xt705q4rmz7c https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt705q4rmz7c/data/mets.xml Lexington, KY Pride Community Services Organization 198803 This collection contains newsletters produced by the Lexington, Kentucky based Pride Community Services Organization. Included are publications from the organization through multiple name changes, such as LinQ magazine (July 2013-2016); the GLSO (Gay and Lesbian Services Organization) News (August 1986-June 2013); the GSO (Gay Services Organization) newsletter (1979-July 1986). Accession number 2016ms055. newsletters English Pride Community Services Organization Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Pride Community Services Organization publications LGBTQ community--Kentucky LGBTQ culture LGBTQ newspapers Gay men Lesbians Bisexual people Transgender people Sexual minorities Gender identity Drag culture GLSO News, March 1988 text GLSO News, March 1988 1988 2019 true xt705q4rmz7c section xt705q4rmz7c Free at Selected Business Locations Home Delivery at $5 per year LEXINGTON GAY/LESBIAN SERVICES ORGANIZATION, P.0. BOX 111571, LEXINGTON, KY 110575 — AVOL BENEFIT A GRAND SUCCESS! AIDS WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES The AIDS Volunteers of Lexington IBM Corporation, the largest private (AVOL) held a fund-raising benefit at Scott's employer in Lexington, has joined other major home on the evening of January 20th. Five corporations to endorse the "AIDS Workplace hundred invitations were mailed, over 250 Principles" established by the Citizen's people attended, and $3,000 was raised for Commission on AIDS. Other prominent local AIDS education and support activities. endorsers include ATET, Chemical Bank, The excellent food, beverage and company Time, Warner-Lambert, Johnson 8 Johnson, were the talk of the town during most of Dow Jones 8 Co., US News 8 World Report, February. As AIDS continues to touch the and the City of New York. lives of the gay community it's obvious local The principles stress that employees gays, lesbians and their friends are prepared with AIDS are "entitled to the same rights and to take the lead in providing education and opportunities as people with other serious or support as has been the case in larger cities. life-threatening illnesses." The principles The event was so successful that future reject discriminatory employment practices and benefits are expected to draw larger crowds oppose HIV testing in either pre~employment and generate more enthusiasm. or routine workplace physical exams. The Special thanks are extended to everyone prinicples were formulated to "provide who worked to organize the event, especially leadership" to the many companies which have Scott who opened his very large home to an been groping for a policy to deal with AIDS in overflow crowd. Numerous business owners the workplace. contributed food and services and their The Citizens Commission on AIDS was commitment is especially appreciated. A formed last year by a group of 17 foundations. similar benefit is being considered to coincide It is an educational and advocacy organization with Gay Pride Week. focusing on AIDS issues. — PREMARITAL HIV TESTING FLOPS IN ILLINOIS A new Illinois law requiring HIV The law doesn't prohibit HIV positive antibody testing for couples seeking marriage individuals from marrying, but it does require licenses produced serious problems in the first proof of testing and the sharing of results three weeks of its implementation [New York with the prospective spouse. In addition to Times, 1/26/88]. straining the resources of clinics and hospitals Cook County Hospital, the state's largest which serve low income people, there has been hospital, stopped offering the antibody test to a drop in marriage license applications. In engaged couples because the testing center CookCounty (which includes Chicago), where was deluged with requests. Previously the nearly half of all Illinois marriages occur, hospital offered the test and counseling on a marriage applications dropped during the first voluntary basis at no charge. three weeks of January from 1,500 a year ago Some couples simply are driving to other to 600 this year. Said Dr. Renslow Sherer, states for marriage without a test. But acting director of the Cook County Hospital officials worry that, without a free or low-cost AIDS program: “One of the chief ways to alternative, poorer couples will decide not to limit AIDS is faithful monogamy, and here we get married at all. Average cost for the test have a system that discourages that very is $70, but some physicians charge up to $300. thing." — l FORWARD IN UNITY CONFERENCE [:1 Please send me a free introductory issue of GLSO News and information Nationally known lesbian and gay on GLSO. political and organizational figures will be among the dozens of speakers, workshop I:I I'd like to become a voting Member facilitators and other resource persons of GLSO, including home delivery providing leadership for FORWARD IN UNITY, of the GLSO News and discounts a grassroots gay and lesbian leadership at GLSO functions. My Membership conference. FORWARD IN UNITY will be held fee of $10/year is enclosed. May 13-15, 1988 on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. I:I I don't wish to become a Member but More than three hundred people from please send me the GLSO News each around the country are expected to attend. month. I enclose the $5 annual fee. Conference leaders will include Karen Clark (lesbian Minnesota legislator), John Bush Name: (Black and White Men Together), Brian Coyle ' (gay Minneapolis City Council member), Gil Gerald (National AIDS Network), Renee McCoy Address: [National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays), and representatives from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Lambda Legal City, St, Zip: Defense Fund, and the Fairness Fund. The principal goals of FORWARD IN Mail to: Newsletter, P.O. Box 111471 UNITY are to provide skills, resources and Lexington, KY 140575 networking opportunities to help participants function as grassroot leaders in their own ' communities. The organizers hope to build on the momentum generated by the March on GLSO News is published monthly by the Washington, and will offer workshop topics to Lexington Gay Services Organization, Inc. include addiction, aging, arts, coming out, (d.b.a. Lexington Gay/Lesbian Services fundraising, health and AIDS, lesbianism, Organization), Box 111471, Lexington, KY l40575 spiritualism, and violence. Steve Savage, Editor A registration fee of $100 includes all Craig Clere, Asst Editor, Events Calendar events and most meals. Reduced registration Laura Joans, Asst Editor for the fees will be available for low income persons. Esmerelda Collective (Women‘s News) Special rates have been arranged at the Aunt Mary, Advice Columnist Holiday Inn Metrodome, and community housing Additional Contributors: Dave, Debbie, will also be available. If interested, write for Dennis, Craig, AVOL, The Advocate, NGLTF, registration information to FORWARD IN WSJ, NYT, NAN, UK; Typists: Dave, Craig, UNITY, Box 300171, Minneapolis, MN 55H03. Equipment: Dave, Karen; Typesetting: Matt; Layout: Dave, Craig, Gerry; Mailing: Bill; NGLTF SEEKS VIOLENCE/HARASSMENT DATA Courier: Barry: Folding 8 Stuffing: Mark, Steve, Gerry, Dave, Jim, 8 John. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NCLTF) is preparing its annual audit Views or opinions expressed in GLSO News are of anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence. those of the authors and do not necessarily Individuals aware of anti-gay/lesbian episodes represent those of the Board of Directors. which occurred in the area during 1987 are Submissions are welcome. All submissions encouraged to contact Kevin Berrill, NGLTF, become the property of GLSO and must include 1517 U Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. the full name and address of the author. NGLTF has contacted more than 150 Anonymous submissions are not accepted. The organizations across the U.S. requesting data editorial staff reserves the right to alter any and information. They published similar submissions [including advertising) to meet reports for 1985 and 1986, and found acts of publishing requirements. harassment and violence more than doubled in The placement of advertising in GLSO News 1986 from the level documented in 1985. This does NOT denote a person's sexual orientation data is essential to lobbying for the federal nor a business's customer preference. "Hate Crime Statistics Act. 2 NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE: A NATIONAL VOICE FOR US By: Roger Doughty The National Gay and Lesbian Task By organizing and working with a broad array Force (NGLTF) has closed the books on a year of national organizations, NGLTF helped defeat of unprecedented activism and growth. the proposal last Spring. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NGLTF's The Task Force pushed its legislative full-time staff of ten won several major efforts beyond Washington. Early last year victories for gay and lesbian rights, initiated NGLTF launched “The Privacy Project" to local organizing projects across the country, spearhead repeal of sodomy laws remaining and positioned itself for a stronger future. across the country. NGLTF concentrated much ”1987 was a benchmark year for the of its effort on Maryland where the last Task Force," says Executive Director Jeffrey attempt at sodomy law repeal occurred ten Levi. "We were not only able to step up our years ago. Coordinated by Sue Hyde, head of involvement and success at both national and Privacy Project, the Task Force worked closely grassroots levels, but also to put the Task with Maryland organizations. Although the Force on a firm footing for future work.ll repeal effort failed, the momentum of the During 1987, NGLTF continued to work effort is carrying over to the 1988 legislative aggressively at the federal level to protect the session. rights of gay men and lesbians, and to Privacy Project also laid the foundation influence the government to respond to the for NGLTF's first statewide organizing efforts . AIDS crisis. Prominent among NGLTF's in the South. In Tennessee, Hyde helped legislative achievements was the passage of the form the Tennessee Gay 8 Lesbian Task Force, “Hate Crimes Statistics Bill by the House a coalition of local groups organizing around Judiciary Committee. (The measure currently sodomy law issues. This January the Project has 91 co-sponsors in the full House). Having helped organize statewide meetings in Virginia , documented reports of anti-gay and lesbian and North Carolina, and plans to use the violence since 1981!, the Task Force pressed model developed in Tennessee to help launch hard for the measure, which marks the first gay rights organizations in a number of time the federal government has acknowledged Southern states. the existence and seriousness of such crimes. Building on its successes last year, Calling last Fall's vote "very gratifying," NGLTF approved a record $1.5 million budget Anti-Violence Coordinator Kevin Berrill stated for 1988, and the organization looks toward "this is a victory for all those concerned with still greater activism on gay and lesbian ending crime motivated by bigotry." issues. "The challenges we face as gays and The Task Force also lobbied forcefully lesbians are enormous," says Levi. "But against the confirmation of Supreme Court we're ready to meet them, and to work toward nominees Robert Bork and Anthony Kennedy, a time when we can live openly and free from underscoring for the Senate their insensitivity violence and discrimination in all its forms." to the privacy issues of concern to women, gay men and lesbians. III“. AIDS-related issues remained a top priority, with lobbying campaigns aimed to GAYLAXSCHEDULED dramatically increase federal funding for AIDS research and treatment. The Task Force also The annual Unitarian/Universalist Gay set as a top priority the guarantee of access Men's Conference will be held at Ferry Beach, to quality care for all persons with AIDS. Saco, Maine, from August 20th through 27th. NGLTF's Public Information Director notes that Celebrating the tenth year of the gathering, "We're absolutely committed to insuring that gay men will assemble from across the nation PWA's have equal access to the best health to celebrate their gayness, affirm their lives care facilities available whether they live in and create a GAYLA community. All gay men Buffalo, San Francisco, Omaha or New York." are welcome. Recognizing that AIDS represents a grave threat not only to the health of gay men For more information contact: and lesbians but also to their civil rights, the David Smith Task Force initiated a vigorous nationwide I4101 West Sunnyside Drive campaign to defeat CDC proposed regulations Phoenix, AZ 85029 for expanded mandatory HIV-antibody testing. (602] 978-31431 — 3 JESSE JACKSON RESPONDS T0 SURVEY Lesbian/Gay Families: Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson's * Supports lesbian and gay partners response to a survey circulated by the being afforded the benefits accorded to National Gay 8 Lesbian Task Force lNCLTFl heterosexual partners. demonstrates the candidate's strong support * His campaign platform recognizes for civil rights for lesbians and gay men. diversity within the human family; supports The candidate's responses in three key areas full civil rights for gay people. are summarized. * Supports right of gay people to designate survivors and dependents; supports AIDS Policies: gay people's right to child custody. * Supports National Academy of Sciences $2 billion funding target but notes POLITICAL ACTIVISM AFTER THE MARCH this may not be an adequate amount. * Supports making catastrophic Images of strength and power which insurance available as a right; supports were created last October during the March on federally guaranteed access to treatments and Washington are being re-created around the care; supports creation of stop-loss or country as gay rights activism increases. The reinsurance pools. gay community is turning toward this response * Believes we need to develop a because years of quiet lobbying for gay rights national health care program funded federally have yielded more frustrating defeats than and equally accessible to all. victories. * Believes the burden of health care In November, 1986, California voters coverage should be borne by the federal forcefully rejected Lyndon Larouche-backed government, not the states. Proposition 6H which sought to quarantine * Supports broad and frank AIDS AIDS victims. Gay activists rejoiced at their education: Believes such education should victory. This year, however, has brought "confront homophobia, irrational and divisive many legislative initiatives far more anti-gay. fear, racism, and victim-blaming that impact The Larouche initiative is again on the our efforts to combat this disease." California ballot, and so are two more anti-gay * Supports federal legislation initiatives. In addition, more than 60 related banning discrimination against people with bills are pending in the California legislature. AIDS or HIV infection. In Massachusetts, more than 14,000 * Opposes the Justice Department's lesbians, gays, and supporters flooded the interpretation that federal disability laws do statehouse on January thh. The protesters not cover people with Ale or HIV infection. objected to the state senate‘s failure to pass a * Supports Federal AIDS Policy Act, gay rights bill out of committee. H.R. 3071/S.1575. Even in California gay leaders are * Opposes mandatory testing. supporting civil disobedience which would have * Supports creation of an office of been unheard of a year ago. A key test of Gay/Lesbian Health v Concerns in the Public gay activism will occur in Sacramento on May Health Service. 7th. The LA based Stonewall Democratic Club has called for a massive demonstration for gay Civil Rights: rights on the steps of the state Capitol. Organizers predict 50,000 people will turn out, * Supports passage of a federal gay with hundreds of civil disobedients lCDersl. - lesbian rights bill and supports full civil and Further efforts in support of the legal rights for lesbians and gay men; will Massachusetts bill are expected. However, fight any restrictions based on sexual during this election year, it is not clear orientation. whether it will pass through the legislature. * ls committed to issuing an What is clear, however, is an emerging Executive Order banning discrimination in the national consensus among gays and lesbians federal government, including the military: that gay rights simply are not being promoted, would extend order to cover all government and that the prospect of militant gays and contractors; sees order being supplemented by lesbians in their neighborhood streets might a Federal Gay - Lesbian Rights Bill. induce more homophobic legislators to be responsive. " ll ‘ ' — US COURT OF APPEALS AFFIRMS RIGHT OF BIBLE STUDY GROUP FORMING GAYS TO SERVE IN THE ARMY A nondenominational Bible study and A panel of the US Ninth Circuit Court of prayer group is being formed. A fundamental Appeals has ruled in a 2-1 decision that the approach will be taken and the study will be Army's blanket ban against having gays or guided by the individual needs of each lesbians in its ranks violates the Constitution's member. Meetings are planned for Monday guarantee of equal protection under the law. nights at 8 pm at Ted's home. For details call The decision prohibits the armed forces Ted at 277-11684, Mon-Fri. 1~1l pm. from discriminating against homosexuals as a class of people. The Court carefully AIDS LAWS UNDER CONSIDERATION distinguished its holding from the US Supreme IN FRANKFORT Court's 1986 decision in the Hardwick sodomy law challenge, saying the Army's regulation HB-ll6. Sponsored by Rep. Maggard, discriminated not against historically prohibited presently before the Judicial Criminal sexual activity, but against the status of Committee, would create a class D felony for being homosexual. Presumably the Army might persons with AIDS to sell or donate blood. still discharge people whom it can prove have HB-50. Sponsored by Reps. Mason and committed sodomy, but it cannot do so simply P. Richardson, being considered by the Health because they are homosexual. and Welfare Committee, proposes prohibiting In its analysis, the court for the first persons exposed to or testing positive for HIV time recognized homosexuals as a minority and other specified health conditions from entitled to the same status under "equal donating blood, and prohibit transfusion of protection" analysis as racial and ethnic blood or body parts from such people. minorities, and aliens. It therefore applied HB—193. Rep. Burch presented this bill "strict scrutiny" to determine whether the rule which is now before the Banking and against gays was the only means of protecting Insurance Committee. It would prohibit health a compelling governmental interest (presumably insurers from canceling insurance because the a sodomy-free Army). In the absence of insured is diagnosed as having been exposed, ”suspect class" status, the court would only or has been exposed, to the AIDS virus. have to find a "rational basis" for the Army's HB-522. Rep. Scorsone is sponsoring rule. V this legislation to require state and local The determination of whether a group health departments to develop plans to prevent constitutes a ”suspect class'I is critical to a the spread of AIDS. The House recently challenge of state action on federal passed this bill. constitutional grounds. Where a suspect class 88-83. Reps. Travis, Stuart and Trevy is affected and "strict scrutiny” given, the co-sponsored this bill requiring all marriage rule is nearly always found to be license applicants to undergo the HIV test, unconstitutional. Where no suspect class (or distribution of results to both the applicant fundamental right) is affected, courts nearly and the intended spouse (the results will not always find a rational basis for the rule. appear on the marriage certificate, however), [Women have been determined through the prohibit granting of the license without the wisdom of the US Supreme Court to possess HIV test, and provide for confidentiality. "semi-suspect class" status, thus entitled to less protection than Hispanics or aliens, but GAY LEGAL SERVICES PRESIDENT DIES more than grocers or Stockbrokers. Under the Ninth Circuit's reasoning lesbians would be On January 8, Dan Bradley, 117, former entitled to greater protection.] head of the Legal Services Corporation, died While the Ninth Circuit decision is .a of AIDS. He had headed the organization great victory for gay rights, there are still which provides legal representation to the poor several hurdles ahead. First, the entire Ninth in civil cases, and had served in both the Circuit (as opposed to the three judge panel) Carter and Reagan administrations. might vote to revise or overrule the panel Closeted until he left government service decision. Second, the US Supreme Court in 1982, Bradley became active as a gay might grant discretionary review. In the attorney in Miami. He served on the Human Supreme Court, the decision could be a u—u Rights Campaign Fund, participated in civil tie, with new Justice William Kennedy casting disobedience in Washington in June, 1987 and the deciding vote. spoke at the March on Washington in October. ” 5 — _ — MARCH DIGNITY CALENDAR I I Tuesday 8nd 7:30 Liturgy at Don's, 299-”‘(58 Sunday 13th 1:30 Anniversary Brunch at Great Moments, call Keith, 269-8417 DICNITY/LEXINCTON Thursday 2ch 7:30 Rap Session at P.O. Box 19840 Lexington, KY 40593 Debbie's, 266-0757 FROM DIGNITY'S PRESIDENT SODOMY RECRIMINALIZATION BILL DEFEATED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Well, we're five years old. It seems incredible and I'm amazed that five years have The New Hampshire state Senate passed. dismissed by voice vote a proposal to Will the next 5 years pass so quickly? recriminalize "unnatural and lascivious acts" in A lot has happened to us, but what's next? mid-January. Had it passed, the bill would We have a new bishop and it's nice to have have created a class B felony crime, but did our own diocese, but we'll miss Bishop Hughes not define what was meant by “unnatural and in Covington. Maybe in another 5 years we lascivious acts." No debate on the bill took will have surpassed 25 members. (We have a place. New Hampshire decriminalized private, long way to go!) Maybe we'll have hosted a adult, consensual sexual behavior in 1973. regional meeting. (That's more likely - how Marcus Hurn testified against the bill on do you feel about August?) Maybe someone behalf of the New Hampshire Citizens Alliance else will want to be president. (Please, for Gay and Lesbian Rights (CAGLR). He please, please!) And maybe we'll continue to said, "This bill is doomed to failure in its be a supportive organization for lesbians and announced purpose because same sex gays in Lexington. I'd like that. Hope to see relationships are not unnatural, only less you at Dignity soon. common.... You can't wipe us out." In Peace, Unlike last year's bill to prohibit foster Keith care placements with lesbians and gay men, the recriminalization bill attracted little attention from members of the state Senate or PROGRAM COMMITTEE! the New Hampshire news media. Susan Bruce, moderator of CAGLR's steering committee, Dignity is combining its program meeting noted the "bill had so little support that it with the GLSO monthly forum. Still located at was defeated as part of a package of several Comp Care on the 2nd Monday of the month, other bills. We're pleased this bill died a these forums will be of general interest. natural and uncomplicated death. We feel Dignity may still do other program meetings confident it won't be resurrected in the independently. If you're interested in helping future.“ prepare the discussions, call Keith, 269-81417. Defeat of this bill is a hopeful sign for the continued repeal of sodomy laws in other 5TH ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH PLANNED states. "The unpopularity of the recriminalization bill demonstrates disapproval Gather with us to celebrate our 5th for the Supreme Court's 1986 decision in Anniversary Sunday, March 13th, 1:30 pm, at Bowers v. Hardwick," said Sue Hyde, director Great Moments for Brunch. Jack Dezek, our of the National Gay 8 Lesbian Task Force's regional director, will be here. Kris and Privacy Project. "These laws will be repealed Shirley (formerly of Lexington) will also be and will not be reinstated. Defeat of SB 2110 our honored quests. It should be fun, fun, is a victory for all the people of New fun. Join us! Hampshire." 6 (S{E{131%J]T i“fl(:lBflIEIQ"]TES 1£37' VVeust. ‘firlea - (606) 233—0001 SSIEI§‘VT[}J(3' IJIJIQ1ZIII: 1Q1 21111 -— i2 IDIII, ']?11635;c12137 't111?11 IT1?ic12137 ESIEIQ‘VTEDJCB IDIJXKDJIEI1: E; 13111 -— £3 IDIII, ']?11111?s;c12137 't111?11 £321t111?c12137 ESIEIK‘VTEEJCE E3111;KDJCEIJZ: ch3c3x1 —- 13 13111, £31111C121375; I?1?en363r1t. t11is; <3C)1113c3r1: GREAT MOMENTS Buy one Dinner, Get one Free Any Friday in March 6pm to 8pm Expires Mar 25, 1988 — Though each of these women clearly and repeatedly stated that their love for women did p not make them "man haters" but rather women who focused their energy on women, they i could not make the audience alter their initial ' 1& ’ P impression. I think this is such an explicit _ /‘ smere a S 81'10 r example of why labels are so dangerous. How 1'" many TV viewers now believe that all lesbians A? are "man haters" and how much damage has _" this done to public acceptance of the gay A." community? ‘ l ‘ Separatism . . . the idea seems to be as — difficult to define as any you'll find.- Try to discuss separatism with a group of women, or Well, here it is - my last month penning men, or (gasp) women and men and just watch Esmerelda's Parlour's opening lines. The the fur fly. Everybody seems to have their house is up for sale, job interviews begin for own idea as to what it means to be separatist me and already the boxes are piling up. and whether separatism is good (for whom?), It's been quite a year. March 1987 had (for whom?), or indifferent. Simply found me isolated, beginning a long and stated, separatism advocates independence or painful breakup with my lover and her autonomy for a particular group from some children, stagnated in a nursing position that dominant group. To humor the academic in me no longer challenged me and too frightened to l need to at least mention the fact that take the risk of change. In April, at the separatism isn't a particularly new idea nor advice of my therapist (actually a gentle are lesbians the only group to currently hold shovel l began to attend GLSO C 8 D a separatist ideology. Historically, various organizational meetings. I began to meet ethnic and religious groups have sought to people - real human beings who didn't establish independent communities. Examples disappear after last call. l was accepted and are the Mormons, French-Canadians and closer encouraged. We were all challenged as we to home, the Shakers. began to organize monthly dances and take Rather than attempting any "definitive" responsibility for the women's section of this discussion of lesbian separatism, what I would newsletter - a section that Steve had kept like to accomplish here is an overview of some filled with items of interest to women. basic sources of lesbian separatist ideology, to Now after this long year I'll join Ann in offer some personal observations and Atlanta and we'll try the relationship stuff experiences on lesbian separatism, and finally, from the top. I guess I've learned that you to comment on the implications of lesbian never know what the future holds but its separatism for the gay/lesbian movement at rarely as bleak as it might seem. A new large. home, a new position in a larger hospital, a Lesbian separatist ideology stems largely marvelous girlfriend, and the Atlanta Gay from women's experiences in various Community! (Five women's bars - count 'em political/social movements of the 60's and 70's. five!) Deeply involved in both the anti-war and Several women involved with Esmeralda civil-rights movements, women soon recognized will continue this column and will appreciate that they were relegated to second class status your contributions, feedback, and energy. within these organizations. With few Become involved with this fabulous collection exceptions, women were denied leadership of women - it could change your life! roles and were instead charge with stuffing Laura Joans envelopes, cleaning the office and generally providing support for the "real" movement leaders - men. This month's topic is lesbian separatism. Such experiences are credited with the ironically enough, on February 9th, Oprah re-emergence of the feminist movement as Winfrey's talk show highlighted this very women choose to fight for their own rights subject. It was a frustrating show. The 2nd rather than accept second-class status. Yet group of guests were three women introduced within this new feminist movement dedicated to as radical lesbian separatists who "hated men.“ voicing women's issues, lesbians often found “ 8 little support or tolerance for their life-choices What is it then, that lesbians who choose and related political issues. Too often a separatist lifestyle gain? For many lesbians, straight feminists feared that public awareness separatism offers a safe and healing space of the presence of lesbians would undermine apart from the oppression and injuries of the the overall movement. by making all feminists straight, white, male world. Separatism is not appear as "man haters" or "radical dykes." simply the exclusion of men whether gay or Many lesbians had a difficulty with their straight, but an affirmation and conscious straight feminist sisters returning each night choice of women not only as lovers but as to the beds of the "oppressors." Once again, those to whom energy is given and received, lesbians found themselves relegated to the and around whom a community is built. This back room (or closet7), denied leadership roles is, I believe, the best that separatism has to and often bluntly denied membership in offer. Having experienced oppression as feminist organizations. women and lesbians in a rather unforgiving From here, many lesbians moved into the and intolerant world, it is no small thing for newly emerging gay rights movement. Once lesbians to have a place from where they can again, lesbians most often found that they explore themselves - selves which more often were denied meaningful roles in these male than not have been so battered and obscured dominated groups. Lesbians were often seen in the "outside" world as to seem nonexistent. as "invisible". Women's friendships were When the outcome of separatism is an readily accepted by society if the sexuality understanding of oneself and a healing of old aspect remained hidden and lesbians were still wounds it is rather hard to criticize. But too women-trained to be less aggressive with often there is another outcome of separatism, defining these needs. Lesbians began to see particularly separatism in its extreme form of their issues to be very different from those near isolation from society. From this isolation championed by gay men but once more felt one often sees injuries and anger maintained themselves to be putting energy into someone rather than being released. Around this else's needs. anger a bitterness and intolerance for As more "radical" lesbians began to difference sets in which is directed against speak out about their experiences in various those who think or live differently regardless groups supposedly dedicated to "Liberation," of age, gender, or sexual identity. lesbians realized that they were discriminated The conflict produced by these against and their issues were largely ignored differences in life-choices becomes most or trivialized. These real [as opposed to evident when planning community events. imagine) experiences in fighting for their own Each year Wimmins Music Festivals in rights, and more often the rights of others, particular produce new dilemmas in providing led many lesbians to choose their own path - wimmin only space. Will male children of to separate from a male-identified world and to lesbians be allowed? how old? how young? instead organized around their own beliefs and can gay men attend? straight women? If a issues. black man and a lesbian get into a fight is the The degree of separation chosen varies struggle racist or sexist? Rather than widely. Some lesbians have established affirming the