RFD Issue 54 Spring 1988 by RFD Magazine Gay

#54

$ 4.75

A C ountry Jo u rn al For Gay Men Everywhere Spring / Sum m er *88

RFD is a rea d e r-w ritte n jo u r nal fo r gay men which focuses on country l i v i n g and en courages a lt e r n a tiv e l i f e s ty le s . A r t i c l e s often ex plore the b u ild in g o f a sense o f community, radical fa e rie consciousness, the caring fo r the environment, as well as sharing gay men's experiences.

Spring came and went, and there was no RFD. Rachel Carson notwithstand ing, we are back even i f the voice is a b i t weaker. So much has happened in the past six months, th a t I hardly know where to begin. I w i l l s t a r t with my own burnout and move to A s h e v ille . My work with the A lliance (an environmental organization) has taken an increasing amount o f my time and energy. This led me to tu rning over to Tom most o f the operational r e s p o n s i b i l it ie s fo r RFD. Light attempted to put the spring issue t o gether in San Francisco where he is now l i v i n g . But, th a t did not come together as smoothly as he had hoped. In the meantime, the cash flow problem only worsened, and Tom put most o f his energy into looking fo r another home fo r himself and RFD.

E ditorship r e s p o n s i b i l it y is shared between the Department Editors and the Publisher. The business and general production is centered at Running Water in western North Carolina. Fea tures are often prepared in various places by d if f e r e n t groups.

This notion came, in p a r t, from the request from the board o f Stepping Stone (owners o f Running Water) th a t RFD e ith e r develop i t s own space w ith in a year or fin d another place since there are now d if f e r e n t people doing RFD and Running Water and each need d i f f e r e n t spaces fo r the d if f e r e n t kinds o f a c t i v i t i e s . The plan is to continue to develop RW into a r e tr e a t center sta ffe d by a paid caretaker. When I was doing both, f t made sense fo r there to be an in te g ra tio n o f f a c i l i t i e s . As a consequence o f a l l th is d is t r a c t i v e a c t i v i t y , the business part has f a l le n way behind, and as I am w r i t i n g t h i s , we are beginning to dig out from under a p ile o f unanswered m a il. Please understand the problem and bear w ith us. In s p ite o f my f u l l time p osition in A s h e v ille , ! I w i l l be coming back to d ir e c t the operation as best I can. I want to ! reassure everyone th at there w i l l continue to be an RFD. There are a l o t j o f problems to solve, and there w i l l be some hardships, but I believe th a t the journal is too valuable to too many people fo r i t to f a i l . I w i l l need everyone’ s help. The current s itu a tio n is th at we s t i l l owe the p r in t e r fo r the Winter issue, have not published a spring issue, and c u rr e n tly have about $200 in the bank. I have figured out a d ra s tic budget (reasonably conserva t i v e ) which w i l l c a ll fo r NO s t a f f sa la rie s and a very lim ite d opera tio n a l budget. We w i l l have to get by on a completely volunteer pro gram. Even so, and with about $2,000 in loans, I fig u re th a t by Nov. 1 we w i l l s t i l l owe about $4,000. That budget is based on past h is t o r y , and I have hopes that more friends w i l l e it h e r donate or lend the j o u r nal some funds. This is an appeal fo r t h a t , but I feel th at I must re assure readers th at there is a commitment to continueing to publish. I have le n t the journal $1,000 myself and I am pledging my continued work as best I can. Even i f we have to p r i n t i t on tissu e paper, there w i l l be an RFDi We are c u r r e n tly forming an in te rim Steering Committee o f intereste d people. I w i l l continue as publisher at lea st u n t i l we can c a l r i f y our new d ir e c t io n . Our plan is to develop our own n o n -p ro fit s ta tu s, c a ll fo r an elected board o f d ire c to rs (from the subscribers), and look fo r another group to f a c i l i t a t e the jo u r n a l. I t may be time fo r i t to move elsewhere, and we w i l l look towards th at end, but in the meantime i t can remain a t Running Water. We w i l l need volunteers to help with business/ o f f i c e work continuously and volunteers to help w ith layout in August and Novemeber. Unfortunately, volunteers w i l l have to pay t h e i r own way a t Running Water as RFD simply w i l l not be able to pay anyone anything fo r the foreseeable fu tu re . There is no longer a Managing E d ito r, and Tom Creekmur is no longer associated w ith the jo u r n a l. We thank him fo r his e f f o r t s in behalf o f the j o u r n a l, but w ith no funds a v a ila b le , he has to take care o f his own needs.

i j

RFD is published q u a rte rly on the equinoxes and so ls tic e s at Running Water, Rt. 1 Box 127E, B a k e r s v ille , NC 28705. One ye ar's subscrip tio n is $15.00 by second class m a il, $22.00 fo r f i r s t class m a il. Foreign subs (in c lu d in g Canada) are $17.00/year. ISSN #0149-709X USPS 1073-010-00 N o n -p ro fit tax exempt status under #23-7199134 as a func tio n o f Gay Community Social Services, S e a ttle , Washington.

MEMBER: CCLM (Coordinating Council o f L it e r a r y Magazines C0SMEP (The In te rn atio na l Assoc, o f Independent Pub! ishers) GLPA (Gay/Lesbian Press Assoc.) IGLA ( I n t ' l Gay & Lesbian Assoc.) INDEXED by A lte r n a tiv e Press Media P.0. Box 33109 Baltimore, MD 21218 MICROFILMED by A lte rn a tiv e Media P.0. Box 1347 Ansonia Station New York, NY 10023

I ' l l promise to w rite more about myself in the next issue, but fo r now I want to reassure readers that we are s t i l l in business, and in sp ite o f Rumors For Days, I am a liv e and w e ll. A fte r a l l , a Mother never gives up on her c h ild re n !

GAY

PRESS ASSOCIATION

FACE Nowhere does the sound of thunder sing as when it hits the earth! A drumstick in the hands of God... As the People in the circle pray for power with the breath of sage in their veins. And the Earth begins to take on new life. Somewhere between darkness and the light we find a name: A martin-soldier staked-out in bravery to the earth within. A man of love who makes medicine the gift from the land on which he lives. But even as his youngest son can know anger, it is all right for a man to be mad. To look a gift in the eyes and say “no". To lose face. While his heart is out searching for signs so that others may know the Truth. To be warrior and still able to cry — Standing at the edge of water we are only as important as our prayers. Only as big as the River, as it moves to the sea — Like a piece of foxfire, our lives only burning for one night. In its purest form, Power comes as Peace. And even the head man must step back into the circle and sing. As part of the People. And heart of the prayer. Where everyone is slowly moving. Re-entering the woods. Lighting the red-tailed heavens with dance! Summer Solstice 1984

THOMAS RAIN CROWE

CONTRIBUTORS Scott Alderman ............................ 25 Anon.................................................. 13 Will Ballard ................................ 22 Hakim Bey ...................................... 46 Trena Bitchy ................................ 36 Bob Black ...................................... 54 David Burnette ............................ 2 Thomas Rain Crowe ...................... 1 Ceanne DeRohan ............................ 27 Michael Emory .............................. 22 Bob Fish ........................................ 22 Gary S. Gilman ............................ 22 J Gol san ........................................ 31 Michael Hathaway ........................ 23 David Hirsch ................................ 18 Gary Holt ...................................... 53 B i l l Houghton .............................. 35 Alan Howard .................................. 23 Keith ............................................... IBC G. W i l l i e Kerrs .......................... 44 Russell Kinkade .......................... 49 Terry Level smier ........................ 42 dim Long .................................. 12,15 Louise of Things ........................ 33 Stanley Manley ............................ 44 Michael Mason .............................. 33 Buddy May ...................................... 45 Steve Mehall ................................ 23 A1 i son M itch e l1 .......................... 34 Plum Nelly .................................... 30 Oola (Ben Gardiner) .................. 56 Steve Orzel 1 .......................... 40,41 Andrew Ramer (Arrasu ................ 26 Gary Rens ...................................... 21 Ira Rogers .................................... 32 Raphael Sabatini .................. 40,52 Assotto Saint .............................. 23 Ron Schreiber .............................. 24 Allen Smalling ............................ 55 William Smith .............................. 23 Julian Spalding .......................... 28 Nikki Storm .................................. 55 Randy Thomas ................................ 52 Flora Treestump .......................... 44 Kenn Wal ler-Sanghi .................... 53 L. E. Wilson ................................ 22 Gary Wren ...................................... 52 John Zaluski ................................ 22 PUBLISHER:

Ron Lambe

VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT EDITORS: ARTICLES/ESSAYS: Richard Chumley, BOOK REVIEWS: Kenn Waller-Zanghi, BROS, BEHIND BARS: Len Richardson, COUNTRY KITCHEN: Buddy May, TN FAERIE COMMUNITY: Len E l l i o t t , AZ FARM & GARDEN: Scott Luscombe, NY FEY ARTS: Franklin Abbott, GA FICTION: Randy Conner, CA GAY HISTORY: Charles Simpson, MA HEALTH: Pat Browder, NC POETRY: Steven R ie l, MA POLITICS: Stuart Norman, CA PROFILES: Warren Potas, DC SPIRITUALITY: (open)

A Country Journal For Gay Men Everywhere Issue No. 54 Vol. XIV Nos. 3 & 4 Spring/Summer 1988

ANNOUNCEMENTS BOOK REVIEWS

And th e Band P la y e d On ( S h i l t s ) Anyw here, Anywhere ( B a r r u s ) The B o i l e d Frog Syndrom ( R u b in ) The C e l l u l o i d C l o s e t (R usso) Chaos (B e y) The F i r s t A m e rica n s (S a ra b a n d e ) The God o f E c s ta s y (E v a n s ) The L o rd Is My Shepherd ( P e r r y ) The S p i r i t and th e F le s h ( W i l l i a m s )

55 54 52 53 54 53 56 52 55

A11en Smal1 i ng Raphael S a b a t i n i Randy Thomas Gary H o l t Bob B la c k Kenn W al1e r - Z a n g h i Oola (Ben G a r d i n e r ) GaryWren N i k k i Storm

Who Has F a l l e n

R. T . Ki nkade

CONTACT LETTERS COUNTRY KITCHEN

BROTHERS BEHIND BARS C a ry a tid

Buddy May

44 35 44 31 44 33 30 32 34 40 33 36 42

S t a n l e y Manley B i l l Houghton F l o r a Tre e stum p 3 G olsan G. W i l l i e K e r r s L o u is e o f Thi ngs PI urn N e l 1y I r a Rogers A1i son Mi t c h e l 1 Raphael S a b a t i n i M ic h a e l Mason Treona B i t c h v T e rry L e v e ls m ie r

46 18

Hakim Bey D avid Hi rs h

An E a s y -C a re F i r s t Herb Garden E s t a b l i s h i n g Leeks For Keeps Renewing M in t Beds

15 13 12

dim Long An on . dim Long

LETTERS POETRY

b e tte r th e day a f t e r Face f i nches F i r s t A ct 1 s t 1uv G hosts In th e Dark J a n u a ry New Poem S a c r i f i ced C h i l d A S h o r t Note

24 24

F ru it!!!

FEATURE A B r i e f Underwear Drag F a n ta s y C o u n t r y Queen Goes Butch Drag S t r i p Drag T ha t Works Dragon Fever The F a s h io n Channel The H e a rta c h o f Drag A M a t t e r o f P e rs o n a l C ho ice The P o l i t i c s o f C r o s s - D r e s s i n g R a d ic a l F a i r i e Drag Room For D i f f e r e n c e A T ira d e Why A r e n ' t L e s b ia n s P r e t t y

FICTION Blue V e spe rs Dawn

GARDENING

PRODUCTION THIS ISSUE: RW:

SM:

Big Stone Ron Lambe Wi11i am Dougherty Gabby Haze Sr. Missionary Position Tryon Walton Stevie (STV)

Front Cover by the Short Mountainettes Feature prepared by Short Mountain Sanctuary Special thanks to Big Stone fo r holding th ings together during t h i s t r y i n g period.

untitled

u n title d u n ti tle d What I t Means

SPIRITUALITY A id s A Message ^rom G enesis Toward E a r th

22 23 22

Ron S c h r e i b e r Ron S c h r e i b e r Thomas Rain Crowe Ron S c h r e i b e r W. Sm ith M ic h a e l Hathaway A. S a in t Alan Howard dohn Z a l u s k i W ill B a lla rd S. Alderm an L . E . Wi1 son Bob F is h G. S. Gilm an S teve M eh a ll M. d. Emery

26 28 27

Andrew Ramer ( A r r a s u ) d u lia n S p a ld in g Ceanne DeRohan

24 23 23 23 23 22 10

22 22

Dear RFD, In issue #49 RFD published a letter from Terry Johnson, on the oppression of bisexuals. Strangely enough, the only reply to this letter was an argument against tolerance (!) signed by Bill Kelly and published in issue #50. “How Dare Mr. Terry Johnson demand acceptance; how Dare He?" it began. I was hoping someone would write protesting what seems to me to be simple prejudice, but readers have been silent. So I will speak only for myself and say that, as a gay man and as a human being, I believe that bisexual men and women have the same right to a life of freedom and dignity that gay men, lesbians, and straight people have. Terry Johnson noted “the angry emotions of homosexuals striking back [at bisexuals], because of what has been done to them.” Certainly Bill Kelly’s letter comes across this way: “When he has grown up gay in a society that has only occasionally tolerated and never accepted us gays, then he can talk to me about tolerance and acceptance." This may be understandable, to a point, but is still prejudice. Wouldn't open sharing and mutual support between people and bisexuals be a better alternative ? As Terry Johnson wrote, “It’s hoped homosexuals... will be able to grow beyond these human, but disastrous needs to hurt others as they’ve been hurt.” Love, Bob White, NC

Dear Ron : A word of encouragement and validation. RFD continues to be a joyous effort filled with ideas, truth, optimism, creativity and expansion of awareness. You are much appreciated. Issue #52 is superb (every issue is). May life bring you all you need ( and even all you want!).

there is really nothing on Earth like it as far as I know. This issue was full of personal viewpoints and insights into the ordinary and extra-ordinary business of being and Gay and a full member of the human community. Thank you for all the stories.

LoveLoveLove satya littlebear, CA

Adam-Victor, CA

With Affection,

Dear Ron, RFD: In reference to issue #51 , on pages 24 and 25 I give congrats to Walden, the artist. Being blunt and not trying to be vulgar, when its fantasy time for them I’m alone, I look at these pages especially 25. If only in life and reality I might happen someone as he either with a rose on the right shoulder or the bangle on the right - YES ! Bob, FL

Got a sample of the copy of Fall '87 #52 and have enjoyed it very much. Have read many of the articles over and over gain. Wish there were some contact letters closer to my area (Iowa)... Looking forward to getting the next issue soon. Was glad to see it mailed in a plain envelope. A must for everyone. Sincerely, Robert, IA.

Dear Ron,

I was reading the recent summer ’87 issue of RFD and read your Inside Story. I want to let you know what a wonderful service and great gift your inspiration and perspiration has brought me and many others that I know in California, across the USA, Canada, and beyond, especially Australia. Please be assured that RFD and your management is appreciated:

... sometimes I get a little tired of the faerie shit in RFD, but I’m still not ready to end my subscription.

Glenn, PR

Dear RFD, I was introduced to your publication through some mutual friends. It look and read GREAT!... I live in a small town in Alaska and your magazine will make a wonderful addition to my life in the mountains. This may be the start of a wonderful relationship.

once that appeals to men of a certain gravity amidst the gaiety. Cordially Yours, Clayton, DC.

Thanks, Michael, AK

Dear Brother Ron, I so much look forward to each edition and want to thank you for your vocation and ministry in editing RFD. Of particular interest was the subscription analysis and to know where we are. Thank You And Blessings, 'Solus’, B.C. Canada.

Dear RFD, This letter is in response to a letter in the last issue of RFD (#53). It never would have occurred to me to make a public statement about my good fortune, but when Beau Ruttle of CA said he had “waited in vain to read some reaction or comment from the lucky recipient of so extraordinary if unenviable a prize", I just had to write. Eat your heart out Beau - I was the lucky winner of the billy-goat’s cumstained handkerchief. And it was hardly a consolation prize. You should be so lucky! Yours In All-Embracing Love, Butch Thang, TN

Dear RFD, I have your book-reviewer, Raphael Sabatine, to thank for letting me see the Winter 1987/88 issue of your remarkable magazine. I read every word of it... Best Wishes! A responsible, serious approach for

motives, either ours our someone else's , is no longer an issue. And it is possible, though not necessarily easy, to love unconditionally.

Howdy RFD Dear sir, Flave just received my first copy of your journal and am tremendously impressed. Flad I not seen an article on Gay publications in the Utne Reader, I would never have known you existed. An even nicer surprise was seeing that there is, indeed, a Gay spiritual community. I am compelled to make a comment regarding your note to Mr. Andrew Shaffer's letter in the Fall '87 issue. I concur wholeheartedly that in denying any part of oneself, one does oneself an injustice. I don’t believe that Mr. Shaffer meant that we should deny or sexuality. Rather, we should expand upon it and become more. We have all, in our journey down the path, dealt with the hurts, and fears, the doubts, the problems, the joys, and advantages, the disadvantages, etc., that come with our sexuality, on the road to our spirituality. But as we become more and more adept at forgiving and loving ourselves and others, as we become more centered and in touch with higher levels of consciousness, the distinctions of our others’ sexualities become mush. God Bless, Michael, CA.

Thanks heaps for printing “Purple Hands of Healing" on the back of your lovely winter issue. Now here comes the embarrassing part. The music for that song was, indeed, composed by me; but the lyrics (although shaped by me) were written by my good friend, Donald Emstrom of Iowa City Coincidentally, we were together when the latest issue arrived. At first when we noticed the mistake, we laughed and laughed. Later, we discussed the idea of me writing you this letter. You'll be happy to know that the bruises have all nearly disappeared and that I’ve recovered the full use of my right hand .. Take Care, Peter Soderber, IA (Editor’s note: I sincerely regret the mix-up on credits for this wonderful rallying song that carried the Radical Faeries the entire length of the March on Washington. But I could have sworn that I heard Peter take credit for the song at the faerie circle at P St. B e a ch - Michael Mason was simply radiating awe and delight at being in the presence of so great a poet (or so he thought). -TC)

P.S. Please excuse... It’s Saturday afternoon, I don't have to worto tonight, I’m delightfully high and my hand can’t keep up with my mind. P.P.S. In response to Larry Wolf’s le tte r- I applaud his wit and insight... but I would say; In loving unconditionally, ourselves first, then others, we are loving and accepting someone for who and what they are... not for whom we need and want them to be. Things can become very disappointing when we start confusing expectations with caring. However, when we learn to love unconditionally and without hidden agendas..., the need to be question

Greetings friends -

faeries,

faggots,

and

I was pleased to see RFD in our local Gay bookstore, and since I had spare cash with me I brought one home. I’m thankful to see RFD’s writers, compilers, and subscribers keeping the journal alive. Reaching Far-away Darlings was interesting, and I was pleased Canada was remembered, but surprised to see an article for her in it. I’ve never thought of myself or Canada as being very far away... The

letters from Bruce La Bruce angered me at first and then saddened me. Is it karma that the angry man that Bruce seems to be should attract such angry men into his life? Is there a lesson he and they need to learn? I was also sad (Diana! I seem to be so emotional!) to see Canada represented only through Bruce’s experiences. I believe Ontario, along with Quebec and Yukon (and Manitoba Ed.) include sexual orientation in their Human Rights Code, so Bruce should be able to get satisfaction eventually even if by the hard way of going through the government's appeal process. I live in British Columbia, where gays and lesbians are not protected by its Human Rights Code. The gay doctor that referred me on for varicose vein treatment, including surgery, sent me to a specialist that worried me at first. I found, amongst others, a “Christian" (eek!) magazine in both the waiting room and the examination room Oh Boy! I did not want a homophobe doing surgery on me so when the doctor came in the first thing brought to his attention was my high risk status for HIV (but not the results of my test). He said, “Fine, we treat all our patients the same, very carefully.” He was pleasant, efficient, gentle and not afraid to touch me, operate on me, or poke needles into me He asked for no blood tests other than the usual pre hospitalization hemoglobin test. That process once again proved for me that there are reasonable heterosexual (and he was) people in Canada and I believe they outnumber the fearful homophobes by far. I never did ask him if the Christian mags were his. I didn't feel I needed that knowledge to make my judgment of him as a vascular surgeon or as a person. The leg is doing fine. Love and Laughter, Matthew, B.C. Canada.

Ron or whom ever What is this that a cabin for RFD would cost $10,000? Are building codes that strict for the area? I mean come on now, I have basically built my place here, 30’ x 34’, plus upstairs, and don’t have even a thousand in it for materials and could find used lumber or rough cut from mill as a lesser cost. Wish I could get down that way some time and see just could be done. Even to find a older house trailer or two and use them for a start. Thanks for being there and putting out a good magazine. Love & Peace Jim, WV

And The Flesh to be a valuable confirmation of my intuitive understanding of the correlation between same-sex love and spirituality. I might add at this point that I am a man although by profession I am an actress. I never thought I’d grow up to be a drag queen although I always knew I would be a shaman... Not only do try to transcend the limits of gender, but also I try to transcend the conventions of drag. If you come to one of my shows at the Pyramid Club, you won’t find a bunch of queens lypsynching Judy. With Cosmic Love,

(Editor's Note: the $10,000 figure was an estimate, based on a builders’ rule of thumb: $25 per square foot of building space. And brought ideas of how big a space RFD needed: 400 square feet. Running Water Sanctuary has asked RFD to help relieve a space problem in the old house and build a new building just for RFD. We would love to oblige, but with what money? It is far easier for RFD to move elsewhere and pay rent to someone who has the space to spare. Is there anyone out there who would like to be RFD’s landlord? If you have two 12' x 12’ rooms you could spare, we’d like to hear from you. As production and printing of the magazine has move to San Francisco as of this issue, a home for us somewhere nearby (up to 3 hour drive from S.F.) would be of great interest to us. - T.C.)

Dear RFD, I am writing to tell you how much I enjoy your magazine. I first heard about it when I lived in rural Georgia many years ago although I never could find a copy. It is ironic that I finally found RFD here in NYC. The first issue I saw was #51. I enjoyed it immensely, especially the book review on the The Spirit and The Flesh by Harry Hay. I also wrote a review of this book for My Comrad, a new NYC periodical. I've always associated my healing and psychic abilities with my gayness, and I have found The Spirit

I am Hapi Phace, NY “We don’t want no nuclear dumps, we just want our high heeled pumps!”

NEW FROM THE CROSSING PRESS!

N EW MEN, N EW MINDS

BREAKING MALE TRADITION How do we change our lives? This is a book of transformations, an anthology of articles and personal confessions by men exploring the traditional rules of masculinity competitiveness, stoicism, the work ethic, the taboo of closeness and the fear of death. 49 Contributors of Personal Stories, Essays. Poems. S9.95 Available at your favorite bookstore or from The Crossing Press, 22-D Roache Rd. P.O. Box 207, Freedom, CA 95019

HOW TODAY’S MEN ARE CH ANGING THE TRADITIONAL RULES OF MASCULINITY EDITEDBY FRANKLIN ABBOTT

1987 RFD Financial Report We at RFD thought you, our readers, would like to know what we did with all the money you sent us last year. Here is a breakdown of our income and expenses during 1987. INCOME: $16,541,47

Sale of subscriptions: Sale of back issues and samples:

1,740.20

Bookstore sales:

6,241.55

Advertising income: Donations:

1,085.00 2,087.59

Miscellaneous income:

1,915.80 $29,611.61

Grand Total (Income): ES: Office supplies:

$1,509.15

Printing:

16,896.16

Postage:

3,573,06 900.00

Rent: Staff expenses: Misc. (Utilities, Travel, Advertising, Etc.): Grand Total (Expenses):

3,535,00 3,828.22 $30,241 59

As you can see, we spent more than we made in 1987. You, our subscribers, seem to have liked the 100-page issues we put out last year. They cost us considerably more than the usual 70-80 page issues we produce. We hope the new subscription prices will give us the capital to put our larger issues and eventually purchase a PC to help us keep up with the increasing number of subscriptions and cut our production costs. We would like to urge those of you who purchase RFDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from bookstores to subscribe. RFD makes no money from bookstore s a le s - in fact, the price we charge bookstores per copy is hardly enough to pay for printing the magazine. As an example, take the figures for issue #52. 2600 issues costs $6,214,31 to print, or $2.39 per copy. When you add in production costs, staff expenses and postage, the final costs is $3.89 per copy. We sold #52 to bookstores for $2.85 per copy, which is 40% off the cover price - a standard marketing markdown for magazines. If we had sold #52 to the bookstores for $3.89 per copy, the cover price would have increased to $6.50 - how many people would buy RFD at that price? We take the loss on bookstore sales because it is a good way to introduce RFD to the Gay public But, subscription sales are the main support of RFD, so if you like us, please subscribe! We could also use more advertising. If you own a Gay business, please consider RFD the next time you advertise.

NNOUNCEMENTS

Re: AIDS and Syphilis In December, contributors ton the New England Journal Of Medicine suggested that syphilis can proceed to neurosyphilis as quickly as two months after infection. This poses a real dilemma in testing and treatment. If you are exposed to syphilis and diagnosed soon enough the standard protocol, 2.4 million unit is of benzathine penicillin, may take care of it (although many syphilologists now question that). If the diagnosis is delayed (if you're infected anally or vaginally, or there’s simply no chancre), the syphilis may get beyond the blood brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid or the eye. Routine testing for syphilis may expose the blood infection but not the neurological one. You may then be treated with benzathine penicillin and told that you’re cured. But the horror of this protocol is that benzathine penicillin does not cross the blood brain barrier and is therefore ineffective in the treatment of neurosyphilis. (How many people dying of AIDS dementia are really dying of neurosyphilis is question that’s coming up more and more.) The CDC said in 1982 that two-thirds of gay men had had syphilis. If you have not been regularly and properly tested for syphilis throughout your sex life, you could be harboring neurosyphilis. To

complicate

matters,

HIV-positive

persons may test falsely negative on the standard syphilis blood tests because they may not be able to mount the 'normal1 immunological response required of such tests. One can try hunting syphilitic biopsies and subjected to a silver-staining test. But some researchers suggest we may be dealing with a blood-to-blood infection (and not a direct treponemal one) and treponemes may not be found (syphilitic plasma without treponemes has been demonstrated in the test tube). January’s Atlantic magazine brought the AIDS/syphilis connection into the mainstream consciousness and discussed in particular the testing dilemma. Some of us patients have banded together not champion the theory but to explore it. We know, fore example, there are three new test for syphilis being developed. If you'd like to know more, write us. Mark Smith Patient Advocate Network 279 Collingwood San Francisco, CA 94114 BOOK COLLECTORS I BOOK READERS

BOOKS FOR GAY PEOPLE • FICTION • AUTOBIOGRAPHIES • POETRY • BIOGRAPHIES • FIRST EDITIONS • OUT OF PRINT • HARO TO FIND Our fic tio n and poetry have hom osexual or lesbian characters and them es 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 free m ailed First Class in envelopes For the curre nt issue w rite

BOOKS BOHEMIAN

P O Box 624 6 Oepl Rf(J Glendale. CA 912 05__________

An Open Letter Dear President Reagan, This is an open letter to you from people who suffer from AIDS: those who got it form hospital transfusions, hemophiliacs, homosexuals and heterosexuals and intravenous drug abusers. Also from members of their families and the friends who suffer along with them watching them die every day. There is an experimental drug developed in the U.S.A. called “RIBAVIRIN”, produced by Veratek Co. in California, which has helped many of us to stay alive up to this date. It does not help everybody, but some of us have been helped definitely. According to well-known American scientist Dr. Peter Hestine, Chief physician in hospital epidemiology at Log Angeles CountyUSC Medical Center, “RIBAVIRIN” has apparent ability to reduce progression to AIDS, until a possible cure is found one day. Some of us have been going to Tiajuana in Mexico to buy over there American drug “RIBAVIRIN”, because it is freely on sale there, but not in our own country, because it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. That is a great shame Mr. President, that is a plain GENOCIDE against the American people. The trouble is we cannot afford to go to Mexico to bring RIBAVIRIN back all the time, it is far from the Midwest. For four full

years your Administration has promised us a new law, a ruling, by which experimental drugs like RIBAVIRIN will be made quickly available to patients with immediately “life-threatening diseases.” The moment the ruling became the law last May, the phonies from FDA have immediately stated (reported by Time of June 1st, 1987) that: “As yet the agency knows of no drug qualifying under the ruling”. It's a fraud, deception, hypocrisy, on the part of some FDA officials who should be fired by you Mr. President. How can you tolerate something like that, Mr. President? But the same FDA which refused to approve RIBAVIRIN on which many of us have survived up to now, did approve AZT, a drug of little value to us, which are sold at enormous prices and profits. We want you to order Attorney-General Meese to investigate that approval and its profits right away. On ABC program 20/20 with Barbara Walters on June 4, 1987 two prominent American doctors have asked for approval of RIBAVIRIN. Next evening Ted Koppel of ABC had a program “Town-meeting U.S.A." on which a young medical doctor was shown with full name, who has suffered from AIDS himself the last 3 years, who told American audiences that he survived only because he has been taking RIBAVIRIN. Those tapes exist! Also well-known Dr. Timothy Johnson, Medical Advisor of ABE, has stated last January that RIBAVIRIN was a very “promising” drug for AIDS sufferers. Why do we have to go to Mexico to buy it, instead of buying it in a local drug store? Because there is a conspiracy by your FDA officials not only against this drug, but also against all of us who suffer from AIDS. In the communist Soviet Union they deny their citizens exit-visas. In so called free America, our Government denies us drugs which have been already developed. We are condemned to die by our Government. All that we are asking you dear Mr. President is, that you immediately permit us to buy RIBAVIRIN freely any place in the U.S.A. Mr. President. WE ARE DESPERATE PEOPLE . We are

dying every day by he hundreds. WE HAVE NO TIME TO WAIT for the research and drug-trials. IT IS TOO LATE FOR US, PLEASE UNDERSTAND! We shall take full responsibility ourselves. PLEASE APPROVE RIBAVIRIN, Mr. President! PLEASE! PLEASE!!! Respectfully yours, For the group of 431 patients, friends and relatives in Chicago, Illinois, Mrs. P. O’Connors & Donald Johnson

AAA Gay Cloister The Christiansbrunn Brotherhood, a new religious order, has been formed in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania to call attention to the needs of the Earth, which the brotherhood worships as its mother. The brotherhood seeks new members and is looking for 25 - 30 acres to establish a cloistered farming community. For more information, please write: The Christiansbrunn Brotherhood 228 Arch St. Bethlehem, PA 18018

AAA

Court Upholds Gay Rights from the Asheville Citizen, 2/11/88 In an important ruling for Gay rights, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals decided in favor of a Gay man and against the US Army, saying that a branch of the armed forces can not exclude people solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. Judge William Norris went further, stating that just because specific sexual conduct van be forbidden by criminal laws does not give any state “license to pass 'homosexual laws’ - laws imposing special restrictions on Gays because they are Gay”. The army has not yet decided if it will appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

AAA Oops! from Among Friends, Feb. 1988 The state division of tourism in Wisconsin has spent $25,000 and allocated $7 million to push its new motto: ‘Wisconsin - You're Among Friends”. However, the division was unaware that a statewide Gay magazine based in Madison happens to be titled Among Friends and the reaction was swift from conservatives who fear Wisconsin will get a reputation as a ’Gay State’ (they should be so lucky). Jay Hathaway, editor of Among Friends, confirmed rumors that a state legislator had suggested that Among Friends changes its name (!). Hathaway’s response: “We are copyrighted and registered with the state of Wisconsin. It is too bad (they) had to spend $25,000 to come up with a slogan that we, for the most pari, claim as our own... Wisconsin, because of its equal protection laws for gays and lesbians, is a place where one can be among friends... what’s wrong with that? Leave it to some homophobic senator to raise objections.” Mounting opposition to the new motto makes it unlikely that it

will be adopted. Oh, the old motto? "Escape to Wisconsin". Too bad some folks can’t escape from their homophobia!

AAA Gallo vs. Duesberg from Spin, Feb. 1988 In the February issue of Spin, Anthony Liversidge questioned Dr. Robert Gallo and then Dr. Peter Duesberg in what is the closest thing (so far) to an open debate on the role of HIV in AIDS. The two men's statements are remarkable- Gallo's for his abusive, almost obscene use of language, and innuendoes against Duesberg's character and Duesberg's for his controlled and scientific remarks which stuck to the issue at hand. After reading this interview, one has to feel that if Gallo is right about HIV, he is broadcasting his truth in such a manner that would alienate even his staunch supporters. Calling Duesberg's observations that HIV does not fulfill the criteria for being a disease-causing organism “irrelevant,” "nonsense," "ludicrous" and Trite," Gallo dismisses Duesberg as “a funny guy” and called the whole business “a useless interchange." Duesberg on the other hand addressed serious problems with the HIV hypothesis without emotion and disclosed the shocking fact that only 7% of all newly diagnosed cases of AIDS are actually tested to see if HIV is present! (By CDC rules, one must have HIV to have A ID S - are the other 93% of new cases diagnosed by clairvoyant doctors?) He acknowledged that Dr. Gallo once thought very highly of him, Duesberg comments, “...until I criticized his science. You would think I was insulting his mother or something, the way he reacted. I must say, of all the scientists I’ve known, Gallo's reactions are the most unscientific.”

Unique Opportunity Running Water Retreat Center for gay men and radical faeries is seeking a program coordinator / caretaker to begin in April. Responsibilities include organizing and facilitating retreats, workshops and gatherings, hosting visitors, light maintenance and housekeeping. The Center is seeking a person or couple adaptable to rustic mountain living, possessing practical skills, a gregarious personality, and a responsible nature. A base salary of room and board plus $75/month and commissions from events will be offered. Applicant must have his own vehicle. Vegetarian fare and no illegal drugs, please. Letters of interest to: Search Committee Rt. 1 , Box 127-E Bakersville, NC 28705

AAA Pass the Plate In the aftermath of Pope John ll’s visit to the US, many cities who hosted the holy father are still trying to pay off the bills. Pheonix has paid $86,000 and San Antonio paid ten times more for the papal visit than it had for any other civic event in the city’s history. The Pope’s visit is estimated to have cost $32,000,000 or about $130,000 an hour. As always, it will be US taxpayers who pick up the tab, most of whom are not Catholic.

AAA

New Poem for George Jalbert (Chenille) by Will Ballard Yeah! weekend in Guerneville Down to the theatre in the rain laying our overcoats and legs over the seats to dry. You, founder, mother seat of faerie wisom practicing crow calls communicating with the birds on Summit. The river was high that year. We relived, both, our Trappist calling-rejection A mid-life exercise in where to go now? For you, dear friend, need is where your talent lay Fulfilling your need in the city of cold, grey love. You have served us all well I speak it, unthinkingly, to my teenaged son and daughter to all young hispanic men in my neighborhood I speak of you lovingly to sisters on the river who knew men such as you Gaudeamus igitur!

AAA 10

MIDWEST MEN'S FESTIVAL Sept. 8 - 20 Lake of the Ozarks State Park, MO Lake Ozark is near Kaiser, MO and the Festival w ill be at Camp Rising Sun. NORTHWOODS MIDSUMMER FAERIE GATHERING July 21 - 26 This gathering w ill be on the head足 waters of the St. Croix in Wisconsin. Registration is $60.00 fo r fiv e days (please send $30 with r e g is tra tio n and re g iste r by July 13). Circles, nature walks, swimming, canoeing, rituals, games, workshops by James White Review editors and Harry Hay. Bring camping gear (both kinds), s i l 足 ver and dishes, and a gallon of water.

Gabby Haze Broken Downs, Rt. 1 Dowell town, TN 37059 (615) 536-5287

RUNNING WATER CENTER Sept. 1 6 - 2 5 Running Water is celebrating i t s 10th anniversary of gatherings th is year. This tr a d itio n a l f a l l gathering w ill cover 10 days and two weekends. Come to a ll or part. Registration is $25 plus $5/day.

Phil Wilkie & Brent Derowitsch 117 Mackubin St. //15 St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 291-2913

Running Water Center Rt. 1 Box 127-E Bakersville, NC 28705

WOLF CREEK FAERIE SANCTUARY July 26 - Aug. 5 This Mid-summer Gathering w ill be at Nomenus' land t r u s t . Camping gear is needed.

SHORT MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY

Ted Bare P0 Box 6732 San Francisco, CA 94101 (415) 552-5065

FALL GATHERING Oct. 7 - 16 Short Mountain Sanctuary Gatherings are open to a ll regardless of gender. Children are welcome. Household pets are discouraged. This long-standing tr a d itio n of the Fall Gathering is well attended, so please re g iste r early. Bring camping gear and warm clothing . Showers are now available!

BLUE HERON LABOR DAY GATHERING Aug. 26 - Sept. 5 (?) This is a tr a d itio n a l Labor Day event but we are uncertain of the dates, so do check with contact person be足 fore showing up. Set-up help is appreciated.

Registration Daily fee

Jim Jackson 33 Richdale Ave. Cambridge, MA 02140

$25.00 6.00 (per day)

Short Mountain Sanctuary Rt. 1 Box 84-A L iberty, TN 37095

GREAT LAKES FAERIE GATHERING August 26 - 28 Full Moon Wilderness Camp-out at Ganowungo Sanctuary near Summerdale, NY. Bring camping gear, drinking water, food to share, etc. Site is at the bottom of the gorge and is not accessable by car, has no f a c i l i 足 tie s or e l e c t r i c i t y . Jay Stratton 121 Union St. Westfield, NY 14787 (716) 326-2350

WILLOW HOLLOW RANCH Nov. 24 - 27 Registration for th is Thanksgiving Gathering w i ll be $25 plus $5/day. Bring camping gear, etc. House has some f a c i l i t i e s . Willow Hollow Ranch is a non -p ro fit Healing Sanctuary, so expect healthy food and workshops. Rt. 1 Box 267 Purl ear, NC 28665

Renewing Mint Beds by Jim Long Reprinted by permission of the author from The Ozarks Herbalist, Fall-Winter 1987. Subs $10 per yr. Published Quarterly. Rt. 4, Box 73, Oak Grove, AR 72660 Mint beds can wear out. The plants will get smaller, the flavor may even become less than dynamic. What can you do? Should you buy new plants, replace your bed? There are some easy answers to growing good mint. First mint likes moisture, and often will be happy near a water faucet or along the foundation of a house. Mint likes sun, but will be equally happy with some light shade during the day. After several years (some growers say after 3 years, and commercial growers say it should be done yearly or every other year) of growing in the same spot, it is beneficial to renew the bed. The recommended method for renewing a mint bed is to cut the mint to the ground after a hard frost (save the cuttings for tea) and give it a good top dressing of compost or fertile garden soil or composted manure. Then in early spring before growth starts, cut into the bed with a spade, making multiple cuts which will cut off lots of roots and cause more compact and vigorous plants to form. Some gardeners recommend that you lift the entire mint bed and work in good soil and compost, replanting the roots. While there's no doubt that this latter method would be most beneficial, the work involved is more than some people want to spend on mint, and the above described method will give quite satisfactory results.

Establishing Leeks For Keeps A m erica n F la g L e e k .

by Anonymous Reprinted from Landward Ho!, Vol. 7, #6. No longer published.

The leek (Allium porrum), cousin of the onion, is an ancient vegetable. It was well known to the early Celts who settled in France and the British isles sometime prior to the 5th century, B.C. In fact, their priests, the Druids, are said to have held the leek in such esteem that they used it in at least one of their religious rites. And it is interesting to note that even today, some 2500 years later, nowhere is the lowly leek held in higher esteem than among the Celtic descendants of these regions. It is the floral emblem of Wales. It is the main vegetable in many English dishes. The Scottish use it with a lavish hand in their cookery. The French depend upon the leek for their famous vichyssoise soup. Surprisingly enough, the leek has not gained the same popularity among North Americans. But anyone who likes onions will love this delicately flavored, winter vegetable. Resembling the scallion in appearance, the leek produces a 6 to 9 inch stem, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, depending upon the variety chosen. Leeks are well worth growing. And being winter-hardy everywhere, they can be dug from late fall to late spring to provide a fresh vegetable. Most how-to publications treat leeks as annuals, which means growing leeks from expensive seeds every year. Also, leeks require 130 to 150 days from seeds to mature plants, making the tending of young seedlings a rather long and laborious chore. But if they are treated as the biennials they are, leeks are as easy to grow as garlic. Of course, unless you can obtain plants or leek cloves, you will have to grow your leeks from seeds the first year. The seeds should be planted 130 lo 150 days before the first expected freeze in your area. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in fairly rich, deeply-worked soil in rows spaced 18 inches apart. (1/2 ounce of seed will plant about 100 feet of row.) As they grow, leeks should be thinned to stand 5 or 6 inches apart in the row. Or, the young plants can be transplanted into 4 or 5 inch deep trenches. Either way, as cold, or freezing weather approaches, earth should be drawn up around the leeks, including the lower leaves, to blanch them. In extremely cold areas the tops can be covered with a thick mulch as added protection. Leeks can be dug and enjoyed all winter and well into spring. But be sure to leave about one third of the leeks in the garden and allow them to bloom and go to seed. When the seed heads and the stalks are thoroughly dried and cured, remove them and dig the leeks. You will discover a large bulb consisting of 5 or 6 cloves. Separate the cloves and plant them about 6 inches apart in a 4 to 5 inch deep trench. (Each clove will produce a new plant.) Cover the cloves with about 2 inches of soil, gradually filling in the trench as the plants grow. As cold weather approaches, bank earth around the leeks as done the first season.

If you allow enough of the leeks to mature and produce cloves each year to plant late in the summer, you will have no need to spend hours tending leek seedlings grown from expensive seed. Do give leeks a place in your garden. You will be glad you did. VICHYSSOISE (French Soup) 5 leeks, thinly sliced 3 cups cubed potatoes 2 cups chicken broth (or bouillon) 2 cups rich milk 1/2 cup thick cream Salt to taste Simmer leeks and potatoes in chicken broth for 40 to 45 minutes, or until well done. Rub the mixture through a sieve. Add the milk and reheat to a boil. Remove from the heat and season to taste. Set the soup aside until thoroughly cold. Then blend in the thick cream and serve. LEEK AND MACARONI SOUP 7 large leeks, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1 quart water 3/4 cup macaroni* 2 cups boiling hot milk Salt and pepper to taste Melt the butter in a soup kettle. Add the leeks; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the water and cook for 20 minutes. Add the macaroni and cook until it is tender and well done. Add the boiling hot milk. Season to taste. Serve with crackers and grated cheese. *Any type of pasta may be used.

An Easy-Care First Herb Garden by Jim Long Many texts have made herb growing seem difficult and mysterious, much like it was back when monasteries were the guardians of medicinal and culinary herbs. There’s no need for this kind of gardening to be any more of a mystery, nor any more difficult than growing a vegetable garden. Actually, herb-growing is simpler and easier than just about any other kind of gardening. Herbs are hardy plants that are very forgiving of a beginner, and generally grow on with a strength and stamina that you won’t find in petunias or geraniums. Herbs in general have some basic requirements for growing. Once these few preferences are met, the rest comes easy. With the exception of a few plants that like moisture (mints, sorrels, and some tropical non-hardy plants) herbs in general require well-drained soil, a full day of sunshine, and moderately fertile soil. Well-drained means just that. They will do best if they are grown in a raised bed, a terrace, or a mounded row-bed in the garden They just don’t like a plain flat growing surface. They need moisture, but many kinds of herbs will die if they have wet feet (water standing on the roots for any length of time). Exceptions to the raised-bed growing preferences are the basils, which will grow in a garden row alongside tomatoes (which also improves the tomato flavor as they grow). Catnip and horehound, too, could care less about flat or raised soil. Garlic and chives can be grown in a flat garden row, but will do much better in a raised bed. The second requirement, sunshine, is critical. Try growing lavender in the shade and you’ll fail. It wants 10-12 hours of sunlight each day. That means that partial shade will let it grow, but it won’t reach the full height of its family of plants. And, even more importantly, [sic] the oil production will be less, which is where the heady scent comes from. Sunshine causes the plant to manufacture the essential oil that gives lavender its fame, curtail the sunshine and you’ve got a pretty average-smelling little plant. Put it out in full sun in a raised bed and it’ll knock your socks off! Exceptions to the sunshine rule are with plants such as violets (yes, I consider them to be herbs, they’re used to make candies, season frostings, jellies and as salad ingredients), which will grow in shade or sun; ginseng, wild ginger, coltsfoot and ground ivy, all of which require shade. Plants which will take some shade include sweet woodruff, cat mint, spearmint, and lemon balm. So, with that outline of requirements, how do you begin making an herb bed? My suggestion is to look around at your area and see what space you have (not necessarily space to spare, but rather space that you want to enhance and make more lovely than it already is). It needs to be out there in the sun, of course. Often that portion of soil along the fence at the edge or end of the garden is perfect, as it is usually higher than the garden. Add something to retain the soil along the edge and you have an instant raised herb bed. If you don’t have that space available, the other alternative is nearly as simple... build a bed out in the yard (lawn if you’re in the city, I think it’s only a “yard" if you're rural!). Building a raised-bed for herbs can easily be accomplished in a few hours, and will be an enjoyment for years. The easiest method is to gather stones that will retain the soil. If you can't carry boulders, choose smaller stones that can be stacked. Lay out the first row of stones in the shape you want the bed to be. Reserve the remaining rocks until the soil is in. A note of caution. If you choose to use railroad ties instead of stones, be aware that the creosote that oozes out is toxic to plants. Old retired ties are less caustic than newer ones. Build the soil up into a mound in the rock outline. 15

Allow for settling, so mound

the soil higher than you really need at first. Usually, if you don’t have soil available on your property, you can borrow a pickup from a friend and gather some, or you can even call a trucker listed under “Soil" in the phone book. Regardless of how you get your soil, check it for composition. You don't want composted manure; river sand mixed with silt or peat would be much better. When in doubt, go toward the infertile side, as herbs will do quite well in poor soil. If you have extremely sandy soil, add some sphagnum peat (not that cheap black stuff they call “composted peat” in the discount stores... it packs hard, doesn’t hold moisture like sphagnum, and has gone beyond its usefulness as an effective soil additive.

C r o s s Section

Mix the soil well, even mixing in a little compost if the soil is real poor. Mound it up well in the mound, with the center being the highest. Stack additional stones around the edge if more are needed to hold in the soil. Be sure to pack soil between the rocks like it was mortar. It will help level the rocks as you stack, as well as making more growing room for plants like thyme to grow between the layers. Now, for choosing the plants. Choose plants that you are most likely to use. The ones that I recommend to start with for cooking are BASIL, CHIVES, THYME, MARJORAM, PARSLEY, DILL, OREGANO, LAVENDER, SAGE, CALENDULA and TARRAGON. DILL is the tallest plant in the list (and an annual). Plant it at the rear of the growing area, like a back-drop to the other plants in regard to where you will view them from. The Bouquet variety of dill is shorter and a very good variety to grow. Probably in the vicinity of the dill, you will want the other tall plants, and some of the tall ones should go on the highest part of the “hump”. BASIL gets about 24" tall, as does CALENDULA. TARRAGON is a little smaller-growing, and it lops over, so can go lower down on the mound. LAVENDER is taller than PARSLEY, CHIVES, and THYMES, so it is a midway plant. The plants for the edges, then are the lower-growing THYMES (they like to hang over the edges), the PARSLEYS and OREGANO. PARSLEY is a biennial, so will need replanting each year unless you let it reseed itself and in that case will become somewhat weed-like in milder climates. TARRAGON should be bought as a plant, from a cutting. Don’t buy tarragon seed, as true french tarragon does not produce seed. Your seed will come up to be that bitter Russian tarragon that isn’t useful in cooking. Plant your herb plants after the last frost in the spring. Water them in well, and mulch the bed to keep out weeds. I use old pine needles that I gather from the pathways in the cemetery. Straw will work, but avoid wood chips as they give problems by robbing nitrogen and harboring fungus and bugs. All of the herbs will take to mulch well, except for lavender... keep the mulch back from the lavender plants a few inches.

Other plants you may want to try, but that should not be put in your new herb mound are plants like LEMON BALM (re-seeds itself vigorously, as well as putting out some runners, can take over the bed quickly); MINTS... leave them to a spot to themselves as they spread aggressively by underground roots. Also, don't plant different mint varieties together as they Trade" flavors and will lose their distinctiveness); HORSERADISH... talk about aggressive! It will put down roots about 3 ft. in a season. Give it a mound of its own!). WINTER ONION works OK in the herb bed if you keep the bulbils picked off in summer, otherwise it will walk all over the bed. A newer variety, HE-SHIKO is a great “new" winter onion from Japan that stays green the year ’round, does not produce seeds or bulbils, and stays neat. It will work fine in your herb bed. Now for sources. Many garden centers are now stocking more herb plants. A good many have mint, chives, sage and parsley and that's about it. You can grow your own from seed, or you can order plants. Here are a few mail order sources. For a complete listing of everything herbal, you might like to buy the Herb Gardener’s Resource Guide, ($7.95, postpaid), from Northwind Farm, Box 246 Shevlin, MN 56676. Fox Hill Farm, 440A W. Michigan Ave., Box 7, Parma, Ml 49269. $1.50. Catnip Acres Farm, 67-GR Christian St., Oxford, CT 06483. seeds & 100 varieties scented geraniums. Catalog $1.

Catalog packet

175 varieties herb

Caprilands Herb Farm, 534 Silver St., Coventry, CT 06238. Catalog on request. Halcyon Gardens Herbs, POB 124, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Catalog $1. Jim Long edits and publishes The Ozarks Herbalist, a quarterly newsletter about growing & using culinary and medicinal herbs.

Dawn by David Hirsch He was in the city of the sunset and it felt somehow wrong. Tiptoeing on a kitchen chair, Donald Peddler reached deep inside the cupboard, grasped the last item, stepped down, placed this cotton wrapped object with the others, and paused. Then, quickly, he unfolded the shroudings. Within each cloth lay a nearly translucent cup, faintly blue, rimmed in gold. Touching them - how fragile! - raising one - how pure! - was to touch memories: the east coast, its golden sunrises, Harry Donald withdrew his fingers. Those days, he cautioned himself, were dead. Besides, he was a child then: twenty, twenty-one; today he'd become thirty-four. He glared at the row of china. Porcelain flowers, they glared back. He turned, slapped open the swinging door, pounded into his bedroom to stop and stand before a full-length mirror. There he gazed into the face that gazed back. It was, he knew again, a handsome face, ruddy, smooth skinned, pierced with fine blue eyes. And - he backed away - from across a room the pink pouches under the eyes were undetectable, thank God. But - face facts - the hair line receded further and further. In another ten years, maybe less, he’d be bald. And, yes, the nose was getting porous. Removing his red knit shirt with one impatient stroke, he turned so that his profile showed. Donald pursed his lips. The sunlamp he'd begun using bronzed his pecs and shoulders nicely. But, despite swimming at the local businessman’s club and daily sit-ups, there was that softness, a baby’s rubber tire around the damn midriff. He unbuckled his belt, let his pants drop, pulled down his underpants. Some things, he thought with a pride that he knew to be adolescent, are as good as new. He dressed, stepped close to the mirror, smiled wide. Wrinkles lined his forehead. He relaxed his smile: the wrinkles vanished. Such an effort - and futile in the long run. Maybe he’d wind up one of those repulsive alcoholic faggots, hunched and unkempt, invariably “older”, hands tight on a drink in the recesses of some dreary bar. What a life! Stomping through the dining room, Donald glanced at the huge wall clock. Oh, hell! Within an hour they would be here.

4:40.

In the living room he quickly poured a scotch, added a splash of creme de menthe, reached for a cigarette from an alabaster container, lit it, then settled in the large leather chair in the corner of the room. From here he could see the entire city, the sun fading, the sky going from slate to steel; the traffic, like fireflies, emitting

m ore and m ore lights.

He sipped his drink and smoked his cigarette in hurried little movements. He ought not - he groped for the right word - whine so. So he was getting older? There were still a million reasons for him to be happy. He had his friends - they'd be arriving soon. His job paid handsomely: it was his own real estate firm, his baby, and he could leave it in able hands and vacation when hi wished. His home, this condominium, was a decorator's dream, in the best of neighborhoods, atop a hill rich with history. And he was, despite everything, still attractive: younger men wanted him: the habitually wild, liquored weekends let him pick and choose the best of the best. He was intelligent, sociable, urbane, always ready with the perfect, the unbeatable joke. People liked him. He had it all, or damn near. Finishing the drink with one gulp, he admitted that he wasn’t really happy; all too frequently he day dreamed suicide. Looking out the picture window again, he grinned sourly. Twilight on the west coast was such a slow, swift, subtle affair. Like aging it occurred without you really noting it until He was being idiotic. Thirty-four was not old at all. But it was not young. And he had been young. And happy. And married, Harry and him - the inseparable team that didn't separate so much as - what? - disintegrate? It was Harry who had inherited the china cups from his great grandmother: Harry who had given Donald the cups on their second, their last anniversary, Harry who Abruptly, Donald stubbed out his cigarette, bounded up from the chair and strode silently across the pale blue oriental rugs. In the kitchen he wiped each cup with a cloth. Once placed on the dining room table, the set off the pretty, the perfect picture of a table ready for eight. Hurrying now, the man whose birthday was this evening to be celebrated, went about the house turning on the lights. Returning to the dining room with two candles in heavy gold stands, he carefully place them on either end of the table. He stood and surveyed the exquisite cups, matching saucers and plates (made to order), glimmering silverware, linen napkins and centerpiece of yellow roses. Yes, yes. All was ready. There was nothing left to do but wait. Within half an hour the crowd would burst in; then the caterers would arrive. Soon this room would be full. Like the others, Bobbie and Ralph would rush in with “oh's” and “aw’s" over the table setting, both burdened with flawlessly packaged gifts neither could afford. Handel, arriving alone and shy, would have bought something wildly wicked, ready to tell upon “thanks” the amusing, licentious story of how he happened on that particular item. The others would laugh. Lou and Sam would literally scream as they charged in, breathing booze with every breath, storming for the bar while quipping non-stop about something or someone that was “fabulous” or 'leeble, feeble." Dave, arriving with the others, would offer a polite “hello" and something he'd overcharged on. He'd be more civil, more quiet; yet, as the long evening would wear on, he too would bray into the night, dust off dirty jokes, his words slurring, his vest hanging wrong. Annabelle, of course, would wear something insane, a willowy boa around a black slip or a resplendent evening dress with combat boots and leather jacket. She’d be potted from first to last, perfumed in her own marijuana, a stream of icy oneliners ebbing out of her round, red mouth. Donald stared at the table without seeing it, his hands resting on the chair that was to be his. He would be the center of all this, this laughter, these jokes. He would ignore the scatological innuendoes, the racial remarks. He’d say nothing disagreeable, nothing provocative. He would drink, pass the cocaine around in a circle to be sniffed from a crisp hundred dollar bill. He would insist on pouring their wine and find something to compliment about each of them. He would do all this beautifully, suavely, chuckling ambiguously over their inanities. He soiled lead them into the living room after dinner and, still smiling (but, he must

remember, not too widely), he would pour more booze, proffer more cocaine. He would tell his own jokes. He would laugh. They would laugh. He would become profane. They would grow obscene. They would hug and kiss, speak of their love for one another, talk of the past, speak of some fool, damn some politician. If, by two or three in the morning, nobody had vomited or was too drunk to walk, they would leave, loud and tired. Alone, he might go out and find some lover for the night or, perhaps, just drop in bed, reliving this good time before sleeping. Then there'd be only dreams to disturb this undisturbed day. Lifting a cup tenderly, Donald thought: never happened, but it could, it could.

They might break the china.

This had

He turned the cup around. Oh, well. Things break, age, fall apart. Such is life. He thought of Harry and himself again. Thirteen years ago. Two silly boy-men mad about each other. Living (if you called it that!) in some crummy little “studio” in a part of town Donald would never walk through now. Cockroaches rampaged the kitchen. Bourgeois neighbors screamed. A small, used black and white TV churned out its fluttery pictures and adenoidal sounds that day long ago, their second anniversary. “Here," Harry had said, pushing a package wrapped in newspaper at him across the mattress. There was no bed, not even a couch. “What is it?” Donald had asked, looking earnestly into those light green eyes. Harry had smiled. Donald's cheek.

“Open it, dummy.”

And his hand had traced a line against

It was the cups. The cups that had travelled with them from Boston to New Orleans to Houston and finally here, to San Francisco. Donald had cried then. And kissed him.

Harry put his arms around Donald and said, “Dummy.”

Remembering, tears welled in Donald's eyes. He put the cup down and brusquely wiped his eyes. “‘Dummy’ is right,” he said out loud. Into the living room he marched. There he made himself another drink, lit another cigarette and again squatted in the plush chair. "Damn him," Donald said. “Damn him!” How long, he wanted to know, just how long could a human being continue in those nauseating conditions? And always Trust me, Donald." Trust me when I don’t seem loving that I do love you. Trust when I am angry that I still care. Trust me to tell the truth. Trust Life! - Oh, those hadn’t been Harry's words, but that was what he meant, he, the great silent one whom Donald’s present friends could eat alive with any one cruel word. Jerk Harry who worked now as some gardener or something, who had left this fabulous, fun city because- what? Oh, yes: “... nothing matters to anyone here, Donald... except drugs and sex...” - How stupid! Ha! Stupid Harry who wouldn’t talk, couldn’t dress, didn’t know a Gucci belt from some Woolworth's c ra p - and furthermore didn't care toknow! Stupid Harry who would ask me without asking me to be patient - patient with our crummy, little jobs, our pedestrian pleasures, our absurd monogamous relationship. Why? For what? The boy was missing the best in life. Donald relaxed in his chair, sipped from his drink. Well, he thought, we were young. What was was. What can you do? much. Just relax, think “nice", and enjoy it all. And smile, yes, smile. As Donald grinned, the buzzer sirened. He put down his drink, let loose his cigarette; his grin contracted. They were here. It was time.

Nothing

fell; his stomach

Again the buzzer squawked. Like, he thought, the cry of some bird. His heart sped; he felt cold. Why was he behaving so? His friends were outside and they were waiting. Waiting for him. He should rise, fling open the door, and smile, smile, smile.

Again the buzzer w ailed. T h e s c re e c h o f a vulture. T hey w ere there, and they w ere desperate, absolutely desperate fo r the laughter to begin.

He gasped, shook; tears he did not understand filled his blue eyes, eyes that shifted and stared through the window where, just as the doorbell screamed once more, the sun, finally, went down. After that there was silence. The phone had rung and someone had knocked on the door and maybe the phone had rung again, but there was silence. He was behaving strangely. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never forget or forgive a thing like this. He was a pariah now. And a fool. Why laugh? Why get one of the cups and cradle it, and why oh why slip out the back door like some criminal?

AShort Note of Explanation b y L.E. Wilson it all comes down to this: 1was raped by the Brothers Grimm at a tender age, impressionable and so today 1am still struck dumb with wonder when the magic comes a -tiptoe, breathing cold on my neck and still 1wait patiently for my prince to come to shatter the crystal, turn the key, break the spell

(Untitled)

fight the ogre, carry me off by Bob Fish

a rose-covered cottage or a towering castle 1am still waiting, damn you

The spider takes the fly as television takes the viewer. The similie is not inverted. These days technology instructs

to comes down to this, too: 1am warped by the lovesongs on the radio twisted by the Great American Musical 1believe in the songs which laugh and weep

and nature adapts.

promising visions of love, distant, small, but real someone sings that dreams come true, and 1believe him and 1sing alone, in harmony, yet 1am still singing, damn you all

(Untitled) by Cary S. Gilman

January

and these concentric

by John Zaluskl

circles that ring out from

Like fine stitching of silver cloth

me, these pebble echoes

The pond slows To achievement. A skate's speed Hot as July Against the silken fabric Produces a thin white run As in a woman's stocking

What It Means to Be a Poet

(A tender winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penance

by Michael J. Emery

For an abstracted sin of summer.)

it means

Would but atonement move me

eating a thesaurus for lunch

Like this swift glide

& not getting seasick,

Over the ice

jerking off in iambic pentameter,

Then could 1love winter.

knowing that if you tried on Byronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bathrobe it would fit, walking with eyes lost along your path of words, each step forward an act of trust at the edge of a Dover cliff 22

The First Act

In the Dark at the Back of the Bar by Alan Howard

by Winthrop Smith The seats were stiff

There is movement in the dark at the back of the bar

And hard, the walls

you know what it is: you have seen it before, been involved before

Were flat and hard, the Young man stripped himself

you want it again but try not to took try not to think. You are pulled past pale lights you reach raw darkness and it takes you in

Himself. The lights Were pink and warm,

the copper-colored rhythm

His face was pink and

the equine odor of beer & smoke & sweat

Cold, their smoke was blue.

somebody breathing like a woman giving birth.

A few would sit

The dark seems lighter when you’re a part of it

To watch, a few

and you watch the awkward motions

Would stand to watch, the

they make up a dance

Others leaned and stared,

you feel too hard and electric now it may be a dream

Or glared in the heat.

fiery eyes glittering

Winter squalled. The

and lips trembling against someone

Young man stripped himself.

fragile as a bird.

1st luv (Untitled)

by Michael Hathaway we traded secrets & jokes

by Steve Mehall

laughed afternoon into evening

Thinking

you held my hand let me

I can't stop Thinking

touch the pointing of your big sweet heart we tossed

Piano keys up the scale plunk, plonk, plink-ing

two ticking watches over our

The naturally progressive acsension

shoulders lay close together

of heartstrings at attention...

in dirt nothing mattered but your mouth on mine my hands on your warm back

Your lips,

we let midnight drip from

I taste them even now.

stars over that field of

I crush them between my teeth like catnip

sleeping black-eyed susans

then swallow them whole. It’s this mist tonite:

Ghosts

I shiver at the whisper igniting my somewhat dampened soul. I hear only you:

by Assotto Saint both posed

graffiti swipe greeting not easily forgotten.

in the back room’s shadows

Yes I’m kittenish: a catamite to Papa’s Paw,

caught

firmly retrieved by whiskered mouth.

in memories of promises

I was starved so thin

kisses

you simply snapped me in half; Breaking vertebrae

some sunrise tong ago

sure stopped me from Thinking.

yet neither said hello 23

Three By Ron Schrieber the day after your birthday (6-11-86) you looked as if you were starling to have another seizure & we don’t want you to. when I heard your dogs bark downstairs, I called Suzanne, who fed them & came up. I had a hard time getting you to put on the oxygen; you hated the tube, frowned at it, you were worried about my cats--had they got out? Alba rang the bell, I let her in (you

finches

like Alba; she likes you). I brought

“look!” John said, pointing

a cold cloth for your head. Suzanne

to the far wall at the big

held you & talked with you as if you

machine that had kept him

were a little child. I called the

cool for two days, ‘finches!”

doctors, who were not in, but talked

his voice was not back yet,

“I just woke up,” you say.

with their back-ups about changing your

this is the loudest he'd talked.

I woke up two hours ago to

medication. & this time you fought it

“there aren’t any finches,"

your falling: a broken glass

off. Td rather die here," you said,

I said, “yes there are!”

on the floor; helped you back

“than go to the hospital again.” “Happy

John said, “call the nurse.”

to bed; wiped the floor free

birthday," I wrote you yesterday before

I called the nurse, who came

of glass & w a te r-l’m still

I went to work, today you're exhausted.

& said, "no, I don’t see the

shaky. I’ll be shaky at least

me too.

finches.” "oh," said John.

until I go out to the subway,

"but you used to have finches at home,” I said, & John smiled, remembering, & then looking at the machine again & describing in detail the beautiful finches that weren't there.

better (6-25-86)

the dentist, the gay bookstore, Boston Garden to get a refund on what could have been the seventh game of the finals. you’re stable now: no attempted seizures for days, no greater weakness (or strength), no vomiting or fever spikes. but still in bed, drinking juice on your back (“sit up,” I order, & you say, "I just woke up.”) what is normal for you often leaves me shaking, & I adjust & try to flow with the changes of your illness, we call this “stable,” & I guess -o n a scale of health to deathit is relatively calm.

Sacrificed Child by Scott Alderman

I I abused myself in Washington for two days; stoned prophet preaching to pretty college boys, perched on a barstool, my ersatz pulpit. In a taxi riding to the ends of deprevation; opiated, drunken, flaccid; without the spiritual currency to pay my fare. A shower, and off to New York, where I first discovered Chris in the Ninth Circle; the lowest level of hell, a Byzantine cave dedicated to the defiling of God’s children. He of silken brown hair falling into pure eyes; soft skin, sinuous body, childlike verve. Beautiful boy, my mind's eternal lover. Almost too beaten to express my love to him, for “the boy" had thoroughly ravaged me. I prayed for instant health and clarity, though I knew he would never believe me, the way I was. Later, when I came in him, his eyes exploded as if my sperm was sacred messenger to his soul. We lay locked in moist embrace, weeping.

II On a dreary Village night I came upon him again, slouched on a West 10th street stoop, crying. Eighteen year old hustler, saint, sacrificed child; long brown hair and pretty face with dope soaked tears. Bruised, emaciated, homeless, a stench of the streets. Plague infested body, diseased soul, too sick to hustle. “I was once you,” I sighed, I of newfound sanity. I envied and pitied him, so close to death, so arrogant; total surrender to life as he perceives it, as I once perceived it, and remembered it. He asked to sleep with me, for me to save him, ‘You know I can't,” I sighed, though to feel him surge through me and I through him, his chaotic head on my breast, my life in his tears, his pain in my heart was strangely appealing. I offered him a meal, counsel, a gentle kiss, and he just smiled, threw his last fifty cents in the gutter, and walked away.

here as you know it 'may' be terminated, and you human beings relocated to other worlds, other realms, to continue your education in consciousness... ...The nature of a consciousness shift would be reflected in human changes that have been spoken of since the beginning of your recorded history. Freedom of identity; food, housing, clothing, education for all. Respect, the devoted parenting of children born into a world of love and inner trust. No one has to speak of these things. But they cannot be legislated. If they do condition, like the heterosexual condition, is a gift of God, and not come from the heart, from the collective heart of your species, then the experiment has failed... If you love this world,... then you have no choice but to change...

AIDS, THE BODY, AND THE BODY OF THE PLANET by Arrasu, channeled by Andrew Ramer excerpted from Spiritual Love/Sacred Sex AIDS is a planetary experiment. The participants on the planet range from viruses to the living being that is the planet itself. We as human beings see its focus in our lives, and it is no mistake to say that this experiment concerns us and our place on the planet directly. AIDS is a planetary experiment. It is an experiment in love and in compassion. It is an experiment to see whether the mass of human beings can change their consciousness levels to a point of love and understanding that embraces all human beings. Those who play host to this experiment may be female or male, black, brown, red, yellow or white, they may be rich or poor - but they all have one thing in common - which may not be readily apparent on the outside * but which is true in the hearts of all of them - they feel like planetary outsiders. These are the people who feel that they do not belong here. As if that could be true of anyone who is bom here. But they feel it. And in surrendering their bodies to what is most often a fatal illness, they offer themselves up to this experiment, and must be applauded. The nature of the experiment is twofold. It involves compassion and transformation on one hand. But on the other hand, it represents a doorway into one possible future for human beings on this world. If changes in consciousness do not occur, it is 'possible1 that in fifty years time viral illness of such strength will appear in this world that fifty percent of all children bom, of all human children born, will die before the age of five from diseases that make AIDS took kind. So that those who are afflicted with AIDS at this time will be seen as the voluntary vanguard in health research that will make the lives of those children involved as comfortable as possible. And even they, all those 'possible' future children, will be involved in a last attempt at consciousness altering for humans on this world. If humans fail in that experiment, then human life

...It is easier to do than you think. All that you have to do is close your eyes, feel the beating of your heart. Feel the life pulsing through your body. And know that that life is love. Feel that love circulating in your body. And see the people you know, friends and enemies alike. And know that love courses through their bodies too. And know that in the center of this planet, in the heart of Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own chosen body, that love pulses there too. Do this, keep doing this. Feel it, keep feeling it... Feel love beating. Do not think about it until you can feel it. Until you can feel it in every single other person in the world - and in the heart of this world itself... All souls rise up into incarnation through the living soul of their planet. The being you call Earth is the parent of you all. It needs its healing now, it needs its own shifts in focus. It needs you to make your own shifting, away from destroying it and back toward a time of love. You cannot love your planet if you do not love your own body. Touch yourself, hold yourself, give your own body the tenderness, the caresses you all too often wait for others to give. Touch every part of yourself. To do this is to make planetary change a little bit more possible. Deepen into the wholeness of your wisdom. And know that as more and more people become whole, that that which kills now will be transformed. AIDS is a planetary experiment, an experiment in consciousness. All human beings are involved in it, in and out of bodies... Those at the front line are actively working in their own ways to further planetary transformation. Some will do it through their work, others will do it through the work they inspire in others. But no one is immune, no one is not a part of this experiment. It is an experiment in love and in compassion... in shifting consciousness. Many out of bodies as you know them support you in your research. Together, we can all evolve in consciousness. AIDS is a planetary experiment. If you love life, if you love your body, if you love this sparkling, shimmering being you call Earth, then there can only be one outcome to the experiment. PLANETARY TRANSFORMATION. with blessings to you all in this great experiment - Arrasu. (Andrew Ramer's other books, Two Flutes Playing and Priests Of Father Earth And Mother Sky, as well as Spiritual Love/Sacred Sex, are available from; Body Electric, 6527A Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609, (415) 653-1594.) 26

behavior than they have been showing man lately on Earth. Man cannot slaughter them, overrun their habitats and otherwise disrespect their Destiny Paths without the animals responding in some way. In his denial of the animals, man has mistaken their patience for lack of response. The animals have been building up to a need for clearance themselves, and in the coming times on Earth animals are not going to be easy to keep. Fenced and caged animals need their freedom in order to stand a chance for survival anyway. Domestic animals may need freedom and the opportunity to return to familiar ground when necessary. When the Earth changes intensify, animals that need clearance may suddenly become fierce and inapproachable. Others may choose to die. Cattle for example have asked Me to lift most of them off of Earth... These statements are only meant to show what is precipitating into physical reality now unless those that created it make changes in their energy fields People can choose to recognize this while it is still in mental and emotional vibrations and clear it out from there, or experience it by waiting until it creates a physical reality The situation on Earth is such that people need to know what they have been creating and are creating for themselves and what they can do about it...

REALITIES PRECIPITATING TOWARD EARTH excerpted from Right Use Of Will by Ceanne DeRohan reprinted by permission of the author Opening to the Will needs immediate attention, for this is the path that will allow survival of what is coming on Earth. The changes necessary to rebalance Earth are precipitating into physical reality right now and are taking place because the emotional and mental energy creating them has not been cleared enough to allow anything else... In the case of Earth, the Earth has made a choice to end its imbalance and denial now and so only those Spirits that are in harmony with this choice will remain on Earth... See that the Earth has reached the place where it must have its balance restored... You need to accept the Earth's need to be healed now and you need to accept what is going to be involved in this. Healing the Earth is going to involve serious upsets in its usually hospitable acceptance of man... The Earth can no longer tolerate the abuse it has been receiving, and for that matter, neither can the animals. The animals have for the most part appeared to submit to what has been done to them. Their behavior patterns so far have not seemed to show much variance no matter how they have been treated, but this is not accurate seeing of the animals. Reality is that animals have much more to their

If the denial being presently held in the emotional and mental bodies of the Spirits on Earth does precipitate into physical reality it will be seen, and I exaggerate not, as either the perfect opportunity to align the Spirit and the Will in the Heart or as Doomsday, depending upon whether the individual Spirit accepts its own denials or not... Once denial is cleared from the Earth, the remaining people will find that they really are compatible and government can then take on its true capacity of open-mindedly observing, giving advice and holding the balance points. At present, society on Earth represents as much of the reverse of this as people have been willing to tolerate .. The practice today of overriding the Earth and its people with pollution and other forms of the imbalance that creates death is not the practice of Free Will. It is possible that some pollution and poisoning could have taken place as a reflection of the imbalance between Spirit and Will, but learning takes place before death results unless denial is so substantial that death is all it can create It is important to realize that unreversed denial leads to death. The massive attempt to kill Earth is being carried on by Spirits that have this much denial. These Spirits are denying others in favor of themselves. The ones denying themselves in favor of others are handing them the power to do it. The ones that feel victimized by the situation on Earth have something to learn here. Everyone, if personal denial is reclaimed, actually has enough power to protect the self from harm. The end of personal denial allows the Will to create a place for itself that is free of denial and what denial creates. Do not hold any limits on the possibilities here... (Right Use Of Will and the two companion books Original Cause I & II are available from: Four Winds Publications, 535 Cordova Road, Suite 112, Santa Fe, NM 87501.) 27

excerpted from AIDS: Planetary Illness by Julian Spalding reprinted by permission of the author from EroSpirit, Vol. 2, #12 (Dec. 1987) subscriptions: $24/year, published monthly. P. O. Box 35188, Albuquerque, NM 87176. ...During the last 40 years on your planet, the victimization of the Earth - its air, water, land and natural ecological balance -has been severe. Your Earth’s immune system is now critically dysfunctional and the consciousness of your Earth is that of victim. Therefore, toward its own survival, the Earth seeks a cleansing - a transformation into balance and health. Each human being is comprised of the same elements as the Earth. Indeed, you are Earth itself. Thus, in terms of vibrations, the imbalance which the Earth experiences is communicated or relayed to its inhabitants. AIDS entered the homosexual culture because of the similarity in patterns of victim consciousness it shares with the Earth. Because of its epidemic quality, there will be those who attract the vibration who are not sexually active, such as children. This is the result of the fact that you cannot escape the energy of the Earth and AIDS is now very much a part of that energy. AIDS is a passageway to transformation because it is an opportunity to reevaluate belief patterns. It is not incurable if one understands the power of healing inherent in personal transformation. Become conscious of the truth that you are sacred. Life is sacred and you are life itself. When you align your consciousness with the dynamics of healing and balance, then you can recognize the power inherent in the journey towards wholeness. AIDS is but one of several opportunities which the human kingdom must presently confront, because the greater truth of Earth’s present moment is that the quality of life on your planet is slipping rapidly. Thus into each person’s life will come an opportunity for transformation. Seek, therefore, to release all that is within you which interferes with that which is sacred, knowing that in doing so you are participating in your own healing, as well as the healing of the Earth itself.

uncuonai

by Plum Nelly isplay; Drag is more than just collecting lots of things. Drag is also the art of dis play. The art of putting those things together with your body so as to more than just cover it. But it's not as sim ple as it might seem. The more drag you have the more choices you have. And making choices is always the bane of any one with a lot to chose from. How easy it must be for those who just throw some thing on and go about their lives. For those of us into hard core drag there is no such thing as just throwing something on. Even the most mundane occasion can become a reason for doing "it". "My dear, what should I wear"? This is ser ious busunessi This is what "it" is all about.

^ re q u isitio n :

If you are into having lots of things to wear (and isn't what you wear a drag), aquisition takes on a life of its own. You are always looking for yard sales; forever stopping along roadsides, on lawns or in driveways looking for "some thing". Something for yourself or some thing for a friend. And that something could be anything 1 It is never a ques tion of stop and go. Every time you stop, you look and look. You look at shoes, gloves, pants, hats, dresses, jewelry and just about everything else.

Take gatherings for instance. Now some of you will smile and shake your heads knowingly. But for those others let me explain. But how does one explain going to a gathering with a tent, sleeping bag and four suitcases filled with drag. How embarrassing when your five person tent is filled to the top with you and four suitcases. But what could you have left behind? Everything seemed necessary at the time. What if it should rain? Maybe it will be hot, or maybe it will be cold. And what if it's hot at night and cold during the day? Every situation has its appropriate drag and when you are not sure what the situation will be you always try to bring something just in case. Just in case there is a wedding. Just in case you meet Mr. right. Just in case you feel butch. Just in case-- (you fill in the blank).

And it isn't only yard sales. What about thrift stores, have you ever stopped to think about how many thousands of Good Wills, Salvation Armies and you name it religious affiliated store fronts there are? Last but not least there are dumpsters. Dumpstei's? It isn't just aluminum cans we're looking for. Recycling takes on on a whole new meaning. That leads me to the aquisition dilemma. 100$ cotton feels so good, but some things only come in polyester or some other syn thetic material. Material that doesn't "breathe". Material that sticks to your body. Material that is slinky. Material that is brilliant in color. What a dilem ma I What a heartache I

WJverload: Can you really have too much of a good thing? How traumatic the moment is when you first realise that you have more drag than you could ever wear in three life times. Good drag is like good friends. It is always something you want lots of. But unlike good friends, it sometimes becomes necessary to let go of good drag. Oh, the heartache!

Almost everyone I know who is into drag starts out small. .You acquire one or two "special" things. But like rabbits it doesn't take long to have a room full. Once you get aquisition fever, closets dressers and cartons seem to fill up over night. This introduces another heartache of drag, what to wear.

Of course there is some solace in giving things away. The joy you feel coming from that special person who is the re cipient of your generosity. There is always the inner satisfaction that you get when someone else looks fabulous in something you gave them. continued on page 44 30

I went through a period of ultra-masculine drag, when I frequented leather bars and dressed to match. I didn’t realise that I was indulging in drag, though. I remember on my first visit to Short Mountain Sanctuary the first person I saw was one of the residents dressed like a farm girl in a calico dress. I liked it. I immediately saw both of his genders— he was at once masculine and feminine. It was my first moment of faerie magic.

In American Indian tradition the shaman (called by many different names by dif ferent nations') weares not cross-gender drag, but both gender drag. Thus a skirt would likely be worn over pants. Indian shamans are homosexual, and are powerful mystics. They heal the sick and wounded. They are consulted in decision-making. They communicate with the spirit world. A source of their power, or an indica tion of it, anyway, is their drag. They are gay, thus they are not of either straight male or straight female society, but (by necessity) both. They wear both male and female cloths. They have a power that neither male nor female alone has because they have or.e foot in one world and the other in another* It is easy to understand that the shaman could be in contact with the spirit world as well.

rag has a surprising ef fect on both the wearer and the viewer— it changes re ality. Drag gives an impres sion of reality that might oth erwise not seem as real as it actually is. As Lily Tomlin has said, "Reality is merely a coJlective hunch". And drag gives clues as to what that hunch might be.

I try to dress appropriately for my feel ings when I attend a sweat. That is, I wear both a SKirt and pants, or the equi valent. When I do, I feel the power of being in more than one world.

I find that when I am working in the kit chen, I do a much more efficient and successful job if I wear an apron. 7/hen I do carpentry, I wear a nail apron. When using a power saw, I wear protective goggles. I have a favorite pair of work shoes for mowing the lawn. I dress prep py to go to work at my job as a secretary. And the drag works. I become a carpen ter, a sawyer, a landscaper, a secretary. The reality happens. There was a time in the not so-distant past, I will admit, that I was intimida ted by cross-gender drag. Perhaps I felt my masculinity threatened by men dressed in women’s cloths. (Perhaps I should have). Admitting my sexual preference to myself was frightening enough, given the values my parents had tried to instill in me. When I was first admitting my homosex uality, I was lucky enough to have a Lesbian friend in whom I could confide. She took me to my first big-city gay bar — a drag bar. The shows were good (for lip-synch performances) but I was fright ened by the drag queens. I asked her, "Is this what I will grow up to be"? "Only if you want to", was her sage reply.

Another aspect of cross-gender drag is the appearence of vunerability. A man in a dress shows he is sensitive. But at the same time he is brave and powerful, for it takes a measure of self-assurance and courage to cross over into the world of "not-man, not woman". Remember the brave drag queens of Stonewall, who brought forth a new era in gay liberation.

The drag queens were doing something I could not envision myself doing— scream ing their persuasion.

continued on page 31

Fortuantely, the atmosphere was loving and laissez-faire (laissez-faerie?). Also, several other attendants chose con ventional garb and some wore nothing at all (not that I stared). All considered, I felt OK about remaining loyal to my own drummer, and left the gathering feeling spiritually energized. In my mind dressing in drag symbolizes one of two things: identifying with women through emulation, or mocking them through exaggeration. Neither holds any interest for me. Granted, if I were to look beyond ray personal prejudices I might occasionally slip into a dress for the fun of it. But it isn't my way of having fun. Sex roles can be confusing, especially when society proclaims rigorous standards which may contradict our individual na tures. Not all men like sports, not all women want children, and not all human beings choose members of the opposite sex for partners. Similarly, not all gay men desire to dress in drag. It seems simple. Allow me to take the soapbox for a moment. I am constantly outraged at the actions and statements of homophobic America: the Supreme Court's ruling on states' sodomy laws; the Fundamentalist's asser tion that AIDS is God's retribution to gays (i.e., sinners). The list goes on. Two decades after civil rights, sexual revolution and liberation became house hold phrases, a disturbing message con tinues to resound across the land: it is not OK to be gay. Just as heterosexual society is wrong to condemn our practices and predilections, so must the gay com munity itself be mindful and respectful of differences among our numbers.

by Ira Rogers

dressing in drag has not been an issue for me. I simply have never done it. The urge to adorn my body in anything generally regarded as feminine (dresses, negligees, wigs, makeup, high heels, etc.) does not strike me ever occasionally. Upon arriving at Tennessee's Short Moun tain Sanctuary for its Spring 1987 Faerie Gathering, I quickly realized that my relatively traditional manner of dress placed me in a conspicuous minority among the gatherers. Men with full beards and mascara paraded flirtatiously by. Back less gowns revealed anything but delicate flesh. Hairy calves peeked out from under fashionable hemlines.

For me, sexual preference is only that, not a prescribed package of trappings. The homophobe needs to see all gay men as limpwristed, lisping queens and les bians as tatooed, truck driving mamas. These stereotypes (insulting as they are to some of usj help their promoters to feel better about themselves. It would be all too threatening to acknowledge that a professional football player or a loving mother could be gay.

Unaccustomed as I was to this form of mass self-expression, a wave of mild dis comfort enveloped me, not at the sight of these high-spirited men but at the realization that somehow I was "different". My attire was completely ordinary, un imaginative, downright straight-looking. I wondered why I was even there, at a faerie gathering, if I could not conform to its obvious social customs. Some gatherers coaxed me to browse the Sanc tuary's Goat Boutique, from which I could borrow the perfect ensemble for the afternoon; I would not even consider it. Donning a dress or other gay apparel would only intensify my discomfort. Screw peer pressure, I thought to myself. If they could be who THEY were, so could I; even at the risk of ostracism.

As gays, let us not acquire the habit of expecting other gays to fit certain molds, lest we become the oppressors ourselves. At the risk of making some enemies, I propose that dressing in drag is not ra dical at all (as some see it). Rather, it is an obsequious, self-deprecating act which serves only to perpetuate homophobic myths. Why behave in the precise way our antagonists wish to see us? continued on page

R oom D ifference

The Fashion Channel

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How would he look in that hat? And how in that red dress? How in those black stockings? What if he said yes?

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tJfuMOb

Yes, and why Not that feather boa? Why not those 2" heels? Perhaps the turquoise earings? It's all in how it feels.

fJ his is Louise of Things, speaking wit "| you today from the pentnouse and Goat Boutique of the iuxur 1 ous ho tel Snort Mount ain. Today’s words are brought to you through my dear in carnate friend and ardent channel, the goat, Yohinoe. Yohimbe lives on Short Mountain and eats corn. (You nay seno donations c/o Short fountain.)

Then again, a cowboy's get-up Could feel grand against the skin. Or safari-wear or togas like Marc Antony or Gunga Din. The male and female in revolt Each demands some clothes to wear. Something different for each fingernail. To say Nothing of their hair. So - how WOULD she look in that cassock? How Might he feel in that habit? Opportunity knocks like the brassest of rings. When you hear it you'd better grab it.

~oday I would like to speak with you about winter gathering fashion: Not "gathering", as in thrift store consumerism: not gathering hems, rot gathering hims, dear listeners. So. I speak about the gatherings that include all of the above, and then some. Gatherings are events ana people and places and yes, at times, even goats. (A.l of these are defined in your space-time continuum. Look in your New Age Astral Faiery Guide or contact the ed itors of this magazine for material details.)

The rules are bending everyday. Soon we can throw them all awuy. Or put them in our underwear. Or decorate with them our hair. "A scarf, a skirt, a business suit" : (This is a future jump rope chant, When no one remembers how it was That men were chained into their pants.)

Now, dear listeners. ""oday’s message is, pian ahead for winter. If you can barely fit into your gathering drag in the summer, what makes you think that you can wear it over four lay ers of Dolyester winter thermal insulated body-protecto-wear7 ~hink practical, dear listeners. Think functional. Think big. Un less you are a goat and you wear pretty much the same fur coat or two, all year around, you are going to need to prepare vour drag to meet the seasonal fluctuations in vother Nature’s oody temperature. And what gooc is drag at a gathering if it is kept unaer cover, and only seen coming off at bedtime by the few ana the lucky? Nevermind. Dear listeners: "here is more than one way to keep warn. whatever method you choose, remember, someone may be looking.

How would he LOOK in that bright future? And HOW in that red dress? He'd feel much better if he could Tell his heart to say: "OH YES I" Michael Mason

’’’hese words on winter gathering fashion have been brought to you today by me, wouise o ‘ ( Things, with cooperation 'rou the goat, Yohimoe. Send your questions, comments, money, anc corn to: Louise of ^hings, c/o Snort Mountain Sanctuary, Route ! Box 8£-A, Liberty, T\, 37095. If you would like to be a guest chan nel ■ ‘or Louise of Things, send a self-addres sed, stamped envelope to the above aadress, along with an orlgina- answer to tne question.

“why I wouid .ike to cnannei uouise of Things.” Please keep your essay under five pages. Channels are selected by a totally un biased panel at the Sanctuary (whoever is there). Good evening and high fashion.

THE POLITICS OF CROSS-DRESSING !

T^* starting point o* my argu*ent is that politics is not limited to party politics, but rather incorporates ail actions and relation ships. Whicn school you seno your child to, whether you buy South African fruit, etc., are ail political decisions. An individual makes such a decision based on information from so ciety; and tne action has an impact on socie ty. Relations between women ana men are part of society and social trends; there is a fun damental imbalance of power between women and men and this affects a** relationships. How a male boss treats a female worker is partly personal, but also involved are such issues as women’s pay and promotion orospects, the role of women as serving men, sexual harrassment, child care arrangements, the safety of women workers....

Bv Aiison Mitchei .y to be aoie to look after nerse.'. wien wo men first started to wear trousers there was outrage- women were aenymg tneir true role by becoming more active and independent of male protection. “he high heels/tight skirt is ob viously an extreme example- not many women normally dress like this. vy view .s that tne argument is clearer when exaggerated, but wust as applicable to the clothes we normally wear. One o* my major douots aoout transvestism is tnat so many transvestites cress in high heels, etc., ana say that they are dressing as women. 1 have even been to.d that "real" wo men dress this way. I am a woman: I don’t wear high hee.s, stockings or tight skirts, I aon’t use make-up or shave my legs. Does that sake me an imaginary woman? I have been told many times that transvestites dress as women oecause they respect women so, and want to be like them. What sort of respect is it that leads men to dress to such a restricted image of women that it is true for only a small pro portion of women? I feel that it is an op pressive image in that it attempts to define how the ideal woman should oress and behave. Some transvestites go further and dress as tarts- fishnet tights, enormous boobs, etc.; is this how they see women? It feels more like scorn than respect to me.

Oress is a political issue; and a social is sue. In our culture a skirt is a female gar ment; but look at the flowing robes, or the lunghis and sarongs which men wear in other cultures. Clothes are socially genderdefinedl that definition is a political issue. Host transvestites I have met feel that cross dressing is a harmless hobby, and a matter only for individuals. The only concern of wo men, I have been told, is that of partners. However, I believe that dress is a key issue in social politics, and cross-dressing raises just about every issue going.

Also offensive to me is the idea that by dressing as a woman, a man can experience be ing li*e a woman. True, a man dressed as a woman is vuineraoie, if he is treated as a wo man, to the Gangers all women face, and, i* he is read, to mockery and abuse. Anytime he chooses, though, he can revert to masculinity, with all the power and privileges that aHoros him. Being a woman is a lifetimes experience: a man in women’s clothing is just that, and not a man experiencing being a women. Many transvestites recognize this- but many aiso get carried away by tneir fancy dress.

As women, how we dress maxes a significant difference to how we behave and how we are treated. Imagine driving along a quiet road on a wet night, having a puncture and changing the wheel: imagine becoming suspicious of the man following you as you walk home alone, and trying to run from him. Imagine doing those things wearing stiletto heels, stockings and a tight skirt; imagine doing them in flat shoes and loose fitting trousers. In trousers you will be better able to run and to change the wheel. In a skirt you are more likely to get a passing motorist to change the wheel f^r you, but (or at least, so the judges in rape cases would have you believe) you are more likely to be attacked on the streets. Wearing practical clothing means a woman is more like-

I am proud and g±ad to be a woman. I can see how I have been taught by my family, my schooling and by society to be more sensitive and less aggressive than my brother. I reo:ce tnat 1 am 3bie to be more sel^-aware. 34

c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 41

ther club is turning into a "drag organiza tion" and they are apparently upset over this! I also am aware of people I know in my squaredance club that aren’t too keen on some of us getting dressed up and dragged up to do "grad uation shows" and the like in other towns. They would rather have none of it. The best example I can remember, is that of a note in our monthly newsletter doing the routine ask ing for volunteers for the annual Christmas show that we put on for a squaredance weekend. There was a "note" added about there "being too much drag in all of our shows", so what was being asked for, I guessed, was more acts along the lines of live singing, musicians, etc.

COUNTRY QUEEN GOES BUTCH! FRIENDS DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO !!! by Bill "Northwind" Houghton I have been very lucky in my lifetime, to have experienced relationships and friendships with many gay men and lesbians from all corners of the com munity. Two of the biggest "neighborhoods" I frequent are those of the leather and country persuasion.

But those of us who had performed before, and not too badly I might add, were rather put off by this small insult. And we decided that if there were those who didn’t like what we had worked hard on to do for the club those past years, they could do it themselves. We had better things to do' And as for my leather club, I couldn’t have given shit for what a former member said about "drag invading the club". The drag that I wear in both parts of the community rarely mix, and I am very aware of keeping them separate for just that reason. Old guard apparently can get quite paranoid at the sight of a dragqueen, even though the "queen" still has her beard, waltzing into a leatherbar. But I don’t do that. Sever have, probably never will. It seems I’m already causing enough "stirs" without even having to think about doing that1

I have been into leather for a number of years now. To call it a form of “drag" is to probably insult over 90fc of those who (in their own headspace) consider wearing lea ther nothing of the kind. Yet for me, it is another form of self-expression, and though in the past "drag" usually meant wearing a dress, makeup and a wig, I find myself having no hassle in stating what I believe to be true (at least to myse 1f) ...that leather i_s drag unto itseif. (Sounds a little profundo, right7 !) I have also been into squaredancing for over three years now, going on four. I find this a marvelous change-of-pace in my life, involving a non-bar social activity, meeting lots of new people (read men!) , and just having a gay old time! It was in the late spring of 1984 that my country alter ego, Wella Balsam, was born. Those of you that read RFD on a regular basis got a brief "glimpse" of her back in issue #43 (back inside cover). She’s a sweet ’ole thing who has a whale of a time entertainin’ the masses at the drop of a crinoline! I have had great fun taking her to places as diverse as Portland, Oregon, New York City, Madison, Wis consin, Seattle, Washington, and this year, traveling to Phoenix for the big annual squaredance convention.

Anyway, it’s interesting to sometimes be called a "contradiction in terms" by some friends. I don’t agree with them at all, but what can you do? I love getting all dolled up and sashayin’ through a song or two to enter tain the squaredance masses. But I get a big kick out of the feel of black leather covering my entire body. I also have a rather long "fairy tail" beyond my short hair, too, so that becomes another story, too! Wearing lea ther makes me feel more magical- as much as when I put on one or two crinolines' I don’t beiieve in combining the two (too much), but it’s interesting to have just performed in a show as Wella, change backstage, and come out in my “black outfit", ready to do some serious dancin’. Most people are pretty surprised when they find out who I just "was".

Anyway, in these past four years or so, the drag in me and the "butch" in me seem to be at loggerheads with each other off and on. One day I am planning what Wella will be doing for an upcoming fundraising event, or Gay Pride week, and then my mind is working on how to juggle my schedule for getting together with leather friends for working on upcoming events in the community. It would be an interesting study to be a proverbial fly on the wall, and watch what my kitchen goes through when I am ferociously tackling both areas at the same time' But I enjoy working on dragthings and 1eatherthi ngs with equal passion, period.

Ail in all, I enjoy the chance to confuse peo ple a lot1 If wearing what I like causes con troversy among people I know in the leather and squaredance communities, then so be it. I’m havin’ a great time anyway, and don’t have time to explain to people that I love every thing I do and wear. If they can’t see that (but a lot do, I know), then I don’t have time for them. If I’m being selfish; sorry. I’m in a rush to buy that new crinoline at the squaredance shop down the road....

But unfortunately, that doesn’t always ride well with everyone else I come in contact with, on both ends of the scale. In belonging to an old established (14 years) leather or ganization, I have found out that a couple of former members have been bitching that my lea

I ~

•

A TIRADE

And by the by! just what exact ly is meant by “straight acting and appearing"? Does it mean you voted for Ronald Reagan, are pro-nuke, and have recently joined the John Birch Society? Does it mean that you shop ex clusively at Sak’s and are con sidering having a window in stalled in your closet doorgrey and salmon, of course? Treona 3. Bitchy would like to be filled in on this point, as it is a bit confusing. 3ut then there seems to be a lot of _ confusion and ignorance sur rounding the issue of drag and just what all it encompasses. The arguments heard today are the same tired old lines of decades past! ones that have been pitted against all of us, from within as well as without. ^hey were wit nessed in the Berlin of the 30’s where the \az: Party used the ambitions of the upwardly mobile conservative gays against the Left and the drag queens, etc., in orcer to bring aoout the suoseauent massacre of a a a of them, drag or no .

,, , So doliface, you find drag offensive, do you7 Don't want to be embarressed? Perhaps you thinK it makes gays look baa, playing up to stereotypes and all. Or does it threaten you? * ,v' ke 11 , eat goatberries, girlvj .i friend' When you opened up that closet door, you must not have noticed that the door was Dutch, because you’ve yet to open the top half. Treona B. Bitchy can’t believe that after all the years and all the bat tles, the prejudices within the community are stronger than ever. The voices of hundreds of ‘straight acting anu appearing" gays across amenka are rising in unison: "We shall assimilate! We shall assimilate! We shall assimilate, someday. "Deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall disappear

By Treona B. Bitchy

;omedav . 38

The point is also often raised that drag/outrageousness is an embarrassment to vou- that it “makes gays I o o k bad". And well it should1 It should be an embarrassment to you because your attitude looks bad, along with your level of awareness. There seems to be a total lack of knowledge concerning our history and heritage and lack of appreciation for those who have made that history within so many segments of gay and lesbian communities. Treona B. Bitchy fondly recalls the baby days of the pinnacle of tne gay revolution/ evolution of tnis era- the days when the likes of CoCo Vega, Jonah, Asunta, the Cockettes, and the beginnings of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, fearlessly teetered, sashayed, stormed, floated, and fluttered through the -aight Ashbury and Castro districts o 4 San crancisco. (“"hough some more sane ana less courageous would surely have argued a need for fear.) Ves, she recalls the days when fairy patrols, bedecked in gypsy/hlpple/fas drag, oeads, bangles, yards o * material and eye liner for days, braved the streets to make then safe for our neighbors as well as our selves, thereoy estab.ismng what is now the "gay meca", the Castro. It was gay hippies and drag queen; in both tne Castro and Slew York's Greenwich Village, who risked their life and limb, were beaten, bash'd, raped and murdered, tnerebv bringing about the existence of two places where gays and lesbians could live in relative freedom from abuse and dis crimination (at least in comparison to the rest of the country ana past history.) Unfor tunately, these "safety zones" also attracted horaes of gay and lesbian socla 1-c11 mblng assimliationlsts who flocked to the Castro like buzzards to a road Kill, sensing tnat a buck was to be made off of the naivete of their sisters and brothers at the time. Those who were 'Mixed with tne notion that we were all beautiful ano there to support and help one another as a ‘a m iy o' beings, were only to find out the sad truth, that even our own couid be pigs. Even among our own were oppor tunists who bought into the hierarchical stralght/square ethics and materialistic mind set, and hoped that if they melded enough, if they too, despised effeminate men and butch wimmin, then maype society at large would for gave them tneir sexuai preferences and embrace them happily into the fold. One of the conse quences of this influx was that the very peo ple who made the neighborhood what it was, found themselves unwelcome in its bars and stores, evicted from their apartments and verbally abused by their "brothers and sis ters'* on the streets. This has offered quite a harsh lesson in reality for many of us, and Treona 8. Bitchy would like to remind many of you of a lesson you may not have learned: The Nazis did not stop with the drag queens and the gav left: nor did they turn a blind eye to

There exists also the argument that drag is offensive, or, goddess forbid, politically in correct. -irstiy, this point is based heavily on the notions that all drag is an attempt to emulate and degrade w 1 mmi n , and that it maxes light of the oc casionally sadistic nature, and sexist intent of many naie-designea/enforced fashions and trends. This is simply not true. There is the drag which a clown wears. There’s gypsy drag, doctor drag, vampire drag, hippie drag and leather drag, as well as female-impersonator drag, wasp woman drag, Diana Ross drag ana nun drag. he latter, more often than not, do not imper sonate wiitmin per se, but rather parody what society expects of wimmin. °erhaps in the same way, Marilyn Conroe, Jayne Mansfield and vadonna parodied various aspects of those ex pectations, though perhaps for di^erent rea sons. Obviously, drag 0 * any kind is donned in order to make a statement of one type or another, whether it be comical, artistic, satyrical, outrageous or political, (although, to some degree, all drag is probably a socialpolitical statement of some kind.) It also does and did (though perhaps for different reasons and with different manifestations), ■'ll! several voids and needs within a segment ed, and often closed, minority society. Cne need that is filled is for a balancing of maIe/fema 1e/androgynous energies. And consid ering w e’re living in a society whicn condemns our way of life, fosters low self-esteem, self-hatred and innumerable inner conflicts, outrageous se 1f-exoress1 on ana experimentation (with the various aspects of who we are as Hu man beings and kindred sou.s), seems iike a healthy and fitting way for those so inclined to put their fooi down, stand up, and scream, "We’re still here and w e’re going to slap you in the face with it, because we are to oe reckoned with1 Does this frighten you, dis turb your sensibilities, or seem childish? Good . Because if it frightens you, at least it’s obviously come to your attention. If it disturbs you, you were obviously in need of disturbing. And as for childishness: the more the merrier. Treona 8. Bitchy, while real izing the reality of misogyny within the gay community and the admittedly offensive nature of some drag, resents the inference tnat only a few of you have the necessary intelligence to discern one from the other. Consequently, vou seem to feel that you must condemn tnose involved in any form of drag to protect them from themselves and to protect the eyes of the innocent from perhaps catching a glimpse of an alternate possible reality or avenue of inner exploration. The innocent only seem so in looking down from the pedestal you’ve placed yourself upon- so certain of being above it ail. And as for the ignorant ones of society, they will poke fun and hate regardless of whe ther one promenades through life as Marie An toinette, jr., or a life-size Ken doll. 39

One specific event from a recent Beltane Bash at Short Mountain stands out prominently in our minds (nightmare that it was). After lunch the gentleman in question descended the path from the main house to the knoll in a Bill Blass lock-alike evening dress wearing a pair of hiking boots (protection against rocks and goat poo poo) WITHOUT a hat, a pair of gloves or any appropriate accessories! Well we were so taken by apoplexy that we had to repair into the barn for some refreshing elixir. Once recovered, we took time to jot down a few notes about the incident and to draft a gentle, but firm message to our fairy brothers on the subject of good taste in gender fuck. Oh, where to start we asked ourselves. Well, wearing evening dresses in the afternoon was a start and the appropriateness of hats, gloves and jewelry could certainly do no harm. Therefore, gentle reader, we share with you our heartfelt feelings on the subjects of HATS, GLOVES and JEWELRY.

those who had assimilated right into the move ment itself. The Brownshirts were wiped clean of homosexuals who made up a distressingly large percentage therein. Even General Rohm himself was not immune. Don’t kid yourse.f into thinking that if you pa^nt yourself "white” enough, they’ll leave you be. So, Treona 3. Bitchy says, sally forth and confound, con fuse, confront and convince, in whatever feathers or bangles, suits or skirts scream, "YOU", when you look in the mirror So apolog.es ever

R adical Fairie D rag

V 1

R a p h a e l L a b a t i n i , D u t c h e s s of C o l u m b i a ( e x p a t r i a t i n g in u r i n a t i o n ' s c a p i t a l )

HATS.

First, there is mo correct way of a feminine hat with a pants suite, a 3-piece gentleman's suite, or anything polyester. The general rule is, if the hat looks as if you had it built, it may properly go to daytime functions l.e. May Day celebrations, sweats, tea dances, etc.). If the hat looks as if it just landed in your hair (tiny bits of feathers, sequins, or whatever), it goes out at night all-night dream circles, sweats, tea dances, etc.). Cowboy hats and the all too ubiquitious 'baseball' caps pose other problems. The Cowboy hat locks best on cowboys and next cest on whosoever wishes z o wear or.c preferably sans all other garmets). 3asehall hats, on the other hand, lock silly and should only be worn by baseball players on "heir fields (or diamonds or whatever , or when waiting in line to use the powder room. jg GLOVES. The wearing of gloves has caused most of us terribly unpleasant moments just prior to 'darning o f f for an affair. Long, short, white, black, lace, fingerless; Oh well, the choices seem, almost endless. However, we gently advise that long (eighteen button) gloves be worn in the evening to allow the wearer to tantalize his comjarion by slowly sliding the gloves off before eating or drinking or whatever. Parenthetically, eighteen button gloves don't have eighteen buttons because the 'button' is a unit of measure; one button is equal to approximately one inch. Ergo, a 4-button glove goes to the wrist, 8-button glove to the elbow and 18-button gloves to the armpit. (Would that I could digress here!) Short white gloves are for sumner and reach the wrist and are worn every time one steps out of the house or tent except to collect the paper or to milk the old goat(s). One always wears gloves to festive occasions (celebr ations, dream circles, sweats, tea dances, etc.) but one no longer needs to wear them all evening (gender fuck rules are constantly metamorphosing).

Dearest Gentle Fairies (or howsoever you're spelling it these days): We (meaning l) have been ruminating about a subject that has been very close to our hearts for quite a very long time; that is, FAIRY FASHION CONSCIOUSNESS. While It may seem to you a quantum irince from an embroiderer to a paradigm of haute couture, our credentials were well established in RFD Issue #43, pp. 2U, 25. So, to the subject of Fairy Fashion Consciousness, or the lack thereof! We have attended a number of your longish soirees (called gatherings) and we have been quite taken with the events. However, we were most shocked and abashed by one common element at all the grouplings; to wit, violations of the dictates of GOOD gender fuck.

Politics cont. 'T H A N K * X I. PEAR. FRIfNPS - BUT 1 m u s t a p o l o g iz e s

J AM MOT

MYSELP...

I am not writing to condemn transvestism. I hope there is the possibility of anti-sexist cross-dressing- but as a group transvestites certainly have a long way to go to reach that I have not written fixed opinions, but deas. I hope I will stimulate thought, maybe dis cussion. I would love to hear how others fee about tnese issues.

'T H A N K iOU. PEAR \ / 1 A * MOT E R IfN P S - BUT I M YSElF. . MUST APC XO feirE/ -------"

"~he Dolitics of Cross-Dressing" is reprinted *rom "The Glad Rag", Journal of toe Transvestite/~ransexuai Support Group (UO ^to. . 3 C , page '9.

Fairie Drag cont

more ooen, and to have more loving re.ationships wito ^riends o ^ my sex than nos* of mv ma.e friends. I don’t see this d i * *e re nce as m-born, but as bred into women anc net;. aoy women have commented that when their transves tite partner is dressed he is warmer, more open- more like a woman. It seems as „f many transvestites can only express toeir gentler side when dressed. ""hat ma^es me want to weeo for them and the human race. While gender roles- the macho men and the tender -omen- are perpetrated, then the tender (wea*.er,,'>) sex wil4 continue to be oppressed, and the oacho sex wi.l continue to be emotionally stuntea. Cross-dressing seems to reinforce the sharp division of gender roles in the way in whicn it promotes stereotyped male and *emale ways of relating to other people. By separating their macho and gentle selves, transvestites are limiting their chances of being a oa.arcec person ana of balanced relationships between men and women.S o

JEWELRY. Another problem we have rill faced is what jewelry we arc to wear with what outfit. Everyone knows about pearls and ivisic black; but what length of pearls and whether inside or outside the blouse? Pearls are always approp riate except when wearing one's bathing suit (we know some of you are dashed). Further, the number of strands, 1,3»5»7»9, etc. is relative to the length of one's neck and the depth of one's purse or credit line. The wearing cf Jewelry (other than pearls) wa3 a subject wc researched in numerous quaint little etiquette bocks and we share the following suggestions with you: 1. Some is good, more is BETTER! Pile it on honey! Gaudy is very IN. 2. Wear your favorite trinkets. The clay mold of your hand print from vacation bible school will still make a fashion statement. 3. Dangling flashy extra-large earrings are tacky so wear them in abundance (see #1 above). h . Finally, be wary of appropriate preportions. A small stud in your ear (or wherever) can make an evening memorable cr a lifetime joyous. Enough said on fairy fashion consciousness. We hope you have taken our musings in the spirit in which they are extended.

So far I have made generalisations: to tr.ng the questions to a personal level- is it pos sible to be an anti-sexist transvestite9 Do the political implications of cross-cresslng depend on the individual, or is cross-cressi ng .nherent.y oppressive and sexist9 I am struc< by the insularity of the transvestite scene, and tne way most transvestites will deny that there is any political sice to their actions. va.e homosexuality was illegal less tear twen ty years ago, and yet look how * a r tne Gay Movement nas come in terms of seif awareness and political awareness, while transvestites are gossiping about *aise boobs and garter beits. ""ransvestism seems to be pretty podgy, ^nd yet, the man I live with coes not dress as a tart, does not imagine tnat he can experi ence oeing a women througn dress, is se 1 *aware, oe.ongs to a Men's Croup and really is on-y macho when West ram are playing, -owever he has no involvement in the transvestite scene, dresses only occasional / and cues nosee hmsei* as a typical transvestite, -or t -e sake of our relationship Iwant to ueiieve that the individual's approach is important, yet I ' eind myself then simply arguing that he is different from the rest- whic~ ardiy soundr -ixe an objective assessment.

FUNCT I ONAL

DRAG

Drag helps us remember our sense of humor. There is a lot of negativity projected towards gay people, by gays ourselves as well as non-gays. The sense of rejection I feel from those people is allayed by the light spirit I gain when I put on a simple skirt. (With beads I become ab solutely dizzy)I The dashikis, beads, paisleys and bellbottoms of the 1 9 6 0 ' s did the same thing — they helped us remember not to take ourselves too damn seriously. And the strange and wonderful hair styles of to day do, too. Magenta, severe tire damage, and the like. What fun I Even nudity is a form of drag. Being nude in a sweatlodge, for instance, helps you prepare for the return to the Earthwomb and for all that follows. Addition ally, when I am under the influence of "sacraments" I find that nudity enhances the feelings they provide.

m he seven of us were sitting around, reveling in our diversity, when one of the guys asked if the Lesbians in the group minded him posing a question. It was, "Why don't Lesbians...well...why aren't there more Lesbians who are at tractive, you know, I guess, pretty?"

Drag is a powerful and magical thing. It can be used as a tool, and as a toy. I'm glad I had the courage to try it.

Falla Funga Gathering 1 Frolic

We answered his question as best we could, with a healthy amount of good humor, but I wondered how many other gay men had the same question to ask of their Lesbian sisters. So, in an effort to further explain our diversity, I thought I would expound on one Lesbian's view - mine why do we look and dress as we do?

for Faeries & Friends

at SHORT MT

by Terry Levelsmier

Pretty. Attractive. "All Dolled Up". Nail polish, cosmetics, long curled hair, hose, heels, skirts, dresses. Who set these attributes forward, long ago as THE things that made women pretty and "feminine". In a male-dominated society, who else would dictate the rules of con duct and dress to the subservient class but men?

SANCTUARY

October 7-16

I have always felt dress to be an histor ical ploy used to maintain an air of help lessness in women. Fettering women in cumbersome attire reinforces their in ability to function on their own: High heels (not very practical for walking, let alone running; long hair (easily caught and tangled, often obscures vision); multitudes of petticoated and skirts (difficult to move in); face and nail paints (to cover up our flaws - somehow our beauty was never able to stand on its own). Straight men's needs for submissive females has dictated our very attitudes about what "attractive" is.

photo by Bearded Ladies

None of these elements of an ideal image are very practical for daily essential existence. When men wanted to be sure women wouldn't regain control of society, they "put us up on a pedestal" to assure we couldn't move more rapidly than they. Ivlen couldn't keep actual chains on women and have them serve with any ease, so women becamed chained with garments and attitudes of what determined beauty, feminity, and womenhood itself. That was the heavy side of the issue. Besides historic practically, there are many other considerations in dress codes for lesbians. One of the most important is recognition of each other.

suits with ties. Gay men wear designer jeans arid oversized business suits with silk ties.

In a society where only 1 or 2 out of 1C people is homosexual ( and a proportion ately smaller number is Lesbian), there is a problem with meeting each other. Grocery stores and laundromats are not ideal places to openly and casually meet other Lesbians. Being part of the "in visible" gay population, we have found other ways to help identify each other. Unfortunately we don't have club jackets with lightening bolts and pink triangles given to us at menarche. Dress, catch phrases and mannerisms have long been outward signs for the old reliable "gay radar" to lock onto.

straight women wear dresses, skirt- , nail polish, hose, heels, and long flowing, styled hair. Lesbians wear full skirts, slacks, Levi's, flat shoes, and shorter, easily-kept nair. Hopefully with that over-simplification, you car; see how drastic (and e a s i l y stereotypical) the difference is for wo men. I4 is not nearly so visible for men. 1 believe that all women are oeginning to lock at clothes in a more practical light these days, but the "No i.uss - i'c Fuss" style of dressing is purposefully evident ir. lesbian cloth ing.

I think many Lesbians don't feel confined by a male imposed image of beauty in wo menhood, and come forwarc with a more ar.drogenous or even "butch" appearance. Who said you have to have long hair or wear all those things to be a beautiful women? Not any women I know, and I even know some who are straight I Remember, Lesbians aren't trying to attract straight men or women - only other Lesbians.

Personally, I rave found that the more comfortable 1 have become with my sex uality (and public awareness of tnat sexuality), the less compelled I feel to wear cicthee that make me fit the image men have o: a beautiful woman. Previous ly 1 have used my "straight clothes" as a hiding Place from, the public's spec ulation on my lifestyle, l.y guess is that the .Lesbians you car. spot ir. the grocery store ana laundromat are often m.aKir.r them.selveE more visible to their own kind by one of the only safe vehicles available to then. Vie aren't just an invisible population to straight folxs. We have a hard time being visible to each other as well.

Consider another point — straight vs. gay dress for men and women. I am about to over-simplify; please don't anyone get their panties in a wad and be offend ed .

I don't claim to have the last word on every Lesbian's view of dress. I am not trying to dispel or justify stereo types. I am certainly not saying that I don't find Lesbians an attractive people. (I find one in particular ex tremely beautiful!) I am putting my opinion in this semi-public arena to stimulate conversation toward better un derstanding of our differences... dif ferences among ourselves, and the dif ferences we have from that "other pop ulation" .

by Flora Treestump

D r ag is like driving a car. If you orive an eighteen -wheel er or a spor ty two -seater , a r e a one or a b .ue one , an 0 1c one or a new one , you are making a statement If you oon ’t crive, then vou are saying something, too. Likewise, whether you wear a three-piece suit, a tee-shirt and biue „eans, or a green chiffon nobecoming frock, you are assuming an lcentity, playing a ro.e, staking an impression. Anc if you wear nothing at ail, then may your pur pose be divine.

3rief Underwear Drag Fantasy by Stanley Manley

Touching combed cotton, launderea and white, Circles elastic, pulling up right. Snowing the shadows, textures and threaas, Folding the bodies, hold.ng the heads. Underwear magic, sexual veils, uarness of boas, tigers and tails. Seeing tne contours, 'ee.-ng the neat, Thinking the pleasures, blood’s *.owing deep

\ow, the secone casual observer might not see in your crag what tne first casua. ooserver sees. Tnere's no accounting for taste. Just as*, yo.~rse.lf, the next time you don your tirec sweaty vocKsuap or your favorite perfect pear.s, what coes vour apoare. say aoout you

Stretching tne 'aoric, sme*l.ng the jocx, Rubbing the moisture, pulling the cock. Seen in a moment, seen on a nan, Scene in a memory, seen when 1 can.

Do veur eights snine behmc a biue collar? a white collar? a cog collar? Do hot leafier teats oortrav your tactile temperament? Does vo_r idle rev be.ow tne joutique beltway, noplng to fine, at .or g .as t , the station attencart, the nozzle, arc the fuel mixture to start up the Mew Age? T ake a turn. Re aress 1 ne ‘rare. ter *s g r o w i n g anc i t ’s showing.

Your ocore-

-ee.mg an auto wreck at tne crossing0 G nan ge c.othes as often as you change gears. race in Express the true you, tne new you that granny-wagon ana customize. Dragon fever, Fiery breath; Denim trousers, Leather vest. Muscles moving, Pressing heat; Boots and keys, And handkerchiefs. Male eyes looking, Bodies gleem; Dancing, steaming, Floating, seen. Image focus, Virile lines; Distant meaning, Thoughts sublime.

1 ccay is t o r r o r o w on the Drag Strip. ne spirit t -at noves ycur lower vehicle cresses you 4or vour next i n c a rnation ..eave f^ose oast i„ves ip tne xarm;c oust. ~ne cress in t S3" Cc" ce you.

oes" t matter i f vou go crag, i ‘ you go stag, now.

t ccesn't matter

*,o A Go Go- StfOkey R o binson

....

PERSONAL

C H OI C E

Dear reader, please take this as food for thought. I do not claim to hold the an swer. But I must admit that I find the men tality of contemporary gay culture sadly unenlightened. As for drag, if it helps some feel better about themselves I wiil not argue further against its validity. In a brighter vein, let us all strive to find the goodness in each others* hearts and look beyond the superficial. Perhaps we can set an example for society.

. . . . HEART ACHE Although being into drag does have its heartaches, it is also lots of fun. For those of you who might be thinking of letting into "it" let me say welcome to the party. Life is filled with magic. All you have to do is try it on and see how it fits. “Wear Your .ove wi*e -eaven"- Donovan 44

FRUIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello everyone, I know you’re all as glad to see spring as I am. It was a bitter, stormy, cold winter. Thank goodness it's behind us now. Everything is beginning to turn green and the flowers are blooming again. I especially love spring because of all the lovely fresh fruit that is available. Whether it be cherries, grapes, blueberries, strawberries or whatever, it's great. Nutritionally, the amount of vitamins vary widely. Twenty grapes don’t even have enough Vitamin C to register. On the other hand, ten strawberries will give you 78% of the Vitamin C for a day. Sour cherries have more Vitamin C than the sweet varieties. They are also high in Vitamin A while the sweet ones only have a small amount.

One of my favorite things in spring is to make a fruit salad using as many of the fresh fruits of the season as possible. To dress it up, I make a yogurt dressing to go over it. To make it, you put 8 oz. of plain yogurt in a bowl. Add 2 Tbs. of hone Tbs. of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon and/or cloves. Blend well with a whisk and chill. I usually make this ahead so that the flavors will meld. When you are ready to serve the fruit salad, spoon some of the dressing over it and enjoy. Here are a couple more recipes using fresh fruit I hope you’ll try and enjoy. Although one of them calls for oranges, you can use any kind of fresh fruit or combination of fruits that you like in either recipe. On a personal note, I have been doing this column for about two years now and I have received only one letter in response to it. I hope you the readers are enjoying my column and my recipes. Since I never hear from any of you, I don’t really have any idea whether you are or not. If any of you have any comments, criticisms, requests or suggestions, I would enjoy hearing from you. After all, this column is for you. Well, until next time, may love and light be with you. YOGURT ORANGE WHIP

FRUIT SORBETS 4 oz. fresh fruit 4 oz. (2/3 cup) brown sugar 5 fl. oz. (5/8 cup) water juice of 1 lemon

(You’ll need a blender to make this dessert successfully) 8 medium oranges 2 Tbs. honey 1 Pint (2 1/2 cups) yogurt chopped nuts Peel the oranges, removing all the white pith, reserving the rind for later. Put the orange sections, honey and yogurt in the blender and blend at high speed for 20 seconds or until well combined. Pour the mixture into 4 glass serving dishes. Chill for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle with chopped nuts and, using the reserved rind, grate some fresh zest over the top.

Set your freezer on it’s lowest setting Rub the fruit through a nylon strainer and set the resulting puree aside. In a medium saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over moderate heat. When dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and cool completely. Stir the puree and lemon juice into the cooled syrup. Pour the mixture into an ice tray without partitions. Place in the freezer and freeze for 30 minutes or until the edges thicken. Turn the sorbet into a chilled mixing bowl. With a wire whisk or hand mixer, beat the sorbet for 4 minutes. Put the sorbet back in the freezer for at least 2 hours. 1 hour before serving, return the setting on your freezer back to normal.

Blue Vespers by Hakim Bey Reprinted with permission from The Moorish Science Monitor, Vol. 2, #8, P. O. Box 3414, Providence, Ri 02906. $2 per issue. On West Thirteenth Street a Neo-classical, Greek-temple-style, white-painted wood & brick church, formerly Methodist, abandoned and fallen into peeling decay, a derelict on the verge of the event-horizon, has recently been purchased & renovated by local neo-pagans - according to the obscure handwritten sign tacked to the old sermon-board outside. The mildewed interior smells of cuftic incense - storax, banzoin, & aloes. The Xtian bric-a-brac is swept away, a shadowy Pantheon begins to emerge as in a waking vision. At various altars, individuals or groups of worshippers are engaged with their various primordial rituals. But at once I find my way to a corner where no one else congregates- a niche of flickering candle stubswhere I find a small Nineteenth Century bronze of Cupid, shown as a naked winged twelve year old, stringing his bow. Immediately I fall into trance & call on the Muse to give me words, claiming for myself the vatic mantle. “Antinous, Hyacinthus, Ganymede, Elagabal, I trace your metamorphosis, the moments of change, the quantum jumps between nonbeing & being, each one manifest in a form that draws my spirit into my throat.” “They are my avatars," the bronze Eros responded. “The moment you see one, every atom of his body, every aspect of his soul becomes holy. For you, there are no other temples. You are Moslem, one of the so-called Assassins, are you not? Why then this status-worship? Go find an idol that breathes...” “You know well I’m suffering exile for your sake,” I politely interjected. “Last week a little boy asked me to draw some dirty pictures for him. I did. His parents found them. Very civilized, very liberal of course. But today: the same dreary hints of prosecution for corrupting a minor, the same miserly reaction you’d expect from the Nazarines who held the former lease on this temple. Do you offer me no protection?” “You know better than that. Don't my devotees all land in the shit sooner or later? Orpheus was shredded to steak tartare by angry mothers; Hercules lost Hylas to the nymphs. Count yourself fortunate. How old is the boy anyway?” “Six...and a half. I know what you’re thinking, but after all I didn’t seduce the child! I drew what he asked for - men & women, as it happens - he told me his ’zizi’ tingled. That’s all. It’s so difficult, always remembering to act like a criminal.” “In your society,” he answered, “crime is the price you pay for any metaphysical realization based on sex acts like that. I offer you ontological certainty - you ask for guarantees of safety? Never complain, never explain. Watch your step. Worship from afar."

“That's rich, coming from you,” I countered glumly. “You pagan deities take sustenance from the smoke of sacrifices, no? Chastity starts no fires. Worship from afar turns all too easily into chilly masturbation, sleepy forgetfulness.” “I was just trying your faith,” he smirked. sweetest smoke?”

“But tell me, what then produces the

“Does it mean nothing to you that I write hymns in your honor, that I’m trying to revive your cult...?” “You're evading the issue! You don’t even publish under your own name!” “I’m a criminal, remember?” “Well...all right...but you haven't answered my question. Be more spontaneous.”

Stop playing for time.

“I’m sure my disasters burn well, & that my skull would make an excellent pit of fumigant myrrh. But don’t be too eager to see it roll. After all, to paraphrase the Prophet, reality was a hidden treasure & desired to be known, so it manifested itself in ‘ form* that it might be known. “Love without lover & beloved is like an empty house, like music which has not yet been written. But when Witness & Saki, dervish & minstrel move in, then Love is the point that enspheres them all." “You don’t expect me to disagree, do you?” said Cupid. ‘Who do you suppose guided your pen, or made the boy’s prick stiffen? What do I care for the sanctity of the family? Other deities, however..." “Yes, the father is one of my oldest frie n d s- so I’ve offended some Power there, no doubt. And Hera, of course, the Big Mommy. Plus: the whole American landscape still teems with Xtian djinn, conjured up by old Congregationalist divines, who snarl after any remnants of pagan savagery, whipping up hysteria in the popular press whenever some child gets caught with his pants down.” "Think of yourself as an occultist, practising secret and forbidden rites. This will all blow over. I’m sure the parents are eager to forget it, since it scarcely fits into their universe of perception. You see colors not on their spectrum..." “You’re trying to tempt me again! The fact is: I’m blind to ‘ their* part of the spectrum, off in some far reach of the Ultraviolet, listening to some queer piping tune that no one else can hear. What about a few years from now, when he’s ten or so... Suppose he’s curious to discover what having his cock sucked is like?” Eagerly the godling demanded, ‘What would you do?” I tried to remember what I’d been smoking. I leaned forward with tears in my eyes & kissed the cold bronze, licked it between its miniature metal legs. Somewhat taken aback, he murmured, “I'll do my best for you. There are moralists in heaven too, you know. If it were up to me I’d have the father ‘ beg* you to initiate his son, lest some clumsy and unthinking fool frighten him. Just like that scene in Aristophanes: “Do you find my son ugly? Has he offended you in some way?” I managed to smile. “I’m not omnipotent,” he went on, “I’m only a little boy myself. were to sacrifice a bullock...” “There are laws against that too.”

Perhaps if you

He fell silent, looked a bit melancholy in the guttering candlelight. can do,” I said, emptying my spare change into the collection box.

“I’ll see what I

X 47

Th«* Brothers Behind Bars Program is an outreach to our gay brothers in prison. It has three major parts: 1) we provide a department in the journal as a iOruirt for literary expression by qay prisoners and occassional]'/ iniormation of interest and concern to gay prisoners; 2) we encourage pen pals through Joint venture, which maintains lists of prisoner:; seeking pen pals, offers some screening and forwarding, and gives advice to people writing prisoners; 3) we offer free subs to prisoners, but wc have to limit this offer to what we can afford. We encouraqe friends to grant gift subs to prisoners. The grantors can remain anonymous. Subs are $12.

BROTHERS BEHIND BARS An Apology Dear Mr Lambe and the readership ot RFD:

know you have to giving proper credit where it is due. Thank you.

I am very distressed to bring to your attention an instance of blatant plagiarism published in your magazine. In the Fall ’87 issue of RFD Len Richardson purports to write an article on “AIDS in Prison". In fact, he plagiarizes extensively; quoting verbatim and without attribution from a piece I wrote on prisoners and AIDS in the Spring of 1986.

Sincerely,

Indeed, most of the article published by RFD consists of direct reprints of the language in my earlier article. I would have gladly given permission to reprint what I have written, but I find it very offensive that Mr. Richardson claims as original work what is so obviously a theft. Enclosed in this letter you will find an underlined copy of the article from RFD and an underlined copy from the original piece entitled "Balanced Response Needed to AIDS in Prison” published in the National Prison Project Journal, Sprint 1986. By comparing the two you can see the sad evidence for yourself. I know you will appreciate the seriousness of this matter, especially in light of the copy right laws and RFD’s vulnerability under them. I ask that you publish this letter to set the record right for your readership and that you reaffirm a commitment I

Urvashi Vaid c/o NGLTF 1517 U Street NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 332-6843

After receiving the above letter and the enclosed documents, which showed beyond a reasonable doubt that they had to have been the basis of the “AIDS in Prison” article which appeared in the 1987 Fall issue of RFD (#52), I contacted Len Richardson, who wrote the following retraction:

Len Richardson truly apologizes to Ms. Vaid for not mentioning her name as the writer of the article which Len used for his own article AIDS in Prison (issue #52, page 20). It is our sincere wish that this type of error will never happen again and we have taken precautions to make sure that any credits are going to be given where due. Let me make an open retraction of the article which is a compilation of resources of which Ms. 48

Vaid’s article in the National Prison Project Journal (#7, Spring 1986) was one of the materials used. Ms. Vaid has written a large volume on the AIDS in prison situation and questions or information may be answered/obtained by writing her at c/o NGLTF, 1517 U St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 or calling (202) 332-6843. I, Len Richardson, regret any discomfort that my plagiarism of Ms. Vaid’s article may have caused. Regretfully yours, Len Richardson

On behalf of the magazine, I, Tom Creekmur, must also apologize. RFD depends entirely on our volunteer writers and editors, and their devoted service to the magazine is deeply appreciated. Unpaid, unsung, and facing deadlines, occurrences like this are bound to happen to the best of our volunteer editors. I am not defending the occurrence and deeply regret any inconvenience the article may have caused Ms. Vaid, but I, and I hope she, will understand the pressures that our volunteer staff works under and remember that we, after all, are only human.

Caryatid Who Has Fallen Under Her Stone by Russell T. Kinkade © 1987 Mark lay on his bunk searching the ceiling with his eyes, finding escape in fantasy. Around him on the floor papers were placed in piles, a pencil sat atop a tablet, and books leaned lazily against a wall. The papers held his fancies, his conceptions. The pencil and tablet awaited their master’s hand to pick them up and take them lands away. The books were star maps with the constellations being shaped in the forms of ideas. A shimmer of a smile slid across Mark’s lips, causing creases to follow old patterns over his skin. Softly glinting silver shafts dispersed themselves among the dark hairs of his cropped beard. A tonsure crowned his head. The wrinkles around his eyes splayed like rays of a sun drawn by a child. Age slowly worked upon his countenance, but his eyes still held wells of innocence. He was a younger brother to Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll, and Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm. Mark loved. Passion fired the furnace of his heart. A flame of white engulfed him, without consuming. He found joy in touching those he desired and seeing them ignite from his flame. In turn his happiness was fueled by that of those he loved. The relationships were sympathetic. Knowing shared emotions, Mark’s heart danced as David before the ark. But he lived in a world which had forgotten the Etruscans, which ignored the Legion of Thebes, which ridiculed Greek love and altered the myths to suit its myopic moral vision; a world which denied truth in Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, and which turned lovers into monsters. For love the world had condemned him, crying again for Barabbas. Even so his greatest pain was for those he loved; a sphinx riddle the world would never decipher. Mark recalled soft flesh next to his and whispered “I love you, George” to a memory. A low sound brushed his ear, a flutter of wings moved across his peripheral vision. He turned his head and looked through the black bars in front of his cell. A sparrow tiptoed on the tier. Cautiously Mark took from his pants’ pocket and individual serving package of saltines and opened it. With shaking fingers he broke the crackers and gently tossed the crumbs through the bars. The sparrow skittered away but soon hopped carefully to the cracker crumbs.

Mark watched the sparrow eat, envied the bird its freedom. He knew the longings of Daedalus and Icarus. Giving thought to the possibilities of escape, he denied them all but one. Turning to his tools he picked them up and began to create. Mark passed the morning tracing with his pencil the outlines of a hologram he saw dimly in his mind. The picture quavered, but grew more steady with each sentence drawn. At times the hologram shifted, revealing new aspects previously suppressed. It began to breathe, to develop rhythm, color adaptations made it vivid. Sunlight prostrate on the floor of his cell told Mark he had worked past noon. He stood up and stretched the stiffness from his body. Wads of paper lay strewn over the concrete floor, mute testimony to hours of effort. Three pages on the bunk held the essence Mark had been able to sketch with his pencil. Yard release was called by the floor officer. Mark put things away. The books he hid under his mattress, the rest he placed in a small open faced locker. He covered the materials with some old clothes. He felt a kinship to Doctor Manette. Mark put on a T-shirt, running shorts, and a pair of Nike jogging shoes which had cost him two boxes of Camels. When the locking bar slid with a clang from his gate, Mark stepped out of his cell. Furtively he watched those around him. He was a pariah, he was prey. He was always cautious. In prison “Short Eyes” could be realized drama. He had confronted the Institutional Classification Committee when he first arrived at the prison. "My life is in danger among the general population,” he said, trying unsuccessfully to keep the whine from his voice. His face reddened. “You have no choice." Mark could hear the unspoken “It’s a good thing for you it wasn’t my boy, you bastard” in the man's tone. "What about protective custody?” Mark asked. “You’ll do all right on the main line,” a pretty oriental woman said. “Just don’t tell anyone what you’re in for, and if you are asked, deny it” she smiled. "Right," Mark replied sarcastically. “I’ve already been asked. healthy. Besides, these guys need no proof, only assumptions.”

The grapevine is

The woman held her smile. Another man spoke. “Any other questions?” he asked “No.” Mark felt a jumble of emotions, but mostly he felt anger. He wanted to slap the smile off the woman's face. “I suppose I have no choice.” Mark stared at the woman who let her smile drop away like water dribbling down her chin. “If you know of anyone who is going to kill you," the second man said, “you can tell any guard. If you give up a name you can get PC.” Mark shook his head and grinned. “Great," he said. “Do you really expect I’m going to get advance notice on a hit or that anyone planning to kill me will leave me a calling card first? And you want me to get a snitch jacket on top of a child molestation record?" He got up and walked to the door. “You’re all wrong. I love George and he loves me. We were happy together. But I guess you will never understand that.” He opened the door and walked out. In the yard Mark shied from crowds, preferring to stay where he could be easily seen by the tower guards, with their Mini-14 rifles. He spent an hour jogging and walking the quarter mile oval track put in when “The Jericho Mile” was filmed at the prison. Though he was seldom bothered, now and then someone exhibited their irrational immaturity by yelling an epithet at him, or by punching him when no guard was looking He was quiet and kept mostly to himself. Years ago in his sentence he had, with those few he came to trust, argued free will and liberation, but he had long since ceased the race until he feit himself take root as Daphne, until he stood satisfied with his personal honor. At yard recall Mark stood with his back to the fence surrounding the track.

waited for a yard officer to signal the prisoners to enter the cell block. A fat Mexican stepped in front of him. The man had a troubled took on his face. Mark tensed. The Mexican looked around him, then started to walk away. He didn’t take two steps before another Mexican ran up behind him and began to mutilate his back with a tong, sharp shank. Mark watched in abhorrence as blood soaked the victim’s white T-shirt. A shot was fired. The prisoners all dove to the ground. Mark clung to the fence, shaking. Guards rushed the assailant and led him away in handcuffs. Other guards ran with a stokes stretcher to the victim, picked him up, and ran him to the clinic. Large drops of blood marked their course. Because of the assault everyone was searched before being allowed back into the housing unit. Mark waited for the crowd to thin before moving forward to be searched. He listened with disgust as prisoners and guards alike joked about the assault. He found nothing humorous in it. Yet, he took it all in and remembered; it was a vignette on life, and as a writer he accepted the sick and sad aspects with the beautiful; it was experience. Prison held its horrors, it was a heart of darkness. It was also a great oppressive stone which threatened to crush him. He felt the weight of the stone, but he held it upon his back with bent knee. It was a matter of getting through, day-by day, the ever-present pain. Arriving back at his tier he saw a crowd in front of his cell. He hesitated, the walked ahead. His cell gate was open. Books lay with broken backs, their guts torn from them and spread across the cell. Papers lay ripped, bruised, and spoiled. Words written seemed to cry out to him in choked sobs, incoherent in their suffering. It was a slaughter of innocents, helpless to defend themselves. Their bodies lay in grotesque figurations, death camp victims. Mark paled, and he forced down rising vomit. The floor officer yelled for everyone to “grab a hole.” Mark heard the guffaws and words of derision as the other prisoners walked away. One hand fleetingly touched his back and a whisper of consolation was quickly given. Mark stepped into his cell and pulled the gate closed behind him. Sitting on his bunk, he grieved. Tears dropped from his eyes, splashing upon and wetting pieces of paper. Then slowly, one-by-one, he picked up the pieces, feeling his flesh tear with each serration he touched. It was a death of a thousand cuts. He saved what he could and buried the rest. He lay on his bunk past the evening meal call, eyes closed. As shadows crept, drawing their tendrils about him, he trembled. His mind seemed a crypt. With the death of so much he had created came desolation. Mark recalled being lost as a child. He had wandered away in evening dusk, chasing a half-seen creature through tangled foliage. When he tired he plopped down on damp ground and looked around. The thin light of a quarter moon seeped out of the sky and ran like melted silver over the gravestones surrounding him. He felt a lonely emptiness and hid his face in his hands. He sat there shivering as the wet ground seemed to suck him evermore into it, and he cried. Then a hand touched his head, and a voice spoke peacefully to him. He was lifted up and carried. During the walk back to his home, a man’s strong hands caressed his body and lips kissed his face. He snuggled against the warmth of the man, and he felt safe and loved. Now he felt again that love. He took a deep breath. Hope rose up from his mind, as from Pandora’s box. He opened his eyes. He reached for a pencil and a sheet of paper. He turned the light on in his cell. Mark began to write.

The Boiled Frog Syndrome by Marty Rubin Alyson Publications 231 pp., $7.95 (paperback) Reviewed by Randy Thomas (Gray Lady Place)

entertainment doesn’t need to be more than that.... but I, at least, kept wondering “what if....what if....?” I highly recommend it even if you have, as my lover has done, read the other novel. •

I like detective novels. I love gay detective novels. I like some war stories. I have found I love this book which combines both genres with a gay theme.

•

The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I’m Gay (Reprint) by Rev. Troy D. Perry with Charles L. Lucas Liberty Press, Inc. 209 pp., $8.95 (paperback) Reviewed by Gary Wren

The main character, Stephen Ashcroft, is a political reporter who manages to escape from the United States before a series of anti-gay persecutions begin His lover, Troy, isn’t as fortunate and the main focus of the story is how Ashcroft fights to rescue Troy and restore freedom to America. A Resistance is organized in Europe and from there Stephen’s wartime adventuring begins. The case of characters is large and the story told with frightening realism.... how easy it could really happen gives several pauses for thought Romance and sexual interludes are also spaced will throughout the story and don’t hinder the plot or reading pace. I tried to get my lover to read this book but after outlining the plot to him, he said that he had read it all before in a book called Project Lambda, but since he couldn’t come up with a copy for me to read, I’ll just have to take his word for it. He did tell me however, that the story line as he remembered it involved a rational sequence of events that led to gays being placed in concentration camps (as occurs in The Boiled Frog Syndrome), that lovers are separated and that most of the novel deals with the rescue of prisoners and a return to a less oppressive situation. The main difference would appear to be that the existence of the camps in Project Lambda is unknown by the American public in general and the fighting is more of a political situation with the resultant exposure of a group of right-wing military types who are subsequently thrashed and freedom restored. The Boiled Frog Syndrome has more blood and guts violence even if only of the verbal sort at times.

I read the original edition of this book more than fifteen years ago and am pleased that Liberty Press (P.O. Box 50421; Austin, TX 78763) has selected it as their first title. Long out of print, The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I ’m Gay, is a valuable tool for the Christian awakening to his or her homosexual character. I made gifts of many copies of the original book and have long deplored that a copy has not been available through any resource for a long time. Although at first glance this book would appear to be a simple autobiography of Troy Perry, further reading shows it to be much, much more. And while it is a wonderful telling of one person’s struggle to overcome the oppression of a Christian society, ft is also the story of the early history of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (now over 250 congregations representing nearly 30,000 members.) Even if highly personalized, the book can guide people in dealing with their own conflicts by showing that it is possible to be both gay and a Christian. The early years of Try Perry’s personal struggle were remarkable for the awakening of the Gay Rights movement, but that movement was more of a civil rights battle and it took great courage and tenacity to arrive at the position this church holds today for not only has the battle been fought against the secular and religious communities, a great deal of opposition from within the gay community had to be

It is possible to read this book as pure fiction.... good 52

confronted as well. Many gays did (and continue to) believe that in accepting their gayness they had to abandon all ties with Christianity and disagreed, sometimes violently, with anyone who said such did not have to be the case. The telling of Rev. Perry’s efforts, both internally and without, make for informative reading and should hold the attention of Christian and non-Christian as well as gay and non-gay alike. I like this book very much and recommend that every Christian dealing with his spirituality as it relates to his homosexuality not only buy a copy for himself but also buy copies for giving to his parents, co-workers, friends, and others. •

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The Celluloid Closet (Revised Edition) by Vito Russo Harper & Row 323+ pp., $10.95 (paperback) Reviewed by Gary Holt Homosexuality in the Movies is the subtitle of this piece of work revised and reissued by Russo. Largely a series of brief looks at individual films, this book is both entertaining and informative. Russo documents over 300 movies from 80 years of filmmaking in a lively, provocative style. This edition improves on the original in that the recent turning point in the depiction of gays on screen is looked at for the first time. In the original edition of The Celluloid Closet, the time had not yet come when homosexuals were being portrayed as anything much more than one dimensional characters. Since then a goodly number of films have been made that are more representative of reality and these are covered well in this edition. Russo is, however, quick to point out the continued examples of cheap shots taken at homosexuals even in such recent movies as Crocodile Dundee (’86), Beverly Hills Cop (’84), and She's Gotta Have It (’86). And the one example of a character who achieved a level of casual realism in a basically heterosexual movie: Cher’s Dolly Pelliker in Silkwood[’83).

The First Americans: Beyond the Sea of ice (Volume 1) by William Sarabande Bantam Books 370 pp., $4.50 (paperback) Reviewed by Kenn Waller-Zanghi If you enjoyed the Clan of the Cavebear trilogy by Auel, you should enjoy this book equally if not more so. It is the story of one family band of people and how circumstances and visions send them across the Bering Strait into North America. Like the Clan books, the intrapersonal insights of the main characters carry the story along at a pace that makes this book hard to put down. A young hunter named Torka leads the survivors of his band over the frozen tundra after a series of natural disasters. Calling upon the wisdom and strengths of his grandfather, a “spirit master" named Umak, Torka takes his people on a desperate odyssey eastward. Along the way they meet the first people they have ever known who are not of their own band and learn that not all of them live by the same laws that govern their own. They must add human treachery to their store of knowledge and learn how to deal with it quickly even when doing so goes against the spirit laws that have governed their people for generations. Beyond the Sea of Ice is an account of a people who believe in gods and spirits that affect almost every aspect of their daily lives. It is a story of how they use this knowledge to understand better themselves, the other bands of people they come in contact with, and the various animals that they use to ensure their survival or avoid for the same reason. Surprisingly, it is Umak who is the innovator of change in this story. Torka, while being fearless in the face of disaster on the natural plane, is terrified when his grandfather pushes for changes in dealing with the spiritual plane. These changes come about slowly and succeed in new ways of living with the spirit world rather than solely subjacent to it. There are brief glimpses of homosexual activity in Beyono the Sea of Ice, most of it of a violent nature. However, one of the creation stories told by Umak should appeal to gay readers of this magazine. The legend states that woman was created so that “males may know the company of other males without ever again being forced to endure the terrible ordeal of childbirth.”

Those readers who enjoy trivia will find the Filmography and Necrology appearing at the end of this book highly informative. The Filmography lists films in which obviously lesbian or gay characters appear and films in which reference is made to homosexuality. It also indicates those films where homosexuality was deleted from it or from its original source material (i.e. book, play, etc.). The Necrology lists how various film characters died in a particular film (suicide and murder lead the pack).

I particularly enjoyed the interweaving survival techniques employed throughout this book. It gives a realism to the story that at the same time does not bog the reader down. Book 2 in this series is scheduled for release this summer (’88) and I, for one, can hardly wait!

I recommend this book to movie buffs but feel that the casual reader will be put off by what I consider to be a steep price for a paperback. They shouldn't be though, because the book does provide a lot of genuine entertainment for just about everyone.

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A n y w h e re , A n y w h e re

Chaos is a stone skipped across a sea of tranquility. A pervert, unashamed, Bey would rather be a lunatic than a Moonie. Erudite, he disports his intellection unaffectedly. Chaos shouts for joy, demanding marvels without cease, a Commune of Kings where “your inviolable freedom waits to be completed only by the love of other monarchs...”

by Tim Barrus Knights Press, P.O. Box 454, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. ISBN: 0-915175-21-5. 239 pp., $7.95. Reviewed by Raphael Sabatini

Bey’s “ontological anarchism” is perhaps his least felicitous phrase. He means to capture (and make off with) the romantic and sinister connotations of anarchism, but he risks getting stuck with the lost baggage of a failed sect which threw down its only weapon when it started saying that “anarchy is not chaos.” (If not, so much the worse for anarchy.) Bey knows he is not for the “liberationists & ideologues” and they are certainly not for him.

“Candy, soda, dirty pictures, boom boom dope!” Tim Barrus has, in his novel about Vietnam and its impact on five soldiers, reached into his soul and delivered it to us. Some aspects of that soul are so horrific that I caught myself laughing hysterically rather than just going mad. Other scenes are exceedingly tender. Others brought me to tears: I also knew one of the names etched into that black scar across the Capitol topography.

Chaos is not a rehash of Sturm und Drang or Surrealism or anything like that, although it comes close in spots to the fantastic Orientalia of say, the Fu Manchu pulps were they written by Nerval. Taoists and Dervishes, hopheaded Assassins, kundalini-snakes, the Chinese who reserved gunpowder for holidays and the frightening of demons, these are the denizens of a never-never East where Bey, like Prester John, reigns over a fabulous kingdom.

Barrus tells his story in a span of consciousness format, interspersed with lines from Elvis and Simon & Garfunkel songs. The main character is Boss or King Shit, the grunt in charge of four other grunts that spent their idle time searching through underground tunnels for VC. Christopher is six-six and most of it muscle; Billy Boy had blue eyes, a bad mouth, and looked like he’d just walked in oft some surfers’ beach in Malibu; James LeRoy Washington was black and big; and Taylor was a pretty little guy who always volunteered to go down into the tunnels first.

Not that he has no respect for the West - for his Maryland forbears Poe and Mencken, for the Luddites and Ranters and Haymarket bombers. The modern city is plainly the scene for the crimes and japes he proposes. But Bey has harsh words for the Occidental mandarins, the pedant provocateurs: “The Surrealists disgraced themselves by selling amour fou to the ghost-machine of Abstraction they sought in their unconscious only power over others, & in this they followed de Sade (who wanted 'freedom' only for grown-up white men to eviscerate women & children).”

Barrus makes us a part of that company of grunts. He graphically recreates the abject horror of war; “They were more afraid of their fear than they were of death.” He also shares intimacies between Boss and Christopher; “It was the first time I had ever slept with Christopher or any other man for that m a tte r- knowingly. On purpose. Because I needed to feel him next to me just breathing. I kept my underwear on because I knew that I was walking on some very unexplored territory here. At least for me. Chris was naked and soft. And beautiful. I got a hardon and I held him. I guess I was a cocksucker."

Speaking of Amour Fou, Bey celebrates a vice which, unlike homosexuality, is not yet an asset to the upwardly mobile intellectual. He is a boy-lover. His chapter on “Wild Children” echoes the early Burroughs (or the late Burroughs echoing the early Burroughs) not only in its affection for Wild Boys but in seeing them as “natural ontological anarchists, angels of chaos,” innocents whose Eros fits them to be teachers, not pupils of adults. Writes Bey (with more than a little wishful thinking): “We share the same enemies & our means of triumphant escape are also the same: a delirious & obsessive play, powered by the spectral brilliance of wolves & their children.” Tell it to the judge...

There are just far too many wonderful, descriptive, frightening and tearful passages to adequately relate them in a review. Barrus has NOT written another Vietnam war novel. He has written about survival; a subject we all so desperately need right now. •

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Anarchism would turn a mental hospital into an open ward; anarchy makes of it a phalanstery. Anarchism legalizes drugs; anarchy takes them. Anarchy is chaos, and Chaos is anarchy.

Chaos: The Broadsheets of Ontological Anarchism By Hakim Bey Grim Reaper Books, Weehawken, N.J., 1985 46 pp., $5 postpaid Reviewed by Bob Black

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Guy Debord once put out a book with sandpaper covers. It was impossible to stick it on the shelf between the other books without lacerating them, ft was a good idea, but Hakim Bey has gone Debord one better. He put the sandpaper inside. Hakim Bey is not just a Bohemian, he’s a Taborite.

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be som ething else. It is at least a point of view to which these people should give consideration.

For the gay Indian, this book will no doubt be as source of personal and cultural pride. For the gay non-Indian, perhaps learning about berdache spirituality will enrich his own spirituality. For too long now, the condemnation of the church has been a shackle on the spirit. Know the truth, and the truth will set you free. The truth, as I see it, is that every one of us is given a unique nature, and we should respect each other the way we are. When the white culture finally learns this simple lesson from the red man, the “closet” will become a thing of the past.

By Walter L. Williams Beacon Press Reviewed by Nikki Storm The Spirit and the Flesh is a study of the berdache traditions in Native American society. The author, an anthropologist who identifies himself as gay, has spent years in his research among Indian people. The fact that he is gay has possibly given him an insight into these traditions which is as close to an insider’s view as a non-Indian can come. In his attitude, he seems to have avoided the pitfalls of ethnocentricity, which make most anthropological studies so offensive to Indian people and non-Indians who respect Indian people.

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As a white “gender dysphoric”, I was more than idly curious about these traditions. I wanted to know what happens within a society in which a person like myself is not only accepted, but accorded with special respect for having spiritual insights and powers. I wanted to hear about the berdache's special role in that society, and how it might relate to me in my own.

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And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts St. Martin's Press $24.95 (clothbound) Reviewed by Allen Smalling And the Band Played On is a nearly day-by-day account of AIDS in America from the late 1970s to that point in 1985 when it was announced that Rock Hudson was dying of AIDS. The book uses a narrative cross-cutting technique that moves among a number of locales: primarily San Francisco and New York, as the epicenters of the plague: Atlanta, as home of the CDC; Washington, D C.; and to a lesser extent other cities. And the Band Played On is, quite simply, a superb, unbiased and comprehensive history. No matter how well-informed the gay reader thinks he is about the topic, there are things to learn from this book.

I got all this, and more. As people with innate gender “dysphoria” (for lack of a better word) are making their voices heard, one unfortunate aspect of their message has been trying to divorce us from identification with the gay community. It has been observed numerous times that, as a “transsexual" develops his/her new role, sexual attraction develops for people of their new “opposite” sex. How can we say that the heterosexual “transvestite" if allowed to live out his/her fantasy without condemnation, would not act as the berdache does? Could it be that the transvestite is the product of a homophobic culture? Is he really “heterosexual”, or heterogender?

The premise behind And the Band Played On is that AIDS, which should have been treated as a public health dilemma, came instead to be treated as a political issue, with tragic consequences. In Shifts’ view, those few who had the background and forthrightness to approach AIDS as a rational, solvable scientific problem were almost consistently thwarted by those who had individual agendas and special prejudices to protect. And nearly everyone involved is implicated in this, a sad parable of American institutions that failed to serve just when they were most needed.

These questions are not explored in William’s book, only raised by it. This is the purpose of good writing: to set people to thinking. Questions have a power which answers don't. The graphic descriptions of berdache sexual practice will expose any trace of homophobia the reader might be possessed of. It is this aspect of this aspect of this book which has me a bit worried. Will this book be used to justify racist attitudes? I hope not, but in the fundamentalist revival of today, many startling parallels can be drawn to the Spanish Catholic who condemned the Mayans and others as “sodomites". How long will the white man continue to judge the red man by European standards? Doesn’t that book he holds sacred say “Judge not, lest you be judged”? Yet, I confess, even a person such as myself, who may yet be what white medicine calls “transsexual”, found Williams’ descriptions of sexual technique unsettling. That this is a sad comment on Euro-American culture seems obvious.

Certainly the core fault lies with those higher-ups in the Reagan administration for consistently underfunding AIDS research and then hypocritically proclaiming AIDS "number one health priority.” In fact, those government scientists in the trenches of AIDS research who complained about underfunding often found themselves punished by their superiors for their openness - by demotion, forced transfer or the deliberate withholding of funds. Such bureaucratic “Stalinism” in turn led to a deplorable, but understandable reluctance on the part of even the most honest researchers in the small, fiercely competitive subspecialty of epidemiology to speak out against bureaucratic machinations and risk being replaced by comparative second-raters. Moreover, any profession contains rts share of charlatans, and the story of AIDS research contains a few such characters as well.

! wou!d recommend The Spirit and the Flesh to anyone interested in exploring the question of gender identity. For me- it is a part of my spirit journey as a human being, exploring the possibilities given me by the great mystery. To the student of human sexuality or anthropology it may 55

But where was the press when all this was happening? According to Shifts, institutional hypocrisy was allowed to fester in a climate of near-total apathy on the part of his fellow journalists. Their policy was to uncritically accept everything the government told them, its lies, phony statistics and deliberate overstatements: a policy of journalism-by-press release that hadn’t been the norm since the Vietnam War and Watergate. Shilts builds a convincing case that AIDS research would have proceeded at a much quicker pace had the media been aggressive in determining whether or not funding was actually going where bureaucrats said it was going. Undoubtedly homophobia lies at the heart of the Reagan administration's failure to respond to an epidemic, and there is no doubt that a large portion of our government understood all too well that, politically, the lives of gay men are expendable. The media, too, treated AIDS as a parochial little health issue, not interesting to the bulk of its readers, and ignored it until the virus started manifesting itself in the "general” (i.e. non gay, Haitian, or drug-using) population. Thus a massive health care problem was treated as a lifestyle issue, and a plague was made to seem as trivial as the crossover of disco music from gays to straights.

the point where logic and common sense should have dictated closing. This represents a triumph of gay political clout but a fatal health mistake. All told, And the Band Played On is top-notch investigative journalism, well written and documented. The editing is especially brilliant, cutting from one locale to another after enough new information has been presented to the reader but soon enough to accentuate the interconnectedness among the various AIDS dramatis personae. The mainstream press has made numerous attempts to play up the seamiest individual behavior from this b o o k - Victim Zero and the like. No such interpretation, however, can reflect the fundamental fairness and integrity of this book, its commitment to the truth, its refusal to sell out for melodramatic effect or cheap ideology. Read it and you will weep, but also be moved to a new understanding of ourselves and our crisis. For their sake, one can only hope that And the Band Played On is well read among the heterosexual populace too. •

The subtle, almost academic prejudice of many people near the top of the Reagan administration was just as damning and far harder to identify- than the more overtly offensive bible-thumping of those who helped get Reagan elected. Shilts does, however, concede that not all conservatives are genocidal maniacs: a few like Orrin Hatch managed to put aside their personal distaste for homosexuality in order to push for more funding for AIDS as a purely humanitarian and health-care concern. There are also plenty of scientists in our government who understood that if the disease had attacked, say, blue-eyed Norwegians, the government would have rushed forward much more effectively. In other words, there were people who advocated doing the right thing at the right time, but in the nightmarish world of AIDS the banality of evil almost always won out instead. At times, Shilts’ book seems to have sprung from the paranoid imagination of an Alfred Hitchcock; but it’s even more horrifyingly compelling than some movie because everything in it is authentic and TRUE.

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The God of Ecstasy: Sex Roles and the Madness of Dionysos by Arthur Evans St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1988. 286 pages hardcover, $19.95. Reviewed by Oola (Ben Gardiner) One of the great ideological conflicts in our culture is depicted in the classic play, “The Bakkhai,” which is the core subject of Arthur Evans’ new book, The God of Ecstasy. The struggle between two opposing views of reality and the world is the center both of this play, freely translated by Evans from the original Greek, and of his philosophical history to which it is appended. These works combine to make a volume that is certain to provoke controversy for a long time to come. Not often do authors deal with trends of history in terms of a cycle of five hundred or a thousand years, while also attending to minute detail in the crucial parts of these vast sweeps of recorded human experience. Evans has indicated that much of what we have been taught as history is little more than a record of wars, destruction and pillage imposed over and punctuating the life of the lower classes in agrarian Europe and its predecessor civilizations in the eastern Mediterranean. His interpretation of that history gives a clear look at the roots of the forces which encourage men and women to enslave themselves and to give their lives and their hopes of happiness to the cause of the tyrants that have forcibly seized temporal power. He also shows how these same forces have succeeded, again and again, in taking control of ideas so as to reinforce their own power at the expense of those whom they arbitrarily ruled.

If not all straight people were blinded by homophobia, not all gay people were rational about the growing threat of AIDS. Another recurrent irony of Shifts' book is how the absolutism of heterosexual bigotry was matched by the absolutism of so many gays, especially our self-designated political leaders. Closing down the baths would have been an excellent way to slow down the spread of the disease, regrettable as social policy but necessary as a public-health measure. In the polarized social climate of the mid-1980s, however, many gay politicos reacted to proposals to close the baths as though they represented the entering wedge of Auschwitz. The old cliche about politics making for strange bedfellows was never truer as gay liberal Democrats rushed to become ardent libertarians in defense of bathowners. To many public-health officials and politicians allowed themselves to be coerced into doing nothing - this legitimizing the bathowners’ “rights" for several years past

He identifies the earliest background of thought in terms of religious cults, beliefs and movements which had the common characteristic that they were based on the 56

supremacy of fertility in creation, as personified in the matriarchal societies and as deified in matriarchal religion. Then he sees that the matriarchal societies have been overrun and overwhelmed by patristic forces, not once but again and again. By tracing the lineage of development of philosophical thought through the chaos of the remains of manuscripts and records of history, like an archeologist, Evans carefully builds the case for a totally new view of the historical world in which we have our cultural roots. His first conclusion is that we are inevitably going to have endless war and oppression because of the very nature of the foundations of society and of government - whether it be what we here in the United States call democratic or what they in the Soviet Union call the people’s republic. Neither capitalism nor communism escape the wrath of the theory which Evans brings into our consciousness by means of the ancient god Dionysus, the god who represented a kind of human joy and ecstatic experience which is often deemed to be at best peripheral and at worst the manifestation of sin at its worst. He shows what he calls the roots of the Jesus story as coming from the Dionysian myth, and becoming a myth probably far removed from the actual Jesus of the turn of history's year numbering in western civilization. Underlying the avowed purposes of kings, church, and all institutions derived from these centers of control are those forces of patriarchy which are now in this 20th century brought into question again. Feminism and faeries he identifies as the groupings of thought and people that are alone capable and willing to offer the appropriate challenge to the authority of the puffed up masculinity which has so often been the agent to choke the reality in man. We play parts in life, he shows, which come from these unnoticed antecedents in our distant past. During the past 2,000 years our society has had its ideals in patriarchal form, but it has also had an almost indestructible and repeatedly erupting energy to retain and practice the “old religion” of the distant past in many varying forms.

How would we ever know about this, since, as in the burning of evidence in the medieval “witch" trials and “heresy" trials, the evidence of earlier truths have been either bent totally out of shape or simply destroyed? Who can now say what the Canaanites were like, when the bulk of historical evidence has been trimmed, changed and edited by a dominant class and ideology that was totally hostile to them and their ways? Who can even say what the Druids may have been like, but for a few remaining clues and a lot of guesswork? When all this questioning has been laid out, the author then brings us to the present state of total confusion in human purposes and indicates that the obvious steps to take are not the ones most frequently stated in high places but the ones made clear here. We need, he says, to re-examine our past and to gain a perspective of reality so that we can begin to chart a course ahead. His personal experience in the past 20 years forms the means by which he points to the future course of humanity While some will accept this as his privilege, others may wonder how it is that the vast sea of humanity in the Asian lands is not central to this purpose and trend. Where do they fit in, one may ask. What about Asia? What about Africa? The personal theorizing at the end of the book presents ideological problems to the reader which may be overcome by the magnitude of the task which the author has set for himself. If you have written a Goetterdaemmerung, where do you go from there? What is the sequel? Appended to this work is the script of the author's free translation of Euripides' "Bakkhai" as it was performed a few short years ago in San Francisco, California. This fresh translation includes notes indicating which are the reconstructed passages and which were omitted when staged here because of the conditions of modern life that do not grant unlimited license to be wordy and to reiterate story background familiar to the early Greeks but largely unknown to today’s audiences. •

The book indicates that these underlying forces have been frequently cut down, stamped out, oppressed, forbidden and destroyed, but that they return, renewed and always with that kind of vigor which characterizes the first growth of vegetation in the spring of the year. Implied is that the reluctance of the ordinary people, as well as their individual impotence, has been the means by which control has been maintained over them by their oppressors and kings. It is a story that has been repeated over and over again, so that revolution or conquest never achieves any good for the common people but only changes the names of the oppressors. The true domination has always been the thinking that is opposed by the Dionysian spirit.

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Again and again people have been misled because of celebrations into thinking that their revels were free - when the reality was that control was always in place, ready to snap down on them when the party was over. Who in the world could ever dream up a method to make an entire civilization enslave itself? Yet such is what we have 'nherited from the Judeo-Christian forebears. 57

also provide a free forwarding ser vice for readers who prefer to not pub lish th eir address. Donations, however, are greatly appreciated. We ask that your le tte r s be b rie f (under 200 words) and positive in stating your preferences. Saying 'no' to a p a r t i cular t r a i t or characteristic may unnecessarily offend.a brother. RFD can assume no responsibility for claims made in the l e t t e r s , and we urge correspondents to exercise caution especially with any financial dealings. For responses from prisoners, we advise contacting Joint Ven ture, P0 Box 26-8484, Chicago, IL 60626, before replying.

Dear RFD Readers, I’m a 27 year old Pagan GWM, approx. 180 lbs, 5' 10” , average build, reddish blond hair with hazel eyes. Interested in making new friends and perhaps meeting that “special someone". I live in Western Massachusetts, but would be interested in hearing from guys from all over, and being pen-pals is certainly a welcome opportunity. My interest include hiking, bicycling, XCountry skiing, music (especially R & B) and just in case this sounds a little too active I’m also into quiet evenings at home or long walks as well. I’m an avid reader and a “DISNEY” fanatic ! My religion is a big part of my life (hone and worship of The Gods in

Their Egyptian forms) but I am open to other “paths” and philosophies so long as they are “life-affirming”. I’m not into drugs or smoking. (I do take a drink now and then). I’m also interested in learning about The “Fairie Movement" and how I can merge it with my beliefs. So if any of this sounds interesting (or even appealing! ) to you, why not drop me a line. Who knows ? Maybe it will lead to something wonderful! Blessed Be! Mark P.O. Box 1081 Easthampton, MA 01027

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Dear RFD, Different man/boy seeks rugged dads/boys who smoke cigars, wear leathers, hunt, work the land, and ride. Likes NYC but also likes the big green space. Bikes, trucks, and jeeps all get my wheels-a-rolling. Sincerely, Tony P.O. Box 20147 London Terrace Sta. NYC, NY 10011 (718) 789-6149

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Hello new Friends! My name is IKen and I am a gay white male in my thirties. I am young looking, youthful, and attractive guy. Also I'm very sincere, friendly, and caring... I stand 5’ 11" weight 160 pounds, and, I’m straight acting and appearing. I seek new friends (and possible relationship ???) from all over. There is no distance where good friends are concerned. After all we all need people, friends, and love... So why not write today and let’s begin to grow in new friendship that will hopefully be “special” and long lasting...!!! Send your letter and pix and you'll receive mine— REALLY SOON! Keep smiling— keep shining ! Ken P.O. Box 42392 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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I’m Danny and a ’HOT’ 21-year-old gay white male. Great looks and body too! I like writing and meeting new friends from all over the country.... I enjoy traveling and meeting new guys for friendship and FUN TIMES! And, you guys heading this way to the #1 city of Pittsburgh — GET IN TOUCH...!!! We’re sure to have a great’ and ’super’ time together! So let me hear from all you interested guys out there. REAL SOON! Send me a pix of your (in any form!!??) and my HOT pix will be out to you too! You won’t be disappointed— trust me! Let’s be friends guys! All ages and races welcomed too !!!! Luv from one ’HOT’ pal, Danny P.O. Box 3614 Pittsburgh, PA 15230

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A White gay male, in 20’s who likes black music and more. Wishes to write BGM 30 or over, fun may follow, •ease write to M.D. Holmes, 1905

Spring Garden St., Apt 1-R, Philadelphia, PA 19130. I have blonde straight hair and green almond eyes.

* ♦ v A Dear Friends, Ever dream of living in the country and running a country inn? If so, please read on. 4 years ago we started renovation on a historic steamboat hotel (1876) situated on beautiful waterfront acreage just off the Potomac River on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Money was going out so fast on the restoration, that we decided to back stop it by doing Bed and Breakfast in 3 of the 14 guest rooms. In 4 months of operation, we were doing so well, that we completed renovation of the other guest rooms to meet the demand Without ever planning to run this place as business, we have turned into a very successful venture. As if we weren’t busy enough, we added a 60 seat restaurant and piano pub this past April, with (you guessed it) another addition planned for mid spring 1988 to seat another 70-80 overlooking the water. In our spare time (ha, ha) we have been raising pygmy goats, exotic fowl, and chickens. We put up a new greenhouse last year, and unfortunately it sits lonely and cold for we haven’t had the time or staff to get up and going. Our need is for a Gay Male Couple to assist with all facets of our many ventures. One of you will take over as assistant kitchen manager/chef (hopefully you an cook or have a desire to learn) one of you will be the assistant manager to the Bed and Breakfast operation. There are far too many details to go into here, but there will be plenty of time to just sit back and enjoy mother nature in a beautiful setting, raise vegetables and flowers, tend animals, etc. We are offering room and board, small salary (to start) and percentage of the profits. Being rural area 2 hours from D.C. and hour from Richmond, the labor pool limited to non management people. 53

a a a 1 is

We are prepared to enter into a long term relationship with the right couple, we have great sex life and wish to share it. However, this must be the right move for you. We had one couple that came here a few years ago, lasted 3 months and left, reason: they were running away from themselves before they got here, and didn't know what work and sharing is. About us, we’re GWM both 38 years and young, monogamous for 9 years, spiritual soul mates, and a terrific twosome. We love life and people. Can’t stand negative complainers around us. We have a lot to offer and share with a together couple looking for a great life in the country If interested, please write immediately, and be prepared to move as, soon as we all decide that it's meant to be. Our time frame is immediate. Hope to hear from you. Bob and Rick The Mount Holly House P.O. Box 130 Mount Holly, VA 22524

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Hi. I am a Recently Realized Faery in Virginia. I am seeking a tall dark leading man type for Greta Garbo days and Mel Gibson nights. I am 39, 5’9 1/2", weigh 145 lbs, LavaBlue eyes, blondish brown hair, and a beard. I am a junior historian, I'm a warm, loving, romantic, sensual scorpion. I am also a professional. I am very lonely, and bored I am seeking friendships, Love and/or Deeply Committed relationship or relationships. I would prefer you to have dark hair with or without facial hair. Honest, preferably a professional. I’m a very open person and want to share the true beauty of this world with someone. Height preferred but not necessary there is much more to me than this note, if interested! Please write. Bill Armstrong 613 13th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451

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RFD Readers,

I’m 22, 6’ tall, 170 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. I am looking for tall GQ types over 6, 3 inch, heavy muscle, blonds, and for a companion, lover, friend, a cheaper place to live and a better paying job. My income is $8,000 or less. I’m handicapped wear a hearing aid and I'm hard of hearing and speech. I’m looking for someone, between 18 and 30. I don’t travel. I hope you plan a trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Please write, will not write unless you send a photo. William B. Neal Jr. 100 Palm Beach Place (Apt 4) VA. Beach, VA 23452

A ♦ V A Howdo, Ain't winter awful, these days get somber don't like lookin’ out the window all the time. Its cold too! Would like to make friends with other country dudes. Whom share the love of quiet life. Taking care of animals, gathering fire wood and the like. I’d like to meet the right guy but if he ain’t to be found so what. Friends are great people too. I’m 30 5 'H " 145 lbs brown hair and eyes attractive. Not at all feminine and like to talk and bullshit. Work steady away my won place and am somewhat stable. If your around my area write me and be real I am (love beards) send to RFD to be forwarded. Include a stamp an the envelope. Give the boys in the office a break. Hope to hear from ya. J.D.

A ♦ V A Hi There. How are you’all doing down there. Here in West Virginia it’s still kind of lonely. But that is the way things are. I’ve met some nice guys through RFD But nobody yet who wants or seems to want to continue a good friendship. With one such as I.

I’m 39 yrs. 6’2" 165# Brown Hair (some gray). Beard mustache, glasses, originally from W. VA. Been around the cities half my life (so far) and am back in the country again by choice. I don’t have modern conveniences. I enjoy my lifestyles. Have been called “laid back” in my approach to life. So are there any guys or gals out there who are a little different in their lifestyle or thought process. Who would like to possibly “make” a new friend. Though I’m next best letter writer and correspondent there was. I do try to keep in touch. Also, perhaps I may be traveling again one of these days and we could meet in person or you would like to visit my humble abode. So until then Happy peace go with you.

Holidays

and

Jim Whipkey Box 60B RD#1 Dallas, WV 26036

sm all overhead, large pool and several friendly dogs.

Rent will be free, and I will pay the utilities for one hour per day plus one day per week of his time taking care of the lawn, dogs and pool. I hope to find someone who is fun and interesting to be with. I am early retiree, 160 lbs, 6’, clean shaven, in excellent health and vigorous. I like to travel. Will be gone about half the time, so will need someone who is stable, reliable, has a car, and can see to his other needs and requirements. The house is comfortable, heated, two bedrooms, living room, kitchen-din, bathroom and glassed in porch laundry, two working fireplaces, some furniture. My house is the only other one in sight. Will be glad to send photo of myself and the house to anyone sending photo of himself who appears to be a likely prospect. Best wishes to all Batchelor c/o RFD

A ♦ ¥ A “I want one REAL good cowboy" H. Roe Rt. 2, Box 307 Viles, NC 28692

A ♦ V A Brachioprotic eroticism aficionado would like to get together with same. R. Roberts Suite 200-C8 10800 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, GA 30076

A ♦ V A Dear RFD Readers, I have a good proposition for the right hunky clean cut young outdoor lover. There is a vacant house on my acreage, which is within communing distance of Atlanta, GA, and more a wild life sanctuary than anything else, with a few fields, a vegetable garden,

A ♦ V A Dear RFD, For Sale: Two small cabins on 5 acres in the NC mountains. Located on paved roads 15 minutes from 2 winter ski areas, 45 miles from Running Water Farm. Excellent trout fishing stream across the road. Cabins need repair, but are habitable. $20,000. Call Tom at (904) 277-2418 (after 6 PM EST).

A ♦ V A Dear Friends, I am a 41 year old neopagan who would eventually like to move north and maybe meet the man of my dreams too. Right now, I would like to correspond with anyone who might be interested in writing. I am 5’ 9” , 145 lbs., brown hair going gray, green eyes. I love ancient history, reading, science fiction and fantasy, music, and computering. I am a computer operator.

I would be glad to exchange photos with anyone who writes and look forward to making new friends through RFD. If you’re out there write soon.

and

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Namaste.

WGM, 39 seeking to share life/country estate/dog/college-level AIDS prevention program with non smoking 18-30! Bill P.O. Box 1417 Mentor, OH 44061

I live alone on my own farm and I’m honest, affectionate, creative, giving. I dislike self-centered people, drugs , alcohol. I like gardening, begin the woods with caring partners(s), and being in touch with my won body. I also like nudism and want to live life’s pleasures to the fullest. I’m a G/W/M 40, 5' 9”, 180#, brown hair, hazel eyes, masculine, drug free, non-drinker, smoker. Please send photo and detailed letter. Sincere only. Sincerely

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Michael L. Barber 10015 E. River Rd. Mt. Pleasant, Ml 48858

Claude From Columbus c/o RFD

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Dear RFD Brothers,

GWM 30 and attached. Looking to make new friends. Any Peace loving, gentle, long hair, short hair, black, brown, red, white or any between may apply. Age no problem, key I can even deal with other worldly figures' Also not limited to just Ohio, but are there any around Columbus not into the bars?

4»

interested,

James E. Grant 16950 S. W. 301 Terrace Homestead, FL 33030

David Rosenberg PO Box 7594 Ann Arbor, Ml 48107

Dear RFDers, 1 will be staying in Durham, North Carolina by Duke University campus for approximately 1 1/2 months June July. | will be participating the American Dance Festival - held every summer at Duke I need a place to stay'f anyone is renting or know of a place a non-smoker vegetarian could rent please let me know. Also, I’m simply interested in meeting any gay sensitive individuals for friendship while staying in N. Carolina. Fondly,

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Dear RFD, Please advise your readers of the prisoner swindle problem. I have been taken by an 18 year old inmate at the Pendleton, IN reformatory. He asked for money and then dumped me. A warden at the Michigan City, IN reformatory warned me ahead of time. After many letters I still remain alone and without a mate-helper, so therefore I would give warning as to the above and state that I am seeking an honest, vibrant young lad for a mate and business helper, live in and with, travel involved, selling and some responsibilities, fun. Write: Ken Wick Rt. 5 Coldwater, Ml 49036

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draw-back is the difficulty in meeting people in a “natural", relaxed way. Not that placing and answering personal ads is all that natural, but beats getting your teeth busted out or, per chance, having the two burn Barbie dolls on your lawn (should the latter ever occur I hope that I , at least, have a camera handy.) I just turned 30 in DEC. '87... yes “half horse, half man," as they say in zodiacal circles, although which half of the horse, I suppose, is up to you to decide. I’m 6 T \ 165 lbs, nice body, blonde, blue eyed, currently bearded, nice looking (a lot like Peter Martins of ballet fame), masculine, healthy, college grad. A bit zany and I love nature (including wild Iowa weather), hiking, gardening, architecture, historical preservation is big on my list (anyone interested in helping me renovate my ca. 1915 3 story house?), travel, music, signing, dancing, theatre, art of almost every variety... Generally, as long as it's vibrant, has a sense of humor, a touch of mystery and/or is fun to be around I like it. This includes everything from art to people to broccoli. I like good spinach salad, a bit of good wine or beer on occasion, and PASTA! I like sports for fun, not with “ass holes" for blood. I've been involved in varying degrees with both women and men, but sexually find men more attractive. I'm looking for a man who is masculine, sensitive, intelligent, nice looking, non-violent, healthy, somewhere between 20 and 40, with a good sense of humor and a sense of wonder about this world and the worlds beyond. Someone to share my rather nebulous spirituality: I was raised in the American Baptist tradition, but now I suppose I'm something of a paganesque-natureworshiping-Episcopalian-who-lovesDisneyland. If you can understand that we’re bound to get along. Ah... so much to say and so little space... so write to me. Maybe we’ll strike a happy chord. A photo would be nice too, but not a must. Peace

If the woods are full of them, where are they? For the most part I enjoy being an off-beat artist in a small, central Iowa college town, but one big 61

M S. of RFD's hometown

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Dear C ountry People Country People,

W ould

I may or not be better looking than the average 43 year old. That is not important. What is important is that I have learned to support my self from my land. N.E. Iowa near the Mississippi is a beautiful place: Hills, hard word forests, consoling streams with swimming holes. What farm land there is is rich, productive and affordable. I farm a little and enjoy the peace and seclusion a lot. I would be interested in meeting a person that either would share my land or own land of his own. I would have the greatest chances of compatibility with young people (18-24) but am open to meeting people of any age. What I wish to avoid is people who jump to the conclusion that I personally can fill all the needs of their life. What I wish to convey is that the land here is good and will support a person of modest aspirations. Write and we will discuss it further Ron Retz Box 143 Luana , IA 52156

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Taking the dating scene “slow-andeasy” right now, but have had a lover in the past, of which I am very proud to speak. Attender of MCC (often), I try not to sit in judgement on people, but I DO DISLIKE substance-abusers, heavy smokers and self-obsessed jerks (“mirror-kissers") and find them difficult to tolerate, if not impossible. Sexually, I have been considering myself a ‘lo p ”, until the past couple of years, and still find (no-S&M-type) “tit work”, both active and passive, quite enjoyable, and ball fondling-and sucking, but consider myself open to new ideas. I prefer the company of MATURE AND INTELLIGENT gentlemen, especially those who know what they want/need, but con reciprocate on all levels of being. Hope to hear from “y’all” soon, especially fellow chubbies and teddies, and those isolated, as I do care for all my “brothers.” (Pictures would be helpful, but not necessary. “Revealing?”; if you have one.) Sincerely Yours, Bill of Southern Illinois c/o RFD

Dear Friends, This affectionate, chubby, teddy-bear is seeking friends, for companionship in the Carbondale, Illinois AREA, and pen-pals anywhere A Gemini, (if that matters), and an incurable romantic, I prefer a romantic evening-by-the-fire to that of a noisy and smoky bar. Soon to be 33, I am 5’8" tall, weight 225 lbs., have brown hair and eyes, have a beard now (somewhat greying) that I didn't have the last time I wrote, and am accepting save-sex and the aging process gracefully, thank you. (Pretty hairy on chest and back, to o !) A lover of things cerebral, as I am NOT an outdoorsman (my thumb’s not green, more like BLACK AND BLUE!), I enjoy reading, music, movies, good food and wines, and good conversation, as well as keeping up the old friends; puppies, and well, you get the picture....

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Dear Boys and Girls of all persuasions, Are you interested following?

any

the

Comic books (super-heroes) Faeries as super-powered beings. Environmental issues -- selfsufficiency without polluting our nest. The power of biospheres. Atlar.tean history Magic minds; psycho-metrics; “primitive” thought rituals Feminism (we all know that in several very important aspects women, as a sex, are superior to men). Art, high and low, popular and esoteric. Fiction as reality. Partnerships, networking, and accomplices. I am an artist/writer trying to break into comics with the first “out” gay and lesbian super heroes, who derive their special abilities from planetary

spirits, magic (what’s this “magick” crap, anyway? C’mon, people, can’t we spell? Chris Claremont does that in it just really burns my...well) and from that something extra which comes from being lesbian or gay. This is not easy. If you would care to offer your assistance, I should be tremendously grateful. I should be, but that doesn’t mean., aw, hell, yes it does. I'll be effusive in my thanks. All right? Thank you. Thank you very much. Stephen Noonan 4721 McPherson 2SW St. Louis, MO 63108

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Dear RFD Readers, I am a suffering potter. Currently I am living in a urban setting which doesn’t allow for my working. This is a plea; I would like to hear from other gay potters with hopes of sharing my feelings about working, environment, galleries, glazes, equipment, alternative lifestyles, natural firing methods, etc. Presently I keep my eye trained by doing graphic design, however, my soul cries out for the "center.” I don't know that details about my physical are so important, but here they are. I am 28, 6’2” brown-hair with beard, light blue eyes, and 185 lbs. I am well trained with a history of education. I enjoy poetry, and cooking. Naturally I am drug-free, and non-smoker. Born under the Scorpio sign I am shy, logical, environmentally aware, questioning, and honest. Robert R. Finch 3851 Shar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63110

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Dear RFD Readers: We’d love to correspond and meet some of you. I’m Art, 53 and Paul is 43. We live in the suburbs, 10 miles away from St. Louis. We have a large yard and garden, fruit trees, flowers and shrubs. We sell some of our

flowers and vegetables. We love the outdoors, skinny dipping, and going nude. We’d love to start a faerie circle in our area. If any of you know how to start one or are from our area, please write.We’ve belonged to our local MCC for many years. We are very conscious of AIDS and would like our friends to be very conscious of it as well. Come on guys, give us a try. If you like adventurous, down-to-earth country guys - please write. Sincerely, Art & Paul 1060 Concord School Rd. St. Louis, MO 63128

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For Rent: Log House, 20’ x 20’, on forested mountain ranch, in the Wyoming wilds. Electric range, wood heat, free fuel, Sauna , Lake, Many wild Animals. Very reasonable rent, plus elec. Suitable for at least two. Also, 2 smaller trailers, more reasonable rent. Could be longtime home. Please send SASE. Organic gardens, & berries. Sincerely Roger Rogers Rt. 2, Box 13 West Point, NE 68788

* ♦ V A Dear Folks: My name is Joe Stoddard. I am a Gay male, neo-pagan, slightly Celtic, nontraditional witch. I would like to get in contact with like-minded people. I live in Russellville, AR. There are 3 covens that I know of in the state and we are fairly close but a little out-numbered by witch burnin’ Southern Baptists. I am 20 and one of the four gay male pagans that I know of in the state. I know there are more, but I haven’t found them yet. Well, whoever wants to write would be greatly welcomed - I would love it. I enjoy hearing from my own kind or anyone else for that matter! Love, Light, and Blessed Be,

Lets correspond.

Joe Stoddard 400 West 19 Russellville, AR 72801

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Yours,

Len Hart 2402 W. Jefferson Boise, ID 83702

* Hey You! Bearded 36 year old trim Aries ram seeking life mate. I walk about 10 miles a day and can live without a car; can you? I respect my body and animals, so am vegetarian; are you? I see so much beauty in life that I have no reason for drugs or alcohol; do you? I don not hide from the truth and if you are the same, then I want you to look deep into my blue eyes while we make love and have a complete man to man, one to one, mental and physical relationship. Boris Donescu 3051 Fillmore Denver, Co. 80205

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Hello New Friends, My name is Michael. I'm looking to make new friends (and possibly meet a lover). I live in Tucson, but travel to the North West in the spring and summer. And would love to meet new people in No. California, Oregon, Washington, etc. I’m 37, 5 ft tall, 150 lbs, brown hair and hazel eyes. I have a great sense of humor. My interests are: old cars, swap meets, antiques, music, pets, outdoors, movies, health food, herbs, alternative energy, spirituality (pagan) I’m looking for people who are not afraid to be themselves, and are open and honest I have a lot of love to share, so please write. I'd love to hear from you. Peace and Love,

Good man in western Wyoming seeks down to earth relationship with a friend. I’m a professional with a secure position so relocation is not possible. My background is in science and the counseling field. I'm 39, blond, moustache, 6 T \ 170, fitness-health oriented, country, quiet, finer simple things in life, raising game birds, art, travel, private life, growth and one who values is orientation very much. Resident Box 1193 Rock Springs, WY 82901

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Dear RFD Editor, Help for the new growing year! I would like to correspond with individuals who want a good worker to help with their farming and gardening this year. I am 37, male, 5’9", 130, trim, clean, supple, versatile. Am a non-smoker, non drinker. Enjoy excellent health, weight lifting, nudism, touching, massage.

Michael 4865 N. La Canada Tucson, AZ 85704

A ♦

I’ve been working on my homestead in the central New Mexico Mountains for about 2 years now. I have been earning my living in southern California and driving to the ranch whenever I can to work on it. I've built a cabin, barn-workshop, and stone foundation for greenhouse. I have a gay woman friend staying in the cabin for me while I go back and forth. I have 7 acres of Pinon, spruce and juniper. I was born and raised in Texas. I’m 35, Blonde, Blue eyed, smooth, clean cut, 5’9”, 135 lbs and good boking. I like country music, country dancing, confident men, travel, friendly people, horses, rodeos, chili, home cooking, adventures and cowboys. I smoke cigarettes, don’t drink or use. I enjoy the intellect if its coupled with actbn. I’m impatient with arm chair

ecologists, ghetto mentality, attitude, and waste. I enjoy country living with access. I have lived and worked from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia and have chosen New Mexico. I will have my bills paid down by the end of 88 and will move to the ranch full time. I’m HTLV-III neg. and play safe. I'd like to meet interesting aggressive men. Prefer anglo-saxon or middle European ancestry around my age. I will working in LA for the next 5 months. I am self employed in construction and restoration work. So, if you enjoy your life, find me interesting and would like to visit New Mexico, drop me a line and a picture. Jeff 7985 Santa Monica Blvd. 109-321 Los Angeles, CA 90046

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Hello, my name is Jack, I am about 30 years old, 5’-11”, #140 and quite healthy. I am interested in making contacts with other guys who want to meet for friendship possibly leading to a relationship. I live in a small coastal city in Southern Calif, called Venice. We have canals like in Venice Italy and very nice light sandy beaches here. The weather is very temperate with very little frost. I enjoy bike riding, walking, hiking, photography, seeing outdoor gardens and visiting with a few friends. Do write, with photo would be nice but not necessary. Peace with much warmth. Thank You! Jack c/o P.O. Box 928 Venice, CA 90291

* ♦ VA Dear RFD Readers: Two fine fellows (gay men) mid 30's will be making a spiritual-quest-journey to native American lands and sacred sites in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah for 2 weeks

beginning about July 23, until Aug 8th or so. We would (Jack and Don), like to meet our brothers along the way to share, nature walks and stories and our presence with you, along our-way. Please write to us. Do include a phone number if you have one and return address. We wish all of the RFD readers who see this much love and warmth. In Love and adventure

Hope,

blessings

and

Jack Kennedy and Don Page P.O. Box 928 Venice, CA 90294

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Before you read this ad, I’m 60 years young! Since I don't look my age, I act and think younger. Here are my statistics: 5’11 1/2", 190 lb, classical features, dark brown hair with silver side burns and a natural streak in my hair. Eyes deep blue to blue grey depending on what I’m wearing. Good music, opera, folk and country sounds are to my liking. I social drink or two in the evening is fine but no drunks! I do smoke cigarettes, but no drugs. Being a clean and orderly person, I do not like slobs! There must be someone who wants to share and build together in the country. Most of my life I’ve been in garden and pet shop sales. In fact I owned a tropical fish for seven years. Doing it alone is no fun.

Dear RFD Readers, I am a female-to-male transsexual, 31 years old, 5’5” tall, 145 lbs., hairy, bearded, muscular, athletic: with average appearance, masculine physique, and female genitalia; sexually submissive but emotionally assertive. I desire an intimate friendship (platonic or erotic) or relationship with a dominant bisexual man who is rugged, earthy and natural (avoiding artificial smells, adornments, affections). External attributes are not as important to me as internal ones. Traits which I possess, and look for in others, are: stability, honesty, strength, childlike inquisitiveness. I am far from perfect, and do not expect perfection in my friends, merely compatibility and potential for mutual growth. I have a highly dual nature, diverse education, and eclectic interests: the kind of person I seek is likewise developing that dynamic balance between soul and solid form, between maleness and femaleness. I enjoy: camping, walking, and cycling; art, music, literature, science; philosophy, metaphysics. Kindred souls, please contact me. Sincerely, Lynn of California c/o RFD

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Community Opportunity

Working with birds, fowl and animals are my interest. Nothing larger than a Nubian goat. Raising and growing plants are my mayor interests along with you. I’ve been living in S. Cal. for 16 years. Progress here is unbelievable in that time. I’m looking for an interesting, mature, man. Bearded men are an attraction. Write with phone (recent) if interested. Sincerely John Raba P.O. Box 2394 Oceanside, CA 92054

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Members of the Harvest Forum Community are looking for creative and responsible people to share in shaping and realizing a cooperative vision of communal living. We are creating an alternative lifestyle focusing on personal growth, quality relationships, and a sense of balance with the earth. Plans so far include the purchase of about 160 acres of

partially gardened, partially wooded land for approximately a dozen community members of diverse backgrounds, including ethnic, age, gender, and sexual orientation. Acceptance of diversity, subversive tendencies toward art and play, and respect for personal and community space are necessary for participation. Accomplishments so far include community meetings, the publication of several issues of a newsletter, preliminary investigation of land sites within three hours drive of San Francisco, and application for non profit status. We are establishing a trial living situation in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to a rural site. To find out more, to meet with us, or to obtain a free subscription to our newsletter, contact: Harvest Forum 22400 Skyline, Box 7 La Honda, CA 94020 (415) 961-1013

«¥• ♦ V A G.W.M. 27, 6’-0M, 175 lbs. Reddish/blond hair, Blu/green eyes, masculine. I live in the Russian River Area. I like the Rural Life, but love to party. |’m open minded, very social, creative, artistic, love animals, nature and work in landscaping. I’m looking for a masculine, good looking, non affected, honest, self-sufficient G.W.M. photo pref. Noah P.O. Box 1 Fulton, CA 95439

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Aspiring oyster farmer with 37 acres of Pacific Ocean mud seeks radical fairy[s] to share work and profit. •t’s time to start! Peace, friendship, brotherhood. K V. Dethman c/o RFD

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Dear RFD friends I’m interested in finding a health resort or Bed & Breakfast establishment where I can assist as a macrobiotic cook, masseur, and holistic counselor, anywhere on the West Coast Beaches, or in the Mountains. I’m a sincere professional, currently co-facilitating support groups for men with ARC/AIDS, alternatives, natural healing, Louise Hay work, and meditation. I’m also seeking new friends and a possible relationship. I’m a caring, cute, cancerian man, 36, 5’11", 145# with broad shoulders and slim firm body from doing yoga. Reddish brown hair, beard, and chest. Blue eyes and glasses. I enjoy hiking, conversation, romance, cuddling, massage, and safe sex. I've been HIV positive since 83 and I’m healthy and stable. Enjoy Greek passive, versatile, and French. Giving and receiving mutual emotional support is a priority. I love ethnic diversity in art, music, and food, especially Middle Eastern and Oriental. I don’t smoke or drink. While I appear pretty serious, I enjoy childlike laughter and an occasional night out dancing. Thanks! Jim Edwards PO Box 23083 Seattle, WA 98102 (206) 784-1520

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My Dear Brothers, I have recently moved from the city to a small farm in breathtaking Lewis County Washington (Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens etc.). I am not looking for a lover/partner/soulmate etc., but I would love to hear from other gay men in my area (or not) to share knowledge about gardening, living selfsufficiently in the country and friendship. I moved here to be able to enjoy spending lots of time alone, going within, and seeing reflections of myself in nature and God. I have also come here to establish friendships based more on brotherliness and

freedom and less on appearances and need. I am 29 years old and enjoy not smoking, drinking or doing drugs and I am a complete novice at farming which is my new adventure. Love, Andrew P.O. Box 284 Onalaska, WA 98570

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merry meet, thought i knew what i was doing when i moved here 4 years ago had been trying to get back to the mountains for 7 years, i'd developed some good community-type skills, already knew how to garden, was confident i could build some kind of a lodge to winter in. had been working towards my vision of rugged, remote land growing into informal botanical garde n/self-sufficient farm/homestead/spiritua! sanctuaryretreat for 20 years. but the land is the teacher, the land is the one who sets the pave, who lets you know just what you may or may not do. can have nothing to do with it - not if you're really listening the land tells you you’ve got to learn to listen, who cares what plans you may have developed in your rational mind, you've got to learn what plans the land has for you! as time has gone on the land has gradually shown us what we can or can’t do. things come about when they're ready to. it’s a real struggle for this Scorpio with satum and a south mode in virgo not to just organize the hell out of it. but the land won’t let me. patience has never been easy for me. my friends generally describe me as hyper, intense, high-energy, etc. the land is teaching me to slow down, not too slow of co u rse - i’d freeze here, just 20 miles from Canada in the eastern rain shadow of the Washington cascades, but r think i am learning, and i think the land’s saying it might be time for some more fairies to come here to listen with me. (though i’ll have to acknowledge that it could just

be my own personal desires i’m hearing) i guess the test will be to see if anybody actually makes it. just in case personal desires do have a bearing on the situation, maybe i’d better list a few. our goal is to develop a shamanic-wiccan community. not exactly easy to define, but you spiritual types can probably guess respect for all creation, an ye harm none do what ye will, all acts of love and pleasure, etc., etc., etc. (sacred humor does have a long history remember...) we do sorta tend to lean toward people of indeterminate sexuality, though we’re certainly not opposed to blatant heterosexuals as long as we all get along, (we re really not as tacky as that sounds but somehow if just came out of my typew riter- never did learn how to work one of these things...) i keep trying to write a truly serious letter about all this, because we really are quite serious about what we’re doing here, but i think my personal goddess must be discordis, because i keep wandering off on strange tangents, sigh. anyway, i guess i'm supposed to put in a few lines about me personally, so i'll try... i'm 37. 5’6", 140 lbs, relatively intelligent, working on overcoming my addiction to workaholism (???), love to dance, run around naked, lotsa personal magnetic energy so i need to be touched a lot, some pretty welldeveloped political, social, and spiritual views which mostly convince me that i really don’t have a clue, have some kind of faith that all we need is love, even though it makes me want to gag to say something so disgustingly white-lighty. (remember, us witches believe you’ve got to balance the light and dark, and respect and love them both to heal to wholeness...) like almost all kinds of music from classical to punk, though about the only good dances around here are the every-fewmonth co-op benefits. (i do go to Seattle, 6 hours southwest occasionally to visit friends, i used to live there, and boogie.) i guess you could call me something of a newwave hippie faggot, whatever that is... sure is hard to describe myself like this, especially when i know that in the final determining none of you

are going to come here to visit me, unless you also want to come visit the land, guess i’m back to that, does anybody else out there understand what i’m talking about? about the way you come to know that if it’s not right it simply won’t happen, sounds sorta fatalistic, the bondage side of bonding, at what levels do we truly create our reality? .... oops, looks like this damned typewriter got away from me again. so far we’ve got a real rustic, small cabin, a shed, a few chickens, cats, dog, a big ceremonial circle, sweatlodge, a terrible driveway, lotsa summer sun and winter snow, few neighbors, plenty of privacy, a seasonal pond and corresponding well, forest, sagebrush, views for days, coyote and bear, hawks and eagles, a strong back-to-the-land counter-culture (without much of an overt gay component to it unfortunately), and about 7 more years of land payments, in time our herbal wildcrafting and growing business, as well as the various spiritually focused gatherings and retreats, will sustain the community here, but for now we’re still forced to be wage-slaves too much, but not so much that we can’t accommodate visitors. we’ll be having various events periodically also so if you’d like to come visit it would be good to arrange it before hand, (of course, you’ll have to do that cause you’ll never find the place without help!!) this has definitely gone on long enough, if you’re not drawn to all this babbling then surely you won’t be drawn to more of it. besides, like i said about the land.... please write if you’re interested in becoming a part of what’s developing here, whether it's as a part of this land or simply the Okanogan culture in general, this is a very special area, one that many psychics, cayce included, have said will survive thru the coming earth changes. the indian name tor the region, okanogan, means rendezvous, this is a place of coming-together, the fairies need to be better represented, many of us here feel that we have been drawn here, if you get that feeling at all in reading this letter, you owe it to yourself, and to mom, to 66

act on your intuition, the pace is accelerating, the time to act is now. (gad, this hokey typewriter...) may the goddess smile on you as ol’ horny grants you your heart’s deepest desire. ..... and merry meet again. blessed be, all our relations steve wells (watershade) wolfdance farm 611-d lemanasky rd. tonasket, wa 98855

* ♦ VA Friends of the Earth, I am a GWM 26 y.o., 6’1" tall, 170 lbs., hazel eyes, brown hair (thinning), clean shaven, considered handsome, nutrition minded, in good shape and health, mature, honest, compassionate, warm, have been in relationships, unusual sense of humor, sensitive... and more. No cigs or drugs, and hope you are the same way. Light drinking is O.K. I live for nature - camping, hiking, travelling, exploring, star gazing, astro-photography, beach combing, gardening, caving, and going barefoot. In summer, I’m a State Park Ranger at a cave in NE Washington next to Canada. Indoor activities include music, plants, cooking, poster shopping (American Indian; Amazonian), conversation, and quiet evenings alone with someone I care about, and more. Although the center of my SAFE SEX life is foot sex (ever tried it?), I have and can expand my horizons. I’m affectionate and like to kiss, cuddle, give massages, and give myself to a man through touch. I earned 3 university degrees in geology and oceanography and wish to teach. I seek a man who values nature, some interest in foot sex (active or passive), and compatible interests. Can you feel at ease with an intellectual and romantic? Currently, I can travel for the right man - could it be you? If you are 1832 y.o., not fat, clean shaven, and sincere then please write (send a photo, I will).

With peace, Kyle Martin N. 5707 Alberta Spokane, WA 99205

A ♦ V A Dear Ones, I’m a 33 year old faerie about to take flight. My values have changed radically and I’m abandoning a stable conventional lifestyle to live in my little truck, travelling around the earth. The aim is to have fun and meet people for mutual pleasure and growth. I will answer all letters and drop in for a visit within the next year or so. I am an architect (among other things) and will need to make a little money along the way. Perhaps you or someone you know needs some technical or design assistance. I have experience in restoration, renovation and new construction, both commercial and residential. There are many other things I can do as well and I'm no stranger to hard physical labor. I work on a slippery fee scale. Faerie blessings to you all and I hope we get the chance to commune. Thorain Kwelule Tribe P.O. Box 178 Spokane, WA. 99210

A ♦ V A

but I also tend to keep myself at a low profile). I would very much like to get in contact with and possibly meet soon other men in the area, or close enough, who are either already living in the country (rural areas, farms, etc.) or who if living in cities enjoy the outdoors, nature, or planning living a healthy, good life. I am close to 40 yrs., slim, a swimmer, likes to take hikes, backpack, and the outdoors in general. I consider myself a regular guy, honest and sincere, simple in my taste but liking high quality, organized (I think), with too much education, professionally employed, not into bars, but love music, beer, etc.; do not smoke or use drugs. I have Italian/Spanish background, speak several foreign languages, have traveled abroad and enjoy traveling, healthy food, animals and plants, and all of the above. If you like these, think you'd like to share your experiences and show me around, I think we could make good friends or give it a try. Please write soon; all letters will be answered. Sincerely, A new man. P.O. Box 3141 Spokane, WA 99220

A ♦ V A Dear RFD; I'm a 23 years old white brazilian boy who would like to keep in touch with gays from USA. I’m very shy, ultrasensitive, and very sincere.

Dear readers of Contact letters,

I do not drink, smoke or do drugs.

Like many of you, I am looking for friends and finally dare to write my request to RFD. I recently moved to this part of the country, leaving Texas, my former home for 8 years, many a mile away. Job opportunities, the mountains, cooler climate, land and other factors brought me here. During my short period here (1 month) I have found the area rather conservative but people rather friendly, even if maybe superficially so. I've found (or rather not found) 9ay men keeping themselves at very low profile (there must be a reason,

As far as my interests: writing to pen pals, photography, cinema, music, travel, and most of the arts. I’m looking for friends and pen-pals. Sincerely; Luiz Iraildo Nenes C.P. 854 60001 Foraleze, CE BRAZIL

A ♦ V A I am trying to get more and more into my Wiccan ways, as I experiment, 67

experience, and just ’be’. I know that I am a LEATHER/RUBBER FAERIE, who is destined to meet others with the same passions, ideas, and experiences. I am 35 years old, short hair on top / a long, long blondish tail at the back, moustache and beard, own seven cats & many plants, and seem to be into everything these past few years! I have finally gotten my shit together to start working on a wonderful LEATHER CAPE that I want to make magikal and wondrous. It will be made of various pieces of leather, in probably various shades of black, and different textures, too. I am going to start cutting, shaping, gluing and stitching soon, but I suddenly had a (hopefully) great idea to make this cape more ’connected’ with others I would like to connect with. If you are interested, send me some sized scrap of leather (preferably a shade of black), and I will incorporate it into the cape! If you send a short note or letter along with the leather, I will probably 'personalize' it for you, and you will truly become a part of the leather cape, I will bless each piece as best as I can. I’ll probably even set up a system of sending each of you a progress report' on the cape and how everything is doing I’ll probably even start keeping a visual history of the garment through photographs and send one or two your way in the progress of the garment, too. I am well aware of the shawl that RFD sends to different gatherings and such. That is truly wonderful, and I hope to be someday lucky enough to actually see, touch and experience the shawl. For me, though, this LEATHER CAPE will become I hope, an extension of how I feel as a LEATHER FAERIE, and through it, will be connected with other LEATHER FAERIES (Rubber ones, too - everyone counts!) Love you all... Northwind P.O. Box 2253 Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 3W2

A ♦ ¥ A

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Sample copies (most current a va ila b le ) are $4.75 (in c lu d in g postage). Back issues are $3.50 i f less than a year o ld . Back issues o ld er than one year are $1.00 each. However, we are out o f Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, & 32. Please add postage at $1.00 fo r each f iv e copies or any portion th ereo f. RFD i t s e l f is not copyrighted. However, each accredited c o n tr ib u tio n pub lis h e d (photo, drawing, or w r itt e n m a te ria l) remains the property o f those c o n tr ib u to rs , and nothino o f th e ir s may be used w ithout t h e i r permission. Contributors can be reached through RFD. Any non-credited mate rial may be republished f r e e ly . Mention o f source~would be appreciated. Due dates fo r submissions to receive f u l l consideration are: Aug. 1, 1988 Feature: Music 1988 Issue 155 Fall Nov. 1, 1988 Feature: (open) Winter Issue #56 1988/9 Feb. 1, 1989 Feature: (open) Issue #57 Spring 1989 Some material can be used i f received a fte r these dates, so t r y anyway! Issues are mailed around the Solstices and Equinoxes, and second class mail can take up to three or four weeks fo r d e liv e r y . I f you d o n 't receive your issue w ith in a month o f the publishing dates, please check w ith us. The num ber o f your l a s t issue o f your sub in on your m ailing la b e l. I f you move, please l e t us know as second class mail w i l l not be forwarded. We publish the names o f a l l c o n tr ib u to rs , but other than fo r the contact l e t t e r s , we gen erally do not include addresses. All co n trib u to rs can be reached through RFD. We w i l l NOT give out the names o f subscribers (except where specified by them) to anyone, but we w i l l forward mail to them through th is address. Please share your knowledge and v is io n through RFD. This is a reader w r itt e n jo u r n a l, so i t is YOUR forum. I t helps i f you can type (double space) your w r itte n m a te ria l, but please do send in your gems even i f they are 'r o u g h ,' RFD prefers to wield the e d i t o r 's pencil l i g h t l y , so please send in your sub missions p r e tty much as you would have them appear. We generally do co rre ct s p e llin g s and minor punctuations, so please ind icate any In te n tio n a l v a r i a tio ns From standard English. Photos: Black and white photos reproduce b e tte r than c o lo r. I f p ossible, send us an expendable p r i n t . I f you wish to send us a treasured photo which is the only copy, please ind ica te th is so we can take care o f i t . We c a n 't use negatives. Drawings: Again, black and white reproduce b e tte r than c o lo r. Pencil draw ings should be as dark and o f as high a co ntrast as possible. Yellow #2 pencil washes out e a s ily , blues do not p r i n t at a l l . (Occasionally, part o f a drawing or photo, or collage o f various a r t i s t s w i l l (work well w ith an a r t i c l e . Please ind ica te i f you wish your artwork to be printed in i t s e n t i r e t y o n ly , or i f there are any other considerations you wish us to respect. We t r y to report as soon as possible on s e le c tio n s , but we sometimes hold material fo r another issue, and i t may be some time before the f in a l decision 1s made. Please bear with us. You might want to set an e x p ira tio n date so w e 'll know how much time we w i l l have. A self-addressed, stamped envelope w i l l insure the return o f your o r i g i n a l s . M u ltip le submissions are fin e w ith us. RFD will send contributors two copies of the issue in which their work appears as payment.

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