brings the two superstars and their supporting musicians
ba& together for a dosing encore. This includes some of
both Billy and Elton’s greatest hits along with an unpredictable
selection ofrock and roll classics.
INSIDE
HOLLYWOOD By Romeo San Vicente
Deep Inside Hollywood,
which reports on a new
project for Margaret Cho
and Kal Penn
Cho and Penn Unite for Sisters
Q~eer-identified entertainer Margaret Cho is quite the Renaissance
svoman- she’s a stand-up comic, author, actress, blogger,
and activist. And now she can add "director" to her resume with
Two Sisters, her feature debut. Ifyou were expecting something
racy from the potty-mouthed comedian, forget it; the movie is
slated to premiere on ABC Family. Plot details are being kept
under wraps, but Cho has assembled an impressive cast, including
Kal Penn (from the Harold and Kumar movies, as xvell as
The Namesake) and the gorgeous Tamlyn Tomita (who recently
popped up on Heroes), plus Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill)
and Elaine Hendrix (Tru Loved, The Parent Trap). As for the
lady herself, Cho will also appear in a small role. Look for Two
Sisters to make its premiere on ABC Family in 2009.
Pee-wee Comes Back to the Playhouse
~Pnere are a lot ofunanswered questions floating around about
Pee-wee’s Playhouse: Ti~e Movie, like "Is it really happening?"
and "Is Johnny Depp playing Pee-wee ?" So far the only certainty
is that Paul Reubens, ~vho, than!ffull); is still in charge ofPeexvee
Inc., is jump-starting this cash cow one more time and is
working on the goal ofa 2009 release date for the slow-moving
production. Plot details are few and up for debate. Casting, too.
(Who’ll replace the late Phil Hartanan? What happened to the
guy who played the unambiguously gayJambi ? Will S. Epatha
Merkerson return as Reba the Mail Lady? Please?) But all will
surely be answered eventually, possibly via ticker-tape readout
from Conky the Robot’s torso. And ifJohnny Depp shows up,
even as a Pee-wee doppelganger, that’s just fine, too. Now ifthe
cameras would only hurry up and roll.
No, Really: Lesbian Vaanpire Killers
Whether it’s Snakes on a Plane or ~Pne Incredibly Strange Creatures
Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?,
a movie’s title can sometimes tell you everything you need to
knm,: And so it is with Lesbian Vampire Killers, a new British
horror-comedy about a Welsh village whose xvomen have
been cursed by the local Sapphic bloodsuckers. In aa~ attempt to
improve matters, the tovcn sends txvo hapless visitors (played by
James Corden and Mathew Home, the stars ofthe BBC sitcom
Gavin & Stacey) into the woods as a sacrifice to the titular
undead. The film also features Paul McGann (Withnail & I,
Doctor Who) as one of the few remaining men in the village.
Lesbian Vampire Killers ~vill put the bite on audiences in 2009.
Next Christmas, Make the Yuletide Gay
Romeo loves a good holiday dassic, and some gay filmmakers
obviously feel the same way about the genre, with Make the
Yuletide Gay now going into production. O.Eueer actor Adamo
Ruggiero (who played out-and-eventually-proud Marco on Degrassi:
~e Next Generation) and Allison Arngrim (best known
as frontier mean girl Nellie Oleson on Little House on the
Prairie) will don their gay apparel for this coraedy about what
happens when a guy who’s not out to his faanily goes home for
the holidays and then has to explain the sudden appearance of
his boyfriend. Yuletide also features Ian Buchanan (Twin Peaks)
and gay" indie-fihn vets Derek Long (Socket) and Steve Callahan
(East Side Story). Look for Make the Yuletide Gay to pop up at
around the same time as 2009 Advent calendars.
w,~w.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 17
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
"T VELING AND MEETING PEOPLE"
Photo: Donald Pile & Ray Williams
Since we are always telling our readers to
"Always remember to have fun when traveling,
meet new people and talk to everyone"
we decided to devote this travel column to the
fabulous and interesting people that we have
met and dealt with, in our travels. These, ~ve
will list in no particular order and they live
from coast to coast.
Hizabeth Taylor has always been so gracious to
remember our anniversaries and holidays. We
have so many to list in Palm Springs. There is
Jim Doyle &Jerry Efron, Tyke, Wayne, Millie,
Shirley, Jim LaMarrina, Ken & Grant, Tom &
Doug at the Terrazzo, Burt XWahquist, artists
Robert Sharer & Giorgio and restaurateurs, Sol
and Chris ~vho we first met when they owned a
B & B in San Francisco and now mvn a restaurant
in Puerto Vallarta and also own a home in
Pahn Springs.
In New
~%rk City,
Jean-
Claude
Baker,
the exciting
owner
ofChez
Josephine’s
Restaurant,
author
Tom
Monsell,
play-
~vright
Matthew
Lom-
Photo: Chq~G~r!os at the Hi-Life bardo
C,~e in Ft. Lauderdale (Tea at
Five and
Looped) and movie director/producer Rick
McKay. His movie "Broadway: The Golden
Age" is a terrific movie.
In Florida, the famous portrait photographer
Jack Mitchell & Bob Pavlik, entertainers
Auntie Marne, ToW & Gloria, the best jazz
duo and Miguel Reyna, who without a doubt
is the finest piano entertainer/singer that we
have ever met! and the lovely and extremely
talented Faye Harrod and her friend Gloria
Delro); Casey Koslowki, owner; Herb Pianin,
General Manager; Peter Mehas, Guest Services
Manager and the entire staff at the Grand
Resort and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale who operates
the finest gay resort in the country, Chuck
Smith and ChefCarlos at the Hi-Lit~ Care,
Alan Beck & Nick and Norma. Also in Ft.
Lauderdale, Al & Tom and Steve & Ells~vorth
and the deceased fabulous pianist/entertainer,
Houston, and then dear, dears friends, Ed
Hayes &John Dunne in St. Petersburg who
are truly delightful.
And there are the people that we have met
quite by accident who have become dear
friends such as Ginny & Willy in Florida, Kala
& Frank, the absolutely ~beyond Fabulous"
owners of the Luna Vista B and B in Rimrock,
Arizona, Michael McFall & Luis Gonzalez in
Phoenix, ChefMarcdlino and his fabulous
wife Sima, owners ofMarcellino Ristorante
in Phoenix, Gordon & Kin at the Inn of the
410 in Flagstaff who are super special guys and
Charlotte Welch and her daughter Katie in
Flagstaff.
In Billings, Montana we met Barbara Hill, a
wonderful
entertainer
who has
"come
OUt~
no not
lesbian,
but "just
simply
came
out to
life"
and has
found
true
happi- ,-
ness at
last. We Photo: Actor LeslieJordan
just wish
that everybody could find themselves like she
did. In St. Louis, Michael Lance &JeffArchuleta,
owners ofNapoleons’ Retreat B & B where
we first met the "fun couple; Smitty and Eddy
in Mississippi who we will be seeing again on
our way driving to Florida in January. They
can’t help it because they were born straight!
And then there is actor, Leslie Jordan, authors
Christopher Rice and Robert Hofmann,
filmmaker Craig Highberger, (Superstar In A
Housedress) and filmmaker Mialyn Hanna
(White Shadows). A new friend who ~ve are
in contact with but haven’t actually met yet,
author Louise Penny in Canada.
Photo: Countess Alexis &Ray ~qlliams
Also wonderful people like the Countess
Mexis, the QEeen Diva who now" lives in Hollywood.
She certainly epitomizes elegance and
"old Hollywood", plaDvright Gene Danklin
Smith and Steve Nycklemore, director of the
Hollywood Museum, our good friend, Attorney
Andrew Lee who now resides in Mexico,
Dean Perkins (Crystal Chandelier) in New
Hampshire, Rodger & J.T. in the Q.~ad cities,
Chris X~alsh in San Francisco as wel! as gZalter
Edgar, owner ofthe 24 Henry B&B and the
Village House B&B in San Francisco. In Seatrle,
Stephen Bennett, owner of the Gaslight
Inn B and B and visiting there,ave met Tom
& Doris Friedman from the Hamton’s in New
York who ,are will visit When we are in New
England next year. In Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Ralph Bolton and Robert Frost, owners ofthe
Inn ofthe Turquoise Inn.
Four o~tstanding people are the late Dalee
Henderson who was and is an inspiration to
thousands ofpeople and to Raymond Bilbool,
former owner ofthe Secret Garden B&B in
West Hollywood and our dear friend Stefan
Hemming, owner ofthe Liberace Estate in
Palm Springs who hosted our 35th Anniversary
two years ago and to Mel Haber, owner of
Melvyn’s Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in
Palm Springs. Their lives have reached many.
So here we are, two guys who live in the middle
ofthe country who are fortunate in that we
get to travel a lot and meet so many people. In
our travels, we really have been so fortunate
to meet so many fun, interesting and exciting
individuals.
q-his column is warmly dedicated to all of daese
people that we have met in our travels and we
are looking forward to meeting many more in
our future. Remember, in the words of the
late Dalee Henderson, "When you wake up in
the morning, it is a miracle! The rest ofthe day
is up to you!" Truly, today is the first day of the
rest ofyour life. Ifyou are not happy with your
life it is no one’s ffmlt but your own.
We want to thank our dear friend Chaz XWard,
Publisher-Editor ofthe Metro Star for his support.
internationa
Boy George could face
jail for ’imprisoning’
escort
Singer Boy George may land in jail after being
convicted Dec. 5 of
falsely in~prisoning male escort Audun Carlsen
in London.
Last April, George handcuffed Carlsen to a
book on the wall of George’s
bedroom fbr about an hour, saying he suspected
Carlsen had hacked into
his coruputer following a previous photo session
between the two men.
Car!sen claims George also attacked him with a
metal chain af,er he
broke free and began his escape from the apartment.
Car!sen told the court the computer story was
made up and that George
probably was upset because Car!sen refused to
have sex ~vith him the
previous time they met.
City apologizes for past
anti-gay actions
1he City Council ofHobart, Tasmania, in Australia,
apologized Dec. 10 for banning a booth promoting
gay law reform from the city’s weekly Salamanca
Market in 1988.
In the weeks that followed, more than 100 people
were arrested for refusing to vacate the site, marking
Australia’s largest-ever act ofgay civil disobedience.
The apology, delivered by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine
before more than 200 former arrestees, GLBT
community members and civil leaders, including
state Premier David Bartlett, coincided with the
20th anniversary ofthe crackdown and the 60th anniversary
ofthe signing ofthe Universa! Declaration
ofHuman Rights.
"The Hobart City Cotmcil apologizes for prohibiting
the gay law reform stall at Salamanca Market
in 1988 and for the resulting arrests aud bans,"
Valentine said. "We are sorry for the pain and
trauma caused to all involved, including GLBTI
people; their family members, friends and supporters;
and those council officers who were required to
carry out the council decision. We are also sorry that
the actions we took may have encouraged ill-will
and discrimination towards GLBTI people in the
broader community. We resolve that actions such as
these will never happen again."
The apology was formally accepted by Rodney
Croome ofthe Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights
Group, which has operated the booth continuously
at the Saturday outdoor street market since 1988.
"Twenty years ago, as we sat in police cells for the
crime of being ourselves, we could not possibly have
imagined something like this," Croome said. "People
everDvhere who suffer human rights abuses should
take this apology as a sign that no matter how bad
things seem there is ~lways hope ofa better future:
Prior to the apology, a City Council-sponsored
photo exhibit ofthe arrests was unveiled at the Salamanca
Arts Centre. The council also is sponsoring a
~ublic art work at Salamanca Place commemorating
e arrests.
18 #~troSTAR January 2009
, and two
and
instruc-
~.metrostarnews.com
OKC Civic Center Music
Ha~1 January Events
Jan. 5 SWEENY TODD presented by Broadway
Tonight
Jan. 9 -Jan. 31 ORPHANS a comedy-drama
by Lyle Kessler
Jan. 9-Jan. 31 Orphans
Jan. 10 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS
presented by the Oldahoma City Philharmonic
Jan. 22-Jan. 25 Julius Caesar
Jan. 23 -Jan. 24 CHRIS BOTTI presented by
Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Jan. 25 HOLD THE CANNONS! ~e
Story and Glory ofTchaikovsky and the 1812
Overture
Jan. 27- Feb. 1 OPRAH WINFREY’S THE
COLOR PURPLE
Jammry At The Ford
Center OKC
Jan. 21 st - Jan. 25th ~;,hlking With Dinosaurs
Jan. 30th -Jan. 31st ~l!ie Revolve Tour
January At The P.A.C.
Tulsa
Jan 4 David Finckel and "Wu Hart
John H. Williams Theatre
6-31 FP~EE Highway412
PAC Gallery
Jan 10 Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant
Liddy Doenges Theatre
Jan 17 An Infinite Ache
Liddy Doenges Theatre
Jan 20-25 Oprah Winfrey Presents: Wue
Color Purple Chapman Music Hall
Jan 23 The Tannahill Vgeavers
John H. xg/illiams Tneatre
Jan 24 Ralph’s World
John H. Williams Theatre
Jan 27 Ethel Cabaret
Liddy Doenges Theatre
Jan 28 Ethel Concert
John H. Williams Theatre
Jan 30-31 OMEAAll-State Music Festival
Chapman Music Hall
bitter girl
FOR
Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com
en~il: bittergifl@qsyndtcate.com w~wcjoanhilty.net
20 #4etroSTAR January 2009
by Jack Fertig January 2009
"Toot your horn, Taurus!"
Jupiter is starting his yearlong passage
through Aquarius, where he inspires
new visions offreedom aa~d scientific
exp,,loration. This mini "age ofAquarius
is a year ofgreat luck to anyone
with that Sun sign or Ascendant, but
check with your astrologer to see when
that lucky year actually starts!
ARIES (March 20 -April 19): You’ll be
amazed to see what your friends would
do for you. Take the opportunity to
advance yourself politically and socially,
and to promote whatever goals and ideals
you see improving the world.
TAURUS (April 20 o May 20): Don’t be
shy! Toot your horn and let everyone
know what you’re worth. This is your
chance to rise to any position you’re
qualified for. You have a bigger career
peak in 12 years, but promotions now
can boost your trajectory.
GEMINi (May 21 - June 20): .At least
give a listen to the Wackiest, most
far-out ideas coming your way. Take
classes that challenge everything you
believe in. Ask yourself and the world
all the hard questions, and be ready for
whole new worlds of answers.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): New
sexual adventures beckon - and
celibacy and monogamy may count as
"adventures," if they’re new to you. You
can get your sex life where it should be
or wherever you want it. Are they the
same? Be careful what you wish for!
LEO (Ju~y 23 o August 22): This is your
lucky year for relationships. That could
include becoming very happy with being
single. Join in political or community
groups; do things that fulfill you, get
you out among others, and accomplish
some good. Love will come when it is
ready.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22):
Health-wise, this is generally a good
year, but be careful of your liver. You
can get almost any job you want, if
you’re suited for it. Make sure to have
the education you need for the post you
want.
LIBFL~k (September 23 - October 22):
If you wants kids, now’s the time! If
you prefer having time for fun, explore
new pleasures, hobbies, and creative
directions. Try something you’ve only
considered at the edges of your wildest
dreams. The more "out there" and daring,
the better!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): Whether it involves moving or
decorating, embark on the big domestic
changes that will make your home what
you really want it to be. Do what you
can to heal family problems. You can
hardly go wrong.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December
20): Could you be any more
loquacious? Keep your mouth out of
trouble by harnessing the brain behind
it. Learn a new skill or language, or sign
up for any class that offers you a different
direction.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January
19): This should be your lucky
year for money, but it comes with some
deceptive lures. Still, odd chances that
shouldn’t work might prove very lucrative.
Think ahead, but be ready to take
advantage of sudden opportunities.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): In a 12-year cycle, this is your
lucky year. Buy a few lottery tickets now
and then, travel, or take some classes.
You can expand yourself educationally,
economically, and/or otherwise. But
watch your diet!
PISCES (February 19 -March 19):
The worst things that happen to you
could turn out for the best, although it
may take a while to see that. By next
year, you’ll be very glad for the experience
and insights.
MCC0
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spidt0fChdst MCC
2g02 E2~ Street
J0plin, M064804
417-52~
Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
MCC 0fthe Living Spdng
17 Elk S~eet
Eureka Spriags, AR 72632
47525: 9337
Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
53
~65
54 55 56
Across
1 Gay horror writer Perry
6 Release from bondage’
11 Be in the hole
14 writer X~stan ~ugh
15 Lincoln Center s Walter
16 Brownb Dirt
1’
~aeater
3 Af~eck’s Chasing Aany crush
4 \~’ork under Edith Head, perhaps
5 Cut quickly
6 Seduction step, perhaps
7 M0by Dick, to ~daab
8 Retreat for D.H. Lawrence
9 Same~sex vow’ in Connecticut
10Always, to Emilg Dickinson
11 Cather novel of 1913
12 Place for a Rivera mural
13 What Carson Kressley did to the straight
guy?
18 Glenn Burke, formerly
22 James Deans East ofEden role
24 Wol£bn ofFreedom to Marry
ww~.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 21
¢
Heights Historic District is: [ BUY G1 Joe Action F~gm:es
GAYEST Neighbo£hood t12" size Only)
myg0oe@cox.net or
cai!(405) 249-4515
I BW OLD or
NEW ~n Box or
Out ofBox
(send pic with asking price)
DS (2437)
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD H0tline
PROTECT YOURSELF
PROT£CT YOUR PARTNER(8)
Nens Oul~each P~mm
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People ~iving
Our House, Too offers a variety of
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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 itelT~s for
themselves. VVe invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
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us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhouseioo9865@sbcglobal.net
KING OF
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Great Touch
Man to Man
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2 hands or 4 hands
available
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WVTW.METROSTARNEV, ogS.COM
22 Metr0STAR January 2009
Support those who support us. Their
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-222t
www.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
VALEI~E VZtLLIFORD
625 N.\~ 13th Street
Oldahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
OKC MORTUARY
2415-C N. \VALNUT .A.VE.
Oldahorna City, OK
800-913-1310
ANGLES
2117 NW 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
v.~vw.anglesclub.com
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
TulSa, OK
918_836_8700...........................
wwwabaingooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N. BOSTON
2htsa, OK
918-584-9494
www.clubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSX~TAY
Oklal~oma City, OK
405-525-2900
www.habanainn.com
STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. 11TH
Tulsa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun- Sat 2pro to 2am
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\gAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
THE END UP
5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-0915
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EKPt~SSWAY
Oklahoma Cit7, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
EXPP,ESSIONS Comm Fellowship
6009 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK
405-761-1878
www.expressionsOKC.com
ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
7hlsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahomgs HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Saturday 9:30 AM
CHUCK BRECKENI~DGE
K.elter Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-!887
GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa
New and Historic Homes for Sale
and Rent For Info:
www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
MCC of the LI\qNG SPRING
17 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
~w~v.mcctulsa.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
Oldahoma City, OK
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
TOM &JERRYS
1501 N.W. 23RD
Oklahoma City, OK
405-524-9100
>>
405-314-3898
JUDY G. PHOT0’S
Tulsa, OK
judvgphotos@sb%lobal.net
918-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 N\Xz EXPPd~SSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcastle.com
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:~.metrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 23
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
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 1
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
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
January 1, 2009
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
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Joey D.
Rex Wockner
Susan A. Muscari
Gerald Libonati
Vernon Britt
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ronald Blake
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Judy G.
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 Metro Star, December 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/199
The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/132
A Gathering
adoption
AIDS Awareness Advocacy
American gay rights
Angela Monson
art
Art Gallery
Comics
community
crossword puzzle
DADT
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Elton John
entertainment
equal rights
First Thursday
foster children
gay adoption ban
gay sex ban
HIV cases increase
HIV diagnose
homophobes
international news
Josh New
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
Lesbian and Gay Band Association
marriage
marriage equality
National news
Oklahoma News
Oklahomans for Equality
poll
pro-gay
Proposition 8
Qscopes
regional news
Robert Matson
same sex marriage
sexual diagnoses
Star Scene
Supreme Court
theater
travel
United Nations
viewpoints
Vincent Scott
Wanda Sykes
World AIDS day
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2a03c0c75cdfbe0b5346eab05261ba0b.jpg
9c8ceace2661d22e3da206cba5abd49a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/dabb8fc3797f90350cd8f80fcd06e1ff.pdf
36874c7ef06b4655add7bdccadb95643
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
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
LOCAL NEWS N NAT[ON&L NEWS N WORLD NEWS ~{ L[FEST}[Lg ~5~ [~’[~ N , N
THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA FlashBack
The STAR Exclusive Lily Tomlin Intervie~v
Front Cover March 2007......>
Oklahoma News Flash Backs -Page 3-4
Photo Flash Backs - Page 8 & 11
VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 Twitter.corn!MetroStarNews ~ MetroStarNews.com ~EE ! JANUARY 1,2011
Ask, on’ Tel heads
By Rex Wockner
Obama plans to sign the bill quickly,
but that will nor end the ban. Gay
servicemembers will need to stay in the closet
for a few more months.
After Obama signs the measure, he and
the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must certify that
the military is ready for the change and
that it will not harm military readiness or
effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting or
member retention.
Then after that DADT repeal will take
effect 60 days later. Xhe process is expected to
proceed relatively smoothly.
"No longer will patriots be forced to lie
in order to serve the country they love and
are willing to die f?r," said Human Rights
Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "~his
vote gy:the United Sta{es Senate will have
Presi&nt Barack Obama. ~Wockn~rphoto extremely pOsitive rippl~ effects well b~yo~d
" Dont Ask; Dont Tell. Our government has
,WA~SHINGTON, DC Don’t Ask, sent a powerful message that discrimination,,,
Dont %11, the military’s ba~on open gays, " on any level, should not be tolerated
lS "
headed for the dustbin of history. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
The Senate voted 65-31 on Dec. 18 to
authorize the policy’s repeal and sent the
measure to President Barack Obama for his
signature.
Eight Republicans joined all but one
Democrat in voting to repeal the ban. They
were Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe
of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts,
Richard Burr of North Carolina, John
Ensign of Nevada, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Lisa
Murkowski ofAlaska and George Voinovich
of Ohio. Democrat Joe Manchin of West
Virginia did not vote.
Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis called on
the Pentagon to cease DADT discharges
during the months between now and when
repeal is finalized.
"I respectfully ask Defense Secretary
Robert Gates to use his a[tthority to suspend
all Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell investigations
during this interim period," Sarvis said.
"Until the president signs the bill, until
there is certification and until the 60-day
congressional period is over, no one should
........Continued See DADT Page-5
Enid P-Flag Presents the
2011 Winter Bal
ENID, OK On Saturday Night,
January 22, 2011 Enid’s Symphony Hall
will coine alive with the festivities of P-Flag’s
(Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
gala major event, the Winter Ball. N~e event
runs from 8 p.m. until midnight and will
include a live DJ, light food, a catered ba,;
and a professional photographer to take
photos of the partiers upon request. Tickets
for the Ball are $10 and can be ordered
by contacting Enid P-Flag. Xhis event is
sponsored by Cross~valk United Church,
Enid’s only official open and affirming
church.
Since opening in March of this year a~
1319 S. Van Buren Enid’s GLBT community
center, which is named simply, "N~e Center",
has been busy and activities are growing.
Through the Center Enid’s P-Flag chapter
provides free counseling find mediation,
and recently added free rapid HIV testing.
Enid’s P-Flag is also partnering with other
organizations through their Bridge Building
Program for which GLBTWA youth and
young adults sign up to assist people in
need of help with tasks such as raking
leaves, putting up or taking down holiday
decorations, delivering hot meals or other
useful activities. Not only does this program
help provide needed volunteers, it also
connects GLBTQA youth and young adults
to the mainstream community and allows
them to share their stories of diversity as the
beneficiaries get to know them.
During this holiday season food has been
donated ftom the Center to the Horn of
Plenty, which is Enid’s largest food bank.
........Continued See ENID Page-15
Metro
to Retire
F .er &
By Victor Gorin
Metro Star Team
Chaz Ward Founder and Publisher ofthe 7hlsa based
Mewo Star Newspaper retires at 71.
TULSA, OK __ "It’s the right time to
retire. The business is changing and needs
younger blood with nexv ideas. It’s been
hard work but very rewarding to inform,
unite and entertain the GLBT community
of Oklahoma and the surrounding region."
Chaz Ward
When Mr. Ward decided ro start a GLBT
focused newspaper he did so with mixed
hopes, appropriate apprehensions, and small
beginnings. The purpose for starting this
enterprise as the Ozarks Star in 2003 was to
provide the unrepresented gay community
of southxvest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma
and northwest Arkansas with a viable voice.
It was just a digest size black and white news
and information magazine with just 12 pages,
four advertisers and a circulation under
700 distributed in Joplin and Springfield,
Missouri, Fayetteville, At’kansas, Pittsburg,
Kansas and Tulsa. Even then he lmew he
~vas getting into a challenging fidd where
countless entrepreneurs had come and gone
in that region alone. Then as now in this area
of the United States gay newspapers deal with
limited advertising revenue because so many
business owners are reluctant to be seen in a
gay focused publication. "The limited revenue
forced us ro rely on part time staff~vorking
primarily as a labor of tove, which makes ir
tough going," said Mr. \Yard.
He would also be dealing with
fear and animosity towards the GLBT
community, but he had seen toughe~~"
times. Growing up in Oklahoma City
as a teenager in the mid 1950s he
faced what was then a different world.
Oklahoma City had only one gay bat’,
the Mayflower, and even that oasis of
GLBT life was subjected to constant
police harassment for which there was no
recourse. Homosexuality was considered
a mental illness, sodomy laws were
tstilt on the books, and gay rights (let
alone marriage) weren’t even considered
worthy of discussion by mainstream
society. Understandably, along with
many other GLBT people, he moved
to California where the environment
was at least a little better, working in
management with a nationa! building
services firm until his retirement in
1994.
He then began buying and
remodeling old homes ro resell, one of
which he turned into a bed & breald’ast
in Joplin that he operated and where the
Ozarks Star was born in 2003. Although
he knew from firsthand observation
what he was getting into, he began his
publication xvith lots of encouragement from
the areas GLBT community. After selling the
bed and breakfast in 2004, he moved to Tulsa
and renamed the paper simply, "The Star."
At that time the largest publication was the
Gayly Oklahoman, which focused primarily
on local news, while the Star dealt more with
entertainment and syndicated columns.
When the Gayly ceased publication in
2006 after 22 years as the primary news
source for the GLBT community and a
restart failed that same year, The Star became
Oklahoma’s largest GLBT newspaper with
a new role to fulfill. Victor Gorin, formerly
with the Gayly Oklahoman, began working
at the Metro Star serving as Copy Editor,
writer, working in ad sales, photography and
distribution primarily for the Oklahoma City
area, joined by writers Robin Dorner and
Jeanne Flanigan. Also coming on board in
Tulsa were writer Michael Sasser, distributor
Bill Francisco and photographer Judy
Gabbard. Later becoming the Metro Star in
2007, the paper had grown to a circulation
of 4000 to 5000, changed from a magazine
to a tabloid, had gained credibility as a
viable source of news and information for
the GLBT community of Oklahoma which
included national news along with local
events and entertainment features.
........Continued See METRO STAR Page- 15
22
o5
est Gay Rese
S~rvice Road
banain
.C
2221
Follow us on Fac~book Major Credit Cards Accepted
2 January 1, 2011
[] []
Paul ~ompson passes
Away Leaving a lifetime
ofService
( 93 o20 0)
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association ~des Again
For 25th ye~ars the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association has held this annual Memorial
Day weekend event which celebrates gay
cowboys & cowgirls with their friends. Held
as always at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds,
the rodeo is like any other with regular roping
and riding events, and unlike most others
with campy "Drag Races" and goat dressing
competitions. This rodeo now ranks among
the top 4 rodeos of the International Gay
Rodeo Association, which comprises over 20
rodeos in the United States and Canada.
Kelly Kirby receives the
Equality Oklahoma’s
Lifetime Achievement
Award
Paul ~hompson was a well known activist
for the GLBT community, starting from the
early 1970s when he w~s arrested for public
lewdness for publicly kissing a man on the
neck. He fought his case and won, and he
continued the rest of his life working to
make things better not only" ~br the GLBT
community but also other marginalized
minorities. He had co-chaired OGLPC
fiom 1992 until tis death on March 4 o~:
this year. He also had co-chaired the OKC
Pride Parade and Festival for many years,
and was instrmnental in arranging the first
one in 1987. In addition he was a tireless
activist with the Oldahoma Democratic
Party:, was an active board member ~vith the
Oklahoma City chapter of the NAACP and
also served on the Martin Luther King Parade
Committee. His life made a major impact on
the lives and future of GLBT Oldahomans
and others seeking justice and equality.
Cimarron Alliance
Foundation acquires
new once and gets a
new Director
Cimarron Alliance dates back to its
original formation in 1995, beginning then
as a Political Action Committee striving
to promote gay or gay friendly candidates
and legislation in Oklahoma. In 1997 the
Cimarron Alliance Foundation was formed
in order to enable the organization to accept
tax deductible contributions and work
towards educational efforts for the GLBT
community and Oklahomans in general
about their issues.
They acquired their first office this year
at 729 N.W. 17th Street, and also hired
their first fulltime Executive Director, Scott
Hamilton. He strives to keep the Foundation
going strong during these tough times
stating, "You keep going because the needs
do not abate just because money is tight. If
you bdieve in social justice that doesn’t stop
until there is justice."
At their 30th annual Equality Gala
Banquet, Equality Otdahoma bestowed their
Lifetime Achievement Award on Kelly Kirby.
A veteran and successful businessman xvith
his own accounting firm, he was honored
for over 20 years of activism on behalf of
the GLBT community in Tulsa. Not going
overboard he stated modestly afterwards, "
I would have to say that at 56 years old the
word lifetime is a bit daunting."
Oklahoma City holds
their 23rd Annual Pride
Parade and Festival
From humble beginnings in 1987, the
Oklahoma Pride Parade and Festival once
again brought people together to parry,
reminisce, and stand together. N~is year it was
accompanied by the banners of Cimarron
Alliance displayed on the lampposts along
the parade route on Classen Boulevard. N~is
time it also began with an outrageously fun
block party on Friday night June 25th on the
39th Street Strip, follmved by the Festival in
Memorial Park Saturday and Sunday which is
the beginning point of the Parade. The Parade
~cked off on grand style at 5 p.m., much
glamorized by this year’s Grand Marshall,
Ginger Lamar.
Miss Lamar ( a,k,a, Queen Supreme,
Beauty with a Bite, Queen of the F---king
Universe) has been a mainstay in the OKC
entertainrnent scene for over 30 years. A wild
emcee never caught short for a wisecrack
or snappy comeback, she has delighted
audiences in a style all her own. Today she
still reigns as the emcee Saturday nights at the
Boom, a proud Oklahoma tradition that truly
did it her way.
Pride Parade and Festival
Celebrated in Tulsa
On June 5 Tulsa held their 14th Pride
Parade, followed by their biggest festival yet
in Centennial Park. N~is year their Parade
Marshall was the Reverend Martin Lavanhar,
Senior Pastor of Allsouls Unitarian Church
ofTulsa. He was honored for his courage
shown when he spoke at a conference in
Uganda rallying against efforts by that nation
to make homosexuali.ty a crime punishable by
the death penalty. Aiding a sister Unitarian
church in Uganda for this cause was a very
risky undertaking but he felt he had to make
a stand saying, "I’m 4! years old and I%e
never been called upon to go overseas to
risk my life for freedom. In some ways this
was that kind of call." When he returned
safely Toby Jenkins, the Director of Equality
Oldahoma stated, "We had to hono~ this
wonderful man, to let people know that
this straight minister fi’om Oldahoma was
only one of m,o ministers who was at this
conference in Uganda."
Enid gets their first
GLBT Commtmky
Center, and holds their
first Pride Celebration
One might not think a town like
Enid, well known for its conservatism,
grain elevators and their powerful football
team( the Enid Plainsman) as a place for
a gay scene, but yet this has emerged. Enid
High School has a Gay/Straight Alliance, a
local P-Flag Chapter ( Parents and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays), and now a GLBT
community center called simply the Center
at 1319 S. V3n Buren. Everything fi’om HIV
testing to dances are held there, ~long with
many groups now forming tip.
~ihis year Enid celebrated their 2nd Pride
Festival as Meadowlake Park came to life
with vendors and entertainers followed by an
evening firewor~ sho,a: This time over 400
people came to savor the solidarity and enjoy
the fun.
SSRA Rodeo -Back a~er
5 years in Grand Style
Back after 5 years, the Sooner State Rodeo
Association was again in full swing. Hosted
this time by the Ramada Inn East, the event
was held on October’s first weekend at the
Bridle Creek Horse Ranch and Resort in
Sperry. Founded in 2002, SSRA is a member
of the International Gay Rodeo Association.
0 Y
A CONGREGATION OF THE ~N~T~D CHURCH OF CHRIST
Join us Sundays at 6pro
3901 NW 63rd St
www.cohokc.com
God
is still
speaMng,
Ban
Empi~
’uptcv ® Civil Rights ~Criminal
’ment ® Family Law ® Litigation
January 1, 2011 i 3
School Board
As a well known activist who has proudly
marched in OKC’s Pride Parade carrying a
sign that says "Gay Teacher", Joe Quigley has
for years been a tireless advocate for equality
and safe schools for all students, including
those GLBT or perceived to be. For this he
has gained the respect and admiration of not
only the GLBT community but also that
of countless of fair-minded Oklahomans.
A teacher with the Oklahoma City School
District since 1994 with 10 years of
satisfactory appraisals, he was at Northwest
Classen High School when in May of 2009
the Oklahoma City School Board voted to
fire him. Although they claimed it was for
poor performance, Mr. Quigley and his
supporters saw it as a ruse to get rid of him
due to his advocacy for GLBT students.
With the help of the American Federation
ofTeachers he took them to court where
District Judge Barbara Swinton not only
ruled in his favor, but apologized to him
on behalf of how he was treated by the
district. The District appealed, and. Judge
Swinton’s ruling was upheld. The Oklahoma
City School Board has now appealed to the
Oklahoma Supreme Court. At this time
Mr.Quigley is now in a permanent position
teaching English at Douglass High School;
N
O ahoma attempts
Exemption from Federal
Hate Crimes Law
In October of 2009 Presiden{ obama signed
into taw expanded Federal Hate Crimes
protections to include real or perce@ed
sexual orientation or gender identity as well
as disabilit)’ and gender. Although this was
hailed by the GLBT community and other
activists as a long overdue step forward, it was
also condemned by some religious groups and
other conservatives nationwide who claimed
that this measure promoted homosexuality
and stifled fi’ee speech.
Oklahoma was no exception, and in
early 2010 State Senator Steve Russell
introduced legislation to exempt Oldahoma
from this provision, prohibiting Oklahoma
law enforcement authorities from
cooperating with the Federal government
investigating these ty-pes of hate crimes. After
overwhehning passage in the Senate, it went
to the State House of Representatives where
State Representative Mike Shelton, in a
brilliant procedure of legislative maneuvering,
got this legislation stopped. He had this to
say as to why-- "There are pastors who wear
the veil of Chrisrianity who support this
legislation. As a Christian this offends me
because the Jesus I know doesn’t stand for
that." Mr. Shelton later received Cimarron
Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award, an
honor shared with State Senator Judy Eason
McIntyre ofTulsa.
Oldahoma Gay and
Lesbian Political Caucus
Moves from Surv "va
Mode back to Recovery
During late 2009 and into this year, the
Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian
Political Caucus ( known as OGLPC) was
in survival mode. Formed in the early 1980s,
the group had a long history of advocacy and
education for the GLBT community, and was
most famous for their voter guides mailed out
to GLBT voters and their allies. However,
during 2009 and into this year attendance
had fallen to the point that the group could
not function. Paul Thompson, who had been
the male co-chair of the group since 1992,
was trying to revive the group when he passed
away during March of this year.
Determined to carry on the legacy
of OGLPC, co-chairs Jeanne Flanigan
and Steven Dubois have been working to
rebuild the group, and to reform it as a
PAC ( Political Action Committee) that ~vill
enable OGLPC to do fulfill their goals more
effectively.
They look forward greater milestones
ahead.
N
Brittany Novomy
made history when
she ran against State
Representative Sally
Kern
Sally Kern had already made a name for
herself long before she sha@d a spotlight
with Brittany. First elected in 2004 as a
self described "Kernse~-~ative", she gained
international notoriety’ after a speech she gave
to a Republican gathering was secretly taped
and posted on youtube. This speech stated
that "gays are a bigger threat than terrorism or
Islam"and that "no societ~r" that has embraced
homosexuality has lasted for more than a few
decades."She led the charge to get the book
"King and King" ( ~ story" for children about
a gay prince) removed from the Children’s
Section of Oklahoma County- Libraries,
labeling it "obscene." She also graced
the front page of the Metro Star when she
presented her Proclamation for Morality at
the Oklahoma State Capitol, which claimed
that America’s economic woes were due to
"abortion~ pornography, same sex marriage,
sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births,
child abuse and other forms of debauchery."
In 2010 Brittany Novotny threw her hat
in the ring to give District 84 voters a choice.
An Oklahoma Cite~ attorney and activist
with the Young Democrats, she was the first
transgendered person ever to run for public
once in Oklahoma. However she made it a
point not to focus on that issue, but rather on
things that she felt mattered more for average
raional Oldahomans like jobs, education and
transportation that Sally had neglected due to
her focus of social issues. AJthough she lost to
Ms.Kern in the Red Sweep of the November
general elections, BrittaW still made history
and will no doubt make more in the future.
Tramps continues the
Proud Tradition ofHave
a Heart
An annual event of love happens .
appropriately each year around Valentine’s
Day at Tramps with their Have a Heart
Benefit Show and Auction. It began as the
creation of the late Larry Crosby, then a coowner
ofTramps and Sister Gall Addis who
was then with Catholic Charities’ Loaves and
Fishes Program, which provided meals ~’~r
those living with HIV.Although Larry has
passed away his sister, Canaille Rohn who
is still a part owner ofTramps, along with
the stat~" and many volunteers again made
this event a fabulous success. This year over
$8,000 was raised.
Richard Ogden sworn in
an Oldahoma Regent [
Openly gay attorney and longtime activist
Richard Ogden was appointed by Governor
Brad Henry to the Board of Regents of the
Regional University" System of Oklahoma on
June 10. He was sworn in by District Judge
Barbara Sxvinton.
As a regent Mr. Ogden will be part of that
governing board which is responsible for the
hiring of university presidents.
Tulsa adopts Non-
Discrimination Policy
for City Employees
On June 17 the Tulsa Cit-y Council voted
6-3 to adopt a nondiscrimination policy for
municipal employees on the basis of sexual
orientation, ,~though in 1975 then Mayor
Robert LaFortune commissioned a report
recommending adoption of this policy;
the report was rejected Iia 1994 the Tulsa
GLBT community participated in formal
hearings in favor of this policy, only to be
denied again. The Tulsa Human Rights
Commission had been recommending this
change for over 15 years. I~a-is Wilmes,
Oklahomans for Equality’s Advocacy Director
stated, "This makes such a strong statement
to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming
and sensible island in a state that is often
ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust
towards marginalized populations." Tulsa now
joins other Oklahoma cities who have this
policy for their employees, Del City, Mtus,
McAlester,Miami, Noble and Vi.nita.
Tulsa School Board Votes
for GLBT clusive
Nondiscrimination
Policy
During September the Tulsa School Board
voted unanimously to include GLBT persons
in their nondiscrimination/anti-bullying
policy for teachers, students and parents.
Tami Marler, a spokesperson for the Tulsa
Public Schools, stated that this change was
made in accordance with recommendations
by the Civil Rights Office of the U.S.
Department of Education. With this measure
they now join the school districts of Norman
and Oklahoma City ~vho also have this policy, .
although Oklahoma City’s policy goes further
in also protecting gender identity.
"At Century 2t Gold Castle our BEST
properties are our PEOPL~
3627 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
By Rex Wockner
Dan Choi hospitalized
Activist Dan Choi. Wocknerphoto
Leading Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell activist Dan
Choi said Dec. 14 that he was committed to a
veterans hospital psychiatric ward on Dec. 10,
the day after the U.S. Senate again refused to
authorize repeal of the DADT ban on open
gays in the military.
On Dec. 18, the Senate reversed course
and voted 65-31 to authorize the repeal. (See
separate story.)
In an on-the-record e-mail sent from his
iPhone, Choi said he had experienced "a
breakdown and anxiety, attack."
"(T)he failures of government and
national lobbying carry consequences far
beyond the careers and reputations of
corporate leaders, elected o~cials, high
powered lobbyists or political elites." Choi
wrote. "They ruin lives. My breakdown was
a result of a cumulative array of stressors
but there is no doubt that the composite
betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders
and gay organizations as wel! as many who
have exploited my name for their marketing
purposes, have added to the result."
Choi was released from the hospital
several days later and sounded like himself in
a telephone interview with CNN on Dec. 18.
Activists hope to force
teaching ofgay history
A bill introduced in the California
Legislature by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San
Francisco, would require that LGBT people
be fairly and accurately included in school
teaching material.
~ihe measure is sponsored by Equality
California and the Gay-Straight Alliance
Network.
~ae bill also prohibits the State Board of
Education from using instructional material
that discriminates on the basis of sexual
orientation or gender identity.
EQCA said that if enacted, the law
"would add LGBT to the existing list of
underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups
(that) are covered by current la~v related to
inclusion in textbooks and other instructional
materials in schools."
"LGBT people should not be pushed into
the closefwhen it comes to what students
learn about history," said EQCA Executive
Director Geoff Kors. "Educating youth about
the contributions ofLGBT Californians and
our state’s rich diversity will help foster true
acceptance of LGBT students and will
ultimately create a safe school environment
for all students."
GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn
Laub added, "LGBT youth are denied a fair
education xvhen they are exposed to harmful
stereotypes in classroom materials and are
excluded from learning about their history."
Leno said that "most textbooks don’t
include any historical information about the
LGBT movement."
"Our collective silence on this issue
perpetuates negative stereotypes ofLGBT
people and leads to increased bullying
of young people," he said. "We can’t
simultaneously tell youth that it’s OK to be
yourself and live an honest, open life when we
aren’t even teaching students about historical
LGBT figures or the LGBT equal rights
movement."
UN secretary-general,
US ambassador attend
LGBT event
United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Yd,moon and the United States’ U.N.
ambassador. Susan Rice. joined a high-level
U.N. panel Dec. 10 that condemned anti-gay
violence and the criminalization of same-sex
relations.
The Human Rights Day event was hosted
by several nations and organized by the
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission, Human Rights Watch and
other organizations.
"Violence will end only when we
confront prejudice," Ban said. "Stigma and
discrimination will end only when we agree
to speak out. That requires all of us ro do our
part -- to speak out at home, at work, in our
schools and communities."
"Where there is tension between cultural
attitudes and universal human rights,
universal human rights must carry the day,"
he said. "Personal disapproval, even society’s
disapproval, is no excuse to arrest, detain,
imprison, harass or torture anyone -- ever.
... Human Rights Day commemorates the
Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights. It is
not called the Partial Declaration of Human
Rights. It is not the Sometimes Declaration
o~Human Rights. It is the Universal
Declaration, guaranteeing all human beings
their basic human rights, without exception."
Rice told the gathering: "The story ofmy
country is, in part, a story of the expanding
boundaries of rights and dignity -- of the way
that discrimination and prejudice have been
countered by acceptance and equality. I feel
dais deeply and I feel it very personally. Even
at a time of profound challenges at home
and abroad, we dare not give up on the great
causes of equality and fundamental rights.
And that includes the pursuit of full and
equal rights for the millions of people in this
country and around the world ,vho are gay,
lesbian, bisexual or transgender."
"Change," Rice said, "comes from people
... who refuse to move to the back of the bus.
It comes from the leaders, the activists, and
the ordinary men and women who believe
that all human beings have equal worth,
equa! dignity, equal consequence -- and
equal rights. This conviction underpins the
significant steps that the United States has
taken over the past two decades to advance
the human rights of all of those who are gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender."
The event was sponsored by U.N.
missions from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil,
Croatia, France, Gabon, the Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, and the United
States and by the Delegation of the European
Commission.
Illinois passes civil-union
law
The Illinois Legislature passed a civilunion
bill Dec. 1 and Gov. Pat Quinn said he
will sign it into law.
Gay or straight couples wilt be able to
enter into a civil union starting in July. The
unions will carry the san~e state-level rights as
marriage.
~ae vote in the Senate was 32-24. ~e
vote in the House of Representatives was
61-52.
"(These days), legislator after legislator
talks about ’my gay daughter;’ ’my gay
brother,’" Equality Illinois Director of Public
Policy Rick Garcia told Windy City Times.
"The most politically powerful thing gay
people can do is to come out to family and
friends.... Illinoisans are middle-of-the-road,
very steadfast folks, so [ think {’this bill~
passage) bodes well for our community across
the country."
Freedom to Marry Executive Director
Evan Wolfson ~velcomed the new iaw as a
"step," but said "civil union is no substitute"
for marriage.
"States that have created civil union as
a means of both giving and withholding --
providing legal protections wMle withholding
the freedom to marry and all its meaning
-- have found that civil union falls far short of
marriage vcith al! its tangible and intangible
significance in our lives," Wolfson said.
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
sounded a similar note Dec. 2, saying:
"Eventually marriage will take place. It has to
be.... We have to move faster."
Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut,
Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Vermont and Washington, D.C. In addition,
New York and Maryland recognize same-sex
marriages that take place elsewhere in the
nation or world.
Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws
that grant all state-level rights of marriage
are in place in California, Nevada, New
Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Laws that
grant same-sex couples some of the rights of
marriage are in place in Colorado, Hawaii
and Maine.
California is a further case unto itself.
Same-sex marriage was legal from June to
November 2008, when voters amended
the state constitution via Proposition 8 to
put a stop to it. The couples who married
then are still legally married, as are other
same-sex couples who live in California and
got married anywchere in the world before
Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married
somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or ~vho
marry elsewhere in the future, receive every
state-level right and obligation of marriage
in California except for the legal right to call
their marriage a "marriage" when they are in
California. They are not recognized under the
state’s domestic partnership law, but rather
are married.cou,p,les who are denied use of the
word "marriage.
N
January 1, 2011 5
O ahomans Eqt ality
hires new Execrative
~e Board of Directors of Equal:t).
Oklahoma hired Toby Jenkdns as their new
Execut@e Directoi; beginning his duties
October 1 .He had served on their Board
of Directors since 2008 and has a 13 year
history of volunteering for the organization.
He has been employed at the Tulsa County
Courthouse :[))r 18 years and has for the past 11
years served as the Civil Appeals Court Clerk
to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He holds a
BS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree
in Biblical Linguistics and Pastoral Studies.
He also holds a masters degree in theolo~~
and has done graduate work in the Sociology
of Aging. He has 2 married children and a
granddaughter. He is glad to be there stating,
"It~ a great honor to work for an organization
that saves lives every day. I believe we must do
more tO address to needs of our community
and challenge them to step up to volunteer
service."
Norm Teenager
commits Suicide af,er
Ci W Co nci Meeting
Abo t GLBT History
On September 27 the Norman City
Council voted 7-1 to approve a proclamation
~br GLBT History Month. The Norman
Human Rights Commission wrote the
proclamation after much deliberation, and
there was a great deal of positive publicity
concerning the Council’s action. Howevm;
this approval met with strong opposition
from some Norman residents who showed
up at that meeting to air their protests, many
using stereotypical and negat@e references to
homosexuality.
This was wimessed by Zach Harrington,
a 19 year old gay Norman resident who had
heard similar sentiments when he had been
bullied as a student at Norman North High
School. Although his parents, Van and Nancy
Harrington and his sister Nikki were aware of
and supportive of his lifestTle, the sentiments
he heard expressed yet again apparently were
too much and he took his life at his parents’
home October 10. A candlelight vigil was held
for him October 13.
Margaret Cox, Don
& Mick
Schirron honored at the
Cimarron Alliance
Awards Gala
Margaret Cox was honored with the
Cimarron .Alliance Lifetime Achievement
Award for many years spent to help women
achieve equality through her work with
the Oklahoma Chapter of the National
Organization for \7~/omen, and for ~vork
helping the GLBT community through
Herland Sister Resources and Cimarron
Alliance. Also honored as Legislators of the
Year were State Representative Mike Shelton
and State Senator Judy Eason Mclntyre.
Don Hawkins and Mick Schirron
received the Media Avcard as former owners
of the Gayly Oldahoman, which began
operation in 1983 and was Oklahoma’s
longest lasting and largest GLBT
newspaper. Beginning as a monthly paper
with a circulation of 4000, it later grew to
a biweekly publication with a circulation of
10,000. Due to a changing business climate
and personal commitments, Mr. Hawkins
and Mr. Schirron sold the Gayly in 2006 to
Andrew Hiclcs and the late Heather Harp
ofTulsa. Although reincorporated, the
paper resumed operation in March 15 2006
and ceased publication in December 15 of
that same year. Currently the Oklahoma
Historical Society is copying an entire set of
the Gayly OHahomans on microfilm.
@
AIDS Walk O ahoma
"Each Step Brings Hope" was the theme
for the AIDSXX/-alk 2010 which took place
September I9 for the 12th year of this
event. Previously held in October, the date
,vas moved up and the location changed to
the Sonic Plaza in Bricktown, this time also
accompanied by a 5K run that morning.
Money raised from this event goes to help
those in the OHahoma City area infected
and/affected by HIM
Arnold ’%rna Lee"
Smith passes away at 83
As a longtime club owner, activist and
entertainer Arnold Lee Smith, best known
as Arna Lee, left a legacy of pride, hope and
fond memories for GLBT OHahomans.
He was a pioneer, spearheading efforts that
won Oklahoma City’s GLBT community
many freedoms they now take for granted.
When he was a club owner, with a club
called Lee’s Lounge in the early 1960s, he
endured relentless police harassment and
never backed down. Longtime partiers
remember police raids where he was arrested
along with his customers, and he would
bail them out along with himself and
re-open his bar that same night. Later he
opened Oklahoma’s first premier showbar,
the Roadhouse, where many big name
Oklahoma entertainers got their start. Later
he also owned a steamy dance club called
the Outrigger from 1979 until 1981.
After a sojourn in Florida, he opened
another bar complex also called nostalgically
the Roadhouse in 1995, which closed after
a year of operation, and then went partly
into retirement, still doing shows in various
clubs for many good causes. \ghen his heath
failed and he entered the Norman Veterans
Center Nursing Home, he passed away
October 3 I. He was missed by his many
friends, and honored because he madea
difference for the GLBT community of
Oldahoma.
be investigated or discharged under this
discriminatory law. :.. Certification and the
60-day congressional requirement must be
wrapped tip no later than the first quarter of
2011."
Sarvis called the repeal of the ban "the
defining civil rights initiative of this decade."
Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin
Cathcart called the I7-year fight to overturn
the ban "a heroic political battle by LGBT
advocates who refused to give up."
In a statement Defense Secretary Robert
Gates said: "Once this legislation is signed
into law by the president the Department
of Defense will immediately proceed with
the planning necessary to carry out this
Change carefully and methodically, but
purposefully: This effort will be led by Dr.
Clifford Stanley, Undersecretary of defense
for personnel and readiness. The legislation
provides that repeal will take effect once
the President, the Secretary of Defense
and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff certify that implementation of the
new policies and regulations written by the
department is consistent with the standards
of military readiness, military effectiveness,
unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention
of the armed forces .... I will approach this
process deliberately and xvill make such
certification only after careful consultation
with the military service chiefs and our
combatant commanders and when I am
satisfied that those conditions have been met
for all the Services, commands and units. It is
therefore important that our men and women
in uniform understand that while today’s
historic vote means that this policy will
change, the implementation and certification
process will take an additional period of time.
In the meantime, the current law and policy
will remain in effect."
Obama issued-a statement that said:
"Today, the Senate has taken an hist~oric step
toward ending a policy that undermines
our national security while violating the
very ideals that our brave men and women
in uniform risk their lives to defend. By
ending Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell, no longer
will our nation be denied the service of
thousands of patriotic Americans forced to
leave the militao; despite years of exemplary
performance, because they happen to be ga}~
and no longer will many thousands more be
asked to live a lie in order to serve the country
they love. As commander-in-chief, I am also
absolutely convinced that making this change
will only underscore the professionalism of
our troops as the best led and best trained
fighting f6rce the world has ever known.
And I join the secretary of defense and the
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; as well
as the overwhehning majority of service
members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing
that we can responsibly transition to a new
policy while ensuring our military strength
and readiness. It is time to close this chapter
in our history. It is time to recognize that
sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more
defined by sexual orientation than they are by
race or gendm; religion or creed. It is time to
al!ow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their
country openly."
"First ursday" Art
Opening and E ibit
of Original Works by
Tulsa World Editorial
Cartoonist o Bruce
Planteo
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The January"
Oldahomans for Equality (OlcEq) showcase
and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
downtown Tulsa), will feature works by Tulsa
World Editorial Cartoonist Bruce Plante.
Bruce lcnew, while growing up in
Texarkana, Ark., that drawing and humor
were in his future: He began drawing
cartoons in the second grade and began
performing standup comedy in the sixth
grade.
As a sophomore at the University
of Arkansas Bruce became the editorial
cartoonist for the Arkansas Traveler, the
school newspaper. He graduated the
University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of
Arts in 1977. In 1985, Bruce became the first
staffeditorial cartoonist for The Chattanooga
Times and held that position for 22 years.
On Oct. 22, 2007 Bruce was lured
away from Chattanooga to Tulsa, taking the
position of edit0i:ial cartoonist.for the Tulsa
World, replacing the late Doug Marlette.
In 1989, he creatdd Plante Ink syndicate
which distributes his editorial cartoons to 40
subscribers throughout the United States.
His cartoons have been reprinted in The New
York Times, USA Today;The %~ashington
Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los
Angeles Times, Newsweek, Newsweek
International (Europe), Newsweek Japan,
Playboy; Sports Illustrated, Discover, CBS,
CNN, college and high school textbooks and
even the Iowa Achievement Test.
In 1985, Bruce won Showtime’s Funniest
Person in Aa’aerica Contest. He performed
standup for 4 years for audiences as large
as 3,000 and speak~s to more than 30 civic
groups and schools every year.
The show begins with a reception on
~lt~ursday, JanualT 6th from 6-9pm and
continues throughout the month, www.okeq.
org
Free help
By Steven Petrow
&even Petrozv is tt§e author of"The Essential
Boot: ofGay Manners &Etiquette. Send
him your questions at qUeerieS@live.com.
"Too affectionate at the mall?"
is not to hook-up; you’re making a political
statement.
¯ Follow the leader: Breal~ only one rule
at a time. Don’t go rogue on your comrades,
(i.e. no name-calling, clashing with police).
° Be clean and kissable: Bring your breath
mints; you may be kissing a lot of strangers.
Don’t hog the best kissers. If everyone else is
moving on to a new partner, it’s time to let
go.
Elton John to sing
against Prop 8
Elton John will perform a private concert
in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19 to raise
money for the ongoing federal lawsuit against
Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional
amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage
in California.
~tle concert, to benefit the American
Foundation for Equal Rigi~ts, which hired
the gay side’s superstar attorneys, Ted Olson
and David Boles, will take place at the Green
Acres estate of billionaire political fundraiser
Ron Burlde.
"We are deeply honored to have the
support of Sir Elton John," said AFER Board
President Chad Griffin. ’!The American
Foundation for Equal Rights stands for the
enduring principle that all Americans are
created equal, and believes that ending statesanctioned
discrimination is a critical step we
must tal~e toward ending the hate crimes and
suicides that continue to claim the lives of
young Americans."
John has not always been a supporter of
same-sex marriage. On Nov. 12, 2008, eight
days after voters passed Prop 8, he told USA
Today: "What is wrong with Proposition 8 is
that they went for marriag.e Marriage is going
to put a lot of people off, the word ’marriage’.
... I dont want to be married. I m very happy
with a civil partnership. If BY people want to
get married, or get together, they should have
a civil partnership.... Heterosexual people get
married. We can have civil partnerships."
Prop 8 was struck down as
unconstitutional at the federal district court
level. The ruling is currently on appeal at the
U.S. 9th Circuit Court ofAppeals, which
heard oral arguments on Dec. 6.
For concert ticket information, e-mail
events@afer.org.
3131
January 1, 2011 I 7
Tulsa Eagle Staffready to serve the crowd at thier 2009 New Years Eve Black &White Ball,
and did they ever!
Sooner &ate Softball Association Games promised an ex’citing summer 2010. Shown above is
Oklahoma Chaos Team ofOklahoma Ci~ Gorin photo
.............MORE Photo’s on page 11
8 January 1, 2011
AffirmingChurch
in Owasso expands
ministry to gay
OWASS0;OK (PR)~ ~.Table
UCC h~ ~0urd~ and ~fi~ort for
G~TQS~yo~t~ ~i~i~)~e
Youth gr~U~ is c~i~ ~nPlace.
~ey m;et0n F~i~ay ev~fiings from
6:30pm t0 8~00pm. B~ginning the
3rd Monday in Janua~ they will have
k PF~G meeting from 7’8 p.m. Rev
Melinda Foster leads the congregation
and they meet at 202 S Cedar, Suite
E, Ow~so OK 74q55. Rev. Melinda
Foster can be reached at 918-693-
0458. For more information visit:
http://opentableucc.com/
Nommanons
Comm ity Heroes
TULSA, OK (PR)
Oklahomans for Equality is now
taldng nominations to recognize
individuals or groups who have made
an impact on the work for equality
for the LGBT community. These
awards are presented at the annual
Equality Gala on April 30, 2011,
Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom.
The following awards are presented:
Lifetime Achievement Award-
Recognizes a lifetime dedication
tothe cause of equality for LGBT
community in O~ahoma. Past
recipients include Nancy McDonald,
Dennis Neill and Kelly Kirby.
This award is nor always presented,
annually.
Community Heroes- Recognize
~hose individuals and groups who have
represented or served our community
in the previous year. Many of these
hdroes have "taken a bullet" for our
cause. Past recipients include Council
Oak Mens Chorale, Jim Roth, Carol
Crawford, Tim Williams, and Kelly
Carter.
The Russell Bennett Award
for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented
to a faith leader who leads and
supports affirming the faith of the
LGBT community in our local
congregations. Past winners include
Rev. Leslie Penrose, Rabbi Sherman
and Rev. Richard Ziglar.
Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay
Pride Parade June 11 th- Recognizes
an individual who has supported the
LGBT community in a courageous
and visible manner. Past recipients
have been 11 year old Noah Blatt
and the Rev Marlin Lavanhar for his
advocacy work for the gay community
in Uganda.
You can download a form at
http://www.okeq.org/wp-content/
uploads/2010/12/nominationform.
pdf Please return completed form to:
Oklahomans for Equality PO Box
2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 or email paul.
allen@okeq.org
Rev S eve uric
spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
www.socmcc.org
Have a God filled and Blessed Day!
January 1, 2011
Creep ofthe Month
By D’Anne Witkowski
D’Anne ~tkowski has been gayforpay since 2003.
Shes aJ~eelance zortter andpoet (believe ~t:9. When she’s
not taking on the creeps ofthe world she reviews rock ~’
toll shows in Detroit with her ~oin sister
"John McCain"
10 January 1, 2011
I wish I still had my dog-eared and
tattered copy of Conduct Unbecoming so I
could send it to John McCain. Not that he’d
bother ro read it. The U.S. military’s vicious
anti-gay history with its vcitch-hunts and
outright persecution of gay service members
probably isn’t of much interest to McCain.
Especially since "don’t ask, don’t tell" solved
everything. Don’t you dare try
to tell him anything different.
During a Nov. 28
appearance on "State of the
Union" with host Candy
Crowley, McCain actually
had the audacity to claim that
"don’t ask, don’t tell" is an
effective policy that doesn’t harm anyone, gay
or straight, and that the call for its repeal is
just politics.
"There was no uprising in the military," he
said. "There were no problems in the military
with ’don’t ask, don’t tell.’"
"If you were gay it was a problem,"
Crowley interjected.
"No it wasn’t," McCain snapped. "It’s
called ’don’t ask, don’t tell,’ okay? Ifyou don’t
ask them, you don’t ask somebody, and they
don’t tell."
Got that? It works. End of story.
Crowley tried to ask McCain something
else, but he cut her off.
"I understand your point of view. I
understand the poil~t of view by the majority
of the media," he said. "But the fact is,
this was a political promise made by an
inexperienced president or candidate for
presidency of the United States."
In other words, it’s all Obama’s fault. He’s
too young to know what a good idea it is to
discriminate against homos in the military.
Why, when McCain was Obama’s age he had
to walk 15 miles in the snow uphill both ways
in order to make a campaign promise likd
that.
"The military is at its highest point
in recruitment and retention and
professionalism and capability," McCain
continued. "So to somehow allege that this
policy has been damaging the military is
simply false."
Tell that to the thousands of gays and
lesbians who have been booted out of the
military since "don’t ask, don’t tell" was
enacted. According to Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network, that number is upwards
~s"R’s cal~ed ’don’t ~
k, don’t te~,’ okay?
you don’t ask
Ithern, you don’t ask
IsorneSody, and they
~.on’t tell." ~
of 14,000. You may recall
that in 2002, amid a severe
shortage of Arabic-speaking
translators, the Army fired
six linguists trained in
Arabic simply because they
were gay.
Apparently McCain sees
this as some kind of success. "The fact is that
this system is working," he told Crowley.
McCain repeatedly stressed that he
wanted to know what the effect ~vill be of
letting gays serve openly - and that’s the
operative word, "openly." Because gays
already serve in the military, they just have
the weight of a government-mandated closet
on their backs threatening to tumble open
and ruin their careers ar any moment.
"I believe we need to assess the effect on
the morale and battle effectiveness of those
young Marines and’Army people I met at
forward-operating bases that are putting their
lives on the line every day," he said. Never
mind that some of these "young Marines and
Army people" are probably gay.
McCain Said he has had "a number of"
military folks come up ro him and say, "Look,
we fight together, we sleep together, we ear
together." His choice of anecdotes illustrates
one of the main concerns ofhomophobes:
that homosexuality is contagious, and the
best way to guard against it is to make sure
you never l~ow when and if it’s around you
and to punish gays and lesbians who dare
make such an enormous sacrifice to serve the
country.
A
L
G
A
T
S
L
0
T
A
T
L
L
A
C
Y
N
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T
Miss Bamboo 2011 @ the Bamboo Lounge
~dsa November 2010. Staffphom
@A~tes OKC]anuary 2010. Godn photo
Hot Dancers @ 77~e End Up, ~dsa March
2010. ~affphoto
F ash Back
TobyJenkins, President, Oklahomansfor
Equality and Oklahoma State Representative
Al 3/IaAd~ey at the 30th Equality Gala, Tulsa.
Photo by Liz Ingersoll, Mia Bella [m~es
@the Copa, OKCfidy 2010. Gorin photo
@ Finishline, OKCJanua,y 2010. Gorin ghoto
@Alibis, OKCJune 2010. Godn ghoto
April 2010 Open Arms Youth Project hosts
P?vm Night. P,vm Queen, Brenda "G,andma"
Bolen and Prom I~%tg, Kim W,§#enhunt. Judy
G. Photo
Best Wishes For
Kel~ Kirby receives Lifetime Achievement
Award, p,~sented by N,znoy McDonald @ the
30Anniversary Equality Gala, ~dsa. Photo
3det,v Star Staff"
Ginger Lamar, Grand 3darshall 2010 OKC
Pride. Do,werphoto
Untertaine. @ Ledo. O {C 20 OI Gon,,
photo
@ Club Majestic, TulsaJanuary 2010, fi~dy G.
photo
Sooner State Rodeo Association at the 2010
Tulsa Pride Parade. Judy Gphoto
2011, From The Metro Star Team @ Club 209, ~dsaJanua,7 2010, Ju4y G.
photo
Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association @ the
Habana hzn Pool Party 3day 2010. Godn photo
By Rex Wockner*
Judges hint at Prop 8
case twists and turns
9t,§-Gtvuit Federal Court, APpoolphoto @Eric Risberg
The effort to undo California’s Proposition
8 inched forward Dec. 6 when a three-judge
panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals entertained nearly three hours of oral
arguments from the attorneys in the case.
In an ornate courtroom on the third floor
of San Francisco’s historic James R. Browning
U.S. Courthouse, amid murals, stained glass
and statues dating to 1905, the attorneys
replayed some of their main arguments and
the judges offered hints of where the case
might go.
The gay side’s lawyers, who include
famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boles,
sought to defend U.S. District Judge Vaughn
Walker’s ruling from August that Prop 8
violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of
equal protection and due process.
They also argued that the parties who
brought the appeal to the 9th Circuit -- the
activists who created Prop 8 and the deputy
county clerk of Southern California’s dusty
Imperial County -- have no legal "standing"
to have mounted this appeal ofWalker’s
ruling.
Those parties are trying to defend Prop
8 because all the public ot~cials who were
sued in the case -- including Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Attorney General (and
Gov.-elect) Jerry Brown -- have refused to
defend the voter-passed state constitutional
amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage
in November 2008 after it had been legal
for 4 1/2 months and after t8,000 same-sex
couples had married.
It is unclear if the court will grant the
Prop 8 proponents or Imperial County
standing to allow the appeal to move forward.
~e judges seemed unimpressed by Imperial
County’s desire to be let into the case. Among
other things, they seemed annoyed that the
deputy county clerk rather than the actual
clerk is pursuing the move.
As to whether the people who put Prop 8
on the ballot should be allowed to step into
the shoes of the state government and defend
a piece of the state constitution that the state
itself refuses to defend, the judges hinted
that they might bounce that question off of
the California Supreme Court to see hmv it
feels about the idea. If the 9th Circuit does
that, it could delay appellate rulings on both
the standing issue and the merits ofWalker’s
decision.
On the merits, Olson told the judges that
California has unconstitutionally "taken a
class of citizens and put them in a separate
category."
California gives same-sex couples all the
of marriage under
a domesticpartnership
law,
but prohibits
gay couples from
marrying. Under
another law. gay
couples who
go get married
somewhere else
also receive all
the California
rights of
marriage but
are prohibited
from calling
their marriage
a marriage
in California.
Yet other gay couples, who got married in
California or somewhere else before Prop
8 passed, are considered to be married in
California and are permitted to use the word.
It’s very messy.
All of this is discriminatory, Olson said.
It harms gay Californians. ~here is no legal
rational basis for it. It cannot be "justified,"
he said. "California has built a fence around
its gay and lesbian citizens and around the
institution of marriage," Olson told the
judges. "That is a violation of the equalprotection
clause and it’s a violation of the
due-process clause."
Attorney Charles Cooper for the Prop 8
proponents told the judges that his case in
defense of Prop 8 centers on "procreation."
In Coopers view, it is rational for the
state to limit marriage to men and women
because the reason marriage exists in the first
place is because sex between men and women
produces children. ~e state, he suggested,
has a unique interest in human unions that
are procreative.
At the end of the day, court-watchers were
talking about three things that piqued their
curiosity during the oral arguments:
* Will the case be delayed so the 9th
Circuit panel can sound out the California
Supreme Court on the question of whether
people who put initiatives on the ballot
should be able to defend those initiatives
when they are struck down by courts?
Regardless of whether the judges seek advice
from the California Supreme Court, the case
¯ cannot proceed if the 9th Circuit decides that
neither the Prop 8 proponents nor Imperial
County has legal standing to appeal. If they
do not, Walker’s ruling striking down Prop 8
would come back into force.
* In hearing the appeal of Walker’s ruling,
will the 9th Circuit rely solely on Walker’s
expansive trial record, which seems to
demolish most of the myths, lies, arguments
and opinions that historically have been used
to oppress gay and lesbian people? Or will
the 9th Circuit look at additional sources of
information and seek out other facts . ine
court hinted that it may review more than
just the District Court’s findings.
* And has the 9th Circuit perhaps hinted
that it plans to uphold \Valker’s decision but
in a way that would limit the case’s impac~ to
California, the only state that ever let gays get
married and then later took that right away
from them? The court spent a fair amount of
12 January 1, 2011
Ed Sikov is the author ofDark l/icto*_7; 7be Life
ofBette Davis and other books aboutf!lms and
fihnmakers.
"Kahlua, Cream and Fiasco:
-he White Russian"
My cold lasted another week, so
forget about literary reticence. Let the gross
descriptions fly: Shot spewed out of my nose
like raw scrambled eggs, only darke,; more
translucent, and graced by tiny bloblets of
blood. My lungs hacked up a hocker so gray
it could have come out of an old coal miner.
When I wasn’t wiping smears of sputura
off my hands, sheets and nearby skin mags,
! contemplated my recent poor behavior.
Dan was right: I’d become "an old-fashioned
asshole." Dan was nothing but affectionate
with me, even after I spat goose-shit-green
mucous onto his pillow while he slept. He
deserved better from me. So did my friends.
When I stopped being viral, I invited
Craig and Kyle to dinner. Surprisingl); Craig
didn’t hang up on me when I called. "I’m
sorry..." I began. He cut me off: "Listen,
dollface - I’ll forgive you anything as long
as you keep your tongue off my boyfriend."
"Right-O!" I sang out, amxiery turning me
strangely into Terry-Thomas in some British
war comedy. "How about dinner here on
Saturday? It’s Chicken Cacciatore and an
after-dinner drink that doesn’t suck." All was
well.
Dinner xvas a disaster. Dan was late, so
I had to wield the vacuum cleaner and a
can of Pledge and set the table while trying
to make what turned out to be an absurdly
complicated "hunter’s style" chicken with
only half the ingredients the recipe called
for. (I hadn’t bothered with a shopping list.
"Calling Dr. Freud! STAT!") The result
was a greasy; taste-free horror - no wild
mushrooms, no fresh sage or thyme, clumpy
years-old garlic salt instead of garlic....
"Hunter’s style?" What were they hunting
- something outof Oliver Twist?
Having tasted the cacciatore, I downed
some Tormore Single Malt and became
morose. But when Dan waltzed in mere
minutes before Craig and Kyle were supposed
to show up, my irrepressible life force
returned. [ became hostile. Craig and Kyle
thus entered during the second act of _Who’s
Afraid ofVirginia Woolf_, with me playing
both George and Martha. I behaved terribly;
Dan was rightly embarrassed. I might have
summoned enough dignity not to spend the
whole evening staring at the gap between
Kyle’s bottom shirt button and his belt. a
space out of which a perfect tuft of soft hair
emerged. Craig noticed, much to his giee and
my continuing disgrace.
But dessert was fiibulous! Ttxe White
Russian is one of my favorite cream-based
cocktails because of its subtlety, simplicity
and relative lack of.sweetness. It’s got a little
Kahlua for a cafd au lair effect, vodka for
some kick and thick, chilled heavy cream
for the mouth-to-belly bliss that only cold
dairy fat can provide. Still, two rounds of
White Russians wasn’t enough to make up for
hurling lettuce fragments and bacon chunks
in Craig’s face after discovering that puppy
Kyle had been gobbled up by Jabba the Hut.
Am I still bitter? You bet your elephantine
ass I am.
~-he White Russian
1 part Absolut
1/2 part coffee liqueur
1 part chilled heaW cream
Put some ice in a shaker and add all
the ingredients; put the cap on and swirl it
around a bi{ rather than shake it. (After all,
you’re not trying to make liquor butter.) Pour
through strainer into a good-looking glass
and serve.
time discussing a 1996 case from Colorado in
which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a
state constitutional amendment that deprived
gay people of anti-discrimination protections
that Colorado governments previously had
extended ro them.
A "narrow" ruling against Prop 8 by the
9th Circuit could bring same-sex marriage
back to California but possibly thwart Olson,
Boles and the American Foundation for
Equal Rights’ desire to take before the U.S.
Supreme Court the proposition that samesex
couples have a constitutional right to get
married in all states.
Lesbian becomes Colorado
Supreme Court justice
Monica Marquez became the first openly
gay or l~sbian member of the Colorado~
Supreme Court when she was s~vorn in Dec.
10.
Her partner, Sheila Barthel, helped her
put on her black robe at the ceremony.
Marquez, 41, previously served as deputy
attorney general.
Spacey won’t discuss
sexual orientation
Actor Kevin Spacey told The Daily
Beast on Dec. 15 that he’s not interested in
discussing his sexual orientation.
"I have not given up my right to privacy,"
Spacey said. "People have different reasons for
the way they live their lives. You cannot put
everyone’s reasons in the same box. It’s iust a
line I’ve never crossed and never will."
"You have to understand that people who
choose not to discuss their personal lives
are not living a lie." he continued. "That
is a presumption that people jump ro.... I
iust don’t buy into that the personal can be
political. I just think that’s horseshit."
ING AROLINI~ NOW...BECAIJSE
OF THE. CHANGES
IF "/OIJ WANT TO RMIN
THEN GO.
e~il: bittergirl@qsyndicate,com ty.net
Chuck Breckenridge
%q~cther buying or selling
I’!1 work hard for you.
!~-rk~_ra~~
597 Magnetic Road
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
www.magneticValleyresort.corn
info@magneticvalleyresort.com
800-210-8401 479-244-6821
Abutting Downtown
Bars, Clubs, Baseball, BOK Centel; Tulsa Gay
Center. ~M]rordable Homes and Apartments.
For mo,:e Info~wmtion visit:
www~aybn~dyheightsmha.com
By Jack Fertig
Janua~ 20tl
"Take a cSance on ~ove, Gemini!"
Sun squaring Saturn adds the weight
of age and responsibility, but Venus
enters Sagittarius, leading affections
and aesthetics toward new adventures.
She gets in the middle of that square
offering frivolous escape that can too
easily complicate problems at hand, but
she also offers some creative solutions.
ARIES (Narch 20- Apri~ 19):
The responsibilities of work and
relationships can feel oppressive. A
romantic adventure is much needed. If
partnered, plan a getaway. If single, a
stern attitude can be sexy, but balance
it with playful warmth. (Think gym
coach!)
TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - Nay 20}: As hard
as you’ve been working, you’re entitled
to a much-needed release. Find an
appropriate place to scream and let it all
out. If you really need to beat someone
there are eager victims. Just keep it
safe and consensual.
GEN~N~ (Nay 21o June 20): Play only
for funsies. Don’t take any bets. but
take a chance on love or a passionate
facsimile. Incredible sex is no basis for
a solid relationship. Take it one day at a
time and see what else there is.
CANCER (June 21o Ju~y 22): A strong
sense of responsibility at home can be
a millstone or a motivator. Go with the
latter. Once you drag your tush into
action, momentum will make the rest of
it a lot easier.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): Even you
may have inarticulate moments, but just
take them as a creative challenge. A
little playfulness can boost morale and
productivity. Too much, not so good. If a
few jokes and your dazzling smile aren’t
enough, turn it up slowly.
V~RGO (August 23 - September 22):
Your best investment of time, energy
and money is in your own home and
community. Think ahead before taking
on responsibilities. Spreading humor
and good will at home or close by will
help build your standing.
L~BRA (September 23 - October
22): The weight of the world seems to
be on your shoulders. Opportunities
can be hard to find, but they’re there!
A lighthearted chat with a sister
(genetic or otherwise) can help you get
perspective.
SCORHO (October 23 - November
21): Life is tough, but don’t let current
troubles wear you down. When you
catch yourself worrying, channel that
into constructive thought toward a
solution. Stick to basics and remember
what’s important.
November 22
- December 20): The money crisis
will hit everyone. You may be worrying
too much on a personal level. Focus
on your personal assets, the kind
you would still have even if you were
penniless and naked. Never forget: You
almost always fare better than most.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January- 19): You’re at the top of your
game, but what’s next? The answer to
that is not as urgent as it may seem.
Relax, indulge in a romantic or sensual
retreat, and the hard questions will gain
perspective,
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): The world’s troubles are the
world’s, not necessarily your own.
Discussing global and personal worries
with friends will help balance it all out.
For answers to the world’s problems
and your own, look across borders and
oceans.
HSCES (February !9- Narch 19):
Put your deep, dark imagination to
work. Even in a bleak future there are
opportunities. You can be inspired to
find them for yourself and to guide
others. Even if the light at the end of the
tunnel is an oncoming train you could
ride it out.
Community for
People iving
with
H V/A DS
A 50I c (3) Not] Profit Organization
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 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
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net
’1
14
/7
20
27
34
37
43
46
2 3 4 5 : 6 7 8
I
48
11 !2
24 25 26
33
53 54 55
Across
56
63
57 58
49
Down
"i[hree-men-in-a-tub event
Oral attention getter
So,s0 grade
14 Point of View intr0, at Gay.c0m
15 "Oh, ~,X?hat a Beautiful Morning" sin er
16 Prayer Stm~&r
!7 Hides ofhai~T guys?
t9 ~orkers under Barney Frank
20 He had a crush on Beatle John
1 Lettuce variety
2 US citizen
3 The king in N~e ~ng I. ~br one
4 Time for Frida
5 Fireplace rods
6 Bounds gaily
7 Deadly septe[
8 HIV exam, e.g.
9 One that reproduces without sex
34 "l~wo to one, }~r one
35 Cat on Tin RoOf
36 LacldngToc"ks ~,
37 E~rly g~atle song that expressed how 20-
Across irelt :
t3 ’60s radical org.
18 Type of tool
2! .M.use for Millay
24 My Cup Runneth Over s~nger
Whitrnan’s dooryard bloomers
the shaft
a hottie
14 January 1,201t
During the Metro Star’s time in
publication Oklahoma and America has
experienced great changes including two
major elections, inclusion of GLBT persons
among those with Federal Hate Crimes
protection, the OKC and Tulsa School
districts adopting policies protecting gay
students from harassment and bullying, the
tremendous growth of Oldahoma’s gay rights
advocacy organizations and at presstime
finally the end of legal discrimination for
GLBT Americans in the US military.
However as 2010 concludes on this
happy note Chaz \gard, at age 7t, has made
the decision to retire after publishing the
newspaper for over 7 years. "It’s time for me
to relax, I want to do some traveling, and will
continue to help advance total equality for
GLBT people."
In conclusion the Metro Star wishes to say
that they were proud to be part of the GLBT
community of Oklahoma and the region,
thanking our advertisers and readers for 7
great years. We come to a close xvith a recap
of the highlights of 2010, and in this last
issue we say thank you and we appreciate
the support everyone has given us.
Another endeavor has been their Cooking
for Ct~ange Program which has been selling
freshly made homemade tamales as a means
for fundraising. A dozen tamales are only
$24 and are available in pork, chicken or
vegetarian style. Contact P-Flag to order
some!
P-Flag Enid also wants .to announce
that nominations are open for their 2011
Stand Awards, which are open to GLBTQA
individuals, businesses, organizations, media,
artists and other categories of Oklahomans
~vho have improved life for the GLBT
community in the state. They are also seeking
similar groups interested in partnering with
P-Flag as a Communty Parmer sponsor
to keep the work of the Center going and
growing. Enid P-Flag is a 501c3 organization
so contributions are tax deductible.
To contact Enid P-Flag one can call
toll free 1 800 878 5298, or logon pflag@
enidglbt.org..
Flash Back
I~cmr & Chaz 200~
January 1, 2011
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
[2010] Metro Star Magazine, January 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 1
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
January 01, 2010
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
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
James Nimmo
Victor Gorin
Rex Wockner
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Judy Gabbard
Romeo San Vincente
Andrew Collins
Jack Fertig
Lisa Keen
Devre Jackson
Steven Petrow
Keith Orr
Chris Azzopardi
Victor Gorin
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
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
West 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 Metro Star Magazine, December 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/130
The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2010; Volume 7, Issue 2
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/188
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/189
activism
advertisements
Advice Column
After Dark
AIDs Walk
Bamboo Lounge
Bike fundraiser
Bitter Girls
Celtic festival
Chelsea Boys
civil unions
classifieds
Club Rox
Comic Strips
commentary
controlling stress
denies gay marriage
Fundraiser
Gay/Lesbian center
grants
horoscope
Joseph Beam
Lawanda Jackson
Lesbian Notions
Loaves and Fishes
marriage equality
Miss Gay Oklahoma
new Jersey
Our House
Out of Town
Owasso Community Theatre
Past Out
Q Scopes
South Africa marriage
Star Distributors
The Gayly Oklahoman
The Star Scene
The Wine Rack
Too
travel
Tulsa news
Uncle Mikey
vacation
Why should being gay be a crime?
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2c536b0482e3462edd608cc20f9ad9fc.jpg
a072202aa42960b83d2291b3d0b337de
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/6c4a2d334406538574e84f8d0a9add3e.pdf
bb46df8f0a96a2399137d71aacf6579a
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
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Delivering Quality; Affordability, 'ue, Integrity and Trust in Advertising Service.
THE
!TfS YOUR COMMUNITY, WE DELIVER ITl,
AUGUST 2005
VOLUME 2,
ISSUE 8
FREE
Page 2
L tingand
.on a" nd"
Ml,S
Scott C.row, Managing Broker
McGraw Davisson Stewart, Realtors
1-866-527-7755
Grand Lake, Oklahoma.
ScottCrow.rfic:grawok.com
Tulsa
Oklahoma City
Little Rock .
Fayetteville- }
· Fort Smith .... )'..]
springfi~icf ., · ·
Joplin
Kansas Ci
Witchita
Page 3
Fire Destroys Gay Bar.
When a friend suffers a loss we feel
that loss ourselves and want to reach out
and do something to help ease the pain.
Such is the feeling we at the STAR have
for Kelly Crissman and his staff at Studio
716 in Fayetteville.
On Saturday July 16th during the
early morning hours Studio 716 was·
broken -into and set fire by an· arson. The
Club was a total loss. Crissman said the
investigation had ruled out ii#e·•crime as a
motive. He and investigatotJ 0slispect the
arson may have been a disgrifo.tled exemployee
and would not .i:Oriiment
further on that possibility. •
"The building owner pilμlS to rebuild
the space and Studio 716 \Vilh:eopen in
the same location bigger aifd ;better than
before, we aren't sure abqilt,the time.
frame for the reopening. y, take
months for construction .. ·. . efurbishing
the club" said Crissman.. . ... ·
Studio 716 had been iri: btisiiiess for
over 2 years and was F~yett~e's only
gay club. .· ..
Kelly Crissman, a big!} .erpfil~ leader
in the Fayetteville q.1;~;:tc't1~niunity was
the major sponsor of the dities··2nd annual
Gay Pride Events ancl Pai;lde this .year.
With NW Arkansas's struggle with gay
rights and homopl:iobia in the area,
Crissman has be~n a voke and activist in
efforts to unite riot only the GLBT
community but the main stream population
as well.
We applaud Kelly and his su
for making a difference in our .. .. .
nit-y and look forward to a new Studib
716.
C.D. Ward/Editor
HISTORIC CHURCH
RESOLUTION
EMBRACES ALL
FAMILIES
'The United Church of Christ is sending a
powerful and historic message that all
families should be loved and cherished,' said
HR C President Joe Solmonese
July 4, 2005
WASHINGTON - The General Synod
of the 1.3 million member United
Church of Christ today approved a
historic resolution endorsing marriage
equality for same-sex couples at its
biennial meeting in Atlanta.
Approval of the resolution makes the
United Church of Christ the largest
Christian denomination to endorse
marriage for same- sex couples. The
Human Rights Campaign's new
Director of Religion and Faith Programs,
Harry Knox, a United Church of Christ
member was in Atlanta for the vote.
Human Rights Campaign President Joe
Solmonese made the following statement
today:
" The United Church of Christ is
sending a powerful and historic message
that all families should be loved and
cherished. The United Church of Christ
took an important step forward today.
Its call for full equality in all spheres of
American life will be remembered and
honored by future generations. The
marriage resolution is a beacon to
millions of people of faith worldwide
that &milies are strengthened
with love but weakened by
discrimination. While marriage equality
under the law should never impress
houses of worship into recognizing
unions between same-sex couples, we
hope more and more peopie of faith
demonstrate important values of
understanding and fair-mindedness."
Marriage in Canada
A bill granting full marriage equality
to same-sex couples in Canada became
law on July 20, 2005. Marriage licenses
are now available to same-sex couples
nationwide.
Since marriage laws in Canada do not
have residency requirements, same-sex
couples who travel from the United
States to Canada could also get married
there.
Canadian marriage for U.S. couples.
It is unclear whether the U.S.
government will recognize the legitimacy
of Canadian marriages between same-sex
couples who return to the United States
and try to exercise their rights, such as
filing joint income taxes or claiming
Social Security survivor benefits.
The Human Rights Campaign suggests
checking with an attorney to get legal
advice about your situation before
deciding to marry in Canada. Couples
should also read the marriage advisory
issued by the leading gay, lesbian,
bisexual and ttansgender legal
organizations on this topic.
Legal requirements.
Io British Columbia, Newfoundland
& Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and ·
Yukon Territory, applicants .for a
marriage license must be 19 or older. In
Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick,
Prince Edward Island, Quebec and
Saskatchewan, they must be 18 or older.
In Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon
Territory, there is a mandatory 24-hour
waiting period between when the
marriage license is issued and when the
ceremony can be performed. Quebec has
a 20-day waiting period, while Nova
Scotia has a five-day waiting period.
Newfoundland & Labrador have a fourday
waiting period between the
application and the issuance of the license
and an additional four-day waiting period
between the issuance of the license and
the marriage.
There is a one-year residency
requirement for divorce in Canada, so
couples thinking about getting married
there should take that into consideration.
Page 6
AUGUST 2005
by Andrew Collins
"Magical
Retreats of the
Southwest"
When you're choosing a
romantic place to stay in the rugged Southwest, where you're ~ever far from
sweeping desert or mountain vistas, it's ~ometimes .hard. to dec:de wheth.e_r to ;hoose a
room with a dazzling interior, or one with a dazzling view. Ot course,. 1t _YOU re
lucky, you'll find a charming place to stay that offers plenty of dazzle :ns1de and out.
Here's a sdecticin of gay-friendly country inns and ranches located 1n some of the
Southwest's most breathtakingly beautiful areas, from the red-rock terrain around
Moab, Ut:lh, and Sedona, Ariz., to the verdant countryside of the Texas Hill
Country, to the evergreen-studded mountafos of northern New Mexico. All of the
accommodations mentioned welcome a mixed gay/straight clientele, and a few are
lesbian- or gay-owned.
El Portal - Sedona, Arizona .
Nestled amid the spectacular red-rock canyons, buttes, and mesas of Sedona, about
two hours north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon, El Portal
which. opened in summer 2003 - has quickly earned a reputation as one of .the premier
small lodgings in the Southwest. What sets this elegant 12-room_ property ap,ar.t from
other new constructions is the care that owners Steve and C:onrue . , .afic10naaos
of Arts and €rafts design, took to build El Portal exactly in period s . . The Arts
and Crafts movement which flourished around the tum of the 20th century,
emphasized fine ctaft;manship, clean lines, organic furnishin~ arid archite:tu~e, and
natural materials: This intimate gem of a hotel features reclaimed oak and Jumper
bearils, Utah river rocks, art nouveau stained glass, and actual Tiffany, Roycroft, and
Stickley furnishings. . .
Stylish though it is, El Portal is a low-keyed place where guests mingle each .
evening over complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres in the ho~ey lobby. Food, m
fact, is a big part of any visit here - a full breakfast, where you . might sample
blueberry buttermilk pancakes with blueberry-cinnamon compote an~ coconut
butter, is included. And an elaborate prix-fixe dinner ~$45 per person) ts served on
Saturday nights, presented to the sound of live classicai guitar musi_c. .
Rooms are oversized and indrvidually decorated; most have ternfic views of. the
red-rock mountains nearby, and many have firepiaces and private patios. Modern
amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and high-speed Internet. Guests also
have use of the gym, pool, and spa at the luxury Los Abrigados ~esort, which. is just
next door. A rarity among small, posh retrears: El Portal Sedona 1s pet-foendiy.
Lodge at Creekside - Wimberley, Texas . _ .. ·
little Wimberiey mav not be especially famous outside ot Texas, but thls
picturesque village in th:, he~~ o! Hill Country ha,s a lot going for i:, incI,u~ing a lush
setting on the Blanco River. In !ess than an hour s dnve from Austill ana ~an
Antonio, has a bounty of art galleries and charming boutiques, and is close to gte2t.
rafting, hiking., swimming, and fishing. It's also close to one of the state's most scenic
Page 7 Out of Town
drives, the so-called Devil's Backbone
(Hwy. 32), a winding ridge-top road
offering brilliant vistas of the rolling
countryside.
This popular arts enclave is also home
to one of the state's most charming gayfriendly
country inns, the Lodge at
Creekside, an upscale 6-acre compound
consisting of eight nattily furnished
cabins, a two-room suite, and a threebedroom
house; all units are outfitted
with jetted tubs and wood-burning
stoves. A big, hearty breakfast is served
in the main dining rooms, but there's a
much more romantic option: your
breakfast delivered right to your cabin in
the morning, packed inside a charming
wicker basket (the lodge also serves
gourmet dinners by prior arrangement).
This place may be rustic, but it's
definitely not without modern
conveniences - cabins have private
phones, VCRs, microwaves and
refrigerators, and wireless high-speed
Internet.
Outdoorsy types enjoy the property's
location along crystal-clear Cypress
Creek, a lovely spot to dip your toes in
the water. Culture vultures like that it's
onlv a quarter-mile walk to Wimberley's
quaint town square, where you'll find
cafes, shops, Wimberley Glassworks
(where .you can see talented glass blowers
at work and buy their artful finished
creations), and the Corral Outdoor
Theater, which shows movies all summer
long.
Mayor's House B&B - Moab, Utah
A hub of mountain-biking, hiking,
outdoor photography, and off-road
driving, Moab is also the closest town to
stunning Arches and Canyonlands
national parks, both of which are famous
for their fantastic red-rock formations.
The town of about 6,000 residents lies a
little more than four hours southeast of
Salt Lake City, seven hours northeast of
Las Vegas, seven hours northwest of
Albuquerque, and six hours west of
Denver. Although it's in a relatively
rural part of conservative Utah, the townis
also comparatively progressive and
quite gay-friendly. . . .
The Mavor's House B&B, whtch 1s
gay-owned, ;its on the east edge of town,
within walking distance of several
restaurants and shops. The pace at this
casual and contemporary five-room inn is
~low and easy, and there are several
cheery spots where guests can relax and
mingle, including a large, open gatheri~g
room and an expansive deck surroundmg
a big swimming pool.
Rates here start at just $80, for t..he
cozy but pleasant J\1iner's Room, but
even the huge Master Suite - with its own
private entrance off the main deck is a
fine value at $130 nightly. Friends
traveling together can also book the
Bunkhouse, an 1,100-square-foot cottage
that can sleep up to eight guests; it has a
kitchenette, large-screen TV, and DVD
player.
Rancho de San Juan• Espanola, New
Mexico
Although this supremely elegant
hideaway is technically located in rather
mundane Espanola, it's actually a good 10
miles north of the downtown area, set at the
foot of Black Mesa, in the Ojo Caliente River
Valley. It's within easy driving distance of
Abiquiu's magnificent red-rock cliffs, which
so inspired Georgia O'Keeffe. Northern New
Mex:ic~'s artistic and cultural hubs, Santa Fe
and Taos, are also each within an hour's
drive.
This completely secluded mini-resort,
New Mexico's only member of the
prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group,
sits along a 225-acre spread and consists of 17
posh casitas and suites. Many rooms have
kiva (beehive-shaped) fireplaces, which are
typical of New Mexico adobe houses. The
Black Mesa Suite has French doors opening
onto a private patio, and the Buena Vista
Suite has a massive bay window affording
astounding views of the Jemez Mountains.
Although Rancho de San Juan is a good
distance from most dining options, the inn
has its own exceptional prix-fu::e restaurant,
serving outstanding contemporary American
fare. The restaurant is open to nonguests, too,
bv advance reservation. Guests can also opt
f~r in-suite spa services, wirh options ranging
from Swedish massage to an herbal mineral
bath.
One of the most unusual draws here is an
intricatelv carved sandstone shrine up a short
trail behind the property. Buiit into a cliff,
the shrine consists of several cathedralinspired
chambers with v:.ulted ceilings and
tall windows - it's a wonderful place to catch
your bi:eatn and admire the stunning New
Mexico countryside.
continued page-28
Page 8 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED:
International
Marriage Rights
Canada. A bill granting full marriage
equality to same-sex couples in Canada
~ecame law on July 20, 2005. Marriage
licenses are now available to same-sex
couples nationwide.
Belgium. Belgium, which passed its law
Jan. 30, 2003, recognizes same-sex
couples equally in tax, inheritance and
other marriage benefits but stops short of
allowing same-sex married couples to
adopt children together. The law
stipulates that only couples from
countries that allow same-sex marriages
can be married under the law.
The Netherlands. The Netherlands
'
which in 2001 became the first country
to extend marriage rights to same-sex •
couples, gives such couples exactly the
same rights as heterosexual couples,
including in tax, inheritance and
adoption rights. The law requires that at
least one member of the couple be a
Dutch national or live in the
Netherlands.
Spain. The Spanish Parliament approved
legis~ation on June 29, 2005 legalizing
marnage for same-sex couples in the
country. Under the law, gay and lesbian
parents would also be permitted to adopt
children. The law went into effect on
July 3, 2005.
OREGON SENATE
TAKES HISTORIC STEP
TOW ARD EQUALITY
"Simple fairness means the same rights,
protections and responsibilities for
everyone," said HRC President Joe
Solmonese
WASHINGTON - The Oregon Senate
made history today by passing SB 1000 - a
bill that would grant critical rights and
protections to same-sex coupies and their
children as well as ban discrimination
against gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people.
"Simple fairness means the same
rights, protections and responsibilities
for everyone," said HRC President Joe
Solmonese. "By passing this import-ant
legislation, the Oregon Senate has said
that every family needs the same rights
and protections and that no one should
face discrimination simply because of
who they are. These are American values
that should be enshrined in our laws."
HRC is working closely with Basic
Rights Oregon - the statewide GLBT
advocacy group - on a coordinated
grassroots strategy for the passage of the
civil union and anti-discrimination bill.
This effort has included on-the-ground
staff support and generating constituent
contacts to legislators.
"The Senate's historic vote today
reflects the values of an overwhelming
majority of Oregonians who believe that
discrimination against gay and lesbian
people and their families is wrong," said
Roey Thorpe, executive director of Basic
Rights Oregon. "Now is the time for
Oregon to take this historic vote one
step further by not only condemning
discrimination, but prohibiting it in the
law."
The bill will now move to the House
where a "reciprocal benefits" bill has
been introduced that only grants a· few
rights to couples and does not address
discrimination protections tnat are a
critical part of SB1000.
"Fair-minded leaders must ensure that
protections are not Handed out
piecemeal," said Solmonese. "Given
Nike's historic support; Gov.
Kulongoski's steadfast backing, and
endorsements from business and religious
leaders from across the state, the
legislature should hasten the passage of
SB1000."
Oregon voters passed a constitutional
amendment in November exclU:ding
same-sex couples from marriage, but did
not deal with the issue of civil unions.
"Supporters of the amendment argued
that the legisiature should consider civil.
unions for same-sex couples," said
Solmonese. "It is time for them to make
good on their word."
Page 9 NATIONAL ISSUES CONTINUED:
MCC Responds To
Religiously-Inspired
Anti-Gay Stabbing Attack
At Jerusalem Gay Pride
Event
From: The Reverend Dr .. Troy D. Perry
Moderator, Metropolitan Community
Churches
July 5, 2005
Along with people around the world,
I am horrified at the religiously-inspired
attack that injured three marchers in
Jerusalem's Gay Pride Parade.
This violent incident is yet another
reminder that homophobia in our world
is often motivated by religious
intolerance and religious
fundamentalism. The attacker who
stabbed the marchers was quoted as
saying, "I came to murder in the name of
God."
It is worth noting that this attack did
not happen in a vacuum. Jewish,
Christian and Muslim religious
fundamentalists both in Israel and the
U.S. have carried out an unrelenting
months-long campaign to vilify and
demonize gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people. They have attempted
to impose their narrow religious views at
the expense of the basic human rights of
LGBT people.
I call upon Israeli authorities to
investigate beyond the lone attacker.
Religious leaders .who have misused their
spiritual authority to inspire violence and
hatred against LGBT people must.be
held accountable for theii; role in
fomenting and inciting this incident.
I am deeply saddened that anti-gay
religious leaders have twisted a positive
spiritual message of love for God's
diverse creation into a hate-filled message
far removed from the deep, genuine
spirituality of faith, hope and love for all
of God's creation.
Today, I join with people of goodwill
around the globe in sending my prayers
to the three victims of this horrific
attach, and to the LGBT community in
Jerusalem, whose parade of love, pride,
and equality was met with.hatred and
·violence.
I call upon all faith communities to
reject negative spirituality that
demonizes those who are different and
that invariably leads t0 division and pain,
and to redouble our prayers for an end to
homophobia in our world
REV. PERRY'S FAREWELL
SERMON HIGHLIGHTS
MINISTRY THAT
POSITIVELY CHANGED
LIVES
'Reverend Perry's ministry has healed and
brought hope to countless souls,' said
HR.C's Harry Knox.
WASHINGTON - As the Rev. Elder
Troy Perry, moderator of the Universal
Fellowship of Metropolitan Community
Churches, preaches his final sermon as
moderator this evening, the Human
Rights Campaign expressed gratitude for
the reverend's ministry. Perry will give
the sermon to the denomination's 2005
General Conference in Calgary, Alberta,
Canada.
"Reverend Perry's ministry has healed
and brought hope to countless souls,"
said Harry Knox, director of the HRC
Foundation Religion and Faith Program.
"It's appropriate that his triumphal last
message of hope to the denomination he -
founded will be delivered at the same
time Canada celebrates marriage equality.
Troy and the UFMCC were pioneers in
the work to bring equal rights to samesex
couples and have worked tirelessly to
see it become a realitv. When Revere~d
Perry started the chu;ch in 1968, he
broke ground that is bearing glorious
fruit today. His was the first voice I ever
heard proclaiming God's unconditional
love for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
rransgender Christians like me. Reverend
Perry laid down the foundation for the
work we are all doing now to amplify
the voices of clergy and lay people who
believe in justice for LGBT folks. Mav
his retirement be as rich and rewardin'g
for him as his gifts of ministry have been
for others." -
... a
Labo .
· LE· ·...
Page 11
Watch For Dur
Neat Liue Concert
COM I NG SOON!
Page 12
,.•
Dolt t!
For GLBTs & PPLAGs
Eurell11 Springs, Arllansas
'\:,,'• ,,,,' ,,".,, ,
H.!i»" 4, 5 & 6
FALL DIVERSITY WEEKEND ,',,,\ "'; • ,•✓
Boys Can Sing
SopranQ, ,<says
Genal?rPAC
~Texas Mlisic AsJociatiori. Plav~ the
Same Old Tune: Discriminati~n~
WASHINGTON DC, Ouly 7,2005)
Mikliael Rawls, a rising Texas high
school. senior, won't be performing
before music college recruiters next
school year. He won't even have the
chance to audition for an elite ensemble
of Texas high school singers. The Texas
Music Educators Association eliminated
tl:μs possibility for Rawls when they
rejected his audition request: for a
soprano position, which is traditionally a
girls' part.
"The Texas music association is
denying this young man of his right ro
equal opportunity to try out for the
choir and develop his musical talents.
And it's not because he. doesn't sing well
- it's because he is a boy," said Riki
Wilchins, Executive Director of Gender
Public Advocacy Coalition
(Gender PAC).
The music association began
prohibiting boys from singing soprano
or alto, and girls from tenor or bass two
years ago, according to the local ·
television news station, KXAS-TV. The
association, which claims to offer quality
musical experiences for students and to
cultivate universal appreciation and
lifetime involvement in music, has taken
a step backward by denying Rawls the
chance to capitalize on his strengths and
talents.
Rawls, who sings in an octave and a
half higher than most boys his ag~, has
earned several distinctions for his singing
including first place as a soprano in the
University Interscholastic r.eague's
competition for two consecQtive years.
He hopes to pursue a joint 'degree in
vocal performance and liberal arts from
the New England Conservatory and
Harvard University after high school
graduation.
Rawls often a part called
. wiis ; popular
wonienwe
group~:l'.t vias:
· , when
times until an it
about 60 years ago. tdaay men can be
found singing coui:ttert,enor in music
schools across. the countrv. .
" , ".,
"Music education, like all education.
should be about helping young people -
realize their full poteriti:il and achieve
their dreams. Discrimination against
male or female students is just plain
wrong," said Lindsay Bond, ·
GenderPAC's Youth Program
Coordinator.
The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition
(GenderPAC) works to end
discrimination and violence caused by
gender stereotypes. Visit us at
www.gpac.org
contact: 202-462-6610
Page 13
Serving our community in
Missouri, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Illinois &
Colorado
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 codav and ask
about our services.
Auto -Home - Life Business
Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF
Tel: (866) 208-9480
gtainter@shelterinsurance.com
the BAMBOO
LOUNGE,
TULSA
TULSA, 0 K_ The Bamboo
Lounge inaugurated their
new outdoor stage with the
fabulous Rachael Sage in
concert Saturday evening
July 9th to a delighted and
packed house. The 2004
Independent Music Award
\'finner was in Tulsa
promoting her new CD
"Ballad$ & Burlesc1ue'' Self-produced by S:ige and mixed by Kevin Killen (Kate Bush,
Elvis Costello. ~\late Cohn), Ballads & Buriesque features ten tracks of "rich vocals,
sparkling piano and yearning poetry" Tli\iE OL'T NY. "Sage is the music world's
best kept secret'. Q i\11\G:\Zlls.JE. "BALLADS & Bl1RLESQUE" is Rachael's 6th
album release and can be purchased at Barnes & Nobie or Borders stores in Tulsa or.
the four States Region.
Rachael Sage is truly a renaissance performer. Self-taught on the piano from age 5,
she went on to stuck at The School of American Ballet in her adolescence. She later
earned a degree in Drama from Stanford l'niYcrsity. Following a one-year stint with
New York Cit\''s renowned Actors Studio. she redi,co,·ered her passion for music
and took the l'sie\,. York Cit\ li,·c mmic ~cene br storm.
Sonja & Friends at the
Hollywood Hotel, OKC
Sonja ~Iartinez ha~ been entcrutining in
the Oklahonn Cir, area f<,r m:im· ,-c,,r'.,
and is considered on<: nf C)kL1hc,!na\ hcsi
kept secret~! Joined 1n, ~li\..'cna ~nc:1rs,
J(Jhn Bcbcc, D:::hbic Da·,1c: Jnd <>n·:h(>\'
(~rooncr i\Lnd'"!c'X J-jcath Fit1gcrald. thi~
c\·cnt \\·ill hbw 1·0~: :,\,-,,·.-.. \ nw~t ,cci
,\n r•~ycning \'virh S,)nja ii.: 1:ricnd~ .~1 t~h:
Hollywood, OKC -tth
Dinnt:r -rt;l _,nd ;civ·wt!'lll' S:.'1 1l'l'i'- !,,,.
Rescn;atir)n~: (:~d~: ~~o,::,_tf--!~H~:;:-; ! . ~~uni.:
\t.:ill ,d~n b;; pcrfonr:~t:~~ :1! P:1r:nt·r:-: / ·it:L
111 < )kbh(,tr.:\ Cit'. "n I rid.n \u-.:m• '.'1:
loc~Ht'(: ~tt ~2~~( 15 :~\\' 3<~t h
Michelle Mayfield
"This Women Really Rocks"
Singer, Song \\'riter i\liche!le Mayfield
,,ntcd m the ,1~e c,f 3 playing for friends
ar:d t·:1mih·. ·'Pat Bcnarar was m,· firs,
:n::ior (;1tkcnc:: and still is w this day. As
:1 youn.~ in1prc~sionablc fctnale it \Vas so
im:nrtant 'o hct\'t a role mode! -.,·ith sue!:
,, ,!I, ,n? ·,, ,ice. presence. and attimde; it
L,,.i " :11'1j<;, imp;,ct on \,·bcre l am to::la\·
~l'.-- ;1 ~1ngcr, sonbn,!,·riree~. ;_\fichelle
pc:-1·, ,r:n-:- in and :,round , \ufti::. Da'.!as,
1 hu,,on .rnd ,,ill b-.: rcckin a, CLUB
l 022 ;r, i'"n S:n;d:, _\R on Sa1:~1r'.:laY
\u::..~·J~t ,~-th. 5~10,\·tin1c 11 :30P:i\L
Page 16
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Sunday Service 6PM
In conjunction with AIDS Project of the
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testing the last Sunday of each month
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an appointment. We use the Ora-sure
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"Seroing A Healthier Community"
Page 17
N: Overexposure to
Dancers can lead to vision problems.'..
(fiut tften ff.asses get more st)ftsft e-very aay!
Cm.D BIBB • l10'r BODS .. 81'Bmlo DRIIID
l
424 S. Memorial, Tulsa "' (918) 836-2480
21 ANDOVER a ONEDRINKMINIMUMD CLOSEDTUESDAYDWWW.ENDUPCLUB.COM
-: i: :'· . ,.
405-478-4009 • 6725 N. Miramar Blvd. Okla City, OK 73111
Rodney
Burgamy
www.c21goldc:astJe.oom
405.840.2106
Joe
Brennan
It's official: We're homeowners,; Well,
almost official. Our settl~fueridiite ;
and the big move is about a month
away, but everything is looking good.
It's all happened so quickly my head .is
still spinning. Our own.home ....
It's a big step - put ohe mC>te, ap.d
more same-sex couples · ·· · · ·
According to the 2000 64% of
gay couples owned houses. up
from 52% in 1990. However, compared
to the straight world, that number is si:ill
a bit low: 78% of heterosexual married
couples own homes.
"Discrimination may be one factor in
that, but vou could think of other
reasons ;hy that might occur," said
Gary J. Gates, a research associate at the
Pooulation Studies Center of the Urban
ln;titute in Washington, D.C. Gays and
lesbians tend to live in more urban areas
where housing costs are higher and rental
properties are more available.
That's not to discount discrimination.
An HRC article on homeownership
reports that many gay couples have faced
discrimination while shopping for a
home - and Federal law offors no
protection. The Fair Housing Act (fitle
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
prohibits discrimination in the sale,
rental, financing of, or other housingrelated
transactions based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, family
status, or disability, but it does not
protect against discrimination based on
sexual orientation or gender identity.
This discrimination could take several
forms. Some couples were turned down
for housing simply because they were
gay. Others have been told they cannot
put both partners' names on a
homeowner's insurance policy, which is
important to do if both partners share
ownership of the home. And still other
couples have been discriminated against
when filing a claim as some insurance
companies have attempted to refuse
claims or cancel policies on the grounds
that the owners are •~unrelated."
· · While there are no Federal·
protections, fourteen states. artd the
y.Dfatrict bf Columbia have paisel:lliws
that provide civil rights protections
including protection from discrimination
in housing for gay, lesbian, and
bisexual people. They are California,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New
. hii: . . :0, oil dtid
Wisconsin. df those, only California,
Minnesota, New Mexico and Rhode
Island include protection for transgender
. peopie. It1 a~<#;ioli, ther~ .·ru:~ .?:1P:~.~'l:han
· 240:local, ·thaep;oJi,ibtt·
of these also
der
ck-'with vour
local go . i~formation.
Even if you',refortui:~te enough to
live in one of these states or
municipalities, you'm.a'fnot be protected
from all forms of discrimination. For
example, while Maryland prohibits
discrimination in housing, gay couples
still face an unfair transfer and
recordation tax. This past legislative
session, a bill was passed that would have
eliminated what is called the "gay tax" on
homeownership by exempting ·
committed same-sex couples from .the
taxes involved in transferring the title of
a home owned bv one member of a
couple into both· members' names. The
Republican governor, Robert Ehrlich,
........... Continued next page
Page 19 HEART TO HEART
vetoed the bill, along with another that
,vould have created a statewide a registry
of life partners granting eleven rights
dealing with health care and end-of-life
arrangement~, most of ,vhich cannot be
achieved through ac!Yance direcri,-e,
power of attorney, or will.
But what if, like Jon and I, you decide
to make the leap to homeownership in
the face of discrimination. What should
you be looking for?
#1: Gay or Gay-friendly Realtor
Your first step will be to find a gay or
gay-friendly iealtor. You want someone
who will understand vour circumstances
and lifescyle. This may be easier than you
think, th;nks to the s~rvices of online ·
referral services like GayRealEstate.com
or HomeLounge.com. Our agent, while
straight, was not narrow. He treated· us
like any other young couple searching
for their first home.
#2: Your Dream House
Once you have a realtor, be sure to tell
him or her exactly what you are looking
for. Don't be afraid to be specific, but
also be realistic. If you have a list of
twenty things you're looking for in a
house, what are the chances of finding
one with all twenty? You may have to
decide what vou can and can't live
without. For' instance, Jon and I wanted
an older, two-story house with a big
backyard for entertaining, preferably in
the councrv. Unfortunatelv, there wasn't
much that ,fit that description that fell
within our price range. When we were
shown the house we ended up making an
offer on, it was perfect except for the fact
that it wasn't in the country.
We decided tl1at the gorgeous hardwood
floors outweighed the in-town setting.
#3: Location, Location, Location
Wbe1, \'OU find a house vou like, be sure
to lo<;k into the location: Will it be a safe
area for a gay couple to live in? Get a
crime report from the police department
(or online if it's available). Talk to your
potential neighbors. Educate yourself
about the area. More and more gay
couples are moving out of traditionally
gay neighborhoods. We were a little
wary of the area our house was located
in ... until we talked to the neighbors. A
fifteen minute conversation with the lady
next door really eased our minds.
#4: Protection
Once you've found the right home in the
right neighborhood, don't forget to get
the right protections. There is much
complicated, additional legal work
required to ensure the survivorship rights
of both partners in the event of breakup
or death. I know, this isn't what you
want to be thinking about in the midst
of such a joyous occasion, but you need
to plan ahead for all possibilities. In
addition to certain title provisions, other
legal documents may be needed. Be sure
to consult an agent experienced in such
areas, or find a good attorney
knowledgeable in LGBT law.
Now that all that's out of the way,
it's time to stare planning your
housewarming party. Be sure to im·ite
everyone you know. You get more
presents that way.
124:N. Boston - ·Tulsa, OK - 918.584.9494
Thu-sday Nights .., Rachael Erlkks - MGA 2004
&nc::lay Ni~ts - Catla Lee Love - MG)\ 2000
1!11trsday and Sunday - 18 to enter; 21 :to drink
. Friday andSaturday DanceParty- 21 to enter
9 p till 2 a .;, Ulu'-sdav - SUnday nights
Sunday Ni~ come
enjoy tie anlcs of Caia
Lee lave, Molcaa
Monroe, Kandy Kain,
Iman Seal ..t guests.
Thuraday Nighls Racheal
Emks 10ail'S it up for a pork
chop on Talent Search
Tharsday•s.
Cengraeulalions to T abilha Taylor -
Mss Day Oklahoma America 201Jj
Page 21
omentics Author's
Scott & Scott
Scott was scoping the boys on the dance
floor. Scott was looking for friends that
fortunately never showed up. One glance
led to another, and soon they were
shouting over the booming sounds of the
latest dance remi.""t.
"Scott''
"What? I'm Scott''
"Scott"
"What?"
"Vodka tonic."
"No! What? Me, too!"
And we found even more things in
common: Fireplaces and red wine.
Mountains and lakes and sunrises over
the ocean. A cup of coffee and
a morning full of writing.
It was a good start, and now a few
years later, we're still together. Prom our
place in Boston to California wine
country, from St. Croix to Bourbon
Sttcet to Key West.
We've been all over, weathered a
.few storms, and come away convinced
othet gay men share our love for
romance. And we want to share .it with
you.
A common name. A common dttam.
A common love. That's what Romentics
is all about. .. .......... continued pagt.•29
Page 22
ast Out
by
Liz Highleyman
AUGUST 2005
Summary : Past Out is a retrospective
of key moments, personalities, and
subjects in LGBT history. Each
installment brings the past to life by
exploring the diversity of the gay past
and its impact on the queer present.
July 1865 (140 years ago
this month): Military
surgeon Dr. James
"Miranda" Barry dies in
London, England.
Who was Dr. James "Miranda'' Barry?
Dr. James Barry was a celebrated
military surgeon and medical reformer
whose sex and gender identity ,vere the
subject of much specuiarion both during
his life and after his death. To this day.
it is not known whether Barry was a
cransgender man, a person with an
intersex condition, or a woman who
cross-dressed in order to follow her
dreams.
Barry is thought co have been born
around 1795, but little is known about
the exact circumstances of his birth and
early life. Even his original name is
uncertain; some researchers believe it
was Miranda Stuart or Margaret
Bulkley. Barry is said to have been
raised by a single mother and supported
by a circle of bohemians and radicals
who were friends of his uncle, the Irisn
painter James Barry. Among chem were
the Earl of Buchan (David Erskine), an
early proponent of women's rights, and
the Venezuelan revolutionary General
Francisco de Miranda, who encouraged
Barry to dress as a boy and enro;I at ~he
University of Edinburgh IVfcdical Schooi
as a young teenager.
Barry graduated in l 812; today, he is
regarded by many as che first woman
e,·er to h"\-c rccei\·ed a unin:rsity medical
degree. He then did an apprenticeship in
London with renowned phvsician Sir
Astley Cooper. Despite having a delicate
phvsiguc and being barely five feet mil,
Barry joined the British Army around
1813 as a hospital assistant. He served in
several oyerseas posts, arriving in Cape
Tuwn, Sonth Africa (then a British
coiony), around 1816. Though he often
bucked his superiors as he sought to
improve local health conditions, he
quickly rose through the ranks and was
named medical inspector. He became
known for his talent as a surgeon, and is
credited with performing the first
successful Cesarean section using modern
Western techniques.
With his delicate features, red-dyed
hair, flamboyant outfits, and high-heeled
shoes, Barry developed a reputation as a
dandy. Writer Charles Dickens once
described him as "uniciue in appearance
and eccentric in manner," while another
contemporary said he was "completely
devoid of all the outward signs of manly
Yiriiity." Among his peculiar habirs, it
was noted that Barry would only undress
in complete privacy. He also became
known for his short temper and lack of
diplomacy. While his quarrelsome manner
frequently got him into trouble, Barry
usually escaped serious consequences due
to his medicai skills and his friendships
with higher-ups.
Although flirtatious with the ladies,
Barry was rumored co be homosexual,
and he fought at least one duel to defend
his honor. Around 1820, Barry entered
into a close relationship - and quite likely
a love affair - with Cape Town Governor
Lord Charles Somerset. The two were
accused of llOdomy, after which the
governor was recalled to London and the
young doctor temporarily left the cape for
parts unknown - some say to conceal a
pregnancy, although another theory holds
that Barry lived briefly as a woman with
Somerset in Britain. ·
Barry resurfaced in South Africa,
where he remained until 1828. He then
went on co serve in several island posts,
including Mauritius, Jamaica, St. Helena,
ti1e West Indies, Malta, a:1d Corfu. It i~
rumored that once, while Barry was
suffering from yellow fever, a doctor
discovered his birth sex, b~c Barry swore
him to secrecy.
In 1857, Barry - by now promoted to
continued next page:
Page 23
Inspector General of Army Hospitais
was posted to Canada, a move he disliked
due to the cold climate. Two years 'later,
after a bout of influenza, he was
pressured into retirement and returned to
London, accompanied as usual by his
Jamaican manservant and a poodle
named Psyche.
Barry died in London during a
dysentery epidemic in July 1865.
Although he had asked to be "buried in
his bed sheets without further
inspection," a nurse or maid preparing
the body dairned Bariy was a .woman
and had stretch• marks indicating a past
pregnancy. 14:is. ,8octor, however; said he
thought Barry might be "an imperfectly
developed man,"
.Aftet his death, Barry's sex continued
to provoke controversy. An article in the
A .... · :!Z~· . ,2lJ.d:. .
it had bvious
all along that Barry was a woman: "the
physique, absence of hair, the voice, all
pointed in one way, and the petulance of
temper, the unreasoning impulsiveness,
the fondness for pets were in the same
dii:
";And
81 in
'.baiJ.cet~
an bla. .. • . . encl/ of ·Bliri:y's said he >
nev~'-~'c:if"tlie5is}ight~st suspicion of h~r
sex."·. :, . .. ·
. 1'{qtc •t han(ir c,eo:tizj, later,; :Baa:j's •..
"reil'.' sex: remains a .tiiystcfy'. Bu,t, asks
Harvard literature professor Marjorie
Garber, "If a person lives hi.a or her life.
consistently undet a gc:ncle,r'ili~ntiiy' .•
different froth. tjut rey:i;al,.~d 1# ·.· •. . ... .
anatomicaFfu:spectioti after·death; what is
the force of that 'reality'?"
For farther reading: .
Holmes, Rachel. 2003. _Scanty
Particulars:. The Scandalous Life and
Astonishing Secret of Queen Victoria's
Most Eminent Military Doctor_
(Random House).
Rose, ]:one. -1977. _The .Perfect
Gentleman: The Remarkable Llfe of Dr.
James Miranda Barry_ (Hutchinson).
· Spain's first gay
ma. e.
Two Spanish men have become the
first gay couple to be married since a
new law allowing same-sex marriages.
July 11, 2005 MADRID_ Emilio
Menendez, a Spaniard, and Carlos
Baturin German, from the US, tied the
knot at a ceremony ju~t outsfde Madrid
. ':r'he-co1.1f?le,have bs~ . . er fqr.30
years • . •. .. • . O .. • C • • • • 'saicl:
"Today :we 'are even niore a family."
Spain)s yt~_:third E}lfbJ>e~ m.tion,
after the Netherlands. a0<f,Belgium, to
legalise samc:~:sc:x marriages.' ':fhe law
allo~s ~y couples to adopt children.
The wedding ceremony in the town
o; Tre_s .C::~ti)s ~~· 11. fa'911y
friends and 'journalists . 11 as Pedro
Zerolo, the governing Socialist Party's
top official for social issues.
State television showed footage of the
couple smiling and displaying their
wedding ·
Spain's lower house of plirliafuf'.nt
yoted)n favour of the bill 60 30}llile,
•• ~.ove~g its rejectjon by.the.upper ::?~~i;sE::~. •,° J:Vd"a"k the
· ¥adrid:raD:y:;~s~ the l>ilPl5~~a.it was
um on
!luJ!iiul to. th~ ~Ji. Jiliego. ~ m2gazine
Btiiz, May 13. ·
Page 24
_Libby Post is the founding chair of
the Empire State Pride Agenda and a
political commentator on public radio,
on the Web, and in print media.
OK, I admit it.
Lesbian Notions
by Libby Post
AUGUST 2005
Bye, Bye
B.I ?•
When I saw the "Gay, Straight or Lying?
Bisexuality Revisited" headline in _The New
York Times_, my die-hard "how-could-awoman-
who-has-experienced-the-wonder-ofmaking-
love-with-another-woman-ever-goback-
to-men" dyke heart skipped a beat.
But then, seconds later, liberal guilt set in
and I read the article.
The reporter, Benedict Carey, writes about
a new joint study from Northwestern
University and Toronto's Center for Addiction
and Mental Health that "casts doubt on
whether true bisexuality exists, at least in men."
Described as "the largest of several small
reports" (are the researchers having a "size" problem here?), the study used a tiny test
group of 101 young adult men whose sexual identity roughly broke down in thirds
33 said they were bi, 30 said they were straight, and 38 said they were gay.
A penile plethysmograph, also known as a PPG in the sex research world, was
used to measure "genital arousal patterns in response to sexual images of men and
women.". The article didn't detail how the PPG was attached - I'll leave that to your
active imaginations. Wl:iat thej found, however, was that, as expected, the straight
guys got it up for the images of women, and the gay guys did the same for men. The
unexpected finding was that three-quarters of the self-identified bi guys responded
only to the images of men. And from these results the conclusion was made that
bisexuality, at least ·in men, does not really exist.
Now, the response to. the article, the headline in particular, has been vociferous.
Tue _Times_ has. been flooded with. letters to the editor tanging from: scientific to
sarcastic. . . . . . . . . ·.
Stanford biology professor Dr. Joan Roughgarden:wrote, "In the 300 or more
known vertebrate sp'c::cies with natural homosexuality, all combine heterosexual with
homosexual relations. Humans are. not likely to differ in this. regard ... 11he data in the
article show that 20 percent of the pool having ·s.lUDl!-'SCX relatiqns do identify as
bisexual. These people surely aren't all lying. Instead, ·psychologists should add a
fourth possibility to their list: namely, that they are wrong.''
Catherine Gaffney from that city of brotherly love,· Philadelphia, wrote, "If our
sexual preference were best detected by who [sic] we look at in pornography,
wouldn't pretty much everyone be attracted to mildly unattractive peopie who live
on the West Coast, and lack acting talent?" (I wonder if there will be an organized
response from adult film makers to this one.)
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) have both galvanized their forces. GLAAD
found the headline to be sensationalistic and derogatory. They even asked the
_Times_ to change the header on their online edition. The answer was no. GLAAD
wants folks to write more letters fo the editor.
NGLTF's Matt Foreman was "stunned that _The New York Times_ Science
section would carry such a .shoddy, sensationalistic and downright insulting story"
that equates sexual orientation with sexual arousal. The article "defames the truth in
the lives and loves of millions of bisexual men. The Times should be ashamed." A
.................. continued next page - -
Page 25
plethora of information regarding
bisexuality, the study's inaccuracies, and
suggested action can be found at
www.ngltf.org.
While the die-hard dyke heart says
one thing, the rational thought process
that inhibits my brain suggests that,
absent all the sex-role stereotyping that
permeates our society, we'd probably
break down on the following scale - 10
percent of us would be either exclusively
hetero or homo (that includes us
lesbians), and the rest of us would revel
in sexual fluidity.
Clearly, our culture is anything but
devoid of sex-role stereotypes and the
presumption of heterosexism, so this
isn't likely to happen. But the question
that really concerns me is not whether
bisexuality exists but why there isn't a
stronger, independent bisexual
movement with political clout of its
own. The messages of bisexuals and
transfolks can get lost and overlooked
when we're all included under the
ubiquitous LGBT political umbrella.
I understand that while some of the
issues that bisexuals face are the same for
lesbians and gays, some are different. I
understand that the transgender
community must grapple with both
sexual and gender orientation. But I also
understand political reality and how too
many messages crowd each other out.
Just look at John Kerry's failed bid
for president. With a smorsgasbord of
"messages," his campaign never had a
dear and coherent one. What happened?
He lost.
While each of our singular
communities has its own organizations,
perhaps those of us with greater
resources can help those who don't. It is
vital to work in coalition when the issue
calls for it and to maintain our singular
identities. Wouldn't it be more effective
if each of us - the lesbian and gay
community, the bisexual community,
and the transgendcr community - had
our own strong political identity, so that
when we do work together we truly are
greater than the sum of our parts?
If this were the case, -_The New
Yark Times_ might never have equated
bisexuality with lying .
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Page26
Dear uncle:
Ask Uncle Mikey
Advice Column!
AUGUST 2005
Well Kittens, Welcome back to Uncles comer
in Queerdom. Uncle exhaustively rejoins you
from the thirtv twioks of pride. Another season
of bringing lo,;e to the masses.
Uncle is proud to say not only did he manage
better than some twinks I could mention
However, went on to give the big bang of the
season on the fourth. While eyes were glued to
. the skv this Fourth of July, let:i™s just say that
uncle ~as enjoying another big bang, and what a
bang it was. I think I will give that boy five stars
kittens.
I am so over sex. I have been dating several men for a few months. Not one of
them is a good lay, and I am beginning to think sex is just hype. I mean is there no
one out there that can keep up with me? ·
Looking for more
Dearest Looking: . .
Well, well, well, look at you Kitten. Fully loaded with ~11 the a_ccessories lt seems.
You know, maybe you are right. My advice darling; move mto a single flat,_ and h~ve
at it. Since yo.; obviously have way too much skill for Queerdom, do the right thmgGo
do yourself.
Smooches uncle Mikey
Hey Mike: . .
How do you know if someone is truly in love when love JS nothing more th:t11 _an
agreement? I mean it is not an actual condition. People fool themselves mto believmg
they love someone until it goes bad, than it gets ugly. 'Why bother.
True to one
Dear True: .
Utilizing my years of experience, I detect that you are a betrayed lesbian finding hers~f
bitter. Uncle has been around the block sister; now close the mouth, as you know I am right.
Love is a beautiful thing in which the lucky inhibitor of loves embrace finds joys untold. True
love can conquer all, as long as you have the right equipment. Uncle s~~sts that you _forget
about tl:ie wicker furniture she stole and move on with it already. Chalk 1t up to experience
and open your heart, before you find yourself sitting at a table for one, in the romance
department.
Smooches-uncle Mikey . .
Well, what in Chers name is going on out there? I think the heat J~ gettmg t? the
inhibitors of Queerdom. Come on Kittens, put on a happy face. and !f you can t, well
drink until you can. You are ruining a perfectly good b~zz, I have g?mg on over
here. Suck it up already. No~ you delicious, I was speaking to my ,K1~tens. ?ue:tuncle
should not use the v01ce type anymore, as the boy could ha.re nurt hims ..... t
lunging for it as he did.
Dear Uncle: . .
I am having issues with my panner of twenty years. He is acting as if life Is over.
He never wants to see our friends, go out and in honesty, have sex anymore. He puts
around the house, aod garden, acting as if life does not ~:rists an~more. I a~ not ready
to quit. I want to travel, and spend our retired years haVJng fun. He acts as 1f we are
already in the ground. What do I do?
Concerned partner
Dearest CP: ............ continued next page
Page27
Kitten, you know the obvious here, as
checking for depression, seeking outside
help to ensure the health of your
partner's mental health. However, I
suspect that this is not what you seek
from uncle. Therefore, here is uncles
advice. Hire a Greek God! Find yourself
the most delectable houseboy you can
find, insisting that he wear only a Gstriog
to work. Go on living and if he
chooses to be a sour puss than let him to
it. However, I am sure once he sees that
you do not care to join him in his ways,
he will rethink this and find himself out
of the gray mist, which he has landed. Be
strong, and makes sure that the houseboy
wears a generous coating of oil. What? I
was speaking of Skin protection Kitten.
Smooches-Uncle Mikey
Kittens as partners, the worst thing we can
do is join our loved one in their pity of
despair. As harsh as it may sound, sometimes
they need to be reminded that life will move
forward. If they choose not to join in, they
may lose out. Tough love kitten. It is the best
gift you can give someone suffering from the
pity party syndrome. Allow them to realize
their folly and than welcome, them back into
the game of life.
However, if they suffer from serious
depression or some other mental health issue.
Seek: professional intervention, and offer
them support. Love is a two way street, and
you should support them through the good
and the bad. Besides, you can always go out
after visiting hours Kittens snicker, snicker I
am a bad boy, somebody should spank me.
Well Kittens, that about wraps up this edition
of the queer life with your humble guide. I
must take my leave once more and make
ready for this evenings a.ffa.k As Uncle sees
the end of pride tricks, he is reminded all
good things must end. Remember this as you
make your way out there in Queerdom. The
right lube can make the difference between
Twiok-a-licious, and Twink:-a-sore-ass
Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles
too!
Unck M,leey is 11. chitr11.cter from FrttLsn« writer
Mich.ul Hinzm,m. Michael h,u Mn 'Writingfor ten
ye,frs. Utilizing bis muiies, 11.nd lift experience to bdp
others in bis community, through humor 11.nd so#nd
itdwce. Mic1Md. 4J!Plied bis stlldy of prycbology 11nd
cmitfoe UTriting, itS t«JJ bis c:tmsifJt! b,,degro"nd in
mental be,f/ti, Dim:t ure to bring 11. neu, styk 11.nd
llf!PTO,u;h to helping others. Michael's other worlts un
be 1Jie-wed at fl1fl1'Cll.g,rylinkcontent.com.
The Tulsa GLBT
Community Center
"A VISIBLE PRESENCE"
The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi &
Traosgender (GLBT) Community
Center is a home for our community.
It's very presence is a visible reminder
to Tulsans of the important role GLBT
individuals, families and friends play in
our community.
Inside the center the wildly popular
David Bohnett CyberCenter with 10
flat-panel workstations outfitted with
the latest technology allows you to surf
the web, finish that school paper or
chat with friends across the nation. The
Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has
over 3,000 titles for you to check-out
and over 300 FREE movies. The
"Family" Room has PlayStation 2 and
board games or sit back, relax and
watch 1V on a large screen TV
complete with Showtime, HBO and
more. The Tulsa GLBT Community
Center is the place to meet friends,
make new friends and get involved with
your community.
The Tulsa GI.BT Community
Center is located in mid-town at 5545 E
41 st Street in Highland Plaza. Regular
hours are:
Tuesday - Thursday: 6:00 · PM
Friday & Saturday: 3:00 PM
Sundays: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
9:00 PM
9:00 PM
Quotable Quotes
"Bush hates press conferences because he
can't speak extemporaneously and can't
form a complete sentence without
mashing up the language like a 5-ycar-old
on Ritalin and can't express a nuaoced
multifaceted idea to save his life aod
somewhere deep down in his bowels, he
knows it, and he knows we know it, aod
it makes him mumble and stutter and
secretly pray every moment to his angry
righteous God he could be somewhere
else, anywhere else, like sittin' on the
back porch in Te:xas eatin' ribs and
dreamin' 'bout baseball." -
SFGate.com columnist
Mark Morford, June 3.
Page 28
The Little Black Book
El Portal (95 Portal La., Sedona, AZ,
928-203-9405 or 800-313-0017,
www .innsedona.com).
Lodge at Creekside (310 Mill Race Ln.,
Wimberley, TX, 512-847-8922 or 800-
267-3925, www.acountryinn.com).
Mayor's House B&B (505 Rosetree La.,
Moitb, 435-259-6015 or 888-791-2345,
www.mayorshouse.com).
Rancho de San Juan (U.S. 285, 10 miles
north of Espanola, 505-753-6818,
www.ranchodesanjuan.com).
Fort Smi_th's Oldest
Gay Bar Has New
Owner.
Press Release
July 5, 2005
FORT SMITH, AR_ Western Arkansas
oldest gay club, Kinkeads Fort Smith has
changed ownership and plans many new,
exciting feature's in the months ahead.
"Kinkeads served it's first drink 11 years
ago and has slowly transformed into the
show and dance bar it is today", said new
owner Andy Osburn.
Currently some of the regular events
include wet boxer short contests, Show
Cast Troupe entertainment from professionals,
Miss Up & Coming a monthly
talent search for drag want-a-be's, Kickin
Karaoke a weekly entertaining event.
Osburn, a native eastern Oklahoman
began as a dancer in Tulsa's Club Top's.
He later worked with a dance group
"Male Order Revue" and clubs throughout
Oklahoma and the U.S. Andy is a
graduate of the University of Oklahoma
and maintains his other career working
with his family in real estate deveiopment.
Kinkeads, located downtown Fort
Smith, 1004 1/2 Garrison and is open
Tues-Fri 6pm to 1am, Sat 6pm to 12rnidnight.
For more information vi5it the
website: v.rww.kirbykinkeads.com
Ten signs you are
dating a Drama
Queen1111 ■
By Michael Hinzman
10) When you go out, he insists that you
drop him in front of the destination, so
that he may make his grand entrance ...
9) He refers to you as his stalker.
8) His prep work for an outing could
give "Tammy-Faye" a run for her
money.
7) You leave the man for seconds only
,;hen upon your return; you find him
sobbing to the cute bartender; how he
was abandoned by love.
6) He has two yippee dogs named Muffy
and Princess.
5) He insists on referring to your
member to his friends as -Thor. .. God of
Love.
4) He insists "Queer eye" was his idea.
3) When an ex-lover savs hello at the
club, he calls you a slut while speed
dialing his pack of queens.(fhat are
standing not ten feet away)
2) He refers to his dinner parties as a
production. (Directors chair included on
set)
Au'd the number one way you can tell
you are dating a drama queen;
After sex, he insists you complete a scorecard,
complete with a grading curve ...
Quotable Quotes
"Texam ha·:e made a decision about
marriage, and if there is some other state that
h;.s a more lenient -.;iew than Texas then
maybe that's a better place for them [gays] to
live."
Texas Gov. Rick Perry as he signed a
resolution to amend the Texas Constitution
to ban same-sex marriages, at Calvary
Christan Academy in Fort Wo.rch, June 5.
Voters are expected to approve the
amendment in November.
Page 29 Scott & Scott Continued
TIS
GAYROMANCE
LINE
Press Release:
Boston-based Romentics announced
the June 15 publication of "Hot Sauce"
by Warner Books. "Hot Sauce" is the
latest in the Romentics series of
Harlequin-style romance novels for gay
men-and the first gay romance
published by a major publisher. On June
12, 2005, the NY Times Magazine featured
Romentics in a multi-page article that
hailed Romentics in these terms:
This Oz is a brave new world of the
gay male romance novel, a world where
there are never cowards, only condoms;
each of the heroes · · · · · ·
has a brain, even if
it takes until the
end of the story fur
one of them to use ·
it; and the abs, if
not tin, most likely
resemble iron. .
"Romehtics is•
the first line o(gay
romance novels:
and 'Hot Sauce;· is
the first-ever samesex
marriage
novel-that's one
big happily ever
after," said
Romentics author
Scott Whittier.
'We're proud to join forces with Warner
Books to give gay men worldwide the
chance to read, and dream, about true
love."
"Gay marriage here in Massachusetts
is a major victory," added co-author
Scott Pomfret, "but writing about it in
another great American institution-the
romance novel-is a cultural victory that
crosses stllte borders."
"Entertaining, effervescent ... [Hot Sauce]
is fan, fast-moving, fairy tale stombuilt
for the softhearted gay bea
Publishers Weekly
"Romentics are nor your mother's
romance novels," continued Pomfret. "
'Hot Sauce' is a romance with
testosterone-more action, fights, sex
scenes, hunky heroes and gay drama.
Romentics are for today's contemporary
gay man."
Set in Boston, "Hot Sauce" is a
romantic romp between celebrity chef
Brad Drake and the impossibly
handsome fashion designer and club
impresario Troy Boston. Even as Brad
and Troy consider tying the knot, their
romance threatens to come unraveled at
the hands of Troy's old flame, bleachblond
pretty boy Aria Shakespeare.
When the action turns red-hot and
tempers flare, it takes a wild ride from
Boston's high society to the Bermuda
triangle and back to keep the passions
burning. Is it a recipe for romance or a
recipe for disaster?
Scott&Scott wrote the book on gay
romanceliterally.
Founded
in Boston in
· 2003 at the height
of the debate
over same-sex
marriage in
Massachusetts
and dubbed "the
new romantics"
by the Boston
· Globe, Romentics
'.has brought
together for the
:first time the
:number-one
,market for
paperback fiction
(romance) and
the buying power of the lucrative gay
market. Indeed, Romentics authors
Pomfret and Whittier are real-life lovers,
whose own tale could fill the pages of a
romance novel. From out of the closet to
all the unique elements of gay cuiture,
Romencics follows a not-so-straight path
to happily ever after.
For info on all the Romentics novels,
contact Scott&Scott
(http:/ /www.romentics.com)
Page32
American and
Whispered Gay
Resolve in Iraq
Political Commentary
By: Matthew V eritas Tsien
It can probably be assumed that most
gay people are opposed the War on
Terror because most gays are Democrats;
although one out of four gay voters are
consistently Republican and election
analysis of national campaigns in the past
25 years show that a gay crossover vote
will once or twice a decade result in the
GOP getting solidly over 40 percent of
the aggregate gay vote, thus splitting our
community's vote (Whenever the GOP
gets over 40 percent of the gay vote, gay
editors and activists never want to admit
it, but I digress). "
Over the past several months many
gay readers of my column have written
to me from across the country saying we
shouldn't be concerned about democracy
and freedom in the Middle East because
all of these Arab states are homophobic.
But to some gays that may be one of the
very reasons why we would be willing to
fight for democracy and pluralism in the
Middle East. Do we not .care about
persecuted Ar;ib and I;lainic gays as we
promulgate the faulty Vietnam analogy?
Here in South Florida the gay
electorate is overwhelmingly anti-war
and often seer:ri's to be hoping for the
worst even at the expense of the young
American soldiers who defend our
freedom: to .be expressive about our
gayness and pursue domestic goals that
would expand our rights to be included
in the mainstream of' American society.
Such anti-war gays are foolish and
ungrateful .to o.ur y.oung soidiers. Many
oppose the War on Tertor because :Mr.
Bush concludes that state legislatures
rather than the courts should determine
the legality of gay marriage. Yet such an
anti-war stance is not likely to expand
our universe of supporters for gay
marriage if we are seen as a community
that wants to undermine the war effort.
While gays seem to oppose Mr. Bush
on the war by a 3-1 margin, I found in
my conversations prior to the 2004
election day that with enough disarming
coaxing you can get gays to admit in
whispered tones that they supported Mr.
Bush primarily because of his actions in
guiding the war and his response to 9-11.
As I used to say to people, "Bush is going
to get the "whisper vote in the gay
community"; and sure enough Mr. Bush
did get over one million gay people to
vote for him in 2004 just as he did in
2000 according to exit polls done by the
New York Times.
And there is no guarantee that all gay
voters will be attracted to a Democratic
Party whose lawyers and activists seem
more concerned about the rights of
prisoner of war terrorists and Saddam
Hussein, not to mention illegal
immigrants and career criminals, as
· opposed to the rights of ordinary
citizens. Since the gay community is not
universally tied to one party the
following piece of news will likely appeal
to pro-war gays who support Mr. Bush
and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Bad news hit Abu Musab al Zarqawi
on June 28. Most Americans, it -seems,
want to keep U.S. forces in Iraq until
civil order is. restored, whico 62 percent
believe won't happen for several years. A
significailt. majority. even want to increase
the size of the U.S. presence or keep it
about the same. With the Iraq war in its
third year ...:_ and with America having
been in a state of war since October 2001
- this new Washington Post-ABC poll is
an encouraging indication about the
patience and resolve of the American
people.
The past few weeks have seen
politicians and pundits cherry picking
whichever bad poll seems to serve their
political ends. And they can easily do it
again with this one. For example, the
poll found that most Americans do not
believe the Bush administration's claims
that the insurgency is losing. In fact,
what a majority of Americans (53
......... continued next page
Page 33
percent) do believe, according to the poll,
is that the power of rhe insurgency is
staying about the same (and 22 percent
say it's weaker). Critics may also point to
the finding that a bare majority of
Americans (51 percent) consider the Iraq
war to be a mistake, even though the
very same poll found that 52 percent
believe it has contributed to the longterm
safety of the United States (a 5-
point increase since early June). Every
single one of these findings can top the
headline of a newspaper, only to lea,e
readers \Vith a distorted view of what's
really going on. (Gay publishers of
weeklies promote the same distortion in
their community).
Pollster Gerry Daly, who runs the
Web site dalythoughts.com, makes an
important observation regarding how
phrasing a question can yield different
results. He compares a recent Gallup
poll, which found that a majority of
Americans (51 percent) believe the
United States should set a timerable for
removing troops from Iraq, to the PostABC
poll, which found that 58 percent
of Americans believe we should keep our
forces there until civil order is restored.
Either can be used to support a
particular side of the debate, but what do
they actually say about the American
people? Mr. Daly thinks the public has
yet to form a coherent opinion of the
question of troop pullout and that the
"political battle is· still winnable for
either side." That sounds about right. It's
important to note, however, that the
Post-ABC poll included the phrase "even
if [keeping U.S. Forces in Iraq] means
continued U.S. military casualties."
That's essentially the heart of the matter,
and 60 percent of Americans are still
committed to victorv.
Progress in Iraq ~ continue to wax
and wane, as we rightly mourn each new
casualty. But, underneath it all,
Americans seem prepared to see the war
to a successful conclusion and among
those Americans are more gay people
than the Gay Left would want to admit.
Gay editors, publishers and activists do a
disservice to our young soldiers and gay
patriotic citizens when they suppress or
ridicule knowledge or ___ expression of
support of the war by gay people and try
to portray the gay community as
monolithically opposed to Mr. B:ish and
the War on Terror, and even portray
George W. Bush as an international
terrorist.
Matthew Veritas Tsien
Florida Gold Coast Log Cabin
Republicans
'0e writer is a former Air Force Captain at
Tm~er AFB, Oklahoma and Director of
Presuient Ronald Reagan's lobbying
organization in Washington, D. C. He also
taught political science at Tulsa junior
College and served on the Tulsa County
Human Rights Commission during 1986-
87.
The Pink Triangle
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
homosexualiry, by including kissing,
embracing, and gay fantasies as well as
sexual acrs. Convicted offenders- an
estimated 25,000 from 1937 to 1939, were
sent to prison 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.
Seo es
by Jack Fertig
AUGUST 2005
''Play doctor, Pisces!"
Mercury retrograding past the Sun in
Leo is so Norma Desmond: arrogant
miscommunications, plans gone awry,
and that great line, ''We didn't need
words. We had faces!" Neptune opposes
them, feedin:g confusion. Jupiter and
Venus offer some harmony, but in
weaker aspects. You may charm your
way out of trouble, with some effort.
Don't schedule anything too tightly, and
be ready to forgive screw-ups you may
need such mercy yourselfl
ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Right now
you can't win at anything, but don't let
that stop you from playing for funsies.
Well, you could be lucky in love,
especially at a gym or a spa, if you can,
manage to be humble and self-critical.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Domestic
squabbles feed worries about. your
reputation and opportunities for
advancement. One has nothing to do
with the other, unless you make it a selffulfilling
prophecy. Artsy-crafts~
activities help you keep perspective.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Stay home
and have fun with family or close friends.
Going out and expressing your opinions
will just get you into trouble. If_ you
really need adventure, get a forctgn or
surrealist film, perhaps one by Cocteau
or Jodorowsky.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Erotic
adventures beckon, but will lead to
trouble. Keeping bu,y around your
home and .in the community will offer
better opportunities for fun and provide
helpful perspectives on crirrent money
troubles.
LEO OuJ.y 2~ - August ~: Be modest
and sclf.,.ef&cing. Well, do your best.
Expect.rude sw:priscs from your p:umer.
Your big mouth. could orily make 1t
worse. If you need to get something off
your chest. write it as poetry and share it
with a friend.
VIRGO (August 23 September 22):
Your dreams should be especially
interesting now and may even offer
lucrative inspirations. Minor illnesses
could be warnings of far worse ahead -
unless you nip them in the bud.
Nothing's too small to merit looking
into!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Doing good is its own reward, but
charity performed now will earn all
kinds of extra points. If that's why
you're doing it, your motivation will be
called into question, so be sure to do
something that your heart is really into.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21):
Involve colleagues in efforts to
reorganize at work. This may seem to
create problems, but actually will
uncover already existing problems. Your
boss may need some extra convincing, so
have your evidence ready!
SAGITIARIUS (November 22 -
December 20): Apologies and selfcorrection
will actually help you shine at
work. Despite a bit of confusion in the
short run, the humility and honesty of
the process will earn you great respect.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January
19): Watch out for power struggles at
work. Your natural · flair for analyzing
such games will help you unravel nasty
little schemes and appear heroic in your
solutions. Erotic temptations carry
hidden costs. Don't let your libido hijack
your brain!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18):
One would expect arguments to diminish
sexual passions, but nowadays your love
of debate could land you in thrilling
situations! Yield points in intellectual
combat, and you could win on the field
of love.
PISCES (February 19 - Mardi 19): Pay
close attention to your health. Moderate
exercise - review and revise your
routines! - and spas are helpful.
Meditation is especially good for you
now. If you don't need a doctor, play
doctor!
Jack Fertig has b«n working as a
professional 11Strologer since 1977 and is a
fo1mding member of the Assocwtion for
Astrological Networking.
You can find copies of the
STA.Rat these 4 stat.es
business & organtzations.
ARKANSAS KANSAS
Arkansas, Eureka Springs
Diversity Pride Events - - www.diversitypride.com
MCC Living Spring - - - -870-253-9337
Arkansas, Fayetteville (479)
Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - 479-571-130
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kinkeads- 10041/2 Garrison Ave- - 479-783-9988
Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845
Arkansas, Hot Springs (501)
Our House Lounge 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street - -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org
Discovery- -1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900
The Factory -412 Louisiana St.- -501-372-3070
Kansas, Pittsburg {620)
River of Life Church 1709 N Walnut -MAM
PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938
Kansas, Wichita (316)
Club Glacier 2828 E. 31st South 316-612-9331
J's Lounge - - 513 E. Central - - - 316-262-1363
Our Fantuy- - - 3201 S. Hillside- -316-682-5494
The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825
Shatai 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028
Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324
South 40 - - - 3201 S. Hillside -316-682-5494
Trends Bar - -1507 S. Pawnee- 316-262-4530
That G.ly Group, W.S.U. - -- 316-978-7010
Missouri, Ava
Catus Canyon Campground- - - - 417-683-9199
Missouri, Joplin (417)
Ree's- - - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - - 417-627-9035
MCC Spirit of Chrisr-2902 E 20th, - -Sun-6pm
M111ouri, Kansas City (816)
Buddies - - - - - 3715 Main St - - 816-561-2600
Club N-V - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC
DB Warehouse- -- 1915 Maio 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- - 8!6- 931-1430
Missouri, Lampe
KOKOMO Campground--- - - 417-779-5084
MISSOURI DKLAHDMA
M111ouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700
GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978
Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225
Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572
Priscilla's - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444
Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - - - - 417-831-9001
Ronisuz Place- --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036
Rumors --1109 E. Commercial- - - 417-873-2225
Oklahoma, McAlester
McPride- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405)
Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- -- - - - -405-601-7200
Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy - 405-947-2351
Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th Ex:p'-"1'· - 405-525-0730
Gushers Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730
HollywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351
Habana Ion - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - - 405-528-2221
Hi-Lo Club - - 1221 NW SOth- - -405-843-1722
Jungle Red, - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733
Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - 405-942-2199
Piece To Remembcr-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223
Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorial - - - - - -405-755-8600
Red Rocle. North-2240 NW39th St- - --405-525-5165
Sii:ters- - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -405-521-9533
The Rockies- - -3201 N. May Ave - - - - 405-947-9361
Topanga Grill & Bu- 3535 NW 39th-- 405-947-2351
Oklahoma, Tulia (918)
Bamboo Lounge- 7204 E. Pine - - -- - : 918-836-8700
Club Maverick:- - 822 S. Sheridan - - -918-835-3301
Dreamland Blu -- 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051
FJite Boobtore -814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503
End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- - -918-836-2480
Flamingos Club- - -7915 E. 21st St - - -918-622-6339
GLBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. -4-lst- - - - 918-743-4297
The Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st- - - - - - 918-270-2428
Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - - 918-584-9494
Renegades- - - 1649 S. Main- - - - - - - 918-585-3405
Priscilla's - - - - - 7925 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscilla', - - - - 5634 W. Slcelly - - - - -918-446-6336
Priscilla's - - - -11344 E. 11th - - - - - - -918-438-4224
Priscilla's - - - 2333 E. 71st - - - a -- - -918-499-1661
Tulsa CARES- -3507 E. Admiral Pl- - 918-834-4194
Tulsa Eagle- - - - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 918-592-1188
TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - 918-660-0856
Undcrguy.com - - -15 B. Brady - - - - - 918-829-0824
Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - 918-592-0767
Yellow-Brick-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304
Outlets wishing to distrlbute FREE copies of the STAR,
contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
J
I
1 'I
Page 37
NEW cART □□ N "Bitter Girl"
blttergir10
Page 39
'124 N. Boston- - Tulsa OK·~· 918 . .58;i;g494. · .. , .. •·.···· ,. ' ... . -.! . . . . ·.···.•;·.
T:owts.oay Night$ - Rachael Erikks MGP{z0()4
:·swndc1yNights CatiaLee Love MGA2Q06
"Ttll:frsday .and Suriday - 18-ta enter; 2 Ltci Mrink
· · · · · d Satutday Dance ;Party ..:. 21, to .enter
' 9:tltill 2 a .. ·fh4r$dav: ~ Sunday nights ....
.Suiid,ay: Nights come ..
ergaf ie antics of Catia
b~laye;Mokaa
K.. a ·n·'·d y··· ·Ka·i n,
lifian;~Sitbl.and guests.
Thu~d~y·Nights Racheal
Emks tiatf{itup for a pork
chop. orrTalent Search
Thursdaf s;
Congratulations to T abilha Taylor. -
Miss Oay Oklahoma America ·2005
PAGE 40
CABARET SHOW
Shanel and Friends
Saturday Aupt 2ott'
Show Time Midnight
THE STAR
EVENTS
DAWGDA.YSOF
RH>
saturday August 20th
9:00 AM.CLUB 1022
All Bl(es Welcome
AUGUST 200S
ICHEUE MAYRlll>
Direct from Austin(
Saturday August 2'11'
Show Time 11 :30 PM
www.micheliemayfietd.com
w.~u DO/H~ IT Alt FOR YOU AT~,,,. ton,
1022 Dodson AWN.Mt C: L ... El Open Friday a Saturday
fort Smith, AR 72901 - ----- 9 PM until 5 AM
(◄79) 782-1845 'II C. ~ ~ www.club1022.com
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, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 08
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
August 01, 2005
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
C.D. Ward
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Michael Dee
Douglas Glenn
Libby Post
Paula Martinac
Andrew Collins
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
PDF
Online text
Language
A language of the resource
English
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)
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
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, July 1, 2004; Volume 2, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/217
The Star Magazine, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222
acceptance
advertisement
Advice
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girl
Cartoon
equality
fire
gay bar
gay bar fire
Hollywood Hotel
home owning
Lesbian Notions
marriage equality
National news
Q Scopes
Quotable Quotes
Scott & Scott
Spain-Gay marriage
Star Scene
The Pink Triangle
Uncle Mikey
vacation
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1453e09b8524b3f446859b0b3d845442.jpg
65c3b7764a6caca1809f866458f3a56a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b913661c9cd978fc896085ea9e4c8edc.pdf
1dfb0d2e13624011bbb7682629a7c3cd
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
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
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Magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
VOLUME 2,
ISSUE 9
FREE
Ooe:hundred people protested outside the Iranian Embassy in London
11 August 2005 coinciding with simultaneous US· and European
, protests against !rans tyrannical, homophobic, misogynistic and
. fundamentalist regime. .
· . We cooqcililn the execution of two teenage boys in Iran on charges
!fi.volving hOtQosexual acts. One of them was a minor at the time of !-Js
· . ; lioth were minors when they commitrcd. t&ifr offences. OutRage!
~s ah end•k> the death penalty. We express o_ur soliijarity with Iranians
· democracy and human rights, said protester Aaron Saeed,
LGBT human rights group OutRagc!,
f five simultaneous iocernational
Dublin. Sao Francisco, Paris and
· st Irans use of the death penalty and i
, gay and bisextial peopje.
don protesters were membem of LGBT, 5oda!ittt and human
· n left-wingen, exiles and asylum seekers; induding an
brother was executed and his body dragged
------ . .
Openly Gay Candidc,te
to run for Tulsa
Mayor's 0ft:ie::e.! ...
Wouldn't those headline_s .send a few
heads into a Linda Blare spin~arofo:id? .
But wouidn't it be a pro · · r
ill of us if it were true?
With the 2006 Tulsa City efectionf ·•· .
coming tip, why haven't_ openlycgJLJ arid
lesbian candidates voiced in ,.·, ·
running for elective office? I
· are many qualified peopl~ in,,
gay community that would
mainstream good ole hors .
for their money.
Could be, we haven't
enough or ignored enough
we just don't give a daJ?O
content with our third d,ass.
We do have the right to vot~, . •
many of the GLBT .cornmunity,arf~ot
registered or just donlt vote becaustw~
have no representation. · • •: ·
The GLBT community of the ci
Tulsa and Tulsa County deserve
represented by someone who
fo; equality. A son ' .. be
who they are ancl ...
intimidated by Ottf,l
many solid citizeru;,
who are qualified,.ti:> .
We encourage then{ torstand up and say
to all who will li~nf;f!J am a gay citizen
and I am running £of the· office of Mayor
for the City oftr\jl~a'.'' ............. AMEN!
C D. Ward/ Editor in Chief
National Gay and lesbian Task Force
study finds that
Social Security privatization will
dlsproportlonately
harm lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender Americans
'Social Security privatization is a
gamble with the lives of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender
elders. It is a gamble our
community simply cannot afford. ·
-National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force Executive Director
Matt Foreman
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 The
National Gay and Lesbian Task :Force
released a report today that finds that
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) Americans will be
disproportionately harmed by President
Bush's plan to privatize Social Security.
According to Selling Us Short: How
Social Security Privatization Will Affect
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Americans, LGBT Americans, on
average, have lower incomes than their
heterosexual counterparts, which
translates into lower Social Security
benefits when they retire. In addition,
same-sex couples are not eligible for
Social Security's spousal and survivor
benefits provisions, making the LGBT
community disproportionately
vulnerable to the benefit cuts and risks
inherent to the president's plan.
'There is a widespread myth that gay
people are economically advantaged
compared to heterosexuals. U.S. Census
data and other national surveys indicate
the opposite. In fact, gay and bisexual
men earn anywhere from 13 percent to
32 percent less than heterosexual men,"
said Sean Cahill, director of the Task
Force's Policy Institute, which published
the study. "If we earn less, we receive a
lower Social Security payment in
retirement. Any proposals that cut
retirement benefits will
dis ·onately hui;t gay people."
Us Short finds that LGBT
people of color, in particular, face an
income disadvantage that ieads to lower
Social Security benefits. According to the
2000 U.S. Census, black same-sex couples
earn roughly $2,000 to $9,000 less in
median annual household income than
black married opposite-sex couples, and
Hispanic same-sex couples earn roughly
$1,000 to $4,000 less in median annual
household income than Hispanic married
opposite-sex couples.
Discriminatory government policies,
meanwhile, place gay people in an even
more economically disadvantaged
position, increasing the critical need to
maintain the economic safety net Social
Security is intended to provide.
"Gay people have to report domestic
partner health insurance as income to the
IRS, but married spouses don't have to
report their health coverage as income,"
explained Cahill. "Gay people can't
inherit their partner's pension plan,
while a heterosexual widow or widower
can be a beneficiary. Not only do we
earn less, we are 1ess able to keep what
we earn. These are among the many
inequities that make same-sex couples
particularly vulnerable to cutbacks in
Social Security benefits."
Added Many Hu, author of the
report: "The federal Defense of Marriage
Act continues to deny same-sex couples
access to more than 1,000 federal benefits
and protections of marriage that
opposite-sex married couples currently
receive, including Social Security spousal
and survivor benefits. Even though
LGBT Americans pay in to the Social
Security system at the same rate as
evervone else, our families and children
receive fewer benefits, often in times of
crisis. If Social Security is to be changed,
it shouid be changed so that all families
are treated fairly."
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people are more likely to age
alone and iess likely to have children
than their hete:tpse,cual counterparts,"
said Amber Hollibaugh, the Nationai
Gay and Lesbian Task Force's senior
strategist and specialist on LGBT elders.
"This, coupled with a lower rate of
earning makes them particularly reliant
on Social Security."
Selling Us Short finds that LGBT elders
could be negatively ..... cont pg-8
Page 5
SEPTEMBER 2005
by Andrew Collins
"Off Beat
Washington, D.C."
It's sometimes difficult to think of America's capital as quirky. This is the land of
buttoned-down politicos and staffers, stately and somber monuments, dignified oldworld
hotels, and mahogany-paneled restaurants. It's a city of grand traditions and
regal architecture, and with a discernibly preppy personality. But if you dig a bit
beneath Washington's surface, you can easily discover a city with a surprisingly high
funk factor, from its several hip (and gay-popular) boutique hotels to tour operators
that allow you to see the city from perspectives you've probably never imagined.
If it's been a while since you visited D.C., or you're mired in the habit of visiting
the same old museums, bars, and neighborhoods, try thinking outside the box the
next time you're headed to Washington. Here are just a handful of ways to get in
touch with the city's offbeat attractions.
_ Learn to be a better spy._
You haven't seen D.C.'s weird side until you've spent an afternoon touring the
International Spy Museum,. which offers an intriguing glimpse into the secret world
of espionage. Permanent exhibits offer an eye-opening introduction to the art of
professional espionage, display dozens of spy gadgets, and consider the challenges
secret agents face in today's topsy-turvy world.
_ Kayak your way through the capital._ ,
Here's a novel way to explore Washington and admire its monuments: Rent a
kayak from Jack's Boathouse in the tony Georgetown neighborhood, and paddle
your way along the historic Potomac River. You can stop and admire the greenery on
little-visited Roosevelt Island, enjoy close views of the infamous Watergate building
and stunning Llncoln and Washington memorials, and watch herons and cormorants
fly across the water. Jack's provides instruction and equipment, and when you're
finished with your adventure, you can return to Georgetown and spend some time
checking out the neighborhood's slew of upscale shops and fine restaurants.
_ Stay at snazzy hotel._
The San Francisco~based Kimpton Group has six ultra-chic boutique properties in
the District. Kimpton's dashing Hotel Rouge sits just off classy Embassy Row, an
easy walk from gay nightlife on: R. Street, and contains 137 spacious rooms bathed in
reds and yellows and a swanky lounge serving such memorable co4tails a:s the
Madonna (Cuervo, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and fresh orange ru;id lii:o;e juices).
Near up-and-coming Lo~ Circle, the pop-art-inspired Ho~.}lelli:- '\VOWS · ·
with bold colors (lime-green honor bars, orange-porcelain bathio~m,,flxtures; · .
blue settees and ottomans); a, few rooms are outfitted with bunk htrds, making this the
ideal locale for a crazy slumber party • .Other D.C. Kimptons iAclud~ the Hotel
Madera and Topaz Hotel, both near way-gay Dupont Circle; tn,e .Hotel George, near
Capitoi Hill; and the Hotel Monaco, which is downtown. . .
Typical in all the Kimpton properties, in addition to stylish .decor and personalized
service, are minibars stocked with fun snacks (from Bugles to Pop Rocks), Aveda bath
products, flaMcreen TVs, free high-speed Internet, cordless phones, and evening wine
receptions - all of these hotels are pet-friendly, too . ........ continued next page.
Page 6
Out of Town
_ Catch a Nats game._
After more than a 30-year absence,
major-league baseball returned to
Washington in 2005 with the Nationals,
formerly Montreal's beleaguered Expos.
For now they play in frumpy RFK
Stadium (plans are underway for a brandnew
stadium, which should open in the
next few years), but the Nats have been
playing great baseball thus far and
drawing huge crowds. So you're not a
baseball fan and can't see the fun in
watching a Nationals game? You
obviously haven't yet seen talented (and
hunky) rookie outfielder Ryan Church
in uniform.
_Nosh someplace new._
Washington's long-revered dining
scene keeps improving thanks to the
bevy of admirable new restaurants that
have opened here in recent years. On
Capitol Hill, within walking distance of
several gay bars, Sonoma has brought
superbly crafted contemporary American
fare and a dazzling wine list to this upand-
coming neighborhood. Try a
sampling of fine cheeses with a glass of
pinot noir, or opt for something more
substantial, like cedar-plank wild salmon
with white beans and pancetta-leek
compote. Another great see-and-be-seen
option that also happens to serve
outstanding food, Zaytinya opened in
2002 and remains trendy as ever. This
downtown favorite serves dozens of
Middle Eastern-inspired mezes (similar to
tapas), such as scallops with yogurt-dill
sauce, seared lamb chops with rosemary
syrup, and olive oil-marinated baby
eggplant stuffed with walnuts and
tomatoes.
The snazzy David Greggory
RestauLounge has a strong following
with the city's queer community and
presents stellar Mediterranean fare, such
as truffle-scented pizza with three cheeses
and roasted garlic, and seared halibut
with braised fennel, ,spaghetti squash, and
shellfish stew. Another gay fave, the
fabulous pub-grub cnain Hamburger
Mary's dishes up plenty' of attitude plus
great food at its Washington branch. The -
hefty ground-beef patties are legendary
try the Blue Boy (topped with bleu
cheese and bacon).'Finally, for an all-out
magicai dining experien:ce, book a tabie
at CityZen, inside Wasnington's newest
iuxury hotel, the exquisite Mandarin
Oriental. Inventive standouts like pantoasted
squab with pumpkin, baby leeks,
and cinnamon jus, and chestnut soup
infused with quince and chopped ham
have made CityZen and its star chef, Eric
Ziebold, famous.
_ Make a detour to Alexandria.
Just 6 miles down the Potomac River
from Washington, the historic city of
Alexandria, Va., beckons with a
beautifully maintained Old Town
historic district and loads of enchanting
shops and charming restaurants. Area
highlights include Frank Lloyd Wright's
Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria's Black
History Museum, the Torpedo Factory
Art Center, and the newly opened U.S.
Patent & Trademark Office Museum,
where you can learn about all kinds of
inventions, from the computer mouse to
the helicopter.
Be sure to wander off the beaten path
a bit to the up-and-coming DelRay
neighborhood, where Mt. Vernon
Avenue is lined with independently
owned boutiques and funky cafes. Don't
miss businesses like Eight Hands Round
(for smart antiques and contemporary
home furnishings), Eclectic Nature (for
cool garden gadgets and gifts), Del Ray
Dreamery (for addictive Wisconsin-style
frozen custard), and Monroe's (for
delicious regional American and Italian
cooking).
_ Cruise D.C.'s coolest gay bar. In the rapidly gentrifying Logan
Circle neighborhood, Halo definitely has
the slickest look of any gay bar in town.
The futuristic second-floor space with a
backlit bar stocked with premium liquor
draws a well-dressed, eclectic crowd of
men and women of all ages. Grab a seat
in one of the cushy lounge chairs, listen
to the mod pop tunes, and soak up the
smoke-free ambience.
Browse the stalls and catch breakfast at Eastern Market.
Just a fow block; beyond the U.S.
Capitol building you'll find the
wonderfully coiorful Eastern Market,
whose food hall abounds with enticing
vendors selling everything from artisanal
cheeses to fresh-caught Maryland
seafood. You can also enjoy a fabulous
down-home meal at Market Lunch, a
greasy-spoon diner serving tantalizing
blueberry pancakes and crab cakes
Benedict. Additional draws include a
Page 7
SOCIAL SECURITY from pg-5
affected by privatization. By 2030, the
estimated population of LGBT seniors
will range from two to eight million.
LGBT elders may be especially
dependent on public services for the
elderly, including Social Security, because
they may be without the same familv
support systems as heterosexual seni~rs.
"It is would be wrong to support
privatization in exchange for opening a
portion of Social Security to same-sex
couples while overlooking the fact that
marriage equality - which the Bush
administration vehemently opposes
would guarantee all Social Security
benefits to all same-sex couples. We are
unwilling to trade illusory benefits
against the benefits and rights of other
Americans," said National Gav and
Lesbian Task Force Executive· Director
Matt Foreman.
Cherokee lesbians
face new legal hurdle
Ann Rostow, PlanetOut Network
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Two Cherokee women are again
under legal assault because of their
marriage, just days after winning a
victory before the tribe's highest court,
the Judicial Appeals Tribunal in Tulsa,
Okla.
Dawn McKinley and Kathy Reynolds
obtained a legal marriage certificate from
tribal authorities last year. They married
in May of 2004, but before thev had a
chance to register their marriage with a
lower tribal court clerk, a local attorney,
Todd Hembree, stepped in with a
challenge.
Aided bv the National Center for
Lesbian Rights, McKinley and Reynolds
argued that Hembree lacked standing to
contest their marriage. In .the interim, the
Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted
to define marriage as a union of a man
and a woman, guaranteeing that same-sex
couples in the furore could not obtain a
marriage certificate to begin with, let ·
alone register a marriage with the coui:~.
Obtaining a marriage certificate in
Cherokee law is the equivalent of
obtaining a marriage license in the U.S.
system. After a ceremony is held,
marriage licenses are signed by the
officiating party and filed with the
appropriate state office.
Last week, the Judicial Appeals
Tribunal ruled that Hembree indeed
lacked standing to intervene in the
marriage procedures, stating that he "has
failed to show that he will suffer
individualized harm" as a result of the
lesbian union.
On Tuesday, members of the
Cherokee Nation Tribal Council acted
preemptively to block the couple from
again trying to file their certificate,
petitioning the high court to issue a
declaratory judgment confirming that the
law against same-sex marriage applies
retroactively to the McKinley-Reynolds
wedding.
According to the Tahlequah Daily
Press, the petition was signed by eight of
the 15 council members. The members
also asked the court to issue a temporary
injunction preventing the lower court
from accepting the women's paperwork,
insisting that the Cherokee Nation will
suffer irreparable harm if the documents
are allowed to be submitted, and possibly
accepted, by the court. ·
"Those of us listed on the petition
believe we were in a situation where we
could do one of two things," said
member Audra Smoke-Conner. "We
could either sit back and wait to see if the
couple tried to file the certificate, and if
they did, wonder whether the court clerk
would accept it. Or, we could act swiftly
to block the filing of the certificate."
rt for
Marriage Equal
Rises ain
Gaywire Release:
New York, NY (August 5, 2005): A
recent national poll, released Wednesday
by the Pew Research Center, reports
that support for marriage equality is at
its highest point since July 2003. For the
first time, a majority of Americans
(53%) are in favor of legal recognition
for lesbian and gay couples that would
offer many of the same rights and
responsibilities as non- gay married
couples, while support for ending
discrimination in marriage itself has
"rebounded" and continues to grow.
In a shift from some of the dips in
the past few months, fully 35% of
Americans said they support ending
discrimination in marriage and allowing
committed same-sex couples to marry,
while only 53% oppose. "This is exactly
what the right wing is afraid of," said
Evan Wolfson, executive director of
Freedom to Marry, the gay and non-gav
partnership working to win marriage '
equality nationwide. "If we stick with
the conversation and persist in engaging
the non-gay public on marriage equality,
the public will move to fairness."
''People have had a year of legal
marriage in Massachusetts to see how
ending marriage discrimination helps
gay and lesbian families and hurts no
one," continued Wolfson, author of
Why Marriage Matters: America,
Equality, and Gay People's Right to
Marry, which was recently re-released in
paperback by Simon &. Schuster. "The
long-term trend in Atμerica's civil rights
discussion, including this recent
rebound of public ~upti9.,:t for marriage
equality, which follows the ferment and
barrage of the past several months,
demonstrates the pO'~'.~t;of engaging the
public and showing t.Kem the realitv of
marriage equality, fail:i~r than rightwing
rhetoric and scare tactics. When it
comes to opening h~~s. ~d minds on
fairness and reaching the middle, seeing
is, in fact, believing.•,.~·~·- -
According to the Pew poll, support
for the freedom to marry, as well as for
civil union and other steps toward
marriage itself, has also increased among
most religious groups, especially among
white evangelical Protestants, from 26%
in December 2004 to 35% today. Polling
results show a continuing decline (from
35% in August 2004 to 29% today) in
support for a constitutional amendment
to permanently exclude lesbian and gay
couples, and their families, from the
rights, responsibilities, and protections of
marriage.
Freedom to Marry is the gay and nongay
partnership working to win marriage
equality nationwide. Launched in 2003,
Freedom to Marry is headed by Evan
Wolfson, nationally recognized as a
central "architect of the marriage equality
movement." Freedom to Marry guides
and focuses this social justice movement
on a natiomvide level, serving as a
strategy and support center for national,
state, and local partners, a catalyst that
drives and shapes the national debate on
marriage equality, and an alliance-builder
fostering support from non-gay allies.
Some Marriage History
1948: Perez v. Llppold - Despite public
opposition, the California Supreme
Court became the first state high court to
declare a ban on interracial marriage
unconstitutional.
1965: Griswold v. Connecticut -
invalidated a Connecticut law
prohibiting the use of contraception by
married couples.
1967: Loving v. Virginia - U.S. Supreme
Court overturned laws prohibiting
interracial marriage. Polls showed 70
percent opposed.
" 1971: Baker v. Nelson - (Minnesota) The
· first case for ending discrimination in
marriage is brought in the United States.
1993: Baehr v. Lewin - In a landmark
...... continued page 12
Page 9
Page 14
Serving our community in
Missouri, Arkansas,
Oklahoma, Illinois &
Colorado
This Is Shelter Country.
Here in our community you will find
Shelter Agent Greg Tainter. We're
proud to serve this community and
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about our services.
Auto -Home Life Business
Greg W. Tainter, LUTCF
Tel: (866) 208-9480
gtainter@shelterinsurance.com
www.shclterinsurancc.com
to3pm closed sundays.
Subscribe to the S
Want the STAR delivered to your home or office?
12 issues for $27.95 will be mailed in a sealed envelope the 1st of each
month. Just complete the form below and send with a check or
moneyorder to:
Ozarks STAR
5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #153
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Page 15
•Momma always 'said, Don't say you don't
like it until you've tried it!"
BAKED CRABMEAT SPREAD
2 tbs. Butter
1 I 4 cup Sliced green onion
1/2 cup Chopped red bell pepper
1 Garlic Clove - minced
2 tbs. Flour
1 / 4 tsp. Black pepper
1 cup Mille
1/4 cup Fresh grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup Fresh crabmeat
2 oz Shredded cheddar cheese
Heat oven to 350F. Grease 9 inch pie
pan. Melt butter in skillet over medium
heat. Add bell pepper, onions and garlic.
Cook till tender. Stir in flour and
pepper. Cook about 1 minute.
Gradually add milk until mixture boils.
Remove from heat and add parmesan
cheese. Fold in crabmeat. Pour mixture
in pie pan. Top with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese
melts. Serve with toasted pita bread or
your favorite cracker.
TIP: Want it spicy - add a chopped
jalepeno pepper.
Chef john Patrick grew 11p in an Italian /amiiv
and !of.led to watch his mother cook. She' '
inspired him to attend culinary school Che(
John's most recent position was with Desen
Oaks Country Club in OKC and now resides
in T11/s4.
FREE HIV
TFSTING,NO
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2902 E. 20th St., PO Box 4711
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Sunday Service 6PM
conjunction with AIDS Project of the
ks, MCC Joplin offers free HIV
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d 6PM, For your
onvenience you can also call 206-6179 for
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Page 17
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Page 18
The Post-G Debate
Openly gay writer David Leavitt,
author of The Lost Language of Cranes,
stirred up quite the maelstrom with his
recent opinion piece in The New York.
Times. In his column, Leavitt posited the
idea that gay books and bookstores are a
relic of the past, no longer needed by or
relevant to today's LGBT community.
He writes, "More and more, gay fiction
is giving way to post-gay fiction: novels
and stories whose authors, rather than
making a character's homosexuality the
fulcrum on which the plot turns, either
take it for granted, look a_t it as part of
something larger or ignore it altogether."
He goes on to claim that gay novels and
bookscores are, in fact, "obsolete."
Needless to say, that didn't go over
well with gay bookstore owners. They
countered that LGBT bookstores are
very much still needed, that while major
chains like Barnes and Noble or Bord~rs
may carry gay titles, they don't have the
vast selection of a gay bookstore nor
does their staff have the familiarity and
knowledge of those books. As Kim
Brinster, manager of the Oscar Wilde
Bookshop in New York City wrote,
"My staff and I coun: ourselves very
lucky ;:o encounter people throughout
the day from all over the world and our
own country wno come through the
store and are happy to be in a place
where we read the books we seH, know
where to find them, know what to
recommend and take the rime to be
helpfu!."
Leavitt's opinion and the follow-up
from Brinster sparked quite the debate
on Rainbow Readership, an online
LGBT book group to which I belong.
Some agreed wholeheartedly with Leavitt
while others argued vehemently in
defense of gay bookstores.
Some argue that gay culture has
changed, and because of that, our books
have changed as well. As gays and
lesbians become more accepted and
increasingly mainstreamed, our books no
longer have to focus so much on being
gay. For many, it's just not the issue it
once was, so books about coming out or
accepting your sexuality are not as
needed. The new "post-gay novel" is
about someone who just happens to be
gay. His or her sexuality is not the
central focus of the story.
Whether gay or post-gay, LGBT
authors are currently experiencing a level
of acceptance we've never seen before.
Gay romance authors and reai-life
partners Scott Pomfret and Scott
Whittier (better known as ~
are enjoying scads of mainstream press,
getting interviews and articles in
everything from the New Yor~ Times to
the Boston Herald. Brem Harciogs:r,
author of the bestselling Young Adult
novel b and irs sequd The
Oak, has enjoyed
mainstream success and recognitio[! for
his nm·els. Two of the five finalists for
this vear's Booker Prize were gay-themed
nove"is, The Master by Colm Toibin and
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst,
which actually won. There's no doubt
that some gay novels are generating
interest and sales, and in turn, finding
shelf space in mainstream bookstores.
Unfortunately, these success srories
are the exceptions, not the rule. For
every Brent Barringer there are ten more
authors whose books will probably never
find their way onto a shelf at Barnes and
Nob!e - no: because qf.any lack of
talen~, but simpiy bec;ause they're not on
B&N's radar. You can, however, find
them all at your neiM\;>orhood LGBT
bookstore. · , ..
So what does an author like Brem
Hartinger, someone who has experienced
mainstream success with his books, think
about tne need for gay. bookstores?
"Independent booksellers discover
"smaller" books, or idiosvncratic ones, or
........... continued next pai,_e -
Page 19 HEART TO HEART
ones with less obvious media hooks," he
explained. "They are not confined by
corporate business plans, which see
everything in terms of the bottom line, and
which, frankly, want to dumb everything
down for as mass an audience as possible.
Independent bookstores are the HBO and
Showtime of the literary world: they're
willing to take chances on far more risky
offerings. "Gay bookstores do this same
thing for gay books, which are almost by
definition "small" books, because they
target a niche audience. It's true that it's
now possible to find the higher-profile
gay books in some chain and non-gay
independent bookstores these days, and I
think that's great. But the market niche
is so small that gay titles are not
something the chains or online
booksellers are ever going to really
champion. There's just no big bucks in
it. And what about the niche-within-theniche
fringe gay titles? Forget 'em. The
chains will almost completely ignore
anything about transgender folks, or bi
folks, or leather dykes, or radical fairies.
"My first novel, Geography Club, had a
publicity budget of zero. It broke out
because gay and other independent
booksellers read it, preordered it, and
pushed it aggressively. As more and more
people read it and wanted it, word
filtered out ro the chains. But I give all
the credit to the independents for getting
the ball rolling in the first place.
"I don't fear the closing of gay
bookstores because of the loss of a safe
community space, or the ending of an
era. I fear the closing of gay bookstores
because it might very well make gay
books more generic, less diverse, and just
plain worse."
I can remember the first time I walked
into the Lambda Rising store in
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was an
amazingly affirming experience for a
young, recently-out gay boy. To see all
those books and rainbows in one place
like that was almost overwhelming, but
at the same time, I felt a part of
something bigger. Sure, there are some
people who don't "need" that experience,
but there are many who do. For those
who are out and have grown comfortable
with who they are, or for the growing
segment of kids who don't have to come
out because they're already comfortable
with who they are, maybe gay
bookstores and books about "being gay"
aren't needed. But let's not forget the
many thousands of people, kids and
adults alike, who are not out or who are
dealing with their sexuality. There are
plenty of people for whom a LGBT
bookstore is still an affirming and
comforting place. Not to mention those
who just like shopping in a safe
environment where they can ask
questions and get recommendations from
a knowledgeable staff.
Books about "being g:i.y'' are still
needed. That's not to say that I don't
enjoy books about someone who just
happens to be gay, but I also enjoy books
about coming out. I don't think it has to·
be either/ or. We still need gay
bookstores for a variety of reasons, but
especially to insure the continued quality
and diversity of our books - whether
gay or post-gay - so get out there and
support your local LGBT bookstore!
Buy-In ancl 25 cent draws!
all your ,-quests. Doors Open at 8 PM.
Page 21
ut
by
iz Highleyman
______ ..._ _____ ,....._
Sufnmttry;:· Past Out is a .retrospective
·. of key moments,. · and
subjects"inLGBrt h~to,&: Each ..
. installmen ·· ':'Mt:tt>life by
exf?lori . . .. ;6f ih~gaypast
and.its• impact ori:;~e'queerjn:eseht..
prosp.tuteflfec~u~6 tlfey,:ia'illdti?rge
· other jol5s. l'The Tcnaerlofa was Jm:o
as the place Jo go for sex, · , and
late-night fun," · ·
schol~r Di. Susan. Stty:k~ · e
others had l:lie freedo · · · · · · · ·
thb transgeilder 'worn·
Turk Street was ·
Tenderloin's transge.
"Turk Sa#t was o
.recalled Amanda· S
· · the ro!
I-Iotel,
.~aywar girls" wi
A'.t tiie co .
between tricks 'and take tcmpor11ry.s
refuge from the violence they faced on
the streets. "Compton's was a great place
to meet," said Tamara Ching, who, like
St. Jaymes, was a frequent patron. "It was
our own little fairyland." ·
By 1966, San Francisco had a wellestablished
homophile community that
included the Daughters of. Bilitis, the
Tavern Guild, the Society for Individual
Rights, and the Council on Religion and
th~ Homosexual. While these gay and
lesbian organizations had had some
success in .reducing police harassment of
gay bars and had made inroads into the
city's political establishlnent, the street
que~ns and.disadvantaged queer youth
were largely left out of the picture. In
response, the. youth - with. the help of
progressive niinisttrs fro,m Glide
Memorial Methodist Cliurcb'. ~ formed i
.radical guecr group called Vanguard,
wliicb held. its. meetings at Compton?s.
·. In the spmig;9f 1966, new
nianageineti~ at Compton's began to
disco~ageth · · · ·· ~fyoung queens
and hustlers,. · y and often monev -
s~arid ,.
t:B.cse
for transgcnder rights; "There was a lot of
.......... contintieil ne:trpage
Page 23
joy after it happened," recalled St.
Jaymes. "A lot of people went to jail, but
I don't give a damn. It needed to
happen."
Following the alteration, Compton's
began closing earlier and its business
never fully recovered; it was replaced by
a porn shop in 1972. But the event
proved to be a turning point for the local
transgender community. In the wake of
the riot, the police began leaving the
queens alone, and a sergeant in the
department, Elliot Blackstone, helped get
the laws against cross-dressing changed. A
new network of social services was
established, including city-funded health
clinics. The city began issuing new ID
cards reflecting transgender women's
preferred gender, enabling them to enroll
in school and get jobs.
A variety of social changes came
together in the late 1960s to set the stage
for the Compton's Cafeteria altercation
and. the later Stonewall riots, including
the civil rights movement, urban
renewal, the antiwar movement, and the
rise of youth counterculture. At about
the same time, the new availability of sex
reassignment surgery in the United States
and a better understanding of
transsexualism pioneered by Dr. Harry
Benjamin, who had an office near the
Tenderloin.- gave transgender people
new hope for a brighter future. "Gender
itself became a form of politics," argues
Stryker. The riot at Compton's was "part
of the same social upheaval that gave us
unisex fashions, glam rock, gay
liberation, and radical feminism."
For further information:
Carter, David. 2004. _Stonewall: The
Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution_
(St. Martin's).
Gay and Lesbian Historical Society.
1998. "MTF Transge1lcler Activism in the
Tenderloin and Bevond, 1966-1973:
Commentarv and I~t~ew with Elliot
Blackstone!' _GLQ:'/4.),urnal of
Lesbian and Gay Studi.cs_. Vol. 4, No. 2,
pp. 349-372.
Stryker, Susan and SiJ:vJ=ro:ian, Victor.
2005. _Screaming QuC;,fn.i;.:. The Riot at
Compton's Cafeteria,.,..,(fiim).
International Metropolitan
Churches
Denomination (MCC) Condemns
Expulsion of
New Orleans Church Group From
Roman Catholic facility
News Release:
August 12,2005
New Orleans - An intern;nu
Christian church group hm~ ,t,
voice to the current contron : •
surrounding a decision by 1.h: ,-:: 11,:u,
Catholic Archdiocese of Ne,\ ( :11 kano 'u
evict a predominantly-gay d,•:r
from meeting at a Roman 1 , •
hospice.
Despite a signed rental le?""·
the facilities, Metropolitan 1
Church of Greater New Ork:i::'
(MCCGNO) was evicted bY
_Archdiocese because the sm:d: , 1 •.1,•:1:
group believes in same-sex •n,rP '::•:.
The Reverend Dr. Troy D i'::r, ,
Moderator of Metropolitan i ,, !',·,:n;,,,.
Churches, a Christian denon,1n
with churches in 23 countric:, 1 i"'
parent denomination of MU , : ··,i ;
said, "I am saddened that dK
Archdiocese is expelling the n:n t
lease-holding congregation, n,:-: 'r•
church building, but from ;,n \ DS
hospice. They are sending a du,·
to people with HIV that the Er:;,u,,
Catholic Church welcomes yrn!
or dying person, but not as, a
loving person. We've grown
church that will condescend 1;, ~•:-
but not have the simple cou•·t,,:
marry us."
"In fact, this is the contirnv'.:•,;,
pattern of hostility against ga:c• .rnd
lesbians by the }\rchdiocese," ,tkkd
Perry. "In 1973, in the afternu:1, ,h,.:
Upstairs Fire in which 12 nwd"r'.
Metropolitan Community Church·,
died, the Archdiocese refused , ,
the doors of any Roman Cath•
Church for us to hold memon.,'
services."
Perry was not the only !\,I( 3 ,, 11,1,·:
to speak out on the controvn .\
The Reverend Jim Mituhk:, D:,,:,;t, ,r
of I..caciership Development and
Seminary Relations for the ,\iC'
denomination, added, "Here i,; \, ,
another act of overt hostility :1• .1H1<c ,c!i
···········-•·····'ontinut!d page-27
Page24
_Libby Post is the founding chair of
the Empire State Pride Agenda and a
political commentator on public radio,
on the Web, and in print media.
Lesbian Notions
by Libby Post
SEPTEMBER 2005
Walk Like
a Girl
In all of my 47 years, I've never forgotten
that day in sixth grade.
During recess, a group of girls, whom I
considered my friends, were determined to
make me walk like a girl. It was 1970. I was a
self-avowed tomboy. The Stonewall riots
may have been already happened, but I
didn't know from gay, straight, or anything
in bertveen - I was 12. But it seems mv
friends knew better. ·
They said I walked like a boy, carried my
books like a bov, dressed like a bov. Thev ·
were trying to change who I was. Who, as it happens, I ;tiU am. It was one ~f the ,
most devastating events of my young life. I broke down in class after recess.
Thankfully, my teacher took my fri~ds to task and not me.
I can only imagine the pain of 16-year-oid Zach Stark when his parents, not his
peers, were the ones telling him. he didn't walk the right way.
Zach is a young gay triari who created a small tidal wave with a blog entry that said
he was being sent by Mom and Dad to a "we can make you nor gay" camp run by
Love in Action International. He wrote that his parents "tell me that there is
something psychologically wrong with me ... I'm a big screw up to them ... who isn't
on the path God wants me to be on. So I'm sitting here in tears ... and I can't help it."
Love in Action's website (www.loveinaction.org) is clear about what was in store
for Zach. The group's goal is to erase Zach's realit'j. Under the heading of '~Exploring
the Homosexual Myth," I read the following: "There is no such creation as a 'gay' or
'homosexual' person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly,
there can be no change for a sexual identity that never existed in the first place."
Love in Action's rhetoric mirrors that of groups like Exodus, one of the first exgay
organizations to tout the psychobabble of repararive therapy (the practice of
trying to alter one's sexual orientation), and Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out"
conferences. What these groups believ~ is that acting on same-se~ attraction is just a
behavioral problem, and with reparative therapy and finding the love of Christ, all
can be cured.
Who are they kidding? No reputable therapist or medical pr today buys
this hogwash. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association, the n
Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American
Medical Association have all agreed that reparariv~ therapy does not work and is
harmful to the mental and physical health of lesbians and gay me.a..
But more frightening is the political traction the "ex-gay" mo:v,ement has achieved.
Just as the Christian Right's antigay agenda has been absorbed as fact by the majorit\'
of Republican elected officials and policy-makers, the fiction of ex-gay policies h;s ·
wound its way into our schools.
Consider this. Maryiand's Montgomery County p:.::b!ic sci.10ols wanted to develop
a health curriculum that provided pos:tivt; information for LGBT studems. Once the
word got out about the new curriculum, a group calJed PFOX, Parents and Friends
of Ex-Gays (how original), went to court saying the school district was "denigrating"
ex~gays. Bad enough that the school district '.Vas providing its srudents with oositive
information, but what got PFOX's knickers in a ~ea! tw:sc was that the stud~ms were
Lesbian Notions
given a list of LGBT positive re~gious
groups such as Dignity, More Light
Presbyterians, and Lutherans Concerned.
PFOX sued to make sure churches
teaching that homosexuality is wrong
would be included in the curriculum.
Their suit accused the school board of
"an irrational phobia of the ex-gay
community" and said that it "urges
censorship of ex-gay materials i1:- 01:11'
schools." Astoundingly, U.S. District
Judge Alexander Williams agreed with
PFOX.
Well, I'm sure the folks at
Montgomery County schools attempted
to do what professional educators do.
They sought out information that would
help their students, information that has
been supported by credible organizations
with good reputations. I'll bet they
didn't even know there was an ex-gay
"community." And that's because there
isn't one.
All this ex-gay rhetoric and action is
just another front for the Christian
Right's constant bombardment of our
right to exist, let alone gain th_e_ rights
aJ?.d responsibilities of other c1t1zens.
This suit is just another.example ofthe
lengths to which the right will g~ to
support their rhetoric that there 1s a
"war on Christianity" in this country.
But the realitv is this - for kids like
Zach, despite his, parents' efforts, his
sexual orientation is his sexual
orientation. No amount of reparative
therapy is going to make Zach walk a
different path in life. He knows he's gay
and doesn't have a problem with it.
Perhaps it's his parents who need some
therapy - to accept their son and love
him the way he is.
Quotable Quotes
"Any time you get four or five really
strong women doing desperate, dastardly
things, I think gay men get a big kick out
of it. The moment you put a woman in
an evening gown mowing the lawn, it's
just gay." -
"Desperate Housewives" creator Marc
Cherrv to AP Television News, July 16.
The show received 15 Emmy
nominations this year, more than any
show except 'Will & Grace," which
received the same number.
Out of Town
w~ekend farmers market, a Saturday arts
and crafts fair, and a Sunday flea market.
See Washington by Segway._
- In case you haven't yet laid eyes on
one of these quirky yet ingenious
contraptions, a Segway Human
Transporter is a two-wheel, sel~- .
balancing, personal transportation device
that moves according to the way you
move. Lean forward, it zooms ahead.
Lean back sharply, and it stops. City
Segway Tours offers incredibly fun fourhour
sightseeing excursions through the
District. These efficient little machines
are remarkably easy to use, and the
company's amiable staff gives everyb~dy
a helpful training session prior to settm?
off. Just keep in mind that passersby will
find you and your group of fellow
Segway-ers more interesting than most
of the city's sights - be prepared to pose
for plenty of pictures. When you're
riding around on a Segway, you become
one of Washington, D.C.'s, most offbeat
attractions.
The Little Black Book
Alexandria Convention & Visitors
Association (703-838-4200 or 800-388-
9119, www.funsideofthepotomac.com).
City Segway Tours (877-SEG-TOUR,
www.citysegwaytours.com). CityZen
(Mandarin Oriental Washington, 1330
Maryland Ave., 202-787-6006). David
Greggory RestauLounge (2030 M St.
NW, 202-872-8700). Eastern Market (7th
St. and North Carolina Ave.,
www.easternmarket.net). Halo (1435 P
St. NW, 202-797-9730). Hamburger
Mary's (1337 14th St. NW, 202-232-
7010). International Spy Museum (800 F
St., 202-EYE-SPY-U .or 866-
SPYMUSEUM, www.spymuseum.org).
Jack's Boathouse (3500 K St., 202-337-
-9642, www.jacksboathouse.com).
Kimpton Hotels (800/KIMPTON,
www.kimptonhotels.com). Washington
Nationals (http://
washington.nationals.mlb.com). Sonoma
(223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 202-333-
2912). Washington, DC Convention &
Tourism Corporation (202-789-7000,
www.washington.org). Zaytinya (701
9th St. NW, 202-638-0800).
Page 25
Page26 Ask Uncle Mikey
Advice Column!
SEPTEMBER 2005
Well hello kittens-welcome back to uncle Mikey's
corner. Uncle spent this week attempting to
spend some much needed quality time with
delicious. As you all know, he is skillful, yet
remains in need of training. The drink factor
Kittens, if you are .. going to be my boy, than you
damn well better be able to handle a drink order,
as Liz would say. His drinks leaves uncle feeling
like a sour puss. Lets hope t..hat boy gets it right,
or else uncle ·will be forced to vote him off the
island.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
My best friend is a female, who is divorced and
has one child. We have been friends since high school more than ten years now. We
have never let anything cC>me in-between our friendship, until now. I have tried to
help her since she is a single mom. She has a spoiled rotten child, who torments
anybody who comes within ten feet of him. He lies, whines, and in general aggravates
and brings nothing but drama. She is completely blind to his behavior. I do not know
how much more I will be able to take from this monster. I am really afraid this
demon child will ruin our friendship. Any thoughts?
Friend of Sam.
Dear fom,
Kitten, I am afraid you are in a most difficult .position. If you address this issue as you
have here, I am sure you will lose your friend. Uncle has learned through the years
you do not mess with their young, they will eat you alive. If you seriously want to
stick it out, than I would suggest genuine and compassionate communication about
her spawn of Satan. You must remember the feelings and bond of motherhood.
Good luck-Uncle
Uncle Mikey thought of children years ago when he was with his second husband,
who adored the little ankle bitters. However, I tried and tried, yet could not
accessorize a little darling for my own. Alas Mr. Tiddles shall be uncles only child.
Until they come out with a fashionable model of child who can mix a martini the
way uncle likes it that is.
Uncle Mikey,
I have been with my partner now for six years. When we got together, we were like
twins sharing the same interest. As time has progressed in our relationship, he has
become more. feminine in character, while he continues to become more of a flamer
every year. We joke about it but deep down, I wish he could cut back a little of the
dramatics in his personality. How can I tell him this without hurting his feelings?
Burned by the flame.
Dearest Burned,
Kitten, I would think about this wisely before discussing this. Your partner
obviously has achieved the comfort in your relationship where he feels he is truly
able to be himself. As individuals go we all age different while evolving into our own.
Allow the light of his flame to light your way through your journey, remembering
that he is still the man you feel in love with.
Smooches-Uncle
Uncle Mikey docs sex on the first date make me a slut?
Curiously guilty
Dearest Guilty, ............................... continued next page
Page 27
Only if you do it right puddin. Sex on the
second date with multiple partners, now were
talking.
Smooches-Uncle
Mikey,
I have a secret, which I feel it is time to tell. I
have been sleeping with the mister at our
church now for some time. He has been my
youth minister for sometime now, and my
feelings for him have grown. I told him I
loved him and he tells me that he is guilty of
misleading me, and insist we pray together to
be delivered. Well, I pray but I pray that he
will come to his senses and be with me, and
just except that, he is gay. He always comes
back for more, and I am sure he loves me,
and just confused. I believe in fighting for
what I want, however feel like I am wrong
somehow. What would you do?
The minister's boy
Kitten, I have not smoked for ten years, now
comes this future porn epic. Hold on I need
to get this damn thing lit. Assuming all
players here are old enough to be playing,
uncle give you props. I think you
misunderstood their line about brotherly love
kitten. I can feel the shifting in the land of
right wing everywhere. He is confused, you
are picking men up in church and he is
confused? Seriously kitten, if you love him
than only you can decide if this is healthy for
you. Chances are that he will never overcome
his guilt, and remain in his double-minded
ways, leaving you to sit in the pew of no sex.
Uncle encourages to remember the old
saying. If you love, someone set them free,
and if they return they were yours, if not, get
out while the getting is good! Kitten, I will
pray and ask mother Cher to be with you.
Smooches-Uncle
Well Kittens, that was better than chocolate.
Uncle shall take this time to wrap up yet
another session of here in unclesaTM comer of
Queerdom. Kittens as you go, remember this.
Judge not lest you are in f.i.bulous form to do
sol
Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles tool
Unck Mileey is 1t ch1tr1tcter from Fru'4nu writer
Mich1tel Hinzman. Mich.ul has hem writing/or ten
years. Utilizing his stsuim, and life expmmct to hdp
others in his community, through humor and sound
advia. Mich1tel applied his study oj psychology and
cre.tive writing, as well his o:tmsive badtground in
menu! health Dirn:t e1tre to bring a new styk and
1tpproach to helping others. Michael's other works e1tn
be 'Uie'llled at 'W'Wfll.gaylinkcontent.com.
· MCC from page-23
affirming gay people. I doubt the
Archdiocese would expel a congregation
affiliated with the United Church of
Christ or the Episcopal Church, qoth of
which accommodate the blessing of samesex
unions. It's time to stop using
religion as a mask for prejudice against
gay people."
Mitulski, a long-time AIDS activist,
added, "As a person living with HIV/
AIDS, let me say loud and clear: If the
Roman Catholic Church won't honor
our weddings, don't insult us by offering
to conduct our funerals."
Perry, who has championed
ecumenical relations and who met Pope
Benedict XV1 - then Cardinal Ratzingcr
- at the Bilateral Dialogue held during
Pope John Paul H's visit to Columbia,
South Carolina in 1987, said, "This type
of decision contradicts the Roman
Catholic Church's own commitment. In
1987, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops
published its own statement, The Many Faces
of AIDS, and addressed the stigma too often
associated with people with HIV/ AIDS. The
statement said, "Made in God's image and
likeness, every human person is of
inestimable worth. All human life is sacred,
and its dignity must be respected and
protected." The Archbishop of New Orleans
should apply these same principles of respect
and protection to the congregii.tion of MCC
of Greater New Orleans, which includes
people living with HIV/ AIDS."
"We send our love and prayers and support
to the Reverend Dexter Brecht, senior pastor
of Metropolitan Community Church of
Greater New Orleans, and to all of the
congregii.tion there," said Perry.
"This action by the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese is yet another reminder that the
important work of Metropolitan Community
Churches is not yet done," Perry said of the
predominantly-gay Christian denomination.
"I am challenging our brothers and sisters in
other faith communities around New
Orleans to receive a special offering this
Sunday to help Metropolitan Community
Church of Greater New Orleans iocate and
move into a permanent worship space. Gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of
faith in New Orleans need to know they have
a permanent space in which to worship in
openness and authenticity, and free from the
prejudice and whims of homophobic
bishops." ---------
Page 28
Below: Mahmoud Asgari (16} and Ayaz Marhoni (18} were
hanged in Eda/at {Justice) Square in the city of Mashhad, in
north east Iran, on 19 July 2005.
Some reports say the
youths were hanged for gay
sex. The Iranian government
claims they were hanged for
the rape of a 13 year old boy,
reports Ramzi Isalam of the
LGBT human rights group
OutRage!.
Fact: Iran executes lesbians
and gays. The Iranian
government has executed
4,000 homosexuals since
1979, according to estimates
in the rnid-1990s by the exiled Iranian gay rights group, Human.
Fact: The Iranian government often pins false charges on the victims of its
murderous policies in order to discredit them and discourage public protests.
"We are not prepared to give the violently homophobic Iranian government the
benefit of the doubt. It has previously lied to justify public executions. In any case,
the death penalty is a disproportionate punishment. It is barbaric and should be
abolished," added Mr Isalam.
"OutRage!s sources for this story include clandestine gay and lesbian activists
inside Iran, members of the democratic and left Iranian opposition, and the websites
of government-sanctioned news agencies in Iran," added Aaron Saeed of OutRage!
The Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran enforces Sharia law, which dictates the
death penalty for gay sex: variously including hanging, stoning, beheading or
dropping from a high place like a tall building or cliff-top.
The teenagers admitted to having gay sex, probably under torture, but claimed in
their defence that their crime was common and they were not aware it was
punishable by death. .
Prior to their execution, the teenagers were held in prison for 14 months and
severelv beaten with 228 lashes.
Th~ir length of detention suggests that they committed the so-called offences
more than a year earlier, when Mahmoud was 15 and Ayaz was 17. In other words,
both youths were minors at the time of the offence.
Ruhollah Rezazadeh, the lawyer of the youngest boy (16), had appealed that he
was too young to be executed and that the court should take into account his tender
age. He was quoted by the IRIN news agency as saying that "the judiciary had
trampled on its own laws, explaining that the Iranian courts usually commute death
sentences on children to five year jail."
Despite his pleas, the Supreme Court in Tehran ordered Mahmoud to be hanged.
Under the Iranian penal code, girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 can be
hanged.
"Three other young gay Iranians are being hunted by the police in connection
with the same so-called crime. They have gone into hiding and cannot be found. If
caught, they v,-ill probably also face execution," said Mr Saeed.
The allegation of rape may be a trumped up charge to undtrmine public
sympathy for the youths. The Iranian regime often resorts to smears and false
allegations to discredit people it has executed and to undermine human rights
campaigns, continued OutRage! campaign coordinator, Brett Lock
It couid be that the 13 year oid was a wii!ing participant but that Iranian law (like
:he laws of many western nations) deems that no person aged 13 is capable of sexual
consent and that therefore even consensual sexual contact is automatically deemed in
law to be stamtory rape. The use of rorture is routine in Iran .. These tw~ boys were
violently abused in prison, receiving more than 200 lashes. .. .. continued next page
I
I
l I I
1
I I
1
i
Page 29
Iran execution continued:
Iran is a fascist-style tyranny based on a
fundamentalist version of Islam. We join
with progressive Muslims to denounce
the fundamentalists and to support
democratic and left Iranians striving to
topple the Ayatollahs.
OutRagel wholeheartedly supports
the struggle of the Iranian people to
overthrow clerical tyranny and to secure
democracy and human rights. _
Without an end to the fundamentalist
regime, there can never be justice for
LGBT people, women, trade unionists
and minority religions and nationalities
in Iran.
'The lack of liberai and left support
for the victims of the Iranian tvrannv is
truly shocking. We deplore the- abse~ce
of international solidarity with Iranians
fighting for freedom," concluded Mr
Lock. ------------
Quotable Quotes
''In Spain, where 90 percent of the
population is Roman Catholic, the
church came out swinging against
[marriage] rights for gays, using the
familiar line ·that gay marriage imperils
the traditional institution of marriage.
This has always been a difficult argument
to follow logically: Assuming that
marriage is the binding of two people in
a committed relationship, possibly to
create a family, gay marriage adds to the
institution. Even granting most religions'
insistence that the two people must be of
different genders, gay marriage does
nothing to discourage or belittle
heterosexual unions." -
Los Angeles Times editorial, July 6.
"I want our government, which has presided
over many positive changes for gay people
here in the U.K. - an equal age of consent,
partnership rights, the abolition of the rightly
reviled Clause 28 - to ensure that ending
violations of gay people's fundamental
human rights around the world becomes an
explicit issue in its diplomatic relations with
other countries. I strongly believe that when
thousands of us refuse to look away and stay
silent we make a difference to what
politicians do and say." -
Eiton John writing in England's The
Observer, July 3. ·
Chula Vista Mayor
Out of the Closet!
"I've considered myself pretty out since
about 1999 but I thought this was an
occasion to put any questions to rest. . ..
In my life since 1999 I've been very
honest and open about who I am. And
it's certainly not everything I am, but it's
an important part of who I am, and
certainly if Pride isn't the venue to be
overtly out, I don't know what is .... It's
something that I'm very comfortable
with and something that I'm very matterof-
fact about, and I think that's what you
saw here tonight." -
Chula Vista, Calif., Mayor Steve Padilla
to this column after coming out at a Gay
Pride. rally in San Diego, July 29. Chula
Vista - a San Diego suburb with 230,000
people is now the second-largest city
in America with an openly gay mayor,
after San Diego itself. Providence, R.I., is
next in line.
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Page32 Page 33
Seo es
by Jack Fertig
SEPTEMBER 2005
"Be honest, Leo!"
~atum is in Leo quiocunx to U;anus in
Pisces until Oct. 7. Expect twitches in
religious institutions pointing to big
changes in a few years. Clashes between
tender egos and spiritual insights will hit
home. Mercury is in Virgo aspectiog
those slower planets, triggering
arguments that can sharpen insight into
these issues.
ARIES (Much 20 - April 19): Take some
friends to church - or synagogue, or
mosque, or whatever religious institution
you grew up with. The point is not to
convert them, but to get insights into
your own background and baggage.
What you least like hearing will prove
most helpful.
T~URUS (April 20 - May 20): Arguing
with the boss can be chalked up to fragile
egos. Yours is the only one you can keep
in check. What would your parents say?
And how would you like to respond?
Get that out of the way before handling
the boss.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Arguments
are almost inevitable now. Almost.
Worries about money (or self-worth?) are
the underlying triggers. Make sure you're
able to have someone - preferably an
older sibling or a "sister' - with whom
you can discuss those issues.
CANCER Q'uoe 21 - July 22): Sexual
issues are up for you. Remember you
have nothing to prove, and buying new
toys_ or fetish-wear won't help. If getting
old ts part of the problem, then being
mature and taking charge is the answer.
LEO Q'uly 23 - August 22): We all have
inner doubts and fears, and nobody's
perfect. What you really hate is that
imperfection is true of you, too. Be
honest and open with your partner or a
trusted friend. Not admitting your flaws
will magnify them and make you
intolerable.
VIB.GO(Augi;ist 23 - September 22):
Good friends can help settle your doubts
and worries, but also may confirm some
of them. As bad as things may be, your
worries just magnify the problems. You
need a reality check.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22):
Being too creative at work can come
across as flaky or threatening to your
superiors. Keep communications open,
and welcome constructive criticism from
colleagues. Any entertainments or
morale-boosters you devise now should
be kept simple.
SCORPIO (October 23 November 21):
Challenged by new ideas? Retreating into
traditional beliefs will not help. That's
what "fundamentalism" is! Better to
accept the challenge. Arguing with a
teacher can help both of you to learn,
but stay respectful.
SAGITIARIUS (November 22
December 20): Pushing bevond vour
familiar sexual limits is OK, but 'be very
careful! Confused signals can get you into
dangerous situations. In any new kinky
activities, make sure to be clear about
safewords, proper instructions, etc.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January
19): Working on new erotic techniques
could open questions about person;!
morality and responsibility. Your
partner could goad you or be a drag;
there 1MiJI be some discomfort either
way. Communication, though an effort,
remains the answer always.
AQUARIUS Q'anuary 20 - February 18):
Sweetly listen to anything your partner
( or a close friend) has to say about
cleaning up your act. You don't have to
agree or follow the advice, but at least
consider it. It could catalyze a better
approach.
PISCES (February 19 - March 1g):
Showing off in sports or at the gym is
sure to get you hurt. Maintain a
moderate level of activity. If you need to
show off, focus on your artistic insights
and your ability to e~ress things beyond
most people's itnagiph1gs.
Jack Fertig bas,been fllorking as a
JJrofesional astro/j,ger since 1977 and is a
founding mem'lkr of tlie Association for
Astrological Networking.
You can find copies of the
STAR at these 4 states
business & oigani:zations.
ARKANBAB ICANBAB MIBBDURI DICLAHDMA
Arkansas, Enreka Springs
Divenity Pride Events - • www.diversitypride.com
MCC Uving Spring - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337
Arkansas, Fayetteville (479)
Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-1300
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kinkeads- 10041/2 Garrison Ave- 479-783-9988
Club 1022 - -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - - 479-782-1845
Arkansas, Hot Springs (501)
Our House Lounge • 660 E. Grand Ave- -624-6868
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street- - - :1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - 501-664-2744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - -www.dsra.org
Di1covety- - 1021 Jessie Rd- -- - - - - 501-666-6900
The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070
Kansas, Pittsburg {620)
River of Ufe Church - 1709 N Walnut - -1 fAM
PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938
Kan1a1, Wichita (316)
Club Glader - 2828 E. 31st South - - 316-612-9331
J', Lounge - - - - - 513 E. Central - 316-262-1363
Our Fantasy- - • - • 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494
The Otherside- - -447 N. St Francis- 316-262-7825
Shatai - - - - - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028
Sidestreet Mens Bar -1106 S. Pattie- -316-267-0324
South 40 - - - - - 3201 S. Hillside - - - - -316-682-5494
Trends Bar - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - - - 316-262-4530
That G.ty Group, W.S.U. - - - - - -- 316-978-7010
Missouri, Ava
Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - 417-683-9199
Missouri, Joplin (417)
Ree's- - - 716 S. Main - - - - - - - 417-627-9035
MCC Spirit of Christ--2902 E 20th, - - -Sun-6pm
Missouri, Kansas City (816)
Buddies - - - - - - 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600
Club NV - - - - 220 Admiral Blvd- - 816-421-NVKC
DB Warehouse- -- 1915 M1in St- - - -816-471-1575
Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - 816-561-0625
Side&tteet Bar - - - -413 E. 3rd-• - - - - 816-531-1775
Sidekicks Saloon - - 3707 Maii;l St- - 816- 931-1430
MJN~uri(Lampe
KOKOMO Campground- - - .: -. .: .417-779-5084
Missouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - - --417-831-4700
GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Commerical- -869-3978
Liquors & Kid.cers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225
Martha's Vineyard- 219 W Olive - - - 417-864-4572
Priscilla's - - - 1918 S. Glenstone - - 417-881-8444
Oz Bar - 504 E. Commercial - - - - 417-831-9001
Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-864-0036
Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - 417-873-2225
Oklahoma, McAlester
McPride- - - - - POBox 1515, McAlester, OK 74502
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City ( 405)
Boom Room- 2807 NW 36th St- - - - -405-601-7200
Club Rox- - - -3535 NW 39tb. Expwy - 405-947-2351
Finish Une -2200 NW 39th Expwy- - 405-525-0730
Gu6hera Restaurant-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730
HoilywoodHotel- 3535 NW 39th Ex- 405-947-2351
Habana Inn - 2200 NW 39th Exp- - 405-528-2221
Hi-Lo Oub - 1221 NW 50th- - - -405-843-1722
Jungle Reds - - - 2200 NW Expwy- - - 405-524-5733
Partners- - - -2805 NW 36th St - - - - - 405-942-2199
Piece To Remember-2131 NW 39th- -405-528-2223
Priscilla's- 615 E. Memorw - - - - - - - -405-755-8600
Red Rock North-2240 NW39th St- - -405-525-5165
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
Dreamland Bb -- - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - -834-1051
Elite Boobtore --814 S. Sheridan- - - 918-838-8503
End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- c -918-836-2480
Flamingos Qub- - -7915 E. 21st St - - -918-622-6339
GI.BT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E.41st- - - - 918-743-4297
The Detour- - - - • 7944 E. 2ht - - - - - - 918-270-2428
Club Majestic- - 124 N. Bonon - - - - - 918-584-9494
Renegades- - - - 1649 S. ~ - - - 918-585-3405
Prisc:illa's - - - - 792_5 E. 41st - - - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscilla's - 563~ V/. Skelly - - - - -918-446-6336
Pri~dna•, - - - -113# E. 11th - - - - -- - -918-43.8-4224
Priscilla's - - 2333 E. 7bt - - -' - -918-499-1661
Tulia CARES- -3507 E. Admital Pi- - 918-834-4194
Tulsa Eagle- - • - -1338 E. 3rd- - - - - - - 9i8-592-1188
TNT's - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - 918-660-0856
Undeiguy.com • • -15 ~- Brady- - - - - 918-829-0824
Whittier News S~-- i 'N. Lewis- - 91g.592.0767
Yellow-Brick-Rd-· -2630 E. 15th- - - - 918-293-0304
Outlets wishing to distribute FREE copies of the STAR,
contact us at 918.835.7887 9am to 4pm mon - fri or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
Page 37
cART □□ N "Bitter Girl"
cARTooN "A Couple of Guys"
A Couple
of guys•
.- ., .. ,,:Sr~
ADVERTISING
REPRESENTATIVE
FOR WICHITA,
OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA,
MISSOURI OR ARKANSAS
email qualifications to
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net ..
or mail to: 5103 S. Sheridan, #153' ·
Tulsa, OK 74145
91 B.B35};7ElB7
email: ozarksstat@§bcglobal.net
Quality, Value;0 Itib!grity and
Advertising Service.
l /BTH PAGE CLASSIFIED AD
SPACE NOW AVAILABLE IN
THE
STAR
CALL F'CR RATES
91 B.B35.78B7
. or email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
Delivering Quallty, Value, Integrity and
Trust in Affordable Advertising Service .
• ' :.:J.'t:
NOW AVAILABLE IN
THE
STAR
CALL F'CR RATES
91 B.B3~.7B87
or email: ozarksst:a;@sbcglobal.net
Delivering Quality, ~lue! Integrity and
Th.Jst in Affordable Advertising Service.
, ,,,,."•."" •'::cJ.i/:t'':'.:f •," >.'
PAGE 40 THE STAR SEPTEMBER 200S
:j,
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, September 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 09
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
September 01, 2005
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
Josh Aterovis
John Patrick
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman,
Chaz Ward
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
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 Star Magazine, August 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/215
The Star Magazine, October 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/221
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/222
Bitter Girl
Cartoon
Cherokee lesbians
gay execution
gay mayor
Heart to Heart
Iran execution
Lesbian Notions
local advertisement
marriage equality
Past Out
Q Scopes
Quotable Quotes
Star Scene
Uncle Mikey
vacation
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b9c9a6279512a7a10048d90d650483d2.jpg
ccf67a476d394d378caa36f5bfb2fc4a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1ac048af6377978fa39ed58c5c85b213.pdf
2262c39edbaef673db3eeb5b909bc695
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
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
=========.
The STAR is published by
Star Media, Ltd.
5103 S. Sheridan,# 153
Tuisa, OK 74145-7627
ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
www.ozarksstar.com
Editor in Chiei, C. D. Ward
Contributing Writers:
Greg Steele, Josh Aterovis, Douglas Glenn,
John Patrick, Michael Dee,
Kay Massey, Paul Wortman, Carlotta Carlisle,
Victor Gorin, Greg Gatewood
Columnist:
Libby Post, Andrew Collins, Donald Pile,
Ray Williams. Michael Hinzman. Jack Fertig,
Liz Highleyman
Photography:
Chaz Ward, Victor Gorin,
Advertising:
Tulsa Office - - - - - - - -918-835-7887
or Email: ozarksstar@sbcglobal.net
(Tulsa Metro) Michael Leach- - - - - 918-640-2049
(Oklahoma City Metro) Victor Gorin 405-947-2048
(Northwest Arkansas) Kay Massey- 479-273-2808
National Advertising Representative
Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
Deadline for all advertising, articles and payment is
the 18th of each month for the next months issue.
Subscriptions
12 issues $26.95 / singles $3.00 Check or
Money Order
'!he Oz.irks Sr.tr or the Star is published & dimibutcd monthly
as a communitY ser;ice bv Star Medil, Ltd .. Publication of
the name, pho~ogclph o; iikcnc.':>s of any p~rson. business or
organization in this publica:t~on i:; no:· co be conscru~d a.~ any
indication of sexual oricnration or preferences of 5uch person,
bu1,jncss or org-ani1atioe.
Opinions cxpres5cJ by culumnis:.s, ~idvcrri~crs or Lener,,,: ro rhc
Editor arc nor necc5s,1rily the opiniun of 'fhr Ozarks Star. frs
staff, rhi.! publisher nr it's Jdvariscrs. Content of .1dverriscmcnrs
and ~uticlcs .1rt the suic r<:spunsibiiity of chc advertiser 3.nd /or
author. '1ht: Pubii5hrr of t!{c ()n.rk.\ ·s~ar or Srar reserve:~ rhc right
ro refuse a<lvcnising nutl..'.rlai f~_~ir ,1!1;' rta.1,on v,·hat so ever. 'Ih<..·
()z.3.rks Sur or Star ~nd all !ikc:ltS:)<:s ~h{:rt of arc sole oropt"rtics
of Star hicd!,1. Lrd. All m:Hrr!~tl (<) copyrigh~ 2006 chc ()zarb
S:ar.
Designed Hith Pride, Printed in Oklahoma, l'SA
N THE COVER Jud Shepard, Mother of Matthew
0 0 JUDY SHEPARD SPEAKS
'·If vou don't vote, you can't bitch.'
TI1a~'s what my son: Matthew, used to
sav. Afrer he t~1rned 18, one of the first
th.ings he did when he moved to :! ntw
location was register to vore.
Of) OUT In ARKANSAS
New! Lots of news from the Arkansas
GLBT Community.
First Openly GLBT Srnte Official.
FALL Diversity Weekend, EUREKA!
00 PAST OUT
A rctrosoectivc ofLGBT Historv. \'v'ho
was Da,phne du Maurier? .
0.z.7 CIAO TRAVEL
G ay '1r. rave1I ers "(a'a nta I·'c , N1' vI, "
Out of Town "Cosu Rica··
f)(3 ASK UNCLE MIKEY
Can you n.:aliy get an STD ju~t h\ _:.:,1·. -
ing ~on1eonc head?
\\'r,rried
Can rou re::l]y a,;k th:'t quc,u,,n \\·itl1
~t head?
INDEX
3,000 Walk For Aids ....
Judy Shepard Speaks ..
OUT in Arkansas ...
Past Out. .....
Tulsa GLBT Center Ne"Ns
Ciao Tra,;e!. ..
Lesb;an Notiors.
Oklahoma·s Adoption i __ ;:iv 1
Star S:::ene.
Uncle Mikey
inspiring Fitness
:-ioroscopes
Distr:buto:·s
Cartoc:.ns
C!asslfleds
In the la~t i:-isuc chc article on the
Rvan 'X'hitl· lkndit Shih\,\\<: inadn:
ncntl-.- :bn! the· 11:lill': Bn·,11:
\\!hit,. :\11 "hvio,,,, rrnr 1 ha1 v:c
on-rlookcd.
6
12
14
-----,..
Gold Castle
"At Centwy 21 Gold Castle our
BEST propei1ies are our PEOPLE'
4301 NW 63rd, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405.840.2106
.c21 goldcastle.com
(iay !lle/1 and le<·/,fc:ns (:ice many special tax
,·ifuutions. ,1·hcrher single nr as u,upies.
Let us help!
(918) 7 6
Phew;by Joe KirK
3,000 Walk for Awareness and
Funds at AIDS Walk of
Oklahoma Ci , Proceeds
Total $50,000
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK_.\n unprecedented .\000 peop;c
wa!k<:d on Sunday, Ocwber !sr fil!· a hcald1icr Oklahoma in the
2006 AIDS \X'alk of Okkhc;•na Cir-. Parricip:rnt, from greater
()klahon1a C:iry and hcyonJ \valkc<.f ro raise ;nvarcnc:-:s a1~d funds
for d1e treatment and pn:n:ntion of j,-jj\,'i AiDS. '.'rocceJs toulcd
S"i0,000, which included spomorsi1ip, and doi::u;on\ b!·ought rn
the AIDS Walk. ·111(: fdDS \X'aik of Okbhoma City will c!isrribure
these funds in the (o;-m of grants on \X'orld AIDS Day, December
1st, t(> qualifrin;2. local HIV/ A! I )S non-prnfit organizations. To
download a gram ap;)!icati'ln, go to \\Ww.aidswalkokc.org.
Funds arc still criticallr n-:cdcd and 0;1 he :1,adc ,ml inc ::t www.
aidswalkokc.org. For more inforna,ion en donarins w the AIDS
Walk of Oklahoma Ci,y, pica,-: comact Board Prcs'dcnr Linda Larason
at ,HJ'i/5~0-•i83"i.
Startling statistics-
- 1iAOIJ Oldaho1:1an, a:c rnrrunlr living ·.vi:h HIV/,.;I:)S. his
:rn:nbc:r doc, IhH inckdc incli·:iduaL ,die ;,re inkucd bm ,:n;:\\'.ll'<.'.
of their inb:.:tion.
- I":- ,o 2-,-vc;:r .,\\, rn,1kv up the larg,··,! numk·•· o,· ! I I\' in(ccc inn,
in (he \\'<Hid.
Tl s Tl
Because every one deserves a chance
Placing retired racing Greyhounds into loving homes throughout
Oklahoma, NW Arkansas, SW Missouri and North Central Texas
,r' fo1111/Greyhound riur)"t· , S. ~ ,lon
\· ~11· ·✓ 0q
Foster - Adopt - Support - Teach
401 N. FbrkSlreet-Serrrde, a< 74868-(405) 303-
VNNY.fasthound.org
Visit our website or contact us for more information
Jessica Lantagne
President
405-623-8390
Nikki Ortman
Vice President
405-833-5455
Paul Oratowski
Treasurer
405-205-79 35
jessica@fasthound.org Nikki@fasthound.org paul@fasthound.org
w, Do It Dlffsrsnt In Eunk1 Springs, Ark1n1s1/
CffAltlTY
'Poll:1rR11n'
'Show 'n Shin&'
in DIVERSITY WEEKEND the Nov 3.5, 200a
Ozarks!
A
BOBALOO!
71Jt go1I of the 011w An11u11 Dlver,ity Arts & Crafts Fest/vii Is to lr.1pirc1,
111pport 1ad promote 1rt tll1t SPECIFICALLY REFLECTS tht $8nsibiiitl,s
ind uptritnce, of G1ys, Lesbl1nt; Binxuaf,, Tr,ns & lntersu and
their 1triight friends and famlliu. We wish to 1mcour1gt artl1ts of ALL
1ex111I orient,tions and ger.dtr Identities to pruent their perspective of
of our 11111/tl-cult11ra!, rac/11 and ethnic div,rsity, through their art. As
th/1 fettlv,1 gmw, over the years, w11 hope to m,ke evall,bie ,rt, & cr,fts
th1t wt/I ,peak to and about our community ind to educ.ts and celebr,te
th• t!11t dl'lt11it, of our live,i Gai!ttifl li'ld/or thou /;, need of exhibit
1p1ct, ple,,e s,nd ,n em1fl to info@dlver,ltypriduom {EXH!Bff in the
subject line} or caii 479-253,2555 ASAP!
www.ozarksstar.com
health outreach prevention education, Inc.
1-800-535-AIDS (2437)
Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline
H.O.P.E. Test
Meris outreti
In Tulsa at {91
the STAR 9
Oklahoma Greyhound
Ad tion Group
Expands Service To Arkansas,
Missouri & Texas.
SEi\!I?'-~OLE, OK_ Fasthound Greyhound
Adoption is pleased to announce their
expanded service area. In addition to piacing
Retired Racing Greyhounds throughout
Oklahoma our service area now includes
North·,vcsr Arkansas, Southwest Missouri
and North Cemra! Texas.
Severai years ago when my liic partner Ed
befriended a coworker we met her Greyhound
Dance who was s0.vcet, gentle, calm
and affect'.onate. When ~e decided rhar
a Greyhound ":'a~ right for_ us, Dance';
mom suggestea tnat we might want to put
through CHJr application for adoption under
{)nly one of our narncs as the president of
the group ,;vas unlikely to approve the application
if \VC put it under both our natnes.
i"-~aturally \1.:-e
and adopted our
group ln .\ustin~ ,.r~{.
\Xie then dtcidt'd to start our (A\"T1
': 1<""• 11R1'
a service \\~here the everyone
10 the STAR
Photo: "Monty", is adoprable.
adopt one of these wonderful, loving canine
companions as a family unit without prejudice.
We have had great success in Oklahoma
and want to bring this same service
to our neighbors in Arkansas, Missouri and
Texas.
The Fasthound board members Jessica
Lantagne, Nikki Ortman and myself Paui
Oratowski have more than 15 years combined
experience in the foster and adoption
placement of retired Racing Greyhounds.
Visit our website at www.fasthound.org w
see our available greyhounds and learn more
abom us and our adoption process.
* UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST KANSASiOKLAHO:
tv1A CONFERENCE
VO l ES TO AFFIR..i\1 MARRIAGE
EQUALIIT
by Victor Gorin
OKIAHOt,1A CITY, OK_In keeping with
their longtime stand of support of equalitv
for GLBT people, the delegates of the
National Svnod of the United Church of
Christ Cor~ference in 2005 voted to pass
a resolution .stating that the UCC Church
supports marriag~ e9ua!ity induding same
sex n1arriage, and advocates for governnH~nts
to do so as well.
While this policy Ivas widely supported
through uc:c:~ it did generarc son1c controversyl
and \vhen the Kansas/Oklahoma
Regional Conference vvas held in \X/ichira
the follov..ring September a stnaH rural
l}(=C C~hurch from Litdc l\.iver, Kansas
introduced a resolution that the
i(a11sas/()klahonia ,.,...,,,.~,,._
the national poiicy of tJ(~(~ approving
sarnc- sex ma.rriagc. -]11is had been tabled f0r
further consideraric~n, but v1ouid l)e voted
on at th.e
Meanwhile rhe controversv imensified,
and the Little River UCC,sent ietters to all
the Kansas and Oklahoma l:CC churches,
urging them to withhold money from the
national lJCC as a form of economic pressure
to make them change their policy. In
response to this, affirming churches in Okiaho~
a and Kansas made special fundraising
efforrs ro not only maintain their level of
support for the national UCC, but actually
to increase rheir offering. In Oklahoma
City a joint fundraiser concert involving
UCC's Church of the Open Arms, Cathedral
of Hope and Mayflower Congregational
Church raised over $8000, and together
with the other affirming churches of Oklahoma
and Kansas over $18,000 of additional
money was brough.: ro the Kansas/
Oklahoma UCC Conference as a show of
suppon for the national UCC stand. When
the vote was called at the Regional Conference
as to whether they would support the
national policy of UCC, it was affirmed by a
vote over 75% in favor.
UCC has an impressive history of supporting
GLBT equaiity, and was the first mainstream
congregarion to ordain an openly
gay minister, Bill Johnson, in 1972. He was
present at rhe 2006 Kansas/Oklahoma UCC
Conference as a srrong show of his support.
.A.s pastor of the Church of rhe Open Arms
UCC of Okiahoma City Kathy McCallie
commented,"UCC has a long history of being
in rhe forefront of the gay righrs movement
which includes marriage equality, and
UCC also advocates change for marriage
equality from government as wdl, so this
was an affirming event for this region."
* Spirit of Christ MCC
Joplin Celebrate's
Ninth Anniversary.
JOPU~-.i, MO~"As we cdebme our Ninth
Anniversarl in a ciP..- v,rhcre we were told
nine years ;go that ;,ve could not and would
not survive, yet nine years later here we are."
Said Pastor Urie.
~pirit of Christ i\1CC serves the greater
Joplin; lv·f() area and surrounding com~
r ~ • • cl' ,1 r> ~ i'..1 r· 1nun1ucs sprea 1ng rne \J00d 1"lews or Jesus
(:hrist not only in vvord but in service,
taHcing the talk and ,valking the waik. Over
the la;t nine years Spirit of C::hrist fv!CC has
no~"l{l been rhe longest surviving (;JL/B/
'J/S organization in JopHn .
Cln;tinuetl fh1ge-23
www.ozarKsstar.com
ur
By Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and b:erntive
Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
"If you don't vote, you can't bitch." That's what my son, Matthew,
used w say. After he turned 18, one of the first things he did when
he moved to a new location was register to vote. He understood that
the righr to vote was also a privilege, a responsibility and a chance
to be heard. \Y/hen Matthew was beaten to death in 1998, anti-gay
hate stole Matthew's right to vote. Today, the Matthew Shepard
Foundation and I arc asking you to vote with him in mind this
November.
In the eight years since Matthew was murdered, l have traveled
around rhe coumry speaking to millions of people including over
a million college sttidents - about rhe importance of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights issues ,md hare-crimes
1e gis 1a tion. 0 ne tvu mg t.h at ha s struc.k me aga·m and aga·m 1·s tn' e 1a cr1::
of political involvement within the community. Polis suggesr that
numbers for voter registration and voter participation within the
LGBT community are shockingiy low.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation is undertaking an aggressive
''Get-Out-the-Vote" campaign this year to bring attention ro this
issue and to promore an increase in voter participation by LGBT
people and aliies. But what I really wanr to ask those in rhe community
who are not registered or v;ho have not voted recendy is: what
rhe heck are you thinking?!
At a time when the stakes have never been higher and LGBT issues
arc once again - in the fOrefront of the n1cdja and being rr1anipulated
to have a potentially negative impact on our co1nn1unity. this
lack of in'i.rolvetnenr is totally unacceptable. "~ primarily· politicai
tactic utilized throughout the nation by people •.vho oppose L(;B~r
civii rights .,Nas tapping into ho1nophobic fears and directly targeting ;~l~::~,~;;:::.~::.'til~J!~~~t:i?i~i:;;;:;:{;:;:.,
·wake up, people: ;.ve arc under arrack!
ln the current election and the elections that
sure that r:hc voice of the LGB'T' ;jnd allied
wwvv.ozarksstar.com
- in all of its
about the issues and t!!e candidates a:,d reach out to oar friencis and
families and l:!et them involved as well. We need to i10ld each other
accountable ~hen it coJnes to voting and, of cou;:se, we also need
to hold those who are elected accoumable. If we al!ov, ourselves and
each other to remain immobilized by apathy or pessimism, what
we are really doing is colluding wi:h those who oppose us. Friends
don't let friends not vo!e. -There is an old maxim that goes, "If you're
not part of the soiution, then you're pan of the problem." From my
perspective, if you don't vote, you become in you~ passivity a part of
the hate.
So what do you need to do to become pan: of the solution? There
are five tasks that vou can do that -.vi!l make a differe11ce: one, REGISTER
to vote; CV:,o, LEARN the issues - find out what candidates
wam to do for you-and to you; three, PASS IT ON, educare your
family, friends and business associa,es about the issues affecting rhe
LGBT community today and encourage them to use their vote;
four, actually VOTE in the election; and five, no ma.:rer who is
elected, STAY INVOLVED and hold your elected officials accountable.
You can go to our website ww-.v.MatthewShepard.org/Vote for
more information and to PLEDGE to vote this November 7 ,h.
Matthew's wallet always contained his voter registration card. He
took his responsibility seriously. I,fa,thew will neve~ vote again.
Today, I am asking you to vore for him. Use your voice. Iv1ake a difference
for this generation and the: next. * RESEARCH REFUTES ~1YTH OF
GAY THREAT TO CHILDREN
A study released today (http:/ /\w;w.i:1ternariom.lordcr.org/scandal_
response.html) refutes charges made by the religious right in
response to the Congressm:m Fo'.ey scandal that homosexuals are
significantly more inclined to moiest chiiciren than heterosexuals.
According to author Mark E. Pietrzyk, a number of conservative
religious groups have issued papers claiming that gay mc1:_ pose -
a highly disproportionate thrc,H to child:·en, citing a number or
scientific studies t<J support their claims. However, when one examines
the studies cited in these p;;pers, one finds that the religious
right has engaged in a serim:s. distor:(<m of the work~ 01: od1ers.
1he sdentis;:s ,d10 authored the studies made co suci1 clam, about
homosexuais posing a grearer threat to children, and in f3.ct in 1nany
cases argued the opposite.
!n addidon, n1anv in rhe l,(h ....:
~~;;,~,t~f ~:~i ~~:~~al~r:;,1~:l~r~!l~;~:g!~~~ ;~~~);!;1~11~'.~y crodi~;:11
traditional norn1s of sexual behavior. !-Io\vever, out
rhat the ,;slippery slopt.t is basec! on the false p•rernis<.: that
the I)rotection of children is a long-standing
part of the recently cornc un-
~ier assault as a re~u!t of the
approved of
• t • • tn aiJuit-rnu1or
the STAR 11
I i I
Arkansas Elects First Openly
GLBT State Official.
by Joe Lafountaine
--------------'
LITTLE ROCK, AR_History
was made in the May
23rd primary victory for
Kathy Webb in the race for
Arkansas State Representative
District 37 (Little Rock).
Unopposed in the general
election, Kathy will be sworn
in on January 8, 2007 as the
first openly GLBT elected
official in Arkansas.
Kathy has served as president
of the Stonewall Democratic
Club of Arkansas, as a board
member of the Arkansas
Hospitality Association
and as an active volunteer
for the Arkansas Foodbank
Network. She has also been
national secretary for the
National Organization for Women (NOW') and founding president
of the Chicago Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation. .
Kathy received endorsements from The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
The Stonewail Democrats, l11c Victory Fund, ACORN, SEIU,
AFL-CIO, Arkansas Realtors PAC, AR Business and Professional
Women PAC and many local civic and business ieaders. As a smallbusiness
owner (Lilly's Dim Sum, Then Some Restaurant) and
volunteer, Kathy \Y/ebb is a proven leader who works tirelessly and
effectively for the good of her community. Her experience, her commitment
to solving problems, and her passion for improving the
quality oflife for all Arkansans will serve District 37 well.
~~aulu1gittht1J
ffir.crtinyn
12 the STAR
*
'lbe STAR
staff wishes
you a safe
and happy
1banksgiving
TT ! • I .-io11aay.
Fort Smith Readies For New
Night Club.
by Greg Steele
FORT SMITH, AR_Diana },filler and Leann Caugnman weil
known in the Fort Smith club scene, are anxiousi:v waiting on their
club license for the new Kiub XLR8.
Diana said in an interview, "We decided to go ahead and open Klub
XLR8 with all the regular events, performers, dances, DJ's, ·etc ...
everything but the alcohol. We are acmally classified as a "juice bar
and grill" for now, hoping shortly ro be able to classify ourselves as
a 'private club.' Ajd10ugh We are opening without alcohol, we wiil
continue ro remain a 21 and above business, due to smoking being
allowed inside.''
"Loca,ed in the old Ciub 1022 buiiding at i022 Dodson Ave.,
the faci!i;:ies have been complerelv renovated in$ide and out with
a lot of heart and soul placed int~ the building. We have plans for
several fund-raisers for different organizations/charities. dqg shows,
in-house pageants, live dj's, theme dance/parties, dance comests,
live bands, Karaoke, pool wurnamcnts, and holida;,' dinners. The
buiiding h .. s great sound, and a 32 foot projection screen that will
run during opening hours playing dance videos ,~nd graphic animations."
Said Miller.
For more information contan Diana at 479-7 82-9578 or visi~ ,he
website: wv.w.klubXLR8.com
*
LittleRockPride.Com
Celebrates 1 Year Online.
LITTLE ROCK, AR_LinieRockPridc.com celebrated its one vear
anniversary Oc;:ober 14, 2006. ·
u! v,ras told by several people t.vhen I sran:ed the \Y/eb~irc that nobod.y
had been able to succeed v.1ith this idea for Dion: than ont year,10
,
saic! Barb Kampbc;l, founder and owner of Li:tieRockPridc.com. "I
was not a,vare ~f other efforts \Vhen I had rhc idea and ran \vith it
despite some negativity about pasr failures from others. \VC've rr1ade
it a year and are sti11 going strong!''
l,usiness in this state \Vill have
a listing in the
choicc1 ynu choose tc~ support thern fir:;t.
vvv;w.ozarksstar.com
F· DIVERS!
END NOV 3-5, 2006
Eureka Springs
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_This Fall is going to be a little different
in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. TI1ere are some new and intriguing
evems.
Al'U'S IN THE OZARKS WITH SABRINA MATTHEWS?!
During FALL Diversity Weekend will be the first 'LOL!' Diversity
Comedy Concert starring ANT and SABRINA MATTHEWS at
the historic 'AUD' IN Eureka Springs, Arkansas. One performance
only, on Saturday night Nov 4th at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm
Hyper, irreverent, and downright fabulous, ANT has steadily
climbed the comedy hill to become one of America's most successful
comedians of our time. A regular guest on The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno and 1he Tyra Banks show, ANT is the oniy comedian w
appear on all four seasons ofNBC's hit series Last Comic Standing.
Ct:rrentlv he is the host ofVH I's juggernaut Celebrity Fit Club
and stars in rhc LOGO series, "U.S. of ANT." See his hit stand-up
DVD, '~-\~T: America's Ready" and comedy CD "Follow my asi'
Sabrina Matthews ( vhoto
left) is an openly i~bian
cor:1ic who relares the
absurd in everyday life 11:
a witry anecdotal. style.
"Sabr:na's brand of comedy
is infectious, says afi:erel~
len.co1nj and she Hregularly
dra\vs out big laughs fron1
both gay and straight
audiences." Her hi!arlou~
half~hotir comedv special~
~~Con1edy Centr~l Presents
Sabrina Jvfatthe\vs'· \Vas a
hit and catch her nn the L()(;() C:f:il\Nl'-JEL. She is a star of
WW't✓.ozarksstar.com
the 2006 hit documentary, "Laughing Matters More!" and made her
television acting debut in ''America's .!'v1ost Wanted". (Yes, reaily.)
By presenting ANT and SABRINA, Diversity Pride Events once
again hopes to both entertain and unite our community. DPE is
very excited to have drawn such taiemed and uplifting performers to
the Ozarks region. Tickets are available online at DiversityPride.com
until Sunday 10-29-06, and then only at the door one hour before
show time.
BOBALOO IS BACK! 'Early Dinner Show'
Los Angeles comic Bobaloo, originally a mid-west boy, wowed the
Diversity Bears and their friends this past Summer Diversity Weekend,
and he also fell in love with the Eureka Springs community.
So, Diversity Pride Events has brought him back to "jolly things up
around Eureka".
He ·will perform in a new 'Early Dinner Show' at the Lumberyard
on Saturday at 5pm to 6pm, but suggest you come early because
4pm diners get preferential seating for his Show! $5 cover
DIVERSITY BIKERS Charitv 'POKER RUN' & 'SHOWN'
SHINE' A portion of the pro~eeds to benefit Children of Deployed
Service Members. The Diversitv Bikers 'Show N' Shine' will start
at 12:30 PM at Roadway Inn. Bikes will be judged in two categories,
Best in Show and Best 'Pride Dressed'. There will be a First
Place and Runner-up in each category. Then there will be the first
Diversity Bikers Charity 'Poker Run'. Entry fee is $10, pius at least
one stuffed animal.. · · ·
"
*
AAA~.nsas pplauds
ational Coming ut
Dav., '' Concert
By Teresa Qag) Goodrich
SPRINGDALE, AR_There are rwo kind of musicians in the
world, those that plav music and those that make music. \'ve had
the joy of hearing. rw'o such makers of music at the Jones Center for
Families in Springdaie Arkansas on October 1 l rh, National Coming
Our Day.
The concert, organized by the N\VA GLBT Community Center
brought Colleen Jameson down from Iowa as pan of her Midwest
1our. A cotnbination of angeiic voice, delightful acoustic guitar and
outspoken comn1entary made for a socially upiifting perfonnance.
She has also expressed a ·wish to \~isit the area again.
Northvvest Arkansas1 ovvT1, Jonathan Stiers
derful voice along ,vith truly vers:1tiie playing. ()ne concert
attendee ·\vas heard to con11ncrn: th;,n scerned as if rhc:- muslc just
came flo~Ning out of his finger$."' !-Je possesses a true fOr the
piano.
-.~·here vvas hope e:pressed for rnorc events of this type
the concert attendees,
the STAR '!3
Summan· : Past Out is a retrospective of
key mo1~ems, personalities, and subjects in
LGBT historv. Each installment brings the
past to life b}; exploring the diversity of the
gay past and irs impact on the queer present.
stander, when she was still a teenager. Her
first novei, 1he Loving Spirit, appeared in
1931; this was followed by Jamaica Inn. in
1936, which brought he, criticai acclaim
and financial success.
In rhe summer of 1932, du Maurier married
Frederick "Bov" Browning, a
rnilitarv officer 11 ·years her senior
who h;d sought her out after admiring
her work. Du Maurier was
ill-suited to the life of a traditional
military wife, howe,-er, and she
hired a nanny to care for the couple's
son and two daughters. After
several years, ,he family moved to
Cornwall, living in a l 7th-ce1:tury
mansion that served as a mociel for
Manderley, the setting of her bes:known
novel, Rebecca (1938).
Photo: Tttdith An!Urson as Afrs. Danvers and Joan Fontaine as
the sec;nd Afo. de Winter in rh~ film adaptation o_f Daphne du
Du Maurier and Browning spent
considerable time apart as he rose
to the rank of iiemenant general
and commanded the Bii,ish First
Airborne Division during Worid
Who was Daphne du Maurier?
Bisexual author Daphne du i\.faurier, best
known today through film adaptations of
her work, helped define the gotbic romance
genre of literature. \V'hile other writers of
her era were dealing wirh subjects such as
alienation, religion, Marxism, and World
War Ii, du Maurier, wrote professor Richard
Kelly, "produced 'old-fashioned' novels wid:
straightforward narratives that appealed to a
popular audience·s love of fantasy, ad·,,enture,
sexuality. and mysrery."
Du Maurier was born May 13, 1907. man
artistic family in Loncion. Her morher was
an actress. h~r father. Gerald. was a theater
manage~ and famous actor, and her grandfather,
George, was a wc!1'-known au:hor and
cartoonist for Punch magazine. Du Maurier
and her two sists:rs haci a-privileged and
permissive upbringing, educated privately
at hon1e and at schools in London and
Paris. An avid reader, she enjoyed creating
in1aginary worlds, often featuring a rnale
alter-ego she dubbed Hthc boy in the box.''
Her farnily\ hoiiday home in Cornw2.ll
;vouid later becornc the setting for n1uch of
her best worlc
short stories in his
14 the STAR
War II. 1he couple remained married
t:ntil Browning died in i 965.
Although she reportedly had a crush on a
female teacher while studying in Paris, ciu
1\1aurier's sapphic tendencies - which she
!·efcrred to as "Venetian" - came to the fore
in midlife. In the late i 9405, she became
infatuated with Ellen Doubleday, the wife
of her Americ:,n publisher, who did not
reciprocate her affections. ·'I glory in my
Ve1{ke, when I am in a Ve!lice mood, and
foro-et it when I am not,'' ciu l',1aurier wrote
in : letter to Doubleday. "'111e only chip is
the dreary knowicdgc that there can never
be Venic~ with you."
Soon thereafter, du Maur:e embarked on
a relationship with stage and film ac~re;;s ,
(~errrude L~nvrcncc, who had co-starred 1u10
h,1d -,p affair vvirh her father ·vcar::; eadier;
i~;r ;:i:tionship with La•,vren'~e continued
~:7;~~r:~; c0~~::c:~:;~\1i::;;:;::•"~~i~~~rD,,
. , b , d. t , J: >,~ :1nd r;::~:;;~ d~:~ :~: /:::t~~:~:.~·-:Hmti2G!Vc
\vord that begins \Vith 'L :,
[)u fvlaurier pioneered the
often f;aturing fi:rnale
and eictnents of the
,:_pvpJ.:: f•an:v,ri her
she is best knosvr1 ro n1odern Judicncc~;
n;frtd Hit ..... hi:.,o.:(k', .. n:r
adaptations of Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, and
her'short ,wry: "1h: Birds" (from her 1952
coEection, The Appie Tree). "foough some
critics have intcrnreted rhe relationship ber-'
teen Reoecca -the dead former wife of the
narrator's wealtl1y older husband - a1°d !:er
i~oi:sekeepe,, Mr.s. Danve,s, as lesbian, biog;-
apher Nica lrnerbach claims that Rebecca's
"gre-a trespass 1. s r:ot lo v.m g women Io ut
laughing at men.''
Over ,he course of her five-decade career, ciu
Maurier wrote more than 25 books, among
them fa~1iiv hismries and biographies (including
on; of her father). Her story about
Ganymede. the beautiful adolescent lover or the god Zeus, ,!ppears in an American
anthology of gay short fiction (In Another
Parr of the Forest, 1994). Her memoir.
Growiag Pains, published when she was 70,
chronicl~d oniv the vears ieading up to her
marriage. She decliu'eci to pen a fo!low-up,
tdling an interviewe;, "All I can s.ty is t:1at
I had a very happy macied life and have a
delightful family .. .! dor;°r iike books which
are fuil of name-dropping."
Even as her fame grew, du Mamier - who in
1969 was named a Dame of the British Empire
in recognition of her iiterary achievements
- became more reclusive, ,hough she
maintained contact w:th her two sisters,
both lesbians, and their fomaie parrners. She
spent h. er fi na1 y ears 1.1 1 ,,-~-, orn~val"l a,I one. save
for her dogs. "Here was the treedom I desired,
iong sought-for, nor yet known," she
wrote in V,mishing Cornwall (1967). "Freedom
to vi,ite, ~o ,;alk, to wander, freedom
to climb :1il!s, to pull a boat, to be alone.''
She diec! :here in Apri: 1989, a month shy
of her 82nd birthday, and h::r ashes wen;'.
,,cattered c,ver ,he cliffs near h,:r home.
Forf!trther readingi
Auerbach, Nina. 1999. Daphne Du
'.vlaurkr: Hau;::cci Heiress_
1993. l)aphne du
of
Vl\/VVv.ozarksstar.corn
Photo: The new community center coming soon.
BE THE CHANGE with YOUR VOTE
My vote doesn'r count. Voting is too hard. I
work all day. I don't have rime. I don't know
anything about the candidates. I don't know
where to vote. It's out of the way. These are
ail excases - and, not to criticize anyone,
but pretty bad excuses. Why?
• In the last ciection, two Tulsa-area Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT)
friendly candidates both won their respecth
·e races with a margin ofless than 25
votes. Your vote cioes count - especially for
our allies hoping to make a difference.
• A.ccording to statistics, the Gay, Lesbian
and Bisexual electorate (Transgender vo,ers
are not yet measured in exit polling) constitute
as much as 9%1 of v~oters in large citiesi
nearly 4'}o in the suburbs and 2.3% in rural
.1.reas. Those numbers indicate rhe GLBT
& allied coinrnunity can be a serious force
to contend with in local, state and national
clection.s.
~ In Okb.bon1a~ you vote by dra,ving a Hnc.
Just con1picte the !ittle arro11.v. Paper and prn
provided.
Polis are open fron.1 7:00 ;'\}l! to 7:00 PlvL
'{ou can vot~ on rhe 'l:.vay to lVork} during
a break or afrer vvork on the
- if you do ·1.vork from 7 to
you time-off to
\\'V,.r\v. ozarksstar. com
Your vote can be the beginning of change
for the GLBT & allied community. You can
be part of that serious force to be ~eckoned
with when you make an informed vote.
How can you do that? How can you get
informed of the candidates and issues? It's
simple - just go to www.tohr.org. You and
your family and friends can log onto www.
tohr.org, go to the Advocacy Page and get
linked to the candidates and learn what they
stand for and what they might possibly do
if in office (stay calm, it's not all bad). You'll
also be able link to sites to learn where you
vote and much more ... simply log onto
www.tohr.org, get informed, and be part of
the change for GLBT equality when you
GO VOTE!
The TOHR Workout
Over 150 community volunteers, donating
5,000 hours of volunteer work, have helped
improve the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
& Transgender Community Center. Tne
TOHR Workout, aka Weekend Workdays,
with pulse-pounding drilling and calorieroasting
hammering, has certainly paid off
for volunteers, and the results are obvious at
the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center.
On Saturday and Sunday, November 4th
& 5th, beginning at 10:00 AM each day,
you have rhe opporruniry to join the masses
shaking their booties, enjoy free brunch/
lunch and drinks, and help finish the occupancy-
related renovarions for the permanent
Tulsa GLBT Community Center.
The new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &
Transgender (GLBT) Communiry Cenrer
is nearing compietion of the first phase of
renovations and improvements. Located ii~
the growing East End at 621 E 4th Street in
dmvntown Tulsa, rhe new Center now ha~
an operational fire-suppression syscem and
accessibie restrooms, whiie rhe new elevawr
and chair-lift will soon be complered.
Ductwork has been reconfigured, ~Id flooring
has been removed, new walls have been
constructed and others have been taken
down thanks to the work of con1n1.unity
·volunteers.
'\Ve'd Hke to thank AH Souls Unitarian
Church, the Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay &.
Transgender Association (BLGTA.) of the
l)niversity of'Tulsa, Ekklesia the c;ather,ing,
Sexual ()rientation f)iversity i\ssocia•tion
(SODA) of Oklahoma State Univer5i£":';l,
Sooner Srate Rodeo /tssociation
Tulsa Area Primetimers (TAPT), Tulsa Dungeon
Society (TDS), and Young Professionals
(YP) for their time and talents to help
improve the new Tulsa GLBT Community
Center.
Thank you - and we hope to see you on Saturday
and Sunday, November 4th and 5th
at the new Tulsa GLBT Community Center,
621 E 4th Stree;: for the TOHR Workout.
YOUR ODDS ARE GOOD TO WIN
$10,000
Your odds of winning big at a casino? Slim.
Your odds of winning the lottery? Even
slimmer.
Your odds of winning $10,000 with The
Great Divide? l in 1,000.
What would you do with $10,000? Take
a vacation? Pay off bills? Surprise someone
with a romantic get-a-way? Support the
community? Just imagine what $10,000
could do for you.
]be Great Divide is just that - a great divide
of $20,000 - split between the winner and
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Righcs
(TOHR). Proceeds support the communityoriented
programs ofTOHR, including the
Tulsa GLBT Community Cemer, the Tulsa
GLBT Information Line (918.743.GAYS),
the Community Resource Kiosk ... in ail,
over 20 programs for rhe GLBT & allied
community.
Only 1,000 tickets have been printed, so
your odds are 1 in 1,000 ... greater if
you buy 2 or more ticke,s ... and ar only
$20.00 a ticker, you can't afford to pass t:p
these odds to win S!0,000.
Simply srop by the folsa GLBT Community
Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland
Plaza to purchase your tickets. ]be Ti.1lsa
GLBT CommunitY Center b oocn 3:00
PM ' ' to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday.
For more information on 1he Grear Divide,
the 'Tlllsa GLB1 ... Cornn1unity (:enter and aH
the c:ommunity~oriented progran1s of.Tulsa
Oklahoinans for f--Iurnan Rights CTOHRL
please visit 1~vv.. r vv.tohr.org or call ~) 18.743.
(·~, A, re 14.., ')'7\ -
"-.J,1 .IJ ~\ L-:, I},
the STAR 15
Hate stole my right to vote 8 years ago.
Don't waste your right to vote on November 7th.
H)l AL!TY
1 6 the STAR
Pledge to Vote on Matthew's behalf at www.MatthewShepard.orgNote
REGISTER! LEARN! PASS IT ON! VOTE!!' STAY INVOLVED!
www.ozarksstar.com
@
~~
~
-
, > ,I"
-~'..
~ ~
!" yo,u hav
-·""' F ,, . , NOW !
,. ther~clriivihg back horn • ,. ' • '1,.,....·
flying, fly into Alb
-· drive 55•miles
necessacy;iit
sea.,level and > ••• ,. ,.,,,_
~ 1;2,oqo feeL~~ '. i ••
· .Jlotels;_ri:iotels, -a
.t· restaurants and a
· - ther 5;690 r
- . ' t :fUR0UOIS
~ ~ .. ,' . " ... _. ...
, has .:.1,0 01ff .. .., 1'lt'
.nute walk to t
former estate
,. itter Bynr:ier ( 1881-1968
obert Huritwho lived the
ii his death. if you are not
ngs of Bynner, then
ase some of hi
~ TRAVEL
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
"SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO"
Each morning they serYe an expanded continental breakfast in
the dining room including fresh baked pastry and bread from their
ovens. A complimentary evening social hour brings al! the guests
together for a lively chat. 'l11is B and B is extremely srraight-friendiy
and we met a lot of very interesting people during our stay. Neil and
Francine from San Jose, California were particularly "delightful" to
talk with. 1he Inn of the Turquoise Bear is located at 342 E. Buena
Vista Street. Their toll free number is: 800-396-4104. Check out
their website ac: www.rnrauoisebear.com and their email is: bluebear@
newmexico.com ·rh~ hom are ful! of knowledge on where to
dine, where to shop and where to go for short d,!y trips. With their
hospitality, this is the O:t\"LY place to stay when visiting Sama Fe.
From the moment you step into the Inn of the Turquoise Bear you
will immediately fall in lm·e with Santa Fe and rhe surrounding
area. 'Il1c Inn and the owners will mesmerize you into a worid far
away from what you are used to. You can have complete peace and
solitude, reading ,! book. photographing or chatting with the other
guests.
We have been visiting Sama Fe fr)r 25 :-:ears :md can't wait to
return each time. 'lhc gay bar scene seems to change almost yearly
there. We always ..-:njoy rhe har at the Inn of the Anasazi which is
located right on rhc Plaza. "Iherc have ;;.!ways been several iocal gays
there.
"There arc several places that arc on the "must see" list when
visiting S:,nca Fe. rir;t there is the "Plaza" which is the downtown
area. Daring from the city's founding in 1610, rhe Plaza has always
been the social and cul rural heart of the city. Old churches dating
back ro 350 years with their architecture is;;. must see. Dozens of art
museums including t:1c newly built George O'K:._:effe Museum can
take days to ·1isit. From fin<: dining to open-air casual. the city is a
hub of creative chefs an<l innovative cuisint.
\Y/e ;tlways rake ·':_i-9· trips·· when visiting S,mra h: wnic:1 rakes
about 3 to ij bou:·.,. \\'c·s: on the: Jen,ez ;\founraii: Ti-aii where you
\Vili see rhc ruins of an ~!ncient c!vilization, Indian pueblos and the
collapsed crater of a long.-donnanr voic:u10. i'~ordnve.st to (~corgia
O'Keeffe cou!Hrv you will ~cc where she lived :he 1acrer par! of her
life. A. trip up >~onh to 'E1os ,vh~r~· you t.tkc the "high') road to gt't
there and return nn the '"in-.\·· Jp~cr,t,llc highw,!y :·en:ming to Santa
Fe. ·!he ·'high')road takc5- vou duu rhc tin,· Yiliagcs of (~hirnayo,
'Trucha.s. J.,as ·1·rarn 1t1a\ anc! Pcnasco. If vcn; onh: have one da1.,: to go , • ,' ,! ; ._
sighr-,eciag. he SURE and take' chi, uip. '!hc mnumair:s. v,,J[,::,,,
ai:d the uude ·,illagcs an: cx[r<:•ncly imcrcs;i:,g. 'ihcre arc zJ,o day
trip~ to the Fa.<.t ~1~ \VCI! a, thr.: trip South !)11 the "Ilirquoisc 'rrail.
18 the STAR
Besides operating the Inn, Robert and Ralph are extremely
busy. 1hey also own the Santa Fe Soap Company. All of their bath
products contain namra] :ngredients derived from native plants that
grow in the deserts and mountains of the American Southwest They
make wonderful holiday gifts. Check our their website at: WV;W.
samafesoap.com
Check out the )Jew Mexico website at: www.newmexico.org and
the Sama Fe website at: \VWW.santafe.org.
Always remember to have fun when traveiing, meet new peopie
and talk ro everyone!
The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Sama Fe, New Mexico
The Inn of the Turquoise Bear, Santa Fe, New Mexico
www.ozarksstar.com
"TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS WORLD''
"Good Bye (Gay) Key West, Florida"
By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
e hate to be the bearer of bad news, but gay Key \Vest
is no more. For oYer 60 years Key \'fest was one of the major gay
meccas in the United States. Thousands and thousands of gays and
lesbians trekked down to Key West every year, many of them several
times a year. 1here were dozens of gay resorts and gay B and B's.
The wi:ole town was
either gay or extremely
gay-friendly. Drag
queens, leather guys
and gals, wanna be
cowboys and cowgiris
could walk down the
streets hanci ii~ hand
and did! 1here were
always lots gay bars
ooen till ali hours of the
n;orning. Gay artists,
writers, composers and
entertainers purchased
second homes there. It
was always just a fun
place to get away_ to,
where people could just
be themselves without
having to ever look
over their shoulder. \'•le
have been there several
times and it was aiways
a very fun and exciting
expe~ience.
Bur, alas, the parry is over. First the
cruise ships began landing there with hundred,
and hundreds of straight families and ,heir children coming in
for the dar Souvenir shops were plentiful as well as ordinary dining
piaccs inc!udi1:g fast food restaurants, and they kepr co~1ing and
kept coming. 'Then some of rhe straight tourists decided to spend
th~ nigbt or several nights. 1l1e mega hotels saw the light rather
quickly and began buying up prof!en:y. \:vithin the past nvo or ~hree
vcars rhev have purchased over a third of the small g_ay B and B s m
l( ev \"res;. A11d rh;:,v arp buvinP' up n1ore and rnore! ....(. :ondos are be- _._.,_ ,; . ~• ~ ~ -~ ..., / . -... . ,, . 0 ' ... • ' I J
ing built where rhe,e gua:nt lmk B and B s ,.vere 10careo.
vvww.ozarksstar.com
~TRAVEL
gone and gone forever: The local people, boti1 gay ~nd straight were
really eccentric and fun ~o ,,vatch. Now it is almost Eke Disneyland
with dozens and dozens of peopie lined up at the iocal \'v'endy's
downtown and people waiting in line to see the Ripley's Believe It o:
Not museum.
We realiy never thought that :bis would ever happen to Key West.
We thought rha.: it would forever be the gay mecca in the United
States, but at ieasr we wiil still have Palm Springs, Ft. Lauderdale,
San Francisco and P-town. But, beware of what is also happening in
If vou have never been to Key \X1est, we STRONGLY urge you
to o-o ,either this year or next year because it is changing so quickly 0 h I . ·1• I 1 that if vou wait too muc onger !t w1 1 on y oe a remnant o,C w h. at
it was. ·It WAS Wonderful!, Exciting!, Different! and FUN! To get
to Key West from the Midwest the easiest way is to fly directiy into
t. Laudert
than
iami and
Iv 30 miles
r~her Nor.:h.
.expensive in
orida, and
rive down
Key West
ich will
e spccracur.
Your cross
ver dozens
fbridges
n your way
Key West
d there are
p ency of stopping places
to rake phorographs.
Now, at Kev West you will have ro put up with a iot more straight
tourists but it will still be worth the trip to taste the flavor and enjoy
the sigh~s and sounds of Key \Vest.
For questions about gay traveiing, email Donald and Ray at:
gaytravelers@aol.com or Yisir tbeir webpage at: htrp:v,,vw.hometown.
aol.com/ gayrraveiers.
\i( HE F( )R US' NOVEMBER -:'TH
the STAR 19
The hor springs at luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort are
a relaxing pl.ace ro whil.e away an afternoon. (Photo b_y Andrew Collins
November 2006
by Andre\v Collins
10 DAYS IN
COSTA RICA
Verdant, moumainous, and unspeakabiy beautiful, Costa Rica
might just be the gay-friendliest nation in Latin America. In fact,
Cosra Ricans are resoluteiy cheerfui and helpful toward all visirors.
This small tropical country, which lies about 1,300 miles due south
of the Florida panhandle, makes for a diverting vacation locale - it's
close enough to the United States for a long weekend visit, but has
enough to see and do to keep travelers entertained for a couple of
weeks. Accommodations that enthusiastically welcome gays and lesbians
abound in Costa Rica's most appealing destinations, and there
are active gay scenes in the capital city of San Jose and the resort
rnwn of Quepos, which hugs the central Pacific $horeiine.
As you plan a trip here, factor in how you intend to get around
(renting a car, flying, or taking buses). and whether you're seeking
rest and relaxation, outdoorsy adventures, gay nightclubs and r::sorts,
or somt combination. Or better yet, ase the following l 0-day
itinerary of Costa Rica's must-s::'.e areas.
Spend your first couple of nights right in San lose, which is
20-miI;tlte drive fro~1 the airport, V✓here you ~an rent a car.
flica~s capital city has a handflli of attractions, plus sornc excellent
restaurant~ and lively gay nightclubs, such as La .:\vispa and La Iv1et~
ro. It~s also hornc to se .., /eral gay-oriented accom1nodations. includ~·
ing the outstanding C:oiours R.esort. 'shich is in a saf~, residcnt:ia]
neighborhood on rhe ,vest side of the
and bcautifui Sab,1na Park. 'This handsomely furnished
20 the STAR
Coionial-style prooerty has rooms in many sizes and configurations,
fro!11 cozy standards to lavish suites complete with full kitchens and
private terraces. Guests enjoy e2sy 2ccess to a pool, secluded garden
hor mb, and inviting bar and lounge where 2 foll breaHast is served
each morning. The professional staff goes out or its way to ensure
everybody's comfort anci can suggest plemy of things to see and do
around town.
O,her worthy, gay-friendly oprions in Sanjose include Hotel
Kekoldi (which also has an outpost in Quepos) and the Canyon
House, and there's a perfectly nice and handy Hampton Inn right
by the airport.
Days 3, 4, and 5: Arena!
From San Jose, it can rake anywhere from three to six hours to drive
to the Arena! region. The most scenic bm longest route entails a
zigzagging drive through the viliages of Grecia, Sarchi (known for its
many stores seliing hand-crafted furnirure), Naranjo, Zarcero, and
Ciudad Quesada. The terrain along here is alpine in places, reminiscent
of Switzerlanci, and on many days you'li drive litera!ly through
the clouds.
Anchoring rhe region is Mr. Arcnal, a live volcano that mosr nights
puts on an amazing show as its spits fiery rivers of giowing lava
down its flanks. Countless hotels, lodges, and inns line the main
road ,hat curYes beneath rhe volcano - the most luxurious lodging
is Tabacon Grand Spa & 1bermal Resort. Here you'll find beautifu!
iy decorated rooms, most of which afford views of the volcano.
And guests receive unlimited use of the hot springs, which consist
of myriad natural soaking pools, a full-service spa offering heavenly
treatments, a pool and swim-up bar, and a restaurant overlooking all
rhe action. Even if you don'r stav at Tabacon, consider spending a
day soaking in the hot springs.
Other good lodging options in the Arena! region include Hotel
La Mansio;1 Inn and Arena! Lodge. Be sure to spend one e.-ening
in the nearest large town, La Fortun2, ~\·hich is home to some fun
(straight) bars and enjoyable restaurants, including Vagabondo, an
excdlent pizzeria, and Restau~ante Luigi, an annospheric restauram
that serves delicious filer mignon flambecd tableside.
Arena! makes a great base for all ki:1ds of outdoorsy activities, from
guided hikes near the base of rhe voicano to ;:ip-line canopy tours
high abo\'C the ucc tops (on these votfre strapp,:d into a !1arne;s
that ·'zips" along a series ef lines connec:ing tree :o tree). You can
also visit the ncarbv ivionteverdc (:loud For~st Biological Ileserve.
[,Jiuncrous outfittc~s in the area offer just about every kind of excur,.
sion and. activirv.
I)ays 6, ---; . and 8: (-2_uepos and tv1anud 1\ntonio
l.P"PYP j\f[T1 '.fl iu::i,f:qg ,v,~st rl1r~ r:y~,-i rl"I•'>$" frin,--,-e-·
~.--•, •- ,~-; ••••- _,: azure Lake .A.renal and eventuaUy :.... . ~,,~ :- "-"-',1'',"-,,'c 0.... .1 .. ··,:•:;.f~/-, !.:., -h~::~-~-- <,d ,,._,. ..a ~,.~-.-.·,.,l,,,,1-L.:~.(-".-:-.
of'fiLaran. ]hen he1d south rcnvard 1hc coast to the funky village of
q 1!:rJ• :_: rh•- lv1anucl /1.ntonin l'Jational
V.f\lil\v.ozarksstar.com
Along the narrow, highland road that twists for a few miles between
Quepos and the national park, you'll find a slew of attractive inns
and restaurants, many of them with panoramic ocean views. One
short stretch contains severai gay-popular accommodations, the
most inviting of which is Big Ruby's La Plantacion (the owners also
have resorts in Key West, Paris, and southern France). Here at this
luxuriant, clothing-optional resort, you'll find stunningly furnished
rooms with tile floors and large bathrooms, cable TV with DVD
players, and breathtaking grounds laced with gardens and streams.
There's also a full three-bedroom house with its own pool and ocean
views. The other gay accommodations nearby, all of them highly
recommended, are Hotel Villa Roca (which underwent a major renovation
in early fali 2006), Hotel Casa Blanca, and Hotel Kekoldi,
but virtually e;ery properry in town is gay-friendly.
At Manuel Antonio National Park and the adjacent beach, there's
great nature-watching - you'il sometimes spy playful white-faced
monkeys cavorting in the trees just behind the sand. There's also a
secrion of beach that's particularly popular with gay sun-bunnies
- it's a little hard to find this section, which becomes inaccessible
for a couple of hours at high tide each day, but any local can give
you directions. You'li usualiy find plenty of gay folks along the main
beach, too.
There are a handful of excellent restaurants along the main road,
most wirhin walking distance of the gay hotels. These include Barba
Roja and Bambujam, which both serve creative and contemporary
seafood, and Aqua Azul, a casual, open-air bar and cafe with great
burgers and mahimahi sandwiches. After dining, plan to have drinks
and watch the sunser ar the rooftop Tutu bar, which draws a largely
gay crowd. Or for serious dancing, head down the road into the
town of Quepos, where the Arco Iris disco pulses into the wee hours
and attracts a mixed, although mostly hetero, bunch.
Days 9 and 10: Central Highlands
On your ninth day, drive back up the coast from Quepos and
ascend the winding but scenic highway into the Central Highlands
region, just west of San Jose. Here the air is crisper and cooler than
down along the coast, as the attractive hill towns west of San Jose
rise ro elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Amactions include Zoo
Ave (a ,.vonderful animal preserve where injured or abandoned animals
are rehabiiitated), La Guacima Bmterfly Farm, Irazu Voicano
crater lake, and Poas Volcano.
/1.n excellent place ::o spend your final nigh1: (or even two nights)
is Vista del Valle, a luxurious small im, perched awesomely on the
edge of spectacular Rio Grande Canyon. Mainstream but gayfriendly,
"Vista del \lalle has econo1ny-111inded roorns in the n1ain
house as ,veil as a series of fitncier? self--contained cottages set along a
network of 1neandering - rnost have private decks overiooking
the canyon. In evening~ the inn serves a cotnmendable :::1;h:i:~;t;,tt~:1::~yon. dining room, which is cantiievered
l;~:0'~,~~~~~~~:~t i~~11i!!:horo~:;~ ;~t;~i~!,altern;::t~,~ of
a 1 0-n1inute drive ffon1 the airport. 'This rel~xing tOrmer
has St:'{er.1 furnished roo1ns and sits amid
'-NVVW.ozarksstar.corn
fragrant gardens; several larger units have kitchens, fireplaces, and
patios. 1he owners are tremendously helpful and offer excellent
advice on touring nearby attractions.
Both of these are such loveiy properties that you may feel inspired
to postpone your return Bight home and hang around for a few
more days, soaking up the fresh air and endearing personality of this
charmed country.
Photo: White-faced (capuchin) monkeys frequently cavort in
the trees behind the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio
National Park. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
the STAR 21
Ii
!I Ii
NOVEMBER 2006
"HEALING THE WORLD"
to start a world relief agency based in the LGBT communir1-
It was a good thing he listened. In rhe p:m two years, the o::ganization
has raised ove!' $1 million for huma:1itarian aid and medical
£~fft' supplies in this country and abroad, from mostly $: 00 and $200
contribu.:ions. In 2005, R\Y/F raised $390,000 for Katrina re!ief and
sent $250,000 to the victims of che mmami that hit Indonesia.
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans last September, my
partner Lynn and I were transfixed by the images on television - the
death and destruction, the despair and heartbreak. We knew we
wanted to send money, bur didn't want to use the uadirional relief
route of the American Red Cross - we still had questions abom how
they managed the massive amount of money they raised after 9/11.
Then I received an e-maii from the Human Rights Campaign
about helping. There was a link to a group called the Rainbow
World Fund (v-rww.rainbowfund.org). I clicked through and, to my
surprise, I found the website for the LGBT community's oniy world
relief agencv. We were all too happv m make our $250 comribution
th;ough RWE Right up from: they told us the money would
go to America's Second 'Harvest to provide food for the foiks in the
Crescent City who lost everything.
Luckiiy for us, we could go on with our lives. A few '.V:c:eks later, W,c
received a hand-written thank-you note from Jeff Cotter, the fellow
who thought up R';QF. I was impressed with roday's technology
and fast pace, hand-written thank-you notes from nor-for-profits
have gone by the 'Nayside, except when they1re to major donors. i\nd
one $250 gift does nor a major donor make. So, I dcc;ded to check
out the RWF and have a chat with Cottec
1\ social " 1orker f0r about ! 5 years, Cotter said he just v.rasn\ fulfilled
professionally. ''I wanted to do something I had never dor1t
before. I 1..vantcd to have a positive in1pact on the planet and
people/ the San Prancisco~based c:ortcr told me in a phone interview.
;;I put those ideas out to the universe and let then-1 go."' l\ f~;•.1v
rpont-hs iatff, C'o ... rpr S'11<1, 1,_j,: ,yrpn i""1f1Pf voitP f'r)i(i Pim
22 the STAR
Coner just returned from a relief trip to Gu:.ltemaia Viith 15 KWF
volunteers plus two American nuns who served as their guides. The
group broughr $250,000 worth of medical supplies HIV, hea•r,
and diabetes medications; antibiotics; antifungal cream; hypodermic
needles; and other goods - to villages throughout the coumry.
In addition to 1,650 lbs. of supplies, RWF aiso brought benveen
500 and 600 stuffed animals to brighten the lives of children, and it
made direcr cash grants to an orphan«ge, a school, a medical clinic,
and OASIS, the coumry's only LGBT organizatio:1.
"We gave OASIS $5,000, and we also brought down 2,000 condoms,"
said Cotter. "This was our third humanitarian trip to Guatemaia
- it's differem from other Central Amer:can countries oecause
50 percem of the population is indigenous, and it encapsuiates the
developing world."
Through its work, R\X'F is also pre<enting ~he LGBT communi:v
to the world. "Our first priority is to heir those who need it, but
a by-product is changing how people se; rhe LGBT community,"
said Cotter. "]be Fund is a way of putting our highest vaiues - love,
kindness, and compassion - to wo:·k, and of providing a platform fo~
our concern and caring rn be seen and he.ud around :he world."
Cotter told me that when he approached /unerica's Second Harvest,
the group was thrilied to coliaborate. According ro Cotter, America's
Second Harvesr has quire a few gays :md lesbians working a, irs Chicago
headquarters. lbe same can't be ,aid for some of R\'VFs other
"s;;aight" philanthropic partners. Cotter said those other organizations
understand thar R\'VF helps them in more than one way.
''Making them more conscious, helpi1:g th<?m explo;·c LGBT issues,
:m area they haven', rhought abom before wciL rhat's also pan of
their mission in helping to heal the worid,'' said Corn:r. "And now,
the organizations \\re "\/Vork with are out about \Vorking ,vith the
L(~B1 .. comtnunity, v.rith us - rhey don 1: n1akc a secret about it in
any \V~1y.)1
(~otter is still \Vorking as a psychiatric social -..vorkcr thrct days
,veck - he docsn\ dra'\.v a salary frorn the llainbo,v \Xlcirld Fund. "\Xie
want to give LC BT dollars the
speak.''
a iot nf people~ '-Vbilc at the san1e rirne
to the LC; lfr
(~.otter and
real differeno.: in the lives of
'lV'NVv.ozarksstar.c:orn
MCCJoplin &om page-IO
The church is active in all Metropolitan
Community Church's ministries taking a
Social Justice stand on issues that affect our
community including ethical and equal
medical care for all people, antidiscrimination,
AJDS awareness, prevention and
treatment, and equality in marriage. Sharing
a progressive Christianity by creating an
open and welcoming community of faith
where people from all faith walks can join
in praise and worship. Providing a witness
of God's love to all people and following the
scriptures in providing for the love of God,
the love of self and the love of neighbor as
the core of our being.
The pastor, Rev. Steve T. Urie was ordained
by Metropolitan Community Churches on
Juiy 20, 2005 after completing his MCC
Intensives in 2002 at the Pacific School of
Religion in Berkley , CA . He was one of
the founding members of the church and
has continued to be an acdve communiry
leader.
The church celebrared with a Pot-Luck
attended bv Rev. Carolvn Moblev currendv
serving in Tulsa, OK ,'members,ofUniry ~f
Joplin, members from MCC of the Living
Spring in Eureka Springs , AR. It received
numerous accoiades from throughout the
country and around the world from MCC
leadership and sister churches.
*
klahoma's ntigay
doption
Invalidation Law
'It's dangerous and appa · thm: state of
ficials seek to jeopardize t safet;1 and well
being of children in Oklahoma. '
DENVER, CO October 17, 2006_ In
papers filed in court today, Lambda Legal
argued that the U. S. Con~t of Appeais
should affirm a lower court rniing that
Oklahoma's amigay Adopricm Invalidation
Law is unconstitutional.
"It's dangerous and appalling that state of.
ficials seek to jeopardize the safety and well
being of children in (Jklahoma," said Ken
Upton~ Senior Sraff ..A .ttorney in Latnbda
Legal1s South (:entrai Regional ()ffice and
lead attorney on the case. qiht Adoption
www.ozarksstar.com
Invalidation Law threatens the welfare of
children and their parents because it forbids
agents of the State such as police, heaith
officials, and child welfare officials from recognizing
these families, and it doesn't even
consider who would protect these children if
the State severs the ties between parent and
child."
U.S. Districr Judge Robin Cauthron wrote
in her decision released in May that, "The
very fact that the adoptions h~ve occurred
is evidence that a court of law has found the
adoptions to be in the best interests of the
children ... To now attempt to strip a child of
one of his or her parents seems far removed
from the statute's purpose and therefore
from Defendants'asserted important government
objective."
The Adoption Invalidation Law, hastily
passed at the end of the 2004 Oklahoma
legislative session, said that Oklahoma "shall
not recognize an adoption by more than one
individual of the same sex from any other
srate or foreign jurisdiction." Lambda Legal
argued rhat the law was unconstitutional
based on the United States Constitution's
guarantees of equal protection, due process
and righr to travel, as well as rhe mandates
of the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
The lower court found that the statute indeed
violated che United States Constitution
by singling out a specific group for discrimination
and upheld all of Lambda Legal's
ocher claims, except the right to travel. T11e
Court dismissed the ciaims of Lambda Legal
clients Ed Swaya and Greg Hampel, because
the Court found that the statute did not
harm them since the State of Oklahoma
granted the couple a birth certificate for
their adopted daughter listing the two men
as her parents prior ro the passage of the law
;,nd they did nor face immediate harm.
Orai argumrnts in rhe case v,ill be heard
in rhe Unired States Court of Appeals for
the 10th Circuit in Denver on Jvfonday,
:--fovember U.
Ken Upton, Senio:· Sratf At~orney in Lambda
Legai's South Central Regionai Office in
f?allas is Lambda Le?al's lead at~orney ~;:
the case. He is JOtned by Lambda Legal Sta.ff
Attorney, Brian Chase. and cooperating
attorney Sandy lngrahan1 of Ingraham &
Associates. PL.L.(:. in l\1cLoud. Oklaho1na.
-rhe c:asc is Finstuen et al V. Edmondson et
(2 OZ) SKY VODKA
(1 OZ) GODIVA LIQUOR
(1 OZ) CRANBERRY
(1 TSP) C
(1/2 OZ) CHILL
1 . Chi!! a martini glasses with ice and
water.
2. Add all ingredients (except Champagne)
with ice in shaker and iet
stand a fuli minute.
3. Shake for a fuli minute.
4. Strain into the chilled martini
glasses.
5. Top the glasses with Champagne.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU l
TheSTAR 23
Salutations and welcome to a blustery November addition of Uncle
Mikey, man of meat! Uncle prepares for a winter feast. Break out
the minks. and let's be on our way. This month uncle received the
most intriguing of letters, a straight man confused, while a gay man
cant seem to stop obsessing over his stylist. Mmmm it sound like a
full moon kittens.
Dear Uncle Mikey,
I have one for you. ~"1}' friend came to my job-site as a referral,
looking for a new job. I felt good about getting him a job, and being
able to help. Now, I am in shock as to the realization who this
man really is. He was flirting with the trainer, who is a screaming
queen. I thought well ok play your cards, I feel ya so far. However,
this £lining became a past time, as I watched this man allow himself
to be seduced, and basically had an affair with the trainer to ensure
he not only was hired, but goc a promotion into a new program.
I am telling you I was flabbergasted, and shocked. This man is
straight, what is worse he has a girlfriend at home. Am I the only
man lefr who believes morals count for something? Needless to say,
he dumped this man iike a bad habit, and is in my opinion trying
to convince himself that it never happened? Should I call him on his
iack of character, or is this the new trend, sex for hire?
Dazed by his blaze
Dearest Daze,
After reading your letter, my faithful houseboy had to help me off
the floor, as I attempted to restrain myself from the sheer force of
humor. I found here. Kitten, men have been seducing secretaries
since :he first piece of wpod s;;t at a desk. It is almost refreshing that
now, a)Jparendy, the straight world is even shifting to those Queens
in power. I guess he found our that vou really do have to kneel
before a queen, eh1 You think that is rough kitten, you should have
seen my interviewing process, my boys cara their positions while
learning a few new ones.
Smooches-i'vlikev
I)ear Uncle,
I am so over size queens. Just because I don't have a 12 inch monster
in my pants docs nnt make me a b;;d !over, why arc men so
crazed about size?
Kitten.,
I assure: "!,T;u not all of us arc size queens, as 1 have $aid before.
S()n1er.in1cs s1zc can be a roadblock in the tunnel of kn"c.
26 the STAR
allowing ali to score here. Length, girth, endurance, originality,
determination and of course-presemation. I assure you, I am an
equal opportunfry lover. I ha~·e e,·en acted as a reference if it was a
performance to remember, Oh believe me we talk, and ,..-e talk a lot.
Do not gee down about your tool; u~e it to create a masterpiece.
Smooches-1'fikev
Dear Uncle,
I have been friends with my best friend for ten years. He and I have
enjoyed many pursuits together while chasing men. Now, he has
been secretly chasing a female, and what is ,vorse he is pulling away
from me. He told me just the other day that he thinks he is tired of
the whole gay scene? Squeeze me? Now. we are a scene, and not a
lifestyle, and God gi,·en birthright to chase the cock? I don't know
what is going on with him, but I am not about to let him go wondering
off into the straight world, just because it would be easier.
\'•/hat should I do?
Chasing-(
Dearest chasing,
Kitten, first of aii you ha,·e to realize that your friend is a mature
adult and can make his own choice. If he wams to leave behind his
life, (as you so delicately put i,) cock chasing, than my darling this
is his and his alone to make. I mean, seriously is there a full moon
or something. Now we ha,·e a gay man coming out of the closet as
straight. I a;k you what will be next, straight men giving us fashion
advicd (Oh look -Delicious I made a funnv!. Darling, it sounds
like you ~eed to find some C of your own {c; take your mind of
vou; friends' confusion, and allo~v him time to fi!!d himself. I understand
going from flannel to silk, but the reverse, ooh my nervd
Smooches-~Iikey
Dear Uncle Mikey,
Can you really get an STD iust by giving someone head?
Worried
Can you realiy ask that question with a head?
*Warning- This 1\vink does not come with accessories. j\[ay be
hazardous to vour healtn. If you hear the sound of Congo upoc
the unzipping of said T\vink- Run Bitch Run 1
\X .. ow, I need a cirink after that'
~:fjkev,
I sa,\: }-our Ficturc in last month's issue Gn yoci; y<u are .~ handsome
guy, and funny'. ;\re you ever going to be out our \Vay? I '\VOuld
krvc to n1ccr you in pcrson-
Mikcyfan
:viikcyfan,
Srnooches- \Xlw.r\, a Gur1 to do'. I~ rhat an official inYite? You are
not rciarion of s-v:irn-fan arc snicker ~njckcr
that is about a1J the rjrnt 1 ha;,-e. Re1ncn1bcr this, it i:not
the s1zc of the tO\VtT~ nor the circun1ferenc<: r,f the panunereri
. . ,
H J~ not ClTn n1c of the . " . . .-
H 1s about styic, pertorn1ancc,
anct
* \.'VWw.ozarksstar.com
use it, to help us
However, most o
this non-frothy
such drinks as t
of these other
azing, and
to wash
, clean
citv, and co
c;iifomia
lease shouid
healthy.
t enough oi
instead choose
and beer. Ali
great as iong as
f the water. TI1e
1t 8 glasses of wave
shown as many
ans are at least mildly
n reasons of fatigue during the
that expb:ns some of why we
gh time a, work. 'That and a little
~v1ondays. Only a 2% drop in
r can create hazy shore-term meme
with simple math, and difficuicy
on the comourer screen or a
That makes ~ense considering
man brain is 95% water, biood
er, the iu:1gs arc 90% ·water, and
muscles are 75~{:i water.
\X,'ater is a great mineral which helps
prevent many conditions. What condition
might that oe Fitness Guy Ron? Well I'm
glad you asked! \"later can help prevent
kidney stones and it can also help lesson the
chance for devdopbg bladder, kidney, and
u~inarv :race infections. ·rhere has also been
a six year study of 20,000 hea!thy men and
women ages 38-100 from the May l, 2002
American Journal of Epider::iology. This
study found that women who drank more
than five giasses _of .., vatcr \Vere 41 '}0 iess
likeiy to die frorn a heart attack during the
study than these who drank k:ss than nvo
glasses. The prorcctivc effects of drinking
water ,vere even rnorc profi)und and n1uch
better in rnen. ,;Xlhat does this tel1 you?
WATER IS GOOD FOR YOC.
-n1ere are nu1nerous fiictors that affect your
,vater needs. You 1.vi!! need to n1odify )tour
fluid intake based on the f(.,li<)v1ing fi1ctors:
exercise, environn1ent, illnesses; and health
conditions,
-Exercise: jf you exercise or engage in an:1/
physical then you \viH need
wwvv.ozarksstar.com
During exe.
such as ever
replenishing
not Ief rhirst
alreadv be deh
thirsty~ If your
sweating then:
spores drink to
electrolytes.
drink more water.
you doing reading
drinking your
that time to ask
glass of water.
just zaps your
Oftentimes, we
water we lose th
summer. Do
heat'. Higher
incrcasc;d uri
ingwhich
loss ✓
-Illness and Hea!ch Conditions: Certain
signs and symptoms of illnesses such as
vomiting, fever, and diarrhea can cause
your body to lose extra fluids. Even that
pesky miid dehydration can make you more
susceptible ro viruses. Water can be quite a
powerful weapon in the battle against colds
a1:d other maladies.
\Xiarer can also act as a natural appetite suopressanc
so developing good wate~· drinki~g
habits c:.m pay tremendous dividends in
yom healthy weight main~enance. Water can
help the body digest and absorb vitamins
and :rnrrients in addition to aiding the kidneys
and liver by carrying av1ay \Vaste frorn
tb.~"v, h<c, o,\,f. v/ a Wat"\..,-~: r- an ."_V' ."_f ~ help. Jre,.n vou ~ .... "-'r ✓
regulac Oh God! Novv I'm going to sound
like the conversation at my grandmmher's
pinochle tab]c. But water does trulv help
prevent constipation by adding bulk to,
swo!s ,,nd more fluid to the colon. Tne
"end" result is sofrer and easier bowel mon:ments.
1\.nd \vho doesn\ vvant that?
ore thing before I give you some
s. You don't need to drink bottled
an drink the tap water. If you
cold me 20 years ago that water
? .00 per glass I would have
'mon peopie, it's water! There
erous studies that have
water is every bit as good
er. It's these corporations and
Avenue marketing schemes
ded our thinking on this.
era! years ago, I drank
m Budapest bathrooms and
g fine (despite what my friends
Line: Drink water and it's okay
ater. Just drink water!
he first thing in the morning.
f slumber equals dehydration.
ntainer on hand throughur
desk, in the car, at
e. Bring out the fine crystal
erously pour che water.
ing is a iot more fun to drink with
· cy glassware.
-Grab some fruits and veggies. Most of these
are aimost all water content. 'lliis can give
you some variety.
-And as always- HAVE FUN!
Let me know your questions, comments,
and ideas ac blake.fitness@yahoo.com.
FACT: In the 2004 presidential
eiection 71 million eligible voters
did not vote. Shame on us.
the STAR 27
"Use your charm wisely, Aries!"
The Sun is aligned with Venus in Scorpio, turning up
everyone's seductive charm and susceptibility. Both planets
are trine to Uranus, opening amazing possibilities. Cleverly
used, this magnetism can lead to opportunities and insights
that could change your life.
ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Your seductive charm is
working far better than you expect. Use it sparingly and
wisely; it could land you into situations you hadn't gambled
on. Secrets that come to light may include long-hidden
talents.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Getting out into a new and
different milieu - preferably someplace with a spiritual and/
or political focus - and making new friends offers a chance
to meet a wonderful new partner, or to revitalize an existing
relationship.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): If looking sexy is part of your
work, you're bound to succeed. If it's not, you may have to
work extra hard to behave yourself and stay focused on the
task at hand. Of course, this, too, is a sure route to success.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Playful efforts to tease out
ideas can lead to profound discussions, perhaps even arguments.
Keep it friendly and principled and you can learn
- and teach - a lot more than you expected to. You'll need a
very open mind to take it all in!
LEO (July 23 -August 22): Fix an aphrodisiac supper for
the one you desire. The setting counts more than menu, although
some classic stand-bys like oysters will signai your
intentions. Make sure your boudoir is as eiegantly prepared
as the table!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Risque limericks,
weli-honed epigrams, or other outre witticisms will shock
others into taking notice of you. Your partnei - or your favorite
candidate for thatposition - will be properly impressed,
and you wiil be happily. "improperly·· rewarded.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Take care '?f finances
now - next week wouid be disastrous! You·re more
resourcefu! than usual now, making this the time not only
to evaluate material assets. but to develop useful skills for
doing so.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your sexy charm
is now at its height, opening doors for a!I kinds of fun and
games. You're irresistible, and not just sexually. Engage
people at other levels. Be creatively flirtatious, and see
what opportunities that generates for you.
28 the STAR
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Carve out
a special place in your home for meditation. It would seem
that the point is to get grounded - but not quite. The space
will open energy for you in a way that will be centering -
freeing you from roots, not attaching you to them.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Any time
spent with friends will unlock secrets, either yours or theirs,
and that will be necessary for social or political success.
Have some secrets that you can reveal safely to protect
those you want to keep hidden.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): When tempted
to confront an authority figure, try instead to engage that
person diplomatically and find ways to co-operate. More
than you would imagine, your charm wil! get you ahead and
open doors to resources.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Explore any new, exotic
art or beauty. The more you can identify with it and fee!
it as a part of you, the more it - or he or she? - can show
you parts of yourself you never knew existed. ·
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61)rr1 1ust S4.00. T'~<J ()rH: ls turned
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30 the STAR
HE:'S 91::E:N L-iVIN1
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1st Annual Gala Celebration
"Linking Together as One"
Friday, December 15th, 2006 7:00
P.M. Clarion Inn - Fayetteville
1255 So. Shiloh, Fayetteville, AR
72701
For more information:
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www.ozarksstar.com
Luxury Townhouses
FOR RENT, Pine & E.72nd St
Area, TULSA
2 bed/1.5 baths/washerdryer/
hookup/prvt patio/2 car
garage, no pets.
$525/month + Deposit
Call: Patty (918)724-6475 or
Mark (918)724-1960
CHECK our QNIQUE
EUREKA: SJ?:R:INGS,
-',, '
ARrfANSA$
. www.diversifypride~com
and · .
ww.w.eurekapride.com
* Full Body, Sports, Hot Stone
* Hand and Foot Scrubs
* In-House Clinic
* Days, Evenings and Weekends
Call for an appointment and rates.
918-857-2805
Mike Lewis AKA "Morgan"
A iongtime Bartender at the
Finishline in Oklahoma City
passed away on the morning
of October 6, 2006. Morgan
was very well know and loved
by the GLBT community.
the STJ\R 31
B
N A
R & RILL
Sunday Champaqne Brunch
All you can eat soup and salad bar 11 am-2pm
$8.99
Monday & Tuesday
Well Martinis $2.50 4pm-7pm
Best Prime Rib in Town:
Friday & Saturday Nights
Bar favorites. restaurant favorites and man:,
new items for your enjoyment pleasure
NEW WINTER RATES - $45•
* Plus tax, excludes suites
I
r .... -
:~~;~,~~
p 'S
A LEATHER/LEVI BAR
CLOSED MO:'IDAYS
Sun 7pm - 2am.
Tues-Thur:. 7pm-9prn wear your h::Hhcr
and get your wd! drink:- fc,r :<?.50
Sun Thur. 7pm-2am
R
Fri and Sat. 4pm-2am
DY'S PL CE
PIANO BAR
Rudy ·s Place is a non-smukin!_:'.
e~tablisthmcnt
Early for cocktails. latc- t'or a night cap
CL BR X
CLOSED MONDAY
SIZZLIN' SUNDAYS
With Whitney Paige
VIXENS
Saturday i--;ighh
\\ ith Silan1ci \landala) at I Op1n
J\USON SCOTT SHOW
MISS HOLLYWOOD US Of A
Sunday Nowrnher 12. 20!)h
I si Prize: .'i, 1.000.00 PLLiS 5500.flO crcdn
tcn\·ard" haync Original Gown
i
.at•st~~~
r,
J' P1.
•
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
[2006] The Star Magazine, November 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 11
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
November 01. 2006
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
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
C.D. Ward
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Kay Massey
Paul Wortman
Carlotta Carlisle
Victor Gorin
Greg Gatewood
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
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)
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
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, October 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 10
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/242
The Star Magazine, December 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 12
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/225
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/241
3000 walk for AIDs
Advice Column
cartoons
classifieds
Distributers
fitness
horoscopes
Judy Shepard
Kathy Webb
Lesbian Notions
marriage equality
MCC church
molestation
molestation myth
National Coming Out Day
Oklahoma Adoption law
OUT in Arkansas
Past Out
Q Scopes
Star Scene
travel
Tulsa GLBT center news
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a918105ab6adf69713364d2fce7d8fe6.jpg
897cdc4b95d5e02e0ab111a32bc1d143
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/820049079019edbbc4699ae60584c413.pdf
a000a4191d62824a2816c51d7099c84b
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
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
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magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
By Joey De
2008
A new "
for Pride
By Joey De
Ifyou have lived in Tulsa for more
than twenty minutes, you knmv that
there is an impenetrable force-field
separating the city. Most Tulsans call it
Forty-First Street.
Photo: Equality Festival at Tulsa’s New Centennial Park
Sometimes change can be difficult,
however, despite months of complaints
and apocalyptic predictions about the
many "firsts" at Tulsa Pride 2008, it seems
that the only people who had difficulties
were the protesters. For the first time in
the celebration’s history, the protesters
were present for only a minimal time
during the Pride Parade and completely
absent from the Diversity picnic.
"2008 was a },ear of dramatic change,"
says Nate Black, one of the event’s cochairs.
"However thanks to the dedication
of a strong group of volunteers, all the
changes to this year’s events were possible.
It would not have been possible without
each and every person who helped."
Black especially credited his co-chairs
Kristi Freeman and Toby Jenkins with
making the pieces fit together. "Kristi has
an incredible ability to assess and foresee
needs and coordinate logistics. The fact
that everything worked smoothly to host
thousands of people at our events xvas a
testament to her abilities."
"The fact that ~hlsa Pride is able
to remain free to the public is proof of
Toby’s dedication to these events, which
on the low end cost over $30,000. Under
his leadership, we were able to, for the
first time, secure the majority of our
sponsorships long before the events even
took place," says Black.
.......... Continued page-5
Enter the Downtown Plaza Hotel, on
7th & Boulder, who for the first time in
recent memory provided Tulsa Pride an
official "host" hotel.
Staying at a hotel room for your own
city’s Pride ,nay seem a little excessive, but
for a South-Tulsan, it made perfect sense.
Having a place downtown to call "home"
for the weekend saved time and even
money on the celebration’s two largest
weekends.
Anyone who has ever been to a Pride
observance knows that three things are
true. It will be hot. You will be sweaty.
You xvill be drinking. All three of those
can combine to impede a "proper" Pride
celebration, but with the convenience of
the Downtown Plaza Hotel’s location,
neither was an issue.
Through taking advantage of the
special Pride Rate offered by the hotel, it
was effortless to enjoy the day (or early
evenings) festivities,
..........Continued page-5
1-800o535oAIDS (2437)
Ok ahoraa s H~VIST~
2 the STAR ww~v.ozarksstar.com
Dear Editor:
I thought I would add something to the political cartoon in the
June 2008 Star.
Presently I live in Oklahoma City, and much to my surprise have
done so for the last 14 years. Originally from Boston I make an annual
trip home each Christmas to see family and friends and make
a quick pilgrimage to the haunts I was familiar with before leaving
Boston in the mid 80’s. This pilgrimage consists ofwalking the city
to see what is still around that I was familiar with, and perhaps who
is still around that I can remember.
On my most recent trip I was a little saddened to see many places
that meant a lot to me are no longer around, or have been so renovated
for so different a use that they are unrecognizable. As is my
custom, on this outing I stopped in at every gay bar I could remember,
or find, and had drinks and conversations with the bartenders.
Most of the old bars are gone, as are the people.
Politics begins in the bars in Boston, and gay politics was no
exception. The civil rights fought for and won began with many
bar patrons and owners, and in the process of getting what they
were after, the bar owners found that with acceptance came a lesser
need for the safety of an exclusively gay bar with the occasional
straight patron. In conjunction with this the price of living in the
city has made any gay ghetto prohibitive, making it necessary for
what vcould have been the denizens of such an area to move into the
suburbs for affordable housing with the side effect of showing the
majority of the state that Gay people were pretty normal, and not
the screaming stereotypes that isolation seemed to promote. Gay
people were seen as responsible people and not the party animals
who spent most of their lives going to bars to dance the night away
and returning home each night with a different sex partner. They
turned out to be people so normal that marriage did not seem to be
such an improbable thing.
The ultimate goal of gay gights is equality, and that means normalcy
for most. Just as straights have their outlets out of the mainstream,
so do gay people. But both do have their mainstreams. The gay bars
still around are nostalgia for us older gentlemen who want some of
the past preserved for our visits back, or who may feel more comfortable
in one because life had not been all that kind to us, with
just a bit of the specialty shop aura to them. Most have become very
mixed, while some have become the corner bar, the lodge for men
and women of like minds to talk freely among their own, but doing
it willingly as opposed to necessarily.
The lesser the need for exclusively gay bars, the more success can be
claimed by the gay community.
Joe Quigley
Oklahoma City
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
TULSA PRIDE continued
According to estimates provided by the
Tulsa Police Department, this year’s Pride
Parade and Block Party have become the
largest events of their kind in Downtown
Tulsa. Police estimate that there were a
combined 18,000 people between the two
events.
Many parade-goers were excited about
the new evening-format, celebrating with
glow sticks and sparklers. Some of the
floats even stepped into the spirit embracing
christmas lights and disco balls. Most
route walkers were simply excited over the
fact that they no longer had the sun beating
down on them and that the trek was much
flatter.
Following the parade, the block party
centered around the Equality Center came
into its own, maintaining a crowd until the
scheduled end at midnight. Following the
event, most of the area bars reported record
capacity crowds as the party continued
through the evening.
The following weekend at Centennial
Park, the only thing to be missed was the
heat and mud at the former location. For
many pride-goers, this event was the first
time they had visited the new Tulsa centerpiece.
Most fell in love with its picturesque
setting and more importantly abundant
shade.
According to TPD estimates, 12,000
people visited the Diversity Picnic, which
according to organizers was represented by
a steady flow of people through out the day.
The forty-plus booths at this year’s picnic
xvere the most diverse in memory, representing
non-profit service organizations such as
HOPE Testing Clinic, Fortune 500 companies
such as Best Buy and the traditional
array of Rainbow Retailers.
Picnickers enjoyed the live entertainment
that took the stage off and on through
out the day, while kids entertained themselves
on the inflatable games and climbing
wall. Okay, the kids weren’t the only ones
enjoying the inflatable games. The handsdown
hit of the picnic was the water slide
that both kids and adults rode repeatedly.
While the three major pride attractions
could be considered a successful spl!t, many
attendees expressed a desire for the events
to be recombined onto one weekend. A
common complaint: "I didn’t know what
weekend to tell my friends to come. They
couldn’t take off work both weekends or
afford the gas to come twice."
Black reacts to such criticism openly.
"There were a lot of changes this year. Some
things went very well; some things didn’t go
as well as we had hoped. We are going to
take what we learned, listen to the feed back
we receive and then will make the appropriate
changes for next year."
As for now, Black and the rest of the
Tulsa Pride Committee are happy to place
Tulsa Pride 2008 in the history books as a
success, with a rejuvenated event positioned
to grow in the years to come.
DOWNTOWN PLAZA HOTEL cont.
then quickly retreat to air-conditioning
and a cold shower. This was especially useful
following the parade and block party,
just before visiting the bar,s. Adding to the
convenience was the hotel s on-call shuttle.
With less then a ten minute wait each time
it was needed, the shuttle allowed guests to
leave their cars and avoid parking headaches,
expensive gas and more importantly, DUIs.
The hotel is currently undergoing a
complete restoration, with every room being
completely renovated to sport an almost
TUqnspired blue and gold color scheme.
Furnished with antique-style pieces, the
rooms of the Downtown Plaza Hotel are
uncluttered, yet comfortable and quaint.
Pride guests noticed a little construction
"dust" in the form of the occasional minor
malfunction and missing carpet outside the
elevator, however found their problems fixed
quickly and courteously with a simple call
to the front desk.
Perhaps the most enjoyed aspect of
Downtown Plaza Lobby
the Downtown Plaza Hotel by some pride
guests was their retreat to the New York
City-eque second story outdoor pool.
Tucked quietly between the rooftops of
dmvntown Tulsa, the pool was quiet, clean,
and theperfect place to prepare for, or
recover from the festivities.
Staying at the Downtown Plaza Hotel
gives celebrating Tulsa Pride a new feel. For
those from Tulsa, it creates an enjoyable
mini-vacation, while those who travel enjoy
its close proximity to the Pride events and
Downtown night life. Either way, whether
from in or out of town, it always feels good
to stay where "family" is welcome.
w~,~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
Diversity
Business
Association
of Tulsa
The Phantom Standard
Joey De
For Marni Raab, playing the role of
Christine in the legendary musical "The
Phantom of the Opera," is the fulfillment of
a long time dream. "I started ~vith this show
as an understudy in 2001," recalls Raab,
~vho has played the role for the past seven
years internationally. "I was then promoted
to performing two shmvs a week, and then
when on tour six."
Although it may seem odd to plan alternating
actresses to play a role, Raab explains
it as "just good business sense." "The show
is long and Christine is onstage for almost
all of it," says Raab, who notes that there
is only one scene in the almost three hour
show in which her character doesn’t appear.
"The people they hire to play Christine
are ingdnues," says Raab, who continues
"They put big, heavy costumes on them,
and then thrmv them around. I wind up
falling and running then falling again, a
lot. It’s just better to schedule somebody as
a second principal then to never kno~ving
when your lead will be out."
"The Phantom of the Opera," is Andrew
Lloyd Webbers’ hit musical about Raab’s
character, Christine, and her admirer/kidnapper,
~ll~e Phantom. "He’s a maniac, a
monster, disfigured and he’s a murderer,"
describes Raab, "but he is also a poet, an
architect and a brilliant composer."
Christine on the other hand, is a young
lady on the verge of adulthood, says Raab.
"She was been raised by her violinist father,
educated and probably traveled the world,
which was rare then." Raab explains that her
character is lonely and looking for a way in
life when the brilliant, yet creepy Phantom
enters her life as a mentor. Unfortunately,
Christine’s’ childhood acquaintance Raoul
re-enters her life at the same time, completing
a love triangle that entangles the three.
"She must choose between the passionate
genius who has a horrible disfigurement and
has been led down the wrong path, and the
nice guy."
When asked how the show has endured,
Raab believes that "The Phantom," offers
something for everyone to react to. "I have
done the show across Canada, the US and
Asia, and every audience reacts differently.
There are lavish sets, pyrotechnics and
elaborate costumes. It’s ornate, it’s majestic
and at the heart it’s a love story."
Helping to ensure the quality of "The
Phantom" experience, Raab says that every
production of the show must meet the highest
standards. "Audiences demand a certain
standard," says Raab," but the producers
insist on it. If you xvant to produce the
show, you must have the seal of approval
from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince and
al! of the people associated with the original.
This way the show you see (in Tulsa) is the
same as what people in New York and on
the West End are seeing."
Raab says that there is also a standard
the performers in the show must live up to.
"It is humbling and an honor to be in this
show, and I know I have big shoes to fill. It
has been around for so long, audiences feel
a sense of ownership in it, making it even
more important to see it done right. You
(the performers) have a responsibility to
keep the show in shape and do it justice."
According to Raab, the performers have
help from standard’s directors, who guide
their performances to prevent serious character
infractions.
"We dodt have the luxury of’finding’
our characters," the actress explains. "It takes
a different skill set to step into a role that
has been established and place our marks on
it as artists."
If you have not yet experienced "The
Phantom," the show will be at the Tulsa
PAC through July 13. Visit www.myticketoffice.
corn for ticketing information.
Quotable Quotes
Scientists at the Karolinska Institute studied
brain scans of 90 gay and straight men and
women, and found that the size of the two
symmetrical halves of the brains of gay men
more closely resembled those of straight
women than they did straight men, while
the brains of homosexual women were
asymmetrical like those of straight men.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Open Daily = High Noon
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
17 West 7th Street (corner 7~ & Boulder Ave)
Tulsa, Ok 74119
R~tions: 918~5~98 e 800~5,5101
www.downtownplazatulsa:com
8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
JULY 2008 the STAR 9
Oklahoma City Museum
o£Art Presents
Roman Art £rom the
Louvre
Final U.S. venue for rare ancient works from
the Louvre’s esteemed collection
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Otdahoma
City Museum ofArt wil! be the final
North American venue for Roman Art from
the Louvre, June 19 through October 12,
2008. Tile seventeen-~veek exhibition, so
large it will occupy the Museum’s ground
floor special exhibition gallery and the eight
second floor galleries of the Museum, will
feature 184 works, some weighing more
than 6,000 pounds. An unprecedented
exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn
from the Louvre’s unparalleled collection, it
provides a rare and historic opportunity for
Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent
works, many of which have not been
seen by the public in decades and most of
which have never traveled to the United
States. Furthermore, many of the objects in
the exhibition have recently been restored,
bringing to light their original beauty and
strength of expression.
"The Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s megalomaniac
interest in the glories ofAncient
Rome, has one of the finest collections of
Roman art outside of Italy," said Hardy
George, Ph.D., chief curator at the Oklahoma
City Museum ofArt. "The exhibition
of sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and frescos
will be scrupulously arranged in a thematic
manner that will certainly be visually and
aesthetically pleasing as well as historically
informative."
The exhibition examines the manifestations
of Roman public and private life through
an exploration of several themes, including
religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion,
funerary practices, intellectual life, and
family. Roman Art from the Louvre shows
the full range of Roman artistry and taste,
juxtaposing "official" art with more modest,
private works.
The portrait busts of anonymous men,
women, and children featured in "The Roman
Citizen" reveal the styles and fashions
popular during the Roman Empire. Clothing,
hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories,
perfume bottles, and cosmetics are examined
within the greater context of the role of
women in the Roman Empire. Other topics
addressed include the art of Roman portraiture;
the Boscoreale treasure; and Hadrian’s
Villa at Tivoli and the Maritime Theater.
Roman Art from the Louvre was organized
by the American Federation ofArts and the
Musde du Louvre. The exhibition is supported
by an indemnity from the Federal
Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
American Federation ofArts: The AFA is a
nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions
for presentation in museums around
the ~vorld, publishes exhibition catalogues,
and develops educational materials and programs.
For more information on the AFA,
please visit www.afaweb.org.
VOTER REGISTRATION
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 Hection
Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, July 29 - Election
Runoff Primary Election
Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, August 26 - Hection
General Election
Frida); October 10 - Registration
Deadline
Tuesday, November 4 - Election
CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Changes in political affiliation may not
be made during the period from June
! 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 Election
\Vednesday, July 23
Vote early at your County Hection
Board office
Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturda); July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM
Monday, July 28, 8 AiVl - 6 PM
Candidate Filing
for federal, state, legislative
and county offices
June 2 - 4
vavw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html
10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Congressman Frank: WhyJohn
McCain Is \Vdrong for the LGBT
Community
WASHINGTON, DC __ In the May
edition of the Democratic National
Committee’s LGBT newsletter, Democratic
Congressman Barney Frank makes the case
for why electing John McCain would be a
step backward for the LGBT community.
Frank, a member of Congress representing
Massachusetts since 1981, has long been an
outspoken civil rights advocate and a vocal
member of the LGBT community.
While McCain has tried to portray himself
as a "maverick" and a "moderate," Congress:
man Frank makes it clear that on LGBT
rights, like so many issues, McCain offers a
third Bush term.
~-he following are excerpts of Congressman
Frank’s article:
changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality
is a behavioral trait, unlike skin
color...
"With one exception, the relevance of which
Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing,
John McCain’s record is completely
opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice
and gain legal equality...
"He has of course made it clear that he will
support constitutional Amendments banning
marriage at the state level, including
in his mvn state ofArizona, and he regretted
the fact that Arizona rejected such an
amendment...
"In every other area, McCain has a consistent
voting record against our efforts. In
1996, the only time the Senate voted on
the Employment Nondiscrimination Act,
McCain was one of those who voted no. He
has also consistently voted against extending
hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgender individuals...
"This apparently reflects the prejudiced
view that he expressed in 1993 when he
was helping block President Clinton’s effort
when he said on February 4th, as recorded
in the Congressional Record, "The issue of
allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is
completely different from the kind of
"In addition to strongly opposing same-sex
marriage, suggesting that he could modify
his opposition to a federal constitutional
amendment banning states like Massachusetts
from adopting same-sex marriage,
voting against ENDA, consistently opposing
hate crimes coverage for us, and being
recorded against every other effort in the
Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator
McCain also promised if he becomes
president to reduce those protections we
have been able to achieve at the Supreme
Court level. He has noted his admiration
for those justices who have consistently
voted against any efforts by GLBT people
to establish any right to legal equality, for
example ChiefJustice Rehnquist, a dissenter
in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the
sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people
were stricken.
"Given the alignment of Supreme Court
Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain
that ifJohn McCain is president, he will
appoint justices who will overturn the
Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme
Court opponent of fair treatment for gay
and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia ~vill gain
alhes from McCmns appolntme ts.
Community
Peopte living
50t c (3) b~on Profit ()rganization
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 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
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
hardsmmjr@yahoo.com.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 1t
~W By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
MY TRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET
for Will & Grace in 2006, but Leslie also
is a gifted writer and playwright. He wrote
and starred in the autobiographical play,
LOST IN THE PERSHING POIINT
HOTEL, which was also made into a motion
picture.
He has appeared in dozens ofTV shows
including The Fall Guy, Murphy Brown,
Newhart, Ski Patrol, Lois & Clark "The
New Adventures of Superman", Reba,
Wings, The Pretender, Dharma and Gregg,
Ellen, Caroline and the City, Sabrina, the
Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal,
Boston Public, Judging Amy, George Lopez,
Boston Legal, Ugly Betty and Hidden Palms
to name just a few.
Leslie Jordan, the wonderful talented actor,
comedian, writer and playwright has just
come out with his new book, MYTRIP
DOWN THE PINK CARPET which is a
fabulously funny and interesting biography
of Leslie’s life, so far. We are fortunate that
we met Leslie a few years ago and saw his
opening performance of"Like A Dog On
Linoleum" in West Hollywood. He played
to sell out audiences every night, and now
in his new book, he brings his life to readers
throughout the nation to peruse.
What began as a smal! boy growing up
in Tennessee and thru his different trials
and tribulations he now is one of the top
actors/entertainers in the country. Leslie
has written a brutally honest story of his
life and tells about all of it, warts and all,
from his alcoholism, addiction to drugs,
street hustlers and everything in between.
The greatest thing is that he has been able
to overcome most all of his demons (he has
now been sober for over 10 years). Most
people who write biographies like to kinda
forget the bad times and only tell about
the good times. Not Leslie! He deals with
every aspect of his life and takes the readers
through everything.
Most people only know of Leslie either
from the movie, Sordid Lives or from his
guest appearances on Will & Grace. He was
nominated and won the Emmy for Outstanding
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Yes, Leslie Jordan does have a ministry and
that ministry is to be fun, funny, exciting
and to bring happiness to the world. There
is enough grief and misery in the world as it
is. He brings a breath of fresh air wherever
he goes. It is so nice reading a real biography
where the author tells it just as it was and is
and lets the readers get to know him personally.
This should be a "must read" for all
high school students, both gay and straight.
It is an honest and compelling story of one
person’s struggle with himself and the world
around him, and he won! Leslie Jordan certainly
deserves all the awards and accolades
that he receives. MYTRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET is one of the funniest yet
heart-felt books that we have ever read.
Leslie Jordan is real ! and in today’s world
that is really something to say! Leslie Jordan
is not like Paul Lynde, he is not like Truman
Capote, he is not like anybody else. He is
simply himself and that is what makes him
so great. After reading this book we can understand
why his one man performances are
sell outs! We can’t wait for the sequel to this
book! We URGE all of our readers to rush
out and purchase a copy of this book. Leslie
Jordan is taking his "act" on the road again
and will be coming to a city near you with
an exciting one man performance and to
sign his book. Check out his website, www.
thelesliejordan.com for updates. "Love, light
to you, Leslie and the very best!"
Donald Pile and Ray Williarm, Award-winning Celebrity
travel columnists who writefor gaypublicationsfrom
Coast to Coast. Proud members ofthe IGLTA. You can
email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage
at: http://www,hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers
12 the STAR ~vw.ozarksstar.com
Wockner News Service
Two California counties
rebel against marriage
ruling
County clerks in California’s Kern and
Butte counties have stopped performing
all marriages so as not to have to marry gay
couples.
In Kern County, where Bakersfield is
located, Clerk Ann Barnett announced her
decision after county lawyers told her she
could not marry straight couples but refuse
to marry gay couples. Officially, she said
the move stemmed from a lack ofstaffand
space to meet the anticipated demand for
weddings.
But in an e-mail sent to the conservative
legal group Alliance Defense Fund and obtained
by the Bakersfield Californian newspaper,
Barnett’s office wrote: "Our question
is, now that the Supreme Court has refused
to stay its decision, will Alliance Defense
Fund defend the County Clerk if she ceases
performing all marriage ceremonies.... We
fully expect to be sued and our own counsel
is not being of help.’"
In Butte County, north of Sacramento,
County Clerk Candace Grubbs cited money
problems in announcing her decision. ~:he
county’s largest city is Chico, population
87,OO0.
But the president of the California Association
of Clerks and Elected Officials, Contra
Costa County Clerk Steve Weir, said the
money excuse makes no sense.
He told the San Francisco Chronicle that
counties make money from selling marriage
licenses and performing weddings.
Kern and Butte counties still have to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples,
but counties are not required to also offer
wedding ceremonies, though most do as a
courtesy and because it brings in income.
Massachusetts governot’sdaughter
comes
out
Katherine Patrick, daughter of Massachusetts
Gov. Deval Patrick, came out publicly
as a lesbian June 12 in an interview with the
Boston gay newspaper Bay Windows.
"We... wanted people to know that it’s
not only something that we accept, but it’s
something that we’re very proud of," Katherine,
18, said.
She said she came out to her parents in July
2007, just before a picnic by the pool at
their home in the Berkshires.
"It was the easiest coming out experience
that anyone could possibly have," Katherine
said.
First lady Diane Patrick called that event "a
nonevent in the sense that there wasn’t any
tension."
"I was just happy for her that she knew who
she was and that she was comfortable with
who she was," she said.
Gov. Patrick told Bay Windows, "I think
when Katherine started to memorize all the
episodes ofThe L Word, there was some
hint that maybe she was sending us."
Big gay gro,ups: Do
marry; dont sue
Leading national gay organizations have
issued a strongly worded advisory al! but
demanding that same-sex couples who visit
California to get married not file any lawsuits
seeking recognition of their marriages
in their home states.
The document also strongly urges married
same-sex couples not to sue for federal
recognition of their marriages.
The lengthy document was issued June 10
by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties
Union, the Human Rights Campaign,
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation,
the National Center for Lesbian
Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and
Defenders, Equality Federation, Freedom To
Marry, and the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force.
"Don’t go suing right away," the groups said.
"Most lawsuits will likely set us all back."
"One thing couples shouldn’t do is just sue
the federal government or, if they are from
other states, go sue their home state or
their employer to recognize their marriage
or open up the health plan," the advisory
continued. "Pushing the federal government
before we have a critical mass of states
recognizing same-sex relationships or suing
in states where the courts aren’t ready is
likely to get us bad rulings. Bad rulings will
make it much more difficult for us to win
marriage, and will certainly make it take
much longer."
The full document can be accessed on the
ACLU’s Web site at tinyurl.com/66z8kq.
N.Y. governor sued over
gay-marriage decision
Five state lawmakers and the right-wing
legal group Alliance Defense Fund sued
New York Gov. David Paterson on June 3,
hoping to block his order that state agencies
must recognize same-sex marriages entered
into in places where they are legal.
The suit claims that only the Legislature can
redefine marriage and seeks an injunction
halting implementation of the order.
Paterson has said he merely complied with
a recent court decision that found that a
community college could not deny benefits
to the wife of a female employee -- the
couple married in Canada -- because New
York policy recognizes marriages performed
outside the state.
Same-sex marriage is allowed in Belgium,
California, Canada, Denmark, Massachusetts,
the Netherlands, South Africa and
Spain.
........More U. S. News page 23
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
~e~LInside Hol~ood, reports on new
Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller Get Secretive
~hen
ifyou dofft get to know what it is.
movie proiecr, and the reason for all the hush
ator, Cameron Crowe. Crowe is known t
tong as he cm~, and this one is no exception.
Witherspoon and Ben Stiller, and it’s a romantic
bytes, the presence of
seem like the most promising. ~they mean that
as Etizabethtown. So the rum re is tentatively bright. For now,
Dan Butler to Karl Rove: I Love You
What happens when
political strategist? 7he consequences of such a strange ~
comedy from writer-director Dan Butler, _Kad Rove: I Love
as Bulldog on Frasier, Butler stars in this seifa
depressed careerist actor in 2004,
creating a one man show about President Bush’s to
goal? The win-win scenario of both swaying the
above the tide for once. The Hollywood/D.(
producer, screenwri ~er, director, and star, and audiences can
makes the tihn-festivai circuit rounds, starting tight about now.
14 the STAR
The fellewing
EarthQ~ke Zin ’05
The Phillips brothers pride th~mselves
farming
on quality. Their efforts
competitions.
with lots zing and flavor.
Earthq
brands under
Chards &
must try.
Orin Swift Cedars The
wine
’Heavenly
It’s rare
and :
pepper and tobacco
wild berry, with some
flavors. Ahint
suggests that
Petite Sirah, Charbono and
St
offering is best from 2009 through 20
Ravenswood Napa Zin ’05
97% Zinfandel, 3% Carignane. Heasing
bright, ripe plum flavors with a fine tannin
structure. This xvine has a lingering finish tha’
tastes ofraspberries, doves and vanilla.
Opolo Mountain Zin ’05
Ifyou are one of those who believe bigger is
better, read on. Appropriately named for its
bountiful bouquet offruit as well as where
the grapes are grown, this full-bodied Zinfandd
has plenty ofripe black cherry, plum
and spice and is framed by soft tannins and
balanced acidity.
,case
Zinfandel, Petit Sirah & Carignanel the
2006 Ner~ Mi~o (Italian for "mixed
black") is deep filackish-burgundy colored
with a nose o~ dried herbs, pepper and
leather. This deii~ious "field blend" styled
wine has flavors 6f pomegranate, black
fruits and figs with a hint
of spice, medium to full
bodied firm tannins,
a long, lush finish/
Italian food, spicy
the rig~ht now, though
critics say it
will next 5 - 7 ),ears.
This to find so if you
see it,
of the better values,
to be a vastly superior
fbr Zinfandel. This wine,
some Petite Sirak, Merlot,
and Grenache blended in/exhibits
ruby color. There is a sweet nose
of peppery black cherry and raspberry,
liqueur intermixed with spring flowers
earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied.
Wine critic Robert Parker gave this one
Points.
Mr. D also hosts wine & food events
i known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts
Tulsa.
References include: the ABC’s of wine by James
Laube/www.WineSpectator.com
’,,~##¢.FoodandWine.com
www.Wikipedia.org
Z A P www.zinfandel.org
Members from ever) 25 club flag
VOTE For Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth & Co.
16 t~$TAR
SSIL~’s HOT Cowboys, Let’s Rodeo!
www.ozarksstar.¢om
JULY 2008
downtown Tulsa. Author Clara Nipper 0fTulga-Her new book, Femme
Noir, has received num~ro~ rave reviews and was nominated
for 2 Lambda Lite~ rds~ Her story backdrop
is in Tulsa a~ the time 6f~h~ i921 rac~ riots, about a
lesbian murder mystery featuring a hardcore black woman
named Nora who finds h~rself ii~,estigating her friend’s
murder, the STAR t 7
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
WEST HOLL OOD, CALIFOrnIA 90069
Special praise needs to be given to Steve Nycklemoe who is the
Director of Operations. He has done an outstanding job in putting
this exhibit together. Actually it is one of the finest exhibits that we
have seen in our travels. We strongly urge all of our readers to visit
this museum.
Steve Nycklemoe & Ray \Villiams
Well, the zip code just about explains almost everything about West
Hollywood! What else can be said except that it is fun and exciting
and ? There is so much to see and do and not enough time. For
those of you who have never been there, \Hest Hollywood which is
known as "WEHO" is located between Los Angeles and Beverly
Hills and the main street is Santa Monica Blvd. which is filled with
gay flags, restaurants, bars and shops. At night time it is filled with
thousands of people partying.
The HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM is located in the historic Max
Factor building at 1660 North Highland Avenue just a few blocks
east of the Kodak Center in downtown Hollywood. They have over
10,000 showbiz treasures. When we were there, they had a special
exhibit of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia including many of the
dresses that she wore in her movies. You can see the chair where
Hizabeth Taylor sat in the movie Cleopatra, view Cary Grant’s
vintage Rolls Royce, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Rocky’s boxing
gloves and Indiana Jones’ whip.
As you enter the beautiful Art Deco building you walk directly in to
the exquisite lobby with it’s original art deco lighting fixtures, show
cases and architectural moldings. There are displays of original Max
Factor cosmetics and ads. Browse the different make up rooms
where each has a different color mode It is truly like stepping back
into old Hollywood when it was at it’s peak. There are several floors
of exciting exhibits to see. Actually one could spend a whole day
there and not see everything. Downstairs they have the original
prison setting of Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs.
They have really worked at making this one of the finest museums
in the country. Anybody and everybody who is even remotely interested
in movies should visit this museum. Their hours are 10 AM
to 5 PM, Thursday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out their website
at: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com.
Be sure to visit at least one of the major movie studios while you are
in West Hollywood.
We attended the world premier play, BOISE USA by the extremely
talented playwright, Gene Franklin Smith and masterly directed by
Arturo Castillo. BOISE USA is a character-driven drama about gay
persecution in Boise, Idaho in the 1950’s. The writing is superb!
The casting is perfect! Every actor is sensational. The audience is
mesmerized by all of this. Hopefully it will go to Broadway in the
near future as everybody needs to experience this splendid drama.
We had the good fortune of meeting Gene Franklin Smith and he
is an incredibly talented playwright. We can only hope that he
continues writing for many years to come. It has been playing to
rave reviews. It is presently showing at the Matrix Theater at 7657
Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
There are of course dozens and dozens of museums and galleries to
visit in greater Los Angeles. As always is the case when we travel.....
too many things to see and do, and not enough time. We did have
"lunch with Holly Woodlawff’ one afternoon. She was one of the
Andy Warhol actresses who now lives in West Hollywood and we
visited with the Countess Alexis who is one of the great Divas of all
times who was also associated with Andy Warhol in New York City
and was in several movies.
One day we visited the new Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing. This
is an incredible high-rise apartment housing project for "seasoned"
gays and lesbian on a fixed income. Complete ~vith a swimming
pool, library room, gym room and a social room this facility offers a
safe and secure place for "seasoned" gays and lesbians to live.
There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the greater Los Angles
Area. Our favorites was the ABBEY which is a huge restaurant and
bar right in downtown West HoltFwcood. The TASTE restaurant
is also a great place that we would strongly recommend. Excellent
food and service as well as ambiance at these bars. For breakfast or
lunch we enjoy the French Market restaurant.
There are dozens and dozens of bars in West Hollywood and on
weekends there are usually long lines waiting to get in. Drink
prices at most of these bars are astronomical! For our readers in the
Midwest, be ready for a shock. It is nothing to pay $10 to $15 for a
drink and we mean just for a regular bourbon and coke or screwdriver.
We are not talking call drinks either! With gas hovering
around $5.00 a gallon and drinks priced that high and with the cost
of housing, it does take lots of money to have a good time.
18 th÷$TAR ~.ozarksstar.com
The Abbey Restaurant and Bar
We stayed at the San Vicente Inn which is just 1/2 block from Santa
Monica Blvd. It is a totally gay resort that has recently been sold
and is now in the process of being completely remodeled. It is the
most convenient place to stay since you can walk almost everywhere,
and if you want to go anywhere else you catch the bus. The staffis
one of the friendliest around.
NOTE: Seepage 22for 7he Abbey’s Tn~ffte Macaroni & Cheese recipe.
Oklahomans for Equality and Breast
Impressions ofTulsa team up to raise breast
cancer awareness.
Breast Impressions "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" Art on Display
TULSA, OK (PR) __ For the second year Breast Impressions breast
cast art will be on display at the Oklahomans for Equality Dennis
R. Nell! Equality Center gallery through the month ofJuly. Only
breast cancer survivors have been cast in plaster this year, and local
artists have turned the castings into stunning examples of each
survivor’s incredible journey through breast cancer¯ The art displayed
will be auctioned at the Breast Impressions Annual Gala for
the benefit ofTulsa Project Woman, Inc. on October 3, 2008. But
the Equality Center "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" show allows
Oklahomans to see and experience he inspiration through each
survivor s story.
Breast Impressions is honored to display the work at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center gallery because of the higher risk for developing
breast cancer among lesbians and bisexual women.
www.ozarksstar.corn
Due to a variety of social stigmas statistically they have a higher risk
profile than their heterosexual counterparts. Realizing this, Tulsa
Project Woman will hold an educational seminar during the Breast
Impressions art show, to further promote breast cancer awareness
through the communit):
Opening Night of the Gallery showing will be July 3, 2008 from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at
621 E. 4th Street, in downtown Tulsa. Refreshments will be provided
by Panera Bread, Godiva Chocolate, and Escargot’s. Many of
the artists and breast cancer survivor models will be in attendance to
meet those who visit. The show will continue through July until the
28th, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tulsa Project
Woman will also host a dessert reception and private showing of
the Breast Impressions Exhibit and then a Breast Health Education
seminar on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm. This seminar will include
information on Breast Cancer Prevention, How to do a Self Breast
Exam and the Tulsa Project Woman.
You can contact Judi Grove, founder of Breast Impressions at 918-
691-3874 for more information about the Equality Center gallery
showing, or the upcoming Gala and Auction for the benefit ofTulsa
Project Woman.
theSTAR 19
of Town
By Andrew Collins
Nashville, Tennessee
:was
good idea). The s~ae
THEABBEY FOOD &B£
By Donald Pile & Ray \vq’illiams
The Abbey Food and Bar is located at
692 North Robertson just 1/2 block south
of Santa Monica Blvd. It has been around
quite a few years and it is one of the wonderful
restaurants/bars that just keeps getting
better year after year after year. David
Cooley is the master at the art ofwork and
play. Over the past 15+ years, his creation,
The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a
small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one
of the most popular hotspots in the country.
Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock
to The Abbey for its infamous Martinis
as well as its stunning, open-air ambiance
and truly relaxed elegance. In May 2006,
Cooley and The Abbey entered an entirely
new and exciting phase in its partnership
with the Los Angeles-based SBE, which has
fast become one of the pivotal players in the
Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene.
Armed with the expertise, infrastructure and
corporate reach of SBE, The Abbey is beginning
its biggest expansion to date - reproducing
the signature Abbey experience in
selected cities nationwide. While no specific
locations have been finalized for national
expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring
locations where The Abbey’s open-air
concept would work best, including Miami’s
South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas,
Las Vegas and Phoenix.
So now you have the background on
the Abbey but you MUST dine and drink
there. It is where it is all happening in West
Hollywood and everyone who is anyone
goes there. Hizabeth Taylor made a rare
appearance there last month to a cheering
crowd. When we dined there, everything
was great...the service, the ambiance and
the food was spectacular! We had the finest
pork chops that we have ever had! The
mac and cheese with truffles were to die for!
There are dozens and dozens of restaurants
to dine at in West Hollywood and this is
certainly one of the finest. Check out their
exciting menu on line at their website,
http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/
22 tbeSTAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com
Ca iforni s will vote
on same-sex marriage
They’re gonna vote on whether you are a full
American.
Anti-gay activists have succeeded in qualifying
an initiative for the Nov. 4 ballot to
amend the California Constitution to undo
the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that
opened marriage to same-sex couples. The
ruling takes effect, and the weddings begin,
on June 16 at 5 p.m.
The activists had to submit 694,354 valid
petition signatures to qualify the initiative
for a vote. They submitted 1,120,801 and,
on June 2, Secretary of State Debra Bowen
said a spot-check of 3 percent of the signatures
found that a high enough percentage
of them ,vere valid to extrapolate that the
threshold would be met if all t. 1 million
were checked.
Tne amendment will state: "Only a marriage
between a man and a woman is valid or
recognized in California."
The latest poll on the issue, a respected
California Field Poll released May 28, found
that 51 percent of registered California voters
support same-sex marriage, 42 percent
oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion.
The poll found that 54 percent oppose
amending the state constitution to ban
same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an
amendment and 6 percent have no opinion.
The biggest support for same-sex marriage
came from younger voters, Democrats,
liberals, nonreligious people and residents of
the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles
County.
The strongest opposition came from older
people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain
Christians, Protestants and residents
of the Central Valley and Southern California
counties apart from L.A. County.
Observers predict that the battle may be
won or lost in the populous Southern California
counties of Orange and San Diego.
Women (53 percent) polled more supportive
than men (48 percent) with 8 percent
of each having no opinion and the rest opposed.
A majority of respondents up to age 49
favored sane-sex marriage, while a majority
of people over age 50 opposed it.
The poll questioned 1,052 voters and had a
margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.
Obama cdebrates gay
pride
Presidential candidate Barack Obama said
June 6 that his campaign is actively participating
in more than 60 gay pride events this
summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama.
com/pridemonth.
"I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters
in celebrating the accomplishments, the
lives, and the families of all LGBT people
during this Pride season," Obama said in a
statement.
"It’s time to live up to our founding promise
of equality by treating all our citizens with
dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil
rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and
protect workers against discrimination based
upon sexual orientation and gender identity
or expression. Let’s repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell and demonstrate that the most effective
and professional military in the world
is open to all Americans who are ready and
willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the
relationships and the families ofLGBT
Americans with full equality under the law.
"Generations ofLGBT Americans, at once
ordinary and extraordinary, have made
possible this moment in our history. With
leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the
promise of equality for all," Obama said.
Quotable Quotes
Obama told reporters "the Republicans
helped to engineer the distraction of the war
in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned
down the people who actually committed
9-11." He said Osama bin Laden is still at
large in part because of their failed strategies.
Kansas CoupJe Does
IDO.
By Greg Steele
Photo: Donald Pile, Larry IVard, Riverside
County, (Palm Springs) CA County Clerk and
oj~ciating the wedding and Ray Williams.
PALM SPRINGS, CA __ Donald Pile and
Ray Williams long time friends and columnists
for The Star exchanged legal vows in
Palm Springs, CA on June 17, 2008.
The couple drove from West Hollywood,
where they were vacationing, to Palm
Springs for the ceremony. The Star talked
with them about the historic occasion.
"We stopped by Palm Springs early this
morning and were married", Donald told
us. "Mel Haber, owner of the famous
Melwn’S Restaurant in Palm Springs was a
witness. He is a dear straight friend of ours.
The other witness was our good friend,
Stefan Hemming who owns the Liberace
Estate. We were very cool about the whole
thing until the Clerk said, "In as much as .......
Donald and Raymond have thus consented
together in marriage, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the State of California
as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage
for the County of Riverside (Palm Springs,
CA), I now pronounce you to be united in
marriage".
"It was a small wedding as we didn’t have
much time. When we walked out the front
door of the county court house, we were
crying and shouting".
After 37 years we have never been more in
love with each other. We are just sad for
the gays and lesbians in other parts of the
country who do not have the opportunity to
get married".
www.ozarksstar.corn th÷STAR 23
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa
24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City
June 6, O~n~YoUth Center conducted the r annua
F~hi~~: ,Th~ ~h~ was hosted by 106.9 s Chase and
OK:: There were
different artists in
Pride Prade These ad es are hay ng tooooo~ ~bh fun
www.ozarksstar.com
CaIJaway CD Romanticizes Man to Man AL
RE-ELECTED
D STRICT 88
"You Ain’t Woman Enough’To Take My
Man", a gay man is telling a woman, drag
queen or possible a transvestite, that she isn’t
woman enough to take his boyfriend.
The title song "darn it, Baby, That’s Love"
highlights the collection. Clay and his partner,
Ty Lewis sing it as a duet with passion
and love. Other song selections that will get
you in the mood include "I’ve Grown Ac-
:customed To Your Face", "All ~e Man That
I Need", "Never Loved A Man Before", and
"Come In From The Rain"
In the past 20 years Callaway managed to
find love, work somewhat in the shadows of
"the industry" (as in, behind the scenes) in
Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Dominican
Republic and all points in between,
boomeranged through Nashville and came
to live in Hilo, Hawaii. It was here that the
muse again came to him. "Hawaii is so full
of music and incredible voices that I found
my self facing this love I have to sing out
loud and once again I felt in love with the
audience, and they seemed to like me too",
Clay says.
Charlie’s, often hosted by Joan Rivers, The
Rose Tatoo, the Palomino Club and other
"interesting" places. All the while making a
living working in television production as
a production assistant and slowly moving
up that food chain. Life was good, met a
few cute guys along the way and a few hot
messes as well. It came a time in my early
20% I was taking voice lessons with Bob
Garrett and we ended up writing a couple
of songs together. On my web site, I have
included a demo of one of those songs from
over 20 years ago for a sneak peek at one
that will be resurrected for my next album. I
can’t sing that high anymore, but it’s a look
back to a day tong past."
"Then a fire in my apartment building left
me homeless and sent me back to stay with
my family in Arkansas for the summer to
regroup. In some ways I felt defeated, but
got chosen to direct the summer musical at
the community theater, the South Arkansas
Arts Center, and while in my home town,
met the love of my life, Ty. He had been
there most of his and my life, but we had
never met."
"I moved to LA at 19 to finish college at
¯ LMU, that was pretty much it for singing
and performing aside from high school chores
and the occasional opportunity to dress
up in a chicken suit. (But that’s another
story.) LA was a big eye-opener, as it would
be for anyone let alone a young gay guy
from south Arkansas. I began to write songs
and performing at lots of fun places on the
Sunset Strip and beyond. Carlos &
Gay Chicago Magazine says "On his debut
album, Callaway takes love songs many
written by men and popularized by women
then turns them on end by singing them in
his distinctive vocal style to other men. It’s
a creative approach that can make for some
rather interesting word play. "
You can purchase the CD online at: www.
cdbaby.com/cd/daycallaway
By Victor Gorin
Keith Taggart congratulates State Representative
AI McAflgrey at a fundraiser for Jim Roth at the
residence of Mike McLain & Richard Ogden.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma’s
first openly gay legislator, Al McAffrey was
re-elected to represent District 88 of central
Oklahoma City. He was first elected in
2006.
At the close of the filing period June 4
there was only one opponent, 27 year old
Dominique Block, who was running as an
Independent. His candidacy was challenged
by the McAffrey campaign on the
grounds that he had not been registered
as an Independent for 6 months prior to
the filing period, and the Oklahoma State
Election Board determined he was not
eligible. As there was no other opposition,
Al McAffrey was automatically re-elected
to of~ce.
Al welcomes this opportunity stating," It’s
a great feeling to know my constituents
have faith in me, and by their support I’ll
be able to serve them for two more years."
Quotable Quotes
The Tonight Show host, Jay Leno decided to
make an appearance in support of the recent
legalization of gay marriage by California’s
Supreme Court.
"He said that he is from Massachusetts and
that the sky did not fall in their state when
marriage equality became the law of the
land there," a rep for the event said.
26 th÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com
NATIONAL NEWS
Task Force Action Ftmd
applauds New York
Assembly £or historic
vote on transgender
rights
"We congratulate the leadership ofAssemblyman
Richard Gottfried, the many
transgender leaders and allies in New York,
and our partner, Empire State Pride Agenda,
for this important victory. We now call on
the leaders of the New York Senate to bring
this bill to the floor so that protections fbr
transgender people and others in New York
are not delayed another day."
Noway adopts gaymarriage
law
OSLO (AFP) -- Norway’s parliament on
Wednesday adopted a new marriage law
that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt
children and permits lesbians to be artificially
inseminated.
WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ The National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
applauds the New York Assembly’s passage
today of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination
Act (GENDA). The bill, which
passed by a 102-33 vote, now moves to the
state Senate. The measure seeks to prohibit
discrimination on the basis of gender identity
or expression in housing, employment,
credit and public accommodations and
would add gender identity or expression to
the state’s hate crimes law.
New York extended protections on the basis
of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task
Force has worked with the Empire State
Pride Agenda, legislators and community
activists since then to amend the law to
add gender identity or expression protections,
including by helping draft GENDA.
Among the other contributions the Task
Force made to this effort was a convening
of transgender and allied activists in 2006
at a training in Albany to provide leaders
with skills for how to build coalitions in
support of this bill, and a Power Summit
training on Long Island in December 2007
that attracted more than 100 activists who
were taught how to lobby their legislators
and build grassroots support for the bill.
If the bill passes the Senate, Gov. David
Paterson is expected to sign it and New York
would become the 13th state to explicitly
ban discrimination based on gender identity
or expression. Currently, 39 percent of the
country’s population is covered by such a
local or state law.
Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive
Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action
Fund
"This is a very exciting victory for the people
ofNew York, particularly transgender
people. Legislation of this sort is not only
responsible public policy, it also shows the
nation that New York is unafraid to join the
ranks of states that value all of their citizens,
including those who are transgender or who
express their gender in ways that reflect the
broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity.
www.ozarksstar.com
Libertarian Party selects Bob
Barr.as 2008 presidential
nominee
Former Congressman plans to take the
White House as Libertarian candidate
DENVER, CO (PR) __ The Libertarian
Party has nominated former Congressman
Bob Barr as its candidate for president for
the 2008 election.
"I’m sure we will emerge here with the
strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian
Party," Barr stated in his victory
speech shortly after being selected as the
Party’s nominee. "I want everybody to remember
that we only have 163 days to win
this election. We cannot waste one single
day."
More than 650 Libertarian delegates met
in Denver from May 22 tilt the 26 for the
2008 Libertarian National Convention. After
six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon,
Barr was selected as the Party’s presidential
nominee.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third
largest political party, founded in 1971 as an
alternative to the two main political parties.
You can find more information on the Libertarian
Party by visiting www.LP.org. The
Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller
government, lower taxes and more freedom.
After a heated debate, the members of
parliament adopted the text by a vote of 84
to 41.
The three centre-left coalition parties in
power and two opposition parties, the
Conservatives and the Liberals, voted largely
in favour of the law, while the Christian
Democrats and the far-right Progress Party
voted against it.
Norway thus became the sixth country in
the world to grant homosexuals the right to
marry on an equal footing with heterosexuals,
according to Norwegian television TV2.
"This decision is of an importance comparable
to universal suffrage and our law
on parity," Labour Party rapporteur Gunn
Karin Gjul said during the debate.
The most controversial part of the law is
that which gives lesbians the right to be artificially
inseminated. The sperm donor must
be identified so that the child can seek out
his or her biological father at the age of 18.
Outside the parliament, a handful of opponents
protested with posters reading "Have
fathers become superfluous?" and "Parliament
has no mandate to change the laws of
nature."
Among other things, the new legislation replaces
a so-called "partnership law" adopted
in 1993 xvhich gave Norwegian homosexuals
the right to civil unions.
Health care workers who do not want to
perform artificial inseminations on lesbians
because of their personal convictions will
not be under any obligation to carry out the
procedure.
The new law is expected to enter into force
at the end of this year or eatly next year.
Homosexuality was illegal until 1972 in
Norway, a country which has since become
one of the most liberal in the world in the
field.
~÷STAR 27
by Jack Fertig July 2008
"Nalke like a tourist, Pisces!"
With Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Eris all in mutual
aspect, efforts at wit and charm are subverted by excessive
impulses and eagerness to take offense. Still,
it’s a good time to hash out friendly disagreements or
to take up arts or crafts projects.
¯ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Before speaking up, try to remember
some bit of wisdom from a wise old woman, probably
your grandmother or a teacher from early childhood.
Her insight could smooth out the rough edges, turning your
initial ideas from disastrous to helpful.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be overly invested
in a set goal that isn’t as realistic as it originally seemed.
We all need to revise plans now and then. Be practical, not
stubborn! Discuss it with friends, and take time alone to
reconsider priorities.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may be trying too hard to
get ahead and to organize people you see as "your team."
Stand back, think about what’s really important, and listen
carefully to your friends and their aims. Communication is
the key to cooperation.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments that seem to
come out of nowhere are really about your hidden doubts
and fears. Expert opinions can help set your mind at ease.
Try exploring some artistic medium or musical style that
wouldn’t normally interest you.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your own ideas of sexual
politics could shake up your corner of the GLBT community,
which can stimulate new thinking. Discussion points that
come from the heart will go over better than battle cries that
sound like P.C. cliches.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Flirtations and
sexual politics can complicate relations with bosses and
colleagues. Acknowledging sexual tension may help to
dispel it, but that doesn’t always work. Think deeply and far
ahead before trying it. Discuss any problems at your job
with friends who work elsewhere.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Cooperation is usually
more productive in the long run than competition is.
Both have their place, but your eager ambitions may blind
you to better opportunities. Careful listening can turn rivals
into allies.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Sexual experimentation
is fine in principle; just be careful that you don’t
land in a bad situation. Think ahead and be cautious! Be
clear about health risks, discuss at length what you really
want, and look before you leap.
28 theSTAR
SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Disruptions
at home can make you cranky and argumentative.
Looking for sex to blow off steam may prove more frustrating
than helpful. Competitive games - especially those that
test communications skills (Scrabble, Charades, Pictionary)
- are probably better for releasing tension.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Keep your focus
right in front of your nose. Accidents are just waiting to
happen; being overloaded and distracted only encourages
them! Teamwork is helpful, if you can resist the urge to get
drawn into turf battles.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): The cost of fun
can be a lot higher than expected. Be inventive (you can
manage that!), and have a great time on the cheap. Debates
over aesthetics may seem more heated than they
should be, but welcome the arguments for potential inspiration.
PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Feeling like a stranger
at home isn’t fun, but it can fuel the creative juices. Get
playful, make like a tourist, and let someone take you to
places you’d never go on your own. Take a more objective,
outsider’s stance in community politics.
MCC METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
IRev Steve "IF. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, IVlO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Community Mieal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
MCC of the Living Spring
t7 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays at 6:00 PMi
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
www.ozarksstar.com
Support those who support us.
DOWNTOWN PLAZ__A ofTULSA
17 West 7th Street
Tulsa, OK
918-585-5898
www.downtownplazatulsa.com
HABANA INN
2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY
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 NW39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
www.anglesdub.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.dubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. llTH
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
EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship
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 HIWSTD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Saturday 9:30 AM
MCC of the LMNG SPRING
17 Hk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays 6pm
OPENAR/vlS 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
9!8-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NWEXPRESSWAY
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:
wv~v.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
For { vertisin
Knformation
DALLAS CVB
Dallas, TX
www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com
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Keller Williams Realty
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Vghether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
KING OF
MASSAGE
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30 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
We believe that homosexuality is not a
genetic trait but a chosen lifestyle.
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
homosexuals 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
sexual preference or lifestyle choice.
If the Republican message of hate and division
doesn’t represent you, then join us and vote
Democrati’c in support of what we stand for:
LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,
PROUDLY INCLUDING THE GLBT COMMUNITY.
I~’ol~V~ln ~o~e$~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair
I~ Asbe~’ry~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair
Undu Sru~’ ~’~ Oklahoma State Democratic Party
Treasurer
¢~’~o g~’d~ Oklahoma State Field Director Democratic
National Commiffee, Fifth District Chair
3~ ~o~’~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner
A~ ~{~’e~ Oklahoma State Representative District 88
gob ~.e~o~ our friend who’s straight but not narrow
Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma.
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[2008] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 01, 2008
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
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PDF
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English
Type
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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
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Star Media, Ltd
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Star Media, Ltd
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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 Highleyman
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
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The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248
Metro Star. August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247
After Dark
Al McAffrey
Bob Bar
Deval Patrick
horoscopes
Katherine Patrick
Leslie Jordan
marriage equality
mixology
Night club
Obama
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Our House
Paparazzi on the Prowl
pride Parade
project runway
Quotable Quotes
recipes
Star Advertisers
star classified
Star Scene
The National Gay and Task Force
The Phantom of the Opera
Too
travel
wine
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/733b2f2153340c0152c8ddfe54b6ed5d.jpg
06b85fa3864a1cd9fb22b85f79874359
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f877c3716f55d1351dd0b5dc72bdb505.pdf
cbaefc1fc50913638b9cd20f6f15b445
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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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
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Original Format
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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
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Send Check or Money
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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/0c8df105d73cb6996da784dabcad6623.jpg
95236ac6539ae57d128911a29cb5e611
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/60f94ba1cf602f7b825dc951e5dbbaf3.pdf
c78acfa197947304180821d86bac8076
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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=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
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Magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
lahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
~M@M~
~@@@
~@
~[3@
~~
2114 S. Memorial Dr. * Tulsa, OK * 918.660.0856
2 the STAR, Ceiebrating our 3rd Year 2006.
ontents
06 HEART TO HEART
It ain't easy being green. Or
blind. Or gay. Let's work together
to make it a little easier
on all of us.
I O LESBIAN NOTIONS
Tennessee Burning! Used to be that
cross burnings were the KKK's calling
card against African Americans. Now
cross burnings have a different use.
14 PAST OUT
A retrospective of LGBT
History. This month "How
queer is science fiction?"
I 7 CIAO TRAVEL
Gay Travelers "OGUNQUIT,
1-1AINE" &
Out of Town "Philadelphia"
4
INDEX
Heart to Heart .......... 6
Lesbian Notions ..... 10
People ................... 12
Past Out... .............. 14
Entertainment... ..... 16
Ciao Travel. ........... 17
Star Scene ............ 24
Uncle Mikey .......... 26
The Bistro ............. 27
Horoscopes ........... 28
Distributors ............ 29
Cartoons ................ 30
Classifieds ............. 31
(}av men and lesbians face .... ~, , ', , ,,, , '
situations, whether single oras couples.
Let us help!
I
( 1 ) 7 -5 6
,4rkansas & Ok/ahoma1s 1\Aost Read GLBT ftAagazine
:Executive Director,
y ru::1d Lesbian Task Force
YORK, NY_I never expected New
,~ court to rule for us o:1 marriage,
solid legal reasons, New York
the first tier for marriage test
remember
task 10 years ago of
from going to court to
,en I read the stimmary Friday momtha-
c the state constitution doesn't
the recognition of same-sex mar-
. I expected the body of the decision
to b~ scholarly and well-reasoned, I also
· · · · it :would express sympathy for
· hardships gay
· couples face and that it would
~ge die Legislature to act to add,
tcss these jnjustices ...
:\<Boy, ~was ! ~n& The o~inion w~s m~re
,. ·· poorly.wtitten, illogical and 10sultmg
· · · • d;. it was olainlv homoohoppme
ex~mple'of .th~ failur; of
. . alitgedlf thinking straight people
,• .. · futbis·case judges - to grasp that we
.... f:tfe:fiilly andemially.liwnan.· Sentences like:
:Ji::?,· .. :.,
.ii::a~~~t:i~<;e sQgg~;t that a
· ·· · his or
in
n
cd
they can
ult of acci.dent or
{the inajonty of the New
·Yoi1c.Court6f Appeals sb:ould feel the rest
of their lives. *
F
AGAIN! NOW BY
THE US HOUSE OF
REPRESNTATIVES
WASHINGTON,July 18 _Right-wing
zealots are coming up empty-handed when
they aim to push discrimination into our
nation's Constimrion.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives
voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment
bv an.o-vcrwhelmiog margin. With 187
Repres;ntatives v~tiog agl!,lllst the FMA, the
extremists pushing the amendment fell far
short of tl;tc two.:tliirds ~ajority needed co
write discrimination 1nto th; Constitution.
You and thousands.of committed Human
Rights Campaign §tipporters.have spoken
up time and time again, urging our elected
officials to stand on the side of equality
and fairness. Together, bur work to combat
discrirrunatlon.has' made a difference.
ive
.. nalGay
"Task Force
"Once ag~ii, a bipartisan bloc has soundly
rejecteq · stimtional iunenclment
. . . .
gay Americans andt:hcir families:.In spite
of intense
to getdris . . . .
the House-just as.it failed in the Senate.
Clearly, thet:e's· no· traction itl this issue.
. . .
''We i::o . Leader Nancy Pelosi,
Min y Hoyer and the entire
minority leadership, and especially Reps.
Tammy Baldwin, Jei:!,'old Nadler, James
McGo~ern and Barney Fr,-..nk for their work
in otgaoizix.ig oppositi~n to this,am,~qd.ment.
as well as all r.l}e others wno stood up
,, : , , ,' -> ,i , ,'' : ~' 1 - ' ' ·-· for our community ana our tamtl1es.
"We hone this vote today will be the basis
for a w~rjqng majority iri Congress to press
forn"ll.rd on basic fairness for lesbian, gay,
· bisexual and transgender people, including
protection from bate crimes and disc~nation
and access to the same protect:J.ons
enjoyed by all other families.
"Finally, as we move beyond yet another
sound defeat of this un-American proposal,
we hope all members of Congress
and the American people think hard about.
what truly is at stake here: Denying one ·
group of Americans the family recogni- .
rion granted to others would r~erse the . .
course of our nation's history oi: expanding
equal rights. It would condemn one group •
to a lesser citizenship and deny them the ·
social support our society has c<;>nsttucted
to help families and children flourish. Gay
and Ie'°sbian families need and deserve the.
kind of protection and support we currently·
extend to other families. Let's start acknowledging
that truth. Let's start talki~g abo'.1tfrj .
and let's start doing it because it 1s the right ·
thing to do."
Creating
Community for
People iiving
with
Our House. Too offers a variety of
activities for peopie \A/ho are HI\/+ and
or living vvith' AIDS to help cornbat the
social lsoiat!on that rnany of our
dE;f ;1;,~~.!:1o~~~1~1=ti::~:s~I~·
and or !!v!ng \.V!th ,A.!OS \.tvho cannot
afford to purchase these !ten1s for
themselves . ..,/Ve invite anyone \Vho
\Vouid like to voiunteer or provide fi·nanciai
assistance to piease contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
harrisrnrnjr,gyahoo_co!T1.
the STAR 5
It Ain't Easy Being Green
It ain't easy being green. The plaintive lament of Kermit the
Frog became this year's theme at the annual meeting of
Blind Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual
People, BFLAG for short. The message was one of selfacceptance,
but the group is also fighting for another kind
of acceptance: inclusion in the gay
is to provide for the betterment of the lives of those who
are visually impaired and who are lesbian, gay, bisexuai or
transgender. Specifically, they're working to help blind gay
people integrate into society.
"LGBT disabled individuals have the same problems as
straight disabled individuals," reports BFLAG president
Butch Arnold. "Sometimes we're totally accepted but, more
often than not, we're assumed to be different and are not
accepted on an even playing field. With the closet factor
added to the mix, disabled people, especially those who
are visually impaired or blind, have major problems fitting
in or simply being accepted by other LGBT individuals.
This makes socializing difficult under many normal LGBT
circumstances."
Jason Perry, vice president of BFLAG and a law student
at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, agrees that
handicapped people are often excluded from gay culture.
'There's a fear, number one, of just 'Goodness, what do
we do?"' Perry explained. "The task iooks so monumental.
The second issue is just logistical. A lot of gay bars aren't
handicapped accessible."
So how do we work together to change that?
The first step, everyone agrees, is education. "Once a
visually impaired or blind individual gets to be known, most
barriers tend to disappear,'' Arnold asserted. •Educating the
general public helps immensely with the acceptance of all
disabled people."
Perry advocates integration. "I'm a firm believer in getting
blind gay people out in the community, in both the gay
and straight community, because if
community.
Many people with disabilities feel
isoiated from society, but gay people
with disabilities often face further
challenges.
It ain't easy being
green. Or blind.
you put a human face on what the
problems are, you help connect the
discussion. The issue becomes tangible
now. It's something people can
relate to."
;The LGBT community is not reaily
inclusive when it comes to the disabled,"
says Ken, a41-year-oid blind
gay man. "While that's not a problem
Or gay, Let's work
together to make it a
little easier on all of us.
"Disabled individuals don't bite and
our disabilities are not contagious,"
stressed Arnold. "People need to get
to know us. As a visually impaired
exclusive to the gay community, it
is made worse with their fixation on
beauty and perl'ection. A disability, no matter what it is,
makes you imperfect."
BFLAG started out as an inforrna! support group for people
who are gay and blind. They first met in 1996 at the nationa!
convention of the American Council of the Blind (ACB).
it was the first of several annual meetings, with attendance
continuing to grow year by year. The group became an
official affiliate of the ACS in 2000. They've grown from a
handful of attendees to about 150 active members
Today, BFLAG states on their Vv'ebsite that their purpose
individual, I'm often perceived to be
a snob when I don't see someone
wave or make eve contact with me.
If i don't know a person is attempting to communicate with
me, I can't respond. I have iost several potential friends
because of this. We al! must !earn to communicate better
and simply do more communicating."
Perry reiterated the importance of eye contact and body
ianguage, especialiy in American gay culture. He reported
that he found it easier to meet people in other countries
because it seemed they valued conversation over the complex
system of eye contact and flirting used in the US.
(:ontinued next page
6 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents.
Heart to Heart
"Everyone must realize thai visually
impaired and blind people simply can't communicate
with body language and such,"
Arnold pointed out. "We still say and feel
the same things, but many of us simply
can't communicate in a visual manner."
Another unique challenge is transportation.
"Mobility seems to be of paramount
importance," Perry said. "My friends like to
go places and I don't drive, of course."
Then there's the common stereotype that, as
Ken put it, "disabled people are not thought
to be sexual." Perry added, "Whenever I
hang out at a gay bar, particularly if I've
never been there before and people don't
know me, a lot of times people look at me
as a casual friend, but not much else."
BFLAG is working hard to educate the LGBT
community. This year alone, four cities saw a
BFLAG contingent march in their pride parade:
Baltimore, MD; Tulsa, OK; Houston, TX; and
Washington, D.C. BFLAG helped organize a
gay pride event in Columbus, OH, and they've
also been accive in Katrina relief efforts doing
everything from providing housing to collecting
food and supplies.
BFLAG is also reaching out to visually impaired
LGBT people. They are currently working on
organizing affiliate chapters in Baltimore, Houston,
and Columbus. Arnold hopes that there will
be even more group,s formed in the next couple
years. They're also hoping to expand the website
(www.bflag.org) and produce a radio web show.
It's not just up to BFLAG, however. LGBT
organizations and individuals need to be more
proactive in reaching om to our disabled brothers
and sisters. More bars and clubs need to be
handicapped accessible. If you see a blind person
at a bar, stare a conversation with them. If you
know a blind person, invite him or her along the
next time you're going out.
Most importantly, let's not forget ::hat blind :ncn
and woman have the same feelings, needs, and
desires as anyone else. "We're just people," Ken
:nsists. "I can accept it if I'm :10t liked fo: my
personality, bat it ticks me off when someone
won't talk to me just because I'm blind.'"
It ain't easy being green. Or blind. Or gay.
Let's work together to make it a little easier
on all of us.
*
c Pride
Announces 2nd
nnual Family
Picnic.
by Carlotta Carlisie
McALESTER, OK_McPride, a McAlester
based non-profit GLBTA organization
who's mission is to create a support group
and provide help for the GLBT community
of Southeast Oklahoma as well as heterosexual
allies v;,ill be hosting the 2nd annual
McPride Family Picnic on Saturday, September
23rd, 11 am to 5pm at Chadick Park, 6th
and Delaware in McAlester.
In addition to picnic space there will be
space available for all pro GLBTA organizations
to sell or display thier resources. This
space must be reserved in advance. Sign
up forms are available at www.mcpride.
org or contact pau!@mcpride.org for more
information. A donation is requested for
this space.
This event is a great opportunity for the
GLBTA community of Oklahoma and
Western Arkansas to get out and meer new
people and show your support for this
Southeastern Oklahoma organization. Although
McAlester is a relitively small town
there is a vibrant GLBT community in the
Lake Eufaula area.
Food and drink vendors are also invited and
shouid contact Elizabeth at 918-423-7015
* Quotable Quotes
A.rka?Jsas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Friday
he hopes the Legisiature considers reimpos~
ing a ban on gay foster parems, struck down
a day earlier by the state Supreme Court.
Arkansas G,n-. Mike Huckabee said !:n.e state
high court was more concer:1ed abom looking
out for gay couples than foster chjldren.
arm Yery disappointed that the court seems
more interested in v,,rhat's good for gay
couples than \vhat's good for children needing
foster care," Huckabee said through his
spokes"..voman ,,;-\Jice Ste\·vart.
a diffaren~•
ct Oklahoma
I E
JOiN US FOR
McPride's 2nd
Annual Family Picnic
Saturday September 23rd
11AM to 5PM Chadick Park
6th and Delware, McAlester
Oklahoma.
Organizations Reserve your
display table now. Contact
paul@mcpride.org
Food and Drink vendors
Contact Elizabeth @ 918-
423-7015
www.mcpride.org
McPride"' PO Box 1515, f\.~ci\iester, OK 74502
the STAR 7
DVD Review
n Legend of Jackie Curtis"
Donald Pile and Ray Williams
We have run across one of the most interesting
and touching biographies that we have seen
in years! SUPERSTAR In a Housedress is a biography
of the late Jackie Curtis of New York City.
It is both a lmok and a DVD. Buv the book and
the DVD comes with it. Everyone should order
one and you can order so easily at amazon.com.
Craig B. Highberger the writer/ director was
a close friend of the late Jackie Curtis and he has
produced a very touching biography/ documentary.
The critics LOVE it! "Bright and entertaining''
writes Stephen Holden of the New York Times.
"Bitchy, catt:y, moving and hilarious" writes the
New York Magazine.
Jackie Curtis was a poet, a playwright, and an
Andy Warhol Superstar. He lived and
the STAR
. ;,
'· I .,/
performed ... sometimes as a man, sometimes as a
woman, but .ALWAYS performed! We think that the
Village Voice summed it up best when they wrote, "A
fabulouslv fond and entertainjng tribute."
The DVD has so many wonderful and delightful
imen·iews with such noted personalities as actor Paul
Ambrose; Penny Arcade the performance artist; Harvey
Fiersrein; Joe Franklin, the TV legend; Silvia Miles,
actress; the extra-ordinary photographer, Jack lvfitchell;
Michael Musto, entertainment journalise; Holly Woodland,
superstar herself;
Lily Tomlin; and our -very dear friend, the Countess
Alexis Del Lago, artist and STAR ! who now resides
in West Hollyv.rood. We always see her when we are in
California. She is indeed the last of a dying breed of
ELEGANT personalities.
Director/writer Craig Highberger has touched
on so many wonderful aspects of Jackie's life and the
many interesting people around him. Craig was a close
friend of Jackie's from 1972 until Jackie's death in
1985. This biography is certainly a true labor of love
and it shows. Craig and his partner Andy of over 30
years lives in Ohio. Craig is coming out with a new
biography on the life of photographer Jack Mitchell.
We can't wait to see that one.
If you want to read and see a DVD about a very
interesting and colorful character then run out and·
buy SUP ERST AR In a Housedress. You can check out
th~ biography at: http:/ /www.jackiecurtis.com/ and ·
Craig's new project on Jack !vfitchell at http:/ /www.
jackmitchellmovie.com/
Congratulations to Craig on not only one but
great biographies. ·
Photo above: Coumess Alexis
ol Arkansas
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NWA GLBT Community Center
To Host Picnic
BENTC)N1/ILLI~~ ,\R. _ ]]1e i'-~\X./\ c;LB-i·· (~canrnanity (:enter \vill
ho]d a HMeet and c;reet'' event 12th from noon to 4pm at
:tvlcCinre Park in Lo\veH. ~.Jc(]ur<:: Park 1::- across tb.e street frorn
the Lowell Elemcntan· Schoc,L It -xill be BYOP (Bring your Ow:~
Picnic) and there \viH b:..: ::1 :n·2jlable. fyfc(]ure Park 1~~ an excel•
~ s l ,r t lent p1aygrounc1 tor tne
MISSOURI
AUGUST 8TH
Be seen with the STAR, Advertise with us! 9
Lesbian
Notions
by Libby Post
AUGUST 2006
Tennessee Burning
Used to be that cross burnings were the KKK's calling card
against African Americans. Now cross burnings have a different
use.
Just ask Brandon Waters. He and his partner, Brian Harmon,
were having a quiet evening at home on Thursday,
June 29, when Waters iooked out a window and saw a
7-foot cross burning on the front lawn of his Athens, Tenn.,
home.
They rushed out and doused the fire. In the morning, they
went back out to videotape the remains. On one of the
bricks used to prop up the cross was scrawled "Better
Leave Now Fags."
Waters called the Meigs County sheriff's department, which
started an investigation and cailed in the FBI to see if the
incident would be considered a hate crime under federal
statute. The feds said no, because under the federal hate
crimes law, there is no provision for crimes against gays,
lesbians, or the transgendered.
Clearly, Sheriff Walter Hickman isn't familiar with the law
- the nation's or his own state's. Tennessee has a hate
crimes law that _does_ cover sexual orientation.
"Why did they call in the FBI when they should have called
in the state?" Waters asked me rhetorically in a recent
interview. •·something doesn't sound right. It seems like the
police are not taking it very seriously."
! couldn't agree more. Even though hate crimes against the
LGBT community decreased siightly in 2005, the anti-LGBT
rhetoric that characterizes this nation's political debate
sends a clear message that we are and should continue
to be seen as second-class citizens who don ·t deserve full
protection under the law.
According to the 2005 report by the National Coalition of
Anti-Violence Programs, the number of anti-LGBT hate
crime incidents fell 13 percent from 2004, and the number
of victims who were tracked fell neariy at the same rate
- 12 percent The number of offenders. however, decreased
only half that rate, by 6 percent.
This paltry decrease. says the report. "signals a truiy retrograde
environment in which years of progress resuiting in
10 the STAR
fewer people willing to violently act out anti-LGBT bias has
been substantially reversed. With respect to hate-related
violence, we are in fact 'back to the future."'
That's certainly true for Waters and Harmon. "We've had
many incidents with people yelling at us - fags, queers. I
can't even sit out on my porch," said Waters.
Clearly, there's no reason for him to have any faith in the
local sheriff's department. "I feel like they're just blowing us
off. This is not the first incident I've reported to the police."
Waters had a hit-and-run with one of the local "yellers."
"When one of the policemen took the report, I told him my
name. He asked, 'How do you spell Brandon? Brandony?' I
was born and raised here, they all know me."
With local law enforcement not taking any of these incidents
seriously, Waters says he is fearful for his life.
He and Harmon have left their home and moved in with
Waters' mother. "I have been waking up in the middle of
the night, having nightmares and smelling smoke that's not
there," said Waters. "I'm really depressed. I just feel like my
civil rights have been violated, like the police are oot doing
what they're supposed to do, and I really don't know who to
turn to."
Despite all this, Waters is willing to fight. His family has no
resources to hire a lawyer, but he is willing to "pursue this
as far as I can take it."
if there was ever a case where nationai organizations could
and shouid come in as knights in shining armor, this is it.
To my mind, this is a perfect opportunity for Lambda Legal
or the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project to make their
iegal presence known in Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's
home state. With both sides gearing up for what will no
doubt be a bruising campaign over the state's proposed
Amendment 1, which seeks to ban same-sex marriage, the
Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign should work
side by side with the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) to
turn this hate crime around to the LGBT community's political
advantage. Not doing so would certainly be an opportunity
lost!
In fact, TEP is now organizing a "Vote No on 1" campaign
against the amendment. !t's time for us to play hardball.
Why not use the image of a burning cross and the story of
discrimination expeiienced by these two men who just want
to iive their lives to underscore the need for marriage equaiity
in Tennessee?
i guarantee you that if the radical Christian right in Tennessee
had visual ad copy like this to use to further its antisame-
sex-marriage agenda, it would certainly use it.
Newly ed's Test
klahoma Tax
ommission.
Photo: Matt and Afichae! at the Cape Cod Wedding Ceremony.
TULSA, OK_ Like most married couples in Oklahoma, Matt
Brumley and Michaei Oaks struggle everyday: they struggle with the
bills, with the children, and with the State of Oklahoma.
But Matt and Michael's struggles are different in many respects
to other married couples in Oklahoma: they are married
to one another. While they hold a marriage certificate
from the state of Massachusetts, they are not recognized by
the State of Oklahoma.
Until Tuesday. The pair decided the family needed a new
car to accommodate both Matt and Michael's new jobs.
Inevitably, paperwork needed to be dealt with, and that included
going to the tag agency. When they produced their
marriage license, the State of Oklahoma waived the state
excise tax on the title of their car - a tax usually waived for
family members.
They met at their former jobs, as empioyees of St. Michaels
Alley in 2001. Both had children when they met. Daniel, 11, and
Lillian, 6, live with Man and Michael. As a family, ,hey take Daniel
and Lillian on fumilv trips. The fumilv relishes holidavs as time to
spend with their kids. · · ,
"I like decorating for the holidays," Matt said. "I love having fun
with the kids.r
They have struggled in the pasr five years, like aH couples do. They
occasionally found working together frustrating, but they managed
to overcome those difficulties.
"V.10 11 '; e got to 1o e _a~ goo ct' coup1i e ,.~r, y~u :-vorK1 togct'n e: an~d: ~,,~ ve
together and not klll each other1 said Kasey Cunun1ns~ a !'ormer coworker
of the couple. 'Td kill my husband if I ,vorke:d with him.
On l',1emorial Dav weekend, l',fatt and Michaei traveled to the East
Coast. During th~ir trip, they traveled to Barnstable, Massachusetts
to tie the knot. First, they flew into Providence, and drove to Newport,
R.I. They stayed at ,Rivera Beach Resor:. After checking into
the resort, the two performed a "tes: rm:" of Ihe trip to where they
would marry.
1he next day, they of course - had ro stop to buy a oattery charger
for their cell phone. After which, they saw the sites in Plymorh,
Salem, and Boston. Finally rhe next day they went to the village
of Barnstable.
They were then referred to the town of Barnstable; they were referred
back to a judge in the village of Barnstable, who would grant
a waiver for the marriage. Once they received the waiver, they went
back to the town of Barnstable, which issued the marriage license.
"The whole process rook about four hours," Michael said.
"The lady was so helpful," Matt said. "She ran her butt off for us."
Although their families were not present, they did gather at .:he ceremony
in Juiy. This time around, about 90 family and friends joined
Matt and Michael v,hen they exchanged vows. The Reverend Diane
Varner officiated.
In addition to attending, Marr and Michael's friends also macie sure
things ran smoothly with the ceremony. One friend, Susan Johnston,
catered the evem. The wedding was a prototype for future
enterprises; Johnston and the couple plan to he!p others in planning
their weddings.
Although the pair lived together for quite a whiie before marrying,
rhey are still making
preparations and attending
to family business. Recently,
both made the decision to
pursue different jobs. 1he
transition is a little bumpy,
but with the addition of a
new car, that transition has
become that much e:~sier.
The couple decided ::o
add Michael to rhe title of
the old car, and this task
required the tag agency.
When they went to th1: first
tag agency-" 17th and Harv:nd - tag agen;,:}' employees wuald add
Michael to rhe tide, but d1cy \vould be required to pay the stare
excise tax) vvhich ,vas $244. f~Jo.,,vever., the st3te ~.;;a!ves the fee fi)r
family members.
!viatt explained I'vfichacl -...vas his husband, ;;.nd tht
the state does not recognize n1arriage. ()n advice
the couple then tra_·,.,weled to t<:ig agency at 9isr and Sheridan. 'Ihe
employees' response \Vas different.
vvere asked fiJr their
rlbey vvere rc~ld •·w,:e
advised sht: -:.:vould ntx'd to
STAR 11
Josh ■ rov1s
Artist, Author, Columnist.
From the Editor:
As recognition for the 18th "Heart to Heart" column published
in the STAR, we wanted to introduce the author to
you. The Aterovis column has become one of the most
popuiar with our readers and hits on many issues important
to our community. 'rhe honesty, sensitivity and hard truth
style in which josh covei's the subject matter in each Heart
to Heart issue fits weil with the philosophy our magazine.
This young man of 20 something, is dedicated to the never
ending equality and everyday struggle of GLBT people. The
evidence 1s in his writing.
Josh Aterovis, a twenty-something artist-author, was born
and bred on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and lives there
with his husband. Jon. Aterovis is a Latin pseudonym
meaning "black sheep."
Whenever anyone asked Josh what he wanted to be vvhen
he grevv up, he aiways said an author. it got him plenty of
strange looks. but he never really expected it to come true:
12 the STAR
it was just one of those things a kid says. In 1999, Josh's
wishful dream became reality when he began to write a
story and post it on the Internet. Bleeding Hearts resonated
deeply with readers, who encouraged him to seek publication.
In 2001, the story was published by Renaissance
Alliance Publishing, !nc. Named the Best Whodunit of 2002
by the Stonewall Society, Bleeding Hearts became the first
book in the Ki!iian Kendall mystery series.
Reap the Whirlwind, his second book featuring amateur
sleuth Killian Kendall, was published in May of 2003 and
the Stonewall Society promptly awarded it the Best Whodunit
of the year. Josh has completed five books in the
series and is currently working on a rewrite and edit of All
Lost Things, the third book on the Killian Kendall series. He
has won numerous awards for his writing and for his web
site, which also features his well-received art gallery.
"In addition to my writing, my primary income is through my
artwork. I work in transparent watercolor. I paint in the purist
form. Sorry to disappoint, but that doesn't mean I paint
in the nude. It means I don't use any white paint. Any white
areas you see in a painting are the white of the paper. I do
take commissions, which means if you don't see-what you
want, tell me and I'll paint it just for you." Josh wrote.
In August of 2003, Josh and Jon publicly celebrated their
commitment with a wedding ceremony. it is not yet recognized
by the state of Mary!and or the United States of
America, but they live in the hope that one day it will be
fully legal.
Thank you Josh for your contribution to the STAR and for
the eighteenth issue of "Heart to Hearf, on the not much
talked about issues confronting disabied LGBT people.
ast Out
by
Liz Highleyn:an
AUGUST
2006
Summary : Past Out is a retrospective of key moments,
personalities, and subjects in LGBT hiscory. Each
installment brings the past to life by exploring the diwrsity
of the gay past and its impact on the queer present.
How queer is science fiction?
A few well-kno\;·n science fiction '.vtiters are gay, lesbian, bisexual,
or transgcndered, and many who are not han: included queer
themes in their work. For GLBT and strai,,ht authors aiii<.e, the C
genre lends itself to exploration of new possibilities in the realms
of sexuality, gender, and intimate relationships.
Science ficrim, is ofren stereotyped as a genre for "geekr'' straigh~
men, and indeeci, much of the ,.vork has historically been sexist
and i1omophoi)ic. Among the first stories to portray horroscxuality
sympatheticaUy was Theodore Sturgeon's "The \X'orid WclJ
Lost" (! 953), ·.;,·hich featared a gay male alien couple \Vho land on a
represfr;e Planet Earth.
\X;ith the ci,·ii rights mo,:ement and sexua; ~evo!uti()n •)f the 1960s
and 1970s, science fiction began to boldly explore sex,.iaiity and
gender. ;\JO[ed (jUCer authors who started writing during this period
include Samuel D:c!an}~ Joanna Ru,s, and Octavia Butler (who died
in Februan' 2006), all of whom received science fiction's i1ighe,t
awards, the Hugo anci Nebula. Russ was among several feminist
writers of :l:e era who exp!ored futuristic sepa!atis~ societies witi~out
men, a~ in "When It Ch;.nged" (197 2) and Ti1c Female Man
(1
Lcsb!an author Marion Zimmer Bradiey recalled that an agent
introduced her to the Daughters of Bilitis after detecting hints of
sarnc-sex croticisn1 in her science fiction and fantasy; i11 the 195th;
and 196Us} she ,vro(e f,,c~r the group\ rnagazinc, 'The I ,,adder, ,1nd
authored lesbian pulp ficrjon. _Arthur C:. C]arkc, one of the fathers
of tht: genre, neady can1c ot1t in a 1986 Playbuy i11tcr,-ie\v; \J~~hen
directly asked if he \Va~ gay, ho'-1,,,-evcr, he replied that he \\:\lS
cheerful.'"
and i\1ciissa Scott.
\\Titers farnous for other Fenres havt· also dabbled in science fi(tion,
Fellce Picano and Katherine \.1_ I::orre~;t~ ~,,.l·hosc
ftatured
14 the STAR
norm. In other cases, the tables are turned on heterosexuality: In
joe Haldeman'~ The Foren:r War (197 4), for exam1:!c, sr:aigh:
time-tra.-elers return to Earth ;1fter an interplanetary war, only t0
discm·er that homosexuality is no'.v the norm due '" m·crpc>pularion
and they are considered perverts.
Gay male rdarions!1ips haYe fascinated the straig!1t women authors
of ''olash" fiction, who envision liaisons bet\vec:: ch,ssic characters
such as Captain Kirk and ;\fr. Speck from Star Trek. ;\!any authors
have explored various a!ternariYe reiariu:1ship srr~JCtL:res, such as
the multi-partner marriages in Robe::t A. Heinleh's S~r«nger in a
Strange Land (1961). "Geniuses and superge,1:uses always make
their o,vn rules on sex as on e\~erything: else," a Hein;ein character
says in Friday (1982).
Gender nriance is also an enduring morif in science fiction; the
Jame~ A. Tiptree Award (named after the pseudonym of author Alice
Sheldon) was created for science fictio;; ur fanusy that ex;nncls
or explores understandings of gender. Sex ci1;111ge is a common
theme, either permanent or back-and-forth as the :nood s:rikes.
Lrsula Le Gui:i's The Lefr Haed of Darkness tl 969) features ;, race
of mutated humans who are i1,>ngcndered except d,:ring brief mating
periods '.vhen they randomh· take on the sexual charac!erisrics
of males or females; Le Gi.iin later said d:e regretted he: failure of
,magination in omitting same-sc:x reh,rionships.
In Delany's Troub!e on Tritc-n (1976), a maci1<> !nan p:.u'.~ucs an
unattainable woman in a sexuaily egalirnriaa society, at>d later
ends up as a woman searci;ing for the kind of man he '>nee xas.
.\Iany works feature aliens ·.vith more than t·.vc sexes, such as lsaac
Asimrx,'s The Gods Themsel-ves (! 972). In Scott's Shadow :vla:1
(1995), most advanced ·.vorlds recognize fiyc lntr.an sexes, but
individuals on the isolated plar:et Harn arc forced to live a~ either
male o;· female.
,\fany autl1ors have explored teciu~olof,rical inno•:ations in the realms
of sex and reproduction. As early as 1932, Aldous Huxley's Braye
New \'{iorld portrayed a high-tech society m ·xhicr1 babies y,:ere
grown in bottles in factories. Cloning anci parthenogenesis allm,·
humans to abandon sexuai reproduction as in Charlotte Perkins
Giiman's Berland (1915), about an all-fema:e utopia - ,ind inevitably
proc:uce talcs of individua:s having sex \.,,;th them~eh·es. Time
travel alkrHs charac~ers to go backwar(::, or fonvarl:s in time, often
having sex with their ancestors or dcscendcnts. 1\urhors have alsc
cn-n~ioned cross-breeding be0.veen species; in BL!tler's ''Blo()cichild"
11984), for example, a ma:e human is impregnated an insc:ct-Ekc
alien. Several authors have explored s:,1do1nasochisn1 or the sex trade
of the future. I)elany included an interspecies gay bathhouse sce:ie
in , __ Stars in lv!y Pock:c-t Like (Jrains of Sand (1984), \vbiic Storrn
c:onsrantinc's F1crn1ctech (]991) featured a
~\£rec~ tc, ha-ve his body
\1.·itb 1nultiple ~ex nrgart~,
/'1.uthor and editor >,;icob (irifhrh has \1,,Tlncn th:tt tjLlfl' rcaclers
different fu.:e:ristic or
dcnv:n1:-::tratt:
their
Photo: The new community center coming soon.
The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender
(GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E
41 st Srreet in Highland Plaza, is the place to
be this August as events, acti:,ities and concerts
keep pace wit!: the heat of Summer.
The highlight of August is the Summer
Concert @ the Center featuring Amy
Steinberg of Orlando, Florida. l\. veteran
of performing with Ani DcFranco, Lisa
Loeb and many others, Amy visits the Tulsa
GLBT Communitv Center on Sundav, August
13. 2006. Am}· takes the stage a(7:00
PM. A cionation or SS :o $i0 is requested at
the door.
The Community Resource Kiosk is filled
with infor1nadQn on comtnunir-v organizarions,
health issues and businej~es tl1at support
the GI.BT & allied communicv. FREE
20-minute HI\r rests are available t:~7"erv
Tuesd,ay (6 t:i 8_ P:\t) an~ Saturday (4 t;, 7
PM). lt you·re hunting for bu1nper stickers~
je,Nelry, fla!:,tS, "'"vindsocks, item~ and
more you'U find them at the Pride Store.
The David Bohnctt ,.:vith 10
flat-panel co1nputer stations is FRJ~l~ for
you to chat \vith friends, finish that
research paper or sin1ply surf the \vcb, 'The
f,,fcf)onald Rainbo\V w;{
1
s
libraries of its kind in the Midwest
- all FREE to check-out.
You can learn more about all
the above by caliing the Tulsa
GLBT Information Line at
918.743.GAYS (429').
twentySomething, a social group
for young adults, the newest addition
to the Tulsa GLBT Community
Center and the future
of the communitv, meets on the
2nd Monday of th.e month at
7:00 P.M. The group joins the
community at the PFLAG Family
Picnic on Monday, August
14th at Whiteside Park, 41 st and
Pittsburg !between Harvard and
Yale).
The Tulsa Arca Prime-Timers,
for mature men and their
admirers, meet at the Tulsa
GLBT Community Center the
first Tuesday of the month at
6:30 PM.
Gender Outreach, a social and support
group for Transgendcr & Intersex individuals
and their friends, meet even· \X'ednesdav
of the month at 7:30 PM. Lockers and ·
changing rooms are provided for your
pnvacy.
The Tulsa Two-Spirit Society, a NativeAmerican
GLBT group, meets on the 1st
Wednesday of the month at the Tulsa
GLBT Community Cemer.
Thursdays bring the Lesbians of Tuisa to
the Center for a rciaxing evening of socializing.
Kick back and visit \Vith friends or
inakc nc\v ones, surf the ,v-eb or catch a
movie.
The last Thursday of the month is the
~rC)HR_ Board of Directors n1ecting. ()pen
to the public, the meetings gi,;c you rhc -=>pportunity
to become n1ore invob.,,-ed 1;virh tht.:
cornmunity, proYiding ·vision for the future.
-You're fabulous ~ and you ha·ve 1he chance
to przy,;.~e it .., :vith r7J\.B! Friday i\ftern{)OD
11ridge is your chance to sbo\\1 your skills
:lnd 1neet other;; in the senior~·--------·-···--·
(:ards and refreshments arc ,1, ailalJle for :11;
Kick your weekend off in style with Center
Cinema every Friday evening. The FREE
GLBT films are shown on a 65" HDTV,
gi,·ing you the opportunity ro get up close
and personal ,vith the scars.
Action kicks in!o high gear on Saturdays
and Sundavs. The I st Saturday of the
momh welcomes the Tulsa U~iform &
Leather Seekers Association (f.U.L.S.A.).
The Board of Directors of TU.LS.A meets
at 4:00 PM while the general membership
meets at 5:00 PM.
The Tulsa Deaf GLBT Group meets quarterly
at the Tulsa GLBT Communitv Center
on Saturdays. Look for a new videophone
at the Center soon, providing another opportunity
to get and stay connected to the
community and your family and friends.
Dinner and entertainment are featured during
Ol3T on the Town on the 2nd Saturday
of the month. You can join the communin·
for an evening of fun whether it's a night ;t
the theatre to a night of bowling.
Faith piays an important role for many in
the community. Ekklesia rhe Gathering,
featuring worship and song in a living-room
setting, meets every Sunday at 10:30 AM at
the Tulsa GLBT Community Center.
TOHR welcomes all in the community to
visit and enjoy the Tulsa GLBT Com~unity
Center, 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland
Plaza. Your Center is open Monday through
Saturday, 3:00 PM 9:00 PM. Log onto
www.tohr.org to learn more of whar's going
on at the Center, the additional programs
of TOHR and to sign up for free TOHR
cncws and Advocac,· Flashes.
MISSOURI
AUGUSTBTH
the STAR 15
TL;LSA, OK_ If rnu caught Bets,· and
the Band in ( )kLlhonu Cin·'s Pride h:stival
performing their first gig as Bersr and
the Edge, \·uu kn<N: the music sizzled tn
match the HOT weather! Some Blues, a
little Rock and a whole !1Jt of Countrr
made the show a roaring success. to
a delighted crowd.
Thri\·ing from Tulsa, ( )klahoma. Bctsr
Smittle is most we!! knmn1 f1 ,r the ::;
years she toured worldwide exclusffeh·
with brother Ganh Brooks. She performed
on Saturdm· \light Li\·c,J;n Leno
and mam· ocher 0'.BC speci:ils. Orhcr
artists that hare depended l)t1 Bet s\·'s numerous
musical rakrns arc: Gus Hardin,
1\1111 Bell and Phoontz and Ronnie Dunn
(of Brooks & Dunn). Her own album
released in [ lJ(J4 on the !\orthSr,uth/ ;\,!
antic label Bets\ "Rough r\mund tht:
Edgt:s'·. ,ms criticalli· accbimed worldwide.
Betsy's fa·,r,rite n·cnt in her career
\vas ha,-ing her O\\'rl float a1 the i 9<14
i\lacr's Da\· P,!ra,k.
BcLs~· is far frorn tr~;in.~ t, J ndc her
brother's ~hin L!ib. :--;he i> ,l ruggedly in
dependent Lid: dct ... -n~1in1-:d
t() car\·c ;t career nt. he;-, J\\'!l. Like li:t lebrother
(_!;1r;h, it i\ 1l1l- \Urcnor
(l( Bl·l~r\ \-{)ict.- :ii:~t '-l'!;s: l:c:.:r ;ir•;tr1 •
!lHi~ic:,tn ::nd ~it:,1.~cr i~\ tTi\h::-., :L·r .,-, ,:c·t.
b;t:.; i)t:t.'t: c- •uq,:tr-__ -d ·ur
b(HI-hr!_·;irh :-,;, ,ur11.! - ·1 H, ,:1::ic R.1'.;:: :tnd
AND
THE dge
B, Greg Steele
grmds. teases and demands in all the right
places. She rocks out as few women or
men can and when she murccrs on.:r tht:
fade of the song Draggin' it Back say
ing, "Drag ir back om· hea' honey, bring it
back to mama,'' you know thar she means
it1 ;\nwme who apprcciares a gut:-:,· female
mice will LO\'!-: Bcts\·1
::inct' t'.n· ,1gc of S. ~!tc hcL:,!!J
!1~_:r f:t1.nily'--: ,i!uspcl uri ,~ip :tnd ,~rh:.
: hr, \l,tEh{)ur her childh, :r ;d
Bili Guinn is :1 na,i,c of Tulsa OK ,md
has been playing the gunar since r:hc
age of I 2. l ic is J product of ::ccing
the J-k,1tk-s on J-:d ::-:ulliY,:r1 and knC\,·
rhc \\"ouk! he ;! gu!r:H· player fro!n rhat
point on, Pla\·intr in ,·:ulous locai bands
since he \\.a'.' I-~ he grc\\. up cxp(Jscd to
The Beatles, Rolling :-;1oncs. Cn:arn,Jimi
Hendrix. (rosh\·, Sti!b. '.',ash. & Young
etc. y.;hcn thl'!r n1u:.:ic \\·as fresh on ~;Jr1\1
\lcJst of hi~~ teen years ,,·ere spen1 in
front of :1 rccnrd pb\·cr \\·lth his guitar
h:tnging out ch< 1rd:-: and copyjng lyric:-:
for hi~ hand'.-,: tu pla:· :-:o:rll· of the grcatcsr
rock and roll in his.tor\·.
~ TRAVEL
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
"OGUNQUIT, MAINE"
. gunquit, Maine is an artsy resort village
(located 66 miles north of Boston) that has been welcoming
gay and lesbian visitors and their families for over 100
years. Ogunquit has three miles of white sandy beaches,
dance clubs and restaurants for every taste and budget.
In summer and even winter, there is always plenty to see
and do! We will begin
with the lodging. Gay
and locally owned
gay Guesthouses,
Inns and B&B's offer
a variety of choices
and values for the
gay traveler. Whether
you're looking for an
exquisite luxurious
suite, condo rental,
or an affordable
summer vacation
at an in town B&B
close to the beach
- Ogunquit Maine
has it all! We stay at
Moon Over Maine
Bed and Breakfast
(Photo right) which is
located at 22 Berwick
Road. It is located
in the center of town
just a block from the nightclubs, shopping, restaurants and
a 5 minute walk to the beach. It features al! private baths,
oalcony rooms, par~ing. cable, dvd/vcr, refrigerators, ale,
iight breakfast and an outdoor hot tub. John. the owner is
extremely friendly and can give you any tips or suggestions
about the area. It is in an oid New England house and is
just wonderful. Their toll free 1umber is Cail 800.851.6837
and you can check out their website at: http://www.
rnoonovermaine.com. There are numerous other gay
ownea B and B's in the area ana you can check them ai!
tnd il:c :irc,t (;!-(er:-: ~'nr!c' 1;( the h·.:s;;'. .'.tHil],it
·ri1c j t,;y) l· 1:-rrL:r~ \];n:1n:,c 1dcntitic~. thi~
,( ~!!,.: bcttt-r !~nn\\-~~ :-:!1, :trc.1-: ic. 1~1t· l :1itcd
:'it.l!t5. ·rhr;.,·c ~ndc~ 1-1f hc:u.ni(~d \\·hue ~.incit." hc~ich. r~ttl·d a:; on~·:;;
iishinF. Dock Square i, as cute a wwri square as one will find in
~cw England. Tber:.:: is an exccilent seicction or· restaurants and it's
()nly 20 minutes awa\·. The Kittery Outlets arc just !5 minut~s aw~y,
with l2(; different stor:.::s, including Banana Rcpui)lic. Calvin Klein:
DK,\;Y and The Gap. Ir· pu like LL Bean, the Frceoorr Outlets l
arc about an hrmr ~orrh. 1\ short walk from downtown is Perkins
~on:, which is rmc of our ,·cry fan>rite places. Ir is a quaint New
Engi.rnd co,-c -_,.-ith bu,n,, shopping and wonderful restaurants. \X'e
arc alwa\·s thinking ,hat Jessica S.n-age from Murder She \Xfrote is
going n, be waH~ing around the corner at am· giYen rime.
,\ walk along the cliffs with dramatic views of the ocean the
i\!arginal \X·;y srart,. on Shore Road. From the center of ~own it's
just _a t:ew block, to the Sparhawk Motel. The Marginal Way srarts
behmc! rhe 5parh;;wk. You'!! see a iittle sign on the left side of the
street that sa,·s ·'Marginal \\'ay" and has an arrow. 1\s you follow
the path, be rnrc w look at the Sparhawk's flower gardens. They
haye an incredible number of flowers, and each type is labeled! The
Marginal Way speaks for itself. It has beautiful views of the ocean
and the rocky cliffs.
t ,·arious points so
ou can sit and enjoy
e beauty'. It's a
worth noting.
plicably, each
ne has the name
f a virrue printed
nit. The Marginal
y ends at Perkins
ve. When we are
Ogunquit we walk
e Marginal Way
very morning and
Nightlife in the
. . . smali town of Oguoc]
LHt !S rcaliv 5pccracu!ar to say the ;east. In this sleepy Little town
(,nc could univ imagine one tiny Ettlc bar, but you are in for a grand
surpri:-::d 1~1.·crythjng is nghr do\vntO\\>-n and you can \Valk from any
.1cco1nrnodation lo do\'-'l1tO\\.~n. ~rhc Front Porch Piano Bar at 9 ·
Shor-..'. Ro;:HJ ha:,;; been in business for O\~Cr 20 vears. Their \Vebsite
1s http:, /\\'YV\\:.thcfronrporch.ncr. 'Their cafc is open for l.,unch
& l)lnncr day:-; a ..._,:eek '\vith a late night rncnu a;·ailablc. Piano
LPU'.'((c open ~ d:ffs fr01°: 0lpn~ :iil ~ .im. h ,,id S,:rv1Cc now available
up~I;lir~. \ 11<..:0).: >;.;:n~:r rcccndy tt1ok ,JYcr and fron1 all reports he is
:1 F:\Bl · L< 1l 'S ]: ;h at tiic Front Porch! 'The ~IaincStreet Bar is
11 •catcd _it l 3 1 :-;~>u:b \lai:1 ~trccr (Route l; ;n do\vnto,vn ()gunquit.
'l'hcir \\-t:hs.t!c i:~: , -.-~.,. ~ .. -• · , - l)J·-~ · K
1('; J: 1,, '.',j,i, !in .. i ::l~'(::·:,'.:i:::c{;~1t1r~1~~;~;~~·;,;t,.l~d;;.:il
.\L1inc:--;:tc~·t > rttY\\' ~>;,u1 ;U . l·cAP_lrine: I Route 1
18 )Arkansas & Okiahorna ·s rno.st read GLBT i\t1agazu1e
GAY TRAVELERS:
W'e have been to both of these wonderful bars and they are indeed
wonderful!
John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse is one of Soutnern Maine's most
important cultural landmarb and ·will celebrate 74 years of Broadway
at the Beach in 2006. Opening in 1933, the work and vision of
Walter and Maude Hartwig brought an outstanding, star-studded
performing ans company tG Ogunquit. Continuing this tradition
for aimost five decades, John Lane, owner and producer of ~he
Playhouse, sought to pwvide his audience with the finest professional
theatre in our region. In doing so, he successfully placed the
playhouse on the narionai cultural map. The Ogunquit Playhouse
Foundation, formed in 1995, is now the proud owner and trustee
of the Playhouse. This year the;: are featuring BEEHIVE, Andrea
McArdie in CABARffl~ Sally S:ruthers in HELLO DOLLY, Leslie
Uggams in CINDERELLA and MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Their website is http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.
There are dozeas of small res~aurants in and around Ogunquit and
most all of them are iocaliy mvned. fr is a sea lovers delight! If you
are im:o sea food you wiil ha,·e a marvelous time.
We have been going ,o 0 6TUnCjuit for se,,eral years and it just keeps
getting better and be0ter and be,ter. It is far better than Ptown, Fire
Island or any of the other gay resort places in New England. We
just can't wait to return. For more information on. Ogunquit go to:
http:/ /www.gayogunc1uit.com. This column is warmly dedicated to
our dear friend Crystlli Chandelier who lives near Ogunquit. He just
happens to be one of the most sincere, honest and fun people that
we have met in oμr tra·;e!s and SO ELEGANT ! We are so l:!appy
that he has found the LOVE of his life.
* WHAT OUR READERS
ARE SAYING!
We enjoyed reading your travel article about Dania Beach
in the STAR July 2006 issue, you were right on point. it is
all that you say and much more. We discovered Liberty
Suites a couple of years ago & wouldn't dream of staying
anywhere else. The accommodations are fabuious and the
guys are just great. We have been looking for a home in
Dania Beach and plan to retire there. By the way, ladies
are also welcome at Liberty Suites. Jack & Joe are the
best!!!!!!!
Annie & Shorty
health outreach prevention a<fucatlon, inc.
1-800-535-AIDS (2437)
Oklahoma's HIV/STD Hotline
PROTECT YOURSELF
PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(SJ
* Free nonjudgmental HIV testing, including the 20
minute OraQuick Test
KNOW
YOUR STATUS
• Free Syphiflis screening at the GLBT Community
Center on Tuesdays from 6-8pm
H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic
Mens Outreach Program
In Tulsa at (918) 812-7045
Arkansas & Oklahoma ·s most read GLBT Magazine 19
Photo: A view up Broad Street (aka "the Avenue of the Arts'') toward
Philadelphia's distinctive City Hall. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
Philadelphia
o city in the United States played a more critical role in
the nation's founding than Philadelphia, and this progressive
metropolis of about 1.5 million people has also
been a pioneer in gay and lesbian rights. The Philadelphia
Lesbian and Gay Task Force, formed in 1978, guided passage
of the 1982 Philadelphia Fair Practices Act, one of the country's
earliest gay civii rights measures, and countless other gay-positive
laws and policies have been passed or implemented since tl1en.
Additionally, the city's office of tourism was one of the first to enthusiastically
court gay and lesbian visitors. But apart from a warm
welcome, what else about the "City of Brm:herlv Love" makes it
ideal for a summercime·•visit?
Here's a list of just a fe'.v notable things to see or do, chronicied in
no particular order, that make Philad~lphia so appealing:
1. Rittenhouse Square Park
City-planning guru Jane Jacobs called this tiny patch of paradise
tl1e most successful urban park in the United States; indeed, Rit~
enhouse Square is picturesque, socially diverse, highly sak and
1argdy unsullied by post-\'forld War II ,irchitecrurc. Off the Square•~
southeast comer is the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, -;vhere
Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and Ned Rorem studied, as well
as the Philadelphia .i\,rt 1\Jiiance, -.;,.vhich presents outstanding exhibits
and art sho\vs
The square is also the site of the gay-friendly Rittenhouse Hotel,
a sumptuous 98-room property that hosted the cast of the movie
_Pbladelphia_ during filming. Rooms here are downright ca·:ernous,
averaging more than 500 square feet, and all have iarge windows
framing the park or the city's dramatic skyline. A short walk
from the square, romantic Astral Plane has been a favorite gay-date
restaurant since it opened in 1973 (it's also drawn such fab celebs
as Bette 1,fidler, Liza Minnelli, Barry Maniiow, and Tommv Tune).
From the eclectic menu you might choose slow-roasted pork shank
,vith asiago potatoes, or grilled scallops ,vith lemongrass-and-ginger
butter. It's the perfect spot for a special dinner.
2. Clubbing in the Gayborhood
The city's compact gay district, nicknamed the Gayborhood, contains
the bulk of the Philadelphia's gay bars as well as quite a few
gay-popular shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's right in the center
of downtown, about as convenient to attractions, transportation,
and entertainment as any gay neighborhood in America. Highlights
include the city's premier lesbian club, Sisters, a three-floor establishment
with a restaurant and disco, and long-running \X'oody's,
a youthful video bar that pulis in a mostly male, some\Vhat cruisy,
stand-and-model crowd. The ultra-swank Bump Lounge offers
a more cosmopolitan ambience and is a great piace to chat witl1
friends, sip martinis, and dine on fine contemporary cuisine. Serious
revelers head to Pure, the city's top gay warehouse disco. Tavern
on Camac is a charming gay piano bar, with a cozy restaurant in
the basement. Other friendly options in the neighborhood include
Uncles, popular with players on Philly's lesbian and gay softball
teams; 12th _l\.ir Command, a cavernous cruise bar with fun drag
shows and dance parties; and the Venture Inn, tl1e oldest gay bar in
town, set in a historic cavern.
There are plenty of places to stay nearby. Particularly charming and
well-priced, the gay-owned Alexander Inn is a fine boutique hotel
right in the center of the action. The 48 rooms have a contemporary
look with sleek furnishings and muted tones - other bonu;es
include satellite TY, Wi-Fi, and Continental breakfast buffet. Practically
across from Woody's, the Holiday Inn Express ,\fidtown has
well-kept rooms and reasonable prices. Another excellent choice
that's just steps from gay nightlife is the upscale Doubletret: Philadelphia,
a handsome, contemporary high-rise whose rooms afford
superb city views. Tne hotel is a blocK away fro;n tl1e Kimmel Center
for the Performing .Arts, a magniticem 5-year-olci space designed
by seminal architect Rafael Vinoly.
3. Brunch at the White Dog
There's nothing more rciaxing on a sunny weekend mornini! or
afternoon '.ban .. enjuying brunch :it a lin:l~· w,taurant with g;ear
food and, ideally, some outside seating. Near the campus of the
lipjversity of Pennsy+vania, the gay-popular YXlhite Dog Cafe fits
the bill perfectly. This bric-a-brae-filled eatery set in t¾rce adjacent
\ 1ictorian to,vn houses ser ..... ·es such delicious brunch fare as lemontnascarpone
pancakes '\i/ith raspberry--n1aple syrup, and biack-pcpper-
seared organic beef salad -."vith crurnbled blue cheese and
balsamic "tinaigrette. i\Jso keep in mind that /\stral Plane restaurant~
mentioned above~ scrYes a t,:::rrific brunch on
.- ....... -·······-········(=ont1nucd next page:
20 Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
4. Cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's
It mav sound a bit cliched to search out a cheesesteak in this citv
that's, famous for them. But you're here - and you may as well h;ve a
bite of Philadelphia's quintessential treat. Many connoisseurs favor
two neighboring joints a bit south of downtown, Geno's and Pat's
(of course, plenty of ardent critics deride these two places as rourist
traps and prefer other holes-in-the-wall around town). Pat's is said
to have invented this delicacy in 1930 - the restaurant serves 'em
slathered with Cheez Whiz ~d fried onions, and the steak is finely
chopped. Across the street at Geno's, the steaks are not shredded,
and instead of Cheez Whiz, they come topped with provolone.
Which one is better? You be the judge.
5. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the nation's most esteemed art institutions, the Philadelphia
Museum of Art sits within a dramatic Greek Revival building amid
10 landscaped acres. Standouts in the permanent collection include
contemporary masterpieces by Picasso, Braque, and Matisse as well
as works by a number of post-World War II artists. The outstanding
Marcel Duchamp collection includes renditions of his _Nude Descending
a Staircase_ (fhe "nude," people often overlook, is male).
Check out the fine collection of photos and paintings by gay artist
Thomas Eakins of young, virile men crewing and boating on the
nearby Schuylldll River. There's also an excellent display on Shaker
furniture.
And that's just scratching the surface. The museum is adjacent to
lushly landscaped Fairmount Park, which straddles the Schuylkill
River and comprises nearly 9,000 acres of picturesque gardens,
walkways, and bildng and bridle paths, plus about a dozen historic
(mostly Colonial} mansions, which are open to the public.
6. Reading Terminal Market
For a century; the more than 80 stalls at the cavernous Reading
Terminal Market have sold tantalizing, market-fresh foods, ranging
from local oroduce to international dishes from around the world.
There are (oo many great dining options to mention, but try not to
miss the regionai Mexican fare at 12th Street Cantina, the ddi items
at Saiumeria, Amish treats at Beiler's Bakery, ice cream at Bassetts,
the Pennsylvania Dutch breakfasts at Dutch Eating Place, Italian
hoagies at Carm~ds, and heavenly mac-and-cheese a, Delilah's. But
wherever vou end uD eating, you won': go wrong - around every
corner yo~'ll see, s:~eli, and have the cnance to taste delicio'.ls food.
7. Independence National Historic Park
Even if you're not a big history buff, you can't visit Philadelphia
and not soak up at ieast a whiff or ;:wo of the city's amazingly rich
heritage. The Old Ci:y neighborhood con:aim the bulk of :he pre-
1800s attractions, most them centered around Independence National
Historical Park, which celebrates the verr birth of our nation.
Most famous is the Liberty Beil Pavilion. si:e of America's be!o,·ed
and cracked 2,000-pound bell. Although commonly thought to have
played a significant role in Colonial history, the Jjberty Bell actually
rose to prominence during the 1830s as a symbol of the n1ovement
to abolish slavery.
Nearby Independence Hall is where the Second Continental Congress
met in 1775, the Dec!aration of Independence "·as adopted
in 177 6, the Articles of Confederation ,;verc signed in 1778, and the
Constitution was adopted in 1787. It \,;as also tl1e site of the cirr's
first major civil rights· demonstrations (which included the co1:c~rns
of lesbians and gays). The list of important sights within the park
goes on and on - you could easily spend a full day here.
8. Giovanni's Room
In an age
when independent
bookstores
are struggling
to keep their
doors open,
this wonderful
GLBT
bookswre
that's been
going strong
since 1973 is
a true marvel.
The homey
two-floor
shop on the
edge of the
Gayborhood
has hundreds
of queer titles
plus a wealth
of
(Woody's has long been one of Philadelphia's hottest
gay bars. Photo by Andrew Collins)
feminist works. There are several community bulletin boards, a \Vidc
range of periodicals, and a handful of skin mag,, too. The staff
is extremely helpful and has a real knack for finding out-of-print,
import, or hard-:o-find titles.
9. Coffee Kiatch
;\rguably .the ~ayeft j;,.va )oin_t_ in tuwn~_Yillage Coffrc House
anchors the (_7ayborhooc1, otrertng carte1ne add1cts a cozy 1ntc:rior
space as ,veil .as a ;=harniing cncl(:sed pa_ti:> tha: c~vc~ioo~~~ a ..
borhood garden. 1~{ere you can $1p spec1aJty dnnks (n1ao~: \\~uJ1.
Fair 1·radc coffee beans\ cute patrons, and nosh on cr,okics,
cheesecake, and tasty sand-.xichcs.
1\ short v.walk a~;vay, the
has been a fix.ture in the 'hood fur
insist is the best apple
~~!!~~;: i~~; t~:::::~ ,~~;;\;::t:~~•.,·,d1v0 ,
and plenty of coffee ~1nd tea drink·~. [t\ the bc:sr
\V!-1.ile a,1.·a,,- ~a af. C· ;l( _;{z,
Liuie BhKk Book: Cr;ntzrmed page 22.
Arkansas & Oklahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
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22 the STAR
Commission would accent Matt and .Michael as family. 1he empioyee
then checked with the Commission. The couple called the
next morning, anci ,hey paid $32.50 for the ovmer transfer title
fee and administrative costs. The State of Oklahoma had waived
1 • me excise tax.
\Vhile Matt and Michael are excited about the situation, ;:hey are
uncertain abour what h means. They realize legally, their marriage
is only recognized in Massachusetts. But this fact raises questions
for the couple, those of family rights and recognition.
Both have chosen to share their experience with others; with Johnsron,
the trio plans to help other gay and lesbian families come
together by offering wedding pianning. They are both ordained
ministers, and Michael also offers therapy of the soul and counseling.
For more information, please go to rhe couples' myspace page
at http:/ /www.myspace.com/equal_luv.
"All should have the right ro experience die joy and happiness that
:Michael and I have experienced," lvian said. "We wane to nelp
them do that."
As this issue of the STAR goes to press Matt and !vlichael are
anxiously waiting for the original auro title to arrive in the mail.
Hoping the state did not disallow the family exemption.
*
437 E. 141st Street
Glenpool, OK 74033
918.291.EARL (3275)
Metro Area for over 21 Years with PRID
ORATING * HOLIDAY SPECIAL
ame day delivery.
Your order is treated with
the upmost confidentiality.
DIVERSITY WEEKEND
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Aug 4-6, 2006
FREE HOME DELIVERY
5 Mile Se.vice Area
918. 734.6847
email lrrol:>o~~aol.,om
COMING SOON!
11Jlld 6Lzdseed
Salutations Kittens' \X'elcomc once more to an unruly addition of
Vncle. Uncle :,like\· suffin:d another faiJulo,1s fourth. This year
Uncle was on a mission to enio:,· the !oYe of the community, and 2J!
I can ~ay is '.vhew - Uncle enjo\'i.:<l the Joye of the communitv!
Au1:,>1.1st is blowing in like a bitter qu.:cn <1t the cad of her reign
forced to release her crown. Cn6e prepares fot the cclebratio:1 of
Fall. Linde has agreed robe th!: speaker at ~cveral celestial e\·ents
this year. Cnclc's left ·vonckring if my thong sbmld be more in the
earth tones for the c,·ents, I shall se<.'.k m:,· fashion guru just to be
sure.
Dear l.inc!e Mikey,
My boyfriend and i have bcec rogether ffJr several years now. \'</hile
we age. I expected changes to take pkcc, howe,·cr :10t to ~he point
where I am embarrassed to be seen \\'ith him. liis fashion se:1se ha5
just been absence for some time no'.v, bur he is really being ro scare
me. He has been adorning tragic r;utfits rhis season of the sun. I
love him, ho\,'eYer not his blataEt disregard for g;.y fashion. Hu\·
can I te1l him about thi~ issue without seemin~ like a birch?
Li,·ing wirh a ia~hion ·.vasrela:1d.
Deare$t F\'(
Bitcn away bttd:! Ir is not only :-·,,ur dut}, bur abo rnur obligation
to queers everrtvhcrc. \X?c arc not kno\1.-n in society for n1any positiYc
attributes~ hcr\VCYe'r our i1npeccable taste and style happens to
be 1no~:.r recognized. \'Ct: 1nust readily ln\~asion of bad
taste. I ha\T: strict orders ft1r thcn1 to if (]1er forbid~ I
eYcr louse mv fashion sen.st·. l kno\1: \vhat you arc thinking~ it could
neYer happen! _Darling I have seen rn<n·e
then one: 1night think,. 1 rncan the bad
don1 couid choke a horse.
Stn<.lochcs-l}nc!e
])ear lJncle \likey.
!\Iv fficnd ha5 been
26 the STAR
a 1on:h f< n· this
jf he can con1c out
Dearest Closeted L.oYc.
Ir is all about mu Eve. Your kner screams self-serving motives. Ki,:ten, if
,·ou trah· hav; fce!ings for this man ,hen you first need to realize d1ac you
:nust decide if you are v:illing to s:and supporti\·cly by, whilst he makes his
way through the \Valk-in. You haYe your way with him if he so agrees after
the emotional task at hand. Besides, sex is alway~ better with a bit of drama
in the recipe.
Smooches-Cncle Mike,·
Dear Cncle,
1 ha\"C been seeing this guy for several months no\,: The orher day while in
che shuwer, I noticed t;1at he has some kind of sores on h1s genital area. I
was too embarrassed ro point this our to him. ! am now worried and do not
kno·,,· about continuing a physical relationship with him, as i am afraid he
mighr have some kind of STD or something, what should I do?
Looking for the free clinic
Dea~est Kitten,
While I sir here holding your lertcr with my old sa!aci tongs, ] find myself
cGnfuscd. Kmen, if Uncle l\likey c;-er suspecred, I would have an agent
form ,he CDC cxamimng my little playmate. Ler me put ir simpler, CSI ain't
got nothing on me, w'1en I was done with the black ligh, search, I would
~now what I was dealmg with. Cncle does not play when it comes to safecy.
i\n old \vise queen once told rr.e, "If ym1 hear the drums of the Congo
e<;ming from a tricks pants, its tune to reach out and wuch your own self."
Good luck to you and rnur enchamed member.
Smooches
Hand shakes,
Unck 1,!ikcy
Dea:: C ncle :vlikey,
Would you da,e your ex-boyfriend's new ex;
Kitten,
Shon and sweet. That reminds Uncle of his 6t!. husbanci. Ok, back on
track why haggle? Date them both'.
Smooches
Dear Uncle,
I am having an affair \,;th my mo:her's boyfriend. I know ,-;hat you're
ti1inking. but j, was an innocent night with too much drink. My feelings for
him !um: deepened. however I ca;rnot deal with what I am dQing. Should I
walk a•.v,iy for hl'.r, or sbo.;ld I tcii her, rhat we are going to be rogethcr? Am
I gcing to hell)
I ,,uvin' \fotn's i\ian
D:.:arcst Jean,
l ~.vanred to kt you knO\\~ your rcscr~:arion is confirmed and rhat you ,v!Jl
be ;ibk· ro get the stnoking ~cction, ~or only is the ans\vcr to your question
yts1 it is undoubtedly yes, in a gasoline Speedo. What planer arc you living
on? .\.for~l rnuch? Thar poor \VOt11en birthed you ,vhi1c also giving you the
bl'.st year.s of her •;..,·astcd Efc. \'ou in turn take her rnaa, •~vho '\Vou!d be your
Step i)addy. \'fell !10'\V, l kno\v that l)eliverancc is 1nore than an
urban legend. l(irten, sec;~ proft'ssional help, and that docs not rnean sleep
\\"ith your Unde'.
rncrnber fatnily reunions arc not the Snuthern version of
Bob tdls you'. lJntii ne:•:t tirne.
P.S.
*
Asparagus Stuffed Dover Sole.
4 Fillets of Sole
1 Bunch of fresh Asparagus
3 TBLSP Real Butter
3 TBLSP Flour
2 Containers Heavy Cream
1 Container Plain Yogurt
½ TBLSP Dry Dill
½ Cup Real Butter
½ TBLSP Lemon Zest
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Cut off ends of Asparagus and roil five
spikes in each fillet and lay in a shallow pan. In a heavy
saucepan melt 3TBLSP butter and add flour to make
roux, add cream, and cook until thickened. Add yogurt,
dil!, and lemon zest, while simmering adds ½ cup
butter. Once done, pour over sole in pan, baked 15-20
minutes (until asparagus is tender). Plate so!e, pour
extra sauce on top and garnish with sprig of rosemary
to serve.
"UNTIL NEXT MONTH, STAY COOL!"
This months recipe is a twist on a summer
classic. Have an outdoor party with
appetizers and pretty cocktails instead
of the same old bar-b-que and beer.
You can find seasonal plastic glasses in
fun colors for a festive gathering. Serve
up this recipe for a good time. Enjoy !
SUMMER MELON MARGARITA
(2 OZ) SKY VODKA
(1 OZ) MIDORI LIQUEUR
(1/2 OZ) TR!PLE SEC
(1/2 OZ) SWEET & SOUR
Fresh LIME JUICE
1. Chilled a martini giass.
2. Combine all ingredients with ice in shaker
and shake very weiL
3. Strain into martini glass and garnish with
A fresh lime wheel.
CELEBRATE The Long Hot Summer With A Cool Drink!
Arkansas & Okiahoma's most read GLBT Magazine
Q Scopes
by Jack Fertig
AUGUST 2006
"Stick to a budget, Libra!""
Sun in Leo squaring Jupiter in Scorpio shows flamboyance,
generosity, and libido all cranked up high.
Venus in Cancer quincunx Neptune in Aquarius
boosts generosity, but dulls judgment in favor of the
easiest option.
ARIES (March 20 - April 19): Your playfulness can easily
get the better of you. Be careful! Getting out of a situation is
a lot harder than getting into it. Some community work may
channel that energy more safely.
. TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Stay home as much as you
can, playing with your partner or a good partner-prospect.
Work, on the other hand, requires a serious hand and some
finesse. Listen for hidden agendas, and be only as conciliatory
as you need to be.
GEMINI (May 21 * June 20): Showing off, or feeling you
need to prove yourself, can lead to spectacular accidents.
Stay focused on the job at hand! Arguments over money
come too easily, and you're both wrong. Shelve those issues
until next week, at least.
CANCER (June 21 a July 22): Being as sexy as you are
right now can get expensive. Be clever and resourceful
instead of extravagant. Getting high opens you to dangerous
risks. A clear head and a steady hand are better fun
anyway.
LEO (july 23 * August 22): Your birthday bash will be all
the more fabulous if.jt's a bit more intimate and takes place
at home. Think quality, not quantity. In an even cozier setting,
you and your love can open up to deeper sharing that
can change your relationship.
VIRGO (August 23 * September 22): Rosy notions about
where you'd like to be in the future clash with current
frustrations in your work. You need to adjust both ends of
the problem. Meditation and in-depth conversations with a
trusted friend can help.
LIBRA (September 23 • October 22): Charm and creativity
can further your goals. Focus. which comes on!y with
difficulty nov,1, 1Nou!d a!so heip. Set aside some money for
frivoious games or shopaholic indulgences - but stick to the
budget!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Blowing your own
horn will look overbearing, but it's no time to be shy either.
Your work speaks loudly and clearly for itself. Distant older
relatives can shed light on family mysteries, but will you like
what you learn?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): You are
not to be trusted with other people's secrets now. Better to
explore your own and share the deepest and darkest ones
with a counselor or teacher who can help you work them
out - or play them out - with an anonymous trick in a different
town.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): It's time to reevaluate
the whole "friends with benefits" business. What's
really important to you in any relationship, especially your
primary partnership? It's too easy to lose track of values
right now. Let your partner remind you of what's really
important!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): You're a bit fuzzy
in your self-perception. And, although work offers some
comfort, it doesn't give you any more certainty. Cooperation,
now more than ever, is the key to success. Developing
culinary skills can also bring clarity .
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Creative efforts heip
to draw out your inner demons. Dealing with those demons
remains a challenge, but you're up for it. Your inner conflicts
can make you touchy and argumentative. Don't shy
away from debate, but stay focused on what the disputes
are really about!
, <
SPIRIT OF CHRIST JOPLIN, MO
FREE HIV TESTING, NO NEEDLES
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
MCC SPONSORS
Testing appoinrment 417-529-8480.
2902 E. 20th St.,
PO Box 4711
joplin, Mo 64803
SATURDAY Service 9:30Aiv1
28 Advertising in the STAR is just good business cents.
Arkansas, Bentonville/Rogers (4
NWA GLBT Ctr - - - - www.nwaglbtcc.org- - - - - 1062
Barnes & Noble Bks - - 261 N. 46th St., Rogers- - -479-636-2002
Arkansas, Eureka Springs (479)
Diversity Pride Event - - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.diversitypride.com
A Byrd's Eye View- - - - - 36 N. Main- - - - - - - - - -479-253-0200
Caribe Restaurante- - - - 309 W VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-8102
Henri's - - - - - - - 19 1i2 Spring St - - - - - - - - - - -479-253-5795
Lumberyard Bar&Grill- - - 105 E VanBuren- - - - - -479-253-0400
MCC Living Spring - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -870-253-9337
Swiss Holiday Resort- Hwy 62 at Hwy 23 So.- - - - 888-582-8464
Spexton- - - - - - - - 178 Spring Street - - - - - - - -479-981-6060
Tiki Torch- - - - - - - - 75 S. Main Street- - - - - - - - -479-253-2305
Tradewinds Lodge -141 W. VanBuren- - - - - - - - - 800-242-1615
Arkansas, Fayetteville (479)
Common Ground Restaurant- - - 412 W. Dixon - - 479-442-3515
Condom Sense - - - - - - - - 418 W. Dickson- - - - - -4 79-444-6228
Curry's Video - - - 612 N. College Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-521-0009
Passages - - - - -930 N. Coliege Ave- - - - - - - - - -479-442-5845
P;ide Street Live- - 523 W. Poplar St- - - - - - - - - 479-587-0557
Tangerine Club - -21 N. Block Ave-- - - - - - - - - - - -479-587-9512
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kinkeads- - - - - - -1004 1/2 Garrison Ave- - - - - - 479-783-9988
Red Rock City - - -917 N. "A" St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - 479-242-2489
Arkansas, Hot Springs (501)
Jesters Lounge - - - - 1010 E. Grand Ave - - - - - - - 501-624-5455
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street - - - -1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - - - - - - - -501-6642744
Diamond State Rodeo Assoc.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - www.dsra.org
Discovery- - - - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - - - - - -501-666-6900
Sidetracks - - - 415 Main St - -North LR.- - - - - - - -501-244-0444
The Factory - - - - - - 412 Louisiana St.- - - - - - - - - 501-372-3070
Kansas, Junction City (785)
Xcalibur Club- - - - - - 384 Grant Ave. - - - - - - - - -785-762-2050
Kansas, Pittsburg (620)
PSU-QSA.- - 1701 S. Broadway- - - - - - - - - - - - - -620-231-0938
River of Life Church.- - 1709 N. Wainut- - - - - - - -Service 11AM
Kansas, Wichita (316)
Our Fantasy/South40- - - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - - - - 316-682-5494
Priscilla's- - - - - 6143 W Kellogg D;- - - - - - - - - - - 316-942-1244
Club Glacier- - - - - - - - 2828 E. 31st South- - - - - 316-612-9331
Missouri, Ava (417)
Catus Canyon Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-683-9199
Missouri, Joplin (417)
MCC Spirit of Christ- - -2902 E 20th. - - - -Sat Service-9:30AM
Missouri, Kansas City (816)
40th Street !nn- - - -www.40thstreetinn.com- - - - -816-561-7575
Concourse Park B&B - - 300 Benton Blvd - - - - -816-231-1196
Hydes KC Gym & Guest Hs -www.hydeskc.com - 816-561-1010
Missie B's- - - -805 W. 39th St- - - - - .. - - - - - - - - -816-561-0625
Missouri, Lampe (417)
KOKOMO Campground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-779-5084
Missouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge- - - - - 424 Boonvil!e Ave- - - .. -- - ........ 417-831-4700
GLO Comm Ctr- - -518 E. Commerica!- - - - .. - - --417-869-3978
Martha's Vineyard- - - 219 W Olive - - - .... - - .. - 417-864-4572
Missouri, Springfield (417)
Priscilla's - - - -1918 S Glenstone - - - - - - - - - - - -417-881-8444
Ronisuz Place- - --821 College- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -417-864-0036
Rumors - --1109 E. Commercial- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 417-873-2225
Oklahoma, Enid (580)
Hastings Books- - - -104 Sunset - - - - - - - - - - .. - .... 580-242-6838
Priscilla's- - - - - - - - -4810-A West Garriott- - - - - - - 580-233-5511
Oklahoma, Lawton (580)
lngrids Bookstore- - - - - 1124 NW Cache Rd- - - - - -580-353-1488
Oklahoma, McAlester
McPride- - - - - - - - - - - POBox 1515, - - - - - McAlester, OK 74502
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405)
American Crossroads 8&8 - POBox 270642- - - - - -405-495-1111
Boom Room- - - - - - - 2807 NW 36th St- - - - - - - - -405-601-7200
Border's Books- - - - - - 3209 NW Expressway- - - - 405-848-2667
Club Rox- - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expwy- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351
Christie's Toy Box- - - - -3126 N. May Ave - - - - - - - 405-946-4438
Eastern Ave Video- - -1105 S Eastern Ave- - - - - - - -405-672-6459
Fat Cat Bingo- - - - - - 3130 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - -405-942-8875
Hollywood Hotel- - - - 3535 NW 39th Exp - - - - - - -405-947-2351
Hi-Lo Club - - - - - - 1221 NW 50th- - - - - - - - - - - -405-843-1722
Partners- - - - - - - - - 2805 NW 36th St - - - - - - - - - -405-942-2199
Pec's- - - - - - - - - - -3535 NW 39th Expw - - - - - - - -405-942-2199
Priscilla's- - - - - - - 615 E. Memorial- - - - - - - - - - - 405-755-8600
Red Rock North- - - 2240 NW39th St- - - - - - - - - - 405-525-5165
Rudy's Place- - - - -3535 NW39th Expw- - - - - - - - -405-947-2351
Phoenix Rising - - - - 2120 NW 39th St- - - - -- - - - - -405-601-3711
The Park- - - - - - - - 2125 NW 39th St - - - - - - - - - -405-528-4690
The Rockies- - - - - - 3201 N. May Ave - - - - - - - - - 405-947-9361
Topanga Grill & Bar- - - 3535 NW 39th- - - - - - - - - -405-947-2351
Tramps- - - - - - - - - - - -2201 NW 39th- - - - - - - - - -405-521-9888
Oklahoma, Tulsa (918)
Bamboo Lounge- - - -7204 E. Pine - - -- - - - - - - - - -918-836-8700
Border's Book Store- - - 2740 E. 21st- - - - - - - - - - - 918-712-9955
Border's Book Store - - - 8015 S. Yale - - - - - - - - - - 918-494-2665
Club 209 - - - - - - - 209 N. Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494
Club Majestic- - - - - - - 124 N. Boston - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-9494
Club Maverick- - - - - 822 S. Sheridan - - - - - - - - - -918-835-3301
Dreamland Bks -- - - 8807 E. Admiral Pl - - - - - - - - -918-834-1051
Elite Bookstore - - - - -814 S. Sheridan- - - - - - - - - - 918-838-8503
GLBT Comm. Ctr- - - - 5545 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - 918-743-4297
Hideaway Lounge- - - - - 11730 E. 11th- - - - - - - - - -918-437-0449
HOPE Clinic- - - - - - 3540 E. 31st - - - - - - - - - 918-749-8378
Jazz's Lounge- - - - - - 426 S. Memorial - - - - - - - - - 918-836-8544
Midtown- - - - - - - - - - 319 E. 3rd- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 918-584-3112
Nita Spot· -- - - - - -3007 E. Admirai Pi - - - -- - - - - - 918-834-3007
Our House, Too - - - -203 N Nogales Ave- - - - - - - -918-585-9552
Priscilla's - - - - - - - - -7925 E. 41st- - - - - - - - - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscilla's - - - - - - - - 5634 W. Skelly - - - - - - - - - - - 918-446-6336
Priscilia's - - - - - - - - 11344 E. 11th - - - - -- - - - - - - -918-438-4224
Priscilla's-- ------2333 E. ?1st--- ------ --918-499-1661
Renegades- - - - - - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - - - - - 918-585-3405
Rob's Records- - -2909 S. Sheridan Rd- - - - - - - - - 918-627-1505
St. Michaels Allev- - - - - -3324-L E 3ist- - - - - - - - 918-745-9998
Sterling & Co. Salon- - -1606 E.15th St.- - - - - - - - - 918-742-9999
Tulsa CARES- - - - 3507 E. Admiral Pi- - - - - - - - - - 918-834-4194
Tulsa Eagle- - - • -1338 E. 3rd - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -918-592-1188
TNTs - - - - - - - - - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - - - - - - 918-660-0856
Whittier News Stand- - 1 N. Lewis- - - - - - - - - - 918-592-0767
Yellow-Brick-Rd- - - - - - - 2630 E. 15th- - - - - - - ·· ·· - 918-293-0304
30
Gt.ttJ HAIC,OH
'#M
AUAN NWllliITTH
Gay Marriage, ..
SO NOW THE: GCN''f IS -ri:zYING
-ro i<E:Wl-!lre THI! CONS'fl1U'flON
AGAIN AND 01./rt.AW GAY
MAl<l<IAGE: .•• WHY SHOUl.-0 Y,,'f.
N!:!:D -ro ASK P!::l<M!SSION Of'
S'fl<AIGH'f SOCl!:'fY 'TO G!:i
Ml\1<1'11!:Df:" WHO Al<E: T'H/iY'TO
.JUDGE: THE: VAl.-101-rY OF OUR
1.:!:f..A 'flONSHIPS!:"
l Gl'l!:W UP WITH AN l'fAf..lAN MO-rHE:R WHO
WAS Pl-ANNIN' MY ,\IE:ODING SINCE: THE: DAY
I WAS 801'1N •.• SO IT 'TOOK Mi:: A WHIL-!: 'TO
GE:'f OVl,l'I MY FEAR OF WE:OOiNGS! su-r I
KNE:W I WANreo -ro BE: WITH THIS
FOi.: THE: RE:S'f OF MY f..lFc: •.. I i ---------, r-we
WE:N'f AH!:AD AN'
Gar H/'f'CHl:0/
OF COURSE: I WAN, MY
BROTJ-1!:1'1 ,o B!: HAPPY •.• BU'f
10 BE: HONEST, I THINK GOO
Cl'IE:AT!:D MARl'l!AGE: AS A
GACREC> UNION BE:'TWEE;N A
MAN AND A 1-\-0MAN.
OOGMA,
IFJCATlO
AND f..!:S
~'ARl'IY!
TOTH!:
'flONO
/~lf:fCDMPl!ri'/
1Wif c.«i$,-l'T 1:-'IJO',•✓
ADA~Tl-l!~ABDUT
-\OV!2NAf..l~M, 11,;e.
{:;E!:r-l U'>l~l'1Hi5.A
t.(W6 Tl11;, 1.l!:.S5
Be Seen With The Star
NWA GLBT CENTER
The Northwest Arkansas Gay,
Lesbian, Blsexuai and Transgendered
Community Center is a
group of like-minded individuals
who have come together to create
a nonprofit GLBT Community
Center in Northwest Arkansas.
www.nwaglbtcc.org
12th page classified
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Saturday's 5pm. Must be
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Compensation plus tips for
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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
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[2006] The Star Magazine, August 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 8
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
August 01, 2006
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
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Star Media, Ltd.
Publisher
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Star Media, Ltd.
Contributor
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Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Douglas Glenn
John Patrick
Michael Dee
Kay Massey
Paul Wortman
Carlotta Carlile
Victor Gorin
Libby Post
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Teresa Goodrich
Format
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Image
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PDF
Language
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English
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magazine
Coverage
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Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
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The Star Magazine, July 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/228
The Star Magazine, September 1, 2006; Volume 3, Issue 9
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/243
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/224
Advice Column
Asparagus stuffed dover sole
Bamboo Lounge
Bitter Girl
Book/DVD Review
Chelsea Boys
Club Majestic
Comic Strips
Family Picnic
Heart to Heart
HIV/AIDs
Lesbian Notions
marriage equality
Matt Foreman
Oklahoma Tax Commission
Our House
Out of the Line of Fire
Past Out
politics
Q Scopes
Quotable Quotes
recipes
Shantel Mandalay
Star business center
star classified
Star Distributors
Star entertainment
Star Scene
Summer Melon Margarita
Too
travel
Tulsa Community Center
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ed2c213decb580b887871607b801aa76.jpg
8586bd7f04bab884201a552b0fa43e57
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/859a766a3dddf5b32f72da730af47e5f.pdf
817abb6048404a7d81d055a10e50822b
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
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
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Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
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2004-2011
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Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), 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.
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
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
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Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
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TN.a 8 TAR PROUDLY SERVING THE GLBT & ALLIED COMMUNITY
REE
Fans
7204 E. Pine
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N Boston
CLWMAVERICK
424 S. Memorial
SPAS~N-SUCH
808 N 15th St, B
TUI.SARA
ROUGH B.IDERS
J, www.tolsaroughriders.com
f' UNDERGUY.COM
825 E. 3rd
.: ,.'·" '~ <
HI•·· .:.
111111..
www..so
............ Po&~n By K~n•tb I!. Cowhide
Page 3
NWA'S ONLY GAY OWNED AND STAFFED DANCE CLUB!
SUNDAY APRIL 3rd 2005
Miss Gay Arkansas USofA
•· DQdn{Gpea;af 8:00pm
Pag~antb~gins at 9:00.pm
Cover$5: Mem. $8 Gu~t
Featuring: .
Miss 'G, W . -:U So.f A
Layla LaRue
KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS Sgfid~:April 24th, 2005
Pl.ASTIC "FHURSOAY·~A.NCE; .. Mi$.~fW Wa:shington Q:lunty
PART'r' EVERYTHURSDAY! . . •· :. '. ',i ,'' A1nerit:a
GO GO BOY$ E\'~R,Y F,FUbAY . . . :00pm
& SA:TURDAY NJGHJ:! a.t 9:00pm
NWA1S1BE&:F'.DRA:G SHOW· ; ··~-/Guest
EVERYSUNE>AYNlGHT! .. ·Featuring~ ...
Special thank& :tr;:alFof yqu who
mc;tde. my S4th b!r,t,~ey.~ ~ .
· · Huge'.'success ... · ].ave Kelly .
0,9. Kamri.o. M,!k?-els
'04 Makayla Duvoi
MGWC.Emeritus
Vicki V~[eptine
Fr:iday ,Wril 2$tfu·
S~N~E;ff StiOW FOR
E:GRANl'l:
. {jSdfA Classic
Ft~lp u,s ~n~ aarbie to Dallas for
. . NEdibn~ts)n Mey! .
-2am
. AR 479~571-1300
net·
E.01,1.r .. Sta
Rodeo 2005
by Greg Steele
TULSA, OK. With the Fort Worth
rodeo kicking off the 2005 gay rCldeo
in March, T~~~. T-Town Jiodeo
the f.our .~t?-tes region's buckin
show' .. '"' .. ·. ·on 4£rj1 Sth-
' Afena. For
atio ,;t6
stai:ero0~~~t~{~: ti~e Rock
with
. . . fo
: ·, ~d.sta:Of'g-)1 ,_ h~i~l ?·
o Wi.':~)pfc:s~;e;d£l~ii,.1:he
.,,y in
Oklahoma State
OGRA is the 3~d largest ga}'iodeo event
under the· IGR!A :w!iibteila:.·lFor,1schcdule
f eventssYisif ·:
.. GltAY"S-
~:~ff lat
', ,',' ,
fellowship with its member ~sociati~s,
donates thousands of dollars to cha#fy each
year. The Gay and . of
the United States
enriched by the ed
• through its sanctioning
· the various events and .
part of wh.at ~• call Gay Rodeo.
Your local Rodeq Associatio(! rieeds
your support, :~e fi:tn: fur'~ sdo'a cause.
They Do!·.
Page 5
Sooner State Rodeo .entertainment. The cast included Rachel
Ward, Kris Kole, Anita Dickey, Pat La
Association F d . Morte, Jonathan Brown, Kris Enloe, Un raiser Jamie Summers and Reba Lynn Cole. A
by Greg Steele dinner and show to benefit SSRA was
photo's by Chaz
Rachel Ward lvfiss SSRA 2005
TULSA, OK_ Royalty was out :in full
force March 19th around T-Town. A
benefit to raise funds for SSRA's T-Town
Rodeo. The event was hosted by Rachel
Ward Miss SSRA 2005 and held at the
Bamboo Lounge. The audience was
delighted with the variety of
Jamie Summers Miss Iowa 2004
Kris Enloe Mr. SSRA 2003-2004
also held at The Supper Club in Tulsa.
SSRA's T-Town Rodeo kicks off the
four states rodeo season on April 8th, 9t.h
and 10th at the Tulsa Expo Square Arena
4145 E. 21st. This is the 1st rodeo for
SSRA and their 3rd year of incorporation.
For tickets and information visit the
website at ,vvlw.soonerstaterodeo.com.
Jonathan Brown Mr. SSRA 2005
Anita Dicky Miss Bamboo 2005
(by default)
Page 6
APRIL 2005
by Andrew Collins
"Galveston,
Texas"
Although America's Gulf Coast
doesn't have any major gay beach
resorts, the Texas barrier island of
Galveston has steadily become a
popular option. This scenic haven of
sandy beaches, opulent Victorian houses, and touristy but engaging seafo?d restaurant~ ~d
souvenir shops attracts quite a few gays and lesbians from Texas and the Gulf South - it's Just
50 iniles south of Houston.
Galveston has a handful of accommodations that market specifically to the gay
community, as well as a few lively gay bars. and discos. Many of the queer folks yoi,i're apt to
meet around town either own second homes or rent cottages here. Late spring through early
fall, the city absolutely swells with visitors,· but no matter the time of year, the gay presence
tends to be relatively discreet.. You won't see same-sex couples holding hands around town,
as Galveston remains first and foremost a ,destination for families and retirees, many of
whom tend toward the conservative side. Nevertheless, with colorful architecture, a small
but discernible arts scene, and a laid-back. demeanor reminiscent of both Key West and New
Orleans, this city of 65,000 tends to be ii. little more open-minded and offbeat than any other
on the Texas Gulf Co11St.
As you approach Galveston _from metro Houston, the scenety offers li~e inspir~tion:_
suburban sprawl and strip-mall development give way to the presence of gnm, hulking 011
refineries. But once you cross G:alveston Bay on I-45, you enter a different world - a narrow
32-mile-long windswept coastal island. Several historic neighborhoods abound w,i~ stately
old mansions and cheerful clapboard cottages, and the main drag along the ~hordine, J;eawall
Boulevard bustles with seafood restaurants, chain hotels, and shops selling postcaicl.~,
seashells, ;wimsuits, and sungiii.s~cs. . ·· · ·
If vou're a beach lover, you'll want to hang out around the shorefront neighborhoods,
but the, city's vibrant and quirky personality reveals itself most strongly a C0Ul'!le, of miles
north, in the downtown Strand Historic District, which overlooks Galveston. Bay .. '.fhls
warren of palm-shaded cobblestone lanes verges on quaint, but for 11 few tall builclμigs arid
the frequent presence of massive cruise ships tied up. in port. Although it's too .fai to walk
easily between downtown and the gulf, the city's convenient trolley runs regularly between
them.
There are numerous attr.i.ctions to keep you busy around Galveston, the most famous
being the Moody Gardens, a dazzling nature-oriented complex consisting of ~ee h~
pyramidal buildings housing a vast tropical rain forest, an aquarium, a?~ a s~ence museum.
Other points of interest include downtown's Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum,
in which you can explore an actual retired oil rig; the drlllllatic 1894 Gtand OpC?- House,
which now presents theater and music events; and the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. . .
If you start to feel a little peckish, downtown's festive Yaga's Cafe is a Ion~~. filvonte
for casual Caribbean-inspired &re; it books live reggae, blues, and jazz bands on weekend
evenings. For extremely tll~ty .Southwestem and Mexic~ fue, including delicious :liri~p
tacos with mango salsa, head to Playa de Loro. A spacious, elegant restaurant over,ooking
Galveston Bav, Willie G's serves huge and rich portions of seafood, including lump crab au
gratin and sn;pper Kathleen (blackened with shrimp, crab, mushrooms, and iemo~ _b~tter).
Gay-popular Mosquito Cafe, despite its pesty name, might just serv~ the mos_t soprusttcated
and polished contemporary cuisine in town. This charming space with tall WU1dows exudes
understated elegance. . .................... continued next page.
Page 7
Good bets from the eclectic menu include
rare yellowfin tuna over rice noodles and
veggies with a trio of spicy Pan-Asian sauces,
and farfalle pasta with artichoke hearts,
calamata olives, pine nuts, and feta cheese.
Yes, it's a chain, but downtown
Galveston's Starbucks is a particularly
appealing spot for a light bite, with a nice-size
sundeck offering views of cruise ships pulling
in and out of port, and several plush
armchairs. Another good place for a snack,
Java 213 offers plenty of character and
warmth, with its high ceilings and vintage
decor.
Garza's Kon Tiki is the most popular gay
nightclub downtown. It's in a modern
building with kitschy, Mardi Gras-inspired
decor, and it's steps from several great
restaurants. Garza's, which has been going
strong since the 1960s, draws a varied crowd.
Women and men of all ages come to admu:e
some of the best female impersonators in
Texas (great drag shows are staged Friday and
Saturday nights).
The city's other three gay bars are down
by·the beach. With a second-floor deck that
offers superb gulf views and a great location,
Undercurrent .is the snazziest gay disco
around, drawing a trendy crowd for dancing
and cruising. In a. slightly ragtag
neighborhood on the east side of town, the
low-keyed Third. Coast Bar overlooks the
Gulf and has a small deck. outside. Robert's
Lafitte is another neighborhood bat with an
easy-going personality.
Galveston claims a pair of Texas's most
renowned historic hotels, both of them run
by the gay-friendly Wyndham hotel chain.
Anchoring the heart of downtown's Strand
Historic District, the Tremont House
captures the old-world dignity and warmth of
a European boutique hotel. The 119-room
property lies within steps of countless shops
and restaurants, and rooms have marble baths
and fluffy pillow-top bedding. A 10-minute
drive south, the imposing Hotel Galvez offers
a more peaceful setting. Even better, this
regal 1911 grande dame overlooks the Gulf of
Menco. Although rooms have such modern
touches as high-speed Internet and cordless
phones, the period decor thoroughly recalls
the city's gilded era. You can sip cockwls at
the pool's swim-up bar or relax to piano
music over the Sunday champagne brunch.
It's top-notch, all-around.
Another mainstream property with a
strong gay following, the Queen Anne-style
Mermaid & Dolphin resort sits along a
. peaceful, tree-lined street a short drive from
both the gulf and downt9wn. Luxury is the
buzzword here: the eight· suites have double
Jacuzzi tubs, plush hand-carved mahogany
beds, gas fireplaces, CD players, TVs with
VCRs, and fine artwork and antiques. It
doesn't get much fancier than this. If, on the
other hand, you're looking to save a little
money and simply want a basic but inviting
motel, consider the prosaic but reasonably
priced Ramada Galveston, which is right
across from the beach and near Undercurrent •
nightclub.
Galveston has one gay mini-resort that
captures the romantic tradition of Key West:
Paradise Guesthouse. Set in a modest but
historical residential enclave just two short
blocks from the gulf, this secluded and cozy
brick compound is situated around a pool and
fountain, fringed by fragrant and
meticulously tended gardens and lighted in
the evening by flickering torches. Common
amenities include a hot tub, several patios,
and a common room stocked with snacks and
soft drinks. The mood is more romantic than
frisky - it's a perfect retreat for gay and
lesbian co~r,le.s looking to celebrate a special
occasion. There are three large suites and two
smaller but still inviting guest rooms, all with
refrigerators and TVs with VCRs.
Finally, if you're planning on visiting with
a few friends and you want to enjoy the
convenience and privacy that comes with
staying in your vety own summer house,
consider renting one of the six beautiful
bungalows available through Cottage by the
Gulf. Just a half block from the gulf and
convenient to picturesque Stewart Beach,
these handsomely outfitted houses come in all
different shapes and sizes, sleeping from 4 to
10 guests. The smallest, Magnolia House, has
a wraparound deck; another has a small
fenced yard that's perfect if you're traveling
wi~ a dog. All have full kitchens, barbecue
grills, espresso machines, stereos, cable TV
with VCRs, and elegant furnishings, and you
can rent them by the day, week, or month.
Keep in mind that rates, which in summer
begin at $125 nightly and $795 weekly, are
about 20 to 30 percent less from October
through April, making this a real off-season
bargain.
The Little Black Book
Cottage by the Beach (810 Ave. L, 409-739-
0194, www.cottagebytbebeach.com).
...................... continued page 25
Page 8
Star's On The Plain
Heart of America Mens Chorus
Of Wichita
WICHITA, KANSAS_HOAMC was
conceptualized the summer of 2002 and
created for a Christmas concert in
December of 2002. A group of 5 guys
wanted to sing and new that if they were
going to sing in a mens chorus they were
going to have to build it themselves.
They then contacted Howard Webb and
asked him if he would consider
conducting the group.
Webb is
no stranger
ro the
Wichita
Musical
community.
He has
helped start
other
choral and
musical
organizations
like the
Wichita
Chamber
Chorale, a
group that
has
flourished
in the musical community of Wichita for
over 25 years, and /the Plymouth Chamber
Series. He has performed and conducted in
many area venues. As Artistic Director/
Conductor of HOAMC his responsibilities
include planning the concert, training the
singers and conducting the concert. He is
happy to tell you that his assistant conducror,
Mark Walker, and accompanist John Cargile
work very dose with him in all this work.
The group has grown from 18 at the
original concert to a present 50 men
singing the upcoming concert. We have
gained our 501c3 non-profit status this
past year had successful fund drive and
fund raising events. We have been invited
to do a run-out concert sing tile national
anthem for the river festival fireworks
concert with the symphony, and are
slowly but surely becoming recognized
in the Wichita musical communitv as a
talented and well prepared music~!
organization.
The group is diverse in all ways, from
different religious backgrounds, race,
careers and sexual orientation. Our
requirement is that they are prepared to
have fun and make music; all else is their
personal business. And have fun we do.
From reading the music for the first time
co the learning process, building sets and
taking the show to the stage for
performance and the light come on and
the audience roars as the curtain opens.
As the curtain opens on "Thats
Entertainment" vou will be invited to Be
Our Guest (fro~ Beauty and the Beast)
and our guest you will be from Hello
Dolly to Le
.Miserable
and from
Oklahoma
to Chicago.
.There is
great music
:.for mens
chorus and
HOAMC
Chorus
;(HOAMC),
now in their
third season will be presenting Thats
Entertainment, April 16'h and 17'h at
4:00. This concert will be at Mary Jane
Teall Theater in Century II and will be
music drawn from Broadway musicals.
For tickets or more information call Kip
at 316.264.2266 or www.hoamc.org
Page 9
HEART OF AMERICA MEN'S CHORUS PRBSENTS. ..
.......,....
BARB SCHOENHOFER
SHA'\\-"N..;1\UCHAEL 1\-IORSE
H0AJICt"EIGHT OF HEARTS"'
• ••• SOUTH HIGHMADRIU-ALS
A
VJOWSll)llHl?S
Saturday Aprll 16 - 4:00 pm AND Sunday .t\pril 17 -4:00 pn1
Century II -Mary Jane Teall Theatre Wichita, Kansas
Tickets: $12 adv./ $15 door Call Kip.@ 264-2266
and llvenlngs Cl Week
Also Open Holidays
KENN
Page 10
Daffy Lunch and Dinner
Specials
OHn 1 tam (ltflY
Happy hpur 3-6 & 9 .. c1ose
$t.7J .. t6oz$2.25-.23oz
Bu.d U1Mlch-Uka Draws
~,.,,,
free.
HolldClt'$ qnd·~ Jv•nlt.
&elur/id
Monlhly Mc,v...ln $pedals
Page 11
Diamond State Rodeo Association
is proud .!9 present
IN E K
APRIL 22-24 2005
Uttle Rock, Atkansaa
For ticket and parttcipation Information
contact:
www .dsra.org
Or Call the Rodeo
Hotline at: 501-960•7363
Visit www.eute.
Spring Diversity Fall Diversity
Ap_ril 1st, . November 4th, 5th, 6th
Sprf~ & Fal 2005 Mntsincklde:
ouldoor diYerslty festlva, vendors. drag show, king
show. beat cantest, dlrlces, karaoke, country we$m,
tarot, pride clseotlQ, peintball, fishing, boat rides,
C8n1)1ng & BSQ's, fanlastic shopping. di;ing,
live enterlaioment clld ........ nu:h fflOl81
Page 12
,', ,, '
4815 S~ttdi
0
Hatvard i~e'.~ Suite 424
Tulsa, OK 74135-3068
Phone: (918) 747-5466
Email: KellyKirbyCPA@sbcglobal.net
accountmg needs of the
GI.BT Community since
1982
Page 13
CANADA IS NOT
THE ANSWER!
by Greg Razer
QUESTIONS During these past few
months following the November 2°d
election there seems to be nothing but
questions within the progressive community.
Some ask, "Should we take our
mes to the right?" others ask,
"Sh we take our message to the left?"
or, "What did religious fundamentalist
do to gain so much influence and power
in this nation?" and of course, "Which
way to Canada?" (The last question
being the most disturbing to this observer.)
These are questions that are
being raised from the halls of the Capitol
in Washington to the dinner table right
here in the heart of the Midwest.
Questions are also being raised in the
LGBT community. "\Vas ii: too much to
'go after marriage'?" and "Do we
wntinue the path that we are on, or push
foi..n:iore realistic goals given today's
political climate?" These quesi:ions too
are being felt right here in our own
towns and all the way to Washington.
These are all broad and far-reaching
questions that must be dealt wii:h and
dealt with soon. However, perh;ps a
more basic, fundamental question needs
to be asked of us all as to how we ensure
that the debacle of this past November
never happens again. Did we as a
community, and I as an individual, really
do all I could to ensure victorv in
November? ,
Think back for a moment to the
months leading up IO the election. Never
before have we seen so many
conversations take place regarding
national issues. How manv times did yo:,
sit around a bar with your, friends for ,
Happy Hour and the marriage issue was
discussed? How many times did you go
to dinner with your loved ones and anger
was expressed concerning the policies of
President Bush? And now, how manv
times did those discussions lead to ·
someone at the bar or table going to
write a check or volunteer for a campaign
to make sure the right men and women
would be in office?
The Greek philosopher Plato once
noted, ''The price good men pay for
indifference to public affairs is to be ruled
by evil men . .., Ir is in that quote, first
made thousands of years ago, that we
find the problem that today's LGBT
community faces. Our problem is not
with our issues. We will not find our
political problems by looking at elected
officials that we think of as our "friends".
Nor. will we find the answer by looking
at those who oppose us. The answer to
polii:ical problems that face the LGBT
community are found right here at
home, within our own community.
PROVIDING THE RIGHT
CURRENCY Many want IO see our
LGBT political organizations begin to
demand our rights be given to us by our
elected officials. However, one cannot
demand anything without the ability to
back up that demand. When a person is
elected to public office, he/she usually
has certain issues that are most dear to
them. With some legislators, LGBT
equality is one of their issues and their
support of our community is unwavering
and our appreciation .is heartfelt.
However, we must realize that there are
even more legislators who are
supportive, but LGBT equality is rarely
one of their key issues. Therefore, when
asking a legislator to support us in our
efforts, we are essentially asking them to
spend polii:ical capital on us, and not
their own pet issues. To convince them
to do so, we must show the official that.
not only are we not a liability at electio~
time, that in fact, we are an asset to
them. To accomplish this we must
produce the three forms of currency
every poiitician wants: Votes, money
and ~ime. ·
On Election Day, many of us went
about our daily business proudly wearing
our "I Voted" sticker. We a:-e proud of
that sticker because it shows that we did
a part in making our ::iation and our state
a better place to live . .. continued pg35
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
Office licensed in Missouri,
Arkansas, Illinois &
Colorado
Post Office Box 339
Eureka, Missouri 63025
www .shelterinsurance.com
Tel: (636) 938-5500
Fax:(636)938-3539
gtainter@shelterinsurance.com
Sisters Talk
Gay Battles with
Weapons
VStevens
Llsa Miller-Jenkins, a lesbian once joined
by civil union to Janet Miller-Jenlr.-ins, has
decided to use laws designed. for. heterosexuals
in order to win a custody dispute with her
former partner. Lisa and Janet were joined by
civil union in Vermont, where the couple
decided to have a child using artificial
insemination. When the couple split, Llsa, the
birth mother, left Vermont (the state that
recognizes homosexual unions) and moved to
Virgina, where she thought she would be
ensured full custody of the child she shared
with Janet because Virgina docs not,reco~e ·
homosexual unions. Anything to win, rigli.t?
Luckily for Janet, Vermont does not allqw; ., ·
that kind of creative manipru9:tio!i, of:theJaw.
The state of Vermont says' lesbiiin 'co'tiples ..
joined by civil union who have children using
artificial insemination should be treated no
differently than heterosexual couples who
choose the same procedure or choose to
adopt. Both women are legal parents of the
child and Llsa has no more rights to the child
than Janet does. . .
What we see here is a lesbhm who enjoys
those equal rights and freedoms that gay
unions provide only if she is on the winning
side of the law. Wnen she's not guannteed a
win, she simply turns to archaic heterosexist
laws that srack the odds in her f.i.vor. Millions
of gays and lesbians in the United States still
do not have the right to a civil union or a
marriage: Lisa Miller-Jenkins enjoyed
that right in Vermont, then moved to
Virginia to take advantage of
discrimination gainst gays and lesbians.
Lisa is cheating. She's cheating just as ·
badly as George W. did when he used the
gay ban to win votes at the polls.
When homosexual couples accept
those rights and freedoms associated with
gay unions, we also accept all the ·
accompanying responsibilities. Children
are a large responsibility. When we
decide to share that responsiblity with
another partner, our own desires tllke a
backseat. Homosexual couples joined by
civil union (or marriage in Massachusetts)
who decide to raise childteri together, .
then. ultimately sever tn,eir. r~latio°'s¥p,
will'. &c.e riiany chilleo:gef! in. tJie. c~drts ..
, ,·,,, ,·,-· , '.,. '';
.-emo B's •.
jurisdiction, the · st:lte best equipped to
help the former couple deal with the
custody dispute.
The best thiilg to come out of Ilsa
Miller-Jenkins' creative maneuvering is
awareness. Society has become more
aware of the mess Clinton's Defense of
Marriage Act has created in child custody
disputes. I refuse to believe the courts
will allow these kinds of messy disputes
to continue for too long.
Page 15
Guess that I am just a '\vild and crazy
guy'' but I just don't see what all this
crap about same-sex marriages is all
about. Seems as thou the "religious right"
is always on somebody's case. First it
was the blacks and then the Jews and
then the horrible Russian communists
and now the homosexuals. They always
have to have their "flock" hate someone
so that they can get more money out of
them. They WANT their "flock" to
hate! After all isn't this more or less
what religion is all about? Hating the
people that don't agree with you? But
what I would REALLY like to know is
where are the Jerry Farwell's and all the
other religious right leaders when it
comes to Catholic Priests molesting little
children? For the life of me I cannot
possibly understand why they have not
jumped on the bandwagon to degrade the
Catholic Church for their actions! If
anyone else would molest children they
would have their ass thrown in jail so fast
it would make their head spin but
because the Catholic Church has so
much power in the world they get off
with only a slap on the wrist. It just
doesn't make any sense to me at all.
Living here in the midwest can be fun
but there are still a lot of questions to be
answered. Lucky for me I live near a
large city and don't have to get real close
to all my neighbors.
Same sex marriages is NOT giving
special treatment to us, it is mereiy
giving us the SAME rights as all other
Americans. I have some older gay
friends who said that they had wanted to
serve in the Army and Navy but
couldn't. They wanted the benefits of
serving in the Armed Services such as
hospitalilzation, education and GI
benefits on getting a house, etc. but they
were denied. They were not wanting
speciai treatment. They were mereiy
· wanting the same treatment as all
Americans. The State congressmen here
in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and
Arkansas are only playing i:o special
interest groups and could care less about
us. This is very sad to say but it is
plainly the truth. We have made a hell
of a lot of progress i..11 the past few years
but it is a VERY uphill battle. I don't
want much out of life, a nice place to
live, a nice job, a nice person to love, live
with and to be able to live my life as I
want to. I don't want to bother
anybody and I don't want anybody to
bother me.
Even thou there are laws passed for
Blacks and Jews eventually there will be
laws passed for Gays however just
because laws are on the books doesn't
mean that the average American will
change their minds about us. They will
forever be biased and narrow-minded. I
sure would like to think that some how,
some way, some day all this would
change for the better and hopefully it
will. Until then I will just go day by day
and enjoy life in my own way.
Teaching Activism,
Leadership, and Knowledge
P.R.I.D.E. invites all college and high
students, as well as activists and community
members to TALK's Spring 2005 conference
at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
This conference is a chance for students and
community members to meet up, share,
leam, org,.nize, and have fun. The intended
effect will be a strengthened LGBT
community and great impact on grassroots
efforts. Though our last two conferences
have been Ark.ansas focused, we are inviting
anyone and everyone from AR, OK, MO,
and KS this year because of the location of
Fayetteville in proximity to the four
state area. More than anything, this is a
rejuvenating experience for those with
activism experience and good training for
those with little. So check out the website
and convince yourself that it is the only piace
to be on APRIL 1st anci 2nd. Come
experience a weekend in Fayetteville-the
best place to be gay in Arkansasii For more
information call: 479-575-3880 or visit
www.uark.edu/-pride
Page 16
"AN EVENING OF HOPE"
WITH PAT KUTTELES FRIDAY,
APRIL 8th AT PITTSBURG STATE
UNIVERSITY
Press Release:
PITTSBURG, KS_ The Pittsburg State
University Queer Straight Alliance, a
non-profit organization, Presents "An
Evening of Hope" with Patricia Kutteles,
to benefit Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network. The event will be held Friday,
April 8 at 6pm on the Campus at
Pittsburg State University - Pittsburg,
Kansas (Crimson & Gold Ballroom of
the Overman Student Center) A black tie
affair with silent auction and dinner.
Reservations are required: $25 per person
or $40/couple (For more information, or
to RSVP, contact Brandon Plott at
brandon@psuqsa.org.) Patricia Kutteles
will be the keynote speaker.
Patricia Kutteles, whose son Barry
Winchell was murdered at Fort Campbell
Kentucky after his fellow soldiers
assumed he was gay, has worked tirelessly
with SLDN to battle "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell" and has spoken at numerous
events across the country.
Guests who are coming from out of
town can contact the Comfort Inn and
Suites of Pittsburg, Kansas and receive a
room with either 2 queen size beds or
one king size bed for $52.00 USD per
night. The hotel room block is valid for
the 8,9,10 of April. Contact Comfort Inn
at (620) 231-8800. FOR MORE INFORMATION,
OR TO RSVP, contact
Brandon Plott at brandon@psuqsa.org.
On Saturday April 9th 2005 beginning
at 9:30 PM we will be hosting the
First Annual MrJMs./Miss Kansas Gay
University Student at 4 Oaks Golf
Course in Pittsburg, $5 cover Charge
18+ Applicants Must be enrolled full
time at any Kansas University
FREE HIV
TESTING,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 5PM and 6PM. For your
convenience you can aiso call 206-6179 for
an appointment. We use the Ora-sure
method which does not require the use of
needles and we offer complete
confidentialit-f. You may also request
Booklets on AIDS for People of Faith
through the PO Box listed above.
Spirit of Christ MCC Joplin
"Serfling A Healthier Community"
Page 17
t"
INMALE
Page 18
cori.tihti
this)1;ap
pegpl~;s,
e11;ch.sta'
checks·
not allow
rule .. The issue is YOU Iuv'e.to. i,~: tn~
watch: dog, you have. to ~pealf U ,_fo' .
bark andy
injustice co
We don't n
bias, religious indifference or
spealoi:igTcff :i: gteit stil:te oi" a · great
nation. We don't.need tllore GLBT bars
· that mistreat _us or exploit our
. communitf-.Whai WC ~cd ,are tnore
groups like•-B.::'G . . ..
National Gav atf
and churche; like\tJtli
Christ,
Met
that
commitments · accept second
· · class' citizen·
. '<ve
th
. . . . >'that
· in .t he· su.. b&. :. 6f.D .. r: M.. aitili :I..rithef- !forg , •
JR and-~dbi as welFas :some 'of our
· · · , leaders; &ET'i.4-IE, :
.:: ;:,, if.' ·:., ·i{' ,
., 'f .. :,J
. . the Soutlietn Baptist
Conv;entiori. .. the "J.IJli.~hville
betlifration~'';;ri •stiie-1~:i · ~tffig~;,;, i~
which it stated ifs' opposition to-same-sex
based on C it calico, "the
designed
of.one man ·Steven
Discip~es of
the N~.riai. Gay
. v .. i;;..; .. ,.~~us
esponds with
".A'.~;:~~;,in tnet£Jt~stian Church
Page 19
Steve Urie from pg 18 ·MCC's Troy Perry Wins California
(Disciples of Christ) .and a former Marriage Lawsuit! Thirty-five Years
Southern Baptist minister, I am saddened Separate His First Milriage Lawsuit in
1970 And Court Victory in 2005. "I have
and disappointed that leaders of the worked and prayed for this dav for 35
Southern Baptist Convention continue to years. Today~ our prayers wer~
present their discrimination against answered," says Perry.
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender At a Monday afternoon press
Americans in the guise of compassion. conference at the Los Angeles law offices
While diey conclude that, "marriage is a of riot_ed attorney Gloria Allured, Perry
lifetitjie union of one man and one said, "I have worked for this day and
womfu, according to the Bible, and may prayea for. this day for 35 years. Today,
b · · · · · · · our prayers were answered."
not cq~defin:ed," these so-called Bihlical · Perry also noted; "Monday's ruling is
literali~ts ignore the fact that marriage in a significant step but not a final step _
the l3ible _has been used to justify tO~?:fd ~arriage equality." The Superior
. , of,coricuhiries·iri. the case' of Couit'of. California will bold a review
. (Genesi;·l6t3);·~·excuse:f<i/ •.seisi6.ti~9n;~cb.30, and the order
extrav~t poly~y in the case of King.· enforcing the judge's ruling could be
Solomon (1 Kings H:1-3) apd as a issued aftpat time, It is also:widely
desperate, but infedor; 'alternative to 4ta1: state officials will appeal
burning in lustful celibacy in the case of . . . . . to the California Appeals
th
A:.. • Court or_ the. California Supreme Court .
.. e A'f:'o.stle Paul. (1 Cor•i. .n thians 7: 8). .· •• !'.The ru· ling by Judge Richard Kramer
. Their sd;iptui2Ligi:iorarice only . • • gives hope t<> .all. of us," said Petry,
undercuts tlieir.message: The ori.lything noting that the judge is both a Roman
you'll l~arn ab?ut mai:tfage fron;i .reading Catholic and a Republican
!:l!~~~~~~ir:t!th
~I~7d moon~~::a:n:d s~:r;t;~!: giant
rais~d in the Southern Baptist .church and leap' for mankind. This court victory is a
their. . . .. :i~-whit keeps small step for the GLBT community and
th~tn with eacli. · a giant leap for humankind. Let your
._ 'JJliey,will s b~( not hw;nanity be the example for others.
:will sti th~ dgai:ettc: .
. . . t don't. . ,think of setYing S_il!Ve Urie has been an activist for over
. ope of thetn wine. Their women can thirty years and is the pastor of the local
· we,~ tr1ake up and they can eat pork but · MCC, Spirit of Christ MCC in Joplin, MO.
Lo~;1'nows you cari}taccept that two
men:, or women can love each other.
They can ac:cept marrying concubines iri
the Bible or having multiple wives
because it was to procreate and multij?,le
the world'.s citizenry out they can't'
accept I might love my: partner ..
Apru 1 M.2.
SPRIN.l
Diversity w .. kend BOTH .. , ·•,·
1CQUN
& Gal coatutt
VALENTINE'S, Concertsarif oiler Ewra Qlver•lty BEARBI
CONTEST A BBQ LU#CH
www.DiversityPride.com
Page 20 Star Scene
. me's Wichita,
Kansas to our distribution area.
With· a vibrate g1ty community,
the people are not only goodlooking
but very friendly. You
will have a great time in Wichita.
Include this growing
city on the confluence of the
Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers in your nex.t travel plans!
Page 22
Quotable Quotes
"This is now the law of the land in
seven Canadian provinces and one
Canadian territory. This is a decision
taken bv our courts based on our
Charter, of Rights. This is a question of
equality .... The purpose of the Charter
of Rights is to protect minorities ...
against the oppression of the majority.
... One of the most damaging things, I
believe, to the Canadian concept of
equality and respect for each other
would be in fact if we allow the Charter
to be attacked."
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin
defending Canada's plans to legalize full
same-sex marriage nationwide, at a Jan.
17 press conference in India. Courts
already have legalized same-sex marriage
in eight of Canada's 13 provinces and
territories.
Diversity Festival
Eureka ncirs; AR
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR_ Eureka Pride
announces there 1st outdoor festival .event
to be held Saturday April, 2nd from 1 pm
to ????. The event will feature karaoke and
dance party, food and beer vendors, mot
readings, boat rides, archery, paint ball,
live entertainment and more. At 5pm the
stage will be set for "Drag Queens in
Heels" drag show.
A shuttle service will provide transportation
to the outdoor festival event for
those who prefer not to drive. Location is
about 10 minutes west of Eureka Springs
on Hwy 187. If your driving to the event,
just iook for the waving rainbow flags.
For more information visit:
www.eurekapride.com
Page 23
I Dee
"bar service" ...... !!!
What! a wonderful month 1brch was!
Not too much ·snow, not too cold and
evecyoO:e seemed to be a lot happier. I found
the bar scene ro .be much better and nof as
much bitdiirig around. the pool table. The
same ·oJa:pfople who always bitch still "always
bitch" but' that, is tliefr problem.. Why bitch
for the hell of it? 0nly bitch. about things that
you really liave control over. One thing that I
would re'ally:like,to bitch about however is
Bartenders!·'There·are a lot of great bartenders
and)rr"bsthi&tlidm· ue very friendly: Bur there are a some of them who are vecy obnoxious!
If they· don(t,'._like beiog·a bartender, why nor
lo.ok' fur•aootifa'ijobl ,.-1;,. bartender MBST, be a
"people'!\pett\dn:~ iBartcnders are NOT:the
owners :6{ the bar, they are merely employees
of the. t':li'.: ;l'.like• J:;air stylists or :iuiy other
~Ef!~=: had. never' .b~eii tt(Tulsa liefbre:. Thi!
bartende.t didri't'even: say "bi" to biro: · He- just
loo'ke'a' lifhiln n:nl:lf tJ:le. guy iold;liim wbat he
wanted tcickirik:, ·He'thin,put thedtink down
in front of hilii aaH 'ditln!f ~en tell ruin how
much it was. Tbefr Ther giving him liis change
the bartender·w.cnt= back over to the guys ·at
the end of the, bar thiit he was tlllkmg with and
completely ignored the new customer. · After
one drink the out. of town businessman left
the bar arid went to another bar. I happened
to see him later .in the evening at another bar
and scirted talking with him. He explained
how rude the bartender at the fust bar was so
he left after tlie first' tlrlnlt.' · At the secorid bar
that he went to he Sllld that the bartender was
very friendly, asked if he was new in town,
introduced him to a few of the guys in the bar
and:railfy IJU!de him feel right at home., He
stayed at that bar, for several drinks:. He~siud
that often when, lie· travels around on business
that most bllrtcllders ·are very rude. •. T couldn't'
expktln why that y.'liS• Seems to me that
bartenders shorild be the friendliest people in
town. When gays go to a n~ town whether
on business or if they, have just moved there or
only frequent a bar once in a while, ·the
bartender should go out of his way to be extra
'nice to everybody. Sadly to say but when a
gay person comes from out of town to Tuisa
or Oklahoma City or Springfield, or Joplin,
the first place that they go is to the gay bars.
If they are not friendly there, where will they
be fnendly? Bar owners are always bitching
about no business or not enough business. If
their bartenders were nicer, and friendlier to
the patrons, then they would stay in the bar
longer and drink and have fun. Doesn't this
make sense? But some bar owners and
bartenders would rather. bitch about no·
b~sin;ss and no tips and, then wonder whv
th~y don't :h~i ~ore b~siness. Oc~asion:illy I
go to .a stpight ,bar arid .the ~attenders are
always friendly! Why not in a gay bar?
· But, d1en you walk into other bars
and the bartender greets you by name,
asks how your day has been and is real
upbeat. That is the way it SHOULD be!
M~.tig it a very pleasant experience for
everyone should be the goal of all bars
and bartenders. Luckily for me I look
over 21 so I am rarely .asked for my ID
but some bartenders and door people are
downright rude when they ask to see
ID's. I knpw that legally they need to
check everyone but they could at,Ieast be
nice about it.
I love the bars in Oklahoma and get
to Springfield and Joplin sometimes on
weekends. But sometimes the attitudes
of the bartenders turn me off so much
that I just walk out and go to another bar
whei~ they· are· friendly·; They should
not !:>ring thei; problems to them at
work. If they don't. like. their jobs, then
quit and find another job that suits them
better. -Why should customers have to
put up with their bitching and problems.
One of the worst .thirigs a bartender can
do· is bad mouth the bar. owiler which
has happineil several times.
Luckily for me I usually go to the
bars with a group of friends and we carry
on,our own co~crsatian,but when we
see someone come inCthat we don't know
we like · to introduce ourselves fo them.
Whether they aie new:in town, just
· tri~ved here or iust came out, it is alwavs
' ru~e fo meet n~w. peopl~. Going out tb
the bars SHOULD be a fun experience!
Pa~e24
lesoiat?prcs; fut Hi . .· · ·.
years. Slie serv~a for tlii:e'e :f~iis as•
tli{'co~cliair of ttie Boaret:'Bf ·. ·.
dir~~tors bfNei York' City's
Lesbian,. Gay, Bis~xfral; iha
Tr:liisg6~a~r ·co'rti'μittiii#· Center,·
whei:~ she founded a . . . ' .
grp\iodbt~:iking · ·
called ·«Jo Our
by ;E'aiita .fy{artinac
APruFzoos
Beltway
ie
. Our two most prominent national :f,GBT
organizations· recently• announced changes·
· that, on the surface, may seem like. business as
· usual. But;, in fact; tliese shifts could have a big
impact on the course of o:ur, movement ...
. First,· die National;G:ay and Le!!bian!Task
Force created a new Department of Public
Policy & Governmental,Affairs, whicb:will
lobby me.mbers of C?»gr~ss,;and government
agencies for LGBT rigllts ublic: ,; .
~tatement. ab'out,the. P.CW: • .
one that,o
Then;.
Campaign. die~ odth
l press attent;oh for th
announcenienti.of its .
HRC's neW:~h~ad will
___ ...;.. _ _.;. __ ..,;_;.;;._..,;..,;_,.. ;.._..,;_.;,,1 b:ian wh
of EMIEY's List; a: grcnip that help's ·pro-choic
office; . • : ,. . . . . . .
What struck:. nic about these two ant\ounce&.inti ..
inodifkations for the two gtouj:>s,,which - espedf:illy in
been. at odds poU!=ically and ideologicallv, not to tilt.titi
NGLTF,.i~Rresenting die more,progressive:wing,of out movement;,~ fot
many .. Y.e:lrS. 9cc11pif:d a b~.ck. sea.t in' ~l!:.shingtoni,gay pblltic~,,~~rkirlg!:mbre at the
state anc:l}ocal ky-els OD; aμttgay initiatives · , to Hit€. As
a result, :we'veJiaa oasically one vision .of IB.~@'11,V .; : .
ind.it's a yisigij. · ·. · f us hav[f6und,too: centrist. Ind~ed;<thete\was aJ~t. ~f
talk after .Cneryl .the post at HRC that she was forced,,out for.
m~kinit,.the. oiganizittfon foo y Democl::atic,.while uoder:,heti ;predecessor.,
Elizabeth B1rchtthe ,a· more. '.\pragg:,.atic/'., .bipartisancfaqe. . .
.Now. iitepsito have a m1;1ch-l01;1de.n iY<:>ia~,in Washington. The
grollp .has . 1.,IDJ!J9bbying • team,thal include~, lUlloi;ig others,•
El~angr C:lintoJ?. ll<lministration of;iciaj.< and, intdguingly, .
Am~er t,ac.tiv.ist ~.pq ?as long,p~e~.iavohrcd·in. AI:DS organizing
an.cl. ga! .. '~ .also ,a (oi:thnght s~eaker on queer sexuality; her essay
fp~s ~s:,A Queer GttLE>reaming Her0Way Home;.
pro · over well' with many. Republican - · an:d I:>emocratic -
!aw ., . ·.• . . . ..
· At the s~nre time; HR:<£ seems to'b~ ripping a page. from NGL'fF's playbook and
~ass:ssi!fg the• im~o~cc ,e>floc:tl LGBT organizing, After till, as our • • · · · ·
oest-tanded orga:ntzattQn, l:£8.(i took most of the biame whcn,11
ameodri:,;ents . . . . . . ~; bu.ring his first we~k:on the
So~~esc: ,sa . . · i::f9SS-countty tour. to talk. to.
le;ade.i:s 1and offiq~~ ''I've. time in the last 10. years,~ "
~ol.l;Ilo.ntse .has $!Jlted .. Hi~ . list was i:o ''.go out acrotisF.
10 tt,le cf.fort to lielp wo~n j~ef . _ . ·
J_::~oin what I've read aodiit hitn~ Soimonese seems to suit .his 11ew. employer to a
T. He·s someone who pleases Republicans and Democrats alike, ·as C'."'1:ideooed by the
glowing bipartisan praise he's alffaoy picked up. But also, duritig the 2004 election,
l ~
1
i
I
Page 25
Lesbian Notions . ...
he made a difficult, some would say
"pragmatic" move - EMILY's List funded
a Democratic pro-choice woman who
was also in favor of passing the rabidly
antigay Federal Marriage Amendment.
While Solmonese argues he was just
upholding his organization's mission, the
move raised t.h.e ire of many of us who
believe political and social movements
should stick together, not sell each other
out.
It will be interesting to see how the
sometime-rival NGLTF and HRC adjust
to each other's turf. In quintessential
NGLTF style, executive director Matt
Foreman has already put forth his belief
that there is plenty of room for
"multiple voices" on Capitol Hill. In
contrast, Solmonese told The Advocate
that "we've got to come together and
make sure .. :we share a common vision."
You can probably tell that I'm a bigger
fan of NGLTF than of HRC.
Personally, I don't think any social
movement can have a "common vision,"
unless it's a false one that's only the
vision of the most vocal and powerful
among us.
But actually, I'm optimistic about
both these changes in our two top
groups. NGLTF has a lot to offer in the
realm of federal lobbying, most notably
a view of the LGBT community as
bound up with other social-justice
movements in an effort to bring about
positive change for many different kinds
of people. Indeed, the group's penchant
for coalition-building has always been its
strong suit.
And HRC takes into America's
heartland its reputation for holding the
middle course - which will appeal to
straight community and religious leaders
who don't really understand what this
"gay rights stuff' is about but who may
be swayed by the stories of and faces
individuals. And Solmonese avers that
"increasing our presence and visibility
across America will be a top priority of
my tenure" - a vaiuabie goal to bring to
the gay-activism table.
Little Black Book fron page 7
Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau
(409-763-6564 or 888/GAL-ISLE,
www.galveston.com). Garza's Kon Tiki (315
23rd St., 409-765-5805). Hotel Galvez (2024
Seawall Blvd., 409-765-7721 or 800-
WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com). Java
213 (213 23rd St, 409-762-JAVA). Mermaid
& Dolphfu Resort (1103 33rd St., 409-762-
1561 or 888-922-1866,
www.mermaidanddolphin.com). Moody
Gardens (1 Hope Blvd., 800-582-4673,
www.moodygardens.com). Mosquito Cafe
(628 14th St., 409-763-1010). Paradise Guest
House (2317 Ave. P, 409-762-6677,
www.galveston.com/paradise). Playa de Loro
(Pirates Beach Center, off Hwy. 3005, 409-
737-4600). Ramada Galveston (2300 Seawall
Blvd., 409-762-1166 or 800-272-6232,
www.ramada.com). Robert's Lafitte (2501
Ave. Q, 409-765-9092). Stiarbucks (102 22nd
St., 409~621-2577). Third Coast Bar (904 Ave.
M, 409-765-6911). Tremont House (2300 Ship
Mechanic's Row, 409-763-0300 or 800-
WYNDHAM, www.wyndham.com).
Undercurrent (3102 Seawall Blvd., 409-750-
8571). Willie G's (21st North Street Pier 21,
409~762-3030). Yaga's Cafe (2314 The Strand,
409-762-6676).
Dear uncle Mikey
Ask Uncle Mikey
Advice Column!
APRIL 2005
Uncle here once more bringing you a
. different view of all things queer. This week
· your old uncle has done his best to stay'warm.
]t is as If this winter is lik.e a queen crowing
another queen, it just does not want to let go.
• Uncle was able to manage however, with the
. help of a couple of hot studs to keep me warm.
· · ,~ Never underestimate the power of lust kittens.
This month we find ourselves pondering
llfes missed chances and the lesson learned in
hindsight.
I was in a relationship with my boyfriend for two years. I knew I loved him however
foun~ mysel_f wanting to e~periment and be somewhat free to enjoy other ~en. My
b<:>yfriend tne? to make ~gs work,_howevcr, felt that the relationship was ended
with my straying ways. I s10ce. have become disenchanted with the Twinldes around
me, and realize~ ·what I had with him. I have tried evetything I know to get him
bac~ to no avail. Now, I am at a !oss wondering if I have lost the man I was meant
to be with. What can I do? '
Missing him
Dearest Missing,
Uncle was most touched by your letter. It sounds as if you have learned one of lifes
most unrealized lessons. It is always what we do not have, which drives our desires.
Once obtained, we usuajJ.y realize we, already had. what A was. we sought in out
deepest desires: U nfotgiv;ably, . this. i~ .a l~sson whlcii • bfi~ wi~ it .the ·reality of lost
chances. It SOll!lds l!t o.fhcl:.li#fhas iiloved'.on; arid. :that yoti should do the
~ame. Realize your .. ~ arid'.uiiliie, this in die futi:lte: If this lo'9'e was meant to be,
it shall conic back to you, how#cr, be prepared that this just may not be the case.
Good luck-Uncle Mikey
Kittens, it is tb,e prison of our own design. Desires unrealized, as the cake always
seems sweeter. 1!om the other plate. It is mans folly to want the thing they do not
have, not rcaliz111g they already have what substance in their own kitchen. Be careful
of what you wish for; for the wish .itself may not be the truest desire of the dreamer.
Dear Uncle MiJ[ey::
I recently met the. acqpaiiit;aacc of a n:ian which is ol>'riously in doubt of his sexualitv.
He attempts to run from. Jps o..m self.: denying his scxuility; while acting .like a big ,
old butch. I _am ~<>st ll'tttacte'.l to this man and want to help him except himself I
attempt to gtve hitn leads which, he either does not except or pick up on. How can I
help this man come out already?
Getting real
Dearest Real,
F~t off lets get real. Is it. the &<;t that. you want to help him, or yourself to his
delights? You cannot tjish s6me~n~ into coming out lcittep,. just because .you arc
h~ving ~ 9.11 in your pants. ~au cotdf seriously burn 'lllly.·· qiances you may have
with this young one, if you insist on pu!ihing them he(orc ihev are readv to reveal:
the pos_sibility that they play. for our team. If you re.ally waiit to hdp this souI,>th~
allow him to come at his own rate .. Support while letting him know he has a· good
Page27
friend, which will be excepting of him.
Patience is a virtue dearest one.
Smooches Unde-Unde
Uncle Mikey once attempted to help
someone come out as well. I guess it was just
too much for the poor dC2C. He ran like he
was running through a white sale. It is not
always easy when someone is attempting to
come out. There are many variables during
the coming out process. While, we may see it
as the obvious choice, it remains a struggle
for some. 'The best thing another can do, is
just be supportive through the process.
Dear Uncle:
I have a friend who is such a queen, he puts
most to shame. He is a one man. parade, as his
is lllways wallcirig around with · buttons,
stickers, and colon running off of him for the
world to sec. He makes issues out of
everything. I get somewhat embarrassed
when we arc in public, as he openly
challenges everyone he secs as a threat to his
pride parade. How can I tell him he needs to
tone.it down; so that I can be more
comfortable while in his ·presence? It is not
that I do not care about issues, I just do not
sec the need to constantly lead the parade.
Ashamed
Dearest Kitten,
It is not your friend which has the issue, it is
yourself you need to look to here. It is the
prideful advocates which live in this manor,
which make it possible, for the continuing
education of. society at large, on our issues.
Maybe you need to hear his voice a little
more, and realize it is you who has an issues
.with being your self openly. Do not charge
your friend with a wrong, when he is simply
proud of himself and his community. Allow
bis force to shine in your life.
Smooches-Uncle
It is that time again Kittens. So remember "
you venture out again in that wonderful
drama of life- It is the one which truly
excepts themselves which will be aJ:,k to
except others.
Smooches Uncle Mikey and Tiddles too.
Unck Mikey is 11. ~ from Freeuin~ ftlriUr
A6chul Hinvrun. Michrid has been fliritingfor tm
~rs. Utiiizing his stlldies, ,nd lffe apmen« w J,e.'p
othen in his comm,mity, thro,tgb b,111ior ,md so#nd
""'1itt. K,d,i,eJ ~ his stlldy of psyd,ol.ogy """
cm,tiw writing, lfS wdl bis extmsifle bwdtgro#nd in
mtnt11.l be.ihh Direct OtTI! to bring" ,_ st:,le """
"l'fT04d, to bdping others. ~'s other fllOri!s o,n
be fliewea at -.f"]linltcontent.com.
May Day, May Da
''They don't just want marriage.
They want to destroy marriage
and the family, as we know it."
-----Doctor James Dobson, Focus on the .
Family
SOULFORCE LEADS DIRECT
ACTION TO CONFRONT FOCUS
ON .THE FAMILY AND JAMES
DOBSON, SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2005 IN
COLORADO SPRINGS.
STIGLER; OK_Soulforce in Oklahoma
planning to confront the anti-gay
rhetoric.. of James Dobson and Focus on
the Family.
"Out goal is to have enough people in
Colorado Springs to be able to surround
Focus. on tlie Family. That would take
1600 people! Our goal in Oklahoma is
for 20 ~~ to. go. It. is only a 12 hour
drive. Pl~se consider going and invite
your ~ends. There is still plenty of time
to register for this action. We are also
asking for donations. to help with the
travel expense. There arc qtiite a few
young people going that need
assistance." :...from Karen W cldin,
Soulforcc in Oklahoma.
Tax deductible donations should be
made out to Soulforce in Oklahoma and
mailed to:
Soulforce in Oklahoma
Rt. 4, Box 3534
Stigler, OK 74462
For more information email Karen at
Karen@soulforceinoldahoma-org or visit
the Soulforce web site ·
www.~()ulfo~cc.org ·and/or
www.DearDrDobson.com and read
more about the action and then register
. at www.soulforce.org. If you register online,
you should notify Karen you are
going. Karen@soulforceinoklahoma.org
Page 28
Deep Inside
Hollywood
by:Romeo San
Vicente
APRIL 2005
Someone Filmed His
Life Tonight_
Romeo's favorite wardrobe-malfunction
accomplice, Justin Timberlake, is about
to get his name over the title for the first
time in his budding movie career. The
pop star will play Elton John in a feature
about the queer music legend's life.
Handpicked by Sir Reginald himself,
Timberlake's already stuck his own hand
in the script - the first draft was
apparently too light on both tantrums
and tiaras - and demanded that the film
not sanitize the wild lifestyle John ied in
the 1970s and '80s. Timbetlake's played
John twice in music videos, so he's had
som~ practice itμpersonating his hero.
Now it's up. to the dialect coaches. The
film is expected to start shooting later
this year for a planned 2006 release. No
other actors are attached yet, but Romeo
hears the competition is fierce in the Kiki
Dee casting sessions.
Rupert Everett Straightens Up
Forget the overused lesbian kiss plotline
as a May sweeps ratings-grabber.
Toe hot homo move this May is casting
openly gay actors in straight roles. _Boston
Legal_, the show that gives _ Will & Grace_
some stiff competition in the guest-star "get''
departmem and which has already seen
Freddie Prinze Jr., Dana Delany, Carl Reiner,
Shelly Long, Kerry Washington, and Al
Sharpton pass through its halls of justice this
season is about to host Rupert Everett. In
his first stateside network prime.-time drama,
the queer Brit will appear in at: least three
May episodes of the lawyer-centric series,
playing slick civil litigator· Malcoltt;1, Holmes.
His hetero character will go head \b head in
court against ex-girlfriend Tara· (_Legal_
regular Rhona Mitra), so expect oJd.romantic
complaints to . be re-examined iri ~J'6urt.
_Suckers_ for Mad~nna .qefying the
idea that she; mixes with movies: like oH with
water;, Madonna has two new big-sqreen
projects on track. In the first .one, _Hello,
Suckers_ (which she'll co-produce with
_Aviator_ director Martin ~cor,scse),
Madonna plays Texas Guin~, .the ~eal-life
star of silent-movie Westerns .who also ran a
New York speakeasy whe.re she greeted her
customers with the title line. Meanwhile, a
follow-up to _Truth or Dare_ is set to debut
at the Cannes Film Fe.stival in May. Directed
by Jonas Ackerlund (.:,Spun_), the st$untit!
ed documentary follows the singer on
her 2004 Reinvention Tour and is said to lay
to rest rumors about Her Madgesty's life, as
well as explain her devotion to Kuibalah.
That's good news, because Romeo still can't
figure it out.
Jenni Olson's _Joy_San Francisco's Jenni
Olson is a critic, film archivist (her _Homo
Promo_ collection of vintage queer movie
trailers was recently released on DVD), and
now a feature direcror. Her debut, _The Joy
of Life_, recently screened at the Sundance
Film Festival and has just been acquired by
Frameline for North American distribution.
_Joy_ joins two tales of the city - one the
story of a butch lesbian's search for love in
San Francisco, and the other a history of the
Golden Gate Bridge as a location for
countless suicides - in an experimental
examination on the search for both life's
meaning and its end. The film will screen at
the San Francisco International Film Festival
in May and receive art-house distribution
iater in the year. Expect it also to stir more
hometown dialogue over the need for an .
effective jumping barrier on the Golden Gate.
_Romeo San Vicente has sampkd lots of San
Fr,mr:isco 's trt'4ts.
Costly Discriniliiation
Since the policy went into effect,
· approximately 10,000 service members
have been discharged. Of those who left,
757 held critical jobs for which the
Pentagon offers re-enlistment bonuses
because. of their specialized nature, such
as data processing technicians and
translators. Many who were discharged
• .had in,,t~nCC,:-related jobs. 322 spoke
. foreign hllguages, including Arabic,
Farsi; Ko:i~an, .and Mandarin, which the
Pen~qn: has called critical skills amid
thica~ "ft6m terrorists.
"' research has found and
confirmed is that 'Don't
· .;Do~i '.Fell' harms military
. ;:.:~s's1'' tild Aaron Belkin, director of
· · · Sexual
the
ta Barbara.
, Democratic
assachusetts,
study, and is
. the House
~!l}!Illttee on.
· onal Thteats and
. . . , ced0 t,he ¥ilifary
Readin;es~ . . . ... i.Act {MREA)
before the HO\llle of Repre~cntlltive.
MREA is. a ptc>posal that would end the
bari on gay aii~ leabiah military ·
persorinet The: legisllltion has. lllore that1
forty. Cob.gi:essional co:.,spotlsors,
It couid be argued that _discrimination itl~luding s~cri_gn the House Armed
is always costly in any form. The loss of .· · Services Cqi#mittee.
self-esteem, security, and basic .human . , In respon11e, a group of retired
rights at the hands of bigotry.is · · . niilitary generals -and. admirals today .
incalculable. For once, however; the announced their support for the !(ct. The
price of prejudice just might work· in our officers are amorig the. bighcst-'ranking
favor. yetemns to publicly support repeal of the
A study released recently by $,e · rnij!tary's gay ban.. ·
General Accountability Office (<.it'AO), ll. '\ :- '"Our,nationa:l security depends on
non-partisan congress· · ·'' '' having :the best and brlglitcst Americans
agency, reported that . Don't . · · · · · .our freedoms;' said Brigadier
Tell" has cost the us govemmerit nearly . Foote, OQe of the first women to
$200 million dollars since President achi~e ,that rank. "As . a commander, I
Clinton institutecl the conticrv~isial know: that 'lesbian; gay and.bisi:iua:i
policy in 1994. It allowed giys ancf Atnciicans have se~ed ou_r country with
lesbians to serve in tiie armed forces as honor aod distinction. Our ·armccl. forces
iong as they abstained from homosexual should be able to recruit eve'.ry qwuified,
activitv and did not disclose their sciiiai capa.ble American to .protect our
orien~tion. Revealing their sexual · · homeland, regardless of their sexual
orientation would result in expulsi,on. odentation. 'Don't ,Ask, Don't Tell' is
The $200 million cost estin;uuc did.· not , not. oply unnecess!lry and. disctiixtinatory,
include training and replacement for it is ~so detrimental to our milihuy
officers or those with J:ugN.y ~P:C~ze9 readiness. The law does not meet the
skills or the cost of· discharging the gay chmmtiii sense nile' our aiilitaxy. sholild.
and lesbian officers. abide by;''
contin#ed page-32
P.:gc: 30
nF
21
1109 E. Commercial, Springfield, MO 417.873.2225
www.HearTheRumors.com
A.rrow, OK 74012
pas-n-suoh.com
Point:
with this
· 4/30/05
8-258-SPAS (7727) .
,ad prior to purchase.
Thurs, Fri 6 Sat 10-5
. ha &cit (71st St) turn
.
oliet Just before the
Xprswy, bctwccn Lyn11
Dlrectty behllld La Petite
he street from Anchor
PageJ2 . . .. . ..
H&1rt to]it!ft:rtfrom pg-29
. The United St:ates continues to be one· of
the as . . . . . cciuntries to ban
currept debate · in a similar light; realizing
: that notlring has been. lost or sacrificed
by the. majority in extending full rights
to .the minority."
gays ·... . .. . . Sini:e ."Qou't .
4sk; I),<>n't:T.ell'' was implcn:ien~d;
Grca . .
thci;.
.ch
la .
19
gro ..
people we
the mill··
counity, · '
designate• -~~:,. ';/',, , , ; , , '- 1 ,
· Of course, there are other costs to
."Don't Ask, Don't Tell"-,-costs that can't
· qe tallied ~th a dollar sig,;i.) have a
ft:i,e!ld in the military. In. fact, he was my
first botfriend. We'v:e:remained close
.. . ' ~ when he tbld me
· .. :plans to enlist; . I• thought he
··wai #It.')l'as·something,he really
~~d to do; however, so of course I
. · supported him. He thoughtit ~ould be
• . ~~irly:: c,asy hiding his orient:l,tiOn since
he's very ·masculine. •
: .:: .. A(~t:, lie .. ~ few problero.s: .He
lov:cd ·hiil chosen brimch of semce and
. e~fwea, : moving up. tfr rank.
Sfowfy, 'h er: tlie :strain of constantly
·.·liiy,ing to hide #}19 he was be~ to wear
op)i!rh .. Then. di_s:S..ster struck; ljis
. ;dlitj.qn~hip of tbiee years ci;uinbled
. linexpectedly ancl he was left devastated.
To. make mlU:t:ets WO . . . . . ·. act as
'.' ~ ·"' ,
,, ·,· •, ··,:
fes/14,~w,pjs, .i:ewntj-1Qmahi1jg drti,st:411tbor, 1ll4S
~ .. ,w Jwt4 on t/,eUSlfflJ S/Jore gf ¥i-ry14nd ,nd
li'f/l!sd#,-e flliih his husb,md, ]o1h A~ is" Litin
. ~w,,n nwning "bla&sbe,p. "Hews n.m,:d the
Nit Wbodtmit of 2002 by th!! StotU':'IN!i Sc~ty,
· Jil«;if #g He.srts hiiisrm bis ./Jnt book in the Killi,,n
Kauull m,stery smes. .
Page 33
Seo es
by Jack Fertig
APRIL 2005
''listen politely, V~!" ------------·-· Admitting, confusion and ignorlltlce is
the first step to enlightenment. Mercury
retrograde is aspecting Mars in Aquarius
and Uranus in Pisces .. Sudden snafus can
set off th~ sort of confusion that· can
lea~ to illumination.
AIUES (March 21 to April 20): Just when
all looks good with your · pals, a
paranoid little bug is asking· who your
mends really are. Recent sliglits can
prob~ be chalked up t6 si;nplc
human failure. The real question is,
how faithful a friend ~ you?
TAURUS (April 21 to M,;y.20): Your
carcet secins ·~ be goc>ing great guns
now. Still, some douli~ (Taurus? Toi?)
about your iong-term aims.· are •
complicating the picture. Much as you
hate doub~ anything, take this· as an
opportunity to rethink now and make
better plans later.
GμIINI (May 21 to June 21): Your mste
for -adventure can lead you. into fun and
games that arc better left private. y OU
go, horleyl Just be. ca.reful if you ~y
want priyac:J.- Whether your. reputatic:>n
~ a lm,oc.k o~ gets a boost piay be
subjective, but yo_u will be talked aboμtl
CANCEll 0une 22 to July 22): P.rivatcc
matters with your part,ner may· not. be
so private. Sure, you need to t:alk dijngs
out with a friend, hut be carcfull If you
want real help keeping or finding a
relationship, listen in particular to the
advice you don't want to hear.
LEO 0uly 23 to August 22); Anything that
loob, ~s, or smells like an office
flirtation should be avoided. right ii.ow.
It will coQlC · back to bite you on· the ass
- and not in a nice way! An appar1=0.t .
setback in a telatlon1hip could actaally
unblock a problem, aiding in a solution
later.
VDlGO (A-aguat 23 to Sq,tember 22): Even
in simple conversations, something's
sure to be misunderstood, and yet such .
a snafu could lead to new opportunities
to improve cooperative efforts at work.
In more formal negotilitions · or co_ntracts,
however, disaster waits - and so should
you! Listen politely, bμt don't follow
advice you get at. the gym.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 21):
Housecleaning reveals hidden
treasures that in tum provide a new
creative direction. Anything from
finger paints to thumbscrews can
revive old interests and lead to new
and very interesting levels of
enjoyment.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21):
Your playful overtures are likely to be
misinterpreted, causing some trouble,
but it's noi:hing you can't handle.
Keeping your fun and games on the
home court will shed interesting
insights on your family situation.
SAGITI'ARIUS (November 22 to
December 20): We all have domestic
. squabbles here and there, but yours
here and now offer more depth of
possibility. than usual Take all
argumerits at face value, but listen for
hidden subtexts, especially about
money.
CAPRICORN (December 21 · to Janwry
19): Cool your jets, guard your current
tendency to capricious impulse, and
watch your words carefully.
Mlsstatemcnts can prove expensive!
Slow 11,nd careful is your usual mode,
and ~11 a good time to stick to that.
S Oanuaty 20. to February 18):
· an ei;pecially bad
small) financial
revetSal can open up some profound
personal ifisights. Getting angry with
. ypurself in the process could be
liberating. if you learn from the anger
and kt go of it
PISCES (Febnw:y 19 to MArch 19): Being
unsμic of voμrsclf can open up a
prqccss o( self-analysis that· provides
grca~ enlightenment in the long run.
Stay close to friends you can trust to
call yo;o on your b.s. Friendly
aignmcrits will get you closer to the
truth.
JMie Fertig bas been u,or/eing "5 a
-profos,sumal 4StTOk,gt:r since 1977 and is a
fo#ndi.ng mimber of tlR: .Association for
Astro/ogial Net'U10rking:_
Page 35
Canada from pg-13
We're proud because it proclaims to all that
see us that we did our duty as a citizen of this
gteat land. You should be proud of voting,
and never allow anyone to say that your vote
does not count. We saw that to be false four
years ago in Florida and are seeing it again
now in Washington state where, out of the
2.8 million votes cast, the election for
Governor came down to only 129 votes.
And while voting is the most important thing
you can do in the political process, it is also
the least that you can do. It is when we as a
people recognize this point that equality
issues will begin to move forward.
We as a community must also understand
the importance of money in regards to
campaigns. Consider this: To run for a
statewide office in Missouri (U.S. Senate,
Governor, etc), one needs to spend anywhere
from $8 - $12 million dollars; Even to run for
State Representative, an office that is
unfortunately ovedooked all too often, one
could need as much as $100,000. We must do
a better job in financially assisting pro-LGBT
candidates for office, and those candidates
must know that the money is coming from
our community. One of the ways of
accomplishing this is to make your
contribution to a candidate during a
fundraiser hosted by an LGBT political
organization. The candidate can then walk
out and know exactly how much money he/
she has received from us. The other is to
donate your money directly to one of our
many local political organizations. Many
area LGBT political organizations a.re set up
in a fashion that they can receive money and
spend it directly on behalf of an endorsed
candidate (ex. PROMO PAC or HRC PAC).
1bis allows the leaders of these organizations
to know how much money they spent on the
candidate and serves as a lobbying tool once
in office. It also allows the organizations to
support friendly candidates in rural areas,
where membership in our org:i.nizationa a.re
low.
Lastly, we as a community have to
become more directly involved in the
individual campaigns. We must get up from
the bar ... show up to the dinner party a little
later ... Tivo £fill & Graa if you have
to ... whatever it takes, and go volunteer. We
have to help stuff the envelopes, make the
phone calls to registered votcn, and yes, we
must knock on doors in support of our
candidates. This tends to be the pan of
campaigning that all people like the least.
It also happens to be the most effective,
especially in the close races. Studies show
that in neighborhoods where candidates and
volunteers knock on doors, voter turnout
increases by as. inuch as twelve percent. In
close elections that is the difference in the
outcome.
CONTROLING OUR OWN
DESTINY What went \v'rong in this past
election? Why did so many progressive
candidates and causes get beaten so soundly?
Those are questions that will be asked for
many years to come. But we, the LGBT
community, must look .within ourselves to
understand what we did right,• and what we
did wrong. We must come to the
understanding that if we want our issues to
advance, we must do what it takes in order to
have the right people in office to advance that
cause for us.
Justified or not, our issues are very
difficult for many legislators to support. The
fear of backlash during the election cycle
prevents our legislative agenda from
advancing. Therefore, we must begin
strengthening our campaigning muscles.
Because our issues are perceived as so
controversial, voting in similar numbers to
the rest of the country is not good enough.
Financial contributions made to campaigns at
the same level other communities contribute
just is not good enough. And volunteering
with similar numbers as everyone else just
will not be enough. If we truly believe in our
issues ... if we truly believe in marriage
equality, in employment protections, in the
right of an LGBT student to feel safe in
school, then we have to start doing to things
necessary to put good legislators in office.
Until we do, we have no one to blame but
ourselves.
The beauty of this situiuion is, we do in
fact control our own destiny. We have truth
and history on our side. Our opponents only
have deception and a few last moments in the
sun. We know who we are and that we are
deserving of all the same rights that every
other proud American enjoys. And with our
hard work and focus, history shows us that
we will succeed. The ehallenge is this:
getting each and every member of our
community committed to making a
differ~nce during the next big election. Mark
your calendars now for November 6, 2006!1
Page36 Four States Community Directory
-Bars- Nightclubs-
Arkansas, Fayetteville (479)
Studio 716- -716 W. Sycamore- - - - 479-571-130
Arkansas, Fort Smith (479)
Kink.cads- 1004 1/2 Gurison Ave- - -479-783-9988
Club 1022 -1022 Dodson Ave. - - - -479-782-1845
Arkaasas, Hot Springs (501)
Club One Eleven- - 111 Garden St- - - - -620-4111
Our House Lounge - 660 E. Gnind Ave- -624-6868
Arkansas, Little Rock (501)
Back Street - - - -1021 Jes11ie Rd- -- - - 501-66+2744
Di5covery- - - 1021 Jessie Rd- - - - - - 501-666-6900
The Factory - -412 Louisiana St.- - - - -501-372-3070
Kaa1a1, Wichita (316)
]'11 Lounge - • - - - 513 E. Central - - - 316-262-1363
Our Fanwy- - - - 3201 S. Hillside- - -316-682-5494
The Comer- -- • - 3210 E. Osie - - - - - 316-682-9781
The Otherside- -447 N. St Francis- - 316-262-7825
Shatai - - - • - - - 4000 S. Broadway- 316-522--2028
Side Street - - -1106 S. Pattie- - -316-267-1l324
South 40 - - - - 3201 S. H.i&ide - - -316-682-5494
Trends Bar - - - -1507 S. Pawnee- - - 316-262-4530
Mls11ouri, Joplin (417)
Ree's-••• 716 S. Main•• - - - - -417-627-9035
Mhsouri, Kansas City (816)
Buddies - - • • - 3715 Main St- - - - 816-561-2600
Belle Stllr'11- - - - 1321 Grand 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
SidestreetBar- - --413 E. 3rd- - - - 816-531-1775
Sidelcicks Saloon - - 3707 Main St- - 816- 931-1430
Ml11ouri, Springfield (417)
The Edge- -424 Boonville Ave- - - - --417-831-4700
Liquors & Kickers- -1109 E. Commercial-873-2225
Martha'• Vineyard- 219 W Olive - -417-864-4572
Oz Bar• 50.J E. Commercial - - - - . -417-831-9001
Ronisw: Place- - --821 College- - - - - - -417-86-4-0036
Rumon • --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 405.941.2351
Copa- - • - - - - -2200 NW 39th Expwy- -405-525-0730
Finish Line - -2200 NW 39th fupwy- - 405-525-0730
Hi-Lo Oub - - 1221 NW 50th0 ~ - -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 Roclcies- -3201 N. t.t:ay Ave 405-947-9361
Topaoga Grill &: Bar- 35351'.'W 39th--405-947-2351
Oklahoma, Tulsa (918)
Bamboo Lounge- 720.J E. Pinc - - •- 918-836-8700
Club Maverick• • 822 S. Sheridan • 918-835-3301
End Up Club- - - 424 S. Memorial- 918-836-2480
Detour- - - - -7944 E. 21st - - - - - - - 918-660-7878
Club Majestic- - 124 N. Boston - - - 918-584-9494
Renegades- - - - 1649 S. Main - - - - - - - 918-585-3405
Play-Mor-Club- - 1737 S. Memorial - 918-838-9792
Tulsa Eagle- - - -1338 E. 3rd - - ••• 918-592-1188
TNT's - • • - 2114 S. Memorial- - - - 918-660-0856
Yellow-Bride-Rd- - -2630 E. 15th- - 918-293-0304
-Restaurants-
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (405)
Gushers Restaunnt-2200 NW 39Exp405-525-0730
lngrids Kitchen- -3701 N.Youngs- -405-946-8444
Topanga Grill & Bar- 3535 NW 39th--405-947-2351
-Lodging-
Missouri, Joplin (417)
Fairfield Inn by Marriott- - - - - 417-624-7800
Missouri, Ava
Catus Canyon Campground- - - - -417-683-9199
Missouri, 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
-Organizations-:Arkansas,
Avoca
Natural State Naturists- - - - - - - - - -479-451-8066
Arkansas, Eureka Springs
MCC living 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 - -1 lAM
PSU-QSA.- 1701 S. Broadway- - - - 620-231-0938
Kansas, Wichita (316)
HOA-Men, Chorus - 316-618-0684
Missouri.Joplin (417)
MCC Spirit of Christ-2902 E 20th, - - - - 6pm
UCCFF--204 N.Jackson-Ave, -10:30A.M
Aids Pro;ect Ozarks- 5i3 Kentucky- 4; 7-624-5788
MGRA- - - - - - www.mgra.us
j
.I
l
Page37
Missouri, Sprie&fieJd (417)
R..inbow Christian Ch-837 W. Madison- 866-6206
lJnitllian Universalist Church - - - - 417-833-272~
APO- - - - 1901 E. Benne~ suite D- - 417-881-1900
ShowMe MO Pride - - - - - - - - - - --417-864-4459
GLO Comm. Ctr- -518 E. Com~erical- -869-3978
PFLAG-Springficld- - 0 - - - -417-889-1059
'PROMO SW MO- promoswmo@)hotmail.com
Oklahoma, Oldah~nia City (405)
Cathedral of Hope- - 600 ?\IW 13th&- - 232-HOPE
The Center- - 2135 NW 39th St. -· - 405-524-6000
NI.A-Tribal Fire • • - - . C :. ww'w .trlhalfireokc.com
OGRA- - - - - - - - - - - - :·:;v'w.w.£i~~dco.com
"": ;:..
Oklahoma; .
McPride- --.- - cPOBox 15is; OK 74502·
~~~.,,~~ T~~:(?l.~)._.
GIBT Comm. Ctr- -5545 E. 41st- - - - 918-743-4297
,, , • ,~. ·,•,✓~~;,· , -~·•·.;:~r,•,, ~''t' ·••''. ,,,, .. :;,. -:
H.O.P.E. ~ - - - ""'2545 S. Yale-.~- - - .91.8'83~8378
M;CC United- -1623 N. Mapl=-_Ood-.-918}8.i~:V15
SSRA a·· • · · · · .:: • www.soonerstaterodco~~om
TORR- - - - :::: _ ~:PO:Box 2687,·Tu!sa,'.ok 74101
Tulsa .C.ARJ:lS{ ::3507 E. ·Admital· Pl0 - 918:8344194
Tulsa 'ltougi:i ~§ei:s-, -www.t\)}s~e>ug!lrid~I~-co,m
..... \Bd~iness Services: .
. . ~h~.~~ Eureb Sprfugs
Qi;enitYPn~ E~enb~ -~.divenifypride.com
~de; ..:_ ~ - - .
Kansas, Wichita
·TotalM~e-..... Kenn-· - • •·. 31~204-0111
',,:, ~ .... ;;. .·"
., .. ,;:,.,/Missouri, Eure~.-
Shclter Irimmic~- -Greg Tainter- 636-938-5500
. Missouri, Joplin (417)
Charles Bul.1: Realtors-Viclci Bronson-- -434-0077
Office Min~-440 Rangeline Rd- - 417-623-1007
ken Arrow
Spas NS - --918-258-7727
City
• 405- 840-2106
- 405-524-5733
Piece To Reine 39th- -405-528-2223
Priscilla's- 615 Ej.ffril:Jrl;J .:: . . -405-755-8600
Oklalioffia,'(μlsa (918)
Elite Bocikstor~ -81..,S:Sli~~idan- -918-838-8503
Kelly Kirby, CPA- 48ii:s Haryard- -918-747-5466
l.Jn4erguy.com • • -825?,;6~ - - - • - 918-829-0824
. Priscilla's - - 7925 E. 41n- - - - - -918-627-4884
Priscilfa!s - •, • 5634;W/~-: f • --918-446-6336
Priscilla's - - • -11344 E. 11th· -, • •· 918-438-4224
' ""· <' ~ '' Priscilla's - • • • 2333 E..7ht·: • - • - - 918-499-1661
' ·t
Page38
PABE 40
Rodeo Kick
April 7th
THE STAR APRIL 2005
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
[2005] The Star Magazine, April 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 4
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
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
April 1, 2005
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
Greg Steele
Josh Aterovis
Michael Dee
Douglas Glenn
Steve T. Urie
Paula Martinac
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Chaz
Format
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PDF
Image
Online text
Language
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English
Type
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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
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
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.
Relation
A related resource
The Star Magazine, June 1, 2005; Volume 2, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/452
The Ozarks Pride Magazine, January 1, 2004; Volume 1, Issue 1
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/136
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/451
activism
Advice Column
An Evening of Hope
commentary
Deep Inside Hollywood
Diversity Festival
Fundraiser
Heart to Heart
horoscope
knowledge
leadership
Lesbian Notions
local advertisement
marriage equality
Men Chorus of Wichita
military
Out of Town
P.R.I.D.E.
Planet Dee
Q Scopes
Quotable Quotes
Sooner State Rodeo Association
Uncle Mikey
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/e92cbe9f6e47f9c4effc4fb0bb52afd2.jpg
ec05d0b04955b1eb5cf8a95026fa105a
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a491daca8506c6dda15fc3c8e89d9ab3.pdf
d6c2386d3138ff49ce5369754007ff63
Dublin Core
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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.
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newspaper
periodical
Text
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Gay Couple Murdered In
California; Senate Passes
TwoAnti-Hate Crimes Bills
HAPPY VALLEY, Calif. (AP) - In this tiny, largely
conservative farming community, Gary Matson and
Winfield Mowder were accepted. It didn’t matter that
they were Gay. They gained respect through their
community Work. They helped create alocal children’s
museum, and Matson helped establish the 20-year-old
Redding Farmer’s Market.
Now tWO brothers who Eave been linked to a series of
arson fires at Sacramento synagogues are accused of
killing the couple, police said. Authorities said one of
the alleged gunmen, Benjamin Matthew Williams,
sometimes sold vegetables andherbs atM~son’s ~narket.
"It’s beyond words that the farmers market may be
the connectionbetween the victims and thekillers," said
Margaret Jensen, who tends a market stall stocked with
squash and onions. "If they burned the synagogues, too,
that takes it to a level that is just staggering from
someplace we think of as a small community."
The bodies of Matson, 50, and Mowder, 40, were
discovered July I at theirhomeinHappy Valley, a small
community just outside of Redding in northern
California. They had been shot in their bed.
Afew days later, after one of the victims’ credit cards
was used, police staked out aYuba City business where
the creditcardpurchasewas to be delivered, andarrested
the Williams brothers. The brothers were both armed
and one was wearing a bulletproof vest, police said.
Yuba City is about 120 miles southeast of Redding.
see Hate, p. 10
Council Oak Mens Chorale
Presents August Concert
Other UpcomingEvents: Feast + AIDS Walk
TULSA-TheCouncil Oak Men’sChorale, Tulsa’s Gay
men’s singing organization will present a concert,
Brothers Forever on August 27 & 28 at 8pro in the John
Williams Theatre at Tulsa’s Performing Arts-Center.
COMC will be joined in concert by Positive Voices of
Dallas, Texas. Areception willfollow theperformances
and tickets, $12, are available through the Performing
Arts Center box office at 596-7111 or 800-364-7111
(outside of Tulsa).
Also, coming up is the annual Feast for Friends, a
ftmdraiser .for-THE NAM-ES~ PROJECT-,. the. AIDS
Memorial .Quilt. In the event, organizations and
individuals join each other for private dinners at which
theattendees donate to supportTHENAMES PROJECT
and then all of the various dinner groupS’ come together
for entertainment’and dessert at 8:30pro at the Southern
Hills Marriott. For more information, call 748-3111.
Later in October, the annual AIDS Walk will be held
on October 2nd. For more information, call 579-9593.
DIRECTORY/LETTERS P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3
US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
HEALTH NEWS P. 6
ENTERTAINMENT . P. 8
COMMUNITY CALENDAR P. 9
READ ALL ABOUT IT P. 11
DYKE PSYCHE P. 12
GAY STUDIES P. 13
" Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered TuIsans, Our Families + Friends
" Tuisa’s Largest Circulation CommunityPaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
° TOHR Center News: President
"Resigns; $5k Grant Received
TOHR&Community CenterformerpresidentSteve
Horn (right) and with hisfriend Phil at Pride ’99.
TULSA - Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. (TOHR),
Oklahoma’s oldest non-religions Gay and parentorganization of
the Tulsa Gay Community Services Center has experienced a
change in leadership. Board president Steve Horn resigned in
July in order to take anew job in Dallas. Horn had been employed
with CFS. Upon his resignation, TOHR vice president, Greg
Gatewood became president.
Gatewood praised Horn for his leadership and noted that the
change in leadership would not affect any of the programs that
TOHRand the Center had planned. He noted that for August, the
¯ organization had calle~,,a work day at the,,C.enter on 8/8 at noon,
a planning meeting for MilleniumPride, the Parade and Picuic Next Gay Community ’ for 2000 on 8112 at 7:30 and acommunity potluck with a"Cajun"
" theme for 8/21at Tpm. Meeting Called for 9/14 Other significant news for the Center was the receipt of a
" $5,000 grant for general operating expenses from the Gill TULSA -. With about 40 people attending,
° Foundation. Center volunteer of the year, Tim Gillean, was representing most of Tulsa Lesbian and Gay, and
¯ responsible for writing the grant application~ New president HIV related groups, the first community wide
¯ Gatewood emphasized that while the grant would help the Center meeting in several years brought together young
:. develop a small emergency reserve, see TOHR, p. 14 and not so young, Gay and non-Gay, political and
non-partisan groups. Therepresentattves spent over
two hours discussing their group’s goals and what ¯ NGLTF Starts Family Program common ground they may have.
: VeteranAttorney Paula Ettelbrick to Lead Initiative WashingtonHigh School’sGay-StraightAlliance
and TU’s BLGT Alliance were there along with
¯ JULY 26, 1999--The Policy Institute of the National Gay and most of the Gay-friendly religaons groups in the
¯ Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today announced creation of a city. Cimarron Alliance and Tulsa Oklahomans for
° Family Policy program to secure inclusive definitions of family Human Rights also attended with RAIN, the
¯ in national, state and local policy contexts. The Family Policy Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, and HOPE,
¯ Program will engage in research, policy analysis, coalition HIV Outreach, Prevention and Education as well.
building, strategy development and collaborative work with a Under the facilitation of Marty Newman and
¯ wide range of family-focused organizations to ensure that the DennisNeill(who’dissuedthecallforthemeeting)
¯ needsofGay, Lesbian~BisexualandTransgender(GLBT)families a number of possible community goals were
¯ are considered and protected, identified: to replace the Tulsa Community AIDS
"We are in the midst of a revolution in family creation within Partnership funding (which is due to end soon),
¯ GLBT communities, but ironically, and inaccurately, our relocate the Community Center when its lease
¯ movement is characterized as being anti-family," said NGLTF ends, ~o-ordinatecommtmity fundraisingandeven:s
: Executive Director Kerr3, Lobel. "This Program at NGLTF’s to better support various organizations, and where
Policy Institute takes aim at the myths that persist about our appropriate, do political and civil fights related
families and will formulate a genuinel y pro-family public policy work. see Aleetin~, ~. 1]
agenda from the vantage point of GLBT people’s lives."
TheFamilyPolicyprogramatthePolicyInstituteisfundedby Saint Jerome to Host major gifts from several parents., including Seattle City
Councilwoman and philanthropist Tina Podlodowski, and Ordination Ceremony
California-based donors Jennifer and Kathy Levinson through a
TULSA - The Parish Church of Saint Jerome will
gift from the Lesbian Equity Foundation of Silicon Valley.
welcome clergy and lay leaders of the Evangelical
Urvashi Vaid, director of the Policy Institute announced that
AnglicanChurchinAmericafromacross thenation
nationally known Lesbian attorney and family advocate, Paula
for the denomination’s annual ordination
Ettelbrick, has been hired to direct the Family Policy Program.
ceremonies. The RightReverendCraig Bettendoff,
Ettelbrickha~ worked onlocal, state and national family policy presiding bishop will ordai~ or receive candidates
issues for the past 13 years. She is former legal director of
duringtheregularworshipservicesofSaintJerome
Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, where she developed on Sunday, August 8th at llam. The weekend
the group’s.emphasis on family advocacy and founded the
eventsbeginatlpmonSaturday,August7thandan
Family RelatioushipslProject. She served as publicpolicy director
Evensong service will be held that day at 6pro with
for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
dinner to follow.
Since 1994, Ettelbrick has been legislative counsel for the
Candidatesfortbediaconatewillbepresentfrom
Fan.pire State Pride Agenda, where she is credited with helping North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oklahoma.
wm passage of New York City’s comprehensive domestic
BishopBettendorfwillalsoordaintothe presbytery,
. partnership policy and drafting innovative municipal and state
¯ pro-GLBT family laws.
candidates fromNew Mexico,New York, Colorado,
¯ California and Florida. ¯ Ettelbrick and her partner, Suzanne Goldberg, have a two-year All events are open to the public. For more
¯ old son and are expecting another child in September. She has
information, call Father Rick Hollingsworth at the
¯ taught law for 10 years and currently teaches a course on
Parish Church of Saint Jerome, 582-3088.
." sexua!i~ty and the_law atNewYorkUni versity Law School and the
¯ UniversityofMichiganLawSchool.Earlierthisyear, Ettelbrick ¯ Served as the National Coordinator of the highly successful Tulsa C.A.R.E.S Gets
""EqualityBegiusatHome"campaigu, spousoredbyNGLTFand Phili.p Morris Grant ¯ tbe Federation ofStatewideLGBTPolitical Orgamzations, which
: encompassed 350 rallies and other events in all 50 states plus : TULSA -Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., Tulsa’s Center for
: Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia last March. ¯ AIDS Resources, Education and Support, formerly
and observed that Ettelbnck s experase will be invaluable to known as the HIV Resource Consortium, has
: .thenational GLBTmovement’s efforts to organizearoundfamily : received a grant of $15,000 to its food pantry from
¯ issues. She pointed out that as of June of 1999, almost 50 anti- : the Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
: GLBTfamilybillshadbeenfiledinstatelegislaturesthroughout ¯ Stephen C. Parrish, senior vice president for
: the country. "This nationwide mobilization against our families : corporate affairs came toTulsathelastweekofJuly
¯ comes directly from the anti-Gay religious fight and its think " to announce the award to the Tulsa Area United
¯ tanks," Vaid said. "It is an effective strategy because the GLBT : Way agency. According to comments reported by
¯ political movement at the state level remains understaffed and ¯ The TulsaWorM,executivedirector, SharonThoele,
¯ underfunded." " indicated that the grant word be matched by
The NGLTF Family Policy program will pursue three major " $15,000 from another philanthropic organization
" objectives: first, to provide the data and arguments that can " and wonldhelp purchase afreezer and refrigerator.
¯ enable activists to secure inclusive definitions of family in ¯ The award was oneof38 given to organizations in
- national, state and local policy frameworks see NGLTF, p. 3 " 24 states, and the only Oklahoma award.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*Boston Willy’s Diner, 1742 S. Boston
Burger Sisters Restaurant, 1545 S; Sheridan
*Empire Bar, 1516 S. Peoria
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
*Jason’s Deli, 15th & Peoria
*Lola’s, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St.~ Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S Main
*TNT’s,. 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
832-1269
592-2143
835-1207
599-9512
583-6666
749-4511
599-7777
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Affinity News, 8120 E. 21 610-8510
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S.Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Ke~by Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady 587-2611
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379
Four Star Import Automotive, 9~06 E. 55th P1. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr~ 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712~2750
*Jared’.s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 -599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-5466
*Living ArtSpace, 19 E. Brady 585-1234
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951
David A. Paddock, CPA, 4308 S. Peoria, Ste. 633 747-7672
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*Peace of Mind Bookstore, 1401 E. 15 583-1090
The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B,’POB 696, 74101 747-5932
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921, 747-4746
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tickled Pink, 3340 S. Peoria 697-0017
*Tulsa Book Exchange, 3749 S..Peoria 742-2007
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
*Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding 743-1733
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
*All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa Canterbury Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
*Churchofthe RestorationUU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
*Council Oak Men’s Chorale 585-COMC (2662)
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140. Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@ earthlinlc net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Sehepers
Member of The Associated Press
I ssued on or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents of this ¯
~Lblication are protected by US copyright 199,8 byT~/:~.
¯
¯ and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part Without:
written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or
photo does not indicate a person’s sexual orientation. Correspon- -"
dence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must .
be signed & becomes the sole property of TJ.~.~N,~,~. .
Each reader is entitled to 4 copies of each edition at distribution ¯
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. ¯
¯Free Spirit Women’ s Center, callforlocation&info: 58%4669 "
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
¯HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611 ¯
¯HIV Resource Consortium, 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194 :
¯Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111o¯
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 .
¯House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood ¯
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437 "
¯MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 ."
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658 "
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157 "
¯OSU-Tulsa (formerly UCT, formerly Rogers U. whoever...)
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
¯Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 "
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
¯R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 ¯
Rainbow Business Guild, POB 4106, 74159 665-5174 "
¯Red Rock MentaI Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults ."
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth ¯
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882 :
St. Dtmstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140 "
¯ St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
¯Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171 ¯
TNAAPP(Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 "
Tulsa County Health Department, 46i6 E. 15 595-4105 ."
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only ¯
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, c/o The Pride Center " 743-4297 ¯
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 838-1222 ¯
¯Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule ¯
¯Tulsa Community College Campuses ¯
¯Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
¯
Unity Church ofChristianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833 "
BARTLESVILLE "
¯Bartlesville Public Library,600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353 "
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
¯Borders Books &Music, 3209NWExpressway 405-848-2667 ’
¯Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573~4907 ¯
TAHLEQUAH
¯Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900 ¯
¯Tahlequah Unitarian-UniversalistChurch 918-456-7900 ¯
¯Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360 "
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates .
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS :
¯Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253~7734
¯Jim & Bren.t’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 ¯
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 ¯
¯Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 "
MCC of the Living Spring 501:253-9337."
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429 501-253-2776
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332 :
Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646 :
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001 :
¯White Light, 1 Center St. 501~253-4074 ¯
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS5 ¯
¯Edna’s, 9 S. School Ave. 501-442-2845 ¯
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
¯ Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U 134 417-623-4696 ¯
¯ is where you can find TFN. Notall are Gay-owned butall are Gay-friendly.
Zoning Concerns
On the eve of the August 10 bond
election for street improvements, I find
myself in the awkward position of being
asked to vote ’yes’ while some of my
basic property rights are under the threat
of seizure. Againstmy very vocal protests,
the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning
Commission (TMAPC) recently voted to
’downzone’ myhomefrom amulti-family
to a single-family category. I purchased
my house with the intention of adding a
rental .unit in the future for supplemental
income, and I wish to retain the existing
zoning designation.
Currently, I have theright to build eleven
apartments on my property. If the zoning
is changed, I will have the right to one
single-family dwelling. This constitutes
an obvious taking of my development
rights without fair compensation, and I
resent the TMAPCIs insistence on
rezoning without my consent.
Doesn’t theTMAPChave enough to do
without tinkering with the privateproperty
of a taxpayer who is satisfied with the
existing zoning? The ’planners’ should
attend to their business of more efficient
metropolitan planning by allowing
residential infill development in the
downtownneighborhoods. Then,perhaps
we would not be faced with multi-million
dollar bond elections to support hundreds
of miles of streets and utilities sprawling
across such a sparsely populated city.
-Sincerely, Paul Uttinger, Tulsa
TITLE VII. Earlier this month, another
Eastern Districtjudgehadrejected aclaim
that harassment aimed at gays is covered
under the federal anti-discrimination
statute, Title VII ofthe Civil Rights Act of
1964. In rejecting the suit of a Gay postal
worker who claimed he was subjected to
a hostile work environment, Judge
Leonard B. Wexler ruled in Simonton v.
Runyon, that discrimination based t~pon
sexual orientation did not fall within Title
VII’s ban of "sex" discrimination.
However, Judge Spatt ruled in Qninnv.~
Nassau County Police Department, No.
97-3310, that there is no such similar
limitation upon a claim framed.directly
upon the Equal Protection clause in the
U.S. Constitution.
Title VH specifically enumerates five
types of discrimination that it bans, and
the list does not include discrimination
basedupon sexual orientation, Judge Spatt
pointed out. In contrast, he wrote~-the
Supreme Court in Romer recognized that
homosexuals are directly protected trader
the Equal Protection Clause from
"invidious and irrational discriminationbased
on sexual orientation."
Chris P. Termini, of McCabe, Collins,
McGeogh & Fowler, represented Nassau
County. Two individual defendants were
separately represented by Ronald J.
Morelli, of Mulholland, Minion & Roe,
and Alan J. Reardon. Susan Fitzgerald;of
Leeds & Morelli, also represented Mr.
Letters Policy
Tulsa Family News welcomes letters on issues
which we’ve covered or on issues you think
need to be considered. You may request that
your name be withheld but letters must be
signed & have phone numbers, or be hand
delivered. 200 wordletters are preferred. Letters
to other publications will be printed as js
appropriate.
In many parts of the United States, Gay, lesbian, " running for any office in this party." While I had good
bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) persons have
achieved an equal status in the communities in whichthey
live. But not in Oklahoma. Not yet. The Democratic
National Committee (DNC) recognizes GLBT persons.
But not the Oklahoma Democratic Party (ODP). Not yet.
In 1998 the DNC
adopted a policy
requiring each state
to nameGLBT
delegates to the
National Democratic
Conventions. The
DNC has recognized
that the majority of
GLBT persons, like
the majority of
straight persons, are
caring and
responsible citizens
entitled to an equal,
not special but equal,
presence in the DNC.
The ODP, once
moving towards
inclusion of GLBT
persons, now under
new party leadership,
rejects or ignores that DNC policy.
Much has been accomplished in Oklahoma for which
GLBT persons should all be proud. Moving a hate crimes
bill from a legislative committee to the House floor for
debateis somewhatmiraculous, considering the prevailing
Oklahoma attitudes only a few years ago when the
Oklahoma City Council rejected and terminated the
HumanRights Commission. Whathas been accomplished
can be attributed to the efforts of GLBT and affiliated
political organizations such as OGLPC (Oklahoma Gay
& Lesbian Political Committee), The Cimarron Alliance
Group, TOHR (Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights),
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) with
the support of the NAACP and various labor and faith
organizations. Although these organizations are the heroes
in the efforts to date, they are not adequate for what is yet
to be accomplished. These organizations focus on issues
and review candidates from a non-partisan perspective.
What is missing in Oklahoma is the partisan participation
of GLBT persons, open partisan participation within the
major parties, not unlike the women’s organizations and
other caucuses.
Straights raise families; GLBT persons care for the
community in which those families live. Just look at who
we are. We are present in every profession and job
category as wall as present or have been present in every
elected office level, whether we admit it publicly or.not.
Throughout recorded history GLBT persons have often
been the movers and shakers for communities, the caregivers,
the compassionate, the artists, even leaders of
historical fame. Themajority ofus as GLBT persons have
the same expectations and dedication to our communities
as the majority of straights among whom we live and
work with side by side. But you would not know that if
youJistened to partisan leaders in both major Oklahoma
parties.
As a congressional candidate for Congress from
Oklahoma’s Sixth District in 1996 and again in 1998, I
made many friends with Democrats. I know and have
good contacts with Democrat. leaders in each of the 24
counties comprising the Sixth District. That is an asset
that I believe valuable as a party worker. I let it be known
that I wanted to serve as the District Secretary when the
incumbent indicated the day before the convention that
he would not run for re-election.
Without detailing the series of events leading up to the
conclusion of my attempt to place my name in line for
District Secretary, the man who became District Chair at
that April conventionblockedmefromrunning for office.
During a fifteen-minute conversation with him prior to
the Convention, hemade it clear that he and other elected
officials in the Sixth District did not want me to run for
any office. He would not say it was because I am Gay but
his remarks left me with only that justification for his
statement, "I am running for chair to keep you from
~ support among delegates I had contacted in that 24-hour
¯ period leading up to convention, I knew that it would be
." difficult to fnnction as a team. I did not seek the nomination
¯ during the convention. There was no caucus to turn to for
¯ support.
A quotation from the May 25 Daily
Oklahoman interview with the newly elected
ODP Chair, Mike Mass, speaks to my
concern as a Gay person:
"Mass said he thinks the party under Hall
has eottoned too much to what he calls
splinter groups¯ He and Hall were both at a
funetlon, and a Gay and lesbian advocate
asked Mass what he was going to do to help
the Gay eommunlty. ’Nothing,’ Mass replied.
Mass thinks the party has tended to make a
big deal about such groups."
Even amore glaring
concern for GLBT
persons is the election
of a new state chair
for the ODP during
its May 15 convention.
Representative
Mike Mass, a very
vocal opponent ofthe
hate crimes bill in the
legislature, was
elected by a two-vote
margin in an election
fraught with fraud.
(I am leading a
challenge of that
election for the
purpose of restoring
integrity to the ODP.
A petition calling for
a new election was
signed by more than
¯¯ 200 co-signors and filed with the DNC ou June 9.) ~
quotation from the May 25 Daily Oklahoman interview
with the newly elected ODP Chair, Mike Mass, speaks to
¯ my concern as a Gay person: ¯
"Mass said he thinks the party under Hall has cottoned
¯ too much to what he calls splinter groups. He and Hall
¯ were both at a function, and a Gay and lesbian advocate
¯ asked Mass what he was going to do to help the Gay ¯
community. ’Nothing,’ Mass replied. Mass thinks the
¯ party has tended to make a big deal about such groups."
¯ If therewas apartisan presenceofGLBTpersons in the ¯
ODP, or at least the acknowledgment of the DNC’s
¯ directive to include GLBT persons as delegates, this
¯ archaic attitude would be a relic of the past instead of
¯ facing us for the future in the ODP.
¯ There are national part~san organizations for both the
Democratic and Republican parties - The Log Cabin
¯ Republicans and the National Stonewall Democratic
¯ Federation (NSDF). GLBT persons in Oklahoma need
that partisan identification so that they can have a"seat at
¯ the table" when partisan political decisions are made.
: The NSDF was organized at Kansas City in May 1998
¯ for the purpose of mobilizing GLBT persons through a ¯
national grassroots network of GLBT Democratic clubs.
¯ There are GLBT Democratic clubs that are joined with
¯ their state Democratic party. Colorado and Michigan
¯ both have a federated GLBT Democratic dub within ¯ their State Democratic parties. GLBT Oklahomans need
¯ that presence in our state party. An Oklahoma Stonewall
¯ Democratic Club must be organized. I am a recently ¯
¯ electedregional director for theNSDFandurgeinterested persons to check out the website at
www.stonewalldemocrats.org or contact me by e-mail,
paulb@pldi.net.
The mere thought of a public GLBT presence in the
Oklahoma Republican Party (ORP) is breath-taldng. But
itcan midmustbe Created. WhenthoseGLBTRepnhlicafs
who have been supporting their party in the background
with contributions and party activismmake their presence
known to the ORP, then there is an opportunity for
inclusion in ORP policy making. Republican Oklahoma
GLBT persons should connect with the National Log
Cabin Republicans and establish an OklahomaLog Cabin
Republican Club.
Wemust do this. Wemust orgamze a partisan presence
of GLBT persons in each of Oklahoma’s major parties.
That is the Gay agenda that I am aware of- to be treated
as an equal in civic life as we continue to hold ourselves
to the same standards of responsibility and caring as
expected of straights. Wemust ask for a place at the table.
Editor’s note: I agree with Paul Barby but Would even
speak more strongly. We must demand our place at the
table and must challeng~ bigots like Mike Mass. We
might also question some of our "friends"like Tulsa
Democrat Sally Frasier who helpedgetMass "elected."
by Tom Neal, editor andpublisher
By now, Steve Hornis probably getting settled down in
his new home in Dallas. Steve, until his recentjob related
move, was in the middle of his second term as president
of the board ofTulsaOklahomans for Human Rights, Inc.
(TOHR) - the parent organization of Tulsa’s Gay
community center (the awkwardly renamed Tulsa Gay
Community Services Center).
Tulsa has been
fortunate in
havln~ a number
of dedleated
volunteers to our
Lesbian and Gay
eommunltles
(and BI and
Transgendered)
over many years.
Unfortunately,
we haven’t really
done a very ~ood
job of
reeognlzlng or
thanklng them
for their work.
Tulsa has been fortunate in
having a number of dedicated
~,olunteers to our Lesbian and
Gay communities (and Bi and
Transgendered) over many
years. Unfortunately, we
haven’t really done a very good
job of recognizing or thanking
them for their work. We use
themandthen ignore them when
we’re not actually vilifying
them. There are, of course, a
few exceptions, individuals who
repeatedly receive recognition
but many more don’t.
So I’d like to be one to clearly
thank Steve Horn for his
dedication to TOHR. Steve
became president just after I
served, inheriting the same big
mess with TOHR’s HIV testing
programs that I and several
previous TOHR presidents had
inherited. And while he and I
would still disagree profoundly
about how those issues were resolved, i.e. the separation
of the testing clinic into a stand-alone organization, his
work as a whole was great. He continued and expanded
onalegacy ofvolunteerism andleadership that’s continued
for nearly 20 years with TOHR. see Horn, p. ]4
Legal Win: Bias Against
Gays Unconstitutional
Editor’s note: the ruling noted below has greatpotential
for judicial remedies for anti-Gay bias in the United
States. Traditionally, many civil rights advances in this
country have come through court decisions and this
shows promise for fair treatment for Lesbian and Gay
citizens.- TN
by Daniel Wise, New York Law Journal, July 6, 1999
In a ruling believed to be one of first impression, a
federal judge in Uniondale has found discrimination
against homosexuals in an employment context to be
actionable as an Equal Protection violation.
Eastern District Judge Arthur D. Spatt issued the ruling
in upholding a $380,000 verdict that ajury awarded two
weeks ago to a former Nassau County police officer who
claimed he had been hounded out of his job by his fellow
officers and supervisors after they learned he was Gay.
The officer, James M. Quinn, resigned after enduring
nine years of taunts that included the prominent posting
in his stationhouse of cartoons labeling him a child
molester, a transvestite and a sadomasochist. "
"Judge Spatt is the first judge to explicitly recognize
that. discrimination based- upon, sexual- orientation .can
give rise to a hostile work environment claim under the
Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution," said
Mr. Quima’s lawyer, Frederic Ostrove, ofLeeds &Morelli
in Carle Place.
In concluding that harassment based upon an animus
against homosexuals was actionable lmder the Equal
Protection clause, Judge Spatt relied heavily upon a 1996
U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S.
620. Thatruling struck down an amendment to ColOrado’s
constitution that prohibited Gays and Lesbians from
obtaining any legal protections -legislative orjudicial -
from discrimination.
The Supreme Courtin Romerconcluded that the statute
withdrawing legal protection from homosexuals could
not stand because it was motivated by "irrational fear and
prejudice," Judge Spatt pointed out.
Similaxly, thejudge reasoned, thehatecampaignagainst
Mr. Quinn had been motivated "by irrational fear and
prejudice towards homosexuals." see Ruling, p. 2
Gay Conversion Group
Holds Convention
WHEATON, Ill. (AP) - Exodus International, a :
Seattle-based organization that claims homosexuals
can be converted to change their sexual behavior,
openedits annual conference as protesters sang gospels
softly nearby.
"A whole new chapter has opened up," said Bob
Davies, executive director of Exodus. "For the first
time in our 23 year history, the body of Christ has
gotten behind this ministry."
About 1,200 people attended the rally, the biggest
attendance, since the group began in 1976. Leaders
attributed the large turnout to a nationwide ad
campaignpromoting conversionfromhomosexuality,
As the group clapped inside, the Rev. Bradley
Mickelson of the Metropolitan Community Church
of the Incarnation in Oak Park, Ill., led a quiet march
of 50 people outside. "We need to be a voice for
people who think they’re living in sin, to tell them
how to be liberated and free," said Mickelson, whose
Chicago-area church is open to homosexuals.
Exodus International burst.into public notice a year
ago with full-page ads m major newspapers
proclaiming its belief that Gays and Lesbians can
change. Conservative groups such as the Christian
Coalitionhelped pay for the.campaign. Exodus teaches
that"freedomfromhomosexuality is possible through -.
repentance and faith in Jesus Christ" and seeks to
provide hdp for "men and women who desire to
overcome their homosexuality."
The conference, a mixture of training workshops
and inspirational rallies, is meeting at Wheaten
College, a prominent Evangelical Protestant school,
but is not sponsored by the college.
Cynthia Marquardt, member of the Oak Park
congregation, said sexual conversion is impossible
and that Exodus’ message contributes to -violence
against Gays and Lesbians. "Exodus has a right to
their message, and we will continue to proclaim that
God loves us just as we are," she said,
Exodus is afederation of 131 independentministries
located in 38 states and the District of Columbia, plus
several overseas affiliates. Theorganizationis staffed
by people from a var~,ety of Christian denominations.
Manyofthegroup sleaders saytheyusedtobeGay
or Lesbian and merely offer options to people that
want them. Exodus is closely aligned with
Homosexuals Anonymous, a twelve-step movement
patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous, and with the
National Association for Research and Therapy of
Homosexuality,madeup ofpsychological counselors
who work for change through "reparative therapy."
Both the American Psychiatric Association and
American Psychological Associationhave denounced
Christian-based reparative therapy, saying it doesn’t
work and can cause psychological damage.
Phelps to Protest
in Vermont
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)- Members of a church that
organized a picket outside the funeral of a murdered
University of Wyoming student last year plan a
protest on the lawn of the Vermont Statehouse next
week.
The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kans.,
plans to have a dozen people in Montpelier on Aug.
3 to picket against Gay marriage, said Shirley Phelps-
Roper, a church a!!orney and dangh,ter of founder the
Rev.FredPhelps. Whenthenation smilitant, activist
fags brag about a place - watch out!" said an
announcement distributed by the church. "Well,
they’re bragging about Vermont from sea to shining
sea. They think Vermont will soon allow filthy fag
beasts to marry each other."
The Vermont Supreme Court is considering a
lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’ s refusal to issue
mamage licenses to same-sex couples. Some legal
experts have predicted that Vermont could become
the first state to legalize such marriages.
Phelps-Roper said a dozen members of her church
would spend the weekend in Ottawa and Montreal,
protesting a decision on domestic partnership by the
Canada Supreme Court and then picketing the
Montreal Gay pride parade. The group then will
travel to Vermont, slie said.
The church is virulently anti-Gay and pickets
frequently. In October, it picketed-outside the funeral
~fMatthew Shepard, who authorities say was killed in
part because he was Gay.
Oregon Anti-Gay
Marriage Bill Dies
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A watered-down proposal that
began as a ban on Gay marriages failed in the Senate
last month. The proposed ballot measure would have
asked voters only whether the Legis!~ture sh.ould
have the power to define What cbiastitutes a marnage.
As passedby the House, the proposal definedmarriage
as atmionbetweenmanand woman. Sen. Neil Bryant,
R-Bend, said the measure as reworked by the Senate
set a middle ground in the dispute, but foes argued the
revised measure would accomplish nothing.
The proposal stemmed from an Oregon Court of
Appeals ruling that employers cannot discriminate
against homosexuals and must provide benefits to
same-sex partners ofgovernmentworkers. Supporters
of the anti-Gay mamage measure contended that the
court decision opened the door for legalization of Gay
marriages.
Alabama Passes
Gay-Friendly Law
MONTGOMERY, AIa. (AP) - The Alabama
Legislature is drawing praise from the National Gay
and LesbianTaskForcefor passing domestic violence
legislation that could make Alabama the first state to
cover homosexual couples. In its legislative update
July 16, the task force listed the Alabama domestic
violence legislation as one of the "highlights" of
legislative sessmns nationwide.
Butthe sponsor of thelegislation, state Rep. Yvo,,n~e
Kennedy, D-Mobile, said, "That’s way off base. At
issue is a bill passed on the Legislature’s final day
June 9, when dozens of bills were flying through the
House and Senate with little or no discussion. Gov.
Don Siegelman signed the bill imo law June 19.
Ms. Kennedy and Carol Gundlach, executive
director of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, said the purpose of the legislation was raise
the cost of a marriage license by $15 to provide more
funding for shelters for domestic abuse victims and to
broaden domestic abuse laws to cover more than
spouses. The legislation expands domestic abuselaws
to cover violence "occurring amongfamily, household,
dating, or engagement relationships.’"
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a
Washington-based group that works to eliminate
prejudice and violence againstGaypersons, is focusing
eta the word "household" in the new Alabama law.
"You couldhave two peoplein a same-sex relationship
and that’s a household," said David Elliott,
communications director for the task force.
The task force’s legislative report said Alabama
"’became the first state to enact a bill expanding the
state’s definition of domestic violence to potentially
includeGay, Lesbian, bisexual and transsexual people
under Alabama’ s domestic violence law." But Elliott
concededit will probably take acourt case to determine
whether the task force’s view is correct.
Ms. Kennedy, who sponsored the bill for the
Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said the new
law is silent about sexual orientation. But she said
homosexual couples were never mentioned in any of
the legislative debate on the bill.
Ms. Gundlach said the language was copied from
Alabama’s 1989 warrantless arrest law. That law
allows police to make assault arrests without an arrest
warrant when an assault occurs between two people
living together. She said she has heard of cases where
police used the law to make arrests involving
homosexual relationships that turned violent. ’q’hat’ s
just common sense. People in homosexual
relationships can and do assault each other and the
victim needs protection," she said. But she said the
xndusion of"household" in the 1989taw and the 1999
law does not legitimize homosexual rdationships
trader state law.
Jerry Bassett, director of the Legislative Reference
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Service and chief bill-writer for the Legislature, said
the new law was supposed to apply to couples who
could get married, but chose not to. "Whether you
could extend that to people who couldn’t get married
if they wanted to, I don’t know," he said. He agreed
with the task force’s spokesman that it would take a
court case to find out.
While the legislative update from the National Gay
and Lesbian Task Force complimented Alabama on
the domestic violence legislation, the state Legislature
camein forcriticismfor refusing to expandAlabama’ s
hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation despite
the Feb. 19 beating death of Billy Jack Gaither of
Sylacauga. ButAlabama was not alone. Twenty other
state legislatures turned back similar ~.egislation, the
task force noted.
Gay Couple Appeals
Adoption Ruling
ERIE, Pa. (AP) -Twomenhope an appeals court will
allow them to become adoptive parents and help
defineparental rights forGay couples in Pennsylvania.
The couple has asked the state Superior Court to
overturn a decision by Erie County Judge Shad
Connelly, who nded las t month that state law dictates
that only one man can be the legal parent of the two
children. Lower court judges have differed on the
issue, and appeals courts have not made a definitive
decision. Connelly said the Legislature should
specifically sanction Gay marriages before judges
can allow Gay couples to adopt.
The children, an 8-year-old boy and a 7-year-old
gift, were adopted by one of the men and raised since
infancy by the couple. The man who does not have
legal custody said he wants to be officially named a
parent in case his partner dies. "The children have
been and will continue to live with their family
regardless of the court’s action," said Karen Engro, a
la~vyer for the couple. "ff the adoption is granted,
everyone wins. Bydenying it, everyone loses."
The men, who are 43 and 42 years old, have been
together for 18 years and are identified only by their
initials in court records. They have asked reporters
not to use theirnames to protect the children’s privacy.
Another lawyer for the couple, Chris Biancheria,
said other Common Pleas Court judges in the state
have granted "second parent" adoptions for Gay
couples. She said a Superior Court ruling in favor of
the adoption could help establish guidelines for lower
courts. "It would mean that these type of adoptions
would have to be granted in every county," she said.
She said Connelly, in ruling against the adoption,
ignored the Legislature’s stipulation that all adoptions
be consideredin light of "the children’ s best interests."
In his ruling, Counelly wrote that the "best interest"
issue was irrelevant because the request was illegal to
begin with. "Because the Legislature has not seen fit
to specifically sanction such adoptions-as this, this
court is not empowered to grant the petitaon for
adoption," he wrote.
High School Gay-Straight
Alliance Recognized
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - West High School on
Thursday formally recognized a support group for
Gay and Lesbian pupils. The action, in a formal letter,
gives theWestHighGay/Straight Alliance recognition
retroactive to April 1. The letter follows the school
board’s narrow margin approval ofthe dublast week,
10 weeks after several current and former pupils filed
suit over Principal Robert Baines’ decision not to
recognize the group without school board approval.
Jennifer Levi, a lawyer from Gay & Lesbian
Advocates & Defenders, a Boston nonprofit
representing thepupils, said Thursday the recognition
"is a great day for the students at Manchester High
School West." The lawsuit charged the principal
discriminatedagainstthe group under the Equal Access
Act because no other student association has been
required to get school board approval to use school
facilities.
Supporters of the Gay Straight Alliance say it
offers support and acceptance to pupils ~ho are Gay,
Lesbian or bisexual in an often hostile environment.
Italso helps educate others abouto~fensive stereotypes
and acceptance of differences.
Court Rejects Ex’s
Visitation Appeal
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Despite pleas by Gay
civil-rights groups, the state SupremeCourthas turaed
down an appeal by an Alameda County woman who
sought the right to visit two children she helped raise
with her Lesbian partner. An appellate court ruled in
April that the woman, Kathleen C., had no parental
rights because she was not the biological mother, and
because there was no evidence that the children were
being harmed by living with their biological mother.
The state’s high court denied review of the case in
July. Only lustices Stanley Mosk and Janice Rogers
Brown voted to grant a hearing, two short of the
needed majority. The appellate ruling is now binding
on trial courts statewide.
The case was closely watched by Gay civil-rights
groups, who wanted California to follow a handful of
court rul!ngs in other states that have granted parental
rights to former members of same-sex couples.
Kathleen and her partner, Lisa W., started living
together in February 1985, when Lisa’s daughter was
almost 3. They had a child together by artificial
insemination in 1987 and separated in 1990. Kathleen
was allowed to visit the children onalternateweekend
until November 1994, when Lisa cut off visitation.
Kathleen argued that she should be considered the
children’s "de facto parent," one who develops a
parent-like relationship by providing daily care,
affection and concern over a long period.
An appellate court in New Jersey ruled this March
that a woman who had helped her .Lesbian partner
raise two children was a "psychological parent"
entitled to visitation. Courts in Wisconsin and
Pennsylvaniahave also granted limited parental rights
to former members of Lesbian couples.
ButAlamedaCounty Superior CourtJudge Roderic
Duncan ruled against Kathleen C. and was upheld by
the 1st District Court of Appeal.
Kathleen had shown the characteristics of a "de
facto parent," but there is no legal authority to grant
a non-parent visitation rights "’over the objection of
the biological parent and in the absence ofany showing
of detrimentto the child," said the opinionby Presiding
Justice Daniel Hanlon. The ruling means Kathleen
cannot see the children until they turn 18. They are
now 17 and 12.
The state Supreme Court appeal drew support from
the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Youth
La~v Center, the American Civil Liberties Union and
other advocacy groups.
The appdlate ntling "leaves the two children...
locked in the embrace of but one of their mothers,
denied by her - and by the courts of this state - any
contact with the other woman they call ’Morn,’ "said
E. Elizabeth Summers, alawyer for Kathleen, in court
papers. She acknowledged that a Lesbian partner can
get parental rights by adopting the child with her
partner, but said not all California counties, or judges
in the same county, allow adoptions by same-sex
couples.
Mormans Lose Members
Over Anti-Gay Stance
SALT LAKECITY (AP) - The Mormon church says
it regrets a protest by dozens of dissident members
trying to quit the church because of its campaign in
California against Gay. marriages. The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement
saying it was defending the "traditional family" by
pushing for a California ballot initiative that seeks to
preempt legalized same-gender marriages.
The dissidents say the church crossed a line from
religion to politics by asking its 740,000 California
members to "do all you can" to assure passage of the
initiative.
Church spokesman Dale Bills said, "we regret that
any member would ask to have his or her name
removed from our records because the church has
joined a coalition in California to oppose samegender
marriage."
New Test Catches
HIV Quicker
RICHMOND,Va. (AP)-Theagency that
collects most blood donations in central
Virginiais still usingtwo standard tests to
screen blood for the AIDS virus, four
months afterfederal healthofficials urged
blood baul~ to use a new test. The new
test, called Nucleic Acid Testing; was
recommended by the Food and Drug
Administration on March 3. NAT may
significantly reduce the time thatHIV can
avoid detection in current blood tests.
¯
reaching," MethodistHealth Care System
¯
president Peter Butler said.
: Science Advances,
i Prejudice Remains ¯
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - T.J.
¯
contracted the virus that causes AIDS 18
: years ago. He says nothing’s changed.
¯ "Wall, almost nothing," "he said. "A lot
: has changed in medicine, but very little
: has changed in stigma and prejudice." So
¯
little that he feels obliged to use T.J.
¯ instead of his real name.
TheFl’)A’sreq°mmendati°n~et"w°° i ,,~’li~eitl arural’~rea~
w~s~.~f_5,re ~iPetet~b~gman; William good iqtca, (o use my name, he said. T.J.
C C~ippy ¥6tmg~" tmderwent:V~seular~ ~ hdped form the Long Term ~Survivors
surgeryat~MedicalColleg~ofVirginia : Group for people living with AIDS in
Hospitals in Richmond..Young said he : Oklahoma. It has about 200 members.
contracted HIV from a blood transfusion
he received during the surgery.
Virginia Blood Services, the regional
blood bank., last week acknowledged that
a unit of blood it sent toMCV may have
been tainted with HIV. The unidentified
donor tested negative when theblood was
given but later tested posluve.
The NAT procedure is not yet required
because it is experimental and there are
questions abouL how to implement it
nationwide But FDA spo,k,eswoman
Len0re Gelb said the test will’ help close
the window" when. HIV cannot, be
detected.
Virginia Blood Services has used the
test for another virus, hepatitis C~"since
April 15 as part of a study, said
spokeswoman Laura Cameron. She said
the procedure would be used to test blood
when it is licensed by the FDA, which is
awaiting results .of NAT experiments
around the country.
Atthe timeYoung contendshe received
the taintedblood, only afew blood centers
had the technology to implement the ne.w
test for AIDS, said Dr; Celso Bianco, the
president of America s Blood Centers¯
"Even if the (NAT) test worked, it would
not have benefited this recipient," Bianco
said.
The new test detects HIV at very small
concentrations even before the body
produces antibodies to the virus. Blood
banks now use a test that spots antibodies
to HIV and another that finds a protein
attached to the virus.
In a study published this month in the
medical journal Transfusion, scientists
studying an HIV-infected chimpanzee
discovered that the new test narrowed the
detection window by three weeks. They
also found that blood from the HIVinfected
chimp did not infect another
animal until the virus concentration was
detectable using the new test.
New Medical Center
HOUSTON (AP) - A new cell and gene
research center here could revolutionize
therapy for many illnesses, including
cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and AIDS, say doctors. Formation of the
International Center for Cell and Gene
Therapy, a collaboration by Baylo,r
College of Medicine, Texas Children s
Hospital andTheMethodist Hospital, was
announced this morning. Officials said
the center will be the first in the world to
combine basic science mid clinical
research with pediatric and adult celland-
gene-therapy transplant facilities.
Creation ofthe center was prompted by
new understanding of the molecular basis
ofdisease and theneedfornovel strategies
for cell and gene therapy.-"We realize the
medical possibilities are endless and the
potential impact on patients is far-
: "We’ve had members burned out of their
¯
home and run out of town," he said. "One
¯ family just recently moved to the city
¯ (from a natal community) because they
¯ couldn’t take it anymore. The mother has
AIDS." T.J. said the quality and length of
life for people living with AIDS has
¯ improved because of medical advances,
¯ but there is still a long way to go. "People
~ have started believing thatit’s over. It’s a
¯ long way from being over," he said.
Pam Cross, director of the Regional
AIDS Interfaith Network, agreed that the
¯ much of the general public remains
¯ ignorant of the disease. "People have ¯
¯ become quite complacent. They’ve taken
good news from headlines and TV about
¯ medical advances," she said. "They think
it’ s a cure for HIV and there’ s not. "We’re
~ not seeing a drop. Nationwide, we still
have 40,000 people a y,e,ar becoming
¯ infected with this disease.
T.J., who got AIDS from a Gay
; relationship, fits into the Centers for
~ Disease Co~,trol and Prevention"Pre- 1987
: Definition. That definition refers .to the,
Original list of"oppormnistic infect|ons.
In other words,he got the virus that causes
AIDS before AIDS had a name.
In Oklahoma, there have been 5,441
reported HIV/AIDS cases, according to
theOklahomaState Departmentof Health,
which began tracking the disease in 1982.
Figures show no confirmed heterosexual
¯ cases were recorded the first four years
records were kept, but in the past four
¯ years about 10% of overall cases have
¯ been heterosexual. ¯ ’t ¯ Ms. Cross said documented cases don
¯
fully represent the amount of people who
¯ have the disease. "If they’re anonymous, ¯
¯ there’s noway oftellinghowmany people
have it. I’ve heard estimates that cases
¯ could be as many as 10 times higher (than
¯ what is documented)," Ms. Cross said. ¯
’qqaere are alot of people that don’t know
~ theDyorne"iJnofhecntseodn,, ashe19s-myea. r survivor of
¯ AIDS, said he thinks the biggest reason ¯
¯ for increase in heterosexual cases is
ignorance andalackofAIDS educationin
¯ Oklahoma. "There’s still a lot of that ’It
~ can’ thappenhere’ attitude.I don’ t see the
¯ education taking place that I see in
~ California," saidJohnson,41, whois G.ay.
¯ "The schools there have a curriculum that
¯ involves HIV prevention. There is not the
¯ samecommumtyawarenesshere, hesaid.
¯
Shelly Hickman, spokeswoman f.o,r .,file
i state Department of Education, sam m.e
¯ state requires that schools have a certain
: amount of AIDS education curriculum,
¯ but much of it is left up to the schools¯
¯ ’‘There is some discretion on how it is
~ taughtandwhenitis taught," Ms. Hickman
¯ said."Weareinfavoroflocal communities
~ that they use what’s best for them."
¯ Peggy, who would not use her real
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name, said the state doesn’t do enough to
protect future generations from getting
.AIDS. "People think this diseaseis starting
to go away," she said. "This is afact oflife
- we have to protect our future and give
them the information they need to protect
themselves. How can we do that if we
have to be careful about what words we
say or don’t say in this state? "This
generation is not like generations in the
past. We can’t treat our youth like we did
three or four generations ago. They’re
having sex younger and younger."
Peggy said she got HIV from her late
husband when’he got it from a blood
transfusion in the mid-80’s. She said she
and herhusband hid their disease from the
community toprotecttheir children. "Until
society accepts this disease and is able to
talk about it, it will go on and on," she
said. "Heterosexual people are afraid to
¯¯ country can import lower-cost drugs
without infringing on patents.
¯ The issue of African access to AIDS
¯ drugs has taken on a political dimension ¯
recently. Gore has been caught in a fight
¯ between AIDS activists seeking cheap
¯ generic drugs for South African AIDS ¯
victims of the disease and U.S. laws
: intended to protect drug companies from
¯ having theirpatents violated abroad. Gore
: has saidhedoesnotopposeSouthAfrica’s
¯ attempts to produce or obtain generic
¯ AIDS medicines as long as those efforts ¯
donot violate laws protecting patents.
¯
A 1997 South African law granted the
¯ government unspecified power to obtain
¯ cheaper AIDS drugs. About 40 ¯
pharmaceuticalcompanies worldwide are
: challenging the law in South African
: courts, fearing itmay beusedin a way that
¯ violates patent rights.
be tested because they’re afraid they’ll be :
labeled as Gay. So then they go and ~x;e :
it to someone else and the cycle goes on.r’ ¯
Congress Hears
¯African Appeal
WASHINGTON (AP)-AnAIDS patient
from Malawi asked Congress for help in
settling trade-disputes that could deprive
poor African countries such as her own of
vital drugs.
Chatinkah Nkhoma, 37, believes she
would be dead now had she stayed in
Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, where the
drugs she needs either are tmavailable or
cost too much. Millions of other Africans
are not as lucky, said Nkhoma, who came
to the United States as a graduate student.
~’I’m their voice. I’m here to cry for help,"
Nkhoma testified tearfully before the
HouseGovernmentReform subcommittee
oncriminaljustice, drug policy andhuman
resources.
The government did act in response:
Vice President Gore on Monday
announced a new $100 million proposal
to help Africa stop the spread of AIDS.
Nkhoma also appealed to lawmakers to
¯ reject arguments that the drags may cause
more harm than good in poor nations
unable to ensure AIDS patients adhere to
strict drug regimens. Experts have said
that people who do not take the drugs as
prescribed actually may become sicker or
devdop drug-resistant strains of theAIDS
virus.
AIDS deaths in the United States have
declinedbecause ofadvances in treatment,
but they remain on the increase in Africa,
where it is the leading cause of death.
Trade disputes have developed over
some countries’ efforts to reduce the cost
ofimporting AIDS drugs, withsomeblame
directed at pharmaceutical companies.
"What happens to countries who.., do
not purchase their AIDS drugs from drug
companies, instead looking to. buy them
through cheaper sellers, often times other
countries? Under direct pressure from the
pharmaceuticalindustry, they arepunished
bythe UnitedStates," Rep. Bernie Sanders,
I-Vt., said in a written statement. He said
thesecountries couldlose theirpreferential
tariff treatment "all because the
pharmaceutical companies do not wish to
lose any of their tremendous profits."
Joe Papovich, an assistant U.S. trade
representative, said the Clinton
administration believe it can resolve the
disputes, which involve drug companies’
efforts to protect their patents and help
recoup research costs. He said the
administration is working with South
Africa, where 45% of the military is
infected with the AIDS virus, so that
More Die From
: AIDSThan War
: NAIROBI, Kenya(AP)-AIDS killed 1:4
: million people in eastern .and southern
," Africa last year, overtaking armed
¯ conflicts as the No. 1 killer in the region,
," the U.N~ Children’s Fund said recently.
: Theepidemic, whichhas hit this portion
¯ of the African continent harder than
: anywhere else in the world, has left 6
: million children orphaned in eastern aud
¯ southern Africa, amounting to70% of the
¯ world’s AIDS orphans, said UNICEF ¯
DeputyExecutiveDirectorStephenLewis.
¯ 48% of the world’s AIDS cases are in this
¯ region, Lewis said during the release of
¯ UNICEF’s annual report on AIDS. It ¯
called for emergency action to curb the
¯ spread of AIDS in Africa.
¯ "Fundamentally,AIDS is spreading and
¯ stifling the economic and social
" infrastructure of the entire continent. It is
¯ killing the most productive age group,"
¯ Lewis said. "It is doubling and tripling
¯ infant mortality rates. It is returning life
-" .expectancy to the levels of 1960s." "It is
: the modern incarnationof the Dante’s
¯ Inferno," Lewis said. "Neaier has Africa
¯ faced such a plague."
~ Worldwide, some 16,000 people daily
" are infected.by HIV, the virus that causes
¯ AIDS, and there are 8.2 million AIDS
: orphans, most in sub-Saharan Africa, the
" report said. The report warned that AIDS
: could increase infant mortality in eastem
¯ and southern Africa by 75% and double
: the death rate of children under fivein the
¯ region in the next decade. "Thenumber of
: orphans in Africa constitute nothing less
¯ thananemergencyrequiring an emergency
: response," the report said.
¯ In Uganda, some 1.1 million children
¯ under 15 - or 11% of the country’s child
¯ population-have lost one or both parents ¯
to AIDS, the highest number of AIDS
¯ orphans in the world. In the developed
¯ wodd, that figure is at 1%. ¯
Especially important was educating
¯
people on prevention and on building
¯ tolerance in the region, where AIDS
¯ victims arefrequently shamedinto silence.
¯" Men, more than women, were intolerant
¯ of the disease, often refusing to be tested
: or to support wives stricken with AIDS,
¯ Lewis said.
: Lewis attacked Western nations for not
: financing the fight against the scourge in
¯ Africa. "It is morally indefensible," Lewis
~ said, "That the West is prepared to spend
: upwards of $40 billion to fight war in the
¯ Balkans then to engage in the economic
¯ restoration ofKosovo, andless than 1% of
: that to save the lives of tens of millions of
¯ women, children and men in .adriea."
by James Christjohn
Well, Just saw the new Muppets in
Space (MIS). It only served to make me
nostalgic for the days when Jim Henson
was at the helm of Muppetland. His son,
Brian, strives to follow in his footsteps
and for the most parts does a pretty good
job, but for whatever
reasons, the muppets
justseem to be puppets
now, not beings with
personalities.
In MIS, the plot
focuses on Gonzo,
who doesn’t know
what he is. Neither
does anyone else.
Turns out, he’s an
"alien from outer space
that.got left behind on
a mzsslon many years
ago, and now his
family is looking for
him. This could have
been the setup for a
really tinny "Pigs in
Space" type romp,
taking on all the big
space films, like Star
Wars, Close Encounters, Star Trek, etc.
And, while it has a few cute moments,
it fizzles like booster rockets with a furl
leak. I was really hoping it wout~d be good,
so it is with heavy heart I ~rite this.
Missing are the cameos that populated the
first three muppet films to such success,
the rapid fire jokes, and the witty
commentary on society that was the secret
weapon of the muppet minds. This is not
to say that you won’t find a few chuckles
in the film, which is worth seeing at the
dollar movie.
Especially relevant - and attention
getting - are the bits where Gonzo is
telling the gang that"I didn’ t choose to be
this way, I was’born this way." There are
other moments like that as well, which
indicates more of an overt Gay sensibility
to the film that one might suspect. These
moments are what makes the film worth
seeing.The pacing is-off on most of the
jokes - many of which absolutely depend
on the perfect timing to be funny rather
than misfires.
The ending leaves one wishing formore
- morebuildup,more climax, betterjokes.
It is kind ofperfunctory, and at no time do
the muppets sing any of the songs except
for one perfunctory number, and it’s an
oldie everyone will recognize, mainly
because it was overplayed in the 80’ s way
toe much. It was obviously thrown in at
the last minute, probably as a result of a
production meeting wherein someone said,
"But we HAVEto have a muppet musical
number! It’s expected!", and someone
else said,"Well... OK. I guess so. What’ll
we do?" "How about some old song from
the 80’s that everyone knows? That way
we won’t have to pay for songwriters?"
That, too, was disappointing, for one who
remembers the Muppet Movie for the
music as wall as the dream of one little
green frog to "make millions of people
happy."
Switching hats here, I thought I’d cross
over into TFN Book reviewer Barry
Hensley’s territory and make a
recommendation for "Queer Astrology
for Men" by Jill Dearman. Ms. Dearman
writes in a humorous style, which can
seem light until you read - really read -
whatshe’ s writing. (Shemustbea"sadge"
- Saggitarian) It makes the more
~ challenging aspects of the signs a little
¯ easier to take, and makes one aware of
¯ them without alienating or antagonizing,
¯ except in a good natured, "just kidding"
" kinda way. She’s been writing
¯ professionally aboutastrology for 9 years,
and has studied astrology since childhood,
and she does seem to
One of my favorite
numbers was the
"Jadhouse Tango",
wherein a bunch of
murderesses explain
why "they done it".
I think anyone who’s
been in a relationship
could probably
identify with many of
the reasons.
know her stuff.
As an astrologer
(Gemini MoonAstrological
Services, see
ad within these pages),
I am always on the
lookout for new and
informative
information on
astrology, especially
pertaining to Gay and
Lesbian folk This
book fits the bill quite
nicely and accurately,
Informally written,
it is an overview of
the sun sign..(themost
basic part of one’s
personality. Of
course, for a really
accuratepicture, afull
interpretation or birthchart is necessary;
since the other planets can mitigate/
amplify the sun sign’s qualities in any
given person.) As such, it is scarily on the
target.
As a Sagittarius, I found that section
(sometimes unfortunately) to be dead-on:
And having spent more than my share of
time around Leas, I read that section as an
objective "test" of the accuracy of the
writing, and again, it was quite right. So,
if you’re looking for a quick overview of
someone’s personality, and what makes
them tick, tiffs would be one of the better
book.
For a more complete picture, if you
know the person’s moon sign and rising
sign, I would recommend reading those
sections as well. Sun: basic ego quirks and
personality; rising sign or ascendant: how
they appear to others (Which explains
why a sun sign appears to be something
else entirely, emphasis on the "seems".);
and moon sign: emotions and the
subconscious - the way someone filters/
expresses emotional tendencies. Or, in
the case of one Leo I know, not.
It’ s a worthy addition to thebookshelves
of anyone curions about what makes
people tick, psychology, or mateshopping.
And, as a former total skeptic
and a psychology major, I can say give it
arty; you’llbe surprised. Forget the overly
general newspaper tidbits (especially the
Tulsa World -"Sagittarius: Today you’ll
have a day" just doesn’t cut it with me),
and go for the real stuff. This is a good
start,
If you can, check out "Chicago", at the
PAC throughAugust 1 st. The Kander and
Ebb musical starring Sandy Duncan is
worth seeing. The men and women are all
gorgeous, and the staging is perfect. The
story of the "sensationalization" of two
murders for publicity’s sake is certainly
timely. Ms. Duncan is gorgeous and turns
in a great performance, and the dancing
alone is worth seeing.
One of my favorite numbers was the
"Jailhouse Tango", wherein a bunch of
murderesses explain why "they done it",
I thinkanyonewho’s beenin arelationship
could probably identify with many of the
reasons.
see Arts, p. 11
present...
of Dallas, Texas~
Reception
Following
Performance
JO]’ll~ YdlLLIAMS THEATEll
AUG. 2"/~: 28 - 8 PM
~Made possible, in part, by a grant from
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~ SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pm, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Service - 1 lam, 2545 S. Yale, 749-0595 (Welcoming)
Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist
Service - 1 lam, 1314 No. Greenwood, 587-1314
Metropolitan Community Church United
Service, l lain, 1623 North Maplewood, Info: 838:1715
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service.- 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangelical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1 lam, 205 W. King (east 0f N. Denver), hffo: 582-3088
Unity Church of Christianity
Services: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown, 749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay/Transgendered Alliance
6:30 pm, Meets at the Canterbury Ctr., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
~ MONDAYS
Mixed Volleyball, Helmerich Park, 71st & Riverside, 6pm, call Shawn at 243-5190.
HIV Testing Clinic, Free & anonymous testing. No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378) 3501 E. Admiral (east of Harvard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
7:30pro, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2nd MonJeach mo. 6:30pm, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AIDS Committee, call for meeting date, noon, 585-5551
Council Oak Men’s Chorale, rehearsals - call for times, info: 585-COMC (2662)
~TUESDAYS
AIDS Coalition of Tulsa, call for next meeting date. 1430 S. Boulder, 585-5551
Live And Let Live. Community of Hope United Methodi st, 7:30pm, 2545 S. Yale
Multicultural AIDS Coalition, call for next meeting date.
Urban League, 240 East Apache, 584-0001
PrimeTimers, mens group, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/HOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, info: 743-4297
~ WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc. Service - 7pm, 3210b So: Norwood
Tulsa Native American Mens Support Group, more information, call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call for inib: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pm, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
~" THURSDAYS
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing: 7 - 8:30pm 834-8378, 3507 E. Admiral
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’RYAN)
Support/social group for 18-24’s, call Red Rock Mental Health at 584-2325
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV AIDS, Info: 834-4194
~ FRIDAYS
SafeHaven, Young Adults Social Group, 1 st Fri/each mo. 8pm, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
~" SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous, 11 pm, Community of Hope,1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800
Lambda A-A, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, 2rid ft.
~ OTHER GROUPS
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, info: 838-1222
Gal-A-Vanting, Womens Social & Cultural Group
Call for info: Mary at 743-6740, Kathy at 322-6322, or Barb at 459-68251..i
OK Spoke Club, Gay & Lesbian Bike Organization. Long rides, 7am on 8~ & 8/
21. Short ride, 6:30pm on 8/5, 6pm on 8/18 from Zeigler Park. Short ride, 6:30pro, 8/
25 from Tulsa Gay Community Center. Write for info: PUB 9165, Tulsa. OK74157
lfyour organization is not listed, please let us know. Call 583-I248 orfax 583-4615.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
reviewed by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-Couniy Library
For a short time, in 1997, the worldwas
mesmerized’by the odd and frightening
story of Andrew Cnnanart, as he went on
a killing spree across several
states, ending.with themurder Indiana’s
of fashion designer Gianni ¯ ". ~ "
Versace in Miami. This
¯recounting of Cunanan’s
interesting life and horrifying
death makes fascinating, ff
difficult, reading.
Growing up in a lower
middle class family,Cunanan
learned early in life to
embellish tte truth to make
him seem more important. He
studied the.finer things in life
beginning as a child, and by -
high school, dazzled his
teachers with his knowledge
andtaste, andwonrespectfrom
other students with his sharp
wit, easy’ demeanor and
exceedingly good looks.
As he eased into gay life in " sentence at
California, Cnnanan learned thathe couldeasilymanipulate ~’- 39~0 words!
otherpeopleinto situations that
were advantageous to him. He had a few
seim-serious relationships and even had a
sugar daddy at one point. The two people
he was serious about, David Madson and
JeffTrail, each soonrealized thatCunanan
was a fraud. To get away from him, they
each left the state, ironically both ending
up in Minnesota.
As Cunanan’s friends deserted him,
with no job and low on funds, he went to
Minnesota, hoping one of his old
boyfriends wouldinvitehim to stay awhile
- untilhe wasbackonhis feet. BothMadson
and Trail, who barely knew each other,
were simply hoping that he wouldstay for
acoupleofdays andleave. Whenitbecame
gravcst sin,
and the thing
that makes
the book so
hard to read,
is his highly
approach to
sentence
structure.
I do kd
The brothers were being held in lieu of
$150,000 bail on charges of receiving
stolen property after authorities said they
found awallet, credit card, driver’s license
and Social Security card belonging to
Matson.
Federal and local authorities said the
brothers also were being investigated in
connection with the Sacramento
synagogue fires onJune 18 that caused $1
million in damage..
TheWilliams brothers livedinamodest,
wood-frame house in Redding, where
investigators said they found material
espousing white supremacist beliefs.
Amongthematerial foundwas literature
from the Illinois-based World Church of
the Creator, according to news reports. A
former member of the church, Benjamin
Smith, killed himself last week after a
two-state shooting spree targeting
minorities inTndianaand ~linois thatkill~.~
two men and wonnded nine others.
Also found in the house was alist of32
prominent Jewish and civic leaders in
Sacramento, and FBI special agent James
Maddock said protection was ordered for
those individuals. Officials also urged
Reddin~’s only Jewish congregation,
Temple Beth Israel, to increase secun y.
ii
evident that no offers were forthcoming,
Cunanan tttmed bitter and surly. After a
minor betrayal by Jeff Trail, Cunanan
snapped, bludgeoning Trail to death with
a hammer. And so began his killing spree
which also included Madson, an elderly
friend in Chicago, an unlucky
cemetery worker whose truck
Cunanan needed, and finally,
Versace.
Author Gary Indiana did a
lotofresearch butmuch of the
book revolves around what
Cunanan was thinking, how
he formulated his plans, and
conversations between
Cunanan and his victims.
Since all of the participants
are dead, Indiana is simply
making up. a good story,, With
events that may ormay not be
true.But, Indiana’s gravestsin,
and the thing that makes the
book so hard to read, is his
highly unusual approach to
sentence structure. I clocked
one sentence at 320 words!
Frustrations aside, this
is an interesting story, and
there are some fairly good
photographs to help put faces
¯ with names. There is an unseemly photo
." Of Ctmanan’s bloody corpse, after his
¯ suicide, which is better suited to a tabloid
~ thanarespectablebook. Ctmananwas ful!
¯ of contradictions; smart but doing stupid
¯" things, sweet yet mean to those around
him, and;mostofall,complex yetshallow.
¯ His is a warning to materialistic social
". climbers that there is more to life than
superficial appearances, and if you take
¯ things too seriously, you can wind up
: hurting yourself and those you love.
¯ Check for Three Month Fever at your
: local branch library, or call the Readers
: Services departmentatthe Central Library,
¯ at 596-7966.
i Anti-Hate Crimes Legislation
: Advances in Senate
¯ WASHINGTON - The Senate has taken
i a ,strong stand against the rising tide of
hate violence in America by adding the
¯
Hate Crimds Prevention Act to the
¯ Commerce, Justice and State appro-
¯ priations bill, both the Human Rights
"_ Campaiguandthe National Gay&Lesbian
¯
Task Force asserted recently.
¯ "The Senate took a dramatic step
¯ forward in making this nation a safer ¯
place for all Americans," HRC Executive
: Director Elizabeth Birch said a day after
¯ the Senate added hate crimes language to
¯ the appropriationsmeasure. "We appla.ud ¯
this responsibleeffort to stem the growing
: trend of hate crimes in our country."
¯ ’q’his is the first concrete action taken
¯ by either chamber since America buried
¯" Matthew Shepard, James Byrd Jr., Billy
~ .Jack Gaither, and many transgendered
: people whose names and faces do not
make the newspapers," said Kerry Lobel,
¯ executive director of the National Gay
¯ and Lesbian Task Force.
_" "It is a good first step. But we have a
¯ long way to go and we must now mm to
¯ the House and tell our representatives
: how critically important this legislation
¯ is. In short, we must keep up the heat." ¯
Theamendmentapprovedby the Senate
: see Hate, p, 14
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential
HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tuesday Testing, 5 -8 pm
Pride Center, 1307 East 38th
Wednesday Testing, 5-8 pm
¯ Red Rock, 1724 East 8th
Daytime appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-584-2325
Church
of the Restoration
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday
1314 North Greenwood
587-1314
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Tulsa Locations:
2001 S. Garnett, 437-2444
3733 S. Memorial, 6600344
1216 S. Harvard, 587-177~
Sapulpa Location:
109 N. Mission, 227-2322
And if you haven’t heard Sarah
Mclachlan’s "Mirrorball" CD, I would
recommend that yougo get itnow. As one
of the few artists I’ve heard that sounds as
good live as She does on her studio
recordings, this is a standout collection of
live performances that showcase her
talents to a tee. A DVD/videotape is to be
released soon of-the performances
captured on this CD, with extra songs. If
you didn’t get to see her inOKC, I can tell
you that this is the next best thing.
Also, for those who have missed the
regular "Stevie" updates, Ms. Nicks’
album is nearly completed, with an
October release date,
The most concrete action taken,
however, was acommitmenttomeetagain
as a group on Sept. 14, at the TulSa Gay
Community Services Center (the Pride
Center) at 1307 E. 38th St. probably at
6pro. For more information, call Marty
Newman at 582-4673.
Want to get involved?
Need to get tested for HIV?
Need a Coming Out Support Group?
Call 743-GAYS
Tulsa Gay Community
Services Center
1307 E. 38th at Peoria, 2nd floor
HUman Rights Campaign Fears Religious
Liberty Bill May Threaten Civil Rights
WASHINGTON - The House passed the ¯ discriminate on the basis of sext~A
~::i.: Religi~us Liberty ProtectionAct (RLPA) : orientation.
last month and defeated a substitute bill
that would have closed a dangerous
loophole in RLPA that could threaten
civil fights ff not remedied in the Senate,
according to theHaman Rights Campaign.
"In its current form, this bill poses a
grave threat to civil rights laws throughout
thecountry," saidHRCExecutive Director
Elizabeth Birch "In an unconscionable
vote~.the U.S. House of Repre.sentatives
has indicated its willingness, to trample onthb
civil rigllts ofwomen, people of color,.
people with disabilities and Gay and
Lesbian Americans."
"While we support the intentions of the
Religious Liberties Protection Act, it is
shameful that the House rejected an
alternative bill that would have protected
civil rights," said HRC Political Director
Winnie Stachelberg.
A substitute bill sponsored by Jerrold
Nadler, D-N.Y., was defeated in theHouse
190 to 234 after an hour-long debate. The
Nadler bill would have clarified RLPAby
preventing an individual from using
religious beliefs to undermine local or
state civil rights statutes. Without the
Nadlerbill, which was necessary forHRC
support, the Rep. Charles Canady0 R-Fla.,
sponsored Religious Liberty Protection
Act-a bill designed to safeguard religious
expression- passed the House306 to 118.
RLPA would prohibit any state or local
law from placing a "substantial burden"
on a "person’s religious exercise" even if.
the rule is not designed to infringe on a
person’s religious beliefs. The problem
is; the bill currently does not clarify
whether state andlocal anti-discrirhination
laws can be ignored by a person who
claims that these laws violate his or her
religious beliefs.
"We cannot support legislation that
might threatenanti:discrimination statutes
thatprotect Gay andlesbianAmericans in
11 states and 101 municipalities," said
Stachelberg.
Thefollowing is an excerpt of a letter
that was sent by HRC executive director
Elizabeth Birch to our allies who are
supporting the RLPA without civil rights
protection.
The- Human Rights Campaign is proud
to have the support of a broad-based
coalition ofreligious organizations in the
struggle for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual
equality. However, in light of the position
many such organizations took on last
week’s House vote in support of the
Religious Liberty ProtectionAct(RLPA),
I wouldlike to share withyou our thoughts
on RLPA. First, we believe the intent of
this legislation is a worthy one - religious
freedom is an important righL But, as
currently drafted, this bill is flawed.
We strongly believe support for this
legislation, as currently drafted, is not
consistent with support for Gay and
Lesbian rights....
Like you, the Human Rights Campaign
strongly supports the principle of
protecting the free exercise of one’s
personal religious beliefs that serve as the
foundation for RLPA. Just as strongly, we
believe that Lesbian, Gay and bisexual
Americans shouldnotface discrimination
at work, at home or in their communities
because of their sexual orientation. It is
clear from statements made by members
of the coalition supporting RLPA that
they believe individual landlords and
employers should be allowed to
’_ Unfortunately, the question
¯ answered during last week’s debate <~n
: RLPA is, in my mind, the most import~zt
: one: what religious liberty fights wo~.! d
¯ be lost or weakened by the inclusion of a
: civilrights provision?Formembers of the
¯ coalition supporting this bill who profc.qs
¯ a desire to resolve this impasse in good
: faith, I find the rejection of this provision
¯ completely bafflin.g....:
¯" " Our ~ concern! ls:.com~pou,n,ded by
statements made by (he bill’.s chief:
¯ sponsor, Congressman Charles Canady,
~ and one of the leading members of your
¯ coalition, Steve McFartand, of the ¯
¯ Christian Legal Society. During
Saturday’s broadcast of the CSPAN
" program Washington Journal, Canady
¯ said"I believe there are contexts in which
: this bill could result in a claimant who is
¯ defending agmnst the application of a
¯ local Gay rights ordinance to raise a claim
that would be successful - I think this law
would trump the Gay rights ordinance."
¯ Mr. McFarland also acknowledged this
." intended use of RLPA in response to a
¯ question fromCongressman Jerry Nadler ¯
during his congressional testimony on
¯ RLPA before the House Judiciary
¯ Committee.’s Subcommittee on the
¯ Constitution on May 12, 1999. I am sure
¯
you can understand why such statements
¯ do little to dispel the very real fear that
¯ some intend to use RLPA as a sword to ¯
strike down the civil rights of others in the
¯ name of religious liberty. Whether it is
; your intent or not, opposition to a civil
¯ rights exemption ts support for
¯ discriminationbased onsexual orientation
" - a position in direct opposition to the
¯ principles that are the foundation of the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
: We are particularly passionate about
: the need for a civil rights provision in
¯ RLPA because of the lack of any federal
laws prohibiting employment
." discrimination on the basis of sexual
; orientation. The eleven state laws and
¯ nearly 200local laws are the few and very
: hard fought civil rights protections
] availableforGay and Lesbian Americans.
: Many of those laws took fifteen years or
¯ more of struggle by the local community
¯ to pass....
The Religious Liberty Protection Act,
.~ as currently drafted, will put more
¯ Americans at risk of discrimination, not ¯
fewer. Enacting this legislation without
: stating clearly in the bill that RLPA does
¯ not provide a defense to non-compliance
¯ with stateor local anti-discriminationlaws ¯
undercuts those laws ....
¯ To allow RLPA as a defense against
: discrimination is to defend religious
¯ practices that do real and definable harm ¯
to others. From our perspective, your
¯ opposition to the civil rights provision
." means you are defending the right of a
¯ religious individual, who chooses to be a
: landlord or employer, to impose their
¯ religious beliefs on a Gay or Lesbian
¯ American by denying them a job or a
: place to live because of their sexual
: orientation. To find ourselves in this
: disagreement with you, our long-time
¯ allies, deeply saddens and angers us... ¯
We ask you to join with us as this bill
." moves forward to strongly encourage the
: Senate to include a civil rights provision
¯ and enact areligious liberty protection act
: for all Americans.
¯ - Elizabeth Birch, Executive Director
byEsther Rothblum, Ph.D.
Giventhenumberandrange ofresearch
projects about Lesbians in recent years, it
is easy to forget how challenging it was to
survey Lesbians even a decade ago. In the
1980’ s, Caitlin Ryan and Judy Bradford
conducted @hat became the National
Lesbian Health Care Survey. This study
eventually resulted in 1,925 completed
questionnaires from Lesbians in all 50
U.S. states. It figured prominently in the
recent Institute of Medicine
Report of the National
Academy of Sciences. Even
today, there are Lesbians
(including me!) who
remember completing a
questionnaire for this study
15 years ago. I recently asked
Caiflin and Judy to describe
the "herstory" and process
of conducting the National
Lesbian Health Care Survey
in the mid- 1980s.
In the late 1970s, Caitlin suggested
forminganational organization thatwould
be multi-disciplinary, focus on Lesbian
- and Gay health issues, and sponsor
research and education. She began to talk
with other Lesbians about the need for a
survey. There was no av~i~lable
information on how Lesbians
conceptualize Lesbian health. She was
also interested in how stigma affected
health, mental health, self care, and access
to care.
Sheapplied for agrant though thenewly
formed National Lesbian and Gay Health
Foundation and hired a research
consultant, Dot Parkel, who was a
sociologist and survey researcher. Dot’s
role was to help design the study and to
develop drafts of the questionnaire, using
the input Caitlin had received from many
Lesbians.
Caitlin told me: "I remember talking
with a researcher who was herself a
closeted Lesbian, who sat down with me
and basically told me that I could not
possibly do a study like this. She just felt
that it was not feasible. And, of course,
therewas no such thing as arepresentadve
sample. I saw this womanrecently and we
laughed about her earlier skepticism. She
said, ’I told you that you couldn’t do and
you went out and did it.’ "
Judy got started by attending the
Intemational Lesbian and Gay Health and
AIDS Conference atNew YorkUniversity
with a good friend, a man who was in her
class in graduate school. They were both
interested in AIDS research, which was
just getting started then. EverywhereJudy
looked- and she went to a lot of sessions
at the conference - there were mostly
men. Then she noticed in the Conference
program a scheduled time for a women’ s
group meeting. It turned out to be an
orgamzing meeting for the National
Lesbian Health Care Survey, and Caitlin
was facilitating the group. When Judy
said she was a graduate student and
described a little of what she was doing,
she suddenly became co-investigator and
was responsible for data analysis and
preparing the survey report.
One of the things Caitlin had been very
concerned about was inclusion. So many
of the early studies, and even those
conducted today, have shown very highly
educated samples of Lesbians. Shewanted
¯ . . it is easy
to forget how
challenging it
was to survey
Lesbians even
a decade ago.
: to include women of color and women of
¯ diffeient economic backgrounds and not
¯ have language be a barrier. So she talked
with people about how to ask clinical
¯ questions in a non-clinical way. Caitlin
¯ said: "I talked with women bus drivers,
day laborers, women who had been
¯ recently diagnosed withcancer, about their
¯ experiences and how we should ask these ¯
questions. All of that helped frame how
¯
we would shape a questionnaire."
She elicited
suggestions about language
in a series of focus groups
that took place in several
different parts ofthe country.
They pre-tested the
questxonna]re at several
Lesbian and Gay
conferences and with
individuals around the
country. They would ask the
womenin the focus group to
fill out the questionnaire, and
¯ then they would sit around and talk about
¯ it alittlebit, and hearwhat people thought ¯
of it to make it more accessible. After
" several go-arounds using that process,
: they finalized the questionnaire.
¯ SinceCaitlinhaddone the early Lesbian ¯
andGayhealth organizing, shehad alarge
¯ address baseofpeopleall overthecountry
who were willing to help distribute the
¯ quesdounaires. They set up a distribution ¯
plan that was kind of an unusual approach
¯ tO snowball sampling. The methodology
¯ was intended to get the questionnaires out ¯
as broadly as possible to people all over
the country, including Alaska; They were
concernedwithgetting the survey to underrepresented
populations that hadn’t been
sampled before, so they made a
commitment to getting it to Lesbians in
the military, Lesbians living on Indian
reservations, and Lesbians in prison.
They also. tried reaching non-English
speaking women and they tried to reach
Lesbians of color in a variety of ways,
including having Lesbians of color give it
out to their networks around the country.
The National Coalition of Black Lesbians
and Gays sent a mailing about the survey
and how important it was and how to
participate. The Wisconsin Governor’s
Task Force sent out mailings that went all
over the state of Wisconsin. The National
Organization of Women sent out
information abeut the survey, and
information about it was published in a
variety of Lesbian and Gay newsletters.
The survey went out in the fall of 1984
and by early 1985 they had received
surveys back from 1,925 Lesbians from
every U.S. state. It was a wonderful
experience for them,hearing from somany
Lesbians across the country, and had the
sense of a national movement. There was
an electric energy - everyone had a great
sense of how important the survey was.
Of course, a major issue was how to
obtain money to fund data entry and data
analysis. The early 1980s was not a time
for funding Lesbian projects. Once the
struggles for funding were over (though
the study was funded on a shoestring),
Judy sent the questionnaires out to the
Virginia State Prison, where all the lab’s
data entry was done at that time. She told
¯ me: "The questionnaires did not arrive ¯
back. When our project manager called
¯
about this, seePsyche, p. 13
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by Lamont Lindstrom
For years and years I used to gethaircuts
athome. Mona, spouse, roommates,lovers
- whoever was handy with scissors - had
a whack at my head. The result varied but
the price was right. So I was a latecomer
to theworld of barbers, professional haircutters,
hairdressers, and stylists. Thefirst
time I paid someone for a haircut I was
nervous. I was 40 years old but had never
been inside a salon. That chair, the sink,
those weird tools - it all reminded me of
the dentist. However, I soon learned to
appreciate hairdressers’ skills and also
the pleasure of a shampoo and an
occasional head massage.
But I was still worried when I moved to
Japan for seven months. My hair grew
faster than I could learn Japanese. I riffled
desperately throughmyratty oldJapanese
"useful phrases for tourists" looking for
haircut vocabulary. I had the book in my
pocket when I picked a shop at random
from the scores of salons in downtown
Kagoshima.
Lucky for me, the stylist and owner had
trained with Vidal Sassoon in London.
And he remembered enough English to
understand roughly how I wanted my
hair. He had an army of assistants, too,
who shampooed me and got me ready for
the cut. (They would drape a cloth over
my eyes while working on me - I wasn’t
sure if this was to keep out the suds, or
spare me the rude view of their nostril
hair.) The shampoo always finished with
a beautifully relaxing head massage - a
standard service in Japanese salons.
I have just finished reading an analysis
of hair styling written by anthropologist
Grant McCracken: Big Hair: A Journey
into the Transformation of Self.
McCracken interviewed both stylists and
customers about the transforming powers
of hair. He suggests that we Americans
get new hairstyles in order to recreate and
change ourselves. When we reach a point
in life where we need a change, we redo
our hair. Or when the boyfriend dumps
you, a new buzz cut and goatee can help
relieve the pain.
A few years ago there was a weird
outbreak of ponytails among my 40-
something straight-guy friends
Something about hitting the Big 40 made
these aging friends cultivate their long,
graying locks. Perhaps they figured this
was the last chance before it all fell off
anyway.
Psychologists from Freudondownhave
commented on the sexual meaning of
hair. Delilah cuts away Samson’s
hewas told ,they wouldn’ t code the surveys.
I got another company to.do it and the
same thing happened. Finally when it
came to the third company I was told that
the data entry staff were afraid to touch
the questionnaires for fear of getting
AIDS !"
Over the years, wherever Judy and
Caitlin are, they continue to nm into
Lesbians who participated in the survey,
and who want to talk about the impact that
it had on them. Many women wrote pages
of material in addition to the answers they
gave to the items on the questiormaire.
For published results of the National
Lesbian Health Care Survey, see:
1. Bradford, J.B., & Ryan, C. (1991).
Who we are: Health concerns ofmiddle-
¯ manhood by fleecing his curls. Though ¯ nowadays- thanks to Michael Jordan and
¯¯ others - the bald knob is equally sexy.
Whether one goes for flowing ponytail or
¯
smooth, shiny scalp, the pointis that when
¯ life gets messy or gloomy, we run to our ¯
barber.
¯ In Kagoshima, someof themoreelegant
¯ salon assistants had dyed their black
¯ Japanese hair blond and I wondered if ¯
they were Gay. But then I felt guilty for
¯ thinking stereotypically. All hair stylists,
¯" of course, are not Gay. Warren Beatty in
Shampoo.testified to that. Still, Gay men
¯ have, been deeply involved in the
¯ emergence of today’s hair industry.
¯ McCracken reviews some of the giants of
¯ 20th century hair styling: Ernest Adler, ¯
Alexandre, and Antoine - the 1950s
forerunners of Sassoon - and many of
¯ these men dearly were Gay. ¯
Furthermore, theAmerican marketplace
¯ feeds off cultural creativity generated
~ within local, often otherwise unap¯
preciated communities. It steals hiphop
stylefromurbanstreets;itborrows stylistic
¯ developments in language, dress, and hair
from Gay men and women. The long hair
¯ of the 1960s and the cropped hair of the
¯ 1990s both largely originated in Gay
circles.
The combination ofhomosexuality and
¯ personal service is not unusual across the
¯ world. Many of the small town beauty
¯ salons springing up in the Philippines and
elsewhere, for example, are established
¯ by Gay men.
¯o It may be that culturally ambiguous
¯ homosexuality-whichstands bothoutside
and between the categorical opposition
betw.eenmal,e andfemale-makes personal
service easier. If the server is somehow
outside the arena ofordinary heterosexual
gender competition and dalliance, then
his touch is easier to bear. It is not news
that. map.y Gay men provide personal
service m restaurants, hotels, hospitals,
rest homes, as well as in hair salons.
Next time you need a new you, do
something about that hair. It may be that
developments in genetics and cloning one
day will replace plastic surgery to allow
us effortlessly to remake ourselves:
Perhaps change our skin color, orbuy new
orange eyeballs, or a bigger set ofpecs, or
trade in our ears or more personal body
parts. But until that day comes, we’ve got
our hair. You can redo with a new do.
Which renfinds me. It’s about time for
a haircut.
Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D. teaches
anthropology at the University of Tulsa.
agedLesbians. In B. Sang, J. Warshow, &
A.J. Smith (Eds.) Lesbians atmidlife: The
creative transition (pp. 147-163). San
Fransisco, CA: Spinsters Book Company.
2. Bradford, J.B., Ryan, C.,&Rothblum,
E.D. (1994). National Lesbian Health Care
Survey: Implications for mental health
care. Journal of Consulting and Clinical
Psychology, 62, 228-242.
3. Ryan, C., & Bradford, J. (1993). The
NationalLesbian Health Care Survey: An
Overview. In D. Garnets & D.C. Kimmel
(Eds.) Psychological perspectives on
Lesbian and Gay male experiences. New
York: Columbia University Press.
Esther Rothblum is Professor of
Psychology at the University of Vermont
and Editor of the Journal of Lesbian
Studies. She can be reached atJohn Dewey
Hail, University of Vermont, Burlington,
VT. E-mail: esther.rothblum@uvm.edu.
and to effectively refute the anti-family
policies of the right-wing; second, to
actively build an effective and
collaborative national pro-GLBT family
network among GLBT and mainstream
organizations working on family issues;
and third, to educate the general public
about the value and values of GLBT
families.
Ettelbrick will assist NGLTF in
articulating a voice in policy debates that
have a great impact on GLBT families,
including debates on adoption, coparenting,
foster Care, alternative
insemination and recognition of "broader
family support networks. In addition,
NGLTF will raise GLBT perspectives in
debates that have traditionally excluded
consideration of GLBT perspectiyes.
Examples include definitions of family in
Social Security reform proposals~ the
Older Americans Act and immigration
policy.
Noted Vaid, "A number of legal and
advocacy groups do excellent work in the
arena of family issues, but no group
currently coordinates the efforts of our
movement in this area so that
collaboratively we can muster the
resources weneedto changefamily policy.
In addition, there is no national research
center for policy development and policy
analysis ~n family issues. With GLBT
families facing attack on so maiiy fronts,
the need for a coordinated national
approach has never been greater."
Announcement of the Family Policy
Programis partofalong-term commitmenl
on the part of the NGLTF Policy Institute
toGLBTFamilies. Beginning in the 1980s,
NGLTFhousedthefirstnational Families
Project. Throughout the 1990"s, the Task
Force worked actively on a number of
family issues. Last year, NGLTF
organized "Celebrating Our Families," a
15-city national tour to raise the visibility
of GLBT family issues and to organize
against attacks by right wing groups. In
1999, the Policy Institute published The
Domestic Partnership Organizing Manual
to help employees and citizens around the
country mobilize to obtain important
benefits for their families.
Founded in 1973, the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force works to
elimiinateprejudice, violence andinjustice
against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
andTransgenderedpeople at thelocal, state
and national level. As part of abroader
social justice movement for freedom,
justice and equality, NGLTF iscreating a
world that respects and celebrates the
diversity ofhumanexpression andidentity
where all people may fully participate in
society.
For example, if anyone had suggested
that in the third year after weheld the first
Pride March (all 65 brave souls - likely
more non-Gay than Gay) that we would
have hnndreds at the Pride Parade and
Picnic of this year with no less than
Congressman Barney Frank as grand
marshal. While the principal credit for
that goes to Mitchell Savage and Ric
Martin and many others, it was nndcr
Steve’s leadership that these people came
together.
Andjustkeeping theCommunityCenter
afloat is no little task. While the Center
continues to serve many. groups and
members of the community, it still needs
broader support. Air conditioning has to
be paid for (air conditioning repairs have
to be paid for) as well as rent and other
expenses.
I would suggest that the greatest way in
which we can honor Steve Horn - and
those who served before him as well - is
to continue to support the work he did: to
help keep our community center open, to
improve it; maybe one day, even to help
build our own building - imagine.
would expand federal authority to
prosecute hate crimes. Currently, federal
officials canouly intervene if a victim is
engaged in a federally protected act such
as attempting to vote, go to school or serve
onajury. Federal officials catmotintervene
at all in hate crimes based on disability,
sexual orientation or gender.
The Senate also passed a watered-down
amendmentby Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah,
that does not cover sexual orientation,
disability or genderand wouldonly expand
federal jurisdiction to hate crimes
committed after the crossing of state lines.
"The Hatch amendment fails to
recognize that no one should be a target
for bias-motivated violence," Lobd said.
"Hate crimes legislation that doesn’t cover
sexual orientation, disability and gender
is a farce."
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act has
been a top. legislative priority of both
organizations and passage of the
amendment culminates months of
work."With strong administrationbacking
and bipartisan support in both houses of
Congress, we expect to be in a strong
position in the conference committee to
ensure final passage of the Hate Crimes
Prevention Act," Winnie Stachelberg,
HRC’s political director, said today.
The Hate Crimes Prevention Act has
strong supportfrom President Clinton and
the administration has made passage a
priority. Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., has
scheduled a hearing on the measure in the
House Judiciary Committee on Aug. 4.
HCPA currently has morethan 180House
cosponsors from both parties.
theneed for individuals in the community
¯ to support the Center remained.
According to Tracey Conaty,
"- spokespersonfor the Gill Foundation,Tim
, Gill, software developer of Quark,
established the Fmmdation in 1994 as a
: catalyst for and’to provide resources for
: communities in pursuit of justice and
¯" equality. The foundation also seeks to
buildawareness ofthe contributions which
: Gay men and Lesbians make to American
¯ society. Since its inception, Tim Gill and
¯ the Gill Foundation have provided nearly
$13 million to hundreds of community
¯ organizations.
Gatewoodalso mentioned several other
¯" events at the Center. On Sept. 25th, the
¯ Centerwill host aFeast for Friends dinner
in support of THE NAMES PROJECT.
¯ And in Oct. the Center will present a
¯ National Coming Out Day Festival and ¯
¯ Fair. This event will include a mini film
festival as well beginning on Oct. 8th.
: More information will be available as the
¯ event approaches.
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Dublin Core
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Title
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[1999] Tulsa Family News, August 1999; Volume 6, issue 8
Subject
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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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
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Tom Neal
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August 1999
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James Christjoh
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, Volume 6, Issue 7
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English
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Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/590
adoption
AIDS deaths
AIDS testing
AIDs Walk
Anti-hate crime legislation
arts and entertainment
attorneys
Barry Hensley
Bars
businesses
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
churches
civil rights
Civil Rights Act
Community Center
conversion therapy
Council Oak Men's Chorale
Dave Fleischer
discrimination
divorce
Dyke Psyche
Entertainment Notes
Esther Rothblum
Exodus International
Feast with Friends
Fred Phelps
Gary Indiana
gay bashing
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
Gay-Straight Alliance
Greg Gatewood
HIV/AIDs
HIV/AIDS research
homophobia
Human Rights Campaign
James Christjohn
Lamont Lindstrom
lawsuits
Malawi
marriage
marriage equality
Murder
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Native Americans
Parish Church of Saint Jerome
Paul M. Barby
Paula Ettelbrick
performing arts
Phillip Morris
Read All About It
religious liberty
restaurants
Steve Horn
Three Month Fever
Tom Neal
Tulsa CARES
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Metropolitan Ara Planning Commission
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Two-Spirited Indian Men's Support Group
Westboro Baptist Church
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THE NAMES PROJECT
Quilt Tours Black Colleges
Coretta Scott King Slams Homophobia
ATLANTA (AP) - During the AIDS Quilt tour of
historically Black colleges and universities, Coretta
Scott King told those viewing the memorial that
homophobiahas prolonged and worsened the epidemic
within the Black community.
"It is particularly sad tome when I hear Black people,
includiug some in leadership positions, making
homophobic comments and attacking t.he humm] rights
of Gay and Lesbian people," the widow of die Rev.
Martin Luther King Jr. said Monday during the tour’s
opening ceremonies at Clark Atlanta University,
Regardless of sexual orientation or gender, Blacks
have a signiticantly higher risk of becoming infected
with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Stati-stics show
ntost new HIV infections occur among people 25 and
younger. The Black community has been hit particularly
hard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Blacks account for about half the new HIV
infections, AIDS cases and AIDS deaths, though they
represent only 13% of the U.S. population,
"With the stigma on homosexual behavior mthe
African-American coxmnunit~¢, ¯ see Ki.,t~, ~9.: 15
Matthew Shepard
Murder Trial Update
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Gay college student Matthew
Shepardwas pumaneled to deathby Aaron McKirmey in
a drunken, drug-induced rage after Shepard made a pass
at him, McKirmey’s attorney Said as: his trial began.
"’Did Matthew Shepard deserve to die? No, that’s
ridiculous-. No manslaughter victim deserved to die,"
Jason Tangeman said in opening statements. "That’s
what Aaron McKirmey is guilty of, manslaughter."
The roofer’s judgment that night Vas affected bv
alcohol, methamphetamines and "~ome sexuall}
traumatic and confusing events in his life," Tangeman
told jurors.
Prosecutor Cal Rerncha said his case against
McKinney will not deal with Shepard’s Gayness. "It
will simply be about the pain, suffering and death of
Matthew Shepard at the hands of the defendant, Aaron
James:McKimaey," he said." The Human Rights
Campaign, a national Gay civil rights organization
strongly condenmed the use of the.’’blame the victim"
defense in the trial.
Shepard, McKinney and Henderson met in a Laramie
bar about a year ago, where Shepard asked McKinney
for a ride home, humiliating him in front of friends
because McKinney believed Shepard was Gay,
Tangeman contended. Tangeman said McKinney, 22,
was confused by three homosexual encounters that
occurred when he was 7, 15 and 20: In one case,
McKinney was forced into an oral sex act with a
neighborhood bully, Tangeman said.
Rerucha said McKirmey and Henderson drove
Shepard, 21, to a remote area, where they robbed, lashed
him to.the fence and pistol-whippinghim into a coma.
Opening statements were made after ajury of 10 men
and:six women, including four alternates, was seated in
McKinney’s trial on charges of first-degree murder,
kidnapping androbbery. Thejury includes three students
at the University of Wyoming, where Shepard was a
freshman. McKinney could receive the.death penalty.
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
World AIDS Day
Memorial Service at Historic Mt. Zion
Baptist Church Dedicated to the
Memory of HIV/AIDS Activist Phil Wiley
TULSA - The 10th annual World AIDS Day Candlelight March
and Memorial Service will be held at one of Tulsa’s most
historical traditionally African-American churches, Mt. Zion
Baptist Church, led b~ the Rev. Calvin McCutcheon. The march
will begin gathering at 6:30 near St. Monica’s Churchjust south
of Carver School east of Greenwood Avenue This is just south
of Pine.
The march will begin about 7pm and will continue about a mile
south on Greenwood to John ttope Franklin Bottlevard which
travels west through the Oklahoma State University at Tulsa
campus to Elgin. Mt. Zion is on FJ~n just across the OSU-Tulsa
parking lots near 1-244.
The theme for the march and memorial is "Fa~d the Silence"
and the service will feature the music of Ernestine Dillard, the
Council Oak Mens Chorale and the Mr. Zion church choir. Tiffs
Tulsa service is dedicated to the memory of 1o"cal ttIV AIDS and
Gay civil rights activist Phil Wiley who died of kidney failure last
summer.
Orgamzers note that all tilnes are approximate aud that lhey
will provide candles and matches but encourage marchers to
bring banners and bells to nng on the march.
For more information, call Interfaith ..\ IDS Mira stries at 438-
2437.
Also on World AIDS Day, an organization called "\Vc The
Peopl.e Li.ving .with AIDS/HIV’" will join with thousm~ds of other
orgmuzatlons m remembering, fiercel3, those the~ lmvc !ost to
the AIDS epidemic.
They will do this through the posting of the manes of their
members, friends and loved ones lost to ,A IDS on the. \ IDS \Vatch
webpage, which will display the .,aan]es of tens of thousands of
people who have died from :kIDS. one at a mnc in the 48 honrs
before and after December ist.
They request that readers consider adding the uames of those
whom they have lost to AIDS to the list. The page is localed m
http:/iwww.aidswatch.org. Click on "’Add a name "’ to include the
name, of~v°ur loved one, friend or colleague to the li st.
Community Center News
All Community Meeting, Nov. 16, 6:30pm
TOHR Meeting, 11/9: Carol Petersen,
Author, Poet + Gay Man in Hitler’s Navy
TULSA - The third all community meeting will be held at the
Communiiy Center on Tues., Nov. 16th at 6:30pm. About 35
individuals attended the last meeting in Sept. and the
representatives of a number of organizations, churches and
businesses decided to convene a community council with TOHR,
Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights, the parent organization of
the Tulsa Gay Community Services Center, coordinating the
exchange of information.
Local attorney and original meeting co-convener Dennis Neill
will present a draft contract to clarify the relationship between the
various groups. For more information about the next conmaunitv
meeting, call the Community Center at 743-4297.
On Tues. Nov. 9th at 7:30pro, TOHR will hold its montlflv
membership meeting. The meeting, which is open to the publiC,
will feature remarks by Carol Petersen, a Romanian born poet,
biographer and educator. Petersen, a Gay man.~ even found
lfimself serving in the German Navy during the N~i government
of Adolf Hitler.
Petersen has-published works on Albert Camus, Andre Gide,
John Steinbeck, Goethe, Spanish poet Lorca, Thomas Mann as
wall as works of poetry. He has taught French and German
literature and awarded one of the highest honors in France, the
Chevalier de L’oi’dre des Palmiers Academique de France.
Other News: House of the Holy Spirit Calls Pastor
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries announces that they have
selected a new full-time pastor, Chuck Breckenridge.
Breckenridge served in a pastoral capacity in a Wichita
congregation where he formerly resided. Breckenridge is also
known for having published and edited The Parachute, a now
defunct regional publication. He also started The Triangle Of
which he has recently served as general manager. Breckenridge
was installed as pastor on October 17th. Troy McGoveran,
spokesman for House of the Holy Spirit notes, "the entire
congregation is very excited about the movement going on in our
church.., we.. welcome Pastor Breckemidge to our church.. ?’
Falwell MeetsWith Gays
LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP)-The Rev. Jerry Falwell,
who has denounced homosexuals for years, held an
.unprecedentedmeeting with GayChristians recently
m an attempt to reduce violent acts against Gays
and Christians. Both sides said the gathering was
productive.
Dozens of anti-Gay protesters denmnstrated
outside, yelling at Gay supporters as they entered
the church parking lot. The Rex’. Fred Phelps of
Topeka, Kan.. whose congregafiou also taunted
Gays at the funeral of slain Gay college studcm
Matthew Shepard. said Falwdl is a hypocrite for
ineeting with the Rev. Mel White, a Gay minister
and his followers.
"Falwell used to teach the Bible word for word.
now he’s going off and meeting with these fags and
going against everything he’s ever taught," Phelp,~
said. "He always says ’hate the sin. bnt love the
simmr,’ but it’s ~mpossible to separate the t~o
Does ajudge send the crime or the crintinal tojail’?"
Falwell. who has long believed lha~
homosexuality is a sin, insists he will not change
Iris views, but has agreed to tone down tfis anti
language that Gay civil rights activists
encourages hatred and violence towar~t
homosexuals.
"’We are here because ihnocent people ol vari~
faiths, racial and ethnic groups and sexual
preferences have increasingly had their live~
abruptly mid violently ended by people ~vilh
opposing vie~\s.’" Fah~ell told th~ group of 4
delegates in ~velcomiug then] to the anti "~ml,,ncc
fortun Saturday afternoou
x~q]itc brought 200 Gays mid Lesbians l’rom 3~*
slates to p~ticil)atc in the forum. They were ]t)]ncd
by 2~)evm~gelic~d Chnsfians who supjmrt Fid~ cEstmacc
"q hi s is the first step iu ourjoume3 tm~ auct~
reconciliation." s~d White, who held a pra3 e~ ~ ~gil
Ffida3 mght for 20 Gay men or gm~sgcndcred
people killed because of their sexu~ oneutation.
see Fahvell, p. 10
France OK’s Gay and
Non-Gay Partnerships
The British Broadcasting System (BBC) reported
in October that the French Parlimnent has approved
a controversial bill that gives Gay couples mare of
the rights enjoyed by married people. The NatiOnal
Assmnbly passed the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS)
by 315 votes to 249.
The PACS allows unmarried couples to register
their umon and enjoy some of the tax, legal and
social welfare benefits associated with marriage. It
is intended to allow Gay and heterosexual couples
who are not married to "’organise their common
life". Partners who want to separate will be able to
do so via a letter of separation. According to Justice
Minister Elisabeth Guigou, the bill will improve
the lives of more than five million people.
Conservative opponents immediately said they
would ask the Constitutional Council to role whether
the law was unconstitutional. Religious leaders
have strongly denounced the law, saying it enables
a form of homosexual marriage.
The PACS wasintroduced by the riding socialists
and the government’s majority made approval
virtually certain. It has been one of themostbitterlycontested
pieces of social legislation for years,
opposed by conservatives and by leaders of the
Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths in France.
see France, p. 15
LI~ DIRECTORY P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3 ~I~ US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
. HEALTH NEWS P. 6
~ ENTERTAINMENT P. 8 COMMUNITY CALENDAR P. 9
READ ALL ABOUT IT P. 10 Z DO-IT-YOUR-SELF DYKE P. 11
DYKE PSYCHE P. 12
mmm GAY STUDIES
P. 13
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*Boston Willy’s Diner, 1742 S. Boston
*Empire Bar, 1516 S: Peoria
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House; 3509 S. Peoria
*Jason’s Deli, 15th & Peoria
*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
832-1269
592-2143
599-9512
583-6666
749-4511
59%7777
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
L:m Daniel. Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
" ~_~eco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady 587-2611
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712,-9379
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Mai~’ 592-0460
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 744-9595
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS. Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skellv 745-1111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kanskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-~-!-66
*Living ArtSpace, 19 E. Brad3,’ 585-1234
*Midtown Theater. 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*Peace Of Mind Bookstore, 1401 E. 15 583-1090
The Pride Store. 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101 747-5932
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921, 747-4746
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 48t-0558
*Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733
*W~hittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance. Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
*Church ofthe Restoration UU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Coundl Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Dela}vare Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 7!2-t511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity!Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont
Lindstrom, Bob Rounsavell, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on Or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents
of this publication are protected by US copyright 1998 by
To],~ ~:~ Now4 and may not be reproduced either in
whole orin partwithoutwritten permission from the publisher.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s
sexual orientataon. Correspondence is assumed to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes
the sole property of Tofl-~ .~,~.’. N~- Eachreader
is entitled to 4 copies of each edit!on at distribution
points. Additional cop~es are available by calling 583-1248.
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
*HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
*Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
*OSU-TUlsa
PFI~AG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincim~ati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church. 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Wa3,, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), [udiat~ Health C0a’_¢- _582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department. 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, cio The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center. 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
*Barflesville Public Library, 600 S. Johi~stone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
*Borders Books &Music, 3209NWExpressway 405-848-2667
*Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
*Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
*Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
*Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwv. 23
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Ma]n
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy; 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
501-253-7734
501~253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
501-253-2776
501-253-5332
501-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
* is where you can find TFN. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay-friendly.
Audra Sommers:
To All .My Friends
Tiff s ruessage brings to youinformation
about my up-coming benefit called
’~onnecting The Hearts of Tulsa" Friday
November 5th, at 10:30 p.m. at the Silver
Star. This eventfocuses onthe Prescription
Assistance Program which as youknow is
very, very important to many.
As a community of caring individuals I
ask all ofyou once again to come together
as compassionate and sympathetic
members of our community and show
your support. Without fai! every year, you
pull out all the stops and arrive in droves.
My heart shines with delight to see all of
your faces as we raise the much needed
money to keep those who can’t afford the
necessary medications alive and well.
Come, meet new people and see some
new faces. Uniting together_we make the
difference.
Please join all my guests:
Miss Gay America
- Catia Lee Love
Miss Gay Oklahoma America
- Bridgett Lee
Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA
- Kris Kohl
Miss Fish-Lake Nevada
- Slutisha Swamppussy
Miss Midwestern Plains USofA
- Victoria Turrell
Miss Tulsa USofA 1998
- Jasmine Turrell
Miss Gay University Of Tulsa
Homecoming Queen 1999
- Audriana Sommers
The Green Country Cloggers
Miss Silver Star USofA 1996
- Tera "T" Neil
Miss Gay Oklahoma At Large USofA 96
- Domonique Daniel’s
Miss Feticia Winters
Miss Ebony Hall
Miss Tabatha Taylor
Miss Gain A Pound
Miss Miranda McMillian
Miss Tore McMillian
Miss Audra Sommers
and her special "Grab Bag Segment"
Mr. Steve Sludder
And Mr. Brock Masters - video star
along with many, maaay others.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the
StarFriday NovemberSthat 10:30p.m. It
is going to be the best show ever!
With love and respect,
- Audra Marie Sommers
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Editorial: Singing Those Millennium March Blues
To March or Not March?
That is the question - ok, ok, yes that’s tired and
perhaps, even trite but I couldn’t help it. The millennium
does indeed approach and with it, the next great Gay
march scheduled for next April.
Called by Robin Tyler, Lesbian event organizer par
excellence, taken up by the Gay community’s
organizational 800 pound gorillas, the Metropolitan
Community Church (MCC) and the Human Rights
Campaign(HRC), the Millennium Marchhas beenfraught
with controversy from its beginning.
No one doubts that these events are tremendously
ehapowering for those ofus who attend. I can attest to that
from my experience.at the last march. My long-suffering
ex (just ask him ;-) and I organized a group mostly of
students and others on limited incomes from Texas to
travel bybus to DC. Since this was a budget trip we stayed
about 12 to a room, 3 or 4 to a bed with some on the floor
of a hotel in the Virginia suburbs.
But the moment ofmy epiphany was when weboarded
the Metro (subway) at the 2nd to the last stop that far out
into the suburbs, and everyone waiting, and everyone on
the train but for perhaps one or two per car, w,as Gay, or
Lesbian, or Bi, ornon-Gays whomwe’ddearly welcomed
into our tribe.
For once tobe safe, for once to be inOUR space is a rare
and precious thing. There we could hold hands in the
street without the fear that we Were taking our !ives
literally in our hands. For once, we could say that we
don’t mind "straights" as long as they "behave"
themselves.
Formany this was alife transforming experience¯ From
it, they came back and became active in the organizations
of their hometowns. This clearly is go6~l:
And yet, some questions remain. First of these i.s
whether, this march will even come off at all. Because
MCC and HRC proclaimed that a march was going to
happened before they consulted the many other
organizations which make up the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered civil fights and cultural movement,
the March was immediately caught up in controversy.
This "movement" is-tremendously diverse and building
consensus is long hard work. Prior march organizers did
do so through long and sometimes painful (I write this
Do you know where a number of Tulsans have been
during the last 18 months? Buried in trash. We studied
different curbside recycling programs from around the
state and from across the country. About 100 cities were
looked atby theTAREboard’ s subcommittee onrecycling.
Ourmost important discovery: each community is unique
in its requirements for recycling.
In Tulsa, most of the trash we generate is incinerated at
the trash-to-energy plant. The burning process results in
waste by-products that can mad do pollute our air. For
example, some substances like plastic can be harmful
when burned. Recycling will take them out of the trash
collection burned at the Walker Hall recovery plant. The
more Tulsa recycles, the more we improve Tulsa’s air
quality for our young, our elderly, and most significantly,
our chronically ill. And let us not forget that we are
breathing the same air.
Recycling does not ouly helpinmaking the environment
cleaner and healflfier; it also has economic benefits other
than quality of life. Once Tulsa citizens recycle enough
items that can be reused, a recycling industry will be
created an become a viable part of the economy with
added job opportunities,
In the beginning, Tulsans, will be able to recycle four
types of items. Newspapers, includin°g the slick
advertisement sections, compose the first recycling
category. Now you cannotrecyclemagazines and business
forms; these are another category which may be added at
a later date. However, you can still take them to MET
recycling centers.
The second category acceptable for recycling in Tulsa
will be aluminum. Drop all aluminum beverage cans inj
the recycling container; however, you cannot recycle
other forms of aluminum. Please rinse them immediately
after use. Remember that recycling pick up is every other
: from serving as a representative) meetings.
¯ And according to the Nov. 9th i°ssue of The Advocate,
¯ control of the event has _been shifted from Robin Tyler to
~ Malcolm Lazin, interim executive director. Kerry Lobel,
executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task
Force (NGLTF), earlier resigned from an oversight board
for the March because of concerns about event
"...the moment of my epiphany was
when we boarded the Metro (subway) at
the gnd to the last stop that far out into
the suburbs, and everyone waltln~, and
everyone on the train but for perhaps one
or two per ear, was
Gay, or Lesl~ian, or Bi, or non-Gays whom
we’d el rly we6om l into our tdl . "
organization and raised the question of whether the event
would need to be rescheduled or dropped.
But another question to ask is this: is this the best use
ofour communities’ resources? NGLTFhas been arguing
that we, as a movement, should be putting more of our
energies into local and state efforts at change. This
doesn’tmean abandoning federal level efforts but working
harder locally.
In Oklahoma, we’ve started to see some results from
just such efforts; the Cimarron Alliance has substantially
changed somelegislative attitudes in theOklahomaHouse.
FundingforHIV/AIDS care andprevenfionhas benefited
from lobbying by Tulsan Steve Eberle. These things
would not have happened unless some Oklahomans
decided to invest in local efforts.
According to Kelly Kirby, former Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights (TOHR) president, longtime activist
and current Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays (PFLAG) board member, at least 40-50 Tulsans
stopped by a reception Marty Newman gave at the last
march. And likely there were some from the city who did
not attend.
So I have to ask, as another former TOHR president
who begged for money for that organization and for the
community center, what would happen if some of those
week. Besides, you will make it so much easier for those
separating our recyclables.
Plastic is one of the most important things to recycle.
As petroleum-based products, these items release toxins
when burned. You can recycle all plastic beverage bottles
including mostpop, milk, and water containers, as well as
soap and detergent bottles. Rinse our the container to
prepare these items for recycling and dispose of the lids.
It is easy to remember which plastic items are acceptable.
Look for the number "1 "or "2" inside the little triangle on
the bottom of the container.
.The final or fotu:th category for Tulsa’s new recycling
program is glass. Both clear and colored glass bottles and
jars will be accepted. Nounbroken glass will be taken, nor
will the program accept other housewares or plate glass
from windows. Since the glass before putting out for
collection and discard the lid. Because of the once-everytwo-
weeks collection, you may want to rinse after use, if
it contains food.
Curbside recycling is a great addition to Tulsa’s solid
waste disposal program. Now it is up to us to make it
succeed. Begin sign up for this new service. Just call the
Mayor’s Action Center at 596-2100 and tell them that you
wish to sign up for curbside recycling. It is scheduled to
start on Nov. 1st. The cost is only $2/month; it will be
added to your city utility bill. Recycled items will be
collected twice a month on an every other week basis.
Before the program begins, you will be informed about
your curbside pickup days.
You can also sign up by clicking on www
cityoftulsa.org/recycle or www.tulsarecycles.com.
Remember this program can succeed only ifenough ofus
participate. So sign on now!
Bob D. Rounsavell is a freelance Tulsa writer who
specializes in environmental education.
dollars did stay here in Oklahomainstead of adding to the
profits of American Airlines, or United, or Marriott or
Hilton?
Let’s guess that many of those 50 attending spent about
$500 to $1000 for their visit. A few who traveled as I did
with my student group perhaps spent as little as $200-
300¯ One might argue that an average expenditure might
be about $600 for a total of $30,000. But on the other
hand, $30k would pay the current rent on the Community
Center for almost two years !
Now that other TOHR ex-president argues that while
many in our community are willing to spend that money
on whatis in essence an extraQueer vacation, he feels that
few would be willing to mm around and invest that
amount into our community if there’s no immediate gain
for themselves. And sadly, I would like to argue with him
but as a community organizer, I can’t - because I’ve seen
that what he claims is mostly true. What if we did value
our rights and invested in our communities as much as we
did our fabulous vacations, great clothes, stylish homes
and cars?Whatcould we accomplish then? After all, ifwe
don’t take care of ourselves, who is going to? "Straight"
people? - Tom Neal
PS: those of you who’ve already got this message,
thanks! Keep up the good work and drag a friend along.
Tom Neal, publisher & editor ofTulsa Family News,
helped tofound and direct the Coalition of Lesbian/Gay
Student Groups and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation, Dallas Chapter andhelped iofoundGLAAD
National. He also served as co-chair ofthe University of
Oklahoma Gay & Lesbian Association, and helped to
found the Rice University Gay Alumni group as well as
serving on Tulsa’s Pride committeefor several years.
On Nov. 9th, Tulsans will have the opportunity to vote
on a $109 million bond package to invest in the needs of
Tulsa Public Schools and the children of the district. The
Citizens Bond Development Committee has identified
more than $600 million in building, facilities, teaching
materials and transportation needs for the District in a
comprehensive, strategic plan that covers 20 years. The
bond issue to be presented to voters on Nov. 9th will be
m~ important step in adequately addressing the need of the
District and in creating a District ofunparalleled excellence
in the state... - Sincerely, Ruth Ann Fate
President, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education
Chair, Citizens for Better Education
2121 So, Columbia, Suite 103, Tulsa
: by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
¯ Some Gay readers will likely look at the excerpted
¯ letter above and respond: "yeah right, why should I care
~ - I don’t have kids"and"TPS is ahomophobic institution
¯
which doesn’t deserve my support." Some non-Gay
~ readers will likely read this and also wonder why Gay
people should care about education issues.
But the reality is that many Gay people (using the term
broadly to include LGB and T folk) do have children,
some by marriages to non-Gay folk before coming out,
and some by adoption, and some creative Lesbians and
Gay men are having our own children. Even those of us
who do not have children directly of our own, like me,
have no fewer than eight nephews and nieces about half
of whom were educated in Tulsa Public Schools. And we
have friends with children too.
.My pointis that despite the an.ti-Gay stereotypes which
paint Lesbians and Gay men as anti-family, we have a
strong interest in providing a good educational system to
the children of our community. We also have some selfinterest
in that there tends to be a correlation between
education and the lessening of anti-Gay prejudice. And if
we insist that TPS, an educational system which we help
fund, seek to teach the values of respect and tolerance for
all citizens, to teach that the diversity of our city makes us
stronger, then we, Gay and Lesbian citizens, regardless of
whether we have children who directly benefit from TPS,
will gain. Therefore, on Nov. 9th, please consider voting
yes: do it for kids.
Friends Mourn
Murdered Gay Pastor
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Calling him a "an
oversized angel inhumanform,"mourners andfriendsof
a slain pastor and Gay civil rights activist led
tributes to him. The Rev. Edward R. Sherriff, 68, an
associate pastor at the Cathedral of Promise
MetropolitanCommtmity Churchin Sacramento was
found stabbed to death in his home Oct. 20 in what
police believe was a robbery. More than 300 friends
andfzraily crowded into the church where Sherriff
served as co-pastor for 11 years. Later in the day,
mourners filled the sidew~ilks to "celebrate the
home~zoing" of the slain activist.
A t~ndf-ul.of local religious leaders paid tribute to
Sherriff, including Sister Catherine Connell, director
of the Catholic Wellspring women’s center, and the
Rev. Isaiah Muhammad of the Nation of Islam.
Sherriff’s daughters were als0 among the crowds.
"It’s amazing to me the people who love him, who
truly love him," said Scharlene Sheriff.
Sherriff’s other daughter Marsha Lanier said she
does notbelieve her father’s murder was ahate crime.
Helikely died because he went out ofhis way to help,
Lanier said. ’That’s one thing he would have been
proud of," she said.
Court to Reconsider
Religious Bias Ruling
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The federal appeals court
that allowed religious landlords to deny rentals to
unmarried couples agreed to reconsider recently at
therequest of states, cities andcivil rights groups. The
9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said an 11-judge
panel will decide whether property owners with
religious objections to certain types of tenants are
entitled to exemptions from housing discrimination
laws. The case involves state and local laws in
Anchorage prohibiting housing discrimination based
on marital status. The ruling would also al’fect
discrimination based on sexual orientation, where
barred by law, and possibly other categories covered
by laws in the nine states of the nation’s largest
federal circuit.
A panel of the court ruled 2-1 in January that
enforcement of the discriminationlaws would violate
the rdigious freedom of two Anchorage landlords
who had religious objections to providing homes for
unmarried couples. With no compelling state interest
at Stake, the landlords could not be forced to choose
between their businesses and their religious beliefs,
the courtmajority said. The court said a majority ofits
21 activejudges had voted to set the January decision
aside and order a new hearing before the 11-judge
panel, at a date not yet scheduled.
Requests by Alaska and Anchorage for a reheating
were supported by national civil liberties and Gay
civil-rights orgamzations, cities including Los_Angeles
and San Francisco, and the states of California,
Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Hawaii.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who
enlisted his counterparts in the other states, said
discrimination laws would be affected in every state.
"q’here’s no inherent conflict between state antidiscrimination
laws and the private religious view s of
a landlord," he said. "Fhe issue is whether they can
discriminate in their commercial and business
activities."
Kevin G. Clarkson, lawyer for the Anchorage
landlords, said he wasn’t surprised by the rehearing,
but argued that his clients’ ’interests were more
important than those of the state or would-be tenants.
’%Vhat’s at stake is the First Amendment right of
property owners to manage their property consistent
with their religious beliefs," Clarkson said. He said
there was no evidence that unmarried couples in any
state have had trouble finding housing because of the
religious objections of a small number of landlords.
Conservative religious organizations such as Focus
on the Family and the American Center for Law and
Justice, as well as the more liberal National Council
of Churches, have filed arguments supporting the
landlords.
The Supreme Courts of Alaska and Californiahave
upheld their state discrimination laws against
challenges .by religious landlords. But if the federal
appeals court sides with thelandlords, property owners
throughout the circuitcould sidestep statecourtrulings
and go into federal court for religious exemptions.
The suit was filedby KevinThomas and Joyce Baker,
who each own several rental properties in Anchorage
and said they had consistently refused to rent to
unmarried cohabitants because of their Christian
beliefs. They have not been accused of violating the
state or local laws but asked the court to bar" their
enforcement.
In the January ruling, Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain
said the law not only placed an unconstitutional
burden on landlords’ religious practices but also
violated freedom of speech, by prohibiting owners
from asking about a tenant’s marital status, States can
imposesuchrestrictions onbusinesses for compelling
reasons, such as preventing discrimination based on
race or sex, O’Scannlain said. But he said
discrimination on the basis of marital status isn’t
banned by the Constitution, federal law or the laws of
many states, and no compelling interest has. been
shown for its elimination. The case is Thomas vs.
Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, 97-35220.
Methodists Attack Boy
Scouts’ Anti-Gay Policy
tIACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) - The Boy Scouts of
America could lose an important ally as it prepares to
appeal a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that the
group couldnotremove aNew Jersey manbecausehe
is Gay.
The United Methodist Church, which sponsors
about 15% of the 3.3 million Scouts in the United
States, has scolded the group and is threatening to halt
its sponsorship if things don’t change. Although the
church "would like to enthusiastically affirm and
encourage this continuing partnership of the church
and Scouting, we cannot due to the Boy Scouts of
America s discnmanat~on agmnstGays; the Gener
Board of Church and Society said earlier this month.
The board is a top policy-making body of the
Methodists. It also encouraged the Boy Scouts to stop
the policy barring homosexuals. ’"We further, for the
sake of our continmng partnership, call upon the Boy
Scouts of America to discontinue this exclusion of
Gays," the board concluded in the Oct. 10 statement.
The Methodists earlier had said the church wanted to
triple the number of Scouts it sponsors.
But the Boy Scouts say the threat won’t dissuade
themfrom appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Greg
Shields, a spokesman for the Boy Scouts, said the
organization hopes the case will be heard before next
year’s summer recess. Shields also said he believes
the Boy Scouts’ longtime relationship with the
Methodists will endure. "We feel like we have a
¯ strong base of support within the congregations,"
¯ Shields told The Record of Hackensack.
¯ The appeal plan follows aunanimous Augustruling
: by the state Supreme Court that says the policy of
keeping out homosex~mls violates the state’s anti-
" discrimination law. The court said the Boy Scouts
¯ organization constitutes a "place of public
accommodation" because it has a broad-based
membership and forms partnerships with public
¯ entities such as police and fire departments.
¯ James Dale, 29, ofMatawan inMomnouth County,
¯ was an assistant scoutmaster whe was kicked out of
the Boy Scouts nine years ago whenleaders found out
¯ he is Gay. He sued., seeking reinstatement. Dale
¯ earned 30 merit badges, seven achievement honors
¯ and other awards, and became an Eagle Scout during ¯
his 12 years in the organization. He was expelled by
¯ theMoumouthCouncilin 1990 after the group leamed
from a newspaper article that he was Gay. The Irving,
¯
Texas-based organization has said if forced to accept
¯
Gays, the organization would not be able to build
¯ moral character in boys.
The New Jersey ruling contrasted with a March
¯
1998 decision by the California Supreme Court inthe
¯ Boy Scouts’ favor. In that ruling, alsounammous, the
¯ court said the organization was not abusiness and was
: therefore free to exclude Gays, as well as atheists and
¯ agnostics. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an
: appeal of that decision.
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
747-5466
4021 S. Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
MCC-United
formerly Family of Faith & Greater Tulsa MCC
Joined as one body of believers.
Come celebrate with us,
Sunday Services, 11 am
1623 North Maplewood, 838-1715
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
Sandra Hill M.s.
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments AvailabIe
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745-1111
Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Communi~. ofHope
2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595
A Welcoming Congregation
Mingo Valley Flowers
9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145
918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800rdA.4-5934
Family Owned & Operated
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Ghild, Family, Individual & Gouplo Psychotherapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
Cathy Fur g, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
1980 Utica Square Medical Center
Tulsa, Oklahbma 74114
voice: 628-3709, fax: 712-9854
Adults, Children, Couples, and Families
OK~HOMA COMMUNICATIONS
Local- Long Distance
Cellular- Paging
747-1508
Free Car Adaptor &
Leather Case with New Cell Phone
The Pride Store
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
¯in Tulsa’s Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
12-9 pm, Saturday, all’ales benefit the Center
KEVIN BURLESO N
Keller Williams Realty
712-2252
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2651 East 21st Street, Ste. 100, Tulsa 74114
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The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Boeing ExtendsBenefits
to Same-Sex Partners
SEATTLE (AP) - The Boeing Co., citing the need to
maintain a quality work force and the benefits of
diversity, plans-to extend health-care benefits next
year to same-sex domestic partners of salaried nonumon
employees. The decision, announced to
company managers by electronic mail, was praised
by Gay civil rights advocatesl It was criticized by
unionleaders, however, for leaving outtheirmembers
and nnmarried heterosexual partners. Company
officials did not say how many employees would be
affected. RoughlyhalfofBoeing’s 202,000 employees
worldwide are salaried and non-union.
A recent Forbes Magazine survey indicated
unmarried partners are covered by health benefits in
10% of the businesses with at least 200 employees.
Companies that provide same-sex-partner benefits
include Lotus Development Corp., Microsoft Corp.,
IBM, Walt Disney Co., U S West, Honeywell and
Xerox.
In the e-mail, James B. Dagnon, Boeing’s senior
vice president for personnel, said the move was made
for two reasons: ’~First to attract and retain talented
employees, and second to walk the talk on diversity.
"Diversity, with a capital D, means acknowledging
employees have different backgrounds, preferences
and interests."
A task force of personnd managers and minority
employees w.asformedto study theissue last year, bu.t
consii~eration of an initial proposal was stalled until
the company’s financial performance improved in
recent months, Boeing spokesman Peter Conte said.
The decision is long overdue, said Charles Fay,
chairman of Hands-Off Washington in Snohomish
County and Dennis Rybicki, a spokesman for the
SnohomishCountyElections Committee., which,r~an~__. s
political candidates on Gay and Lesbian xssues, q’his
should send a signal to other employers, large and
small, that it’s goodbusiness to recognize the value of
all families," Fay said.
Charles Bofferding, executive directorof the Society
ofProfesSional Engineering Employees inA.erospa.~,
said the move seemed to be designed to sabotage ,his
group’s contract-negotiations, which begin soon.
SPF.EA, formerly the Seattle Professional Engineering
Employees Association, is the second-largest imion
at Boeing, representing 23,000 scientists, engineers,
manual writers and technical workers. SPEEA
negotiators will seek the benefit but don’t want to
sacrifice other potential contract gains to obtain it,
Bofferding said. ’This attitude, that management
knows best and employees will take whatever is
dished, out, this is outrageous ,"he said. "Is the Boeing
Co. going to discriminate againstheterosexuals now?"
Conte said health-care benefits will not be offered
tO unmarried heterosexual partners because they can
get married, an option from which same-sex parmers
are barred by law.
Tim Flynn, a spokesman for the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,
which r~ep~resents hourly producuon workers and is
Boeings largest union, said Machinist leaders may
discuss same-sex benefits before expiration of the
three-year contract that was ratified in September.
Annetta Small, director of the West Coast office of
Kerusso Ministries, which seeks to persuade Gays
and Lesbians to become heterosexual through
Chrsfianity, said she opposes any extension ofbenefits
to non-married partners. "We are giving benefits to a
behavior that I believe is wrong and that I believe is
immoral," she said. "I don’t believe that we should
extend these benefits to people who are not married."
Hate Letters Sent to
Rhode Island Politicos
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Threatening letters with
anti-Gay sentiments have been sent to the Providence
mayor, the city’s liaison to the Gay community and
two men who were recently assaulted in a Gaybashing
attack.
One letter, which Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr.
received, described Providence as a ’Tag lovin’ city".
Leaflets that said "Fake Action Against Queer’s,
¯ were also scattered downtown and placed on cars.
¯¯ City and police officials said they are taking the
threats very seriously because they appear to be part
¯ ofan organized effort. Inresponse, thepolice assigned
¯ extra officers downtown. "In this day and age, this
’- should not be. We’re not going to tolerate it," Cianci
~ told The Providence Journal.
¯ W. Fitzgerald Himmelsbach, the city’s liaison to
the Gay and Lesbian community, also received a
" death threat over the telephone. He received a call at
¯ his business from aman who said, "Die, you fagg.ot .
~ All the letters said ’~omosexuality is a sin against
¯ humankind and God," and all were signed "The
¯ Trench Coat Mafia" - the name used by a group of
"- students at Columbine High School, in I.ittleton,
¯
Colo., that .included the two gnmmen who killed 13
¯ people there last spring. -
Himmelsbach saidletters receivedby the twoassault
". victims threatened that they would"endup inhell like
[ Matthew Shepard," the Wyoming college student
¯ who was beaten to deathlast fall because he was Gay.
¯ The letters were sent to Ed Webb, 34, and Noah
] Schwartz, 41, both of Providence. On Sept. 19 in
: downtownProvidence, themensaid about20college-
" aged men yelled "faggots" and then five of the men
¯ beat them up.
¯ Both Himmelsbaeh, who has been the liaison for
~ two years,and Cianci saidreceiving threats is nothing
¯ new but both are worried that this is part of an
~ organized effort. ’~Eianci vowedto fred the "cowards"
.. who are the perpetrators and then prosecute them for
. hate crimes. Police do not have any suspects yet.
: Denver Considers
:: Couples Registry
¯ DENVER (AP) - City Council members are
: considering a proposal that would create a registry to
~ record the relationships of Gay and Lesbian partners
and other committed but unmarried couples. The
¯ proposal, heard by the city council, would allow
Denverites to officially record their partnerships to
¯
qualify for insurance benefits some companies offer
¯ to the "domestic partners" of their workers. And, for
¯ same-sex couples, it would allow their unions to be
: acknowledg?,.d,, if only nominally, by local
" government. It sfinallytimeforthecitytorecognize
." committed relationships," said Councilman Ed
¯ Thomas, who, along with Councilwoman Cathy ¯
Reynolds, has beenplanning such aregistry for several
¯ years. .
¯ To qualify, both members of a couple would have
¯ to be unmarried, 18 years or older and sharing the ¯
¯ same household with a partner who is not a blood
relative. A filing fee at the city’s clerk and recorder’s
¯ office is expected to be about $20. Couples would be ¯
¯ required to notify that office if their relationships
dissolve. The plan had tentative approval by most
members ofthe city s Safety and Personnel Commatt
¯ except council member Ted Hackworth, who said it
¯ "doesn’t make sense." ¯ Itis slated for further discussionby council members
¯
in the coming weeks. Advocates hope to have the
registry in place by Valentin~ s Day. If approved,
¯ filing with the registry wouldn t constitute amarriage
or common-law marriage, nor would it affect
¯ inheritance rights.
¯ Still, advocates say itwouldprovide documentation ¯
¯ for couples seeking benefits from United Airlines,
Coors, Denver city government and other employers
¯ who insure domestic partners of workers. Proponents
¯ also hope it would help advance rights whenit comes
¯ to visiting partners in the hospital ormaking medical ¯
decisions on their behalf. Theregistry would similarly
¯ benefit seniorcouples who choosenot to marry because
¯ they would lose Social Security or other benefits.
~ Boulder has a similar registry program, as do the state
¯ of California and 35 cities in 25 states nationwide.
¯ Irish Jury Convicts
Writer’s Assailants
: PHILADELPHIA (AP)- Ajury in Irdand convicted
¯ two men in the near-fatal beating of a well-known ¯
Philadelphia writer of Gay-themed books who was
¯ overseas researching a novel see News, p. 13
Magic Johnson
Plays in Sweden
BORAS, Sweden (AP) - Magic Johnson
entertained a sellout crowdTuesday night
with some of the trademark skills he used
to help the Los Angeles Lakers win five
NBA rifles.
The 40-year-old star, 10 years older
than the second oldest player on the court,
had 14 points and 11 rebounds as Magic
M7 beat Sallen 84-60 in.the Swedish
basketball league.
"The first half was a little tough, but the
second was easier.,"Johnson told the 3,319
spectators after,the game, his first nonexlfihition
contest since leaving the NBA
for good in 1996.
Johnson missed some easy layup
attempts. "That’s easy when the
atmosphere was as charged and the
euphoria as high as it was tonight," he
said. After a standing ovation before the
game, Johnson drew further cheers when
he promised to return to play more games
for Magic MT.
MT, which missed the playoffs last
season, is 7-0 this season,.with Johnson’s
appearance generating great interest in
the sport in Boras, a city of 110,000 in
western Sweden.
Johnson, who led Michigan State to the
1979 U.S. National Collegiate Athletic
Association rifle, learned he had tested
positive for the HIV virus that can cause
AIDS in 1991. He retired for the first rime
justbefore the startof the 1991-92 season.
After returning to play on the U.S.
Dream Team that won the gold medal in
the 1992 Olympics, he made a brief
comeback before the !992-93 season, but
quit again after several players expressed
concerns about playing against him.
In January 1996, he returned to the
Lakers and played the remaining half of
the season, retiring again, at age 37, after
the Lakers were eliminated from the
playoffs.
Louganis in
Nun-Drag?
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) - Greg
Louganis has picked up a new habit. The
Olympxc gold medal-winning diver is
starring in the musical comedy, ’~lunsense
A-Men," which runs through Dec. 5 at the
Hollywood Playhouse.
Lougams, who wonfour gold medals in
two Olympics and later disclosed he was
Gayand HIV-positive, will pull on a habit
six rimes a week for his role as Sister
Robert Ann, a streetwise nun who always
wanted to be a star. All the nuns in this
production are men.
The former diver, author and
motivational speaker says he likes working
in an ensemble cast. "There’s always
someone there to hold your hand," said
I_ouganis, 39. "It feels more supportive, I
guess.’"
Thou.gh Louganis now has AIDS, he
looks and feels healthy. He says he does
not think aboutbeing arole model. "We’re
all haman. We all make mistakes," he
said "Role model, in my mind, is
perfection and one can’t be that. I try to
encourage young people to be their own
heroes and their own role models."
AIDS & So. Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -
After the end of apartheid, South Africa
pushed to get patients out of overcroWded
hospitals and into preventive care clinics.
But as fast as the country has built 700
¯
new clinics since 1994, traditional state
¯¯ hospitalshavefilledupwithAIDS patients
who occupy up to 60% of the beds, South
: African Health Minister Manto
¯ Tshabalala-Msimang said recently.
¯ ’’We expected the demand for hospital
¯ caretodrop,"shesaidatanews conference
; at theheadquarters oftheAfrican National
¯ Congress. "But the HIV and AIDS
¯ epidemic has increased the burden." The
¯ briefingwas one ofa series by theANCon
¯ its progress in ruling the country.
¯ Tshabalala-Msimang chairs the party’s
¯ health committee.
-" Some 3.6 million South Africans are
¯ infected with AIDS, roughly one in eight
." adults, and the government says 1,500
¯ new :infections occur every day in one of
." the world’s fastest rates of infection. A
¯ narionalAIDS councilwillbefunctioning
: by year’s end, Tshabalala-Msimang said.
¯ ’’We should have had the council in place
: already," she said.
: Controversial proposals, such treating
: pregnant women with HIV with a drug
¯ therapy to prevent transmission of the
¯ virus to infants, will be discussed next
¯ month at a meeting of regional health ¯
ministers, she said. The government so far
: has rejected the proposal as too expensive
: and possibly even dangerous in terms of
¯ long-term side effects.
¯ The healthministers fromthe Southern ¯
African Development Community will
¯ also discuss blood safety anddevelopment
¯ of an HIV vaccine.
: AIDS Threatens
Asia’s Prosperity
KUALALUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -The
AIDS epidemic in Asia could erase the
region’s economic gains over the last two
decades unless governments maintain
funding for social programs, aWorldBank
expert warned late last month.
In Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia,
Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam and
Southern China, AIDS had gained a
"strong foothold," even before the
economiccrisis struckin 1997, saidMartha
Ainsworth, a senior World Bank
economist.
The dreaded virus "threatens to slowly
unravel the progress in improving the
human condition.and to diminate if not
reverse the benefits of the economic
miracle,’’ Ainsworth told the 5th
International Congress on AIDS in Asia
and the Pacific.
The region’s two-year economic crisis
may have further hurt Asia’s fight against
AIDS, said Ainsworth. Cash-strapped
governments wereforced to slash budgets
and lower wages. The crisis also pushed
thousands of families into poverty and
many women into prostitution.
"’Even before the crisis, political
commitment to AIDS prevention in the
region was weak," said Ainsworth. "Many
policy makers are still in denial."
Development policies before the crisis
channeled funds into education and health
¯ care budgets, resulting in higher life
expectancies and reduced poverty:
¯ "The full impact of the crisis on HIV
: depends critically on how well
~ governments and households succeeded
¯ .in maintaining socialsafety nets," said
: AJnsworth, an expert on the effect of
¯ AIDS on households. Ainsworth said
: AIDS hadalready subtracted several years
¯
offtheaveragelifeexpectancies ofcertain
¯ countries.
A U.N report released at the four-day
¯ conference esrimates that by 2010, the ¯
overall death rate will be 20% higher in
OECE~%
WorldAIDS Day 1999
Candlelight March & Memorial Service
sponsored by Interfaith AIDS Ministries
Wednesday, December 1st
End the Silence
Mount Zion Baptist Church
419 North Elgin (next to OSU-Tulsa)
Gather 6:30 at St. Monica’s, Marshall Place at
Greenwood (just south of Pine), March at 7pm,
Service at 7:30, all times approximate! Bring
banners & bells; candles provided. Info: 438-2437.
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American~.~
Tulsa s Two-Spirited Indian Men s
¯
Support Group ~s here for you!
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native.American AIDS Prevention Project
at 582-7225 Ext, 208 or 218
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Oklahoma NARAL cordially invites you
to a chocOlate and champagne fete in
support of abortion and reproductive
rights in Oklahoma.
Celebrating 26 Yedrs.of Choice
Sunday, November 7, 1999, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
to be held at Resonance
1608 S. Elwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Champagne, Coffee, Chocolates
$25 per individual
Please R.S.V.P. to the NARAL Office: 494-9585
Stay Healthy Naturally
Wellness
Rejuvenation
Longevity
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Doctor ofNaturopathy
Certified Colonic Hygenist
Certified Reflexologist
Certified Herbalist
Certified Accupressurist
provides consultations by appointment
Iridology- Hair Analysis - Herbal Supplements
Pain Control - Nutritional Analysis
4520 So. Peoria, Brookside, 712-1400
Myanmar due to AIDS fatalities. In
Cambodia and Thailand, it may rise 15%
because of AIDS. The United Nations
estimates that 7 million people in Asia are
infected with the HIV virus or AIDS.
Speakers at the conference, which ends
Wednesday, have urged Asia to act fast to
curb the epidemic or risk the devastation
now facedby Africa, which has 21 million
AIDS-related cases.
Experts areparticularlyconcemedabout
the effects of AIDS on Indonesia, the
world’s fourth largest country, where the
regional economiccrisis was compounded
by political upheaval. It diverted attention
and funding from the AIDS epidemic,
Aiusworth said. ’~olitical turmoil nodoubt
increased risky behavior for the spread of
HIV," Ainsworth said.
She said countries such as Thailand
one of the high-risk areas in Asia, had
proved that maintaining commitment to
AIDS -prevention programs paid
dividends. HIV cases dropped among
prostitutes,menwith sexually-transmitted
diseases and blood donors in Thailand
despite the economic crisis, she said.
"Many governments in this region have
a window of opportunity to act early and
prevent an epidemic," Ainsworth said.
Children at Risk
in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -
Seeking to help young children deal with
a soanng number of sexual assaults,
national health and education officials are
considering an education program for
primary students to teach about rape and
HIV infections, a newspaper reported
Sunday.
A pilot program was tested in the
Nor~ern and F~ee State provinces, where
about 700 children received the lessons,
the Sunday Times of Johannesburg
reported. About 14,000 children are
sexually violated every year, police reports
say, but a large number of rapes go
unreported, anti-rape activists say.
About 8% of the adult population is
HIV positive. One factor that experts
belie,ve has contributed to child rape is the
persxstent myth that sex with a virgin can
cure the disease.
Abraham Seckle, an Education
Department official, was quoted assaying
the program would "empower learners to
protect themselves." A consultantinvolved
in the project, Darleen Edwards,
said that children are taught to "run, yell
and tell" in the program.
PLWA to Race in
Iditarod Next Year
MESA, Ariz. (AP)-The first Arizonan to
enter Alaska’s most grueling sled dog
race faces two major obstacles before he
even steps to the starting line. Chuck
Kin.g, 39, of Tempe, has no experience
racang. He has only 100 miles actually
riding a dog sled. And King is. HIV
positive. Every day, he takes fisffuls of
anti-viral pills just to stay alive.
But he doesn’t see this as a setback. He
views his illness and the March 4 Iditarod
sled-dog race as a chance to prove that
people with AIDS don’t have to
concentrate on survival alone. "In the last
seven years, I was supposed to have died
three times and I made it through all of
that," King said in a telephone interview
from Wasilla, Alaska.
The Iditarod this year will stretch 1,152
miles fromWasilla to Nome, takingracers
" at least 10 days to complete. And that’s
: only if the expected 80 participants keep
up a good pace. The snow layers the trail
¯ in multiple feet, not mere inches.
¯" Temperatures dip deep into thenegatives,
numbing hands and lungs. At night;
¯ Sections of the woods-darkened course
." are lit only by the aurora borealis, which
¯ crackle and cast shadows in the trees and
: snow. Switchbacks get so steep in some
¯ areasthatdrivers can’tseetheleadoftheir
¯¯ 16-dogpack.A driver unlucky enough to
fall off gets left in a cloud of snow and
¯
regret. ’q~here ain’t no waitin’ in this
." race," said Raymond "Raymie"
¯ Redington, King’s sled-dog trainer. ’q’he
¯" huskies are bred to go. They’ll bolt off the
." starting line even if you say halt."
." Redington should know. The 54-year-
. old Alaska native’s father founded the
¯ racein 1973. He has been in 111ditarods;
: his highest placing was seventh. Since
: September, Redington has trained King
¯ on a four-wheeler that simulates a sled-
: dog team. King will work with the dogs as
¯ the snow starts to fall.
¯ King began training last year, gaining ¯
¯ about 100 miles of mushing experience.
Oddly, being a native Arizonan could
give him a boost: King was trained as a
bo.y to handle amule drawn wagon, which
¯ ~mrrors mushing techniques, Redington
¯ said. King will have to be up to speed by
: Jan. 1, whenthelditarod’sfirstqualifying
race, the Knik 200, takes place. The 2nd
~ qualifier is a week later.
¯ Only after the 500 miles of racing will
’ Redington know whether King is ready
: for the Iditarod. "I don’t know how he’s
¯" going to do when it gets real freezing,"
¯ said Redington, who remembers the 38-
below zero wind chill he endured in the
¯ 1974Iditarod. "Buthelooks healthynow. "" ¯
That hasn’t always been the case for
¯ King. Six years ago, the 6-foot man had
¯ wastedto 118pounds. Doctors gav,eKing, ¯
a former respiratory physician, 90 days to
live after diagnosing him with multidrug
¯ resistant tuberculosis. At one point, his Tcell
count, a measure of the body’s
¯ resistance to disease, bottomed out at 40;
~ a virus-free, healthy person’s T-cell coun!
usually reaches 1,000.
Kinghad one wish: to see Alaska before
¯ he died. Two years ago he took a cruise
." there, and he caught another bug. This
time, it was mushing. "That’s all he could
¯ talk about," said his father, Dick King.
¯ "He was suicidal, depressed at times. BUt
this brought him out."
Science lent a hand, too. Strong anti¯
viral drugs called protease inhibitors
became available. King was soon on a
¯ five-drug ’.’cocktail"prescribed to him by
Scottsdale’s Dr. Thanes Vanig. He began
¯ popping about 26 pills a day. He said he ¯
has to smoke marijuana to beat down the
¯ nausea caused by themedieation. He also
,- has to take percocet, and even morphine,
¯ to numb the neurological pain to his lower
¯ legs that was caused by the tuberculosis
¯ and AIDS drugs. His T-cell count has
¯ jumped to 560, the lower side of normal.
¯ He’s also gained 44 pounds, thanks in
¯ large part to injections of human growth
: hormone, a $4,000-a-month drug that he
; said was donated by a pharmaceutical
¯ company.
¯ WhenKingrecentlyreturned to Alaska,
¯
his spirits were high, His po~c,k,etbook is
¯ - the opposite. King is feveris!!) lining up
¯ sponsors, such as Tempe Mayor Neil
¯ Giuliano, to make it through the race and
¯ bring AIDS awareness to a new level,
¯ "It’s not just for people with AIDS," he
¯
s.aid. ’q~hemessageis for everyone: Don’t
¯ g~ve up. Don’t ever give up."
L
by James Christjohn
Upon viewing the PBS production of
"Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drum, and
Song" on PBS, I contacted Peter Buffett,
the composer and creator. Upon learning
that there would be a National Tour with
a stop in Tulsa at the Brady
Theatre on January 3,
2000; I had the opportunity
to askafew questions. You
can get the video of the
production that originally
aired on PBS, as well as
theCDat areamusic/video
stores. It’s powerful in
those mediums (reviewed
previously), and one can
only imagine the impact of
the piece live.
JC: Hello, Peter!
PB: Hello! Well...
finally I’m answering your
questions. I was frantically
finishing a record for a
friend. It had to be done by
yesterday (which it was)
so I can go to New York
today to start all the
mechanics it’s going to take to get the
"Spirit" showon the road by the Fall. At
somepoint, you’11 have to get the’’making
of" part of the video. I think you’ll really
enjoy it. "(Note: The "Making of..." is
included on the retail vide~’Of the show.)
JC: It’s such an amazing piece that
works on so many diffdrent levels, l was
wondering whatinspired the idea to bring
together the different elements - dance.
song, etc. - to create the show?
PB: I wanted to bring all the elements
together for two main reasons. One,
"A hundred years ago
people sang
the Ghost Dance
songs in the hopes
that the world would
return to the way
it once was,
Now, the choir in
some of the Spirit
songs are singing those
very same words in
hopes that the world
can become
what it could be. ""
- Peter Buffett
because in Native cultures, song anddance
are usually linked. You can’t have one
without the other. They both contribute to
the telling ofthe story. Andthe projections
help bring the natural (or unnatural.., or
supernatural) worldinto the theatre. That’s
the "art" reason.
The "commerce" reasonis
that I knew my show
would be competing with
larger and larger events.
Not only theatrical, but
lmaxmovies,hugebudget
movies and all sorts of
entertainment that tugs at
the consumer. I wanted to
try and create something
thatpeople could honestly
say they hadn’ t seenbefore
(no small feat). So this was
my attempt..
JC: Well,judgingfrom
the response at the taping
from the audience, and the
incredible response I’ve
seen to the video, l’d say
you achieved your goal.
PB: It’s important to
note that I’m not in the "bigger is better"
: camp (as it may sound) but people want
and deserve their money’s worth. Andit’s
getting harder to "outdo" the last thing ~n
[ terms ofp0werful soundandimagery. My
[ hope is that the message of the show has
as much effect on people as anything else.
JC: I can only speak from my own
¯. experience, and that oflistening to others
¯ who have seen the video, to say that it was
very powerful in that regard, and
¯ communicated its message wonderfully.
see Buffett, p. 14
couNciL
Is proud to present
gie Hall veteran soprano, Floxane La Combe.
nature "COMC Sound" has attracted sold out audiences.
Order your tickets in advance.
November 19 & 20
JOHN WILLIAMS THEATRE
TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Call 596-7111 for tickets
www.counciloak.org
~’~#Made possible in part oy a grant from the Tulsa Pedorming Arts Center Trust.
by That Entertainment Guy
Livin La Vida Loca Tour, the Divine
king, Ricky Martin appears in Dallas al
Reunion Arena, Dallas, Thursday, Nov
4, 1999, at 8:00PM. Now this would be
the concert to take binocnlars to - and the
telephoto mini-camera. Ticket prices for
the Prince ofPop: $35.00- $75.00 Charge-
By-Phone #: 214-373-8000.
The Divine Queen of All Things is also
performing in Dallas in November. No,
not Stevie, although she is the otherQueen
of All T’nings Divine; but the Divine Ms.
Millennium Tour: Bette Midler in Concert,
A Beaver Production takes place Sunday,
Nov128,1999 at8:00prn at ReunionArena.
As she said in one early concert tour,
’qTais ain’t no cheap meat you’re lookin’
at!": Ticket prices run $50.50 - $150.50,
Charge-By-Phone at 214-373-8000.
Peter Buffett’s "Spirit - A Journey in
Dance, Drums and Song" is a music,
dance and percussion spectacle that
combines the power of contemporary
music with the songs, chants and dances
of Native American culture. The release
of the CD coincides with the PBS
Broadcast ofthe live show of Spirit, which
features over 80 performers - including
twenty dancers with both modem and
traditional training, an orchestra withboth
modem and ancient tribal instruments, a
flits choir and percussionists pounding
outheart-stopping rhythms on a variety of
drums.
The show runs in Tulsa, January 4-9, at
the Brady Theatre; and if you miss that,
then you can catch "Spirit" in Dallas,
March 7-12 at the Majestic Theatre.
You really didn’t think I’d let you get
away without the obligatory mention of
Stevie Nicks herself, did you? Yes, La
Diva nicks is performing three shows:
Two in California’s HOuse of Biues in
December, and one in Las Vegas HOB on
New Year’s eve. Tickets went for an
outrageous $127 (balcony seating) and
$227 (Orchestra - STANDING!). There
only a few floor spaces left for the New
Year’s show.. All others sold out. Believe
it or not.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the
"Send the obsessed reviewer to see S tevie
and not come back fund" can send
contributions to TFN. Just make sure my
name’s in big letters on the envelope, or
I’ll never see the money. It’ll end up in the
"buy the publisher new household
gimmicks" fund.
The Divine Ms. Nick’s new album
should be out the 1st of the year, if not
sooner. And hopefully, with a more
affordable tour. Apparently the cost of
chiffon has risen - a lot.
Fight Clubis.amovie that under ordinary
circumstances, I would have never gone
to see. However, I was not under ordinary
circumstances, and was swept along to
see it. I thought I’d hate it. After seeing it,
I think everyone should see it. The acting
is dynamic, the pace is breathless, and the
intellect behind it is tremendous. The
violence is not that bad, one scene aside,
and the points the movie makes are well
worth the viewing. The humor is well
done, and the homoeroticism between Ed
Norton and Brad Pittmakes it worthwhile.
see Fight, p. 15
.Parade of Ligh! s.
Come celebrate the spirit of the holiday season
at the PSO Christmas Parade of Lights.
Saturday, December 11, Downtown Tulsa at 6 p.m.
View parade floats up close, Friday, December 10,
at the HolidayFest (Brady Arts Distriot) fl om 6-9 p.m.
Pubfic Service Company of Oklahoma
A Central and South West Company
I B B (I T Z
"emotionally and visually rich ..."
-Performing Arts Review, Taiwan
"unforgettable scenes of disparate beauty"
-Davar
"intense in feeling ...
deep in intellectual content"
-The Plain Dealer
"bold, flLnging athleticism"
-The Kansas City Star
November 16 at 8 p.m.
Chapman Music Hall
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
3rd & Cincinnati
Tickets: $15, $22, $25
Call: (918) 596-7111
Outside Tulsa: 1-800-364-7111
Online: www.tulsapac.com
Presenting
by Rami Be’er
Co-presented bj,:
Oklahoma Israel Exchange
"Dazzling," "Pounding," "Unsettling," "Erotic"
"The dancing--real, vital dancing--of these 18 people
becomes a dyfiamo for transforming experience and
recharging the spirit." The Village Voice
Sponsored in part by:
"You don’t
have to know
ballet to
love ballet.
You just have
to try it."
-- MARCELLO ANGELINI
ART ST C D RECTOR
:Mixed Repertory includes two Oklahoma premieres
FRIDAY 8 PM
NOVEMBER 5
SATURDAY 8 PM "
NOVEMBER 6
SUNDAY 3 PM
NOVEMBER 7
Be one of the first anywhere to witness Tulsa Ballet’s first commissioned
piece. Tailored to the strengths of the Company by an international
genius. Classical ’roots, contemporary movements A prime-time
performance of2Oth-century choreography. The way people dance today.
Andwili tom0rrow: "
Tickets start at $8.
THE 199.9 - 2000 SEASON IS SPONSORED IN PART BY:
Order tickets,by calling The Tulsa Ballet Ticket Office at 749-6006, PAC at 596-7111
or Carson Attractions at 584~2000 * 4512 S. Peoria Ave. ¯ Tulsa, OK 74105-4563
Visit our web site at www.webtek.omitulsaballet
~ SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pro, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Service - 1 lain, 2545 S. Yale, 749-0595 (Welcoming)
Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist
Service - 1 lam, 1314 No. Greenwood, 587-1314
Metropolitan Community Church United
Service, 1 lain, 1623 North Maplewood, Info: 838-1715
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangdical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1 lam, 205 W. King (east of N. Denver), Info: 582-3088
Unity Church of Christianity
Services: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown, 749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexuai/Lesbian/Gay/Transgendered Alliance
6:30 pm, Meets at the United Ministry Cir., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
~ MONDAYS
Mixed Volleyball, Helmerich Park, 71st & Riverside, 6pm, call Shawn at 243-5190.
HIV Testing Clinic, Free & anonymous testing. No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378) 3501 E. Admiral (east of Harvard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
7:30pm, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2nd Mordeach mo. 6:30pro, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AIDS Committee, call for meeting date, noon, 585-5551
Council Oak Men’s Chorale, rehearsals - call for thnes, info: 748-3888.
~ TUESDAYS
AIDS Coalition of Tulsa, call, for next meeting date. 1430 S. Boulder, 585-5551
Live And Let Live, Community of Hope U~fited Methodist, 7:30pm, 2545 S. Yale
Multicultural AIDS Coalition, call for next meeting date.
Urban League, 240 East Apache, 584-0001
PrimeTimers, mens group, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/HOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E 38th, info: 743-4297
~ WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries,. Inc. Service - Vpm, 3210b So. Norwood
Tulsa Native American Mens Support Group, more information, call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call for info: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pm, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
~ THURSDAYS
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing: 7 - 8:30pm 834-8378, 3507 E. Admiral
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’RYAN)
Support/social group for 18-24’s, call Red Rock Mental Health at 584-2325
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS, Info: 834-4194
~ FRIDAYS
SafeHaven, Young Adults Social Group, l st Fri/each mo. 8pm, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
~ SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous, I 1 pm, Community o!~ Hope, 1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585;-1800
Lambda A-A, 6.pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd fl.
~ OTHER GROUPS
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, info: 298-0827
Gal-A-Vanting, Womens Social & Cultural Group
Call for info: Kathy at 322-6322, or Barb at 459-6825.
OK Spoke Club, Gay & Lesbian Bike Organization. Long rides & short rides from
Zcigler Park. Long & short rides from Tulsa Gay Community Center. Write for info:
POB 9165, Tulsa, OK 74157
Ifyour organization is not listed, please let us know. Call 583-1248 orfax 583-4615.
reviewed by Barry Hensley : substanceabuse and, now, a sympathetic
Tulsa City-County Library : wife with a decidedly un-Christian like
Whathappens whena"radical Lesbian" ¯ penchant for screaming and yelling. The
goes undercover to infiltrate the " author’s interaction with this member of
organizations of the religious Focus on the Family is most
right? She writes a book, of
course! Fortunately, this isn’t
"jnstaanotherChristianbashing
book, as Minkowitz is able to
see past her obvious
disagreements with these
groups and find some real,
human common ground. Life
is full ofgray area, as this book
shows.
Ferocious Romance is a
humorous but serious lookinto
religious fight organizations,
such as Promise Keepers and
Focus on the Family.
Minkowitz dons a fake
monstachc and lowers her
voice to attend a Promise
Keepers weekend that really
opens her eyes. In addition to
experiencing the fully
expected propaganda of men
itaking charge of the familyi
and making women submissive, she al~o
witnesses burly mencrying,hugging each
other andexpressing words offorgiveness.
She enjoys discussing this absurdity of
the feminization of the Christian Men’s
movement~
Her discussions with James Dobson’s
Focus on the Family are of more concern.
She has long conversations with a cute
voung man named Bobby, who is an
~tthappy "ex-Gay." It becomes evident
that Bobby’ s life is in a shambles due to
the cumulative effects ofchildhood abuse,
"The a.thor’s
interaetion with
this member of
Focus on the
Family is most
;nsi~htful. She
also meets with
several high level
exeeutlves in the
or~anlzatlon
whose arguments
t~t they are not
homophone are
astoundln~ in
their h~oe~sy."
insightful. Shealso meets with
several high level executives
in the organization whose
arguments that they are not
homophobicareastoundingin
their hypocrisy.
After these encounters with
the religious right, the author
inexplicably dives into an
account ofthe International S/
M Leather Fetish Celebration
that she attended inNew York
City to-celebrate the twentyfifth
anniversary of the
Stonewall Riots. We really
learn more than we ever
wanted to know about her
involvement in S/M. This
topic surfaces occasionally
throughout the book and her
comparison of conservative
Christians and S/M
practitioners is humorously
¯¯ enlightening.
As the 2000 elections approach, the
: religions right will undoubtedly take center
.. stage to promote their candidates and
, agenda. It is in everyone’s best interest to
: understand what these groups have in
¯ store for the country, should their ¯
candidates be elected. This book gives a
: bit ofinsightinto what’ s going onin these
¯ organizations. Check out Ferocious
Romance at your local branch library or
¯
call the Reader’s Services department at
: Central library, at 596-7966.
Members of each group were paired
together at the tables and encouraged to
gettoknow each other. Before the meeting,
the groups agreed to disagree on whether
Gays can be Christians and to focus on
ways to deter violence against Gays and
Christians, Falwell cited the September
shootings at a Texas church and recent
school shootings inwhichChristians were
targeted.
At a news conference following the
meeting, Falwell andWhite apologized to
each other for harsh words they have said
about the other’s groups over the years.
"I’ve been a preacher for 47 years, a
preacher of the gospel.., but in the end
homosexuality is. wrong," Falwell said.
’’It is my hope that evangelicals might
build a bridge of friendship -to Gays and
Lesbians as we have to alcoholics and
unwed mothers."
White, an author and minister with the
Metropolitan Community Churches, was
the ghost writerofFalwell’s autobiography
before White acknowledged being Gay.
Delegates from both groups thought the
meeting was good.
The same weekend, many of Mel
White’s groups listened to Falwell’s
Sunday sermon. Falwell, 66, began the
serviceby welcoming White andhis guests
and briefing his congregation on the antiviolence
forum conducted at the church
the day before. At that meeting, both sides
apologized for harsh words said over the
years and discussed ways to reduce
vio~lence against homosexualS.
¯" ’His sermon was amazang, said David
¯ Chandler, 36, a Gay man from San
: Francisco and one of the more than 4,000
: worshippers who jammed into Thomas
¯ Roads BaptistChurch. "Hesentamessage
: to parents to love their children no matter
." what.... I admire and respect Falwell for
¯ taking that stand." In his sermon, Falwell
¯
stressed that he will hot change his belief
¯ that homosexuality is a sin. But he added, ¯
"That has nothing to do with the love
: factor involved. We are to be lovers of all
menand women."Falwell’ s sermon came
¯" from Proverbs 13, which offers advice on
¯ successful living in the eyes of God. He
¯ spoke on the importance of working hard,
¯ living with integrity and not focusing on ¯
material things. He also talked at length
: about the importance of parents loving
: their children unconditionally.
¯ "For him to invite these fags here and
¯
into his church is an abomination,"Phelps
: said outside the church. "Now, Jerry
¯ Falwell is just as much a sinner as Mel ¯
White and both will bum in hell."
: Theservice endedwiththe congregation,
." singing the hymn "Only Trust Him.
¯ Falwell interrupted the song to reiterate to
: worshippers that what he or anyone else
: thought of them did not matter, but what
¯ was important is their relationship with
¯ God. White said it was "a shame" that
: protesters like Phelps brought hostility to
¯
aplace of worship. "What we have hereis
¯ a great moment for our country, Gays and
¯ Falwell worshipping together," White ¯
said. "It’s a small start, but it’s a start."
The Gift of Pride
In Honor of...
Or
In Memory of...
Someone Special to You.
For a small gift of $25.00, you can donate a beautiful Christmas poinsettia
to a local AIDS hospice. Your gifts will adorn the stage at"
"A Council Oak Christmas," November 19-20.
Call Today for COMC Carolers at Your Holiday Party!
To Order: Call COMC at (918) 748-3888
Medical
Excellence And
Compassionate
Care Since
1926.
¯ ST. JOHN MEDICAL CENTER
WJj Medical Excdlence ’ Compassionate Care
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal La w & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
RESTAURANT AT PHILBROOK
TUES-SUN, I I-2
$13.95 ¯ Sunday, II to2 ¯ Reservations, 748-5367
TOHR
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Home Holiday Tour
Saturday, December 11,noon- five o’clock
Several homes in historic Tulsa. Reception at the
Center tofollow. More info. after Dec. 1st. 743-4297
by Mary Schepers, Do-It- Yourself-Dyke
Hey, baby, it’ s coldoutside. Andbefore
you start heating it up in front of the
fireplace, take some precautions. Notjust
theustml ones, ducklings! Thehouseneeds
some love and attention,
too. And by attending to a
few simple details, not
only will your house o’
love be snug, but safer,
too. You know what a
raving bitch your DIYD
is about safety, but she
does it out of a place of
love. Which place, she
demurs to answer..
The first order of
business is to keep the
winter winds and drafts
outdoors where they
belong. Inthe oftrepeated
words of the Oracle, ’We
don’t have a heating
contract with the great
outdoors,’ although you
may feel that way when
you get the first heating
bill for the winter. And
the side benefit is that if
you can keep the house
warm, you won’t have to
bundle up, and neither
will your schnookie,
unless,ofcourse, youfred
the layers of sweats and
sweaters an erotic
challenge. From thereon,
you’re on your own!
Try to take care of your outside heat
sinks (places you lose heat) before the
weather dips to 45 degrees during the day.
Mostofthematerials you will useperform
better when it’s warm - that’s a life
philosophy worth adopting! Checkaround
windows and doors for loose or cracked
caulking and replace where needed.
Around pipes or conduits that enter the
house, use an expanding foam product
like Good Stuff or better yet, Daptex,
which can be tooled, painted and cleaned
up with water, It costs a little more but is
worth it. Use this also to seal any gaps
between your foundation and the siding of
your house. It’ s like mousse with attitude.
Work it, girl[ If you’re really hard core,
make a trip under the house and seM up
around the pipes coming up into your
house, and the same from the garage. This
also discourages unwanted visits from
mice, who use pipe and conduit holes like
a superhighway to the supermarket. And
darlings, there’s no way to make trapping
mice attractive. Think about it.
It is also a good idea to insulate behind
switch and wall outlet plates. Special foam.
cutouts can be bought at your local home
repair store, so that all you have to do is
unscrew the plate, fit the cutout in and
replace the plate. It is amazing how much
cold air leaks in that way, especially in
older houses. Occasionally, thefitbetween
the plate is too tight, but not often. The
foam cutouts are cheap and it takes little
time to do this.
Before firing up the furnace for the first
time, it is advisable to have a contractor
come and give it a gogd cleaning and
inspection - the older your unit, the more
important this step is. Most heating and
cooling contractors will do a combined
winterandsummerservice forareasonable
sum, resulting in increased efficiency and
¯ reduced chance of injury. Heater
¯ malfunctions can result in explosions or
¯
fires, and sweeties, we have worked so
¯¯ hard to make your house into a fabulous
home.- It’s worth your peace of mind and
personal safety. If you
have a fireplace, 6all a
licensed sweep to clean
thechimneyandto inspect
and repair the firebox and
flue: Your DIYD prefers
to do this in the spring,
when scheduling is less
hectic for the sweep, and
then the fireplace is ready
togo as soonas inspiration
and a little cool weather
hits. This should be an
annual event for masonry
fireplaces, and every two
years if you have a metal
flue.
If you’re the intrepid
sort who doesn’t mind
scampering out on the
roof like a rabid squirrel,
get a good extension
ladder and do some
maintenance and cleaning
on the roof..Be sure that
the ladder has firm, steady
footing and is not placed
near any powerlines. Get
a hose with a power
nozzle or a blower and
blast those gutters clean,
especially at the
downspouts. Clean any
; leaves, sticks or debris offthe valleys and
¯ gables of the roof, and look for any loose ¯
shingles. Use an appropriate kind of roof
¯ goo or caulking to repair, and use this also
¯ around any flueflashings thatmightbenefit
¯ from some extra sealant. This is a good
¯ time to evaluate if you will need to repair
¯ or replace your roof in the spring. Be
: careful up there, and never crawl around
¯ on the roof without having someone at
¯ home in case you need help or get hurt.
Make sure she or he is not glued to a ball
¯ game or otherwise out of contact. At a
¯ time like that, you deserve the extra ¯
attention, pookie!
~" This is a good time of year for a lube
¯ job, or perhaps several. No, we’re not
back in front of the fireplace with Baby
¯ justyet-patience,my impetuous darlings !
¯ Borrow Dorothy’ s oil can and put a drop
on door hinges and garage door chain
¯ drives to keep things smoothly operating
¯ and silent in the winter, when the metal ¯
¯ contracts and squeaks. You know your
DIYD considers the aesthetics as well as
¯ the practical matters.
If you have storm windows, give them
¯ a good cleaning to let in as much winter ¯
sunlight as possible, and check for any
necessary repairs. Ifyoudon’ t haveenergy
¯ efficient windows,consider getting ~torms
¯ or even using the heat shrink film to
¯
provide some dead air spacq on your
¯ windows and to keep your house toastier.
0 : Now that the DIYD has planned your
: social life for the next couple of weekends,
¯ you can get busy making your nest cozy
¯. and snuggly for the winter: And if you’re
¯ very lucky, perhaps you will get yourjust ¯
reward- and we’re not only talking about
." a lower bill! Why don’t you go get a
; couple pairs of silk boxer shorts,just to be
¯ prepared? Be hot, not frigid, this winter! ¯
Ciao, ducklings!
"This is a good tlme of
year for a lube job, or
perhaps several. No,
we’re not back in front
of the fireplace with
Baby just yet -
patience,
my impetuous darlings!
Borrow Dorothy’s oll
can and put a drop on
door hinges and garage
door ehaln drives to
keep things smoothly
operating and silent in
the wlnter, when the
metal contracts and
squeaks. You know
your DIYD eonslders "
the aesthetles as well as
the practleal matters."
by Esther Rothblum, Ph.D.
Coming out as a Lesbian is difficult
enough, but is even more stressful when
the woman is an
immigrant and is
struggling to come out in
anew countryand using a
new language.
For several years now,
Dr. Oliva Espin, a
professor of women’s
studies at SanDiego State
University, has been
studying the lives of
immigrant and refugee
Lesbians. The topic had
to do with her own life
experience as an.,
immigrant and with the
imm.!granteli.ents she was
seeing m her
psychotherapy practice
for over twenty years.
"I saw that there were
some experiences that
.were common to
immigrant women," Dr:
Espin .told me. "A major
theme I found most
interestingwashow often
the woman would be
talking to me in Spanish~
for example, and then
switch to English when
she began talking about
being a Lesbian. There
seemed to be something
about using a second
language that helped
distance Lesbians from
whatever they had been
told was bad in their
i also think that
women who have come
outas Lesbians when they
were still children, may
have more disruptions
about theirownidentity,"
Dr. Espin said. ’q’hey
ask ’who am I?’ or ’What is wrong with
me?’ For .them, coming out so young gets
mixedup with other issues ofidentity. For
girls who also fecl that they are not ’rexd
Americans,’ or who as immigrants are
different in color or in language or in
cultural traditions - being Lesbian is one
more thing that strains their relationship
with their parents."
Furthermore, the parents may feel that
their daughter’s Lesbianism is something
she has "caught from those Americans."
When immigrant Lesbians come out as
adults, they have a stronger sense of
identity and coming outdoes not getmixed
up with the turmoil of adolescence
although it may get mixed up with the
turmoil of migration if they are recent
immigrants.
Dr. Espin has been conducting research
and interviewing immigrant women. She
found two types of immigration
experiences. Some women were Lesbian
before the migration, or else where
somewhatdissatisfied with what they were
even if they had no language for this.
’~2oming to anew countrymadeitpossible
for them to come out. This is true for
women from all countries, not just those
from traditional cultures. Being awayfrom
the familiar environment gave them
permission to come out; being I_~sbian
Dr. Espln has
been.., interviewing
immigrant women...
"Coming to a new
country made it
possible [or them to
come out.
This is true for
women from all
countries, not just
those from
traditional cultures.
Being away from the
familiar environment
gave them
permission
to come out;
being Lesbian was
very freeing
in this way.
I’ve even spohen with
Lesbians born in the
U.S. who have told
me that they had to
move all the way
across the country in
order to come out."
was very freeing in this way. I’ve even
spoken with Lesbians born in the U.S.
who have told me that
they had to move all the
way across the country in
order to come out."
The other group of
women Dr. Espin
interviewed was actively
Lesbian in their home
country, immigrated to
the U.S., and found that
the U.S. Lesbian culture
was different and had to
adjust their way of being
to the new culture. That
was sometimes very
difficult. "Some women
who were used to playing
roles very actively," Dr.
Espin continued, "if they
were used to being ’the
man,’, they couldn’t
understand why their
partner did not want to
cook their meals, for
example. Or, vice versa,
women who lived lives
that were ve~ closeted in
their home countries,
foundit terribly offensive
when I would use the
word ’Lesbian’ and were
threatened by not having
a cover-up."
In general, Dr. Espin
has found that immigrant
communities focus very
much on the "decency"
and "purit.y" of the
women in their
community. "Because the
communities are
experiencing difficulty
adjusting to the U.S., they
want to prove that they
are good people. It is the
behavior of women that
describes the family. So
: when you have a Lesbian daughter, how
¯ are you going to explain that to yourself
: andto your community? They may think
: , that this is what happens to all women
¯ when they come to America."
Dr. Espin has also found that Lesbian
: daughters tend to be more educated than
: their parents or their heterosexual sisters.
¯ As a result, the Lesbian daughters tend to
: bemaking more money andin many cases
: runmng the community centers and
¯ activities. "So coming out is also difficult
: for the Lesbian immigrant in terms of the
: community losing their mast in her. The
community doesn’t have the language
skills, the education, and the access to the
dominant culture that she does."
Dr. Espin has written about her
experiences intwo recent books. Formore
information, see Women Crossing
Bbundaries: The Psychology of
Immigration and the Transformation of
Sexuality (Routledge, 1999) and Latina
Realities: Essays on Healing Migration
and Sexualities (Westview, 1997).
Esther Rothblum is Professor of
Psychology at the University of Vermont
and Editor of the Journal of Lesbian
Studies. She can be reached at Dewey
Hall, Univ. of Vermont, Burlington, VT,
email: esther.rothblum@uvm.edu.
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential
HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tuesday Testing, 5 -8 pm
Pride Center, 1307 East 38th
Wednesday Testing, 5-8 pm
Red Rock, 1724 East 8th
Daytime appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-584-2325
Church
of the Restoration
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday
1314 North Greenwood
587-1314
We knowyou’re
going to love this[
Restaurant & Cabaret
3 i 0 East First Street
918-599-9949
Massage Therapy Services
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Want to get involved?
Need to get
tested for HIV?
Need a
Coming Out Support
Group?
Call
743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services
Center
i307 E. 38th
at Peoria, 2nd floor
Country Club
Barbering
Custom Styling
for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236
Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
IGTA member
Call 341.6866
International
Toursformoreinformation.
Red Rock Tulsa
O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow
Young Adult Network
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
’ Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-584-2325
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Gay Mecca of the Ozarks
Beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas
at the time of the assault. A Circuit Court
jury in northwestIreland deliberated about
two hours before finding 20-year-old Ian
Monaghan and 21-year-old Glen Mahon,
both ofSligo, guilty of "recklessly causing
serious harm" in the Jan. 31 attack on
Robert Drake, at his apartment. The
defendants were convicP,xlofIrishcharges
equivalent to aggravated assault in the
U.S.
Barely conscious, Drake lay for more
than 12 hours in a pool of blood before a
friend, Ciaran Slevin, discovered him. A
police officerwhorecordedDrake’s words
as he lay motionless inhis blood-spattered
kitchen with a severe head injury told the
jury that he believed he was recording
Drake’s "dying declaration."
Thedefensecontended thatDrakemade
acrudehomosexual pass atone ofthemen
and that the other then struck Drake in the
face to make him stop.
Doctors had to open a hole in his
windpipe to ease his breathing; he also
experienced pneumonia, kidney failure
and other complications. Drake returned
to Philadelphia by medical transport in
March to undergo five months of
rehabilitation to learn to walk and speak
again. Though he was released from the
hospital two weeks ago, his speech and
mobility remain seriously impaired. He
uses a wheelchair to get around, and a
letter board to assist in communicating.
Drake was in the middle of a speechtherapy
session at his Center City
apartment when word of the verdict
reached him. Through a friend, he said
that he was pleased with the verdict, ’"out
not surprised."
Monaghan and Mahon are free on bail
awaiting sentencing Jan. 10, when they
could get up to 10 years in jail. "It speaks
volumes that Robert, eight months after
¯ theincident, needs round-the-clock care,"
said Slevin, an Irish physician now living
with Drake in philadelphia. "I hope the
severity of the punishment meets the
severity of the crime."
Brattleboro Offers
Partners Benefits
BRATI’LEBORO, Vt. (AP) - Selectmen
have voted to extend health benefits to
same-sex domestic partners of town
employees. TownAttorney Robert Fisher
said the decision to extend the privileges
to same-sex parmers, but not unmarried
partners of the opposite sex, followed the
trend of law in Vermont and other states.
The University of Vermont extends
benefits to same-sex couples, Fisher said.
The city of Winooski is planning to as
well after an employee filed a complaint
with the Vermont Labor Relations Board.
"Winooski hasn’t come out with a policy
just yet," Fisher added. "They’re still
researching insurance issues. But if they
don’t follow the arbitrator’s decision,
they’ll likely wind up back in court."
He said Burlington, Vermont’s largest
city, extends health benefits to all the
domestic partners of city employees,
whether the rdationship is same-sex or
opposite sex. The town of Middlebury
also offers benefits to same-sex couples,
said Steve Jeffrey, the executive director
of- the Vermont League of Cities and
Towns.
TheVermontSupremeCourtis deciding
whether to legalize same-sex marriages in
Vermont. If it does, the towns’ policies
: will be irrelevant, Fisher said. The policy
: passed tmanimously. The issue wasn’t
¯¯ controversial, Fisher said. "It’s one of
these things where they’re wiseenough to
¯ realize that if there were a grievance with
¯ respect to this sort of an issue, that based
: on the case law both around the country
¯ -and the Labor Relations Board here in
¯ Vermont, that they would be fighting an
: uphill legal battle," Fisher said of the
: select board. "I think they look at it as an
¯ opportunity to perhaps steer clear of
¯ possible legal pitfalls in the future."
" Blue Cross-Blue Shidd of Vermont,
: which supplies health insurance to most
Vermont municipalities through the
¯ VermontLeagueofCities andTowns,has
: offered domestic partner benefits to large
¯ groups for a few years now, said Leigh
Tofferi, a company spokesman. Those
benefits were available to same-sex and
different-sex partners.
Lesbian & Gay
Seniors Sought
: BOSTON (AP) - Targeting an older
: generation open about its sexuality and
¯ thinking about its golden years, some
developer~ are looking to build Gay-
" friendly retirement communities.
: "We want to create something that
¯ mirrors the life they’re living now," said
¯ BoSton real estate agent John Goode, part
¯ of9gr°up planning .an urban homosexual
¯ reUrement commumty in Boston.
~ In generations past, societal pressures
¯ forced many Gays and Lesbians to keep ¯
their sexual orientations under wraps.
: Today,developers think those who helped
¯ pave the wayfor vibrantGay communities
¯ will want to continue living in Gay
¯ communities after retirement.
¯ "In the mainstream aging community,
there is the assumption that everyone is
¯ straight," said Terry Kaelber, executive
¯ director of the New York-based Seniors
Active in a Gay Environment. ’’We have
: a place that does not assume that. In fact,
¯ it assumes that old people can be attracted
: to old people of the same gender."
¯ Kaelber’s group is working with a real
estate development company to locate a
¯ site and investors for a 100-unit, mixed-
: income assisted living facility. Current
options for Gay- and Lesbian-themed
¯ retirement housing consist primarily of a
¯ handful of mobile home parks and small
¯ resorts in Florida and Arizona.
Goode’s group of seven partners wants
¯ to build a 75- to 100-unit retirement
community somewhere in Boston. The
project, called Stonewall Communities,
¯ is named after aGay bar inNew York City
¯ where a 1969 police raid sparked what
many say is the begimfing of the modem
¯ Gay civil rights movement. ¯
Other entrepreneurs across the country
¯ also have begun thinking about how the
¯ Gay and Lesbian baby boomers pushing
¯ into their 50s will want to spend their ¯
retirement years. "I’m looking for the
¯ active retirement market," said Peter
Lundberg of San Francisco, who is trying
to round up capital to build a Gay
¯ retirement community in California.
¯ Gay retirement housing options will
: likelyincreasedramaticallyinthecoming
¯ years, said Laura Connolly, who chairs
¯ theLesbianandGayAgingIssues Network
¯ for the San Francisco-based American
¯ Society on Aging. "I think it will grow ¯
over the years," slie said. "They will be in
¯ a variety ofconfigurations, from the more
: affordable trailer park options on upto the
¯ more upscale and expensive models."
How did the story develop?
PB: Many years ago whilereading "Son
of the Morning Start’ I was struck by what
we all may have lost by the greed and ego
of relatively few men. I wasn’t so much
taken by Native history as I was the belief
system behind the firstpeople of.this land.
JC: One of the things that struck me
while viewing the show was that this was
much more than a show, this was a ritual,
what theatre started out as. And ritual
that worked successfully to bridge past
andpresent.
PB: I alsoknew thatmostpeople (myself
included) thought of Indian history asjust
that.., history, museum pieces etc. So it
was important to do a couple of things.
Bring the culture into the present and
future tense. And incorporate a mythical
story about aman"sjourney tofindhimself.
By understanding his past - better
understanding his role in this life. I was
hoping to bridge worlds for people on
both sides. Wemight be able to accept, as
_ opposed to feel guilty or angry. And if we
can get to acceptance, we can progress to
learning.
JC: I like that philosophy
PB: A hundred years ago people sang
the Ghost Dance songs in the hopes that
the world would return to the way it once
was. Now, the choir in some of the Spirit
songs are singing those very same words
in hopes that the world can become, what
it could be.
JC: What a lovely vtsion.
PB: Pretty lofty goals., but hey,
somebody’s got to try.
JC: !’d say, from what l’ve seen and
heard, you’ve succeeded admirably.
Before I wear out my welcome, one last
question: What inspired you to utilize
Native American music in 3,our works ?
PB: To me, almost all Native tribes on
may land have the true connection and
understanding of that land. Here, not only
can we learn things about how we fit into
the fabric of the physical world through
Native American culture. But we can also
learn a thing or two about the spiritual
world.
PB: I’m really glad that you hear the
music staying true to the ancient as well as
the modem. The show (and the music)
can’t work any other way. It’s where the
two worlds combine that the magic
happens.
JC: That is so true. in more ways than
one. It’s a dzfficult balance, and rarely
have I heard it done so well.
PB: If you liked the video, I’m sure
you’ll love the live version!
JC: Having seen the video and the
impact it had on people, 1 can barely
begin to imagine the effect ofseeing it live.
I can’t wait. Thank you, Mr. Buffett.
© 1999J. Christjohn, all fights reserved
A unique opportunity to view and
purchase art works and hand crafts from
local women artists occurs Nov. 5 - 6.
Hosted by local artists Kathleen
Pendergrass andMary Schepers, the show
and sale will also highlight works by
Susan Norris, Robin Dunn, Donna
Richardson, Cara Liggett, Nicolasa
Kuster, Gayla Norman and others.
"We want to showcase the incredible
talent that we have in the Tulsa area,"
Schepers said. "There ’are a lot of very
talented artisans here who are not
represented in galleries or who are just
starting their careers. We’re having the
show at my house and studio to keep the
whole setting fun and relaxed, as well as
making these exciting works accessible to
a broad audience.
’~lt’s a good time to consider buying a
special gift for the significant people in
~our life, or for adding an original piece of
art to your own home, or even for buying
something practical likehath salts, candles,
display cases or smudges. Prices are
reasonable, especially compared to the
premiums paid for works shown in
galleries or higher priced venues such as
Eureka Springs. We’ll have clayworks
and sculptures, paintings, etchings, and
many other fun items."
The preview for the show is Friday,
Nov. 5 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The
show and sale continues Saturday Nov. 6 .
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pro. The address
is2727E. 56thSt. (51sttoColumbiaAve,
South on Columbia to 56th St) in Tulsa.
For details or directions, please call Mary
at 743-6740.
The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance
Company, an Israeli arts group will present
....Aide Memoire"," a full-length
contemporary dance by renowned
choreographer and KCDC Artistic
Director Rami Be’er at the at Tulsa
Performing Arts Center’ s Chapman Music
Hall on November 16 at 8 pm. Tickets are
$15, $22, and $25 with discoants for
groups of 10 ormore and student discounts
at the door (call (918) 596-711 lot order
online: www.tulsapac.com).
Choreographer Rami Be’er states that
....Aide Memoire.... is not about the
Holocaust nor does it describe the
Holocaust; it deals neither with
documentation nor a historical account.
Rather, "Aide Memoire" introduces the
maaner in which the remembrance of the
Holocaust can be approfiched and
expressed in an inspired, artistic medimn.
The subject of Holocaust remembrance is
relevant to present-day life and reality as
it lurks in the background of mundane
existence, penetrates deep
subconsciousness, and dwells forever in
personal and collective memories.
"’Aide Memoire" presents the audience
with a sequence of scenes moving about
the stage just like a cinematic flashback.
Theproduction conveys afleeting glimpse
of images which.the audience must face in
a lfighly personal manner. The audience
has ne alternative but to use its senses to
impart meaning to the images. "Aide
Memoire" has no central narrative, nor do
two opposing sides face each other.
Cruel stormtroopers are absent, yet there
exists a reminder of the struggle by those
who were there and experienced those
atrocities firsthand. Within this conflict,
we observe their efforts to continue the
fabric of human relationships, whether as
: individuals, couples or xn groups, and to
express the fundamental right of every
¯ person to continue to dream.
Be’er joined Kibbutz Contemporary
: Dance Company in 1981 as a dancer and
¯ choreographer. His works have won
¯ several international awards and have
~-become the trademark of KCDC’s
: repertoire. He became the company’s
Artistic Director in 1996.
¯ The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance
: Company was founded in 1970 by
_" Holocaust survivor Yehudit Arnon.
: Although based in Kibbutz Ga’aton near
¯ the Lebanese border, see Dance, p. 15
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Tulsa Locations:
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ecord
&
Lis n
it’s not surprising that this is the case,"
said Dr. Helene Gayle, director of the
CDC’s National CenterforHIV, STDand
TB Prevention.
AIDS experts say injection drug use is
commonly perceived as a major factor in
the spread ofAIDS among Blacks, but sex
is the primary method of transmission.
They say bisexual behavior among Gay
Black men who feel pressured to have sex
with women accounts for a significant
number of the infections among
heterosexuals.
Black preachers and politicians have
been criticized for letting the problem go
unaddressed. "Black communities have
been so overburdened that the idea of
adopting another burden is not appealing,"
said Cornelius Baker, executive director
of the National Association of People
with AIDS.
Slowly, leaders say, more attention is
being focused on the issue. Earlier this
month, Black churches in Atlantagathered
for the first National Black Church HIV/
AIDS Institute. Thegathering was an effort
to help pastors learn how to deal with the
disease.
Last Thursday, faith leaders, policy
makers, commumty activists and AIDS
researchers met in Atlanta to discuss
combating AIDS among Blacks. On the
same day, the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People,
announced a series of educational films
aimed at raising HIV awareness.
The CDC has also awarded $39 million
in federal funds to 100 national, state and
local organizations to help prevent HIV
infections in minority communities. "We
must mount prevention and treatment
strategies that deal with people where
they are now, not where we want them to
be or where we imagine them to be," said
Phill Wilson, director of the AIDS Social
Policy Archive.
Nonetheless, the statistics continue to
upset AIDS activist Denise Stokes, who
has been HIV-positive fo~ 17 years. "One
day, this is ultimately where I’m going to
end up," she said pointing to the quilt.
"I’m going to be a panel on some wall in
some library. "I just hope the library isn’t
full of people with AIDS."
A lot of straight folk are going to go into
this thinking it’s aboutbeating otherpeople
up, and come out thinking about a lot of
things.
Some of you, due to the timing of the
paper will have seen it - don’t ruin the
ending for those that haven’t. And if you
haven’t seen it because you don’t think
it"s your kind of movie, go see it. You’ll
be surprised. Brad Pitt’s bod is well worth
seeing. Amd since I work in a football
sized building filled with cubicles, I could
relate well to Ed Norton’s plight in the
beginning of the film- living life to support
things he’s bought, working in a mindless
dronin.gnumbness of cubicality. Anyway,
go see It.
Oh yeah, Helena Bonham Carter turns
in a magnificent performance as well. I
kept wondering why her character was
sleeping with guys, though.
In the interest of a public service
announcement, I will pass this along:
Warrior Way Martial Arts is offering a 3
hour class on selfdefense againstpunches,
kicks, and grab attacks; knife and gun
attacks; and club attacks. This takes place
on Saturday, November 13 from 12 - 3
PM at Warrior Way martial Arts, 2717 S.
Memorial. The cost is $25 in advance;
$35 after Nov. 6. Call to register at 664-
9100.
These guys are serious and know their
stuff, and with the violence against Gay
folk on the rise, I think everyone should
make an investment in something like
this. Knowledge is power, and in this case
could mean the difference between life
and death. Literally. Learn, and practice
what you learn, and stay safe.
And my final words for this column:
life is notabout surviving orjobs orl’mding
love, although it’s nice if it happens. It’s
about facing fears and making dreams
come true, struggling against yourselfand
others to find your strength and make
things happen. Being ready, and in the
right place and time for opportunity to
strike is important. Butifyou’re notready,
or are afraid, it will pass youby before you
know it, and that’s when regret sets in,
which leads to bitterness. So try all the
things you can, and do all the things you
wanted to do - and it’s never too late.
- James Christjohn
its members come from settlements all
over Israel. The dancers rehearse five
days a week at Ga’aton Studio, but on
weekends return home to work on their
various kibbutzim. Not only is KCDCone
of Israel’s foremost companies, it has also
earned an international reputation of
renown and is invited to perform at
numerous festivals worldwide.
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance is copresented
by the Oklahoma Israel
Exchange. Sponsors for this event include
the Oklahoma Arts Council, Heartland
Arts Fund. The National Endowment for
the Arts, Schustennan Family Foundation,
KCFM 94.1 and ONEOK Foundation.
Opponents fear it will eventually lead to
Gay couples being able to adopt children,
although the government has opposed any
such move.
Last November, parliament rejected a
conservative bid to sink the controversial
bill. At the time, left-wingers said PACS
was needed to adapt outdated laws to the
evolution of French society, where
marriage is on the decline.
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7 42 year young realtor seeks sincere &motivated
." buyers &sellers. Into MLS. You won’t be
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newspaper
periodical
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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/.
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[1999] Tulsa Family News, November 1999; Volume 6, Issue 11
Subject
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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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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November 1999
Contributor
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James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Bob Rounsavell
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, October 1999; Volume 6, Issue 10
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/593
1999
AIDS
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Asia
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
children
churches
civil union
Colorado
Community Center
couples registry
Dave Fleischer
Denver
Do-It-Yourself Dyke
Domestic Partnership
Dyke Psyche
Esther Rothblum
Ferocious Romance
France
gay bashing
Greg Louganis
hate mail
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
HIV
homophobia
James ChrstJohn
Jerry Falwell
Jim Christjohn
Kathleen Pendergrass
Magic Johnson
marriage
marriage equality
Mary Shepers
Matthew Shephard
Millenium March
Mount Zion Baptist Church
Murder
NAMES Project
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Native Americans
partner and marriage rights
Partner Benefits
People Living With AIDS
performing arts
Peter Buffet
Read All About It
Recycling
religion
restaurants
seniors
South Africa
That Entertainment Guy
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Public Schools
Two-Spirited Indian Men's Support Group
World AIDS day
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Friends RallyAround
Accused Musician
District Attorney Suspected of Bias
by Tom Neal, editor &publisher
Around Tulsa’ s Gay community, the reaction is one
of dismay and disbelief at the allegations of indecent
exposure made against musician and chorale leader,
Rick Fortner.
According to a Dec. 3rd Tulsa Worm story, a 16 year
old man has accused Former of masturbating in front of
him in a sauna of All-American Fitness Center in
Broken Arrow. A spokesperson for the Broken Arrow
p01icenoted that themanand Former were the only ones
in the sauna.
Friends and acquaintances notethat F,grmermaintains
his innocence, and have stated their suplJort for Former.
Mitchell Savage, spokesperson for the Council Oak
Mens Chorale (COMC) for which Former is music
director, said that the board of directors of the
organization has voted to express its support for Former
and their belief that his innocence will be established.
- TheCOMCboardposition was endorsedby the group’ s
general membership also. Savage added that he has
been acquainted for 15 years see Fortner, p. 10
Anti-Gay Harassment
Alleged in Public Schools
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
V rmont Marriage Victory
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - By the time Nina Beck and " previously said he would support Gay mamage,
¯ Stacy Jolles got the news, it seemed like everyone already knew:
¯¯ The Vermont Supreme Court had issued its long-awaited ruling
on Gay marriage. They had won.
¯
The court ruled unanimously that Gay and Lesbian couples in
¯ Vermont should enjoy all benefits and privileges afforded to
¯ heterosexual couples who can legally marry. It is the first court
: in the nation to make such a sweeping ruling on the question.
’ But the justices split on whether it should amount to marriage.
¯ Onejustice splitfrom themajority’ s view that the state Legislature
¯ should decide whether Gays and’Lesbians should actually be ¯
allbwed to marry or shouldbe given domesticpartnership benefits
¯ equivalent to heterosexual marriage.
The split was of no immediate concern to Beck and Jolles and
¯ the other two couples who sued in 1997 when their town clerks
denied them marriage licenses. "It’s just fantastic this decision
¯" could come following his birth," Beck said as Jolles stood
¯ alongside her holding their month-old son Seth.
The issue now will be the subject of debate before the
: Legislature, which convenes on Janl 4. "I think the court has
¯ broken all barriers by dearly riding that we have a class of
¯ individuals in Vermont who are being denied their rights and I
thinkit is the Legislature’ s responsibility to correct that injustice ,"
¯
said Peter Shumlin, Senate president pro tern.
¯ But the question will be how. Should Vermont statutes be
¯ amended to permit two men or two women to marry? Should a
¯ domestic partners registry be established for Gay couples to
¯ record their relationships and therefore qualify for the benefits
¯ now accorded heterosexual mamed couples?
¯ "I think it’ s going to take a couple ofweeks, anyway, forpeople ¯
tounderstand what this means," said Rep. Thomas Little, chairman
¯ of the House Judiciary Committee. "Everyone wants to have a
: virtually immediate informed reaction to it, but I think it takes
¯ longer than.that."
: Gov. Howard Dean said same-sex marriage "makes me
¯ uncomfortable, the same as anybody else." He predicted the
¯ Legislature would comply with the court decision by enacting a
¯ domestic partners law rather than making marriage legal for
: same-sex couples. House Speaker~Michael Obuchowski, who
¯ Evergreen Awards Recognize
i Beal, Campbell, and Others
TULSA -Allegations of anti-Gay harassment have
risen at two Tulsa high schools. On two campuses,
teachers contend that they and some students have been
singled out for inappropriate attention.
While Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) does have a nondiscrimination
policywhich TPS’s attorney interprets
as protecting Gay teachers, staff and students from
discrimination, that policy does not explicitly ban
discrimination based on sexual orientation. It
"The Board is committed-to-the concept of
nondiscrimination in relation to race, religion, sex, age
national origin, handicap and other human differences.
This policy will prevail in al matter concermng staff,
students and the public." However, in the interests of
protecting these teachers from possible further
harassment, their names are being withheld.
One teacher, who is active in a local Gay mens’
singing group, was called into his principal’ s oftrme and
was shown a copy of the group’ s concert program. His
participation in the group was highlighted with a
- comment, -*’is -this~ legal .w’ Another teacherwhohelps,
With a support group for Gay kids. had a self-identified
"Christian" fundamentalist teack-zr attending support
group meetings andthe teacher whodoes notidentify as
Gay but as Gay-friendly felt there was an intent to
identify her as Gay and therefore to threaten her job.
Andatonecampus;twoyoungwomenwere suspended
for a public display of affectkm. A Gay teacher and
other students whb were familiar with the incident
claim that the two women were not behaving with any
less discretion than heterosexual students use in the
same circumstances, They do claim that the
administration response w~:much more harsh than for
heterosexuals. However,~ TPS spokesperson, Tiffany.
Bruton responded to TFN inquiries, saying that the
students’ conduct was well beyond socially acceptable
behavior even for heterosexuals. The students involved
did not respond to TFN requests for an interview.
TULSA - The 1999 Evergreen Awards recognized the work of
a number of Tulsans involved in HIV/AIDS issues. Prominent
among these were Dr. Jeffrey Beal and his parmer Ted Campbell
for their years of service as Tulsa’s principal physician treating
HIV and AIDS related illness and for Campbell’s mental health
practice around those issues.
The lunch ceremony was held at the offices of the Community
Service Council (CSC) on Dec. 7th, and opened with a remarks
Ted Campbell & Dr. Jeffrey Beal
by ~chael Conley of Tulsa CARF~, Melanie Speetor of Tulsa
’County Health Dept. and John Hawk Cocke of Indian Health
Services.
Presenters and the recipients of the awards included many of
Tulsa’ s most prominent activist/workers around HIV/AIDS care
and prevention. Sharon Thoele, exeentive director of Tulsa
CARES, Erie Ramirez of Planned Parenthood, Kathy Bird of
RegionalAIDS Interfaith Network, Tulsa officewere afew of the
presenters andrecipients included videographerAllisonCosslett,
Wendy Weisberg, Audra Sommers for her fundraising work,
Kay Rollins for NAMES PROJEC~ leadership, and Jeremy
Simmons for prevention education.
The Evergreen Awards are presented by the Tulsa AIDS
Coalition which was introduced at this event by Tim Gillean and
represented by CSC staffer, Janice Nicklas.
: said politics might prevent that. "What I’m hearing
¯ from my colleagues is that they’re saying that ¯ domestic partnership is amorepolitically attainable
situation and I think I’d have to agree with that
¯ analysis,"saidObuchowski,aDemocratlikeDean.
¯ Thoughthey were ecstatic, the three couples who
sued will hold off on their celebrations until they
¯ get an opportunity actually to say their vows in a ¯ wedding ceremony. "I think the acttml celebration
¯ will be when we get married," said Stan Baker,
standing withhis armaround partner Peter Harrigan.
Winnie Stachelberg, Political Director with the
¯ Human Rights Campaign, one national Gay
¯ organization noted,"we are thrilled that the Vermont
¯ Supreme Court had the wisdom and courage to
hand down this historic, landmark decision. There
¯ has never been a logical or justifiable reason to
exclude same-sex couples from marrying, and
¯ decision validates the unfairness of exclusion. This ¯
is a tremendous victory forGay and Lesbian couples
¯ in Vermont who are now one-step closer to being
¯ considered equal in the eyes of the law."
¯ Paula Ettelbrick, attorney and Family Policy Director at the National Gay and Lesbian Task
¯: Force Policy Institute said, "the court’s decision is
unique in that it commands that the state give samesex
couples every benefit and protection that
: currently provides to married couples."
¯ "However, bystopping short offully recognizing
: the freedom to marry, the court has opened the door
¯ to complete equality but has not constitutionally
¯ guaranteed it. Now the batde progresses to the
: Vermont Legislature," Ettelbrick continued. "We
¯ have the opportunity as a community to convince
lawmakers to provide the full badge of citizenship
¯ by recognizing the freedom to marry."
¯ Ettelbrick noted that Vermont is a logical state to
¯ become the first see Vermont, p. 12
New Leather Contest
TULSA- Ric Poston, Oklahoma Mr Leather 1999
and his partner James Murray _Mr Tulsa Leather
1997 have announced they are producing a new
leather contest, Mr. Sooner State Leather. The
contest will be a preliminary event to the StateTitle
of "Oklahoma Mr Leather" and is open to any
Oklahoma resident.
This first event will be held in Oklahoma City on
the weekend of April 21 - 23, 2000 and any profits
from the contest will benefit the Leather Archives
and Museum in Chicago.. The event will provide
education and information about the community,
"demonstrations," opportunities for brotherhood, a
brunchonSunday,andthe contestitselfon Saturday
night April 22, 2000.
Judges for the contest .will be Dave Rhodes,
owner and editor of The Leather Journal, Terrell
Brown, Oklahoma Mr Leather 2000, Oklahoma
Drummer2000 (to be announcedin February 2000),
and Michael Vrooman, the current International
Miss Gay Rodeo and a former International Mr ~sayRodeo,MarkMalonInternational Mr. Leather,
tRunnerUp-t997;and alternatejudge, Ed Smith
who is an avid supportor of local and nadonal
Leather and Drummer events.
The contest will be held at the Habana Inn,
Oklahoma’s all Gay hotel and bar complex. For
reservations (be sure to mention the contest for
special rates), contact the Habana Inn, 2200
Northwest39thExpressway, OklahomaCity,73112
1-800-988-2221, www.habanainn.com. For any
furtherinformation about the contest, applications,
and weekend packages contact:
ms.oonerstatelthr@aol.com.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s .Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*The Storm, 2182 S. Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
712-2324
610-5323
583-6666
749-4511
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
835-2376
585-3405
*TNT’s, 2114S..Memorial 660-0856
*Tool Box,. 1338. E, .3rd o 584-1308
Tulsa Businesses, Services, &:Pr~fe~si6nais
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
*Barnes &Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41.
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria
743-1000 :
747:9506 :
250-5034-,"
665-4580 ¯
712-1122 "
712-9955" 2
494-2665 ~
743-5272 ¯
746,0313 :
Cherry St: Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby..Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
*Ross Edward Salon ,~,: 584-0337,
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Learme M: Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T: Hamby,.At.tomey ¯ ..
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th_
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kanskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living Al"tSpace, 19 E. Brady
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
587-2611
744-5556
838-8503 -
712-9379
592-0460
744-9595
610-0880
628-3709
808-8026
742-1460
459-9349
744-7440
745-1111
341-6866
712-2750
582-3018
747-0236
582-8460
599-8070
747-5466
585-1234
584-3112
663-5934
664-2951
838-7626
743-4297
747-5932
834-0617
834-7921,747-4746
749-6301
260-7829
481-0558
835-5563
743- 1733
665-2222
592-0767
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
Tulsa Agencies~ Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 741-0L .... 579-9593
All Sods Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616-S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman. Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence
*ChurchoftheRestorationUU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters,3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74!70-1475 355-3 t40
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free SpiritWomen’ s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
"
.
"
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal " "
Writers + contributors: ¯
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lament "
Lindstrom, Bob Rounsavell, Esther Rothblum. Mary Schepers
~dember o! The AssociatedPress ...........
Issued on or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents -"
:of this publication are protected by :US copyright 1998 by
Nta, and may not be repr-oduced either.in :
whole orinpar~withoutwrittenpermission from thepublisher.
Publicationof a name or photo does not indicate a pers0n’s .
.sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for :
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed’& be: "
comes:the ~ole property ofT,J Eachreaaer "
~s entitled :to 4 copies of each editton at distribution ",
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542,74101 582-0438 ¯
¯HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
¯Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194 "
¯Holland Hall School,5666 E. 81st 481-1111 :
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 ¯
¯House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood :
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438=2437, 800-284-2437 "
¯MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 ."
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral PI. 748-3111 ¯
NOW, Nat’lOrg. for Women; POB 14068,74159 365-5658 "
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
¯OSU-TUlsa °
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901 ¯
¯Planned Parenthood~ 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 ’
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
.*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
¯Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 " 584,2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults :
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N.Cincinnati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140 "
¯St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088 "
¯Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583=7171
¯TNAAPP (Native AmeriCan men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 "
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 :
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only :
TulsaOkla.forHumanRights,c/oThePrideCenter 743-4297 :
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827 ¯
¯Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
¯Tulsa Community College Campuses ,"
¯TulsaGay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE ¯
¯Bardesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337=5353 ¯
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN ."
¯Borders Books &Music, 3209 NWExpressway 405-848-2667 -"
¯Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907 ¯
TAHLEQUAH "
¯Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456=7900 "
¯Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900 :
¯Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360 :
¯ NS.U School of Optometry, 1001.N, Grand.........:
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates "
¯¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
¯
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
¯ DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. ¯
¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
: Geekto Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429
¯ Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery ¯
¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
: White Light, 1 Center St.
." JOPLIN, MISSOURI
¯ *Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
* is where you can find TFN. Not all are Gay-owned butall are Gay-friendly.
501-253-7734 ,"
501-253-7457 ¯
501-253-6807 ¯
501-253-5445 "
501-253-9337 "
501-253-2776 "
501-253-5332 ¯
501-624-6646 "
501-253-6001 -’.
501-253-4074 "
417-623-4696 "
It’s Elementary + more...
December 22, 1999
On the heels of a tremendously
successful campaign togetIt "sElementary
aired on public television, we are thrilled~
to announce our new media series for
kids. We are writing to you today to tell
you a little about the project and to ask for
yo~help: .W.e.hopeyo.u’!l eonside.rm.~king
a year-end contribution toward its
completion and distribution.
We’ve been asked repeatedly by It’s
Elementaryfans, "When are you going to
make sombthing we can show to kids?""
.Finally wehave an answer -- THAT’S A.
FAMILY! -- a video for elementary
school children about family diversity.
To learn more about THAT’S A
FAMILY! and to make a donation to
ensure its successful completion, please
read the rest of this email, or go to:
http:.//www.womedia.org/support.html
on the internet.
THAT’S A FAMILY! is the first video
in our. long-awaited media series for
children, "Respect for All." THAT’S A
FAMILY! introduces children to different
kinds of families, while the second and
third videos~in the series center on
dispelling Gay and Lesbian stereotypes
and confronting anti-Gay name-calling.
In THAT’S.A FAMILY! you’ll meet
children’ who were adopted; are
multiracial; haveparents whoare divorced;
are being raised by step-parents, single
morns or dads, or by grandparents and
guardians. There also are children with
Gay dads or Lesbian morns, and their
stories are intertwined with those of the
other families.
THAT’S A FAMILY! is scheduled for
release in the spring of 2000. It has the
potential to reach hundreds of thousands
of children, giving elementary schools a
truly inclusive, respectful teaching tool
that children will love to watch. Wehave
no doubt that the long-term impact of this
project will be tremendous. Giving
elementary school students the opportunity
to hear the words "Gay" and "Lesbian"
described in a matter-of-fact way by their
peers, and experience Gay and Lesbian
families inthe contextofsuchanincredibly
diverse group of other families, could
have a profound effect on their values and
behavior for the rest of their lives.
To kick off this ambitious media series
for children, we need your help. We need
to raise additional funds to finishTHAT’S
A FAMILY! this winter and to launch its
distribution. Our work is not commissioned-
instead we independently
produceand distribute ourmediaprojects.
see It’s... p. 14
Announcements Policy
Tulsa Family Newswitl provide-space
for holy union ceremony, marriage
ceremony, birth, adoption and death
announcements onaspace availablebasis.
Photos are welcome, though we cannot
promise placement or return them, so
please send copies to Tulsa Family News,
POB 4140, Tulsa 74159.
Letters Policy
Tulsa Family News welcomes letters
on issues which we’ve covered or on
issues you think need to be considered.
You may request that your name be withheld
but letters must be signed & have
phonenumbers, or behand delivered. 200
word letters are preferred. Letters to other
publications will be re-printed as is
appropriate.
by Tom Neal, editor & publisher
January is National Volunteer BloodDonor Month and
most newspapers in the city have received press releases
exhorting Tulsans to donate blood.
According to Tulsa’s chapter of the American Red
Cross’ communications manager, Maggie Jewell, "the
winter time is a crucial time for blood donations and that
many new donors are needed to help meet patient needs
in local hospitals...many donors who regularly give find
that they cannot during the winter months because of a
cold or the flu.., the nation’ sblood supply... [is] just a
few hours aheadofdemand. Asit stands today, ifeveryone
stopped donating blood, our nation’s supply would
disappear within only two days..."
So you’d think that the Red Cross would welcome all
donors. In the Red Cross" press releases, they state, "to
donate, one must be 17 years or older, weigh at least 110
pounds, and be feeling wall the day of the donation..."
What they don’t say is that ffyou are Gay, you don’ t lie
about it, and you give blood, they throw your blood away
- even though ALL blood is tested for HIV antibodies
anyway! Anyone who’s had sex with someone of the
samegender since,ifmemory serves me, 1984, is banned.
To reframe a 19th century prejudice: "Irish need not
apply" becomes "Faggots need not apply."
The local Red Cross shrugs off responsibility, saying
it’s a national policy. The national Red Cross places the
blame on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). They
all know that thisis bad science. "
Once one might have presumed-a tight correlation
between sexual orientation/behavior and HIV status.
Today, those exposed to the HIV virus can just as easily
be heterosexual. Infact, one of the parts ofour population
whichhas disproportionately highinfectionrates is young
Mrican-Americans. Does anyone think we’d see the Red
Cross or FDA saying, "Young Blacks need not apply"?
The reality is that this discrimination is socially wrong
as well as bad public health policy. TulsaArea Red Cross
can’ t:change it by itsdf but its Board of Directors can go
on record to call for a change in the policy (it wouldn’t
hurt if they added a non-discrimination pohcy too). And
it can stop trying to sweep this prejudice under the rug.
Until it and the FDA change their policies, its press
releases should read, "to donate, one must be 17 years or
older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be feeling well the
day of the donation.., andnot be aGay or Bisexual man."
by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
Early on the morning of Dec. 3rd, like many others, I
was shocked to see the face of a friend, someone whom.
I respectandlike, inTheWorld accused ofa vcry unlikely
act.
Reading the article and knowing the man, my first
reaction was to wonder that the charges had been brought
at all. It is a classic, "he said, she said" recast as "the
straight ’boy’ said, the Gay man said."
According to comments made to the Tulsa World by
Broken Arrow police, the
only persons present at the
allegedactwere RickFortner
and themanwhohas accused
him of lewd behavior (I say
man who accused because at
16 if he were a murderer,
he’d be considered an adult
and 16maynotbevery wise,
but it’s hardly a child in this
day and age).
I then wondered at
possible motivations for his
accuser. Was this the sick
behavior of a young man struggling with his own
homosexuality andprojecting his self-hatred onto another
target?
Or is he yet another young American man warped into
mindless hatred Of men who love other men by a society
whose need for some hated "other’ dates back to before
the Republic was founded (let me see: we Americans
havehated Indians in the East, we’ ve hated Blacks, we’ve
hated Jews, we’ve hated Germans, we especially hated
the Irish, we’ve hated Catholics, and Poles, and again
Indians in the West, and Asians: Chinese, Japanese, Fast
Indians, we’ve hated Commumsts, Socialists, Unionists,
women who dared to vote -or merely not be endless
baby-factories, hell, we’ ve even hated some Republicans
- I personally have thought that Ronnie Reagan was one
of the most profoundly and blandly evil men of our time
but I digress).
Former says he is innocent and I believe him as do his
friends and colleagues at his work, All Souls Unitarian
ChurchandinCouncil Oaks Mens Chorale whichFortner
founded and leads, and I hear his family, thank God.
But even when his innocence is proven, and these
charges likely are shown to be shameless political
opportunism by Tulsa County District Attorney Tim
Harris, Fortuer remains victimized by the accusation. His
reputation has been called into question and defending
" Fortner says he is innocent and I
believe him... But even when his
innocence is proven, and these
charges likely are shown to be
shameless politlea! opportunism by
Tulsa County District Attorney
Tim Harris, Fortner remains
victimized by the accusation...."
himself can 0nly be costly even if the charges are without
merit.
So why is this haptmning? Political and other observers
have known for some dme that Tulsa District Attorney
Tim Harris is closely associated with right wing political
extremists who call themselves "Christian."
Tulsa’s DA’s earlier demonstrated their willingness to
abuse the powers of the office to promote a ultra rightwing
agenda when they failed to prosecute seriously the
brutal hate assault against Tony Orr and Tim Beauchamp
until after prim media had
written about the DA’s bias,
failing even to get them
victim’s compensation for
their medical injuries as the
DA’s office does for other
crime victims.
Local attorney and
TOHRboard member Kerry
Lewis suggests that Harris is
shamelessly using this
accusation to appeal to the
part ofhis electoratewho are
rabidly prejudiced, to appear
as though Hams is "fighting crime" andjust incidentally
destroying Rick Fortner’s lifein the process.
We can likely anticipate that much of our District
Attorney’ s strategy, if they have the nerve to push such a
seemingly meritless case so far, is going to be to engage
in blatant legal "Gay-bashing." It will be suggested that,
ipso facto, Rick’s a"homo" and therefore capable of any
evil, and that any accusation by a red-blooded, all-
American boy is, of course, God’s own Truth!
But what’s really on trial here, is American justice
itself. As has played out generation after generation, with
minority after minority, the reality has been that our
justice, at its best- is uneven, and more often than not is
wildly unfair, favoring wealth, whiteness and heteromaleness.
And all the problem is not in the DA’s office. Some
Tulsa police, year after year, engage in varieties of anti-
Gay bias, including breaking the very law, with no
restriction nor anti-bias training from Chief Palmer nor
the elected official to whom he answers, Mayor Savage.
But right now, what matter is that Rick Former is
treated fairly. I don’ tknow if he’ s got alegal defense fund
set up but he may need it.
I’d suggest that any help readers might give, be sent to
the Rev. Suzanne Meyers at All Souls Unitarian Church.
They’re in the book.
by Dave Fleischer
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Ask voters a question - then listen to their answers -
and you get what Lily Tomlin calls a "goosebump
experience." Why the adrenaline rush? Because you
challenge not only your cherished ideas about the voters,
but also what you believe about yourself.
I was reminded of this while campaigning in Carol
City, an African-American, working-class Miami
neighborhood. I was with a team of volunteers from
SAVE Dade, the group preparing to defend their county
Human Rights Ordinance.
Scene: short, bald, Jewish me at.the door, talking to a
voter: "The Ordinance protects all of us from
discrimination, whether we’~re aman or woman, black or
white, Gay or non-Gay. The newest part of the law is the
part that includes Gay people. Some people want to take
the law .apart and remove Gay people from it. But we
think that s wrong-wethink everyone ought to be treated
with dignity and respect. What do you think?"
,,W,_ith barely a pause, the voter began "My church says.
¯. Oy ray. I figured I knew where we were headed, and
it wasn’t the promised land. "My church says--Jesus
loves everybody. Diseriminadon is always wrong." She
and I had a brief, affirming discussion.
I went to door #2, said my piece, and the voter
immediately began,"My church says..." I listened. "My
church says homosexuality is a sin. It’s wrong. Read
your Bible, and you’ll see the Lord has a plan for a better
life for you." As he amplified his point of view, I was
: trying to decide how quickly to exit. When he stopped
: talking, we paused and looked at each other. Then I said,
"Well, I’m Gay. I likemylife, and if IYm doing a goodjob
¯
at myjob, do you think my boss should be able to fire me
¯ just because I’m Gay?"
¯¯ The voter looked astonished: "Wall of course, no one
should fire you for that." That started a back-and-forth
¯ that surprised both of us. Wedisagreed about why people
are Gay. We agreed that discrimination against G.ays is
¯ unacceptable. After a fewminutes, as hewas prepanng to ¯
read tomefrom the Bible, I called ahalt, thanked him, and
¯ moved to the next door.
: What I learned about myself was how hard itis to ask
: a question and hear the answer. Both times, it only took
: three words before I thought I knew what was coming.
¯ Both times, I was Wrong but I realized why asking
~¯ questions is uncomfortable.Whenwe ask a question, and
really wait to hear the answer, we are not Controlling the
¯ situation. We are sharing control with the other person.
American culture teaches us all to like control. To
¯ celebrate our individuality - to believe that one pe.rson
¯ can make a difference - to have it our way--is as
¯ American as a.microwaved Mcwhopper.
But growing up Gay raises the stakes. Many of us
realize early on that we’ re different, subject to ridicule or
¯
hurt. So we crave control as a way to protect ourselves,
¯ and to survive. We pump up our talent for isolated
¯ individual achievement, sometimes neglecting team-
" building and our curiosity about others.
: Our life becomes a search for refuge. To protect
¯
ourselves, we build communities and organizations
¯ designed to shelter us. Butwe thenmiss genuine, reciprocal
¯ connectionwithotherpeople, especially thosewho aren’ t
just like us. Werarely ask them what they think ofus. We
¯
assume we know.
¯ When we don’ t ask real questions - like "What do you
think?"- we rely on Our past experience. No wonder that
¯
we hold onto ahigh level of paranoia. We can’ t forget the
¯ feelings we knew when we were young. We can’t miss
¯ the hostility expressed by right-wing extremists now. that
¯ we are older. ¯
But, guess what? Neither has much to do with where
¯ most Americans stand today. When we lack confidence
¯ in other people, it is no wonderwe struggle in campaigns. ¯
Ourlifeis a niche, but in elections we need50% + 1 of the
¯ participating voters on our side.
¯ It is understandably scary to put aside our past hurts to
test the possibilities in the present. It’s easier to avoid
person-to-person campaigning; it’s tempting instead to
¯ rely on every other possible form of communication, all
of which have at least some value. But what price do we
[ pay for our lack of curiosity, our unwillingness to risk
: authentic exchange? Are we, without meaning to, buying
¯ intothelargerculture’stoleranceofstereotypicalthinking?
~ Who is most imperiled when it’ s a deviant act to ask a
¯ question - or to question a stereotype? Let’s rescue ¯ ourselves. Goosebumps are ours, for the asking.
Dave Fleischer is a seniorfellow at the Policy Institute
ofthe National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Nationwide Insurance : Allen said. Allen said much of the group’s time is
Adds Partners’ Benefits:¯ teachers can ha,,v.e a tough time discussing even with
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Nationwide Insurance those~who don t have a disability.
Company has just begun to offer employees a new : The Arc, formerly known as th.e .Associatio~
benefits package that will recognize same-sex : Retarded Citizens, adopt,e~,.. a posmon paper mr
d0mestic partners. The plan also .will cover relatives " " year~ ago affirmin_g that. indiv]~du,~.s with m~enn~
_ including extended family members~uch as : retardationarepe°plew~tlasexualIeel.mgs’~nhee~n~}
’grandparents - roommates and unmarriedpartners
~vho live w,ith the .employees, Donna. James; [ the 7:2 million people with,,mental retardation in the
Nationwide s senior vice president :of ihuman ¯ United States, s~ys people have fundamental ri,g,h,ts
resources, told The Outlook, an iaiiependent [ as individuals to have privacy, love and be loved.
¯ eater Columbus Ga,c community. ~ Sfill,. Gay people with mental disabilities are often
newsPaper°f,thegr.: - . . .,’.= ~,-~-’--,=-1= ¯ o,;~,~: "zed somefimesb arents,orcaretakers-the
Those co,v:_cream.u..~si tt~. a:.e.,p-enaoe.n..t.o. nm. e~’~auP~..’u~ . o~,~att_ ,,
em lo eeforsupp0rtorsnarelmanclalrespOn~t°mq¢ v~"v *~ a r
"
P Y. ........... .... .
.... ’ r-All of Nationwide s 28,000 .
¯ . ¯ _ . .’. .--. ¯ wem~pthlotyheeewsaorere.klig.eib..!.e..f0rth-,ep~ lan.Byear: ly~’mber"’ ¯ ’. " W : ~lrglfllfl CoHrt to lalevle
A recentForbesMagazine sur~ey, mo!area:
unmarried parmers .are ovyr~..byh~e’~l~9.ben,efitS ~ :: ’ ROANOKE, Va. (AP)-A Virginia.appe~s court,has
10% of .the businesses with :at least zoo em~toy~.. : agreed"to review the constitutionality oI a state taw
Companies that.pr0vide.same-sex P.-aFtner~e3Its .: tl~t ~nalizes oral sex between consenting adults.
indtide:Lotus!.De~vd0pment Corp.,MicrosoRtsorp:, .. The.Virginia Court of Appeals agreed to ~ear. the
-IBM, Walt Disney Co.,Honeywell and Xerox. ¯ ~i~s ~)f nine men convicted of soliciting sodomy
¯ " " e : from undercover police posing as Gay me~... .
McCam, Forbes:Endors : The case will test alaw that some autho~taes say ~
a legitimate way to deter public sex acts. opponen ’Don’t Ask, DOn’t-Tell’- ": 0fthelawarguethatit’sanarchaicinvasionofprivacy
.... .........si .that targets homosexu~,,s. The law, referred to as
WASHINGTON(AP)-TheClintona~stxatto.n
polieybarfing0penh0mosex.ual~sfro,m,..military~e_ ; ,crimes against nature, applies to all consenting
~vorksandshouldbepreserYed,Kepumtcancanoauate~ ’" adults, homosexual and heterosexual, who engagem
" oral sex in public or private. Violating the law is a
Sen. JohnMcCainanffSteveForbes s~din Decem~ber;
¯ McCain~ a former naval officer and prisoner oI war felony, plmishable ,by up to five years in prison.
inVietnam, Saiahewo,~dhave sen.1.°r o,f.fieer,s,re,v]ew
Those who say it s time for Virginia to join the list
the p0ffcy, but ad,d,ed, I support me poncy, i oeueve
of states that have abolished their alifi-sodgmy laws
that it;s working. ’ ,, , "
i are. encouraged that the appeals court has agr.e.e,d to
On"Fox Ne~s Sunday, Forbes said: ’The military
¯ hear the case. The sodomy law also was invokedmthe
is not an institution for socialengineering. It has. a
¯ case of Sharon Bottoms, a Richmond-area woman
~:ery real,role of protectingus. It... operates in very
" who lost custody of her son in 1993 when ajudge said
speJzial circumstance§, and theref0reapresident must
" she was an linfit mother because she and her female
take heed of leaders such as Gen. Powell and G.en.
¯ lo~er engaged in oral sex.
Scfiwarzkopf Who s,a,y that you cannot have open
inhispetitiontothe.appealscourt, Garrison said,,,the
Gays in the military.. The Repu.bh,ca~,~ fro,nt-ru~n~ar~
’ : case is not just a Gay issue, but one that affects me
ri ht to 4 5 million adult Virginians to be
Texas Gov George W.-Bush, also nas. enaorseu
Clinton policy. "
,
The position of Vice President A1 Gore, a,Viemam
they have a reasonable expectataon to privacy, t ne
veterat~, and.his Democratic Opponent Bill Bradle~ is
appeal attacks the law from several angles: that it
that people who.can be firefighters, police officers
¯ violates privacy rights guaranteed by both state and
andmembe~s,ofColigress shouldhaVeopenaccess to
federal Constitutions; that it is based on religious
.military service as wall. Gay civilrights activists who ¯
met with Clinton ¯last week said the president¯ told "
them the ~’don’.t ask, dOn~t.tell’’ policy was a failure..
R.., ,rded-Gays and ¯
Lesb"ia"ns" "Find Support.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)- For decades, the ¯
sexuality of people with mental, dis~abi!i_ti_e_s,^W_~e]~ ¯
taboo a subject that parents ann prolesslonm~ ,o~ ~
acknowledged its ..ex~stence. The disabl.ed were o~ften ¯
treatedas if they Were eternal children; immune irom
desire. Bu,t as people with mental disabilities come of :
age in a more accepting’atmosphere, they are’:
grounds and thus violates the separation ofchurch and
state; and that its potential five-year prison sentence
subjects defendants to cruel find unusual punishment.
Eighteen men were charged under the law-in the
Roanoke Police Depfirtment;s sting. The biggest
challenge for those appealing .their convictions may
be convincing the appealS.court that they have legal
standing to overturn a’law that affects not just them,
but all adult Virgimans. In 1979 - the-last’ time a
higtier state court heard a challenge of the sodomy_.
law, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a man
arrested in Richmond had no such standing2 ’
Since then, several states have recoglfized that
defendants arrested for alleg.ed public ~.ex acts are
entitled to fight the law not just as it was applied to
them, but as it potentially co~d be applied to bthers.i
formerly Family of Faith & Greater Tulsa MCC
Joined as one body of believers.
Come celebrate with us.
Sunday Services, 11 am
~aplewood, 8~18-1715
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
747-5466
4021 S. Harvard, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIq
Sun. Worship, ~0:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 prn
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
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Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Cel:tifled Hypnotherapist
.,Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745~111
Community Unitarian UniversalL’
Congregation
at Community ofHo~p~
South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0S9!
A Welcoming.Congregation
experiencing an open discussion abom relationships ¯ Mingo Valley Flowers
an~’s~x ~and for Some, acknowledging that .they may Thirty years ago, all 50 states had laws that forbade
be homosexual.. " f eo le witl~ " consensual oral sex. Today, Virginia is one of. 17
For the past.year, a small group’o P P : statesthat’stillhassu~halaw- ’
mental disabilities has be~n ga~hexqng ~- transported ¯ ¯ - 9413 E, 31st St., Tulsa 74145
from group home~ and independentl~ving facilities ". 918-663-5934, fax: 663:583~,1800-444-592
.byth~ircareta~ers+-to,djs~us~the~-r¢-d[c~’ue~nt°fn°~t~ :
Court Bars Child
o~y beingmenta~iy ~a~d~ea~i~ed, but being Gay ~or ¯ Visitation, Rights milr
On a monthly basis, ~ey meet a~ a group with a : CHICAGO (AP) ~ Shelived withher Lesbian parme,r- . .
advocates for:the disabled say:more’ " n . ,-., . ~nva"cy¯ .-.~.-~.-.~..,~..ri.~.r.ti.i .".~.a.t.e.l.us; .t.no.t.c.o.ve.r.e.d.u.nd.e.r.a. state law-governing Visitaaon rights. ~ne oec,slon
NewHaven group:~d the meetings are niSt a dating ":
service. Ratl~er;the sessions’are an opporttmity for a~. upjhue~ud.~j:~a~il~r CH’~u~ntaCn:~l~ul.~gg:eopinionii~t~d
¯segment of the populati°n that is d°ubl:y ils°)ated.t°, : th~illin0islaw.~pecifi~i~]iame~i~i~?eS.’~.~e~ : l,li-,~ , 12~21’.S~uttlCo~umbialSuRe420 ,~
~lk oper~y about feelings, ,pressures,~ana" socm~ ¯
situations. Left.unaddressed; ~exu~iiy in.,a person :’ as.fotmerspous~sandgran.dparen ~,. -~ i ~i. ~;.’
1~q~4-351.8
With a m~nL~i :disability can ,manifeSt itself in : to Visitation rights with children. If.is silent fin me ~’’~
inappropriate, and...s0metimes,, ,s~lf-destructive. ,ways; : issue of former same-sex p.armer~,:
Child.i Family, IndividualA.,Couple Psychother~
" 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
TulSa Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
.6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
12-9 prn~ Saturday, all sales benefit the Center
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Join TOHR
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Amanda met her partner, "Helen," in 1984 when
they were living in Georgia. Helen was artificially
inseminated in 1993 and gave birth to a daughter that
December. Amanda was involved in the preparations
for the birth and helped take care of the little girl for
a year and a half. The relationship ended in 1995. The
next year, Helenmoved to Chicago with her daughter
and has refused to allow Amanda any contact with the
child since 1997, the court said. Amanda’s suitargued
that even though she was not married to Helen, She
Should have the same rights parents have under
common law. Sawyer, an attorney for the Eainbda
Legal Foundation, said a decision would be made
later on. whether to appeal to the Illinois Supreme
Court.
Helen’s attorney, Leon Finkel, noted that Illinois
does not recognize common law in such cases’~ He
said boyfriends, aunts and uncles and in some cases
even stepparents are among those whoare not entitled
to visitation rights under Illinois law.
Finkel also said limiting the list was a good idea.
because parents should only m special instances be
forced to give up the power to determine who is
allowed to visit their children.
He added that while Illinois doesn’t recognize
same-sex marriages, it does recognize same-sex
adoptions. Had Amanda legally adopted the girl, she
would have had visitation rights and the dispute
would never have taken place, he said.
Study Says Marriage Ban
Would Hurt Children
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - At least 40,000
children living with Gay couples and 100,000 more
with Gay single parents would be affected by a
proposed state ban on same-sex marriages, according
to a new study. Those children could feel ostracized
by. society if their parents’ Unions were considered
invalid, concludes the review by Michael Wald, a
Stanford University law professor who specializes in
public policy’s effect on children. Proposition 22
would let California recognize only marriages
performed between a man and a woman. It will be
voted on in March.
’q’his alleged study, which promotes homosexual
marriages, is nothing more than a bogus political
campaign hit piece against Proposition 22 and the
institution of marriage," said Robert Glazier, a
spokesman for the Yes on Proposition 22 campaign.
Wald’s review used findings by the American
Psychological Association and several research studies
on same-sex parents. "By all reports, these families
are doing very wall," Wald said. "It is different,
obviously, growingup in afamily with two parents of
the same sex, but children adjust to it." Studies have
shown that the children of Gay parents are welladjusted
and do wall in school, but often face
intolerance, he said.
The report drew criticism from David Orgon
Coolidge, director of the Marriage Law Project atThe
Catholic University ofAmerica inWashington, D.C.,
who called it "an attempt to mislead voters." "prop 22
is not about same-sex couples," Coolidge said in a
written statement. "Prop 22 is about whether
Californians will be allowed to decide for themselves
how marriage will be defined in this state."
Colorado Anti-Marriage
Amendment Progresses
DENVER (AP) - A proposed constitutional
amendmentto restrict same-sexmarriages in Colorado
has been approved by the .secretary of state’s office
and now advances to a 30-day challenge period, ifapproved
by voters, the measure would recognize
only marriages between, a man and a woman and
would make same-sex marriages performed in other
states invalid in Colorado.
Themeasure, which cleared the secretary of state’s
ritle-setting board in December, will face opposition.
"As a statewide agency,we are eommitted to fighting
this every step of the way," said LoriAnn Girvan,
executive director of Equality Colorado. "We feel
that the taxpayers of Colorado don’t need another
anti-Gay ballotinitiative that will re-ignite our state’s
reputation as a place of intolerance."
Candace McCune, an Englewood lawyer
representing proponents of the measure who formed
the group Coloradans for Traditional Marriage, said
the measure would close a loophole in the state
Constitution. The Legislaturelast year rejected an
attempt by Sen. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan,
to pass a statute similar to the proposed amendment.
Opponents oftheinitiativehave 30 days to challenge
it. Ifit survives, signatures ofnearly 64,000 registered
voters. W~ould have to be collected tO.l~m the ~easure
off ~1i~ ~6all0t. Coloradatis- for Tradiu6nal" Marriage
also withdrew a proposal to ban same-sex marriages.
Hank Aaron Slams
Pitcher’s Comments
ATLANTA (AP)- Hall of Famer Hank Aaronjoined
thebarrage ofcriticism against AtlantaBraves pitcher
Johp_ Rocker, despite his apology for making
derogatory comments about Gays and minorities.
Aaron said he was "very sick and disgusted about
the whole situation" and questioned how Rocker
could continue in baseball. "I have no place in my
heart for peoplewhofeel that way," the all-time home
run king, who is the Braves’ senior vice president,
told syndicated radio host Jay Mariotti.
About 15 activists protested outside Turner Field,
urging the Braves to fire Rocker for the comments,
which were published i~n a recent Sports Illustrated.
"There may be some room for redemption, but not
as anAtlantaBrave," said Michael Langford, president
of the United Youth-Adult Conference. "We
encourage him to enter his resignation right now and
go into an early retirement."
Rocker told Sports Illustrated he would never play
for a New York team because he didn’t want to ride
a subway train "next to some queer with AIDS." He
also bashed immigrants, saying, "I’m not a very big
fan of foreigners... How the hell did they get in this
country?" While driving in Atlanta during the
interview, Rocker criticized Asian women: Look.
Look at this idiot," he said of another driver. "I
guarantee you she’s a Japanese woman. How bad are
Asianwomenatdriving?" Healso calledan overweighl
black teammate "a fat monkey."
Rocker apologized in a ffritten statement, saying he
was carried away by his "competitive zeal" against
New York Mets fans. He said heis not a racist mad the
comments do not reflect his true feelings.
Civic groups and a member of the Atlanta city
Council delivered aletter to Braves owner TedTurner
and general manager John Schuerholz demanding
Rocker’s immediate firing. "We would have hoped
there would havebeen amore scathing condemnation
of these comments," said Councilman Derrick
Boazman. "This was more thanjust rhetoric. This was
hate." There was no answer at Turner’ s office, and his
publicist did pot return a telephone call.
Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig called Rocker’s
remarks "inappropriate and offensive." He said
baseball is reviewing the matter and would take
"appropriate action." There is precedent: Former
Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott was suspended
from baseball for the 1993 season for her use of racial
and ethnic slurs.
¯ Pentagon .Seeks Tougher
: Stand Aga,nst Harassers
¯ WASH!NGTON(AP)-The U.S. Defense Department
¯ is piessing armed services leaders to re-emphasize to
¯¯ commanders that harassment of troops based on their
sexual orientation will notbe tolerated. The Pentagon
: has drawn fire recently for its "don’t ask, don’t tell"
: policy. Critics say an increasing number ofGay and
Lesbian servicemembers arebeingharassed, contrary
: to the stated policy ofpermitting them to serve so long
: as they do not declare their sexual orientation.
: The criticism sharpened after a court-martial in
¯ which anArmyprivate was convicted of murdering a
¯
Gay ,soldier harassed with the knowledge of his
¯ superiors. PresidentBill Clinton said earlier lastmonth
¯ that the Pentagon’s policy on Gays was "out of ¯
whack."
". see Briefs, p. 14
Older Americans
With HIV Increasing
HOUSTON (AP) - An aging population,
life-extending treatments, and a
misperception that AIDS is a disease of
the young have fostered an increase in
AIDS infections among older Americans,
the Houston Chronicle reported recently.
Nationally, about 11% of reported AIDS :
cases are in people 50 or older, the
newspaper reported.
Seniors are the age group with the
fastest-growing AIDS rates - up 22%
between 1991 and 1996, compared with a
9% increase among people age 13-49,
according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
However, health officials warned that
the increases seem dramatic because the
numbers are small. A 106% increase in
the number of older women infected
through sex, for example, is based on an
increase from 340 eases to 700 eases.
"’At this point, the numbers are so small
that they really have notbeen perceived as
a problem," said Dr. Rose Brownridge,
acting bureau chief of the Texas
Department:of Health division that deals
with AIDS and other sexually transmitted
diseases. She added, however, that the
issue needs further study.
About 72,000 .americans age 50 and
over and about 4,50(3 Texans have been.
diagnosedwithAIDS. N~gneknows how
many seniors are infected with HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS, because not all
states require HIV reporting and because
older people arethought to be tested far
less often than their younger counterparts.
According to the CDC, slightly more than
one-third of older people with AIDS are
Gay or Bisexual men. About one of five
was infected by using a dirty needle to
inject drugs.
While popular attention has been
focusedon declining infection rotes among
children, AIDS among seniors has been
virtually ignored. That must change, said
Marcia try, chief of social science
research on aging at the National Institute
onAging. "The pointis that society cannot
ignore AIDS in that pediatric population,
in the young adult population or the older
population," Ms. try said. "For people
living longer or getting infected at_ an
older age, these people are incredibly
isolated, and they may not getthe treatment
they need."
That is likely to change with the
onslaught of baby boomers nearing
retirement age, said Kathy Nokes, a New
Yorknursewho works withinfected older
patients and editor of a book on seniors
with AIDS. "Baby boomers talk about
everything, try everything, demand
everything," she said. "To a 60- or 70-
year-old, that’s not polite."
Ironically, the drug Viagra that has
allowedmanyoldermento revive dormant
sex lives also has heightened concern
aboutthe spread ofAIDS. "They are pretty
AIDS-unaware as they venture out into
the world of sexual activity," said Sara
Selber, executive director of AIDS
Foundation Houston. "AIDS wasn’ treally
on their screen at the time they were
(previously) sextmlly active."
Fish Gene Key to
Immune System
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A gene discovered
in puffer fish - which have immune
systems similar to humans - may hold
secrets to learning more about diseases
that affect the human immune system,
such as AIDS, medical researchers say.
~esearchers doing work at St.
Petersburg’s All Children’s Hospital
published their findings in this week’s
Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, an academic journal.
Despite the finding, researchers do not
know what the newly found gene does,
said Gary Litman, the University of South
qoridaimmunologistwholedthe research
effort.
However, they do know the gene plays
amajor role in theimmune systembecause
of its complex structure.
In addition to the puffer fish, the
~mportant gene is found in other bony
fish, including zebra fish and sharks.
"The hunt is on for this gene in man,"
said Litman, who is working with eight
other researchers in Florida and in
California and Massachusetts. "Now we
know where to look."
Researchers are using computers .to
search human DNA for the identical or
similar sequence of 114,000 amino acids
found in the fish DNA. There are about 3
million amino acids in the human body.
Discoveries about the immune system
can affectnew developments in treatments
for diseases ranging from common
allergies to cancer and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Litman said thenew gene mightprovide
clues to an additional type of immunity
that doctors might not have realized.
AIDS Most
Important Story
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP)- The
discovery of and ongoing efforts to treat
and find a cure for AIDS was the top story
of the century, according to a survey of a
group ofhigh school history students. The
students surveyed by The Hutchinson
News otherwise generally agreed with
adult readers surveyed by the newspaper,
but, adults gave AIDS barely a mention.
’ It had such a high impact on what they
thought about their own mortality," said
Susan Smith, a teacher atHutchinsonHigh
School. "They didn’t think they could die,
and they certainly didn’t think having sex
could make them die."
Lindsey Derr, 16, saidnews aboutAIDS
is evenmoreimportantnow that the disease
is generally understood by experts and
millions of people have been identified as
AIDS,positive. Jacqui Faber, 16, said a
lot of people still don’t know enough
about where and how to get tested.
Some issues identified by students as
mostimportant occurred long before their
lifetimes, such as womengaining theright
to vote in America. Other issues that are
again xn the news, such as the Scopes
"Monkey" trial pitting evolutionary theory
against creationism, weren’t seen as
important.
Other stories that were big during their
lifetimes, such as the explosion of the
space shuttle Challengerandthemeltdown
¯of the Russian nuclear power plant at
Cheruobyl, were neat the bottom of the
high-school list.
Thebombing ofPearl Harbor that led to
U.S. entry into World War II, top of the
general readership’ s list,was infifthplace
among the students.
A high-ranking story on the students’
list that ranked low among the gener~
readership was the "I Have a Dream
speech given by the Rev. Martin Luther
King Jr. Talesha Brassield, a 16-year-old
junior, said King’s speech was still a
reminder that Americans have a lot to
learn about respecting each other. "There
The Second Annual
Progressive Alliance Summit
The State Capitol
Oklahoma City
Saturday
Januar 15th, 2000
Join activists from many different
progressive movements from across the
state for skills and coalition building.
Keynote Speaker: Frosty Troy
The Oklahoma Observer
For more information or for reservations contact Planned
Parenthood in Tulsa at 918-587-7674
or Keith Smith at The Smith Group: 405-840-2219
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men’s
Support Group is here for you!
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
at 582-7225 Ext. 208 or 218
Dial-Up Accounts
Dedicated ISDN
Con nections
Virtual Hosting
Visit our web page
wwwag~sweb.net
(918) 622-4965
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THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
PRESENTS
Equality Rocks
Saturday, April 29, 2000
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, DC
Hear Our Voices
Our Vision For the New Millennium IsAWorld Where
Peopl.e Can Live With Hope, Equality and Safety.
Join Melissa Etheridge, Ellen Degeneres, Anne Heche and
a Host of other Stars as They Rock. the New Millennium and
Take a Stand for a Safer, BetterWorld for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender People Everywhere. Tickets on
Sale at 800..551.SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com
are still people that believe people have to
think the same, look the same and believe
the same things," Talesha said.
Thais Protest US
Drug Monopoly
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Some 120
Thai activists and HIV-AIDS patients
camped Wednesday outside the Health
Ministry demanding an end to a U.S.
pharmaceutical monopoly thatmakes antiviral
drugs too expensive for most in
Thailand. They want theThai government
to enforce a patent act to legalize local
manufacture of Didanosine or DDI, a
medicine that suppresses the deadly HIV
virus in a patient’s blood, delaying the
onset of AIDS.
Few. of the more than 1 million HIV
postive individuals in Thailand, a country
of 62 million people, can afford drugs
such as DDI and AZT, imported to
Thailandfromoverseas,mainlyfromU.S.
manufacturers.
DDI,manufacturedby U.S. ftrmBristol-
Myers Squibb, is sold at50 baht ($1.25) a
tablet in Thai hospitals. Patients need at
least fourtablets aday, costingin all about
6,000 baht-10,000 baht ($160-250) a
month. A Thai office worker earns about
4,400 baht($110) amonth. Thedrugprice
would be halved if Thailand produce it
locally.
Last month, Medecins Sans Frontieres,
the Nobel Peace Prize-winnlngemergency
healthcare group, said U.S. trade pressure
has made proper health care for H!V/
AIDS patients nnaffordable in Thailand
and other less developed countries.
Activists said access to DDI, used by
around 5% of people living with HIV in
1997, declined over the past two years due
to Thailand’s economic recession. Since
theHIV epidemicbeganin the early 1990s,
more than 260,000 Thais have contracted
full-blown AIDS.
’q’he government has full legislation to
enforce the act butit fears the U.S. will be
angry andit mightlead to trade sanctions,"
said Paisal Tan-ud, spokesmanoftheThai
Network For People Living With HIVAIDS.
The activists plan to camp outside
the ministly in Bangkok until they get an
answer from the government.
Earlier this year, campaigners succeeded
in demanding local manufacture of
Diflu.can, a drug used to treat cryptococcat
memngitis, a fungal infection of the brain
which occurs in HIV-AIDS patients.
The government has allowed two local
pharmaceutical compames to produce the
drug, originally manufactured by the U.S.
drug company Pfizer.
Girl + Grandmother
Tell Their Story
WOODBRIDGE, Va. - When Annisha
Wilbum was 4 years old, she went to live
with her grandmother, Valerie Reeder-
Bey, who is HIV-positive. Reeder-Bey
knew she had to talk about her condition
with her granddaughter. The hard part
was finding a way to do it without
frightening her or delving into
uncomfortable details. "I was living in
fear that anything could happen," said
Reeder-Bey,46,wholives inWoodbridge.
"I wanted to tell her. I just really had to
find the way without being graphic."
She started by jotting down things that
Annisha shouldn’tworry about: "It’ s okay
to hug," she wrote. "It’s okay to hold
hands." As the girl got older, she started
making her own contributions to the list.
¯ Talking on the telephone with her
: grandmother was OK, Annisha pointed
¯ out, or going rollerblading together.
¯ Thus was born "My Grandma Has
: AIDS: Annisha’s Story," a 14-page
¯ illustrated children’s book that was
¯ published this year by a pharmaceutical "
¯ company and distributed at the U.S.
Conference on AIDS in Denver and a
World AIDS Day commemoration in
¯ Boston.
"- Annisha and her grandmotherare both
¯ listed as authors, but thebookis writtenin
¯¯ Annisha’s voice. "Hi. My name is
Annisha. This is a story about my
grandma," the book begins. "She is real
: special to me. Mygrandmaisjustlikeany
¯ other grandma. My grandma has AIDS."
The book goes on to describe the various
things they do together. "I know that ifmy
friendhas AIDS, I cannotcatch itbybeing
~ their friend," Annisha says in the book.
~ Reeder-Bey, who also lives with her
¯ husband, Tommy, is excited about the
: book’s distributionandhopes parents will
¯" use it to introduce the subject of AIDS to
i¯ tHheeairvcehniilndrVenie.wS,haeniosnaplrsoofitthtehafotpurnodveirdeosf
: health counseling and support groups for
¯ people living with AIDS. "I would love
¯ forit to be in ev,,e~y household. That’s ~e
ultimate dream,’ she said. "Even if it s
¯ not in every household, I want everyone
~ to know about it."
: The road to "My Grandma Has-AIDS:
¯ Annisha’s Story"was along one. It began ¯
¯ whenReeder-Beywent toherownmother,
looking for solace after she learned she
¯" was HIV-positive. Reeder-Bey said she
¯ spent 22 years as an alcoholic and drug
¯ addict. Her mother could not accept the
: diagnosis and sent her daughter away, she
: said: "I forgive my mother now, but then,
¯ I couldn’t take it," she recalled.
¯ Six years later, Reeder-Beywas alcohol-
. and drug-free andembarking onanew life
¯ as an AIDS activist and drug counselor.
¯ Then her daughter, who has had her own
: struggles with addiction, asked her to take
in Annisha. "Wehad already spent a lot of
." time together," Reeder-Bey said of
¯ Annisha. "She just became a part of my
: life."
When Annisha was 6, Reeder-Bey
¯ thought the two of them had a book worth
¯ sharing. She went to several well-known
: children’s book publishers, who told her
¯ that the subject matter was inappropriate
¯ or didn’t fit their needs.
¯ Butthebookdidcatch the eye ofofficials
." at Agouron Pharmaceuticals, a La Jolla,
." Calif.-based company that makes the
." AIDS drug Viracept, and Agouron
¯ published it. Agouron has an active
: outreachprogramthatfocuses particularly
¯" on minority communities, and the book
¯ worked well with that program, said Joy
¯ Schmitt, a company spokeswoman.
: Reeder-Bey also made sure that Prince
¯ WilliamCounty school administrators got
: a copy of"Annisha’s Story." Annishais a
¯ third-grader at Featherstone Elementary.
¯ Agouron said it plans to distribute the
~ book at otherAIDS conferences, with the
¯ authors’ permission. In the meantime, ¯
Reeder-Bey is a one-woman distribution
¯ machine, bringing books to her doctor’s
¯ office, to work, to wherever she thinks
¯ someone would pick one up. "I want
: people to open up and start talking to kids
: about it. Kids want you to be open with
: them," Reeder-Bey said.
¯ And Annisha said she plans to keep
¯
writing. She has advice for other would-
~ be authors: "I think they should write
¯ what’s in their imagination, and write
: what’sin their heart."
Happy New Year and Century to " hit Broadway, running for 2 years. This
everyone! "If you’re with me, next year : ground breaking drama about 9 Gay men
willbe... The perfect year!" Sorry, Petula ¯ gathering for a birthday party with catty,
left a little Norma Desmond behind. (The ¯ emotionally trying results spawned a film
line is from a song that features ~ -by William Friedldn (who went on to
prominentlyinthemusical, direct "the Exorcist", and
"Sunset Boulevard".)
Actually, there were afew
days I couldn’ t tell the two
apart. What, me catty? I
don’t know what you
mean. . . (Eyes bat
iunocenfly. Well, as close
as I can get... Shaddup!
Stop snickering amongst
yoursdves!)
January at the PAC: Ben
E. King performs with the
Tulsa philharmonic the 7
&8. The armchair traveler
goes to France on the 10;
and the All State Music
Festival happens onthe 15.
"Gaelic Storm," the Irish
band that played in the 3rd
class steerage section of
the Titanic appears at the
PACJanuary 19 &20. Leo
danced a jig to their tunes
in the film. Latin music is played by
Scarles, Allen and River on the 22, and a
concurrent concert hapl~L’ns with Janina
Fialkowska at the piano. On the 23, Das
Puppenspeil (I love that name!) puppet
theatre performs with the Philharmonic,
and the month closes with "Buddy," the
Buddy Holly musical from the 25 through
the 30. "Crossing Delancy" opens on the
28. More info on these artists to come. If
~ou lust can’t wait, you can always call
e f~iendly folks at the PAC ticket office
at 596-7111.
Forthose abitmoreventuresome, Dallas
seems to be the place of interest in
upcoming months. GeorgeWinstonplays
Majestic Theatre Jan 7; and for those who
recall a rather large member of the Rocky
Horror Picture Show cast, Meat Loaf
performs at McFarlin Auditorium Jan 16.
My, they’re really bringing in the class
acts now, aren’t they?
For the more modem crown, Counting
Crows plays the Bronco bowl Jan 25, and
Beck plays there Jail 26. Kids in the Hall,
the all male cross dressing comedy troupe
of some fame in the mid-90’s plays the
Bronco bowl Feb 3. The Pretenders, with
opening act "Gay Dad", perform at the
Bronco Bowl Feb 6. The Chieftains, for
those who like their Irish music Irish, are
at the Fort Worth Bass Performance Hall
Feb 6. Back in Dallas, Diana Krall plays
the Majestic Theatre Feb 18. And for
those into boy bands, Backstreet Boys
(almost has-beenS) are at Reunion Arena
March3-4. For themorefolksy set, Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young are playing
Reunion Arena March 7th.
For thosepining for somedecent theatre
- and I know many of you are, even if you
don’t attend it- Mort Crowley’ s seminal
work, "The Boys in the Band", runs
through January 29 at the Fort Worth
Theatre (817-921-5300). It rated a full
page storyin theFortWorthStarTelegram.
Apparently, Fort Worth has become a
progressive town, in that one of its oldest
and mostprestigious theatres has started a
series of Gay plays called the "Labor of
Love" series. They have sold out.
Hello, Theatre Tulsa!
"Boys" opened in April 1968, and was
one of’the first, if not the first, Gay play to
"Sorcerer") and nnhinged
the closet door that held
Gay theater locked inside
and blew it down the
hallway.
. FortWorthTheatrehas
already produced two
shows this season thathad
to do with some aspect of
homosexuality:
"Seducing Sally" and
"The SantalandDiaries".
Folks, this is a city
nicknamed "Cowtown".
Hello? It’ s about the size
of Tulsa. They have 3
theatres there that are
unafraid to try something
new -CircleTheatre, Stage
West, and now, the most
staid of the Fort Worth
Theatres.
We have Heller, and
: sometimes TU, and the quality of theatre
¯ in this town is very hit and miss. I know
: that’ll tick some folks off, but it’s true.
¯ And more often than not, it’s missing.
: Let’s work on that, shall we? I mean,
¯ Cowtown, really!
Tickets are $10 - $12 dollars, and a
¯ percentage of ticket sales goes to AIDS
~ Resources of Rural Texas. And from the
: pics of the cast, it looks like it would be a
¯ handsome evening, indeed. Thanks to
: Mark Lowry of the Fort Worth Star
Telegram for some of the info used in this
: tern.
Usually, when I write of an album
wherein the songs, music and lyrics, tend
to eerily reflect events in my own time
space, it’ s a safe bet that I’m writing about
Stevie Nicks. Shejust does thht sort thing.
I got walloped this last week by an album
my best friend Karin (who’ s straight, by
the way) mademelisten to. She started off
by saying some of the songs reminded her
of me and one of my last major romantic
entanglements. Then she started playing
it, and I was just about knocked out of the
car. The album is by an artist I never gave
much ~hought to, except to wish that I’ d
never hear the phrase "I Wanna Come
Over" again. Yes, I was ~,valloped by a
Lesbian MdissaEtheridge slat~stalbum,
"Breakdown" (an ironic rifle, given the
album’ s previously stated significance) is
a treasure trove of powerful lyrics and
dynamite music.
The song "Stronger Than Me" is one of
the ones my best friend Karin related to
: my experience from her viewpoint. The
~ lyrics are dark and intense, and the music
; echoes their intent. "I don’t know how
: you can take it / invest your heart and then
¯ youbreakit / I don’ tknow how youcan set
: it free / you must be stronger than me"
: certainly sums up my somewhat
¯ overoptimistic romantic enthusiasms
according to Karin.
"Breakdown" is a power ballad about a
~ love gone so wrong one has left, but the
¯ other p~rson keeps pulling you back like
~ a pit of quicksand. "I’m coming to your
~ breakdowntonight.""Enough ofMe" was
¯ another sock to the stomach in its eerie
: capturing of what the last year of my last
; majorrelationship was like. see Jirn,p. 14
The Tulsa Phiharmonicpresents
pianist
Janina Fialkowska
the third concert in the,
Masterworks Series
Saturday, January 22, 8pm
Tulsa Performing-Arts Center
Debussy, Prelude a l’apres midi d’une faune
Grieg, Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16
Wagner, selections from
Der Ring des Nibelungen
Tickets: 747-PHIL or 596-7111
earles, Allen & Rive.ra
URBANTULSA
THE KERR FOUNDATION, INC.
FOUNDERS AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
"cO IJ/IELLIAS cao~oea~v:VAL CANIPAROLIw~:FREOEIIIC CHOPIN
Long before multi-million dollar book deals -
were the fashion, Alexandre Dumas’ son
(yes, the "The Three Musketeers" author)
converted his torrid:turned-terminal love affair
into a best seller. From there, composer
Guiseppe Verdi adapted the story for opera
(hello, "La Traviata"). Today, choreographer
Val Canipamli finished the iob of turning
"La Traviata" into dance. Using drama,
not melodrama. For understatement
underscored. A full-length love story.
"You don’t have
to knew ballet
to love ballet.
You just have
to try it."
-- MARCE£LO ARGELJNI
ARTISTIC DIRECTOI~
" FRIDAY 8 PI~EBRUARY 11
SATURDAY B PMFEBRUARY 12
SUNDAY 3 PMFEBRUARY 13
SEASON SPONSORS:
ABC Music
Order tickets by calling The Tulsa BaJlet Ticket Offica: 749-600|
4512 S. Peoria Ava. , Tulsa, OK 74105-4563 ¯ VisH
GILCREASE MUSE
I~" SUNDAYS
Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pm, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Service - 11am, 2545 S. Yale, 749-0595 (Welcoming)
Church of the Restoration Unitarian Universalist
Service - 1 lain, 1314 No. Greenwood, 587-1314
Metropolitan Community Church United
Service, llam, 1623 North Maplew00d, Info! 838-1715
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangelical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1lain, 205 W. King (east of N. Denver), Info: 582-3088
Unity. Church of Christianity
Services: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown,749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexual/Lesbian/Gayfrransgendercd Alliance
6:30 pm, Meets at the United Ministry Ctr., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
~’ MONDAYS
HIV Testing Clinic, Free & anonymous testing. No appointment required.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378)3501 E. Admiral (east of Harvard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Center
7:30pro, 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
PFLAG, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2rid Mon/each mo. 6:30pm, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AIDS Committee, call for meeting date, noon, 585-5551
Council Oak Men’s Chorale, rehearsals - call for times, info: 748-3888.
I~" TUESDAYSAIDS
Coalition of Tulsa, call for next meeting date. 1430 S. Boulder, 585-5551
Live And Let Live, Community of Hope United Methodist, 7:30pro, 2545 S. Yale
Multienltural AIDS Coalition, call for next meeting date.
Urban League, 240 East Apache, 584-0001
PrimeTimers, mens group, Pride Center. 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/HOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, info: 743-4297
~ WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc. Service - 7pm, 3210b So. Norwood
Tulsa Native American Mens Support Group, more information, call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call for info: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pm, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
~" THURSDAYS
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing: 7 - 8:30pm 834-8378, 3507 E. Admiral
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’RYAN)
Support/social group for 18-24’ s, call Red Rock Mental Health at 584-2325
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS, Info: 834-4194
~ FRIDAYS
SafeHaven, Young Adults Social Group, 1 st Fri/each mo. 8pm, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
I~" SATURDAYS
Narcotics Anonymous, 11 pm, Community of Hope,1703 E. 2nd, Info: 585-1800
Lambda A-A, 6 pm, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft.
t~= OTHER GROUPS
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, info: 298-0827
Gal-A-Vanting, Womens Social & Cultural Group
Call for info: Kathy at 322-6322, or Barb at 459-6825.
OK Spoke Club, Gay & Lesbian Bike Organization. Long rides & short rides from
Zeigler Park. Long & short tides from Tulsa Gay Community Center. Write for info:
POB 9165, Tulsa, OK 74157
Mixed Volleyball, non-active in winter, call Shawn at 243-5190 for spring activities.
Ifyour organization is not listed, please let us know. Call 583-1248 orfax 583-4615.
reviewed by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-County Library
Here are a couple of new books at the
library that you shouldn’t miss! A few
years ago, author Rik Isensee wrote an
eulighteningbookforGay
men, rifled "Reclaiming
Your Life: The Gay
Man’s Guide to Love,
Self-Acceptance and
Trust." He’s back with a
new winner for those of
us in our, ahem, late
thirties (and on up), "Are
You Ready?"
The time has come for
the community to
understand that Gay life
doesn’t end simply
because you remember
Watergilte. This book
helps you learn to
celebraie i the positive
things about aging
(flexibility, " greater
"One d Isensee’s
primary tasks is to
help Gay males
reach closure with a
youtlt~l identity¯
The key to this is
learning to stop
living for the
moment¯ For a
¯ reclaim youthful ambitions. This tendency
: can be compared to the stage of
¯¯ ’bargaining’ in grief reactions. If only I’d just work harder, exercise more, go to
¯ bars, get a facelift, get a tattoo- I’ll be all ¯
right."
One of the suggested
steps toward stabilizing
your life is to get in a long
term relationship. Just
because it didn’t work
whenyouwereyoungand
foolish doesn’t mean it
won’t work now! There
is a good section that
provides some basic
guidance toward finding
a rdationship, including
"what are you looking
for?," "distinguish
_between desirables.and
necessary qualities," and
variety of reasons, "be open to men who
" don’tfityouinsual type." we are living longer. _There are alsosomegood
tolerances, self ann " 1- ....
¯....
" ~ d nav" ate neell to remmn
acceptance) an lgate~_____-~_~.
the negatives (dis-eti~ vital and involved.
over physical aging,
d i s i 11Usi onm e n t,--It Is very Important
examples of how
depressio,and lethargy).
One of Isensee’s to-not waste time
primary tasks is to help re]ivln6 -
Gay males reach closure
with a youthful identity, the past..
The key to this is learning
to stoplivingfor themoment. Fora variety
of re~ons~ we are living long~-and need
to remain vital and involved. It is very
important to not waste time reliving the
past.
As Isensee explains, "During this
uncertain time, when we’ ve lost our way,
there may be a sense of not having
accomplished anything. Itmay be difficult
to remember earlier goals or to ascribe
any significance to them. It’s also hard to
imagine what else we would like to do.
Rather than tolerating the anxiety of not
knowing, some men are tempted to make
up for lost time - through some radical
change for its own sake, or a mad dash to
with Former and does not believe the
accusation to be credible.
Attorney Kerry Lewis, who is also a
board member of Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights suggested that anti-Gay
bias and political opportunism on the part
of Tulsa County District Attorney Tim
Harris and his staff may be behind this
accusation.
Lewis noted that such a case would
have appeal for Republican Harris whose
voter bast is tied to religious extremist
elements in the Republican Party. Lewis
also said that given the level of anti-Gay
prejudice in the area’s jury pool; Harris
maybecalculating thatheneednotactually
prove Former guilty, that is that merely
being a Gay man accused by a younger
man will be taken as proof of guilt in a
legal system. that is hostile to minority
citizens.
DrumwrightattorneyTimDaniel whose
practice~has’included defending Gaymen
relationships change over
the years. No, thesethi~gs
are not easy, but the hard
work will pay off in. the
end!
Another new book is,
’q’he Book of Gay and
Lesbian Quotations."
This is a fun compilation
of quotes by Gays and
¯ Lesbians; and Gay-friendly peopleas well,
¯ from ancient times to the present. It is a
." simple reference book broken down into
¯ broad subjects: solitude, morality, hope,
¯ etc.
: Some of the better quotes are: "a waist
¯ is terrible thing to mind," "anyone who
¯ says that softball is a boring game to
. watch isn’t looking at the right things!,"
: and "the only way of getting dd of
temptation is to yield to it." This is a super
: book for one liners.
: Check for these and other fun books at
¯ your local branch library, or call the ¯
Readers ServicesdepartmentattheCentral
: Library at 596-7966.
: who say they were entrapped by Tulsa
¯ Police, believes that the Tulsa County
¯ DistrictAttorney uses anti-Gay bias in the legal system to plea bargain cases,
: knowing that accused Gay men, even if
¯ they are not guilty, or even if the police ¯
engaged in illegal conduct themselves in
¯ order to make an arrest, will accept a
~ "deal" rather than risk having a hostile
¯ jury and even more serious charges and
¯ punishment.
: Anti-Gay hate crime victims, Tony Orr
¯ &TimBeauchamp, also have pointed out ¯
that Hams’ office failed to assist them in
: getting normal compensation for their
: medical expenses due to the assault on
¯ them, and that the DA’s office did not
¯ even prosecute seriously their assailants ¯ until after The Tulsa World wrote a story
: about the DA’s inaction.
¯ Fortner did return a call to TulsaFami!y
: Newsbutonadviceofhis attorney declined
; to comment onthe allegations. Calls to
: Former’s attorney were not returned.
January April July October December
Even Out Your
Monthly Electric Bills.
At PSO, we know that changing
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Which can make it hard to tflan your
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Wata~you imy about the
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That makes budgeting a breeze.
And best of all ifs free. AMPis just
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o~ons PSO offers you. For more
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Holland Hall admits qualified students without regard to race, sex. religion, national or ethnic omgm, or p~.sical disabili~..
800-559-1558 ~.NewNest.com
The new Patti Johnsqq Wilson YWCA wi, be opening February 2000
Fitness Center
Aerobics
Aquatic Programs
Licensed Child Care
Our Proffress
Le s!
by Mary Schepers . - I will respect electrical energy and will
TFNdo-it-yourself-dyke extraordinaire ¯ notwireanyfixture, outletorswitch’hot."
The holidays are over, the mistletoe " - I resolve to keep saw blades sharp and
delightfullynsed, abusedandrefused.The ¯ clean. I will unplug power saws before
long nights and short days of winter seem ¯ removing the blade.
to stretch on forever. It is - I resolve to use trendy
the time to dreamoffuture
projects that will not be
started until spring time
comes. And it is time for
making all of those godawful
New Year’s resolutions
that endurebutfor
a mere matter of days.
Why not combine home
projects with good
intentions andmake some
resolutions you’ll actually
keep?
Inall modesty, and with
absolutely no sense of
overstepping boundaries,
your DIYD gently offers
her own suggestions for
your approval and
implementatzon.
Considerityourblueprint
for a millennium of
satisfying home projects.
Or consider it your DIYD
telling you what to do -
again. And always. Why
should this century be any
different than the. last?
You love it, ducklings,
you know you do! Now,
repeat after me
- I resolve to always work
safely! I will read and follow direction~
and will not by-pass guards or safety
devices. I will use personal protection
(safety glasses, earplugs, etc.), and ask for
help if I need it.
-I will measure twice (minimum!) and
cut once. Woodis expensive and screwing
up makesmecranky and unbearable. Let’ s
avoid that this year.
-I will not swear to the extent and/or
noise level that the dog or cat needs deep
therapy.
-I will always involve my partner (if
applicable) inhome repair and decoration
decisions. Even if they say they "don’t
care" - trust me, cupcake, theydo!
- I resolve to take good care of my tools.
I will keep them clean, organized and in
good repair. I will thereby not waste
precious project time obsessing about the
mystery location of the screwdriver or
paint roller.
- I resolve not to treat any ofmy partner’ s
questions as stupid - no matter how
glaringly obvious the answer or solution.
- Iwill not loan out tools I care about to
people who abuse them or do not return
them, I will acknowledge my emotional/
psychological bond with my tools,
especially thoserequiring apower supply,
- I will buy that leather tool bdtas soon as
I can. And I will use it (silk boxers
optional).
- I resolve to always set my ladder up on
a stable, even surface and to havesomeone
watching out for me nearby. That
especially applies if I am on the roof. The
dog does not count as my ’safety buddy.’
-I resolve to overcome my fear and
loathing of spiders and slugs long enough
to enter the crawl space and make that
minorplumbingrepair to thebathtub drain.
Other-wise, I will overcome my aversion
to paying a plumber to do the same.
"In all modesty, and
with absolutely no
sense of overstepping
boundaries, your
DIYD gently offers
her suggestions for
your approval . . .
Consider it your
blueprint for a
millennium of
satisfying home
projects.
Or consider it your
DIYD telling you
what to do - again.
And always.
Why should this
century be any
different
than the last?"
colors and designs in my
home sparingly, remembering
fullyhow appalled
I was by the ’50’s Peptopink
bathroom walls, tile
and tub. I am leaving a
legacy! (this does not
apply if you wish vengeance
on your heirs)
- I will always get three
quotes for any contract
labor, as well as
references.
- I resolve to be more
respectful for the people
wor.king atmylocal home
repatr palace, even thal
patronizing boob in
plumbing. Fantasize
about replumbing his
fixtures, butdon’tactually
threaten to do it this time.
-I resolve to buy very
good paint brushes and
keep them clean and
properly stored for a
lifetime of painting
pleasure.
-I will not tell friends,
family or relative
strangers how they
screwed up their latest
project and what I wouldhavedonebetter.
Do give them a stack ofDIYD columns as
a form of gentle guidance.
- I resolve to do one project this year, no
matter how small, to improve the
aesthetics, efficiency or value ofmyhome.
- I resolve tomakemy DIYD that cocktail
- a Manhattan with two cherries - as a
small token of the gratitude I bear her for
enlightening my life and improving my
home!
And your DIYD resolves to be back
next month to help you make good on
some of these intentions.
PS: Your DIYD doesn’ t waste precious
energy tying cherry stems into knots with
her tongue when it is better applied to
practical projects!
¯
By the time ~this song played, I was
¯ becoming a fan. So much so, I bought the
CD
If ’ ,
: you ve been depressed, and couldn t
¯ explain how debilitating a state it really
¯ can be, "Into The Dark" is one of those
¯¯ songs you play for people to make them
understand what the dark night of the soul
¯ is all about. One ofthemore powerful and
dark songs on thi~ album, it leaves you
." haunted. It’ s a ditty about going "into the
¯ soullinto the heart/into the dark", and
: realizing that one’s been spinning one’s
wheels keeping a dead relationship alive,
¯ not that Iwouldknowanythingabout that.
"There was tire/therewas death/there was
¯ lyingonyourbreath/Itumedaway/Iwould
¯ pretend/but the fire never ends/I’ve been
¯
here sleeping all these years. "
_" Lest you think it’s all doom a~ad gloom,
: JulieCypher, Melissa’s longtimepartner,
¯ requested a more upbeat song for fear her
to recognize same-sex civil marriage. It
was thefirst state to offer domesticpartner
benefits to state workers, one of the first
states to recognize second-parent
adoptions and one ofthe first states to ban.
discriminationbasedonsexual orientation.
-The Mormon church, which has
campaigned.-against Gay marriage in
Vermont, Hawaii and California, issued a
brief statement repeating its position and
¯ saying,"As the legislative process moves
forward, The ChUrch of Jesus Cqh-’ist of
Latter-day Saints urges the citizens of
Vermont and their elected representatives
to protect the uniqueness and sanctity of
traditional marriage and to preserve the
family ~ the basic unit of society."
Next Door In New Hampshire
A statelawmakeris trying to make sure
Gay New Hampshire couples do riot take
advantage of the Vermont ruling. Rep.
Gary Torressen, R-Center Harbor, says
he was disappointed by the decision that
Gay couples are entitled to the same
benefits and protections as husbands and
wives. Torressen said he filed., his bill,
which would prevent New Hampshire
from recognizing same-sex marriages
contracted out of state, in anticipation of
the Vermont court’s decision.
The Legislature repealed a ban on Gay
foster parents and Gay adoptions. The
state also has a law that protects Gays and
Lesbiansfrom discrimination in housing,
employmentand access topublicfacilities.
State Sen. Rick Trombly, a Boscawen
Democrat who is Gay, said New
Hampshire shouldgo further and set upits
own domestic partnership system. Rep.
Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, has
filed a bill that would extend medical
benefits to domestic partners, andrecently,
trustees for the state university system
approved domestic partner benefits for
employees. But Gays and Lesbians still
lackfull acess to the samehealthinsurance,
disability benefits, tax breaks and
inheritance protections that married
couples enjoy.
Trombly believes New Hampshire
lawmakers would support a domestic
partnership system as a fundamental
affirmation of equal rights. But he does
not believe they would support Gay
marriage, because many believe
heterosexual marriage has a religious
significance.
State Sen. Pat Krueger, a conservative
Republican from Manchester, said
Tuesday she had Gay friends whose lives
were complicated by their lack of legal
protections, and she would consider
supporting domestic partnerships. A
spokeswoman for Gov. Jeanne Shaheen
said the governorremains opposed to Gay
marriage. Spokeswoman Pamela Walsh
declined:comment on Shaheen’ s .view of
domesticpartnership.legislation, sayingit
was premature.
Excerpts from the Supreme
Court decision on marriages:
Maythe stateofVermontexclude samesex
couples from the benefits and
protections that its laws provide to
opposite-sex married couples? That is the
fundamental question we address in this
appeal, aquestionthatthecourtwellknows
arouses deeply-felt religious, moral, and
political beliefs. Our constitutional
responsibility to consider the legal merits
of issues properly before us provides no
exception for the controversial case. The
issue before the court, moreover, does not
turnon the religious-or moral debate over
¯
inlimate same-sex relationships, butrather
¯ on the statutory and constitutionai basis
for the exclusion of same-sex couples
: from the secular benefits and protections
: offered married couples.
¯ We conclude that under the Common
Benefits Clause of the Vermont
Constitution, which, in pertinent part,
e,ads, that government ~s, or ought to be,
instituted for the common benefit,
¯¯ protection, and security of the people,.
¯ nation, or community, and not for the
particular emolument or advantage ofany
i single person, family, or set of persons,
¯ who are a part only of that community,"
plaintiffs may not be deprived of the
: statutory benefits andprotections afforded
¯ persons of the opposite sex who choose to
~ marry. We hold that the state is
¯ constitutionally required to extend to ¯ same-sex couples the common benefits
: and protections that flow from marriage
under Vermont law.
". (and)
¯ While the laws relating to marriage
¯ have undergone many changes during the
¯ last century, largely toward the goal of ¯
equalizing the status of husbands and
¯ wives, the benefits of marriage have not
¯ diminished in value. On the contrary, the
¯ =benefits and protections incident to a
: marriagelicense under Vermontlaw have
: never been greater.
¯ (andfrom Justice Denise Johnson)
¯ This case is undoubtedly one of the
¯ most controversial ever to come before
¯ this court. Newspaper, radio andtelevision
¯ media have disclosed widespread public
¯ interest in its outcome, as well as the full
¯ spectrum of opinion as to what that
¯ outcome should be and what its
¯ ramifications may be for our society as a ¯
whole.
¯
.One line of opinion contends that this is
¯ an issue that ought to be decided only by
¯ the most broadly democratic of our
¯ governmental institutions, theLegislature; ¯ and thatthe small group ofmenandwomen
: comprising this court has no business
deciding an issue of such enormous
¯ moment.
: For better or worse, however, this is
¯ simply not So. This case came before us
¯ because citizens of the state invoked their
¯
¯ constitutional right to seekredress through the judicial process of a perceived
¯ deprivation under state law. The Vermont
¯ Constitution does not permit the courts to decline to adjudicate a matter because its
¯ subject is controverslal, or because the
¯ outcome may be deeply offense to the
Strongly held beliefs of many of our
¯ citizens.
¯ We do not have, as does the Supreme
¯ Court of the United States, certiorari
-’ jurisdiction, which allows thatcourt, inits
¯ sole discretion, to decline to hear almost
¯ any case. To the contrary, if a case has
¯ been brought before us, and if the
¯ established procedures have been
¯ followed, as they were here, we must hear
¯ and decide it.
: Moreover, we must decide the case on
¯ legal grounds. However much history,
: sociology, religious belief, personal
¯ experienceor other considerations may ¯
inform our individual or collective
: deliberations, we must decide this case,
¯ and all cases, on the basis of our
¯ understanding of the law, and the law
¯ alone.
¯" Thismustbethe trueandconstant effort
¯ of every member of the judiciary. That
¯ effort, needless to say, is not a guarantee
¯
of infallibility, nor even an assurance of
¯ wisdom. It is, however, the fulfillment of
.. our pledge of office.
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential
HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tuesday Testing, 5 -8 pm
Pride Center, 1307 East 38th
Wednesday Testing, 5-8 pm
Red Rock, 1724 East 8th
Daytime.appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-584-2325
Church
of the RestoratiOn
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday
1314 North Greenwood
587-1314
We knowyou’re
going to love this[
Restaurant & Cabaret
310,East First Street
Massage Therapy Services
¯
/
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.|
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Want to get involved?
Need to get
tested for HIV?
Need a
Coming Out Support
Group?
Call
743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services
Center
1307 E. 38th
at Peoria, 2nd floor
Country Club
Barbering
Custom Styling
for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236
Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro
IGTA member
Call 341, 6866
International
Toursformoreinformation.
A UTHENTIC FRESH
1TALIAN RAINBOW
CUSINE TROUT
OfEureka Springs
,Voted Number One in Arkansas!
(SOD 253-6807 Closed Wednesday
Center Street, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Red Rock Tulsa
O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow
¯ Young Adult Network .
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-584-2325.
TOM NEAL
BUILDING
&
GARDEN
DESIGN
58:3- 1248
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D. ¯ into gender patterns as soon as they are
One of my students owns 189 pairs of ~ born, wrapping them in blue or pink
athletic shoes. Not quite Imelda Marcos, ~ blankets. Walk into any toy store and you
butgettingthere.Anthonyisjust20years ¯ knowwhenyou’veenteredthegirls’aisle.
old and already he is a sophisticated ¯ Everything suddenly has turned pink.
collector. Collecting things is oddly ¯ Several of my friends with young sons
importantformany ofus.
I have other friends who
accumulate Native
American artifacts. And
books. And jazz vinyl
recordings. And Cacti.
And uniforms.
Most of us collect
some-thing evenif this is
only string or a draw full
Of condoms. Our houses
are museums. One ofmy
professors saved sheets
of toilet paper from bathrooms
around the world.
Me, I have.a stupendous
collection of refrigerator
magnets.
We buy stuff; we give
it away; we receive it;
andwe curateit: Think of
all those shoeboxes lined
UP in Anthony’s bedroom.
Things, clearly,are
important for reasons
beyond the utilitarian.
Evenwearing themevery
second until the day he
dies, Anthony will never
use up all his Shoes. He
buys themto ownandnot
particularly to wear. They
helpmake sense ofwhom
he is - or at least who he
thinks he wants to be.
Because ofthiS, ormaybe
it’s their smell(they give
him a buzz.
Having just survived
the holiday season, we
know the pleasures and
pains of stuff. Did you
get what you want for the
holidays? Did you make
a list? Did you check it
twice?
Everyone grumbles
about the materialism of
a onetime religious
celebration. But complain
away, I sure had a
lot of desperate company
last month when I went
foraging for things in the
bleak shopping expanses
of Walmart.
"We slot our
ehildren into gender
patterns as soon as
they are born,
wrapping
them in blue or
pink blankets.
Walk into any toy
store and you know
when you’ve entered
the girls’ aisle...
Several of my
friends w~th young
sons complain that
it is difficult to find
gender-neutral toys.
’One two-year old
boy loves to play
with brooms and
vacuunl cleaners.
His morn, of course,
has to go to the
girlS’ side to find
toy household
eleanlng equipment.
And, worse, the kid
likes to play with
dolls. His father
nervously protests
his son’s
babydoll games.
" Je~z! Can’t you buy
the boy atru~k?"
This connection Of stuff and identity is
characteristically American. We learn
early on to~ define ourselves in terms of
things, We_+play a:game with children
called "favorites." Weinsist that kids tell
us their favorite"color~ music, television
show, make of car,.or ice-cream. Evenif
complain that it is difficult
to find gender-neutral
toys: One two-ye~ old
boy loves to play with.
brooms and vacuum
cleaners. His ~m0m+ of
course, has to go to the
girls’ side to find toy
household cleaning
equipment. And, worse,
the kid likes to play with
dolls. His father nervously
protests his son’s.
babydoll games. Jeez!
Can’t you buy the boy a
truck?
This paternal nervousness
signals the symbolic
strength of the connections
we draw between
things and identity, ff doll
equals girl, thenboy-whoplays
-with-doll equals
girlish, perhaps even Gay.
Our use of particular
things sends messages,
accurate or not, aboutwho.
we might be. We know
that both men and women
need to.practice nurturing.
Butthe doll-loving boy,
like the toy gun-toting girl,
violates the cultural code
of consumption that attributes
gender to things.
And, who knows? Maybe
the Kid really just likes
dolls. Or maybe he has
already figured out our
consumption code and he
likes dolls on purpose in
order to Send dad a
message.
My daughters, too’old
for dolls, and also,too old
for Pokemon, this year
wrote Gameboy camera
on their Christmas lists.
They didn’ t seem worried
about the name. Why
Gameboy and not
Gamegirl? In hierarchical
systems, it is easier to
"ups,h,ift" than "dowm
Shifi. Gifts wear pants.
Not .too many boys wear
¯ dresses. Women become d0ctors; not too
¯ many mendreamaboutbecominganurse.
" Except, perhaps+ some of those sweet,
¯ doff-loving boys of course
~When I was a kid, Barbie dolls didn’t
:~ last long in my neighborhood. We’ d steal
¯ themfromour sisters .and use thbm cruelly.
we aetuallyhave,nofavorites-~ this question ¯ They,w~ould.’be J..gan of Arc atthe stake,
puslies~s tomeasureandsztuateoursel~es: . andWor~.~ If ~eh~d any ~ense, w~ W~~d
svi_thin the w0dd of goods.. So goes .,".ha’ve,ca~-~f~illyst6i?&l them away intheig
American.inff!~iduality:;~and.so..goe~rour..: ." boxes to’become’rich by selling them to
_economy:as well....... ~ , - ....... " ........ ., today’s fanatic Barbie ¢_ollectors: I can
Favorites make less senseintta.ditional~ ~ recommend a great website with-pictures
societies where individuality is ,muted~ ." of.Ken, from 1961 to 2000: Check out
and where the range of goods is.litfiited. ¯ www.manbehindthedoll.com. This guy
But even in ¯simpler societies,¯ things: ." ~ really likes,his boy dol|s.J’m suggesting
differentiate gender.. Women wear : to Anthony thathe build a similar Shrine
differentarticles of clothing than do men~ : to his boy shoes :’ . z
They oftent~s~different tO~Is~ The)~ may .~ Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.’D,~ ~teaChes
noteatihesamefoods~.W,eslotourchi.’l.dren. "- anthropology, at .t:he.~University of Tulsa,
We dedicate an enormous mount of
resources to outreach, networking,
building allies and forging ties with
advocacy, educational and religious
organizations. Even when distribution
goes well, though, it hardly covers our
costs. To do this kind of media work, we
rely on outside support from our friends
who share our goals and understand the
unique role films like IT’ S
ELEMENTARY and THAT’S A
FAMILY!canplayinprevenfingprejudice
and violence.
Pleasehelp us keep thehugemomentum
IT’S ELEMENTARY generated going
strong. Help us welcome the millennium
by getting THAT’S A FAMILY! out of
our editing room and into elementary
school classrooms all across the country.
Please send your tax-deductible
donations toWomen’ s Educational Media,
2180 Bryant Street, Suite 203, San
Francisco,CA94110. Orgo to this interuet
address to makea secure on-line donation
with your visa or mastercard:
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Donations of any size will be of great
help. With warm regards and deep
appreciation for your generous support,
- Debra Chasnoffand Helen S. Cohen
Producers
P.S. We are honored to let you know
that IT’S ELEMENTARY just won the
1999 Multicultural Education Media
Award,givenby th6National Association
for Multicultural Education (N.A.M.E.).
Weknow this award -- the first N.A.M.E.
has ever given to anything Gay-related
will help us build even better alliances
with educators who are committed to
addressing diversity !ssues. Please help
ustoday to get THAT S A FAMILY! out
where it can be put to good use.
Women’s Educational Media
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Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon
said thatRudyde Leon, the under secretary
of defense for personnel, and Douglas
Dw0rkin, the acting general counsel,raised
the matter in a Dec. 18 memorandum to
service leaders. "It is important that the
leadership of each of the services issue a
strong statement to the field that
harassment~of service members for any
reason, to include alleged or perceived
homosexuality, will not be tolerated,"
according to thememo,releasedThursday
by the Defense Department.
Bacon said it had not been made
sufficiently clear to commanders that a
service member’ s complaint about being
harassed for alleged homosexuality is not
grotmds forinvestigating the complainant.
Instead it should be the basis for
investigating the harassers, he said.
image would be one see Jim, p. 14
of a liorrible drago,n,, given the tone of the
oth~"rdationship songs. Melissa asked
her~f,"How much do I love Juiie? I love
her~uchthat I would want to die in her
ar~ Quite a wonderful thing to say
aboi~.’ anyone’s lover, male or female.
"S!O~p" was the answer to the question, a
lovely song about getting away from the
noise ofthe world and snuggling into your
¯¯ lover’s arms and listening to him/her
breathing, and feeling trusting and
¯
comfortable enough with another person
: to be able to sleep. It’s a lovely song of
¯ quiet comfort.
¯
And then there’s issues of equality.
: "Truth of the Heart"is a wonderful ballad
¯ to the truth that "We all begin this race at
: the start" and about how "deep down
: inside we’re all the same / try not tojudge
¯ someone / and never shame." Partnered
¯
for almost 11 years now, the two have two
¯ children of their own. Melissa wrote this
¯ song to explain to their children about ¯
how to deal with life. Words to live by. In
: "MamaI’m Strange", thejoys of growing
¯ up Gay - or just different - is artfully
: explored, with just the fight amountof
¯ angst to remind us where we came from
¯
and how hard the struggle could be at
¯ times~
¯ The single most striking song is called
: "S~carecrow", and it’s about Matthew
¯ Sheppard. She said she hadlots of trouble
," w~riting that because here she was also
¯ writing ’’Truth of the Heart" as well and
¯
felt she couldn’t be writing about people
: being good in one song and denounce
¯ them in another. So the end of the song is
". her way of forgiving (but not forgetting)
¯
the second attacker (I think he was going
¯ to trial or prison at that time). It has to be
: heard to be experienced. If you aren’t
¯ crying and angry after hearing it, you’re
¯
dead.
¯ There are two versions of this CD, one
¯ of which is already hard to find. It has ¯
three extra songs, "Touch and Go",
: "Cherry Avenue" (where she mentions
the name of one-of the Lesbian bars in
¯ which she sang for about 4 years before
being discovered -Que Sera), and "My
¯ Beloved", and is released in a cardboard
¯" case. The regular version has 11 songs in
theusual plasticjewel box; Whichincludes
: the lovely ode tounrequitedlove, ’"’Angels
¯ Will Fall". That’ s the one most folks are
¯ going to be familiar with at this point. ¯
For you men out there: I know that in
¯ some-minds, there’s a big chasm between
¯ Gay men and Lesbians, and this extends
¯ to performer preferences. I’ve heard the
¯ nasty comments - from both sides. All I
¯ can say is, get over your prejudices, and
¯ get this CD. It’s well worth it, and
¯ incredible in its beauty and reflection of
¯
life. And, Melissa, you have a new fan.
Thank you Karin, for your contributions
¯ to widening my musical horizons and the
infolmation contained in the above article
¯
about the backgrbund of the songs. Seems
¯ ironic that I’ mbeing tutoredinGay culture
¯ and musical icons by a straight woman, ¯
but suchis life. I feel like I shouldknow all
¯
this alrcady!
." There’s a few things Karin said that I
¯ think bear repeating, for both Melissa
¯
fans, and more importandy, for us all: "I
¯
am so happy that I could bring a singer
¯ into your life who writes and sings from ¯
¯ the heart. VH1 is rertmmng her "Behind
the Music" next week, and I’m going to
tape it for you You’ll like it. It’ s the only
¯ oneI veseenwheretheartmtlsn thit~hing ¯
about something. Someofthemjustwhine
¯
endlessly. ’I love Shania Twain, but her
¯ BTM special was one endless bitch and
¯ whine.
¯ Stevie Nicks doesn’t bitch, but she’s
: had such lousy things happen, to her, by
: her own hand, that it just sounds so
¯ depressing. You know Melissa has been
¯ depressed, butthere’s somuchshedoesn’t
¯
say. I saw John Mellencamp’s BTM
¯ (Behind the Music), I’ve sc~en Cherts
¯ dozens of times, along with Madonna’ s,
and Melissa’ s just seems so upbeat that
Timothy Daniel
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Tulsa Locations:
2001 S. Garnett, 437-2dd~.
3733S. Memorial, 66003zl4
1216 S. Harvard, 587-1778
Sapulpa Location:
,109 N. Mission, 227-2322
Meet Local
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personal ads
see Jim, p. 15
she seems to have had a great life. Like I
said before, growing up Gay anywhere, I
know from you, is awful, but growing up
Gay in Leavenworth, Kaus~ must be the
pits. She doesn’t make much of anything
depressing. I was veryimpressed. Thanks
for the remark to the Gay men to listen to
Lesbians. I think they shodd each take
heed of that.
And remember, she’s the only one I
know of getting the word out to the
.mainstream crowd. P,e~,,ple like her so
much that they tend to. forget" (or tryto
...forget) that she’s Gay. She doesn’t let
them. ("Someone’s spitting blood/face
downinthe dirt/someone’ s thinking about
~ a gun/to try and stop the hurt/someone
drew conclusious/on the wail of destiny/
someone’s getting louder/and that
someone would be me.") That should be
importanttous ail."- Miss KarinGregory.
And I agree.
Janis Ianis performing Saturday March
4 in Dallas, TX at a club called Uncle
Caivin’s with Buddy Mondlock. And
ladies, as aiways, if you have something
to contribute or would like to see in this
column, please let me know care ofTFN,
or email me at tfnentritr@aol.com.
I wouldn’ twantto disappointthe diehard
readers of this column, so now it’s time
for... The Stevie Nicks mention. She has
a featured track on the new Sheryl Crow
and FriendsCDand video. The song is the
venerable Gold Dust Woman, and she’s
never sounded better! The CD’ s out now,
video to follow. Sarah. McLachlan,
Chrissie Hynde, the Dixie Chicks and
others aiso sing with Sheryl. And Stevie
still has a few shows left to do in Las
Vegas at the house of Blues this month.
Hernew album, first duein October oflast
year, now set for sometime this year,
maybe, is being produced by one of the
better known producers of hip hop and
rap. I’d mention the name, but I caff t
rememberit. Shery! Crow was producing,
which wouldhavemadefor an interesting
aibum - she did the excellent jobs of
producing the Stevie songs forthe Practical
Magic soundtrack. Stevie and rap... That
will be interesting as well, aithough I fear
for different ~easous. We shall see.., or
hear.
The ever handsome pianist Jim
Brickman performed at the PAC on
December 10, 1999, along with the very
talented John Trones and the beautiful
Anne Cochran. The show was lovely, an
eveningofromance and seasonal favorites,
and as Mr. Brickman described the
evening, much like a gathering of friends
round the piano. Okay, if the friends had
areally large living room, and reaily good
- moodlighting. Andamplifiers. Thegroup
.i did a swell job ofmaking a cavern into an
intimate cabaret. Mx. Brickman has a
charming sense ofhumor and intelligence
.to complementhis goodlooks. (Evenbetter
m person and up close. I love my job...)
He seemed very relaxed, and it was like
meeting an old friend for the first dine.
His playing can certainly set amood, from
exuberant to melancholy and romantic all
at the same time; and has a warmth to it
thatis reminiscentof spending the evening
with a loved one by a fire.
Or, if you’ re .single, as I am, curledup in
a comforter with a good book and cup, of
cocoa. Now that weknow how I spendmy
evenings... What? Have I said too much?
Mr. Brickman is a prolific songwriter as
well, setting words to music that is lovely
: to hear and unabashedly sentimental in
feeling.
: Anne Cochran, who met Mr. Brickman
¯ inhigh school, where they formed aband,
: has one of the most incredible voices I’ve
: heard. And her phrasing with a song is
: immaculate. Shecaptured thewarmthand
joy of the compositions she performed
withexpertease, andhas alovely, energetic
yet relaxed stage presence that also added
to the ambiance of the evening. She has a
new CD out called "Lucky Girl’_’, which I
would highly recommend for a gift based
on whatI heard that evening. Iwould have
one in my hot little hands right now had
they not been sold out. She isa name you
might be familiar with, she has had a top
¯ 5 hit with Jim Bfickman on the song
: -"After All These Years" which has been
: reed by skater Rosalyun:Summers, both
: live and recorded. It was also the song
¯ used on the final episode of "Home
: Improvement", andshe will be featured in
:- the Lifetime television speciai"A Golden
Moment". Definitely worth checking out.
You can order her CD at
www.AnneCochran.com.
John Trones (pronounced ~tro-ness’),
who is as nice and gorgeous as he is
.talented (what a voice! whata smile! what
a chest! what a pleasant man!), was a
delight to listen to as well.
With a million dollar smile that shines
like a searchlight, and a voice that has
incrediblerange and expressiOn,hejoined
Anne on several numbers and had some
lovely solos. His singing soared through
the Chapman theatre and could melt the
most hardened heart. He has an aibum of
standards and ballads out called
"Forward", which I was able to snag and
most definitely would make a great
Valentine’s girlie for the special man on
your list. He can melt the ice off the fiorth
Pole with that voice, and his phrasing and
reading of the standards is right on target.
A pity he’s in Minneapolis, I would love
to see more of him. He does Cabaret there
at Blanche’s, and has performed in a
number of Gay plays, listed on his web
site, www.JohnTrones.com, which is
worth a look. You can also order his CD
there.
After listening to several review CDs of
dubious quality sent to TFN, put out by
Gay artists of dubious talent, attempting
to sing standards and not succeeding very
well at anything other than murdering the
music, I am glad to say that his would be
the one I would, and did, purchase.
They were joined by Tracy Silverman
on electric violin, and he did quite an
interesting variationonthe Beade’ s"Here
Comes The Sun". His playing added an
interesting embellishment to Mr.
Brickman’s piano. I will say he had the
most lovely and LONG hair I’ ve seen on
aman in along time. He has an album out
on Windham Hill records. If you get the
chance to catch any or all of these artists
should they make a return appearance,
DO SO! You won’t regret it. Just make
sure you have a date, and one that won’t
stand you up.
I was looking forward to Peter Buffett’ s
"Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drum, and
Song"aunique blend of Native American
and contemporary music, dance, and
storytelling, to have been held January 3
and 4th, 2000 at the Brady Theatre.
According to the latest info, ail spring
dates have been put onhold. According to
my sources, a late spring tour is in the
plans.
James Christjohn serves as TFN
Entertainment editor with emphasis on
the performing arts.
Original Format
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newspaper
periodical
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, January 2000; Volume 7, Issue 1
Subject
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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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
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Tom Neal
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January 2000
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James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Bob Rounsavell
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, December 1999; Volume 6, Issue 12
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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2000
AIDS
AIDS drugs
AIDS research
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Bars
Blood Donation
bullying
businesses
children
churches
Department of Defense
Do-It-Yourself Dyke
Domestic Partner Benefits
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Dr. Jeffrey Beal
Evergreen Awards
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
HIV
homophobia
homphobia
It's Elementary
Jim Christjohn
John McCain
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
Leather
marriage equality
Mary Schepers
mental disabilities
military
military inclusion
Mr. Sooner State Leather
NAMES Project
Nationwide Insurance
Oklahoma Mr. Leather
performing arts
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
Red Cross
restaurants
Ric Poston
Rick Fortner
Rik Isensee
sexual assault
sodomy laws
Steve Forbes
Ted Campbell
That's A Family
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Public Schools
Vemont
Vermont
visitation rights
-
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Bishop.Spong Retires
TEANECK, N.J. (AP) - Bishop John Spong, an
outspoken supporter of the ordination of Gays and
women, and blessings of same-sex unions in the
Episcopal church, retired in January as head of the
Diocese of Newark. Spong, 68, celebrated one of his
final services as bishop at the Glenpointe Marriott
ballroom before hundreds of guests. His successor will
be John Croneberger.
Since his elevation to bishop in 1976, Spong has
raised eyebrows and blood pressures for his beliefs_
ranging from women becoming priests to supporting
same-sex marriages to the ordination of openly Gay
ministers. ButSpong, a native of Charlotte, N.C. who
speaks with the slightest ac~ut, left the diocese with
few words of controversy. "It’sjust the next stage ofmy
life," said Spong. .’,.
"Basically, I’ve been a bishop, but also an author and
lecturer," he said. "But in all ofmy ordained life, it was
participating in movements of people who’ve been
diminished in society, like people of color and Gays,
that the church has diminished where I’ve worked."
Among those present at Friday’s 126th annual
convention of the Diocese of Newark were the Rev.
Richard HollowayofEdinburgh; ~.-~- - See Spong~.p.lO
Southwest Air Adds, Non-
Discrimination Policies
DALLAS - Southwest Airlines has amended its nondiscrimination
and anti-harassment policies to include
sexual orientation, according to Chief Executive Herb
Kelleher.
The move, announced Jan. 24, came after a spate of
alleged anti-Gay harassment at the airline, which led
some Southwest employees to raise safety concerns.
The tensions boiled over when Southwest Airlines’
Pilots’ Associationpublished ahomophobicletterfrom
one of its members in its December newsletter.
The letter, by Capt. Gary S. Ward, urged Kelleher to
reject calls for the airline to provide domestic partner
benefits saying, ’Will therebeaneedto hireadepartment
to check on who is shackin..e, t~p with whom?" The
newsletterinstructedpilots to write theirownlettersand
deliverthemto their SWAPArepresentativefordeftvcry
to Kelleher.
Dean Hervochon, vice president of the Transport
Workers Union Local 556 representing Southwest’s
flight attendants, said the publication "institutionalized
homophobia" and created a hostile work environment
that "could jeopardize the safety of all persons on the
aircraft." "If the front doesn’t talk to the back of the
airplane, you’ve got a problem," Hervochon told
WorkAlert.
Kelleher and leaders of sWAPA and TWU met Jan.
17 to discuss how to respond.TWUrepresentatives also
pressed Kelleher to add sexual orientation to the antiharassment
andnon-discriminationpolicies. Meanwhile,
the vice presidents for flight operations and in-flight
services along with SWAPA and TWU officials sent a
letter Jan. 20 to flight attendants and pilots attempting to
defusethe situation. Howcver, Gayemployees criticized
the letter as inadequate and for using objectionable
language, such as "lifestyle choices."
Then Kelleher announced the change in company
policy in a letter to all Southwest Airlines employees.
"Forsomeyears, I have explidfly declined toamendour
anti-harassment and see SWAir, p. 10
" Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families .+ Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation CommunityP~perA~vailable In More Than 75. City Locations
!Teachers Credit Union: No
:-Loan for Lesbians as Couple
: Credit Union AskedAuto Dealer If They Were Gay
¯ TULSA- WhenTheresaandJoanWrightwenttoTulsaTeachers
" Credit Union, they just wanted a car loan. The women are
: expecting their second child and had found a van.at a local auto
: collection. And since they have shared checking and savings
accounts at Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, and good credit, they
: naturally went there, expecting that getting a loan would be
: relafivd~ painless. "
.i.~ ~Wlmt they experienced they say, however, was hurtful and
~; dUenmioenan(riInTgC. U,A)c, cnoortdoinnlgytroeftuhseedWtoriegvhatlsu,aTteutlhsaemTeaascahceoruspCler,eid.ei.t
: basing alOan!on their combined income but someone from the
: creditunion evencalled theauto dealershipaskingifthedealership
: staff"knew they were Gay?"
¯ And the Wrights characterized the behavior of their loan
officer, Sandy Roth as very rude, particularly about the issue of
: evaluating their joint income for loan purpose. Roth refused to
¯ look at their joint income saying it was because they are not
". married.
In contrast to Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, a loan officer at
i Tulsa Municipal Employees Credit Union stated that they accept
¯ unmarried couples withcombinedhouseholds as loan applicants,
: noting that she’d assisted at least two Lesbian and two Gay
: couples with loans.
¯ Bank of Oklahoma stated that they had not always accepted
: couples whose relationships were not legally recognized but that
: they now do so. And a senior officer at Spirit Bank encouraged
¯ Lesbian.and Gay couples to apply with her bank, noting that
: Spirit Bank would not tolerate anti-Lesbian or Gay bias.
." Theresa Wright noted that Ms. Roth refused even to look her
: in the eye when she went in to sign the loan papers. The Wrights
: noted that the dealership, in contrast to the credit union, was very
¯ nice, and that irwas the manager assisting them in purchasing
¯ their new vehicle, who said, "I’m just going to say something.
: Your bank called and wanted to know the nature of .your
: re!ationship-are they Gay?" Heassuredthemthathis organization
¯¯ welcomed everyone and also had Gay people working for it. Ms. Rpth’s su_l~’visor-at TI’CU, David Snyder refused to
comm~h~ and ref~ed’~ to Chuck Reed, ~ see Credit,p. 10
¯ TulsaPFLAG & TOHRmembersmarchedfor thefirst time in the ¯
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade in January.
TOHR Receives a. $10k Grant
i TULSA-Inmid-December, TulsaOklahomasforHumanRights
¯ (TOHR) received a $10,000 grant from the Colin Higgius
: Foundation. Thegrantis for the Tnlsa Gay Community Services
: Center programming, marketing and development expansion
¯ project. Specific goals of the project include the production and
: distribution of a ommttnity referral guide, the enhancement of
_" Lesbian Connection- a program that encourages increased
: involvementfromthewomenofourcommunity, and anexpanded
¯¯ Pride 2000 Festival.
The marketing and development aspects of the project will
focus on enhanced communication and media inaterial as well as
¯ increased membership and volunteer involvement.
: The Colin Higgins Foundation is based in San Francisco,
: California. Colin Higgins,screenwriter, director and producer,
: established the Foundation in 1986. Mr. Higgins is remembered
¯ for his remarkable human comedies, including Harold and
: Maude, Silverstreak, Foul Play and Nine To Five.
: He created the Foundation in order to further his humanitarian
: goals. OneoftheFoundation’smainprioritiesistoempowerGay
menand Lesbiansby supporting community-based organizations
: that combat homophobia and foster leadership.
: TOHRdirectors indicated thatitis honored to receive thegrant
: and that they have ambitious goals for 2000 and beyond.
New Pastor Leads at
Tulsa’s MCC-United
¯ TULSA - After a number of months with an
¯ interim pastor, Oklahoma’s oldest extant Lesbian
¯ andGayorganization, theMetropolitanCommunity
¯ Church United (MCCU), has a new pastor, the
¯ ReverendCathy l~liott, whojoinedthecongregation
¯ at theend of 1’999.
¯ Elliott,grewupin themidwest, butcame toTulsa
¯ from Florida where she was invoIved with two
: Metropolitan Community Churches in the MCC
Fellowship. However, prior to working in Florida,
¯ she served a Congregation in-Rochester, New York
¯ and some years ago, was associated with the MCC
¯ in Little Rock.
Like many MCC pastors, Elliott came to the
¯ MCC Fellowship through a winding path, having
¯ become more serious about her faith while at
university. There, she joined a church that was
¯ theologically evangelical, but after a fe~v years, as
¯ sheacknowledgedbring Lesbian, she foundherself
¯ becoming involved in an MCC that was about 40
miles away. Anditwas fromthis initial association,
: that her calling to the ministry came.
¯ In a recent interview with TFN, Elliott praised
¯ theworkhernew congregationhaddoneinmerging
¯ the formerly two separate churches, MCC-Greater
¯ Tulsa and Family of Faith MCC. As she and they
¯ havebeguntobecomeacquainled, thecongregation
¯ is looking at how they will grow, spiritually and
otherwise.
¯ Some members of the congregation .have also
¯ become involved in a serious social action
¯ organization, called Soul Force. The group was
¯ founded by MCC pastor and writer, the Reverend
¯ Mel White. White, who once wrote for anti-Gay
¯ evangelical such as Jerry. Falwell, modeled Soul
¯ Force on the theories of non-violent confrontation
" for social .change of Martin Luther King, Jr. and
¯ MahatmaoGhandi.
see Elliott, p. 11.
¯ Marriage Is Civil-Rights
"Issue Says Vermonter
: MONTPELIER,Vt. (AP)-One ofthemostpainful
: things about figuring out he was Gay as a teen-ager
¯ was coming to the realization that he would never
: get married and have a family. Ed Flanagan came
¯ from an Irish-Catholic family, one of five kids,
: "four straight and one Gay," he says. His fatherhad
: an alcohol problem and"the end resnlt was that we
¯ childrenwerevery, very closein terms ofsupporting
: each other to get through that environment." His
: relationships with his brother and three sisters
: "have been very crucial in terms of all of the five of
: us surviving and flourishing," Flanagan said. "It’s
¯ a very strong presence that we all feel with one
: another and a source of important emotional
¯ support."
Trying to find a place within the Gay comrmmity
: ofthe 1960s and ’70s wasn’t easy for someone with
: such strong family ties. "That culture back then did
¯ not accommodate the id_ea,,o,f family," he said in an
interview this past week. In the midst of the Gay
: culture I felt Very alien, for that reason and others."
: Now that culture is changing, it’s "becoming more
¯ family-oriented, and longer-term relationships are
¯" becoming more prevalent," Flanagan said. And
¯ state law appears to be changing, too.
¯ Today, Flanagan sees a future in which getting
married, perhaps even being aparent, may become
: options forhimandotherGaysandLesbians. There
." may be an oasis on the horizon for people who have
¯ wandered much of their lives in an emotional
: desert. And as the first and still only openly Gay
¯ man in the country to hold a statewide elective
: office, Flanagan believes he might be in the right
¯ time- the dawn of a new millennium - and place -
". Vermont - to help bring that future about. ’~l’his is
: the course ofhistory inVermont. Here it is andhere
: I am," he said.
Fromthe windows oftheoffice 6fstate auditorof
: accounts, see Ed, p. 11
Tulaa Cluba & Reataumnta
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CTg’s, 1737S. Memorial
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
-*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
712-2324 :
610-5323 :
583-6666.
749-4511 :.
749-1563 ~
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square 744-4280 ¯
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st- 745-9998
*Silver Star. Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
834-4234
~The Storm, 21,82S, Sheridan
835-2376
*Renegades/iRainbowRoom, 1649 S: Main-
585-3405
.~Tdrl-’ BOX, 1338~13.>3ra ~° : :: : :: :’"~84~ l~3"0g "
~ ~ ’:r ,TUl~a BUsinesses, Services, & Professionals ~:
Advanced WireleSs & PCS, Digital Cellular- .. 74%1508
*Assoc. in Med. &Mental Health, 2325 S.Harvard 743-1000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health& Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes &Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
250~5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 523 1 E. 41
665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
. 712=1122.
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale -
494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria .
Cherry St Psy_cho~eralff, 1,51~5 S,. Lew*s .581-trot
Community Cleamng, heruy tsager ;,~....., onK-~-~
Tim Daniel, Attorney 33z-~tr*, ~....-~
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady
749-3620
587-2611
744-5556
838:8503
584-0337, 7i2-9379
592-O460
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos; 821 S. Sheridan
*Ross Edward Salon
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th PI.
Cathy Fmlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
I_eanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy~ 2865 E. Skelly
*International Toms ¯
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 151h
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kdly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 19 E. Brady
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2rid floor
Rainbowz on the River B+B,POB 696,74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
744-9595 ¯
610-0880 -
628-3709 :
8O8-8O26
742-1460
459-9349
744-7440
745-1111
341-6866
712-2750
582-3018
747-0236
582-8460
599-8070
747-5466
585-1234
584-3112
663-5934
664-2951
838-7626
743-4297
747-5932
834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard ~
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
834-7921,747-4746
749-6301
260-7829
481-0558
835-5563
743-1733
665-2222
592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101
579-9593
All Sods Unitarian Chmch~ 2952 S. Peoria
743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 "
587-7314’
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6
583-7815
*B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr.
583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston
585-1201
~Chapman Student:Ctr.; University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
*Church of the Resto~ationUU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
,C.-ommunity ofHopeUnitedMethodist, 2545 S" Yale 747-6300
,CommunityUnitafian-Universalist Congregation
749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale
748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware
712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31
742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475
355-3140
*Fellowship Congre,g. _Church, info" 58%4669
*Free SpiritWomen s Center, cm " 747-6827
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor: " "
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry H~nsley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom, .Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers ~..
Member of The Associated Press :
Issued on or before’the 1st~af,cach~m0nth,-the enUre~contents.;
of this publication: ar6 ptrt~t&l?l~tda:~yrightl~~
T~( F~,~ N~~ ~fid may ~6t~ ~q~oducetl’,~ ~:
wholeorin partwithoutwritten~Ssionfromth~publisli&:.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s
sexual orientation. Correspondence is, assumed to be. for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed& becomes
the sole property of T~J.~~Nc~u÷ ~acli reader
is entitled to 4 copies of each edidon at ,distribution
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
" Gay Pro Lifers March On
¯ Onjanuary24,2000,about20members
:of the Pro-Life Alliance of Gays .and
: Leshi.ans. (PLAGAL). did an am.P_y~ng
:,~ at the annual Marcia ior Lit-e protesung
:. the Roe vs. Wade decision on its
i nnniversary despite being .tl~¯cate_n.e.d
.: March told PLAGAL that they~.~uta no_
¯ march, s~n,,c~_, they. ,,w,ere Gay.-Now, if
:. PLAGAL closet’ed themsd~ andjust
....~9A%~e’Righ.t to t~te MarCH, an
oth groups,_w, eaUow t0.ma@be,. hind
~: b:~nners- refl~tingtheir various eiamcnes,
: organizations or states but if.PLAGA~
¯ m~mbers carried its banner, they woma
". be arrested and thrown in jail.
¯¯ This being known at the annual
PLAGALmeefngontheeveofthemarch,
" members decided to risk being arrested.
"_ After all, they reasoned it would be
hypocritical ffPLAGALhid at the March
,FHufiieVndEsRinCUennitteyr,S4o1c3ia8lCOhrags.,.PPaOgBeB85lv4~2a, 174101 - -558832--60641318 .:~ .fhoarrdLtiofebewinhcelnudfoerdoypeearnslytihnepyrifdoeuegvhetnstos
:Tulsa C.A.R:E.S., 3507 E. Admi
834Z4194 : ~-indparadeswithinitsowncommunity.in
Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st " 481-1111 ." addition, if PLAGAL bowed to the
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention,.E~_u__ca~on _ 83~8378 : 0ressmesimposedbytheorganizers, they
*House of the Holy Spirit Miustries, 3?~l,0e,,S,~%Nff~rw~oo~ 2437 .. : ~do the Gay ~)mmunity no, g.oqd..
lnt,~fslth IDSMinistries ’ ~..~6-/~-I,DI, OUU-~.~’I-z¢’~, ... By.not marching, they would be
~’l~"~mA’ted,i623 N, Maplewood - .: g ~8-~~ ~
ac~nowiedging that is was fight t~o hate
I~AMES Project,3507 E. Ad_mi,ml_ ~PI,: ..... ~, ~,~a~_~.~ ¯ and this would be a backward step.
NOW, Nat’lOrg. forWomen~POB lqotas, t,H3y :)to-o,, :. PLAGAL members do not want to be
OK Spokes Club ~cyding), FOB 9i65, 74157 . excluded from the Gay community just
*OSU-Tulsa . "
PFLAG, FOB 52800, 74152
749-4901 -
*Harmed parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 58%7674 :
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network
~ 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental.Center, 1724 E. 8
584-2325 ."
.O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults :
O’RYAN, ~r. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth "
St. Aid,art’s Episcopal Chinch, 4045N. Cincinnati 425-7882
S,, r~,,-~tan’s EniScoval, 5635 E. 71st
492-7140 "
~t.Jer~--~me’s P~arish ~hurch, 205 W. King 582-3088 "
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
?ulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thmsdays only
Tulsa Olda. for HumanRights, c/o The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc.
298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*~ulsa Gay Comn;unity Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Churchof Christianity,3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
*Borders Books &Music, 3209NWExpressway 405-848-2667
*Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
*Stonewall League, call for information:
918-456-7900
*Tahlequah Unitarian-UniversalistChinch
918-456-7900
*Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS,~ARKANSAS " -
Autumn Breeze Restamant, Hwy. 23
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’s Restamant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!,~ PC Specialist, FOB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
501-253-7734 "
501-253-7457 "
501-253-6807 ¯
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
¯
501-253-2776 "
501-253~5332
501-624-6646 ¯
501-253-6001 "
501-253-4074 "
417-623-4696
* is where you can find TFN. Notall are Gay-owned butallare Gay-frlendly.
becameoftheirpro-lifebeliefs andvalues, ~okmewise, they do want to be excluded
the pro-life communityjustbecause
they are Lesbian and Gay. Therefore,
despite the threats, PLAGALappegr,ex]_at
themarch,andwhenthepolicebamcaneu
. them. PLAGAL .members maneuvered.
around the police and entered the parade
further up the street marching under their
banner with the word "censored" taped
across so everyone would know what the
vords were underneath. Their decision to
ignorethearrestthreatsfromtheorganizers
was noted in The Washington Post, The
Washington Times, and several others
news publications throughoutthe counlry.
Themajority ofGays and Lesbians may
not share the briefs ofPLAGAL,but the~
shouldbeproud ofthis small group within
its community. PLAGAL’s presence was
a step toward bridging the gap between
those individuals and the Gay community
as a whole.
At the end of the march, members of
FemtmstforLife , Colleg~ates for Life ,
Catholic priests and bishops, and others
from all walks of life and religions
congratulated and thanked PLAGAL.
see Letters, p.8
An nouncements Policy
Tulsa Family News will provide space
for holy union ceremony, marriage
ceremony, birth, adoption~ .and death
announcements ona space availablebasis.
Photos are welcome, though we cannot
promise placement o~r ,re~ttEn ~e~, so
please send copies to I utsa ~ amtty ~vews,
POB 4140, Tulsa 74159. ~
¯ ~. Letters Policy :~’
i" Tulk~’Fam@ News welcomes letters
0~ issfi~:,which we’ve covered or~on
issues you think need to be considered.
You may request that your name be withheld
but letters must be signed & have
phonenumbers, or be hand ddivered. 200
word letters are preferred. Letters to other
publications will be re-printed as is
appropriate.
byChristoptterGraff " ~ Solawmakers arefaced withadivision thatis widening
¯ !dONTPF.l.lP.R, Vt,(AP)-DonnaLescoeofStarksb°r° ¯ atatime they are looking for .~...useus~s_;ReP.- T~o~. Little,
: had a simple message for legislators when she testified the chairman of the.HouseJudidary COmm;ttee, ls aman
,,onGaymmriage."Beheroes~" ~ who has a keen ability to fmd commonground and to
lawmakers tohavethe courage toextendi¯ stitch together=. divisions, He Js -a Repubfican who : the nmrriage laws tOincludeGays¯ and Lesbians. , commandS’.re.speCt.from-b.oth par.fies~:~But he seetmhaend
,r :, -~ ,,,~h, SO simule It is hard to be a hero , frustrated this past. week by the w~demng rather
bv Tom Neal, puoltflg,r & eaztor .... . u ~t ~,~,. ,~ v _:.. ..... ¯ ¯ . ohab y most non-Gry O @Oma : i .".es,the o ti=.rew.lawmakers
they had no Lesbian orGcoa:ynstfl.uents.. wmlesomeoi *_..m°nmemlle’mmma-,em. vm,.~°~-nsare.s°ucmP.".........
_,. mp ..-...~
. " w~’lling to casts: vote that
them aresimply bigots, many of them know that they- . looked _li~..e .anything bu.~....... . ouldbothdrlast.Nomatter
oughtto:~be mpportive of basic.civil fights for Gay "- heroe~ folio.wt~.g a re~,,.m " ’~f’k,, ~-~..!. f~ogn6 lavcmaker~ ~. - l~nw stron~ the evidence that
........ " " " ¯ Ilk UUIIC aaa,o ..~.~ .~--~- .~
~aUzens.’But they are scared that,treating Gay people Tuesday__ mg P, . _ _
¯ ,. " . ¯ " ’, , . " " ¯ " .. " * "
~..,faidy. ..w..a.l.l so, mc,e,nse. othvegr te:rs~.. that they., are=oft.m__:..., _h-.~,g~!tgo~-a.~a-~.t ....... not ea@-. It ~s nothln~ less dmiedthdr dviln~ghts;~t~s
~.~lhdistta~ttishfibt~ fr0in Oldalaoma R~publicans. ,,-~ ~ ~ ....shell’sn,°q~cm-a~Y-~ ~ : ~ ./ !* ..../ ....L .... - t...a f~ra leoislator to cast a
¯will be~ deaded 0n TU~da.y;Match 14th. Some 0f,the " them9bPere:!lapfs noeverr e. o[ Freedomand Unlt-~. firestormot races are dfeetivdy settled (Brady Pringledoes~have a i have .1..~0,l~.!e att_~dyd
Democratic oppon~eatbut in thai~ heavily Republican . a pum~c nearing at me " How to ~ve Gays and Lesbians :polls in November.
district, it likely doesn’t matter), but others ~ar~.. still : Statehouse.Andthenumber
unsettled. " - ~ ¯ ~ " : ¯ would have been thousands
Of particular interestto TulSa’s Lesbian and Gay - moreifasnowstormhadnot
commlmities is Cound! District 4 .for which former ~ kept many away.
.~ Yes, eye.one who spoke
And even if lawmakers
tl~elr ~xlom an~l yet preserve tl~e craft a package extending to
unity at the state~
Gays and Lesbians benefits
such as having a say in the
It is the stm~ heroes are madeo[." medical decisions of, their
incumbent Gary W~tts ischallengingcurrentincumbent parmers;theyknow therewill
Anna Falling. While _.Gay and ~tiian households a~ - wascivil.Butthecivilitydid
foundthroughont thedty~-thisdistri¢t,mosflyMidtown, ; not mask the passion: Or the division. The tremors in " be a vote on the.floor on same-sex marriage - and that
is. easily the most. heavily Gaylone.of the..dt~ For_ ~ people’s voices, a mixture of nerves .and emotion, spoke - tally, no matter what the outcome, will beused in .the fall
examp!e,jnstonornextttlny_v~;shortbloek~thereare " volumes about-the depths of feeling.~ What became " elections. " Following .the hearing it seemed m the
at least six Gay families2 . i-.~~ ~. - ,.. -. :. apparent’at theheming is thatthe two sides are moving : Statehouse timt lawmakers would like to f’md a way to
. One could argue, of course, that- Ms~ Fallingrs very -- fresher aparL - avoidany voteonthis issue this year.Theideaofcreating
nubile lan.qe., in oood iudoment onnon-Gav issues (win ~-" WhentheSupr_em~eC.o.urtissuedi~.~be.r.idec.i.’s.ion :.a special com~!ssio.n .to .craft. a solu~o~n ,~an~d .rgel~O~ht;o~ r..::-:~.,r.:-- ,, < .,r-~-.,. ..... : ~. nsband~s~ -_ sa g Gays and Lesbians are eg.~fled tP the rights,. ". law.n~Kersnex[yearmt~mgatscus.ssa.tmt _P~r.napsua~ her recycling program pu.bfic or private, her h ...... ym ¯ ¯ ¯ - - ...... . o t the
¯ n,mmdfi~oroaniTatlon arml~n~f0~nUbficfundson.which ¯ bendits and protecuons gtvenroamedcouples, e_veryone ¯ ~sjustamo.m~entar~. ,.a.nd, ex.p.ected hesitancy foil w ng
~.~’~l"~.---e7------rr:~--~, r , i . - . ,~ " .t,d--.A ~,~,~teww P,,-a~e and I ~=~h~rt~ ~.q e coul"t -" na~sion80t tile DUDIIC lleallnl~.
¯
.
.snewastovote),areenoughtopersuaaeLesmananatJay - ’-~..’2p~. ""~"*,?." ""~ .’~"..~"~’.’.’-:...l.~a~s.ed the.. .
~_~__,= _r.t.~_.,~,,t,.nm,~tttiiiX~endnnhowthedebateis
_ " ~.F2.-............¯,.;~.l,~.t~.i .r~v.r,~--..,~.t.~.n.f.~..e.-~_e.x. mam__aaoge al80 rimmed ¯ frmned m the comm~_ weeks. Opponents ll,ge me. m. p ,L. arg.en.t a.n.dl.na.ol.e .sul.tra.-e.xtr.em.e.re.ng.to.-po.n.u.co.s,.a.no..-..~,¯ .t.~, b~" ause the court di¯d not stri¯ke down the state,s .¯ are seeki"ng to" portray the Supreme Court deeimon as
her rtosuu[y Io OUr t’I1oe evenls, it s Cl~ar Inat amlost . ,a,.~..j . . . .
. . .
,,~....,,1,1 h~ ~,~tt,~ ¯ mamage laws~ Bishop Kenneth Angell calle~_, the court . some_ra.di.’.ca.l, andug,com.ttm.~fio.na).mo.ye ,F~Ve.nnon.t.ers,
~:................ -
ruling aadecisivevictoryfor.tradifionalmamage."
¯ thoughdtlshardtotmagrnet~meIJusuceJenreyAmestoY, Thatbringsus toGaryWatts. Gary,likesomeOklahoma -
Democrats is not particularly prejudiced. Like those : R seemed at that moment that legislation creating
same Democrats, he’s not shown much leadership, He : dthormouegshti.cBpuatritnnetrhsehmiposnftohrsGinacyestahneddeLceissbioianntshewtowuolds.l~ose~s
and they don’t haleus - theyjust don’.t want to deal with -
our issues. have’ staked out positions worlds aparL
,But sOi~eone"s got to.start, kno@ing that.we’ll lose the
first or five engagements but that.each time our issues,
like a city non-discrimination ordinance, or equal
compensation (full benefits for our familiesas well as
equal wages)for Gay cityemployees, or a city domestic
partners registry, are debated,the public learns. I believe
that-Oklahomans are basically fair and eventually will
respond to a reasoned argument.
And in the meantime, a fair-minded city councilor
could push for administrative changes, like getting the
"diversity" training forourpolice departmentto deal with
more than just race. After all, it’s our city too.
: Bishop An,g,ell recently-condemned domestic
: partnerships as steponetowardfullacceptanceofsame- "
¯ sex marriage" and has evenchallenged ~evalidity ofthe
¯ Supreme C,o.~_~ ruling itseLf, saying ~.his~t.o ,arms,to .
Catholics, q~ere are many sound legm minus WhO .
¯ question the Supreme Court’s authority to even issue "
¯ such mandates to the legislature.’"
: At the same time, Gays and Lesbians are saying a ¯
system of domestic partnerships is insufficient to meet "
the spiritofthe Supreme Courtrtding. Adomesticpartner "
sounds like someone who cleans the house, Jonathan
Radigan told lawmakers.
: amuchbeloved andeminentlyrespectedpersonwhois as
: moderate and generally as cautious as they come, doing
¯ something radical or unconstitutional. It was Amestoy
: who wrote the court rnling.
: Andthe hearingdidmuchtoeducatenotju~tlawmnkers,
but also the public at large. ~Vermont Public Radio did a
great service by broadcasting the hearing statewide.
Vermonters of all political and social back_groun.ds .got a
chance to hear the scripture readings, the pasmon, the
division. They also got to hearfrom the real.people whose
lives will be most affected by the legislative action.
The task facing lawmakers is noteasy. It is nothing less
than living up to the state’s motto of "’Freedom and
Unity." How to giveGays andLesbians theirfreedomand
yet preserve the unity of the state?
It is the stuff heroes are made of.
by Dave Fleischer, Senior Fellow Policy Institute
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
We love coming out - except when we hate it.
Welovereminiscing onand celebrating ourpast acts of
daring. Comingoutishow wediscoveredbothcommunity
and freedom. It’s how we found both love and a life.
But it’s hard to snmmon the energy and courage to
come out 24/7 - to ask, tell, and pursue on a daily basis.
That’s why campaigns sidestep the "G" word. When
we say~ person-to-person, "What do you think ,a,b~,ut tl~."s
anti-Gay ballot measure?", we are also asking, "What do
you think about me? Do you see me as a human being,
although I’m Gay and you probably aren’tT’
’. Most campaigns avoid coming out, way out_ They
rarely engage voters .perso.n-to-person, and of,te~, av~oid
mentioning sexual on~mtataon. Recent research oy ls.en
~eager (himself an openly-~ay candidate for office)
~uggests that57% of candidate’~ who think of themselves
as "openly Gay" don’t actually disclose their sexual
orientation to voters before the election.
Likewise, many campaigns to defeat anti-Gay ballot
measures twist themselves into p~etzels to avoid the
words "Gay", "Lesbian", or that new scare word
(rarely so clearly):
ifax
Thd challengeofbeing outhas turned us inward before.
: Look around our community. Most of our organizations
: are refuges -"safe space"- safe from meaningful
¯ encounters with straight people. We draw 200,000 to a
: pride parade to celebrate, yet only a relative handful to
¯ political campaigns to safeguard our fights.
¯ But relying onrefuges is a risky strategy. It suggests to
: our opponents that the rest of the world is theirs, and it
¯ leaves us vulnerable topolitical attack. Soplease consider
¯ afew specificcoming-outactionsthatbuildourcollective ¯
power and don’t unduly disrupt your everyday life.
¯ 1. Join acampaign where you get to ask voters one-on-
: one, preferably face-to-face, if we can count-on their
¯ votes.
¯
In 2000, California, Miami-Dade County, Florida,
¯ Maine, and possibly Oregon face ballot measures that
¯ affect your rights. If you live in one of these places, join ¯
your local campaign.
¯
If you used to live in one, make a list of everyone you
; know in your old hometown. Dig out your old address
book or high school yearbook. Ask your siblings or
¯
parents to jog your memory. I’ll bet you know at least 50
¯ people you can call. Whea you reach them, explain the
and ask if we can count on
: "Hometown Project", because it builds on the power of
¯ our relationships with family and friends, even when
; we’ve been out of touch.
: If you have never lived in the hot-spots du jour, don’t
¯ feel neglected. Make a list of everyone you know who
¯
does live in one. You must know 20 people. Send them
¯ this colnmn. Follow uponthephone.Weneedevery vote,
¯ and you will help create a new habit of doing the one-on-
" one ask.
~ 2. Host a house party to raise money for one of the
communities under attack. Invite 120 friends and
." acquaintances to your home to hear about this new wave
¯ of ballot measures. Call all 120 personally and ask each
¯ to come. You will bring together 40 people, raise a ¯
minimum of $1000, and f’md at, least six new volunteers.
¯ 3. Get training. If face-to-face voter contact sounds
: intimidating, seek out training, At the¯National Gay &
¯ Lesbian Task Force Creating Change conference ¯
November 10-14, we taught the nuts and bolts, went
¯ door-to-door talking with Oakland voters about the anti-
-¯ Gay-marriage Knight Initiative. In one evening, we will
identified hundreds of our supporters, and educated
undecided, voters.
,. rput up the periscooI~..~::~t~sgreat that our community
- but reality
In some cases, the registry document can provide
further legal proof of a relationship, Roche said. It
could come into play, for exhmple, when a Gay couple
with jointly owned assets separates.
The registry stirred relatively little opposition in
Ashland, where it was approvea by a 4-1 vote of the
City Council, Roche said. Nationally, registries have
spurred voter initiatives and lawsuits. Courts validated
Atlanta’s registry but overturned a registry in
Minneapolis, according to the Lmnbda Legal Defense
and Education Fund. The registries can be designed !o
~PP!~ ~ both Gays and t~f~rosextml~i~,as Seattle s
i~,i[~i~ ~bepurely ;~.~ml~6iic o{’~iV~ sp~i~...d
tl~e-~ ’~ :: ~ :": " ~. -" ’ .~
i .Reform
:Same-Gender Rituals
NEW YORK (AP).=-Two years after they postponed
a contentious showdown over same-sex blessing
rituals, the rabbis ofJudaism"S liberal Reform branch
will face a decision on the issue at this year’s
convention. Leaders of the 200-member Women’s
Rabbinic Network have agreed to force the issue by
submitting a resolution sanctioning such ceremonies
to the Central Conference OfAmerican Rabbis, which
holds-*its national convention, March 26-29 in
Greensboro, North Carolina.
The coqeaders of the women’s network, Rabbis
Shira Stem and Susan-Stone, said the resolution
agreed" to’recently will differ only slightly from a
proposed text the same group published in January.
" That text said: "The relationship of a Jewish, samegender
couple is worthy ofaffirmation through
appropriate Jewish ritual and. :-: .each rabbi should
decide ab0ut-0l’ficiafio-n- a~,Ysfdin-g-t6 hig/her"own
rabbinic conscience." The conference’s top two
officials had signed a January declaration urging all
American tdig~ons to normalize same-sex couples.
And a conference Sexuality study committee in 1998
.. endorSed recognition rituals for such couples.
The women’s net~brk cffes the sexuality
i C~mtifittee’s view that Judaism’s historic opposition
¯ to homosexual behavior no longer applies.
But there is division within Reform rabbinic ranks.
: The conference’s "responsa comnuttee,’,whose
¯¯ rulings guide the practices of Reformrabbis, opposed
thechangeinaT-2decision.Amemberoftheresponsa
committee majority, .Rabbi .:Jeffrey Salkin of Port
Washington,NewYork, saidReformrabbis arealready
free to conduct same-sex rituals if they want. But
Salkin fears that officially approving the practice
would"tearrdati,onships apart" amongReformrabbis,
and hurt Reform s relations ~ith otl~[r branches and
its hopes-.~fot full a-cce~tance.in {g~el?-Whatevet
happens, Salkin said; ~’We:are looking at something
that will ha¢e massive historical iml~pr~ce." ~ "-
¯ Me,mawhile, the Episcopal’Churchig~s to release
a proposal on same-same rituals within a weekortwo
Conventions ofthe Presb~[6ri~m Ch~Ch (U,S.~.) an~
United Methodist Church will also deb~!le the issue
this year. .:. ~- " ~
Gay Club Embraced at
Catholic College
United in
God’s Love
MCC-United
Reverend Cathg.E~liot
Pastor ~)
Sunday Worship
11:00 am
1623 N. Maplewood 918/838~715
~.~,~ ~ "7.-
Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Community ofHope
2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595
A Welcoming Congregation
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
.................. Wgd_._Bible- Study, ~7 pm
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
Sandra Hill M.s.
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E. Skelly DriSe, Suite 215,745-1111
Red Rock Tulsa- O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow Y0hng Adult Network i~’
Outreach Prografn Thurs: Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment ~. .:
Call for.mee.ting tinies ~ind place: ~
918-584:2325
Mingo Valley Flowers
II
Court UpholdsPortl and
Civil Rights Ordinance
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gay rights advocates have won
a round as the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld a
Portland ordinance against discrimination based on
sexual orientation. The court, in a 9-1 ruling reversing
a lower court, said the city had the power to give
citizens the right to go to state courts to enforce the
anti-discrimination ordinance.
Even some,of,the appealsjudges in the.majority,
tho~.igtr, ~orried-@ati tl~e~c0~ ~.i,,hav~ V~iatut~d
roofs, toward giving private partigs new..avenues
sUeiffSeateeo.ur~s overlocaHa~sx.The rightto sue-was
tthet~yi~su~-,N~bod~:oIai,m~4ltmt!hecity1aek~ ~he
~weri lx~:iid0pt~:~e-ordinanee.in~t991., that bars
disNNmati~n, i~ eniployment, housing, and public
accommodations.. ,S~te.taws against employment
discrimination don’t include sexual orientation. The
city ordinance also outlaws discrimination based on
sources of income, which is aimed at protecting
welfare recipients.
"This is a great day for civil rights in Oregon,P said
PortlandMayor Vera¯ Katz..Port.land ~.s once.agatn a
leaderin efforts to protecttherights ofall our citizens."
The case decided involved employment. A
MultuomahCounty temporaryjudge, MonteBricker,
~n .1.997 ruled against David Sims, who claimed he
was fired as a cook at Besaw’s Cafe in .Portland
because he is Gay. Owners of the business denied the
accusations and have not made a decision-on whether
to appeal to the oregon Supreme Court.
Bricker said the city couldn’t givepeopleapathway
to state courts to seek enforcement of rights under a
local law. But the appeals court said the city didn’t
exceedits authority, giving Sims the chance to continue
............with hislav~sttitin_which he.~6"nght either damages or
Basic Rights Oregon, a leading Gay civil rights
advocacy organization, also praised the decision.
"We’re very pleased to hear that the court has upheld
employees’ access to fight discrimination at the state
courtle el, : stud spokeswoman Maura Roche.
More than one appealsjudge hadmixed feelingson
thecase, which had been before the~cottrt since fall of
1998. Only Judge Walter Edmonds Jr. dissented
entirely. But four others, including Chief Judge Mary
Deits, said while they agreed with the outcome, the
court went further than necessary. The decision
"sweeps too broadly" in deciding that cities can
broaden the "duties and liabilities of private parties,"
Judge Virginia Linder wrote in a separate concurring
opinion. Edmonds said the decision violated the
concept of state sovereignty over local governments.
Oregon City/Count,y May
Try-Partners R gistry
RTL N , Or . eit: of t’ortland and
Multnomah County are ~nsiderir~ theadopdon of a
domesdcpartuefship registry as away~’prGay couples
t6 Officially iog thdr ~;~i~onships, A jOint ~registry
wotfld be ihe second ,~.::~gon ,ag_.d~ong three
dozen nationwide. In Oc~be~AsKihhd approved a
registry for s/tree-sex couples 18:or older. So did
California. Seattle has had one since 1994. And New
Orleans, Boston, New York and Iowa City, Iowa also
have them.
The registries stop far short of conferring marriage
s-tatus- on- Gay -couples= "~Bul~, it’s~ ,still-. an
acknowledgment of. a relationship that two people
who are committed to one another have," said Maura
Roche, spokeswoman for Basic Rights Oregon. "And
it’~ s away~to aeknoWiedge i-t in:a pt~bli~.forum~ which
hopefally Wi~,leadito. ~g~puh!ie: understanding
¯~at~drmi~icaneedi:BotmJ~T~] cxec~ti:ve director Of
She.-said the~Ialks are;.~.~st~p)i’~-thffright direction
becaus,e a registry represent§ a chatNejn family.
That s oae o~ the mNn..eoiicerns of Lou Bores
exec~utive ~r...e.rgtor ~:;ffae:C~eg0ii chapter of the
:.~)::: :~ais in Po~ilanO;and the na~9~’~, heL~aid:Beres added
that he would try to organize h:pmtegt~a~ainst Katz
and Naito if registries were e~(tended io homosexual
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - When Dan Neuville
started classes as a freshman at Saint Joseph’s College
in Standish last year~ the Gay man felt very lonely.
Considering the church’s stance on homosexuality,
Neuville wasn’t suq:rrised that there was no Lesbian-
¯ Gay studentorganizationlike.~ose at-secular colleges.
"Tl~ere was-novd~ere form~to go.on,campus," Neuville
said...........
Now Newzille has creati~d ~dmewhere to go.,~qaough
Catholic ze~cNag bars ~homosex~mt¢ from tam’Gage
and sexual activity, &e State’[ only Roman Cail~olic
college has:f0~-med a stude~tdub where heterosexual
and homosesua! smdcms
The Gay/St~ight
stat~ff "as
s~uden~
dozen
Jennifer B@iiton;pres~d~nt~of: the student.senate;
9413 K 31st St., Tulsa 74145
918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-444-5934
Family Owned& Operated
- - - - -- ~" ~- --7--- - - -
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
Tulsa Gay Commtmity Sen,ices Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
6=~pm, Sunday - Friday..
"12-9~m, Saturday; all sales.benefit’the Center/~-.i.
Local
- --KEVIN BURLESON
Keller ~Willgams Rea!ty
712-2252
Burleson@kw.com
2651 East 21st Street, Ste. 100, Tulsa 74114
An Independent Member Broker
OPENARMS,OPENMINDS-,OPENHEAKq’S
Saint Aidan ,<. .Saint Dunstan
4045 N. Cincinnali,i~7882 .ii~~East 71st 492~7140
Saint John :......Td~ty - "
4200 S. Atlanta Pla~.~/42-7381 .,501: $.: Cincinnati, 582-4128
Welcomes You.
said the ~cp.llege’s administrators, staff and students
have received the new group well. "On our campus,
iwe’re open to all issues, and as students we’re
encouraged to discuss issues in society. Gay issues
are one of those," she said.
Thealliancehasmoreheterosexual than homosexual
members and is not intended to compel anyone to
endorse homosexuality, Neuville said. "We’re not a
.. ~ mili~antgroup. We’renotprotesting,pickefn,g, saying,
"Damn it, we want you to accept us,"" he said.
club
Gay on
.to talk andleam tissues
andbias against l
to make Of troths
.Saint
Straight
For the
problematic
sexual
¯ whether homosexuality is a choice or biological is
." irrelevant. "Gay and Lesbian people are not treated
." equally in many respects,’" sa~d Jane Marquardt, an
¯ attorney who donated to the Shepard scholarship
." fund. The scholarship is meant "to help a particular
." Gay student develop leadership skills, than people
¯ can realize Gay people are no different than anyone
." else," Marquardt said.
:: Gay Student Sues School
RENO. Nev._ (AP) - A former Washoe County high
i School studentclaimsWashoeCounty school officials
: failed t0 stopverbal andphysica!harassmentinflicted
i-liy classmates becaus~ h~,is.Gay... In afederal lawsuit
:. fded recendy, Derek Henkle ailcges school officials
1 : denied him~i:~te~:~.~.elofhls sexual
.. ofientation:~d ,d~died,’:.~ fr~:, ~li:rigllts by;
’: allegedly urging him tohide being ~ay. Tl~_e suit als0~
.. maizes claimsofnegfigenceandinfliclionofemolional.
¯" distress. " ’" ...... :’=. .....
: I-Ienkle:~suit is .being h~ndled.~by me:Lamb~a
: Legal Defense and Eduction Fund, a New York-
¯ : : based Gay rights.o~ganiza~on, it seeks unspecified
t .::damages, Namedas defendan.ts are prindpals;a vice
: prin~pal, a.teache~, and ~pus poSce officers.
: School district offi~:ials had no iimnediate comment.
¯ "we haven’t been served with anythin$ yet and unSl
" wedo,obvionsly we~m’tcommenton thespedfi~,"
district Spokesman~Steve Mulvenon said.
Jon
,a~Gay
.~"It’s not a conditiOn
who is
But the Catholics,
: shouidbe~
Catholic
,Derek thandled I
and
at:the-hands .of
said. call: :.Henkle
clearly what :the stated
-.Gay Scho|ershi
including students ~and faculty at
University have raised more than $50
~e. Matthew Shepard Scholarship
enaowment wil!.pro~ide $2,000 a year
Bisexual ortransg~
grade point average,.=
"I think it makes":us a,
Hinds,. a Weber: State staff member who
: a highway~
" administrators ~
At Washoe
! relatedlY
: students to
said his complaints to
lot while two campus
Davidson said the p_ri’ncipal
pcople hewas Gay.
students who
tell Lesbians and Gay
closet," Davidson said.
¯Gay Pride to.
Happen pite vatican
--~, Wyo., ROME (AP) - A Gay Pride week that comes smack
.: college studentwho was Severely pistol ’ i iirnktehdetmheidVdalteicoafnt,hbeuRt Roommane,CsmatahyoolircinHsoislytedYtehaarththaes.
left to die. The -
¯ " laws across the nation. :
."_.-i .Scho!arshiplapplieants must be a sophQ~ or :: aelvoenngtwwiiltlhbethalelo.Gw,,ae~ydptoritdaekeepvleancte,."bYutoiutmwioguhltdnobtegoa
: higher level, t~king 12 credit hours per s~es~er. A : mistake to ban it, Mayor Francesco Rutelli said.
500 to 750 word essay, the World Pride Roma 2000 is expected to bring
needs, academicperformance .: hundredsofthonsandsofGaysandLeshianstoRome
with or service to the pay, Lesbian,
Organizers are working to finalize
scholarship endowment with the
there are no applications.
"There are sexnal m~inorifies.Andthis is
"there’s a scliolarship here,"’ said
President
But
said Weber State student Niki
with culture
¯ at the same fire,the eityis overflowing with religions
: pilgrims eomingto th~Jubileemillenniumcelebrations
: calledby PopeJ0hnPaul II."Romehas amillenninm-
: old code of welcome~.and respect that won’t change in
¯ 2000." RutelEtold a city council meeting on Holy
: Year issues:,~:The. ~Vatican, which condemns
: homosexual acts but.not homosexuality itself, had no
official comment ~the July 1-9 event. Vatican
Officials denied~.~.~ that the Holy See had tried to
÷:: cgoent diitticoanncoelfe~a.-,.n~iio;~[n~,~~ti_.,thae lsooffaiccikanlso,wwlehdogeSdptohkaet tohne
Vafica was irritate, by the fact that the gathering
t~mes ~:J~ee yeax.
seeNews,p. 10
rZ
Better.Drugs i Oral Sex Not As
Equal Fewer Pills i Safe As Thought
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Powerful new ¯
AIDS drugs in development should help
relieve one of the biggest problems of
treatment - the pill burden. Over the past
four years, new treatment combinations
have revolutionized AIDS care, changing
HIV infection from a death sentence to a
disease that is treatable, if not curable.
However,patientsmustadhereto atedious
and exacting sehedule of downing pills,
.often more than 20 a day.
Now, drugmakers are working on new
drugs that require m~ch smaller doses as
wall as better versions of the old standbys
that can be taken less frequently.
Experts say that if all goes well, overthe
next two or so years it may be possible to
reduce the .pill burden to just four tablets
taken once a day. "Most drugs are dosed
twice or three times a day for a reason.
Once a day is not enough. The Holy Grail
would be to take all your medicines once
aday with as few capsules as possible. We
are not so far from that, maybe in the next
couple of years," said Dr. Eugene Sun,
head of antiviral drug research at Abbott
Laboratories.
About half of all patients who initially
respond to treatment eventually find their
virus levels rebounding, and the most
common reason for this is failure to stick
to apill schedule. Thepill-taking schedule
is more than just a nuisance. 71~ose who
miss even a few doses risk losing control
overtheir virus. Withoutenoughmedicine
in the bloodstream, HIV comes roaring
back, often generating mutant versions
that are resistant to the drugs.
Akeyingredient of mostdrug regimens
is a class of medicines called protease
inhibitors. They are often combined with
two or three older kinds of drugs, such as
ddI and AZT.
At last month’s 7th Conference on
Retroviruses andOpportunistic Infections
in SanFrancisco, doctors describedresults
of testing with new varieties of prot.ease
inhihibors. Some of these medicines are
10 times more powerful than the ones that
transformed AIDS treatment. Protease
inhibitors are by far the biggest lump in
the pill burden. Typically patients must
take three of them three times a day - a
total of nine pills -often on an empty
stomach.
In the works areproteaseinhibitors that
doctors hope will need to be taken twice
or even just once a day. One of these is
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s drugcode-named
BMS-232632. In preliminary testing
directed by Sanne, it appears that one or
two ofthese pills once aday is as effective
at suppressing HIV as the standard dose
of nelfinavir, an older protease inhibitor.
Abbottpresentedpromising results with
its experimental protease inhibitor ABT-
378, showing it Seems to work against
strains of virus that are already resistant to
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Many Gay
men consider oral sex a safer alternative
to intercourse, but a new study finds it
carries a real risk of spreading AIDS.
Even without condoms, oral sex is
widelyregardedtobe safe sex, eventhough
: health agencies have never officially
: conceded that. A new study conducted in
i
San Francisco shows that frequent
unprotected oral sex can also be risky,
." though certainly not as much as anal sex.
: "The message is not that everyone will
¯ get infected through oral sex," said Dr.
-" FrederickHechtofSanFrancisco General
." Hospital, a coauthor of the study. In fact,
¯ analintercoursecouldbe 100timesriskier.
¯ Because of declines in unprotected anal
: intercourse, therehas beenabigreduction
." in high-risk exposure, I-Iecht said. But
~ -~._~ere is still plenty of low-risk exposure
¯ tl~ough oral sex without condoms, "and
." that low risk adds up." His study found
: that oral sex was probably the cause of8%
¯¯ of recent HIV infections among a group
of homosexual men examined in S~m
~ Francisco.
¯ In the past, there have been occasional
¯ reports ofpeopleapparently catching HIV
orally. But health investigators have had
¯ difficulty being certain, since Gay men
¯ who have do oral sex also may engage in ¯
¯ other, riskier sex practices, such as anal
intercourse.
¯ Now diagnostic tests allow doctors to
¯ narrow downthe timing ofHIV infections.
¯ They were used in the latest study,
." described as the most definitive on the
subject to date. The work, conducted with
¯ the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
¯ Prevention, was presented in San
¯ Francisco at the 7th Conference on
¯ Retrovirases and Opporttmistic Infectious.
¯ "’Wlfile oral sex may still be safer than
." anal intercourse or vaginal intercourse, it
¯ is not without risk and perhaps has higher
¯ risk than we would have expected
¯ otherwise," said Dr. Helene Gayle, the
CDC’s AIDS chief.
" The researchers sought to learn the
¯ meaus ofinfectionin 102 GayandBisexual
¯ men who had recently caught HIV. When
¯ all other possible means of infection were
¯ ruled out, oral sex turnedout to be the only
¯ risk behavior in eight of these men. Most
0 said they thought- oral sex had little or no
° risk.
° Because o~ the strict criteria used, the
: real number of cases resulting from oral °
sex may actually have been higher. For
° instance, two men said they had oral sex
-" but not anal sex. But they also said they
o had blacked out once and could not be °
sure what had happened, so they were
¯ excluded from the total.
. All of the men apparently caught the
¯ virus by giving oral sex, rather than
receiving it, and none used condoms.
¯ "We know that the only safe sex is total
other drugs. The drug will be combined 0 abstinence or sex with a mutually
smaller doses~ wel!..... ~ ~
.~’ Ufie~p~.cteff~ide et~l~b.cts can quickly
derail deq~loptuent of these drugs -MerCk
Research Laboratories was scheduled to
presentresultS ofits new protease inhibitor
at the meeting. But two weeks ago, it
suspended human testing of the drug after
rat experiments turnedup possible kidney
damage. Themedicine, called MK-944A,
is acombination ofanew protease inhibitor
and an older one, called indinavir, into a
single pill that would be taken once or
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
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Domestic Partnership Planning,
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1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
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Weekend and evening appointments are available.
January April July October December
Even OutYour
Monthly Electric Bills.
withritonavir, another protease inhibitor, o monogamous,non-HIV-infectedparmer,"
into pills that willbo-taken three at a time, : ’~ Gayle said. "Everything else has some
twic~:~a day. The comp.,.a~y?~.s working on ° degree of risk. The sense that oral sex is
safe sex may have been an unfortunate
message."
Gayle said she a~sumes that the risk of
oral sex when properly using a condom is
close to zero. She also .said that if oral sex
alone has played a large role in the spread
ofAIDS, that wouldalready havebecome
obvious during the 20 years.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, head ofthe National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, noted that some Gaymenturned
to frequent unprotected oral sex after
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Are You-Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa s Two-Spirited Indian Mona _ / ~\~"~
Support Group is here for. you! .~i=-J.~Y LX~
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
at 582-7225 Ext. 208 or 218,
giving up anal intercourse.
"A lot of us in the public health field
havebeen saying all along to be careful of
~akrottehceteridskfieslllaotwio,,"buhtewshaaitd.s l"oPwe?o"ple
AIDS Virus First
Emerged in 1930
SANFRANCISCO (AP)-Theworldwide
AIDS pandemic has beentraced to asingle
viral ancestor who emerged perhaps
around 1930. Earlier research had ¯
suggested that the ol~tbreak began in the ¯
first half of the 20th century, but the latest :
analysis, doneat the Los Alamos National ."
Lab in New Mexico, appears to be the ¯
most definitive so far. -"
Bette Korber, who keeps a’database of
HIV genetic, information at the lab,
calculatedHIV’s family treebylooking at
the rate the virus mutates over time. She
assumed these genetic changes happen at
a constant rate and used a supercomputer
to clock the mutations back through time
tO a common ancestor.
Korber estimates that the current
pandemic goes back to one or a small
group of infected humans around 1930,
though this ancestor virus could have
emerged as early-as 1910 or as late as
1950. From this single source, she
suggests, came the virus that now infects
roughly 40 million people all over the
.world. ’This offers a small piece in a
larger puzzle concermng the origins of
HIV," she said.
Experts believe that HIV’s ancestor is a
virus that ordinarily infects chimpanzees.
Somehow it spread to people - .perhaps
thirough abite or hunting mishap -~n west
equatorial Africa. Justwhenthis happened,
though, is .still a mystery, Korber Said.
The leap from chimp to man could have
beenaround 1930. Oritmayhaveoccurred
much earlier and the virus stayed within a
small group of humans.
Theworkchallenges atheory thatAIDs
actually began in the 1950s, when HIV
was accidentally mixed with the polio
vaccine. In last year’s book ’¢Fhe River,"
Edward Hopper theorizes that HIV
contaminated batches of the vaccine that
were grown in chimp dssue. This then
spread when the vaccine was tested in the
Belgian Congo. Korber said this is highly
unlikely, since it would require the
introduction of at least 10 genetically
separate strains ofthe virus into the vaccine
from different chimps.
Dr. Steven Wolinsky of Northwestern
University called Korber’s project "a
computational tour de force." Korber
based her work on the genetic codes of
160 different copies of the AIDS virus.
She analyzed them on a Los Alamos
supercomputer, called Nirvana, that can
perform l trillion computations per
second. The earliest existing sample of
HIV was found in a blood specimen
obtained in Leopoldville - now Kinshasa
- in 1959.
Virus Testing Helps
AIDS Treatments
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Doctors say
they can improve the chance of
successfully treating AIDS by measuring
how each patient’s virus stands up to the
drugs intended to kill HIV.
Through evolution, HIV can grow
resistant to any of the standard AIDS
drugs, andoftenitis invulnerable to several
at once. The specific combination of viral
resistance varies from patient to patient.
In theory, doctors can brew up the most
potent AIDS drug cocktails for their
patients if they know the strengths and
vulnerabilities of the viruses they carry.
In the past, doctors have attempted to
dothisbychecking the virus forthegenefc
mutations that make it impervious to
various drugs. However, complex mixes
of mutations are sometimes hard to
translate into drug treatment plans.’
In a new approach called phenotypic
resistance tesdng, doctors can check the
virus against all of the standard drugs to
see which ones can kill it, then .use~the
results to tailor their strategy. "With this
information, you can make better
decisions," said Dr. Calvin Cohen.
Understanding virus resistance is
especiallyimportantwhenputting together
new drug combinations after the initial
drug cocktail fails to wipe out all visible
signs of the virus. Doctors have 15 AIDS
drugs to pick from, and the choice often
amounts to an educated guess.
Cohen and colleagues studied
phenotypic testing at the Community
Research Initiative of New England, an
independent AIDS research organization
in Brookline, Mass. He described the
results Monday, in San Francisco at the
7th Conference on Retroviruses and
Opportunistic Infections.
. The test was developed by Virco N.M.,
a European biotechnology company that
financed the study with Glaxo Wellcome
Inc., the pharmaceutical company.
Doctors say anadvantage ofp,henotypic
testing is the simplicity of ~lle results.
"The person’s virus is grown in a culture
and then ,put into a test tube with each
antiviral drug," Cohen said. "We monitor
to seehow wellitgrows. Ifitstops growing,
.that drug works. It’s that simple."
The new test costs $800 per patient.
Screening the geneticmutations inHIV to
figure outdrug resistance has beenaround
longer and cOsts about $400 to $500 per
patient.
Doctors say that trying to understand
how well drugs will work by analyzing
viral genes can be daunting when the
virus is resistant to several drugs.
Sometimes resistance to one pill can help
the virus withstand another, even though
it does not specifically have resistance to
that medicine. "Phenotypic resistance
testing will be attractive because it is so
mucheasier to interpret," said Dr. Douglas
D. Richmanofthe University ofCalifornia
at San Diego.
To check the test’s value, Cohen’s team
studied 274 patients who had failed to
respond to an initial round ofAIDS drugs.
Half were randomly assigned to receive
phenotypic testing, while the rest got
standard care without testing.
After 16 weeks, 58% of the patients
getting phenotypic-testing had responded
so well to their new combination of drugs
that the virus hadfallentoolow tomeasure.
By comparison, 37% of those without
testing did this wall. "Until this study, all
of this was reasonable but unproven,"
Cohen said. "Now we can prove it."
~:~":Wa~ to get involved?
Need to.get tested for HI~ or a
Coming Out Support Group?
Call 743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services Center
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
~ J. Christjohn
Happy Imbolc,
Groundhog’s
Time for
initsfirstt
for some~
the
,~cultural
list of events
and. relevance.
~ At thispoint, I
or film and,
: On with the
." good month for staying in and riding out
¯ winter storms. Orgiving into spring fever
y ." when possible.
when ¯ Now for those thirty-somethings that
: recall growing up to the sounds of the
Partridge Family. with
"As you may fondness, David ~sidy
hasaCDoutentitled:"Old
notice, I’ve’-~: Dog, .Ne~ T~ck."
S~inging
~no
is
so. it’s ok,
is
else, an
and
the
Of -interest
,dosed
music
v URL:
it
13th.
18th
pretty
of the~ show that
fisten
on tS~ Partrid
childhood favorites in col~.
Back to.the present..
VALENTINE’S DAYis 9oming!~Gift
idea?i,.The ever handso.m~,<~piani~t’.:Jim
Bric~provide~ lovely~usic p~ect
for,~elight dinners, an~ohn T,rones
croo~,the perfect ballads t6~t]hem0od
for ..~gh romance on [h~ir-~CDs,
restively. ThelIX~rfect m~ic.to ~t the
moodfor a romanticev~....
Ok,themomentyou :reall-~n atting
for. TheStevie Nicks mentioa.She’s back
¯" in the Studio working onthe~W CDafter
". the performing break i~’Vegas and
i
Cafifomia. SherylCrow isagamproducing
- no mention of what happened to Mr.
." Hip-Hop producer. Thank G~oddess!
, m,~chers
¯ wereGay or straight, what mattered was
i the sl~ed.belief of those ~ching that
day. ~dnow those Right to’Life March
org~fi have Somethingto. think h!~out
¯ for n~t ye,ar,
: o~~. . .::~. .Ch~,..’.rman-oMfPicLhAaGelAFLeP~A¢.nCs
:
: -~lie ~4~li~al Action Committ~for ~.- i~: " .~.=~Lffe Lesbians and~ays
. . :.::~.
Long b~fom multi:million-dollar book deals
were the fashion~Alexandre Dumas’ son
(yes, the "The Three Musketeers" author)
converted his tonidLtomedqerminal love affair
into a best sel~.~lhe~, composer
Guisep.,pe Ve~: ~dpted. ~8r story for o~ra
(hello, ka Travi~), Toda~ choreoorapher
Val Canipamli flni~edthe job of turning.
"La Traviata" into dance. Usino drama,.
not melodrama. For understatement
underscored. A full-lenoth Iovestory.
FRIDAY 8 PI~:EBRUARY 11
SATURDAY 8 PMFI:RRUARY1~
SUNDAY 3 PMFEDRUARY 1~
SEASO~ SPON~:
Irish Dance
Company
-The-original
and the best.t
Chapman Music Hall
3rd & Cincinnati.... ¯.
Tickets: $12, 16 & 20
Call:-596-7111
Order on line: www~,tulsapac.com
Tulsa Performing ~rfs
Center Trust
World Treasures S~ason:
Celtic Gems.
¯-Si~0ns~rs: O.klah~ma Arts ~:.:ur~i~,..Urban T.u!sa
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENIN~
ON THE SET OFMANON
WINE AND HORS D’OEUVRES.
ENTERT]~INMENT ......
ooooo o~60~oo o oo oo~.~_O~O oo~o o o o oo out o-o’o o~ooo o
FRIDAY, MARCH 3,
5:30 - 8:00 PM
ON THE STAGE OF THE
.......~UtLSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
$35 PER PERSON
$75 PARTY AND
:.
~ SUNDAYS
~Ble~qs the Lord At All Times Christian Center,
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 11 am, 2207 E. 6th, 5837815
Community of Hope (Welcoming), Service - 6pm, 2545 S. Yale, 585-1800
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation
S~rvice - i 1am, 2~5~.~5 &Yale, 749-05~ (WeicQ~ing) - : " "
Church of theRestoration Unitarian Universaiist
ropo ommumty C
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc.
Sunday School - 9:45am, Service - 10:45am, 3210b So. Norwood
Parish Church of St. Jerome (Evangelical Anglican Church in America)
Mass - 1 lain, 205 W. King (east of N. Denver), Info: 582-3088
Unity Church of Christianity
ServiceS: 9:15 & 11:00 am, 3355 S. Jamestown, 749-8833
University of Tulsa Bisexual/Lesbian/Gay/Transgendered Alliance
~6:30 pm, Meets at the United Minis,try Cir., 5th & Evanston, 583-9780
I~" MONDAYS
lilY Testing Clinic, Fr~ & anonTmous testing. No appoinl~¢n[ r~zluired.
Walk in testing: 7-8:30pm, 834-TEST (8378) 3501 E. Admiral (~st o~ Hazard)
HIV Rap Sessions at Bless the Lord At All Times Christian Ceater
7:30pro, 220"7 E. 6th, 583-78t5
PFLAG, Parents., Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
2nd Mo~/~ach too. 6:30pro,Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard
Women/Children & AB)S Committee, call ~or meeting date, aoon, 585-5551
Council Oak Meu’s Chorale, rehearsals - ca]! for times, imfo: 748-3888.
~ TUESDAYS
AIDS Coalition of Tulsa, call, ~or ne×t.m~ting date. 1430 S. BouJder, 585-5551
~!~e=~d Let Liye, CommlmitT o~ ~0pe ~nitedMethodist, 7:~, 2,~5 S. ~ale
IYlultieultural ~I])S Coalitiou, call for ne×t m~ting date.
~rban L~ague, 240 E~st Apache, 584;0001
PrimeTimers, meus group, Pride Center, 1307 E. 38th
Coming Out Support Group (TOHR/IIOPE)
Tuesdays, 6 pro, Pride Genter, 1307 E: 38th, irffo: 743-4297
I~" WEDNESDAYS
Bless The Lord At All Times Christian Center
Prayer & Bible Study, 7:30 pm 2207 E. 6th, 583-7815
House of the Holy Spirit Ministries, Inc. Service - 7pm, 3210b~o. Norwood
Tulsa-Native American Mens Support Group, more informatidJL. ~call 582-7225
TCC Gay & Lesbian Association of Students (GLAS), Call fo_r..info: 595-7632.
Lambda A-A, 7 pro, 1307 E. 38th, 2nd ft. - -. ......
I~’THURSDAYS ,
H~PE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Edu~(ion "~:;~)~": _
Anonymous HIV Testing, Testing:,~ ~ 8:313pm 834-83.-7~ 3507’E. Ad~niral " ~
O~lahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network (O’.RYAN) " -
Support/social group for 18-24’s, call Red Rock Mental Health a~ 584-2325 ....
Substance Abuse Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS, [nfo: 834-4194
I~" FRIDAYS
Safe Haven,~iotm~AduJts Sc;ci~d Group, l st Eft/each ~no. 8pro, Pride Ctr., 1307 E. 38th
~" SATURDAYS
out-of their h0mes~ ! can’t i~..gin~e
throwing my Child out of;the hbu~e: ;
TheS~~mby Holloway, ~as
¯S~tan,wh0:cam¢.~s’s am~’Who
’ had been r6b~andiron on the road.
In the story, the priest, afraid of being
deemed unclean, passes by. But the
Samaritan stoppedtocarefortheunknown
mall.
"The point of the parable is that good
refiglon, following, traditions in these
Scotland, dozeus of prints, and Spong’s -" anti-discrimination policies, to. include
second:wife; ChriSti~i~. ’When In~arried ," specifically :sexual- orienta’tion::~ Why?:
Jack, I knew. what was ahead," said
Christ.i.ne.,.w.,h..o..m..a..m..e.A. Spong. m..19.9.0......nc.e.xl.ed. Kelleher wrote ’Perha " was
’When ~ou:-~up. (forGays)~,you~r¢~ =/Wrong
going to ge~:hit. ?You cannot know Gay ." _ think so, at least with restart to theVast
imd Lesbian people without wanting to .. maioriW of oar nconle." kelleher addrd
hugthcm.Someofthcmhavebeenthr~wn ." he was modifying the pohcy to include
¯.. o~rsmagnex;iewthyatmcivgehrtuhncaevretaeixnits~t,e-dam-boingutihtiys
." score."
_" ’WVhat happened at. Southwdst is an
¯ example
-" well-mcnningexecutives simplyto donor
_" give sexual orientation issues in the
workplace the consideration they
deserve, stud Kim I. Mills, HRC s
." education director. "We applaud
." Southwest Airlines for taking this_stcp
developed systems, can now get in the toward creating an inclusive work
.,w.a.y. ofus g~tting t,o~:~ saidI~oll0way..~ environmont~ for ih~ OayandLesbian
e~. of us arc, w_all~g on the road to i amployees., While Southwest has added
Jericho,andwem~tIookf~Himbecause
along the s~d¢ of the road...... .’. offer dom=sticParm~r~:healthbenefits.
priestandmothcr,stoodnexttoSpongas policies and e~pects
a sign language interpreter. "He will be :: announc=ment nO later the,, June. "
sord~ missed,." saidDeats, whowas first ,." _ _ " .............
ago.~Imayn0tagreewithevcrythingh¢ ! [~]l=-Ie.ll -....- I
says; but I truly minfi..~’re and respect him . .
for stan,.d~n.gup,f0r~hat he believ~ in." ._. vice president orlon"di.ng, andI_~s Rector,
Deats said she believed in more ." president, neither of.whom had returned
traditional routines of-prayer. "It can be ¯ calls by press time. Dr. Jerry. Carr611,
boring, I know. And I’m not saying the -" chairperson of the TTCU board of
bisho~ does.n’t pray, bu~ I believe ~-nore ." directors,andpr0vostatOSU-Oldahoma
.stronglyin themystical practices ofprayer
in the ~hurch," said De~ts.
Croneberger was rector of the Church
of the Atonement in Tenafiy for i8 years,
and a priest for more thsn 34 years.
Croneberger~60,was oneofsix candidates
- all ofwhomfavor ordaining noncelibate
Gays and blessing same-sex unions - in a
field that included the Rev. Canon Gene
RobinsonofNewHampshire,whomissed
becoming the first openly Gay Episcopal
bishop in the nation by several votes.
Asfor Spong, he willlecture at Harvard
University starting next month, buthas no
plans to move from Morris County. His
latest book, "Here I Stand," was published
this year.
Spong, father of three daughters, said
he found talking to students a great
pleasure, Last week, Spong lectured at
Lewis & Clark University in Portland,
Ore.- "I love the minds of 18- to 23-yearolds,"
Spong said. "Nothing is sacred and
they asked all kinds of questions."
There were no,,questions asked here
duringthe service, buttherewas amomen!
of fear when the Rev. Dana Rose slipped
off the back of the riser as Spong and
others wereblessing breadandwine. Rose
was helped to his feeti and Spong quickly
gave him the sign of the cross.
Rose, a Gay priest who’s also black,
was ordainedfirstas adeaconby Spongin
May 1998. "People say, ’You’re a priest
and you’re GayT" said l~ose, who works
for the Gay and Lesbian ministry in the
diocesez "Now, there are ;many, priests
who are Gay, but black? I believe in
inclusion of all people, like me, into .the
church, just like the bishop."
City, did callback andsaid he thought
theremustbe"amajormisunderstanding"
and that the "professional loan officers
would not do that [make inquiri~,into.
loan applica=s sex~.orientation]~. .-
as saying that the Vatican "expects from
the premier a gesture ofcommon sense,"
anapparentcallforthe Italiangovernment
to intervene to cancel the Gay event.
Sodano also was quoted as saying the
controversy "puts into question" the
concordat, adocumentregulalingrelafions
. between Rome and the Vatican that was
first signed in 1929 and was revised in the
1980s. A pro-Vatican member of
parliament, Mario Baccini, called the
mayor’s decision’a "moral and material
slap" in the face of the Holy See. Vatican
officials said theHoly See was displeased
by the city’s cooperation with the
organizers, including allocation of
$180,000 to cover municipal costs like
security.
Rutdli has been a big Jubilee booster,
shepherding the city through major
constructionprojects-includingaVatican
garage-to spruce itupforan estimated30
million pilgrims.
Gays have criticized the pope’s
teachings on homosexuality, but Italian
Gay leaders denied any disrespect is
intended by holding World Pride during
theJubilee. "It’s not an anti-Jubilee event
nor an event against the pope," said
Francesco Falsetta, an official oftheMario
Mieli Homosexual Cultural Association,
one of the organizing groups. World
Pride’s main event will be a July 8 march
through the city. Organizers say it will
also feature conferences, sporting events
and parties..
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~guys you like
" be," he added. "’It’s been this norm that
.: they grew up with: Andin so many. ways,
: pamcularlym~nt, we vebeen, ery
Do something that brings yoUlhto serio~s°. sensitized to~~ity,humannghts,
conversation with people who-aren’t just : but.there’.s~i~sg~.,a~i,’ng,.darke,,xception
likeyou. : tot~tw~thGaY~i:~Lesbiaus._ ..
For some of you, this will feel like a : ~ Whenlegis~,’~kFl.a~gan wl~.t.he
leap of faith-l~rhaps in God, orat least ; thinks.ofa~ys~d!domest=cparm..ershi.ps
in other people. ",- ..... . as an alternafi~t0same-sex mamage, ne ¯
Maybe this runs counter’ to all the : tells them "it~a~t tap into all of the
cultural conditioning you’ve received ¯ wonde_r,,ful, ~fic and em~o.tion.al
about self-sufficiencyi abouthow wrong ! impacts that~conveys. ~nenlze
itistoaskforhelp.MaybethiSchaHeages . asksaqu~..fio.n~."~~:t~te, isabl~.°ffi~ally
prized coph~g m~l~nisms ~t Ser~_e you : t.o rec0~ila..~i’~,s,e,.p~nng re,a,
well whenexcepti-o~d individualeffortis , domesf!_c-p~.e~!:aw;.-wny men wgmu
enough..... " ;-y0ufeelgt~fig~ed:t.0makeit’diff~emtrom
¯Bu~aoindividualwinsanelection;alone i ~ theCivil m~a~e’ 6flexed to ~ght
If!we don’t engage oth~r humanb~ings, ; VermonterS?" ~ " ¯ ~.
we remain tempting targets to-the :bullies : Hanagan said :he believes there’s an
ontheright:IfwewanttoendGay-baiting " analogy to be drawn from the experience
in public life, we have ~o use what we
know: the power of one h,man being
talkln£ to another human berg about
what matters.
We need to be outward bound, despite
the discomfort. Because, in elections, the
greatest thing wehave to fearis fearitself.
Hanagan can see diagonally across-State
Street to the Statehouse, where the
Vermont Legislature this year is crafting
a response to ahistofic decision from the
.stat~-~ i :~Supreme " ~ i ,:.~.Court.
That decision said i~"~iola~d the
VermontConstitution todeny~tted
Gay-and Lesbian couples the~i~health
of other benefits heterosexuaV~ed
couples take for granted. .=.!i!:."ii(
Hanagan, 49, is in his fourthi~year
term as ~mditor and long has beea.,kn~_w,.n_
to harbor loftier potitical ambiO~,He s
~md~,ttaking 0ae long-expected:~i~tfo_r
higher office this year, and has.raised
morethan$400,000" alotforachallenger
inVermont- so farinhis campaignfor the
Democratic U.S.. Senate nomination.
He’s been able to raise money around
the country from supporters of Gay men
and Lesbians, but even more so from
former Harvard Law School classmates
who have found themselves in lucrative
careers and can afford to be generous.
Flanagan took a risk five years ago
when he acknowledged for the first time
publicly that he was Gay, and he’s taking
arisk now in being such a strong advocate
for same-sex marriage. "I assume any
professional political consultant would
advise against it," he said. "But some
issues are so compelling and so pure that
political considerations becometrivialand
inappropriate. This is at the core of my
beliefs. I’mnot going to equivocate in the
slightest and I hope Vermonters will
respectmycommitmentto prmcipl,,e, even
if they may not thoroughly agree.
More often than the campaign trail,
Flanagan is drawn these days to the
Statehouse, because he senses history in
the making, because he relishes and is
fascinated by legislative deliberation and
because he knows that, for many
lawmakers, he can put ahumanface on an
abstract set of issues. As he’s walked the
Statehousehalls lately, Flanagan sm.’dhe’ s
noticed "people tend to move ~n my
direction more often than normal. I’m a
person they know and most often like
quite a bi~ and relate to. I’m real. I have a
real personality that they’re familiar with,
so there isn’t that fear component of
something foreign.
"I don’t think often people are as
homophobic as they think they should
"For me,
some time tc
mamage
stress
come when
many Gays and’ Lesbians had coming to
grips with themselves 20 or 30 years ago,
to the straggle many straight people are
having now When thinking about
somethinglike same-’sexmarriage. "When
you foste~ real bigotry againast iso.mdeonoef
he said.
"That’s-the of bigotry.. It
weighs
years, but
and "one’s private life will be put back
into its private place."
Flanagan, who said he has "a great
capacity tolove," also offered a glimpse
into whatapersonal heavenonearthmight
look like. "I would love to be a dad. I’ve
always cherished the idea of being a dad
and I think I would be a good dad?’
Locally, members ofMCCUnited have
created a chapter of Soul Force and at
least one member joined White and 200
other Gay and Lesbian (or friendly)
Christians in a meeting with FalWell.
Elliott has as a personal goal, the
development of the Community of the
church, not the building or the number of
members as much as the network of
support for the members - much like the
model of the earliest Christian
communities.
However, Elliott and other
congregational leaders do discuss the
possibilities of physical change for the
group. Acknowledging the s~ ,newhat
isolated location of the church build~ z
(off major streets in a ver) q~
neighborhOod)~, they consider that t
tufty-sell this building and find a more
visible .and central location. But Elliott
emphasizesthat these things are ouly just
possibilities and are not anything which
will happen soon. The spiritual life comes
first and the rest will follow as the Spirit
calls MCC-United to be.
For more information about the
Metropolitan Community Church United
or about the Soul Force efforts, call 838-
!715.
The Eight Annual
2000
Saturday, March 4
Cocktails, 7pm, Dinner, 8:15
Myriad Convention Center, Grand Ballroom
Auction & Dancing, Blacl( or Red Tie
to benefit the
Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund
1999 Beneficiaries:
AIDS Support Program, Inc.
American Red Cross,
Oklahoma County Chapter
CarePoint, Inc.
Cimarron Alliance Foundation
LegalAi6ofWestem Oklahoma, Inc.
Northern Lights Altematives
Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund,
Individual Assistance Fund
Oklahoma Hemophilia Foundation
Oklahoma Medical
Research Foundation
Oklahoma Mental Health Council -
RedRockBehavioral Health Service
Other Options, Inc.
Planned Parenthood of
Central Oklahoma
Regional AIDS Interfaith
Network (RAIN)
Tulsa CommunityAIDS Partnership
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
[2000] Tulsa Family News, February 2000; Volume 7, 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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
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Tom Neal
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February 2000
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James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, January 2000; Volume 7, Issue 6
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English
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
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United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/597
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Bomber of London
Gay Pub Pleads Guilty
LONDON (AP) - A man accused of setting off~in~bs
i Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulaans, Our Families + Friends
: Tulsa’s Largest Circulation CommunityPaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
Louganis to Lead Pride 2000
¯ Olympic Champion Will Be Parade Grand
¯ Marsha|l and Black Tie Dinner Speaker
The Rev. Mel Whiteto Begin Week’s Events
TULSA - Some Gay community observers might have thought Rights, the parent
apparently targetedatracial minorities andGays pleaded "
guilty to three counts of manslaughter late in February "
and admitted causing three explosions thatinjuredmore
than a hundred people. David Copeland, 23, admitted "
planting the bomb that killed three people on April 30,- "
at the Admiral Duncan, a Gay pub in central London. "
Prosecutors did not immediately accept the ¯
manslaughter pleas, and a further hearing was set for "
sometime in March. Copeland also admitted ¯
responsibility for explosions .on April 17 in Brixton, a :
south London neighborhood with a large black ¯
population; and April 24in Brick Lane, an east London "
neighborhood with a large Banglades.~ population. "
NY State’s 1st Gay Mayor "
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (AP)-. Dan Stewart, New
York’s first openly Gay mayor, is intimately acquainted ."
with Gay-bashing bigots..AYter all he used to beone.."
"When I was in high school, two boys went to court over .
the right to go to the prom together," Stewart said. "I ¯
spoke out loudly against them on TV, on the steps of the
RhodeIsland Supreme Court. Imade amockery ofthem
- because I knew who I was, and I was scared ~to. death
people would find me out." ¯
Two decades later, Stewart has no such fears. He was "
open about his homosexuality when he ran for mayor of ¯
this lakeside city near the Canadian border last fall. "I
told the people,’Iam what ! am- Takeme or leaveme,"’ :
Stewart said."Itold them, ’Ifyouchooseto takeme, I’m "
going to do one hell of ajob for you. But if you choose ¯
not tO take me because I’m Gay, I understand. I used to :
be prejudiced too." :
Asittumedout, his sexualitywasn’tanissue. Perhaps ¯
it would have been, had hebronght a male partner to a :
political event during his,six years on the City Council. ¯
But Stewart keeps his personal life out of the public eye :
~- mostly 60 miles away in Montreal, where his partner ¯
lives. It also helped that his opponent, the five-term "
Democratieincumbent, was knOWn for supporting Gay ."
and Lesbian issues such as nondiscrimination statutes, ¯
and had long enjoyed the endorsement of Gay lobby ."
groups. "The.race was on community issues," Stewart "
said. "My opponent never used the words ’sexual ¯
orientation. ’" ¯
Buoyed by endorsements from Republican Gov. ¯
George Pataki and the city police union, the former Air °
Force sergeant and long-haul trucker won by a narrow ¯
margin, becoming one of five openly Gay city mayors ¯
in the country. "
In some ways, Stewart has taken more heat for being "
GOP than for being Gay. The Empire State Pride :
Agenda didn’t endorse him until the llth hour - and
then, he insisted that part of the Gay lobby group’s "
$1,000 campaign donation go to the Republican Party. :
"I always get thesame thing (from Gays) wherever I
go: How canyon be Gay and be a Repubhcan. What as
wrong with you?Are you insane?,’"- said Stewart, a tall, "
dapper man with an enthusiastic manner and a dimpled :
grin. "But there’s a change going on. In exit polls over ¯
the past 10 years, consistently ~a third of people who ¯
identified themselves as Gay have said they voted "
Republican." :
In a recent interview in his second-floor City Hall ¯
office, see Mayor, p. 7 "
that the annual pride festival organizers would be hard pressed to
top their accomplishments of 1999 withUS Congressman Barney
Frank, Democrat from Massachnsetts, serving as grand marshall
of Tulsa’s first Gay Pride Parade.
However, event organizers fromTulsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights, have, at the very least, matched the stature of last year’s
speaker with US Olympic champion, Greg Louganis, to se’ive as
Grand Mhrshall for the Millennium Pride Parade this June.
Louganis’ appearance will cap a week of Pride events which
will begin with aninterfaithworship service featuring the Reverend
Dr. MelWhite. White is known as an author, forhis autobiography,
"’Stranger at the Gate," and formerly as a ghostwriter for right
wing religious leaders like Jerry Falwell. White more recently
has been leading a social change organization, Soul Force,
modeled on the ideas of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mohatmas
Ghandi.
Like White, Louganis is also an anthor and an actor as wall as
an athlete. His autobiography, "Breaking the Surface" topped the
New York Times bestseller list, and as a lecturer, he has spoken
about his chall~nges with a difficult childhood, his struggles in
coming out and with dyslexia, his experience with domestic
violence and with being HIV positive.
Louganis wonhis first Olympicmedal, a silver, at age 16 in the
1976 Games. In 1984, at age 24, he won two gold medals, one for
the platform and one for the springboard - the first man in 56
years to accomplish this feat. In 1986, he again won awards the
same events in the World Championships, and then in 1988, won
double gold medals for diving in two consecutive Olympics.
Louganis will speak at a black fie optional dinner to be held at
the prestigious Summit Club on Friday, June 9th. Tickets for th,e,
event are $75/person and there will be a VIP reception at $50~
person. These events will benefit Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
: Vermont:Married or Partners?
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Lawmakers debated last ~nonth
whether to limit aproposed domesticpartnership system to stonesex
couples or to allow opposite-sex and blood-relative couples
to qualify, also. There are some in the Legislature who believe
that broadening the proposal might make it more politically
palatable to a greaternumber ofpeople, improving its d~ances of
passing. But others argue that such a revision would diminish the
central aimofthelegislation beingdraftedby theHouse Judiciary
Committee: providing therights andprotections ofeivil marriage
to Gay and Lesbian couples.
As the Judiciary Committee prepares to finish its work on the
bill,that debate is coming into sharper relief. Members of the
committee faced the issue, along with the potential political
implications. "Iunderstand that there are people who see expanding
this ... enhances the attractiveness of the legislation," said
Committee Chairman Thomas Little, R-Shelburue. "’But I’m not
sure we have the time to expl.ore all that stuff." "I support that in
prineiple, but it’s a significant diversion from what we’ve been
working on," said Rep. Steve Hintgen, P-Burlington. "q hope it
doesn’t drive this to a halt." "ff you don’t do it you might drive
it to a halt," said Rep. Michael Vinton, D-Colchester.
In sum, that’s what the comunttee faces. In recognition of that,
Little has been trying to develop a companion to the domestic
partnership systemknown as reciprocal benefits, that falls short
of the marriage-like benefits that would be provided to Gay and
Lesbiancouples. Thereciprocal benefits,.however, might include
workers’ compensation benefits that could flow to a reciprocal
benefits partner, certain inheritance and real estate and other
property benefits.
Althouglino votes have been taken,noconsensus has developed
in the Judiciary Committee that opposite-sex couple should be
included in the domestic partnership system, which the panel has
taken to calling "civil domestic unions." There also has not been
a lot of discussion in the committee about permitting blood
relatives- such as two brothers, two sisters, a brother and a sister,
or a daughter and her elderly mother - to become domestic
partnerships.
¯ But such expansions have been discussed down th~hall in the
Ways and Means Committee, the tax-writing panel that will have
to review the tax implications of the bill Rep. Albert Perry, DRichford,
see Vermont, p. 5
orgamzation of the
Gay Community
Center and
Oklahoma’s oldest
Lesbian and Gay
non-religious
organization.
Organizers
anticipate that the Greg Lougams
parade will follow
the stone route as last year, beginning at the Ga~’
Community Center.at 37th and Peoria and ending.
at Veterans Park at 18th and Boulder. The parade
will begin at llam. The Pride Festival will also
begin at Veterans Park at 1 lain and will continue
till about 7 or 8pro, finishing off the week’s events.
TOI-IR organizers include Kerry Lewis as
chairperson of the overall effort, "Htunanity United
for Human Rights - Diversity Celebration 2000,"
Greg Gatewood,TOHR presidentandfestival chair.
Audra Sommers, parade chair, Lynn Moesteller,
sponsor chair, Mitchell Savage, media chair, Kris
Kohl, festival entertainment chair and Ned Bruha,
in charge of festival booths and beverages.
Other Pride events include a Soul Force workshop,
led by the Rev. Mel White, to be held in the
Performing Arts Center (PAC) LowerLevelTheatre
onJune3, Saturday,from 2-5pro (free). That evening
also at thePACDoenges Theatre,theTOHRFollies,
not seen for a number of years, will reprise, 100
Years of Broadway with tickets available through
the PAC. see Pride, p. 11
:
Gordmans recently invited diva Audra Sommers
to try shopping with them again after shefirst
receivedpoor treatment atthe Yale Ave. store.
Sommers praised the Corporate and store
managementfor their.responsiveness,
Gay Men’s Chorale to
¯ Hold Spring Concert
¯ TULSA- Council Oak Men’s Chorale will present
¯ two concerts on Friday and Saturday, April 7 & 8
¯¯ at 8pm in the John Williams Theatre of Tulsa’s
¯ Performing Arts Center. The concerts, entitled
"’Harmonic Diversity" will feature music from
~ Broadway tunes, 5O’s & 60’s pop songs, "sea
¯ chanteys," a Welsh lullaby, and a baroque piece.
-" The Green Country Cloggers will perform a cameo
¯ number.
: The Council Oak Men’s Chorale is a fellowship
of Gay men dedicated to musical excellence who
: seek to provide a source ofpride, unity and support
," and to present a positive image for themselves, the
¯ Gay community and to society, as a whole. The
¯ group is a chapter of the Tulsa-baSed Vocal Pride
Foundation, and a member of GALA: the Gay and
" Lesbian Association of Choruses.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
*The Mix, 2630 E. 15th
*Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Silver Star Saloon, 1565 Sheridan
*The Storm, 2182 S. Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 21145. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
712-2324
610-5323
583~6666
749-4511
749-1563
744-4280
745-9998
83~ ~234
835-2376
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
Tulsa,Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 523 1 E. 41
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*.Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807e S. Peoria
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
74%1508
743-1000
747-9506
250-5034
665-4580
712-1122
712-9955
494-2665
743-5272
746-0313
581-0902, 743-4117
622-0700
749-3620
58%2611
744-5556
838-8503
712-9379
592-0460
744-9595
610-0880
628-3709
808-8026
742-1460
459-9349
744-7440
745-1111
341-6866
712-2750
582-3018
747-0236
582-8460
599-8070
747-5466
585-1234
584-3112
663-5934
664-2951
838-7626
743-4297
747-5932
834-0617
,747-4746
’749-6301
260-7829
481-0558
835-5563
743- 1733
665-2222
592-0767
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
*Devena’s Gallery, 13 Brady
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337,
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main ""-
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E 55th H.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance &financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 19 E. Brady
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Howers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2rid floor
Rainbowzon the River B+B, PUB 696, 74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921
*Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Fay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center. 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*B/L!G/T Alliance, Univ. ofTulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence
*ChurchoftheRestorationUU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314
*CommunityofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Ddaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
PUB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
o-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors: ~-
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents
of this publication are protected by US copyright 1998 by
Td~ /:~.,,.z~ N~, and may not be reproduced either in
wholeorin partwithout writtenpermissionfromthepublisher.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s
sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes
the sole property of T~~ ~:~ Ntau¢, Each reader
is entitled to 4 copies of each edition at distribution
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 582-0438
*HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A:R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
*Holland Hall _School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the H01y Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral H.. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. forWomen, PUB 14068,74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, PUB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
*R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882
St. Dtmstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men). Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. forHuman Rights, c/o The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.LS.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307 E. 38,74105 743-4297
UnityChurch ofChristianity,3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
*Borders Books&Music, 3209NWExpressway 405-848-2667
*Borders Books & Music. 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
*Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
*Tablequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
*Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &1/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U 134
501-253-7734
501-253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
501-253-2776
501-253-5332
501-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
* is where you can lind TFN. Notall areGay-owned but all are Gay-friendly.
by Michael Kuchwara
DENVER (AP) -The audience is greeted
by a bare, black brick wall, a single light
and a row of wooden chairs and desks.
Later, a few video screens and film clips
are added.
¯ Still, nothing else is reallyneeded to tell
¯ the story of Matthew Shepard and the
effect his-murder had on the town-of
¯ Laramie, Wyo. It is a spartan, yet
¯ appropn,’,ate setting for "The Laramie
Project, astirring, emotional tale, almost
¯ epicinscaleas itswirls through thedetails
of this young gay man’s brutal death and
¯ how the residents ofLaramiedealtwithit.
The-play, which had its world premiere
¯ in February at the DenverTheater Center,
¯ presents a cavalcade of characters
¯ portrayedby eightactors from theTectonic
TheaterProject, aNewYork-based troupe.
¯ They even play themselves.
"TheLaramie Project," writtenby these
¯ actors as well as otherTectonicmembers
including founder Moises Kaufman, was
drawn from their interviews with more
than 200 people. Yet it is more than just
,docudrama. It is a story of feeling as well
¯
as fact. Each gets its fair share of stage
¯ time, grounding the evening in reality
¯ without sacrificing the emotional intensity
of people trying to deal with their hopes,
¯ fears and prejudices.
¯ What makes "The Laramie Project" so
¯ intriguing are its shades of gray. Nothing
is simple. There are no easy answers in
coming to terms with Shepard’s death.
¯ Kaufmanandctmpanypresenta variety
¯ of memorable portraits culled from their
taped interviews. There’s Reggie Fluty,
¯ thepolicewomanwhountied Shepardfrom
¯ the fence post. As vividly portrayed by
¯ Mercedes Herrero, Fluty is a vibrant
¯ woman, confronted with something so
¯ horrific that she says, at one point, "They
¯ show showed me a picture.., days later
I saw a picture of Matthew... I would
¯ have never recognized him."
¯ Equally unnerving are comments from
Rulon Stacey, spokesman at the hospital
where Shepard died. In Greg Pierotti’s
intense performance, Stacey breaks down,
¯ watclfingthecourageofShepard’sparents
¯ as they confront their son’s death. Pierotti
also gives weightandan emotional honesty
: to the commonsense statements from a
¯ priest, Father Roger, who decides to get
¯ involved in leading a vigil for Shepard.
What ties the townspeople together are
¯ their efforts to understand. As the doctor
¯ who first treated Shepard when he was
¯ broughtintoaLaramiehospital emergency
¯ room says,"This is something thatoffends
us. I used that word a little earlier and I
¯ think that’s a good word. It offends us!"
Stephen Belber excels at two of the
¯ showier roles in the play - particularly a
¯ tough-talking taxicab driver who
¯ epitomizes the "live and let live"
¯ .philosophy that threads its way through
." the speeches of many of the many of
¯ people interviewed.
¯ Right now, "The Laramie Project" is
¯ still undergoing changes. Thirty minutes
; were cut from the play after the .first
¯ preview. Even now at two hours and 45
minutes, it could use more of a trim.
: Shepard himself is not a character in
¯ "The Laramie Project," but his presence
¯ haunts the play. It hovers sweetly yet
sadly over the entire proceedings, as well
¯
as the town he loved so much.
That is only appropriate. As one of the
residents says at the end of the evening,
’¢I’he last thing Matthew Shepard saw on
¯ this Earth were the sparkling lights of
Laramie, Wyo."
Lesbian Survey Results
In the past two years, you may have seen an
amlouncement about a study on how "Lesbians and thei?
sisters are similar or different." This mmouncement
appeared in 200 Lesbian mad Gay/Lesbian periodicals
(including Tulsa Family News). It was also sent to 614
Lesbian/Gay religious orgamzations; 105 Lesbian bars:
54 women’s bookstores; 346 cmnpus Lesbian/Gay
Bisexual/Transgender groups; and 83 groups listed as
"’etlltlicimttlticul tural."
Tiffs research was conducted by Esther Rothblum, a
liprofessor
of psychology
at the University
of Ver-mont, who
studies Lesbi~m igsue~.
She was interested~in
how Lesbians mid their
heterosexual sisters
differ on demographic
factors.
For exanlple, manv
studies about Lesbimas
have found them to be
highly educated, not
very religi,ous, and
livi~’lg in l:u’ge cities.
Obviou_’~ly, this does
not describe all
Lcsbia~, but there
mav be reasons why
Lesbimls are differeut
flom women iu the
general U.S.
population.
.... eontrlbutes
to [Lesbian]
demoSraphle
factors?
¯ .. }-][ere are some
speeulatlons:
- Hi her
education
may result in
beeomln
Lesbian . . Y
For example, Lesbians may move to large cities to find
other Lesbians, to moveaw@froth their parents and their
politically conservative home town, or to be more
anonwnous. Similarly, Lesbians nmy have high levels of
education bccanse they didn’t get married innnediately
after lugh school, or didn’t have clfildren at a you age.
In this study, Rothblunt conipared Lesbians’~vith thei?~
sisters. Unlike members of other minority groups (e.g.,
African-Americans, Jews, inunigrants), Lesbians (mad
Gay men) differ m one importm~ respect in that their
sibhngs me generally members ofthe domimmt gr0tq~
(hctcrosexnalsL In the case of biological sisters, thex
would share the stone race m~d etlmicitv, and have had th~
s~une parents. The\ mav also bc close in age. So tiffs
method would allo~, vou’to exmnine the lives of Lesbimls
side by side with sistel.s who m-e not Lesbian.
A total of 1,2(~- questiotmmres were requested bx
email, telephouc, or mail. mad 762 of these were retullmd.
Ilcrc are the results of the 184 sister pairs iu which one
was Lesbim] mid the other \vas heterosexual:
- Lvsbians arc older thm] their heterosexual sisters.
- Lesbiaus are also more likely to be first-bores when
looking at ages of all l)rother’s mad sisters. (This is
interesting, because research on Gay men has sho~vn
thcnt to be younger sons.)
- Lesbians have higher levels of education th,’m do diet r
heterog~’,~Ual sisters.
- Heterosexual women are more likely to be
homemakers than their Lesbian sisters. There ,are no
differences in other types of employment status, or on
occupational level.
- Because Lesbians have higher educationM levels,
they would be expected to have a higher individual
income. Still, Lesbians mad dleir heterosexual sisters had
similar individual mid fanlily incomes.
- Heterosexual women were part of formal religions iu
adulthood, whd’~as L~lSfan~ Were mtte likely to endorse
altenmtive spiritual beliefs.
- Lesbians were more likely to be living with a female
partner or living alone. Heterosexual sisters were more
likely to be married, li vh~g with:a,~ale p.,?r,mer, m~d living
with children
- For those wonlen . in a relationslfip
with a partner (121 Lesbians ,and 149 heterosexual
women), heterosexual women have been in this
relationsltip for a longer time period ( 11.4 years) than
Lesbians (6.87 years).
- Lesbians were more likely to be"]iving in a large city
than their heterosexual sisters.
- There is no sig~fificant difference in how many years
sister pairs have been living in their current location.
- But Lesbians live further from their previous location
than do heterosexual sisters.
¯ by Dave Fleischer
: Senior Fellow, Policy Institute
¯ National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
¯ As ourcommunity faces anew wave of Millennial anti-
" Gay ballot measures, it would be easy to be fearful about
¯ our prospects. After all, eight out of twelve votes on
¯ homophobic referenda went against us in 1998 and 1999
¯ alone. Yet the shocking thing about our cotmnumty
¯
losing so many elections is that we actually "know how to
¯ win them.
What effective strategy
¯ persuades voters to stand
:-, with-us? After six years
¯ training Gay, lesbian,
¯ bisexual and transgender
¯ (GLBT) leaders around the
¯ country to run for office and
¯ manage campaigns, I know
¯ it’ s when we "come out mad ¯
talk" - engage voters one-
¯
on-one and ask them what
¯ they think.
¯ Vehen we do, the fuzz)’,
unflattering image of us as
¯ oddities from an X-Files episode dissolvcs._ Voters
¯ reconsider who we are and are much less likely m fall
¯ for propaganda that makes us out to be something we’re
¯ not.
Just as importantly, what proven strategy identifies
¯ voters who are already supportive? The very stone
¯ conversation. Because when we do "voter I.D.’" -askiug
¯ each voter "Can we count on your vote’?" - we build a
¯ reliable list of Gay and pro-Gay voters to whom ~ve can
¯ return, to turn out our vote, election after election. Since
¯ many of our strongest supporters often miss clectious, ~vc
_. lose without this kind of follow-up.
Making a voter I.D. list isn’ t glamorous, but it makes or
¯" breaks our campaigns across the country. Maine offers a
useful case study. In February 1998, fineGLBTconmlunit3
¯ lost Maine’s state-wide law bmnung discrinlination ou
the basis Of sexual onentation. It had taken Maine leaders
ten years to pass the law: die Christian.C.oalition erased it
ten months after it passed, despite a vali-anl battle bv our
How did we lose? The New York Times post-electiou
analysis was ~ shockingly clear. It quoted a Bowdoin
.: College professor with 25 years, of Maine polling
¯ experience, who said, "Maine is no more mtolcrmn than
¯
other states, and given a well-lq_ln "gay;-rights- c&mpatgn,
would likely split into tw.o canlps, with 55%. supporting
’Gay rights’ mad 45% against." A well-rim cmnpaign is
built on turmng out its base. The low turnont of pro-Gay
voters cost us the election.
How did the Christian Coalition tuna out ~ ts supporters.
¯ when we couldn’t? They prepared for the election by
starting tQ identify their voters well m ad\m~ce. Eigl~t
months before electiol~ day, the Cln’istian Coalitiou
gathered 58,000 petition si~latures to call the February
1998 election. They began the cmnpaign With the name,
address and phone number of 58.000 voters who they
could turn out to vote.
Pro-Gay activists started withno sitnilar list. We cotfld
have- m November 1995. voters across Maine defeated
ml m~ti-Gay measttre. But the "95 cmnpaign didn’t talk
with voters oue-on-ouc to idenlify our supporter,s. Of the
221.562 people who voted with us, our comnmnity eudcd
"... eight out of twelve votes on
homophoble re~erencla went-a.~M~nst
us in 1998 and 1999 alone.
Yet the shoekin$ thln$ about our
eommunlty losln$ so many eleetlons
is that we actually
hnow how to win them . . 7’
the canlpaign -l~aowing the
nmnc. address and phone
number of fewer than 3000
Gav.and pro.Gay,voters. - -.
X\~ began the" 98 cmnpmgn
with 30(~) on our list..versus
58,000 on theirs. Whc~
e]ectiou day ’98 crone, wc
lost by 7.299 votes, bccansc
83,409 who voted wiOa us in
"95 didn’t ttma out to vote
again in "98. We lost Ihal
election, but we shouldnt
lose [le~’l - so long as
lcmn from theexpencucc.
For cxmnple, wc will likely fnce an anti-’Gay repeal
vote just like Maine’s m *’liami-Dade Couutx The
upconm~g cmnpmgl~ is hatmtcd bx the one wc losl [111977
It Anita Brvaut"s "’Save timChildren" cauapai~n
Fortunatel y, key leaders in SA VI ~ Dade, the local lmlnan
rights group, Jorge Murstfli. Shcila O’Fmlell, Gcore
Kctclholm. mid Griscl R~xlrigncz, have begun to bnihl
their list. By lcachiug lcssous flom other canq)aigus, thcx
have motivated their vohmtccrs to talk face-to-face
VOleI’S.
On July 29. SAVI~ l)adc had its biggest voter I
success v~t. In twelve hours. 300 volunteers had facc-tofacc
couversations with 4.909 voters. SAVE Dadc has
~dreadv built its list to iududc 15.000 Gay and pro-(~a
vol~rs.
Ofcourse. 15.0(~) i s not cu~)n~ h. ’l’bc Chfis finn ( ~o~ d i u
will begiu their cmnpmgn with a lisl of 33,000 SUpl)ortcr~
of their own. Ihe number ol l)ClH~on ~igllaturc~ Ihc~
to put lhc issue on lhc ballot
Butdm SAVE l)adc strategy to invite our fi’icnds to Ihi
election ~s a winning one. On July 29, as they realized
what they had done and bcguu, Shcila O’ Farrell c-nmilcd
me: "’Well. Dave. you szfid 6.000 and I laughed. You ~aid
30 phonc bm~k~ with 10+ vohmtccrs m~d I rolled m~ c~
And tomght we exceeded any expectations I ever had
do you kuow what? 1 guess that trap we teach rcall’
woi:ks~ I think 1 had quit bclicvmg thal Thanks
cliallenging mc "
In tough elections, there is uo SmUt Claus. XVc have
~lOW who our friends ;u’c if we xv~uit to win:’]’o klloXv xx
they ~u-c, wc have lo ask. onc-oll-OllC. Then wc C~l~
thai List mid check il twice - and win the Iougla election.
that lic almad
- Lesbimls live flirther from their lnother :rod from thcilfather
than do their heterosexual sisters
- l~sbim~s have moved to fl]cir CUlTent locatiou because
of their oxvn cducatiou. I [ctm’oscxtud women have movcd
to their cu~ent location because of their partuer’s job.
- Lesbians have higher self-esteem titan do their
beterosexuM sisters
-There are at differences bet~veen sister pmrs ou any
measure of mentM health (such as depression, m~xietv.
etc,)
z Lesbians and their hEterosexnalsigters ~e 6x~ctlx the
san~e average height (5 feet 5 inches) but Lesbians w~igh
more (161 lbs on average) than do hctcroscxn~d sisters
(143 lbs). -Lcsbimis are more likel~ to have been in
l)sychotherapy than their heterosextu~ sisters.
- Both sisters tend to have heMth insurance, but
heterosexual sisters are more likely to have health
insurance through their parmer, and to have dental
lnstlr~lce,
hnplications:
HeterosexuM women ~e more like census data of U.S
women than are Lesbians on: m~age, living wifl~ rome
pm’tner Ctfildren Religion ~ucation Population density
Convelfience smnples of~sbim~ flint fiud that I ~sbim~s
live in l~ge cities, ~e lfighly educated, have a lo~v
income relative to education, and may not be religious,
may~morerepresentative ofthe ~sbians who p~ficipate
m Lesbian communily organizatious ~md c\cnt.s
What is it about being a Lesbian that contributes to
dcmoglaphic factors? llcrc arc some speculations:
13cing older and firsl boru may result in Increased
education.
- Not bciug mmTied or havi~ tg children at a yotmg age,
living Mone and/or not beiug in a long-term rclationslfip
umv. result iu highcr education and geographic mobility.
tli~hcr education may result iu becoming I.csbimi
- Liging in l~ge cities nmy expose women to l.esbian
" d0nmlfinifies. ............
Wlmt is it abont being a Lesbian that contribntcs
mental health and other factors’? Ilelc arc some
specu.lati ous:
- Do l.esbians reln~fin<~m~l:byedin order to mmff}ain
hcMth insurance whereas liet:~ro~eXnM lnm’ried
can become homenmkers due to their husbands’ 6cncfits?
- Are Lesbiaus less focused ou weight and appearance?
Or do heavier young women become ~sbians m~d!or
increase edncadon becanse of fewer dating or relatiouship
options?
- Does Lesbians" greater use of psychotherapy account
for dmlack ofmentM hemth differences between ~sbians
(a stiglnatized group) and their heterosexnM sisters?
- Does belonging to a supportive conmm~fity account
for Lesbians’ higher self-esteem
A
Newspapers Refuse to
Print PFLAG .Listing
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A family of weekly
newspapers distributed free to 126,000 Central Coast
households and businesses has created an outcry over
its refusal to publish news deemed favorable to Gay
orpro-choice viewpoints. More than adozeneditorial
employees of tWO of ~he papers have quit since the
policy came to ,light last week.
The papers, which circulate in San Luis Obispo,
Paso Robles andAtascadero, have beenhit with about
400 cancellation-requests. Earlier this week, about
100 people protested outside the County courthouse
in San Luis Obispo, some carrying signs that read,
"No Bigotry. in My ~owa,’:
: The c~rttro~er~y:ste:r0s from:a ¢:ommuuity calendar
listing; for~ Parents, Friends and ~Eamily~0f Lesbians
ahd ~ays~ Bisexuals .and Transgendered Persons,
which ran in the’Atascadero Gazette from Nov. 25
until Feb..17.~’=That’ s whe,n the paper’s editor, Ron
Bast, wa~ ioid tlie chain S owner had 6rdered the
listing pulled.Bast-said he was told there were to be
no storie~ tli~ ~lit~ed Gays or abortioninafavorable
light. He has since quit, saying he believes the paper
has failed in its mission to provide unbiased coverage
of the community.
Civil rights acavists, meanwhile, said theywere
appalled at the action ofcompany owners Mary and
DavidWeyrich."Hehas th~ fight todothi~ofcourse,
¯ incorporating as a nonprofit organization, outlining
: possible programs and figuring outhow to pay for the
¯ gathering place.
: Travis Blackwell, 33, co-chairman of the planning
~ committee, said he hoped the center would be a place
¯¯ for anyone to getin touch with the Gay community.
"And I hope it will raise asvareness, understanding
: and tolerance for the lesbian, Gay, bisexual and
transgender community," Blackwell said. "That’s.
one aspect. Theotheris actually having a central place.
where we cau all be safe and meet and take part in
programming and workshops and things that better
each of us as well as our community as a whole.’"
Gay centers across the country offer everything
from soccer leagnes to medical services, counseling
-and day.care. Although cities nationwide of about the
same size as-Charlotte have had. them.for years, no
other North Carolina city has a center, qocai ;Gay
leaders ,said.
In 1996, Mecklenburg County commissioners cut
arts funding after a local production of the Pulitzer
prize-winning play "Angels in America," because of
its homosexual content. And last year, Samantha
Gellar won a contest for young playwrights in 1999
with her story of two women who meet on a bus, fall
in love and share a kiss. The contest sponsors would
not allow it to be performed, saying its subject matter
was not appropriate for the festival’ s middle and high
school audience. .
United in
God’s Love
MCC-United
Sunday Worship Reverend Cathy Elliot
11=00 am Pastor
623 N. Maplewood 9181838-1715
" ~ i" f"~ .........
Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Community ofHope
2~Lg South Yale, Sundays at llam, "/49-0595
A Welcoming Congregation
hnttheparttliatupsetmepers°nallyisthathehadaI MiSSiSsippi Lawmakers
representing this as atmecommuuity .newspap~," Move to Bar Adopbons said Robyn Murphy, past president ~of.the central, i
Coast Gay and.L~bian Alliance. . .... i , , . . ; JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi lawmakers
The vtfeytichs m-owned billlioard giant Martin.i moved, to bar Gay couples from adbpting children
Mediabefoxe thecompany wassold fo~$610 mi’llion, with a Tuesday debate about morality and the fea~ of
great deal of support starting out because he was
HOUSE OFTHE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
t... ,~,~,~ ~,,. :rt..,~..,, u~,~. ~ \Ve~,~,~ : e~ag homosexuality. The executive director Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm
Wim,~v Tlu~_v mtMi~ho~l a ~lat~mt~.nt ~,i Ihe~r ° Of~Misst$$1[~!. ~list Cofl¥1~aUon Boald teld a
p.mt.os.op.n.~.tn..re.ce.nt.e.m.uoUS.. .t.n..c. issu~c ~nas ¯. ~Hou.s~e su.b..c-m.n.:m.m.ee..th.at.e.h¯iidr©n rinsed
~,:~z,’~n~’~’~ ~1~ U~ith ;nt,~orilW mtt4 ~ih0 tnd~ Wifl~ - ¯ Ilomosexuals 0~i10,1~ more mt~v to ue troy.
.... ~:~..~.~ .... ............. ¯....-, ..... ~ ...... Opponentssmdtheyfeareddieadoptionbanwould ’ ~ " [
....=~,, v~v,,-- " ¯ ’ ** * " ..... " ...... v....................... Licensed Professional & National Certified
~ ~ .... ° " ....¯ "- -;: = ;’d -~ ; onentauon =s irrele ant m adopttons; .... ......
uast ann omer mrmer stm;ers Sma mey m not , ¯ ,~,~-~; t,^^,,_:,,= ~:=,~:.....
editorial content of the publicattons when theylbegan ¯ . _~ :_ ,t.~. r... u..... ~. a:.~. -
m.~t.rj.ous, xnep,a~e,rs,ue~g~o:p~p~nexntgmt~t~.um ~r,: Barber said he eame to the Capitol on behalf of a Aft~l"Hours AppointmerltsAvailabl~
wire iwo more scneameo . . . , , .
................. s saidthe : Gaycoupletrymgtoadoptachild ‘They re upstanding 2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 21.5, 745-1111
Wevrichs ar~ notdictatino content. iuSt our ¯. etuzens~ ~neynappentouenomosexna~ -notrelevant.
philosophy, which has ~. d~ from day one."
"The staff onboard has a dear understanding of the
Weyrichfamilyandtheirvalues," he said. "Inpublisher
meetings throughout the pastmonths,wehave covered
these topics in depth."
He said-the Gazette papers, which promote
themselves with the slogan "Hometown Journalism
at its Best" on the bottom of each front page, also
refuse advertisin,g from nightclubs and tobacco
companies. ~’We ve picked.up 13 new advertisers
because of this," Hansen said. "We’ve received 400
e-mails this week that arejustpo,sitive mid supportive.
Pemple resiXct,,us for’what ~ve ve Said ~and that we
stand up for it.
One observer says the debaie has at least one upside
- forcing residents to discuss the meaning of the First
Amendment. ’YI’he idea that free speech and a free
press is being discussed is extremely healthy,!’ said
Randall Murray,a California Polytechnic,,U,niversity,.
San Luis Obispo, journalism professor¯ While not
embracing~Weydchor..his,views, ~ereali~.Lhat he is
peffecdy secure to set editorial policy. Rather than
impose on him ,o,ur editorial policing, the remedy is
coUnter-speech. " i ’ ~: "
Charlotte Gays Plan
Community Center
CHARLOTTE (AP) - Charlotte, the city that has
drawn national attention in recent years for its anti-
Gay atmbsphere, could have its first-ever community
center for Gays as early as 2002.
The Community Center Planning Committee will
spend the next six months scouting for a location,
¯ They would make good parents," Barber said.
" The Rev. Jim Futral, the Baptist leader, said by
~ allowing Gays to adop,t., the state would encourage
¯ homosexual lifestyles. These kids will be influenced
¯" in a way wedon’ t want them tO beinfluenced," he said
: during the hour-long meeting. Rep. John Reeves, RJac.
kson, the subcommittee chairman, said the bill
was not meant to punish Gay people but was "trying
to do what’s right by the children." Rep.. Gary
Chism, R-Columbus, said legislators should be
concerned about children and "we shouldn’t place
them. in a lifestyle that’s unnatural." "It gives an
indication to thatchild that this is aproperrelationship,"
Chism said.
Mississippi is among five states this year debating
legislation over adoptions, by Gays, according to
Hector Vargas,’a lawyer for the Washington-based
National Gay and Lesbian TaskForce~o,The others.are
. Hawaii, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah: vargas
said judges’ rtmin consideration "should be whether
or not the parents are a loving couple and can provide
for the child." "
The bill also says that the state will not recognize
¯ adoptions by Gay couples in other states. That
: provision could be unconstitutional, Vargas ~id.
"_ Several states have been sued over policies banning
¯ Gays from adopting.. Only Horida statutorily bars
" Gay couples from adopting.
~ Robin Lemer, staff attorney for the American Civil
¯ Liberties Union in Mississippi, said state lawmakers
: shouldbe worried about crime committed by children
¯ who grow up without families. ’‘The greater issue is
" how can we best raise children to be good adults," she
said.
Red Rock Tulsa. O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting limes and place:
918-584-2325
Mingo Valley Flowers
.... . 9413E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145
¯ 918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-A.A..A-5934
Family Owned & Operated
Trinna L. W. Burrows,.LSW, ACSW
Child, Family, Individual & Couple Psychotherapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
The Pride StoreV
1307 E. 38th, 2nd.floor
Tulsa Gay Cornmfini.ty Services Center
743.GAY S (743-4297)
6-D prn; Sunday ~ Friday
12-D pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center
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Daytime appointments available.
Call for more ilffonnation:
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The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Georgia Hate Crimes Bill
ATLANTA (AP)- Several hours after Palm Sunday
seryices ended at Red Oak United Methodist Church,
parishioners found themsdves watching from the
cemetery outside as the ehnrch was Consumed by fire
set by monists. "I stood there in the graveyard with
mymembers, singing while it burned down," saidthe
.Rev. John W: Pace, pastor of the black church in
Stoekbridge. ’ It was hopeless. We could not stop the
fire."
Pace says his congregation was victimized by a
hate crime. And he wasn’t alone in asking the Hons~
~ J~.di~ary C0mmitte,elo appr~ove stiffer penalties.for
cn.mes .~lotivated by race, religion, gender or sexnal
onentataon.
Committeemembers also hear~~rom arabbi whose
-synagogue was vandalized and a Gay mm~ who was
assaulted with a knife at his throat. "Terrorism has an
impact both on the victims and an .impact on the
community at !arge," said Sen. Vincent Fort, DAtlanta,
~e bill s author. "Hate crimds are terrorism
because of that fear."
Barron Segar,.a professional fund-raiser, told the
committeehow he was~surrounded by eight menafter
-leaving aGay nightclub in Atlanta:in 1992. One ofthe
men grabbed Segar from behind and helda knife to
¯ But Rep. Dan Grossman, D-Denver, and other
: oppo.nents said the Vermont Legislature appears to be
¯¯ moving towardrecognitionof ’~domesticparmerships’’ rather,than same-sex marriages. The final vote came
¯ after opponents argued it was a simple attack on ¯
homosexuals. "Thebillis nothingmore than something
: based on fear and I think it is an irrational fear,’"
: Grossman said. "What horrible thing would happen
: to us. It s gratmtous and mearisspirited:’" ~, - :
¯ Supporters denied that. "It’s based oh the
¯ accumulated wisdom and experience of cultures for
¯ 7,000 years," said Rep. Shawn Mitchell, RBroomfield.
"We alwayshave i:ecognfized as-self-
!eviklent that marriage i~s~joinih~dfopt~site m~mbers
:~ .,o~ the human species." Pas~hail !said ~h~ Offered the
measnre as a reiriforcement OP’gootl publicpolicy."
Gay Teens Ask.
,Peers For Tolerance
MIDDLETON, Wis. (AP) - Cal!ing.for an end to
harassment and narrow-mindedeess, a group of Gay
and Lesbian teen-agers and their friends,is trying to
¯ persuade a majority of teachersand students to sign a
p edge ..calling for tolerance_ 9.f ~students of all
hi.s .thro.at. "This is what we do to (Gays)," the man i b~k.:grounds and persuasions..! .... : - . . .
,:v, s;xtut.d~,:~uxs~i;n~g:;.a~n.~,=e.~.p,i.,t.~h.e=t..f~o.r~~=h2o~~.a,:,;o,_s~.e:.x-~u..a.l.s....~~:.e.~a.~l’,t.~~k.e.r...¯ , ~ndse,y.Clough., one of t.he s.~,d.e.nts o~g.amzang the - ~.,.~.~.~;mto ~g~uuuu mau-m¢ men scattere~; u o pma- ge0~,o~ nve.~ stud _s_he. ~dent.do.;~~ es-w...i.m... the GaY
hves-w~th;’me~erV day: tstilt~liaTe=iti!~h~es,’’ ¯ coun~.l!mty m. part tw.eause a ~e friend of her
;Sdgari~"dt~B~ifhly~~ttaek~dis d0h; ( Tli~se~’~r~ed tw~ : family lost a partner to AIDS.. 8hedeS..eti’bed, her
" W~eks mtail ...... ..... " ,, ~. childhood as extremely difficiilt~ .r and said she has
:: :;~ Rabbi;,TS.= ¯Robert Iehay of ~-Coni~te~ati~ix:,or: found. ,Goys and.lesbians to be’,~’0_~e.~0f the most
: VeShalrmre~lled:h0w ~e synagog~e.~ ~D~I~alb. ¯ und..d.~smnd.ingpe°ple I’ve met in.~y~|ifei:r .
"- C0tmtv ~ag vandalizex~1~4,e~;ffi-th~ag~iV",~ai~t’~ " ] ne stug~nt ~oup says its goalis to get most of the ¯d .. - , .r..’~ ¯ M ~1-~ ¯ " ,-~ " ¯ ::Nl~ri:sw~ligas~dthewords~bloodsuek~r~~ ot~b~t~ " : school s 1,600 students and 200. teachers.to s~gn a
,~Sihee’thetL~I~l~ysaid,:the c0n~i~galion ~~-had:a ."-pled~e’.~f!~lerance andinthe.p~to~e~at the
police.om~atev~’serv~ce~unetion=indMing_ i s¢.h~l a~qepts a!l students.....
weddings .iWe~sleepat¯ni~ht;’;hesaid::"Bat~livavs ~. :rng~schoolisoftenaprimepla~efor~a.ystudents
" t~i.tll;an.e~ie :6~,, .in case~°omea,~,;; k~,,,~a,,~ ,,,-: -~ : ¯ to be dbused, accordimz to a reoort last. Year bv the
" Fort~s bill ¯passed -the Senate,bv~jttst’two~rtes ~ Gay,...L~,~fib!an and Strmght Educatto.n Network. The
-. ~arlier thi’s m~nth, Thebi!t~,a!lr~S.~n~es to ii~se -. gr°up~,~9_Yed teens in32 states imd f~un~ that 91
percent of Gay and lesbian teens reported
up to five years in cases Where.~ey determine the : "homo.phobic" remarks at school and 69perccnt said
victims were chosen because of race, color, religion,
national origin, ancestry, ei’hnicity, gendei, disiibility
or s~xiial 0dentationl ...... .
COlorado -Ban-on
Gay Marriage Advances
DENVER, (AP) - A marriage.between, one man and
one woman would be the 0uly uniOn r~cogni2ed as
.legally validby the state under a’bill approved by
House lawmakers. The House,-which approved the
.measureon a 36-29 vote; sent it to-the-Senate, where
-it- probabl.y wDuld :pass,.,according to Sen. Mark
Hillman, R-Burliugton. Senators approved a shnilar
proposal earlier this inonth. Gov. Bill Owens has said
he.would sign the bill if approved by the I eegislature.
In its original version, House Bill 1249 would have
authorized courts to enforcenbnee0n0~nic provigions
of prenuptial ¯contracts Spousoring Rep; "Mark
Paschall, R-Arvada, succeeded Monday in.stfippi.ng
all language from the bill-and substituting it with
provisions to ban same-sex.marriages and to ensiire
the state, would not recognize S,’une-sex marriages
,pefformedJoutside~tsbordet~: :=:~ ,:, ~,,
As it did Moilday, the Hbuse on :ruesda) .rejected
a motiOn ,to~ send the bill to- the:House~:Jddiciary
Committeeforapublic hearing. Moderate~Republieans
_. on.. that, com~ttee.lastl v~ab joined.~t~b~rats in
kiliing a-’.similar;bill2 Coni~nitteemeinb~sargued~hat
they should be allowed.to, giv~ ~the-bill a(public~
hearing; but Paschall and other supporte,,r.s~ said¯ the~
-concept l~as :had extensive public input.
obvious, transparent attempt to kill the bill, said
House Majority Leader Doug Dean; R-Colorado
Springs.
He and other supporters said the measure is
necess.ary to avoid forcing Colorado to officially
re¢ogmze same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
Supporters said a recent ruling by the Vermont
Supreme.Court called for legislative action on samesex
mamages, and that action could mean official
recognition of such unions.
¯ theyexperieneedsomeformofharassmentorviolence.
" Patrick Kelly, an openly Gay freshman, said that
while Middleton tends to be more accepting of Gay
: students,thanmany otherhigh schools, there is always
¯ room forJmprovement.
¯ "’ LisaAarli, a teacher who advises the student group,
says she has seen great enthnsiasm over the pledge
¯ event. "It’ s given a lot of kids someflfiug to Nab onto
for a lot of different reasons," she,said. :’The kids on
¯ the margins ,are being pulled into something big m~d
¯ prayerful in tke school." . ....
¯
said he beieved the l~gislature sliotfld be.as.inclusive
¯ as possible in the bill nmv, rather th,-m have to face
~ such questio~m agMn some other, time. "My persom~
¯ opimon is I don?t wm~t to have to.go t~ough ins for
" another reason. I don’ t want another ~gislature to go
" tl~ough ~s," he said.
Little wo~d prefer to keep tfie_~co~.e:.’of the bill
focused on the Gay and ~sbi~conples who sued for
" the fight tomTy in the fi~st place..~at’s ~vhy the
qivii d0m~l[¢.u~on bill~so~eloselyznfi~ors~age
¯ statutes. ?We haven’t seen ~y, eviOence that people
¯ that ~e.bro~ers and sisters, bro~ers ~d ’bro~ers,
" sisters: ~d sisters seek to eslablishthe:s~e,.Nnd of
" : inti~m~ -~i!~~:ha~e~felt~th~
discfi~fio~~their efforts toestablis~$~ly
: u~," ~tfle sMd. ’~e desi~ of the ~iIl, we hope, is
" to ereate~ a NNo~on" ~vherN~e~ ~ n6-~:~ateriM
¯ ~ ~, 7 " -~ ~’ ¯ ~:,..~ =~ .: ~:.~;,~ ~,,,~ : ~. ~:~.~ . ¯ff~en~ between ~fir~age-~fl domeshc"umons)
~d t-herefore no consti~utionM differe-n~’~between
" ~ tWO."
. However at a r~ent Repub]i~ S~te Co--tree
: meet~g, Ve~ont Republic.s rejected, at least
¯ tempos]y, a push by the p~ty’s state chM~,
" Pa~ck G~, for a ConsdmdonM ~en~ent
" supporting opposite-gender m~fiage o~y, The
¯ pro~sM stated ~atbemuse ~e state Supreme Court’ s
: derision in B~er v. State open~ ~e door for s~e-
. gender m~age, ~e OenerM Assembly shoedbe~
¯e pro~ss of ~en~ng ~e constitution.
’4,
JeSSeJackson
Get H!Y Test
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Rev. Jesse :
Jackson stuck a cotton swab between his ."
cheek and gums Thursday to demonstrate :
how easy it is to take an oral test for the ¯
virus that causes AIDS and to encourage ."
other black Americans to be tested. "
’q’he crisis has not left. It is no longer "
fron.t-page. It’s not gunfire. It’s not ."
cocame, crack or heroine. It:s not gang ¯
warfare," said the civil rights leader, "
speaking at the Max Robinson Center of "
the Whitman-Walker Clinic, in one of the ¯
capital’s poorest neighborhoods. "But
nobody is safe," Jackson said. "I want to "
send amessage to everyAfrican-American :
that does not know his or her HIV/AIDS ¯
status to get tested." ."
Jackson, who said he had taken a blood "
test for the virus years ago, took the newe~ ]
oral test to draw attention to the issue as ¯
hundreds of people gathered in ¯
Washington for the Johns Hopkins "
University 2000 National Conference on
African-Americans and AIDS¯ ¯
Theresults ofJackson’s testate expected "
to be ready Saturday but, as is common :
practice, they will remain confidential. It ¯
was-not immediately clear if Jackson "
would release results of his test. "
Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. ;
population, but they account for 57% of ¯
all new HIV infections detected and nearly’,.:
half of all cases of full-blown AIDS, "
according to the Centers for Disease ;
Control and Prevention. Additionally, ¯
more treatments have become available, ¯
but AIDS deaths among blacks increased ¯
45% between 1991 and 1996, even as ¯
mortalityamongwhites decreasedby24%, "
statistics show. "
Jackson .called on the president, first :~
lady and leading presidential candidates
to set an example by submitting to testing,
noting, "The first issue is to remove the
taboo and reststance to testing."
Patent Could Block
AIDS Research
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A feud between
two groups of researchers over who owns
the rights to a gene helpful inAIDS therapy
threatens to slow the development ofnew
drugs and treatment, The Los Angeles
Times has reported. Maryland-based
HumanGenomeSciences securedapatent
earlier in February ~hat gives it a 17-year
claim on a gene that apparently controls
how AIDS begins infecting its victims.
However, thebiotechfirm only isolated
and decoded the gene. Company officials
acknowledge they had no knowledge of
its use when they applied.for a patent in
June 1995. Agroup ofacademic scientists
say they were the ones who proved the
gene could be used tO explain why. some
people repeatedly exposed t6 HIV never
develop the disease.
Meantime, the patent, gives Human
Genome Sciences control over who can
use the gene in commercial,devel’0p~ient
of new AIDS drugs, potentially limiting
the practical use ofthe academic research.
The ownership decisionby the U.S. Patent
andTrademark Office outraged the group
ofacademic scientists whosay thebiotech
firm co-opted their discovery.
"If the patent office awards a patent to
someone who clones a gene, even though
they have no notion of its function and no
real idea of its use, that would be like
saying, ’I found a fungus, therefore I
should get credit for penicillin,"’ said the
University of Maryland’s Dr. Robert
:Gallo, Whoheaded the group,of academic
researeher~ studying HIV infection.
That group and several other
independent researchers learned in late
1995 that the gene is a so-called "viral
receptor" that the HtV virus attaches to.
They also discovered that defective
versions of the gene generate a protein
that suppresses infection by preventing
HIV from attaching to cells. "The
likelihood is that this is the molecule that
needs to be used for the virus to go from
one person to another," said New York
University’s Dr. Dan Littman, who also
contributed to the academic study.
William Haseltine, chairman and CEO
of Human Genome Sciences, maintains
companyresearchers did extensive work
isolatingthe gene that justifies the firm’s
ownership of the patent. Haseltine said
thepatentwill notimpede outsid~ research,
adding that the company is making the
gene available to academic researchers at
no cost. He said the patent will only stem
the unauthorized use of the gene for
commercial purposes.
AIDSactivists havereacted withvenom
toward the company, which they accused
of capitalizing on the suffering of others.
"’These guys are the robber barons of the
geneticage," saidGreggGonsalves, policy
director of the Treatment Action Group, a
New York-based AIDS lobbying
organization. ’q’his is not about making
progress on AIDS; its about making
money.’"
Meantime, the U.S. patent office plans
to enforce new guidelines in March that
would require applicants to better
demonstrate the function and usefulness
of discoveries. Officials at the National
Institutes of Health, however, complain
that the new regulations fail to go far
enough.
i Clinton Plan May
¯ Benefit HIV Postive
¯¯ WASHINGTON (AP)- In an experiment
that could significantly, expand federal
¯
benefits to patients with the AIDS virus,
~ the Clinton administration is allowing
.. Maine to provide Medicaid payments to
¯ people are HIV-positive but do not yet
¯ have AIDS. Previously, patients could
; notqualifyuntil theyhadfull-blownAIDS.
¯ Health Secretary Donna Shalala said ¯
Thursday that Maine would be the first
¯ state to offer such a plaff,"whichcan give
." more people living with HIV access to
¯ promising therapies.’" Several other states
: are looking at offering a similar plan,
¯ officials said. "Betterresearch, prevention
¯ and treatment is helping people with this ¯
¯ disease livelonger, healthier lives, even
as.we continue our search fora cure," said
~ Shalala at a conference on black people
¯ with AIDS.
¯: Recentstudies have showfl that the early
use of.AIDS-fighting drugs can slow the
." disease and increase life expectancy.
However, many people with HIV
¯ _generally do not qualify for Medicaid,
¯ which provides health insurance to low-
" income Americans, until they have
¯ symptoms and are considered disabled." ¯
Without the plan, "the Medicaid
¯ program was in the untenable position of
¯ having to wait until someone grew so sick
¯ with AIDS that they became disabled" ¯
before treatment and drugs conld be made
¯ available, said Francis Finnegan, Maine’s
¯ Medicaid director. ¯
¯ The state’s five-year demonstration
projectbeginsinSeptember.Tobeeligible,
¯ a participant must be HIV-positive and
¯ haveanincomeofless thanabout $25,000,
¯Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
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Are You Gay or .Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa s Two-Spirited Indian Men’s
Support Group is here-for you! ~_~’/,~
’ Evening sup~ group meetings ¯ , ¯ Sho~ trips, outings and retreats
¯ [ Free HIV testing
~or informat~n call Tul~ Native American AIDS Prevention Proj~t
~’:~whlch is three times the federal poverty ,:
level. Before the plan, only children, .:
pregnant women and the elderly or
disabled with incomes below the poverty ! the 37-year-old mayor mused:about
level were eligible for assistance. The surprising twists and turns in his life. "It’s
benefitpackage will indudedrugtherapy,
office visits, lab services, case
management, hospitalizations, mental
health and substance abuse services.
About 1,300 Maine residents are
infected with HIV and 350 have AIDS,
according to the Maine Bureau of Health.
The new waiver will allow the state to
offer treatment to about 300 people who
couldn’ t otherwise afford it. Officials said
the early intervention is expected to reduce
the need for costly hospitalization and
prevent addi tional infections.
Nationally, about 900,000 people are
infected with HIV, a third of those with
full-blown AIDS, said Kathryn Bina, a
spokeswoman for the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. A third
of those whose HIV hasn’t progressed
into AIDS, about 200,000 people, don’t
know they have the disease, she said.
Claudia French, acting executive
director ofAIDS Action, a national AIDS
support group, said more states need to
ad’o~t suchaplan. ’~roday’s announcement
will prolong the lives of low-income
Mainers with HIV, but we want all HIVpositiveAmericans
tohave access to drugs
that could keep them from developing
full-blown AIDS," said French.
’Shooting Gallery’:
to Open in Sydney ¯
SYDNEY, Australia (AP)- This nation’s :
first experimental heroin "shooting ¯
gallery" will open later this year in a "
former pinball parlor in Sydney, the
Uniting Church, which will run the 18- "
month government-approved trial, "
announced at the end of February. "
The Site in Kings Cross, a suburb :
notorious for drug use and prostitution, "
has been approved by New South Wales :
police and the state’s health department. :
It will be run by an expert on AIDS and ¯
aim to provide a clean, safe environment :
for addicts to take their drugs. "Our
primary aim in operating the medically
supervisedinjecting centeris to save lives,"
said Uniting Church spokesman Rev.
Harry Herbert."
New South Wales state premier Bob
Carr said he understood concerns of local
residents who have fought to prevent the
gallery being opened, but said it would
help improve public health. "We think it
mayhelp save lives and get the problems
out of the streets of Kings. Cross into a
medically-supervisedlocation,’? Cartsaid.
Thecenter’ s medical director Dr. Ingrid
van Beck said about 200 addicts would ¯
use the center to shoot up when it opens, :
possibly as early as July,, just weeks "
before Sydney hosts the 2000 Olympic
Games. .
United Nations drugs experts this week "
condemned "shooting galleries" but
authorities in Sydney and two other cities
have said they will forge ahead with plans
to open them.
Want to get involved?
Need to get tested for HIV or
a Coming Out Support Group?
Call 743-GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay Community
Services Center
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
the
: ~a strangejourney," he said,, shaking
¯ his head. "I started drugand alcohol abuse
: when I was around 10," he said.
¯ The drug and alcohol abuse worsened
when h_e was a teen-ager having conflicts
with his policeman stepfather and
struggling with the emer~ng realization
that .he was Gay.
"I joined the military when I was 18 to
escape a lotof things, and because I wanted
~o be somebody," Stewart said. "And, I
onestly thought that in the military, I d
go straight. It didn’t quite work out that
way. I found more Gay people in the
military than I’d ever known."
His eight years in the Air Force brought
him to this city of 21,000 on the shore of
Lake Champlain. When his tour of duty
ended, he started driving a tractor trailer.
Then came a drug and alcohol relapse.
"I fell flat on my face," Stewart said.
With the help of a network of friends,
Stewart struggled to overcome his
addictions. "I sobered up on Dec. 14,
1988, and I’ve been clean and sober ever
since." It was the recovery process that
led Stewart out of the closet. "I was 26
years old, sitting in the basement of a
church at a recovery meeting at 1 a.m. on
New Year’s Day. I said, ’I can’t stav sober
!,f, I .keep hiding the truth,"’ Stewart said.
It lifted a huge burden. When you live a
lie, you suffer the consequences."
Backin the eabofabigrig, he considered
his furore. "I wanted a sense of inclusion
in the system, having a positive role,"
Stewart said. He got involved with the
AIDS activist group, ACT UP, handing
out condoms on the street. His activism
ultimately led him into mainstream
politics.
Of roughly 500,000 elected officials at
the local and national level across the
country: about 180 are openly Gayand the
vast majority are Democrats, according to
the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a
.Washington-based group flint seeks to
¯ increase the number of Gay and lesbian
¯ public officials. "It’s hard to overstate the
. value of having outstanding opeul3,,’ Gay
~ and lesbian people in public office, said
¯ Sloan Wiesen, a spokesman for the Gay &
: Lesbian Victory Fund. "When Gay and
straight legislators are working together
: on less contentious issues, like education,
; health care, or fixing roads, people are
¯ more inclined to stand up f0rfairness
¯ when a nondiscrimination issue comes
: up," Wiesen said.
Stewart hopes the national attention he "
¯ en.j,,o,ys,by .virtue 0f,,b~,ing aGayRepublican
Will neip the city. I m invited to all these
events - the State of the State address, the
State of the Union. It gives me the
opportunity to get the message out that
Plattsburgh exists, and we need" things
here. A lot of people around the country
want to help, because they want to see me
succeed."
Stewart does have some regrets. 0~e is
that he never worked up the courage:to
talk to his mother about the fact that he’s
Gay before she died in a car acdident four
years ago. "I was making visits to the
White House on Gay issues, but I was
afraid to talk to my own mother about it.
It shouldn’ t have been that way," Stewart
said, his voice trailing off.
Another regret was that he taunted the
boys who wanted to go to the prom at
Cumberland High School.
see Mayor, p. I1
TWO REVIEWS AND A MUSE!
[love John ~Villiams’ film scores. I
really do; they are sweeping, grand things,
alwaySsuitable for driving to, especially
the S~.Wars and Indiana Jones scores¯
Hedidagreatjob.on 1979’s
Draciihi, d~ea~iiig, an
o~atie score that soared
andswooped al,ong with
Dr~c~ffd~tly..It s my all=
score.- too :bad it h~Snot
been reissued comp!etdy
as some of his others have¯
What happened was, way
backwh~,scores were not
released in the version
heardin the film. Williams
was 7::..notorious for
rerecording .chopped up
bits~iof, his: sc0~ds, edited
t6gethdri .....ahogether
diffe~gntly ~ft0ffa~the film,
aadrdea~edas the ori
mdtifnpicture s’dundtrack
qt is a nice thing to
wish for
peace ~ndha~mony
amm~.~p~oipl~
I wonder if it will
’ever kappen. ~
One can, only hope
that. Deganawida
will come along and
help create a world
that engenders
with .a just-too~tight cardboard Slip case
covenng the CD case mid the thick liner
notes abit too tightly, so that getting die
blasted tiring out is enough to prejudice
your listeafing experience (childproofCD
cases?).If you’re a purist
and a Williams collector.,
.this is for you. If not, well,
rent the film.
~ .Jomme~he~mndoahhas
a uewirelease out,and it is
well worth seeking out mid
buying. A member of the
Wolf Clan of the Oneida
(Iroquois) Indians in New
York, Joaame has put out a
:number of bestselling,
award-wi~ufing CDS that
arejustincredible tolisten
to (Orenda, ~Matriarch,
Lifeblood)¯ She_has a
lovely, clear,: bell-like
voice that .Ires an intimate
quality to it that can’t, be
:beat. Sheap,,l~ffed in Peter
Whnt~.y0a ggt Wasnot the laarmony anaong Buffet.t" S y Spirit,:- A
s0u.fidi~,.a~(.~,er~annoying d-f- ¯ ~,, " 1 ’~.- .- Jotmley in,Dance, Drum,
to~p.ufiS.~!, b.uLa reerea.ted
~re~ng~ peop,es_~. : ~ .-m!d:,~oug",,:-and opened
.~rms.~...ash:..o[~,hat rmght ’ : :.. " :~ :;. ’- ~Wo.odstock ~94. :She:~has
ha~g:~n~n!h9 soundtrack at somepoint~ ;. beenailed~-aa!~i-ve Ameii.can:yersion of
In!re.a~..~ ca~_e~.,, this was disap~ointing, ~; Enya,:.a.1,.lhough; L.~eall~-!-hiak.,that’s
This,~beguntochange,firstwithpufists ,~ ,c,ompari~g:,oa.pl~e~.:,~,d,+,oranges.
rais~g~:S~jhenwithrecordcompanie,s : Pea~gmai~er,_SJoameyr:i:sanenchanting
,a,ct~[yt,iste~nipg. The score to Williams - r ~lbmn:, wi~h beautiful~melodies. Iti~ sung
Close-Eae0unters of the 3rd Kind".was ~ in her~nativg~Oneida Jaaguage, and- the
one::of .the. first to be remastered and ~ liner;aotes~.~conta_;n the :story. :and a
rel~:witli all cues (music bits) int.act.. ¯ trans!afioa:~into:English of:/he lyrics: It is
~di]s:reallygreat~sincemuchofw.hat , the.p~effeet:~bumt~li-ght~some,oandles,
mad~ the sou~dtrack~so great were ~CU! : and relax -~ith, with-its genre :melodies
¯ ."~" ~. " ’: : "- ’.~ ’ ~ ’6 --~ ....~z ~-~ ~ ,:~-~-~,~,~-,. ,~;’,’::-, ,~:’L~"~’J-~ . ~nta~t. ~twas also great. Then the S-.~y~ i,. mumc,-ofLtl~ ~f~ri~:~ of,~.lroqums
V~$i ~l~gy was. released with:.,t..b.~;~: Co~f~%~li~x~i~ihg,~t6~er-~ter
sou~atra_~ks"intact. That was beyond"~:~ many.:cemu~eS-ofW-~;-~-tli~M61iav~k,
wonderful. Now, Rhino records has ~ ~Onei~;.Onoiidaga, Cayuga; Seneca; and
released, something score purists have " TuscaroralndianNations.~’Peacemaker’s
desired since-the film came out: The
"Superman". soundtrack, complete, and,
no pun intended, uncut.
Great in that the quality of sound is
incredible for a score recorded in 1978,
great that the record companies are
releasing complete sets ofsoundtrack CDs.
Notso.hot after a listen and the realization
that Williams copying Williams is not
really worth a 2" CD set, because almost
every cue on the two CDs (despite what
the liner notes claim) is almost lifted note
- for.~ note/from Star Wars. Oh a few
sequences are rearranged, but "Luke
Skywa~ker!s~" i.Theme" is clearly
recognizable in one cue, and the original
openingnotesfrom"StarTrek" are audible
in another; in.what one might surmise to
beatributes,Williams borrowing ofthemes
is nothing new;’,many classical references
abound in Star Wars; but to blatantly
borrow so much from oneself is just
lazi~s~’~ ~:of.. li.ke~a~in~;i’~Well, I
don~f~[lik¢i~ri~ti~t,g~~,,w.hat
can r.borrow from the .~,~gltv~l,~ear~
S~n~.~ays,~eco~zes. T0,~,fair,
m~be~h~J~.t d~dd’"~h~,~e-lmucl~ tim.e .~d
that. w~- tiieifio~t practic~i, s01ution~- ai~d
maybe-theirwas why a fully complete
score was never released.
Still, it’ S a pleasant listen, especially if
you recall the thrill of Christopher Reeve
in blue tights and hotpants fondly, as I do.
Who paid attention to the score? I must
say that Rhino has done a fine job on the
remastering; the sound quality is, as I
said, incredible. The packaging is odd,
: Journey isdedicated-to children
¯" everywhere and to th0se striving forpeace
¯¯" betweenpeople andharmonyfor all living things.
¯ Peacemaker’ sJourney tells the storyof
¯ Deganawida and Hiawatha, who smv the
tribes warring ambngst themselVes, and
: sought to bring peace and harmony to the
¯ people~ -Relationships ~etween the tribes
¯" had deteriorated into constant war, blood
: feuds~and revenge killings. In danger of
: self-destruction; the Iroquois were saved
¯ by the sudden appearance ofa Huron h01y
¯" man known as the "Peacemaker."
: Deganawida (Two RiverCurrents Flowing
; TogetheO re.ce~yeda vision from the
¯ Creator of peace’and cooperation among
". all Iroquois.Apparently he was hindered
2 by either.a language or speech difficulty,
:... but :~ganaw,ida~ ~eaxttialty,, w:o~ ~the
¯ support of Hiawatha (.Mionwatha - He ¯
Makes Rivers), an Onondaga who had
~ beeo~n~..~:;Mg~aw.~:~ar~ ~i,ef. With
:: t.h~irfighiiii~Mdjoin i6~th~inale~i~ue.
: ~~end tdiS~fii Degan~widablotted 3ut
: thesun"t;6:~dh~,~il~:tfieS:’,elucima~t;’~,i~oi~r
¯ eclipse, visible ’ih(upstate New York
." occurred in 1451 suggesting another
~ possible¯ d~t~ for these events. The
¯ formalion ofthe League ended the warfare
: between itsmembers bri~ging the Iroquois
: a period of unprecedented peace and
¯ prosperity. It also brought political unity
¯ and military power.
: "Peacemaker’s Journey" will be
~ releasedMarchT, 2000. seeAmuse, p. 11
The University of Tulsa
The Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay & Trans Alliance
presents
ANiOKLAHOMO PROMO 2000
2-’~ightSi.~~di’,~y ~f:C£11~loid Scintillation
B+~n+i’:~,+++~m+~:~+~*~@+~;~;Chi.~olls, and Out of Se~on
Friday, Ma~h 24, 7- I2:0~ midnight
.GOd Shave (he Queen,Watermelon Woman
Indecent Acts: O~car Wilde, Cynam, P~t~ in Motion,
and C~sh
Sunday, March~ 26, 2-7pm
Different for Girls, All Over Me, Under Heal, and
Our Mom’s a Dyke ,.+
Chapman Hall Theater, 2835 East Fifth Street
: -. :’- ~.: (not~the+:Alleri~Chapman~Activity Center)
Eas{ of Delaware Avenue on the University of Tulsa campus.
Please look lL~r rainbow flags to lead you in off Delaxvare Avenue.
¯ Thi+ ex;+fit is offered in +6iijunction withomyn,~&
Hentage-Month. Actlvtt~es.
P!.eg.s,e=,<+c~+ntact,..~g. J~6~s~+~at’ 63.1~:~3 i:!5 to make arrangements
for accessibility, accommodations.
A
Jurnpin ",
Singin " .
Movin"
and Groovin"
Good Time!
Warren Vach4
and the
NEW YORK CITY ALL,STAR BIG BAND
and direct from London!
THE JIVIN’ LINDY HOPPERS
Sunday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Chapman Music Hall, 3rd &.Cincinnati
Tickets: $15,-$20, $2S,
*Includes post-performance swing dance
’ Discounts a~aihble ~or~gr6h’p~ and’ ~tudents
Call: 596-7111 or Outside Tulsa:~1-800-364-71il
"Online:.’Rrano.tulsapac.com
Tulsa PerformmgSA~s Center Trust
Holland Hall
SCHOOL
MIDDLE & UPPER SCf-IOOL TESTING (GRADES4 - ll)
PRIMARY SCHOOL TOUR (AC~ 3 - GRADE 3)
PRIMARY SCHOOLTESTING ~qDERGARTEN- GRADE 1)
To reserve your place, please call the
i Admlssi~n Ot~ce at .,t81-1111, exte~i~n 25 t.
5666 E. 8 Ist Stre~J~.~ Bet~eea~le.& Sheridan ~ Tulsa ~ www.hollandhalLorg
HSllatid Hall admits q~lifid’~studm~i ivfit~ ~egard to rat6 sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability.
Church,of the Restoration
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday, 1314 North Greenwood, 587-1314
by Mary Schepers, Do-lt-Yourself-Dyke
There was your DIYD, on her knees,
aching, throbl~ing~-on the verge of tears -
wondering why her mouth says "yes"
when her brain screams "No, no, no!" No,
gentle readers, we are not revie~ving the
DIYD’s-latest forays into courtship, but
~rather her most recent
Volunteereffort to help out
a friend in need. As you
accumulate handy skills
..~and .-become geuerally
perceived as arather useful
indiv:idual, expect to be
asked to help out others.
This is quite fair; after
all, most ofus, your DIYD
included, have accumulated
skills and learned
lessons (someti~nes not
positive ones) from those
who:have helped us on our
ownprojects: Quidpro qu,o
is a conunon currency tn
the world of home
improvement; the student
evolving into the teacher is an apt, and
expected, metaphor. -
" In short,_darlings;give backwhat has so
generously been shared.withyou~Orbegin
ficcumulating favors(that can be repaid
later in yourown moments Ofdire need:It
is common proffer; it is cxpected,~and it’
is honorable, and as sly as your DIYD
may seem, she is absolutely honorable..
Therein lies the.theme; the exemplar.
and the moral of our m0nthlytale. Listen’
closely and ieani from yore DiYD.-And
remember that this is a. cautionary story;
not a vehicle for blame,unlessR is your
poorDIYD’S~ whodidn°taskforsufficient
"There was your
DIYD, on her
knees, aehln~.,
thr0bhi O;on the
ver~e o~ tears -
wonderln$ why
her mouth says
’yes" when her
: infomiation before promising her vast
¯. array ofskills, tools and energy to a friend
: The particulars of die story ,’ire not
~ important. What matters is that a favor
¯¯ was asked of the DIYD - to help lay tile.
¯ Rule number one: if the task at hand is one
that you are not only good at, but have a
particular vanity over,
watch out! You m’e very
susceptible! Alld the
DIYD is the tile and grout
di~’a. Having refitedevery
c6nv~i~tionatstiffaeeinher
liouse, she finds herself
wonderizi~,7 Liii unguarded
moments, whether the
garage or the front porch
could, benefit from the
tasteful application of
ceramic tile. She was, m
fact, ripe for the phscking.
She graciously agreed.
Wlfich brings us to rule
nmnber two: agree on and
set all the parameters
around the proposed
! project befom.taldng it On: For those o,,f
you.whoshudderat theword "bom~dafies,"
¯" find a word thai works, b~t doi t~ al!ddo it
: thoroughly. This not only protec.ts you
~ from unpleasant surPrises, but the party to
i whom you are lending assistance aswelE
Nothing can sour a friendship like an
: ~tmisin4¢rpretedand goneaw.ry. ’
: Both sid~ should knowwhat is expected,
¯ ’ what wil! actually occur, ~hat amount of
¯ dme is involved, how~.much work is
: inv61vht, hoW much each person is.
: responsible for, and~ whatthe fairexchange
will, be. Any changes should be
E comm,tmi.¢ated u~ front:..,., ." _’ .’," "
50 New-Books at the Library
by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-County Library
Over the last few momhs, .the Tulsa
City-Cotmty Libraryhas acquired dozens
of recent tides of interest to the gay
community. Cheek your local branch
library for these dries, or call the Readers
Services department at 596-7966.
LESBIAN FICTION
Shy Girl by Elizabeth Stark
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
Hers 3: Brilliant New Fiction by Lesbian
Writers
6th Sense: A Cassidy James Mystery
by Kate Calloway
Bogeywoman: A Novel by Jaimy Gordon
Lost Daughters by J. M. Redmann
November Ever After by Laura Tones
The Other Woman by Ann OiLeary
The Vintage.BookoflnternatiomdLesbian
Fiction
GAY MALE FICTION
Breakfast with Scot by Michae! Downing
Comfort and Joy by Jim Grimsley
Justice at Risk: A Benjamin Justice ~iYnkStSelriypbbyyJoRhintaMCiorregsain,Wilson
Surrender.Dorothy by Meg Wolitzer
Minions of the Moon by Richard Bowes
Capital Queers by Fred Hunter
EveryManfor Himselfby OrlandOudand
His 3: Brilliant New Fiction by Gay
Writers
LESBIAN NONFICTION
The Queen of Whale Cay by Kate
Surmnerscale
TheWhole Truth:A Case ofMurderon the
Appalachian Trail
by H. L. Pohlman
Monologues and Scenes for Lesbian
Actors by CarolynGage-
Janet, My Mother; and Me: A Menloir of
Growing Up by William Murray
Baby Precious Always Shines: Selected
Love Notes by Gertrude Stein
Lesbian Health: Current Assessment and
Directions
My Lesbian Husband: ALandscape ofa
Marriage by Barrie Borich
Hunting the Witch byEllen Hart
ApplesandOranges:MyJourney Through
Sexual Identity I~y Jan Clausen
RestrictedAccess: LeSbians on Disability
To Believe in Womem ’What, Lesbians
Have Done for America by’ Lillian
Faderman
GA~ MALE NONFICTION
How to Survive Your Own Gay L~e
by Pet~ Brass " .
VulgarFavors:Andrew Cunanan,G’ianni "
Versace, and the Largest FailedManhunt
in U S. History by Maureen Orth
Crisis ofDesire by Robin Hardy
Love in A Different Climate
by Jeremy Seabrook
Finding the Boyfriend Within
by Brad Gooch
When It’s Time to Leave Your Lover
by Neil Kaminsky
see Read, p. 1:
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D.
"Faggots !" I was sitting inmy car talking
to my friend Errol when I heard the word.
One of ErroF s cantankerous neighborsno
pal, obviously - had barked at us as he
marched past the car. I didn’t know
whether tO feel outraged or amused. It had
been a long time since anyone "called me a
name, at least publicly. Sticks mad stones,
I thought. And did I really mind being a
faggot anyway?
Still, the hairon my neck Stood up.
Rude slurs are good e~idence of the power
of words. Even-if 0nly symbolic, words
have an ~mpact. Some words ,are deeds.
Linguists study "’speech acts" that shape
or change the world. Utterances like "I
promise, "I apologize," "I resign," or "[I
name you] faggot!" have serious
consequences (as anyone knows who has
been "pronounced" man or wife).
Language can’carry either a positive or
a negative charge. Both sacred speech and
profane speech are dangerous. In many
religions, no one knows the name of god.
Or even where onedo..,e.s; the deity’ s name
is never uttered aloud, Magical words can
change the world. The secret word
"sesame" opens the cave. Abracadabra
pulls the rabbit from the hat. Uttering a
sacred name can have unintended
consequences. You might wake sleeping
gods. It’s safer to steer clear of charged
labels.
A similar sort of ritualized avoidance of
naming characterizes many kinship
systems around the word. Son-in-laws
never pronounce the personal names oftheir
wives’ parents, and .vice versa. In
other societies, brothers and sisters avoid
¯ in public? Who can use which word, and
¯¯ in which context? "Gay" and "Lesbian"
have recently become broadly accepted
¯ terms for homosexuality. Some have also
¯ attempted to revaluate "queer."
Revaluation succeeds when the labeled
¯ themselves embrace a slur as their own,
defusing its negative charge. Thus,"Queer
Theory" is currently being taught in
¯ Ameficau umversities.
Then there’s "faggot." Faggot, as a
negative homos’exual label dates back
¯ onlyto 1910, although it was used as early
¯ as the late 16th century to slur women. In
¯ fact, a number of today’s Gay slurs -
¯ including the term "Gay" itself- were ¯ first applied to women. A "Gay" woman
¯ in 1650 Faagland was a prostitute. Robert
¯ Scott’s Gay Slang Dictionary (online at
http:/!~vww.hurricane.net/.~vizard/
19.htnfl) lists 156 synonyms for"fag" mad
¯ more appear else~vhere in the dictionary.
(Scott also has 37 terms for "Lesbian.")
These include Spmfish-derived’~maricon"
~ and "’pato," French "tapette" (although
¯ pede ~srmss~n~),~dd~sh fe~,ele, and
¯ British/Australian "poofter." Then there
are the more obscure "’cot betty,"
¯ "daffodilly," "fu," "whoopsie boy," and
"uffimay" - "muffie’" in Pig Latin.
~’Faggot,’" unlike "Gay". or "Queer,"
~ still remains impolite. The ~vord is
¯ dangerously profane.. Not many of my
¯ academic colleagues are willing to teach
¯ courses ~in "Faggot Theory." But the profane is always close to the sacred.
." Because of its charge, "faggot" is more
¯ hurtful but also thusmore useful indefining ¯
who and what we are. When we name
¯ each other by the word, we make a strong,
each other’, s names like hot potatoes. ~ pt~blic claim to belong to a shared world
Anthropology suggests" that such ¯ .~oFfaggotry. So, still sitting in ~ny 4,’if; I
"avoidance relations" smooth over areas
of potential social conflict.
Negativel5 charged words are equally
powerful. The profane also carries a
wallop. A curse c,’m kill. The villagers I
lived with in Vanuatu were always fearful
when someone spoke evil of thegn. Even if
someone swore without thinking, in the
heat of an angry moment, the ancestr~fl
ghosts ufight hear and punish the person
who cursed, or the person who ~vas cursed.
or both.
Sociologists of the 1970s formulated
what tlaey called "labeling theory?" They
analyzed the ways in which lal~els, like
faggot, impact both society and the
individual. Socially. an arsenal ofnegative
labels maintains power inequalities. Those
on the bottom of the social ladder shoulder
the brunt of these terms. Individually,
such slurs unavoidably tinge our sense of
who we are. Like muttered curses, they
can harm. Even if we are of the strong,
"words may never hurt us" sort, we still
have to take into account their social
currency:We must respond tO slurs ifonly
to deny their validity and power over us.
Labeling theory in the 1970s particularly
noticed ethnic slurs the N word, the H
word, and all those othe~ lfibels ,that~e
today t66 impolite to say. Dhrin~"~iE last
generation, American speech etiquette
(what socio-linguists call "pragmatics")
has shifted to make use of these labels
hazardous. More recently, the same has
occurred with words like faggot. In a way,
however, new politeness rules give these
words even more power than they once
had, as Errol’ s neighbormay have realized.
There is a politics of labeling here.
Whose words will become the standard
labels - the one everyone safely may use
jnst gave that !@#S% the evil-eye.
But in 1996, at a Gay pride parade in
Providence, R.I., he took the opportunity
to make ,’unends,
"’I stood tip in t¥ont of 3,000 people mad
lnade a public apology to the Gay
couununity aud the two gentlemen who
went to that prom together," Ste~vart said.
"It was very emotional." "
Stewart 1]as been criticized bv some iu
the Gay connnumty for not being more
out froht with his personal relationslfips.
He bristles at that.
"’My personal life is extremely private,"
he said. "People have a lot of gall to
impose their opinions on someone who’ s
trying to make a difference - to tell me
that because I’ ve reached a certain stature,
I have to promote some Gay agenda."
’~¥qaen it comes to being a role model,
Stewart believes it’ s more important to be
a greatmayor than to spotlight his personal
life. "Having-openly Gay elected people
gives us our place at the table mad proves
that we are just as capable as anybody
else," Stewart said. "And it helps change
people’s minds abont how to consider
Gay people in their daily lives. It’s all
about being positive in what you do."
IGTA member
Call341.6866
International
Toursformoreinformation.
Massage Therapy Services
~EdgarO. Cruz, L.M.T.
¯ Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
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¯ Free Call W~g"oFr~3 way ~illing
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Tulsa Locatioi~s~ - "
2001 S. Garnett, 437-2~.~.~.
3733 S. Memori.,~ 6600344
1216 S. Harvard, 587-1778
Sapulpa Location:
109 N. Mission, 227-2322
Meet Local
Guys for
Hot
the other personal ads
) guys you like
@Origin. 18+. Additional features from 67
!n April of this year the "Warrior in Two
Worlds" documentary will air nationally
on PBS. Keep an eye open for the exact
time and date in your area. This is a
compelling story of Eli Parker, a Seneca
Chief and a Union general in the Civil
War. Joanne wrote the sound track.
It is a nice thing to wish for peace and
harmony among peoples; I wonder if it
will ever happen. One can only hope thal
_ Deganawida will come alo~ag and help
create a word that engenders harmony
among differing peoples. Maybe then there
will be no more Gay bashing, lynching,
genocide... Sometimes, with news of
another Matthew Shepard-like case
-coming along once a week, it’s hard to
believe any change is occurring. Yet, I
watch TV, and see Will and Grace, and
many other shows that have or feature
Gay/Lesbian characters, I see films that
are about Gay folk even showing here in
the crotch of the bible belt (Beautiful
Thing, for instance) and can see a
difference. Because when I grew up, the
onlyimage I had ofGay folk were the man
mentioned in the book on birds and bees
my parents gave me at 14 - published in
1945 - that stated homosexuals were men
who hung around playgrounds in trench
coats offering you candy. I remember
thinking - in a rare moment when I wasn’t
busy suppressing, repressing and denying
- that that was what I had to look forward
to? That’s what I was? Ick. And the news
at the time, if Gay folk were mentioned at
all, "was nothing but images of the most
whacked out, far out people on the planet.
Lovely.
Now, kids have it much easier. Is it
paradise? No. Obviously not, and there
are people who are very much fighting to
prevent growth and understanding, and
raising monsters all around us. As Melissa
Etheridge wrote in her song "Scarecrow"
on the albttm "Breakdown": "’We all gasp
’this can’t happen here’, we’re all much
too civilized, where can these monsters
hide?’" She answers: "But they are
knocking on our front door, They’re
rocking in our cradles, They" re preadfing
in our churches, And eating at our tables."
And she’s absolutely right; that’s exactly
where they are. The boogeymen are out
there; and occasionally they do get you. In
another song on the same album, she
writes: "There is no marc, There are no
secrets, We all begin this race at the start,
But I have come this farWith a truth of the
heart. Deep down inside I think we’re all
the same. Try not to judge someone And
never shame. I do bdieve that people are
good. They just want hope and respect
And to be understood. Sometimes it hard
sometimes it’s strange But the truth of the
heart is people can change"
And this is true; I’ve seen it happen. Far
too infrequently, but it can happen. And
that’s the hope that can feed the fire of
change, andkeepus going whenit gets too
much. And it does feel that way,
sometimes. I had gotten to that point, after
seeing the internal strife within the
communities, as well as from outside.
How can we hope to change the world
when we can’t even agree amongst
ourselves? I’ d certainly decided it wasn’ t
worth an effort. Butmy best friend Karin,
aftermany years ofcomplainingabout the
world, has finally taken steps. To at least
make an attempt. And her doing so has
reignited a flame within me. And if that
spark might ignite another, then perhaps
the tamers of the world can unite. And
thus is hope reborn, like a phoenix frown
the ashes. And the world has changed; it is
so much easier tocome out earlier. There’ s
less a chance ofsomeone being afraid that
they’re the only one - like I did, There
were no role models. There were no out
Gay folk that I could talk to. There were
few resources available even at.the library,
unless it was reinforcement of the writing
in that booklet morn and dad gave me.
Thanks to the folks who were willing to
come together and fight and be,,,~ocal ~md
out when it was much more dangerous to
do so, the younger Gay folk do have
options we older folk didn~ t have. For thai
reason alone, the fight must continue. So
get involved, even if it’s coming out to
someone youhaven’ t yet. The only way to
dispel the lies and misi~ffonnation of the
radically wgong is to present ourselves as
we are - hmnan beings. That h~s done
more to change folks around me tha_u all
the marching and worn out footwear in
the world. And what is it that we all seek,
really? Not sex; and people who think
that’s what it’s all about are just plain
wrong. Tell them so. It’ s about the right to
love without being discriminated against.
And if they give you guff about that, just
tell them what author Lynn Flewelling
told me: Love is love.
Tuesday, June 6th, an art exhibit,
"United" will openandonThursday, June
8th, there will be a film night. Locations
and times will be announced later.
For more information about these
events, call the Gay Community Services
Center at 743-4297 (Gays). Groups who
want to enter a float in the parade are
encouraged to attend the float clinic on
March 11 from 1-4pro at the Center.
Gay Men’s Friendships: Invincible
Cotnmunities
by Peter Nardi
The Elusive Embrace: Desire and the
Riddle ofldentity
by Daniel Mendelsolm
Prayer Warriors by Stuart Howell Miller
Widescreen Dreaths : Growing Up Gay at
the Movies
by Patrick Horrigan
Victory Deferred: How AIDS Changed
Gay Life in America ¯ by Johi~-Manual Andriote
; OF INTEREST TO EVERYONE
¯ Gay Parents/Straight Schools: Building
¯ Comnfftnication attd Trust
by Virginia Casper
¯ Witness to Revolution: The Advocate
¯ Reports on Gay and Lesbian Politics
¯¯ 4 Steps to Financial Securityfor Gay attd
Lesbian Couples
¯ by Harold Lustig
Multicultural Detective Fiction: Murder
¯ from the Other Side
Outon Stage: Lesbian andGay Theatre in
". the Twentieth Century
¯ by Alan Sin.field ¯
TheQueerSixties by PatriciaJuliana Smith
¯
Gaylaw: Challenging the Apartheid of
¯ the Closet
¯ by William Eskridge
: To Be Continued, Take Two
i by Michele Karlsberg
Disidentifications: Queers of Color and
¯ the Performance ofPolitics ¯
by Jose Munoz
"- SomethingInside: Conversations with Gay
¯ Fiction Writers
CouNCiL oak meN’S c or<aLe
presents
an~eclectic mix.of.choral.literature ranging from Baroque to Broadway,
from pop classics of the ’50s and ’60s to a bawdy sea chantey
aod an American Folk song featuring the Green Country Cloggers.
Friday and Saturday, April 7 & 8, 2000 at 8pm
Williams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
(reception following)
Tickets: PAC box office, 596-7111 in Tulsa,
1,800-364-7111 or online at www,tulsapac.com
council oak a fellowship of gay men dedicated to musical excellence in
the performnnce of choral literature:, providing a source ot"
pride, unity, and support, w;h{]e presenting a positive image
for ourselves, our community, and society as a whole.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the council oak me~’s Cl~oI~aLe and its parent organization,
the non-profit Vocal Pride Foundation,visit our award-winning website at www.counciloak.org.
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
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, March 2000; Volume 7, 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
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 2000
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Barry Hens;ey
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Rights
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Relation
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Tulsa Family News, February 2000; Volume 7, Issue 2
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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English
Type
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newspaper
periodical
Coverage
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
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/598
adoption
AIDS
AIDS research
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Barry Hensley
Bars
Bill Clinton
businesses
churches
civil unions
Community Center
Council Oak Men's Chorale
Dave Fleischer
Diversity celebration
Do-It-Yourself-Dyke
domestic partners
Gay marriage
gay politicians
Gay Studies
Greg Louganis
Harmonic Diversity
hate crimes bill
HIV
HIV testing
homophobia
injection site
Jesse Jackson
Jim Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
lesbian survey
marriage equality
Mary Schepers
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
performing arts
PFLAG
Pride
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
restaurants
The Laramie Project
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
violence
youth
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/fe478eb503346b76d111ec713654575c.jpg
ff08337cc5191cc189c5ab43992f499b
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/09b2986511645c17d24e2596c65e850a.pdf
c8ca09acf9a97df515cf3a1f54ee1045
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Berlin Exhibit Looks at
Gay Victims of Nazis
by Paul Geitner, Associated Press Writer
BERLIN (AP) - Focusing attention on along-neglected
group of Nazi victims, a two-part exhibition about Gays
persecuted under the Nazis opened Sunday at museums
m Berlin and in a former concentration camp where
many of the victims were killed.
The exhibits of documents, photos, drawings and
other objects collected during 10 years ofresearchis the
largest on the subject ever mountedinGermany, project
organizers said. It documents the fate of700individuals
who suffered under the Nazis’ draconian anti-Gay laws
and tells 60 personal stories.
"We want to return to the Gay victims of the Nazis
theirnames and to show their lives, as far as possible, so
as to.at, least symbolically liberate them.from the dehumamzmg
barbarity of the Nazis,’" said Andreas
Stemweiler, project director at the Gay Museum in
Berlin, where part of the exhibit is being shown.
The other half opened at the Sachsenhausen concentration
camp, where many Gay men - labded with a
.pink triangle- ended up because of the camp’s proxim-
,ty to the capital, see Nazis, p.3
Be Counted: Effort to
Include Gays in Census
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - A national campaign to
include Gays and Lesbians in Census 2000 is urging
same-sex couples to check offtheboxindicating they’re
unmarried partners.
Using e-mail, ads in Gay publications and word-ofmouth,
thecampaign is an un0fficial way to get a partial
indication of the nation’s Gay and Lesbian population,
the San Jose Mercury News reported recently. "We
want to make the point that there is such a thing as a Gay
or Lesbianfamily,’" said PaulaEttelbrick, family policy
director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
The federal government added the unmarried partners
category to the census in 1990, to recognize heterosexual
couples who live together without being married.
That year, 150,000 same-sex households were
identified. "It was a vast undercount,’" said Ann
Northrop, board member for the Institute for Gay and
Lesbian Strategic Studies.
Those involved in the so-called "Out the Census’"
campaign say that even though individual Gays and
Lesbians won’t be counted, the number of couples will
provide a partial account. And additional information
included on U.S. Census forms could provide a valuable
snapshot of the community, including income levels,
ethnicity and the number of same-sex couples raising
children.
While the campaign is getting nationwide attention,
some Gays and Lesbians are wary ofrevealing toomuch
information. Rikki Westerschulte, who is raising a
daughterwith herparmer, says sheknows many couples
who are nervous about declaring their sexual orientation
on an official government form.
The recent passage of Proposition 22, which recognizes
only marriage between a man and a woman in
California, adds to the suspicion. "You walk down the
hall at work and wonder, ’Who is it I think I can trust,
who really feels I’m immoral?’ "Westerschnlte asked.
Other couples are angry they cannot declare themselves
as married, see Census, p. 11
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
Camme,rmeyer .To Join
Lougan s at Pr de 2000
TULSA - Last month, the organizers of Diversity Festival 2000
announced that US Olympic champion, Greg Louganis, would
serve as Grand Marshall for the° Millennium Pride Parade this
June. This month, organizers confirmed that Dr. Grethe
Cammermeyer, distiguished veteran of the United States Armed
Forces, will join Louganis as grand marshall.
Cammermeyer challenged
US anti-Gay/Lesbian policies
which forced her out of her
nursing positionin the United
States Reserve forces. Her
lifestory was madeinto a television
film produced by
Barbra Streisand, starring
Glenn Close.
Cammermeyerhas come to
Tulsa before. She spoke at
the Universi ty of Tulsa in the
spring of 1995 to an audience
of about 300 Tulsa Family
New~ writer Lauri Cooper
shown in the photo at right
interviewed Cammermeyer.
The week of Pride events begins with an interfaith worship
service to be held at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The
Reverend Dr. Mel White, author and civil rights activist, will be
the principle speaker at this event. White will lead a workshop
also to be held at the PAC on Saturday, June 3, from 2-5pm (free)
on the principles of non-violent social change.
Lougams will speak at a black tie optional dinner to be held at
the prestigious Summi t Club on Friday, June 9th. Tickets for the
event are $75/person and there will be a VIP reception at $50/
person. These events will benefit Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights, the parent organization of the Gay Community Center
and Oklahoma’ s oldest Lesbian and Gay non-religious organization.
Organizers anticipate that the parade will follow the sameroute
as last year,
Cooper & Cammermeyer
SoulForee in Oklahoma
Members of Soulforce in Oklahoma Marched at
the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in January.
TULSA- Oklahoma’s oldest Gay and Lesbian organizataon is a
religious one, the congregation now know as MCC United, the
Metropolitan Community Church United. So perhaps it is fitting
that one of Oklahoma’s newest community organizations also
has religious roots. "Soulforce in Oklahoma" is part of an effort
begun by the Rev. Mel White and his spouse Gary Nixon.
Soulforce is an ecumenical network of volunteers committed
to teaching and applying the principles ofnon-violence on behalf
ofsexnal minorities. Thename derives from the workofMohandas
Karamchand Gandhi, a leader of India’s independence movement.
Soulforce or truth force is a translation of "satyagraha" a
concept Gandhi began developing as a young lawyer fighting for
racial justice in South Africa. Gandhi’s thinking greatly influenced
the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his work for civil
rights for Black Americans.
The goals of Soulforce are to end the suffering ofLesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgendered persons, to change the minds and
hearts of religious leaders whose anti-Gay campaigns lead directly
and indirectly to that suffering, to be guided by the
principles of "relentless non-violent resistance, and through this,
try to bring hope and healing to society.
In Tulsa, Soulforce was organized by individuals involved in
MCC United and the group has been holding regular meetings at
the Gay Community Services Center. see Soul, p. 7
¯
Tulsan Chosen
For HRC Board
¯ Fundraiser Audra Sommers
: To Join Marty Newman in DC
¯ TULSA - Audra Sommers, who is planning an
¯¯ AIDS benefit in Tulsa next month, has gained
national recognition
¯ forher humanrights
- efforts. Sommers
¯ has been named to
the Board of Gover-
¯ nors of the Human
¯ Rights Campaign, a
¯ 300,000-member
national organlza-
¯ tion that batdes dis-
-¯ crimination against
sexual minorities.
¯
As a board mere-
¯ ber, Audra will be
¯ responsible for re-
. cmiting, promoting
¯ awareness ofhuman rights issues in Oklahoma and
¯ serving as a liaison between Oklahoma and the
¯ national organization in Washington, DC, where ¯
she will be heading for orientation this month. "I’m
¯ really, really happy that I was appointed, to the
: Board of Governors," she said.
¯ Sommers joins Tulsan Marty Newman on the ¯
Board of Governors. Newman expressed delight
: with Sommers selection. "Audra has a ~roven
.. history of work on behalf of the commumty, and
¯ she has an enormous number of people wholook to ¯
her leadership," noted Newman. He added that
." HRC is concentrating its effolas on Tulsa at this
¯ time and he feels Sommers will add immeasurably ¯
to HRC’s strengths.
see Audra, p.3
Audra Sommers
Pentagon Admits Hate
Speech is Widespread
by Robert Burns, AP Military Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Anti-Gay speech and harassment
is commonplace in the U.S. military,
especially among young enlisted troops, according
to a Pentagon inspector general’s survey. 85% of
those surveyed said they believed that anti-Gay
comments are tolerated on their base or aboard
their ship, and 37% said they had personally witnessed
or been the target of harassment - such as
hostile gestures, graffiti or physical assault- based
on perceived homosexuality.
The survey released last month also found a
widespread belief among troops that the Clinton
administration’s so-called "don’t ask, don’t tell’"
policy on Gays in the military - which Vice President
A1 Gore says he would eliminate if he were
elected president-is not working. President Clinton
himself has said the policy, forged in 1993, is now
"’out of whack.’"
Defense Secretary William Cohen, responding
to theinspector general’ s survey results, announced
he was creating a committee of military and civilian
officials to draft a plan for measures to improve
the policy’s implementation. Cohen put the onus
on military chiefs to fix the problem. "The report
shows that military leaders must do more to make
it clear that harassment based on sexual orientation
violates military values,’" Cohen said in a memo to
the military chiefs and service secretaries.
The administration’s policy, set in law by Congress
in 1993 after a heated political battle, says
Gays and Lesbians may serve in the military so
long as they keep their sexual orientation to themselves.
Dubbed "don’t ask, don’t tell,’" the policy
still bars openly homosexual people from serving
in uniform. Although the policy was designed to
make it easier for Gays to serve, an increasing
number have been discharged in recent years.
see Pentagon, p..10
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33 712-2324
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial 610-5323
Full Moon Cafe, 1525 E. 15th 583-6666
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria 749-4511
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square 744-4280
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st 745-9998
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234
*The Storm, 2182:S. Sheridan 835-2376
*Renegi~des/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main 585-3405
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308
*The Yellow ~rick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th , 749-15.63
Ailyanced:Wi~el~Ss 8~:PCS; Digital Cellular ~: ’~ 74%1~08)
*Assoc.. in- Med. &M~ntal Health, 2325 S I Harvard 743- t000
Kent Balch & Associates, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 4I 665-4580 ¯
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122 -"
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955 :
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665 ,"
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272 ¯
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313 :
581-0902,743-4117 ;
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700 ¯
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 ¯
¯Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 "
¯Devena’s Gallery, 13Brady 587-2611 "
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556 :
¯Elite Books & Videos, 821 S Sheridan 838-8503 ¯
¯Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379 "
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460 "
¯Floral Design Studio, 3404 S,~eoria 744-9595 ¯
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 610-0880 ¯
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709 ¯
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026 ¯
¯Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460 ¯
Learme M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349 "
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440 "
¯Sandra J. Hi~.’.ll, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 "_
¯International Touts ~ 341-6866
Jacox AnimaiClinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750 ]
¯Jared’~ Antiques,~]602 E. 15th ~ " ~582-30i8 :
David Kauskey,. Country Club Barbering 747-0236 :
The Keepers, Housekeeping &Gardening 582-8460 ¯
¯Ken’s Flowers; 1635 E. 15 599-8070 ,"
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 :S. Harvard, #210 747:5466 ",
¯Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha 585-1234 ¯
¯Midtown Theater, 319E. 3rd 584-3112 ¯
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934 "
¯Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951 ¯
Puppy Pause II, t060 S. Mingo 838-7626 ¯
¯Thh Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297 ",
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101 747-5932 "
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617 "
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921, 747-4746
Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301 ¯
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829 ¯
¯Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling " 743-1733 "
¯Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222 "
¯Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767 "
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities "
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579,9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times ~tiristian Cdn’t~r, 2207 E~ ~5 ....583-78"15
¯B/IAG/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
¯Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
¯Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. &Florence
¯Churchof the RestorationUU~ !3 l~N.Greenwood 587-1314
¯Comm’~ty ofHope United Methotttst, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
¯Communi~ Uniti{rian-Universalist~ongregati0n 749-0595
,Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
¯Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
¯Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tnlsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
.... Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
¯Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
¯Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 41413, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@ ear~hlinlc net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Chfistjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on or before the 1st of each month, the entire contents
of.-.thi’s publ~cati6n are protected byUS copyright 1~98 by
i~r~ ~4~ /~1~u4 and may not be reprodu~.d either in
whole orin pm:twithout written permission from the publisher.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s
sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes
the sole property of T~,~t F¢~.’. N~÷ Each reader
is entitled to 4 copies of each editaon at distribution
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81 st 481.1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438~2437, 800-284-2437
*MCt~ United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box52118, 74152
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group:[<~r t8-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support.group for 14-17 LGBT youth
S.t.Aidan. s Eptseop Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425~7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492:7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Deparunent, 4616 E. 15 5954105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on.Thursdays only
743-4297
298-0827
Tulsa Okla. for HumanRights, c/o The Pride Center
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc.
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105
Unity Church ofChristianity, 3355 S. Jamestown
BARTLESVILLE
743-4297
749-8833
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
Bdtders Books & Music, 3209 NWExpressway 405-848-2667
Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
*Tatdequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
: EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
":- 32utunui Bi~ceze- ~dstaurant, Hwy. 23
¯ *1ira & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
; MCC of the Living Spnng
¯ Geek to Go!, PC. Specialist, POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
; Positive Idea Marketing Plans
; Sparky’s,Hwy. 62 East
¯ White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
¯ *Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
501-253-7734
501-253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
501-253-2776
501-253-5332
501-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
* is where you can f’md TFN. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay"friendly.
Some 600 homosexuals were killed there
between 1939 and mid-1943 alone, according
to the researchers.
The Nazi anti-Gay law,knownas "Paragraph
175,’" was directly solely against
Gay men, since the Nazis were mainly
concerned with perceived threats to their
ideal of Aryan manhood. Lesbians were
generally ignored, although some were
arrested as "asocials’" or "prostitutes.’"
Few surviving victims ever came forward
after World War II because of continning
stigmaassociated withhomosexualkty,
whicl~remained illegal in West Germfiny
~mder the sam~ Nazi law until 1969:
Tens of thousands of men were prosecuted
in those postwar years.
Historians also generally ignored the
Nazi per.s..e~..u;~n of homosexuals until
the 1980s, meaning many survivors had’
already passedaway, organizers said. Only
a handful are known to still be alive; their
stories are told in a U.S.-made documentary,"
Paragraph 175,’" whichwon awards
at film festivals in Berlin and at Sundance
this year.
Germany’s center-left government introduced
a bill last week - 55 years after
the end of the war - that would require
parliament to officially recognize and
apologize to Gay victims. It also calls on
the government to study whether a blanket
annulment should be issued for convictions
under the Nazi anti-Gay law,
under which even a glance between men
could be cause for prosecution. -
Guenter Morsch, director of tli’~
Sachsenhansen memorial, noted that protests
erupted after the first plaque dedicated
to Gay victims of the Nazis was
hung at the Dachau concentration camp
outside Munich in the 1980s. Last year,
Germany’s national Holocaust memorial
day commemorated Gay victims for the
first time with .a ceremony at
S~lchsenhansen. Events like that and the
¯ new exhibit are important, he said, be-
; cause all groups - not just those that are
¯ "politically correct’" - must be remem-
-"- bered if tolerance is to be promoted.
: About 200,000 people were interred at
Sachsenhausen between 1936 and 1945;
: including Jews, Roma, communists ",rod
¯ other political prisoners. More than 1,400
Jews were killed there, thousands more
sent off to be killed in Auschwitz. Others
were forced to work in adjacent factories.
You mayfind the Gay Museum at
www.schwulesmuseum.de
Audra, who is also a volunteer fund-
¯ raiser, is currently producing her largest
¯ event to date, a three-hourAIDS benefit at
Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center that wi’ll
~ feature Thrifty president Don Himelfarb
: as keynote speaker.
¯ ThePAC show,"Connecting the Hearts
¯ ofTulsa,"is scheduledforApri120 atTpm
¯ and will benefit Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. Fea-
¯ tured performers include Debbie ¯
Campbell, Rebecca Ungerman and
¯ children’s musical groups from All Souls
¯ Unitarian Church.
¯ The John H. Williams Theater seats
429, andAudrahopes to sellit0ut. Tickets
¯ are $10 general admission, $20 VIP seat.-
," ing, and $5 students.
¯ For more information or tickets, call
~ 832-7919. see Audra, p. 3
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D. :
"Unmarried Partner." That’s the U.S. ¯
Census 2000 official term for boyfriends ;
and girlfriends. It’s either that or else you "
check Husband/Wife, Roomer/Boarder, ¯
Housemate/Roommate, or Other "
Nonrelative. ¯
How should I label my live-in? I can’t ¯
call him Husband or Wife. He’s not a :
Boarder. He’s much more than a RoOm- "
mate. (TheCen~uginfbmas us tha~ Room- ¯
mates "share living quarters primarily to :
share expenses.") AndOther Nonrelative; :
although correct, is hopelessly inadequate.
So, for lack of better alternative, the boyfriend
must be an Unmarried Partner.
I am pleased to see the Census Bureau
demands, rather romantically, that the
Unmarried Partnerhave"aclose personal
relationship with Person 1" (that is, with
me). I know some Unmarried Partners °
whose onetime close personal relations :
have aged into an icy and tight-lipped co- ¯
erastence. "
The Census, as a condensed.form of "
Ameri~anculturalpresumption, thinks that :
people really ought tO be related to their -
roommates either by blood or by marriage.
Anthropologists call such presumptions
"residencerules"- expectation about
who should live with whom. There are
patrilocal and matrilocal societies where
children live with either father’s or
mother’~ people. In avunculocal situations
-the tropical Trobriand Islands -
hildren move an with mother s brothers.
Where virilocal rules arefollowed, women
reside with their new husbands. Or there
is theuxorilocal opposite: traditional Hopi
Indian grooms, for example, move’ their
belongings into their bride’g house. And
there isthe "neolocal" U.S. where all
couples should establish new, independent
households.
All these patterns describe the co-residency
of kin, and the American situation
is no different. Most of us live with relafives
as we grow up: "mothers, fathers,
sis{~s, and brothers. And most of us live
with even more relatives after we marry:
husbands, wives, sons, and daughters.
There are just two anomalous periods in
mostAmericanlife cycles when wemight
find ourselves living with non-kin (with
"Other Nonrelatives," according to Census
language). The first consists of the
few years between leaving morn and dad
behind and marriage.
This typically is the time of higher
educalionwhen young twenty-somethings
pile up in dormitories, fraternities, sororities,
and shared apartments. The second
comes with old age. We agomze over the
mor~ity of farming mom out to some
nursing home ward full of strangers.
The experience of life with non-kin and
strangers is fraught with aggravations and
difficulties. The common bathrooms,
those dirty dishes, the housemate’s woeful
taste in music. Life with mere friends
or roommates is rocky and unstable. My
nervous students busy themselves with
inventing "fictive kinship" labels for one
another. They pretend that the co-residents
in their sororities or fraternities are
"just like" their sisters and brothers. And
they watch a lot of "Friends," relying on
Hollywood to romanticize and make fun
of the peculiar experience of sharing their
toilet seats with the "Other Nonrelated."
Weare broughtup to live with relatives.
Sbared residence withkin is easier for two
reasons. We are morally obliged to forgive
the exasperations of our revolting
brothers that we would never stand from
a friend. And we ablemore easily to take
our revenge on our irksome siblings,
spouses, orchildren, unconstrainedby the
politeness conventions that govern our
relations with non-kin. Wash those dishes
or you are grounded! Pick up your filthy
socks, slob!
Gays and Lesbians are in something of
a residential quandary: many of us never
mo~e beyondthis stageof life with nonkin.
Straights leave behind theirfew years
of shared apartments and dormitories to
¯ return to new households composed of
:. kin. But since Gays and Lesbians cannot
¯ marry, officially at least, we live out our
lives with roommates, other nonrelatives,
¯ and unmarried partners.
¯ This perhaps explains some of the fra- ¯
gility ofGay households. "It’sMyWay or
the Highway!" is easier to demand when
you aren’t shouting at relatives. Many of
us havemetguys whowereperfectcouples
before they made the fatal mistake of
moving m together. And we have other
friends who are resigned to living solo.
No spare toothbrushes in theirbathrooms.
They’ve relied too often on the unkind=
hess of strangers.
Soyou snoopingFedenumerators, come
along and count me. I’m checking the
Unmarried Partner box. At the moment at
least, I’m happily living with the UP. I
realize, given American cultural patterns,
that the non-kin structure of our household
is anomalous. It will require extra
effort and forgiveness to keep it going.
Forget or forgive those badly squeezed
.toothpaste tubes. TheUPis neitherbrother
nor spouse but t still want him arodttfl"to
be counted in 2010: ,-:~:
LamontLindstrorn teaches anttfOl~lbgy
at the University of Tulsa.
Among the. survey’s key findings:
- 80% of the 71,500 members of the
Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps
surveyed said they had heard offensive
speech or jokes or derogatory names or
remarks about Gays in the past year. The
service members were not asked if they
had. participated in such behavior.
-33% said they heard it often. It was
reported most frequently in the Marine
Corps and least in the Air Force. Such
behavior was reported to be most common
among junior enlisted troops.
--Of the offensive behaviors or actions
reported as directed against Gays, offensive
speech was the most common. It was
mentioned by 89% of those who reported
witnessing or experiencing some form of
harassment. Hostile gestures were reported
by 35%; threats or intimidation by 20%;
graffiti by 15%, vandalism of personal
property by 7% and physical assault by
9%.
The survey was done on 38 U.S. military
bases and aboard 10 Navy ships and
one submarine from Jan. 24 to Feb. 11.
The spark that caused the Pentagon to
take a closer look at how the Gay policy is
being implemented - and the extent of
anti-Gay behavior in the field - was the
bludgeoning death lastJuly ofaGay Army
private, Barry Winchell, at FortCampbell,
Kentucky. His killer, a fellow Army private,
was convicted and sentenced to life
in prison.
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Mississippi House Bans
Adoptions by Gays
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi may become
the second state with a law banning homosexual
couples from adopting children, althoughlawmakers
embracing the idea say they are unaware of any cases
ofGay adoptive parents. The House approved theban
with no debate late in March, nearly a week after a
similar proposal died for lack of action. The adoption
ban was revived after an orchestrated phone call
campaign by supporters.
Only Florida has a law forbidding Gay adoptions,
but other stateshave policies that keep homosexuals
from seeking adoptions. Bill opponents and supporters
said they were unaware of adoptions in Mississippi
involving Gay couples or any couples hoping to
adopt.
Mississippi Baptists and the Tupelo-based American
Family Association had lined up in support of the
proposal. On the other side were the American Civil
Liberties Union, which has threatened alawsuit, and
homosexual groups.
"It’s ridiculous,’" said Eddie Sandifer of Jackson,
director of the Mississippi Gay and Lesbian Alliance.
"This is going to be in court. It’s just a waste of
taxpayers’ money. They know there’s going to be a
lawsuit and they’ll lose eventually.’"
House Public Health Commi ttee Chairman Bobby
Moody, D-Louisville, said, "ff it’s the right thing to
do, it doesn’t matter to me if it leads to a lawsuit or
not.’" "What constitutes a family is not a homosexual
couple,’" s~iid Moody.
The bill was approved 107-8. There could be an
attempt for a second vote. "That bill is of the assumption
that anybody who’s Gay wilt,abuse children.
That’ s not a good ~rgument. I can’tjudge one’ s moral
turpitude. I’m not qualified to do that,’" said Rep.
David Green, D-Gloster.
This is the second time in three years that Mississippi
lawmakers have gotten involved in Gay issues.
In 1997, they banned homosexual marriages. The
adoption ban was added to a bill dealing with nurse
practitioners. That proposal lets the practitioners prepare
paperwork about the physical or mental condi- -
tion of a child being put up for adoption. Now doctors
must do the paperwork.
Moody said the House vote came in response to a
public outcry. "There’s been a lot of publicity created
around the state. It gave the false impression to some
religious groups that it was happening or there was a
possibility it could happen,’" he said of adoptions by
Gay couples.
Rep. Mary Coleman, D-Jackson, said lawmakers
"’were infringing on people’s private lives.’" David
Ingebretsen, director of theACLU in Mississippi, has
said his group may sue on behalf of aGay couple if the
bill becomes law. Other states have been sued over
their adoption policies. The bill does not ban a Gay
individiml from trying to adopt a child. It goes back to
the Senate for more consideration.
PlanetOut Website and
Advocate/Out to Merge
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - PlanetOut, which caters
to Gays and Lesbians, has announced plans to acquire
Liberation Publications, the largest publisher of Gay
and Lesbian periodicals and books in the country.
Liberatiofi Publications Inc. produces the Advocate
newsmagazine and will soon own Out magazine.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The companies
describe the deal as a merger, but the Interact
company will be the dominant partner; allowing the
magazines "tO continue publishing under their own
brand names.
"You can characterize it as the AOL-Time Warner
in the Gay space,’" said Megan J. Smith,.chief executive
of PlanetOut. Her five-year-old company operates
the Web site
www.planetout.com, along with an online radio and
film service and PlanetOut TV, which airs on the site
and on Canadian television.
In 1996, the San Francisco-based site became the
first Gay-oriented enterprise to secure venture capital
funding. The company has since established parmerships
with AOL, Netscape, Yahoo! and other major
Web companies as well as made advertising agreements
with Arista Records, Virgin Adantic Airways
and Johnson & Johnson.
Liberation Publications is based in Los Angeles. It
announced Feb. 21 that it. would acquire New Yorkbased
Out Publishing Inc., the publisher of Out and
HIV+ magazines.
The Advocate, a 33-year-old bi-weekly with a
circulation of about 88,000, concentrates on news,
politics, business and medical information. Out~ a
monthly launchedin 1992, has a circulation of 115,000
and focuses on culture, entertainment, fitness and
other topics. The Gay marketis considered a prime for
Intemet players because a high percentage of Gays
and Lesbians use the Internet and because the Intemet
)rovides.a level Of anonymity.
Dr. Schlessinger’s TV
Show Draws Protesters
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paramount Television says it
is committed to putting tough-talking Dr. Laura
Schlessinger on TV, the tough-talking protests of
hundreds of angry Dr. Laura demonstrators notwithstanding.
"Shame, shame, shame,’" more than 200
Gay civil rights protesters shouted outside Paramount
Pictures, where they demanded the studio drop plans
to put the controversial radio host on television this
fall.
Schlessinger, known to her listeners as Dr. Laura,
dispenses relationship advice onher enormously popular
radio show. She has called homosexuality a"biological
error’" and "deviant.’"
"When Paramount bought Laura Schlessinger’s
show, they bought abattle withtheGay community,’"
said Joan Garry, executive director of the Gay and
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "We’re going
to do whatever it takes’" to get the ParamOunt Television
Group to abandon the syndicated show, Garry
said.
So far Paramount has stood firm. and none of the
stations signed on to air Schlessinger’s show have
backed out. In arecent statement, the studio §aidit was
committed to presenting moral and ethi’~fl issues
without "creating or contributing to an en~cfroimaent
of hurt, hate or intolerance.’"
One of the signs carried by the demonstrators read
"No More Matthew Shepards.’" a reference to the
Gay student killed in Wyoming in 1998. Also fueling
the protest is anger over the passage last month of
Proposition 22, which bans same-sex marriage in
California.
"We will do whatever it takes to keep the pressure
on. The strategies will be about advertisers and the
affiliates,’" Garry said, declining to specify whether
that meant station or sponsor boycotts.
Countering the demonstrators were about 75
Schlessinger supporters organized by Campaign for
California Families, a conservauve, nonprofit organization.
"We’re the majority Of people who pay to see
Paramount films and who tune in to Paramount television
shows. We are in support of Dr. Laura being on
the air,’" Said Cherri Gardner, a spokeswoman for the
group.
Conservatives Sue City
Over Partners Benefits
BOSTON (AP) -A conservativelaw firm is suing the
city of Cambridge, claiming that the ordinance that
allows homosexual couples to register as domestic
partners is illegal and unconstitutionhl.
"The ordinance isboth legally and morally wrong.
.. This legal action is necessary to defend marriage
and the family,’" Vincent P. McCarthy, Northeast
counsel for the Virginia-based American Center for
Law and Justice, said Tuesday in a statement.
In July, the state Suprem,e Judicial Court struck
down an executive order issued by Boston Mayor
Thomas Menino that was intended to give health
insurance coverage to Gay partners of Boston city
workers.
The ACLJ assisted the Catholic Action League in
that case and predicted another legal victory against
Cambridge. It also said it planned to file a suit against
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the city of Springfield. The Catholic Action Leagueis
also involved in the Cambridge case.
Under the Cambridge ordinance passed in 1992,
Gay couples go to City Hall and register as domestic
partners. Once registered, partners of a city or school
worker are entitled to the same health benefits as
spouses of city and school workers.
Michael Gardner, Cambridge’s personnel director,
who administers the be~lefits, said he felt the ordinance
was both legal and constitutional.
"It was our view that we should continue to follow
the ordinance passed by our legislative body,’" he
said.
The law firm, which brought the suit onbehalfof 12
Cambridge residents, attacked the ordinance on a
number of legal fronts, but one argument was the one
that succeeded in the Supreme Judicial Conrt last
year.
The SJC had rifled that the" Boston executive order
was "inconsistent’" with a decades-old state law that
granted cities the authority to provide health insurance
to workers, their spouses and dependents.
Gary Buseck, executive director of Gay and Lesbian
Advocates and Defenders, said he would be
happy if Cambridge fought the case vigorously.
But he also called on the Legislature to pass a bill
designed to grant cities and towns the power to extend
the benefits if they chose. The bill has passed the
Senate but is pending in the House, he said.
"The Legislature can put an end to all of this and
~make sure cities and towns have an option of extending
health insurance to all their employees,’" Buseck
said.
Georgia Hate Crimes
Bill Gets Final Passage
ATLA~’qTA (AP) - The Georgia Senate gave final
passage to a bill allowing stiffer penalties for hate
crimes. Gov. Roy Barnes will have to sign off on it
before it can become law. ~
The. origii~ Version of the bill specified which
types ofbigo.try warranted a hate crime, but the House
amended the: measure to be more vague. It now
mentions only.crimes motivated by "bias or preju-
Sen. Vincent D. Fort, D-Atlanta, said he would
have preferred the.originalianguage but was willing
to accept the ctian~e~.
.A jury would, declare defendants guilty of a hate
crime after they were convicted ofanother crime such
as vandalism, arson, assault or murder. The initial bill
would have allowed the judge to make that decision.
That changeprompted Sen. Clay Land, R-Columbus,
to reverse his original vote and support the measure.
~At that time,.I felt the legislation was unconstitutional
because it did not provide the accused with a
¯ jury trial,’" he said.
Under the bill, sentences and fines for misdemeanors
would be increased by half, up to the maximum
allowed, for hate crimes. Felony prison sentences
¯ would be increased byfive years up to the maximum
sentence. Defendants convicted ofhate crimes would
have to serve at least 90 percent of their sentences.
Women Lawmakers Key
To Civil Unions Win
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A greater percentage of
women than menin the Vermont House of Representatives
voted in favor of the civil unions bill that
passed in the House last week.
Female representatives approved by a wide margin
granting same-sex couples tile benefits of marriage
through civil unions while their male counterparts
turned it down. The women voted for the bill 35-9
while the men voted against it 60-41.
All but one of 32 female Democrats voted in favor
of the bill, while four of 12 Republican women voted
for it.
Although women make up relatively smaller proportions
of each caucus, more than half of the Democrats
voting yes were women, and more than a quarter
of the Republicans voting yes were women.
Rep. Anne Pugh, D-South Burlington, said female
constituents in general asked her to support the bill,
while men asked her [o oppose it.
"It may have m do with the fact that women
traditionally focus on family, and nurturing and relationships
- that women’s identity comes from connecting,’"
Pugh said.
Rep. Michael Vinton, D-C01chester, a retired state
trooper who has been outspoken in his criticisms of
anti-Gay arguments, said he bdieved women felt less
threatened by homosexuality. "For whatever reason,
I feel there’s more fear among the male gender,’"
Vinton said. "Men seem to be more crfical of people
-it’s just our species, probably.""
The trend reflects women’s greater receptiveness
to homosexuals across the country, according to national
policy experts.
"Women overwhelnfingly support Gay aud Lesbian
civil rights more than ~nen, generally speaking,’"
said Paula Ettelbrick, director ofthe National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute.
"’Women identify more because, like Gays and
Lesbians, they have not been part of the system as a
group, and theymaderstand the need and desire to be
a full citizen,’" she said. However, she said the fact
that the Vermont House had passed a civil unions bill
at all "shows that mendike everybody else have the
capacity to change on issues involving their own
communities.’"
The bill passed on a final margin of76 to 69. Voting
yes were 57 Democrats, 14 Republicans, four
Progressives mad one Independent. Voting no were 50
Republicans, 18 Democrats, and one Independent.
N.M. Christian Coalition
Files Phone Co. Benefits
ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - The New Mexico branch
of the Christian Coalition is accusing U S West of
abusing public trust by providing employee benefits
to homosexuals and other umnarried workers. In a
document filed with the state Public RegulationCommission,
theNew Mexico Christian Coalition says the
policy is "offensive to decent, moral subscribers who
want phone service.’"
Edward Lopez Jr., U S West’s vice president in
New Mexico, said he is disgusted to "see-this kind of
hate and intolerance’" in a state as diverse as New
Mexico. Lopez says. the policy is good business. "We
believe our work force mirrors that of our. custom-
: ers,’" he said. "We’ve better able to understand .our.
customers needs and respond to.them.’"
¯ In its one-page filing, theChristian group contends
U S West’s benefits policy promotes the spread of
¯ AIDS and other sexually transmitteddiseases. "We’re
¯ saying there’s a moral issue of unmarried people that
¯ donot deserve benefits. If there is any way to prevent
¯ that from happening, we’ll do that,’" said Mark Bur-
" ton, executive director of the Albuquerque-based
¯ group. The group, affiliated with Pat Robertson’s
Christian Coalition of America, also contends in the
¯ filing that homosexuals are prone to violence and
¯ child molestation.
¯ Linda Siegle, alobbyist for theCoalition forEquality,
called the group’s statements "ludicrous and
¯ absurd, based on every lie and stereotype perpetrated
¯ on people who are Gay.’"
About 2,500 private corporations, universities and
other organizations across the nation provide domes-
" tic partnership benefits, she said.
¯ In its Mar~h i0 filing,’ the New Mexico Christian
¯ Coalition requested the PRC investigate "the social
¯ implications of this heinous U S West policy.’" "The
partners of homosexuals .shouldn’t have the right to
¯ get benefits fromamonopoly when I have no other
choice (for servic£),’" Burton said. " "
The Public Regulation Commission currently as
investigating U S West’s customer rates. Commission
chairman Bill Pope said he couldn’t comment on
anything contained in the filing because the panel has
yet to hear the rate case.
South African Gays
May Give Blood
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -
Gay men have a constitutional right to
donate blood, the South African Human
Rights Commission has ruled. The commission
said it was no longer Gays who
were most at risk for HIV in South Africa,
but people in their early 20s.
The commi ssiondemandedthat ablood
bank in Western Cape change its practice
of not accepting blood from homosexual
men. Western Cape Blood Transfusion
Service director Arthur Bird on Friday
said he disagreed with the decision and
was seeking legal advice.
The case came about after Andrew
Barnes, a public relations manager, responded
to an urgent plea for new donors
in the midst of a severe blood shortage last
year. A nurse at Western Cape Blood
Transfusion Service declined Barnes’
blood afterhemarked "yes’" ontheform’ s
question of whether he had had sex with a
man. Barnes had been in a r~lationship
with anothermanformore than two years.
The commission said the decision to
reject Barnes’ blood was ’~discrimination
in terms of the Constitution." It said it
would take the blood bank to court unless
it explains what changes it will make to
avoid breaching people’s constitutional
right to equality before April 3.
Teacher With AIDS
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - HIV/AIDS activist
Cathy Robinson was a teacher in
1991, living a storybook life with her
husband, pregnant with their second child.
She and her husband, Dan, went to the
doctor for what was supposed to be a
routine physical for life insurance and
learned theunimaginable: They both Were
infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
Three years later, she developed AIDS.
"My first instinct was, ’I know where
I’ve been. Where have you been?’ "
Robinson said. Then headlines flashed
through her head declaring Belle Glade -
where she had worked with children- the
AIDS capital of the state. She wondered if
she had contracted the deadly virus there.
Buttwomonths later, Robinson, 34, found
out she had contracted HIV from a man
who died from AIDS complications in
prison while doing time for raping her
July 4, 1984, at a Tallalaassee convenience
store where she worked. Privacy
laws prohibited the prison from disclosing
to Robinson that he had AIDS.
She went seven years without finding
out she had HIV. She gave it to her husband
during that time, but her children,
Garrett and Lyndsy, are HIV-free. There
is only about a 20% chance a pregnant
mother will pass onHIV to her baby. With
medicine, the chances drop to 4%.
Robinson, who also wasdiagnosed with
breast cancer two year~s ago, is coping
with her own mortality by spending the
time she has left to promote safe sex and
persuade people to get tested. Her efforts
includ~lhe NAMES Project AIDS Memoria~:
Quilt display, which is being displayed
this month in the Hollis Wellness
Center at Florida Southern College.
Robinson. travels throughout Florida
talking with students, sheriffs’ deputies
and commumty groups about HIV and
AIDS, defying stereotypes of the "typical’"
AIDS victim, as a mamed, white,
middle-class mother of two.
Laws about HIV status disclosure vary
by state. In Florida, it takes a court order
to have someone convicted of sexual assault
tested. "We don’t as a state mandate
testing, and emergency rooms don’t have
time to doit,’" Robinson said. "They (tell)
victims of sexual as sault, ’In afew weeks,
you should get tested.’ "
Assistant State Attorney Sherri
Scarborough, who handles many of the
criminal sexual assault cases in Polk
County, said state statutes allow the court
to order HIV tests of anyone accused of a
crime where bodily fluids are exchanged.
But the victim has to request the tests and
ask that the health department notify them
of the results. Scarborough said she only
remembered two cases in the past six
years when a victim wanted to have his or
her attacker tested. One whs aT0-year-old
woman. The other was a college student.
Robinson was a student at Florida State
University when she was raped. Two of
her attackers were convicted, but a third
man never was arrested. She testified in
the two trials but did not ask that her
attacker be tested because there was no
HIV test at the time. "In 1985, there was
a test. I called right away, but they said,
~Cathy, you don’t need to worry. The only
people who get HIV are Gays and drug
users,’ " she said. Meanwhile, her attacker
was being treated for AIDS in
prison.
WhenRobinson foundout she was HIVpositive,
she said she didn’t tell anyone
for amonth. Thev. two months passed, and
she was about to give bir~ to her son,
Garrett, now 8. "Three nurses refused to
give us care. One, not knowing anything
about me, assumed we decided to have
children even though we had AIDS. She
called (the Department of Children and
Families) to try to get them to take our
kids away,’" Robinson said.
ThenRobinsonmadea choice she could
never take back. She decided to talk about
her story in schools and churches to raise
public awareness. "By going public, there
was no way I could ever teach again,
which was fine,’" she said. "Then they
wiped my husband’s job out of his company.
We paid tbr groceries with credit
cards for a while... Thenwerealized they
were going to turn our lights out. We
moved in with my parents in Clewiston."
Cathy and Dan since have moved to
Fort Myers with her best friend, a nurse.
But they decided five years ago to have
Garrett and Lyndsy, 9, continue to live
with her parents, to ease the transition on
the day the~ know will come. The
Robinsons see their childrenon weekends
and holidays. They write in journals and
make tapes to record memories they want
the kids to remember.
"We knew ultimately we were going to
die,’" Cathy said. "We thought it was
importantfor them to transilion. Wenever
thought we’d still be transitioning five
years later. Our biggest fear was dying
before Lyndsy and Garr’ett were old
enough to remember us.’"
Bill Gregory, an advertising professor
at Florida Southern, fellow AIDS activist
and friend, said Cathy hves to spread the
message. But radiation therapy has made
it more difficult in recent months. Cathy
travels to Miami for radiation treatments
because she can get them free in exchange
for leading educational programs. She
puts about 1,500 miles a week on her
leased Ford Explorer traveling throughout
the state for AIDS education, stressing
safer sex and HIV testing.
"You have to be tested,’" she said. "No.
1, you don’t want others to get infected.
No. 2, they can treat you. If you are
negative, you have a chance to rethink
your activities that got you there.’"
Timothy W. Daniel
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Weekend and evening appointments are available.
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Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?../,=
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men s
Support Group is here for you~.
¯ E~ening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
beginning at the Gay Community Center
¯ at 37th and Peoria and ending at Veterans
Park at 18th and Boulder. The parade will
begin at llam The Pride Festival will
also begin at Veterans Park at 1 lain and
will continue till about7 or8pm, finishing
off the week’s events.
TOHR organizers include Kerry Lewis
as chairperson of the overall effort. "Humanity
United for Haman Rights -Diversity
Celebration 2000," Greg
Gatewood, TOI-IR president and festival
chair,Audra Sommers,parade chair, Lynn
Moesteller, sponsor chair, Mitchell Savage,
media chair, Ktis Kohl, festival entertainmentchair
andNedBruha, incharge
of festival booths and beverages.
On June 3, Saturday, That evening also
at the PAC Doenges Theatre, the TOHR
Follies, not seen for a namber of years,
will reprise, 100 Years of Broadway with
tickets available through the PAC. Tuesday,
June 6th, an art exhibit, "United" will
open and on Thursday, June 8th, there
will be a film night. Locations and times
will be announced later.
For more information about these
events, call the Gay Community Services
Center at 743-4297 (Gays).
And while the organization has not been
in Tulsa for long, already it’s become
active and visible. Soulforce members
along withTOHR, Tul sa Oklahomans for
Haman Rights, marched in the M.L.King,
Jr. Day parade, marking the first time
openly Gay people and groups have partidipated.
And for the kick-off for this year’s Gay
Pride events, Diversity Celebration 2000,
Soulforceis bringing Mel WhiteandGary
Nixonback to Tulsafor aninterfaith workshop
and to lead a Soulforce workshop.
White and Nixon were in Tulsa several
years ago for a regional conference of
i~FLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays, held at All Souls
Unitarian Church.
Also on May 6-12, in Cleveland, Ohio,
at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Soulforce
will hold Soulforce University (SFU) SFU
is arare, one-week opportunity for people
offaith to learn and apply the principles of
nonviolence. SFU is being held in conjunction
with the world congress of the
United Methodist denomination of Chris-.
tianity, General Conference 2000 which
will also be in Cleveland, on May 2-12.
Historically, Methodists have cared
about the poor, the homeless, and the
outcast. Soulforce organizers state, "sadly,
decisions made by their [United Methodist]
General Conferences over the past
three decades have ended that tradition of
caring and made outcasts of God’s Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered
children. We hope to help end those unjust
and discriminatory policies.
For thirty-t~vo years United Methodist
leaders have debated the issue of homosexuality.
Too many of" their delegates
have ignored the historic, scientific, psychological,
pastoral and even biblical evidence
thathomosexuality is neither a sickness
nor a sin. As a result, with almost
every General Conference the U.M.C. has
hardened its anti-homosexual position.
That position leads to discrimination, snffeting,
and death.’"
Several Tulsans involved in Soulforce
will participate in the Cleveland events.
HEAR the Quilt
The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter
is proud to announce the return of the
Quilt to Tulsa for a major display at the
Maxwell Convention Center December1
through 3, 2000.
The success of a major Quilt display is
dependent on volunteers from our community.
To develop interest and support
for this major World AIDS Day event, the
Tulsa Area Chapter will host a reception
on Thursday evening, April 27 at 7: 00pm
at Fellowship Congregational Church,
2900 South Harvard, Tulsa.
Please join us as we bring together the
community in preparation for "HEAR the
Quilt." We’ll have sections of the Quilt on
display and lots of information about upcoming
events Refreshments will be
served and it will be a great opportunity to
renew old friendships andmake new ones.
For more information you can contact
us at (918) 748-.~1 ll or at
TulsaQuilt@go.com
OK Spoke Club
The OK Spoke Club is begimfing its tides
again. A long ride (20 miles plus) will
begin at Ziegler Park at 7:30am on April
8th & 15th. Water and helmet are required.
A short tide (5 miles) along the Katy
Bicycle path in Sand Springs will begin at
6:30 pm on April 19th. Water and helmet
are strongly reconnnended.
At 9am, a long ride will begin at the
Pride Center, 3749 S. Peoria, rear parking
lot on April 22th. Water and helmet are
required. A short ride will leave from
there at 6:30 pm on April 26th. Water and
helmet are strongly recommended.
For more information, contact the club
at POB 9165, Tulsa, Ok 74157, or emaii
to: Okiebicycle@prodigy.net
Texas Lesbian
Conference
For 13 years now, Texas Lesbians have
presented one of the best conferences in
the US. This year’ s event, to be held at the
Renaissance Hotel, Greenway Plaza on
May 19-21 in Houston.
The conference will feature Urvashi
Vaid, former executive director of the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,
cartoonist/cormnentator, Alison Bechdal,
creator of"Dykes to WatchOut For," poet
and author Ntozake Shange and Lesbian
comic Marga Gomez.
Andifthese were not enough of a draw,
TLC offers a variety of workshops on
legal, financial, spiritual and other issues.
TLC is awoman only event for which you
must be 18 to attend. For more information,
write POB 66012, Houston 77266.
Or "call 713-460-3435 for a registration
form. .
Living ArtSpace
New Show
Tul’sa’s contemporary art gall~ery~: Living
Ai~tSpace, now located at 308 South
Kenosha will present exhibition opening
& gallery talk by artist, John Hitchcoek,
on Thursday, April 6, 5:30-8pm.
Hitchcock invites the viewer tobecome
a participant in his installation by encouraging
them to "play games" and receive a
silk screened pnnt or an object. Using
games derived from Native American traditions,
the artist challenges the participant
to make the comparison between
traditional culture and the artwork.
Once upon a time, there was a teenager
named, for lack of a better moniker, Jim.
He was teased most of his school life for
being gay, name calling and threats of
physical violencebeing the
chief tactics deployed by
most of the other kids -the
mainstays of which were
the dreaded "jocks."
He had few friends, but
one of the few he considered
a friend happened to
be Shaun. Shatm was in
choir and on the football
team, and Jim had known
him for a few years, since
Jr High. What Jim repressed
and suppressed
was his physical and emotional
attraction for Shann.
Shaun wasn’t classically
handsome, but something
about him was incredibly
attractive to Jim. Maybe it
was just that, unlike the
other jocks, who singled
Jim out for particular torment,
Shaun always had
treated him with kindness
" ~roadway Damage’
is another little sleeper,
low budget movie that
is actually quite
wonderful...
The film is a ~ood
old-fashloned romantle
eornedy, kind of llke
the old screwballs
eomedles of the 30’s...
It’s a well-wrltten,
well-fihned, well-acted
" story that is sure to
brin~ a smile to
anyone’s face..."
and yes, even friendline,ss. This was !lJghly
unusual. Jim and Shaun s friendship~ew,
and they hung out a bit together. Jim
continued suppressing, and just enjoyed
Shaun’s company, basking in the glow of
their friendship.
At one point, they went to a film together.
Shaun sat with legs spread wide,
his leg touching Jim’ s. Wall, all Jim could
focus on throughout the film was the
sensfition of Shaun s leg against his; the
bea~from the other boy’s body flowing
in~d~s, the fact that he was really uncomfortable
due to the fact that certain feelingSwere
rising., feelings he’d been hiding
from everyone, including himself.
0~things w~re rising too, and he had
no!~deahow tohandle this. He wasn’t sure
ifShaun was doing this deliberately or by
accident. In ~_ospect, it had to be on
purpose. Shfiuns leg never left contact
wi~Jim’s tmtil the film was over. Jim
wasi:terrified.~Did he dare move, and cut
off~ie contact which he really so desperatdy
Wanted?Or should he re~pond?Was
thi~ ~test? Surely Shaun was aware of the
comments and teasing; he’d seen it happen,
To this day, Jim has no memory of
that film or what it was. Just the sensation
of Shaun’s leg and the accompanying
delight/fear.
Jim’s fervent yet deeply hidden desire
was for Shaun and he to bein love. Yet, of
course this could never be. Shaun was
straight-Jim thought. Andhe was ever so
aware of the fragility of friendship- he’d
~aot had many, ai~d would do nothing to
jeopardize this one.
One time, Shaun asked Jim to join he
and some friends for a swim. When Jim
got to Shaun’s house, he discovere~...that
the friends.~were other members of the
football team - the ones who so delighted
inmakinglife aliving hell for Jim. "Well",
he thought,"This should be ablast. NOT!"
To his surprise, they all got along. Jim did
feel incredibly out of place and utterly
self-conscious the whole time they were
around. Had to be careful not to slip up
and steal a glance at the wrong moment,
not that he could see anything without his
coke-bottle glasses anyway.
During the swim day, Shann told an
interesting story: He had entered a bar on
a certain street in. Arlington, Texas, and
thought it was a real cool place - until he
began to notice all the other patrons were
men - and looking at him. Then he left in
a hurry. You can imagine
thecomments this brought
on from the jocksters. It
was all Jim could do not to
ask WHERE. In fact,
Jim did devote a considerable
amount of time to
thoughts onhow to get the
desired information without
giving myself away,
but never could figure out
a foolproofmethod. Some
years later, Jim did go in
search of the aforementioned
place - and discovered
it was in a shopping
center with no sign age or
indications of any sort that
there was anything in the
shopping center. You had
to know where and what it
was to get there and find
the place. Interesting...
Later that day, Shaun
and I found ourselves
alone in his parent’s house. He excused
himself to take a shower, and was in there
along time. A really long time. Jim began
to wonder if he should just go home,
Shaun was in there so long. Then, out he
popped, completely nude - and Jim with
no glasses on! (He was near blind without
them.) It took a lot of control not to look
down, whichhe recalls doing anyway, for
a split second. Shaun probably caught it.
He paused, saying, "Sorry, forgot to take
my clothes i.n with me." Then went into
his room. Jim was nonplused. Here Shaun
is, withakidheknew was teased for being
Gay, exposing himself.
He spent along time inhis room, too,by
the way Jimwas certain this was all atest,
and the slightest wrong move would end
the friendship - after all, Shaun was a
good Southern Baptist boy, going to a
church that literally preached coercion to
get new members.
Yes, Jim knows better now. There were
signals being sent, Jimjust misinterpreted
them. Jim wished he hadn’t, even though
that would have ted to heartbreak. Jim
really was in love with Shaun. Last Jim
heard, Shaun was married, with kids. Sad
thing is, that all Jim had to go on were
negative images of Gayness. That’s all
that was out there in the world then. There
was no "Will and Grace", no positive
movie role models. And All he knew was
that one wrong step could end a friendship,
Or even get him beaten - or, in one
case he read about, killed.
Whichleads me to aDVD review:_"Get
Real". The story is pretty much the same
as above, withnerdy schoNboyfallingfor
upperclassmanjock. Except in the case of
"Get Real", the relationship is consummated
when schoolboy finds out that the
jockster is indeed, homoerotically inclined.
Of course, Mr. Jock is severely
suppressing, and holding on to his straight
identity with every’ fiber of his being. The
film played Tulsa for about a week in ’96
or ’97. I’m sure not everyone got to see it,
so I won’t spoil the ending. Let’s just say
schoolboy .comes out publicly and discovers
his inner strength. He’s accompanied
by a female friend, who remindedme
ofmyfriend Karin, who is now a Lesbian!
More on that later, see Amuse, p. 9
GILCREASE MUSEUM
April 29, May 5 & 7, 2000
Call 587-4811
Church of the Restoration
Unitarian Universalist
11 am, Sunday, 1314 North Greenwood, 587-1314
EUREKASPRINGS DIVERSITYCELEBRATION
-Friday, April 7
- 8:30pm to 12:30am,Dancing in the Ozark Room at the Basin Park Hotel (12 Spring
Street) with DJ Jon Caswell. Sponsored by theMCC of the Living Spring. Cover: $5 per
person. Cash Bar. Must be 21.
- 9pm to 12:30am, Karaoke at Shaw’s Tavern (37 Spring Street)
- 10pm to 2am, Breakfast at thenew Eureka House of Blues (in the basement of the x’~ :w
Orleans hotel at 63 Spring Street) or,
- 1 lpm to 2am, Breakfast at the Eureka Food Court (37 Spring Street)
Saturday, April 8
10am to Noon, Canoe float on the White River. $25 per canoe. Singles welcome- r
reservations and info, call theBeaver Dam Store at 501-253-6154.
10:30am. to Noon, Learn a littl6 of Eureka S prings’ history on a guided walking to,
the Historic District. Meet at Sweet Spnngs next to Rogue’s Manor on upper !:
Street. For further information, call 501-253-0070 or e-mail walking@nwaft.com.
- Noon to 3:30pm "Go Fly a Kite!" Weather permitting, bring your kites and your
cameras.at the beautiful Pond Mountain Lodge and Resort (two miles south on HighWay
23). For more information, contact Judy Jones at 800-583-8043.
- lpm to 2:30pro Head out to Lake Leatherwood Park (off Highway 62 West) for an
informative, guided trail hike. Get there a few minutes early and bring some water; some
walking sticks will be provided. You can also hike on your own on one of
the various trails in Eureka Springs’ "City Park". To obtain a trail map or
for further information about the park, please e-mail lthrwood@ipa.net. For
further information about the hike, call Steve at 501-253-9380 or 9384 or
e-mail gands@ipa.net.
- Please visit the unique shops and restaurants in the Eureka Springs
Diversity Cooperative. Let them know you’re here for Diversity Weekend!
- 3:30pm to 9pm,Check outThe Holein the Wall (191/2 Spring Street) forKaraokewith
Lita! Lunch and dinner will also be served. For further information, call
501-253-8361.
- 9pm to lain; Dance to the high,energy club ttmes of DJ Jon Caswdl at Center Stage
(37 Spring Street). Must be 21. Cover: $5 per person. Sponsored by The Emerald
Rainbow, Mark E. Cook Properties and Center Street Bar & Grill.
- 9pmto 12:30am, Belt out your favorite tunes as Shaw’s Tavern (37 Spring Street) once
again hosts a Karaoke night for "family" and friends.
- 10pm to 2am, Brealffast at thenew Eureka House of Blues (in the basement of the New
Orleans hotel at 63 Spring Street) or,
- 1 lpm to 2am, Breakfast at the Eureka Food Court (37 Spring Street)
Sunday, April 9
- 2pm to 6pm, Join us again at Center Stage (37 Spring Street) for a tea dance and drag
show, with performances by the "girls from Tulsa" and music by DJ Jon
Caswell. Must be 21. Cover: $5 per person. Sponsored by The Emerald
Rainbow, Ermilio’s Restaurant and Center Street Bar & Grill.
- 7pm, MCC of the Living Spring (17 Elk Street) will hold a service. Call
501-253-9337 for information. All are welcome!
For a listing of businesses supporting this and similar events, check out
the Eureka Springs Diversity Cooperative website at www.shimaka.coln/eureka/diversity
or drop by The Emerald Rainbow at 45 1/2 Spring Street for a printed copy.
Oklahoma Repertory Theatre Opens
TULS A-Theatreleaders from twoTulsa : and the Boys" by So. African playwright
organizations, Tulsa Repertory Theatre
and Wayward Theatre Co. have joined
together to create the Oklahoma Repertory
Theatre (also known as OK REP).
Catherine Adkins, Skip suraci. Christopher
Ferguson-Long and Nathan Huntley
will serve as executive artistic director,
advisor, associate founding artistic director
and associate artistic director, respectively.
OKREP,like the companies out of
which it grows is committed to "unique,
professional theatre, children’s theatre,
arts in education and community outreach."
OK REP will open its season with the
Pulitzer Prize winning, "Master Harold
The film translates well to DVD, maintaining
the widescreen image, and with
excellent rarity. Sadly, there’s no extra
features so prevalent now in DVD releases,
such as director’s commentary,
behind the scenes documentaries, etc. It
would have been .nice to have the actor’s
recollections of the making of the film
and the affect it had on them. However,
that does not detract from the fact it’s a
well-written film with an excellent.cast
and beautiful cinematography. The only
thing that bothered one of my friends at
the .initial showing was that jock boy
Athol Fugard. The production will mn
May 11-14 and May 18-20 at Tulsa’s
Performing Arts Center Liddy Doenges
~[]aeatre at 8pm and Sundays at 2pro, and
is supported in part by grants from the
Oklahoma Arts Council and the Tulsa
Performing Arts Center Tn~st.
The play, directed by Nathan Huntley,
is that of a young man growing up and
growxng aware in 1950’s South Africa
apartheid. Tulsa actors Greg Herman, Bill
Thomas and Christopher Ferguson-Long
perform the roles. Tickets are available at
the PAC box office, 596-7111, for $12/
adults and $9/students/seniors. For more
information, call OK REP at 592-6310.
seems to come from a well-heeled family,
yet has a working class accent. I noticed
after he pointed it out, but that did not
detract from the otherwise excellent performanees
given by Ben Silverstone as
the cuteschoolboy Steven Carter, Charlotte
Britain as his friend who faints on
command, and the hunky Brad Gorton as
thejock upon anyone Wouldbe daft not to
develop a crush. Available from Wolfe
Video (www.wolfevideo.com).
Along the same lines, sort of... well,
not really, but there’s a well-done scene
that exemplifies the kind of dynamic I
wrote of regarding seeing that tmnamed
film with Shaun, is "Billy’s Hollywood
Screen Kiss." see Amuse, p. 11
by Tom Neal, editor & publisher
Some Oklahomapolitical observers have noted that the
one good thing for this state about a win by Republican
presidential candidate, George W. Bush, is that we’d get
to send the Honorable Frank Keating, Governor of Oklahoma
packing back off to DC, though others have said
Oklahoma’.s gain might be to the nation’s detriment.
"... ff it were not enough to invoke
this bigoted image ofGay people
-preying on the young, he
foflowed it with a comment about
how Gay people are among the
wealthiest Amerleans. I had
to wonder if next he’d betalklng
about how ’all Black people
have rhythm’ or ’the international
Jewish banking eonsplraey.’..."
This February, t took my’father to lunch at the Press
Club to see Keating do his song and dance. I imagine that
Keating expected a rather friendly reception- these days
the Press Club membership hardly includesany reporters
but rather mostly public relations types - good enough
people but hardly known for hard hitting .journalism.
They’re there to put a nice spin on tttings, not to get at the
truth, typically. Andyou can count on The Tulsa Worldto
report only selectively on comments made there.
Then there was Dad and me sitting right up front. And
dear Mr. "I am not descended from a Baboon" Keating*
likely did not know what he was in for. Mr. Keating
waxed eloquently about how ifwe only re-made government
to be like"’business," and not just coincidentally
turned it all over to the Republiczins, all would be great
with our state. I could nothave a~kedfor a better setup for
my question to the Governor since in Oklahoma, it’s
business leading the way in treating Lesbian and Gay
citizens, well, like equal citizens.
The question put to the Gov. was this: Oklahoma’s
leading businesses,American Airlines, the state’ s largest
private employer, K.imberly-Clark, Dollar-Thrifty Auto
Group whose CEO, Joseph Cappy was just appointed to
the State Board of Regents for Higher Education, all of
these corporations promise not to discriminate on sexual
orientation. Since "business" shows us the way, Keating
* ina recent controversy about teaching evolution in
public schools, Keating claimed he was not descended
from a baboon. The Tulsa World contested that claim.
Operat=on Montreal,. To ¯
was asked why state government was not following their
lead.
Frank’s answer was an embarrassment to the state of
Oklahoma. He said there was not a public consensus to
support treating all people fairly and had he stopped at
this, I could hardly have argued withhim.
But he went on to invoke the most shameful of stereotypes,
saying that the state government of Oklahoma
could not promise to treat Gay and Lesbian Oklahomans
fairly because "a homosexual schoolteacher might try to
’promote’ his ’lifestyle’ to elementary school students
and then the state could not discipline the teacher..."
Andif it were not enough to invoke this bigoted image
of Gay people preying on the young, he followed it with
acomment abouthow Gay people are among the wealthiest
Americans. I had to wonder if next he’d be talking
about how "all Black people have rhythm" and "the
international Jewish banking conspiracy."
I did have the opportunity to say.his allegation about
Gay "wealth" was false but not to question his premises
about promising to treat public employees fairly.
And this, of course, ignores the fact that it is almost
unimaginable that any Gay teacher would engage in
inappropriate discussions - they’re all too scared because
: they know they’ll be harassed or fired in any school
district in the state. Any inappropriate conversation by a
¯ teacher with students, whether heterosexual or homo-
" sexual, already has avenues for remedy.
I agree with Keating, Oklahoma can learn from the
: example of "business." First and foremost, Frank needs
¯ to figure out that discrimination is bad for business and
¯ badforOklahoma. "Business" has figured this out. Ameri-
" can and Dollar-Thrifty don’t go beyond the minimum
¯ federallaw r.eqmresjust because they regreatfolks. Th y
¯¯ do it because they can’t afford to lose good workers and
¯ some of those good workers ar’-e Gay.
It really shouldn’t be that hardfor Frank Keating. All
¯ he needs to do is to reframe the questionin terms to which
¯ he can relate: shall we not include Catholics in our non-
- discnmmattonlawsbecausewecouldn tfiretbemlfthey
mdocmnated our children with the Cathohclifestyle m
schools? Keating shouldknow that itwash’ t thatlong ago
: that precisely those stereotypes were common in thisstate.
After all, Keating claims to be a Christian. And as
: such, he is commanded to "treat others as he would be
¯ treated." That?s pretty straightforward. I’d bet even a
¯ "lower" primate, maybe even a baboonmight be able to ¯
figure that out. The question is can our governor?
by Dave Fleischer
Senior Fellow, Policy Institute
National Gay andLesbian Task Force
Have you ever met ahomophobe? Of course you have,
which is why you might not immediately be eager to
campaign door-to-door using the "G" word when we
need to win an election.
You might be thinking: Holy Roller, don’t a lot of
people go into rant mode the minute we say the Word
"Gay?’"
Actually, they don’t. Everywhere I’ve gone door-todoor
with teams of volunteers,-
once we explain in
plalnlanguage the issue voters
will be facing, the overwhelming
majority are on
.our side. Most of the rest are
undecided. This has been
true in Anchorage, Houston,
and Fayetteville, Arkansas;
in San Francisco, suburban
Westchester County,.in Miami
(nope, not just in South
Beach) and in both Democratic
and Republican parts
of Spokane, Washington. And that’s just the places in
1998-and 1999 that we’ve gone door-to-door in.
Sure, we start in neighborhoods wherewe believe we’ll
find many supporters. But even when we broaden to a
- diverse set of neighborhoods, 60 to 90% of the time,
voters are surprised to learn that the basic rights, of Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) people
are under attack.
"... I don’t want to tell you about
my%exllfe - but ff I’m doing
a job at my job,
should my boss be able to fire me
just because I’m Gay?"
[long pause, she says uncertainly]
"I’ve never thought about that..."
"Well, I’m Gay, and this may surprise youbut it wasn’t
a choice for me. And if I’m doing a goodjob at work, do
you think my boss should be. able to fire mejust because
I’m Gay?"
"I don’t want to hear about your sex life."
"I don’t want to tell you about my sex life--but if I’m ~
doing a goodjob atmyjob, shouldmy boss be able to fire
me just because I’m Gay?"
. [Long pause]
[She says uncertainly] "I’ve never thought about that."
"Well, that’s what you’ll, be voting on. Here’s the wording
that will be on the ballot.
Takealookatit. [Pausewhile
she reads] What do you
think?"
I didn’t make this voter a
supporter. But I did move
her from leaning against us
to someone who might be
undecided. Theconversation
took abouttwominutes. Then
I was on to the next door.
If we’ve trained our-volunteer
team well, we communicate
our key message
within the limits of the voter’s attention span. Then we
ask what they think. And they tell us.
Soinetimes their answer isn’t easy to hear (I didn’t love
Ms. Informed’s ?Gays can change"). Butifwe listen with
genuine interest, and offer a clear, honest exchange, they
return the favor. We usually-leave the door either knowing
we’ve found someone leaning toward us, or someone
who is now open to hearing more.
A...J--~"~’~A~.~,~’A,,’~ (;.... ~Vhenthe~ydo, they say somethinglike. OfcourseI Benefit uur= i i i i i i~i~..,,..; :=~-agai~i’s’t--d~sc~aination, against anybody. I like/don’t care
Localentrepreneurandmouth-about-townactivistNed about/dort’flike Gay people, but discriminationis always
Bruha will present "Operation Montreal" at The Silver
Star, 1565 So. Sheridan, at 10pm on Friday May 5th.
Brnha notes, "’this night of rare comedy and mad-cap
entertainment will aid Audra MarieSommers, an individual
among us who has selflessly impleme.nted her
.talents to l~tter the Tulsa areafor the past decade,,She has
raised money for the poor and the sick." ,
Themoney raised the evening of thi~ event wiR,be ~used
to help Payfor medications, travel and down-time trom
both of lie) jobs for the transgendered Sommers as she
recoups from surgery which will bring her physiology
into correspondence with her gender identity.
This event is called Operation Montreal because after
many years of research, Sommers has chosen worldrenowned
surgeons in Montreal. Any funds raised will
not be used for the surgery. Sommers has underwrittem
the surgery by taking a mortgage on her home.
For more information about this event, call 585-1644,
or write, "Operation Montreal" c/o Ned Bruha, P.O. Box
471282, Tulsa, OK. 74147-1282, or send e-mail to
partygram@webzone.net
wrong."
So the experience of going door-to-door is enormously
encouraging. It’s both productive for the campaign, and
also personally affirming.
This doesn’t mean that every voter is immediately
happy to see us. But as a reality check, here’s the toughest
door I’ve had so far.
Scene: a sweaty August ’98 morning in Fayetteville,
Arkansas; a white senior answers the door
..’...’.Hi, Ms. Informed?" Yes
"Hi, Ms..Informed, my name is Dave Fleischer, and
I’m with the Campaign for Human Dignity. A human
rights resolution is on the ballot - it says that here in
Fayetteville we won’t tolerate discrimination on thejob,
whether you’re a man or women, black or white, Gay or
non-Gay. What do you think about that?"
"Well, I think that if Gay people would just go to
church, they would realize it’s a choice, they don’t have
to be that way". [She went on in this vein for a minute. I
listened.]
Nobody says this work is easy. But, contrary to our
worst fears, it isn’t confrontational. It’s more like the
ordinary experience of one tiuman being talking to another
human being.
And there’s an unexpected personal benefit. If we reopen
our hearts, we are liberatedfrom a piece of internalized
self-hate and our own stereotypical thinking about
the public. It turns out that most of them are human, too
- and more open than we give them credit for being.
Most importantly, voteridentification works. SAVE
Dade in Miami has built a list of.more than 15,000 Gay -
and pro-Gay voters by having dbnversations just like
these, by going door~to-door and by talking to voters
when.they go to vote. Basic Rights Oregon beat back their
last two state-wide anti-Gay ballot measures by doing
voter idenlification on a large scale, and has a list of
125,000 voters statewide.
Sure there are closed-minded homophobes out there.
But they are far fewer and less grumpy than you’d guess
-a mere needle in a Gaystack. If we’re going to win
elections, we need to talk with everyone to find our
supporters. Factis, voters are ready tolistentous,ifwe’re
willing to listen to them. Are we?
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The number of Gays and Lesbians in
the United States is not known because of
largely unreliable studies. Advocacy
groups often claim 10% of the population
is homosexual, basedon surveys ofsexual
behavior conducted by researcher Alfred
Kinsey taken in the 1940s. Other surveys
put the number between 4% and 6%.
Amore direct census question concerning
sexual orientation isn’t likely by the
lime the2010 census roils around. Itwould
take afederal legislation to require collection
of the data. And, advocates say, it’s a
tricky ’question. "Is sexual orientation
defined by feelings of attraction, exclusivity
or praetors?’" Norfllrop asked.
Best known for launching the career of
"Willand Grace’ s" "Jack", Sean P. Hayes,
that’s about the best thing about this film.
It’s got some good moments, but never
quite congeals into a satisfying film. Brad
Rowe, Meredith Scott Lynn, and Hayes
mmin good performances, but the rest of
the cast falls flat, as do many of the jokes.
Hayes stars as Billy, a starving artist photographer
who is the other man in an
unsatisfying relationship he settles for
because (as he. tells everyone repeatedly
in this film until youjust wantto slap him)
he CAN’T FIND A MAN.
He stumbles upon Gabriel (the immensely
appealing Brad Rowe), and instantdysfunctional
crushdevelops, in spite
of the fact (?) that Gabriel is straight.
Hilarity ensues (yawn). There’s the prerequisite
drag queen comicrelief trio, that
should never have .entered this film, because
they are rather pointless to.the plot,
content, and are really so bad they detract
from the film..Obvibusly, theyare ~aeant
to be bad, but all the ~vay t~ough the
opening.sequence~ and at se{~eral points
~(way too many) through the film, they
-..seem to just be inserted for no reason. If
they were doing something that was
plot~orthyand actually funny, itmight be
a good thing. They’re not, and basically
just fill time when the director can’t pull
his head out long enoughto actually make
a film.
This DVD comes with a commentary,
and even that - usually a high point and
asset - is utterly boring. Yes, Sean’s a
wonderful actor -now. OK, Brad was
uncomfortable with thefilm and part starting
out. (Why is never detailed, and that
was what might have been actually interesting.)
OK yes, there are lots ofhomages
to old films, most of which are obvious,
especially with the dream/musical sequences.
Overall, Billy’s a fine addition
to an avid collector ofGay film, for archival
purposes. It’s amusing once through.
But it’s a definite rental, not a keeper.
Also available from Wolfe Video.
An excellent film to have on DVD for
repeated viewings and the extras, is"Gods
and Monsters." It is a most moving and
affecting film, and the disc has lots of
goodies, along with a commentary that
actually IS interesting, adocumentary with
Clive Barker as host, interviews with the
actors, and lots oflovely details. The film,
based on Christopher Brain’s book, is a
look .at what might have happened in the
days leading to James Whale’s mysterious
death.
Whale, the director best known for the
films "Frankenstein" and "Bride of Frankenstein"
in the ’30’s, was found floating
¯ in his pool fully clothed. No answers ever
¯ came out of the investigation. Sir Inn
¯
McKellan, in abravuraperformance, plays
~ Whale, the absolutely dynamic Lynn
¯¯ Redgrave plays his housekeeper and
caregiver Hannah, and the absolutely brilliantandbreathtakingly
gorgeous Br~ndan
Fraser plays a yard man that Whale be-
" friends.
: This didplay the major theatres,butjust
¯ in case, I won’t give away any more of the
." ending than I have. The performances
¯ were all top notch, with nary a misstep.
¯ The cinematography is beautiful, and the ¯
detail in sets, costumes, and styleis dead-
" on.~(No pun intended.) As an. actor, it’s
~ ~really hard.f,0rme to see a film that makes
¯¯ ~m~fo~etI m~watehing~a film. This one
did. I was surprised, as the end credits
¯ were rolling, to find I had tears runmng
: down my face. The film so engrossed me
¯ that Iwasn’t even aware when that began. ¯
It’s an interesting film on many levels,
¯ the most superficial being Whale as dirty
." old man spying on the yard man; and~the
¯ deepest being the comments on aging, ¯
and the families we surround ourselves
¯ with as that happens. The interplay of
¯ straight andGay, andfear. The betrayal of ¯
¯ the body.and time, the interplay between
youth and age, the reasons we make the
¯ choices in life that we do make., all are
." explored on many levels.
¯ It’s definitely worth viewing several
¯
times, if for nothing more than seeing the
¯ details you missed first time around. The
¯ commentary, as opposed to the useless ¯
blathering on Billy’s HSK, is insightful,
¯
informative, and frequentlylamusing.
." There’s enough mix in details of how the
¯ film was made, how attention to details
: was as important as performance, behind
¯ the scenes stories of what went on during
¯ filming, what it was like to deal with this
¯ or that to keep one quite amused.
." ~ And after watching the film go by wlth
" the commentary, especially re~ardihg the
." director’s intentions, it’s kind of a fun
¯ game to play to seehowmuch youpieked
’’up on. ~klso, some historica~ facts_ are
." thrown in, not in a dry, witless manner,
¯ but which augment the viewing Of the
: film. So, for me, it gets a definite. BUY
¯ THIS! Even if you only get the video
~ version (which may or may not have the
documentary), it’s worth it. Available at
; Wolfe Video.
"Broadway Damage" is another little
sleeper, low budget movie that is actually
quite wonderful. A romantic comedy that
actually is, as~ opposed to Billy, it stars
some very talented unknowns in a film
that is well written and leaves you feeling
good. "Nerdy Guy’~ and "Beautiful Boy"
in New York looking for"Mr. RightY BB
is always finding people bad for him, and
pursues one that is really bad news. NB is
seeking Mr Right and has a crush on BB
Enter BB’s roommate Quirk~y~rl. QG is
trying to make it inNYCon hiSrtwn, even
though daddy’s rich. He wants her to get
a job, something she’s never had to do.
She and the boys form a fun trio, and have
merry adventures in NYC.
The film is a good old-’fashioned romantic
comedy, kind oflike the old screwballs
comedies of the 30’s upon which it is
patterned. The ending’s predictable, but
the g~tting there is fun, as with most
journeys. Even if you know where you’re
going,, the trip is never the same twice,
right? It’s a well-written, well-filmed,
well-acted story that is sure to bring a
smile to anyone’s face. It should have
received wider release w~h,en it played the
film houses, but is a gem I m sharing with
you. Yep, available at Wolfe Video on
VHS and DVD.
presents
.... an eclectic mix of choral literature ranging from Baroque to Broadway,
from pop classics of the ’50s and ’60s to a bawdy sea chantey
an~J.an American Folk song featuring the Green Country Cloggers.
,Friday and Saturday, April 7 & 8, 2000 at 8pm
Williams Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
(reception following)
Tickets: PAC box office, 596-7111 in Tulsa,
1-800-364-7111 or online at www.tulsapac.com
COUNCIL oak a fellowship of gay men dedicated to musical excellence in
the performance of choral literature, providing a source of
pride, unity, and support, while presenting a positive image
for ourselves, our community, and society as a whole.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the COUNCIL oak meN~S c~or~aLe and its parent organization,
the non-profit Vocal Pride Foundation, visit our award-winning website at www.eouneiloak.org.
Original Format
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newspaper
periodical
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, April 2000; Volume 7, Issue 4
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
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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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
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Tom Neal
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April 2000
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James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legranbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tulsa Family News, March 2000; Volume 7, Issue 3
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English
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Tulsa---Oklahoma
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United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/599
"Operation Montreal"
2000
adoption
AIDS
AIDS Quilt
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Audra Sommers
Bars
Blood Donation
businesses
Census
Christian Coalition
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Council Oak Men's Chorale
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holocaust
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Liberation Publications
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Read All About It
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Brief for Dale v. BOy Scouts
by Tim Talley, Associated Press ~rite~ -
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Some state lawmakers
demanded in mid-April that Oklahoma Attorney General
Drew Edmondson withdraw from participating in a
U:S. Supreme Court case on whether to allow Gay boys
and men in the Boy Scouts of America. Resolutions
were f’ded in the state House and~ Senate opposing a
friend-of-the-court briefEdmondson filed supporting a
New Jersey court decision that ordered the Boy Scouts
to reinstate a homosexual scout leader.
"I think it is a dark day for Oklahoma that we have
taken this stand, by and through our attorney general, in
favor of Gay rights and against the Boy Scouts," said
Rep. Frank Davis, R-Guthrie, a former scout master
whoseresolutionhas70co-authors.Aresolutionpassed
by the Senate says Edmondson’s position "is in dramarie
opposition to the moral ideals of.our state and is
inappropriate in this case of first impression before the
United State Supreme Court."
In a statement, Edmondson saidhe respects the views
of lawmakers who oppose his action. But the attorney
general said the state’ s position see Attorney; p. 2
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
: ,~. Tulsa’s Largest Circulation Community PaperAvailable In More Than 75 City Locations
¯ Co!legeHill Presbyterian
::Church Welcomes Gays
TULSA - This last Palm Sunday, the Session (the board of
directors) of College Hill Presbyterian Church, one of Tulsa’ s
older"mainline" congregations, voted 13 yes, zero no’ s with one
abstention to become officially a member of"More Light Presbyterians."
College Hill, located a block west of the University of
Tulsa is the first Presbyterian congregation in Eastern Oklahoma
(o. take the position of welcoming
all to attend and serve
the church regardless of
sexual orientation.
More Light Presbyterians
is a national network of
churches and individuals
working for justice, love and
the full embrace and inclusion
of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
and Transgendered
persons and their families.
The name is taken from the
words of the Rev. John
Robinson (c. 1620),"we limit
not the truth of God to our
poor reach of mind - by notions
of our day and sect - crude, partial and confined. No, let a
new and better hope within our hearts be stirred, for Godhath yet
more light and truth to break forth from the Word."
The decision for College Hill came after more than 14 months
ofprayer, study and discussion. Acongregational voteon several
statements and positions, one affirming open inclusion, another
reaffirming the mission statement of More Light Presbyterians,
and for becoming a More Light congregation passed, 87%, 90%
and 80% respectively. .
Pastor Radford Rader noted, "College Hill has long been a
congregation which has stood for jnstice issues and with groups
of people who others ignore or exclude.., we cannot remain in
the closet, but want to rejoice in who we are as a family of faith.
¯ .we are blessed by our Gay and Lesbian members."
College Hill’ s history is one of s0cialjttstice, seeChurch,p.11
College Hill Presbyterian
GI,s Mom Suing Arm i- Supreme Court Hears Gay Civil
WASHINGTON(AP)-Them°ther°fas°ldiermur- " R|ghts Case: Dale vs. BSA dered in his barracks believes the Army’s attitude ,
toward Gays created the atmosphere that led to the
killing. Patricia Kutteles of Kansas City, Mo., said she
would file a claim with the Army, seeking roughly $1.8
million in damages for the death of her son, Pfc. Barry
Wincbell,21. Shesaidfellow soldiers believed Winchell
was Gay and harassed him for months before he was
beaten to death while sleeping in his cot last July at Fort
Campbell, Ky. The Army knew about the harassment
but did nothing to stop it, she said. "We want theArmy
to be held accountable," Kutteles said.
Pvt. Calvin Glover, 19, of Sulphur, Okla., was convicted
of premeditated murder and sentenced to life in
prison for the attack. Another soldier was givena 12.5-
year sentence for lying to investigators and obstructing
justice. Thekillingprompted criticism ofthePentagon’ s
policy onhomosexuals in the military. Under the policy
known as "don’t ask, don’t teli.;’:~,Gay-members of the
military can continue to serve.as Ibng as they keep their
sexual orientation to themselves.
Kutteles’ attorney,Adam Pachter, saidheplans to file
under a federal law that allows people to seek reimbursement
from the military for injury or death. The
claim will be sent toMaj. Gen. Robert T. Clark, the
commander of Fort Campbell, but Army Secretary
Louis CaldemprobAbly’will make thef’mal decision on
whether to pay, Pachter said. Kutteles’ claim also alleges
Fort Campbell officials ignored underage drinking
on the base and did not provide a way for soldiers to
call 911 from the barracks.:Glover has said he had been
drinking prior to theattack~ Maj. Pamela Hart, an Army
spokeswoman, declined to comment on the claim but
said soldiers cannow reach 911 from their barracks. She
also said soldiers hadreceived additional training about
the military’ s policy on Gays.
Kutteles said her goal is to get the Army to admit
wrongdoing and take corrective action. "I don’t think
you~put aprice on your child’ s life,’.’ she said. "Your
world is changed if you lose a child. Nothing caa ever
rip3at it."
¯ WASHINGTON, D.C. - Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is not
¯ entitled to expel an exemplary member who is openly Gay from
¯ its ranks, the National Gay and LesbianTask Force said at the end
¯ ofApril as theU.S. SupremeCourtwas hearingargumentsinBoy
Scouts of America v. Dale. The ruling on the case will likely be
: issued before the term ends in early summer.
: ’q’he Boy Scouts’ mission is to promote model citizenship and
¯ integrity," said Panla Ettdbrick, NGLTFFamily Policy Director.
: "It is ridiculous and wrong to exclude a man whose outstanding
¯ personal character fulfills this mission simPlY because he is
¯ Gay."
-" "The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case on appeal by the
¯ BSA after the August 1999 unanimous decision of the New
¯¯ Jersey,Supreme Court. The court found that the BSA falls under
New Jersey’ s anti-discrimination law and cannot deny any per-
" son "accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges"
: because of sexual orientation.
¯ Because the Scouts do not organize for a specific anti-Gay
¯ message; the New Jersey Supreme Court also found that the
¯ inclusion of openly Gay assistant scoutmasterJames Dale would
¯ not violate the BSA’ s First Amendment rights offree association
¯ and free speech.
." ~I’llis case represents a classic struggle in our country?s ever-
" evolving democracy," said Ettelbrick, a veteran attorney and
: national expertLon legal-issues facing.the Ga~y~ lesbian~ bisexual
¯ and transgender community. "It is the stragglebetween agroup’ s ¯
right to establish its own values and the government’ s obligation
¯ to ensure that the law does not give effect to those private biases
when they are used to inhibit equality." .. . ~
: Ettelbrick praised the Lambda Legal Defense and Education
¯
Fund, which has served as lead counsel for James Dale and has
¯ assembled a broad collection of groups to sign friend-of-the-
. court briefs. Those groups range from NGLTF and the National
¯ Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
: to the attorneys-general of 10 states, including Oklahoma Attor-
: ney General Drew Edmondson (see related story this page).
¯ NGLTF’ S brief can be found online via I..ambda’ s website at
: http:/Iwww.lldef.org/sectionslseetionsldalepresskit/
: amicusaclu.html.
i
Vermont Governor
Signs Gay Union Bill
by Ross Sneyd, Associated Press Writer
¯ MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Gov. Howard Dean ¯
signed into law on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, a
¯ bill making Vermont the first state to give Gay and
’ Lesbian couples all the rights and benefits of mar-
¯ riage - without legally declaring it a marriage. ¯
"I think the powerful message is that in Vermont,
¯ we tend to value people for who they are, not what
¯ they are," the Democratic governor said after the
House gave the measure final approval Tuesday.
° The bill, which House members supported 79-68,
¯ arrived at the governor’ s deskjust before lunch and
¯ was signed quietly prior to a2pmnews confe~e,nce, ¯
Vermont lawmakers didn’t use the term mar-
" riage to describe the official state sanction. Instead
¯ they set up aparallel track of"civil tmions," which
¯ would give Gay and Lesbian partners the property
and other legal fights of spouses. Such unions
¯ would become legal July 1. No state has ever gone
¯ so far in recognizing the relationships that Gay and
"- Lesbian couples form.
." Three couples and the lawyers who sued in 1997
¯ when they were denied marriage licenses watched
in the crowded Housechamber as the final roll was
¯ called and House representatives agreed to minor
." changes made by their colleagues in the Senate.
¯ Stacy Jolles and Nina Beck stood cradling their 5-
¯ month-old son, Seth. PeterHarrigan stood embracing
Stan Baker, who held a small necklace from
¯ which his parents’ wedding rings dangled. And
¯ Holly Puterbaugh held hands as Lois Famham
¯ wiped tears fromher eyes. "This isn’ tmarriage, but
it’ s ahuge and powerful bundle ofrights that we’ ve
¯ finally gotten," Baker said moments after the vote.
¯ After the vote, Rosana Vestuti, 41, of Montpelier,
sat on a window seat as legislators, Gay and
." Lesbian couples and thepress milled about. "It’ s so
¯ nice. I have all this in my eyes," see Vermont, p. 7
¯ OKC Gay Group Meets
With Daily Oklahoman
OKLAHOMACITY -Leaders in OklahomaCity’ s
are hailing an early April meeting with Sue Hale,
: the new executive editor of the Daily Oklahoman.
¯ The Daily Oklahoman which was characterized in ¯
the Columbia Journalism Review as "the worst
: newspaper in America" has been known for its
¯ unfair treatment of Lesbian and Gay issues, not ¯
only on the editorial pages but in regular, "objec-
¯ five" newscoverage.
¯ Those who met with Hale are participants in a
¯ new speakers bureau. "Speakers for Gay and Les-
¯ bian Issues" was organized with the goal of reach-
¯ ing out to the straight commtmity to facilitate ¯
¯ understanding of the realities of.being Gay and
Lesbian. Karen Pars0ns,Nathaniel Batchelder, Paul
¯ Thompson, and Rob Abiera attended the meeting
¯ with Hale, a thirty-year veteran of the Daily Okla-
" homan.
¯
Hale was chosen to be the successor to Stan
¯ Tiner, who left the Daily Oklahoman after several
¯ months of working to remold the paper into a more
¯ progressive, contemporary medium which would
¯ more accurately reflect the diversity of Oklahoma
." City.
¯ Halewas approached after reports.began to surface
of her interest in "social justice" issues. And
¯ though homophobic diatribes continue to grace the
editorial page - still under the firm control of
¯ Patrick McGuigan - the rest of the paper was ¯
showing signs of neutrality, if not being outright
; Gay-friendly.
¯ One place where the paper was showing signs of
¯ openness has been in the movie reviews. Kathryn
; Jenson White had come from the Oklahoma Ga-
: zette (OKC’ s alternative weekly) and had always
¯ been of decidedly liberal persuasion. It did not take
¯" long after Tiner’ s departure to see that she would
: continue to be so, and when two GLBT-themed
: Oscar coatenders see Daily, p. 11
_;
!
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’ s, 1737 S. Memorial
Full Moon Care, 1525 E. 15th
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Sqtmre
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*The Storm, 2182 S. Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainb0w Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114’S: Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E: 3rd
712-2324
610-5323
583-6666
749-4511
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
835-2376
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
*The Yellow-Bri~k-Road.Pub,~-2630,E...1$th, ........ ;749~1563
Tal~a~BtlstPiesse~Set~ices, &: Pcofe~s~o~als~.~.; :
Advanced Wireleg~&::P~,S~ Di~ithl Cellulhi ~ ~ ~ i.tJ ~ q47:q508’
*Assdd ih~19I~d!&:M~fi¢~l ~da]ttl)2325 8’: H~ii~c~a~ 74g-’~i000’,
Kent Balch &Assr(~htes, Health & Life Insurance 747-9506
*Barnes & N~bl~’ B66ksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes &N0bl~Broksellers, 5231 E. 41
Body Piefdfigby Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & MUsic, 2740 E. 21
*Borders BOoks’ &MUsic, 8015 S. Yale
Brooksid~ J~w~lfy,4649 S. Peoria
*CD War~hogs~,’3807c S. Peoria
*Cheap Thrills~ 2640 E. 1 lth
Cherry Stl Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis
665-4580
712-q 122
712-’9955
494-2665
743~5272
746_0313~
295-5868
581-0902, 743-4H7
Community Cleani~ag, Kerby Baker
Tim Daniel, Attorney
*Deco to Dfsco, 3212 E. 15th
DoghouSe oti:Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books &Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
*Ross Edward Salon ~"58420337,
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main ,., " ’-.
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th PI:
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med: Ctr.
.Gay & Lesbian-Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Learme M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra’ J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th
*Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696,74101
Richard’ s Carpet Cleaning
Teri Schutt Rex Realtors 834-7921,
Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
622-~0700-
352:9504, 800-742-9468
74%3620
744~55~6
83828~03
712-9379
59"2-0460
744-9595
6t0-0880-
628-3709.
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459-9349
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834-0617
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749-6301"
260-7829
481-0558
835-5563
743-1733
665-2222
592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc.POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 -587-7314o
Bless Ttl~ LO~d at~All Tirn~ -Chflstian Ce-n’tdr/2207 E. 6 58327815-
*B/LiG/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
*Churchof:the RestorafionUU., t3t:4N:Greenwood 587-1314"
*CommtmityofHopeUnitedMethodist,2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Comrmmity Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’ s Chorale 748-3888
*DelawarePlayhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free SpiritWomen’ s Center, call for location&info: 587-4669
Friend ForA Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@ earthlinlc net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on or before the 1 st of each month, the enttre contents
hi" this ubli t~on e protecte~l bv US copyright 1998 8y
~/~ ~ :ahd~may~hd~,be~ep~oduoed e~tlaer m
~ w,hol¢ort~p.a~_ ~’~l~OUt w~atte~a p~.r0~SSlQ~~ro~ ~publisheir. ~
Publication of a name or photo does not.indicate a person’ s
sexual orientation. Corr~spbndeii~ i~assumed to be for.
publication" unlessootherwis~noted,, must be signed & becomes.
the ao_l¢ property ofr~ ~’~.’. Nt,w4 Eachreader
is entitled to 4 copiesof each editt0n at distribution
pointsJ Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
: Interfaith AIDS Ministries
: Dear friends,
¯ The present realities of HIV/AIDS and
: decreased focus on and interest in HIV-
: related issues have made providing HIV/
: AIDS servicesadifficnltifnotimpossible
r task. This is true on a national as well as
: local level, Late last fall Interfaith AIDS
: Ministries (IAM) received a letter from
: AIDS National InterfaithNetwork (ANIN)
that itwas closing its doors," as a result of
: financial difficulties which cumulatively
¯ .v". und" e,.r~l",nc.d ~I ’ ~ Vl"l~b,"l i "
: reaht~l~s ~a~e~t ~n~pq~s~ble,. ~o ttmcgqq
¯ :..is With deep r~gret that I must announce
: that the boardof Interfaith AIDS Minis-
¯" ’tries has’made the decision to discontinue
: client services.
: I have for srme time continued as the
¯ directorona.volunteerbasis at the board"g ¯ reques ; L’.am no longer able to d.o
¯ Work-~.~,~.~ and personal responslbl,~i,7
582-0~38 ties maKeit impossible forme to continue
¯ Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st. 481-1111 ¯
HOPEI HiV-.Outredch,Pi?~vefifibn:,Edt~cafion 834-8378
: .*H0us.e. O~ the Holy Spitff ~_~nstri¢s,.32!0~ s~~. ’Nb~wood .......
:::-iii~e~ ~iDS MJnislii~s/~ ...... 4381~437, 800-284-2437 ."
:."¥~C~~ United~-i623 :N. Mapi~w00d~: " ~ 838-i715
¯ NAMESPr0ject,.3507 E. Admiral- PlY . 748-3111 . ¯
NO.W, Nat’l Or.g for Womeri;"POBlZ!0.68174159 365-5658
¯ OK Spokes Club (bic~clifig), POB 916~,-.74157 " .
¯ *OSU-TUiSa ’ " ’ ¯
¯ ..PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901 :
¯
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 "
¯ Prime-Timer~P.O. Box 52118, 74152 "
¯ R.A.I:N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network~ ........ 749-4195 ¯
¯Red Ro~k Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 ..... 584~2325 ¯
; O’ RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth "
St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882 ¯
¯
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
¯
*St. Jerome’ s Parish Church, 205 W. King .582-3088 "
¯" *Tulsa,~ea United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171 ¯
¯TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 ¯ ¯
Tulsa County HealthDepartment, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 :
¯
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only "
¯ TulsaOkla. for HumanRights, c/o The PrideCenter 743:4297
¯ T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform!Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule ¯
: *Tulsa Community College Campuses "
¯ *TulsaGay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297 ¯ ¯
Unity Church of Christianity,3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833 ¯
Friead~,..in ~nity Social Org., i~i3 8~2~ 7..4 !.0. !
HIV~.~ente~2~i’38Chas’. Page Blvd. " -- 583-6611 : to do thejob rrsponsibly. It requires more ........
*Tulsa C.A.R:E.S., 3507 E. Admiral- 834-4i94~. time and energy than I am now able to
BARTLESVILLE
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
¯ OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
Borders Books & Music, 3209 NW Expressway 405-848-2667
Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
¯¯ TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League, call for information: 918~456-7900
¯ *Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
¯ Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
¯ NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
: EUREKASI~;RINGS, ARKANSAS.
"~ Auttmm’ Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
¯
*Jim & Brent’ s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’ s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St,
: MCC:0f the Living Spring
: Geek to Go!,TC Specialist, POB 429
¯ Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’ s, Hwy. 62 East
: White Light, 1 Center St.
: JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696
501-253-7734 "
501-253-7457 :
501-253-6807 "
501-253-5445 ¯
501-253-9337 :
501-253-2776 "
501-253-5332 .
501-624-6646 "
501-253-6001 "
501-253-4074
¯
* is where you can find TFN. Not allare Gay-owned but allare Gay-friendly.
commiLAnd there is no one wilting and
able to take my place.
The bisard has made the decision t~
continue IAM’s existence, at this time.
IAM’s board will continue to meet periodicallyand
monitor the changing reali:°
ties of HIV/AIDS, its effect on our community
and any future role IAM may play
inmeeting needs. It is the ministry’ s hope,
of course, that the future will bring a cure.’.
that some day gatherings will be in remembrance
only.
The board and I wish to express our
deepest appreciation for you support of
the work of this ministry over the many
years of its existence. Without that support
IAM would not have been able to
serve the hundreds of individuals which it
has assisted withpractical, emotional, and
spiritual support. Thank you on behalf of
thosewehave served for themany gifts of
your time, your talents, and your support.
I appreciate the opporttmity the ministry
has provided me to serve those affected
by HIV/AIDS and to get to know
and work with all of you. It has been very
hard for me to step away from this work
knowing there is so much more to be
done. However, I know I have reached
that place where, even though there is alot
more I would have liked to have done, I
have done all I can do for now. I would ask
that you continue your prayers of those
living:~ith and affected by HIV/A~DS
and fofthOse who minister to them, for a
cure for this,devastating disease, and frr
those who have served Interfaith AIDS
Ministries. Thank you and God bless you.
Faithfully,
- Chaplain Diane Zike, Director
"focused on the issue of state’s rights"
and that the high court’, s ruling in the case.
"will have no direct effect in Oklahoma."
"Oklahoma does not have the same antidiscrimination
law as New Jersey,"
Edmondson said. "For me and my office,
this matter was soldy decided on the
advancement of states’ rights."
Theissue ofstates’ rights involves powers
reserved to the states under the 10th
Amendment and immunity from lawsuits
under the 1 lth Amendment.
Edmondson, a former Boy Scout and
see Attorney, p.7
by Christopher Graft, Associated Press Writer
On the day Unilever bought Slim-Fast for $2.3 billion
and Ben & Jerry’s for $326 million, it was the smaller
purchase that captured the headlines and attentionnationwide.
TheNew York Times, The Washington Postand The
Associated Press were among the major news organizations
that focused on the purchase of the tiny ice cream
company, mentioning the acquisition of the much-larger
Slim-Fast only to savor the unusual pairing of the fatten,
ing and dieting duo.
ceutical industry or whoever is his enemy of the moment.
It is remarkable, actually, that Vermont gets as much
attention as it does - through Ben, Jerry, and Bernie, and
through U.S. Sens. Pat Leahy and Jim Jeffords and Gov.
Howard Dean, all of whom have images of straight
talkers in a business full of bluster. I suspect the nation’ s
high interest in things Vermont has something to do with
"... More and more in recent years Vetmont
has been out front in tackling tough Why? Why does a $326 million purchase gain more
attcntionthatva$2.3~billionone?Qu~fle-simplybecauseno ¯ probl.ems. There is something about the
one ldab~s 6r~ cares ~h6 !o~vns Shn~-Fast." ~ . , ~ ¯ . ¯
Butdle k~d~Be~duidflie ’ldid,& J " ~’" ""~ ~ ,.small ~s~ze of the state that allows exper~-
¯ ! y ,, ! , y.:,. . ’. erry. mlamey care . .... ¯ ¯ : ¯
who owns th~s’c0mpa@.~ h~;ce ~dffay~ b~fi ~ttnazed’l~ ~. :nlentat~i0ii. Aiad ther is something a~ well
the wide interest in Ben & Jerry’ s. By the news media.
And by peo_p,te in general. Because, to be blunt about it,
Ben & Jerry s is a tiny company, with an insignificant
share of the ice cream market. The appeal, though, stems
from the fact there are two real guys at the heart of this
company; two guys who want t6~do good.
No faceless multinational ctlialj._"~,y with layers of
bureau...cracy. This xs Ben and Je~’.~,~-stlll doing a little
scooping here and there, and always keeping their eyes on
social concerns. And that strikes a nerve with the publicl
Twoguys who want to do good. Helping out the little guy
by earmarking 7.5% of the pretax p.r.ofits for charity and
running campaigns to help children and savethe family
farm. Two guYS. Doing good.
Bernie Sanders strikes that same nerve. This past week
found him gushingly profiled in the New York Times and
prominently featured in the Boston Globe, the National
Journal.and on Nagonal Public Radio. H~ is just one of
435 members of the U.S. House - and ye’~ he reaps far
more than his share of publicity - just like Ben and Jerry
do. Why? Because he, too, strikes a nerve. Bernie is the
fighter for the little guy, taking on the powerful pharma-
" about the attitude of its polltieal leaders
¯ and people, an attitude that champions eivll
i
r~ghts and foeuse~ on the little guy.
: As difficult as it seems for some people,
the debate this year over extending
i
benefits to Gay and Le~hian couples
is part of that tradition..."
: theseindi~iduals, but it als0 has s0me~ng to do with the
state, its people and its heritage.
¯ In a time when many people feel disconnected from
~ their communities, when they feel overwhelmed by the
¯ stresses and strains of everyday life, Vermont seems to
¯ offer an anchor and a hope. Vermont is small enough.to
retain the seBs¢ of community lost elsewhere, and is
¯ unafraid to try the unconventional - to stand up for the
¯ litde guy. ¯
Ben, Jerry, Bernie and the others are not creating a new
image for Vermont: They are simply building on what
Editor’s note: the following are remarks made by new
NGLTF Executive Director Elizabeth Toledo at the National
Press Club at apress conference held on April.25.
"Good morning. I am here this morning to discuss the
state of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
movement (GLBT) for equality in the United States.
As many state legislatures across the land wrap tip their
work and adjourn, we are seeing a frenzied pace of
legislative activity surrounding GLBT issues. For only
the second year in our movement’ s history, we have seen
bills favorable to our community outnumber unfavorable
bills - and the ratio is rapidly increasing.
So far this year, the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force has tracked 466 bills, of which 288 are favorable
and 178 are unfavorable. By comparison, last year, we
tracked 269 favorable bills and 205 unfavorable bills.
A trend has emerged which shows that although the
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender population remains
under fierce attack, the movement toward civil
rights for all is steadily gaining strength.
Today the Vermont House of Representatives is poised
to give final approval to a bill that would allow same-sex
couples the right to enter into official civil unions sanctioned
by the state. If approved and signed into law, the
Vermont bill will do what no state has ever done before
- it will pr0~ide same~s,¢x couples wi~ al! of the fights,
benefits iitid ~i~0fi-iilsNties Of niarfiag~ thai a state can
offer.
Vermont has garnered a lot of attention, and rightfully
so. But did_you know_ about Georgia? Indiana? Mai_ne?
Alabama?’GeOrgia this Tear foi~ ,the firs:t!time ever: has
passed and enacted a hate crimes law. Indiana has passed
and enacted a hate crimes data collection law. While not
a full-blown hate crimes law, it represents the first rime
hidianalegislators have everreacted favorably to aGLBT
issue. Maine has passed and forwarded to the voters a
full-scale civil rights law that includes sexual orientation.
In Alabama, the House has passed an historic bill adding
.sexual orientation to the existing hate crimes law. Thebill
is scheduled to come up for a heating in the Senate
tomorrow.
Five states - Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New Mexico, Wisconsin - have defeated attempts to
either pass or strengthen anti-same-sex marriage laws.
¯
The pace of activity this year continues a trend we first
¯ noticed in 1999, a breakthrough year for the GLBT
; .- movement. Last year’ s legislative victories included his-
" toric advances in such disparate states as California,
: Kentucky, New Hampshire and Nevada. In California,
legislators passed and the governor signed a trio of bills
: "...Vermont has garnered a lot of
: attention, and ghtf lly But did
you know about Georgla.9
Indlana.~ Maine.9 Alabama?
Georgia this year for the first time ever
has passed and enacted a hate erlmes
law. Indiana has passed and enacted a
hate cr~mes data collection law..."
that established a statewide registry for same-sex couples,
added sexual orientation to thenondiscrimination clauses
under the state Fair Employment and Housing Act and
offered public school students some protection against
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
In Kentucky, tWO cities..and two_ 9oun.ties ad~pted, pro-
GLBT civil rights measures. In New Hampshire, a law ¯
preventing same-sex couples from adopting children was
repealed. And Nevada became the 1 lth state to ban job
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
~While we hav~ l~geiy ~picked-ul~iii flJ~ ~e’a~’2000 -
where we left off, the news is not all good. Two states -
Utah and Mississippi -have passed bills preventing "
same-sex couples from adopting children. Two state "
legislatures - Colorado and West Virginia- passed laws
preventing same-sex couples from marrying, and Call- "
fornia voters approved a measure banning the state from "
recognizing same-sex marriages in other states. The "
number of states that have explicitly passed laws banning
same-sexmamagewill reach 33 ifthe Colorado governor ,’.
signs that statefs legislation. :
Such activity reflects the unfortunate reality of our ,"
movement. There is a checkerboard quality to the legal ¯
and cultural victories for the LGBT movement, and too "
¯ was there. This state has always been seen as a bastion of
¯ common sense and a breeder of courageous people.
Yes, Vermont’ s pastoral image is of a bygone era of
¯ village squares and hillside farms. But its political image,
its heritage, in fact, is of courage, of caring, of going
¯ where others fear to tread.
Ralph Flanders was about as conservative as they
~ come. But he had the courage to stand up in the U.S.
¯ Senate and call for an end to Joe McCarthy’ s red-baiting,
¯ taking a stand that for Flanders was steeled in the values ¯
in the Bill of Rights. And so it was for George Aiken,
¯ fighting against :the banks, the rai!roadS, and~ flae marble
¯ and:~~ani,t.~i,n~t.u.stries in the ’3Os~ and spegaki~g up yche,It
¯¯ - others,would not .about the~ ,folly’,.of,Vietnam. :, . . . ..
More and mpre in. recent ~ears V,e.rmont:has been out
¯ front in tackling tough problems. There is something
: about the small size of the state that allows experimenta-
¯ tion. And there is something as well about the attitude of
¯ its political leaders and people, an attitude that champions
¯ civil rights and focuses on the little guy.
¯ As difficult as it seems for somepeople, the debate this
¯ year over extending benefits to Gay and Lesbian couples
¯ .is part of that tradition. Again the eyes of the nation are on
~ the state. Certainly there is apprehension and even oppo-
¯ sition, but it is reassuring and pleasing to see how much
: applause thereis. A South Carolinanewspaper writes that
¯ "Vermont has offered a sensible model for secular civil
¯ unions;" theArizonaDaily Star says "this is probably the ¯
¯ best solution possible to an emotional, important debate
that strains the bounds of Americans’ tolerance and
¯ respect for each other," and the Concord (N.H.) Monitor
; says Vermont has "passed what was a test of conscience."
¯ A tourist promotion campaigns a few decades back
¯ proclaimed that Vermont is what America was. It is more
¯ accurate today to say that Vermont is what America
¯ wants to be.
often the difference between legitimacy and illegitimacy
in the eyes of society may rest on something as arbitrary
as a state boundary. Many residents of thiS country
assume that the great strides of the civil rights movement
have afforded broad protection against discrimination for "
all. In fact the legal reality is that those of us in same sex
relationships have notbeen fully protectedfrom discrimination
in housing,jobs, family law, education - virtually
every aspect of our lives is subject to discrimination and
sadl y, hate violence or harassment remains a reality in
every state in the nation.
Too often the cultural strides that are made in the
media, in places or worship, in schools and universities
and in the workplace are misinterpreted as a sign that
equality has been won.
I’ll give you an example. The National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force frequently receives phone calls from
same-sex couples asking for alist of states in which they
can legally marry. These individuals see shows like Will
and Grace or Dawson’ s Creek. They worship in churches
or synagogues that welcome them. They are out in the
workplace or at school. They just assume, like many
heterosexual Americans, that the barriers of discrimination
have been eradicated.
The reality, of course, is quite different¯ Not a single
state allows same.sex mamage. 39 states allow Gay,
"Lesbian, Bisexual:and Transgender employees.to be fired
from ourjobs. 28 states lack hate crimes law s that include
sexual orientation. 18 states criminalize loving, same-sex
relationships.
.~ " T~day the GLBT movement i~ at a crossroads We.are
under open assault by those who would deny us basic
.human rights., and at the same time the nation.is witnessing
a surge in support for our cause. Ourtives, our
liberty, our pursuit of happiness depend upon our ability
to build strong political infrastructure and organize on the
state and local level.
Local orgamzing has always been the trademark of the
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Fortunately, we
are not alone. Today, the state and local political infrastructure
of the GLBT movement in the United States is
stronger than it has ever been before.
In 1996, NGLTFhelped found the Federation of Statewide
LGBT Political Organizations. see NGLTF, p. 11
College Course to Focus
On Net Hate Groups
BOSTON (AP) - One shows an image of a slain Gay
man burning in hell Another claims the FBI has
declared war on white Christians. A third pretends to
pay homage to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., then
suggests the civil rights leader was a sex fiend, a
communist and a "plastic god." They ~e radical,
hate-driven Internet sites and they are increasing
rapidly. This fall, they also will be the basis for a
communications class at Emerson College called
Hate.com. Robert Hilliard, an Emerson communications
prof~e,ssor, vlans to use ,the sites to examine how
radical gxpups use fi!e Internet to recrmt new members.
" "
Hilliard became interested in extremists~ when.he’
stumbled across a far-right talk radio show, and later
wrote abookonthe topic withBoston College professor
Michael Keith. "We began to listen and we said,
’Here we were, communications professionals and
we didn" t know about these people,’" Hilliard said.
"People have got to know what these people are
saying." Their book, "Waves of Rancor: Tuning in
the Radical RighC’ was well-received and ended up
onPresident Clinton’ s summerreading list. Hilliard’ s
says his class will .examine how the groups target
xmpressionable youth, how they multiply and how
they foment rage¯
More than 300 extremistWeb sites are on the
Internet today, ranging from neo-Nazi alliances to
Gay and Lesbian haters to Holocaust denials sites,
according to the watchdog Southern Poverty Law
Center¯ In 1998, the group counted 254 such Web
sites, up from 163 in 1997.
Experts say extremists are careful’not to urea away
viewers with upfront, inflammatory statements or
epithets. Instead, rock music and games draw in new
members gradually. OneNeo-Nazi site features bands
like RaHoWar, which stands for Racial Holy War.
"Others attract viewers with seemingly mainstream
articles, but the articles can lead to racist and conspiratorial
theories bolstered with passages from the
Bible and alternative historians.
Hilliard plans toinvite some hate site creators to the
class, giving them a chance to defend their work. One
rote creator satdhe s open to such challenges. I thi
the media is extremely biased against my point of
view and I want to provide an alternative to their
news," said Don Black, creator of Stormfront, one of
o.. the Web’ s oldest white nationalist sites.
Hilliard and others emphasize that extremist sites
are fully protectedby the First Amendment and stress
they are not calling for their removal. However,
Hilliardmakes no bones abouthis hopes that students
work to combat them. ’q?hese are people saying’We
must arm ourselves for a holy war to rid the world of
those who are not white, Aryan Christians or those
who disagree with our points of view,’" he said.
Idaho Public TV Faces
Program Challenges
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho. (AP) :-Adding adisclaimer to
.controversial programming on Idaho Public Television
may pacify prograrnm~ug restrictions from the
.Legislature while allowing the stationto keep federal
funding.
Idaho Board Of Education member Curtis ’Eaton
¯ proposed.Friday the board require PublieTelevision
tO air a disclaimer stating the station does not sanction
acts or events depicted in programming. In a letter
dated,April 13, Eaton asked.the ¯board to consider the
option-as a way torectncile what he describes aft
contradictory statements in recent.legislation that
require theboard to regulateprogramming deemed to
promote acts illegal in Idaho.
The controversy over programming began last.
spring, when Idaho Public Television General Manager
Peter Morrill decided to air"It’ s Elementary," an
hour-long documentary abouthow five public school
districts across the country dealt with teaching kids
about homosexuality. Christian conservatives lobbied
the board to veto the program, but in June 1999
the board voted unanimously not to interfere with
Morrill’ s programming decision.
But the Legislature got involved this spring by
including restrictions in a funding package for the
network that reouire the board to monitor and reject
programming that "promotes, supports or encourages
the violation of Idaho criminal statutes." Because
sodomy is illegal in Idaho, the bill could be interpreted
tomeanprograms like"It’ s Elementary" should
be cut. Or, because robbery is an Idaho felony, documentaries
about legendary thieves Bonme and Clyde
mightbebarred. ButboardmemberHarold Davis said
he agreed with the restrictions and felt "It’ s Elementary’
crossed the line iiito promoting "the Gay
lifestyle." Heopposed Eaton’ s proposal, saying itwas
not sufficient to meet Legislative demands for new
policy.
Methodists Callings,For:+
Investigation of Bishop
SACRAMENTO (AP) - Some parishioners want
religious leaders to investigate the United Methodist
Church bishop who decided not to charge 68 ministers
who attended and endorsed a Lesbian wedding.
The western region of the United Methodist Church’ s
College of ~3ishops received two letters from parishioners,
asking for aninvestigationinto whether Bishop
Melvin Talbert disregarded church laws, including
one banning same-sex unions. Bishop Elias Galvan of
Seattle, a member of the religious body, said the o
letters would be reviewed to see if they merit complaint
status.
John Stumbo, a Fort Valley, Ga., lawyer and member
of the Coalition for United Methbdist Accountability,
said the complaints centered around comments
Talbert made when he announced that there
was no basis f01~ a trial. At the time, Talbert said it was
more important for the church to be all-inclusive than
to puuish someone for blessing a union not officially
sanctioned by the churcJa; But Stumbo said Talbert
and the church’ s investigative committee disregarded
a church law against homosexual, marriage in reaching
their decision,
If the-College of Bishops finds grounds for complaint,
a separate committee wouldinvestigate whether
Talbert should be tried in a church court, which would
have the power to impose a number of penalties,
including expulsion. Talbert’ s secretary said thebishop
was travding and could not be reached for comment.
The Rev. Don Fado of St..Mark’ s United Methodist
Church in Sacramento performed the January 1999
ceremony for churchmembers Ellie Charlton, 64,and.
Jeanne BametL 69. He and 67 other ministers offiCiated
en masse at the ceremony.
University Denial of
Benefits Ruled Legal
P1TTSBU-RGH (AP) - The University of Pittsburgh
has-legally denied health benefits to same-sex partners
of employees, an AlleghenyCounty judge ruled.
Judge Robert Gallo said that Pitt’ s policy is neutral
because health benefits are offered to all employees
regardless of sexual orientation, and Pitt also denies
benefits to unmarried partners of heterosexual employees.
"This ruling dearly iupholds what has been
the university’ s .position, thr0~ghout these proem,dings
- namely that the universityhealth benefits plan
is legal and nondiscriminatory," Pitt spokesman Ken
Service said.
But. Deborah Henso~, ia’former Pittinstn~ctorWho-’
sued when the university denied benefits to her Le~.-
bian partner, said she’would appeal to Common~
wealth Court. ’~Fhis is.important in terms of fairness.,,
and equality," Hens,on s~d.."pitt has .l~e~¯ ~gh~ng
tooih and nail, inmy opiuion,tojus,tff,y~ disenmina~tton
against Gay and Lesbi~in persons. Henson and six
others were plaintiffs in a lawsuit alleging that Pitt
violated a city ordinance banning discrimination
against Gay~ and Lesbians. I-Ienson’ s attorneys had
wanted the case to be heard by the Pittsburgh CommissiononHumanRelations,
whichhears complaints
about violations of the city ordinance.
Ga!lo said the commission has nojurisdiction over
Pitt. In November, Gov. Tom Ridge signed a law
exempting state universities and colleges from being
forced by city anti-discrimination laws to provide
same-sex benefits. Pitt is a state-affiliated institution.
United in
God’s Love
¯ MCC-Un=ted
Sunday WOrship
11:00 am
1623 N. Maplewood
Reverend Cathy Elliot
Pastor
918/838-1715
Community
Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Community ofHope
2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595
.... A Welcoming Congregation
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm
3210b S. Norwood, Info: 224-4754, Chris or Sharon
- Sandra Hill
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E: Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745-1111
Red Rock Tulsa- O’RYAN
Oklahoma Rainbow Young Adult Network
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-58.4=2325
Mingo Valley Flowers
~9413 E. 31St St., Tulsa 74145
918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-444-5934
Family Owned & Operated
Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW
Ghild, Family, Individual & Gouplo Psychothorapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
The Pride Store
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
Tulsa Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297) .. i .
6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
’12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the cOnter
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
747-5466
4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
TOM NEAL
BUILDING & GARDEN
DESIGN
583-,1248
Red Rock Tulsa,.
Free Confidential,:HIV,Testing
Walk-in Clihics
........ Tuesdays, 5-8 pm, Center, 1307 East38tti ......
Wednesdays, 5-8 pm, R¢0.~ock, 1724_~_s.L8~h
Daytime appointments availal~le.
Call for more information;
918-584 2325
KEVIN ESON
Keller Will,ms
-712;2 252
..~ Bur]es~n@kw.com
26D I East 21st Street, gte. 100, Tulsa 7~’1~
, ~ An Ind@endg~t Member ~roher
SaintAidan ~ ~ SaintDunstan
4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882 5635 East 71st, 492-7140
Saint John Trinity
4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381 501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
"Recognizing that Pitt’ s health care contract on its
face prohibits Pitt from providing benefits to both
same sex and heterosexual unmarried couples, making
n~ distinction between the two, it is dear that the
commi ssion would be precluded from finding that an
unlawful practice hadbeen committedbyPitt," Gallo’ s
written ruling said.
Other universities in Pennsylvania that offer samesex
benefit~ include the University of Pennsylvania,
Swarthmore College and DickinsfnCollege. C.amegie
MdlonUniversity.faculty earlier this monthaccepted
a recommendation-that the:,.university ,provide samesex
benefits as wall..CMU’ s board of trustees must
approve the recommendation as well before samesex
benefits will be extended, according to university
spokesman Don Hale.
BOSh
on Vermont Civil Unions
¯ Clark delivered opening and dosing arguments ¯
while Richard Van Wagoner, another Salt Lake City
¯ lawyer, grilled Seidel on her decision to disqualify
¯ PRISM but sanction the Polynesian Club and the
¯ Odyssey of the Mind Club. ’Seidel also nixed a
¯ women’ s literature club, saying she had suggested a
¯ genderless literature club instead. Campbell seemed
¯ particularly interested in that decision a~d asked for
¯ district records on it. ~ "....
." The judge frequently turned oia Dan: Larsen, an
¯ assistant Utah state attorney general d~fending the
¯ school district, attacking his argiamentsand declaring
school administrators were not hb~v~:the law. Dis-
- trict Superintendent Darlene Roblds: who was in the
¯ courtroom but did not testify, S~iid tti~ school board
¯ "wasla:t tr~_’0g to violate studen[s" ~F,ifst Amendment
¯ ~nghk~ and welcomed any ~]anfi~ohC ~ ll~ear~
"bring on, the m~tte~r~ ,
TEMPLE,Texas (AP)-Republican presidential candidate
George W. Bush refused to be drawn into
comment on Vermont’s civil unions, which would
grant to same~sex couples some 300 state benefits of
marriage, including medical decision-making, tax
breaks and inheritance. Bush has opposed recognizing
same-sex unions in Texas. "They have a right to
pass a law," Bush said. "It’ s the right of the state to
.make that decision just like it’s the right of the state
of South Carolina to make the decision on the flag."
Bush also met with a group ofGay Republicans last
week in Austin and said he was "a better person" for
heating their stories but still disagreed with them on
Gay marriage. The Texas governor answered questions
after making an elementary school appearance
to_~,r.omote "character education" on the anni .v.ersary
of the Columbine shootings.
School District InC0urt
Fi0r Rejecting Gay Club
SALT Li~KE CITY (AP) - A fede~r,al judge recently
shai~ly questioned a’s~hoor distiict s refuSai.to’sanctibia’
"d" ’ ~~d:¢rff ~ dub ’ that would-focus:,on:Gay "~-:
IJYe:sbjan~ssu¢si"’~ust (~ecaus~ yo~gof6"safi’6ol’d~i
m~y~.~0!~ -th~ii,~’~iis~ Aiii~iidifiefi{iights; U..S,"
Di~ft Jildg~ Teiah’ chmp~~tttold’.a lawyer for’the
S~,t-~ .city’s~tiool ~’~&:Campbell made.no
d~Li~ionlasr m’or~,...B.~t.~:.i.s e.x_pected’t0 nile ~60n
o..n~a’reqye~ by stud~,nt org~:z~r~’i6b~c~ia~lVadnfiil:
is~t6r~ find .~_~ "PRrSM~’Peoi~l~ R~spectingIm~
pdrt~t s~iAl Mov-&ia~nt~= ter@o:rary school privileges.
Campbell will then’decide the crux of the case:
w3aether schoql 9ffici~s violated the First Amendmeat
or their own-policy in sh~bb~ag., PRISM:Tot-?
merly the Gay-Straight Alliaiice and_now, reconsti-.
ttitM M’ii~i" aii ac~id’6G~i~ ib~ar to satisfy new district:
c[abrules, -
_ .Cynthia ~¢i_.dd i. the_Oi,S_tri’~? s._as~istani,~upe~nten-:
¯ dent, struggled on the stand Tliurs~y.~0¢xplaii~ why.,
PRISM didn’ t.qualify as, an academic_club;.contend:
ing,it represents a~ narrow..viewpoi~ o.n ~.~.erican
hist6ry and sociology In 1996, the school districi
el.i_nu,’na,ted all nonacademicdubs’i:aiher.than idlow
Qay .dubat East RighS&ooL ambve.that ,was
in~federat court..... .....",.. ~ .... ~, , ,.
,,7i?ne,G~y,~cltlb ~, 0n!y .n~et ~t’e~ ,h~ ~s
qo~.l~.u~:~.g,rpup. thin, must ~efi( siJa~e aiii£.~hy
insurance~ Th~~i~a’l~ ;sn ’t~16~l t6 liand ~tU~t t’l,y..¢~ oL
c~uh ~ha~e.t0~ay.fQr~ :,es si Coh~:saia’.’C6iien ~’d:
i~qrpos; ,oLtll.e .cfii~ is tbi~i~ss history"f~bifi:the
pcrsp.e.,,~tive~ of’G~y~ a~a)’?!;~in~."Seida ti~Z them
~O~i~ :Uec~U~ ~e’d0ii~t t~ch c,,urri~ulum from the
viewpini:dfGays and Legblans. ’. .
Stephen.Clark, l¢.gal director for the American
Civil ,Liberties, U,ni"on of Utah, argued that the denial
was a straighff0.r~v)ffd First Amendment v,iolation.
Clark also contends the district manipulated its own
club policy and sealed its decision against PRISM
with a new, still unwritten rule disqualifying clubs
advocating an "exclusive viewpoint" of subjects.
Lesbian Housing Rights
NEW YORK (AP) - A lawyer for a Lesbian medical
student asked a state appeals court to order Yeshiva
University to let the woman and her domestic partner
live together in school-subsidized housing.
James Esseks told a five-judge panel of the New
York State Supreme Court’ s Appellate Division that
Yeshiva’ s policy discriminates on the basis of marital
status and sexual orientation in violation of city and
state law. Esseks said the university pern-ts married
students to live in school housing only with spouses
and children. Because Gay couples cannot legally
marry, the policy has a disparate, discriminatory
impact on them, he said. Esseks represents Sara
Levin, 28, of San Francisco, a fourth-year student at
Yeshiva’ s Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Yeshiva
University is the oldest andlargest institution of
higher education under Jewish auspices in the United
States.
University Members
Protest Anti-GaY Slurs
GORHAM, "{~/Iaine (AP) - Abou(.125.~t_udent~, staff
and administrators attended ameeting following three
incidents o£ anti-Gay bias at the University of Southern
Maine. One student and two others were arrested
_ by GorhamandUSMpolicein connection with one of
" the three_’in.cidents, all of which took place during a
¯ one-week period earlier this spring. President Rich-
- : ard Pattenande assured participants.at Wednesday’ s
:Tmeeting that anti-Gay acts will not be tolerated.
:’ "USM stands unflinchingly for equality~. -. homophobid
has.no place at USM," Pattenande said..
The incidents began on the weekend of April 8-9
when anti.Gay graffiti was foundin Woodward Hall.
The graffiti referred to a resideatadvisor. The next
incidenthappened on April 13 when the same
Woodward resident advisor and anotheradvisor intervenedin
an out-of-control party. Both were taunted
~ with violent, anti-Gay threats. Last Saturday, another
¯ dormitory.staff workerfoundawritten-anti-Gay death
threat had been slipped under her’dtbr~" .......
’ Alhb:ama Hate:i::Cii :i:mes
Law Revision In:Trouble
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - At:i~n-danc~..at. a Senate
comfifittee meeting could determine the fate Of
lcgist~tif~;to ~;po,laxkA!.~b._a~a,~’.A~h~.qrim,es !~w to
indud~NXnald~r~e~a~:.ti...on.!.7~.e.t)i:!$ pa~red~R~
49-39:on.April 6..George, Olssom Mbntgomery .area
coordinator for-the Gay and Le~ian,Al!iartc,e .of
Alabama~,s~d ’.~e ,J~c!~ci_ary _Co~t.t~~: sharply
which commi.B~me,_~a~bcrs shoN,upat tlag~tiil~eting.
Committee, cL~irman.:Rodger,:,Smi,ih~ianan, a
supporter Of the bill, agreed thdco~tteeii spfit 50-
50 and,attendance,could determine t!~.outcome.
Alabama law already mandates, mini.mm:n prison
terms that felons must serve for crimes motiyated by
race, color, religion, national origin, :ethnicity or
physical or mental disability. For instance,, if a person
committed a crime that is normally punishable by one
to 10 years in prison, the hate crimes law mandates the
person must serve at least two years in prison.
TB Spreading In
Transgender Group
ATLANTA (AP) - A tuberculosis outbreak
in the Transgender commtulities of
Baltimore and New York City may be
spreading to 0ther:cities, the government
said recently. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention confirmed 26 active
cases and 37 dormant cases of tuberculosis,
most of them connected to members
of the transgender community inthe
two cities.
The’ CD~,, ~s~ th~t~m~ig~asgender to:
encbn~Ss~"cro~-~dr~ss~dr~,~ those who
haveig~.,derg0~eI
and indi~id~Jai~ ~tio ~re’plafining to un~
dergo sex-change operations. All of the
cases in Baltimore were men except for
fourwomenwho w’ere eitherfamilymembers
of the men or health care workers
who treated them. Many had a strain of
TB treated with common antibiotics. The
government said 62% of the tuberculosis
patients tested positive for HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS. People with HIV are
susceptible to tuberculosis and could die
if not treated.
Transgenders often travd to many cities
frequenting social clubs and participaring
in fashion and dance competitions.
"Frequent travel and social network links
identified among the Baltimore andNYC
cases have raised concern that thi~ strain
¯ . may be circulating in other’~ities
among young, mobile transgender persons
withHIV infection," theCDCsaid in
a report¯
The CDC is checking for additional
cases linked to the same strain in Atlanta,
"Baltimore, Boston,NewYorkCity, Philadelphia
and Washington, D.C.
Actor Bruce Willis
Donating to Charity
LOS ANGELES (AP) - There’ s more to
theBruceWillis appearances on"Friends"
than a potential ratings boost. The actor,
who agreed to be a guest star on NBC’ s
"Friends" for three episodes during the
May ratings "sweeps," is donating earnings
from the show to five charities. The
amount of money wasn’ t disclosed.
The American Foundation for AIDS
Research, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the
Elizabeth Glaser PediatricAIDS Foundation,
the Rape Treatment Center and
UCLAUnicamp for underprivileged children
will share the money, Willis publicist
Paul Bloch said.
On "Friends," Willis plays the widowedfather
ofRoss’ new girlfriend. Willis
became friendly with "Friends" actor
Matthew Perry when they both starred in
the movie "The Whole Nine Yards."
Study on Prison
Sex in Kentucky
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) - A Morehead
State University professor is conducting a
study on prison sexuality, a topic he says
has been shrouded in silence but must be
dealt with. The information could be used
to combat the spread of AIDS and improve
prison safety. Christopher Hensley,
a sociology professor who directs
Morehead’s Institute for Correctional
Research and Training, said the survey is
the first of its kind in Kentucky.
Hensley studied prison sex in Oklahoma
and found that nearly one in four
male prisoners had engaged in sexual
activities with fellow inmates. Overall.
13.8% of all prisoners said they had been
: "threatened sextmlly" by other inmates
: and 1.1% said they had been raped.
". If they have AIDS or another sex~mlly
¯ transmitted disease, they’ll be spreading
: it to their partners, he said. "These people
: are g,oing to be getting out of prison and
¯¯ they re going to be having sex with their
wives or husbands," Hemley said.
: The sweeping 46-question survey .,asks
¯ about jailhouse consensual sex,
: autoeroticism and rape. About 3,600 of
: Kentucky’ s 15.300 prisoners have been
¯ asked to participate. The survey is volun-
!, ~tary and_anonymouL Funded in part b~ a
.: ~$1,600 ~ant from ’Morehe~id~State,! the ":~i ~ques~i~res have~n ~ent to i.m~tes
¯ ’. dt three Of the state’ s .12 male prisons and
: toinmatesatthestate’sonlyfemaleprison.
¯ Results will be released this fall.
Hensley’ s research has "extraordinary
value," said Cindy Stmckman-Johuson, a
professor of psychology at the University
of South Dakota. But~topic is so taboo
that few scholars focus on it, she said.
"We should have hundreds of people
studying it," Struckman-Johnson said.
"Sex inprisonis amajor cause ofviolence
... of upset and turmoil, a major cause of
disease."
Prisoners’ rights advocates also say the
sexuality data could be useful. "Prison is
a very violent place and ff (officials) can
get a better idea about the reality ofprison
rape and what’ s going on, hopefully they
caTu be more prepared to deal with that
issue," said Kara Gotsch, a public policy
coordinator with the Washington, D.C.-
based National Prison Project of the
American Civil Liberties Union.
Struckman-Jotmson said some prison
administrators try to quash these kinds of
studies out of concern about negativepublicity.
But Morehead State administrators
and Kentucky prison officials approved
Hensley’ s study.
Hensley also has co-written an article
on conjugal visitation in Mississippi, and
his study on consensual homosexual activity
in male prisons in Oklahoma is
scheduled for publication in December in
a prison-related academic journal.
Russian Prison
For HIV+ Inmates
MOSCOW (AP) - Authorities in a Siberian
region plan to open a separate prison
for inmates infected with HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS, a news report said last
month.
About 600 HIV-positive convicts are
serving time in prisons of the Irkutsk
region, and another 300 infected people
are held in pre-trial detention, said Boris
Gronik, chief of the regional Justice Ministry
branch in charge of prison administration.
Gronik said afflicted inmates
present a danger to other prisoners, and
need to be removed; the ITAR=Tass news
agency reported. "Unless they are all gathered
in one place, the situationmayget out
of control," Gronik was quoted as saying.
Russia already has one special prison
for HIV-positive convicts, ITAR-Tass
said. The jail is located in the Baltic Sea
enclave of Kaliningrad, which has one of
the highest concentrations of AIDS cases
in Russia.
In a separate development, authorities
in the southern Siberian republic of
Buryafia, next door to lrkutsk, said 101
HIV cases have been registered in the
republic, up from 24 at the start of the
year, ITAR-Tass reported.
HIV has been spreading fast in Russia
and more than 30,000 registered cases
March.
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
Medical
Excellence And
Compass.ionate
Care Since
1926.
¯ ¯ ST. JOHN MEDICAL CENTER
Medical Excellence ¯ Compassionate Care
~ Tulsa’s only~o/essional
" - , bodyp!ercing
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men’s
Support Group is here for you!
¯ E~ening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
Call JOHN RAGAN, the friend!y, caring real estate agent who understands
your special needs! 918-583-2125 800-559-1558 ~.NewNest.com
reviewed by Barry Hensley . In the mid 1960’ s, Garlandstarted re-
Tulsa City-County Library ¯ cording her memories and feelings on a
Judy Garland’ s fascinating and tumul- " reel to reel tape recorder. Theoretically, it
tuous.life has become the subject of yet ¯ was to be a verbal, and hopefully moneyanothercontroversialbiography,
thistime " making autobiography, butinreality,forby
Gerald Clarke, author tifiedbyherfavoritewine,
of "Capote." Goddess of "Extraordinarily Blue Nun, it became a ti-
Gay men of a certain age, . oor, at~ ehoosln , . ~ade.ag~in~t~pe°p!eand
Judy died inlJun~iof. 196~,~ ¯-P. .... ~,~ :- ¯ ~ .; cbmpafli~s~ "who"~ had a week. before’thei tone.-" .... hn,s t~ d.s",,,:the ""~ ’.wronged her. C~arlde
wall rio.t in York,
her 77 ..... "s. ems especially proud
which started the modem that he had access to these
Gay rights, movement.
From Dorothy in "The
Wizard of Oz," through a
series of film successes, to
someembarrassing television
performances, and, fin.
ally., to aging songstress
staging substandard tunes
written by her lover, Judy
Garland’s career was a
rollercoaster ride unparalleled
in showbiz history.
. .Through thenewspapers, radio and television,
the public eagerly watched her
career rise and fall many times over a
thirty year period. Each triumphant performance
was soon followedby some sort
of disaster. Extraordinarily poor at choosing
husbands, the public followed her
volatile personal life as well, although
they were probably unaware of a few
Lesbian encounters that are mentioned in
Get Happy. Cycling down to an untimely
an-d-litigation filled end, Judy’s stormy
life finally exhausted and frustrated her
friends, fans and family. Her story is one
of the greatest indictments against the
excessive use of drugs and alcohol that
American popular culture has produced.
After ten years of interviews and meticulous
investigation, Clarke has written
ahuge tome, second only to GeroldFrank’ s
700 page biography, "Judy," in 1975.
Clarke had access to the personal diary of
Dottle Ponedel, Judy’ s longfime makeup
woman, who apparently found that Judy
was the most interesting thing in her life.
Clarke also interviewed many of Judy’ s
costars, friends, directors and conductors,
including Arfie Shaw, Lena Home, and
Judy’ s mostinfluential husband, SidLuft.
she said, wiping the tears and gesturing at
the joyous chaos on the House floor.
Their jubilahon was matched by anger
among opponents, who have complained
that lawmakers weren’ t listening to their
concerns. "The people of the state of Vermont
will be back in November and this
legislation will be repealed," said John
Nelson, a 70-year-old retired salesman.
The state Supreme Court unammously
ruled in December that the couples were
being unconstitutionally denied therights
and benefits of mamage. The legislature
decided to establish a parallel system for
Gays rather than broaden marriage statues
to include Gays and Lesbians.
The civil unions essentially duplicate
marriage, but are not recognized under
federal law denying Gay couples benefits
such as Social Security andirmnigrafion.
Under the law, Gay ~ouples will be
able to go to their town clerks and have
their unions certified by a judge or by a
member of the clergy. Breakups will be
handled in Family Court.
volatile personal life
as wall, although
they were probably
naware d a few
Lesbian encounters
that are mentioned in
~et Happy’..."
tapes, although at leastone
other Garland biography
has utilized them. Thecontent
of the tapes is very
interesting, although painfully
sad, as she lashes out
at the people who .made
millions off of her name
but left her penniless.
With the exception of
some films and her celebrated
Carnegie Hall concert,
Clarkelargely ignores Garland’ s professional
life, preferring to give us lurid
gossip and personal problems instead of
analyzing her varied career. In fact, of the
almost 500 pages in this book, only four
are dedicated to’q’heJudy GarlandShow,"
the 1963 CBS series that was the last,
sustained effort of her career (and which
is currently available on DVD.)
Reviewers and fans seem intensely polarized
about their opinions of this book.
(Check out the Amazon.corn reviews!)
While listing over 50 pages of notes and
acknowledgements, Clarke often relies
on unverifiable comments, some of them
quite ugly. He also seems obsessed with
Judy’s sex life, a topic well covered in
Judy Garland: The SecretLife ofanAmerican
Legend, by David Shipman. However,
his decade ofresearch pays off occasionally,
with someinteresting stories and
comments, although we must be aware
that what we are reading is quite probably
as much a juicy novel as it is a serious
biography. Either way, it’ s an intriguing
read.
Check out Get Happy, as well as many
of Garland’ s films or music at any branch
Library, or call Central at 596-7977.
the parent of a former Boy Scout, said
there have been 255 requests for the state
to join friend-of-the-court briefs since he
became attorney general in 1995. The
state has signed on to 111 of them, 68
dealing with states’ rights. "In making
those decisions, we have always tried to
focus on the legal issues rather than the
political ones," he said.
But lawmakers said Edmondson’s action
makes ~*. appear the state opposes the
right of the Boy Scouts to choose their
own leaders.
"’Drew Edmondson has put Oklahoma
on record in the highest court in the land
as being in favor ofthe homosexual movement
against the Boy Scouts," said Rep.
Bill Graves, R-OKC,-an outspoken opponent
of civil rights for Gay people. "I
thought the decision by the New Jersey
Supreme Court was an outrage," Graves
said.
Editor’s note: the switchboardfor the
Oklahoma House of Representatives is
800-522-8502.
Editor’s lugte: due to gremh’nesqueglitches
tn the e-mail, our regular "Amusements"
column byJim Christjohn never got to the
editorial desk. Unfortunately this came to
light at first::lighr’the mormng before
going to’.press, andbeing brave, but northat
brave, :I dtdt no:t invoke the wrath of
the dembn~ by Waking him at 5:30am.
Future issues.~willfeature interviews by
Christjohn: with members of the cast of
cal, will be at the
Tulsa Performing
Arts Centerbeginning
May 30 thro’
June 4th. As the
promoters, the
Tnlsa-based Celebrity
Attractions,
note interest
in the ill-fated
ship has been _ ~om Sesma
great, resulting in
televisionprograms, a"major motion picture,"
novels and "even a cookbook."
Indeed.
The show was written by Peter StOne,
known for other shows: 1776, T~e Will
Rogers Follies, My One & Orii~, and
music and lyrics are by Maury Yeston ..
(Nine, Grand Hotel).
Titanic wonmultiple’q’ony" awards~in
1997 and New York Observer critic, Rex
Reed claims, " you will never see anyder
of wonders, to TULSA! This Pulitzer
and Tony award winning work by the late
Jonathan Larson-was introduced to Tulsa
theatre and media, folk at a.recent PAC
reception.
Coordinated by the ever gracious and
lovely Tracey Norvell, fed a grea~ llmch
by the Polo GrilF s Tal.madge Powell, and
wowed by perfomances by two .current
Broadway casrmembers flown into Tulsa
forithe; ~vent.,~’sa~_~ hear,~d.: the veff~ .era
ergetie,(~md:cute-)-p~.~l~!ce~, Jeffre~ ~!1~
deseribethe off-off
Broadway .and
shaky origins of
Rent, as well as the
tragic death of an
aeortic aneurysm
of composer/
writer Jonathan
Larson on the very
eve of the show’s
successful opening.
Larson drew
inspiration for
Rent from Puccini’s La Boheme but set
his work in New York’ s East Village and
with people living with HIV (rather than
TB), Lesbian lawyers, drag queens instead
of Parisian poets and painters.
The music draws on!the traditions of
American gospel and in the words of.the
Houston Chronicle~ "Rent .is that rare.
musical whose content and style areo£the
present rather than the past..
words of pro.d.ucer Jeffr,y Sellers~ tradithing
this impressive anywhere elser on’ tional :upt wn . t_h_eatre;,t.e..Broadway,
Broadway." Certainly,Titanic seems cer~ .... was not-:~’our.characters ;,our stories, our
tain t0 pl~hse the target audience ofCelebi; "" music, i. 2;.S~1~8 addecL that ,The.New
rity Attractions and to bring in any nlmi: "~ York Ti~oa~.s,:q,a~:.,ed ;~e~t~Ya, shimm~
ber ofcharter buses full of traditional ~ea~ ¯ choonpceufrowr-i~ffei h~iAm.mmeri~_d.c’w~n.-ith th~Pe~q~ng
theatr~igoers. ~ ....
Theatre Tulsa Goes Gay!?!_,-. ~ Arts Center’s..director~-.33lm~e~i~ iii~t
.......for T~s.a.;:R.¢.n.tj~!O~ag0~erdue!
Tulsa Family News is delighted to re.:., Rent 9Li.t.lbe ip:Tulsa, f,om Augusi 29Rt
ceive notice that
TheatreZul~a’ S final
seasonproductionis
theTerrence
McNallyhit,Lips
Together, Teeih
Apart."
It Will run April
28, 29, and May3-
6 at8,l~.~,; ~e~e_w.ill
be a:~ma~lee
all
PAC Jolm~H.
............Io tP+~9..Pt., 3rd :~ith
-I ev.~i~n.g and marl:
nee,performances.
Tickets, range, be:..
$25 to.$55
,a~..dgQ:on ~.ale on
June 12. Call 596-
7111,800-364-
~731I. or go to
Willidins :Tkeatre.’ ..... :
Veto S~fanic~directs this "adult sitmi:"
tion" drama:~dae elegant beach house "
on Fi~I~taii~i:~;brother and sister and
their i(d~tig~e~pouses attempt to cel-:
ebrat~i=tll~-~t~6~li:0f July. Surrounded 6if:
bo.th s[d~Tb,~]~e~ii~ve h~ses~Ga~.~i~ieff:~ "
me" two sfi~:~i~t ~codpqeg’exi~Xa*
own!ives ~[li~it;sorrow, and agnawmgup.,,~
t~my~!~es their‘ affluen! hab’-’
it~ hfid]SeR~ pi~jii~li~s ~i~zle~n the:sum:~
,"~l)~:" ~" ?’Q *~ "~ .... - ;....
~’;" ~i’¢ " ~ "
Tl~eT~fl:aa 1§’one~,~(e!,ty-~Ndest
arts ,0.~g. a~!..~a,tlons ..and -ael~owle~t~mg
Gay~i~ ,th~"th~iff~ is ’a big step, n~ot t6 ¯
me~tidff~cNali~ is one Of
temporary pla~fights so check this production
out, W~:don’t get that many ¯
chances trsee theatre in Tulsa which
acknowledges-the eXistence ofGaypeople: "
525,600 Minutes :
Having said that, the extraordinary new
Ameficanmusical, Rent, is coming, won- "
;~ Do, you got:Hope? ~
Fran~_.~,C.~thy Kc~ting’, sfavodte~ulsa
designer_ ,~gd..H!.V/AtDS .. fund.raise-~,~
Charles-Faudree,-once again has, o~ga;
nized theHopeCafid~eli.~ht~0urforea~!y,
June. TI~.,"~,eve~t not,rnly,heips i~aise f~d~i
groups;p~c~yide~car~, toW-opl,e liv~:ii~
see some6fTulsa s mostbeau~i~f~@~,
rated, homes.- ......... -,.:~....
The pub!ic:tour on SituMay, i~; 3rd
and Sunday~ Jun¢.4th i%~tures fiv~ l~0mes
for a donation ofonly $10. Ticke,ts fi3r tliis
tour may be obtainld a~ each..home ¯
There is also a donor tourfeaturing four
more homes on Iune 1 for those who
donate $125. And patrons (donations of
more than $450) will gather at Doug &
Susan Pielsticker on June 10th.
For more information, call Charles
Faudree, Inc. at 747-9706.
I
to benefit Saint Joseph Residence +
Regional AIDS Interfaith.Network
Saturday, June 3rd, 10-5, + Sunday, June 4th, 1-5
$10 donation at the door or in advance.
David Daniel, 1603 S. Carson
Wiley Parsons, 1601 S. Carson
Monty + Jane Butts, 240 E. Woodward Blvd.
Brett + Maricarolyn Swab, 2112 S. Norfolk Ave.
Dr. Robert & Dena Hudson, 2707 S. Rockford Rd.
Tickets for this~,t~Jr may be obtaL"gd at each home.
For more intormation, call Charles Faudree, Inc, at 747-9706.
THE MUSEUM SHOP
AT PHILBROOK
748.5304
April 29, May 5 & 7, 2000
Prices Start. at Just $15!
Act Now!
Call 587-4811
December
MonthlyElectric Bills.
At PS0, we kn0w ihat,changing .... "same each month, because ifs basedweather
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bills to rise and fall dramatically.
Which can make it hard to plan your
householdlmdget~That’s,why~
our Average Monflxly Payment plan,
could be your budgeting solution.
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PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY. OF OKLAHOMA
A Central and South West Company
by Busaba Sivasoboom
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - They
giggled like girls and limp-wristed their
high-fives, but when these players spiked
a volleyball, opponents knew they were
facing some of the meanest men on a Thai
Bacldin 1996, a transvestite volleyball
team with a woman coach overcame an
anti-homosexual campaign to keep them
out and competed!ha meffs national club
volleyball championship They wonboth
the tournamentandthehearts.of the crowd.
Now; their tale has been turned into a
movie titled "Satree-lek," or "Iron Ladies,"
and it’ s quickly turning into one of
the biggest box office hits in Thai history
- while spotlighting the country’s ambiguous
feelings about transvestites and
homosexuality.
DirectorYongyootThongkongtoon said
that on the surface, Thai society is open
and tolerant of transvestites and homosexuality.
The two are often equated in the
popular mind, though not all transvestites
are homosexuals, or vice versa.
Transvestite cabarets are popular with
tourists and several television shows feature
transvestites-prompting an edict last
year by the government to broadcasters to
tone it down. The order, however, has
widely been ignored.
ButYongyoottoldTheAssociatedPress
that transvestism was a lifestyle far removed
from that led by most Thais, and
his debut film takes a look at how other
people : react to having transvestites as
neighbors, rivals and colleagues.
In the movie, the team was insulted by
words and gestures at the beginning of the
tournament. However, when they showed
they could play as well, and better- than
their rivals, they gradually gained respect
from fans and other players.
"I chose to present it as a comedy,
because I thought a drama might be boring,"
said Yongyoot, who formerly directed
TV commercials. "An audience is
more easily attracted by a comedy film."
When the movie began showing nationwide
in March, it became an instant
hit and pulled in more thaii 100 million
baht ($2.7 million) in thefirst month, 10
times what it cost to make.
That already makes it second Thai film
in all-rime box office receipts behind the
A walk-through butterfly exhibit at the
Tulsa Zoo and Living Mus~umwil! open
onMay 6 and will continue through October
8. The exhibit is open from 10am -
5pmand visitors canexperiencehundreds
ofnative butterflies up-el0seand in flight.
Nearly 30 species of North American
butt.efflies.and ~ few s,p~..’es ofmoths will
be represented itl an enel6~&l garden setring,
near the Animal Kingdom Building
and features a variety offlowering plants.
This exlfibit is free wi~ the ~regular Zoo
admission.
Wings ofWonderis set withina30x 96’
greenhouse covered with a light mesh to
contain the animals. The exhibit features
a "chrysalis house" where visitors can
watch as each butterfly emerges from its
chrysalis or pupa and prepares for flight.
Winding stone pathways, a water feature,
benches, andeducational exhibits enhance
the exhibit area.
Wings of Wonder is dedicated to increasing
visitor knowledge and appreciation
of butterflies which are signature
150 million baht (dlrs 4 million) earned
by "Nang Nak," last year’ s arty retelling
of an old ghost legend that is credited with
giving a new breath of life to the moribund
Thai film industry.
Pakorn Pimton, a transvestite and coordinator
of the Gays Against AIDS group,
said he was unsurprised by the success of
the movie and he hoped it would open
useful debate. Gays are accepted as entertainers,
Pakom said, because Thais d(,
see movie stars and television program
hosts as serious. ,~ -
"Howe~,ifthey go beyond’that line to
be a doct~,~polifiCi~, banker Or top~nfili,~
tary official - I guess the answer is no,
Pakorn said. "We still use a two-tier measure
for members of our society." Violence
against homosexuals is rare in Thailand,
Pakorn said, but many barriers remain
against open homosexuals. The Gay
rights movement is weak. His group regularly
receives calls fromhomosexuals who
-fear coming out of the closet because they
risk their jobs or status.
Kitikorn Meesapya, senior psychologist
at the Department of Mental Health’ s,
said that Thais can accept homosexuals
that keep a low profile. Homosexuals in
Parliament and the military are well treated
until their lifestyles are publicly exposed
- a fairly rare occurence. "But then they
will fac~ harsh criticism from society,"
Kitikorn said, expressing hope that
"Satree-lek" might encourage more tolerance
and help some people to express
themselves as homosexuals.
For Kongrith Singnukote, one of the
1996 champion players, the film’ s strongest
pointis that it’*talks about peacefully
living together in society by accepting the
differences of each person." Kongrith
works as a bank teller. He goes to work in
men’s clothes, but wears makeup and
¯" speaks in a girlie voice. All his colleagues
¯ know he is a transvestite. Kongrith says
: he gets teased a bit, but no one has ever
¯ shown violence toward him. He says he is
: grateful that his family accepts him as he
: is.
: Being the subject of a hit movie hash~ t
¯ raised.his celebrity ambitions,however,
and he doesn’t see a career for himself
: beyondretail service. "I know that thereis
¯¯ a barrier for us," he says. "For now, I’m
satisfied at being what I am."
¯ species for conservation. By fostering a
greaterunderstanding of theneeds and the
¯ life,cycle of butterflies we can hdp con-
" serve these delicate creatures.
-" In addition tothe butterfly enclosure,
: knownas"Butterfly Landing," the grounds
¯ aroundtheexhibithavebeen planted with
: butterfly-attracting plants to encourage
:
v~s~tataon by someof our natt,~e butterfly
residents. Thebutterflies exhibited inside
¯ Butterfly Landing have not been taken
~ from:the wild but are procured through
¯ certified butterfly suppliers. ¯
¯ Exhibits describing the lifecycle of the
butterfly, the differences between moths
¯ and butterflies, common butterflies of
¯ Oklahoma, chrysalis and butterfly !dent!-
: fication, and about attracting butterflies
¯
to yards will be included in the exhibit.
¯ Also planned for this summer is a vision
¯ exhibit that will enable visitors to see like
: a butterfly. The Animal Kingdom Build-
. ing will also house agift cart specializing
¯ in butterfly-related books, souvenirs, and
gifts. Info: 669-6600 orwww.tulsazoo.org
r
by Lament.. Lindstrom, Ph.D.
What do you call a dead Blond in a
closet?
- a 1964 hide and seek champion!
The recent flush of
Blendjokes is an interesting
cultural phenomenon.
Jokes are more than just
funny. They are also dangerous
because they are
polilical. Overthepastfew
decad~s~: change~ iri
Amefi’~t"~ ~olitib~[ arena
have affectedboth the content
and practice Ofjoking.
Itis alittleless easy than
it used to be to joke about
ethnic and religious
groups, handicap, gender,
or gender-orientation.
Blonds have emerged as a
safe target in politically
conscious, if not always politically correct,
America. Andmanyjokes that previously
featured Jews- or Blacks or Gays
have been reworked into Blond jokes.
This is not to say that offensive joking
has disappeared. Rather, it is just a little
less public. American politeness conventions
demand that I should not tell a joke
whose "butt" is in my audience, unless I,
too, am in the targeted category, or unless
I already have a close relationship’~vith
those I potentially offend. But I can joke
all I want as long as the butt can’ t hear me,
or if I do indeed intend to offend.
Thewebsite, www.whitepride.com, for
example, offers along list of by now very
stale Jewish, Black, and "faggot" jokes.
Here’ s a sample groaner from the"white
pride" boys:
Why was the faggot fired from his
job at the sperm back?
- for drinking on the job!
Jokesters sometimes complain about
the "political correctness" that has narrowed
the contexts in which they can
safely perform. "Come on, it’s only a
joke!" But of course jokes aren’t just
jokes. They are also assertions about the
world, or at least one particular view of
the world. The lines that jokes ckaw between
the funny and the unfunny reflect
local understandings of normality. Jokes
are potent oral texts that, retold over and
over again, maintain certain ways ofthinking
about people and behavior.
Why do brides wear white?
- so they will match the other
domestic appliances!
.Even ironic jokes, such as this, refresh
established ways of thinking about men,
women, and the gendered division of labor.
In particular, the swarm of jrke~
flying constantly around a community
protects existing systems of inequality.
People joke "downwards" more than
they do upwards.~ :People joke far more
often about the powerless than they
about the powerful. There are far more
jokes about women than there are about
men. "More jokes about ethnic and religious
minorities thanthe white-bread Protestant
mainstream. More jokes about the
handicapped than about the able. More
jokes about the old than the young. More
jokes about Oklahoma than about California.
Do you know what an Oklahoma
divorce and a Texas tornado have
in common? - in both cases
¯ somebody is gonna
¯ lose a trailer house!
And there are many more jokes about
being Gay than about being
Straight. We usually
"~V’hy is it so hard abide by the politeness
constraints ofjoke-telli~,
for women to find in fact, because we realize
that jokes (even "just-amen
that are jok~sT’) have this political
" weight. ,Th..o~sewhofeel tSe
sensitive, earing,, ~ ’ Sfing~hidd~n ’within the
.a.n..d ’geed-look"m
- because those guys
already have
ho rlends!?’
laughter sometimes protest
when etiquette breaks
down.
GLAAD, the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation, for example,
has attempted to police the
telling ofcertainGayjokes
in the m~ss media, notably
on a number of morning radio shows
whose sleazy hosts are keen to boost their
market share. Such policing, of course, if
successful merely shrinks the arenas in
which Faggot jokes are safely told. They
still circulate freely in less public Spaces.
Each time I teach Cultural Anthropology,
I have my students as a group collect
jokes from their friends. I figure that these
joke archives provide good evidence about
which of the joints of American society
currently ache the most.
Last week, the students broughtin about
150 jokes. For the first time in years, none
ofthese was a"faggot"joke. And the only
ethnic joke was turned in by a clueless
Japanese woman, happily ignorant of the
American politics of public joking. Instead,
nearly half the collection consisted
of Blond jokes. Blonds, poor things, are
nowadays the butt of choice when American
jokesters are nervous and unsure of
our audience.
What do Blonds put behind their
ears to attract boyfriends?
- their ankles!
Our collection also included several
"counter-jokes" whose butt is strategically
reversed. There are, for example,
Brunette jokes - the futile ripostes of oppressed
Blonds. There are also "stupid
men jokes" - invented jokes that attempt
to counteract the dominant targeting of
women within the’universe of American
jokes.
Why did God create man?
- because a vibrator can’t
mow the lawn!
While these attempts to resist inequality
by shifting a joke’s target upwards
may have only limitie~." politigal,fimpact, it
sfillfecls"goodtolaflgh.: ~:: ~ -~’~
Why is it so hard for women to
find men that are sensitive,
caring, and go~dqo~king? -~
because those guys _~
already have boyfriends!
LamontLindstrom teaches anthopology
at the University of Tulsa.
Romantic W ekend Package.--
Accommodations Frida3, Saturday or Sunday night. Bottle ofwine, souvenir
keepsake millennium corkscrew ¯ Souvenir etched glasses ¯ Specialq chocolate
tklights ¯ Deluxe continental breakfast ¯ Late checkout ¯ Specialq rooms $I80
¯ Deluxe rooms $160 ¯ Valid weekends in February. Does not include taxes
Tulsa’s Premier Boutique Hotel
14t~ & Main ¯ Tulsa ¯ 587.8200
Member: Historic Howls ofAmerica
Featuring The Chalkboard Restauram, a dining landmark
IGTA
Calmlem3b4er1.6866i’!~
International
ToUrsformore information.
Massage Therapy Services
Voice Mai!~:918-697:9282
Lic. #C4133
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro
"All About MyMother" and"Boys Don’ t
Meet Local
Guys for
Hot Ti
@Odgi
Cry" - actually showed up in OKC, she
madeit abundantly clear that shehad been
completely won overby them and was not
about to be shy about saying so in print.
Sympathy towards GLBT issues might
be expected from someone like White,
but it was definitely a surprise to see the
much nibre conservative reviewer, Jerry
Shottefi~irk, being taken in by the Ma-
.donna:Rupert Everett"Next BgstThing."
¯ election - and what could be the most
¯ importantelectionofourgeneration. The
: GLBT voting bloc has proven to be one of
¯¯ the most powerful constituencies in the
country in recent election cycles. If our
¯ voters are motivated to the polls and elect
¯ supportive leaders, we could have the ¯
opportunity to shape groundbrealdng le-
: gal protection. If the nation elects leaders
¯ who are hostile to all that NGLTF stands ¯
for, we could witness a serious backlash
¯ to our h~rd-won gains.
¯ Dr. Martin Luther King. once said the ¯
moral arc of the universeis long but bends
Surprises were cropping up in the rest .: toward justice. Dr. King was right - but
!~f th~ p,gper ~. W~I!, indu~g the busi- ¯ with our continued o!;gahi~gg g~ad motif
~es .,~..; o ~ .w~i~ g~ ~)le on .~_~o ~,~ ~jzatmn, we~make ~at,ii~.~;0’~,.~
:~est~c p~mership~ p,6ilc~es..a~.ong OkI’fi- ¯ much more qmckly
fioma compames- mcludiffg qu,otes from: $~,,-.~oundectir~1973, ttie
~Lucent’s I~aren Par~ons w~o is involved : Lesbian Tbsk Force W~’l?s to~iiniinate
inLuqent~sLesbianandGayemployees’ ¯ prejudice, uiolence andiwustice against
;brgani’zafion, EQUAL!. :- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexualgtn~l T~ransgen-
: Striking, 5wey r, was.a group of :. &red people at the local, state dnd naarticles;
oii 1~hate crimes in the Sun- ¯ tional level. As part ofdbrOaddr ~Ocial
iday, March 20 issue. Mostof these ar- : justicemovementforfreOdom;]usticeand
titles appeared in ~ Community see- : equality, NGLTF is creattYg d Worm that
fion, Milch w’as’d~_i’ilh~lPdedia.the late : ~respects and celebrates_ ttie’diversity of
~F,dition ’on Stmday’. The~e, in b!a~k and .’. ’human expression and identity where all
White, was the opeii as~ertidii.’.tiia~ Okla- i .people mayfully participate in society.
h°ma City"s Human Rights CASmmlssi°n i
I ] .Was abolished by(the City Council bemuse
they iesent&!havingt.6 deal with
the issue. 0fiG@’Ri~h?s, cbml~iete, with
~uote by c.ottt~,¢ilmenqbi~r~Je@ Fo~hee: " During WWII, the church Sheltered.Japa-
.-.; "The councilis tiredof.th6is~ue’hlways ; nese-American students who were given
being b~ought forward, and flae vehicle the opportunity to study atTU ratherth~a,n,,,
that is alWays brin~g.i’.t forward is the " beincarceratedinAmerican"internment
human rights comm, ss~on...~ If the vehicle
is bringing you dompany that you
don’ t want ... then you do away with the
vehicle."
In meeting with Hale, Speakers for Gay
and Lesbian Issues hoped that they would
open a dialog between the Daily Oklahoman
and the Gay and Lesbian community
of Oklahoma City. According to Speakers,
Hale provided them with many opportunities
by asking many questions
about Gay and Lesbian issues. Speakers
for Gay and Lesbian Issues noted the
positive trend in the paper’ s coverage of
Gay issues.
Hale revealed that those changes had
come at a price: while the articles on hate
crimes had generated both positive and
negative responses fromreaders, some of
the negative responses had been vicious
and involved actual threats. But, Hale also
said she was not going to let that stop her
from continuing to cover controversial
issues. She said that when a story generates
strong reactions on both sides, she
knows she’ s doing her job right.
This federation consists ofpolitical groups
that fight for equality. In just four years’
time, the Federation has grown to represent
members in every state in the union,
gro,wthinsuch ashort
period of time.
With the Federation’s help, last year
NGLTF was able to produce the largest
:~ grassroots mob~fion:inputmoyem~ntfs
history. We helped organize some 350
rallies and other events in all 50 state
capitols, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, during
a one-week period. Our campaign -
called Equality Begins at Home- and the
work of the Federation paved the way for
the wonderful successes we have seen in
the past year.
Now many state legislatures are wrapping
up their business and adjourning.
Attention will soon shift to the November
camps. Later the church was involved in
the "Sanctuary" movement which offered
relocation of Central American political
refugees, both documented and-undocumented.
Aletter issued tomembers ofthe church,
signed by Rader and Clerk of the Session,
Kathy Evanson, notes, "None of these
actions changes who we are as a congregation;
but, they declare who we area and
what we want to be in our relationships
with one another. We are still a loyal,
supporting congregation of the Presbyterian
Church,U.S.A. We have done nothing
improper according to our
denomination’ s constitution. We are not
changing any signage, letterhead, preaching
or program. We are declaring inclusion
and affirmation of all our members
and our openness to a group of people
long rejected and stigmatized by society,
and within the Christian commtmity...
College Hill is a majority "straight"
church but with visible and welcome Lesbian
and Gay families.
Editor’s note: Tulsa Family Newspublisher
and editor, Tom Neal is a member
of College Hill Presbyterian Church.
An Evening With
The Quilt
On Thursday evening, May 25, the
NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter of
the AIDS Memorial Quilt will sponsor an
evening of meditation and remembrance
at Fellowship Congregational Church,
2900 So. Harvard in Tulsa, from 7-9 pm.
You. are invited to drop in anytime
during this time period to meditate, pray,
or simply view the Quilt. Feel free to stay
just afew minutes, or as long as you wish.
The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter
invites everyonewhohas been touchedby
the AIDS pandemic to take a moment
from their evening to remember and reflect.
For more information, please contact
the NAMES Project Tulsa at (918)
748-3111 or TulsaQnilt@usa.net
Humanity Unites
f’or Hu’man Rights
Diversity .Celebration 2000
Grand Marshalls for the Millennium Parade
Dr. Grethe Cammermeyer
Distinguished Veteran of the United States Armed Forces
Gre£! Lou~lanis
US Olympic Champion
Pride Week Events,
.Interfaith Worship Service
The Tulsa Performin£l Arts Center
Speaker: the Reverend Dr. Mel
W.hite, author and activist
Friday, June 2, from 7pro (free)
TOHR Folbes.
1OO Years of Broadway
Saturday, June 8, 8pm, $15
PAC Doenges Theatre
Black Tie Optional Dinner
~i:Featuri~ 6re~q Louganis
The Summit Club
Friday, June 9th, $75 person
VIP reception at $50 person.
Benefitin~l Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Ri/thts, the parent
or~Ianization of the
Gay Community Center
Millennium Pa~de 2000
Saturday, June IO, llam
Beginning at the Gay Community
Center at 87th and Peoria and
endin~i at Veterans Park
at 18th and BouIder
The Pride Festival
Veterans Park, llam 8pro
For more information about these
events, caIl 748-4297 (gays).
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
[2000] Tulsa Family News, May 2000; Volume 7, Issue 5
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
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
May 2000
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Rights
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Relation
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Tulsa Family News, April 2000; Volume 7, Issue 4
Format
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Image
PDF
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Language
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English
Type
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newspaper
Periodical
Coverage
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
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/600
2000
AIDS
AIDS Quilt
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Barry Hensley
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
churches
civil unions
Daily Oklahoman
Diversity celebration
Elizabeth Toledo
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
George W. Bush
harassment
hate groups
HIV
HIV prevention
homophobia
housing
Idaho Public Television
Jim Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
marriage equality
military inclusion
Murder
NAMES Project
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
NGLTF
Partner Benefits
performing arts
Pride
prison
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
restaurants
slurs
Supreme Court
Tom Neal
tuberculosis
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Zoo
United Methodist Church
universities
University of Pitsburgh
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Methodist "community council" which did adopt the goal.
Neal suggested to council co-ordinator Marly Newman that "
TULSA-Inaneffortbothnerve-wrackingandtedious ." McDonald be asked to lead the effort because of the World’ s ¯
several Tulsans, SueKnanse, KentDoss,I~arenWeldon ." seeming preference to deal with representatives of non-Gay ¯
(and another who need to remain unnamed), were ¯ groups which advocate on behalf of Gay people rather than Gay
arrested in Cleveland with the Reverend Mel White and : people themselves. ".
191 others in acts of peaceful civil disobedience at the " In a widely distributed June 1st e-mail about the change,
recent United Methodist Church. Conference: ¯ McDonald wrote"how you will also remember that PFLAG had
The acts of civil disobedience, blocking a car park " to be very creative in the design of our signature ad for the paper "
exitfolloweddaysofnegotiationswithMethodistchnrch : as part of the PROJECT OPEN MIND Campaign"- areference ¯
leaders about the anti-Gay policies of the United Meth- " to how PFLAG under the former World policy could not use its ¯
odistChurch (UMC). The conference held in Cleveland ¯ own legal name because it included the banned words. ~.
was attended by hundreds of UMC delegates. ¯ McDonald added, "... PFLAG submitted an ad and with
The Methodist church like some other "mainline" ~ several revisions, it has been approved... The cost of the ad is "
Christian denominations has adopted policies which " approximately $500 and [it is] to run on Sunday, June 4th, in the ¯
limit participation of Lesbian and Gay persons in that ¯ Living Section. It has Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians ¯ Will Allen, Emily Sizeraore &
group. White stated, "the United Methodist Chruch has " and Gays, as well as some other statements, ’Is someone you care " Matthew Holloway are winners
ahistory of social concern [butthey haye] anti-homo- " for gay orlesbian? Issomeoneyoulovegayorlesbian?Ifso, call ¯ ofCoraraunity Hero awards.
sexual policies in place that lead to discrimination ¯ Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ and then it ¯
suffering, and even death." _. lists our Helpline number."
The Tulsans joined other notable civil fights leaders. ¯ McDonald also wrote, "I have no idea what the response will "
YolandaKing, theRey.Dr.JamesLawson, friendofDr. " be? I suspect some positive and some negative so theHELPLINE ¯
King, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia and others. " has been notified. If anyone is so moved to help thelocal Chapter ¯
see Arrest, p. 10 : with the cost of the ad, see World, p. 2 "
Gays Better Educated,. ForJustices+Couples, Unions. Missouri Backwoods:A
Lower Paid Than Straights " Require Creative Language ° Hotbed of Hate Groups
WASHINGTON (AP) - Men who consider themselves
"unmarried partners" of another man are better educated
on average, but make less money than heterosexual
men of the same age, according to a study that°
claims to take the most comprehensive look ever into
the lives of homosexuals in America.
Women who have female "unmarried parmers" also
tend to be more educated, but earn salaries comparable
to those ofheterosexual womenin the same age bracket,
according to the study in this month’s issue of
"Demography," the journal of the Population Association
of Americ&
"An important point that is clearly articulated is that
it illustrates the impact of anti-Gay discrimination .on
income levels," said David Smith, spokesman for the
organization Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy
group for Gays and Lesbians.
Advocates applauded what they said was the first
comprehensive study of homosexuals but cautioned
against drawing any t-nan conclusions until more research
is done.
"Demographically, this is a hard population to target
and analyze. Data on sexual orientation is not as easily
avai[dible as information on race~ gender and age," said
Seth Sanders, a study author and .an economist at the
University of Maryland.
The study looked at statistics from the 1990 Census.
~the first,count to allow people to check offthatthey lived
with:an .unmarried partner of the same sex.
see Pay, p. 11
DIRECTORY P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3
US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
HEALTH NEWS P. 6
ENTERTAINMENT P. 8
GAY STUDIES P. 10
by Ross Sneyd, Associated Press Writer
MONTPELIER, Vt. -"And now, by the powers vested in me by
the state of Vermont, I pronounce you.. ?’ What? Partners?
Together as one? Joined as family?
Unlike marriage, there’ s no common syntax for the new world
of same-sex civil unions. Because the couples are twomen or two
women, the old fried-and-true "man and woman" or "husband
and wife" phrases don’ t quite make it.
With no rulebook and few traditions-as wall as no other state
sanctioning what willbe the equivalent of same-sex marriage and
thereby offering some guideposts - Vermont’s justices of the
peace and .couples entering civil unions are crafting their own
conventions and rituals.
There has been a lot of discussion, both lighthearted and
serious, about how to conduct a ceremony. ’q’here’ s so much
creativity in our community among Gay and Lesbian couples in
how to create outward signs of their commitment," said Mary
Hurlie, ajustice of the peace in Hinesburg who has been with her
female partner for 13 years. "But we haven’ t gotten to that level
of detail, yet."
As marriages must be "solemnized" by judges, justices of the
peace or members of the clergy, so, too, will civil unions have to
be "certified." But there aren’t any rules. The civil unions law
says only that they must be certified. There’ s no script ~,State
statute that must be followed for a marriage, either.
"Just like marriages, there aren’t any magic words," said
Secretary of State Deb Markowitz. " ’We pronounce you man
and wife, husband and wife,’ they’ rejustmade up. Youdon’ t find
them in statute."
Training sessions have been held for justices by the secretary
of state’ s office in recentweeks becauseit is almost unquestioned
that it will be to them that the primary responsibility for performing
civil umons ceremonies falls. That’ s because there are few
religious faiths that bless same-sex unions and so there won’ t be
many clergy members willing or able to certify civil tmions on
behalf of the state.
Justices of the peace have a handful of responsibilities under
state law. Most have to do with taxes and elections. A town’ s
iusdces - there are as few as fiveinsmall towns see Unions,p.ll
Humanity Unites For Human Rights
Diversity Celebration 2000t
"Diversity Celebration 2000!" is an eight-day
celebration of the human rights movement with the
goal ofuniting northeastern Oklahoma’ s Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) and
¯ GLBT-friendly communities. Tulsa Oklahotnans
for Human Rights, Inc., Oklahoma’s oldestr~rnreligious
Gay community organization released it
final schedule
which follows:
Friday,June 2nd
Diversity Celebration
2000!
will kick off at 7
pm with an Interfaith
Service led
by Rev. Mel
White at the Williams
Theatre in
the Performing
Arts Center
(PAC). Special
musical guests include
Council
Oak Men’s Chorale,
Ernestine
Holloway is notpictured. Dillard, Jessie
Scott, and the
Fourth Quarter gospel quartet. Participation by
persons with a variety of faith traditions will be
included in the program. Admission is free. An
offering will be taken, see Pride, p. 7
by Doug Johnson, Associated Press Writer
¯ GAINESVILLE, Mo. - The remote and rugged
¯ Ozark hills blanketed with dogwoods and oaks are
¯ treasured by hunters, hikers and others wanting to
¯ get away from the bustle of urban life.
." The pastoral hills are also a haven for hate
¯ groups, authorities say. Southern Missouri has
¯ drawn more than its share of religious sects and
¯
white supremacists looking for a place to hide.
¯ Last week, police arrested the Rev. Gordon
: Winrod- the leader of an anti-Semitic church ~ for
: allegedly kidnapping six of his grandchildren and
: concealing them for years at his farmhouse in the
¯ hills. The only explanation authorities offer for ¯
why the kids werekidnappedis thatWinrod thought
: theirtwo fathers wereJewish. Sheriff SteveBartlett
¯ said the youngsters had been taught by their grand-
-¯ father to distrust authorities. At one point, the
sheriff said, the children shouted at deputies, "Get
: your Jew hands off me."
: Winrod, 73, and his followers gained a reputa-
¯ tioninOzark Countyformass mailings ofliterature
: calling law enforcement officers and prosecutors
¯ "Jewdicials" - a play on the word judicial - and
¯ claiming-they cover up murders of whites. ¯
It’ s not uncommon to find that kind of sentiment
~ in some areas of the Ozarks, which straddles the
: state line between Missouri and Arkansas. Experts
¯ say the region draws hate groups and people con-
: nected to the white supremacist "Christian Iden- ¯ tity" movement.
¯. "We are richin these types of groups down in this
¯ part of the country for some reason," Highway
: Patrol Sgt. Marty Elmore said. Southwest Missouri
: is often characterized by a lack of adequate law
¯ enforcement in rural areas and lacks a tradition of
: heavy-handed local government and gun control, ¯
said Robert Flanders, former director of the Center
¯ for Ozark Studies see Hate, p. 7
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW" s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Club Cherry Bomb, 1926 E. Pine
*Club Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
*The Yellow Brick. Road Pub, 2630- E: 1-5th.....:-
712-2324
610-5323
583-2119
835-2376
749-4511
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
--749- 1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 74% 1508
*Assoc. in Med, & Mental Health, 2325 S. HarYard 743-1000
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth 295-5868
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial 369-8555
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. P~eoria 744-9595
Four Stai: Imi~ort Automotive, 9906 E. 551h PI. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’ s Gourme( Coffee, 1758 E. 21 st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Kerfs Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-5466
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha 585-1234
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696, 74101 747-5932
Richard’ s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921,747-4746
Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-78-29
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding 743- !733
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black& g~hite, l,nc,~,POB 1400!,Tulsa,7~4~5.9... 58%7314
Bless The Lord at All Tsmes Chnstian C~"nter, 2207 E. 6 J583-78’15
*B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. ofTulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*C~hapman Student Ctr.,:University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence
Chureti oVth_~Rest~or~tionUU,1314N.~reeawt~od : 587-:13,14
*C~~°.U~’~’ari2UniVexsalist Congregafirn 749-0595 748 3888
,Delilw~e~i~yilotise¢:iSilS "Dela~vare .- 712-15.11
*DemOcratiC Headquarters, 3930 E: 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’ s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
PUB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche,
Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on or before the 1 st of each month, the entire contents
of thig publication are protected by US copyright 1998 b)
T~ /:~,~v.~ and may not be reprodu~.d (~th~r~i~a:
whole orinpart W~th0utwrittenpermission from thepublish~.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’ s
sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes
the sole property ofT~ ~.’. N~- Eachreader
is entitled to 4 copies of each editmn at distribution
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. "
Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 582-0438
HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral PI. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, PUB 14068;’74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, PUB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
O’ RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’ RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’ s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men). Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department, 46 16 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, c/o The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniforn~’Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown
BARTLESVILLE
Thanks be to you for that wonderful article,
"Our Governor Foot-in-Mouth
Keating"... wentto TulsaLibrary, picked
up first copy of Tulsa Family News and
began reading... Laughed out loud, and a
long overdue laugh it was, over the comments
of Mr. Keating and your"right-on
analogies." The very ideathat there should
have to be a public consensus to treat all
people fairly! What hideous stereotyping
by our governor...
[I] regret that there is no place close to
¯ ,my ho,me, w,he,r,e !,.c,gn.get your. w.onderful
", i~per. The’littl~ ~egment ,~0 ~epoi’i hate
,, ~ sigee~h 0i: virleh~e~ Call i.he Gay communit~
cent~ris so r~assuring... Loved the
~ Quilt article, unfortunately got my paper
." too lateiio go. Extended thanks.
¯ - Gay-friendly in Depew.
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
Borders Books & Music, 3209NW Expressway 405-848-2667
Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
*Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456=7900
Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtesting every other Tues. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autuinn’Bre~ze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
*Jim & Brent’ s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’ s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald.R_ainbo~,4~ &l/2_Spfing,St. ~ .....
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB~ 429
OldJailhouse_ Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’ s~ Hwy. 62 :East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
¯ Announcements Policy
¯ Tulsa Family News will provide space
¯ for holy union ceremony, marriage
-" ceremony, birth, adoption and death
~ announcements ona space availableb~sis.
Photos are welcome, though we cannot
promise placement or return them, so
¯ please send copies to Tulsa Family NewS,
; PUB 4140, Tulsa 74159.
¯ Letters Policy
¯ Tulsa-~amily News welcomes letters
¯ on issues which we’ve covered or
¯ issues you.think need to be consider~ed,
¯ You may request that your name be with-
: held but letters must be signed & have
¯ phone numbers, or be hand ddivered. 200
¯ word letters are preferred. Letters to o~¢r.
publicat.ions will be re-printed as ks~
appropriate. ~.~
501-253-7734
501-253,7457
: any donation wouldbe appreciated. Please
send to PFLAG, PO Box 52800, Tulsa,
¯ OK 74152. I truly believe this will ope~
the door for PFLAG as well as o~
organizations to submit ads to theT~
World. Our thanks to Joe Worley
¯ assisting us with this policy change. He
~ was very, very helpful.’"
: The World’ s anti-Gay policy is doen-
¯ mented back to the middle’80’ s when a
: Lesbian owned card, gift and book store,.
743-4297 ¯ Two’s Company, located near 31st &
749-8833 ¯ Harvard was told the World would not
¯ accept advertising for the store because ¯
the owners wanted to let readers know the
¯ target audience, i.e. Lesbians and Gay
¯ men. The owners conducted a one day
¯ picket of the World but the policy re-
. mained unchanged.
¯"
In 1993, when Tulsa Family News pub¯
lisher Tom Neal, opened a gift and card
¯ shop "tomfoolery !" at the Silver Star, the
World also refused to accept advertising,
even though the store did not trade in
eroti~ Or any other possible objectionable,~
fials, citing the same policy, .
A~,~arslaterl PFLAG, TulSa Cliap5~
ter ran afrul of the same anti-Gay po|i~¢y
501-253-6807 ¯ when it tried to run a pro-Gay civi! .rights _t
501-25_3-~5 :.. signature ad. !ntetesgngly, the
501:253:9337 : la~editsbw~ipoli’cy~’~WW~eks]~e~r,-’~te.~’~a
501-253-27"/6~. : runninffthe censrr~’FLAGa~.~a...i~)
501-253-5332, : accept~l’~ an anti-G~i~,iid from a"~Jali~0I¢~U
501-624~’6~~ ¯ of weS~side Tulsa &i~ches
501-253-600I": one of:~banned~c~ds. .
501-253-4074 : Editor’s note: for a related editorial,
¯ see page 3. The editorial was written the
417-623-4696 " earlier in the day before the news broke
¯ about the World’ s newpolicy. Hats offto
¯ Nancy McDonaldfor her work in negoti*
is where you can findTFN. Not all areGay-owned but all are Gay-friendly. ating this new policy.
by Tom Neal, editor &publisher
For being the proverbial 900 lb. gorilla of our local
media, those folks over at The Tulsa Worm sure seem to
be thin-skinned about criticism. One editor, whom I
respect greatly, took particular umbrage atmy calling our
daily, "a country-club newspaper."
I suspect ,that a good part of his irritation is that he
knows there s still truth in the charge. The Tulsa World
has made great progress in providing better coverage of
all of Tulsa, including our minority communities, - even
Gay people. But like the town it serves, it carries with it.
its parochial,.elitist and raciSt/anfi-minority phst~. And f6r
every .step forward, there s~ems tb t~ffve tO be a least one
step back. " :-
Consider this charming carto0h"0y Simpson, reproduced
here, with its somewhat sophisticated bigotry and
stereotyping. The comment of "real girls only," implying
that Gay men are somehow like women but yet are less
than women, is full ofunexaminedmisogynism. It comes
out of a hierarchy where straight men (and traditionally
straight, white men) are superior, women are lesser
creatures, and Gay men are even lower because we’re
men "who want to be women." Lesbians, of course, exist
only to populate the sexual fantasies of straight men.
To put this cartoon in the proper historical context, we
need only think back to early 20th century racist political
cartoons in which Black Americans were represented
ape-ishly and made to speak in "step’ n’ fetch it" dialogue
- or other cartoons where orthodox Jews or Japanese-
Americans were misrepresented as evil foreigners.
Ironically, Simpsonjust gets it wrong. The GirlScouts
of America are clearly on record as saying, they, unlike
the Boy Scouts, do not discriminate on tile.,.basis of sexual
orientation. The organization does use adult men as well
as women in its programs in leadership and in training
roles,: Therefore, not only would young women who are
Lesbian be welcome, adult Lesbians and Gay men could
also participate and no doubt have.
And guess what, the Girl Scouts are doing just fine.
But The Worm is not doing so well. For at least 15
years, our daily has maintained an anti-Gay .advertising
policy which bans the words: Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual.
Theyjustify this saying that they are a"family" newspaper.
Note that this ban does not apply to content of news
articles, editorials or, obviously, cartoons!
In fact, The World literally could notdo the basic work
of a newspaper, merely reporting the stories of our city,
country and world, if they censored these words.
¯ How can anyone with a shred of reasoning think that
these words ifplaced in an advertisement somehow have
an adverse impact on any family, if dearly the same
words placed in a news story right next to an ad are
acceptable.
What really is going on here is epitome of institutionalized
prejudice. The policy doesn’ t make any sense, it is
bigoted and discriminatory but no. one at The World has
the courage to say that what they’re doing is just wrong.
And in being silent, they, the reporters, editors, other
: staff, both straight and Gay, become collaborators in
¯ societal oppression. In a society which seems to have to
¯ have an "other" againstwhich to define itself,Gay people
currently occupy the place Blacks, Jews, Indians, Irish
¯ and others have had.
¯ Contrast this with an advertorial section in a recent
"Out" magazine in which The New York Times bragged
¯ about its excellent coverage of Lesbian and Gay issues,
: and its commitment to its Lesbian and Gay readers and
¯ staff. Can you seeThe World doing that? I hope to seejust
that someday. Who knows maybe next year The World
¯ which is certainly profligate with its sponsorship of ¯
public events will even join Oklahoma’ s Gay press in
¯ being a sponsor of June’ s traditional Pride events.
¯ Don’tlaugh-itjustmighthappen.Andwhynot, thead
¯ policy’s now changed, why not even more progress?
by Joe Andrew and Edward G. Rendell
After theoverwhelming turnout at the MilleniumMarch
and record participation in the recent presidential primaries,
Gays and Lesbians across the country are more
united than ever in their fight for equality and inclusion.
The Democratic Party is proud to stand with them - to
fight with them - as we all celebrate Gay and Lesbian
Pride this month.
Democrats have forged lasting relationships with the
Gay and Lesbian community by supporting common
sense issues related to basic fairness and non-discrimination
for all Americans. Unlike discriminatory and divisive
Republican figures like Pat Robertson, Gary Bauer,
and presidential candidate George W. Bush, Democrats
believe that our diversity is a source of great strength.
While getting Bush to meet with Gays and Lesbians in
his own party is like pulling teeth, A1 Gore has worked
side-by-side with openly Gay and Lesbian advisors
throughout his life. On specific policies that improve the
lives of Gay Americans like hate crimes legislation,
funding: ~or HIV/_AIDS¯ research, atii5~- :!he Empl9yment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA~;~.tli~re is no comparisonb~
tween the candidates. Gorehas supportedGays and
Lesbians~time and time again.
BUSHII~PPOSES HATE CRIMES BILLS ~ ~ ~ .t~, ,’~ ,. ¯ .. ~" . -
A.c~,r,~ng to the.Le’~fJ~an/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas
(L(~."~R~.~)~,~.m.~re than 2,~ hate crimes were reported to
th~’Fe~Departmen~6fPublic safetybetween 1992 and
19971 ~i~(eefi percem~ere hate cfim~s motivated by the
victim’s sexual orien~ation~ making Gays ’and Lesbians
the second most-targeted group of hate crime victims in
Texas.
Given this fact, George W. Bush still opposed provisions
in the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act that would
have included protections for Gays.and Lesbians from
hate crimes. The bill would have mandated stiffer penalties
for cases in which victims of violence are targeted
because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. His
spokesman said that Bush "does not support special
¯ rights based on sexual orientation."
¯ Special rights? Where is the leadership? Bush wants ¯
the world to believe that he is a compassionate, but
." apparently his compassion does not extend to all the
citizens of Texas.
¯ "... We need leaders llke AI Gore
: who will speak out against
¯ homophobla and prejudlee in a fight
: to maintain elvll justice and equality.
¯ Through his aetlons and
i
the aetlons of hls party, it is clear that
¯ George W. Bush is not that leader...
As we celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride,
: Democrats pledge our support and
¯ eontlnued work to promote
¯" requal opp~rtufilty and ndn-dlserimlnatlon
¯ for a strong and united America.
As a Party, we embrace these ideals
because we believe that
no American should be left behind..."
Democrats, on the other hand, have begun to wage an
all-out campaign against hate crimes in America. We
have also endorsed and fought for civil rights legislation
that would protect Gay and Lesbian Americans from
¯ discrimination.
A1 Gore has been a tireless advocate for passage of the
: Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA), calling on Con-
." gress to come together in one voice on this issue. HCPA
¯ would expand the definition of hate crimes to include
: those based on sexual orientation, gender or disability
¯ and allow for the prosecution of those crimes under
federal law.
¯ Democratic leaders have walked the walk in the fight
¯ ; against hate in America. We are the party of inclusion
¯ because wehavejudgedandwill continue tojudgepeople
~ based on the content of their character.
: BUSH: SILENT ON HIV/AIDS
: Bush’s silence on HIV/AIDS as governor is simply
¯ deafening. Despite the fact that almost 10,000 Texans
: have died ofAIDS under his watch, Bush has never taken
¯ a publicpolicy position on the epidemic. In fact, he never
¯ even publicly used the word"AIDS" in office.When the ¯
Children Uniting Nations Chairperson Daphna Ziman
¯ asked US governors for assistance regarding the AIDS
¯ epidemic in Africa, forty-nine governors responded to
¯ her urgent personal letter and only one governor ignored ¯ the plea: George W. Bush. In December 1999, Bush also
: received a failing grade on Lambda Legal Defense and
¯ Education Fund’s (LLDEF) World AIDS Day Report
¯ Card.
:. ,Since the beginning of the Adminislxaf!on, President
Clinton and Vice President Gore have proven their com-
-¯ mitment to fight for AIDS research again and again.
During the last seven years, the Ryan White CARE Act
¯ ha~ seen funding ,increases of more than 292 percent in
° funds fo~ medicationsfserving low-inb.6_’me in~lividuals.
¯ Overall fundingforAIDS~relatedprograms has increased
by more than 122 percent during thisAdministration.
¯ A1 Gore has been on the front lines of fighting the
¯ epidemic. Recently, he announced an Administration
¯ initiative to commit more than $100 million to fight the
worldwide AIDS crisis and increased funding for re-
" search, care andprevention. Weneed a leader that has put
: a great deal of thought on this vital issue.
: BUSH: AGAINST ENDA
." As governor, Bush opposed employment protection
¯ for Gays and Lesbians. He refused to adopt an Adminis-
: tration non-discrimination policy that includes sexual
¯ orientation. see Demos, p. 7
Candian Supreme Co,,urt
Holds for Pro-Gay Ruling
OTTAWA (AP) -The Supreme Courthas rejected an
Ontario government request to re’clew a landmark
decision on Gay civil rights. The Attorney General
for Ontario had asked for a rehearing of theM and H
case, referring to a Lesbian couple whose breakeup
almost a decade ago triggered a dispute over assets.
The case began when one of the women in the case,
known only as M, found she couldn’t sue her ex’-
partnerHwhen their relationship ended. Mthen went
to court to have the spouse law struck down.
The high court ruled in an 8-1 decision that the
definition of spouse in Ontario’s family law was
unconstitutional because it discriminated on the basis
of sexual orientation. Theruling last yearwas specific
to Ontario, but legal experts said other provincial
governments and Ottawa had few options but to
amend their lawsor face having them struck down in
similar battles. The House ofCommons passed legislation
to bring federal legislationinto lineandOntario
grudgingly amended its laws but still launched a bid
for a rehearing before the Supreme Court.
The two Toronto women, who had bought a home
and started an ad agency together, settled the money
dispute out of court long before their case wound its
way to the country’ s highest court.
Presbyterian Court
Rulings Are Gay-friendly
!AP)-The Presbyterian Church’ s highest court ruled
~n May that local congregations have the right to
conduct religious ceremonies celebrating Gay unions
that stop short of marriage. The d~ision by the 16-
member court is binding unless the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) overrides it.
The case, one of three on Gay issues argued before
the tribunal, stemmed from a same-sex ceremony
performed in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. The Northeast regional
church court ruled that ceremonies of "holy
union" for same-sex couples may be conducted ifit is
made clear they are not marriages. The high conrt
agreed, though it instructed regional church bodies to
make a clearer distinction between marriages and
"blessing services."
A second case before the high court involved a
homosexual candidate for the ministry who said he
did not intend to remain celibate, even though church
rules require clergy to observe either "fidelity in
marriage" or"chastity in singleness." In that case~ the
Northeast regional court decided that he could continue
as a candidate, and that his "manner of life"
could be evaluated prior to ordination. Again, the
high church concurred. It said the denomination’s
standards of fidelity and chastity are to be applied at
the point that a person is azonsidered.for ordination,
not during, candidacy~
Freda ~ar~dn,~r~ and Clifton Kirkpatrick, the two
national leaders Of the 2.6 million-member denomination:~
headquartered in :Louisvil!,e, Ky., said in a
~ecent i~astoral letter that the 0aurt s decisions real-
:firm. churchpolicy of disallowing Gay-marriages and
the.ordinatiOn Of’s(xua~ly active Gays., Theseissues
will Surface again when.the General Assembly.meets
in Long Beach,:Calif., fromJune 24 to July 1. Among
legislation to be considered: a proposal to ban samesex
marriage.
Utah High School Club
For Gay Issues Meets
SALT LAKECITY (AP) - Five years after the debate
over Gay school clubs began in Utah, East High
School students on Wednesday held the state’ s first
school-sanctioned club meeting to discuss current
events from a Gay and Lesbian perspective.
The PRISM Club - People Respecting Important
Social Movements - meeting featured Laura Gray, a
Salt Lake City attorney involved in Gay-rights issues.
.About45 students attended. Students said they talked
about the historical, legal and religious significance
of marriage and the current restrictions barring Gays
and Lesbians from forming such unions.
The district barred news media from the. meeting,
claiming it was for students only. However, district
personnel attended, along with an attorney for the
Utah chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The ACLU is representing East High juniors Jessi
Cohen and Margaret Hinckley, who in April filed a
federal-court suit claiming the district violated their
First Amendment rights to free speech by rejecting
PRISM as an academic club. The district banned all
nonacademic clubs in 1996, a year after East High
students tried to form a Gay and Lesbian support
group. U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell issued a
temporary restraining order against the district last
month, forcing it to temporarily acknowledgePRISM
as a legitimate club pending the outcome of the
students’ lawsuit.
The meeting was "definitely a win," said East High
senior Ivy Fox, whounsuccessfully sued the districtin
1998 over the ban. "It’ s such a good feding to see all
your hard work pay off." Sophomore Evan Done
attended the club meeting, but didn’ t think the discussion
was appropriate. "It is an important step for the
Gay community that needed to be taken," he said, but
"I don’ t really think it has a place in school."
PRISM advertised the meeting with fliers and during
regular school announcements over the school
intercom. Some of the fliers were destroyed and some
students posted "straight pride" fliers, which showed
two connecting male symbols and two connecting
female symbols that were crossed out.
Three Receive First
Shepard Scholarships
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Three Gay and Lesbian
high school students were awardedfull tuition to Iowa
state universities under a new scholarship named for
slain Gay student Matthew Shepard.
The scholarships, worth approximately $25,000
each over four years, were presented Tuesday to
Galen W. Newton, Jessica M. Brackett and Paul N
Wharmel. The scholarships include tuition, books and
fees at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University
or University of Northern Iowa.
The scholarship program was announced in March
by Gov. Tom Vilsack and the mother of Matthew
Shepard. theWyoming college student who was beaten
to death by two men. Police said the attack was
motivated in part because Shepard was Gay.
The scholarships are awarded to Gay students based
on academic achievement, financial need and community
service, Vilsack said. Brackettcredited Vilsack
for trying to provide greater civil rights to Gay Iowans.
"He’ s really pushing for rights for everybody
andI thinkhewill be ourmain strength during thenext
four to six years," Brackett said. "I think he’s going to
push for progress."
Newton said he.plans to remain.active inGay rights
.’. issues whilein college. He said the Scholarship is abig
encouragement. "People are beingawarded for being
courageou_s,".he s-aid. ¯ -
Funding for the scholarships.~omes from a chari-
.tablefoundation establishedbyprominentDes Moines
businessman Rich F...y~.~haner..An’rpe~l.y Gay RepubS
lican, Eychanermad~ an unsuccessi~ui bid for the U.S~.
.House in 1984, but’lost :in the~.
Vatican Increases
Attack on World Pride
ROME (AP) - A top Italian cardinal weighed in
against a major Gay gathering scheduledin Rome in
July, stepping up a campaignto move the event
elsewhere. "What we are asking is not at this time and
not in Rome," said Cardinal Camillo Ruini, president
of the Italian Conference ofRoman Catholic Bishops.
World Gay Pride Roma 2000 is expected to draw
hundreds of thousands of Gay and Lesbian participants
for a week starting July I. The Vatican has
opposed the city’ s plans to host the gathering, saying
it is out of keeping with the church’ s Holy Year that
has been drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Some opponents fear the event will turn into a
demonstration against Pope John Paul II, who has
defended the Vatican’ s condemnation of homosexual
acts. "I don’ t believe it is by chance that they selected
Rome this year," Ruilfi said.
United in
God’s Love
MCC-United
Sunday Worship Reverend Cathy Elliot
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Community
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Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm
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Sandra Hill
Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical Consultation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 215,745-1111
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In another development, the Gay civil-lights group
ArciGay called for the resignation ofPremier Giuliano
Amatoforhi s remarks before parlianlent earlier in the
week.. Amato said that "unfoftnnately" the Gay Pride
week week must be allowed to be held because of
constitutional protection for public gatherings.
Gays Losing Supporter
ST. PAUL (AP) - State Sen. Allan Spear, who is
retiring after 28 years, will probably be remembered
for work that took "probably less than 10% of my
time" - his advocacy of rights and protections for
Gays and Lesbians. "Nobody can get elected and
adequatelyserve a constituency on Gay,~ssues alone,:
Spear said..",But it’s important to have people for
whom Gay i~su~s are a~hi.gh priority." . "
Spear became the first openly Gay legislator in
Mimlesota- and one of only two in the nation - when
he acknowledged his homosexuality in 1974. His
retirement at the end of this year will likely leave just
one openly Gay legislator: Rep. Karen Clark, DFLMinneapolis.
Scott Dibble, who is running for a
House seat in Minneapolis, is also Gay, but there
would be no openly Gay senators.
Spear believes ~t is important for Gay people to
have legislative representation. "It helps a lot to have
someone come from the Gay community who can
speak from the inside," said Spear, DFL-Minneapolis.
"You need someone who can talk about what it’ s
like growing up Gay, or coming out, or what it’ s like
to deal with a partner who you feel is your spouse, but
society won’ t recognize as your spouse. Other people
can sp,,eak out on those issues, but it isn’ t quite the
sanle,
Ann DeGroot, executive director of the Gay political
action group OutFront Minnesota, said part of
Spear’s legacy will be other legislators who can.
advocate for Gay rights, whether they’re Gay or not.
"Of course we’ re going to miss Allan," she said. "We
haven’t had a session without him yet. "But we’ve
worked with other people so much, other leaders who
are supporters, we know we can count on them.?’
Gay.& Lesbian Parents
TroUbled by State Law
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Chris and Mike Croghan-
Miller are like other parents, caring and proud. They
videotaped their son’ s birth, took time off from work
when he was born, and in the weeks before, had an
announcement party, a baby shower, painted the
"baby room" and spent days with a ~erious case of
"the butterflies." But there is one difference some say
makes them unfit parents - they’re Gay.
Advocates argue that the bottom line is a good
home for the child that meets the requirements set by
the state. "We don’t care whether they’ re married,
single or Gay," said Carolyn Amett, contract attorney
"for Adoptions ofKentucky. "We don’ t discriminate."
Kentucky Youth Advocates’ director Debra Miller
said the concern should be "that any child is adopted
by parents who have the emotional and social support
necessary to be good parents. We don’t think that
there’s anything constitutional that makes a Gay or
Lesbian parent unable to do that. Noris there anything
that guarantees that heterosexual folk can be good
parents."
The Croghan-Mil!er.family is part ofaboom~~t~e
numbe~ Of Gays ~d Les~iafls ~fi~osin~’to’becSth~e
parents, according to the San Diego-based Family
Pride Coalition. Though state officials and private
adoption agencies in Kentucky don’ t keep any estimates
on how many Gay men or Lesbian~ have
adopted here, the San Diego group claims 15,000
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered families
as members, including dozens in Louisville. ¯
And across the nation, cases of adoption and custody
issues involving Gays and Lesbians have become
increasingly visible. Mostrecently, Mississippi
joined Florida and Utah in banning adoptions by
Gays, despite arguments that it is an unconstitutional
violation of due process and privacy rights.
The Cabinet for Families and Children has recently
proposed changes that would "make our systemmore
accepting to a broad variety of families," said Mike
Jennings, a cabinet spokesman. But the change is not
being made specifically out of consideration for Gay
and Lesbian couples.
Gay Teens Face
Harassment & Isolation
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. (AP) - During her junior and
senior years in high school Lilith visited the hospital
seven times for severe depression, self-mutilation
and thoughts of suicide. She was trying to destroy
hersdf, she said. Destroy the thing within her that was
making her different from her classmates.
Lilith is Gay and, during her early teen years, the
thought of being a Lesbian "practically .disguste0,".
her. ~he denied it, ran from it, ti-ied to erie it’f~om.!,i~ ~
soul!, but her affeeti0n for bilker ffomenw~ beCrn{i~
impossible to ignor~ Lilith ~ Who, f0( pi-i~acy #~aI- i
sons, chose a fictitious name for this story - is now 20,
a full-time college student and a self-assured Lesbian
woman. But, she says, her high school years were
rough.
Like many Gay youth, Lilith suffered through
harassment and lack of acceptance, feelings of isolation,
and self-imposed silence. Gay teens are twice as
likely as heterosexual youth to seriously consider
suicide because they feel adrift in an unsupportive
world.
Overall, the nonheterosexual population (Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgendered) is 5-10%, said
Brad Becker, executive director of the Gay &Lesbian
National Hotline. High school percentages are likely
the same, but surveys are skewed because most teens
are not comfortable answering gender-preference
questions. In addition, many have yet to figure out
their sexuality, he said. "They may not be identified
as Gay,, said Becker. "They know something is
different but have yet to pinpoint their sexuality.".
"Teens begin feeling their sexuality around the age
of 13," said Linnea Bailey, a Lancaster psychologist
who specializes in Gay and Lesbian issues. "So much
of being a teen is exploring sexuality. If they realize
they are not part of the norm, it can be frightening.
They know that those who are different get picked
on." Gay and Lesbian youth commonly struggle with
self-esteem issues and may withdraw from family
and friends. They often skip school and may eventually
drop out in search of an accepting peer group. If
they do come out and continue in school, they risk
being harassed or beaten by those with differing
bdiefs.
In an average school day, says the Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network, the typical Gay teen will
hear 26 anti-Gay remarks. And, one in six Gay youths
are beaten so badly they seek medical attention. "The
last acceptable form of overt prejudice is against
Gays," Bailey said. "It’s still extremely bad in the
public school systems."
Most Gay teens wait to come out until they are in
college or the work world. There tends to be greater
diversity and less peer pressure. "Often it’ s the first
time they are away from home and family," said
Anthony Lascoskie Jr., coordinator of the Lesbian
Gay Bisexual Allies at Franklin & Marshall Colleg_e
and .treasurer of the Pink Triangle Coalition. "They
can be Gay at school and straight at home." Boys
typically come out at age 18; gifts, 23.
Julian, a 19-year-old Millersville student, came out
the summer before his junior year of high school by
writing a letter to a trusted faculty member. During
his junior year he began telling his friends. J~ian.said
most of his friends were OK with his sexuality, but
some faded away. And although there were no physical
attacks, there were plenty of verbal attacks.
- Bailey said~lack of- peer suPport is.the, one of the
worst koadblbcks for ~ay teer~sl During a time When
support is most important, there is typically very
little. "Imagine dating as a Gay teen-ager," she said.
"If you break up with a same-sex partner, there’ s no
support. Who do you go to to talk about it? There is so
much loneliness and isolation."
Black Church To
Fight AIDS Harder
TUSKEGEE, Ala. (AP) - Black ~hurch
leaders, trying to overcome policy differences
in their efforts to combat AIDS~
have gathered in Tuskegee to try to put
together a plan of action. More than 300
bishops, pastors, priests and laymen from
across the nation and as far away as Africa
tookpart the lastweek inMay in theAIDS
Conference for Black Churches at
Tuskegee University.
Black churches have been Slow to take
onAIDS because of the stigma associated
with frank discussion of sex, drugs and
homosexuality in church, church leaders
said. There is also disagreement over issues
such as the distribution of condoms
and needle-exchange programs. "This
hesitationis killing our people," U.S. Surgeon
General David Satcher told the conference
in a videotaped statement.
Blacks accounted for 45% of all AIDS
cases reported in the United States in
1998, according to federal data. Africa is
home to 23.3 million of the world’ s 33.6
million infected people, said Dr. Helene
Gayle, head of the AIDS center at the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Within a decade, she said, there will
be 40 million orphans in Africa because
of the disease.
Church leaders and AIDS experts said
their efforts likely will focus ottxeaching
teens and young adults. The Rev. Calvin
Butts III, president of the Council of
Churches of the City of New York, said
churches must teach sex education. "Un~
less we learn to talk about it, we’re not
going to solve the problem of AIDS," he
said. "You can’t be hypocritical about
this, because it’ s killing us." Other leaders
said churches should boost outreach efforts
in jails and prisons. Nearly one-fifth
of people who are HIV-positive will be
incarcerated at some point in their lives,
according to CDC data.
Pernessa Seele, founder ofThe Balm in
Gilead Inc., the organization that sponsored
the conference, said church leaders
must provide better counseling and care
to people with AIDS. "Church folk are
Gay folk, they are.., straight folk. We’re
all family," she said. "But some people
justdon’ tgetit. We’ ve got to tear down all
these barriers."
AIDS Vaccine to
Be Tested in Haiti
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Vanderbilt
University Medical Center will work with
the nation of Haiti to test a vaccine for
AIDS. The research hospital is seeking
150 local volunteers for testing in Nashville
this summer. Tests begin in Haiti in
the fall.
.’,~It’~s:important-for,the.science of vaccine
development to embrace the developing
world, where most of the AIDS
burden is now," said Dr. Barney S. GrahamofVanderbilt~
s AIDS Vaccine Evaluation’Unit.
"We’re veery excited about
workilig with Haiti."
Vanderbiltis 0neof five medical centerg
in °be:United States testing a vaccine
based on a virus which ca°mot reproduce
in mammals - the canary pox virus. Scientist
splice genes for inactive HIV proteins
into the canary pox virus, and inject
it into the volunteers. If it works, the
vaccine will stimulate the body’ s immune
defenses into action, including the production
of a white Mood cell that can
dispose of HIV-infected cells to prevent it
from spreading inthe body.
"It’ s not a perfect vaccine, but it is the
best candidate we have now," said Dr.
Peter F. Wright, also of Vanderbilt. Side
affects of the vaccine can include mild
fever and mnsde soreness. There is no
chance of getting infected with HIV, Graham
said. "We’ re not at all worried about
safety," Graham said.
Vanderbilt’ s research is supported by
an annllal grant of $2 million from the
.federal govemmentwhichis goodthrough
2005. If this year’s tests are successful,
large-scale trials will be done in 2001.
:Russia Too Poor to
Fight AIDS CriSis
MOSCOW (AP)- Registered HIV cases
in Russia are snowballing and the cashstrapped
government is too poor to confront
the health crisis, a senior health
official said in May. "That means people
will simply die without treatment," said
VadimPokrovsky, thehead ofthe Federal
AIDS Prevention Center.
Last year, 18,140 new cases of infection
with HIV - the virus that causes
¯ MDS - were registered; that’s dose to
half of all the HIV cases registered in
Russia since 1987. Pokrovsky told anews
conference that at least a two-fold increase
is expected this year, and that the
registered number of cases are likely only
one-fifth to one-tenth of the real number.
’q’hat means that the real number of HIV
cases may reach 300,000-400,000 by the
~.nd of this year. By 2005 we may have
about 1 million cases, under an optimistic
scenario," he said.
Intravenous drug users aecountformost
of the new HIV cases, but the virus is
rapidly spreading through sexual contacts,
Pokrovsky said. "In some regions around
Moscow up to 5% of all young people
have AIDS," he said. "According to other
estimates, up to 15% of Moscow prostitutes
are infected with HIV."
The relatively small number of officially
registered HIV cases has prompted
a negligent attitude in the government,
which has been slow to earmark funds for
combatting the disease. Officials have
sometimes hampered privately funded
AIDS prevention efforts. TV ads and billboards
promoting the use of condoms
have disappeared after authorities complained
they were harming public morals,
¯ Pokrovsky said.
Currently, only therelatively rich Mos-
¯ cow city governmentcan fully pay the bill
¯ for treating AIDS patients, while other
¯ regions provide only a fracdon of funds
¯ needed to pay for expensive treatment.
According to Pokrovsky, a modern
¯ course of treatment for AIDS comes only
¯ a fraction cheaper than in the West, be-
¯ causemostdrugs areimported. Suchtreat-
¯ ment costs about $10,000 per patient, he
’ ~aid,~ a hefty sum a’or ~the.economicalIy
¯ struggling nation. "The nmnber of pa-
¯ dents will be so high, that only few of
¯ them will get treatment," he said. "No
¯ more than 10% of the patients may count
¯ on receiving treatment." ¯
OK AIDS Network
ADAP, the AIDS Drug Assistance Pro-
. gram is working but is severely
¯ underfunded. OKAIDS Netis asking that
¯ the following legislators be asked to sup-
, port more funding in the next session.
Write: Senators Stratton Tayltr, Ben
¯ Robinson, Angela Monson, Cal Hobson,
¯ Enoch Kelly Haney and Representatives
¯ Loyd Benson, and Bob Weaver at State
Capitol, 2300 No. Lincoln,OKC730105.
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appoinlmenls are available.
Tulsa City County Library System
is proud to support
Humanity Unites for
Human Ri£!hts
Diversity Celebration 2000
and presents
Not All Fruits are Oranges:
the Roots, Branches & Produce of
the Gay & Lesbian Literary Grove
by
Dr. T. Alan Culpepper, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor.ofEnglish~ Rogers State University
Tuesday, June 13, 7pm,
Aaronson Auditorium, Central Library
Look for the Library Booth at the Millenium Festival
and check with Central Library for books and videos of
interest to Gay & Lesbian readers, families and friends.
when i dare
to be powerful -
to use my strength
in the service
of my vision,
then itbe Qm
tmpo ant
whether i am
afraid.
¯..audre Iorde
please oin
)Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
in welcoming
/
/
Dr. Margarethe Cammermeyer
and
Mr. Greg Louganis
as guest speakers
,--of.the
"Humanity Unites for Human Rights"
0 "DIVERSITY CELEBRATION 20001"
black-tie (optional)
benefit dinner and silent auction
Friday, June 9, 2000
The Summit Club
6th & Boulder
Tulsa, Oklahoma
(free parking in Bank of America tower)
VIP Reception; 7:00 PM / $50 per person
Reception: 7:00 PM
Silent Auction: 7:00 -- 9:00 PM
_ Dinner:,8:00 PM/,$75 per person
$550 / table of eight
- ~:~ $750 /.table of eight & VIP reception
for ticket information,
please see enclosure
I
at Southwest Missouri State University in
Sptingfield.
"When I think of Ozark County, I always
think ofhow the sheriff did not have
a car until 1937," he said. "The rivers
weren’t bridged and there was no real
road system developed." Outlaws looking
for cover in the backwoods - including
such notorious villains as Bonnie and
Clyde and Jesse James - were drawn to
the area for those reasons, Flanders said.
Religious~based groups, typically those
who shun the doctrines of mainstream
churches, appreciate the quietandreserved
nature of fellow Ozarkers. ’’There is a
long tradition in the hills that you live and
let live, no matterhow weird the beliefs of
your neighbors might be," Flanders said.
Both Springfield and Bransonhave seen
national and regional supremacy conventions
in the last year. In February, some
225 people gathered in Branson for the
third annual convention of the Identity
group Songs for His People.
"You’ re tight in the middle of the Bible
Belt, which plays an important role in the
culture there," said Devin Burghart of the
Chicag0-based Identity watchdog group,
Center for New Commlmity.
’‘These guys come strolling along singing
songs andholding Bibles, which allows
them a certain degree of legitimacy
in the area. But behind it all is still the
same message of hate and intolerance,"
he said. Christian Identity espouses white
Anglo-Saxon virtues and calls Jews, racial
minorities and Gays enemies of God.
S6memembers believe in death sentences
for those who violate "’God’ s law."
In August, Identity follower Buford
Furrow Jr. allegedly killed a Filipino-
American postal worker and wounded
five others after opemng fire on a Jewish
day-care center in Los Angeles. A month
earlier, two brothers-also Identity adherents
- allegedly killed a Gay couple in
California and set fire to several synagogues.
Through the 1980s, the Identity movement
became associated with other extremist
groups, including The Order, the
Ku Klux Klan and The Covenant, the
Sword, and the Arm of the Lord, or CSA.
Many residents here say they have felt
intimidated by supremacist groups like
CSA and Winrod’ s church. Most define
to be interviewed or ask not to be identified
for fear of retaliation.
"These guys would wear fatigues and
walkinto thepostoffice withguns swapped
to their waists," said Tim Morgan, owner
of a marina in Pontiac, a town of fewer
than 300 not far from Gainesville. "They
were intimidating because they were so
military-looking."
Winrod’ s church, called Our Savior’ s,
consisted-mostly~ ofhi~ adult ehilO*en,
their families and a few other followers.
The sheriff said he began distributing his
racist mailings to every county resident.
"People Wouldcall and Complainabout
it, but there is nothing we could do- he
hadFirstAmendmenttights ," Bartlett said.
"We could only keep an eye on him."
Now, Winrod is accused along with
two ofhis childrenofabducting his grandchildren
from their North Dakota hometowns
in 1994 and 1995. Their mothers
are M.ready serving ptison terms for kidnapping.
At ~ pretrial court, appearance Thursday,
Wiurod said he did not have an attorney
The court has givenhim until June 13
to either retain counsel or waive his tight
to representation. A preliminary hearing
on the case was set for June 21.
Authorities fear the Wiurod case will
attract attention from other affiliated
groups. ’‘There are groups like this all
over the country, peoplewhomaybearen’ t.
closely affiliated with one another but
who share similar beliefs, and they decide
they want to come and get involved in
these situations," Said Elmore, the highway
patrol sergeant. "We don’ t want that
to happen this time."
On the Net:
Southern Poverty Law Center:
http://www.splcenter.org ~
Center for New Community:
http://www.newcomm.org
Yet again, he dismissed these basic protecdons
as "special tights ." In addition, he
has sided with the extreme wing of his
Party and refused to endorse the Fmployment
Non-Discrimination Act (F_aNDA).
ENDA wouldput an end to discrimination
against Gay men and Lesbians in the
workplace - discrimination that is currenfly
legal in 39 states. AI Gore and the
Democratic Party have fought vigorously
for ENDA because we believe in the tight
of every American to bejudged on his or
her merits and abilities, and to be allowed
to contribute to society without facing
discrimination on the basis of sexual ori_-_
entation.
As President, AI Gore also would continue
President Clinton’ s Executive Order
prohibiting discrimination based on.
sexual orientation in the federal civilian
workforce. Facing aRepublican challenge
to the Executive Order, Clinton and Gore
worked with Representative Barney Frank
and other fair-minded Members of Congress
to defeat the Republicans’ and-Gay
amendment with the support of over 90
percent of Congressional Democratsl
We need leaders likeAl Gore who will
speak out against homophobia and prejudice
in afight to maintain civil justice and
equality. Through his actions and the actions
ofhis party,it is clear thatGeorgeW.
Bush is not that leader. There is every
indication that he would make no room
forGays and Lesbians inhis WhiteHouse.
As we celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride,
Democrats pledge our support and continued
work to promote equal~opportunity
and non-discrimination for a strong and
umted America. As a Party, we embrace
these ideals because we believe that no
.aanetican should be left behind.
An interpreter for the deaf will be provided.
- The Rev. Mel.White heads, Soulforce,
Inc., anon-profitorganization thatruns an
ecumenical network of volunteers committed
to the teachings and applying the
principles of nonviolent civil .disobedience
on behalf of sexual minorities. Rev.
White has relendessly devoted his life to
heal the wounds caused by: the anti-Gay
rhetoric and to enter into dialogue with
the faith organizations that perpetuate
hatred and violence toward sexual minotifies.
In the past year, Rev. White has
led "direct actions" with Rev. Jerry
Falwell, the trial of Rev. Jimmy Creech,
and most recently, the General Assembly
of the United Methodist Church.
Shortly after visiting Tulsa, Rev. White
will lead a delegation see Pride,p. 8~
Pr
by Jim Christjohn, mac guru & more
Brachetti is coming! No, it’ s not apiece
of toast with herbs and tomatoes on it, it’ s
Arturo Brachetti, the quick-change artist.
Think "Greater Tuna" meets Robin Williams
while doing David Copperfield’s
act.
GreaterTuna had two guys doing quick
changes to create ,the ,22 characters of,a
small mythi.cal town; Artur9 is one man
crearii~g 88characters during the course
of an evening ~-grom cowboys to geishas
and barmaids to
Royal Mounties,
he is a very charmlng
man - and
handsome as well.
He speaks at least
three languages
fluently, and has a
mischievous sense
of humor rivaling
yours truly.
Described as
Versace on hyper
speed, Brachetti
changes costumes
at lightning fast
speed, transforming
into more than
80 characters and
giving life to le-
"... Deserlbed as Versaee on
hyper speed, Braehettl changes
costumes at lightning fast speed,
transforming into more than 80
characters and giving llfe to
legions of personalities.
His show is a multl-medla
~xtravaganza, eomblnlng
comedy, tousle, magle, and video
in a unique collage of aetlng,
storytelling, stunts
and earleature . . ."
gions of personalities. His show is a multimedia
extravaganza, combining comedy,
music, magic, and video in a unique collage
of acting, storytelling, stunts and
caricature. He is the winner of the 2000
Moliere Award (the French "Tony"
award), and a delightfully impish fellow.
Add a little Cirque De Soleil t~ that
mixture above, too.
I had the chance to speak with him
before one of his sold out shows in Paris,
France. A U.S. tour is planned for 2001,
buthis first stop for a very limited engagement,
is here in Tulsa. Whenasked, "Why
Tulsa?" he responded, "Well, you have to
start somewhere!" He spoke of it being
the "center of the United States" and as
such, a good place to begin.
tie spoke of the Italian art of"transformation"
as not having been seen in thirty
years. It had its origins in the 17th century
as an offshoot of the commedia del’ artr.
According to Brachetti, Giovanni
Gabrielli was the originator of "transformarion,"
performing all the characters of
the commedia del’ arte single-handedly,
changing masks and characters all byhimself.
I asked him what prompted him to create
such a show-, and his response was that
he was doing some add-on acts for a
production of "Midsummer Night’s
Dream" (French pr~oductions often thro,w_
extra scenes ifffor fun), which led to him
creating a one man show in which he
played all the parts, an embryonic version
of his current two hour plus show, for an
arts festival.
A later version of the show, largely
autobiographical, opened in June ’99 in
Montreal. Selling outevery night, he eventually
took the show to Paris. There was
no advertising budget, and the first week,
they had to find people just to sit in the
audience. After that first week, however,
word of mouth started and the show exploded.
Brachetti would like audiences to leave
the show different from when they entered.
He said that the show speaks to the
eight year old child witltin all of us. In the
dip of the show, s beginning, shown at the
press conference, it begins with a mysterious
masked man removing his mask to
reveal yet another mask underneath, continuing
for some time.
Just that brief dip spoke to me of the
fact that we all wear so many masks from
day to day, ,to the point where the real
personbecomes buried over ume. It s.eems
to me, that his show is about removing the
masks of adulthood so that We can free the
child trapped within, (but then agaifi, I’ m0
a psychology major,
and can read
deep insight into
anything).
I will say that
sequence is very
powerful, and can
only imagine what
therest ofthe show
must be like.
Brachetti hopes to
restore the wonder
of the world as
seen from the eyes
of kids. He alternated
as he spoke,
from well-educated
adult to impish
child.
He’ll eventually
play S_an Francisco (the costumes will
go over big there) and New York, as well
as Chicago. Brachetti arrives in Tulsa at
thePAC courtesy ofCelebrity Attractions
August 6-13 and to OKCat the Rose State
Performing Arts Theater august 15-21.
Tickets can be had by calling 596-7111.
I don. t know if he’ s Gay, but I will tell
you now, the costumes that Brachetti designed
and created rival any elaborate
Bette Midler/Cher/Drag Queen extravaganza.
Did I mention he’ s cute, designs a
meanfrock, inhis mid thirties (he’ s cagey
about his age) and single? Me first, guys !
For’those Goddess worshipers out there,
I am pleased to announce Goddess: Tulsa
Artists’ Coalition Women’ s Show 2000,
sponsored by TAC and The University of
Tulsa School of Art. It features Goddessthemed
artwork, and the exhibit goes up
June 8 and runs through July 7th. The
opening is from 5-8pm June 8, and the
regular gallery .hours are 9am-4:30pm
Mon. - Thurs. and 9am-noon Friday. The
gallery is in TU’ s Alexander Hogue Gallery
at 5th Street and College Avenue.
Andfor those wondering, Stevie Nicks,
new album "Trouble In Shangri-La" is on
permanent delay, as usual Apparently,
there are troublein the Shangri-La recording
studio in which she’ s been working
with a revolving doorful of producers
.since ,!997. Have fun at the Diversity.
Celebrations, ~_nd be safe! ’ ¯
We’ ve seen it before. The horror of the
ship’ s sinking never quitemadeit onstage.
You’ re more bothered by the horror of
having paid to see this show. The songs,
for the most part, are mawkishly written,
stealing from everyone imaginable - Gilbert
and Sullivan, Lloyd Webber,
Sondheim. Few original ideas are in the
music, which is a pity. This is portrayed as
homage, but basically, it seems Yeston
just couldn’t come up with anything on
his own. Want something better? Wait for
Rent later this summer.
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American?
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men s ~/k~
Support Group is here for you! ,-~/~.~/
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
Call JOHN RAGAN, the friendly, caring real estate agent who understands
your special needs! 918-583-2125 800-559-1558 wrvw.NewNest.com
of Soulforce members on a direct action
to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Church U.S.A. as they debate the
inclusion of Gays and Lesbians in that
denomination.
Organizational sponsors include:
Soulforce in Oklahoma (presenting sponsor)
TulsaOklahomans forHumanRights
(presenting sponsor) Community ofHope
Church,CommimityUnitarian/UniversalistCongregationDignity/
IntegrityofTulsa
FellowshipCongregational Church, Green
Country Society of Friends (Quakers),
Metropolitan Community Church United
(MCC), Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays in Tulsa (PFLAGTulsa),
Parish Church of St. Jerome, Regional
AIDS Interfaith Network of Oklahoma
(RAIN-OK), and Volunteers in
Action Committee of All Soul’s Unitarian
Church as wall as others.
Soulforce Workshop
Saturday, June 3rd
A SoulforceWorkshop led by Rev. Md
White will be held at the Charles Norman
Studio at the Performing Arts Center at 2
pro. Rev. White and his partner, Gary
Nixon, will provide training in the principles
of M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther
King, Jr. as part of the non-violence justice
movement. The workshop will last
until 5 p.m. Admissionis free.
TOHR Follies 2000
Saturday, June 3rd
¯he bawdy humor and sentimental
songs of theTOHRFollies returns at 8 pm
at the Doenges Theatre, PAC. Join a host
of performers and singers celebrate your
favorite show tunes from a "100 years of
Broadway." Elaborate productions from
the timeless works of Rodgers &
Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome
Kern, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Charlie
Smalls will entertain you. A Reception
will follow in the Charles Norman Studio
with catering provided by Curt & Marj’ s.
Admission is $15 each. Tickets will be
sold through the Performing Arts Center
Ticket Office beginning around May 3rd.
Call the PAC for ticket information at
596.7111 .or 800.364.7111 or buy your
tickets online at www.tulsapac.com.
Entertainers: Sedackeiry Taylor
Alexander, Johnny Cronin, Domoniqne
Daniels, Veronica De,core, Vivian
MINI-MOVIE FESTIVAL
Thursday, June 8th
AMini-Movie Festival will run throughout
the day on a 60" screen at the Tulsa
Gay Community Services Center. The
Community Center is located on the corner
of 38th and Peoria (above Boulevards).
Popcorn and refreshments will be
available. Admission is free. Schedule:
1:00 pro, Lilies
3:00 pm, Beautiful Thing
5:00 pm, It’ s In The Water
7:00 pro, Broadway Damage
9:00 pm, Everything Relative
Black Tie Benefit
Friday, June 9th
TOHR offers the opportunity to meet
Margarethe Cammermeyer and Greg
Louganis at a VIP Reception at7pmin the
Grille Room at The Summit Club on the
31 st floor. The Summi t Club is located in
the Bank of America Building at 15 West
6th Street. Free parking available in the
building. Admission is $50. An Open
Reception and Silent Auction will begin
at 7 pm at The Summit Club on the 31st
floor. All proceeds will benefit TOHR’ s
fight for GLBT equality in this region.
The Benefit Dinner begins at 8 pm at
The Summit Club on the 30th floor. Guest
speakers are Margarethe Cammermeyer
and Greg Louganis. Please joinTOHR in
presenting its wall-deserved "Community
Hero" awards to three high school
students who have shown extraordinary
courage in dealing with their sexuality:
Will Allen, Emily Sisemore, and Matthew
Holloway. An interpreter for the
deaf will be provided.
Tickets are available for the VIP Reception
and the Benefit Dinner by "calling
743.4297, or by mailing ticket requests to
TOHR, P.O. Box 2687, Tulsa, OK74101,
or by dropping by the Center on the corner
of38th and Peoria between 6 pm and 9 pm
Sundays through Friday and Noon to 9
pm on Saturday.
Millennium Pride Parade
Saturday, June 10th
The Millennium Pride Parade will beffin
at 11 am at the Tulsa Gay Community
Services Center at 38th and Peoria. Grethe
Cammermeyer and Greg Louganis will
serve as Co-Grand Marshals. Organizers
claim it will be bigger and more colorful
than before. The Parade will follow the
same route as last year from the Center to
Veteran’ S Park at 18tk and Main.
Deveroe ::.Fontaine, Green ~Country Drop-offpoints are set along the Parade
~Oogg,e.rs, DanHale, Miitthew Holloway, Routethis year. Buses!shuttles will begin
~H~’l.~a’..~s Horribles, KriS Kohl~.CeCe.. ~ ~mn’mg at 8!30 a;m, Please park your
¯~roi,x,~taRichards,Tabith9Tayl0r,--: veliid~ at Veteran s Park and catch ~e
T~aT Neill, ’Victoria Turelie,:R~becea . bu~ofShtittleonthenorthsideofVeteran s
U.ngermah,.ahd Komona Wannaliiya, -.’Park. --’There is no charge to ride the bus/
All events tke!d at the Performing Arts
Center are fundedin part b~r a grant-from
the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trnst.
uNIi"ED - An Art Exhibit
Tuesday, June 6th
An Art Exhibit entitled "United" will
have an opening reception at the Recep-
!ion Hall of All Soul’ s Unitarian Church
beginning at 6 pm. Wine and soft drinks
~vill be available. Hors d’ oeurves will be
fPrereO.VAideldl bSyouTlsWUCnaittaerriinang.CAhdumrcihssiios nloiscated
at 2952 South Peoria.
Artists: Otto Decker, John Duvall, Jody
Ellison, Dana Gilpin, P.S. Gordon David
Halpern, Isaac Harper, Ken Johnston,
Elizabeth Joyner, Kraig Kallenberger, C.
LynnMallett, KathleenPendergrass, Mary
Schepers; Kelley Vandiver, David
Vamecky & others.
shu..tt!e.
FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 10th
The Millennium Pride Festival (formerly
the Picnic) will begin at 11 am at
Veteran’s Park. There will be dose to
fifty booths, as well as food vendors, beer
and soft drinks, and lots of activities.
Margarethe Cammermeyer and Greg
Louganis will give the opening remarks.
TOHR’ s "Community Hero" awards will
be given to three courageous local teenagers:
Will Alien, Matthew Holloway, and
Emily Sisemore. Entertainment go on all
afternoon and into the evening. A sixteenteam
volleyball tournament will run
throughout the day on three volleyball
courts. There is also a Celebrity Dunk
Tank with Audra Sommers, Dyke Divine
and David from gay.tulsa.org, Tom Neal
ofTulsa Family News, Marty Newmanof
the Human Rights Campaign, and more.
by James Christjohn ~ ¯
I’m not sure which is the greater trag- "
edy: the sinking of the ship and its aftermath
- or the creation and execution of "
this musical. Don’t get me wrong, the "
performances were OK, for the most part,
some were excellent, and there were afew
songs thatmade the show somewhatworth
the time it took to watch it. But it was a
remarkable example of how easy it is to
get Tony Awards these days.
At the time this disaster (the musical)
struck, it was the only original American
musical offering on Broadway. Everything
else was Lloyd Webber (i.e., English)
or French. So, to get a Tony, you
need to: 1. merely be American; 2. write a
musical: 3. base it on something historical,
but only superficially. Take known
names and make up cartoonish characters
to go with them; 5. even if what you write
is unfocused and mediocre, if there are no
other Americans writing musicals, you’ll
get a Tony.
If you’ re wanting a mildly entertaining
evening with some really bad staging,
scenery, and costumes that dwarf the set,
and NO historical accuracy (other than
the fact_the ship sank), by all means waste
your money.
The show itself is historically inaccurate
to the point of sheer ridiculousness.
That wouldn’ t be such a peeve with me if
the marketing weren’ t hyping it as being
historically accurate, claiming the "story
is told truthfully" and that "historical accuracy
of Titanic (the musical) makes it
an ideal show for parents to share with
school age children." Only if the parents
wish to point out how inaccurate the marketing
can be and musicals hyped as historically
accurate aren’ t. And it wouldn’ t
be so bad if the actual stories - as told in
the transcripts of the inquiries, easily come
by in paperback form - were as dramatic
as you can get. The), didn’ t need to ~nake
up half of what the,’,’ did.
Thorn Sesma, who portrays Thomas
Andrews, the Titanic’s Designer, sang
like he had a mouthful of marbles. He
seemed to have a speech impediment,
making it hard to understand what he was
saying. And youknow, if you’ re on stage,
evenifyouaremic’ d,DON’TMUMBLE.
This was.,rampant during the evening....
One man, whose Iin~s throdghout
song ~ere "Not a ibit not .a aide
¯ repeated ad.~auseum, s~,t~a,.d..ed~!jke"Noti!’:
: bitch, not a,iittl~ bitch. ~ I ldd.you noti..
Marcus ~:Ch.a,it, who" played, stoker ."
Fredefiek.~.~tt,. ~d"a ,:bi~athless fali
setto q0altty-that .s~ded:lik¢ .an
ment ~betw.’.,e~n MiChael ~Ct~w.ford,aniti.~
Andy Gibb. Even though he Was nile d tO
the hilt (as all were), y.oo, coul~l understand
him at times, due to his breathless
"Phantom of the Opera/Michael
Crawford’~ style of singing. His vibrato
was annoying as well, distracting from
one of the most powerful songs in the
show. When he whispers, you can’ t hear
him, when he belts, he reveals a glorious
voice, a wonderful tenor.
Timothy A. Fitzgerald, as Fleet, the
lookout spotting the iceberg, has the most
wonderful voice, perfect for the song "No
Moon", arguably the best song in the
show, and the most haunting. Lyrically,
it’s one of the better moments, and
Fitzgeraldhandles it withgrace andbeauty,
which he has plenty of in terms of stage
presence. Pity the authors did away with
the other lookout (one of those little inaccuracies);
"No Moon" would have been
awesome as a duet.
The standout performances were the
three Kates, immigrants in steerage revealing
their dreams of a new life
America. Meiissa Bell, Kristi Barber,
Kate Jetmore were excellent in the"
gest roles in the play. They had the
successful song in the show in term
revealing character and furtheriv
story, revealing the hopes and dre:
the immigrants of the time.
TomGamblin, in my opinion the su c,
gest male actor, was an excdlent foil and
future husband as Jim Farrell, who Kate
Murphy decides will be her husband. It is
their story which is the most effective in a
show that tries to tell the story from too
many perspectives. It was their characters
I actually cared for, and it was their moments
that worked in an otherwise dismal
script.
Theragtime song,"Autumn," and afew
other songs were memorable for their
melodies. That’ s about all that can be said
for them. The book, well, I say keep a
couple of lines that were humorous, and
start over. I was disappointed. It seemed
like an inventive premise, and one which
could havemade history entertaining. The
staging was weak, particularl y when the
iceberg was sighted by the one lookout.
The set did tilt at the end (like we’ ve never
seen that before), but the set was mosdy
made up of very inaccurately drawn and
painted drops that looked like something
out of a high school production. After
Jekyll and Hyde’s detailed lab, Beauty
and the Beast’s castles and villages,
Titanic’ s drop-heavy scenery was a bit of
a letdown.
On Broadway, the show had a three
levd set, making several of the numbers
quite different. Here we were treated to
awkwardly stage numbers, wlfich basically
left the cast walking in circles representing
different levels and areas of the
ship, which ended up quite muddled ~n
terms of telling who was where on the
ship. At one point, as characters were
stepping in and out and around, it became
quite ridiculous. The tableau, which was
originally to have shown the ship striking
the iceberg, was nothing more than a very
small model of the ship, withlights, pulled
across the stage - no ice in sight. The
model boat, lit up :with Chxistmas lights,
being pulled across the stage was quite
humorous. And the promisedcollision
tableau, hyped beforetheshow opened on
Broadway, is still missing. . .
I really liked the cheesy and totally
hilarious flame effect of the boiler room
furnaces. This little .bit of very Obvious
whitedothbeing blownupwards by afan,
not even dose to the scale of what the
flames in those boilers must have been
like. Now I’m quite willing to suspend
disbelief, but this went far beyond what
could be expected. It looked like these big
burly men were shoveling coal onto bic
lighters. Iwas rolling withlaughter. Yeston
also says "themusic is the scenery." Well,
ithas to be, since apparently they couldn’ t
afford paint or artists from the look of it.
The drops seemed to come in at the wrong
scenes, particularly in the opening. I understand
theatre is representational by
nature, but here we’ re dealing with a very
famous boat.
The problem with the show is that it
tries to tell too many stories, and because
of that, it’ s hard to really care about any of
the characters, who are portrayed as caricatures
anyway. At the end, youjust don’ t
care. OK, the set rises at one end on
hydraulics, see Titanic, p. 8
by Lamont ]~indstrom, Ph.D.
Vexillology. There’s an arcane word "
for you. It means the "study of flags." :
Thousands of rainbow flags are soon to ¯
wave as we enter the season
of Gay Pride celebration.
Gay flags, like Gay
Pride, are fairly recent inventions.
Gilbert Baker
sewed up the first rainbow
flag for the 1978 Gay Freedom
Celebration in San
Francisco.
Over the past two decades,
Freedom has made_
way for Pride and the rainbow
flag has lost some
stripes. Baker’s original
creationboasted~eight colors,
each of which represented
a fine ideal: orange
is healing; yellow the sun;
green is nature and blue
art: indigomeansharmony
while violet stands for
spirit: redis life and, last
butnotleast,pink symbol-
.1zes sex.
Pink went first. A company
Baker approached to
produce his flag commerdally
couldn’t locate any
pink nylon.
And the next year, when the San Francisco
parade committee adopted the flag
as a symbol, symmetry required yet another
reduction. The parade decorator demanded
that the route feature three colors
on the left and another three colors on the
right. Indigo disappeared. In its short lifetime,
the rainbow flag has lost both sex
and harmon.y. Something of a .parable,
perhaps, of modem Gay life.
Archaeologists have dug up flag-like
symbols from civilizations in both Old
World and New. Humans, from our beginmngs,
have imagined a variety of symbolic
objects to represent social groups.
Anthropologists call a symbol that stands
for a group a "totem."
Today’ s flag clearly derives from these
original totems..In many societies, animals
are the preeminent totemic figure,
andanimal totems surviveinto thepresent.
Small town businesspersons divide up
into coteries of Elks, Lions, and Moose.
Andthink ofthe Britishlion, orthe American
eagle, or the Canadian loon, or the
California bear. And don’ t forget the Gay
bear. These totems decorate our flags and
our money.
A variety of things besides animals
symbolize groups. The rainbow is an archetypal
totem that we share with Austra=
lianAboriginal bands amongvarious other
peoples around the world..Rainbows are
syi~b01ic~dl~ p~tentl~0~ in nature and in
a number of religious traditions. Some
folks complain about aGay appropriation
of the_rainbow., tote.m~ just ~as some old
ftohgeieW~?ogrdri.p~ea~ythtohtmthee~y :’~mnerroy io6rfilgiveerluys,.,’e
othdS,~i~, hav~ ebbed rainbows ineluding
Jesse Jackson’s coalition, the
Uuivei~ity 6f Hawai~i’s football team,
and the US Army’ s 42nd Division. I acquired
one of my rainbow flags from an
innocent straight friend who bought it
planning to display his.concerns for the
environment.
~/tere is no end of social and psycho-
- logical theory that attempts to explain
why we dream up totems to represent our
groups. A century ago, the pioneer soci-
Because flags stand
for group, Gays had
no need for a flag
until we conceived of
ourselves ~1~ ~t
eolleetlve --or a
¯ eommumty as
some of us llke to say.
Baker’s needlework
in 1978 signified
the transformation
of homosexuality
from a psyckologleal
condition to a
political identity.
ologist Emile Durkheim remarked that
totems are sacred just because they stand
for the group. Our human societies exist
before any one of us is born, and they will
continue after we die. Society,
thus, is "supernatural."
We make into a god
what has shaped us and
what sustains us as individuals.
But it’s hard to
grasp concepts so abstract.
Instead, wefocus our feelings
and .affiliations upon
the totem - the sacred being
whosematerial formis
the flag.
We are good at creating
solidarities - only human
groups_ often define
themselves largely by opposing
themselves to some
other. We pledge allegiance
tO ourown totem as
a symbol ofourselves. And
we express distaste for our
enemies by despoiling
their flags, as Palestiuians,
Israelis, and members of
various high school bands
are wont to do.
It is pretty clear
Durkheim was right about
that sacredness. We have
¯ fervent Congressmen in Washington each
¯ year in a frenzy to outlaw sinful desecra-
¯ tions of the American flag.
¯ Perversely, some South Caroliniansjus-
¯ tifyofficial display oftherebel Confeder- ¯
ate flag as mere historical commemora-
¯ tion. But everyone knows that echoes of
¯ their antebellum religion are also at work ¯
here.
Because flags stand for group, Gays
¯ had no need for a flag until we conceiv~l ¯
of ourselves as a collective - or a "com-
" mlmity" as some of us like to say. Baker’ s
; needlework in 1978 signified the trans-
. formation of homosexuality from a psychological
condition to a political iden-
Since this time, we have put into play
various other symbols, including pink and
black triangles borrowedfrom Nazi prison
wear, theLambdacharacterfrom the Greek
alphabet, and the red ribbon.
Of these, the rainbow stretches the farthest.
I have seen rainbow flags unfurled
in Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Den-.
mark, andbeyond. Theflag’ s global spread
testifies to the rise of a transnational gay
community. Think of this as flags parade
b~this summer. Long may the rainbows
wave on our totem poles.
Lament Lindstrom teaches anthropology
at the University oJ Tulsa.
The protesters wre joined by the Rev.
Bishop C. Joseph Sprague from No. Illinois.
Local architect and activist Sue
Knause noted that the police were "fabulous"
with some officers stopping to have
their photos taken with some of the more
famous arrestees. And their jddge, she
adds, said, "keep up the good work -I
stand with you today."
While the protests did not change the
policies, organizers have promised that
1,000 arrestees at the next conference. A
principal orgamzer of this action was
Tulsan Karen Weldon. Info. contact
Soulforce at the Gay Community Center.
to benefit Saint Joseph Residence +
Regional AIDS Interfaith Network
Saturday, June 3rd, 10-5, +_ Sunday, June 4th, 1-5
$10 donation at the door or in advance.
David Daniel, 1603 S. Carson
Wiley Parsons, 1601 S. Carson
Monty + Jane Butts, 240 E. Woodward Blvd.
Brett + Maricarolyn Swab, 2112 So Norfolk Ave..
Dr. Robert & Dena Hudson, 2707 S. Rockford Rd.
Tickets for this tour may be obtained at each home.
For more information; call Charles Faudree, Inc: at 747-9706.
METROPOLITAN TULSA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
salutes
Humanity Unites for
Human Ri$lhts
Millennium Pride 2000
and
honors Tulsa’s
Lesbian and Gay .’.,.
Chamber of Commerce members
for their leadership on
business, civil rights and health issues
in the Tulsa community.,
To join MTCC, call 585-1201.
IGTA member
Call 341.6866
]. X,otuerSr onrmaot ,i,no. on maol ,on.
Massage Therapy Services
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
CountryClub Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E, 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
Tulsa’s only
body-piercing
Poweful
Images:
portrayals of
Native America
GilcreaseMuseum
1400 Gilcrease Museum Road
5 9 6 2 7 0 0
and as many as 15 in larger communities
- sit as the board of civil authority to
certify yoter checklists or to hear tax appeals.
They also have the option of officiating
atweddingceremonies. Beginning July 1,
they’ll also have the authority to officiate
at civil unions. The one catch is if they do
one, they’ 11 have to doboth. That’ s enough
to prompt some justices to quit the marriage
business because they oppose the
civil unions law.
Experts, such as lawyer and former
Deputy Secretary of State Paul Gillies,
who have been guiding justices through
thenew responsibilities, say that’ s fine, so
long as they don’t discriminate. Under
Vermont’s non-discrimination laws, if
justices perform weddings for heterosexual
couples, they may not refuse to
perform civil unions ceremonies just because
those couples are homosexuals.
Some justices have put out the word
that they’re happy to officiate at civil
unions ceremonies. "I feel they deserve
it," said Huntington justice Don Dresser,
who has officiated at two weddings. "It’ s
thelaw and I’mcomfortable with it. I have
a lot of Gay friends... I’m going to treat
everyone the same."
Some Gays and Lesbians who happen
to be justices say they’re excited that
they’ll be able to officiate at civil unions
ceremonies. ’Tmexcited. I’mso thrilled,"
Hurlie said. "This is really an honor to
certify civil unions for folks."
So, now, what’ s left is to determinejust
what ceremonies should be. The short
answer is that whatever is done for a
Wedding would work for a civil union.
"’The big question was, "What do .you sa.y
at the end?’ ’I hereby .. what?’ "" Gillies
said. "We suggested:’ I hereby certify this
civil union.’"
Markowitz said her office did not want
to dictate the words, but she recognized
they would carry emotional weight. "The
justice has to say sonaething that shows
the imprimatur of the state is making the
union official, whether it’ s a marriage or
a civil union," Markowitz said. "The most
straightforward, kind of sticking to the
law pronouncement would be: ’I now
certify your civil union.’ Really, that’s
what a person is doing."
There are some traditions to follow,
though. There have beena few religious
faiths, for example, who bless same-sex
relationships. The Unitarian Universalist
Society is one. The Rev. Brendan Hadash
of the St. Johnsbury Unitarian church, for
example, estimates he’ s performed probably
20 opposite-sex marriages and about
an equal number of same-sex commitment
ceremonies over the years.
He’ s developed a series of phrases and
uses the one that the couple finds most
comfortable. "I usually pronounce that
use: "I recognizeyouas spirituallyunited,"
or "You are now joined as wife and wife,
which I find a little odd. Others are "You
arejoined as spouses, partuers, iovers~" or
"I declare that you are now.united inlove,
that you are duly wed."
With the civil unions law, though, he’ 11
be adding one phrase to his blessings. "At
the end of the service I used to always
make a point of saying, ’By the power
vested in me by my denomination, I declare
you...’ "Hadash said. "Now I can
say ’by.the power vested in me by the
church - and the state.’ "
It also culled data from two other academic
studies that studied the Gay and
Lesbian population: the National Health
and Social Life Survey and the General
Social Survey.
Starting with the 1990 C~nsus, respondents
living with a person of the same sex
had the option ofchecking off "unmarried
partner" in the section that asks for the
relationship between people. Other options
included "husband/wife," "roomer/
boarder," "housemate/roommate" or
"other nonrelative."
The study said that among men aged
25-34 living with amale parmer, 29% had
at least a college degree, and 13% a graduate
degree, compared with 13% and 4%
for men with female parmers.
However, within the same age group,
men with a college degree and a female
partner had mean earnings of $29,162 a
year, compared with $28,618 for samesex
unmarried partnered men with a college
degree. For those with graduate de-
~4ees, the discrepancy grew to nearly
,000 - $36,072 to $32,465.
Of men aged 35-44 with unmarried
partners of the same sex, 32% graduated
from college, and 24% had a graduate
degree, compared with 13% and 7% for
males with a female partner.
Within the same age bracket, males
with college degrees and same-sex partners
had mean earnings of $36,054 per
year, compared with $38,629 for those
with female partners.
The same discrepancies were not found
among Lesbians, Sanders said. For instance,
women aged 35-44 with college
degrees and with a same-sex partner had
mean earmngs of $28,387, while those
with a male partner had mean earnings of
$28,734; of those with graduate degrees
in the same age range, the figures were
$34,427 for women with same-sex partners,
and $34,295 for those with male
partners.
Sanders shied away from saying it was
definitive proof of discrimination against
Gays. He instead suggested one reason
may be that Gays tend to enter more fields
that offer lower salaries. The study also
found that 22% of Lesbian couples living
together have children, compared to 5%
of Gay couples living together. Sanders
said that may show that Gay couples have
less pressure to get higher-paying jobs.
"This is the tip of the iceberg in terms of
finding out who the Gay and Lesbian
community is," said PaulaEttelbrick, family
policy director ofthe National Gay and
LesbianTaskForce. "Whatthey also point
out it is the clear problem ofhow to define
what it is to be Gay or Lesbian."
OK Spoke Club
TheOK Spoke Club is beginning its rides
again. A long ride (20 miles plus) will
begin, atZiegler Park at 7:30am’on June
3rd & 24th. Length and destination to be
determined at the ride. Water and helmet
". are required.
¯ A short ride(5 miles) along the Katy
’: Bicydep~in Saii.d)SiJfings will beginat
. 6:30pmonJuneT~atid21s’t. Wateriand
¯ helmet~ate ~tr0ngly r~mmelided...: ¯ :
Af6:30plh, a short fide will begin at the
Pride Cent~L 3749 S. Peoria, rea~ parking
¯
lotonJune24th. Waterandhelmetstrongly
¯ recommended.
¯ Info: POB 9165, Tulsa, Ok 74157,
¯ email: Okiebicycle@prodigy.net
] www.geocities.com/westhollywood/pa-
¯ rade/3301
Humanity Unites
for Human R lhts
Diversit Celebration 2000
Grand Marshalls for the Millennium Pride Parade
Dr. Grethe Cammermever
Oistin~luished Veteran of the United States Armed Forces
Gre~! Lou~lanis
US O!~mpie Champion
Pride Week Events
Interfaith Worship Service
Performing Arts Center, Williams Theatre
Speaker: the Reverend Dr. Mel White
Friday, June 2, from 7pro (free)
Interfaith Soulforce Workshop
Performing Arts Center, Norman Studio
Led by the Reverend Dr. Mel White
Saturday, June 8, 2 - 5pro (free)
Humanity Unites For Human Rights
Black Tie Optional Dinner
Speakers:
Greg Louganis and Grethe Cammermeyer
Summit Club, 7pro reception, Bpm dinner
Friday, June 9th, $75 person
Benefiting Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights, the parent organization of the
Gay Community Center
TOHR Follies: 1OO Years of Broadway
Performing Arts Center, Ooenges Theatre
Saturday, June 8, 8pm, $15
United Art Exhibit, Opening Reception
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 So. Peoria
Tuesday, June 6, 6 - 8pro
Millennium Parade 2000
Saturday, JunelQ, llam
From the Gay Community Center to
Veterans Park at 18th and Boulder
Pride Festival, Veterans Park, llam - 8pro
Free shuttle from Veterans Park to Parade.
Mini-Film Festival
Tulsa Gay Community Services Center
Thursday, June 8, z~ - till it’s over...
For more information about these events,
call 7~8-~297 (Gays).
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
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, June 2000; Volume 7, Issue 6
Subject
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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
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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June 2000
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James Christjohn
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
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Tom Neal/Tulsa family News
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Tulsa Family News, May 2000; Volume 7, Issue 5
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/601
2000
African Americans
AIDS
AIDS drugs
AIDS vaccine
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Bars
Boy Scouts
bullying
businesses
churches
civil unions
Democratic party
Diversity celebration
Gay marriage
gay parents
Gay Studies
hate groups
HIV
homophobia
inequality
Jim Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
marriage equality
Native Americans
OK Spoke Club
performing arts
PFLAG
Pride
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
restaurants
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa World
Two-Spirited Indian Men's Support Group
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5d64f090519b9e896592128f02ec0c39.jpg
7132a01dcf7dd73f4768874198f90742
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/edf3b5a7d2dc2176171bea400a278963.pdf
2e81c7efa036dc8294c8bd398356f8a4
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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MCC +American Expre.ss
Offer Financial Planning
TULSA - Tulsa’s Metropolitan Community Church
United (MCC-United) with Theresa M. Barnard, a
financial planning advisor with American Express Financial
Advisors will present a series of financial planning
seminars at MCC United. One seminar will be
"Financial Strategies forGayMen&Lesbians" and will
be held onTuesday, September 5th and will be repeated
on Tuesday, October 10th. Barnard will present "Retirement
- Explore Your Options, Create your Retirement
Income," on Tuesday, .September 19th and ,Estate
Planning" on Tuesday, October 24th. All seminars
will be at 7pro at the church located at 1623 No.
Maplewood, just north and west of Sheridan and Pine.
Bamard and MCC United provided the following
statement from American Express Financial Advisors:
"We want to make our commitment to Gay men and
Lesbians clear. Just as we have ~ktended domestic
partner benefits to our Lesbian and Gay employees
worldwide, wearecommi tted to providing sound finan,
cial advice that specifically addresses the unique finandal
issues affecting our Lesbian and Gay clients."
see MCC, p. 3
Women Try to Change
Canada’s Marriage Law
VICTORIA, CANADA (AP.)- Two women at the
center of a constitutional court challenge exchanged
vows inJuly as friends andrelatives witnessed the union
ceremony. Judy Lightwater, 49, and Cynthia Callahan,
36, pledged to "cherish and sustain each other" for all of
their days with "passion, honor, patience and laughter."
Since Canadian law recognizes marriage only between
aman and awoman, it was legally impossible for
the Gay activism to get a marriage license. But the
British Columbia government has asked the provincial
Supreme Court on behalf of the couple to declare that
same-sex marriages are legal. The court challenge is
expected to reach the Supreme Court of Canada within
about seven years.
The provincial government issues marriage licenses
but is boundby federal rules as to who qualifies. "When
I see there are two people who are dearlyin love and
want to make a commitment to each other and want to
have the same access to laws that are available to others,
as a human being I ask myself why should ~ose people
not be able to make that commitment? said B.C.
Attorney General Andrew Petter.
"We’rein loveandwe want to tell everyone about it,"
........... said Lightwater: "It"s not that complicated.~ More love
in the world is something everyone supports."
The other couple named in B.C.’s court petition are
Murray Warren and Peter Cook, who filed a human
rights complaint after they were. refused a marriage
license 18 months ago. see Courts, p. 3
DIRECTORY P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3
US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
HEALTH NEWS P, 6
ENTERTAINMENT P, 8
GAY STUDIES P. 10
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans;Our.Families + Friends
" Building AEVER
A More Light Presb erMn Weekend
¯ TULSA - A local liberal protestant church, College Hill Presby-
¯ terian Church recently became a"More Light" church byjoining
¯ the More Light network, a group of Presbyterian affiliated
¯ organizations which are dedicated to welcoming Lesbians, Gay
men, Bisexuals and Transgendered persons into the church in all
roles, both as lay members and as ordained leaders and clergy.
Now in August, on the 25, 26, and 27, the congregation will
host a "More Light" event and organizer both to help educate
local religious groups and individuals, and to recognize and
¯ celebrate College Hill’s joining the More Light group.
The Session (the board of directors of the congregation) has
invited Michael Adee, Ph.D., who is a full time organizer for
More Light network, a weekend of workshops.
~ According to College Hill’s spokesperson, "these three days
¯ will be filled with opportunities for worship mad fellowship
¯ together, to learn more about ministry to and with Gay, Lesbian;
Bisexual and Transgendered persons, and to inform and welcome
¯ others to this ministry of compassion, inclusion and justice."
The opening event will be a lunch on Friday; August 25th,
¯ from noon to 1:30 in the Fellowship Hall of the church which is
¯ located at 712 So. Columbia Ave. The church is just west of the
¯¯ campus of theUniversityofTulsa and sinceTU has tomdown the
old Kendall School to build a Tennis Center, the church can be
seen from Delaware.
The lunch presentation is called, "Building a Church for
Everyone," and church professionals and elders from Presbyterian
Churches in the area are invited to attend this luncheon. Adee
will give a short presentation on the history and goals of More
Light Presbyterians, followed by a question and answer session.
The meal will be $5.00.
On Saturday, August 26th, Adee will lead a workshop "Caring
for All God’s People," from 8:30- 12:30 again in the Fellowship
Hall. According to organizers; those attending this event will
gain greater understanding of the pastoral care needs of GLBT
people and their families, see Light, p. 3
¯ Others May Follow
Vermont’s Lead On Unions
¯
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)- Legislators in Rhode Island and New
¯ York are hoping their states follow Vermont’s lead in granting
¯ same-sex couples the benefits of marriage. "From New Hamp- ¯
shire to California, politicians are intrigued by the civil unions
¯ statute Vermont created to grant Gay and Lesbian couples rights
¯ and benefits without wandering into the politically volatile ¯
thicket ofmarriage. But most advocates say Vermont will remain
." a pioneer on the issue for the foreseeable future while the public
¯ becomes more comfortable with the idea. ¯
A state senator in New York is drafting a bill based on
: Vermont’s statute and a Rhode Island state representative is
." pushingabill to expandhis state’s marriage laws toinclude same-
¯ sex couples. "I would not introduce anything but marriage;’ said
: Rep: Michael Pisamro, a Democrat from Cranston, R.I. "I don’t
: necessarily see something like civil unions or domestic partner-
. ships as a stepping stone to marriage." Pisaturo earlier this year
; said Rhode Islanders are still uncomfortable with the idea of
¯ recognized partnerships between Gay people. That’s why heheld
~ . off on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage and will try next year.
¯ In the New York state Senate, Manhattan Democrat Tom
: Duane is drafting a bill that his aide said would be "similar to"
." Vermont’s first-in-the-nation civil unions statute, although de-
." tails were still being worked out. "Our Legislature won’t be back
, ’ until January., ~s~ it wouldn’t be until then,", said Scott Mdvin. ~
: Advocates also see opportunities in New Hampshire, Con-
: nectient, New Jersey, Massachusetts and California for laws
¯ granting marriage benefits, either through marriage itself or
¯ through a civil unions compromise like Vermont, s. ¯
"I think the situation we’re in is Vermont will be there and will
." have to have the courage of its convictions for a while and then,
¯ I think, it will fall into place in a number of spots," said Beatrice ¯
Dohrn, a lawyer for the Lambda Legal Defense and Education
: Fund, which led the legal fight in Hawaii for Gay marriage.
¯ Although most advocates insist that full inclusion in marriage
¯ statutes is the only way for Gay and Lesbian couples to achieve
; equality, some see the civil unions statute as a good way to begin
." moving toward that goal.
¯ "Using Vermontas a model, other legislatures wishing to enact
¯ equal benefits,~ see Unions, p. 2
¯
Boy Scou.ts Target.ed
For Ant -Gay B=as
¯
TULSA - In conjunction with a National Day of
¯ Protest ofthe Boy Scouts ofAmerica~ Kerry Lewis,
¯ spokesperson for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
¯ Rights (TOHR), has announced that TOHR and
: other local organizations will hold a protest at the
¯ local headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America on
¯
August 21st. The time of the event will be available
¯ by contacting TOHR at 743-4297.
The protest is in response to a recent US Supreme
Court decision which overturned a New Jersey
court ruling that the Boy Scouts’ anti-Gay policies
were illegal under New Jersey non-discrimination
laws. According to Lewis, "the purpose of these
protests is to provide a visible and rational response
to their discriminatory and de-humanizing policies."
The Indian Nations Council of the BSA is located
at 3206 So. Peoria. Parking is limited at the
site but is available on the street a few blocks away
in the Brookside business area.
Lewis noted also that there are also several other
options for you to register your protest of the Boy
Scout policy. One is to write a letters of complaint.
Informational materials, including sample letters,
are available by contacting TOHR.
¯ And in discussions with Tulsa Family News,
¯ Lewis acknowledged that another aspect of the
¯ Boy Scouts’ discriminatory policies was Tulsa
¯ AreaUnitedWay’s (TAUW) funding for the BSA.
¯ Lewis acknowledged that some in the community
¯ favor designating TAUW as the target of protests ¯
or demonstrations, but that those discussions were
~ ongoing.
¯ Lewis also said that the next meeting of Tulsa’s
Diversity Council will beonTuesday, August 22nd
¯
at 7pm at the Center.
: Further in the future is a visit to Tulsa by Dr.
: Laura Schlessinger, radio talk show host known for
her characterization of Gay people see BSA, p. 3
Barnes & Noble Boots
¯
TULSA-In amove thatis being decriedby smaller
¯ newspaper publishers across the US, Barnes &
¯ Noble has thrown out most community publica-
¯
dons out of its stores across the US.
¯ In Tulsa, Barnes & Noble representatives sent ¯
notice to TulSa Family News by letter in the last
¯
week of June of the new policy which went into
: effect on July 1st. Newspaper reports from else-
. where in the US note that Barnes & Noble sent the
: letter to most publication in sometime in March.
: Local representatives could giveno explanation for
¯ the several month delay before informing Tulsa
: publications.
¯ Barnes & Noble stated in its letter that it was
: removing the publications in order to use the space
¯ forit own merchandise but after TFN publisher
: spoke with (the no~w former) manager of the 71st
: St. store, it became clear that while minority pub-
: lieatious were being removed, Barnes &Noble was
¯ creating a new space inside the store for two com-
" ¯ mtmitypublications; TulsaPeopleand Urban Tulsa.
¯ These two were retaining distribution privileges
¯ because they have the largest volume of copies
¯ ¯ distributed. Both- Tulsa People (TP) and Urban
: Tulsa (UT) are publications with histories of fail-
" ing to serve Tulsa’s Gay &Lesbian communities or
: of having anti-Gay policies (UT).
Tulsa Family News publisher Tom Neal said,
¯~ "this policy inherently discriminates against mi-
¯ nority community publications. By virtue of being
¯ minority, we simply cannot compete on a highest
," volume basis."
: Neal added that given a choice between making
¯ purchases at Barnes & Noble or at Borders, he
¯ encourages community members to buy at Borders
¯
which consistently has been more supportive of
: Lesbians and Gay menin Tulsa. Neal also suggests
¯ that readers letMattMozzoni,manager of the 41st ¯
St. Barnes & Noble see Barnes & Noble, p. 3
Minority Newspapers
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Club Cherry Bomb, 1926 E. Pine
*Club Vortex, 2!82 S. Sheridan
*Gold Coast Coffee House, 3509 S. Peoria
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael"s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
"*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th
712-2324
610-5323
583-2119
835-2376
749-4511
744-4280
745-9998
834-4234
585-3405
660-0856
584-1308
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wireless & PCS, Digital Cellular 747-1508
*Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
*Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth 295-5868
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th - 749-3620
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838,-8503
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial 369-8555
*Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460
*Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoffa- 744-9595
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 6!0-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111
*International ~[ours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard. #210 747-5466
*Li~:ing A~tSpace, 308 South Kenosha 585-1234
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place ....~-
664-2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, "74101 747-5932
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921,747-4746
Scribner’ s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square 749-6301,
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Connseting 743-1733
*Wherehouse Music. 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222
*Whittier News Stand. 1 N. Lew~s 592-0767
www.gaytulsa.org
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337.74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & ~Vhite, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
*]3 L/G/T Alliance. Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 5K3-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Horence
*Church of the Restoration UU, 1314N.Greenwo°d 587-1314
*Commtmity ofHope United Methodist, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*CommunityUnitarian-Universalist Congregatmn 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
Free SpratWomen s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
918.583.12.zhS, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140. Tulsa. OK 74159
e-mail: Tu!saNews@ earthhnk.:~et
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Seal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn. Karin Gregory, Barry Hensley, J.-P.
Legrandbouche. Lamont Lindstrom. Esther Rothblum, Mary
Schepers. Hughston Walkinshaw
Member of The Associated Press
Issued on or before the ! st of each month, the entire contents -:
of this publication are protected by US copyright 1998 by
T~,u~ ~:o~ Ndw~ and may not be reproduced either in "
wholeorin part without written permission from the publisher. "
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s ,.
sexual orientation. Correspondence is assmned to be for
publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & be- ".
comes the sole property of rJ,4~ ~.’. Ncnu4~ Each reader
is entitled to 4 copies of each ediuon at distribution
¯
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583-6611
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st 481-1111
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 3210e So. Norwood
Interfaith AIDS Ministries 438-2437, 800-284-2437
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral PI. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Plalmed Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, !724 E 8 584-2325
O’RYAN, support group for 18-24 LGBT young adults
O’RYAN, Jr. support group for 14-17 LGBT youth
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincim~ati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Co~tfidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, c,~o The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform~ Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*TulsaGay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
*Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
Borders Books & Music, 3209 NW Expressway 405-848-2667
Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League. c~J! for i~fformation: 9!8-456-7900
*Tahlequmh Uvjtarian-Uni vcrsalist Church 9182456-7900
Green Country A!DS Cozdition, POB !570 918-453-9360
NSU Schoo! of C,ptometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIVtestln,, e’ve~v other T~es. 5:30-8:30. cal! for dates
Autunm Breeze Restaurm~. L~w~.. 23
*Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main
DeVito’s Restaurant. 5 Center g t.
Emerald Rainbow. 45 &l:2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek to Go!, PC SpecialisL POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Plans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
*Spirit of Christ MCC. 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
501-253-7734
501-253-7457
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
5~ 1-253-2776
50!-253-5332
501-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
* is where you can f’md TFN. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay-friendly.
Tulsa Family News wishes to correct an
error in our July issue. In an article about
GayTulsa.o,:g, we mistakevJy indentified
their Associate Webmaster, Scan, as Seth
and as a "partner" in the r,on-profit organization,
rather than by his correct title.
TFN regrets any all,stress this caused to the
staff and friends of GayTulsa.org. - TN
equal status for Gay and, Lesbian people
wi!l look at this," said David Smith ofthe !.
Humau Rights Campaign, the nation’s
the country that would look to this.’.’
Vermont’s law is parallel to mamage
but ~s a separate legal creation. It has
prompted a lot of debate around the country
about granting benefits to couples who
want legal recognition and protection for
their long-term relationships.
Vermont lawmakers have said repeatedly
that their law could be a model for
other states to emulate as they seek to
steer clear of the emotional debate about
marriage. Thirty-two states have adopted
statutes specifically outlawing Gay marriage.
Because civil unions aren’t marriage,
though, the Vermont authors of the
law say, they’re a way to take a step
without getting bogged down in emotion,
religion and morality.
But to people like California Assemblywoman
Rep. Carole Migden of San
Francisco, that’s demeaning. ’.’Thepremise
of civil union is still an insult, but nevertheless
we’re pleased that the state of
Vermont recognizes the quality of Lesbian
and Gay equality in a less-than-dignified
way," said Migden, whose state last
year outlawed Gay marriage in a referendum.
"We’re moving along. Each year we
add to it, It’s a step-by-step buildingblock
process."
Some Gay civil rights advocates caudonthat
experiences in Hawaii and Alaska,
where courts said same-sex couples should
be allowed to marry and then lawmakers
and voters reversed them, should temper
any predictions that the idea of civil unions
will spread quickly beyond Vermont. "I
think it’s important to bear in mind that
Vermonti s aleader in notjust civil rations,
but in terms of hate crimes, second parent
adoption and nondiscrimination is sues for
the Lesbian and Gay community," said
Tim Sweeney, deputy executive director
of New York state’s Fanpire State Pride
Agenda. "I think that’s an important context
to keep in mind."
Political considerations appear to be far
from the minds of many of the people
entering into civil unions since they became
thelaw on July !. Ofthe 115 that had
been reported to the state vital records
division through Monday~ more th;m tw othirds
have b~eu between conples from
outside Vermont. That’ s even though civil
unions are not legally recognized anywhere
else in the country.
That "alone will make a difference in
other states, though, advocates say, be~
cause it is generating debate in practically
every state. "The whole mo~cement an
Vermonthas createda tremendous amount
of education and discussion about Lesbian
and Gay relationships and the kind of
discrimination we face," Sweeney said.
"It’ s been an extremely positive discusstun
and very helpful to humanize Lesbian
and Gay relationships and our families
."
by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
How disappointing that Colin Powell would lend his
credibility to the Republican scam of being a party of
inclusion at the recentGOPconvention. Since the days of
that deficit-creating monster Reagan, Republicans have
represented the worst in American character: hate-mongering,
religiously intolerant, and committed to undermining
constitutional rights of those unlike themselves.
In Philadelphia, we see Blacks, Latinos, women and
the disabled trotted out but we still read the same attacks
o~ Gay Americans. Gays can be soldiers ouly at the cost
offree speech. Gayrelationships,by federal law, can only
be end class.
In Oklahoma, Democrats aren’t much better. Republicans
talk nasty about Gay taxpayers. Democrats keep
quiet but both abuse the authority of the State to attack
Gay Oklahomans. God forbid we should get through a
legislative session without a vote by the majority to
remind us of the contempt in which we are held.
Whenboth parties treat all fairly, when the accidents of
birth: race, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation and the
choices of a free citizenry: political affiliation, religious
"lifestyles" or "preferences", all are of no more importance
than that of being left or fight-handed, then Americans,
Republican and Democrat, can say we are thenation
of fairness for all.
The statement continues, "whether you’re single, in a
committed relationship, or caring for children, yotir
?maerican Express financial advisor ca~’help you take
control of your financial future. We can help you:
Establish savings and investment plans.
Protect your assets from unnecessary taxation.
Avoid financial restrictions placed on unmarried
couples.
Avoid cosily delays in the receipt of life insurance
proceeds."
Bamard requests that those wishing to attend please
telephone in advance to her at 748-8191, ext. 121.
They have been in a relationship for 29 years. "The
community support has been really important to me
because I don’t have the support from my family," said
Callahan, whose parents did not attend her union ceremony.
as being "biological error[s]". TOHR is trying to work
with other groups to design an effective protest for her
visit this fall.
On Tuesday, Aug. 8th, TOHR will hold its general
membership meeting at the Tulsa Gay Community Services
Center at 7:30pm. The regular business session
(which is usually short) will be followed by a special
program presented by the Credit Counsding Center of
Tulsa, a Short presentation on financial responsibility,
etc. Members and those interested in the community are
invited and encouraged to attend.
And on Sunday, Aug. 13th, the"Lesbian Connection,"
a program of TOHR, is inviting EVERYONE in the
community to come out and have fun at Keystone lake.
Burgers will beprovided - youbring the rest! Swimming,
volleyball, fishing, boating, etc. will be available all day.
Call the Center for directions.
The initial planning meeting for "Diversity Celebration
2001" will be held at the Tulsa Gay Cominunity
Services Center beginning at 1 lain on Saturday, Aug.
19th.
know about their nnhappiness with the new policy.
Mozzoni seemed to be sympathetic to the situation but
has stated that since it comes down from corporate.
headquarters, hehas litflechoice. Mozzoni canbe reached
at 665-4580.
National Gay Organizations Comment on Cheney
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Human Rights Campaign
(HRC) and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
(NGLTF) have issued comments on the record o’f Richard
B. Cheney, George W. Bush’s Vice-presidential
nominee, on Gay and AIDS issues.
Cheney, a former defense secretary in the administration
of Bush’s father, and a member of the U.S. House of
Representatives from 1978-1989, has an extremely conservative
record, HRC noted. Like Gov. Bush, however,
Cheney seeks to package a conservative record with a
moderate image, the organization said. "The choice of
Secretary Cheney is in keeping with Governor Bush’s
strategy of staking out conservative pos!,tions and wrapping
them in a moderate package, said Wiunie
Stachelberg, HRC’s political director.
As a Wyoming congressman, Cheney opposed early
efforts to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. Most notably, he
was one of 13 House members who voted against the
AIDS Federal Policy Act of 1988, the first major bill to
provide funding for HIV/AIDS counseling and testing.
Cheney also supported an effort to reduce funding for
HIV/AIDS research. In addition, Cheney voted against
the Hate Crimes Statistics Act of 1988 and supported an
amendment that added anti-Gay language to the bill.
As defense secretary, Cheney supported Pete Williams,
the department’s chief spokesman, when The Advocate
magazine revealed his homosexuality. "I have
operated on the basi, s over the.years with respect tO my
personal staff that I don’t ask them about their private
lives," said Cheney. "As long as they perform their
professional responsibilities in a responsible manner,
their private lives are their business."
Cheney opposed President Clinton’s effort to lift the
ban on Gays serving openly in the military. Cheney told
CNNin 1993,"I am one of those people who believes that
people’s sexual preference and orientation are a private
matter. It’s something that is a personal matter for them,
and no one else’.s business. And that’s the way I ran the
civilian side of the Pentagon... On the military side,
though, you can’t pursue that policy."
Later in the interview, Cheney ffaid: "I basically don’t
believe in discrimination, but I did conclude, as secretary
of defense, that the ban on Gays in uniform was appropri-
Topics include: coming out, integration of sexuality and
faith, responding to homophobia in the church and society,
helping parents of GLBT children and children of
GLBT parents. This group is open to all. ’ It will be
especially helpful for GLBT people and their families,
their friends, and fellow church members, elders, teachers
and youth leaders. Continental breakfast and snacks will
be served.
Sunday morning, the Church School Mid-highs to
Adults will.begin at 9:35 in the Chapel. This event is rifled
"Bringing Body and Soul Together (Let’s Talk about
Faith and Sexuality)" This Church School Class will
feature’an interactive discussion on Christian sexual
ethics. Those choosing to attend will share in an hour
devoted to how Christians integrate faith and sexuality in
living the Christian life. The focus will be what makes
’good relationships’ for all God’s people.
Then on Sunday, August 27th, the regular worship
service at 11amin the Sanctuary will feature a sermon by
Michael Adee. The service entitled "Celebrating Diversity
and Inclusiveness" will honor "Christ’s call to be
inclusive." The chancel choir will offer special music for
the occasion and communion will be celebrated. This is
the formal event to mark College Hill’s declaration to be
inclusive and work as part ofMore Light Presbyterians to
bring the Presbyterian denomination to the inclusion of
GLBT people in ordination as well as membership..
Finally on Sunday afternoon from 5:30- 7:30, aYouth
Event, "On Being Gay & Being Christian" will be held.
The College Hill youth fellowship will be hosting
individuals and other youth groups for pizza and open,
informal conversation about sexuality andfaithfor youth.
Adee will be the facilitator on topics ranging from being
GLBT and Christian, coming out, harassment at school
and church, sexual sdf-esteem, dealing with family, and
Gay/Straight friendships.
This event hopes to help Gay and Straight youth underctand
themselves and each other better.
For more information about these events, contact "
College Hill Presbyterian Church at 592-5800.
: ate."
¯. HRC has endorsed Vice President A1 Gore for presi-
¯ dent. He has yet to name a running mate. Cheney is
: currently the chief executive officer of the Halliburton
: Co., a publicly traded company that supplies equipment
¯ to the oil industry. Halliburton does not have a non-
. discrimination policy thiat includes sexual orientation nor
: a domestic partner program for Gay employees.
¯ According to the NGLTF research, Cheney opposed
: the Equal Rights Amendment, opposes reproductive
¯¯ choice and supports prayer in public schools.
NGLTF notes like HRC that Cheney in 1993 opposed
¯ President Clinton’s effort to lift the military ban and
¯ openly Gay servicemembers. At the height of the debate,
¯ Cheney warned that defense cuts and the proposal to lift
: the ban "have led to a decline in the quality of military
¯ recruits."
¯ He added that "the whole reduction in defense spend-
: ing, the controversy over Gays in the military, has led to
: an unwillingness to serve and low morale."
¯ NGLTF adds that Cheney has served as a trustee of the
¯ arch-conservative American Enterprise Institute, where ¯
he was a former senior fellow. The American Enterprise
¯ Institute is home to many right-wing thinkers, such as
¯ former Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork, former
¯ House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Charles Murray, ¯
author of "The Bell Curve," a book which suggests that
¯ differences inintelligence existbetweenblacks and whites
¯ and that these differences are genetic and immutable.
¯ American Enterprise Institute scholars have also been
~ outspoken in their opposition to equal rights for Gay,
: Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people.
: "George W. Bush has flubbed the most important
¯ decision in his presidential camp~gn," said Elizabeth ¯
Toledo, NGLTF executive director. "His compassionate
¯ conservatism holds out no compassion whatsoever for
¯ theGay, Lesbian,BisexualandTransgendercommunity. ¯
Furthermore, it sends a chilling signal to women, to
¯
people of colo~: and to those concerned with fairness and
: equality that a major political party would offer up a
candidate with such a background to the voters. This
¯ selection demonstrates that right-wing, religious extrem-
¯ ists are still a powerful force on the political landscape."
¯ Openly Gay Republican ¯ Featured at Convention
. PHILADELPHIA -Rep: Jim Kolbe of Arizona made
¯ history when he became the first openly Gay member of
¯ Congress to address a Republican convention. The Ari-
¯ zona congressman had a prime-time speaking slot, ad-
¯ dressing the GOP on trade issues for three minutes.
¯ Kolbe, first elected in 1984, is the most senior openly
¯ Gay member of Congress andis the only openly Gay
¯ Republican in the House. Having Kolbe speak at the
¯ convention was an idea first raised by Washington city
¯ councilm_.an David Cataniain April, when the Log Cabin
] Republicans, themostprominent Gay GOPorganization,
." met with presidential candidate George W. Bush.
¯ Bushmetwith the group, a first for a candidate preparing
to pick up the GOP presidential nomination, despite
his opposition to many of the its issues, including Gay
." marriage. Log Cabin Republicans Pleased Members of
¯ the Log Cabin Republic,~ns are delighted by Kolbe’s
: place.in the convention lineup - especially considering
¯ that he backed Bush’s rival, Sen. John McCain, during
¯ the primary season.
¯ According to the group, this is the first lime a wall- ¯
known openly Gay person has gone to the podium at the
¯ GOP national convention. In 1996, a little-known Log
¯ Cabin Republican member from California, Steve Fong,
¯ gave alow-prof’ile, one-mi nute speech amidlittle fanfare.
[ But some socially conservative Republicans, who are
¯ opposed to civil rights for Gay people and have warned
¯ Bush about reaching out to the Gay community, were
" unhappy with the prospect of having Kolbe speak, One
leading conservative Republican told ABCNEWS he
¯ was "flabbergasted" by the decision, and called it a
~ "shock." "It is not going to be a happy time," said the
¯ Republican. "I think it is a really bad decision."
: Kolbe is a founding member of the National Advisory
¯ Board of the Log Cabin Republicans; the nation’s most
[ prominent Gay GOP group. In 1997, he gave the keynote
¯ address at the LOg Cabin Republicans convention. Kolbe
¯ was a strong proponent of the NorthAmerican Free Trade
i Agreement.
Pentagon Says Gay
Policy Is Working
WASHINGTON (AP) - The military’s much-criticized
policy on Gays in uniform is working, but
training must be improved to eliminate anti-Gay
behavior like the abuse that led to a soldier’s murder
in Kentucky last year, the Defense Department said.
"We think we’ve got it right this time," Carol
DiBattiste, the undersecretary of the Air Force, told a
news conference Friday to publicize anew Pentagon
program to re-emphasize in training that such behavior
is unacceptable.
Speaking at the same news conference, Bernard
¯ Rostker, the undersecretary of defense, said he disagreed
with President Clinton’s statement last year,
after the beating death of Pfc. Barry Winchell by a
fellow soldier at Fort Campbell, Ky., that implementation
of his policy on Gays was "out of whack."
"I don’ t agree with that characterization. I think the
policy is working reasonably wall to provide a degree
of safety’.’ for Gays in uniform, Rostker said. "The
days of witch hunts, the days of stakeouts, are really
gone." Even so, Rostker said, more needs to be done
to ensure that everyone in the military understands
the policy.
The Clinton administration’s policy on Gays in the
military is derived from a law passed in 1993 after
Clintonfailed topersuade Congress and the Pentagon
to allow Gays to serve openly. ~.The policy, known as
"don’t ask, don’t tell," holds that Gays can serve in
uniform so long as they don’t reveal their sexual
orientation. One problem, however, has been unwarranted
investigations of people suspected of being
homosexual. There also is a fear among discreetly
Gay service members that if they ,qomplain about
harassment, they will be discharged. ’"
The announced plan to eliminate anti-Gay behavior
was created by a panel of civilian and military
officials led by DiBattiste of theAir Force. It was in
response to a Pentagon inspector general’s report in
March that found anti-Gay behavior was commonplace
in the military. DiBattiste said the key to her
panel’ s plan is adoption of an"overarching principle"
meant to clarify to all in the military that unacceptable
behavior includes not just abuse of Gays but also
"inappropriate comments or gestures." "That’s the
high road that we need to take," she Said.
The DiBattiste panel’s 13-point "action plan" is
largely reiteration of previous expressions of deterruination
to stamp out anti-Gay behavior and to hold
military commanders responsible for policy infractions.
Last December, Rostker’s predecessor in the
undersecretary’s post, Rudy de Leon, issued a statement
that "harassment of service members for any
reason, to include alleged or perceived homosexuality,
will not be tolerated," and commanders must take
prompt action against violators.
Michelle Benecke, an executive director of the
Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund, an advocate
for Gay rights in the military and a frequent critic of
Pentagon policy; called the DiBattiste panel’s report
"’thoughtful and considered." ’.’Today’s recommendations,
if implemented, would be a very good start,"
Benecke said.
The spark that caused- the Pentagon to take a closer
look at the Gay policy’s implementation, and at the
extent of anti-Gay behavior in the field, was the
Winchell murder at Fort Campbell on July 5, 1999.
Two of Winchell’ s fellow soldiers were convicted in
the crime and are in prison.
Gen. Eric Shinseki, the Army chief of staff, released
the Army inspector general’s report Friday on
circumstances surrounding the Winchell murder. The
report concluded that some members ofDCompany,
2nd Battalion, 502rid Infantry Regiment, Winchell,’ s
unit in the 101st Airborne Division, violated the
military’s policy against anti-Gay behavior, but it
exonerated all commanders at Fort Campbell.
TheArmy report also concludedno general climate
of homophobia existed at Fort Campbell. With some
exceptions, "It was determined that the command
climate at Fort Campbell before 5 July 1999 was a
positive environment," the inspector general’s report
said. It also said the chain of command at Fort
Campbell "respondedappropriate1y"when confronted
with situations that appeared to violate the "don’t ask,
don’t tell" policy.
" Rep. Mart,y,. Meehan, D-Mass., questioned these
conduslons. ’Giving FortCampbdl arelatively dean
bill of health doesn’t square with recent reports of
prevalent anti-Gay harassment throughout the services,"
Meehan said.
Vermont Papers Will Print
Civil Union Notices
RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) - Aunotmcements for civil
unions are beginning to appear alongside wedding
announcements on wedding pages in newspapers
around the state. At many newspapers, editors said
they will treat announcements of same-sex unions the
same as traditional marriages, placing them in the
same section of their newspapers and in the same
format, although perhaps under a different heading.
The decision "took about 30 seconds of deep
thought," said Valley News editorJim Fox. "It wasn’t
very difficult." "Of course we would treat them the
same," said .amnette Sharon, managing editor of the
Manchester Journal. "ff they want to make that announcement
to their neighbors, the newspaper is the
place for that to happen."
Evennewspapers thathave editorialized against the
law granting marriage-like benefits to same-sex
couples appear likely to print civil union announcements.
Mark Smith, publisher of The Caledonian-
Record, said no one had.brought such a notice to his
St. Johnsbury paper, but if someone did, he would
probably publish it. "My personality is such that it
will depend on the attitude of the person who comes
through the door," he said. Smith said he would
comply with a polite request but dig in his heels if he
felt pressured.
So far,the reqtlests have been few. In Brattleboro,
where the first civil union was certified just after
midnight on July 1, no announcements have been
submitted to the local newspaper, the Reformer.
In August, that will likely change, though, when
John Calvi and Marshall Brewer of Putney, have a
civil union ceremony, and submit an announcement.
The couple- and the newspaperi- made national news
more than a decade ago when the Reformer became
the first mainstream newspaper in the United States to
publish a Gay wedding announcement.
Joseph Watson of Leicester, entered a civil union
with his partner, Michael Warner, on July 7. Watson
said he had no problem with sending out the notice,
which has appeared in the Addison County Independent
and was in the July 23 edition of the Sunday
Rutland Herald and Times Argus. It will also be in a
new "Milestones" section of the Gay newspaper "Out
in the Mountains" and is expected to be published
soon by The Burlington Free Press.
Addison . County Independent publisher Angelo
Lynn said his paper received only aletter of praise for
its publication of Watson’s civil union notice. At the
Newport Daily Express, however, managing editor
Susan Davis doesn’t expect such a smooth reception.
Davis said if she receives civil union notices, she
will print them as long as her publisher approves. But
she anticipates a backlash. "I don’t have a problem
with it, but I know a lot of people do," she said. "’This
is the Northeast Kingdom and everybody is running
anti-civil unions (for the upcoming dections).. It’s
a huge issue up here."
Man Charged With Hate
: Crime in Beating Death
BARRON, Wis. (AP) - A man charged with helping
murder a 22-year-old hearing-impaired, mentally dis -
: abled man now also is accused of a hate crime in the
: killing. Prosecutors contend Raymond C. Walton,33,
¯ of Barron, helped beat Michael J. Hatch to death with
¯ a tire :iron Oct. 20 because Walton thought Hatch was
: Gay, according to court records.
: Walton was charged with being party to first-
." degree intentional homicide and armed robbery in
¯ Hatch’s death. The hate-crime enhancer was added to
". the charges last week.
~ Barron County District Attorney James Babler dedined
comment on the hate crime filing, which says
United in
God’s Love
MCC-United
Sunday Worship Reverend Cathy Elliot
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A Welcoming Congregation
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:a~5 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pro, Sunday Eve. Service, 6pro
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Licensed Professional & National Certified
Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist
Psychotherapy & Clinical ConsuItation
After Hours Appointments Available
2865 E. Skelly Drive, Suite 2~15,745-1111
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Walton intentionally selected the victim because of
his belief or perception regaa’ding Hatch’s sexual
orientation.
Authorities say Walton a~d Corey L. Kralewski,
21, killed Hatch and left his body in a rural Barron
County corufield. A criminal complaint said
Kralewski, Walton and Mary Reed spend the evening
of Oct. 19 at several Barron bars. Kralewski played
pool with Hatch, whom he knew from high school.
Later, the group left the pool hall and drove to a
field near the Dunn County line. Reed told authorities
she sat in her truck while Kralewski beat Hatch with
a tire iron. Walton also hit Hatch several times, she
said. In a written statement, Kralewski told authorities
heknocked Hatch down with afew blows but that
Walton did most of the beating. Walton showed
authorities Hatch’s body. Kralewski pleaded innocent
to a homicide charge and goes on trial Aug. 7.
Reed, 34, pleaded guilty to aiding a feton and was
sentenced to t~vo years in prison.
Chicago Bishop Faces
Ecclesiatical -Charges
CHICAGO (AP) - A United Methodist lay member
has filed a complaint with the church, accusing his
Chicago-based bishop of using the office"as a public
relations and news media channel for promoting
homosexuality," among other things. John
Juergensmeyer, an attorney and member of a United
Methodist church inElgin, is calling for Bishop C.
Joseph Sprague to resign or be removed.
Sprague, formerly a United Methodist pastor in
Columbus, Ohio, heads the church’s Northern Illinois
Conference. He was one of several Methodists,
including at least one other bishop, arrested while
protesting anti-Gay measures adopted at the church’ s
general conference in Cleveland in May
Juergensmeyer said that Sprague’s arrest was a
"triggering point" for his complaint. But he said
Sprague’s overall political views have long troubled
him and other conservative United Methodists. "He is
reducing the church only to a political instrument
rather than a spiritual force." said Juergensmeyer,
rather than a spmtum io~c~, ~a~,., o~.~r,~,l.....av.,
who also ~s accusing Sprague of promotang writings
about Jesus Christ that luergensmeyer says violate
church doctrine.
Earlier this month, Sprague told the United Methodist
News Service that the letters of complaint
seemed to be "part of an organized effort of a small,
very vocal minority." He also said he made his views
clear when he stood for election as bishop four years
ago. Sprague was re-elected to his second four-year
term at the church s North Central Jurisdictional
Conference this month.
Man Gets Two Life
Sentences for Slaying
BALTIMORE (AP) - A man who told police he
attacked Gay men because he thought Gays were evil
was given two life sentences for the slaying of a h.otel
guest last June. Gary William Mick, 25, was gaven
one life sentence for first-degree murder and a concurrent
20-year sentence for robbery for the attack on
Christopher Williams Jones. He received a consecutive
life sentence with all but 30 years suspended for
first-degree attempted murder and a concurrent 20-
year sentence for attempted robbery for a separate
incident last September. Mick, of Baltimore, pleaded
guilty to the two attacks in May.
Jones, 37, of Metuchen, N.J., was attending a
pharmaceutical conference in Baltimore whenhewas
found bludgeoned to death at the Admiral Fell Inn.
"We loved our son and his partner in life as we love
all our children and their lifemates. The emptiness we
feel because of this loss is extreme," said Howard
Jones, the father of one of the victims, in a family
statement to the court.
Prosecutors said Mick accompanied Jones to his
hotel room after the two met. once.inside, Mick
struck Jones nine times on the right side of the head
with a claw hammer. He then stole Jones’ truck and
credit cards, which he used to buy clothes, jewelry,
food and a beard trimmer, prosecutors said.
The second attack occurred in September. Prosecutors
said Mick attacked another man he had met, but
the victim was able to fight him off.
Lesbian Recieves Headof-
Household Status
SACRAMENTO (AP) -The state Board of Equalizationhas
voted to grant head-of-household tax status to
a Lesbian who is supporting her partner and nonbiological
child. The board voted 3-2 to allow the Los
Angeles family to file with one of the women as the
head-of-household, which will savethem about $2,500
a year in state and federal taxes.
Helmi Hisserich and Tori Patterson of Los Angeles
have been together 14 years and had a daughter in
1997. Patterson gave birth and has stayed home to
raise the baby since then. When Hisserich filed a tax
return for 1997, she checked the box for head of
household and calculated accordingly.
The Franchise Tax Board said she was not eligible,
saying head of household status covered situations
only where an unmarried person was paying more
than half the expenses of an adoptive or foster child,
or any blood relative. They said she owed $1,050,
Hisserich said.
Sbnnnon Minter, staff attorney for the National
Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, argued
Hisserich’s case before the board June 30. "This is the
first time they’ve addressed this issue," he said. "It
recognizes the reality of our families and gives legal
validation to the reality that our client is a parent
regardless of the fact that she doesn’t have a biological
relationship to the child."
Hisserich said the board had to consider whether a
heterosexual couple would be treated in the same
manner. "But if we were a heterosexual couple, we
would be mamed. We’ve been together 14 years,
we’ve registered as domestic partners in our city, our
county and the state. We’ ve done everything we can,"
she said.
The Board of Equalization will vote again after its
staff prepares a written decision, and will comment
publicly on its reasoning when the vote is final,
according to spokeswoman Cristina Herrera. That
could take up to three mouths, she said.
-- ~i~-n~)g~s~i~d tile vote was the logical extension of
Califo~aua court rulingsin the past two years that had
granted parental status to Gay men and Lesbian
couples planning and having children. Because intent
was the basis of his winning argument in the tax case,
Minter said the decistonmostlikely woulon’t apply to
situations where someone moved in with a partner
who already had a child. The ruling affects only state
tax status, but I-Iisserich said the Internal Revenue
Service followed the state on head of household
status.
Jury Votes Death to
Killer of Lesbian Couple
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -A Mnltnomah Countyjury
sentenced to death a Portland man who killed a
Lesbian couple in a karaoke bar. Eric Walter Running,
49, was fOund guilty of two counts of aggravated
murder in the February 1998 shotgun slayings
of Jaqueline J. A_ffderson, whom he had dated, and
Barbara J. Gilpin. Running killed the women after
Anderson, 29, a poet and writer, broke up with him
and returned to her 10-year-relationship with Gilpin,
44, a landscaper.
In an unusual split, the jury imposed the death
sentence only for Anderson’s murder, giving a life
sentence without the possibility of parole for Gilpin’.s
death. Ten of the 12 jurors voted to give a deat~
sentence in Gilpin’s murder, but a unanimous verdict
is needed.
"’Barbara Gilpin deserved the same verdict as my
daughter," said Jack Anderson. "But one death sentence
is all that it takes. I don’t care if he dies
tomorrow or never, I’m just glad he can’t be a threat
to anyone anymore." Running smiled as the verdicts
were read. Hewill become the 25thperson onOregon s
Death Row at the state penitentiary in Salem.
Almost 20 patrons at the Ambassador Restaurar.’-a
and Lounge in Portland witnessed Running kill
women Feb. 24, 1998. Rurming’s lawyers offered
insanity defense.
Se.n.a.te OK’s $600 ¯ $200 million interuational program to
Million for AIDS
batfleHIV/AIDS. Speaking ahead of the
. " ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
WASHINGTON (AP)-Legislafioncom- " Nations) Regional Forum, Asia’s largest
mitring up to $600 million in U.S. aid for " security conference, Downer noted prefighting
HIV and AIDS in Africa and ¯ dictions that AIDS threatens to reduce or
developing countries elsewhere was " even reverse Asia’s economic growth. "I
passed at the end of July by the Senate. On
don’t think the Asia-Pacific region can
avoicevote, theSenateapprovedabillby turn,!ts back on this devastating prob-
Sens. Bill Ffist and Jesse Helms, both
lem, Downer told’anews conference.
Republicans, authorizing $300 million in " Most of the $200 million will be tar-
¯ geted at countries in the Asia-Pacific re-
" glen, Downer said, and Canberra expects
¯ to work dosdy with the Association of
¯ Southeast Asian Nations.
¯ Much of the funding remains uncom-
", mitted, but some will augment existing
¯. programs in Indonesia and Papua New
¯ Guinea, Australia’s immediate northeru
¯ neighbors.
Relations Committee, said the bill requires
that up to $220 million of all U.S.
bilateral funding forHIV-AIDS programs
over the next two years be spent on supporting
orphans in Africa. T,he United
Nations has predicted that the disease is
expected to wipe out half the teen-age
population in some poor countries in Africa.
Similar legislation passed in the House,
which voted earlier this month to fully
fund President Clinton’s request for $2’44
million next year for combating and treating
AIDS in poor counmes.
each of the next two years for AIDS
prevention and treatment and also for the
care ofAIDS orphans in developing countries.
Thebill directs the Treasury Department
to establish a trust fund with the
World Bankfor the prevention efforts and
the treatment of orphans.
Helms, chairman of the Senate Foreign
HIV-Treatment Ctr.
Targets Blacks
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - A treatment
center for blacks who have AIDS or HIV
is planned in a county where only a third
ofblackAIDS patients gettreatment, compared
to half of infected whites. Rochesterhas
the second-highestnumber ofAIDS
cases in Ne~v York state, after New York
City. The number of local AIDS cases has
leveled off among whites but is climbing
among blacks, according to the Rochester
Primary Care Network.
Existing programs are not reaching t~
growing number ofblackmenanawom
who are HIV-positive, Art Collier, prestdent
of Primary Care Network, said. The
rateamong MonroeCounty’residents who
are black is over eight times the rate
among white residents, he added. Before
1991, 64% of reported AIDS cases in
Monroe County were among whites mad
27% were among blacks.
The center expects to have an initial
casdoad of about 150 patients. Besides
medical care, services will include mental
health counseling and treatment for substance
abuse. TheNational Black Leadership
Commisston onAIDS is helping plan
the center and recruit ablack staff, Collier
said. Coordinatbrs believe black patients
will respond better to treatment by black
medical personnel. Dr~Anson .,W;urapa.,~
black physician at strong Memon
Hospital’s AIDS Center, said blacks tend
Russia’s
Infections Growing
MOSCOW (AP) - The number of registered
HIV cases in Russia has soared in
the last six months and will continue to
grow, but the government doesn’t have
the money to fight the epidemic adequately,
a top health official said.
By tl~e middle of July, Russia had some
53,1~30 registered HIV cases, with almost
half ofthemcomingin the last six months,
said Vadim Pokrovsky, the head of the
Federal AIDS Prevention Center. But he
said that the actual number of Russians
infected with HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, is probably more than 300,000,
since only about 10% of the population.
has been checked. "The regi,s,tered cases
are only the tip of the iceberg, Pokrovsky
said. "We must accept the fact that we are
facing avery quickly spreading epidemic."
Increaseddrug use andprostitution since
the collapse of the Soviet Union have
been two key reasons for the rise in HIV
cases? Still, a low incidence in HIV-ca.ses
in recent years as well as more pressing
economicproblems m.ean ~.e~g~ov~eru~,~t,
has been slow to combat AID~. in zu ,
only 46 million rubles ($1.65 million)
was set aside to combat HIV and AIDS,
Pokrovsky said.
If Russia doesn’t take new measures to
stop the spread of the virus, the country
could have some 1.6 million HIV cases by
2015, he said..and those who are infected
nrobablv won’tbeable to get the help they.
the government’s manmty to pay. wm
people probably shouldn t count on getting
treatment," Pokrovsky said. .
HIV is worst in the Moscow regto.n,
where some 5% of young people are infected,
Pokrovsky said.
Rise in HIV
Infections ih Gays
College Hill Presbyterian Church
announces a
"More Light" Weekend
with Michael Adee
National Field Organizer, More Light Presbyterians
August 25 - 27, 2000
Building A Church for Everyone
Friday, August 25th, Luncheon: Noon - 1:30, Fellowship Hall
History and goals of MoreLight Presbyterians, followedby a question and answer
session. Cost: $5.00 for the meal
Caring for All God’s People
Saturday, August 26th, Workshop: 8:30 - 12:30, Fellowship Hall
Pastoral care needs ofGLBT people and their families. Continental breakfast and
snacks will be served.
Bringing Body and Soul Together
Sunday, August 27th, Church School Mid-highs to Adults, 9:35am, Chapel
An interactive discussion on Christian sexual ethics.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusiveness
Sunday, August 27th, Worship ll:00am, Sanctuary
A special worship to celebrate our diversity and Christ’s call to be inclusive.
Michael Adee will preach and we will share communion together.
On Being Gay and Being Christian
Sunday, August 27th, Youth Event 5:30 - 7:00pm
The ColleggHill youth fellowship will be hosting individuals and other youth
groups for pizza and informal conversation about sexuality and faith for youth.
College Hill Presbyterian Church, 712 S. Col~bia Avenue, 592-5800
(One block west of Delaware and the Uni;~sity of Tulsa Campus)
’Financial Pla.nning With A
Clear Comm,tment.
~t American Express Financial Advisors, we want to make our
3ommitment to gay men and lesbians clear. Just as we have extended domestic partner
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our lesbian and gay clients.
Nhether you’re single, in a committed relationship, or caring for children, your Americar
~xpress financial advisor can help you take control of your financial future. We can help
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Establish savings and investment plans
Protect your assets from unnecessary taxation
Av.oid financial restrictions placed on unmarried couples
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series of Seminars given by
"heresa Barnard, American Expeess Financial Advisor
Where: MCC United When: 7:00 P.M.
1623 N Maplewood Ave
¯
TORONTO (AP) - Figures showing.a
to mistrust the medical sys.te.m, a~.d w.~en , rise of HIV infections amongG~Y., menm
everyone on the staff is whtte, tlae s~tua- " Ontario could be the fLrst sigu O~ mcreastion
is worse. - " ~.... " ing HIV levds for Gay men in Cam.a.dar
Natioo~!JY, one in .5~b,~abk.,m~,’~s,.m7 AIDS. activists note. A. recent prownce2 1. Create your Retirement Income
fectedw~HIV,’,andAiDSis’theleaamg i wide study conducted by University ot [Tuesday; September 19th
cause’of!~a,.~.~d~allblackAmerica~ Toronto and community gr6ups f°und an
between:th~.~g~of 25:and44:Thbdis-~. increasing number of HIV infections [e Estate Planning
ease i’s gr6wiiig fastest among -black among O~tario Gay men ~ter_ 19°~6,~ _ r [ Tuesday, October 24th
women, who a~.ount for 56% of HIT ~ In 1992, the infection rate was ,.~ 1~
cases in women. " - " 100 people tested, the ~tudy found. The
/
¯
number dr°pped t° 0"87J 1"00 in 1"996; d
Australia
a]or HIV Initiative-’" -" "
risen to 2.07/100 people testea. llae stuaY
mirrors recent results in San Francisco
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Australian " which showed that HIV infections among
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer an- " Gay andBisexualmentherenearlytripled -
nounced thelaunchrecenflY of asix-year’ over the past two years.
-’inancial Strategies for Gay Men & Lesbians
Tuesday, September 5th and Tuesday, October 10th
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by Karin Gregory
I just love Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Really,
I do. I think she and I could be great
buds. You know how some girls make
plain girls their friends just to make themselves
look prettier? Or how some pal
around with fat girls just so they’ll look
thinner? Well, Dr. Laura could be my
girlfriend (eeeewwww, not that way!!!)
because every stupid thing I’ve ever said
in my life would sound intelligent next to
the things she says. And she’ll be saying
plenty, I’m sure, come October, when she
rides in on her broomstick to Tulsa.
Who is Dr. Laura, you ask? If you’re
Gay, you’ve been in a cave. Laura
Schlessinger, shock jock advice-giver of
the radio circuit, has called Gays and
Lesbians "biological errors", "sexual deviants",
and my personal favorite,
"pedophiles."
She says she does this out of compassion
for us, not out of hatred. Oh no, I
don’t feel hated and maligned by those
statements, do you? She spews her hatred
and bile via the airwaves, with complete
support from the Religious Right. You
know them- that group that has the inside
info on the "homosextml agenda"! As if
her radio show weren’t bad enough,
Schlessinger’s taking her "teach intolera-:
ze" rantings to the TV screen in September,
courtesy of that "giant" of great
television programming, Paramount.
"OK," you’re saying, "the Lesbian is
once more raging about something, but
what has that got to do with me? What’s
one more ignorant person in a long line?"
Funny you should ask. "Dr." Laura (she
has a Ph.D in physiology, not psychology)
has become svch a controversial
figure (much like Am., Bryant in the late
’70s when she tried to inflate anti-Gay
legislation) that the G/L/B/T commurnty
has united to protest her television show.
All over this country are planned protests
to keep her off the TV screen.
And debates have become so heated
that major advertisers such as Proctor &
Gamble, American Express and United
Airlines have pulled out, saying that they
don’t need any more controversy. And
Geico InsuranceCompany (my insurance
company!) tookits advertising away from
her radio show at the beginning of July.
The reason? The company could not, being
supporters of diversity, condone the
words and actions ofsomeone who clearly
sees diversity as wrong. These are not
their exact words, mind you, but .youmay
find out more by going to
www.stopdrlaura.com.
Let’ s lookat this woman’s careerbriefly
and find out just what led her to this
homophobic phase in her life. Several
years ago I.first heard her radio program,
and I thought that she was telling people
the truth, even if they didn’t want to hear
it. Somehow I admired that, although I
didn’t always agree with everything she
said. She is a big proponent of parents
taking control in the home and not blaming
everyone else for how their’children
behave. That part hooked me since Iwas
a middle school teacher at the time and
saw parents who didn’t think they hadan]
responsibility for their child’s behavior.
So far, so good. And I even read reports
that she used to support theG/IJB/T community.
Two years ago, however, she
converted to Orthodox Judaism, adopting
intolerance as her Bible. Now she says she
can’t support the G/L/B/T community
because of religious teachings.
If you hate me, hate me. But don’t lie
: about it, saying you’rejust~following the
¯ Old Testament. Hell, if we followed all
the Old T0.~tament teachings we’d still be
¯ selling ot~ daughters into slavery; still
¯ buying s~ves from neighboring coma-
" tries; and~ould be allowed to kill, with-
" out impunity, anyone who worked on the
¯ Sabbath. Gee, I didn’tknow that the Jew-
¯ ish could also play pick and choose with
¯ religious teachings like some Christians.
How much does she really believe in
¯ these religious texts? Who knows? She
doesn’t even have a consistency when it
¯ comes to condemning homosexuality.
¯ Well, she does, but she tries to say that
¯ she’s not condemning anyone. The point
¯ is,shehas saidthingsinprintandonradio, ¯
takenthemback, backpedaled, madeother
¯ people speak for her so many times it’s
¯ ridiculous. Her stand is so ambivalent, so
¯ setin sand, thatno one canbelieve or trust
¯ anything that comes out ofher mouth. Her
¯ press agents said she apologized for her
¯ remarks about Gays being "errors", and ¯
¯ then the next day she said she wasn’t
apologizing.
¯ Dr. Laura has denounced the American
¯ Psychiatric Association and the National ¯
¯ Education Association for their - oh, I
suppose- compassk hate stance on equal
¯ rights for all, andinstead has sold her soul
¯ to Religious Right organizations like Fo-
¯ cus on the Family. She promotes, within
¯
her own radio show, an intolerance to-
" ward Gay people on all levels, even to the
¯ point of denouncing hate crimes legisla-
¯ tion.
¯ I can see her leading cheers to teach
children who’ve just come home from
¯ school how to actively hate homosexuals.
"Gays are bad! Gays are fey! Let’s go
¯ bash ~ Gay today!" She says she is a
¯ moralist and has openly opposed the Ver¯
mont same-sex partners’ rights decision a
few months ago. But again, she’s not
¯ hatingus. She’sjustcompassionate.Yeah,
¯ this is why she takes an attitude of "I’m
right no matter what" on her radio show,
¯
and will also, I’m sure, on TV. But let’s
¯ see how that could work against her, shall
¯ we?
Anyone who’s ever watched a few epi-
: sodes of"Frasier" knows how easy it is to
¯ just hit a button and get rid of pesky caller
¯ #1. How does this work on TV, when
¯ you’re faced with the pesky caller in per-
" son? Taping. has already begun on her
: show, andfrom the reports, it doesn’ tlook
¯ likeasuccess. Dr. Lauradidn’tknow how ¯
to ask the proper questions, or even know
¯ some rudimentary technical televison
¯ knowledge i~her first tapings.
¯ There’s n~question that Dr. Laura is ¯
used to the ~d~o. But she also wants an
¯ audience like the one on radio - one she
¯ can rant to ,and not have to.see. Because ¯
¯ for all her bravado and showmanship, she
really DOESN’T WANT to help anyone.
: She actually doesn’t seem to like people.
¯ You can bitch and moan to people all you
: wantif you don’tsee their faces. She’s on
: radio and~feels safe.
i Guess What? Rea[peopie~
! may had.e, more difneultyi~ing~p.le
0ff if she him to .fae~i. them, [f’.~votild be
interesting to seehow b~y!hla~ di~S if
¯ she has to face questions about her views
¯ on homosexuality, but I know I won’t be
~ watching. I think she should just quietly
¯ go away, like Anita Bryant. A career
¯ shriveled by her own hatred. ¯
¯ Gregory is a Texas based writer, who
lives near Ft. Worth. Sheformerly taught
¯ school and also was a newspaper re-
. porter.
by Jim Christjohn, entertainment queen as ffelll He speaks atleast threelanguages o trammg. And to do this you need that of doing the constant prePs/media events,
Happy summer, folks! Been a lot of fluently, and has a mischievous sense of o traimng. So it’s easy to injure your voice, being portrayed in press as living a life
changes since the last column- went on a humor. Welose alotofcastmembers, whohaven’t that wasn’t close to reality and the rumors
visit to Chicago where I discovered an Described as Versace on hyper speed, ¯ had the kind of vocal traimng that will based on the illusion. For instance,
artist I’m eager to tell you about, and Braehetti changes costumes at lightning ¯ sustain you through a show like this. And, "There’d be a photo op at a party. I’d go
closed the door on a ghost from the past; fast speed, transforming into more than " like I said, even if you have had it, there just long enough for the picture, then g~t
started a new job and more. 80 characters and giving life to legions of ¯ are moments you forget. And you defi- home to a cup of tea and bed. DoingS8
First, local news: Cyndi Vetter directs personalities. His show is a multi-media o nitely feel it later. Even the trained folks shows a week plus recording an~ alb~
Heller Theatre’s first production of the extravaganza, combining comedy, mu- . lose voices as they get caught up in the didn’t leave much time for a Wild
new season, "A Coupla White Chicks sic, magic, and emotions of the even if I’d wanted to live one. Thenthe~
Sitting Around Talking" by John Foi:d video in a unique show " I’d be, splashed across the C~adian
Noonan. Starring local favorites Julie collage of acting, ". , .Deserll~ed as Versace on Jc: What el- equivalent of the National Inquirer, with
Tattershall (an excellent actress) and storytelling, stunts layper speed, Braelaett] c]aan~es fect has doing this an article about what a party boy I was.
Maude Mix, it is the story of two women and caricature. He show had in terms Please."
who are complete opposites of each other, is thewinner ofthe costumes at li~latnin~ fast speed, of impacting your Feeling too tied to the show, he decided
and the unlikdy bond they form. They 2000 Moliere life and/or views to start over and move to NYC, where
discover that, together, they can over- Award(theFrench transformln~ into more tlaan 80 of the world? ironically, he ended up being recast in
come anything. The production runs Au- Tony, which has
el~araeters and ~ix,~n~ life to.
MH: "As I Rent. He took a week or so off to record
gust 3-6, at the Heller Theatre, 5328 S. never been one by said, I’ ve been vocals for the new album, which he pro-
Wheeling Ave. Reservations are rectA- anyone outside of le~ions of personalities, through years of duced and played instrument~ for.
mended at 746-5065. France), and a de- training, withsing- Heloves performing, dislikes pressjun-
While in Chicago, I had the chance to lighffully impish His slaow is a multl-media ing, and acting, kets and meeting hordes of people. He
meet some marvelous people, including fellow.Addalittle
extravaganza, eomblnln~
and dancing. I’d made an exception to come to Tulsa, for
TomMichael,whoIlaterlearnedisoneof Cirque De Soleil been so close to which the event was nice and relatively
the top cabaret artists across the nation, too that mixture comedy, music, marie, and v’ldeo getting parts so low key, in his eyes. At th~ time of the
consistently in the industr~’s top ten lists above, too. many times, only interview,hehadflownoutfromNYCity
amongthecompanyofMichaelFeinstein, Brachetti ar- in a uniclue colla~e of acting, to lose them to 6:30pm the prior evening, didpress, upat
Maureen McGovern, Betty Buckley, rivesinTulsaatthe peoplewhohadn’t 5:30am for more press, and was flying
Michael McAssey (who hosted the PAC courtesy of storytelling, stunts and earlea- had any training. I back an’hour after I spoke with him. Ah,
eveningatthepianobar-somethingTulsa Celebrity Attrac- was about to quit the glamorous life! ture. He is... a
desperately needs), Sally Mayer, Donna tions August6-13. show busines s Chad was kind enough to give me a CD
Murphy, and Amanda McBro(~fi. Tickets can be had deliChffully impish fellow, when the call came sampler of his new album, "No. 1 Fan,"
~He’s been actively singing in the Chi- by calling 596- from the Rent and it’s very good. Nice melodic rock,
cago nightclub scene for 12years, andhas 7111.Iwilltellyou Add a little Cirque De Soldl people. I’dbeenin and I love the first song -"Small Town
also performed with the Boston Pops and now, the costumes
too tlaat mixture above, too..,
so many situations Girl;" atl.~,ode to not giving up on dreams
Spokane symphonies. In 1995, he was that Brachetti de- where I’d been and p~venng with what life gives vou
invited to participate in the national Caba- signedandcreated through al! this Ng~i~2i~ really nice beach-boys n{eets
ret Symposium with such luminaries as rival any elaborate [and] training, and Fl’~i~,ood Mac kinda tune about break-
MargaretWqfiting, Julie Wilson. and Ann Bette Midler workedreallvhard ~ mg-!:~p¢ or ~vantiug to, by the title .of
Hampton Callaway. His album, "Sailing Cheridrag Queen onmy craft c~nly to ¯ "I~xmgton." After that is "Say Good-bye
On," is the perfect music for romancing extravaganza. Di ...RENT opens August 99 see people with no : t~hip-hoppy kinda rappish song
yournewguyorgal.TomMichael’svoice I mention he’s
and runs tlarou~la September 8
experieuce get wi~eat pop hook, withsomejazz~a~,d
wraps around you like a warm blanket on cute, designs a parts I was up for, rock bi-~:thrown in for good measure. It s
a winter’s night, and draws you in. mean frock, in his for 8 performances, and had just be- about growing up, growing old, selling
I was privileged to meet theman behind mid thirties (he’s come so disheart- out, doing what you’re told. "I know who
the voice, and spend-an afternoon with cagey about his RENT is only ttae ened with the biz. I wanna be..." The next ~s a ham~ting
him. He is as nice as the voice he sings age) and single?
~tla musical to win both
Sothis,gethngthat ballad/rocker, an ode to loneliness of a
those incredible love songs with. And RENT Opens call, really .rein- lostfriencFrelationshipanddrinkingalone.
he’sboyishlyhandsome, withblondehair August 29 and tlae Pulltzer Prize and forced my faith in On each, his voice handles the material
and incredibly intense eyes that dance runs through Sep- the business and and styles with aplomb, and he has a very
with light ’ every so often. His smooth tember3for8per- several qony Awards..." renewed that appealing tone. It seems there will be
" tenor voice and immaculate phrasing fin- formances. Tix go dream, something for everyone on the full CD,
mediately gave me a new perspective on on sale June 12th Also, I’ve be- and it will be worth picking up. I hope ~t
that style of voice, at 596 7111. RENT is only the fifth musi- come much more spiritual. I wasn’t spiri- gets radio play.
My favorite cut is the title song, which cal to win both the Pulitzer Prize and tual at all when I took this part. But Mimi Jeffrey Seller, the show’s producer,
I’ve heard done before, but not with such seve :al Tony ,Awards. Matinees are set is such a wonderful character and she’ s speaks of show with real enthusiasm, and
feeling that you feel the song flowing for Sat & Sunday, and there will be a grounded in faith, and to play that, every his eyes light up when speaking of the
around you. Beckie McKenzie, who un- special $25 per seat matinee on Wednes- night I have to believe it on stage. Since impacthe’s witnessedthe showhaveupon
fortunately was out of town the.Sunday I day, August 30. doing the show and portraying a charac- its audience. He sees "Rent" as a transforsaw
Tom perform, lent her voice and Presentatthepressconferenceannounc- ter, Mimi, who is very spiritual, I have mative experience. He hopes the show
arranged the music for the album, and ing this special addition to Celebrity At- become more open to that aspect of life will reach the younger Gay teens and
there’s not a tinker on it. When I asked tractions’ season were Marcy Harriell, where once I wasn’t, and I’ve heard from twenty-somethings and send a message
my host "Which local artists’ CD should MIMI on Broadway, and Chad friends and fans about their own searches that "Yes, you can be gay and successful,
take home with me as a souvemr. , the Richardson,ROGERonBroadway, flown for meaning, whichis one of the themes of that gay is more than OK and is cool. You
immediateresponsewasTomMichael’s’, in for the day to perform a couple of the show. And that has inspired me to can live ~oodlife, a rich life," and hopes
And he was right. Tom Michael’s "Sail- numbers from the show. They were both start searching. It’s so nice to bein a show they will be moved by the relevant expeing
On" is available from Amazon.corn, dynamate, and had incredible voices, that’s inspiring instead of traumatizang." rienees the show represents. The message
or Tower Records, Original Cast Records I was able to ask a few questions of Marcy Harriell has not done a CD yet, of inclusiveness is important to him for
(1-888-627-3993), Borders, Barnes and them, which they were most ~acious in but hopes ~t is in her future. And I can the audience to ’get."
Noble, Footlight Records, and answering. I spoke first with Ms Harriell, assure you, evenifshe sings the telephone Even today, he still has a passion for
CDNOW.com: who was as gracious as she was beautiful, book, it would be well worth listening to. this show evident in his speech and the
BrachettllS comang. No,~t s notaplece JC: This seems like an incredibly diffi- Chad Richardson is Canadian rock way his eyes light up. Having aecomof
tOast with herbs and tomatoes on ~t, it’s cult show to do, especially in terms of the singer, and has had two albums produced, plished quite a bit for his 35 years, he
ArturoBrachetti, the quick-change artist, vocals. His third is the upcoming "No. 1 Fan," chalks his success up to being a
Think "Greater Tuna" meets Robin Will- MH: (laughing) "Oh yes! Well, I’m a due out in May. He’s a handsome man, workaholic. He never tires of seeing the
Jams while doing David Copperfield’s classically trained singer - opera and so and he also has an incredible voice, much show s effect on audiences, its power to
act. Greater Tuna had two guys doing on, so doing this show was really different easier to listen to in many ways than embrace and connect with all people, and
quick changes to create the 22 characters in terms of it being arock show, basically. Anthony Rapp, the originator of the role. make them feel part of a family.
of a small mythical town; Arturo is one It places totally different stresses on your He also has incredible presence and very Of course, that does kind of clash with
man creating 88 characters during the vocalchords,andrequiresalotofstamina; piercing eyes. the show’s detractors, who feel that it
course of an evening - from cowboys to because when you get caught up in the Chad was a member of the Canadian glamorizes drug use and unsafe sex, but
geishas and barmaids to Royal Mounties, emotion of the show - which happens at cast ~f Rent, who reached rock-star fame you can’t please everyone.
he is a very channing man and handsome some point every night - you forget the .o as a member of the show. He quickly tired
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D.
My sister just reported in from the annual
family reunion. Earlier this month,
the uncles, aunts, and cousins congregated
in apark on the suburban
slopes ofMt. Diablo,
California. Safe here in
Oklahoma, I’ve somehow
managed to .miss the last
decade ofthese family pic-
But news filters back.
This year my second
cousin Michael reappeared,
somehow on parole.
I am surprised because
it wasn’t too long
ago thathe attacked an elderly
couple in their car,
pulled up at a gas station.
He stabbed the oldwoman
dead. A .Vietnam War
flashback, Michael’s lawyer
said, which could wall
be true.
My family doesn’t talk
much. What facts I have
derive from the Oakland
Tribune lnternet newspaper
archives. Orrather, the
truth is that we happily gossip about each
other when those others aren’t listening.
Wejust don’t speak such things publicly.
And there at the picnic also were my
second cousins, once-removed, who are
autistic. Our gossip wonders if this condition
is their parents’ fault. The brothers,
who are now in their 30s, somehow make
a living repairing trails in Yosemite National
Park. We all know something about
them despite the fact that their autism is
never spoken of at our reunions.
My first cousin arson was at the picnic
too. arson is 46, unmarried, does something
with computers, and still lives with
my aging aunt and uncle. It makes one
think. It makes us gossip, too. Perhaps I
have a Gay cousin: Or perhaps arson is
just a happy solitary. Who knows? We
never talk about it:Opeuly, that is.
My family - likes yours, maybe - religiously
follows our own policy of "Don’t
ask, don’t tell." This peculiar sort of secrecy
is the framewt,rk of the closet. The
closet comes into being just because we
have agreed not to notice what is obvious.
arson’s sexual identity is an open secret.
He knows what he is, and we know what
he is too. But because we never admit
what we know, not publicly anyway, we
avoidhaving to deal withits consequences.
If we did acknowledge that we know,
we might have to do something. Dismiss
the newly uncloseted Gay from the Army,
for example. My family wouldn’t discharge
Orson.(or me either,.for that matter)
fromthe clan,butitwouldface having
to revalue Gayness. It would lose the
comfort of our open secret. This would
demand considerable emotional and political
transformationonall sides, It’s alot
easier just to go along to eat the hotdogs
and hamburgers and chat about kids and
the weather.
Eve Sedgwick, a literary critic and one
of the founders of "queer theory," proposedin"
TheEpistemology ofthe Closet"
that open secrets are fundamental within
modern American culture.
Part of her argument can be restated
simply. Homosexuality - which throughout
much of the 20th century couldnot be
recognized publicly - is nonetheless always
present within contemporary no-
My family doesn’t
talk much. What
f~ets I have derive
from the Oakland
Tribune Internet
newspaper archives.
Or rather, the truth
is that we happily
gossip about each
other when those
others aren’t
listening. We just
don’t speak such
things publiely.
¯ tions of sexuality. Gayness exists in order
: to maintain theboundaries of straightness.
¯ Wejust don’t admit it:
¯ Gayness has to exist as an open secret.
It is a shadowy, inverted,
and devalued reflection of
straight. When it emerges
from the closetand appears
clearly in public, it threatens
¯straightness if it becomes
a possible, alternative
normal sexuality.
Straight can’t exist withoutGay;
butitperhaps also
can’t exist-notin thesame
way, anyway - when the
open secret is revealed.
Likemurder and autism
in the family, the
unspeakability of secret
Gayness has maintainedits
shame. We’ve heard the
reaction: "Go ahead and
be Gay. Butkeepit to yourself.
Don’t thrust your
lifestyle in my face. We
don’t want to know about
it. How dare you Gays
flaunt k ? Can’t you keep it
secret?"
¯ You can understand the worry. Flaunt-
" ing destroys open secrets. Public recogni-
¯ ,tion of Gayness erodes the normality and
"6ounds of straightness. Telling one’s se-
¯ crets unsettles the uncles and the aunts
¯¯ and their elemental notions about who
¯ and what they are. Who can blame them? Nowonderthey’dratherhappily smalltalk
¯ with arson abouthis job andhis car- and
¯ not about what he does when no one is
;" looking (or when they are pretending not
¯
to be looking).
¯ So my family dogs its job, keeping our
¯ open secrets. And it’s not just my timo- ¯
¯ rous relatives. I have thirty-something Gay friends who avoid certain bars for
¯ fear they might run into family friends
¯ who’dtell thex" rmother. Li" kemomdoesn’t
¯
already know. But, sometimes, she really
doesn’tknow- she honors the open secret
¯ by not admitting that she’s seen through
¯ her son years ago.
¯ One of these years I’m going to finally
¯ make it home to the family reunion.
¯ "Orson," maybe I’ll say,"So what do you
¯ think of those Back Street Boys?"
¯ Lamont Lindstrom teaches anthropology
at the University of Tu,lsa.
¯
¯ It takes courage to scrutinize yourdefense structures, belief system, values, self-
" worth, self-doubt, behavioral patterns, and
¯ overall identity, and to shed the traits and
¯ beliefs thatno longer functionin your life.
¯
It takes uncommon courage and integrity
~ to implement the insights of that scrutiny,
¯ and to live honesty and authentically. ¯
Anyone who enters and completes this
: process is a survivor, and deserves the
¯ rewards of liberation, identity autonomy,
¯ and happiness."
: While much of this book is geared to-
" ward use by straight therapists for their
¯ Lesbian and Gay clients, lay people will
¯ also find it valuable. It will help people to ¯
fully understand that the rituals they have
¯ gone through are not unusual and that
: their goal shou!.d be a vibrant, happy and
¯ healthy life.
¯
Check for this title at your local library,
¯ or call Readers Services at 596-7966.
Timothy .W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
|
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
I 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
~sareavailable.
Are You Gay or Bisexual?
Are You Native American
Support Group is here .for you!
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
rr
IGTA member
Call 341.6866
international
Toursiormorein!ormation.
e Therapy services
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #t34133
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Ffi., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro
Tulsa ’sonly
professional
body-piercing
American
Theatre
Company
presents
Shakespeare’s
Twelfth
Night
Augus, 17- !9
August 24 - 26
Eight o’clock
Eight dollars at. the gate
Phil brook Museum
2727 South Rockford Road.
by Ted Anthony, AP National Writer
N~V YORK (AP) - 715ose eyes. ~tNose
eyelashes. Those cheekbones. Those outfits.
She Is m~ American original, this
Tammy Faye Bakker - for better and for
worse, an utterly umque vessel that conrains
the strange stew of celebrity, spirituality
and sin we have come to expect from
our fallen 1cons in recent decades. Who
better, then, to explore, to figure out, to
focus in upon than the face that launched
1,000 quips? That’s the mission of a new
documentary, and "Tile Eyes of Tammy
Faye" doesn’t disappoint.
For those of you living on Jupiter’s
moons, Tammy Faye Bakker (now
Tammy Faye Messner) was/is the excruciatingly
mascaraed ex-wife of
tdevangelist Jim Bakker and former costar
of PTL, the North Carolina-based
television ministry that imploded in a pit
of accusations and recriminations in the
late 1980s.
He trysted with Jessica Hahn (who later
paraded in Playboy) and went to jail. She
got addicted to pills and ended up marrying
his best friend. Jerry Falwell got involved.
Things got nasty. Pop culture
references were born. Mascara companies
prospered.
Now, more than a decade later, Tammy
Fgye paces-the halls of her California
gated-community house, trying to sti~lI
together the swatches of her life and fin__
out what’s important to her. This proves
to be a funny and tragic endeavor, and
filmmakers Randy Barbato and Fenton
Baily chronicle it as it unfolds. Narrated
by RuPaul, of all people, it’s a festival of
weirdness camed out on an impressively
documentarian level, and it offers a deadon
look at Tammy _ aye without ever
poking fun at her. It lets her do all the
work, and work she does.
- She gives us a tour of her makeup case
(the eyes come from L’Oreal Waterproof
- She is praised by relatives in strange
ways ("When she was born, she had perfecfly
manicured fingernails:’ says an
aunt).
- She goes to a photographer to get new
head shots and smpri ses the makeup artist
by announcing that her lips, eyes and
eyebrows are permanently lined.
The film’s success, though, lies in assembling
a portrait of Tammy Faye that
transcends parody. She is an easy target
for a hip, sarcastic documentary. Instead,
we find out about a woman who was
reaching out to Gays and AIDS patients
long before anyone else in the Christian
broadcasting community Welearn about
awoman who endured cancer, thenjudged.
the experience worthwhile because ~t
brought her closer to her daughter. And
we discover, though she never says it
outfight, that she still respects Jim Bakker
- and may well still love him xn some
ways. Bakker, too, is interviewed here,
watched balefully by his new wife as he
talks - and sometimes reminisces fondly
- about his time with Tammy Faye.
In the end, you’re left with several
questions aboutTammy Faye: What DID
she and Bakker believe in? God? Ego?
Money? Themselve,’ 9 And what does she
really look like under all those layers?
Whatever she ultimately is, Tammy
Faye deserves some sympathy. She’ s been
through alot that wasn’t her ownmaking.
She’s going to church again, singing ~n a
local choir and trying to figure out just
who she is - an admirable trait in anyone,
and something not to be lampooned, no
matter what her past has held. "I don’t
know of any woman in our time who has
been so maligned," Pat Boone tells the
camera. "And yet she just keeps going."
And that trajectory makes for a fascinating
documentary - whether you end up
seeing it as a valid piece of journalism or
an entertaining celebrity car wreck.
Homosexual Rites of Passage: arises from lack of awareness that others
A Road to Visibility & Validation
by Marie Mohler, MA
reviewed by Barry Hensley
Tulsa Ciry-CounU Eibrary
Like e~eryone else, Lesbians and Gay
men go through a series of life events that
shape their personalities, morals and ability
to interact with other people. However,
because of sexual orientation, there
is often a different set of events and there
are different hurdles to jump. This book
analyzes these rites of passage to help
Lesbians and Gay men understand themselves.
Author ~ [thief approaches a variety of
topics, each with, a sep~ate chapter, inciudi~.
g ~,~nderstar,,ding Fear, Overcoming
c.~- Coming Out, Con-a~fitment
Rimai s ar,_d Aging Rites. Each topic builds
o~ the prevtous one.
Fern plays a big role for both straights
and Ga)’s. For Gay people, fear serves as
an obstacle to growth. For straightpeople,
fear of Gays "’smt’aces in antiGay bashing,
picketing, propaganda, hazing, attempts
at converting homosexuals and
discrimination in the workforce. Energy
is tied up in keeping the Lesbian and Gay
individual out of their world, consciousness,
and own ide.nti.ty,.b.y attemp.ting t,o,
keep homosexuahty mws~ble and stlent.
Mohler suggests that straights fear Gays
due to ignorance. "This ignorance often
may differ from one’s sdf. There is often
no motivation to learn about other cultures
or sexual orientations. Thus, anything
different from the self is considered
abnormal."
One thought provoking section in the
chapter on aging deals with the death of a
same sex life partner. A Gay or Lesbian
individual’s "truest support system, emotionally,
physically, sexually, and finandally,
may be flflfilled by this one person.
In light of’the fact that many heterosexual
peers and families may not mfite understand
the magnitude of homo~sexual fee!-
rags _~md. Gay!Lesbi,~ conuni~mem to !ife
parmers, ~t ma~ be devastating to not
rec~’~c ~N’.: much-needed suppn<i: dmSng
this a;~,::’~;v-g pefic,l. The heterosextml
majci:~.~? ~m,,y be blind to exiuatiL~g the loss
of one’s life partner to ’,he loss of a husband
or wife. While this lack of support is
a great tragedy, with great potenial for re-
~njuring and shaming homosexuals during
a time of great mourning, it is thevery
reason why Gay men and Lesbian women
needto stand together as a community
and validate the troth of their parmerships."
The chapter on coming out summarizes
the upbeat feel of the entire book: "(the
coming out) process affects homosexuals
physically, emotionally, and intellectuall)
- see Passages, p. 10
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
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, August 2000; Volume 7, 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
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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August 2000
Contributor
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James Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Hughston Walkinshaw
Rights
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, July 2000; Volume 7, Issue 7
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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English
Type
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newspaper
periodical
Coverage
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
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/603
2000
African Americans
AIDS
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
churches
civil unions
Colin Powell
Dick Cheney
gay bashing
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
hate crimes
HIV
homophobia
Jim Christjohn
journalism
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
Marie Mohler
marriage equality
military inclusion
Murder
Native Americans
performing arts
Raging Lesbian
Read All About It
Republican Party
restaurants
support groups
Tammy Faye Messner
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/6497570df6739814b1f53803976aa5b1.jpg
eddbd7f8092dd730d643f946703894db
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/bd25622cc45d3dc2ef36d1c050f025cf.pdf
ea4d97532b62ccf57ba0218150bb41fc
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Two Teens Indicted In
Murder of Gay Black Man
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) - Two 17-year-old Marion
County boys were indicted at the end of August for the
murder of a Gay Black man. Jared Wilson and David
Allen Parker ofGrantTown were each charged as adults
with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit
murder in the July 4 death of Arthur "J.R." Warren.
They are accused of beating and kicking Warren, 26,
then running over him with a Camaro to disguise his
injuries as a hit-and-run. If convicted, they could be
sentenced to life in prison.
A 15-year,old witness, Jason Shoemaker of Grant
Town, has been charged as a juvenile with being an
accessory after the fact for allegedly helping the older
boys dispose of evidence. Conviction on that misdemeanor
offense could mean up to.a year in jail.
Shoemaker has testified that Warren was beaten and
kicked with steel-toed boots in a.hous¢.then put in a car.
He was still alive and begging t6 be taken home when
the other boys dragged him from the car on a Grant
Town road to kick and beat him some more. Parker then
drove over Warren four times, the boy said.
see Murder, p. 11
Los Angeles Dod.gers
ApOlogize to Lesbians
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) - The Dodgers
apologized Wednesday to a Lesbian couple ejected
from Dodger Stadium earlier this month after the two
shared a kiss during a game against the Chicago Cubs.
’‘i was troubled.., because ofwhatit implied about the
Dodger organization," said team President Bob
Gratiano. "It means a lot to me that you are Dodger
fans," he said to Danielle Goldey and Meredith Kott.
"We will continue to do the right thing," Graziano
said.
The two were escorted out of the ballpark on Aug. 8.
Goldey and Kott say they were not initially told why
they were being ejected, but later they were told that
someone complained and said children should not be
exposed to "those people."
The couple said their companions, a heterosexual
couple, also kissedbut werenot ejeeted. Because ofthis,
they felt the action of the eight security guards was
discrimination.
Besides the public apology, the Dodgers donated
5,000 tickets to three Gay and Lesbian organizations
and promised sensitivity training for their employees.
’’I think they stepped up to the plate more than they
had to,"Goldey said. "All we wanted was an apology ...
I’m very proud to be a Dodger fan."
’’I’m extremely happy with the results," Kott said.
The couple was going to file a civil rights lawsuit if
the Dodgers didn’t apologize, said their lawyer Bernie
Bemheim. see Courts, p. 3
U_! DIRECTORY P. 2 ~ EDITORIAL P. 3
US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
~,~ HEALTH NEWS P. 6
Z ENTERTAINMENT P. 8
GAY STUDIES P. 10
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
Tulsa + US Protests of Boy
Scouts’ Anti-Gay Policies
" OKC/TULSA (AP/TFN) - A handful of demonstrators asking
¯ the Boy Scouts to stop discriminating against Gay scouts and
" leaders took their message to the streets Monday, August 21,
° targeting motorists at a busy intersection not far from the Last
o FrontierBoy Scout headquarters inOklahomaCity (OKC) andin ¯
front of the Indian Nations Council in the Brookside neighbor-
" hood in Tulsa.
The Tulsa and Oklahoma City rallies were part of an effort
¯ plannedin atleast 36 cities and 21 states initiated by Scouting For
All, a national nonprofit organization formed by Steven Cozza,
" 15, of Petaluma, Calif. Cozza started Scouting For All several
¯ years ago after his father was removed as a Scout leader for
.-. supporting Gay civil rights.
Cozza, who said neither he nor his father is Gay, left the Boy
¯ Scouts about six months ago after becoming an Eagle Scout.
¯ Cozz~ said he no could longer support the program because it
discriminates. "Scoutmasters are people to look up to. What’s
" wrong with being influenced by a Gay man? Someone’s sexual-
: ity has nothing to do with his character or personality," he said.
¯ The dozen OKC protesters held signs that read "Scouting
¯ should be for everyone", "Open scouting to Gays" and "Honk for
~ Gay Boy Scouts". People honked. In Oklahoma City, a couple of
: people shouted obscenities and one truck driver shouted, "You
[ guys are wrong"but i,n Tulsa, most of those commenting as they
¯ drove by were supportive of the demonstrators who averaged
-" about 20 over a couple hour period.
." Kent Doss, a 21-year-old student a! the University of Okla-
¯ homa and an Eagle Scout, attended both the Oklahoma City and
° the Tulsa protests. Doss, who is Gay, became an Eagle Scout in
¯ 1997. He had been in scouting since the third grade. "Even after
." that many years of hard work it’s just not worth it because of the
~ negative influence," he said. ’’It is so hypocritical Everything I
¯ grew up with has been ignored," Doss said. ’q don’t want to
." abandon the scouts. I want to be apart of the dialogue, but I’m not
~ proud of scouting." In Tulsa, Doss did turn in his uniform, his
¯ merit badges and his Eagle Scout award.
¯ In June, the US Supreme Cotvt ruled 5-4 that Boy Scouts of
~ America (BSA) can bar Gays from serving as troop leaders.
¯ see Scouts, p. 2
Walk For Life 200-0
-" TULSA (TFN) - For the pasl seven years, AIDS activists,
[ caregivers, people living with AIDS/HIV, and others have come
: together to walk to raise money for I-IIV/AIDS care-giving and
¯ education agencies. Their services include n~lical assistance,
_" prevention efforts, transportation, support groups, and home and
." hospice care.
¯ Walkers are asked to solicit pledges prior to this year’s event
[ and to bring their pledge sheets and those donations to the Walk
_" which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9:30am at Veterans’
¯ Park, located at 21st & Boulder. The Walk will begin and end at
: the park going down the River Park to the 31 st Pedestrian Bridge
." and returning.
¯ Donations to Walk for Life 2000, the 8th Annual Tulsa AIDS
¯ Walk will be increased by 50% with matching dollars through the
: generosity of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Walk is
~ sponsored by the Community Service Council, and will benefit
.- the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP).
¯ The Walk is an all volunteer effort and there are no admiuistra-
"_ five costs. For more information or for pledge forms, call 585-
¯ 5551.
:US Court Rules Gay Mexican
¯ Citizen Eligible for U,S, Asylum
[ SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A cross-dressing, Gay Mexican man
¯ persecuted in his homeland is entitled to asylum in the United
¯ States, a federal appeals panel ruled in August.
-" The decision by three judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of
¯ Appeals expanded the social circumstances of persecution that
¯ immigration officials must consider during asylum hearings.
¯ Federal. courts have already allowed asylum for a variety of
¯ political and social reasons, including a woman’s fear of genital
: mutilation in her African homeland. Just last month, the 9th
¯ Circuit ruled that an Armenian who says he has was given an
¯ ultimatum to become a Communist or leave Armenia deserved
¯ another bid for asylum.
The case involves Geovanni Hernandez-Montiel, a Gay Mexi-
" can citizen who dresses and behaves as a woman. Hetestified that
¯ he was persecuted by his family, school officials and police, who
" he said sexually assaulted him. see Asylum, p. 9
Gay Services Center
Moving to Memorial
TULSA (TFN) - After several years in Brookside,
Tulsa’s Gay Community Services Center is rdocating
- likely to a building near 21st and Memorial.
After the ownership of the current location
changed, TOHR (Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
Rights, sponsoring organization of,\the center) had
to fight a legal battlejust to finish the current lease.
The new owners have spent considerable funds to
update the location in order to lease it at much
higher rates. None of the other original tenants still
remain.
TOHR president Greg Gatewood noted that the
new center will have about the same amount of
space as the current one but may have slightly
lower operating costs. The new space will still have
a Pride Store, the Nancy McDonald Library, and an
expanded TOHRmembers only free video lending
library. Volunteers to help prepare for the move
and to move are quite welcome, Gatewood added
and can call the Center at 743-4297 for details.
TOHR events for September include: a protest
planning meeting to respond to the upcormng visit
to Tulsa by radio "therapist" Dr. Laura on Tuesday,
Sept. 5th at 7pm at the Center (current location at
37th & Peoria, 2nd floor), new Center volunteer
orientation on Wednesday, Sept. 6th at7pm,TOHR
membership meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at
7:30pm. This meeting will feature a presentation of
an A&E (Arts & Entertainment Network) program
onhate crimes. Votes on the nominating committee
for next year’s officers and on bylaws revisions
will also be held. And planning for next year’s
Pride events, Diversity Festival and Parade will
begin on Saturday, Sept. 9th at 1 lain at the Center.
On Friday, Sept. 29, 8pm, there will be a video
release party for Diversity 2000, a commemorative
video created by BoyBlue Productions in support
of TOHR. It will include highlights of all Pride
Week events including: see Video, p.8
¯ Florida Politicians Push
Federal Hate Crime Bill
- WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Two Republi-
¯ can congressmen are touting legislation that would
~ expand the federal government’s rolein investigat-
~ ing and prosecuting crimes based on sexual often-
, tation, religion, gender or ethnicity.
, U.S. Reps. Bill McCollum of Orlando and Mark
¯ Foley of West Palm Beach said while they may be
¯ members of a conservative political party, that
¯ doesn’t mean they find hate crimes against Gays
¯ and other historically persecuted groups any less
-" foul than Democrats do. "The issue is not Gay
: rights, the issue is hate crime," McCollum said
¯ Tuesday while meeting with Jewish leaders. "When
¯ someone is brutalized or killed.., it is fundamen-
: tally wrong."
¯ The bill would provide grants of up to $100,000
¯ for the investigation,and prosecution ofhate crimes
in all 50 states. It also would give federal authori-
¯ ties the ability to prosecute hate crimes under
¯ interstate commerce laws.
o According to the Southern Poverty Law Center,
¯ Florida ranks second in the nation in the number of
[ active hate groups. FBI statistics show a total of
" 7,755 bias-motivated criminal incidents were re-
. ported in 46 states and the District of Columbia in
. 1998, down about 10% over 1997.
Angela Lampert of the Jewish Federation of
" Palm Beach County said the group strongly sup-
. ports the bill. ’’We think hate crimes are abhorrent
¯ and do not need to be tolerated," Lampert said after
¯ meeting with McCollum and Foley at Temple Beth
¯ El in West Palm Beach.
In July, the Senate passed similar legislation as
¯ an amendment to a defense department appropria-
" tions bill. This adds offenses motivated by sexual
; orientation, sex or disability to the list of crimes
¯ covered under federal law. McCollum, chair of the
¯ House Subcommittee on Crime, and Foley hope to
¯ pass the House version in the same way.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Club Cherry Bomb, 1926 E. Pine
*Club Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades!Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool BOX, 1338 E.’ 3rd
*The Yellow Brick Road Pub; 2630 E. 15th
;712-2324
610-5323
583-2119
835-2376
744-4280
745-9998
834,4234
585-3405
660-0856
584- t308
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Advanced Wird~ss &~PCS,Digital Cdlular
Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. P~oria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria~
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
.747-1508
743-1000
250-5034
665-4580
712-1122
712-9955
494-2665
743-5272
746-0313
295-5868
581-0902, 743-4117
622-0700
749-3620
744-5556
838-8503
369-8555
584-0337, 712-9379
592-0460
744-9595
610-0880
628-3709
808-8026
742- 1460
459-9349
744-7440
745-1111
341-6866
712-2750
582-3018
747-0236
582-8460
599-8070
747-5466
585-1234
584-3112
663-5934
-664-2951
838-7626
743 -4297
747-5932
834-0617
747-4746
749-6301
26o-7829.
481-0558
835-5563
743-1733
665-2222
592-0767
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
Doghouse on Brookside, 331 t S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial
.Ross Edward Salon
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906,E. 55th PI.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Leatme M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox ANmal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E.. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store, 1307 E. 38, 2nd floor
Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696, 74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-7921,
Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Wherehouse Music,,5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
www.gaytulsa.org - website for Tulsa Gays & Lesbians
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls,Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria. 743~2363
Black & White, Inc. PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
*Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community of Hope Church, 2545 S: Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
PUB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@ earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Seal
Writers + contributors:
James Christjohn. Karin Gregory, Barry Hensley, J.-P.
Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary
Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw
" Member of The Associated Piess ...........
Issued on orbefore the let of each month~2the endre contents
of this pubhcation are protected by US copyright I998 by
T~ ~1 Nt,w,t and may not be reproduced either in
whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.
Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a
person’ s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumedto be
for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed &
becomes the sole property of Tt,~ /:,~ Ntsu4~ Each
reader is entitled to 4 copies of each edition at distribution
points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101
HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd.
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral
Holland Hall School, 5666 E. 81st
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education
*Houseofthe Holy SpiritMinstries, 1517 S. Memorial
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1.
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, PUB 14068, 74159
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, PUB 52800, 74152
*Planned Parenthood, -1007 S. Peoria
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indiau Health Care
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15
582-0438
583-6611
834-4194
481-1111
834-8378
224-4754
838-1715
748-3111
365-5658
749-4901
587-7674
749-4195
584-2325
425-7882
492-7140
582-3088
583-7171
582-7225
595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, c/o The Pride Center 743-4297
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform~Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Hoor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307 E. 38, 74105 743-4297
Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
Bardesville Public Library,, 6"00 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
Borders Books & Music, 3209 NW Expressway 405-848-2667
Borders Books & Music, 300 Norman Center 405-573-4907
TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 918-453-9360
NSU School of Optometry, 1001 N. Grand
HIV’testing every other Tt~es. 5:30-8:30, call for dates
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734
Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S Main 501-253-7457
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. .501-253-6807
Fanerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445
MCC of the Living Spring 501"-253-9337
Seek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB 429 501-253-2776
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332
Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East 501-253-6001
White Light, 1 Center St. 501-253-4074
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696
* is where you can trmd TFN. Not all are Gay-owned butall are Gay-friendly.
Hesaid he first thought the Dodgers might
have a policy against Gay and Lesbian
couples showing affectionin theball park.
"I’m frankly shocked," Bernheim said.
’q’heir response is atypical and outstanding."
He said the Dodgers have donemore
to make amends than any other corporation
he’s dealt with.
Goldey and Kott have been invited to
sit behind home plate to make up for the
game they missed.
¯ - - "It i-s not trivial-to-be thrown ouf’Of
p.u,b’,!.]c..p.l~ac:eb~as~ed Of, who YOU "are,"s"d
Jon Da~cids0n 0f the Lambda L~g~i’ D~-:
fense and: Edlacafion Fund, a Gay advocacy
group. ’q’his result is a home run for
all concerned."
The ruling may also permit the 6.2-mib
lion-member organization to reject Gays
as members. The Boys Scouts consider
homosexuality contrary to their oath .requiring
scouts tube "morally straight:"
The90?ye~ff-Oldorganization says its goal
is to ’l~iS~’itle educational programs for
boys and young adults to build character,
to train in the responsibilities of participating
citizenship and to devdop personal
fitness.¯
EdmrddresidentJustin Spears, aformer
Boy Scout l~ader, said he doesn’t know if
he want~.:..Ms 8-year-old son to become a
Boy Scoii~ because of the stance against
Gays. "Even though they have a legal
mandate, this discrimination needs to be
stopped," he said.
In Tulsa, longtime PFLAG (Parents,
Families and Friends of Lesbians and
GayS) activist Cathy Hinkle marched and
spoke ofhow her Gay son was a scout but
would have been barred under the BSA
policy. Hinkle was joined for part of the
protest by the new pastor of All Souls
Unitarian Church.
The OKC demonstrators marched to
the headquarters, where former scout
member Jim Craig, turned in his handbodkin
prdtest to Jim Russnogle, director
of field services for the Last Frontier
Council. "In Boy Scouts I learned a lot
about Boy Scout law. I believe scout law
is not being followed," Craig said. "A lot
of kids:that are Gay might not be tempted
to co~Iv;uicide if they had more support."
"
Russnogle read from a statement that
said that the Boy Scouts respects their
rights, and ask that the rights of the BSA
also be respected. "We believe avowed
homosexuals should not be role models;"
Russnogle read. He added that he is sorry,
that Dose. no longer wants to be consid;,~
ered an Eagle Scout, "But if that is his
opinion, I respect that."
Rob Abiera, owner and operator of
Ga~,0k~:(0m said thedemonstration was -
called to show supportfor Gay Boy Scouts
and Scout Masters and to educate how
Gay Scouts face discrimination. "We
know that the Boy Scouts has~been a
pioneer in reaching out to minorities and,¯.
should continue that effort in reaching out
to Gays. It is completely inconsistentwith
what they have done in the past," Abierav ~
said.
Demonstrators were turned away from
the national Boy Scouts ofAmericaheadquartersMonday
afterpresenting a 55,000-
signature petition protesting the
organization’s ban on Gay troop leaders.
Fewer than a dozen demonstrators, some
wearing Boy Scout uniforms, see p. 3
were met by a security guard and not allowed past the
front desk. A secretary who refused to give her name said
she would forward the petition to the organization’s
president. The protesters hadhoped to talk withleaders of
the organization or at least schedule a meeting.
’"vVe’re disappointed," said Dave Rice, a former Scout
leader who marched in Irving. ’°We don’t like confrontation.
We like to sit down, shake hands and discuss a
solution that’s mutually beneficial."
In Seattle, more than_ 100 people rallied~ in protest
Monday night. One, former Eagle Scout Doug Barnes,
said he planned to send hisbadge back. Another, Jon
Wartes, said he already had done so. "Does the Boy
Scouts of Americareally understand the hurt that they’re
doing?" said Wartes, who became an Eagle Scout in 1959
and wrote part of the Boy Scout handbook.
At the Washington, D.C. protest, Graham Segroves
wore his Boy Scout shirt complete with his Eagle Scout
badge and other honors. Now with the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force, Segroves, 25, said he did not realize
he was Gay until he left the scouts eight years ago.
Segroves said he hopes President Clinton will agree to
a task force request thathe resignhis honorary presidency
of the Boy Scouts He also is watching for congressional
action on a proposed "Scouting f0~ All" act, which seeks
to revoke the Boy Scouts’ congre~slbhal charter.
The Supreme Court decision has ~IS0 left compames
that donate to the Boy Scouts of America in a quandary:
their employment policies contradict the Boy Scouts’
court-upheld right toban Gay troop members. The stance
already has cost the Scouts financial support from companies
such as Levi Strauss & Co: arid Wells Fargo.
Others, concerned about hurting the beneficiaries of such
funding - the boys themselves - are w~ighing their
options.
Chase Manhattan Corp. is considering revoking its
contributions. ’XDn the face of it, some issues appear to be
in conflict with our commitment to diversity," spokesman
Jim Finn said. ’%Ve will make a final determination
on this soon. It’s notsomething we are going to let rest for
a long time." Merrill Lynch & Co. in New York, which
gives between $100,000 and $150,000 a year, is "actively
reviewing" its relationship with the Scouts, said spokesman
Joe Cohen.
Media company Knight Ridder has asked "that funds it
gives to the UnitedWay notbe directed to the Boy Scouts
because it conflicts "with the company’s philosophy on
people and di~cersity, and the company could not support
such a discriminatory stance," said Polk Laffoon, vice
president of corporate relations.
The Tulsa Area United Way (l’AUW)does fund the
Indian Nations Council of the BSA. TAUW’s director,
Kathleen Coan, at a mid-summer news conference was
asked, "since TAUW doesn’t fund racist or anti-semitic
organizations, why it funds non-profits (BSA, Big Brothers
and Big Sisters of Green Country, the American Red
Cross) which discriminate against Lesbian and Gay
Tulsans?" Coan, responding with obvious anger,, stated
that she was "quite proud" of thefunding decisions which
TAUWhas made, and made no effort to explain orjustify
those decisions.
Steve Tumbo, of the public relations firm Sctmake,
Brookey Turnbo, and a recent addition to the Tulsa Area
United Way board was present at that press conference
and also reacted angrily to questiond aboutTAUW bias.
Mr. Turnbo, a longtime supporter of the National
Conference for Community and Justice, a Tulsa "human
rights" organization with a history of anti-Gay discrimination,
had promised to respond to inquiries about
TAUW’s funding of anti-Gay groups if the concerns
were expressed by letter. To date, TFN has received no
response to a letter sent in April.
Turnbo also was the organizer a few years ago of a
conference which claimed to be about diversity butwhich
failed to include Lesbians and Gay men in any of its
planning and Turubo also refused to alter the event even
when the matter was brought to his attention and individuals
were willing to volunteer to help correct the
exclusion.
Tumbo’s firm enjoys a privileged relationship with
Tulsa’s establiskment frequently working closely with
Tulsa mayor, M. Susan Savage, the Chamber of Commerce
and Tulsa Public Schools, frequently being involved
in bond and other elections.
Assault at Rose Hill by Tom Neal, editor/publisher
It was a picture perfect "photo op." The rabbi, draped
with his prayer shawl, was flanked one one side by
Mouzon Biggs of Boston Avenue Methodist Church,
Black pastor Dr. McCutchen, and the Bishop (Catholic)
of Tulsa, Edward Slattery, and on the other side by our
mayor, M. Susan Savage, and Sheryl Siddiqui of Tulsa’s
Islamic Society.
.M1 were gathered in the 100 plus degree heat and sun
to condenm a horrible act of desecration: the toppling of
Jewish tombstones in Rose Hill Cem-
: the Nadonal Conference of Christians and Jews) sends
¯ letters to the World condemning firemen who put Chris-
" tian holiday decorations up and condemns anti-Semetic
¯ attacks on Joe Lieberman but never to my knowledge has
¯ responded publicly to attacks on Tulsa’s Gay Commu-
¯ nity Center, to anti-Gay Oklahoma legislation, to the
¯ beating of Orr and Beauchamp, or even to the murder of
¯ Mathew Sheppard.
However, the organization has engaged in deliberate
¯
and conscious acts of anti-Gay discrimination, most
recently at an event at Bigg’s BOston
etery. And Rabbi Fitzerman of Congregation
B’nai Emunah put in context
just precisely how this act hurt, of
how it invoked memories of Nazi
atrocities with a story of a road to one
Nazi labor/death camp being paved
with Jewish tombstones.
But when push comes to shove, this
still was a crime against property - not
a taking oflife. Was it an assault on the
psyche of a community? Of course!
Not unlike the year-in and year-out
psychic assaults on Gay Tulsans from
our own elected leaders (members of
the legislature, our governor, our congressman,
our sen~ttors, our district
attorney),as well as from individual~
like Jonathan Brian Duke, the man
who was caught in the cemetery. According
to the Tulsa WorM, Duke had
been accused of harassing two Gay
men who lived near him.
Indeed, ifyouknew who and what to
look for, Tulsa’s Gay community was
wall represented in the crowd. I suspect
that after Jews, we may have been
the largest single group. There were
"baby" Gays in rainbow beads and
: shorts, a young lesbian couple quietly
: holding hands leaving the ceremony
] after all was over, establishment Gays
¯ from the Church of Saint Jerome, even
somehardyhumanrights activists from
: Oklahoma City who dropped every-
: thing to come to be here in solidarity.
"So when Rabbi Fitzerman
says he’s grateful to llve in
an "open eommunlty,"
one that "embraces
diversity," "a place of
profound moral health,"
I am grateful that for
Tulsa’s Jewish eommunlty,
this may finally be true.
I hope so.
But for Gay people dearly
this is not yet true. For
Gay Tulsans, Tulsa
remains a place of deep
hypoerlsy, where our
tax dollars,
and our talents are
greedily taken but our
exlstenee is mostly
denied when not
speeffleally condemned. "
- Tom Neal
Amazingly, Rabbi Fitzerman did
Avenue Methodist Church. And in a
particularly cynical fundraising ploy,
NCCJ honored Robert Lorton, owner
and publisher of the Tulsa WorM, a
business knownfor at least fifteen years
for its anti-Gay discriminatory business
practices, its "humanitarian" of
the year.
So when Rabbi Fitzerman says he’s
grateful to live in an "’open community,"
one that "embraces diversity,"
"a place of profound moral health," I
am grateful that for Tulsa’s Jewish
community, this may finally be true. I
hope so.
But for Gay people clearly this is
not yet true. For Gay Tulsans, Tulsa
. remains a place of deep hypocrisy,
where our tax dollars, and our talents
are greedily taken but our existence is
mostly denied when not specifically
condemned. It is a place where even
our presence in human rights groups is
begrudging and is predicated on our
not getting "’uppity." (Note how these
groups much prefer to have non-Gay
Gay advocates like Nancy McDonald
rather than actually have Gay people at
the table. Note also that this is no
cnttcism of Nancy’s good and hard
work. She’s not responsible for their
prejudice.)
And while Gay people seem to get
the connection between anti-semitism
and anti-Gay values, the ~luestion remains
whether Tulsa’s Jewish commention
Gay people along with Jews, Catholics, Blacks,
Asians and Hispanic Americans as those .who are attacked
because we do not fit some "mythological profile"
of a "true’.’ American. But as a long observer of Tulsa’s
so-called "human rights" community, it is hard not to be
somewhat bitter at the contrast between how seriously
assaults on Tulsa’ s Jewish community are taken as compared
to those on Tulsa’s Gay commumty.
Let us merely start with who was on, and who was not
on, the dais! While there seems to be evidence that Gays
were also targets 6f Jonathan Brian Duke, and there
certainly are Gay community leaders who were concerned
and attending the event, like Father Rick
Hollingsworth of Saint Jerome, or members of Tulsa
Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), we were not
represented.
Duke had not attacked Cathohcs but the Catholic
bishop was on the dais. Nor did he attack Methodists but
Mouzon Biggs was there. Nor had he attacked Blacks but
one of the most senior Black clergymen was there. Nor
did he attack Muslims but Siddiqui was invited to the
dais.
Can anyone remember when ever our mayor has attended
a Gay event? She’s usually conveniently out of
town. Sure she sends her best bud, Hilary Kitz, whom we
adore but it’s not the same. We did not see her at the
memorial hdd in City Hall Plaza for Mathew Sheppard,
nor did she release comment about that crime, or more
relevantly did she comment on the brutal Brookside
beating ofTony Orr andTim Beauchamp- indeed a local
crime. Nor has our mayor responded to now years worth
of calls for diversity training for police and other city
workers which actually includes Gay people in the "diversity."
Nor did she add her voice to the effort to amend
our state hate crime statute to include "sexual orientalion."
Local ’’human rights" organizations like the National
Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ, formerly
munity does. While Tulsa’s Jewish community by an3’
standard is successful in business and in political impact,
and is influential due to those talents in wild disproportion
to its numbers, it still seems to bdieve that it cannot
risk expending its "’capital" to help Gay people. And it is
also, frankly, a community which has not dealt with its
own prejudices against Gay people, its homophobia and
Its heterosexism.
Part of the reason that things are better in Tulsa forJews
is that non-Jews made the effort to try to make things
better. It’s morally right for those still excluded to call on
those who’ve been helped to turn and to help those still
left behind. Tulsa’s Jewish community and Tulsa’s Gay
community have much in common.
Unlike racial minorities, neither community is an "onsight"
minority. We are known by our actions, by going
to our places of worship’or our community centers, or
businesses. We are subject to similar pressures to just
"convert." And we share the horror of Nazi persecution,
a fact finally acknowledged by organizers of the local
Holocaust interfaith remembrance event this year, albeit
only after much cajoling and the intervention of one
blessedly open minded Tulsan, herself the daughter of
Holocaust survivors.
The rabbi’s inclusive language is a good start. God
forbid that there should be a next time for suchan event
but when next there is a shared stage, an effort at representing
the"diversity"ofour town, maybe thenone of our
leaders will be on the dais. And maybe just like the Gay
people who were in that 100 degree heat, who understand
that an attack on Jews is an attack on us too, Tulsa’s
Jewish commumty will throw their influence behind the
Gay commumty’s efforts for fair treatment by our law
enforcement system, by our legislature, and by our community
organizations.
The God of Israel commands, "... justice,justice, shalt
thou seek..." You don’t have to be a Jew or a Christian
to honor these words.
Universal Florida To
Offer Partners Benefits
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Universal Florida will start
offering health and other benefits to domestic partners,
both Gayand straight. The benefits, which will
take effect Oct. 1, also will cover dependents of
domestic partners.
’This is a part of our ongoing efforts to recognize
the diversity of the team members in our workforce
and to provide an array of benefits and services
sufficient to be recognized as an employer of choice
in this very dynamic Orlando labor market," said an
internal Universal document obtained by The Orlando
Sentinel.
Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando’s largest employer
with more than 55,000 workers, has offered
health benefits to employees’ Gay partners since
1996. But Disney doesn’t cover heterosexual partners
of employees tmless they are married.
Disney doesn’t plan to change its policy regarding
unmarriedheterosexual partners, said spokesman Bill
Warren. "It’s our position that there is a legal remedy
to be’formally married, and Seeg those benefits with
heterosexual couples," Warren said.
Universal, the area’s fourth-largest employer with
11,800 employees, will extend the benefits to any
domestic, partner 18 or older who has lived with the
employee for at least six months. In addition, the
theme park resort’s statement said, partners, must
have ’~oint responsibility for eachother’s financial
wdfare and basic living expenses," although it is not
dear how that would be proved. In addition to medical,
dental, vision and dependent life insurance, domestic
partners will be able to use Universal’s employee
assistance program, sctfolarships and other
benefits. Employees can enroll their partners in September.
Hate crimes increase
11.7% in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES (AP) -Hatecrimes increased 11.7%
in Los Angeles County last year, with blacks, Jews
and Gays the target of most attacks, the. Human
Relations Commission said. The increase was due in
part to better reporting of hate crimes, officials said
recently.
Last year’s attack on the North Valley Jewish
Community Center by a gunman led to an "unprecedented
awareness" ofhate crimes, said RobinToma,
acting executive director of the county Human Relations
Commission. Buford O. Furrow Jr., a white
supremacist, is charged with. shooting to death Filipino-
American postal worker 3oseph Ileto and then
wounding five people at the Jewish center.
Overall in 1999, the report said, 859 crimes motivated
by race. religion or sexual orientation-were
reported. That was up 11.7% from 1998. It was the
second-highest tally in 20 years, behind the peak year
of’ 1996, when 995 hate crimes were reported.
The upswing matched a 12% statewide increase in
hate crimes, announced last month by the state attorney
general’s office. The crimes ranges from crossbumings
to killings. Overall, blacks werethe most
frequent victims of hate crimes, but crimes involving
religion or sexual orientation saw the largest increases.
Hate crimes on school campuses .also rose
sharply for the second year in a row,jumping 58.7%,
from 46 to 73. Most of the crimes based on religion
were nonviolent, but more than half of those against
Gays and Lesbians were violent, the commission
said.
Univ. of Minnesota Alum
Donates for Gay Center
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A University of Minnesota
alunmus who made a fortune in the computer software
industry has donated $500,000 to the school for
an endowed Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender
studies center.
The Steven J. Schochet Center for Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgender Studies opened July 1.
Schochet, a 1959 graduate, said he faced many barriers
as a Gay man on campus and hopes the donation
will improve the climate for GLBT students.
The center will be responsible for coordinating
graduate studies, establishing archives and starting a
lecture series and community forums. ’.The goal of
the center is to enhance the creation of knowledge
about GLBT lives through academic studies and
community interaction," said Liunea Stenson,
Schochet Center program director.
Texas A&M Waffles
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - A Gay civil
rights group urged Texas A&M University to implement
an on-again, off-again ban on discrimination
again~st Gays. School presidentRay Bowen suspended
the policy change on Aug. 16, a few hours after it was
posted on the university’s Web site. In a vaguely
worded statement, Bowen said the issue needed more
study.
In a letter to Bowen, the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force said Texas A&M shouldjoin other major
universities around the state in prohibiting discrimination
against homosexuals. "Failure to expressly
-forbid discrimination also sends the message to the
campus community that (homosexual) people are
second-class citizens and that discrimination against
them is acceptable," said ElizabethToledo, executive
director of the task force.
Bowen has stated the matter will be reconsidered
after a better understanding by all confirmed parties
has been achieved, said university spokesman Lane
Stephenson.
"He has directed the matter to go through the Office
of the Dean of Student Life as the start of the process
of reconsideration," Stephenson said. "We are already
starting to have productive discussions within
the university community."
On the Net: .Texas A&M University: http://
www.tamu.edu
Drag Queens-Invited to
Olympic Celebrations
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - The Olympics’ dosing
ceremony is going to be a drag. Drag queens will be
part of the Sydney 2000 games’ finale regardless of
what "right-wing reactionaries" think, ceremonies
director Ric Birch said at the end of August/
Themen dressedup in outlandish dresses, wigs and
makeup, will be "part of one tiny section" of the
dosing ceremony, a tribute to Australian films including
the 1994 cult hit ’.The Adventures of Priscilla,
Queen of the Desert," he said.
Some of the participants would be dressed in original
costumes, including a frill-necked lizard outfit
from the film, which features twodrag queens and a
transsexual driving a pink bus through Australia’s
Outback.
A report in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper
sparked heated debate onradio shows. One, caller said
he would trade his dosing ceremony ticket after
hearing the news.
Birch directed the opemng ceremony at the 1992
Barcelona Olympics and was involved in the opener
at Atlantafour years ago. He said he was annoyed that
constant leaks were wrecking what should be a surprise
for the public. "I’m really disappointed at the
way the mediais gleefully trying to expose the secrets
that we call surprises," Birch told Australian Broadcasting
Corp. radio.
Photographs of the Olympic cauldron being lit in
rehearsals, which are usually kept under wraps, have
been printed. Speculation on who will ignite the
cauldron has intensified.
Birch said the inclusion of drag queens also reflected
one of Sydney’s mostcolorful events, the Gay
and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a Gay pridemarch and street
carnival that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators
each year. "That’s part of Sydney life whether
(critics) like it or not." Birch said. "For the right-wing
reactionaries or whatever part of a community is
..outraged about it - well, they’re always going to be
outraged."
Olympics Minister Michael Knight said all the
plans forthe ceremonies had been approved by the
organizing committee’s board. "The dosing ceremony
runs for several hours and has a very different feel to
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opening ceremony - it’s a party," he said. "Fhe
athletes are going to be on the field from the word go
as part of this giant party celebration: The whole feel
will be one of great celebration and fi~n."
Same-sex Marriage Ban
Appears Headed to Ballot
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - It appears likely voters will
get a chance to decide whether to ban same-sex
marriages in Nebraska: A petition effort to place the
proposed constitutional an~endment on th~ ballot
gathered at leas t 19,000 more than the needed 105,214
signatures:, the Secretary Of State’ s,office announbed.
The same~sex p~tition was circulated: by the De-
[fehse: of Marriage Amendment Committee. With
signatures t¥om 82 counties counted, the total-verified
was 124,495. About 10% of the signatures were
determined to be invalid.
The petition effort was headed by Guyla Mills,
director of the NebraskaFamily Council and a lobbyist
for the Nonpartisan Family Coalifon- two groups
that support the peftion.
Mills said sheis confident that when all the signatures
are verified they will have about 45,000 more
thanwhat is required, and that will deter anyone from
thinking about challenging them.
At this time the Nebraska chapter of the American
Civil Liberges Union has no intention of challenging
anyof the signatures, even though it remains opposed
to. the amendment; said ACLU director Tim Butz. A
group organized to fight]he initiative, called the Vote
No on DOMA (Defense of Marriage Amendment)
Committee, also has no plans to challenge the signature
count. Other groups opposing the effort include
Nebraska Advocates for Justice & Equality, a nonprofit
Omaha group, and PFLAG (Parents and Families
of Lesbians and Gays).
Butz said theACLU id researching what impact the
amendment would have on exisfng laws dealing with
business partnerships and existing legal agreements
between Gay and Lesbian couples. The ACIJd also is
looking into what impactit would have on companies
that offer same-sex health~benefits,-to workers. ¯
The proposed constitutional amendment will read:
’~Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be
valid or recognized in Nebraska. The uniting of two
persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic
partnership, or other similar same-sex relationship
shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska.’"
Nothing in current Nebraska law s.pecifically prohibits
same-sex marriage. Supporters of the petition
say it will clarify in the consmutlon that only marriages
of a man and woman are legal in Nebraska.
Thirt.y-tl~r.ee states have passed law s or amended their
const~tutxons to ban same-sex marriages.
Officials Say No to Two
Morns on Birth Certificate
DENVER (AP) -The state health department will
ask the Colorado Supreme Court to ban Lesbian
couples from placing both their nmnes on a baby’s
birth certificate, a health official said. The issue was
raised after two Boulder District Court judges allowed
seven Lesbian couples to place their names on
birth certificates. One of the women in each couple
was the birth mother. The judges said Colorado law
allows people who have :no biological,connection to
"a child tO ~ssume parentalrights ii~ certain situations.
The Department ofPublic Health and Environment
appealed, arguing that the judges had overstepped
their legal authority by creating a new_ kind of pare_ntchild
relationship.
"It needs to be the decision of the legislature rather
than the courts," said Cynthia Honssinger, a director
in the health department. But the Colorado Court of
Appeals turned down the health department’s request
to overturn the Boulder courts. The appellate court
said the health department didn’t appeal on time nor
should it have any interest in the matter.
Honssinger said the health department now plans
to ask theColorado Supreme Court to look at what the
Legislature intended when it enacted the Uniform
Parentage Act. Lawmakers wanted to help single
mothers get child-support payments from deadbeat
dads, she said.
Jeanine Pow, a lawyer representing one of the
Lesbian couples, said the law traditionally wants
what is in the "best interest" of the child, which is two
adults who are responsible for the child. "The health
department is wasting taxpayer money on punishing
the children of Lesbian mothers," she said.
The women in the seven Boulder cases want to
remain anonymous to protect their clfildren and themselves,
their lawyers said.
GayArts Group Sues San
Antonio; Claims Bias
SAN-ANTONIO (AP) - A chItural arts 2roup fliat]ost
Its c~ty fundlng.m 1997 armd 4omplaint~ ,o~er !ts
+ponsorship of ~i Gay and Lesbiati fihri fest~fil’
the city to court on accusations of violating the First
Amendment. Attorneys for the nonprofit Esperanza
Center contend the City Council cut off the organization
because of its viewpoints a violation of free
speech- mad because of pressure from residents who
told council members they opposed "promoting a
Gay lifestyle."
Also Suing the city are two groups under the 13-
year-old Esperanza’s fiscal umbrella, the San Antonio
Lesbian andGay Media Project mad the s~nall arts
gr,o,up VAN
~lie Esperanza_N~d other plaintiffs were singled
out by the city because of the viewpoints expressed by
~he Esperanza ~n a variety of ways, Esperanza lawyer
Am~; Kastely told U.S. District Judge Orlando L.
G,qrci~i iff0utlining their case.
The Esperanza Center filed suit after the council
voted in September 1997 to stop giving it money.
Although the couucil reduced funding to most arts
groups by 15% at the stone time, Esperanza was the
only one ~hat was cut off altogether.
Several residents had voiced their opposition to
financing Esperanza, saying they disapproved of the
behavior they believed the group was advocating.
The city’s Cultural Arts Board had recommended
$62~500 for Esperanza, which had been receiving city
money for ~even years. But after the council vote, the
cit)/ i~’ei~aJ:~ment 6f Ar~s .and dultural Affhirs also
withheld $14,000 from the Texas Commission on the
Arts, for a total loss of about $76,500.
Now, the group’s leaders are seeking the money
they believe they deserve. They’re also seekang an
order from the court to force the city to follow its own
criteria for granting arts funding.
But lawyers representing the city say council members
didn’t stra~: from the criteria. They say some
council members just didn’l support the Esperanza
Center while others wanted to divert some of the arts
funding toward more basic city progrmns.
For~ner councilman Jose Menendez testified that
while he had received several phone calls and letters
objecting to financing Esperanza, he simply felt that
artsfluading was not a priority. He said Iris district
needed sidewalks, speed bumps and more firefighters.
’qqae arts ~vas an area where we could get lnore money
for basic servxces."
The city’s law yers questioned whether Esperanza,
which used to be called the Esperanza Peace &Justice
Center, should have been eligible for arts money in
the first place. Indeed, some council members had
viewed it more as a political organization than an arts
group, former councilman Roger Flores testified.
Eduardo Diaz, former director of the city’s arts
depar.tment: ~onceded~ ~upon, questioning.by assistant
city attorney. Amy Eubanks that Esperanza technically
is not an arts organization because its massion is
not exclusively the presentation or production of art.
¯ But-he-added that it has.been Esperanza’s practice
over the years to incorporate arts progran~s.
Diaz testified earlier that he had no doubt that
Esperanza met the criteria for funding He.said the
g up has been an acttve player tn cultural events
for many years. He said there are :other Ynon-arts"
groups that receive arts funding. At the time of the’ 97
cotmcil vote, the Witte Museum, primarily a natural
history and science museum, was among four organizations
that were receiving 70 to 75% of the total
amount of arts funding, Diaz said.
Esperanza execuuve director Graciela S anchez testified
the center has used arts programs to "g~ve voice
to the voiceless."
Medical Marijuana
To Be Investigated
SAN DIEGO (AP) - The University of
California, San Diego will soon begin
trials on medical marijuana at the nation’ s
first research center designed to explore
the drug’s therapeutic potential. Doctors
announced the Center for Medicinal Cannabis
Research as part of the state’s effort
to set medical guidelines following the
voter-approved medical marijuana law.
The center, headquartered in San Diego,
will begin distributing grants to conduct
clinical trials at lmiversities and research
centers throughout California as
early as January.
The studies will look at whether marijuana
is a safe alternative for treating
certmn kinds of medical conditions and
the best ways to administer it, such as ¯
through pills, patches or sprays.
’~Ourjobis to show if these products are ¯
helpful and we can answer t~.at defini- -"
tively," said Igor Grant, the center’s director
and professor of psychiatry at
UCSD. ¯
Gov. Gray Davis has already approved ¯
$3 malhon to fund theprogram first year
while legislation calls for a three-year
program. The center was set up in large
response to Proposition 215, the 1996
state initiative allowing seriously ill pa- °
tients to grow and use marijuana f~ pain o
relief, if they have a doctor’srecommen- o
dation. Measures similar_to the California ¯
initiative have passed in Alaska, Arizona,.
Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and
Washington state. ¯
State Sen. John Vasconcellos, who ¯
pushed for medical marijuana, pelmed the ¯
program in 1996 but initially faced oppositionfromlaw
enforcement groups. Only ¯
after working with Attorney General Bill
Lockyer did Vasconcellos convincemany ¯
that research was a good idea.
"It’s been a very long road since the °
passage of 215 to even get as far as we had
with research," said Rand Martin, a ¯
spokesman for Vasconcellos. "We have °
had to deal with alot of political problems °
and the most exciting thing is that we’re ¯
putting the politics behind us." o
Proponents have long argued that marl- "
juanahelps patients with chronic pain and "
with AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis ¯
by relieving pain and nausea. Opponents .
of marijuana say scientific research is "
necessary.
’Wee consider research a good thing,’" -"
said Bob Weiner of the White House
National Drug Control Policy Office. "Fo "
have medicine determined by science and ¯
not by popular will is exactly what we
support." ¯
Doctors at UCSD’s center hope the "
research will eventually determine"
whether marijuana has medical benefits -
because current federal law says the drug "
has no medical purpose.
Trial patients will get marijuana from :
the National InStitute on Drug Abuse and -
researchers have pledged to follow all
medical guidelines. ’‘There’s been a long "
history of contention around cannabis and
it has been difficult to do research," said ,
Grant. "This it the ~first study that’s "
mulfidisciplinary. The state of California "
has taken the lead here." ¯
Malay AIDS-Group -
Protests Testing
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -"
Malaysia’s biggest AIDS .aw.areness and, "
prevention body has protestea a proposat ¯
in a southern state to subject
"_ Muslim men to HIV tests before they are
¯ allowed to getmarried, anews report said.
." The criticism of the move by Islamic
¯ religious authorities in Johor state came
¯ fromPrimeMinisterMahathirMohamad’s
o° daughter, MarinaMahathir, an outspoken
: AIDS activist who heads the Malaysian
AIDS Council. "The assumption is blood
~ testing is somehow preventive, unfortu-
¯ nately it is not," Marina was quoted as
¯ saying by the Beriiama news agency.
"- Mandatory HIV testing was also a vio-
¯ lation of human rights, she said. AIDS
¯ activists would soon meet with state offi-
¯ cials to ’discuss the proposal, she was
~ quoted as saying.
° She told reporters that educating the
¯ public on preventive measures will be
¯ more effective in curbing the deadly dis-
" ease in the predominantly Muslim Southeast
Asian country where discussing
sexual issues in public is taboo and where
introducing sex education in schools is
being resisted by conservattves.
Over the weekend, top government officials
in Johor proposed compulsory
blood tests on Muslim men, a move that
would affect men in the dominant Malay
community. Johor chief minister Abdul
Ghani Othman was quoted as saying by
newspapers that it was part of efforts to
check the alarming rise of HIV cases in
the state. "In 1999 alone, there was a 73%
increasein ttIV cases among Malays compared
to the previous year,"he was quoted
as saying by New Sunday Times.
Clinton: "Break the
Silence’ about AIDS
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - Africans must
"break the siIence" about AIDS or risk
losing hard-fought democratic and economic
gains, President Clinton said Sunday
as the White House highlighted more
than $20 million in U.S. aid to fight AIDS,
malaria and other diseases devastating
Africa.
"In every country, in any culture, it is
difficult, painful, at the very least embarrassing,
to talk about the issues involved
with AIDS," Clinton said after touring a
health center in the Nigerian capital and
hearing the stories of several people living
with the disease.
Clinton’s two-day stay in Nigeria was
intended to underscore U.S. approval of
the 15-month-old democratic government
in Africa’s most populous nation, with
123 million people.
Along with dealing with the heavy
themes of AIDS and debt relief, Clinton
used the trip to get to know a country he
deliberated bypassed on his last trip to
Africa, in 1998, when it was under a
military dictatorship.
Led by a throng of singing children, he
trudged through the Nigerian village of
Ushafa on Sunday, past mud brick huts
and flimsy metal sheds, with scrawny
chickens scattering in his path.
"We want to help you build your
economy, educate your children andbuild
a better life," he told villagers, wearing a
cream-colored royal African robe given
to him by the village chief.
AIDS killed 2.8 million people worldwide
last year, and is now the leading
cause of death in Africa. The Clinton
administration will spend $9.4 million
this year for AIDS and HIV infection
prevention and care in Nigeria, $8.7 million
more for polio eradication and $2
million toward prevention of malaria.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 13 million children
have lost a parent to AIDS, and the
disease is reducing life expectancies and
Colle.ge Hill
Presbyterian Church
In response to God’s Love, College Hill
Presbyterian Church is a community of God’s people
called to tell others the Gospel of Jesus Christ through
worship, service, and evangelism. To nurture our faith,
we gather for worship, prayer, study and fellowship.
Trusting in a living, loving God, we seek to become a
compassionate voice for peace and justice.
Our congregation welcomes all persons who respond in
trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and
desire to become part of the membership and ministry
of Christ’s church. Membership is open- to all people
regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition,
marital status, or sexual orientation.
Sunday Worship 1 lam
College Hill Presbyterian Church, 712 S. Columbia Avenue, 592-5800
(One block west of Delaware and the University of Tulsa Campus)
Financial Planning With A
Clear Commitment.
At American Express Financial Advisors, we want to make our
Commitment to gay men and lesbians clear. Just as we have extended domestic partner
benefits to our lesbian and gay employees worldwide, we are committed to providing
~ound financial advice that specifically addresses the unique financial issues affecting
3ur lesbian and gay clients.
Nhether you’re single, in a committed relationship, or i:~ng for children, your American
Express financial advisor can help you take control ot’~#~rfinancial future. We can help
tOM:
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Protect your assets from unnecessary taxation
/X,void financial restrictions placed on unmarried cou pies
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series of Seminars given by
Theresa Barnard, American Express Financial Advisor
Where: MCC United When: 7:00 P.M,
1623 N Maplewood Ave
Financial Strategies for Gay Men & Lesbians
Tuesday, September 5t" and Tuesday, October 10t"
Retirement Explore Your Options
¯ Create your Retirement Income
Tuesday, September 19th
¯ Estate Planning
Tuesday, October 24th
Please R.S.V.P.
with Theresa at
9~18-748-8191
ext.121
dimming development hopes across the ; Fe Maria, who asked that only her first
continent. "Is it harder to talk about these ¯ name beused, has gained weight and feels
thingsthantowatchachilddieofAIDS?" ," better, although the medicines give her
Clinton asked. "We have to break the ¯ headaches.
silence about how this disease spreads ; Dr. Ellen Koenig, an An~erican physiand
how to prevent it." ° cian who has lived and worked in the
Power About 2.6 million Nigerians, 5.4% of:
DominicanRepublicfor31 years, was the
the population, are afflicted with AIDS. ° impetus behind bringing the trial here.
That puts the country on better footing i And she insisted the company agree to
than many of its neighbors with higher ¯ continue paying for treatment after the
~onnc~~-~e1 ., infection rates, but in danger ofletting the:test.
disease gain ground, Clinton said. "AIDS ". "In some places, the drug companies
can rob a country of its future," Clinton ; come in, do the trial and then they leave,
¯ said. "I know you are not going to let that ¯ and the people don’t have the money to
happen to Nigeria.’" : buy the medicine," said Ceneyda Brito at
I~lbl|¢ S~l’~ice Cenlpan¥ of Oklahoma He promised continued U.S. support " the Dominican advocacy group AIDS
for Nigeria’s transition to democracy, but ," Action.
euslomer Santice Is Now Available 9.4 did not, as Nigerian President Olusegun
Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week. Obasanjo had hoped, agree to cancel or i Doctors Accused of cut the nearly $1 billion U.S. portion of .
These days, traditional 8-5.business hours Nigeria’ s $32 billion foreign debt, amove _" Improper HIVTesting
aren’t always convenient. So PS0 has made it thatwouldrequirecongressional approval..
Speaking to business executives later : JOHANNESBURG, SouthAfrica(AP)-
easier than ever for you to c0ntaet us. Sunday, however, Clinton said he sup- ." More than 50 physicians here are accused
of HIV-testing patients without their
Our Customer Service Center operates 24/7 rpioartssperenddusctihnegetxhteradmebot,nbeyutoonnilmy pffroNvigineg- -° knowledge or consent - and then passing
- offering ar0und-the-cl0ck answers to your lives anddiversifying the economy. ’q-here : on the result to the patients’ employers,
uestions - and better access to service, must be a dividend to democracy for the ° media reported at the end of August.
¯ ° The University of Witwatersrand’s
people of Nigeria," Clinton said. ¯
Now it’s easier for you to inquire Clinton, accompanied by danghter i AIDS Law Project has filed complaints
against the doctors with the Health Prac- about your monthly electric bill. Chelsea, began his day with services at a °
titioners AssociationofSouthAfrica. The
Or report a power outage. Or Baptist church in Abuja, and then ventured
outside the capital to get a firsthand -" tests were performed at the request of the
arrange to have your look Sunday at both the pageantry and ~
patients’ employers, the Johannesburg
F.-verty of life in Ushafa, a pottery-mak- ° newspaper the Saturday Star reported.
power turned on or ing center. ’‘icame to Nigeria to express ¯" Most patients were not given counsel-
. off. Our professionally the support of the people of the United "- ing before or after the test, the group said,
" States,"Clintontoldvillagersfromamake- ; adding that in some cases, test results
trained, friendly and shift platform. ~"VVe snpport your democ- "
were sent directly to the employer without
¯ informing the patient. knowledgeable customer racy. ""
I~LhairatAbdulrazaq Gwadabe, whorep- A positive result meant almost certain
service representatives are resents the village in the Nigerian Senate, "
dismissal, the group said. In a fifth of the
standing by to serve you. said she explained Clinton’s visit to vii- "
cases, the employee was a domestic
¯ worker. "It’s nothing less than total dis- All day, every day. lagers ahead of time¯ "I had to translate it - as the king of the world himself is coming. : crimination. The doctor is not concerned
¯ with the well-being of the patient, just the
To provide faster response The president of the world is coming to.. continued loyalty of the employer who
to your needs, we have listed their chief," Gwadabe said. "o wants to know if their employee is HIV
our t011-free numbers below. Dominican Republic : positivet,h"weitphroject.SaiJdennifer Joni, an attomey
Hosts Drug Tests : According to the Health Practitioners ¯ Association’s rules, HIV tests can only be
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Repub- : performed without a patient’s consent if a
lic (AP) - American researchers testing a o health professional has been exposed to
new AIDS drug needed patients who had : infection by a needle.
~ never received any treatment. The Do- ¯ Possible punishments for physioans
oi~ A~d Save mimcan Republic has them-by the thou- : found to break the association’s rules in-
|
sands. ¯ clude a warning, a reprimand, a fine of
"It seems like a win-win," said Joy : less than 10,000 rand ($1,450), and sus-
FoR
24 HOURS |I Schmitt, spokeswomanforAgouron Phar- : pensaon or removal fromthemedical reg- maceuficalsofLaJolla, California. People o ister. Abouta.2 million South Africans -
TOt.k’FREE SERVICE i "are getfingtreatment., and we’re get- : roug.hly 10% of the populafion~ - are HIV
I ting the patients we need for the trial." : pos~uve.
Agouron is using Dominicans to test its ¯
Customer Services: 1-888-216-3523 | capravinne because it canbe hardin the : Police Arrest Man I United Statesand Europe to find patients
Billing Inquiries: 1-888-216-3490 | who haven’t received any other treat-; For Spreading HIV
Outage Reporting: 1-888-218-3919 I ments, between health insurance and pub- -
|
lic health systems. NATCHITOCHES, LA (AP) - For the
Finding such people here was easy: ¯: second time recently, policehave charged
I More than 2% of the country’s 8 million ° a man with intentionally spreading the
Servici0 a Clientes: 1-888-216-3505 | people are infected with the AIDS virus - . AIDS virus. Eric Vashawn Alexander,
Preguntas S0bre su Cuenta: 1-888-216-3491 I
and few can afford medicines that cost : 26, was arrested and charged with inten-
I many times the average income. "No one ¯ tional exposing of the AIDS virus.
Palta De Suministr0:1-888-218-3924 ! helps you here if you have this disease," ¯ Alexander reportedly bit a man in the
said Fe Maria, who lived 13 years carry- " back as he intervened in a fight between a
I ing the AIDS virus without hope of get- i boyfriend and girlfriend, said police Lt.
I - ting treatment before going on the trial. " Chris Stanfield. During their investiga-
I ~"1~’~’.~ I Capravirine, which researchers hope" tion, officers learned that Alexander had
~~1~~,~
I will help fight off mutations of the-virus.,
tested positive for HIV. He was booked
I has already been through the safety phase " into the Natchitoches Parish Detention
of testing. In the current andcritical phase, Center. If convicted, he faces up to 10 Public Service Company of Oklahoma | 90 Dominicans and about 200 people in- years in prison, Stanfield said. Police also
I the United States and Canada are helping ¯ arrestedEamestWest,,onthesamecharge
............. ¯t test its effectiveness. Some participants " after receiving complaints that he allegget
a four-drug cocktail including " edly exposed four women to the AIDS
capravirine; others receiveadrug cocktail ¯ virus through unprotected sexual contact.
without capravirme.
by Jim Christjohn, entertainment editor
As an author who prides himself on
getting the facts correct (Never straight,
always correct); I have to own up .to an
error that appeared in print in the August
issue. I mistakenly attributed the appearanc~
to RENT hiTulsato the auspices of
~d~brity. AttraCtions. Thins¯ Was false, it
was actually SF~:Thea~cal Group with
¯ . . : .M~eh has been maded the-
Norvell, who tm~e show, inc|udln criticism o{
lamo izlng a drug-rldden life.
Not so. It poignantly points out
the effects -0f such a llfe. What
been promoting
RENT. My apologies
to all parties;
the error was actually
caught and
corrected before
press time (Thanks
Kristin!), but the
publisher used the
unrevised version
of the column at
press time. To err
is human, and it
can happen to the
best of us, no matthe
show is about, in my estimation,
is the pursuit of
dreams: and the most common
dream of all -
finding.love;{or that is common
to allof us. Gay, Straight.
ter how careful we ,,
try to be. Blael~. White. and so on...
So,.n6~v that the . .
"oopls,~.¢g60fed..... ’ " .,,-
p0rfi6n 6f~h¢ ~61Umnis out of the ~vas, on
withthe ~uia Stuff!-Hope you get a ~h’ance
to see RENT, it’ s a powerful show, and as
one friend ofmine remarked, is "bite) and
zippy." I’ll leave it to the reader to interpret
those comments-. I liked the choice of
words, personally. The show does reach
out and bite, and it does move zippily
along. The only problems I had were that
themix of the sound left the vocals muddy
& almost inaudible under the guitars; and
that some of the performers need to work
on their diction. This observation was
echoed by TFN writer Karin Gregory in
Dallas, who saw the same touting show
down there.
This show is basically rock opera, sung
through almost entirely. That requires the
lyrics to be audible and clear, otherwise
it’s impossibleto understand the plot. I
knew the show, and still l~ad to strain at
many points to catch dialogue or lyrics.
Hopefully, these issues will be addressed
for die future shows in the rnn. In all other’
aspects, ~t was a powerful evening of
theatre and storytelling.
Much-has been made of the show, including
criticism of glamorizing a drugridden
life. Not so. It poigriantly points
out the effects of such a life. What the
show is about, in my estimation, is the
pursuit of dreams; and the most common
dream of all - finding love; for that is
common to all of us, gay, straight, black,
white, and so on. "Love is love", to quote
fantasy writer Lynn Flewelling. And as
such, should be respected and honored no
matter What form it takes. RENT illustrates
this in an upffont, grab you by the
shirt kind0f way?Sound of Music, it alia’ t,
sobe prepared.-
RENT explores the issues, of love and
its pursuff~ finding iL recognizing it; and
notletting fear, pri~le,and n~iSunderstanding,
and the defenses we all build to protect
ourselves deny the love we really
want to have. Fear can be an amazing
thing when it comes to that. In that sense,
REN~ is also about overcoming those
obstacles and recognizing that love is
hard to find, and shouldn’t be tossed away
when the genuine articleis found.Atimely
" Issue right now; as a friend of mine is
¯¯ taking a journey down that hard road that
I have taken so many times before, and am
" in the middle of right now.
Lots of things masquerade as love -
¯
control, fear, even hatred. The real firing
doesn’t land in your lap too often. Lot of
lookalikes do, the trick is distinguishing
¯
the real from the fake. And too often, the
-real is waF.to0
scary, and so is refused.
If you’ve
got the real thing,
hang onto it. Well,
join me on my
ramble, will
you?Dunno where
all that came from.
¯ . Well, I do, but
that’s a whole
book unto itself.
RENT succeeds
admirably inillustrating
¯the aforementioned
ideas,
albeit in a much
less lOngwinded
way (editorr s note:
indeed)¯
The ~tandout
songs were "I will
cover you , ’X)ne
song", m~d "’Without You", wlrich is by
far the most beantiful and-evocative song
in the whole show It captures exactly
how one feels when you know the one real
thing has gotten away from you, either by
circumstance, or worse, by your own
clioice. "Without you, the w.d,rld turns, but
I die too.., without you.. ¯ ....
Speaking of Dreams, Arturo Brachetti
was fabulous. Let me rephrase that...
Arturo Brachetti’s show was fabulous! I
hope most of you caught it, as it was an
excellent evening of theatre. The man is
literally a cast of thousands unto himself.
And his quick change of Scarlett pre and
post curtains was worth the price of admission!
His show was a fast paced conglomeration
of incredibly quick changes
that left yon wondering ’~aow did he ’o
that?", mixed with comedy, magic, and
excellent s torytelling. Andhe can do amazing
things with his hands. Making
shadowplays, I mean.
His theme? Dreams... Finding them,
¯ follo::-ing them, accomplishing them; and
: having, fun with your inner ~hild while
doin2 it Alternatively hilarious and p0ignant~;
his range ofcharacters and’ theatre
is amazing to see. He is a prime example
of what one can do with dreams, belief in
those dreams, and hard work - the two
main ingredients of magic. The other aspect
of that was the fact that, regrettably,
so many of Us h~ve that child within that
still has those dreams of ~hildhood, and
we lock them away. Arturo was all about
letting that child out to play, and having
fun, which showed in his production.
The show was excellent in all regards,
from the autobiographical structure that
set up the changes and made it an intimate
evening even for the PAC’s Chapman
Hall. Themusic ran the gamutfrom dance/
techno to classical, the lighting was fantastic,
and Arturo’s box was huge! Well,
at least the one onstage that served as sets,
movie screen, prop house, and costume
storage. At one pointed, he enacted an old
western playing every character, and it
was truly indescribably hilarious.
He also performed a series of vignettes
in tribute te film director see Arturo, p. 9
septem;ber
FRIDAY 8 pm SATURDAY’~NgH SUNDAY 3 pro°
september 22 s~ptember 2~3 ~’;~ :?’ september 24
Altan
"The hottest group in the Celtic realm these days."
The Boston Globe
September 12 at 8 p.m.
Chapman Music Hall .................
Tulsa PAC, 3rd & Cincinnati
TULSA
PERFORI~ING
ARTS CENTER
TRUST
Tickets $14, $16, $18
Call 596-7111 spo,,,o,~
Outside ~ulsa call 1-800-364-7111 ~ ......... ?~’ "~:
Online: www.tulsapac.com
.~"
Presented by the .. Tulsa Performing
And you thought the ice cream man
brought joy to your street¯
Sure, popsides are great. But how about a
truckload of new channels, including WGN? How
about.a high-speed Internet that’s always on and
better priced? How.:about service so thorough and
sweet you, can almost ~taste it? Now these, these
are the things you can sink your teeth into.
We’.re in.gear.
COMMUNII~ATIONI~
665-0200
Tulsa’s PRIDE 2000!
VIDEO RELEASE PARTY
Now that summer’s end is in sight and cool weather a hopeful
prospect, the time is ripe to celebrate the Pride Week events that
began Oklahoma’s heat wave.
The Diversity Celebration 2000was a huge success that
attracted fabulous people, was spectacularly beautiful, socially
concious, wi.ttyand revealing. And its all on tape. This year Tulsa
Oklahomans for Human Rights has joined with BoyBlue
Productions in making a.professional commemorative video. It will
include highlights of all Pride Week events including: appearances
by Greg Louganis, Rev. Mel White and Grethe Cammemeyer~ the
enormous parade, the art show, follies, community heroes, festival
and the Soulforce. workshop.
Friday night’s release party will include.a preview of the video,
live performances and dancing. Details are pending but mark your
calendar for 8pro Sept. 29th. And you wilI of course be able to
purchase your copy at the party.
Proceeds from the sales of the Diversity Celebration 2000
Commerative Video will benefit the services and programs of
TOHR Orders may be placed in advance with visa or mastercard
by calling TOHR at 743-4287. Orders plaCed by Sept 22 will be
.available for pick up at the Release Party.
#
For your copies of Diversity Fest 2000
Contact the Tulsa Gay Community
Service Center, 743-4297, POB 2687, 74101
x $20.00 = $
MO, Check, Visa, MC, no cash please.
exp. date
Signature
Federico Fellini, who passed away afew
years ago. It was touching, but I don’t
think the audience "gotit."I doubtmost of
the audience had a clue who Fellini was.
At one point, the box split, and the curtains
were raised to reveal the work be-.
hind themagic.Anice touch, giving honor
and recognition to the work that goes on
behind the magic to make it happen.
It was truly a magical evening, and it
was funny to see the audience go from the
thought process of"What the hell is this?"
to ’qhis is so cool!" Armro was different
from anything Tulsa has seen, and it’s a
good thing. He soon held us all in thepalm
of his hand. Not as tasty as this writer
would have liked, but it was the markof a
true artist. Tulsa’s a tough crowd to win
over, especially for anything avant garde,
but Arturo did it magnificently. He’ll be
in a sitcom this fall, so that’ll be something
to watch for.
For our Lesbian readers, as wall as Gay
men, Janis Ian will be appearing in concert
at The Oklahoma Center for Poets
and Writers’ Celebration of Books, along
with. poet Maya Angelou, This occurs
September 29-30, and for more information,
call 594-8215.
In September, we have a few events
wc.-th catching: On the 12th, the Irish
music group Altan will make an appearance
at the PAC. They have had rave
reviews, and itlooks like a lovely evening
,,f traditional Irish music ahead. For tickets,
call 596-7122
September 14-23, Heller Theatre presents
"Art", a show about a painting that
engenders discussions of the quality and
meaning of.life itself. 746-5065. Theater
Tulsa offers up some pop culture with the
musical version of "Everything l Need to
Know I Learned in Kindergarten" September
15-23.
Tchaikovsky’s "Sleeping Beauty"
wakes in Tulsa as Tulsa Ballet presents
the venerable dance epic September 22-
24. (I wouldlove to see Matthew Bourne’s
take on this one! He’s the man behind the
homoerotic version ofSwan Lake. I doubt
that will happen in Tulsa, though TBT is
moving beyond a stdctly traditional approachunder
Maestro Angelini.)Go see it
for the music and the grace. For info, call
749-6006
Warren’s murder has drawnnational
attention from Gay and non-Gay civil
rights acti.vists, who fear he was killed
because of his race or sexual orientation,
or both. "At this point there is no evidence
of abate crime," Marion County Prosecutor
Richard Bunner said after the indictments
were issued. "If any evidence is
uncovered, appropriate action will be
taken."
Court records indicate Warren, Parker
and Wilson argued twice the night of the
beating - once about an unspecified rumor
that had circulated about Warren and
Parker, and the second timeabout $20 that
Wilson took from Warren’s wallet: The
beating began after the second argument.
The grand jury met for about 90 rain:
utes and then immediately issued the indictments.
Wilson had soughtto block the
grandjury fromhearing allegations against
him, saying he should nothavebeen transferred
to adult court. The Supreme Court
mined down his petition 3-0.
Wilson and Parker will continue to be
held in a juvenile detention facility until
their trial. If convicted they likely will
remain in ajuvenile facility until they are
21, at which point they wouldbe moved to
an adult facility. A trial date has not been
set.
." TULSA - Furniture queens can now re-
¯. joicet Tulsa is now home to an Odds &
Ends Outlet Store, the fourth in the US
¯ which the distinguished Baker Furniture
¯ has opened. The store is located at 4329 ¯
So. Peoria, near the old John Zink prop-
" erty and is open 7 days a week. The store
¯ features Baker, MillingRoad, andMcguire
¯ furniture in a gallery like setting. ¯
Baker president, Chris Plasman, re-
" sponded to questions about the choice of
¯ Tulsa, saying, "residents in larger cities,
¯ such as Chicago and Atlanta, have been ¯
clamoring to get but we chose Tulsa.
¯ Certainly Tulsa’s demographics are very
¯ favorable, butthe decisionwas alsoheavily
¯ imquencedbytheresidents’ reputationfor
." uncompromising taste and style and a
genuineapp,r,eciation ofhistoryandcrafts -
: manship...
For more information, or store hours,
" call 746-0329.
¯
He was also hospitalized for a week after
being attacked with a knife by a group of
men who called him derogatory names,
he said. In 1995, he fled to the United
States and requested asylum, but was de-
At his hearing before immigration officials,
a Latin American history expert
testified that Gay men with female sexual
identities in Mexico are heavily persecuted
by the police and other groups and
are likely to become scapegoats for
Mexico’s economic and political problems.
The expert said Hernandez-Montiel
faced persecution if deported to Mexico.
Federico Gomez, press director of
Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission,
acknowledged that homosexuals
and cross-dressers still suffer from
discrimination, but added that he believes
Mexicans, in general, have become more
tolerant of people’s sexual orientation.
Gomez said he did not think the
Hernandez-Montiel case "reflected society
as the whole."
Judge A. Wallace Tashima wrote that
the appeals panel had determined that
’~3ay men with female sexual identities in
Mexico constitutea protected ’particular
social group’ under the asylum statute...
and that Geovanm is a member of that
group."
The Board of |mmigration Appeals had
contended that Hemandez-Montiel should
return to Mexico, saying he did not estalJlish
that he suffered abuse because of his
membership in a particular social group.
The appellate panel ordered the board to
reverse its decision and grant Hernandez-
Montiel asylum.
Want to get involved?
Need to get tested for HIV or
a Coming Out Support Group?
Call 743=GAYS (4297)
Tulsa Gay
Community
Services Center
1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
by Lamont Lindstrom
When I was in highschool, my soon-tobe-
Gay friend Carl spent all hi s spare time
drawing fantastically elaborated plans for
pipe organs. In his
sketches, he piled keyboardbehindkeyboardand
rank onto rank. (All those
pipes and organs, of
course, should have gaven
me a clue.)
Since that year, I have
met many Gay guys with
considerable creative talents,
sometimes eccentrically
applied. One friend
constructs fantasy Christmas
trees. Another designs
websites. Another does
flower arrangements. Another
collects rococo pictures
of the Holy Mother.
Gays are deeply involved
in the fine and less
fine arts, from opera and
ballet down to cheesy TV
programs like Survivor.
When the AIDS epidemic
was at its worst, activists
invented the "Day without
Art" which foreshadowed how dull art
and culture would be in America should
all homosexuals ever pass away.
Why all this Gay creativity - creativity
which often is frenzied and even odd?
Anthropologist Sherry Ortner, drawing
on the Frenchfeminist Simone Beauvoir,
once proposed that ’Man is to Culture as
Woman is to Nature.’ Ortner was seeking
a-reason for why, almost everywhere,
people value what men do more than they
value whatwomen do. She concluded that
we associate women with nature, mostly
because women have kids. Women are
naturally creauve. Men, whose contributions
to making babies are momentary at
best, and much less embodied, have to
express our creativity by other means.
Ortner observed thathumans value culture
over nature. Culture is what preserves
us in nature. It tells us how to make
a living off the land. Whereas culture
protects, nature kills. Disease, aging,
drought, famine, earthquakes and tornados
may well be theendofus. Culture also
needs continuous reconstruction and cultivation.
We have to keep it all going and
we have to make sure to pass it down to
kids.
Given this preference for culture over
nature, Ortner concluded that men’s cultural
contributions are valued more than
women’s natural creativity. Others have
also pointed tomasculinejealousy offeminine
fertility. Womenunmistakably bring
new life out of their bodies. Less natural
men are driven to invent culture instead.
And we are jealous enough to insist that
our male creations - rituals, clubs, political
parties, novels, symphonies, paintings,
whatever- are somehow better, more
noble, and more enduring that just another
slobbery child. There is some truth
here, too. An ordinary human being lasts
little more than three quarters of a century
at best. Cultural creations-such as political
parties or rituals -may endure for
generations.
Gay men are particularly engaged in
cultural production insofar-as many of us
don’t contribute even the minor male donation
to human reproduction. Instead of
children, we have to live in our art, our
books, our sense of style (or maybe our
"...Anthropologist
Sherry Ortner,
drawing on the
French feminist
Simone Beauvolr,
once proposed that
’Man is to Culture as
Woman is to
Nature.’ Ortner was
seeking a reason for
why, almost everywhere,
people value
what men do more
than they value what
women do..."
dogs or cats). This is another instance- as
with penis size - where Gays are
hypermasculine. Gays who do not reproduce
naturally specialize instead in masculine
cultural creativity.
Some have criticized
Ortnerforoversimplifying
cross-cultural nuances of
male!female power relations.
Another sort of complication
comes from the
fact that many people disbelieve
an individual creativity.
Everyone, of
course, has a theory about
where new things come
from. But not everyone in
the world credits individual
creativity, orgenius,
or talent for the birth of
new things and new ideas.
Even in ,our own culture,
notions of creativity
aren’t that old. The English
noun "creativity"
only dates back to 1875 or
so. Before the modem era
- and the triumph of indiw[
dualism - our ancestors
talked instead of "inspiration,"
as others still do today. Once upon
a time, the word "’genius" referred to an
external spirit who inspired you with new
ideas. It did not mean some internal, mental
brilliance.
Onthe South Pacific island where I
once lived, nobody believes in creativity
in the sense of some mysterious
brainpower. Rather, clever people are
those with good ties to the world of ancestral
spirits. Nobody believes that men are
naturally more or less intelligent, either.
New ideas and new firings - if they are
worth anything - have to Come via inspi-
.ration from the ancestors.
Clever people are those with good communicauve
links with spirits, not those
who claim inborn talent. Men, for instance,
who come up with new songs
insist that they overhear these in their
dreams. Nobody would take credit for
composing a song by himself. If he d. 1,
how can it be any good? If you simply
make up something on your own, it obviously
can’t compete with music inspired
with spiritual wisdom.
But even on this Pacific island, men
manasecultural production although they
do so by monopolizing the means of inspiration
rather than the means of creativity,
as is the case here in America. Have a
look around at your culture, goodand bad.
Most of it is a male production, and a
notable ratio of that is Gay male productioLna.
mont Lindstrom, Ph.D., teaches anthropology
at the University of Tulsa
where he can be reached at: lamontlindstrom@
utulsa.edu
Hospice ofGreen Country seeks volunteers
to help provide care for patients and
their families who are dealing with issues
of terminal illness. Volunteers help run
errands and provide companionship.
For more information, call 747-CARE
(747-2273).
Volunteers are also needed at the Tulsa
Gay Community Services Center, 743-
GAYS (743-4297), to staff the Pride Store,
answer phones, pack boxes, catalogue
books and videos. Call for more info.
Timothy.W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
Are You Gay or Bisex.u. al?
Are You Native American?
-Iulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Men’s
Support Group is here for
¯ Evening support group meetings
¯ Relationship workshops
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free HIV testing
For information call Tulsa Native American AIDS Prevention Project
Call 341; 6866
Int rn.ational
ToursSormorein/ormat’on.
Massage TherapyS~
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Country Cl ab Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
lbody
Tulsa’s only
professional
body-piercing
HOLY TRINITY GREEK
ORTHODOX CHURCH
THUR’SAT 11-11
SUNDAY 11-3
by Karin Gregory, TFN correspondent "
With election year just around the cor- ¯
ner, I want to ask you a question: Aren’t "
you afraid? Many people want to bury ¯
their heads, but you just can’t this year.
It’s too important.
Are you registered? Do
you know the candidates
and what they support, tol -
erate, condone, condenm,
and deny? Looking athighlights
of the Rep.ublican
National Convention last
month (What-youthought
I’d watch the whole
thing?), I was interested in
many things they pointed
out, one of which was the
"leave no child behind"
theme Bush espoused.
Funny, when he was our
govemor’for afew months
before embarking on his
Presidential campaign, his
"leave no state behind
without a governor" theme
didn’twork so well forhim.
Make no mistake grrls -
this is one Bush you
DON’T want to push an)’-
where, especially into the
~Zqlite House!
Let’s look at the issues
facing all of us this year.
Many have spoken of a
"different kind of Republican"
in George W. Bush.
Hrnmmm, I wonder. The
Republicans made a great
showof including as many
minorities as they could
find on the streets of Philadelphia
to join their little
convention. Again, great
appointing Supreme Court Justices, and
Bush has at least one to appoint, if he’s
elected. How many of you think he’ll
appoint someone who’s sensitive.to Gay
civil rights? If anyone if raising ’his/her
hand - PUT IT DOWN
"...What 1;es
were working
the floor
the week of the i
Republican
"Convention? ¯ ¯ ¯
Our eonservatlve
friends made a b;g
deal about inclusion
- Hispanies, African
Amerieans, the
GaylLesbian
Community,
the Pro-Choieers.
Yep, they really want
the votes, don’t they?
These people were
wooed and charmed
in front of cameras,
but what
happened the
,’morning after"? "
NOW!
UnderBush,manylaws
brought about by the Supreme
Court, laws which
helped to make us a demoeracy,
could be overturned~
What would hap:
pen if the Roe vs. Wade
decision was overturned?
It could happen very easily.
Andwhat do youthink
would happen to the
progress of Gay and Lesbian
couplelaws that have
come about in the last few
years? Gays? Lesbians?
Able to have rights? Bush
already denies that Gays
and Lesbians should have
"special rights". Read that
as "equal rights" and you
have the makings of a fascist
country. The makings
of amanwho would make
Charlton Heston look liberal.
But there’s another
story to this "coupling" of
Bush and Dick. Yep, you ’
know what I’m talking
about. Or rather, who I’m
talking about. It’s the old- i
est story around. Weak
Texas governor runs for
President; weak Texas
governor wins primary;
weak Texas governor.
picks running mate; rtmshow.
The Republicans are like that, you
know. Every few years they assume a
different identity, muchlike a chameleon,
so they can get votes by convincing peg.ple
they’re something "different" this ttme.
Each time (I’m talking Reagan and
George, Sr. here) the public has been
fooledby the rhetoric, the nicely groomed
candidates, and the lies.
What lies were working the floor theweekofthe
RepublicanConvention?Well,
let’ s go back to those people picked from
the streets of Philadelphia. Our conservafive
friends made a big deal about inclusion-
Hispanics, African Americans, the
Gay/Lesbian Community, and even the
Pro-Choicers. Yep, they really want the
votes, don’t they? These people were
wooed and charmed in front of cameras,
but what happened the "morning after"?
Well, the Republicans got together and
voted onNOT including same-sex recognition
among couples, NOT including
Gays in hate crimes legislation, NOT including
Gay civil rights of any kind, and
NOT including abortion for any reason.
Yeah, lies, damn lies¯
Despite all this bravado show of inclusion,
the Republican ticket ofGeorgeBush
and Dick Cheney already shows aHUGE
bias - Bush and Dick. See? They just had
to get those "family values" in after all!
Many may be wondering why I’m so
worried about this election year. George
W. Bush is certainly not a strong politician,
given the fact he was a Texas governor,
the weakest form of governor. And
you may be saying, ’He doesn’t make the
rules; Congress does."
OK, but the President is responsible for
¯ ning mate has Lesbian daughter. WHAT?
Dick Cheney, so hell-bent to do every-
" thing Conservative in the book, has a Les-
¯¯ bian daughter? What I want to know is
¯ why would this man be a party to a party
that denies his daughter equal rights?Why
¯ would she want her father to run in this
¯ party?
: On yet another television news pro-
" gram, host Cokie Roberts asked Mrs.
: Cheney about the possible hypocritical
¯ effects this has on their family. Mrs.
: Cheney said her daughter’s lifestyle was a
." "private matter." Well, Mary Cheney has
¯ been very out for many years and has ¯
¯ worked for Gay civil rights for many
years. And I resent Mrs. Cheney saying
¯ that her daughter’s Lesbianism is a "pri-
¯ vate matter" as if the girl has a disease. ¯
¯ Sounds to me likemomis the sicko here. So why, if homosexuality is such a
¯ private matter, has George W. Bush sup-
- ported every anti-gay legislation? If ho-
¯ mo~exuality is a private matter, why does
¯ he thiM: he has the right to tell me with
¯ whom I sleep? Why do the Republicans
¯ want to make such a federal issue out of ¯
such a"private matter"? Is homosexuality
" only private to the privileged few, like
¯ Mary Cheney? Or is it a matter that will
¯ decide,muchlike the sexual revolution of ¯
the sixties, the very way people look at
¯ one another in the future? As human be-
" ings, not as Gay, Straight, Lesbian, Bi-
¯ sexual, Transgendered, etc., etc., etc.
] You have a decision to make. If you
¯ want ANY possibility of equality, make
¯ sure you are registered. Then make a date ¯
¯ with yourself to go to a little booth in November. You know what to do.
Walk for Life 2000
8th Annual
Tulsa AIDS Walk
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30am
Vete ran’s Park, 21 st & Boulder
Fo.r more information, call 585-5551.
Donations-will be increased by 50% with
matching dollars through the generosity of
-the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The Walk is
sponsored by the Community Service
Council, and will benefit the Tulsa Community
AIDS Partnership (TCAP),
The Walk is an all volunteer effort and there
are no administrative costs.
Tulsa Family News is proud to donate this advertisement in support of the Walk
and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP)
Original Format
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newspaper
periodical
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[2000] Tulsa Family News, September 2000; Volume 7, Issue 9
Subject
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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.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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September 2000
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James Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Hughston Walkinshaw
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, August 2000; Volume 7, Issue 8
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/604
2000
AIDS
AIDS drugs
AIDS research
AIDs Walk
aMUSEments
arts and entertainment
asylum
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
churches
Community Center
discrimination bans
gay bashing
Gay marriage
gay parents
Gay Studies
hate crimes
hate crimes bill
HIV testing
Jim Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
lawsuit
malpractice
marriage equality
medical marijuanan
Murder
Olympics
Openarms Youth Project
Partner Benefits
performing arts
Raging Lesbian
Red Cross
Red Rock Tulsa
restaurants
San Antonio Lesbian and Gay Media Project
Tom Neal
Tulsa Family News
VAN
Walk for Life
-
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Police Censor Books at ° Gunman Shoots Six; Borders, Barnes & Noble Kills One in Virginia
¯ . ROANOKE, Virginia (AP) - A man accused of ¯ rehant$ Told to Wrap Up Art and fatally shooting another man and wounding six
"History Books, Straight Sox How-to’s " others inside the Backstreet Cafe, a Gay bar, °n the
: TULSA- Prodded by Tulsa City Councilor, Todd Huston, Tulsa " evening of Sept. 22 has been arraigned on first-
" police vice squadofficers visitedBorders Books &Music at8015 " degree murder charges.
¯ So. Yale Avenue, selected a number of books, presented them to The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Attorney
¯ store staffand suggested that they "shrinkwrap" those rifles. This " Donald Caldwell said additional charges such as
: was in response to a constituent complaint made to Huston ~ aggravated malicious wounding or malicious
: according to Charlie Jackson, Deputy Chief, Tulsa Police.
¯ wounding were possible. Malicious wounding
¯ Jackson noted that after the visit to the South Yale Borders ¯ charges carry up to 20 years in prison, whereas
¯ -~ store about which there was a citizen complaint, vice officers of " attempted murder charges carry up to 10 years.
: their own initiative went to the 2740 E. 21stSt. Borders as well " Ronald Edward Gay, 53, the man accused in the
¯
as Barnes & Noble Bookstores at 5231 E. 41st St. and 8620 E. " shootings, acted because of long-standing anger at
"rrial o! Accused o! 71stSt. wheretheywent throughthestoreselectingbooks which thejokespeoplemadeofhisl~,tname, police said.
bookstore staff say the police indicatesd they must shrinkwrap, "He admits to shootingpeople, police investigator
Gay Man’s Death Moved " store staff also said the officers stated that they were no,
° Lt. WilliamAlthoff toldTheWashingtonPost. "He
intending to arrest anyone, told us people made fun of his name... He told us
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) The first Marion County ¯ Accordingtobookstoresources,TulsapoliceSergeantCalhoun " that he was upset about that.’"
teen-ager to be tried inthemurder of aGay black man ¯ and Corporal Best of the "sex crimes" unit said that the ¯ Dznny Lee Overstreet, 43, was killed at the
willfacejurorsinRaleighCountyinNovember.Marion" shrinkwrapping was required under Oklahoma state statute, title" scene. One other victim, IrisPageWebb,41,wasin
County Circuit Court Judge Rodney Merrifield late in ¯ 21, 1040.76. This statute regulates the display of materials " critical condition after being shot in the neck.
SeptembersignedanordermovingDavidAllenParker’s ¯ "harmful to minors" and requires covering materials which ¯ According to police, Gay went to a tavern that
first-degree murder trial to the southern West Virginia : depict "... nudity, sexual contact, sexual excitement, or : night and asked directions to the nearest Gay bar,
county. A copy of the order does not set a trial date, but " sadomasochistic abuse...when thematerial orperformancelacks ’ telling people he wanted to shoot Gays. Someone
JudgeMen-ifield’ssecretarysaiditistentativelysched- : seriousliterary, scientific, medical, artistic, or political value for gavehimdirectionsandimmediatelycalledpolice,
uled for Nov. 15. Merrifield had verbally approved a ¯ minors..." with minors defined as less than 18 years ofage. ¯
whowerelookingforGaywhentheshootingreport
change of venue earlier this week after a preliminary : Typically the "shrinkwrap" requirement has been applied to " came in.
hearing that has been continued to Oct. 12. ~ sexually oriented magazines such as Playboy, Penthouse, Men, " John W. Collins, 39, was one of those wounded.
Lawyers for Parker and co-defendant Jared Wilson, ¯ etc. but not to most books. Collins told the Post that the gunfire erupted just
¯ both .17, had suggested Raleigh County as a possible ¯ Chief Jackson claims that the officers did not threaten the ¯ after he and Overstreet, a friend, hugged. Gay
venue, arguing media coverage of the murder in north- " bookstore staff with arrest but merely sought their cooperation. "stood up as I was letting go of the hug, and he was
central West Virginia has made it too difficult to find " Bookstore sources who’ ve requested to remain anonymous in. turning and he was also reaching into his black
impartial jurors. Attorney Stephen"Fitz said Monday ¯ order to protect themselves from retaliation characterized the trench coat," said Collins, who was shot in the
that Raleigh has a diverse population and probably has ¯ police visit as intimidation- particularly in light 6f the arrests of " stomach. "I saw the gun come out of his pocket...
had far less exposure to ~e case Prosecutor Richard " several sales clerks for the sale of Penthouse magazines a year or " Everything was like in a millionth of a second.’"
Bunner did not object to the move. " so ago. They noted that the officer by mentioning that they didnot " Gay left the bar after the shootings but was later
Parker and Wilson are charged with beating and ¯ intend to arrest at this time, raised the issue as a possibility and ¯ found by police about two blocks away. Officers
kickingtodeath26-year-oldacquaintanceArthur"J.R." ¯ that they felt coerced into cooperating.
" found a 9 mm pistol in a trash can near the bar.
Warren on July 4, see Trial, p.3 " see Bookstores, p. see Shooting, p.3
Local HRCEvents HRC: More Benefits Gay Center To Hold
Grand Re-opening TULSA-Local Human Rights Campaign (HRC) activ -
ists in cooperation with the national organization are
encouraging voter registration drive up fill October 13.
Those interested in registering can stop by Democratic
party headquarters, Republican party headquarters, the
offices of the League ofW0menVoters, any tag agency,
theTulsaCounty ElectionBoard (No; DenveratEdison).
Call formore information at 584.2918. HRCwouldalso
like to send voter registration volunteers to any event or ¯
organization andasks thatorganizers againcall 584.2918.
For Halloween this year, HRC is sponsoring two"
performences of Helga’ sHorribles, in "Scenes from ¯
Little Shop of Horrors" at Renegades on Sun, October ¯
29 at 3pro and again at 7pro. Tickets are $10 each and ," "Domestic partner benefits are increasingly becoming a stanproceeds
benefit HRC-Tulsa. Renegades is also a " dard business practice in corporate America," said Kim I. Mills,
sponsor and there will be a cash bar. Youmust be 21yo. " education director of the Human Rights Campaign. "Employers
Seating is limited to only 100persons at each perfor- ¯ have discovered that these benefits hdp attract and keep the best
WASHINGTON (AP) - More employers - including more than
a fifth of Fortune 500 companies - are offering health insurance
coverage to the partners of Gay employees, according to a report
by a Gay civil rights group.
The study, by the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign,
found that 3,572 companies, colleges and states and local
governments offered or have announced they would offer health
insurance covering their employees’ domestic partners. This was
up 25% from a year ago, when 2,856 employers extended such
benefits.
The findings were included in the group’ s annual "State of the
Wor,k~,lacefor Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual andTransgenderedAmericans.
¯ Law Group to Hold Hate Crimes Panel
¯ TULSA (TFN) - Tulsa Oklahomans for Human
" Rights (TOHR) will hold a Grand Opening event
¯ for the recently relocated Tulsa Gay Community
¯ Services Center on Friday, October 20 at 7pro. The
¯ new location is 2114 So. Memorial adjacent to
: longtimeLesbianbar,TNT’ s. TOHR’ s also will be
¯ holding a "garage" sale to benefit the Center on
." Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8am-noon. Donations of
¯ goods are welcome and may be dropped off at the
¯ Center before the sale.
¯ On Oct 14, TOHR will also sponsor a Feast for
Friends dinner to benefit The NAMES PROJECT.
¯ The dinner, called "Tulsa - The Center of the
Universe" will be al fresco at the downtown sculp-
¯
ture entitled, ’’The Center of the Universe" located
mance. Reservations may be guaranteed by mail to
1107 E. 19th, Tulsa,OK74120 orby credit card over the
phone. Organizers promise big drag, big hair, big voices
& big fun - ’cuz size matters!
HRC also is sponsoring an election watch party at
9pm on Tuesday, November 7 at the fabulous I.D. Bar
on Brookside at3340 S. Peoria (formerly Concessions).
There will be multiple video screens to monitor the
election returns and lots of hot music to enjoy while the
future is determined. There will be a $10 cover charge,
but that will drop to only $5 if you are wearing the "I
voted" sticker.
Lastly, HRC is always looking for new members.
Membership runs $35. Info: 584.2913.
DIRECTORY P. 2
EDITORIAL P. 3
US & WORLD NEWS P. 4
HEALTH NEWS P. 6
ENTERTAINMENT P. 8
GAY STUDIES P. 10
¯ workers, a critical consideration in the current tightjob market."
." The report called a "landmark move" the announcement in
¯ June by Big Three domestic automakers - DaimlerChrysler,
General Motors and Ford - and the United Auto- Workers that
¯
domestic-partner benefits would be offered to their more than
¯ 400,000 employees. ’’This marked the first time that virtually an
¯ entire sector of American commerce, along with its leading
¯ union, decided collectively to provide domestic partner ben-
" efits," the report said.
¯ Fortune 500 companies offering or planning to offer domestic
¯ partner benefits increased from 70 in August 1999 to 102 last ¯
month. In addition, 41 of the top 50 companies in America
¯ prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, the report
¯ said.
-" "All the signs point to private and public employers continuing
¯ to institute nondiscrimination policies and domestic partner
: benefits," the study said. However, it noted that there is nofederal
¯ law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, nor is
¯ there one in 39 states, although President Bill Clinton issued an
executive order in 1998 prohibiting such discrimination in the
¯ federal civilian work force.
¯. The number of cities and counties that prohibit discrimination
based on sexual orientation rose from 16 in 1980 to 116 in 2000.
: next to the Old U~ion Station on the pedestrian
¯ bridge. The dinner is $20 and reservations may be ¯
made by calling 743-4297. Those who just want to
¯ attend the dessert finale may go the Allan Chapman
Activity Center atthe University ofTulsaat8:30pro.
A $10 donation is requested.
: TOHR will also present a National Coming Out
Day (NCOD) panel at its monthly membership
¯ meeting on Oct. 10 at 7:30pm, and at TU on
¯ Thursday, Oct. 12, the University ofTulsa College ¯
of Law Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Law Caucus will
’ sponsor a Hate Crimes Panel discussion from noon
- 2 p.m. The panel, which will be held in TU’s Moot
¯ CourtRoom of John Rogers Hall located at Fourth
¯
Place and Florence Avenue, will address the valid-
" ity of Hate Crimes legislation, opposition to the
¯ Hate Crimes Prevention Act and other topics of
". relevance. Linda Lacey, a TU college of law pro-
, fessor, will moderate.
¯ The program is free and open to the public. For
¯ more information, call Courtney Sdby at 836-
: 9107.
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Chasers, 4812 E. 33
*CW’ s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Club Cherry Bomb,. 1926 E Pine
*Club Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box, 1338 E. 3rd
*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th
712-2324 :
610-5323
583-2119 :
835-2376 :
744-4280...;
745-9998 ¯
834-4234 :
585-3405 :
660-0856
584-1308
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, ServiCeb~ & pi’ofessiohals
"Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E.-41
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria
*Cheap Thrills,.2640 E. 1 lth
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615-
POB 4140, Tulsa. OK 74159
e-mail: TulsaNews@ earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor:
Tom Neal
Writers + contributors:
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*De,co to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
Encompass Travel, 13161H N.Memorial
Ross Edward Salon 584-0337,
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th PI.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’ s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th
*Jared’s Antiques.. 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha ....
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning
Teri Schutt, Rex Realtors 834-79,21,
Scribner’s Bookstore, 1942 Utica Square
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Whereh0use Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry Hensley, J.-P.
Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom Esther Rothblum, Mary
¯ Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw
¯
Member of The Associated Press
..... l~U~d bh’o~lsdfbre the lit of ~gcti month; th~~ritite contents
743-1000 i
250,503:4 of thi~ °publication are protected by US copyright 1998 by
665-4580 : T~,~" ~:~ N~v~ and may not be reproduced either in
712-1122 -" whole or in part without written permission from the pub-
712-9955 "
494-2665 lisher. Publicafi0n of a name or photo does not indicate a
743-5272 ~ person’ s sexual orientation. Correspondenceis assumedto be
746-0313 " for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed &
295-5868
becomes the sole property of T~,~ /z~ N~v,~ Each
r~ader is. entitled to 4 copies of each editionat distribution
749-3620 points. Additional Copies are available by ~1"1~’583-1248.
744-5556 ¯
838-8503 " HIV ER Center, 4138 Chas. Page Blvd. 583~-6611
369-8555 ¯ *Tulsa C.A:R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834,4194
712-9379 ~ Holland Hall School, 5666-E. 81 st 481-1111
592-0460 : HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Educauon 834-8378
744-9595 " *House of the Holy Spirit Minstries, 1517 S. Memorial 224-4754
610-0880 " *MCC 7United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
628-3709 NAMES Project, 3507 E Admiral PI. 748-3111
808-8026 " NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
742-1460 " OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 7415~
459-9349 :;--*OSU~Tulsa
744-7440 ..... PFI~G, POB 52800, 74~52 :;~_~.¯ 749-4901
745-1111 " *.Planned Parenthood, 1007 SYffeoria 587-7674
341-6866 ; Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
712-2750 ; R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
582-3018 ¯ *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 . 584-2325
747-0236 : St. Aidan’s Epis(opalChurch, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882
582-8460 " St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E:-71.st 492-7140
599-8070 ¯ St. Jerome s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
74%5466 " *Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
585-1234 " *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
584-3112 "- Tulsa County Health Department, 46 16 E. 15 595-4105
663-5934 ’ Confidential HIV Testing -~by appt. on Thursdays only
664-2951" Tulsa Olda. for Human Rights, c/o The Pride Center 743-4297
838-7626 : T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
743-4297 " *Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
747-5932 *Tulsa Community College Campuses
834-0617 ; " *Tulsa Gay Community Center, 1307E.38,74105 743-4297
747-4746 " Unity Church of Christianity,3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
749-6301, ". BARTLESVILLE
260-7829 . Bartlesville PublieLibrary, 6!30 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
481-0558 : OKLAHOMA CITY/NORMAN
835-5563 ..
743-1733 ¯ Borders Books & Music, 3209NW Expressway 405~848-2667
665~2222 "¯ Borders Books.& Music~ 300 Norman Center 405-5734907
592-0767 " TAHLEQUAH -
www.gaytulsa.org - website forTulsaGays & Lesbians
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa; POB 4337, 74101 579-9593- ¯
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria~ 743-2363-
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314 "
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207E. 6 583:7815
B/L/G/T Allian0p, univ: of Tulsa United Min: Ctr. 583~9780 ¯
Chamber of -comm~ide- Bld~:," 616 ~s. B6st6fi .... 585-1201
¯Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th Pl. & Florence -"
Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood 587-1314 "
¯Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale 747:6300
¯Community UnitarianzUniversalist Congregation 749-0595
Council O~ ~en’s Cl~6rale " 748-3888 "
¯Delawar~Playhouse;-15il S. Delaware 712-1511 ¯
¯Democratic Headquarteis, 3930 E: 31 742-2457 ¯
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa - Lesbian & Gay Catholics & ¯
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140 "
¯Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 ¯
¯FrceSpirit’Women’sCenter, callforlocation&info: 587-4669 ¯
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827 "
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
¯ Stonewall League, call for information: - ’~i8456-7900
Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church -9t8:456-7900
Green.Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
-o .NSU School of Optometry, 1001N. Grand
HIVtesfing every other Tues. 5:30:8:30~ ~tll for dates
501-253-7734
.... 50i 1253-"]4_47’
501-253-6807
501-253-5445
501-253-9337
501:253-27761
501.-253-5332
50i-624-6646
501-253-6001
501-253-4074
417-623-4696
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Br~,e~,ze Restaurant, Hwy. 23
Jini & Breht "S Bisttt, I73 S. Main
DeVito,’s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St.
MCC of the Living Spring
Geek toGo!,PC Specialist, POB 429
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
Positive Idea Marketing Hans
Sparky’s, Hwy. 62 East
White Light, 1 Center St.
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134
Scouting~for All Opposes the
"Scout’s Honor Act"
Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado
has introduced counter-legislation,
currently being referred to as the Scouts
Honor Act (H.B. 5306). The bill was
introduced along with twenty-three cosponsors,
on T.Uesday, Sept. 26
Accorditi~ to AFA (editor’s note:
Amerfcah "F~mily Association, a rightwing
lobbying group) Director of Governmental
Affairs PatrickTrueman,"AFA
suppo.r.ts Colorado Rep. Tancredo’s,
Scouts Honor Act, which prohibits the
¯ Useoffederal funds todiscriminate against,
investigate, or deny access to public prop-
" erty or facilities to the Boy Scouts of
¯ America. In addition, the bill says that no
entity that accepts federal funds can compel
the Boy Scouts to accept members
¯ who do not share their beliefs.’"
The Scout’s Honor Act would protect
¯ the BSAwho dearly identifies as an organization
that discriminates against gay
¯ youth and adults and atheists to not be
~ denied access to public facilities or funding.
How can-we allow our tax dollars to
¯ support an organization thatprofesses bigotry
against a segment of our society.’?
Tiffs is unthinkable and should not be
tolerated. Scouting For All asks that you
speak out LOUD to oppose this ACT!!!!
¯ Rep.Tancredofeels thatifhecangetmany
¯ more sponsors on thebill, the Houselead-
. ership may bring it to the floor for a vote.
." Encourage your congressperson not to
¯ support- the bigoted Scout’s Honor Act!
¯ ACTION NEEDED: Contact your
member of Congress immediately and
~ ask that he or she not support the Scouts
¯ Honor Act which is an Act supporting
, bigotry in our society. Contact your Representative
by calling the capitol switchboard
at (202) 225-3121.
~ Scouting For All also encourages you
; to send Rep. Tancredo a note telling him
¯ thathis actions are disgusting and support
¯ bigotry in America. He should be advocating
that the BSA discontinue its discriminatory
policy against our Gay youth
and Gay adults and also atheists. His actions
are a disgrace. Write to:
- tom.tancredo@mail.house.gov
- Scott Cozza,president, Scouting ForAll
www.scoutingforall.org
* is where you can find TFN. Notall are Gay-owned butall are Gay-friendly.
Log ~Cabin Republicans
to Bill Clinton
Thefollowing is the text ofa letterfrom
Rich Tafel, executive director ofLog Cabin
Republicans, to President Bill Clinton on
the issue offunding theAIDS Drug Assistance
Program.
September 27, 2000
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to you again on an ~ssue of
great importance to millions of Americans
-~funding for theAIDS Drug Assis-
’ tanc~ Program in theRyatr~White CARt~
Act. Since 1995, we have consistently
¯ asked your Administration to ensure that
¯ your annual budget requests reflect the
: real ne~ds in. the ADAP program; and
unfortunately your .bUdgets have fallen
drastically short each and every year, and
each year the Republican Congress! has
put millionS:ofMollars more into the pro-
, gram to ansv¢~¢~ the call. This year, your
: budget request fell short again.
¯ In your budget request for Fiscal Year
~ 2001, you asked for a $26millionincrease
~ in ADAP funding, while the projected
¯ need was higher, see Letters, p.3
Unfortunately, theneed has only increased since then.
Thanks to the enactment of an important minority OUtreach
program, spearheaded by the Congressional Black
Caucus, enrollment in the ADAP program by minority
patients has increased throughout the year. This has
given tremendous hope to so manyAmericans with HIV
that they will have access to life-savittg treatments cnrrenfly
out of reach. Overall, state and territorial AIDS
directors have reported that the projected national need
ftr ADAP will be closer to $130 million more than the
previous year. Your budget request will not cover this
additional need, and many of these new enrollees may
face lotteries, rationing or simply a closed door.
The Republican Congress has carried the ADAP program
every year, despite the failure of leadership from
your Administration. I respectfully ask again, Mr. President,
that you become an active participant inmeeting the
ADAP needs for so many Americans with HIV/AIDS,
and submit a request to Congress for an increase of $130
million for this life-saving program in your Statement of
Principles before budget negotiations end for the year.
I appreciate your urgent consideration of this issue.
- Sincerely, Rich Tafel, executive director
"It sounded like firecrackers at first," said a woman
who said she was sitting in a booth when the shooting
began. She asked not to be identified for fear she might
lose.her job. "I looked up and saw people falling to the
ground," she said. "You could feel the wind off the
bullets, they were so close."
Darlene Overstreet, Danny Overstreet’ s sister, said her
brother, who was Gay, visited the Back Street Cafe often.
He worked as a telephone operator and lived alone in a
house with his poodle. "He was a wonderful person. He
helped everybody," Darlene Overstreet said. "He just
stopped by to have a beer, that’ s all."
Members of the Washington-based National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force came to Roanoke for a candlelight
vigil after the shooting. Flowers, cards and balloons were
placed outside the bar by members of the community.
Mayor Ralph Smith saidat anews conference after the
event. ’Tm shocked and saddened by this terrible, terrible
crime .... Any time one member of our community
is hurt, we all suffer by that same hand."
¯ Censorship Through Inti midation
¯ by Tom Neal, editor &publisher
The recent visits by Tulsa police to local booksellers
raise very serious concerns about censorship, grand or
petit, direct or indirect, by our local government.
The method used is frankly ingenious in skirting First
Amendment protections as it depends on intimidation to
accomplish that which it is not legal to do otherwise.
What I mean is that even though most, if not all of the
materials which Tulsa police collected in the stores are
clearly protected under the U.S. Constitution’s First
¯¯ Amendment, by merely showing up in the stores identifying
themselves as law officers and requesting limiting
." access to these materials, Tulsa police succeeded in
¯ obtaining the collaboration ofthebooksellers. Andifthey
¯ self-censor, then thepolicenever have to prove their case, ¯
they never have to be held responsible for their probable
¯
misapplication of an Oklahoma statute.
_" Note that the police claimed they were not seeking to
.. make any arrests during these visits, see Censor, p.9
! b~AAlIl Gthororeugh the years of our nailon’ s history, the American dreamhas unfolded with a deeper meaning. Today, it is
: a mystery that Thomas Jefferson could have written the powerful and inspiring words of our Declaration of
: Independence ~. and not free his slaves. Today, it is a mystery that our founders in Philadelphia could have written the
United States Constitution ? yet not allowed women to vote. Yet America has taken the inner meaning and power of
our founding documents, and given them new life in each generation.
then nmning over him with a car to disguise his injuries
as a hit-and-rtm.
In his order changing the venue, Merrifield cited a vigil
for Warren that drew more than 500 people to the courthouse
steps days after the murder. The rally also attracted
national Gay- and civil-rights activists and an anti-Gay
group from Kansas.
News organizations .have since saturated the region
with coverage innewspapers, andonradio and television,
Merrifield said. The Dominion Post of Morgantown and
the Times-West Virginian of Fairmont have each file&
more than 25 stories, he said. "Nearly. all of these newspaper
articles have been located on the front page and, in
fact, mostofthese articles have been thelead story for that
particular day," Merrifiel~d wrot~ T.I~.~voe~ag¢ ,has con~
rained detailed infOiinafion~ about tbe.inv~ti~afion°and
clearly illustrates that many Marion County residents
"havebecome emotionally involvedin this case and have
prejudged:the defendant’s guilt," he said.
Parkerhas already confessed to beating.Warr,en~but the
judge has ~yet to d~eide:~w.hether jurors will hear that
confession.~ In his Statement-to Sheriff" s Detective C.L.
"Chip" Phillips; Parker admitted beating Warren after
discovering he had-toldrothe~ peo.p!.¢, about a sexual
relationship he claimed to have with.~Parker. Wilson told
Phillips that he went along with the beating because he
was afraid of Parker, who had threatened to beat him, too.
But defense teams argue that both boys’ confessions
were improperly obtained. They say neither was informed
of his right to an immediate juvenile detention
hearing. They also contend Phillips delayed moving the
boys from GrantTownto the courthouse sohe could dicit
the confessions. Phillips denies any wrongdoing.
NEW SUPREHES? Nationat Coming Out D~, Oct. 11 - E|ecUon Da!/, Nov. 7
COME OUTVOTING .* www.hrc.org
El HUMAN
RIGHTS
: I believe very deeply that the time has come in America to widen the circle of fairness and dignity to include our
¯ ~friends, neighbors, ct-workers, and relatives in the gay and lesbian community. I am running for President to fight for
." all the people. That is why the ideals of fairness, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination are at the very heart of my
¯ campaign for President. - ¯
In the past seven years, we have taken.great strides. We have appointed the first openly gay and lesbian people to
¯ high-ranking posts in our nation’ s history. We have made our government the largest employer in the world with a
: strong non-discriminati0n policy covetingsexual orientation. Wehave boosted funding for AIDS research, prevention,
¯ and treatment. We have created a new White House- Office of. National AIDS Policy. We fought insurance ¯
.discrimination against people with pr~--~xi~fing conditions Wehelp~lmore people with HIV-AIDS get access to health
¯ ! am.personallY very ~)roud tO have beenthe first Vice President ever to speak at a public event with a gay rights
organization. I believe it is partly because of that record and commitment that I have been endorsed by gay andlesbian
¯ leaders and civil rights organizations across this cduntry. But ]~don’ t want to rest on that record ? I want to build on it.
¯ When people filled with hate target Gaysadd Lesbi~ang, Jews;Blacks, Latinos, and Asian-Americans, it is clear that
hate Crimes are notjust like other erimes: As President, with your help, I will.lead the fight for a tough law to stiffen
the penalties for crimes~of hate
We need to do morb th battle HIV and AIDS 9 here at home and around the world..At the beginning of this.year, I
had the opportunity tO address the United-Nations Security Council about the threat that AIDS poses to the stability and
security of AfriCa and the world: As President, withy0ur help; I will lead a worldwide effort to fight HIV and AIDS.
I believe wemust takebold stepsto~give all.ourpe0p!ethe best health care in the.world. Weneed to dedicate ourselves
to provide access ,to.qua!ity heal~ coverage.to every.child and extend coverage to millions of adults by~ ~e:et~d 9f ~e
ne~t t~residenfial term. :we needtO-~,tnfinue resear~into-HIV andAIDS and ~r~;clde ad~quat~ fhh~ng fdr i~."’~ riced
to give real prescription drug benefit to senioi:sand people with disabilitie.s who are on Medicare.
Weneed a strong, enforceable Patients’ Bill of Rights because it’ s time that we take the medical decisions away from
~ the HM.O accountants and insurance company bureaucrats, and give them back to the doctors, nurses, and health care
~ professionals. Americans:deserv.e the best health care, not just the cheapest.. " .... ~ ~’. ’ ’ ~ ......
¯ We must also take strong new action to ban discrimifiation andmake sure every Americhn can re~iz~hi~.:6~ her
~. potential. As President, I will re-issue the executive order banning discrimination in the federal w0J:kfo~ce. An’d i Will
¯ fight to pass the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, which will prohibit job discrimination on the basis of sexual
¯ orientation.
In this campaign, there are real differences on these basic issues of fairness. My Republican opponen.t strongly
¯
opposes hate crimes legislation. He opposes a simple law to outlaw discrimination inhiring, firing, and promotionbased
¯ on sexual orientation, In fact, right now, in Texas and in 38 other states, you can be legally fired just because of your
: sexual orientation. If I am entrusted with the Presidency, we will fight to correct that injustice.
¯ The stakes are enormous in this election. We know what will happen if the Republicans take back the White House.
¯ And America cannot afford to go back to the neglect and divisiveness of the Bush-Quayle years.
¯ Instead, we must move forward to create the America of ~.highest ideals. That is why I need your help and your
hard work. Join withmein this campaigii~and togetherwewill win notjust vttes, but powerful new victori~s.~oi dignity
Lesbian Wins Visitations
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island state
Supreme Court last month recognized new rights for
Gay and Lesbian couples raising children. In a 3-2
decision, the courtruled that ConcettaDiCenzo could
not prevent her former partner Maureen Rubano from
asking the Family Court for the right to visit the son
they raised together. The decision gives de facto-"in
fact" - parents the same rights to petition for visitation
as biological and adoptive parents.
"The fact that DiCenzo not 0nly gave birth to this
child but also nurtured him from infancy does not
mean that she can arbitrarily terminate Rubano’ s de
facto parental relationship with the boy, a relationship
that DiCenzo agreed to and fostered for many
years," Justice Robert Flanders wrote in the majority
opinion. The ruling was based on state law allowing
any interested party to "bring an action to determine
the existence or nonexistence of a mother and child
relationship." The justices also noted the Family
Court has jurisdiction over cases involving the paternity
of children born out of wedlock.
Attorney Cherrie Perkins,whorepresented Rubano,
a 53-year-old professor of clinical psychiatry at the
medical school at the Unive,~sity of Massachusetts,
said her client cried when she heard of the ruling.
"She’ s now not on thin ice any more. She’ s on pretty
solid ground," Perkins said.
DiCenzo’ s attorney, Rosina Hunt, said the ease has
drained her client emotionally and financially. "The
big thing for her is she wants to keep her son in a Stable
home and she doesn’ t want to go through this," Hunt
said.
Similar cases began surfacing in courts around the
country in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and claims
by "co-parents" generally were rejected, said attorney
Mary Bonauto of Gay &’Lesbians Advocates &
Defenders of Boston, which filed a brief in support of
Rubano. Recently, however, courts in a handful of
states, including Massachusetts andNew Jersey, have
decided to recognize the legal status of non-biologi~
cal parents.
"This decision puts Rhode Island in line with the
majority of recent decisions on the topic, although
this is an issue that is still hotly contested among the
states," said Bonauto, who lead the fight to legalize
same-sex civil umons in Vermont.
Rubano and DiCenzo decided tO have a child
together while they were living in Millville, Mass.
DiCenzo underwent artificial insemination from an
anonymous sperm donor and on Dec. 15, 1991,
DiCenzo gave birth to aboy. Thecouple sent outbirth
announcements identifying them both as the child’ s
parents, and had the last name of Rubano-DiCenzo
listed onboth the birthand baptismal certificates. The
couple raised the child together for several years and
the boy called Rubano her "heart room."
In 1996, the pair split up and DiCenzo, now 43,
moved to Cumberland. The next year, the two signed
a Family Court consent order that granted Rubano
permanent visitation rights on a periodic basis. In
exchange Rubano waived "any claim or cause of
action she has or may have to recognition as a parent
of the minor child." But then DiCenzo, believing
Rubano’ s visits were "disruptive and confusing" to
theboy, told Rubano thatno further visitations would
be permitted.
Rubano appealed to Family Court, asking a judge
to enforce the earlier order. DiCenzo argued the
Family Court lackedjurisdiction to eater the order in
the first place. The Family Court, unsure how to
proceed, requested that the Supreme Court rule on the
case. Perkins believes the decision clears the way for
the Family Court to allow visitation.
Hunt expressed coneeru that the finding may pave
the way for third party parent claims from grandpareats,
ex-boyfriends and others. The General Assembly
may want to consider changing the law, she said.
But Perkins said she sees the ruling as a boon to
both Gays and heterosexuals. "You could be
somebody’ s second wife or husband and essentially
raise their children and if you got divorced, you could
haveno rights," Perkins said. "We think that the court
was actually looking for a way to redress alot ofholes
in the law because’ families are changing over time
and this was maybe the ease to do it."
Idaho PFLAG Chapter
Make Case for Inclusion
SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) --The area’ s Parents and
Friends of Lesbians and Gays chapter will make its
proposal tojoin the town’ s list of credible commtmity
organizations. The organization hosted the ACLUsponsored
slide show and talk, "The Gay Life in
Idaho: Idaho’ s Little T01d History," created by Alan
Virta, head of the Boise State University library’s
special collections. "It’ s amazing what you find here
and there in the official records," he s aid. "S ometimes
trial transcripts give a lot of information."
Virta’s 45-minute show includes Idaho’s reaction
to the 1895 Oscar Wilde trial in London - the playwright
was charged with homosexuality -and the
1955 boys ofBoise scandal, a homosexual witchhum.
Parents Jim and Barbara Hansen started the
Sandpoint Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
They say that, so far, they have not been the targets of
harassment in an area of Idaho typically known for its
conservatism. "I find this a very open-minded community,"
Jim Hansen said. "There’s more suppoyt,
strokes, affirmations here than I ever thought possible.
That keeps me going.’"
Michigan College Offers
Partner Benefits
MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) - Northern Michigan
University faculty members have ratified a three-year
contract that gives them 3.5% annual pay increases
and same-sex domestic partner health benefits. The
contract for the Northern Michigan chapter of the
American Association of University Professors was
ratified by a 159-33 vote, The Mining Journal reported.
The union has about 290 members.
The university’ s board of control is to consider the
agreement Oc~ 6. Other changes include retirement
contributions of 15.64% of annual salary, and extension
of health insurance benefits to same-sex domesuc
partners.
Gay Games 2002:
Anyone Can Compete
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -For those who’ ve dreamed
of competing in the Olympics but failed to meet the
athletic requirements, there’ s still hope: they can sign
up for the Sydney 2002 Gay Games. The event is open
to everyone. "There is no minimum standard required
to participate," Game Gibson, chief executive officer
of the Sydney Gay Games, noted. "No one is excluded,
regardless of gender, sextmlity, race or physical
ability."
Organizers expect the two-week event, which includes
a weeklong cultural.festival and opens Oct. 25,
2002, to attract over 14,000 participants from at least
78 countries. There are more than 10,000 athletes
¯ competing in the Olympics.
Gibson also said the Gay Games, whiCh will attract
mostly Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual competitors,
have found their biggest sponsor. San Francisco-
based Gay.com, an online supplier of services
to the homosexual community, has entered into a $1.5
million agreement to be the event’ s official. Internet
media sponsor,.he said.
The competition, which will run from Nov..3 to
Nov. 9, 2002, has 31 sports; some with a distinctive
Australian flavor, chairwoman Colette Steer said,
including netball and touch rugby. Butother sports on
the agenda include Olympic events such as badminton,
baseball, athletics, field hockey, tennis, swimming
and volleyball.
The sports will be held in two main zones - Olympic
Park and around Sydney Harbor. As well as the
official sports, the sixth edition of the Gay Games will
feature exhibition events such as surfing and surf
lifesaving, dragon boat racing and what organizers
are calling "mind games" - ehes s, bridge, backgammon
and mahjong.
Steer played softball in the 1998 Gay Games in
Amsterdam. She recalled with emotion waving he,r
"little pink flag, as one does" ~t the Gay Games
opening ceremony. The Gay Games are "an opportunity
to celebratewhatweare.., and to enjoy ourselves
a
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MCC.United
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Community
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Call for meeting times and place:
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Ghild, Family, Individual & Gouple Psychotherapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
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1307 E. 38th, 2nd floor
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Over 15,000 people competed in the Amsterdam
Gay Games. The first Gay Games were held in 1982
in San Francisco. Organizers said the influx of nearly
35,000 visitors to Sydney for the games and festival
will injectabout $55millioninto the region’ s economy.
On the Net: www.Gaygamesvi.org.au
Gov. Ventura to Offer
Partner Benefits
ST. PAUL (AP) - If his administration moves forward
with a plan to provide benefits for domestic
partners of state employees, Gov. Jesse Venturawould
demand proof of a committed relationship, he said in
September.
"There will be documentation signed; there will be
contractual things that will go on between these
people," Ventura said. "It’s not like a fly-by-night
relationship, where, ’Gee I met someone in the bar
and now I’m going to make them a domestic partner
for a week and a half.’ "
Few other details emerged about the possible extension
of health and insurance benefits to domestic
partners, a still-in-the-works proposal Venture’ s ad..
ministration disclosed recently.
Employee Relations Commissioner Julien Carter
said if the proposal is confined to same-sex couples
only, he expects it to affect about 1% of the state’s
53,000-member workforce, or 530 employees. It’s
not clear if heterosexual domestic partners would be
covered. "There are a series of decisions to be made
and that definition of domestic partner is one of
them," said Ventura’ s spokesman, John Wodele.
If heterosexuals are included, Carter said his
department’s best estimate is that 3% of employees
would take advantage of that arrangement. "We just
don’ tknow for sure what the best planning number is,
but it seems to be in (he ballpark," he said.
Ventura stressed during his weekly radio show that
the state needs to do something to stay competitive
with the private sector: Both are fighting to attract
new employees in a tight labor market. "What are
they going to pick?" Ventura said of prospective
hires. "They" re going to pick the company that gives
them the best benefits, the best working conditions.
That’ s what this issue is greatly about."
Even before Venmra’s staff finalized the plan,
conservative lawmakers discounted its chances. "I
don’t think it’s going to fly," said state Rep. Tony
Kielkucki, R-Lester Prairie. "He’ s got more support
for unicameral than he has for this one." An effort
failed this year to get a constitutional amendment On
the ballot for a one,house Legislature.
Vermont, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington. and Massachusetts
offer benefits to domestic partners, according
to OutFront Minnesota, an advocacy group
for Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
Fort Worth city council mulls ban on Gay bias
FORT WORTH-, Texas (AP) - For the third time in
eight years, a measure that would protect sexual
orientation under Fort Worth’s anti-discrimination
law is being discussed by.members of thecity council.
The current drive to add sexual orientation is
being led by Councilman Chuck Silcox; a conservative
Republican who ended discussions of a similar
proposal in January 1999.
Under the proposal,. Gays and .-Lesbians would be
added to the list of protected cl~S in Fort Worth’ s
anti-discrimination ordinance. The list already indudes
race, creed, color, religion, gender, disability,
national origin and family status. City officials said
violation of the anti-discrimination ordinance is a
.nfisdemeanor.
!n recent editio~as of the For/~’orth Star-Tdegram.
Sitcox said his posit~o,? on tee issue changed after
was approached by a Fort \Vor{h man who lost Ms job
after .his employer discovered he was Gay "I didn"
realize we had the kind of problems out there that we
do," Silcox said. "I doff t like the idea t~hat people are
losingjobs over this. Anytime there is discrimination,
we need to draw the line."
Nebraska Amendmentto
Outlaw Gay Marriages
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The chief supporter and an
opponent of a state ban on same-sex marriages predicted
extremely different outcomes if the proposed
constitutional amendment is approved by voters in
November. The predictions varied from prohibiting
homosexual couples from adopting children to outlawing
all business partnerships between two people
of the same sex.
Initiative 416 would define marriage in Nebraska
as a relationship between only a man and wo~nan, and
prohibit any "civil union, domestic partnership or
other similar same-sex relationship."
At a sometimes-heated fonun before the state’s
daily newspaper editors, an opponent of the measure
argued that it is poorly written and threatens the
legality of all relationships between two people of the
same sex, such as business partnerships,joint ownerships
and contractual agreements. "Passage of the
amendment will lead to years of litigation that will be
costly to the state and its taxpayers," said Linda
Richenberg of Nebraska Advocate for Justice and
Equality.
The amendment would simply prohibit same-sex
marriages from being recognized by the state, said
Guyla Mills, chairwoman of the Defense of Marriage
Amendment Committee, which collected more than
the required 105,000 signatures to put the question on
the ballot. Mills said many constitutional lawyers
have reviewed the ballot language and say it is clear
on its intent. "This amendment is not about taking
rights away from anybody. It is about protecting the
time-honored tradition of marriage," Mills said.
Under the measure, homosexual couples - including
someone who works for state government or the
University of Nebraska system would be prevented
from sharing state insurance benefits. It also would
prevent Gay and Lesbians from adopting children.
She said it will not impact the insurance providers in
the state or the insurance policies of private businesses
and corporations.
Richenberg argued that if voters approve the ban.
Nebraska will earn a reputalaon as a hostile place to
work and live, prompting an exodus of ho~nosexuals
and their families who have been productive members
of the state’ s work force. "We don’ t want to see
anyone leave the state because of this," Mills said.
"Wejust don’ t think a minority ofpeople should have
the right to redefine marriage for everybody."
Mills pointed out several times that both of the
state’s senate candidates, Republican Don Stenberg
and Democrat Ben Nelson, plan to vote in support of
the same-sex marriage ban.
Richenberg said the amendment is unnecessary in
a conservative state like Nebraska, where there is not
a push to legalize same-sex unions. "A vote against
416 is not going to legalize same-sex marriages," she
said. "Same-sex marriages do not exist in Nebraska,
and there will be no change."
The forum was sponsored by the Nebraska Associated
Press Association.
Lesbian Denied Right to
. Legally Change Name
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A Lesbian who wanted to
hyphenate her na03e to in.cldde ’that of hbr longume
partner i’s @pealing the decision of a judge who said
a name change would create the impression the two
women were married. The American Civil Liberties
Umon of New Jersey has appealed Superior Court
Judge Anthony J. Iuliani’s decision ~o deny Jill
Bacharach’s application ’ to change her name. At a
hearing m Augus|o !uliani deniext fi~e Cedar Grove
woman’ s petiti-’,~, sayi~g he feared it wo~d create the
appem’a~m~ that she and imr female ,~artner were
roamed, said ACLU staff{" attorney J.C. :~Nver. Sam.esex
uNons ~z,: not !egaily recogxfizcd in ~iew Jersa y
arid in every state except. Vermont.
"I have ~ever expecied this sort of discrimination
from a court of taw’y said Bacharach, 32.
Salver said the judge’ s concern about the appearance
of a same-sex union is an improper basis to deny
a name change. . . see Name, p. 7
Not EnoUgh Dollars : m~nt in emergency rooms, wbich is more
For Homeless Sick " expensive than standard care. Emergency
rooms also don’ t offer AIDS patients the
NEW YORK (AP) - They carry their
life’ s possessions on withering backs and
hide death within their broken bodies.
Some spent anentirelifetimeonthe streets, ¯
searching for a home under a molding
cardboardboxin atrash-strewn alleyway. ¯
Others are teens who ran from something ¯
but stumbled into a life far worse; they "
trade sex for a night in a bed. Still more "
believe their luck has run out after re- ¯
centlylosingjobs,apartments and friends,. "
But every day, a small handful of the ¯
thousands of homeless men and women
living with AIDS in New York City make ¯
a tremendous effort rarely taken by their
brethren. They seek help. They fight for ¯
life, no matter the inevitable future.
Scientists haven’ t cured HIV or AIDS,
but their powerful .drug concoctions that
keep people alive longer create a curious "
problem. Public and non-profit agencies
already struggle to pay for their existing
cases. Now they wonder: How can we "
possibly help the new people infected "
with the virus?
"Today, people think the ePidemic is ¯
over," said Gina Quattrochi, the president "
of the National AIDS Housing Coalition "
andtheexecutivedirectoratBaileyHouse, :
a private center in Greenwich Village ¯
helping homeless AIDS survivors. "The ¯
reality is people are living much ~nger, "
but the vast majority are disabled.
Currently, Congress is debating next ¯
year’ s budget. Advocates like.Quattrochi "
requested increasing the $232 million
budgetby $60 million- and were worried ¯
when President Clinton proposed upping "
it to just $260 million. Disappointment "
has turned to fear because Senate leaders ".
don’ twantto increase the appropriation at ¯
all.
"It’s thin. We have to get it up," said "
U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., a longtime
supporter of homeless _&IDS services
who pushed the House to propose "
increasing funds to $250 million. "This
country i" s ro"m"ng i"n mortey." ¯
Expending millions of dollars .for AID.S- "
exclusive assistance meets resistance m .
every case. ’qqaere has always been pres- ¯
surefrom thefarright to portray itfor drug
addicts and queers," Quattrochi said, adding
that others question the need to fund
specific AIDS housing when so much
housing is already available.
Quattrochi says only half of Bailey
House’s residents are Gay or Lesbian.
She noted that at least 450,000 Americans
with AIDS nee~l, housing, and that’s a
conservative estimate because some
haven’t learned they have the illness or
are mentally ill andmay neverknow. New
York, the city that served 1,200 homeless
people with AIDS in 1988, now assists
more than 27,000. That total is steadily
increasing as it has for the past few years,
said Ruth Reinecke, a spokeswoman for
the city’ s Division of AIDS Services.
A Brooklyn federal judge’s decision
earlier this week shows the city apparently
hash’ t adjusted wall to the surging
numbers. The judge, who slammed the
Division of AIDS Services for "chronically
and systematically" delaying or terminating
assistance, ordered the agency
placed under federal oversight for three
years. The city plans to appeal the decision.
Quattrochi says if members of Congress
wouldlook at operations like Bailey
House, they’ d understand why advocates
plead for more money. The alternative,
she says, is that health care costs will soar
when homeless AIDS patients seek treatcounseling
that could hdp decrease the
spread of HIV.
Bailey House, one of many nonprofit
groups that assist the city in serving the
homeless AIDS population, started when
the virus was first identified and it was
still consideredby many as homosexuals’
punishment from God. The 6 1/2-story
building, set m the primest of real estate
along the Hudson River, nurtured homeless
AIDS survivors.
In 1995, Bailey House added a vocational
studies program because clients
lived longer thanks to the drug cocktails
and weren’t interested in just wasting
away. Three years later, Bailey House
opened the program to anyone with AIDS
living in New York. "I wanted to do
something productive with my life," said
Sean Ransom, 31, who contracted the
virus in the late 1980s and sought help
four years ago. "I didn’ t want to... take
my reeds and wait to die."
Those medications - a triple combination
of drugs - have doubledthe average
time it takes for the HIV infection to
developinto AIDS, said ProfesssorAlvaro
Munoz of Johns Hopkins University’s
School of Public Health. They also increased
the average survival time ofAIDS
sufferers from 18 months to six years.
In the late 1980s, residents in Bailey
House stayed an average of three months,
and their stay almost always ended at a
funeral home. These days, they stay abont
three years, if not longer. !¢lany walk out
on their own, often to Bailey House-assisted
apartments.
Beyond treatment, stable housing is
crucial to every patients’ health, Quattrochi
says. Two-thirds of AIDS patients cite
housing as a top priority,just below medical
treatment. Living on a friend’ s couch
or moving between shelters, patients find
~t difficult and tiring to get continual care;
the effort weakens the body and strengthens
the disease - a deadly duo. Patients
also must live with failing organs, and
need refrigerators to keep their medicine
effective.
Stable housing becomes a primal urge,
Quattrochi says. "Let me put it this way,
what I always ask people is, ’Where do
you want to be when you have the flu?’"
she said. "You want- to be at home."
These problems becomeremote when a
homeless person wakes up after a night
under crumbled, urine-stained newspapers.
Medications? It’ s doubtful they have
any. It’ s often little better in city-run shel-
¯ ters.
Derryck, who declined to g~ve his last
¯" name, lived in emergency housing offi-
".. cially called Single Room Occupancy
: Units, but known by residents as bare-
." boned welfare hotels. He could touch all
¯ four walls from the middle of his cubicle.
"- Occupants shared a single bathroom, and
he shudders when remembering the filth.
¯ Prostitutes, drugs, loan sharking, he re-
: calls, this placewas amodernday Sodom
: and Gomorrah.’And Derryck, who is 50,
¯
concedes he was lucky to live the,re.
"There s even a lack of bad housing, he
¯ said glumly.
¯ But Derryck found his way to Bailey
: House. Now hecansitonhisbedinhis 85-
¯ square-foot home, with its view of the ¯
Hudson River, watch TV, grab a snack -
or his medications -from h~s mini-fridge,
_" or use his personal bathroom. "It works
¯ for me,"he said with a grin as smoothjazz
~ sauntered out of his stereo’s speakers.
: Behind him hung posters of singer
Financial Planning With A
Clear Commitment=
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Commitment to gay men and lesbians clear. Just as we have extended domestic partner
benefits to our lesbian and gay employees worldwide, we are committed to providing
~ound financial advice that specifically addresses the unique financial issues affecting
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Whether you’re single, in a committed relationship, or caring for children, your Americar
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~, series of Seminars given by
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Where: MCC United When: 7:00 P.M.
1623 N Maplewood Ave
-’inancial Strategies for Gay Men & Lesbians
Tuesday, September 5th and Tuesday, October 10th
Retirement Explore Your Options
¯ Create your Retirement Income
Tuesday, September 19th
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Tuesday, October 24th
Please R.S.V.P.
with Theresa at
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ext.121
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BobMarley and a pink flamingo. Beyond
that, the window looked out onto the water.
As he spoke, a sailboat sliced through
gusty winds as it cruised south heading
out into the open bay.
HIV Prevention Ad
Banned from TV
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A set of television
ads that depict bare-chested men
and a male-to-female transgender delivenng
an HIV prevention message have
been pulled from daytime TVat a Bay
Area station. Rather than run the 30-second
ad during afternoon talk shows, KGO
Channel 7 offered to run the ads - which
encourage HIV-positive men and women
to practice safe sex and be honest with
partners about their status - after 10 p.m.
so that fewer children would see them. A
Better World, the San Francisco advertising
agency that purchased the spot, chose
the original time frame because researchers
have discovered 3 and 4 p.m. shows
are popular with Gay men.
However, KGOleaders say that the ads
clash with afternoon viewer expectations.
"With a Rosie (O’ Dounell) episod,°, with
’NSYNC, or another pop culture guest on
it, it would be a little eyepopping for a
commercial like this to show up," said
David Metz, director of programming
services at KGO.
Les Pappas, president of the agency.,
called KGO’s decision homophobic.
"We’ ve done the research to find out what
our target audience is watching, and
they’ re watching Rosie and Oprah. We
don’t want to be relegated or banished
until after 10 p.m.," Pappas said.
ABetterWorldcreated the $345,000 ad
campaign for the city’ s health department
after a study last month that fond the rate
of HIV infection among Gay men in San
Francisco is climbing at an alarming rate.
New HIV infections in the city increased
form 498 in 1997 to 790 last year, according
to the Health Department study.
NYC Loses Case
Over AIDS Care
NEW YORK (AP) - A federal judge has
ruled the city mistreated poor people with
AIDS by subjecting them to bureaucratic
mismanagement and delays in housing,
health and other benefits. In his ruling,
U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson said
officials violated theAmericans with Disabilities
Act by "chronically and system.-
atically failing to.provide (AIDS patients)
with meaningful access to critical subsistence
benefits and services." Hecalled the
consequences "devastating."
The opinion stems from a class-action
lawsuit filed in federal court on behalf of
25,000 plaintiffs dtywide whohaveAIDS
or other HIV-related illnesses.
Johnson’s ruling detailed testimony -
heard earlier this year at a bench trial - by
plaintiffs who described getting the rtmaround
from the Division for AIDS Services
for months, if not years. The judge
appointed a federal magistrate to monitor
the agency over the next three years.
Michael Hess, the city’ s counsel, criticized
the ruling and promised an appeal.
"Very frankly, I think it’ s very flawed,"
Hess said, adding that thejudge’ s opinion
was "very poorly done and contains a lot
of errors that I hope will be corrected."
Hess said Johnson relied on informauon
that was more than five years old.
Statistics cited by Johnson showed that in
one out Of three cases, the city failed to
meetits own30-day deadline for responding
to requests for services. He ordered
the city to comply. The ruling was the
latest in which Housing Works has succeeded
in forcing Mayor Rudolph
Giuliani’ s administration to overhaul portions
of its policies.
In 1999, U.S. District Judge Allen
Schwartz found that city officials had
acted with "retaliatory intent" against the
nonprofit group, which has been a relentless
critic of Giuliani’ s policies on AIDS.
Vatican Officials:
Still Noto Condoms
VATICAN CITY (AP) - A Vatican official
said recently that two American Jesuits
have distorted church positions b,,y suggesting
that the Vatiean has become more
tolerant" about the distribution of condoms
to fight AIDS. Monsignor Jacques
Suaudeau said the Vatican stance hasn’ t
changed, although the church must not be
seen as indifferent to AIDS sufferers and
the battle to stop the disease’ s spread.
Some in the church have been seeking a
softening in the position of the Vatican,
which has been accused by some governments
of hindering the AIDS battle.
Writing in the Sept. 23 issue of
"America," a Jesuit magazine, the authors
pointed to an April article written by
Suaudeauin the Vaticannewspaper. They
said it contained important signals: That
while some individual bishops have repudiated
local HIV prevention programs
that include the distribution of condoms,
"the Roman curia is more tolerant on the
matter."
The article was written by the Revs.
John Fuller, an associate professor of
medicine at Boston University School of
Medicine, and James Keenan, professor
ofmoral theology atWestonJesuit School
of Theology in Cambridge, Mass.
Suaudeau called the article a"pretext to
relaunch the argument." "This is a manipulation.
It is blown up and exaggerated,"
he told The Associated Press. In his
article, Suaudeau endorsed sexual abstinence
and chastity as the methods to prevent
AIDS, citing church programs to
promote that.
Suaudeau’ s article went on to say that
the use of condoms in Thailand "had
particularly good results for these people
with regard to the prevention of sexually
transmitted diseases. It said the use of
condoms in those circumstances "is actually
a ’lesser evil’" but then added that "it
cannot be proposed as a model ofhumanization
and development."
Suaudeau said he wrote the article to
show the Vatican was not indifferent to
the AIDS problem.
Easier Access to
Needles in NM
SANTA FE (AP) - State health officials
want to change New Mexico’ s Controlled
Substances Act to state that pharmacists
who prbvide syringes to intravenous-di’ug
users are not guilty of distributing drug
paraphernalia. State officials say the
change would help combat the spread of
infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis
B and C. The Pharmacy Board decided to
back the change, which would need to be
passed by the Legislature and signed by
Gov. Gary Johnson. In 1997, Johnson
signed into law the Harm Reduction Act
that made New Mexico the second state in
the nation to create a state-funded needleexchange
progran~ for drug users.
by Jim Christjohn, entertainment editor ." homoerotically tinged moments, and it
Happy Samhain! (pronounced "sow- ¯ features Amanda Bearse playing Straight.
eft’- it’ s Gaelic) We turn in the wheel of " (She was the next door neighbor on"Martheyearto
theseasonofthethinning ofthe ¯ lied With Children", who came out a few
veils, when people all over the word felt ¯ years back.) Roddy McDowell is fabuthe
shifts that marked th~ time of honor- " lous as an inept bachelor vampire hunter
ing th.eir ancestors. " - One wonders why he never married -
Samhain in pagan Celtic Britain, was a .* "nudge, nudge, wink, wink." The charactime
forhonoring the spirits of those that " ter, I mean. And Stephen Geoffreys turns
have passed on, as in a touching perwell
as the day of - .I love vampire Elms, and f0rmance as the
the dead in Spain " " lonelyoutcastwho
andMexico.Itwas ~]alS is tlae ]~est tlme of year. gets seduced by
an important boll- Chris Sarandon’ s
day all over the Of course, ~t’s even l~etter ff ever-so-handpre-
Christian some vampire.
world, enough so ~t~s a darl~, w~indy, stormy Ue’s another one
that when the that could show up
Church took over, ni~lat w~tla t:launder craslaln~ outside my winthey
renameditAll dow any time. It’ s
Hallow’s Eve and and l~htnln~ flash~n~ and.., a fun film, and
All Saints Day. It - worth the cost.
shrunk from a oh~ sorry~ ~ett~n~ a bit caught Available on
three day festival, DVD.
to a one day cel- up ~n the deser~ptlon.
For those that
ebration. In
Storms do that to me.
like Tom Cruise
Amelica, it was " " with fangs (he retrivialized
into
w]aere was I? fusedtodothekiss
Halloween. So, with Antonio
just for old times’
O1~ yes, vampires and film. Banderas - was
sake, take a mo- " " this due to his inment
that day to "’" security with his
remember those loved ones who have own sexuality since it was inthe script?),
passed on. "Interview With The Vampire" has been
I love vampire films, and thisis thebest rereleased on DVD with new documentime
of year. Of course, it’ s even bet{er if tary footage and a few other extras thrown
it’sadark, windy, stormy night with thtm- " iu. Brad Pitt plays Lestat, and the now
der crashing and lightning flashing and. quite grown up Kirsten Dunst turned in a
¯ oh, sorry, getting a bit caught up in the stellar performance as an adult trapped in
description. Storms do that to me.. a child’ s body. Good for the moody vetowhere
was I? Oh, yes, vampires and film. pire types.
One of the best verslons of the Dracnla For fans of the original Hammer
legend, although the critics ripped it to Dracnlas, there are two on DVD: Dracnla,
shreds, is the 1979 Frank Langella fea- Prince of Darkness, the first sequel with
ture. Langella’ s Drac would be welcome ChristopherLee, after"HorrorofDracula"
to show up outside my window anytime (unavailable on DVD - dammit!); and
and suck anything he wanted. The film, Satanic Rites of Dracula, which was the
directed by John Badham, also stars Kate last Hammer Dracula with Chris I~e. It
Nelligan and Laurence Olivier in his last was a rather inept handling of putting
film performance. While there are times Drac in what was them "modem" times
thepacingtrudgesabitslowly, overallthe (1973). Only for those diehr~;d
film is one of the lnshest productions of "I)racufans". who can’t stand to have
the legend I’ve seen, even though it is completecollections.Still,it’safunromp,
based more on the play than the actual and the costumes are well worthlaughing
book. That didn’ t really bother me, picky at. Did people really wear that then? LOL
purist that I am, and the Dracula in this The only one with any style was Drac, in
filmhas quiteadry sense of humor that is timeless black and long cloak. Dracula,
easy to miss if you ares’ t prone to catch- ~" PrinceofDarkness, atleastkepthiminthe
ing it. It is widely available on DVD, and " 1800’ s, although Lee is left with little to
although the print they used to transfer . do but hiss and look menacing. Still, it’ s a
from is prone to noise (specks where the ¯ much better picture, and a fun romp.
film has started to come off the magnetic " Wemer Herzog’ s remake of Nosferatu
strip it’ s on), it is still a great atmospheric " is available, but unless you want to be
thrill for the buck. bored to tears with Drac’ s eternal anguish
Stay away from Coppola’s version, . over killingthings, pass. It really is
thoug]~ ~t~ s b!9ody awful and really sucks " "DraculaNeeds Prozac"., and Klaus Kinski
- i’n a b~id’Wa~ (Pun intendedl) is So wtfiny in the part, that youjust wanna
Nosferatu, the first Dracula film ever slap him after 5 minut,e~s. And talk about
made, and regarded as a masterpiece of ° pace.., those 2 hours-seem like 2 days.
th~Germanexpressionisticcinema,isalso Again, only for the hardcore collector,
a~lable,.meticuloi~sly restored, and with although afterhearing so much about it, it
a.~gry interesting commentary on DVD. was nice to finally see it. Or not. Always
-?irected by F.W: Murnau, ,an openly spoken of as a "classic," it m~es me
ga~ director, the homoerotic ~ndertones wonder wlm decides what w~il be deemed
~ake fi~ walt worth having, or at least, aclassic andjt~st how hard they need robe
renting. Re-scored wifia the original or- hit upside the head with the inteliigencc
chestra~:ion, it is a fascinating ,ook at d_m stick.
Nstory. Produ~din !92~.,itacmNiyholds If 3 ou re m the moodfor something in
tap wel! today, a more literary vein, I czm heartily recom-.
For those seekiv.g .lus~ a fun romp mend "Desrnond", by Ulysses Deitz. A
through vampire fi.hn!,’md with fang-in- weL writtensagaofamodemvampinthe
cheek, there s l~ngm Night", about a Anne Rice tradition, this one does not shy
vampireandhisghoul, who happens to be away from the fact that, yes indeed, the
male. They have a couple of lovely vamps are Gay. see Jim, p. 9
Tuesday, November 7
Election Day
HRC WATCH PARTY
Because win or lose, it’s good to be among friends
9 PM
3340 South Peoria, Tulsa, OK
Must be 21 - Cash Bar
HRC envisions an America where lesbian and
gay people are ensured of their basic equal rights.
You can help us do our work by joining us for
either or both of these events (or by joining
HRC - it’s just $35, call 584~2913 or email
hrctulsaoklahoma@aol.com).
HUMAN
RIGHTS
CAMPAIGN~
TULSA
Sunday, October 29th 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Helga’s Horribles
Present scenes from
"The Little Shop of Horrors"
!7th & Main, Tulsa, OK
Limited Seating
Call 584-~913 for reservations
Must be 21 - Cash Bar
A survey of books which Tulsa police
required to be shrinkwrapped in Borders’
October 14
8:00 pm
Friday
O~tober 20
21st St. location turned up at least 20
wrapped tifles over half of which were
Gay and Lesbian interest books, the other
half being mostly how-to sex guides for
heterosexuals. Among the Gay rifles were
serious art monographs on the mid-century
photographer, George Platt Lynes,
controversial photographer Robert
Mapplethorpe, and photographer David
LaChappelle. Also chosen were history
books like "Who’s a Pretty Boy Then?
150 Years of Gay Life in Pictures" and
"Nothing But the Girl, The Blatant Lesbian
Image" and "Gay Planet, All Things
for All Gay Men." Only one title of all
those wrapped, an art book by Tom of
Finland, appeared possibly to meet the
standard for shrinkwrapping.
The police move has raised alarm in
local ACLU (American Civil Liberties
Union) activists andGay community leaders.
William Hinkle, attorney, PFLAG
and ACLU activist responded to the police
actions, saying "[they] can’t d,~ that.
¯. absolutely [not]." Hinkle further characterized
the law as "blunt instrument,"
that if indeed the books were in violation
of an Oklahoma statute, then an arrest
should have been made. Kerry Lewis,
v?’g president of TOHR (Tulsa Oklaho~
mans for Human Rights) and an attorney
with a prominent Tulsa finn, called the
police actions "really kind of scary" and
indicated that TOHR was very interested
in the impact of this action. Lewis noted
thafthere appeared to be some other actions
on the part of Tulsa police, a recent
i.d.-check in a Tulsa club, that raised
concern about a resurgence of anti-Gay
harassment by Tulsa police.
Other issues:
Police Chief Ron Palmer stated that he
did not issue the order for this action. Nor
did Mayor Susan Savage know of the
incident. City standards do restrict city
councilors (legislative branch) from directing
city employees to-perform actions.
City councilor Gary Watts said that
the mayor and chief of police have given
permission for city councilors to talk directly
to majors and deputy chiefs but that
had he had a similar complaint he would
have told the constituent to call the police
directly. Watts said if a city councilor
gave an order to the police, it was wrong,
and if the officer took the order, it was
doubly wrong.
Corporate spokespeople for both Borderand
Barnes &Noble responded. Sandy
Spears, district manager for Barnes &
Noble said they follow state and local
ordinances but we don’t censor..." Borders
representatives in a conference call
claimed that they have a"dear dedication
to the First Amendment but they are also
conscious of the community they’re in."
Borders representatives claimed they have
always shrinkwrapped some books and
that some come that way from the printers.
(All of the Gay rifles TFN examined
had locally applied bar code tags under
the shrinkwrap indicating that these had
not originally been wrapped.
Borders representatives also claim that
any customer can remove shrinkwrap in
order to view a book but also acknowledged
that they post no signs to let customers
know about that option. They also
acknowledged that to some customers the
presence ofthe shrinkwrap was intimidating
- that it appeared to send a message
that the materials were illicit.
seeming concern about Gay patrons.
Tulsa County District Attorney Tim
Harris stated that he had not been consuited
before this action commenting that
he’ s often seen as acting in coordination
with this,sort of action but had not done
so. Borders spokespeople indicated that
they will send their regional management
to visit Tulsa stores sometime in the next
few weeks to review the situation.
See editorial: Censorship Throug,;~ Intimidation,
p. 3
No dancing around the subject here. And
it’ s a compelling story as well, with style
and wit. One of my favorites.
John Peyton Cooke’ s "Out for Blood"
is another excellent book with wall-written
characters and a fun romp through
vampland. It’ s worth hunting for in used
bookstores or garage sales, since it’ s unfortanately
out of print.
There are two anthologies out that are
worth the reading - the stories are hit and
miss, but there’ s more hits than misses, so
it’s worth the time - "Brothers of the
Night", and "Sons of Darkness", edited
by Michael Rowe and Thomas Roche.
The covers are awful, but it just goes to
prove the saying,"You can’ tjudge a book,
etc." I’d say about 95% of the stories are
excellent, which makes the 5% bearable.
And there’s something for everyone. I
usually don’ t care much for anthologies,
but these are worth picking up. Stay away
from"Vampires Anonymous". That’ s the
worst piece of dreck I’ ve read in many a
year of reading vampire fiction. That’ s it
for the "Things that go boink in the night
section." I mean, bump, yeah, bump!
Still, ifyouknow of anyone with a cape
And there’ s something for everyone. !
usually don’ t care much for anthologies,
but these are worth picking up. Stay away
from"Vampires Anonymous". That’ s the
worst piece of dreck I’ ve read in many a
year of reading vampire fiction. That’ s it
for the "Things that go boink in the night
section." I mean, bump, yeah, bump!
Still, ifyou know of anyone with a cape
feti sh, hates daylight, and has been around
200 years but only looks 30-something, is
allergic to garlic, and has a really good
immune system, send him to me... being
bitten can be fun, and the neck is one of
my favorite e-zones...
But by merely talking about the possibility
of arrests, they clearly raise that as
threat if the bookstore staff doesn’t do
what the police suggest/demand.
Also, troubling is the role of TulSa City
Councilor Todd Huston. While Chief
Palmer claims that Huston did not violate
city standards by contacting city staff
because he did not "order" them to take a
particular action (councilors are not permitted
to direct city staff but are required
to go through the executive branch, i.e.
the mayor or chief or deputy chiefs). But
any casual observer will see thatcomment
by an elected official to mid-level officers
is more likely to be heeded than the complaint
of an ordinary citizen.
And given the scandal related to former
city councilor Anna Falling about orders
given to city employees, Huston should
have gone through the chain of command
of the mayor or at least the chief ofpolice.
Surely then more consideration would
have been given to the dubious constitutionality
of this action, see Censor, p. 10
by Lamont Lindstrom
Last week my friend Henry heard a
thud. Henry was hanging out at his new
boyfriend’s apartment in San Francisco
when something big
crashed upstairs. "It’ s that
annoying yobbo in the
third floor apartment at it
again," or so they thought.
Henry’s boyfriend explained
that no one in the
building.liked the guy. He
was catty and manipulative-
the Richard Hatch of
the apartmentbuilding. No
boyfriends ever knocked
on his door.
Three days later an ambulance
arrived. Theparamedics
carried down a
body from the third floor.
Unlike TV’ s Survivor, the
neighbor was the first to
go, not the last. He had
been lying deadjust above
Henry’ s head for several
days. Luckily, San Francisco
weather can be cool,
even in September.
The ambulance drove
off but Henry still felt creepy. The guy
upstairs was no more butstill a presen,.~
remained. A few days later, Henry was
bending over working in the garden at the
back of the building. Suddenly he shivered.
It felt like someone was watching
him. He looked up quickly at the blank
window of the third floor apartment. Was
somebody still there?Was that aface? His
boyfriend’ s mother, too, got goosebumps
in the garage when she walked by the dead
guy’ s car. The bitter queen, it seems, was
now a ghostly voyeur.
Henry isn’ t thrilled to spend the night at
ahaunted apartment house, even one with
Gay ghosts. Death has been no stranger to
the Gay community, especially since the
early 1980s, andmany ofus are hauntedin
one way or another. Still, lurking spirits
who cling to home can be annoying (even
if good apartments are hard to .find in San
Francisco). Luckily, Henry’ s boyfriend
had already made plans to move. The
ghost can keep the place.
My friends on Tauna - a South Pacific
island I once haunted mysdf- were similarly
nervous about ghosts. Folks there
are prone to stumble across spirits at any
moment. Even though people mostly run
into the ghosts of dead loved ones (morn,
dad, grandpa), they aren’ t toohappy about
these encounters. If the dead are making
themselves known, there must be a reason.
Ghosts can help you. But they can
also hurt you too, especially if they are
I didn’ t meet a~y~Gay:gh~osts imTamaa
but there is a rather tricky Bisexual spirit
living on the island: the dreaded and seductive
Nakwa. People have sex with
ghosts. What we think are "wet dreams,"
Islanders ~+piaiii akOff~~akwa ~ptrit
sneaking ~tb bai With :thdm~. A mail: (a
straight on~ atl~ast)!~s that he is
having sex With ti ~tiful:w0man ~ but
it’ s actually the ~iiOst Onlypretending to
be a woman. Perfidious Nakwa steals the
dreamer’ s semen and then changes its sex
from female to male. It next creeps into
the bed ofa sleeping woman, appearing as
ahandsomeguy. Ithas sex with the sleeper
and impregnates her with sperm stolen
from its previous victim. Such ghostly
pregnancies can be deadly. The woman
"...Anthropologist
Sherry Ortner,
drawln~ on the
Freneh feminist
Simone Beauvoir,
~,~nee proposed that
’Man is to Culture as
Woman is to
Nature.’ Ortner was
seekln~ a reason for
why, almost everywhere,
people value
what men do more
than they value what
women do..."
¯ may die unless her false pregnancy is
~ diagnosed and treated by local healers.
," Ghosts you meet while awake can also
¯ make trouble._ One day a young woman
named Risi just vanished.
Her family panicked. Nobody
disappears in this intimate
society where everyone
always knows everyone
else’ s business. We
rushed to the graveyard
and blew triton shell trumpets
loudly to put-the spirit
world on nouce:
buuuuuuu! Village theory
was that the girl’s grandmother,
who had died the
previous year, had come
back to fetch Risi to keep
her company in "the other
side" - the world of the
spirits.
Four days later a somewhatbedraggled
Risi wandered
back into the village.
It wasn’t grandmother,
so it turned out,
but rather a handsome
ghost she didn’ trecognize.
¯ He grabbed her by the arm
and pulled her off deep into the forest -
¯ highup on the mountainside where people
¯ ordinarily are afraid to walk. Risi admit-
" ted that she had "cooked" for the spirit.
¯ Her folks immediately suspected that she
¯ and the ghost had had sex. When a girl ¯
¯ cooks for aguy, she’ slikely offeringmore
than just yams and taro.
¯ Somehow Risi managed to escape and
¯ find her way back home. Her family was
¯ going to have to be on guard the next few
¯ months to make sure that Risi hadn’t
¯ come home with a spirit child in her
¯ Womb. ¯
That was her story at least, and none
¯ doubted it - except me, just a little, but
¯ only becauseI’veneverrunintoanyhorny ¯
¯ ghosts myself. But when Henry told me
about his Gay ghost, I wondered if per-
" haps randiness is why the spirit refuses tO
¯ leave the building. The guy. got no saris-
" faction while aliVe; he now haunts lzs
¯ luckier neighbors ~ staring, for example,
," at Henry’s handsomebehind. Maybe
¯ Henry should ask the ghost out on a date. ¯
Hall6ween would be perfect.
Last but hardly least is the failure of the
bookstores to defend First Amendment
protections. What is most troubling was
the corporate response which was not to
reassure Gay & Lesbian customers that
our books will not be wrapped but which
was to defend their fight to shrinkwrap
books. Wrapping books, even if you can
open them (if you knOW to ask)C-sends a
message that some subjects a~ebad. It
isn’ t grand censorship in theformofmaking
the materials unavailable but it is petit
censorship and it is still objectionable~
This may seem a small issue - after ,all
it’ s just a bit of shrinkwrap -but this is
how rights are lost, through a slow process
of erosion. Citizens might want to
contact their councilors and demand that
we keep our police officers out of the
bookstores (and who knows what next,
our libraries?) and out on the streets.
Timothy .W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for
justice & equality for
Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury,
Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointmenls are available.
Are You Gay. or Bisex.ual?
Are YOU Native Amer|can?.
Tulsa’s Two-Spirited Indian Me¢n’s _ /
~uEpvpeonrtinGgrosuupppisorhtgerreoufoprmyoeue,tings ~j ’-
¯ Relationship workshops ~!~
¯ Short trips, outings and retreats
¯ Free H V testing
For information callTulsaNative American AIDS Prevention Project
IGTA member
Call 341.6866
nternationa
Toursformoreinformation.
Massage Therapy Services
Edgar O. Cruz, L.M.T.
Pager: 918-889-5255
Voice Mail: 918-697-9282
Lic. #C4133
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
:T]ulsa !s on!y
professional
body-piercing
College Hill
Presbyterian
Church
In response to God’ s Love,
College Hill Presbyterian Church
is a community of God’ s people
called to tall others the
Gospel of Jesus Christ
through worship,
service, and evangelism.
To nurture our faith, we gather for
worship, prayer,
study and fellowship.
Trusting in a living; loving God,
we seek to become a compassionate
voice for peace and justice.
Our congregation welcomes all
persons Who respond in trust and
obedience to God’s grace
in Jesus Christ,
"and d~sire to become part.lof tlie~
membership and ministry
of Christ’ s church.
Membership is open to all people
regardle..~s of race, ethnic origin,
worldly dondition,madtal statuS, or
, ’i, s~xual orientation.
Sunday Worship 11am
712 S. Columbia Ave., 592-5800
(One block west of Delaware and
the University of Tulsa Campus)
by Karin Gregory ;
By now votes are tallied and the facts ¯
speak for themselves: Dr. Laura ."
Schlessinger’ s television talk show, after ¯
being on air only three weeks, is going ;
into hiatus for "retooling."
Doesn’ t that mean a major
make-over? It does in my
vocabulary. It also means
"trouble.’"
This is probably-due
more to the fact that Dr.
Laura’s show is BORING
instead of controversial,
and has also landed dead
last in ratings among talk
shows on television (and
among many other shows
as well). However, I figure
that the people .over at
stopdrlaura.com are giving
themselves a pat on the
back for a job well done
since their first two protests,
in Chicago and Dallas
back in April, made the public more
aware of this woman’ s dangerous rantings.
These two major city demonstrations
weren’t the last, and August 26, Austin,
Texas held a protest outsideits CBS affiliate
station, KEYE-TV, "The Eye of Austi..".
The protest was organized chiefly by
stopdrlauraanstin.com. How do I know
this? I was on the front lines. Having
broken my footjust a week earlier, I went
down to march (as best I could) with other
Gay/lesbian/straight concerned citizens
who didn’t want the show to air at its
scheduled 4 pm ttme slot. Their reason?
CbJldren at home, many without parental
supervision, would watch Dr. Laura and
receive her message, thus ensuring that
homophobia stays alive and dangerous in
Texas. Every Fundamentalist Baptist is
ensuring that as we speak. We don’ t need
more help from a television talk show
wannabe.
Meeting with the assistant of
stopdrlaura.com, Andy Thayer, was an
experience. He’ s been to most of the Dr.
Laura protests in most of the states in the
country. That’ s lots of traveling. When I
heard there would be about one hundred
protesters, I was exhilarated and stopped
thinking about the pain inmy footandmy
hideous lack of sleep from the night before.
But as 11 am approached, it was
obvious there would only be about30--35
participants in this protest. The demonstmtionoutside
the television stationlasted
approximately anhour, alongafairlykigh
traffic areain Austin. Mostcars that drove
by included sympathizers, those agaiast
the Dr. Laura talk show.
Weheard from a local Christian miaister
who had recently officiated at the
funeral of a Gay boy killed in a bashing.
He said that for a week after the funeral he
listened to a local Christian radio station
and heard endless Gay bashing from the
"Christians." He made the point that not
only should weblame Dr. Laurafor spreading
hatred about Gays, and this radio
station, but we should ultimately look to
ourselves to see what .we could do to
prevent this abysmal crime from happening
again. Withonly35protesters present,
it looked like the rest of the Gay/Lesbian]
Bisexual/Transgendered community of
Austin just didn’t care. Do you care? Do
you have what it takes to stand on a street
corner and protest? Sure you do. That’s
the easy part. The difficulty comes in our
everyday lives when we continually hide
"...Do you have what it
takes to stand on a street
corner and protest~
Sure you do.
That’s the easy part.
The dlffieulty comes in
our everyday lives when
we eontlnuaily hide who
we are, or when we just
want someone else to take
up the cause because it’s
become too dlffieult
beatin, our heads aCalnst
that wall.. 7
who we are, or when we just want someone
else to take up the cause: because it’ s
become too difficult beating our heads
against that wall. Having that door
slammed in our face. Being turned down
for thatjob. Tryingto reach
a community that should
understand one another,
but instead tries to fight
forMs/her space and keeps
others out. Only when we
stand united will anyone
take us seriously. Look
what that’s done for the
religious right. They have
a whole damn political
party on their side. Join
the battle for yourselves
and your partners. As they
sing in Les Miserables,
"This is the music of a
people who will not be
slaves again." Join in the
crusade. You won’ t know
what you’ re missing until
you do.
¯ Lesbian couples break up; separate--It
was bound to happen, you say. It couldn’ t
" last forever, especially in Hollywood.
: Well, one couple breaks up ("I could have
¯ seen that coming from day one") and one
¯
couple separates ("This was out of left
." field"). The former quote could be said of
¯ the break up of the three and a half year ¯
relationship ofEllen DeGeneres andAnne
; Heche. Umm, not too surprising. In fact,
¯ since thenews was armounced1as tmonth,
tabloids have announced the reasons for
¯ the breakup: Ellen Finds Anne in Bed
¯ With Another Woman; Ellen Finds Anne
¯ in Bed With Another Man; Ellen’s Ex
Pregnant. I-Immm, why doesn’t ELLEN
¯ get any action? The day the couple an-
. nouncedtheirbreakup, A~tme Heche"sup-
¯ posedly" went for a drive in very sunny, ¯
hot weather with the top down on the
¯ convertible. Not too swift for someone
: SO fair skinned. Later, after "suppos-
¯ edly" suffering heat stroke,Anneknocked
¯
on a stranger’s door and began talking
." about God and spaceships. Ellen, if you
¯ were theonewhokickedherout, all Ihave ¯
tosayis: Waytogo, Grrl!
; More surprising was the. separation of
; rock star Melissa Etheridge and ten year
¯ partnerJulieCypher. Again, anotherpress
." announcement.Whatisitaboutthesefour
¯ women that makes them tell all to the
¯ world? In this case, Etheridge and Cypher
¯ split on extremely amicable terms, even
; buying two separate houses next d~or to
;- one another, so their children won t feel
the separation. They will still have their
¯ two mommies beside them. Well, that’ s a ¯ way to do divorce all right, especially
¯ withchildreninvolved.However, theway
¯ Melissaimmortalizes her andJulie’ s fights ¯
into her songs, I can’ t wait for Melissa’ s
¯ next album, already being recorded.
¯ Can anything be learned from these ¯
separations?Well,if you’re a Witty come-
" dielme, don’ t get involved with a flalse. If
¯ you have one of the strongest pers0nali-
," ties on the planet, then maybe you
¯ shouldn’tgetinvolvedwiththeotherstron- ¯
gest personaiiiy on the planeL in other
¯ words, You can "come to:my windoff"
¯ because ’Tmthe only one",b~tyoubett~
not be"stronger thmi me" or I n~ighthave
¯
a "breakdown."
¯ Gregory, a former schoolteacher and
¯ journalist is based in Ft. Worth. Her cur¯
rent theme song appears to beJillSobule ’s
"I Kissed a Girl."
Walk for Life 2000
8th Annual
Tul,sa AIDS Walk
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30am
Veteran’s Park, 21st & Boulder
For more information, call 585-5551.
Donations will be increased by 50% with
matching dollars through the generosity of
the Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Walk is
sponsored by the Community Service
Council, and will benefit the Tulsa Community
AIDS Partnership (TCAP).
The Walk is an all volunteer effort and there
are no administrative costs.
Tulsa Family News is proud to donate this advertisement in support of the Walk
and the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership (TCAP)
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
[2000] Tulsa Family News, October 2000; Volume 7, 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
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
October 2000
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Hughston Walkinshaw
Rights
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
Relation
A related resource
Tulsa Family News, September 2000; Volume 7, Issue 9
Format
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Image
PDF
Online text
Language
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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)---newspaper
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/605
AIDS
Al Gore
aMUSEments
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
arts and entertainment
Bars
Boy Scouts
businesses
Catholic Church
censorship
churches
Community Center
contraception
Families
gay bashing
Gay Games 2002
Gay marriage
Gay Studies
healthcare
HIV prevention
HIV testing
homelessness
Human Rights Campaign
Jim Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Lamont Lindstrom
Log Cabin Republicans
marriage equality
Murder
Openarms Youth Project
Parents
Partner Benefits
partner rights
performing arts
PFLAG
Raging Lesbian
Red Cross
Red Rock Tulsa
restaurants
Rich Tafel
Tom Neal
Tulsa AIDS Walk
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Police Department