RFD Issue 39 Summer 1984 by RFD Magazine Gay

A FOR

C O U N T R Y CAY MEN

J O U R N A L E V E R Y W H E R E

summen

n o . 39

$3.50

With this issue, we cap off ten years of publishing. I hasten to clarify that I have only been involved with the production of RFD since 1980, so the history and credit belongs to many dedicated folks. Some of these people have been mentioned in the four-part History of RFD series; many others may not have been singled out, but are certainly deserving of our appreciation and thanks. While this issue basically looks back over the past ten years, I think it is quite appropriate and helpful to look forward at what is coming during the next period. There is certainly room for improvement with the journal. There are whole segments of concern not covered or overlooked. Part of this is due to the reliance on reader contributions and our lack of control over what comes in for publication. I think we need to find ways of eliciting material in our weak spots. We rarely get anything dealing with gardening, homesteading or concrete ways of living on the land as a gay person. There are concerns of finances and emotional support that remain unaddressed fully. There are many folks living in beautiful and healthy places all alone and hurting. There are others searching for an Eden to go to. Many are simply searching for companionship wherever it can be found. In addition to what we are already doing with Contact Letters and the promotions of Gatherings, I fell we need to strengthen our network communica tions. The method is not clear yet, but it seems to be a definite need for us to deal with in the future. This might be a good time to report to the readership the general health of the journal. We do have an advisory board (along with the editorial staff) who receive quarterly reports on the fiscal and business matters, but lately we have rarely discussed this in the journal itself. The past three years' income has not varied over $1,000, from around $18,000. The percentage breakdown for 1983 was 54% from subs, 19% from book store sales, 17% from donations, 7% from sample and back issues sales, and 3% from advertising. The expenses are, of course, tied to the income and cannot exceed it. The 1983 breakdown is: 50% for printing, 18% for postage; 12% for salary, 8% for office supplies, 6% for rent, and 6% for misc. expenses. It costs on an average about $2.50 to produce each issue, or about $60 per page. In short, we are making it, but just barely. Subscriptions have hovered just under 1,000 for three years. More subscriptions would help tremendously, but reaching the folks who are likely to respond to RFD is difficult, expensive and time consuming. My experience with RFD (as well as living at Running Water) has helped me understand that we do have a great deal of control and responsibility over our lives. I remember a Pogo cartoon where he states that “ we have found the enemy; and it is us” . The biggest challenge for all of us is overcoming our own limitations-ourselves. While many of our struggles are with others and external circumstances, the real battle is internal. We first have to learn how to love ourselves (unselfishly), but we learn to love ourselves by loving others just like we heal ourselves by healing others. We always gain in the giving. We need to heal and love ourselves, and we can best do that by helping our brothers (and sisters). Let’s apply this principle in our lives in the next ten years. Let’s help each other learn to listen to our own hearts and follow our own paths to self discovery, let us learn how to help others. Let us learn who we truly are and who we are becoming. And, until we make a commitment to our ‘family’ or ‘tribe’, we will remain fragmented and selfish. If we are our brother’s keepers, then who is our brother? Enough sermonizing! There is plenty of good reading ahead in this issue. Have a blissful summer!

r RFD is published quarterly on equinoxes and solstices at Running Water, rt. 1 Box 127-E, Bakersville, NC 28705. Tel. (704) 688-2447. ISSN #0149-709x USPS #073-010-00 Non-profit tax exempt status under #23-7199134 as a function of Gay Community Social Services, Seattle, WA. MANAGING EDITOR: Ron Lambe DEPARTMENT EDITORS: Announcements: Sundance, CA Articles: Kenneth Hale-Wehmann. Book Reviews: Woody Black. VA Brothers Behind Bars: (Open) Contact Letters: G. Wilson, MN Country Kitchen: A1 Maupin, TN Fey ARts: Franklin Abbott, GA Fiction: Marc Thomson, CA Gardening: Mark Senjamin, CA Gatherings: Sundance, CA Health: Jerry Stamps, AR Homesteading: Jerry Noakes, TN Poetry: Aurora Corona, LA Politics: Stuart Norman, NC Profiles: Jim Long, AR Spirituality: (Open) RFD functions as a reader written journal. Editorship responsibility is shared among the Dept. Editors and the Managing Editor. The business and general production is centered at Running Water, Rt. 1 Box 127-E, Bakersville, NC 28705, (704) 688-2447.

FUTURE

FEATURES THEMES

AND;

#40 Fall 1984 VISUALS AND GRAPHICS - This feature will be done in Atlanta and will highlight speculations on homosexuality through drawings and photos. #41 Winter 1984/5 (Open) #42 Spring 1985 AGEING & HEALING - This will be j done in the Ozarks and will deal with ageing in the gay community as well as natural healing.

CONTRIBUTORS Franklin Abbott Eddie Bee Woody Black Tom Burkman Mykul Crane Tom Dolan S. Donaldson Robert J. Dorn Mark Evans Faygele ben Miraim Floating E. Feather Eric Gemmer Frank F. Grant George Koschei Ron Lambe J.L. Lembo V. Lembo Jim Long A1 Maupin Stuart Norman Rick Paul James W. Penha Tad Phillips Gary Rens Len Richardson P. Rickster John Soldo Jerry Stamps Tom W. Weinberg Raven Wolfdancer Barry Yeoman Joshua Young

9,11 15 37 25 25 28 17 40 42 38 12, 41 45 43 20 30 26 27 48 25, 39, 40 44 46 26 IBC 15 29 41 26 14 9, 11 41 39 48

i PRODUCTION H Light Ron Lambe Cover by Ron

★ Register to VOTE ★

Member of COSMEP/CCLM/GPA Indexed by Alternative Press Index, Baltimore, MD

voi.io No.4

No. 39 Summer 1984

Retrospective for a Decade CONTENTS ADVERTISING...................................................................... 15, 16, 19, 51-60 ANNOUNCEMENTS...................................................................... 4. 9 , 10 , 16 Gatherings ................................................................................................ 8-9 ARTICLES............................................................................. 28-29. 45 , 46-47 “ Carnival Gay Balls’’by Rick Paul.............................................................46 “ Gay Bookstore Under Attack" by E. Gemmer........................................ 45 “ No Locks, No Clocks" by Tom Dolan................................................... 28 BOOK REVIEWS............................................................................25, 37-43 American Couples by A. Maupin.............................................................. 40 As One Sees by Floating Eagle Feather................................................... 41 Color Purple by Barry Yeoman.................................................................. 40 Cripple Liberation by A1 Maupin................................................................39 Down To Earth by Raven Wolfdancer......................................................... 41 Farmers' Market Cookbook by M. Crane................................................. 25 “ An Interview With Bob Fogg" by Mark Evans...................................... 42 Motherpeace by Robert J. Dorn................................................................. 40 Spartacus Guide by F. Grant...................................................................... 43 The Telling by Faygele ben Miriam............................................................38 ‘‘Ten Years of Anthologies’’ by Woody Black . 37 BROTHERS BEHIND BARS.................................. ’ .*.*’ 16-18 “Jail is...Sexuality” byS. Donaldson........................................................ 17 COUNTRY KITCHEN.................................................................................. 25 “ Combread" by Tom Burkman .............................................................. 25 “ Vegetable Stock" by A1 Maupin....................................... . . 25 CONTACT LETTERS.............................................................................. 50-59 FEATURE “Retrospective For a Decade."............................................ 29-36 Back Issues Listings.................................................................... 31 “ Look Who’s Coming Home!" by Len Richardson................................. 29 “ Reaching For a Dream" by Ron Lambe............................................... 30 FEY ARTS.................................................................................................9 .H “ Hints For a Successful Cultural Event” by W einberg............................ 9 ‘‘Interview With Tom Weinberg” by F. Abbott....................................... 10 FICTION...................................................................................... 12-13, 20-24 “ Miracle at the Shot House” by Floating E. Feather...............................12 “ Nightbreak’’ by George Koschei.................................................. 20 HEALTH................................................................................................ .. The Apothecary by Jerry Stamps................................................................ 14 “ Piss On It” by Eddie Bee................... 15 LETTERS...................................................... ’7 ......................................... 2-3 POETRY ................................................................................................ 26-27 “Circle’s" by James Penha....................................................................... 26 ‘‘I am a madman ’’ by John Soldo............................................................... 26 “With Walt Whitman in Camden" by J.L. Lembo.......... 26 POLITICS................................................................................................. 44-45 “Gay Liberation” by Sturart Norman........................................................ 44 PROFILES............................................................................................... 48-49 ‘‘Bill King’’ by Joshua Young.................................................................... 48 RFD INFORMATION................................................................Inside Covers 1

Dear Gay Friends, Today is a glorious spring day. I just passed through Chapultepec Park, and it looks ravashing in all kinds of green, and the sky is so blue, with only small very white clouds. All this makes you feel so happy to be alive. But the situation for gay people and young people in general is not nice at all. In early March the police started rezzias (raids), and lots of gay and not-gay people have been taken to the police department out of the main avenues, bars (gay and not-gay), baths, and restaurants like Vip’s and Sanborns. The very first night the\ started doing it they took along one thousand people, and news papers mentioned that most of then were prostitutes and gay people. Immediately all gay people-I mean all groups and associations-we got together to decide what to do about it. First we went to the Chamber of Deputies, and Deputies of many parties complained about it through the radio and T.V. But the police seem to ignore it, saying that all this campaign is against crime and robbery and to stop vagrancy in the streets. We had another meeting with Partidos Socialistas Unidos de Mexico (United Socialist Parties of mexico) and with Partido de los Trabajadores (Workers Party), and we decided to write a manifesto to appear in newspapers. So, we collected all the information to be published. Meanwhile we are also working and preparing all the acti vities to celebrate June as Gay Pride Month. Among the many activities, we decided to collect 41,000 signatures on a paper to be presented directly to the President of mexico (41 is a symbol for gay in Mexico City). This will be after the Sixth Gay Pride March, which will be next June 30th, and we are already asking associations and individuals all around the world to send letters complaining about po lice repression, human rights, tran

sit rights, etc., in support. All letters should be addressed directly to: Sr. Presidente de la Republica Mexicana Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado - Palacio Nacional, Mexico, D.F., Mexico. If possible, please send a copy to Grupo Nueva Batalla at this address: Nazas 52 Esq. Sena-06500 Mexico, D.F., Mexico; or to Grupo Lambda at this address: Baja California No. 71, mexico, D.F., Mexico. We hope you will help us by sending letters, and we will appreciate every letter very much. Besides all this we are having a meeting every first Saturday of the month to get better coordination among different groups and inde pendent gay people. These meet ings have been very successful and everything was going along very well till the police started extortion again. The groups that are meeting are: Nueva Batalla, Horus, Unificacion, Iglesia de la Comunidad Metropolitana de Mexico City and C u e r n a v a c a ( M e tr o p o lita n Community Church of Mexico City and Cuernavaca), Grupo del Orgullo Gay de Guadalajara (Gay Pride Group of Guadalajara), Fidelidad de Mexico City and Guadalajara, Puberes Canefora (gay youth), Grupo Lambda de Liberacion Homosexual, plus sever al independent persons. Well, this will give you an idea of how things are down here and that we do need help from all countries. In gay Love, Jorge A. of Nueva Batalla

Dear RFD I am sure there are many readers like me. I find it most interesting to have 3 or 4 issues of RFD handy for leisure reading. Consequently, I was looking more closely at the Fall‘83 issue (No. 36). I write particularly to commend Ron for the article “ A Personal Response To A Brother’s Death” . His fine article and the quotation from Sappho (in Kelly Harrison’s beauti ful graphic) are surely a fitting tribute to a departed brother. Along this same line of thinkingone’s passing, on page 7 is a statement from David, aka ChooChoo. I urge David, and others, to set forth, clearly and in detail, the proceudre desired at time of death, though it doesn’t have to be a legal contract. The illustrations by Light, accom panying Brian McWilliams’ “Invi tational” , (pages 29-33), are truly well done. Light (D.D.) is really a gifted person. And, of course, I liked Brian’s story very much. The poetry section is beautiful. For some time now, I’ve tried to decide if one is “ best” . I find it impossible to make such a decision because I like so many. I dearly love John Alexander’s interview with Tom Foxwell, page 52. Now, the Spring ‘84 issue is really a credit to all involved. Excellent articles, fine page make-up, and above all wonderful artistry and graphics. I especially like RFD Staff Profiles. Sincerely, in love and admiration always,

Dear RFD Staff,

Fred Martin Fargo, SD

My personal thanks for your dedi cation in continuing such a diverse and enlightening publication for what’s probably a minority within a minority: the country gay. You convey a sense of self-respect and belonging that’s sadly lacking in gay society in general. But more, you provide us with contact and the knowledge that we have friends out there.

Thanks again for your creative and heroic efforts to keep your fine publication alive, stimulating, and a sign of gay men working together in an alternative way. A small token of my large appreciation.

Thanks, A Dedicated Reader

John Miller Madison, NJ

Dear RFD Collective Members,

Abbot’s Last Stand Over the years I’ve come to~ conclusion that there is an increas ing number of pagan journalists, who unless I missed my guess, have graduated with high honors from the “Ann Slanders School of Yellow Journalism’’. I was sur prised to find in the Pagana News letter (a respected pagan publica tion), a review that took a class I gave so out of context, that it could have made Lao Tzu look like Gen ghis Khan! In these times, where persecutors of pagans might be found lurking behind every Bible, we must be sure that all of us are unified. Where critics abound we must spend extra time growing up to the level of a child, and see the purity instilled in every being. Stephen Abbott Abbott’s Inn School of Magick Oakland, CA

There surely must be any number of older gay men around. One of the big problems, as I see it, is finding sexual expression when one of us is long past the flush of youth. If my life is any example it would seem that one never loses the desire for affection and touching and being touched. Studies have found that hugging relieves the feeling of isolation and prevents some illnesses. It seems that Nature has given us so many desires that we cannot satisfy and we are destined for lives of frustration and it is doubly difficult living as we do in a mostly repressive society. The latest is that this country seems to be embarking on a crusade against so-called child sexual abuse. They refuse to re cognize that children are sexual creatures and that their sexual desires do not commence when they have reached an age of con sent. Parental neglect and lack of love can be far more harmful than

For many of us, the word and others like it, are very negative, un-masculine, and somewhat de grading. The words “ Faerie” , “ Pansie” , and “ faggot” really un dermine my growth as a strong gay man. I very much enjoy country living, good music, plants, gentleness, along with leather, hiking, rafting, and good strong sex with a man-the word “ Faerie” does not support me in my lifestyle. I am interested in participating in a gathering, but I’m not sure how I would fit in since my lifestyle appears somewhat varied according to your articles. I do appreciate many sections of RFD, and find it a relief from the usual gay publications. Sincerely,

could ever be. c<Pj

Dear RFD, I was disappointed with RFD issue #37 because primarily I had expect ed to find a listing of communities into one of which I might immedi ately move myself lock, stock, and barrel. But not finding such a listing I decided I did not like the issue. However your issue #38 was a decided improvement anyway what with all its wonderful illustra tions and photos, etc. Getting down to specifics, I did not like the article on Walt Whitman because I am no longer a fan of Whitman’s having idolized him when I was young. Though he is now considered America’s most representative po et, I no longer care for him because he disavowed being a homosexual most vehemently in his latter years. He protested that he had married a woman at one time and that he had fathered several illegitimate child ren as well. However, none of these children ever surfaced. There is documentation for his disavowel of being gay; it is a reply to a letter received from a certain Mr. Symonds from England, who was openly gay and made no attempt to conceal his gayness.

Hi, RFD Folks, Just a quick note to say I appreciate your work. Your editorial on “ Refo cussing Dreams” is beautiful. It reminded me again of why I ex change with you. Also, thank you very much for putting in the news item about my hassle over names, and for the beautiful ad for The Wise Women. May your beauty shine forth and light the world. Ann Forfreedom California

Dear RFD, Your Journal happened in my life this past year, and I have a problem with it-which is the word “Faerie’'. 3

Enjoyed the Spring issue so much! So well done! You really know what you are doing. The article by Beautiful Day especially stirring! Want to meet that man! Might want to live in his commune. Will write to find out all, including what they do for a living. Courageous man, beautiful! So interesting to have a general theme and carried out so well. Best Wishes,

SAFE WATER ACT

UN PEACE PARTY

H.R. 3200 would amend the Fed eral Safe Drinking Water Act. Among other things, it would speci fy that any public water system or person may bring legal action against any person whose activity has caused contamination of water that is or may be used for drinking water. This might mean that farm ers using pesticides found as a contaminate in ground water could be subject to liability.

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Robert G. Muller, has now approved the concept of a week-long worldwide celebration set for October 24 to 30th this year to promote a new trend in world thinking. The pur pose of the celebration is to help people visualize a world where creating weapons of war is imposs ible. The celebration is being or ganized by the Aquarian Research Foundation which will supply a kit containing 200 invitations, a man ual, a newsletter subscription and other important information for a donation of $25 or whatever one can afford. Write: Aquarian Research Foundation, 5620 Morton St., Phil adelphia, PA 19144.

SHORT MT. COMMUNITY CONTEST The Short Mt. Dream of Commun ity Contest is continuing. See Issue #38, page 43 for details. The winners were hoped to be announc ed for this issue, but the “judges are still out” . So, it’s not too late to enter. Perhaps we will have the exciting results in time for the Fall Issue. NATIONAL WAR TAX RESISTANCE The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee was organized in 1982 to assist the war tax resistance movement in this country. It maintains a referral network of war tax resistance coun selors, organizers, and legal advi sors; compiles information to assist in the fromation of new alternative funds for tax redirection; coordi nates and publicizes war tax demonstrations on Tax Day each year. It holds a yearly conference to promote understanding of, and involvement in, war tax resistance. Write: NWTRCC, P. O. Box 2236, East Patchogue, NY 11772. ADIRONDACKS LODGE While the general campground area is family oriented, the lodge located on the premises is primarily reserved for gay people. The owner encourages gays to visit especially outside the summer peak season for greater freedom of movement. Gay parents are also invited to come with their children. For more infor mation write Pine Shadows, c/o RFD.

CIRCLE SANCTUARY Circle has purchased land for Circle Sanctuary. This 200-acre wilder ness site is located in the hills of southwestern Wisconsin about 30 miles from Madison. Pagans from many groups and traditions throughout the United States and several other countries have helped Circle Sanctuary manifest through their donations of ideas, labor, skills, blessings, and funds. Do nations are especially needed now that the land has been purchased to develop the sanctuary as a retreat center for Pagan visitors and as a wildwife preserve. A free flyer with details about this project is avail able upon request by writing Circle, P.O. Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572. UN GENETIC CROP ISSUE Over 125 nations gathered in Rome last Novmeber for the biennial conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The most controversial subject facing dele gates was the question of how crop genetic resources should be pre served and used in plant breeding. Two proposals were put forth by Mexico. The first would establish an international system of gene banks for the storage of crop genetic material. The second pro posal called for the establishment of an international legal convention to mandate and govern the full exchange of genetic resources be tween countries. The conference approved the proposal to establish an international network of gene banks and gave approval to a compromise ‘voluntary undertak ing’ on the full exchange of genetic material. It is expected that the U.S. and several other nations will exercise their option and refuse to sign the agreement to fully ex change genetic resources with other countries. For a detailed analysis of the UN conference, send SI to NSF/RAF, P.O. Box 1029, Pittsboro, NC 27312. 4

LESBIAN AND GAY STUDIES Gay and Lesbian scholars at the Ohio State Univ. expect an im provement in available research materials. The OSU Development Fund, the university’s fundraising arm, recently approved the WildeStein Research Fund for Lesbian and Gay Studies. This fund will solicit tax-deductable contributions from alumni and friends of Ohio State, then use the money to purchase books, films, and other research materials. Write: WildeStein, c/o Women’s Studies Library, OSU Main Library, 1858 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210. GAY VOTE Gay and lesbian independent de mocrats of NY in cooperation with The National Gay Task Force announce “Visibility Campaign Lesbian/Gay Vote ‘84’’. Through a nation-wide button and poster cam paign, the organizations hope to make a more immedialthy visible presence for our participation in the American political process. The adoption of the same graphic de sign on a national level is hoped to portray the image of a more power ful, organized and united move ment. Buttons are available at 55c each (1-49) and posters at $3.50 each (1-24). Write: Lance Ringel, NGTF, 80 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011 or call (212) 741-5800.

GAY GAMES Gay Games II, whose theme is “ Triumph in ’86” , is now accepting subscriptions for its new magazine. Containing the competition results from Gay Games I, this special 24-page publication also contains plans for the 1986 Gay Games II, articles on the lawsuit brought by the US Olympic Committee, the IRS lawsuit, the evolutionary games philosophy, and many pho.tographs from their first games in 1982.

NURTURING MEN

WOODCRAFT CATALOG Woodcraft Supply Corp. is pleased to announce the publication of its Winter 1984.Tool Catalog Supple ment. You can obtain a FREE copy of the Supplement by writing to Woodcraft, P.O. Box 4000, Woburn, MA 01888.

Nuturing News: A Quarterly Forum for Nurturning Men, a national newsletter published since 1979 by David L. Giveans, is a recognized advocate of non-sexist early child hood education and men in nurtur ing roles. Themes set for Septem ber, 1984 will be “ The Men’s Movement-1984“ . November’s theme will be “ Disabilities and Nurturing Men” . Single copies are $3.50 and full subscriptions are $10. Write: 187 Caselli Ave., San Francisco, CA 94114; (415) 861-0847.

NEW GAY PUBLISHER Started by Elizabeth Gershman last year, Knights Press is a new publishing company of gay fiction. It has just published two new titles in May and two in June. Ms. Gershman said that she “ saw a need for really top quality gay romances... and had to include all gay fiction.” Authors interested in submitting manuscripts may con tact Knights Press at P.O. Box 454, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.

Rites is a new magazine for lesbian and gay liberation. It hopes to be a voice in our fight for our rights in a society which denies our existence and our humanity as well as provide a forum to examine the rites and rituals of our culture, lusts and desires. Ten issues are $14.50. Rites, Box 65, Station F. Toronto, Ont., Canada M4Y 2L4.

LEFTIST JOURNAL

NEW FEMINIST PRESS

Strike is a journal of libertarian communist and anarchist news and opinion published in Canada. While holding an anti-state posture, Strike is open to controversial opin ion and news of items from a diversity of concerns. Subscriptions are $4/year (10 issues) by writing Strike, Box 284, Main Station, ST. Catharines, Ont., Canada L2R 6T7.

A new publishing house has been formed in Portland, Ore. Lez Press will publish quality work of interest to lesbians, as well as feminist-and gay-oriented material, which be cause of its nature is not generally considered by major publishing houses. The editors are interested in publishing novels and short stories, nonfiction, plays and art suitable for printed publications. No poetry, please. Send double spaced typed manuscripts to Lez Press, P. O. Box 4387, Portland, OR 97208. SASE if material is to be returned.

GAY HEALTH a Sourcebook on Lesbian/Gay Health Care is available from the National Gay Health Education Foundation, Inc. It is the only national publication devoted to both examining the issue of access to quality health care for lesbians and gay men and listing sources of services around the country which specialize in lesbian/gay health care. For more information, Contact: NGHEF, P.O. Box 784, New York, NY 10036.

GAY RITUAL TAYU STUDY MANUAL Tayu Institute has prepared a Man ual explaining how to form a Tayu Study Group. One does not need to be a master or an adept to form a study group, the manual explains. All that is really needed is the willingness to be of service to oneself and others. The Manual contains a reading list for discuss ions, special Tayu meditations, and guidelines for conducting meet ings. A donation of $3 is requested. Write: Tayu Press, P.O. Box 11554, Santa Rosa, CA 95436.

VIDEO CLUB Gay video producers and artists are sought for a national club distribut ing video, City Beats Video. This is a project of the Twin Cities Night club DJ’s Assn. Write: City Beats Video, 3326 Park AVe., Minneapolis. MN 55407.

GAY LITERARY JOURNAL BLACK GAY MAG The Blackheart Collective is pub lishing another issue: Blackheart 2: The Prison Issue. Single issues are $4 (subscriptions are $8 for two issues). Write: The Blackheart Col lective, P. O. BOx 1420, New York, NY 10027.

The James White Review, a new gay men’s literary journal, is accepting submissions for the fall issue with a deadline of August 25. Subscriptions are $6 a year, and back issues are available for $1 plus $1 for postage and handling. Write: The James White Review, P. O. Box 3356, Traffic Station, Minne apolis, MN 55403.

ST. LOUIS SINGLES Gays Without Partners is an organi zation in St. Louis aimed at skill building in interpersonal relationships-different from a therapy group. It is not a matchmaking service although several members have established a significant re lationship with others in the group. It is an alternative to the bars, emphasizing support over competi tion. GWP meets monthly and have a party at least monthly. Call David Hubert, (314) 436-7876 for details. GAY AMERICAN INDIANS Gay American Indians (GAI) was founded in 1975. Its goals are to meet the special needs of the gay Indian community, especially in the San Franciso Bay Area. Member ship is open to all Indian and non-Indians, and many different tribes are represented. Write: GAI, 890 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA 94117. GAY INFORMATION SERVICE There is a national toll free informa tion service, Gay 800. The new service is designed as an alterna tive to gay guidebooks. The number to call for information is (800) 223-7030. In New York, the service can be reached at (212) 582-5590. ANIMAL CRUELTY Animal tests are crude, cruel and unreliable yet each year over 80 million animals suffer pain and death in medical experiments and testing for cosmetics and household products. For information on how YOU can make a difference, write: People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals, P.O. Box 56272, Wash ington, DC 20011. GEORGIA SUPPORT GROUP The Augusta Gay lesbian Contact is an organization formed to promote a feeling of community and provide support for lesbians and gay men. Meetings are every two weeks on Sundays. Write: AGLC, Box 3411, Augusta, GA 30904, or call 860-1091.

TV-TS CONTACT SERVICE The United States TransvestiteTranssexual Contact Service, with over 10,000 members nationwide is fast becoming an admirer’s dating service according to Phil Salem, the national director. The organization is receiving almost 10 new mem bers a day. Folks interested in crossdressing should send a photo, phone number and description to themselves to the US TV-TS Con tact Service at 1017-B East Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122, or call (206) 624-8266. RURAL GAY COALITION Rural gays in Texas are trying to form a support group. Goals are being worked on, but the Coalition is trying to provide a peer support network for gays living in rural areas of Texas. It is felt that such an organization could greatly benefit individual gays by the sharing of information pertinent to gay rural lifestyles. An official organizational meeting is being planned for Labor Day. Write: Kenn Waller-Zanghi, Gray Lady Place, P. O. Box 611, Blum, TX 76627. BROTHERS OF THE EARTH Participation in the Network of the Brothers of the Earth is open to men of all ages, cultures, and sexual orientations who are inter ested in creating a healing space for men and boys. It focuses on and celebrates Men’s Mysteries/Positive Male Energy (non-sexist and nurturing) and the Homed One/ God as a co-equal with the God dess. The Brothers of the Earth is a network for gentle, yet strong, caring, and changing men who acknowledge and celebrate their connection to the Earth/Nature,to each other, to women/mothers, sisters, friends, lovers, daughters, and to children and all other living things. A newsletter is published quarterly. Write: Church of the Earth, P.O. Box 13158 Dinkytown Sta., Minneapolis, MN 55414. 6

The Humboldt Society is an organi zation of Lesbian & Gay Naturalists in Philadelphia and publishes a newsletter. They have recently be come affiliated with the National Organization of Gay & Lesbian Scientists and Technical People. Write: Leo Harkins, 2201 Penn. Ave.,#315, Philadelphia, PA 19130. GAY BUSINESS The National Association of Business Councils was incorporated in 1980 as a non-profit, tax exempt chamber of commerce representing the interests of lesbian and gay business and professional people. Its goals are to promote member’s businesses through mutual sup port; to provide support for indivi duals, professionals and business persons; to assist gay business communities; to be the advocate for the business interests of members; to provide support for the gay community’s struggle for its civil rights, among others. Write: NABC P.O. Box 15145, San Francisco, CA 94115. MOBILIZATION FOR SURVIVAL The Lesbian and Gay Network of the Mobilization For Survival (MFS) was formed to provide a multi-issue organization on the national level for lesbian and gay activists who believe that these times demand that issues must be linked and coalitions must be forged. The Network will provide a base for working both within the lesbian/gay movement and within other progressive movements. The Network will organize around the political goals and action of the MFS within the gay movement while at the same time it will raise lesbian and gay issues within the framework of coalition politics. The Network is helping organize the National March in San Francisco July 15 as well as pursuing pros pects for actions at the Republican Convention in Dallas in August. A third action likely is a March on the UN proposed on September 30, 1984. Write: MFS, 853 Broadway #2109, New York, NY 10003.

GAY RODEO

RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE

The 1984 National Reno Gay Rodeo will be held on July 19-22 in Reno, Nevada. Events will include Games, Exhibits, Square Dancing, County Fair, Entertainments and Rodeo Events. Tour rates from $107 to $242 include accomodations and full rodeo package and more. Con tact: In Touch Travel, 7889 SW Cirrus Dr. #25, Beaverton, OR 97005.

The Universal Fellowship of Metro politan Community Churches and Dignity International will hold simultaneous international confer ences in Ft. Lauder dale/Miami on July 19-26, 1987. Other religious organizations that provide positive ministry to Gay and Lesbian people will be invited to hold their confer ences at the same time. Write: UFMCC, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd. #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029.

HUMAN UNITY CONFERENCE This year’s Human Unity Confer ence, sponsored by the Whole Health Institute, will be held at Simmons College Boston along with concurrent conferences all over the world. It will be held July 19-22. (See RFD ft 38, p.8 for more details), or write: HUC ‘84, Rt. 3 Box 87, Epping, NH 03042. ----------------------

LESBIAN/GAY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE The LGIA exists to enable coopera tion and development within the lesbian/gay interfaith community by facilitating the sharing of re sources, tasks and strategies; to assert that God affirms lesbians and gay men for service and partici pation in all aspects of religious life; to affirm supportive outreach and service furthering human rights, spiritual freedom, jusitce, liberation and social equality for lesbians and gay men; constructive ly oppose homophobia, sexism, racism and other forms of insidious discrimination in our organizations, religious insitutions, and in society as a whole. Member organizations of LGIA are Dignity (Roman Catho lics), Affirmation (United Metho dists), Wingspan (St. Paul-Reformation Luthern Church), Kinship (Seventh Day Adventists), the World Congress of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations, the United Fellowship of Metropolitan Com munity Churhces, Luthems Con cerned, and Integrity (Episcopal Church). Write: Lesbian/Gay Inter faith Alliance, 100 North Oxford St., St. Paul, MN 55104.

BLACK AND WHITE MEN TOGETHER The annual convention for the International Association of Black and White Men Together will be held in Atlanta on July 2-7. Contact Convention ‘84, Box 8082, Atlanta, GA 30306.

PHONELINE CONFERENCE The first national conference of Gay/Lesbian Phonelines will be held in Boston on Oct. 6-8. For input for the agenda and informa tion, write: 2000 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009.

S.F. NATIONAL MARCH The National Organization for Women is the sponsoring organiza tion of the National March for Lesbian/Gay Rights on Sunday, July 15th in San Francisco. It is timed to be the day before the opening of the Democratic national Convention. The national March Committee is seeking volunteers and organizational support across the country the help build this event. Write: NW, 2301 market St., San Francisco, CA 94114.

CHINA BIKE TOURS ^

Last fall, the world’s first gay bicycle tour through the People’s Republic of China was held. There will be another bike tour this year on November 6. They also plan another trip through Nepal includ ing whitewater rafting and a jungle safari. Write: BiCoastal Tours, Box 14373, San Francisco, CA 94114. 7

The 4th Girth & Mirth Convention will convene over the Labor Day Weekend, August 31-Sept. 3, 1984 in Chicago at the American Con gress Hotel. The meeting is for big gay men and their admirers. It will offer a series of social activities and presentations and will feature members responsibility to their community through politics, communication and religion. It will also examine personal responsibil ity as this relates to physical appear ance, illustrated by a fashion show. Member registration is $75, non members is $90 (including mem bership fee). Write: Girth& Mirth, P.O. Box 14384, Chicago, IL 60614.

MIDWEST MEN’S CONFERENCE £ The Men’s Center of Madison and the Great Lakes Men’s Network are sponsering a pro-feminist, gay/ lesbian affirmative Men’s Confer ence in Madison on September 7-9. The conference theme is “ Linking For Tomorrow” . It is hoped that the conference will “ help bring us closer to men, women and children in our lives as well as aid us in networking with other progressive groups.” The conference will be held at the South Madison Neigh borhood Center, and all interested men, women, and children are invited to atten. Write: Midwest Men’s Conference, ‘84, P.O. Box 1122, xMadison, WI 53701.

w o ir k s h o ^ ROWE CAMP The Rowe Camp in northwestern Mass, offers a series of summer programs. Among them this year is one entitled “ Shamanism-The Path of the Awakening Warrior” , Au gust 31-Sept. 3, and led by Joan Halifax. Write: Rowe Camp, King’s Hwy Rd., Rowe, MA 01367.

SIRIUS COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Sirius Community, an offshoot from Findhorn, is offering a series of workshops this summer including two of possible interest to our readers: “ Rites of Passage: A Wilderness Vision Quest” lead by Aric Bod in, August 3-5 and August 18-25. The weekend program will be held at Sirius at $85.00, and the week long program will be held in the White Mountains for $200. “The Vision Quest is a journey of self-exploration and vision, getting in touch with the earth and all her creatures-a journey as old as hu man culture. Each Vision Quester spends half the time alone, fasting, and half of the time in preparation in camp, learning wilderness survi val-psychology-safety, Native American and cross-cultural teach ings, self-generated ceremony, chanting, earth wisdom.” The other workshop is “ Earth Stewardship: Its Science and Pactice” led by John Todd on August 25-26. “This workshop will explore the meaning of mindscape/ landscape, and discuss in concrete terms the sciences, information and techniques of the earth steward. To reserve a space in a program, preregistration and depost are essential. Send $25 deposit with your name, address and phone number to Sirius Community, Baker Rd., Shutesbury, MA 01072.

OMEGA INSTITUTE

Located in New York State, The Omega Institute offers an extensive mix of weekend and 5-day (mid week) courses and workshops covering a wide range of topics. The season runs from June 18 through Sept. 9. A Catalog of programs is available. There are two programs of special interest to RFD Readers: “ Sacred Circle :a week with Four Native American Elders on July 30 thru August 3,; and “ Samanic Healing: Journeying and the Dream time Experience” on August 6-10. Write: Omega Insti tute, Lake Dr., Rd 2 Box 377, Rhineback, NY 12572.

RURALGAY A workshop-symposium on Gay Rural Living will be held at Runn ing Water on August 10-12. We will draw on our various experiences to address such issues as Financial Support, Isolation, Neighbors, and Contacts, $25 with vegetarian meals. Write: Running Water, Rt. 1 Box 127-E, Bakersville, NC 28705.

SPIRITUAL FRONTIERS Every year Spiritual Frontier Fellowship holds four national re treats during the summer months. The retreats offer lectures, work shops, rap sessions, healing centers and special features. The three still possible for RFD Summer issue readers are: “ One in the Spirit” on July 8-14 at Lancaster, PA (write: Diane Downer, 167 Warrne Way, 17601); “ 1984 ReVisited” on July 22-27 in Olivet, MI (w'rite: Kay Corning, 1238 Muskegon NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504); “ Quest For Self” on August 13-18 in Greensboro, NC (write: Barbara Cashman, 4116 Oak Ridge Rd., Summerfield, NC 27358). 8

Short Mountain Sanctuary presents the Annual Harvest Moon Ball and corporate meeting on October 5-14. For info, write Rt. 1 Box 98-A Liberty, TN 37095. NEW MOON IN MONTANA The second Montana Fairy Gather ing will be held on July 26-31. The emphasis will be on the new Moon (July 28th), and activities will in clude hiking and mountain climb ing. This will be a wilderness camping experience. For more in formation write: Star, P.O. Box 693, Great Falls, Montana 59403. RUNNING WATER Running Water’s Fall Equinox Gathering will be held on Sept. 21-23. Come and prepare for the new moon and the beginning of fall on lovely Roan Mountain. Registra tion is $10 per person and $5 per person per day for vegetarian meals. You will have to provide your own camping (!) gear. Write: Running Water, Rt.l Box 127-E, Bakersville, NC 28705. CALIFORNIA RADICAL FAERIES There will be a big Spiritual Gather ing of Radical Gay Faeries on August 31 through September 7 in a secluded nature preserve twro hours east of Los Angeles. The cost for the full week will be $96, or $69 for those who can only attend the long weekend of Aug. 31 thru Sept. 3. Everyone is welcome, however, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Three vegetarian meals a day will be served. Sleeping bags and/or other camping gear should be brought. No structure is set for the gathering in the way of programs; circles of concerns can be called during the event. Those interested should send reser vations and check to Star Circle, 4550 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 190. Hollywood, CA 90027, or call (213) 658-5131.

CALIFORNIA PAGAN

NEW YORK PAGAN

Freyfaxi will be held in California on August 17-19. This will be a Norse Pagan focus. Contact: Pru dence Priest, 1040 Sutter #1, San Francisco, CA 94109.

The 9th Annual Pagan Samhain Festival will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4, from noon to 6:00 in New York City on the entire block located in front of 35 West 19th St. (between 5th and 6th Aves.) The event is for Pagans, Heathens, Witches, Magickians, and followers of Earth religions only. There will be prizes at the door and a prize for the best costume.

COG Grand Council & Ancient Ways Festival will be held on August 23-26 at Harbin Hot Springs, California. Contact: Cove nant of the Goddess, Box 1226, Berkeley, CA 94704. MARYLAND PAGAN The Harvest Survival and Healing Gathering will be held on August 9-12 in northern Maryland. Con tact: Silver Web, Box 5628, Balti more MD 21210.

The 8th annual Pan Pagan Festival, sponsored by the Midwest pagan Council, will be held August 17-19 in Michigan. For registration/info, write to Calumet Pagan Temple, 1519 Kenilworth, Calumet City, II 60409.

HINTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CULTURAL EVENT by Tom Wilson Weinberg

SOUTHEAST PAGAN A South-Eastern Gathering will be held in September in Georgia. For more information, send a SASE to Pagan Renaissance Lunarfest, c/o the First Humanist Church of At lanta. P.O. Box 8264, Atlanta, GA

Some of the major expenses will be: 1. Hall rental (a full house adds a thrilling dimension to a concert; be realistic about number of seats and location of hall) 2. Sound system, lights, piano (many come with hall) 3. Performer’s fee and travel expenses 4. Publicity (posters, fliers, postage, ads, press releases, etc.) 5. Misc. (tickets, singer, childcare, piano tuning, security) Sources of income:

Producing a concert can be an enriching and exciting endeavor for you, your organization and community. It brings people together in a very special way to celebrate our own music, our own culture, and to recharge ourselves. It’s also hard work and before taking on the job it’s important to know why you want to do it. There are lots of good reasons: benefiting a political cause, supporting alternative culture, creating an event or celebration; whatever the reasons, enthusiasm and a clear purpose are key ingredients.

1. Ticket sales 2. Donations, grants 3. Program ads 4. Sale of refreshments Have tickets printed early and publicize where they’re for sale. Consider a lower price for advance sale. Have organizations commit to selling blocks of tickets to their members and friends. Attend meetings of organizations to promote the event and sell tickets. Arrange interviews with newspapers and radio, conducted long-distance if necessary. Try to get news articles with photos printed in the few weeks preceeding the concert. Prepare a list for the last days before the concert:

Get lots of help. Seek joint sponsorship from other organizations. Ask people to each sell a certain number of tickets. Try to get as much free advertising as possible as well as announcements in newsletter and calendars, use of mailing lists (often groups wall include a flier in regular mailings) and services (typesetting, distributing posters, ushering, etc.) in exchange for tickets and/or program ads. Prepare a list of things to do, with deadlines for publicity campaign.

1. Finalize technical aspects of production 2. Meet artist at airport or train station 3. Interviews, workshops, meals 4. Sound and light check, rehearsal With good planning and lots of help the concert will be a success. Bask in the environment you've helped create. Enjoy the concert and take lots of the credit! (adapted from Good Fairy Productions and Ginny Bersons’s Making A Show Of It)

POETRY SOUGHT

GARY LAPOW

NEW TAPES

Publisher Lincoln B. Young of Knoxville, TN, invites poetry man uscripts for a book to be titled “The American Muse - A Treasury of Lyric Poetry,” which will be pub lished in 1984. Poems of any length, any style, and on any subject, will be considered. No payment will be made for any poem, nor will poets be asked to pay a fee or to purchase books as a condition of acceptance. The book will be copyrighted, but each poem will remain the property of its author. MSS with a SASE should be sent by July 15 to: Fine Arts Press, P.O. Box 3491-R, Knoxville, TN 37927.

A new cassette and album by Gary Lapow has been recently released and is available for $8 from: Gary Lapow, Box 1317, Berkeley, CA 94704.

Alan Young has produced Winter Dreams, solo piano excursions which orchestrate the process of death and rebirth that is the Win ter. A second work by Alan is Pilgrimage, electronic music which has a harmonizing and balancing effect upon the intellectual center. Jim Wilson, a former Zen abbot, has produced some striking shakahachi music which reaches deeply into the emotional center, helping to stimulate and open the spiritual heart. All three tapes are available from Tayu Press, P.O. Box 11554, Santa Rosa, CA 95436y at $13.00 each.

ARTISTS NETWORK

POETRY CONTEST

The Union Creative Arts NetworkPlanet Art Network (UCAN-PAN) is a “budding global network..of indi vidual artists, art groups, and holis tically-oriented organizations for whom art is an instrument for w'holeness and healing..and a way of living an aware and uplifted life.” UNCA-PAN publishes a Bullentin, and seeks contact information, skills, and interests. Please X send a 3 x. 5 index card with data, S and write: Artists Working ToX gether for Positive Information, m Union Graduate School, 262 Spruce I St., Boulder, CO 80302.

Wide Open: Magazine of Poetry announces the first in a series of poetry contests. A prize of $150 for the best poem will be awarded each quarter. The first award will be in September, 1984. All entrants will be considered for publication. There is an entry fee of $1 per poem with an SASE. Write: Wide Open, Suite 108, 1150-A Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. CA 95401.

O NEW RECORD Fred Small has released a new album well worth hearing, “ Heart of the Apoloosa” (on Rounder #4014), which is available with his first album “ Love’s Gonna Carry Us” (on Aquifer #1001) from Aquifier Records, Box 566, Somerville, MA 02143. Each album is $8 postage paid.

5 WILLIE SORDILL Willie Sordid’s second album on Folkways, “ Silent Highways” is also available from Willie for $8 at 38 Jay St., Cambridge, MA 02139.

and how his talent has developed/continues to develop. For artists and performers who insist on working creatively outside of the mainstream, Tom’s insights are especially important. For others who have or will hear Tom via recordings or live performances, Tom’s reflections add the dimension of Tom’s personal struggles and achievements.

AN INTERVIEW WITH TOM WILSON WEINBERG by Franklin Abbott The following is an ‘Interview’ with Tom Wilson Weinberg that comes in part from Tom’s response to a questinaire I developed for culture workers, from conversations Tom and I had in January when he was in Atlanta for a concert, and from Tom’s reflection on the questions over the next several months. Through Tom’s remarks the questions are apparent. What I wanted to know from him was where his inspiration comes from

This is the first in what I hope will be a series of profiles on culture workers. And without further ado, with pleasure, here’s Tom . . . 10

committee in the country, I founded and edited a weekly gay newsletter, the Philadelphia Gayzette, and I was a member of a gay /lesbian speaker’s bureau. I took my politics seriously and seemed to have no time for music. I did no writing and rarely played the piano.

ANSWERING FRANKLIN’S QUESTIONS: The primary musical influence on me was my mother. When I was a child she was a talented pianist. She hasn’t played for years but I still remember her sound, her technique, her terrific sight reading. My mother’s interest in music probably came from her mother who was a proud and fearless amateur opera singer. My Grandmother Rosetta had a little training and a lot of tremolo; I still remember her for having a beautiful voice. Both of my brothers love music but I seem to be the only child who followed the maternal line’s tradition of making music.

Now I see that this was okay. My writing, my creativity was all directed toward gay politics. Through political organizaing and speaking and testifying and writing articles, I had an outlet for my politics and theatre and humor. I learned that the politician and the performer derive their energy from a close source. When the music began to happen for me again, my source of inspiration wasn’t Rogers and Hart or Cole Porter or Tom Leher or Noel Coward or Pete Seger or Joan Baez. My inspiration was the gay liberation movement. First I wrote the predictable spoofs on standard songs and played them at parties and for friends. They were clever and gay in a wry, affirmative way. But I hadn’t found my own voice.

My older brother was a self-taught guitar-playing rock-and-roller. My younger brother and I were avid Broadway musical fans. We memorized the scores and staged puppet-scale productions. My interest in theatre music goes back to early, early childhood. I was intriqued by those strange songs that told a story, evoked a particular characterization, songs that were often funny and sometimes melodramatic.

My first public performance, my world debut, was at the Philadelphia Gay Coffeehouse in February 1977. I played a few original songs and filled out the set with some Noel Coward and odd ditties that somehow expressed a gay consciousness. The response was good, especially to my own material.

In fourth grade I decided to take up clarinet. I really wanted to play flute but it seemed that only girls chose this delicate instrument. My father bought me a clarinet. I took lessons, joined the band and marched all the way to college. At age 12 I added piano, taking lessons for a year and fighting it all the way. As soon as my mother let me quit I started playing for a few hours every night after dinner. I played the Broadway tunes, I improvised, I created orchestras in my head.

I remember my audition for that first performance. Afterwards a classical pianist who had also auditioned drove me home. “ Your songs are funny and touching’’, he said, “ but I felt embarrassed by them” . As unsure as I was of myself that day, I heard his comment and took it as a reason to write more gay songs. Over the years the “trying situations’’ have been variations on that theme. Those who are impressed by commercial hits, grammies and slick magazines have not been interested or supportive.

For some reason I never sang. I always felt musical and got lots of family and peer reinforcement for that. In junior high school I entered and won a competition for composing a new school song. The chorus I was afraid to audition for sang my song and I took a bow afterwards. I sang in the shower but not for another person. In most ways I was not a shy kid, but I was afraid to sing. I hadn’t yet learned what I know now: everyone can sing.

But here has been support, enough to sustain me always and sometimes much, much more. An enthusiasticreview, a serious article, warm applause and a call for an encore, letters from people who have discovered one of the albums, invitations to return and perform again in the same place, someone citing the particular meaning a song has for him or her-this is what reminds me how lucky I am to have a talent, the drive to put it out, and an audience to hear me.

I was in college in the Sixties. It was a Big Decade in which to become an adult, to learn some hard political realities, to begin the process of coming to terms with my gayness, to mourn in despair for John Kennedy and Bobby and Martin Luther King. My major was English literature but my main activity was musical theatre. I wrote music for, and performed in, an annual musical revue. I danced and even sang in a chorus line. We rehearsed for months, had a six week run and then went on tour over Spring break. In the summers I wrote and directed camp shows. For whatever reasons, my growing sense of politics, my participation in demonstrations against the war in Vietnam, my work in ghetto schools in Philadelphia and my emerging gay self never entered my songs.

The writing is lonely and always a struggle. Is it valuable? Am I saying this the way I want to say it? Can I sing these notes? Do I deserve the platform for my stories, my messages, my songs? Will the meager financial reward sustain me? So far it’s all enough but not enough. I want a larger audience, I want to write more and better songs and have more albums in larger numbers. But I’ve already received the major payoff, learning in my deepest self that I can sing to another person.

In the Seventies I became a full-time, dedicated gay liberationist. I co-founded Giovanni’s Room, a lesbian/ gay/feminist bookstore in Philadelphia, I was a member of the Gay Activist Alliance, I was active in the Eromin Center, a gay counseling agency, I was a member of the Governor’s Council on Sexual Minorities, the first such

Tom has two albums, “ All American Boy" a.id “Gay Name Game’’ that can be ordered for $7.95 amd $6.95 respectively from Aboveground Records, Box 497, Boston, MA 02112. 11

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That night, I headed for my friend’s home, not even trying to think of going to Lizbeth’s-but my friend’s house had an extremely long entranceway, and I knew that the rainstorm would make it impassable by the time I got there, so I turned around. Sometimes I feel itchy, like I want to do something but I don’t know why-and I usually end up doing it and learning something. When I turned around, I felt I should go on past my house, through the rain, to Lizbeth’s. If the rain got too bad, they’d have an extra room where I could stay overnight. It was a weeknight, getting near midnight, so I knew the house would only be open a little longer. As I came in, Suzetta, playing on her guitar, sitting across from Lizbeth at a table, their black faces both glowing in the light of the candle, and the smell of sawdust on the floor, struck me and made me feel a very special leaf was about to fall in my life. Who am I? Well, the folk of the shothouse call me “ Prof” because I teach anthropology at the college. I made friends with Lizbeth and Suzetta soon after I moved into town. Lizbeth had started the shothouse soon after I came into town, her husband having died a few months before, to bring in some little extra for the children, to make sure they would never want for anything. She herself was not one to pass a spoonful of it in her juice, and no more, but it was the only enterprise she could start quickly, and not have to report the income to the revenue people. Suzetta came by every night to play music, and just be with Lizbeth, and the folks who gathered around her music, and her music was one of the reasons people came to Lizbeth’s; it talked about strength and hope and love without ever saying the words, hoeing and raising a dog and loving being a woman who plays music were what her words expressed. Her songs talked about the things everyone there knew about, but the music and the way she said them brought it higher, somehow-like saying that black women exist to make music after having fed the dog, but making a person feel that feeding the dog was music, too, even though the words didn’t exactly bring that up. Suzetta saw Lizbeth make the sign of hand under chin“ Time for good-night songs!” called out Suzetta. I had come in only two songs before, so I settled back and watched while the bunch talking in the comer came over to sit down and join us for the last few songs, finishing over their conversations quietly. She sang for a couple of good-bye and good-night songs, and then asked for any requests. I felt humorous, so I suggested an old children’s song, “ So Long, Farewell” , but no one recognized the title and no laughing was heard, but Suzetta closed her eyes and started a spontaneous song, starting with the words I suggested. When the black epic movement from Africa as slaves to the New World began, we had been careful to take a few things with us-our names were taken from us, our religion was ignored and replaced with “theirs” , and it has become ours now, but our stories remained with us (the gentry didn’t think the stories were important enough to trample upon-but didn’t know how much freedom our minds were given because of this ignorance on their part), and some secrets only we could understand. Many of us asked our Gods and Goddesses to possess us, mount us as horses, and ride within our

bodies to the new place and continue to be our strength there. Those who have given their bodies, when they die, become part of a special level whose spirits rarely enter human forms, but are allowed to do so if they have something to say to avert disaster to the people, or create joy for the people. On the crowded slaveships, many of the possessed died, among the many more who had not the surrender to take a God or Goddess in the same body who also died from starvation, crowded rooms, and when their bodies were thrown from the ships, the people would say that only a few Spirits would be left by the time the new place was reached. There were only two spirit Helpers whose loss was not feared: Mother of the Spirits, who could easily cross an ocean unaided, and who was most easily called by a woman, a Mambo, whose pure courage and faith, combined with spices set aflame in liqueurs, and sand ve-ve drawings on the floor, could bring Her into her own body; and Father of the Spirits, who chose exclusively gay males to possess, and through whose mouths He would speak and smoke huge cigars. I thought of all of this quickly as Suzetta closed her eyes and sang-she became Mambo Suzetta MotherGoddess, and the known relationship she and Lizbeth had, and which was one of the reasons a closeness had developed between them and myself, took a new color, a special spirit of understanding of two-women-togetherstrength: the music and my love as a friend for these two women and something unknown all were wreathed up at that moment of song. All talking had stopped, the cigarette smoke became clearly ambitious spoutings of Father-God’s cigar, soft veils of the music settled over everyone's eyes, and many shut their eyes to join the musician in her creation of this unknown (and yet deeply known) feeling that suggestively and subjectively pervaded the room. 1he words smelled sweetly of people in love bidding adieu to friends, of music strong in the heart of a child asleep, of the way music touches in the same way that a kiss to the lover’s hand gentles and strengthens, of words that could not be heard because the beauty of those preceding were still striking deeply into mind, heart, and the inner music. As Mambo Mother Suzetta opened her eyes, all those present could see that Mother-Goddess had not waited for spices and rum to be burned above a sand-drawing to come, thai She had come to us in a shothouse to the sound of a guitar played by one who could lose her mind for a while to let the Goddess play and sing. Little talk was exchanged as people wrapped up, and left. Although my original plan had been to simply get away from my own home for the night, I rode back through the continuing rain, and felt it to be Mambo Mother Goddess and Bonde Father God spitting sweet rum benevolently upon the world to prepare it for their coming possession of the real world of things as they have always mounted the real world of music and spirits and lovers to dance ecstatically in the what-we-call Sun, planets simply smoke rising from their wild, uninhibited gyrations. If they had let the lightning strike me that night upon my bike, I would not have gotten home to write this story down-so they must want it told. I spread its words, scented with sweet rum and spices aflame, upon the altar of your mind, where the ve-ve sand drawings are kept. 13

DES (DIETHYLSTILBESTOL) DANGER Although the female offspring of women who took DES during pregnancy (to prevent spontaneous abortion) were certain to be at a high risk of developing cancer, it was thought that male offspring were a little or no risk. However, Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston has discovered testicular cancer in a few patients whose mothers had taken DES during pregnancy. This type of cancer usually starts while the man is young, but one that does not begin to show symptoms until the man is in his mid-30’s. The doctors now hypothesize that this decade may show an increase in the incidence of testicular cancer because of the widespread use of DES during the 1950’s. T S E - TESTICULAR SELF EX AMINA TION Testicular cancer is most often found in men aged 20-31 and is more likely to occur in men whose testes never descended to the scrotum or descended after the age of six. Prepuberal surgery to correct this problem unfor tunately does not lessen the liklihood. Its exact cause is not known, but there are many physicians who feel that this cancer may be hereditary. It is found mostly in white males with the incidence in blacks and orientals very low. Alarmingly, death due to testicular cancer is increasing.

THE APOTHECARY

Most testicular cancer is found by men themselves. While these cancers seldom cause pain, any pain, swelling, discomfort of the testes, problems in urination or tenderness of the breasts should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately. These symptoms may not mean cancer but if they do, the earlier the treatment, the better the chances of cure.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ B Y ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

JERRY STAMPS P.D. COD LIVER OIL

Everybody s grandmother has extolled the virtues of cod liver oil for many generations and Dr. R. F. Garry of Tulane University apparently heeded this advice when he started a clinical trial using Vitamin A rich cod liver oil to treat warts. The oil was applied daily to affected areas and a 100% cure rate was achieved. Warts disappeared in all sufferers within 4 to 12 weeks after the start of treatment. O

Also keep in mind that the treatment of testicular cancer causes no physical reason to end sexual activity. Sexual relations are totally possible once the cancer is taken care of. The best time to examine your testes is right after a hot bath or showrer-the heat causes the testicles to descend and the scrotal skin to relax, making it easier to find anything unusual.

SIT-UP PROBLEMS

Each testicle should be examined with the fingers of both hands. Place your index and middle fingers on the underside of the testicle and your thumb on the top. Gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for a small lump. If you find anything, chances are that it will be at the front or side of your testicle.

Sit-ups are one of the most popular exercises for getting “into shape” , and the exercise is very good to tighten and flatten the stomach; however, sit-ups can do harm to the back muscles and the spine if not done properly. So do them with the knees bent and move slowly and deliberately or do a semi-sit-up or sit-back. These are easier to do and less hazardous. However, all the sit-ups in the world won't get rid of the old “ spare tire” -to do this other types of exercises must be done and calories must be reduced.

It really is a very simple procedure. The next time you bathe make an examination and do it regularly. It’s no bother and it could save your life. JA

whenever he hurt himself (had a small cut, scratch or the like) to go into the bam and urinate on his sore. He said it always worked and that he never had any problems as a result. He told this in his talk on nature’s natural rememdies along with using jewel weed juice on poison ivy. I have tried to ask several doctors about this but none will admit there is anything beneficial in urine, only that it is sterile. They quickly change the subject. It is not a discussable topic. Since in these pages freedom prevails, perhaps other readers can add to my experiences. I hope so, as I would like to know more about it. *Editors’s note— One of the oldest remedies for a sty is to collect ones urine in a sterile container first thing in the morning and use it as drops in the affected eye-and it works.

PISS ON IT

BY ►►►►►►►►

EDDIE BEE Not an exclamatory remark this time. No, a serious

Obviously, if one is suffering from an active kidney or urinary tract infection, this method of treatment would be questionable, however, if one is in a good state of health, urine is indeed a sterile, isotonic liquid which is excellent for wound cleansing.

directive. And it works. Last month I was sawing small limbs from trees and shrubs with my curved pruning saw. It slipped once and caught the little finger on my left hand. Not a real serious problem but there was pain and lots of blood. I went into the bathroom, unzipped and let all the urine I had flow out across my injured finger. The water in the toilet bowl quickly colored from my blood. I put a bandage on it and that was the extent of treatment. Healing was quick and perfect. Just this week I hit the back of my hand on the oven rack which was really hot. I had read that the latest bum treatment was to run cold water on a burn, so I did that. Later it got sore so I once again resorted to the old standby-urine. I let the sore have all I had, then bandaged. Healing took place and now there is just a healthy looking scab. How did I start doing this? Well, let me tell you the background.

f .

* - - 4 PRESENTS

v I

Many years ago my barber just happened to relate a story to me while I was getting a haircut. When he was a boy he had an ear infection no medicine his doctor prescribed would cure. Finally, the doctor told his mother to get some of the boy’s urine and wash his ear out with it but not to tell anyone the doctor had so advised. The mother followed instructions and the ear healed. H E A L T H T A L K S • WORKSHOPS • D E M O N S T R A T I O N S • T H E A T R E

After the Vietnam War, a former medic I was visiting with told me that they were instructed to wash out wounds with urine when no other antiseptic was available in the field. They were to have some comrade urinate directly on the wound, not letting it first go into any type of container. The guy was embarassed telling me that much and would not tell me how much he ever saw such treatment used, but he seemed quite familiar with it.I

Topic*: ac u p res su re • Chine** me dicine • five el e m e n t me dica l diet healing massage • jin shin do • yoga • circle healing m e d it a ti o n • aura fluffing • herbal rem edi es • parasites h ep a tit is • h erp es • refle xo logy • thea tri cal a d a p t a t i o n o f the Nei Ching (Ye llow E m p e r o r ’s Classic of I n te r n al M e d ic in e !

S end word o f y o u r G at h e ri n g o r C o n f er en c e to

I attended a group camp-out for nature study in a neighboring state a few years ago. One evening a local authority on birds and botany was our speaker. One remark he made, and I have it on tape, was that when he was a boy on their farm, his mother had told him

H E A L T H Y OBE LIS K 5S4 Cast ro S tr e e t. No I 20 San F ran ci sc o, CA 9 4 1 1 4

AREA CO-ORDINATORS: L , P Bob Dalehite Texas Wisconsin Bill Murphy |v Len Richardson Oregon w Unicorn II New York a V AVAVAVAVAVAVA The BBB Pen Pal Program is designed to provide lists of prison ers seeking correspondeants on the outside. We encourage readers to write us for the list for their area and guidelines for writing to prison ers. Also, those receiving unsolici ted prisoner mail might wish to wright us before responding. Being a Pen Pal could be a valuable outreach for many of our brothers behind bars. Many gay prisoners are especially isolated and desper ate for friends.

◄ PRISON JOURNAL Prison Journal is a new magazine from Matsqui prison in B.C., Can ada. It is primarily a literary maga zine but includes introduction ex plaining why Canadian prisoners have chosen to express themselves through art rather than politics. Write: PJ, University of Victoria Program at Matsqui, Box 2500. Abbotsford, BD, Canada V2S 4P3.

◄ PRISON POETRY

CENSORSHIP VICTORIES

PRISON BOOK PROGRAM

Prisoners in all New York state prisons will have greater access to gay and radical publications as the result of an order signed in federal court in Syracuse in March. Nintythree publications previously cen sored by prison officials will now be available to prisoners. The order spelled out a specific proceedure which must be followed by censors when they reject materials as un suitable. Both the prisoner and the sender of the material must now be notified that censors have rejected the publicatin and that the prisoner and the sender may appeal the decision within 60 days. In the notification of rejection, censors are directed to cite a specific violation of the state’s media review guide lines. They may not simply say that a publication is unacceptable in its entirety. RFD has already received similar notifications from the Texas prisons.

The Prison Book Program distri butes books and magazines into prisons. The PBP is located at 92 Green St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. There is a similar program by Left Bank Books, 92 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101.

In a related development on the West Coast, prison officials at the U.S. Penitentiary at Lompoc, Cali fornia have agreed to allow the San Francisco weekly gay paper, Bay Area Reporter to be received by prisoners there. The National Gay Rights Advocates (NGRA) agreed to represent the paper and threatened the prison with a lawsuit if the censorship was not changed. Leonard Graff, NGRA’s legal director, said, “Their policy was a clear violation of First Amendment rights, I think they capitulated so soon because they knew there was no way legally to justify this censorshiD.

Seditious Libel requests submiss ions of poetry from prisoners, or from anyone else, for inclusion in their next issue. Write: SL, P.O. Box 6981, New York. NY 10150. < < < < < < < < < < < < <<<<<< For years I was incarcerated like yourself; Angola-for the state of Louisiana and Texarkana, TX. - for our Uncle Sam.

<<<<<<

◄ ILLINOIS PRISONER SUPPORT The Prisoner Support Committee (of the Illinois Gay & Lesbian Task Force) has been making “major strides” at the Cook County Jail in Chicago. It has successfully organ ized a meeting with the jail’s Chaplaincy Council for the purpose of gaining the local Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) access to gay and lesbian prisoners at the jail. For more information, write: PSC, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.

◄ LITIGATION MANUAL A new expanded edition The Pri soners’ Self-Help Litigation Manual (first edition out of print) written by Dan Manville should now be avail able from Oceana Publications. This new edition of over 500 pages includes chapters on legal research; drafting court papers; a compre hensive overview of pri soners; actions, remedies and de fenses; and a step-by-step outline on “ how to litigate” in federal court, among other topics. Write: Oceana Publications, Inc., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.

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TRASH. At the present time we are handling yam goods and accessories for Knitting and Crocheting. However, if there is something else that you’re into besides this and you have this being used feeling, let me know; I’m sure I can help.

Now I’ve paid my debt to society; I’m free. While being incarcerated for 14 years I worked a lot of different hobby crafts and was ripped off by so many suppliers, it really was a joke. But, at the time I wasn’t laughing.

We offer you top quality goods at low prices. There are NO SERVICE FEE’S, NO POSTAGE and HANDLING FEE’S to be paid by you. Richard L. Jendrian Golden Spinning Wheel 3233 Williams Blvd. Kenner, La. 70065

I’ve set up a Mail Order Hobby Craft firm that is for your use only, No street sales. And most important of all NO 16

Going for months or even years without sex, and then at last the moment of total relief when you finally shoot your balls dry into some kid’s warm mouth or tender ass... Telling everybody you don’t “ fuck around,” and then sneaking off with a “ sweet kid” when nobody’s looking... Opening up your eyes after a tremendous orgasm with your girl, and realizing it is a boy you shot your load into... Whistling at the “ queens” as they promenade around the Yard... Getting your dick sucked by a fuck-boy while thinking about Miss September... Realizing that your cock can’t tell the difference between a girl’s tongue and a boy’s tongue, between a girl’s asshole and a boy’s asshole... The overwhelming feeling of power reclaimed, and masculinity confirmed, that you get when you make a boy suck your dick all the way down to the root... Wondering if some kid’s head is worth a carton of smokes to you... Not being able to talk to anyone about your sexual feelings... Wondering what your woman back home would think of your jailhouse sex life... Feeling guilty because you were told that fucking boys offends the Lord, tho you don’t feel guilty about robbing or shooting people... Calling asshole “ pussy” until you believe it... The first time you wake up from dreaming about fucking

The county lockup, the big city megazoo, the juvenile “ training school,” the Rig House... Different things to different people... Jail is the kingdom of Priapos. Jail is...

Getting a roaring hard-on every time the Warden’s secretary floats by in a cloud of perfume... Realizing you’re still young, and yet you choose to give up sex for long years to come... Wanting to jerk off so bad it hurts, and not having anywhere to do it in private... When your girlfriend stops coming to see you... Getting a “dear John” letter which starts, “ If only you were here...” Thinking you’ll be old before you ever feel real pussy again... Being unbearably homy and bored, all day long, day after day after day...

- V;”

Learning there are three social classes: Men, the top dogs, the fuckers; Queens, the “ sissies,” homos, effeminate fags, the “ ladies of the compound; and Punks, impressed into service by force or threat, youngsters made sex-slaves by “ taking their manhood” . Calling all the queens “girls” and using female names and pronouns for them... Realizing there are never enuf queens and punks to go around, and the implications of that fact... Planning sex for weeks, and consumating it in 15 seconds... “ Faggot” -haters fucking boys at every opportunity... Men existing largely without touch, except for brief instants of combat, sports, or sex, and mostly, tho far from exclusively, without tenderness... Getting a quick blowjob in a cramped toilet stall, while listening for the guard’s keys... Making it in broom-closets, under bunks, behind washing machines, between library stacks, in the showers, in the cells, in the open dorms; in private, with a lookout watching you as well, with everyone watching... Not daring to think about what you are feeling...

Wondering if you’ll be able to take a shower without fighting for your manhood... Feeling the racing adrenaline high when your “ manhood is challenged and, being an experienced street-fighter, you successfully defend it...

Knowing other guys are getting their dicks sucked or fucking ass and wondering what it would be like... Waking up with a hard-on and contemplating your sleeping cellmate’s ass... All your friends telling you how good this “ sissy” is at sucking dick and asking why you don’t join in and get some... Getting so bored making love to your hand that you’d almost do anything to bury your pole in a warm body... Knowing that if you don’t fuck some boy, some boy will try to fuck you... Sizing up your new cellmate and wondering if he’ll try to fuck you, or you'll try to fuck him, or neither, or both... Deciding you're not gonna let the government take away your sexuality...

Seeing boys turned into sex-slaves and treated like whores... 17

Watching a bunch of college freshmen playing juvenile delinquents in scenes from “ West Side Story/' their bright unscarred white faces beaming with delight to be playing to an audience of prisoners, and the dude next to you turns and says, “ If those punks ever got locked up, every fuckin’ one of ’em ’d have a big dick up his ass in no time.’’... Making bets on the fresh fish who came in today: how long till he gets his cherry busted, and who will end up owning him... Wondering if you’ll get a chance to sink your prick into that same kid before some tough “jocker’’ puts a claim on him, and wondering how you’d feel afterward...

“ Shit on my dick, or blood on my blade!” ... Raping a boy because you are strong and cold enuf and its makes your dick feel good and it shows everybody you are tough and they better not get in your way and it’s exciting and you’re bored... The fuckin’ lieutenant asking, “ Why don’t you find a nice kid for yourself and settle down?” ... The feeling of power, and conquest, and pride in your manhood, when you get a boy’s cherry... Arranging for the lookouts, knowing they’ll expect a piece of the action in return... Alook in a boy’s eyes when he’s made to suck his first dick, while the “ wolves” line up to take their turn at filling the new “punk’s” mouth with cock and com... A ‘‘counselor” rubbing his hands with glee as he assigns a nearly suicidal rape victim to cell with a brutal “ booty bandit” ...

Not wanting to look into the eyes of a newly “turned out” punk... Telling yourself that the punk is “ weak” and contemp tible and has nobody to blame but himself, and hearing it from all the other Men until you begin to believe it... Realizing you are so lonely that you need to get a punk or a sissy of your own... Looking for someone to share a long sentence with you... Wondering if a nice kid would be better off as your punk than as gang property, and trying to decide if you’re willing to assume the obligation to fight to protect him once he’s yours... Figuring out if the best way to get one is to buy him off someone, fight his Man for him, wait for a new queen to show up, or turn out a fresh punk... Sizing up the guys in your block to see who might be weak enuf to be punked out by you... Feeling like a King after turning out a cute kid, and hating yourself for it at the same time...

Laying down the law to your punk on how you want your clothes washed and ironed, your bed made, your cell cleaned, your shoes shined, your coffee served... Kicking out your current cellie in order to move your kid in with you... Seeing your status rise because you have your own punk now... Relaxing, high off of some good smoke, stretched out on top of a “sweet kid” you like and who now belongs to you, your dick still up in him and your balls drained, enjoying the warmth of a human body under you, feeling on top of the world... Feeling secure enuf in the control of your kid and your own sharply-defined masculine role to be able to let your hard mask fall and discuss with him your own fears, doubts, anxieties and uncertainties... Forming a partnership with your kid and sharing everything with him... Pimping out your kid and trying to suppress your jealousy... Loaning your punk out to your buddies and thereby cementing your leadership position with them...

Being young and small and without friends or much experience with jail or serious combat skill, nervous on your first nite in the cellblock, seeing the hungry-wolf looks in their eyes, scared and trying not to show your trembling... Being trapped in the shower by a gang with flashing knives... Walking around a comer when a blanket is suddenly thrown over your head and you’re dragged off into a storeroom... Waking up with a knife under your throat, and a heavy body pressing you into the mattress, and a hard object poking at your virgin asshole... Havirig to choose between tasting his sperm or your own blood, and ending up with both... Wondering if there will ever again come a time when you don’t have a glowing hot poker rammed up your ass... Trying uncontrollably to puke every time a new cock gets rammed down your throat, but your stomach long since empty of everything but uncounted loads of other males’ cum, stickily coating your throat and tongue... Lying dazed, exhausted, and utterly defeated, your ass tom inside and throbbing with unbearable agony, nude, face up at last, on the hard tile floor of the shower room; and having to watch while one after another of a seemingly endless procession of males stands over you for a moment and then pisses all over your battered and bleeding body—then, with a slight nudge to his terrible weapon, directs his hot stream of piss straight into your face and orders you to open your mouth... Hanging yourself in your cell because you believe them when they say they took your manhood and you’ll never get it back again... «

The complexities of outmaneuvering your many rivals in the courtship of a newly-unattached fuck-boy... The quiet joy, the anxieties, and the keen anticipation when a kid finally becomes your very own punk...

The iron will to survive, deep inside, to some day get even with the world... 13

Checking into “protective custody” and getting raped there, too... Not being able to talk to anyone on the staff or on the Street about what happened... The shame, the humiliation, the exposed vulnerability, the devastating insecurity, the anger, the buried rage... Guys call you “punk” everywhere you go in the compound, your reputation spreading like wildfire before you, even preceding your arrival when you get transferred...

Smuggling in black lace panties and lady's perfume... Cops hassling you all the time and trying to send you to the Hole whenever possible... Knowing where all the dope is on the compound... Earning more from one trick than from a month’s prison labor... Being everybody’s favorite scapegoat... Being assigned a paranoid homo-hater as your cellmate.. Being shifted to another cellblock by the Captain in order to keep that block quiet... Finding a measure of happiness with a good Man... The tears when staff transfers your “ husband” just to keep you apart...

The incomprehension when the bandit who, with two of his buddied, knocked you down and raped you yester day, shows up today with reefer and gifts from the canteen and tells you he’s in love with you... The mixture of relief and dread when, after being used as a sperm depository for everyone in the gang, you find a powerful and generally feared Man to protect you, knowing the price... Being suddenly “respected” because your Man is respected and you belong to him... Realizing it doesn’t hurt any more when you’re getting fucked... Being grateful for your Man’s protective shield... Being handed over to a new jocker because your Man lost you in a card game... Knowing you haven't lost your desire for women even tho you’re giving up head and ass every nite... Discovering that the tough con who owns you wants to treat you tenderly, but will only do so if you accept his role and yours and never confuse them... Wondering if this is how your girlfriend felt when she was with you... Turning tricks whenever your Man tells you to, getting high every other nite and having all the canteen goods you can use, sometimes “ switching out” with another punk or even paying a queen to let you fuck her, and contemplating what jailhouse life has done to you... When it dawns on you that your Man really cares about you and is the only soul in the whole damn prison who does... Missing your man with a sudden ache when he leaves and you are claimed by a pimp from the Street who thinks of you only as a financial asset... The routine tone of the Judge’s voice as he gives you Life for freeing yourself from the pimp with a razor blade to

Seeing a pair you know get busted and sent to the Hole because they fell asleep in each other’s arms... Having a queen as your mate and sometimes forgetting she’s not a biological female... Seeing a tough, hardened con go beserk when his punk gets hurt... Celebrating a lifer’s “marriage” to his queen with a part for the whole block, after participating in the imitation ceremony in the Chapel... Wondering if this could be love you’re feeling... Those precious, priceless moments when you and your kid cling to each other in the dark, trying to shut out the cold, cruel world around you... Realizing that, in the end, the physical pleasure and release don’t count; the gender of your partner doesn't count; but the touch of another human being you care about -- that makes all the difference in the world.

◄ Are you fed up with seeing high school students bombarded with military personnel, propaganda, and paraphernalia? Are you tired of being chased off high school grounds? Or find your organizing efforts as a high school student undercut? Then try the WRL H i g h S c h o o l O r g a n i z i n g P a c k e t . It won’t brighten your teeth, develop your sex appeal, or even give you longer life—but it w ill give you ideas and encouragement, which should improve your ability to reach and help high school students This Packet includes • comprehensive organizing guide • students' First Amendment rights • resource list • 12 case histories of successful organizing efforts Send $6 ($5 plus $1 postage) to the HS Packet. War Resisters League, 339 Lafayette Street, New York NY 10012

Being the only queen in the cellblock, where a hundred horny young studs get hard just watching you sashay down the catwalk in your hot pants... Having all the meat you can eat, nite after nite... Being segregated in the “Queens’ Tank” 24 hours a day... Looking down at the punks while facing the same problems of powerlessness and oppression that they do... Being told you can only work in the prison laundry... Everyone wanting to go up in you but nobody wanting to eat with you in the chow hall... 19

Lying on the bed, his head propped up with one of his arms, he was staring at the picture hanging on the wall next to the bed. The picture showed a naked Vietnamese girl running down a dirt road in fear and pain. Napalm had burned away her clothes. “ What’s that all about?” he asked. “ I was involved in the movement.” I tried to make the word sound mystical and faraway. “ Oposition to the war was the big thing. I guess it’s some sort of connection to my past.” “ But everyone’s opposed to war. You should have something on your wall to show what you’re for.” He smiled that lovely boyish smile. “ Maybeyou’re right.” “We’ll see what we can come up with,” he said. I began to think that this might be more than just another Saturday night trick. We started picking up our clothes which lay scattered all over the apartment. The disarray struck us both as something absurdly funny. For a few moments we laughed uncontrollably. Passion is never neat. Early that afternoon we ate breakfast in one of those French Quarter restaurants that has lots of charm-the walls were full of autographed pictures of movie stars from a bygone era-and lousy service. We didn’t mind. It gave us a chance to talk. I asked him what it was like growing up gay in Mississippi. He said that as a teenager he knew he was gay, but guilt prevented him from acting on it. In college he fell in love with his roommate. They had a brief affair, but the roommate went away to grad school. After the roommate had left, he started going to the one gay bar in the area by himself, darting in and out hoping that family or friends wouldn’t see him. The bars caused too much anxiety, so he opted out for the more closeted encounters in public restrooms and roadside parks. Then he read about ‘oppression.’ When he used the word, I almost laughed but didn't. He said that I probably thought it was funny. Immediately I felt jaded and guilty. “ No I didn’t,” I insisted. He said that after graduation he headed south for New Orleans. “ I guess if I were ambitious I would have gone to Houston. New Orleans is for coming to terms with my

I had always liked the pretty young men who seem to come to New Orleans from all over the rural South. They were old enough to be legal, but young enough no to have become jaded and burnt out. I was sitting at my usual place staring in the mirror behind the bar discreetly observing the two young men standing in back of me along the wall passionately kissing one another. Looking at them, I wished that I had come out earlier. I guessed that I was only ten years older than those two, fifteen at the most, but something more than my approaching male pattern baldness separated us. “ Mind if I sit here?” the voice next to me said in a friendly southern accent. “ No, not at all.” I glanced to my right to see the face that went with the voice. I liked what I saw\ smiled, but turned back toward the bar. I furtively looked to my right again. I was shocked: he was looking at me. “ My name’s Roger Newberry. What’s yours?” he asked. “ Phillip.” “ Doyou have a last name?” “ Evans.” My guard rose a bit. “ Where’re you from?” “ Hattiesburg,” he said. I moved here about a month ago. I got a job working in a little store in the Quarter selling knick-knacks to tourists. “ Do you like it?” “The knick-knacks or the tourists,” he joked. I smiled. “ Actually it’s okay,” he continued. “ Meeting the people is fun. If they want to waste their money on junk, it’s none of my business. The only problem is the boss: he wants to get into my pants, but I told him I don’t take my meat and potatoes from the same plate.” We both laughed. “ Maybe he’ll help you find a better job so he can get into your pants.” I offered to buy him a drink-bourbon and coke. I was still nursing my soda and lime. Our knees touched under the bar. That night we went to my place. Three joints, an overturned bottle of poppers, five orgasms, and twelve hours later we were facing another day. Together or separately, I wondered. 20

sexuality. As a matter of fact, among the few gay friends I have back home I’m something of a hero. I was the first to leave.” There was brief pause. ‘‘They’re coming to see me in a few weeks.” He asked little of me. I don’t know whether it was because he wasn’t interested or afraid of what he might find out. I did tell him that I grew up in New Orleans, and except for college and two years of law school, had spent my life here. That afternoon we went window shopping. In an art store he insisted that I buy a print of Maxfield Parrish’s 'Daybreak. ’ “ You can put it up in place of that horrible picture of the little girl,” he said. I had a brief mental battle, but figured that Vietman, the movement, my political rebellion were all part of the past. Anyway I liked the androgynous dreamlike quality of the two figures. I purchased the print, and then we went to a you-frame-it shop where we joked as we worked. ‘‘You’re taking down a picture with one naked girl, and replacing it with one that has two. People might think you're straight,” Roger said.

down the streets, keys jangling at each of our sides, Roger s hand held a go cup slightly awash with bourbon and coke, and mine held a cigarette seeming to act as a leader with an invisible line attached to it drawing us from bar to bar. We partied three or four nights a week-dancing, drinking, doing some soft core drugs. I let my job go to hell, but I didn't care: I was in love. We talked endlessly, sometimes seriously, sometimes camping, but always repeating ourselves. I remember asking him, “ Do your parents know you’re gay?” "No not yet. They’re probably suspicious. Maybe they know in their hearts, but not in their heads. God, that sounds sappy,” he said, interrupting his thought. “ Are you going to do anthing about it?” I persisted. "I want to come out with them pretty soon so I can introduce y all to each other; then we can move in together. ’’ That sounds fine, I said, skeptical that anything so complicated could work so easily. ‘‘The optimism of youth,” I said kissing him, my lips feeling the hairs of his latest project, his moustache. At first I was upset

“ A pederast at the very least,” I replied. ‘‘But I’m not too sure whether the people in this picture are boys or girls.” “ Flow exciting.” On the way back to my apartment with the framed print wrapped in brown paper, we stopped in one of the bars to look at the Sunday evening crowd. We both had a beer. When we got home, I took the little Vietnamese girl down from the wall, and put her in my desk drawer that had some mememtoes from the past, an old peace symbol and about a half dozen unsold short stories. We borrowed a hammer from my landlady and hung the print. Now doesn’t that look better,” Roger said licking his lips. “ I really like it,” I said putting my arms around him. Wre had sex that night without dope or poppers, sleeping soundly wrapped in each other’s arms. Looking back on our relationship, it seemed as though it had lasted more than just a few weeks. But that was all-just a few weeks. Wre started going to the bars regularly. We walked

thinking that the moustache would destroy part of his boyish charm. But strangely enough, it had the opposite effect: it heightened his sense of youth. Of course I didn’t tell him that. He never asked me about my parents. That hurt a little. I know what my therapist would have said, ‘‘You can tell him about your parents. You don’t have to wait for an invitation. Or you could tell him you’re upset that he never asked.” Maybe, but I wasn’t ready to put that sort of strain on our relationship. Not yet anyway. Eventually my boss called me into his office. He told me that he didn’t know what was going on in my personal life, didn’t care as a matter of fact, but if my job performance didn't improve my future with the agency would be in jeopardy. That same night Roger and I went out. Before leaving we smoked some dope, each of us dowmed a quaalude, and then we headed to the disco with a new bottle of poppers. We were drinking pretty heavily, but I figured that the frantic dancing would help dissipate the effects of the alcohol. 21

A combination of smells engulfed us on the dance floor, sweat, poppers, and liquor. The walls surrounding us were lined with mirrors giving the place a feeling of endlessness. We were close to one of the mirrors. Hips pressed against hips, our tongues penetrated each other’s mouths, then slowly we withdrew them. I got a sidelong glance of myself in the mirror. Our tongues looked like melting red wax. I had been feeling hopelessly sensual, but suddenly I felt so extraordinarily foolish. I was too old for this, and I was sure that everyone in the place must be secretly laughing at me. I ran out of the room leaving Roger alone on the dance floor. He caught me on the landing of the stairs leading out of the building. I was breathing hard. ‘‘What’s the matter, babe?” he asked, putting his arm around me. “ I don’t know. I just had to get out of there.” “ Do you want to go home?” he asked. I didn’t know whether he was sincere. I thought he wanted to stay, but I also thought he wanted me to stay. “ Roger, I don’t know what happened to me in there, but I've got to get out of here. You stay. I think I should

Fear kept me from going out. Maybe he would call and I would miss him, or else I would see him with someone else in the bars. So I sat. finally late in the afternoon the phone rang. I quickly picked it up. “ Roger?” Instantly I wished that my voice hadn’t betrayed my anxiety. 4‘Yeah. How are you doing?” Worried about you. I’ve been trying to get you all day.” “ Have you recovered from last night?” “ I’m sorry about what happened. It must have been the pills and liguor. I just panicked. I shouldn’t have left.” I wasn’t going to ask him where he had been all day. “ Are you okay now?” he asked. “ Yes, I slept well last night.” I tried to be light-hearted. “It must have been the pills and liquor. I’ve been hanging around here all day.” Sitting by the phone, worried sick about you. Jealous. Mad. Pulling my hair out. But I wasn’t going to tell him that. Phillip, I tricked with somebody last night.’’ Some Body or somebody, I wondered. “ Philip?”

be alone anyway. Please understand.” “ I guess so.” He was pouting a little. I could also see someone staring at us from the top of the stairs. I felt ashamed airing my anxiety in public. “ I’ll call you in the morning.” I kissed him good night, and hurried out of the building. I thought if I stayed any longer I would start crying. I didn’t look back to see if Roger was staring at me. The night air turned my body clammy as I hurried home. W’hen I got there I stripped, hopped into a steaming hot shower, and soaped my body furiously. The next morning I awoke, and instinctively reached out to touch Roger. Then I remembered what had happened. I called him on the phone. No answer. I laid there in bed staring at the ceiling wondering where he was. The paradox of it angered me: I had only myself to blame. Throughout the day I performed a number of rituals-reading the Sunday paper, going to the corner grocery store to buy a can of coffee, looking at some television, and after each ritual I called Roger. Still there was no answer.

“ Oh.” The word stuck in my throat. “ What are you doing tonight? I’d like to be with you.” 4‘Tonight I have to be by myself. ’’ “ I said I was sorry.” “ This has nothing to do with you.” “ Doesn’t it?” I asked. “ Look, this scene is still new for me. I suppose I adapted real easy to it, but part of me, the coutnry shit kicker part of me, is still looking at all of this in a state of shock. It’s not just being gay. It’s the whole bar scene. I’ll call you later in the week” He hung up. I thought, welcome to the club. I walked into my bedroom, and sat on my bed looking at the Maxfield Parrish print. The smell of sweet olive trees was all I could think about. I remembered walking through the French Quarter in previous years smelling the sweet olive, thinking how nice it would be to be in love and smell them. Now I could smell the sweet olive blooming, and I was in love, but I felt like hell. Suddenly I stood up and smashed my fist into the print. It laid on the floor amid the shattered glass, a tiny stream of blood running down one of the cracks in the glass. 22

I collapsed into my bed and cried myself to sleep, long sobbing cries muffled by my pillow. The following week I threw myself into my work, clearing away stuff that had been piling up the last few weeks. Whenever I felt as though I were going to cry I would quietly slip into the men’s room for privacy. If I came back rey-eyed, I told my co-workers it was an allergy. After all the sweet olives were blooming. At nights I stayed in my apartment and read, looked at television, and started fiddling with my stereo. I also felt it was a good time to try and give up cigarettes. I think what upset me the most was not knowing exactly how Roger and I stood with each other. My mind told me that time would settle that question, but it wasn’t much comfort to my heart. Anyway, being by myself, I was more reflective and had time to think. Later in the week Roger called. “ You sound different,’’ he said. “ Same old me, I think, anyway how are you?’’ “ Okay. Listen, my friends I told you about are corping down this weekend. I wrote them about you, and I!m anxious for y’all to meet and like each other. I figured we could go out dancing. ’’

I opened the front door and he followed me in. “ They’re all at the bar waiting to meet you.’’ “ Roger, I already told you I’m not going.’’ I felt quilty, but it was the principle: he was trying to manipulate me. I didn’t look at him as he followed me into the bedroom with the laundry basket. “ Maybe if I get them to put a little pressure on you,’’ he said light-heartedly, “ then..’’ He stopped suddenly. I turned around. He was looking at the smashed Maxfield Parrish print which was lying in a chair next to the bed. “ So that’s how you feel,’’ he said coldly. He dropped the laundry basket, and hurried out of the apartment, knocking the telephone off the table. “ No, wait, stop, ’’ I said replacing the phone. I looked for a cigarette, but couldn’t find one. I had to go to the bar and try and find him. Showering and quickly getting dressed, I hurried down the street to the bar. I didn’t see him downstairs, 60 1went upstairs to the disco. He was sitting on a stool, his foot absently keeping time to the music. His shirt was off, and another man was sucking on his tit. I stared but he didn’t see me. 1

“ Roger, I’m swearing off the bars for a while. I’d like to see you. I’ve missed you these past few days.’’ Come out to the bars with us. Do it for me.’’ “Sorry, you can bring them over here and we can party. But the bars are out.’’ “You’re being selfish.’’ “I’m sorry you feel that way.’’ “ You don’t want to be with me anymore.’’ It sounded as though he were going to cry. “I want to see you and be with you. You just don’t know. I even want to meet your friends. But for right now, I just don’t want to go to the bars. I don’t mean forever, but just not for awhile. ’’ “ I’ll talk to you later,’’ he said. ‘Okay.’’ There was brief pause. “ I love you.’’ “ Sure." His voice sounded strangled, then he hung up. Saturday came and I didn’t hear from him. I figured everything was off. I was returning from the laundromat in the early evening when Roger met me at the front door. “ Here, let me help you with that,’’ he said picking up the laudry basket.

hurried downstairs and back to my apartment. All I could think was that he had become French Quarter trash. Later, I had a hard time forgiving myself for thinking that. It took me a while, but not that long, to get over Roger. I hoped it was because I was getting older, not more calloused. Periodically we would see each other on the streets. Sometimes we would nod, or even exchange a perfunctory “ hello,” but that was all. Toward the end of summer, I went to the Gulf coast for a few days just to get away from the heat and himidity which hung over the city like an enormous, immovable, sweaty hand. When I got back, there was a letter from Roger waiting for me. Dear Philip, Well, it’s harvest time on the old plantation, so I figured I head on back home. By the time you read this, I hope I’ll be sitting under the pecan tree in my parents’ backyard. I tried calling you before I left, but, alas there was no answer. There were just a few things I wanted to say, but now I must try and put these words down on paper, instead of telling you face-to-face. I don’t know which is 23

more difficult. I just hope I can do this, mixing the right amounts of insight, sensitivity, and maybe some corn pone for good measure. By returning home, I’m not returning to the closet. I realize that I don’t need the city to be a fulfilled gay man. As far as our love was concerned, I have no regrets (God, that sounds corny, but this is the fourth re-write of this letter, so it will have to remain corny). I do regret that our love had to end somewhat bitterly. This letter is a small attempt to reconcile that. Y’all take care now. If you get a chance, please write. Don’t forget to eat your grits. Love, Roger. I quickly jotted off a little note to Roger expressing my sorrow that we didn’t get a chance to see each other before he left. I promised him a longer letter later. I wanted to collect my thoughts before I wrote him any sort of lengthy letter. That night I went out to

comparatively quiet neighborhood gay bar. I sat next to an older man with a shock of silver hair. I ordered my drink, then swiveled around on the stool so my back was to the bar. Eventually the older man did too. We were sitting, not talking, when a much older bald man walked by, followed by a young blonde in tight jeans. The older man next to me said almost to himself, but loud enough for me to hear, “One generation passeth away and another generation cometh, but the bar abideth forever.” “ You must be a poet,” I said, half-joking. “ As a matter of fact I am,” he said. “ Are you famous?’' The nearest I’ll come to fame is my face. With all the lines in it, I'm beginning to resemble W. H. Auden.” “ But that’s a good face,” I insisted, “ it show's you’ve absorbed life’s lessons. If it were pinched, well, that would be adifferent story.” “You sound like a writer yourself.” “ A long time ago I tried. I wrote some clever short stories with no heart to them. So I gave it up.” “ That’s too bad.”

“ No, not really. It would be sad if I kept beating my brains against the wall in a useless pursuit. Then I could get into a really good case of self-pity, which I’m in a constant struggle not to do. ’’ “That’s good. There are far too many people in this world obsessed, yes, that’s the right word, obsessed, with self-pity. But I would still have to write, even if I weren’t getting published.’’ After a brief pause, we introduced ourselves. His name was Jim. We talked for the next few hours. I told him about Roger, and his victory. He told me about some of his lovers and about the time he married a good woman friend, the result being the end of a long friendship. Finally, he said, “ I have to go. If I stay out too long, the next day is impossible.’’ We exchanged phone numbers and promised to contact each other the following week. He had persuaded me to go to a poetry reading. Getting up to go he said good humoredly, “ I’m flattered that you’d be interested in an old man like me.” I smiled, “ I like older men.’’

T h e i E x i s t e n t i a l H e j ^p I'M STA-eriNi' TD IaJO'RRt ABOUT THEM CO OJ S .

Because so many RFD readers are vegetarians, I have been experimenting with meatless stocks to replace the beef, veal or chicken stocks so often called for as soup bases, liquids to be added to roux to form classic white or brown sauces, or for gratins. Stock is one of the major building blocks of fine cooking; it can be made in large quantities and frozen. It is very economical as the following ‘formula’ will demonstrate. Save trimmings from celery, carrots (not the green parts!) and onions (include some of the brown or yellow peelings to give color), tomato peelings, juice and seeds, small bits of apple and peelings (but not seeds, core or stem), tough ends of asparagus, odds and ends of lettuce that is past its prime for salad, small amounts of wilted parsley may also be included. Do not use cabbage, brussle sprouts, cauliflower or broccoli trimings; save them together for their own flavorful soup-they are too strong for stock. Store the leftovers in Vi gallon plastic ziplock bags or other airtight containers in the freezer until you have about 2 gallons. Place these leftovers in a stockpot with 2 cloves mashed but unpeeled garlic, a bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 whole onion stuck with 2 spikes of clove and one roughly chopped carrot. Add 3 gallons of water. Because stock is used in so many preparations, I recommend that it not be salted at this point. Seasonings can be adjusted when the stock is put ot use. Bring pot to boil; a grey scum will begin to form on the cooler edges. Skim this off and discard. Reduce the heat to simmer; partially cover pot and allow to simmer about 5 hours, skimming as needed. You may also prepare the stock before going to bed and leave it to simmer overnight. THE STOCK SHOULD NEVER BOIL. There should be just a suggestion of surface movement on the liquid.

months. You may also pour the stock into ice cube trays and freeze; then transfer the cubes to ziplock bags. Melting one cube of stock with one cup boiling water will produce a nice mug of hot broth-a wonderful restorative on a cold or damp day. This stock cannot be used in place of fish stock or court bullion. CORNBREAD by Tom Burkman Dry Ingredients: 1 cup of pastry flour (Michigan soft wheat), 1 cup cornmeal, 4 tsp baking powder, V* tsp salt. Liquid Ingredients: 2 eggs (beaten), 1 cup milk, l/« cup oil, l/s cup honey. Optional Dry Ingredients: 1 tbsp soy flour, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast. Mixing and Baking Instructions: Blend dry ingredients and liquid ingredients in separate bowls. Then pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together by hand. Pour immediately into an oiled 9-inch square pan and bake in preheated oven at 400 ° F. for 35 to 40 minutes. The Farmer's Market Cookbook by Fran Jurga Garvan The Harvard Common Press P.O. Box 355, Harvard, MA 01451 $8.95 This book is perfect for those of us who live in large cities—particularly those cities of the costal regions. It is a good informative book which has good recipes and good menu guides for utilizing what is available “ at the market today” as well as guides for planning ahead and being prepared.

Remove stock from the heat. Take lid off pot. Allow to cool and discard the vegetable scraps. Carefully pour the stock through a fine strainer into another container. You should have about 1 gallon of liquid. You may wish to further reduce the stock to intensify its flavor. Place the stock in quart or pint plastic freezer containers; leave Vt to V* inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to six

But for those of us whose farmer markets are limited and especially if we choose not to eat flesh meats, the book would be of limited use. It is a 'book that “ counter culture straights” living in the costal regions would enjoy especially if their sister wrote it. -Mykul Crane 25

CIRCLE’S by James W. Penha

WITH WALT WHITMAN IN CAMDEN Joe Lawrence Lembo

ionian sun scorches like ancients’ torches held close. Twas those and the exoticism and the possibilities suggested by the found cove splendid made me drop my suit and sail naked into the sea. My wife Mary cracked a joke at my expanse, but no smile cracked her sensitive skin blocked out by lotions and an umbrella planted in the sand. From the deep already, our new pal Spy broadly blinked periscopic eyes. If he reddened, I couldn ’t tell it from yesterday’s burn, though the line of his grin altered as Snoopy’s does in the comics. I’d add a funny frame and leaped to pull his trunks down, but found them well propped up. My hand stayed to struggle a moment till Spy splashed free; his laugh pitched an epithet back my way. When next I grabbed him behind the great rock, his suit was a cravat round his neck. I couldn't see Mary from there, and the summertime V* was definitely over.

“ Harleigh Cemetary, Camden Co., New Jersey. Walt Whitman’s burial vault. Lot 20 x 30 ft. on a sloping wooded hill, surroundings: trees, turf, sky, a hill, everything crude and natural. Vault heavy, undress’d, grey granite, unomamental-size ab’t 12 or 14 by 16 or 18 feet.” -WHITMAN’S DESIGN FOR HIS TOMB

It was a beautiful sunny day, the day before Easter, as my folks and I drove down the New Jersey Turnpike to make our pilgrimage to Camden, in search of Walt Whitman. The houses around Mickle Street looked as if they had been bit by a bomb, in bad disrepair, except for the little house at No. 330 (the house Whitman died in in 1892) which was stripped and ready to be painted with an American flag flapping in the wind. The inside parlour had many old Whitman photos, documents, paintings, busts, plus portraits of his mother and father. There was an old secretary/bookcase containing many of Whitman’s old books and a small glass case containing memorabilia-including a lock of the “good gray poet’s ” hair. There was also a large glass case containing his hat and slippers, a treasure trove of momentos, and a large rocking chair near the fron window. Eleanor Ray (the Interpreter) was a nice looking, thin, black, woman-dressed in black with heels-with a warm smile and nice personality. I told her how fond I was of Whitman and asked her permission to take photographs inside the house. There were two young men and a girl (students) visiting at the time and Eleanor was giving them some facts on Whitman’s life. I remained somewhat detached and aloof, taking photos, and my Mom and Dad were listening to Eleanor and looking at the objects in the room.

I am a madman in the market place.” from The Kingdom by John Soldo_____ I am a madman in the market place, proclaiming from street to sky with the fervor of a convert . the Kingdom is now• •—........ . your smile stretching across you face like the plains of new Mexico belting the sky. / v I drink tonite to you and with you, wishing you the prosperity of the patriarchs, flicking like ashes the delay and denial of heaven. For if it is “ at hand” it could and should be now the way a surfacing underground river runs at once in the dark and daylight. There is a destiny to my desires: to create with you another creation, to be Adams naming the stars, secret symbols in the sky, ever quiescent except for their beauty. Even to cross the line ~Y— and become the angels ^ whose songs move the stars.

I asked Eleanor if I could take her photo standing near the portrait of Walt’s mother, then showed her my poem: “Walt Whitman Breathes Here,” which was published in The Mickle Street Review in 1981. She was not aware of it, seemed very pleased, and carried the book around throughout the tour. Upstairs was Walt's bedroom containing photos, paint ings of Whitman, a bust, bookcase, chest of drawers, table, and an old wicker rocking chair with a photo of Walt set into the back of it. There was a narrow, short, antique bed and I asked Eleanor how Whitman fit into that bed, since he was about 6 ft. tall and 185 pounds. She asked me what my measurements were and when I told her they were approximately the same, she asked me to lay down in Whitman’s bed. I wras very honored and certainly I tried it out, while my mom and dad took photos of me laying there, and I was lost in a reverie of my loving comrade. 26

Then Eleanor asked me if I would read aloud my poem, while sitting on a Victorian sofa in Walt’s bedroom. My voice became shaky, almost tearful, as I read the lines amid the silence of the room. Mom and Eleanor began discussing the soul, spirit, and metaphysics and Eleanor said my poem had real “ presence” and asked me if I ever felt I was Whitman’s reincarnation. After taking photos of the bedroom, we went into another smaller bedroom once occupied by Walt’s male nurse, Warren Fritzenger. Over the bed was a large framed photo of Walt & Warren toghether shortly before Whitman’s death. Eleanor pointed out the old outhouse in the backyard through the window and showed me a new addition to the house, which will serve as a portrait gallery. Eleanor explained she lived in the house next door since 1955 and, as a child she was haunted by stories of an old, gray, bearded man who died in the house next door. She used to be afraid to go near the house and a woman used to coax her into Whitman’s house by making her bean bags. Once inside, she would read to her from Leaves of Grass. Then Eleanor became the curator and now lives in the back rooms of Walt’s house—once occupied by a Mrs. Davis—Whitman’s housekeeper. Before leaving we purchased some postcards and I gave Eleanor a big hug. She gave us directions to Harleigh Cemetary and explained the top portion of Whitman’s tomb, a pyramid shape, that represents: mind, body, & spirit. She also mentioned there is a vacant space in his tomb, where members of his family are also buried.

At first we drove around the wrong cemetary and the words to one of Whitman’s poems kept surfacing in my mind: “ Of him I love day and night I dream’d I heard he was dead. And I dream’d I went where they had buried him I love, but he was not in that place.” Finally we found Harleigh Cemetary just down the road. It was full of cherry blossoms, daffodils, and tiny wild violets in full bloom. Then we saw Walt’s tomb—partially set into turf, with trees, and ivy growing out of it. It was all by itself, apart from the other burial vaults and headstones. The front of the vault had a large, primitive, thick, stone door which was left open (I kept thinking of the biblical Easter story how they “rolled the stone away” ) with an old iron gate in front of it. On the gate someone had hung a silk lily and an old Christmas wreath made of pinecones. And just below, on the step, was a vase of whithering red carnations. Through the gate you could barely make out the inscriptions on the slabs, of Wnlt and his family. I placed a piece of calamus-root (I brought with me from California) inside the tomb and whispered: “ I love you Walt.” And near the tomb was a tree with my initials carved on it, which reminded me of the live-oak I saw in louisiana. Quietly looking inside the burial vault I recalled the lines to one of Whitman’s poems: “ O thou within this tomb, From thee such scenes, thou stintless, lavish giver, Tallying the gifts of earth, large as the earth, Thy name an earth, with mountains, fields and tides.” And I made a promise to Walt, then and there, to help carry out his timeless message of brotherly love. I plucked a sprig of ivy from the tomb, took one of the carnations, and we drove out of the cemetary. When I arrived home I opened Leaves of Grass at random to a page which read: Dear Friend whoever you are take this kiss, I give it especially to you, do not forget me, I feel like one who has done work for the day to retire awhile, I receive now again of my many translations, from my avararas ascending, while others doubtless await me, An unknown sphere more real than I dream’d, more direct, darts awakening rays about me, So long! Remember my words, I may again return, I love you, I depart from materials, I am as one disembodied, triumphant, dead.

* * * *

Anyone who loves Walt Whitman as much as I do is encouraged to correspond with me: Joe Lawrence Lembo, P.O. Box 99444, San Francisco, CA 94109.

After knowing each other for a week or so, we began to think of living together, something I thought I’d never again consider, let alone do before knowing the person for at least ten years. ‘‘Dirk is going to assassinate me, ’’ was my only qualm, till he assured me I wasn’t worth going to prison for. Secret thoughts turned to talk when I heard of a caretaking job in the high desert 50 miles from nowhere. The mountains were spectacular, the air intoxicating, but it wasn’t the kind of situation in which I fantasized living alone. The Prince would have to come with me. We interviewed and were hired together. It would be a part-time job for each of us. Prince Charming would continue selling advertising in town, and I would have more time to write. Somehow we would squeeze all our stuff into the little house that came with the job. After all, our ‘porch’ was the Great Outdoors. Remembering with chagrin a vow to myself that I’d always live alone, I moved in with the Prince on Valentine’s Day, excited that I was about to live out an old fantasy: “ Let’s find a caretaking job and move to the country.’’ Another old refrain, “ Here We Go Again,’’ played softly in the background but did not deter me from taking the chance. “ If it works, fine,’’ said the Prince. “If it doesn’t, fine,’’ I chimed, portentiously. Let me hasten to point out that life on the land has not been a bed of roses. When I lit the bottled gas space heater, it poofed off half my eyebrows, eyelashes and moustache, filling the house with the smell of burning feathers. Now I know a better way to light it. A storm window fell squarely on my head, showering me with glass. Incredibly, I wasn’t shredded. I wasn’t even cut. When we lost our water, we couldn’t call Mr. Fixit because Mr. Fixit was us. The offending hole was mended with a plug of rubber and a few twists of strapping tape. Though a “ Happy Homewrecker’’ medallion dangled from the Prince’s charming neck, we were mindful we’d known each other less than a month and were still going through a Period of Adjustment. We were hopeful but not yet sure how things would turn out. We discovered which of our habits annoyed the other. The Prince’s “That’s your problem’’ or ‘their problem,’ as the case may be, was particularly annoying. It may be a useful concept, but it’s a tired and tiresome expression, I told him.

Though sex with Dirk had been superlative, for six months I had struggled with his importunities that we live together. After six months I still wasn’t ready and thought I’d never be. It was a case of “ Is there life after sex?’’ The answer being ‘‘Not much.”

He asked me if I would prefer, “That’s your soap opera," and I assented, telling him I’d probably get sick of it rather soon, too.

Prince Charming’, on the other hand, was somebody I could just be with comfortably. We hailed from the same part of the country, worked for the same newspaper, laughed at the same jokes, shared some of the same visions. Putting sex on the back burner, ‘P.C.’ and I climbed a few mountains, explored a few deserts. We took a lot of pictures of each other and other Natural Wonders.

How about ‘You’ll get over it?’’ he queried, acknow ledging that several ex’s nearly strangled him over that one. Seems they countered with “ I won’t get over it!’’ A perfect invitation for a “ That’s your soap opera!’’ if ever I heard one. 23

Then there was the Prince’s inelegant habit of refering to a particular towel as a ‘cum rag.’ I admit it’s a little stiff but that’s the hard water out here. “ Sure,” he would say, arching an eyebrow, “ a lot of people have hard water these days. It’s spreading. Yes, there are a few little things to be worked out, nomencalture being the least of them. One of us, never mind which one, had the discomfitting habit of sometimes farting when he laughed (and he laughed a lot). This would evoke a great show of mirth on the part of the other, who cracked open a window and let in a torrent of sweet mountain air. After a couple of months, we agree that we’d both be happier if Dirk went back to town. He did, and now I live here alone. Are there disadvantages? Do I have regrets? Sure. I wish things had been easier for Dirk. I know we’re not responsible for how others feel, but I hope Dirk’s anger will be resolved soon. Trite as it may sound, I hope we will remain friends. Sometimes I miss my old bathroom with its enormous tub and wall to wall mirrors. My

country bathroom is strictly a standup affair. I miss bicycling to the park Sunday afternoons. Sure, I could toss my bike on the car and drive the 50 miles to town as we did one night to catch the ‘Miss Thing’ contest at Tacky’s. More typically, I settle down in the evening with my books and kerosine lamp. I go to bed early, the dark circles under my eyes having disappeared some time ago. Sometimes I wake to a few new insect bites on my body, but the price I pay of living my no-locks/no-clocks fantasy is well worth it. Fantasy well worth it. (I don’t miss Cable or HBO because I never had them.) A well-meaning friend recently complimented my spirit of adventure but added, “ You can’t live like this for the rest of your life. ’’ Oh, no? My dream and vision is to find a similar retreat and establish a gay healing center, where workshops can be offered to AIDS patients and others who have been battered by life. Where they will be able to get in touch with the healing energy and feel the primal peach I experience out hre every day of tin week.

RETROSPECTIVE FOR A DECADE (WSHS

LOOK WHO’S COMING HOME! by Len Richardson I sat down with the few remaining pages of “ Rustic Fairy Dreams” , the first RFD. The rats and mice had nested in the moldy pages of a pile of this first issue. The picture of Stevens McClave holding a white cat set me into a restrospective reverie of RFD and my participation with the magazine since 9175. Carl W hitman’s “ Coming Home” finally struck after ten years. After all, it is a 360° circle. My residence at Golden (1978/9) wasn’t the most joyous one because it signified my breaking up with Jai. He was the typist of issues #9-15 and brought a terrific amount of creative energy to the magazine. After three seasons in the loft at Golden which Carl Whittman and Alan Troxler owned, I left to settle on a small parcel and to reflect during the tense and changing years, 1975-1980. All the dreams, the work plans, the hopes and fabulous ideas: what happened? It is a difficult situation to address. Ideas, hopes and dreams are planted with enthusiasm towards sharing and planning together. I have seen flourishing communities come to a standstill and have seen a lesbian and gay community disintergrate right here in Wolf Creek. Once our abounding community numbered over 35. Now, houses are falling apart, doors hanging on one hing’, others abandoned altogether. The remaining faggots and dykes can be counted on one hand. They don’t speak to each other much, either.

to share what and who they are. Some people came to clear their minds and bodies of impurities brought on by metropolitan beliefs. There was a metamorphosis of each person defining their needs, their wants, and place of happiness. It was contingent on feelings, desires, and peace of mind. For each of us this varies. I have seen some endure for years, holding on to beliefs and hopes. I have seen others go through complete personality changes, from rural hippie faggots to Montgomery St. ce conservatives running around in black leather gear after dark. Like threes we each have our own identities and branch out according to our credow to where the source of light is the greatest. The Prabdha-Karma of each soul has its own destination. There are, of course, the pressures of society to compete and to obtain and fulfill material desires. It is a confusion we have with real happiness. Desire fulfillments ease the lonliness for most, and for some, the pain. Real dedication seldom surfaces early in our lives. Most often the search and rescue mission of the self takes one’s early decades. So it is not unusual to see people come and go and change in mid-stream. The early issues of RFD (#5-# 15) all reflected a personal dialogue from the people involved in the production and an aura of intensity and interpersonal intricacies. Each issue was a compendium of feelings, attitudes, and overall perspectives at that particular time. RFD is an engaging and emerging history and labyrinth of connect ions, and it never ceases to amaze me to see the lives that RFD changes as a connective factor. The circum stances involved around the magazine have been a catalyst for many, many relatinships and have acted as a vehicle tying lives together. AMURSK» -T£*"'

Every individual has a different viewpoint, a different direction, sees different aspects of the same thing. For some, the country majic lasts only as long as the hopes and dreams. There are those wanting to be cared for and ■" IMrJOSrnMirVrmm*; .......................... 29

REACHING FOR A DREAM by Ron Lambe

Looking back over the past ten years of RFD, I am struck by the persistence of the dream or vision of gays living on the land. Many things have changed in the journal over the years, but this dream has remained pretty much in tack. We seem to be moving away from our naivitee and neophyte enthusiasm of just throwing away every thing from our personal past and jumping onto the land to live as close to nature as possible (for some). I believe some of that idealism remains, but it seems to be more and more tempered with a good dose of realism and practicality. We are finding that we don’t have to give up ALL the advances (?) of science and technology to live on the land. We are finding that it isn’t necessary (or possibly even desirable) to move back in time to the 18th Century completely. There has also been a development in awareness that we as gay men living on the land are a very diverse group. One of the short comings of some of the earlier issues was the narrowness of the perspective and politics. Just because we are gay males and are living rurally, we cannot assume that we all have long hair, cross dress and eat only vegetables. Indeed, many RFDers are relatively conservative and integrated in mainstream society. That such a diverse group of individuals can find something together in the same journal is quite unique.

if we have a concern not addressed in RFD, it is probably because we didn’t write it. RFD is also a mixed bag of well written material and rough gems. But, that is a good reflection of who we are. We are a mixed bag of dreamers and pragmaticists; we are old time country and new age adventurists. But, we all share a love for nature, sensuality, a healthy environ ment and a sense of community with our ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters.’ Another consistant thread in the fabric of RFD’s history has been its organizational changes. We are constantly changing and adapting to new and different situations. That has probably been its salvation. If anything, RFD is adaptable. In ten years, it has moved four times and suffered under numerous shifts and transfers of groups taking the responsibility of producing it. I like to think that we are now pretty much at a happy blend of past experiments and trials. We are combining some of the positive points of the floating production experiment with the floating feature. We are maintianing a sense of collectivism with the various department editors. A great disadvantage with changing production and business responsibility all the time, is that we are constantly having to re-invent the wheel and make the same expensive mistakes over and over again. Experience, as well as variety, is an asset to be cherished.

RFD has tended to be rather radical, and I hope it will continue to be (in the best sense of the word), but it is also developing a greater sense of tolerance and diversity. We have also begun to strengthen our connections to other groups and individuals who are not necessiraly gay or rural, but who are supportive of some of our same interests and concerns.

Another outstanding feature of RFD that comes to mind in looking back over the back issues, if the forum of new ideas and controversy. Most of these issues are still interesting reading and pertinent. Some, of course, are a bit silly in retrospect, but aren’t some love letters or school essays? Some sentiments and positions may fade into inanity over time. But, at least they are honest at the time they are written and not all writings should be done in stone for the ages. What is interesting to me, is that so much holds up well in later reading.

Perhaps one of my favorite attributes of RFD has been the rather amazing mix of interests and styles. W'here else can one find prison concerns together with recipes, gardening, poetry, holistic health, spirituality, fairie gatherings, and gay politics? Where else can one find the juxtaposition of butch and feminist, leather and lace, gardening and arts, leftist politics and religious issues. At times, it all seems disconnected and scattered, but in retrospect, I find it important and educational. I think many journals tend to be too specialized, and to get a good sense of the times garner some different input, one has to subscribe to many different journals. Of course RFD is certainly not a digest of the world today, but it is a kind of microcosm of the times in certain ways. And, the mix of interests, such as prisoner concerns, fairie consciousness, back-to-the-land self-reliancy, organic gardening, new age awareness, social politics, gay pride, personal empowerment, and vegetarian cooking all conspire to feed the reader with input he might not otherwise be exposed to.

For those of you who are relatively new to RFD, I urge you to get some back issues and ‘mine’ some of the treasures burned on these pages. Some amazing folks have contributed some amazing things to RFD over the past ten years. It is a compendium of dreams, hopes, fears, laughter and discussions that all of us can be proud of. Although by no means perfect or unimproveable, I am proud of RFD's product and process over the first ten years of production. We have dared to experiment and to be silly as well as serious; we have not been afraid to ask ourselves who we are. I hope we will continue to learn and be open to surprises and new thoughts and ways. I hope we will continue to experiment and have fun; that we will continue to grow in our tolerance and awareness of our diversity; that we will continue to persue the dream and vision of gay people living on the land in harmony with nature, healing the planet and the social scars, and living wholesome and productive lives with a growing sense of family.

As a reader-written journal RFD is often a bit uneven at times. We (as editors and readers), don’t always get the pieces we want but what we do get is usually timely and fresh. Every contribution submitted is an act of love, but

R t D has been and continues to be an outreach of support and communication for this tribe of dreamers and doers. May the next ten years be a rich and rewarding as the first have been. Long live the Vision! (2®

The format of these listing below is to offer as much information as possible concisly. The number of the issue and date is on the left followed by where it was produced and the number of pages along with the ‘title’, the theme follows. The list of contents is only partial as Contact Letters, Poetry, BBB, Recipes and other features are pretty consistent throughout. Nos. 17-20 are in tabloid format so pages are equivelant to double regular size. Until we get our ten-year index prepared, this list will have to do. We are offering a special on back issues THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1984 at $1 each. The same postage applies as in the back ($1 per 5 copies or fraction thereof.) If we sell out, we’ll refund the difference for the ones we cannot furnish (unless you list alternatives). There are very few of some issues, so do act NOW, and take advantage of this special offer!

01 Fall 1974 Iowa 26 pp. “Rustic Fairy Dreams’’

#5 Fall 1975 Elwha 44pp. “ Raving Flamer’s Diary” Stevens McClave Full Circle (Menger) Hop Brook Commune A Rejection [TMEN] (Troxler) Coming Home (Wittman) Old Farmer

#2 Winter 1974 Eugene 48 pp. “Reckless Fruit Delight”

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Sexual Tension A River of a River Only Connect (Jerry) NW Faggots’ Gathering (Camas) Shit (Carl) Who are the Gays (Loving Companions)

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06 Winter 1975/6 Iowa 48pp. “ Red Fire Dangers” Children

Elwha (Faygele) Orchard (Carl) NE Men’s Gathering (Richard) Forest Folk (Olaf) When We’re Snowed in (Billie) Gay Tarol (Carl) Gay Men & Children (Richard) Road to Malcom (Stewart) 03 Spring 1975 Iowa 48 pp. “Really Feeling Divine”

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A Look at the Collective Kitchen Alternative to Alienation (Bill) Commune Odyssey (Willy) Kids are Those Little People You Belong With Ivy Blues (Willy) (OH,e) Pongley & Ollie (Heiman) Fairy Fables (Kim) Faggots and Children (Mark) The Cook’s and the Bouchard’s (Allen) Some Experience with Children (Maya)

07 Spring 1976 Butterworth 44 pp. ; • “ Rhododendron, Forsythia, Daffodils” j I r t Gardening with the Fairies To a Country Soul from City Soul (Ron) As the Butter Churns Notes from a Gay Landscape Architect (Carl) Rutabaga House (Carl) Recipe for a Small Cabin (Bob) Walden Pond (Michael)

NW North Carolina (Dalton) City Country (Mintz) Two Tales of new Sodom (Jay) Whistlers on the Wind (Ollie) At the Pass (Carl)

S— 04 Summer 1975 North Carolina 44 pp. “Rabbits, Faggots and Dragonflies” Dance

08 Summer 1976 Wolf Creek 40 pp. “ Raspberries, Fresh & Delicious”

Language of Flowers (Beckwith) v Gay Green Thumbs (Todd/Allen) 3 Loomis (Milo) f y, Summer Came as a Surprise That Year (Jacob) Dance Liberation (Dobson) ' | Loving Dance (Carl) *Paper Cutting (Mark) -5LGoats (Beale) V Radiant Fungus Declaration (Milo)

Golden Conversation Just another Story I Suppose Lesbian Mother Witch Hunt Strictly Taboo (Sean) Buying Land is Easier Than You Think (Kent) Scarlet’s Ribbon (Joe) 31

#9 Fall 1976 Wolf Creek Wolf Creek 48 pp. “ Remembering Forgotten Dreams’’ Letters from the Forest (Whitman) Candor’s Ritual (Smoothstone) A Home on Wheels (Wilson) You Were the Straightest One in Your Class (Stewart & Schofield) Range Boiler for Hot Water at Home (Peter) Buying Land is Harder Than You Think (Newby)

#14 Winter 1977/8 San Francisco 56 pp. (no title) visuals

(all photos and graphics)

#15 Spring 1978 Wolf Creek 56 pp. (no title) Small Towns Looking for Wolfcreek (Fernandes) Small Towns Klamath Falls - Why I left (Candor) Klamath Falls - Why I stay (Pastega) Defiance (Walker) Dr. Jeckel & Miss Hyde (Mitchell)

#10 Winter 1976/7 Wolf Creek 48 pp. “ Raven Fleeing Darkness’’ Goat Diary (Ted) Toad Suck Farm (Morton) Moon Over Miami (Lowe) A Critique of the Conference It Just Happened One Day (Len)

#16 Summer 1978 Wolf Creek 56 pp. (no title) Women Sisters (Podas) Syssy-phus Tale (Segal) Westward Storm (Lewis) Woman on the Edge of Time (Candor) Double J: The Joy of Sisters (Phillips) Sissy/Butch Forum

#1 1 Spring 1977 Wolf Creek 48 pp. “ Rotary Fluff Dryers’ Mechanics Difficulty at the Beginning (Webb) The Sled (Paris) Machine (Faygele) Human Machination (Jim)

#17 Fall 1978 North Carolina 12 pp.* “ Ramblings From Dixie’’ Southeast

#12 Summer 1977 Wolf Creek 56 pp. “ Religious Fanatics Descend” Spirituality When the Sun Stands Still (Herman) Wholeness (Steczynski) We Circle Around (Jada) Peyote Spirit (Mariposa) Politics and Faggot Spirituality (Zowie) Faggot Shaman (S. Abbott) Sharing the Mysteries (Caradoc) Spiritual Soapbox Clarity of St. Therese (Chenille) Weather (Fox) Healing With Herbs (Littlebear) Ass-whole (Dickmeyer)

Aloe Community (Ron) Twin Oaks (F) Hayesville/Other Places (Troxler) Southern Celebrations #18 Winter 1978/9 New Orleans 22 pp.* “ Revolutionary Faggots Desire” “Ripe Fruit Delta” Tsusiat Point (Jugram) Sissie What to do Until IBM Goes Broke (Czyinski) How to Make Baskets Out of Baling Twin Lunar ‘79 Calendar (Luna Press)

#13 Fall 1977 Wolf Creek 48 pp. “ Recruiting Feminist Drakes’ Ageism Fran - Observations at 50 j A Story for Paul (Wilson) Dowsing for Water (Berube) | Coming Out as an Old Man (Dan) Forrest Anderson (Lowe) Finding Wombats in My Mind (Quentin) A Touch of Age (Fernandes)

#19 Spring 1979 Atlanta 20 pp.* (no title)

A Boy’s Trees (Penrose) Tanker Riding Low (Smyth) Slow Dancing to Amazing Grace (Frost) 32

#24 Summer 1980 Running Water 48 pp. “ Rhododendron Fire District”

#20 Summer 1979 Tennessee 20 pp.* “Roaring Fresh Decisions”

Running Water Farm Rex Remembers (Harold) What’s Left (Milo) Mickey (Uher) Gay People At a Critical Crossroad (Kilhefner) Towards the New Frontiers of Fairy Vision (Hay) Faerie Power/Gentle Resolve (Abbott) A Call For a Gay Community Land Trust (Hay) Today’s Best Buys/Back Tax Sales (Brauer) Growing and Canning Tomatoes (Frey) More Notes From Hermit Hollow (John)

June Boyd: A Black Strong Woman Wild Fruits from Coast to Coast (Milo) Country Antique Dealings (Greenwell) Victorian Queens (Berube) Nuclear Realities (Fire) (Harry & John) Gay Awareness and the First Americans Why was Heaven Built so Far Away (Frost) #21 Fall 1979 Butterworth 56 pp. “Rightfully Feeling Delirious” New England

#25 Fall/Winter 1980 RW & Ozarks 96 pp. (no title) Ozarks

Woodstock NY - a Remembrance (Tucker) Condos for Queens (linger) Our Hired Man (Penrose) “ In Southern Vermont:” Steamtown Steam The Andrews Inn Rural Free Development: A Real Freak’s Desire Forging Communities in So. Vt. (Burr) Richie & Ellen & Grant & Susie Organizing Compsinos in So. Texas (Coreno)

Halloween Fairy Gathering at Bolinas (Sai) Prison Journal (Melba’son) NY Faerie Circle (Yelin) Pan Pagan Festival (Nelson) “THE OZARKS EXPERIENCE:” Bio-Regionalism (John Paul) Ozark Hillfairy Alliance Fairy Sancutuary Ozark Area Community Congress View from the Corner (lee) The Promised Land (Bennett) Aphrodisiacs (Stamps) Spiritualities for Gays (Norman) Herb Garden Primer (Lee) Farmsteading (Long) _____ Do U Spell Zucchini With One Yuk Or Two? (Rogers) Reaching the Loneliest Cabin (Elliott) Apples, Their Care and Keeping (Long) Her Comes the Sun (Vanhook) The Axoloti - Gay Totem Animal (Milo) Gypsy Shaman (Goin) A Faeryist Not-Man-ifesto (Milo) lango Praise the Goddess and Pass the Ammunition Windpower - Do You Need it? (Davis) Vegetarianism - What’s it all about (Frederick)

#22 Winter 1979/80 New Orleans 96 pp. “The Returning Forest Darlings” Radical Faeries Gathering Iowa Farm Boy (Frey) Country Survival by Mail Order Retailing (Bach) Chain-Chain-Chainsaw (Milo) Feature: 4‘The Fairies Gather:’ ’ Desert Circle (Roscoe) Fairy Spirituality (Sheriff) Army of Lovers (page) A Drama of Fairy Politics (liner) Subject to subject (Hay) Ritual Notes from the Gathering of Radical Fairies A Re-membering (Cohen) (Moon) A Report of the Gathering (Frurip) Shaman Story (Sheriff) Backwoods Boyhood (long) You are What You East Fanfare (Hamilton)

#26 Spring 1981 RW & Virginia 96 pp. (no title) Men’s Music

#23 Spring 1980 Atlanta 82 pp. (no title) Fathers

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Sweet Anarchy (Sadananda) A Parable (Plato) An Open Letter to the SE Network (Gough) Oh Master (Harvey) Notes from Hermit Hollow (John) Bee Keeping The 1980 Elections: A Place for Us (Milo) «^ross> Understanding & Combatting the Corp. Food Chain

! ' i A ;. ) r 33

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Labels and Other Thoughts (Callahan) Notes on Network & Communtiy (Abbott) Mens’s MUSIC: Featuring Men’s Music (Hampton) Get Out Your Rainbow Colors (Burkholder) Fairy Song & Hill Chant ( Burkholder) Blackberri (Hampton) Chris Tanner (Frank Brayton) Roy Barber Tom Robinson Band Men’s Music in Records (Houghton)

Choir Girls Axe Closet Doors (Hampton) Homemade Instruments (Manire) Quick & Simple Rhythm «3r Bamboo Flutes (Kelly) * d3‘ Flute Queen (Black & Wolfe) Faerie Ringing (Krisga & Crawford) One Morning (Abbott) : Parting (Pearson) f $4 ■ On a Gathering (Kerlick) That’s Magic (Cavanagh) The Apothecary (Stamps) ON Skin and Soap (Littlebear) Eat Your Wildflowers (Bridges) Fromage de Chevre (Sudds) The Grahm Center (Patt) Homestead Outhouse (Noakes) Homestead Workshop (Mewbom) ^ ''S£\ ■■< c ':i On Homesteading (John & Bob) ~ ' * ^ '2 2 2 Genocide in Guatemala (Bridges) People’s Anti-War Mobilization ^ iamb ^ " Seed Patening (Patt) And Mother Nature Created Us (Merino) Faerie Wings Fly Into Infinity (Floating Eagle Feather Raising the Juices and Sluices (Fleetwood) Great Rite (Alaric Na Tor) The Rowan Tree (Beyerl) A View From Here (Poustinik) #27 Summer 1981 RW & Asheville 56 pp. “ Rhyming For Daze’’ Poetry

On the Question of Names (Lasis) (Poetry Featurey)

French Intensive Gardening (Spinelli) Foxberries, Dewberries (Ginsburg) #28 Fall Raspberries, 1981 Putting Up Things For the Cold (Stamps) RW & Cambridge 56 pp. I’m Outraged (Balestriri) “ RealityTwo Finally Dawns’’ A I (MIN| Hf JiMIKNAI Men, The Wilderness & Star H»K M AC MIN I VI KYRoute Will hi Alcoholism Hammocks (Krahn & Vegliano) Gay and Bi-sexuality (Talaria) On the Love of Dionysus (Abbott) Paint (Ulmer) Alcoholism is an Illness, Not a Sin (Ziebold) Alcoholism Took Him Places (David) The All American Boy from Wyoming (Steve) Glamour Queen From the Midwest (Larry) I Grew Up Alcoholic and Gay (Doug) I Had Become a Co-Alcoholic (John) It Has Been Worth Living (Ray) The Joy of Living (Andy) Living With art Alcoholic (Susan) WE Met That Evening (Ron) Luna-Sea at Running Water (Svetovits) ULY J ) a |A Visit with Clear Englebert Y ALCOHO] The Art of Asfral Projection (Leahy) 34

#29 Winter 1981/2 RW & Short Mt. 64 pp. “ Revevant?Funny? Dumb! Humor

RID

1982 Lunar Calendar (Riley) Self Sketch from South Texas (Cage) Upon the Subject of Male Pornography (Hall) Widening World of RFD (Bridges) Featuring: Something Old, Something New (Stizman) You Weren’t There (Combelt) What is Fairie Power? (Jack & Jim) On the Road With (Menke) Observation on Rural Farm Business (Frey) More About Clear Emmalite Order of Kedeshim (Sai) Free to Be (Sandifer) A Function of Fairies (Huie) Peace Through Compassion (Raman) #30 Spring 1982 RW & Ozarks 64 pp. “ Rallying Flowering Dogwoods’* Ozarks & Herbals A Collective Living Manifesto „ Long Distance Bicycle Travel (Allsopp) The Music In My Life (Heartsinger) Yarbs n ’ Charms (V.B.) Prison Slang FEATURE: The Cashew Comes Out (King) Cleaning Farm Ponds (Long) Dew Drops (Crane) Hitchhiking Nomadics (Young) U*? Jouney Through the Woods (Crane) Mo. 30 Spring Edibles (Tatum) sp jm eA Suggested Library of Herbals (Stamps) 1382 Winter Vision (Willis) The Wizard and the Sorcerer (Floating Eagle Feather) A Rough-looking But Not Unattractive Boy (Hale) Companion Planting With Medicinal Herbs (Senjamin) Homeward Bound (Allen) Round Trip Back to Faerie (Moore) Making It in the Country . (Smith) Mysterium Drudicum (Alexander) Witchcraft and Quakers (Nelson) #31 Summer 1982 64 pp.

“ Reclaiming Forgotten Deserts'’ Southwest (LQ m byJouruul-'fa

Gay and Proud (Cohe*) Thriving as an Outsider (Crew) The Music in My Life (Heartsinger) More Prison Slang (Johnson) Feature: In Search of Pines (Berry) Southwest Desert Plants (Staya) Merissa’s Mud Bath (Auriello) A Poet past His Prime (Gough) At Last - an RFD Gathering (Graves) Blowing About (Tumblewed)

RFD’s Place in Gay Magazine History (Schofield) A Knight in San Francisco (Wolfe) The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the NW Faerie Gathering Pink Triangle Day (Russo) Cancer (Hall) A Visit With Tom Foxwell (Alexander) Breatherapy (Mason) A Radical ‘Spiritual’ View (DENIxo)

Tools For the Homestead (Krahn) Ready For Demonstrations? (Bridges) Reflections on Travels in Yucatan and Chiapas (Milo) Repressao Aos Homossexuais an Argentian Systematic Government Harassment of the Alternative Ron and Darryl and Their Chickens (Alexander) Press Transitions (Freeman) #32 Fall 1982 RW & Atlanta 64 pp. ‘‘Raptuous Faggot Debauchery’’ Erotica

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#35 Summer 1983 RW & Oregon 68 pp. “ Roseburg Faggots & Dykes’’ So. Oregon Comm. Readers Finally Delineated (Bridges) An Old Stud’s New Life (Repp) Chamber Music (Heartsinger) Report-card For Departments (Lambe) Reaching Punks (Donny) Right Field (Summerbell) Something in Common (Librich) Wolf Creek Daze (Richardson) Feature: Tchaikovsky: His Death (Miesch) Eroticism (Raven) Feature: Typically Erotic Moments (McNelly) And Above All Things (Landers) Well, Just What is Erotic? (Kaupman) City Fairies Move to the Country (Rees) Sexual Etiquette For Out Times (Clore) Consciousness Raising (Autio) Signals (Clore) GALA is Alive and Well in Oregon (Damone) Sensuous Herbs on Your Window (Martinez) Gay Language/Straight Language (Burnside) 'C; ’ To Try to Make Love (Abbott) A Gay Mother Goose (Nova) Saving Seed (Master Bater) Gays in the Early 50’s (R.S.) Doing It (Pan ) I, A Separatist (Ocean) Out on the Town (Alexander) I Came Out in a Restaurant (Noah) A Sexual Encounter (Pan Z) It’s a Natural (Russo) Much Ado About Monarda (Bridges) Ministry & Mission (Pelletier) Finding Myself (Fosdahl) Mixed Company (GALA) Where to Get It (Lambe) A Month in the Life of a HS Homo (Peterson) MY Coming Out is a Positive, Loving Experience #33 Winter 1982/3 Oregon Women’s Land Trust and Farm (Lampbere) Running Water (Australia) 64 pp. Quieter Straight Bars Are Popular (Landers) “ Rapport From Downunder” Roseburg Has a Gay AAGroup (Zon) Gathering Roseburg is Home For This Fairy (Nova) Winter 1983 Things That Bring Us Together/Keep us Apart Local Publications (Andron) You’re Not Getting Older, You’re Getting Better Redwoods and Butterflies (Dolan) Mutation Suite Serenade (Kleinbard) The Sorey of ‘F’ (DENIxo) Where Have All the Heroes Gone? (Wood) Taboo on Tenderness (Life) Body Care (Puryear) The Universe is Our Home (Patricca) Healer’s Forum (Hall) Thoughts on Prison Rape (Cook) Holistic From Outside to Inside (Kanter) Feature: Tonslmann) Standing Up For Life (Cernunnos) Summer Dreams (Johnstone, Duffill, Large, Bell, Acts of Love (Block) The Adventures of Robin Hood (Hopkins) Biblical Imagery of God as Female (Mollenkott) The Faggot & the Car (Bohn) Om Shanti (Floating Eagle Feather) #36 Fall 1983 : <PS «'Or RW & New Orleans 68 pp. f Six Doors (Kleinbard) “ Rhythmic Faggot Deliria” vv Parsnips (Hampton) The Bluffer’s Guide to Gatherings (Wabbit & Poetry / vt Fasting: How to (DENIxo) Sonofabitch) I Desperate Living (Roscoe) Not By Bread Alone (Paul) How Memorial Societies Can Help (White) An I Ching Reading for RFD (B.Paul) A Personal Response to a Brother’s Death (Lambe) Ritual and Community (Moore) Inmates Form a Gay Therapy Group (Greene) (Poetry Feature) A C ountry J ? u r tu #34 Spring 1983 The Fey Arts (Abbott) Jorivy Mentfwri)wk Running Water 60 pp. Invitational (McWillims) ‘ Roots*Faeries*Dreams’’ Lunar Gardening (Senjamin) ft63, 1*9. 3* An Incident at the San Diego Gathering (Chinea) Do You Want to Join a Community (Noakes) A Call For Dialogue (Roscoe) It’s Easier to Stop a Slow Moving Vehicle (Herbert) Death and the Gay Couple (White) Spiritual Politics (Norman) Giving Your Lover the Legal Rights (White) Interview with Faygele (Alexander) History of RFD I (Schofield) Tom Foxwell (Alexander)

QFD

RFD

#37 Winter 1983/4 RW & Atlanta 68 pp. “ Radical Fairy Digest" Community Action Androgyny Autobiography (R. Paul) Gay Wave9 (Hunt)

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Matthew Dearest (Dolan) RFD Comes to RW (Lambe) The Sanctuary Experience (Long) Boy Love in Natural (Miller) Getting Out and Coming Out (Markham) Feature: As Goddess is My Witness (Snowflake) At Loose Ends in Utopia (Lee) Clearing a Path Toward Intentional Community Emerald Ranch (Perlinski) Gayhood, Personhood, and Community (Higgins) Group Consciousness (Lee) Meditatin on Community Consciousness (Feral) Now That We Have Met (Abbott) Recipe For Community (Higgins) Short Mountain (Milo & Community) A Poet, A Prophet, A Seer (Sabatini) Teeth (Dolan) Butching Out on the All Boy Float (G Haze) Reflection on a Gathering of Gentle Folk (Sabatini) Medical Notes on the Gatherings (Crazy Owl) Meeting Walt Whitman (Lembo) The Deadly Game (Norman) #38 Spring A Visit 1984 With Jerry Stamps (Long) RW& Short Mt. Bible 68 pp.Belt (Chewning) Hope in the “ Re-Focusing Dreams" Dreams Organizing A Gay Library (Wellwood) Readers Form Direction (Lambe)

Retrospective for a Decade Retrospective for a Decade Retrospective for a Decade Rustic Fairy Dreams # 1 Retrospective for a Decade Reckless Fruit Delight # 2 Retrospective for a Decade -jg ycj

Retrospective for a Decade Retrospective for a Decade

Really Feeling Divine # 3 RetTO5Wrt^ tofaD«;acJe Rabbits, Faggots and Dragonflies # 4 Raving Flamers’ Diary # 5 Red Fire Dancers # 6 1976 Rhododendron Forsythia Daffodils # 7 Raspberries, Fresh & Delicious # 8 Remembering Forgotten Dreams # 9 Ravens Fleeing Darkness # 1 0 1977 Rotary Fluff Dryers # 11 Religious Fanatics Descend # 12 Recruiting Feminist Drakes # 13 R. F. D./Visual Issue # 14 1978 R. F. D. Small Town Issue # 15 R. F. D. Faggots Relationship With Women # 16 Ramblings From Dixie # 17 Revolutionary Faggots Desire/Ripe Fruit Delta # 1 8 1979 R. F. D. Spring # 19 Roaring Fresh Decisions # 20 Rightfully Feeling Delirious # 21 Returning Forest Darlings # 22 1980 R. F. D. Spring # 23 Rhododendron Fire District # 24 R. F. D. Ozarks Issue # 25

1981 R. F. D. Spring # 26 Rhyming For Daze # 27 Youth Attitudes in Rural America (Hunger) Reality Finally Dawns/Story of Gay Alcoholism # 28 Feature: Relevant? Funny? Dumb! Humor Issue # 29 Ageing Sagely (Vining) 1982 Dream Woven Soul Holding Life in Its PulseRallying Flowering Dogwoods # 30 Dreaming En-Chantment (Abbott) (Abbott)Reclaiming Forgotten Deserts # 31

Drucilla Dreamboat Raptuous Faggot Debauchery # 32 A Fairy Dreams (Kendall) Rapport From Down under # 33 Notes of a Gay Survivor (Faygele) One Man's Journey (Beautiful Day) 1983 Racism Fosters Delusions (Gabby) Roots • Faeries • Dreams # 34 Re-Factualizing Data (Transient) Roseburg Faggots & Dykes # 35 Re-Focusing Dreams (Collective) Remembering Forgotten Dreams (Cosmos) Rhythmic Faggot Deliria # 36 A View From the Mountain (Beautiful Day) Radical Fairy Digest # 37 Beethovan Rising (Kuepper) 1984 Kevin and the Bicycle (Miller) Re-Focusing Dreams # 38 Sometimes It happens Just Like That (Wallace) Retrospective For a Decade # 39 A Change In My Life (Parker) The Good Fairy Guide to Gatherings (Long) Fasting (Stamps) 1984 - the Issues (Norman) David Campbell (Long) RFD Staff Profiles 36

RETROSPECTIVE FOR A DECADE

Flaunting I t/ ed. by Ed Jackson and Stan Persky New Star Books 2504 York Ave., Vancouver. BC, Canada V6k 1E3 $9.50 paper 312 p. A decade of gay journalism from the Body Politic. Fine articles from Canada’s finest magazine. Gay Fathers by the Gay Fathers of Toronto P.O. Box 187, Station F, Toronton, Canada M4Y 2L5 $6.95 paper 74 p. Stories, experience, and advice. Gay Sunshine Interviews ed. by Winston Leyland Gay Sunshine Press $10.00 each Vol. paper. Vol. 1: Williams, Ginsberg, Vidal, Burroughs, ( • net, Isherwood, etc. Vol. 2: Ned Rorem, Samual Steward, Robert I Mirren, etc. Lavender Culture ed. by Karla Jay and Allen Young Jove Publications, Inc. OUT OF PRINT In the 10 years since RFD began, many gay anthologies have been published giving voice to a wide spectrum of writers. Here are some of the most outstanding non-fiction anthologies. Army of Lovers by Rosa von Praunheim Gay Men’s Press 27 Priory Ave., London, England N8 7RN $3.95 paper 207p. From the film. 18 interviews by the German filmaker with a variety of mid-70s gay liberation groups/ spokespersons. Black Men/White Men ed. by Michael J. Smith Gay Sunshine Press P-O. Box 40397, San Francisco, CA 94140 $8.95 paper 238 p. Personal accounts, stories, essays, poems, and inter views about interracial gay sex by 40 different writers. Also photos and drawings.

A wide spectrum of authors write 43 articles on different aspects of gay/lesbian life. Earlier anthologies edited by Jay & Allen: Out of the Closets and After You 're Out The New Gay Liberation Book ed. by Len Richmond and Gary Noguera Ramparts Press Palo Alto, CA 94303 $5.95 paper 224 p. Rhetoric, visuals, and humor. 31 entries (each 1 to 12 pages.) One Teenager in Ten ed. by Ann Heron Alyson Publications P.O. Box 2783, Dept. F-22, Boston, MA 02208 $3.95 paper 116 p. 27 gay and lesbian teenagers relate how they came to accept themselves as gay and how they dealt with “ reality.” (See review in RFD #37.)

Fag Rag 12th Anniversay Issue Box 331, Kenmore Station, Boston MA 02215 $9.95 paper 128 p.

Whose Child Cries ed. by Joe Gantz Jalmar Press 45 Hitching Post Dr., Building 2 Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 $8.95 paper 245 p.

Exuberant, erotic, no pretensions, no holds barred. Lots of graphics.

Children of gay parents speak for themselves about their lives. 37

Word Is Out; by Nancy Adair New Glide/Delacorte, 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 245 245 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017, $14.95 (cloth) 337 PFrom the film. Lesbians and gay men (young, old, single, coupled, of various races) talk about their gay identities and coming out.

the bulrushes, where he was found by Pharoah’s daughter, who took him to the palace to raise as her own; she also took Miriam along as the baby’s nurse. Moses grew to manhood in the palace, alienated from his culture and people. As a young man, he watched an Egyptian guard beat a Hebrew slave, and Moses attacked the guard. Through various political manipula tions and negotiations, Moses tried to win freedom for his people. Finally, after the slaying of the firstborn Egyptian sons by the Hebrew god, Pharoah let the Hebrews leave. The Hagudah is a retelling of that story, of the bondage, the trip out, and the plan for a ritualized meal, the Seder, that Jews all over the world still celebrate. It is a meal that incorporated the entire family. One part of the ceremony has the youngest child asking four questions, which are answered in ceremonial form. Those questions are: 1. On all other nights we ate either leavened bread or unleavened; on this night why only unleavened bread? 2. On all other nights we eat herbs of any king; on this night why only bitter herbs? 3. On all other nights we do not dip our herbs even once; on this night why do we dip them twice? 4. On all other nights we eat our meals in any manner; on this night why do se sit around the table together in a reclining position? For the answers, consult your local hagadah. One problem some of us have with traditional Judaism is the inherent sexism of the religion and culture as presently practiced. Although a historical examination should show that this was not always so (e.g., Jews are matrilineal, unlike most other. Western cultures; some women rose to very high rank, including prophet and w’arrior/prophets and other leaders, such as Deborah and Judith; in recent European tradition women ran not only the home but the family business), the fact remains that today sexism is as rampant in Judaism as everywhere else, which is a real turn-off for many of us. At the same time, we also realize that in this most Christian of cultures, we are different, and we cannot deny our past or our difference, despite the mouthings of too many liberal-types that such differences are of no import. So as a way of reclaiming our culture in a way that doesn’t alienate us by its sexism, this.book is an important step.

The Telling: A Loving Hagadah for Passover by Dov ben Khayyim. P.O. Box 3094, Oakland CA 94609 $3.75 paper. / he Telling: A Loving Hagadah for Passover by Dov ben Khayyim (hebrew form of Satya Littlebear) is a project he had worked on for tw'o years. It is a paperback, subtitles as “ non-sexist, yet traditional, in Hebrew, English and transliteration.” As I come more and more in touch with my own Jewishness, and can salvage from the ceremonies the historical, as opposed to the religious, and as we try and celebrate our history and culture in new forms. I appreciate this type of effort. And as one who has never learned Hebrew, I find the transliteration of inestimable help in being able to participate in the Seder ceremony.

The first thing a non-Jew would notice in reading this book is that it is “ backwards,” i.e., since in our culture w’e read and write from right to left, what you normally consider the front of a book is the back of our book. In the beginning of the book Dov notes:

For those of you who have no knowledge of sederim and hagadim, the seder is a feast/celebration celebrating the “passover’ of the angel of death in Egypt many years ago. God commanded Moses to have our people smear blood on their doorposts, so that only the firstborn sons of Egyptian families would be slain: this was the last of the seven plagues visited upon the Egyptians by an angry god who wanted his people to be let out of bondage to the Egyptians. But the killing of the firstborn sons was not a Hebrew invention: earlier, Pharoah had ordered the killing of the firstborn sons of the Hebrews. Miriam, Moses' sister, hid him as a baby in a basket in

“ I have scraped away the patriarchy (which has held back our people), and left exposed the rich, earth-ori ented, joyful, thankful, and optimistic tale that reflects the essence of our culture...Rather than using the patriarchal descriptions to describe our Source...the prayers are given in both masculine and feminine forms (note: Hebrew is an inflected language and words have gender...” 35

Also included in the book are pictures from various aspects of present day Jewish culture, and much to Dov’s credit, he not only explains many of the terms that might be unfamiliar to the reader, but also explains some of the differences in ritual and food that exist between different groups of Jews. For instance, something that I had learned only one year prior to reading it here, was that for Jews from the Mediterranean culture, the charoses, which represent the mortar used by the Hebrew slaves in building pyramids, did not have apples (which were not indegenous to that part of the world) but dates and figs (which were indegenous). For Jews this book represents an interesting addition to the growing number of haggudim (e.g., Waskow’s Freedom Seder) that branch out from the traditional; it also has a crosscultural (Judaism is multi-cultural) bent that even most Jews could stand to learn from. For non-Jews, this is an excellent place to start, since the book takes much less for granted than traditional ones, to understand some of the differences and commonalities

Milam is a well known figure in the world of community radio and the author of four previous books. Cripple Liberation Front...has been reviewed, (and the author interviewed by Susan Stanberg) on NPR’s All Things Considered. To those of us who grew up before Dr. Salk’s discovery of a polio vaccine, the horror of the disease will be familiar. To younger readers, the ignorance of the medical profession concerning treat ment of polio will seem shocking. Milam writes with understandable bitterness; he de scribes non genital body functions with an uneasy eroticism. While there are hints of homosexuality in the early parts of the book, there is no description of his coming out or his development as a gay man-we suddenly find him some years later in gay bars in Europe. The story stops as he prepares to return to the States. One would like to know more; this is too disjointed and has too many lacunae to be a biography, but it is a moving description of one man ’s fight to stay alive. -A1 Maupin

The Color Purple by Alice Walker Washington Square Press, 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020, $5.95 (paper) Celie, the main character in The Color Purple, does not allow you simply to read about her life. Rather, she grabs you by the shoulders and pulls you into her soul. And when you emerge, 240 pages later, you are much wiser than you were when you began-wiser for having lived inside the heart of a poor black lesbian in the South during the 1940s. The Color Purple is the fictional journal of Celie's life. It is a harsh life: on the first page of the book her father rapes her, and she is soon married off to an abusive older man with whom she does not want to be. The trappings may be unfamiliar to some of us, but her life of oppression is one with which we as gay men cannot help but identify. It is also a life of great self-discovery, the same kind of long-term self-discovery that we gays know as coming out. We first see Celie grow from an abused teenager to a stifled woman, but then we see her flourish into a perceptive, mature, loving woman. Not surprisingly, her blossoming occurs when she falls in love with another woman, Shug Avery: My mama die, I tell Shug. My sister Nettie run away. Mr.------- come git me to take care of his rotten children. He never ast me nothing bout myself. He clam on top of and fuck and fuck, even when my head bandaged. Nobody ever love me, I say. She say, I love you, Miss Celie. And then she haul off and kiss me on the mouth.

The Cripple Liberation Front Marching Band Blues; by Lorenzo Wilson Milam. Mho & Mho Works, Box 35135, San Diego, CA 72103 220p. $9.95 paper; 14.95 hardback. 39

Um, she say, like she surprised. I kiss her back, say um, too. Us kiss and kiss till we can’t hardly kiss no more. Then us touch each other. I don’t know much about it, I say to Shug. I don't know much, she say. Celie never uses the words “ lesbian” or “gay” ; there is no context for lesbian or gay love in her rural community. Instead, Celie’s lesbianism is part of her struggle to survive in a hard culture. Ultimately, her community must learn to accept Celie’s lesbianism in order to avoid being crushed under its own oppressiveness. The Color Purple is full of people whose lives are woven into a rich tapestry: Shug, the raunchy blues singer who becomes Celie’s lover; Harpo, Celie’s stepson, who is forced by societal pressures to transform from a gentle soul to an abusive macho man; Sofia, Harpo’s wife, who winds up in jail for sassing some white folk; Celie’s sister Nettie, who becomes a missionary in Africa; and many others. Study the tapestry long enough and you’ll find yourself woven into it, not to be released until you put down the book.

Equal in importance and similarity to this is Geraldine Thorsten’s God Herself:feminine roots of astrology, 1980, Doubleday. Both are portents of the resurgence of feminist (goddess-oriented) scholarship and research evidenced in the past decade or so. This resurgence may help us (male and female alike) to free ourselves from our own ’patriarchal subjugation’ to our society’s destructive ways of thinking. In her last chapter the author wishes us to use ’creative visualisation’ for the future, to imagine and bring about (individually) a matriarchal influenced, pacifist and nuclear free society. In her own words,“ ..I hope to unfold a vision of culture as it once existed, to sketch the transition during which that culture was suppressed (emphasis is the reviewer’s), and to show a variety of ways through which we can recover the energy and wisdom needed to heal our civilization.” Though obviously of more interest to Aquarian-minded people and feminists, (as well as occultists, pagans, etc— ) folk of any persuasion will appreciate some aspect of this work.

►Barry Yeoman

-Robert J. Dorn

Motherpeace by Vicki Noble. Harper & Row, c. 1983. 276 p. Illus., (16 color plates), index, bibliography, $11.95 paper. Ms. Noble is not just giving us another 'how to’ manual on tarot reading; she has taken a deeper more revolutionary perspective. She has reinvented the tarot, shedding light on the tarot and its ancient roots in early matriarchal societies. Backed with the ample scholar ship and ideas of such as Mircea Eliade, Robert Graves, c.g. Jung, and more recently, Merlin Stone, among others-she gives us a ’wholistic’ approach. Motherpeace signifies the ancient matriarchal conscious ness which we have lost, to our own detriment. This consciousness’, through various avenues is being rediscovered by not just those mentioned, but by everyday people like you and me. Ms. Noble’s addition of new art forms with a matriarchal balance to the images of the High Priestess, agician, Hierophant (all familiar figures to initiates), brings a new dimension of sight (and inner sight?). These images are sometimes blatant, sometimes strange, but always colorful, imagi native, and full of depth. The art-work employed is reminiscent, and in most cases based on images and religious symbology of our ancesters/ancestresses. This only enhances the appreciation of Ms. Noble’s labors and intuition. She re-writes and re-interprets the Major and minor arcana, giving us a historical background and explana tion for the artwork (created with Karen Vogel),as well as new readings of each card.

American Couples: Money, Work, Sex; by Philip Blumstein and Pepper Schwarz. Morrow, New York, 105 Madison Ave., 1983. 656 p. $19.95. In the mid seventies the authors received major funding from the National Science Foundation and Russel Sage Foundation to survey couples in the United States. American Couples is a distillation of the survey findings. 12,000 individuals were surveyed by questionnaire and more than three hundred were interviewed. In addition, there was a follow up questionnaire two years later. Couples were classified as : married couples, cohabiting couples, lesbian couples, and gay male couples. The survey respondents represent young and old, affluent, middle class and poor, rural and urban. The authors concentrated on the three areas that most influence the lives of couples: money, work and sex. They have managed to report in graceful prose, remarkably free from the jargon of the social sciences. There is a clear explanation of the study at the beginning of the book-required reading for any true understanding of the results. The work is heavily documented, but the footnotes have mercifully been placed at the back of the volume. 40

This reviewer was particularly interested in the investi gations of how power is exercised in a relationship and how leadership, dominance, forebearance and under standing are expressed in a two paycheck household. Among the findings on money, I found the following most revealing: Money establishes the balance of power in relationships, except among lesbians. In Gay male couples, income is an extremely important force in determining which partner will be dominant. When partners are disappointed with the amount of money the couple has, they find their relationship less staisfying, except among lesbians. Among all four kinds of couples, partners who feel they have equal control over how money is spent have a more tranquil relationship. American Couples is a landmark study. Readers pursuing all lifestyles should find new insights and perhaps new options. -A1 Maupin on# u'iw k as dissevered cmfij same o j ifse valu e*

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Down To Earth: The Jason Journal, by Ron Goettsche and Bob Fogg, Synergy Press, P. O. Box 18268, Denver Co 80218-0268 $6.95 paper 245 p. Those of you familiar with Jane Robert’s Seth or other “channeled” works will probably welcome this book of Colorado Springs psychic Rob Goettsche and assistant Bob Fogg. If you have never delved into such material, you may find this an easy to read introduction, if you don’t mind being called a “ manifestation” from time to time. I had, as usual, resistance to the likes of Jason (the name given the “channel” ) even though I had my first verv positive and healing experience with a Virginia Beach trance medium in 1972. I like to “ feel my way though this kind of material. It started to feel right as I came across indications that Jason actually refused to support an organization to form around the work, to do fortune telling, to formalize dogma, or “ ..to interfere with the decisions already made by another.”

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As One Is So One Sees, ed. by Floating Eagle Feather, Renaissance Artists and Writers Association, 854 pearl St., Denver, CO 80203 $6.00 paper 88 p. This “ literary and graphic medicine bundle gathered from many world cultures’’ is a spiritual collection of stories, poems, and epigrams. These distilled truths from many great teachers and religious are springboards for renewal and transformation. These various ways of seeing show different paths to our common source. Beautiful, evocative illustrations by Karl Jadrnicek compliment the text. The readings and drawings are perfect for reflection, contemplation, and meditation; each one is a spark ready to ignite the soul. As Hyemejohsts Storm says in his introduction, “ Know ledge is a Medicine path toward enlightenment. What we do with the knowledge that we possess can illuminate us.” -P. Rickster

I think RFD readers especially would find Jason’s discussion of “The Natural Male” to be interesting. This is one of the few channeled books I've come across that gives an open and supportive discussion of gay related issues, and which gives creedence to the male’s ‘ deeper spiritual part.” Here I quote Jason: “ ..The male must stand in a new independence apart from society’s standards. Previously he has been taught that he should be independent and removed, that he should not need from another, that he should be completely self-suffi cient. This is not independence. This is death.” These ideas are not new to most of you, yet I find them supportive and affirming to the work we all have been doing within and toghether. Jason places much emphasis on allowing for the blend of personal and collective unfoldment. This comes as a very personal process. The world unfolds it's fulfillment as you unfold yours. “ ..Each is a co-creator of this dimension and has participated in it’s creation and purpose.” 41

If I could find fault with this book, it would be in it’s lack of continuity from time to time. It jumped often from dealing with personal issues of inquirers to information more applicable to the general public. Also, there was no index, so I had a hard time locating some information to write this review. All in all, this is a kind of “people’s book.’’ You sense how the people involved in this project are figuring it all out as the psychic sessions progress. And there is a very interesting twist at the end, something that I’ve never seen happen in any other work of this nature; Jason discontinues his liason with Ron Goettsche in the form of a trance phenomenon. Ron begins to have direct conscious access to all information. Jason will give you some things to ponder about, such areas as healing, competition, gay “ marriage," earth changes, the nature of time, the origins of the universe, abortion, the “ Moral Majority," self-denial, Satan, wife battering, UFOs, karma, suicide, death, AIDS, intimacy, and so on. I feel much the same way as a person who participated in a few of the sessions who commented,“ I believe that there are many pathways to the same basic truths and that each path encourages all of us to look within ourselves and discover our own unique beingness. For me, Jason’s communication did just that." -Raven Wolfdancer

(Editor’s Note: Bob Fogg is co-author of DOWN TO EARTH: THE JASON JOURNAL, a 25 page, non-fiction book of channeled material from a spirit guide who calls himself Jason. Ron Goettsche is the trance medium, and Bob Fogg is the person to whom Jason presents his material. The book is published by Synergy Publishers, P-O. Box 18268, Denver, CO 80218, $6.95.) 42

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR By Mark Evans QUESTION: As an author of a book written for everyone, why are you spending so much of your time addressing the gay community? FOGG. I take it that you mean besides my obvious preference. Well, not only are thee parts of the book •where the spirit guide called ason speaks directly to the gay community, but the entire book is written for all who will listen, and I certainly consider gays as part of that all. Also the gay community has been overwhelmingly in support of the channeled material presented by Jason; so why not start here with friends. Another point is that the gay population has been generally overlooked and ignored by almost all of the current religious beliefs. DOWN TO EARTH, on the other hand, offers simple directions for daily living for all people as they move into the fullness of their spiritual ity... even gays. QUESTION: Hasn’t this type of material been presented before? FOGG: To the gay community or to the world in general? QUESTION: Both. FOGG: Surprisingly, very little channeled material has been directed to the gays in the past. That’s one of the reasons why the Jason material is unique. You may be familiar with the Seth material by Jane Roberts; if you are, you will know that Seth touches several times on the topic of homosexuality. The spirit Jason has done the same thing, only Jason speaks more directly to gays in a relationship and to those gays who are seeking a relationship. As for your question on this material being presented before, perhaps it has, but how many times can you say oneness and love. Eventually it is bound to sink in to the deep corners of the mind. The ideas expressed in the book may or may not cause you to remember or know your inner self, but the message itself is somewhat unique not only because of the trance phenomenon, but in the fact that the material in the book seems to address each person on his or her own level of understanding: a magical blend. QUESTION: You mentioned gay relationships. From your understanding of the Jason material, how do gay relationships differ from straight relationships? FOGG: On a higher or spiritual level there is no difference. The bonding of one to another on that level is beyond sexual identity. It matters not if the bonding is between female and female, male and male, or female and male. Love, on that level, is a harmonic flow and has no opposites or sexual differences. On this earthly plane, however, the gays do create their own distinctive style of emotional love, ways of attracting others, general life styles, and mythical structures. QUESTION: Myths? Such as? FOGG: Such as the myth of “ Mr Right" or of the body beautiful. Very often gays accept or reject each other strictly on the basis of “ looks’’-depending on how homy one is. The “ rejection” of another is often done from across the room without ever meeting or knowing the true identity of that individual being rejected. This is

done generally at parties and bars and this type of rejection is a false security blanket. It says that even though I want you. I'll reject you before you can reject me. So everybody goes home alone only to spend the next day bitching about how bad the bars were last night. They don’t realize, of course, that they made it that way. So now we have the problem of slamming the door on a potential relationship even before saying, “ Hi, my name is Bob.” Because of the fear of rejection, the relationship is over because it never even had a chance to start. QUESTION: Then what? FOGG: Well, even if we do continue to the point of introduction which generally means I-like-your-looks-doyou-want-to-screw? We are only looking at the other person in terms of a quick sexual release or a typical one-night-stand. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing negative about one-night-stands if that is all one is looking for. But we are still not moving deeper into the realtionship. We are still not looking for the beauty and love of the other person because we base the entire meeting only on our selfish sexual needs of the moment. QUESTION: So how do we get beyond this typical gay syndrom to form a more lasting type of togetherness? FOGG: At this point it becomes a simple matter of letting go of the pre-programming, the S. and M. (stands and model) attitude. Relax, be open, move with the moment, be who you are. After all, you can’t be anything else anyway. So don't try to be something you re not. Simply be yourself. All you have to do is relax and allow yourself to move with the natural flow of your being, and you have nothing to fear because you are presenting your real self. It is the simplest thing you can do. The standing and modeling attitude takes real effort because you’re being, or trying to be, something you are not, and that is a lot of work. It’s a kind of fake security and it shows. Yet so many waste so much effort doing it. Just being yourself is so much easier! QUESTION: So let’s assume that you have done all of those things of being yourself, and still you go home alone. Isn’t that a form of being rejected? FOGG: If you have presented the real you, you still have your integrity, your self-worth in focus and you will not allow yourself to feel or have a sense of insecurity, so you will not feel rejected. It cannot happen. So from this centeredness or focus rejection, as you previously knew it, is impossible. You will now understand that you were simply not the other person’s preference. That does not mean that your worth as a human being is any less or that your existence needs any defenses or justifications. And so you freely move on to the next experiance that you have chosen to co-create with the universe. You move on to that next experience or to that other person who can appreciate the you that is offered. The word, “ rejection,” is no longer a part of your vocabulary because it no longer has any meaning for you. Now you move into the space, or focus, or harmony where you are no longer playing those gay games that you used to play in the bar; you now simply watch them. Your participation has moved to a higher level of compassion and understanding, a new level of aware

ness. It now becomes a participation in loving. And love is not a game, it’s a way of life. Stop doing battle with your problems on an earthly level, rather see them for what they are from a spiritual point of view. Always keep you face to the light. Stay positive. If you dwell on your pain, you will only increase it. If you dwell on your illness, you will only give more energy to it. Again I remind you, keep your face to the light, the center of your being. Stop looking for Mr. Right and start being Mr. Right. Become the god that you are looking for.

Spartacus Guide For Gay men 1984,ed. John I). Stamford, P.O. Box 3496, 1001 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands, $10.00 This 14th edition of a gay men’s travel classic contains nearly 800 pages of what is gay in places ranging from Abu Dhabi to Zimbabwi. The Guide is written in French, Spanish and German, as well as English, and is detainled with 66 codes and symbols which may invite you (“ J -Joy Room) or repel your attentions (“ 111“ - Stay Away!). Entries are columnized by country and city in alphabeti cal order and cover just about any place you can think of for a gay encounter of any variety. There is even the slightest bit of social admonition or “ word to the wise’’-a neat bit of AIDS awareness. As you might expect in a guide this thick and big, many entries do not come with symbol identification, and even fewer have personal explanatory notes attached (“ A bar with considerable personality and very popular locally, but not so much for tourists’’-Chez Manfred, Alkmaar Noord Holland), but you might want to view this as an invitation to send your own insights to the editor. He might welcome them, and you might find yourself in print! The Guide contains information about the Spartacus Club which, for $40.00, members obtain a privilege card, are entitled to introductions to fellow Spartacus members in the countries they will visit, and qualify for discounts on various publications. The price is steep perhaps, but not when you consider all the time and anguish it can save you from feeling that you are all alone in a straight world. It’s good proof that we. brothers, are happily all around. I’m going to buy my copy soon! -Frank F. Grant 43

<»AY LIBERATION: HOW THE MOVEMENT HAS GROWN: HOW THE ISSUES HAVE CHANGED by Stuart norman Copyright 1984, by Stuart Norman Since this issue is the tenth year retrospective, I have been looking back on our movement-where we’ve been and where we re going, how we’ve changed tactics and ideologies. From the “love that dare not speak its name , to the “ love that won’t shut up.” The modern gay movement did not begin in 1969 with the Stonewall riots. It has a foundation going back many years. But the modern phase of the movement certainly was born after Stonew.all in the end of a decade that had seen the turmoil over an unpoplar war and the Civil Rights movements. Such dissent had never before been seen in our country. There was a new feeling in the air. a light shining through, clearing away the old ways of the 1950 s dark age. Freedom and individualism were on the rise. Old values has been questioned and found lacking in humanity. The foundations of our society were under attack from within. Yet we were only trying to fulfill the American Dream of freedom and respect for individual rights. Hypocracy was being purged as we saw who we really were through the grids of new leftist ideology and aquarian brotherly love. Thus we find in the early days of the gay movement a strident rhetoric and connections with socialistic ide ology and the new left. The literature of liberation was full of it. But there also was political naievete’ and un irid led idealism. The gay movement was caught up in the civil rights, anti-war. anti-draft, anti-Capitalist. feminist and ecological ideology. Now that is past history, and the country has turned toward a conservative bent. And we gays have changed too. We have become an ethnic group united by tastes’ styles, behaviors, beliefs, and of course, sexuality. We are gay, not just homosexuals. That is a new phenomena m the historical world. And we are still defining ourselves. However, we have a long way to go. 44

\e t we have seen the syles of behavior change in our community during the past decade. The stereotype of the effeminate man or butch woman is dying. The eternal femme (old fairy queen) and youthism is declining as we mature. We can observe in the personals the acceptance of rising age and every type of body. However, we still do like good bodies. But we are more free to be ourselves as openly gay people. Gays have attained commercial power and political sophistication. However, we may be losing some of the ideals such as the need for complete cultural change ending sexism, racism, and the convention of patriarchy. It was good to hear this ideal reiterated by Virginia Apuzzo, Executive Director of the National Gay Task Force, in her keynote address to the Southeastern Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 14. In the intervening years since 1969, we gays have moved from political ideologies of liberation to personal liberation, as the Human Potential Movement flowered. It was a move from mass consciousness to the individual. We found out how to accept ourselves as good and healthy human beings in various forms of consciousness raising. We gained a self-confidence from rooting out internalized oppression so that we could act freely. With that knowledge we now understand that education (or re-education) of ourselves and society is more important than political rhetoric or action in achieving liberation. Politics must follow education. Knowledge and informa tion are required before correct and effective political action. 1hen in 1977, Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign in Florida politicized us to the realities of our society. From that we saw the importance of working within the system to gain our rights. At this point I feel it is a good time to examine and criticize the political thought that our movement has inherited, and the changes within it. It was the economic freedom of consumer capitalism and the right of free speech that allowed our movement to grow. We must always be aware that individual freedom is needed first. Both economic and civil freedoms go together, cannot be separated. And those freedoms are ours. A government is a protector of rights in its proper role, but it cannot grant rights which are inherent in individuals. It can, however, take them away by force. But by how much do we give up our rights by internalized oppression or by lazyness and thus not act on them? Andy by that we lose them. A few gay people have acted and all of us have gained by it. That our movement has gained the power it has might seem a contradiction to its founders who were leftists. \ et we must see what we are fighting, and ideologies sometime obscure clear sight. V\ e are fighting homophobia and sexism, both which run deep in our culture as integral parts. Homophobia is a weakness, a fear of same-sex relations by so-called straights. It is separative. And sexism causes people to be viewed as sexual objects (especially women), and sex is a commodity to be sold. But our movement is based on iove and the right to love freely. That is what the sexist attitude destroys and patriarchal society directs toward perpetuating itself.

Straight society fears homosexuality often without consciously knowing why. There is a deep, hidden knowledge that same-sex relationships will destroy the sexist role hegemony on which western society is founded. Thus we gays are a threat to the family, roles of women and men, and to competition. The New Right is correct about that. We must understand that the political realm is based on the psycho-social realm. Thus, politics reflects cultural beliefs, and is not itself a revolutionary agent for cultural/social change. Political revolution will not solve the problem of sexism or of fascist authoritarianism and partiarchy. The causes he deeper. All oppression is fascistic, arising from psychological repression or internalized oppression in the individual. But it is cultural and learned, and expresses in the masses as unfreedom and political oppression. In our culture both women and men are responsible for the patriarchy, and both compete within and without their respective social roles. It was the height of naievete’ and perhaps greed on the part of both socialists and capitalists to assume that politics could bring freedom and true liberation. In our time we have seen the failure of both to bring about the millenium, but they could bring on the apocalypse. Capitalism and Socialism are outmoded, 19th century ralionalistic philosophies, having no basis in the spiritual. They are secular socio-economic theories founded on the win/lose paradigm of poverty conscious ness, which states there is never enough for everyone. Both originated in patriarchal consciousness, and both have become authoritarian religions. Neither fosters freedom. Capitalism fosters competiiton, a masculine

concept, and forces inequality. Socialism, conceived as a corrective, fosters a feminist cooperation, but forces a mass equality denying individualism. So within our culture both are forums for coersion, and either will sacrifice the masses or the individual. The cultural chauvinism is germane to both. I could continue this comparison, but I think the foregoing is sufficient to make my case. The problem is cultural, not political. What we need first is personal liberation and the courage to live our rights even if we must live in the loopholes of society, as we gays have. We can rid ourselves of internalized oppression and live as freely as we wish, willing to take the consequences of our beliefs and actions. Then we can change our culture, and politics will follow. We need to forge bonds built on consensus rather than opposition and majority rule. We must learn to relate in nonhierarchal modes. But for now we can join forces with the ecology, anti-nuke, anti-war and New Age factions to forge a coalition of thought for cultural change based in spiritual values. The age of pessimism, mass destruction and sacrifice must end. Yet for a while we must also work within the system. We have a goal to end sexism and abolish the patriarchy, but to accomplish this we must first work for gay rights. We need the politicians in place within the system. Politics is a two way street; we must demonstrate to politicians that they need us. Once our rights are protected by law we can use the law, our knowledge and understanding to subvert the predomi nant culture.

GAY BOOKSTORE UNDER ATTACK by Eric Gemmer

“ We have no proof that these incidents are linked,” Loring stated, “ but they’re certainly both attacks on the gay community, not just the store.

We have just begun our work building the New Age. 'Offy

Two seemingly unrelated incidents at Atlanta’s lesbiangay bookstore, Christopher’s Kind, are being perceived as organized attacks on the gay community. Charles St. John, a store employee, faces the possiblity of two years in jail and fines of up to $2,000 as a result of his recent arrest by the Metro Atlanta Vice Squad on two counts of “distributing obscene materials,” a misdemeanor ‘‘of a high and aggravated nature” under Georgia law. St. John was arrested by three undercover policemen on March 26 with a warrant obtained after one of them had purchased copies of the magazines Skin and Manpower at the store on March 15. Though St. John offered no resistance to arrest, he was led away in handcuffs. He was later released on a $500 bond posted by owner Eugene Loring. Bond has originally been set at $6,000.

One of the problems facing those trying to organize support is the lack of a local gay newspater in Atlanta. A number of organizations, such as the Lesbian/Gay Rights Chapter of the ACLU of Georgia and Georgians Opposed to Archaic Laws (GOAL), which is attempting to overturn Georgia’s sodomy law, have expressed their support for the case. According to Loring, a number of local booksellers and other individuals have voiced their concern and their willingness to provide help. Individuals wishing to support the cases may make tax-deductable contributions to GOAL, specifying its use for the Christopher’s Kind cases, to: GOAL, c/o Atlanta

St. John’s arrest followed by one week several attempts by Bell South representatives to get Loring to delete the words ‘lesbian’ and ‘gay’ from his Yellow Pages advertisement, which the company has published the past three years. According to Loring, the phone company representatives said that they had received ‘complaints’ about the ad, the nature and source of which they refused to divulge. To those perusing the Yellow Pages, the Christopher’s Kind ad is situaated after the listing of several ‘Christian’ booksellers. 45

C .drnivd G ay Balls

It is an orgy of dropped and exchanged indentities. Gays are able to get more gay and straights are able to get less straight! This year Carnival had the usual dozens of parades but the more than a dozen gay krewes yet to apply their considerable talents and energy to a parade. One can only imagine the souvenirs, traditionally tossed to the thousands of spectators, from a future gay parade. This year, the more politically active held gay pride celebrations during Carnival rather than Mardi Gras, when they stood a better chance of getting attention. Mardi Gras includes the spectator contest in front of the famous gay bar, Lafitte’s Exile.

gay urban folk art But one day and Mardi Gras is over, while “ Carnival” is eternal. Especially for the gay ‘krewes’ who are already dreaming, planning and creating the ‘gay balls’ for Carnival ‘84. Like the Macy’s and Pasadena parades and despite lent, which officially brings Carnival to a close, not a moment is wasted in realizing the extravaganzas that have made the ‘gay balls’ the hottest tickets in New Orleans. The gay ‘krewes’ began as private social clubs that would satirize the ‘straight’ krewes, which have a long history in New Orleans, especially as a tireless and prestigious conduit for the fodder of the yearly debutante meat rack. The gay satirists rapidly commandeered the spirit of Rex, King of Misrule’, and created audacious spectacles filled with humor, invention and royal pomp and pageantry, well before Stonewall or any glimmer of a gay theatre’ movement. While the ‘straight’ balls have been mired in the tradition-bound courts of ‘old King Cole' and ‘Humpty Dumpty’, a time-traveler from the Renaissance or Baroque court masques and entertain ments would feel right at home at these balls, which are the zenith of folk art for gay people. Like the early court entertainments in France and Italy these ‘gay balls’ rely heavily on mythological themes, especially those myths from countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. While the straight' balls also explore these myths, there is no failure of nerve in the gay krewes’ presentations, perhaps because of the intuitive reson ance with the homoeroticism of the Greeks, and with the mystery cults of Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. By Rick Paul

The gay krewes are organized in every way according to the true democracy of the krewe of Olympus, where it is understood and expected the den of the Jovial Krewe of Olympus, where their lavish props, sets, and costumes are created. It was late at night and the glue guns were out in full force putting finishing touches on dozens of large, unidentifiable black satin items which would end up as my favorite memory of the balls I visited. As the deadline loomed only days away for costumes and details begun months before, many were wrestling with giant peacock-plumed and pampas-grass creations. Others worked on minute beading and shellwork designs. The whole den hummed with the happy atmosphere I remembered from grammar school art class. I’m sure there is not a sequin left in Taiwan, a bangle left in Bangalore, or an intact ostrich in the ‘out back’ during Carnival. There seems to be no limit to the krewes’ imagination or extravagant design sense. More tradi tionally politically active gay people might say that for the politically active of New Orleans this money could buy votes for gay people or support AIDS research. Ostrich plums and black lame spider-gowns should not be underestimated as calibrations of self-esteem and political victories. 46

The skill and audacity of the gay creators have created a real scramble for tickets among non-gay people. Some gay people worry that within ten years there won’t be room for us at our own balls! “They shouldn’t be here! They inhibit gay people who have to hide their identity at work all year.’’ “ Sure they admit the gay balls are better, but still they come to laugh and they’ll go back to work and talk about how sick it was...’’ “ Look at the ‘Captain’s Table’; everyone there is straight! The krewe captian just wants to impress his boss!” The tension between assimilation and pride and wanting something celebatory and private is increasing and might never be resolved. Carnival is the only pagan holiday the church has not succeeded in castrating.

The Krewe of Adonis was the first gay krewe to bring a celebrity, Ella Fitzgerald, to perform for a gay audience in new Orleans. There are now over a dozen gay krewes who create and perform for their community and for any lucky tourists who can get invited. There is Vesta, a krewe of men and women; Polythemis, a black and white krewe; Memphis, known for its free wheeling ball; Armenius, who this year dramatized “ Great Disasters of the Western World” ; and even the plucky and disrepu table krewe of Dirty Dottie, a renegade krewe recruited from Rampart Street’s seamier bars. Oh, to have seen what they came up with. I was able to attend the ball of Ishtar, the lesbian krewe. Their theme, “ Music, Music, Music” , was uninspired, but it turned out to feature dazzling costumes, a gorgeous 1920’s juke box set, and many guest stars, including Karen Herbert and the Crescent City Moving Company. Throughout these entertainments, I had to keep reminding myself that these people are not professionals in the theater, and only have one day to set up their elaborate sets, lights, rehearse cues, and do a placement rehearsal, probably without their elaborate and often gravity defying headdresses! It annoyed me when the inevitable technical flaw happened, to hear the audience, which did get in free, call out “ next!” or begin clapping to get the show rolling again. If they only knew of the stage managerial nightmare in the wings!

% Because all this activity happens in a sort of dream state, there is very little sense of history. Many of the milestones of the gay balls have faded away as old timers, and participants have ftopprf puy og krewe life or moved away. No one I talked to had heard of The National Gay Archives or had the slightest thought that some other gay people might like to chronicle this area of gay history and ritual. But there are balls that are still remembered. Over ten years ago, the Krewe of Petronius was the first to rent the cavernous St. Benard Auditorium and go public. Several members lost their jobs. The auditorium is still the center for the gay Carnival balls, located in a very conservative suburb. The Krewe of Olympus was ostensibly created as a canvas for the nationally known designer Jamie Greenleaf. Along with brilliant designer-choreographer Har vey Hysell they were the first to strive consciously to create theater as the entertainment portion of the ball. Their Camelot became the standard by which all the balls would be judged. Because they both work professionally in theater, they included plot, characters, brilliant design and ballet en pointe long before the Ballet Trocadero. Though cross-dressing has always been a staple of Mardi Gras, the gay balls would never again be considered just a drag show. Films of the Greenleaf-Hysell collaborations are no longer in New Orleans and members of Olympus I spoke to were not even aware that the films existed.

My favorite moment of Carnival 83 happened at the Krewe of Olympus Ball during David Tringalli's opulently clever show, “ Magic” . The curtains parted and out skittered 24 giant top hats, down the ramp and into the patterns of a Busby Berkeley number. Presently, the hats, which were the weird form I had seen being assembled at the den, collapsed revealing 24 white rabbits, deliriously involved in a bunny hop of reeling proportions. Eventually the stage was empty except for one adorable rabbit dancing demonically to the beat of the hop. A moment out of a drunken dream, no sequins, no feathers, no beefcake, no drag, just wild applause for wit, silly charm and an ecstatic rabbit. Glad to be gay. Long live Gay Folk Art. 47

i n

Author’s preface: I believe profilers owe it to our readers to reveal a bit of our own perspectives from which we view our subjects. I’ve known Bill King since the summer of 1981 when I was hitchhiking and backpacking around the U.S. It was Billy who first introduced me to the magical town of Eureka Springs and who lured me back to the Ozarks for a longer stay. Together we enjoyed a little romance and we continue to enjoy good friendship. Billy introduced me to Jim Long, my mate (and presently my editor). Living, as I now do, several miles from Eureka on a farm with a job which absorbs much of my time, I can’t claim to know Billy as a neighbor, with the insights frequent visiting provides, but I keep up with his activities and I continue to have great respect for him as a human being and community leader. Among the many strong, diverse personalities in that unique little town of Eureka Springs, Billy seems one of the most universally well-liked and respected by the town’s various citizens. (While it is allegedly true a local banker refused to sit with Billy when he was first elected to the City Council, that rejection in this town is something of a badge of honor.) A mutual friend remarked recently that after moving bact to Eureka Springs after an absence of several years, the one common denominator he found in his friends (old and new) was knowledge of and affection for Bill King. We sat together one evening recently and, after a delicious vegetarian pot luck dinner, we generated the conversation which became this profile. I was somewhat handicapped, but Billy was delighted, when my tape recorder refused to function. Readers will not, therefore (I hope), hold this gay politician strictly accountable for any of the quotes which follow, as they are merely my own reconstructions from notes. My method of commencing the interview disoriented Billy a little. Ever the English major, overly concerned about tempering my “ biographing subjectivity,’’ I asked Billy to describe himself with three nouns, three adjectives and one verb. Although I honestly told him I didn t intend to print these, I exercise a fairy perogative to change my mind and tell: Billy sees himself as a man, an idealist and an activist. He is in his own words caring, confused and well-meaning. His life he summed up with the verb(s) rush/lay back. A Long Island native, Bill King found his way to Eureka Springs, Arkansas via a circuitous route of jobs with gay hotels, bars and restaurants. He admits to never feeling he fit in with that world, and it was with some relief he discovered the warm, yet strangely cosmopolitan community of Eureka Springs. Since moving to Eureka, Bill has had a major hand in the creation of two popular businesses. The first, the Pita Hut, was outdoor vegetarian cafe which shunned the easy money available from peddling sugar and beef to tourists downtown in favor of providing nutritional quality and gastronomic excellence in a tranquil setting amid a sea of tourist hype. Last year Billy joined with another partner to create the Sweet Dreams coffee house and out-of-the way spot where one could enjoy a quiet drink with tempting homemade wholesome treats (not Hostess cakes!). Alas, for the community, neither of these businesses still exists, but many feel the social fabric of Eureka Springs is woven more tightly thanks to the socializing which went on at these places.

BY JOSHUA YOUNG Bill King is a respected figure in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He is an avid activitst for human rights, clean water and air, has contributed articles and time to RFD, catered the meals for some of the “ Annual All-boy Buffalo River Floats" is an energetic organizer and participant ingatherings in the community,takes a strong and active roll in anti-nuke marches, pride day parades, and takes his job as a Eureka Springs City councilperson very seriously. Bill has been dubbed "the official welcoming commit tee for this busy little tourist town by most anyone who has ever looked into his eyes and caught a glimpse of his radiant smile. He is warm and friendly with a love for people which seems to be his motivation. He is open and honest about his sexual preference, yet doesn't make being gay his only focus - rather a facet among many that make up the whole person. Jim Long 43

Billy describes these ventures as pursuing fantasies to benefit the community rather than seeking a simple materialistic motive. With the Pita Hut good nutrition was his goal, while Sweet Dreams was intended for, as Billy himself puts it, “the communitization of the community.” Those of us who experienced it sadly miss the special atmosphere Billy created, particularly at Sweet Dreams, where entertainment, board games and conversation mingled in a family style atmosphere. Billy recognizes in himself a tendency many of us experience, namely to lose interest in a project once the initial fantasy is realized. This is not to say either of these enterprises failed for lack of initiative and hard work, but the drive to maintain the projects was not as great as the diligent efforts which created them. I asked Billy how important to him was where he lived, to which he responded he has always been “ passionate” about where he is living at any given time. “Eureka is where I’m living now,, so it is Eureka I am passionate about now. ’’ Josh: “Why Eureka?” Bill: “ Because here you can do what you want, be who you are, and be accepted by a supportive community. It’s nice to live here: We have clear air, we can have clean water, and I believe there are national implications (in Eureka Springs’ fight to decontaminate and purify its water supply).” Josh: “Why did you choose to become politically active, to run for and serve on City Council?” Bill: “ Eureka Springs represents, for me, a last frontier, one which is rapidly being exploited by others, and I believe it is necessary to make a stand against those forces. We must change the way humans deal with wastes, primarily human wastes. Basically we need to stop shitting in the water..!I guess I can say shitting in RFD?” Ironically Eureka Springs was reputed to have the best water in the world. Now the Victorian sewer system has decayed and the famous springs are undrinkable. (The city’s water supply is so heavily treated that virtually everybody, except the ignorant tourist, drinks bottled water.)” No conventional water/sewage systems work here. The city’s current plan provides for a new plant for waste treatment while allocating money for long-range, appro priate, innovative, on-site treatment of wastes. Such a plan would include gray water systems, composting toilets and water conservation.” Josh: “ How do you measure your success in these efforts?” Bill: “I just continue plugging. (Any activism is the same). I have successes and failures, but I keep on because I just know I have to do it. ” Josh: “Do you see apllications of what you’ve learned here for others elsewhere?” Bill: “ Eureka is small. Most RFD’ers live in small communities, don’t they? I see an alliance among the alternative community and the seniors and the natives who want to preserve the quality of life where they are. Josh: “Changing the subject, how important to you is how you support yourself?” Bill: “I’ve learned to do almost anything, as long as I don’t have to do it too long! I’m ‘into’ short term employment. My ideal would be not to spend too much time earning my living.”

(Here I broke up and Billy joined in laughing, because as long as I’ve known him he’s worked more than ’normal’ 40 hour weeks to keep his various enterprizes going.) I reminded Billy of a sentiment he'd expressed to me several weeks auo and asked him to repeat it. He complied, “ All I want to do is earn a living, do my politics, have a relationship, put time into my friend ships, work on my physical/spiritual/emotional/intellectual self, read a few books and hang out. Now where’s the time to do it all?’’ Josh: “ You’re thirty now, what are your thoughts on aging?” Bill: “ Previously I felt invincible, with unlimited energy and abilities. Turning thirty was traumatic, but age and its limitations haven’t sunk in yet. I recognize Eureka is probably a good place to grow old-a good place to grow up and a good place to grow old. Josh: “You’ve had a chance to do some parenting lately. Tell me about that.” Bill: “ I met Che when he was still Gorilla’ inside his mother’s womb. Then I knew him when he was passed around at Community Lunch (A Eureka phenomenon roughly like a bizarre, weekly church social at which passing a child off to a gay man, lesbian or punk should not be equated with neglect.) I mention this because ('he is emminently ’passaroundable’.” Then I began babysitting for Che and a bond developed between us. I’d been wanting to be a parent. When Che’s mom moved to a not-too-distant city the opportunity arose for me to car for him for extended periods. I have kept him for several 7-10 day stretches and his mom and I are considering sharing equally his parenting. I’m his‘signigicant’male figure.’ Parenting a three year old is difficult. (I have to consider him especially during my current carpentry job.) My life at these times revolves around a new focus, namely the child. There is so much good, so much innocent love in a child that age; I’d like for it to be this way in adulthood as it is in childhood. With more gay and lesbian couples having children, I believe we’re getting closer to that goal. Gay couples obviously have to make a conscious decision to have a child, and therefore such children are wanted. It’s a strong trend in this area; isn’t it everywhere? I don’t know what’s going on on the ’outside’!” Josh: “Tell me about how you experience the confusion you alluded to before we began the interview.’ Bill: “ I’m living a ’far out lifestyle,’ and therefore I want to know how to relate to a society with a different value system. This applies to me politically and socially (in relationships). Josh: “ How are things with your family?’ Bill: “ My two brothers and sister are fine, one brother is moving back here to Eureka soon. They all know about me but I’m still in the closet with my parents. I intend to come out to my parents sometime soon. I believe if you’re not honest with your parents-if that primal relationship isn’t honest-it’s bound to effect your relations with other.” At this point our conversation trailed off into little bits of gossip and “dish.” I left before an impending storm and spent the drive home mulling over our talk. I have great respect for Bill King and hope more fairies find ways to pursue activist roles in their communities. Billy is proof positive that an openly gay man can berespected and influential in a small rural community. j j w 49

CONTACT YOUR FELLOW RED READERS Dear Fellow RFDers, My name is Fr. Denis and I would enjoy developing a friendship with those male/female who are interes ted in developing a Independent Catholic Community dedicating it self to 1. Doing all possible good works. 2. To establish a Church presence in its area. 3. To recruit potential clergy and 4. Bring the Gospel and Sacraments to the faith ful, sick, naked, hungry, thirsty, stranger, and in prisoned. My Love and Prayers to all. Who soever will may come! In Love, Fr. Denis Rush Community of the Good Samaritan 690*4 - 5th Ave. #114 Brooklyn, New York 11209

RFD p r i n t s c o n t a c t l e t t e r s f r e e of charge. We a l s o p r o v i d e a fre e forwarding s e r v i c e for r e a d e r s who w i s h t o r e m a i n anonymous. J u s t g i v e your a d d r e s s a s " c / o R F D " , and we w i l l f o rw a rd your m a il ( a l s o free of charge). Of c o u r s e , d o n a t i o n s a r e a l w a y s welcome! C o n d e n s e your l e t t e r t o 2 0 0 wo r d s o r l e s s . S p e l l i n g and p u n c t u a t i o n w i l l be c o r r e c t e d u n l e s s you r e q u e s t t h a t we p r i n t y ou r l e t t e r " a s i s " . P l e a s e be p o s i t i v e i n s t a t i n g y our i n t e r e s t s and p r e f e r e n c e s . Saying " n o " t o any p a r t i c u l a r t r a i t or human c h a r a c t e r i s t i c may u n necessarily offend a brother. The B r p t h e r s B e h i n d B a r s p e n p a l program i s a s e p a r a t e s e r v i c e p r o v i d e d f o r our r e a d e r s t o make c o n t a c t w i t h p r i s o n e r s . You may want t o w r i t e us f o r t h e a c t i v e BBB p e n - p a l l i s t b e fore responding to u n s o lic ite d orisoner m a il. S e n d y o u r l e t t e r t o RFD Rt . Box 1 2 7 - E , B a k e r s v i l l p , NC

2870S.

Jim P.O. Box 524 Mt. Sinai, Long Island New York 11766

I’d like to hear from you. Might we click? Sincerely, Possible Friend Box 2174 Clifton Park, New York 12065

Dear Friends,

It’s spring again out here on the East end of Long Island. Am I the only RFD reader, or are there others who love this North Fork as much as I do?

I love the outdoors, cars, and boats. It’s time to go rowing in the sun and running on the beach. It would be very pleasant to share these things with someone.

Enjoy music, reading, dancing, eating out, travel, walking, beaches, mountains-yet best is al ways sitting home relaxing with someone special.

Hi,

I’m a long distance runner in my mid-forties, weigh 150, 5’9” or so, have red hair.

Myself, I’ve only been out about a year. I’m divorced with two child ren, in my fifties, trim, 5,101A ,\ about 150 pounds. I presently teach, formerly stage-managed in off-Broadway theater in New York City. Lived in Paris one year-but am essentially a small town, rural person.

Dear Possible Friend, Might we click? I live on a small lake just outside Saratoga Springs, a short way north of Albany in the foothills of New York’s Adirondacks, near both Ver mont and western Massachusetts. Am hoping to find a sincere guy with a straight lifestyle, age 25-50, for possible 1-1 relationship. 50

I’m an early 40’s GWM living in the eastern upstate New York area. I have an old rural home which keeps me busy with all sorts of mainte nance and renovation projects. I also enjoy hiking, raising vegeta bles and fruit, traveling, photo graphy, preserving what I grow, cooking, etc. I also spend lots of time at my Adirondack Mt. Cabin. I’d like to get in contact with compatible new friends 21 to 50 in the eastern NYS area to Canada and Vermont who might enjoy sharing similar interests. Hope you’ll drop a line. D.M. c/o RFD Route 1, Box 127E Bakersville, North Carolina 28705

Dear Folks: I am another recent discoverer of RFD and its family. CONTACT LETTERS

I am single and 38 yrs. old living in city of Baltimore, and living a straight life style. I look much younger and keep physically fit. I am 5’ 9” ; wt. 155; blond hair, blue eyes. I enjoy travel very much and prefer especially the rural retreats and woodland trails in the moun tains. I like the smaller towns with 5,000 to 50,000 populations, and avoid cities except for sightseeing. I have a BS degree and want com panions to talk about intellectual subjects and not “ small talk” . My life style is conservative and I do not smoke or drink or have bad habits. I am very honest and forthright and attend church. My work has mostly been indoors and “white collar’’. What this leads to is: I’m looking to hear from subscribers who live in any of the following localities: Pennsylvania, Western MD, the mountains of Va., W. Va. or else where in the South. Do you share my interest in exploring “ every trail in the forest” or do you go camping? Do you also like rafting or canoeing, as I do? Do you live on a farm or in a small town and have a spare room in your house? I want to pay you for lodging me, or to take you out to dinner. It is my hope to meet someone in the spring or summer of this year for “good times” in the true sense. Please also let me hear from you around the Great Smoky Mtns.; in Georgia or Alabama. If you are knowledgeable in scientific aspects of agriculture (farming) or forestry this will be welcome also. My best wishes for spring and summer, and hop to be hearing from a few of my ‘‘country cousins” real soon! Sincerely,

I live in, and operate a small mountain lodge in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Life here is simple. The setting magnificent. Deer browse the year ’round. Canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, swimming in the summer; winter sports galore in season just ended.

N o r th e r n

V m

L a m b d a N ond

C O M M U N IQ U E

Mj\

9 9 0

C a r i b o u , Maine (H 73<2> A rticles o f i n t e r e s t to the lesbian/ g a y m a le c o m m u n i t y of N o t h e r n M a m e , N o r t h w e s t e r n New Brunswick, Qnd T 6 r n isc o u a ta , Q u e b e c . D ea d lin e f o r su b m ission s is i/nz f i r s t of each, m o n t h . S u b s c r i p t i o n . r a t e .: * 7 /y r , N L N m e m b e r sh ip ■•*10 ("includes Comm.) o r % (hr Ipw-income people,also inc. Comm)

I am looking for correspondents, gay and lesbian from all over. I hope that in part, out of the correspondence can come relation ships of all kinds, lasting and enduring. Maybe I will find my mate. I am 35, 5’10” dark blue eyes with red-blond hair. I am open to ex changing photos if you send yours. Honesty and sincerity appreciated and extended in return. l. 0. if.

I have no set requirements for the men who might wish to write-I have related well to teens to golden agers. With respect to the women who might choose to reply, I am not a sexist, but genuinely interested in listening to your point of view. I prefer people who have curiousity, are warm and loving, and enjoy sharing, with another fellowpassenger on this spaceship earth.

Q. K' - O V •,*■W

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S h o w » i,c o o k w » t» , h l d a - a - b a d , A.C. .c o lo r l.v .g a a g r ill a v a lla b la , lln a n a Just r a m o d a la d .p r Iv a t s D C . - t 5 0 m l. Va B a a c h - 5 0 ml. B ush G a r d a n a - 3 m l.C o lo o lal W m a b g .-S m l. N o r f o l k - 4 0 m l. $ 35 n ig h t ,$175 w a s h

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In hopeful friendship, Gerry c/o RFD Route 1, Box 127E Bakersville, North Carolina 28705

M agazine #>r Coun i r e s id e People ! fry c rin g : S m a ll s l o c k , b e t s , q a n le n fn q , h e a lth , n a tu re and p e r s o n a l ads a r c ■ A musl (o ra ll btcL ijtrd f a r m e r s / hom esteaders. O u r 8 " u ear,

One year on In *8.oo F a r m i n g Un c l e ® In tern atio n al - Jo u rn a l •

Thomas M. Gendermann 3900 Fifth St. Baltimore, Maryland 21225

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p o box s i r e L IB E R T Y . N E W Y O R K

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Dear RFD Readers,

Gentles, Magic Types and Fairy Folk Everywhere, It’s been a wondrous road that has led to this letter. It’s taken us to gatherings in Colorado, Running Water, Santa Fe and Key West. Along the way we’ve rented one farm, then bought and sold an other. We have talked with and touched with many of you during this journey. Each return from the gatherings was marked by the struggle to integrate our hearts and heads with our old spaces. Three weeks after our return from the Island Circle gathering, we realized that we weren’t going to be able to compromise ourselves this time. We had to take a good look at why we went in the first place. The result of that introspection is a quest that begins with this letter. On September first, the two of us, a tent, red hat and bells, saris and a little money are heading home. Heading towards a space of community, a place to build a home with enough room in and around it to gather the people and things we love. We have no time constraints or itinerary. We would like to connect with old friends and make new ones. What we hope to find is a way of creating a natural, non combative, spiritual environment. Along with us we bring energy, many questions, a few answers as well as skills and interests in meditation, healing, old movies and ballroom dancing. It is with great joy that we begin this journey, and with great hope that we send this letter. Anyone out there who wants to share experieces, community, and homestead ing skills, or anyone who would just like to spend some time with two mobile, mad members of the Lost Tribe, please send your wishes our way. With Love to All You Fancy Dancers, John Seville and Ric St. Clair 2704 S. 9th St. #201 Arlington, Virginia 22204

I am a GWM living in the southwest portion of Virginia. I am very lonely as I do not have anyone. Contacts are hard to make here in this rural area. I am very discreet, honest and caring. I’d really love to meet someone close to my area for a meaningful friendship and relation ship. So please let me hear. I am very lonely and I have a desire to meet someone. Reply to L.P. P.O. Box 1416 Honaker, Virginia 24260

G A Y E L L 0W PAGES . INE0HMING THE GAY COMMUNITY SINCE 1973 Accommodations. AA groups Pars, baths, bookstores businesses, counselors, dentists, doctors, hotels, law vers, mail order, media, publications, organisations religious groups, services, social groups, switchboards. therapists, travel agents, etc etc etc. (area codes & /ip codes lo o ') USA & CANA0A S10 NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY S3 50: includes Manhattan par notes & women's section SOUTHERN EDITION S3 50: Alabama. Arkansas. N X S Carolina. Honda Georgia. Kansas Kentucky, lorn Jana. Mississippi Missouri. New Mexico, Oklahoma Puerto Rico. Tennessee. Texas. Virginia NORTHEAST EDITION S3 50. Connecticut. Delaware Disincl of Columbia. Maine, Maryland. Massachusetts. New Hampshire. Ohio, Pennsylvania. Rhode Island. Vermont W Virginia SPARTACUS INTERNATIONAL GAY GUIDE tor men S20 Hie rest ol the world does not include USA or Canada men s coverage only Renaissance House. Box 292 Village Station. NY. NY 10014 212-929-7720. All books discieetty by test class mail your name kept strictly confidential In list a business oi nigani/alion or lor further information send stamped ' addiessed business si/e envelope Please contact us tor prices outside the USA In Canada order from Glad Day Books 64BA Yonge St . Toronto. Ontario M4Y 2A6 416-961 4161 (check tor prices) Ask us about Gayellow Pages on marling labels!

NORTH CAROLINA: GWM, 33, 6', green eyes, sandy hair, trim build, 161 lbs. I’m looking for someone who wants a serious relationship. Someone who I can enjoy, relate to and be able to talk to. I enjoy the quiet of the country, walks and hikes in the woods, biking, swimming, sunning, music, art and good home cooking. Warm fire places on a cool autumn night and a full moon by a lake on a warm summer’s evening. If you are in physically good shape and are masculine in appearance and actions and are between the ages of 28 and 40 and are looking to settle down in all seriousness then give me some thought and drop me a letter. I’ll answer all that correspond. Believe me, city life can be very lonely. Write to: Mel Ellington 511 North Boulevard Apartment #7 Richmond, Virginia 23220 52

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c o n ta c t letters

Dear RFDers, Is there life after coming out? It's taken me a long time and now that I’m out and still very in touch with my whole self I have a problem. Where do I find a man to share it all with? I also might find a community desirable. Sexual partners are the easy part but where do I find a man to share a certain level of consciousness, of energy, of creativity. My brothers who have their energy tied up in guilt and low self-esteem don t have it available to share with me. And the cynicism that settles for one sexual encounter after the other doesn’t allow the creativity I want to share. I’m a very sensual man of 42 (look 30). I’m into thinking deeply, gar dening and friendship. I enjoy good food, good sex and nature-the ocean and forest where I live now, and the mountains for years before. In the past I helped organize an intentional community and with the help of friends built the house where a male partner and I lived in a wonderful, creative space for 7 years. I grew up in the mountains and have developed a wide range of practical skills. I have taught child ren for many years but am currently trying my hand at real estate sales. Currently my life experiment is living in middle class America. Interesting, but not required.

My name is David Wright and I am looking for someone to correspond with, especially a male who is honest, sincere and very under standing. I enjoy sports, such as football, basketball, horseback rid ing, swimming and tennis. Also I love poetry which I enjoy writing. I am 5’8” /brown hair and eyes/ slender and beautiful body. I will answer all letters and if possible, send photo. I am a white male, but will correspond with either sex. Color is not a factor.

I am GWM in Ohio, 5’6” , 135, over 50, in good health, not into gay scene and do not drink or smoke. Seek frieqds, photo appreciated, use letter or tape. Like animals, arts, birding, catalogs, Christmas, circuses, dogs, friendships, gar dening, horticulture, magazines, music, opera, photography, quiet life, writing, w/s. Have nice home on V%acre lot. Bob c/o RFD Route 1, Box 127E Bakersville, North Carolina 28705

P.O. Box 217 Yanceyville, North Carolina 27379

Dear RFD, I’m a 22 year old, 6’, 180 lbs. white male. I have curly brown hair and blue-grey eyes. I have a lightcolored mustache and like to be physically active. I try to eat right and I take vitamins. I’m metaphysi cally inclined and enjoy studying astrology. I like to read most subjects. I’m artistically inclined but presently I’m an electrician s apprentice. I feel learning a trade is important. I’m rather limited to my area and will probably be for at least three more years. I hope one day to travel and see California and Alaska.

I’ve spent years exploring my dreams and states of conscious ness. I’m stable, loving and child like in some ways. I love to dance and have a fair singing voice. I would like a partner and a celebrational community. Any sugges tions, any offers?

My purpose is to hear from other metaphysically inclined males. I would enjoy hearing from most any person but I must say up front that I’m not free to move about as yet. I like the mountains, fresh air and lack of city noise. I do like to dance and go out and at the same time, I like and need a relaxing home environm ent. Harmony is important.

Peace and love to you,

Sincerely,

John Campbell 934 Indian Circle Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

John E. Kourds Rt. 10 Box 131-B Franklin, NC 28734 53

I wonder if there is a brass foundry worker in the RFD readership? I have a wild idea. I want a brass door knocker in the shape of^a normal size prick and balls. I first thought that I’d like the penis on a hinge to lift & drop to knock on the door. Then I thought I might mount it on my bathroom door & the erect penis would be nice there-I could hang a bathrobe over it when my Aunt Flo comes to visit. Does anyone know a gay brass foundry worker? P.S. Who knows, there may be a market out there for the item. If there is I want a royalty for the idea. Love, Ben H. Coffman Box 67 Center Point, Indiana 47846

7 TieWeeJcJy N evis Serves the Jforicfs Gdif Community a m o n th * • * 8 8 . 0 0 flx v t eJLaaa m all 1> m o u th * * 1 * 4.00 sacond olaa* m all

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Dear Comrades, I’m a 23 year old gay white male. I'm searching for that individual out there with whom I could have a meaningful relationship. I’m hon est, considerate, and tired of being alone. Some of my interests are: music, sports, and the outdoors. I’m returning home to Michigan in May or June of ‘84. I’d really enjoy receiving correspondence from someone who enjoys these same interests. My vital statistics are as follows: I’m 6’1Va ” tall, weigh 187 lbs. I have brown hair and blue eyes. Most importantly, I'm in excellent physical shape. I'll gladly answer all letters addressed to me. I look forward to hearing form you. Open and Honest, Paul Baker 1604 Robindale Dearborn, MI 48128

I am 52 and living in a small (30,000) town in central Iowa and would really like to hear from anyone anywhere who feels this lifestyle might be appealing. After 30 years in metro areas, it’s different but I love it. I am out going, friendly and generally ‘up’, but too deeply impressed by the attitudes of the 50’s to actively seek out other gays in a town this size. My background is amazing. Skid rows, migrant work and labor across the country, and a steady diet of alcohol and pills. Five years ago here I found sobriety, sanity, friends and a steady low pay job, printing, which I love. I’m not leaving, but I miss having a mate. I can live without one but would rather not, and nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I’m 6’, 200 lbs., healthy and like music, books, my cat, movies, spring and fall. The other maga zines that take ads all seem a bit ‘active’ or ‘jaded’ for my current taste, i’ve sent my active and jaded years, at least outside the privacy of my home.

DOC

30C

OUT!

W isconsin’s Lesbian/Gay Newspaper Emphasis on rural coverage Subscriptions: $15, $12, &$10

Will answer all; I’m a hell of a letter writer.

OUT! P.O. Box 148 Madison, Wl 53701

Ed c/o RFD

Dear Free Spirit, Do you still read Huckleberry Finn and long to raft down the Mississippi-or Treasure Island, and long to run off to sea? Do you read Whitman’s “ Song of the Open Road’’ and long to tramp around the world-or Han-shan’s Cold Mountain poems, and long to wan der among the cliffs and clouds? Are you an adventurer who’d rather spend your precious little time doing what you want instead of slaving for money and possessions? Do you value simplicity, frugality, freedom?

gentle men for gender justice —a nationwide'journal on masculinity and feminism for men who create lives beyond masculine stereotypes, who know the joy of intimate equal relationships with women and men, who are active in ending sexism

JU S T OUT! The Winter 1983-84 Issue of M. ---------------------- Features —______________ 8th National Conference on Men & Mascu linity . Other Men by John Stoltenberg . Work Clothes & Leisure Suits: The Class Basis & Bias of the Men s Movement by Harry Brod • and much, much more

I’m 36, fit, healthy, quiet, easy going, happy. I run and walk a lot, play blues and ragtime guitar, write fiction for a living. I love boys as well as men, books, the outdoors. Thoreau and zen are strong influences. I’m seeking a companion who shares my values, who wants an adventurous life, who wants to explore the world. This companion need not be my lover. I’m open to almost anything-from climbing the Rockies, to prowling the night streets of Amsterdam, to boy watching in Capri-and maybe writing about it all. I welcome letters from anybody, anywhere in the world. “Life is what happens while we’re making other plans,’’ said some w'ise man. Frank Burger c/o Bauer Rt. 1-Box 184 Blanchardville, Wisconsin 53516 54

Regular subscription *10 (4 issues) Sample copy of current issue. *3 M. 306 N. Brooks Madison. Wl 5 3 7 1 5

\ \ \

DOWN TO EARTH

Trte J a s o n J ou rn al

Down to Earth The Jason Journal by Ron Goettsche and Bob Fogg

D o w n to E a rth : The J a s o n J o u rn a l is a rem arkable 250-page j p a p e rb a c k b o o k o f ’ channeled material for j j d a ily liv in g R e la tio n s h ip s , s e xua lity, death, a b o rtio n , the n a tu ra l mate, hea lth m a rria g e a n d frie n d s h ip are ju s t a few o f th e to p ic s d is c u s s e d by th is n e w -a g e s p irit Ja son M ail o rd e r (S6 95 p lu s S1 00 fo r p o s ta g e and h a n d lin g )

S y n e rg y P u b lis h e rs C O 80218-0268

B ox 18268-B

D enver

To Whom It May Concern: GWM, 34 years old, 6’, 175 lbs., blue eyes, brown curly hair, thick brown mustache, extremely hairy body, into camping-both summer and winter-some horseback riding, with professional art background as well as experience in retail manage ment. I am from a farming back ground also, and want to meet others into farming and country living and hopefully friendship and possible relationship. Please be discreet in responding. Thank you. H. Dave Dugger Box 533 Nashua, MT 59248 Brothers I’m a 21 year old^gay’ male looking for others who share my path. After having spent most of my life in a small Oregon town, I’m currently exploring what Chicago has to offer. My interest in biological chemistry has brought me here to Northwestern University. Included in my goals of graduate study and research is a balance and integra tion in the various facets of my life. Although guilty of indulgences I see overall health as a way of life and want to balance my scientific interests with physical and spiritual well-being. Believe me, it can be a battle sometimes. I see both the city and the country as having something to offer, and I gain joy from elements of culture and nature.I I would like to meet others who don’t mind my intensity, be it on a spiritual, sexual, or intellectual plane. I’m basically independent and enjoy dancing (from ballet to New Wave), macrame, Spanish culture and language, metaphysical study, sharing and exploration.

Hello, I am 29 yrs. old, 6 feet, 165 pds., healthy and strong. I have lived in the city for too long, and I want the peace and quiet of clean country living-fresh air. I would like to find work on a farm or ranch in the Northern U.S. or in the mountains where it doesn’t get too hot in the Summer. Or if you just live in the woods but have work available el sew her e-fine. I want to spend my first season in the country with a gay man or men. I like working, hiking, biking, music, relaxation, getting to know someone. A rela tionship with someone would be nice but basically it’s living and working in a natural place that are important to me. I am open to new experiences. If interested, please write. Thank you, Scott Keegan P.O. Box 763 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

Dear R eaders,

I’m writing this letter in another attempt to reach out & maybe find again what many of us are looking for in life, that special someone. If not that, just another sincere, hon est man to be called a friend. I live in a rural area of extreme Southern Illinois and feel close to this area. At present feel as though I may stay here, as I am close to family, friends, & certain other interests which are now developing into more tangible activities. I work full time as a registered nurse, but one of my main interests is playing old-time fiddle, square dancing, clogging & just enjoying good times with friends whenever possible. Though not a regular client, I occasionally enjoy a visit to the bar. There’s more to me than what’s here; I enjoy other activities too, but maybe these can be shared later. I’m 28 yrs old, of small frame, 5’9” , 140 lbs, trim jogger, average looks. I’d enjoy hearing from interested men for future correspondence or possible meeting. Sincerely,

Hello RFDersThis is the summer it comes to gether-trip to Europe. Like a good tourist, I’m reading guidebooks and studying maps, wishing for more of an affinity for languages. What I’d really like, though, is the information that travel agents and student centers can’t give. Are there fairies in Europe (of course! but how to find them?)? If you’ve been there, lived there, know friends there, I’d appreciate know ing more. We’ll be spending several weeks in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. I’d like to recommend places to stay, people to visit, one-to-severald-day bike trips, circles and healing sources.

Peace Always,

I’m hoping to hear from you.

Greg Martin 1418 Greenwood Evanston, IL 60201

Gary Wilson Box 146 Waconia, Minnesota 55387 55

Tom c/o RFD Route 1, Box 127E Bakersville, North Carolina 28705

'o -Si O TERACT z

USTON £ST GM

E ducation, Id e n tity , and Much, Much, fo re . . .

I/H Incorporated P.O.Box 16041 Hous ton , TX 77222

Dear RFD brothers,

CONTACT U T T E R S

Very published gay poet looking for small gay-oriented press to publish book of metaphysical, not terribly sexual, beautiful poems. Any leads or suggestions? Perry Brass 914 St. Philip St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

Gentle Reader: A warm hello! I am seeking a country boy who is interested in a warm, loving older man. I’m 6’4” , 225 lbs., 46 years, clean cut, masculine, responsible, warm, and a caring individual. I would like to build a life in the country with a warm hearted, sin cere young man. My work makes it impossible for me to garden or raise animals alone. I prefer a lasting relationship, but I am also open to pen pals, friendly visits or any suggestions you may have. I’m adaptable, loving, honest, and ver satile sexually. I prefer younger guys with long hair, trim tight bodies and little body hair. I am especially fond of blonds. All letters are welcome; please include your interests. I will answer all, but those with nude photos will be answered first. I enjoy music, long walks, country drives, gay porn, sweet sex, and much, much more. I prefer butch acting guys and no drugs. Gene Hartman P.O. Box 1143 Jackson, LA 70748

After spending the last year read ing, laughing-out-loud, and enjoy ing my first subscription year to RFD, I feel it is time to write congratulatory remarks to all my brothers who have made the last year an interesting reading enjoy ment. I also feel it is time to finally write my fellow RFD’ers for any information that can be given about faeries into S/M. I am a pleasant appearing, warm and affectionate 22, 6’2” , brown eyes/hair, BB, faerie. I am current ly in my last year of studies at college-working on my B.S. in Psychology-and plan to graduate this “cumming” December. I also am a volunteer counselor and a recreational therapist (crippled children), a counselor on the gay crisis line, coordinator of the area’s only gay youth group, past presi dent and founder of my university's gay student group, a gay male nun (Srs. of Eternal Penetration), AND an Eagle scout! I have a variety of interests from architecture to gra phic design, sculpture to costumes, classical music to heavy rock, photography to survival camping, 10-speeds to motorcycles, tra velling to tripping, and cuddlefucking to heavy kink S/M scenes.

I was brought up Catholic, but hold myself more akin to Jung’s theory of the Collective UNC. I enjoy both the country and our cities; what I really detest though, is having to live in an apartment, purchasing packaged foods, attending a uni versity of cloned preppies, living in the suburbs, and not knowing any one with my interests. I have many friends across the country, but, to date I haven’t found one who is into both S/M and the fey arts. If you’re out there or you know of someone who is, please write. In the meantime, keep me laughing y ’all!! Proud to be ME Bobby Dopfner 6404 Airline Road #2 University Park Dallas, Texas 75205

yagcin, ~Wtcccm/ an d l Z N e vJ slefftT

JVerts • •TDebapzs far'fvcrnA • and nu>r'e~ / 9 /6 Jssues TO3

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A Wiccan Newsletter for the Bay Area

Van Ault, Editor 537 Jones Street. Suite 8821 San Francisco. Ca 94102 415 864 1362

The Wise VUom an A n e w sle tte r o f fem in ist w i t c h c r a f t and G od d ess l o r e , s h a r e s h e r wisdom w i t h you 4 tim es a y e a r . Sub: $ 4 /y r . S am p le: $ 1 . 2 0 .

The Temple of 0ie Goddess W iW u n VO. Box l*)ZM i Sscremento, C A 9 5 8 1 9

Are you coming to or passing thru San Francisco this Summer/Fall? Need a place to stay? -—

co n ta ct letters

-—

Dear RFDers, This letter invites those of you who have capital, lots of stamina, heart, love and patience to be part of a adventurous community on the banks of the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. This community will be dedicated to “ love, peace and healing,” for those of us called to the stewardship of a sacred ‘‘one of a kind” HOT SPRINGS. This place has been sacred to Native Ameri cans for centuries, and this is a rare opportunity for us to keep it holy. Send serious inquiries to: Lowell T. Ward 1773 Griffith Park Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 660-1509

I have a nice one bedroom apart ment on Van Ness Ave. (near Union St.). I’m willing to share with RFD’ers. Sofa to crash on or bed to share-depending on chemistry. Can only accomodate one man at a time from one to seven days. Must share food expenses. No drugs or heavy drinkers or prisoners please.

Ramon Garcia P.O.Box 30011 Oakland, CA 94604

SUSCRIBE NOW

Bill Box 96 Miranda, California 95553

I’m 36, 6’, 180#, goodlooking, dark hair, beard, healthy, sensual, spir itual, affectionate, humorous, sen sitive, honest. Artist, Writer, Photographer, Folk Musician, Masseur. Who are you? Letter (at least 3 wks. prior to visit) and photo would be nice. Bon Voyage, Joe Lem bo Box 99444 San Francisco, California 94109

Dulcet Lads: I’m new to this area and eager to connect with mature and natural men who value fun, books, the arts, sex, and openess. I’m 46, bearded, Hispanic, and more earthy than etheral. Your surface is irrelevant. Write me right now!

About me: 45, 6’, 170#, Irish-Ger man, very long brown hair, grayish beard, hung/cut. Let’s not waste these precious summer days of ’84 without one another. Give a call (707) 943-3667 (mornings best) or drop a line, with pic if poss. to:

LONGHAIR, beard, mellow, mas culine, doesn’t indulge in anal or amil, seeks contact with same. Hopefully, you’d also have interest in N. Calif rural-mountain living, caring, sharing monogamous mate, the environment, hiking, beaches, country-rock, fitness, gardens, one God and good times. At least the most important ones.

Dear Friends: I recently moved to the Oreagon Coast from upstate New York and am trying to adjust to the culture shock of leaving a medium-sized city for a small town populated by rednecks. I would like to hear from anyone who will be passing thru the area or who might live nearby (although I’m sure there’s not another gay within 50 miles). 1 um not a great letter writer but would like to hear from anyone who may be in the same boat. I’m 43, 6’, 175 lbs and am not a bar person. I enjoy travel (particularly by train) and the usual likes and dislikes. I run 5-10 miles a day to keep in shape. Regards, Tom P.O.Box 67 Florence, Oregon 97439

IMIUG -

Humboldt United Gays SERVING GAYS A LESBIANS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

M iui't gay/bi/lesbiin com m unity organizations monthly newsletter available for $5, or m ote, in dudes 12 m onthly issues mailed in plain enevelopes Mailing list kept strictly confidential Send check or money order to Both Sides Now, PO Box 5042. Kahului, Maui. HI 96732

NEWSLETTER A INFO:

PO Box 660 Eureka, CA 95501 (707) 442-5604 tfj

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»XXXX30K3ia630CK%X300063t%3e3C% 3636X30

EARTHSTAR CAMP 0T0 &

Dear Unknown friends,

Dear Friends, Hallo-the Vikings are calling! I’m a 30 year old Norwegian who would like to meet gay all over the world who share my interests and style of living. What is so rare about me? Well, I’m living in the countryside and love this life in the forests and mountains. My in terests are outdoor life as hunting, fishing or just walking in the mountains. I own a cottage in the mountains, which I spend a lot of time in together with my two setters. My main interest is the dogs and training them for grouse hunting and field trials. I like the lonely life in nature but I also like to share this life with other gay people. In Norway it seems to me that all gays are gathered in towns. I have tried this life too and still have good memories from my student life in Oslo: an active sports career with a lot of travelling through Europe, disco-excitement, my first relationship and good friends. But compared to what I want from life and what I now do, that life doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. To realize that was maybe the event I’m most grateful to my city life. In future I want to spend as much as possible of leisure time doing out door life and maybe starts a far mer’s life at my father’s farm in western Norway. Are there any gays in this world who can stand cold, rain, snow, sun, sweating, strug gling or just relaxing by the fire? Do you consider leisure time too valuable to spend it in bed or pitying yourself with a hangover after a night in disco? Then you write me a letter and let’s exchange words and maybe meet sometimes. And if things develop in the right direction...... ERIC THE RED With love from Stein Brubak Haugun. 21D 2070 Raholt Norway

I’m a 21 y.o. Tasmanian Devil (Austrailian!). I’m writing this from a friend’s small farm where I’m working, on a fjord near the Trollheimen Mtns. in Western Norway. Soon returning to the rainforestwilderness of Tasmania and my 33 y.o. lover of the past 4 years. We seek true like-minded friends any where to share experiences with. We enjoy a simple, natural, nonmaterialistic challenging lifestyle dominated by nature, not a plastic and chrome civilization of hypocri sy, superficiality and uncaring. Surely there must be other gays out there who value the same things as us? The price for our paradise is isolation from like-minded brothers and a narrow-minded, backward society. We strongly believe in individuality and honesty (to self & others). Don’t follow/believe in conformist cults, don’t smoke, drink or drugs. 100% natural. We have an alive irrepressive spirit, realistic yet passionate, wild & free, both men of aciton, not words, with a strong belief in balance in all areas of life. We are slim fit children of nature who love cold, snow, mtns, skiing, forests, isola tion, sea, sailing, close companion ship, and our committed spiritual love & spartan rural lifestyle. On our wave-length? Please write wherever, whoever, whatever you are. Rory Cl-Haugregen 21D 2070 Raholt Norway I am white, 33 years old, 1 meter and 70 centimeters tall, 60 kgs in weight, dark brown hair and eyes. I am honest, loveable and open. I would like to get to know a gay man who would really like a lasting relationship; By this, I mean living together. If you’re interested, please send a telephone number and a discreet picture. If possible, please respond in Portuguese. However, this isn’t necessary. Embraces,

Cesar A. Caixa Postal 24561 Sao Paulo, S.P., BRAZIL cep 03361 58

nuqickal childe 35 Wtst 19tl ST

>n Ttrk XT IIOII

<212) 242

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THE BIG APPLE MAGICKAL SUMMER' ALL IN PERSON WORKSHOPS & WEEKENDS June 29, 30 & 31 —Migene Gonzalez Wippler: Santeria Workshop W e e k e n d - $150

Grady McMurtry

July 7, 8 & 9 — (Caliph, OTO) A leister Crowley W eekend Work s h o p — $150 July 13,14 & 15 — Brad Steiger: Spiritual A lchem y W eekend W orkshop— $150 July 20, 21 & 22 —Kenneth Anger. M agick Lantern C y cle Lucifer Rising W eekend Work s h o p — $150 (Films & Presentation) S a t July 28 —Kate Ferraday/Moser vanced Tarot

(6 hours) - $ 3 5

August 3, 4 & 5 —Gavin and Yvonne Frost: S ch o o l o f Wicca W eekend W orkshop— $150

August 10, 11 & 12 —Janet and Stewart Far rar What W itches Do W eekend Work s h o p — $150

August 17,18 & 19-S herel Ito & Lavinia Williams:

Divine Horsem an Film, Haitian D ance Demonstration & W eekend Work s h o p — $150

Sat. August 25 —Lady Heather:

M agickal

M ishaps or How to Fry Yourself

(6 hour

workshop) —$35

Sat. Sept 1 —Simon: Workshop

Enochian M agick

(6 h o u rs )-$35

Sept. 7, 8 & 9 —Melita Dennings & Osborne Phillips: 3 Day

M agical Retreat W orkshop W eek en d — $150

Sept. 14,15 & 16 —Michael Borteaux: M on astery o f 7 Rays; Voodoo & G n ostic Teach ings on Time & S p a c e W eekend Work s h o p — $150 A LL EVENTS MUST BE PREREG ISTERED AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFO RE C O U R SE MASTERCARD & VISA ACCEPTED N O L A S T MINUTE TICKETS REGISTER EARLY! LIMITED S P A C E CALL F O R TIMES EV ER Y S U N D A Y - F R E E WICA ST U D Y G R O U P A N D O T O G N O S T IC M A S S

How and Where to Sell Your Poems by Lincoln B. Young This new edition describes 175 publishers who pay $5 to $500 each for poems. Lists printers who specialize In poetry book printing, and 54 book publishers who publish poetry on a royalty basis. Contains articles on how to: prepare and submit yourpoems for publication; Improve your relationships with editors; evaluate your poems before submitting; write and sell greeting card verse; submit to foreign publishers; withdraw your poems; obtain copyright; use tape recorders to publish your poems; your chances of earning a living with poetry, and much more. Discusses in detail: how many poem6 to send; which typefaces to avoid; multiple submissions, why editors won't steal your poems; the "little" magazines; principal reasons for rejection and why editors won't tell you their reasons; how to get ALL your poems published, etc. Presents a 19-point checklist of errors to avoid when writing poems. Written by a poetry editor with 25 years experience, this book is guaranteed to help you achieve more frequent publication. New, 1984-85 edition— $7.95 postpaid from:

FINE ARTS PRESS P. O, Box 3491 Knoxville TN 37927

Dandelion is an intentional com munity of eight adults living to gether, caring for each other, hold ing our resources in common, and working to create a positive, co operative, non-violent, egalitarian, and joyful way of life. We are a member of the Federation of Egali tarian Communities. We are situated on fifty acres in eastern Ontario, about 35 miles northwest of Kingston. The land is rolling on both sides of a quiet country road, about half woods and half clear. There is a small stand of sugar maples, a cedar grove, and a swampy stream. Our soil is some what stoney, but mostly tillable and our gardens produce abundantly. The rest of our fields are sown with hay. Agriculture is important to us, but we are not aiming for total food self-sufficiency. Our diet is mainly vegetarian, with occasional fish or fowl, and grassfed mutton. We live in a frame farm-house, and a fourteen bedroom residence building. We have a children s building with two bedrooms, a large play space, kitchen, bath room, and facilities designed for small children, such as low sinks and high electric outlets. Our shop houses our hammock weaving in dustry, the main source of income, wood-working, and a small lounge. There is also a small greenhouse, dairy and storage bardns, and our great luxury, a built-in swimming pool. (There are no swimming holes nearby.) Each person works 45-50 hours a week, and all work is creditable. We encourage work diversity and non-traditional gender-work roles. Dandelion has room for about 24 people, and we are eager to grow. We would like to see more womyn members, and gays. We have some space for children, and hope to have more kid’s space and re sources in the future. Children are raised communally. A potential member is asked to visit for three weeks, then may ask to join for a six month provisional period. After six months they may be accepted as full members. People with children should make

special arrangements for visiting. People are free to pursue their own lifestyle at Dandelion, as long as it is not exploitive/destructive. We are not a spiritual commune, but are tolerant of spiritual people if they are of us. A member signs a contract with the community, agreeing to abide by is bylaws, behaviour agreements, and proper ty code. The communal holding of proper ty and resources is essential to our belief in equality. The community provides for all the member s needs, guaranteeing each an equal share in whatever benefits are available. In return, all income earned by a member is considered community income. All major items such as vehicles are held in corncorn; small personal items remain private. Incoming members deal with their assets by loaning, dona ting, or putting in a trust for up to two years. Except for donations, these assets are returned when one leaves Dandelion. For me, as the “ token” faggot of Dandelion, I have never lived in a place with such caring, non-patronizing straight-identified individuals. I have felt open and comfortable here, and have written this for RFD in an attempt to reach out to faggots and lesbians every where to come share in our life. We are not utopia, and things do not always go smoothly, but this is the best place I have lived. This might not be a place for those attached to city life, or looking to get laid, but it is the possibility of home. Please write for more information and about visiting. Take a chance on us. Adrian Dandelion Community RR1 Enterprise Ontario, KOK 1ZO Canada

Why do people sink whaling ships, release dolphins, boycott veal..?

Haven't you ever wondered whether we really need to ex ploit animals and nature the way we do? A movement is being built to challenge these forms of ex ploitation and the c ultural at titudes that go with them. Nature alienation wounds our sex tety; the healing requires political action. Read about it in AGENDA, the independent, bi-monthly newsmagazine of the rapidly growing animal rights/liberation movement. AGENDA'S 25 con tributing editors- activists from all over the United States, Canada, England and Australiakeep you in touch with the ac tion for improved relations with the rest of the planet. C Here's $15. Send AGENDA for one year. □ Here's $2. Send a sample AGENDA.

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SKIPP SIMMS (FROM ISSUE #76) IN TO U CH TOR MEN Is th# original. Tha fir s t p ro fts s io n a l-fo rm a t, fu ll-c o lo r gay magaama on lh a m t r k e t . * Tha fir s t t o publish mala n u d « t f o r a mala audlanca

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DUE

RFD itself is not copyrighted. However, each accredited contri bution published (photo, drawing, or written material) remains the property of those contributors, and nothing of theirs may be reused in whole or part without their permission. Contributors can be reached through RFD. Any non-credited material may be re published freely. Mention of source would be appreciated.

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The due dated for submissions to receive full consideration are: Fall 1984 Issue #40 Feature: Visuals Aug. 1, 1984 Winter 1984 Issue #41 Feature: (open) Nov. 1, 1984 Spring 1985 Issue #42 Feature: Ageing/Healing Feb. 1, 1985

_______ For information on future themes and features see the inside front cover. ______

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Please share your knowledge and visions through RFD. This is a reader written journal, so it is YOUR forum. It helps if you can type (double space) your written material, but please do send in your gems even if you don’t type. RFD prefers to wield the editor’s pencil lightly, so please send in your submission as you would have it appear. Also, indicate any intentional stylistic variation from standard English as we MAY edit spellings and punctuation for sense and clarity. Graphics and Photos should be in black and white and high contrast. Please indicate the subject of the photo as well as the photographer. We try to report as soon as possible on selections, but we sometimes hold material for another issue, and it may be some time before the final decision is made. Please bear with us. A SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) insures the return of your original submission. RFD will send contributors TWO COPIES of the issue in which their work appears as payment.