Coors Boycott Hits Rochester
by J. Bowker
Being the center of contrwersy is nothing new
to the Adolph Coors Company of Golden, Col-
orado. Thtre has been a nationwide boycott of
its beers for neariy ten years. Aldiough Coofs beer
has been sold in Rodiester Sor less than two
months, local residents already have joined the
boycott to protest Coors* offenses gainst gays and
lesbians, women, persons of color, Coors' own
workers, and the environment.
* park managemem. A tmn in Santa Cruz prohibits
Documentation exists that Coors has required
lie-detector or polygraph tests <^ applicants as a
prerequisite for being hired. In some cases, ap-
plicants have been asked a list of personal or
degrading questions before the polygraph to com-
pare results. Questions asked have included 'tAre
you married?'', "How often do you have sex?",
"What is your sex orientation?**, "Could you be
blackmailed for anything in your past?", "What
is your religion", and "How many bank accounts
do you have?"
Twelve-page questonnaires have replaced thc
lie-detector tests, according to Unity, published
by the AFl.-CIO. But the questions remain the
same. And drug testing is now used,
drug testing is now used.
The intrusion of applicants' and workers'
privacy, akmg with Coors* considerable influence
on anti-gi^ right wing organizations such as the
Moral Majority, led gay rights acdvists to join the
1977 boycott of Coors beer initiated by the labor
.i|^»veinem. Thc AFL-CIO started to boycott
Coore ^Mfhen BiKwery iMcniDeft J-ocvtytS^ became
decertified after a strike to protest Coors' lie
detector tests.
In 1985, Coors unsuccessfully sued gay activist
Howard >^lace on die IMsst Coast. The Com-
pany had wanted to obtain a conftdential mailii^
list used by the Coors boycott group. A Califor-
nia District Court judge threw the case out of
court.
In Rochester, no gay bar carries Coors beers,
although The Liberty did so fbr a short while.
I^ul's Grocery, traditionally a gi^ and lesbian-
supportive business, does stock Coors, however.
City Councilmember Tim Mains is meeting
with several bar owners to discuss and formulate
a plan for formal action against Coors. "Fm per-
sonally boycotdng Coors as well as the businesses
that sell it," Mfains said in April. He hopes to
see the community become educated about the
Coors Company's products as well as its practices.
Coimcilman Mains was on hand March 25 to
picket an open house held by Wright-Wisner
Distribudng Corp. to promote Coors products
with retailers. Mains joined Jim Ide and John No-
ble of the Rochester Lesbian and G ^ I^3l itical
Caucus, as well as several g ^ s , lesbians, and
boycott supporters from the AFL-CIO Labor
Council to picket the open house in frortt of Minctt
Hall on the Motiroe County Fairgrounds. The na-
tionwide boycott is endorsed by such groups as
the National Organization of Women. National
Educational AssociatfbA, Stonewall Democratic
Oub. and locally, die Gay Alliance of die Genesee
\Wley.
In April, a rebellkMB form of the Coors Boycott
was noted in Rochester as "guerrillas" invaded'
area supermarkets with "Boycott Coors" stickers
which were applied u> beer cases, saki Jack Spula,
Director of die Peace and Justice Education
Center in Rocfaester. He added diat shopping cans
by Howard PoUadc
Last Month, the Coors Company began
distributing its beers around New York State, in-
cluding Rochester. Coors has been the target of
a nationwkle boycon that is supported by most
gay and lesbtan organizations. J. Bowker explains
why the boycott is in effect, and how
Rochesterians are reacting to it.
Last month also marked the release of a new
repon from the local area task force on AIDS.
Sue Cowell. locally prominent both as a nurse
practitioner and a gay activist, summarizes its fin-
d i i ^ . WB hwe also reprinted some of the report's
many chans. Those interested in obtaining a copy
shopping carts have been filled to die top with
cold Coors beer, then left to wann up in the aisles.
Nationwide, many busincA^es and
municipalities have refused to deal with Coors*
products. Coors beer will not be sold at the Boston
Red Sox's home fidd, Fenway Park, diss year, a f ^
an agreement was made between openly gay
Boston City CourKilman David Scondras and
city participation in any event sponsored by
Coors. The Syracuse Common Council has taken
similar actions.
Gays and lesbians were excluded from a \ ^ e n -
tine*s D ^ benefit run for the American Heart
Association in Portland, Oregon. The event was
designed, promoted and sponsored by Coors. A
brochure about the Coors Couples Run stated
seven times that same-sex couples were exclud-
ed from running. Special Events Coordinator for
the Heart Association, Catherine Crooker, was
told by Coors that the running strength of same-
sex couples would not be comparable to that of
mixed couples. She suggested that questions or
criticisms be addressed to the Coors Company
because "the American Hean Association in
Oregon does not discriminate against gays or any
other group. After all, heart disease isnon-
discriminatory.'*
Adolph Coors Co. Chairman William C o o n
oittvaged blacks ia 1984 w b m nirafri•§ at M
Denver aemifur for minority busmeis ovMiers.
He blamed economic problems in black-governed
African nations on race: "They lack the intellec-
tual capacity lo succeed, and it's taking tfiem down
die tubes." Ke aided, **One of die best things diQ^
(slave traders) did to you is drag your ancestors
over here in chains."
More recently, the Coors Co. has tried to ap-
pease blacks and Hispanics by "investing " in
minority businesses and organizations. Many of
these pubtic relations effons carry stipulations,
for instance, that Coors funding will increase or
Gays Join membera of the AFL*CIO in picketing a Coora diatributor in
fiont of Minett Hail» the Monroe County Fairground.
of the report shouki consult the end of Coweirs
anicle.
Sue CowMell also has written a cotnmentary on
the subject of mandatory pre-marital testing of
AIDS, the topic of an editorial published in last
motith*s Errtpty Closet. As»»nblyman Gary Pro-
ud also responds to this editorialfayway of a letter.
We are happy to announce the 1987 Vinnie-
Vicki Cup winners: Gary Hallinen and BartNtra
Debes. Joe I^dcyz, on reprieve from his AIDS
reponing, spoke with Hallinen and M. L. Miller
spoke with Debes. And Libby Pickeririg took the
photos for our featured talks with the winners.
Also honored this year was Sister Cheryl, who
WIS awarded tlie Vicki Russo Humanitarian Award
John Noble and Jim Ido at the March 25th demonstration.
decrease depending on the amount of tieer con-
sumed by pe<^1e of color. This action by Coors
nuiy be responsible for splintering the groups
boycotting its beers, to weaken the boycott and
,m l a n m Coon* fiaaaciai i<ma» lirein it.
S«ci«t activa^ fay Coora has lieea fn evldtS^ce
for years; in the 1920's, Ku Klux Klan meetings
were sanctioned on company grounds. William
Coors asked employees to write their legislators
to fight against the Civil Rights Act, before it pass-
ed in 1964.
The Coors Co. also has enraged environmen-
talists and those who work for a safe workplace.
The National Catholic Reporter reported in 1983
that Coors dumped "tens of thousands of gallons
of industrial waste into a Lowry, Colorado land-
fill.*' Even moie distuibir^ were other reports that
pholo credit: J. Bowkm-
— not to be confused with die Vicki Cup! Tom'
Krolak was at die GAGV Annual Dinner, where
Sister Cheryl received this honor.
Alao in this issue: Mlack on g^ys ousted from
Gitsis; Wn Husen on a new group for disabled
C ^ . EDGE: M. A. on die soMall season;
M l a c k on die local premiere of Stmday in dte
fbrk\ Heloise; Miss Laveme; and Krolak on
Margaret Puller.
Please note: our distinguished typesetting tnd
printing company. Downtowner Publicttions, has
nothing to do with the newspaper. Dowrttown
Magazine. Recendy, in the wake of an offensive-
ly anti-gay piece by /XTMWIOMVI Magazme, we
received angry calls about our Ml^ed associa-
photo credit: J. Bowtor
Cooxs was fined only $810 for improper handl-
ing of a .chemical dmt killed two workers in 1982.
OSHA official inspectors were turned a w ^ the
same year, after citir^ Coors twice with viola-
t i o n of %a^kty laws.
Coors long has been known for being anti-
union, and for supponing the conservative John
Birch Society, Pliylliss Schlaffly^s Eagle Forum
(anti-ERA), and the Heritage Foundation,
which recommends elimination of student work-
study programs and other student aid. The U.S.
Council for World Fieedom, supported by Coors,
funnels $500j000 per month to Nicaraguan con-
tias. The Heritage Foundation, founded by Joseph
Coors, wrote the Family Proteaion Act, a piece
of legislation which would deiiy maiiy forms of
social services and government programs to gays
and lesbians.
The Coors' political influence reaches as far
as the White House. The Coors fiunily maintains
a long-standing friendship with the Reagans.
Coors influenced the appointment of James Wbtt
as Secretary of the Interior and Anne Gonich Bur-
ford as Director of the Environmental Protection
Agency. Both appointees were forced to resign.
There were also strong pressures to make Jo&ph
Coors successsor to Presidential Advisor, Edwin
Meese.
The National Coors Boycott has liecn suc-
cessful. Its grip has drained profits and redticed
market sales. In 1977, when the boycott began,
Coors marketed in II states and produced 14
million barrels annually. They now market in 46
stales and produce less than IS million barrels per
year, even with the addition of several new labels
of beer. In the five years since WTi^ sales drop-
ped in California from a 45% maiket share to
2056.
Tbo many offenses by the Adolph Coors Com-
pany has created a mistrust atnong Rochesterians
who see past the anractive. new billboards and
glossy ad campaigns. Gay and lesbian
Rochesterians would be proud to remember the
Coors Company tfiat t h ^ shut off in 1987 in order
to preserve their rights and dignity.
tion with the newqsaper.
Hearty thaida from the staff of the Empty
CXotier IDtfKboard of die GACV for graatii^ $150
to the women's sofdMll team, the Empty Ckisets,
10 alkiw it to join a league. More on this in M.A.'s
anicle.
A t i best wishes to Rosemary CahiU, our
esteemed staffmember and fonner £ C editor, for
a very speedy nacGMery. Wb want yoo back writing
articles soon!!
Tills moath^s staff aicctlBg te oa TWaday,
May 5; at 7:90 piai. la tiK loaaee af tlw GAGV,
• t TO Mowvc >bc. Anyone laicrcslcd l i iBvltod
toattcad.
 EMPTYCLOSET May 1987
Dy U W J U U l l w l f •
Some 30 yeais «go» Rosa IWcs, a black woman,
took a seat in the fiont.of a bus in Montgomery,
Alnbttna. The policx ovderBd her off. This event
helped ignite a diain reaction that climaxed with
die Civil Righcs bills of the 1960s.
Last summer, Andy AUocco and Matt Fleig
were ordered off Duiand Bench for stMwii^ af-
fectKNi in public. T h ^ had offended a few non-
gay sunbattiers, much as Rosa Vasks had offend-
ed some white passengers.
And otir local estaMishmem responded with the
same indifference as that of Montgomery,
Alabama of the 1950s: There was no admisskm
from the Sheriffs Depanment diat the police had
acted un&iriy; no courts willing or M e to ad-
dress the matter; no promises that it would not
happen again.
liie whole business has been a nightmare for
Matt and Andy. Publicly humiliated, they have
tried to win some redress for this monifying ex-
perience. But justice remains a closed book to
them.
Consequently, they have organized a protest to
be held o n D u r a n d Beach o n Mertiorial Day. T h e
ugliness ofthe situation seemed to call for some
response other than just siandii^ there and tak-
">S It-
Matt and Andy have asked g i ^ and non-gays
to show their suppon by joining tbem for this
demonstration. They are hoping for 50 people,
a pahiy nuinber considering aU the gq^s and syxn-
pathetic non-gays there are in Monroe County.
Sofer,t h ^ have elkilBd betterresponsefrom les-
bians than from gay men, which is
understandable.
Sheriff Meloni has hardly helped by stating
publicly that he will not offer aiiy special protec-
tion fbr the piotesu>rs, saying that he does not
*^ink** diere'll be any trouble.
In spite of apathy and imimidation, there
hopefully will be a good turn-out. This is a rare
opponunity to show Monroe County that its gay
population, indeed, that its emire population, is
prepared to stand up for basic human rights.
This incident may noc pnA^ as epochal as Rosa
I^k*s femous bus ride. But that femous bus ride
only became important because of the people will-
ing to come to Rosa I^rk*s defense.
ADVBRtlSUWG P O U C Y : Tfie Bmpty Ctoaet fk)C5
Thc Bmpty Chatt is produoed eleven times a year
(Dttccmbo^ and January combined) by tbe Empty not print advertisemeots which have nude drawings
Ooset Press for tbe Gey AUiance of Geneaee VaUey, or photographs in them. The Bmpty Oomt docs not
inc. Approximately 3,500 copies of each issue are print advertising which suggests Uiat tbe persoo pic-
distributed during the first week of tbe month by tured in the ad is for sale or that you WiU "get" that
maU and carrier. Subacriptians are available for $9 particular person if you patroniae the estebfishment
per year, the newspaper is mailed ib a plain aealed which is advertised.
envelope. Tbe pubtication of the name or photograph Advertisements which are expbdtiy aexiaf, radst.
of any person or organlzaOon in articles or advertis- or ageist wiU be refused. Advertisements firom
ing is not an indication of the sexual or affectioikal organizations or busineases wfaich are aexiat, racist.
orientation of .that person or the m e m b r s of that atci«t. or anti-gay as a m«tter of pobcy wiU be rehis-
xkrganiatioR. ed.
Por publication, submit news items, lelteis. stories, U s e 5fp»«*—« of coluiiisitota SBMI o t h e r coo-
poetry, and art by maU or in person to the Entpty trlbutlaB writcra m e t h e i r o w n amd d o a e t
Ct099t office by tbe 20th of the month. Por advertis- neceaawlly tvfloct t h e collective attltucle of the
ing. jMbmit ad information by the 15th of the inonth. Gay A t t n a c c of Geneaee VaHey or t h n Bmpty
XMgn. services for material not camera-ready are Ckwet.
omilable for an additional fee.
Pot further information, plesse write to The Empty
Closes Press, 713 Monroe Ave., Rochester. NY Etfnor:
14607. or caU 244-9030 and leave a message.
Howsftf PoUack
STATEMENT O F PURPOSE: The Bmpty Ooaet is
tbe o f f i ^ pubUcation of the Gay Alliance of' Anociat* EdMor
Cenesec Valley, Inc. as stated in the by*iaws of that S«wCow«H
organization. Its purpose is to inform the Rochester
gay community about local and national gay-related PmifKiMg MUHMMNHT
news and events; to provide a forum for ideas and 8lnph«nl« Sinith
creative work from the local gay community; to help Sccrvtary:
promote useful leadership in the community; and to
be a part of a national network of lesbian and gay
Robyn FfMh
publications which exchange ideas and seek to Graphics:
education. StMwnOMQOl
A part of our purpose is to maintain a middle posi-
iypnn«tting:
tion with respect to the entire community. We must
Downtowner PitfbHcations
be careful to present all viewpoints in a way that
takes into consideration the views of all others
women, men, those of color, young or old, annd*
those from various walks of life

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OEM(X:RAT ANO CHRONICLE. ROCHESTER, N Y . TUESDAY. A P « L M . tse?

BUm^SS
Parlcleigh dropping
pharmacy tomorrow
The owner of Parkleigh bid» farewell to
the p u t tomorrow, doHini; down the
store's pharmacy department
The move reflecta a market wlmae
make-up has chanced aa radicaUy as the
store itself in 28 yean, says Bruce Koat,
president of P a r U e i ^ Enterprises I n c
Kost cfaanged the name from Parkleigh
Prescription Pharmacy about a month
aga
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW
"We retained it as a aervice to the com-
munity/* he says of the pharmacy depart-
ment "But it got to the point of such
diminiahiag returns it became impoaaible
TRADITION
363 East Avenue 326-4880
to mainuun.**
When Kost bought thc business in
1960. it was 25 years oM and in the heart
of the medical distnct Pharmacy salea
acocMnied fur 100 percent of revaiuie.
Today, they account for less than 10
percent of sales.
What was unce a neighborhood drug-
stof* is now a specialty depaitment store.

Ooset
e^sKort.

WATCH IheEmi
CLOSELY Yes, I wont to a Subscrit>e!
NOW ... a Renewl
In o plain brown envelope, plooM sond o orrb ^%ar, eleven Issue tubtcrlpllon of
t i e Emply Oo80» tD t w name and addrets below. Enctosed Is a $8 check or money
order () 10 lor ouMde me USA).

the
Name

h
215 PARK A^^NUE
244^4643
MON-fRi9^
SAT 9 ^
SUN 9-2 Rmium to:
E.C. PTMft, 713 Monroe Avenue, Rochester^ NY 14007
^iCwytyaoeeiyeM'oowiblnee Oeoember end Jinuefy in oiw
0m
 r '9: f t.- t m y j r *• 1^ If- *r -r ^ y ^ r ^ e ^ v r - J k j ^ - : ^ w ^ ^ ^ m - * «•-» r--*"**** * * * ^-ir.*.-*-.*:*.'^ • • • * . * , - r . * . * •^.*J!»:»i^7^ ,*.•», *'»*f

May 1987
• ' - ' '. 'x * ^

EMPTY CLOSET
y r-i^'^:-

^rtpfy C/osef Editorial,

^'Proud-pliobic"
l b tlw EdHor:
i must, in die interest of providing your readers
wkh a tmly accurate account of my sponsorship
of t^isUttion mandating pre-marriage AIDS
testing, respond to and take issue with your
ectitorial appearing in the April, 19S7 edition of
the Empty Closet. That editorial provides an im-
fak and inaccurate description of my bill, A.1307,
and furthermore, implies that my overall
l^slative response to the AIDS proMem and the
needs of the gay community of Rochester has been
one-sided.
hk.stly, A. 1307 would mandate HIV antibody
Mood tests for marriage license supplicants before
licensing, not, as your editorial stated, for
"newlyweds." Therefore, the main purpose of the
mandate would be to provide such applicants with
die ability to make an informed decision as to their
marriage plans. The bill, if law, woutd not pro-
hibit the marriage of anyofte testing positive, and
in ^ t would provide for them the same level of
confidentiality and opportunity for post-testing
counselling as are now available under voluntary
testing procedures.
Your editorial was correct in stattng that testing
is not a bad idea. The Federal govemment is is
currently exploring the use of AIDS testing for
all patients admitted to hospitals and for all woinen
seddng pre-matal care. The Harvard Law Review
(Vol. 99, pg. 1292 (1986)), in an article entitled,
"The Constitutional Rights of AIDS Carriers,"
concludes that, "legislators interested in AIDS
control should encourage widespread testing,
education, and research . . .** Which leads me to
my second objection to the April, 1987 editorial.
Aside from being a vague and inaccurate
description of A. 1307. your editorial appears to
be a thinly veiled attack on my record regarding
the AIDS epidemic and the needs of Rochester's
gi^ comnmnity in general. Contrary to your im-
plications that my record on these areas is mark-
ed by homophobia and setf-righteotisness,
I would point out the foltowing: 1) that
my record on AIDS reads like the Har-
vard Law Review — tcstiitg, ediicatk>n and
research. I have supported all three, "four own
paper (June, 1986; pg. 6) described niy efforts to
obtain $5j000 in funding for AIDS Rochester,
Inc., and I have cons^tently supponed increased
ftmding for AIDS research and education efforts.
2) that I have, in die post, voted Jbr die Gay Civil
Rights bill, and I intend to do so again.
In short, I feel that it is you who have done a
disservice to niy gf^ constituency by painting a
portrait of iny efforts which is characterized by
"Proud-piiobia** and a distinct lack of construc-
tive, weU-inforaKd criticism. Once again you have
editorially bitten the hand ofa state iegislalor who
is responsive to the needs and concerns of your
readership.
Though you undoubtedly will disi^ree with this
letter, I hope that your sense of fiiimess will allow
diis letter to be printed, and that you will thereby
allow me the ctumce lo give my side of the storv.
\fours,
Gery Proud
Member of Assembly
Aren't
Your Rights
Worth $10
Please make check payable to:
NYSLQL LOBBYIST FUND
Poet Office Box 932
Mbany, NY 12201
"It's t i m e to take o u r
h e a d s out of t h e sand..."
by Sue CoweU, R. N. the direSboM of an "exploskm of AIDS."
Tve been active in AIDS education in the Yes, not every doctor, nurse or coimsdor win
Rochester area for 5 years. I started in 1982 prepare someone for testing as well as tbqr
because I was asked to, not because I wanted to. deserve. But it is also the right and reiqponstbili-
My involvement was sought by Dr. Rush and Dr. ty of the individual to seek the advice and sup-
Steigbigel of die Infectious Disease Unit at Stroi^ port from someone who is knowledgable. ISssting
Memorial Hospital. They knew this disease was does have a role when done with counseling, con-
real, and they reached out to other people like fkientiaiity, confirming tests and consem. As a
me in their effort to convince others. person seeking testing, this should be provided
Commtmity education began in 1982 with the along with any testing whether voluntary or
first screening clinic for AIDS. More people got mandatory.
involved. Many were like me and got involved not Yes, there are costs involved with testing. But
because they wanted to, but because it needed to there are costs with getting sick and infecting
be done. C^KC involved, it doesn't take long to
others. As more testii^ is done in the military and
convince yourself that this disease is real.
the blood bardcs with "low risk people,'* HIV in-
Now it*s 1987 and it*s no longer a disease of fection is being discovered at higher rates than
"imknown etiology" as it was once described. expected. And ifyou were the I in IjOOO to have
And gay community leaders no longer scoff at a positive test, would you care that the odds were
the idea of a cancer that primarily affects gay peo- IjOOO to 1 against having a positive test?
ple. Yet there are still too many people that don't Today, in 1987 you are either at risk or not at
see AIDS as their issue and would prefer to stick risk. Not at risk means you practice safe sex all
their head in the sand. And while educators im- the time and have done so for at least several
plement and research creative ideas to get the years. Low risk is irrelevant ifyou acquire infec-
message across, more people get infected and tion as have young college students who were at
more people die. "tow risk." And practicing safe sex means every
It's imperative that everyone start to deal with time you have sex, not just some of the time.
this disease as something real. And even though
increased testing of those at risk for infection is
unpopular for many reasons, I feel compelled to
support increa.sed HIV testing because the results
may save the lives of innocent and unknowing
people.
Many gay leaders have taken strong stands
against mandatory pre-marital testing or man-
datory testing of any kind. Yet as a gay leader and
a health professional, I feel it's time to uke our
heads out of the sand.
\bs, I have concerns about civil rights and
abuses. But the solution is to fight for protection
and use the legal system, f^eople are needlessly
dying as we debate. The disease we see today
reflects transmission from several yeans ago. By
1991 more people will die from AIDS d%an died
in the entire Vietnam V/ar. And if predictions of
the Surgeon General come true, wc are sitting on

David A. Bischoping

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 EMPTYCLOSET M^f 1M7
F r o m t h e President
bgr Horace L c l M i r i d g r
Beiiv Presktent of GAGV is not only an honor,
H t»a challeiige. Here we are, mid-way in the 18
laoiidcs, and I am still learning what the
dnltenges are! I guess the bottom line is that the
challenges change from month to month.
So what are the current challeogeS? One of
1987*s biggies is the October March in
^Atehinglon. T\M> ofour Errtpty Closet voluiHeeis,
Robyn Freeh and Jennie Bowker, have been to
Albany to begin involvement in the plannirig, and
we*l\ be rallying Rochester support between now
and October. Mfe plan on a vital comingent frpm
Rochester to mareh, and hopefully couple
representation at the evening couple ceremony
October 11. The latter is our great opportunity na-
tionally to let our society know that gays and les-
bians ALSO enjoy intimate Ibngterm
relationships.
The second biggie in 1987 is our ongoing hous-
ing fund push. As most of you know, we began
die current pusn widi $5^900 accumulated from
die annual pkmics of 1985 and 1986. Since dien
we have made significant progress by doubling
our SSjOOO toSKMXX) in8 months. That's cause
for celebration... but not neariy enough to meet
our needs.
So what are our needs? > ^ need a place for
space to do more of what we do well. Currently
to get to where we live, one walks down garbage
alley and up a flight of narrow stairs to cramped
quarters where we have no kitchen and two tiny
offices which burst at their seams...for
$6XXX)/year. We need a place with space that will
be visibly positive, room in which we can pro-
vide social and educational experiences. These
must include a l o u r ^ , library, and meeting spaces
for contiguous groups, ranging from small groups
to dinners and dances.
How can we raise more money? Vfe have plans.
Each month we will be publishing a calendar of
forthcoming events, all of which will include an
element of fundraising. For example, we have very
special plans for an area at the annual picnic Ju-
ly 5 where people can have fiMn and GAGV can
cs^m money. The calendar will help everyone see
what to do that will combine pleasure and a way
of helping. The calendar will also include events
planned by other local gay and lesbian fimdrais-
ing organizations, so we won't overlap.
Vfe will also continue with other methixis begun
last fall. For example, the Founders Club
($IOO/person) now has 24 members. That means
there is room for 76 more members. Buffolo rais-
ed SlQjOOO a few years ago with this method. Sure-
ly Rochester can do as well or better! Donors will
have their names on a plaque, if they wish. Vbu
can donate by sending in your check or money
order, earmarking it Founders Club.
Another method we began last fell is called
"breaking bread for dough," which for unclear
UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
JUNE 30 10:30 pm-1:30 am moonlit cruise on the
Spirit of Rochester on Lake Ontario,
cash bar. max. 500 people.
JUNE 29 Fashion show at Jazzberries
JULYS GAGV annual picnic, Genesee Valley Park
JULY 6 Fashion show at Jazzberries
AUGUST 2 2:30 to 5:30 pm cruise on Spirit of
Rochester on Lake Ontario, cash bar, max
500 people
AUGUST Date Auction
SEPTEMBER Dance
CXTOBER Oktoberfest, lodge at Mendon Ponds.
hayride
NOVEMBER Thanksgiving dinner, potluck
DECEMBER Dressup Dance
JANUARY Winter Carnival/Mardi Gras
reasons has not begun lo fly. That*s puzzling,
because even though 2j000 show up at the annual
picnic, that only begins to touch the TlOyOOO in
Monroe County.
'*Breaknig bread for dough" recognizes the
need for many people to remain in the
bMckground, because it is a quiet way of engag-
ifig people in a w r t h y cause at a social event
(ranging from a break&st to a cocktail party to
a formal dinner). The cause can be 4jgnified and
authemtcaled via primed cards we have available,
so that each of YDU can contact those invisible
networks by inviting your friends and acquain-
tances to a pleasurable social event with the pur-
pose of enjoying and fundraising.. .in a prtvate
place, your home.
Come join us; we need you. l b obtain cards,
simply call Monday, Tuesday or Mfednesday mor-
nings from 9 to 12 (244-8246), or Monday
through Saturday evenings 7:30 to 9:30, leaving
a message (244-8640). Vh also can provide a
slide shew to show graphically our needs and
goals.
Library Open Sundays
We're pleased to announce that Tom, our
librarian, will be present to open the lounge each
Sunday 1:30 to 3:30. These new hours mean that
thc GACJV lounge will be open routinely two to
three hours each d ^ of the week.
The lounge also be open Monday, Ibesday and
Wenesday mornings 9 to 12, and each evening
except Sunday from 7:30 lo 9:30.
Meeting Scheduled
Friday Bridge Club
A new addiction is clearly observable on Samr-
d ^ nights at GAGV coffeehouse: BRIDGE.
Players are so intent on their bidding "fix" that
some social amenities melt away as onlookers try
to talk with players. Attention spans are strained
by the hubbub; frequently heard is "What dkl you
annual GAGV picnic is Sunday afternoon, July
5. The first committee meeting to coordinate
bid?" Furthermore, some onlookers, intrigued by
the intensity of the players, are asking to leam.
volunteers and all they can give to plannmg and
facilitating the picnic is: Tuesday evening. May
So, we're developing a bridge club on Friday
evenings, at the GAGV lounge. There is the poten-
tial for a spring and fell tournament, a marathon,
and contract bridge. Beginners are welcome;
lessons will be offered by peers, some of whom
have leamed recently and are eager to share.
A fee of fifty cents will cover cost of beverages.
Bring snacks ifyou wish. Bidding gets underway
at 8 p.m. every Frklay evening. Call John at
467-0^7 for more information.
May 1987 EMPTY CLOSET 5
Sister CherylLee Awarded Russo Cup at GAGV Annual Dinner
ANNOUNCING WE'RE ON by Thooutt Krolak
The nole from my ft»tune cookie sakl, "A love
to see more women attend. There is also a new
Frkby n i ^ bridge club.
A vote was then taken conceming a change in
She described the organization as ^thriving." Its
membership has increased so that its executive
committee now has four members. Beskies
separate from the Vicki Cup given at the Bachefor
Forum.
BUILDINO FUND
FOUNDERS CLUB
OUR }NPYl affidr will take on a new dimension." So much
for forttuie-telling. So much, also, for niy nile to
sample just a little from each course of a Chinese
dinner. By the time ray &vorite dish, chKken with
the Gay Alliance constitution. Approval, fay a
showjof hands, was given to lengthenirkg the term
of the GAGV Preskient from six months to one
ineeting on the first and third ^^^nesday nights
of each inonth, the LRC now has Suix^y brun-
ches. It also has. Craft continued, an artist's group
Sister Cheryl befongs to die order of St. Joseph.
She is the liaison between the gay conmiunity and
the Rochesier Catholic Dkx:ese; a chaplain 10 D/I;
and a youth minister at St. Christofter's Church
lemon slices arrived, my palate could noc be in- year. This, Lethbridge pointed out, would give and an outing group. She sakl that the LRC hokis in Noith Chili. In 1983 she helped to gain pass^e
We aace seeking 100 peo- dtdged much more. "moie continuity'* to the office, allowing a new a coffeehouse on the last Satimij^ of each month. of the gay rights ordinance by the Rochesier city
ple, businesses, groups, to The menu was a good enough reason to attend president more time to team the job. Interested women may call 244-8640 for more
information.
cotmcil. She has adviaed gay Catholics and their
the GAGV*s annual dhuier-dance at the Hong >^e-Presklem Gay Hallinen then reviewed parents and has qmken about homosexuality and
donate $100 (or more) each Kong Restaurant on the night of March 28. more changes in the constituion. Other special announcements were made. Chk: homophobia to many different groups.
to help finanoe downpay- Cocktails began at seven. Diniser began with ap- After this. City Councilman Tim Mains, a F^rker, Picnic Co-ordinator, disclosed plans for This kind of dedicated voltmteer best per-
petizers, among them egg-rolls, that were enougfa former GAGV President, proposed changing the the annual Gi^ Alliance Picruc to be hekl on Sun- sonifies what Horace Ledibridge described earlier
ment and closing costs for for a small meal. It ended with fried bananas and phrase "gay gfXKips" in the documem's pream- day, July 5 in Genesee Villey Vaik. She asked for in the evening as the GAGV's c^jectives: '*help
our new center. the cookies. ble to "gay and lesbian.** This amendment passed. volunteers. — for our special cotnmunity, defense ofour rights
A Fbunders Qub Plaque $15,000 + At 9:50, GAGV Preskient Horace L ^ b r i d g e
rose to annouiK:e die begiiming of the business
Movii^ on to the finaricial report. Treasurer
Tim ChfTan told us that die GAGV's revenues for
Sue Cowell revealed that the Communi^ Chest and educating..."
**word-of-mouth campaign" will begin in May.
will be engraved with sesskm of the eveniii^. He reminded us ofthe pur- 1986 were 52% greater dum for 1985. Contributions through the Chest have allowed the
members' names (if they pose of the annual dinner, "to see where to go,
where we've been." He said that as Preskient crf
One new item in the budget for this year is a
computer for the Gay Alliance office. Another
GAGV 10 get more donations every year. Under
the "donor optkm plan" you can make a contribu-
wish) and plaoed in our new the Alliance fie has worn many "hats**: per new kiea is that of a Center Director, a paid, part- tion merely by listing the recipiem's address. This
center. facilitator, janitor, handyman, fundraiser, cof-
feehouse manager, bookkeeper, treasurer, ar-
time position. This person would carry out tasks
that are too time-consuming for the president.
is the only way the GACV can obtain United V/sy
fiiikts since it is not a United Way member. She
Send checks payable to $10^25^4/87) chivist, and secretary among others. He stressed The continued increase in revenue to allow for suggested telling your co-workers to help spread
that the primary goal of the Alliance is to raise
the GAGV Building Fund. a,ai.47 funds for its new residence. The SlOjOOO that has
these new expenses has been estimated for 1987.
About $2,000 has been allotted for the computer
the wor(l.
Prior to these announcements. President
Ifelephone 244-8246 Mon- been raised for the purpose is "great but not good and $3,500 for the Center Director This post Lethbridge intixxluced some special members of
$9^2(1/87) enough.** Vh must reach reach out, he urged us,
day and Wednesday morn- for the millions of dollars in supportive grants.
would tiot niled umil August. The delay is due
to the AlliarK:e not being absolutely certain that
the audience. They were Linda and Judy of
Silkwood Bookstore, and Mark Boyer of
ings or 244-8640 to leave pmmtj He reviewed plans for the new position of the present finaiKial trend will continue into the Downtowner Publications, the typesetters for the
message if you wish to Center Director, and a possible men's discussion -year's second half. Empty Closet. Other honored guests of the even-
leam how you can help. 1 $5,178 (SraS) group. The Saturday night coffeehouse remains After this report, Aummn Craft ofthe Lesbian ing were Officer Roy Ruffin, the new police
departmem liaison to gays, and his wife. Ruffin
well-atlended, a l t h o i ^ he indkatedhe woukl like Resource Center (LRC) gave a progress report.
sakl he'd met nuuiy interesting people in d » weeks
since assuming'his new office.
July 5 Picnic These people received applause, but the even-
CorKimittee Lesbian ing's standing ovation was reserved for Sister
Cheryl Lee, to whom Gary Hallinen gave the
Resource Vicki Russo Humanitarian Cup Award. This
prize, first presented in 1984, is annually given
Center to a person who has given outstanding service,
GAGV Coffffeehouse
for TViesday, whether paid or volunteered, to the general com-
munity, including fgay amd lesbian. The award is
M a y 19
As everyone knows (aiKl can't WATT for), the Every Saturday Night!
Meets the first and A sociai time for ages 18
third Wednesday each and over • $1 Admission Vmight, once again, we ordain our leaders and
19, 7:30, at GAGV lounge. Please do come! This nr>onth 7:30-9:30 challenge the rest of you to work even harder in
• Refreshments: Coffee, • Gannes: Bridge, Euchre, this most difficult time. We are plagued with a
is a wonderful way to help with our major event
ofthe year. Tea, Cocoa, Soft Drinks, Pinochle, Trivia, Monoply, disease that goes even beyorul physical destruc-
Chips tiem. H^ must work even harrier just to maintain
Chess, Scrabble, Checkers the God-given rights we have achieved. AIDS is
not a gay disease; bta once again, we arr the
A social and informational • Special Treat Once scapegoats. Black people have been fighting for
• Library Access
exchange for lesbian and a Month! their rights for many, marry years. Arul we have
bisexual women been "seen arul heardfrom'*fbr ordy a few. Laws
Call 244^40 M-T-W 9-Noon, M-Sat 7:30-9:30 pm will help, but educationfi>rthose \t4u> would call
therrtselves Christian is the ordy way to change
things.
Prejudice is ignorance — Love is hope — artd
hard work with fearless perseverance is the
artswer. Let each qf us begin today to love
The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley I ourselves a little more, to love our brothers smd
sisters in the gay comrrmnity a little bit rrtore, artd
713 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607
716-244-8640 244-9030 Need a Lawyer? Doctor?
Or a house painter? insurarice salesman? nurse? etc?
firudly, to lave the world a little bit more, artd
begin to see it as the beautifid place it can be with
a lot cf love tmd effort.
-Araie F e c i * , frun his wcloQiBiBK speech for
A c B t h Amttal ViMyeAridd Ca|ft Awards
Name
Address
244-8640
Monday-Saturday 7:30-9:30 p m
City State Zip
Home Phone n^
_ Work Phone
TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP Want to Serve the Gay Community
Membership is tax deductible
with your iistening and referrai sidiis?
Irxjividual $ 20.00 Annually
Household $ 30X)0 AnnuaHy
Organi2atk>n/ $ SOiX) Annually
Business
Patron $ 75iX) Annually
244-8640
Benefactor $100 Annuaily Monday-Saturday 7:30-9:30 p m
SernJ me my free subecription to the Empty Closet
Leave a message at GAGV with the peer facilitator
I WISH TO DONATE TIME, SERVICES OR MATERIALS. and you will be contacted for the rtext training session.
I understand that membership entitles me to voting privileges of thc
general membership and discounts to GAGV events. The membership list
is confidential and available only to the Board of Directors
Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley
713 Monroe Ave Rochester. NY 14609
VIeU Cup Recipient
pliolD cfedk: M.L. MMar
Signature
* ^EMpwaBaCT-witor'wifr-"
Comegys Calls for Civil Disobedience
Over 500 people attended the Grand Banquet
of the National Lesbian and Gay Health Con-
ference and National AIDS Forum, held March
28. 1987 at die Sheraton-Universal Hotel's Grand
Ballroom in Los Angeles. Attendees heard
honoree Duke Comegys, President of the Los
Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Serv.ices
Center and Co-Chair ofthe Human Rights Cam-
paign Fund callforcivil disobedience to challenge
Pn^kiem Reagan'sfiuliuieof leadership on AIDS.
"There have been several times in American
history where civil disobedience bas been ap-
propriate,*' sakl Comegys. "I believe that now is
one of those times. V^ have tried rational
discourse for six long years and it simply hasn't
worked. I believe it would be enormously con-
structive to our cause for this president and this
nation to leam hoiv truly desperate we are. If
reason alone can*t do the job, then radical
action—such as mass sit-ins and demonstrations
with hundreds of us going to jail—is our only
recourse. I believe the time has come to follow
thc footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King. V^ must
begin a coordinaled, carefully plaimed natkmwkle
campaign of nonviolent civil disobedience."
Comegys also uigcd the government to set up
a "Manhattan Project" whkh will speed discovery
:y«i cure to AIDS. He received an extended ova-
tion from the banquet partkipants at the conclu-
Congressional Subconunittee
Told of Anti-Gay Violence
In detailed testimony before Congress on April
2, NGLTF sharply criticized the lack of federal
response by the U.S. Justice Department to the
alarming incidence of anti-gay/lesbian violence.
Anti-Violence Project Director Kevin Berrill ui^ged
members of the House Appropriations Subcom-
mittee on Commerce, Justice and State to make
violence against gay people a priority in Fiscal
1988.
"Anti-gay violence is a pervasive problem, one
that has been sadly exacerbated by the AIDS
crisis," Berrill told the Subcommittee. "In some
communities tiiere are indications that anti-gay
violence is increasing. Among groups reporting
such violence lo NGLTF in 1986, 37% noted that
amigay violence in their areas was more frequent
in 1986 than in 1985."
Berrill outlined the failure of the Justke Dpeart- cerns of gay and lesbian victims of crime and
meni to respond to homophobic violence. "To
date, virtually nothing has been done by the victims groups-
federal government to study or remedy this pro-
blem. Indeed, the federal response to anti-gay
violence reflects much the same denial and neglect
that was evident during the initial stages of the
AIDS crisis."
Nowhere has this neglect been more glaring and
willful than at thc Department of Justice."
Disposable Party Supplies
from the invitation to the champagne glass
TH E P A P E R S T O R E
Paper and Party Supplies
175 Monroe Avenue (near the Inner Loop) 454-3798
MIDNIGHT
CLEANERS
Keepiiig Vaaptie. «t 1>cfticiiefceN
M u m Oui. Wm Since 1922
2238 Clifford Ave
Rochester • 482-4170
sion of his address
Also honored was actress and Screen Actors
Guild Preskient Patty Duke who was imroduced
by openly gay actor Michael Keams as ^'a woman
who continues to work miracles."
Duke applauded California's dcfc&t oi Proposi-
tfon 64, die LaRouche Initiative, and staled, "Last
year's defeat of the hkieous coticept of Proposi-
tion 64 proved in no uncertain terms that a dif-
ference can be made. The gay and lesbian com-
munity galvanized its forces and a leadership of
d^nity and strength was formed to create an
atmosphere in whkh the truth had to be heard."
Actor Iblly Savalas, who was staying at the hotel
and had chatted with many participants
throughout the Conference, drc^)ped in to give
greetings at the banquet but caused controversy
with his remarks. "I never met a gay guy I dkln't
like," joked Savalas. "I also never met a lesbian
chick I liked. That's because I couldn't stand the
competitfon. I guess what I really want to say is
that in these days when the closet door is. open
and the spotiight is on your community, it's a as showing less foresight with more information
privilege for me to sec the gentility and the dian aay leader since Herbert Hoover or Neville
humanity and the humor and I hope the rest of
thc worid sees it too. Thank and God blessyou."
The evening was emceed by lesbian comk Kate
Clinton who entertained throughout the evening
and brought her comk skills to the participants-
testified Berrill. "We have appealed for action to
the Attorney General's Task Force on Family
Violence, the Office for Victims of Crime, and
the National Institute of Justice, but to no avail.
Even worse, the Office for Justke Programs has
at times actually sought to prevent its grant reci-
pients from addressing the legitimate concerns of
lesbian and gay crime victims."
NGLTF asked the House Subcommittee to: (I)
direct the National Institute of
Justice to hold a nattonal conference
that would set a research ageixla on the problem;
(2) direct NU to include a focus on anti-g^
violence in all its law enforcement training pro-
grams, publications and forums, with special at-
tention to innovative programs; and (3) direct the
Justice Department to address the needs and con-
members of other overlooked and underserved
"The cost of these proposals for actions is quite
small," observed Berrill. "The cost of silence and
indifference is far greater." Copies of NGLTF
testimony may be obtained by writing to the Anti-
Violence Project at NGLTJF, 1517 U Street NW,
Washington, DC 20009.
many of whom had never seen Ointon's iiicivisive
politkal comedy routine before. The banquet
began widi singer Kimberly Miller singing
"American die Beautiful," widi die announcer
notify that the lyrics were written by lesbian
Kadierine Lee Bates who lived wtdi her lover
Cadierine Coman in ^Msllesl^, Massachusetts for
25 years. The Los Angeles Wamen's Conununi-
ty Chorus performed several songs, including a
wonderful renditfon of "One Fine Day" accom-
panied by a multi-image show. Dancing
throughout the evening was accompanied by Los
Angeles' Great American \Smkee Jazz Band.
The keynote address of the evening was pro-
vkled by Congressman Henry A. >^^xnian. Chair-
man of die House Subcommittee on Health and
die
tax
Environment. Wixman stated emphatically.
"This preskient will not be remend>efedfordie
bill or star wars orforIran or Nicaragua. He
will be rcmemberd as the presktent who allowed
diousands
frightened
to die and allowed the nation to be
and torn apart. He will be remembered
Chamberlain."
Waxman stressed that "AIDS shows die failure
df American healdi care" and cited examples.
"Our insurance system is unfair. Ifyou lose your
job—because of economics or because of
illness—you lose your insurance. AIDS has shown
diat Medicaid is shallow and inadequate. Marry
nuddle-class Americans arc learning the hard way
that in most states you can qualify only if you're
totally disabled and have less dian $1,500 to your
name. AIDS has also shown that we can produce
medical miracles for die rich and plain neglect
for the poor. AZT is priced for kings and
Medicaid is for people who have been made
paupers."
The Preskient of the National Lesbian and Gay
Health Foundatfon, Ellen Ratner, presented roses
and a gift to Conference Director Eric E. Rofes.
Rofes thanked Banquet Chair Davkl l ^ l o r and
Conference Coordinator John Olson for their
tremendous efforts at producing successful events.
Halla Flooring
OM Hoors Refinished
New Floors Installed
Parquet, Strip, Planic, Oak.
Maple, Teak. Cherry, Marble,
Quarry. Ceramic. Linoleum, etc.
Reasonable Rates
Quarity Materials
Call Philip Halla at 546-2820
and leave message
Fabrics & Findings
FABRIC WAREHOUSE
A TREASURE-PACKED WAREHOUSE OF
FASHION FABRICS AT CLOSE*OUT PRICES
Remnants • Piece Goods • Mill ends • Decorator Fabrics • Foam
Custom Made Upholstery • Drapery • Slipcovers
Shop at Home • Free Decorator Service
ROCHESTER
50 Anderson Ave. 461-2820
Corner N. Coodman
GLAAD Radio Spot
Goes Nationwide
The G ^ and Lesbian Alliance Against Defama-
tion (GLAAD) has announced die syndkation of
dieir popidar r«ik> spot. Miming Atemfty; 7** £iM
They Tell Abtmt Us, Beginning this month, the
series will become available to public radfo sta-
tions nationwkle on a bi-weekly basis. Curtis
Mason, diairmah of OLAAD's Public Relations
Committee, points out: •'The new spots will have
a national fbcus and will dramatk;ally highlight
GLAAD's activities across the country. If the
response in New \brk has been aiiy indicatkm,
the series will be a big hit;'
Begirming in M a n ^ of dus year. Naming Names
also began a weekly televised verskm, whkh airs
over Gay Cable Networic (GCN).
Naming Names debuted in December, 1985, on
New \brk's radk) WBAI and has since aired
weekly spots with great success. John Scaglani,
statkMi maruiger at WBAI, noted that the program
is *'one oS our best items, hard hitting and pro-
vocative. Everybody loves it."
Using a rotatii^ roster of male and female com-
mentators, each segment of Naming Names
focuses on two examples of gi^ bigotry from the
the national print and electronic media. Every
item concludes with names and addresses of the
appropriate newspaper, rruigazine, or TV outiet
so concerned listeners may register their objec-
tions — to the editor of The Wdl Street Joumtd,
the chairman of WABC, or the hosts of the 7&-
rkty show.
Recent Naming Names spots have included
WABC talk show host Bob Grant spewing, "I
hope that g ^ s keep on having sex so that AIDS
will get worse and more of them will croak;"
William F. Buckley on PBS-TV's Firing Line
recommendii^ that gay persons with AIDS be tat-
tooed, Nazi fashion, on the buttocks as a warn-
ing to their sex partners; and the Rolling Stone
graphk whkh glaringly spelled out "GAY" as an
acronym for Oot ^ids }kt?
Naming Names also applauds reporting about
the gay amimunity that is fair and balanced, and
encourages listeners to let editors know when diey
have done a good job.
Readeis are encouraged to contact their local
public radio station to persuade them to pkk up
the progiam as part of their r^ular format, if they
have not already done so.
>
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BROCKPORT
80 Clinton St. 637-9187
(On the Canali
2iidLT Qlen Nesbitt, 34, oT Levtttown, NY,
« t t diadoae NYS Oimd offidab* ptans lo
4BtilkK|0e her ftom active diiQf, • dcipiip an CK-
MBhMry MTvkse mcoid. Gov. Cuorao*» Executive
CMer 28 praiecct state employees from
mvcvimkiacioo besed oataaniBi oneataiioii.
offidals serving imder Gov. Cuomo*s
are attemptiog to imfOloBtarily
liiiBhaiy I X Nesbitt solely fbr her ftaaeimfim
i b o m her ssBtualjorienlaikm. They am violaiiiig
M s n a lefulatkms which leqniie diat Nesbitt
(whh mof6 than 3 yeait militeiy service) mast
he ^ v e n a pttblic bearing prior to diachaife.
liwiB R n t aad Ibd Eai%n, hiiwyeiafcrNesbitt,
wfll detail their plans lo seek federal court in-
tyignity and Metropolitan Church
Join for Historic Conference
Members of D^nity/USA, tbe ocganizatkm of
gay and lesbian Romatt Catholks and their
friends, wiil gadier from July 23 to 26fortheir
Eighth Biennial Convemion at the Sheraton Bal
Harbour Hold in the Bal Harbour area of Miami,
Flonda. Their agenda will include preparations
for tfae Incoming visit of Pope John i^ud n
scheduledforSeptember, 1987. The Vope will visit
dttes across the Soudiem United States and along
die RKnfk Coast in California. A final stop in
Detroit is pknned on the return to Rome.
The dieme crf* the convemkm is **Cdebrate die
Preedom of die Chiklrm of God;' and die keynote
address will be given by Dr. John Boswell of 1&le
University. New Haven, CT. noted historian and
mtAirotci Christianity, apd Social Vdemtu^e: Gay
People in fHtstem Europe fiom the Begirtrung qf
the Christian Em to the lourfeenth Century
Boswell will relate his discovery of early Chtuch
services that united same-sex couples.
Other highlights will include an address by
fadier John McNeill, SJ . , audior of The Church
and the Htfmosexual. McNeill is a Jesuit priest
who was silencedfaythe \%tkan for q>eakirig on
gay and lesbian issues and was recendy expelled
ftom die Society of Jesus (Jesuits) for die same
reason, a l t h o i ^ the expulsioa is under appeal;
B-O-O-K-S
VIDEO '
REMTALS
"My Beattmu Laundrette
'Therese and isabelle"
633Mi»oe Al
(1 block weat of Chiocd)
473-8110
THE D O R R
COLLECTION
Ft>rUm fktmi ktUntmueiPksmem
&t90 Mffait9Q90tt9t9te»
741 Monroe Avenue
473-6310
Struggle
lerveadon if die Governor's sttff continues lo deny
her a hearing on t h d r propoaed disdkaise. Tbey
will a b o disclose eacpert aestimooy which wiU be
oiKJCutoOttpiwetneuuaro»cmBgraat ricsDws
sextud oriemation iaterferes with militaiy
Ms. Nan Hdnier, of die ACLCTs Gsy Rights
PR9e6t, wiH express her otaanjgatkm's support
Ibr N^Htt's fight to de§etad her righis to free
speech and assodatiaii.
Ms. Abby; Ridienfekl, of Lambda L ^
Defease, win also pledge her ofganizatiofi's sup-
port and Its opposition to the military's
homophobk; prattices.
an address by Sister Jeannine Gramick, SSND,
a co-fotmder fo New V^ys Ministry, a pkmeer
ministry to Catholic g i ^ and lesbians; a panel
discusskm on Sexual Ediics, including the l ^ k
Force set up by Dignity/USA on Sexual Ethics
and addressing such questions as what is sexual
ethics? How can Dignity members contribute to
a sexual ethic that is both Christian and gay?
Billed as the largest lesbian and gay religiotis
conference ever h d d . Dignity delegates will be
joined by members of die Universal Fdlowship
of Metropditan Community Churches (MCC) for
an historical eveningfoecumeiucal worship. This
special evening will include a liturgicd service,
a featured speaker and a dinner/dance, to be hdd
at MCC Convemion headquarters, tfae Deauville
Hotd.
More than twenty convention worlcshops and
seminars will cover a varied array of topics built
ftom Dignity's areas of concem: Spiritud
Development, Education, Socid Involvement,
Feminist Issues and Socid Events.
For furtfaer information, r^iatradoo ete., please
caU or write DIGNITY/USA CONVENTION,
1500 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Suhe U,
lA^ohington, DC 20005, or phone 202/861-0017.
Flowers & Foliage
Landscape & Design
Delivering
Beautiful Flowers
Around the Corner
and
Around the World
288-8080
LIO I ( . 1 .« t i l l \ V .
I .* r < l l <i ( I I ^>« I I <i
Aa ftondine service providers for tfae last six
yean* no one GOuM be more pleased tfaan tfae Gsy
MeaH^MeaMi Crisis diat die Presidem has final-
ly s p p i m on the issue of AIDS. "Hoswwn; diere
is m p i l g h i the history ofthe Reafmadministia-
tkmifeat should be caure for astfaatisfe^ipn coD-
crni^JUDS.
W | ^ it is literaUy true chat orer the 1987 and
I98t.l|irri periods the governmem is spfading
SLTfjhwion on AIDS veseaich« education, treat-
testing, Americans iteedto.know tfiat
million of tfais a m o a a are msiidmed
cosiijmirr Medicare imd Medicaid piogiams as
well''i|inandatory testii^ in dte miliiary.
Ff^tfte Presktem to take credit for tfais is like
f o i ^ l ^ from of tfae American Heart Aasodation
ant^^Hltiiraing credit k x paying hospHdizatkn
cofislbrcoronsfy faeart disease. Moreowei; some
of them doUan and diousttids of Hvn migfat faave
been amed had there been a nadond AIDS educa-
NGLTF Presses Congress
for Emergency Monies
Dedaring that "bankruptcy should not be the
price for prolonged life," the Nationd Gay and
Lesbian'nisk Force is p r y i n g Congress to mdte
ttn emergfiSicy appropriation topiQ^ for AZT for
those persons not covered by tfaird party ptymem
plans. "Achievirig federd ftmding for AZT
treatroems will be a major priority of tfae Iksk
Force in tbe months ahead,** stated JefT Levi,
NGLTFs Executive Director.
The recently lk:ensed drug AZT, marketed as
Retrovir, is estimated to cost $7^l0j000 per year.
It is tfae ftrst drv^ litaised to treat AIDS and
severe ARC. Some 5j000 persons wtdi AIDS were
recdving the drug ftee of charge prior to licens-
ing; tfaey must now psyforthe treamem as w d l .
Levi sakl that it is **unethicd to withhokl treat-
mem from individuds who have been receivii^
a life-proloiigifig drug and outrageous that peo-
ple whose lives could be prolonged wUl die
prematurely because tfaey cannot afford a drug.
We must not wdt for tfae ftrst person to die im-
necessarily before Mkiqg Stepstoassure tfaat thoae
who cannot afford AZT are provkled ftmds by
tfae federd goremmem to pay for treatmem."
ticm dfort.
Birther, the administiation's AIDiS educatimi
eflbrt feib to reoQgniae the reality of human aot-
u d behavfor. For example, ite strem on semml
yomh of dus commy and puipoady cgidhdea a
popdatma m riskforAIDS. Hte adnmustralfon's
education programs are paitty m comparison l b
aheady C9ilstmg efibfts in Brinin, N b n i ^ and
SwitasflamL The admhnsmakm'a lecridtemcemi
AIDS education will oost lives.
By 19SH, 18QI0OO Americans witt have died
ftom AIDS, more than three times the number
of American kOled in Vtetnun. Vlh hope tfds
bdmodreoognilkmfaydns admimstmdan wiO lead
to more cardnl conskieiatfon of the Natkmd
Acadefloy of Sciences recommendation for Sk
bilUon spem for a preveatkm-edncaiion program
and $1 tnUion for m e d k d mearch.
Tfae Iksk Force has'cdled on Congresstoadd
emeigency ftmds in the currem fiscd year (1987)
and include monies in the upcoming fiscd 1988
budget to create a specidftniidfornew treaUnents
for AIDS. Because of die progress thatfaasaheady
been made on tfae suppleiiiertdappropi lation for 'V
ftscd 1987, this addition will probably be made
on tfae floor of tfae Senate or House. Estinudes
are tfaat upto$30 millkm will be needed in fiscd
1987 and $60 million to psyfortreatmem of tfaose
on AZT not covered by private hedth insurance
or Medicaid.
There are two compelling argumentetobe made
to Congress, Levi said. **The first is a mord
one—wc cannot diow peopte to die prematurdy
when tfaere is a Ikxnsed treatmem. The second
is ftnancid~by payingforAZTfordiose affected
individuds, tfae goverrunem will actually be sav-
ing money by keeping tfaem off Medicaid and
otfaer forms of public assistance—wfaen they
woiddfaavetopayforboth tfae drug tfaerapies and
d l tfaeir other medicd costs."
ActionfayCongress on the supplemenud ap-
propriation is expected after tfae Easier recess.
 8 EMPTY CIJOSET
May 19«7
Mavrmr EMPTY CLOSET 9
Ratner to Speak at Workshop EDGE: A Group for
D u r a n d Beach D e m o n s t r a t i o n on Chemical Dependency m
the Gay Community Disabled Gays and Lesbians
Schedaled for May 2 5 , by IX V m Hnwn
perKmaland grotip goals.
This iKNild be done by holding regularly

2:30 p.m. fay Marthft H a w d n not because of a causd relationsfaip betweea

by Thomas Krolak
Even if some gay people think Matt Fleig and
Andy Allocco wem too fer showing their affec-
tion for each odier last Memorid D ^ on Durand
Eastman Beach, that does not effitct dieir deter-
mination to fight back.
"Everyone has a right to an opinion. That
doesn't make them right or wrong and it doesn't
make us right or wrong. But just because Vm not
from San Francisco that doesn't mean I'm not a
fTrst-class citizen." This was Fleig's rebuttal to
anyone who thinks that he and his lover, Alloc-
co, brought their problems widi die Sheriffs
Department on themselves.
These problems started when bystenders began
verbdly harassing the two, and three male friends,
at die beach last May 26 after Andy and Matt were
seen kissing and touching each other. Two
Sheriffs deputies ordered the gay men to leave,
but diowed the other group to stay, doing nothing
to stop their abuse.
Repeated efforts to get an admission of
discrimination from Sheriff Andrew Meloni's of-
fice, as well as a guarantee that such an incident
will not happen again, have failed.
To protest this treatment, Allocco and Fleig have
planned a "kiss-in ior tne afternoon of Memorid
Day, May 25 on Durand Eastman Beach".
Originally scheduled for 2:30 to 3:30, it will now
take place a little later although no definite time
r Meeting on National March
^Please ^
Matt Fleig and Andy Allocco photo credit: Ubby Pickering
has been set. Those who want to partkipate can
contact Matt and Andy through tfae Gay AlHance
at 244-8640.
As of this writing, about ten people have
volunteered to take pan in tfae protest. Initidly,
there was a pn^blem edisting m d e suppon for
the evem while the lesbian response was en-
thusiastk; from the start. Matt assured me this was
no longer a problem.
As for law enforcement protectfon, Reig spoke
to die new police department lidson, Oflicer Roy
Ruffin. since the city does not patrol the beach,
there is no way Ruffm can be tk any direct help.
But he does suppon the protest and suggested that
Fleig write to the Sheriffs Department.
Fleig wrote Sheriff Meloni on March 30 that
protection for the protestors is "required" from
his oflice. But there has been no reply. This is
what he expected, Fleig said.
He emphasized that the Sheriffs Department
has a "responsibility" to protect individuals
whether they are gay or not. Meloni's only
response has been to tdl the Democrat and
Chronide that those at the kiss-in will not be given
any specid protection.
Fleig dso sdd television cameras from the local
media will be present at the protest to record it
and, hopefiilly, to discourage any anti-gay
troublemakers.
The newly formed Rocfaester Aisoctatfon of faomosexudity and alcofaoUsm, but mtfaer because
Oiy and LeaMn Menid Healtfa PmfenfoBds and of tfae infaetent stresses, issues and patterns wfaicfa
E. D. G. E. (Bducatii^ the Disabled in a Giy
Environment) is a group for physically handicifH
ped or disabled g i ^ and tesbiafis that is now for-
scheduled meetings in a neutral, accesaiUe ioca-
tion, piaaning social activities such as dinner,
cmlk piDjects, tripa to musetmis, concerts, and
GAGV are ^XMtoriog a d«y loog workshop on faave devdoped tn a faomopfaobic society. ming in Metropolitan Rochesier Aiea. resteumtt, and ptnsning cotMinuing education lo
assessment* neferrd and tteatment issues for Tbe worivfaop wiU be faeld at tfae Unitarian The groi^» was prompted by a 1986 U. S. Cen- broaden inlereits and aelf-knowledgB.
cfaenucdly dependem and codqwndent g«^ aod Chuicfa oo 220 S. Winton M . Friday June 12, sus Bureau Study which stale*, ^'One in five suf- In reachkig for group goals, EDGE will be
lesfaiaa persons. 1987 fiDin 9:30 - 4. Morning sessions wiU focus fer a disability of sotne son; the nte of disabilities oioniairiaglegtriatinn that wouM affect die disabl-
EUen Ratner, EdM, President of tfae Nadond on cfaemicd dqiendency assessment issues, increases with age, affecting mote than half of ;d ed aad pbyuodly handicapped gqr and lesbian
Oiy and Lesbiaa Hedth Foundation, and Presi- lifestyle aod fiunily of origin issues and same sex people 65 and t^teer If dwae stetiitics aie applied poptdation. Maiiy l a m are in place lo help tfae
dent of PRIDE Institute, wUI be leadn^ tfae couple issues. ID Rochester's p ^ population, that is appaonnnte- hanrtii B|)ped poptdation but these lam are juat the
worksfaop. raiDE Institute, which is nwkii^ it Alteniooo sessions wtU focus on chenucd b^ 6iD0010 9/)00pt9sicaily disabled or handic^^K begiimiog aiiid more woric needs lo be done. In
possible for EUen Ratner to conte to Rocfaester, dependency treatmem issues and AIDS, ARC and ped gays and lesbians this sense, EDGE of Rochester wiU be examin-
is tfae fust gay and lediian inpatient trnrtment cfaemicd dependency. This worksfaop wdl be an Many are surprised by this figure. Most gays ing politiod issues, but otdy as a function of im-
fiteflity hi the countiy aid is Ofte of the fow piaoes excellem opportunity for anyone in tfae field of and lesbians do not realize that there is a popula- proving the qtiality of life for handicapped and
wfaere persons with AIDS and ARC are mentd hedtfa and/or chemicd dependetk^ to in- tion that is still invisible. For whatever reason, disabled people.
wekomed. crease botfa tfaeir knowledge of and sensitivity to and with whatever disability, many disabled peo- The primary goal of EDGE of Rochester is
Atifaough tfaere is a faigfaer peiceinage of a broad range of issues which tfae ffy and les- ple speiKl much of their time alone, not knowing communication: between each odier and from diat
akofaolism in ttte gay comnnmity dum in tfae bian chemicdly dependem and codqmdem per- there are other physically disableci and handicap- strength and trust that is buih, outwards to the
geiterd population, little attentfon until recendy son &ces in their treatment and recoveiy proces. ped gays and lesbians in Rodiester. rest of the community so others can be reached!
faas been given to the treatmem and reoovety pro- The cost for the workshop is $20i00 and in- Curremly, tbere is only one other group in New One ofthe most difficult tasks in oiganizing a
cess for the g ^ and lesbtan chemicdly d ^ n - cludes a box lunch. Anyone wishing to register >brk State that has been formed to meet the needs g ^ and lesbian group is reaching the people that
dem and codependent person. may send a check made out to GAGV and address- of dus **tnvisible** population. Cook Friedman has are interested. This is especially acute in the case
Approximately 20 to 30% of the gay popda- ed to Kathy Vfemam, 134 Sotttfaview Terrace, begun a group in New Y:>rk City and has receiv- of many disabled and handicapped people who
tion luis been reported to be alcoholic. 2 to 3 times Rocfaester. New York 14620 OR cdl Kadiy at ed a much laiger response than was expected. Pre- have dropped out ofthe gay community coiwplete-
the percentage in tfae generd population. This is 271-1048. sent at the first meeting of EDGE in New >brk Ci- ly because of this.
ty were representatives from Mayor Koch*s Of- If you are a physically disabled or handicap- ^
ftce and Ginny Appuzzo*$ Office in Albany. ped gay or lesbian or if you know someone who
R o c h e s t e r M e m o r i a l Society The original otganizational concept of EDGE
is to form a forum of individuals in a supportive,
non-polhical environment to work toward both
is, please contact John by writing 77ie Errtpty
Claset, Attention: John, EDGE, or by calling
John at 385-4578, between 8 and H) p.m.
Sponsors Meeting on the
C h r o n i c a l l y III Syracuse to Host Regional
Can you protect your fiamily from financid home, and the role and responsibility of spouse
hardship if a member becomes chronicdly ill? when illness occurs. Ms. Nurick is a counselor
Nancy Nurick addresses this question at the 30th at the Fiiumcid Counseling Service, a program
animd meeting ofthe Rochester Memorid Socie- ofthe Regional Council on Aging. This program

Gitsis Provokes Walk-Out
bv Howard Pollack
in what apf>eared to be another outbreak of
homophobia, Gitsis Texas Hots, located at 6O0
Monroe Avenue, ordered a gay man lo \eave the
premises, provoking a walk-out by a number of
other customers.
The man asked to leave, klemified as Eric, had
gone to Gitsis around 3 a.m. on the early mom-
ing of April 16. He was accompanied by 8 others.
including 4 women. They had placed their orders,
when Eric went over to visit some friends in
another booth. On the way there, he spilled some
coffee from the cup he was carrying, prompting
the nighl manager to order him out.
When one ofhis party, TJ, came to his defense,
both men were told by the night manager, "I'm
not serving you. I know what you are.''* Everyone
diere understood the commem to be anti-gay. The
entire party of 9 then decided to leave.
Most of the restaurant's other customers, who
were also gay, got up to leave as wdl. This in-
cluded some patrons who were in the middle of
their meals. They already had been disturbed by
some comments the night manager had made to
other guests, reports one witness.
Some ejected patrons remained outside the
restaurant holding a spontaneous demonstration
against what they perceived to be anti-
gay discrimination. At least 5 potice cars even-
tually showed up to disperse the crowd of about
30. One police officer cdirdy told the crowd to
leave.
Three witnesses, however, including Robert
Is drinking
a problem
in your
life?
AA can help.
Call 232-6720,24 hours a day.
Or come to Qay AA
at St. Luke's Church
on Thursdays at 8:30 pm.
For gay women oniy:
Mondays at 8:30 pm.
For gay men only:
Sundays at 8:30 pm
Gay AInAnon
Sundays at 7:00
r • J. ^ - .' *, r , . ,
Support^ O u r ty, Inc. at 2:00 p.m.. Sunder, May 3. The meeting
will be held at Asbury First United Methodist
Church, 1050 East Avenue, in the Wesley Room.
Attend and leam how to protect your &mily*s
provides information and financid plarming for
feirulies of the chronicdly ill.
The meeting is free and open to the public.
pEuldng is available in the chuich parking lot.
by Jennie Bowker
The next regtonal organization meeting for the
October 11 National March on >A^ishii^;ton will
be held on M ^ 30, in Syracuse. In Rochester,
free space at the march location or during
transportation to ^A^ishington, this topic can be
placed on the agenda fay calling Kate Larch,
315-425-0593.
Brill, on the staff of the Liberty, report that the
one policewoman present lold TJ, "One more
word from you and I'm going to drag your
scrawny lillie body out of your car. Jusl gel the
Aavertisers resources, by getting answers to questions con-
cemiug the transfer of assets, including one's
For more information contact: Rochester
Memorid Society, Inc. 461-1620.
publicity and fimdraising are needed in the gay
and lesbian community, as well as outreach to at-
tract non-gays to the march.
For those interested in developing a chemical-
R^istration will be betwen 11:00 a.m. and
noon. Call 288-3248 for the meeting location or
for any other intbrmation about the Marvh on
Washington.
fuck oui of here. If you're not out of here in ten
seconds, we're going to arrest all of you."
When mention of a police liaison to the gay
community came up, the police disclaimed that
that was relevant or important. Neither the gays
WELLESLEY
SEVENTH-DAY Gays C a n YET MORE LIGHT. . .
Presbyterians for L e s b i a n / G a y C o n c e r n s
nor the potice seemed to know about Officer Roy
Be Christians! of t h e G e n e s e e Valley
Ruffm's appointment as liaison.
TJ is considering filing a complaint with inter-
nal affairs.
CEINTER ADVENTISTS MEETINGS- 1st Thursday e a c h month
This is not the first such incident involving Git-
sis. In June 1985, the Empty Closet reported that
442-2986 \
Open Arms Metropolitan
Cornmunity Church
Potluck a t 6:30 Business mtg. after
Contact: Pat Moran 244-8963
Gitsis did not allow a witness to cdl the police Gay is OKI SDA Kinship INVITES YOU
from their establishment after a gay man had been Intemationai, Inc.. since 1976, Sunday 6:00 pm
brutally assaulted by some " ^ - b a s h e r s " outside is a support group of several
their premises. Individual, family, couple hundred gay/lesbian Social time after service
And a few m&nths ago, another party of gay
men was asiced to leave by the same night manager and group counseling Adventists, present and 243 Rosedale
who ejectedthe April 16 group. Robert Brill, who for people former, in local chapters (comer Monroe)
was then not directly involved, overheard the nationwide. Ask for brochure.
manager say, "I hate those fegs." In the wake of in alternative sexualities PO Box 3840-L, LA, CA 90078 Reverend Cathy Elliott
this incident, the owner of Gitsis subsequently
apologized for the actions ofthe night manager.
271-8478 Roman Catholics - Episcopalians
Telephone:
No word has been heard yet about the April 16
incidem, and the owner was not available for com- Voice (213) 876-2076 Other Gay Christians
niKitf to this reporter. Horace Lethbridge, M.A. TDD (408) 866^159 A Gay Pbsitive Church Us!
Although Gitsis is one of the only dl-night
restaurants in the gay Monroe Avenue area, many Barbara Debes, M.S., C.A.S. For AU People
D i g n i t y - I n t e g r i t y / R o c h e s t e r is a n e c u m e n i c a l o r g a n i z a t i o n o p e n t o
giQTS have followed such incidents with disgust, e v e r y o n e w h o w i s h e s t o w o r s h i p in a p l e a s a n t , r u m - t h r e a t e n i n g
and have refused to patronize the restaurant. a t m o s p h e r e . W e invite you to join u s for o u r w e e k l y c e l e b r a t i o n of
t h e Eucharis;!;, followed b y a social h o u r , or o n e of o u r m a n y special
e v e n t s s u c h a s a pot luck s u p p e r , picnic, r e t r e a t , e t c . A R o m a n
Catholic m a s s is c e l e b r a t e d e a c h S u n d a y of t h e m o n t h , e x c e p t for
Michele Tofany, Ruth M . Williams, M.S. Ed. t h e f o u r t h S u n d a y w h e n m a s s is c e l e b r a t e d In t h e E p i s c o p a l
tradition.
M.S. Ed., NCC. Offers:
COUNSELOR
PaBtonU mnd Pemr Counseling Is also symOsble
offers individual,
• Individualized Counseling • Consulting
• Group Facilitation Sunday ScheAiic
couple, and Proficient in Sign language — Adjustable Fee
FLOBBT
"THE UNTAMED IN FLOWERS"
Llturgy*5:00 p . m .
Social H o u r - 6 : 0 0 p . m .
* 423-1669 (924-5302) St. L u k e ' s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h
17 S. F i t z h u g h S t .
group counseting Ongoing Lesbian Suppon Group - please call if interested ( b e t w e e n M a i n S t . & B r o a d St.)
to gay men Phons 329-9758
For the ultimate
T I M O T H Y S C H A P P , M.S. Ed., NCC
Nationally Certified Counselor offers individual
in gifts and flowers
& women. c
couples and group counseling and support
Call 244-1406 or 325-4090 274 West Main Street in Victor
Mon.. WML. Fri.. SM. 8:30 am-5 pm • Ibts. Cr lliun. 8:30 am - 6 pm dignity-integrity ^ i rocliester
244^660 MEDICAL ARTS PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOC.
\Xte deliver to Rochester Mon.-Sat. ^Bi^B

10 EMPTY CIJOSET May 1987
A Talk w i t h
by J o e n d i y a
A cosmic awareness is OK^rcoming Gary
Hallinen though he*s not sure what it means or
where it wtH lead him. All he knows is that he*s
more and more aware of the gay community as
being much larger than this city and that the work
he does for it probably affects more people than
he is aware of.
This revelation didn*t begin with his recent
selection as this year*$ Virmie Cup recipient, but
that award has given him the chance to pause and
see the great intensity that has been a part of his
life and tbat which surrounds him. Others have
noticed it, too, and an indication of their apprecia-
tion came to Gary at the awards ceremony. *i felt
iike Bene Davis at the Academy Awards — I lost
everything and was confused. But when 1 actual-
ly received the cup and heard the applause and
cheers, I was more like Sally Field saying 'You
like me'."
Gary has many admirers, most of whom are
or have been friends or co-workers over the years.
For him, involvement in the gz^ community is
part of his personal commitment to make a
difference.
His roots of activism lead back to the late I960's
when he was involved in Bobby Kennedy's cam-
paign. Students for a Democratic Society, and the
anti-war movement. At that time, he was still liv-
ing al home and his activism had no relationship
10 his sexuality.
A few years later, Gary was coming out and
he focused his energies on that process. When he
felt comfortable enough with his sexuality, he
decided to become active in a cause that meant
something to him on a more personal basis, that
was relevant strictly lo being gay.
His first work was with Dignity/Integrity which
he discovered through an ad in "an Empty Closet
I snuck out of the Parkleigh." The first person
he met there was Bill DeStevens, who happened
to be one of the other nominees for this year's
Vmnie Cup. At D/1. Gary worked in ad-
ministrative services — the business of mnning an
organization like D/I. Eventually he was elected
hy Dignity/Integrity to serve as their represen-
tative on ttie board of thc Gay Alliance of the
Genesee ^lley. He held that position for two
\ Rodiester's gay coaununity?
LNm DJf nomdmj^ Wmdnomdmi^ Thurmdm^
years and in that time came to find out what the
Alliance was all abont^
From his work with D/I, Gary moved to
become involved with the GAGV, He was an
elected represenftative-at-large at first, and that
position leid to the office c^Vke-President which
he has held for the, last two years.
'*It just sort of came about,** Gary says, aware
that it was his commitment to the work of the
GAGV that others had in mind when electing him.
In the nearly eight years he's b6en with the GAGV,
he has been involved in a variety of activities.
Primary among them are the Vmnie/Vicki awaids,
the GAGV constitution, and the GAGV building
fund.
When Gary was first involved with the Vin-
nie/Vicki cup in the early I980's. the members
of the GAGV board voted for the recipient of the
cup from a list of-nominees, jusl as they do to-
day. At that time, however, not all the nominees
were well-known to the board. Gary made cer-
tain that from that point on, board members ^^ould
have the information about each nominee that they
needed to make an infonned choice. He spoke
to each of the nominees personally and created
brief biographies of each to allow the voting
members to get to "know" each nominee better.
In the years since, he has taken it upon himself
to announce the upcoming awards, collect
nominations, and then compile the biographies
of each. *ii's hard for people to write about
themselves without feeling self-conscious. It was
hard for me, too," he says. His work on this pro-
ject has helped make this a successful event year
after year.
In the last few years, Gary has also taken part
in the drive to improve the GAGV by heading up
the constitutional committee. This group has
worked to change the framework of the elected
offices of the Alliance. Previously there were co-
presidents, bui there arose the problem of one of
those two people leaving office before the end of
the term, leaving all ofthe responsibilities to the
other person.
Dissatis&ction with that arrangement led to the
offices of president and president-elect, each of
whom served a simultaneous six month term. At
the end of that time, the president-elect l>ecame
Happy Hour
Saturday - 4:00 to 8:00
FHdmy mnd Smiurdmy
Hallinen...
Gary Hallinen, GAGV v i c e -
prasidOTt, 1987 Vinnie Cup Winner
photo credit: M.L. Miller
president and a new president-elect was voted in.
Confusion in the media and elsewhere over
those tides and the responsibilities associated with
them ied to the current structure. At this time.
there arc the offices of president and vice-
president, and each serves a one-year term.
Currendy, Gary is a vice-president of the GAGV,
but he will be stepping down from that office at
the end of his term. "I felt guilty winning this
award when I knew I would be leaving that posi-
tion, but I Imow my involvement with the Alliance
and the Building Fund in particular will continue,"
he says.
Although Gary is driven to be active in the work
of the gay community, he realizes that
volunteerism can overwhelm one, that it can run
you instead of you mnning it. The GAGV Building
Fund is of vital interest to him, however, and his
involvement with it will continue until it is no
longer needed.
Sevend years ago, Gary and another board
member were working on the a ^ n d a for the
GAGV*s Long Range Planning Conunittee. T h ^
included a building fond designed to accumulate
enough capital to idlow the GAGV to purclMse its
own building to house the Alliance and provide
a place for its related activities.
"I was talking to some folks from Buffolo at
the g ^ picnic a few years ago, and they mentioned
that their city's gay organizatkxi had its CMvn phice,
so I thought 'Why can*t we have one?V* W t h that
decision and an initial $2,500 donation from the
proceeds of 1985*s gay community picnic, the
Building FUTKI was b ^ n . Gary says, '"'We realiz-
ed it would be important to show people that we
had a commitment to this project, so we made
sure we had money in the fond before announc-
ing it to the public."
Since that time, an additional $2,500 was add-
ed from last year's picnic, and a new means of
generating income, the Founder's Club, was in-
troduced. "The idea behind the club is that if KX)
persons or groups donate $100, an additional sum
of $IOj(X)0 could be combined with the money plus
interest already in the fund." Then the GAGV and
its board could seriously undertake the task of fin-
ding a suitable property to invest in.
To Gary, the goal ofthe project involves more
that just the purchase of a piece of property. "It's
important to show the g ^ community and the
non-gay community too that we have roots in this
city. GAGV's owning its own center will show its
commitment to the people here and would also
increase the visibility of the Alliance aiKl the good
work it does for our community."
A new space could project a more positive, up-
front image to the people of Rochester. "It's hard
enough just to go to the Alliance when you're first
coming out, aiKt I could see that because you have
continued on next page
2 for Is
Well Booze
WBdnBsdmys
Domestic Beer 75<C
75(P Draft Beer
$1.00 Molson's
$1.00 Well Drinks
$1.50 Top Shelf
conHnueti from p r e v i o u ^ ^ e
ID go down a dark a l l ^ to tbe back of the buikling
» gec 10 the Alliance new, you might get the im-
pressiofi that it*s kind of a n ^ l ^ v e expeneace.
r ^ I t e die GAGV to be a group we can be evot
o m e pniod of, and I think a new buikfoig is a
vkal p a n of t h e b a n . "
Gary has wofked hard brainstorming for ideas
10 raise money for the Building Fund, l b date,
only 27 people have jcyned the Founder's Club
and that dis^ypoints him.rKe hopes that iqxoni-
i i y events like the lesbian fashfon ^low m d the
fbD-moon cruise on Lake Ontario aboard the
Spirit of Rochesier will stir people to participate
in giving. "I think there are a number of people
who would make contributions u> the GAGV who
are hesitant because they don't warn to have 'Gay
f i a n c e ' written on their checks," says Oaty. "and
lhat*s unfbrtunaie. We're working with a lawyer
to see if we can set up a fond under another name.^
This kind of mechanism might make it easier for
peq|>le who are more closeted, but supportive ot
aie Alliance, to contribute.**
Ideas are always needed, people to help are
always needed, and Gary makes no bones about
naakiiq^ a pitch for assistance. He's done mtich
of ther|»omocion for fundraising events for the
Bulldif^ Fimd on his own, hailing posters all
over lowo. He quipped that he sometimes thinks
of himself as the fimd's poster child.
All ofthis work is time consuming and difHcult,
but Gary admits that it's all worth it. "I get charg-
ed up by the reaffirmation we give each other.
In spite ctf the hard work, it's lots of fon hawking
T-sldrts at the pknic when you're working to make
a difference. The real joy has been meeting the
special people who have become my friends along
the way."
Most recently, Gary enjoyed the excitement of
winning the Vinnie Cup, but it's clear it wasn't
just the award he was excited abdut. "It was a
^lecial thrill for me to accept the award from Ar-
nie because he's become such a good friend."
Gary mentioned die strides that gay people have
made in the eighteen years since the Stonewall
riots, and it brought back to him a line from the
tnovie Before Stonewall: "From Stonehenge to
Stonewall, this is our struggle." Although it may
Bpptar to Gary that his work in this struggle is
nothing but ordinary, there are those who realize
that when ordinary people do extraordinary
things, that's cosmic.
"I'm somethimes amazed at the company I
keep, and now /'/n a Vinnie Cup winner."
Congratulations. Gary; and thanks.
... a n d B a r b a r a D e b e s
by M . L. Miller
This year's winner of the Vkki Cup certainly
fhs Amie*s definition of a person ^'dedicated to
our liberation" aixl someone who has "conunit-
ted time, energy, and dreams to Rochesier*s Gay
Alliance."
Barbara I>ebes first volunteered her time more
than eight years ago and continues today as a Rep
at Uurge to the GAGV board. Her energy is evi-
dent in her longevity, and her dreams were realiz-
ed with die foundatfon and success ofour ALPHA
youth group.
I caught up with Barbara last week, at her
home, where she shared my tape recorder with
her dog's barking. I hope Sappho doesn't mind
that the following is only her master's reflectfons,
concerns, aiKl hopes for the fomre.
ML: So, bow'd you feel about receiving the
Vicki Cup?
BD: I was very pleased. I was flattered and I
feh honored by it. The conmfiunity means a great
deal to me.
BartMira Debes, 1987 Vicki Cup
Winner.
photo credit: Libby Pickering
M L : The award b taa>aliaiiy for yoor
vohuitcer work wtth thc Gay AWaarr When
d M yoa ffavt Join up?
BD: Late in 1979. When I ftrst came ous 1
thought they would be an all-embracing
sisterhood. I soon realized I had to do somethii^
to give soinethii^ back. Being a peer focilitator
seemed like a natural spot for me.
M L : Why peer fecHHalor?
BD: My degree is in counselling and
physiological services and I work in the mental
health fiekl by day and the Wellesley Center
evenings.
M L : What inspired you to start the ALnL%
group?
BD; I've been working with kids all my pro-
fessional life and as I staffed the phones at the
Alliance we would get calls from time to time
from yotmg people. There were kids I had con-
tact with, on the phone, for a couple of years
before the youth group was established and some
of these kids were initial members.
M L : They're In their tiiird year nofw, iiow's
it going?
BD: Well, the group is at a little bit of a stand-
still right now because we're having a hard time
getting the word directly to the kids. We have a
pretty big mailing list with a lot of people in the
mental health field on it. School guidance
counselors and social workers are aware of us,
but typically kids don't come out to people in a
school sening. They don't come out to anybody
so we know we have to get the word directly to
them, which is a difficult thing to do.
ML: Haive you seen luds Iteneflt from Uie
prognun?
BD: Oh yes! Thc kids that have come have
definitely benefited. But we're not giving upl It
took a lot of hard work to get this off the ground
and we'd rather tread water for awhile than chuck
it!
M L : \bu've just retired from peer fiiciliCator
and are now a Rep at Large. Just what does
tiiat mean?
BD: Reps at Large are members of the com-
munity who want to represent the general
membership. I think we serve as watch dogs and
we gel mvolved at ttie points wtiere we feel vve
can be most effective.
M L : Wliat are your concerns today for
COCKTAIL SPEaAL
3-tor'2
Monday ttim Friday 4-7 pm
Saturday 1-5 pm:
Well $1.00, Domestic Beer 75<P
Dancing Every Sunday 6 pm til Midnight
(DJ Disco John)
Lettuce and IjMrf Caterois Presents Breakfast
Friday and Satuidiy Nights 1:30-4:00 AM
And your hosts are Roy and Ed
paw—
May 1M7 EMPTY CLOSET 11
BD: My m^ior interest is in mental health
issues, rd like lo see support systems for gays who
don*t have biological femilies to sttppoit them.
I'm vety supportive of ^retiis FLAG atid its
work with femilies and helpii^ parents get along.
Someday I'd like lo work with tfiem more.
Another concern is for gay couples in isolated
areas. It puts such a burden on a relationship to
be everything to eadi other. Cotiples need friends!
It's difflcult for two people to validate their rela-
tionship if there*5 no one else to share it with?
ML: I sec you're now in tlw ad for tlie
Vf^slkey Center. When did you start there?
BD: In the fell of 1985, Horace Lethbridge
became my benefactor by helping me realize a
dream io start niy own cotmselling practice, which
I've always wanted to. do. For me it*s real satisfy-
ir^ to counsel lesbians who don*t harve to go
through that period that they usually do with a
straight counsellor. They don't have to justify their
lifestyle. Vie can just get into working with the
issues that brought therri in.
Another interest I have is in group counsell-
ing. At the Wellesley Center, we are trying to get
more interest in forming a support group for mar-
ried lesbians. The married men have had a sup-
port group for awhile and it's been tremendously
successfol. We know the women are out there but
we have to reach them. Eventually I'd like to be
counselling foil time at the Center.
ML: What else would you lilie to do in the
future?
BD: rd like to be more political.
ML: Wliat would you lilce to see liappen for
tis in tlie polHical arena?
BD: I'd like us to be free! I'd like to see an-
tidiscrimination laws passed so we can alt be out.
I'd like to see the legal system recognize pur rela-
tionships because they are valid, but also for in-
surance purposes.
ML; Any encouraging words for the
community? ^
BD: I guess Td like people to know that
anybody can get involved! Just get started. It not
only enriches the community but also enriches
the individual. I think the Rochester community
is wonderful and I'm really proud to be a part of
it. It's a good place to tfef
Thanks Barbara! And I'm sure I can speak
for the whole community wlien I say we are
proud of you too!
TWO-FOR-ONE
Sunday 5-9 pm
Ttiursday 10 pm-2 am
 12 EMPTY May 1M7
May 1987 EMPTYCLOSET 13

Rochester Task Force on AIDS

Releases P l a n n i n g Report
ntOJECTED AIOS-^ttLATED DISEASE IM FlItfiElt \ M t S KEfilONd)

fay S u t a a CowcH
A strai^ic planning report about Acquired Im-
nmne Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was made
puMkfaydie Rochesier Area Iksk Force on AIDS
(RATR\) the week of April Bdt. The release of
die repon highlighted a week of focal educatfonal
and media events.
The report, entided AIDS Action Pkm:
Hear AgendaJbrRtKhesterttnd the Finger Lakes
Area, provides a comprehensive look into the
fimire and projects how AIDS will affect this area
over the next five yeaxs.
The report sununarizes die work of the Stral^k;
Planning Comminee of RATfA, chaired by Janet
^^Uch. Alt Streeter from die F i i ^ r Lakes Healtfi
Systems Agency provided technical assistance in
the devefopmem of case projectfon figures. Eileen
Thomas ^ m InfoMed, a medical information
agency, coordinated the effort to gather financial
information about medical servkxs. The commit-
tee members represented a wkle range of local
agencies and h ^ t h professions.
The report focuses attention on several key
areas: The number of people who will develop
the disease over the next five years; the financial
costs of such care to the individual and the'com-
munity; the gaps in services that must be
developed to meet the commimity need; and the
educational efforts necessary to reduce the
number of anticipated cases and deaths that will
result from the inevitable continuation of
transmission o( HIV infection.
CASE PROJECTIONS
The number of people who will develop AIDS,
AIDS Related Complex (ARC), or infection with
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been
projected for the next five years.
Since 1981. there have been 115 cases of AIDS Therefore, increased education will be needed to
in the Rochester area.
By 1991, thc report projects 850 cases of foil
blown AIDS, between 4,250 and 8,50(>cases of
ARC and as many as 10,500 people who will
have been infected with HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS. The long term implications for having
e i t h e r A R C o r a s y m p i o m a t i c H t \ ^ i n f o c t i o n is s t i l l
under investigation.
Accurate projectfons for ARC and HIV mlbc-
tion are more diffkuh to tnake since ARC and
m V infectfon are not reportable 10tfieNew >brk
Stale Department of Health. Therefor, accunte
statistics for tfie number of people curremly af-
fected by these conditions is not known. The case
profectkm model includes a conservative estiowie
ofthe anticipated number of cases. The accuiacy
e i esttmaies will be followed <wer time.
N E E I ^ D COMMUNITY SERVICES
As the disease becomes mort ''medkralized'*
widi increased optfons for earty tteatment of HIV
infection, the costs of this epidemic will continue
to iiKrease.
Currendy there are several research protocols
under which mariy patients become eligible to
receive experimental treatments. However, the
cost out of pocket for these medicatfons can be
$K)XX)0 or more per year. In additfon, the in-pa-
tient care is very costly and there will need to be
more focus on the provision of services in the
community.
Dischaige planning and coordination of care
will t»e needed to insure comprehensive care and
locail insurers and health planners are challenged
to develop creative financing mechanisms to pay
for such services.
Currently the cost of medical services for one
AIDS patiem in Rochester is $25,800. Using a
proposed "best model of care" that utilizes in-
creased community services, the cost vMMild be
closer to $l5j000.
PREVENTIVE COMMUNFFY
EDUCATION
AIDS experts agree that there will not be a vac-
cine to prevent infection that will be available to
the general public for at least 5-K) years.
reduce the spread of HIV infection and to
demystify the disease.
Although homosexual/bisexual men, IV drug
user^, and their sexual partners will remain a
primary focus for education, AIDS is everyone's
disease. There is no immunity to an infectious
disease except fcy avoiding exposure to HIV in-
198S 1987
19a6»1991
HlV-lnfacttd
Xn^lviaMlt . , ft.lQO 7,700
Nm MC Cast«(2) 250-SOG 46O.900 800-1,200 700-1.400 7SO-1.500
M M AIOS C«sts<2> SS ior
CiMuUttXt AII>S
Uscti^l 114 2U
AIDS PatlMts A11V* Si 102
(1) MonrM, L1v1n9stoA, Ontario, Sonoca, U«yno, Y«Ut. Choaung. Stauben and
ScMnylar Couatlat.
(2) IiKludM casas traat«d In tha Kaolon, ra9ard1t«t of placa of rasldanca at tiaa
of tflaanoslt.
(3) Ctaailattva total of caaat trMtatf fn tha Ration.
of 12/31/86 Mas 101.
fection through the practice of safe sex and
avoidance of shared needles.
Dr. Richard Keeling, Chairman of the
Ainerican C o l l i e Health Association Ibsk Force
on AIDS, spoke at the University of Rochesier
on AprO 15th. He addresssed, "AIDS on the Col-
lege Campus: What >bu Think You Know and
What Ybu Need to Know.** He emphasized die feet
that the current cases of AIDS reflect transmis-
sion that occtirred several years ago. Although no
separate statistics are kqit on college students,
there have been approximately 100 cases of AIDS
in college students around the country.
He anticipates that there will be numy more
over the next several years and advises everyone
ing fraternity hazing, and heterosexual
intercourse.
Sexual transmission has been documented from
men to men, from men to women, and women
to men. Il is well documented that there is a high
prevalence of HIV infection in prostitutes, many
of whom continue to be sexually active without
using sex safe practices. Heterosexual men in the
military have also been tested and show higher
rates of HIV infection if there have been multiple
heterosexual contacts without the protection at
cofvioms.
The risk to lesbians through woman to woman
transmission has not been documented. However,
if a woman is a known carrier of HIV infection
through bisexual contacts or IV drug use, there
to use corxJoms for any inteixxHjrse that involves
the exchange of body fluids. He discussed case
reports of HIV infection affer necreationai IV drug
1980 1989 1990. •4991
8.S00 9,300 10,000 10.800
480-1,700
131 1S7 189 185
347 504 673 asa
1S9 20S 237 260
Actual c«MMl«t1va total at
use on school vacations, use of prostitutes dur-
have been guidelines publisbed diat describe safe
sex practices. Dr. Keeling does not counsel les-
bians to follow these guidelines utdess there is
suspected or documented HIV infection.
CHALLENGE TO T H E COMMUNITY
The report challenges govemment, business,
educational systems, and the medical communi-
ty to recognize that this is not just the g ^ com-
munity's problem. "It's everybody's problem,"
said William Mdenti, co-chair of die task force
and an infectious disease specialist at Strong
Memorial Hospital. There is somediing in tbis
report for everyone: gay, straight, white, black,
Hispanic, employer or employee, blue cdlar
worker or college student.
If you work in the school system, the health care
industry, the correctional system, chemical
rehabiliuofon agencies, or youth service agencies,
you need to read this report.
If you or someone you care about is sexually
active and not using safe sex practices every lime
they have sex. ySu need to read this report.
COPIES O F THE REPORT ARE
AVAILABLE IN THE P U B U C LIBRARIES,
THE GAY ALLIANCE LIBRARY OR BY
M3NPING $5 TO FINGEK LAKES HEALTH
SYSTEMS AGENCY, 145 COLLEGE AVE.,
ROCHESTER, NY 14607.
Susan Cowell, RM, is a nurse pmctitioner as
the University HeaUh Setwice at the U ofR, and
is a member tjf the Srmregic Planning Commit-
tee ofthe Rochester Area Thsk Fbrx:e on AIDS,
Open Arms Hosts District Conference Out& Abmt Plans Adimndack Weekend
by D. Vmk Hvaen
Open Arms Metropolitan Commimity Chturh
has the honor of hosdng the Northeast District
Conference May 29-31 at the East Avenue Inn.
The entire weekend is open to anyone interested
in participating in the workshop activities. Fur-
ther infonnation on registration and cost is
available by calling the church olfice at 271-8478.
The theme for this conference is ''Empowering
the Saints.**
Activities that are of special interest to the gay
community are the dance being held Friday night,
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. at the East Avenue Irm, a play
written by Gail Seneca being performed at die Fri-
day night worship service (see article "Sy Tbm
Krolak), and die Sunday Moming worship ser-
vice from 9-11 a.m. at the East Avenue Inn with
Reverend Elder Jeri Ann Harvey as special guest
PFLAG Ayx>arded $1,000 Grant
by Marion Holden
It is with gratitude that Parents and Friends of
Lesbians and Gi^s announces the receipt of a
$lj000 check from St. PauKs Church in Webster,
N. Y. A like gift was received from these people
last year. We cannot thank them enough for their
openness, caring, and desire to help.
The receipt of this check followed an educa-
tional series hetd at the church during April. The
scries was entided, "Homosexuality - Educating
Ourselves." Marion, Dick and Sandy represented
PFLAG in this series, as parents of homosexual
O p e n A r m s P r e s e n t s Play
by Thomas Krolak
On Fridi^ May 29 the play An Apple a Day will
be performed at the district conference of the
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). The
pla^ will be part of tbe worship service which
begins at 8. Admission is free and is open to the
puMic.
The conference will take place in the East
spe^r
Reverend Jeri Ann Harvey will be staying in
Rochester on Simday night and will be preachii^
at the iMtorship service on Sunday night at 243
Rosedale (comer of Monroe) at 6 p.m.
For any forther infonnation please call the
church office 271-8478.
Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church
is open fo people of all feiths, and has a special
outreach to the gay and lesbian community. Cur-
rently there are several activities that are r^ularly
scheduled, including a drama group, a choir,
socials and pot luck dinners. Come and cefebraie
the foct that as gays apd lesbians we ARE Chris-
tians! Open Arms Metropolitan Church. A g2^
peeitive church for all people!
chiklren. They were offered warmth, hospitality
and an openness to leam. This gift is a beautifol
affirmation of our efforts to educate.
The May 31st meeting of I^rents FLAG will
be a sharing time. This presents an opportunity
to discuss any questions or problems involving
the i.ssues of homosexuality. Meetings are open
to everyone. Please join us at St. Luke's Church
at 17 S. Fitzhugh St., in downtown Rochester at
2:30. The open discussion period will follow a
brief business meeting. A free will offering will
be taken.
Avenue Inn at 384 East Avenue.
The story An Apple a Day was written by Gail
Seneca, a member of MCC, who teaches its ac-
ting class. The plot is about a gay man who has
AIDS and how he, his lover, and his family cope
with that. Two of the characters are MCC
clergy men.
Members ofthe acting class will be in the cast.
by B o b O w e n s
Out & About, die Rochester gay and lesbian
outir^ gtoup, is plaiming a three-day weekend in
the Adirondacks over Memorial Day. Activities
will include canoeing, hiking, suiming, and for
die brave, swimming. Accommodations will be
in double occupancy rooms or in larger lodges.
The total cost fbr three nights including food and
room is only $40 per person for members.
For the duration of the summer. Out 3L About
is planning to spend a weekend at Canip Whit-
man on Seneca Lake, to camp and hike at Star
Lake, and to backpack at Schroon Lake. Other
O M E G A N s Tackles C a k e
by H. Lethbridlge
>^tching Silera Pioneers was a little like reliv-
ing part of life before Stonewall. The OMEGANs
who watched ranged in age from eariy 40's to ear-
ly 60's, but all of us could relate to thc peopte
we saw on screen, people who dared in those days
to be themselves, some "coming out" in their
elderly years, some celebrating a relationship of
54 years. Ws all cheered thc skill with which
SAGE of New York City had put together a
smorgasbord of interesting people. Some were
hetereosexuals. asked how t h ^ felt about the gays,
and whether they had experienced feelings toward
their own sex. The beauty of viewing the film was
that it feU so real.
Ws were so involved we sat and talked about
it for another half hour. While we continued
drinking our champagne or fruit juice punches.
muiKhing on a variety of sandwiches, we con-
tinued the conversations, still focussed on what
we had experienced. And then we had cake.
It was a monstrous cake. The baker lacked
suitable pans for a three-layered cake, and
therefore let creativity hold sway. He used the
same square cake pan and baked three separate
(and different) cakes, cutting them in half to get
them out d the warm pans. He then cut slabs of
vanilla ice cream which were sandwiched between
evems will include a picnic and possible cruiae
on the Spirit of Rochester.
Out &. About is open to all gay and lesbiwa in-
dividuals in the Rochesier area. Annual member-
ship is $S whk:h covers mailing of the monthly
newsletter. The group is dedicaied to mexpensive
fun in the out-of-doors in an accepting and sup-
portive environment. At present the membership
of approximately seventy covers an age r a i ^ of
20 to 55 years aiid includes a wide variety of in-
terests. Ifyou are inferestecf in die Memorial Day
M^kend or in becoming a meniber, cadi Tom or
Bob at 262-2913.
the warm, halved layers of cakes. Got the picture?
Are you laughii^? The baker wasn't when he
peeked in the freezer a little later and discovered
the cake had gone in every direction. Solution?
Voila! 5 knives impaling the 3 layers (now 6 in-
ches high) whife they froze. It worked but it was
still a monstrous cake. Heavy cream was whip-
ped up to pull the cake together, at least in ap-
pearance. It helped, but it was still a monstrous
cake. Three tiny candles on top reminded one per-
son ot an elephant in ballet slippers, on point.
However, wben the celebrants of OMEGA'S third
anniversary ate it. they allowed as how it was a
monstrous cake.. .but that it was right good!
Each month we have at least one event. In Mary
we look forward to a breakfast together, with
special foods via chef Jim. In June begin the pic-
nics, with our big annual one in June. At that one
we invite frierids and relatives to celebrate
together, and usuaUy we have our best turnout.
This year it will be near Lake Ontario, and who
knows? Some of us may get into the water beyond
our ankles!
OMEGA is for middleaged and older gays and
lesbians, in case you didn't know. We welcome
new pec^le. If .you want to leam more, drop us
a line at PO Box 887, Rochester, NY \4603. Wr'll
respond.

BEECHWOOD LIQUOR AIDS Rochester Sponsors Conference

ii
DELIVERS 99
» THE LIBERTY
"ROCHESTER'S B I G G E S T D A N C E CLUB"
by Ken Domer
AIDS Rochester, CriticalCarc Associates, and
TNS Continental Health Affiliates are sponsor-
ing a two-day conference on AIDS, on May 19
and 20, 1987 at the Rochester Convemion Center.
cology Clinic of San Francisco General Hospital.
The conference is designed for nurses, social
workers, dischaige planners, and other health care
workers who provide care and services for per-
sons effected by AIDS or ARC, or who are in-
117-125 LIBERTY POLE WAY, ROCHESTER, NY This two-d^ educational program wiH focus fected with the HIV. It should interest a wide
.

1 in r KiVSIT M[ A I N ^;T.
Rochester's Only Gay and 14604 232-2240 on the coordination of AIDS health care in the
community. The conference will enable health
range of care providers, including those in the in-
patient, out-patient, psychiatric and community
• ^
Your Host, Aggy D u n e settirigs; nurse practitfoners; social workers; men-
pA »-I>.
Lesbian Open Daily at 5 pm
care providers in understanding AIDS, and the
mechanisms and planning necessary to provide tal health practitioners; pt^icians' assistants;
\ \ \ \
\ \ \ ^ WV Introduction Service — No Cover Belbre 11 pm —
optimum service delivery to clfents in various set-
tings in the community.
The keynote speaker on Tbesday, May 19th, is
health etfocalors; respiratory care practioners; and
others who provide care in the acute or chronic
settii^.

* Discount Wine 8c Liquor * $1 DRINKS • 75» DRAFTS til 9 pm 'Mathilde Krim, PhD, co-chairperson of the
American Foundation for AIDS Researeh.
In addition to attending keynote presentations,
participants will choose from three concurrem
$25 for 3 MONTHS SHOWS Thursday and Sunday
Dr. Krim is a nationally prominent AIDS resear-
cher and speaker. Her address, ''AIDS: the cur-
rent picture," will start the two-day evem.
sessions covering case management,
psychological issues, gaps in servkxs, financial
managemem, and death and dying issues, ^mel
DJ Tom Hoey On Wednesday, May 20th, J.B. Molaghan,
RNMS, will deliver a keynote address entitled,
discussions will include ethical issues, risk reduc-
tion, and accessing iservices.
Come visit and browse JUICE BAR Friday and Saturday til 4 am "The Neurological Aspects of AIDS." Mr. fior more infonnation, call AIDS Rochesier at

in our new boutique Call DJ Mark Cross

Moiaghan is a nurse practitioner at the AIDS/On- 232-358a

wine room 271-6131

featuring: for an
2 for 1, DYNASTY Wednesday
LADIES' NIGHT Thursday Bridge Chatter
Application DJ Jackie Jones by Hdolse If you bid 1 no trump ower a minor suit open-
Good affemoon, and isn*t it though? So good, ing, you deny having a 4-canl major. Similaiy,
A fuU range of Imported and NEW WAVE NIGHT Monday as a matter of feet, 1 had to break out my parasol.
Bodacious weather for an outskfe tea and bridge.
ifyou rebkl your partner's minor suite, you deny
a 4-card major suh. And all you need to bid the
Domestic Fine Wines DJ Neil Speaking of which, die Cofory Bridge O u b met 4-card major is 6 points, t h o u ^ you might haye
on April 21 all cooped up at 40 S. Union - and as much as I6i
guess who won? Rillack and Heberer, first; Bean If partner has a foi^, strong minor suit, noc to
Champagne Specials SmiCTLV and Predvore, second; Lombardo and Claire,
third; and Ed and Wn, fouith. Dear me, the real
worry: he or she will rebid it.
But what if partner was holding:
(mention this ad for an additional 10% discount) COMnDEMTIJIL gals there came in second and third. WMch out,
guys!
S: AQJIO
H: Axx
And now a b r i c ^ lesson for guys and gals. VMI D: Kxx ^
hold the following: C: Jxx
1ft)u ^Mxddn*t wam lo miss a part acore in spades.
H: Qxx Wtll, that's all for dds mondi. Ncfw, dont yall

Listen to D: Ax
C: Qxxx
nutner opens I club. The opponent passes. What
stand out in the sun too kmg. ^ d o h M e t o w v t c h
our complexibns. (Utdess you have a body we*d
like to see in the sun.)
Vbur is yotu* re^XMkse?
Answer'^ I spade. Why? Because when play*
See you at 40 S. Union St. at 7:30 on May 19.
Chow.
H o u r s : 8:30 a.iiiw-9:00 p.m.
UaadaySatur^ 654-7090 HeartBeat ing a 5-caid major system (which has become
standafd* B*est-ce paa?>, partner might be asking
fc*" a 4-aud maior: you migbt have 8 caids in a •
Upaftfet t o l l i : WlwarfipBnai^inpMrt-
metH ipf•!•§ af • Mfetar awfitt P» Not h j | i —
* " "
major suit between the tmy of you.
 i r v

Sunday in the P a r k Gets

Rochester Premiere fiill of tunes); the lyrics are ariy aad liiemy, widi
This month Blackfriars preaents the Rochester fhynies like '*baUasc" aad ^VaDousedr and fotgeC
pietnieie of Stephen SoMfiietm's latest musical, dancing (ift like DoC, you want R)iUes Bergenes,
SmtOay im the Btrk ymtk George, winner of tfie waitfordie next louring compny of £a G ^ OMLT
1984 NY Dmna Critics Circfe A^vaid and the FsfUesy
1965 Pulicter Prize. The work h u n r d y been Yet whea all is said and done. Che work packs
seea anywhere butforits short nm on BnxKlway. quite a punch. Tfae action never seems to stop,
That Rodiesteriatts will have an opportuiuty to and die momeneum poignanCly swdls to diose
see k b due laigdy to Mackfiriars* John marveioitt, clhnactic tabfeaitx vivanCAnd the
Hakkn^Ms, whose labor of kwe tbis {Modiictioii contnisc between the colorful, vibrant character
is. Hakkiupis has directed the vroik, cre^ed the taking a Sunday in the park wkh Geocse in Act
sets (inchiding painstakiqg Kproductfons of pain- I with the vapid, hypocritical creatures that
tings by Geoiges Seurat), and evea oollab<Hated populate die 1980$ art scene in Act n is as
on the costumes. theatrically thrilling as any number of throats cut
Hakfoupis's deteiminadon in brii^ging this work by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Ttt
to Rochester is fueled by diefoctthat die musfeal Because Sondheim is something of a hero to
is about artists, and abo^ an, and that Haldoupis contemporary theater folk, Blackfriars had littfe
himself is a painter. troubfe, it seems, attracting some of Rochester's
The musical's first act concerns the painting of best local talent to take pan in the production.
Georges Seurat's 1884 masterpiece, **Sunday The cast of 18 reads like a Rochester who's who
Afiemoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte," and in musical dieater the likes of David Runzo, Herb
the painter's inleraction with the various peopfe Katz, and T^trrence Brennan have taken on feiriy
that populate this painicular canvas, most of all, minor roles. And lucky for Blackfriars to have
his mistress and principal model. Dot. Towards Charies Witmer and Victoria Ryan Bidaforthe
theend ofthe act. Dot sets offforAmerica with very taxing and demanding parts of Georges/
dieir baby, Marie, and a baker, Louis, who's will- George and Dot/Marie.
ing to marry her. The emire casthas been superbly coached by
Act O taloBS place 100 years later. The infent musical director Joseph Bhickbturn. The choruses
Marie in now an old woman, and her grandson are something to hear.
(Seurat's great-grandson) is afoshionablesculptor Sunday in the Park with George will be per-
ofthe avam-garde enjoying his 15 minutes of Aiidy formed in the Xerox Square Auditorium during
Wkrhol feme. In a spiritual crisis of sorts, this die first two weeks of May. Call 454-2749 for
young man, also nained George, leaves for more information.
France, where a Sunday afternoon on the island M
Reality
of La Grand Jatte, and imagined visions of Dot
and ochers, restores his feith and purpose.
Cleariy, this is not the stuff from which Broad-
way blockbusters are made. Stmday in the Park i-
by AXJ.a ^
undoubtedly will challenge even Sondheim's most Fall may bring the rain, my love
devoted admirers, who are used to his kind of fell may bring the rain. CharlM WitmM- M GMcgM Swnrt and VIctorta Ryan Bkbi M Dot In ^
sophistication. The book is a heavy, portentous If both of us were chiklren, Btacfcfriar's pitKhidion off Stspffien Sondheim's Sundmy In the Pmrk wUh
one; boch Georges are zealous to the poim of hav- our dreams might be the same... Gmotgrn.
iiig no sense of humor; the music consists more I could not buy you happiness,
of mdodramatic underpinnii^ than real songs (in I cannot grant you peace,
comparison, Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, feulted iMit I can hold you sofUy, (love)
by aome ior no€ hanging memorable aongs^ is chock and stroke mvay your grief.

SPRINGTIME : YOU NEED A CHANGE

'*Ii('{noLxyi rontauticfa^ttasy may be tho svxiost urt
house mot ie eierntader - ^ ^ y , / . „ . /^yr i,N,r> M / ^
A FUm byjean-jacques Betneix ibe Direciara/'ixnst"

n
Betty Blue
STARTS MAT 1 3
$1 off an erening show of
Betty Blue wtth Uds coupon '^^*

i^ $1 off an erenlna ahow of

Claymatlon with tfiU eoiqpon

's s t a r t Spring Training
I It certainly has different connota-
of us. It may simply mean moving
rs without fev of frostbite. For some,
: anticipatfon of baibecnii^ camp-
; around the streets cfRodi^ter with
:r8nked open. For others, spring nay
; time to start in on that summer tan.
members of the Empty Closet Soft-
|)ringtime marks the b^inning of
practice sessions for the upcoming
is oiily the second year our team has
£nce, but last year we finished -with
TUT only two losses were to Liber-
ind Transitowne Dodge,
d we wear j e r s ^ s and hats that read
pitcher is our '*token" non-gay per-
:ouid not make it without her). The
wer voM rmeojo vrqiyis »r
May 1987 EMPTY C L O S ^ 15
other eleven players are active members of die
gay communiiy. Of these eleven women, four are
strongly involved wkh The Empty Closet publka-
tfon. In addition to contribming their valuable
time and skills to the Ebnpty Closet, the
business manager and produetkm manager are two
of odr team's greatest assets.
The paper's secretary doubles as die softball
"EC's" manager/coach/trainer and occasional
flayer; thank <3od for Ms. \fersatility (yeah
Robyn!} Our second base woman is the paper's
leadmg sttff reporter for political news fronts.
Others have made their contribution by helping
with layout at the Co-op.
l b die delight of all, GAGV recentiy audioriz-
ed $150 to ^lonsor the team which bears che
pa^wr's name. The money will help curb league
fees and uniform costs.
In return the team will panicipate in fond rais-
ing games and activkies for die QAOV throaghout
the summer. Currendy, we have two tentative
scrinrunages planned with other women's teams.
Our greatest feat will be playing at this year's pk:-
n k in July. (If there are ariy other women's teams
that would like to offer a challenge, just contact
Howard or Robyn at the EC.)
Opening Day for 1987 season is Sunday May
31 at 6 p.m. We play at Forks P&rk located on
Manitou Road in Greece. Come out and see us
in action. Buis are always appreciated.

In ')kmr Arms

by Debbfe Lane
In \bur Arms
Dancing Slowly
Nice
M^rm Feelings
Rushing Through
In Ybur Arms
Check 7b Cheek
Silking Softly
In Your Arms
Dancing Slowly
The Music Stops
But Not In My Hean
tyyn Freah, Bmpiy ClosBt Because
and EC's c o a c h and Dancing Slowly
Is Where I Want To Be
photo credit: M.L. Miller In \bur Arms

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 16 EMPTYCLOSET May 1987
'*Ladies and Gentlemen... Miss Laveme An-
drews!"
Thank you so much! If you are standing up—
sit down and if you're already sitting, get ready
because there is a lot to cover this month. I want
you to pay attention to Miss Laveme, now! Listen
up...
As my good friend Laurynn Fox always says,
"Let's eat!" But how does one do this after the
bar closes, when it appears that the Royal Knight
is hardly ever open (Frita, what WILL we do?),
there is an alleged boycon of Gitsis (that's what
I hear. Miss Aggie Dune has gone pc^itical!), and
I had the worst of all breakfests at the Country
Club a few weeks ago. I guess you've got us, Roy!
It's the Avenue Pub for breakfest on Frids^ and
Saturdays—see you there, girls.
The incident at Gitsis really was appalling. As
told to Miss Laveme, Miss Aggie Dune and about
eight others went to Gitsis after the bars closed
one night. One ofthe Greek managers said he was
not serving "cenain people" in the party. He refer-
red to them as "your kind." He singled out one
person who happened to have spilled come cof-
fee on the floor. Will. I have had waitresses there
spill worse on better! He also spoke to Aggie, say-
ing, "you know what you are." Well, I am what
I am, and I am NOT patronizing Gitsis any more.
Yxi girls do what you wam, but when I pay money
for service I expect to be treated like a person.
How 'bout you?
While we're talking about breakfest in the
DARK, I want to tell you. Miss Uhuru, it sure
was good to see you up on the stage at Jim's on
April 12. Two years in retirement, darling, and
you come back to belt out "Jimmy Lee;" what
can I say? Fabulous!
While we're talking about the show, may I also
say Maya, you were beautifol in "Imagination,"
and Rondretta, I don't know what it is, but you
were better that I have seen you in months! Joan
Alexis was visiting from Syracuse—a beauty—
always good to see you. And Laurynn, you were
in rare form, baby doll, you looked great and you
were TOO funny!! Even ifyou did ger sick, yet
again, and left me to finish the show, M.F. But
m ^ Miss Laveme state for the reooid that the male
daiK:er was (he single hottest strip act I have ever
seenf A n d yes, in m y day, I have seen a few* Bring
him b a c k . . . Soon!
Happy Birthday!
s GAY nocHEsrim
Love Ybu LIZA —
DARLENE & MICHELE
s a M drag.. .ITianks to M.C. Compton's, and
the Buffelo audience who made tis fixl like a
millfon bucks. Along with myself, there was Miss
Stepanfe Le Menu (a great premiere perfor-
numce!). Former Miss Rochesters Tbrre Adore
and Marcella (will we ever forget the pink plastic
curlers?!) and our hostess. Miss Laurynn Fox.
Thanks to all of you. City Lights was great fon
after the show, but Torre: Next time unless there
are 71V0 men under the air conditfoner, you're
on your own!
More on Bufftdo.. .The Western New Vbrk
AIDS Project and die Buffelo AIDS Tksk Force
hosted their first major fond raiser on April 11
and 12. Normal Heart, a play by Larry Kramer,
was the event at the Abb^way Theatre. Both were
soki-ottt performances. Miss Laveme wishes all
of you much success in foture events!
l b N.MJC...Welcome back to Rochester, h's
good to have you home. And happy aniversary
lo us both. They are ten years that have made me
very happy and here's to a forever mpre. Love and
Kisses.. .
Congratulatfons to Henry. At Friar's
I I I . . . Miss Laveme begs your pardon, darling.
I missed announcing your new position as IVies-
day night D.J. at Friar's III. It's always great to
hear your music, Henry. Tear it up!! Summer Drink Spedal at Jlm*s. .Now,
every Friday, Satuid^ and Sunday night, pay one
$5 admission to Jim's and drink all well-drinks
Off-White.. And which shade of white will
and beer. All Night at no additfonal charge. What
I wear to this year's Off-White party at Friar's III a HOT summer it will be!
on Sunday, May 24: eggshell, cream, beige, taupe,
tan...you can stop me,any time! Well, Miss had some of the best times at Bar Night (the third
Laveme's been waiting for a good ol' Friar's party It's been febulous chatting with you, but I really
Samrday of every month). I know it sounds must dash—I feel next month's dirt starting to fly
and I WILL be there. The theme is Egyptian. Strang, but it's reaily just another kind of drag.
Don't be where it's not, be where it's HCfT.. .at through the air, already. There is a very busy
Thanks to my Foram-buddy Rick P. for helping Summer-foil of activity coming u p . . .look for
Friar's III for Off-White. And with music hy Hec- to nruke these nights FUN. Which is just the previews next month. Love ya, *Vtrti. P.S. This
tor, I know we'll be dancing til the tiny hours, beginning of the fon that we'll have starting May month's colunm is dedicated to Miss Ann
especially with juice bar until 4 a.m. 16 when wc hit New York City! Wa-hoo! Landers, who will soon retire. I have read her col-
Thank you Miss Aggie Ehine for pulling me up umn for the last "too many" years. She is truly
on stage for the Liberty Wrt Jock^ Short Con- a legend in rny mind. And I will miss her "dear-
Bar night at tbe F b n u n . . .Yes, you are reading test. Such a "tasteful" (or should I say "tasty") ly!"
Miss Laveme's column and yes, I am mention-
ing fhe Baettelor Fomm. Surprise, sutprise! I
must admit that for the last two months, I have
competition. I had a ball! Justice prevailed when
John won* He made my shorts WET! And by the
way, where has Morgan been Late-LY?!
^^S^v^l
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BotifOtxr! Mes amis! My name is Babetie.
rve juat fltywn in fiom Ruis on a Boeiog 747
My ^ f n e n d Laveme, who was so hard to
find, tokl me of thettiigencyof some news firom
a ^European" frame of mind.
So, darling, here 1 am - goigeous,,vital, and
thank God, 1 dklnt crash, cause Fm ready to dish
all sorts of trash!
f1f9t,aoaaecBn«atCf«il8%.. Liza's April Sth
show; Uza* at die Libeity was great emertaimnent,
bot the turnout was disqspointing (rain, maybe?).
Agam, MC Rondretta Billingslea dished to her
bean's content. And believe me honey, her con-
tentions are overwhelming.
appearances by Ahlishia Michaels, Wdma
Sinclair, and Aggy Dune were, as always, sup-
portive. Aggy*s rendition of Nancy SiiuUra's hit,
"Boots,** was quite the tkket. (Hmmm... Boots,
isnt that a bar in Boston?! That reminds me, I
have to call Davkl...) Anyway, she ston^ied those
bitches cm sti^e, wearing a Joanne WoHcy black
and white checked dress, like she was killing
roaches. Aggy, your originality is awe-
inspiring, but your seamstress sure isn't Maya!
And while we're on the subject of &shkm, there
are two individuals, whom I love immensely, who
should be recognized for their panache, their
avant-garde approach to ensemble, and their
foresight of haute couture. The Miss Babette
Fashfon Award for this Spring goes to Louis asnd
Vinnie. (Applause! Applause!) For years, the two
of you were thought to be "mis-fitted" for your
New \brk style of dress. Bm, dariirigs. let Babette
assure you that you were simply misunderstood
—can wc talk?! Trendsetters arc a rare breed. So
onv^wd with your berets, eyeliner, and army boots.
As for forther confosion by wearied observers
who still don't understand, I say, "Honey, pick
a finger. See YOU on 5th Avenue!"
News Flash! News Flash! Our own Gwen is
pregnant again, and is Joe thrilled. Please don't
move out of state until we're able to organize
another shower. Cari, are you listening? And Ron
O . I per^orudly can assure you that all the silver-
ware WttS accounted for from Gwrn*s first shower,
so Marva will be invited again!
THE ROMAN
BRONZE BODY TAN
A M M i C E D SERIES — 30 MlmitM Maxlimiin
10 VMtss $40u00 ($4.75 slngto vMt)
SmRTER SERIES — 20 Mimitos Maxiimiiii
10 VMtss $2S4M> ($3L2S slngto visit)
Open 24 Hours
Tanning, Video, Large Screen TV,
Movies, Sauna, Toys, Rooms,
Lockers & Vending
109 UbMFty PDto mm$ noohmmUB^ NV 1719) 494-10T4
May 1M7 EMPTY CL06ET 17
Before Miss Babetie foigets, a belated birthday
to Cari, April I4tf]. I love you and best of luck
wkh die Daily Planet, it's just goigeous.
Fd alsotiketo say mi revoir to two of my most
dariing sisters. First to Arte G — off and nmning
to NYC. Just a word to tbe wise, honey: Adam
bit into tbe "Big Apple*' and you know what hap-
pened lo him. So iriease, just nibble... And to
Chrisiq^ Chappell, I fove you and will miss you
veiy much. Rest assured, a visit from Miss
Babette is impending. Be ready, I'll need some
R&R (Rush A Rumpleminz). Just kkkling*
Stay ttmed to this and other columns (Hi
Laveme - Love \bu) for forther news as it
develops.
NowforaWtlefliiarperloBigiie... It has been
brought to Miss Babette's attentfon that diere is
some disharmony a m o i ^ the queens regarding
the Rochester Gay Entertainment (RGE) Awards.
Its forerunner, the People's Choice Awards, is
tradition, very respected and honored. But the
RGE Awards are something new to our city. First
questfon: why were both prestigious events on the
24th of April? Coincklence, hardly. Second,
nominations were delivered by a gc^eming com-
mittee. What committee? General concensus is
that if this event is for Rochester, it should in-
clude all performers and shows.
Outs Ins
Best MC — Where's Laurynn Fox? Best show Short Hair
— you included mud wrestling at the Liberty Overprocessed Hair
Bar Games ("Muskal Chairs") Matinee at the Little/Cinema
(aaagh!), but forgot the Late Night Show with Lunch at the Dally Planet (See you there, Lois!)
Rondretta. For shame, for shame! What about Estate Sales
Casual Browsiiig at Village Gate 5-Day Retreat to P-Town
Shame's show? Chili Pepper's? Best male per- Saturday Jaum at the Publk Market
former, Eric? Boy George lives! After perusal of Max Headroom
I^Kkled Shoukfors Outside Cafes (Love that Espresso)
this ballot, I noticed that out of 12 categories, Vimagc Clothes/Ackl Wash
Aggy Dune is nominated K) times in various "Bad-Boy" Look
Smoking Areas Garage Sales
events. Anita Baker
Girls, something's definitely fishy in this tuna Whitney Houston
salad! The awards are fon, but I feel that a better Cover Charges Bargain Bar Nights
title for this ceremony should be Liberty's Gay Dynasty Parties Pizza & the Golden Girls
Emenainment Awards. What do you think, ladie^ Lauren/Polo Eau Sauvage/IV>ison
Non-Smoking Areas
l^st Foods
Anyway, I love Rochester. I love being here. Promiscuity Off-White Party at Friar's III
M ^ 24di - **>\^k like an Egyptian"
However, in observing and touring the city, I've Limousine Service
noticed some t h i i ^ that are a bit passe. So, as Full-Length Furs/Spiked Heels Colored Soft Lenses
a reflectfon of my v^KiHdiy experience, Tvc com- That's it, my first colun\n! I love you darlings.
piled Babette's Ins and Outs for Spring 'g7. But don't forget, trauma in your Ufe, call Babette!
Au Revoir!
C" v-jvr V 'r. A'j v-jTi-'r
18 EMPTY CLOSET May 1987
Margaret Fuller
(1810 -1850J
by Thomas Krolak
**From a very early age I have feh that I was
not bora to the common womanly lot." She
wanaed to be '*iny ami priest, pupil, parent, chiM,
husband, and wife" These words were written
in 1839 by author, critic, transcendentaltst,
feminist, newspaper reporter, conversationalist,
and bisexual Margaret Fuller to a friend.
In that^me of *^Moman's sphere," wluch assign-
ed her sex to the home, Fulfer dared to be dif-
ferent. She made foil use of her eneigetk: mind,
and approSiched people with the same intensity
as she did ideas.
Her intellectual activities began early. Bom on
May 23, 1810 in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts,
the first child of Tmiothy Fuller, she disappointed
him by being a girl. A Harvard graduate, and a
lawyer, he gave her the type of rigorous educa-
tion then usually reserved for boys. Learning
Latin, Greek, and French she read history and
the classics as a child.
To continue this instruction she was sent to a
school in nearby Boston. At this time, when she
was thirteen, she had her first passionate attach-
ment, to a visiting Englishwoman. ''Elegant and
captivating, her every look aiKl gesture was tun-
ed to a different pitch from anything I had ever
known."
The next year she began attending a girls'
school in Groton, Mass. This m ^ have been the
basis for her short story, "Marianna."
Returning home she kept up her studies of
languages and philosophy. She also made many
friends in the stimulating atmosphere near Har-
vard. These included Anna Barker. Fuller
developed a love for her, sending her poetry and
making affectionate references to her in letters.
Fuller also met, at this time, some early
Unitarians, then considered rebels. With these and
others she formed interesting discussion groups.
TTirougli these p e o p l e s h e b e c a m e a n a d m i r e r o f
the German philosopher Goethe. He believed that
(jod was to be found in nature and oneself, and
in individual responsibility.
MET
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$ 35.TaL Sunday bruneh for Z
& m a e h more !!
'-rji
In 1833 this klyllk existence was cut short when
Timothy Fuller moved the femily to a ferm in
Groton. His sudden death two years later thrust
Fuller into managemem of the large household.
It also prevented her from going to Europe to
research a book on Goethe.
Now needine money, she took a teaching job
in Boston with Bronson Alcott and mtored
women in languages. Alcott's methods were so
controversial that he lost students, forcing Fuller
to go to Providence, Rhode Island to teach.
While there she visited Concord, Mass. and
became acquainted with the transcendentalists.
Their philosophy stressed learning by intuition
and the superiority ofthe individual, llie essayist
Ralph V^\do emerson, a friend of Fuller's, was
one of them.
Nathaniel Hawthorne lived at their settlement,
Brook Farm, to which Fuller often came. In his
novel The Blithedale Romance the character of
Zenobia is based partly on Fuller.
At this time she became close to Caroline
Sturgis to whom she wrote love letters and with
whom she vacationed in the country. She had
resolved against marriage, feeling no man would
tolerate her.
" \,.her every look and gesture
was tuned to a different pitch
than anything I had ever
known/ "
Tired of teaching she moved to Concord and
there, in 1839, began ber "conversations." These
were discussion groups for women. TWicc annual-
ly they paid a fee for ten meetings with Fuller to
discuss a topic of her choice.
Fuller was trying to make women use what
e d u c a t i o n they h a d , l e a m to express t h e m s e l v e s
in public, and gain self-confidence. The inclusion
of men was ended after a year since they
dominated the conversations.
PRESENTS
Prizes
Also, in 1840-44, Fuller wroce for the Dial, a
liberal-minded literary journal. She was its editor
fbr die firsrtwo years. She wipte lit^iay critfoism
for it and, hi 1843, her femous ariticfe ''The Great
(3uote: There is no wholly masculine tnan, no
purely Ibminine woman."
In libiaries Fuller is listed under "Ossoli.*'
I^ula Blancluutf and Mason VMe have written
Lawsuit: Man vs. Men. ^^bman vs. Wcmien."
She expanded the essay into a book, Hbman in
the Nineteenth Cerltury, published in 1845.
Here, Puller compares the treatmem of wome»
bfographies. Robert Hudspeth has collected her
letters in two volumes, covering 1817-4L Gay
Anterican Histoiy also has excerpts froih her let-
ters on pp. 461-67. Bell Chevigny's The m m a n
to slaves (she fevoied abolitkm), calls fee i m p f i ^ dnd the Myth has the "Lawsuit" artkle.
ment in ttieir l ^ a l snutus (but omits tte vote),
decries the sexual douUe standard, and urges that
educatfon and job choices be the same for both
sexes. It was the first book on fenuaisro in
America.
^
*,^^.
Happy birthday to tiiese g^ys:
I. One source gives May 15 as the birthday
of thc Greek ruler AlcaEandcr tbe Great
. ^ ^ L^ (356-323 B J C )
2 . philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson
(IMI3-18^) Maty 25
X poet H U t Whitman (I819-1892) May 31
The year before, her Summer on the Lakes had 4w composer Peter lUudicovsky (040-1893) M^y
been released, describing her trip through the 5. composer Artfaur Sullivan
Midwest. It had caught the attention of Horace 6. painter Ronudne Brooks (18744970) May 1
Greeley, editor of die A^ew Ibrk THbune. He hired 7. iyrkfet Lorenz Hart (1895-1943) May 1
her for his paper. Very reform-minded, she in-
terviewed prostitutes in Sing Sing, and reported
on other prisons as well as asylums. Here too,
she wrote critkal reviews making readers femili^
with foreign authors.
In 1846 she went to Europe and wrote articles
P?^^ ^
there for Greel^. In Rome she met Giovanni
Ossoli, a young nobleman with republican sym-
pathies. They probably married. A son was bom
in September, 1848.
MONTREAL
The next year, as revolutionary turmoil swept
the Italian states. Fuller stopped her reporting to
get involved in it. Early in 1849 the Romans over- -o^ '66eie^K
threw their Papal rulers and declared a repubic. 'te^ n<
The city was attacked by France and Austria.
Ossoli helped in its defense whle Fuller treated The Best Bed 'n' Breakfast in Town
the wounded in a hospital.
After the Republic fell in July, they went to Ask for brochure & free gay map
Florence. Wanting to find an American publisher
(514)521-2238
for her book on the war. Fuller sailed for the U.S.
in May. On July 19, 1850, durii^ a storm, the ship 1567 St-Andr« SL
struck' a s a n d b a r olT of F i r e Island, n e a r N e w MontTMl, Que. U2L3T5
York, and sank. Fuller, Ossoli, and their boy, Dovmtown - o n * btock hom Ste-Cnih*rin« St.
drowned. Her body was not found. Lost, too, was
her manuscript on the Italian revolution.
HI
H
evmy. msmM' ^ a r U i0 * S ^ • * *
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