RFD Issue 43 Summer 1985 by RFD Magazine Gay

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Managing E d ito r : Ron Lambe A d m in is tra tiv e A s s t.: Michael Mason A rt D i r e c t o r : L ig h t DEPARTMENT EDITORS: Despite some unusual weather in c lu d in g a t e r r i f i c h a il storm, summer has man aged to reach us up here on the mountain, and everythin g is lush and green again. The vegetable garden i s n ' t much t h is year (a g a in ) , but at le a s t there are some things in and growing. So is the jo urn a l growing. This issue has a he althy 80 pages, so there is l o t s o f reading - j u s t when most f o lk s won't have too much time to read. Anyway, i t ' s there when you do. Y o u 'll note the p rice increase. That was in e v it a b le , and we dragged our fe e t on doing i t u n t i l the la s t moment. However, i t must be faced, and we have to pay our way. We are, a f t e r a l l , b a s ic a lly a s e lf- s u p p o r t in g jo urn a l w ith very l i t t l e revenue coming from ads. Last year on ly 3% o f our income was from ad v e r t i s i n g . More than h a l f o f the income came from s u b s c r ip tio n s , and donations y ie ld e d 17%. So, i t is important f o r f o lk s to subscribe; i t is our mainstay. With each a d d itio n a l page we p r i n t , the costs increase, so we t r y to budget as best we can. But, we are g e t tin g more and more m aterial and f in d in g more t h a t warrants p u b lic a tio n ( i n our o p in io n s ) . So, we grow. There are some s t a f f changes w ith t h i s issue: Richard has l e f t to r e tu r n to his home in Tenn. to work w ith his f a m il y , and Michael Mason has come to stay here and work on RFD and Running Water, at le a s t f o r the summer. That is a big help. We are lo s in g two e d it o r s : Jim Long o f P r o f il e s and Woody Black o f Book Reviews. Both have been wonderful to work w ith and have c o n trib u te d a great deal to the jo u r n a l. Their e f f o r t s w i l l be missed. H e a r t f e l t thanks, guys. We have had some wonderful help in the preparatio n o f t h i s issue. W i l l i came down from Vermont f o r a wh ile and P a tric k came down from Wisconsin f o r two weeks. This help w ith L ig h t has made a happy and h e lp fu l crew. We are even on time t h i s time.

Announcements: Sundance, CA A r t i c l e s : Kenneth Hale-Wehmann, MA Book Reviews: (open) Bros. Behind Bars: Len Richardson, OR Contact L e tte r s : Gary Wilson, MN Country Kitchen: Mikel Maxwell, IL Fey A r ts : F ranklin Abbott, GA F ic t io n : Randy Conner, TX Gardening: S cott Tuzzolin o, DC Gatherings: Sundance, CA Health: J e rry Stamps, AR Homesteading: Kim G r i t t n e r , WI Poetry: F ranklin Abbott, GA P o l i t i c s : S tua rt Norman, CA P r o f i l e s : (open) S p i r i t u a l i t y : Gerry Kamp, NY RFD is a r e a d e r - w r it te n jo urn al f o r gay men which focuses on country l i v ing and encourages a l t e r n a t i v e l i f e s t y le s . A r t i c l e s o fte n explore the b u ild in g o f a sense o f community, ra d ic a l f a e r i e consciousness, the caring f o r the environment, as well as sharing gay men's experiences. E d ito rs h ip r e s p o n s i b i l i t y is shared

W ell, I no sooner got the ty p e w r it e r s i t u a t i o n under general c o n t r o l , and now T am experiencing "car-ma" w ith my jeep dying on me. I knew i t was coming, but t was hoping i t would la s t at le a s t u n t i l la y out was accomplished. No such lu ck! Oh w e l l , I have to agree w ith Ted Bohn (see "The Faggot and The Car" #33) t h a t most o f us simply are not mechanical. Is t h a t stereotypin g? I do know tha t I d o n 't r e l a t e well to cars and such. They e i t h e r work or d o n ' t , and in my case, w ith old cars on t e r r i b l e roads, i t ' s u s u a lly the l a t t e r case. Also on the personal f r o n t , I continue to be q u ite involved w ith environmental issues in my area. I'm also mad a t the Democrats f o r t r y i n g to exclude gays from t h e i r con stitu e n cy. We are busy working on Improvements to Running Water l i k e the driveway and such. I ' v e been o rd erin g l o t s o f new f r u i t trees and other "p e rm a c u ltu re ". We hope to have some c l a r i f i c a t i o n on Stepping Stone a f t e r the s to c k h o ld e rs ’ meeting in la t e J u ly .

E d ito r s h ip r e s p o n s i b i l i t y is shared between the Department E dito rs and the Managing E d i t o r . The business and general production is centered at Running Water in western North C a rolina . Features are o fte n pre pared in various places by d i f f e r e n t groups.

In e a r ly August we are planning on a fiv e -d a y in te n s iv e gay men's a l t e r n a t i v e health workshop, and i f th a t is successful, we might consider doing more. I was most heartened to read about W illia m Calderon overcoming AIDS ( in New R e a l i t i e s , March /April 1985) and w i l l t r y to get at le a s t seme o f th a t repubTTsliiTTn a fu tu r e issue. I t is a v i t a l issue.

ISSN #0149-709X USPS #073-010-00

Speaking o f issues, the man-boy love issue continues (as I knew i t would) in L e t te r s . In f a c t , even more has come in since t h a t was l a i d up. I'm pleased to see the issue discussed because there seems to be so much emotional content involved th a t i t is d i f f i c u l t to s o r t out the basic issues sometimes. We need to continue the dialogue and t r y to get past the language problems. Whether you l i v e in a small town or n o t, there are some in s ig h t s and r e v e la tio n s in t h i s issue. Like many s it u a t i o n s , small towns are sometimes a state o f mind as well as a r e a l i t y . Good or bad, they are what they are , and we belong there j u s t as we belong everywhere. So, happy reading. Maybe you need to take time out and clim b in to a Star Route hammock and rest while you read t h i s issue. I t is a good harvest. Have a f r u i t f u l summer; see you when the leaves tu rn .

RFD is published q u a r t e r l y on the equinoxes and s o l s t i c e s at Running Water, Rt. 1 Box 127-E, B a k e r s v ille , NC 28705. T el: (704) 688-2447.

N o n - p ro f it tax exempt status under #23-7199134 as a fu n c tio n o f Gay Community Social Services, S ea ttle, Washington.

MEMBER: CCLM (Coordinating Council o f L i t e r a r y Magazines) C0SMEP (The I n t e r n a t io n a l Assoc. o f Independent Publishers) GLPA (Gay/Lesbian Press Assoc.) INDEXED by A lt e r n a t iv e Press Index, Baltim ore , Maryland MICROFILMED by A lt e r n a t iv e Media, •few York, NY

pr o d u c t io n RUNNING WATER: L ig h t P a t r ic k Hoffman Gerry Kamp Ron Lambe W i l l i Wolf

FEATURE: Skip Ward David Givens Russ Wink

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S jin iL ^ iiiU k S The Short Mt. Sanctuary w i l l be f a c i l i t a t i n g the fea tu re section f o r the spring 1986 issue o f RFD, to be ca lle d Really Fabulous Dish. We are i n t e r ested in the p o l i t i c s o f dish. What are your f e e lin g s about dishing? Does dishin g turn you on or o f f ? Is dishin g nothing more than gossip? Does d ishin g serve any useful purpose? In order to do a thorough jo b , we are s o l i c i t i n g in put from a l l over the country. This is a serious a t tempt to delve in to a subje ct we are a l l f a m i l i a r w ith . We are looking f o r deep dish , covered d is h , hot bu t tered dish and even chafin g dish. Please help us to make t h i s issue one o f the best y e t . Send your a r t i c le s , essays and thoughts to Gabby Haze, N e lly Acres Rt. 1, Dowell town, TN 37059.

GET I.T. AT HOME INTELLIGENT INTERVIEWS

IN MFMORIAM

EROTIC EXCLUSIVES

Russell S. Anderson o f Orlando, FL, aged 82, died on Feb. 12, 1985 a f t e r a prolonged i l l n e s s . Russell was born in Mount H o lly , NJ and was em ployed by the Water Dept, o f the C ity o f Trenton f o r 45 years.

FILTHY FICTION FUNNY FEATURES

He was an a c tiv e member o f Joy Metro p o lit a n Community Church as well as a member o f D ig n ity in Orlando.

SEX & SPORTS ROCK & ROLL Plus: TOM OF FINLAND & LOTS OF GORGEOUS NAKED MEN DANNY BASK ISSUE #93

Russell was deeply loved f o r both his service to the church and his deep love f o r people. He is survived by a son, David o f Toronto, three granddaughters, two s i s t e r , four bro th ers, and his longtime fr ie n d and lo v in g companion, John Murphy o f Orlando.

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A COUNTRY JOURNAL FOR GAY MEN EVERYWHERE SUMMER'85

CONTRIBUTORS Frankl in A b b o tt...................................... 13 E ric A l d r i c h ............................................ 58 A ll a d r e s .............................................. 70-78 Lu ig i Amadeo............................................ 59 Chloe A t k in s ............................................ 58 Max Bornson.............................................. 50 Brer Bear............................................ 40,45 Paul E. Brown.......................................... 26 Adam C h r is t ia n s e n ..................................59 Ken Concar................................................ 60 John Dolan................................................ 30 Robert Dorn.............................................. 66 Don Engstrom............................................ 55 Paul F is h e l.............................................. 17 Chasen Gaver.............................................28 John G i l l ...................................................66 Howard G i l l i g a n .......................Cover A rt David Givens...................................... 32,36 Glenn o f Trees........................................ 2q B i l l Gouge............................................. 2° Frank Grant.............................................. 5° Jimmy G r i f f i n .......................................... 68 Guinevere..................................... 41,43,45 Craig H a r r i s ............................................ 53 Gabby Haze.................................................14 Frank Hinds.............................................. 18 The Homesteader...................................... 20 B i l l Houghton.........................................IBC Stanley Johnson...................................... 63 David Kwasigroh....................18,30,31,52 Ray Latham.................................................51 L i g h t ...............................................14,15,19 Jim Long.....................................................60 Scott Luscombe........................................ 22 Michael Mason-Esperanto......................28 Oros D. M a t t ...................................... 27-29 Mikel Maxwell.......................................... 17 Mike Moore................................................ 37 B i l l Murphy.............................................. 67 S tu a rt Norman.......................................... 54 David O 'F lyn n .......................................... 17 Les Parker................................................ 36 Hermes Polyandron.................................. 26 Len Richardson........................................ 51 Raphael S a b a t in i.................................... 24 Sherry Sanfi 1 i p p i .................................. 21 Ron S c h re ib e r.......................................... 27 Danny Sermon............................................ 50 Todd Shaw.................... 1 Snooky.........................................................56 Aubrey Sparks.......................................... 27 Lee Spruel 1 .............................................. 19 Jerry Stamps............................................ 16 David S u n se ri.................................... 29,52 Jim Thomas.......................................... 67,68 Treebeard...................................................15 Kenn W alle r-Z a n g h i....................35,42,48 Skip Ward...................................... ',4 ,4 3 ,4 P Gwydion Wyngick...................................... 44

pa r t i c i p a t i o n in t h i s jo urn a l does not n e ce ssa rily in d ic a te any p a r t i c u la r sexual o r i e n t a t i o n .

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RELATIVE FORMS OF DESIRE CONTENTS

VOL.ll *3

ANNOUNCEMENTS ......................................................................................................5-11,50.62 ARTICLES Gay Student Group - E ric A l d r i c h ................................................. 58 P o s itiv e Aspects o f Ageing - Craig H a r r i s ............................... 53 S p i r i t in Drag - Hermes Polyandron............................................. 26 ROOK REVIEWS k ga init H li-ito n y (Perlman) - Jimmy O r i g i n ...........................68 Bac.ktn.ack (Hansen) - Jim Thomas.................................................... 68 Fanth {<)Aj>dom (LaChapelle) - B i l l Murphy................................... 67 Homoie.xua.ln in Hiitony (Rowe) - Jim Thomas............................. 67 Jungian Senoi Vneamwonk Manual (W illia m s) - R. Horn.......... 66 Sexually f>angenoui Pueti (Borawski) - John G i l l ...................66 BROS. BEHIND BARS Dreams - Danny Sermon.......................................................................... 50 The Equation - Max Bornson...............................................................50 A Mad Philosophy - Ray Latham........................................................51 CONTACT LETTERS ..............................................................................................................69-78 COUNTRY KITCHEN .................................................................................................................... 17 FEATURE B ir t h o f B ria rpa tch Sanctuary - Brer Bear............................... 45 C ity vs Rural - Les P arker..............................................................76 Coming to Helen's - Mike Moore......................................................37 Do You Believe in F a irie s - Kenn Wal le r - Z a n g h i.....................35 F i r s t Love - Brer Bear.......................................................................40 Gray Lady Place - Kenn Wal l e r - Z a n g h i......................................... 48 Intercessio ns - Guinevere..................................... 43 Just Passing Thru - Guinevere.........................................................41 Loon Country R evis ited - Skip Ward............................................. 46 Nature -Guinevere........ .............................................. 45 The O rig in a l G i f t - Skip Ward........................................................43 P ortraying L i f e - Skip Ward............................................................ 34 Sex in the Boonies - Kenn Walle r - Z a n g h i..................................... 42 True Tales o f a Country Boy - Anon............................................... 36 Under a Tree - Gwydion Wyngick......................................................44 FEY ARTS Ginni Clemmens - F ranklin A b b o tt................................................. 13 FICTION Last Summer - David S un seri............................................................ 52 Pictures - John Dolan.........................................................................30 A P r e tty Box is Like a Melody - Raphael S a b a t in i ................ 24 GARDENING The Snake Garden - Scott Luscombe................................................22 GATHERINGS So You Want to Go To a Gathering - Treebeard......................... 15 Tropical F r u i t Cockta il - Gabby Haze............................................14 HEALTH The Apothecary - Je rry Stamps........................................................16 HOMESTEADING Down on the Farm In South Central Texas - Frank H i n d s . . . . 18 The "O rg a n ic a lly Grown" Chicken - Lee S p r u e l ! .......................19 So, You Would Like a Duck For Dinner - The Homesteader. . . 2 0 You Know You're a Homesteader When... - S. S a n f i l i p p o ___ 21 LETTERS .................................................................................................................. 4-5 POETRY A f t e r a Dream - David S un seri............... 29 Climbing the Night by Hand - Michael Mason-Esperanto........ 28 I Have a Treeful 1 o f Memories - Glenn o f Trees...................29 Stop the Music - Chasen Gaver................... 28 Summer S o ls tic e - Ron S c h re ib e r.................................................... 27 Where Bathroom Trools Compete - Aubrey Aparks........ ..............27 Why Judy Grahn Is So Important - Ron S c h re ib e r.....................27 Write About - B i l l Gouge................................................................... 29 POLITICS Faery S e x u a lity - Faery P o l i t i c s - S tu a rt Norman................. 54 PROFILES Lu ig i Amedeo on ARCIGay - Frank G rant....................................... 59 Ken Concar - Jim Long......................................................................... 60 SPIRITUALITY On the Banks o f the River Time - Stanley Johnson.................63 3

AFTERSHOCKS Pear E d ito r: The fa c t that your magazine supports love in alt. i t s forms seems -to have come undeA atta ck , an attack that could only be thinkable in western s o c ie ty . Voua support it, bated on h is to ric a l and s c i e n t i f i c 6a c t. In the time o f Plato and So cra tes, when the g re a t e s t good knowledge AatheA than s p i r it u a lit y , human undetit,landing reached pinnacles o f performance. fo r that age and time. The Greeks understood love and sex. They knew about sexual d iffe r e n t ia t io n , and b ise x u a lity [oua la b e l, not t h e i r s ) . They knew that men did love, men; men did love boyt>, and 6uch love and t>ex weAe common elements o f GAeek s o c ie ty . What w estern c u ltu re hat, la b e le d Platonic love it, a tra v esty . Plato loved boys at, did Socrates and most men in the lib e ra te d atmosphere of GAeek s o c ie ty . With the coming of the GaAden of Eden, came the tense of! t i n , the te n s e of shame buAtting out of the Story of Adam and Eve, u n til i t had en gu lfed the whole aange of westeAn cultuAe and m agnified into shock Such naturalness as nudity, sexual 0-Agans, sexual p le a s u re. Today in England, Atis t r a t ia , New Zealand, and the United S ta tes , s ex u a lity Off any kind save the missionary p o sitio n , and that with marriage and with g u ilt , it gra vely AepAested. I t s ta rte d with Adam and Eve and with the help off the Apostle Paul, th at the notion that something that is not a matteA Off choice is c a lle d an abomination. It has Aeached a nadiA with the. Ac cen t announcement by the National Presbytery and United Methodist churches that one who is a s e l f - a d m itted homosexual and a c t iv is t may not be a minis tea in th e ir ehuAches. This is a ChAistian milestone, in that these " fo il oweas of C hrist" have d ecreed dishonesty ra th er than truth a ChAistian v ir tu e . Vo not d e sp a ir. PuAing the past 100 years, tee have achieved m ilestones Off human undeastanding, even within the. ChAistian cultuAe. which has been so r e p r e s s iv e . In a peAiod sim ila r

to but lacking the profu ndity o if the a n cien t GAeeks, we have le a rn ed a gneat deal about in d iv id u a l d i f f e r en ces. We do not r id ic u le a lc o h o lic s ; we t r e a t them. We have lea rn ed that not only is s ex u a lity m u ltifa ceted , but so i s th e capacity fo r w ill. Oua la b e ls fo r sexual d iffe r e n t ia t io n a re seen in p r in t note. Books are o ften av a ila ble in l i b r a r i e s and lea rn ed men discuss human in d iv id u a lit y on TP with an audience Off m illio n s . When we d iscuss love of boys with someone who i s not so in c lin e d , th ey w ill say th at boys are i n nocent; they do not know. Men and boys are not inn ocen t. We are taught sexual g u i l t and shame b efo re we can speak. We a re taught to be ashamed of oua bodies, oua nudity. I t is naughty to l e t anyone e ls e see oua sexual oAgans, to touch them oa l e t anyone e ls e touch them. If oua natural c u rio s it y impels us to look, we are taken to ta sk . Oua parents b efo re us tvere s im ila rly chained, and t h e i r parents b efo re them. We. need not follow . What most gay a c t i v i s t s , in clu d in g boy-loveAS, are try in g to say is th at theae was a time when th ere was no g u i l t , no shame, no harm. We have a foundation on which to c re a te an e th ic a l system for th e fu tu re that tee a l l can l i v e with, one with love and tr u e understanding o f the needs Off o th e rs . A frie n d , Pelaware •

Pear E dito r: With r e fe r e n c e to your NAMELA ad, you might want to run th is quote from Truman Capote's book Other Voices, Other Rooms: "The brain may take advice, but not the h ea rt, and love., having no geo graphy, knows no boundaries: weight and sink i t deep, no m atter, i t w ill r i s e and fin d the s u rfa c e . And why not? Any love Is natural and b ea u ti fu l th a t l i e s w ithin a p erso n 's nature; only hypocr.ites ivould hold a man r e sp o n sib le fo r what he lo v es, emotion al i l l i t e r a t e s , and those of s e l f righ teou s envy, who, in t h e ir a gita ted concern, mistake so fre q u en tly an a r row pointing to heaven fo r the one that leads to h e l l ." 1 thought th is b ea u tifu l passage might be u s e fu l to you. A Pelaware frie n d • 4

e o n There must be m illions of lo n ely boys growing up le s s than whole because a man w ill not g iv e them p ro tec tio n , s e c u r it y , a ffirm a tio n , and a re a l physical lo v e. Somehow s o c ie ty thinks th at men l i k e me who no doubt grew up in th e "unnaturally" s tra ig h t a n ti-se x s o c ie ty c o u ld n 't p o ssib ly know what's good fo r boys - - when we surv ived the pain and know exa ctly what th e b est m edicine i s . S o ciety seems to think th a t avoiding sex is b est, a l l th e w hile th e same s o c ie ty continues to denegrate th e homosexual and th ereb y rip s open new wounds in the very c h ild ren they clamor to p r o t e c t. I was le s s than pleased to s e e a c a r toon p rin ted by a jou rn al I ’ ve always thought f a i r , RFP, that was aimed at c h ild m o le sters . Why are so many p e rio d ic a ls being swept up in th is a n ti-se x crusade? What do they hope to accomplish? Po they think t h e i r own brand of sex won't be on the next h it l i s t ? Carl • RFP: I am NOT w riting to ex co ria te any one. I fin d i t in t e r e s t in g th at he who wrote a l e t t e r to RFP ( L e tte r s #42) to speak his p ie c e about th e NAMBLA is s u e also in th e very same ed itio n wrote a contact l e t t e r q u ite "lo o k sist" in i t s message. And th is "looksism" loouid seem to r e f l e c t q u ite unAesolved ha d o lescen t s ee k ing an o ld er man" syndrome. Perhaps had. he been sexu a l as a la d with his tea ch er he now would fin d a l l kinds o f men in t h e ir manifold d iv e r s it y , in t e r e s t in g as sexu al p a rtn ers. C. J . Connor, Pennsylvania • Pear E d ito r: The tone of the l e t t e r ( L e t t e r s , Issue #42) evoked images o f an old s ty le J e s u it m in ister in th e midst of his b est f u l l - s c a l e production p rea ch ing about p u rity and damnation, or of the inflam ed rh e t o r ic of a New Right fundam entalist, or of a matronly prude with horn-rimmed g la sses and a p o inter le c tu rin g to her dear l i t t l e flowers about ch a s tity and the proper moral l i f e ; but no, i t was RFP and a gay man speaking. Tom Hudson's l e t t e r denouncing the NAMBLA ad is one of th e most extended

exam ple of s e lf- r ig h t e o u s , h a te fu l, -ignorant in to le ra n ce I have. nead r e c e n tly , a pnesumptous in s u lt to both old and young. In his l e t t e r HucUon claims to have a d ir e c t Line to tru th , the Great Spi Alt:' 4 d ic ta te s , and the fin a l wond on u)hat c o n s titu te s "clean, exemplary liv e s " , a dangeAouA c e rta in ty he would have a ll otheAA fallow . When he AayA I t I a "unenPIghtened and disingenuous" fan RFV to p u blish th e "dlAguAting" ad, he appaAently wantA RFV' to be yet anothen aAblteA of p e o p le ’ a priv a te LiveA; even though nunnlng an ad doeA not n e c e s s a rily mean an endonsement. When HudAon re s o rt s to th e extremism ofi comparing th e NAMBLA Actuation to cannibals and heroin peddleAA he ne gates any chance of a neaAonable a c ceptance o f hlA aAgumentA. When Hud Aon AayA A ociety muAt negu la te "the extremes o f Aexual behavior", haA he fangotten the 24 (approx . ) sta tes whene gay Aex La a misdemeanor to a felo n y , an a c t iv it y conAideAed to be a diAguAting extneme of Aexual behavioA by "A ociety." Hoa he fangotten the bnotheAA im prisoned and mundened juAt because of who they one? Hoa he fangotten th e m illions Alaughtened throughout time by thoAe who knew the "pnopeA" U f a th etn paAticulan god mandated fan otheAA? Many would con s id e r RFV In itA en tin ety to be d is gu.4ti.ng and Mn. HudAon'A own p n o clivitieA to be extneme. HudAon ignoneA th e fa c t that I t can be the youngeA pa rtner who La the aggneAAon and his angument fan b io lo g ic a l unpreparedness La co ntra dicted by obviouA r e a l i t y . How many guyA did to e know who by the age of 14 on youngen were b io lo g ic a lly pnepaned fan Aex. In oua gnandpanentA' daya m a m a ge and a family waA common by the age of 16. ConceptionA oft a d u lt/ c h ild vany widely thnu time and c u l t u r e . The caux oft the man/boy iAAue L a not biology but the olden pantneA1a r e s p o n s ib ilit y to be awaAe of the mental/emotional e f fe c t s of the youngen pantnen and to tru ly d e s ir e , not ju s t manipulate. 1 netthen condemn non endorse NAMBLA. 1 do condemn a l l actA done againAt a peAAon' a w ill. Any fanm of fanced Aex La indeed abuAe, nape, and an act. of, poweA. But lik e ao much, when consent is involved, when p a rtn e rs ’ makeups vany g re a t ly , and when ma tu r it y and chnonology follow no paA ticu la n nelationA hip to e.ach othen, can we decid e otheAA' monalA fan them? on to othen comments, RFV haA neven looked b e t t e r . The c la r it y and q u a lity of the layout and gnaphicA in the Spning iAAue woa veny enjoyable. M o v e in g

Lastly, my con tact le t t e n in the same iAAue quickly bnought Aevenal

in terestin g men in to my I t f e , includ ing some lejathen f a e r i e s . I t La veny heartening to fin d otheAA out thene and to know th a t thiA iA a netwonk th at wonkA. Patn-ick Noland, I llin o is •

Dean RFV Fditon:

"mP", PO Box 196, London, N4 4VN. England.

Child porn was pubtished in the USA up u n t il about the mid-1970s and the c h ild ponn hyate n ia neached itA peak in about 1980. By th e eanly 1980a , theAe p o lit ic a l types (who wene e x p lo itin g thLs is su e) wene fin a lly fanced to n e a liz e th at they wene. beat ing a dead honAe. So they invented a new one! And that La how the hysten ia oven c h ild sex/a bu se woa bonn. The. p o lit ic a l types in England a t tacked, and destnoyed, the c h ild ponn ind u stry in th ein countny sevenal yeans befone i t stanted hene. They then attacked, and destnoyed, th e English pedophile onganization c a lle d " P .I.E ." even though th e PIE new sletten neven had any ponno pix of kids in i t ! Homosexual gnoups d id n 't l i f t a fingeA to help PIE. I f anything, most of them went out o f th ein way to help destnoy PIE. They deluded themselves fa t a lly with the hope that thein jo in ing the attack would make, them mone s o c ia lly a ccep ta b le. On Apn.il 10, 1984, English o f f i c i a l s naided Gay's The Word, London's most n espected Lesbian 8 Gay bookshop and "detained" a l l of i t s imported sto ck . On Aug. 1, they s e iz e d copies o<( " Le Gai Pied", the Fnench national gay newspapen. On Oct. 8, they seiz ed 132 t i t l e s and w ell oven 2, 000 books - includ ing ivonks by Jean Paul S a in t, Jean Genet and Gone. Vidal! They have done evenything p o ss ib le in onden to destnoy th is bookshop. I assume th at English homosexuals ane not p a in fu lly awone. of the fa c t that the p o lit ic a l types in th ein countny ane out to destnoy them! Why c a n 't we, in the USA, see the handwniting on the w all! What w ill happen with foun mone yeans of Reagan! The methods o f the p o lit ic a l/p o lic e types ane veny simple, and most e f f e c t i v e : fi n s t they destnoy th e mone "nodical" gnoups - so th a t they might then be able, to attack and destnoy th e le s s n o d ica l/d ev ia n t gnoups! Wake up Amenica! I t does not matten who/what you ane, i f you value youn fneedom - you must fig h t back with youn money now! The following "nadical" e n t i t i e s need youn help now. At le a s t send them >1 fan mone inform ation:

PAN, PO Box 3496, NL-1001, AG, AmsteAdam, Holland. I f you d o n 't help th ese e n t it ie s now, "laten" w ill only be too l a t e . . . fan YOU! John Galt, I llin o is • (abridged f o r space con sid eratio ns) Veon S in : I must wnite you a l i n e and t e l l you how much I have enjoyed youn, "oun" RFV Magazine. My neading is lim ite d . I have had cancen nemoved fnom both eyes and a lo t of nadiation on (my) face and nose. Thank God, J can s e e . " I t ’ s In The Bible" by Tom Volan is most outstanding, veny tr u e . (#41) "Vad and the Vn." was a veny ten d er, touching stony. I lik e d i t , too! (#41) " I t 's Hand To See hene You're Going With Teans in Youn Lyes" one can nead and nenead and s t i l l close youn eyes and dneam. I t was g re a t! (#41) I nead the pensonal l e t t e r s and e n joyed them. You s e e , I'm alone now. I lw.ve lo s t my pa rents, faun s is t e r s and -ftoo bnothens to cancen. At 58 yeans of age, thene'A not much choice l e f t . Thene is a vast d iffe r e n c e b e tween sex and lo v e. I w ill take love and s e l f r e s p e c t f i r s t ! Is youn magazine a C hristian p u b li cation? As for me, i t r e a lly doesn’ t matten. I do not brag about my v ir t u e s . I am honest, d is c r e e t , humble and l e t everyone do th ein own th ing. PeAsonally, I think youn every e f fo r t to help someone through RFV is won d e rfu l and a kind wond or deed w ill never go unnoticed. I have tr u ly enjoyed th is means 0 |$ a v is it. Earl Roberts, Texas •

Vefend Gay’ s The Wond Campaign, 38 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X OAP, England.

Vear RFV:

Cormiiie fan the Rights of Chiidnen and Fam ilies, PO Box 4503, N. Holly wood, CA 91607.

At la s t a gay p u blication fan men that does not r e l y on the bar/bath/ models format. Vet i t has taken me eleven yeans to discoveA you.

Family Nudist Magazine, 2483 EmeASon S o ., Conona, CA 91720. Wondentand, Lincoln Rank Lock Box 622, 2520 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60614. CSC, PO Box 34182, San Viego, CA 92103. NAMBLA, PO Box 174, Midtown S t a ., New Vonk, NY 10018. 5

You have an inform ative, en ligh ten in g, and humorous journal which is more enjoyable to read than some national "newspapers" out of SoutheAn C a li fo rn ia . And youn ra te s are a re,al. bargain. I t shows that much cane and concern goes in to the crea tio n of RFV.

o ^BIOTECHNOLOGY URGED

^ ^

S c ie n t is t s are urging the USDA to make b e tte r use o f biotechnology, which could help improve crop y i e l d s , f i g h t in se ct pests and save consumers money on meat. A re p ort by the Na t io n a l Research Council o f the Na t io n a l Academy o f Sciences suggested the A g r i c u lt u r a l Research Service should reduce the number o f i t s cen t e r from the c u rre n t 147, e s ta b lis h an advis ory council o f s c i e n t i s t s , and provide more f l e x i b l e budgets.

gays as vic ti m s acknowledged

Following a colloquium co-sponsored by the National Organization f o r V ic tim Assistance (NOVA) and the federal government's National I n s t i t u t e o f Mental Health (NIMH), a panel has d r a fte d a statement on mental health consequences o f v i c t i m i z a t i o n tha t includes issues o f concern to the lesbian and gay community. The Na tio n a l Gay Task Force (NGTF) brought the problem o f vio le nce d ire cte d against gay men and lesbians to the a t t e n t i o n o f the colloquium , which presented two days o f reports to a 16-memler assessment panel o f experts in the f i e l d s o f mental he alth and v i c t im assistance.

EPA RECOMMENDS PESTICIDE CONTROL Consumers would receive b e t te r pro t e c t io n under a plan o f the environ mental p ro te c tio n agency. EPA has issued a proposed r u l e tha t would r e s t r i c t the im portatio n o f produce con ta in in g p e s tic id e residues o f chemicals which are not allowed to be used in the US. American farmers have not been allowed to use these chemicals f o r several years leading the a g r i c u l t u r a l in d u stry to question why US farmers are p ro h ib ite d from using these p e s tic id e s while foreign producers are not.

THREE HONORED Gay and lesbian community leader V i r g in ia Apuzzo, medical researcher Dr. Mathilde Krim, and composer and author Ned Rorem were honored at the Eighth Annual Fund f o r Human D ig n ity Awards Dinner at the Plaza in New York C ity on May 13. The Fund f o r Human D ig n ity Awards are presented to persons who, by t h e i r work and/or example o f t h e i r l i v e s , have made a major c o n t r ib u tio n to pu b lic understanding and acceptance o f lesbians and gay men, and to the enhancement o f the human d i g n i t y and s e l f- r e s p e c t o f a l l people.

HTLV-III/LAV TEST LABELING The National Gay Task Force and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund have received assurance from the Food and Drug A d m in is tra tio n t h a t the HTLV-I11/LAV antibody blood t e s t w i l l be labeled w ith language intended to minimize c i v i l r i g h t s abuses. The unprecedented, government-requi red la b e lin g w i l l read: " I t is in a p prop ria te to use t h i s t e s t as a screen f o r AIDS or as a screen f o r members o f groups at i n creased r i s k f o r AIDS in the general p o p u la tio n ." The la b e lin g w i l l also emphasize th a t the t e s t is not a d iag nostic tool f o r AIDS.

The d r a f t assessment statement, r e leased March 4, c a lle d f o r a d d itio n a l research "on populations th a t are at special r i s k f o r advanced mental health consequences o f v i c t i m i z a t i o n , " i n clu din g members o f the le sbia n and gay community. In eva lu atin g treatment f o r v ic t im s , the r e p o rt states also th a t "gay and lesbian v ictim s could not be expected to do well in unsym p a th e tic programs."

^DEMOS DUMPING GAYS ^TOOD IRRADIATION BILL

The Democratic Party overruled i t s 1984 p la tfo rm , deciding to drop mi n o r i t y re p rese ntatio n on i t s t h ir t e e n standing committees. Special i n t e r est caucuses, representing gays, blacks, women, and o th er groups, had been guaranteed a place in deciding Party p o lic y .

L e g i s la t io n tha t would increase the e ffe c tiv e n e s s of c u rre n t food pro cessing techniques and po ssib ly r e s u l t in the e lim in a t io n o f chemical residue on food was introduced in Congress r e c e n tly .

The l e g i s l a t i o n would l e g a l l y rede f in e food i r r a d i a t i o n as a "food pro cess." I t is now defined as a "food ^ HEALTH INSURANCE DEDUCTION a d d i t i v e . " The b i l l also would es t a b l i s h a federal commission to co L e g is la t io n has been introduced in o rd in a te c u r r e n t l y fragmented food both the House and Senate c a l l i n g fo r i r r a d i a t i o n research and in fo rm atio n a health insurance premium deduction exchange, encourage i t s p r iv a t e de allowance f o r self-employed taxpayers. velopment and promote pu blic under The b i l l would authorize a business standing o f the safe ty o f the process. tax deduction equal to o n e -h a lf o f he alth insurance premiums f o r the self-employed. WOMEN" TAERIE TOUR A to u r to Scotland " I n Search o f f a e r i e f o l k " f o r "Women and Their f r ie n d s " well be led by Z. Budapest and Chris Carol on September 26-29. "This to u r is e s p e c ia lly for those who enjoy r i t u a l s and c i r c l e s , though no p a r t i c u l a r experience or back ground is necessary." The cost is "around" $250 and the tour may be connected w ith a Harvest Moon Tour in England the preceding Sept. 16-25. W r ite : Chris C arol, 3934 NE 18th, P o rtla nd , OR 97214.

The Second National Gay/Lesbian Lead e rsh ip Forum was held in Washington, DC on March 21-22 and was hosted by the Gay Rights National Lobby. I t was attended by rep rese ntativ e s o f 25 natio nal o r g a n iz a tio n s . I t fea tured two h a lf-d a y workshops on AIDS and fu n d r a is in g , and several hours o f freewheeling discussion o f various issues, in c lu d in g im m igratio n, gay/ le sbia n youth, and le sbia n/ga y sen i o r s . The forum p a r t i c ip a n t s agreed to meet again on Sept. 12/13 t h i s ye a r, and asked the Right to Privacy Foundation to host the event. ^

GAY LAWYERS DIRECTORY An A t to r n e y 's D ir e c to r y is published by Gay and Lesbian Advocates and De fenders, a legal support group oper a t in g in the New England area. For copies, w r i t e : GLAD, PO Box 218, Boston, MA 02112.

GAY CRUISES Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has es tab lish e d e x c l u s iv e ly gay cruises in the Caribbean. The next gay Wind jammer cru ise w i l l set s a i l on Oct. 29 when an in tim a te group o f about 75 w i l l board the Yankee Clip per or the Yankee tr a d e r *or six days and n ig h ts . W rite: Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, PD Box 120, Miami Reach, n 33119; (1-800) 3?7-2601.

GAY LEADERSHIP FORUM

LEATHER CONTEST In Los Angeles, Rydar Hanson won the t i t l e o f Mr. Southern C a lif o r n ia Drum mer. In Denver, Mike Jones won the t i t l e o f Mr. Rocky Mountain Drummer. There are s ix other regional con tests, and the Finals w i l l be held in San Francisco on June 29th.

A COTTAGE

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The purpose o f the National Cottage Industry Associatio n is to encourage and emphasize profe ssio nal growth among home-based business people and to provide a wide range o f educational t r a i n i n g programs through conferences, seminars, and workshops. A d d itio nal services include a c le a r in g house w ith chapters throughout the US and a ne w sle tte r Mind Your Own Business At Home. W rite : NClA”, PO Box 14460, Chicago, IL 60614.

COMPATIBLE LIVESTOCK Some people worry about keeping d i f f e r e n t species o f farm animals a l l cramped under the same r o o f . The Countryman Press o f Woodstock, VT (05091) has published In One Barn, teaching farmers to maximize t h e i r barn space, allow f o r he althy a n i mals and to consider the p l i g h t o f the l i v e s t o c k at t h e i r mercy. The book is f u l l o f b l u e p r in t- t y p e c a r penter plans and sh o rt a r t i c l e s ad dressing various housing concerns.

RENEWABLE ENERGY REPORT

SUPER HARDY SEEDS Seeds th a t make i t almost anywhere despite in s e c ts , disease, c o ld , or drought are to be found in Wonder Crops 1985, a bo oklet put out by the Natural Food I n s t i t u t e (Box 185 WMBR, Dudley, MA 01570, $3). The book i n cludes black curre nts w ith t r i p l e the vitam in C content o f oranges, Stone Age wheat, a pea th a t becomes a 10foo t t r e e , w e e v il-n ro o r D e v il's Claw m i l l e t and more.

HARDY NORTH CL IMF SEEDS AENERGY SAVING LANDSCAPES According to a re p o r t j u s t released Seeds th a t make i t in the freezing by the Center f o r Renewable Resources, no rth have been t r i e d by C.R. Lawn The Farallones I n s t i t u t e w i l l hold renewable energy sources con trib u te d at Shoofing Star Farm (Canaan, M! a workshop on Energy-Conserving Land more new energy from 1978-1983 than 04924) where he has but 110 f r o s t scapes on August 24 in northern C a l i coal and nuclear power combined and free days. He shares his r e s u lt s in fo rn ia . "The wel1-designed landscape c u r r e n t l y provide twice as much energy Vegetable V a rie ty D e scrip tio ns in a can save as much as 307 on heating as nuclear power. "Despite the recent cfozen densely-packed pages. and c o o lin g b i l l s through care fu l o i l g l u t , which has taken energy p ro placement o f ornamentals and e d ib le s . " blems out o f the pu b lic eye, renew The cost is $40; w r i t e : The Farallones A non- hybrid SEEDS able energy sources q u i e t l y have be Rural Center, 15290 Coleman Valle y Rd., come one o f the most promising growth O ccid e ntal, CA 95465. The Garden Seed Inventory by Kent in d u s tr ie s in America," says C h r is t o Whealy TTsts T , 7M v a r i e t ies o f non pher F la v in , author o f the r e p o r t , hybrid seeds which has j u s t come ou t. Renewable Energy at the Crossroads. A STUDENT SELF-RELIANCE a f t e r three years o f com p ila tio n . The re p o r t costs and is a v a ila b le W rite: Seed Savers Exchange, 203 from The Center For Renewable Re A human ecology h a b ita t is being Rural Ave., Decorah, IA 52101 with sources, 1001 Conn. Ave. *638, NW, b u i l t by students and f a c u lt y in an $1. Washington, DC 20036. A lt e r n a t iv e and Creative Technology P ro je ct at Monroe Community College FARMERS’ LOANS IN IOWA in Rochester, NY to demonstrate s e l f A ol D APPL'" VARIETIES r e lia n c e . P u ttin g i t s money where i t s mouth Old apple v a r i e t i e s s h o u ld n 't d i e , i s , the Farmers and Merchants Bank a t le a s t not the f o r t y propagated and and Trust o f B u r lin g t o n , IA is o f o ffe re d f o r sale at L iv in g Tree Cen A low cost housing fe r in g one-year operating loans to t r e (P0 Box 797, " o l i n a s , CA °4924) farmers at 10? in t e r e s t which is by Jesse Schwartz, a refugee from How to get the in ge n u ity o f the shan 3.5 below the going r a t e . Bank academe. He describes them in H e ir ty-town b u ild e r w ith o u t the squalor vice p re sid e n t, W illia m Kuehn, said, loom Apple Catalo g/New sle tter ($1J is the goal o f Jose Ospina at the "V’e decided i t was time f o r some which also gives” d e t a i l s o f an ap i n s t i t u t e f o r Advanced A r c h i te c t u r a l body to do something o th er than p re n tic e program. Studies, U n iv e r s ity o f York in Eng j u s t t a l k about the farm debt c r i s i s . " land . He's researching community The bank has set aside $5 m i l l i o n p a r t i c i p a t i n g in lowcost Third World f o r the low-cost farm loans. A DRIED FRUIT housing and he's open to suggestions. Write him at K in g's Manor, York, Y01 Preserving food by drying i t is a 2EP, UK. WIND P0Wr R technique as old as the human race and a good deal cheaper than canning A 350-f o o t f u l l prototype wind gener or fr e e z in g . Employing e l e c t r i c i t y a to r near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, is AC0MMUNITIES DIRr CT0PY f o r modern d r y in g , the makers o f the broken and needs $1.5 m i l l i o n in r e Equi-Flow Dehydrator o f f e r more p a ir s , but an o f f i c i a l f o r the U.5. The Spring 1995 issue o f Commu n i t i es f l e x i b i l i t y f o r drye rs. Write them Bureau o f Reclamation said i t and a Magazine features a D ir e c to r y o f at 4403 Russell Rd., Lynnwood, WA companion w indm ill proved th a t wind I n te n tio n a l Communities and a r t i c l e s 98036. about t h e i r h i s t o r y and s i g n i f i c a n t generated power and water-generated accomplishments. For over 12 years power can be in te g r a te d . Communi t i e s Magazine has reported on A HERBAL HANDBOOK the broad range o f l i f e s t y l e s and the The two g ia n t w in d m ills together pro varied resources in te n t io n a l communi Adder's Tounge soothes wounds, horeduced over one m i l l i o n k ilo w a tt- h o u r s t i e s provide fo r accelerated personal, hound is good f o r coughs. . . these are o f power l a s t year. social and global tra n sfo rm a tio n . among the b i t s o f v e te rin a r y advice The 1985 D ire c to ry is $5 post pa id. in the 320 pages o f Herbal Handbook A Casper, Wyoming businessman has A one-year s u b s c r ip tio n to Communities For Farm & Stable by J u l i e t t e de proposed a scheme to b u ild 60 smaller BairacTT Levy (Taber $ Faber, 3 Queen Magazine is $10. Both purchased t o wind-powered tu rb in e s in the same gether is $13. W rite : Communities Sq., London, IK) who t e l l s how to area as the two proto types. The Magazine, 126 Sun S t . , SteTle, i l t r e a t sheep, goats, cows, horses, wind farm would occupy 8960 acres 60910. p o u l tr y and sheepdogs with herbs. near ^e d ic in e Bow.

<0>BABY PAGAN JOURNAL

<£>gay

fantasy mag

Wiggansnatch, "an a l t e r n a t i v e r e a l i t i e s 1i t e r a r y magazine," seeks fan ta sy, spe culativ e f i c t i o n , and hor r o r s h o r t- s h o r ie s (under 1500 words), as well as dream w r i t i n g s , epiphanies, and other t r i p s outsid e consensual r e a l i t y . Also lookin g fo r artwork, e s p e c ia lly comics. Payment is in copie s. Send SASE fo r C o n t r ib u t o r 's Guidelines and/or $1 fo r sample to : Wiggansantch, P0 Box 20061, Sea ttle WA 98102.

<Q>PARENT CUSTODY JOURNAL Parents are lo s in g custody o f t h e i r c h ild r e n because the powers-that-be ob je c t to a l t e r n a te l i f e s t y l e s -~ even when those l i f e s t y l e s are kept separate from, and have no d i r e c t e f f e c t on, the c h i ld r e n . "The Parent S1G" (Special I n t e r e s t Group) would now l i k e to s t a r t a special news l e t t e r th a t deals w ith loss o f cus tody and needs the input from many other concerned parents. W rite: The Parent SIG, 2413 Emerson O r., Corona, CA 91720.

<0 CHRISTIAN ACTIVIST DIGEST The Agape Publishin g Co. in Louisiana has begun a ne w sle tte r c a lle d S tarthrowers. I t w i l l contain complete and abridged a r t i c l e s from Bluep r i n t , Pax Chri s t ! , C a th olic Wor k e r , Amnesty I n t e r n a t i o n a l , Rural Southern Voice f o r Peace, Sojourners and more" Aga pe is concerned w ith and sympathetic to a l l who s tru g g le f o r freedom, j u s t i c e , human r i g h t s , e q u a lit y , and human d i g n i t y . W rite: Bernard Brous sard, P0 Box 192, F r a n k lin , LA 70538.

<J>GAY INDIAN HISTORY ANTHOLOGY Gay American Indians (GAI) is now accepting c o n t rib u tio n s f o r a booklength anthology documenting the past and present l i f e o f gay American I n dian men and women. The GAI antholo gy w i l l include essays, oral h i s t o r ie s , s o t r i e s , po etry, and artwork. Funding f o r the p u b lic a t io n is being provided by a $7,500 grant from the Chicago Resource Center. GAI is requesting c o n t r ib u tio n s o f h i s t o r i c a l a r t i c l e s as well as con temporary accounts, w ith an emphasis on personal and biographical m a t e r ia l. Authors and a r t i s t s w i l l be paid ho norariums f o r work accepted f o r pub l i c a t i o n . The deadline is August 15, 1985. W rite : The GAI H is to r y P ro je c t, 1347 Divisadero St. #312, San Francisco, CA 94115.

The Los Angeles-Eased lesbian and gay bookstore, A D i f f e r e n t L i g h t , raised about S3,000 at an A p r il b e n e fit f o r the English bookstore, Gay's The Word, which la s t year suffered seizure o f hundreds o f t i t l e s and thousands o f books. Although many o f the books have been returned, aKout 70 t i t l e s are s t i l l being held by B r i t i s h Cus toms and Excise o f f i c i a l s , and the sto re faces legal costs o f more than *40,^00 as i t challenges in court the de tentio n o f each in d iv id u a l t i t l e . Other gay and lesbian book stores in San Francisco, Minneapol i s , "'ew York, Boston, Toronto, an! F lo rida plan to hold in - s t o r e events to b e n e fit Gay's The Word.

<£> NEW NAME FOR MANNY SMOKES The Bear Trib e has changed the name o f i t s jo urn a l o f Native American c u l t u r e and v is i o n to W i l d f i r e . I t has been published f o r 22 years to improve communications between various Native American t r ib e s and to provide a forum f o r Native American w r i t e r s . I t is now s u b t i t l e d , "The Medicine Wheel Network", and the new format r e f l e c t s the wider scope o f a c t i v i t y o f both the Bear Trib e and the magazine Subscrip tions are $5/yr ($10 Canada and f o r e i g n ) .

^COMPUTER NETWORK FOR AIDS INFO <£>AWARD FOR AIDS DOCUMENTARY "For Our L iv e s " , a video documentary on AIDS, has been awarded a Golden Eagle by the Council on I n te r n a tio n a l Nontheatrical Events (CINE) as e v i dence o f i t s s u i t a b i l i t y to represent the United States and American c in e matography in in t e r n a tio n a l f e s t i v a l s abroad. "For Our Lives" combats the fea r and m isinform atio n surrounding the AIDS c r i s i s , provides c u rre n t and unsensationalized in fo rm atio n about the disease and promotes r is k - r e d u c t io n through safe sexual p r a c tic e s . Produced and dire cte d by M ic helle Paymar, i t runs 25 minutes and is a Modern Media/Modern Words Production presented by the Gay and Lesbian Com munity Services Center in Hollywood. I t is a v a ila b le f o r purchase fo r $150 in 3/4" V-Matic, 1/2" VHS, and 1/2" Betamax from the Gay & Lesbian Comm, Services Center, 1213 No. High land Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038. <3>CO-OP JOURNAL

<()B00K STORE SUPPORT

The L i t t l e s t Unicorn is a pagan jo urn al devoted to c h i ld r e n , t h e i r parents, and the c h i ld w i t h in each o f us. I t is published by the Rowan Tree at $7 a year. W r ite : The L i t t l e s t Unicorn, P0 Box 8814, Minneapo l i s , MN 55408.

Co-op America has released the pre miere issue o f i t s new magazine, B u ild in g Economic A 1te rnativ e s. It o f f e r s p r a c tic a l s tr a te g ie s f o r pro gressive people to in te g r a te t h e i r d a i l y economic choices w ith t h e i r p o l i t i c s and values. The new quar t e r l y magazine w i l l help b u ild a p r a c tic a l l i n k between hundreds o f s o c i a l l y responsible organiz atio ns and the in d iv id u a ls who share t h e i r values. r o-op America membership is a v a ila b le to in d iv id u a ls fo r 515 per year and includes semi-annual catalogs pro vid in g unique products from s o c i a l l y and en vironm enta lly responsible groups, access to an in novatibe a l t e r n a t i v e he alth insurance plan, as well as the jo u r n a l. W rite : Co-op America, 2100 S t. '310 NW, Washington, DC 20063.

The Computerized AIDS Inform ation Network (CAIN) is a comprehensive, u p -to -da te in fo rm atio n resource s p e c i f i c a l l y dealing w ith AIDS. CAIN is accessib le worldwide through Del p h i, a nationwide data base service in Cambridge, MA. CAIN provides general and in tr o d u c to r y AIDS in fo rm a tio n ; an in t e r a c t i v e B ul l e t i n Board fo r po sting announcements and events; educational and media r e la te d in fo rm atio n o f use to community based o r g a n iz a tio n s ; a d e t a ile d l i s t ing o f service providers and re la te d resources; an o n - lin e source to r e search and c l i n i c a l da ta; s c i e n t i f i c and medical a r t i c l e s and a b s tra c ts . CAIN brings a new dimension to AIDS communication, o f f e r i n g professio nal conferencing and e l e c t r o n ic mail features to enhance the sharing o f in fo rm a tio n . CAIN is accessable a l l day every day. To subscribe, contact Delphi at (800) 544-4005 and mention CAIN. For l i s t ing services and more in fo rm a tio n , contact the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbain Community Service Center at (213) 464-7400, e x t . 277 or the San Fran cisco AIDS Foundation at (415) 8644376.

<J>I0WA GAY & LESBIAN DIRECTORY Gays and Lesbians o f Ames has pub lis h e d the fo u rth e d it io n o f the GLA Resource Pi r e c t o r y , an extensive 95-page l i s t i n g f o r Iowa lesbians and gay men. The d i r e c t o r y includes names, addresses, and phone numbers f o r regional le sbia n/ga y groups, bars and re s ta u ra n ts , and bookstores and jo u r n a ls . The cost is $4 postpaid. W rite : GLA, PQ Box 2283, Ames, IA 50010.

^ S I N G L E TAXPAYERS COST (Committee o f Single Taxpayers) represents the in te r e s t s o f s in gle tax payers, and fe e ls t h a t m i l l i o n s face income tax d i s c r im in a t io n be cause they are s in g le . Gays and Lesbians are doubly hurt because i t is i l l e g a l to marry same sex and as s in g le s , the government demands high er taxes. COST po in ts out t h a t under c u rre n t law a sin g le taxpayer pays as much as 20* more tax than a married person pays on the same taxable i n come. Also, recent tax reforms seem to be leaning towards even greater d i s p a r i t y . W r ite : COST, PO Box 337, Bowie, AZ 85605.

new pro- peace group

PRO-Peace (People Reaching Out f o r Peace) has elected David Mixner as i t s new executive d i r e c t o r . The group's f i r s t major p r o je c t is a 3,235-mile Great Peace March, planned to in volve 5,000 people from Los Angeles to Washington between March and November, 1986. For a d d itio n a l in fo rm a tio n , contact PRO-Peace at Suite 301, 8150 Beverly B lv d ., Los Angeles, CA 90048.

0 G A Y & LESBIAN NICARAGUAN PEACE GROUP The V ic t o r i a Mercado Brigade o f the Lesbian and Gay Work Brigade to N i caragua wants peace f o r t h a t country and has found many ways to show s o l i d a r i t y : by preparing pre sen ta tion s; by making t h e i r views known to elected o f f i c i a l s ; by engaging in acts o f c r e a tiv e c i v i l disobedience. The group c a l l s on a l l Lesbians and Gay Men to j o i n them in t h e i r a c t i v i t i e s . W rite : Box 6350, San Fran c is c o , CA 94191, (415) 821-4675.

NATIONAL VISIBILITY CAMPAIGN This v i s i b i l i t y campaign f o r the gay and lesbia n vote is ready to kic k o f f i t s second year o f opera t io n in an e f f o r t to promote the importance o f v otin g and p o l i t i c a l p a r t i c i p a t i o n and in creasing v i s i b i l i t y f o r gay and lesbian p a r t i c i p a t io n in the community at la r g e . For f u r t h e r in fo rm atio n or to order buttons and po sters, contact Eddie M a r r i o t t , 330 E. 83rd S t . , #2L, New York, NY 10028, ( ? l? ) 737-2319.

^ G O O D BANKING David Braden is moving to network Local Exchange Trading Systems throughout North America - s im i la r to what Michael Linton is doing in Canada. The Local Exchange Trading System (LETS), is an economic n e t work u t i l i z i n g an expanded b a rte r system in "green" d o lla r s to allow members f in a n c ia l f l e x i b i l i t y . Members "d eposit" a l i s t o f goods and services which they can supply. The "bank" d i s t r i b u t e s the l i s t to a l l members. You gain "green" d o lla r s by f i l l i n g a need and "borrow" green d o lla r s when a mem ber aids you. Braden holds tha t a LETSystem can operate independently o f the a v a i l a b i l i t y o f d o l l a r s , is protected from i n f l a t i o n or devalua t i o n , d i s t r i b u t e s the r i s k among a l l members, and u t i l i z e s human r e sources which otherwise would be wasted. For f u r t h e r in fo rm a tio n , contact David Braden, 4800 Wadsworth B lv d ., #310, Wheat Ridge, CO 80023 or Mark Kinney, 950 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

^ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL CLUB iGAY & LESBIAN HORTICULTURALISTS

^ G A Y STAMP COLLECTORS The Gertrude Stein P h i l a t e l i c Society announces the issuance o f i t s f i r s t 1985 gay p h i l a t e l i c cover. The cover w i l l commemorate the opening o f Atlas S&L's new headquarters on Castro St. and w i l l bear a c a n c e lla t io n date o f the day o f opening. The Gertrude Stein P h i l a t e l i c Society is dedicated to the promotion o f stamp c o l l e c t i n g among lesbians and gay men, and to c r e a tin g a forum f o r the exchange o f in te r e s t s and ideas, and the promotion o f f r ie n d s h ip among lesbian and gay stamp c o lle c t o r s world-wide. There is a n e w sle tte r, and a l i s t o f a v a ila b le covers already issued along w ith membership informa t i o n is a v a ila b le by w r i t i n g them at Pn Box 14665, San Francisco, CA 94114.

^ G A Y / B I ORGANIZATION Brothers o f Freedom F r a t e r n i t y pro motes the in te r e s t s o f bisexual and gay men, by pro vid in g support and co unseling, educating s o c ie t y , work ing f o r the r ig h t s o f gay and b i sexual men and p ro vid in g a place f o r members to f in d new fr ie n d s and r e l a tio n s h ip s . An Iowa chapter has j u s t been formed, p u b lis h in g a free news l e t t e r . W rite to BOFF, RR 3, Box 225, P e lla , IA 50219.

The Lavandula Society o f North Caro li n a (LSNC) was s ta rte d to give gay/ lesbia n pro fe ssio nals in the landscape/ornamental h o r t i c u l t u r e f i e l d a chance to meet each other f o r pro fessio nal networking and to s o c i a l ize with others w ith s i m i l a r i n t e r ests. F i f t y - f i v e persons attended the f i r s t meeting; w i n t e r , summer, and f a l l gatherings are planned at various lo c a tio n s each yea r. The summer gathering w i l l be held July 13. Those in te re s te d should w r i t e w ith in fo rm atio n about t h e i r f i e l d o f in t e r e s t to LSNC, P.P. Box 5791, Ra leigh, NC 27650.

SERVA5 is an in te r n a tio n a l coopera t i v e system o f hosts and t r a v e le r s established to help provide more per sonal contacts among people o f diverse c u ltu r e s and backgrounds. V i s i t o r s are in v it e d to share l i f e in the home and in the community, and to share t h e i r concerns on social and i n t e r natio nal problems, t h e i r in t e r e s t in c r e a tiv e a c t i v i t y and mutual responsi b i l i t y fo r t h e i r fe llo w beings. For a host and/or t r a v e l e r a p p l ic a t io n , send a legal size SASE to : US SERVAS, 11 John S t . , Room 406, New York, NY 10038.

^ ^ G A Y STOP-SMOKING GROUPS (MISSOURI MEN'S GROUP Brothers in Change includes three a c tio n p r o je c ts : RAVEN (Rape and Violence End Now) which is a s e l f help counseling and educational o u t reach group working to end men's vio lence against women; CHANGING MEN which is a s o c i a l, educational and c u l t u r a l a c tio n group supporting transfo rm a tio n o f the male r o le w ith monthly forums, cla sses, and other social and c u l t u r a l events; and a CHILDCARE COLLECTIVE which provides c h ild c a r e services by men to femi n i s t and progressive o rg a n iz a tio n s . W rite: BIC, PO Box 24159, St. Lo uis, M0 63130.

A new group s t a r t s every seven weeks. For more in fo rm atio n contact Gay Smoke-Stopping Groups, P.0. Box 99688, San Francisco, CA 94109, (415) 776-3739.

^ N E W JERSEY MEN'S GROUP The New Brunswick/Princeton/Trenton Men's Group has existe d f o r ten years and meets every two weeks to t a l k , work and play. I t is always open to new members. W rite them at 311 No. 4th Ave., Highland Park, NJ 08904.

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mcc conference

GAY EVANGELICALS

The 12th general conference o f the Universal Fellowship o f M etrop olitan Community Churches w i l l be held July 1 - 7 in Sacramento, CA. A la rge number o f p a r ti c ip a n t s are expected to atten d. W rite : UFMCC, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd. #304, Los Angeles, CA 90029.

Evangelicals Concerned w i l l hold t h e i r midwestern conference at Flambeau Forest Resort in Wiscon sin on July 26-28. E.C. is an o r ganizatio n o f "gay and le sbia n C h ristia n s o f evangelical con vic t io n and others w i t h in the eva ng eli cal t r a d i t i o n who share a concern f o r m i n i s t r y , support, and outreach to gay people." The theme o f the gathering is "A Time to Celebrate: Our Response to C h r i s t 's F a i t h f u l ness." W rite: Evangelicals Con cerned, P.0. Box 8072, Min neapolis, MN 55408.

NATIONAL CONFAB ON RACISM The National C o a litio n o f Black & White Men Together (BWMT) w i l l hold i t s 1985 convention July 15-20 in Los Angeles. The theme is "B r o th e r hood: The Issues, the Challenges . . . A Focus on Racism." W rite: NCBG, P.0. Box 11493, Chicago, IL 60611.

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LAN0

use design

How can we create communities which w i l l allow fo r the continued s u rviva l o f the planet? How w i l l we l i v e on the land in harmony w ith each other? Mow w i l l we b u ild s tr u c tu r e s which generate "community"? What w i l l these stru c tu re s look l i k e , how w i l l we deal w ith wastes? This in te nsive two week workshop on July 22 thru August 4 w i l l provide a " s t a t e o f the a r t " experience grappling w ith these cha lle ng in g questions in the "re al l i f e " context o f developing and a c t u a l l y c o n s tru c tin g an eco lo g ic a l masterplan f o r the I n s t i t u t e fo r Social Ecology's Education Cen t e r in Vermont. The c urriculu m w i l l in clu d e: a Design S tu d io , Model B u ild in g , Mapping, Ad vanced Solar Design Techniques, Ap p l i c a t i o n s o f Permaculture, Basic H o r t i c u l t u r e , Tree Crops, and Con s t r u c t i o n Experience. The course w i l l be conducted on an undeveloped s i t e , so students should expect rus t i c co n d itio n s and be able to pro vide t h e i r own camping equipment. Cost is $575 which includes meals and m a t e r i a ls . W rite : I n s t i t u t e For Social Ecology, P0 Box 89, P l a i n f i e l d , VT 05667.

NONVIOLENT TRAINING

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war

RESISTERS LEAGUE

The WRL's natio nal conference w i l l be held July 25 thru 28, 1985. This conference w i l l be hosted by WRt. ac t i v i s t s in D a lla s, Texas at North Texas State U n iv e r s ity in Denton, TX. W rite : WRL, 339 Layette S t . , New York, NY 10012.

A program to t r a i n organizers in the no nviole nt movement w i l l be sponsored by the War Resisters League on August 12 thru 22, 1985 on both the east and west coasts. The groups w i l l be l i m ite d to 20 and w i l l explore p o l i t i c a l ph ilosophy, c u rre nt issues and tech niques o f o rg a n iz in g . The a p p lic a t io n deadline is July 5. W rite : WRL, 339 La fa ye tte S t . , New York, NY 10012. 10

MEN'S ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

As W illia m Calderon has proven, AIDS can be overcome. This workshop is designed to explore the techniques he recommends as well as others which are supplemental to a l l o p a t h i c medi cin e . The cost is $75 ( s l i d i n g scale a v a i l able) f o r 5 days w ith camping f a c i l i t i e s and veg etarian meals. Regis t r a t i o n w i l l be li m i t e d . W rite : Running Water, Route 1, Box 127-E, B a k e r s v ill e , NC 28705. ■

SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY "Making I t Real: P o l i t i c s f o r a Sus ta in a b le Society" w i l l be a weekend forum on August 10-11 a t the Omega I n s t i t u t e in New York. I t w i l l be led by three prominent p o l i t i c a l t h in k e r s : Hazel Henderson, a l t e r n a t i v e economist and f u t u r i s t ; Michael Marien, founding e d i t o r o f Future Survey; and Harry Boyte, a 1eader o f the Bioregio nal movement. I t w i l l explore p o l i t i c a l l y r e a l i s t i c models f o r an e c o lo g ic a lly su sta in a b le , de c e n t r a li z e d , non-nuclear s o c ie ty . W rite : The Omega I n s t i t u t e , RD 2, Box 377, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.

MASCULINE/FEMININE ENERGIES Balancing the Masculine/Feminine Energies w i l l be led by Peter Caddy, founder o f Findhorn Community on Sept. 21-22 at S ir i u s Community. Cost is $95. Peter w i l l share how he d e a lt d i r e c t l y w ith balancing opposing and complementary fo rce s, the masculine and feminine w i th in h im s e lf, how he has grown and changed in the process, and how you can do the same. He w i l l also share the many s p i r i t u a l lessons he has learned over the years th a t are a p p lica b le to d a i l y l i f e . W rite : S ir i u s Community, P.0. Box 388, Amherst, MA 01004.

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A fiv e - d a y in te n s iv e work/play shop on Gay Men's A lt e r n a t iv e Health w ith emphasis on AIDS w i l l be held Aug. 6-9 at Running Water in western NC. There w i l l be special a t t e n t i o n to d i e t , massage, sweats, pla y, postural alignment, m ed itatio n and discussions on r e b u ild in g b e t te r health f o r gay men. The Health Obelisk and Michael Mason w i l l be among the resource people in volved.

GAY SPIRITUAL SEMINAR The TAYU Center f o r Gay S p i r i t u a l i t y in v it e s you to i t s weekend seminars at the Russian River in C a l i f o r n i a . The June 15/16 seminar w i l l be on "Body & S p i r i t ; " the July 27/28 sem in a r w i l l be "C onfrontin g Gay S p i r i t u a l i t y ; " and the August 24/25 seminar w i l l be "Gay R e la tio n s h ip s ." They are asking f o r a $25 donation. W rite : Tayu Center, P.0. Box 11554, Santa Rosa, CA 95406.

gay

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GAY ALCOHOLICS The National A ssociatio n o f Lesbian and Gay Alcoholism Professionals (NALGAP) w i l l hold i t s f i r s t n a tio n al conference Sept. 26-29, 1985 a t the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Chicago, I L . General sessions w i l l discuss such to p ics as gay s p i r i t u a l i t y , reaching o u t , e s t a b lis h in g r e l a t i o n ships, alcohol and drug problems in the gay and le sbia n community. Conference workshops w i l l be held in the areas o f gay and le sbia n ad u lt c h ild r e n o f a l c o h o li c s , s e x u a lit y and homosexuality, assessment and treatment o f a d d ic tio n s and the business end o f treatment and p r iv a t e p r a c tic e . NALGAP is an a sso cia tio n o f alcohol and drug t h e r a p i s t s , program d i r e c t o r s , d o c to rs , nurses, and other health care p ro fe ssio nals who have a p a r t i c u l a r in t e r e s t in the special needs o f the le sbia n and gay c l i e n t in treatm ent. Membership ( i n NALGAP) does not in d ic a te a person's sexual preference - many o f the a s s o c ia tio n 's most dynamic members are non-gay.

V V V V % yRAINBOW FAMILY GATHERING

yWICCAN SHAMANISM APPRENTICESHIP

The Church o f Universal Forces w i l l hold i t s f i r s t Annual P a n th e is tic F estiv al at Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown, PA on September 6, 7, 8, 1985. There w i l l be l e c tures and workshops; psychic f a i r s and seminars; worshipping ceremonies and r i t u a l s ; bazaars and tra d in g posts; pagan s o c i a l i z i n g and f e l l o w ship. The cost is $25 f o r the e n t ir e weekend or $10 per day and the pre r e g i s t r a t i o n deadline is July 15, 1985. For more in fo r m a tio n , send la rge SASF to: Church o f Universal Forces, P.0. Box 03195, Columbus, om 43203.

A Wiccan shamanism apprentic eship t r a i n i n g and v is i o n quest w i l l be led by Selena Fox at C i r c le Sanctu ary on July 27 - August 3. W rite : C i r c l e , Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572.

The Rainbow Family Gathering w i l l be held on J u ly 1 - 7 somewhere in Mark Twain National Forest in Mis s o u r i. W r ite : Rainbow Family T r i bal Council, Box 5, E ld rid g e , MO 65463. POST RAINBOW GATHERING

yPANTHEISTIC FESTIVAL

A Post Rainbow Gatherings w i l l be held at Short Mt. Sanctuary on July 12 - 15. Bring bulk food donations and a monetary g i f t f o r the mainte nance o f the Sanctuary. A caving t r i p is planned so b ring a f l a s h l i g h t . W rite : Short Mt. Sanctuary, Rt. 1 Box 98-A, L i b e r t y , TN 37095.

NEW YORK STATE FAERIES A Faerie Gathering w i l l be held at Blue Heron Farm in upstate New York on Aug. 13 - Sept. 2. For d i r e c t io n s and more in fo r m a tio n , w r i t e : Bruce G old stein , 507 Columbus Ave. #4, Boston, MA 02118.

y y y

ROUGH RIDERS' TENT-OUT

Dreams, F a ir y t a l e s , and the Journey to Elsewhere led by P a t r i c i a BerryHillman w i l l be held on J u ly 27/28 at the Omega I n s t i t u t e . Working w ith the emerging symbols o f the dream and f a i r y t a l e , p a r t i c ip a n t s le arn how to use them as to o ls f o r exposing the deeper patterns o f psychic l i f e : as cau tio n ary lessons, as de pictions o f psychopathology, as in v e n tiv e re s o lu tio n s to l i f e ' s snares, and as i n i t i a t i o n s to elsewhere. Cost is $90. W rite : Omega I n s t i t u t e , Lake D r ., Rt 2, Box 377, Rhineback, NY 12572.

The North Dakota Rough Riders w i l l hold a t e n t - o u t on July 4 - 7 at the Runck Chateau Ranch which is one o f the o ld e s t ranches in N.D. and con s i s t s o f 1,480 acres 45 minutes southwest o f Fargo. Cabins are $20 per day; campsites are $15 per day. F a c i l i t i e s in clu de hot tub , v o l l e y b a l l , cook-outs, and h i k in g . W rite: Runck Chateau Ranch, P0 Box 177, Leonard, ND 58502.

Running Water w i l l host a Fall Gather ing on September 20 - 22 in the moun ta in s o f western North C a roli na . Celebrate the Equinox at the home o f RFD. Suggested donation is $35 in c lu d in g veg etarian meals, but save $5 by p r e - r e g is t e r in g . W rite : Run ning Water, Rt. 1 Box 127-r , Bakersv i l l e , NC 28705.

y G A Y CELEBRATION FOR MEN The Loving Brotherhood w i l l hold i t s monthly Ce lebrations o f L i f e on the f o llo w in g dates: July 13-14, August 10-11, September 14-15 and October 12-13. These gatherings are held at the group's headquarters iri n o r th western New Jersey. They are "a time f o r c e le b r a tin g the beauty and wonder o f each in d iv id u a l as a lo v in g , caring b e in g." Write w ith a SASE to : The Loving Brotherhood, Box 556RD, Sus sex, NJ 07461.

SHAMANIC HEALING Shamanic He aling: Journeying and the Dreamtime Experience w i l l be led by Michael Harner, Ph.D. on July 14. In t h is e x p e r i e n t ia l workshop par t i c i p a n t s p r a c tic e the methods o f the shaman see, to a c t iv a t e power, to r e g is t e r i l l n e s s , and to m aintain per sonal h e a lth . T ra in in g includes shamanic journeys to both the Lower and Upper worlds f o r knowledge, work w ith animal powers, d i v i n a t i o n , and shamanic methods o f he a lin g , in c lu d ing personal empowerment and the ex t r a c t i o n o f s p i r i t u a l pain and i l l ness. There is also an in tr o d u c tio n to the Dream Dance method. The class takes places indoors and also outsid e on the Gmega campus. This is a f u l l - d a y course, and begins a t 8:00 p.m. F rid a y, Ju ly 14. W rite : Omega I n s t i t u t e , Lake D r . , Rt 2, Box 377 Rhineback, NY 12572.

VHOMESTEADERS' GET-TOGETHER 'Homesteaders News' holds i t s annual Good L i f e Get-Together on July 19-21 a t Naples, NY (14512). There w i l l be workshops on p r a c ti c a l homestead ing s k i l l s and l o t s o f music and fun

NORTH CAROLINA FALL FAERIES

DREAMS, FAIRYTALES . . .

GAY TRANSFORMATION The A ll New You Experience is a twoday workshop "designed to move you through the b a r r ie r s and l i m i t a t i o n s you have been conditioned to accept and which can r e s t r i c t your jo y and completeness. A way to discover whoy o u - r e a l l y - a r e !" Next o f f e r i n g , August 17th & 18th a t The Barn, RD 4, Box 293, Sussex, NJ 07461, (201) 875-4710. (Also ask about the Fall o f f e r i n g in New England!)

A Full Moon Faerie Gathering w i l l be held on Sept. 27 - 30 in the Olympic National Park Wilderness Beach in Washington State. There w i l l be a f i v e m ile hike to the s i t e , no potable water, l i m it e d t i d a l access, p r e - r e g i s t r a t i o n only and a l i m i t o f o n ly 20 - 30 Faeries. The r e g i s t r a t i o n fee is $5. W rite : Thomas Dorn, 6002 32nd Ave. NW, S e a t tle , WA 98107.

y V I S I O N QUEST The quest w i l l be led by Joseph Jastrab and In d ir a Darst on August 23-31. I t is a 9-day wilderness camping experience in the Adiron dack Mountains o f New York S tate, led by two experienced wilderness guides and leaders o f t r a d i t i o n a l ritu a l. No p r i o r camping exper ience is re q uire d. W r ite : Joseph Jastrab, Unison Learning Center, 68 Mountain Rest Road, New P a ltz , NY 12561. 11

NORTHWEST FALL FAERIES

TENNESSEE FALL FAERIE The Harvest Fest, a nine-day Radical Fairy Gathering w i l l be held a t Short Mt. Sanctuary on October 11 - 20. W r ite : Short Mountain Sanctuary, Rt. 1 Box 98-A. L i b e r t y , TN 37095.

W rite them f o r a complete l i s t i n g o f albums (albums are SB.60 each postage paid) and t h e i r magazine F o r t e : Midwest Music, Inc. 207 East B u ffa lo St. Suite 545 Milwaukee, WI 53202 ( t e l : (414) 278-0066)

G IN N I CLEM M ENS

FIERCE LOVE A N EW EP FROM

LOPIN’ ALONG THROUGH THE COSMOS

CHARLIE MURPHY

BY FRANKLIN ABBOTT |__ast f a l l I had the pleasure o f hearing Ginni Clemmens at the Midwest Men's Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Ac companying h e r s e l f on g u it a r Ginni performed a wide v a r i ety o f songs and w ith each shared something special and in tim a te w ith her audience. There were three songs I remember well as each touched me deeply: D i l l i e H o lli d a y 's "God Bless the C h ild " ; Peter A1sop's "Let the Woman in You Come Through"; and Ferron’ s "Testimony". The l a s t two songs are on G in n i's new album "Lopin Along Through The Cosmos" o f the F ly in g Fish la b e l. I t is her f i f t h LP preceded by "Wildwomen Don't Get the Blues" and "Gay and S t r a ig h t Together", an album she produced t h a t features Ginni and a v a r i e t y o f Chicago area a r t i s t s in c lu d in g " D i r t y Old Woman" Merle Markland.

C ^ h a r l i e Murphy w i l l be re lea sin g a new t h r e e - t r a c k 12" EP c a lle d "F ie rce Love". I t w i l l be a v a ila b le in mid-June. The EP, according to C h a r lie , is very danceable and moves out o f f o l k in to new wave and reggae musical s t y le s . The songs on the record include the t i t l e cut "F ie rce Love", "Fool For the Cause", a love song, and "Mean cp 1 r 1 t " , a reggae tune about the r i g h t wing. The record features Jami Sieber on ' c e l l o and is a v a ila b le at Murphy/Sleber Concerts, or f o r < 4 . 9 9 from Out Front Mu s i c , p0 Box 12188, S e a t tle , Washington 98102.

Ginni has been performing since the 60s and is based in Chicago where she performs at Opal S ta tio n and a wide v a r i e t y o f other venues. She is known as a blues sin ger though she sings ja z z , f o l k , c h i l d r e n ' s songs and women's ballads w ith equal ease and grace. She says t h a t she is "not a gay s in ge r" but "a sin ger who is gay and loves a l l pe ople." Though not a le sbia n s e p a r a tis t she views a l l women space as special and has performed at many women's music f e s t i v a l s . S t i l l , she enjoys performing f o r men and mixed groups and has recorded songs w r i t t e n by male sonq w r i t e r s in c lu d in g Sikahn's " I t ' s Not Just What You're Born W ith ." Ginni has performed throughout the mainland U.S. and Canada and r e c e n t ly has given concerts in Hawaii.

You can also hear Ch arlie and Jami In concert June 30th at San Francisco's Gay Pride Celebration and in July at the Winnipeg and Vancouver Folk F e s t iv a ls . <£>

GAYS O N RECORD

Her schedule t h i s summer includes the fo llo w in g p e r f o r mances : August 9 - Edmonton Canadian Music Festival August 16 - C o a li ti o n Against Domestic Violence, Bloomington, Indiana September 26-29 - Gay AA Conference, Holiday Inn, Chicago, I l l i n o i s

[ \ j e v e r before have we had as many albums o ffe re d by openly gay recording a r t i s t . Tom Robinson has released "Hope and Glory" which is a smoother mix than his previous albums. Tom's pioneering as a gay a r t i s t in a s t r a ig h t recordin g in d u s try paved the way f o r Culture Club, Fran kie Goes to Hollywood and Bronski Beat. Bronski Beat's f i r s t album "Age o f Consent" is t e c h n ic a lly superb, h igh l y danceable, i n t e r e s t in g music. One o f the c u t s , "Small Town Boy" about a young man who has to leave a l i t t l e town where he is misunderstood and is o la te d has received extensive play on top 40s rad io s ta tio n s in the U.S. E s p e c ia lly pleasing is the group's re-re le a se o f a song made famous by neo-homophobe Donna Summer. We can s t i l l dance to " I Feel Love" w ith o u t f e e lin g g u i l t . The Bronski Beat album is an eye catcher w ith i t s n i c e ly featured pink t r i a n g l e on f r o n t . On the ja c k e t sleeve ages o f consent f o r gay sex in many d i f f e r e n t c ou ntrie s are l i s t e d .

Of G in n i, new age philosopher Jean Houston has w r i t t e n , "Ginni Clemmens is a high music woman, a bard's bard, and j u s t about the most s o u l - s a t i s f y i n g sin ger around today. Her songs, words and w i t serve as potent channels f o r the coming o f the rhythms o f awakening." Of her music, Ginni says, " I guess you could say t h a t I am mainly in te re ste d in the power o f music to hpal the wounds o f misunderstand ings between people and to open our eyes to the awareness o f ch o ic e ." G in n i' s albums, "Lopin Along Thru The Cosmos", "Gay and S t r a ig h t T ogether", "Wild Women Don't Get the B lu es", anH " I 'm Looking For Some Longtime Friends" are a v a ila b le f or *R each plus *1 (each) f o r postage from Open Door Records, 3721 N. Greenview, Chicago, IL 60613 where Ginni can be contacted f o r concert and workshop bookings.<Q>

Other gays on record include David Wakeling o f General Public who t o l e Mother Jones t h a t he “ never thought be ing gay was out o f the o rd in a r y enough to be a s e l l i n g p o i n t , " and we guess, Freddie Mercury, "Mr. Bad Guy". Freddie is recorded on Columbia Records, w r ite s and pub lis h e s his own songs through Queen Music Ltd. He sings his "Love is Dangerous, Always Makes You B le e d . . . " His music is less dangerous but danceable and F reddie 's some th in g to look a t .

M EN'S M U SIC ! I V l i d w e s t Music, Inc. o f Milwaukee is now d i s t r i b u t i n g men's music along w ith f e m in is t and p r o te s t music. Among others they c a r r y albums and cassettes by David Sereda, W i l l i e S o r d i l l , Tom Wilson Weinberg, Gary Lapow, Charlie Murphy, Geof Morgan, Si Kahn, Peter Alsop, B la c k b e r r i, b r i g h t Morning Star and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

Probably much more in tune w ith the tastes o f RFD readers w i l l be E l l i o t Pi 1shaw's new album "Gay Men Are G reat!" a v a ila b le f o r $8.50 from Kesen Records, PO Box 980, Cam b rid g e , MA 02238. Tom Wilson Weinberg's o r i g i n a l cast album from "Ten Percent Review" w i l l also ( h o p e fu lly ) be a v a ila b l e soon from Aboveground Records, Box 497, Boston, MA 02112. "Ten Percent Review" w i l l be playin g at Valen cia Rose in San Francisco from May 31 through June 29.

ropical

ocktale

BYDGABBYOHAZE

you w i l l , an is la n d . W ell, maybe is land is too strong a word. A few m i l l i o n years ago i t was a coral re e f which e v e n tu a lly became a sandbar and is now 140 acres (more or le ss) o f sand, mangrove bushes, buttonwood t r e e s , a few palms and various other types o f t r o p i c a l ve g e ta tio n . Add to t h i s the cool blue greens o f the ocean, the burning yello w o f a r e le n tle s s sun, and a nigh t sky f i l l e d w ith tw in k e lin g s ta rs and a b r i l l i a n t f u l l moon. This was the s e t t in g o f the second Island C i r c le gathering held on the F lo rida Keys March 1st through March 7th o f t h i s year. This b e a u tifu l " i s l a n d ’’ is located about 100 yards o f f the mainland - 100 yards o f ocean water f i l l e d w ith a l l kinds o f strange and f a m i l i a r lookin g l i f e . During the low t id e s you could walk across. In f a c t , some people did walk over from t h e i r cars. However, you needed to wear shoes to p r o te c t your fee t from coral rock and those s o f t j e l l y - l i k e th in g s . During the high t id e s you could walk over too. This tim e, though, you might get your chest wet.

We consumed1-hundreds o f pounds o f food: Boxes o f sweet j u i c y mangos, pineapples r ip e to p e r f e c t io n , crates o f oranges and apples, bunches o f bananas, lo t s o f b e a u tifu l papayas, lemons, limes and, o f course, coconuts. Then t h e re 's the g r a in s , o i l s , fresh vegetables, cheeses, spices, y o g u rt, dried f r u i t s and nuts. A ll brought over in those canoes. The l o g i s t i c s o f the gathering were staggering. The 'sla nd C ir c le did a m agnificent job p u t tin g i t a l l to g e th I t was an V , e r . They even b u i l t a 30 fo o t high pyramid. in c r e d ib le s ig h t to see these b e a u tifu l men scampering over t h i s g ig a n t ic s t r u c t u r e s t a p lin g down f a b r i c to create in s ta n t shade f o r us sun-drenched f a i r i e s . And on those days when the wind blew strong , some o f the fa b ric s were to rn from t h e i r s ta p le s , c r e a tin g a w ave-like e f f e c t as they shimmered and flapped in the breeze. Enter the f a i r i e s , alone or in small groups. Each canoe was f i l l e d to the brim w ith t e n ts , sleep ing bags and l o t s o f p a rty drag. I mean, i f anyone knows how to throw a party i t ’ s these Key West f a i r i e s . And what a p a rty i t was. I don’ t t h in k I saw the same o u t f i t twice during the e n t ir e ga thering.

And th e r e 's nothing on t h i s is la n d . No e l e c t r i c i t y , no water, no t o i l e t s , no chocolate; nothing but sun and sand. Everything you need to cre a te /h o s t a gathering must be brought over; and i f th a t i s n ' t enough o f a shlep, because o f the shallow waters, motor boats are o f no use. Besides your f e e t, canoes are the on ly other fe a s ib le means o f tr a n s p o r t .

We played morning c i r c l e and emotional check i n . There were workshops on a l t e r n a t i v e s and auras. There were discussions about AIDS. There was great th e a te r and l o t s o f dancing. We had b e a u tifu l r i t u a l s , la t e n ig h t camp f i r e s and c a n d l e - l i t a l t a r s . We wore masks to accentuate the pagan. Our bodies were painted w ith is land c la y . And a t n ig h t we had bugs, l o t s o f bugs.

Just t h in k about what th a t means. We used gallons upon gallons o f fresh water f o r d r i n k in g . (Only b o t tle d water is considered f i t f o r d r in k in g down in the Keys.) And even more water (from the tap) fo r bathin g. I t takes a l o t o f water to keep 25 or so f a i r i e s p i r i t s cle an, as well as being able to quench tha t big t h i r s t one bu ild s up during those long sun-shiny days. A ll t h i s water had to be brought over by canoe.

Each nigh t as the moon grew f u l l e r and the t i d e got higher, you could feel the peace and t r a n q u i l i t y o f j u s t being being w ith your f a i r i e f r ie n d s both old and new, being alone, away from the madness o f our l i v e s , being the center o f the univ erse, alone and to g e th e r, the y in and the yang. ■

SoYouW antToGo lo A Gathering oBY TREEBEARDo: •o you would l i k e to go to your f i r s t Faerie Gathering, but you are a l i t t l e apprehensive or maybe downright fr ig h te n e d . You d o n 't know what to expect; a f r a i d you won't f it . in . A f t e r a l l , y o u 'r e normal and everyone else there w i l l probably be some s o r t o f strange, f a r - o u t per son wearing weird costumes, m utterin g in can ta tion s and holding Pagan r i t u a l s deep in the woods in the dead of n ig h t. Where are you going to f i t in to a l l th is ? W ill you be accepted? Or maybe y o u 're concerned th a t i t w i l l (or w i l l not) be an endless orgy. These were c e r t a i n l y some o f my fe a rs . I had been on the outer perip hery o f the Faerie Movement f o r several years and had frie n d s who were Faeries and went to Gatherings. They showed me p ic tu re s o f the Gatherings which fascinated and frig h te n e d me a t the same time. Of course I read RFD v ora cio usly which only compounded my u n c e r t a in t y . 1 was in v it e d to several and had the time and means to go but s t i l l a l i t t l e voice warned me not to go - I was a fra i d . Eventually the p o in t was reached where the time f o r v a s c i l l a t i o n had to end. I decided to go to the Louisiana Gathering held l a s t f a l l at David's TG-acre farm in central Louisiana. I was already in the area so l o g i s t i c s was no excuse. The weather was p e rfe c t - a real Indian Summer so th a t excuse d i d n ' t hold water e i t h e r . There would be ? or P people there t h a t I knew so I w o uld n't be a complete stranger. So w ith no l i t t l e a n x ie ty , but h o p e fu lly men t a l l y and em o tio n a lly prepared, I steered my truck in to the fo rre s te d heartlands o f cen tra l Louisiana and found roy way to David's farm. I was a t my f i r s t Gathering. Three days l a t e r as I l e f t the farm, I c o u ld n 't help but feel I had experienced something c lo s e ly akin to a r e l i gious conversion. I t was probably the s in g le most p o s i t i v e , u p - l i f t i n g , feel-good-about-m yself experience o f my gay a d u lt l i f e . Without going in to a d e ta ile d c h ro n ic le o f events, l e t me give you an overview o f what happened, how I f e l t and how others I talk ed to f e l t . A Gathering has many purposes, a l l in te r-con necte d, a l l m utually supportive o f each o th e r. Each person gives to the Gathering according to his own g i f t s , t a le n t s , energy and in d iv id u a l needs. A Gathering is a place where, in a safe and t o t a l l y non threatening environment you can be completely y o u r s e lf . No external s o c ie ta l pressures are urging you to conform to a so -ca lle d norm. There is no norm; no one expects you to be anything except y o u r s e l f . I t ' s not j u s t basic t o l e r a t i o n ; i t is an a c t iv e encouragement by the group

fo r you to do your own t h in g . I f you choose to dance naked through the woods blowing soap bubbles and sin gin g Gregorian Chants, then you are encouraged to do so. No one w i l l laugh or in d ic a te disap prova l. On the other hand, i f you choose to s i t in the barn fo r three days playin g T r i v i a l P u r s u it, tha t is wonderful, too. P o s itiv e energy abounds and is focused, not only fo r and on you, but f o r and on everyone else in d iv u d a lly and c o l le c tiv e ly . The emphasis is on f e e lin g good about y o u r s e lf and about being gay; and fe e lin g e q ua lly good about every one else and t h e i r gayness, however tha t may manifest its e lf. This focusing o f p o s it iv e group energy very q u ic k ly breaks down social b a r r ie r s , real and imagined and you fin d y o u r s e lf caught up in the wonderful oneness o f Faerie Energy. There is a sense o f s p i r i t u a l oneness w ith your f e llo w Faeries and you feel t h a t , perhaps fo r the f i r s t time, you are part o f something a l i v e , dynamic and permanent. I t ' s a wonderful f e e lin g . But, you ask, what a c t u a ll y happens a t the Gathering to make a l l these wonderful fe e lin g s come about. W ell, f i r s t there are the C i r c le s , u s u a lly held before a meal or cere mony or j u s t about any event. A ll those at the Gathering or the p a r t i c u l a r event form a close c i r c l e e i t h e r holding hands or w ith arms around each o th e r. Fere, mostly non v e r b a l ly , energy is focused; the group becomes one. During the i n i t i a l C i r c le , the members o f the group w i l l i n t r o duce themselves and t e l l a l i t t l e about themselves. Through the c i r c l e s you get to know the other members very q u ic k ly . There were 45 men at the Louisiana Gathering and w i th in 24 hours, I knew ne arly a l l o f them by name and face. We C irc le d as a group three or four times a day and in smal l e r groups perhaps another three or four times a day. That is a l o t o f touching and ho lding and sharing o f ener gy.

During the day, there are workshops, hikes, e t c . Just about anyone who has some e x p e rtis e in an area p e r tin e n t to gay l i f e or Faerie thin gs can hold a workshop on th a t subject - gay he alth problems, Walt Whitman, gay parents, gardening, vegetarian cooking to name a few. The work shops are open to anyone who has an in t e r e s t in the sub je c t. I t is an informal means o f exchanging knowledge and op in io n s. You are free to attend a l l , any, or none o f these events. The evening is us u a lly a time f o r ceremonies and r i t u a l s . Often the f i r s t nig h t is set aside fo r Consecration o f the Sacred Ground. This is an area, perhaps a grove o f trees or a c le a r in g in the f o r e s t th a t is set aside as a special

place f o r the Gathering. It members o f the Gathering say is necessary. I t is a place q u ie t m e d ita tio n , a place o f

is Sacred o n ly because the i t i s , but th a t is a l l tha t f o r special ceremonies, fo r peace and t r a n q u i l i t y .

P a r t ic i p a t i o n in any event at a Gathering is v o lu n ta ry . You have the freedom to p a r t i c ip a t e i f you wish, to ob serve as a n o n - p a r tic ip a n t or simply go elsewhere and do your own t h in g . There is no social pressure to p a r t i c i pate. I t is wonderful i f you do and wonderful i f you d o n ' t . C e r ta in ly not everyone is in to everythin g th a t goes on a t a Gathering. But whether you choose to be part o f some things and not part o f oth e rs, your c o n t r i b u ti o n to the whole is in no way dim inished. Your energy and your s p i r i t are there regardless. The one thin g a Gathering is NOT is an orgy. To be sure there is p le n ty o f o p p o rtu n ity f o r sex and you are not discouraqed from i t . But the general consensus is th a t i t should be p r iv a t e and unobtrusive. A Gathering is more a s p i r i t u a l happening than a sexual one. W ell, you ask, what kind o f people w i l l I f in d at a Gathering? A ll kinds. In Louisiana, the group ranged in age from 19 to 63; they came f rom as f a r Cast as V ir g in i a and as f a r West as C a l i f o r n i a . There were conserva tive small-town Faeries and ra d ica l b i g - c i t y Faeries (and vice

versa). There were cowboys and truck d r i v e r s , students and r e t i r e d m i l i t a r y , teachers and j o u r n a l i s t s , pharma c i s t s and r a i lr o a d engineers, hairdressers and b o ta n is ts ; you name i t and i t was probably the re . Some went naked much o f the time; others f e l t more comfortable f u l l y dressed. Some s le p t under the s t a r s , others in t e n t s , vans or the barn. I t ' s a wonderful cro ss-se ctio n o f gay life . I t makes no d iff e re n c e who or what you are or where you come from. I f you are in to f e e lin g good about you r s e l f and oth e rs, i f you are in to nature and the o u t - o f doors, in to dealing w ith people as people rath e r than as hunks o f meat, then there is a special place f o r you at a Gathering. What you get out o f a Gathering is propor tio n a t e to what you put in to i t . Don't worry about money. Most Gatherings are very in ex pensive. (Louisiana: 3 days f o r $20; Short Mountain: 9 days f o r $65). I f you c a n 't a f f o r d t h a t , come anyway. Other arrangements can be made. Gatherings d o n 't r e a l l y end. When you leave, you take w ith you some o f the magic and energy and love o f the group. The other members become part o f your extended fa m ily and you are pa rt o f something big and p o s it iv e and wonderful. Time and distance do not dim in ish Faerie Magic and Energy. Come to a Gathering; y o u ' l l be glad you d id .

*<*

This study was " i n v i t r o " ( i n the t e s t tube) and d i l u t i o n s due to body f l u i d s , e tc . were apparently not considered. Since the 'AIDS v i r u s ' is shed in a l l body s e cre tio n s, t h i s is only a very minor co n s id e ra tio n . There would have to be con sid eratio n o f other ways o f con tactin g the f l u i d s ( i . e . k is s in g , sperm c o n ta ct, p re -e ja c u la te f l u i d co n ta c t, urine c o n ta ct, fecal co n ta c t, or p o ssib ly even sweat c o n t a c t ) .

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__have had the o p p o rtu n ity in the past few weeks to see one or two a r t i c l e s dealing w ith 'p r o t e c t i o n from AIDS' through the use o f spermacidal creams as l u b r ic a n t s . I b e lie ve the company was C a lif o r n ia based and t h e i r studie were "r e v e a lin g th a t concentrations o f the chemical Nonoxynal-9 5X and above was v ir o c id a l w ith respect to the AIDS v i r u s . " F i r s t l y , I am not sure th a t we know e x a c tly what the AIDS v ir u s i s , and secondly I would consider t h i s company's research to be h ig h ly biased - - at le a s t u n t i l I could see some more s tu d ie s .

The only spermacidal cream t h a t I am f a m i l i a r w ith which has a nonoxynol-Q concentration o f 5% is C o nceptrol. How ever, at these concentrations i r r i t a t i o n can r e s u l t and f o r one to become 's o r e ' might be an understatement. Also, t h i s company plans to market a cream at some con c e n t ra t io n unspecifie d at t h is time although such creams are already a v a ila b le most l i k e l y . Be wary and aware. This is not the answer!!! Care, ca u tio n , knowing your p a rtn e r, sharing your concerns w ith your p a r tn e r , and being w i l l i n g to be frie n d s could not po ssib ly lessen any sexual pleasure but only serve to "make i t b e t t e r . "

4 large chicken breasts, boiled and chopped 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 4 large sweet p i c k le s , chopped *5 cup chopped pecans 4 tbsp mayonnaise s a l t and pepper to ta s te Combine a l l o f the above. Let s i t *5 hour. bed o f greens w ith wedges o f lemon.

BY (FROM RURAL ADVANCE.WINTER-1985) Almost h a l f o f the a n t i b i o t i c s produced in the U.S. are used 1n li v e s t o c k pro duction. In 1983, about 15 m i l l i o n pounds o f a n t i b i o t i c s worth S270 m i l l i o n went in to animal feed. Large-scale li v e s t o c k production depends on lowlevel doses o f a n t i b i o t i c s in animal feed to prevent disease among c lo s e ly confined c a t t l e , hogs and p o u l tr y . A n t ib io t i c s also cause liv e s t o c k to gain weight more q u ic k ly .

Serve on a

2 2 2 1 1 *5 2

Over the past decade, the panacea o f wonder drugs in a g r i c u l tu r e has been ta in te d by the warnings o f some s c i e n t i s t s t h a t the ro u tin e use o f a n t i b i o t i c s in animal feed (as well as over-use in the treatment o f human disease) is fo s te r in q the development o f bacteria which are r e s i s t a n t to these drugs. A growing number o f s c i e n t i s t s believe th a t a n t i b i o t i c - r e s i s t a n t genes can be tr a n s fe r re d from animal bac t e r i a to those th a t in f e c t humans.

cups pineapple or 1 16-oz. can, chunk s t y le cups watermelon, balled cups cantaloupe, ba lled cup honeydew melon, balled cup white grapes,whole cup blue berries la rge bananas, s lic e d t h in

Massive q u a n titie s o f a n t i b i o t i c a d d itiv e s 1n li v e s t o c k feed can thus d e b i l i t a t e the effe c tiv e n e s s o f a n t i b i o t i c s which are used to t r e a t human diseases. According to Dr. Stuart Levy, profe ssor o f medicine at Tu f t s U n iv e r s i ty , " I f impru dent pra c tic e s are not held in check, we can expect a time when our inexpensive and safe a n t i b i o t i c s w i l l no longer cure the most common human in f e c t i o n s . "

Combine a l l o f these fresh f r u i t s and b e rrie s in a 4 - q t . bowl and l e t s i t in the r e f r i g e r a t o r f o r 1 to 1*5 hr. before serving.

F illin g 1*5 q t . fresh rhubarb 3 cups white sugar 3 tbsp tapioca 3 tbsp white f l o u r dash o f s a l t

Last year, a study conducted by the Center f o r Disease Con t r o l in A tla n ta and published in the New England Journal o f Medicine documented the l i n k between human i l l n e s s and drugr e s i s t a n t ba cteria in meat. The study connected 13 cases o f food poisoning and one f a t a l i t y to hamburger meat i n fected w ith a r e s i s t a n t s t r a i n o f b a c te r ia . The beef o r i ginated from a South Dakota farm where c a t t l e were fed gra in mixed w ith t e t r a c y c li n e .

Crust 2*5 cups white f l o u r 1 cup shortening 3 tbsp cold water dash o f s a l t

Combine a l l c r u s t in g r e d ie n ts . Mix, r o l l o u t, then form in a 9" x 9" or 8 " x 1C" pan, le avin g 1/3 o f the dough to use on top. Combine f i l l i n g mix in a la rge bowl and place in the s h e l l . Use the extra 1/3 dough to make a c ris s - c r o s s pa tte rn on top. S prinkle i t w ith 2 tbsp white sugar. Bake a t 350° a t 35 to 40 minutes.

New evidence U n k in g drug r e s i s t a n t b a cteria in meat and human i l l n e s s has revived e f f o r t s to ban the use o f c e r ta in a n t i b i o t i c s in animal feed, p a r t i c u l a r l y p e n i c i l l i n and t e t r a c y c l i n e , which are commonly used to t r e a t human d i s eases. The Food and Drug A d m in is tra tio n (FDA) f i r s t pro posed such a ban in 1977.

L/k

In recent yea rs, pharmaceutical and li v e s t o c k in d u stry lo b bies have squelched e f f o r t s to re g ulate the use o f a n t i b i o t i c s in animal feed. They argue th a t r e s t r i c t i o n on a n t i b i o t i c s could cost the consumer m i l l i o n s o f d o lla r s in the form o f higher meat p ric e s . Former U.S. Department o ' ' g r i c u l t u r e A ssista n t Secretary f o r food s a fe ty , Carol Tucker Foreman, r e c e n tly challenged the in d u s tr y 's cla im . " r or s t a r t e r s , " sse said, " t h a t claim does not take in to c o n sid eratio n the costs associated w ith the loss o f e f f e c tiveness o f a n t i b i o t i c s f o r human health purposes. The evidence o f danger has been un fold in g f o r over ten years. There is no good excuse f o r f u r t h e r de la y."

2 cups grated cucumbers 2 envelopes unflavored g e la t i n 2*5 tsp s a l t

*5 tsp pepper 2 tbsp minced onions or chives 3 cups cream s t y le cottage cheese *s tsp paprika Drain cucumber tho ro ug hly , saving j u i c e . Add enough water to make 1 cup l i q u i d . Soften g e la t i n in l i q u i d . Dissolve over b o i l i n g water. Add seasonings and onions. S t i r in cucumber and cheese. Pour in to in d iv id u a l mold or 1 la rge mold. C h ill u n t i l f ir m . Serves 8 .

Congressional hearings to consider r e s t r i c t i n g the use o f a n t i b i o t i c s in li v e s t o c k feed are now in progress, and a new FDA r u l i n g is expected in 1 9 8 5 .■ 17

IN SO UTH C E N T R A L T E X A S I have li v e d on a farm/ranch a l l my l i f e except f o r a few years w h ile I was in c olle g e and have been a c t i v e l y en gaged in truck farming a l l th a t time. The crops th a t I t r y to grow are watermelons, tomatoes, cucumbers, canta loupes, and sweet corn. At le a s t those are the ones tha t I grow in s u f f i c i e n t q u a n ti ti e s to wholesale. I g e ne rally have a la rge garden w ith other things in i t tha t I p ic k le or freeze according to my in d iv id u a l t a s te s . Perhaps I should say th a t I was born on Nov. R, 1942 and am a c e r t i f i e d vocatio nal a g r ic u lt u r e teacher. I also have a Master's degree in b iolo gy from Duke Univ. in NC, the homestate o f RFD. The degrees c e r t a i n l y d o n 't mean th a t 1 have any real b ra in s. I sometimes t h in k tha t i f I had any b ra in s, 1 would never have been a school teacher. I guess t h a t ' s another s t o r y . I have to confess, ^owever, that I love teaching school.

there is go around to the produce manager o f the d i f f e r e n t stores in your area and ask i f he'd be in te re s te d in buy ing d i r e c t l y from you. I f you have a good product, he w i l l - - even i f i t ' s a la rge chain s to r e . You can also run an ad in the lo c a l newspaper t e l l i n g what you have to s e l l . Cucumbers s e l l well around here as many people make p ickle s every summer. And, l o t s o f people want sweet corn to put up in the deep fre e ze r l i k e I do. Although i have never t r i e d i t m yself, I believe t h a t summer squash would be another good crop to grow f o r wholesale. Truck farming is something t h a t blends in well i f you have a f u l l time jo b as I do. And, when t h a t jo b is school teaching, i t ' s even e a s ie r. Of course, depending on the amount you grow, you can get most o f your work done on the weekends and during the evenings. Also, you have the summer to harvest and s e ll your produce.

I f you are in te re ste d in some extra income with a small amount o f space, t ru c k farming might be the th in g y o u 're looking f o r . What you need to do f i r s t is scout out and see i f there is a market fo r whatever you decide to grow. Quite a few "fa rm e r's markets" have sprung up here in Texas over the la s t few years. A farm er's market is a place where you can s e ll what you have grown d i r e c t l y to the consumer. That works well i f you have a reasonable amount o f each vegetable. A reasonable amount might be 10 to 15 bushels fo r each p ic k in g . I plant about 20 acres o f watermelons so th a t doesn't work f o r me. I have a customer who comes down every other day during our season which is about the 25th o f June to the 15th o f July and buys 40,000 pounds. I grow what we c a l l black diamond (the round green kind w ith red meat) and orange meat tendersweets. He takes about h a l f o f each kin d. I f you've never eaten an orange meat watermelon, you ha ven't l i v e d . They do have a very tender r in d and do not ship * a r , however. Rut, the tomatoes, sweet corn, and canta loupes are sold to grocery sto re s . A ll you have to do

An important po in t th a t I haven't mentioned yet is t h a t the p rice you get f o r t h i s type o f produce has rise n d r a m a tic a lly in the l a s t few years. Twenty-five years ago, we were lucky to get one cent per pound f o r water melons wholesale; now we r e g u l a r ly get 8 to 10 cents per pound. We get $10 f o r a h a l f bushel o f tomatoes which is almost 35 cents a pound wholesale. Now you might have an idea why tomatoes are so high in the grocery s to re s . The store g e n e ra lly loses about h a l f o f the produce i t buys. We get $6 to $8 a bushel f o r cantaloupes, and there are ge ne rally about t h i r t e e n in one bushel. When you compare these prices to c a t t l e (which I also r a i s e ) , you can see* the advantages to tru c k farming. Another advantage is th a t most people pay you in cash. I t you are in te re s te d in le a rn in g more about truck farm ing, j u s t w r ite me in care o f RFD. I ' d be glad to help out in any wav I can. Y7

by FRANK C HINDS 18

TH E “ O R G A N IC A LLY G R O W N ” C H IC K E N f l o o r ) . They move to the la r g e r coop at about s ix weeks o f o f age. The breed I ' v e raised is S i1- Go-Link o f Park's Hatchery, Altoona, Pennsylvania. They are an in c r e d ib le breed - la yin g from 270 to 300 la rge brown eggs each year, have q u ie t , easy-going termperaments (which means they do well is close q u a r t e r s ) , are h ig h ly disease r e s i s t a n t and p r e t t y . I f i t sounds l i k e I am g iv in g a sales p i t c h , I am. Park's Sil-G o -Lin ks are the most admirable chicken we ever met.

My i n t e r e s t in chickens began as a kid when every Easter Woolworth's would have a rainbow o f chicks on sale. I lik e d the purple ones which always seemed to grow up to be White Leghorn ro o s te rs . I ' d ra is e them in a la rge t o il e t p a p e r box, w ith my desk lamp f o r heat. The maid would end up takin g them home a t my mother's request. She would come back to work and f o r days afterward brag about what good dumplings "C h a n tic le e r" had made. And, I would go to my room and c ry . I t was not u n t i l several years ago when I moved back home to r u r a l East Texas, t h a t I was able to begin r a i s ing chickens seriou sly . I had the good fortun e at th a t time to work on the demonstration farm o f Natural Food Associates, an o rg a n iz a tio n t h a t promotes organic garden ing w ith na tio n al headquarters near me in A t la n t a , Texas. I apprenticed w ith Mr. Joe Francis, one o f the n a t io n 's leading a u t h o r i t i e s on composting. (Joe j’ o k in g ly c a l l s him self a " m a n u r e o lo g is t" ) . Joe taught me many t h in g s , but the most marvelous th in g he shared was the process o f growing chickens in a house w ith a compost f l o o r .

I always keep one r o o s te r w ith my f lo c k o f e ig h t hens so I have l i v e , f e r t i l e eggs. The S i l - G o - l i n k rooste rs are normally very d o c ile , but i f they give you t r o u b le , kic k them a couple o f times when they are young. I t might sound c r u e l , but i t establishes you at the top o f the pecking order.

The chickens are given fresh water d a i l y in buckets. The buckets are washed out every day to e lim in a te diseases. The buckets can be moved around and emptied on "d ry s p o ts ." The compost should always be damp, but never wet. I feed a non-medicated la yin g mesh from a feeder and whole yellow corn on the compost f l o o r to encourage s c ra tch in g . In a d d i t i o n , I give them kitchen scraps, mulched weeds from the garden, comfrey, and, as a special t r e a t , sprouted oats. The more greens chickens ea t, the y e llo w e r , h e a lth i e r and t a s t i e r t h e i r eggs are.

My f i r s t p r o je c t at my place was to s t a r t a chicken house. My coop is 10' x 10' (see drawing f o r d e t a i l s ) . It's a ru le o f thumb to allow four square fe e t o f f l o o r area per b i r d . The coop is b u i l t o f salvaged m a t e r i a l, walled on the north to block o f f the w in te r winds and simply chicken wired around the r e s t o f the way. I f you l i v e in a cold c lim a te , you might want to enclose the s tr u c t u r e a l l around. The ro o f is covered w ith a l t e r n a t i n g t i n and white p l a s t i c ro o fin g to l e t in l i g h t . The roosts are made from natural hardwood Sassafras limbs. Nesting boxes are about 12" x 12" square, three fe e t o f f the ground with a small limb perch f o r easy access. I t a l l sounds ra th e r standard, and i t i s . What is not standard is the " f l o o r . "

The compost require s l i t t l e care. About once every two weeks, I turn i t w ith a garden f o r k . I f not turned, i t becomes compacted and begins to s t in k (methane gas - the r e s u l t o f an a n t is o r b ic process). I add fresh organic m a t e r i a l, sawdust, mulch, e tc . from time to time to give the unseen micro-organisms something to d ig e s t. I also add oyster s h e lls which enric h the compost and help the chickens w ith d ig e s tio n and hardens t h e i r egg s h e lls . Frequently durin g the summer I hose the f l o o r , which cools thin gs down and keeps the compost damp. Two times a year I remove the compost, leavin g enough to get the process s ta r te d again. The dark, r i c h , sweet-smelling compost can be added d i r e c t l y to the garden. The compost is always a v a ila b le throughout the year from small a p p l i catio ns and as a p o t tin g m ixtu re . The chickens enjoy the naturalness o f the f l o o r . They scratch in i t and take d i r t baths. I t ' s the next best th in g to l i v i n g in the w ild s . I keep my hens caged a l l day because I have dogs and flo w e rs , but you could use the same method and l e t them out in the afternoon to graze.

Because the compost is a l iv e and a c t i v e , the chicken l i t t e r is r a p id ly digested. The coop is always fresh and clean, disease- and 1i c e - f r e e . Friends are always amazed when I scoop up a handful o f " d i r t " from under the roost and ask them to smell i t . I t smells sweet! - " l i k e fresh mountain a i r . " The temperature o f the compost is a con s ta n t year-round 70° which helps both heat and cool the coop.

The chickens spend t h e i r days on a f l o o r o f compost. I sta rte d i t by adding a three inch la y e r o f r o t t e d sawdust, mulched leaves and grass, a l l o f which I wetted down. To t h i s I added a compost s t a r t e r . I use Dr. P f e i f f e r ' s B.D. Compost S t a r t e r (The P f e i f f e r Foundation, Threefold Farm, Spring V a lle y , NT). The s t a r t e r is a biodynamic compound c o n tain in g micro-organisms, herbs and trace m in e ra ls. I f you already have an a c t iv e compost p i l e , you could add from i t in s u f f i c i e n t q u a n tity to get thin gs s t a r t e d .

I hope t h i s process has not sounded complicated. I t is n o t. I t is m iraculous! I t is a process th a t 1s healthy and a l i v e , producing contented chickens which w i l l reward you w ith h e a l t h f u l , t a s t y eggs and hours o f simple pleasure. I would enjoy corresponding in d e t a il w ith anyone i n t e r e s t ed in chickens or composting. W rite : Lee Spruell , New Colony Community, Rt. 2 Box 348-A, Linden, TX 75563.

I r a is e my chicks on the back porch in a composting brood er ( a c t u a l l y an a i r l i n e animal f l i g h t cage with a compost

by LEE SPRUELL 19

SO,YOU W O U LD LIK E A DUCK FOR DINNER

On many homesteads, waterfowl add c o lo r and i n t e r e s t , as well as d e lic io u s meat f o r the fre e z e r.

a year. They ' h i s s ' r a th e r than 'q u a c k ', so i f you want a qu ie t duck, t h is is something to consid er.

Baby ducks and geese are cute l i t t l e c r i t t e r s , and when reared in small batches, they can become real pets. lr you are in te re ste d in r a is in g a common breed, you do not need a pond or stream. Contrary to f o l k l o r e , d r in k in g water is a l l they w i l l re g u ire . I t ' s best to water them in some way th a t prevents them from making mud puddles. I f you have a la rge pond or stream, you need not worry about t h i s . They soon foul small ponds and can make them selves s ick playin g in d i r t y water. A stock tank w ith a hog d r in k e r on the side makes a good water source, once they are old enough to reach i t . I t should be set on coarse rock or gravel f o r drainage so they c a n 't puddle, or j u s t keep moving the tank away from any puddle tha t they s t a r t . I s t a r t my ducklings w ith a chick fo u n ta in . As soon as they are big enough, I set i t up on a 2 x 4 frame, covered with mesh, so th a t i f they slop water o u t, they c a n 't puddle. I t also works to set the fo u ntain on an in verted hog pan. By the time you c a n 't keep the fou ntain f u l l , they are u s u a lly t a l l enough to graduate to the hog fo u n ta in .

The Muscovy drake is about twice the siz e o f the hen, so sexing is easy once the ducklings are h a l f grown. You also have two sizes f o r the f r e e z e r ; the smaller hen is about three pounds w h ile the dressed out drake is s ix to e ig h t pounds.

For geese you can set a bucket o f water outsid e the fence so they reach through the n e t tin g to d r i n k , though mine use the hog d rin k e r in the stock tank. Most goose and ducks w i l l set t h e i r own eggs but are not always the most dependable mothers. I have found that some geese and ducks l i k e to la y in the same nest. This "nest sharing" almost guarantees f a i l u r e as the hens both p u ll eggs under themselves and can crush hatching eggs or leave the nest w ith the f i r s t go slin g to hatch and abandon the nest. What works best f o r me is to l e t the b irds keep a nest egg or two, and then set the r e s t in the in cubator. I s ta rt the goslings in a pen and group three-week hatches t o gether. I d o n 't l i k e to put more than th a t together because the old e st get too b ig . When the youngest are ten days o ld , I put them in a wire pen where the gander and his hens can " t a l k through the w i r e . " A f te r a day or so you w i l l no tic e one or more hens stayin g near the pen t r y i n g to j o i n the g o s lin g s . At tha t p o in t I l e t her in w ith them fo r a day or two. A f te r they are used to her c a l l , I tu rn them out and she introduces her " f a m ily " to the gander. From then on, the goslings w i l l be protected by the gander and the hen. You can do t h i s as o fte n as you have hens th a t want fam i lie s . Since most ganders have two or three hens, unless they a l l g u it s e t t in g at once, you have a p o t e n tia l 'mother' For up to nine-week hatchings. They u s u a lly w i l l not hover the goslings t h is way, so I u s u a lly wait u n t i l the goslings don’ t need heat. They w i l l p ro te c t the goslings from dogs and o th e r predators. This method does not work fo r ducks. They have to hatch some under themselves or they w o n ^ take any, and u s u a lly the babies have to be the same age. The exception to t h is is the Muscovy hens. They sometimes w i l l accept a l l o f the baby muscovies that f o llo w them, regardless o f which hen hatched them. There are breeds o f ducks and geese o f enough siz e and shape d iff e r e n c e to s a t i s f y most any taste or pocketbook. In my experience, I have found the Muscovy to be the cheap est to r a i s e . I t is not r e a l l y a duck, but a pato and is more l i k e a goose in h a b it. I t w i l l l i v e m ostly on grass where true ducks need a l o t o f g r a in . The Muscovy is a b e t te r than average mother, and w i l l r a is e several broods

The Muscovy has also been crossed w ith domestic ducks to produce hybrids c a lle d "mule ducks." They are s t e r i l e and about the size o f Muscovy drakes - - an e x c e lle n t meat bi r d . The la r g e r market ducks are Rouens and White Pekins. In my area the Brown Ruens are the favored farm duck, but the White Pekins are pre fe rred f o r 4-H p r o je c ts . The './hite Pekin is u s u a lly a b e t te r egg la y e r , wh ile some f o lk s feel the Rouen picks e a s ie r . I f you are not i n terested in a pure bred duck, crossing these two w i l l give you e x c e lle n t meat b ir d s . U su a lly, the o f f s p r in g have several d i f f e r e n t shades o f c o lo r and markings which are fun to watch develop. The siz e o f these b irds range from f i v e to seven pounds. Another e x c e lle n t meat duck although j u s t a l i t t l e smaller is the B u ff duck. They are good la y e r s . They dress out n i c e ly at about fo u r to f i v e pounds I f you want a sm aller ea tin g duck and duck eggs f o r baking or e a tin g , t r y the Indian Runner or the Khaki Campbells. Both la y eggs enough to r i v a l chickens. The Indian Run ner is a very d i f f e r e n t b ird which stands u p r ig h t r a th e r than h o r iz o n t a l. I t resembles a walking wine b o t t l e and comes in i n t e r e s t in g co lo rs and markings. ihe Campbell is l i k e a small B u ff duck, but darker. These two have a two pound carcass in about the same class as the M alla rd s. The Mallards are a t a s t y duck th a t also w i l l be good mothers. Often, the Indian Runners are too e x c ita b le to be good mothers, so i t is b e tte r to set t h e i r eggs under some other breed. I f you l i k e a small duck t h a t is tame and c o l o r f u l , t r y the several co lo rs o f Call ducks or Black East In d ie s . The Calls were f i r s t developed as l i v e decoys. You w i l l soon know why since those l i t t l e guys have a very good vocal ca p a city. I f your neighbor doesn 't l i k e quacking, they are not f o r you. The breed comes in gray, w h ite , and snowy c o l o r s , and others are being developed. A ll seem to tame very r e a d i l y . As pets, they can f l y as well as any w ild M a l la r d . * I f you are near a m ig ra tio n ro u te , i t is wise to pinio n them, or they may j o i n the w ild ones. The same goes f o r the Black East Indies which is a b e a u tifu l deep black c o l o r , w ith a b r i g h t green sheen. These are a l l small ducks th a t dress out at one to two pounds. I l i k e to put one in the r o a s te r beside a plump Bantam r o a s te r ; they seem to complement each o th e r. There are other breeds o f ducks, but these I have raised and dressed out and are not too hard to f i n d .

By THE HOMESTEADER

Now

for t h e

geese:

Geese also come in various sizes and shapes. Chinese geese are the s m a lle s t, are good egg la y e r s , and dress out at f i v e to e ig h t pounds. They are a le an, a t h l e t i c b ird which also happens to be the n o is ie s t breed as w e ll. They are as good as any watch dog in l e t t i n g you know i f there is a distu rba nce. The middle weight breeds are the Pomeranian and Buffs which weigh about 15 pounds. The Pomeranian is a marked breed with a grey head, t a i l , thighs and a heart shaped patch on the back. Their breast is w h ite.

The B uff is l i g h t colored and dresses out w ith o u t dark pin fe a th e r s . The heavier breeds are the White Emdens and A fric a n which are colored and marked l i k e a Brown China, and Grey Tou louse. These a l l dress out a t 15 pounds and up. They tend to be q u ie te r in d i s p o s it io n than the Chinese and la y fewer eggs than the Chinese do, but they s t i l l supply a goodly number o f eggs. The Emden and Toulouse th a t are bred f o r e x h ib it s tend to be q u ite a b i t la r g e r than the commercially bred b ird s by the same name.

YOU K N O W YOU’ RE A H O M ESTEAD ER W H E N ... by SHERRY SANFILIPPO you have chicken tr a c k s , or worse, goat tracks on your car.

Tufted Dock.

IV dD o e k.

Any o f these breeds have t h e i r pure breed fa n c ie rs who c a r e f u l l y groom them f o r com petitio n in shows a l l over the cou ntry, u s u a lly in the f a l l o f the year. Most breed ers w i l l s e ll young stock in the f a l l or hatching eggs and ducklings and goslings in the spring . I t ' s a good idea to v i s i t some State or County f a i r s or shows to compare the d i f f e r e n t kinds and see which most ne arly f i t s your own requirements. Then t a l k to the d i f f e r e n t breeders and l i n e up your own source o f supply. Remember, ducks and geese need non-medicated s t a r t e r s . Baby chick s t a r t e r has medication in i t th a t w i l l k i l l w a te rfo w l. The best book on waterfowl I have found so f a r is c a lle d Modern Waterfowl Management and Breeding Guide by Oscar Grow. I bought my copy through the American Bantam Assoc. •k note: To pinion flying waterfowl or gamebirds, just take a pair of scissors and snip off the first joint of one wing when you take them from the incubator as day-olds. There is little or no bleeding or pain as there is no muscle or bone developed yet. At an older age you may have trouble stopping bleeding since the mus cle and blood veins are developed, and it would be pain ful to the bird.

clean ing out the car means sweeping out the wisps o f hay and s p i l l e d g r a in . your shoes r o t away from manure poisoning. the feed store knows you by name. you consider indoor t o i l e t s a lu xu ry. you c a n 't leave your doors or windows open f o r fear o f a chicken invasio n. the hot breath in your ear is your goat being nosey. you q u i t being p o l i t e and saying "manure." you've got an arm l i k e Arnold Schwartzenegger from pump ing a p itc h e r pump. someone mentions cen tra l heat and you th in k they mean p u t tin g t h e i r wood stove in the middle o f t h e i r cabin. the commercial says, "You need t h i s c a r ! " and you m u tte r, "No, I need a pick-up t r u c k ! " you own a ro o s te r named McNugget. your vet b i l l s c o n s is t e n tl y exceed your doctor b i l l s . you ask the w a itress i f she mistake nly gave you skim mil k . you ask the salesman who is t r y i n g to s e ll you a decora t o r phone what goes well with a log cabin (tepee, y u r t , cordwood home, shipping c o n ta in e r , e t c . ) . you get complimented on th a t new, ea rthy cowboy cologne and you a r e n ' t wearing any! (Reprinted from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Builetin #872, March 1985).

"Gardens in organic shapes can be b e a u tifu l as well as pro du ctive. Aesthetics are an important f a c t o r in a gar den to encourage and in s p ir e you and others to spend time w i t h in i t s space." This message comes from a f e ll o w gardener in New Jersey, Scott Luscombe, who sent me his d e ta ile d d e s c r ip tio n o f "The Snake Garden". This is a garden which has evolved over a seven year period in to a form o f i t s own. What follow s in t h is season's "Gardening V is ion s" o f RFD is S c o t t ’ s own awareness o f the freedom which one should allo w in a garden's own e v o lu tio n . — QT

By SC O n LUSCOMBE but instead created an arc o f f e r t i l e ground. The short rectangula r beds elsewhere were extended as more t i l t h was obtained throughout the garden.

A f te r gardening a l l my l i f e and p a r t i c i p a t i n g in several gardening c o l l e c t i v e s , I am c u r r e n t l y c re a tin g a l i v i n g scu lp tu re which I c a l l the "Snake Garden". The passing o f time creates change in a garden as well as in any eco system. I t ' s the constant in put o f human energy on a p o r tio n o f the Earth th a t delays the r e tu r n o f common weeds and f i e l d p e r r e n ia ls .

By the fo llo w in g year (1982), I had a c le a r idea o f sculp t i n g the garden to achieve a harmonious shape. A d d itio n a l arcs were completed, using f r e s h l y dug e a r th , le aves, and grass c li p p i n g s .

The Snake Garden had i t s beginnings in 1978 when a brambly f i e l d was plowed w ith a small t r a c t o r , p u l l i n g a s in g le bladed steel plow. Following the furrows o f the plow, re c tan gu lar beds were dug (some double dug) in an ea stwest d i r e c t i o n . The s o i l proved to be deep, but rocky and a b i t poor. Some animal manure and r o t t e d straw were added at t h i s time. The garden was then abandoned f o r a year w ith a quick r e tu r n o f the indigenous p la n ts . In ’ 98*1 when I began to reclaim the beds, there remained comfrey, red yarrow, and chives (p e r r e n ia l plants from the o r i g i n a l garden).

dZJdZJO r 1

V '., > xrr- v .

non D C

There was a good amount o f hand la bo r required to r i d each bed o f ra s p be rry, quack grass, p e rre n ia l a s t e r , and cu rle y dock. The s o r r e l s t i l l runs through the most a c id ic areas o f the beds o b liv io u s to my e r a d ic a tio n program. But, i t is d e lic io u s in salads and d i s t i n c t i v e in soups. Most beds were cleaned e n t i r e l y o f ve g e ta tio n . Digging s ta rte d in the center o f the bed w ith a l l the re s t o f the ea rth p ile d from the center r i g h t in to the pathways. The sub s o i l o f the pathways was mulched w ith leaves and ro tte d hay. Beds were f e r t i l i z e d w ith manure, wood ash, and compost.

D C 1978

The next year (1981) was p iv o t a l in the e v o lu tio n o f the garden. A compost p i l e placed near two beds created a w o n d e rfu lly r i c h p i l e o f humus th a t f i t in n e ith e r bed

1979

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 B Q

The present garden has a sense o f wholeness to i t . It begins r a t h e r in wardly w ith a clump o f comfrey and ends with a t r i a n g l e o f chives. Strawberries compliment both ends o f the "snake". I t is a grand mix o f p e r r e n ia ls and annuals, medicinal and food p la n ts , f lo w e r s , experimental p lan ts and t r i e d and tr u e v a r i e t i e s . Volunteer plants are always given t h e i r place in the sun and o fte n o u t shine t h e i r pampered and coddled transpla nted counterparts. Strawberries are given free reign to spread wherever they wish! The chives blossom b e a u t i f u l l y each year, but they tend to seed in a l l over. The comfrey clump is invading the beds a l l around i t . Comfrey d e f in a t e ly gets a place o f honor in the Snake Garden. I t s ro o t is harvested annually in the f a l l and is dried f o r use over the next year as a tea and f o r a skin cream formula. Maintanance has been s i m p ! i f i e d over time. There is no lo nger a need f o r deep diggin g at t h i s p o in t . The beds are f l u f f e d and compost is added at p la n tin g time, " a l k ways are c o n t i n u a l l y being scraped and th a t s o i l is added to the beds. Mulch and weeds are composted in these spaces between the beds.

Comfrey Chives Peas Sunflowers Fenugreek B u tte r Crunch Lettuce Early Tomatoes Honeyeye Strawberries Apple Tree

Peas

11 1? 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Yellow Squash Yellow Squash Datura Cardoon Ruby Lettuce Flower Garden Mis Onions & Cabbage Echinacea Cherry Tomatoes Marketmore Cucumbers

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

22 23 24 2B 26 27 2B

Double Sweet W illia m Volunteer Cosmos/Weeds r reeway Daisies O rie n ta l Poppy Volunteer Tomatoes Sweet Basil Royalty Beans

Zinnias Red Yarrow Asparagus Lettuce Nantes S ca rle t Carrots Lettuce Kinko Carrots Salad Bowl Lettuce I t a l i a n S Curled Parsley Baby's Breath S Roquette Endive Strawberries 39Chives

While the shape is q u ite ple a sin g , i t does make g e t tin g around the garden a b i t o f a chore. S t r o l l i n g in and out o f the f o ld s o f the beds uncovers semmingly endless v a r i e t ie s o f p la n ts , but when one is working w ith a time c o n s t r a in t (p e rs o n a lly imposed I must a d m it), I f in d my s e l f breaking my own golden r u le about stepping in beds as I l i g h t l y leap over a sectio n o f the continuous bed to reach a sectio n g e t tin g weedy or in need o f water. A good v a r i e t y o f p la n t species creates a weblike eco system and a measure o f balance over the whole area. I n sect po pulations and mammalian n ib b lin g s are less l i k e l y to get out o f c o n tro l w ith d i f f e r e n t plants growing a l l about. Things to remember: 1) red flowers a t t r a c t huming b i r d s ; 21 comfrey a t t r a c t s l o t s o f bees; sunflowers are an i n s p i r a t i o n ; and 4) asparagus is d e l i c i o u s , e a r ly , and fo re ve r! The diagram f o r the garden was in sp ire d from the I - r hing, The Book o f Changes, and t h a t is e x a c tly what happened w ith my snake garden. I t changed and grew to i t s present form. S p i r i t u a l l y , i t contain s a good v a r i e t y o f plan t l i f e to keep the Buddha sm ilin g e t e r n a l l y . So d o n 't despair to f in d a snake in your garden - - or any other animal. The im portant th in g is th a t you create something in tune w ith the Earth. •

]0 ]0 ( ------------ 1

:ioe L 1980

1981

I CHING Hexagram 2 7 / I(yee) = Nourishment

Persistance brings good fortune to those who nourish themselves on what is fitting. We should observe what people give to nourish others and also what kind of thinps they choose for their own nourishment. The terrestrial forces give nourishment to alls the holy sage nourishes everybody from those who are truly worthy to the people as a whole...

le perfect gown for an evening at the opera or at a sand-lot baseball game This peach colored ankle-length empire busted frock is best complimented rg^sywith a NY Yankee baseball hat, white lace gloves and black clutch purse.

ljur peach frock Is shown again except this time it is wrapped in MINK. JA Yess, Beautiful, MINK. A Ranch mink stole sets off the peach gown to far perfection. Pearls and baseball cap add just enough eccentricity to make the whole outfit WORK. Hope whoeverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside hurries.

tries Are Frivilious.

This flowered print ankle length (when the model's or â&#x20AC;&#x201D; With a hat it's very dressy. Without purse and gloves-ions. c------* o r o n at! it's down right salicious. The leopard print bikinis arc not normally shown.

v M M gjJB B n at be!

Paul E. Brown

SPIRIT IN DRAG

HE SPIRITUAL VALUE OF CROSS-DRESSING

BY HERMES POLYANDRON (first published in Brothersong #6, Winter 1984. with permission).

D r a i . or c r o s s - Hressinn , is perhaps the most c o n tro v e rs ia l o f a l l men's a c t i v i t i e s . No matter who you ask, t.hey w i i 1 have an op in io n , even when they claim n e u t r a l i t y . Some o f us th in k i t ' s f unny. Some are shocked. Some fem in is ts cla im i t is a mockery o f women and wrong. The rad ica l f a i r i e s see i t as a l i b e r a t i o n o f the male from the s t r u c tured roles th a t so cie ty has forced on men.

Reprinted

The clown does t h i s , too. He makes fun o f the i n s t i t u t i o n , and does i t so o u t la n d is h ly th a t you c a n 't get angry at the clown. At th a t moment magick happens, the magick o f transcending the mundane w ith la u g h te r , which breaks down those a l 1- to o -s e rio u s w a lls we b u ild up, and shows the f a l l i b i l i t y o f humanity. A second aspect o f t h is also comes in to play. I t ' s a type o f personal transcendency t h a t happens when we l e t another part o f ourselves come out o f us.

There are grounds to support a l l o f these, hut most o f a l l , as the ra d ic a l f a i r i e s contend, drag can be l i b e r a t i n g , in the s p i r i t u a l and physical sense.

7his is the boundary o f sex-gender. There are two types o f cro ss-d re ssin g , High Drag and Genderfuck. High Drag is where an in d iv id u a l t r i e s to look the most l i k e the opposite sex (women dressing l i k e men, and vic e versa ). This is the type most people are aware o f , and is represented in the movies " V i c t o r , V i c t o r i a " and "T o o ts ie . "

I d e a l l y , each o f us is a m ix ture 0f the q u a l i t i e s we label "masculine" and "fe m in in e ." In Western s o c ie t y , wuat type o f rep roductiv e equipment we are born w ith w i l l have a tendency to determine what type o f programming w e 'l l get. I t becomes a boundary we " c a n ' t " cross, a wall th a t i n h i b i t s us from becoming whole, well-balanced people. This is where your own personal shamanism must come in to pla y, in order to enact a tr a n s fo r m a tio n , and must be approached w ith the s p i r i t o f th a t clown-magician th a t is reminding us o f our being human.

Genderfuck t r i e s not to hide the gender o f the person in drag. I t can be done on a less elaborate scale to get the most r e s u l t s , and i t means you d o n 't have to shave th a t p r e t t y beard you have been growing. Why do i t ?

What's the point?

Here is where i t gets t r i c k y . Women are not as valued in our s o c ie ty ( g e n e r a lly , th a t i s ) as men (thank goodness f o r the changing values t h a t are beginning to show up now). Two opposing poles o f consciousness must be seen. The f i r s t is th a t s o c ie ty th in k s women who dress l i k e men are t r y i n g to emulate men, becoming more "mascu1in e , " thus lo sin g t h e i r " f e m i n i n i t y . " Likewise, men dressing l i k e women must be degrading themselves.

We as men are tau ght, as are women, to f u l f i l l c e r t a in ro le s in l i f e (at le a s t most o f us were). O r i g i n a l l y these roles had a strong in fluence on whether the s o c ie ty as a whole survived. cven in these s o c i e t ie s , though, there were ways to release these pressures. r or example, among the Native 'hnericans a type o f clown in verted the ro le s and mocked the s t r u c t u r e through s a t i r e . In cere monia ls, they would go backward, greet you w ith "good bye", and mock the solemnity o f the occasion (depending on the occasion). These clowns, or c o n t r a r ie s , often cross-dressed, wore a r t i c l e s o f c lo th in g the wrong way, or used c lo t h in g o f both sexes regardless o f proper d r e s s in g .

r he second pole, coming from some fe m in is ts says t h a t masc u l i n e a t t i r e is c o n fin in g and d e f in i n g , at the same t in e emulating the p r e s tig e and power i t represents. At the same time men dressing l i k e women can be construed as a type o f misogyny, in the form o f mockery by someone who has the power a lrea dy, and wants to maintain i t by p u t tin g down women.

This c lo w n lik e behavior was the o r i g i n o f the circu s clown in the West, and is derived out o f a s p i r i t u a l system. This s p i r i t u a l system is shamanism, and fin d s mythic ex pression in the t r i c k s t e r m o t if and/or t h i e f archetype. Part o f the charm of the ch ild -g o d Hermes, when he s t o le Appolo's c a t t l e , tha t got him out o f tro u b le was his clownish way o f s t e a lin g away A p o llo 's a t t e n t i o n from the th e ft. Knowing or sensing A p o llo 's anqer. (He also gave back a l l but one o f the c a t t l e ; th a t one he s a c r i f i c e d to the Olympian gods, in c lu d in g h i m s e l f . '

Tour a t t i t u d e , in s p i te o f the thorniness o f the a c t io n , is what m atters. In p u t ti n g on drag, you i d e n t i f y w ith i t , becoming an a c t o r , and you l e t out a p a rt o f y o u r s e lf tha t you have been t r y i n g to hide. You become a shaman, i d e n t i f y i n g w ith t h a t i n v i s i b l e world w i t h in you where the boundaries b lu r and flow t o g e th e r , and t r i c k y o u r s e l f out o f y o u r s e l f to be You. In so do ing, t>e child -g od in y o u r s e lf begins to p la y , a l t e r i n g the way you w i l l know a l i b e r a t i o n . nne o f many, i f you pursue i t , o f them on the way to understanding your tru e nature. W

W here Bathroom Trolls Compete by Aubrey Sparks

S ummer S olstice

Where bathroom t r o l l s compeat

by Ron Schreiber

Where bathroom t r o l l s compete f o r p o s it io n Long green lawns s t r e t c h out to meet them The only a c tio n is the r o t a t i o n o f tanning skin The grass cut short Baseball p ra c tic e in f a r diamond Jogger ju ngle Dangling c h ild r e n Faggots in summer d i s b e l i e f .

gay pride march in Boston: blocks * blocks o f dykes & faggots, d i f f e r e n t c olors ( f o r once), d i f f e r e n t ages, no s t r a i g h t spe ctator seems at ease. the nig h t before: a reading w ith black le s b ia n s , black gay men, black people in the audience shouting o Jl flight & t h a t ’ ■& the wa.ii i t if>. what black f o lk always knew, the r e s t o f us are s t a r t i n g to le a rn .

Here i t was q u ie t. I t was then T envisioned his death Fven the crazy woman saw i t coming He walked around the park in a s i l l y s o r t o f way C o lle c tin g stones o f desperation fo r his pockets There was no p ie rcin g or te a rin g I stabbed him with my pen.

John s i t s in the l i v i n g room reading, he has been to the garden & picked s tr a w b e r r ie s , which he gives me f o r my b r e a k fa s t. I love him. now the days get s h o r te r , warmer, the card in a l has v i s i t e d , sin gin g in a tre e two yards away, the sun moves to cancer, we r e s t our sore f e e t.

W hy J udy G r ahn I s S o Important by Ron Schreiber

because Anne Sexton i s n ' t because James M e r r i l l , John Crowe Ransom, Robert Penn Warren % Charles Bukowsi a r e n ' t . because I need to hear common women's t a l k £ so do you 'because they have been t a l k i n g f o r thousands o f years, c l e a r l y . ) Kecause nobod1' should [have) her legs sawed o f f , not even a man. Kecause she knows as much about bread as J u lia Child & more. because she is generous. because T was t h i r s t y *. she gave me fresh water from her spring .

S top

The Music by Chasen Gaver

Climbing ht ]"C(4 )

( c o p y rig h t 1^*4)

"OLI.YWOOD, Sept . 5 — Michael Jackson's |>ersonal manager called a news conference to deny "once and for all" that Jackson is qay. "We all know that kids are very impressionable and...I’m certain that some have already been hurt by this terrible slander." Jackson...is forbidden as a Jehovah’s Witness to en gage in homosexual activity. — T|re Los Angeles Times 0/6/84

These morning have no meaning sometimes; 1 urge myself to face i t ; to l e t i t go, to l e t i t f a l l slack by the wayside - When the sun is blazin g b u tte r Scotch and the day 1s a l iv e through the window To the s t r e e t s , in the world. Outside there is no moon now, °u t what has faced such Bleached defeat.

men toasted each other the speakers sneaked a beat the g u it a r gave f t bottom that voice sent up a squeak I t r i e d , but c o u ld n 't stop 'em, the weekend made them weak...

r mbraced hy something other Than your arms or eyes or l i p s I Am responding to a c a l l s t i l l sounding. Chorded up on cold nights and some Thing t r o p i c a l in the cooking. Simmering, b o ili n g to expression:

And the men kept r i g h t on dancing so I guess w e ' l l never know: If the music is so saintly hew cane it moves the )) sinful ({ 90?

And the singer sang o f ind the sin ger sang o f and the Gay bar on the packed the dance f l o o r

Spellbound by s a t i s f a c t i o n I seek Pleasure; I ache o f long nights and 'lot using O il from That Well to make pir e w i t h ; I s t r i n g window screen to fantasy and see those mosquitoes' mouths j u s t watering watching f u r bodies clim bin g to s p i r i t : the Hard Way.

"to rtu re " "shock" corner t i l l i t rocked!

"nd not a man among them could r e c a ll old h i s t o r y ' s curse when dancing was anathema and r e l i g i o n ruled the pa rth

Answering t h i s to myself I am co n ju rin g Those hands, again, those thighs thundering, And I sweet thundering w ith them - This be a hyperspace here, not j u s t r e c o lle c t io n Some po in t e x is ts from which - at which - Distance is not real nor Time a stayin g f a c t o r .

. . . H e r e t i c s , reduced to ashes No mascara, only la s h e s . . .

These epochs have no meaning some Times; faced in the eyes w ith a m ir r o r That persuades me Nothing has Changed; Anything may Happen; I be s t i l l Child ’I f t h i n t h i s grown man's body. Able ^ome times to r e c a ll w ith such Deta il and Faculty t h a t a l l Measure is Spanned by S tre tc h . No distance is Real. Nothing is Lost. Nothing is Impossible, As I go clim bin g the n i g h t, By Hand.

•»ut nobody heeds the warning o f the yellow f la s h in g s t r o b e . . . I f !r w

th e

m u s ic

ectne

i t

b lin d s

s a in tly th e m

by Michael Mason-Esperanto

At times, mostly n i g h t , I remember how we rhymed - Beside you or insid e me - - How, gru ntin g as two animals, Release was gained through Writhe and Sweat. 1 la y awake now, separated to my own bed And my own world: Baptized in my contemplations. And r e c a l1 .

MICHAEL JACKSON "SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT"

The till and and and fo r

T he B ight B y Hand

so ?

And the record s e l l s a m i l l i o n and the dancers order gin and the sin ger dons disguises do or-to-d oor he chases » sin {( . . . B u t when he knocks outsid e your Watchtower are you going to l e t him in?

* * f o r Ross-the-imperial k n i g h t - o f Nights-sin ee-we-m ett****** * * * * * * * *

'.'hen the white glove covers your mouth i t ' s too la t e to scream or SHOUT "0 d o n 't ask me to dance to him, ’ ' m determined to s i t t h i s )) Out {(

I Have fl Treefull

O f H emories

by Glenn o f Trees i have a t r e e f u l o f memories watching you bathe remembering you asking f i r s t i f n u d ity was permissable ^earing you shed your slothes watching you g l id e in to my soothing waters, re la x in g from your journey from there to here in preparatio n f o r a longer one yet s t i l l - from here to over there i soak up your l i g h t i soap up your body ly i n g back immersed la th e r in g your p i t s massaging your scalp i in hale your s c e n t s .. . who sent you to me? *o rgiv e my im maturity my s i l l i n e s s , but i feel you are a d i v in e favor le ading me, he aling me. naked myself i wash you i watch you d rin k in g coffee discove rin g who you are who we are i bathe every morning the same as i did before you came, i havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; t been the same tho since you were here, in my tub i image you in my tub again. i have a tub f u l l o f memories... my tub runneth over!

W rite Hedut by B i l l Gouge

W rite about the wrong abouts, the bouts w ith p i l l s , pleasure, and poverty, w r i t e about the cast abouts, the lo v e r , the dream t r i c k , the f a t h e r , the b r o th e r, you who are not stoned cast the f i r s t stone, and hush your mouth, w r i t e about the toss about, in the sack, in the hay, by the m oonlight, by the cam pfire, fu rio u s moans keep the bears away, the g u i l t a t bay, the book o f being gay, w r i t e about the come abouts, the come outs, the cum spouts, w r i t e about the r i g h t abouts in the r i g h t amount, good mounts and mountains,

: I fter fl Dream by David Sunseri

The green walk in a pale wood grows more green the wood more pale - we cross opal b a r r ie r s m ilky rainbows arch our heads t h in e s t sh a tte rs o f purple and pearl slash our b r i g h t cheeks - sparse edge is near s i l v e r f o o tin g becomes lead our gaze melts in m ist - we stand before a c le a r in g o f l i g h t no bounds on any side - in t h e i r white arms the winged ones c a r r y us in to the c le a r in g so th a t there is only a dry glow about us - even the ground below is gone - the l i g h t ether f i l l s lungs twin kle s hearts - we feel such lu c id fulness such tremors o f a i r y re c o g n itio n - we have been born f o r t h i s f or t h i s pure f l i g h t in to our most s ub tle selves.

w r i t e about sing about, i t is paramount, l e t the people play.

he house sat f a r enough back from the country road so tha t the windows in the morning l i g h t looked l i k e mirrored sun glasses, although the house i t s e l f was old .

Joe Adams received a check in the m a i l, also from New York C i t y , and a l e t t e r signed by a lawyer asking Mr. Adams to board the house up. When asked what the house was l i k e in s id e , Joe said l a t e r , " I t ' s f u l l o f t h in g s . "

I t was owned and occupied by a middle-aged man. He could be seen tending his flowers out f r o n t . He could be seen, often w ith his s h i r t o f f , tending his vegetable garden out back, and he could be seen on a ladder washing his windows even when they d i d n ' t need washing. Less often he could be seen walking to and from downtown where he shopped f o r his n e c e s s itie s . At n i g h t , he was never seen at a l l .

"W ell, what kinds o f things?" asked his w ife one s u l t r y afternoon at the bar where they had gone to cool o f f w ith some f r ie n d s . "Just t h in g s , " Joe said and changed the s u b je c t. He wanted to say, How should I know? The shades were down. But Joe Adams had a r e p u ta tio n in town f o r being easy to get along w ith and he wanted to keep i t th a t way i f f o r no other reason than being li k e d helped him get jo bs.

One afternoon the mailman, worried because Mr. Wolfson hadn't come to his door as he almost always did fo r his m a il, opened th a t door and found Mr. Wolfson sprawled at the foo t o f the s ta ir c a s e .

The s h e r i f f , too , had been asked, and had said more or less the same t h in g . A rig hteous man, he had not allowed him self to wander about the dead man's house, and he had not allowed the mailman to poke about e i t h e r . When his w ife nagged him f o r more s p e c if ic in fo r m a tio n , the s h e r i f f s a id , "expensive s t u f f , l i k e in a museum," which had i r r i t a t e d his w ife no end, f o r everybody knew th a t the dead man had been r i c h . There had been the lim ousine, the movers lugging in crates and crates o f whatever six years ago, and there had been the housepainters from Albany. Nobody had li k e d the f a c t th a t the new owner hadn't hired lo ca l men and li k e d even less the f a c t t h a t the Albany

He was naked, and he was as dead as a d o o r n a il.

David Kwasigroh

This gave the town a l o t to t a l k about, and t a l k they d id , gossiping to t h e i r hearts' content as a way o f revenge. For, nobody had li k e d the man, not from th a t day six years ago when a r r i v i n g in a black limousine and followed by a moving van, he had established him self as the superior type whose mail was mostly books and magazines, and when he talk ed at a l l , he used too many big words.

The limousine had stayed f o r the aftern oon , the van ove r nigh t .

pa in te rs had brought t h e i r own p a in t w ith them. T i t t e r s abounded then about the c o l o r s . They c o u ld n 't describe them e x a c t ly , but th a t a farm house, however fancy, had been gussied up w ith three shades o f green offended t h e ir sense o f what was and wasn't proper. Now, six years l a t e r , d r i v in g by the house which sat in a f i e l d by i t s e l f , they sometimes asked out loud, "What's in the re , you suppose?"

He was not f r i e n d l y . Surely he could have hired a lo cal boy o f whom there were too many with nothing to do to help w ith his outsid e work, and s u re ly he could have hired a lo cal g i r l , or even a woman, a widow, o f whom there were too many l i v i n g on p itt a n c e s , to clean his house i f not to cook f o r him.

Whatever was in there c o lle c t e d du st, cobwebs, and mildew. The f r o n t lawn became l i k e a f i e l d and so did the back yard. Only the d a f f o d i l s , ba rely v i s i b l e from the road, in s is t e d on im m u ta b ilit y .

The gossip boiled up the day Mr. Wolfson died. Based on the slimmest o f evidence which was provided by the m a i l man, him self somewhat suspect because he and his manish w ife had no c h i ld r e n , i t got around soon enough t h a t in the month or so before his death, Mr. W. T. Wolfson had been re ce ivin g p la in brown envelopes post-marked “ New York C i t y . " This could mean only one t h in g : d i r t y p i c tures .

" T e r r y , " said A r t ie who was T e r r y 's best f r i e n d , " l e t ' s do i t . " "Do what?" asked T erry, annoyed as he o fte n was by A r t ie and then answered his own questio n. "We’ re going to ! We decided t h a t . " '/hat they had decided was to j o i n the Army in June.

Nobody mourned Wolfson’ s passing, and a f t e r several months he was more or less fo r g o tte n . The house, however, wa sn't.

I d o n 't mean t h a t , " A r t i e said.

Who owned i t now and what - e x a c tly - was in i t ?

“ So what do you mean?"

‘ 'obody knew, although everybody knew tha t the body had been shipped to New York C ity and tha t s h o r t l y afte rw a rd .

"The Wolfson p la c e ," A r t i e said,

For months Terry had wanted to break i n , but because his uncle had boarded up the place and was pround o f his work, Terry wasn't w i l l i n g . "Kid s t u f f , " he said. "You're a f o o l ."

were p ic tu re s o f naked men. He took them over to the bed and did f o r him self what nobody else had ever done. A fte r which, he put on his pants and roamed the house t h in k in g , [ could l i v e l i k e t h i s .

A r t ie l e t t h a t pass as he l e t much o f what Terry said pass. Terry had a car and he d i d n ' t . Nevertheless, when they got to the d r i v e - i n j u s t outsid e o f town and Terry went in to his usual ro u tin e o f showing o f f f o r the g i r l s , A r t ie decided he'd do i t , and he'd do i t alone. He got out o f the car.

At dark, A r t ie Stanyan, aged 17 going on 18, returned to his normal l i f e . Within days word was out th a t someone had broken in to the Wolfson place. Joe was sent by the s h e r i f f to board the window up, which he did but not before he took a good look around. And so word was o u t , a ls o , th a t besides a l o t o f very fancy f u r n i t u r e , the d i r t y p ic tu re s were p ictu re s o f men.

"Where you going?" Terry asked. "Home." "We j u s t got here.

Mrs. Stanyan knew t h a t her son was the c u l p r i t . His l i e about where he had been a l l day l a s t Sunday had held no water f o r her then, and she believed her son's l i e even less a f t e r whe heard about the b re a k -in . But she held her tongue.

Hold your horses."

" I'm le a v in g , " A r t i e said w ith more force than he'd i n tended. " I j u s t feel l i k e w a lk in g ," he added and got ou t.

Terry knew, to o , or thought he d id .

More and more o f l a t e A r t i e f e l t l i k e walkin g. More and more A r t ie d i d n ' t l i k e the town he li v e d in . By the time he got to the Wolfson place he had decided t h i s was the one plan he would f o ll o w throuqh w ith . The others - - to see less o f Terry and be a b e tte r stud ent, f o r instance - hadn't turned out so w e l l . F i r s t , he'd get the back door

"You sh ith e a d ," Terry said. like ? "

Terry gave up.

K w a s ig r o h

A r t i e stonewalled.

"What were the p ictu res

D a v id

::::::::::::::::

During the next few days A r t i e f e l t exposed f o r Joe had s a id , "Whoever broke in messed w ith those p ic tu re s and whoever done i t messed w ith the bed, to o ."

or a back window open, easy enough w ith a crow bar, and i f he did t h i s at sun-up next Sunday, who'd see him? The idea o f breaking in excite d him, f o r i t seemed to A r t ie th a t the Wolfson place ought tg be broken i n t o .

The s h e r i f f wondered why the l i g h t hadn't been disconnected a f t e r a l l these years. That n ig h t A r t i e ' s f a th e r said out o f the blue, "You did i t , d i d n ’ t you?" A r t ie l i e d . His f a th e r h i t him. His mother screamed. From his bedroom, A r t i e could hear his parents y e l l i n g at each o t h e r , some th in g they h a dn 't done in a long time.

His plan worked. Turning on the l i g h t s , he saw a place f u l l o f fancy f u r n i ture w ith fo re ig n rugs u n lik e anything he had ever seen and p a in tin g s t h a t gleamed on painted w a lls and books everywhere. I t was the books p ile d high on a big desk th a t drew him in to the f r o n t room. He ra th e r li k e d books in the school l i b r a r y , but these overwhelmed him. He opened the middle drawer and found a bunch o f l e t t e r s addressed to "W alte r" and signed "Bay." He d i d n ' t read them. He also found an old newspaper c l i p p i n g . I t was the o b itu a r y o f Bayard Watson. He read i t w ith in crea s ing dismay.

The next morning his mother came in to his room and suggested t h a t he go l i v e w ith her s i s t e r and her fa m ily in Lake P la cid . " Y o u ' ll have more to do t h e r e , " she sa id . She helped him pack and drove him to Lake P la cid . I t took over three hours during which they talked about how A r t i e maybe would do b e t te r in school there.

Then he went u p s t a ir s . A week l a t e r she wrote to A r t ie and t o ld him th a t someone, nobody know who, had set the Wolfson place on f i r e , and t h a t i t had burned to the ground. Reading t h i s l e t t e r , A r t i e only wondered i f the d a f f o d i l s had escaped the carnage. "Carnage" was a word A r t i e had r e c e n t ly learned. Carnage: 1) the fle s h o f s la in animals or o f men; a heap o f dead bodies; 2) a great d e s tru c tio n of lif e . ^

In the bedroom was a s in g le bed as fancy as the f u r n i t u r e downstairs, and against the wall was a matching dresser. But, under the window was a chest o f kno tty pine which shocked him because i t looked e x a c tly l i k e the one his mother always c a lle d her "hope c h e s t." Inside were the p la in brown envelopes and in sid e them

BEING

GflY

SMALL

STYLE

T O WN

David Givens 32

BLAMF

ON:

P o rtra yin g L i f e as a Gay in a Small C it y -------------------------------------------- S kip Ward Do You B e lie ve in F a ir ie s ? ---------------- Kenn W aller-Zanghi C it y ve rsu s R u ra l-------------------------------- Les Parker T a le s of a Country Boy---------------------- Anonymous Coming to H e le n 's i s L ik e Coming Home-------------------------------------------Mike Moore F ir s t Love-------------------------------------------- Brer Bear Ju s t P assin g Thru-------------------------------- Guinevere Sex in the Boonies------------------------------ Kenn W aller-Zan gh i O r ig in a l G i f t --------------------------------------- S kip Ward In te rc e ss io n s --------------------------------------- Guinevere Under a Tree-----------------------------------------Gwydion Wyngick B irth of B ria rp a tc h Sanctu ary-----------Brer Bear Nature--------------------------------------------------- Guinevere Loon Country R e v is ite d ----------------------- S kip Ward Gray Lady P la c e ----------------------------------- Kenn W alle r-Zan gh i

Brought to

you bv the sweat o f :

Tv o ir g : The ’■ aeries of the Br ia rp a tc h Guinevere Skip David Layout:

David and Skip

Photos:

David ^ivens

Titles:

Skip and David

Drawings: Courtesy of the "Illustrators Resource Pile" bv Larrv Fvans except for the Shamrock Restaurant bv ^ike Moore

Have a Complaint about t h is se c tio n of your magazine? Please send i t to: Bonzo

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C.

and

T HOUGHT S

In my o p in ion , much o f published RFD m ate ria l p o rtrays sm a ll town l i f e as ra th e r a n ice p lace where we long to re tu rn . But l i f e f o r gays in sm a ll towns i s so lim ite d and uncom fortable th a t a m a jo rity of them m igrate to the b ig c it i e s w hile q u ite young. N ative Big C it y gays moving to a sm all town are ra re .

PORTRAYING L IF E AS A GAY MALE IN A SMALL CITY By S k ip Ward

But some gays do remain in sm a ll c i t i e s . In every c it y w ith pop ulation of 5 0 thousand, one can u s u a lly fin d 1 5 0 men and women in at le a s t one gay bar on a drag-show Saturday n ip h t.

The r e s p o n s ib ilit y fo r e d it in g , ty p in g , and la y out o f t h is se ctio n o f RFB was accepted with good grace by three people liv in g in Sm all Town Lo u isia n a , s u rv iv o rs of ar, o r ig in a l group o f f iv e .

I t i s not easy fo r every gay to create h is or her nich e in Sm all Town or A dolescent C it y . Paroch ialism i s the ru le and gays moving in to s n a il c i t i e s are lab eled o u ts id e rs, by other ga ys, even. I f o u tsid e rs o b ject or rem onstrate a g a in s t old p re ju d ic e s, p ra c tic e s or customs, they are u s u a lly given a p u b lic in v it a t io n to go elsew here.

Why did I accept e p o rtio n o f t h is r e s p o n s ib ilit y ? A fte r a l l , the to ta l experience in p u b lic a tio n s among us included only a few paste-ups done by one person on h is high school paper. Perhaps I re a liz e d th at being used fo r a purpose recognised by o n e se lf as a ju s t cause, g iv e s meaning and jo y to l i f e .

Well e sta b lish e d gays encounter d i f f i c u l t y and they face h o s t ile resentment i f he or she i s thought to be making waves. Gay p o l i t i c a l a c t i v i t y provokes g u i l t and d e fen sive o u tc rie s from clo se ted ones.

Perhaps I know that i f I do nothing in the way of seJ f-e x p re s sio n , in t h is in t e lle c t u a lly s t i f l i n a , p a ro ch ia l l i t t l e population ce n te r, then gays in any fe n ce d -in l i t t l e town elsewhere w i l l remain a cq u ie sc ent to m anipulation of t h e ir liv e s .

The sta tu s quo i s enforced by economic pressure a g a in s t gays probably more than any other technique. M otwithstanding Rosa P arks, the le sso n s of a counter boycott have not been learned by Southern ga ys, aid both b lack and white gays s t i l l r id e , f ig u r a t iv e ly , in the back sea t o f the bus.

Perhaps I f e l t th a t freedom and c ig n it y w i l l not be earned u n t il every gay man and woman in r u r a l a re a s, and in sm all towns has stru gg le d in d iv id u a lly a g a in st s e lf-e ffa ce m e n t. Perhaps 1, and by e xte n sio n , you; must abandon the lif e - t im e p ra c tis e of h id in g behind a d o u b tfu l, curtain ed sa fe ty o f fa m ily , church, re g io n a l p re ju d ic e s, jo b and s o c ia l c ir c l e s .

I t i s u n fo rg iva b le fo r any sm a ll c it y i n s t i t u t ion such as a newspaper, church or even a fa m ily to give out p u b lic inform ation about i t s gay membership, su p p o rters, or o ffs p r in g . S o c ia l o stracism i s h a rsh ly imposed a g a in st those who f lo u t lo c a l codes o f behav io r .

Perhaps I a rriv e d a t a p o in t where I now say to my ne igh b o rs, em ployers, fa m ilie s , and m in is te r s , NO l No, I am not your queer, your fa g . I am no person 's resource or property. By c o n trib u tin g to the fa m ily , the b u sin e ss, the ta x -g a th e re r, and the c o lle c t io n 'l a t e , w hile a sk in g nothing in return i s f o r me, to deserve being c a lle d "wimp.''

In A le xa n d ria , L a ., a d a ily newspaper's e d it o r , re p o rte rs, and s t a f f s t i l l endure c r it ic is m almost a year a ft e r i t published a s e r ie s of o b je c tiv e a r t ic le s about lo c a l gays. To be o b je c tiv e , p ro g re ssiv e , or unprejudiced in most Southern c it i e s w i l l earn fo r o n e se lf a lib e r a l la b e l. To be lib e r a l in a sm a ll C it y i s to fin d one s e l f beyond any redemption. Red necks have more re sp e ct.

A fte r reading a r t ic le s submitted fo r p u b lica tio n by o th e rs, I f e l t that ny own experience must be w r it ten in the same honest fa sh io n . I f emotions of n o st a lg ia , e ro tic is m , happiness, anger, b l i s s , fe a r , cou r age, end hope ere found in our w r itin g ; i s n ' t that what w r itin g is about?

Most sm all town gays are g r a te fu l fo r the commun i t y imposed s ile n c e about them. L o c a lly , I'm to ld by rest-room c r u is e r s , drag cueens, and gay bar attenders th at no one a t work or t h e ir fa m ily knew th e y 're gay.

As a r t ic le s were rece ived , we discu ssed t h e ir relevance and lit e r a r y m erit— or any la c k of i t . One pe rso n 's d is t a s t e was an o th er's c e n so rsh ip . D isag re e ments were s e ttle d by a llo w in g e veryth in g submitted to be printed as w ritte n .

There is a b i t o f u n r e a lity in the se lf-d e ce p tio n p ra c tise d by gays in most sm all towns. How we per ceive each other i s net r e a lly c le a r ; you see, we never t a lk about such se rio u s t h in g s .

We know that tru th w i l l emerge in the form of L e tte rs to E d ito r and essays with opposing views.

continued next pa g e ----

Small c it y c o n t 'd .. The opportunity fo r r u r a l and sm all c it y gays to portray and see themselves continu es to grow. Aware p o l i t i c a l l y , s p ir i t u a l l y , and in t e lle c t u a lly as never before; they now form networks c o n tin e n ta l w ide—even i f not clo se n e ig h b o rs. S t r a t e g ic a lly located people forge ahead to new areas o f consciousness. Magic? W ell, F a ir ie Magic . The experience at working on RFD is one which assures th a t I , and I'm sure others w i l l have new v is io n and depth, and w i l l be u s e fu l in the fu tu re a t p o rtray in g m yself and others as A SMALL TOWN GAY. DO YOU BELIEVE IN FAIR IES? I t took nine hours of steady d r iv in g to reach our d e stin a tio n deep w ithin Central L o u is ia n a 's forested wonderland. We cannot d e scrib e the h orror we both f e l t when we walked in to the main b u ild in g a t the ga th ering s it e and saw people ( 1*5 in a l l ) that we both knew we norm ally would not want to a sso ciate w it h ...a f t e r a l l , we considered o u rselve s m id d le -o f-th e-ro ad gays, not given to extremes in any d ir e c tio n s and heretofore had always thourht of "those people" (whoever they might be) as w e ll w ithir. t h e ir r ig h ts to be what they were but c e r t a in ly not p a rt of "our crowd." There were people in every stage of gender-fuck drag that you can imagine as w e ll as some th at a t f i r s t glance looked lik e hoboes. Despite our i n i t i a l t e ir o r , we p e rsiste d even i f the f i r s t " f a ir i e c ir c le " th at evening in a "sacred grove' of oak trees caused us to both b e lie v e that we had f a lle n in to a den of d e v il w orshipers ! And i t i s true th a t many f a i r i e s p ra c tic e paganism, vario u s forms o f the "Old R e lig io n " or Wicca ( i . e . w it c h c r a ft ), and Amerindian p lu r a lis m .. . but e l l the g a th e rin g did fo r us . . . . i n a r e lig io u s se n se ...w a s to expand our minds and b e lie f s in te n s e ly and l e f t us lo v in g each end every person there as though we had known them fo r decades instead of days ! One o f us comes from a Penteco stal background w hile the other is a convert to C a th o licism from a Southern B a p tis t background and fo r both o f u s, t h is e xp e rie n ce ., .to have not been a church o r even a r e lig io u s ga th e r in g , was the most intense r e lig io u s experience of our liv e s , iWe are now both reborn as f a i r i e s . An in n er change has begun to take place th at w i l l never ever allo w us to be the same people who walked in to that room th a t n ig h t ! DO YOU BELIEVE IN FAIR IES?

Why " f a ir ie s " ? W ell, a f a i r i e i s a m agical creature ....o n e of goodness and lig h th e a rte d n e s s . . . .not e v i l or o p p re s s iv e .. .and the word " f 8 ir ie " is one that has been used a g a in st gays and we have sim ply taken the word and turned i t in to something b e a u tifu l and our own. ru r in g the weekend gath erin g there were many work s h o p s ....o n e fo r gay fa th e r s , one on Walt Whitman and h is p oetry, one n th erap eu tic touch, developing community r e la tio n s h ip s , herbology, AIDS, e tc . There was a lso a nsture walk w ith expert guides g iv in g the id e n t it ie s and uses o f many w ild p la n ts . We had o r l g i i n s l l y intended to depart the ga th e rin g s it e e a r ly ' ndav morning and ever though we had a commit ment to be in another part o f Lo u isian a that aftern oon, we could not bring ou rselve s to leave u n t il the la s t p o ssib le m in u te .. .ard then only when we were assured th a t at le a s t a couple o f f a ir ie s would t r y to attend our fa th e rin g at Gray Lady Place over the T h an ksgivin g week end. . .which t>r-y did ! As we f i n a l l y l e f t Lo u isia n a , we both knew th a t our in d iv id u a l problems back home had not changed. . . but that *'E h a d ...a n d w hile we'd s t i l l have to work to so rt th in g s out, we now had a whole fa m ily o f f a ir ie s to lend moral support and g iv e encouragement.

( E d it o r 's note) Way out, in one of those l i t t l e cro ssroad s towns that s p a rs e ly dot the map of Texas liv e s p o l i t i c a l l y aware Kenn W a lle r-Z a n g h i. When not t o i li n g on h is far^ -ran ch e tte located some 60 m iles southwest o f F t . Worth, Kenn produces a new sle tte r fo r r u r a l gays in Texas. The n e w sle tte r, published ir r e g u la r ly and c a lle d The Rural Route, Voice of the Rural C o a lit io n , i s a h e lp fu l l i t t l e b u lle t in with inform ation o f in te r e s t to ru ra l people ererywhete, but e s p e c ia lly to Texans. M;>ny people saw and heard Kenn l a s t ye a r as he d i s cussed r u r a l gay l i f e on a Home Box O ffic e production c a lle d BEING HOMOSEXUAL. In October 1985, Kenn and a frie n d p a rtic ip a te d in t h e ir f i r s t F a ire y G atherin g, the Lo u isian a A ff a ir e y . A month afterw ard, Kenn wrote o f the experience, sayin g that they had returned to Texas, "reborn as F a ir ie s l" Kenn's re p o rt, as published in The R u ral Route is reproduced here:

Reproduced fro« RURAL ROUTE, Kenn W a lle r-Zan g h i, e d ., :’.D . 3ox 611, nlum, Tx . 76627. SASE fo r sample copy.

CTTY vs. RURAL

L e t 's look at the d iffe re n c e s between being "gav" a c it y compared to a sm all town or ru ra l s e t t in g . In the r u r a l environment each in d i v id u a l person i s more n o tice d , seen as o m <n a smal le r group at home In sch o o l, church and evervday l i f e . As 10<v of a group of l'"', each person re c e iv e s greater s c ru tin y hy the other Q. As one of the 10v in a commun i t y of 1 0 , 0 0 0 neople the s iz e alone, provides a broader s h ie ld for the 10 0 0 even though not a l l of them know each other. in

Another comparison could be a country school gvra c la s s with 1 ° hovs in the showers and lo cke r room at one time compared w ith a ty p ic a l la rg e c it y c la s s of 1 0 0 to 20 0 guvs. Tn the la rg e r group there i s more anonymonitv. In the small town or r u r a l a re a , a fe llo w i s under the eves of a l l the n eighbors, “ r s . Jones w ill s u re ly t e l l neighbors i f anv hoy a cts d iffe r e n t than a l l the "Red Meek" k id s , lik e hers In t^e hi« town, lu st head f or a d iffe r e n t part of town and the gay 1 id has a chance of going unnoticed hy h is peers u n less th e ir w ith him.

TRUE TALKS OF A COUNTRY BOY

(to ld to the w r ite r ) The s e t tin g fo r the in c id e n ts and comments fo llo w in g are from Mid-America tn the 5 0 's . A time in which the WASP work e th ic was stro n g ly re in fo rce d w ith the h yp o crisy of m id -V ic to ria n moral v a lu e s. R esu ltan t sca rs from t h is background, in clu d in g parental avoidance of the su b je c t, led t h is gay male so deep in to the c lo s e t i t took A0 years to emerge. As a young person growing up a m ile or so out of a town of 3,000, I remember a funny in cid e n t o ccu rin g w h ile in second grade. With the fo lk s gone my two s is t e r s and four bro th ers peeled o f f our c lo th e s out hv the g ra in e rv and chased around the area, not aware of anything wrong in doing t h is . Of course, Dad came up on us and sa id "get your c lo th e s on" and nothing more was s a id , no problem. A fan ta sv long remembered was as a grade schooler sle e p in g w ith my Ju n io r High school b rother. He sta rte d the games and I was "allow ed" to fondle h is hard cock. He even allowed me to rub h is cock around mv fa ce . T d id n 't know the p leasu re s aw aiting me i f I had onlv opened my mouth. Rome of the best times was v i s i t i n g our r e la t iv e s when double bunking or three in a bed became the order of the dav. When the lig h t s were out i t was n a tu ra l to s t a r t o la v in g w ith our co cks, with the winner being the f i r s t to shoot on h is buddy. I remember fon d ly my cousin who demonstrated h is "stumo broke cow" and whv the old grev mare " is n 't what she used to b e ." A c e r ta in a g i l i t y i s some time necessary i f she humps her back, prep aratory fo r other b io lo g ic a l fu n c tio n s . Mv entrance in to fourth grade was the beginning of my f i r s t (unre q u ited ) love fo r another farm bov. The flame s t i l l burns. We'd go camping and skin n y dip p in g in the farm ponds, hunting and r id in g RUT; the only sexual encounter followed an experiment w ith a b o ttle of g in . > olaved w ith each other (not to com pletion) and T t rie d to cornhole him. He became Indignant and w ouldn't sleep w ith me a ft e r th a t. High School was a m iserable time of d atin g g i r l s . I h e arte d lv d is lik e d necking and preferred being with mv buddy. Tbe exp ressio n " s is s y boy" was used on the effem inate tvo e s, none of whom were c lo se fr ie n d s . Bv then, I knew what "oueer" meant. T was p a r t ic u la r ly c a re fu l that t h is la b e l was not a sso ciate d w ith me. le a v in g mv sm all town fo r m ilit a r y s e rv ic e , RFAp00D e v e n tu a lly hecame a sta p le of mv d ie t — Rut t h a t 's another s to rv -----.

L e t ’ s consider the opp ortunity in the two types of environment of making co n tacts fo r "gav" exper iences : The big c it v : b a rs, bath s, d is c o s , th e a tre , museums, co n ce rts, p a rks, tea rooms, and some ma^or towns have MCC churches. Now for the country and rural areas we must often visit nearby cities, make contacts thru correspondence like RFD and attend gather ings.

featherings are nrohahly the most id e a l wav of meeting l ik e minded gays in a group and one to one b a s is . A chance to exolore each o th e rs ’ lik e s , d e sire s and hopes fo r the fu tu re , frie n d s h ip s blossom whether at Manitvo Farm w ith Jim and Jo sh , D a vid ’ s farm in Lo u isia n a (the B ria rp a tch ) or at Rhort Mountain or Punning Water. Don’ t m iss these and other o p p o rtu n itie s to attend g a th e rin g s.

' anonymous' V-

'■ fw - m e

i/c e

verbal than physical. A crowd gathers. The attention of everyone is focused on the nair. Suddenly the crowd parts and the woman at the door pushes into the ring. " We’re going to party here tonight. T d o n ’t want no fight in’!" she growls at the pair. One of the drag oueens heats a hasty retreat into the ladies room. The crowd begins moving and Helen returns to her place at the door.

Tts Saturday night In Bluefield, V'est Virginia. TRp night club uptown Is rocking. Couples drift in and out under tbe flashing lights. Cars cruise the narrow side streets looking for action. One turns the corner at the new bank and drives up a nearly deserted Raleigh Street. It passes darkened emotv store fronts and begins the ascent up "Oueer Hill". There’s nobody sitting on the wall. The car turns the corner at the railroad office and begins down toward the tracks and Main Street. In the railroad vard coal cars 1erk and crash together with a dull metallic crash. An engine revs u d Its motor. A whistle screeches. Sounds are muffled bv the night.

Many people are surprised if not incredulous when told that a gay her has existed on the main street of a redneck town for twenty years! A town which is noted for being Southern, Bible belted, conservative and not very progressive.

novn on Main Street, men, singly and in groups are walking nervously down the street. A car stops in front of an ancient building. Three women get out and hurry inside. The front of the building snorts a new coat of green paint on which shamrocks have been painted. A Coke advertisement sign, inscribed with "Shamrock Restaurant", swings above a red neon sign which spells out "open" in aneer i e g l o w that bathes the front of the building. Behind a large plate glass window a middle-aged woman sits peering out into the darkness. A fist full of dollar bills is clutched in her hand. She scans the street with piercing eyes studying the faces of those that approach her door.

Bluefield is a small city (pop. 17,50D) which straddles the southern West Virginla-Virginia border near the center of the rugged Appalachian Mountains. As the largest city in the area and as a maior marketing center, Bluefield serves the many families who live scattered along the winding creeks and narrow hollows that surround It. Bluefield attracts people who are accustomed to driving miles over twisting roads to reach a post office or a supermarket and who will drive hours to shop at the Bluefield Mall or to cruise the city's streets. The homosexual men and women who live in the mountainous region surrounding Bluefield share problems common to rural eav Americans everywhere. There are few opportunities for gays to meet each other."Rest stop rendezvous" provide the only homo sexual contacts, social or sexual. These brief encounters leave much to be desired and many eavs complain of loneliness and frustration.

A group of four crowds in. "How you doin’ to night, Helen?" "Can’t complain Honey" comes the answer. "It’ll be three dollars to get in tonight honev. W e ’re having a show from Roanoke." The four pay and go in. From her chair Heleij surveys the bar which is crowded. "We’ve got a party going tonight," she laughs. They always have a good time when we got a show. We get a crowd but hardly nobodv watches the show. They come to party!"

This is redneck country where men firmlv helieve in the right to chew tobacco, beat their wives, bear arms and where homosexuals are not tolerated. Men who openly deviate from accepted ideas of masculinity are laughed at, insulted and occasion ally even beaten up.

The Shamrock Restaurant is full tonight. Not Illegally so, like the night the motorcycle gang came u p from Roanoke, but full enough to make walking difficult. In the pool room games are going on both tables and a number of people are standing around drinking beer.

A sobering incident, reflective of the general anti-gav mood in tbe area, occured in tbe Bluefield City Bark almost on the stateline in 1°B3. A deranged man who thought he had a mission to kill "queers" shot and seriously Inlured a black teenager who was innocent ly talking to some friends. The vouth is still para1vzed,

Tn the main bar men stand shoulder to shoulder. A cloud of smoke hangs around their heads. Tbe small dance floor is iam packed. "Neutron Dance" bv tbe Pointer Sisters is sending shock waves through the gyrating dancers. A heavilv made-up female imperson ator in a seouined evening gown makes her wav through the crowd. A can of Doors light is clutched in Rer gloved hand. "Y ou ’re a cheap bitch!’ someone veils. A fight breaks out hetvreen the two dra« oueens, more

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Despite anti-gay feelings 1n tbe 'Muefield area the S’hamroc! Restaurant, known to most gavs as ’’Helens,'' has survived two decades as a pav meeting place. The secret hehind the sucess of the Shamrock undoubted1v H e s with Its owner, known simnlv as Helen, wRo has be come somewhat of a legend among Rluefields j>ay popula tion. As owner and operator of tbe Shamrock since 10f.A, Helen has guided her bar through all manner of trials and tribulations ever maintaining that "The gnv people need some place to meet."

police came in and said, "'Mss Helen, we're sorrv to bother v.ui, ' ut sonehndv renorted that ”nur selling '■cer to minors, ’’e've cot to check everybody's T.D.'s!" Thev did it too," she adds, "hut T made them check evervhodv's I.D. Fven the old men! '’’hey didn't find nobody under age because there never had been nobody under age! Some jealous son-of-a-bitch had heard that his lover was in here with a minor and wanted to have^them both arrested. This is what T have to put up with! The police are good to me; it's my customers T have to watch out for!"

From all accounts,Pluefield from its earliest davs has been a place for pay men and w om en to meet each other. Helen, Whose memories of gav life in the city span fifty vears, remembers that, "The gavs all wore green on Thursday so thev would know each other. A lot of them hung out on the corner in front of the bus station that used to he downtown. Tt wasn't easv getting to know people that wav. There was always the chance that someone had put on green that morning just because thev were in the mood to wear green. Tt was easy to pet in trouble, especially for tbe women, thev had to be careful. One woman T knew took six months to meet some p,al she was interested in."

Helen runs her bar with a tight fist. Those who patronize the Shamrock know her rules and abide hv them. She is swift with punishment for offenders. Those caught smokine pot in the bathroom or having sex in a dark corner are given a stern warning not to let it happen again. Fighters might be thrown out of the bar for the night. Serious offenders (this category includes anybody who starts to many fights or causes problems with the police) are banished forever with the warning, You'd better not darken my door again." Few have the courage to do so. They know Helen keeps a hall bat ready for emergencies. Pecause of Helen, the Shamrock sees very little trouble. Rednecks are not allowed to cause trouble outside the bar on the street and there are few inside fiehts. You can fill this place with one hundred men and thev would get along fine. Rut let ten women alone in here and there'll be a fight in no time. I don't want no fighting though and people know it."

"Tbe streets ain't no place to make friends", Helen says, it';, a pitiful situation when a pav person from out in the sticks drives a hundred miles to town to meet another pav person and thev ain't eettinp toge ther because they’re no place to meet. Thev lust pass each other on the streets, pet tired and go home." The situation about the gavs not having a place to meet bothered me for many vears and in 1966 when I heard that the restaurant was for sale T thought that this might be mv chance. I went through hell getting it though."

The shows at the Shamrock are almost all local talent and usually feature female impersonators. Some have been nainfully amateurish. ",re had the first show in here hack in '71 or 72, Helen recalls. "Some of the guys had been telling me they liked to dress up in women's clothes and pretend thev were women. I told them, "Whv not dress up here and nut on a show like they do in the hip cities?"

"The owner was having trouble with the p o M c e and had priced the place to sell. T went home and talked it over with mv lover and her comment was, "I'm afraid you're going to get killed'." She was dead set against it, I was determined though and despite a few problems at the last moment I managed to get mv hands On the money and bought the nlace. Mv lover took it real hard and even though we lived together for a vear after that she wouldn't speak to me. T finally got fed u p and walked out leaving her everything. I didn't have a pot to piss in but T didn't care because T --ns l‘*term4r.e■! to do what T wanted to do."

"We hung sheets from the corner of the bathroom to the corner of the kitchen for curtains. That show was something else!" "I was standing by the window that night when this van nulls up out front and pall bearers take a casket out of the hack end. T wondered "What in the name of Cod?" "They took the casket up front and tried to open it hut the catch got stuck and they had to ory the lid open. Relieve it or not there was somebody inside!" He was supposed to rise up with the music, hut in the confusion of getting the casket open somebody stepped on the record and broke it! When they went to olav it the needle got stuck and the body kept rising up and falling hack, rising u p and-falling hack! Honey, T laughed till I cried!"

Romehov the word got around the vav common!tv in the area that there was a place in "luefield thev could meet, although Helen has never nuMic a l l v advertised the ^act that her bar caters to gavs. ”vou get into trouble with the churches doing that," Helen savs. 1 w o n 't fight a church. Thev'll heat vou everv time." "Tf you do a lot of advertising in nay newspapers sooner or later it's going to get som e hodv in trouble. T have several school teachers that come in here everv week. T care about them keeping their iohs. T don't "ant everv hody out on the street driving 'v ’ n o w ip p that this is a m v bar. *.« ft is most neonle around here don't have anv idea tKat there is a pav bar in 'Muefield. T want to keen things low kev and nuiet. T o n ’ll never see a drunken pang out on the sidewalk in front of my nlace attracting the nolice."

Another time we had somebody trv a torch act during the show. He didn't use the right kind of stuff though and lust when it looked like things were going to get out o' hand,-a fireman that was here crabbed the torch and threw it in the sink. They could have burned the nlace down!" wen provide most of the entertainment offered in the Shamrock although Helen recalls one occassion when a group of lesbians did a show in which thev imitated the Village People. "They went to the sunermarket and bought cucumhcrs to stuff in their nants. Thev asked me if they looked like a man's "thing". During the show a black girl won the 1st orize and the white girls pot mad. It was a good show though."

Helen's harmonious relationship witn the nolice department is considered amazing hv gays who tell horror stories of homosexuals who have been arrested on weak charges, beaten, Tailed and even raped. Alwavs with a warning to "Keen your mouth shut I" Helen seems to have never run afoul of the law or to have been harrased by the police officers. Dp the rare occasion that the police have made official visits to the Shamrock they have to apologize to Helen. "One night when I had a pood crowd in here the

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For twenty years Helen has offered assistance in many different wavs to the gav men and women she calls her friends. She has broken up fights, helped mend broker relationships, introduced neople, loaned money and provided shelter, counseling, food and monev. Helen has even gone into court and posted bail for cust omers on occasion to get them out of jail.

"You have to learn to think, about them and thev have to learn to think about you. You've got to keep peace and above all never listen to gossip!" "hat will the next tv'entv vears brine for Helen and her Shamrock- Restaurant? Helen expresses concerns ahotit the growing number of votinger gavs who are too willing to ’’H a u n t " themselves. Tbe gavs around here wi11 never He able to come out in the oner," she sa"S. T<r ft become® too obvious that T'm serv^np gays the churches will try to shut me down. I can't win a fight with then. Things has got to stav quiet."

"One night the police came to the bar and arrested one of my customers they said had been driving drunk and had hit a parked car and had left the scene of an accident. He had just moved to town and didn't have no family or friends around here. He was the manager of a pretty good size department store." "T kinda felt sorry for the man and when T was driving home that night after closing, I got to thinking about him not having anybody to post his bail and about how awful the jail is. Then T got to thinking that he wouldn't be able to open up his store the next morning and that he'd probably loose his job. T turned the car around and went back up to the city jail. I posted a bail of $350 and got him out. He was real thankful but not thankful enough to show up for the damned trial!" "I made arrangements though with the judge and we had the trial postponed. You'd better believe he showed un the next time. T managed to get the hit and run charges dismissed in exchange for fixing, the damages." She adds, "He made good."

"Staving quiet" has apparently been the k.ev to the Shamrock's survival. That Helen's bar serves gavs is no secret in "official" Hluefield but no one finds a need to emphasize the fact. Tn meetings of the citv council or planning committees the nature of the Shamrock Pestaurant is never mentioned as if nubile admission of the existence of a gav bar in Pluefield will cause embarassement for those in government who have tolerated its presence. Occasionally in urban renewal and city beautifica tion meetings someone will mention the need to tear down the entfre row of ^wildings In which the ^bamrock is located. The usual reason given is that the buildings are old. This excuse doesn't hold up however when people point out that the buildings are the onlv example of late Victorian architecture left in the citv and the buildings are still structurally sound.

Helen has had to use her influence with friends connected with the police force to protect the repu tation of her patrons. "A few months ago on a Satur day night some son-of-a-bitch went and slashed tires on 7 or 8 cars peonle in here had parked up the street. Tt was someone from in here that had done it."

Helen occasionally talks of retiring "sometime in the future" but then she adds "I like to get out and have a good time. Most people my age are home nursing their rheumatism. That's not for me."

"I heard through the grapevine that one of the city cops who did the investigation was talking about the cars belonging "to those fags from the Shamrock." I hit the ceiling because I knew their names would be printed in the paper." Helen says she made a call that night to a friend who had high connections in city government and who was able to keep the reference to homosexuals and her bar out of the newspaper. "T have friends in the citv that help me out. T help them when T can and they return the favor."

"batever the future of the Shamrock, at the present it still serves as the only gay meeting place in a hundred mile region of the two Virginias and will probably continue to do so for ouite a while. As one gay patron nut it, "Coming to Helen's is like coming home."

Helen often serves as mother confessor for tnanv of the men and women who patronize her bar. She is consulted on all manner of topics and her advice is well thought out and sound. 'Tav people are all the time getting advise from me about problems with their lovers." "I keep telling them that there ain't no easy wav to make a relationsbio work. You got to take thines a dav at a time." "Gav couples have the odds stacked against them that it won't work out between them. Tn mv time T have known a lot of gay couples and not very many have stuck together for any length of ti m e . The longest T know of has been two 'women that has been together for over thirty-five years. They ought to be given some kind of an award." "Most gav peonle t know are just too jealous of each other. If thev see two people getting, along thev're going to trv to break them un. Also a lot of gays travel around too much. They're all the t*me looking for something else, ''’'ey're never satisfied." 'A gav couple is basically no different from a husband and wife. Thev have to relate to each other in the same wav. Facb partner must give and take. They have to learn how to handle arguements and How to comnromise."

How many times have we all recalled me mories of being voung, when sex was that ma gical commodity that made the world go around? Rex was all we lived for. When classes were out for the dav, we went to those hidden, secret places where without closest buddies, to release the day's energies in the most en joyable wav we knew how. How long ago was our youth and those days of carefree hapnenings?

Remember your first real sex? T mean the first time vou and your buddy shared a sexual experience? If you lived in the city it mav have happened in a garage, an abandoned house, or vour bedroom when nobody else was home. '•'as it a mutual jerk off while looking at dirtv pictures, or did vou really seriously try (or succeed) in "doing it"? Think back on those early davs when there was always some thing new to discover or experience. Recall the first time that M g butch hunk lied to you and did cum in vour mouth. Or, how about the time vou were playing hobo on a freight train and the real hobo screwed vou on top of the stack of ptilpwood. Remember how roughly that pine bark, scraped vour prick as that beautiful stud slammed into you time and time again?

Surprise, they haven't gone awav. '-'e iust buried them as we went along. For those magical, times to come again , we need onlv cast off the chains of our restrictive society and rejoice in the snirit that is ourselves. As things were that frosty night so many vears ago, it is now and ever shall he. Sex was natural and is natural. Nature provides a way to satisfy natural feelings. Country folk are luckv. Since they are continuously surrounded by things created (not human made) thev escape a lot of the res trictive thinking of those who have become so M i n d e d by human kinds self-importance that thev shut out and ignore that which has been provided for them.

If, on the other hand, you lived in the country your experience may have resemble this scenario:

Few things change deep in the country with out the aid of man. That is the reason our network of sanctuaries must continue to grow. Ve must create more nlaces where one can go to he with whom thev feel free from artifical re strictions. We must build for others, in every state even more places where we can dis cover the way things were meant to be, just as thev were created and provided for us . punning Water, Short Mountain, Manitwo Farm and the Briaroatch are just the beginning of the system.

while passing the time after sunner on a cold frostv winter's night your best friend who is staving the weekend with you slowly stands and stretches, rubs hts crotch and says I ve got a hard problem to take care of, want to go with me?" Tn a daze vou follow him out of the door. You can't believe that finally all vour dreams are about to come true. How often had vou secretly longed to reach across the bed at night and discover lust how big it would get and how much he would let vou do. duietlv vou follow your friend/idol through the frostv night, being careful not to mai-e anv noise lest the dogs start barking and w#ke the whole settlement. Going the long wav around the houses vour friend leads vou to the barn where the object of vour journey that nieht watts ouietlv in the moonlight. Brunette hair, soft brown eves, she stands If hands high. Softlv vou speak the animal's name, calming at vour approach and slip a piece of hav string through her halter and lead her to a stall. A few handfuls of oats assures that she will be still for the wouldbe stallions who have come to call. The feerl bucket is placed upside down on the ground behind her and all was ready. That ouiet voutbful Adonis vou so yearned to be like softlv smiles at vou as he undoes bis belt and lowers his bluejeans below his and then proceeds to teach the young and unknowing admirer the facts of life and all the tecbntoues that go -ith them.

vore neonle will come to our Sanctuaries as thev awake to their own inner needs. No longer will yokes of rules for appear ance and societies' sake keep the inner spirit contained. Society around us changes constantly Social values change gradually, but surely. T,'e citv hov now jerks off to Playgirl or Rlavhov instead of the BVD Section of the Sears Roebuck catalogue. The country bov now drives the old man # oick-up to the game room and ham burger joint 15 miles down the road most week nights. His dad had to wait for Friday night just to be able to get to the skating rink. put time does not change everything. To day, our young nan drives his friends around the back roads while sharing a coke. The scene is familiar, and the centuries old litany ol vouth 1s repeated once again in preparation lor the rites of manhood and pleasure: "Damn, I'm hornv. Sure wish we knew w^ere some missy was 'veah. mv dick's so hard vou could strike a match on it." "'•’hat we gonna do? — Aint no girls out in the middle of the week." "Hov about Fa's milk cow?" "Vah, — last time J fueted her she shit all over me."

Little does the teacher realize that the vounc man standing hv his side would give anvthing to trade places with that great beast, receiving r^e full force of his teacher's blows at his gate of pleasure. '-^00 it's vour turn on the bucket stool for "sloppy seconds," vour friend never realizes that vour mind was not on the beautiful 4 legged mare receiving vour energies, but focused on the beautiful 2 legged stallion by vour side.

""ell, I guess we can have a circle 1erk; it's better than nothing." Circle jerk, hell, T brought some F.v/*

"rior to the departure of my parents and the arrival of mv guest an M e a nonped into mv bead, "ith zeal and enthusiasm T ran to mv father requesting to spend t’’e night in the family camper, had did grant the permission needed in order to pursue mv idea. 1Tere again, T did not anticipate any sexual activity; how ever, w'e»> an opportunity arises T'g not one to ignore the possibility. The evening progressed

(S u ittf u r r r

and mv parents were settled in for the night, "ith the size of the camper one can't exnect an entire bed to himself: therefore, we both make ourself comfortable in one

The small town in which I grew up was pro bably no different than any other: however, life in northern Louisiana, like all other small com munities is what one perceives it to be. As a child T recall youthful activities supposedly oriented to children: jumping rope, playing with dolls, hide and seek, adventuresome strolls through the woods down narrow dirt trails, etc. As T reminisce, the company T kept was often the opposite sex. T really shouldn't say all were girls, there were some male friends, and very tastv ones at that. Childhood just seemed to bring bigger and better things to mv doorstep.

"ith a limited amount of suggestions and some persuading, we were both fully unclothed. One thing lead to another and before T knew what was happening I was fondling his cock and he was fondling mine. This sexual act lead to a "60" position. The partners that I encountered in mv hometown were purely sexual. No love or caring existed. T really didn't dwell on that aspect of a relationship. "ainlv because t * e' no ilea that 3 men could reallv rare tor one ariot! e r ,

lust as any other child I was naive to any persuasive suggestion one older than I might pro nose. That's exactly how my first sexual en counter occured. At approximately age 11 I often visited some friends living near me. Tn order to get from mv house to theirs, the route I followed passed directly in front of one of mv distant relatives. On this partic ular dav as T passed bv his home he just hap pened to be outside standing near his truck. Without describing each detail in full, T was forced down on my stomach, followed by a painful foreign object shoved in my ass. Now anv normal individual experiencing anything remotely similar would probably never walk anvvhere near this house and the person residing there. T was not normal, I was a homosexual: although, I didn't know it at the time. As you have, already predicted, yes, I went hack for seconds and thirds. Initially I was confused and often con sidered that this could he wrong, (hut it felt so good)! At the time my cousin's cock seemed to be enormous. Fach time he prohed around in mv ass with that uncut meat, mv eves would roll back in mv head. T would stand (if that bannered to be the position T/We were in) tippytoed requesting that be did JT easier. For a child at the age of 11 this eventuallv seemed the right thing to do. This lasted approximate!v I venr, at « M c h t?me he announced his engage ment to a female. This came to a screeching halt.

"ennle in a small town: like all others, can be heartless and cruel to those considered different. Appearances and mannerism* seemed to he two major characteristics that were noticed. Tf vou didn't play snorts, hunted, or stand with clenched fists then you were labeled "miner". Fvident.lv, T lacked all of the quali ties that would have made me appear "straight." You often hear, "High school should be the best vears of vour life, enjov them." Tbev certainly were not mv worst, but tbev were not mv best either. Tt wasn't until mv freshman year In college that T found out what it was to be "tav." Rather than waiting until fall, T enrolled in school the summer following my high school graduation. All T could think of was the freedom T was about tn explore. 'Title working at mv first job, T met a girl. V'e became friends and through her T was introduced to others. As the relationship grew, T 1earned that I could trust rindv. T ime passed and one day as T was clocking-ln for work, Cindy meet me. She quietly asked to sneak with me. "Sure," T said. "Are vou gay?" she asked. Without giving me an opportunity to respond she said "Your gay! I have some company coming over to the house tonight. Come bv around 7:00." and walked awav. This obviously left me speechless. T^ie remainder of the morning was spent in anxiety and anticipation of what was to come. Unaware that this was to be the beginning of a l i f e s t y l e T knew nothing about, other than the fact that T was attracted to the same sex.

Bringing to mind that T* lived in a fairlv small community, and finding, a male homosexual, (even a closet one), was difficult. As we are all well aware of, a gay male still in the closet is usually uncomfortable and uneasv about his sexuality. T on the other hand didn't know that what T had done in the past, bv societies' standards and morals, was NOT to he done/accepted. I, evidently, was a good manipulator because it wasn't long after my first partner, that another naive, innocent, virgin male friend crossed mv path. This situation was not the same as the first, in that, 1 was passive and had no sexual experience, but know T was to he the aggressor, with all the experience.

College was one experience after another. To the point that it became secondary rather than the primary priority. T had alwavs said that if T ever had an opportunity to travel, T would. There just hanpened to be an excellent opportunity. With the traveling 7 did, guess where T live? You got tt, in a small town; however, smaller than mv hometown. T love it. Ture, T enjoyed the city, I felt good knowing that verv few people knew me when walking downtown. Although life was exciting, and private, life in a small comm unity can he the same. Tt simnlv takes a little imarination and creativity. With a little effort and a partner, it can be verv adventuresome.

At this particular time, T was nrobaMy II or 13 vears old, mv parents were going to be gone for the evening and T was expecting a friend. Innocentlv enough T reallv hadn't premeditated anv sex and had no idea that it might occur.

SKX IN THF COOKIES

Cucumbers, zucchini, and long-neck bottles have all been used by solitary individuals of the anal persuasion. (personallv, anvthing big ger than a suppository makes me swoon ... de pending on my mood.) Some peonle; however, don't want penetration, iust pressure at the sphircture door ... and since crvstal door knobs are getting harder and harder to find, mav T suggest straddling chairs as good sub stitute? A wooden chair with smoothlv rounded knobs on each side of the back (as in the lad der-hack styles), and of the correct height (cut the legs down if you have to!) makes for a fine, passive sex oartner. You determine how much pressure and when . .. hut tiro words of caution — one, don't get carried away at tv>e big moment and fall, or you might he nicking, splinters out of your butt for a long, long tine ... and two, change sides of the chair from time to time so the knobs will wear down evenly!

Yes, We Cot No Bapamjs Sj;t A Cucumber W ill D o *

by Kenn '-.'a11 ci— 7.angb I

T ’m surrounded by copulating critters! Tbe cow's doing *t, the h o y ’s doing it ... pven the '’■♦"•no ’ *: dcir" '• ( ! ‘:«.J i.i* one si c- s to have told tbe rabbits to rest on the seventh dav. ,n° ’ipvp ne, it savs somethin? about the infreouenev of sex in my life when T net a hard on watching two rabbits vho aren’t "laying lean f ropj) Speal in? of ra bM ts, do vou know "hat. thp diffence between a hue' rahbit and a man is "'ien it comes to sex" ’’ell, tbev hot'1 grunt and roll off, hut the rabbit doesn’t light un a cigarette.’

Tf you combine the two suggestions above, vou’ll have the cock, tits and ass hole all being taken care of and still have one hand free. T suggest disguising it! wut a glove on it ... a leather work glove one time, a soft mitten the next, etc. The idea is to caress various parts of vour bcdy with it but give a "different" texture or sensation to the touch. True, you’re directing the moves, hut the feeling will be so unlike what vou normally feel vhen vour bare band touches vou, that you can easilv fantasize that it belongs to Him (• homever He might he at that particular mo ment) .

Seriously, if you live in the countrv — and particularly if you live alone — v ou’ve not to have one of two thin?* ... either be rich enough to drive into the bin citv "ben the great urge bits ... or ^ave a vonderfu'ly creative 1-*aflin«tion and er>Jov «.tsturvation.

A'>, r hear von no" . . .

■’ « p o ire ti>

fall a’out '. .. t . .. X ... ! i’ov d iseust ire. ‘io*• primitive, ’’ow "ONTIFPFUI,! T mean, after all ... if it we re n’t for our sexual desires, we wouldn’t be cay, would we7 is a matter of record, T lust masturbated, earlier in the evening T bad been trving to write an article for this issue of ’’FT) ... and pot nowhere. Then, tonight, in wv almost ntebrly routine, I got out the nonners and norn, fantasized a little and went at it. The fantasv was a particularly good one even if a hit on the eomicat side vhen vfewed postorgasm. ”hile laughing at t*-e lengths mv soli tude drives me to iust for tbe sake of sex, t*'e idea of writing this article came to mind. T here are bound to be other men out there to night lust like me ... each one using the tools 1n hand (nordort the Min' to come faga'nl' un "f*h an orgasm. ror those fellow solitarv travellers of the hacbwoods roads, T o ^ e r t^e folio*.'inn mantial o f belnful hints for the masturhater who wants to do more tban lust pound his pud.

Now to vour mouth. I verbalize during mv fantasies but i c you have to have some th 'rv in vour mouth, here are mv suggestions: a dtldo naturally comes to mind, but if you don't have one, try any of the tubular fruits and vegetables OH a long-tvne rubber balloon stuffed with cotton halls (water is too limp), the handle of a hair brush (no cock is that hard), a whole, raw egg in the shell (if vou crack it, v o u ’ve lost the game, so witch tKose teeth!) Or a frankfruter (which works fine if you've not a size-oueen.) Treating vour ^ody like "company" works wonders. Don't ]ust nick un a book, grab vour meat and bang away. Use a little love and kindness. Treat yourself to a thorough cock, Kalls aad ass massage with oil or lotions ... or tease vourself with a feather ■'uster — WONT)rgPUT flicking along the inner thighs! p ind a pirce of fur and rub away. Try finding rev; locations for vour games — tbe bedroom doesn’t bold a monoplv on sex. Trv masturbating naked, under the stars (this works onlv if vou live in an isolated area ... unless, of course, you live on a 'Castro Street" and like an audience.) Try it in the barn, on a river hank, out in the pick up ... on top of the hood ... in short, anv where new to break up a stale routine.

Starting at the top ... if you're into tit verb, clothes nins work verv ricelv ... hut most neople already know that, '-’bnt vou min^t not know is that a new dimension can be added to tbe game by tvinp a long niece of v.arn or string to both clothes nins. allowing the middle part to bang down to vonr cock. Once masturbation starts, the thumb of the mastur bating hand can he hooked through the varn, thereby causing tugs on the tits with each stroke on the cock! fSnme retv'ng of one end of the varn mav be necessary until the nroner amount of length is determined to give the idea] amount of tup. "ore slack means less tug ... less slack means vou’re a masochist!) With time, vou should he able to jack off and nlav with vnut tits tike a concert pianist nlavs inch ... and all with lust one hand! O ’e ’ll find sometbing for the other band to do in a minute.)

Trv new things from time to time and if later vou fee) embarrassed or start to giggle, what the hell? Y o u ’re alone. No one shared that with vou ... and you )ust might have discovered something vou do reallv en)ov — something vou might even put into use with someone else. So go ahead ... eniov life ... A''n vnUPSELF!

INTFRCfseTONS

' '

PY 5-

Guinevere

Briarnatch

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tl'

Mother of Life, Lover to all Peed thv children with thv touch. Fxplore our deepest thoughts with vour piercing sword and word. living birth to freedom Release the chakra of our heart. From the depths of the oceans to the neak of the highest mountain. Revitalize your people to look within To discover the oneness that should be.

THE O R I G I N A L '2>M C

Create in each a new heart And renew a steadfast spirit within Do not cast us away from thv presence.

BY SKIP WARD

Restore to us the .jov and sustain us with a willing spirit. Flevate our spirit to mingle with the clouds. With individuality, yet oneness

******************************

Why d id i t take so lo n g , fo r us who in h e r it the Ju d e o -C h ris tia n t r a d it io n , to accept end proclaim th a t the a b i l i t y to love one's own sex i s a D ivin e G ift ? Gay C h r is t ia n m in is te r , Rev. Malcolm Boyd in a March 1985 gay p u b lic a tio n says th at he fin d s s p i r i t u a l i t y and s e x u a lity in se p a ra b le . Rev. Boyd s a y s, "Any attempt to have s p ir i t u a l i t y without in te gra te d s e x u a lit y tends to be a r id , u n re a l, denies raw nakednessj th ere fo re l i f e , and is phony." (Advocate, Hljl7 ) According to the Fev. Troy P e rry, a s p ir it u a l per son c a r r ie s h is s p i r i t u a l i t y everywhere he goes. S p i r i t u a lit y , concedes P e rry, "perhaps may be found in a F a ir ie g a th e rin g ." Put the e x-P en teco stal has no doubts o f the D ivine source of gayness. "H om osexuality," proclaim s F e rry , " is a g i f t from God. And I b e lie ve th at with a l l my h e a r t ." (op. c i t . ) Few, i f any E v a n g e lic a ls acknowledge th a t s e x u a lity was the u n iv e r s a l o r ig in a l r e lig io n . What wa3 once an exalted r it u a l w orship of se* and nature was changed to a b a re ly to le ra te d and profane performance, held in darkness and shame. No one now i s advocating in d isc rim in a te r i t u a l sex or promiscuous p u b lic o rg ie s as an a ct o f worship. S i r i t u a l sex IS re sp o n sib le sex. The resurgence of s e x u a lit y as a s p ir it u a l concept became n o tice a b le some e ig h t years ago. Were the R a d ica l F a ir ie s the f i r s t of the Post Ston ew all people to recog n ise the in te g ra tio n of resp o n sib le sex and s p ir it u a lit y ? Remember those announcements in FF? magazine which read: SPIRITOAI C T E R E N C E OF FADICAL FA IR IES ! Gay Ju d e o -C h ris tia n s and t h e ir m in iste rs may have sensed or seen t h is in t e g r it y , but t h e ir p u b lic pro nouncement of i t s re co g n itio n had to postpon'd. How then, do we best answer the opening qu estion : Why so long fo r us to re a sse rt th at gay sex fo r gays is the O r ig in a l G ift ? R a d ic a l concepts are nurtured, grown, and te ste d , by the v is io n a r y few. New concepts, i t seems, are accepted by the m a jo rity o n ly a ft e r the adje t iv e " ra d ic a l" no longer a p p lie s .

rreat Goddess; all knowing, all wise Demeter, the one within all Show your people the guidance that we each seek and even more T hat which all vour people want and need. The F.arth: your footstool, and olllow has been turned and watered for the planting of your seed. For the female asnects of vour being are the seeds within each of us, already planted, ready to grow, to reach to the highest, brightest, and largest star. is the trees have their branches outstretched; reaching upward, so do I raise mv hands re presenting the desire for soiritual guidance and healing. The need to adhere to the voice of the forest, that mv erv should he heard throughout the wild, thrives for the longing to listen for vour guidance that all mav he healed. Hail Tsis, Astarte, Inanr.a, Diana Mother of all goodness and light from afar, T call upon thee to guide me thru the paths of mv deepest thoughts that thou might counsel and guide me that t might learn from thy Wisdom.

QNIDER TREE (fjwudi<m

v /

U H 1 JW .

A day not so long ago, T sat meditating beneath a huge oak tree. The tree was malestic, ancient, and wise. Sitting under it, within it, I could feel the warmth of the sun filtering through the firmament of the leaves. The wind softly rustled the branches. A pair of young lovers embraced as their canoe drifted nast the old tree. I realized how fortunate we are to have some quiet space wherp we can be with ourselves and with our nature. For getting is so easy. '*Thether we live in urban areas or rural areas, for getting is so easy. Amidst the struggle to survive, to succeed, to be loved, losing our identity as individuals, as people bound together by common virtues, becomes com monplace. When was the last time you considered your origins, vour beginnings, vour links to the world. How often do you consider yourself one with your kitchen table or even with your food. It is easy to forget we are born as individuals lust as the fool in the Tarot deck. His task, like without forgetting! He has his dog to con stantly remind him of his nature, his animal instincts. His job, as ours, is to become the magician. That is our destiny . That Is our birthright. Once when under my tree, T bad a spirit communica tion filled with wisdom. T found myself face to face with the horned god, the archtypal double. Immediately I felt a rush, a thrill of blood coursing through my veins, mv loins responded. He was gentle, voluptuous, and understanding. He stood at once in front of the tree and within the tree trunk. He snoke first:

Do vou not recognize me T am the spirit of your deepest self The universal life energy connecting one to al 1 Wisdom, love, and understanding are my realms Yet also are the realms of passion and death mine For I am the first seed as well as the last grain I reap and T sow I am the tender kiss and the frenzied rush of pleasure Tis mv blood that rushes through vour loins

And yet am T not like you Master of my own fate, keeper of my own uniaue kev Schooled hv the births and deaths of my love Heaping the lessons of the experiences T have sown Male and female, lover to both Yet subject to none hut the force that dwells wi thin por as I see vou mirror me in the tree I see a man at once the fool and the magician And a woman as empress and high priestess

I answered:

He answered:

Yes, T remember the feeling of rushing blood When tvas you in mv mi n d ’s eve T saw As I stood with mv Fullness before me And vet even as a rabbit hops Or a tree sprouts new leaves Or even as a snider spins her web I look, and in a flash glimpse vour face And feel within mv heart the pulse of your heat

So right vou are That though you are everything; vou are nothinp ror T am hut a twinkle in her eve and she in mine ”e are but the same, though active and passive So forever now when in a mirror vou look You will see the trueness and oneness of yourse!r with all You will remember,

NETUflRY

Birth of Briarpatch Sanctuary (aka David's Farm)

The need of a Sanctuary closer to home for Louisiana faeries was the catlyst in the transformation of an overgrown briarpatch into a forest sanctuary.

NATURE

Under the guidance of the snirits of the land and the Vein of our friends and faerie brothers

Times change.' People change! Places also change! Especially, when people so desire it, which is exactly what has hap pened here.

r'nder the guidance of the Snirits of the land and with the heln of our faerie brothers and friends this was accomnlished in time for the November Cath erine, T.’Affaerie 'R4. .

On my first visit to Pairyville, nature had taben her course. Life was present, but not visible. As the fairies of the land recog nized that change was needed, they used their hunger and thirst to bring about a spiritual unity with nature.

Tl,e Canctuary caretabers wish to thank all who attended L'Affaerie 'BA for their help in the transformation of the land and the maintenance of the spirit. Briarnatch Sanctuary is open to all who seek refuge from the world around them. All that is ashed in return is respect for the land and its inhabit ants.

Unon clinging to the need for change, alterations began to take place in the im mediate surroundings. The mutation process seemed slow initi ally, but day by day the unveiling of a new land took place. Death occured, hut with death came life. A life worth striving to obtain. The metamorphosis, was indeed, a beauti ful sight to all who beheld it and so, the Coddess and her lover, the Horned Cod were pleased. Cuineverr of "riaroaccl

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SRembited

BT SKIP WARD

G T T s 'l A

C n C E N IF A F C LA S S IC / ADULT H I D I N G

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_ Richard A m ory’s

isten,-; 1the Toon mgs-

;

Richard Amnry’s

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k Poignant love s to r ie s o f Cowboys and In d ia n s in 1880's re c a lle d

A VINTAGE FILM OF SYLVAN DELIGHTS IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE HOME

SONQ OF THE LOON, 1966, SONG OF AARON, 1968, LISTEN THE LOON SINGS, 1969. Richard Amory, G reenleaf C la s s ic s , San ^ iego .

SONG OF THE LOON. V id e o ca sse tte . F ilm adaption of Richard Amory's p a sto ra l i d y l l . Order from Nob H i l l Cinema, 72y Bush S t . , San F ra n c is c o , Ca. yljlG 8 . C o lo r, Approx 90 m inutes. $$9.95} ppd. VHS or Beta.

Gay consciousness with connotations of r e lig io u s m ystery appeared in 1966 with Richard Amory's Song of tte Loon, f i r s t o f a t r ilo g y in f ic t io n to appear in paper back. The Loon books were never ordained as " lit e r a t u r e " but more than a m illio n copies of i t s f i r s t issu e were s o ld . Young readers found th at the s to ry of trapper Cyrus, greenhorn Ephraim , and In d ian Bear-who-Dreams led to an understanding of homosexual in te rco u rse as a s a c rament. The brotherhood of males had never been so eloquent ly preached. In the b ig c i t i e s , on ranches and farm s, in sm a ll towns, the f r a g ile l i t t l e pocket books were read and passed around u n t il they f e l l a p a rt, having appeared before the Stonew all lib e r a t io n days, very few of the second and th ird Loon books s u rv iv e . Song o f the Loon was reissued and is found in some bookstores today. Of the s to ry in Song of the Loon, A lla n Leopold, a book c r i t i c fo r the Advocate re c a lle d , four years a ft e r p u b lic a tio n : "Amory wrote a w ild s in g in g i d y l l which forged a new type o f homosexual id e a lism out o f th at t e r r i f i c sex-romp u p riv e r in the Northwest F ro n tie r days. --:h e book was f i l l e d with fun, m ystique, and exhub*'rant s e x u a lit y . Loon was a lu s t y , m agical s to ry th at many regard as homosexual go sp e l. (Advocate, h - 2 9 - 7 0 . ) Song of the Loon became a movie in 1971 and in v id e o ca sse t'e i s a v a ila b le by m ail o rro r. (^ee re v ie w .) In Amory's seque l, Song of Aaron, readers met the b itte r-sw e e t d r i f t e r Aaron and the u n forge ttab le lawman known as A v i s a .

When t h is film was e xh ib ite d in a few la r g e c it i e s f ift e e n ye a rs ago, c r i t i c s in the gay press reported i t with d is fa v o r . Buried a l l these years under c r i t i c a l d is d a in , the f ilm , l ik e the book from which i t was adapt ed has been only a legend to a new generation o f g a ys. Produced on a s h o e strin g budget in 1970, w ith un known a c to rs , the movie should not be compared to m u lti m illio n d o lla r productions aimed at ge n e ra l au diences. I t was the f i r s t attempt by gays to produce our own s t o r ie s , and i t proceeded L a r k in 's Very N atural Thing by f iv e y e a rs. Only now do we begin to understand the in te n tio n s of the film producers, and the n o v e lis t h im se lf. One element in the c r i t i c a l re je c tio n ..as a then-held idea th at sex and s p ir i t u a l i t y could not m ix. In Amory's f i r s t book o f the Loon t r ilo g y , the read er found connotations o f r e lig io u s mystery in the sexual s e t . The very su; •e stio n th at sex equalled s p ir i t u a l i t y was ju s t too r a d ic a l fo r ~:any. Our gay aesthetes p r is s i l y dism issed the f ilm , as they had the books, saying th a t the Loon works ju s t could not be considered serio u s A fte r a l l , they s a id , any works of a rt which r e f le c t e x p lic it sex i s mere porn. W ell, maybe now, we car, put behind us John C a lv in , the r u r it a n s , and the a s c e tic monkishness of the p a st. Sexual communion takes p la c e , but under L o u is ia n a 's s t r i c t o b scen ity law s, the f ilm cannot be considered o scene or pornographic. No e re ctio n s are seen, nor is there v is ib le sexu al p enetration or e ja c u la tio n .

I'-oi! Country -videocassette, c o n t ’d

Loon Co u n try -books, c o n t ’d

In the s to ry which i s s e t in the P a c if ic Northwest, Cyrus, a bearded trap p er t e l l s the s to ry of Ephraim M civer, h is p artner f o r a time in the Way o f the Loon. Alien Cyrus met the Eastern tenderfoot w ith corn-colored h a ir , Ephraim i s on a medicine journey o r v is io n quest. Ephraim has been admonished to seek the wise man who is c a lle d Bear-who-Dreams. Ephraim needs a cure f o r h is sadness, needs to examine and understand h is so u l; and he knows the Wise-man can h elp h is malady o f lo n e lin e s s . During h is journey up r iv e r and through mountains the g e n tle seeker fin d s romances in se v e ra l encounters. Is t h is lo ve ? P rom iscuity? I s i t rig h t? Can one love more than one person a t a time? N ative In d ian s e xp la in to Ephraim why he must con s id e r anew whether the c u lt u r a l baggage he b rin gs in to Loon Country is of any value among a people who p ra c tis e u n co n d itio n al lo v e . Ephraim le a rn s from the boundless love expressed by Cyru s, and moreso from the In d ia n s, th at a way of L if e sym bolized by the Loon is h is s a lv a t io n .

Song of Aaron presented ir r e s is t a b ly v i r i l e men of the Old ’.vest. Aaron's sexu al in te rlu d e s in clu d e Hank, probably the most s e n s it iv e of Amory's ch ara cte r c re a t io n s. V.’e met Tsi-N okha, an Indian from Loon Country. There i s Nate a b lack peddler. Aaron's romantic d a llia n c e s with tra n s ie n ts are never t r i f l i n g . H e's se rio u s about a l l of them. But when a t h in , w iry lawman, known as a S e n tin e l in the old days, comes c a l l in g , l i f e fo r Aaron begins to change. The two make a complementary p a ir , A viso s i s an educated, c o o l, and q u ie t roan who giv e s h im se lf complete l y to the u n le tte re d , promiscuous, fu n -lo v in g Aaron. Readers w i l l r e c a ll th at Aaron lik e d to s in g , d rin k , and make lo v e . Love~;aking between Aaron and A v ista is in te n se , with Aaron transported in m y s tic a l e csta sy . When the book i s fin is h e d , one experiences an unspeak able ache and lo n g in g . I t ' s a .1 so b e lie v a b le , not ju s t because we want to b e lie ve i t was th a t way. I t i s b e lie v a b le because we can see a sto n ish in g p a r a lle ls between Loon L if e and F a ire y A f f in it y . One does not e a s ily fo rg e t the vu ln erab le and ap p e a lin g ch ara cte rs portrayed in the Loon books. There i s sadness and poignancy over the k i l l i n g of a v i l l i a n in A aron's Song. A l l the good guys met in the f i r s t two works are reunited in the concluding book, a t a ga th erin g of the Loon S o c ie ty . In L is t e n , the Loon S in g s , we found Hank, Aaron's cowboy frie n d le a v in g the d esert West, heeding a c a l l to become a Loon man. Only two other white men, Cyrus and A visp a , have been in it ia t e d p re v io u sly in to the Loon S o c ie ty . Hank knows i n t u it iv e ly th a t he belongs with th at f r a t e r n it y whose symbol i s a v a rie ty of the w ild duck. (A loon, f o r us who l i v e in Southern clim es i s s im ila r to the water b ird we c a l l a d ive d ip p e r.) On h is jo u rn ey, Hank meets Nevada, another wandering seeker lik e h im se lf. La te r Hank ia sought out by Cyrus, tbe trapper whom we met in Amory's f i r s t book, and who w ill lead Hank over the mountains to h is d e s tin a tio n . F a llin g in love with Cyrus, Hank s tru g g le s w ith the apparent paradoxes in e xp ressin g love according to the Loon t r a d it io n . R itu a l ceremonies and in it ia t o r y r it e s held by the Loon S o c ie ty are jo y f u l and s e x u a lly g r a t if y in g . I f there never was a Loon S o c ie ty and i f Hank, A visp a , Aaron, and Bear-who-Dreams never liv e d ; i t does not m atter. What m atters i s the v is io n revealed fo r us in the Loon songs. The gospel o f U n ity with A ll-M an , or with another who i s a ls o made in the image o f humankind's Creator i s a lso a ve rsio n of Oneness. T h is ve rsio n is restated in p o e t ic a lly expressed, m y s tic a l sexu al communion be tween the un-tutored cowboy Hank and lawman A visp a :

•

Tsi-Nokha the gentle Indian of the Northwest had ridden through the desert night to warn Aaron: "If this man comes to kill you, shoot him then, if you must But if you spend your time searching for him. you will be wasting yoor youth and rotting your soul." And the words passed through Aaron then, for bis soul was without a song and his youth still untried .,.

S in g in g Heron, one o f se v e ra l rovin g ambassadors who move about spreading the word o f N ative American freem asonry, chid es Ephraim: You s u ffe r from the white man’ s d ise a se , the proud man's d ise a se , the s ic k n e ss of the m issio n ary way. I t i s c a lle d je a lo u sy , but sometimes I th in k i t i s c a lle d s e lf is h n e s s . " I f I love one man," speaks S in g in g Heron, "can I not love another at the same time? * * * I f I make love to you, that does not mean th at I love another l e s s . I do not want to own you as I would a puppy." But such p h ilo so p h ic s im p lic it y p re v a ile d only with the gay avant-garde of 20 years ago. Gays separated sex and s p ir i t u a l i t y in to two d is c r e e t c a te g o rie s . Sex was the daytime of perm issable p lea su re , and gay s p i r i t u a lit y was a darkness and c h ao tic co n fu sio n . The JudeoC h r is t ia n p re ju d ice a g a in st temple sex remained in g ra in e d . Another element of Loon philosophy illu s t r a t e d sexual a tt r a c t io n and i t s consumation as a m ystery. The a ct i t s e l f was a sacred union with Humankind, an idea so d a rk ly r e lig io u s th; t 9 t was repulsed by many. And not u n t il the F a ire y movement began to co ale sce in 1979 d id gay growth adopt a r e lig io u s element re la te d to Humanism. But t h is f ilm does not preach. Photographed in Northern C a lif o r n ia , the mountain scenery and fo r e s ts are w e ll done. Streams and la k e s are sh a rp ly d e lin e a te d . A swimming-bath scene with Cyrus and Ephraim i s s t r a ig h t out o f Walt Whitman's dreams. Gome v is u a l e ffe c ts are stu n n in g, p a r t ic u la r ly Ephraim 's h a lu c in c to ry v is io n . One can fin d f a u lt s with t h is f ilm ; a blue-eyed Indian i s ju s t one of se ve ra l in c o n s is te n c ie s . Sone of the Loon i s being sold a t 125 le s s than most gay s e x -a c tio n f ilm s . I recommend that r u r a l and sm all town gay f a m ilie s pass the hat and buy th is one. I t ' s gre at fo r liv in g room s o c ia ls and consciousness r a is in g . I t i s perhaps a duty here to poLnt out th at video technology provides a grand opp ortunity to expand the gay freedom movement. Home video machines are s e llin g a t about $iiC0. And there are a number o f other gayin te r e s t film s on vid e o -tap e , a ffo rd a b le at £25 to $90.

"The man, the man between h is th ig h s ! Touched h is sh o u ld er, the sweat, the hot s k in Oh, the warmth that makes me s w e ll and grow strong High Lik e the redwood tre e , the love o f the man. * * * Flo ated , so a rin g through warm clo uds of w h irlin g blue; a g re a t b a lle d nothingness sw elled rou n d ly, s o f t ly Blue lu p in e below, the lodgepole pines sta rk green a ga in st blue lu p in e blue And shot fo rth h is love g e n tly , in to the w a itin g , a n xio u sly lo v in g heart o f A ll-V a n , o f Th is man T e o t la k a t l, S p i r i t van. * * * "A ge n tle peacefulness in h is bones, wind on h is b e lly* A v isp a 's head re s tin g on h is t h ig h ,— A t in y blue winged b u t t e r f ly dancing across t h e ir drowsing bod ies. "Stunned, then Hank s a t up, and la id h is hand on the s h in in g s k in of A v is p a 's sh o u ld er. The man's e y e lid s f lic k e r e d , and he took a quick sharp breath. I seen i t , Hank thou gh t:A ll-M an , you brung me to i t . .. 7 But he said n o th in g, and they la y on the blue meadow, s u n lig h t warming t h e ir naked s k in ."

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r.r .'iy **

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A O u r t ry

I was not born in the country, but did spend every possible weekend and vacation there. T»ie "entecostal lifestyle of some of mv re latives. . .who were country people ... greatly attracted me. There was a sense of peace and love. Family closeness (and lack of a TV) created evening sirg-a-longs, quilting narties, and a sharing of crafting skills. But most importantly, conversation. Fvervone...from the youngest up...was allowed to be a part of everv discussion! A verv great deal of mv pre sent knowledge and homesteading skills came from those evenings. And...now I ’ll confess... part of mv attraction to the country came about as the result of a crush I had on one of my older cousins. He taught me how to ride a horse, build a camp fire, milk a cow by hand,

Home

*’’-<^ a ^a * 11^*- Z u n ff iifl'i

It’s Friday evening and my counterpart in the city is getting ready for a night of bar hooping ... and probably hoping to find a trick for the night or maybe even the weekend. Perhaps he still harbors the dream of finding **R. Right. In some respects, he and T are alike. Certainly I ’d en1°v being out dancing tonight, wranping mv arms around a beautiful body, dreaming dreams... and I do make it into town once in a while ... but unlike mv city peers, I have chosen to live far out in the country, away from the noise and glit ter.

to fish and hunt, and greatly refined mv cock sucking techniaues. He also tried to introduce me to ana] intercourse, but by the time he gra duated from high school and moved to the big citv, T, at twelve, was technicallv still a virgin.

Cray hady Place, my homestead, is located in the central part of Texas near the small town of Blum. Prom my front door, Blum is over the river and through the woods ... about three miles as the Corvus brachyrhvnckos flies ... or seven miles if you use what is comically called "the road." My Friday night might be spent finishing up chores in the greenhouse, or writing up oedIgrees on the latest batch of rabbits, or going over my tight budget, trying to figure out how T can squeeze in one more order of seeds and hoping the sow’s litter w o n ’t coroe tonight because I ’m exhausted and d o n ’t want to have to spend half the night checking to make sure the piglets are all nursing and none in danger of being laid on by their behemoth mom.

'■Then I reached a certain age, I left the old hometown to bum around in college awhile and finally entered the navy. I saw a lot of the Orient while stationed in Japan...and toured 'Ham as a medic. I eventually ended un in 'Janies, Italy...not exactly a rural setting. Ir ranles, T fell in love with a beautiful Italian, Eraerico Zanghi, who became my lover for many years. In time we found ourselves suffocating in the crowded city. I had been desperately yearning for a greater sense of security, peace and tranquility ever since ’Ham . Emerico had grown up in a mostly rural area of Italy...necessitated by the conditions of his homeland during World War II and the post war years. He, too, yearned for a less congested lifestyle, so together we decided to seek a home in the country. Besides, it was getting crowded right in our own abode! I mean, how many citv dwellers do you know who would try to keep a dog, a cat, a duck and three

I ’m an average, healthy, hot-blooded gay male. How did I come to be here... so far from the crowds, the lights, the free beer busts, the 'meat market"? Why did I choose the country... or did it choose me? Well, I can't really pro vide the whole answer because it's one of those nebulous things that hangs on the edge of mv mind the wav a summer shower hangs on the hor izon. ..always tantalizingly close but never quite making it here.

they won't be good until Monday, and the post mistress has never cracked a joke about the bizarre way some of my incoming mail has been addressed.

Cray Lady ^lace cont'd

I may not live iji Blum, but I am involved with the community. I worked with the local Democrats during the last election and was the first openly gay person to be elected to the state convention from my county. To reach that step I had to first be elected from my precinct convention to attend the county convention. And there was only one negative reaction from all of that— a Baptist preacher from one of the other small communities in the county persisted in calling me up every morning at 6 a.m. to read a B i b l e verse and to try to save my immortal soul. At that time, I was merely a faggot and a Catholic ... no telling what his reaction would be now that I am also a newly born fairie'. But, I no longer have a phone ... thank gawd!

chickens In a fifth-floor walk-up even If it did have extra large balconies? My relationship with Fmerico changed, as so manv do, hut not before we had had the chance to exneriment with at least a semi-rural lifestyle on a small piece of land on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius. When I returned to America, I kept Emerico's last name to symbolize the brother hood that exists between us...and I also knew that I would once again try to make a real, full-time home in the country. Gray Lady Place was once a part of my grand father's farm. It's quite small and I'm years away from self-sufficiency, but getting there. The problems sometimes seem to almost outweigh the rewards, but not quite. Each day brings new insights and encourages me to keep going.

Living in the country has meant less of some things...less sex, less personal contact with friends, less freedom to come and go as I please ...but it also means less frustration from traffic, p o l l u t i o n , noise and crime...less anger, less worry, less fear ... more moments of quiet selfawareness when I can better see who T am and where I'm going...more opportunity to grow with and experience the majesty of nature... the chance to find my niche in the order and harmony of the universe. So to repeat some thing I said in the film, I can think of easier places to live, but certainly not any nicer ones ...and that particularly applies to Gray Lady p lace.

Many of ray newer friends are amazed when they find out that my openness as a homosexual has NOT been a major problem for me here in the country. Before I bought my land and settled in, I had become involved with several gay activist groups and although attending various funtions and keeping up with the "news" (read "gossip") HAS become more difficult, I have seen no rea son to be less active, less involved or less visible than before. If anything, I have become more of all three. In late 1983, I was selected to be a participant in the HBO cable TV documentary film, "Being Homosexual." Parts of the film were shot here at Gray I.ady Place. A film crew of six descended on Blum, swelling the population by 307— just kidding, of course, but six people lugging cameras and sound equipment are rather notice able in a town of three hundred and fifty souls.

When a visitor arrives at Gray Lady Place, he or she is frequently greeted with "Welcome Home!" This is because it is my hope that this homestead can be expanded... that it will become a full member of the fairie sanctuary movement ....a place where city fairies and others can come to restore the quietness of their souls and reach new heights of oneness with the All ....where people can learn old crafts, study herbs, see antique breeds of livestock like those on American farms of a hundred years ago, swim in the river, make love in the woods ...and feel they've found a place they can always call "home."

The HBO movie was shown in May and September of 1984, (a total of eighteen times during those two months, I believe) and I have yet to have my first negative reaction from the local town folk. My credit wasn't cut off at the feed store, the grocer still cashes my checks even when he knows

WELE0ME 49

'"he Brothers Behind Bars Program is an outreach to our gay brothers in jail. It has three major activities: 1) providing space in the journal for a forum of ideas, in formation, and other prisoner writing; 2) developing a Pen Pal program whereby we maintain lists of prisoners seeking correspondents to furnish those interested along with guidelines; and 3) providing prisoners with free subscriptions to RFD whenever possible.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The American C i v i l L i b e r ti e s Union has j u s t published a legal handbook, The Rights o f Crime Victims by a t torneys James Stark and Howard W. G old stein . Ft is a c l e a r , care fu l review o f the s ta tu te s and cou rt cases th a t have given v ictim s o f crimes a new p o s it io n in the c r i m i nal ju s t i c e system. The book costs M .9 5 and may be ordered from the L i t e r a t u r e Dept., ACL'*, " 2 Vest 43rd S t . , New York, NY 10036; add <1 fo r postage and handling.

There are several org an iz atio ns work ing towards the a b o l i t i o n o f prisons; Quaker Committee on J a i ls and Jus t i c e , 60 Lower Ave., Toronto, O n t.. Canada HSR iC 7;

If anyone is interested in writing to a prisoner, please write us for the local list and guidelines. It is also a good idea for folks receiving mail from prisoners from the Contact Letters to get the guidelines before respond ing. Since we have a waiting list for free subs, we wel come gift subs ($12). Please specify if you want your name to be given to the recipient. As with Contact Let ters, one can also write to prisoners through R F D .

r 45* /, /.:W//,/ hi'lilililih/ilil' by Max Bornson The s ilk e n touch o f h a ir Fringe pubic fr in g e Across my l i p s H esitant tonguetip reaches out Gathers s a l t y l i q u i d pearl drops Strong young boy cock Stands quivers boy moans Love moans sweet boy curve Cheeks f i l l hands spasms Long s l i d i n g f i l l i n g quivers r ushes o f sweet boylove magic Deep sweet kiss tender boy l i p s Sweet r ic h curves f a l l back Lies open tender legs spread Rich boy musk f i l l s a i r Lips pucker love flowers Opens strong gentle penetrant Plunge boy gushes manlove sprays Groans content in unison Complete p e r fe c t man-boy-love

Prison Research education Action Pr o j e c t , 3049 Fast Genesee S t . , Syracuse, NY 13224;

ihe b i l l , S.B. 13 would set maximum 7-year sentences f o r employees o f the State Corr. Dept., h o s p i t a l, nursing group and f o s t e r homes and emergency placement centers who e i t h e r put i n mates, c l i e n t s , or p a tie n ts in en vironments where they r i s k sexual abuse or who w ith hold in form atio n about such abuse. (from GCN, May 18, 1985)

lt/ilih lil;i!ilililililili! hi h by Danny Sermon

National Moratorium on Prison C o nstructio n, 324 0 St. Sr , "ashin gton , DC 20003.

The Inner Outreach Club is a non p r o f i t co rp o ra tio n to a s s is t prisoners who have no fam ily or frie n d s to help them re - e n te r s o c ie ty . A c t i v i t i e s include arranging pen pals and plan ning f o r p a ro le , employment, and housing. The clu b w i l l evaluate pen pal requests to ensure tha t both p a r tie s have appro pria te m otives. A n e w sle tte r w i l l be published soon. To p a r t i c i p a t e or c o n t r i b u t e , w r i t e : The Inner Outreach Club, 4250 Whitman Ave. N. 42, S e a t tle , WA 98103.

State Senator Herman Holloway, Sr. has introduced a b i l l e x t a b lis h in g prison sentences f o r prison guards and health care workers who allo w in d iv id u a ls in t h e i r custody to be sexu ally molested, according to the P h ila delph ia Gay News. Holloway said he introduced the b i l l in response to a recent federal s u i t by a man a l ledging he was raped two years ago by an inmate a f t e r being incarcerated by mistake in a s ta te p rison .

In my dreams a t n ig h t I wander, From t h i s place to where you are. We hold each o th er clo se , And together we count every s t a r .

Insid e Out, a gay p r is o n e r s ' news l e t t e r from A u s t r a lia , reports tha t the M in is t e r f o r C o rrectiv e Services here has stated th a t no d i s c i p l i n a r y a c tio n w i l l be taken against prisoners who engage in consensual homosexual a c ts . Prisoners w i l l only face d i s c i p l i n a r y a c tio n i f they breach p r i son re g u la tio n in the course o f hav ing sex, e . g . , en te rin g another p r i soner's c e l l w ith ou t permission.

In my dreams I have to f in d you, Somewhere y o u 'r e w a itin g f o r me. In the s o f t l i g h t o f nig h t I j o i n you, And f o r a few hours I am fre e .

I n s i de Out reports i t w i l l be c o l l e c t ing f u r t h e r in fo rm atio n from prisoners as to i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f t h i s new p o l i cy a t in d iv id u a l p riso n s, e s p e c ia lly in view o f the c u rre n t cu ro r over AIDS and the li m i t e d amount o f o f f i c i a l , r e l i a b l e educational m aterial being d i s t r i b u t e d about the disease.

Then the time comes t h a t I must leave you, And re tu rn to the l i g h t o f day. I awake to j u s t the memory o f you, My dream has gone away.

(from GCN, May 13, ’ '” 15)

Promises and vows are made, As we hold each other t i g h t . I promise to always love you, And vow to r e tu r n every n i g h t.

Some n ig h t I w i l l come to you, And the dream w i l l never end. I w i l l be fre e and we w i l l be tog e th e r, But I ' l l have to keep dreaming t i l l t h e n ...

A /\A<7

VhfilO^ G^jy A Y

L A T A f A -A ^Y

rhen I was young I was t o ld t h a t a person could go mad or turn in to a madman, meaning he went insane. The expres sion "mad-dog" meant the same thin g - - i n s a n it y . The word "mad" also meant anger, i n d ic a t in g a c o r r e la t io n between the two words. The o r i g in a l term came about be cause the insane were o v e r ly angry, o u t - o f - c o n t r o l i n d i vid u a ls , hence dangerous.

Wasn't i t a re tu rn to s a n i t y , to love and to a s e l fl e s s desire to cherish and pro te ct? Some nine months l a t e r , a f t e r a t h r e a t to j a i l his mother, he was forced to r e cant every embrace. He was made to feel a sense o f g u i l t t h a t destroyed him e m o tion ally by a paedophobic d e te c tiv e th a t had followed and harrassed us f o r fou r months. Was not t h i s d e te c tiv e rea cting to the popular lynch-mob, w itch -h u n t th a t has now reached the insane pro portions t h a t were generated in the f i f t i e s against supposed com munist sympatherizers by the la t e Senator McCarthy? There is no d iff e r e n c e .

The prime purpose o f sentences, p ris o n , and j a i l s is to m o l l i f y angry desires f o r revenge, t h e re f o r e , i t can be t r u t h f u l l y said t h a t i t is to s a t i s f y those f e e lin g s and thoughts not completely sane. For, is not r e t r i b u t i o n f o r the purpose o f m o l l i f y i n g righteous anger? There was once a t h in facade o f j u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r the existence o f prisons in t h a t they had a c o rr e c tio n a l purpose - - to r e h a b i l i t a t e the p ris o n e r. Now, t h i s has been dropped and is r a r e ly mentioned by the media. I t is admitted that prisons are only warehouses fo r humans, e x i s t i n g only f o r punishment by those angry or mad.

I am convinced th a t I was rea cting normally and sanely when I engaged in an act o f a f f e c t io n and love a f t e r release from prison - the h o r r i f y i n g insane expression o f the hatreds o f an in t o l e r a n t s o c ie ty . Is i t possible f o r the m a jo r it y to ever be wrong? Not on ly possib le but very probably as proved by h i s t o r y . Is the moral m a j o r it y r i g h t #simply because i t represents the w i l l o f the m a jo r ity ? There are many people who th in k so and demand th a t laws be enacted to support t h e i r be lie fs ! But, sh o u ld n 't they remember th a t i t was not j u s t a p l u r a l i t y but a 100% m a jo r it y th a t demanded th a t C h r is t be c r u c i f i e d ? The people were f u l l y behind i t - the moral m a j o r it y o f t h a t day. So, I d o n 't want to hear the argument t h a t I should be k i l l e d f o r my non-conformism because i t is the w i l l o f the m a j o r it y . The m a jo r it y be damned! They persecuted the Jews; they enslaved the Blacks; they had to have acquiesced in the holocaust; they burned Joan o f Arc at the stake and they threatened to do the same to G alile o u n t i l he was w i l l i n g to recant and agree th a t the world is f l a t .

I t should not be s u r p r is in g i f i t is learned th a t hatreds and anger u n d e r lie a l l a c tio n s , rules and p o lic i e s govern ing the op eration o f these i n s t i t u t i o n s . An o rd in a ry man subjected to t h i s treatment understandably fe e ls he is in a heel on e a r th , under a cloud o f constant s usp ic io n, f e e lin g h e a v ily the hatred o f those punishers hired by the angered, mad segment o f our s o c ie t y . The completely sane v ic t im has no choice but to become depressed, hoping only f o r release some day from t h i s h e l l i s h , insane l i f e and a re tu rn to a sane environement - - among those who can lo ve, feel no hatreds and s e l f l e s s l y wish on ly to b e ne fit each o th e r.

Almost every book w r i t t e n on psychology used to j u s t i f y t h i s stance is no more than a rehash o f previous t e x t s , not an o r i g in a l thought in a s h e l f f u l . I t is l i k e the redneck who jo in ed a lynch-mob - because his neighbor t o ld him he should. When I dared to say in cou rt what I know to be true - th a t I have never harmed a boy by lo v in g him - I was stared at by my judges w ith a ha teful scowl as though I had dared to defend infamy.

I t is l i v i n g h e ll f o r most o f the prisoners here to l i e , two persons to a c e l l o f 45 square fee t o f f l o o r space, 20 out o f every 24 hours. The bunks, t o i l e t and wash basin take up t h r e e - f o u r t h o f t h i s space. What i t means is th a t i f one man gets out o f his bunk, the oth er must remain ly i n g down to give the f i r s t man room to wash or ju s t stand up. The w r i t e r , a former engineer now approach ing his seve ntie th b ir th d a y , was j u s t given a t h i r t y - y e a r sentence because he took in to his home two boys, ages 12 and 14, to give them a home they badly needed and wanted. Was there sexplay? Yes, there was - - oral and manual ex pressions o f fondness and a f f e c t i o n to the extent desired by the boys. I t served to give them the sense o f emotional and m aterial s e c u r it y they needed. I n e ith e r denied nor apologized f o r i t in c o u r t. I am only glad th a t God and nature saw f i t to give me the desire and a b i l i t y to love those most in need o f i t .

Die in p r is o n , I must - but w ith the c o n v ic tio n I proudly want to shout out to the world : " I WOULD RATHER EARN THr HONEST LOVE OF ONE UGLY BOY THAN TO HAVE SIX CENTERFOLDS OF PLAYBOY FAWNING ALL OVER ME. I THANK GOD AND NATURE FOR GIVING ME THE LOVE OF MANY FINE MEN WHO WERE ONCE BOYS I LOVED. I OFFER NO EXCUSES, NO BLAME - ONLY APPRE CIATION FOR THE PAST AND SORROW I WILL KNOW NO FUTURE." I f u t i l e l y ask, "Deport me to another cou ntry, f o r in t h r e e - f o u r t h s o f the world we are not persecuted."

The reason f o r the draconian sentence was t h a t I was r e leased nine months before on parole and v io la t e d i t . I had been sentenced to six tee n years f o r p ro h ib ite d associ atio n on ly w h ile on p ro ba tion. I served only six teen months o f i t f o r the v i o l a t i o n was only t e c h n ic a l, not sexual. But the imprisonment was very d e b i l i t a t i n g and d e s tru c tiv e due to being subjected to t h i s insane clim ate o f hatred. When I came out and recovered my fourteen year old daughter from her confinement in a f o s t e r home, i t was to lean t h a t my foreman had taken my business, savings and my good business name. I had to s t a r t com p le t e l y over again w ith the f i r s t nine months devoid o f income to l i v e on. A ll I had was what I could borrow un t i l I could s t a r t up my c o n tra c tin g business again. Why should i t be s u r p r is in g t h a t when I ran in to a boy I had rescued from e v i c t i o n during my probation th a t I stop to t a l k w ith him? He took me to his mother who welcomed me home from p ris o n ; his o ld e r s i s t e r kissed me; his fa th e r offere d to overhaul my car fo r the p a r ts ; and, the boy pile d his clo th es in my car to come home w ith me. Is is any wonder I s le p t w ith him ha pp ily in my arms again?

EZ)an

and I had been frie n d s since high school. Buddies, as they say. When I received a l e t t e r from him and his w i f e , Anne, la s t summer to come up and v i s i t them in Cazadero near the Russian River in northern C a l i f o r n i a , I was r e a l l y e x c ite d . Dan and I hadn’ t seen each other f o r at le a s t three years, and I f e l t the old f a m i l i a r tug o f the heart when I thought o f our past tog ether.

her concern f o r him and f o r me. She kept saying she f e l t so good about me and th a t she was happy he had someone l i k e me. I was glowing. A f t e r a few hours Dan a r r iv e d lo okin g wonderful w ith a huge g r i n on his face. He threw his arms around me and f o r the f i r s t time we kissed. Anne had decided to spend the evening w ith a f r i e n d , so she and her son got in the tru ck and l e f t , a l l waves and smiles.

Of my high school f r ie n d s , he was the one I loved the most. He was so p h y s ic a lly b e a u tifu l w ith the warmest smile and the most g iv in g s p i r i t ; not r e a l l y a t h l e t i c , but somehow strong and sensual. We both experimented w ith dope, t a lk e d , went to rock con certs, and f e l l in to a ' h i p p i e ' l i f e s t y l e a t the same time. We went back packing o fte n and would end up g e t tin g stoned and cuddling and rapping deep in to the n ig h t. We never r e a l l y made love although there was an i n t e n s i t y between us not r e a l l y de fin ed .

I remember v i v i d l y Dan's f i r s t words to me t h a t evening. "David, I ' v e loved you from when we were s ix te e n . I wanted to make love then but was a f r a i d . I'm not a f r a i d now." He asked how I f e l t about i t a l l . I was dumbfounded. I j u s t hadn't expected such openness from both him and Anne. He sta rte d a f i r e and we sipped wine and talk e d about our f e e lin g s f o r one another. As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes. We la y in f r o n t o f the f ir e p la c e and very slo wly began k is s in g . We made q u ie t yet passionate love f o r a few hours. I t seemed so r i g h t , so ap p ro p ria te . He apologized f o r not having much experience w ith men. I laughed. He was a b e a u tifu l tho ugh tfu l lo v e r . I was r e a l l y overwhelmed th a t n i g h t , l o s t m yself in a l l the years o f our past, in a l l the special moments o f being tog e th e r. What was amazing was t h a t we were so much l i k e b ro th e rs ; we made love s i m i l a r l y . I understood his every move. I knew how to give him the most pleasure and he knew my body so w e l l ; l i k e i t was his own. I f e l t i n c r e d ib ly blessed.

I remember a few days we spent at the beach once, plav'na and body s u r f in g . I loved him completely then. He was one o f the few men who I appreciated in every way. I li k e d his whole body, every pa rt o f him was in c r e d ib l y b e a u tifu l to me. I li k e d his mind, his gentleness and warmth. He always spoke w ith such compassion and under stan din g, and he wasn't a f r a i d to t e l l me he loved me and valued our f r ie n d s h ip . Those beach days are so precious to me. I can see him now, smell him and the s a lt a ir . Then he met Anne and they decided to have an exclusiv e re la tio n s h ip . I was happy fo r him and f o r her. I d i d n ' t see Dan f o r a few years. He o c c a s io n a lly flo a te d in to my l i f e and I I n to h i s . Once I saw him at the Berkeley fle a market w ith his young son. We hugged and talk ed a l i t t l e about each o f our l i v e s . The fe e lin g s were always strong . But we parted.

We went to bed, s l e p t , made love some more, and f e l t i n ten sely close to one another. The next morning Anne calle d to see how we were. We decided we wanted to spend more time to g e th e r, and she said t h a t was wonderful. So, we shared the whole weekend, t a l k i n g , re m in is c in g , e a tin g , making lo v e , l i s t e n i n g to music, playin g l i k e we used to . I t o ld Dan how f o r tu n a te we were, how blessed to have such a fr ie n d s h ip and lo ve. I be lie ve th a t w ith a l l my he art.

Then l a s t summer there was the i n v i t a t i o n to v i s i t . I went up to Cazadero and found my way to t h e i r r u s t i c home back in the h i l l s . Anne met me, o ffe re d wine, and wanted to t a l k , Dan wasn't home y e t . She asked about our f r ie n d s h ip , what we meant to each o t h e r , and about our common experience. She asked me i f I loved him. I was so surpris ed at her openess and s i n c e r i t y . I said yes th a t I did love him but d i d n ' t f u l l y understand i t . She touched my face l i g h t l y and smiled, then t o ld me th a t Dan wanted to make love w ith me and had wanted to f o r many years. I could barely be lie ve what was going on. I heard the words, but they seemed d i s j o i n t e d . I was stunned by

I f i n a l l y l e f t Monday morning, and as I drove out o f the h i l l s , I remembered his words the nigh t be fore. As I was massaging his f e e t , he spoke q u i e t l y about our h i s t o r y together and our present: "We are lo vers now. We are men, but we are lo v e r s . That is so good, D a v id . . . t h a t is r e a l l y r e v o lu ti o n a r y . Do you understand th a t? Do you?" Yes, sweet man, I do.

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Chloe Atkins

Positive Aspects of Ageing

By Craig Harris

'm glad I am 44 years o ld . I have angina, a heart c o n d i ti o n , and t r y to enjoy each day given to me to the f u l l e s t .

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So many men as they grow o ld e r are now accepting themselves f o r the p o s it iv e o ld e r man they are. I t is w o nderful, these men can t e l l you, f o r t im ^ was when gay s o c ie ty was q u ite d i f f e r e n t from what i t is today.

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Our old e r gay brothers have much to share w ith those who can look up to them and r e a liz e o ld e r gay men have wisdom and leadership q u a l i t i e s and experiences to share w ith others o f a l l ages.

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In the past i t was fashionable f o r old e r gay men to dye t h e i r h a i r , get face l i f t s , in oth er words, never to appear to grow o l d . Not any more, thank goodness. We now have pride in our w rinkle d faces, and share and appreciate our growing o ld e r as a c o n tin u in g le a rn in g experience in l i f e ,

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Call i t the A rt o f L i v in g : growing!

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enjo ying your l i f e , growing o l d , and s t i l l

I enjoy men o f a l l ages, but some o f the best times o f my l i f e have been shared w ith o ld e r men. Older men are great l i s t e n e r s , huggers, hand-holders, and seem always w i l l i n g to "be there" when you have need o f a f r ie n d . So, when you see an o ld e r man at your next gathering or whatever, give him a hug; soon y o u ' l l be sharing sm iles, good con versation, and the beginning o f a new fr ie n d s h ip !

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FAERY SEXUALITY FAERY POLITICS STUART NORMAN.

F~ aery is a way o f t h in k in g , being and behaving c o n tra ry to the r o le expectations o f our c u l t u r e . We are enchanted beings, possessed o f a rare power to love and spread jo y and brotherhood. At le a s t th a t is our id e a l; the r e a l i t y f a l l s s h o r t. Yet most o f us who consider ourselves f a e r ies are gay men, but the d e f i n i t i o n can include both sexes, even the heterosexual o r i e n t a t i o n . There has been a tendency among us to p r a c tic e a separatism t h a t almost r i v a l s th a t o f ra d ic a l f e m in is ts . But, in these times we would do well to seek out our commonality w ith other people o f l i k e minds and see our place in the whole scheme o f humanity.

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Do we need to look back and recreate the m a t r ia r c h a l, Goddess cu ltu re s? Why not in te g r a te the masculine and feminine in t o a new, balanced value system? That would be an e v o lu tio n a r y leap in consciousness t h a t begins f i r s t w ith becoming androgynous. We are already examining new ways o f t h in k in g and behaving th a t are pa rt o f a d i f f e r e n t consciousness. And we are c r e a tin g new roles f o r ourselves. I t is a process o f un le a rn in g negative c u l t u r a l p a tte r n s , i n h i b i t i o n s , taboos, s e l f - d e n ia l and f a t a l is m . We are becoming a d i f f e r e n t people in the midst o f our s o c ie t y , but we must take cautio n not to consider ourselves s u p e r io r . We s t i l l have much in common w ith our hetero brothers and s is t e r s . To o th e rs , as well as ou rselves, we must be able to de monstrate g o o d - w il l, re sp e ct, t r u s t , r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , hon e s ty , lo v e , s e lf- c o n fid e n c e and s e l f - a f f i r m a t i o n . The us vs. them approach o f e i t h e r / o r t h in k in g must cease. We need not put down or power t r i p on ourselves and o th e rs . Faeries are dealing w ith the problms o f youthism and ageism and sexism w i t h in our community. And we must deal d a i l y with the problem o f possessiveness and ownership, whether o f people or th in g s . S t i l l , there are issues o f separatism and racism th a t must be addressed. We must decide whether p o l i t i c a l corre ctn ess, w ith i t s r e s t r i c t i v e v ie w po in t, is a v a l id way f o r us to gain our r i g h t s . We look to a v o l u n t a r i s t , cooperative model f o r s o c ie t y . But can we be accepting o f o t h e r s ’ d i f f e r i n g b e lie f s and behaviors?

We have adopted many o f our b e lie f s from much old e r peoples: American India ns, pagans, eastern r e l i g i o n s ; and we share issues w ith many special in t e r e s t groups, l i k e the p o l i t i c a l l e f t . But, how many o f us know our c u l t u r a l roots? Judy Grahn and Arthur Evans, among oth e rs, have documented our existence going back in to p r e h is to r y and demonstrating o th er c u l t u r a l views o f our place in the w o r ld . Today, what are we about? We have our set o f b e lie f s which r e l a t e to the American India ns, new age movement, environmental movement, a n ti-w a r and nuclear arms, e t c . , and we need to form c o a l i t i o n s w ith these groups to f u r t h e r our goals f o r a b e t te r world where we can l i v e and love f r e e l y w ith o u t th r e a t o f p re ju dic e and v io le n c e . These thin gs we share w ith the Ind ia n s, new age, and en vironmental groups: a sacredness o f l i f e , the MotherEarth Goddess, s p i r i t u a l i t y r a th e r than organized r e l i g i o n , eco lo g ica l concerns, personhood, in d iv id u a l ism, freedom and s e l f - l i b e r a t i o n , d e c e n t r a liz a t i o n , ap pro pria te tech nology, n o n -g e n d e ris t-s e x is t r e l a t i n g , community-sharingcooperation ra th e r than c o m p e titio n , a l t e r n a t i v e healing and n u t r i t i o n , shamanism, a n t i- w a r , and a n t i - v io le n c e . A ll b e lie ve in a c ry in g need f o r c u l t u r a l change to create a new, humane so cie ty - the tr u e brotherhood and sisterhood o f humanity.

Faeries can be teachers and healers o f humankind, workers fo r s ocial j u s t i c e and c u l t u r a l change. That was the subje ct o f ar a r t i c l e in the Los Angeles Gay Academic Union ne w sle tte r by Don K il h e f n e r , a ra d ic a l fa e ry . His premise is t h a t the p o l i t i c a l ac tiv is m o f the 1960s is dead. Now is the time fo r us to be shamans, i . e . , he al ers and v is io n a r ie s to aid others in the t r a n s i t i o n to the new age. I ’ d r a th e r t h in k o f us as shaman-warriors, takin g our roles from the American Indians and from the Don Juan o f Carlos Casteneda. The w a r r io r is never com pelled to f i g h t nor need use v io le n c e . The Indians l e f t th a t decis io n to the in d iv id u a l w ith no stigma attached to i t . ("Today is not a good day to d i e . " ) Both the w a r r io r and shaman are impeccable in t h a t they have a sense o f personal honor, s e lf- r e s p e c t and courage, and must f in d a "path w ith a h e a r t . " I f we are to be teach ers and healers we must be centered and balanced, in touch with s e l f and the e a r th . From t h a t p o in t we can be f r e e , li g h t - h e a r t e d (clo wns), bring ers o f wisdom and j o y , c e le brants o f l i f e , and o f f e r i n g c a r in g , a f f e c t i o n , and support w h ile always being open to new experiences.

A common thread among these groups is to look back to the t r i b a l , m a tria rcha l c u ltu r e s o f p r e h i s to r y . Scholars are reasonably sure these c u ltu r e s did not have war, and t h e i r p o l i t i c a l s tr u c tu r e s were n o n - h ie r a r c h a l. However, men and women were equal, only d i f f e r e n t . We can also assume th a t t h e i r p o l i t i c s and r e l i g i o n were in te g ra te d in to the s tructure o f t r ib a l life . F urthe r, these c u ltu r e s were one w ith nature, l i v i n g in harmony w ith the seasons and the ea rth , bodies and souls s t i l l to g e th e r. Then with the r i s e o f p a t ria r c h a l c u l tu r e the sep aration o f body and s p i r i t and the evolvement o f the s e lf- c o n s c io u s , egoic mind, the Goddess was dethroned in favor o f the masculine Father image which has ruled a l l o f western c u l t u r a l h i s t o r y . This imbalance has brought much misery to humankind and now threatens i t s very existe nce .

Yet we must ask ourselves i f the t r i b a l and shamanic way are ap pro pria te roles f o r us, since we now see ourselves as a people, a d i f f e r e n t view from any o f past cu ltu re s

Gays are going against 3000 years o f western c u l t u r e . Our movement questions the established p o l i t i c a l o r d e r , r e je c t s i t , and is a t h r e a t to i t . We represent an unknown f a c t o r , thus the fear and hatred dire cte d toward us. We l i v e a free s e x u a lit y - and p le a s u r e - a ff ir m in g l i f e s t y l e f o r i t s own sake which c o n f l i c t s w ith the p r e v a i lin g be l i e f in sex f o r pro crea tion w ith m a rita l bonding. In our s o c ie ty pleasure has no value unless i t can be so ld , then i t is a product and thus u s e fu l. The sexual r e v o lu t i o n was only a triumph o f consumerism, not sexual l i b e r a t i o n . And too , there is th a t deeply-seated fear o f the feminine, which consciously represents the an cient w itc h e r y , v is i o n a r y , s p i r i t u a l ways which our c u ltu r e repressed I t is t ie d to fe a r o f the d e v i l , o f e v i l . I t is the ego defense against the gnostic knowing and s e l f knowledge which would break the c u l tu r a l bonds by l e t t i n g us see through the o boundaries o f c u l t u r a l expectatio ns, f in d in g them less than p e r fe c t.

having wide-ranging p o l i t i c a l im p lic a tio n s . E sp e cia lly our in siste n ce on the freedom to love whomever whenever however is a p o l i t i c a l issue o f great importance to our cu ltu re . We can use sex f o r r e c r e a t io n , f o r g iv in g and rece iv in g a f f e c t i o n , or as an expression o f lo ve. Our b e lie f s about s e x u a lity and brotherhood u n ite us. But in the wider gay community issues o f sex and fr ie n d s h ip and a sense o f brotherhood are sometimes at odds. Often there is a be l i e f th a t one should not have sex w ith f r ie n d s . I t could be fear o f committment to another person, and w ith the em o tio n a lity o f sex a r i s in g makes i t d i f f i c u l t to s o r t out emotions. This issue o f how we t r e a t r e la t io n s h ip s has gained importance in t h i s time o f curbing sexual expression due to AIDS. For, in frie n dsh ip s we commit ourselves w ith love, t r u s t , respect and sharing. And u s u a lly we d o n 't choose our frie nds in terms o f p h y s ic a l/ sexual a t t r a c t iv e n e s s . That's why sex partners r a r e ly be come f r ie n d s ; the person a l i t y is not the same as the body i t is contained in .

We have t r i e d a c i v i l r ig h t s move ment modeled a f t e r the black C i v i l Rights Movement, p e t i t io n in g the government fo r special p r o te c tiv e a n t i - d i s c r im in a t io n l e g i s l a t i o n . • •

AAA •• •

On some lo cal le v e ls t h is has worked, but on the federal le vel only a few sponsors o f House and Senate b i l l s are forthcoming, and t h i s a d m in is t ra t io n is not supportive o f our cause.

Faeries pride themselves in exp lo rin g new ways to r e l a t e . In a faery c i r c l e everyone can have a sense o f making love w ith everyone else w ith or with ou t sexual con tact. The decisions o f the c i r c l e are n o n - h ie r a r c h a l. A ll w i l l be heard and t h e i r concerns taken in to c o n sid eratio n to a r r iv e at a consensus. But even t h i s group s o l i d a r i t y can be e x c lu s iv e , e l i t i s t , i s o l a t i n g us from the whole gay community and oth ers. I t is not wrong th a t we do our own t h in g , but we must be aware o f our being misunder stood by those not associated w ith us, or our p u l l i n g away from r e l a t i n g w ith n o n -fa e rie s . At le a s t we have our wide-ranging networks and support groups s i m i l a r to those o f le s b ia n s , which is o fte n la ckin g in the la r g e r gay community. Gay males need more support groups.

Even blacks and oth er ethnic m in o r it ie s are not fa r in g well under t h is a d m in is t r a t io n . Racism and b i g o tr y are again growing. These m in o r it ie s are th re a ts to the c u l t u r a l b e lie f s expressed as dominant, w h ite , heterosexual, m id d le -c la s s , p r o fe s s io n a l, p r o te s t a n t , male values. We gays are more o f a th r e a t to those values than any other m i n o r it y . How did t h is happen? The h i s t o r y o f western c i v i l i z a t i o n represents the domina t i o n and subjugation o f nature and women and the sup erior i t y o f men and a l l things masculine. Thus, there is suppression and persecution o f v i s i o n a r i e s , shamans and witches who represent the feminine aspect from which th a t

At t h is p o in t I must turn to an an alysis o f the gay move ment and i t s problems, and then to the reasons why our c u ltu r e is homophobic. Then I w i l l turn to some s o l u t io n s .

power a r is e s . This s i t u a t i o n arose w ith the dawn o f ego consciousness which produced an awareness o f separation o f the in d iv id u a l from the Goddess and from the t r i b e or extended f a m ily . With th a t awareness o f separation also came the r e a l i z a t i o n o f m o r t a l i t y and the fear o f death. Ego defenses arose to p r o te c t the f r a g i l e in d iv id u a l psyche, the s e l f , and denied death. A ll t h a t was asso cia te d w ith the Earth Mother Goddess was a reminder o f death, o f the ete rn al r e tu rn to the e a rth . The ego pre vented the knowledge o f oneness w ith the Goddess. The v is io n a r y powers were c u r t a i l e d , fo rc in g f u r t h e r separation. And, we have been running from th a t fear f o r m i l l e n i a . Even s e x u a lit y and pleasure were suppressed because o f t h e i r impulse to engender l i f e and s t i r up v is io n a r y powers, more reminders o f the feminine.

t h a t . The s ta te is only a mass social phenomenon based on com petitio n and h iera rch al c o n t r o l. I t promulgates an us vs. them defensive ph ilosophy. But com petitio n makes enemies. One c a n 't be open and humane i f one has to put others down, beat them at the game, to stay on top . Even r e s o lu tio n cannot cause c u l t u r a l change because i t is pa rt o f the com p etitiv e process w i t h in the s t a t e . Any attempt to overthrow the p a tria r c h y is to use a p a t r i a r chal technique, playin g a no-win game. The in d iv id u a l is powerless against the s t a t e . Only large numbers o f people are r e le v a n t , thus special in t e r e s t groups must form to have p o l i t i c a l power. So our p o l i t i cal system is a pu re ly u t i l i t a r i a n numbers game o f mass in flu e n c e . Even our b e lie f s in the r u le o f law over p e r s o n a li t i e s , and in the r i g h t s o f the in d iv id u a l are i n s u f f i c i e n t to respect personhood against the fundamental c u l t u r a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e o f a u t h o r i t y , hiera rch y and sense o f mass c o l l e c t i v e social ord e r. There may be forced c o l l e c t i v i z a t i o n , but never true cooperation w i t h in the p o l i t i c a l system. Both the l e f t and the r i g h t are products o f western p a t ria r c h a l c u ltu r e and b u i l t on i t s biases, and both are id eolo gie s o f force and rep ressio n, not o f f r e e dom and l i b e r a t i o n . True l i b e r a t i o n begins w ith the i n d i vidual s e l f . So, we should not be surpris ed today t h a t our great id eals f o r government and p o l i t i c s based on p r i n c ip le s are no longer followed. Fairness has gone out o f i t . There is no lo ng-term v is i o n among our p o l i t i c a l le ad ers, on ly the immediate expedient p o l i t i c a l moves f o r m anipulating power. Now only pressure groups and i n f l u e n t i a l people have the government's ear. A l l o f us are c u l t u r a l l y conditioned from b i r t h to feel g u i l t and fea r about sex, to admire and obey a u t h o r i t y , to u n t h in k in g ly accept p a t r i a r c h a l , s e x is t gender r o le behaviors. I f we attempt to go against these taboos , we w i l l feel g u i l t y . We are breaking t r u s t w ith s o c i e t y , w ith the f a t h e r / f a m i l y , and u l t i m a t e l y w ith God. as our c u ltu r e perceives "h im ." This is why l i b e r a t i o n is so d iffic u lt. Therefore, I doubt our c u l t u r e , as i t i s , can a s s im ila te us. I f i t c a n 't suppress us i t w i l l t r y to trap us in i t s mold. I f being "o u t" is perceived as a p o l i t i c a l act by the m a j o r it y in our s o c ie t y , neverthe le s s , we d o n 't have to be on the defensive. I t is they who are on the defensive to preserve the c u l t u r a l values we challenge. I t depends on how we react to them; give them some time to ad ju st to our way o f l i f e , to get to know us as persons. I t does not means we need to hide our ways o f l i f e and b e lie f s from them or change our behavior when in t h e i r presence. But, we must not push our l i f e s t y l e down o th e r s ' t h r o a t s . We s t i l l need to stress our common humanity, and teach others to revel in human d iff e r e n c e s . We should not f o r g e t t h a t our defen siveness a rises out o f unsureness about ourselves, and f o r heterosexuals i t often a rises out o f t h e i r sexual i n s e c u r it y . *

The r is e o f monotheism and h iera rch al social o rg a n iza tio n w ith i t s g l o r i f i c a t i o n o f the God King (male) began a t t h is tim e. And western c u l tu r e became devoted to mind, reason, r a t i o n a l i t y , ego - a c u ltu r e o f a u t h o r i t y and re g im en tatio n , duty to the l e a d e r / s t a t e , s e l f - d e n i a l , im p eria l/con qu erin g, progress and production o r ie n te d , eroto ph ob ic , w ith the subju gatio n o f the person to mass/ s ocial concerns. I t is a w in /lo s e game o f power f o r con quest and war fueled by fear o f death. Western c u l tu r e denies th a t humans are p a rt o f nature and the ea rth and i t causes the body/mind s p l i t th a t has been cha racterized as schizophrenic . This imbalance toward the masculine creates a block to the v is i o n a r y , r i g h t brained s p i r i t u a l experience, and allows a defensive p o l i t i c s o f c o ld , r a t io n a l power u n fe tte re d by human emotion. But, s t i l l we have our emotions to contend w i th . By le a r n ing in childhood emotions are repressed by the ego defenses so th a t we become rob ots, programmed to c e r t a i n responses, easy to be c o n t r o ll e d by those at the top o f the power h ie ra rc h y . Emotion is to be released in the p riva cy o f the home or in p u b lic on ly in drama or war. from t h i s repression a rise s the u n thin kin g unfreedom o f fascism. I t is a move toward the t o t a l i t a r i a n , technical c o l l e c t i v e order o f the a n t h i l l or beehive. We are n e it h e r ants nor bees.

We need to stop t h in k in g we are oppressed, t h a t we are w a itin g f o r l i b e r t y , or t h a t we w i l l overcome someday. Waiting f o r someday can take f o re v e r. I t is a mindset to put o f f , to keep us hoping but not do ing, to prevent a c t u a li z a t io n o f our goals.

Yet, most people are not aware o f the p r ic e they pay f o r l i v i n g in our c i v i l i z a t i o n . They do not r e a liz e what can be gained by c u l t u r a l change. We l i v e w ith l i m it e d emotional response, body r i g i d i t y and i n f l e x i b i l i t y , fear o f touching and sex, l i t t l e s p i r i t u a l awareness, o f pleasure th a t f i l l s no social r o le or d u ty , and w ith the nuclear fa m ily - tha t most i s o l a t i n g o f social i n s t i t u t i o n s . We are caught in a r a t i o n a l i s t i c - r e d u c t i o n i s t , o b je c t i v e r e a l i t y .

The Jews have had a persecution complex and a w a itin g m e n ta lity f o r a messiah, and t h e i r worst expectations were rea lize d in the Holocaust. I d o n 't mean to sin g le out Jewish people, but they are a good example. Blacks had a slave m e n t a li t y , an i n f e r i o r i t y m in d-set. u n t i l they examined themselves and began doing f o r themselves, de manding t h e i r r ig h t s and takin g r e s p o n s i b i l i t y to get them. Gays, too, have a persecution and g u i l t m e n ta lity which must be overcome. I t o fte n prevents our f u l l pa r t i c i p a t i o n in the good aspects o f our s o c ie t y . We need to le arn to speak out on other issues ir r e s p e c t iv e o f our gayness.

The primary form o f p o l i t i c a l i n s t i t u t i o n th a t evolved in western c u l tu r e is the s t a t e , which has been the g r e a t est oppressor o f humankind. I t is the instrument o f c u l t u r a l p r e s e rv a tio n . The problem wirh the s ta te is tha t i t cannot respect i n d iv i d u a ls , only in d iv i d u a ls can do

Since we are a microcosm o f our so c ie ty and thus same types o f s ocial in t e r a c t io n s and pre ju dices heterosexuals, we are not so supremely special a on ly d i f f e r e n t . We know th a t conform ity d o esn 't but s t i l l we have competing f a c tio n s w i t h in our t y . We need to le arn to respect d iffe re n c e s and t y , too.

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The good people in t h i s country are a vast m a j o r i t y , but most o f them d o n 't t h in k they know anyone who is gay. Yet, most do. Come out to those you know, and i f they are tru e frie n d s they w i l l ad ju st to i t . Give them time to come to terms w ith i t . We must c u l t i v a t e patience in t h i s area.

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We can also le arn to t a l k to people in t h e i r own language, using words they understand tha t have special meaning fo r t h e i r socio-economic background. For example, the buzzwords o f the l e f t w i l l tu rn o f f those on the r i g h t , whereas they might l i s t e n to the issue i f i t is communi cated in t h e i r reference system. Far l e f t i s t or r i g h t i s t r h e t o r ic simply turns o f f most Americans. Using e p ith e ts and name-calling o f an opposing group only lowers you to t h e i r le vel o f r h e t o r i c . And these in fla m matory buzzwords w i l l o n ly escalate the misunderstanding, fear and hatred between you. Labels make us tend to confuse the despised behaviors w ith the person. We c a l l them " s t r a i g h t s , " as i f we were crooked or they i n f l e x i b le ; they c a l l us "q ue er," which used to mean strange, or " f a g g o ts ," which were used to burn w itc h es. This must cease. There are many non-gay people who support us, ranging from those who d o n 't care what we are or do, to those who a c t iv e ly support our r ig h t s because they r e a liz e th a t sexual and m in o r it y l i b e r a t i o n w i l l l i b e r a t e s o c ie ty so th a t t h e i r own unconventional l i f e s t y l e s can be f u l l y li v e d ; and there are those who believe i t is a m atter o f simple human d i g n i t y and s p i r i t u a l growth. These are the people we must get to know and work w ith . How many o f us have heterosexual frie n d s? Are we a f r a i d to associate w ith them? That should be an important issue f o r us in these times. Even the sexual freedom o f h e t erosexuals is at stake. We do have something to o f f e r our s o c ie ty . I f we make gayness an issue o f sexual f r e e dom fo r everyone r a th e r than a gay c i v i l r i g h t s issue, i t is more p r a c t i c a l . Do we abandon a c i v i l r ig h t s approach at t h i s time? No. But we must develop other grass-roots programs and support groups to d i f f u s e the fear and lo a th in g fo r us. We can work to get others to know us as people and to understand th a t some o f our values might be b e t te r f o r them. There are many people committed to changing our c u l tu r e before i t destroys us and a l l l i f e on e a r th . I t is time f o r humanity to again come together as stewards o f the e a rth . We can be p a rt o f t h is new r e c re a tio n o f humanity.

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ID I TORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S NOTi: E ric fi. A ld r ic h is a senio r at Keene State College in New Hampshire. Followinq are excerpts of an a r t i c l e t h a t appeared in the campus newspaper. Most of the people interviewed fo r t h i s s to r y asked t o remain annony-ous. The students interviewed feared r i d i c u l e on campus, and two in s t r u c t o r s feared they would lose t h e i r Jobs.

Gay students a r e n ' t the only ones who commented on the harsh a t t i t u d e about gays in the area. A homosexual member of the f a c u l t y , T e rry, said Keene State was a rep ressiv e , closed community. A gay support group e x i s t s a t Plymouth State College. Michael F is c h l e r , a counselor who helped organize the group, said the group has had nothing but support from the a d m in is t r a t io n , f a c u lt y , and stud ents. Since the qroup formed four years ago, i t has t h r iv e d ; i t had proved t o be v i t a l t o students, F is c h le r said.

V f here is some controversy amonq qay students and f a c u lty a t Keene Stale as to wheTher or not the camnus is ready f o r a qay o r lesbian o rq a n iz a fio n . A small qroup o f nay men said Keene State was not ready for such an o r q a n iz a tio n althouqh they did feel there was a need t o educate neon Ie about homosexuality.

Robert M i l l e r , who works with the Plymouth group, said he would l i k e t o i n v i t e gays from Keene State t o one o f t h e i r meetings and encouraqe them t o s t a r t a campus group of th e i r own.

These four on-camnus students said there were many myths about homosexuality t h a t should be d i s o e lle d . They thouqht there would be too much conservative rea ction aqainst the group and t h a t there w o uld n't be enouqh p a r t i c i p a t i o n because of pe op le 's fears of being labeled qay.

The Plymouth o r g a n iz a t io n , c a lle d the Gay and Lesbian Student Group, began through the counseling center but became more successful when i t branched oat on i t s own. Homosexuals are concerned about a stiqma t h a t comes from an a sso cia tio n o f gays and counseling. They be lie ve t h a t the lack o f acceptance is not t h e i r f a u l t , but s o c i e t y 's . And when a person seeks s h e lt e r from an o fte n cruel s o c ie ty , sometimes the v i c t i m is labeled as being s ic k .

Keene State is ready f o r an informal support groun fo r le sbia ns, according t o two lesbian students. They are c u r r e n t ly t r y i n g to s t a r t one. They have had one meeting and re g u la r meetings are scheduled.

"Students come t o the group looking f o r f e llo w s h ip , not th e ra p y ," F is c h le r sa id .

Gay people interviewed fo r t h i s s to r y said Keene State was ge n e ra lly a repressiv e place to be fo r a gay person. They said they are t i r e d of seeing a n ti- g a y q r a f f i t i on the bathroom waI Is.

The Counseling Center at Keene State is a place where gays as well as non-gays go t o help fin d answers to personal problems. Tamara Zimmerman, co o rd in a to r of the counseling ce n te r, said there was no way t o e a s ily fin d out how many gay students seek c o u n s e l ino th e re . They d o n 't have a category for homosexuality.

Gays are also a f r a i d o f being attacked. They said the chi Idish level o f unacceptance runs deep a t Keene S tate. Three out o f the four said thev found i t worse a t Keene State than anywhere the y'v e been.

And homosexuality i s n ' t ' t r e a t e d ' , i t ' s in c id e n t a l , Zimmerman said. "We're not out t o chanae anyone."

When Karl f i r s t came t o Keene State to see what the school was l i k e , he asked a woman in the admissions o f f i c e about the local qav scene. The woman was annarently embarrassed and had never been asked t h a t qu estio n. She l e f t the o f f i c e f o r several minutes and t o l d him to c a l l the "school p s y c h i a t r i s t " with his questio n.

When gay students do go to the counseling cen ter, Zimmerman sa id , there seems t o be a common thread to t h e i r experiences. The problem is not w ith t h e i r sexual p re f e n c e s , ! t * s w vh s o c i e t y 's lack of sup port, she said.

FRANK GRANT INTERVIEWS

LUIQ AMEDEO onARCIGay

In the Winter 19B4/85((#41) issue o f RFD I shared my ex perience w ith B a b ilo n ia 's gay camp and ended w ith a ques t io n concerning the I t a l i a n gay movement. W ell, unques t i o n a b ly , there is one, however nascent. At the camp I met L u ig i Amedeo, who continues to be instrumental in the p o l i t i c a l gay movement in Naples. What foll ow s is the r e s u lt o f an in te r v ie w I had w ith him about ARCIGay:

was a f f i l i a t e d w ith the r a d ic a l p a r ty . Another group was the " C o l l e t t i v o Omosessuale Napoletano", near to the r e v o lu t io n a r y l e f t , p o l i t i c a l l y . They both were unsuccess f u l due to an i n s u f f i c i e n t connection with the social r e a l i t i e s o f the time. Is ARCIGay the only gay group in Naples at t h is time?

What do the l e t t e r s ARCI mean?

Yes, except fo r the le sbia n group, "Cassandra."

ARCI means "Associazione R ic re a tiv a e C u ltu ra la I t a l i a n a " which in English i s : " I t a l i a n Associatio n o f Recreation and C u lt u r e ."

What are the sho rt-te rm and lo ng-term goals o f ARCIGay? Our s h o rt-te rm goals are to speak a l o t about our problems and r e a l i t y , and to ob tain places f o r gay people in every town which w i l l be acknowledged by the lo cal government. We want to be recognized as a social and p o l i t i c a l e n t i t y . But, f o r the lo ng-te rm , we know th a t a n ti- g a y pre ju d ice is the r e s u l t o f a d e f i n i t e kind o f s o c ie t y , so we want to f i g h t to change so c ie ty as a whole. We d o n 't t h in k tha t i t is possib le to f i g h t f o r our happiness i f many people continue to l i v e in misery and i f there continues to be the p o s s i b i l i t y o f a nuclear war.

Can you exp la in something o f the h i s t o r y o f ARCI? ARCI was founded in the 1950s, the r e s u l t o f the u n i f i c a t io n o f the "People's Houses." The People's Houses were places organized by the communists and s o c i a l i s t p a r tie s (PCI e PSI) where workers, countrymen, women and youth went to recre a te , to engage in sports and c u l t u r a l a c t i v i tie s . In the l a s t several years ARCI has made a big tra n s fo rm a tio n . In f a c t , many social movement organiz a t io n s entered ARCI, such as e c o lo g ic a l, f e m in is t , c h i l dren and media op erato r groups. They helped to change the face o f ARCI. I t is now an o rg a n iz a tio n where a l l social movements can f in d p o l i t i c a l , c u l t u r a l , and m aterial resources to r e a liz e t h e i r go als. ARCI's membership num bers more than 1,500,000 members. (The populatio n o f I t a l y is 55-fiO m i l l i o n s ) .

Say something about the gay movement in I t a l y as a whole. In I t a l y the gay movement sta rte d about 15 years ago. FUORI! (Fronte U n it a r io d e g li Omosessual1 R iv o lu z io n a ri I t a l i a n ! ) was f i r s t . In 1975 nine l e f t i s t groups emerged. In the end o f the 1970s the gay movement sta rte d to con f r o n t the I t a l i a n p o l i t i c a l p a rtie s and local governments. The r e c e p t i v i t y o f the Communist pa rty was important. The gay group o f Bologna (Cuciolo G iu giro) in 1982 won a place c a lle d the Cassero, thanks to the help o f the l e f t i s t m u n ic ip a l it y and the Communist mayor. The Cassero is the f i r s t I t a l i a n Ga^ Center.

ARCIGay is the pa rt o f ARCI where the gay movement works. I t began in 1980 and was, in the beginning, j u s t an i n formal c o o rd in a tio n o f gay groups scattered throughout I t a l y . But, in A p r i l we w i l l have our f i r s t congress. So, we w i l l have a real natio nal o r g a n iz a tio n , a r u l i n g group, and a "whole f a c e ." ARCIGay groups are c u r r e n t ly organized in T orin o, Milano, Venezia, Bologna, Pavia, Bergamo, Brescia, Roma, Catanzaro, N a po li, Palermo, Fogg ia, Ragusa, and Genova; but oth er groups are r a p id ly organiz in g in other parts o f I t a l y , as w e ll.

Right now, the big gay movement is the ARCIGay movement. We feel sure t h a t t h i s is a very important movement! Thanks, L u ig i. Now, w i l l you in troduce y o u r s e lf to the readers o f RFD?

Describe, s p e c i f i c a l l y , the ARCIGay movement in Naples. When did i t s t a r t ? Were there e a r l i e r attempts to s t a r t a gay group?

W ell, I'm 22, a graduate o f the U n iv e r s ity o f Naples in Sociology. At present I have no jo b . I am the President o f the C irc o lo C u ltu ra le Antinio/ARCIGay o f N a poli, and a member o f the National D ir e c t iv e Group o f ARCIGay. My a c t i v i t y in the gay movement s ta r te d when I was j u s t a kid o f 17. At t h a t time I was an a c t i v i s t o f the r e v o lu tio n a r y l e f t and my work was p r i m a r il y to make evident in the communist movement the problems and r e a l i t i e s o f gays. At t h i s moment I am a member o f the Communist Party. I b e lie v e , perhaps more than other gays in the movement, th a t there is a close r e l a t io n s h i p between c a p it a lis m and a n ti- g a y p re ju d ic e . I t h in k t h a t on ly in a s o c ie ty r a d i c a l l y d i f f e r e n t from t h is one, w i l l i t be possib le f o r gay people to be r e a l l y f r e e . ■

In N apoli, ARCIGay s ta r te d in the spring o f 1984. I t is the f i r s t real working gay group in t h i s c i t y . Our a c t i v i t y is on two l e v e ls : on the one hand we help people who have concerns about t h e i r homosexuality through weekly meetings where are free to speak openly and through a Gay Line (telephone) f o r in fo rm atio n and help; we also organ ize debates, shows and meetings to speak about homosexuali t y throughout the c i t y . So, we fu n c tio n on both a personal level and on a p o l i t i c a l / s o c i a l / c u l t u r a l l e v e l . In the past, there were two attempts to s t a r t a gay group in Napoli: one was the group FIJORI! in the 1970s. F'lORI!

K e n Concar is a s t r u g g lin g and ta le n te d a r t i s t , l i v i n g in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He fe e ls t h a t he has progressed through several steps o f evolvement before f i n a l l y s e t t l i n g in t h i s small town in the h i l l s o f no rthern Arkansas. O r i g i n a l l y from Ohio, "too long ago to mention", he f i r s t came to Eureka in 1971 on a buying t r i p wh ile working fo r a p o tte r y company. " I t gave me the o p p o r tu n ity to see the town, and I was impressed by the gentle g a y - s tr a ig h t mixed c u l tu r e th e re ; I decided I ' d l i k e to l i v e here, and f i v e months l a t e r I moved." "When I got here I did yard work, painted fences (a Tom Sawyer s o r t o f e x is te n c e ) , doing a l o t o f f l o r a l a r t , pencil sketches o f the V ic t o r i a n houses. I wasn't s e l l i n g i t ; I was h idin g i t . In s p i t e o f my background in a r t , I saw i t as on ly an amusement. I ' d s o r t - o f r e t i r e d from teaching English and a r t ( s ix years) in a j u n i o r high school. I lik e d working w ith k id s , e s p e c ia lly in a r t , but I hated the a d m in is t r a t io n 's red tape t h a t goes along w ith any school s i t u a t i o n . " Ken said he had taken a l l the a r t t h a t his high school had to o f f e r in Avon Lake, Ohio. He was a part o f the " a r t is f o r everyone" movement. " I d i d n ' t t h in k t h a t people r e a l l y saw what was around them, d i d n ' t grasp the ideas o f saving f o r e s t s , or the id e a ls o f a r c h i t e c t u r e . " " I be lie ve people should s t i l l be aware o f the a r t w o r l d . . . n o t everyone who studie s a r t becomes an a r t i s t , but I did believe t h a t back the n." " I l e f t Eureka Springs in August o f 1976 f o r New York beÂ cause I had come to a p o in t in my l i f e t h a t I f e l t stagÂ nant - - had shown my work in successful showings, then pulled a Peggy Lee t r i p and said ' w e l l , is t h a t a l l there is ? ' and stared out the window f o r two months. Then I met a man, an acto r from a t o u rin g company. He was from New York; I ' d met hftn e a r l i e r in C a l i f o r n i a , and he got on me about 'doing more', making i t in New York. I li s t e n e d , then packed f o r New York."

low did New York a f f e c t your a rt? " I was t o t a l l y unprepared f o r what i t took to do a show. I had l e f t the V i c t o r i a drawings in Eureka and had put aside what I ' d been doing th e re . And, I sold most o f my possessions before le avin g f o r New York. There was a period where I spent much o f my time meeting K y le 's (the a c t o r) f r ie n d s , being careless about savings and less a t t e n t i v e to job huntin g. I was p r e t t y old f o r being so unconcerned." "The a r t was set aside, due to the changes in atmosphere. You deal w ith people in a very d i f f e r e n t way in New York. A rt f e l l by the wayside f o r the f i r s t three years I was there " I t was l i k e takin g a dive in to an u n f a m il ia r pool at 60

JIM LONG INTERVIEWS ARTIST n ig h t! Quiet and serene turned in to f r a n t i c and lo ud. was very d i s o r ie n t e d . "

KEN CONCAR

I knew I would be more pro du ctive. I believe in my a r t work not r a th e r than the 'please everyone' game o f big c ity a rt. I have t h is preoccupation w ith the moon drapes. I s t i l l do the ferns and flo w ers, too , and s t i l l be lie ve in them. I'm t r y i n g to create the i l l u s i o n o f depth on a f l a t plane w ith the drapes s e r i e s . "

Why'd you stay? " I t ' s hard to admit being o f f balance, but I w a s ...v e r y depressed. My a r t became empty f i r e escapes, empty-eyed people. I kept th in k in g I ' d f in d beauty, and I did but I c o u ld n 't plub in to i t and th e re fo re c o u ld n 't express i t . I do l i k e New York; i t j u s t took several years to learn tha t i t wasn't my place to be."

Why d o n 't you do ' t o u r i s t a r t ' ? cash a v a ila b le from t h a t .

There's c e r t a i n l y more

"Fear o f success w ith i t , probably! What would I do w ith money? I ' d l i k e people to see o th er thin gs than sidewalk a r t - - to see o th er thin gs th a t are happening. When kids brin g over parents to say 'lo o k Mom, i s n ' t t h i s n e a t? ', and ask questio ns, I feel l i k e I'm s t i l l t r y in g to teach on some l e v e l . Exposure is a r t f o r everyone in a way.''

"Some o f the jobs were f u n - - l i k e the showroom work w ith Burney Joy.- I did fre e -la n c e design, worked w ith him at Lincoln Center at Christmas w ith Amal and the Night V i s i t o r ( w r i t t e n by John Carlo M i n o t t i , a wonderful f i e s t y l i t t l e I t a l i a n man). I worked f o r Carl M i l l e r Associates doing f a b r i c de sign, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had a show o f f l o r a l wate rcolors a t Ed S t i f f l e r s when he was on the East s id e . Some o f my things from t h a t show went to Argentina. I would have been beter o f f in New York w ith be tte r business sense."

" I 'm planning a new l i n e o f notecards. The ones you see a l l over town were from drawings I sold cheap before mov ing away, and the buyer p r in te d them up and has sold thousands over the yea rs. Not very smart on my p a r t . "

" I believe t h a t i f you fo r g e t the past you have to con tin ue r e l i v i n g i t u n t i l you le arn i t . I f you d o n 't b u ild on the past you d o n 't get anywhere. I'm a L ib r a , so I jumped on the o th er scale. I need the balance. I was working more from the h e a r t 's eye, the love side w ith my pen and in k work. The present p r o je c t , a series c a lle d 'Moon Drapes' are a th in k in g re a c tio n . You have to t h in k about what's going on; t h e y 'r e not j u s t p r e t t y li n e s in fr o n t o f the moon. Now, I'm working on two g rids th a t in t e r a c t on the page 'moon-grid t r a n s f e r s ' . Parts o f the design move from one side o f the page to the o t h e r . "

W ithin a few months o f a r r i v i n g back in Eureka you began having pain in your le g . What was th a t a l l about? " I have spent a l o t o f years dancing. 1 love to dance and maybe in ju re d myself and d o n 't have any r e c o l l e c t i o n . But, I feel very glad th a t I had moved back to an area where people know and care about each o th e r . I 'd l e f t many very close frie n d s here, and when my leg had to be removed i t was c e r t a i n l y ea sie r w ith caring people around. This i s n ' t the ea sie st town to get around in w ith a new le g . The steep*, hi 11s are a real t r i p , but i t ' s good ex e r c i s e , too. Besides, i t ' s given me a l o t more time fo r my a r t work. I had one show t h i s past summer that was a real success, and I 'v e met some great f o lk s passing through. The shop I work in (Eureka A rt Company) is a good place to meet men as well as s t r a i g h t t o u r i s t s in g e n e ra l. "

So why did you leave New York? "In the seven years I li v e d th e re , being in depression and poverty, my a r t takin g a back seat, I ' d v i s i t e d Eureka Springs four times. I ' d spent a month there when the t u l i p s and dogwoods were blooming, and when I got back to New York i t was in the middle o f a b l iz z a r d . I got to the p o in t t h a t I ' d go back and decided i t was enough. I knew a place t h a t was more relaxed and where I was more productive in a r t . I moved in December o f 1983, spent the w inter working on the f i r s t o f 'Moon Drape' s e r ie s . By the time anyone saw i t , there was c o n t i n u i t y established in the s e r i e s . "

What problems have you encountered since your leg was removed? "W ell, I was w r i t i n g to a man th a t I ' d met through an ad, and in the middle o f our corresponding I had to say one day, 'o h, by the way, did I t e l l you th a t I l o s t one o f my legs l a s t week?' Guess i t was a b i t o f a s u r p r is e to him. I t was d i f f i c u l t keeping things going, l i k e paying r e n t , g e t tin g g ro c e rie s , e tc . But, i t would have been a real b itc h going through i t back in New York! I t h in k I am f i n a l l y le a rn in g t h a t a r t i s t s do have to support themselves. I t ' s hard when you work from the h e a r t . . . hard to tu rn loose o f . " ■

Was i t scary coming back? " I ' v e bounced around a l o t in my l i f e . I t ' s l i k e I'm fo llo w in g some strange map and I continue to enjoy i t . I knew what to expect from the town, as f a r as a r t , and 61

"The Brotherhood o f the Star is an inner ashram or group o f d is c ip l e s working c lo s e ly w ith the E x t e r n a li s a tio n o f the Hierarchy and C h r i s t 's Reappearance in the modern world . It is a centre w i t h in the S p i r i t u a l Hierarchy and is headed by one o f the well known Masters who is a t the f o r e f r o n t o f the C h r i s t 's work." from: P ilgrim s Progress, 2871 Old State Rd. Schenectady, NY 12303 r e presenting the Lodge o f the Star in England. ► FORGIVENESS EXERCISES "The a b i l i t y to fo rg iv e marks one as a human being capable o f experiencing compassion, lo ve , and u n d e rsta n d in g ... . . . I t also helps to admit th a t ' I don’ t feel l i k e f o r g i v in g so-and-so, but I know t h a t deep down I want t o . ’ I ask you, Lord, to help me removed t h is stone I 'v e l a id in f r o n t o f my h e a r t . " I n t e r e s tin g ? W rite : Forgiveness News l e t t e r , 1040 Masonic Ave. #2, San Fransico, CA 94117 ► "AUTHENTIC" ANCIENT GAY MARRIAGE CEREMONY DISCOVERED From a review published in IDENTITY, a q u a r t e r l y p u b lic a t io n f o r Gay C h r is t ia n S c ie n t is t s we have learned th a t an ancient L a tin marriage cere mony f o r homosexuals, predating other heterosexual ceremonies by some two hundred years, has been discovered in the Harvard U n iv e r s ity L i b r a r y . The discovery by P ro f. John Boswell was f i r s t announced in the p u b lic a t io n Adventus which is p r in te d by L u th e r ans Concerned in San Francisco. The ceremony is dated from the eighth century and was discovered in a Greek b re v ia ry found in the Harvard L i b r a r y . "The r i t e consciously c a l l s upon nu merous gay s a in t couples (such as Serge and 8acchus) as models — " The apparent main d iff e re n c e between the gay and s t r a i g h t ceremonies ap pears to be the fo rm u la tio n : " f i d e s , in sacramentum, amor", or " f a i t h , con secrated by the church, lo v e " , versus " f i d e s , p ro le s , in sacramentum", or " f a i t h , o f f s p r i n g , consecrated by the church" fo r heterosexuals.

What do you do when: RFD WELCOMES A NEW EDITOR: GERRY KAMP Gerry Kamp jo in s RFD's s t a f f as the e d i t o r f o r S p i r i t u a l i t y . He l i v e s and workes in the middle o f New York's wilderness Adirondack Park. He t r i e s to make a l i v i n g as an innkeeper. He has a small compound o f houses and a lodge to maintain as a v ia b le a l t e r na tiv e to farming. He came to the lodge in the Adirondacks as a r e s u l t o f a l i f e l o n g love a f f a i r w ith the outdoors fostered by many years in the Boy Scouts. He fee ls t h a t the mountains are a he aling place, sacred to most o f the Native American nations surrounding them, e s p e c ia lly the Iro q u o is. He served his e a r ly years in the L ib e r a t io n Movement and has done a number o f d i f f e r e n t things which have increased his p r a c t i c a l knowledge. Nowadays, he pre fe rs to m aintain a very a c t iv e correspondence w ith frie n d s and acquaintances. He t r i e s to keep his "mind open in the hope t h a t some th in g might f a l l in t o i t . " From his r e l i g i o u s background, he has developed an immense a p p re cia tio n o f the value o f judgement-free sharin g. He maintains a charge-free fam il y prat i c e o f c o u n s e llin g . He considers his fu tu r e as wide open j u s t now, and he is lo okin g forward to in creasin g his involvement w ith both RFD and Running Water. Regarding c o n t r ib u tio n s to the S p i r i t u a l i t y Dept., Gerry asks readers to share t h e i r in s ig h t s w ith RFD. He is e s p e c ia lly seeking a r t i c l e s t h a t are not too tech nic a l but which are r e f l e c t i n g personal experiences. "Everyth in g was a dream or a v is i o n before i t came to be, our jo b is not to n e ce ssa rily complete the task but n e it h e r are we free to d e s is t from it. We a l l as gay people trod the Path o f D iffe r e n tn e s s , and i t ' s Ok to be d i f f e r e n t . "

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You've watched Jesus s u f f e r on the cross f o r our sins long enough? You've adopted Buddha as your personal saviour because he had a b e t te r sinse o f humor than Jesus? You've sat too long m ed itatin g w ith Maharishi u n t i l you've developed sores on your ass? You've followed the teachings o f Alan Watts u n t i l you, too , have become an a lc o h o lic ? You've studied Zen f o r years, then found out there was nothing to study? You've lis te n e d to Werner Erha rdt c a l l you an "asshole" for the l a s t time? You're a f r a i d to touch another glass o f purple Kool-Aid? You've followed Rajneesh in to his sexual prison complete with machine guns? You've given up ea tin g meat and developed an u lc e r because you are b i t t e r towards those who do? You’ ve taken every drug to a l t e r your consciousness u n t i l there i s n ' t any consciousness l e f t to a l t e r ?

Now t h a t you've read every book, f o l lowed every guru, chanted every chant, quoted every quote, swallowed every p i l l and worshipped every god - - what next? IT IS TIME TO THINK FOR YOURSELF AND CREATE YOUR OWN MYTHOLOGY.

► AHIMSA, THE WAY TO PEACE Their l e t t e r seems to say " p r a c t ic e what you preach" and wishes to pro mote reduced vio le nce through r e duced personal consumptive viole nce meaning conversion to vegetarianism . Several good arguments are presented in a non-dogmatic fashio n. For f u r t h e r in fo rm atio n w r i t e : Shri Raman, P0 Box 94, Dolan Springs, AZ 86441.

kin d, is a f a i r l y modern one. P a t r ia r c h a lis a t i o n is not something t h a t happened once and is now the way things are. I t is a cumulative experience, a b u ild in g - u p o f thought forms, l i k e any other framework o f experience. But, the p a t ria r c h a l stand is in i t s very essence an ex treme p o s it io n , unstable and impetuous. It. is no wonder th a t i t has in spire d mostly fa n a tic s o f one kind or another.

\ V J e gays cast our nets out in to the mythic sea, search ing f o r our own l o s t archetypes, our s p i r i t u a l r o le models f i f you w i l l ) , those symbols o f the human psyche which we may claim as emblematic o f our p a r t i c u l a r way o f be in g. We tend, perhaps, to l i m i t our view and focus on a few popular examples which orthodox archaeology w i l l grant us. We welcome the recent r e -d isco ve ry ot tne American Indian bardajo (or berdache) and his s i s t e r shaman as being la r g e ly u n s p o ilt by the p a t r ia r c h s . Pushed to the verge o f e x t i n c t i o n , perhaps, but at le a s t they were not devoured and re g u rg ita te d w ith an orthodox semblance as so many o f our Eurasian brethren were.

The r e a l l y l i v i n g , human r e l ig i o u s experience is most fre q u e n tly expressed and f e l t w i th in t.he Mot.her/Chi 1d r e l a t io n s h i p , and the Child in myth is u s u a lly androgy nous. A l l the e a r l i e s t mythologies see the c re a to r as female or androgynous/bisexual. Every one o f us i f f i r s t u n d i f f e r e n t ia t e d , and then female, in the womb. I f we l a t e r develop along male l i n e s , w e ll, every Johnnie is com e-la tely . Perhaps we should say the human species has as many genders as i t has in d iv id u a l members. There are many f in e gradations o f hormonal balance, not a l l o f them a f f e c t i n g the physical appearance. The very sub stance o f s p i r i t u a l a s p ir a ti o n is the androgyne, a union o f a s p ira n t and the a s p ir e d - t o . A ll o f man's yearning is our he ritag e as gays. I t is only w i t h in a la r g e r , andro gynous context tha t such an extrem ist rea ction as p a t r i archal ism can a r i s e , or make any h i s t o r i c a l sense. I t can only be seen, in time, f o r the f l e e t i n g thin g i t i s .

For, th a t is what we are offe re d by the establishment: the bones and leavings from the d i g e s tiv e processes o f p a tria r c h a l c i v i l i z a t i o n . Whether we consider the de votees o f Cybele and A s t a r t e . the Calebites and Ha-Qadesh o f P a le s tin e , Ganymede, or the witches o f Europe, we see mostly what the p a t ria r c h y t e l l s us we were l i k e , a f t e r i t has subsumed our most v i t a l symbols unto i t s e l f . We, in turn and perhaps in response but c e r t a i n l y under standably, tend to r e j e c t a great deal th a t the p a t r i archy has to o f f e r by way o f s p i r i t u a l con solation . The Judaeo-Christian/Graeco-Roman t r a d i t i o n goes by the way (except f o r a few notable exceptions) as hopelessly p a t r i a r c h a li s e d , and we look f u r t h e r a f i e l d f o r our images. I t is tim e, perhaps, to consider p a t r i a r c h y 1 the aberra t io n . The experience we have today o f male-dominated s o c ie t y , at le a s t o f such a thorough-going, m u l t i - l e v e l 1ed

In the meantime, a great many o f us are w i l l i n g to l e t the p a tria r c h a l gods go t h e i r p a t ria r c h a l ways and be damned. I would borrow J. Michael C la rk 's phrase and suggest th a t here, too, the homosexual veneer is t h i n .

Another o f his names was Ares (the man), and he wasn't a god o f war as we would t h in k o f i t so much as he was the best dancer on the block. His a r t s were m a r t i a l , as T 'a i Chi and Aikido are m a rtia l a r t s , and his wars were more dance contests than anything else . Competition was as strong to design the best costume as to excel p h y s ic a lly . ( M i l i t a r y orders have always d e lig hted in the wearing o f s k i r t s and fancy dre ss). He is a hero. Call him Herakles, Odysseus, Ajax, A c h i lle s , Theseus, or what you w i l l , he liv e d as a female c h i ld among women, and he received his t r a i n i n g , arms and name from women. He was an effeminate youth and his streng th was as the strength o f ten.

Even old Yahweh " i s " a " p a t r ia r c h a l god" only in a s t a t i s t i c a l sense, very much as an e le c tr o n " i s " in a par t i c u l a r place a t a p a r t i c u l a r time only in a s t a t i s t i c a l sense. Androgyny is everywhere with us. Homosexuality is everywhere w ith us. There are those who would o b je c t, perhaps, th a t one can read many thin gs in to symbols; one can fin d evidence to support any the sis i f one looks hard enough. I am reminded again o f physics, wherein v i r t u a l l y no sub-atomic p a r t i c l e was "discovered" u n t i l mathematics predicted i t . Did the theory "cre ate" the p a r t i c le ? Perhaps, but from the quantum perspective such a causal question is meaning1ess.

Theseus was an effem in ate youth. When he a r r iv e d a t Delphi in his Cretan s k i r t s and long c u r l y golden lo c k s , some masons r e p a ir in g the Temple o f Apollo made him a lewd pro po sal, in response to which he unyoked an ox from a nearby c a r t and hurled i t headlong a t them. During his la b o rs , Theseus donned make-up, high heels and parasol to seduce and overthrow the p i r a t e Skiron who was t e r r o r i s i n g the Peloponnese. Preparatory to s la y in g the Minotaur, Theseus in s tr u c te d his men in the f in e a r ts o f female impersonation t h a t they might b e lie v a b ly appear as v i r g i n a l o f f e r in g s to the monster. When he l a t e r emerged from the Labyrinth spattered w ith the beast's blood, Theseus was c u t t in g a fancy caper w ith his fee t and weaving a c a ts - c r a d le w ith A ria dne's thread.

To many the Greek pantheon may seem to represent the pa t r i a r c h a l system par excellence w ith i t s male god-king, and godly d u tie s and provinces a l l c l e a r l y designated to subordinates, in c lu d in g some females (who make l i f e d i f f i c u l t at times but who never overthrow the " r e a l " o r d e r ) , and in which a l l the d e i t i e s are u l t i m a t e l y ab stra ctio n s or aspects o f man (w ith accent on the gender s p e c i f i c i t y ) . This s ta te o f a f f a i r s is only encouraged by the f a c t t h a t the e a r l i e s t Greek mythographers Homer and Hesiod as well as l a t e r d ra m a tis ts , seem to take t h i s approach. The myths seem to be anecdotes, moral or otherwise. Except f o r r a th e r vague notions about s a c r i f i c e s , we probably d o n 't take the time to reco nstruct a l i v i n g r e l i g i o n f o r the Greeks, those founders o f so much we consider c i v i l i z e d . C e r t a i n l y , they d i d n ' t go to church every Sunday and l i s t e n to sermons about Father Zeus.

Consider then Dionysos. Of him, doesn 't Lykorgos exclaim in wonder, "Whence cometh the womanish creature?" He walks and dresses e f f e m in a t e ly , is quick w ith his w i t s , d e l i g h t ing in paradox, and with his f o x - t a i l s and panther s k i r t s , iv y leaves and grape vin es, and pine cone topped th y rs o s , is the very p ic tu r e o f a Thracian bardajo.

The problem i s , we are f a r too Romish in our th in k in g . At le ast as e a r ly as Plutarch i t became fashionable to equate Greek d e it ie s w ith Roman icons which l a t e r became t r i v i a l i s e d as moral v i r t u e s , planetary powers, days o f the week, e tc . Comparative mythology and a s tro lo g y have been as detrim enta l in t h i s respect as they have been use fu l in oth ers. We bring a host o f connotations w ith us in our conception o f , say, Hermes or Ares th a t no Greek would have.

His mother is the Moon or N ig h t, and l i k e the shaman the process o f his androgynous in t e g r a t i o n involves his being torn to pieces and put together again. He reappears c o n tin u a l l y as the patch-work man, a gypsy or s u f i , the fool Nasr-El-Din, the cobbler or t a i l o r or puppetmaker o f f a i r y t a le s , the Zanni, the mime P i e r r o t , the P ie d -P ip e r, and Harlequin, the gre atest o f a l l clowns, who o fte n engaged in cro ss-d re ssin g . His acts were bawdy w ith p a te n tly p h a l l i c humor, and the comedians bag o f t r i c k s to t h i s day contains only v a r i a t io n s on his own.

Some le vel o f androgynous in te g r a tio n would seem to be necessary to any worshipper or devotee. Whatever the trappings o f the d e i t y , the a t t i t u d e o f b e lie v e r toward the believed is a passive "fem inin e" one. The true r e l i g i o u s o f whatever creed w i l l d is p la y signs o f his an drogynous ra p tu re . The C h r is tia n Church allows i t s f o l lowers on ly th a t r e l a t io n s h i p w ith God which is the s p i r i tual cou nterp art o f the only r e l a t io n s h i p i t allows i t s women w ith i t s men; the missionary p o s it io n , f o r procrea tio n a l purposes. Nevertheless, the most profound, the best and most f r u i t f u l o f f e r in g s o f the C h r is tia n Church to the human s p i r i t have come in the name o f Mary, the "Mother o f God".

We are e n terin g the world o f th e a t e r , one o f the realms o f Dionysos, as h i s t o r i c a l l y i t has been one o f the realms o f gays. The idea o f the a cto r as shaman has been throughly d e a lt w ith by dramatic t h e o r i s t s . I would go f u r t h e r and p o in t out t h a t mankind's whole t h e a t r ic a l he ritage is la rge l y the e f f o r t s o f homosexuals and s t r u g g lin g androgynes toward s e l f - i n t e g r a t i o n , or a s tru g g le to harmonize sexual l y po la riz ed e n t i t i e s . Most people allow t h e i r f a v o r i t e stars do most o f t h e i r i n t e g r a t i n g f o r them. And, the whole process o f becoming a b e lie vab le a c to r w ith whom people w i l l i d e n t i f y in volves re so lvin g w i t h in o n e s e lf, to some extent at le a s t , those c o n f l i c t i n g e n t i t i e s .

So i t was w ith the Greeks; t h e i r worship was, on a personal le vel o f Mother-as-Earth or as Moon, her names are innumer able. Her rep re se n ta tive among the people was her son or lo v e r ( o r , "son and l o v e r " ) , an androgynous youth whose names are also innumerable. He wore feathers in his h a ir or on his elaborate caps and headdresses and on his ankles, wore s k i r t s o f furs and skins and a fea th er cape over his shoulders, and c a r r ie d a s t a f f or wand e x trava ge ntly adorned. He was seer and p r i e s t , healer and psycopomp f o r the dead. Call him Pikos, Salaman, or Hermes, he appears more l i k e a Yakut shaman than Giovanni Bologna's famous Mercury. He was also c a lle d B a s i lis k (Cock-of-the-Walk) and clu ste red around him were his re tin u e or f r a t e r n i t y . This would seem to be a widespread so c ie ta l grouping, generic or genetic perhaps, around an in herent homosexual bonding. Spartan, Prussian, and Samurai w a r r io r s e x p lo ite d the bond g iv in g the sexual side o f i t free expression. In other circum stances the sex has been less e x p l i c i t , but a l l m i l i t a r y , benevolent and f r a t e r n a l orders such as firemen, boy scouts, e t c . experience and r e l y upon the bond. Even among such apparently unimpeachably "macho" f r a t e r n i t i e s as p ro fe ssio n al a t h le t e s , cowboys, p i r a t e s , gangsters, and V ik ing be r serkers, the taste f o r sex w ith boys is o fte n pronounced. Many people assume tha t "macho" means "oxageratedly hetero sexual" when i t doesn 't at a l l .

Dionysos's f i r s t major ro le was as Oedipos in which part he is blin d ed , not to r n to pieces. This brings to mind the b lin d seer T e ir e s ia s . His name means " d e li g h t i n g in omens" and indeed he was the most s o u g h t-a fte r soothsayer in Greece. He was a b ir d shaman w ith a s t a f f o f dogwood, and he is associated w ith twin serpents. Seeing them c o p u la tin g , the serpents s tru c k him b lin d and t h e i r l i c k ing his ears gave him wisdom.' T eire sia s li v e d seven year as a woman (he became a celebrated h a r lo t ) though some say he could a l t e r n a te between male and female gen ders. The gods argued whether he enjoyed sex more as a man or as a woman. He showed Oedipos the e r r o r o f his way, f o r e t o ld the f a l l o f Thebes and his own death, and his ghost helped guide Odysseos home from his wanderings. ' !is daughter, Mante, was the Delphic oracle c a lle d DapHne. Oedipos is to rn to pieces, i f only f i g u r a t i v e l y , by his own s e lf- d o u b t s . As Prometheus, Orestes, Hamlet, Goethe's young Werther or Byron's Manfred, the melancholy, s u i c i d a l , gothic brooding youth is an androgynous ch a ra c te r. A strong fig u r e throughout the h i s t o r y o f drama, l i t e r a t u r e and a e s t h e t ic s , and romanticised upon by so many gays, he can be seen also in the Judas or scapegoat r o l e , and the Betraying Animal w i t h i n . The monster o f Frankenstein (a woman's nightmare, l e t us not f o r g e t ) epitomises the

darker side o f the androgyne, as do perhaps the ly ca nthropes (so frequent among Spartans and Scythians) and vam pires as w e l l . For the people who are t r a d i t i o n a l l y at le a s t , most susce ptib le to such a f f l i c t i o n s are the pale, effem in ate, s u i c i d a l , aesthetes w ith a ta s te f o r the macabre, are they not? This part o f the c u l t u r a l h e r i tage o f the English-speaking people is again l a r g e ly a homosexual c o n t r i b u t i o n .

laughing hyaena. The c o lo r and s p o ttin g and te x tu r e o f the hyaena's f u r match well enough the vague accounts we have o f Seth. I t s range is south o f Egypt, and i t makes a s a t is f y in g p a ir w ith Anoubis, the j a c k a l , as Disposers o f the Dead. Although i t s ears are s i m i la r enough to Seth's ears, i t s snout is nothing l i k e h i s . In face, Seth most resembles an aardvark, but his body and nature is not very l i k e an a n t e a t e r 's . The Egyptians, who u s u a lly p o rtra y fig u re s t r u e - t o - l i f e a l b e i t with a c e r t a in s t y l i z a t i o n , show Seth as a creature t h a t simply does not e x i s t . It remains a puzzle.

Throughout most o f the h i s t o r y o f western c i v i l i z a t i o n , the d e f i n i t i o n o f "beauty" f o r any p a r t i c u l a r generation or age as well as the development o f the a r t s in ne arly a l l i t s d i r e c t i o n s , has been l e f t in the care o f gays. Philosophers, pa in te rs and a r t is a n s , musicians, dancers, w r i t e r s , a c t o rs , s in ge rs, r e l ig i o u s monastic orders and c le r g y , c i r c l e s o f in flu e n ce overlap and i n t e r t w in e , and the s p e c if ic make-up o f the taste makers f r a t e r n i t y varies co n s ta n tly , but the p ic tu r e by now is f a m i l i a r : c i r c l e s o f men o f an androgynous, effem inate na ture, guiding the a r t i s t i c l i f e o f the s o c ie ty they are i n . Scorned at times by the people f o r t h e i r mannerisms, they are also worshipped as nearly d iv in e f o r the magic power o f t h e i r mannerisms by those same people.

The hyaena does o f f e r , at any r a t e , a s t r i k i n g example o f androgyny, or a t le a s t ambiguity o f gender, in the animal kingdom, warrantin g even A r i s t o l e ' s a t t e n t i o n . In the same way our male g e n i t a l i a develops i n t r a - u t e r a l l y from what began as femal g e n i t a l i a , the female hyaena's geni t a l i a have evolved in to such a close proximation o f male hyaena g e n i t a l i a th a t s p e c ia lis t s c a n 't always t e l l which is which. In f a c t , cop ulatio n is somewhat impeded by the arrangement, and many females d o n 't mate u n t i l t h e i r more mature g e n i t a l i a have loosened up w ith time. Consequently, s t o r ie s have persisted to t h is day that hyaenas are hermaphrodite or s t a r t l i f e male and become female, or can a lte r n a te f r e e l y between qenders. A r is t o l e knew and r e la te d the t r u t h o f the m a tte r, but people pre ferred the apparent evidence. Whether the hyaena has any connection w ith Seth or no t, i t is su re ly a marvelous example o f the room in nature fo r i n f i n i t e v a r i e t y .

Among the in flu e n c e these groups have had an e v e r-in c re a s ing one is in matters o f dress. The fashions in c lo t h in g , in the west, have been d ic ta te d by homosexuals, and have c e r t a i n l y been more o u t-la n d is h in times past than what even now we are coming to . The c o l l e c t iv e s o f a r t i s t s , etc. who created the schools, movements, s t y l e s , and periods o f various f in e a r t s u s u a lly number fashion de signers among t h e i r members.

I ramble at le n g th , yet have scare ly scratched the surface o f the wealth o f imagery and symbolism th a t gays have pro vided f o r the human psyche in t h e i r w illin g n e s s to undergo dismemberment and e x i l e at the hands o f those they w i l l then be asked to heal. Aeschylos' Dionysos, as Goethe's Mephistopheles exulted in his fea th ers. Hamlet labored under his as did so many tarred-an d-fea th ered " f a i r i e s " whose b r u tis h antagonisers vaguely remembered ought to have wings.

Our s a r t o r i a l dig re ssio n w i l l now bring us back to an examination o f the word "b ardajo " (as I have been s p e l l ing i t , a f t e r the Spanish. "Bardache" is the French, "bardash" is the English. We also f in d bardasso, bardachio, and baraxo). I t was f i r s t found in p r i n t in 1548 and is u s u a lly r e fe r r e d to the Arabic " b a r a j" meaning a catamite sla ve. Somewhat before 1713, the Dandy in Eng land began wearing a frin g ed sash around his w a is t. This sash was c a lle d a "burdash" (or berdash, bardash) and while i t s d e r iv a ti o n is l e f t u n c e r ta in , a connection with "b arda jo " is suggested on the grounds th a t the a r t i c l e o f apparel was considered to be o f effeminate cha racter. A connection w ith "haberdasher" is also suggested. Haberdash wares are, o f course, the pins, needles, threads, ribbands, butto ns, and various other appurtenances o f hat making and t a i l o r i n g . The ro o t o f the word is in the Greek " a p a r t ia " meaning haberdash wares. I t is said th a t clothes make the man, and the t a i l o r or seamstress is seen here as a type o f the pe rfe cto rs o f men, the t a i l o r i n g o f clothes to the in d iv id u a l being analogous to the r e f in in g e ffe c ts o f i n i t i a t i o n . Both medieval Anglofrank and Renais sance Moor could draw upon the Greek f o r a word to c a l l those womanish creatu res so handy w ith a needle, so given to la v is h a t t i r e , whom they found in the Levant and l a t e r recognized in the New World. One language gives "Haber dasher", the other "bardash". > The Greek images came in t h e i r turn from A f r i c a , Egypt, Libya and Ethio pia - - homes o f the old bisexual gods l i k e ptah and Turn who never l o s t t h e i r c le a r hermaphrodite natures. O s i r i s , too , was e s s e n t ia lly b i- s e x u a l, and his shamanic trappin gs remain. The leopard s k i r t , the o s t r ic h le ather crown, his dismemberment and r e s u r r e c t io n , even the v u ltu r e cloak portrayed on every k in g 's c o f f i n reminds us o f his nature. His mother was Neith or N u it , th a t is Laylah or L i l i t h : she whose body is the s t a r r y sky. Hamlet and Goethe's Mephistopheles knew t h e i r mother to be Night. Kronos (whom we c a l l Satu rn), the fa th e r o f the gods ( s u r v iv in g as Father Time) was a l l e n g u lfin g Night and bi-sexual as was Father/Mother Ouranos ( o r , Ocean, Ether) before him.

The C h r is t ia n c i v i l i z e d world is c u r r e n t ly staging a c uriou s, p a th e tic tragedy in i t s c u l t u r a l motherland, the Middle East. I f we can redeem C h r i s t i a n i t y from i t s e x tr e m is t, p a t ria r c h a l p o s it io n , re co n cile i t to i t s androgyny and v i t a l i z e i t s symbols, maybe we can r e c o n c ile the Jews to t h e i r P h i l i s t i n e adversary. The Canaanite nephelim are, a f t e r a l l , our Levantine cou nterp arts. Much could be learned from Islam i f pro pe rly approached. A llah is in very essence androgynous - - i f th a t can be "androgynous" which is not anthropomorphic. The synthesis w ith Islam w i l l su re ly come through music as our contacts w ith E t h i opian C h r i s t i a n i t y came through music: negro s p i r i t u a l s and l a t e l y Reggae. P h y s ic is ts now, f i n a l l y knowing what the ancients knew, have us c o n s ta n tly dying and r e - b i r t h i n g . A square dies to f l a t l a n d and is re-born a cube. He can only un fold his extra-dimensional q u a l i t i e s to his two-dimensional fellows by dying and r e - b i r t h i n g in a series o f two-dimensional images o f him self through time. So we, as higher-dimen sio nal c re a tu re s , can only express our f u l l selves in our three-dimensional univ erse-of-the-senses by fragmenting ourselves in time and viewing the various aspects o f o u r selves as a series o f changes. M ir a b ile d i c t u , p h y s ic is t s also t e l l us that matter seems so " s o l i d " (where i t r e a l l y s h o u ld n 't being mostly space) because p a r t i c le s not only "remember" where they'v e been and "know" what t h e i r whole atom and molecule look l i k e and "pretend" th e y ’ re in several places at once. But, they move backward through time to s t a r t the chain r e a c tio n which creates them. The quantum p h y s ic is t s , whether they know i t or n o t, have given us back our Body E l e c t r i c , our Corpus Hermeticum. The very p a r t i c le s o f everyth in g are androgynous, e i t h e r p o s it iv e or negative as circum stance d i c t a t e s . And the U n ifie d F ie ld o f Space-Time is the body o f Our Lady o f the Night, the arching o f her body o f s ta rs in pleasure is the bending back upon i t s e l f o f the univ erse. Wherever and whenever we are c o lle c te d in our m a tte r, she g r a v it a t e s to us and bends around us, en fo ld s us and defin es us w ith out touching us, "her b e a u tifu l fe e t not h u r tin g the l i t t l e f lo w e r s . " N ,

Before leavin g the Egyptians, I would digress upon Seth. The antogonist o f O s ir is who tears him to pieces, Seth was o r i g i n a l l y o n e -h a lf o f O s i r i s ' dual na ture. He is re p re sented h i e r o g ly p h ic a ll y as an animal o ' curious countenance That has never been i d e n t i f i e d except s p e c u la t iv e ly . It w i l l probably never be c e r t a i n l y i d e n t i f i e d and would seem bo be an e x t i n c t species. I would suggest some v a r i e t y o f

Here the personal, the p o l i t i c a l and the s p i r i t u a l c o a l esce. Borawski hopes to fin d a man who does not l i k e the word "man," "g ay," "sex" - whatever word th a t stereotypes, la bels or judges. His v is io n opens up in to p o s s i b i l i t i e s where what we do w i l l create a new world , a fu lln e s s t h a t , at present, has no name. "Against Sex", s trang ely enough, is a H a lle lu ia h ! to sex beyond the maneuvers in bed. I t ' s a c la s s ic poem and should be read by everyone who wants to know where a good poet can lead us w ith words. - John G i l l

Jungian-Senoi Dreamwork Manual by Stephen Kaplan Williams Journey Press P0 Fox 3914 San R a fa el, CA 94902 300 p . , $17.95 (paper)

Sexual l y Dangerous Poets by WdIta Borawski Good Grey Poets, Box 277, Astor S ta ., Boston, MA 02123 64 p p . , $5.00 paper Walta Borawski can w r ite a t i n g l y , sexy, S & M poem and make i t s in g , unchained, across the page:

The Jungian Senoi Dreamwork Manual is not another book about "dream i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , " but more a workbook f o r "hands-on," so to speak, a p p l ic a t io n o f the Jungian Senoi I n s t i t u t e based in Berkeley.

Don' t Move

one wrist from the other, you ordered, Now Tick mcTaTT over.

Like Montague Ullman's "Working w ith Dreams" (Delacorte Press, 1979), i t is more o f a handbook on using the healing power o f dreams, in re-e xpe rie n cin g them. Based on actual dreamwork from cases at the I n s t i t u t e , W illiams constructs a workbook manual fo r the in te r e s te d to "re-experie nce" t h e i r own dreams, with the hope o f re s o lv in g problems.

And l i k e a t i r e d or drunken b a l l e t dancer my tongue t w i r l e d , passion w ith out form, takin g your pleasure moans for applause, & flo w ers. ( from S u rp ris in g Kisses)

The method in volves three major techniques; "working with nightmares," "transpersonal dreamwork," and " l u c i d dreaming." As a basis, Carl Jung's method o f u n iv e r s a li z in g dream sym bols along the li n e s o f myth and f o l k t a l e s (centered in Jung's basic "Archetypes") is u t i l i z e d and expanded. W illiam s departs from Jung's mere 1in k in g o f dream symbols w ith mythology, alchemy and oth er sources, to his method o f re-e xpe rie n cin g actual dreams, which might include reshaping the actual dreams.

He w r ite s p o l i t i c a l poems th a t are n i c e ly understated, not s t r i d e n t and obvious - see "Live Free or D ie "; he w r ite s love poems to Michael th a t are q u i e t l y rom antic, "For Michael, on the b rin k o f depression & war"; he w r ite s poems to frie n d s th a t are tender and lo v in g l i k e "Wool g a thering" and " S t . Theresa o f Hemenway S t r e e t . " And always the tone is one o f someone who cares, who can be in tim a te . To put i t simply: Borawski's poems are a pleasure. You feel as i f you know him, his fe a rs , his campy moods, even his h u r ts . This is no mean accomplish ment - to say o f a poet, "He t a lk s l i k e someone I know. He's so n a t u r a l , he doesn't sound l i k e a p o e t!" Ah, but he i s . Don't knock the real t h in g . I t ' s a rare poet who comes s t r a i g h t at you l i k e someone you know, hooks your arm in his and s t a r t s t a l k i n g q u i e t l y in your ear as you walk along. His poems themselves are s u r p r is in g kisses.

This p r a c tic e is based f u r t h e r on the supposed pra ctice s o f the Senoi people o f Malaya (as reported by American Psychol o g is t K ilto n S te w a rt), whose dreamlore is not u n lik e t h a t o f many p r i m i t i v e c u ltu r e s and a b o r ig in a l peoples. The workbook is f o r those who are serious in t h e i r p u r s u it o f dream a p p lic a t io n and understanding in t h e i r l i v e s , and should not be compared to the general pop Dulp dream i n t e r p r e ta tio n books which have been p r o l i f e r a t i n g in the past few years.

He can also w r i t e a poem "Against Sex" which lays i t down l i k e i t is , shaming a l o t o f us as well as p o in tin g the way to something else w ith i t s r e f r a i n , "why do i t ? "

Stephen Kaplan W illiams is a Jungian t h e r a p i s t / a n a l y s t and founder o f the Jungian-Senoi I n s t i t u t e , as well as an i n s t r u c t o r in Jung a t John F. Kennedy U n iv e r s i ty .

i f i t ’ s reduced to mundane, fucled-up masculine matters o f I put i t i n you OR You put vt Tn me OR [ can do i t only w ijh men who are not f a t , not femme, are * p ro fe s s io n a l, have less than 30 years' experience; d o n 't do drugs, or S&M why do i t ?

The workbook is i l l u s t r a t e d , a p p r o p r ia te ly w ith i l l u s t r a t i o n s from old Alchemy t e x t s , mostly used in Jung's own "Psychol ogy and Alchemy." W illiams has p u rpo rte dly taken Jung's foundation and b u i l t upon i t , to create a possib le new ana l y t i c method fo r dream an alysis and a p p l ic a t io n . Though the format is at best unim pressiv e,the message and in fo rm atio n is there f o r those who are lo o k in g . Most Aquarian minded people w i l l f in d i t engrossing. The book is recommended to anyone in te re ste d in serious dream an alysis and can be purchased from the I n s t i t u t e f o r 17.95 (paper) a t : JUNGIAN SENOI INSTITUTE P.0. Box 9036M Berkeley, CA 94709

i f i t ' s kneeling to married men, who want cake, who want to be eaten: who l i v e respectable but l e t queer creeps, commie faggot weirdos blow them in the dark why do i t ? . . .

--Robert J. Dorn

and ends w ith the l i n e s ,

I know why I do i t , hoping rlways to once fin d a man who does not l i k e the word, gropes f o r renewal & a new name.

Earth Wi sdom by Dolores LaChapelle Finn H i l l A r t s , Publishers PO Box 542 S ilv e r t o n , Colorado 81433

S t y l i s t i c consid eratio ns became i r r e l e v a n t when compared to the value o f in form atio n Dolores LaChapelle imparts in t h i s workbook. She's used t h i s op p o rtu n ity to take us along on her personal jo urney o f body, mind and s p i r i t in search o f the Earth Wisdom we so de a rly need f o r our own he alth and s u r v i v a l , as well as t h a t o f our b e a u t i f u l , lo n g - s u f fe r in g

A f te r many f a ls e s t a r t s over a two year p e rio d, I was f i n a l l y able to get th ru t h i s book! I d i d n ' t want to s l i g h t i t s im portant subje ct m a tte r, y e t I found i t s a u thor's dense prose and copious references (some 377 in a l l ) very d i f f i c u l t to wade through. But the reference notes and appendices may prove h e lp fu l to many readers o f t h is book. She expla in s in a c lo s in g chapter th a t indeed, t h is is a textbook which she wrote f o r the I n t e r n a t io n a l College "New Natural Philosophy S e rie s ." Once I got ov er my r e a c tio n to s t y l i s t i c problems, I gained much o f personal value from Ms. LaChapelle's c r e a tiv e synthesis o f ideas on t h i s v i t a l theme o f how to regain harmony with the Earth.

--B ill

(Blu eja y) Murphy

Homosexuals in H is to r y : A Study o f Ambivalence in Society, L i t e r a t u r e and the Arts By A L Rowse New York, C a rro ll h Graf (1983, 1977) $9.95 260 F i f t h Ave., New York, NY 10001 This is a paperback r e p r i n t o f a book f i r s t published in 1977. B a s ic a lly i t is a survey o f gay men who have been i n f l u e n t i a l since Medieval times. In m o s t cases, t h e i r homosexuality was completely hidden during t h e i r l i f e t i m e s , or else not w idely known. Even when the ac t io n s o f these men or t h e i r treatment by contemporaries was a d i r e c t r e s u l t o f t h e i r gayness, i t has ofte n been ignored by present-day schola rs.

In the f i r s t o f fo u r p a r ts , the author shows how i n t r i n s i c a l l y mountains have been connected w ith the founding o f the prophetic r e l i g i o n s , in c lu d in g J u d a o - C h r is tia n it y and Islam. She shows the in flu e n ce o f Earth forms on the mental imagery o f p r i m i t i v e cu ltu re s such as those in p r e - C h r is tia n Europe (Paganism), Amerindian s p i r i t u a l i t y , the Ele usinia n Mysteries o f Greece, as well as Chinese Taoism and Japanese Shintoism.

Homosexuals in H is to r y is both a welcome and valuable document o f gay h i s t o r y and a source o f m aterial not a v a ila b l e to (or made a v a ila b le by) s t r a i g h t h is to r ia n s and c r i t i c s . Rowse is an eminent, though somewhat ic o n o c l a s t i c , scholar who is an h i s t o r ia n but who has made in valu ab le c o n t r ib u tio n s to l i t e r a r y c r i t i c i s m , as in his biography o f Shakespeare, by showing that i t should not be, and cannot be divorced from the h i s to r y o f the a u th o r 's times. Rowse is a s p e c i a l i s t in the English Renaissance, so t h a t is the strongest pa rt o f the book.

Part I I is about MIND. The physical environment is an extension o f ou rselves, as described by Gregory Bateson's cybernetics th e o r ie s . The mind is not simply a cen tra l processor o f in fo r m a tio n , but also encompasses ALL OF THE PATHWAYS AND SOURCES OF DATA as w e ll. Thus, the lands cape, or "PLACE," as she c a l l s i t , is i n e x t r i c a b l y a part o f our mental selves and vice versa. But due to both n a t ural e v o lu tio n and to r e g r e t t a b le events in European h i s t o r y , Western c i v i l i z a t i o n became divorced from i t s o r i gins; i t s t i e s w ith PLACE and the Earth. The r e l a t i v e l y young (new) Neo-cortex is characterized as being p r a c t i c a l l y is o la te d from the more ancient mammalian and r e p t i l ian areas o f the "T riu ne B r a in . " These fa c to rs combined to block most o f our a b i l i t i e s to access deeper le v e ls o f body/mind knowledge and Earth-d erived awareness. Our brains and our mental fun ctions have grown imbalanced in favor o f r a t i o n a l , a n a l y t i c a l ( l e f t b r a in ) ; to the v i r t u al exclusion o f the s p a t i a l , a e s t h e t ic , and syn th e tic ( r i g h t bra in ) fu n c tio n s .

Homosexuals in H is to ry begins w ith in fo rm atio n about the Medieval kings W illia m Rufus (1056-1100) and Richard Lion Heart (1157-99) and goes on to cover such modernday fig u re s as the two Lawrences, Genet, and E.M. F o rs te r. A ll but one or two o f the subjects are from western Europe or the U.S. As Rowse once explained to me, his aim was " t o t r e a t the subje ct as a more or less normal human phenomenon." This he does, by presenting sketches (sometimes thumb n a i l , sometimes d e t a ile d ) o f i n f l u e n t i a l , c r e a tiv e men in every f i e l d o f endeavor, from the m i l i t a r y to l i t e r a r y d ille ta n ts . Theur common c h a r a c t e r i s t i c is t h e i r gay ness. Homosexuals in H is to r y drew considerable i r e from gay T T b e ra tio n is ts when T t was o r i g i n a l l y published. This was p a r t l y due to Rowse's sense o f humor - as a Cornishman he is always wry and u s u a lly ir r e v e r e n t . He does understand the d iff e r e n c e between laughing a t and laughing w ith .

Parts I I I and IV describe the a u th o r's the orie s and sug gested techniques f o r regainin g our l o s t connections and balance w ith the Earth community. Part I I I uses Amerin dian imagery in d e s crib in g a balanced approach to clim bin g the " f o u r h i l l s o f l i f e , " a metaphor f o r growing harmoni ously during child hood, adolescence, m a t u r i t y , and the f i nal years o f transcendence. I'm sure most readers w i l l fin d these l a t t e r two parts i n t e r e s t i n g , i f not u n iv e r s a l l y a p p lic a b le . Ms. LaChapelle gives her ideas on what she fe e ls is the ideal way o f l i f e , p a r t l y based on what we know about the ' p r i m i t i v e ' h u n te r-g athe rin g c u ltu r e s . Theirs are presen ted as a c t u a l l y advanced ways o f l i f e in harmony w ith PLACE, causing l i t t l e environmental imbalance, wh ile our past 10,000 years o f a g r i c u l t u r a l h i s t o r y are blamed f o r a s u r p r is in g range o f i l l s . I remain unconvinced by her argu ments in t h i s area, because I feel she f a i l s to place our own c u l t u r a l development w i t h in the context o f natural h i s to r y . Instead, she seems to imply t h a t our growth has been, in some way, an a l ie n phenomenon on the pla n et. But in Part IV she presents perhaps some o f the most e x c i tin g ideas in the e n t i r e work. This l a s t sectio n deals with "R einhabiting your PLACE." I have found several o f her suggestions f o r r e s t o r in g balance to be pe rson ally very valuable. And she is d e f i n i t e l y t a l k i n g physical balance, and not j u s t in a metaphorical sense as becomes c le a r when we read her chapter on S k iin g , S u r fin g , Running, and Tai Chi. She ends the book w ith several q u o ta tio n s , the la s t o f which is from Alan Furst and is c a l le d : Have you ever wanted to keep on walking u n t i l something happened?

Another problem w ith the book is i t s lack o f s c h o la r ly apparatus - there are no sources l i s t e d and no footn otes. U n fo rtu n a te ly gay h i s t o r y u s u a lly has to be based p a r t l y on c o n je c tu r e , hearsay, and/or a reading between l i n e s . What Jonathan Katz has c a lle d the "conspiracy o f s ile n c e " has been very e f f e c t i v e in d is g u is in g the c r e a t i v i t y and crimes o f gays in Western s o c ie ty . But not com pletely e f f e c t i v e , as Rowse shows. Establishment h is to r ia n s are o fte n on p r e tt y shaky ground themselves, as well as being about one degree i n t e l l e c t u a l l y from Parson Weems and his l i e s about George Washington and th a t damned cherry t r e e , but th a t is pro p e rly the subje ct o f one o f my d i a t r i b e s . At le ast Rowse shows what could - and must - be done to recover W histo ry. . Jjm Thomas NEED REVIEWERS RFD receives a number o f books f o r review each month, and we have a hard time f in d in g people to review them. I f you are in te re s te d in g e t tin g on our l i s t f o r review ing books f o r us, please l e t us know and in d ic a te what areas o f in t e r e s t you would consider as well as the num ber o f books th a t you would accept during a year. This could be a good way to keep abreast o f new p u b lic a tio n s in your area o f in t e r e s t as well as serving a valuable f u n c tio n to the readers o f RFD.

more human l i f e i t w i l l be confusin g, u n h i s t o r i c a l , hard to tra c k down in the l i b r a r y . The best-documented r e s is t e r s are the ones th a t gave t h e i r name to the next ge ne ratio n 's dominant ideology.

Against H i s - s t o r y , Against Leviathan! By FFedy TerTman Black ft Red, P.0. Box 02374, D e t r o i t , MI 48202 $3.00 (softbound) 302 pp.

I t must be angry f r u s t r a t i o n w ith t h is aspect o f h i s t o r y - the way the names blend and separate u n t i l on ly domina t io n seems real - th a t leads F.P. in to the q u irk y nomen c la tu r e th a t might annoy you unless you decide to get in to i t . I t ' s worth the e f f o r t . He c a l l s every s ta te or empire "L e v ia th a n ", as i f in vengeance against the h i s t o r ie s th a t beguiled us in to caring which empire might succeed. He t r i e s to s p ite h i s t o r y by never men t io n in g a date, and t e l l s the passage o f time in genera t io n s . This is ob vio usly a game: he had to use the dates o f the h is to r ia n s to f ig u r e his generations, or to say something happened in China at the same time as something in the Mediterranean. And h e ' l l r e f e r to some person or group w ith o u t naming them, as i f to em phasize how l i t t l e he th in k s o f them - but you enjoy i t more i f you know who he means. I t ' s a funny a n t i - i n t e l le c tu a lis m , not uncommon in F i f t h E s ta te , the q u a r t e r ly where parts o f t h i s book appeared in 1983: you d o n 't get what t h e y 'r e saying w ith ou t some o f the study they imply is w o rth le ss. That may seem c o n t r a d i c to r y . To me, i t ' s a reminder not to lo cate the t r u t h in one book or one prophet. How to express i t depends on where y o u 'r e coming from.

This has been my f a v o r i t e book f o r over a year, but I'm not sure how to recommend i t to you. I f you have no sympathy w ith anarchism, f ig u r in g th a t (human nature being what i t is ) people w i l l always beat up on people i f the p o lic e a r e n ' t around to stop them, you won't agree much w ith Fredy Perlman's p ic tu r e o f how we might l i v e , or o f how humans have li v e d when not enslaved and con s tr a in e d . He won't give you much o f an argument e i t h e r ; he j u s t assumes th a t repressive i n s t i t u t i o n s are n e ith e r natural nor necessary in human s o c ie t y , and i t ' s t h e i r presence, not t h e i r absence, th a t requires expla natio n. I f y o u 're an an a rch ist from way back, maybe you never absorbed any o f what they t r i e d to t e l l you in Western Civ. or World H is to r y , th in k in g i t was a l l a s to ry o f domination anyway, and none o f the f i g h t e r s f o r freedom were able to keep you from having to go to school, or having to go beg f o r a jo b . For you t h i s book might get b o rin g, since you'd have l i t t l e sense o f how h i s t o r y is being r e t o l d . But i t might be the f i r s t book about the past th a t you could s t a r t to agree w i t h . I f y o u 're both ignorant o f h i s t o r y , and convinced th a t l i f e with out bosses must be nasty and poor, then you won't want to read t h is at a l l . But i f you've spent any time reading h i s t o r y and hoping to make sense o f i t , and i f t h is study has discouraged you because the good guys disappear when you look at them too clo se , and any group you f in d opposing i n j u s t i c e seems w i t h in a generation ( i f i t la s ts th a t long) to be in ve n tin g new forms o f domination, then t h is l i t t l e book may be the l i b e r a t i n g , sky-opening experience f o r you th a t i t was f o r me.

Why should I push t h i s book in a jo urn a l f o r country faggots? The c lo s e s t i t comes to a reference to our ways o f lo v in g is a snide im p lic a t i o n about the f r u s t r a t e d s e x u a lit y o f monks. For a l l the book t e l l s me, Fredy Perlman may b e lie ve t h a t humans in the State o f Nature are "h e tero sexua l" . I t say he might, but I d o n 't t h in k he does, or should. The rhythms t h a t RFD c o n t r ib u to r s are t r y i n g to reclaim are too much l i k e the rhythms t h a t t h i s l i t t l e book t r i e s to v in d ic a t e out o f the chro nicle s o f Leviathan. And when I reach the end o f the book, and the e x h o rta tio n to get out o f h i s - s t o r y and in to the dance, i t ' s w ith you t h a t I hope to le arn the dance, and w ith you th a t I want to share the book.

Fredy Perlman t e l l s the s to r y o f the State, the i n s t i t u t i o n o f human domination, from i t s o r i g in s in Mesopo tamia through the ancient world empires and the mediaeval Church to the modern nations and the conquest o f Ameri ca. The e a r ly p a r ts , i f t h e y 'r e to t e l l a s to ry a t a l l , have to include a l o t o f s pe culatio n , and F.P. gets r i g h t in to i t , in ve n tin g Mesopotamian characters ( I sup pose) out o f raw cla y fo r his account o f how such a thin g as kin gship could come about. I t ' s as i f he wanted to encourage us from the beginning to have the a t t i t u d e o f l i s t e n i n g to legend more than reading a textbook, so th a t even when we came to characters whose existence was b e t te r documented, we should be lie ve nothing th a t d i d n ' t make sense to us. This documentation business may be a problem fo r some. My f r ie n d picks up the book and wonders how anyone can presume to w r i t e h i s t o r y with ou t any foo tn otes. The th in g i s , t h is i s n ' t supposed to be h i s t o r y , even r e v i s i o n i s t h i s t o r y , as much as a c r i t i c i s m o f h i s t o r y . People l i v i n g ou tsid e o f dominating stru c tu re s d o n 't g e n e ra lly have h i s t o r i e s , says Fredy Perlman, but t h e i r memories are long. W r itte n ch ro n icle s subvert t h is memory and impose t h e i r own bias. The c h r o n i c le r es ta b lis h e s the r ig h t s and facts o f lo r d s h ip : p a t e r n i ty and conquest. I t ' s not j u s t th a t the winners can sym pathiz e w ith a like-minded enemy who l o s t , but losers who were s t r u g g lin g f o r something other than dominion a r e n ' t even understood by h i s t o r y . To the extent a resista nce movement helps to l i b e r a t e people in to a

- Jimmy G r i f f i n

Backtrack by Joseph Hansen Penguin (1983, 1982) $2.95 Followers o f Hansen's B ra n d ste tte r d e te c tiv e series may i n i t i a l l y be a l i t t l e disappointed in t h i s one, but they w ill soon get over i t . The hero o f Backtrack is a f e i s t y , dim utive teenager, Alan T a rr. He sets out to attend his divorced f a t h e r ' s fu n e r al but fin d s adventure and is nearly murdered. A gay T r i x i e Belden is about the idea.

COLLECTORS BO OK READERS

BOOK

BO O KS FOR G AY PEOPLE

Alan survives a car crash, loses his v i r g i n i t y ( t o a g i r l ) , brushes o f f a p r o p o s itio n or two, gets raped, loves his f a t h e r 's lo ver (male), breaks both le gs, and gets stabbed in h o s p i t a l, not ne ce ssa rily in t h a t ord er.

• FICTION • AUTOBIOGRAPHIES • POETRY • BIOGRAPHIES • FIRST EDITIONS • OUT OF PRINT • HARO TO FINO Our fiction and poetry have homosexual o» lesbian characters and themes Biographies and autobiographies are about gays And authors may be gay or straight, and of the 20th Century Our speciality is hardcover books And catalogues are tree mailed First C la ss m envelopes For the current issue write

Alan has never known his f a t h e r , but becomes suspicious o f the circumstances o f his death. A f t e r an assortment o f t w is t s and tu r n s , he manages to solve the murder. This one should keep you on the edge o f your c h a ir .

BOOKS BOHEMIAN P O Box 6 2 4 6 Dept Rf(j Glendale CA 9 1 205

- Jim Thomas

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Displaced p o tter seeks to abandon th is uAban pugatory once and for alt.. I'm a 24 ija . old graduate from Bennington; a c m a m id major who t r i e d unsuccess frilly to &helve, hi.& passion fo r the clay a r t s , b eliev in g that such a c t iv it y would do l i t t l e to ben ef.lt mankind. The time has come to tuAn in my CAown of th o rn s, and to pay mo>le a tten tio n to theAe awful ceram ics withdAawal pang.6 . This open-minded, amiable, resp o n sib le , in ip lA c d , and enjoyable io u l is a c tiv e ly seeking an a p pren tice-typ e aAAangement. p r e fe r a b le in a ru ra l i e t t i n g . W illing to r e lo c a t e to any co rn er of the glob e fo r a mutually agreea b le s itu a tio n . At ichoo l the focui wai mainly on the c rea tiv e p r o c e a , hence, 7 m in e d oat on the more philosophical. a sp ecti of the a r t form. I seek to make my work more ho neit, to i h l f t the importance back to where i t b e lo n g i: Apprecia tin g the cla y , th e f i r e , t h e __moment, e t c . Should th is re q u ir e my re tu rn ing to th e more tr a d itio n a l, func tio n a l approach, so be, i t . P resen tly, I house-manage a psychia t r ic half-way house h ere in Cam b rid ge. 7 could be a v a ila b le by la t e summer or e a rly f a l l . The term ina tion process is a d e lic a te one: then again, so is my mental health. I 'd leave h ere tonight, iwith a knap sack in o rd er to f i r e a raku k iln at dawn.

: i m N I L U ; , 5 / A

RFD p r i n t s contact l e t t e r s free o f charge. We also provide a free forwarding service for readers who wish to remain anonymous. Just give your address as "c /o RFD", and we w i l l forward your m a il. Of course, donations are always welcome! Please condense your l e t t e r to 200 words or le ss. S p e llin g and punctuations w i l l be corrected as needed f o r c l a r i t y unless you s p e c ify oth erwise. I t helps to be p o s it iv e in s t a t in g your in te r e s ts and preferences. Saying "no" to any p a r t i c u l a r t r a i t or c h a r a c t e r i s t i c may unnecessarily offend a b ro th er. The Brothers Behind Bars pen pal program is a separate ser vic e provided f o r our readers to make contact w ith p riso n e rs. You may want to w r i t e us fo r suggestions regarding w r i t i n g to prisoners before responding to prison er responses to your le tte rs . / S

RF> 'lew England Fans, Would be in t e r e s t e d in hearing from other gays toho have in t e r e s t s in an tiq u e s , gardening, old homes, c l a s s i c a l music, country auctions and in general, liv in g in ru ra l New England.

Any in t e r e s t e d persons are encouraged to w rite i n order to exchange thoughts, concerns, o f f e r s , id ea s, or s u g g e stio n s . 1 would be happy to send ch a ra cter r e f e r e n c e s , and p ic tu r e s of my toork.

I'm 47, 6'1 " , 185, brown h a ir, blue eyes, s tra ig h t actin g and appearing. Also in t e r e s t e d in hearing from o th er gay masculine males who might have in t e r e s t in re lo c a tin g to New Hampshire to l i v e . Thinking along the lin e s of some one in mid to la te 3Os, younger i f mature and have fe e t on the ground. 1lot into drugs, drin k in g, smoking or S6M s ex .

Dan Sauers 39 William S t . Cambridge, MA 02139

Peter F lin t Sox 24A Mu n so n v ille , NH

03457

Dear REDers, 1 am w riting from mu l i t t l e farm on top of an apartment buildin g in the middle of New Vork City (not re a lt y an REV lo c a tio n !) I do have about 500 square yards of bonsai trees, tomatoes, peppers and tre e s on a rooftop garden in the middle of the Big C ity. (Alt seed lin g s - e s p e c ia lly c o n ife rs wouEd be a p p r e c ia t e d .) Imagine what Burpee thinks when they send me my seed and earthworm order! 1 have an Oklahoma g i r t , a country and western s in g e r and songw riter in the next apartment every day. This former Ohio farmboy, gone City for a l i v i n g ( s o r t o f ] would tik e to g e t in touch with somebody with th e ir own family in th is a rea . Would love to w rite and v i s i t from time to time (l ik e planting and h a rv estin g ), in stead of ju st looking down from jets fly in g overhead. I'm 6 ' 2", 200 lb s . oj5 WASP Ohio farm boy/football pla y e r , 35, behaving 18. I run everyday in the woods near my house (which is Central Park, in my c a s e ) and spend a to t of time at the g</m. Unhappy here at dumb b a ck o ffice bank and taw firm work and have a dream to be on a farm t h a t ’ s very green . Also w riting th is should anybody want to w rite when thinking of coming to NYC (a) on vocation or (6! for the Big Break. Maybe I can h elp . (But fo r th a t, g e t some s k ills lik e 45 *upm ty pin g, work processin g) and have about $ 1,000 war c h e st. I tik e to u n ite , so drop a long l e t t e r and a photo of you and your place I f you have i t . (P.S. I get nuts over short s t u f f , l i k e 5 fo o te r, 'cause th ey 're n ice and o rn ery .) S in c e re ly , Charles S te rlin g 41 V. 72nd S t . ChV) New Vork, MV 10023 (212) 873-2347

Dean Fellow Readers of RFD, Being a new s u b s c rib e r 7 am glad to s e e so many of us who e,n/oy "country" l iv in g , but so rry to s ee so many of us tru in g to have to find someone n igh t to share i t w ith.

maybe i t ' s time to leave the c it y : th e c u lt u r e , the i n t e l l e c t , the g l i t z and glamour, the man.kel p la ce fan fame and fantune; the nazzle dazzle. mtj mind is longing to nun fa ce away faom muggesvi, be.ggars and d i s ea se; mg eyes cnave fan gneen, fresh ly - mowed lawns, on b etter g et overgrown ones with weeds nathen than gooey black tan and t r a f f i c exhaustion. my eons cnave tweeting biAds AatheA than s c r e e c h i n g t in e s and howling a lle y c a ts , l e i me be tow ened by t r e e s nathen than co n crete and g la s s . < tong to n o am banefaot again, and unde thnu brooks nathen than garbage knee-deep, and stn etch my anms without having to dodge anyone pushing dope on bumping into me.

Ten years ago I moved back to th is area with my fa th e r fo r his fin a l days on th is ea rth . About s ix years ago, 7 m a n a g e d to a cq u ire my own p la ce in the country ( I had liv e d in our c a p ita l fa r twenty yeans p r e vio us; however, found as 7 grew o ld er that "city" liv in g seems to be fo r the very young]. With a horse, pony, and hound 7 managed to conquer some of. my seven a c r e s . 7 found i t extrem ely d i f f i c u l t to handle i t alone a l l th ese years but have man aged.

i want to h u g a t r e e , g n a w a g a n d e n , have a dog and a f l o w e r b e d nathen than marvel a t how g-nass gnom thnu sidewalk cra ck s. i ’m not sane what is happening to me! am i g r o w i n g otdeA on madden on ju s t neady to s e t t l e fa n being "normal" again (is this "normal"?] the buddah knew this dilemma w e ll!! th ere is wonder in s id e : i am p r e g nant, and ready to give b irth to la r g e r dreams, i am gnowing b ig ger and b ig g er with Love and ready (almost! to leave the c it y !

GAYM.FN & LESBIANS, NOP^I’FPM MAINE S NEW BRUNSWICK. SOCIAL GATHERINGS, LENDING LIBRARY, MUTUAL SUPPORT IN THIS FUPAI REGION. MEMBERSHIP - SI 3 PER YEAP; NEWSLETTER - SI 0 YEARLY. 207/896-58QB, WED. 7-9 PM.

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Living in a ru ra l area i t is very hand to make any contact as my fellow read ers seem to know. So, any of you out th ere that would l i k e to s e t t l e in upper NY s ta t e , fe e t f r e e to w rite. 1 am 47, GWM, not in to SBM or drugs. P re fe r someone around my age or o ld er. Lnjoy nature, g o lf, bowling, downhill s k iin g , swimming, boating, te n n is, cooking and chats by the fir e p la c e , etc. Yours, Leonard Huckans RR 1 Johnstown, "Y 17095

i long to see the sun n is e and s e t , a n d to sing to the f i r s t Stan without neon lig h t s competing fan a tten tio n on le ss en in g the magni tude of this natural splendor. i can g iv e up the dream 0(J b e i n g d is coveAed and these gay faiends i e n te rta in ; i leant to have a country k i t c h e n and eat faesh baked bnead and jam o n the punch.

NORTHERN LAM BDA NORD CP/PO B 990 CARIBOU. M AIN E 04736 USA

NEW YORK/NEWJERSEY $3 50 includes Manhattan bar ’’otes & women $ section SOUTHERN EDITION $3 SO Alabama Arkansas N & s Cwohna Honda Georgia Kansas Kentucky Low uvi Mississippi Missouri New Memo Oklahoma Puerto Rico Tennessee. Texas Virginia NORTHEAST EDITION S3 50 , -nen uil IV iw.vie IV, »«* t of Coltjmtxi Maine Maryland Massachusetts New *M'i'jishwe Ohm Pennsylvania Rhode Isund Venuxit .v Vtfrynu SPARTACUS INTERNATIONAL GAY GUIDE tor men $?0 4tr »»*sl <*f the wixkt ikies not include USA t* Canada •ms t uvei.xjeonly Renaissance House Bo* 792 Village Station NY NY 10014 212 929 7720 A: hooks il.saeeity t'v ’ si ...is:, ini' vine Mamr kepi stm tfy<wifil1enli.il In list a business * iviMm/.ifton n» It* li«the» inl<*nutinn send skimped • *uti rsMti size envekipe Please contact us lo» prices outside the USA In Canada order trom Glad Day Boohs 64BA Yonge St Toronto Ontario M4Y ?A6 416 961 4161 (check toi prces) Ask us about GayeHow Pages on maitonq labels'

Join N AM BLA!

Hello V'oung B ro th ers, Are you looking fan that "specia l" o ld er b rother or ju s t wanting to meet a carin g frie n d ? Well., h ere 7 am! Go ahead, l i t t l e b rother - drop th is sin cen e and carin g guy a lin e today!

11>< \ .t t h American MarvBoy Lwvc A w n u lw n W4> lt»rrn«M 1 l.fc\**mhrr Our main Alt tu ofj&jnia* support >r nvn and hi*v> involved m visual and othrr rrUtwmships with each other and to help educate society about them, i, mis bx %t*nding up lor the truth will we Irw man/hoy k»ve i the chains ihat letter »t Fwen tl you can t come mit ivpcni\ ,»% a tsrv -k:<\«*r or a man lover, vuu can help \A M BtA depends on voyr support |o»n the strunj»k* lor our own trcvvlom’ loin NAMBt.A tis ltc -

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l .m.»d.s' t irrvhxi mm m f m**mlvrdup is S ' Prtvon.t m»*m tvrvhips jre irev l ihrarv or instilutKmal sulsscr«ptn>n> to NAMH \ i'uHi. are S.'s }vr jlMC MemN-rs r*>eoe the \ AMKI \ Bulk*t>n 'issm-vt ten limes vearh and tin tH’vsspu per lrssu.d lu x e yearly; Make all checks payahk* to the

\ «th Atneticaii Mmwf law AiBWoteftoti and Mindto \AMHt A. Hex 174 M otown Statum \ew York. NY lt»|H

I'm a GWM, goodlooking and younglooking a t 28. 1 stand 5’ ’ *", known h a ir/e y e s , slen d er-ty p e smooth body, and weigh 158 pounds. 7 enjoy meeting new people and w rit in g . I ’m honest, very frie n d ly , and a ffe c t io n a t e . 7 am s tra ig h t-a c tin g and appeanlng, and I'm not in to drugs or a lco h o l. I ’ m very nomantic and 7 love to cudd le, hold, touch, and kiss a ll- n it e - lo n g ! I 'v e many in t e r e s t s from music to g e ttin g out doors and taking long '.oalks in th e cou ntry.

i faux i (5 i s tay much longer i sh a ll be good enough only to l i l t up some pot hole, on to paste a vaster on. i'v e 'one. both be fane, h * now i pray fan a d ir e c tio n , take change, and prepare fan the pack.

Younger brothers under 30 years w rite me as I 'M "ook forward to hearing from you! Send me your photo, too, and when I answer I 'M s e n 4 you a "smi*ing shot" of me. **LEASE w rite me neat soon.

Glenn of Trees 411 W. Alt'- S t . If*'" ) New York, W 10036

Ken York P.O. ro v 8457 P ittsb u rgh , nA

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Dear RED,

C O N T A C T L E T T E R S ------

I welcome my Lao brothers to Amerl ca, and encourage them to write to me. I am an American who read s, w rites, and speaks the language of Laos. Say-by-de.e. W rite: Gary 1906 S. RIttenhouse Square P hiladelphia, PA 19103

GA.ee-ting.6, h ello and welcome.' As a new RED re a d er I f e e l th a t a whole new a t titu d e , a whole new wag of looking at l i f e on Earth In a p o sitiv e l i g h t has opened up to me. I have a few good Gay/Lesbian j{rlends but I could always use more! As I H o e In a s t r a ig h t suburb, th e r e axe (jew Gay people and no new age. f a l r i e , pagan na tu re-fo lk s In my neighborhood. So oft course T would enjoy hearing from a lt e r native-minded people. P hysically, I am ra th er sm a ll-b u ilt, about 5 '5 " , and weigh 120 l b s . 1 have sh o rt (new wave) brown h a ir, pale o liv e sk in , and my b est fe a tu re Is my green ey es. 1 am 23 years old, born under a Cancer sun s ig n .

I am tu rn ed on by teenage, boys/young men who are th in , dark, th ird world m in o ritie s . Blacks, Latins, Ita lia n s, and Asians are my fav or ite s . I am into Jean A u el's Earth Children s e r ie s , Woody A llen, Tennessee Williams, th e a te r, ca ts , new wave, new age, post-punk, c l a s s i c a l , reggae, David Bowie, Santana, Talk ing Heads and Eurythmlcs, boys, and reading and watching period p ieces from Ancient Egypt to V icto ria n , to Great Gatsby to Woodstock to "Tales of the. C ity” s e r i e s . Art Nouveau is one of my fave Sub je c t s and "rem iniscing about the future" is what I do b es t. Kisses and p u rrs, Mark 503 S. Warminster Raod Apt. K-6 Hatboro, PA 19040

G entle Souls, Truly experien ce has taught me th ere is no p e r fe c t re la tio n s h ip but I am ready to put my h ea rt, yea, every fib e r of my being into a jo in t e f f o r t to nurture one of the most committed, growing, and loving unions any two men ever knew. I am s t a r t ing my l i f e over and I'm open to a man with whom 1 can both nurture and be nu rtured; love, and be loved. To a re la tio n s h ip I bring s k i l l s and ex p erien ce in developing open and c a re fu l communication, t r u s t and honesty. I also have a raging appe t i t e for crea tin g a sense of s e c u r i ty and acceptance In which we can grow In d iv id u a lly and as a p a ir. This Scared and seasoned soul is tim id ly flin g in g back it s covers to fin d a soul male with whom to h i id a "til-b it-o -h ea v en " in this g en tle V irgin ia co u n try sid e. I have, clo sed the door on the. p erio d of my l i f e consumed with "gettin g ahead." At 44 I have opted fo r a c a re e r in mental, health th a t is more important to my growth than th e money it pays. L am an a ttra c tiv e man who tends to not b elie v e i t . At 5’ 10" and 160 lb s I'm In good condition with a w elldeveloped body (though fig h tin g to stay that way s in c e 1 love good food and cook ing). I sp o rt a c lo s e cropped beard and mustache, topped with blue eyes and w ell-ea rn ed beau t i f u l gray h a ir. I'm a photographer, s e n s it iv e co n v ersa tio n a list and curious le a r n e r .

I f you ioant any pen pals or frie n d s, g e t to know other lo v ers by c o r respondence. Age, ra ce Is not Im portant. Everyone is welcome. Write to :

C autiously,

Matthew Holmes 5 Gay Roseman 20 S . 39th S t . , Apt. 2DR Philadelphia, PA l a104

Bryan P .0. Cox 5' Manakin-Sabot, -'A

23103

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So what’ s a guy l i k e me doing roam ing s in g le at my age? I 'v e never given m yself an unencumbered chance. Now's the tim e. I t 's a brave new world and I'm ready fo r th e other h a lf of my u n iv e rs e. Are you th ere? I f yo u're in t e r e s t e d In our b egin ning to g e t acquainted, a photo would help me but not necessa ry .

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Vear. Snothens, A<s th is Is mt/ f i r s t contact letteA to RFV, should my choice of wonds seem Inappnopnlate, kindly disnegand.

RFV Readers, I'm 24, 6 ' t a l l , 150 l b s . , bnc m hair and brown ey e*. I am looking fa r a companion, lo v er, frie n d , a cheaper place, to l i v e and a b e t te r paying jo b . My Income is $&, 000 on l e s s . 7 am handicapped - m an a heaAlng a id , and 1 am hand of hear ing and sp eech . I'm booking fo r someone between IS and 50. 7 don’ t tn a v el. 7 hope you plan a t r ip to V irginia Beach, V irgin ia . Please m i t e , send photo. William 8. 0 ' ’leal 257 Melinda Place V irgin ia Beach, I'A

234 5?

Am in t e r e s te d In m i l l n g to olden and matune gay on b l males who are 5 5 yeanA on old en , e s p e c ia lly those In on around Malvern, Pine B lu ff, Hot Springs on othen c en tra l Arkansas towns. Am 62; b l; m arried; 6 ’ 1';" t a l l ; 175 l b s . ; w hite; e x c e lle n t h ealth. In the c lo s e t and venu dlA cneet. Race not impontant. Sine en e lu , Misplaced Ankan&asen c /o RfV

Dean RFV Readea a , I am a GWM liv in g in southicest 1U rg in la anca nean the town o(5 Richlan ds, Lebanon, Gnundy and Blue st e ld . I 'd love Aome lo ca l re s p o n se s , bu* applies vtem anuwiiere welcomed. I am veny d is c r e e t . honest, l>oyal and caning. Vesire a s in c ene 1- t o - 1 t e t a t io n i hip/ frien d sh ip with a gay on bl male. 7 am lin e d o$ broken prom ises, e t c ., so s in c e r it y and honesty ane musts. I am lo n ely so please l e t me hear. Repin to : Occupant P.O. Box 1416 Honaken, VA 24260

I am a GWM, *1, bnown haln, green eyes, 5'5 " , weigh 1401, and have a moustache. Being a Gemini, I have a range ojJ d iv e r s ifie d In te n e s ts , but my p r io r it ie s Include a l l types o£ muAlc (ranging from S co ttish High land to C la s s ic a l), cooking, theatne, tnav el, animals, being outdoors, natune, and genuine peop le. I am seeking conAespondance with otheA LuiMs who shaAe th e same in t e r ests as 7, p r efe ra b ly 5'5" to 5' l l " , age ir r e le v a n t , who lov e l i f e and l i v e i t to i t s g re a t e s t p o te n tia l. Best, and most impoAtant, o f a l l , ane bnotheAs who ane honest with, and n e a p e d themselves as well, as othens. So come on guys, 7 know you’ ne out thene. I f you would lik e to c u l t i vate a neat £rie n d sh ip and/on r e l a tio n sh ip , 7 want to hean from you. (photo i f p o s s ib le ). Steven Ross 4200 Hovis Rd. *75 Chanlotte, NC 2&20&

Veon Readens, I have n ecen tly n etln ed to Clemson, South Carolina, whene 7 hope to s e t up a small rhododendron pnopagatlng txislness. I chose Clemson fo r sevenval rea so n s: i t is halfway south and down from A sh eville towards Atlanta. My shrubs would love the co o l, moist clim ate anound A sh ev ille and could not surv ive an Atlanta summer, but I p r e f e r the ivarmth and tong swimming season av a ila ble h e re . The casual prom iscuity of Atlanta nigh t l i f e and Clemson U niversity one major a ttra ctio n s f o r me. The Vepar.tment of H o rticu ltu re and the Cooperative Extension S e rv ice a re sp len d id . Since over 70% o f the students ane male, every shopping t r i p 7 make can also be a fantasy tn lp. 1 am c u rre n tly liv in g on ren ted property but want to g e t my own place soon so 7 can put up a g re e n house. 7 dream of branching out faom rhododendrons ivhen I know my s t u f f , into v egeta b les, f r u i t s , b e r r ie s , bulbs, and herb s. I must fand some mortgage money. 7 am afa ald of age d iscrim ina tion at the lo ca l banks. 7(5 you would lik e to r e t i r e to a q u ie t ru ra l home but c a n 't q u ite make i t on your own, perhaps we can work something out. In Apr.il 19S6 I plan to go to Mexico to took fa r a young man who would tik e to be my roommate, workman, and h e ir . Sin ce rhododendron propaga tio n is very p r o fit a b le , a husky and ambitious young man should be a b le to g en era te a n ic e income fo r u s. Please d o n 't construe that remark as a help-

wanted ad. There are com pelling reasons why 7 must wait t i l l next year to s t a r t lo o k in g. Meanwhile, I am lea rn in g Spanish. John in Clemson, South Carolina c/o RFV

Vear RFV B rothers, I am seekin g frie n d s - th a t might lea d to a re la t io n s h ip . I also tra v el Maine to Florida once or tw ice a year, and would l i k e to meet frien d s along East coast area . I l i v e In Central Florida c u rre n tly (Orlando) b it need to fin d a more s eren e p la ce to l i v e . I t would also be an a s s et to have a s p e c ia l person to share l i f e to g eth e r. I am s e m i-r e t ire d , 54, 5 ' ° " , 150 l b s . , s a l t and pepper h a ir, b lu e /g re y eyes. 7 enjoy, and have a natural high on life . 1 have a sensuous body and need to cuddle and be massaged e t c ., enjoy loving s ex , v e r s a t ile but p r e fe r being pa ssive or bottom. I love th e outdoors, the beauty of co lo r and sound and thank God fa r my keen sen ses, also of ta s te , sm ell and f e e lin g . I am into most music, photography, l i k e working/ c re a tin g with my hands and keeping fit. I am a s in c e r e , lo v in g, and g e n tle man. My love and th e I r is h b lessin g to you. John of Florida c /o RFV

NORTH CAROLINA: DISCOVER The News & Entertainment Paper for N.C.’s Gay Community

i fro n tp a g e Subscription: $12/yr Sample Copy: $1 00

Adralesavailableonrequest P O Box 25642 Raleigh. N C 27611 (919) 829 0181

U ncover V irg in ia !

Read Our Own Community Press, Virginia's only gay newspaper.

12 issues $9.00 Name ____________________ A d d re ss_________ !________ City ______________________ S t a t e ________ Z ip _______ Moil to: Our Own, Inc., 739 Vermouth St„ Norfolk, Vfl 23510

.—

C O N T A C T I E T T E R 5 -------

Vear RFV Readers, I have fallowed the study of, aetio lo gy fan. c lo se to 20 yean,s and have found i t to be an In te re s t in g and provoca tiv e s c ie n c e . The human being con s is t s of many la y ers and I t In easy to lon e contact with the In n er n e lf connlderlng th e very fon t pace at which we lead our liv en today. We a l l f e e l the prennure of n o clety , the environment, re la tlo n n h lp n , occu p a t i o n , nexual p r e fe re n c e , e t c ., e lc ., e tc . Perhapn I t would be w ell to consider that we a re a l l acto m on the g rea t ntage of l i f e . . . that we are playing our p a rt. S u rely we have all. ntopped long enough to ask "Why In thin happening to me? . . . and for what purpone?" Astrology given ua an Inner look at the whole ntructure. and can allow un to nee In g re a t e r depth . . . when pro p erly udem tood and uned I t can open a path to nelf-know ledge. The natal a n tro lo g lca l chart taken un to the n ta rtln g po int and can unlock many doom , I t can help with In ner Illu m ination . To complete your ch a rt you need th ree thlngn ( J) date o f b irth [?.} p la ce o f b irth (3) time of b irth g e n e ra lly a v a ila b le from your b irth c e r t i f i c a t e or the clty /co u n ty record s where you were born. Given thin Inform ation, your natal (b irth ) ch a rt can be conntructe,d and then one In ab le to obnerve the banlc plan fo r your l i f e . I f you are. I n te re s t e d In having your chart done, plan a b r i e f I n t e r p r e t a tio n p lea se nend th e above Informa tio n and $ 4 .0 n to the w rit e r . The fe e Is to cover computer c o s ts . You w ill r e c e iv e a computer p r in t out. your natal ch a rt and an explana tion on how to read (ntudy) the chart . . . alno a b r i e f explanation covenlng your nun nlgn , ris in g (ascendant) nlgn and ponltlon of your moon. Pleane fe e l f r e e to w rite and ank any questions th a t you might have; we w ill do our bent to respond. Pleane enclose S .A .S .F . Peace 6 Love, Vanlel P .0. Sox 553 Miami Beach, PL

33139

Dear B ro th ers 6 Fellow RFVem,

Vear G a y F r i e n d s ,

Ju st a few dayn ago I purchased an -a cre farm In ru ra l south c en tra l Georgia, which I exp ect to turn Into a " re trea t" fa r Gay men. I plan to g e t n ta rted on I t In th e f i r s t couple weeks In Ju ly . I f nuch a p r o je c t n trlk es a chord with you, 1 would l i k e to hear from you.

1 have ju s t had my f i r s t exposure to RFV and fin d the magazine fa s c in a tin g . It is grea t fo r us fo lk with mutual sex I n te re s t s to have an o u tle t to express ou rselves and exchange c o r respondence. I do not l i v e in a ru ra l area . I liv e In a condominium here In S t . P etersburg, Florida but have spent a lo t of time In the country with b ea u tifu l people and love I t . I would l i k e to hear from any of you who l i k e good music - good times - and e.njoy the warmth of another person. Every encounter d o es n 't have to end up In a sex sce n e , but th e proper ones that do s u re a re fun, a r e n 't they? I would l i k e to hear from s in c e r e gays, p re fe ra b ly In my age group of over fo rty , but w ill tr y to answer a l l I n t e r e s t e d frien d s re g a rd le ss of age or ra ce . . . and I send my best wishes to a l l read ers of RFV.

I am a GWM. 11 ivould be very n ic e to have nomeone to nhare with me In what I ’m about to undertake. I plan to be at Running Water In June fo r th e Summer S o ls t ic e gatherin g and then I have to come back h ere (F lo r i da) fo r th e f l r n t week In Ju ly to fin is h up some b u sin ess, then w ill be o ff fo r th e farm. A fter Ju ly 1st, w rite In ca re of RFV. Yours In lo v e, Frank 1470 Menlo AVe. Ja ck so n v ille , FL

3221S

Ed Vamron GWM 6700 F ir s t Ave. S . , • 210 S t. P etersb u rg, FL 33707

Vear RFVers, You might d e s crib e me as a "c hubby c h a s e r's D eligh t." I'm 5 f t . II in. ta ll. I have l i g h t brown h a ir, dark blue eyes, and a fa ir com plexion.

Vear People o f Awareness, Many changes are be.coml.ng aware to those who are. In tune with mankind and the Forth v ib ra tio n , yet much. more w ill come about near the c e n tu ry 's end. That Is why we must p r e pare now to jo in to g e t h e r, and be come as one in a new community that is quickly to develop. We s h a ll be a Pyramid based comnunltu from a l l ra ces and types of people, who can accep t a v egetarian , clo th es-o p tlo n a l way of l i f e , with no use for weapons, heavy drugs, or alcohol and tobacco abuse. The com munity w ill be. lo ca ted In th e h il l s of Month Carolina, and w ill be s e l f s u f f i c i e n t w ithin one year of con cep tio n . We w ill nee.d many m u lti fa ceted people to begin and help the community grow on both physical and s p ir it u a l l e v e ls . For those who wish to be a part of th e fu tu re, and a re able to help us meet th is goal, plea se w rite fo r Inform ation. Fven I f you f e e l that you may not be a b le to help now, but in about a year, p lea se w rite now, as our brochure w ill g re a tly In s p ire your d e s ire s and needs. In th e l i g h t of love, Rev. Stanley W. Roosa 150 19th Ave. S. S t. P etersburg, FL 33705 (S13) S95-65S0

I liv e on the flanks of Pine Mt. with a l l the beauty o f Mother Nature a l l around me. My In t e r e s t s a r e : metaphysics, Nature in a l l I t s a sp ects, the Arts, anthropolo gy, farming, ro c 1- music, gemstones, and so much more! And I lik e men! Regardless of age. ra c e , shape or s i z e , men in t e r e s t me. 1 r e a lly dig sex but th a t's not a ll. 1 love to lea rn from other men's ric h e x p e rien ce s . Please w rite and share your, thoughts with me. I ’ It answer. Robert P .0. rox 17S Whltesburg, KY

41&5&

GWM, 26 soon to be working on doc to ra te In fo lk lo re a t Indiana Uni v e rs ity , but c u rren tly at Ohio S ta te U niversity . 6 '2 " , a slim muscular 165 l b s . , brown h a ir, eyes, and moustache. Basicatlu seeking c o lle g e educated frie n d s /lo v e r ( ? ), into o u t doors , hiking/cam ping, birdw atching, gardening, music, conv ersa tio n. 1 am c u rre n tly polU .lcal.ly a ctiv e In Columbus, nh lo . Looking to even t u a l l y have a small farm in the country. I am a ttra c ted to slim moustached men, mid-20s to mld-3Ps, Maturity honesty, and in tro sp ectio n a p lu s. Bryan of Ohio c/o RFV

Hello! My own most reveA cnt bio gra ph ica l b e l i e f - which, life lo n g {3 1 ), for myself - have been so p h y sica lly stren g th en in g , so em otively w h in in g , and 60 sp iA llu a lly nurturesome have s i l e n t l y maintained a solemn re s p e c tfu ln e s s fo r two h is to ric American folk cu ltu re s - the olde (a s te rn Shakers and the Great Plains augged WeAteAn Votive Peoples (Sioux, Cheyenne, e t c . ) . 1 fallow tkieA outlook - naturetend ing; conAtantty S p ir it u a l; har mony- maintaining - in the AigoAA o f my dai ( y l i v i n g , working, and tea m in g s e l f - improvements oa an outdoonsm n. PeAAonady, I ap p recia te s tu rd ily tm ilt American* and a d fi n e r , p r a c tic a l craftsm anship faom a r t i san* working s p ir it u a lly in woods, m etals, g la s s , woven*, q u ilt s , can vas, ceram ics, fa r* 6 buckskin, and in other u s e fu l it e m * - fa r - liv in g . I 'd lik e to learn S hone these most use fa t s k i d s - fa,om BOTH such a r tisans and AISO faom a t h le t ic , e n e r g e t ic enth usiast* in V autiluS-6we ig h t li ttin g ; diving & Swimming; ru s t ic h ik es, bike trek s, canoeing 6 r a c tin g ; and faom loholesome fa tbs sim ila rly re inv igorated within Nature ' s b o u n d fat la n dsca pes. I ’m wanting to develop wholesome fr ie n d s h ip (*) faom 1985-penpal c o r respondences, cen terin g ufKin such above■included topics & re la t e d en deavors. So, share with me your curse utmost, s p e c i f i c accomplish ments in craftsm anship and outdoorsmanship. you're a p preciated ! Good S p ir it , Wanagi Ska o^ Ohio c/o RPV

Brothers of Indiana,

H ello!

Is i t you? I f your head and heart are in tim ately acquainted, i f you have a strong yet com fortable sense of y o u rse lf, a doer and a g iv e r , dom ina nt yet g e n tle , need to touch, hold and caress (fre q u en tly and fe r v e n t ly ), are 6* +, 35-45, s tro n g ly made and looking fo r th at s p e c ia l one to ch e rish - then c o n s id e r: I am 34, 6 ’ , 170 l b s . , a medical lib r a r ia n with s o f t , yet. masculine good looks, wavy brown h a ir, green eyes, earthy emotions, ten d er nurturing s o u l, en joy music from baroque to Phil C o llin s, cuddling, loving and being loved, jo ggin g, rowing. Am turned on by a strong neck, muscular c h est and arms, deep v o ice, a l l attached to a warm and givin g h ea rt. Is i t you? I f so, looking forward to hearing from you (with photo, i f p o s s ib le ).

7 am a WM, c ' 10", 130 l b s . , s'im , but with d e fin it io n , reddish-frow n halA, green eyes, fa ir skinned and I have a moustache.

S co tt Loman 415k W. 9th S t. Anderson, IV 46016

1 am average loo kin g, o f German, I r is h 6 Indian a n cestry . I am Roman t i c , caring and lo v in g . I l i v e in mid-Michigan, th e West Branch area . I enjoy being outdoors, camping, eonoelng, fis h in g , hik ing, hunting, also enjoy gardening. I e s p e c ia lly l i k e my animals, I have ch ickens, tu rk ey s, pigeon s, ra b b its , ducks, g eese and a goa t. I hope to meet someone to share my l i f e with. I t gets very lo n ely , e s p e c ia lly a t n igh t. I f you can r e l a t e to some o f what I am saying and to th e sim p ler th ings in l i f e , plea se drop me a l i n e . Will answer a l l . Russ Grundy 5332 Gary C. Vr. Skidway Lake P resco tt, MI 48756

We a re a gay white couple looking fa r pen pals and fr ie n d s . We want only honest and carin g people from ages ? to 35. We want to share our joy with others that need good frie n d s . Only tru e and honest should answer. We lik e to swim, fis h , camp, d i r t b ike, mud c a rt and lo ts more. We tik e to walk and go to th e country. We d o n 't d rin k , do drugs, baths or bars. We are a home-type coup le. (1) (2)

1 am 32, brown h a ir and eyes, sh o rt beard, 5 '11", 165 lb s . I am 27, blond-lirom h a ir, hazel cu es, 6 '1 " , 155 tb s .

Vo nude photos plea se - swimwear and b r ie fs OK. Your photo g ets ou rs. We w ill answer a l l l e t t e r s and hope to hear from you soon. Vour loving b ro th e rs , Southern Indiana Couple P .0. Sox 131 Seymour. IV 47274

Th e

Llewellyn

NEW TIMES S l Paul. M N The W o rld's oldest publishing com pany specializin g in A strology an<J N ew A ge S c ie n ce s is offering what h as to be the w orld's most unusual catalog? Sin ce 1 9 0 2 Llew ellyn Pu blicatio n s has offered the finest books o f A strolog y, New A ge scien ces. W estern M agickal traditions, self-help and gar denmg. T h eir authors have included men and women like G ran t Lew i, G areth Knight. Isabel! Hickey, N oel T y l, David William s. Israel K egaabe. D onald Bradley and m any, m any more. Always a pioneer in New Age products. Llewellyn is now offering a bi-m outhy hybrid m agazine and catalog. T h e purpose of the publication is to sell book*, actants publisher Cart Llewellyn W eschckc, but, he says " we w ant people to buy the books they really want. S o in our catalo g or m agazine w hatever you want to cal) it — w c present long, indepth articles about the subjects o f our books and som etim es even about the books our com petitors publish W h at we sell is books, what we offer is straight forward opinion about what is worth read in g In a very real sense w eo ffer honesty And we are the only publisher that l know o f that guarantees the contents of their books for 3 0 d a y s ."

F o r a free copy o f the L lew ellyn New Times, send your name and address to: Llewellyn Publications. P O B o x 6 4 3 8 3 E , S t Paul, M N . 5 5 1 6 4

The James White Pen Pats Wanted: My name is Russ Hcunrd, I'm white. 12 years old, 5' l l " t a ll, weight 163, black hair and green ey es, 1 love T'ionch 8 Greek or anything my p a r d n e r wants to do. I would love to hear farm anyone wfio would care to w rite. I ' d an swer a l l the l e t t e r s I r e c e iv e faom any age. Russ Howard 617 [ . Dorothy Lane Payton, OH 45419

'i e w

g»y uvea's btcrvrv tjtw tcrty

has tncfcnicJ (he pnm> ami short acmes of maos uri,vr> mcWin*: Sieve Abbott, John Uilpjrv, Chasen G avcr, Risky Rankin, Eel Santa Vicca, Robert (Guv heron, Stan Leventhal, Mark Lrweitnr, Wes Muchmore, Antler. Jerah Chadwick, Michael La—. ., David Lindahl, Claude Petk.Tom Young, Rk hard l in ins, Austin Alexes, Joseph Butl::t Michael Mayo,Joel Eruana, Will Inman, Gory Smith, Richard Hall, Donald Vining, lan Young, Tom Goodwyn, and James W hite.

Isn ’t it time you s u b sc rib ed 7 $ 6 for 4 issues:

The James White Review P.O. Box 3356, Traffic Station Minneapolis, N1N 55403

CRisisim TO REPORT: ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE TO OBTAIN: REFERRALS

A.I.D.S. Call toll-free

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In N Y, State

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------- C O N T A C T L^ T T jf R S --------

Gents, Genuine n o e t ic . R ela tiv ely naive, in regards to many of th e p ra c tic e* e s poused by P.FV. Sehavior pursuant oft Virtue 8 I n t e g r it y . S eeker a f t e r wisdom. Strong maintenance of E thics, P rin c ip le s , £ V alu er. Ardent in development of, s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e . Primary goal - to aid and abet at, many mem'crs of humanity as p o ssib le in t h e i r development of personal confid en ce and peace of mind. Jack of many tra d es, masteA of tome. 8i sexual b reed er. Doctor of Theology, Anabaptist Parion, p ro fessio n a l b eh a v io rist, Judeo-C hristian, P ro testan t, Con s erv a tiv e / LibeAal, E v an gelical, £ Fundamental. Lengthy ex p erien ce in p r a c tic a l su rv iv a l. C e r t ifie d teaches of a l l grades. S p ecia liz a tio n s in the f o l lowing areas of practicum ■ Cooking! natural n u tr itio n ; Food production/ fie ld £ laboratory ; A rch itectu ra l d esig n /co n stru ctio n [p r e f. n a tl. m a teria ls); Development of new c o t tage b u sin esses; E x p e d itin g /a ll forms and areas . Mot a m ira cle worker. Have know-ledge of in d iv id u a l who does upon occasion perform m ira cles. Anxious to s e rv e . Curt Huber c/o 2914 Grand View Stvd. Madison, lull 5371 3

Dear Fellow R ead ers,

Dear RFDers,

This is an open l e t t e r to a lt our Gay brothers and s i s t e r s . We a re c it y folk with ru ra l roots who tong to retu rn to a sim pler l i f e in the coun try someday. We are w riting to you, th e RFD re a d er, in an attempt to d e velop a mutual rewarding re la tio n s h ip between Gays. We have a need and would much p r e fe r to f u l f i l l our needs w hile helping a gay b rother or s i s t e r in th e p r o c e s s .

Ju st read my f i r s t RFD and fe e l I'v e found a long-sought fr ie n d . I ’ m 5'10" 170 t b s ., 37 y r s . , lig h t brown/ blonde ha ir with b lue/ha zel eyes, moustache, fa ir ly hairtt, foo tb all b u ild . Most frequ en t sta ted l i k e nesses are Robert Redford and Richard Dreyfuss - but d o n 't g e t your hopes up. A ttra ctiv e, honest, clea n , s tra ig h t appearing, w ell-educated, n ic e guy ty pe, c lo s ete d .

Through a lo t of hard work we are about to open our own business in Hay. Our l i t t l e Antique and Unique g i f t shop needs you! Are you i n t e re s t e d ? We are looking fo r GAV artisan s who produce q u a lity c r a ft s , "Country C ra fts," e . g . , c ro c h e tin g , weaving, small wood c r a ft s , e t c ., that would be complimentary to an antique s to re environment. We are open to discu ssio n of term s.

Q ualities in clu d e sexy sm ile, s en se of humor, lo y a lty , p a tien ce, s in c e r it y , d iv e rs e s k i l l s . Plenty of fa u lts but I'm not a d v ertisin g them. Like and am good a t cooking, gardenin g, w aiting, tr a v e lin g , outdoors, making others happy, making lo v e. Mot kinky, but very passion ate. Love a n i mals, flow ers, nature, home, country music., th e a tre , q u ie t. One of the vanishing breed of native farm boys country bred and rea red - former tea ch er, coach, farm er, s c ie n t is t , lawyer. Mot p u b lic ly v is ib le but unhappy perso n a lly . F in a n c i a ll y stable IKit not wealthy. Want to retu rn to the meaning of l i f e . S e c re t d e s ir e s : wr i t i fig, ffar mi ng, ch e f in g .

I f you f e e l that your c ra ft s are of high q u a lity and are in t e r s ted in supplementing your income, l e t ' s ta lk . We are "Family" and i t is important to help one another be come fr e e and proud of w/io are a re . If in t e r s t e d , contact: The Prancing Pony 3301 M. Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60657-1417 Peace 8 Love, Dennis, Gordon, and Marc

MASCULINITY FATHERING MILITARISM MEN’S HEALTH MEN & VIOLENCE SPORTS POETRY ANTE-SEX 1ST POLITICS

MALE SEXUALITY GAY ISSUES FEMINIST ANALYSIS SPIRITUALITY GAY/STRAIGHT INTERACTIONS

ANTI SEXIST MEN'S HISTORY Read all about it in Changing Men— a nationwide journal o f the anti-sexist m en’s movement. Regular sub scrip tion S12 (4 issues) S am p le cop> o l curtem issue i.V 5 0

Steve is 28, blonde and s le n d e r; 7 ar\ 30, blonde and s le n d e r. We both enjoy meeting p eo p le. We'd lik e to hear from people near and fa r, sin gles and co u p les . S ill of Mebraska c/o RFD

Issues

Mo smoking (pot OK), chem ically d e pendent, u ltra ferns or very fa ts. S in cere t e t t e r and photo a p preciated . Modest, bashful types are a turn on. Happy tra ils ,,

Interested?

We're a gay farm couple and would lik e to hear from o t h e r s . We li v e pretty much in th e middle of no where. Our in t e r e s t s a re manycountry l iv in g , ho rses, camping t r ip s , an occasional movie, playing cards, or ju s t a night on the town with frie n d s .

looking fo r a p o s it iv e , happy man who needs t i t t l e but love to be conten t. Will con sid er men who are down now and need a break provided th ey 're not chronic downers, 'lust love animals, p la n ts, and people - in that o rd er. Don't need per fee tion but must be able to laugh a t fa u lts . Usu a lly p r e fe r average over the gorgeous. Would p r e fe r someone, around 30, so has taken some blows and can re c o g n ize and appreciate lo v e. Would t ik e someone who wants to explore our com putability and who wants to plan for and r e a liz e a happy country life .

in G en d er, Sex & P olitics

T06 V, Brooks Madison. W| 53715

The Unicorn F*ublished 8 times a year on S a b b a t s since Yulp 1977 for Pagans and Wit c h e s e v erywhere. $ 1 0 / POBox 8814, Mips, MN 55408

Ken P .0. Sox 2414 Austin, TX 78768

Dear Friend and H elper, Man -in his 70s, on la r g e , remo-te, mountain prop erty, mostly in fo r e s t, needs someone to a s s is t in g e n e ra l. Strong i n t e r e s t in oAganic gardening e s s e n tia l and love of natuAe. Good cock? General h elp er - general, s e r v ic e s ? This i s not a place, j\oa the fiat oa s lo th fu l.. NO complaints and NO p o lic e Aecoad. No drugs oa a lco h o l. P refer non-smoker. Hut nothing demanded of you which you do not want to o f f e r . Write fa lly of your i n t e r e s t s . The time i s coming, u n fo rtu n a tely , when 1 may need some a ssista n ce with drivin g a s tic k s h i f t v e h ic le and po ssib ly minor ailm ents. Who knows? But i t is not s a fe fo r me to liv e a lo ne. Hispanic oa OAiental welcome, also luAopean, p r e fe r 30 oa l e s s . Will pay for typing a b ilit y . Please no dog. Send a p ic tu r e i f you can, but not n e c e s s a rily nude. 1 am 6 ’ 2\", 184 l b s . , and took something lik e a Marlboro man, p o ssib ly with a moAe c h e e r fu l a t titu d e . Regards,

Rage A Sox 9197, Harris PaAk Rte. Wheatland, W 82201

The Centre fo r the Throne of I s i s Aset and the Sanctuary of the H ealer, a S is t e r Centre of the F e l lowship o f I s is , is now open and operating in our new lo c a tio n , and we welcome any en q u iries and c o r respondence. We a re also providing h o lis t ic or p o sitiv e energy healing fo r animals as pa rt of our Centre d u tie s. The Centre is a c tiv e ly seeking inform ation on a l l facets of the d i f f e r e n t Pagan tra d itio n s , and we would a p p recia te re c e iv in g any n ew s le tters , p u blications or inform ation your group has to o f f e r .

( f a y a n . ~Wi c c a n , a n <1 J F j a t f i c f a l Z N e v is le p p e r ' J V e w s •I n h e r i t s •D c b a p c s

fa r'p o e m s ■ a n d m or'e -

J 9 /6 Jssucs ? 0$

B right B lessings of th e Goddess on 'cu and yours, Jana G aladriel Centre fo r the Throne of Is is Aset P.O. Box 2143 Canyon Country, CA 91351 [805) 251-6085

9 W

J o s e Ca 9 5 1 5 7

U.5-A-

C en um n gs

Jifv p

Dear RF^er, We are two GWMs, ea rly 30s Pave and 40s Frank, s t r a ig h t a c tin g , d ilig e n t in work and a ctio n , non-drug u s e rs , in g re a t h ealth, educated - l i t e r a t e in fa c t, s k i l l e d in areas of health, farming, liv e s t o c k , business and the l i k e . We are in t e r e s t e d in f u l l p a rtn e r ship in a ru ra l farm and p refer- the northwest US, but a l l other areas would be co n sidered. We p res e n tly own a small s e r v ic e business in a la r g e c i t y but d e s ire to re tu rn to ru ra l liv in g and workin g . We enjoy rea d in g, in n er growth, c r e a t iv it y , s e lf- r e a liz a t io n and harmony. In th is te c h in ic a l world of s c ie n c e , we a re a b le to sep ara te the c h a ff from the g ra in . We are p ro g ressiv e i n thought and action and re q u ir e an open mind and h ea rt.

A Wiccan Newsletter for the Bay Area

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

f j l t c - W ise

V dotnan A n a tio n a l Jo u rn a l o f F e a ln ls t W itch c ra ft and Goddess lo r e . A r t i c l e s , f e a l n l s t I s s u e s , p sy ch ic developm ent, P ajan a r t and p o e tr y , son g s, herfcs. ( s a a p le : THE WISE WOMAN. 2441 Cordova S t O akland, CA 9 4 6 0 2 .

56 yr.

52).

I f in te re s te d , please w rite us.

Of a lt a v aila ble Pagan to o ls , I belie v e networking is one 0 $ the most powerful means we have of reaching ou-t and gAowing stAongeA. In the s p i r i t of networking, 1 would lik e to make my address a v a ila b le to ana p o sitiv e Pagans who would lik e to coAAespond or exchange inh um a tion . 1 w ilt he putting to geth er a Pagan Trade and Barter D irectory which w ill enable Pagans to trade goods and s e r v ic e s with o th e rs , to help f u l f i l l C ra ft and personal needs with t i t t l e or no monetary output. I f there are any who are in t e r e s te d in the trade and b a rter system, or have goods and s erv ice s to o f f e r , w rite to me soon, and 1 w ill include th eir e n tr ie s or put them on the mailing f i s t to r e c e iv e a copy toften the f i r s t issu e comes ou t. I am not charging fo r t h ii s e r v ic e , but do nations are welcome.

Frank and Pave 0(5 C a lifo rn ia d o RFP

I'm P enis, GWM, 32 5 ' 6%” , 130 l b s ., masculine, muscular and lea n , smooth, moustache, a t h le t ic , sem-i-vegetarian. I ’m into backpacking, ecology, w ild l i f e study, photography, rockhounding, working out, running, w restlin g , good n u tr itio n , herbs; and s t i l l have a sen se of humor. I enjoy a r t , music, and good film s . P resen tly l i v e in the Moiave D esert (9 y r s ). Consider my s e l f a ja c k - o f- a ll- t r a d e s . Planning to move somehere g re e n e r - c lo s e to the mountains, h o p efu lly , in a home stea d s itu a tio n with like-m inded man of sim ila r in t e r e s t s , ch a ra cter, and age group as m yself. I favor hairy gu y s. W rite: Penis Lambrecht 1545 N. A lford R id gecrest, CA 93555

NURTURING NEWS A Quarterly Forum For Nurturing Men

"One of the most vital sources of both informa tion and substantive per spectives for anyone con cerned with men’s chang ing roles. ” Or. Joseph H Pleck Wellesley C ollege Center tor Research on Women

1985 Subscription $15.00 24 pages per issue. 187 Caselli Avenue #A San Francisco, CA 94114 415-861-0847 David L. Giveans, Editor

Hello out th e re , I 'v e wanted to con trib u te to REV in some way ho* a long tim e; I never seen to be able to come up with the co nfid en ce or the hocus; tonight the lo n e lin e s s has h°*ced me to jump out and s t a r t with a h e llo .

Smiling Puppies, Vo you have, urban in t e r e s t s and r u s t i c values? I ’ m a ttra c ted to people t ik e me Mho a re very tib eA a l, and yet value s ig n ih ica nt tr a d itio n s . I was ra is e d In the b a it Coast by Spanish family. J e m , Latins, and Germans aAe esp e c ia lly deaA to me. At 47, I ’ m a peAennial stud en t (in li^ e and in academe); a /le le n t le s s questor oh Truth and P leasure. My eco lo g ica l a lleA gies produce s t r ih e , o b esity , and sometimes even is o la tio n . Like Proust, I pine fan com mence with peASons oh depth. (The pop cuttuAe i s n ' t pop with me). If$ you a p p recia te c re a tiv e id ea s, w il, nature and enthusiasm, I in v ite you to pursue th e h o lis t ic orgasm with me. Ramon Garcia P .0. Box 30011 Oakland, CA 94604

Seeking warm loving monogamous pagan. My name is E rick , I'm 26 years old, 6 ’ 2" t a l l , l i g h t brown h a ir, and blu e-green ey es. Mon-smoker, non pot and -d ru gs. Mot masculine or heminine, ju s t me! Into healthvegie hoods, wide open places and long b ic y c le r i d e s . Would l i k e to meet someone looking h°r lo v erhelpmate in ru ra l s e l l i n g , w illin g to r e lo c a t e ih things work. I have lo ts oh energy, lo v e oh th e earth and lo ts oh c r e a t iv it y to sh a re. Mould p reh er to meet someone 30 to 45 years o ld , dark red or black h a ir, li g h t to th ick body h a ir, Pan c r e a tu re very welcomed! L et’ s g e t to know each other - with correspondence and p ic t u r e s . Would even l i k e to v is it. Looking horward to hearing h*om you soon,

I'm wondering how many other people out th e re a re alone ton-ighl, how many people moved oul onto the land with a lo v e r, s p l i t h*om th at lo v er hor one reason or another, yet chose to stay . I know how touch th at is to go o h h t o your own space somewhere on the land and s t a r t again - alone, try in g to grow whole again while s t i l l coming in contact with the one who used to be your other hath• To those people I ’ d l i k e to extend my congratulations h°* s tick in g to your commitment to th e land. To those who chose to s p l i t h°* m° r e populated area s, J give my condolenc es and wish you luck - I hear i t ' s g e ttin g very crazy out th e r e .

Amateur trea su re hunter, tuanttng a place to stay c lo s e to Corpus C h ris ti, Texas h° * about 2-3 months. Like to be kept busy, li k e ivorking in a yard or garden. W ill do chores in exchange h°* r e n t as I w ill be low on hunds. Will also do housecleaning and shopping. I am a very good cook and baker, a good worker and a good listen er. I am no h ip p ie, d o n 't drink or smoke., p r e tty ujell-m annered. W ill preh er an adult male, 40-70, over 5 '9 " . Mo wild stuhh or d r in k e rs , p le a s e . I p reh er a gentleman who lik e s a good bottom - when th e time comes, I am w ell versed in pleasing a man. Meed not worry about tro u b le , as I am sahe, clea n , and w ell a d ju sted . I am 40, 5 ’ 7” , 150 l b s . R.P. c/o A lb ert LongBotham 1721 M.L. 38th Portland, OR 97212

So here I s i t on th is co ld , wet w inter n ig h t. I t ’ s been a year now s in c e I moved into my t i p i and some times I s t i l l g e t the blues and wonder what the h e l l 's happening and why i t ’ s happening, Right now I'm broke, s o 's my tru ck ; I'm running out oh h°od. Mext summer when I read t h is in P.FV, I ’ l l be able to sm ile at how bad things wer.e then. But you know, down to zero can be a very good th in g . It. shows you in no un certain terms what you have and haven't g o t. When I took around me and r e a liz e where I l i v e , how my days blend into seasons; how simple lih e has become . . . I see. myselh as the r i c h e s t man on ea rth . I lov e th is canyon I l i v e in , I love th e mountains a l l around me; the redwoods down below, the. r iv e r s ru n ning to the sea . Truly th is is para d is e . Soon the sun w ill retu rn to my part oh the. world. Su nligh t helps things heal much h r s t e r . Soon my heart w ill be ready to love again. I'm reminded oh a l i n e h*om a poem, ” . . . even though my wing was broken, w hile i t healed I never horgot how to h^H • • • ” I would enjoy hearing h*om other hoiks, lo n ely or not. I'm 34, 6 '2 " , 175 l b s . , red /blo n d e hair (fong I, beard trimmed, brown ey es, extrem ely healthy. Peace, Trevor P.0. Box 117 B rid g e v ille , CA

b lessed be, Erick Colvin 551 8 Genoa S t . Oakland CA 9460S (415) 654-412S

Message Post Po rtable dwellin g, campi ng , hik in g, biking, hitching , fr e ight-ho poi ng newsl et ter . Simple comforts easily impro vi s e d an yw he re. Candid p r o duct repo rts . Continent-wide since 19BO.

$5 for 6 issues (2 y r s ) ; $1 Sample PO Bov 190-rd, Philomath, OR 97 370

And, of co u rse, i f you’ r e a gay o rch a rd ist, I 'd love to s e e about working at a pla ce where, fa r once, I wouldn't have to co n sid er whether the boss would care about my gender p r e fe re n c e . Wilh lov e,

Hi, I'm looking fo r like-m inded people to r e l a t e and exhange with. I ’ m a s u r v iv a lis t with knowledge 8 exped ie n c e in th e fallow ing: machinery, engine d eb u iid in q , ap pliances, e l e c t r o n ic s , b ik es. 1 'oe taapped, made own clo th in g and musical instrum ents, use guns, plant and harvest what I can. I tdoubleshoot p re tty nead everything man-made, know herbs, pla n t id e n t ific a t io n . 1 make jew elay and am a painted. I'v e liv e d in North A frica , laan, India. 7 d o n 't condemn anything s o ciety la b e ls as v ic e . 7 b elie v e in liv e and l e t liv e without making a judgement on anyone. I'm <n good health, s le n d e r, in t e n s e . 1 lik e home-made evenything: music, a rts 8 c r a f t s , enjoy in t e r n a tio n a l c u ltu re . I d o n 't be.tieve in organized re lig io n s or b e l i e f s . Vo b e lie v e in transcendental awareness/ v ed a n ta !in tu itio n and whatever works. 7 d o n 't buy into American p o lit ic a l re lig io - id e a lis m nod fads. I don' t lik e to make garbage nor add to conscious d estru ctio n of the p la n et. V egetarian, c o lle g e grad wishing to communicate with people ioho may have something in common with me. I'v e been homosexual s in c e 1958. Len Richardson

Hick Shory P .0. Box 326 Port Townsend, WA 98368

Voes a s eren e l i f e in the north woods appeal to anyone in REV land? With a slim , muscular, bearded man o f 41? In an a r c h ite ct-d e s ig n e d house on a s te e p ly wooded 15-acre lo t? Adjacent to 15 square m iles of mountain and fo r e s t bounded on th re e sid es by Georgia S t ra it? I f so, I would li k e to hear from you. Pen pals would be n ic e . A companion would be even n ic e r . W rite:

7 r e a lly lik e working part of the year out in the country, but 7 g e t lon ely fo r gay community. I t helps me ^eeZ calmer to know of other gay men even i f n o th ing's asking to happen between u s. I'v e heard that Lesbians g e t a im s to gether to do that kind work and 7 think, why not us? So i f you’ re planning to work the. harvest th is f a l l in Eastern Wash ington, I 'd tik e to heal from you. If ap plepicking is something you've thought of doing but d id n 't quite know koto to g e t in to , w rite to me.

This summer I ' l l cross again th e big swamp, and s h a ll be roaming over th e USA ($Aom August to October. I ’ m a German c i t y d w eller, love running, backpacking, rock and country music, and - not le a s t - my body (due to bodybuilding and healthy foods], and other muscley or slim bodies whom I l i k e to g iv e a massage. I take a g re a t i n t e r e s t in grass roots p o lit ic s , and a c e r la in one in s p ir it u a l m atters, and in communal l i v i n g . I f th is appeals to you, w rite me, and eve,ntually we share some time to g eth e r. I ' l l be in Kentucky fo r su re to meet frien d s t h e r e . In case any of you w ill be in Europe in Ju ly or a f t e r Oc to b er, y o u 're warmly welcome to stay with me fa r a couple of days. From where I'm liv in g i t ' s only a couple of hours by s u rfa c e tra v e l to London, P aris, Amsterdam, Hamburg or Munich. See you, Klaus Klenovits Am Varenholt 113, V 4630 Bochum WEST GERMANY

Boxholder Box 733 Ganges, B ritis h Columbia VOS 1E0 Canada

Vear Brothers in Love, I am a B ra zilian young man who is tw enty-four years o ld . I study Bus in esi Administration. And I am going to fin is h i t by the end of th is year. 7 have green eyes, blonde ha ir, wexgfe 70 kg and 1.76 meters t a l l . Good-booking, i f you do not fin d i t a s e lf- a ffir m a t io n . I l i k e to read , camp, watch good film s, p a in t, and I am a good tapestry-m aker.

I'm locking fo r apple-p ick in g bud d ies for th is f a l l . Last year in las tern Washington i t occu rred to me that i f one out of every ten people is gay, then one out of every ten a p p le-p ick ers is in the. same p o s i tio n . 7 taxi namely wondering who the other fa e rie s were, but not knotdng how to fin d out.

Vear RFV Readers,

I am w ritin g, f i r s t l y , because 7 want to make frien d s a l l over the world. 1 do not mind i f you are handsome, or ugly , ric h or poor, black or w hite. I ju s t tuanX you to be tru e . I f you have never had an opportunity to be tru e, now I giv e you th is chance. My second in t e r e s t in w riting th is l e t t e r is because I would l i k e to keep in touch with someone, who could help me g e t a sch o la rsh ip to Study in U S . A. or in another p la ce . I would li k e to study Fine Arts or A rch ite ctu re . I f you a re able to help me, I hope you do. Vou cannot imagine how I would be gla d . Could you plea se? Here 1 w ill stay fo r now. make many good f r i e n d s . S in c e re ly , Daniel de O liveira Ma t . Veodoro, 269 Ben^eca F o r t .-Ce 6 0 .0 IQ B ra sil

Hope to

Dear Frien ds, 7 w rite th is from my l i t t l e cottage n e s tled up a b ea u tifu l l i t t l e va lley in the Southern Alps of Southern New Zealand. I love my q u ie t remote ru ra l l i f e , but my soul i s alone for like-m inded frie n d s and a lo v in g, ten d er, masculine soul-m ate, fo r "No man is an island" . . . I need lo v in g , too. Loneliness and narrow minded in to le ra n ce are the p r ic e 1 pay fo r my pa ra dise. 1 b e lie v e in balance and open-mindedness. I t r e a su re my in d iv id u a lit y , am happy with me! I am passionate id th an a liv e i r r e p r e s s iv e s p i r i t , rom antic, prac t i c a l , stro n g -w illed , but also g e n tle and a man of words and a c tio n . I enjoy a simple outdoor l i f e s t y l e in n a tu re’ s playground - Alpine s p o r ts , camping, s k iin g , philosophy, psychol ogy, tra v el and motor mechanics. For my few sh o rt 21 years I have liv e d and tra v ele d much, near and fa r , I'm f i t and not u n a ttra ctiv e , work on a perch orchard, always ready fo r a new c h a llen g e, change and personal growth. Vo you share my va lu es, i n t e r e s t s , ani have the guts to share l i f e with me? Or would you ju s t li k e to be frien d s? Or even v is itin g NZ? I f so, p le rs e w rite, as a l l l e t t e r s answered. Rory Hannan P .0. Box 174 Cromoell C entral Otago NEW ZEALAND

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