1 20 71 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/36d075a6557e2735e9c92cf7e506a23b.jpg 41567a6e267fe1240524d06843f45358 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/d113287a649fb1cd20682492a8322085.jpg 41567a6e267fe1240524d06843f45358 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Publication Year The year the issue was published 1989 Publication Date The date the issue was published March-April 1989 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Advertiser Call in Second Stone Description An account of the resource An early call to advertisers in Second Stone. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived "The Second Stone." Second Stone, March-April, 1989, p. 6. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/ doc/LBMKPG090079068/AHSI?u=kans96975&sid=AHSI&xid=6232c59d. Accessed 29 June 2020. https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/81027ae4c638a4c8ec894c3466207bd7.jpg e2917a6d226aa3761e61d50d382ab8d5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Volume Number The volume number of the issue 16 Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 24 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1996 Publication Date The date the issue was published December 22, 1995 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Article in The Front Page publication Description An account of the resource An article about Second Stone's early success in The Front Page, written by Wayne Hoffman and published in 1995. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Hoffman, Wayne. "Gay Christian Publications Cast the Second Stone." The Front Page, vol. 16, no. 24, 1995, p. 13+. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/YNFTIP795973456/AHSI?u=kans96975&sid= AHSI&xid=6c44a702. Accessed 29 June 2020. https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/07353651d5572d036518d7a73ea5fbcd.jpg d340b55a4209ca49dadf0929078f3ddb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery Description An account of the resource Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery (one of a set of 12 scenes from The Life of Christ). Flemish, Leuven; Panel; Glass-Stained. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. YouTube Video A video hosted on YouTube. Embed Code The html embed codes for this object. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pijJ0oJnsNY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Community Response Subject The topic of the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Jim Bailey discusses the communities response of Second Stone. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Second Stone Interviews https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e899f21c9436b528ee365986527f7943.jpg 9b3dbe0645bec515df1d0114dfaa852f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 117 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1989 Publication Date The date the issue was published October 1989 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Evangelicals Together Newsletter Description An account of the resource An early ad for Second Stone as published in the October 1989 issue of the Evangelicals Together Newsletter. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Actions and Events 1987-1997. Action: Federal Building AA89.1006 1989: Documents 1989, 1. 1989. MS ACT UP Los Angeles Records: Actions and Events 1987-1997 Box 5, Folder 44. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/NBGKTG855761771/AHSI?u= kans96975&sid=AHSI&xid=c14300ef. Accessed 29 June 2020. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. YouTube Video A video hosted on YouTube. Embed Code The html embed codes for this object. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Us_9HQhu6r8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Favorite Experience at Second Stone Subject The topic of the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Jim Bailey talks about his favorite experience while working on Second Stone. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Second Stone Interviews https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/eaf8e7b84dc5c2e237a3cdacc3173819.jpg 25f1fe84ffafd5860777a0fc7ff4935e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) #59 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1998 Publication Date The date the issue was published July/Ausut 1998 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Front and Last Page of Second Stone Description An account of the resource The front and last page of the final issue of Second Stone. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. YouTube Video A video hosted on YouTube. Embed Code The html embed codes for this object. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OE9xKPmjne8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Introduction to Second Stone Description An account of the resource Jim Bailey talks about the genesis for Second Stone and why he started the publication. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Second Stone Interviews Subject The topic of the resource Second Stone https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/7178f39ac087b9efb88aff75fafd0fa5.jpg 2d5b472a3639403d9df778f97327e58a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Newsstand Publication Announcement Description An account of the resource Announcement of Newsstand Publication, January 2nd, 1995. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Media Organisations/Publishers Part 5, Correspondence, 1993-96. 1992-1996. MS Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement: Other Organisations HCA/LGCM/7/43/f1. London School of Economics Library, Hall-Carpenter Archives. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EQCOIY397218067/AHSI?u=kans96975&sid= AHSI&xid=20c2fd45. Accessed 29 June 2020. https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/05aeaef8a29f09487f7d48ca8d62e2a7.jpg 5df08289d3ba6680b5f706e5fdbb700c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Publication Date The date the issue was published December Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource On Being Description An account of the resource An Early ad for Second Stone as published in the December issue of On Being. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Subject Files, 1970-2000. On Being: Sleeved, 1987-1994. 1987-1994. MS Twice Blessed Collection: Subject Files, 1970-2000 Box 7, Folder 14. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. Archives of Sexuality and Gender, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/AXGWDJ512981006/AHSI?u=kans96975&sid= AHSI&xid=6f5deb23. Accessed 29 June 2020. https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/4ea6b4e492e2bfd2e1faa901616dc9bf.jpg c80c790011a0f69298e90997ec645904 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1988 Description An account of the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1988. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jim Bailey's Personal Collection https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c5956aadfdc145b1babf56da02b66bb3.jpg ee9038b052b5d8dbaf44ea4be966fe2e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1989 Description An account of the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1989. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jim Bailey's Personal Collection https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e86c4aaae6edefafbc9fb2e342b169a0.jpg c93b3578492e64804d9bee211a0fd76b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1990 Description An account of the resource Photo of Jim Bailey, circa 1990. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jim Bailey's Personal Collection https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c06aa4952528fb07cc73409bf71b429c.pdf 6d5894540d3a81ff532abd1155ad97cd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone - Pages from Unarchived Issues https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/394c5bcf769a3e81331b216d5d10df62.pdf f7db4779ce9fcd8affbfa73ff5ee3b2e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 10 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1990 Publication Date The date the issue was published May/June 1990 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS $2.25 THE . COND TONE MAY !JUNE, 1990 8000 Readers Across The USA Parents Who Are 'Out Of The Closet' Colorado Couple's Lives Changed By Gay Son, Lesbian Daughter By Jim Bailey .illld Dan Grippo Elinor Kirby Lewalien, past president of the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and her husband, Tom, had their lives abruptly changed on March 2, 1978. The couple, parents of four children, were sitting at the kitchen table when their daughter, Janet, revealed to them that she was a Lesbian. In the spring of 1981, they discovered that their oldest son, Tommy, was also gay. Recalling that day in 1978, Elinor Kirby Lewallen said her daughter was 27 at the time, out of schoo l and working. '"We really didn't know much about her life," she said. SEE COVER STORY, Page 9 Videos: ,lljl People:. 1111~ Leo Treadway An / . · · lnspiration,'f o Gay & .. , Lesbian Teens of St. Paul m "Common Threads" Sews Up An Oscar Review by Eric Hess Unity Fellowship National African American Church Formed A national religious organization .has been formed to address the specific needs of African American Gays and Lesbians. A rousing worship service held at the third annual National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference and Health Institute in Atlanta marked the beginning of the organization . Rev. Renee McCoy of Detroit , Mich igan , a former Metropolitan Community Church minister, and Rev. Carl Beam, founder of the · Unity Fellowship in Los Angeles will guide efforts to beg in a nationwide network of Unit y Fellows hip Churches. The conference was attended by over 450 Black Gays and Lesbians from across the country. Formation of the church was said to have been the most significant event of the conference. The church, whose the111e is "God is Love and Lo,:.e is Everyone" will fill the need for a pro-gay worship experience closer to the traditions and heritage of the black community. McCoy is the former executive director of t he National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays . She resigned from MCC in midFebruary to begin work on a Unity Fellowship Church in Detroit. Ministry's A Fraud, 1 Ex-Gay Co-Founders · Say Two of the origina l founders of Exodus Internationa l, a network of ex-gay ministries, denounced all such programs during a recent interview with Kurte Wolfe of the Gay Broadcasting System. Michael Bussee and Garry Cooper left the program in 1979 after they discovered that, despite years in the program, their sex ual orientations had rema i ned unchanged. Bussee said he counseled hundreds of people who tried to change their sexua l orientation but knows of none who were successful. Bussee ended years of silence about the failure of ex-gay programs after becoming concerned about the rise of Rev. Lou Sheldon's Coalition for Traditional Values and the "reparative therapy" program promoted by crv. "It doesn't work ," Bussee told GBS. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE YEAR ONLY $12.60! BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 P.O. Bol 8340 New Orleans lA 70182 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PA ID \ In Our Next Issue: 'In Love' With Long Distance NEW ORLEANS. LA PERMIT No. 511 Religious conservatives want ii banned. The gay community says it's free speech and safe sex. The multi-million dollar telephone sex business - the phone bill's only part of the cost. Psychiatrists reveal the hidden toll next lime in The Second Stone. F1_9om The Editor ' Mailing List Secrecy A-Stubborn Obstacle their mailing lists to secrecy and therein lies the marketing nightmare we've struggled with for two years . Almost all of a publication's subscription sales take place through a direct mail appeal. Access to mailing lists is critical to the success of a subscriber-supported publication. Leaders of national gay and lesbian Christian organizations have sworn We have asked groups for a · one-time use of their tnailing lists to send members a sample ·copy of The _ _ Second Stone in a plain envelope Letters Americus, Georgia Habitat for Humanity Says It Doesn't Discriminate Dear Second Stone, This is in response to your article in the January /February edition concerning "A Giver's Guide." Millard Fuller, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, has asked me to . - respond to you on his behalf. We appreciate people sharing their thoughts and concerns with us, as you have, through your article, over the issue of gay and lesbian hiring practices of Habitat. We are hopeful that you will give us the opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding that has occurred concerning Habitat's hiring practices . First, let me state that Habitat does not discriminate in its hiring decisions on the basis of sexual orientation or preference . In _fact, Habitat has employees who are homosexual. In addition, Habitat does not discriminate in its selection of volunteers on the basis of sexual orientation. The confusion has arisen because of Habitat's policies with respect to the sexual practices of its employees and volunteers, both heterosexual and homosexual. The Other Side asked in its survey whether the fact that someone was openly gay or lesbian would in any way affect our hiring or selecting of that person, to which Millard Fuller responded "yes". This response was given because all _ volunteers who serve at our Americus headquarters individuals. The policy of celibacy and fidelity helps to avoid conflict - within the Habitat community. (For the same reason, Habitat forbids smoking in volunteer houses . ) Moreover, in the case of international volunteers, the policy of celibacy and fidelity is needed in order to avoid offending the sensibilities of the communities and cultures in which Habitat serves . (Again , for the same reasons, Habitat has policies which restrict the consumption of alcohol and tobacco - by international volunteers.) These policies are applied uniformly to all Habitat volunteers, both homosexual and heterosexual, and all volunteers must be willing to accept these policies . The paid staff at · Habitat are urged to follow similar rules . Millard's affirmative response to the question posed by~ ~ Side was not because of a discriminatory policy regarding sexual orientation, but because of Habitat's policy · of celibacy for all single volunteers and fidelity for all married volunteers. I would like to add that Habitat does not ask its volunteers about their sexual preferences or practices before they come to volunteer in Americus nor does Habitat try _ to "convert" them to certain religious beliefs while they are serving here . We only ask that while they are here, whether for three months, six months, or a y ear, the volunteers respect our policies . Also , please understand that Habitat does not seek to actively monitor people's sexual behavior - far from it . When Habitat does become aware that with a letter stating that the paper is sent compliments of the group who owns the list . Since we have committed not to copy the list, the mailing would be no different than receiving something from the group itself : whatever way possible . Best regards. In Christian partnership, Karen L. Higgs Executive Vice President We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences In This Issue FEATURES COVER STORY COLUMNS FROM THE EDITOR COMMENTARY INNER PATHS CLOSER LOOK FAMILIES 1RAVEL PARTING THOUGHT DEPART1\1ENTS LETTERS NEWS BRIEFS PEOPLE We need to reach new readers · to continue our success. I urge you to contact your national leader on our behalf. The 90' s won't hold much promise if we're going to be too scared to even meet each other. with our re~ders. Send letters to: - LEITERS, The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We_ reserve the right to edit. □- Page9 Page2 Page 3 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page.19 Page 20 Page 2 Page4 Page 10 , are expected to follow certain sexual practices. During their time in Americus, married volunteers are expected to be faithful to their marriage vows and single volunteers are expected to be celibate. Similar rules apply to our overseas volunteers. _ someone is violating · Habitat's rules, we try to work with the individual to see if he or_ she can continue as a ·volunteer within th e framework of Habitat's polici es. CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 The reasons for this policy are many. First, the policy is rooted in the Christian background of Habitat for Humanity. In addition, it reflects the practical concerns of any volunteer organization. While in Americus, volunteers live in group houses with as many as twelve other B Finally, Jet me assure you that it is the Board of Directors' firm policy to comply with all applicable Jaws regarding employment practices, and we do not knowingly violate any such laws . I hope that this will alleviate any concerns you may have about Habitat and that your readership will be able to continue to support Habitat in CALENDAR BOOK REVIEW VIDEOS ESSAY CLASSIFIEDS THE SECOND STONE · Page 12 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 20 Commentary □ Keeping The Best; Throwing Out The Rest _Gay Couples -Redefine Traditional · Family ByJimRoche Contributing Writer My teenage daughter finally asked me the big question , "Are you and David going to get married?" I said we hoped to, pretty soon. We just hadn't worked out all the details. Then she asked, "Whose " going to wear the dress?" I hear comments like that all the time . When I speak on gay issues at colleges and universities someone inevitably asks. me a similar question, like, "Well who's, you know, dominant?" The list of questions that would amuse you goes on and on. Gays and Lesbians, it seems, are a real mystery to most people. What we do , how we act, what we think and feel. But a more important point ·is that so many ·· peop l e seem to think of a relationship , gay or straight, as something inherently unequal. Opposites attract is the theory I guess. And that's why so many gay and lesbian people don 't want to have anything to do with ma rriages or weddings or anything similar. Because it just seems to reflect the ISSN No. 1047-3971 THE SECOND STONE Newspape r is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1990 by The Second Stone, a registered trademark . SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $12.60 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $8.00 for postage . All payments U. S . currency only. ADVERTISING, Display advertising one time rates: Full Page, $595.00 ; Half Page, $304.00 ; Quarter Page, $ 155.00; Eighth Page, $81.00; Sixteenth Page, $42.00. Sen d inquiries to: Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 . Classified advertising is 35 cents per word. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, and church/orga nization news to (Department title) The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans , LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompan ied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. THE SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian newspaper committed to informing the gay and lesbian community. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey MARKETING DIRECTOR: Eric Hess CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, Cynthia Marquard, Danni Munson, Dr. Martin Fowler, David Rickey, Robert McKnigh~ Jim Roche, Michael Blankenship, Dan Grippo, Dr. Louie Crew , John-Michae l Olexy, Dr. Buddy Truluck, Chris Glaser. worst that heterosexual relation ships have to offer - inequality and oppression. So, why would two gay men or two lesbian women want to have anything to do with one of the most oppressive and hierarchical systems around? As a couple there are certain things that my lover David and I want to share. Time together. Interests . Friendships. We already share lots of things, but because we're gay we can't shar~ some things without a hassle. Like health benefits. Legal rights to belongings, property and so on. If one of us were to become ill the other might not be included in choosing a ·doctor or hospital or treatment. Those decisions might be relegated to "immediate family members." We might not even be allowed to visit each other. More immediately, I was hoping to take college courses this summer, but can David and I as a couple count on being able to use married student housing at any college I might go to? Or would we, because we are gay, be forced to live separately? In other words, if I want to go away to -school and want the same services as other students get, I might not be able to get them. For us going away to school as a couple would be more difficult and costly because we are gay. Now there are legal ways around most, but not all, of this. Wills, powers of attorney and probate forms. But after all is said and done it would still be a relationship that is legalized in spite of the community we live in instead of with its help. It's still second class citizenship no matter how you look at it. Slowly we are beginning to get our rights here and there across the country. But there is a growing number of people who oppose our rights to state sanctioned or church sanctioned relationsh ips. Why do they make life harder for us because we're gay or lesbian? What's threatening to people who oppof,e actions like the San Francisco domestic partnership act, church recognition of gay relationships and so on? They feel we gay and lesbian couples threaten the "institution of family." But how can we threaten family because we want to be a family? Sounds sort of crazy, doesn't it? Our idea of family; one that many gay and lesbian people accept, is one that is in direct opposition to the status quo. Traditionalists see family as a pre -established pattern into which each individual fits. In a family you have and know your place. First and foremost it's a male dominated structure. Father - breadwinner . Mother - caregiver. Stereotypes? Yes, but those stereotypes are what elected George Bush and Ronald Reagan. People voted for these guys because even if the myth of the American Family isn't true, they wanted it to be true . No wimps here! Bush and Reagan stand for the status quo definition of family. And our concept of family, the gay and lesbian concept, is one in which we easily switch ro les and often do it for what appears as no other reason than fun. Taking this lightly, as we sometimes do, is even more upsetting to traditionalists . We switch roles, we make up new ones and we relate to each other from the same role or no role at all. It's a concept of family based upon mutuality. Equality. Individuality. Every day we break down those hierarchical, male dominated structures by the way we act and interact together. Just by being equal we threaten the basis of those structures, testing the limits of sexual identity and what sexual roles and stereotypes have to offer. Gay couples can be both masculine and feminine. Same with lesbian couples . We act like men, and we act like women. Sometimes we act like something in-between. We totally destroy the boundaries that traditionalists rely on to keep the present system of "family" going . We are a threat to the family . A threat to its oppressive male oriented foundation. But in spite of what marriage and family has grown to represent to many of us gay and lesbian people, marriage, church unions or domestic partnerships demonstrate that we can keep the best of relationships going while we toss out what isn't 5>f any value. As time goes · by and gay and lesbian · relationships in all their different forms are recognized by city and state governments, churches and organizations like the California Bar Association, we will help redefine marriage. Redefine relationship. What I hope people will learn from watching us is that we bring more to relationships than the roles we are supposed to play, or the clothes we're supposed to wear. A Presbyterian Promise "We will work to increase the acceptance and participation in the church of all persons regardless of racial-ethnic origins, sex, class, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation" - 195th General Assembly (1983), Atlanta, Georgia · If this is your promise, too, we invite you to join Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerns Write to Elder James D. Anderson PLGC, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038, 201/846-1510 May/June 1990 D Newsbriefs Stendahl Rebuke d By Lutheran Bis hop Bishop Herbert W . Chilstrom of the Evangelical Lutheran Chu _rch in America has rebuked religion scholar Dr. Krister Stendahl for his public support of the ordinations of a gay man and lesbian couple in San Francisco. Stendahl is a retired bishop of the Church of Sweden and is chaplain at Harvard Divinity School. Chilstrom rep ! oached Stendahl for involving himself "in the affairs of another church. " -The Lutheran Celebration '90 Festival Chorus Seeks Singers The Celebration '90 Festival Chorus, scheduled to perform at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Gay Games III in Vancouver, Canada, is seeking singers. The Chorus is open to Gays, Lesbians, and their parents and friends. Directors are striving for an international mix in membership, as well as a balance in voice-part and gender. There will be a registration fee of $45 .00 which will cover the cost of sheet music, rehearsal tapes , and performance shirts . Other expenses - trav el, lodging and food - will be the individual's responsibility. Th e Chorus has received endorsement and support from the Gay and Lesbian Association of Chorus e s (GALA), the Celebration '90 Board of Directors in Vancouver, the Colorado Athletic Exchange, and the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays . For organ izational and financial purposes the Celebration '90 Festival Chorus is a special project of the Denver Chapter of Parents FLAG. Deadline for registration is June L To register or for more information, contact Celebration '90 Festival Chorus, Box 61388, Denver, CO 80206 or call (303)331-2306. Oasis Board Seeks Executive Director The Board of Directors of The Oasis, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of · Newark, New Jersey, with gay and lesbian people, their families and friends, is seeking a full time I am with You Fear Not! (A Corrective Look at the Lesbian and Gay C lobb er Passages) Professionally produced Video-tape Audio-tape & Workbook A new book by the Rm Bruce Roller Pastor of Reconciliation MCC Grand Rapids, MI -~ c.p /'LI ,-,fl{/! THE MESSAGE OF _.{t{.I V .,.. c_/ RECONCILIATION VHS Video (90 min.l $24.95 At.do Tape $5.00 • Workbook $5.00 Loving Osselves $6.95 Add 25% for shipping & handing. Faithful Publications P.O. Box 3701 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 Executiv e Director. Applicants mus t be an o rdained Episco pal priest wi th experi e nce w ith an d conn ection to the lesbian and gay community both in and ou t side the chur ch and have a positi v e understand ing of gay and le sbian sexuality. Interested persons may respond to: Se arch Committee, Box 101, Roseland, NJ 0 7068. A ll responses will be confidenti al within the Board of Directors. 'Honesty' Chapter Formed In Texas FORT WORTH, Tex. - Gay Southern Baptists here have formed a local chapter of Honesty , a group started in Louisville, Kentucky, last year to seek equal treatment and equal rights in church and society for gay, lesbian and bisexual persons. .Group spokesperson David Reed said, "We would like to see full integration of Gays and Lesbians into all aspects of church life, including ordination." Reed holds a MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Wor'.h , "There are gay people · at the seminary right now, but they are having to live a very cloistered life," Reed said. "Some are living irresponsible lives because they can't be celibate ." - Western Rec~rder Tulane Law School Starts National Gay Legal Journal NEW ORLEANS, La. - Students at Tulane Law School have announced the publication of a new national journ al entitled Law & Sexuality: A Review of Lesbi an and Gay Legal illYtl• The publication is the first law journal in the country to focus exclusively on homosexuality and the law. The publishers say it is especially exciting to have such a journal started in Louisiana, which has the harshest sodomy statute in the country and no sexual orientation nondiscrimination statutes at the local level. The major purpose of the journal is to keep the community informed of legal developments in the area of lesbian and gay rights, as well as to encourage more creativity in analyzing these issues. Law & Sexuality will include theoretical and practical articles by academics and practitioners, as well as a large "recent developments" section written by students. The journal will be p 'ublished initially on a yearly basis, II TH E SECOND STONE □ wit h the intent of expanding to a more frequent basi s in the future . Th e first issue w ill be published in June of 1991. - Tulane Law Sch ool has commi tted $6000.00 toward getting the journal off · the ground, an amount roughly half of what i s ne cessary . Th e students are committed to raisin g the additional funding through a nationwide appeal to members of the lesbian and gay community. For information about Law & Sexuality contact Nicki McCraw o r Joyce Cain at (504)865-5970. For subscription information, or to make a contribution, contact Catherine Hancock, Law & Sexuality, Tulan _e Law School, 6801 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118. TWA Gay Rights Claim Settled SAN FRANCISCO - On the eve of filing a lawsuit over gay couples ' rights against Trans World Airlines, Inc. (TWA) in the Superior Court of California, ·. National Gay Rights Advocates (NGRA) and its cooperating attorneys, Raymond Wheeler and Anne Zinkin of the prestigious San Francisco Jaw firm of Morrison & Foerster, reached a settlement of the dispute. The case against TWA arose out of the airline's initial denial of a refund to a gay m·an under its family emergency guidelines. The would-be plaintiff, Tony A. Hurd of San Francis co, had . purchased a nonrefundable, super-saver roundtrip ticket from TWA. On the day that Hurd was to travel, his partner of eleven years, Joel Gerughty, had a heart attack and was hosptialized. As a result, Mr. Hurd cancelled his planned trip. TWA normally grants refunds of non-refundable or special fare tickets which are not used because of a family emergency . When Hurd wrote tb TWA asking for a refund on the grounds that he had cancelled the trip because of a family emergency he was initially denied such a refund , In response to NGRA's demand, TWA tendered a full refund to Hurd and a letter of apology for the delay in processing the request. Writing on behalf of TWA, its senior vicepresident and general counsel Mark A. Buckstein indicated that future determination of who constitutes immediate family will be based on an evaluation of facts and circumstances of each situation. The company will not discriminaie against gay couples if the circumstances otherwise merit a refund. Newsbriefs Gallup: Sex-related Issues Most Important Facing Church Pollster George Gallup Jr. said in an interview with Christianity Today that "sex-related issues are going to be among the most important issues facing all churches in the foreseeable future . Abortion, AIDS, premarital sex, homosexuality, all those are all going to be at the vortex of the problems confronting all churches." -Religion Watch Campus Violence Topic Of Newsletter WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Campus Project has published a newsletter that addresses the pervasive problem of anti-gay and lesbian violence, harassment and defamation at U.S. colleges and universities. Titled "Organizing for Equality," the NGL TF provides a background on campus violence and harassment and itemizes examples of atta cks, graffiti, arson and death threats against gay and lesbian students. The newsletter also provides strategies for stopping anti-gay violence and profiles organizing efforts at select campuses. Copies of the newsletter and strategies for fighting back are available for $1.00 from NGLTF, 1517 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, Attention: Campus Project or call (202)332-64{33. Alabam\ 'Episcopalians Rej~t Ordination {)f Gays The Episcopal Dioces~ of Alabama passed a resolution con~mning ordination of gays to the pri~hood. A · resolution barring discrf~ination against persons with AID~ also passed. -Alabama Forum General Motors, Chrysler Cars For Heterosexuals General Motors has adopted a policy of not advertising on television shows that portray Gays and Lesbians, according to th e Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation . GLAAD is also angry with Dodge over a new print ad for the Ramcharger 4X4 truck, which says the rough truck can't deal with pansies . GLAAD urges expression of □ op1mon to Chairman Roger Smith, General Motors, 3044 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 and (about the Ramcharger advertising) to J. L. Hickey, Manager, Corporate Advertising, Chrysler Motors, 12000 Chrysler Dr., Highland Park, MI 48920; '' "Woodies" Changes Policy To Include Same-Sex Couples WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following negotiations with the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance (GLAA), the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) and other gay rights groups, Woodward and Lothrop Department Stores (Woodies) agreed to grant discount cards to the partners of both gay and non-gay employees, add "sexual orientation" and marital status " to its Equal Opportunity policy, and said it would advocate for similar benefits elsewhere in the retail industry. Great ~esponse! Last December, Woodward and Lothrop denied gay sales clerk Duane Rinde a spouse discount card for his lover, Robert Teir, based on marital status. "Woodies agreement to change its policy to one of inclusion of its entire workforce is a breakthrough for the recognition of lesbian and gay relationships and the diversity of American family life," said Ivy Young, NGLTF Families Project Director. "The central issue was more than just shopping discounts," said Young. "When black students sat down at the · Woolworth ' s lunch counter in the early days of the civil rights movement, the issue was not hamburgers and fries . Well, this struggle with Woodies was not about their white sale, it was about gay and lesbian equality and fairness ." Joining GLAA and NGLTF in pressuring the parent company to change its policy were the Alexandria Gay Community Association, Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance; Human Rights Campaign Fund and the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club. "Frankly, I believe Woodies - in addition to wanting to do the right thing - realized there are thousands of gay and lesbian consumers who shop and work at their stores ," said Robert Bray, NGI::'I'F public information director. " "It was in their best interest to be on the good side of gay economic clout." May/June 1990 \ '' 'Ihat's what a Second Stone advertiser tokl us recently. And we hear that more and more these days. 1bat's because The Second Stone reaches readers where many other gay and lesbian publications can't. Like public and university libraries. We don't carry advertising or editorial content that would put us behind the counter. We're up front - in plain sight! For businesses offering products and services t.o the national gay and lesbian community, we're an exciting new marketing approach! Reach new customers in every state across the USA. The Second Stone offers a variety of in-column ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at no charge and we'll get it right - we'll send you a proof to make sure. The Second Stone will also insert your brochure, flier or catalog in our mailing. It doesn't cost as much as you think. You can reach a paid coast to coast readership for about what you'd pay to advertise in one local free distribution gay newspaper. And ... to mail your insert in The Second Stone costs less than mailing it yourself! You won't know till you try it. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about advertising cannot be recaptured. If you're thinking you've paid too much for advertising that hasn't worked ... you're probably right! But you haven't tried The Second Stone. SECOND STONE You'll be pleased with the results. Call I-504-949-5625 for advertising assistance. II Newsbriefs Bishops Say Gay Ordinations Threaten Lutheran Church Unity Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted a "pastoral statement regarding the unity of the church" with regard to pastors and associates who participated in the ordinations of three openly gay pastors . The statement read, in part, "As bishops of the ELCA, we are deeply distressed over the challenge to the unity of this church that has been posed by those who have recently engaged in the irregular ordinations of urtapproved candidates in San Francisco." -The Lutheran NGLTF Director Challenges Bush During Speech WASHINGTON, D .C. - President George Bush's first major address on the AIDS health crisis was interrupted by Urvashi Vaid, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, who · stood up during the presentation and urged the President to do more for people with AIDS. Bush spoke to a gathering of about 400 business and labor leaders at a conference sponsored by the National Leadership Coalition on AIDS held at the Cystal City Gateway Marriot Hotel just outside Washington. During the speech, Vaid, who sat in front of the President, stood and held up a sign that read, "1:alk Is Cheap - AIDS Funding Is Not" and "Remember Gay People With AIDS." Bush paused during his speech to address Vaid, saying, "Let me say something about this. I can understand the concern that these people feel. And I hope if we do nothing else by coming here, I can help them understand that not only you care, but we care too." After the speech Vfid sajd, "It is commendable that the President PATLAR VOICE OF GAV AMERICA MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE FREE AT OUR DISTRIBUTION POINTS SUBSCRIPTIONS $35 ANNUALLY SAMPLE(l4Jp~U~S)8tn~tt~ USA $4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING p O ':6} mw?ilt~lt~~48W~~22 mentioned anti-discrimination protections. And his rhetoric was certainly more compassionate than anything former President Reagan ever said ." · Survey Results: Don't Show Gays On Television According to -National _II. International Religion Report. 55 percent of American adults believe that televisions scenes even suggesting, though not actually showing, homosexual ac !ivity should be cut. The survey was featured in Parents magazine and conducted through random telephone interviews with 1,004 people. -Religion Watch Massachusetts' Anti-Gay Foster Care Policy Reversed Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis announced on April 4 that the state policy which effectively banned Gays from becoming fost er parents would be reversed. The new state policy will no longer include sexual orientation as a factor in the placement of children in foster homes. David Lafontaine, lobbying director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said, "This is an extraordinary victory for direct action groups and legal advocacy groups alike who have protested this discriminatory policy since 1985." Right-wing Preacher Portrayed In Gay Soap Opera WESTMINSTER, CA . - Secret Passions, the new gay soap opera being seen on cable systems across the country, features an unpleasant character named Rev. Arthur Dimsdale based on the real life Rev. Louis Sheldon , leader of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition. The American Family Association is watching the gay soap closely. The show's producer is David Gadberry. -Outlines Presbyterian Group May Be Censured Some commissioners to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church/USA are expected to offer resolutions at a national church gathering in Salt Lake City the week of May 29 to censure Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. An overture being considered in the presbytery of Detroit scolds PLGC for handing out "non-Christian, secularly .produced and PLGCendorsed - brochures promoting homosexual practices ... " The overture calls for PLGC to be rebuked and directed to refrain from distributing brochures and any other "unwholesome , un-Christian" brochures at the General Assembly, Synod, Presbytery, and local church functions as well as any public or private function under the name PCUSA. -More Light Update Red-Neck Aussies Get MCC AUSTRALIA - The Metropolitan Community Church has set up worship in "red-neck country at Dorroughby, near the New South Wal e s township of Lismore, " according to Outrage. In a press release, MCC described Lismore as "well-known for the anger and intoleranc e shown to minority groups - black Australians, Lesbians and gay men . This area is sorely in n eed of a chur ch which has the courage to preach love and reconciliation, to counter the hatred and divisivene ss already evidenced," the group wrote. The MCC may be reached at 011-61-66-895-105. Pamphlets Available for Lesbian and Gay Youth BOSTON, MA. - A unique and affirmative series of pamphlets designed for young people who are questioning their sexual orientation is now available. The two pamphlets, entitled "I Think I Might Be A Lesbian/I Thing I Might Be Gay ... Now What Do I Do?" were produced by the Campaign to End _Homophobia, a national network of people who work to end homophobia through information· sharing and education . The pamphlets were designed by two sexuality educators based on thei r conversation with young Lesbians and gay men; quotes from the young people are sprinkled throughout the text. The peer education aspect is thought to be one of th e leading factors in the success of th e project. Although there has been some negative response from conservative · religious organizations, almost 100 THE SECOND STONE □ other organizations have requested permission to reprint the pamphlets for distribution. For more information on the Campaign to End Homophobia, or for copies of the pamphlets, contact Cooper Thompson at (617)868-8280. Sherre Boothman Tapes Available Faithful Publications has announced the release of a four audio tape album featuring the preaching/teaching of the Rev. Dr. Sherre Boothman, President of Samaritan College in Los Angeles . . The .,ninety minute tapes include five complete sermons and the highlights of a workshop on Roots of Homophobia and Misogyny in Western Christian Tradition . The tapes were recorded live in Spiritual Renewal at Reconciliation MCC in Grand Rapids, Michigan . The set is available for $12.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling from Faithful Publications , P. 0. Box 3701, Grand Rapids, Ml 49501. Rev . Boothman has designated her royalties on the album to Samarit an College. Gay/Lesbian Literature Catalog Announced Elysian Fields Booksellers has announced the release of their 39th catalog containing fifty pages of over 1600 works listed by subject, author and title. Copies of the catalog are available for $2.00 from 80-50 Baxter Ave., Ste. 339, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Encyclopedia of Homosexuality Published NEW YORK - The Encyclopedia of Homosexuality, the first reference work to bring together, summarize, interrelate, and synthesize all of the past and present scholarship on the subject, has been released. Coverage includes male and female sexuality and reaches beyond questions of physical sexuality to examine the effects of hemophilia and homophobia on literature, art, religion , science, law, philosophy, society, history, and virtually every field of human endeavor. Edited by Wayne R. Dynes, Hunter College, City University of New York, the Encyclopedia is interdisciplinary, transhistorical, and cross-cultural. It is available from Garland Publishing , 136 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, (212) 686-7492. Newsbriefs Republican Woman Suspended From Church Duties HARRISBURG, PA - Rosemary McAvoy, a Republican candidate for the House of Representati ves in the Pennsylvania legislature, says she has been suspended from two leadership positions in the Roman Catholic congregation she attends because she supports abortion rights . Monsi gnor Leo A. Beierschmitt, pastor of St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Harrisburg, told McAvoy in a lett e r that he was suspending her from her posts as head of the parish school board and as church lector, or reader, "until we reach reso lution of th e matter ." · McAvoy said , "I got a strong indication that they would have preferred that I change my stance on abortion or just don 't run ." -Baltimore Alternative U.K. Nuns Distribute Condoms As part of last year's World AIDS Day, two nuns from the Community of St. John the Divine helped hand out condoms in England. Sisters Monica and Iona said, "We are here because we a r e human beings _caring for other human beings . W e believe in the whole ministry of healing and we don ' t discriminate again s t anyone." -Outlines International Community Invited To Celebrate Life In The Midst Of AIDS SAN FRANCISCO - A unique interfa i th event will be held here for the delegates of the Sixth International C o nference on AIDS and the larg e r community . To be held at 8:00 p .m . on June 21 in Grace Cathedral, "A Celebration of Life", sponsored by Th e San Francisco Interreligious Coalition on AIDS and the Episcopal Diocese of California's Commi s sion on AIDS, will allow people to affirm the resilience of life in the H IV epidemic. Weav ing togeth er stor ies and mu sic from a var iety of sp iritu al traditions, th e p rog ra m will be par ticip a tory and int eractive . "We hop e that this w ill pro vide an o pportunity to heal so me of the rifts ca used by the highly polit ica l · a tmo s phere aro und this d is eas e," sa id Bob N elso n, chai r of the Coali tion , "We i nten d that this will b ring toge th er m e dical pers onn el, a cti vi sts, ser vic e providers, and people with HIV from around the world in a positive, life affirming way ." The location is served by public tr ansit and is handicapp ed acces sible . The service will be signed for the hearing-impaired . Artists Sought For Pride Week Show Artists are wanted for Omaha, . Nebraska's Gay and Lesbian only art show to be held during Gay and Lesbian pride week, June 17-23. Art (any media) must be gallery quality. For details and submission information contact TryANGLE Art Show, P. 0 . Box 3512, Omaha, NE 68103, (402)345-0279 New Toll Free Number Helps Gays Who Are Moving A toll free number has been established to provide free and confidential information to Gays and Lesbians who are relocating . Callers will be referr ed to a Realtor familiar with th e local gay community in any particular metropolitan area. The number, 1-800-673-9093, will be operational every day from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p .m., EST. . Artist Keith Haring Dead At 31 Keith Haring, the N ew York graffiti artist who went so far a s to open his own store, The Pop Shop, to sell tee shirts ; post ers, buttons and jackets which carried his own style of images , died February 16th at his Manhattan home of AIDS related illnesses . Haring, who for the past few years had m a de si g nificant contributions to AIDS related activist groups, began his car eer by drawin g his cartoon like char a cters _on blank ·subwa y posterboard s. At 19 he fled his hom etow n o f Kutzt o wn, Penn ., and mo ve d to N ew York's East Villag e. There he bec ame a reg ular fixture in that n eig hborh o od' s art and gay subcultur es . Along w ith Jean-Mich el Basqui a te, ano ther g ra ffiti artist , ·he breach ed the w all bet wee n th e subc ultures o f the Eas t Village world of dru gs , t he at re , p olitic s, av an t-garde art and commer cia lis m. A ft e r being arrested for defa cing p ub lic property wh ile pa intin g a s ub way work he began to quic k ly mo ve up in the art wor ld. H is wo r k incl uded posters aga inst crack and ones promoting city read ing programs fo r children . He painted deteriorating school buildings with stud ents · and put up a major work on the Berlin wall. During the past few years his work took on the task of educating peopl e about HIV . His images are now seen on everything from tee shirts to magazine ads. About the commercialization of his art he said, "If commercialization is putting my art on a shirt so that a kid wh o can't afford a $30,000 painting can buy one , then I'm for it ." Pittsburgh City Council Approves Gay Rights Amendment Pittsburgh's City Council approved an amendment to the city code which would add Lesbians and Gays as a prot e cted class regarding discrimination in employment, ho using, and · public accommodations . Pittsburgh joins Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Penn ., and nearl y 60 other cities which h a ve legislation prot e cting the civil rights of lesbian/gay citizens . The bill had failed by a 4-4 vote in 1988. In the council election since that vbte, three of the four members who voted in favor of the amendment in 1988 were returned to o ffice, while only one of the four who voted ag a inst the 1988 amendment was returned to office . May/J un e 1990 □ Western Union Loses Gay Account The Huinan Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) has announced that it will no longer use Western Union to deliver "Speak Out" constituent messages to Capitol Hill, a decision that will cost the communications firm $350,000 this year . Armand Ertag, a Western Union employee in San Francisco, sought damages against the company for harassment and intimidation he experienced at work . Rather than address the specific allegations in Ertag's suit, Western Union has sought to have the gay rights ordinance overturned . ,. ~Evangelicals I/iii '#/ loge/her Inc. SUPPORT COMMUNITY & SERVICE FOR Gay & Lesbian Christians In Southern California ... since 1979 Sultt:1 109-Box 16 7 9B5 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood , CA 90046 213/656-8570 i.. ~ Dignity/USA Calls Oi, American Catholic Bishops To Dialogue WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dignity/ USA, an organization of gay and lesbian Catholics with 4200 members in 90 chapters nationwide, has called on the American Catholic Bishops to dialogue on issues of grave concern such as AIDS ministry, civil rights, anti-gay violence, sexism, prejudice and homophobia. The invitation comes in the wake of yet another eviction of a Dignity chapter - this time by the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk. Over the past several years, almost 90% of Dignity chapters have been banned from worshiping on church property. In an open letter to Archbishop Pilarczyk, Dignity /USA president Pat Roche noted that it was especially troubling when the Archbishop "recently started out the new decade with one more in a series of ongoing evictions of Dignity chapters 'by evicting a chapter in his own Archdiocese in the name of "doctrinal consistency." Roche noted that Archbishop Pilarczyk evicted the chapter from their place of worship despite the fact that the chapter had sent him copies of two documents which call for a reconciliation between church leaders and gay and lesbian Catholics, a Call for Dialo&ue which was approved at Dignity's 20th anniversary convention in San_ Francisco last fall and a Letter on Pastoral Care of Gay and Lesbian Persons, which outlines Dignity's positions on a variety of issues of importance to Gays and Lesbians. Roche noted that "at a time when many of our members are· dying of AIDS, others are being victimized by anti-gay violence and still others are being denied their basic civil rights, Church leaders continue to focus on the issue of sexual acts rather than on the dignity of human persons." He said that the bishops are "seemingly unable or unwilling to recognize the incredible pain and suffering this narrow vision is causing." In addition to chapters across the country, Dignity /USA has a national office in Washington, D.C. For information contact Dignity /USA, 1500 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 11, Washington, DC 20005 or call (202)861-0017. Beal Video Limited Artists involved with ' · Q.eath and S.urvival ~ The AIDS Show - _ Based on San Francis- ' -e- - ~7:=.,;. ,,r-.,,~~ ~ :;:~..... '~ ~~--... co's Theatre Rh,inocer~s ·._ .. :'. · ~... . . d$r'"":./f':,• ~ "• _._. , .- • --._ ~........... stage production , this •··· ' ~--;~~- . ...-:q:_., ~ - 1 "' - "'!.. _ _ --:!c · •- thoughtful and thought-provoking documenllliV . c ... -.1.... ._ . ~ "-...- tary deals with the impact of the AIDS epIP" ~ I; ...... ,;.-• ....,. ,; demic on the community most affected by the Mt 1(1!,'; f ., - li:ll.,. llilllt, w disease-gay men. . If& .ti Produced and Directed by Peter Adair Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt 1 Academy Award 1989 Best Documentary Feature ..... Narrated by Dustin Hoffman Music by Bobby McFerrin One of the most acclaimed of recent documentaries, Common Threads presents profiles of five individuals whose stories reflect the diversity and common tragedy of those who have died of AIDS. The film celebrates their unique personalities ·and achievements, interweaving these personal histories with an objective , yet pointed, chrono logy of the epidemic's development. Directed by Robert Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman Produced by Bill Couturie & Robert Epste in & Jeffrey Friedman 85 minutes Color 1989 Personal Copy $49.95 /Profits donated to the NAMES Project Foundation) For more information, write, phone or fax: II and Robert Epstein 58 minutes Color 1986 Personal Copy $39.95 Who Happen -{;/ ~~ to be Gay ~ij - Emmy Award '. LESBIAN & GAY Six professionals dis- 1 PSYCHOTHERAPISIB cuss their decisions to I■- "• lead openly gay lives and how this has affected their relationships with family, friends and colleagues. A film by Dale Beldin and Mark Krenzien 23 minutes Color 1979 Personal Copy $29 .95 To place a credit card order , call (213) 396-4774 . Direct Cinema Limited Post Oftice Box 69799 Los Angeles, CA 90069 Phone (213) 3 96-4774 Telefax (213) 396-3233 ·gg direct ~ cinema. 0 llmlted THE SECOND STONE Hug Your Dragon Once, midway in my journey A dragon appeared within my sight. Fearful, I took flight And when I returned at dawn he was there again, With weapons drawn. Each time I looked into his menacing ei;es He grew in even greater size. We stood there both in battle array Ready for the final fray: For we had long warred with one another A cruel war - brother against brother. Long had he romped through my blood Emptying raw anger in a fiery flood Through my guts, my feet, my finger tips, My brain and ears and tightened lips. I tracked him north and south From East and West Unsuccessfully. And now he stood before my eyes Geared to grab his treasured prize. Forward I moved with tentative pace Resolved to meet him face to face. And as I moved in fitful fright A miracle took place before my sight: With every step I took The dragon shrank another fool. Fear, anger and raw rage Flew from my imprisoned cage. Our arms reached out in warm embrace And smiles wreathed our happi; face. Brother had discovered brother And we were foseph to one another. And as he held me wannly near He whispered in my ear: "I am you and you are me: Once imprisoned, we both are free. Let us hug each other tight Not in darkness but in the light." -JG Heaven' Serenade Jusi as the strings of a harp must first surrnder to the skilled hands of its master before it can send forth · the beautiful music that is its heritage and purpose .. Love that is the offspring of two enchanted souls must surrender to the divine will of God bcfo.-e it can reach oneness and melody with the pure song of heaven ... Otherwise there will only be discord, disharmony and confused sounds. -E.Diaz E. Diaz is a 31 year old inmate serving a life term at Florida State Prison. 'Hug Your Dragon' reprinted from 'Communication' newsletter. .. • • Cover Story □ 'Mom Forever Sad' Because Of 'Lost' Lesbian Daughter Abby Recommends . P~FLAG By Jim Bailey Editor Thousands of parents across the country will be spending Mother's Day and Father's Day for the first time with the knowledge that their son or daughter is gay. For some, the celebrations in their honor will be as joyous as ever, but for other parents the days will be filled with anger, guilt, denial and anguish. addition to providing this mother with some accurate information about homosexuality, Abby recommended she get in touch with a group called the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. By the end of the next week, P-FLAG had received over 3000 letters from mothers and fathers. P-FLAG was formed in 1982 by parents of Lesbia~s and Gays who had come together to creat .e a national structure for the growing number of counseling and support groups for parents of Gays. The Federation now has over 200 local chapters and contacts in all 50 states. Its purpose is to help parents, friends and other family members of Lesbians and Gays maintain loving relationships. children. It is through · the work of local chapters that the three broad goals of P-FLAG are attempted: building bridges between family members, educating society in an effort to offer accurate information about homosexuality and reducing all forms of discrimination. Although many parents con\inue to have a difficult time dealing with the homosexuality of their offspring, the focus in recent years has shifted to a fear and concern for the health of their children . P-FLAG's job has been furthur complicated by the AIDS crisis and now chapters must constantly contend with the sorrow and pain of many parents who have children with AIDS. and daughters to its increasing political role of lobbying for gay rights, additional AIDS funding and anti-violence measures, P-FLAG's unique function is growing in importance and impact. P-FLAG President Paulette Goodman, in accepting a humanitarian award from New York's Human Rights Campaign Fund said, "I want to .see justice . I want to see equality in my lifetime," as she called for increased efforts to mobilize the estimated 50 million parents of gay and lesbian Americans. "Society has to listen to mothers and fathers who speak out on behalf of their children," she said. Through participation in local P-FLAG chapters, more and more parents are finding resolution to sometimes years long conflicts. "Memberships in our Federation continue to arrive," Goodman says. "It looks like we are growing nicely." A despairing mother wrote Dear Abby that she had "lost" her only daughter when a friend from college called to tell her that her daughter was a · Lesbian . "Mom Forever Sad" had unwittingly sent her daughter off to a "college nicknamed 'Lesbian U'"where she had quickly forgotten about her childhood sweetheart and "bonded" with the other girls there. In Group chapters provide individual c~unseling and regular support group meetings. They also serve as a liaison to their communities, churches and synagogues, civic organizations and the government to make them aware that there are parents of gay people wh~ support and seek equal . justice for their_ The group recently launched the Family Aid Project, a national AIDS program providing a nationwide network to connect family members with emotional and other support services . The project was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Public Welfare Foundation. From its most basic role of helping restore love and resolve conflicts . between parents and their gay sons For information on P-FLAG send a large, se lf-addres sed, stamped ( 45 cents) envelope to: Family Chapter and Support Office, P.O. Box 20308, Denver , CO 80220. COVER STORY From Pagel "It was totally unexpected. My first reaction was to say, 'We'll help you get counseling."' Three weeks later, Lewallen had abdominal surgery and, during her recovery, received a visit from the wife of her church bishop . . By that point feeling the need to talk about her daughter, she confided in her visitor. More fortunate than parents who are never able to discus s or resolve their private ·turmoil, Lewallen learned ear ly that being able to seek and share support was the beginning of accepting and loving a gay son or daughter. The bishop's wife told Lewallen that she too had a gay son. "It created a bond between us," Lewallen said. "I had someone to talk to." Two years lat er, at a Methodist Church Convention, Lewallen reached another milestone when she gathered the courage to . reveal to a group meeting her daughter's homosexuality. "I stepped in, trying at first not to be noticed, and ending up telling the group I was the mother of a Lesbian. I started to cry. The women in the room were wonderful, supportive and war!fl," she said . It was the beginning of a transformation for Lewallen. She was seeing her personal grief tum into a concern for the pain and injustice that Gays and Lesbians experience. She saw firsthand the repression of the closet. "As a gay person comes out to parents," she said, "all of a sudden, like a rush of mighty wind, the door is slammed and it is the parents Who are now in the closet." During Lewallen's cancer surgery in 1981, her brother and his wife came to Colorado and stayed at Lewallen 's home . She had asked someone to "de-gay" th e house because her visitors knew nothing about her son or daughter. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center Cookbook was overlooked, however, and daughter Janet's recipes were featured prominently throughout. Lewallen's brother and his wife later asked about Janet's participation in the cookbook. The days of hiding were coming to an end . Lewallen saw an ad in th e newspaper for Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays, P-FLAG, and went to a meeting which she described as a "tremendous experience." "I met a young woman who had been fired by her church for being a Lesbian. I was struck by the injustice of it - here was this church missing out on th i s wonderful person . Her May/June 1990 story helped me move out of my pain and get involved." It wasn't long before Lewallen was going on speaking engagements for P-FLAG and in 1982 she went to her first P-FLAG national convention, where she was elected to the board. By 1988, ·she was national president of P-FLAG. She appeared on Sally Jesse Raphael and was appointed · to the United Methodist Annual Conference Task Force on AIDS Ministries . · Lewallen said, "Who would have thought a post-war bride of the 40's, along with her husband, contributing four children, two of whom happen to be gay, to the Baby Boom in the Fifties, giving her energies in the Sixties to being a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie Troop Leader, as well as a faithful member of three PTA's . simultaneous ly, and at the same time an active Christian leader in her church, ·would be marching in the late Eighties for what is indeed the simplest message in the world ... our children, as created, and nourished, are accepted, loved, indeed cherished." Tom and Elinor Kirby Lewallen have two other sons who are very accepting of Janet and Tommy. "One year Tommy brought his lover home for Christmas," said Lewallen. "The whole family felt comfortable. All are welcome at our Christmas table." Lewallen stepped down as president of P-FLAG but, even though now in her 70's, continues to speak for the group. Tom Lewallen is currently on the national board of P-FLAG and is president of . the Denv.er chapter . He has been supportive of his wife's activities and accompanies her on speak ing engagements. "There SEE COVER STORY, Page 15 People Leo Treadway Twin City Teens Have A Frie ,nd Indeed Growing up in New Jersey in the 1950's, Leo Treadway knew the pain of being gay, alone and isolated. And now Treadway, Ministry Associate of St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church (ELCA), St. Paul, Minnesota, works tirelessly to save young people fromfeeling the desperate loneliness of being a gay or lesbian teenager with no one to turn to. Treadway and other concerned colleagues have established gathering places for lesbian and gay youth in St Paul and Minneapolis. Through their participation in "Lesbian and Gay Youth Together" or "Teen Age Gays of Saint Paul", young people have a safe place to talk things over, to find support and encouragement, and to meet friends. Trcadway 's work was widely recognized last year when he chosen to receive the McKnight Foundation Award. "I was amazed to be nominated, and even more surprised to actually receive the award," he said. "That award, specifically for my work with gay and lesbian teenagers, is pretty much a break through for our community." What can you do? Your best friend has just told you, "I'm gay." ;; ~f!<') ~ ' .- ; -ffL~OUfr~.-u . -• • II' YOU WANr MORE IHFORltlATIOH HF.l. Pl.lr,IE 122-8661 H;lpline poster developed for gay and lesbian teenagers. Treadway was one of ten recipients of the award, given since 1985 to Minnesotans who arc making significant contributions to the human services . . Almost 200 people were nominated. In nominating Treadway for the award, Linda Dahlen, Co-President of St. Paul Reformation Church, said that Treadway had "spent countless hours counseling and giving emotional and spiritual support for young people who arc dealing with very painful issues. For over thre e years, every Sunday, he and other adults have met with gay youth to provide support and act as a positive role model and resource person. Many gay youth are kicked out by their families when . they reveal their orientation ... Leo has personally kept many off the streets." Paul A. Tidcmann, Pastor of St. Paul-Reformation called Treadway "an amazingly compassionate person in his ministry with all sorts of people, not the least of which have been lesbian and gay youth." Treadway has been active in peace and justice issues for over 15 years, serving as Chair of the Minnesota AIDS Quilt Project, a member of the Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council and a member of the Governor's Task Force on Hate Crimes. He has also affected the lives of young people by acting as a counsultant to the Minnesota Department of Education in developing its programs for "students at risk". "It takes a considerable amount of courage to be an openly gay man in our society," Dahlen said . "Because of the work Leo does, criticism and even _ death threats have been rec eived by anonymous callers." Of his days growing up in New Jersey, Treadway said in an interview last year with Twin Citi es GAZE reporter Robert Jacobson that there "was only one kid in my town who was rumored to be queer, and of course, I was too scared to go within ten miles of him. Treadway concealed his feelings through school, the army and even a marriage before moving to the Twin Cities in 1975 to begin his life fully as a gay man. In 1982, he founded the Wingspan Ministry of St. Paul Reformation Church, a ministry of □ LEO TREADWAY ... and friend support for gay and lesbian Lutherans who .have experienced neglect or outright rejection at the hands of the church . Wingspan creates a bridge for those who want to return to the •. 617( ~/N OAIR O' I ,. ·- . -~ .. ... from the Lesbian & Gay Youth Together brochure . church and spans the gap between gay and non-gay persons and communities . · In accepting the McKnight Foundation Award Treadway said, "Even five years ago, I think that working with gay and lesbian teenagers would not have been ·happening in this area. But I think _the tide is turning today, and it is in part due to the efforts by many individuals, far beyond myself, whose love and support relieves teenagers, who have begun to work small miracles in our churches, in our schools, and our broader community." It is said that Leo Treadway tends to fuss, by nature, and is seldom content with things the way they are. He lives in St. Paul with his two cats, Squeaker and Kohlrabi. Gay & Le.sbian Community Action Helpline: (612)379-6390 THE SECOND STONE Church · & Organization News Ordination of Women Focus of Conference An international grassroots movement of women and men committed to the ordination of Roman Catholic women to a renewed priestly ministry has taken shape. The Women·s Ordina tion Conference is made up of women and men who believe that the Church. in fidelity to its Gospel mission, must be equally open to the full participation of women and men in its ministries. The group publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, sponsors workshops, seminars, conferences and. think-tanks on local, regional and national levels and operates a clearinghouse of research and information. For information write to WOC, P.O. Box 2693, Fairfax, VA 22031-2693 or call' (703)352-1006. New Kinship Chapter For Dallas/Fort Worth A new active chapter of Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International has formed in the Dallas/Fort Worth area . The chapter is the result of the groundwork of Floyd Poenitz and David Morris . For information on being part of this group contact Floyd Poenitz, P.O. Box 38454, Dallas, TX 75238 or call (214)373-8484. Tucson Church To Host NGPA Co-founder Rev . William H. Carey, co-founder and presbyter of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance, will be guest preacher at Casa De La Paloma Apostolic Church in Tuscon, Arizona, on July 1st for morning and evening worship. The National Gay Pentecostal Alliance, headquartered in Schenectady, New York, was founded in 1980. Its various departments operate an audio tape ministry, a correspondence Bible school for ministerial training, and foreign missions in Akwa !born State, Nigeria. Casa De La Paloma Apostolic Church is :i member of NGPA. It is pastored by NGPA West Central District Elder, Rev. Sandy Lewis . For more information contact Rev. Lewis at Casa De La Paloma Church, P.O. Box 14003. Tucson , AZ 85732-4003 or call (602)323-6855. NGP A may b e reached at P.O. Box 1391, Schenectady, . NY 12301-1391 or (518)372-6001. SDA Kinship Seeks Recipes For AIDS Benefit Cookbook Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International is developing a cookbook to raise money for the Kinship AIDS Fund . Michael McLaughlin and Hal Jobe are coordinating the project. Vegetarian recipes are sought, as well as chicken, fish and beef dishes. The book is geared toward cooking dishes for two or three people that are quick and easy to prepare. Send your favorite recipes to: Hal Jobe, c/o Kulinary Komer P.O. Box 5049, Montclair , CA 91763. Phone Home, Says Restoration Church SAN DIEGO - The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ, a small pro-gay sect of Mormonism, has announced a new "800 Line Ministry" for Gays and Lesbians. Elder Rand Laurent of the church·s Quorum of the Twelve said in a press release that "the purpose of this line is to reach out to religiously disenfranchised people who have been rejected from their own denomination for any reason and allow them a place to come home to, with a spiritual family to nurture them ." The church fs over four yea'rs old and has nine congregations, called "families," in California, Houston, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Independence, Missouri. For information, phone 1-800-677-7252. . Evangelicals Concerned/Denver Asked To Change Group Name An anti-gay social service agency in Denver has asked Evangelicals Concerned to stop using that name for their group . The agency, Evangelical Concern of Denver, Inc. has registered vaiiations of the name and is threatening legal action. Steering committee members are seeking an "appropriate response" to the challenge. The anti-gay agency is associated with ex-gay ministries. SDA Campus Outreach Hotline Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International has installed a toll-free hotline for gay a nd lesbian SDA college students. The hotline, 1-800-4-GA Y-SDA, operates from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, Pacific time, Monday through Friday. The line is answered by a network of volunteers. May/June 1990 Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without A Friend For Your Journey. The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. YES, I want to receive The Second Stone, the national newspaper for Gay and Lesbian Christians .. . send me: [ ] One year (6 issues) for $12.60 [ ] Two years (12 issues) for $23.00 [ ] Three years (18 issues) for $32.00 Name ......................................................................... . Address .......... : ........................................................... . City, State & Zip ....................................................... . Check here if you prefer plain envelope for mailing: I ] Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. Add $8.00 per year for postage in Canada and all other foreign countries. U.S. currency only. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 m Calendar The following announcements have been submitted by sponsoring or affiliated groups. Open and Affirming Conferences APRIL 29 · MAY 2, The United Church ·Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns sponsors a conference to increase awareness of the Open and Affirming movement within the United Church of Christ. There are 36 Open and Affirming congregations presently in th 1.7 million member UCC. For information on the Western regional conference to be held at Mercy Center, Burlingame, Cal., contact Rev. Wendy Taylor, 751 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002. Also, MAY 4·6, at St. Paul's Church, Chicago, II. Contact Rev. Talka Krciensicck, 1630 W. Pierce, Chicago, IL 60622, and JUNE 1-3, at United Congregational Church, Worcester, Mass. Contact Rev . Ann B. Day, P.O. Box 403, Holden, MA 01520. UCCL/GC welcomes participants from other denomin• ations, as well as UCC pastors, lay people, and conference personnel. For more information, contact UCCL/GC's national office, 18 N . College, Athens, OH 45701 or call (614)593-7301. Sixth Annual Desert and Mountain States Lesbian and Gay Conference MAY 11-13, A six-state Lesbian and Gay conference themed "Growing Together as Lesbians and Gays" will be held at the El Rancho Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Kay Weaver, a major new talent in the gay and lesbian entertainment industry, will be featured in a major concert on the second night of the conference. Workshops include Health and Wellness, Politics and the Environment, Sprituality and Humanism and Racism, Oppression and Privilege. Early registration is $55; $65 at the conference. Contact DMSLGC, P.O. Box 19360, Las Vegas, NV 89132-0360, (702)791-0083 or (702)737-7780. Conference for Catholic Lesbians Fifth National Gathering MAY 25·28, The Conference for Catholic Lesbians, a national organization for women of Catholic heritage, sponsors Conference '90, 1B "Power & Empowcrmcnt" .to be held in Estes Park, Colorado, featuring workshops, liturgics, and cntc~tainmcnt. Keynote speaker is Mary E. Hunt, noted theologian and Co-Director of Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual. Workshop offering include feminist theology, homophobia, ecology, . relationships, spirituality and social justice, among others. There will be special sessions focusing on aging, lesbian mothers, sexual and substance abuse, lesbian nuns, women in management and opportunitcs to meet and network with other women. Contact CCL Conference '90, P. 0. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New York, NY 10024, (212) 562-8922 Men and Masculinity 15th Annual Conference MAY 31 · JUNE 3, "Ending Men's Violence: Pathways to a Gender-Just World" is the theIT]e of this conference of the National Organization for Changing Men to be held at Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Ga . For information,write to: Men Stopping Violence, 1020 DeKalb Ave., #25, Atlanta, GA 30307 or phone (404)688-1376. Evangelicals Concerned Eastern Region Connection JUNE 1·3, Kirkridge, situated high atop the Appalachian Trail in the Eastern Pennsylvania mountains, will be the setting for the 11th Annual Evangelicals Concerned Eastern ConnECtion. Since 1980, the conferences have been life changing experiences for hundreds of gay men, Lesbians, and friends who are responding with trust to God's love and who seek to live thankfully and faithfully under God's grace and peace. Keynote speakers arc Dr. Ralph Blair, Rev. Marchicnc Rienstra and Dr. Stanley Rock. Cost is $150.00. For information contact: Dr. Ralph Blair, 311 East 72nd St., New York, NY 10021. GLPCI 11th Annual Conference JUNE 1-3, Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International presents a conference for gay and lesbian parents and their children. The Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, Virginia is the setting. There will be workshops, social events, and a look at the famous and no-so-famous Washington monuments. Children will attend a special conference of their own. Keynote speakers are Urvashi Vaid, Michael Applebee and Eric Marcus. For information call Dennis at (301)990-0638 or Randy or Ron at (301)990-9522 or write to GFC/QC P. 0. Box 19891, Washington, DC 20036-0891. CMl's 1990 Retreats JUNE 3·6, Co-dependency retreat in Palm Springs, Cal., JUNE 11-14, Embodied Spirituality and Sexuality retreat for men and women at St. Joseph's Retreat House, San Antonio, Texas, AUGUST 17-19, Codependency · and Spiritual Wholeness retreat at Weber House, Baltimor e , Maryland. For information on Communication Ministries' retreats, write to CMI Retreats, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. Advance Northeast '90 JUNE 7-10, Living Communion Ministries host Advance '90 sponsored by Advance Christian Ministries. The theme is " ... for the maturing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ ." The setting is a rustic, wooded and secluded camp in Washougal, Washington, just outside Portland. Four exciting days of renewal, worship, fellowship and fun . For information, contact Advance Christian Ministries, 4001•C Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75219 or call (214)522-1520 or (214)943-8081. Woman Journey JUNE 22·29, A retreat for lesbian religious who are exploring sexual identity issues, lead by Jeannine Gramick, SSND, co-founder of New Ways Ministry, and Mary Tobias Hagan, CSJ, director of Rockhaven, the scenic House Springs, Missouri, setting for the retreat. Limited to ten retreatants. Confidentiality is · assured . For information contact: Mary Tobias Hagan, CSJ, 7621 Rivermont Trail, House Springs, MO 63051 or call (314)671-3623. American Baptist's National Retreat JUNE 25 •27, American Baptists Concerned, a national organization of gay and lesbian Baptists, their families and friends, will hold its second national retreat in the San Francisco Bay Arca. The focus of the retreat will be community building among gay and lesbian Baptists. The retreat facilitator will be the Rev. THE SECOND STONE Dr. Jane Spahr, a nationally known resource person on issues related to the gay and lesbian community. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rev. Spahr is the founder of the Ministry of Light, a ministry to gay men, Lesbians and their familcs in San Anselmo, Calif. ·The retreat site is Westerbcke Ranch, located north of San Francisco. The retreat will be proceeded by San Francisco's annual Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. ABConccrned/SFBA will help with transportation to and from the retreat. Cost is $100;00, which includes two nights lodging and six meals. For information write to ABConcemed National Retreat, 686 Waller St., San Francisco, CA 94117. Seventh-day Adventist Kinship Kamp meeting JULY 1-8, SDA Kinship International sponsors its 11th annual Kamp-meeting. Procter Conference Center near Columbus, Ohio, is the setting. For information contact: Kamp-meeting Coordinator, P.O. Box 292609, Columbus, OH 43229 or call (213)876-2076. Evangelicals Concerned Western Region Connection JULY 6-8, San Francisco State University is the setting for the 11th Annual Evangelicals Concerned Western Region gathering. Keynote speakers arc Dr. Ralph Blair, Beverly Barbo, Michael Buffce and Gary Cooper. "Jesus The Light Of The World" is the theme. For information write to: Conference Coordinator, P.O. Box 12551, Seattle, WA98117. Thornfleld Workshop on Sexuality JULY 9-15, The highly acclaimed annual training workshop on sexuality at the Thornfield Conference Center in Cazenovia, NY will focus on gender, orientation and lifestyle and their relationship to sexism, hcterosexism and homophobia. Designed as an advanced course for both individual and professional growth, the workshop sttracts teachers, students, counselors, clergy, health personnel and others. Among the noted _staff are Mai:y Lee Tatum, nationally-recognized family life educator, lecturer and consultant SEE CALENDAR, Page 15 . Inner Paths . □ Why We Stay In The Church By Chris Glaser Contributing Writer At sunset one New Year's Eve I made my traditional trek along the cliffs and sands of Santa Moriica beach. I often "retreat" there, but this annual visit takes on special significance. I use the sun's setting on the final day as a natural prompter to reflect on the departing year. This year the shore was cold and rainy. It reflected my mood. This had been the year that my first book, Uncommon Callin~. was published and warmly received. I had enjoyed many celebrations around that event, and believed the book would make a difference in the church's attitude toward Lesbians and Gays. I should have been rejoicing. Instead I had feelings of sadness, grief, and anger . A recent event ·was coloring my perspective. A few weeks before, a church committee on which I served debated the ordination of Lesbians and Gays. Denied ordination as a minister a dozen years ago because of my sexual orientation, I have nonetheless proven myself a faithful layperson, serving in a· variety of cap11cities. Ironically I now served on this committee which oversaw the Welcome, Chris · Glaser CHRIS GLASER Ed note: The author of this column, Chris Glaser, is well known to th e gay and _ lesbian Christian community . He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and the author of two books: Uncommon Calling - A Gay Man's Struggle to Serve the Church. and Come Horne! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians, both from Harper & Row. We welcome him as a regular contributor to The Second Stone. preparation of candidates for the ordained ministry. In our work, committee members shared our own faith struggles, creating intimacy . So I heard this discussion as a conversation among spiritual comrades. But suddenly those for whom and with whom I had worked well found themselves divided. Some expressed anger that the issue had even been brought before us. Others claimed there wasn't time to sort its ramifications and make a decision, _as if this were a new concern. One decried it as an initiative of "the homosexual lobby," though that was not its source . The anger and fear now expressed that homosexuality would be divisive to the church had not been their experience: after all, I as a gay committee member had not proven divisive at all, but rather, (as one conservative member had told me in a previous meeting) I had contributed to the cohesiveness of the group. What now truly seemed divisive was the homophobia expressed. A motion for the committee to endorse ordination of Lesbians and Gays was defeated. I felt devastated. The . San Diego General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church flashed before my mind's eye. It was there in 1978 that a ban on gay ordination was put into effect. The feelings released by that blasphemy against the Spirit's leading welled up afresh within me. But these were not strangers who voted against Gays and Lesbians. These were "friends" who had used me and my gifts in a variety of ways only to once again "love the gifts, hate the giver." Driving home, a scream forced its way out of m e . I did not consciously decide to scream, but when it came, I thought, "That felt good. I think I'll do it again." And I did. It was more a scream of pain than of anger. Then an overwhelming grief followed. As I walked now in light drizzle along the beach, grey-blue waves crashing on my left, the setting sun trying to pierce the gloom before me, I thought of that incident and of my role as the eternal gay activist in the church. I had been fee ling more coerced and predestined than called. W i th the many opportunities afforded me to speak up for lesbian sisters and gay brothers, I cannot conceive that my ministry is my choice. I've cooperated, but God called the shots . Crying, I shook my fist at God in anger. Why me? The sun struggled to offer more light . A sudden insight made 'me laugh . If I were a nongay or even closeted parish pastor, I would've missed the grandeur and the passion and the compassion that characterizes the spirituality of gay and lesbian Christians and those nongay Christians whose spirituality is gracious enough to embrace us. As it is, I am able to communicate (sacrarnentally as well as in word) with people for whom Jesus Christ is not merely a belief but a living spirit embodied within them. I am surrounded by "so great a cloud of witnesses" to which homophobia or the closet would have kept me blind. I believe my experience is not unlike many of you who have similar callings. As ossified as the church may be as an institution, it is still where we may most easily meet others attempting to embody Christ. During a visit to Indiana a couple of months ago, I breakfasted with a minister who was questioning his commitment to the church. I reminded -him, were it not for the church, he and I would never have met and enjoyed the spiritual community we shared . "Yes, we would have," he said, "through PLGC (Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns)." "But there would be no PLGC were . there no Presbyterian Church!" I laughed. Whatever our Christian tradition or denomination, God has used ·our oppressor to awaken us to ·our own spiritual community. If God can use the church for such a divine purpose, no wonder we still hold onto the hope that the church may become yet more responsive to the Spirit's leading. United Methodists Gather To Discuss Lesbian/ - Gay Ministries SAN FRANCISCO - About 200 persons concerned with ministries with Lesbians and gay men in the United Jv[ethodist Church gathered here for the seccmd national convocation of Reconciling Congregations. Reconciling Congregations are local United Methodist churches that pledge to welcome Lesbians and Gays as equal members of their churches and to continue studying what it means to be a truly inclusive church. Among the lay and clergy participants at the convocation were representatives of most of the 44 existing Reconciling Congregations and of several potential Reconciling Congregations . Also present were delegates from United Methodist's five Reconciling Conferences, annual conferences that have joined with Reconciling Congregations in · expressing their public commitment to lesbian/ gay ministries. In addition, participants included observers from denominational boards, from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and from the More Light movement, a Presbyterian effort · parallel to the Reconciling Congregation Program. The convocation's theme was "Renewing the Vision: Parables of Hospitality, Healing and Hope," with the Rev . Arthur Brandenburg, a district superintendent in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, as keynote speaker and plenary leader. .A new 16-mernber board for the Reconciling Congregation Program was selected. It is chaired by the Rev. Kirn Smith of Bethany United Methodist Church of San Francisco. The vice chair is the Rev. Finees Flores of .Albany Park UMC in Chicago, with Carolyn Pell of Wesley UMC in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as secretary and Reva Anderson of Central UMC in Toledo as treasurer. Brandenburg noted that he was surprised at the size and power of the movement. "I came to San Francisco expecting fewer than half as many people as participated. The excitement and spiritual commitment of all the participants was almost unbelievable ." The first national convocation of reconciling congregations was held in Chicago in March 1987. A third convocation will be held in 1992 or 1993. Business or . Personal... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad May /June 1990 Closer Look Jonathan and David A Very Special Friendship By Rev. Bruce Roller Contributing Writer Though homophobes throughout recent centuries have written exclusively of their relationship as one only between the closest of friends, and have indeed offered David and Jonathan as a role model for righteous friendships, (that's the way I heard it in Sunday School!), some very good reading is now available about the definite romantic relationship of David, Israel 's greatest ruler, and Jonathan. Among these newer works are Tom Homer 's 1978 book Tonathan Loved David: Homosexuality in Bible Times and Fred Pattison's essay Tonathan Loved David! To see that no other friendship in the pages of Holy Scripture .is described as thls one is, one need only look to the passages themselves. For instance, it certainly sounds like love at first sight when we read the passage in 1 Samuel 18:1, "After David had finished talking with Saul (Jonathan's father), Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." Very seldom in the Hebrew Scriptures is ANY relationship described in this . manner! Dare we venture into the epistles and see Paul echoing the phrase in teaching about heterosexual marriages? "In this same way, spouses ought to love each other as Announcing a NEW, Revised and Greatly Expanded Edttlon of Our Much-Re"'elled Booklet Christians and Homosexuality In the last five years, we've SCJld tOOusands i.pon thousards of these oook~ts. featuring soma of the best articies available anywhere on Sc~ure and homosexuality, with a he~ful guide to a wide variety of organizations ministering in a Christian way in the gay and lesbian community. Now we've revised, updated, aoo great~ axpaooed the booklet, adding a host of new articles and features, including ·A Crisis of Pronouns: •Living with AIDS," •Reading the Bble Through Gay Eyes: a provocatNEI look at whethe; ordination i3 rooted in heterossxist thiri(ing, and more. ORDER NOWI Single ccpias, $4.50. 10-99 copies, $3.00 each. 100 or moro, $1.50 &ach. No charge for shii\>lng. Order from The Other S~•. :JOO W. Apsley, Phiiada~hia, PA 19144. A wond,r/uf rssource/ m their own bodies ... For this reason one will leave their own parents and be united to their spouse and the two will become one flesh ... Each one of you must love your spouse as you love yourself, and your spouse will admire you, (Ephesians 5:33)." For two to become one person is the Pauline expression of marriage. The Evangelist Mark quotes Jesus as using this expression of marriage (Mark 10:7-8), "So they are no longer two, but one." As in any relationship, the feelings the two people share for each other result in some action. 1 Samuel 18:3 records the spontaneous covenant _between Jonathan and David, and it shows the reason (not political gain, protection, or any of the other usual reasons for a covenant in the Hebrew Scriptures, but) "because Jonathan loved David as himself." The covenant pledge was a particularly intimate and vulnerable one. "Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." It sounds like Jonathan was willing to give everything to David. Of Michal, Saul's daughter, Scripture says, as it does of Jonathan, that she loved David (1 . Samuel 18:20), and Saul gave her to David as Ex-Gays? There Are None Lambda Christian Fellowship is pleased to announce a new book by Rev. Sylvia Pennington - an examination of ex-gay ministries . what they do - what they don't do. You'll meet people who, only · through God's grace, have survived and stopped trying to be ex-gays, because, in truth, there is no such thing as an ex-gay {X3rson. Now Available From Lambda Christian Fellowship P. 0. Box 1967 Hawthor ne, CA 90250 $15.00 plus $1.50 for postage and handling. California residents add 6% sales tax. his wife. Of David, however, it is only recorded of this union that "he was pleased to become the king's son-in-Jaw, (18:26)," an obvious allusion to this political marriage. Michal and Jonathan compete in the · Biblical story in thwarting their father's plan to kill David. Because of his love for David, Jonathan warns David of a murder plot (19:1-7), and is the source of temporary reconciliation between his .father and his lover. In 19:11-17 Michal aids in David's escape from the murderous Saul. Jonathan, however, is shown as taking a firm stand with David, while Michal lies to her father, saying David threatened her to make her cover for his escape (v.17). In chapter twenty the plot of this romantic story thickens . David takes his life in his hands to return to his lover Jonathan, and explains to him that Saul is aware that Jonathan and David are lovers, and that for this reason Saul will not tell Jonathan hls plans for killing David. With this explanation Jonathan replies in words reminiscent of Ruth's to Naomi, "Whatever you want me to do, I'll do for you, (20:4)." Again Jonathan speaks with more emotion than someone being loyal to a friend when he says, "If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn't I tell you? .(v 20:9)." In case we have previously .missed it, "Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself, (20:17) ." Most gay and lesbian lovers can relate to the family disturbance their relationships exacerbate. At one point in our story "Saul's anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, 'You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don't you know that you have chosen the son of Jesse (David) to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? (20:30)." The end of this family argument has Saul hurling his spear at his own son to kill him, (20:33). "Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; oil that second day of the month he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father 's shameful treatment of David, (20:34)." After Jonathan warns David to escape, " ... they kissed ea ch other and wept together - but David wept the most, (20:41)." This was the last meet ing between the two lovers in this life. Truly this is a trag ic Bible THE SECOND STONE □ story of a homosexual love to rival Romeo and Juliet. The lament of David over Jonathan's death is recorded in 2 Samuel 1:25-26, "How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me . Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." The Rev. Dr. Sherre Boothman, President of UFMCC's Samaritan College in Los Angeles, points out that this very statement on its surface speaks of a sexual relationship since at this point in Israel's history (though not at other points of Israel's history) women were considered chattel, and reference to the love of women would . be primarily sexual in connotation . But, someone may be objecting, David and Jonathan were both married (David, several times) and David was at least once sexually involved with a beautiful woman, Bathsheba! How could these two men have been in a sexual and romantic relationship with each other? I need only remind people of Kinsey's research in the United States in modern times, or to point to the experience of many of the readers of this column who are ambisexual or who, though primarily gay or lesbian, are or have been in sexual relationships with people of the other gender. As in all these columns this year, I have no personal ax to.grind. I am not invested in the sexuality of these relationships; but it would seem to me that one of the most .beautiful love stories (and to me sexual and romantic expression is a joyous part of that love) in the Hebrew Scriptures is the heart-rending, heart-warming story of Jonathan and David, who loved each other from first sight, through death. The Reverend Bruce Roller is pastor of Reconciliation MCC in Grand Rapids, MI. He has prepared a workbook on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that is available for $3.50 plus 25% handling and shipping . This book allows the student to draw conclusions themselves from the Word of God, and has helped many people over their fear of condemnation from thi s passag e of Scripture. The workbook is available from Faithful Publications, P .O. Box 3701, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. - , ' Families □ Mother's/Father's Day Thanks May Go To Someone Else ByDr. Buddy Truluck Columnist What is your earliest memory? Playing with other children in the yard? Going to Sunday School? Getting a spanking? Watching your parents fight? My earliest memory is my mother holding me in her lap and reading to me out of a big Bible story book. The pictures in the book still stand out in my memory. The one I remember best is the boy Samuel, who had on a robe just like mine . The only thing missing was my bunny rabbit bedroom shoes. Christian faith was given to me in a warm, loving and positive way . This makes me even · more different than the fact that I am an openly gay Christ ian minister. Many Gays and Lesbians have not had such a positive experience with their parents or with religion . If you have, tell your parents how grateful you are . One of the Ten Commandments says "honor your father and mother that . Welcome, Dr. Buddy Truluck Ed. Note: Buddy Truluck is a former Southern · Baptist pastor with an extensive teaching and writing background. Presently this energetic Bibl e scholar is teaching a series entitled "The Bible As A Friend of Lesbians and Gays" at San Francisco's Golden Gate MCC. He was ordained in 1953 by the First Baptist Church in Clinton, South Carolina and completed his career with the Southern Baptist Church 20 years later at the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Missis sippi. He was educated at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He will be a regular contributor to The Second Stone . your days may be long in the land ." The promise of long life for honoring parents is the same as the promise for keeping the Commandments of God. The reason for this connection is that the law of God was given to the children through their parents (Deuteronomy 5 & 6). But all parents are not "honorable." Some do teach love and acceptlfnce, but others teach rejection, self-hate and prejudice. Rejection by family can be devastating to young Gays and Lesbians. I have known of gay young men 15 or 16 years old who were thrown out of their own homes by their parents when they were discovered to be gay. I know of one young man whose father threatened to kill him if he ever came back home. Another turned to his father for advice and was told to put a gun to his head . Jesus knows and understands that you did not choose your parents or other re latives. They were given to you. You do not have to be responsible for or carry the guilt of others who misunderstand and reject you . Jesus was misunderstood and rejected by his relatives. Mark 13:21: "His own kinsmen heard and went out to take custody of Jesus; ·for they said Jesus has lost his senses." Jesus redefined the meaning of family, just as he gave fresh new meaning to love, prayer, life and service. Jesus looked about on those who were sitting around him and said in Mark 3:34-35: "Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. " Jesus selected his own spiritual family. So can you. Gay Pride is also celebrated this time of year. The self -respect that my parents taught me lies back of my pride in who I am, which includes being gay. I came out to my parents years ago , and they have been just as supportive and encouraging as before. My father will be ·80 years old and my mother 79 this summer. Ten years ago, my parents spent a year as Southern Baptist missionaries in Ma lawi in East Africa setting up a printing and publishing ministry. They are still active leaders in my home town Baptist church . My parents made me feel good about myself . They still do. Whether or not your p a rents encouraged and loved you, other women or men may have cared about you. Perhaps you had an older friend along the way who help ed you face and accept being gay or le sbian. Did someone help you to come out and feel good about yourself both as a homosexual and as a Christian? Mother's /Father's Day is a good time to get in touch and say, "THANK YOU!" You cannot go back and change how you were treated as a child . If you received love, pass it on. If you didn't, then determine with God 's help to love and build up the CALENDAR, From Page 12 from Falls Church , Va.; Brian McNaught, consultant and author of the book and video, On Bein~ Gay; and the Rev. Bill Stayton, author, theologian and sex therapist. The director of the Thornfield Workshop on Sexuality is psychotherapist and educator Alison Deming. Registration is limited to 60 persons . For furth er information, contact Alison De ming, P.0 .Box 447, · Fayetteville, NY 13066, or call (315) 637-8990. Tenth National Gathering of UCCL/GC JULY 10-15, the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets at the University of Southern California for its tenth national gathering, themed "Spirit Becoming Flesh Becoming Spirit" . Cynthia Winton -Henry and Phil Porter are the keynote speakers. Nationally respected AIDS and arts activist Michael Keams will perform his one person play, "Larger Than Life" which explores love, loss and the unpredictability of life. For information write to UCCL/GC, 18 N. College, Athens, OH 45701. Lutherans Concerned Assembly '90 JULY 19-22, Lutherans Concerned/ North America hosts the largest group of gay and lesbian Lutherans ever assembled . The setting is the self-esteem of people around you. Think of someone who needs you to be the nurturing and encouraging "parent" that they never had. One of the best ways to feel good about yourse.Jf is to help others feel good about themselves! "Let us pursue the building up of one another." -Romans 14:19 campus of University of Illinois at Chicago. "I Am In Your Midst" is the theme . Assembly '90 marks LC/NA's sixteenth year of working for lesbian and gay understanding within the church.The design and intent of the assembly is to create an atmosphere where people can experience a familiar yet fresh approach to spirituality and community . Facilitator is Rev . Linda Strohmier. A variety of workshops will be offered. For information -write to: Assembly '90, P.O . Box 10197, Fort Dearborn Station, Chicago, IL 60610. Community Gospel Fellowship General Conference AUGUST 23-25, Beautiful Camp Manison , outside of Houston, is the setting for Community Gospel Fellowship's annual conference. A great time of fellowship is promised. Cost is $68.00. For informa _tion, write to Community Gospel Fellowship, P.O. Box 66158, Houston, TX 77266 Thanksgiving Cruise NOVEMBER 17-24, Robin Tyler Productions presents a seven night women's Thanksgiving cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the 55 Bermuda Star . For furthur informaiion, write to Robin Tyler Productions, 15842 Chase St., Sepulveda, CA 91343 or call 1-818-893-4075. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAR, THE SECOND STONE, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 COVER STORY, From Page 9 are not a Jot of fathers willing to do that," she said. family. Our issue is really about love and acceptance. How dare the fundamentalists rob us of the definition of the word "family ." It is their homophobia, not homosexualty, . that destroys family ties." Of those in the church who would reject Gays and Lesbians, Lewallen said "I believe that we need to go in th e direction of a stronger emphasis on the May/June 1990 m Book Review Bridges Of Respect Creating Support for Lesbian and Gay Youth By Ken Wens Reprinted with permission from PLGC's More Light Update, Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 Katherine Whitlock, author; Rachael Kamel, editor. Philadelphia: American Friends Service Committee, 1988. 97 p. $7.50 paper. ISBN 0-910082-13-8. Buy many copies of this book and see how much change you can effect by presenting copies to your local secondary school principals for their guidance departments, to your School Board Superintendent for expansion of the health and sexuality curriculum and its careful and complete AIDS education, to every administrator of social services and support groups for youth, to your pastor and church youth fellowship advisors . The thirty-eight pages of introductory context are the most quotable and specific description I have seen of the emotional isolation and self-est e em struggles of lesbian and gay youth, the hostility and harassment an .d lack of supportive networks they experience, and the climat e -changing help which can be given through public advocacy, inclusive education, training of professionals, crisis intervention and emergency services, programs of outreach and of enforcing responsible standards of nondiscriminatory conduct. The concluc!_ing fifty -eight pages of resources is an annotated distillation of the most useful organizations, projects, printed and audiovisual materials available in the United States for meeting the caring and health and legal and student and social services concerns of youth buffeted by homophobia. The emotional crisis is up front right from the start. "(Violence) can be inflicted with words and actions or through silence, indifference and neglect, wounding ·a young person's h eart and spirit" \p.4) . Sandra Brawders, speaking at the Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concerns Eastern Regional Conference in New York , put the equation this way, referring to gay Presbyterians who testified for equality of Back Issues NOW AV AILABLE .. .in case you missed them! A great . way for new subscribers to find out what we've been up to! All orders shipped promptly by first class mail. · Outreach .. .is the light under a bushel for Gays & Lesbians? Newbriefs, travel & book review. More from Bruce Roller, Bill Urban. Dr. Virginia Uribe's program for gay teens under attack by religious conservatives. Plus ... are you supporting causes that discriminate against Gays? A change of.heart? Ex-gay ministries say there is another choice ... an ex-gay's story. More from Martin Fowler, Michael Blankenship. After the AIDS death of her son, Beverly Barbo set out to change church attitudes towards Gays. More from Louie Crew, Sylvia Pennington. To order send $2 .25 plus 65 cents per issue for first class postage . (Foreign orders add $1.00 per issue.) Issues prior to #6 are SOLD OUT. PLEASE SEND ME ...... COPIES EACH OF [ )#6 [ ) #7 [ )#8 [ ]#9 Name .. .... ..... .. . .... .. .. . . .. .......... .. ..... .. ...... ..... . ... .. . Address .. .. . . .... ..... .. .. .... .. ... . .... ......... . . .. . .. .. ........ . Ci ty, State & Zip .... ....... ..... . .. .......... .. .......... .. .. .... . membership privileges at the 1978 General Assembfy in San Diego: "They confronted the Church on a one to one million basis and said, 'I am dead because I am gay."' Young people have a poignant. vulnerability, "They cannot take for granted the safety of family, religious community, youth groups or community centers" (p.12). Gay and lesbian youth need dignity, support and respect in their lives now, from the people and the communities that are important to them. Motivation for action comes from sensitivity to the personal crisis confining lesbian and gay youth. "It is unrealistic to dismiss the problem of isolation by saying that young people who are gay and lesbian will eventually find their own way to adult gay /lesbian communities. For most of these young people, such communities seem a world away. Gay and lesbian youth need dignity, support and respect in their lives now, from the people and the communities that are important to them. Neither does it make sense to wait for the emergence of a large visible community of lesbian/gay youth before we begin to provide all these resources. Over time, youth still in hiding will come out and sympathetic adults must be accessible to them when they do . In the meantime, the very presence of such services will send a message of acceptance to all young people and their families" (p.14). So much for the mandate to get moving in this area. The Quaker writers state their rationale without apology, "Societal institutions are seldom pleased to have the boat rocked. Yet that is precisely what we are advocating. We are seeking to make room for lesbian and gay youth in structures perme a ted with homophobia. We are proposing new recognition of the dignit y and worth of young people w ho are THE SECOND STONE homosexually oriented. That is a powerful form of boat -rocking in a society that has failed to affirm the humanity of these youth, much less consider their claim to human dignity, equality and freedom " (p.37). If there is an omission in this extremely useful primer and reference guide, it would be a chapter on the church's bridges with gay members and the gay community. Pages 46-57 in the Resources section survey the organizations in each denomination supportive of gay concerns and the more outstanding materials developed from religious sources. But what about some comment on how homophobia is fueled in the local congregation? What can we point out that is operative in the churches young people experience, for their clarity and their resistance? One thing might be to say that until we are at home with ourselves, our relations with others will be distorted and distorting. The most obvious form of distortion is projection, which happens all the time in our churches and our world. When we have unexplored darkness within ourselves we get preverse relief by projecting that darkn ess outward on some "enemy " (usually people who are simply different from us). It is a futile effort to flee our own shadows by despising, and sometimes destroying, the people on whom we project them. Insofar as churches encourage their members to make a rigorous solitary inward spiritual journey, they can be therein committed to withdrawing one's projections and to being open to the possibilty of love. The other thing we might say, in such a chapter on church homophobia, is to be aware of when congregatlons are preaching a theology of a God who is not pleased with you as you are . I owe this insight to Virginia Mollenkott. She says that patriarchy preaches an inclusive God who tells us that only by changing your basic nature from homosexual to heterosexual can you be acceptable to God. You ar e not supposed to esteem yourself as you are - that is sinful pride, to be repented of (and a lot of congregations are mad e up of women so socialized that th e y don't esteem themselves in the firs t place). Very conveniently the power group tells the oppressed to embrace their oppression a bit mor e. Remember, buy se veral copies of the book. It will open your adult eyes . Videos □ Commo n Threads: Stor ies F rom The Quilt Quilt Document ary Wi ns Oscar H;yEricHess Contributing Wri ter We live day to day sometimes not fully realizing what it means to be alive or what it means to be human, but every no w and then we take the time to look closely at what each of these things mean . These and many other thoughts come to mind when viewing the Academy A ward winning documentaty, "Common Threads: Stories From The Quilt ." The documentary, which is accompanied by the special vocal talent of Bobby Mcferrin, is not so much the story of the quilf as it is the . story of the people whose voices are still heard through the quilt -- those who have died as a result of AIDS and those whose lives they touched . "Common Threads", narrated by Dustin Hoffman, tells the stories represented by five of the thousands of panels that make up the quilt, which has toured the United States and was unfolded on the White House lawn. This brilliant film tracks the political and social effects of AIDS, but never loses sight of the human condition of the disease and the basic message, "too much love is gone ... too much tragedy ... too much loss ." The docum entary take s us into the li v es of a hemophiliac ch ild , a intravenous dru g user, a gay father, a gay couple and a gay activist whose message is that there is a continued need to press foward in our fight for funding and care. Each story is unique in its own way . We learn how AIDS does not discriminate, how our government did not respond to the epidemic until the disease crossed over into the heterosexual community,. and how many lives have been touched by this tragedy . "Common Threads: Stories From The Quilt" was produced by Rob Epstein, who won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 1984 for the "Times of Harvey Milk." The 80 minute film tells its story with quiet sen$itivity . We understand the reality of the issue by listening to those who have had to deal with the devastation of AIDS. At the end Vito Russo, one of those who shared his story says, " We want to see an end ... (a day) when we can stop adding panels and put this thing away . Some day this will be over ... Some day there will be no such thing as AIDS and we will remember that there was a terrible tragedy that we survived ." Lesbian/Gay Religious Denounce Coalition Traditional Values Groups ·For Symposium Representatives of ten national lesbian/ gay religious organizations have issued a public statement rejecting the premise of a symposium entit led "The National Task Force for the Preservation of the Hetero- · sexual Ethic" held in Washington, D.C. that depicted homosexuality as "intrinsically unhealthy, unnatural or immoral." The symposium was sponsored by the Coalition for Traditional Values, led by Rev. Louis Sheldon. The statement was written and coordinated by Rev. Ken South of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. Signers of the statement included Rev. Jan Griesinger, United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay ·Concerns; George Plagianos, Axios/Eastern Orthodox Christian Gay Men and Lesbians; Jim Anderson, Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerns; Rev. John W. Lynndorus, United Lesbian and Gay Christian Scientists; Rev. William H. Carey, National Gay Pentecostal Alliance and Lighthouse Christian Fellowship; Marge Doyle, SeventhDay Adventist Kinship International, lnc.; Barrett Brick, World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations; Jim Souder, Brethren/ Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns; Pat Roche, Dignity/ USA; and Kim Byham, Integrity, Inc . The statement declared that coalitions from all major faith group s are united "with one voice in saying that we see no inconsistency between our sexual orientation and our faith traditions-:-" - Waves AT LAST. A MONTHLY TRAVEL MAGAZINE THAT TELLS YOU ABOUTRAVEL Discover . .. . OUR WORLD The International Gay Travel Magazine MEMBER _lfll'\_ We've finally come out! We're the Monthly International Gay Travel Magazine. Month by month, we invite you to visit with us and discover an exciting world available to gay men and _lesbian travelers. Enjoy color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain, a rustic resort in California, a trendy hotel on the English Riviera, an elegant Victorian mansion in San Francisco, a magnificent French chateau, and more! Investigate gourmet restaurants, intimate bars and glittering nightspots. Acquire first hand knowledge, travel tips, and up to date information from gay travel agents, arid tour operators. You get all this at the special subscriber rate of only $44 for one full year (12 issues). That's a saving of 25% off the newsstand price. Act now! Discover OUR WORLD today! MAIL TO: OUR WORLD PUBLISHING, 1104 North Nova R.oad, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA (904) 441-5367 0 Yes! Please start my subscription for 1 year (12 issues). I have enclosed my check or money order for $44. (U.S.A.) Sample copy $4.95. Canada, Mexico, Overseas (surtace) - US $52 Europe (airmail) - US $70 Pacific (airmail) US $80 First issue inails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope. Our subscriber list is-kepi conlidential. (please print) Name _____ _ ______ _ _ _ _ _ ___ ___ __ _ Address. _____ _ ___ _ __ __ __ _ ___ _ _ __ _ _ _ ___ __ __ _ __ _ ___ _ __ __ _ Code _ ___ _ _ Country __ __ __ _ _ ___ __ _________ _ __ _ May/June 1990 m Essay . □ Don't Seek God With Spiritual Eyes Closed BY TERISSA THOMPSON Contributing Writer Do you ever find that the harder you try to do right, the further yOll feel from God? The tendency toward a legalistic approach to God has been a strong influence since religion began. And it is not limited to formally imposed legal codes, but often appears in systems of rules we invent or adapt for ourselves. This seems to be the natural human approach to our awesome and perfect God . A noted Christian author and speaker defines religion as any set of practices designed to achieve communication or unity with the Most High God. He goes on to point out that the word "religion" comes from a root meaning bondage. Thus , he alleges, religion is literally a return to bondage. (Gal. 2:4, 4:3, et al) In Jesus' time the Pharisees were noted for detailed regard for such a system, strictly interpreting and observing Jewish law , particularly sections pertaining to tithing and ritual purity. Their code consisted of 613 laws go _verning even such According to the gospel writers, concern for the smallest detail of the law was more important to the Pharisees than a right spirit, a pure heart for God, or compassion toward a fellow human being. activities as the use and washing of utensils and all manner of personal hygiene (Mark 7:3-4). Throughout - the one that deals most honestly with how men relate to each other. to women, and to kids; the one that's gay-affirmative and opposes sex-role stereotypes, ... the one that movingly explores men's hurts and joys · ... ~-- --- --------~ 1 □ ON: 1 Order at no obligation. If yciu change your mind, just write · us 1 1 , We'll refund the subscription price! : Name _________ -=_-=_-=_-:: __ Enclo .sed: -~ ~ I Address __ _ _ _ _____________ _ _ I I City ______ -,-- __ ____ State_ Zip __ I l Moll to: Chon in Men 306 N. Brooks 305A Madison WI 5 7 I ----- ·------------------- the Jewish community the Pharisees were highly esteemed for their knowledge of scriptural law and their devotion to its perfect execution. Their meticulous devotion to these laws was, in their way of thinking, essential for right standing with God. According to the gospel writers, concern for the smallest detail of the law was more important to the Pharisees than a right spirit, a pure heart for God, or compassion toward a fellow human being . Their obedience was unmatched. Yet for this kind of heartless obedience Jesus repeatedly rebuked these religious experts. Consider our Lord's own treatment of the law. He associated with outcasts and even ate with them! He healed on the Sabbath and allowed His disciples to pick grain ( apparen tly violating the fourth commandment!), infuriating the administration. And still He says, "I did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it." (Matt. 5:17) Surely Jesus understood the law in a much greater sense than mere outward obligation when He said, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, .or to do harm, to save a life, or to destroy it?" (Luke 6:9) IN SPITE OF JESUS' STRONG teaching, the majority of our Christian religion seems to be as restrictive and as fruitless as the Pharisees' plodding through Judaism! Most of us were taught from a very early age what we must do and what we must not do .to gain God's favor. The rest heard some version of the law eventually. What God likes and dislikes, how He likes it and how much, and what He will do if it's wrong, are decreed and enforced as law by parents, preachers, and police. The Bible is allegedly brimming with the rash consequences . we face for failing to uphold any part of the law. (Nonbelievers often tell me this is the main thing they "do not like about 'Christianity."') Understand that I am not just referring to laws issued by authorities, but to practices we fashion for ourselves as well! For instance, we certainly should pray, read the Bible, and seek Christian fellowship, yet these can become pointless exercises when the emphasis transfers to the activity itself. Habitually doing what we should do solely because it's what we should do may be a symptom of legalism. Have you ever found that a "tried and true" formula suddenly ll THE SECOND STONE doesn't seem to produce the feeling of the presence of God that it used to? God will ·not allow us to "conjure" Him up _ through any set of procedures. Paul issued harsh rebukes to societies which sought to return to the bondage ' of the law, and Jesus spoke His most passionate words against such ritualistic practices in the Jewish religion. Yet this misguided piety continues to flourish. And here is where pharisaism falls short: It is a cognitive, rational structure which targets the mind - that is, the natural man. lt seems to make sense, appealing to logic and our human sense of justice. Ironically, this may be where the attraction lies for its followers. A law "written on stone tablets" is physical and tangible. However, it does riot teach In spite of Jesus' strong teaching, the majority of our Christian religion seems to be as restrictive and as fruitless as the Pharisees' plodding through Judaism! a personal Jesus, but points to a distant God . And the mind set ·on controlling the flesh through the law is indeed set on the flesh. That mind is hostile to God (Rom. 8:6-8)! Ask yourself, "Do I want religion or do I want God in my life?" God is not a theoretical abstract . He is a spiritual reality (John 4:24). Millions are unwilling to explore spiritual dimensions, preferring to "seek God" with their spiritual eyes closed. If we nurture our spiritual health (that is, our relationship with Christ), all our other attitudes and actions will begin to fall in line with God's will. I am not advising disregard for law. I urge you to · consider your own individual response to God's call to obedience, but not to let that response become so fast - so rigid - that you miss knowing the infinite God. With a single mind let us seek Jesus. Travel Enjoying The . Hidden Hawaiis By Cynthia A. Marquard and Danni Munson Contributing Writers Who hasn't dreamed of being in an isolated tropical paradise with that special someone? The splash of a waterfall in a ferny grotto; miles of deserted white sand beaches; the strange calls of exotic birds high up in the rainforest canopy. We recently went off in search of just such isolated pieces of paradise in the Hawaiian Islands. And we found several places, . well off the beaten path, that cater to gay men and lesbiari ·or are at least are quite gay frietrdly . On the Big Island The island of Hawaii, the largest of the islands, has several h i dden resorts perfect. for those who want to get away from it all, or at least most of it. The Big Island has two main areas . The Hilo .area--which is less touristy, close to the Kilauea Volcano, lush with tropical flowers and other vegetation--is also pretty rainy. The Kailua-Kona area is· fairly congested with hotels and big resort , properties set like oases · of greenery amid the moonscape of black lava flows frozen on their way to the sea . But here, the sun always shines. Needless to say, most of the secluded vacation properties for gay men and lesbians are in the Hilo area . One exception is a male-only B & B, the R.B.R. Farms in Captain Cook, a ' small town up the mountain from Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook met is death in 1779 . Today the bay is known for its excellent · snorkeling. For women only, there is the secluded Butterfly Inn, watched over · by two very hospitable l esbian owners who are genuinely concerned about providing the best in comforts and · amenities to their guests; including fresh papayas and bananas : grown in their large and private garden. The house has two guestrooms that share a living area, kitchen, and ·bath . But the main attraction is the steam house, a genuine wood-fired, Finnish hot-rock sauna. Outside the steam house is a tub that serves as a cold plunge and a large jacuzzi. The Butterfly Inn is located fairly close to one of earth's great natural wonders, an active volcano . Science tells us that the eruptions of molten rock are caused by a hot spot deep in earth's mantle that, like a blow torch, heats the rock below Kilauea. Legend tells us that it is the work of the ancient Hawaiian fire goddess .Pele. Whichever truth one subscribes to, this volcano is not to be missed . It can be viewed first hand in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the end of a ride down Chain of Craters~oad ; rangers indicate where to park ai;:id allow visitors to walk out on the newly formed rock, stepping over cracks from which steam is still rising. The oozing lava we were able to see looked like a little pink paw . inching out of a crevice . Beyond, and off limits to tourists because the area is so dangerous, we · could see great clouds of steam rising where the main river -of lava was pouring into the sea at a rate of 35 miles per hour. Many guests of the But.terfly Inn come to see the volcano at night, when one can get a true sense of this fire from within. Men wanting to stay near the volcano should consider a night at Volcano House, an old hotel in the national park near the Visitor's Center . Near Upolu Point, at the extreme north end of the Big Island, is a gay friendly B & B in the tiny town of Hawi (population 700) . Hale Anvenue consists of a 70-year-old main house with two guestrooms and adjacent house with an additional two rooms situated on one-third acre. There is also a jacuzzi. Snorkeling is excellent on the beaches a short drive ·away . Huliaule'a is the most hidden of the Big Island's hidden Hawaiis. It sits on a remote hillside in the Hilo . area and off the beaten path of ci~ilization. Electricity comes from its own generator, which is turned on · only at certain times of day. This creates a unique lamp-lit environm ent at night that can be very romantic. Daytime views from the veranda are stunning. Breakfast is provided, but guests do not have kitchen privileges. they must dine out in Hilo . Kalani Honua bills itself as an "ocean ranch" and · is the location of the annual Camp Camp-It-Up summer camp for gays and lesbians. The 1990 camp is scheduled for one week beginning August 13. There are · other gay /lesbian gatherings planned .for March 13, April 18, and April 21. The property is a large complex of lodges on an isolated stretch of coast near Hilo . There is a gift shop and restaurant on the grounds ... Undeveloped Molokai This part of Hawaii is so hidden that it would not appeal to everyone. There is a trade-off for quiet, undeveloped areas. The reason - Molokai is the least developed of the islands is that it lacks the one thing most people go to Hawaii for: beautiful, swimmable, white sand beaches. And it has been traditionally a taboo area, because this is where the Hawaiians sent the lepers. There is a famous leper colony, .still active today, on the remote Kalaupapa Penins11la, accessible only by boat or plane . Main street in Molokai's one major town is reminiscent 'of a rural town in central Iowa . There are so few stores that each of them--drugstore, grocery, hardware store, Post Officeare named on maps of th e island. And like many rural areas, Molokai is very agricultural, with lime orchards, pineapple plantations, and cattle ranches . .The island has two distinct areas: the east end has -tropical rainforests and the west . end has rolling savannahs. The east erid has poor beaches because there the ancient Hawaiians built fish ponds, walled areas along the coast used for trapping fish. The · walls disintegrated , and today they trap muddy runoff from the mountain, turning the beaches to muck . So the main attraction in the east end is the Halawa Valley, with a twisting, narrow road through the rainforest. Park near the end of the road and hike through the jungle to Moaula Falls, where you can take a swim . But during periods of heavy rain, beware of high wnter in two creeks · you have to cross to reach the falls. □ The west end has beautiful white sand beaches, but there is no coral reef beyond to tame the crushing power of the waves. Anyone trying to swim there would be likely to drown. But the beach is almost totally deserted and is a wonderful place to walk or sunbathe. And at Papohaku Beach Park, you can camp for $3.00 per night . There are no gay resorts or bars on Molokai. Most visitors stay at resort properties near the main town of Kaunakakai. Guests can walk to town from the Pau Hana Inn, which is also the least expensive with rooms starting at about $40 per night. The Hotel Molokai has the best restaurant, open to .the ·sea, and there .is usually entertainment in the evening. Part II of •the Hidden Hawaiis will .appear in our next issue. Cynthia A. Marquard is the : owner/manager of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago and vice-president of the International Gay Travel Assn. Danni Munson is the publisher of The Lesbian and Gay Almanac and Events of 1990. P . 0. Box 118 SL Bethlehem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 the "other" ,Plact under the sun ... Write or call for brochure. 120 E. Atol St., P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island, Texas 78597 (512)761-LYLE Air connections via American Continental Soutbwesi DJ Parting Thought □ Jesus Has AIDS And Lives On Valencia Street By John-Mkhaei Olexy Contributing Writer I was substituting as a driver for "Project Open Hand", the group that provides a bag lunch and hot dinner to people with AIDS . My "runner" Bill, who _del~ered the meals while I stayed m my double-parked car, was from Wisconsin and new to San Francisco . We worked with a computer listing of the names and addresses and any special meal requirements . Bill looked up at his list as I pulled up in front of a weary building on Valencia Street. "One regular lunch, one special dinner for Jesus" he said asche jumped out of the car. --As- ne- disa'ppeared up the side stairs to an apartment over the liquor store I looked at the listing, Jesus, pronounced 'J-Ieysous", a rather common Spamsh name, was on the listing. Wisconsin Bill pronounced it ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office wi ll not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. IJ Please notify us four weekS in a(t vance for un interrupted delivery. Send both old and new addresses . lf possible atlach mailing label i n space provided . PRINT NEW ADDRESS ~ g ~ i (0 -< i ~ Send comp leted form to : THE SECOND STONE Box8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 as most English-speakers do - "Jesus." Well, _that certainly would drive the Fundamentalists wild, I thought. Jesus has AIDS and is living on Valencia Street. I put it aside as Bill popped into . the car and I pulled out into the traffic to continue our deliveries. The following Saturday my friend Frank and I were working our own regular "Open Hand" route. We were going to a party later, so we hurried along, sometimes both of us leaving the car and delivering to save precious minutes. I hurried down the hallway of a building on 17th Streef and pounded on a door. My mind was on the party. The door opcred slowly. I flinched when I saw the figure in the darkness. He was a young man, but now looked so very old . He still had the face of a choir boy, an old, emaciated choir boy. The beautiful face was now covered completely with lesions. I prayed that he didn't see my reaction. He was too weak to carry his meals into the apartment, so I took them into the kitchen. Looking back, I let myself out. "God bless," I called over my shoulder. I scurried down the hall, went around the corner and fell against the wall. Frank would have to wait. The party would have to wait. I was already haunted by that choir boy face. I breathed deeply as tears rolled down my face. Crossing myself, I whispered a prayer l sometimes say which was written by Basil Hume, the British Cardinal. He calls it his prayer of incompetence. "Lord, l don't know what to make of all this . Or what to do . Lord, be with _ me and give me strength." Later that night, after dropping Frank off, I drove to the top of Twin Peaks to the point that looks out over the city. I thought about the choir boy on 17th Street, and Joe on Corbett, and Tim on Douglas. I just couldn't do it any more. I thought it was too much . It hurt too much, this delivering. I was tired of crying. I was tired of seeing young, lesioned, old men. After a long period, mysteriously, somehow that quotation from Matthew came into my mind . "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my breathren, ye have done ·it unto me." The choir boy on 17th Street, Joe.on Corbett and Tim on Douglas were all really Jesus. When I brought the bag lunch and Classifieds Books & Publications CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY explores the issues arising between Christians and New Agers with authentic information, forthright honesty and, yes, real appreciation for both sides. Penetrating, yet fun, our features and columns· forge a bridge for genuine dialogue. Subs: $9.50/yr. Sample: $2.50. CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P. 0. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF GAY MEN OF AA: First-Hand Accounts. New release! $12.95 plus $1.30 shipping and handling. 27 personal recovery stories. The Other Publishing Co., P. 0. Box 2151 Dept 23, San Diego, CA 92112. Write for free catalog. 6/90 EMERGE! A healing journal of EMERGENCE International: Christian Scientists Supporting Lesbians and Gay Men. For information and subscriptions write P .0. Box 581, Kentfield, CA 94914, or call (415) 485-1881. 2/91 Friends/Relationships GENTLEMAN, mid-fifties, young looking, 5'8", 125 lbs, seeks same, compatible, empathetic, the hot dinner to these guys · I was actually bringing a meal to Jesus. It's true. He said it h imself. It's right . there in the Bible on the night stand by the · bed. Would I be able to deal with this terrible illness every Saturday? Sure. Certainly . How often do you get to see the faces of Jesus staring at you from the doorway? How often can you get to see Christ's wounds? After all, it's quite true . Jesus does have AIDS and does live on Valencia Street . John-Michael Olexy serves as Senior Warden of . Trinity Episcopal Church Parish in San Francisco and. writes for the parish journal, The Word Made Fresh. from which this article is reprinted. □. affectionate, for companionship, friendship and pen pal. Please reply: Leander, Box 3183, Manchester, NH 03101. 6/90 Organizations THE CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLIC LESBIANS (CCL) invites you to Conference '90 - "Power & Empowerment", Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28, 1990, Estes Park, Colorado. Workshops, liturgies, entertainment. For information please contact CCL-Conference '90, P.O. Box 436, Planetarium Station, New· York, NY 10024, (212)562-8922. The Conference for Catholic Lesbians (CCL)"is a national organization for women of Catholic heritage. 6/90 Situations Wanted 1990 M. DIV. SEMINARY GRAD, evangelical Reformed theology, progressive social vision, parish ministry orientation. Educated in l)oth evangelical (Trinity, Deerfield) and liberal (Iliff, Denver) seminaries. 30 y/o, single, healthy, will relocate. Seeks parish situation, either staff or sole. Mark Lee, 2466 S. York, Denver, CO 8021 O. 6/90 Classified Order Form Please place my ad in these issues: [ l Jan/Feb [] Mar/Apr [ l May/Jun [] Jul/Aug . [ l Sept/Oct [ l Nov/Dec FOR ONLY 35 CENTS PER WORD, your ad can appear in the next edition of THE SECOND STONE. Take advantage of our lo¥.• cost (but high profile) classified section by placing your advertising order today! Mail To: THE SECOND STONE P.O.Box8340 New Orleans, IA 70182 Name ____________ _ Address __________ _ City/St./Zip ________ _ AD COPY ________ _ ---------------------- --- __ words X .35= $ ____ _ 20 word minimum. All classifieds m_ust be pre-paid . Deadline one month prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad appears May/June 1990 CLASSIFICATIONS [ l Books & Publications [ ] Business Opportunities [] Employment [] Friends/Relationships [ ] General Interest [ ] ·Mail Order [ ] Merchandise [ l Organizations [ l Professional Services [ ] Real Estate [ ]Retreats [ ] Roommates [ ]Travel Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #10 - May/June 1990 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/e865674dee987d957e8eb472c65fd66c.pdf 85f1eb2c1874f07230b4c8ceed750b28 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 11 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1990 Publication Date The date the issue was published July/Aug 1990 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS $2.25 THE COND TONE · 8000 Readers Across The USA iSSUE #11 .. . T~L~PHONE FANTASY: A New H~ng-up? ; • •> ; •• • .h . • • . •• • ··••• ~• • • •'• • •• > • • , ••• l -'\ .. ,- ,~ t _, ~ \ . - .. I•• - /, ;;... A . ., ' 1,. I ~ ""I .. ~ . . • ' • ' ' • ~ ' ' • .. I .. •. \ '{ t t .. ~ :: -- .. ~ ' ' • I ' - Some Callers Discover A Hidden Toll: Addictive Behavior By Robert McKnight Contributing Writer Photos of handsome, well-built male models serve , quite effectively, as the attention compellers. The full page advertisements for telephone fantasy lines dominate the pages of People: many gay magazines and newspapers. The provocative ads generate millions of dollars in toll charge profits for what is one of the biggest businesses catering to gay men. The alluring names for the 900 or 976 prefix telephone numbers promise a wide variety of good times. "Any scene you want!" says one ad for a live-talk, fantasy phone sex service. The lure can cost - phone bills, for example, can hlt home with charges in the SEE COVER STORY, Page 9 Videos: Joe Steffan Takes The U.S. Navy To Coun m No Need To Repent: The Ballad of Jan Griesinger By Peter Warn Forces In Episcopal Church Unite To Support Ordaining Lesbians And Gays NEW YORK - A gro up of persons from a wide range of social justice ministries have joined together in an effort to let the Episcopal Church 's hierarchy know that the ordination of known Lesbians and gay men has long occurred in the church and should continue . The group, calling itself the Task Force for Continuing Lesbian/Gay Ordination, is composed of members of the Episcopal Women's Caucus, Integrity, the Urban Caucus and other groups. The Task Force's goal is io coilect signatures from bis hops, priests and laypersons who have participated in ordinations of openly lesbian . and gay persons or who would be willing to do so. The signatures will be subm itted to the Church's House of Bishops at its annual meeting in September. Another group, Episcopalians United for Revelation, Renewal and Reformation, has submitted 3100 signatures opposing the ordination of an openly gay man in the Diocese of Newark last December and calling for the censure of The Rt. Rev. John S. Spong, Bishop of Newark. The Task Force's letter said, "It is time for Episcopalians to stand up and insist that the issue here is not Jack Spong or any one ordinand. The issu e is faithful response to the movement of the Spirit in ou r lives and in our Church'.' Forms may be obtained from the Task Force for Continuing Lesbian/Gay Ordination, P.O. Box 5202, New York, NY 10185, or by calling Integrity, (718)720-3054. No Gay Pastor, Says Western Pennsylvania Methodists The Board of Ordained Ministry of the Western Pennsyl vania Conference of the United Methodist Church has adopted a highly restrictive statement that disqualifies from ordination any persons "who verbally acknowledge themselves ... to be emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically practicing as a homosexual..." including those who are celibate . The clergy appointment system in the United Methodist church guarantees an ordained pastor a church. A source said the board felt that no chu rch in Western Pennsylvania would want a gay past o r. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE YEAR ONLY $12.60! BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 I BULKRATE UPAoroGE NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 '-- ===:--==== =====-~. Letters Albuquerque, New Mexico Abortion Not A Gay/Lesbian Issue Dear Second Stone, My credentials are excellent as a gay activist and determined feminist, who is a Catholic priest in good standing. I say this because I am disturbed by an article in your latest " edition (May/June 1990). I refer to the lead article under "Newsbriefs": "Republican Woman Suspended From Church Duties." The report is that a woman politician's public role in her Catholic parish is threatened because of her stand in favor - of abortion . That the article appears in your paper indicates to me that you include "abortion rights" among rights guaranteed to gay and lesbian people as homosexuals by the Gospel of Jesus. I do not believe this is an issue · that directly concerns gay /lesbian rights. On the contrary, it further divides our already fractured community . It also Jumps all Gays and Lesbians into one easily identified target for those of the Religious Right who focus on abortion. I do not even think that ordination of women as women is a gay /lesbian rights issue; this is a human and Christian rights issue. My point is that by adding extraneous messages to our "platform " we stray from the basic issue: gay men and lesbian women are acceptable to God as we Christians understand God. I am making a political statement, not a theological one here - knowing full well that I'm touching several volatile buttons in many people. We're awfully nervous in America today. Sincerely, (Rev.) N. F. Thompson, O.F.M. Minneapolis, Minnesota Personal Contact Best Outreach Dear Second Stone, I write with two concerns. I am glad that Rev. Grant Speece of Granville, North Dakota (see 'Letters', TSS, March/ April, 1990) has a special concern for the ministry needs and civil rights of Lesbians and gay men . However, lesbian and gay periodicals are not the place that will benefit from his views on inclusivity . We _ did not evict ou.i:selves from Christian com-;;~ nities, the communities evicted us . This created a need for spiritual sanctuary. The Second Stone is one of B those sanctuaries . I hope and pray that Rev. Speece in confronting inclusivity in his denomination's press and in his church, because until we are welcome in all churches, we will need our sanctuaries. I also hope you will not dilute The Second Stone 's ministry by including concerned heterosexuals in the masthead. My second concern is in regard to your analysis of the outreach efforts of lesbian and gay ministries. I appreciate that you bring this issue "out of the closet." We are not reaching enough people fast enough. We must move from building and maintaining sanctuaries to the empowerment of those who have not yet heard the Good News of our birthright to God's grace . Throughout your article you show great faith in the mainstream media as a primary ou treach tool. I do not feel that the use of this important tool, or lack thereof , is at the core of · the ·problem. From the first Christian churches to present, organized efforts to do as Christ commanded - make disciples of all nations and feed God's sheep - has been done first through hurnan contact followed by public documentation, not the other way around . You are critical of UFMCC fro not publicizing last summer 's General Conference. Have you considered ihe implications of such publicity? MCC's core leadership is concentrated in one area - thousands of lesbian and gay Christians are all in one hotel doing God knows what. (We know what it is about but THEY think we are infesting the hotel and the city with disease and immorality .) Stuff happens. There is a time for risks ,!nd a time for safety. example of organized human contact on a large scale. Human contact is risky, sometimes clumsy, often frustrating. It is also energizing, joyous and affirming . It is how a handful of people let the world know of the resurrection nearly 2000 years ago. It is how our faith will become action . Sincerely, Sue Read Habitat Evaded Homophobia Issue Dear Second Stone, Regarding Habitat for Humanity ... I am surprised you published that Jong winded letter which dances In This Issue FEATURES ' COVER STORY COLUMNS COMMENTARY INNER PATHS CLOSER LOOK 1RAVEL PARTING THOUGHT DEP ART1\1ENTS LETTERS NEWS BRIEFS ·PEOPLE □ around the issue of homophobia. ' Since gay people cannot legally be married, what does Habitat do- with lifelong partners/lovers/mates? Must they also remain celibate? If so, this is the same brick wall we face elsewhere. Sincerely, Jeff Halvorsen We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences ·with our readers. Send letters to: LETTERS, The Second Stone, P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer . Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. □ Page 9 Page3 Page 13 Page 14 Page 19 Page 20 Page2 Page4 Page 10 Another criticism is that MCC draws only "out" Lesbians and gay men, since it relies heavily on advertising in the lesbian and gay press . I do not recognize this from my experience . I personally know a few mainstream pastors who long for the kind of passion and growth that MCC is blessed with. Among my friends and acquaintances, word of mouth and personal invitations are far more valuable than the media. I initially heard about MCC, Dignity, Integrity, Lutherans Concerned, etc., from friends at a time when I had one foot in the closet and the other in New Age. I would never have considered looking in a lesbian or gay paper for church services since the concept was so foreign to me. CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 I find the TAG 2000 effort by the Evangelical . Network an excellent CALENDAR BOOK REVIEW VIDEOS ESSAY CLASSIFIEDS THE SECOND STONE . Page 12 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 20 Commentary □ Gay And Lesbian Couples: Is Monogamy A Requirement? By Sean L Avezy Contributing Writer The words "Sex Prophet" screamed from the cover of Outweek Magazine, along with a photograph of the recently ordained, yet already controversial, Reverend Robert Williams .. The openly gay Episcopal priest had come under fire for his outspoken comments on sexuality. The issue raised by Williams, during a particularly sensitive time in the history of lesbian and gay Christian liberation, is whether or not monogamy should be a requirement for same-sex marriages. As a gay man, I pray for discernment to gain a clearer understanding of how to express my God-given sexuality in a manner which is consistent with the Gospels of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed, God created me with freedom · to make choices, including sexual ones, the resulting actions which, if I am to be honest in my spiritual journey, must be put to the litmus test ISSN No. 1047-3971 THE SECOND STONE Newspaper is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1990 by The Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUllSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $12.60 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $8.00 for postage. All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, Display advertising one time rates: Full Page, $595.00; Half Page, $304 .00; Quarter Page, $155 .00; Eighth Page , $81.00; Sixteenth Page; $42.00. Send inquiries to: Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising is 35 cents per word. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, and church/organization news to (Department title) The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned .should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. THE SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian newspaper committed to informing the gay, and lesbian com• munity. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey MARKETING DIRECTOR: Eric Hess CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, Cynthia Marquard, Danni Munson, Dr. Martin Fowler, David Rickey, Robert McKnigh~ Jim Roche, Michael Blankenship, Dan Grippo, Dr. Louie Crew, John-Michael Olexy, Dr. Buddy Truluck, Chris Glaser. of Christianity: whether or not they obey Jesus' commandments; ''You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind " and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Therefore, the issue - monogamy within a committed relationship versus sex outside of a committed relationship - boils down to which position is more consistent with Christian love - of God, self and others. John McNeil writes extensively on God's will for our gay sexuality in his theologically liberating book, Taking A Chance On God. The former Jesuit priest articulates his understanding in a gentle, non-judgmental manner, one which I feel is consistent with Jesus' teachings. McNeil differentiates between two ty pes of sexual expression - Alpha and Omega sex . He writes, "Alpha sex involves using one's partner selfishly to obtain one's own sexual sat isfaction . This kind of sexua l activity never results ·in true intimacy and provides no escape from loneliness; on the contrar y , it intensifies ·loneliness . Clients h ave told me many times that their se nse of isolation only increased after an all night orgy in a gay bathhouse." He continues, "Omega sex, on the other hand, occurs when there is a comp~te fusion of sensual and personal love. Each partner is a source of pleasure for the other, and each can experience pleasure only by being _a source of pleasure . for the other. Most of us find ourselv es at some place between the two gardens, aspiring to omega sex, practicing alpha sex, but hopefully growing daily in our ability to integrate our sexual activity into our capacity for love ." McNeil concludes, "I still feel that a committed, faithful loving relationship as the ideal context for all human sexual expression is based in the nature of being human. I do not see this as imposing a heterosexual norm on gay people. I believe that we are dealing with a fundamental need built into human nature that has to do with the development of trust and love and the greatest possible development of psychic maturity and health. Sexual activity can only reach its perfection as a loving, joyous · play within such a context." The Reverend Canon Gene Robinson, in his address "The Church as Teacher ", -which was delivered to the "Our Church Has AIDS" Conference, sponsored by ·the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, elaborates on why sex is only 'right' within a committed relationship. Robinson says "'Right' is shorthand for - over time, we have discovered that this way of doing things preserves the spirit of 'loving self and loving your neighbor as yourself."' · He continues, "having sex outside of marriage or a committed relationship is 'wrong' because time has proven that the chances are very good that you, your sexual partner, or both, will wind up getting hurt in some way . Lovemaking makes you vulnerable - in so many ways. Not just vulnerable to diseas e, but to damage to one's self-esteem, disappointment, and feelings of incredible loneliness in the midst of the most intimate physical connection two people can have!" Robinson concludes, "The Church affirms and believes in abstinence ·not because it was given as a commandment on Sinai, but because 'love of self' and 'love of neighbor' commend it." On January 13, at a symposium in Detroit, co-sponsored by the Task Force on ~ ay and Lesbian Concerns of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, Robert Williams addressed the issue of same-sex relationships, an already hot topic within the Episcopal Church . "Monogamy," he said, "is as unnatural as celibacy. If people want to try, OK. But the fact is, people are not monogamous. It is crazy to hold this ideal and pretend it's what we're doing, and we're not!'" Williams sentiment, sadly, is exactly what many people want to hear, as it justifies their unChristian sexual behavior. Thus, it didn't surprise me one bit to see him glorified as a "sex prophet" in the gay media . The emphasis on sex ·within our culture, a celebration of lust, not love, is understandable - it's much easier to focus our energies ori finding quick sex than it is to build loving relationships - with God, ourselves, and others - that will ultimately lead us out of our loneliness. McNeil writes that "recent psychodynamic theory recognizes that the basic human drive is not toward pleasure, but toward intimacy ." Recognizing that our lust drive is really a love drive makes us gay men seem much gentler, indeed! As I grow daily in Christian love - for God, for myself, and for others, I realize more and _m.Q_J:~. J l:i'a.t my sexuality is a precious, and extremely powerful, gift, one which 1 only want to share with someone I love, within the context of a committed relationship. Indeed, the question is not whether monogamy should be a requirement for Christian lesbian and gay marriages, but rather why that is even an issue in the first place! Sean L. Avery is an undergraduate psychology major at UMASS/Boston and is currently working on his first novel, New Order. PATLAR VOICE OF GAV AMERICA MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE FREE AT OUR DISTRIBUTJON POINTS SUBSCRIPTIONS $35 ANNUALLY SAMPLE(~Jp<?~s)gtr¼Y~~ USA $4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING po it} &i1~l§lt~lt~~t82cr~~a22 The Other Publishing Company's Lesbian & Gay Recovery Bookstore "Things They Never Told You In Sunday School" A Primer fur the Christian Homosexual by David Day $7.95 (For A Limited Time) "This book should be read by anyone who takes the Bible seriously. Although this book focues on homosexuality, it is a gift of lil,eration for all people who wish a deeper understanding of the BiJ,le's teachings on sexuality. This book is a must for all gay lll!d lesbian Christians, their friends lll!d their ft,mili,s." Sherre Boothman, President , Samaritan College Shipping & Handling: 10% of Net Order, Minimum, $1.25., Maximum $5.00 California residents add 7.25% Sales Tax. No Credit Card Sales. For information on quantity purchases and discounts, call (800) 733-1283. The Other Publishing Company P.O. Box 2151, Dept. 95 • San Diego , CA 92112-2151 July/ August '1990 El Newsbriefs Educators Pass Resolution To Protect Gay Youth At its 1990 annual meeting, the Association of Supervision and Cutriculum Development, a national educational association of 135,000 curriculum leaders and administrators, the membership unanimously adopted a resolution on student sexual orientation. In part, the resolution reads, "Schools should demonstrate respect for the dignity and worth of all students and all students should be treated equitably. ASCD opposes discrimination and supports policies and programs that promote equity . Therefore, ASCD urges its members to develop policies, curriculum materials, and teaching strategies that do not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. ASCD encourages schools to provide staff development training and materials to enable educators to bet,ter work with this at-risk student population." Dr. James Sears, author of Growing up Gay in the South and editor of Empathy, has been working for the past two years to insure passage of this resolution. Following the adoption of the resolution by educators representing every state in the nation, Sears stated "This is a significant victory. For the first time, a major educational organization has linked the providing of at-risk services to those students affected by the discrimination and harassment of gay youth." There are now three major national educational associations - NEA, AFT, and · ASCD - that have passed resolutions on this issue. According to Sears, "These resolutions are critical. They give educators and parents credibility when they speak at small town school board meetings and parent associations. They also tell gay youth, 'You're not alone."' Iliff Grads Protest At the commencement ceremony of the -Iliff School of Theology in Colorado many graduates, faculty, staff, students and guests planned to carry lavendar and white carnations in protest of sexist ordination policies in various denominations. White carnations were to be carried in solidarity with women denied ordination in the Roman Catholic and other churches solely on the basis of being female. Lavendar carnations were to be carried in solidafity with gay and lesbian people denied ordination in many denominations, including the United Methodist Church, with which Iliff is related, A Presbyterian Promise "We will work to increase the acceptance and participation in the church of all persons regardless of racial-ethnic origins, sex, class, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation" - 195th General Assembly (1983), Atlanta, Georgia If this is your promise, too, we invite you · to join Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerps Write to Elder James D. Anderson PLGC, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038, 201/846-1510 solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. Mark Lee, chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Concerns Committee of Student Senate, said, "Many students and faculty invest themselv<?s in the lives and training of gay people at school, but once gay people graduate from school...they face rigidly homophobic denominational policies," The protest was coordinated with similar actions at other seminaries under the umbrella sponsorship of In-Carnation, a collective of gay and lesbian persons from seminary communities across the nation. -Out Front Women Approved For Ordination Leaders of the Anglican Church of Ireland have given final approval to the ordination of women as priests. Anglkans in England, Scotland and Wales do not allow women to be priests. About 1000 women have been ordained to the priesthood in onequarter of the 27 Anglican churches, most of them in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. The Church of Ireland has 410,000 members, most of them in the British province nf Northern Ireland. -Baltimore Alternative Breakthrough SettlementI n Landmark AIDS DiscriminationC ase SAN FRANCISCO - In the first case of its kind, a settlement has been reached which prohibits an insurance company from discrif!l,inating on the basis of sexual orientation. The Employment Law Center and National Gays Rights Advocates announced in a joint press conference that the settlement was filed in San Francisco Superior Court. The lawsuit, National Gay Rights Advocates v. Great Republic Insurance Company, charged the insurance company -with attempting to avoid underwriting of policies for those presumed to be at risk for AIDS by denying coverage to unmarried men who work in "occupations that do not require physical exertion ... such as florists, interior decorators , and fashion designers." ' Under the terms of the settlement, the company is prohibited from using a supplemental questionnaire targeted to single male applicants - and specifically prohibited from using sexual orientation . in the determination of insurability. II THE SECOND STONE □· · · . . . '. Jo Anne Frankfurt, EL'e attorney .· : who negotiated the· s·et11ement, stressed that "this settlement sho.tiid . send a loud and clear message• to thi . · fnsurance industry that discrimc . ination against gay males will not. be · tolerated." Episcopal Left Links Hands With Lesbian/GayG roup In an unusual display of solidarity among progressive religious groups, ten Episcopal Church organizations, including Integrity, the lesbian and gay justice ministry of the Episcopal Church (and of- the Anglican Churches of Canada and Australia) planned to meet in St. Louis at the end of June. Integrity was scheduled to hold its own convention as part of the "Under One Roof" Conference together with various other social,. justice and pastoral networks of the Church. More than 550 people attended the · first "Under One Roof" Conference · three years ago, with Integrity having .the largest number of participants. MarlboroT arget Of Boycott Gay activists have called for a boycott of Marlboro cigarettes, a product of the Philip Morris Company. The company is the largest corporate contributor to the re-election campaign of Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC), the Senate's most powerful and influential enemy of gay causes, and a vehement opponent of progressive AIDS legislation. C_hurch's Participation In Vaccine Test An 'Empty Gesture' Archbishop Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles sent letters .to priests and religious asking them to volunteer in experiments for Dr. Jonas Salk's experimental AIDS vaccine, an act that has been denounced by many gay and lesbian activists as an empty gesture that sharply contrasts with the Catholic Church's homophobic stance. The Salk Institute had been seeking nuns to volunteer for the tests. Salk told the Chicago Tribune that there is only an infinitesimal chance a trial volunteer could be infected with HIV. -Pittsburgh's OUT Newsbriefs Methodist CommitteeS tudy Continues In its continuing research the United Methodist Church General Conference Committee to Study Homosexuality has now heard testimony from a number of groups including the Transforming Congregations Program (a newly founded program in California of UMC churches supporting Gays and Lesbians who attempt to change to heterosexual or celibate lifestyles), Methodists For Social Action, the Reconciling Congregations Program, Affirmation, and others . The group has also heard from scholars regarding homosexuality and the Bible. National Lesbian/ Gay Health Conference Set WASHINGTON, D.C. - The largest annual conference concerning lesbian and gay health issues is expected to draw over 2000 attendees when the 12th National Lesbian and Gay Health Conference and 8th National AIDS Forum convenes in Washington, DC, July 18-22. This year's conference will f,cature more than 300 presentations dealing with such issues as substance abuse, lesbian health care, mental health and lesbian and gay youth issues. The AIDS Forum will be divided into medical, educational and psychosocial tracks. Richard !say, MD, of Cornell Medical School and author of Bein~ Homosexual: Gay Men and Their Development will co-facilitate a pre-conference institute entitled "Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with Gay Men." MFSA Names 1990 Award Recipients A prophetic North Carolina pastor, two Baltimore Conference congregations, and the Episcopal Initiative on Drugs and Violence have been chosen to receive the Methodist Federation for Social Action's (MFSA) annual social action awards for 1990 . . The Rev. Jimmy Creech, pastor of Fairmont United Methodist Church in Raleigh, .North Carolina, has received wide publicity for his leadership role in an ecumenical clergy group which has organized to oppose violence against the gay and lesbian community. In 1989, other local clergy from Raleigh banded □ together to contribute $8000 to help make up the shortfall in his local church budget resulting from withheld pledges. The two congregations receiving the award are Dumbarton UMC, Washington, D.C., and St. John's UMC, Baltimore. Both have nationally-recognized ministries uniting consistent social outreach with a strong spiritual base. The two congregations are sanctuary churches for Central American refugees and also Reconciling Congregations, meaning they have openly declared themselves to be fully inclusive in their ministry with gay and lesbian persons. The award to the United Methodist bishops' special drug-related initiative was presented to Bishop Felton May and the fourteen churches of the Anacostia section of Washington, D.C. and nearby Maryland which are partners in the model project. Bishop May has been given a special assignment to coordinate this initiative on behalf of the entire United Methodist Council of Bishops. Reform Group Says Gay Rabbis OK The Central Conference of American Rabbis broke with 4,000 years of Jewish tradition by approving a resolution urging that no restri ctions be imposed on qualified gay and lesbian Jews who want to become rabbis. Conceding that Jewish tradition is squarely against homosexual behavior, a 17-member committee never theless proposed the resolution on an issue that has agonized liberalto- mode rate churches for decades. The recommendation came after a four-year, sometimes contentious, study of homosexuality and the rabbinate . Some estimates have said as many as 10 percent of U.S. Reform rabbis are gay. Reform Judaism, the largest and most liberal of the three main branches of Judaism, is the first large religious body to approve admitting Gays to their clergy. Statewide Domestic PartnershipL egislation Introduced Legislation validating Domestic Partnership relationships has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, the first attempt to enact such laws on a statewide basis anywhere in the United States. -Cruise Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without A Friend For Your Journey. The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES, I want to receive The Second Stone, the national newspaper for Gay and Lesbian Christians ... send me: [ ] One year (6 issues) for $12.60 [ ] Two years (12 issues) for $23.00 [ ] Three years (18 issues) for $32.00 Name .................., . ..................................................... . Address ...........: . ......................................................... City, State & Zip ................................................ .... Checkh ereif youp refepr laine nvelopfeo rm ailingI: I Pleasea llow6 -8 weeksfo r deliveryo f yourf irsti ssue.A dd$ 8.00p ery earf or postage in canadaa nda no lllerf oreignco untriesU. .Sc. urrencoyn ly. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 July/ August 1990 J. - - • rNewsbriets-.,., . .-,_;,':.,-,~-.,,,,oi,·~.,..,....,.,...,)_Jf!;~';~-··- .--~"""-~-··:· --,·=·-· .. ·t· "'•.•-·---~- ·-· .... _ .• ,. □ EC/Denver Forcr·' To Change Name .. The St e e r i n g Co mm ittee o f Evang elicals Conc erned/D enver has dec ided to change the name of their group rath er than face a legal battl e wi th Evangelical Concern of Denver, Inc., a fundamentalist group which includes an ex-gay ministry among its . programs . Responding to a ceaseand- desist letter, EC/Denver has adopted the new name of Evangelicals Concerned West ern Regional Fellowship, Inc. Princetc . .i Jn iversity Bars Anti-Gay Recruiters PRINCETON, N.J. - Organizations that discriminate against Gays and Lesbians, including the U. S. military, will _ not be allowed to use Princeton University facilities in their recruiting drives under a new policy announced by the school's president. '"The university must adhere to its own fundamental principled ,. commitments . with respect to equal opportunity/' said University President Harold Shapiro. Two years ago the school amended its statement on equal opportunity to include a promise of equal treatment for Gays. NGL1F Seeks Interns WASHIN GTON, D.C. - Int erns in tereste d in wor kin g on hard hitt ing, fast-moving , excitin g gay and le sbian issues in the na tion's capital are being encouraged to apply for a N ational Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGL TF) internship. NGLTF is accepting int ern applications for the remainder of 1990 in its Washington , D.C., office. Interns are not paid, but they have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects of national importanc e, including : legislation and lobbying, media advocacy, demonstrations and events, hate crimes, campus, domestic partnership/family and other issues. For more information, contact Mary Martone, NGLTF Intern Coordinator, at (202)332-6483, or write her at 1517 U St., NW , Washington, DC 20009. Registrations F.or . GayGamesm Surpass Expectations VANCOUVER - Over 5000 athletes from 23 countries have registered to compete in 29 different · sporting events during Celebration '90: Gay Games III and Cultural Festival to be held in Vancouver from August 4-11. People of all ages, colors and sexual orientation will compete. "When we began pl a nning Celebrat ion '90 fou r years ago, we based our pro ject ions on 4000 a thletes," said Mark Mees, executive director of Celebration '90. " And just to put this into pe rspective, the 1988 Calgary Winter Olymp ics r egistered less than 2000 athl etes. That means we've a lre ady doubled tha t figur e and have also surpas sed the 1989 B.C. Summer Games figur e for registe red athletes. The Gay Games and Cultural Festival was founded a former U.S. Olympic decathlete, the late Dr . Tom Waddell . Fundamentalists Attempt To Halt Gay Games Fundamentalist Christians have opened an office in Vancouver to stop August's Celebration '90, Gay Gam es III, through "intercessory prayer activity," according to Angles. In a letter · to supporters, Robert Birch of Burnaby Christian Fellowship said Vancouver may be hit with an earthquake if the games .go ahead as planned. - Baltimore Alternative Sheldon Leads Def eat Of Hate Act Less than 24 hours after President Ge.orge Bush signed the National · Hate Crimes Statistics Act, funda . mentalists convinced the Mod esto , Cal., City Council to reject a hate crimes ordinance because it included sexual orientation as one of its protected classes. During a hearing before council April 24, the proposed ordinance met opposition organized .and led by Lou Sheldon of the Anaheim, Cal., based Traditional Values Coalition. Sheldon told the council that homosexuality is a choice, "like smoking cigarettes," and didn't deserve legal protectiens . HRC member Quincy Hamilton, the principal author of the proposal, said, "If people who smoke cigarettes were being beaten up in our park s, whether we agree with smokin g or not, we'd still want to protect them from violence. -Pittsburgh's OUT Bishops Open Door For Talks With Dignity WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dignity/ USA has received a somewhat favorable response to their invitation THE SECOND STONE to dialogue w ith the Ame ri can Catho lic Bish ops . In respon se to a letter from Dign ity Preside nt Pa t Roche asking for di a logue on impo rtant matter s of g r a ve concern to gay a nd lesbi an Cat holics, Archbisho p Dan iel E. Pilarczyk expre ssed "ma ny rese rvations" about such a mee ting du e to, among · other things, "fundamenta l differences between the bi shops of th e United States and Dignity ." Non e theless , he said in a le tter to Roche, "I am open to the possiblity of such a meeting ... " and requested Dignity officials first meet with the General Secretary of th e Natio .nal Conference of Catholic Bishops, Monsignor Robert N. Lynch. Canadians Launch Impetus Network The Justice and Peace Committee of Our Savior's Lutheran Church , Regina, has launched Impetus: A . Justice and Peace Newsletter. The publication introduces "a national Canadian Lutheran network committed to social justice, world peace, the integrity of God's Creation and a more just and ·inclusive church." For information on 'the newsletter, write to Impetus, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 190 Massey Road, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canad a, 545 4N5. New Purple Circuit Directory Published LOS ANGELES - Artists Confronting AIDS announced the publication of a new edition of The Purple Circuit Directory, which lists ·gay and lesbian theatres and kind red spirits throughout the United States, Canada, and England . Edited by Bill Kaiser, The Directory is designed to help playwrights , producers, and other theatre professionals and audience find each other . To receive a copy of The Directory send a contribution in any amount to ACA, 684 1/2 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026 with a self-addressed stamped legal size envelope with 25 cents postage. Artists Confronting AIDS was founded by Michael Kearns and James Carroll Pickett in 1984 to respond to the effects of AIDS on th e arts community and art on the AIDS community. The Purple Circuit promotes quality gay and lesbian theatre through networking via The Directory and The Purple Circuit Hotline at (213)250-1413 which lists shows in California and other information of interest to the gay and lesbian theatre-going community. ..... I Newsbriefs Gay Rights Protest At Boston Church About 1000 gay rights demonstrators staged a noisy but peaceful protest outside Holy Cross Cathedral as 11 priests were ordained inside. The protest was held to oppose "Cardinal Law's interference in public policy as well as his opposition to AIDS education," according to a statement. - Associated Press National Hotline To Collect Data On Hate Crimes WASHINGTON, D.C. - A natiqnal hate crimes hotline, set up to collect information on crimes of bias but which originally refused to take "gay bashings" and religious-related reports, is now tracking such crimes following pressure from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Officials at the U. S. Department of Justke, which operates the hotline, had . claimed that because sexual orientation is not included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the department was not "mandated" to collect s1,1ch information. A bill now in. Congress, the Federal Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Act, would amend the 1964 act to include sexual orientation. Peri Jude Radecic, NGL TF anti-vioJence project director said, "We were initially outraged that the national hate crimes hotline was hanging up on survivors of anti-gay attacks. Victims of bashings were being further victimized by bureaucratic runaround. However, we are pleased the Justice Department moved quickly to fix the problem and open a dialogue with gay and lesbian activists. Lesbian and gay victims of hate crimes are urged to call the national hotline at 1-800-347-HATE. The hotline is open 24 hours, seven days a week. For information on the NGL TF gay rights bill post card campaign, call (202)332-6483. Anthology Announces Call For Entries St. Sebastion Press is now accepting entries for its 1990 Anthology of gay and lesbian authors and illustrators. The Anthology will be a collection of stories, poems, essays, illustrations and photographs that encompass the theme of the quality of life of Gays and Lesbians in today's culture . The 1990 Anthology is intended to provide a politically sensitive and visible forum in which the artistic vision of Gays and Lesbians may find expression. All entries must be original and previously unpublished work that reflects the theme of the competition. The contest has two categories: writing and illustration. The writing category includes prose, poetry and essays . Manuscripts must be typed, double spaced. The illustration category includes any readily reproducible two-dimensional format such as drawing, photography, painting, and printmaking. Entries should be sent in a 35mm slide format. A jury will be drawn from the St. Sebastion editorial staff along with independent professional writers, artists and editors from the lesbian and gay community. Work will be selected for its thematic releva nee and artistic quality. A top cash prize of $1500 will be awarded to one work in each entry category. A $100 honorarium and an a/p letterpress copy of the Anthology will be awarded to all other successful entrants. Entries may be . sent no later than November 15, 1990 to St. Sebasticin' Press/ 714 Portland Ave. 5., Minneapolis, MN 55415. Discipline Panel To Review Lutheran Church Charges SAN FRANCISCO - Two ELCA Lutheran churches charged with violating church policy against ordaining "practicing" Gays and Lesbians as pastors are being reviewed - by - a church discipline committee. If the charges are sustained, the two congregations could be censured, suspended or expelled from the ELCA. A decision was by late June was expected. Donald C. Knutson, Co-Founder Of NGRA, Dies SAN FRANCISCO- Donald C. Knutson, prominent San Francisco attorney who co-founded National Gay Rights Advocates and was a co-founder of Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, died April 19 of complications from AIDS. "San Francisco is a better city · because Don Knutson made his home here," said Mayor Art Agnos. Knuts.on was the author of Homosexuality and the Law. by Haworth Press (1980), and editor of the Journal of Homosexuality Special Issue on Homosexuality and the Law. He is survived by a brother, Thomas, of St. Paul, Minnesota, a sister, Joan Younghans, also of St. Paul, and a large family of friends . Gay Catholic Priest Elected To European Parliament Of the 518 elected representatives to the European Parliament from the 12 member states of the European Community, only one, Holland's Herman Verbeek, is openly gay, according to Capital Gay. Vcrbeek, who is also a Catholic priest, was elected to office as an openly gay candidate in June, 1989, representing the Dutch Green Left party. "I stood for the European Parliament because ... the lesbian and gay movement has to be there, at the . center of these newly emerging .power structures, if it wants to get our demands accepted," Verbeek said. -Baltimore Alternative New Lesbian · Periodical To Debut KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Words of Our Own, a new quarterly magazine making its debut in September, will showcase works by Lesbians , for Lesbians. The magazine will include short stories, novellas, serials, book reviews, interviews, poetry, humor, essays and reviews of women's music and vacation spots. Words of Our Own hopes to· encourage Lesbians to write by publishing and by promoting their works in a tastefully done, high visibility magazine and to further enhance lesbian culture and pride by making these works available nationwide. Material is being accepted for the December, 1990 edition and may be sent 1o: Words of Our Own, P.O. Box 5131, Knoxville, TN 37928-5131. For subscription information, write to P.O. Box 52721, Knoxville, TN 37950-2721. AIDS Claims GLAAD Co-Founder NEW YORK - Gregory Kolovakos, a writer, translator of Latin American lite rat ure and director of t he literature program of the New York State Counc.il on the Arts, died of AIDS on April 16th at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was 38 years old . In 1985, Kolovakos co-founded GLAAD - Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - with a handful of other cultural and political leaders including Jewelle Gomez, Barry Adkins, Allen Barnett, Bruce July/ August 1990 □ Michael Gleber!, Hall Offen, Marcia Pally, Darrell Yates-Rist, Arnie Kantrowitz, Vito Russo and Jim Owles. Kolovakos joined the Board of Directors of New York's Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in 1987 and was elected co-chair in 1990. With writer and editor Paula Martinac, he founded "In Our Own Write," the Center's reading series that showcases emerging gay and lesbian authors, giving particular attention to writers of color. Kolovakos is survived by his partner of many years, Bruce Becker. Memorial donations can be made to the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center in New York and will go toward establishing the Kolovakos Memorial Lectures on Lesbian and Gay Liberation, a quarterly program that will bring prominent gay and lesbian speakers from around the country. 'Common Threads' ,Video Available , "Common Threads: Stories From. The Quilt", a moving film which won an Oscar for Best Documentary is now available in VHS format for home use . The video can be purchased for $49.95 from Direct Cinema, P.O. Box 69779, Los Angeles, CA 90069-9976, (213)396-4774. Rev. Freda Smith Awarded Honorary Doctorate SACRAMENTO, Cal. - Rev. Elder Freda Smith, Vice-Moderator of the Universal ·Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and pastor of River City MCC was given an Honorary Doctorate from Samaritan Theology Seminary, the educational arm of the UFMCC, on June 8th. Rev. Smith will be celebrating her 19th year as pastor of River City MCC, which has just moved into a large new building to accommodate its growing congregation. .Palash_Appointed NGRAStaff Attorney Andrea Palash, a member of the Board of Directors of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel in San Francisco, has been appointed National Gay Rights Advocates newest staff attorney. The announcement was made by Richard White, Chair of NGRA's Board of Directors .. Ii -. I Gr''e at Response! '' 1hat's what a Second Stone advertiser told us recently. And we hear that more and more these days. lbat's because The Second Stone reaches readers where many other gay and lesbian publications can't. Like public and university libraries. We don't carry advertising or editorial content that would put us behind the counter. We're up front - in plain sight! For businesses offering products and services to the national gay and lesbian community, we're an exciting new marketing approach! Reach new customers in every state across the USA. The · Second Stone offers a variety of in-column ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at uo charge and we'll get it right - we'll send you a proof to make sure. The Second Stone will also insert your brochure, flier or catalog in our mailing. It doesn't cost as much as you think. You can reach a paid coast to coast readership for about what you'd pay to advertise in one local free distribution gay newspaper. And ... to mail your insert in The Second Stone costs less than mailing it yourself! You won't know till you try it. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about advertising cannot be recaptured. If you're thinking you've paid too much for advertising that hasn't worked ... you're probably right! But you haven't tried The Second Stone. SECOND STONE You'll be pleased with the results. Call1 -504-949-5625fo r advertising assistance. First Lady Barbara Bush On Gays: 'We Cannot Tolerate Discrimination In what many are praising as the latest in a series of indications from the White House that freedom from discrimination is a growing priority for the Bush administration, First Lady Barbara Bush has written a supportive letter to Paulette Goodman, President of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Mrs. Bush, in response to a personal letter from Goodman, wrote, "we cannot tolerate discrimination against any individuals or groups in this country." The letter was written on White House stationary. It is the first time that any member of a first family has spoken out against discrimination against Gays and Lesbians. "Thank you for you~ letter and for sharing your work with the Federation of Parents and Friends of · Lesbians and Gays, Inc.," wrote Mrs. Bush. "You sound like a caring parent and a compassionate citizen. Regarding discrimination, Mrs , Bush wrote, "Such treatment always brings with it pain and perpetuates hate and intolerance. I appreciate so much your sharing the information about your organization and attitudes. Your _ words speak eloquently of your love. and compassion for all gay Americans and their families." UMC Bishop Asked For Statement Of Posit\pn On Holy Unions Leaders of Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian/Gay Concerns and the Reconciling Congregation Program have asked United Methodist bishop Joseph Yeakel for a written statement of his position regarding a local church's blessing of holy unions between same-sex couples. In a meeting with leaders of Dumbarton UMC in Washington, D.C. in mid-May, Bishop , Yeakel indicated his l opinion that Dumbarton was barred by United Methodist Church law from celebrating the holy union of a lesbian couple who are members of that congregation. Dumbarton had earlier adopted a congregational policy affirming holy unions between same-sex couples. "A number of Reconciling Congregations and other United Methodist congregations have been blessing unions between gay or lesbian couples for many years now," Business or Personal... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad according to Rev. Kim A. Smith, chair of the board of the Reconcil,ing Congregation Program. "This is the first public indication we have heard from a United Methodist bishop that · such a congregation policy is contrary to church law. We seek to engage · in dialogue with Bishop Yeakel and other United Methodist bishops concerning this important ministry in which many congregations · are involved." Judy Cayot and Randy Millet; co-spokespersons of Affir .mation: United Methodists for Lesbian/Gay Concerns issued a statement reading, "The position Bishop Yeakel seems to have taken raises grave ·concerns among gay and lesbian United Methodists. We have witnessed great strides in making United Methodist congregations a home for Lesbians and gay men over the past several years. We fear this situation may only reinforce the widely-held belief in the lesbian/ gay community that they are not welcome in the United Methodist Church." The Reconciling Congregation Program is a growing national movement of 44 United Methodist congregations which have publicly declared that they welcome the full particjpation of Lesbians and Gays. Affirmation is a national organization of gay and lesbian United Methodists and their familes and friends. II THE SECOND STONE Cover Story From Pagel hundreds of dollars, -said Dr. Greg Lehne, a doctor of psychology at Johns Hopkins sexual disorders clinic in Baltimore. "For some men, information that comes through the ears is more interesting than information that comes in through the eyes," said Lehne. For those men, Lehne said, phone sex offers a kind of pornographic excitement. It's not a visual medium, but it's just as effective .as pictures are for people who respond to visual stimulation. Before the video age, people watched movies; four-color magazines and video tapes came next. Now, there's the telephone for the two-way fantasy phone call. "The only thing that's changed is the technology that conveys the fantasy," Lehne said. · Getting in touch with that fantasy is why people call, but reasons why they have phone-satisfied fantasies in the first place ._ generally break down into two types, he said .. Some men's circumstances make phone sex their one apparently safe outlet, while others turn to it because of phsychological factors that exclude other outlets, Lehne said. In either case, the patient's problem doesn't necessarily involve his homosexuality. "It doesn't mean they're ~nhappy about being gay," Lehne said. "In some cases, people have no sexual outlet." A person may, for example, fear physical contact because of contagious diseases, be involved in a relationship, or live in a small, isolated community, he said. Phone-sex advertising copy often promises discreet billing, so users don't have to worry about the name of the phone fantasy company showing up on what may be the family phone bill. · Some men who lead active gay sex lives may use phone fantasies for just another type of experience, said Dr. Roy Berko, a counselor in private practice in Baltimore. "There are some very normal people who turn to this outlet among other outlets. You don't have to be depraved, or deprived, to turn to this. It's not necessarily limited or limiting," Berko said. Indeed, for some men the telephone experience is virtually unlimited, he said. "It offers people out there willing to satisfy any fantasy you want. "You can say things on a telephone which you might not be able to say face-toface. Even though there's a person on the other end, the telephone is inanimate. No one knows who you are," he said. Nor do they know what you're like Berko said. "If you have any physical _defo~ity, or anything you perceive as a defect, you can't be rejected. It's safe. it' eliminates the possibility of rejection," he said. "Some people can become very addicted to this, just like people get addicted to food or religion," Berko said. But he's careful to point out that not everyone who has high phone-sex bills has a problem. "It's not like all these people are sick. P~ople go to New York and spend $50, $60, $80 to see a play. Is that sick?" he asked. The patients who see three-figure bills are "differentiated from a lot of people who -never lose control over that kind of calling," said Lehne. Whatever factors may explain a particular individual's behavior, he seeks treatment for the. same basic reason people go to therapy: dissatisfaction. "The main reason they seek therapy is they go out of control with the calling and have very high phone bills," Lehne said. Treatment includes helping the patient get past his limiting circumstances or solving the deep-seated problems that caused the behavior, Lehne said. "Dial-a-porn is big business," wrote the U.S. Supreme Court last year in upholding a federal ban on interstate phone-sex communications. "While diala- porn services are a creature of this decade, the medium, in its brief history, has been the subject of much litigation and the object of a series of attempts at regulation," commented Justice Byron White in his majority opinion. The ruling didn't address phone-sex businesses that service callers within a state. In the absence of numbers -- for example, how many phone-sex businesses operate around the nation, how many callers they draw - the volume of advertising in most gay publications may be more evidence that dial-a-porn is big business. But some Rublications have declined sex-oriented advertising. "I was 'at an International Gay Travel Association conference in Key West (Fla.), and someone asked me how I could publish without gay sex ads," said Wayne Whiston, publisher of Our World, a gay travel magazine. Whiston carried a full-page phone-sex ad in two recent issues, but said those were the only ads of that type he had carried in the magazine's 18 months of publication and that he planned not to run them again in future issues. He said that a number of the magazine's male readers complained. That was surprising, Whiston said, because he had expected that if anyone would object, it would be the magazine's lesbian readers. "But every one of them was from men," he said. "'If I want that kind of advertising, I know what kind of magazine to get,"' was a typical complaint, he said. The response was consistent with market research Whiston said he had done · on the gay sroNEWAt.l. RIOrs July/ August 1990 □ market. "We decided that there are plenty of magazines for that advertising. We're not prudes or anything, but the research we'd done on gay travel showed it has changed drastically in the last few years. There are a lot more I couples, for example," he said. -Although phone sex is pornography in a new form, Lehne said that he doesn't think it poses any substantially new issues for the gay community. It probably doesn't keep people closeted more or make the coming-out process any harder than does using more traditional f.orms of pornography, Lehne said. ''The most important first step is meeting other people. You need to develop a reference group," he said. But fantasy phone lines, like every type of pornography, don't connect with reality. "I don't think it at all helps people come out," he said. BY ANDREAN ATALIE - , I People Joe Steffan Fights Homophobia Out Of The Navy And Into The Courts Under other _circumstances Joe Steffan would be aboard a United States Navy submarine by now. That's where he wanted to be. And that's where the Navy wanted him to be - before he told his superior officers that he is a gay man. BY PETER WARN / :J..ilcr :· , _,: , ,ng $110,000 to educate Joe Steffan at the U.S . Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md ., the Navy expected him to be prepared eventually to assume command of one of its nuclear-powered submarines . The acknowledgment that he was gay took Steffan off the track that was supposed to lead to his earning th ~ u: alted rank of submarine coff-..J, hl1 ider. Steffan is now suing the Navy in the federal court of appeals in Washington, D.C. for readmission to the Academy, which he left six weeks short of graduating. Steffan also is asking the appeals court to declare unconstitutional the military's prohibition against homo sexual officers or enlisted personnel. Arguments in the case are scheduled in November. In the suit, Steffan charges he was forced to resign because of the Department of Defense's policy excluding Lesbians and gay men from serving in any branch of the military. The Navy maintains that Steffan's resignation was voluntary . Military officials defend the exclusion of gay people, which they say is needed -to ensure the country's defense operations are not hampered. "If you read the policy, the wording is almost exactly the same wording as was used in the memoranda the military once used to exclude blacks and women," Steffan said. "The military's argument is: a -prejudice seems to exist, so to prevent unrest we will keep out the victims of that prejudice . It's always been an inherent American ideal that you don't sacrifice the rights of one group for another. And yet that is what's taking place . The military doesn't want to educate people ." Educating people is one of Steffan's goals in challenging the military's policy. "I didn't anticipate the level of publicity that would surround the case," Steffan said . "But I think in terms of public awareness the attention has accomplished a Jot to help improve public perception of these issues. I feel good that I did it, and we're going ahead with it because I think it's telling people they don't have to lie back and take it and be ashamed for being gay." The journey that led Steffan to federal court and ·national publicity started when the Naval Investigation Services launched an inquiry into rumors about Steffan's sexuality. Similar investigations lead to the discharge of about 2,000 military personnel each year. · Steffan heard about the secret inquiry and chose to discuss it with the Academy's commandant . In the course of their conversation, the commandant asked Steffan is he is gay . Steffan answered yes. After a subsequent hearing in which Steffan was found to have "insufficient aptitude" to serve in the Navy, Steffan resigned on April 1, 1987. He went from being a respected Naval cadet entrusted to command a battalion of 800 other cadets to being a civilian. Steffan, 25, has since earned his economics degree and now works as a computer consultant. He is preparing a proposal for a book about his experience and plans to attend law school in the fall of 1991. He said he anticipates his case taking up to six years and reaching the United States Supreme Court before it is settled . Steffan said he has been prepared for the glare of the spotlight to which he will likely be subjected during the long legal battle. "The attention is very cyclical," he said. "It's sort of like a roller coaster in a lot of ways because it seems to hit a peak when there's a new development in the case and then it drops off before peaking again . But I think I've become a little more able to withdraw myself from it. I'm still involved in the case but I'm beginning not to let it affect me one way of another." Steffan's parents, who live in his □ JOE STEFFAN hometown of Warren, Minn., also have been helped through this experience by the media's coverage of the case. "I think the overall effect of the publicity has been positive," Steffan said. "I don't think they realized how accepting people are about homosexuality and how supportive people can be." Steffan is convinced he will win his case. His fellow cadets at the Academy were supportive, and he believes that - should he decide to resume his career at Annapolis - his naval comrades will respond positively as well. "There might be some tension at first, but I can guarantee people are going to do their jobs and the mission is going to be accomplished," Steffan said. "I think people always respect someone who's willing to stand up for himself." Thrown into a glaring spotlight and faced with the prospect that the glare will last for several years, Steffan remains committed to pursuing his lawsuit as far as is needed; He said he's encouraged by a recent Gallup poll that showed 60 percent of Americans believe gay people should be allowed to serve in the military. And he said he thinks his case has helped fuel the current wave of controversy that has several colleges considering whether to kick military ROTC programs off their campuses. "It's not always fun, and it's not always easy, but it's always worth it; because what we have lo do is educate people, and this case is helping do that," Steffan said. 'Tm very convinced that the military policy will change, and on the day it changes all this will have proven to be worth it." -Reprinted with pennission from The Empty Closet THE SECOND STONE .... . I Church & Organization News Ground Breaking CeremoniesF or MCC/DC MCC of Washington, D.C;, plans to break ground for their new church building in late July. It is the first time any Metropolitan Community Church has planned and buHt its own building . Rev. Elder Troy Perry and Rev. Elder Don Eastman are scheduled to participate in the ground breaking ceremonies and festivities. Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Groups To Meet The leaders of two national support netwo rks for gay and lesbian exJehovah's Witnesses have announced plans for their 1990 conferences. Reach Out!, of Portland, Oregon, will host a one-day conference on Saturday, August 25, 1990, in Portland. The members of "A Common Bond", based near Pittsburgh, will meet on Saturday, September 15, 1990 in Houston, Texas. The groups were organized in the late 1980's to foster a climate of mutual support and to promote dialogue among Gays and Lesbians who have been excommunicated from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society - the governing organization of Jehovah's Witnesses - because of their sexua Ji ty. Unlike some religions who condemn homosexuality but welcome the homosexual, Jehovah's Witnesses tolerate neither. Beside Gays and Lesbians, .this strict religious order consistently excommunicates, or disfellowships, thousands of Witnesses each year for offenses ranging in severity from tobacco usage to open disagreement with the sect's doctrines. Witnesses who wish to remain in good standing with the faith - including family members - are required to shun all those who are disfellowshipped. "Coming out of the Jehovah's Witnesses was like a fantastic breath of fresh air," says Sharon Tyner, founder of Reach Out! 'The blessings have been ten-fold. I read the books I want, go into any house of worship I want, and am free io express myself without fear of reprisal." "We received many favorable comments about last year's ACB conference," said Dan Restid, founder of "A Common Bond". "Since Jehovah's Witnesses are relatively small in comparison to other religions, the disfellowshipped Gays and Lesbians are few and far between . Our two groups have instilled a sense of belonging to two hundred disfellowshipped Gays and Lesbians. We are no longer alone." Participants at the conference will have the opportunity to share their common backgrounds. For futher information on conferences or to receive either group's newsletter contact: Reach Out!, Box 1173, Clackamus, OR 97015 or A Common Bond, P.O. Box 405, Ellwood City, PA 16117. First Reconciled CongregationIn Canada King of Glory Lutheran Church, Saskatoon, has become the first Reconciled in Christ Lutheran congregation in Canada. Pastor Jim Halmerson said that after. a "great discussion" more that 80 percent of the voters said "yes." Brethren/Mennonite Join To 'Connecting Families' Mennonite, Church of the Brethren, and other parents and family mern_bers asked their lesbian and gay children and siblings to join them in a "Connecting Families" retreat sponsored by Laurelville Mennonite Church Center near Scottdale, Pennsylvania. Families shared histories of how they worked to accept each other through the process of "coming out." Parents and family members have gathered previously in two retreats sponsored by the Mennonite Church's Listening Committee on Homosexuality Concerns. Gay and lesbian Mennonites and Brethren have gathered in conferences sponsored by the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. This was the first gathering which intentionally brought both groups together. A similar conference is planned for April, 1991. Information is available from Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Route 5, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 or Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, P.O. Box 65724, Washington, OC 20035. Rev. Bruce Roller Elected To Post GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Rev. Bruce Roller of Reconciliation Metropolitan Community Church has been elected chair of the AIDS Resource Center Board. The Center, formerly known as the Grand Rapids AIDS Task Force, is the oldest organization in the city dedicated to AIDS educational and support services. "I am honored to be elected at this point in the history of the Center," Rev. Roller said. Agape Acres Ministry Moves Agape Acres Ministry (Living Communion Ministry, Inc.) is moving from Michigan to a new mission in Oregon. The ministry may now be contacted at P.O. Box.12222, Portland, OR97212. Healing Service At Crescent Heights United Methodist Crescent Heights United Methodist Church, a Reconciling Congregation located at 1296 North Fairfax in West Hollywood, Cal., has · announced a special monthly service of healing following ancient Christian liturgies . 'This is not a service seeking instant healing of illnesses," said Rev. Torn Griffith. "Rather, it is a time when we gather to pray that God will give us a wholeness and unity of our bodies, our minds, and our souls." For information call (213)656-5336. New Apostolic Church For Tucson Casa de la Paloma Apostolic Church has announced the opening of their new church facilities at 1122 North Jones Blvd. , Tucson, Ariwna. The church, pastored by Rev. Sandy Lewis, Elder of the West Central District of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance, bills itself as a "Bible-believing, Pentecostal assembly with a primary outreach to the gay and lesbian community. The church is an affiliate of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance, headquartered in Schenectady, NY. Interested persons may contact the church at (602)323-6855 or may write to Casa de la Paloma Apostolic Church, P.O. Box 14003, Tucson, AZ 85732-4003. Mississippi Prime Timers Meet Prime Timers, a social/recreational club for Gulf Coast gay men .over 40 will meet on July 14th in Biloxt Miss. For information write to Prime Timers, P.O. Box 59071, Jackson, MS 39284. July/August1990 □ RedeemerM CC Celebrates1 0th Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church of Flint, Michigan celebrated its tenth anniversary in April. The church is located at 1665 North Chevrolet A venue. Alpha & Omega Announces Challenge 2000 Alpha and Omega Christian Fellowship, a participant in T AG2000, is attempting to develop an unending, international prayer chain. The group is seeking individuals who will commit to 15 minutes of scheduled prayer each day. Contact the fellowship at P.O. Box 11634, Eugene, OR 97440. Grace Covenant Fellowship Begins Ministry Grace Covenant Fellowship, an evangelical Christian church with a special ministry and outreach to the lesbian and gay community of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, was scheduled to begin services in May. The church is located at the corner of 10th and Chew in downtown Allentown, phone (215)740-0247. Bryon Rowe is pastor and Thom Ritter is minister of music. Pastor Rowe attended Samaritan College and has served the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches at the local, district and international levels. Pastor Ritter attended United Wesleyan College in Allentown and has.served as Director of Music in the Presbyterian Church. Grace Covenant Fellowship's church building will house a lesbian and gay community center for Alle~town and the surrounding area. r .., ~ Evangelicals I/;;' '(/ ·1 iJgethe1I·n c. SUPPORT COMMUNITY & SERVICE FOGR a&yL esbCiahnr istians InS outheCranl ifom..s.i ain c1e9 79 Sult" 109-Box 1,:; 7985 Santa Monica. Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90046 ~ 213/656-B570 ~ m Calendar Thef ollowinga nnouncemenths ave been-submittebdy sponsoringo r affiliatedg roups. Seventh-day Adventist Kinship Kampmeeting JULY 1-8, SDA Kinship International sponsors its 11th annual Kampmeeting. Camp Procter Conference Center near Columbus, Ohio, is the setting. Featured speakers include Dr . Sylvia Hacker. For information contact: Kamp meeting Coordinator, P.O. Box 292609, Columbus, OH 43229 or call (213)876-2076. Evangelicals ConcernedW estern Region· Connection JULY 6-8, San Francisco State University is the setting for the 11th Annual Evangelicals Concerned Western Region gathering . Keynote speakers are Dr. Ralph Blair, Beverly Barbo, Michael Buffee and Gary Cooper. "Jesus The Light Of The World" is the theme. For information write to: Conference Coordinator, P.O. Box 12551, Seattle, WA98117. Tenth National Gatheringo f UCCUGC JULY 10-15, the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns meets at the University of Southern California for its tenth national gathering, themed "Spirit Becoming Flesh Becoming Spirit". Cynthia Winton-Henry and Phil Porter are the keynote speakers. Nationally respected AIDS and arts activist Michael Kearns will perform his one person play, "Larger Than Life" which explores love, loss and the unpredictability of life . . For information write to UCCL/GC, 18 N. College, Athens, OH 45701 or call (614)593-7301. ThornfieldW orkshop on Sexuality JULY 9-15, The highly acclaimed annual training workshop on sexuality at the Thornfield Conference Center in Cazenovia, NY will focus on gender, orientation and lifestyle and their .relationship to sexism, heterosexism and homophobia. Designed as an advanced course for both individual and professional growth, the workshop sttracts tea_chers, students, m counselors, clergy, health personnel and others. Among the noted staff are Mary Lee Tatum, nationally-recognized family life educator, lecturer and consultant from Falls Church, Va.; Brian McNaught, consultant and author of the book and video, On Bein& Gay; and the Rev. Bill Stayton, author, theologian and sex therapist . The director of the Thornfield Workshop on Sexuality is psychotherapist and educator Alison Deming . Registration is limited to 60 persons. For further information, contact Alison [)eming, P.O.Box 447, Fayetteville,NY 13066, or call (315) 637-8990. Evangelical Women's Caucus JULY 19-22, Challenges in the 90's for Women of Faith: The Ninth Biennial Cm}ference of the Evangelical Women's Caucus. To be held at North Park College and Theological Seminary in Chicago . For information contact : EWC International, P.O. Box 209, Hadley, NY 12835 or call (518)696-2406. · LutheransC oncerned Assembly '90 JULY 19-22, Lutherans Concerned/ North America hosts the largest group of gay and lesbian Lutherans ever assembled. The setting is the campus of University of Illinois at Chicago. "I Am In Your Midst" is the theme. Assembly '90 marks LC/NA's sixteenth year of working for lesbian and gay understanding within the church.The design and intent of the assembly is to create an atmosphere where people can experience a familiar yet fresh approach to spirituality and community. Facilitator is Rev. Linda Strohmler. A variety of workshops will be offered. For information write to: Assembly '90, P.O. Box 10197, Fort Dearborn Station, Chicago, IL 60610. CMI's1990 Retreat AUGUST 17-19, Codependency and Spiritual Wholeness retreat at Weber House, Baltimore, Maryland. For information on Communication Ministries' retreat, write to CMI Retreat, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. Community Gospel Fellowship General Conference AUGUST 23-25, Beautiful Camp Manison, outside .of Houston, is the setting for Community Gospel Fellowship's annual conference. A great time offellowship is promised. Cost is $68.00. For information, write to Community Gospel Fellowship, P.O. Box 66158, Houston, TX 77266 · First Annual Rhythm Fest AUGUST 30 • SEPTEMBER 3, Lookout Mountain is the setting for a festival 'of women's music, art and politics. Activities include music, comedy, theatre, dance, crafts, sports, workshops, camping, swimming, square dancing, films, videos, political tent and speakers. For information write to Rhythm Fest, 604 W. Chapel Hill St., Durham, NC 2770!. ReconciliationM CC Campmeeting 1990 SEPTEMBER 13-16, Reconciliation MCC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, sponsors a gath1c~ng for "Powerful and Positive Me~ ges" featuring two dynamic speakers, Rev . Delores P. Berry, co-founder of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and an organizer of the first Gay and Lesbian March on WashhJgto,n, and Rev. Elder Freda Smith, who has appeared on local and national television in the United States and Canada as a spokesperson for numerous gay rights activities . Cost is $35.00. For information write to Reconciliation MCC, P:Q. Box 1259, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Brethren/Mennonite Convention OCTOBER 5-7, "Building Our Community: Strategies for the 90's" is the theme for the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbi,m and Gay Concerns international convention to be held in Philadelphia, Penn. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, author of numerous books on theological, feminist and gay /lesbian issues, will keynote the conference. For more information write: BMC Conference, Box 65724, Washington, DC 20035. Kansas City GLAD Event OCTOBER 5-8, The Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance, an organization of laity and clergy of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, holds its 1990 conference at the Tall Oaks Conference Center, THE SECOND STONE □ near metropolitan Kansas City. Themed "Lift As We Oimb", the event will be keynoted by Rev. Jan Griesinger, Co-moderator of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. Optional workshops on gay and lesbian parenting, liturgy, creative movement, coming out, and health and nurture are planned. Strategy and organizational groups will discuss regional and local GLAD chapter development, Open and Affirming Congregation development and preparing for the denomination's 1991 General Assembly in Tulsa. Early registation fee of $90.00 includes dormitory lodging and all meals except Saturday dinner. For more information or to register, write to GLAD, P.O. Box 19223, Indianapolis, IN 46219-0223 or call Randy Palmer, (309)755-2498. Third Annual 'CreatingC hange' Gathering NOVEMBER 9·12, Lesbian and gay activists from around the nation will meet in Minneapolis for the National . Gay and Lesbian Task Force's third· annual Creating Change conference, The Holiday Inn Me.trodome is the ,, , setting. The conference will feature leading activists from the national and grassroots gay and lesbian scene, prominent and provocative speakers ,.. 42 skills-building workshops, social events, organizing sessions and mo{e .. Plenary speakers will be Barbara Smith, black lesbian feminist writer and activist, Dr. C. T. Vivian, civil rights activist and Center for Democratic Renewal chairman and Kate Clinton, popular feminist humorist. Early registration is $120.00 Contact NGL TF, 1517 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 or call (202)332-6483. Women's ThanksgivingC ruise NOVEMBER 17-24, Robin Tyler Productions presents a seven night women's Thanksgiving cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the SS Bermuda Star, a magnificent luxury vessel that has all the spaciousness and ambiance of the classic era cruise ships . . For furthur information, write to Robin Tyler Productions, 15842 Chase St., Sepulveda, CA 91343 or call 1-818-893-4075. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAR, THE SECOND STONE, P.O. BOX 8340, . NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 Inner Paths □ Sexuality In The Pulpit Hy Chris Glaser Columnist A Jetter from friends who serve as a clergy couple described an exchange betw een their four year old daughter and ' her mother . In the bathtub, playing with squeeze toys, the girl explained, "This one's having a baby!" The mother, playing along, asked, "ls is a boy or a girl?" Her daught er replied, "Neither. It's a minister!" I remembered this story when I was told the comment of a former parishioner, a gay man who apparently viewed me as appealing in the pulpit. He explained to a mutual friend that the advantage in attending a new church led by a homely pastor was that people never had "those thoughts" about the pastor and could better concentrate on the sermon! I believe that these stories humorously reveal society 's need to separate ministers from sexuality. Despite our search for charismatic qualities in spiritual leadership, we ignore the . erotic component that charisma often entails. But we ignore it to our own pc,ril. In her book, Is Nothing; Sacred? When Sex Invades the Pastoral RefationSfil. 12. (Harper & Row, 1989), Rev. Marie Fortune documents a case study of a pastor's sexuality gone awry as he ·' : sexually exploited and manipulated female parishioners. The congregation's inability to discuss sexuality became complicity with the minister's _ destructive behavior. On the other hand, we pay too much attention to the minister's sexuality when it comes to ordaining those who, in a sexist and homophobic society, seem to symbolize sexuality: women , gay men, and Lesbians. A male-dominated society has often misplaced the responsibility of heterosexual men's sexual urges upon women. For example, in swimming attire, why are women's breasts considered more sexually provocative than men's chests? Yet breasts must be covered arid che sts need not be . As another example, how often have female victims of rape (whether by strangers, dates, or husbands) been dismissed as sexually provoking their own victimization? A heterosexually-dominated society whose blatant sexual imagery is touted in everything from advertising to love stories frequently condemns gay and lesbian selfdisclosure as "flaunting." "Why do you need to ~y an ything about y our sexuality ?" we a r e as ked, "I d on ' t need to talk about mine. " Even if the Ia tter were true, the reason we ne ed to affirm our sexuality is that it is a minority experience less oft en pub licly represented. A sexphobic culture, while titillat ed by sexuality , reacts negatively toward affirmation or cel ebration of it. Ordination of women, Lesbians, and ga_y men, who seem to incarnate sexuality, might be perceived as an undesirable affirmation or celebration of sexuality. Unprovidentially, I believe that women's ordination initially gained acceptance in some churches by the percept ion of female ordinands either as "just like men" or as asexual: in other words, abandoning the sexuality assigned to them. U npro vide ntiall y, I believe that lesbian and gay ordination will gain acceptan ce by the perception either of homosexual ordinands as "just like het e ro s·ex uals" or as asexual: si mi la rly abandoning the affirma tio n of sex uality implied by our self-identification as "lesbian" or "gay. " For the sake of an inclusive ; egalitari an church, this may be good . But for the sake of the affirmation of sexuality within the context o f spirituality, this may run counter to God's unique call of Lesbians and gay men to incarnate the integrity of sexuality and spirituality for the church . Sexuality and spirituality drink from the same well : eros, that force which passionately connects us - wi th on e another, with God . Though called as Christians to gov ern e ro s with agape , agape is limp with out the prim ordial urge of eros. When we fals ely b elieve we .can separate eros a nd ag ape is _when we give occasion for eros to find expression outsidci the_ param e ters of agape. When we r ecognize that eros, agape, sexuality , and spirituality are intergrall y related, we can better affirm and celebrate our own integrity. Then the pulpit . will be less of a closet. Chris Glaser is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and the author .of two books: Uncommon Cal/ini' - A Gay Man 's StrUi'i'le to Serve the Qm.r£lL and Come Home! - Reclaimini' Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians, both from Harper & Row. MFSA To Assist Gays Secure Full Pastoral Services As an act of support for the sponsorship of. a ho ly union of a lesbian couple by Dumbarton United Me thodist Church of Washington, D.C., the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), an independent church-wide network of United Methodist social activists founded in 1907, has offered to help link lesbian and gay Un i ted Methodists across the denomination with United Methodist congregations and pastor s willing to provide them with "full F/lstoral services ." The Methodis f , Federation for Social Action executive committee made its offer public at the May 20 Sunday morning service of Dumbarton UMC following a week of public disagreement between Dumbarton church and Bishop Joseph Yaekel over the congregation's intention to hold the holy union within the church building . In light of strong ep iscopal disapproval, including the threat of charges against the Dumbarton pastor , Rev . Man-King Tso, the Dumbarton congregation has worked out an arrangement whereby the holy union service will be held in a Presbyterian church and will be conducted by a lay member of the Dumbarton church. During the sharing time of the worship service the lesbian couple, both members of Dumbarton UMC, invited all other members to their covenant service. Federation executive George McClain stated . to the Dumbarton congregation that the Federation action "was inspired .by" the public witness of the Dumbarton church to assist le sbian, gay and bisexual United Methodists across the denomination in having available to them all pastoral services, indudin g holy un ions and non-discriminatory counseling. McClain called the earlier decision to award one of its 1990 Ball Awards for outstanding social action to Dumbarton during that week "providential." Back Issues NOW AV AILABLE ... in case you missed them! A great way for new subscribers to find out what we've been up to! All orders shipped promptly by first class mail. Outreach ... is the light under a bushel for Gays & Lesbians? Newbriefs, travel & book review. More from Bruce Roller, Bill Urban. , Dr. Virginia Uribe's program for gay teens under • , attack by religious conservatives. Plus .. .are you supporting causes that discriminate against Gays? A change of heart? Ex-gay ministries say there is another choice ... an ex-gay's story. More from Martin Fowler, Michael Blankenship. After the AIDS death of her son, Beverly Barbo set out to change church attitudes towards Gays. More from Louie Crew, Sylvia Pennington. To order send $2.25 plus 65 cents per issue for first class postage. (Foreign orders add $1.00 per issue .) Issues prior to #6 are SOLD OUT. PLEASE SEND ME ...... COPIES EACH OF [ ]#6 [ ]#7 [ ]#8 [ ]#9 Name . . ............. . .. . . .. . .. ...... ... .. .. ........ .. ......... .. ... . Address ... ..... . . .......... .... .. ... ... .. . .. .... .. .......... . . .... . City, State & Z ip .. .... .. .... ...... ........ .... .. .......... .. .... .. July/August1990 111 Closer Look How Women Disciples Changed The World B_y Dr. Buddy Truluck . Contributing Writer Judaism was totally a man's world. Women in the synagogues were neither seen nor heard. They were required to sit behind a screen whenever the Law was read for fear that angels (thought always to be present at the reading of the Law) might be seduced. Women could not read the Law or speak in the synagogue or be a rabbi or the student of a rabbi. They could noi go to the synagogue during th e menstrual flow. Women could not be Priests, Pharisees, Scribes or Sadducees. When a woman had a baby, she was "unclean" for.a month. If the baby was a girl, she was "unclean" for two months! A woman was the property of her husb and. Jesus set women free from being property and recogn ized them as persons. The leap from property to person was carried even further when Jesus made women into partners. From property to person to partner was the gift of Jesus to all women who believed and followed Jesus. Jesus talked to women, like the woman at the well in John 4, and touched and healed "unclean" women, like the woman with the flow of blood in Luke 8:43-48. Jesus went much furth er than talking and touching. Jesus called women to be disciples (Luke 8:1-3), taught Mary as a rabbi teaching a student (Luke 10:38-42), first appeared after the resurrection to a woman, and gave to a woman the glorious mission of being the first to proclaim the gospel of th e resurrection of Jesus from the dead (John 20:11-18). Women were part of the waiting group on which the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 1:14; 2:1-6) and were included among the first preachers who gave witness to Jesus. Women were prominent in the ear ly churches as leaders and ministers . A woman, Phoebe, was called by Paul in Romans 16:1 "the minister of the WHAT'S THE, BEST Men's magazine the one that deals most honestly with how men relate to each other, to women, and to kids; the one that's gay-affirmative and opposes sex-role stereo1ypes, ... the one that movingly explores men's hurts and joys . . . ~-- --~ 1 1 OrQr at no obligation . If you change you r mind. jus w~: us I We'll refund the subscription price I I : Name --'--------------- Enclosed: _ S16 I Address ____________________ _ l City I Moll to: Chon in Men 306 N. Brooks 305A Madison WI 5 --------------------- church at Cenchrea," which is the same word for "minister" (diakonos) Paul used to describe himself and Christ in Romans 15:8,25,27,31 as "minister" to the Gentiles! The role of women in the life and ministry of Jesus and in the early church literally "changed the wor ld. " Misguided and incorrect translators and prejudiced Bible scholars have been able to obscure the true role of .women in the triumphant spread of Christianity in the first century world. It is a story of incredible linguistic acrobatics and astounding willful igriorance and distortion of the words and message of the Bible. Simple honesty and integrity as well as Christian love and common sense demand that this misuse of the Bible against women be challenged and corrected. From Luke 8:1-3: "Jesus began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the rule of God; and the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza , Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were ministering (Greek word: "diakonoun") to them out of their possessions." . In describing the crucifixion , Matthew 27:55-56 spoke of these women: "And many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering (Greek:"deaconing") to him; among whom was Mary Magdalene, along with Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee." It is clear that women followed Jesus, listened to the instructions as disciples, did their part in support of the group, and stood with Jesus to the end. The most revealing passage on women as disciples is in Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha. "Mary was listening to the word of Jesus, seated at Jesus ' feel." These few words announce the most dramatic revolution in the role of women in the history of the human race! Martha was busy with much serving (Greek: "diakonos"). She complained that her sister did not do her sha.re of housework. Jesus replied that "Mary had chosen the good part, .which : shall not be taken a way from .her .. ". Ever since, well meaing but wrong "sisters" have tried to t<!ke i3Way what Mary had in those few world, changing moments! . Mary "sitting at Jesus' feet'' .is the most dramatic evidence that she.M'.a~ a disciple. "Sitting at . the .feet'.' , j?, used in Acts 22:3 to describe Pa,ul as 9 discjple at the great rabbi Gamaliel: Just as the rabbi, alway s, sat to , teach; the student literally "sat at the feet of" the teacher to listen and learn. as a disciple . ' The sight of Mary in the posture of a disciple to a rabbi was 'very threatening to her sister Martha. The words of Jesus to Martha were intense: "Martha! ·Martha! You are anxious and bothered about so many things." Th.en Jesus added that nobody would be allowed to take away Mary's freedom to become a disciple . But the church has been trying ever since! OURWORLD The Monthly International Travel Magazine For Gay Men and Women Features and color photos of gay and lesbian hotels. resorts, tours, trips and events. 1 year (12 issues) - S 44 (USA). S 52 (Worldwide) Sample copy - S 5. OUR WORLD PUBLISHING 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, FL32117 USA Tel: (904) 441-5367 m THE SECOND STONE Angry At Bush Over 'Gay Issue' Fundamentalists Retain Hold On Southern Baptist Convention NEW ORLEANS, La. - Rev. Morr is Chapman, fund amentalist pastor of First Baptist Church of Wich ita Falls, Texas, was e lected president of the Sou thern Baptist Convention during the group's annu al meeting in mid-Jun e at the Louis iana Superdome. Chapman garner ed 58 percent of the more than 38,000 ballots cast. The conservative Chapman was elected to the dismay of moderates and lib erals who had hopes of stopping the denomination's 12-year swing to the right with the election of Rev . Daniel Vestal, moderate pastor of Dunwoody Baptist Church in Atlanta. Messengers to the convention proposed a resolution to voice opposition to all efforts by gay activists "to gain civil rights protection status for homosexuals on the basis of sexual preference ." The resolution, along with 11 others proposed by the Resolutions Committee could not be considered by messengers due to lack of a quorum on the final day of the convention. Another proposed resolution asked Congress and President Bush to "set standards which would prevent the funding of highly offensive, morally repugnant and sacriligious 'art,' or, if such is not done , cease funding the National Endowment for the Arts." Presence Of Gays At White House Angered Baptists Although the White House had sought and received an invitation for President George Bush to address the South ern Baptist Convention, Bush later declined tne invitation aft er many Ba ptists were angered at the presence of gay and lesbian activists at a White House ceremony. The activists were present to witness the signing of the Federal Hate Crimes Statistics Act, an event which marked the first tim e legislation that includes sexual orientation had ever been signed into .law by a president and the first time openly gay and lesbian leaders and activists had ever been invited to such a White House event. Southern Baptist Convention Christian Life Commission Executive Director .Richard Land reportedly complained in a letter to Bush that the invitation of Gays to the ceremony "provides an implicit White House approbation of their lifestyle and it is something no previous administration has done." Urvashi Vaid, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said, "The fact that Pre sident Bush invited gay and lesbian organizations and act ivis ts into his home to witness the signing of this important bill is a major a dvanc e for gay and lesb ian political vis ibility and effectiveness ." About 150 extre mely diverse people attended the signing, includ ing liberal Democrats from Congres s, conservative Republican s, gay rights activists and advocat es for people of color, religious and other groups. Regarding the gay and lesbian activists, Land complained to Bush, "The White House should not be giving its sanction and implicit approval to such groups." Before signing the bill, Bush made a ten minute speech calling for a "society blind to prejudice, a society open to all." The President explained hate crimes covered by the bill, mentioning crimes committed because of "sexual ·orientation ," and added, "the faster we can find out abortt these hideous crimes, the faster we can track down the bigots who commit them ." The U.S. Senate passed the bill on February 8, 1990, by 92 to 4 after defeating an attempt by Jesse Helms (R-NC) to attach an anti-gay amendment to the law. Former South ern Baptist Convention President Jerry Vines and other Baptist leaders reportedly discussed revoking their invitation for Bush to speak .to th e group. The Florida Baptist Witness reported that Vines, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla., asked that Bush consider the Baptists' objections to gay issues in his decision whether or not to speak at the convention. Doug Wead, Bush's liaison to religious organizations advised the Baptists that Bush had indeed declined the invitation because of a schedule conflict. Wead acknowledged that the "gay dispute" was part of the discussion, however. Denomination 'Losing Momentum,' Report Says Membership statistics cited by the Southern Baptist Convention are thought to be largely inflated. Although officials claim the denomination has 14.9 million members, they also acknowledge that about half the members do not attend church anymore. The Wall Street Journal reported in April that membership losses and financial cutbacks are being attributed by many to the continuing battle between fundamentalists an d moderates. Enrollment a t the six Southern Baptist seminar ies has fallen 14 perce nt since 1985, the Journal reported. Rev. Daniel Vestal said that some churc hes may leave the Southern Baptist Conv ent ion and align them selves with the more moder a te American Baptists . Postpone Altering Policy On Gays Presbyterians Vote Against PLGC SALT LAKE CITY - Although Pr esbyterians were striving for unity and harmony during their 202nd General Assembly, the assembly voted to take away semi-official church status from several ·Presbyterian organizations including Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. Newly elected Moderator Price Henderson Gwynn III of Charlotte, N.C., said the 2.9 million member church must stop internal fighting if it is to reverse the exodus which has claimed a third of its memb ership during the past 25 years. The more than 600 commissioners to the annual meeting voted to postpone action on altering church position on homosexuality until 1991 when a report is due from a special task force on human sexuality. Several of the denomination 's 177 presbyteries introduced ov~rtur.es to . suspend PLGC for distributing gay-supportive phamplets to high school and college youths at a -church m eeting. A PLGC chapter in Pittsburgh had unsuccessfoly fought to block an overture from the Redstone Presbytery saying that the presbytery should reverse its judgement on homosexuality as it has reversed previous policies on slavery, divorce and women's roles in the church . The vote to take away church status from PLGC, if approv ed by a majority of the regional presbyterie s, would remove the right to be officially represented at church meetings . PLGC Communications Secretary James D. Anderson said, "These overtures seek to cut off ... dialogue and to remove people and groups who disagree with the General Assembly policy from the church, all in the name of 'decency, order, peace, and unity of the church."' In reference to the phamplets Anderson said that the overtures "seem to be based ·on the ignorant notion . that information, even affirmation, makes people lesbian or gay ." After reviewing . the phamplets a straight; 21 year old man said, "the reaction of the church in general distresses me greatly. It appears that a large portion o.f the chutch will not allow others to disagree with them iind still remain a valid part of the church. I celebrate differen.:es in opinion as long as all opinions · are respected. I condemn intolerance." D.C. Mayoral Candidate Slams Black Gays WASHINGTON, D.C. - John Ray, a black candidate for mayor of the nation's capital, made several anti-gay and lesbian remarks and advocated heterosexuality for the black community at a meeting sponsored by the D.C. Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance. In his remarks to about 30 gay and lesbian activists, Ray, an at-large member of the D. C. Council, said, heterosexuality "is the best wayoc for the black community. Ray also said he would not advocate for domestic partnership legislation now being proposed for D.C. residents. Ray's statements were "untenable, out rageous and a vicious assault on Lesbians and gay men - particularly black Lesbians and gay men - who live in Washington, D.C." said Ivy Young, NGLTF Families Project director . Young likened Ray's comments to recent anti-gay statements made by Martin Luther King III, who subsequently apologized to the gay community after considerable pressure from local activists and widespread media attention. "In his staunch and seemingly blind support of 'traditional values,' Mr. Ray has . debased and invalidated : the family life of thousands of D.C. residents . He suggests that if black Lesbians and Gays live their lives ; openly they are somehow damaging : the African-American community," said Young. "Our sexual orientation does not put us at odds with our community's quest for freedom." July/August1990 m -- --- --- Book Review The Poisoning Of Eros Sexual Values In Conflict By Michael Blankenship Contributing Writer Rev. Raymond J. Lawrence, Jr., author; Limited edition (500 copies) available from the author: 217 Mountain Ave., S.W. #11, Roanoke, VA 24016. $19.95, hardback. Everyone has seen those clever Ii ttle tracts that boldly stale on th<' front "WHAT JESUS HAD TO SAY ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY," then An angry young poet'S intimate discourse with God on faith, gay love, AIDS and the Catholic Church's controversial stand condemning homcsexuality. "Sardonic, sophisticated ... There is so much to be enjoyed here, this reviewer ex.b.ons readers to add Sex With God to their list of gifts for special friends." - Lambda Rising Se~ With (jocC By Thomas O'Neil illustrations by Ty Wil1-or1 Send $5.95 plus $1.50 for postage and handling to: Indulgence Press, P.O. Box 965, Dept.V, N.Y., N.Y., 10023. Add 50¢ forN.Y. State orders. when you open it up it's blank on the inside. But a recent book entitled The Poisoning of Eros by Raymond J. Lawrence, Jr., presents the view that perhaps Jesus did make a statement about homosexuality in his own way. Lawrence convincingly makes the point that in Matthew and Luke, Jesus is portrayed as being toleran I of a relationship between a centurion and his "boy." The story involves a centurion whose "very precious" slave or "boy" was ill and near death. Hearing about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders with the request that Jesus come and save the young man's life. The elders pressed the request to Jesus by saying "he deserves this favor from you for he is a friend of our nation, and it is he who built us our synagogue." Jesus went with them, but while he was still a distance from the house the soldier sent messengers to ask Jesus just to say the word to make the boy better because the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus under his roof, or to approach him in person. When Jesus heard this he Bookso f Faith,H opea, nd Affirmatiofno rG ayM ena nd Lesbians COMEH OME! l?echiming spirituality and Community as Cay Nen and lesbians CHl?/SC lAS.!JI? "Powerfusle, nsitivea,n dp rovocati.v.e. . Glasesrt andsi nsideh iso wnh umanity as a gaym alea nd hearst hew ordo fG odt hrought he BibleC. hristian, sgaya nd straightn, eedt hisb ooki f we aret o be the bodyo fC hrist."-The Rt.R ev.John ShelbyS pon,g EpiscopaBl ishopa, uthoro f living in Sin.?A BisbopR et/Jinl,r H11maSn e.rualff), UNCOMMCOANL LING CHl?IGS lAS.il? Paperback/1, 0.!}5 Thec ompellingco, urageouas,n d deeplyp ersonasl toryo f one man'ss truggleto reconcilew hoG odc reatedh im to be-a gay man-with whom God called him to be-a minister. Paperbac/k1, 0..95 TOUCHINOGU RS TRENGTH l!JeE rotica sP owera ndt /Jel ove qf God CAJ?J'.H!J.I!?JY WAJ?f) "Magnificen..t.. T hew holeb ookt estifietso t hem ysticaelx perienceth ati s at theh earto fb othr eligiouasn ds exual ife. Weh avek nowna longt imet hat God'sp oweri s Lovea nd nothinge lse,b ut we forgoto, ftene nough,t hat this power necessarileym powertsh e loverso f God.C arterH eyward brings this out with feminist anger and strength, with hilaritya ndc larity." -Dorothee Sollea, uthoro f {!/Waarn d/ ,ow Paperbad/,1 2.95 Availabalet yourl ocalb ookstore. In Canadaa vailablteh roughH arperCollinBso okso f Canada. ACCEPTINOGU RSELVES J'beT tueftJe-SJtoeupr neyq f Recovery Ji-omA ddictionfa r GO)'M en and lesbians SH.!JPPABl?.l JK ONfA!Al?S The first book to interpret1 \velve-Stespp iritualitya nd wisdomf org aym en and lesbiansb attlinga lcoholisma nd other druga ddiction". I hopet hat its healingg loriesw ill reachm illions.-"N ed Ror em Paperbac/k8, ..95 AIDS J'bes pirituaDl ilemma JOHN. !JF. O/?JVNAJ'O . Spirituali nsightf or peoplew ith AIDSt,h eir familya nd friendsa, nd the clergyw hoc ounselt hem." Thisi nforma tive,s ensitivbe ooki s·exactlyw hat'sn eededt o answert he witchesb' rewo fi gnorancep,r ejudiceh,a lf-truthsa,n dw hole liese vokedb yt hew ordA IDSF.o rtunatoIs a therapisto g ay ands traightt,o t hosed yingo fA IDSan dt hoseb yt heg raceo f Godm oref ortunate.-"W illiam SloanC offin Paperbad/,8 ..95 Harper San Francisco A Divisiono f HarpcrCo!linPsH blishers was amazed, telling the crowd that followed, "I tell you, nowhere, not even in Israel, have I found faith like this." The messengers returned to the house to find the boy in good health. The Luke version refers to the young man as a "slave," but the Matthew version in each instance refers to him as "boy" (pais), which Lawrence emphatically states in the GrecoRoman world connoted a catamite or youth in a homosexual relationship. Of course, during this period such pederastic relationships were quite common . They were seen as mentor/protege relationships which in addition to being physically sexual, inducted the young into the world of men, the patriarchial culture which denigrated women. Many men felt that love with a young boy was purer, and better than that with a woman. Lawrence further states that during the early Christian era the practice of pederasty was declining as Roman aristocratic families were increasingly protective of their young men. Hence the pederastic tradition was increasingly assigned to slaves. Lawrence gives his free translations from Luke 7:2 as: "a centurion there had a slave, a catamite who was very precious to him ... ," this being the way reader /hearers of the first century, given the language used, would have unquestionably interpreted the story. Luke reinforces that impression by characterizing the boy as "very precious" to the soldier. According to Lawrence, "it is not enough to say that Jesus was merely tolerant of this apparent pederastic relationship," he was so impressed by the man's faith that he miraculously healed the young man, allowing this relationship, which must have been loving in the sight of Jesus, to continue. Without a doubt we can all see the wide gulf that separates the modern world from the world of the early Jesus movement. Today we can readily see the inequity and abusiveness necessarily associated with such relationships . In my opinion, because in this · one instance Jesus blessed the most common form of homosexual relationship of his day, it is unthinkable that today such relationships, even with the element fo sincere caring and love, would or should be tolerated. But, I think this story should give encouragement to all gay Christians, if Jesus willingly blessed this sort of union, how much m THE SECOND STONE □ more would he bless our own loving, committed relationships between "equals." Lawrence also paints a picture of a very sensuous Jesus, especially at the last supper, where Jesus (literally translated) disrobed and tied a towel around his waist to wash the feet of the disciples. The book states that the washing of feet, rather than being a humbling, or degrading act, "always carried overtones of sexual intimacy." This act "demonstrated an appreciation for and a loving care for each other's bodies." While I immensly enjoyed the liberal qualities of Lawrence's book, which in many ways is even more radical than Spong and Countryman, I admit I was irritated to find on page 35 that he had translated the Greek word "arsenokoitoi" as "those guilty of homosexual perversion." I was appeased somewhat to find that later on page 98 he uses the more appropria le (Boswell) interp'retation of "male prostitutes" for the same word. I decided to get to the bottom of this, so I paid a visit to Rev. Lawrence. When I pointed out the conflicting interpretations he was genuinely surprised, and apologetically said that the first instance was an oversight on his part, that he had used someone else's translation. Rev. Lawrence told me during our conversation that he had attended the MCC in Houston and had even considered membership, so I know from this personal contact that he is both affirming and accepting of Lesbians and Gays . Unfortunately, this positive stance doesn't quite come across in his section on homosexuality. This part of the book has more of a "tolerant" tone than that of total acceptance . He characterizes homosexuality as a "beloved affliction" that is "off the mark of what is commanded." Yet, at the same time, I cannot deny the numerous favorable aspects of this portion of the book.- Rev. Lawrence candidly admitted to me that his book was not directed to Gays and Lesbians, but that he wanted "to do for the heterosexuals what John Boswell did for the homosexual community." I feel that this book, with it's well-researched documentation, has liberating qualities that would appeal to all Christians, regardless of sexual orientation . It is well worth reading and owning. Videos Courage, Strength and Vision No Need To Repent: The Ballad of Rev. Jan Griesinger By Tw Bailey · Editor C .hurch has always been part of the fabric of life for the woman who . is the subject of the film portrait "No Need To Repent: The Ballad of Reverend Jan Griesinger" a well crafted work by Ann Alter. The film premiered at .the Berlin International Film Festival and the Chicago Lesbian & Gay International ·Film Festival. "She takes on hard issues and she doesn't give in very easily. "I grew U:p not . knowing the word 'lesbian'," says . Rev. Griesinger, an ordained ,minister .· in the United Church of Christ and National Coordinator of the Unite\i Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay ;Concerns. "I managed to make '. it all the way . through . college . ··without ·ever knowing any Lesbians." But that changed in the autumn of 1976 when ·she .was visiting.friends in California. "They had .some kind o·f . women's music on the record .player. Something about that musk ... brought me into some kind of full awareness ... that I had fallen in love with a friend," says Rev. Griesinger. "I don't feel like I work for the church as an institution. I work for people." "No Need To Repent" glimpses back through the use of home movies to a young woman growing up in an upper middle class Midwestern family . The oldest of four children, Jan Griesinger was a gifted student and enjoyed playing the piano in her church. She studied religion and philosophy at DePauw and fought in the Civil Rights movement. And she got married. "I got up and cooked five days a week," she says of .her typical middle class marriage. "I made a lunch for him to take to work." But her ma.r.riage .unravelled as her interest in social · justice grew . - a sharp contrast to the quiet home life her husband sought. Of coming to terms with her sexuality, Rev. Griesinger says, "I went through a period I . think like □ ·Rev. Jan Griesinger .. .featured in "No Need To Repent." Ballad's creato.r ... Ann Alter most lesbian and gay people where worrying about it was the most painful thing. That let me know how important it was to .deal with it." · "They belieye her when she says 'I am a Christian."' Regarding her work in the United Church of Christ and United Campus Ministry, Rev. Griesinger says, "l don 't feel like I work for the church as an institution. I work focpeople." An unidentified woman speaking of the Ohio Conference of the United Chur.ch of Christ says, "There are July/ August 1990 people who see homosexuality as a sin. And therefore they have trouble with Jan. But even there I have not heard anyone attack her integrity. Or her honesty. Or even her faith. They believe her when she says 'I am a Christian.'" Says Carol Kuhre~ of United Campus Ministry, "She ta"es on hard issues and she doesn't give in very easily." "No Need To Repent" also offers a personal glimpse of Rev. Jan Griesinger's life with other women at the "Susan B. Anthony Memorial UnRest Hornet _her farm .in · rural Appalachia. Ann Alter's film features original music composed and performed by Jeanne Donado. The .film .is available for sale or rental from Women Make Movies; 225 Lafayette St., Suite· 212, New York, NY 10012, (212)925-0606. m f Essay KeepS tandingF irm Freedom To Love A Gift Of God By Dr. Buddy Truluck Columnist Thean nual lesbian/gay pride celebration in San Francisco is called "Freedom Day" Parade. Close to half a million people are in the city for this special day. Gay men and Lesbians fight for freedom from gay bashing, prejudice, unjust laws, religious persecution, job and housing discrimination, and a long list of other forms of homophobia. Progress toward freedom has been slow but steady. Freedom to love and to express love regardless of sexual orientation has not come easy. Freedom from self-hate, internalized homophobia, anger, and the self destructive forces that have tormented Gays and Lesbians has been even slower to come. Jesus Christ to the rescue! During this summer season of focus on our national Declaration of Independence, lesbian and gay Christians also celebrate personal victories and freedom in Christ. Jesus said: "The truth will set you free" and "I am the truth." (John 8:22 and 14:6) Paul added: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free: therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery ... For you were 'called to freedom." (Galatians 5:1 and .13) The word "yoke" was often used by Jewish teachers for "the Law". Jesus set us free from the bondage of legalistic and · destructive religion. Jesus came "to proclaim release to the captives ... to set free those who are Survivors Urged To Report Attacks downtrodden." (Luke 4:18) David grew up in Argentina where his parents were Southern Baptist missionaries. While a student at college, David drove to Mexico to get some cheap drugs. The Mexican police caught him and charged him with selling drugs. David faced six years in jail. His parents took emergency leave from their work and returned to the United States to try to help David. David was released several months later and joined the church were I was pastor. In jail, David realized what a mess he had made of his life. He turned to Christ · and committed his life to follow and serve Jesus. David said, "That was when I got my freedom, not when I was released from jail!" David went to many 'Battle Against Bashers' Pressed At Local Level WASHINGTON, D.C. - Violence, harassment and attacks against gay men and Lesbians are "widespread" and continue to "plague the nation ," says a national report on anti-gay crimes released ·by ·the Nationa l Gay and Lesbian Task Force. · The fifth annual NGLTF "Anti-Gay Violence, Victimization and Defamation" survey reports 7,031 incidents - ranging from harassment to homicide - against gay men and Lesbians in 1989. The incidents were documented by 119 organizations and individuals in 40 states and the District of Columbia. Of the incidents, 2,322 were acts of vandalism, ,intimidation and physical violence and 4,709 were verbal harassment. · About one percent (75) of the incidents reported were directed against churches affiliated with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. The Where Do The States Stand On Hate Crime? Prepared by the Narional Gay and Lesbian Task Force May, 1990 ■ Hate crime laws that include crimes based on sexual orientation (9 states and the Dis!rict of Columbia ) [ill Hate crime laws Iha! exclude crimes based on sexual orientation (13 states) remaining 80 percent (5,627) occurred in other contexts. Overatl, 1989's total of 7,031 episodes is slightly lower than the 7,248 reported in 1988. "Last year the nation's lesbian and gay community celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall riots which sparked the modern gay rights movement .," said Kevin Berrill, Director of NGLTF's Anti-Violence Project and , autho r of the report. "Although we have made remarkable strides towards freedom since Stonewall, we remain a community under siege, battling an epidemic of bigotry and violence." The report was presented at a press conference in a House of Representatives office building. Bcrrill, joined by other civil rights, law enforcement and . Congressional leaders, including Senator Alan Cranston, called for a "major battle on the state level against bashers and bigots" to end · homophobic, racist, anti-semitic and other hate crimes. The NGLTF report indicated that orily nine states, the District of Columbia and seven cities have hate crime laws that include sexual orientation . Hate crime laws in thirteen states exclude anti-gay crimes. As of May 1990, legislation that addresses anti-gay violence is under considera tion in Flor ida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. Im THE SECOND STO N E □ churches and ·schools to give his testimony of freedom thro.ugh Jesus Christ from drugs and despair. He returned to college and then to seminary in Argentina. He is now a career missionary in Paraguay. Freedom to love, freedom to live a full and meaningful life, and freedom from despair and death are the gifts of God through Jesus Christ. The fear of homosexuality both against and within Lesbians and Gays can be conquered by the perfect love of Jesus. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, for fear is torment, and the one who fears in not perfected in love. We love because God first loved us ." (1 John 4:18-19) Freedom from fear is the freedom to love. Every Monday morning, I help lead a worship service for gay prisoners at the San Francisco jail. The prisoners sing hymns, join in prayer, share in Bible study, and celebra te holy commun ion. This time of Christian fellowshi p and worship gives the inmates a few moments of freedom and hope in an othe rwise drab and totally controlled existence. These services have been offered for several years and are part of an openly gay chaplain ministry to the prisoners. Every visit to the jail reminds me that Jesus Christ gives a kind of freedom that can be experienced in no other way. Does your local county jail offer Christian ministry to gay inmates? If not, you can try to star t something. Contact me and I will pu t you in touch with people who can help . Prisons of ignorance, illiteracy, fear, suspicion, hate and prejudice can be opened through Jesus Christ.Freedom from the deadly depression and dep ~ndency often associated with AIDS can be found in Jesus Christ . Even freedom from sin and death is the gift of God through Jesus. Romans 8:2: "Life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Paul declared in Romans 8:21 the ultimate hope for Christian freedom tha t gay and lesbian believers shar e: "The creation itself also will be set free from slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." Buddy Truluck is a former Southern Baptist pastor. Presently - this energetic Bible scholar ·is teaching a series entitled "The Bible As A Friend of Lesbians and Gays" at San Francisco's Golden Gate MCC. He was educated at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky . Travel □ Enjoying The · Hidden Hawaiis By Cynthia A. Marquard and Danni Munson Contributing Writers Part II of the Hidden Hawaiis Kauai and Maui The great thing about Hawaii is that no two islands are alike. Kauai, the Garden Island, is the lushest of the the islands and it also has the greatest amount of rainfall. Maui has more of a desert island feel to it, because it gets very little rain. Both are delightful to visit, and both have some spectacular hidden spots just for gay men or lesbians. One of the top-ranking gay resorts in the world is located on Maui, the remote and beautiful Hana Plantation Houses, near the small town of Hana . There are four plantation houses on the main property and two beach houses situated on a secluded black sand beach . These units provide various wonderful amenities: one has a private waterfall, another a tropical bath garden with jacuzzi, one is a studio cottage, another is a threebedroom house. There is something on this five-acre property to suit almost everyone. Electricity is provided by solar power, so gentlemen take note: your hair dryer might not work properly--but here, who needs it anyway! The main town on Maui is Lahaina, once a sleepy fishing village built around the wharf, now a busy tourist spot. There is a gay friendly B & B here, The Aumakua Inn. There are no exclusively gay bars, but Bettino's at 505 Front St. hosts a predominantly gay clientele during the mid to late evening hours. While shopping in Lahaina, stop by gay-owned Tropical Art Ware at 658 Front St. for handcrafted jewelry and crafts from around the world, but especially for toe rings. The owners custom-fit toe rings, and reportedly do it very well. On Kauai there are two secluded gay /lesbian accommodations, both near Anahola Bay. Mahina Kai is a B & B beach villa with guestrooms surrounding a beamed -ceiling living room. There is also a two-room apartment available. A terraced garden with a fountain and tropical fruits overlooks Anahola Bay. Guests are provided with sarongs and bikes and snorkeling equipment is also available. So is nude sunbathing, either on the private grounds or nearby Donkey or Secret beaches. The Anahola Beach Club consists of an older Hawaiian home with three guestrooms and a bunk house for larger parties . The property is located on the beach. Full breakfast and "sunset refreshments" are included. Hidden Spots On Oahu It might seen strange to speak of hidden Hawaiis on the island that is home to the high-rise city of Honolulu and the belly -to-belly crush of Waikiki Beach. But it is surprisingly easy to find peace and quiet once you leave that congested Honolulu area . Rent a car and drive 30 or 40 miles from Honolulu, especially on the road to the Polynesian Cultural Center. You'll find dozens of little palm-tree studded parks and white sand beaches, almost deserted. Take along a woven grass beach mat and a cooler, and you're set for the day. Gay men and lesbians can even find a place to stay away from the Waikiki crowd. The Windward Oahu B & B is a luxurious home with a swimming ·pool and ocean views in Kaneohe. The one guest room rents for $50.00 a day--a great bargain for Oahu. Of course, there's hidden and then there's hidden, and there are several gay /lesbian establishments tucked away behind thick foliage even in the heart of Waikiki. Since most Write or call for brochure. 120 E. Atol St., P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island, Texas 78597 (512)761-L YLE Air connections via American Continental Southwest Business or Personal... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad people land here coming from the mainland, it's good to know about these hideaways. First of all, there's Hula's, an indoor-outdoor gay bar dominated by an enormous banyan tree. Stop in after dark for a mai tai and enjoy the festive streamers of tiny lights sparkling down from the branches. Tucked away in one of the little shopping "alleys" in the gay Kuhio District is a great little shop called Pet Boy. Here you can pick up original-design T-shirts, gay /lesbian books and magazines, and other trinkets. Then have a memorable sandwich at Hamburger Mary's. Not only is the fare quite good, it's also fun to watch straight tourists who wander in suddenly realize they're "off the beaten path." Next door is the small men's bar, Dirty Mary's . And . just up the street, hidden behind a barrier of tropical foliage, is the gay/lesbian Hotel Honolulu, a great place to get over jet lag before moving on to another island or to spend an entire vacation in Oahu. For a listing of what's currently going on, plus up to date bar guide, pick up copies of Hawaii's two gay/lesbian publications: the monthly Island Lifestyle Magazine or Gay Community News. Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner/manager of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago and vice-president of the International Gay Travel Assn. Danni Munson is the publisher of The Lesbian and Gay Almanac a11d' Events of 1990. P. 0. Box 118 SL Bethlehem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 OUR WORLD The International Gay Travel Magazine Month by month, we invite you to explore the exciting world of travel available to gay men and lesbians. Each month we help you to discover the multitude of interesting hotels, inns and resorts that welcome the gay traveler. Enjoy articles and color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain, a secluded retreat in Hawaii, a manor house in the English countryside, a Greek pension overlooking the sea, a rustic resort in Colorado, and more -all catering to our lifestyle! Plus, every month, regular departments provide you with valuable information on gay events and festivals, travel updates and tips, interviews, and the latest gay trips and tours-sail the Caribbean on a private yacht, join an expedition to Nepal, cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury liner or fly to Sydney for the Gay Mardi Gras. .__ __ _____ __, Whatever you're looking for, let OUR WORLD be your ticket to adventure. 1 year (12 colorful issues) only $ 44 (in the USA) - US$ 52 (Worldwide). First issue mails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope . Sample copy US$ 5. · Mail To: Our World Publishing 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA TEL: (904) 441-5367 July/ August 1990 II Parting Thought □ But There's A Lot Of Mopping Up To Do The Gay Revolution Is Over l!y Larry Hallock Contributing Writer "I bring you fascinating news," wrote columnist Paul Varnell a while back: "the Gay Revolution-is over. P.S. We won." Varnell's optimism annoys fellow gay activists who'"splutter and wave their arms about wildly," citing a litany of injustices and inequalities: job firings, lack of protected civil rights in many cities, denials of child custody, anti-gay violence, people dying of AIDS, and more. But Varnell still claims we have won, that the "revolution" is over, that we should recognize ourselves and enjoy the fact of our victory. The columnist defines victory . "Winning any war," he says, "means that the power, the set of engaged ~-;~;;y" '"" The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Em Please notify us four weeks in advance for uninterrupted delivery . Send both old and new addresses . If possible attac h mailing label in space provided . PRINT NEW ADDRESS en O ► 2 * ~ i ! ~ Send completed form to: THE SECOND STONE Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 side and that your enemy has lost its ability to initiate major new hostilities. Winning any ideological war, which is what the Gay Revolution has been, means that the intellectual impetus and moral legitimacy has shifted to our side and that our opponents more or ·less know it and are intellectually and morally maybe still operational but running on empty. The victory has occurred primarily in the realm of ideas or consciousness," he says (borrowing from Fukuyama), though it "is as yet incomplete in the real or material world." · "But the victory is real, " says Varnell, "and the remainder, however enormous a remaind er it may be, is simply a sort of mopping-up operation, solidifying the victory." Varnell is right . In 1970 I wallowed in self-disgust and apologetically phoned a Seventh Day Adventist pastor for help to make it through the night. Today, with dignity and self-esteem, 1 phone SDA pastors across the country in my role as Kinship church liaison and I have their ·respect. Scores . of prominent pastors and teachers have listened carefully and now minister to us in ways we find nurturing. In th e late 60s I sojourned an emotional desert in Adv entist schools, where in my wildest fantasy I never dreamed of others' affirmation, never hoped for someone to love. During a recent AIDS conference I wandered through the campus of Columbia Union College and admired the handsome young men and women I saw in the classrooms. All colors together. Many of them gay. (Today they know that!) I reminisced about my own college days and wished for a few romantic memories, the kind I couldn't make then, but which those CUC kids now can it they but create a way. A single generation separates the undreamable from the do-able. When my youngest friends tell me how hard it is to be gay on an Adventist college campus today, I remind them of what it was like when they were born, and inform Classifieds Books & Publications CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY explores the issues arising between Christians and New Agers with authentic information, forthright honesty and, yes, real appreciation for both sides. Penetrating, yet fun, our features and c;olumns forge a bridge for genuine dialogue. SubS': $9.50/yr. Sample: $2.50. CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P. 0. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF EMERGE! A healing journal of EMERGENCE International: Christian Scientists Supporting Lesbians and Gay Men. For information and subscriptions write P.O . . Box 581, Kenlfield, CA 94914, or call (415)485-1881. 2/91 Employmer1 . EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR · For growing national organization engaged in peer support, education and advocacy . . Candidate should have extensive experience in fundraising, organizational and fiscal management, program development, media relations and familiarity with gay/lesbian concerns. Parenting background desirable. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: Federation them that SDA Kinship knows supportive staff members on nearly every Adventist campus in North America. From now on, I'll be more emphatic . I'll tell them the revolution is over ! They deserve to know it; they deserve to understand it . And yes, I'll also tell them they have a lot of mopping up to help with. Larry Hallock writes 1or Connect ion, the newsletter of Seventh Day Adventists' Kinship International , Box 3840, Los Angeles, CA 90078 □ of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, P.O. Box 27605, Washington, DC 20038. 8/90 . Friends/Relationships GWM, 6'.2", 165 lbs., youthful 37, brown hair, mustache, masculine, smoke and drug free, varied interests, fun, honest, quiet, caring and very relationship oriented. Seeking similar Christian friends preferably in Mobile, AL or vicinity. Rob, P.O. Box 16424, Mobile, AL 36616. 10/90 General Interest GAY/LESBIAN CATHOLIC Traditionalists · Gay is great! "Dignity" is fine. BUT do you really/secretly miss the "old" pre-Vatican II church, liturgy, devotions, etc.? TridenlinJl/ Tradilior,alisl Gay Catholics unite, write for support: Catholic Tradition - B. Gatzke, P.O. Box 9631, Minneapolis, MN 55458-9631. 10/90 Business or Personal... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad Classified Order Form Please place my ad in these issues: [] Jan/Feb [] Mar/Apr [ l May/Jun [] Jul/Aug [] Sept/Oct [] Nov/Dec FOR ONLY 35 CENTS PER WORD, your ad can appear in the next edition of THE SECOND STONE. 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Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #11 - July/Aug 1990 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/c6ecc07bb96ade45ae18a615984722b6.pdf 32e58bb4467d987dfb19bc910ac66869 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 12 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1990 Publication Date The date the issue was published Sept/Oct 1990 Text Any textual data included in the document R THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS $2.25 TONE _8000 Readers Across The _USA _ Teens, Young Adults Swelling Ranks Membership In Hate Groups Is Rising By Jim Bailey Editor _ _ If -everything went as _., · planned, the "body count" - the number of people . oblile rated by the blast - would be many. Indeed, the, · "kill zone" - the location in which the blast would · - ,_,._ Calendar( de~·troy the most lives - tj.ad. been meticulously -selected following underctiver reconnaissance. ft is not a military offensive on some distant shore . The mission would not be executed by frighte- ned ,, camouflage-clad 1, teenagers with pa-inted faces blindly following the barks of a commanding officer. Although terminology like "body count" and "kill zone" may conjure up black and white images of a late sixties news SEE COVIHl STORY, Page 9 -- - Two Dads: DJ m An Indian Summer ~ Washington Couple Full Of Actlvity - -- I·- Adopt A Son " . By Matt Nagle . ! Two Churches Face Expulsion Lutherans Given Five Years To Overturn Church Policy Two -San Francisco churches will be expelled from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in five years if a policy barring Gays and Lesbians from ordination cannot be overturned by that time. That is the ruling of a discipline committee investigating charges filed by Bishop Lyle Miller against First United Lutheran Church and St. Francis Lutheran Church. The churches had ordained a "practicing" gay man and lesbian couple in spite of a churc hwid e prohibiti ng such action. The churches are ·now under suspension. While under suspension, the congre gations cannot send voting lay delegates to synod assemblies. Over 100 members of Lutherans Concerned/North America demonstrated outside the national headquarters of the ELCA in Chicago to protest the decision to suspend the churches. A spokesperson representing LC/NA said, "This decision is an act of violence against gay and lesbian people, clergy and non-clergy alike. · The church continues to devalue our lives, our relationships and our presence in the church. We call the church to repentance for its lack of vis_ion and courage, for its postponement of justice and for its irrelevance in the lives of Lesbians and gay men hungering for righteousness and truth." Gay and lesbian church members have turned their attention to the two national church assemblies and numerous churchwide council meetings and synod assemblies that will be held within the next five years as opportunites to get the SEE LUTHERANS, Page 18 Gays Want Close Senate Scrutiny of Judge Souter Gay activists are calling for close Senate scrutiny of Supreme Court nominee Judge David Souter's commitment to the protection of individual liberties enshrined in the U. S. Constitution. The Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for September 13. The concern arises in light of Judge Souter's concurrence with a 1987 New Hampshire Supreme Court opinion which excludes Gays and Lesbians from qualifying as adoptive parents. The New Hampshire House of Representatives had sought the Supreme Court's opinion of the constitutionality of a bill specifically "excluding SEE SOUTER, Page 18 SUBSCRIBE TODAY' ONE YEAR ONLY $12 60 1 I BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 I BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE - PA ID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 ' From The Editor Thanks, Joe The Story Of A Good Nay-baa I had the opportunity of speaking to the Religion Newswriters Association this summer. They held their annual meeting in New Orleans a few days before the Southern Baptists met in the Superdome . I was excited about the opportunity to meet and chat with religion writers from some of the nation's largest daily newspapers. Their clear understanding of the issues facing gay and lesbian Christians and their fair and objective reporting on those issues is critical in presenting the general public with accurate information on our struggles in society and the church. During the course of my address, I wanted to demonstrate the rejection, hostility and injustice Gays and Lesbians suffer at the hands of many so-called "Chris tians ." I thought about my friend Joe, who was at the time I was speaking laying seriously ill in the Veterans Administration Hospital a few blocks from the hotel where the RNA was meeting. He had been hospitalized at that point for a month, suffering from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a very rare blood disease. During the Mardi Gras season of 1989, Joe was walking with a friend through the French Quarter when he was confronted by one of the hundreds of fundamentalist Christians who come to canvass the Quarter during Mardi Gras every year. Perceiving Joe to be gay, this person taunted him, saying; "Thank God for AIDS." I shared only a few more thoughts about this incident with the RNA, which I'll. come back to, but let me give you the rest of the story . Joe and I first met in late 1984, when he bought the house next door to me. First he was my neighbor (that's pronounced nay-baa if you live in some of New Orleans' naybaahoods for too long) and then he became my friend . He was the first gay man I ever dared allow myself become friends with. He was comfortable with himself, so much so that he was overly self-confident. You could take him or leave him. And he could do the same with you. Corning out at age 13 in an all-male school probably had something to do with shaping that attitude . On Christmas eve the year Joe moved next door, I was sharing time and gifts with family and friends, including a straight friend with whom I had experienced a long and enjoyable friendship, his new girlfriend, and an old high school girlfriend of mine, who was in the throes of a painful divorce. My friendship with Mike had changed from one of almost constant companionship to an occasional phone call or rare get together. But I was happy for him because I had watched him search for so long for the relationship that was finally becoming a reality for him. I think Mike believed that I might help Dondra through her divorce and the two of us would get together and all would live happily ever after. In a room warm with the presence of a flickering orange fire, a Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments, and filled with the love of family and close friends, I felt an intense loneliness. The wan I had carefully been erecting around me for 12 years cracked a little that night. During the next year, Joe helped me demolish that wall altogether. He sho.wed me how to simply be myself. Take me or leave me. has brought a scattered and unfocused group together to work with singular purpose. It's focused church attention, negative and postive on being gay and it's jarred closeted gay clergy and church officia!s from secrecy into action. Many years from now, when the pain and suffering of our sacrifice and loss today is a memory, we will underst and these days as a time when we learned we could finally love ourselves because we had learned how to love others. Professor Jon Bailey, the director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles In This Issue FEATURES COVER STORY HE'S GOT TWO DADS COLUMNS FROM THE EDITOR COMMENTARY FAMILIES CLOSER LOOK 1RAVEL DEPARTMENTS LETTERS NEWS BRIEFS □ says, 'AIDS is our Passover. It's the fire this community has got to go through to come of age. As horrible as it is, AIDS has given us life and pride,' says Professor Bailey. "Thank God for AIDS," I repeated i'1 closing my talk to the RNA. 'To a fundamentalist Christian, those were words uttered in hate . But even in those cutting words, we find hope and reason to rejoice." □ Page 9 Page 15 Page2 Page4 Page 10 Page 14 Page 19 Page3 Pages " ~ Evangelicals It was during a chilly winter evening out and about with Joe that I ran into a man with whom I had worked at a weekly newspaper a few years earlier. And the next Christmas eve (same living room, CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 11.' 'II/ logethSJ' Inc. SUPPORT COMMUNITY & SERVICE FOR Gay& Lesbian Christians In Southern California ... since 1979 · Su/t0 1O9-Box 16 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90046 ~ 213/656-8570.., ---. - ----·--11:1' liiil . same orange fire, mo.re handmade ornaments) this man, Eric, and I exchanged · gold bands and made a commitment that is now almost five years stronger. I may not have the love, fulfillment and happiness that I experience today if not for Joe. That was his gift to me. Joe passed away on June 28th. "It's hard to see why anyone would thank God for AIDS," I told the RNA. "But then I think how AIDS CALENDAR ESSAY BOOKS CLASSIFIEDS THE SECOND STONE Page 12 Page 13 Page 16 Page 20 Letters Sacramento, California River City MCC Not Media Shy Dear Second Stone, MCC's are truly a diverse group with varied experiences. We have no such apprehensions, as expressed by Sue Read (Letters, Jul/ Aug '90) about using the mainstream media, although we do not neglect the other options either. We had over 500 Lesbians and Gays in conference at the Beverly Garland Hotel, and publicized the event in the Sacramento Bee and the very conservative Sacramento Union, without adverse effects. We advertise on the "Religion Page" of the Bee weekly, right next to our fundamentalist critic, stating up front that we have a ministry to Gays and Lesbians, and have had nothing but positive feedback. Indeed, we are finally overcoming the "gay church" label and have become the Christian church ministering to Gays. We also have news releases in the smaller local and neighborhood papers as well as the gay press. When we install the dedication plaque on our church in September, it will be Sacramento's first, specif- ISSN No. 1047-3971 THE SECOND STONE Newspaper is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1990 by The Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $12.60 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $8.00 for postage . All payments U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, Display advertising one time rates: Full Page, $595.00; Half Page, $304.00; Quarter Page, $155.00; · Eighth Page, $81.00; Sixteenth Page, $42.00. Send inquiries to: Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising is 35 cents per word. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar annoWICements, and church/organization news to (Department title) The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. THE SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian newspaper committed to informing the gay and lesbian community. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey MARKETING DIRECl'OR: Eric Hess CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, Cynthia Marquard, Danni Munson, Dr. Martin Fowler, David Rickey, Robert McKnigh~ Jim Roche, Michael Blankenship, Dan Grippo, Dr. Louie Crew, John-Michael Olexy, Dr. Buddy Truluck, Chris Glaser, Rev. Gail A. Van Buren ically mentioning the gay and lesbian community. No more "hiding our light under a bushel." Sincerely, Lynn Strawbridge Publicity/Outreach River City MCC Boston, Massachusetts Monogamy Significant To Growing Number Of Gays Dear Second Stone, Thank you! Your publication is an answer to prayer! I am thrilled to be able to read a publication exclusively for Christian Lesbians and gay men. The Second Stone is long overdue. In particular I want to thank Sean L. Avery for his outstanding article (July/ August '90) on monogamous relationships. This is the first article I have read that boldly says "Yes" to the significance of monogamy . I, too, believe, as a Christian I need to "express my God-given sexuality in a manner which is consistent with the Gospels of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." God has blessed me with the partnership of a wonderful man. Our unofficial vows say, "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance." I believe we are a part of a pioneering minority that is growing! Thank you, James Ellibene New York, New York "Sex Prophets" As Wrong As Fundamentalists Dear Second Stone, I appreciated the article "Gay and Lesbian Couples: Is Monogamy a Requirement?," which appeared in Issue #11 (July/ August 1990). It is interesting, I think, how the "sex prophets" on one side of the spectrum in Christian thinking seem as seduced by a dualistic notion of body and spirit as the fundamentalists on the other side of the spectrum. For the fundamentalists, the body, quite . simply, is evil and must be transcended. The sex prophets, in contrast, correct this fundamentalist misconception by proclaiming the body as good, only to slip back into it again by reducing the body to a sort of pleasuring machine , a dull, blunt instrument with no purpose bey ond short-term, physical gratification . As Christians, I believe we are called to be whole human beings, which includes the integration of our sexual activity into our capacity to love. I agree with John McNeil that a committed, faithful, loving relationship is the ideal context for doing this. Sincerely, Kendall W. Zellmer Baltimore, Maryland Article On Steffan Out Of Place Dear Second Stone, The article on Joe Steffan, "Out of . the Navy and Into The Courts " in your July/ August issue was excellent. The implications go beyond Mr. Steffan as his actions will undoubtedly be felt not only throughout the Armed Forces but in the Courts as well. Mr. Steffan has become "hot" material and, in evidence of this, a letter attributed to him was enclosed in re-election campaign mailouts of Gerry Studds. However, as a newspaper with a religious focus, I found no reference to Mr. Steffan's religious leanings or what part the church has played in his life. Was there something edited out, or is there no religious bent intended? If so, then may I ask why this article would appear in The Second Stone? Newsworthy, yes. Religious, no. Respectfully, Thomas J. Meyers Roanoke, Virginia Where Are Pro-Lifers At Adoption Time? Dear Second Stone, The letter from Rev. N . F. Thompson in the July/ August issue did, as he predicted, make me very nervous. His opinion was that abortion rights should not be an issue for homosexuals because it fractures the gay /lesbian community. The point I would like to make here is that abortion rights is not the issue at all, the real issue is that ALL people should have the sovereign right to do as they wish with their own bodies. In my own state it is a felony for me to make love to my lover of eleven years, so I fully sympathize with women who are denied their right to their own bodies. Since when did the lesbian/ gay community become so ingrown and September/October 1990 □ self-serving that we have failed to support other oppressed segments of society? Gays and Lesbians of all races were in the forefront of the fight for civil rights for Black Americans , and Lesbians have always been the leaders and champions of the Women's Movement. I am not just a gay man with a narrow agenda for gay rights, I am also a Christian, sensitive to the inequity, abuse, and neediness I see in the world. If we as Christians don't reach out to fight oppression, then we have failed to keep Jesus' commandment to love others . In my view pro-lifers are only pro-birth. If they were truly interested in the quality of life for all God's children then the focus of their combative attitudes should be destroying prejudice and selfishness in this nation. Of all the tens of thousands of children available for adoption each year there are two major groups: black children, and those who are physically, emotionally, or mentally inpaired. Where are all the compassionate white pro-lifers who would accept a black child into their homes . There are none. Where are all the pro-life parents who would accept a child with special needs into their families. There are none. I think these people honestly think that every embryo will develop into a perfect white child. It doesn't work that way. Of course, there are any number of gay and lesbian couples, with stable, durable relationships, who would love to adopt a child of any race, but surely the pro-lifers would object to this as well. The real Christian calling for us is the fight for justice and the education of these twisted zealots who, in their blind obedience of the religious leadership, would take away individual -rights, not only for abortion, but also for the sexual expression of the readers'hip of this paper. As part of the oppressed Body of Christ, we're all in this together. Sincerely, Michael Blankenship We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences with our readers. Send letters to: LETTERS, The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. ■ Gay Terrorism? Dragging The Unwilling Out Of Their Closets ByMe1 PahJ Contributing Writer Gay liberation. I should really say something about the progress of the gay liberation movement, how wonderful it is to be gay, how far we have come, and how, with a little more time and organization, most of our goals are within striking distance. It so happens I believe all of that. But that isn't what I am compelled to write about. The theme of gay liberation - and black liberation and women 's liberation, for that matter - is the right to make choices about one's life, and the right tc;, be whatever one wants to be. Rather than believing diversity to be a liability, we consider it a benefit. Rather than glorifying conformity, we glorify individuality. The theme of gay pride is rightfully: Dare to be Gays Get Second White House Invita tion WASHINGTON, D.C. - Despite a conservative backlash following the appearance of gay and lesbian activists at the Hate Crimes Bill ceremo ny at the White House last April, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was invited . back for the pr eside ntial signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26. The ADA, a legislative priority for NGLTF, extends broad antidiscrimination protections to handicapped persons, including people with AIDS and HIV. The bill prohibits discrimination in public services, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications and private sector employment. Peri Jude Radecic, NGL TF legisl a tive director and an ADA lobbyist, represented the Task Force at the signing ceremony. The Human Rights Campaign Fund, along with other AIDS and civil rights groups, also sent representatives . I am with You Fear Not! (A Corrective Look at the Lesbian and Gay Clobber Passages) Professionally produced Video-tape Audio-cape & Workbook A new book by the Rev. Bruce Roller Pastor of Reconciliation MCC Grand Rapids, Ml -~ - cp nJ )-/J'l{JI THE MESSAGE OF ~ V v-- (./ RECONCILIATION VHS Video 190 min ) $24.95 AL.dio Tape $5.00 • Wlrid'x:lok $5.0 0 UMng 0..Wsetvss S6.95 Acti 25% fer shi~ng & harding. Faithful Publications P.O. Box 3701 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 yourself. Imagine my mortification, then, to learn that some gay activists, falsely so called, have taken it upon themselves to engage in a new sport called "outing." The game, which is actually a variation of another game called "up roar," consists in dragging the rich and famous out of their closets and publicizing the homosexuality of celebrities just because they are celebrities . Now, while I enjoy gossip as much as the next person, I am entirely in sympathy with celebrities who believe that their status as celebrities does not make their private lives the world's business. It is fun to speculate on who is and who isn't, but the bottom line is that the theme of our movement is that people have the right to make choic es. A choice not to come out of the closet is every bit as valid a choice as the choice to shout from the rooftops. Conformity for the sake of conformity is just as evil regardless of whether it is conformity to the expectations of straight society or of gay terrorists. Just as women's liberation means that a woman who wants to be a full-time homemaker and mother has the same right to make that choice as the woman who wants to be a rocket scientist, and just as black liberation means that a black who wants to be a janitor has the same right to make that choice as the black who wants to be a physician, so gay liberation must - it can be no other way - mean that the choice to remain quiet is as valid a choice as the choice to be public. The bottom line here is that an individual enjoys a fundamental right to make decisions about his or her own life. Others may not agree with those decisions, they may urge a different decision, they may even believe with some plausibility that those decisions are socially harmful. But after all of that has been said, the bottom line is still that each individual has the full right to make decisions about personal sexuality: when and how and in what manner it will be expressed . I wish that every gay person would be public about his or her sexuality. It would do wonders, both for the movement and for their own self esteem. I have never met anyone out of the closet who regretted that decision. If I had my life to do over again, I would come out five years before I did. But having said all of that, there are many gay people who II THE SECOND STONE have reasons that they consider entirely valid for remaining hidden. Those who engage in outing will argue tha .t there is no right to be a hypocrite, and that there is a duty to expos e hypocrisy. But where is the hypocrisy in deciding not to share a certain portion of one's life with the rest of the world? All of us have things about ourselves that we keep private. Except with close friends, I won't talk about how much money I make in a year, my health, or the details of my sexuality. Those parts of my life are private. Other people don't consider those parts of their lives private, and will cheerfully tell anyone who wants to know how much they make, the details of their recent operations, and what exact ly it is they like to do in bed . In both cases, a choice has bee n made: I view those parts of my life as private; others don't. Am I a hypocrite for not announcing ·10 the world my annual salary? Hypocrisy consists of actively perpetuating a lie, of saying one thing and .doing another. I think if (God forbid) Jesse Helms or Bill Dannemeyer or Jerry Falwell were gay, a good argument could be made for exposing that fact, not because of a notion that a celebrity's sex life is public property, but rather because those gentlemen have actively declared war on the gay community, and it is proper to return fire when fired upon. And therein lies the difference: a gay person, whether a celebrity or not, who is quietly minding his own business has the right to live his life as openly or quietly as he likes. A gay person, whether a celebrity or not, who has actively declared war on the gay community, should expect that all's fair in love and war, and our movement combines both. I publicly implore those who have anointed themselves to babble about private matters which are none of their business to find some more constructive place to channel that energy, The gay celebrities have done nothing to deserve this treatment, and our movement has done nothing to deserve this treatment. Don't expect respect for your own privacy if you aren't willing to respect that of other people. Mel Dahl is a regular columnist for Patlar Magazine, P.O . Box 22402, Sacramento, CA 95822, from which this commentary was adapted. Newsbriefs : □ Baptists Call For End To NEA The Southern Baptist Christian Life Commission will call for abolishment of the National Endowment for the Arts unless the U.S. Congress takes action which · will prohibit the funding of obscene, highly offensive, morally repugnant and sacreligious art, said Richard Land, CLC Executive Director. -Baptist Press Boycott Of Philip Morris Products Gains Momentum The gay and lesbian community's boycott of Marlboro cigarettes has reached another product of the Philip Morris Company, Miller Beer, the top selling beer in gay bars across the country. Gay activists have called for a boycott of Philip Morris products because of the company's financial contributions to Senator Jesse Helms. "We asked Miller representatives lots of questions about their self-proclaimed support of the · gay and lesbian community," said Bruce Monroe, president of the Dallas Gay Alliance. "But we found that it was not so much a commitment to our community as it was marketing strategies to sell more beer. We need Miller to stand up to Jesse Helms and let the country know that bigotry and hatred will not be tolerated by corporate America," he said. Miller has tried to avoid a national boycott, saying a decision to boycott in Dallas was merely a "local service problem," but activists claim that the incentive to include Miller has been brewing for several weeks and that Miller's time had run out. 'Lord's Balloon Company' Wouldn't Float Sodomy Law Repeal Message (319)354-3471) rejected their order . In a letter from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Privacy Project Director Sue Hyde, Balloon House manager Lynn Griebahn was asked to explain "this outright act of censorship by your company." Griebahn replied, "Because we are Christians, we do not print any material that is lewd, offensive, racist, immoral, wicked or evil. It is our opinion, from reading the word of God, that homosexuality is immoral, lewd, unclean and unrighteous. Because the Lord owns this business, we cannot accept business which displeases Him ... Homosexuality is your game and it is filthy, disgusting and wrong. And you know it's wrong." In Iowa City on June 23 for that community's gay and· Jesbian pride rally and march, Sue Hyde quipped at the rally, "I was not aware that the Lord owned a balloon company or any other earthly commercial concern. If He did, however, I feel confident that He would consider this display of bigotry filthy, disgusting and wrong. And Lynn Griebahn knows it's wrong." Seventh-day Adventists Rule Out Women Preachers INDIANAPOLIS - Delegates to the 55th world conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted to accept a commission's report that ordaining ,omen would be disruptive to the world church and should not be allowed. During a two-hour debate before the vote, many of those supporting the ordination of women referred to Ellen White, an early church leader thought by some Seventh-day Adventists to be a phophet. -Associated Press · Navratilova Poor Role Model, Says Court A Christian-owned and operated Former Grand Slam winner Margaret company which fills orders for Court said that Wimbleton champion customized balloons refused to print Martina Navratilova is a poor role several hundred balloons intended t0 model for aspiring professional tennis raise visibility for the Georgia players because she is a lesbian. Privacy Coalition's campaign to "She is a great player," Court said, repeal that state's sodomy law. The "but I'd like to see somebody at the Privacy Coalition planned to float top whom the younger players can their sodomy repeal-message at the look up to. It is very sad for children Atlanta gay and lesbian pride march to be exposed to it." and rally a-Hhe-erid-of-iune:--'fhe-~ - Court said that Navratilova is a Coalition's-balloon plans were burst, "nice person" whose life had "just however, when the Balloon House gone astray." (918 Dearborn~IOF.il City, IA 52240 -Associated. Press Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without A Friend For Your Journey. The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YES, I want to receive The Second Stone, the national newspaper for Gay and Lesbian Christians.;.send me: [ ] One year (6 issues) for $12.60 [ ) Two years (12 issues) for $23.00 [ ] Three years (18 issues) for $32.00 Name ....................................................................... Address ........... '. ....................................................... .... City, State & Zip ...................................................... .. Checkh ereif youp refepr laine nvelopfeo rm ailing[ : ] Pleasea llow6 -8 weeksf or deliveryo f yourf irsti ssue.A dd$ 8.00p ery earf or postage in Canadan da ll otherfo reignc ollltries.U .Sc. urrencoyn ly. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 September/October 1990 II Newsbriefs Dignity Appearance Protested Carrying a sign that read "Compassion, Yes - Dign ity, No," six members of a Knights of Columbus chapter recently picketed a Grosse Pcinte, Michigan, church's Sunday Masses. The group was protesting the appearance, earlier this year, of a guest speaker from Dignity. The six protesters were froin the St. Francis Knights of Columbus, and were at St. Ambrose "to inform the parishioners of the true teachings of the Catholic Church regarding homosexuality," according to Earl Amoyette, the group's spokesperson . "Dignity must not be given a platform in the Catholic Church," asserted Amoyette. Reaction of the Parishioners at St. Ambrose to the picketing was mixed - some took the picketer's fliers while others took issue with the "outside agitators" being at the church. Newsletter Out For College Students WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Campus Project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has released a new edition of its newsletter, Organizing For Equality . The publication includes a questionnaire on campus policies, the 1990 hate crimes reporting form and the updated Film Resource Guide. The newsletter, authored by NGLTF Campus Project Director Kevin Berrill and intern Bryce Avery, may be ordered by sending $1.00 to NGL TF Campus Project, 1517 U St., NW, Washington, DC 20009. Rhode Island Bigots React Discrimination against Lesbians and gay men is correct because of their lifestyle, members of a group of churches and conservative organizations said in denouncing a gay rights bill in the Rhode Island legislature. · The group, calling itself the Coalition to Preserve Traditional Values, demonstrated at the Statehouse, and promised a grassroots lobbying campaign during the final weeks of the General Assembly in an attempt to kill the bill in the House. "I think when it passed the Senate, people woke up," said the Rev. Joseph Green of the Gospel Temple Assembly of God in West Greenwich. The measure passed the Senate 24-22. It prohibits discrimination based on "sexual orientation" _in housing, public accomodations, employment and credit. Judith F. Ryder, president of Eagle Forum of Rhode Island, and other CLASSIFIE First Ten Words FREE! I - Buiiness or personal - The Second Stone classifieds really work! Please see the order form on the classified page. Each additional word, 35¢. 20 word minimum. " members of the coalition lambasted the legislation as a way to force employment of homosexuals, even by religious schools and service organizations, even though the bill specifically exempts religious groups. "We know there are many homosexuals- working in these jobs now and as long as they are afraid of discrimination because of their behavior, they won't act up," Ryder said. Religious people also would be forced to hire gay people in their businesses, charged the Rev. David K. Gadoury of the Cranston Christian Fellowship. The reply from legislative backers was equally sharp. " I think they definitely are mounting a scare campaign and a hate campaign," said Representative Linda Kushner, D-Providence, who has sponsored the bill in the House. The Senate-passed bill is broader than legislation that passed the Rhode Island House in 1988 and 1989, but died in the Senate. That bill applied only to credit and public accommodations. -Cruise Network Created For Individuals, Families Affected By HIV/AIDS Citing a need for support within the church for persons who are HIV positive or living with AIDS, a group of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Mennonites, Brethren, and concerned individua ls has started a continent wide hotline . The "Brethren/ Mennonite Connection" is for any individual who feels isolated or needs additional support in dealing with AIDS. "HIV+ individuals, persons with AIDS, and their relatives need a group to which they can turn for information, emotional and spiritual support, and other kinds of assistan~e," explained Urbane Peachey. ·:he group's facilitator and senior pastor of Akron Mennonite Church . "One should not need to go through this traumatic experience in isolation. We want lo let families in our churches know there are groups where it is safe to discuss the situation." Doris Kolb, a public health nurse in Lancaster, initiated the group in November, 1988. Kolb called the group together at the request of her friend, David Dutcher, who was living with AIDS at the time. After Dutcher's death the following January, the group continued to meet THE SECOND STONE □ and explore ways -in which it could respond to AIDS. The group hopes to expand its knowledge of individuals across the country who can provide emotional support to those in similar situations. If an individual is in need o.f basic information about AIDS, he or she will be referred to the closest local resource. The phone number for the "Brethren/Mennonite Connection" is (717)393- 7140. All calls are stictly confidential and a caller need not give his or her name. Massachusetts Gay Rights Law Spared Ballot Challenge The state supreme court has ruled that the Massachusetts Gay Civil Rights Law will not be subject to referendum on the November, 1990 ballot. The court ruled that the law was ineligible for the referendum process because of an amendment to the law which exempts religious organizations. Attorney General Jim Shannon ruled last December that a referendum would be unconstitutional. The ruling was brought before the Supreme Court and upheld by a 5-2 vote. The Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Bill was signed into law by Governor Michael Dukakis on November 15, 1989, after a seventeen year struggle. The day after the signing, a group called "Citizens for Family First" began a campaign to repeal the law. CFF gathered over 60,000 signatures, partly through disseminating misinformation about the nature of the law and about gay people in general. Their campaign was effectively put to an end with the court ruling. Give Gays 'Careful and Broadminded' Welcome, Catholic Church Says A leaked draft of the Roman Catholic Church's new "universal catechism" refers to homosexuality as "an offense to the dignity of marriage" but urges that Gays not be discriminated against. The document suggests that persons with homosexual-drives be given a "careful and broadminded" welcome in the church, but emphasizes that sex between same-sex friends "degrades friendships." -Outlines ;Newsbriefs UFMCC Seeks National Council Membership The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Churches is making a second application for affiliation with the National Council of Churches. The UFMCC made its initial application in 1983 when the Council membership voted to postpone its decision indefinitely. The vote was taken after some denominations threatened to leave the Council if the UFMCC was admitted. -Religious News Service Gay/Lesbian Community Center For Dallas The Dallas Gay Alliance has announced the formation of a steering committee to undertake a capital funds campaign to purchase the MCC Church building in Dallas. Plans call for the building to house most DGA functions and serve as a center for Dallas' gay and lesbian community . Only two other major cities, New York and Los Angeles, have a self-owned gay and lesbian community center. Gay/Lesbian Veterans Form National Organization Gay, lesbian and bisexual veterans from throughout the country met in Washington, D.C., and formed a national organization to continue their fight to end the military's policy of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The group unanimously elected former Staff Sergeant Miriam-Ben Shalom, whose 15 year legal challenge against the military policy was rejected by ·the U.S. Supreme ·court in February, to chair the organization . Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of America will work to support student and faculty groups on university and college campuses in opposing the continuation of Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) programs and military recruiting on campuses which have policies of non-discrimination. The veterans .will also continue to work with the Military Freedom Project and Congressman Gerry Studds to lobby Congress and the Department of Defense to repeal DOD Instruction 1332.4, which contains the discriminatory policy, and amend sections to the Uniform Code of Military Justice which are discriminatorily enforced against Gays, Lesbians and bisexuals. The group plans to establish a "Witch Hunt Strike Team" to help organize resistance wherever and whenever witch hunts ·occur. Ken Veterans, based in Fort Worth, Texas, called the formation of such a strike team "vital." Huntington ' s organization was born out of necessity when a vicious witch hunt started at Carswell Air Force Base last year . "They literally put people in rooms the size of closets, gave them paper and pen and told them they could go when they'd written a confession and named names," said Huntington . "We called everyone we could think of, and no one could help." For information on the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of America write to 1350 North 37th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53208, or call (414)342-6543. ACT-UP: Remove Bishop From AIDS Alliance HOUSTON - The local chapter of ACT-UP wants Bishop San Pedro removed from the board of the Greater Houston AIDS Alliance. A demonstration was planned to "zap" the Sacred Heart Cathedral during the International Summit of Industrial Nations to protest the church's stance to AIDS, homosexuality, women's issues, condoms and birth control. Catholic Group Wants IDs For Gays/Lesbians A group of Catholic parents in Queensland, Australia says Gays and Lesbians should be required by law to wear visible identification and be counseled on "the depravity of their actions." The call for ID cards is part of a 10-point program presented by the Queensland Association of Catholic Parents. The group does not have official church backing. -Associated Press Hong Kong Lifts Old Taboo On Gays Sex acts between same-sex consenting adults have been decriminalized in Hong Kong, ending one of China's oldest taboos and opening the way toward a broader interpretation of human rights in the British crown colony. The new ordinance, which passed by a margin of 31-13, removes all "criminal penalties relating to homosexual acts committed in private by consenting men who have reached the age of 21," and extends to men and boys protection from sexual exploitation similar to that afforded women and girls by criminal laws. The new law does not mention relations between women. -Knight-Ridder Newspapers Falwell Targets HRCF In Helms Fundraising Letter Rev. Jerry Falwell has targeted what he calls "the political committee of the homosexual activists," the Human Rights Campaign Fund, in a recent letter supporting the reelection of Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) . The founder of the now-defunct Moral Majority lashed out at several other tagets including the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Civil Liberties Union . Describing J:Ielms as a "friend who is very dear to my heart, " Falwell praised the North Carolina Republican for his opposition to taxpayers' money being used to fund controversial and homoerotic art. Integrity Founder Begins Fast In a letter to the Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning , Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Dr. Louie Crew, founder of Integrity, advised that he will no longer receive communion "until the Episcopal Church makes all sacraments available to lesbian and gay persons." Crew said that fewer than one-tenth of one percent of all Episcopal Church congregations have listened to the issues facing Gays and Lesbians and that he looked forward to the time when the governing body of the church, the General Convention, no longer stages exclusion. He invited heterosexual Christians to join in his fast. "Experiencing the denial of a sacrament - even if just once or twice a year and even if only voluntarily - heterosexuals will sample the hunger and spiritual malnutrition which the Church now systematically imposes on a11 Lesbians and gay people," Crew said. · He _ aske.d _Bishop Browning's blessing on "the millions of persons whose exclusion the Church now underwrites, expecially those whom September/October 1990 □ our unlove drives to loneliness, depres .sion, suicide, lethal sex, and all other forms of abuse." Crusading UMC Pastor Without Church The Rev. Jimmy Creech, who received wide publicity for his participation in a 1988 Gay Pride parade in Raleigh, North Carolina, is now a pastor without a church. Rev. Creech gave his final sermon on June 24 at Raleigh's Fairmont United Methodist Church. He had requested reassignment by his denomination after facing petitions demanding his removal. Since his appearance in the parade, Fairmont's donations had dropped and about 20 members had quit. He was reassigned as pastor of two rural churches but was rejected by both church congregations . Rev . Creech said, ''The two churches had second thoughts about it and asked that I not be appointed. My future is uncertain." -Cruise Boothman Resigns From Samaritan Rev. Sherre Boothman, credited as being a building force behind Samaritan College, the educational arm of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, has resigned as President of the college in order to devote all of her time to her ministry as pastor of MCC in the Valley. Rev. Sandra Robinson continues as dean of Samaritan . Author Shilts Seeks Military Interviews Best-selling author Randy Shilts is seeking interviews with lesbian and gay military personnel for a new book to examine the issue of Gays in the armed forces. Shilts is the National Correspondent of the San Francisco Chronicle and author of And The Bllnd Played On: Politics, People & The AIDS Epidemic and The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life & Times of Harvey Milk. "I can't think of an issue that more clearly illustrates the human damage created by prejudice than what goes on in the military," Shilts said. Shilts asked that people interested in providing information for his project write him at the San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St.,-- San ..... Francisco, CA 94103 or to leave a message on his voice mail at (415) 777-7220. a '' Great Response! '' '!bat's what a Second St.one advertiser told us :rerently. And we hear that more and more these days. That's because · The Second Stone reaches readers where many other gay and lesbian publications can't. Like public and university libraries. We don't carry advertising or editorial content that would put us behind the counter. We're up front - in plain sight! For businesses offering products and services to the national gay and lesbian community, we're an exciting new marketing approach! Reach new customers in every state across the USA. The Second Stone offers a variety of in-column ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at no charge and we'll get it right - we'll send you a proof to make sure. The Second Stone will also insert your brochure, flier or catalog in our mailing. It doesn't cost as much as you think. You can reach a paid coast to coast readership for about what you'd pay to advertise in one local free distribution gay newspaper. And ... to mail your insert in The Second Stone costs less than mailing it yourself! You won't know till you try it. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about advertising cannot be recaptured. If you're thinking you've paid too much for advertising that hasn't worked ... you're probably right! But you haven't tried The Second Stone. SECOND STONE You'll be pleased with the results. Call 1-504-949-5625 for advertising assistance. £,-¢;K Pontius' Puddle CERTAINLY Tl-IE PASTORAl. SEl'RC~ COM\'\lnll: CONSIOEl<ED FEMALE AWL\CAITTS. 13ITT" NOi-iE MIT OUR l<\/1.\N QUALll=ICA1\0N. It's Easier To Question In the shadow of the redwoods which reminded me that yesterdays can never be forgotten as we live today and look forward to the joys of tomorrow, alongside the ducks quietly preening themselves, their heads tucked beneath their wings in modesty. I look into the neatly mfrrored sky which has reached down nnd touched this murky lake lifting my gay spirit higher than it's been before. The quiet of the day is a gift to my troubled heart torn three times this year by infatuation . disguising itself thinly as first love. Once the vow that tempers such impetuosity has been breached, the fabric of my life has unraveled and I sit here with multicolored, loose ends in hand. Can I juggle these two balls or must I cease to play this game wtih other men's hearts, with my vowed life? Can I pray, confident that a heart listens allowing me to forgive myself when I stray because with Him there is no need to forgive? Can I live my vowed life and still be totally for and with another or will the forced duality destroy what has so long been cherished? It would be easy to play games in the dark; . it would be easy to cut corners with my brothers; it would be easy to lie to myself -that's been done before. So here 1 set -questioning is so much easier than finding answers but for the first time I'm living the quesiions and not setiling for the glib answer- / am hurting but I'm confident that now · there is a cure and it lies with the men who share my journey with me. -ETS from Communication Newsletter II THE SECOND STONE Cover Story From Pagel broadcast, two nations are not at war. And everything did not go as planned . A three month investigation by the FBI foiled the carnage planned for Seattle's gay and lesbian community by two Aryan Nation white supremacists, who had hoped for a massacre in their calculated bomb blast of a popular disco on a crowded Saturday night in May. The two men were arrested en route to place the bomb. Although hateful sexist, racist and homophobic jokes can fill a packed comedy club with sidesplitting laughter these days, some people aren't laughing. Just beyond the degradation that so many find amusing lies the dangerous attitude that some people are worth less because they're different - ali attitude that has for decades been the central focus of a variety of hate groups. Membership in organized hate groups has been increasing over the past ten years, according to Sociologist Dennis Kalob of Loyola University. The rise in membership of such groups accounts only in part for the apparent rise in hate crimes, cautions Kalob, because most hate crimes are commi tied by individuals not affiliated with hate groups. "Although the Ku Klux Klan docs not have the numbers it did in the 1920's, membership appears to be on the swing back up," Kalob said. "There may be as many as 20,000 people active in hate groups, but for every one person actively involved there may be ten supportive." The rising number of people affiliating with hate groups may be the result of more sophisticated recruitment techniques, according to Kalob. Once promoted mainly by personal contact, the KKK now seeks members through magazine articles, distri- One Community's Response: bution of circulars, and even cable televisions shows. In Bossier City, Louisiana, the KKK was successful in distributing over 5000 fliers at the city's municipal complex . Appearing on the flier was an argument, written over 30 years ago, that black people are genetically closer to apes than to white people . Although rhetoric about the inferiority and immorality of othe_r people is still part of the KKK's message, much of today's Klan material is toned down, with more emphasis placed on electoral politics . Kalob said that young people in their teens and early twenties are ripe for recruitment into hate groups, with the neo-Nazi skinheads being the fastest growing wing. "Some come from families with bigoted attitudes," Kalob said, "and others, who may have just become alienated from their family, school, jobs, and society, come from average American homes. They are frustrated at their position in life. With job prospects rather limited, they have genuine problems in their lives. When someone involved in a hate group tells them that their problems are the result of blacks on welfare or Jews controlling too much wealth, in the absence of any other solution, they latch on to the group that purports to have the answers . Young people today will be lucky to maintain the ·standard of living of their parents. As conditions become more desparate for working class youth, they become very vulnerable to purveyors of this ideology ." Although the April signing of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act (the first legislation ever signed into law specifically mentioning Gays and Lesbians ) is a significant victory for the gay and lesbian community, Kalob cautions against being too optimistic. "The problem with this greater visibility," he said, "is that it has strengthened □ some folk's attachment to these groups. Remember, they are looking for some sort of power in their lives. Th e government is now acting more agressively toward them. The attention may serve to strengthen the core group. They're under attack and they're going to circle the wagons." Kalob said that the real solution is in educating people about the various individuals that make up our diverse society . "The underlying socio-economic problems must also be dealt with. People are living in desparate times," he said. Church Perpetuates Attitudes of Hate Toward Gays A visiting missionary from France recently described what he called the "sad state" of the Catholic Church in that country . He SEE COVER STORY, Page 18 Birthplace Of The KKK Says "No More!" ByJimBailey Editor The townfolk of Pulaski, Tennessee are not exactly accustomed to seeing network news camera crews milling about. So it was with great excitement that residents of this small, economically depressed city south of Nashville near the Alabama border gathered around their television sets on the evening of Friday the thirteenth of October, 1989. "We're on the news! We're on the news," ten year old Lisa called out to her family as ABC Evening News anchor Peter Jennings announced that the 7600 citizens of Pu0laski were being honored with the "Person of the Week" award, one of the rare times the honor went to an entire community. Lisa was too young to fully understand what was happening in Pulaski. On the previous weekend the white supremacist Aryan Nations, Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi skinheads marched through town to honor executed Confederate spy Sam Davis. The scant 200 or so participants, including well known Georgia bigot J. B. Stoner, marched through a ghost town. '!'he people of Pulaski just didn't show up for the march . Businesses around the town were closed . Instead of encountering anti-Klan protesters, the marchers met only a prominent display of neatly tied bright orange ribbons all around town. The message: "Hate doesn't thrive here anymore." A frustrated skinhead told a Nashville television reporter, "We're here for unity. But there's nothing to unify with." Pulaski is the birthplace of the KKK. Walk through town and you'll come across a building upon which these words are inscribed: "Ku Klux Klan, Organized in this the Law Office of Judge Thomas M. Jones, December 24, 1865." It is through association with this Christmas Eve gathering 125 years ago that Pulaski has even since been labeled a racist town. Several years ago, in what has become an annual rally, white supremacist groups march in protest ·on Dr. September/October 1990 Martin Luther King's birthday. With the newly organized march to honor Sam Davis, Pulaski citizens had had enough. So on Saturday, October 7th, 1989, the people of Pulaski took a stand against hate. A proud Hal Stewart, Pulaski's mayor, hopes that the nation will sec the town differently now and that the image they ' ve had to struggle with for so long will dissipate. "It just shows it a community will unite, they can get things done," the mayor said . "I'm just so proud of the people of Giles County ." The mayor was also quoted at the time of saying that he had received a call from a frightened Washington state resident asking for advice on handling white supremacists groups, only seven months before neo-Nazi skinheads came up with a plan to bomb a popular Seattle gay disco. Despite Pulaski's bold public statement, the legacy of prejudice lives on powerfully there and throughout the South, according to an article in The Witness written by Rev. Scott A. Arnold, rector of Church of the Messiah in Pulaski. "It is true that the racism of the lynch mobs of just a few years ago has all but disappeared," he writes, "but the silent racism which has replaced it is just as murderous to the spirit." ·11 Families □ Get Set To Explore Our Families! Hy Rev Gan A. Yan Duren Family Editor This past July another dear friend died from AIDS complications. As always, it was devastatingly sad. Recently, I went to see the movie, "Longtime Companion." I was overwhelmed once more with grief for all the lost friends and loved ones. One of the striking and important messages of the movie was how one particular segment of the gay community formulates family. As the new editor of Second Stone's Family and Relationship columns, the topic of how gay and lesbian people form families is of prime interest. In the movie, at the memorial service, one friend eulogized David's classiness by telling of David's willingness to accept his friend's new lover, "Immediately, from the beginning, David brought Fuzzy into the family!" Have you ever had the experience of walking with a friend and encountering a stranger, you both look at the stranger, then at one another, and say almost simultaneously, "Think they're family?" Family has long been an euphonism for describing other lesbian or gay folks. Just how many configurations of family there are for us is probably unknown. During the next several issues I would like to explore some of them. I'd like to hear from you about your own family system or style and share your comments with other readers. Once there was another family, Scripture tells us, the male parent was a king. Saul was his name. Saul had a son named Jonathan. One day Saul and Jonathan met a young shepherd/warrior named David. From the beginning, they took David into the family. Jonathan loved David, Scripture says. But there was friction in the family. Saul was jealous of David and of Jonathan's relationship with him. After much heartbreak and battling, Saul and Jonathan both died. David's lament for them is recorded in II Samuel 1:17-27. As I grieve over the deaths in my family of friends, I can relate to how Thinking Of You.. . A gift subscription to THE SECOND STONE let's someone know how much you care ... and it's a gift that keeps on giving ... all year long. What a nice way to say so much to someone you love! Please send a gift sub- Nam.e.. ..................................................... ............. scription and card to: Addre.s.s.. ............................................. .......... CityS, tate& Zip.. ............................................... Nam.e.. .....................................................N..a. .m.e.. ...................................................... .................. Address................................................................A..d..d. re.s..s. .......................................................... ..... . CityS, tate& Zip.................................................C ityS, tate& Zip.. ................................................ . 1 enclose $ ............... for: [ J One gift• $12.60 YOURN AME... ..................................................................... ......... [ ) Two gifts • $23.00 f J Three gifts • $32.00 ADDRES...S... .................................................................... ... CITY,STATE&Z.I.P... .............................................. .. All gift subscriptionmsa iledin a plaine nvelopeA. dd$ 8.00p ery earl or postagefo r eachs ubscription outsideth e USA. Welcome, Rev. Gail Van Buren Rev. Gail V. Van Buren, M.Div., is the new Family Editor for The Second Stone. Rev. Van Buren is an ord~ined minister in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Readers are encouraged to write her with family and relationship concerns, challenges and triumphs . (c/ o The Second Stone, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182.) Rev. Van Buren · resides in Virginia with her spouse and two dogs. David must have felt at the senseless deaths of Jonathan and Saul, of the terrible waste of God's anointed. I feel angry that our young lesbian and gay family must suffer all this loss. Yet, I also know that in many ways AIDS has given us a way to show all the world our families: the loving care lovers have shared, the Gail A. Van Buren obituaries left behind from all the longtime companions. With a grief that is too big for any of us to bear alone, we need families to help us unravel this mystery - to work, love, grieve, but most of all to live together . I share with you my lament based on David's lament for Jonathan and Saul. A Lament: The Gay and Lesbian Community Grieves After the death of Paul, when we had returned from the March on Washington, we lamented over Paul and Jonathan, his lover, and we all said, "This should be taught to the people of America. It should be written for all to see:" Your glory, 0 America, is slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Arcadia, Florida, publish it not in the streets of Kokomo, Illinois- Lest the daughters of the red-necks rejoice, Lest the sons of the pharisees exult. You mountains of West Virgnia, of Colorado, of California • Let there be no dew or rain upon you, no upsurging of the deep! For there the hearts of the beaufiful were mistreated, The body of Paul not anointed with oil. Yet, from ridicule of the judges, From the fists of the fag-bashers, The head of Jonathan turned not back, and the word of Paul returned not empty. Paul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles; They were stronger than lions. Sons and daughters of America, weep over Paul, Who clothed you brilliantly in scarlet, over Jonathan, who put ornaments of gold in your hair. How the mighty have fallen! How the migh ty have fallen in the midst of AIDS! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places . We are distressed for you, our brothers - our sisters; Very pleasant have you been to know. Your love was wonderful to see, Passing the love of Adam and Eve. How are the mighty fallen, How the beauty of life is perishing! THE SECOND STONE Church & Organization News Lutherans ·Concerned/South Carolina Meets Lutherans Concerned of South Carolina, a society of gay, lesbian and non-gay Christians is now holding regular monthly meetings. The group welcomes all who will "work to foster a climate of understanding, justice and reconciliation among all people." For information write to P.O. Box 90537, Columbia, SC 29290. Truluck New Pastor of Golden Gate Rev. Dr. Buddy Truluck has been installed as Senior Pastor of Golden Gate Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco. Truluck is the second pastor of the church, which was founded in 1982 by the late Rev. Elder James E. Sandmire. Rev. Chuck Larsen, Chaplain to the San Francisco Police Department, has served as interim pastor since Rev. Sandmire's death a year ago. Dr. Truluck was a Southern Baptist Pastor for 15 years and was Professor of Religion at Baptist College of Charleston, South Carolina, for eight years. He wrote adult Sunday School lessons for Southern Baptists and is author of A Fresh Look: The Bible As Friend of Lesbians and Gays. to be published soon . Truluck graduated from Furman University and has three degrees from the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, including Doctor of Sacred Theology. Since 1981, Truluck has been with MCC and was on the staff of First Metropolitan Community Church of Atlanta, Georgia, until December of 1989, when he joined the clergy staff of Golden Gate MCC. Speaking of the future, Truluck said, "Golden Gate MCC can lead the way in telling the world the good news of Jesus Christ. San Francisco is the whole world in one city. This new beginning for the mission of Golden Gate MCC to include all people of every race, age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and religion is one reason why the future is ours." Dignity Chapter 15th Anniversay Dignity /Central Pennsylvania celebra led its 15th anniversary in mid-July. The chapter is central Pennsylvania's oldest continually operating lesbian and gay organization. -The Alternative MCC/Dallas To Build New Church Facility The Metropolitan Community Church of Dallas, in conjunction with its 20th year anniversary, has announced the construction of a new 1200-seat facility . The 2000-member congre gation is the largest of the UFMCC's 308 churches around the world. The new church building will be located on Nash .Street in Oak Lawn. Completion is scheduled for early 1991. Rev. Michael S. Piazza is pastor. MCC/Detroit Has New Home The Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit has purchased a new church building. The first service in the building, located in Roseville at - 18000 Glendale, was scheduled for mid-July . River City MCC Dedicates New Church Building The River City MCC, Sacramento, was scheduled to celebrate its . 19th anniversary and dedication of its new building, located on the corner of Broadway and 3rd Avenue, during festivities planned for September 7-9. A concert, barbecue picnic, street fair and dramatic presentation was planned, as was a service conducted by the Rev. Delores P. Berry. For information call (916)454-4762. Parsonage Seeks Executive Director The Parsonage, an organization of the Diocese of California and a Jubliee Ministry of the National Episcopal Church, is accepting applications for its newly created position of Executive Director. The Parsonage in located in San Francisco and serves the entire Diocese. Its ·newsletter has a national circulation of 1400. The Parsonage is a ministry called to advocate justice for gay /lesbian people and to witness to the Godliness of lesbian/gay love. Candidates should have experience in gay/lesbian ministry and advocacy inside and outside the Church, strong administration skills, ability to attract and train volunteers and an ability to articulate Christian theology and witness in the light of lesbian/gay experience and faith. Laypersons and clergy are encouraged to apply. For more information and an application, write to Deborah Frangquist, Chair, Search Committee, The Parsonage, 555-A Castro St., San Francisco, CA 94114. The application deadline is October 1. Bruce Garner New Integrity Chief Bruce Garner of Atlanta has been sworn in as Integrity's ninth president, succeeding Kim Byham of Guttenberg, New Jersey. Garner, a native of Atlanta served two terms as president of AID Atlanta,Jnc:, one of the largest AIDS service organizations . in the country. He served as Integrity's National AIDS coordinator and represented Integrity on the planning team for the Second National Episcopal AIDS Conference. Raised a Baptist, Garner was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1965, and has since been an active member of various parishes . HVCC To Sponsor Fall Ball The Huron Valley Community Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan will □ repeat its highly successful "Spring Fling" chemical-free dance for th e lesbian and gay community. The "Fall Ball" is tentatively scheduled for October 20th. For information call (313)434-1452. Ex-Gays? There Are None Lambda Chrisffan Fellowship is pleased to announce a new book by Rev. Sylvia Pennington - an examination of ex-gay ministries - what they do - what they don't do. You'll meet people who, only through God's grace, have survived and stopped trying to be ex-gays, because, in truth, there is no such thing as an ex-gay fl]ISOf1. Now Available From Lambda Christian Fellowship P. 0. Box 1967 Hawthorne, CA 90250 $15.00 plus $1.50 for postage and handling. California residents add 6% sales lax. A Presbyterian Promise "We will work to increase the acceptance and participation in the church of all persons regardless of racial-ethnic origins, sex, class, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation" - 195th General Assembly (1983), Atlanta, Georgia If this is your promise, too, we invite you to join Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerns Write to Elder James D. Anderson PLGC, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038, 201/846-1510 September/October 1990 m Calendar . Thef ollowinga nnouncementhsa ve □ beens ubmittedb y sponsoringo r affiliatedg roups. 13th Annual Affirmation General Conference SEPTEMBER 7-9, Affirmation, the national organization for gay and lesbian Mormons will meet in Scottsdale, Ariwna. UFMCC leader Rev. Troy Perry will be the keynote speaker for the gathering, themed "Let Our Light So Shine." A variety of workshops will be offered including "Child Custody Issues for Gay People." For information write to Affirmation Conference, P.O. Box 26488, Tempe, AZ 85285-6488 or call (602)396-6950. Reconciliation MCC Campmeeting 1990 SEPTEMBER 13-16, Reconciliation MCC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, sponsors a gathering for "Powerful . and Positive Messages" featuring two dynamic speakers, Rev. Delores P. Berry, co-founder of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and an organizer of the first Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, and Rev. Elder Freda Smith, who has appeared on local and national television in the United States and Canada as a spokesperson for numerous gay rights activities. Cost is $35.00. For information write lo Reconciliation MCC, P.O. Box 1259, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Affirmation Fall National Meeting SEPTEMBER 14-16, Christ United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. is the setting for the 1990 meeting of Affirmation. 'To Everything A Season ... A Time To Grow" is the theme of the gathering, hosted by Mid-Atlantic Affirmation, The. meeting will be a special time of reflection and renewal and a celebration of the history and future of Affirmation. For information write: National Meeting, P.O. Box 23636, Washington, DC 20026. Second National ANIN Conference SEPTEMBER 16-18, The Second AIDS National Interfaith Network HIV/ AIDS Ministries Conference II will offer opportunities for persons committed to HIV/ AIDS ministries to learn, share experiences, dicuss mutual concerns, strengthen networking relationships, consider advocacy strategies, worship together and nurture and inspire one another. The Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, is the setting. Faith Temple's Advance SEPTEMBER 28-30, Faith Temple in Washington, D.C. sponsors a three day event themed "Advance to Wholeness in Christ" for the gay and lesbian community lo discover and celebrate wholeness in spirit, sexuality and individuality. The National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is the setting. Workshops include Sexuality and Scripture, Relationships and Ministry in the Black Gay and Lesbian Community. Fee of $90.00 includes food, housing and transportation during the conference. For information contact Faith Temple, c/o 1313 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005, or call (202)544-2766. Advance '90 OCTOBER 3-8, The Community Gospel Church of Houston, Texas hosts Advance '90 sponsored by Advance Christian Ministries. The program through October 5th is designed for pastors and their partners. October 5-8 is the fifth annual Advance Weekend. For information write to Kris Waggoner, cf o 4001-C Maple Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219 or call (214)522-1520 or (214)943-8081. Brethren/Mennonite Convention OCTOBER 5-7, "Building Our Community: Strategies for the 90's" is the theme for the Brethren/Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns international convention to be held in Philadelphia, Penn. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, author of numerous books on theological, feminist and gay /lesbian issues, will keynote the conference. For more information write: BMC Conference, Box 65724, Washington, DC 20035. Kansas City GLAD Event OCTOBER 5-8, The Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance, an organization of laity and clergy of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, holds its 1990 conference at the Tall Oaks Conference Center, near metropolitan Kansas City. Themed "Lift As We Oimb", the event will be .keynoted by Rev. Jan Griesinger, Co-moderator of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/ Gay Concerns. Optional workshops on gay and lesbian parenting, liturgy, creative movement, coming out, and health and nurture are planned . .Strategy and organizational groups will discuss regional and local GLAD chapter development, Open and Affirming Congregation development and preparing for the denomination's 1991 General Assembly in Tulsa. Early registation fee of $90.00 includes dormitory lodging and all meals except Saturday dinner. For more information or to register, write to GLAD, P.O. Box 19223, Indianapolis, IN 46219-0223 or call Randy Palmer, (309)755-2498. Second National Conference On Lesbian and Gay Legal Issues OCTOBER 5-8, Sponsored by the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association, the I..avcndar Law II Conference will feature experienced panelists from around the country who will provide insight into the struggle of Lesbians and gay men for fundamental civil liberties, and equal rights to personal affairs, employment, government services, public accommodations, health care, along with many other issues of concern to the community. Nationally known lecturers and authors will present substantive workshops and will provide insight into instituting change. Registration fees are on a sliding scale by income levels. Special reduced rates are available for students and low income practitioners. Registration materials can be obtained by contacting Conference Co-Chairs Jeff G. Peters and Abby R. Rubenfeld at P.O. Box 120795, Nashville, 1N 37212-0795. Third Annual 'Creating Change' Gathering NOVEMBER 9-12, Lesbian and gay THE SECOND STONE activists from around the nation will meet in Minneapolis for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's third annual Creating Change conference. The Holiday Inn Metrodome is the setting. The conference will feature leading activists from the national and grassroots gay and lesbian scene, prominent and provocative speakers, 42 skills-building workshops, social events, organizing sessions and more. Plenary speakers will be Barbara Smith, black lesbian feminist writer and activist, Dr. C. T. Vivian, civil rights activist and Center for Democratic Renewal chairman and Kate Clinton, popular feminist humorist. Early registration is $120.00. The Chicago Resource Center has provided a grant to help fund a scholarship program for people of color and people with disabilities. Contact NGLTF, 1517USt. NW, Washington, DC 20009 or call (202)332-6483. Women's Thanksgiving Cruise NOVEMBER 17-24, Robin Tyler Productions presents a seven night women's Thanksgiving cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the SS Bermuda Star, a magnificent luxury vessel that has all the spaciousness and ambiance of the dassic era cruise ships. Join over 800 other women from all over the world on the high seas on a cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. For furthur information, write to Robin Tyler Productions, 15842 Chase St., Sepulveda, CA 91343 or call 1-818-893-4075. Robin Tyler is now producing two of the major women's music and comedy festivals (7th Annual Southern and 11th Annual West Coast) as well as this cruise, thereby producing the highest number of national women's events. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAR, TiiE SECOND STONE, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 1991 Gayellow Pages Released The 18th edition ofthe USA/Canada Gayellow Pages has been released by Renaissance House. Copies are on sale at most gay, feminist, and alternative bookstores, or may be ordered by mail from Renaissance House, Box 292, Village Station, New York, NY 10014. USA cost for discreet first class mailing is $10.00. Essay □ Jesus and Self-Esteem Biblical Primer On Coming Out By Dr. Budc!y Truluck Columnist Who can I tell? What if my parents find out? Will I lose my job if my homosexuality is discovered at work? Does this cut me off from God? These are some of the most crucial and perplexing questions faced by Lesbians and Gays. "Coming out" means to admit and accept the fact that you are homosexual and to tell at least one other person. Coming out can involve a lot of uncertainty and stress and can take a long time. It can be planned and voluntary or sudden and involuntary. Later stages of coming out can take a lifetime and can include letting your family . know, going to openly gay places, telling your friends, identifying with the lesbian/gay culture, openly living with a lover, telling your boss and co-workers, and becoming an activist for lesbian/ gay causes. You cannot decide whether or not to be homosexual. You can only decide how you will handle it. The Bible offers help in handling every aspect of life. How can the Bible be a friend of Lesbians and Gays in handling the stress and decisions of coming out? Begin with your firm conviction that "God didn't make no junk!" Selfhate, denial and low self-esteem are persistent enemies of the "love, joy and peace" that God promised. You cannot come out to God. God already knows every,.thing about you. The "Serinon on the Mount" in Matthew 5,6 and 7 is about being honest with yourself, honest to God and honest with others. Self acceptance begins with being willing to face and admit the truth about yourself. Self awareness and self acceptance are the basic aims of both modern psychotherapy and the Sermon on the Mount! Just as you cannot "love your neighbor as yourself'' until you love yourself, you cannot be honest with · others until you are honest with yourself. "To your own self be true" is the preface to all meaningful programs of recovery from addition. The Twelve Step Program in Alcoholics Anonymous begins with "We admitted ... " Denial is the deadly enemy of recovery. Denial deprives the individual of the first step towards a full and meaningful life. Denial says NO to the t:~th by saying NO to the self. Living is the closet is a life of fear and deception. In the closet, you learn to lie to those you love the most to "protect them from being hurt." You lie to your parents, to your Gay/Lesbian Mormons To Meet In Arizona SCOTTSDALE, Az. - Affirmation, the national organization serving gay and lesbian Mormons, their families arid friends, will hold its 12th Annual Conference September 7-9, 1990. In announcing the conference theme and individuals who have accepted the invitation to par.ticipate as speakers, panelists, and entertainers, the planning committee expressed enthusiasm for the overall program and anticipated attendance. "We wanted to. create a weekend agenda with diversity," said Co-Chairman Keith Johnson, "and each guest will bring to the conference a wealth of personal experience, spirituality, and insight that will address a broad range of issues of importance to gay and lesbian Mormons. Co-Chairman Irwin Phelps added that "this conference builds on the successes of previous conferences and we welcome . all, both members and non-members who are interested in attending." "Let Our Light So Shine" is the official Affirmation Conference theme and workshops, panel discussions, and addresses will expand to this overall ·concept. The keynote address will be delivered by The Rev. Troy D. Perry, foun<;ler of the .. Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Carol Lynn Pearson, author, actress and poet will perform her critically acclaimed one woman show, "Mother Wove the Morning." See Calendar. Business or Personal ... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad family, and to your closest friends "to protect them from being hurt." Or is it just the easy way out to protect yourself? Lying becomes a way of life. Later, after you come out, it's hard to quit lying. You are addicted to lying. You lie to your Jover "to protect him or her from being hurt" too. No matter how you slice it, the closet is a lie. Jesus met the issue head on . "Let your word Yes mean Yes and your No mean No. Anything beyond that is evil." Does that seem extreme and harsh? Not if your goal is to become like God! Remember that the demands of Jesus are not hard: they are impossible! What is not possible for you is possible with God. The New Testament says everywhere that the love that makes life new and wonderful for believers is given by God. Jesus rejected violence and deceit and chose the way of love and truth. The word hypocrite is from the Greek word for "mask" and means to wear a mask or pretend to play a part that is not the real you. "Hypocrite" is one of the few words that is exactly the same word in Greek and in English and was Jesus' harshest label for religious leaders who were dishonest, mean, unjust, insensitive, judgmental of others and blind to their own faults. Psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan concluded that what people fear and avoid most fo life is a clear and honest look at themselves. What do you fear seeing in yourself? What forms of denial have you developed to protect yourself from the real you? Have you come out? What did it cost you? Have you stayed in the closet? What has that cost you? Buddy Truluck is a former Southern Baptist pastor. Presently this energetic Bible scholar is teaching a series entitled "The Bible As A Friend of Lesbians and Gays• at San Francisco's Golden Gate MCC, where he serves as p~tor. He was educated at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Back Issues NOW AV AILABLE ... in case you missed them! A great way for new subscribers to find out what we've been up to! All orders shipped promptly by first class mail. Outreach ... is the light under a bushel for Gays & Lesbians? Newbriefs. travel & book review. More from Bruce Roller, Bill Urban. m Dr. Virginia Uribe's program for gay teens under attack by religious conservatives. Plus ... are you supporting causes that discriminate against Gays? A change of -heart? Ex-gay ministries say there is another choice •.. an ex-gay's story. More from Martin Fowler, Michael Blankenship. m Aft.er the AIDS·death of her son, Beverly Barbo set out to change church attitudes towards Gays .. More from Louie Crew, Sylvia Pennington. To order send $2.25 plus 65 cents per issue for first class postage. (Foreign orders add $1.00 per issue.) Issues prior to #6 are SOLD our. PLEASE SEND ME ...... COPIES EACH OF I )#6 [ ]#7 [ ]#8 [ ]#9 Name ...... ... .. ... . ...... . . . .... . . . ...... ..... : ................... . Address ......... . ............................................ · . . ... . City, State & Zip ..................... .................. .. .... ..... . -'~· Septe -m ber / October 1990 II ;,Closer Look The P rophe t J erem iah and Hi s Scr ibe, Baruch Longtime Companions l!y Rev. Bruce Roner Contributing Writer Was the prophet Jeremiah gay? As I have written before in the introduction to this series of articles , I do not have enough information · .. about the ancient Biblical characters about whom I write this year to say what any of their gender orientations may have been. Instead I write my reflections about some of the people in the Bible who . help to tell the story of the relationships of gay and lesbian people. Jeremiah is one such person. The prophet Jeremiah has revealed his personal life and struggles to us in greater depth and detail in Scripture than any other Hebrew prophet. Jeremiah was a priest from Anathoth, an unpopular prophet whose ministry must have made him seem quite eccentric and certainly dangerous to his comtemporaries. Jeremiah never married. Jeremiah 16:1-4 records that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah saying, "Yo.u must not marry." "For this is what the Lord says about the sons and <laughers born in this land and about the women who are their mothers and the men who are their fathers: 'They will die of deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried but will be like refuse lying on the ground. They will perish by sword and famine, and their dead bodies will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the e<1rth."' Jeremiah's willingness to obey God's command not to marry certainly does not signal that he is gay. It does , however, place him firmly in the tradition of modern gay and lesbian Christians whose refusal to follow oppressive traditional religious beliefs about who and when to marry, sets us apart as targets for further attempts at oppression and judgment from our peers. The "confessions" of Jeremiah, in which he exposes the deep spiritual - the one that deals most honestly with how men relate to each other, to women, and to kids; the one that's gay-affirmative and opposes sex-role stereotypes, . . . the one that movingly explores men's hurts and joys . . . ______________ State_ Zip __ I Moll to: Chon 1n Men 306 N Brooks 305A Madison WI I ------~------------------ and theological struggles in his spirit make him perhaps the most human of the Hebrew prophets. Reading these in Jeremiah 11:18-23; 12:1-4; 15:10-21; 17:12-18; 18:18-23; and 20:7-18, one is struck by Jeremiah's honest feelings about God, his ambivalence toward his calling, his frustration with his enemies, his pain at being a "prophet of doom." The anguish of his spirit is evident throughout his writings. Indeed he is rightly called the "weeping prophet." His honest, questioning loyalty to God, however , continually makes him courageous in his service to God. Jeremiah's loyalty to God is nearly matched by the service to Jeremiah of his. closest companion and faithfu I secretary, Baruch. Baruch is seldom spoken of in fundamentalist circles . Little is known of him . In fact, nothing unrelated to the life of Jeremiah is recorded about this faithful man, though it is possible that Baruch was responsible for. the final compilation of the book of Jeremiah itself. If God ever overcame obstacles to put two people together in a longterm committed relationship, Jeremiah and Baruch are the perfect examples. Jeremiah had only four "friends" of whom we are told in his book. Certainly his introspective and · self-critical manner was not conducive to long and happy friend- PATLAR · VOfCE OF GAY /\MERICA MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE FREE AT OUR DISTRIBUTION POINTS SUBSCRIPTIONS $35 ANNUALLY SAMPLE 1 t'Jp~~s)itT¼~~k usA S4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING po c~k mW?llJ~~~-t62cl}?~~22 Business or Personal ... Try a Second Stone Classified Ad m THE SECOND STONE □ ships. Yet Baruch remained with him even accompanying him on the long road to exile in Egypt (43:6-7). Jeremiah 45 makes clear that Baruch shared to some extent the anguish and calling of Jeremi ah , and Jeremiah 43 :3 indicates that Ba ruch was recognized, not just as Jeremiah's scribe and companion, but as someone with a great influence on Jeremiah. Some hostile leaders seemed to think that Baruch was the power behind the u tteranccs of the great proph et. It was Baruch that Jeremiah trusted faithfully to write the utterances that eventually made up the book of Jer e miah (36:4-32). Not only was Baruch faithful to write the prophetic words that he certainly knew would be deemed treasonous, but he willingly went to the temple and read the words, finally reading them again in the presence of the king's highest officials. He was willing to risk his life for his friend Jeremiah . Jeremiah also trusted him with his personal business, giving him a deed of purchase to deposit for safekeeping for Jeremiah (32:11-16). Is the story of Baruch and Jeremiah so often untold because it has so many lessons in loving and intimate companionship between two people of the same gender? In sermons and lessons where faithfulness is the central idea the story of Baruch's lifetime commitment to the prophet Jeremiah seems a perfect illustration. Nobody knows if there was ever physical or "romantic" expression of the commitment of Jeremiah and Baruch, but for affection, shared interests and concern, faithfulness to death and beyond (if Baruch was indeed the compiler of the current book of Jeremiah), trust, and oneness, there is no question that these "longtime companions" were an inspiring couple. The help us to tell and hear our stories as gay and lesbian believers . The Reverend Bruce Roller is pastor of Reconciliation MCC in Grand Rapids, MI: He has prepared a workbook on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that is available for $3.50 plus 25% handling and shipping. This book allows the student to draw conclusions themselves from the Word of God, and has helped many people over their fear of condemnation from this passage of Scripture. The workbook is available from Faithful Publications, P .O. Box 3701, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. Two Dads Washington CoupleAdopt A Son BY MATT NAGLE For the first eight years of his life, Gene was passed around to various families through Washington state's foster care system . Gene is slightly developmentally disabled, afflicted by fetal alcohol syndrome. Instead of being given love and attention during those years, Gene was given drugs that kept him sedated during the day, but awake and hyperactive at 4:00 a.m. He wasn't hugged when he needed it or talked to when he wanted it. He was just another face in the system . Then, in 1989, Gene's life changed when he was legally adopted by Michael and David Serkin-Poole, his two new Dads. "It really is possible," said David. "There was a little more paperwork we had to go through, a few more hoops we had to clear, but we did it. We dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't' and we did it ." "We've always wanted a child, " Michael said . "We have the time, the resources and the support system. There are a lot of kids out there who would be great sons and daughters and given the amount of Gays and Lesbians in this country, we could empty the entire foster care system." The Serkin-Poole's adoption may have been the first time in Washington state and the nation that two gay men have adopted a child not related to either adoptive parent. However it is difficult to be sure of this. According to Shelly Cohen, the Serkin-Poole's attorney, and attorney Eric Watness who also works on adoption cases, adoption records and paperwork arc sealed and closely guarded by the courts. Therefore, even attorneys are not allowed to dig through the records for research. "All we know is what we hear or read about," Cohen said. Gay and lesbian adoptions in themselves are nothing new, but so far, the market has been cornered by Lesbians and in every case known by Cohen and Watness (of which there are 11), the child was the biological child of one pa rtncr or one pa rtncr was artificially inseminated and she and her partner co-adopted the child. Cohen said that even though the Serkin-Poole's adoption was not difficult, it may be too early for other gay male couples to run out and expect to be able to easily adopt children. "The Serkin-Poole's were the perfect test case," Cohen said. David is a ' < The Serkin-Pooles: Michael, Gene and David Cantor and director of education at a local synagogue and Michael has worked for years with developmentally disabled adults. Therefore, it was natural for Gene to be placed with them. Despite the statistics, the Serkin-Pooles firmly believe that gay and lesbian couples can adopt children in Washington state and Michael and David hope that they will set an example for others . "Washington is one of the few states where same sex adoption is possible," David said . "From .a legal standpoint, Michael and I are single. But the law says two single persons may adopt a child if it is in the best interest of the child. It d oes n ' t specify sex; it just says two single persons." Gene loves having two Dads. "They're fun. They play Nintendo with me," he said as he hugged Michael. Gene plays baseball on a special olympics team and his parents belong to the PT A. · "We were real comfortable adopting a child who doesn't fit ' the norm,' w hatever tha t is, " David said. "We were comfortable with a wide range of possibilities in age and disability. There are tons of children out there if you are willing to take a non-infant. There are so many children in foster care just being bounced around." With the Serkin-Poole's open minds and hearts, they were able to adopt Gene in nine months (just like a pregnancy , joked Michael.) The majority of straight couples ha ve been known to wait years wading . through the adoption process in search of that "perfect child." As a direct result of living with Michael and David, Gene no longer has a need to be m edicated . "He's on his last medication now ," Michael said. "We're willing to manage his behavior without medication by using positive reinforcement and a lot of love and attention he never got being in a foster home with 11 or 12 kids." Gene is also working with a speech therapist . "When he first came to us, all he could do was point and grunt/ David said. "He couldn 't even speak a full sentence:" No w, Gene talks up a storm. An occupational therapist is helping Gene gain dexterity in using his hands. He is learning to read and write and is revealing a creative nature . For Father's Day, Gene and his classmates made their fathers a booklet entitled "The Important Thing About My Dad ." But Gene has two Dads so, since the title page on the cover of the booklet was computer printed for all the children, Gene's teacher helped him pencil in an "s" September/October 1990 on the end of the word "Dad." Another interesting aspect about this family is that Michael and David had their last names legall y changed. "We did that as a way of getting around the issue that we cannot be legally married," David explained . "A symbol of family in this society is to have the same last name, so that's why we did that because it felt as close as we could get to signifying this is one family." Serkin was David's last name and Poole was Michael's so they just combined the two with a hyphen . Gene's last name is also Serkin-Poole. Both Michael and David were impressed with the support th ey received from Gene's foster hom e, his teachers and the court system throughout the adoption. The two were investigated thoroughl y, but "I think all couples should be investigated that closely," David said . " If alJ parents went through what we did , it would be great . We would have a lot less child abuse and children put in unfit homes." David said he and Michael, among other things, were put through psychological evaluations and home studies that they passed with flying colors. "We had social workers from the state representing us and Gene, writing up th es e glowing repo rts about us, that this is the best place for the child . Certainly, Gene had a tough beginning in life, and needs parents to give him attention and love," David said. "Even Gene's two teachers went to court with us prepared to testify for us, but it never came to that," Michael said. Gene has been accepted by Michael and David 's families, too, although Michael 's parents were initially shocked . "I told my mother for a year we were adopting, but she wasn' t listening. She never thought is was going to happen . So one day I called and said, 'It happened! He's in our house!' And she said, ' Who's in our house?' And I said, 'Our son!' 'What son?' And she still believes I told her for the first time . But she's great no w and she loves Gene . David's immediate family liv es in Los Angeles , and they, too, embr ace d : Gene from th e moment they sa w him. "It was a real nice experience," David said. "That unconditional love ." Of cou rse, the Serkin-Poolcs took their son to Disney Land and d id "that whole tourist thing," accord ing SEE ADOPTION, Page 20 m , Books □- . Miracles, She Claimed . Immodest Acts, The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy By Michael Blankenship Contributing Writer Certainly one of the most fascinating books I've read is one entitled Immodest Acts, The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, by Stanford University history professor Judith C. Brown. It is a book that takes the entire spectrum of the church's oppression of homosexuals J\11 angry young poet's intimate discourse with God on faith, gay love, AIDS and the CaLholic Church's controversial stand condemning homcsexuality. .. S:mlonic, sophiSlicatcd ... There is so much to be enjoyed here, t his reviewer ex.hons rcaJcrs lo add Sa With God to thei!" list of gifLs for special friends." -Lambda Rising Se~ Witfi (jocf Dy Thomas O'Neil Ulustrations by Ty Wi.l!-or, Send SS.95 plus $1.50 for postage and handling to: Indulgence Press, P.O. Box 965, Dept.V, N.Y., N.Y .. 10023. Add 50¢ forN.'(. State orders. during the Reformation and puts a face on it, making it a personal account that brings our history to life. The transcripts on which this book is based were discovered, purely by chance, by Brown while researching some other aspects of Florentine history, and the account which she has produced reads with the flow and excitement of a historical novel. Her well-researched introduction "Sweet, 1exy and tlQpemeful, Secret Matter affirm, a tranacendeolAl ·vi,ion of being gay," M.,1,Tl,.._,c.,,,1',i,,W,..,.<llf--:.O, ... sci1mcs fiction as conlempora,y religious myth. n!:~n~~ "C::r~~:i~f gay spiritualities, was a friend & student of Joseph Campbell. ~ !hi, delitnvl, ~~PJ.::ii:=;;,~j~: to gay e~rience & 9ives lhe world o new hero in o ·.~~~e o~I :~~~,! thotfe~ Story of Creation 01 yoo always woniad it k>ld. .. . o ouli 1lolemenl of gay spiritual cooKiousnen in a poge-fvrning plot you'H foll in IO¥e wiln ,. ..• a book from the heart ••. ■ J.o a very intriguing, captivating rud." o-..c..i..., ...,....~.• 1Anoa.,-, Avoilobi. ct you loeol booksfo!9 Of by molfl om lberty Soob:, 1014"BN.Lomor,Aurih.TX78703. s.ndS10+Sl.50P&.H(Texaw odd81ol'clX. Ore onVlso/MC OYOf. Cole008281279. A Provocative New Look at Sexuality and the Church LIVING IN SIN? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality John Shelby Spong • Should the chu rch receive homosexua ls into its fellowship and support responsib le, committed gay and lesbian coup les? • Should the w idowed be allowed to form intimate re lationship s without remarrying? • Shou ld congregations publicly and I iturgically witness and affirm divorces? In his most controversial book ever, Bishop Spong calls for a new moral vision to empower the church with a more inclusive teaching about equal, loving, nonexploitative human relationships . Addressing the concerns of real people in real situations, he w rites with candor, courage, and compassion. Paperback, $9.95 Available at your local bookstore. Also available from HarperCollins Canada Ltd. iM1i1 HarperSanFrancisco - A. Division of H:uperCollinsPNblisbm offers a concise history of the Christian church's stance toward "the sin which can not be named." This leads into the lifestory of Benedetta Carlini, an impressive and controversial sixteenth century nun, who could possibly have achieved sainthood, had not her secret been revealed. Benedetta's life began in a remote mountain village to the north of Florence.· Her birth was a difficult one, and fearing that both mother and child might die, her father _ beseeched God to spare their lives, prqmising to dedicate the child to the religious life. Almost miraculously both survived, and the newborn girl was named Benedetta, meaning blessing. At the age of nine she was taken by her father to become a member of the Theatine Community, a group of religious women organizing their own convent at that time. Benedetta was placed in this newest of the local religious institutions because dowries at the more prestigious convents were too expensive. This might seem shocking by today's standards, when free choice is very much a part of an individual's commitment to the religious life. But, at this time when women had no power and few options for their lives, they did as their families (fathers) directed. Many unmarried or widowed women entered the convents, not out of any sort of religious conviction, but merely as a way of survival. Women were also · taught that only through suffering could they attain spiritual purity, so we find them in the book literally flagellating themselves with short whips . Sister Benedetta's first years with the Theatines were unremarkable, but about the age of 23 she started having mystical visions which drew the attention of the other nuns. Her visions began as beautiful meandering through highly symbolic gardens, but these rapidly progressed to nightmares of being savagely beaten by gangs of handsome young men. It soon became apparent to the Mother Superior that Benedetta was being seriously disturbed by these supernatural apparitions, and it was at this time that she assigned a young companion named Bartolomea to assist when Benedetta's visions would violently erupt during the night. This unwittingly gave II THE SECOND STONE Benedetta the means to act out her erotic visions. After the visions had become somewhat commonplace, other marvelous things began to occur, which were always witnessed and corroborated by Bartolomea . While visions and trances were considered to be miracles of a sort, it was when Benedetta received the stigmata, the signs of the holy wounds of Christ, upon her body that the church officials took notice. The stigmata was a miracle of another sort, and demanded an appropriate elevation in rank . She was immediately appointed to the position of Abbess. As her control increased so did the miracles. "By the direction of Christ" she planned an elaborate wedding ceremony in which Christ took her as his bride. Later as a sign of the wedding a golden "ring" appeared on her finger. She was abo allowed by the Bishop to preach to the other nuns while under the influence of a male angel named Splenditello (as long as the masculine traditions were upheld .) And, while there is no explanation as to what was happening over the skies of the convent, a "comet" came to rest over the convent for several days . Jealous competition, of course, can ruin even the best laid plans, and such was the case with Benedetta . During an investigation of the supposed miracles some of the fellow nuns revealed what they had seen while peeking through her keyhole. The wounds were self-ipflicted, and the gold ed "ring" received a little help with a pinch of saffron. Bartolomea was brought forward to testify and she told how Benedetta, under the power of Splenditello, had repeatedly embraced her, speaking words of love, and forced herself upon her "until both corrupted themselves." Considering the fact that this had been occuring for a period of two years, as least three times a week (as the investigation revealed), it is amazing that the horrified Bartolomea had not reported these attacks sooner. Benedetta's charade had come to an end, and what followed was a 35 year imprisonment, the terrors of which we can only imagine. And while her many miracles were explained away we're still left with ·one small mystery: exactly what was the "comet" that halted for several days over the convent? The Ca regiver s' Journey First Guidebook For AIDS Caregivers Mel Pohl, M .D ., Deniston Kay , Ph.D. , and Doug Toft, authors ; Hazelden, Center City , MN. 249 pp. $9.95, paperback. The Caregivers' Tourney: When You Love Someone with AIDS, is the first AIDS resource to explore the question, "What about the caregivers?" The authors address the feelings and experiences common to AIDS caregivers, such as guilt, sham e, fear and ang er and loss of health, friends, family relationships and jobs . The authors draw parallels between coping as as AIDS caregiver and Secret Matter recovery from chemical depen de ncy and apply the same idea s used in recovery from chemical dependency to AIDS caregivers . "We can suffer emotionally from th e presence of AIDS in our loved ones much like the perso n who lives with an alcoholic or other addict," write the authors. "That suffering is real and is intensified by two kinds of relationship problems: trying to control our loved ones' lives and well -being, and basing our serenity on their serenity." The Caregivers' Tourney offers · a solution through interdependence or "the art of loving New Gay Sci Fi Novel Secret Matter is a gay science fiction roma nce with a delightfully positive message, a cap tiva tin g and moving plot, and an unforgettable alien. The new novel by Toby Johnson has just been released by Lavendar Press. When aliens arrived from space, Kevin Anderson had no idea the Visitors' real reason for coming to Earth would ever affect him. He was, after all, just a young architect fresh out of college. But one bright summer afternoon at Lands' End, Kevin met a Visitor. And hrs life was never the same again. As Kevin uncovered layer after lay er of the secrets of the Visitors' lives, the secret about his own life he'd been hiding even from himself became more obvious and more compelling. And he began to realize that his telling the truth about himself might help the Earth discover the truth about the Visitors - before it was too late. Secret Matter is a delightful romantic comedy with an 'Wha t Did Miss Darrington See?' Wins Lambda and Readercon Award s What Did Miss Darrington See? An Anthology: of Feminist Supernatural Fiction, edited by Jessica Amanda Salmonson and introduced by Rosemary Jackson, has been honored with two awards. The book received the Readercon Small Press 1990 Award for Best Anthology, followed by a Lambda Literary Award in the lesbian sdence fiction category, presented June 1 at the American Booksellers Association convention . The 24 entertaining and haunting stories collected in What Did Miss Darrini:ton See? make available a literary tradition that has long been overlooked. Included are stories from the United States, from England , and, in translation, from Latin America . Many of the authors' names are familiar - Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, Olive Schreiner, Anne Sexton, Joanna Russ, and · Luisa Valenzuela, for example . Others less well known are now accessible to the modern reader . Whet her writing about supernatural phenomena or applying the techniques of magic realism, allegory, and surrealism, these diverse talerits focus on female cha racters and treat a variety of traditional themes in inventive and provocative ways. without being consumed ." Outlining the tools used by such self-he lp groups as Al-Anon, The Caregivers' journev takes readers through the initial shock of the AIDS diagnosis, through the stages most caregivers commonly experience, to acceptance of what is happening to them and their loved one. The book covers codependency and interdependence , coping with HIV illness, learning about AIDS, dealing with misin formatio n, going beyond the facts and working with th e multitude of feelings the caregiver has. This coping process is captured undercurrent of dramatic tension and suspense, the right touch of science fiction, and, as fans of Toby Johnson will recognize, just the right measure of mystical wisdom to make this a novel you'll long remember - and feel a pang of fondness and pride. Secret Matter combines the gay and science fiction genres into a satisfying hybrid that 's bound to appeal to gay readers and science fiction fans. E mpathy is a journal that d eserves our .>upport for th e o riginal and creative work it does an the inte res t of truth and justice. .f. Rev. Malcolm Boyd, author of 23 books including Are You Running with Me,jwu?, Take Off the Masks, and Gay Priest · E mpathy provides a mui:h~needcd a nd welcom ed communication link for persons involved in education about homophob ia. At its best it will kee p us informed and in much, supponed and challenged, excited a nd pro ud. ;,f. Brian McNaught, lecturer and author of On Being Gay: Th oughts on Family, Faith, and Lov e September/October 1990 □ at the beginning o(eac h chapter in· vignettes tracing t he real - life journeys of three families - a gay couple, an extended Latin o family and a heterosexua l coup le - living with AIDS. These stories dispe l myths about who gets AIDS, and shed light on the challenges common to all AIDS caregi vers. For laypersons or prof essional s, this boo k sends an empowering message to its readers: tha t th ey are not alone in their struggles, and that they can take care of themselv es whi le cari ng for someone w ith AIDS. Unlike many of the nove ls in the science fiction sections of lesbian and gay bookstores which earn their place simply by having a gay charac ter somewhere in the plot, Secret Matter skillfully an d surprisingly incorporates t he issues of sexual orientation directly in to the science fiction premise of the plot, SEE SECRETM ATIER ,Page20 - Empathy vfn Interdisciplinary journal for Persons Working to End Oppression on the Basis of Sexual Identity PUBI.ISHED TWICE A YE.AR, EMPATHY INCLU DES SCHO V.RLY E.SSAYS, PROSE AND POET RY, PRACTITIONER ARTICL£S, ANECDOTA L ESSAYS, AND RESEARCH REPORTS AS WELL AS ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAl'H IES FOR RESOURC E MATERIALS, RECENT RESEARCH AND BOOKS. THE JOURNAL SERVES PEOPLE WORKING IN EDUCATION, COUNSELING , HE.AL TH CARE, SOCIAL WORK, COMM UNITY ACflVlSM, AND THE MIN ISTRY NATIONALLY AND JNTERNATIONAUY. One year (2 issu~s) individua l subsc ription s10 (sis institutional ) Make checks payable to Gay and Lesbian Advocacy Research Project (GLARP) arid mai l to: · Empathy, PO Box 5o85, Columbia, SC 29250. m Conventions May Skip Sodomy Law States Episcopalians Fight Sodomy Laws Integrity . the lesbian and gay justice ministry of the Episcopal Church, has called upon the denomination to refuse holding its triennial General Conventions in states with so-called "sodomy" laws. At its national convention in St. Louis, held in conjunction with the Under One Roof Conference which brought together various Episcopal social justice and social action ministries, Integrity passed a resolution calling "upon the General Convention of the Episcopal Church to honor its commitment to full civil equality for Lesbians and gay men and to oppose heterosexism by meeting only in states .which do not have 'sodomy' laws, beginning with the 1994 General Convention." Luther King, Jr. Holiday while saying nothing about the fact that many of us attending the convention will face possible criminal charges for what we do with our life partners in the privacy of our hotel rooms," said Fr. Woodrum. "It would be highly appropriate for the Episcopal Church to play a role in abolishing 'sodomy' statutes," Woodrum said, "since its parent, the Church of England, played a significant role in their institution . It would held redeem the church for its years of persecution of Lesbians and gay men." England abolished its "sodomy" statute in 1967, with the full support of the Church of England. The Church's Assembly (now called the General Synod) first called for repeal in 1957 . The Archbishop of Canterbury, Arthur Michael Ramsey, said in the House of Lords debate on the issue in 1965 that not all sins are properly given that status of crimes . Lutherans Release AIDS Report The resolution, authored by Integrity's outgoing national treasurer, the Rev. L. Paul Woodrum of New York, was a response to the perceived hypocrisy of the General Convention repeatedly calling for civil rights for Gays and Lesbians since .1976, but continuing to meet in states which palpably deny those basic rights. OAKLAND, CA. - A report just released here and in San Francisco marks the first time that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has developed a strategy for responding to the AIDS epidemic, either on the local or national level. The report, prepared by the Sierra Pacific Synod's Living With AIDS Task Force, calls on the church to be an example and lead the way in protecting the rights and dignity of people with AIDS. The report is designed to equip the church in Northern California and Northern Nevada to deal with AIDS in a variety of ways that include public policy advocacy, education, provision of direct services, and a welcoming attitude to all those affected by the disease. The Sierra Pacific Synod will begin implementing the recommendations contained in the report by declaring that members of the clergy or employees of the synod who contract the disease will be protected from discrimination in the church's employment policies. The report also calls on the national church to adopt the same policy . Michael Pozar, head of the Living With AIDS Task Force, said, "I'm so proud that our report is already being implemented in this important way. An epidemic of fear and discrimination is growing right along with the AIDS epidemic and this synod has made a resounding proclamation that it will be an example of courage and love in the face of this tragedy." Other important recommendations contained in the report · call for promoting AIDS education in grades K-12, establishing universal access to health care for all people, having congregations "adopt an AIDS agency" by raising funds and supplying volunteers, providing housing to benefit homeless people with AIDS, clearly affirming that AIDS is not a curse from God and creating more skilled . nursing facilities for people with AIDS. The report is the result of a two year process of study and public hearings at which people involved with the AIDS epidemic testified as to how the church could best respond to the disease. "It angered me that the Episcopal Church came very close to canceling the 1991 convention in Phoenix because of Arizona's lack of a Martin COVER STORY,FromPage9 said the churches are opened for two occasions: weddings and funerals. In most Christian churches in America, the church is open to Gays and Lesbians only for one of those occasions. Many feel the church is undeniably responsible for sewing the seeds of hate toward the lesbian and gay community. Jimmy Swaggart once told his Baton Rouge, Louisiana, congregation and worldwide television audience that scripture says Gays and Lesbians are worthy of death. And indeed many hate crimes committed against Gays and Lesbians do end in death. But the church remains the greatest single potential catalyst for changing attitudes of hate and disgust toward Gays and Lesbians, attitudes which could be boldly challenged LUTHE RANS From Pagel ordination policy overturned. Bob Nelson, a spokesperson for Lutherans Concerned of San Francisco, said that making the change will take much work on the local, synodical, and national level. "We cannot just sit back and wish things to happen our way. Or worse, pretend that they already have," said Nelson . "We, all of us, have to energetically m work toward our goal of total inclusivity . We have to become the 'militant homosexual lobby' that Jesse Helms is always ranting about." Nelson said there is a variety of ways individuals may influence change in the church including getting involved in a local congregation, speaking up at conference meetings and synod from America's pulpits. But the impact of the religious right continues to be felt, with fewer resources being directed toward the needs of the hungry, the homeless and the sick, and more attention and donation dollars being !}irected toward boycotting television shows, labeling records, censuring the arts, and lobbying against "threat groups" like Gays and Lesbians. assemblies, op ening dialogue with local candidacy committees and becoming a part of Lutherans Concerned . Nelson urg e d gay and lesbian Lutherans to come out. "Perhaps the single most important thing our church needs to und er stand is that we are not the perverts some think we are," he said . THE SECOND STONE Gay and lesbian activists hope for passage in this decade of a federal law protecting the · rights of Gays and Lesbians . But, as many black leaders will now attest, almost 30 years after the passage of the bill protecting the civil rights of African-Americans, much of the hate towarp blacks in this country still simmers . The church, rather than taking the lead in changing racist SOUTER FromPagel homosexuals from foster parentage, adoption, and as operators of all types of child care agencies." The House avowed that the purpose of the bill was "to protect children rather than to punish homosexual conduct." Although the opinion upholds, to an extent, the right of Lesbians and gay men to serve as licensed childcare attitudes over the past three decades, continues to be one of the most segregated institutions in America . There is little doubt that the church, which could, in the decades to come, play the largest role in changing the hateful attitudes that lead to gay bashing, will, itself, be the most vindictive basher. providers and teachers, it denies the right to become adoptive parents . "Gay men, Lesbians, people wi th AIDS and HIV and other Americans cannot afford any further erosions of our rights by the U. S. Suprem e Court," said Urvashi Vaid, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Travel □ Tucson: Reminder Of The Old West By Cynthia A. Marquard and Danni Munson Contributing Writers . Although it is home to the University of Arizona and the site of several deluxe resorts, Tucson has managed to retain the feel of a good old western town. In and around Tucson you can experience 18th century Spanish Missions, visit western movie sets, explore the desert and its wildlife, yet also play golf or tennis or just lounge around the swimming pool. The city also has a respectable amount of gay/lesbian night life. So for those seeking a vacation at some place other than the usual gay /lesbian resort areas, such as Key West or Provincetown, Tucson is worth a try. The Spanish Past What is now Tucson was first settled in the late 1600s by Spaniards, and the area most definitely reflects the early Spanish influence. With the settlement came Spanish priests, who built missions of adobe brick. One of the best preserved examples of an old Spanish mission is San Xavier de! Bae (White Dove of the Desert), about seven miles outside Tucson. Unlike so many historic landmarks crowded by other buildings in urban settings, San Xavier stands alone, starkly white, on acres of open desert. The mission here was established in 1692 and the present stnictu°re was built between 1783 and 1797. There is iI'credibly ornate bride-and-plaster work on the external facade, behind the altar, in the sanctuary. Visitors can listen to lectures on the history of the mission every day except Sundays, then leisurely enjoy the building and its surroundings, which include a replica of the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. We also enjoyed the concessions outside operated by members of local Indian tribes. We sampled Indian fried bread prepared on a small metal stove under a primitive lean-to made of spiny Ochoa branches. Across the way from San Xavier there are several Indian-owned shops where we found excellent examples of Navaho and Hopi silver jewelry. Reliving the Wild West Another major attraction in the area is Old Tucson, a replica of an 1860s town, recalling the days of gunslingers, cowboys, and shoot-outs. Old Tucson is part amusement park, part movie set, and part outdoor museum. It has been the location for many famous western movies and TV programs, including Rio Bravo, El Dorado, High Chaparral, and Little House on the Prairie. Anyone even a little bit interested in how westerns are made will enjoy the guided tour of the sound stages at this "Hollywood of the desert." The dusty main street is flanked by wooden sidewalks. Interspersed with replicas of old west institutions, such as the dentist's office, jail, and other buildings, are shops where you can buy souvenirs, jewelry, and even models of-guns. There are also several restaurants. Visitors can also enjoy a ride through a haunted mine shaft and a mini-train trip around the property to view the outdoor movie sets. Exploring the Desert One of the truly remarkable museums in the world is the AriwnaSonora Desert Museum. The museum is really a zoo, botanical garden, and earth sciences exhibit. The exhibits are all designed to present the wildlife of the desert-from mountain lions and birds to snakes and lizardsin their natural settings. Docents are readily available to explain what you are looking at. Museum visitors are also invited to gaze out over the Sonora Desert and imagine how in 1540 the Spanish explorer Coronado and his troops marched up from Mexico and across this vast expanse of sand and desert. On the · day we visited and engaged our imaginations the temperature was well above the 100 degree mark, and Coronado's trek thus seemed all the more impressive . Surely they didn't wear those vest of metal armour. Besides the museum, there is ample opportunity around Tucson to experience the desert. . The drive to · the "other" place under the sun ... :t~J.5 ~=-~i~ \iest:cb •Pool A co:r:J J•uzzl •Free c011tlu11tal bnakrut Write or call for brochure. 120 E. Atol St., P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island, Texas 78597 (512)761-L YLE Air connections via American Continental Southwest the museum is through Saguaro National Monument, a forest of giant cactus. You can also go a few miles outside town and take a walk along the hiking trails in Sabino Canyon, a lovely park area. Good hiking boots _are recommended, and be sure to take along · plenty of drinking water. Dehydration can happen very quickly in the dry desert air, and you might not even feel thirsty. Tucson Dining For those who enjoy Mexican food, Tucson promises many gustatory delights. There is a unique "wherethe- natives-go" spot in the downtown area called El Minuto. It is named for a soup made of cows stomachs. Try some, if you dare . All the food is good and quite inexpensive. La Fuente (The Fountain) is a less casual restaurant where you can listen to a full mariachi band while enjoying a before-dinner cocktail and cheese crisp (a large flour tortilla smothered in melted cheese and flavored with green chiles, if you like). This style of cheese crisp is a Tucson original. To find out what's going on when you visit Tucson, pick up a copy of the local paper, The Observer. Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner/manager of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago and vice-president of the International Gay Travel Assn. Danni Munson is the publisher of The Lesbian and Gay Almanac and Events of 1990. P. 0. Box 118 SL Bethlehem, NH 03S74 (603) 869-3978 OURWORLD The International Gay Travel Magazine Month by month, we invite you to explore the exciting world of travel available to gay men and lesbians. Each month we help you to discover the multitude of interesting hotels, inns and resorts that . welcome the gay traveler. Enjoy articles and color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain, a secluded retreat in Hawaii, a manor house in the English countryside, a Greek pe!l5ion overlooking the sea, a rustic resort in Colorado, and more --all catering to our lifestyle! Plus, every month, regular departments provide you with valuable information on gay events and festivals, . travel updates and tips, interviews, and the latest gay trips and tours-sail the Caribbean on a private yacht, join an expedition to Nepal, cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury liner or fly to Sydney for the Gay Mardi Gras. ~--------~ Whatever you're looking for, let OUR WORLD be your ticket to adventure. 1 year (12 colorful issues) only $ 44 (in the USA) - US$ 52 (Worldwide). First issue mails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope. Sample copy US$ 5. Mail To: Our World Publishing 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA TEL: (904) 441-5367 September/October 1990 m Classifieds Books & Publications CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE OUARTERL Y explores the issues arising between Christians and .New Agers with authentic information, forthright honesty and, yes, real appreciation for both sides. Penetrating, yet fun, our features and columns forge a bridge for genuine dialogue. Subs: $9.50/yr. Sample: $2.50. CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY, P. 0. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF EMERGE! A healing journal of EMERGENCE International: Christian Scientists Supporting Lesbians and Gay Men. For information and subscriptions write P.O. Box 581, Kentfield, CA 94914, or call (415)485-1881. 2/91 UNIQUE STUDY PACKET: Thinking It Through: United Methodists Look at the Church and Homosexuality. Useful for all denominations. 120 pages covering homophobia, theology, AIDS ministries, further resources. $10.00 postpaid from the Methodist Federation for Social Action, 76 Clinton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301. 12/90 ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for 1,minter'rupted service if you move. Please notify us four weeks in advance for uninterrupted delivery . Send both old and new add resses. If possible attach mai lin g label in space provided. PRINT NEW ADDRESS N i, 0 0 1l' Send completed form to : THE SECOND STONE Box8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 Employmert THE OTHER SIDE, a Christian magazine of peace and justice issues, has a staff opening in Fredericksburg, Virginia or in Philadelphia. Good administrative and writing/editorial skills needed. Excellent benefits. Contact Dee Dee Risher, 300 W. Apsley St., Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215)849-2178. 10/90 Friends/Relationships GWM, 6'2", 165 lbs., youthful 37, brown hair, mustache, masculine, smoke and drug free, varied interests, fun, honest, quiet, caring and very relationship oriented. Seeking similar Christian friends preferably in Mobile, AL or vicinity. Rob, P.O. Box 16424, Mobile, AL 36616. 10/90 GWM, 6', 155Ibs., 37, brown hair, blue eyes, masculine, Lutheran, self-employed freelance writer, seeks penpals across US and friends in or near Minnesota. Relationship oriented. John, P.O. Box 39033, Minneapolis, MN 55439-0033. 10190 GWM Baptist, 29. Would like religious Baptist penpals for friendship and letter writing. C. Hunter, P. 0. Box 1923, SLC, UT 84110. 10190 DO YOU SHARE our avid interest in the performing arts? Interested in US/Canadian travel to see opera, theater, dance? Write us. Chuck and John, 666 Broadway, Rochester, NY 14607. 10/90 SECRET MATTER, From Page 17 and in so doing reveals insights about traits and virtues that characterize lesbian and gay people in the present real world. Toby' Johnson, 45, is a cultural activist working to create positive lesbian and gay identities. A gay-iden _tified psychotherapist , he was trained in San Francisco during the 1970s when modern gay-oriented therapy was deyeloped. General Interest GAY/LESBIAN CATHOLIC Traditionalists · Gay is great! 'Dignity' is fine. BUT do you really/secretly miss the 'old' pre-Vatican II church, liturgy, devotions, etc.? Tridentine/ Traditionalist Gay Catholics unite, write for support: Catholic Tradition • B. Gatzke, P.O. Box 9631, Minneapolis, MN 55458-9631. 10/90 LISTENING .. .LEARNING ... LOVING. Parents F.L.A.G./Detroit's 30 minute video about parents learning about homosexuality and their relationships with their sons and daughters is ADOPTION, From Page 15 to David . David and Michael said, however, that gay men give them the least support. "We understand their shock, but we don't understand their insensitivity," Michael said. "One man curled his lip after we told him we adopted a son, and he said, 'Why would you want to?' I can't imagine him doing that to a heterosexual woman. Some have been supportive and some have congratulated us, but as a group, gay men have not been supportive." Michael's hypothesis of w hy gay men respond negatively to child adoption stems from our centuries of being conditioned to believe that we can never have children . "It's embedded in our heads," Michael said. " To some degree, I bought into that as well. It's a consciousness thing we just have to get over." David and Michael celebrated their ninth anniversary on July 4. (Gene celebrated his ninth birthday this month, so Michael said he tells people he and David had to get married.) Bringing Gene into · their lives has made their relationship much stronger. "But we had a strong relationship to begin with," David Classified Order Form □ now for sale for $17.00 ppd. Mail to Parents FLAG/Detroit, P.O. Box 145, Farmington, Ml 48332. 10/90 Real Estate Key West women's bar/deli priced at $299,000. Owner negotiable • land, buildiQQ, and business. BENDER-TAN IS ERA REAL ESTATE. (305)296-6200. 12/90. Try a Second Stone Classified Ad said. ''That was something we really had to consider: if we were stable first . I don't think an unstable relationship is going to be made more stable when you have a kid. "With all the investigations, the home study, the social workers, the probing, we had to reflect where exactly we are in our lives. It was a really good process. It made us think about ourselve s and who we are as a couple ." "Parenting is harder than I thought it would be," Michael said. "Try to imagine the harde st and double it." A question the Serkin-Pooles hear often is, "Isn't it going to be confusing having two dads?" Their answer: "There are a lot of things that are confusing to a child struggling to grow up in a hostile world. Nowadays, families come in a lot of different con figur athns. We believe the essential elements of love, commitm ent and respo nsibility are more important than deciding which version. of faniily is 'correct.' We plan to surround our child with Jots of people who share that conviction." Matt Nagle is a staff writer for the Seattle Gay News, from which this article is adapted. FOR ONLY 35 CENTS PER WORD, your ad can appear in the next edition of THE SECOND STONE. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #12 - Sept/Oct 1990 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/edcf47d471b94425f68412b0c6020fce.pdf fd2c376757faccef1ac5c66ae530adeb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Volume Number The volume number of the issue 13 Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 1990 Publication Year The year the issue was published Nov/Dec 1990 Text Any textual data included in the document lEVEl ONE THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS _...._ $2.25 ,-rv.,w .. ,1 ... , '• New Age Has Firm, Foothold In Gay/Lesbian Community Contributing Writer There are dozens of times that the word "new" is used in the Bible. Paul uses the word frequently: we are a "new creation,• we are to, put on the "new self," and we are _given a "new life" FAMILIES: Revelation: Dad through what Peter called a "new birth." "New" Testament and "New" Covenant are other examples as is Jesus' "new commandment• that we love one another. The frequency of the appearance of the word "new" reveals its importance jn biblical terms. For a lot of Christians, of course, the life in Christ is not now new, with perhaps many years passing since they first gained know• ledge of Christ. That familiarity, as well as SEE. COVER STORY, Page 9 ESSAY: We Are War II Finalylhierslood IE Veterans, Of Sorts By Rev. Sylvia Pennington By Chris Glaser --,-, \dduate Theological Union Anti-Gay "Big Brothers" Amendment Killed WASHINGTON, D.C. - An anti-gay amendment offered by Sen. William Armstrong (R-CO) that would have allowed organimtions in the District of Columbia to bar Gays and Lesbians from being "Big Brothers," coaches or role models was killed last month in a U.S. House and Senate conference committee. The amendment had been originally passed on September 12 as part of the 1991 D.C. Appropriations Bill. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has tracked and lobbied against the Big Brothers rider both in this and the previous appropria ti(\ns bills. Before the conference committee action, the House rejected an attempt by Congressman William Dannemeyer (R-CA) to "instruct" House conferees to retain the Armstrong Big Brothers language. Both Dannemeyer and Annstrong perennially advocate antigay language in Congressional appropriations bills. On October 11, the House vo.ted 255 to 156 to accept a motion from Rep. Dean Gallo (R-NJ) to instruct conferees to accept language that retained funds earmarked for the University of D.C. By doing so the House "shut out" Dannemeyer and prevented him from offering his own motion. "For the time being we have struck down these attempts in Congress to reinforce the horrible stereotypes that gay people are prone to recruit and molest children and therefore should not be Big . Brothers or work with kids," said Peri Jude Radecic, NGLTF legislative director. Rep. Dannemeyer, infuriated at the successful SEE BIG BROTHERS, Page 18 -- - --··--- Lutheran Synod Postpones Action On Proposal To Welcome Gays/Lesbians Delegates to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Southeastern Texas-Southern Louisiana Synod Assembly in Galveston, Texas voted on October 21 to "postpone indefinitely" action on a proposal which called for public affirmation and welcome of Gays and Lesbians into congregational life. Although a Synod Commission had recommended adoption, a delegate to the assembly who had spoken in opposition to the resolution called for a vote to postpone any action indefinitely before arguments in favor of the resolution could be heard. Only four other synods in the ELCA have adopted such a resolution. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE YEAR ONLY S12.60! BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 8UlX PATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORI.EANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 Disciples Of Christ Group Gathers "Lift As We Climb" - a motto borrowed from the turn of the centuty group, the National Association of Colored Women - was the theme for the 1990 Kansas City GLAD Event held in October. Participants in the special weekend were members of the laity and clergy of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. The group, known as the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Atuance, provides a network of support and advocacy for members across the United States and Canada. Keynote speaker Rev. Jan Griesinger, who serves as campus minister at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and is National Coordinator for the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, challenged those gathered to boldy claim their place in the church. Griesinger encouraged gay and lesbian persons to tap into the spiritual power inherent in a healthy acceptance of one's sexuality. Referring to the theme, she led the community to explore images of lifting and being lifted and called participants to climb out of the homophobia which threatens to entangle them, both from within and. from society at large. Worship became an integral part of the retreat for many attending since local congregations of ten fail to be inclusive of gay and lesbian concerns. A service for healing and prayer for the HIV/ AIDS crisis drew members together early in the event and several who were present shared openly regarding their being HIV infected of having AIDS. This provided a grounding which was Letters Albuquerque. New Mexico Reaction To Pro-Life Letter Emotional And One-Sided Dear Second Stone, Michael Blankenship's reaction to my letter in the July/ August issue was predictably one-sided and emotional. I would like to · see more openmindedness and logic. I continue to work for the rights of all people. I, too, am a Christian, and sensitive to the needs of a truly oppressed minority: unborn babies. Is their "choice" protected? If we adopt the stance of sharing in the struggles for human rights of all people, logic demands that we include unborn B transfonned into sense of celebration present at other services during the weekend. Judy Wray, ordained minister and Ph.D. candidate at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, preach~ an invitation for listeners to discover in themselves the pearl of great price for which God and Jesus Christ has given all. An "affirming" participant remarked later how empowering the worship services were for her. "Sexuality is something that my local church just doesn't talk about. .. it's so refreshing to hear these things spoken out loud!" The retr~at was held at a Disciples-owned and operated retreat center near Kansas City. Representatives who attended came from states in the heartland of the denomination such as Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas as well as from the California and New York coasts. Several family members of lesbian and gay persons were present ~ well as were several officials cit the broader church structure. 1be selection of Kansas Oty as the site of this year's Event is significant. In 1977 the General Assembly of the Christian Church, the denomination's biennial oonvention, meeting in Kansas Oty, became embroiled in conflict over the church's position on homosexuality and the consideration of ordination of lesbian and gay clergy. Now one of the strongest local chapters in the GLAD Alliance, Kansas City proved thirteen years later to be the perfect setting for nurture and the building of community for lesbian and gay Christians. Workshops and strategy sessions on Sunday afternoon elicited great energy and enthusiasm. The Alliance □. babies in our agenda, alongside their mothers. The Gospel of Jesus requires more than sentimental thinking about the real problems facing us and taking emotional pot-shots at those with whom we disagree. is expected to meet organized oppoir ition at the denomination's .membly next year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kansas Oty Event participants were confident about the strategies set forth and are preparing to continue with plans for sev~ral major assembly activities. Rev. Johnson retired from parish ministry and came out of the closet as a gay man. In October of 1987 he placed an ad in the Kansas Oty gay and lesbian press and began to fonn a group, later to become the Kansas Oty chapter of GLAD Alliance. The tribute said in part, ''We thank God for O. 0. and for his courage ... to break the silence in the Greater Kansas Oty Region and to name the reality that Lesbians, gay men, and those who affinn them in the church are here." Alongside such serious planning were placed opportunites for fun and laughter. Spontaneous gatherings for volleyball and singing around the guitar were a welcome relief from the busy schedule. An evening out on the town took the entire group to a Meditteranean Restaurant and to the For more information about the historic Country Club Plaza district GLAD Alliance and its future of Kansas City. programming, write to P. O. Box Special recognition was given to the 19223, Indianapolis, IN 46219-0223. Rev. O. 0. Johnson of Kansas City. - In This Issue FEATURES COVER STORY COLUMNS COMMENTARY FAMILIES CLOSER LOOK 1RAVEL PARTING 1HOUGHT DEPART1\1ENTS -LrnE--R--S-----NEWSBRIEFS □ · Page9 Page3 Page 10 Pa2e 14 Page 19 Page20 Page2 PageS Page8 Sincerely in Christ, Rev. N. F. Thompson, n-c-:l-,f-------t· CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 Page 12 We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences with our readen. Send letters to: LETrERS, The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name ls to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. CALENDAR ESSAY BOOKS CLASSIFIEDS THE SECOND STONE Page 13 Page 16 Page20 Commentary □ Queer Nation Antagonizing For Gay/Lesbian Rights, Pride And Visibility DyJimRarbc Contributing Writer At the former Vatican exhibit in Flushing Meadows, New York, where during the 1964 World's Fair Michelangelo's Pieta was exhibited, it's like being on the set of Pee Wee's Playhouse. Absurd. Make believe. The set is cheaper than Pee Wec's, more bizarre, because it's real life, and there's no Jane Pauley here to explain it to us. It's here that local "seer" Veronica Leuken has her public devotions, where she tells her faithful followers from everywhere that the Virgin Mary speaks directly to her and has let her know that, "until homosexuals change their ways and repent ... AIDS will never be cured." She claims to have visions and, during a recent heart attack, to have ventured to heU and returned. She and her followers have made homosexuals a special interest, through condemnations, curing of Gays and Lesbians, and confrontations with gay groups during parades and ISSN No. 1047-3971 THE SECOND STONE Newspaper is published every other monlh by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1990 by The Second St.one, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $12.60 per year, six issues. Foreign subscribers add $8.<IO for posta8e. All paymenll U. S. currency only. ADVERTISING, Display advertising one time ntes: PuU Page, $595.00; Half Page, $304.00; Quarter Page, $155.00; Eighth Page, $81.00; Sixteenth Page, $42.00. Send inquiries to: Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Classified advertising is 35 cents per word. EDITORIAL. send letters, calendar announcements, and church/organization news to (Department title) The Sec:ond Srone, P. 0 . Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Manuscripts to be returned should be accompanied by a stamped. self addressed envelope. THE SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian newspaper committed to informing the gay and lesbian community. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Tun Bailey MARKETING DIRECTOR: Eric Hess CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, Cynthia Marquard, Danni Munson. Dr. Martin Fowler, David Rickey, Robert McKnight, Jim Roche, Michael Blankenship. Dan Grippo, Dr. Louie Crew, John-Michael Olexy, Dr. Buddy Truluck. Chris Glaser. Rev. Gail A. Van Buren marches. She speaks these words of hatred against Gays and Lesbians on the very spot that housed the most famous representation of her patron, the Virgin Mary, Michelangelo's Pieta. Michelangelo, who today is himseU considered a gay icon. The incongruity doesn't faze her but it has come to the attention of another group of New Yorkers. Veronica's group, who set up a complete church with nearly life-size plaster statues, banners, lawn chairs, candles, loud speakers, numbered offering envelopes and devotional boxes, uses this public park without a permit and against city, state and federal laws every week. There's also a large box just for- miracle requests. That's the largest box to be seen. Together they recite the rosary and pray for miracles, including the curing of homosexuals. By eight o'clock over 350 have arrived by foot, subway, chartered bus and car. Every year Veronica and her "Baysiders," as they're called, send an aggressive contingent to harass and jeer at marchers in New York's gay and lesbian pride day parade. They carry placards, scream and holler death wishes and more at the gay and lesbian marchers. They claim AIDS is God's revenge on homosexuals. But this time, the tables are going to be turned. Veronica and her rosary crew aren't alone in the park. Queer Nation, a group of New Yorkers devoted to fighting homophobia and working for gay and lesbian visibility are holding what they've chosen to call their "Rosary Zap." Some associated with the group and many others outside Queer Nation, fear that this action, or any action against a religious service, will only draw negative publicity as the ACT-UP protest at St. Patrick's Cathedral did last year where, without ACT-UP approval, a small group disrupted the Mass and a communion Host was desecrated. Through spokespersons, ACT-UP as a group was quick to disassociate itself from that action, but many within ACT-UP felt the church deserved it. "What about the sacrilege against women and Gays that the church supports," they ask. Those in the gay and lesbian community who continue to be concerned, worry that the apparent SEE COMMENTARY, Page 4 f Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without _A Friend For Your Journey. I • Jom thousands of lesbians and gay men who've embarked on an inward journey. Through the pages of The Second Stone, an ecumenical Christian newsmagazine, you'll be challenged, inspired, angered and encouraged. Meet brave men and women who are confronting social injustice and religious bigotry. Explore family and relationship issues. Enjoy our engaging features and columns, newsbriefs and book reviews. Our national calendar puts you in touch with life-changing retreats, community- building conferences, and the nicest people you'll ever meet! The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. ... y Es , ..... N~;,;,: ·.~.:.:..:.:.~:.:.:.~.~.~.:.~..: : .:.:.:.:.:.:.~.~.:.:.::.:.:.:.~ ~ SE~o'f.!l:~~ f~r ~c1nm ............ : ................................................... . ( )Oneyear(8--)for~ City,Stat.e&Zip ............................................... . [ ]Two,-n(lJtt..)fcJr... ~_'!_:' ',".".. ,.,,_.__ .. ___ ., _ ,_ . ..... ._.._I ....I .-,• - .,... ..._ Mail To: THE SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans,LA '10182 THANK YOU for your subscription! November/December 1990 • Reconciling Congregations Program Announces Major Evangelism Campaign ,, The Board of Directors of the Reconciling Congregation Program, a network of United Methodist local churches that publicly welcome the full participation of all persons including Lesbians and gay men, has announced a campaign which would double the number of Reconciling Congregations by the end of 1992. There are currently 46 congregations in the program. "We are launching a major evangelism campaign," said Rev. Kim Alice Smith, chair of the board COMMENTARY, FromPage3 anti-Catholic or anti.-church slant of this 1.ap will be all that is picked up by the media, and that the call for justice and gay and lesbian visibility will get lost in the ensuing antagonisms. Some conservative publications such as The Advocate and writers like Dave Walters have condemned such actions as counterproductive and divisive. Queer Nation gives them a lot to work with if that's the way they want to report the story. As Queer Nation arrives they break into chants and cat calls every time the prayer group says, "Blessed are the fruits." "We're here, we're queer, and pastor of Bethany UMC in San Francisco. "We think it is critical that other congregations hear the stories of new life and revitalization in Reconciling Congregations a11d that these congregations be invited to join our growing movement." The "92 in 92" campaign builds on what is currently happening in the program, according to Mark Bowman, RCP coordinator and staffperson. "Current Reconcjling Congregations are already talldng with other UMC we're fabuJous, get used to us," and "Veronica is the anti-Christ - go back to hell where you came from." Queer Nation members run around outside the service which is encircled by park department barriers, breaking down the perimeter, eludidg the police who seem unprepared. They tum over the barricades, throw leaflets at the crowd, fly them as paper airplanes into the service and scream "shame, shame, shame." Just as the police are preparing to make arrests, they simply wave goodbye and leave. Some in more conservative gay and lesbian groups ask, "ls this acceptable? Aren't we hurting ourseJves by alienating more people?" This isn't GAY AND CHRISTIAN ACCEPTED AS LIVING MEMBERS Announcln1 • conference for g■J men, lesbians ■nd bisexual people and those who sup(IOl't them. Sponsotcd by the Episcopal D1ocae of Nonh Carolin■ led by MALCOLM BOYD Ikttmbrr 11-16, 1990 Conlcrrncr Center Browaa Summit, North Carolin■ " ••. to give life to the claim of homosexual persons upon the love, ■a:q)tllntt ■nd put(>t•I care and conurn ol 11,e Church." Raol.rion l>ioctse o/ Nard. Qarolina Con11en1ion, 1976 We Invite YoU to Join us for thla week-aid of ah■ring and he■lina, WORKSHOPS -Healing lflef ■nd •n~r toward the Oiur~h -Relationships -lmAges of Ood -Spirituality and 1e11u1ll1y -The Bible and homosexu■llty -Where do PY and labl■n pmrons Rt In the church. t.hil ;~~ to: Regimtr, St. l'hllip'1 Eplscop11l Ch .... ch, Poat Oftb Bo. 218, Durham, North C.rollna 27700 NAME _________________ _ ADDRESS ________________ _ CITY,5fA'JE ____________ Zfp __ _ PHONE: HOME _______ WORK ______ _ AMOUNTENa.OSEO:$ ___________ _ C-ost: $135-165 per~ Includes registration, room, and mals. Sc:bolanhlpa available. A depoalt of $50. per iier- will - a ■pace. Rooma ■re twin bedded. lampedna fur the dmf avalliible upoct requat. congregations in their cities about becoming 'reconciling.' I have received inquires from 15 new congregations in the past two months alone." Related to recent denominational sanctions against two Reconciling Congregations, Dumbarton UMC (Washington, D.C.) and University UMC (Madison, Wisconsin) for their policies on blessing the commitment of same-sex couples, the RCP Board called upon the larger church to the first time a minority group has been questioned, or questioned itself, about its tactics. Anti-gay and lesbian bias related attacks are on the upswing, and to many it's because groups like ACT-UP and Queer Nation have brought visibility to the gay and lesbian civil rights movement. Even within the community itself there is a backJash. The Advocate continues to push their agenda of assimilation based on monetary standing - let's buy our way into acceptablity. Dave Walters has even called for gay and lesbian groups to stop opp(>Sing ROTC programs since ROTC, he says, gives closeted Gays and Lesbians a way to serve their country. The• Advocate and similar gay papers continually complain about the use of the words fag, homo and queer which this new breed of activist uses to describe itself. In his recent confrontation with ACT-UP the editor of Washington's Blade called ACT-UP a "bunch of brown shirts." Others, like New York's Outweek take the opposite position, always willing to use the words fag, queer and homo is their writing, declaring the community's identity will be determined by the community itself. Just as black is beautiful, we are proud to be gay, proud to be queer (the name Queer Nation was chosen by the group because it was thought to be less gender specific than gay.) Gays and Lesbians are finally starting to control the language that describes them, the first step in developing self-identity. In cities like New York, where a call went out to boycott the gay New York Native and in Washington where ACT-UP occupied the offices of The Washington Blade, or San Francisco where The Sentinel is under similar pressure, the gay and lesbian press is under attack from activist groups who want to make dear-that there is no going back. Assimulationist views aren't wel- • THE SECOND STONE remember the long-standing tradition of local churches developing liturgies which meet the needs of their committees. In other action the board encouraged all Reconciling Congregations to celebrate "RCP Sunday" during the season of Epiphany in January; supported the development of "reconciling" conferences, seminaries, campus ministries, and other groups; and began making plans for the 1992 United Methodist General Conference. • come any more. Many have grown tired of ACT-UP's unwiUingness to self-identify as a gay or lesbian group. Queer Nation's call is "We're here, we're queer, we're fabulous, get used to it." Their tee-shirts, advertised on their answering machine, have left behind the maybe gay-maybe not slogans of ACT·UP like "SiJence=Death" and demand visibility with words that leave very little to be imagined or questioned. They scream out queer, fag, a map of America with the words "queer nation" written across it. There's a gay Bart and one warning that from now on "queers bash back." Further evidence of this attitude can be seen in New York's Greenwich Village where a new organi1.ation called "Pink Panthers" has formed to protect Gays from the ever-increasing bias attacks. Criticism that gay AIDS organizations, who have co-opted themselves by giving up board control to homophobic minorities and corporate representatives in the name of coalition building, is being heard more frequently throughout the country and ACT-UP and AIDS activism is no longer the only concern for Gays and Lesbians interested in making significant changes. Queer Nation has started to catch on, As with the previous flourishing of AIDS related groups we can expect lo see the growth of these direct action, pro•gay and lesbian identified politicaJ groups. There are now Queer Nation groups in Boston, Washington, San Francisco, Rhode Island, lthica, Philadelphia, Montreal and England. Queer Nation Philadelphia has even called for a Queer Nation Constitutional Convention to be held there next year. But a lot of Gays and Lesbians who don't live in large metropolitan areas, who live in less liberal areas where being openly gay or lesbian can SEE COMMENTARY, Page S Newsbriefs Left Unused: House For Catholic Clergy PWAs Closes The nation's first home created to care for Catholic clergy with AIDS, closed because it had no patients, may reopen to the general public. The facility, located in Oakland, Calif., was dosed after going five months without one priest asking for. aroom. •we found that they are so afraid to· come forward," said Jim Mansmann, the director of the special residence. Mansmann, a former Maryknolt brother, said that even though priests would call and inquire, "they'd only give us their first name. They would say that no one knows except their doctors." The ti~y, red-tiled roof, white frame house, caned Bethany House, was created by a group of religious organizations. Including the Missionary Brothers pf Charity, the Franciscan Fathers of California, and the Redemptorists. After it opened, brochures were sent out to Catholic COMMENTARY, From Page4 cost you your job or your life, are scared. Afraid that there will be a backlash from middle Amercia. The fear is that actions and zaps like Queer Nation is doing now ultimately get fence-sitting liberals to take sides, but it will be the wrong .side. Even more, that those homophobes who have been quiet because we mind our own business wilJ finany speak out and strike out. Some think its already happening. Queer Nation, some hold, is only going to alienate our straight supporters (like the infamous "I Hate Straights• leaflet handed out during the Gay and Lesbian Pride Day march in New York that caused some hetero members of ACT-UP to cry foul!) Queer Nation has more in store. So far they_ have visited New Jersey malls for "the Queer Shopping Network," welcomed Greg Louganis to Macy'f and almost weekly invade some local New York straight bar to hold a kiss-in. • They've crashed hetero McSorley's Saloon, The White Horse Tavern, Flutie's and even the notorious New York skin head bar Alcatraz. Queer Nation has decided whether middle America likes it or not, it's time to stand up and be counted. These actions aren't as absurd and new, innovative or original as some would have us believe. They reflect the same techniques used by blacks who refused to move to the back of churches throughout the U.S., but they elicited almost no response. Rev. William Macchi of the Oakland Diocese said the church decided to open the residence for clergy after hearing of the need. Fletcher. The book, Clergy Under Stress: A Study of Homosexual and Heterosexual Clergy, is the result of two years of research. Fletcher believes the gay priests "suffer ... very high, even abnormal, levels of stress and disilJusionment with the Church." -Baltimore Alternatiue □ Christian ideal of celibacy, despite occasional "missteps" or "serious reversals." Twenty percent were found to be engaged in heterosexual rela~ns; another 20 percent are gay, half of whom are sexually active; and six percent are involved sexually with minors. -Religion Watch I . -We had heard stories that there were some priests around the country who had AJDS who were not welJ accepted .. .and reaUy needed a place to go,• Maccht said. Study: Twenty Gay Activists, Fundamentalists Collide Several AIDS facilities around the p Of C country have accepted priests, but ercent atholic none have exclusively sought Priests Are Gay Catholic clergy. Two priests with An extensive study of celibacy in the AIDS lived at Bonaventure House in American Catholic priesthood Chicago, dyi~g about three months reports that half of U.S. priests have after they amv~. been sexually ACJive at least one time Bethany House 15 expected to open - during their priesthood, according to SAN FRANOSCO - Two members of Queer Nation and a Christian activist were arrested during an afternoon skirmish at the edge of Civic Center Plaza. The confrontation occurred during a prayer rally sponsored by Save Our Souls, a fundamentaJist reJigious coalition that conducts a Bay Area street ministry directed toward Gays and Lesbians. ~r the C:tublic in January. the National Catholic &porter. The ay controversial study (which was One In Seven .Anglican Priests Gay, Book Says One in seven Anglican priests is gay, according to a new book by Hatfield Polytechnic professor Dr. Ben the bus, marched into small restaurants and ordered coffee when the sign said whites only and drank from fountains that were restricted to whites only. They are meant to antagonize. They are meant to put gay and lesbian rights, pride and visibility first. Over and above. coalitions, assimilation or satisfying those in power. The theme of the Rosary Zap was simple - Queer Nation wasn't there to change minds, they weren't there to negotiate. As one member said, "we aren't here to change minds but to give a warning." Their signs and lea1Jets, cheers and jeers said it simply, •vou spoil our party and we'll spoil yours!" lbat night on the local news, this time at least, that one theme did get across in the broadcast. We have to defend ourselves. Stand up for ourselves. Fight back, bash back, kick, hoJler and scream. We have to let the bigots know that if they want to be a bigot that have to do it publicly, in the open and to expect a. fight. Queer Nation's warning is an American warning, it says "don't tread on me." They aren't wilJing to negotiate or wait, and don't care what you think. They don't intend to change minds, they only intend to change behaviors. As one protester said, "All we want to do is hold our lover's hand in public." Queer Nation wants to see just that' become possible. rejected by American bishops) presented by researcher A. W. Richard Sipe during a national convenJion of the American Psychological Association, bases its findings on interviews and reports ~nducted from 1965 to 1985 with 1000 priests and 500 people who were "lovers, sexual partners,• or otherwise Fifty Queer Nation activists antagonized the reJigious group with pro-gay chants and engaged in heated debate with some of the missionaries. involved in such situations. Among his findings, Sipe says that around eight to ten percent of vowed celibate clergy have approached the -Bay Area Reporter The International Gay Travel Magazine Month by month, we invite you to explore the exciting world of travel available to gay men and lesbians. Each month we help you to discover the multitude of interesting hotels, inns and resorts that welcome the gay traveler. Enjoy articles . and color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain, a secluded retreat in Hawaii, a manor house in the English countryside, a qreelc pension overlooking the sea, a rustic resort in Colorado, and more~ catering to our lifestyle! . Plus, every month, regular departments provide you with valuable information on gay: events and festivals, travel updates and tips, interviews, and the latest gay trips and tours-sail the Caribbean on a private yacht, join an expedition to Nepal, cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury liner or fly to Sydney for the Gay Mardi Gras. i.....--------l Whatever you're looking · for, let OUR WORLD be your ticket to adventure. 1 year (12 colorful ismes) only $ 44 (in the USA) - US$ 52 (Worldwide). First issue mails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope._ Sample copy US$ 5. Mail To: Our World Publishing 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA TEL: (904) 441-5367 November/December 1990 ii • '\ Newsbriefs Gay Credit Card Angers Christians The "Pride Card; a new Mastercard that helps benefit the Seattle--btsed Prid~ Foundation, which finances programs to assist Gays and Lesbians, has come under fire by conservative organizations and fundamentalist Christian groups. James Galbraith, a Washington politician, said he advised the 2500 members of the political action group he founded to switch banks. "I don't want to do business with people who cater to a lifestyle we disapprove of," Galbraith said. Rev. Ed Nelson, an Assembly of God pastor told his congregation that the card is an "endorsement of a moral position taken by the gay movement." Betty Lattie, a spokesperson for Seafirst ·Bank, provider of the Pride Card, said "Banks don't endorse lifestyles. Banks are here to serve the credit needs of the CQmmunity and to provide banking services. -Cruise Lutherans Plan Sexuality Study A 17-member task force preparing a ' social statement on sexuality for the ... E ~ ii a journal dw claaves ou, 111ppon for die original and cttative work it does m the in1erat of ttutb iUld justice. .+ Rn, Malcolm Boyd, author of 23 boob incl~Ar, y,,,, Riuming with Mt,Jmul, Tut 0/f thr M,uh, aqd C., Prit,, E tnpm,y pro.ides a much-nttd,-d and •dcormd communication link for penons involved in education about homophobia. At it, best it will keep UII informed and in touch, supporud 111d challenged, eacitcd and proucl. If> Brian Mc Naught, lcrnittr and author of 0,, Btmg G41: Tbo.ghu on F.,,,ily, F.ith, .,,,J Low ■ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America plans to have a study of the topic ready for congregational use by fall 1991. The studies are to help ELCA members discuss issues of sexuality before a 1993 Churchwide Assembly considers a statement on the subject. -The Lutheran Methodist Bookseller Won't Carry Gay Titles .. A bookseller affiliated with the Methodist Church is continuing a policy of not featuring gay and lesbian Christian books and authors in its catalog, although local Cokesbury bookstores may stock some titles. An article in the October, 1990, issue of More UghrUpdate, a national publication of Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerns hinted at a possible boyoott of the bookseDer. Tutu Urges Church To Welcome Gay Clergy LONDON, Ont. - Discrimination against homosexuals was recently denounced by South Africa's Anglican f,mpathy <...An Interdisciplinary journal for Persons Working to End Oppression on the Basis of Sexual Identity PUBU5KID nna ". Y1!.U, l!NPATHY INCLUDES SCHOI.ULY USo\YS, l'IOSf. AND POSTU, PltACTIT1ONU .umau, ANIICDOTAL IISIAYS, AND USMactl lllOtln AS WEU. AS ANNOrATI!.D 811UOCRAPKl!S POii usouaca MATUIAU, uaNT USlldCII AND IOOl<S. llll JOuaNAL S!&VU PEOPU! WOUJNC IN BDUCAflON, COUNS£1.ING, HZAl.nl C,\U, SOCIAL 'WO.U, COMMUNITY ACl'IVISII, AND TIIB loONIS'l'1IT NATIONALLY AND INTEIIN.\T10NAU.Y. Archbishop Desmond Tutu when he spoke to the national legislative body to the United Church of Canada. "For myself, I would say that it W-Ould be a gross injustice to exclude • people from becoming ordained ministers on the grounds of sexual orientation," Tutu said. The United Church of Canada has been struggling with the controversial issue ever since a statement, passed two years ago at the last General Council meeting, said all members of the church, regardless of sexual orientation, can apply to be considered as ministers. .:Equlll Time/Record □ Bart Eijrond of the Dutch AIDS commission called the new guidelines •completely unnecessary," according to De Gay Krllnt. -Outlines Task Force Backs Marlboro/Miller Boycott W ASHINGlON, D.C. - The Board of Directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has voted to endorse the nation-wide boycott of Marlboro cigarettes and Miller beer, two highly visible products of the Philip Morris Corporation, which is one of the largest corporate donors to Ex-Gay Leader - - the re-election campaign of anti-gay Senator Jesse Helms and also the Doug Houck largest corporate donor to the Jesse Helms museum in Monroe, North "Relapses" earouna. Doug Houck, former director of- "Jesse Helms, more than any other Metanoia Ministries, was fired from individual, has worlced to destroy our his position in Metanoia for being community and our Hves," said John involved in homosexual activity. D'Emilio, NGL1F board of directors Metanoia Ministries is a co-chair. •Companies must recogni7.e Seattle-based chapter of Exodus they cannot take money from lesbian International, an umbrella group of so and gay consumers and, at the same called "ex-gay" ministries. Houck time, support those who attack us in founded the Metanoia Ministries in Congress. This boycott is forcing a 1979 and has directed the major American corporation to take organization since that time. the lesbian and gay community A former client of Metanoia, who seriously and hear our message: wished to remain unidentified, told corporate-sponsored gay bashing will Stllttle Gay News reporter Tom Flint not be tolerated.■ that Houck has "relapsed into NGLTF, the nation's preeminent homosexual activity several times lesbian and gay lobbying organduring his tenure as director." In ization, is encouraging its 17,000 explaining his motivation for members to stop buying Marlboro exposing the issue to the public, the cigarettes and Miller beer. The Task former client said, "I grew up in a Force has also encouraged members to church and took my Christian faiQ\ write Philip Morris to voice seriously as an adolescent and now as opposition to the corporation's an adult. Like many others I assumed support of Jesse Helms. (Hamish as a young teen that my homosexual Maxwell, CEO, Philip Morris, 120 orientation signified my having been Park Ave., New York, NY 10017, abandoned by God. The repeated FAX: (212)878-2167. testimonies of charasmatic ex-gay Christians like Doug Houck only inlreased my des~ir because God was not delivering me as he had others. As a result I was seriously suicidal for a number of years." -Seattle Gay Nt'U!s Congregation Fears -Catching AIDS From Communion Arsonist Torches MCC/Knoxville After months of harassing and threatening phone calls, the Metmpnlitan Community Church of Knoxville, Tennessee, was set ablaze in what pastor Bob Galloway called "a dumb act of homophobia." The building that housed the MCC also housed aids Response Knoxville (aJK). One yar (2 issues) individml subscription $10 (SIS institutional) ---a1-.1.u two Protestant churches in the city of Hardenberg, the Netherlands, worshippers-afraid of AIDS may now bring their own communion cups. The policy was passed at the Hervormde and Gereformeerde churches after parishioners threatened to boycott church for fear of catching AIDS. Dr. Mau checks payabk to Gay and Lesbiaa...Ad!1>c: acy Rcscarcb Project (GLARP) arid mail to: · Emp,uby, PO Bo• 508s. Columbia, SC 292so. Investigators have confirmed that the fire was the result of arson. According to the Tennessee gay /lesbian paper Dare, Galloway said his church had received a series of harassing telephone calls, beginning around the end of March. -Sou,t,h,. ern Voice THE SECOND STONE Newsbriefs Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission Hears Dignity Case A discrimination complaint filed by a chapter of Dignity against the Catholic archdiocese in Minneapolis is moving ; through the city Commission on Civil Rights. Dignity members say Archbishop John Roach discriminated against them based on their affectionaJ preferences, in violation of city law, when, in 1987, he forbade the University of Minnesota Newman Center to renew the group's lease unless Dignity officers signed a statement affirming Catholic teaching on homosexuality. -Philadelphia Gay News ABC Won't Rerun thirtysomething Gay Episode ABC's summer rerun schedule did not incJude the controversial thirtysomething episode that showed two men in bed together because the nelwork lost more than $1 million in cancelled advertising the first time the episode aired. Under pressure from the American Family Association, 50 percent of advertisers pulled their ads from the original broadcast. Pie In The Face Of Bigotry Edwards Bakery in Atlanta, Georgia, has been donating offices, desks, meeting rooms, phones and free pies lo the anti-gay Family Concerns Ministries and Citizens for Public Awareness. The group was quoted as saying they "oppose the homosexual destructive lifestyle that is condemned by God and is a threat to the family ... " BLK, the national magazine for gay and lesbian people of color has suggested its readers not buy Edwards Bakery products. Theatre Group Moves From Church Building In Dispute Over Gay Play The Upstairs Theatre Company, Pittsburgh, Penn., has moved from its South Side home rather than submit to a censorship clause in its lease, which incJuded a "no homosexual content" condition. The theatre group had performed for the past six months at the United Methodist □ Church. "The Upstairs Theatre was renting from the United Methodist Church, but then the church dissolved," said Ted Hoover, the actor starring as Arnold in the company's production of '' • Torch Song Trilogy. "Then they had to rent directly from the Western Pennsylvania Regional Methodist Church, which put a clause in its lease stating the tenant had to agree it wouldn'I stage any events inappropriate to a church setting, take the Lord's name in vain or show homosexual conduct or sexual perversion." Great 1 . Resppnse! -Pittsburgh's Out Anti-Gay Staffer Fired By White House WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House has fired the most vocal critic of the administration's inviting gay men and Lesbians lo the White House to witness two bill signing ceremonies. Doug Wead had been the administration's liaison to religious groups for 19 months. Rev. Richard Land", director of the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention reportedly wrote President Bush a letter demanding a meeting over Wead's termination. Guilt By Association IRVINE, Cal. - A 10-year faculty member at Christ College has been fired for "public association" with the Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus. A college report said Wayne Bisbee was dismissed because the chorus "publicJy condones ... homosexual behavior" and because Bisbee's membership in the chorus could be "construed as conduct unbecoming a Christian and as giving offense to the weak, especially the students." -Baltimore Alternative Where Are The Women The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center N~tional Museum of Lesbian and Gay History is presenting an exhibition of work by women artists entitled Where Are The Women. Working in painting, photography, and mixed media, the artists included in the show are Sandra Desando, Ana Ferrer, Cheryl Gross, Diane Henderson, Marin Henkels, Usa Jacobson, Amy Kool, Sherry Lane, China Marks, Angela Muriel, Aida Pavlovich and Pamela Ryan. The show will run through November 30. November /December 1990 '' '!bat's what a Second Stotie advertiser told us recently. And we hear that mere aid more tbcse days. That's because The Second Stone reaches rcaden where many other gay and lesbian publications can'L Like public and univmity libraries. We don't cany advertising or editorial content lhat would put us behind the COIDlttl'. We're up front - in plain sight! For busi:oesses'lfferinlproducta andaerv• ices to the natioDaJ gay andlesbien ,-om, munity, we're an emtin, new marbtinar approacbl Reach new customers in every Slate 8CJO&'l die USA. The Seoond Stone offers a variety of hH:olumn ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at no charge and we'll get it right - we11 send you a proof to mate sure. The Second S10ae will also insert your brochure, flier or C8la1og_ in our mailing. It doesn't cost as much as JOU think You can reach a paid amt to COlm readership fm- about what you'd pay to advertise in ooe local free disbl'bution gay newspaper. And. •• to mail your insert in The Second Stone costs less lhan mailing it yourselfl You won't know till JOU try it.. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about adVC2'tising cannot be recaptmed. If you're thinking you've paid too much for advertising that lmn't worted ••• you're probably right! But you haven't tried The Second Stone. SECOND STONE You'll be p1eased wi1h 1he re.suits. Call 1-504-949-5625 fm- advertising assistance. People □ Massachusetts Woman Recognized For Selfless Commitment To Others Dr. Margo McMahon Honored By Quota International A Massachusetts woman and member of the Western Massachusetts Chapter of Integrity, Inc., has received the International Outstanding Deaf Woman of the Year award from Quota International. Dr. Margo E. McMahon, an Amherst, Mass., resident was recently honored by Quota Clubs from all over the world, at their 69th Annual Quota International Convention in Seattle, Washington. Quota International is a non-profit service organization. The award is given annually to highlight the abilities and accomplishments of deaf persons. Dr. McMahon was nominated for the award by the Springfield, Mass., Quota Club in recognition of her community service and professional achievements. A panel of internationally known professionals served as judges for the award. On hand to witness the award presentation was Mel Matteson, an Ecumenical Officer for the Northwest Harvest and member of the Standing Commission on Human Affairs for the Episcopal Church. Active in Integrity /Western Mass., Dr. McMahon coordinates an Emergency Food and Clothing Project for the chapter's service project with Digni1ife, a local organization serving individuals and families affected by AIDS. She also serves as an acolyte for the Integrity worship services. In addition to her Integrity activities, Dr. McMahon is active in her local parish and diocese. In January, 1990, she was elected to the Grace Church Vestry. More recently, Bishop Andrew Wisseman has invited her to serve on the Diocesan Dr. Margo E. McMahon Committee on Disability Concerns. This committee was formed as a result of Integrity/Western Mass.' resolution at Diocesan Convention calling on the church to make its parishes and programs accessible to Black Leaders Meet To Discuss Lesbian/Gay Issues ATLANTA, GA - A group of black leaders from around the country met at The King Center in September to discuss placing black lesbian/ gay concerns on the agendas of mapr black institutions. · Representatives from The King Center, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the National Conference of Black Mayors met with the heads of black lesbian and gay organizations, including the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays and the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum. Discussion centered on lesbian/ gay rights, historical contributions of black Lesbians and Gays to black ■ history and the black liberation struggle, and the resources black Lesbians and gay men can bring to currentooncems of black oommunities. The devastating affect of AIDS, anti-gay/lesbian violence and sexism were also discussed by the group. The group of black leaders agreed that recognition and utilization of the talents and expertise of black Lesbians and gay men by traditional black institutions needs to be a priority. "It's difficult to believe anyone would tum down the opportunity to increase their resources by ten percent," said Dr. Ma,;>rie Hill, Director of the Office for the Lesbian and Gay Community for the Mayor of New York City. Dr. Hill's remark refers to research indicating at least ten percent of any population is gay. "The black community is not is a position where it can afford to tum down that kind of increase of human and financial resources," she said. "Most black Lesbians and Gays believe traditional black institutions such as the (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) are dosed to them,· said Sabrina Sojourner, one of the meeting's conveners. "Part of the purpose of this meeting was to explore the extent to which this THE SECOND STONE persons with disabilities. Dr. McMahon holds a Doctorate Degree in Counseling and Special Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Masters Degree in Education of the Deaf from Smith College, Northampton, Mass., and a Bachelors Degree from Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York. She has served as a community advocate and volunteer within a number of agencies and programs to increase accessibility to services and employment by persons with physical, emotional, mental and/ or perceptual handicaps. In 1985, she was appointed by Governor Michael · Dukakis as a member of the Board of Trustees at Belchertown State School, a position she served in until May, 1990. She has published several papers and lectured at numerous educational facilities. Congenitally hearing-impaired, Dr. McMahon has a profound/total hearing loss. She also has a congential absence of her left forearm and a traumatic spinal cord injury from an accident in 1974, for which she uses an electric wheelchair. The emphasis of Dr. McMahon's activities has consistently been a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others despite her own disabiliites. Quota International is a non-profit organization of professionals, business persons, and executives, dedicated to service for persons with speech and hearing problems. Organized in 11 countries, Quota International includes 437 clubs and 12,000 members. might be true and to begin a dialogue to bring about inclusion." Ms. Sojourner commented she found acceptance as well as resistance to the idea of inclusion of black Lesbians and Gays from the organizations contacted. Though unable to attend in person, Dr. Joseph .Lowery, president of the SCLC, sent a representative with a statement expressing SCLC's dedication "to the-ettminatior of bias and discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex and sexual orientation." flit groaywtD spend the next few SEE BLACK LEADERS, Page 18 Cover Story Petition Calls For Statement From Rev. Troy Perry Too Much New Age In MCC? By Jim Bailef Editor Has the New Age movement crept too far into Metropolitan Community Churches? One congregation thinks so. A petition calling for a position statement on New Age teaching is now circulating among MCC congregations. The petition says that the "Fellowship is being systematically and methodically infiltrated by these exotic cults/ideas, all masquerading as 'Christian Liberation,' yet rejecting much of the Christian faith in the process" and calls for · UFMCC Moderator Rev. Elder Troy Perry to "reaffirm the ancient creeds of the church" and to "publicly reaffirm this FelJowship as a Christian Church, which should preach the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ, not some 'goddess.'" The petition continues, "Let the Christians remain on their chosen path, let the goddess worshipers, the New Agers, the cults, wiccans, etc., choose their own ways in peace." Sources say that Rev. Perry disagreed with the content of the petition but that he had no objection to it being circulated. The petition originated from the Divine Redeemer MCC in Glendale, California, and was signed by Rev. Stan Harris, pastor of Divine Redeemer, Rev. David Kromer, and Rev Willie Smith, who was said to have assisted Perry in the establishment of the UFMCC. Edited portions of the petition follow: When many of us joined the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches we were pleased to find that basic Christian teaching, (albeit making room for both Catholics and Protestants) was the norm. In the last ten years or so, some of us have begun to view with increasing alarm the gradual, sometimes aggressive attempts by some feminists, (also some clergy, laity,. those in leadership positions), to either water down our faith, or to render ii almost unrecognizable as part of the Christian religion. "The tiine is sure to come when, far from being content with sound conferences, workshops, Samaritan College classes, pulpits, etc., which seem to be presenting a "new" religion, based upon some very oldyet modernized "heresies• which Christians rejected so long ago, but have risen up once more, breeding chaos and confusion. Some examples of what is being taught in some places: THE CREEDS: Both Nicene and Apostles Creeds can be ignored; they were compiled by a patriarchal male-dominated oppressive society, hence have no value or credibility, nor are their doctrines to be taken seriously. THE BIBLE: Like the Creeds, the Bible is another patriarchal, oppressive and primitive work and can be disregarded at will, denying most if not all 'supernatural' events listed. fiOD: is not really Cod, there is a "goddess" the "Great Mother" of all. teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect a whole series of 'teachers' according to , "She" is the only one to be adored. their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths." -2 Tim. 4:1-5 New Age/Theosophical cult interpretations of Scripture, Cod, Jesus, etc. seem to be more prevalent, and traditional Christians in UFMCC are perhaps feeling pushed out, even estranged, by what we hear and/ or observe, either at certain "She" is called Ishtar/ Ashteroth, Diana, Sarah, Isis, etc., as in Wicca/Witchcraft. Only sexists call God "Father." As part of women's (wommyn's/wimmins?) spirituality, Wicca-type rites are encouraged at women's retreats. JESUS CHRIST: "Jesus" and "The Christ" are two separate entities/ persons (A New Age rewrite of Theosophy, also Gnosticism.) The risen Christ (or the ascended Christ) is not the same as Jesus, but a spirit - so is sexless, and can be called "she." Jesus is not divine as taught by the □ early church, but rather is "divine," as we all are. Jesus is not unique in creation. He is not Cod Incarnate. " ... and let me warn you that if anyone preaches a version of the good news different from the one we have already preached to you, whether it be ourselves or an angel from heaven, he is to be condemned .. :' • -Gal. 1:8 BLOOD ATONEMENT/SIN: Sin doesn't exist. We are a product of our environment, so we are not personally responsible for our thoughts, words and deeds. So we have nothing to be sorry for or "saved" from. Jesus' crucifixion was political only, and has no spiritual merit. The idea of sacrificing His life for sin is primitive, superstitious and ignorant, smacking of "human sacrifice" ideology, and must be rejected as such by truly enlightened 20th century folk. All "blood" hymns, etc., to be discarded, replaced by the word "love." BAPTISM: totally unnecessary. Unbaptized are given church membership, without commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, without explanation, or preparation offered in some churches. COVER STORY, FromPagel mistakes made by the Christian community, have a part in some Christians exploring involvements that may be quite appealing but are clearly outside the realm of Christianity. Generally such movements promise some "new" truth. remove most, it not all, prejudice against gay and lesbian lifestyles. In .addition, it also appears to be quite compatible with Christian teachings so that relatively uninformed Christians may think that they can easily follow both paths. But such is not the case. New Age is not a supplement to Christianity; it's seeping into the Christian community is a confusing problem with no easy answers. can also be distorted and now many Americans hold the attitude, referred to as relativism, that anything is as good as anything else: there are no absolutes and if you believe so there is something wrong with you. You are the object of disdain if you believe in a God who says "no• to certain ways. You are told you're "intolerant, closedminded." But it is clear that God does say "no" to some things. The challenge facing Christians in the New Age is how to proclaim our beliefs amidst the surging tide of beliefs we see as false. We are not to condemn others, but much of the power of the early church rode on its proclamation of good versus evil and the separation of believers from the way of wrong doing. either personal or impersonal, not both: he is either moral or amoral, not both; people are nondivine or divine, not both; there is resurrection or reincarnation, not both; ethics are absolute or relative, not both. You cannot serve both God and the New Age. Even if it is considered impolite in a pluralistic culture to dispute the truth of another's beliefs, the Christian must speak the truth in love, saying, 'No! I cannot agree with pantheism, monism, relativism, spiritism, and the rest. I will have no part.'" New Age promises a better sense of self and a greater power over one's life. It is easily seen how such a promise is attractive to everyone, especially to men and women in the gay community, who have often felt powerless and disenfranchised. Its very lack of a central ethical base (it is very subjective in its philosophical roots) Relative to other times in history, we live in a tolerant time. Attidudes of openness and acceptance have benefitted the gay community in its struggle for affirmation in church and society. But any good November /December 1990 So it is today: we have to proclaim these things but such proclamations must stem from introspection and study, not from reaction. Christians are called apart, informed by gospel that we are in this world but not of it. That is difficult, but central to the gospel message. Douglas Croothuis, writing in Christianity Today, January 13, 1989, writes: "The separation theme is crucial for confronting the New Age. The New Age world view is antithetical to Christianity: the two cannot mingle. God is There are other places where Christian faith and SEE COVER STORY, Page 18 Families But Inspiration Comes From Revelation Even A Fool Can Be Educated DJ Rey, Sywja Pcnninpm Contributing Writer I guess we all have a picture of what certain types of people stereotypically look like. I remember meeting a man whose father worked the land in Brittany, where the land was full of rocks, granite and hard places. Soon those who worked the land bore the mark of the land that they worked. Not that they were hard men, but just that they became one with the land and had a hard, rough look. I have a picture of Southern red•necked farmers. They work a hard land too. They're tall and thin and sinewy, brown as berries. The skin on their neck and face is wrinkled because of the hours of hot sun under which they labor. They're tough looking. They work hard and on Sunday they go to church. They rule their land, their wives and their children. They want their sons to be tough and sinewy, just as they are. Recently I met a man like that. His name was Parker and he fit my stereotypical picture to a "T" except for one thing - he had the softest, kindest blue eyes I'd ever seen. I heard of him a year earlier when he piqued my curiousity by ordering 20 copies of my first book, But Lord, They're Gay. I wondered why this southern farmer was ordering 20 copies of my book. He enclosed a note that if I was ever in his state to please let him know for he would like to talk to me, even if I only had about ten minutes to spare. About a year later, I called him. We arranged to meet and he said he would be bringing his wife and ~ EvangeHcals Ii. V lbgether-. MUS1UIWGIIOWS IOCUtS • IOflllSNOPS. llrnlE.VI Hlf/AIDSIU'P'Ollt~ ,.._. ca a ccusa• FOR Gay & Lesbian Christians ii Southem Cabrit....silt> 1979 Sult• 10fl-Bo,c 1fl 711/1~ B•nta Monica BoultwMd W.•r Hollywood, CA r1004fl 213/656-B570 adopted son. He didn't mind the distance they'd have to travel to have a brief talk. We met in a restaurant. As we talked Parker spoke of his son, his only child who had never quite measured up to his image of what a strong son should look like or act like. His son had one thing going for him - he was a Christian and he loved the Lord. Parker couldn't deny that. Tony was a kind boy - but not tough. One day Tony told his parents that he was gay and he had someone Parker was outraged with a combination of disbelief that his one child could be a pervert and that, in his righteous N azerene certainty, Tony was doomed to hell unless he ' repented. in his life he loved very much - another man. Parker was outraged with a combination of disbelief that his one child could be a pervert and that, in his righteous Nazerene certainty, Tony was doomed to hell unless he repented. Parker spent the next year and a half harrassing Tony despite his son constantly telling him that he was still a Christian and he still loved the Lord. Parker refused to meet his son's mate, certain that the relationship had to be from the devil. Then came the day that I Bubleaor PIIIOIIIL TIJaSemnclSlone C:nr1lflecl Ad □ BY ANDREA NATALIE (9' 71/JTI/FKS IICA1Nsr P~VNK P1JVEfS!.' - 1 /'' ·. NOT L£SIMN MOTi/£~$ AGtf/NST ! I ( r-- . I ~::: -,,,..,. ,/, / rOr-~,.V_,N...k,. ,.. ________ _ , (J •\ . , , I guess every family of a gay man fears most will happen. Tony told his father that he had AIDS. Despite Parker's broken heart he doubled up on his efforts to have Tony repent and get right with God and secure anew his eternal life. His angry pleas fell on deaf ears as Tony constantly maintained his Christianity. Parker worked harder than ever to "save" his son from a Godless eternity in hell as Tony grew weaker each day. Parker's eyes filled with tears as he told me of a day in the hospital room, when even while he argued with his son, hooked up to oxygen and breathing machines, something began to happen in the room • something that Parker recognized - that his life and love of the Lord had prepared him for as the room filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The presence of Cod was intense and the reality of Christ's presence was undeniable. Suddenly Tony sat up, took off his oxygen and said, "Dad, do you feel him here?" Parker said, "Yes, but put your oxygen on Tony." Tony weakly answered "But there's no need to, Dad, Jesus has come for me," and he closed his eyes and died. As Parker sat there telling me about it his tears flowed freely down his hard, weather beaten face. "Jesus came to take my boy home and nothing can ever again convince me that my Tony did not belong to Him. Why don't they understand that, Sylvia?" Too choked up to· talk, we just held hands for a few moments. The young man with whom Tony had fallen in love, Joseph, had grown up in an orphanage and never had a family. Parker and his wife, Maria, took him home after Tony's death and for the first time in his life Joseph has the family he had always longed for. Parker said he's just going to keep sending books out to every minister in his county so that, hopefully, one day the world and the church would understand as he finally did. I thank God for a brief stop in a small farm community in Oklahoma and an opportunity to meet some people - Parker, Maria, and Joseph - my "family" now too. Need we ever doubt that we serve a Risen Savior? 11D THE SECOND STONE Church & Organization News Attempt Underway To Revive Dignity/ Baton Rouge "Modest but persistent" efforts are underway to revive the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, chapter of Dignily, according to acting president Joe McCarty. "We are undaunted in our belief that Gays and Lesbians can come together and pray, and find sustenance for their journey from the Bible," McCarty said. "Because of the stance of the Catholic hierarchy we presently are unable to have Dignity Eucharistic liturgies. We are unshaken in the hope that the present impasse can be turned around in time." For more information on Dignity/Baton Rouge contact P.O. Box 4181, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 or can (504 )383-601 o. King Of Peace MCC To Purchase New Church Building The congregation of King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg, Florida, voted in late August to purchase property for church expansion. The church board is currently negotiating with architects for contracts for extensive renovations to the building, a former movie theater. The new facility will feature a sanctuary with seating for 450, a social area with seating for 300, library, bookstore, and office areas and a guest suite. The congregation hopes to move into the 23,000 square foot building by spring or summer. AIDS Project Receives Dignity Donation Dignity /Seattle has donated $825.00 to the Multifaith AIDS Project of Seattle. MAPS will use the money, which Dignity raised at its second annual Pride Week breakfast, to manage two homes for people with AIDS, both located in Seattle. Conrad To Pastor Good Shepherd Good Shepherd MCC, Chicago, has installed the Rev. Ralph Conrad as its new pastor. Conrad, formerly a Catholic priest, was previously affiliated· with MCC/Las Vegas. Church spokesperson Bradley Mickelson told the Chicago Outlines that Conrad "is particularly well known ... for his preaching talent ... and his ability lo motivate his congregation to be an important, viable and active part of the lesbian and gay community." Mickelson said Good Shepherd was very active in the Chicago community in the late 70s and early 80s "and would like to return to that role again." Morning Star MCC Pastor Dies Rev. Emmett J. Watkins, Jr., pastor of Morning Star MCC, Worcester, Mass., passed away on August 25. He was praised by his congregation as an excellent teacher. "}le taught not only with words but also by his shining example," said Glenda Caron, editor of the church's newsletter. "Never has a man of God been loved and respected to the extent that our Pastor was," she said. Pastor Watkins was born in Houston and raised in San Francisco. He spent two years serving his country during the Viet Nam era in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon discharge from the military he lived for a short time in Seattle and then moved to Los Angeles where he joined the MCC of Los Angeles and became interested in ministry. He attended the College of New Rochelle New York Theological Seminary, receiving a degree and working to fulfill the requirements to become a minister in the UFMCC. Under his leadership, Morning Star grew from eight members to over eighty members and friends. Survivors include the Reverend and Mrs. E. J. Watkins, Sr., the Reverend and Mrs. E. H. Watkins, Mrs. Denise. MacKinon, Mrs Patrisse Dawson, Mrs. Elisicia Wright, Mr. Eric V. Watkins and several nieces and nephews. Reconciliation MCC Takes To The Tube An hour-long weekly telecast of worship services from Reconciliation MCC was scheduled to debut in October on three public access stations serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. The program, Reconciliation, is produced by Bradmack Productions and features Sunday sermons taped during the church's worship services. The telecast is part of Reconciliation MCCs five year plan. Bradmack plaMed to add another five stations before November; three more by March 1991; and stations in the three largest cities in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana by September 1991, giving the ministry the opportunity to be seen on 25 public access stations covering a large part of the Great Lakes area by September 1991. Rochester Group Celebrates 15th Anniversary Dignity•lntegrity /Rochester, New York, has begun its 15th year of service to the gay and lesbian community. The ecumenical religious, educational and social organization began as a small group of gay Catholics and gay Episcopalians who met on Easter Sunday, 1975, to worship together for the first time at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Shortly after, the groups were chartered as the first combined chapter of the Dignity and Integrity national organizations. MCj::/Baton Rouge Reslructures A "major restructuring" including the adoption of a new name is underway for the Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Severe financial problems forced the loss of the group's building and pastor. The church has been renamed Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life) to reflect the French heritage of the area and is holding meetings at 333 East Chimes. For more information, call (504 )665-9645. Lesbian To Pastor New Hope UCC The 200-member New Hope United Church of Christ, located in a low-income area of Milwaukee's south side, has hired an openly lesbian pastor. Church officials said Rev. Margarita Suarez's ministry will broaden the church's resolve to be open to all people, regardless of sexual orientation. There are 10 openly gay UCC ministers nationwide. New Editor Picked For WAVES Dorothy J. Many of Middletown, Connecticut, has been selected as the new editor of WAVES, the newsletter of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns. Many is an active member of the UCCL/GC Connecticut Chapter and of the Connecticut Conference Department of Church Life and Leadership Committee on Homosexuality. She is a graphic artist and visual media November/December 1990 □ designer for the Connecticut State Library in Hartford. Many is also editor of the Magny Families Association Newsletter and the owner of Frankfort Publishing Co., which she established. Vision of Hope MCC Celebrates Anniversary Vision of Hope MCC in Lancaster, Penni, was scheduled to kick off a major building fund drive during the celebration of its tenth aMiversary in early November. Rev. Elder Troy Perry was scheduled to speak. For more information, call the church at (717)392-27294 Cincinatti Group Seeks Pastor All Saints Chapel, a non-denominational fel!owship that provides worship in the Protestant tradition for Lesbians, gay men, their friends and supporters is seeking a qualified person to serve as part-time pastor for the group. For more information contact Pastoral Search Committee, c/o All Saints Chapel, P.O. Box 19096, Cincinatti, OH 45219, Attn: Mark Steffen. Ex-Gays? There Are None Lambda Christian Fellowship is pleased ID anoourr:e a new book by Rev. S_yMa Pennington -an examination of ex.gay ministries - what they do • what they don't do. You'B meet people who, Ollly throuah God's grace, have survivea and stopped trying to be ex-gays, because, in truth, them is no such lhilg as an ex-gay ,-sot Now Available From Lambda Christian Fellowship P. 0. Box 1967 Hawthorne. CA 90250 $15.00 plus $1.50 for postage and handling. califomia residents add 6% sales tax. Try a Second Slone CmifiedAd iii Calendar The following announcements have been submitted by sponsoring or affiliated groups. Third Annual 'Creating Change' Gathering NOVEMBER 9-12, Lesbian and gay activists from around the nation will meet in Minneapolis for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's third annual Creating Change conference. The Holiday Inn Metrodome is the setting. The conference will feature leading activists from the national and grassroots gay and lesbian scene, prominent and provocative speakers, PATLAR IICICEOF-GAY~ MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE FREE AT OUR DISTRISUTION POINTS SUBSCRIPTIONS 1f ANNUALLY SAMPL,}t4&,y~ OiJT~~t USA $4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING . CALL (9181391-9756 OR 452-0769 PO BOX 22-402 SACRAMENTO CA 95822 42 skills-building workshops, social events, organizing sessions and more. Plenary speakers will be Barbara Smith, black lesbian feminist writer and activist, Dr. C. T. Vivian, civil rights activist and Center for Democratic Renewal chairman and Kate Ointon, popular feminist humorist. Early registration is $120.00. The Chicago Resource Center has provided a grant to help fund a scholarship program for people of color and people with disabilities. Contact NGLTF, 1517USt.NW, Washington, DC 20009 or can (202)332-6483. Creative Approaches To Grief NOVEMBER 17, a mini-retreat led by Rev. Louis F. Kavar and sponsored by Emmaus House of Prayer. For information write to P.O. Box 70434, S.W., Washington, DC 20024. Women's Thanksgiving Cruise NOVEMBER 17•24,. Robin Tyler . ;J ristmas." January: "Thinking Of You." March: "You're Special." May: "Love You." July: "I Care." September: "You're In My Heart." A Christmas gift subscription to THE SECOND STONE lets someone brow how much you care •. .and it's a gift that keeps on giving ... all year long. What a nice way to say so much to someone you love! Please send a gift subscription and greeting card to: Nane,_ ____ _ Adlt8sa.·---·-···-·-······ .. ··---- Cily, S1ale & lip....... ...................... __ _ Name.---·-·- - ··--··- ··---··-·-- Adliess. ......•..., ___. •_ . ..., . .......... City, S1al8 & Zip. ............................................... .. Nilne .. _________ ........................... . Adliess..--··-·················-··········---· .............. .. City, - & Zip ................................................. . l J One gift-$12.60 YOUR NAME .... ----····-- ----·-··-·--- --·-- . ( J 'two gifts - $23.00 ( J Three gifts ~2.00 ADORESS ..........•...................... ---·······--········'"· .......... . CITY.STATE & ZIP .................................................................... . All gift sul,scriplion, t11t mailed i11 a plinn artldope. AM $8.00 aKII . _s116scri6irr. U.S. t Productions presents a seven night women's Thanksgiving cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the SS Bermuda Star, a magnificent luxury vessel that has all the spaciousness and ambiance of the classic era cruise ships. Join over 800 other women from all over the world on the high seas on a cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. For furthur information, write to Robin Tyler Productions, 15842 Chase St., Sepulveda, CA 91343 or call l-818-893-4075. Robin Tyler is now producing two of the major women's music and comedy festivals (7th Annual Southern and 11th Annual West Coast) as well as this cruise, thereby producing the highest number of national women's events. The Book And Beyond ... Chris Glaser NOVEMBER 18-19, Stony Point Center, Stony Point, New Xork, presents The Book and Beyond with Chris Glaser; the author and readers in conversation expanding upon the ideas raised in Glaser's book Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Ministry as Gay and Lesbian Christians. Cost is $70.00 for registration, room and meals. For information contact Stony Point Center, Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980 or calJ (914) 786-5674. Casa De La. Paloma Three Day Revival NOVEMBER »DECEMBER 2, Casa De La Paloma Apostolic Cl\urch in Tucson, Arizona hosts a three day revival. Featured guests include the Rev. Sheri Hayes of NashvilJe, Tenn., and the Rev. William H. Carey of Schenectady, New York, Presbyter of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance. Rev. Carey will present a workshop entitled Hcmrosaw,lity and the Bible using Hebrew and Greek scriptures to determine what the Bible does and does not say about homosexuality. Special music and singing is also being planned. For information, contact the church at P.O. Box 14003, Tucson, AZ 85732-4003 or call (602)323-6855. Casa De La Paloma Apostolic Cl\un:h is pastored by the Rev. Sandy Lewis, • THE-SECOND STONB □ Elder of the West Central District of the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance. God 'Comes Out' At Advent DECEMBER 7~, an advent workshop for Lesbians, gay men, their families and friends at Land's End, Saranac Lake, New York. Led by Chris Glaser, author of Uncommon Calling and Come Home. Registration, room and meals (based on double occupancy) is $125.00. For information write to Dr. Michael J. Craven, Land's End, Star Route, Box 5, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or call (518)891-4034. ~ Gay And Christian Accepted As Living Members DECEMBER 1~16, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina sponsors a conference for gay men, Lesbians and bisexual people and those who support them. Facilitator is Malcolm Boyd. Workshops include: Healing Grief and Anger Toward the Church, Relationships, Images of God, Spirituality and Sexuality, The Bible and Homosexuality and Where Do Gay and Lesbian Persons Fit in the Cl\urch. To be held at the Conference Center, Browns Summit, North Carolina. Cost is $135-165 including registration, room and meals. Contact the Registrar, St. Philip's Episcopal Cl\urch, P.O. Box 218, Durham, NC 277C11. Just Say Yes: A Call To Thrive FEBRUARY 15-17, a conference to bring together gay, lesbian and bisexual seminarians and divinity school students. The Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., is the setting. Cost is $30.00. Keynote speakers scheduled: Carter Heyward, Chris Glaser, Irene Monroe and (tentatively) John Boswell. In addition to the several workshops scheduled, there will be a session on developing strategies for change in seminaries, the church and beyond. For information, contact Michael Musolf, 99 Brattle St., Box 30, Cambridge, MA 02138 or call (617)547-7629. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAR, THE SECOND STONE, P .0. BOX 8340, • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 1 --- --- - --- --- --- -- Essay . ! □ War Veterans By Chris Glaser Columnist I cried through much of the film Born on the Fourth of /uly. It is the story of Ron Kovic, who initially believed and fought in the Vietnam war, returned in a wheelchair to a nation questioning its in~olvement there, and was himself transformed into a peace activist and a leader of Vietnam Vets Against the War. I cried because I was there too - not in Vietnam, thank God • but initially in favor and then adamantly in opposition to our military involvement in Vietnam. I demonstrated, boycotted, went on strike, spoke, and wrote against the war. I was accused of being unpatriotic, a Communist, a traitor. But never by my friends in Vietnam, with whom I corresponded and exchanged audiotapes. Some were drafted; others volunteered. On furloughs they told me about buddies blown up, drugs, anxiety, terror, grief, and boredom. I cried because a lot of us around at that time - American or Vietnamese - are Vietnam vets whether we served as soldiers or not. By saying this, I do not intend to underrate the severe emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma of those who actualJy fought in the war or those whose home of Vietnam was the battlefield. But I do believe that most Americ_a~lost something if not someone in th'at war; an of us were wounded by i( And the wounds have never been fully recognized, let alone healed. And this is true of all wars. CoincidentaUy, the same day I saw the film based on Ron Kovic's autobiographical book, I finished watching a videotape of the old film The Best Years of Ou, Lives. It depicts the awkward, painful, and dispiriting return of veterans from World War II. Given their emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds, as well as those of all the nations involved, it's small wonder that fifty years after its end we are still bombarded by books and films about WWII. . Uke Ron Kovic, Leonard Matlovich was also a Vietnam veteran. In 1975, he contested the U.S. Air Force's expulsion of him as a gay m.a n.. I happened to meet him the week after his picture appeared on the cover of --Time magazine as part of a story on being homosexual in America. He pointed out the irony that the military could give him a medal for killing two men in Vietnam, and yet oust him for loving one. As a result, Matlovich became a veteran in a new war, the one for gay acceptance. And he later became a casualty in our battle with AIDS. We were born into this war and never knew anything different. Like children of alcoholics and children . abused by parents, we guessed at what "normal" meant. I believe that all lesbian women and gay men have been involved in a war. We have fought battles to be who we are personally. We have fought battles to protect our rights publicly. We have fought battles to secure our freedom of thought and expression. We have fought battles to defend our homes; as couples, as parents. We have fought battles to maintain our employment and pursue careers. We have fought battles to defend our right to exercise our religion. We are veterans who have been wounded emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Our wounds are barely recognized, let alone healed. Like other war veterans, many of us know something's wrong, but can't put our finger on it. We may feel anxious and uneasy. We may lash out at one another. At the least we may find it difficult to develop intimacy - because our wounds might get rubbed the wrong way. Intimacy may be too painful. We are veterans with generational differences. When I began minis• tering within the gay community, I soon noticed a generation gap between pre-Stonewall Gays and those of us in the Stonewa11 generation. More ,ecent years have revealed yet another gap between my generation and younger Gays and Lesbians. F.ach generation's approaches to the same war have been different. Older "homophiles" applauded the liberation of "Gays and Lesbians,• while at the same time envying us and questioning whether we were asking too much. The younger g~eration admittedly benefits from the openness achieved by us, but often takes it for granted and (a little too self-righteously) questions our excesses. Of course my generation too smugly condemned closets and double lives in our otherwise just call to "Come out!" But whatever our differences, we must not forget .that we are veterans of the same war. Many of us do not grasp that we have suffered shell shock, battle fatigue, and disabling wounds. We were born into this war and .never knew anything different. Like children of alcoholics and children abused by parents, we guessed at what "i,formal" meant. A friend who is very involved in AA has told me that he believes almost every lesbian and gay man was reared in dysfunctional families because there was something that could not be discussed: sexuality, particularly homosexuality. No matter how loving our parents were, the societal milieu in which most of us grew up screwed us up in some way. He pointed out the irony that the military could give him a medal for killing two men in Vietnam, and yet oust him for loving one. I sec this in my own life. With full acceptance withheld by the church and the society, I hunger for love. Yet when I reach out in love or for love, my war wounds get in the way. I can identify with the apostle Paul who found himself doing the very things he did not want to do and failing to do the things he intended (Romans 7:15•25). I hurt myself and I hurt others even though I believe my true God-given nature to be loving and good. AIDS complicates the war. It is not uncommon for wars to be complicated by disease. In the U.S. Civil War, for example, perhaps as many died of dysentery and disease as died in battle. But in these other wars, those November/December 1990 who were sick were ca~ for behind the lines. In the case of AIDS, gay PWA's and HIV+'s are often forced to the front lines: closets no longer afford protection, political action must be taken to secure health care and civil rights, and society's experience of our community is filtered through media reports on AIDS. To send the sick and vulnerable to the front lines is not humane. That's why, I believe, those who are healthy and uninfected might consider volunteering for front line duty. I know that in some circles it is unpopular to use~he language of war. But, as we learned in Korea and again in Vietnam, calling a war by any other name does a disservice to its veterans, who have forever been wounded by the horror and terror of war. As I cried for those who fought the Vietnam War - whether on the battlefields or on the campuses - in the film Born on the Fourth of /uly, I realized I was also crying for all of us who have fought the battles for liberation and justice for Lesbians and gay men. We are walking wounded who need understanding, forgiveness, and tender loving care. Chris Glaser is a graduate of Yale Divinity School and the author of two books: Uncommon Callini - A Gay Man's Struttfe to Serve the Church, and Come Home! - Reclaimint Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians, both from Harper & Row. LlftD to HI BDl'IOlt: I All DIIPLY DISTRB888D IT YOOR IIAGAIIRI, Tlllll IIASll'T BIIR A PUBLICAflOII IIB081 'nlOLOGICAL TRJIATI818 1 1ft HIN 80 O,,SIUIBD BY, IIB061 CAIIDll> ACCOOIP.l'8 OP IIClllllllG AJl0IIG CIIOJtCII GROUPS l 1VI HIM 80 IWJUlA88D 111', IIB081 IWlGIIIG Jlll'IIRDDB OP ftl RIID8 OP TIii IIORLD AIU) CBDJICB J 'VI HD !IA.DI TO PUL SO GIJILff IT BIICI -- DLL, 8lllCI flll 111W '1'118'1'Alllll'l' I II .. Closer Look Stop Letting People Despise You! lJ Rev, Bwcc Roller Contributing Writer Another Biblical personality who certainly has a word to speak, albeit second-ban~, to gay and lesbian Christians is Paul's close companion and dear lriend (sometimes referred to as Paul's "beloved and faithful child in the Lord"), Timothy. Though homosexual orientation was not identified scientifically until fairly recent times, and there is little evidence that occasional homosexual behavior was used to discredit people in the early church, something about Timothy was definitely used lo make him appear "less than" other leaders of the early church. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy, refer to this as his "youth," "youthfulness," or "boyishness" though by this time Timothy would certainly have been 38-40 years old, according to Marvin Vincent, Kenneth Wuest and others. Obviously the Apostle Paul considered Timothy a worthy colleague, referring to him in 1 'Ibessalonians 3:2, as God's servant in the gospel of Christ, and by implication even ranks him among the apostles (2:6). Paul took it as his personal responsibility to circumcise Timothy so that this man of presumably mixed Jewish-Gentile heritage would be more acceptable to the Jewish Christians who then were the primary leaders of the church (Acts 16:3). The Pastoral Epistles emphasize Timothy's gift and speak of his having been set aside by prophetic utterance for the work to which he was called. In 1 Corinthians 16:10-11, however, Paul feels it necessary to come to Timothy's defense, urging the Corinthian Christians to put Timothy at ease when he comes to them as Paul's emissary so that Timothy will have no need to feel . timid among. them. Paul assures the Corinthians that Timothy really is doing the Lord's work, just as Paul is. "So," Paul writes, "see to it that no one despises Ti!]lothy, or treats him as if he were of no account or slights hift. But send him off (cordiaJly), in peace ... " Also in Wuest's Word Studies in the Greek . New Testllment the expanded translation of 1 Timothy 4:12 reads, "Stop allowing anyone to contemptu011Sly push you aside because of your youth, but keep on becoming an example to the believers, in word, tn behavior, in love, in faith, in A Presbyterian Promise "We will work to increase the acceptance and participation in the church of all persons reganiless of racial-ethnic origins, sex, class, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation" -195th General Assembly (1983), Atlanta, Georgia If this is your promise, too, we inl'ite you to join Presbyterians for Lesbian/Gay Concerns Write to Elder James D. Anderson PLGC, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0038,201/846-1510 purity." The word for "despise" above is kataphroneo. It speaks of that contempt felt in the mind which is displayed in injurious action. As Moulton and Milligan say of the word: "The word does not denote a mere feeling of contemp • it is active." The verb is present imperative in a prohibition, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. Timothy was being despised. Paul says, "Stop a11owing anyone to despise you." Whatever the "something" about Timothy that made him different and "less ~ than" the other early church leaders - such as Paul and Silas, among whom he was classed - we derive a word of instruction in dealing with the modem church members who feel for lesbian and gay Christians a feeling of contempt that is displayed in injurious action: "Stop letting them treat you that way!" Perhaps by now you can see why I have honored Timothy by writing of him is a series of articles that address ways in which Biblical personalities speak to gay and lesbian Christians today. Whatever the "something" about Timothy that made him different and "less than" the other early church leaders - such as Paul and Silas, among whom he was classed - we derive a word of instruction in dealing with the modem church members who feel for lesbian and gay Christians a feeling of contempt that is displayed in injurious action: "Stop letting them treat you that way!" First, Paul wrote to Timothy, "God did not give us a spirit of timidity - of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear ... (2 Timothy 1:7)." I believe we as lesbian and gay Christians must identify that our fearfulness to assert who we are in Christ - even to ourselves - is not the gift of God, but is from oppressive and restrictive powers that have held us captive from expressing our true gifts •of power and of Jove and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline II THE SECOND STONE □ and godly self-control, (1:7b)." Once we have come to this conclusion for ourselves through prayer and meditation in the Word and Spirit of God, then we can move on to Paul's next admonition to Timothy, "Stop letting them contemptuously push you around." In the book The Penguin Principles, David Belasic and Paul Schmidt describe "The Tweaking Principle." The essence of the principle is "They'll only do it to you if you let 'em." Too many people have sacrificed too much for us to allow ourselves to be treated abusively by the church. The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founder of Metropolitan Community Churches, tells of hanging up the phone on a reporter who in a radio interview ca11ed him "Mr. Perry," explaining .. ."I just can't bring myself to call you Reverend." The Reverend Perry remarks, "I've come too far to need that kind of abuse anymore!" Praise God! I urge gay and lesbian Christians to hear the voice of God from Paul and Timothy, from Rev. Perry, and a host of other voices crying in the wilderness, "Stop allowing people to despise you!" Finally Paul gave Timothy a long-term, sure-fire method for stop- ' ping such contemptuous treatment, "continue being an example to them." As we dare to "come out," as we dare to Jive lives that are godly, loving, sensitive, forgiving examples, slowly - ever so slowly • the "ignorance of foolish people is silenced" (1 Peter 2:15), and we are finally stopping people from treating us and our spiritual gifts to the church with active contempt. Whether Timothy was young, gay, physically or emotionally challenged - whatever the stigma - the message is the same, "Stop allowing people to despise you!" The Reverend Bruce Roller is ptiStor of Reconciliation MCC in Grand Rllpids, Ml. He hlls prepllred 11 workbook on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that is availllble for $3.50 plus 25% handling llnd shipping. This book llllows the student to drllw conclusions themseloes from the Word of God, llnd has helped many people ooer their fear of condemnlltion from this pasSllge of Scripture. The wolkbook is twailable from Faithful Publications, P.O. Box 3701, Grand Rltpids, Ml 49501. Episcopal Bishop Admo=nished By House Of Bishops WASHINGTON, O.C. • The But it's reaHy a water pistol: ' Episcopal Church's House of Bishops, Although the resolution actually meeting here on September 18, voted said little - and the document being by a slender margin to •disassociate" endorsed included the phrase. -We itself from the December, 1989, do not disassociate ourselves from the ordination of an openly gay priest by . many members of our church who are Bishop John Spong of Newark. lesbian and gay,• the leader of the By a vote of 80 to 76, a revised traditionalist Episc~pal Synod, "officiaJ- count of a previously Clarence Pope, Bishop of Fort Worth, reported vote of 78 to 14, the bishops said, "If we don't adopt this "affirm[ed) and support[ed)" the resolution, we go a long way to February 20 statement by the changing our religion. Much of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church's teaching will be altered if Church and his Council of Advice, we don't take steps." (Omprlsed of bishops representing Other negative bishops more each of the nine provinces of the candidly stated that they were church, which in tum quoted a 1919 bothered by the publicity and what resolution that it is "inappropriate" their clergy and people had said to to ordain "practicing" homosexuals. them about the ordination. Retired ''The way the church treats its gay and lesbian members so deeply violates my conscience that it strains the very fabric of my life by tearing it between my loyalty to Jesus Christ, who made a habit of embracing outcasts, and my loyalty to a church that historically has rejected Blacks, women, and Gays.11 -Bishop John Spong In · the wake of the highly publicized ordination and subsequent controversial remarks by the newly ordained priest, Bishop Spong was severely criticized for defying the collegiality of the House of Bishops. Earlier this year, many Bishops had spoken in favor of censure. Efforts by extreme conservatives to bring a presentment, which might have lead to a churcJt trial, were dismissed by Presiding Bishop Bdmond Browning several m~nths ~go. The resolution wa~ initiated by William Wantland, bishop of the tiny (2000 communicants) diocese of Eau Oaire, Wisconsin and a member of the Advisory Board of the vehemently anti-gay American Family Association. He described the proposal as a "strong admonition." Another ultra-conservative bishop, William Frey, notorious for having perfotmed an unsuccessful exorcism of a gay priest and now dean of a new right-wing seminary near Pittsburgh, disagreed, saying, " Some have said that this is a gun pointed at the head of Spong. Bishop. Gordon Charlton said that "the Church will be watching" and that the "integrity of the House [of Bishops] is at stake. That's a word (integrity) I want to reclaim," he said. Most of those speaking opposed the resolution, including three of the authors of the document being endorsed who said that it had value when written, but restating it now would serve no purpose and that they would remove their names as authors if the resolution passed. When the final vote came, only one of the seven members present who had served on the Council of Advice and drafted the February statement voted to endorse it. The Presiding Bishop, long a supporter of lesbian/ gay ordination also voted against the resolution. In a defiant half-hour response to the vote, Bishop Spong admonished the House for what he called its hypocrisy, especially contrasting its gentle treatment of conservative bishops who refuse to ordain women. Spong argued that, unlike the traditionalists who are his harshest critics, he followed the canonical process when he went ahead with the ordination. "I wonder if this House can embrace the fact that other bishops besides Episcopal Synod bishops have a conscience that cannot be compromised?" Spong asked. "The way the church treats its gay and lesbian members so deeply violates my conscience that it strains the very fabric of my life by tearing it between my loyalty to Jesus Christ, who made a habit ot embracing. the outcast, and my loyalty to a church that historically has rejected Blacks, women and Gays. It is not the bishop of Newark who is violated by this process but the gay and lesbian members of this church," he added. He reminded the bishops that the 1919 resolution opposing lesbian/gay ordmation was a recommendation and therJ!fore not binding. Repeating an argument he had made · earlier in defense of the December ordination, Spong said that the church has been quietly ordaining practicing homosexuals for years. Non-celibate homosexuals are found at all levels of church life - not only in parishes but also the House of Bishops, seminary faculties and student bodies. He said that the charge that he violated the collegiality of the House is 7a sign of fear, even of homophobia." Similar charges have never been leveled against members of the Episcopal Synod or others who hold views contrary to General Convention resolutions. Bishop Spong's speech ~ived a standing ovation from several bishops and most of the visitors. Following the vote, there was universal agreement that the church is closelr, divided on the issue of . ordaining Lesbians and Gays. Several observers suggested that if the vote had been repeated after Spong's speech, the result would have been different. . On the final day of the meeting, September 20, the bishops again returned to the issue of Lesbians and Gays in the Church. A statement adopted on that day renewed a call made in 1988 to discuss the issue in every diocese and parish, a call that has been widely ignored in the November/December 1990 church. "To call for dialogue in a puzzling and complex area is not to abdicate our leadersh~p/ - it is/ precisely to give it in a way. consistent with our Anglican heritage: to call God's people to stand faithfully in the midst of life, seeking the mind and heart of God,• it said. "Obviously, we do not expect easy answers. Dialogue is not going to produc;e consensus. It may not even provide grounds for a compromise presently beyond our ken,• the unanimously approved statement said. "We recognize that it would not be faithful to the Gospel to ignore the anguished cries ol homosexual men and women who feel hurt, rejected, and angry by what they see about them. At the same time, we recogna.e that it would not be faithful to the Gospel to ignore or simply label as homophobic the anguished cries of men and women who feel hurt, rejected and angry that what they see as sin is not being reaffinned as such.• The statement was primarily authored by the Bishop of New York, Richard Grein, a moderate who has been supportive of the many lesbian and gay clergy in his new diocese. · Integrity and the Episcopal Women's Caucus were the only organizations fonnally represented at the meeting. Books □ A Lyrical Work By A Gifted New Writer Matthew Stadler's 'Landscape: Memory~ • Matthew Stadler, author; Charles Scribnu's Sons, New York. $19.95. ISBN: o-684-19185-7. Landsc11pe: Memory, Matthew Stadler's first novel, is the beautifully realized story of young Max Kosegarten, a sensitive 16 year old whose entries written daily in his memory book bring n!lders a rerord of his own and the collective attempts of the culture he lives in to remember. The time is the summer of 1914. San Francisco is preparing for the World's Fair, the triumphant expression- of the city's recovery from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake. Max and his young friend, Dunc,ln, visit the fair, share the mysteries of this Jewel City. They are not sure -.yhat to make of it. "What was here two years ago? What was here a thousand years ago?" Max finds his STONY POINT CENTER presents 11,t Book and Blyond ... Novnblr18-19, 1990 Chris Glaser COMEHOMEI RtlclalmitV Spi1ualty Bid &fnistty as Gay and Lesbian Clwlstians Chris Gl•er and his readers In convel'll.lion ~ .,n fll ldm raised by cctlE HCJIEI Registrdon, Room and Meals: $70 Commutats: $15 (S&ntay Ony); $30 {Stnlay and Monday) Crk:baown P.oad • Slony Pon. NY 10980 (914) 786-5674 "s-."!"J ... ~ ... s.,,..,,_.mr... .... f , ....._ .,,w..... .... , ... ....... _ OI Ollllllmpclnlfy ~ .,,,. T-,~ abnt.ar -1n .... .,.o1 fP/ . cplriMlf._, - a filllnd ..... ol.loNdl Canipbel. ~ .. deliiii!U, gripping, rcnmilc ..r., l,,i appllel llls__,1.tldam togoy~&.hwiwtda- herolna paruble about~ & hanelly--wlil-to~t. . MlillslhaStaryofCr.onion OI you always wanted ii IDld. ... a •-I ol S")' _!Plrituol -~ in a pagHming plol )'111(1 lall in t-wilh ............ '-,.. i-.t .. ..Jo..-,-~ capliffllllc...L· .... -....-. .. -- d~--Olbrmal1Mnlbtly .... 101"N.._,~1ll7'103. S.,cUIO+tlS>_(I_ adllft Or on . ClllllOOD 1219. I am-with You -Feat Not! (A Corrective Look at the Lesbian and Gav Clobber Passages) Professionally prodicad Vul,o-tal)e Awlil>-tape (!/ Workbook A new book l?, the Rt11. Bna Roller ' Pastor of Rmmdliacion MCC OTtUid Rapid.s, Ml C/-',uum]/~ ~ ... v AEC031CCUA'll0N VHS VldlD (9Q n'in.l $24.95 AUIID Tape $5.00 • wt:11oboG11 $5.00 ~0.....$6.95 kid rnr ~ & ;a; Faithful Publicatioru P.O. Box 3701 Grand Rapids, MI 49501 f answers in his memory book, where he can sort and sift the nature of his experiences. He paints, too, a landscape, which is seen throughout the book in each of its stages. In time, readers come to see Max evolving, his gifts developing and his mind giving structure to the world about him. There is startling poignancy in the love that develops between Max and Duncan as they explore the woods, the ruins left behind by the earthquake, the marvels of the fair, and the dark forbidding of the ocean - and the shock of sudden tragedy. Matthew Stadler was born in 1959 in Seattle, Washington, where he grew up and now lives. His previous occupations have included lobbying for the Quakers in Washington, D. C., scraping boats in France, teaching philosophy and political theory at an international school in Manhattan, and volcano watching in Seattle. He is currently in the Netherlands working on a novel set in the 17th century in ~t country. Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and , Community as Gay Men and Lesbians Chrla Glasa, author; Harper & Row, San Frandsc:o. $10.95 Chris Glaser's new book, Come·' Home!, is written for persons outside and within the church, as well as the many standing on the church's threshold. He writes, "It is written for Gays and Lesbians, as well as others seeking to benefit from gay spirituality and ministry. It is an invitation to come home to Christian tradition and community. Like any homecoming, risk and vulnerability will accompany the joy and hospitality we experience. But the spiritual wealth of God's love and home and peace awaiting us far · exceeds the temporary and occasional poverty we may endure as we seek a new Christian reformation." Through the medium of the story, and reflections on both the ordinary experiences of daily life and the lesbian and gay experience, Glaser invites us to look beyond feelings of anger, alienation and loneliness to the hope and promise of Jesus Christ. He calls us back to the basic fact of our Christian calling, that we are indeed loved and cared for by a God who desires our love in return. Chris Glaser offers a unique testimony to our Christian faith, breaking through denominational differences and traditions of worship that sometimes set us in opposition to one another. He is a gifted storyteller and a talented writer. His style is ~traightforward and honest His work makes for easy reading, but with a message and perspective that is both provocative and challenging. His insightful reflection on biblical connections to the ord,inary human experiences we some much needed encouragement, since we too often become weighed down and angry with the narrowness of present-day church and civic leadership, ~ith the tragedy of AIDS, and with the disillusionment of broken promises and failed friendships. . Come Home! is divided into five "spiritual" movements: 1.) accepting God's way of welcoming us, 2.)receiving our spiritual inheritance, 3.) discerning what God calls us to do with it, 4.) making our witness to the church and to the lesbian and gay community, and 5.) "coming home" to ourselves, to our community and to our church, reborn and renewed in spirit, truth and love. -From CommuniClltions Newsletter, a ministry to gay and lesbian Catholic clergy and religious, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. II THE SECOND STONE ,- ....... ., Books Panels Of Love By MicltaeJ BlanktNhip Contributing Writer Some people, when they are diagnosed with AIDS or one of its forerunners, tum in μpon themselves, ceasing to oommune with life around them. Bitterness is their only companion, and existing in this spiritless desert they soon wither and pass away. Others, knowing their days may be numbered, reach outward, seeking new inspiration and new ways of communicating their love of life. Instead of a desert, they create and share a colorful landscape of ideas, and words, and pictures. They often surprise those who know them best by bringing forth a new understanding of faith, and a fresh appreciation of the beauties of nature. They know God in a new way, and it flows to those around them. Timothy Walters Grummon is most definitely the latter sort of person. His recently published book, Panels of l.Dve, describes his experience and displays the marvelous creative energy he now possesses. A great analogy can be drawn between Grummon's painted panels and the panels of the Names Project Quilt. In both cases a great deal of love went into their creation, both are byproducts of the AIDS crisis, and both are dramatically beautiful because of their diversity and individuality. The main difference · is that the Quilt was made by hands honoring those who have suffered. In Grummon's case the sufferer is also the creator, using his hands to honor those who have made living with the disease a bit easier. In 1985 Grummon's doctors determined that he had ARC ( AIDS Related Complex), and his life quickly became, in his words, "a swirling vortex of negativity." At the age of 33 he seemed shattered and confused, his health declined as he concentrated on this death sentence. It was at this point that he somewhat reluctantly joined an art therapy group in San Diego. His art teacher, author Barbara Peabody, recalls that his first paintings filled her with dread. They were drawings of arcs, a double entendre for his sickness. She foresaw only deterioration and a quick death for him. But she was wrong! Grummon felt a "rekindling of the life force within" as he threw himself into his art, and as his artistic abilities improved, amazingly, so did his health. He simply allowed himself to be overwhelmed by this compelling, inventive energy and this new focus added greater meaning and strength to this life. Grummon felt a "rekindling of the life force within" as he threw himself into his art, and as his artistic abilities improved, amazingly, so did his health. He simply allowed himself to be overwhelmed by this compelling, inventive energy and this new focus added greater meaning and strength to this life. Two years later he was inspired to begin work on a major project, relying on his friends and family to infuse this work with their own particular influences. He asked these twelve people to give him Bible verses which he, in tum, interpreted by painting individual panels. The theme of love runs throughout the artworks, and he used the color gold in all of the panels to symbolize the precious quality of love. All of the works are highly symbolic, really requiring a reading of the book to understand their full meaning. But the ideas and the art work together beautifully. Grummon's works have an almost art deco quality, a wonderful geometry combined with vibrant colors to form a most appealing expression of his concepts of faith and love. The panels also have delicate textures, adding an interesting dimension of depth to the paintings. The book and the paintings combine the spiritual and the creative and you come away knowing how closely they are related. The book contains 16 large glossy colorplates of the Panels of Love. They vividly show the expertise and talent involved in their creation. In a similar way the written passages reveal Grummon's imagination and sense of the divine. My favorite porti~ reminds me of l Corinthians 13, he writes: "Love transcends without effort, penetrating those barriers humanity erects. Love in intangible, yet causes profound impact. It consoles, comforts and □ heals. Love is all color, surrounding and moving through us. It is form, without confines and boundary. Love respects without qualification and enables a vision of dignity beyond our limited perception. Love maintains balance and harmony; it is pure in spirituality, fluid in tolerance, and endless in compassion. Love is calm amid chaos and devastation; its nature is infinite in understanding and forgiveness. Love inspires. To strive for love is to reach for the very essence of perfection.• Those who read this book will find inspiration, not only from Timothy Grummon's artistic abilities, but also from his courage. He unashamedly proclaims, "I am gay, I am a Christian, and I have AIDS!" As fellow gay Christians, we can only admire the way he is facing the challenges of his life. He is combating death and prejudice with beauty and love, a role model we can all use. T'S THE BEST Men's magazine ... - the one that deals most honestly with how men relate to each other, to women, and to kids; the one that's gay-affirmative and opposes sex•role stereotypes, ... the one that movingly explores men's hurts and joys . . . Ml I Order a no obHgatlon. If you change your mind. 1us write u I We'll refund the subscription price! : Name ___________ Enclosed: $16 I I Addrea -----------.-------r I City ___________ State . . I I Mall to: ""'··-- Men 306 N Brooks 305A Mod I ------------------ November/December 1990 ■ ,. Gay Reformation Hymn Tune: Ein'fnte lnn-g Two thousand years wt feared our lwe, condmrntd "umu,hln,l sinners." Ncno stepping forth from ht4'0ffl 11bove Christ makts grzys sptdal winners. This world is filltd with hate. It sums almost too late for Gad to interfere again to bring low here, but that's what God is doing. No more can foes God's plan decide, nor obfuscate God's choosing. God's 1ovt for grzys they cannot hide, their puppetry is losing. The God of hetroen and mrth affirms gays' priceltsS WQrlh. Our ransom has b«n paid: · joint heirs with Christ we're madt let homophobes take notice! The Church once askt4 to have us killtd: our blood has writ this witness. All ignorant minds must now be filltd with stXUlll truth and fitness. The pressuTt!S still art! strong to work on gays much wrong. We're adltd to pmeve,t, endure our holy fear, for Christ commands our anny. Our strength is not is guns or lllws. Our wtapan is but Meekness. We can forgive our fots their flaws: Gay Might is just such "wmkntss." More frieruls will join this fight because the u,rd is right. Gay bodies house God's Spirit, but only through Christ's merit. God's 1ovt will triumph. through us. Louie Crew COVER STORY, FromPage9 New Age diverge. Some New Age followers are into trance or spirit-channeling, but the Bible clearly condemns consultation with mediums (Deut. 18:9-14), communication with the dead and other "detestable practices." The New Age teaches that there is II healing through cystals and other objects. The Bible teaches that healing comes only through Cod's hand (Acts 3:16) and that healing is related to the renewing of one's heartfelt relationship with God, and often, with the forgiveness of sins. f BLACK LEADERS,FromPage8 months encouraging other black civil rights organizations to issue anti-discrimination policies and statements which include sexual orientation. The group also agreed to: develop organizational specific programs to sensitize staff, board and oonstituency to lesbian/ gay issues; review existing programs and public agendas to include lesbian/gay concerns; actively recruit openly lesbian/ gay individuals for membership, staff and board positions; encourage increased visibility of current staff, board and constituency members who are openly gay or lesbian; and include lesbian/ gay concerns in organizational conference and meetings.· • ''These changes are not going to happen overnight," said Maurice Franklin, representing SCLC, "but they can happen and I know Dr. Lowery will do what he can to help facilitate these changes." Kelvin Lynn Cothren, representing The King Center and Fulton County Commissioner Martin Luther King Ill, concurred and assured the group of Mrs. King and Commissioner King's support. The meeting was the result of a decision made by the Leadership Roundtable at the Third Annual National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference in Atlanta earlier this year. Phill Wilson, co-chair of the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, sponsor of the conference, stated that the meeting was the first of several in preparation of a major conference between traditional black institutions and black Lesbians and Gays. The date for that meeting will be announced at the Fourth Annual National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference in Los Angeles next February. Among those attending the meeting: Maurice Franklin, representing • Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Joan Gamer, Co-chair African American Lesbian/Gay Alliance and Senior Advisory Liaison to the City of Atlanta's Mayor's Office for Lesbian/Gay Concerns; Keith Hinch, representing National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc.; Anthony Home, Chair, Black Gay and Lesbian Alliance for Dignity, Memphis; Charles Nelson, Co-chair African American Lesbian/Gay Alliance; Dennis Odums, Board member and past Co-chair Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center, Los Angeles; Sabrina Sojourner, Board Member, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; John Teamer, Co-chair, National Association of Black and White Men Together /Men of All Colors Together; and Phill Wilson, Co-chair, Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum and convener of the Fourth Annual National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference. BIG BROTHERS, From Page 1 move to block his measure, fired off a "Dear Colleague" letter to all members of the House. The letter discussed the "predatory tactics" of gay people and said "groups such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force forever explain to the public that the 'homosexual molester' of children is a myth and that heterosexuals are much more likely to sexually molest kids." NGLTF, working with data from national child abuse agendes, has fought to dispel homophobic stereotypes that prevent gay people from providing positive role models for children. At the heart of the New Age belief is a concept that is simply. unacceptable to Christians, namely the claim that "we are God." That is the original rebellion against God and the prime heresy. It is the violation of the first of the Ten Commandments. Instead, our power and joy as Christians must come in the knowledge that we are "created," not creator. test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." THE SECOND STONE St. Paul's admonition in Romans 12:2 comes to mind: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to Nick Warner is a psychologist and Methodist minister. He is a contributor to The EC Cable, newsletter of Evangelicals Concerned, Western Region. Travel Riding The Rails • By Cynthia Marquard andQamdMvmm Contributing Writers One of the most popular interests among a large group of gay people is trains and railroads, both antique and modem. There is even a loosely organiz.ed group of gay /lesbian train buffs called The ·Phoebe Snow Society, named after a famous train. A number of exciting train trips are available that offer exotic travel opportunities, from the adventurous Copper Canyon train trip in Mexico to the elegant Orient Express in Europe and even our own US. version of the Orient Express between Chicago and Washington, D.C. But even a plain vanilla Amtrak trip can be something out of the ordinary, not just for rail hobbyists, but for the rest of us. Were you just the least bit bored sitting six across on your last flight? Does the idea of being able to get up and walk around while you're enroute sound interesting? Would you like to experience more of Colorado than clouds at 35,000 feet? Then the next time you plan your vacation, consider the train. On an Amtrak train, you can relax in a coach seat that's nearly as big as a first-class airline seat. For an overnight trip, you can choose from a variety of sleeping accommodations, ranging from an economy Slumbercoach room to a deluxe bedroom complete with private bath. Dining is no problem either. All Amtrak trains outside the BostonWashington rail corridor offer food service. Depending on the train you take, there's a wide choice, from buffet service featuring sandwiches and drinks to dining cars with fullmeal service, for which you make a reservation with the conductor. Entertainment While You Ride The lounge car is a popular place on trains. There you can relax and chat with other passengers over a drink. Some trains also show movies in the lounge car. The Montrealer (most Amtrak trains have names), running between Washington, D.C., and Montreal and serving the Vermont ski resorts, even has live entertainment. Trains between Chicago and the West Coast--The Empire Builder, for example-have double-deck lounge cars with glass roofs so that passengers can have a maximum view of the scenery. Just being able to move about and meet other passengers provides a great relief from the tedium of travel. You aren't strapped into your seat, so if the urge hits you, you can get up, stroll down the aisle, and strike up a conversation with that interesting person who caught your eye. Costs and Other Considerations For any trip you take on Amtrak, there is a basic coach fare. Basic coach has open seating, that is, the seats are not reserved. Certain trains to St. Louis and Detroit and in the Boston-Washington corridor offer Custom Class service, which is a fancier version of coach that includes a reserved seat, complimentary coffee and juice, and a newspaper. Sleeping car accommodations are priced as an add-on to the coach fare and vary in cost depending on the type of sleeping accommodation you choose. Prices for sleeping car space are quite a bit higher than the basic coach rate but, except for the Slumbercoach rooms, all include meals. Deluxe sleeping accommodations offer the feel of old-time travel luxury. A complimentary bottle of wine and snack pack will be awaiting you in your room when you board the train. There are a variety of reduced fares available, including the "All Aboard America" fare. This allows you to make a round trip with stop-over points in one of three regions: between the East Coast and Chicago; between Chicago and Denver; and between Denver and the West Coast. You can combine travel in two or three regions, if you like. Your International Gay Travel Association agent can help you figure out which fare is the most economical for your journey. Some Famous U.S. Trains Chicago is the hub of the national east-west Amtrak network. All overnight trains to the East Coast and all trains to the West Coast leave Chicago in the afternoon or early evening. Here are some favorite Amtrak trips: • The Lake Shore Limited, Chicago to New York City via Oeveland and Buffalo. This train carries you · through •he Mohawk Valley of upstate fl.l~w York, then down the Hudson River valley and arrives in the Big Apple in the afternoon. If you think all of America's scenery is in the west, you haven't seen the Hudson Valley. There is also a section of the The Lake Shore Limited train that splits off at Albany, N.Y., and runs through the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts to Boston. • The Capitol Limited, Chicago to Washington via Pittsburgh. This train is the only one in the East to carry a glass-domed lounge car. East of Pittsburgh, head for a seat in the observation level of the dome and watch the train climb up through the Allegheny Mountains, then drop into the Potomac Valley. • The Cardinal, · Chicago to Wash4'gton via Cincinnati. You'll get to see parts of the country that are relatively inaccessible. Deep in West Virginia it travels through the wild New River Gorge, then passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains. • The California Zephyr, Chicago to Denver, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.The Zephyr climbs up the Front Range of the Rockies west of Denver, one of the most spectacular rail lines ever built. Then it diven through the seven-miles-long Moffat Tunnel. After crossing the Nevada Desert at night, it passes through Reno and heads over the Sierra Nevada mountains through Donner · Pass, named after the tragic Donner Party of pioneers. (Trapped by a blizzard, they ate each other; an interesting piece of history.) The train leaves you off in Oakland, a short bus, cab, or BART ride from San Francisco across the bay. • The Coast Starlight, Los Angeles to Oakland, Portland, and Seattle. You get the Pacific from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, Calif. You get the Coast Range between San Luis Obispo and Salinas and the Cascade Range between Redding and Eugene, Ore. This is the rolling vacation that has it all. This trip can be divided into two segments-L. A. to Oakland and Oakland to Seattle. A stopover will give you time to recuperate--or whatever-in the City by the Bay. • The Boston-Washington Corridor trains travel here via New York City and Philadelphia-not one train, but a whole fleet of them. The Corridor is the closest you can come to European-style, high-frequency train service. Between Washington and November/ December 1990 □ New York Oty on weekdays train service runs an average of every 30 minutes. The New York-Boston segment has less frequent service, but there are still enough trains to plan on convenient day trips. Trains serving Florida also begin and end their runs in New York City and serve major cities in the Corridor. Less Frequent Service One work of caution: Outside the Boston-Washington Corridor and the Los Angeles-San Diego route, Amtrak doesn't run more than a few trains a day. Trains ·oR various runs from Chicago operate once a day. Despite-or perhaps because of-this relatively minor limitation, Amtrak offers the individual, couple, or group a dimension in travel that nearly disappeared in the United States, but may be slowly coming back into favor. Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner/mtlnAger of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago ,md vice-president of the InternationAl Gay Trtlf1el Assn. Danni Munson is the publisher of TM Lesbian antl Gay Alma,uu: anti Er,ents of 1990. A Gay Co1111tl'J 11111 ... OIi IOObcalllifll..,.willl ~r.::.if.t.•-nrm NeWllllllir,vm, ,..,., wriloor call ro,. bmcll- P. 0. Box Ill SL Bethlehem, NH 03514 (603) 869-3971 Ila, "otlwr" /IIM• """' ,,,. , ..... .••.Y.8l.o.-.lt •....-.-,.,,MP.a..bl c- 0., --~ ., _..._.... ... _ Write or c:all for brochure. 120 E. AIOI St., P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island. Texas 78597 (512)761-LYLB Air eonneetlou wla Amerlcu Contlaental Southwest Ii Parting Thought The View From The Trapeze By JCevin G. Richams Contributing Writer Last week when the computers at work crashed everyone laughed. Then we began to worry, because we knew there would be a town full of angry people if dew•covered newspapers were not sitting on their doorsteps in the morning. After 10 minutes I began to hope I could go home instead of working until midnight. But within a few minutes the lights popped on, and the newsroom was filled with the electronic chirps of computers waking up. Of course, every business has contingency plans, and we had ours. But in personal affairs people are often inept in dealing with a crisis. I can think of friends who went beserk when a re1ationship ended, ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You rrust notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us lour weeks in advance lor unintenupled delivety. Send both old and new addresses. II possible allach mailing label in Space provided. PAINT NEW ADORES$ when they flunked a class or lost a job. I did this recently when I wrecked my car. The process of growth, Miller said, always occurs when we let go of one security, rethink our lives, take the risk, dive in. But a book I read for an otherwise forgettable college class presented a challenging way to view catas- NGLTF To Release "Report Cards" On Members Of 101st Congre~s WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will once again release "Report Cards" on all members of Congress. The report cards will grade members and their voting records on lesbian and gay issues during the current, 101st Congress. NGL TF last released report cards in October, 1988, following adjournment of the 100th Co~ Local activists are encouraged by the Task Force to write or call for kits: NGL TF, attention: report cards, 1517 U St., NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202)332-6483. trophcs. The book, The Becomers by Miller (first name also forgotten), compared life to a flying trapeze where you can swing along and enjoy the view. Once in a while some crisis or big decision breaks our grip. We flail around for a handhold, and for a few eternal moments we fear a violent landing. But then we touch another trapeze, grasp it, look down. The process of growth, Miller said, always occurs when we let go of one security, rethink our lives, take the risk, dive in. Classifieds Books&N,lcaikn "HEARTILY RECOMMENDED," "Excellent,• "At last! A dialogue ol rationality .. ." Reviewers applaud CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY. Wonder why? Great articles and tively columns make this bridge ol dialogue between New Agers and Christians as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $9.50. Or sample us for $2.50. Prices increase on Jan. 1st, so order now and save! CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY, PO Box 276, Clillon, NJ 07011-0276. TF EMERGE! A heafing journal ol EMtRGENCE International: Christian Scientists Supporting Lesbians and Gay Men. For infOnnation and subscriptions write P.O. Box 581, Kentfield, CA 94914, or call (415)485-1881. 2/91 UNIQUE STUDY PACKET: Thinking It Through: United Methodists Look al the Church and Homosexuality. Useful tor all denominations. 120 pages covering homopho· bia, theology, AIDS ministries, further resources. $10.00 postpaid trom the Methodist Federation for Social Action, 76 Clnton Ave., Staten Island, NY 10301. 12/90 □ Naturally, the newspaper has not invested in a new computer system .. But the friend of mine who lost her job (and her husband) got a fabulous offer in the North and found a better man. And one person who nearly flunked a class (me, accounting) changed majors. Kevin Richards is the editor of the SDA Kinship Connection, Box 3840, Los Angeles, CA 90078. □ Organizations HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING A MONASTERY? Have you ever thought ol becoming a religious? Do you have strong religious convictions? Have· you ever felt that because of your life style religious lite would not be agreeable to you? If you have answered YES to any ol the above questions, we would like to hear from you. Let us know how you would feel about living in a religious community life. A group ol gay religious Brothers living and working together in the world, with strong religious ideals helping and caring for one another. Please write to: Ecumenical Order or: The Brothers of The Mercy ol God, Suite 212/341 East Center Slreet, Manchester, CT 06040. 2/91 Real Estate Key West women's bar/deli priced at $299,000. C>.Nner negotiable - land, building, and business. BENDER-TANIS ERA REAL ESTATE. (305)296-6200. 12/90. Trya Sec:ond Stone Classified Ad se 9 ~ z .!! :; !~ ! Classified Order Form Please place my ad in these issues: [ J Jan/Feb [ ) Mar/Apr [ 1 May/Jun [ ] JuVAug [] Sept/Oct [) Nov/Dec r n .8.. Send completed form lo: THE SECOND STONE Box8340 NewOrltans, LA 70182 (,/) C 1;I l 2. a. I ~ ~ a. i J FOR ONLY 35 CENTS PER WORD, your ad can appear in the next edition of THE SECOND STONE. Take advantage of our low cost (but high profile) classified section by placing your advertising order today! Mail To: 1BE SECOND STONE P.O.Bm8840 New Orleans,LA ?0182 Name ______ _ ___ :,. Address ________ _ City/StJZip _______ _ AD COPY _______ _ -------------·------ __ words X .35= $ ..;.' __ _ 20 word minimum. All classffu;&• m.ust be pre-paid. Deadline o~rmallth prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy of the edition(s) in which your ad appears November/ December 1990 • CIMSIFICATIONS [ ] Books & Publications [ ] Business Opportunities [ ] Employment [ l Friends/Relationships [] General Interest [ l Mail Order [ ].Merchandise [ ) Organizations [ ] Professional Services [ ] Real Estate [ )Retreats [ ) Roommates [ ]Travel Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #13 - Nov/Dec 1990 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/58e7dcc96fc12dbcf992e673a1789d54.pdf e6c83d9a9bbca9ed0d0426451bcc993f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 14 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1991 Publication Date The date the issue was published Jan/Feb 1991 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAY AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS $2.25 _COND TONE '8000 Reade rs Across The USA · ISSUE#14l ·o~t,CI.~, ; Brought new understanding to campus J- ~:. ·.· _,--::-.. ,:.-:;,._ . _;;,:"' ·, ·, : · - .< .. .... -.. . •... .. " . .. i~r•.::v:ir:tr~~; took was lot " · ~bmtione to initia t~ some• °'" ':(tfu6:g," Ca,rcia says, "};ven i ' :)"though I'm go.ne now, I @W ' .. •··,knpw th~: educa tio nal .pro• J: \ ,.,'ckss'has c◊ntinued. I n,ade. a he ,, .. 'sEE<:OVER STORY, Page 9 Archdiocese gets stiff fine for evicting Dignity chapter MINNEAPOLIS The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has been fined because it e vi cted a chapter of Dignit y /USA from the Newman C ent e r at th e University of Minnesota. In the conclusion of a three-year legal battle, a three-member panel of the Minneapolis Commission on Ci v il Rights ordered the archdiocese to pay a $15,000 ci v il fine to the city of Minneapolis and $8,500 in punitive d_a mages, plus $10,850.3 8 in legal fees, to Dignity/T win Cities. "When y ou th ink about 32 peo p le agai n st an a busi ve, patr iar chal instit b tion , it's · a w onder fu l dec i si on," sai d Emma Es.kelson, Dignity/ T w in Citie s Pr e sident and fo rme r Ben edictine nun in a in t er vie w wi t h Equal Time . "The who le process wa s ve ry p ainful to m e b ecau se 1 had invested 25 ye a rs in th e church, but lesbian and gay Cat holics h ad to stand up a nd say to the world th a t w e 're good peopl e and w e're not going to take it anymore." In addition to th e civil fine, the archdiocese was ordered to "cease and de s ist from its discriminatory co nduct " a gainst Di.gnit y. An archdioc e san official said that the ruling probably will be appealed to the state Court of Appe als and, if necessary, to the stat e Supreme Cou r t. Dignity member Brian McNeil welcome d such a challenge . "The p rospect of a n appeal by the Archdioce se do e sn't fri g hten - me, b ut ex cit es m e, " he said. "In fact I welcom e th e ap p ea l, in a way, be cause it will give Dignity a g reat au d ience for telling our st ory." Dignit y /US A president Pat Ro c he sa id of th e a c ti on, "Thi s s or t of sp i ri tua l violence tha t the church has con d on ed ca n lead others to conclude th a t it' s oka y to ki ck Lesbians a n d gay people SEE DI GNITY, Page 9 Lesbian booted from church; files damages suit LINCOLN, Neb . - A lesbian woman who was publicl y denounced as immor a l in front . of a congregation of more th an 1,000 members is seeking damages from the Indian Hills Community Church . Beth H a ld w a s seeing a church counselor who revealed to church elders Hald's lesbi a ni sm . The church bo a rd sub sequently initiated di sciplinary procedures, claiming that handling cases of unrepentant a nd deliber a te sin is a key belief of the church . Hald was excommunicated by church pastor Gil Ru gh. - Lincoln Star SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE YEAR ONLY $13.00! BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PA ID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT No. 511 Con1mentary · ·- - - A plea for a less hasty response Just say no to the new age? By Catherine Groves Editor, Christian •New Age Quarterly My pastor loves to tell the story of a Bible camp counselor, who asked a :roomful of eager faces, "How many of you believe everything the Bible s~ys is true?" All hands shot up into the air. "Good! Now how many of you have read the Bible cover to cover?" - Well, we all can guess that not a hand braved up at that one! And the story may make us chuckle, because \,\'e recognize that human tendency to b:oast our belief in one thing or another before · we really know what t~at belief requires of us ... or even is. ·Jn like manner, Nick Warner's cover s(ory in the November /December isJ;ue , "New Age Has Firm Foothold in Gay /Lesbian Community" strikes ":Dear Second Stone, vision and . Christianity are not antithetical, especially in view of the shared import of spiritual values over worldly concerns. Perhaps Rev. Warner's alarm, that New Age ideology "appears to be quite compatible with Christian teachings," points to the common ground he overlooked. Simply put, both Christians and New Agers recongnize that life's meaning is not found in the trivial pursuits of this world, but is located in the spiritual · truths. That's not to say that Christians and New Agers do not articulate these truths differently. They do. And some of these differences can be irreconcilable, especially depending on one's denominational persuasion or the extremes of the New Age range in question. But the concern that New Age teachings may be somehow catching : Recently I've noticed a trend towards articles by those who :attempt to justify their own unchristian lifestyles and unbiblical .:beliefs through human rationalizations and corruption of the truths of God's Word. I am especially disturbed by the two -classifieds for the "Christian" New Age Quarterly and Emerge! :surely you do not accept the New Age nor "Christian" Science as truly Christian?! I realize that a publication like The Second Stone must be open to variations in Christian doctrines, but I know just as well that Christians have to draw the line somewhere ... me as the same theme in reverse. As Christians we are often quick to "just say no" to the New Age movement without fully understanding what it is. Appearing in the same issue, Christian•New Age Quarter/y's ad voiced a quiet statemwt that there might be another way to approach fhis topic. Perhaps there is reason for Christians and New Agers to tpgether explore their differences and their similarities, for we might have something to learn from and about one another. : But, in .this case, a quiet statement is t'.)ot enough. And as editor of <:;hristian •New Age Quarterly, I ~ense it is, in a way, my responsibility to clarify some of the points Rev. W;irner raised. : Contrary to the quoted claim of P<:n,iglas _Groothuis, the New Age A Second Stone Reader Christians unawares is obviously not a problem caused by the New Age movement's ·existence. The accountability for knowing one's Christian faith enough to discern what is Christian and what is not - and this applies whether we're talking about the New Age movement or the American Dream or any paradigm - rests squarely on the shoulders of the Christian. 1 agree with Warner; we do live in a pluralistic society. And We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences with our readers. Send letters to: LETTERS, The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld. We reserve the right to edit. hence, lest our mature Christian faith be no more responsible that than of the cager beavers at Bible camp, each Christian must know what he or she believes. And that, by the way, is one of the most valuable benefits in an active dialogue between Christians and New Agers. One not only learns in firsthand and ungarbled form what New Agers believe, but too can view one's own faith system more clearly in the contrast. Or as Clarence Thomson noted in "Revelation And Response: What The New Age Can Teach Us" (The Catholic World, In This Issue FEATURES COVER STORY MASK COLUMNS COMMENTARY FAMILIES CLOSER LOOK 1RAVEL PARTING THOUGHT DEPARTMENTS 'NEWS BRIEFS . □ May/June 1989), "Let's grant obvious New Age faults ... But let's also look at what the New Age can teach us ... we can become conscious of the weakness or our paradigm - thanks to the New Age." True, Deuteronomy forbids . consultation with mediums . But Deuteronomy lists many other prohibitions - from, "You shall not wear cloth of two different kinds of thread, wool and linen, woven together" (Deut. 22:11) to "Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, SEE COMMENTARY, Page 15 □ Page9 Page 18 . Page2 Page 10 Page 14 Page 19 Page 20 Page3 CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 CALENDAR Page 12 ESSAY .Page 13 'BOOKS Page 16 CLASSIFIEDS Page 20 SECOND STONE Newsbriefs No "Spouse Pass" For Gay Amtrak Employee WASHINGTON, D.C. - A gay employee of Amtrak has filed a complaint that charges the U.S. railroad transportation giant with · discrimination in its rail pass benefit program. The charge, filed on December 12 with the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights, asserts that Amtrak discriminates against its gay and lesbian employees by denying them free passes for their domestic partners whi)e providing passes for spouses of heterosexual married workers. Richard Wilson, an 11-year veteran of Amtrak, filed the complaint after his request for a free rail pass for his lover, David, was rejected last May. Wilson says Amtrak's denial of certain employee benefits on the basis of sexual orientation of marital status is a violation of D.C's Human Rights Act. "This is but one more example of the · discrimination faced by non-traditional families;" said Ivy Young, director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Families Project. "Employers must change their ,, ISSN No. 1047-3971 SECOND STONE Newspaper is published every other month by Bailey Communications; P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. Copyright 1991 by Second Stone, a registered trademark. SUBSCRIPTIONS, U.S.A. $13.00 per year, six issues. _ Foreign subscribers add $10 .00 for postage. All payments U.S. currency only. ADVERTISJNG, For display advertising information call (504)899-4014 or write to: Box , 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send letters, calendar announcements, and church/organization news lo (Department title) Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70i 82. Manuscripts to be returned· should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope . SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian newspaper committed lo informing the gay and lesbian community. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ·Jim Bailey CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, . Cynthia Marquard, Danni Munson, · Dr. Martin Fowler, David Rickey, Jim Roche, Michael Blankenship, Dan Grippo, Dr. Lcuie Crew, John-Michael Olexy, Dr. Buddy Truluck, Chris Glaser, Rev. Gail A. Van Buren. Kevin Gcpford □· policies to match the reality of family life ih this country. It's important that Lesbians and gay men take a stand, be visible and challenge the disparities they face every day oh the job." Lesbian Reporter Files Suit Against UPI, Christian Broadcaster WASHINGTON, D.C. - A lesbian reporter has filed a groundbreaking $12.5 million lawsuit in federal court charging ·United Press International, her former employer, · with job discrimination and a Wisconsin radio .talk show host and a Christian radio network with harassment and invasion of privacy. Julie Brienza had worked for UPI for three years when she was dismissed from the wire service after radio talk show host Vic Eliason and his Wisconsin Voice of Christian Youth complained to UPI management that Brienza had misused the . company's telephone lines and message se"rvices while writing a freelance story for The Washington Blade, a gay newspaper. -Baltimore Alternative Methodist Panel Considers Revising Church Policy Toward Gays SAN FRANCISCO - Members of a national Methodist panel say most clergy and laity testifying at public hearings on homosexuality want to soften the denomination's stand that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian tea·ching. "Many of the people who testified have experienced the oppressive nature of the church," said Kevin Higgs, an Alabama youth minister and member of the United Methodist Church's Committe ·e to Study . Homosexuality. Members of the panel held a three day meeting in late November in San Francisco, one of a series of meetings being held throughout the nation. Although some committee members said that support of easing the church's stand is overwhelming, others questioned whether those who testified at hearings reflected the opinions in the pews. They cited a recent survey of Methodists showing that 80 percent support the current policy. · -AssQciated Press . Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without A Friend For Your Journey. Join thousands of lesbians and gay men who've embarked on an inward journey. Through the pages of The Second Stone, an ecumenical Christian newsmagazine, you'll be challenged, inspired, angered and encouraged. Meet brave men and women who are confronting social injustice and religious bigptry. Explore family and relationship issues. Enjoy our engaging features and columns, newsbriefs and book reviews. Our national calendar puts you in touch with life-changing retreats, com; munity-building conferences, and the nicest 'people you'll ever meet! The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. .•.Y . ES , ...N.~. ..~:.. .:~ .:..:~. :..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::. Begin my subscription to Address ............................................................ ...... l~c::.~~l::r::.:~.•10.! 0 City, State& Zip. ......................................... . .... ;[ ) Two years (12 .i .. uea) for $25,O(j '.en.dchll~~'ftlll~plail~lorfflllling:I JPINlit~Hwek$tor~ot ·'f'N'_,. .. ( ] Three yeara (18 iuues) for $36.00 : iUUe. 1Pt..m11~1~ ..:leSi IO.O)per,-.b~. u.sc. vmincyf1•!1., Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANK YOU for your subscription! Januar:Y/February 1991 • Newsbriefs . • Auburn Shuns Catholic Scholar Charles · Curran has held several visiting professorships since he was fired from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Curran challenged papal decrees on contraception, abortion, ·and homosexuality. He lost his job after the Vatican ruled him unfit to teach. Curran thoug-ht he had been offered Auburn University's chair as an eminent scholar of religion. Auburn President James Martin quashed the tenured position offer, but Curran accepted the one-year stay as a visiting professor. -Birmingham • News/Alabama Forum Gay Virginia Minister Gives Up· Pastorate RICHMOND, Va. - The interim minister at Tuckahow Presbyterian ' Church said he was forced to resign his pastorate and give up his ordination because he was gay. The -Rev. Donald R. Martin, who had been at the church for about eight rrionths, said his sexual orientation became known to the Chief executive · of area Presbyterians, the Rev. William S. Morris, who told Martin io resign, which he did during services on Sunday, November 25, "I was told by the executive presbyter to take the steps to terminate my employment," Martin said . -Associated Press MCC San Francisco Firebombed Molotov cocktails were thrown through windows of the sanctuary of · MCC San Francisco late during the evening of November 16. Fast action by a person who had heard the glass breaking and a quick resporise from the fire department limited the property damage and prevented the fire from destroying the church and spreading to other buildings. A spokesperson for the city's arson investigation unit said nooneclaimed responsibilify for the bombing and that no threats had been made prior to the incident. Police have no suspects or motives. Every Day Is Coming Out Day! DlTH HARING lfCOD LOGO T-SHIRTS $16.00 100% ·COTION. 4-COLOR LOCO ON WHTIE M. L. XL. XXL .$30.00 100% COTION, 4-COLOR LOGO ON WHITE M, L. 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Sub-totu $ _ . _ Shlpp!DC Total $ __ $ __ ~E·~---- ---,~1kR:_E-:_S-S_-.Z-I_P:-:-:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.= ~H~~t:'.:.=======-_::-:::'-:_::"--:"_:_-:_: -__-;-E_XM_P-_.- :-r- a _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _- _ SICNATURE __ ~------~-~- 70I' more laforma.doct, pleat• write or cd: Nlliload Comtnc01 d: Dq. P.O. Boa 8349, Santa re, ~ ~. 50CS-982-2558 or 1~ Groups May Rally For MLK Holiday In Arizona Arizona voter's failure to recognize the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a state holiday is causing concern for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and the Epis~opal Church (USA). Both church bodies will be gathering for national conferences in Phoenix this year . UFMCC Rev. Elder Don Eastman said that his church was reviewing options in protesting the action, which may include participating with the Episcopal Church in a rally at the State House in which South African Bishop Desmond Tutu is scheduled to appear. Healy Regrets Kicking Dignity Out Former Georgetown President .. Father Timothy Healy, now president of the New York Public Library, said he regrets the decision he made to remove Dignity/Washington from -Georgetown in 1987. Healy did so under orders of Cardinal James Hickey of Washington, discontinuing weekly Masses held there for 15 years. "For the first time in rriy life as a priest, I felt what I was doing at that altar was obscene ... I wondered what had happened to my church," Healy said during a lecture at New York's Fordham University School of Law. -Dignity/USA AF A Calls For K-Mart ·Boycott The Tupelo, Mississippi-based American Family Association called for a boycott of K-Mart stores in a recent issue of its newsletter, the AF A Journal. K-Mart owns the Waldenbooks chain, which the AFA said recently added "homosexual porn" to its stock. Both gay and Christian activists have previously credited the AFA with successful manipulation of advertisers and, in one instance, with the cancellation of a rerun of an episode of thirtysomething that showed two gay men in bed together. ~Out · Catholic Bishops: "Homosexuality Not Lifelong Learning" that homosexuality "is not freely chosen" and therefore, "is not sinful," however the church still disapproves of "physical expression of homosexuality. -The Sentinel Florida Bishop Wants Canon Law Against Gay/ Lesbian Ordination Episcopal Bishop John Howe of Central Florida has announced his intention to take the issue of ordaining Gays and Lesbians to this year's churchwide General Convention. The bishop plans to submit a resolution to turn a 1979 General Convention resolution . declaring that it is "not appropriate for this church to ordain a practicing homosexual" into a canon law of the church. -Episcopal News Service Gay Chorus Dropped From AIDS Benefit An Episcopal church in Orlando canceled plans to allow its' cathedral to be used for an AIDS benefit because one o( the groups scheduled to perform was a gay chorus. "l don't believe it's proper at this time for a homosexual group to promote its own cause by offering itself to benefit AIDS," said Harry Sherman, dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. -Washington Blade Students: Professor Uses Classroom As Personal Pulpit CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - An Austin Peay State University professor uses his classroom as a pulpit to preach ag;1inst homosexuality and promote his own religious beliefs, some students say. A handout from a psychology course taught by John D. Martin reads: "Plagues are sent from God because of evil. AIDS is a plague sent from God because of homosexuality. Homosexuality is evil." Martin admitted he has little Freely Chosen" patience for those who disagree with U.S.· Catholic Bishops have stated in him and said his detractors represent a 100-page document · entitled a minority of "sick, immoral "Human Sexuality - A Catholic students." Perspective for Education ~ncl. _ _ ~Associated Press SECOND STONE Newsbriefs Protest Noisy But Peaceful At St. Patrick's NEW YORK - Hundreds of demonstrators opposed to the Catholic Church's stand on abortion and AIDS education protested outside St. Patrick's Cathedral, but obeyed a court order not to disrupt Mass. The December 9 rowdy but peaceful demonstration came a year after the pandemonium in which 113 activists were arrested. -Associated Press New Book Speculates Martin . Lμther King's Sexuality Secret tapes made by the FBI in 1964 "might lead to the conclusion" that MarHn . Luther King Jr. and his deputy, Ralph D. Abernathy, had a gay relationship, a new book alleges. The book, Breaking Barriers, a memoir by veteran columnist . Carl T. Rowan, recounts a conversation Rowan had with the late Rep. John J. Rooney (D-N.Y.), the same year the tapes were made. Long-time FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, himself said to be gay, had told Rooney that the FBI had "at least 15 reels of tape" about sexual "entertainment" and conversations between King and Abernathy that might lead to the conclusion that there was a gay relationship between the two ministers. -BLK Magazine Photography ·Exhibit Explores AIDS Experience Images From The Front: Photography Challenging AIDS is on exhibit through January 31 at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center National Museum of .Lesbian and Gay History, 208 West 13th Street, in New York City. The exhibition of photographs and works of related media seeks to explore the scourge of AIDS refracted through the lens of the photographic artist. Showcasing a wide array of photographic styles and artistic points of view, the exhibition includes works of photojournalism, portraiture, abstract imagery and mixed media. The experiences of anger, confrontation, desperation , compassion, hope, loss and love are all eloquently evoked through thE work of the artists. Ohio Priest Forced From Parish Father Robert Apking, an openly gay priest living with AIDS, who was forced to leave St. Christopher Parish, Vandalia, Ohio, said members of the parish raised objections to his public discussion of his sexual orientation and health. He resigned as pastor of Corpus Christi, Dayton, in 1988, retiring in good standing and was invited to Vandalia to help as an assistant. Apking apparently ignited the protest by a newspaper interview . Following his departure from St. Christopher, Apking praised Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk and the. diocesan personnel office for their sensitive handling of the situation and awaits another .assignment. -Dignity/USA Activists Leaflet Gay 'Cure' Program Members of the Pittsburgh activist groups Cry Out!/ ACT UP passed out informational leaflets in that city to pedestrians and individuals entering a church to attend a program apparently designed to "cure" homosexuality . "Love yourself for who you are, not what society tells you to be," read one of two leaflets, which included names and telephone numbers of local organizations that deal with gay, lesbian and bisexual issues, as well as youth concerns. The Covenant Church had billed the program, called Dunamis, as "healing for individuals that have experienced any type of sexual brokenness." The church was charging participants $110. -Pittsburgh's Out Facility To Be Named In Honor Of Rev. Carl Bean The Los Angeles AIDS Healthcare Foundation has announced that its South Central hospice facility will be named in honor of Rev. Carl Bean, the founder of the Minority AIDS Project, Unity Fellowship Church and Dignity House . Bean is now widely regarded as one of African-America's most articulate advocates on behalf of people of color with AIDS. The Carl Bean AIDS Center will be located in the West Adams district of South Central Los Angeles . -BLK Magazine Brooklyn Bishop Reaffirms Stand On Dignity Bishop Thomas Daily has said that a chapter of Dignity /USA has no official status in hls diocese and will not gain it . "I believe that homosexuals must not be ordained . Homosexuality is a basic disorder, and the candidate for priesthood should not be involved in any kind of basic disorder ." Daily, former bishop of Palm Beach, Florida, also said "Safe sex is chaste sex ... People who use condoms are not acting in a truly human fashion ... to be in control of their animal nature. To give in to passion is wrong and contrary to what really makes us human beings. People do not ·have to have sex. People can be continent. People can be pure . People can be chaste." -Dignity / USA Gay/Lesbian 1991 Almanac Available "Preserve the Past; Prepare for the Future" is the theme of The Gay & Lesbian Almanac and Events of 1991, just out from Envoy Enterprises. In addition to a complete review of 1990, which includes developments □ in education, law, the medfa, religion, politics, women and minority concerns, a.nd many other areas, the Almanac also contains a complete calendar of events scheduled for 1991. The Almanac is available for $9 .95 from local bookstores or through the publisher, Envoy Enterprises, 740 N. Rush St., Suite 609, Chicago, IL 60611. Collective Seeks Work By Women The Conditions Collective is accepting submissions for an anthology of new writing by women on the topic of women and censorship, to be published by Cleis Press . The collective will consider poetry, fiction, analytical essays, novel excerpts, interviews, drama, journal entries, correspondence excerpts, and translations on this topic . How does censorship relate to the issues of race, class, age; relationships, sexuality, women in prison, women with . AIDS/HIV, and women 's and lesbian movements? Submissions (typed, double-spaced, up to fifteen pages) may be sent (with an SASE) before June 1, 1991 to: Conditions, 247 Liberty Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07307. OURWOPJD The International Gay Travel Magazine Month by month, we invite you to . explore the exciting world of travel available to gay men and lesbians. Each month we help you to discover the multitude of interesting hotels, inns and resorts that welcome the gay traveler. Enjoy articles and color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain , a secluded retreat in Hawaii, a manor house in the English countryside, a Greek pension overlooking the ·sea, a rustic resort in Colorado, and more -all catering to our lifestyle! · Plus, every month, regular departments provide you with valuable information · on gay events and festivals, travel updates and tips, interviews, and the latest gay trips and tour-.sail the Caribbean on a private yacht, join an expedition to Nepal, cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury _liner or fly to Sydney for the Gay Mard! Gras. ~---- - ---- Whatever you're looking for, let , OUR WORLD be your ticket to adventure. 1 · : 1 year (12 colorful issues) only $ 44 (in the USA) - US$ 52 (Worldwide) . First issue mails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope. Sample copy US$ 5. Mail To: Our World Publishing 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA TEL: (904) 441-5367 January/February 1991 'In the past, the achievements, triumphs, and defeats of gay m.en and lesbians were not only hidden from history, most were lost for all time. This must never happen again."-Danni Munson, editor, The Gay & Lesbian Almanac and Events of 1991. A CHRONICLE OF CURRENT - ·---- _-::- .. ·c :: .. =:·=- 4 I TIIE liAl " & L E SBIAN i ' .i ALMANAC I'll. GAY/LESBIAN HISTORY This vo lume records for history: '"" EVENT s Of --=--1991 = • The rise of a gay/lesbian movement in Eastern Europe • Celebration 90: Gay Games III and C ultural Festival • The latest research and statistics on AIDS • The fight to end military discrimination against gays and lesbians • The controversial practice of o uting • The progress and setbacks in re ligion A Colendar of Upcoming Events Hundreds of 1991 gay/lesbian events from cruises to concerts, from rodeos to music festivals, and much more. Plus listings of birthdays of falllous gays & lesbians. . Availbable at local bookstores or from the publisher Send 9.95 plus $2.00 postage and handling to: ENVOY ENTERPRISES 740 N. Rush St. Suite 609 Chicago IL 60611 E mpathy is a journal that deserves our support for the origina l a~d creative work it does in the lnteres~ of truth and justice . . • •. - .+- Rev .. Malcolm Boyd, author of 23 books · including Are Y.ou Running with Me,]esus?, Take Of/the Masks, and Gay Priest E mpathy provides a. much-needed and welcomed co mmunication link for persons involved in education abo ut homophobia. At its best it will k eep us informed and in touch, supported and cha llenged, excited and proud. ff- Brian M c Naught, lec1urcr aQd author of On Being Gay: Thoughts on Famiiy, Faith, and love Empathy v1n Interdisciplinary Journal for Persons Working to End Oppression on the Basis of Sexual Identity PUBLISHED 1W1CE A YEAR, EMPATHY INCLUDES SCHOU.R.LY ESSAYS, PROSE AND POETRY, PRACTITIONER ARTICLES, ANECDOTAL ESSAYS,. AND RESEARCH REPORTS AS WEL,L AS ANNOTATED BIBUOGR.Af>HIES FOR RESOURCE MATERIALS, RECENT RESEARCH AND BOOKS. THE JOURNAL SERVES PEOPLE WORKIN ,G IN EDUCATl?N, COUNSELING, HEALTH CARE, SOCIAL WORK, COMMUNl1Y ACTIVISM, AND THE MINISTRY NATIONAJ.LY _AND INTERNATIO NALLY. Oney.ear (2 issues) individual subscription s10 (s15 institutional) Make checks payable to Gay and Lesbian Advo cacy Resea rch Project (GLARP) arid mail to: . Empathy, PO Box 5085, Columbia, SC 29250. Unitarian Universalist Association publishes Welcoming Congregation Program Manual The Un i tarian Universalist Association's Office of Lesbian and Gay Concerns has published The Welcoming Congregation Program Mqnual , a resource designed to help congregations of all denominations interested in becoming more affirming and welcoming of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons. Offering a wide variety of background material, program ideas and workshops, the manual is the most .extensive resource available to congregations striving to be more inclusive. The backbone of the -program manual is a ten-session adult Study Guide and accompanying readings. The sessions are designed to ·help adults examine their attitudes, beliefs, experiences, and emotions about persons of a different sexual orientation. It is a positive, nonjudgmental curriculum that challenges its participants to gain more inclusive perspectives. The Office of Lesbian and Gay Concerns has been contacted by more than 170 congregations interested in ' using the program, and it expects participation to increase within the next 18-24 months as congregations hear feedback from those already working with the program. Adopted at the UUA's 1989 General Assembly, The Welcoming Congregation Program affirms the Association's commitment to the dignity and rights of gay, lesb ian and bisexual persons and to their full inclusion in the denomination. As its overriding mission, the UUA seeks to "affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person." For more information on The Welcoming Congregation Program, contact the -Rev. Scott Alexander, Director of the Office of Lesbian and Gay Concerns, Unitarian Universalist Association, Boston, MA 02108, (617)742-2100. Essence magazine won't run ad for black gay/lesbian function WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Gay and Lesbian Tas k Force has joined other organizations around the country in criticizing the refusal of Essence Mngazine to honor its advertising contract with the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum. "This is a breach of contract. This is discriminatory. This type of action hurts the African American community," said Ruth Waters, Co-chair of the organization, explaining why black Gays and Lesbians have filed suit through the New York Human Rights Commission against Essence Communications. The organization received notice from Essence last ·November stating the magazine would not run an ad , "'I lifii+J Evangelicals G' 'I(/ loge/her tna. BIBLE STIJf1( GROUPS . SOCIALS • WORKSHOPS • RETREATS Hiv I AIDS SUPPORT GROUP PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING FOR Gay & Lesbian Christians In Southern California ... since 1979 Suite 109-Box 16 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard West Hollywood. CA 90046 '" 213/656-8570 , from the group, even though they had already contracted and paid for the insert. The ad was a "visibility" ad which included a variety of photos and an appeal for Lesbians and · Gays to attend BGLLF's fourth annual conference in Los Angeles February 9-18, 1991. "This action by Essence Magazine's executive offi c er, Ed Lewis, is raw hypocrisy and blatantly homo phobic," said Ivy Young, Families Project Director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "If you pick up a copy of Essence magazine today you will find advertisements for Coca-Cola, a company ·many African-Americans are boycotting because of its on-going tics to apartheid . Why hasn't Mr. Lewis pulled those ads?" Deborah Johnson, BGLLF's New York spokesperson said that "it's too late for us to place the ad elsewhere even if we had the money to re-design it. Fewer black people will get wo rd about the world's largest a nnual black conference for Lesbian s and Gays . This conference will address issues vital to the black community such as AIDS, women's health strategies, and leadership development ." For information on the conference, contact BGLLF, 3924 W. Sunset Blvd ., - .. - . _ ~ , Suite #5, Los Angeles, CA 90029. :: 1•~ - --- ----- --------- --- -S-E_C_O_N_D_S_ T_O_N_E~ - -- - -------------- --- .Leaders plan :cooperatiot1:-iri . gay/lesbian_m inistries . · '' A first-time gathering of leaders of programs advocating inclusiveness for gay, lesbian, an d bisexual persons within mainstream religious denominations took place in late October in Chicago. The programs represented were More Light (Presbyterian Church, USA); Open and Affirming (United Church of Christ), Reconciling Congregation (United Methodist), Reconciled-in-Christ (Lutheran), and Welcoming Congregation (Unitarian Universalist Association). The five programs represent a grass roots movement which flas led more than 200 congregations and other church groups to declare their welcome to and affirmation of all people, regardless of sexual orientation. -Of the five programs, only two - the Open and Affirming and the Welcoming Congregation Program are recognized and supported by their official denominations. common print and video educational materials for congregational studies; designation of a nationwide inter- · denominational "Reconciling Day of Worship;" ecumenical collaboration in the publication of Open Hands, the Reconciling Congregation Program's magazine of resources for ministry ; and a future national assembly of all ·local churches that officially ·welcome Lesbians and gay men. "In our meeting together this :. weekend we discovered how much we have in common across denominations," said Rose Smith, former Reconciled-in-Christ Program Director. "Each of us has seen the reluctance of congtega tions and church leaders to address issues related to Lesbians and gay men. At the ·same time, we have all witness .ed the transformation of individual and congregational lives through the journey which led to their .Great Respon~e! "This is the fastest•growing and ·most vital local church movement in the church today;" said Mark Bowman, coordinator of the Reconciling Congregation Program. "These 200 congregations have taken steps far beyond what their denominations as a whole have been willing to do. They are inviting , other congregations to affirm their ministry with gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons and are challenging the larger church to be faithful to the Gospel mandate to reach out . to all persons ." · · The leaders identified several areas for cooperation · and ' mutual · support including: development of . declaration of openness." The program leaders agreed to meet again in November, 1991, to assess their progress and to plan additional cooperative efforts. For information on programs contact: More Light, c/o Jim Anderson, P.O. Box 38, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Open and Affirming, c/o Ann Day, P.O .. Box 403, Holden, MA 01520. Reconciled-in°Christ, c/o Brian Knittel, 2800 Buena Vista Way, Berkeley, CA 94708. Reconciling Congregation, c/o Mark Bowman, P.O . .Box 23636, Washington, DC 20024. Welcoming Congregation, c/o Scott Anderson, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, Literary Award Nominations Open Lambda Book Report has opened nominations for the Third . Annual Lambda · Literary Awards. The awards, recognizing excellence in gay and lesbian writing and publishing, will be presented during a gala banquet inNew York City on Friday, May 31, 1991, during the American Booksellers Association Convention. The public is invited to nominate their favorite gay and lesbian books · of 1990 in 18 categories. Books must have a 1990. copyright date in order to _be eligible. Nominating ballots must be returned 'to Lambda Book Report offices by February 15. Five finalists in each category will be announced nationally on March 1. Then 90 judges from across the "The field of gay and lesbian country, representing a .broad · publishing is continuing • to grow and cross 0 section of the entire lesbian and · diversify as we get into the 1990s,'' gay literary community, will select a said Jane · :Troxell, · editor of the single . book in each · category from sponsoring publication. ''The Lambda among the . finalists. . _Literary .Awards program, with its ' "':'.' . . . . . . ·ever-increasing numbe r of categories For.f1;1r\her information or to req1.1est ,, ap.dawardsptes~nteg,isdesigned "4i ' a• ~a .llot, contact l ambda _ Book t~flect :the adv.ances, :.made by ' ovr . ~~ptf.rt., 1625''.Cormec H~u! ;Aven ,1,e1, ~,,},,~II.~l ':~itY:,4.Wi~g.th e J 9.80's and · to _· ,,.~ ;·,~a ~~Jn&.tqn; _Pf , _2(1()(),19~~:p1r0 ~ : i ]?rCJll\O~t; the . well "\illing, of g!IY· iii}?";,<~~}! : Hw;;. aR)J~~~ 1:1<ne at' ~?~2) . ,;';,:}~sl?ianlite rt ~re-in ' th e:newdecade : · . 4,, 62-~:24. >'.~.7' , > ~ · · ,, · · \;; ..;..;{ ·~, .; ··•,1¥f: ·' • . ,. • ·, ' --· -"~ ~., • -.. ' i;-1.;,1.;i,>,., ' ..,.. .; ;, ;,·,./.'.,.,· .:. : .,,.:· · ·~·\:;:,,: ;{:;i~n·~a~¥l''!Feb' ;4j; h i~~<1 ·• (~f;:'.:,::~j83~]-~·~:,~ ~~;-:~L~~-~~·- Ii,;.~~1 ·;·,)~:~~ :-,;;~2~i;~.:~~-. .L _,,. ', . '' That's what a Second Stone advertiser told us recently. And we hear that more and more these days. That's because Second Stone reaches readers where many other gay and lesbian publications can't. Like public and university libraries . We don't carry advertising or editorial content that would put us behind the counter. We're up front - in plain sight! For businesses offering products and services to the national gay and lesbian community, we're an exciting new marketing approach! Reach new customers in every state acro~s the USA. Second Stone offers a variety of in.column ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at no charge and we'll get it right - we'll send you a proof to make sure. Second Stone will also inse~ your brochure, flier or catalog in our mailing. ·: It doesn't cost as much as you think. You can reach a paid coast to coast readership for about· what · you'd pay to advertise in one local free distribution gay newspaper. And ... to mail your insert in Second Stone costs. · less than mailing it. yourself! You won't know till you try it. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about advertising cannot be recaptured. If you're thinking you've paid too much for advertising that hasn't worked ... you're probably righi! But you haven't tried Second Stone. · ·SECOND STONE .You'll he pleasedw ith there sults. Call l-504a899-40J4 for advertising assistance. -~- sroNEWAt.t. Rtors Jde CLASSIFIE First Ten Words FREE! I - Business or personal - The Second Stone classifieds really work! Please see the order form on the classified page. Each additional word, 35¢. 20 word minimum. P-FLAG begins program to fight youth suicide Right 0 wing religious and political ' leaders who wave the banner of · ''traditional family values" are a ; major impediment to overcoming the j teen suicide problem, according to a ; parent-church-educator coalition l that announced a prevention program ; focused on gay and lesbian youth. ' The project, "Respect All Youth," is , being undertaken by the Federation of : Parents and Friends of Lesbians and · Gays (P-FLAG), with financial assistance from the United Thank Offering Fund of the Episcopal Church and the Pride Foundation of Seattle . The project is designed to develop and furnish training materials to youth workers, according to Paulette Goodman , President of P-FLAG. · . Government studies show that lesbian and gay teenagers are three , times as likely to attempt suicide as other young people, primarily because of the stigma society places on them. Nevertheless, California Republican Congressman William Dannemeyer recently prevailed upon Louis Sullivan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human · Services, to disavow the studies, and the important information contained therein, in the interest of "traditional family values." P-FLAG volunteer Mary Griffith, a Northern California mother . of four, recalled that her gay son, at her urging, resorted to prayer and "reparative" therapy with religious counselors in the v.ain attempt to become heterosexual. At the age of 20, convinced that he was evil in the eyes of God, he threw himself off an overpass and into the path of an on-coming semi-truck. His suicide would not have happened, his mother is now convinced, if there had been programs at school arid elsewhere that "could have offset what he was told by me at home and by others in our church ." Her goal, she said, is to help other parents avoid the tragedy that 'befell her family, "because I have learned in the most painful way possible that ignorance, hatred, bigotry, and prejudice lead to violence and tragedy for Gays and Lesbians and their families. And I have learned that love, honesty, support, and acceptance of diversity of God's creation are the values that lead to health, wholeness, and self-esteem for our children ." Conference set for youth workers The · issues, lives, needs and problems facing lesbian and gay youth will be the focus of a one-day conference, "A Matter of Justke and Compassion: Serving Gay and Lesbian Youth II" to be held in Des Moines, Iowa on March 1. As professionals who dei!I with youth are becoming more and more aware of the unmet needs of some of their clients, many are recognizing that they d.o not have adequate resources to deal with issues surrounding se~ua!'orientation . These youths and their needs are at risk for enhanced difficulties with adolescence. Federal reports on youth suicide in 1988 indicated that up to 30 percent of adolescf?nt suicides are directly correlated to difficulties adjusting to . a homosexual orientation, In addition to these troubling · factors, gay and lesbian youths are at increased risk for. substance abuse and The second, in what organizers hope will be an annual conference, is an attempt to . give youth service providers · an , intensive and interactive educational fonim on the needs of gay , lesbian and bisexual yout _hs. The conference's stated objectives include discussing the status of homosexuality in . today's society, providing a forum in which professionals can discuss personal and professional issues in a safe environment, helping participanis examine society's myths and fears relating to homosexuality, consider innovative methods of education for schools, religious organizations, and community organizations and to learn about further resources available for professionals as well as for youth and their families . dropping out. The conference will be held at the As helping professionals become Hotel Ft. Des Moines , CEUs will be more acquainted with the facts available, For registration surrounding gay, lesbian and bisexual information contact Claire Hueholt youths they are becoming aware that at (515)279-2110 or (515)277-1454 or 10 percent o( those they serve fall . Susan Jellinger at (515)280-7004, Ext. into this category. Many have felt . _ 125,_or write to: A Matter of Justice underprepared by traditional and Compassion, 4211 Grand Ave., instruction to deal with these youths Des Moines, IA 50312. effectively , , SECOND STONE Cover Story Gay SDA student speaks out on campus COVER STORY, From Pagel significant impact." Pacific Union College, a Seventh-day Adventist liberal-arts college located in Napa Valley, Calif., was the training ground where Garcia discovered his leadership skills. As he began to disclose his sexual orientation on campus, he used his skills to challenge the popular myths about gay and lesbian people. By the end of his fourth year at PUC Garcia had helped establish a hotline at the campus church for students with concerns .about their sexual orientation . He was open on campus about his sexual orientation and addressed numerous classes. "I worked on outreach through education," Garcia said. "I confronted homophobia and tried to educate people on homosexuality from a Christian perspective. When I was done, I felt like I left PUC respected :" That summer he moved to Washington state to pursue a master's degree in social work from Walla Walla College, also a Seventh-day Adventist college. "I went to Walla Walla with the intention of duplicating the program at PUC, but I managed to go far beyond that objective, even though I only had one year to do it," Garcia said. the student newspaper, the Collegian, was the medium Garcia used to come out to the student body. Buried in the middle of a letter to the editor he wrote, "As a gay student on an Adventist cam.pus, I DIGNITY, From Page 1 around. This, in turn, can lead to physical violence ." The panel upheld the church's constitutional right to bar the group from using the center's chapel for masses and other religious services, but said the portion of the object to ... " The letter was written in response to a homophobic article that appeared in -the previous week's edition of the Collegian. This was not Garcia's first gay activism at Walla Walla College, however. He had met individually with the . college president, the vice president for student administration and other · campus leaders. Buried in the middle of a letter to the editor he wrote, "As a gay student on an Adventist campus, I object to ... " "My experience told me to get involved with school activities and with the faculty. This was my primary objective," Garcia said. "I spent the summer building my credibility. In September they knew I was Dan Garcia, and only later did they learn I was gay - after their opinions of me were already formed." With Garcia's input, an ad hoc committee on gay issues was formed. This committee, which met regularly, included the vice president of student administration, the campus chaplain and the department head or a representative from the health service, building used for nonreligious activities must comply with the city's ordinance prohibiting discrimination. -From Associated Press and Equal Time substance abuse . program, social work, · theology, counseling center, the dorm ~. itories and the campus church. Three of these people had previously spoken at spiritual retreats sponsored by SDA Kinship, !}n organization for gay and lesbian s~venth-day Adventists. Garcia was invited to make class presentations in the social work and health science departments. He took one to two class periods to talk about his personal perspective of homosexuality; the myths and stereotypes ab .out homosexuals, religion and homosexuality, how homosexuality is not a secular issue but an issue confronting the church , and what homophobia is and how to change it. "I went in to talk about my experiences, what I have seen my challenges and my future," Garcia said. "I did not know what to expect, but a Higher Power was definitely at work, and I was able to stand my ground when people challenged me. "Once the presentations were over, students often rallied around me against the challengers . They were ·able to see homosexuality wasn't a religious issue but a human issue, and they would say 'you're not understanding.' It was really fun to see them defend me before their peers.'' . Garcia was invited by the social work department to organize a forum on homosexuality . · This forum was sanctioned by the school administration and was actively promoted by the vice · president . for student administration, who sent letters to both students and faculty urging them to attend. The Collegian . published an article announcing the forum as well as a follow-up report the next week. The forum, held on a Friday afternoon, January/February 1991 attracted about 75 students, faculty, administrators and commuriity people. It included .personal testi- , mony by Gays and family members of · Gays. Darold Bigger, senior pastor at the. campus church, addressed the religious issues of homosexuality. The program ended with a question and answer period. That spring WWC held a health fair on the front lawn of the campus. The social work department, with Garcia's assistance, made arrangements for the Walla Walla Mental Health Department to have a booth. Along with their own materials, they agreed to display the SDA Kinship quilt for AIDS victims and to hand out materials on "It's important for them to know that the Danny they held in their hands, the Danny who went to Seventh-day Adventist schools all his life, that Danny is gay." AIDS, Kinship and the quilt. SDA Kinship inadvertently caused the only major conflict between Garcia · and the school administration. "~ got a scholarship from Kinship, but it wasn't included on the program during recognition day," Garcia said. "I contacted the administration to ask why, because I felt it should be listed just like every other scholarship." □ One of the _big surprises came from tlle social work def!artment head Wilma Hepker, ·w:fio volunteered to go with Garcia when he spoke ,to the administr<!,hon · .- .an action that elicited _ an immediate response from the school. · "They called . _an emergency board meeting, and by the end of the day they had written me . a personal letter, signed by the president, explaining their reasons fo·r not publishing the scholarship ." Garcia decided not to pursue the matter, feeling it might undermine the progress he had made . "I had a good relationship with all the faculty I encountered," Garcia said. "Once the faculty saw that the dean of students supported what I wanted to do, then they were positive too." The year ended dramatically for Garcia. Less than a week before graduation he broke his leg. "I didn't know if I could walk across the stage," he said. "But I did it because it was a statement that a gay student could come here and make a difference. People had to notice me." Garcia, 26, now works as a psychologist and social worker in a state hospital in Napa Valley . He works with severely mentally disturbed patients in · individual therapy, case management and group therapy . "I love it," he says. He says he is still trying to find his place in the Seventh-day Adventjst church where he grew up. Part of his goal is to educate them on homosexuality and what the church can do for the gay and lesbian co~unity and for people suffering with AIDS. - . "Pacific Union College is ortly an hour away from here , · ·and Walla Walla College . h~d SEE COVER STORY, PageJ8 < ilJ Families □ The forgotten AIDS sufferers: out of every situation . I tend toward realism. But, the two of us together were able to keep things on a forward trend, re-evaluating our hopes and sorrows on a daily or weekly basis. The caregiver must respect the PW A's attitude toward illness, whether it is passive or active. The attitudes of family and friends also have impact. For example, Ron and I often felt subtle pressure from friends that the polite thing to do when one has a terminal illness is to suffer and die, especially when one comes close to death on several occasions . This concept has a strong influence because there were times when we have felt that the next thing to do was to wait for death. We have had _ to fight <;a_reg~vers • the ones who struggle before - and long after - their beloved's death The Rev. Ron Bergeron, fbrmer pastor of the Metropolitan Community . Church of Ottawa, Ontario, died on July 8, 1990, from complications associated with AIDS. He , was 49. The life, love, and faith he shared with his mate, Carol Richer, inspired many. Here, Carol Richer tells how he made it - and he offers guidance for caregivers. BY CAROL RICHER The Diagnosis I had been in a monogamous relationship with Ron for about two and a half years when Ron began feeling some unusual fatigue and experiencing frequent infections. A diagnosis was finally made which required the knowledge of Ron's HIV status. The result of the HIV testing came back positive, and we were told that because he had a very low T4 count he could expect to get very sick during the next six months, perhaps with pneumocystis carinii or some other opportunistic infections . All thi.s occurred about -four years ago ,md was a big shock for us as a couple . We were now dealing with a chronic disease . AIDS altered the social, psychological, and financial aspects of our lives and also the way we related to each other . It meant trying to adjust in a world which had seemingly come to a halt. Dealing with this situation has changed my life completely. We had to examine every facet of our beings: our relationship, our attitudes, individually and as a couple, our communication skills, our feelings, and our day-to-day planning. The Attitudes First, how is the person with AIDS (PWA) dealing with the diagnosis? What was their attitude toward life before the diagnosis and what is it now? Did they formerly communicate feelings and can they now? Were they able to deal with life's realities before? How are they dealing now? Is he or she able to maintain hope in the face of life's difficulties, including this diagnosis? The main caregiver is somebody who cares so much as to decide to share this journey with the other person, usually a spouse, close friend, parent, or sibling . I insist on the word "decide" because we all have choices. This was to me the first step of joyfully accepting this specific challenge on our journey together. The main caregiver must look into the realities of his or her relationship with the PW A, his or her own attitudes toward life, his or her ability to communicate feelings, his or her own feelings about the diagnosis . Then this caregiver must be willing to adapt to everyday changes and challenges . Family and Friends Friends and extended family members may choose to be involved and loving, or not to deal with the situation at all . As time passed, I realized that, for a good number of people, it is easier to forget what is happening than it is· to act. I sincerely think it is - human nature to put difficult situations aside in the hope that if one puts them aside long enough, they will go away. Even though Ron and I were very involved in the lesbian and gay community and with the church which Ron pastored, I realized that there were not too many people I could count on; and by the same token, sensed myself feeling left out by many and betrayed by the non-commitment. Although a painful eye-opener, it is, in fact, very hard for many to deal with a chronic health situation - with death and grieving - and, confronted with this situation, it is easier to choose not to deal with it - and even to pretend that nothing is going on! In our situation, it has been interesti _ng to see how both of our families have reacted . Family members often have a hard time dealing with a sibling's death, sexuality, and the social pressures because these topics touch a very intimate part of their lives. As main caregiver, I had the difficult task of evaluating just what the family needed to be told - and when . I've had to decide the importance of letting family members know just how sick Ron was at times, and of evaluating how badly Ron needed to see various family members. This interpretation is, at times, like walking a thin line between overreacting or under-estimating. tooth and naii "in order to keep on going in as normal a way as possible . The conclusion and attitude we both came to is : You are fully alive until the moment you stop breathing. This is a phrase that has kept us going many times and has inspired us to appreciate special moments, and to look forward to projects and days ahead. It gave us energy for life's activities and for the sorrows that Ron and I often felt subtle pressure from friends that the polite thing to do when one has a terminal illness is to suffer and die ... come with the inevitable grieving over the loss of a loved one. And, Continuing the grief is not just something that Relationship happens at the point of death, it The relationship between the happens with every change and loss caregiver and the PWA will, of in life. One's choices are constantly COurse l'nfluence our . 1 limited; there is ongoing Joss. , caregiver ro e. Although the diagnosis and con- For Ron and I, one of the most diftinuing illness brings alterations, for ficult subjects to talk about at first the 1:1ost.part the relationship was his death. We are just not - Continues along th I . trained to think in terms of death for esame meas ~fore the illness. It is therefore very us at a young age . We grew by talkimportant to try to understand what ing about his eventual death and has been going on before the diagnosis were able to come to terms with wills and to examine how this affects the funeral arrangments, a memorial ' future of the relationship. ..service, and the meaning of death for The caregiver's attitude needs to be both Ron and me. I must say that in line with that of the PWA • !hrough this very basic commun- , 1.e., 1catio bl t h the caregiver needs to be able to . . n, we were a e o c ange our adjust with the hopes and d-istresses- ~ ---- ~titudes to"'.ard death and it just did felt by the PW A on a day-to-da not _seem as fmal anymore. Communbasis. This is not easy. Ron wa:;; an icatmn made us able to discuss every optimist who always makes the best __ _ SEE CAREGIVER, Page 18 SECO,ND STONE Church & Organization News Overlake MCC At New Location Overlake Metropolitan Community Church, Bellevue, Washington, recently celebrated its third anniversary in conjunction with moving to a ne\V, more convenient worship location - First Congregational Church, 6745 108th N.E., downtown Bellevue. A. Austin Amerine is pastor. -SGN Church Launches Bond Issue King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg, Florida, has begun efforts to raise $700,000 through a bond issue to purchase and renovate a new church home. The bonds are being sold by prospectus only. For inf6rmation, contact the church at (813)323-5857. Garner Exits MCC Baltimore The Rev. Darlene Garner, who was installed as pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore last January announced during church services on November 25 that she was resigning . Garner said in a letter to church members, "my experience with var ious parts of the church over the past five months indicates clearly that if the current members of the congregation are ever to reconcile with one another and with the Board , the pastor must leave. " -Baltimore Alternative Seattle Church Wins National Recognition For AIDS Ministry . _flymouth Congregational Church, , Seattle, Washington, has received a · national award for its pioneering work in providing housing for those with HIV/ AIDS. The 1,000-member United Church of Christ congregation was given a distinguished service award by the AIDS National Interfaith Network, meeing in Chicago, for a program that "puts a human face on AIDS that most religious people, indeed, most Americans, refuse to acknowledge or embrace. The AIDS National Interfaith Network, formed in 1988 and holding its second annual .convention, brings together religious people who are operating successful programs to educate the public about the AIDS epidemic and to help those who have HIV/ AIDS. lt represents 85 Catholic , Protestant and Jewish interfaith organizations, ranging from local congregations to national · denominations . Its New York City headquarters are in the offices of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, the domestic mission arm of the 1.6 million-member United · Church of Christ. Plymouth Church has worked in the Seattle area to find affordable housing for low income people with HIV/AIDS. -SGN Samaritan Moves Samaritan College has moved to new offices. The college is now located in the same building as the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. The new address is 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 306, Los Angeles, CA .90029. Evangelicals Open Bible Institute The staff and Advisory Council of the Evangelical Bible Institute have announced the opening of a full-time Bible School in the fall of this year , where people can study the Bible in a · gay /lesbian affirming atmosphere. Although EBI has existed for several years, it has offered only occasional weeknight courses and weekend seminars. EBI's curriculum is acceptable to all evangelical denominations. Financial assistance is provided to students proving need. Assistance with housing and work study is also provided. For information, write to Chuck Shamblin, Evangelical Bible Institute, 1029 East Turney, Phoenix, AZ 85014-4402. Dignity/Los Angeles · To Dedicate New Center After years of struggling to find a permanent home, Dignity /Los Angeles will dedicate its newly-purchased Dignity Center in a special ceremony on January 26. Located at 126 South Avenue 64 in Highland Park, the open house will include a tour, a dedication of a building plaque, strolling musicians and singers and refreshments. Following this event, the founding chapter of the International Dignity Gay and Lesbian Catholic Movement will celebrate its twenty-second year of existence at a banquet to be held at the Sheraton Town House at 2961 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Founded in 1969, the Los Angeles mother-chapter met in offices, and even a funeral parlor, before being allowed by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to hold meetings and eventually liturgies at the Newman Center, a Catholic facility at Los Angeles City College, from 1973 to ·1988, when they were asked to leave due to upcoming renovations of that facility. The group then went to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hollywood in June, 1988, where they remained for exactly one year. The pastor there evicted the group, reacting to Los Angeles Catholic Archbishop Roger Mahony's pastoral letter to all facultied priests within the Archdiocese to cease saying Mass 'for all Dignity chapters within his . jurisdiction. The Southern Conference of Catholic Bishops met . and ·concurred .with the Archbishop's wishes. It was the Wes.t HoUywoo ,d Presbyterian Church which gave the group a home from Jurie, -1989, until : the first liturgy in their present • newly-purchased home· in1 Highliinif • Park. · The facility, bt1ilt in 1904, consists of a large congregation room with patio and gardelll! on the first level and . a second story containing offices, meeting - rooms · and . a (ull . kitchen. A separate cor:ripound ·contains a Iate-inodel one-bedroom house with patio, which the group rents out. Dignity Center/Los Angeles at 126 South Avenue 64 in HighiandPark · Business or PersonalTrya Second Stone Classified Ad! January/February 1991 II Calendar The following announcements have been submitted by sponsoring or affiliatedg roups. MCCLong Beach Charismatic Conference '91 FEBRUARY 8-9, "Go With the Spirit" is the theme of the MCC Long Beach Charismatic Conference. Speakers include Rev. Eria Duncan, Rev. Grant Ford, Rev. Samuel Kader, Rev. Phyllis Mann, Rev. Duane Moret, Rev. Dr. Dusty Pruitt, Ms. Rosalind Rinker, Rev. Nori Rost and Ms. Sandra Turnbull. Workshops include "Healing the Inner Child," "Spiritual Gifts" and "Your Job on Earth." For information contact MCC/Long Beach, 1231 Locust Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813. PLGC Midwest Winter Conference FEBRUARY 8-10, "When Sexuality and Spirituality Meet'' is the theme of Presbyterians for Lesbian & Gay Concem's winter conference. St. Benedict Center, Madison, Wis., is the setting. Cost is $65.00, which includes all meals and two nights lodging. For information contact Ellwood Carey, 3817 Portage Ave., #2, Madison, WI 53704 or call (608)244-0894. Family Matters! Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Christians FEBRUARY 9, Three denominations in metropolitan New York · will hold a day-long educational event at Park Avenue Christian Church. Workshops will be offered for clergy and lay ministers. Dr. Edwina Hunter of Union Theological Seminary will lead the worship. This event grows out of monthly meetings of the United Church Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance and American Baptists Concerned in New York. For further information call Will Leckie, (201)592-8805. Just Say Yes: A Call To Thrive FEBRUARY 15-17, a conference to bring together gay, lesbian and bisexual seminarians and divinity school students. The Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., · is the setting. Cost is $30.00. Keynotespeakersscheduled: Carter Heyward, Chris Glaser, Ir_ene Monroe and (tentatively) John Boswell. In addition to the several workshops scheduled, there will be a session on developing strategies for change in seminaries, the church and beyond. For information, contact Michael Musolf, 99 Brattle St., Box 30, Cambridge, MA 02138 or call (617)547°7629. 1991 Institute Of The Son FEBRUARY 18-21, The Evangelical Bible Institute and the Missions Task Force of Casa de Cristo Church, Phoenix, Arizona, present a time of learning, sharing, equipping and growing as Christian workers. The theme of the program is "Back to Basics." Cost'is $15.00, which includes materials and meals ; Housing for out-oHowners will be provided by members of the Casa congregation. For information contact Casa de Cristo Church at (602)265-2831 or write to EBI, 1029 E. Tumey, Phoenix, AZ. 85014. Annual T-E-N Weekend FEBRUARY22-24, The Evangelical Network sponsors its fourth annual gathering . . Each year the T-E-N Weekend gives evangelical groups and individuals the opportunity to gather together in a non-denom- . inational environment for the purpose of learning and growing together. Casa de Cristo Evangelical Church, Phoenix, Arizona is the setting. The theme is "Leadership in the Local Church." Scheduled to speak: Bro. Ken Coulter, Pastor Rada Schaff, Ron Burcham, Jan Sayre, Bro. Fred Pattison, and others. Registration of $20.00 includes Sa.turday meals. For information , contact T~E-N, P.O. Box 16104, Phoenix, AZ. 85011, or call (602)265-2831 or (602)849-5883. LGCM 1991 Annual Conference APRIL 13, England's Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement holds its annual conference. Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London, is the setting. For information write to LGCM, Oxford House, Derbyshire St., . London E2 6HG, UK. Brethren/Mennonite Families Retreat APRIL 12-14, The second retreat for the parents and families of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons. The retreat, sponsored in part by a support . network of Brethren/Mennonite parents with lesbian or gay children, will be held at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in western Pennsylvania. Write to Rt. 5, Boxl45, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 or call (412) 423-2056. Spiritfest New Orleans MAY 24-27, Grace Ministries sponsors a Christian gathering at Holy Redeemer Retreat Center, LaCombe, Louisiana. The retreat center, a former Redemptorist seminary, is beautifully situated on 110 acres of forested land on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain. Cost is $100.00 per person. For information write to Spiritfest '91, P.O. Box 70555, New Orleans, LA 70172-0555. National UCCL/GC Gathering ~ 23 -26, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns' National Gathering 11 immediately precedes the United Church of Christ General Synod 18 in Norfolk, Virg inia. The setting for the gathering will be the Old Dominion University campus in Norfolk. Connecticut UCCL/GC is planning the three day event, which will offer opportunities for single persons and persons in relationships to explore ways we are family: the family we're in now, the family we came from, the family we would wish for . Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, author of Is The Homosexual My Neighbor?, will be the featured speaker . For information write to: UCCL/GC, 18 N. College, Athens, OH 45701 or call (614)593-7301. NABWMT Convention '91: Living, Loving and Working Together JUNE 23-30, The Detroit Chapter of Black and White Men Together hosts the 1991 convention of the National Association ofBlack and White Men Together, an organization formed ten years ago to break down racial barriers between gay people and provide a multiracial political and social forum. The NABWMT is an umbrella organization for over 25 chapters nationwide. Conveption '91 will explore the many ways we relate as gay people and examine SECOND STONE □ methods to unify the gay community. Workshops will be presented on interpersonal relationships, health issues .and AIDS awareness, bridging cultural differences and many othe _r issues. The Hotel St. Regis is the setting. For information write: BWMT /Detroit, Convention '91, P.O. Box 24-8831, Detroit, MI 48224. connECtion '91 JULY 4-7, the first joint Evangelicals Concerned Midwest and Western Region conference. The campus of the University of Denver is the setting . The conference will include keynote addresses, workshops, small group interaction,prayer, and socializing. Participants will fellowship with gay and lesbian Christians from across the United States and learn more about the integration of sexuality and spirituality and discover new ways to love God, others and self. To show off Colorado's natural wonders, the weekend will feature a half-day trip into the Rocky Mountains. For registration information, contact Scott at the ECWR office, (303)830-2823. Our Heroic Journey: Building A Healing Circle AUGUST 26. 29, A special retreat of celebration for gay and lesbian ministers. This retreat will tap the very special experience of the Holy Spirit that every gay and lesbian minister has to learn to utilize to strengthen and celebrate their lives. The Weber House, Baltimore, Maryland, is the setting. Limited financial assistance is available. For registration information, write to CMI Retreat, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL60660-0125. Dignity/USA Convention '91 AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 1, The Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. will the be setting for Dignity /USA's tenth biennial convention. Themed "Many Gifts, One Spirit," the convention program will feature presentations and workshops that reflect the diversity of Dignity's national community . For more information write: Convention '91, Dignity /USA, Box 29661, Washington, DC 20017. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAR, SECOND STONE, P.O. BOX 8340, NEWORLEANS, LA 70182 Essay Healing the loneliness By Dr. Buddy Truluck Columnist Wheni was 10 years old I was smaller than my playmates. My most vivid memory of playground games was being the last ,one chosen for a team. I was left out a lot of the time. Sometimes one of my friends would feel sorry for me and see to it I was on their side. Being little in size made me different. In the tiny world of the childhood playground, being different meant being alone. Later, when I began to realize I was gay, I felt even more isolated and left out. I felt that I was the only one in the world like me. I felt cut off from God. You may have felt some of the same thing. I was a Christian, a pastor and later a Bible professor. Finally, I was rejected by the church. By 1981, I was openly gay, living in Atlanta, going to gay bars and feeling like wallpaper. I felt ignored and left out there too. I drank to be social. At first, alcohol tasted really awful. Then I got used to it and drank as a habit and as a way to deal with frustrations and disappointments. I became alcoholic for several years. I finally went with a friend to a gay Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, took a white chip and became sober. Five months later, I tried drinking again and lost control. I went back to AA, took a white chip and started over again. By the grace of God and "one day at a time" I have been sober since August 8, 1989. 1 thank God for the , wonderfully supportive lesbian and gay friends in and outside of MCC who have loved me and accepted me. I don't feel left out anymore. As Senior Pastor of Golden Gate MCC in San Francisco, I have been given a wide open door of opportunity to demonstrate the inclusive power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lesbians and gay men often feel , rejected, ,abandoned and left out. God's love revealed in Jesus Christ cuts through this isolation and loneliness. Romans ·15:7 calls you to "accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God ." John 3:16 says that God loves the world~ which surely includes you an,d me. The inclusive power of the gospel was stated by Paul in Romans 1:16: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes." Accepting yourself and feeling good , about yourself are part of God's gift of love to you in Jesus Christ. Your mission to continue the work that, Jesus began depends upon your ability to love yourself. You cannot include others in your life if you are not able to include yourself . Self-esteem is not only God's gift to you through Jesus Christ; it is also the basis for reaching out to others to lift them and love them into feeling good about themselves too. "Love your neighbor as yourself" requires first that you love yourself. Jesus said in John 13:34, "I give you a new commandment that you love each other as I have loved you." That yerse could also say "accept each other just as I have accepted you." How do you feel about yourself today? Accepting yourself and feeling good about yourself are part of God's giffof love ... The gay and lesbian community is a . wounded people. Some churches have maintained a persistent and unrelenting attack on Lesbians and Gays that belittles and ridicules their worth before God and their right to serve God in the church. The gospel that Jesus intended to be inclusive and healing has been distorted into a cruel -weapon of fear and anger by these Bible abusers and religious terrorists. Nobody has the right to undermine your self respect as a gay person. Fight back with the truth. God loves you . You don't have .to be afraid or alone anymore. \ \ Buddy Truluck is a former Southern Baptist pastor. Presently this , energetic Bible scholar is teaching a series entitled "The Bible As A Friend of Lesbians and Gays" at San Francisco's Golden Gate MCC, where he serves as pastor. He was edU<;:ated at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, 'Kentucky. □ :J[owers. 9Lre~ c[ The little boy went first day of school He got some crayons and started to draw He put colors all over the paper For colors was what he saw And the teacher said ... What you doin' young man I'm painting flowers he said She said ... It's not the time for art young man And anyway flowers are green and red There's a time for everything young man And a way it should be done You've got to show concern for everyone else For you 're not the only one And she said ... Flowers are red young man Green leaves are green There's no need to see flowers any other way Than the way they always have been seen But the little boy said ... There are so many colors in the rainbow So many colors in the m.ornin' sun So many colors in a flower and I see every one Well the teachers aid. ..Y ou're sassy There's ways that things should be And you 'II paint flowers the way they are So rq,eat after me ... And she said ... , Flowers are red young man Green leaves are green There's no need to see flowers any other way Than the way they always have been seen But the little boy said ... There are so many colors in the rainbow So many colors in the mornin' sun So many colors in a flower And I see every one The teacher put him in a corner She said ... lt 's for your own good And you won't come out 'ti/ you get it right And all responding like you should Well finally he got lonely Frightened thoughts filled his head And he went up to the teacher And this is what he said ... and he said , Flowers are red, green leaves are green There's no need to see flowers any other way Than the way they always have been seen Time went by like it always does And they moved to another town And the little boy went to another school And this is what he found The teacher there was smilin • She said ... Painting should be fun And there are so many colors in a flower So let's use every one But the littl~ boy painted flowers In neat rows of green and red And when the teachera sked,him why This is what he said ... imd he said Flowers are red,,green leaves are green There's no need to see flowers aniTotherw ay Than the way they always have been seen -copied January/February 1991 :II Closer Look Gays .:and the church: poor imitators By Rev, Bmceltoller Contributing 'Writer · Moshof ,',the gay and lesbian , · people cfknow feel much the same , way about the traditional Christian ,·.;church that we Jee! about our parents. We love them for giving us _life, for helping to establish in us some basic .. beliefs, for showing us ways to relate to the world around us. We love them •· for _the protection they offered us in • our early . development, and we· appreciate the good qualities we saw (and see) in them. On the other hand we often feE\l that they gave us, in many ways, .. an unrealistic view of the world and of life. _We are angry that they often place upon us expectations that are beyond our capabilities, and sometimes we feel threaten ·ed with abandonment, neglect, and outright hostility when we express our differing ways of looking at life, The Rev. Dr. Sherre Boothman, speaking at Reconciliation MCCsome time ago remarked on her amazement that lesbian women and gay men would even want to be in the church. When the Christian church has been such a bastion of persecution, such a ~earer of false witness against us, such a perpetrator of the violence done to us, why would we be drawn toward the church at all? Excellent · question! ·In these columns during 1991, I would . like to explore from Biblical bases the varying relationships that gay and lesbian people establish with (and without) the organized church. The topic, incidentally, was. suggested to me by my spouse of 17 years. Rick is a former altar boy in •the Roman Catholic Church who left the church with the advent of ·vatican II because of the loss or' mystery · and tradition when Latirt masses became rare. He was·.ordained a deacon in the UFMCC at the .third General Conference, and left the church soon after because of a violent split in his local congregation .. · In . retrospect he feels disillusioned because nobody at that point showed · him the way to a personal Christian commitment. When l met him he was nominally involved in Dyanetics and other Science of the Mind philosophies. Within a year he had experienced a dramatic evangelical A Presbyterian Promise "We will work to increase the acceptance a.1d participation -in the church ofaHpersons regardless of racial-ethnic origins, . sex, class; age, disability,m arital sui.tuso r sexual orientation'.' ~ · 195th General Assembly{f983), · Atlanta, Georgia. If ·this is your promise, too, we invite you · to join conversion while watching a TV evangelist. Soon after he was introduced to charismatic worship and received his prayer language on a Greyhound bus alone on his way to visit a friend in Virginia. For ten years he was involved with · me in independent ministry to gay and lesbian people, and for five years now has been actively involved ·in UFMCC in the focal church and at District and Fellowship levels as well . It seems as we share our stories that most of us have approached God and the church through many doors, and have often been denied entry into -the community of believers because .of our gender orientation. Briefly in this introductory article I offer a Biblical understanding of the frequent failure of the traditional church to act in a godly manner toward gay and lesbian people. Ephesians 5:1 ·offers this gem of advice near the middle of some wonderful practical advice on how to live out our new Christian lives in everyday existance: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children." · Children are not always good imitators of their role models. Witness playing house: little girls and boys dressed up in daddy or mommy's clothes think . they have made themselves look very much like · the adults they eumlate: But the Clothes are too big, the images caricatures, the ca_refully guarded gender roles often blurred much ' to the parent's chagrin. The children really seem poor imitators of the ad .ults in their lives. In years to come, however, as most psychologists and pastoral counselors will iell you; the conscious and subconsc;ious imitation of our parents becomes a major factor in how we live our lives and how we relate to one another, .I find hope in this analogy. Picture the church as children seeking to . imitating of God is being used by God to transform us into the image -of Jesus Christ, so that our "play," our poor. imitation, is . becoming a ·shaping factor in how we live and love and relate .to ourselves, each other, _and our world. · So convinced am I of these things that now in my 25th year of ministry - 17 years of that primarily to gay . and lesbi;m people O I continue to urge We caricature God who chooses to identify with "the least of these" and express God as rejecting all who do not fit a certain social/ cultural/ economic role. the church's oppressed to look for ways to relate to the community of believers. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is, but rather . ,encourage one another the more as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) In this year's series of articles we will examine more closely some ways people have chosen to do this. I'd like to hear your story as a way of continuing _ to research this. What has your faith walk been like? .Where has it taken you? How do you currently relate to the community of faith? You may direct your remarks to the address below. . . ' • ·. · imitate the God who breathes life The Re'l!erendB ruce Roller is pastor ' into us, and doing it rather badly. We of Reconciliation. MCC in Grand Presbyterians. for caricature God who chooses . to Rapids, MI. He has prepared a Lesbian/Gay_ Concerns· _ ·,:_W' rite to Eldel'l8IJ,l~QS; ¥de~n . · :,;·:P :t.OC;:1\:0Box~ 8., ~~:wB runswick:N, t ._;;~i::0',.:~; }:5 ~903;~33J~t784-l5§1- 0~. . ;::;,,, ,,. f'~. . - :' :·:.:;;-,. ( ~:~i~t identify wiih "the lea~t of these" workbook on 1 Corinthians. 6:9-10 amfexpress God as rejecting all who that is available for $3.50 plus 25% do not fit a certain • social/ handling and shipping: · This book : cultural/ernnomic role. . . God's allows the student t-o, draw ?c lothes" are much too big for . us - conclusions themselves; fr~ the . ,, l' ''&:JQrs: ways to far above OW'· W:ays, Word of God; and. has: ~~lpeil ,ria'!y 1,. "imppssible tq fin4. out excep f ·at . peaple ov.er . _their • .: ,f~ ,!:-, of \ifJ,1 !iYfatfi'oto:'Usb-y t~ J!Ji:>Splyir it iQ,• ," · condemnation frodJ this>, p: a'SStfB"o f .' .,:>,e v~r ;t n,~r~isfi'ig "' ·s pJ~.ii4 o r -i' <»' · Scr{pture. The w/Jrkfi{]o'j.sk : atfailabl.e :_ .~! ,si~jidf~g( . ~n, :2'.f~t .. ;af.d .. ,from Faithful Publicat Joi ," RO. Bo~.- · ..:~ r2:~evr -,~e' :·slciwly t :,O~f · ~ ,o~'-' "6658,,G, rand R_apidsM, l 185M:·. . COMMENTARY, From Page 2 hand for hand and foot for foot" (Deut. 19:21) - that, for better or worse, today we as Christians do re-examine. If New Agers are decried as relativistic - and, granted, they often are - isn't quoting Deuteronomy· 18:9-14 in support of anti-New Age sentiments while refusing to marry your widowed sister-in-law (for which cause Deut. 25:9 commands stripping of the sandal and a spit in the face) the more insidious relativism because of its hypocrisy? But mediums arenot the point. Anyone who thinks that the New Age movement is about channeling, or crystals, or astrology has mistaken the "glitter" for the substance. There are many, many New Ag<;?rS who practice none of the glitter and are New Agers nonetheless. In my experience, while some New Agers consider God "an impersonal force," most express love and dedication to the personal God. While it's true that few New Agers acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, many do see him as an active Person and not just "Christ Consciousness." And moreover . there are New Age Christians, individuals who, as Warner puts it, "think that they can easily follow both paths" and certainly do not qualify as "relatively uninformed Christians." I should know for I'm one of them. So if the gamut from channeling to "I am God" is neither universal to nor definitive of New Agers, then there must be something more pivotal and basic to the New Age movement than any item to which Rev. Warner's article alluded. At essence, the New Age vision is a philosophy which cares deeply for the integrity of all things and persons, observes the spiritual truth applicable to each episode of life, and seeks to practice the highest good consistently. And in that, there is nothing at odds with Christian faith. Yes, there are many New Age practices and beliefs that the Christian might find contrary to the teachings of their church or their denomination's interpretation of Scripture. And many New Agers unintentionally feed the dispute by making one or another New Age belief the center of their own understanding. A good example of this is Groothuis' "resurrection or reincarnation" - a major source of contention between New Agers and Christians and rightly so! The majority in both "sides" believe their unc1crstanding to be correct and so there is need to differ about it. Good! As Christians let's differ with New Agers on this point (or any other we find an offense to our faith) and do so strongly and confidently, yet open to listening to their equally strong and confident rebuttal. But let's not go throwing babies out with the bath water by ignoring the larger context of positive spiritual ground we indeed do share. Let's differ where At essence, the New Age vision is a philosophy which cares deeply for the integrity of all things and persons, observes the spiritual truth applicable to each episode of life, and seeks to practice the highest good consistently. And in that, there is nothing at odds with Christian faith. we differ and agree where we agree. Let's be bold enough, versed enough in our Christian faith, to know we can discern the differences and the similarities: • I must admit I am incredulous that one could think to imply that the New Age vision is in any way "amoral." True, there is no "central ethical base," if by that a set of moral regulations is meant. But that hardly makes for amorality. Instead, in the New Age context, this necessitates a consistent discerning and applicatlon of the highest good possible to each circumstance. It mandates that we see each new situation with clarity and respond with the course of action best for all involved. Moreover, the New Age way places complete responsibility for one's choices on one .self, so there's no escaping the need to act with the utmost of integrity at each turn of events. But let's look at the Sermon of the Mount (where, incidentally, three items of Deuteronomy were discarded.) Wasn't Jesus making much the same point? Yes, there are Laws, but it's not enough to follow them with precision. One must practice the substance and meaing of the Law, not just the letter. What? You're angry with your neighbor? You're as liable to judgment as if you had killed him! What? You lust after your neighbor's mate? That's the same as adultry! "Unless your justice exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees" - who were, after all, exacting in each jot and tittle - "you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20) And the New Ager would agree! That's why there is no "quick answer" morality for the New Ager. The letter of the Law is nothing - ethical rules and regulations of themselves are empty - but the meaning and substance is absolute. .And the meaning and substance of true values shine even without their evident rule form in the New Age movement. Could that be why Gays and Lesbians sometimes find the New Age vision appealing? Not because they "who have often felt powerless and· disenfranchised" are lured by the New Age movement's "very lack of a central ethical base"... which "removes most, if not all, prejudice against gay and lesbian lifestyles," but because Christians who are gay and lesbian have a ministry of proclamation uniquely suited to their experience? That proclamation? Look at the substance, not at the letter! In the name of a literal interpretation of Scripture's moral mandates, Gays and Lesbians have suffered the dehumanizing attitudes of those Christians who would · practice nothing less than fastidious adherence to the Bible ... without any inclination to fully grasp what the Christian faith is about! Those who are concerned about the Christian message know that its meaning and substance is antithetical to discrimination on the basis or sexual orientation. But that's not what the literally read words of Scripture would indicate. We are all too familiar with those passages which appear to condemn homosexuality, so let's skip the quoting of them. We are all too familiar how the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. And so, taking the responsibility for our decision to speak even against the literality of Scripture if we must, we of the proclamation say that the substance of Christianity demands full inclusion for Gays and Lesbians. And when Christians who are gay or lesbian sec New Agers who also, in all issues of spirituality, invoke the meaning and substance, well, maybe that's a shared bond that runs a whole lot deeper than a contentious focus upon our differences. Yes, Christians and New Agers arc often January/February 1991 radically different in practice and. belief. As Christians we cannot , nod in agreement to all New Age beliefs. The accountability for knowing one's Christian faith enough to discern what is Christian and what is not... rests squarely on the shoulders of the Christian. But as Christians with that special proclamation God has entrusted to us - "Wake up! It's the meaning and substance that counts!" - we cannot but notice New Agers as those who too tread that path. As the Lord Jesus has said, "Judge not by appearance, but give just judgment" (john 7:24). And to that, 1 say, amen. Catherine Groves is editor of Christian*New Age Quarterly: A Bridge Supporting Dialogue. For information, send SASE to P.O. Box 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. Sample issue, $3.50. Catherine welcomes your inquiries or thoughts. Ex-Gays? There Are None LambdaC hristianF ellowshiips pleasedto a nnouncae newb ook by Rev.S ylviaP enningto•n a n examinatioonf ex.gaym inistries• what they do • what they don't do. You'lml eetp eoplew ho,o nly throughG od'sg raceh, aves urviveda nds toppedtr yingt o be ex-gaysb, ecausei,n truth,t here is no such thing as an ex-gay ,:;erson. Now Available From Lambda Christian Fellowship P. 0. Box 1967 Hawthorne, CA 90250 $15.00p lus$ 1.50f or postagean d handlingC. aliforniare sidentsa dd 6% sales tax. m Books About Courage - . Life of helplessness brought knowledge of compassion By Michael Blankenship Contributing Writer The only thing wrong with Mickey C. Fleming's recent autobiography, About Courage, is it's cover and format. The photo of a handsome, young black man (Fleming, himself) in an open red robe on the cover of this small paperback gives it the appearance of a sleazy gay novel. But this is one book that can't be judged by its cover. Once I started the book I was immediately drawn into a world that both fascinated and repulsed me, a world and life totally foreign to my own. His life began in poverty in rural North Carolina. Prior to his birth, his mother's boyfriend had deserted •_.. a s telling a testament to the courage of the human splril .. as has come my way." --Huston Smith, author of The ReligiaM of Man -16 full-color reproductions of the widely acclaimed "Panels of Love" paintings_ Plus artist/author Tom Grummon's detailed account of hi• own discovery of new depths of love, faith and splrl1ual support From a man living each day with his own lif&. threalaning disease. · A book that inspires hope to th~ facing - their own reality. And a beautiful gift from friend or family to someone who needs assurance. Each painting based on selected passage from the Old or New Testament. -Available in bookstores or from Los Hombres Press, Dept SS, 739 5th Ave., Ste. 28, San Diego, CA 92101. $19.95 plus $1.50 postage and handling .. CA residents add 7% tax. Check, Money Order or Visa/MC. Phone orders: 619/688-1023. I am, with You Fear Not! (A Corrective Look at the Lesbian and Gay Clobber Passages) Professionally produced Video-tape Audio-tape & Workbook A new book by ,he Rev. Bruce Roller Pastor of Reconcilia1ionM CC Grand Rapids, Ml (/J/Uu'nlJI ~ -~ V - (/ AECONCtUATION VHS Video (90 min.l $24.95 Al.Dia Tape $5.00· • Ylcridxx>k $5.00 t.o,.;ng0xselves$6.95 Adj 25% f()( 5hiWing& han:1ing. Faithful Publications P.O. Box 6658 Grand Rapids, MI 49516 her to have the baby on her own. Living in squalor with relatives she managed to keep the family together, but by Mickey's second birthday her unstable mental health forced her to abandon her children. Fleming's half-brothers and sister were shipped off to Washington, D.C. to live with relatives but, being an illegitimate child, Mickey was rejected by his mother's family and forced to enter an orphanage. I am amazed that anyone could survive the abuse he suffered in the orphanage. . By age eight his feminine beauty had captured the attention of the older boys, who sometimes fought over his affections "I know now that the true texture of my being is not the color of my skin or my sexual condition or my social position in life, it's my soul. The inner man. This is liberating knowledge. This is inner healing ... " and who eventually took turns repeatedly raping him. He also endured frequent beatings and was constantly tormented because of a speech impediment he had. He was placed in a number of foster homes. At one, he was dressed as a little girl and taught to dance for the amusement of his caretaker. And, at another, he often sneaked into the room of the daughter of his foster parents and dressed in her clothing. He made himself up, with the help of a towel for a wig, to look like the girl he felt lived inside himself. He pleaded with God to miraculously make him a girl. He was a confused, damaged child. Religion had been an important part of the lives of all of his foster lrf.·., • . i.~ SECOND STONE □ Mickey C. Fleming families, and he was exposed to a variety of religious experiences. So it was only natural that during these formative years he would question God about the hardship in his life. He. wanted to know why he wasn't like the other boys, why he couldn't have a real Mom and Dad, and why the world was so cruel to him. He was hurting. His religious experiences all had one thing in common: a negative view of homosexuality. He carried the guilt of his sexual feelings from his earliest sensual yearnings and, to add to this burden, he was distressed by his fear of inherited mental illness. Gang violence was rampant on the streets of D.C. and during his high school years Fleming had no alternative but to try to adapt to his environment by assuming some stereotypically masculine characteristics. He learned quickly that if he was careless in his dress and didn't smile too much he got beat up less often. Any other way would have been suicide. His struggle to make something of his life continued on a roller coaster course. For every good thing that came his way it seemed that something equally bad, or worse, would happen . He eventually left the foster home program and, through a government agency, entered college. During his college years he finally came to grips with his sexuality and fell in love, only to have his lover impulsively marry a woman. God spoke to him through a church service he accidently stumbled into. Mickey could see an image of himself when he heard the words of Jesus about eunuchs, yet he was so frightened by the penecostal experience that he swore he'd never set foot in a church again. SEE COURAGE, Next Page Books ~-□ Different Mothers: Son & Daughters Of Lesbians Talk About Their Lives "America has gone baby crazy," Because Rafkin relies on oral writes Louise Rafkin in Different Mothers: Sons & Daughters of Lesbians Talk About Their Lives. "And Lesbians are certainly not exempt: we're smack in the middle of our own 'gayby' boom." In Different Mothers, 38 "children" (ages 5 to 40) come together to tell us about r;rowing up in lesbian families. COURAGE, From Previous Page He graduated from college with a degree in interior design, but was fired from his first job for being a disruptive influence: the other employees spent too much company time harassing him. They taunted him with words like "fancy nigger faggot," and left obscene notes at his work station . He sought out his mother and moved with her into a small apartment. He · histories and personal narratives, the voices of the children - and their most compelling concerns - are startlingly clear. Speaking about peer pressure, closets, custody issues, families, sexuality, coming out, school and friends, · fathers and co-moms, the authors of Different Mothers examine cleaned her and dressed her up, but her mental illness continued to surface, usually at the most inappropria te times. He again realized the need for God's direction in his life, yet he was severely criticized . at .his baptism for having a "Holy Ghost" experience _in a conservative A.M.E. church. Undaunted by the numerous obstructions life had thrown across his path, his life experiences consequently leveled off when, Andrea Natalie's Cartoons On PBS Documentary Selections from Andrea Natalie's new lesbian cartoon book Stonewall Riots will 'be featured in the PBS documentary "Funny Ladies," a film about ·women cartooiiis ts' projected to be broadcast in February, according to Venus Press. Andrea Natalie founded the Lesbian Cartoonists Network in September of 1990. The network now !fas over forty members, including Alison Bechdel (Dykes to Watch Out For), Leigh Dunlap (Morgan ·•·Calabrese), Rhonda Dicksion (Lesbian Survival Manual), ·Roberta Gregory, Kris Kovick, Noreen Stevens and Jennifer Camper . Lesbian cartoonists from around the world forward ideas and information to Natalie and receive back a quarterly free newsletter packed with a variety of articles, from syndication to fan mail, written mostly by the cartoonists themselves. The cartoonists are extremely enthused, saying · they feel less isolated and invisible and more informed. They are already talking . about having an informal convention, forming a guild or group syndicate, and producing an anthology. PATLAR·· VOICE OF ~y AMERICA MONTHLY NEWSMAGAZINE FREE AT OUR DISTRIBUTION POINTS SUBSCRIPTIONS $35 ANNUALLY SAMPLE(~8P~~~ 1gtrrirUoSAi $4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING :.. CALL 1916) 391-9755 OR 452-0769 PO BOX 22402 SACRAMENTO CA 95822 The Other Publishing Company's Lesbian & Gay Recovery Bookstore . Things They Never Told You In Sunday School . APrimer for the Christian Homosexual by David Day, $7-95 (for a limited lime). "This book should be read J:,ya nyone who fakes the Bible seriousAllyth.o ugh this book locuse&o n homo- 11exualityit, i s a gilt of liberationt or all people who•~ a~ u~la~ of the 8!b1~8's . on 11exuali.t.y T his book is a mustf or al gay and lesbianC hri81ianSth, eir friendsa nd their families. Shsm, Boothman, Presiden~ Samaritan Col/eo8 Also A vallable I'm Looking For Mr. Right But I'll Settle For Mr. Right Away·. AIDS,T rue Love, the Pwls of Safe Sex,a nd& other SpirilllalC oncernso f the Gay Maleb y · Gregory Flood, $7 .95 Shipj,ing & Handing, 10% of Net Order; Minimum$,1 .25, Maximum$ 5. Calfomia raeideamdd 7s. 25% Sales Tax. Visa & MaatarCarado capled ff ordeirs accompmliedb y cardI I, Exp Dalll, & Signatu18o f cardH ofdaf.F or inlonnationo n quanitityp urd,Ma .. ..i disoounlB, !'Ill( 800} 733-1283. The Other Publishing Company, P.O.· Box 2151, DepL S-5, San Diego, CA 92112c2151 the essential questions children of Lesbians confront. One boy, the child of two now-divorced co-mothers, concludes, "The hardes t thing about my life right now is that both my moms are vegetarians!" And a seven-year-old girls predicts, "I maybe want to be a dentist, but I don't know if I want to be a Lesbian." · through his trust in God, he found self-worth. He learned to love himself. He sums up his experiences in the following words: "I know now that the true texture of my being is not the color of my skin or my sexual condition or my social position in life, it's my soul. The inner man. This is liberating knowledge. This is inner healing. I have known the feeling of helplessness, (therefore) I know compassion." He seems happy at last. He has found a job and his mother is improving. This book about this courageous life is well worth searching out and reading. It should be an inspiration to our Chri stian community, and especially to Gays and Lesbians of color who contend with the Different Mothers is the<.osequel to Rafkin's best-selling EiDifferen t Daughters: A Book by Molhers of Lesbians (1987). In fac:t, Rafkin decided to compile Different Mothers after numerous requests from women she met while traveling rsacross the U.S . speaking to au di ences of Lesbians and their families. additional obstacle of racism. I do hope, however, that another publishing company will have the foresight to acquire this title and give it the treatmen t it deserves. AT LAS'TJ • AN INCLUSIVE DEVOTIONA.iJ ~;a-T LAST! The R·oad to Emmaus Joseph W. Houle, ed. : ! EMMAUS PRESS . . l P.O. Box 7.0434 I WashingtonD, .C. Z0024-0434 I (202) 468-3816 i 416 pp. •paperback• $12.95 (plus $?.00 for postage & h:mdling)I Discounts available on quantity _orders. · At last! A Christian devotional for all people - the young and oltir,,the male and female; the lesbian, the gay man, and the heterosexual; the singlcrt he married, and the celibate; the Asian, the Black, the Hispanic, the Native ;\Im!dcan, and the White; the physically strong and the physically challenged. ·contributing authors of Tbe Road to Emmaus - including Sr.Je:innine Gramick (Homosexuality and tbe Catbolic Church), Fr. Robert Nugent.(Stat.-W.oftbe Cross for Persons with AIDS), ·and the Rev. Larry Uhrig (Sex Positive) ~ are a blend of men.and women, laypersons and clergy, Black and White writers. Special care has been taken to make this devotional inclusive in llmguage, tone, and content . Its underlying message is that the Gospel is gOO<nIe wStfora ll people. AT LAST! • AN INCLUSIVE DEVOTIONAi,!. • AT LAST! . · ·Jan ·uary/February 1991 Ill / MASK Yukio Mishima, the great author from Japan who has written many works about gay life, once wrote an autobiographical novel entitled Confessions ofa Mask. A ve'ry apt title because many Indonesian gay men feel it is desirable or essential to wear a mask CAREGIVER, From Page 10 treatment, hope, distress, or future plan. It made us able to work through anger and sadness, and to cherish the meaning of our relationship. Living with AIDS is an emotional roller coaster . For myself, the feelings went from anger, to despair, to sadness, to joy, and back to anger again. I found that I had a hard time grieving, and that my feelings were not always in touch with Ron's. As time went on I found I had less and less .energy, both physically and emotionally, to even deal with my feelings. I'd play mind-games with myself: if everything was going well I would think that it always would; yet, as caregiver, I had to constantly COVER STORY, - a mask which projects them as heterosexual men who love women. By wearing a heterosexual mask, most gay men feel they are safe, protected from scorn or mockery from the heterosexual majority when they talk · about Gays. stay in iouch with reality - remaining positive in the short term and balance that with the long term reality of AIDS. This brings me to the subject of self-care. I did not have all the answers and often feft guilty for taking care of myself. There is always the feeling that the caregiver is not the one who is sick, so therefore shouldn't be needy . Yet, the irony is, I think the caregiver needs a lot of support and help. I often felt like saying, "I need to be taken care of too. I need somebody to hug me and boost me up. I too have needs." I only hope that in sharing my feelings and needs with others the door to solutions may be opened . People wear the mask because they are afraid their families will · cut them off, reject them or even kill them (the last possibility nearly happened to someonewho wrote to the Lambda Indonesian.) People wear the mask because they are afraid that their close friends will avoid them or because they are afraid they will lose their jobs, which provide them with respect. People wear the mask because they are afraid of being painted as sinners by certain religions . People wear the mask because thay want to be considered ""normal" - to have a spouse and children and project the image of the "ideal" family; to live alone is too frightening to them . Some wise people can wear "their heterosexual mask but still live a gay life. Unfortunately, the mask often turns into shackles and people are afraid to live out their gay natures. All of t)leir actions are limited because they are so afraid of being found out. Afraid of this, afraid of that, until finally they suffer, their longing to love and make love is unreqtiited ... We must recognize that wearing a mask restricts us and blinds us . We The role of caregiver, although difficult, is one which puts one in touch with the real world and helps I often felt like saying, "I need to be taken care of too. I need somebody to hug and to boost me up. I-too have needs." one to redefine one's value system, to discern between the important and futile in life. It lets one know that become jealous and envious - where are the heterosexuals who have to wear a -mask, who have to hide their natures as lovers of the opposite sex? Our. sense of justice is offended and overthrown. H heterosexuals can - state their love, even have it _institutionalized in marriage, why can't we? When we reach that level of awareness ; the mask we wear suddenly feels oppressive and stifles us. That is the moment when freedom can be achieved - the moment when we say to ourselves and to the outside _world: "Enough of the play-acting! Now I want to be myself." And believe it, especially for those who hate falseness and dishonesty, an open gay life is far more healthy than a life behind the stifling mask. D. Oetomo, the author of this article, lives and· writes in Indonesia. "Mask" first appeared in~ newsletter, P.O. ·Box 5058, Columbia, . SC29250 every day is worth living to its fullest, and that it is in giving of ourselves that we grow and learn of the true meaning of life. I know that I will never be the same as before this experience; something has happened which will alter my life from now on, and this, although painful, is_ a very positive journey. Ron wrote for his memorial service, "Prince of life - Jesus - my Savior teach me to find in death your invitation to "Corne, follow me.' '. Rid me of my fears and strengthen every sinew of my being, to accept in death - others' or my own - new life and presence in your love. Let me make of 9eath itself, a gift. Let it be a reaching out to you ." FromPage9 students from my home church, but I don't really believe the church knows I'm gay," Garcia said. "I worked as a youth leader before -I went to college, and when I came back home they asked me to do it again . I said 'no' because I have to 'let them know I'm gay first. "It's important for them to know that the Danny they held in their hands, the Danny who went to Seventh-day Adventist schools all his life, that Danny is gay." Garcia says he has a dream of continuing outreach to his church at large. "I envision going They were able to see homosexuality wasn't a religious issue but a human issue ... around to different colleges and talking with students. God has given me a gift of talking to people and handling crowds , I'd.love to do a circuit of churches arid · colleges," Garcia said. "My ministry isn't over yet, and I'm sure the opportunity will come in God's time ." Kevin Gepford is a recent graduate of Southern College of Seventh-day Adventists in Collegedale, Tenn . He works as a newspaper reporter in North Georgia and is editor of SDA Kinship Connection, a publication of SDA Kinship International which serves gay and lesbian Seventh-day Adventists worldwide. THE SECOND STONE Travel . □ In demand: Gay/lesbian crui•s es growing in popularity By Cynthia Marquard and Danni Munson Contributing Writers The number of cruises for gay men and Lesbians has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Like e-veryone else, Gays and Lesbians have come to realize that a cruise represents great value for their vacation dollars. The passenger ship serves as hotel, restaurant, and transportation--all for a single prepaid fare. Then there is the comfort of shipboard travel: Unpack once, and you're set for the rest of the trip. Instead of rushing from buses and taxis to airports or trains, relax in a deck chair and let the oceanliner carry you effortlessly from port to port. For the health-conscious, these ships provide a variety of exercise opportunities , from jogging areas around the decks to health clubs, swimming pools, and exercise rooms. There usually are exercise classes and aerobics on deck. Then, of course, there is always the opportunity to burn off calories by walking or swimming while in port. The calories come from the wonderful gourmet meals for which ships are noted--prime rib, lobster tails, chocolate mousse and baked Alaska. And all food is included in the price of the cruise. The first gay cruise was organized in .1974 by the Islander's Club of New York City. Then came RSVP's "Cruise to Remember," which attracted a mainly male crowd. The first operation to enter the women's luxury cruise market in a really big way was Olivia Records. They chartered a large passenger liner and filled a ship with Lesbians for the first time in 1989. The success of their first time out to sea prompted them to do it again in 1990 under the name of Olivia Cruises. Also in 1990, Robin Tyler Productions enter~d the cruise market with a women's trip along the Mexican Riviera over the Thanksgiving holiday week. The gay /lesbian cruise schedule for 1991 is even more exciting. 1991 for Cruises Women Olivia Cruises is offering two allwomen's sailings. Both of these are four-day cruises to the Bahamas: • A Vale .ntine's Cruise from February 11 to 15, 1991. • A Summer Bahamas Cruise, from . July 22 to 26, 1991. The ship is the 55 Dolphin IV, which will hold 600 women. It sets sail from Miami with stops in Key West, Nassau, and Blue Lagoon, a private island perfect for swimming and sunning. There will also be adventure cruises available to women in 1991 through Womantrek. These trips are open to all ·women, gay or straight, and are aboard motor yachts or sailing vessels: • Galapagos Island Cruise, from January 12 to 24, 1991 • Caribbean Yacht Cruise, departing for eight days on Feb. 16, 1991 A new entry in the women's cruise market cames from Sea Safari Sailing of St. Petersburg, Fla. They are offering two women's sailings in the Gulf of Mexico in 1991 aboard the catamaran Inanna: • Superbowl on Tampa Bay, from January 25 through 27 • Women's Gulf Cruise, from March 29 through April 7 1991 Cruises for Men The largest gay /lesbian cruise operator is still RSVP Travel Productions. Although all RSVP cruises are open to women, the percentage of women who book these cruises is very low. There are nine RSVP cruises or cruise combinations available: • Tropical Caribbean, February 17 to 24, from Miami, with stops in St. Martin, Martinique, Antigua, and San Juan. • Deep Caribbean, February 24 to March 3, from San Juan, with stops in Barbados, Guadeloupe, . Tortola, and Miami. • Western Caribbean, March 3 to .10, from Miami, with stops in Jamaica, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. • 14-Day Tropical and Deep Caribbean Combo, February 17 to March 3. • 14-Day Deep and Western Caribbean Combo, · February 24 to March 10. • 21-Day Grand Caribbean Combo, February 17 to March 10. , • Mexican Riviera, March 23 to March 30, from San Diego, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. •. French Canada, June 29 to July 6, from Montreal, with stops in Quebec City; Portland, Maine; Provincetown, and New York City . • Adventure Cruise, October 27 to November 3, featuring snorkeling, SCUBA diving, wind sailing, and other water sports from St. Petersburg, to Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Honduras. Advance/Damron, a new team composed of Advance Travel and the Damron Company, are offering three adventure cruises for men aboard yachts or sail boats: • New England sailing and cycling trip, June 16 through June 20. • Greek Islands cruise aboard the yacht Doubleforce, September 1 through 7. • Windjammer Cruise to Polynesia, from October 7 through November 2. Oceanliner, Yach t, or Sailboat? Reflecting the growing popularity of gay /lesbian cruises is the growing variety of types of cruises aboard either oceanliners, motor yachts, or sail boats. There are a number of important differences among the cruise experiences. The first is the size of the vessel. Oceanliners range upward in size from about one city block in length; the smallest carry about 200 and the largest about 1,200 passengers; the average is 600 to 800. Sailing ships and motor yachts are much smaller, usually accommodating Jess than 100 passengers--sometimes much less. The catamaran Inanna has only two cabins. Sailing ships offer the most adventurous cruising experience and a feeling of being closer to the sea than do liners or motor launches. When sailing vessels cut through the water, their decks are often tilted and sometimes at a fairly steep angle, depending on the speed of the ship, the velocity of the wind, and the set of the sails . Oceanliners, being under power, plough straight ahead through the waves. In rough seas, they might pitch a bit, but most large liners have stabilizers to prevent sideways roll and provide a pretty smooth ride. Motor launches are somewhere . in between, being less at the mercy of the wind than a sailing ship, but offering a rougher ride than an oceanliner. Ports of call are also different for liners, yachts, and sailing ships. The smaller the vessel, the greater the January/February 1991 In addition to gay cruises, there are regularly scheduled voyages aboard other passenger liners on which many gay men. and Lesbians would feel comfortable. But choosing the right cruise and making all the other arrangements--air transport to the port from which the ship sails, transfers, side trips before or after, hotel accommodations if necessary-can be tricky. There are gay/lesbian travel agents especially equipped to give you invaluable advice that can save you time and money in arranging your cruise--and this advice costs you nothing. These agents, through the International Gay Travel Association (IGTA), keep in close touch with the gay and lesbian cruise operators, in addition to providing all other travel services. Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner/manager of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago and vice-president of the International Gay Travel Assn. Danni Munson is the editor and publisher of The Lesbian and Gay Almanac and Events of 1991. /.J'· ~--''"'t,, J·J"~ - ,~.,':r, ~-<_-, ~G 0-, " ~ / . hlan~ GJnn A Gay Country Inn •.. On 100 beautiful acres with pool, hot tub, skii~g ~nd more. Innkeepers .Judith Ha1l and Grace Newman ir1v!tey ou to write or call for a brochure. P. 0. Box JlS SL Bethlehem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 the "other" place undtr tht · sun ... :iid'~t='- ~~~ \i~,:::ch •Pool & c:01:yJ acuzzi •FrH c:oatlaental bnakfast Write or call for brochure. 120 E. Atol St., P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island. Texas, 78597 (512)761-LY LE Air connections via American Continental Southwest ' l · Parting Thought □ Join the c ·hristian Coalition Against Mixed Fabrics Ed. No·te: This issue's parting thought is reprinted from The Light of Christ, the newsletter of Lutherans Concerned/Los Angeles. It was written by Sister Polly Esther. Sin! Perversion! Ungod liness! These are the words that come to mind when I see such disrespect for the Laws of God as is flaunted shame lessly on the streets every day. American society is in moral decay and it is because we tolerate people who engage in blatant disrespect for God's law. 1 am of course referring to the immoral transgression of the Biblical Law clearly stated in Leviticus Chapter 19, Verse 19: "Neit her sha ll a garment mingled of different fabrics come upon thee." No com m andment could be more d irect or easy to understand. Yet you can see people out on the streets every day, shamelessly wearing flanne l ~ h ;~;;: ae<ylk The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. . . Ba Please notify us four weeks in aOvance for uninterrupted delivery . Send both old and new addresses. If possible attach mailing labe l in space provided. PRINT . NEW ADDRESS t 2 ~ f Cl) '< ~ (ti N ;; · (') g_ <1> Send completed for m to: THE SECOND STONE Box 8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 blended with cot ton, and all manner of other sinful combinat ions one could imagi n e in a nightmare. Satan certainly has a stranglehold on the fash ion industry. And what's even worse - these Godless garment-makers flaunt their perverse m ixed fabrics in front of children. (I've even heard that some of them like to dress children in mixed fabrics, but this sin is just too , perverse for further elaboration ... and of course, all peop le who wear mixed fabrics have a secret or overt desire to dress children in the same way.) during prime time I might add.) Clearly our country is in a state of moral decline, and I hope you will. join me in my campaign to dress Classifieds · Books & Publications EMERGE! A healing journal of EMERGENCE International: Christian Scientists Supporting Lesbians and Gay Men. For information and subscriptions write P.O. Box 581, Kentfietd, CA 94914, or call (415)485-1881. 2/91 "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY," "Heartily recommended," "Philosophically inlriguing," "Excellent." Why do reviewers highly'esteem CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. America properly. Please support me and my Christian Coalit i on Against Mixed Fabrics. And remember , God is on our side. Bless you. □ Organizations HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING A MONASTERY? Have you ever thought of becoming a religious? Do you have strong religious convictions? Have you ever felt that because of your life style religious life would not be agreeable to you? If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, we would like to hear from you. Let us know how you would feel about living in a religious community life. A group of gay religious Brothers living and working together in the world, with strong religious ideals helping and caring for one another. Please write to: Now let's suppose that a mixed fabric-wearer wanted to become a foster parent. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts would allow it! I know it is shocking, but there are no questions on the application referring Satan certainly has a stranglehold on the fashion industry. . Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE . QUARTERLY, PO Box 276, Clifton, NJ. 07011-0276. TF Ecumenical Order of: The Brothers of The Mercy of God, Suite 212/341 East Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040. 2/91 to this sin. No one asks if the child will be exposed to mixed fabrics or DISCOVER THE RELATIONSHli' between spirituality and therapy -Book- For information SASE: Box 201, Cape Collage, ME 04107. 2/91 WRITER SEEKS INFORMATION on Upstairs Lounge fire in New Orleans in 1973. Many MCC members involved. 32 killed altogether. I want to write character portraits as part of my book. A 215-page first draft is already being reviewed by an editor, but there are still · 'might even be coerced into wearing them. We should spend tax dollars to study the effects of mixed fabrics on impressionable children, though I am · several people about which I know very little. THERE IS A LITTLE KNOWN tradilion of Catholic Christianily more ancient than Orlhodoxy or mainstream Catholicism, yet contemporary in its approach to psychospiritual unfoldment and completely non-exclusionary. SI. Thomas Free Catholic Apostolate, an apostolically valid Catholic Communion, invites Gay and Lesbian Christians to participate in open sacramental worship and eucharistic fellowship. Involvement in pursuing Holy Orders is also warmly welcomed, irrespective or race, creed, sex or affeclional disposition. Weekly masses Sundays at 1 :00 p.m., University of Pennsylvania Christian Association Chapel, 3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA. For information call (609)231-1469 or write: STFCA, Box 610, Rancocas, NJ 08073-0610. 2/91 . sure it has a negative effect. And what of our so-called leaders? Just the other day I saw the Rev. jerry Falwell on national television wearing a cotton-poly blend! And all this talk of scandal - who cares what goes on behind · closed doors w·hen these men casually flaunt the Word of God in front of everyone (and Any info or photos would be helpful. Johnny Townsend, 4804 Pike Dr., Metairie, LA 70003. 2/91 Employment ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR for lesbian/ feminist agency, beginning March. Salary: $22,000-$26,000, benefits. Write for information: Kinheart Personnel Committee, 2214 Ridge, Evanston, IL 60201. EOE. 2/91. Classified Order Form FOR ONLY 35 CENTS PER WORD, your ad can appear in the next edition of SECOND STONE. Take advantage of our low · cost (but high profile) classified section by placing your advertising order today! Mail To: THESECONDSTONE P.O.Box8340 New Orleans, IA 70182 Name ____________ ~ Address __________ _ City / St./Zip ________ _ AD COPY ________ _ --------------------- --------- -----·---------------------------------- __ words X .35= $ 20 word minimum. All classifieds m.ust be pre -paid. Deadline one month prior to cover date. We will mail you a copy ofthe.edition(s) in which your ad appears January/February 1991 Try a Second Stone Classified ·Ad Please place my ad in these issues: [] Jan/Feb [] Mar/Apr [.] May/Jun [] Jul/Aug . [ ) Sept/Oct [ ] Nov/Dec . CLASSIFICATIONS I ] Books & Publications [ ] Business Opportunities [ J Employment [] Friends/Relationships [ ] General Interest [ ] Mail Order [ ] Merchandise [ ] Organizations [ l Professional Services [ l Real Estate [ l Retreats [ ] Roommates [ ]Travel Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #14 - Jan/Feb 1991 https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/files/original/35ea355f0a337de3b3fb491c445d14f6.pdf a044800c8e998ba13f50a28f1c5f6f3a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone Description An account of the resource Issues of the Second Stone publication. Issue An issue of a recurring publication. Issue Number The number of the issue (within a volume) 15 Publication Year The year the issue was published 1991 Publication Date The date the issue was published Mar/Apr 1991 Text Any textual data included in the document THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FOR GAV AND LESBIAN CHRISTIANS $2.25 TONE 9500 Readers Across The USA ... ' ISSUE #IS I JOSEPH HOULE Road for Emmaus editor had many forks, bumps and detours Bf Michael Blankenship Contributing Writer Joseph Houle has a gently persuasive way of drawing groups of people into intimate spiritual discussions about themselves and the obstacles they face in BOOKS: their lives. His workshops at various conferences always have a waiting list. It is a rejuvenating experience for those present. A quiet , reticent group of church folk may beeorne highly emotionally charged while tensions and frustrations are being released, but by the end of the session there is a new sense of spiritual freedom and peace. Houle, editor of the daily devotional The Road To SEE COVbll STORY, Page 9 m Rev. Troy Peny's Don't Be Afraid Anymore Reviewed by Michael Blankenship Ill AIDS AND THE POOR Whowillcare? By R. Anthony Espinoza Task Force issues statement opposing Persian Gulf war WASHINGTON, D.C. - Concerned about the impact of the Persian Gulf war on domestic programs, especially the diversion of funds and attention from AIDS and health care, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has publicly opposed the Gulf wa r. Although the Task Force does not oppose "the brave individuals fighting on the front lines for our country," a position paper . authorized by the group's board of directors explains a deep concern "that this war will allow our political leaders to ignore the pressing problems faced by the gay and lesbian community." The Task Force also expressed concern over the treatment of gay and lesbian soldiers fighting the war. "The war highlights again the military's discriminatory policy against Lesbians and gay men, and the role the military plays in perpetuating . our second-class status ... The Pentagon has told gay and lesbian soldiers they will be discharged if they are lucky enough to survive," the statement read. SEE WAR, Page 9 War resisters ponder military's anti-gay policy The war in the Persian Gulf has brought to higher visibility the plight of gay and lesbian soldiers who are serving in the Gulf in spite of a Defense Department policy barring them from active duty. Many of the over 2000 military professionals who have filed for conscientious same color as everyone else's." According to Larsen , military cases are ar isin g where Lesbians or gay men are agreeing to activate to the ·Persian Gulf only if the military acknowledges "their . right to engage in same-sex practices." objector status have added ,,....,,..,..,..._,,_ .... ---,- .... ...,. the military's treatment of homosexuals to the.fr protest against the war. The Crescent City Star reported that Erik Larsen, the first Marine reservist to refuse to serve in the Gulf, described to a church gathering how Gays are booted out of the military with no benefits but "when war comes around their blood is the SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ONE VEAR ONLY $13.00! BOX 8340 • NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 1-·" U.S. POSTAGE PA ID NEW ORLEANS. LA """" '" Commentary :And what's wrong with being angry? : ByJjmRoche each other at all. I get complaints : Contributing Writer from lots of people about my anger . "You can't talk from anger," they say. : As my friend Jame~ and I were "They'll never understand or listen if .. :,leaving New York' Lesbian and Gay we're yelling at them," others say. : ·Community Center a few· mon·ths ago; · Or, "How can you ha ve dialogue -:: : :a large crowd mulled around _ in _the when you 're so angry?" Give me a :. <street. Several people w ere there · break . '.screaming, hollering and crying :out · . Anger has never been easy to deal ::their anger at what they had heard . with, but the time comes when we all ; At a community forum we had all ;listened to some incredible things : from the city's mayor, the -tnan · who ; had called himself . our friend . :,Almost every :campaign pr-0mise had · ,,been broken. I turned to Jame s ·and :;was surprised by his reaction to all :) his, 'Why are gay people so angry?" · ·:he asked . Angrily I said to him, . •"Apparently you didn't hear that : people are dying. People ' are , homeless . People are being beaten in '. the street by thugs every night!" ; Well, that didn't help becau se he ; still doesn't understand why ·people : are so angry. He . still doesn't : · understand why I'm angry : He was :·: confused by what he heard .· in · the · street. He wanted to ·talk ·to the · mayor. "Why doesn 't everybody just ; sit down _ and t~lk things out?" was what he wanted to know. I wanted to . know what was wrong with him. To · me, to be able to sit by and listen to . the kind of political crap we had just . heard and not get angry, well, you have to be emotionally stunted . Maybe he is. A lot of people seem to be these days. Those who are angry - not just upset, mad or perturbed - but really · wrathful and scream, holler and rant about it, and those who seem to avoid . their anger, don't want to understand Letters . Petersburg, Virginia New Agers Aren't Christians ,;We must never lose touch with the .fact tl)a,t !;111 ~erious human moral activity, especially , action for social change, takes its bearing from the rising power of human anger." must. That doesn 't mean controlling it. As incredible as it seems, when we talk about oppression, injustice and unfairness, we try not to get angry . We try to keep "cool heads " and "our wits about us ." Most importantly we keep our places, stay in our right roles and don't overstep our bounds. Dialogue has these rules, you see. People aren't ready for anger because when we're angry the rules no longer apply. One thing anger does is put a □ have space in the classified column for their cult . They are not Christians, pure and simple. sudden and complete stop to systems . which artificially restrict what we can think, do, say or act on . Angry people are dangerous people if you get in their way because angry people want to make changes. Angry people will go to extremes. But since whert has calling for justice not been a dangerous act? · In a recent article in th e Times John Pareles writes that many people have a hard time dealing with the anger expressed irt a Jot of rap music. "When pop singers g et earnest, the mess a ge is likely to be · about compassion and charity rather than anger, r esistance ·or' placing blame, Not so with rap music." And not so In This Issue FEATURES COVER STORY . AIDS AND -THE POOR COLUMNS COMMENTARY FAMILIES ESSAY TRAVEL PARTING THOUGHT DEPARTMENTS LETTERS NEWS BRIEFS □ with the newest wave of gay and lesb ian activists, who aren't interested in compassion. Aren't interested in charity. They are interested in anger , resistanc e and placing blame . It's the anger . they want heard . Anger, they think , is legitimate in and' pf itself. Forget compassion. Drop ·this charity crap. I'm angry! Earnestly angry. Who has permission to be angry? H's okay for people who have been oppressed, physically attacked, ignored by their elected representatives and discriminateed against for years . Unless, of course, SEE CO:M!VffiNT ARY, Page 15 □ Page 9 Page 14 Page2 Page 10 Page 13 Page 19 Page 20 Page2 Page3 Dear Second Stone, Thank you for Second Stone. It has helped me and many others learn very much more about the gay Christian community . CHURCH & ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 11 I've been getting your newspaper for : a couple of years now and this is my : first letter to the paper . I feel I : cannot let the issue of "New Agers" : slip by without me saying something about it. It's very simple . We Christians profess that Jesus Christ _ is 9ur Lord, Saviot, and . God. New Agers do not profess this and · anything less than professing that about Jesus Christ is not being a Christian . So there is :no way that New Agers can all themselves : . Christia~s and they . should J.1Qt even :B Yours in Christ, Thomas B. Croft We welcome you to share your views, opinions, feelings and experiences with our readers. Send letters to: LETTERS, The Second Stone, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182. All letters must be original and signed by the writer. Clearly indicate if your name is to be withheld . We reserve the right to edit. CALENDAR BOOKS CLASSIFIEDS SECOND STONE Page 12 Page 16 Page 20 - Newsbriefs Gay Evangelicals Poster Columbus, Ohio Churches Two members of the gay /lesbian affirming Christ United Evangelical Church turned an evening of distributing church fliers to local gay bars Into "a reenactment of the posting of Martin Luther's '95 Theses."' With some help from an all•nighl . copy center, they enlarged their fliers (which advertised the church as "a group of Gays and Lesbians preaching salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ") to poster size. The two taped the posters to the front doors of 17 downtown churches. Reactions the next morning ranged from condemnation (said one Sou them Baptist pastor, "You're the Antichrist! I , hate Gays and Lesbians!") to adulation. One Lutheran minister, moved to tears, took the pos.ter to his congregation and preached on the ·courage of gay Christians willing to take a stand for their faith. -StonewallU nion Reports ISSN No. 1047-3971 SECOND STONE Newspaper is published every other month by Bailey Communications, P. 0. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70 I 82. Copyright 1991 by Second S1,mc, a registered trademark. SUIISS::RIPTIONS, U.S.A. $13.00 per ye~. six issues. Foreign sub scribers add $10.00 for postage. All payrncnLS U.S. curri.:ncy only. ADVEtrf!S[i\'G , For display advcnising information cal.I (504)899-4014 or write Lo: Rox 8340, New flrleuns, LA 70182. EDITORIAL, send lcucrs, calcndur annc;:,unc~mcnt:sm, d church/organization TTC\\ :- lo (Departmen t till~) Second Sterne, I'. 0. !lox 8340, New Orleuns, LA 70182. Manusc,ipls Lo be returned sliould be accompanied by a s1ampc<l, self addressed envelope. SECOND STONE, an ecumenical Christian ncwspupcr commitlcd to inrorfning dtc guy and lesbian com~ muni1y. PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Jim Bailey CONTRIBUTORS: Rev Bruce Roller, Rev Sylvia Pennington, CynU1iu Marquard, Danni Munson, Dr. Manin Fowler, David Rickey, Jim Roche, Mich•cl lllnnkcnship, Dun GripJx>, Dr. Louie Crew, John-Michael Olexy, Dr. Ruddy Truluck, Chris Gl,cscr, Rev. Gail A. Yan flurcn. Kevin Gcpford Only One Pink Panther, Says MGM □ New York City's volunteer gay and lesbian anti-violence patrol, the Pink Panthers, is being sued for $100,000in ' dam4ges by MGM Corporation for copyright Infringement in its use of the Pink Panther name and panther paw print logo. MGM claims it is supporlive of gay and lesbian rights, but that the use of the Pink Panther name is "tarnishing or blurring" its reputation in the eyes of the public. The Pink Panther patrol was formed last year by ~eral members of New York's Qu!!Cr Nailon as a reaction to a dramatic increase in hate crimes against Gays and Lesbians In the city. The group has caJ.led for a demonstration at MGM's New York headquarters, pickets at theatres showing MGM films and phone zaps against the giant corporation. Gay Ordinations Top Story, Says The Lutheran The ordinations of gay and lesbian pastors by two San Francisco congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amercia was the denomination's top news story for 1990, according to The Lutheran magazine. Both churches were suspended from the ELCA for violating church policy. Insurance Company Recognizes Domestic Partners WASHINGTON, D.C.- Firemen's Insurance Company, one of America's oldest business firms, has become the first insur;mce company in the nation to file a homeowners policy change that recognizes domestic partners. By redefining who Is insured, the new endorsement extends to domestic partners the automatic coverage rights enjoyed by spouses and relatives of homeowners policyholders. Firemen's offers homeowners coverage to apartment renters and owners of dwellings and condos in D.C. and the states of Maryland and Virginia. "We will have the first homeowners policy in the insurance industry that will serve the diverse and changing lifestyles of today's society without sacrificing the privacy needs of the individual," said Dick Edwards, president of Firemen's. Attention: Periodical Librarians •Complimentary Review Sample Please display this copy of Second Stone on your periodicals table. •A Valuable Resource For students of theology, religion, sociology, psychology ... For church leaders... For Persons With AIDS and those involved in caretaking and counseling of PWAs ... And for all gay and lesbian readers and their families. • Second Stone Is Indexed By Integrity Indexing, P.O. Box 33094, Charlotte, NC 28233-3094. • Unrestricted Access Second Stone contains no advertising, photographs or editorial content that would require "behind the counter'! maintenance. • Order Through Your Subscription Service Second Stone is available through major subscriptions services including EBSCO and FAXON. • Or Order Direct 1 year, 6 issues, only $18.00. Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 - SECOND .STONE March/April 1991 II Newsbriefs Quakers Fire Lesbian Minister DES.MOINES, Iowa· Members of the Friends Church at West Branch have dismissed their lesbian pastor under pr .essure from the state's Quak .er leaders. The Rev . Del Coppinger of Oskaloosa, superintendent of the Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends, said, "In 1977 the Yearly Meeting representatives took the position that homosexuality is a sin. Therefore, if we have a minister who admits to living what we consider to be a sin, that is not something we could accept." "I didn't put it in my resume that I was a lesbian," said Rev . M. Elizabeth Hannon, 27. "My partner of six years wa~active in the church from the beginning. Some people put that together and some didn't. I had decided if anyone asked that question, I would be open and honest." Last summer a member of the church asked "that question" and Hannon gave an honest answer. The member took the matter to the Ministry and Counsel, which eventually revoked Hannon's certification. -TWN Adventist Women May Withhold Tithes A tr~st fund has been established by the Adventist Women's Institute to hold tithe monies of people who choose to withhold their financial support of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until it revokes its policy of gender discrimination with regard to ordination of women. A WI said it established the trust to accomodate a growing number of its supporters who want to continue paying tithe, yet do not feel the y can conscientiously support th e church while it maintains an official policy of discrimination. The money in the escrow account will be released when a church conference ordains a woman • and that conference is likely to receive the money. AWI chair Iris Yob said that if no woman is ordained by the year 2000, the situation will be reconsidered. Every Day Is Coming Out Day! T·SHIRTS $16.00 100% COTTON. 4-COLOR LOGO ON WHrra M. L XL XXL SWEATSHIRTS $30.00 ' 100% COTTON. 4-COLOR LOGO ON WHrTl:: M. L XI., POSTERS $15.00 24"X:2Q, ◄ -COLOR LOGO GREETING CARDS $ 1.50 ~ncr. ◄·COLOR LOGO, Bl..ANKINSIDE BUTTONS $ 1.00 I l/:2. SQUARE, B/W STICKERS $ .05 l"X2"8/W . PURPI...E KEITH HARING NCOD LOGO On sale at retail outlets around the country or simply order by mall I Pleue send me: _ T-SHIRTS. size(s) __ _ SWEATSHIRTS, slze(s) __ _ POSTERS _ GREETING CARDS _ BllTTONS _ STICKERS SbJpp~ & lau.dllat: $3.00 for llrst shirt. or sweat or posters $l.()0 for each shirt or sweat after lhc first $1.00 for buttons, stickers, or cards @ $16.00 each ....... ................... $ __ @ $30.00 each .......................... $ _ @ $15.00 each ... ....................... $ _ @ $ 1,50 each ........• •.•..•••......•.. $ _ @ $ 1.00 each ..... ..................... $ _ @ $ .05 each ..... ................. .... $ __ Sub•total $ Shipping $ Total $ __ ~~E'- - --------,~~RES-5=====-=-~z=ip-::__-::__-::__-::__-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-::_-:__~ Hi~:.=================--FAX_-::_-_-_-EXP-. -DAn: __ ---------~---_ --_ 51GNA11JRE _ __ _ ___ _ ___ _ For more Information. please write or call: Natio n al Coming Oat Day. P.O. Boz: 8349, San~• Te. NM 87504, 505-982 -2558 or 1-800-445-NCOD AWI is a lay organization for women committed to Adventism and their advancement in Adventist work . It is considered to be among the more activist of similar groups. Church employed _ women are not among its active membership. For information on the group write to AWI, P.O. Box 25794, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5794. -SDA Kinship Connection Cyprus Archbishop Wants Gays Excommunicated The archbishop of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, which counts 77 percent of the population of Cyprus among its membership, has announced a major anti-gay campaign, according to the International Lesbian and Gay Association. · The announcement follows acceptance by the European Human Rights Commission of a legal challenge to Cyprus's male sodomy law . His Beatitude Chrysostomos said he would promptly excommunicate all known Cypriot homosexuals and homosexual sympathizers, and refuse to bury any Gays or gay-rights supporters who die. - Chrysostomos singled out Cyprus Gay Front Liberation founder Alexander Modinos, who is the plaintiff in the case before the European Commission. -Baltimore Alternative Religious Talk Show Outlines Attack On Pittsburgh's Gay Rights Law The gay and lesbian community is "actually trying to control civilization as we know it and basically silence the voice of morality, the voice of Christianity and the voice of common sense," according to the Rev. · Jeff Henzler, a member of the Citizens for Pittsburgh, a group working for the repeal of that city's gay rights amendment. Henzler appeared on an edition of Focus on the Issues, a religionoriented half hour talk show broadcast on WPCB-1V Cl:iannel 40, a Greensburg-Pittsburgh religious station . • Henzler stated that Citizens for Pittsburgh would circulate · petitions in an attempt to collect 20,000 signatures to force a referendum on the gay rights amendment onto the II SECOND . STONE May primary ballot. -Pittsburgh's Out Lesbian Soldier Approved For Gulf Duty □ LOS ANGELES • A lesbian Army reserve member simultaneously sought combat duty, came out of the closet, and won tentative approval to serve in the Persian Gulf, The Washington Post has reported. Spec. 4 Donna Jackson, 25, got approval from her Ford Ord company commande r to go to the Middle East with her hospital unit, the daily said, despite US military policy against homos~xuals being assigned to active duty. "I want to serve my country and go to war, but I also want them to know who I am," Jackson said . "I want to be honest about it." -Pittsburgh's Out Conservative Group At Harvard Targets Campus Gays Conservative students at Harvard . University who covered the campus in blue squares have angered Gays who have adopted as a symbol the pink triangle homosexual men had to wear in Nazi Germany. Members of the Association Against Learning in the Absence of Religion and Morality (AALARM), a student group formed last spring, chalked blue squares on sidewalks in Harvard Yard and around major campus buildings . Posters proclaimed that the blue squares represent "faith, family, country and community." AALARM leader Adam Webb described the group as pro-heterosexuality and pro-traditional values. Members hope to bring Oliver North to campus and start their own publication. -Associated Press Task Force Moves WASHINGTON, D. C. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the country's oldest and preeminent national gay and lesbian civil rights organization, has moved to new, larger offices at 1734 Fourteenth St, NW, Washington, DC 20009-4309. The phone number, (202)332-6483, remains unchanged. Formed in 1973 by seven leading lesbian and gay activists in New York, NGLTF has grown to its current staff of 15 and has 17,000 members nationwide. Newsbriefs Ollie North Attacks AIDS Service Agency Ollie North waged an attack on the Gay Men's Health Crisis center in a recent fundraising letter. The letter stated that the government had given the center money to "produce a comic book depicting in explicit detail a sexual encounter between two homosexuals." The letter continued, "With government funding filth like this, it's an outrage that new taxes are even being considered." GMHC spokesperson Carissa Cunningham said that the center had not had federal funding in two years. Meanwhile, North, along with James Dobson, endorses Summit Youth Ministries, a college founded by David Noebel, the anti-gay, antirock music successor to anti-communist crusader ,Billy James Hargis. He and Hargis founded American Christian College in 1970 but in 1974, after four male students accused Hargis of seducing them, Hargis resigned and Noebel took over. Noebel regularly refers to homosexuals in his lectures as "fairies," "queers'.' and "fruits." -EC Record 48 Lesbian Couples Tie The Knot On Mexican Cruise Ninety-four Lesbians were united in a special holy union ceremony conducted by Rev. Troy Perry of the Metropolttan Community Church. _ Robin Tyler Productions of Los Angeles arranged a weeklong lesbian cruise to Mexico and Tyler had planned her own ceremony on board with her life partner, Tracy Michaels. Tyler was besieged by other couples who wanted to cement their relationships as well. The next day the other 47 couples were united on the ship's deck by Rev. Perry. -Seattle Gay News Gay Methodist Minister Will Challenge Church NASHVILLE; Tenn - In the first challenge of its kind to the United Methodist Church, an openly gay minister has demanded that he be placed in a ministry, and that the church lift its 1984 ban on Lesbians and Gays. Writing to Bishop George Bashore and to the Western Pennsylvania Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Rev. James Hawk called on the church to " ... put away old myths, stereotypes, and fantasies about lesbian and gay people." Hawk said that he has received strong moral support from Lesbians and Gays around the couuntry since he came out. In particular, he said, a number of closeted ministers have called him to wish him good luck. "That really surprised me, " said Hawk. -Gay Community News Daily Newspaper Publishes Domestic Partners Notices A Washington state newspaper serving a community of 54,000 has become the first mainstream daily newspaper to begin publishing domestic partners notices. Editors of the Everett Herald changed a wedding and engagement announcement section to a "Celebrations" section that will carry domestic partners and holy union announcements. Herald Managing Editor Stan Strick said that an announcement had been requested by a lesbian couple. "It came in the normal form of an announcement, and we had no good reason not to approve it. .. " -Equal Time Steffan Case Reopened In what crusaders against homophobia in the military see as a clear sign that the military's discrimination against lesbian and gay Americans is soundly under attack, the U. S. Court of Appeals reopened the case of Joseph Steffan, a navy cadet who was forced to resign in 1987 after he came out of the closet. A lower court had dismissed Steffan's suit after Steffan refused to answer questions about whether he'd ever had gay sex. But the appeals court said the dismissal was a mistake because the Navy's case against Steffan was based only on Steffan's statement that he was gay. Whether Steffan ever had 51:;xt,h e court said, was not an issue, due to the original framing fo the case. 0 Baltimore Alternative Gay/Lesbian Twins Sought For Study Gay or . lesbian same-sex twins are being sought to . participate in an extensive Northwestern University research study. Ross A. Goldman, principle research coordinator, describes the Department of Psychology study as the largest new being conducted in the United States on the development of sexual orientation. He said subjects are being sought who are gay or lesbian and who have a twin of the same sex, either fraternal or identical, and without regard to the co-twin's sexual orientation. Potential subjects are asked to call Goldman collect at (708)491-4239 to schedule a telephone interview. P-FLAG Pole CMI Journals Available The 1990 Edition of the Communication Ministry Journal is now available. The Middle Years: What's The. Difference? looks at the. midlife experience through the eyes of religious and priests who have committed themselves to the Gospel as they try to integrate their gay and lesbian identity, its loves, tensions and challenges. The latest of the CMI Journal has 84 pages of reflection, journey sharing, commentary and poetry. Back issues of the CMI Journal are also available. Nurturing The Gift: Gay & Lesbian Candidates in Seminary & Religious Formation, the 1988 □. : Journal, contains personal and . pastoral essays exploring the isst es. · facing both qirectors and their candidates in the post-Stonewall era. · AIDS - Specter of Fear: Call for. Concern, the 1987 Journal is a collection of pastoral responses - one, of the first to emerge within the Catholic Church, challenging bot1{ dioceses and religious congregations 1 to look at the evangelical response provoked by the AIDS crisis. To order the CMI Journals, send US check to P.O. Box 60125, Chicago; IL 60660-0125. Journals are $7.50 each for nori CMI subscribers. Add $20.00 for a subscription to Communication newsletter. Gay Man A 'Point Of Light' WASHINGTON, D.C. - Elliot Schneck was the 315th American to be honored by President George Bush as a "Daily Point of Light." Schneck, of San Francisco, is an openly gay person with AIDS who volunteers at the San Francisco AIDS· Foundation hotline and the People With AIDS switchboard, and regularly addresses students at the · University of California Medical Center. OURWORLD The International Gay Travel Magazine Month by month, we invite you to explore the exciting world of travel available to gay men and lesbians. Each month we help you to · discover the multitude of interesting hotels, inns and resorts that welcome the gay traveler. Enjoy articles and color photos of a romantic hotel in Spain, a secluded retreat in Hawaii, a manor house in the English countryside, a Greek pension overlooking the sea, a rustic resort in Colorado, and more -all catering to our lifestyle! Plus, every month, regular departments provide you with valuable information on gay events and festivals, travel updates and tips, interviews, and the latest gay trips and tours-sail the Caribbean on a • private yacht, join an expedition to Nepal, cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury liner or fly to Sydney for the Gay Mardi Gras. ~-----------' Whatever you're looking for, let OUR WORLD be your ticket to adventure. 1 year (12 colorful issues) only $ 44 (in the USA) - US$ 52 , (Worldwide). First issue mails in 4-6 weeks in plain sealed envelope. Sample copy US$ 5. Mail To: Our World Publishing 1104 North Nova Road, Suite 251 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 USA TEL: (904) 441-5367 March/ April 1991 II .. "In the past, the achievements, triumphs, and defeats of gay men and lesbians were not only hidden from history, most were lost for all time. This must never happen again."-Danni Munson, editor, The Gay & Lesbian Almanac and Events of 1991. ------~~~ --~===;--i 1 TIit: CiAY & L[SHIAN != ALMANAC ,I ''" EVENT s Uf 11_ ---1991= . I A CHRONICLE OF CURRENT GAY /LESBIAN HISTORY This volume rec ords for history: • The rise of a gay/lesbian movement in Eastern Europe • Celebration 90: Gay Games III and Culrural Festival • The latest research and statistics on AIDS • The fight to end miliurry discrimination agains t gays and lesbians • The controversial practice of outing • The progress and setbacks in religio11 A Colendar of Upcoming Events Hundreds of 1991 gay/lesbian events from cruises to concerts, from ·rcxleos to music festivals , and much more. Plus listings of birthdays of famous gays & lesbians. Availbable at local bookstores or from the publisher Send 9.95 plus $2.00 postage and handling to: ENVOY ENTERPRISES 740 N. Rush St. Suite 609 Chicago IL 60611 E mpathy is a jo urnal that deserves our suppon fo r the ori ginal and creative work it d oes m the interest of tru~ a nd justice. •f. Rev. Ma.lcolm Boyd, author of 23 books including A.re Yo11 Running with Me, fesus?, Take Of/th e Masks, :md Gay Priest E.mpathy provide5 ,1. mul' h-n«Ji:J and wdcomcd communi ca rio n ·Jink f,ir persons involved in cduc.uio n abou t homophtihia. At its [)(:sc it will keep us informeJ and in tuuch, supported a nd challenged, excited and proud . ~ Brian M..:Na.ught, le..:turcr and author of On Being Gay: Thoughts .on Family, Faith, and Love Empathy L.An Interdisciplinary Journal for Persons Working to End Oppression on the Basis of Sexual Identity r u BI.ISH EO TWJCE A YEAR, EM PATHY INCLUDES SC H OU. RLY ESSAYS. PROSE AND POETRY, PRACTITIONER ARTICLES, ANECDOTAL ESSAYS, ANO RESE.AR.CH R.EPOllTS AS WELL AS ANNOTATE D !IIBU OGRAPH l"ES FOR RESOURCE MATERIALS; RECENT RESEARCH AND BOOKS. THE JOURNAL SERVES PEOl'LE WORKING IN EDUCAT ION , COUNSELING, HEALTH CARE, SOCIAL WORK, COMMUNITI ACTIVISM, AND THE MINISTRY NATIONALLY ANO INTERNATIONALLY. One y.ear (2 issu es) individual su bscrip tion s10 (sis instituti onal) Make checks payab le_ to Gay and Lesbian Advocacy R esearch Project (GLARP ) alld mail to: Empa1hy, PO Box so8s, Columbia , SC 29250. Newsbriefs Lambda Sues Over Catholic Hospices NEW YORK - Lambda is suing the state health commissioner and the state Public Health Council over their funding of Catholic residential health care facilities for persons with HIV. The Catholic homes refuse to distribute condoms and abortion information, and tell homosexuals that their lovemaking is sinful. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated the Constitutional separation of church and state, subverting recognized public health guidelines to accomodate the sectarian interests of a religious group. -Baltimore Alternative Gay/Lesbian Films Available From Frameline SAN FRANCISCO - Despite Helmsinspired criticism of its annual NEA grant , Frameline - organizers of the annual San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Film Festival - have released their first distribution catalog, which offers over 60 lesbian and gay films and videos for rental. New acquisitions include "Extramuros," an extraordinary lesbian nun drama starring Carmen Maura. Frameline is the nation 's only organization solely dedicated to the promotion , exhibition, funding and distribution of lesbian and gay film and video. Frameline came under attack last summer by Jesse Helms, the American Family Ass <>Ciation and the 700 Club, who were opposed to the organization'$ NEA funding. For a free Frameline catalog call (415)861-5245. NCOD Provides Coming Out Brochures SANTA FE, NM - National Coming Out Day is making available helpful materials for individuals and community groups. "Guidelines for Obtaining Local Media Coverage," "Starting Your Own Support Group," "Coming Out Day Events," "Ideas For Coming Out," and "Coming Out As A Community" are but a few of the rapidly growing collection of useful handouts available at no charge. "Our promise to be a resource for community activists is well under way," said Lynn Shepodd, Executive Director of National Coming Out Day . "The single most powerful act II SECOND _ STONE □ we gay or lesbian people can do is to take our next step in the coming out process. NCOD's job, in part, is to support us in doing that effectively, Providing support materials is just part of that effort." To obtain materials, or to get more information about being an Official Sponsor of National Coming Out Day, call (505)982-2558 or 1-800- 445-NCOD. Exhibit Reflects Strength Of African American Lesbians "Keepin' On" - Images of African American Lesbians, an exhibit reflecting the strength and creativity of the African Amercian Lesbian community, past and present, private and public, is available for viewing through April 11 at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center , 208 W. 13th St., in New York City. The exhibit is presented by the Lesbian Herstory Archives and the National Museum of Lesbian and Gay History. "New York in June" Seeks Memorabilia NEW YORK - The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center National Museum of Lesbian and Gay History has announced an exhibit entitled "New York in June: A History of The Lesbian and Gay Pride March." The museum is conducting a search for historical matter that would be relevant to the exhibit. Providi11g a historica l overview of New York's Lesbian and Gay Pride marches .over the last 21 years, ,the show will include banners, placards; flyers, posters, costumes and related memorabilia. Groups or individuals who possess materials they feel would be appropriate, and are interested in their being included in the exhibit should call (212)620-7310. Banned Books Publishes New Catalog Banned Books, the Austin, Texas-based gay and lesbian bookseller, has published a catalog of new titles and authors. For a free catalog and bookstore list send a first-class stamp to Banned Books, Dept . 5591, #292, P.O. Box 33280, Austin, TX 78764. Saul (Robert Gately) confronts Jonathan (Charles Comstock) in MCC-K~as City's production of David and Jonathan. PhotoA: ngieR inn David and Jonathan Theatre company stages Biblical love story David and Jonathan, a new play written and directed by Dan Grippo, is being staged by the MCC Theatre Company, an outreach of the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Kansas City. The play . brings to life events covered in the Old Testament book of 1st Samuel, including the fall of Israel's first king, Saul, and the covenant between David, Israel's second and greatest king, and Jonathan, Saul's son. ''The relationship between David and Jonathan was clearly a deeplyfelt love relationship," Grippo said. "What is significant about the relationship is~that it holds up for lesbian and gay people a model of a nobel and loving same-sex relationship from the very heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition, which has too often been the source of condemnation and persecution of same-sex love." Grippo, who has a graduate degree in religious studies, cites several passages from the Bible that reveal the special quality of the relationship between David and Jonathan . When Jonathan first meets David, " ... the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul... Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David ... " (1 Samuel 18:1-4). When Jonathat dies; David laments over his body with these words: "I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan... Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." (2 Samuel 1:26). With passages such as these there can be no doubt that the two men had a deep and special love for one another," said Grippo. "And for such passages to have survived in the bfblical traditi'on is an indication that for the people of the time there was nothing shameful about this public expression of same-sex l_ove and devotion." The play is about more than David and Jonathan's relationship, said Grippo. ''It is also a story of war and peace in the Middle . East, which unfortunately is quite timely given the tragic events unfolding there. For performance information, call (816)753-1921 and for information about use of the play call (913)648-0107. Catalog Lists Gay Books Paths Untrodden, a gay owned and operated mail order book service for gay men has released its 1991 catalog, listing hundreds of titles in 83 different subject areas. Included in the catalog is a special tribute to pioneer gay bookseller Ed Drucker who for almost 20 years operated Elysian Fields Booksellers until his recent death due . to complications from AIDS. The catalog, a 48 page bibliography, is available for $3.00 from Paths Untrodden, P.O. Box 459, Village Station, New York, NY 10014-()459. ,, .. Great Response! '' 1hat's what a Second Stone advertiser told us recently. And we hear that more and more these days. That's because Second Stone reaches readers where many other gay and lesbian publications can't. Like public and university libraries. We don't carry advertising or editorial content that would put us behind the counter. We're up front - in plain sight! For businesses offering products and services to the national gay and lesbian community, we're an exciting new marketing approach! Reach new customers in every state across the USA. Second Stone offers a variety of in-column ad sizes with frequency discounts. We offer spot and full color. We'll lay out your ad at no charge and we'll get it right - we'll send you a proof to make sure. Second Stone will also insert your brochure, flier or catalog in our mailing. It doesn't cost as much as you think. You can reach a paid coast to coast readership for about what you'd pay to advertise in one local free distribution gay newspaper. And ... to mail your insert in Second Stone costs less than mailing it yourselfl You won't know till you try it. The potential sales you lose while you're thinking about advertising cannot be recaptured. If you're thinking you've paid too m"~h for advertising that hasn't worked ... you're probably right! But you haven't tried Second Stone. SErDND STONE You'll be pleased with the results. Call 1-504-899-4014f or advertising assistance. March/ April 1991 a Task Force, local groups launch campaign to counteract violence WASHINGTON, D.C . A nationwide effort to document and counteract violence against Lesbians and Gays has been launched by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and community-based groups fighting the growing problem of homophobic harassm ent and attacks. The "Campaign to Count and Counter Hate Crimes," encourages and assists local efforts to document anti-gay incidents, educates lesbian and gay people on how to resist violence, and advocaies for vigorous official response to the problem. Groups in Boston, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the District of Columbia, Alexandria, Va., and other cities released their violence statistics for 1990. Some community and campus-based groups also announced their plans for counteracting anti-gay incidents in their areas. NGLTF Mrongly encourages other gay and lesbian groups to participate In the r:.,$P._o,n tius' Puddle campaign. "As the nation's lesbian and gay communities continue to make progress toward equality, freedom and visibility, we are increasingly under attack," said Kevin Berrill, NGL TF Anti-Violence Project director.' 1'As the number of anti-gay attacks climbs, we've seen a corresponding increase during the past year in the level of rage in our community. This year, our goal will be not only to highlight the problem, but focus on safeguarding our lives and communities." For more information on the campaign, write or call the NGLTF Policy Institute Anti-Violence Project at 1734 14th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202)332-6483. CLASSIFIE First Ten Words FREE! I - Business or personal - The Second Stone classifieds really work! Please sec the order form on the classified page. Each additional word, 35¢. 20 word minimum. Rev. Jimmy Creech chosen as coordinator Raleigh group awarded grant The Raleigh Religious Network for Gay and Lesbian Equality has received a grant of $2500 from the Southeastern Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men · '90/Raleigh Steering Committee to extend its outreach. The funds were generated by the Southeastern Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men held in Raleigh last March and were made available to groups in the Raleigh area whose work benefits the gay and lesbian community. The grant will provide initial salary support for a part-time Outreach Coordinator, a position Rev. Jimmy Creech has been chosen to fill. Creech, a United Methodist • minister for more than 20 years, is a founding member and formecro nvener of RRNGLE and a board member of the AIDS Service Agency of Wake County, Inc. He lost his pastorate at PATLAR VOICE OF GAY AMERICA MONTHLV NEWSMAOA21NE FREEA T OUR DISTRIBUTIONP OINTS SUBSCRIPTIONSS3 5A NNUALLY ($-45O UTSIDE USA! SAMPLE COPY S3 I OUTSIDE USA $4 FOR INFO ON ADVERTISING Po 11i~ki 1Wlllt~it~~g 2c~t~822 , ""I ~ Ev1111gtJl/c11/s Iii,''#,/ loge/hN 11te: fflOlES TIJOCYA OUPS !OCIAIJ• W!lRK$HO•P RSE TREATS HIV/ At()$ SIIPl'OAGt ROU/1 l'ASIORACLA /IaE C OUNSELll/0 FORG a&yL esbCiahnr istians InS outheCranl ifor.n.s.i ian c1e9 79 61111• 109·80,r ftl ?1185 S•nr• Mon!Otl BOUltlVnrcf w ... , Hollywood, CA 110046 i.. .213/656-8570 ~ Fairmont United Methodist Church In Raleigh last June as a result of controversy over his support of gay rights. . His primary tasks as Outreach Coordinator will be making direct contact with area clergy, organizing a speaker's bureau, and producing a comprehensive gay/ lesbian resource guide for the Raleigh area. RRNGLE is an ecumenical network of clergy and lay persons active since 1987 In challenging homophobia, providing educational events, and encouraging the acceptance of Lesbians and gay men by faith communities and society at large. Its members Include parish clergy, campus ministers, professors and lay members of local Episcopal, United Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, Unitarian, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and Metropolitan Community Church congregations. Film Festival Announces Twelve City Tour NEW YORI< • The New Festival, Inc., producers of the annual New York International Festival of Lesbian and Gay Film, has embarked on a twelve city tour. A 10 day exhibition is planned for each city with a gala opening night to benefit a local gay host organization. The Spring Tour circuit includes stops in Houston, (March 1-10), Washington, D.C., (March 15•24), Boston, (April 5•14), and Atlanta, (April 19 - May 2). For more information on The New Festival National Gay and Lesbian 1991 Film Tour call (212)966-5656. Cover Story Joseph Houle puts readers on The Road to Emmaus COVER STORY, From Pagel Emmaus and director of Emmaus House of Prayer, knows well the obstacles one may encounter on a journey of the spirit. He grew up Catholic, and started seminary in the ninth grade during a time when the Catholic Church had a 12-year program for young men who felt the early call to become priests. Houle attended seven years of the seminary program before applying to enter a monastery. His preliminary psychological tests revealed that he had a tendency toward homosexuality. During one qf his interviews he was asked if he was homosexual, and he honestly answered that he was attracted to men but had never acted upon the impulses. He was accepted into the monastery with the stipulation that he would be ousted if his sexual urges got to be a problem. In the monastery he started seeing a . psychiatrist about his "problem," but stopped when he became involved in a one-time encounter with another cleric. He eventually told a confessor about his encounter only to have the priest break his seal of confession and tell the novice master about Houle's admission. The WAR, From Page 1 The NGLTF said that in a matter of days the military had spent the equivalent of the entire 1991 Federal appropriations for AlDS and, in a matter of hours, the same amount as the 1991 appropriations for the Ryan White AIDS Resource Emergency Act. The Task Force said that every war the United States has fought in the 20th Century has proven hostile to movements for social change and social justice. The next day they asked him to leave. He didn't resist. He decided to attempt to lead a heterosexual life, and the next year he married . Says Houle, "I thought if I accepted that I was homosexual then that path would lead me to a life of isolation, loneliness "I thought if I accepted that I was homosexual then that path would lead me to a life of isolation, loneliness and exclusion from society and family. I wanted to be part to the larger community." and exclusion from society and family. I wanted to be part of the larger community." The marriage failed at the end of five years. It was at this time statement concluded recalling Dr. Martin Luther King's position against the war in Vietnam. " . . .! knew that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money like some demonical destructive suction tube," King st<1.ted. "So I was incre<1singly compelled to see the war as an enemy of the poor and to attack it as such ." that Houle decided to explore his sexual feelings and learn what being honestly and openly gay might offer . In early 1976 at the insistent urging of a friend he attended his first Metropolitan Community Church service in Pittsburgh. He didn't want to have anything to do with church, but he went so his friend would stop badgering him. He ended up staying with MCC because for the first time he felt God's love in a personal sense . He says, ."Growing up I never thought of religion or spirituality as a personal relationship with God." Drawing from his past experiences, and his acceptance as a gay man within MCC, he says that he never felt any private strife about being homosexual and Christian. It was during his four year tenure as pasto r of MCC Pittsburgh that he embarked upon a new course of spiritual training at The Institute of Formative Spirituality at Dukane University . The studies taught the science of spirituality: how to sift through religious traditions and elements to find what is authentic and foundationally spiritual in origin . He was also trained to teach and do counseling in small groups . After his graduation in 1983 he floundered for a while, not feeling comfortable with his role as pastor, yet knowing that God had called him for ministry. He lived his last year in Pittsburgh at a Catholic House of Prayer, and he thought that creating a similar program might be a good direction for his efforts within the UFMCC. He thought of this new ministry as "a place for individual retreat, with a structure outside . of local congregations. " From his background and training he felt that he could bring to this new March/ April 1991 - - - --- - - -- - - - -- --- --- - - ·-- - - -~ ministry a perspective "of looking at the Christian walk through the lens of spirituality and the whole ·aspect of contemplation and mysticism." Monasticism had taught him to slow down, "to be aware and attentive of everything that is happening at each moment, rather than rushing through life." He also found a special power at work in his prayer life . He could see results in others and in himself. As he says, "Things ha·ppen in prayer; that is a ministry . Results come when ·we really invest ourselves." Houle now lives with his lover, Robert, and Robert's nephew, Scott. They are all working together as a family to build Emmaus House of Prayer. As a part of this buiiding process the "If the gospel really includes all people, then it is crucial, I think, to talk about · the gospel with language that reflects that truth." ministry has developed and published The Road To Emmaus, an inclusive language devotional. When asked to explain inclusive language, Houle stated, "If the gospel really includes all people, then it is crucial, I think, to talk about the gospel with language that reflects that truth. Language is very, very powerful. When I see a list of segments of the population, and gay is left out of that, I feel left out just by the fact that it is not stated, even if it's not □ negative. Inclusive language reflects the fact that God's love embraces everybody: men and women, heterosexuals and homosexuals, and people of all races and ethnic bac)<.grounds . In the devotional we adopted a policy of inclusivity where there was no assumption made about _the gender, sexual orientation or the race or ethnic background of the reader. 'We tried to say things in a way that anyone would be able to hear as good news without having to translate, 'Oh, yes, that might apply to me too, even though it doesn't say it.' There are some meditations there that focused on the black people's experiences, some about Hispanic exper 0 iences, some about people who are physically challenged. We tried to incorpora ·te experiences through those lenses as well.'' .Although Boule had initially wanted to do the book himself it was later decided that it might be .more interesting to include different writers . Among the 12 contributors to the book is Jeannine Grammick, an author well known to the lesbian/gay Christian community. When asked how they got Grammick to participate, Houle said, 'We called her! I had not met her, but we told her about the project, and she said, 'Sure.' The same with Bob Nugent, whose latest book is Stations of the Cross For Persons Living With AIDS. We also included the work of many people who have never been published before, ordinary Christians that have something to offer to the community." Houle confirmed that most of the writers are gay and lesbian Christians; the others are persons committed to working for equality and justice for homosexuals. But he SEE COVER STORY, Page 18 ii Families · □ The truth shall set you free By Rev. Gan A. Yan Buren Family Editor Q ne of the functions of church communities is that of storytelling. The Gospel is a story that we love to hear and to tell, over and over again. We have exposure to the wonderful faith stories of Abraham, Sarah, and their descendents . We frequently know or learn about the faith journeys of famous Christians, modern and historical. Furthermore, we each have our own faith story to tell. "Who do you say that I am?," and, yes, He then swore them to secrecy until such time as He was ready to reveal Himself to the world. (Mark 8:29-30) The introduction to Mark given in the NIV Study Bible suggests that Mark may have been responding to persecutions among Christians by Rome. He was writing to encourage these believers, preparing them for sufferings they might face by corning out as Christians! To do this, Mark simply told them Jesus' own story in a "simple, succinct, unadorned yet vivid account of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing more what Jesus did than what He-said." (NIV, p. 1491.) There are always consequences of corning out, no matter what · one is "corning· out" about - being Messiah, being Christian, or being gay or lesbian! In the final analysis, we can choose to follow Jesus as a role model for our own coming out as who we are as Christian people who are lesbian and gay . Jesus was, first and foremost, always Himself, doing exactly what God called Him to do . He healed and reached out to all who came to Him, never holding back out of fear of discovery. But, Jesus did choose to take control of the circumstances - the time and place of self-disclosure. It certainly must have looked bleak when Jesus stood before Pilate and admitted, "Yes, it is as you say; I am the King of the Jews." (Mark 15:2) Yet, three days later, Jesus had His most dramatic corning out ever when He rose from the dead! Corning out is a little like that for us, like rising from the dead . That is how Jesus continues to come out to individuals today - one by one. That is how we each have learned the truth about Jesus' identity. That is how we must share in truth-telling about ourselves . The next time you decide to come out to a friend or foe remember these words of Jesus: that you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free! (John 8:32) For -this issue of Second Stone, I have the opportunity of introducing you to a writer who has given the gift • of courage to many parents who have decided to face the truth about their child's sexual orientation, Robert Bernstein. He shares with us some of this thoughts on the benefits of corning out. How did we come to know Jesus Christ? How has knowing Christ changed our lives? Where are we going spiritually? A)l these stories are part of our community of faith. Whenever we enter into a. new friendship, one of the early ways we begin to bond is by sharing our life story with our new friend. How much we share, where we place emphasis, and what we leave out is all determined by the nature of the friendship we are hoping to form. Why weren't you more like Moses? As lesbian and gay people, there is an added dimension to our stories. We must continually make decisions about whether or not we want to disclose our sexual orientation, i.e., "come out." It is rather .absurd that discriminatory practices on the part of the heterosexual majority have placed us in this position and, in fact, one comment frequently heard when we do come out is, "Why do you have to flaunt it? I never have to make a big deal out of being heterosexual!" {Have you noticed that this remark is usually followed by walking away hand-in-hand with their oppositesex partner, affectionately greeting hubby or wifey, pulling out a wallet full of pictures of the kids, or mentioning their recent engagement?)! As gay and lesbian people we even celebrate "National Coming Out Day." This may be an absurd day by heterosexual standards, but for us, it is consciousness-raising. It offers death-dealing blows to stereotyping. It is revolutionary and it is lifegiving to all. Our Savior did some modeling for us, using various methods of disclosing His true identity to those around Him. The Gospel of Mark offers several glimpses of how Jesus handled His own "coming out" as Messiah. First, He came out slowly. Secondly, He refused to let others, who did not love Him, force Him to come out before He was ready. (Mark 1 :24-25) His approach among His clnsest friends was to ask them, ByR oberAt .B ernstein Contributing Writer It was last October, as I pondered the significance of Coming Out Day, that I came to realize that I am prejudiced. I have a bias toward gay and lesbian persons. I think they often tend to be better than other folks. Like most who are opinionated, I am convinced that my particular prejudice has a basis in reality . In this instance, it's a spiritual reality and it relates to what Coming Out Day is all about. For, more precisely, the full force of my bias is reserved for a special class of Lesbians and Gays - those who are out of the closet and have discovered the far-reaching significance of the simple phrase, "I am what I am." As a general rule, I have observed, these are people who are apt to be more creative and talented, more warm and generous, more joyous .and more caring - in short, more truly alive than most of us run-of-the-mill heterosexual types. And the explanation, I have concluded, is contained in the rationale behind Coming Out Day. When my daughter came out to me, I was spared much of the trauma that parents ordinarily experience under these circums tances, by virtue of the fact that I had already long suspected she was a lesbian. So I was able to tell her sincerely that I was pleased by her revelation, because it eliminated an important barrier between us and allowed me to feel closer to her. But it was only later, as I watched her bloom and mature; and as 1-met scores of other fine young gay people, Emotional health, they say, is the inner peace that comes from shucking o-μr "false self" - those conditioned notions of who we are or "should" be - and working toward a fuller acceptance of our "true self," or who we actually are. To the extent we distance ourselves from our inner reality, we stunt our spirits and hobble our souls. that I gradually came to realize the tuller psychological significance of the coming out process itself . The qualities I so admired in these young SECO .ND STONE people, I came to believe, were a function of hard-wrought selfhonesty, of their willingness to take the risk, in a hostile society, of being wholly and openly themselves. The point is made in a traditional Hassidic story about a Rabbi Zusya, which echoes in the writings of Martin Buber and other theologians. The rabbi, it seems, went to heaven expecting to be asked, "Why weren't you more like Moses?" but was asked instead, "Why weren't you more like Rabbi Zusya?" All human beings are manifestations of God, the story seems to say, and our challenge is to be ever more fully ourselves. Psychologists tE1ll us something similar. Emotional health, they say, is the inner peace that comes from shucking our "false self" - those conditioned notions of who we are or "should" be - and working toward a fuller acceptance of our "true self," or who we actually are. To the extent we distance ourselves from our inner reality, we stunt our spirits and hobble our souls. At best, though, the process of self-acceptance is difficult and neverending. And it becomes frightfully complicated when society viciously condemns some important aspect of who we are . So, virtually by definition, the gay person who is comfortable with his or her gayness has already overcome some of the more daunting obstacles on the path to maturity and fulfillment. A dramatic illustration of all this - SEE COMING OUT, Page 15 Church & Organization News New Group For Christian Lesbians Christian Lesbians Out Together CLOUT - is tentatively planning a large gathering the first weekend of November, 1991. The new group is "committed not only to struggling against forces of sexism and misogyny and heterosexism and homophobia, but also against racism, antisemitism, classism, ableism, clericalism and other structures of domination that foster injustice." For information write to CLOUT, Box 758, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Ohio Methodists Form Support Group Gay and lesbian • Methodists have begun forming a support group in Columbus, Ohio. The group meets on the first Friday of the month. For information call Judy, (614)262-9750, or Rocky, (614)262-9791. Williams Appointed Assistant Pastor Rev. Kathi Jo Williams has been appointed Assistant Pastor of the Good Samaritan Parish of Metropolitan Community Church in Toledo, Ohio. Williams was formerly the pastor of Emmanuel MCC of Cleveland. Mental Health, Chemical Depe'ndency Program Opens The Open Quest Institute has opened a new program, the first of its type in the nation, specifically designed for the treatment of gay and lesbian patients with mental, emotional, or chemical dependency problems serious enough to warrant hospital care. Treatment is provided by a predominantly gay and lesbian team. "Our program meets a long neglected need," said Donald Levy, Executive Director. "Often gay and lesbian patients in ordinary treatment programs are treated to large doses of homophobia not only from fellow patients, but from the hospital staff members as well. Frequently, while trying to grapple with difficult, real problems, they are subjected to efforts to change themselves, and even suffer outright harassment." The program, which accepts patients from all over the United States, is offered at Manor West Hospital in Los Angeles . Patients and those close to them can also seek help directly be calling the Institute's 24-hour crisis intervention line, 1-800-444-9999. The Institute also serves as a training facility. It provides internships to psychotherapists and, to date, has trained over 150 gay men and lesbians . Persons interested in the internship program may call 1-800-664-5000 for more information. Gay/Lesbian Bicyclists Unite Pacelines is ihe three-year-old international newsletter for lesbian and gay bicyclists . The purpose of the publication is to promote bicycling among Gays and Lesbians and to encourage visits from one group to another. Pacelines was founded in Italy in 1987, and is now published in the USA. Featured in the 10-page bi-monthly newsletter are reports of bike events in the USA and elsewhere and a listing of all upcoming events. A directory of gay and lesbian bicycle clubs worldwide (43 so far!) is also included. Annual subscriptions are US $15.00 for all countries. For information, write to Bob Bland, 43 Upton St., Boston, MA 02118. NYC Group For Transplanted Southerners Over 560 Southerners living in the New York City area are enjoying the company of a new group which celebrates aspects of Southern culture which its members love and miss while they work to curtail the intense homophobia which causes many gay and lesbian Southerners to leave the South. "We help many new arrivals from the South find their bearings in New York by providing opportunities for them to make friends of similar background ," said David Gilbert, founder of the group. For information, or to receive Southerners latest newsletter, write to P.O. Box 881, Church St. Station, New York, NY 10008-0881 or call (212)674-8073. Business or PersonalTry a Second St.one Classified Ad! Subscribe Today. And You'll Never Be Without A Friend For Your Journey. Join thousands of lesbians and gay men who've embarked on an inward journey. Through the pages of The Second Stone, an ecumenical Christian newsmagazine, you'll be challenged, inspired, angered and encouraged . Meet brave men and women who are confronting social injustice and religious bigotry . Explore family and relationship issues. Enjoy our engaging features and columns, newsbriefs and book reviews. Our national calendar puts you in touch with life-changing retreats, community- building conferences, and the nicest people you'll ever meet! The Second Stone will inspire you, keep you informed, and put you in touch. ···YES , ..... N~.:.: . .' . .' .. :.:.:.:.:.:.:.: . .-........ :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.: .. · .. :.:.:.:.:: Begin my subscription to .Address ................................................................. . f~~~~~r~~?,l}.! {::m.oo City, Stare & Zip .............................................. . [ J Two years (12 i ■sues) for S25.00 O«li:.bir,• i youP""'plainl!Miopalor~: I I P".t.-,",,,w&-3...S torM,wyolp.•lr.! { J Three yea ~ (18 issues) (or $36.00 .-. 1rt,m11Dllli ~ ~ 510.00 ps l'Wll lot poMl9t. U.S. wrrwr,cy ctft . • Mail To: SECOND STONE, Box 8340, New Orleans, LA 70182 THANK YOU for your subscription! March / April 1991 m Calendar Thef ollowinga nnouncementhsa ve beens ubmittedb y sponsoringo r affiliatedg roups. Gay/Lesbian Civil Rights MARCH lS.-17, A Century of Catholic Teaching on Social Justice, sponsored by Dignity/ Austin (Region Seven Spring Conference). Cost is $49.00. Concurrent with the 1991 March on Austin for Gay /Lesbian Civil Rights. Pat Roche, president of Dignity /USA is featured speaker. For information call (512)467-7908 or (512)444-4853. Affirmation Spring National Meeting APRIL 5-7, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian and Gay Concerns gathers for its national meeting. Valley of the Moon, in the beauty of California wine country is the setting. For information contact Affirmation, P.O. Box 1021, Evanston, IL 60204. Brethren/Mennonite Families Retreat APRIL 12-14, The second retreat for the parents and families of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons. The retreat, sponsored in part by a support network of Brethren/Mennonite parents with lesbian or gay children, will be held at the Laurelville Mennonite Church Center in western Pennsylvania. Write to Rt. 5, Box 145, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 or call (412) 4.23-2056. Rescue The Perishing APRIL 12-14, Casa de la.Paloma Apostolic Church, Tucson, Arizona, hosts a series of revival services and workshops. Rev. William H. Carey of Schenectady, New York, a Presbyter of the.National Gay Pentecostal Alliance and pastor of Lighthouse Apostolic Church, will be guest preacher. For information .call Rev. Sandy Lewis, (602)323-6855, or write Casa de la Paloma Church, P.O. Box 14003, Tucson, AZ 85732-4003. LGCM 1991 Annual Conference APRIL 13, England's Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement holds its annual conference. Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London, is the setting. For information write to 1B LGCM, Oxford House, Derbyshire St., London E2 6HG, UK. National Lesbian Conference APRIL 24-28, "Diversity, Solidarity, Empowerment" is the theme of this conference for, by and about Lesbians. Nearly 5000 Lesbians are expected to gather in Atlanta for workshops, caucuses, plenary sessions, strategy meetings and cultural events. The five day conference, open to women only, will include a film and video festival, workshops reflecting the broad theme of the conference, a market place for unique lesbian arts and crafts, and more. The Atlanta Civic Center is the setting. For information write to NLC, P.O. Box 1999, Decatur, GA 30031. 1991-More Light Conference MAY 3-5, 1991, "Different Gifts, but the Same Spirit" is the theme of the 1991 Presbyterian More Light Conference, to be held in Rochester, New York. A warm weekend of spiritual enrichment and personal connections is promised. The keynote address will be given by Dr. Letty M. Russell, Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School. Cost is $60.00. For more information, call Chris Bensch (716)473-0192 or Lee Fischer (716)442-5117 or write: More Light Conference, c/o Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 North Fitzhugh St., Rochester, NY 14614. Spiritfest New Orleans MAY 24-27, Grace Ministries sponsors a Christian gathering at Holy Redeemer Retreat Center, LaCombe, Louisiana. The retreat center, a former Redemptorist seminary, is beautifully situated on 110 acres of forested land on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain. Cost is $100.00 per person. For information write to Spiritfest '91, P.O. Box 70555, New · Orleans, LA 70172-0555. National UCCL/GC Gathering JUNE23 -26, The United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns' National Gathering 11 immediately precedes the United Church of Christ General Synod 18 in Norfolk, Virginia. The setting for the gathering will be the Old Dominion University campus in Norfolk. Connecticut UCCL/GC is planning the three day event, which will offer opportunities for single persons and persons in relationships to explore ways we are family: the family we're in now , the family we came from, the family we would wish for. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, author of Is TheH omosexuaMl y Neighbor?, will be the featured speaker. For information write to: UCCL/GC, 18 N. College, Athens, OH 45701 or call (614)593-7301. SDA Kinship Kampmeeting JUNE 9-16, The Seventh-day Adventists Kinship International annual gathering will be held at Menucha Camp just outside Portland, Ore. For inforination write to Box 3840, Los Angeles, CA 90078-3840. NABWMT Convention '91: Living, Loving and Working Together JUNE 23-30, The Detroit Chapter of Black and White Men Together hosts the 1991 convention of the National Association of Black and White Men Together, an organization formed ten years ago to break down racial barriers between gay people and provide a multiracial political and social forum. The NABWMT is an umbrella organization for over 25 chapters nationwide. Convention '91 will explore the many ways we relate as gay people and examine methods to unify the gay community .. Workshops will be presented on interpersonal relationships, health issues and AIDS awareness, bridging cultural differences and many other issues. The Hotel St. Regis is the setting . For information write: BWMT /Detroit, Convention '91, P.O. Box 24-8831, Detroit, MI 48224. Fifth Annual Golden Threads Celebration JUNE28 -30, Lesbians from all over the United States and many foreign countries will gather at the Provincetown Inn in Provincetown, Mass ., for the annual Golden Threads celebration. In existence since 1985, Golden Threads is a worldwide social network of Lesbians over 50 (and friends, no lesbian is excluded.) Entertainment will be provided by Janice Perry a.k.a. GAL. For information contact Christine SECOND STONE □ Burton, Golden Threads, P.O. Box 3177, Burlington, VT 05401-0031. Embodied Spirituality & Sexuality JUNE24 -28, St. Joseph's Retreat House in San Antonio, Texas, is the setting for this retreat for gay clergy and religious. The retreat received such outstanding reviews last year that it is being offered again, thoroughly .revised and improved. For information write to CMI Retreat, 127 Oblate Dr., San Antonio, TX 78216. connECtion '91 JULY4- 7, the first joint Evangelicals Concerned Midwest and Western Region conference. The campus of the University of Denver is the setting. The conference will include keynote addresses, workshops, small group interaction, prayer, and socializing. Participants will fellowship with gay and lesbian Christians from across the United States and learn more about the integration of sexuality and spirituality and discover new ways to love .God, others and self. To show off Colorado's natural WOI\ders, the weekend -will , feature a half-day trip into the Rocky Mountains. For registration information, contact Scott at the ECWR office, (303)830-2823. National Lesbian & Gay Health Conference JULY24 -28, Up to 1200 lesbian and gay health professionals are expected to congregate in New Orleans for the 13th National Lesbian and Gay Health Conference and 9th National AIDS Forum. The conference provides an opportunity for health care providers and caregivers to discuss issues of importance to the lesbian and gay community. It also gives health professionals of diverse disciplines an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and contribute to new thinking about the needs and well being of the lesbian and gay community. For further information contact the National Lesbian and Gay Health Foundation, Inc., 1638 R St NW #2, Washington, DC 20009 or call (202)797-3708. SEE CALENDAR, Next Page Essay Hearts »..rC. lu:isJlI.as...._-'----CoI uni nist A couple of songs from the fifties awaken memori, !s of the death of Ronnil•. He was the first person around my age I knew to die. The songs arc unrelated to him, but they came on the radio immediately after I learned of his death, and so they are forever associated with him. It's like remembering where you were when Kennedy was assassinated. My parents had never shield ed me from death. But death was some• thing that happc'!led to old people, particularly relatives. It· didn't happen to people i11 the second grade, as I was, or in the third grade, as Ronnie was. Ronnie's heart was too lar ge. Literally. He had an adult-sized heart in a chikHizcd body. It kept him out of school fot periods of time. It kept him from playing like "normal" kids, His ()illy hope was opcn•hcart surgery, in the days when such operations were experimental and rare. The night before his surgery, he CALENDARF,ro m Previous Page Dignity/USA Convention '91 AUGUST2 9-SEPTEMBERT.1h,e Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C, will the be setting for Digt;tlty /USA's tenth biennial convention. This event brings together delegates, members and friends for a gathering that matches no other in the Dignity datebook. Themed "Many Gifts, One Spirit," the convention program will feature presentations and workshops that reflect the diversity of Dignity's national community. Social events will add to the excitement. Convention topics will be organized into five areas of interest: AIDS Ministry, Removal of Barriers to Women, Support for Human Rights Laws, Anti-Gay /L esbian Violence, The Primacy of Conscience and the Right to Dissent. For more information write: Convention '91, Dignity /USA, Box 29661, Washington, DC 20017. Our Heroic Journey: Building A Healing Circle AUGUST 26 • 29, A special retreat of demonstrated that his largeness of heart was more than physical. A kid in his ward who was afraid of the oxygen tent in which he was to sleep needed reassurance. So Ronnie climbed in his bed to show him there was nothing to fear. The · surgery the next day was a "success." We had all been praying for hitn at my Christian school. His mother and my mother both taught there. We left school that day rejoicing that cvcrythit1g had gone well. But by th(• time we arr ived home, a phone call had come to report that Ronnie's body, exhausted by the trauma, had given out. My mother ran to her room to cry. That's when the songs came 011 the radio. I wondered what it was like for Ronnie in heaven. I remembered something I had intended to give to Ronnie that would now remain with me. I felt guilty that I hadn't gotten it to him before his death. A friend, whom I will call Ron, has just learned that he has tested positive to HIV anribodies. He's been part of a New York-based medical study for years, but only . celebration for gay and lesbian ministers, This retreat will tap the very special experience of the Holy Spirit · that every gay and lesbian minister has to leam to utilize to strengthen and celebrate their lives. The Weber House, Baltimore, Maryland, is the setting, Limited financial assistance Is available . For registration infor mation, write to CMI Retreat, P.O. Box 60125, Chicago, IL 60660-0125. Parents FLAG 10th Annual Convention OCTOBER 11•14, "Celebrating the Tewels in our Crown" is the theme of the tenth annual gathering of the National Federation of ·Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Charlotte , North Carolina is the setting. To reteive registration materials, when available, write to Charlotte Parents FLAG, 5815 Charing Place, Charlotte, NC 28211. SEND EVENT NOTICES TO: CALENDAlt, SECOND STONE, P.O. BOX 8340, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70182 , recently asked for information regarding his HIV status. Now he knows he's been infected for as many years as he has participated in the research. When he lived in New York, Ron's lover developed AIDS. They moved to New England, so that his lover could return to his roots and so that their time -toge ther could have a semblance of peace. The New York Times was reporting at the lime that I pray for him every day, specifically praying that he will not develop AIDS or ARC. I wonder what it is like for him to deal with his fears without faith. His heart hc\S been so badly mangled by_ the church, that the eschews all that it represents. lovers of persons with AIDS were often found to be uninfected, The Times was too delicate to exp lain why: that is, that the uninfected were those who took the "activ<!" rather than "passive" role in sexual intercourse. Ron has a larger than normal. heart. Figuratively. Just as he could not abai1do11 the one he loved because he had AIDS, he could liOt resist loving him i11 intimate ways, Because of the Times' non-explicit articles and the general lack of information at the time, they engaged in sex that today wou ld be called "unsafe." I heard a respected therapist say recently that the only generalizations he could make abmH male vs. female sexuality is that women need things to be good before sex; whereas men use sex to make things good. Whether or liOt the first statement is tru~ for women, the second sta tement March/April 1991 □ seems true of men. !11 a world of homophobia and hcterosexism, it is not surprising that gay men would climb into bed to make things better. Even AIDS or HIV-infection might cause us to comfort one another through love-making. And so with Ron. Presently, Ron's health is fine. I pray for him every day, specifically praying that he will Mt develop AIDS or ARC. I wonder what it is like for him lo deal with his fears without faith. His heart has bc{)n so badly mangled by the church, that he eschews all that it represents. Despite his spiritual cynicism, we arc friends. And I have something I would like to give him, before .. , Something that grieves me deeply in comparing these two experiences of bodily frailty is that the church would look upon Ronnie as an innocent victim of circumstances, but it would not view Ron In that way. Yet both Ron and Ronnie shared th<! same life -threatening condition: · large11ess of heart. · J<.>sduisd , too. Chris G/.aseris a graduateo f Yale Divinity School and the author cf two books: UncommCona llin·~ A Gau. Man's Stru~:lle to Serve the ~ and ComeH ome·! Reclaimin SJ]iritualiatvn dC ommuniatsll .G.aJMl.e. n and Lesbianbso, th from Harper & Row. Ex-Gays? There Are None LambdCa hrisUaFne llowshiisp pleasetdo a nnouncae n ewb ook by RevS. ylvisP enningto• na n examinatioonf e x.gaym inistrie•s what heyd o• what heyd on1d o. You'mll eept eoplwe hoo, my througGh od'sg raceh, aves urviveda nds toppetdr yingto be ex-gaysb,e causeIn, trutht,h ere is nos uchth inga sa ne x•gay f'3rsal. Now Available From Lambda Christian Fellowship r, o. Box 1967 Hawthorne, CA 90250 $15.0p0l us$ 1.50fo rp ostaoaen d HandlinCg.a lifornrieas idenatsd d 6% sales tax. 111 AIDS and the poor The Grand Rapids Minority AIDS Project began in June, 1988, as a projecto f the InterReligiousF ellowshipin Grand Rapids, Michigan. The focus is on AIDS educationfo r minorities, particularlyH ispanica nd African-Americanp eople, young peoplea, nd chemicallyd ependent people. R. Anthony Espinozaa, uthoro f this article, is the Executive , Director. BY R. ANTHONY ESPINOZA u NABLE TO FIND ENOUGH WORK to provide for his family, Juan felt he had no choice but to take desperate measures. Bidding home and family good-bye, he made off for the United States to work as a migrant fylrm worker. On days he had work, he made enough to buy his day's food, pay rent on his living space, and have something left over to send his family in Mexico . The work was hard and the hours long. Juan often grew tired, almost too tired to go on. So he could work longer and harder and provide better for his family, Juan- along with the other migrant workers - often injected mega-doses of vitamins. Because they were "family," they shared - not just vitamins, but needles as well. Once in a while the workers had an ,especially good week - cause for celebration. As part of such occasions, someone usually passed around a bag and needle. This too, they sharedonce again demonstrating their sense of familia. Juan became ill after a few months . He never considered seeing a doctor. Even if he could have scraped together enough money, his family in Mexico was depending on that money to live. Besides, going to the doctor wasn't his .people's way. In the tradition of his culture, Juan went to the "family healer," his grandmother. She prescribed herbs and teas-and rest to get him back on his feet. On days when Juan was not called into work, or when he was too sick to work, he hitched a ride into town . There he prostituted himself for enough money to make the day's expenses. Finally Juan became so ill that the farm owner called our agency and asked if we knew of a good hospital that would take him. We arranged for a doctor to examine Juan. After the examination, the doctor called and said, "It's too late for Juan to go into the hospital. He'll feel more comfortable spending his last days among people he knows." The doctor was right. Two days later, Juan died of AIDS. Juan's story illustrates the changing face of AIDS in this country. For years we in the United States have thought of AIDS as a "gay white male" disease . Most of our AIDS education, social services, and medical services have been targeted toward thi.s population. The gay white community has come to grips with the need for education. They are getting the word out and behavior is changing. Among other groups, though, many have yet to be reached. One result is that AIDS is no longer primarily a "gay white male" disease. Six years ago, 60 percent of those with AIDS in the U.S. were white. Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control, over 60 percent are people of color. A disproportionate number are poor. As Juan's story illustrates, the poor are often at greater risk of contracting AIDS for several reasons. First, the poor frequently suffer from poor nutrition and poor sanitation . Migrant farm workers like Juan are also exposed to pesticides. These factors tend to suppress the immune · system, reducing the body's capacity to fight off disease. Second, many of the poor lack information about the dangers of AIDS and how it can be transmitted or prevented. For someone who doesn't know, something as innocent as a vitamin injection can bring death. Third, poverty limits access to medical care and may also motivate some to engage in high-risk behavior simply to survive. Fourth, cultural traditions may encourage behaviors that spread the disease or discourage its treatment. What is being done about this? That's the question I found myself asking when I returned from an AIDS conference. 'What are we doing right here in my own community for people of color who have AIDS?" To find out, I began calling local clinics and social service agencies. Time after time, the answer was, 'They don't come to us." "Why not?" I wanted to know. "Well, because we're not geared toward people of color. We're geared toward whites." I witnessed how true that was the first time I accompanied a Hispanic to a clinic for HIV testing. "Oh, we don't have anyone here who can speak Spanish," we were told. "If you had come earlier, someone could have helped youc" When I checked with the other clinic in town that offered testing, they didn't have anyone on staff who could speak Spanish, nor did their staff include even one person of color. To a great extent, people of color who have AIDS are invisible. What can we do about it? Greater investment in education needed AIDS education programs have reached many people, but many people remain uninformed. When I speak at high schools, I find that almost every child knows how to make a baby. Few know how to put on a condom, and even this can not adequately prevent the transmission of AIDS. How can we target education and prevention efforts toward people of color? Our project has found three methods that have proven effective. First, each month we make about ten or twelve public speaking and audiovisual presentations to high schools, church groups, drug rehabilitation centers, and neighborhood associations. Second, volunteers take literature door to door. About 40 percent ofour volunteers are Hispanic, 40 percent black and 20 percent white. We discovered early on that not everyone we give literature to can read it, so we've learned to ask in a non 0threatening manner, "Can you understand this? Can you read it?" When someone can't, the volunteer is .ready to read it and answer questions in the person's own language. People tend to m SECOND STONE deny that they can't read. Putting accurate information into people's hands doesn't necessarily do the job either. We put our phone number on every piece of literature we hand out. People who have read our literature often call and ask, "Will I get AIDS if I do this, or if I do that?" The questions are sometimes bizarre, and the questions are always already answered in the literature. A third method that has worked for us is television. We have a 20-second spot in Spanish giving a bilingual AIDS hotline number to call. Everytime the spot runs, we get several calls. The Spanish spot has been so effective we're now preparing two more spots - .one targeting Blacks and the other Vietnamese. It's not enough to · pull him off the street and send him through a detoxification program. After that, how will he make a living? A major obstacle in the fight against AIDS is the alarming school dropout rate among people of color. In some cities this figure is fast approaching 50 percent of all ninth grade students. Not only are dropouts with low reading skills less able to read literature on preventing AIDS, but few dropouts get good jobs.· Many tum to selling drugs and prostitution for their livelihood, behaviors that put them at high risk for AIDS. A crucial aspect of the fight against AIDS, then, is finding ways to keep young people in school. Medical and social services barriers must come down Like Juan, many people with AIDS never seek medical care because they have no money or their culture discourages it. Others are too proud to walk into a free clinic. When poor people get so sick that they finally go to a doctor or hospital, they are often turned away. This is not always because they lack SEE POOR, Page 18 . ' New computer network helps fight anti-gay bigotry The Gay & Lesb .ian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced that it has established a computer network, GLAAD-Net, to facilitate national activism against anti-gay bigotry by allowing for . increased and more efficient information sharing. GLAAD-Net will be operating under the auspices of GayCom, · a three-year-old national network of gay and lesbian compute~ bulletin boards. The project is being supported by a grant from the New York-based Paul Rapoport Foundation. GLAAD-Net will consist of several components: an intra-chapter message base in which chapter repre- COMMENTARY, From Page 2 they're gay or lesbian. When Queer Nation is out being angry they're called, by others who would rather have dialogue and communication, "Facist Nation." The name Facist Nation doesn't come just from straights. You hear "Facist Nation" today from Gays and Lesbians too. Gays and Lesbians who are as afraid to deal with our anger as they are with their own. For years every time Gays and Lesbians have grabbed the tiniest bit of power and control, in .any situation, they've been called the gay mafia or queer storm troopers. I don't know what Gays and Lesbians are supposed to be if not angry, but heterosexist society thinks that emotions are obviously something we should not have. At least not publicly . Remember the reaction to black anger during the civil rights movement? People referred to angry Blacks derogatorily as tribal warriors, not thinking these people had the right to be angry and show it. Instead, they were as out of control as natives in a Tarzan movie. That's recognized today as a phobic reaction and racist. Remember too the way angry women were once called "unladylike" or "strident" by people we would immediately recognize today as sexist, just as someday the fear of gay and lesbian anger, which is often thought of as proof we are out of control, infantile or at least a group of spoiled adolescents, will be seen as the reactions of neurotic homophobes. Until then they think our emotions are to be closeted . We aren't to be any more publicly angry than we are to be publicly loving. (When we hold hands in public it's again because we are emotionally and sexually out of control, infantile or acting out adolescents after nothing more than the shock effect our flaunting brings sentatives can "discuss" project ideas and implementation; a public files area consisting of GLAAD publications, letters written to defamers, and other background material about GLAAD campaigns; a mechanism which will enable GLAAD chapters to share mailing list data; and . a feedback mechanism allowing the general public to report issues to GLAAD. 'We are particularly excited by the potential of GLAAD-Net to assist us in planning and executing national campaigns in different parts of the country simultaneously," said Karin Schwartz, GLAAD/NY's Deputy Director for Public Affairs. about.) Heterosexual society will tolerate us as long as we are innocuous. Sedate. But our .anger is not to be mislabled and misappropriated by others. Anger denied is depression, and suppressing our anger is one of the ways heterosexism has been able to control so many of us for so long. At a recent Queer Nation action against a church/ cult which claimed to "convert" homosexuals to heterosexuals, we saw bigots controlling Gays and Lesbians by denying, disqualifying and suppressing their anger. .We were told that anyone Heterosexists don't know what to do with angry queers. That upsets their stereotype of the wimpy faggot who can be kicked around. who was angry was not ready to speak. Not allowing you to be angry is one of the techniques used by any good brainwasher. Every time a Gay or Lesbian would begin to speak in this church about their anger at the way society treated them, the subject was changed to love. Jesus' love_. The church's love. "Don't be angry," they were told. "If you're angry, you can't be open to our love." Scary! But don't be confused. You can be fooled into thinking anger is the opposite of love . That they're opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. Anger isn't, nor has it ever been, the opposite of love . Being angry isn't sinful as they would like you to believe. Anger is something important that we must learn to use. "GLAAD's chapter structure is unique for a gay activist organization, and this technology will enable us to get the most from our structure." GLAAD-Net may be accessed at no charge by anyone with a personal computer, communications software and a modem . Callers should . set their communications software to 1200-N-8-1 or 2400-N-8-1 and direct their modem to dial the GayCom node nearest them if known, or else (718)849-1614. Callers should type "GLAAD" when prompted by the computer for their first name, and "INFO" when prompted for their second name. · If a password is required by the local system, the Theologian Beverly Harrision says that "anger is a signal that all is not well in our relationship with others." It's a mode or connectedness, not something that separates us . To . be sure, anger doesn't necessarily lead to right action. I've seen my angry co-conspiritors in Queer Nation do some awfully stupid things when they're angry. Angry people do a lot of stupid things. But as Harrision says, 'We must never lose touch with the fact that all serious human moral activity, especially action for social change, takes its oearing from the rising power of human anger ." Anger b,eaks down those artificial walls of rules and properness that separate us from one another. Anger is closer to love than the absence of feeling we sense in many around us. Anger forces us to react to each other authentically, immediately. It's the job of those we are angry with to correctly choose how to react to our anger - by changing, acting, or maybe simply listening . But to deny the · validity of anger itself as a means of communicating a serious wrong is to oppress our relationships with each other . Anger denied subverts community. Anger acknowledged and nurtured will give us our first glimpse of the power necessary to exercise our deserved freedoms . Heterosexists don't know what to do with angry queers. That upsets their stereotype of the wimpy faggot who can be kicked around . And then there is always the promise from heterosexuals that as long as we aren't angry, as long as we want to talk, dialogue, converse levelheadedly , we can avoid being kicked. Right? They can try to deny us our basic human rights. They can deny us our civil rights. They can try to deny us our dignity. But they are not going to deny me my right to be angry! And let's not deny that right to each other . March/April 1991 caller should type "GLAAD." "We are delighted to the helping gay activism enter the computer age through our collaboration with GLAAD," said Artie Kohn, GayCom's coordinator. "Lesbians and gay men have been using telecommunications technology to interact socially for years, but using it to forward our movement's goals is a relatively new process." COMING OUT, From Page 10 a sort of ultimate Coming Out Day allegory - was recently described to me by a young Seattle man, Geoffrey McGrath . Geoff was once dedicated to the doctrines and missions of the Mormon Church, but he was ultimately excommunicated for his refusal to disavow his homosexual identity. Initially, true to church tenets, Geoff thought of his homoerotic feelings as part of a "rotten core" of his being, from which he sought escape in church activities and-even, at one point, by declaring his commitment to a young woman. His "failure" to outrun his feelings led to thoughts of suicide . Finally, as he put it, he "confronted his rotten core ." He accepted the inevitability of his same-sex orientation, even though he had yet to act on it. Geoff says that coming out to his family was a traumatic experience, even though his parents, as expected, turned out to be supportive. About a week later, "still in the midst of despair about what it might mean for me to be a gay man," he had a strikingly vivid dream. In it, he saw a closet, its door tightly closed but bulging outward f~om inner pressures, and oozing some particularly foul . black viscous fluid from its cracks. Then the door flew open, obviously unable to resist the pressure any longer . The room was filled with a cascade of what Geoff calls "the black ooze." But there in the center of the closet, he could now see what had been obscured by the locked door and the black ooze. It was a large, brilliant, beautiful diamond. Robert Bernstein is editor of The PFLAG Pole, a publication of the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and is II frequent contributor to The Washington Blade newspaper in Washington, D.C. II Books □ A history and a legacy . Don't Be Afraid Anymore By MichaeBll ankenship Contributing Writer Troy Perry, founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, has recently published his memoirs in an honest, simply-written book entitled Don't Be Afraid Anymore. The book details not only the history of the church, but also much of this nation's gay and lesbian history as well. MCC was founded shortly before the Stonewall riots and it seems that whenever there was work to be done for the gay /lesbian community Troy Perry was there standing up to the opposition and preaching a liberating gospel that included civil rights for all Lesbians and Gays. There are still some people in the homosexual community who feel that Perry has been too political , but I think his approach in this respect could be compared to that of Martin Luther King, Jr. Both worked tirelessly for their ideals of freedom and civil rights for their individual oppressed minorities while never advocating violence in any form. Clearly both have felt that working . politically was an act of "loving their neighbors," wanting the best for their sisters and brothers, as well as themselves, knowing that God would work through their efforts toward a world free of prejudice. Perry's book also encompasses part of his childhood. Growing up in Florida, his fascination with religion blossomed concurrently with his awareness of his sexual feelings. The years of his youth were happy until the death of his father. . His mother found that controlling five fatherless boys, all under the age of 12, was a near impossibility, so she allowed herself to be drawn · into a relationship that would eventually turn abusive. The abuse also extended to Troy who ran away from home after being raped by one of his stepfather's friends. In a spirit that Troy evidently inherited, his mother PANELS Of LOVE • ... as . temng a testament to the courage of the human spirit..as has come my way.• -Huston Smith, author of T!Je Religions of Man -16 full-color reproductions of the widely acclaimed "Panels of .Love• paintings. Plus artisVauthor Tim Grummon's detailed account of his own discovery of new depths of love, faith and spiri1ual support. From a. man living each day with his own lifethreatening diaease. A book that inspires hope to those facing their own reality. And a beautiful gift from friend or family to someone who need~ assurance. Each painting based on selected passage from the Old or New Testament. -Available in bookstores or from Los Hombres Press, Dept SS, 739 5th Ave., Ste. 28, San Diego, CA 92101. $19.95 plus $1.50 postage and handling. CA residents add 7% tax. Check, Money Order or Visa/MC. Phone orders: 619/688-1023. THE OTHERP UBLISHINGC OMPANY'S Lesbian& GayR ecoveryB ookstore ANOTHER KIND OF LOVE! 4TH EDITION, by l'llchartl Woods, O.P. Homosexuality•/·S plrttua lty, Papert:>ack'f,9 5pp,$ 9.95 " ... not only for Catholics, but [by! any person who is searching for answers concerning the ongoing issue of homosexuality and the Church." Re¥erend Troy Perry " ...T hisb ooki s a must primer for gay and lesbianp eople,a nd those who love them. It challengesu s all to a love reflectedi n ea,h other, which is a God-like Love." Jim Suuan, PrNldllllt, DIGNITY/USA Shipping and handling: $2 for the first book, $.50 for each additional Califorruaa nd Canadian residents add 7% sales tax/GST Visa,M asterCard,a nd American Express acceptedw hen order accompaniedb y Card #, Exp Date, and Signature of card Holder. Send to: The Other Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2151, Dept S-391, San Deigo, CA 92112-2151 or place your ciedit card order by phone at l.'800-733-1283. finally packed the family up and departed from the oppressive situation. Perry continued his exploration of religfon with a bent toward Pentecostal churches. He especially felt a calling to the ministry after he felt a prophetic message was given to him at age 13, and by the age of 16 he was a paid evangelist taking his fundamentalist message throughout the south. Knowing that he could never become a pastor in the Church of God without marrying, Troy put his feelings toward men on the back burner and took a wife. It wasn't until after they had produced two sons that Troy's sexual pressure cooker exploded. A jealous expose from a young man in Troy's church led to his excommunication. He tried joining · and pastoring another church from a different Pentecostal denomination, but always the issue of his sexuality came back to haunt him. He and his wife eventually separated and thus began the exploration of this sexual yearnings. After several lonely years and a suicide attempt Perry still felt called ' by God to minister, and after what he describes as "an electric spark in my head" he knew he was to minister to the lesbian and gay community. It was never his intention to start a homosexual church, but rather, a special church that would reach out to those outcasts from other denominations and religions. He took out an ad in The Advocate, giving his home address, asking for gay and lesbian people interested in starting a church to come to his home on October 6, 1968. At that very first meeting, to a congregation of twelve, Perry set forth his three-pronged gospel of Rev. Troy Perry salvation, community building, and Christian social action. The denomination grew from this humble beginning to a church having ministries and works throughout the world: As Perry's book reminds us, the going hasn't always been easy for the church or the lesbian/gay community. Starting in the early 1970s and continuing even now, MCC churches across the country have been the targets of arson and vandalism. Perry intimately describes the heartbreak of having the UFMCC Mother Church, the first MCC building, burned to the ground in 1973. Also in 1973 the MCC in New Orleans lost over half of its membership in a bar fire. The pastor burned to death in full view of other MCC members standing below on the street. In the late 70s Anita Bryant took a huge chunk out of our civil rights with her SEE PERRY, Next Page ForG realte sbian/GaRye adinglo,o kN oF urther! Checoku tj usta fewo f ourt itlesa nda uthor•s.• Underslonding Homosexuality: The Prida & the Prejudica, Roger Biery - 23.95 hb, 15.95 pb Two Woman Ravisited: The Poetry of Jconnatte Foster & Valarie Taylor - 7.95 Draoms of tha Woman Who Loved Sex, Tee Corinne - 7.95 Who Wears tha Tux?, (comic quiz) Julia Willis• 8.95 Thc ContoctsssD ia Young, Antoinette Azolokov. 8.95 Common Sons, .Ronold Donoghe - 8. 95 Foultlines, Ston leventhol • 8. 95 Fairy Talas Mather Never Told You, Benjomln Eokln - 7.95 Silvarwoll, Roger Edmonson - 8. 95 Available from your bookseller or by moill (add Sl .SO postage) Dept. SS91 ~ S.ndf int-classst amp ANm:D·# 292, P.O. Box3 3280 for FREcEa taloga nd OOK8 Austin, TX 78764 bookstore listl SECOND STONE Books Counseling Our Own The second edition of Counseling Our Own: The Lesbian/Gay Subculture Meets the Mental Health System by Chama Klein has . been released. The book documents the development of the gay /lesbian mental health movement and the development of gay /lesbian counseling services within lesbian/ gay communities and in relation to the PERRY, From Previous Page homophobic attacks, but when Bryant's cohort, John Briggs, sought to make homophobia the law in California, Rev. Perry fasted on the steps of the Federal Building in Los Angeles to raise funds to fight the Briggs Initiative. Briggs' loss in the election turned the . tide against anti-gay forces. In 1978 Mayor George Moscone and City Councilman Harvey Milk were murdered in San Francisco. Perry was a friend to both men, and represented MCC at their memorial services. The muderer was later convicted only of manslaughter because he claimed that injesting Coca-Cola and Twinkies .had impaired his thinking! After several lonely years and a suicide attempt Perry still felt c;alled by God to - minister, and after what he describes as "an electric spark in my head" he knew he was to minister to the lesbian and gay community. The 80s brought us the devastation of AIDS, and later the disconsolation of the Supreme Court's Hardwick decision. With the government's inactivity over AIDS, and the new law which allowed states to tell individuals what they can and cannot do sexually in the privacy of their own homes, Troy could see that the civil rights of homosexual Americans were once again being eroded . With these thoughts in mind he started the ball rolling for the 1987 National March on Washington. larger mental health system and homophobic society. In the second edition parallels are drawn between factors leading to the development of gay mental health servjces and the development of AIDS services, as well as key factors in the development of the AIDS epidemic. Also included are statistics and discussion on AIDS and mental He even coined the phrase "For love and life, we're not going back," which showed up on buttons and posters across the nation . The CBS television network reported that 800,000 people showed up to send a message to our government leaders. Earlier, in 1977, Rev. Perry got the rare opportunity to take his message directly to the top leadership of the country . He was one of 14 Gays and Lesbians who were personally invited to the White House by President Carter to speak about their own areas of expertise in the homosexual community . He told the presidential committee, "We merely want the Constitution of the United States to apply to us also . I don't want young men and women who follow me to have to put up with the anxiety and misery millions of us have already endured. There has been enough suffering!" The federal government was hearing us, but in the following decade the _ leadership no longer listened . The suffering continues. Rev. Perry has included a chapter of personal anecdotes. Some of it is fun: his Mae West story is a classic. Some of it is surprising : he discusses his correspondence and eventual meeting with Oral Robert's gay son. Some of it is touching: he tells of meeting his youngest son for the first time in 19 years. And, it's all entertaining. Rev. Perry's! writings are peopled with church and community leaders that many of us have admired and loved over the years . Numerous mini-biographies detail spiritual journeys with a familiarity few possess, touching on the deep commitment these people have had for our common welfare, and the bravery with which they have battled unjust, ·oppressive attitudes and laws. This book is more than just an autobiography; it is hislory. Get this book and devour it the way I did. It's important that gay and lesbian Christians claim and record their part in the ongoing quest for a better world . It's our legacy to those that follow. health. The second edition has a new preface on AIDS and a foreward by Randy Shilts, author of the best-selling book, And The Band Played On. "This valuable book reflects the clear reality of our community's experience over the last decade," writes Shilts, " " if we are to maintain our sanity in these difficult □ times, we will need to depend on each other. Ms. Klein's book educates us not only in how to · build stronger individuals, but a stronger community as well." The book (ISBN 0,.9617216-1-8) can be . ordered from Consultant Services Northwest, Inc., 839 N.E. 96th St., Seattle, WA 98115. Cost is $12.95 plus $1.50 shipping . Publishing resource guide available for lesbian/gay writers Putting Out Books, a small press founded last year, has announced the publication of its first book. Putting Out 1991: A Publishing Resource Guide for Lesbian & Gay Writers is an international publishing resource guide for writers of lesbian and gay material. The guide's international listings, numbering over 260, include book publishers, magazines, newspapers and newsletters that publish material of interest to the lesbian and gay community and/or material with a lesbian or gay theme . Two essays are included in the guide. The first, written by Jeffery Escoffier, a literary agent and publisher of Out/Look magazine, addresses the issues of finding a literary agent and the "do's and don'ts" of contracts between publishers and writers. Also included is an essay by mystery writer Mark Richard Zubro (Why Isn't Becky Twitchell Dead?, A Simple Suburban Murder, The Only Good Priest, St. Martin's Press), which gives . important advice on how an author can promote his published work. For.more information contact Edisol' W. Dotson of Putting Out Books at (415)621-5766. AT LAST!• AN INCLUSIVE DEVOTIONAL!• AT LAST! The Road to Emmau-s Joseph W. Houle, ed. EMMAUS PRESS P.O. Box 70434 I Washington . D.C. 20024-0434 / (202) 468-3816 . 416 pp.• paperback• s 12.9; (plus S3.00 for postage & handling) Discounts available on q~ntity orders, At last! A Christi an dev<.>tional for ail people - the young and old ; the male and female ; the lesbi an , the gay man , and the heterosexual ; the single, the married , and the celibate ; the Asian, the Black, the Hispanic, the Native American, and the White ; the physicall) strong and the physically challenged. Contrihuting authors of Tht Road t o Emmaus - including Sr. Jeannine Gramick (Homosexuality and the Catholic Church), Fr. Robert Nugent (Stations of the Cross for Persons with AIDS), and the Rev . Larry Uhrig (Sex Positive) - are a blend of men anti women. laypt"rsons and clt'rgy . Black and White writers. Special care has been taken to make this devotional inclusive in language, tone, and content. Its underlying message.is that the (;ospd is good news for all people. AT LAST!• AN INCLUSIVE DEVOTIONAL!• AT LAST! March/ April 1991 II And reacts to Gulf war MFSA sets 1992 General Conference priorities ALBANY, CA. • The Methodist Federation for Social Action hi16 approved a platform for action at the 1992 General Conference of the United Methodist Church that calls for full inclusion and full rights for Lesbians and Gays in church and society. The MFSA board's national meeting was held i!l mid-January. In relation to the Gulf war, MFSA acted to assist in equipping UMC pawn and laity for draft counseling and fO promote the conscientious objector choice among United Methodists. MFSA sent messages of support to UMC military resister Sgt. George Moore, now servirig a sentence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for refusing orders to Saudi· Arabia, for l"850N of consdepce. The. board also voted ·to join the POOR, From Page 14 inNrance; sometimes it i~ for fear of AIDS'. The staffs of too many medical facilities are still inadequately educated about the disease and unwilling to take risks, especially with the poor. Even opening our doors to the poor, saying, "Come on in, you're welcome,' ' is not enough. We must go where the needs are. Sometimes we don't want to do that. It's not all that pleasant to touch someone who hasn't taken a bath in two weeks. But that's what weJ1lclYne ed to do. One local clinic has received funds to send a health professional out into ,the community, wherever people can be found, to do HIV testing. That's the kind of program that will reach the people who would otherwise be missed . Churches must move beyond condemnation A member of ii family that attended a church here in Grand Rapids tested positive for the HIV virus. The manmi.o ther was in her 80s and had been active in that church for 50 years. The chu1'h's response? Tjley askedth e whole family to leavet he dtun:h. It doesn't have to be that way. When someone associated with the dnm:h tests HIV-positive,t here should already exist within the church such an atmosphere of caring that the person will know that in a pastor or sorne other friend in the fellowship he will find a person he can talk with, someone who will care. II national Religious Coalition 'for Abortion Rights as an action of support for the pro-choice position of the United Methodist Church. • MFSA is asking the 1992 General Conference to add a section to the Social Principles which would support "the institution and enforcement of legislation that protects the human and civil rights of Lesbians and gay men." Arguing that it prevents meaningful s1udy of sexuality by general agencies, MFSA urges action to delete a funding prohibition contained in a church policy. The Federation platform calls for removal from the Soctal Principles of the clause "we do nor condone the practice of homo• sexuality and consider this practice Is contrary to Christian teaching" and Ministering to a person with AIDS begins with listening. Every couple of nights, a black man with AIDS calls our hotline, just to talk. We have no Idea where he lives. He probably calls from a pay phone. He uses drugs and has no concept of how to rnake a When someone associated with the church tests HIV-positive, there should already exist within the church such an atmosphere of caring that the person will know that in a pastor or some other friend in the fellowship he will find a person he can talk with, someone who will care. living except prostitution. He's bitter, he's blaming God, and right now he's not wanting to deal with his anger. All we can provide for him right now is an outlet, someone to talk to; But if he decides to let us do more than listen, our responsibility will become much greater. It's not enough to pull hirn off the street and send him through a detoxification to remove the prohibition against the ordination and appointment of Lesbians and Gays. Finally the MFSA platform calls upon the General Conference to authorize a church-wide study process regarding homosexuality during the 1993-96 quadrennium , based upon the report of the present denomination study committee and materials that have been presented to and assembled by that committee. · Another General Conference priority Is to strengthen UMC promotion of corporate social responsibility. MFSA is urging an addition to the mandate for the General Board of Pensions so as to specifically urge "affirmative Investment" In enUUes which promote affordable housing, program. After that, how will he make a living? These are the tough, practical Issues that pastoral care involves,. For the local church, too, pilstoral care that begins with listening must go on to address practical needs. Regardll?$ of Income, a person who contracts AIDS becomes poorer. At some point, the person with AIDS usually must quit work. Qualifying for SSI or state disability assistance is time consuming. During the months between filing for and receiving . assistance, the church can help with immediate expenses - such as food, rent, and medication. Volunteers can come in to help ~ook or clean, Its response to such a time of need can reveal how compassionate a church really is. The growing number of people of color wit!, AIDS demands a response COVER STORY, FromPage9 further states, "Our goal was to produce a devotional that was not exclusive in the reverse sense of being only for gay and lesbian Christians. I wanted a book that anyone could use, something that straight people would hopefully feel comfortable with also." Says Houle, " I think there is a problem in many of our churches - that we get stuck .on integrating spirituality with sexuality. This is a crucial issue, but eventually the THE SECOND STONE environmental stewardship, and minority-owned businesses. MFSA would also add disciplinary para• graphs mandating promotion of social responsibility by ·conference and local church trustees. In other action, the MFSA, an Independent network of activists founded In 1907, presented ils Lee and Mae Ball Awards to Bishop Leontill(i T. C. Kelly; Rev. Edward Peet of San Francisco, an activist on behalf of senior citizens; Sandra York, of San Jose, California, a UMW leader In the California-Nevada Conference; and St. Paul's UMC or Vacaville, California, a congregation with a noteworthy social outreach. from our society. What is required, I believe, is nothing less than a general overhaul of our society's attitudes and approaches toward the poor so that those already suffering the effects of poverty in the midst of plenty are not fu.rther victimized by Ams. What role should Christians play In this process? By promoting education and prevention efforts targeted specifically toward people of color, by working to remove barriers to medical and soda! services to the poor, and by offering active pastoral care to people with AIDS through our churches and Christian agencies, we as Christians, empowered by God's spirit, can be on the cutting edge of bringing about these desperately needed changes. Reprintedw ithp ennissio.n © R. Anthony Espinoi.a people seek deeper spiritual feeding. This book was an attempt to address that need. The thing that Is most gratifying to me Is that people really use it and find the meditations nourishing. One couple told me that this Is the first time they have ever done devotions together, and several congregations use it as a group meeting tool." When Troy Perry, the founder of the UFMCC, got his copy he called Houle to tell him, "ThisI s just one of the nicest thinge that's come out of the (MCC) Fellowship." Travel □ Camping trips offer fun and adventure By Cynthia Marquard and Danni Munson Contributing Writers Not long ago, a wqman friend was telling us about her first camping experience--at age 72. She had married a recently widowed man with an RV, and off they went on a short trip . But it rained almost -constantly. Knowing what a hard ship cooking outdoors can be in bad weather, we asked how she made out . "Oh, that was no problem," she said. "I just popped a couple of frozen dinners into the microwave oven." Well there's camping and then there's camping. The . lesson we learned from our friend is that you're never too old to start camping, and . nowadays there are camping experiences available to suit any ·1evel of "outdoorsiness." Primitive Camping In the beginning, · the only kind of camping was tent camping. Now it is frequently called __ "primitive camping" and this is· done at "primitive sites." This means tha t the tent sites do not have electricity or water. Campers use flashlights and lanterns after dark and carry water for cooking and washing in a collapsible plastic container that they have filled at a pump somewhere in the vicinity: This is not only the least expensive way to camp, but it brings the campers into close proximity with nature . But it is a lot of work. This is camping as a sport in and of itself. There are variations on tent camping, such as backpacking and canoe camping . Our national forests are wonderful places for backpacking trips. And any good-sized river in America has local canoe-rental companies that will pick you up down-stream after a day or two of paddling and camping on the river bank at night. · Camping with Amenities At a recent RV show, we ran into many lesbian friends-with streaks of gray in their hair-climbing in and out of the fancy rigs with carpeting and color TVs. Pop-up campers, fullsize trailers, and motor homes are becoming ever more popular, not only with maturing lesbians and gay men, but with anyone who's just not into sleeping on the ground. Naturally, the camp sites for RVs require electricity, water, and sometimes sewer hook-ups. In return for the comforts of these traveling bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, there is a higher cost. It obviously costs more to buy a 26-foot motor home than a nylon tent. And the fees at parks can be higher also . For those who would use their camper or RV only two or three times a year, renting sounds better than buying one. But finding a company that rents camping vehicles can be a problem in many parts . of the country- especially the Midwest and Northeast. Hertz experimented briefly with RV rentals, but fourid it was not profitable for them. U-Haul rents campers and motor homes in Arizona, California , Florida, and Wisconsin. Their 20- foot motor home rents for $39.00 a day plus 39 cents per mile. Their 13-foot camper trailers cost $19.95 per day. This gives people the option of flying to their vacation destination in one of these four states and then picking .up a motor home or -rental · car and camper. In addition, there are various local RV sales companies that will rent motor homes or campers. The best thing is to just look around. Where to Camp Frequently, Gays and Lesbians prefer gay accommodations. And campgrounds are no exception. There are a few gay campgounds, but they are not always easy to find. Some are listed in gay /lesbian guide books. The National Parks are very popular with all campers, straight or gay, so reservations for camping space is essential. All National Park reservations are now handled by Ticketron. For parks from Maine to California, the number to call is 900- 370-5566. For Yosemite National Park only, call 900454-2100. There is a fee for each call. State campgrounds are also popular, especially as stops for one or two nights for campers traveling on the road, or for week-end camping trips. One common complaint about state parks, especially on week-ends, is the noise level. There are lots of people who view the campgrounds as one big party area-all night long . For those seeking peace and quiet, the National Forests are a pretty good bet. These usually have only primitive campsites , are somewhat off the beaten path , and therefore tend to attract more nature-lovers than party-goers . Camping with Kids For Gays and Lesbians with childrl'!n, camping can be a great way to get away, either for a week-end or a longer vacation . Private ca mpgrounds, such as KOA, tend to have many attractions besides camp sites. They frequentl y have swimming pools and playgrounds for children. This makes them a good spot for gay men or Lesbians with kids . But we have.found that· the owners of most of these private campgrounds are not exactly gay-friendly. We cannot mention private campgrounds without including the grandest of them all--Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World in Florida . The Disney representatives are quick to point out that this is not just a campground, it is a total experience. Friends who have stayed there do not disagree . First of all, the setting is quintessential Disney on a perfectly landscaped lake. If you like, you can take a boat from your campsite to the main Disney World attractions . In addition, there are two swimming pools (one a recreation of the Old Swimming Hole), fishing, hay rides ,. campfires at night, and a trading post so campers can buy groceries on the premises. The cost for all this? Trailers already on the site, with two double beds, kitchen with microwave, and a color TV, rent for $165 per night. Camp sites go for $34.00. Not bad rates for an area of the world that tends ~6 be quite costly-and you can cook in rather than spend money eating out. Organized Camping With the rise in popularity of adventure travel, there has been an increase in the number -of organized camping opportunities for Gays and Lesbians. Just about a decade ago, the closest thing to organized camping for Lesbians were the various women's music festivals at which several thousand women set up tents in fields or wooded areas . Today, there are professional tour operators that offer some highly unusual outdoor experien<; es. March/April 1991 Womantrek of Seattle will take women on camping/hiking/biking/ and llama pack trips in various parts of the United States , _ the Orient , and South America. Woodswomen and Women in the Wilderness, both in Minnesota, offer canoe/ camping trips through the pristine U.S.-Canadian Boundary Waters. For men, Adventur e Boun\:f of Boulder, Colo ., offers "tramping · treks" in New Zealand . and other parts of the wo~ld. There are also gay men's social camping groups, such as the Radical Fairi es and the Northwoods Faery Circle, that sponsor.one or more group camp-outs each _year . . See you around the campfire. Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner/manager of Envoy Travel, Inc., in Chicago a7!d vice-president of the International Gay Travel Assn . Danni Munson is the editor and publisher of The Lesbian and Gay Almanac and Events of 1991. P. 0 . Box 118 SL Bethlehem, NH 03574 (603) 869-3978 tll, "otlltr" plac, 11nur du sun ... :t'=.::.:, ff:" ·-•-. ,,...cc.1 1an:1:a1..-..11.r..i - Write or call for brochure. - 120 E. Atol St~ P. 0. Box 2326 South Padre Island, Texas 78597 (512)761-L YLE Air connections via American, Continental Southwest II Parting Thought □ Living within our means Bi P• Mamo Fowler Contributing Writer Nick Warner, in Issue 13 of Second - Stone, is concerned that some gay and lesbian Christians seek relief from their frustrations in various philos o phies ou tside traditional Christianity, but we shouldn't forget that Christianity itself is frus trating. However glorious, it limits us to trusting what we can't see and hoping for what we can't guarantee. It's ·not so strange then that Christians, gay or otherwise, sometimes look for enlightenment to· ease that uncertainty . I love _ teaching philosophy. By appealing to our experience, reason, and imagination; philosophy helps to make ideas clear enough for us to discuss them and to. see their ARE YOU MOVING? The Post Office will not forward The Second Stone. You must notify us for uninterrupted service if you move. Please notify us lour weeks in advance for uninterrupted delivery . Send both old and new addresses. If possible attach mail ing label in space provided . PRINT NEW ADDRESS ~ 2 ~ ~ (D ~ i ~ N ;;· 0 g_ ~ Send completed form 10: THE SECOND STONE Box8340 New Orleans, LA 70182 implications. Yet even if a philosophy does make sense of life or promotes something desirable such as _ world peace, personal enlightenment, or prosperity, it is ultimately only a collection of someone's ideas. It can't Lest we be too smug about Christianity being the ultimate thirst-quencher, we should need Paul 1s warning that believers can't dispense with faith and hope in this life. make a person wise or loving, much less save a soul. Some ideas may live forever, but even the best ones don 't bestow eternal life. We can drink enlightenment and remain spiritually parched. Lest we be too sm u g about Christianity being the ultimate thirst-quincher, we should heed Paul's warning that believers can't dispense with faith and hope in this life. We don't see answers to every prayer and not all suffering will make sense. No matter ·how enlightened we become, we are to rely on what is unseen. Whether we feel' in control or help less, we entrust our lives to Jesus and accept that our most urgent questions may go unanswered. That's a·n itch that philosophy can't scratch. These limitations are frustrating, particularly for lesbian and gay Christians. We want to visualize the world as one community, but we have to love and endure our community of believers (including our "enemies in Christ"). We want to be free of unjust condemnation, but we can't quarantee exactly when or how we will see justice. We can only remind ourselves that our God is just and that we are responsible for treating each other justly; New Age thinking may contain some false ideas, as Nick Warner suggests, but mistaken ideas are not as harmful as our unrealistic expectations of philosophy and of Christian living . If we think and believe "within our means," we can both explore new ideas and mature in our faith. Classifieds ,· □ Books & Publications "WONDERFUL DIVERSITY/ "Heartily recommended," "Philosophically intriguing," 'Excellent.• Why do reviewers highly esteem CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY? Great articles and lively columns make this bridge of dialogue between Christians and New Agers as entertaining as it is substantive. Subscribe for only $12.50/yr. Or sample us for $3.50. CHRISTIAN'NEW AGE QUARTERLY, PO Bo_x 276, Clifton, NJ 07011-0276. TF Employment THE OTHER SIDE, a Christian magazine of peace and justice issues, has a full-time position in Fredericksburg, Va. or Philadelphia. Good administrative and writing/editorial skills needed. Excellent benefits. Deadline for applications: April 15. Contact Editor Search, 300 W. Apsley St., Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215-849-2178) 4/91. Merchandise FREE CATALOGUE: Featuring gay and lesbian jewelry in 14 karat gold and sterling silver .. Mention this ad for your free copy. Bande' designs, 7102 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149 (215)742-9823. 4/91. Professional Services PSYCHOSPIRITUAL THERAPY to rediscover your unique mind/body/spirit connection. Explore attitudes toward living and dyi~g. Reconcile experiences of significant life events - coming out • growing up • hanging in • moving on. Godspace: a ministry of reconciliation and healing. (New Orleans) 891-9879. Rev. Deanne Beverly Aime. 8/91. Try a Second Stone Classified Ad Classified Order Form Please place my -ad in these issues: [ J Jan/Feb [ J Mar/Apr [ ] May/Jim [] JuVAug . 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Second Stone #15 - Mar/Apr 1991