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NUMBER  91  •  MARCH  1983  •  $1.75  •  UK  SOP 


FAKING  IT:  GERALD  HANNON  ON  PHONE  SEX  FINDING  IT.  SUE  GOLDING  PROBES  FOR  THE  ORGASMIC  G  SPOT 


A  MAGAZINE 


ERATION 


There^ 


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NO  DEATH 
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ButYou  Can  Resist  It. 
Michael  RioRDON  ON  THE 
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2/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


BocW>liiic 


"The  liberation  of  homosexuals 

can  only  be  the  work  of 

homosexuals  themselves." 

-  Kurt  Hitler,  1921  - 

The  Collective 

John  Allec.  Christine  Bearchell.  Rick  Beboul.  Gerald  Hannon. 

Ed  Jackson.  Stephen  Mac  Donald.  Tim  McCaskell.  Ken  Popert. 

Roger  Spading 

Design/ Art  Direction 

Kirk  Kelly/mck  Bebout 

The  News 

Chris  Bearchell 

Edna  Barker.  Jim  Barttey.  Danny  Cockerline. 

Philip  Fotheringham.  Maraa  Gillespie.  Ed  Jackson.  Bill  Loos. 

Glenn  Pelshea.  Kevin  Orr.  Stephen  Riggins.  Roger  Spalding. 

Richard  Summerbell.  Ken  Tomilson.  Glenn  Wheeler 

(Toronto  News  Stall) 

Richard  Banner.  Fred  Gilbertson.  Jackie  Goodwin. 

Kevin  Griliin,  Rob  Joyce.  Don  Larventz.  Jim  Oakes. 

Stan  Persky 

(Vancouver  News  Stall) 

Maurice  Beaulieu  (Quebec),  Wayne  Bell  (Kitchener). 

Nelson  Carry  (Montreal).  Nils  Ctausson  (Edmonton). 

Bill  Kobewka  (Saskatoon).  Jetlrey  McLaughlin  (Victoria), 

Andrew  Mitchell  (Saskatoon).  Jim  Monk  (Windsor), 

Jell  O'Malley  (Winnipeg).  Fay  Orr  (Calgary), 

Joe  Szalai  (Kitchener) 

International 

Tim  McCaskell 

Jim  Jope 

Reviews  and  Features 

John  Allec,  Hick  Btboul,  Gerald  Hannon,  Stephen  MacDonaU 

Rick  Archbold,  Paul  Baker  Gerry  Oxiord.  Richard  Summerbell, 
Phil  Shaw,  Stephen  Sluckey 

Out  in  the  City 

John  Allec 

Carol  Auld,  Edna  Barker.  Nicolas  Jenkins,  Jon  Kaplan, 
Greg  Saint  Louis,  Stephen  Stuckey,  Andrew  Zealley 

Columns 

"Mac,"  Joy  Parks,  Jane  Rule.  Ian  Young 

Letters/ Network 

Rick  Biboul/John  Allec 

Layout  and  Production 

Rick  Bebout 

George  Akrigg.  Carol  Auld,  Edna  Barker,  Paul  Bartlet. 

David  Chang,  Danny  Cockerline.  Philip  Fotheringham. 

Paul  Hackney.  Chris  Lea,  Michel  Lozier,  Chris  Davis,  OPI, 

Michael  Petty  Stephen  Riggins,  Colin  Smith,  Brent  Storey, 

Vox  Victrola,  Glenn  Wheeler,  Mike  Young 

and  members  and  Iriends  ol  the  collective. 

Printing:  Delta  Web  Graphics.  Scarborough 

Advertising 

Gerald  Hannon.  Ed  Jackson,  Ken  Popert 

Victor  Bardawill.  Jr.  Carol  Deacon 

Promotion 

Gerald  Hannon,  Ken  Popert 

Subscriptions  and  Distribution 

Gerald  Hannon,  Robert  Trow 

Bill  Brown,  Terry  Farley  Jell  FersI,  Bob  Read,  Dan  Schneider 

Tony  Trask.  Bob  Wallace,  Grant  Weaver.  Lloyd  Wong 

Office 

John  Allec,  Carol  Auld,  Chris  Bearchell,  Rick  Beboul. 
Gerald  Hannon,  Ed  Jackson,  Ken  Popert 

Ron  Anderson.  John  Balatka.  Gene  Boles.  Mollal  Clarke, 

Danny  Cockerline.  Carol  Deacon,  Jell  Ferst.  Paul  Hackney, 

Smee  HoUberg,  Mike  Kelly,  Doug  MacKay,  Tim  McCaskell. 

Glenn  Pelshea,  Brendan  Plonka,  Tony  Trask,  Ken  West, 

Lloyd  Wong,  Mike  Young 

The  Body  Politic  is  published  ten  times  a  year  by  Pink  Triangle 
Press ,  a  nonprohl  corporation .  as  a  contribution  to  the  building  ol 
the  gay  movement  and  the  growth  ol  gay  consciousness  Respon 
sibitity  lor  the  content  ol  The  Body  Politic  rests  with  the  Body  Poli- 
tic Collective,  an  autonomous  body  operating  within  Pink  Triangle 
Press  The  collective  is  a  group  ol  people  who  regularly  give  their 
lime  and  labour  to  the  production  ol  this  magazine  The  opinions  ol 
the  collective  are  represented  only  in  editorials  and  clearly  marked 
editorial  essays  Ollices  ol  The  Body  Politic  are  located  al  24  Dun- 
can Street  (tilth  Itoor)  in  Toronto 

The  publication  ol  an  advertisement  in  The  Body  Politic  does  nol 
mean  that  the  collective  endorses  the  advertiser 

Mailing  address   The  Body  Politic,  Box  7289.  Sin  A 

Toronto.  Ontario.  Canada  MbW  1X9 

Phone  (416)  977-6320 

Available  on  microlilm  Irom 

MacLaren  Micropublishing,  Box  972,  Sin  F 

Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada  MAY  2N9 

Copyright  '>-_,  I9S3  Pink  Triangle  Press 

2na  Class  Mail  Registration  No  324i 

ISSN  0315  3606 

DISPLAY  ADVERTISING  DEADLINE 
FOR  THE  APRIL  ISSUE: 
THURSDAY,  MARCH  3 

The  Body  Politic  is  a  member  ol  the  Coalition  lor  Gay  Rights  in 

Ontario,  the  Toronto  Gay  Community  Council,  and  the  Canadian 

Periodical  Publishers'  Association 

The  Body  Politic  is  indexed  regularly  in 

the  Alternative  Press  index. 

Box  7229,  Baltimore.  MD  21218 

PRINTtO  AND  PUBLISHFD  IN  CANADA 


Unfit  for  service 29 

Last  year,  more  than  a  hundred  lesbians  and  gay  men ,  like  Steptiane  Sirard, 
above,  were  bounced  from  the  Canadian  Armed  Forces.  Glenn  Wheeler  writes 
on  the  men  and  women  who  want  in  —  and  the  system  that's  dead  set 
on  keeping  them  out. 

Cruising  for  peace 33 

"We  shall  not,  we  shall  not  be  cruised."  A  hard  song  for  a  gay  man  to  sing? 
Not  when  the  "cruise"  carries  a  nuclear  warhead.  Michael  Riordon  on  the  role 
of  gay  people  in  the  burgeoning  peace  movement. 

Requiem 36 

' '  We  have  to  make  dying  gay, ' '  wrote  l\/lichael  Lynch  in  a  seminal  piece 
on  AIDS  in  our  November  issue.  The  man  he  wrote  about  died  November  21, 
causing  grief,  yes,  but  also  "the  charged  new  life  of  friends  who  have 
experienced  loss  together. ' ' 

G,  Mom 37 

'  'Don 't  go  out  and  buy  it  —  lie  down  and  find  it.  "TheG  Spot,  that  is. 
Sue  Golding  reviews  the  latest  on  locating  an  orgasm. 

Dialing  and  diddling 51 

In  other  orgasmic  quests,  Gerald  Hannon  lets  his  fingers  do  more  than  the 
walking,  discovering  the  perils  (he  might  have  satin  sheets)  and  pleasures 
(he  might  have  ten  and  a  half  inches)  of  sex  by  phone. 

Pornography  and  censorship 10 

Glad  Day  Books  goes  on  trial  in  Toronto  for  selling  "obscene"  material,  while  in 
Vancouver,  questions  remain  about  Red  Hot  Video  and  the  attacks  on  it.  verbal 
and  otherwise.  Also  in  the  news,  a  talk  with  outspoken  MP  Svend  Robinson 
and  a  look  at  a  woman  who  plans  a  trip  around  the  world  —  on  a  motorcycle. 

Upfrontin  Red  Deer 18 

It  takes  guts  to  form  a  gay  community  in  a  small,  conservative  city  in  central 
Alberta.  Fay  Orr  reports  on  the  gutsy  men  and  women  who  are  doing  it. 


Grandmother  returns! 

After  time  out  from  her  regular  column  to 
write  a  few  larger  essays,  Jane  Rule 
returns  with  "So's  Your  Grandmother" 
—  and  a  tale  of  her  own  grandmother  — 
on  page  9  of  this  issue. 

Regular  departments 

Letters 4 

Prison  Letters  8 

WorldNews 19 

OutintheCity 22 

SharedGround 40 

The  Ivory  Tunnel 41 

Classifieds 42 

Network 48 

And  tlie  winner  is.... 

Last  issue,  as  part  of  a  subscription  promo- 
tion, we  offered  an  '  'armful  of  tjooks  "  asa 
prize  for  new  subscribers.  The  name  drawn 
from  ttie  drum  February  1  was:  Matttiew 
Cross,  of  n^ontreal.  Congratulations  and 
$154.70  wortti  of  new  books  have  been 
shipped  off  to  Matthew  -  but  we  d  like  to 
thank  the  many  others  who  subscribed  and 
answered  our  skill -testing  question  (how 
many  sides  does  a  pink  triangle  have''}  with 
every  number  between  2  and  7.  inclusive! 

Three  was  the  answer  we  had  in  mind,  but 
we  decided  we  'd  have  to  accept  2  and  5  as 
well:  a  front  and  a  back  are  legitimate  sides! 


The  cover:  Photo  ol  Stiphane  Strara  (ana  a 
poster  lor  the  1 1  November  anti-Cruise  protest  at 
Litton  Industries.  Toronto)  by  Gerald  Hannon. 
Design  by  Rick  Bibout 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/3 


ARNOLD  BRUNER,  LLB. 

announces 

the  relocation  of  his  office  for 

the  practice  of  law 

to 

80  CHARLES  STREET  WEST 
TORONTO.  M5S  1K8 

(416)  960-4635 
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Blatant  paternalism 

As  a  gay  male  who  generally  enjoys  the 
quality  of  journalism  in  The  Body  Pol- 
itic, I  was  both  shocked  and  angered  by 
the  way  in  which  the  editorial  staff  com- 
mented on  the  Wimmin's  Fire  Brigade 
{TBP,  January/ February).  The  editorial 
was  blatantly  paternalistic  towards 
women,  if  not  outrightly  misogynist. 

I  wonder  first  of  all  how  a  collective 
composed  overwhelmingly  of  men  can 
permit  itself  to  tell  women  how  to  strug- 
gle against  their  oppression  {ie,  patriar- 
chy). Would  rSP  allow  the  women's 
community  such  decisive  powers  over 
the  gay  community?  The  editorial  also 
states  that  the  movement  against  violent 
pornography  has  not  received  wide  pop- 
ular support.  Would  TBP  please  publish 
any  statistical  data  which  supports  such 
an  assertion. 

What  incensed  me  most  about  the  edi- 
torial was  the  manner  in  which  feminist 
women  who  oppose  the  violent  nature  of 
most  pornography  were  portrayed: 
"emotion-laden,"  "very  traditional" 
and  "anti-porn  crusaders."  Derogatory 
remarks  such  as  these  are  reminiscent  of 
the  ways  misogynist  men  have  always 
labelled  feminist  women,  treating  them 
as  "sexually  frustrated  women."  Right- 
wing  elements  within  the  gay  (male) 
press  have  repeated  these  remarks  by 
suggesting  that  feminist  women  are 
"anti-sexual."  The  remarks  also  perpet- 
uate the  myth  that  women  are  not  capa- 
ble of  rationalizing  intellectually,  instead 
reverting  to  their  emotions.  (By  the  way, 
why  can't  people  rationalize  effectively 
in  an  intellectual  and  emotional 
manner?) 

Secondly,  the  editorial  seems  to  lump 
some  feminist  women  with  the  political 
right  (religious  fundamentalists  who,  for 
the  most  part,  condemn  pornography 
simply  because  it  portrays  sexual  scenes 
and  not  because  it  attacks  women). 
Right-wing  elements  within  the  gay  press 
(ie.  The  Advocate)  have  followed  the 
same  logic  by  labelling  women  against 
violent  pornography  as  "reactionary 
feminists"  while  defining  S&M,  fist- 
fucking  and  other  forms  of  ritualized 
violence  as  "radical  sexuality."  By  label- 
ling certain  feminists  as  "right-wing," 
gays  defending  pornography  (and  some 
forms  of  violence)  have  tried  to  situate 
themselves  on  the  left  of  the  political 
spectrum. 

It  seems  to  me  that  your  editorial 
argues  the  "freedom"  to  produce  and 
sell  all  forms  of  pornography  (since  the 
editorial  does  not  distinguish  between 
violent  and  non-violent  pornography). 
The  definition  it  gives  to  the  word 
"freedom"  resembles  very  much  the 
way  in  which  Ronald  Reagan  uses  the 
word.  Both  allow  people  the  "freedom" 
to  exploit  others,  usually  in  a  violent 
manner.  By  being  primarily  concerned 
about  the  availability  of  gay  male  porno- 
graphy to  serve  gay  men,  the  editorial 
staff  has  shown  great  insensitivity,  and 
thus  contempt,  towards  women.  Women 
have  been  the  most  consistent  supporters 
of  gay  rights.  Yet  the  gay  (male)  press 
has  not  always  been  consistently  sup- 
portive of  women's  rights. 

As  a  last  remark,  I  want  to  deal  with 
the  confusion  the  editorial  seems  to 
create  by  not  distinguishing  erotica  from 


pornography,  as  is  done  in  the  article 
written  by  Jackie  Goodwin  in  the  same 
issue.  By  failing  to  do  so,  it  also  fails  to 
deal  with  the  whole  nature  of  pornogra- 
phy, inducing  the  reader  to  think  that 
pornography  necessarily  represents  a 
healthy  sexual  model.  It  thus  fails  to 
acknowledge  the  fact  that  patriarchy 
spills  over  into  the  gay  male  community. 
In  the  same  manner,  the  right-wing  ele- 
ments of  the  gay  (male)  press  have 
replaced  the  word  "fist-fucking"  with 
the  word  "hand-balling,"  trying  to  hide 
its  violent  nature  (the  word  "fist"  con- 
notes a  violent  act),  making  it  sound 
more  like  a  fun  sport. 

I  sincerely  hope  the  opinions  ex- 
pressed by  the  editorial  staff  do  not  rep- 
resent the  views  of  most  gay  males. 
Jacques  Borque 
Montreal 

AIDS  altematives 

Although  I  agree  with  most  of  Michael 
Lynch's  article  "Living  with  Kaposi's" 
(TBP,  November  '82),  I  am  uncomfor- 
table with  what  appears  to  be  his  eleva- 
tion of  promiscuity  to  the  status  of  the 
organizing  principle  of  the  gay  male 
community.  Promiscuity,  Michael  says, 
is  "the  foundation  of  our  identity"  and 
it  "knits  the  gay  community  together." 
This  transforms  promiscuity  from  a 
rather  meaningless  evaluative  descrip- 
tion of  behaviour  into  an  apparent  doc- 
trine which  gays  must  defend  by  word 
and  deed.  I  doubt,  however,  that  the  gay 
community  will  dissolve  if  gay  men 
choose  to  reduce  their  risk  of  contract- 
ing AIDS  by  reducing  their  number  of 
different  sexual  contacts  until  the  illness 
is  better  understood. 

I  doubt  seriously  that  I  could  be  con- 
sidered promiscuous  by  anyone's  stan- 
dard, but  I  have  defended  such  behavi- 
our before  gay  men,  lesbians  and 
straights  as  an  equally  acceptable  choice 
many  make.  Now  Michael  appears  to 
say  it  is  not  an  alternative  which  we  may 
choose  for  a  time  or  vary  in  any  of  a 
number  of  ways,  but  a  necessity.  That  is 
a  poor  analysis,  and  one  which  I  fear  can 
do  all  that  Michael  accuses  Kramer, 
/Fain,  Mass  and  William  of  doing. 
Marshall  R  McClintock 
Richland,  Washington 


I  think  Michael  Lynch's  article  on  AIDS 
covered  the  problem  with  more  human- 
ity than  anything  to  date.  But  perhaps 
the  articles  by  Lynch  and  Bill  Lewis 
underestimated  the  cause  for  alarm  in 
cities  where  the  problem  is  bad. 

In  New  York  City,  a  gay  rock  musi- 
cian my  age  had  been  known  in  the 
Village  for  years.  Suddenly  last  spring, 
two  weeks  after  performing  in  concert, 
he  died  in  St  Vincent's  Hospital.  AIDS 
was  the  cause.  During  the  summer  a 
young  handyman  acquaintance  was  sup- 
posed to  put  a  fancy  antenna  on  my 
roof.  It  never  got  done  because  he  was  in 
hospital  with  Pneumocystis  and  has 
recuperated  cautiously  ever  since.  A 
popular  disc  jockey  at  a  local  New  Wave 
club  is  also  an  AIDS  patient.  With  so 
many  reminders  all  around,  panic 
doesn't  seem  so  foolish. 


4rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


"/  am  uncomfortable  with  what 

appears  to  be  the  elevation  of  promiscuity 

to  the  status  of  the  organizing  principle 

of  the  gay  male  community. " 


Of  course,  it's  easy  to  understand  a 
more  restrained  attitude  in  a  city  where 
the  problem  is  not  yet  serious.  Even  in  a 
panic,  one  believes  everything  will  be  all 
right.  In  sickness,  one  must  believe  it. 

Over  a  year  ago,  I  volunteered  for  an 
ongoing  AIDS  study  at  New  York's 
Roosevelt  Hospital.  Though  I  dread 
hospitals  and  needles,  I  find  this  a  great 
alternative  to  worry  and  idiotic  guilt. 
After  all,  this  is  strictly  a  health  prob- 
lem. All  of  us  should  live  our  lives 
according  to  the  facts  and  our  own  judg- 
ment... and  leave  the  moralizing  to  the 
homophobic  press. 
Jerry  Rosco 
New  York  City 


Over  the  last  ten  years  I  have  followed 
with  extraordinary  interest  the  terrible 
battle  that  The  Body  Politic  and  the 
Canadian  gay  community  have  been 
waging  against  the  Ontario  government. 
I've  come  to  expect  professional,  in- 
telligent journalism  in  your  pages  that 
doesn't  pander  to  mediocre  standards  or 
to  the  attitude  that  if  something  is  good 
enough  to  read  it's  good  enough  to 
print. 

So  I  was  extremely  disappointed  with 
rSP's  shrieky,  bathetic  coverage  of  the 
ongoing  health  crisis  (see  "The  Case 
Against  Panic,"  November  1982),  and 
especially  offended  to  see  the  publica- 
tion I  work  for  —  the  Philadelphia  Gay 
News  —  accused  of  "using"  Nathan 
Fain  to  help  spread  a  "moral  message" 
in  covering  these  critical  health  prob- 
lems. Frankly,  I'm  not  interested  in 
spreading  a  moral  —  or  immoral,  for 
that  matter  —  message  to  anyone  and  I 
resent  people  who  presume  to  lecture 
me.  If  anything,  the  1980s  demand  that 
we  stop  spoon-feeding  politics  to  one 
another  in  arrogant  ways  making  for 
rigid,  mechanical,  judgments.  Dialogue 
does  not  mean  diatribe. 

I  think  that,  in  all  fairness,  since  TBP 
has  decided  to  level  a  fiery  critical  finger 
at  American  gay  print  media,  it  should 
face  up  to  some  serious  problems  in  its 
own  editorial  content.  Specifically: 

1.  Why  has  it  taken  the  collective /;/- 
teen  months  (since  July  1981)  to  follow 
up  on  the  original  New  York  Times  news 
report  with  cover  story  treatment  of  the 
health  crisis? 

2.  What  fee  did  TfiP  disburse  to  its 
writers  for  the  long  hours  they  poured 
into  production  of  its  November  issue? 

3.  Why  did  7BP  focus  on  American 
citizens  for  virtually  its  entire  feature 
story  on  the  personal  problems  caused 
by  Kaposi's  sarcoma  (KS)?  Buried  at  the 
end  of  your  coverage  of  this  topic  is  the 
news  that  eight  gay  men  in  Canada  are 
currently  being  treated  for  KS.  Aren't 
Canadian  readers  —  certainly  the  main- 
stay of  TBP's  subscribers  —  entitled  to 
any  reportage  of  their  own  problems?  If 
an  American  gay  publication  were  to 
cover  a  major  health  problem  and  only 
talk  to  Canadian  citizens,  can  you  ima- 
gine what  the  response  of  its  readers 
would  be? 

4.  When  will  TBP  begin  a  regular 
health  column  for  the  benefit  of  its 
readers? 

Beyond  these  points,  I  think  TBP 


should  apologize  to  Doctor  Lawrence 
Mass  for  the  utterly  crass,  irresponsible 
and  totally  inappropriate  manner  in 
which  it  has  caricatured  his  work  — 
which,  like  the  long  hours  spent  by  TBP 
staffers,  has  been  done  virtually  without 
payment.  Would  it  be  appropriate  in  a 
political  essay  to  describe  Dennis 
Altman  as  an  arrogant  academic  hack 
writer?  Of  course  not,  but  that's  about 
the  level  of  Michael  Lynch's  snide  des- 
cription of  Larry  Mass's  credentials 
("medical  mystification  assured"). 

I  think  that  Mr  Lynch  could  have 
written  a  much  more  incisive  feature  if 
he  had  actually  bothered  to  contact 
Nathan  Fain  and  Lawrence  Mass  (or  any 
of  the  editors  at  the  New  York  Native, 
Philadelphia  Gay  News,  or  the  Advo- 
cate). Then  he  might  have  actually  done 
some  of  the  basic  homework  of  a  jour- 
nalist: asked  questions,  looked  for 
answers. 

He  might  have  learned  that  Nathan 
Fain  might  have  had  some  objections  to 
the  way  his  material  was  published,  or 
that  Larry  Mass  is  not  a  stereotypically 
conservative  doctor  who  automatically 
inveighs  against  promiscuity.  He  might 
even  have  discovered  the  tremendous 
problems  that  face  gay  editors  in  finding 
intelligent  writers  who  are  capable  of 
handling  the  health  crisis  in  a  sensitive 
way.  Instead,  all  he  offers  us  is  a  long, 
sermonizing  essay. 

Rich  Grzesiak,  Assistant  Editor 
Philadelphia  Gay  News 

The  collective  responds: 
Rich  Grzesiak  has  indeed  been  a  long- 
time supporter  of  this  magazine  in  its 
legal  battles,  and  we've  very  much  ap- 
preciated that.  We'd  Hke  to  answer  the 
questions  he's  put  before  us  as  editors. 

1.  It  took  us  three  months  —  not  fif- 
teen —  to  follow  up  on  the  July  3  New 
York  Times  report.  A  full-page  article 
on  the  subject  by  Drs  Bill  Lewis  and 
Randy  Coates  appeared  in  the  October 
1981  issue  and  was  featured  on  the  cover 
(where  we,  too,  were  guilty  of  referring 
to  "gay"  cancer). 

2.  None  of  the  people  who  write  for 
TBP  are  paid  for  their  material. 

3.  Michael  Lynch  wrote  about  US  citi- 
zens for  the  simple  reason  that  these 
were  people  he  knew  and  the  United 
States  (especially  New  York  City)  was 
the  place  in  which  AIDS  and  the  public 
responses  to  it  were  serious  enough  to  be 
matters  of  political  as  well  as  personal 
concern.  In  the  fourth  paragraph  of  his 
accompanying  article,  Bill  Lewis  noted 
that  ten  confirmed  cases  of  AIDS  among 
gay  men  had  been  reported  in  Canada  by 
the  end  of  September  1982,  and  that  nine 
of  these  men  had  died.  We  could  have 
written  about  these  people  only  if  we 
could  have  found  them,  and  at  that  time 
we  couldn't. 

4.  We've  been  trying  to  start  a  regular 
health  column  for  some  time,  but  have 
yet  to  find  anyone  willing  to  commit 
him-  or  herself  to  such  an  ongoing  pro- 
ject on  an  unpaid  basis. 

Finally,  we  don't  doubt  the  diligence 
or  good  intentions  of  Dr  Lawrence  Mass, 
the  editors  of  the  Native  or  Philadelphia 
Gay  News  or  others  Michael  Lynch 


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named  in  his  article,  and  it's  true  that 
Michael  could  have  called  them  to  ask 
what  they'd  meant  by  what  they  said  and 
did  in  print.  But  in  an  analysis  of  the  ef- 
fects of  media  handling  of  any  issue,  it  is 
perfectly  appropriate  to  look  at  nothing 
more  than  what  appears  on  the  page. 
That's  what  readers  see;  that's  what  has 
particular  effects  —  whether  or  not 
those  effects  are  the  ones  the  writers  and 
editors  intended. 

Michael  Lynch  responds: 
While  his  letter  was  in  the  mail,  Rich 
Grzesiak  phoned  me  at  home  to  commis- 
sion (for  pay)  a  piece  on  the  AIDS  debate 
for  his  own  paper.  If  I  really  did  what  his 
letter  accuses  me  of,  why  does  he  want 
to  publish  me? 

Copyright  gossip 

In  his  December  column,  Ian  Young  has 
questioned  whether  we  treated  an  Aus- 
tralian group  fairly  in  basing  our  book 
Young,  Gay  and  Proud!  on  theirs.  A 
really  thorough  reply  to  his  column 
would  be  very  long,  but  I  do  wish  to 
make  a  few  important  points. 

1. 1  tried  to  work  with  the  Melbourne 
group  which  wrote  the  original  book. 
They  consistently  failed  to  answer  my 
letters,  of  which  I  sent  at  least  four  or 
five.  (This  happened  four  years  ago  so  I 
don't  remember  all  the  details.  I  do 
remember  that  I  only  got  one  message 
from  them  on  the  subject,  a  very  brief 
one  which  essentially  said:  "Detailed  let- 
ter is  coming  soon."  To  this  day  no  such 
letter  has  arrived.) 

2. 1  offered  to  pay  a  royalty  .on  the  US 
edition  of  the  book.  No  response. 

3.  The  authors  gave  no  indication  in 
the  book  that  it  was  not  meant  to  be  in 
the  public  domain.  There  was  no  copy- 
right notice  (which,  contrary  to  what 
Young  implies  in  his  column,  could  have 
been  done  in  the  name  of  the  group  rath- 
er than  of  any  individual,  thus  preserv- 
ing everyone's  anonymity).  Or  they 
could  have  printed  a  notice  explaining 
why  the  book  was  not  being  copyright- 
ed, but  requesting  that  it  not  be  re- 
printed without  their  permission  —  I 
would  have  honoured  such  a  request.  Or 
they  could  have  answered  my  letters  on 
the  subject.  But  they  did  none  of  these 
things,  and  expected  me  to  know  what 
they  wanted. 

4.  Coincidentally,  the  Australian  edi- 
tion of  this  book  includes  a  photo  that  I 
took  years  ago,  and  chose  not  to  copy- 
right. That's  fine  with  me;  I  intended 
people  to  use  it.  But  what  they  did  with 
my  photo  is  in  principle  identical  to  what 
I  did  with  their  book.  For  them  to  do 
one,  then  complain  about  the  other,  is 
completely  inconsistent. 

5.  Finally,  if  Ian  Young  is  so  con- 
cerned about  fairness,  why  didn't  he 
contact  me  for  my  comments  before  he 
wrote  his  column? 

Sasha  Alyson 

A  lyson  Publications 

Boston 


I  have  to  take  exception  to  Ian  Young's 
remarks  concerning  Alyson  Publica- 
tions's  reprint  of  Young,  Gay  and 
Proud!  As  Young  notes,  the  trade  paper- 
back reprint  costs  $2.95.  Any  bookseller 
can  tell  you  that  the  publisher  is  not 
making  a  profit,  at  least  not  as  "profit" 
is  commonly  understood.  So  Alyson  is 
not  ripping  anybody  off  financially. 
Two  years  ago  I  placed  our  book- 
store's third  order  with  the  Melbourne 
authors  and  first  publishers  of  Young, 
Gay  and  Proud!  and  was  referred  by 
them  to  Alyson  Publications.  They  did 
not  mention  any  resentment  they  might 


have  had  about  the  second  edition, 
though  it  would  have  been  appropriate 
to  have  done  so. 

Unsupported  speculations  about  Aly- 
son's  and  the  Melbourne  group's  mo- 
tives and  attitudes  are  inappropriate  in  a 
newspaper.  Young  has  made  accusations 
based  on  gossip  that  questions  people's 
honesty  and  integrity.  Why  didn't 
Young  report  what  the  Australians  and 
Alyson  have  to  say? 

Young's  slanders  are  made  against  the 
principal  publisher  of  books  for  young 
gays  —  Reflections  of  a  Rock  Lobster, 
Young,  Gay  and  Proud!  and  the  new 
Handbook  come  to  mind.  The  same 
people  have  distributed  many  of  the  best 
new  lesbian,  feminist  and  gay  men's 
books.  They  are  a  tiny  organization  (five 
or  six  people),  fragile  as  a  gay  bookstore 
or  a  gay  paper  —  and  as  tough.  They  are 
plainly  dedicated  to  producing  and  dis- 
tributing for  gays  et  a/ the  best  litera- 
ture they  can  find.  They  are  not  getting 
rich. 

Young's  irresponsibility  in  this  case 
aside,  his  work  is  certainly  to  be  ap- 
plauded, not  only  for  his  journalism  but 
for  his  books,  especially  the  new,  second 
edition  of  77?^  Male  Homosexual  in  Lit- 
erature, at  $20  cloth.  It's  an  invaluable 
resource  that  Alyson  might  have  been 
able  to  produce  at  a  lower  price  and  at  a 
reasonable  discount  for  booksellers. 

This  movement  has  to  get  over  its 
inclination  to  vicious  gossip. 
Ed  Hermance 
Giovanni 's  Room 
Philadelphia 

Ian  Young  replies: 

It  is  disappointing  that  Mr  Alyson  does 
not  make  the  one  point  one  might  have 
hoped  for:  he  does  not  say  that  he  has 
dispatched  a  cheque  for  (at  least  token) 
royalties  to  the  Australian  collective.  As 
for  Mr  Hermance,  before  he  lectures  me 
on  my  choice  of  publishers,  he  should 
remember  that  when  I  compiled  the  first 
edition  of  The  Male  Homosexual  In 
Literature,  Alyson  Publications  did  not 
exist  and  Scarecrow  Press  was  (as  it  is 
now)  the  leading  publisher  of  bibliogra- 
phies in  North  America.  Scarecrow  was 
eager  to  publish  my  book,  was  a  plea- 
sure to  work  with  —  and  pays  me  stan- 
dard royalties. 

Not  a  dinner  party 

It  is  unfortunate  that  the  December  '82 
issue  of  TBP  has  such  skimpy  coverage 
of  the  activities  against  Jerry  Falwell's 
trip  to  Toronto.  The  Globe  and  Mail  had 
more  detailed  and  informative  coverage 
than  TBP.  Particularly  notable  for  its 
omission  in  TBP\s  the  broad  opposition 
to  Falwell's  visit  expressed  at  the  press 
conference  on  October  21,  which  includ- 
ed Wally  Majesky  of  the  Metro  Toronto 
Labour  Council  among  others.  Fighting 
the  right  wing  is  an  important  issue  and 
deserves  more  informed  coverage  than 
this. 

This  scanty  coverage  is  particularly 
unfortunate  given  that  in  the  same  issue 
a  criticism  of  the  demonstration  entitled 
"Antisocial  rabble"  is  printed  in  the  let- 
ters page.  The  author,  Steven  Spencer, 
rather  than  making  constructive  sugges- 
tions on  how  similar  events  could  be  im- 
proved in  the  future,  presents  us  with  an 
ultimatum  —  "It  may  be  the  last  march 
in  support  of  lesbian  and  gay  rights 
which  I  attend." 

Steven  faults  the  organizers  of  the 
protest  for  alleged  "anti-religious" 
remarks.  Steven  does  not  seem  to  realize 
that  the  event  was  organized  by  the  Fight 
the  Right  Network,  which  includes  fem- 
inists, lesbian  and  gay  activists,  disarm- 


6n"HE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


"This  woman  is  a  prime  example  of 

powerlessness;  stripped  of  her  senses,  without 

relation  to  any  sexual  partner  or  act,  unable 

to  move,  she  is  in  an  erotic  vacuum." 


ament  activists  and  concerned  Christians 
and  Jews.  Progressive  religious  people 
were  involved  in  organizing  and  partici- 
pating in  the  protest. 

He  faults  the  organizers  for  "anarch- 
ist slogans"  and  "offensive  language." 
It  is  not  entirely  clear  to  us  what  Steven 
suggests  for  dealing  with  these  remarks 
and  slogans.  Is  he  suggesting  that  those 
with  "anarchist  slogans"  be  excluded 
from  the  march  or  drowned  out  by  mar- 
shals using  megaphones?  If  so,  who  else 
should  be  excluded  or  shouted  down? 
Who  would  decide  what  is  "offensive"? 

When  building  for  a  united  action  that 
brings  together  diverse  communities 
against  the  common  enemy  of  the  right 
wing,  such  an  approach  is  suicidal.  Cen- 
soring activities  can  only  cause  division. 
All  those  agreeing  with  the  basis  of  unity 
for  the  action  are  to  be  encouraged  to 
demonstrate  in  order  to  bring  together 
as  many  people  as  possible. 

Steven  feels  that  if  we  act  in  a  digni- 
fied and  respectable  manner  some  of  our 
oppressors  will  listen  to  us.  In  our  strug- 
gles against  oppression  our  experience  is 
different.  We  can  rely  only  on  our  own 
struggles  to  gain  our  demands,  not  ac- 
ceptance or  tolerance  from  the  powers 
that  be.  Demonstrations  are  not  dinner 
parties  where  we  can  try  to  rationally 
convince  our  opponents  of  the  justice  of 
our  cause.  They  are  occasions  for  us  to 
show  our  determination,  power  and 
anger.  We  feel  it  is  impossible  on  dem- 
onstrations to  do  what  Steven  suggests 
—  to  separate  our  anger  from  our 
human  dignity.  We  feel  that,  rather  than 
separating  the  various  aspects  of  our 
lives,  on  demonstrations  we  can  bring 
together  our  dignity  and  our  anger,  and 
also  have  a  good  time. 

Steven  charges  that  on  this  demonstra- 
tion we  gave  our  enemies  "weapons  to 
use  against  us."  On  the  contrary:  the 
press  coverage  we  received  was  by  and 
large  positive.  Contrary  to  the  impres- 
sion Steven  gives,  most  people  thought 
the  action  was  wonderful,  bringing  to 
them  more  energy  for  the  many  battles 
against  injustice  in  which  they  are 
engaged. 

Shelley  Glazer,  Gary  Kinsman 
Head  marshals,  Oct  24  demonstration 
Fight  the  Right  Network 
Box  793,  Stn  Q,  Toronto  M4T2N7 


Offensive  imagery 

We  are  both  outraged  and  discouraged 
by  your  decision  to  run  the  ad  for  Toron- 
to Custom  Leathers,  tucked  away  as  it 
was  on  page  48  of  the  January /  February 
issue.  The  ad  features  a  woman  in  a 
black  leather  "bra,"  her  arms  bound 
behind  her  head,  a  rope  around  her 
neck,  blindfolded  and  ball-gagged.  It 
seems  nothing  so  much  as  an  image 
lifted  from  heterosexual  hard-core  porn, 
though  presumably  it  is  meant  to  appeal 
to  lesbians.  How  this  ad  speaks  to  les- 
bians who  might  be  interested  in  leather 
or  sex  toys  is  questionable.  Much  of  the 
literature  by  proponents  of  lesbian  s/m 
refers  to  how  s/m  practices  "empower" 
women.  This  woman  is  a  prime  example 
of  powerlessness;  stripped  of  her  senses, 
without  relation  to  any  sexual  partner  or 


act,  unable  to  move,  she  is  in  an  erotic 
vacuum. 

Compare  this  with  the  ad  opposite  for 
Montgomery  Leathers.  The  man  ap- 
pears confident,  in  control  and  ready  for 
action.  His  harness  is  a  mere  decoration, 
not  a  fetter. 

While  in  your  editorial  you  simplisti- 
cally  encourage  "anti-porn"  feminists 
to  "be  openly  creating  and  pubhshing  an 
alternative  sexual  imagery,"  you  your- 
selves condone  a  male-created,  hack- 
neyed and  oppressive  image  of  women's 
sexuality. 

We  understand  that  the  debate  be- 
tween gay  men  and  lesbian  feminists  ar- 
ound pornography  is  a  heated  and  dif- 
ficult one,  not  solved  by  easy  answers  or 
by  trashing.  If  TBP'k  sincerely  interested 
in  attracting  the  support  of  more  les- 
bians, we  would  suggest  more  responsi- 
ble collective  policy  toward  advertising 
and  image  creation.  We  feel  that  any  at- 
tempts toward  involving  lesbians  in  the 
paper  are  so  much  Hp  service  when 
accompanied  by  bombastic  anti-feminist 
editorials  and  offensive  ads. 

Pamela  Godfree 
Susan  Sturman 
Toronto 


Clarification 


In  response  to  Jim  Monk's  comment  in 
his  North  American  Man-Boy  Love 
Association  (NAMBLA)  Conference 
report  (TBP,  December  '82),  we  would 
like  to  point  out  that  Gay  Fathers  of 
Toronto  did  not  in  fact  cite  NAMBLA's 
membership  of  CGRO  as  a  factor  in  their 
decision  to  resign  from  the  Coalition. 

The  text  of  their  letter  reads:  "After 
careful  review  of  our  priorities  and  pro- 
grams for  the  coming  year,  we  have  de- 
cided not  to  renew  our  membership  in 
the  Coalition." 

Christine  Donald 

for  the  Executive  Committee, 

Coalition  for  Gay  Rights  in  Ontario 

Toronto 


Accessibility 


I  am  a  lesbian  with  a  physical  handicap 
and  bound  to  a  wheelchair.  1  have 
recently  found  that  there  are  few  gay 
establishments  that  are  accessible  for 
wheelchairs  and  those  that  are  are  often 
open  mainly  for  men.  I  have  also  found 
that  those  places  which  are  accessible  are 
frequently  made  unpleasant  by  the  man- 
agements because  of  their  reactions  to 
my  disabilities. 

I  would  like  to  be  able  to  go  into 
women's  clubs  and  join  other  activities 
in  the  gay  community  of  Toronto.  I 
would  like  to  meet  other  lesbians,  and 
feel  if  these  groups  were  more  accessible 
that  I  would  be  better  able.  I  would  also 
like  to  encourage  other  gays  who  are 
handicapped  to  speak  out  about  the 
problems  we  have. 

Name  withheld 
Toronto 

The  Hody  I'oliilc  welcomes  your  leiicrs.  Send 
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MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/7 


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Ttie  opinions  expressed  In  this  column  are 
those  of  the  author  and  In  no  way  reflect  the 
views  of  the  Correctional  Service  of  Canada. 

When  you  first  walk  into  a  joint,  any 
joint,  you  are  what  we  call  a  "fish." 

As  a  fish,  you  have  little,  if  anything, 
as  far  as  material  goods  go  -^  no 
smokes,  no  luxury  items  hke  shampoo, 
no  candy  or  pop  and,  for  a  few  days,  no 
money.  If  you  are  Gay,  or  just  young 
and  cute  with  tight  buns,  this  is  the  time 
when  you  are  the  most  vulnerable.  And 
there's  always  someone  (like  me)  to  take 
advantage  of  the  situation. 

When  you  come  into  the  joint,  you  go 
through  the  admissions  area,  where  you 
surrender  all  your  clothes  and  personal 
belongings  and  are  issued  prison  garb. 
You  are  then  usually  taken  to  the  "fish- 
tank"  (orientation  unit),  which  is  sup- 
posed to  provide  you  with  information 
about  all  the  programmes  and  rules. 
They  tell  you  about  the  joint  rules,  but 
not  the  "con"  rules.  That's  a  shame  for 
you,  really,  but  then  again,  my  Hfe 
would  be  more  difficult  otherwise. 

In  every  joint,  inmates  have  a  pipeline 
filled  with  information  —  you  haven't 
finished  changing  into  your  prison  gear 
before  some  of  us  know  who  you  are, 
how  much  time  you're  doing  and  what 
you're  in  for.  Information  doesn't  come 
just  from  other  inmates  who  knew  you 
in  the  jail  you  came  from.  Some  of  our 
best  sources  are  guards  and  other  staff 
members.  After  I've  been  in  a  joint  for  a 
while,  I  know  the  right  bull  to  go  to  to 
have  him  call  the  records  office  for  in- 
formation on  any  inmate.  That  gives  me 
the  advantage.  Over  you. 

So,  you're  in  here  now.  You  have  a 
cell,  sheets,  mattress,  blankets  and  a 
couple  of  packs  of  cigarette  tobacco. 
Your  first  night  out  in  the  exercise  yard 
you're  a  bit  scared,  so  you  hang  around 
the  guys  you  came  in  with,  or  get  togeth- 
er with  some  other  guy  you  knew  in  the 
remand  jail  and  get  him  to  show  you  the 
ropes.  Or  you  wander  around  aimlessly. 

Meanwhile,  I  sit  back  and  watch. 

Why  do  1  just  watch?  Easy.  We  have  a 
code  to  follow.  If  you  hook  up  with 
someone  else  right  away  and  I  know  that 
he  swings,  1  can  scratch  you  from  my  list 
of  possibles.  If  you  just  wander  around 
like  a  lost  soul,  fine.  I  want  yo\j  to  real- 
ize just  how  lonely  it  could  be  for  you.  1 
want  you  to  see  all  the  goodies  in  the 
canteen,  and  I  want  you  to  want. 

Later,  after  I  have  conducted  all  the 
research  I  need  on  you,  including  a  sur- 
vey of  guys  who  know  you  from  the 
street  or  from  remand,  I'll  drop  by  your 
cell.  I  have  any  number  of  "reasons" 
for  talking  to  you.  In  one  joint  I  was  the 
school  clerk  in  charge  of  testing  and  put- 
ting guys  in  classes  —  if  you  wanted  to 
go  to  school,  you  had  to  go  through  me. 
In  another  joint  I  was  the  president  of  a 
club,  so  I'd  come  down  and  talk  to  you 
about  joining.  In  still  another  joint  I  was 
on  the  inmate  committee,  so  I'd  drop  by 
and  make  sure  that  you  knew  the  rules, 
and  that  you  had  all  your  questions 
answered,  etc. 

While  I'm  chit-chatting,  I'll  drop  a 
few  hints  about  "being  taken  care  of," 
ask  you  if  you  need  anything  —  a  carton 
of  smokes,  some  shampoo  or  just  some 
money  to  buy  pop  and  a  hot  dog. 

However,  the  game  isn't  over  yet.  I  do 


a  bit  of  back-door  politicking  and  make 
sure  that  some  of  the  guys  you  rap  with 
tell  you,  as  time  goes  on,  that  I  am 
"rich"  (a  joint  term  meaning  that  I  can 
afford  to  give  away  a  few  cartons  of 
smokes,  or  can  arrange  for  dope  for  you 
or  just  keep  you  in  "goodies"),  and  that 
I'm  "Ethel." 

One  of  two  things  is  going  to  happen. 
Either  you're  going  to  catch  the  play  and 
go  along  whh  it,  or  you're  going  to  tell 
me  to  drop  dead.  Either  way  I  win.  If 
you  go  along  with  the  play,  I  keep  you 
happy  and  you  keep  me  happy.  If  you 
don't,  then  don't  expect  any  favours 
from  me  in  the  future  unless  you  are 
willing  to  pay  for  them,  and  pay  in  my 
currency  —  sex. 

I  have  the  advantage.  I  can  do  a  lot 
for  you...  or  nothing.  And  usually  I  am 
in  a  position  to  ensure  that  if  I  decide 
that  you're  going  to  get  sweet  fuck  all, 
then,  believe  me,  that's  what  you're  go- 
ing to  get. 

I  also  have  time  on  my  side.  No  matter 
how  long  you're  doing,  you're  eventual- 
ly going  to  have  to  come  to  me  for  some 
favour  or  another,  be  it  help  with  writ- 
ing your  appeal,  parole  application  or 
complaints,  or  getting  into  a  school  pro- 
gramme or  being  allowed  special  visits 
for  a  social  event.  Sometime  or  another, 
you're  going  to  need  me. 

Every  man  has  a  price.  You  just  have 
to  meet  mine,  kid. 

"Noosey"  is  a  friend  of  mine.  Now, 
Noosey  is  not  the  cutest  thing  in  the 
world.  But,  what  the  hell,  I  was  after  his 
buns.  Noosey  needed  a  few  bucks  from 
time  to  time  to  cover  gambUng  debts, 
drug  purchases,  and  just  to  have  extra 
spending  money.  Noosey  came  to  Ethel. 
I  let  him  have  the  money  —  all  the 
money  he  wanted  knowing  full  well  that 
I'd  never  see  it  again. 

"Hey,  Noosey  come  here  for  a  sec 
willya?"  I  call  one  day.  He  ambled  over 
in  his  tight  pants  and  muscle  shirt.  He 
looks  at  me  with  quizzical  eyes.  "Look, 
Noosey,  I  don't  want  to  sound  Hke  a  bug 
or  anything,  but  hell,  you  know  that  you 
owe  me  over  fifty  bucks  already?"  (Fifty 
bucks  in  here  is  like  five  hundred  out  on 
the  street.) 

"Well,  I'll  get  it  to  you,  Ethel.  You 
know  that." 

"Yeh,  but  Noosey,  listen,  I  gotta  have 
it  right  away,  or  I  lose  out  on  getting  this 
other  kid.  So  if  you  can't  come  up  with 
it  by  tomorrow,  maybe  you  can  think  of 
another  way  to  pay  me  off,  eh?" 

It  was  a  good  arrangement.  Noosey 
kept  me  happy  and  I  kept  him  in  money. 

I  was  in  a  joint  once  where  I  was  on 
the  inmate  committee  and  was  also  the 
school  clerk.  "Mike,"  a  buddy  of  mine, 
was  on  the  committee  as  well,  and  we 
used  to  meet  with  all  the  fish  that  came 
into  the  joint.  Mike's  usual  introduction 
included  all  the  usual  bullshit  about  do- 
ing your  own  time  and  where  you'd  be 
living  and  the  rest  of  that  crap,  but  he'd 
end  up  with,  "And  if  you  want  to  get 
into  school  or  get  your  cock  sucked,  see 
the  Professor.  He'll  help  you  with 
both."  And  then  he  would  point  to  me. 

Who  said  advertising  doesn't  pay? 

Gotta  go.  There's  a  new  load  of  fish 
coming  in,  and  one  of  them  is  eighteen, 
blond,  and  used  to  work  Yonge  Street. 
Hmm.  I  wonder  if  he  smokes  Export  A.D 


MARCH  1983 


Free  to  live 

My  little  grandmother  who  had  every- 
thing wrong  with  her  —  arthritis,  phle- 
bitis, anemia,  to  say  nothing  about  her 
nerves  —  said  to  me,  "The  one  thing 
I  don't  want  to  do  is  lose  my  mind.  As 
long  as  I  have  my  mind. . . .' '  She  used  it 
mostly  for  playing  cards,  the  horses, 
memorizing  the  words  to  her  favourite 
songs  and  bugging  my  mother.  Never- 
theless, she  thought  her  mind  was 
important  to  her. 

And  she  did,  in  the  last  year  of  her 
life,  lose  it.  At  first  she  only  wrote 
cheques  on  banks  where  she  didn't  have 

"Once  the  very  worst 
has  happened,  there's 
nothing  left  to  be  afraid 
of....  The  energy  that 
fed  anxiety  can  be 
turned  instead  to  work, 
to  love,  to  telling  the 
truth  whose  ring  is 
very  sweet  after  years 
of  silence  and 

lying  r 


accounts  and  phoned  us  in  cities  where 
we  didn't  live,  but  gradually  hallucina- 
tions took  over  her  days  and  nights, 
mostly  in  bizarre  sexual  forms.  Then  she 
was  convinced  she  was  in  a  motel  or  rest 
home  or  hospital  and  begged  to  be  taken 
home,  not  to  the  house  where  she  then, 
in  fact,  lived,  but  to  her  childhood 
home,  to  her  parents,  sisters  and 
brother.  Reclusive  as  a  result  of  illness 
and  fear,  she  hadn't  gone  out  socially 
for  years.  People  kept  sending  her  in- 
vitations because  she  refused  them  with 
flowers.  Now,  after  twenty  years,  she 
began  to  accept  those  invitations,  and 
members  of  the  family  had  to  take  her  to 
garden  and  cocktail  parties  of  the  retired 
military,  the  garden  club.  She  swung  in 
on  the  arm  of  a  grandchild,  wielding  her 
cane,  found  a  place  to  sit  and  raffled  off 
the  cherry  in  her  old  fashioned  to  other 
bemused  and  ailing  old  people. 

Once,  on  the  way  home  from  one  of 
those  parties,  she  said  to  me,  "Do  you 
remember  how  I  used  to  say  to  you  I  was 
afraid  of  losing  my  mind?" 

"Yes,"  I  answered  cautiously. 

"Well,  it's  not  so  bad,"  she  replied. 
"1  think,  is  that  the  world  I  was  afraid  of 
for  all  those  years?  Is  that  all  it  is?" 

Divorced  when  it  was  not  the  thing  to 
be  divorced,  married  a  second  time  to  an 
alcoholic  she  wouldn't  divorce  because  a 
second  time  round  would  prove  she  was 
at  fault,  my  little  grandmother  had  to 
lose  her  mind  to  lose  her  shame,  to  be 


free  of  all  that  social  garbage.  Her  last 
night  of  consciousness,  she  sang  every 
song  she'd  ever  known  and  my  mother 
sang  with  her,  everything  from  "Dixie 
Dan,  ambling,  rambling,  gambling  min- 
strel man"  to  "You'll  Never  Walk 
Alone"  and  "To  Kiss  in  the  Sunlight," 
two  favourites  of  mine  as  well,  since  I 
was  also  afraid  of  my  loneliness  and  the 
secrecy  imposed  upon  my  heart. 

As  I  watch  so  many  of  my  friends  re- 
clusive in  fear  defending  their  silence 
and  lies,  I  understand  that  I  am,  in  an 
odd  way,  my  little  grandmother  gone 
crazy,  not  to  be  free  to  die  but  to  be  free 
to  live.  I  want  to  say,  in  my  turn,  "It's 
not  so  bad.  The  terrifying,  judgmental 
world  out  there  isn't  all  it's  cracked  up 
to  be.  It  can  be  maneuvred  with  a  kid 
and  a  cane."  Because  of  my  little  grand- 
mother, I  didn't  wait  to  be  lame  as  I 
sometimes  am  now  to  walk  in  the  world. 
Her  beloved  bad  example  sent  me  crazy 
brave  when  I  still  walked  without  help. 
Like  her,  I  was  afraid,  and  I  fell,  broke 
courage,  bones,  but  because  of  her,  I 
knew  it  was  my  fear  that  crippled, 
nothing  else. 

Nearly  everything  that  I  was  once 
deathly  afraid  of  has  happened  to  me.  I 
lost  a  beloved  woman  to  her  moral  scru- 
ples. No  one  would  publish  my  work  for 
ten  years,  and  I  was  nearly  as  frightened 
of  my  eventual  success  as  I  was  of  my 
failure.  When  my  third  novel  was  finally 
accepted  by  a  publisher,  I  had  no  idea 
how  much  of  my  world  I  was  risking.  I 
kept  my  teaching  job.  Of  my  family, 
only  my  younger  sister  wanted  to  disown 
me  for  a  while.  The  several  friends  I  lost 
were  gay  and  afraid  to  be  seen  any 
longer  in  my  company. 

I  had  published  several  novels  and 
Lesbian  Images  before  national  maga- 
zines began  doing  profiles  of  me,  osten- 
sibly because  I  am  a  writer  but  really 
because  I  am  a  lesbian.  Every  time  one 
of  these  articles  comes  out,  I  get  letters: 
hate  mail,  cries  for  help,  love  letters, 
religious  tracts.  Many  more  people  read 
journalistic  junk  than  they  do  books. 
The  greatest  horror  for  most  closeted 
people  is  to  be  publicly  exposed,  never 
again  to  be  known  as  a  writer  or  teacher 
or  parent  but  always  to  be  identified  as  a 
lesbian  and  therefore  discredited. 
The  fear  is  far  worse  than  the  fact.  Even 
the  polls  say  that  more  than  fifty  percent 
of  Canadians  think  gay  people  should 
have  civil  rights,  and  most  people  don't 
care  much  one  way  or  the  other.  The 
parents  it  would  kill  live  on,  and  siblings 
gradually  gain  new  tolerance  and  under- 
standing. Each  year  the  sexual  orienta- 
tion clause  is  added  to  another  union 
contract.  If  all  else  fails,  there  are  always 
jobs  at  the  post  office. 

The  benefits  are  enormous.  Once  the 
very  worst  has  happened,  there's  noth- 
ing left  to  be  afraid  of  that  isn't  the  com- 
mon lot.  The  energy  that  fed  anxiety  can 
be  turned  instead  to  work,  to  love,  to 
telling  the  truth  whose  ring  is  very  sweet 
after  years  of  silence  and  lying. 

If  there  is  an  anticlimax  in  finding  that 
one  is  not  after  all  a  martyr,  but,  in 
words  of  one  of  our  since  dead  national 
magazines,  "simply  a  human  being,"  it 
is  a  letdown  we  can  live  with  happily.  "Is 
that  all  it  is?"  my  little  grandmother 
asked.  That's  all.  n 


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pos'tef  i»ty,  n.  1.  All  who  have  proceeded  from  a  common  ancestor; 
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MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/9 


Glad  Day  Bookshop  goes  on  trial  for  sex  magazines 


Porn  control:  casting  a  wider  net 


These  are  filthy  books,  aren't 
they?",  Crown  Attorney  Sal 
Muranda  barked  as  he  pointed  to 
a  large  pile  of  sexually  explicit 
magazines,  both  gay  and  straight, 
that  had  just  been  placed  before  a 
Toronto  Provincial  Court  judge  by 
defence  lawyer  Dianne  Martin.  It  was 
the  second  day  of  the  Glad  Day  Book- 
shop obscenity  trial  and  Martin  was  at- 
tempting to  show  just  what  kinds  of 
erotic  magazines  the  community  was 
currently  tolerating. 

Judge  David  Vanek's  task  at  the  Janu- 
ary 28  trial  was  to  decide  whether  assis- 
tant manager  Kevin  Orr  was  in  posses- 
sion of  obscene  material  when  Metro 
Toronto  Police  raided  the  store  April  21, 
1982.  Lawyer  Martin  argued  that  the 
two  magcizines  seized  from  Glad  Day, 
The  Leathermen  and  Come  Watch,  were 
no  more  explicit  than  other  readily 
available  periodicals.  Testimony  re- 
vealed that  the  two  magazines  were  on 
sale  at  49  other  retail  locations. 

Orr  was  the  only  person  charged  dur- 
ing the  visit  of  Morality  Bureau  officer 
Sgt  Thomas  Stephen,  who  explained  it 
was  the  $9.95  price  stickers  that  brought 
the  two  magazines  to  his  attention.  "I 
usually  go  for  the  price."  Stephen  said. 
"That's  my  yardstick." 

At  the  time  of  his  arrest,  Orr  was 
working  at  the  store  only  as  a  part-time 
$1 12-a-week  clerk.  Martin  argued  that 
Orr  therefore  had  no  control  over  the 
magazines  beyond  placing  them  on  the 
shelves. 

Martin's  defence  also  challenged  the 
vagueness  of  the  obscenity  section  of 
the  Criminal  Code.  She  illustrated  the 
problems  this  vagueness  causes  by  call- 
ing Donald  Watterson,  the  distributor  of 
the  two  magazines,  to  the  stand.  Watter- 
son recounted  his  difficulties  in  setting 
up  his  distribution  business  five  years 
ago  because  he  couldn't  determine  in 
practical  terms  what  the  law  meant  by 
"obscene." 

First,  Watterson  approached  Project 
P,  the  joint  city-provincial  police  anti- 
pornography  unit,  and  offered  to  submit 
for  approval  samples  of  magazines  he 
was  proposing  to  import.  Project  P  re- 
fused to  cooperate  but  warned  Watter- 
son, "If  you  get  too  close,  your  fingers 
will  get  burned." 

Watterson  then  approached  Canada 
Customs,  who  agreed  to  assist  him.  He 
testified  customs  clearance  had  been  re- 
ceived for  the  magazmes  that  were  later 
charged.  "We  are  faced  with  a  situation 
where  a  citizen  cannot  know  when  he  is 
breaking  the  law,"  Martin  concluded. 

Martin  finally  argued  that  the  com- 
munity would  have  greater  tolerance  for 
magazines  sold  in  a  clearly  marked  spe- 
cialty store.  Photographs  introduced  as 
evidence  showed  that  Glad  Day's 
second-fioor  location  and  pink  neon 
sign  would  prevent  the  casual  and  unsus- 
pecting passerby  from  stumbling  upon  it 
unawares. 

Crown  Attorney  Muranda  argued  that 
Orr's  general  knowledge  of  the  maga- 
zines' contents,  the  fact  that  he  counted 
them  when  they  arrived  and  could 
regulate  who  bought  the  magazines  was 
enough  to  establish  the  technical  point 
that  he  "possessed"  them. 


What  the  policemen  saw:  '  'Obscene ' '  mags  seized  in  Toronto  are  put  to  the  tolerance  test 


Muranda  emphasized  the  fact  that 
young  children  coming  into  the  store 
with  their  parents  could  glimpse  the  sex- 
ually explicit  covers  of  Come  Watch  and 
The  Leathermen. 

The  decision  in  the  Glad  Day  case  was 
reserved  for  February  18.  If  convicted, 
the  21 -year-old  Orr  faces  a  maximum 
sentence  of  six  months  imprisonment 
and  a  fine  ofup  to  $1000. 

The  trial  of  Kevin  Orr  is  yet  another 
illustration  of  how  attempts  to  legislate 
morality,  in  the  form  of  laws  that  regu- 
late pornography,  can  become  conve- 
nient tools  of  social  control.  Why,  for 


example,  was  Orr  charged,  and  not  any 
of  those  forty-nine  other  clerks  who 
were  "possessing"  the  same  material? 

While  the  legal  standards  by  which 
obscenity  is  determined  are  supposed  to 
be  Canada-wide,  the  material  charged  is 
remarkably  inconsistent. 

Police  in  York  Region,  for  example, 
have  charged  three  stores  following  the 
ruling  January  18  that  a  gay  correspon- 
dence magazine,  Blue  Tricks,  was 
"deeply  obscene."  Provincial  Court 
Judge  A  E  Charlton  convicted  Betty 
Sharkey,  owner  of  the  Book  Nook  in 
Aurora,  with  the  possession  and  sale  of 


obscene  materials.  The  judge  expressed 
his  concern  for  the  dehumanization  of 
the  models  and  the  fact  that  they  looked 
"lonely." 

At  present  a  police  officer  may  lay  an 
obscenity  charge  if  she  or  he  has  reason 
to  believe  that  a  magazine  violates  the 
Criminal  Code's  definition  of  obscenity 
—  "the  undue  exploitation  of  sex  and 
or...  sex,  horror,  cruelty,  and  violence." 
Blue  Tricks  contains  personal  ads  inter- 
spersed between  photographs  and  ads 
for  sex  toys  and  other  magazines.  It 
seems  no  more  expHcit  than  widely  avail- 
able monthlies  like  Blueboy  and  Man- 
date. It  is  not  clear  why  police  chose  to 
charge  Blue  Tricks  while  ignoring  a  host 
of  other  magazines.  What  is  certain  is 
that  it  is  possible  for  police  to  make  a 
charge  stick  against  a  relatively  innoc- 
uous magazine. 

To  decide  whether  or  not  material 
breaks  the  law  —  that  is,  exploits  sex 
"unduly"  —  the  Courts  apply  the 
"community  standard  of  tolerance" 
test.  Individual  judges  must  decide  what 
the  contemporary  Canadian  community 
will  tolerate,  as  opposed  to  what  it  will 
accept.  At  Kevin  Orr's  trial.  Judge 
Vanek  questioned  the  ability  of  anyone 
to  be  an  expert  on  community  stan- 
dards. "How  would  he  (a  witness)  be  in 
a  position  to  give  testimony  on  commun- 
ity standards?  How  would  he  know  bet- 
ter than  anyone  else?  I  have  very  grave 
doubts  as  to  whether  anyone  is  an  expert 
in  this  field,"  he  said. 

There  are  sections  of  the  Criminal 
Code  which  are  used  to  control  the  use 
of  the  mails  for  the  transmission  of  "im- 
moral, indecent  or  scurrilous 
materials,"  and  others  which  forbid  the 
presentation  of  "immoral  theatrical  per- 
formances." These  are  reinforced  by  a 

A-         T* 


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Showing  off:  Vancouver  cops  display  Red  Hot  Video  haul  (below)  and  Direct  Action  catch  (right) 


mm  m 


Mrei 


10/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


His  day  in  court:  Lawyer  DIanne  Martin  with  Glad  Day  assistant  manager  Kevin  Orr  during  trial 


host  of  other  laws  and  regulations.  The 
Canada  Customs  Act,  and  The  Customs 
Tariff  Act  are  designed  to  prevent  the 
importation  of  "prohibited  goods,"  in- 
cluding pornography.  Provincial  censor- 
ship boards  classify  and /or  prevent  the 
public  presentation  of  films  and  video. 
And  the  Canadian  Radio-Television  and 
Telecommunications  Commission 
(CRTC)  assures  the  purity  of  the  audio 
and  video  airwaves. 

The  newest  would-be  censors  are 
municipal  governments.  The  municipal 
councils  of  Toronto,  Hamilton,  Aurora, 
Markham  and  Newmarket  have  cur- 
rently either  passed,  or  are  in  the  process 
of  passing,  bylaws  governing  the  display 
of  sexually  explicit  magazines.  The 
bylaws  are  all  attempts  to  restrict  access 
to  pornography  by  requiring  that  mag- 
azines be  kept  out  of  public  view  entirely 
or  be  displayed  at  least  five  feet  above 
floor  level.  The  bylaws  further  require 
that  magazines  be  wrapped  in  plastic 
and  displayed  so  that  only  the  titles 


remain  visible. 

In  Metropolitan  Toronto,  the  driving 
force  behind  porn-display  control  has 
been  the  city's  mayor.  Art  Eggleton, 
who  urged  members  of  the  Metro 
Licensing  and  Legislation  Committee, 
January  18,  to  implement  a  bylaw. 
Eggleton  cited  complaints  by  citizens 
about  "the  availability  of  magazines  to 
children,  the  morality  of  the  public  dis- 
play of  nudity  on  magazine  covers. 


...and  the  harm  done  by  the  display  of 
women  cast  only  in  a  sexual  role,  and 
frequently  a  degrading  one." 

Support  for  the  proposed  bylaw  has 
come  from  religious  fundamentalists, 
feminists  and,  not  surprisingly,  Metro 
Toronto  police.  In  a  letter  to  Eggleton 
dated  April  22,  1982,  Forbes  Ewing, 
head  of  the  Moralitv  Bureau,  urged  the 
mayor  to  pass  a  series  of  porn-display 
regulations.  Ewing  explained  that  at 
present  morality  officers  respond  to  citi- 
zens' complaints  by  visiting  the  store 
and  suggesting  that  owners  keep  the 
magazines  out  of  the  reach  of  children 
and  nudity  out  of  the  public  eye. 
"Return  visits  have  established  that  in 
most  cases  they  comply,  but  without 
effective  legislation  to  prohibit,"  ex- 
plained Ewing,  "abuses  of  our  requests 
have  occurred." 

The  Metro  Licensing  Committee 
voted  January  1 8  in  favour  of  recom- 
mending a  bylaw  to  Metro  Council.  At 
present  the  decision  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
city  solicitor,  who  must  determine  the 
effects  of  a  recent  Ontario  Court  of 
Appeals  judgment  on  the  legality  of 
municipal  pornography  control. 

In  a  judgment  released  January  17,  the 
Court  of  Appeals  struck  down  a  display- 
control  bylaw  passed  by  the  city  of 
Hamilton  three  years  ago.  The  court 
ruled  in  favour  of  Hamilton  Indepen- 
dent Variety  and  Confectionary  Stores 
Ltd,  finding  the  bylaw  to  be  "vague  and 
uncertain"  and  thus  void  under  the  prin- 
ciples of  municipal  law. 

"The  principal  flaw"  in  the  legisla- 
tion, wrote  Mr  Justice  Lacourcier,  "is 
the  vagueness  and  uncertainty  in  the  def- 
inition of  'erotic  goods'....  It  is  impossi- 
ble for  a  store  owner  reading  this  bylaw 


to  decide  whether  he  is  in  fact  selling 
'erotic'  magazines'  covered  under  it." 

The  Hamilton  bylaw  was  also  ruled 
invalid  because  it  enlarged  the  powers  of 
search  and  seizure  granted  to  law  offi- 
cers "by  allowing  municipal  officials  to 
enter  the  premises  day  or  night,  without 
a  warrant  or  reasonable  or  probable 
cause,  and  to  remove  whatever  they 
deemed  necessary." 

It  still  isn't  clear  whether  porn  control 
is  within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  municipal 
government.  Control  of  obscenity  is  the 
prerogative  of  Parliament  as  a  criminal 
matter.  Yet  the  legislation  of  morality 
has  been  relegated  to  a  host  of  agencies 
which  control  the  dissemination  of  sex- 
ually explicit  materials.  The  distinctions 
between  what  is,  and  what  is  not,  per- 
missible are  blurred  by  an  array  of  un- 
equally enforced  standards. 

Civil  rights  lawyer  Herman  Turkstra, 
who  represented  Hamilton  Independent 
Variety,  called  the  bylaw  the  "most 
sophisticated  form  of  censorship  yet  de- 
vised." City  councillor  Fred  Lombardo 
thinks  it  succeeded  in  telling  members  of 
"the  business  community  that  we  don't 
want  this  available  to  children." 

While  porn-display  control  may  not 
be  successful  in  eliminating  pornography 
it  will  most  certainly  effect  its  availabil- 
ity. If  recent  charges  and  decisions  indi- 
cate a  trend,  convenience  store  owners, 
fearing  charges,  may  eventually  think 
twice  about  stocking  any  sexually  expli- 
cit magazines. 

As  with  municipal  attempts  to  control 
prostitution,  the  cities'  failure  to  intro- 
duce their  own  controls  may  simply  re- 
sult in  increased  pressure  on  federal  leg- 
islators for  yet  more  and  more  stringent 
regulations.  Craig  Patterson  D 


Uncertainties  follow  Red  Hot/Fire  Brigade  charges 


VANCOUVER  —  Red  Hot  Video  will 
plead  not  guilty  when  it  appears  in  Pro- 
vincial Court  in  Victoria  May  8  on 
charges  laid  after  January's  police  raid 
and  seizure  of  allegedly  obscene  tapes,  a 
company  spokesperson  says. 

"We  are  not  going  to  plead  guilty," 
said  the  man,  who  asked  that  his  name 
not  be  used.  "We  hope  to  win.  And  we 
would  have  liked  to  be  in  court  on  this 
six  months  ago,"  he  told  TBP. 

Things  haven't  been  going  well  for 
Red  Hot  Video,  which  began  operating 
in  British  Columbia  a  year  ago  and  at 
one  time  had  13  franchise  outlets  across 
the  province.  The  controversy  began  to 
brew  when  an  alliance  of  women's 
groups  and  their  supporters  became  con- 
cerned about  the  rapid  growth  of  por- 
nography distributors  who  they  claimed 
were  selling  tapes  portraying  brutal  sex- 
ual attacks  on  women. 

Six  months  of  protests  brought  no 
action  from  BC  Attorney  General  Allan 
Williams. 

Women's  groups  charged  that 
whenever  they  produced  a  sample  of  an 
offensive  tape,  copies  would  myster- 
iously disappear  from  store  shelves,  only 
to  return  several  weeks  later.  "Women 
are  not  satisfied  with  quietly  removing 
tapes,  one  by  one,  from  the  shelves," 
wrote  British  Columbia  Federation  of 
Women's  (BCFW)  Pat  Feindel  in  Kinesis 
in  November.  "Women  insist  on  a  pro- 
secution by  the  Crown." 

Then  a  group  calling  itself  the  Wim- 
min's  Fire  Brigade  declared  all-out  war. 
Early  on  a  Monday  morning  in 
November  1982,  the  Surrey  Red  Hot 
store  blew  apart  and  burned  to  the 
ground  when  a  gasoline  bomb  exploded; 
the  North  Vancouver  store  was  damaged 
by  a  bomb  and  police  removed  a  bomb 


from  the  North  Coquitlam  store  the 
same  day. 

"Red  Hot  Video  is  part  of  a  multi- 
billion-dollar  pornography  industry  that 
teaches  men  to  equate  sexuality  with 
violence,"  the  Fire  Brigade  said  in  a 
communique  claiming  responsibility  for 
the  fire  bombing. 

Taking  advantage  of  the  publicity 


generated  by  the  bombings,  a  coalition 
led  by  the  BCFW  called  for  December  1 1 
demonstrations  against  Red  Hot  Video 
outlets  across  the  province. 

The  Federation  of  Women  represents 
36  groups  of  different  political  stripes 
and,  though  it  stopped  short  of  en- 
dorsing arson,  was  clearly  sympathetic 
with  the  arsonists'  goal.  "While  we  did 


Conflicting  loyalties: 
porn  or  the  picketlines 


Reaction  to  the  Red  Hot  Video  contro- 
versy has  reverberated  through  Vancou- 
ver's gay  male  community.  When  TBP 
polled  community  representatives,  it 
found  support  for  women's  opposition  to 
violence  against  women  and  children,  but 
also  concern  and  hesitation  over  the  ques- 
tion of  censorship. 

Harry  Grunsky,  vice-president  of  the 
Point  Grey  Riding  Association  of  the 
New  Democratic  Party,  said  "Gay  men 
should  be  supportive  of  feminists.  But  the 
government  doesn't  have  any  business 
setting  community  standards.  I  do  not 
agree  with  some  feminists  who  want  (that 
kind  oO  legislation." 

Stuart  Alcock,  a  director  of  the  Van- 
couver Gay  Community  Centre,  said, 
"I'm  torn  between  a  feminist  and  a  civil 
libertarian  position.  It's  difficult  for  any- 
one to  say  that  the  depiction  of  violence  is 
okay.  But  I  believe  that  (the  women's 
movement)  here  has  been  coloured  by 
people  with  a  different  agenda  —  people 
who  want  to  get  rid  of  sex,  or  unusual 
forms  of  sexual  activity." 

"The  issue  of  censorship  is  not  nego- 


tiable," said  one  primary  school  teacher. 
"The  issue  of  censorship  is  more  funda- 
mental than  the  management  of  porno- 
graphy." A  provincial  civil  servant 
thought  that  the  Attorney  General's 
recent  pohce  actions  were  based  on 
opportunism.  "They  don't  give  a  damn 
about  violence  and  women,"  he  said. 
"They  just  wanted  to  reduce  the  flak." 

Theatre  student  David  MacLean  said, 
"Pornography  can  be  healthy.  Some 
images  are  a  true  reflection  of  sensuality. 
It's  dangerous  to  link  all  (pornography) 
together  and  say  it  leads  to  rape  against 
women  and  violence  against  children.  It's 
similar  to  the  idea  that  Unks  all  child  mol- 
estation to  gays." 

The  sentiment  in  the  gay  male  com- 
munity was  summed  up  by  a  federal  pub- 
lic employee  who  explained  why  he  parti- 
cipated in  the  demonstration  against  Red 
Hot  Video.  "As  a  gay  man,  I'm  aware 
that  violence  and  the  threat  of  violence  is 
more  prevalent  in  our  society  for 
women,"  he  said.  "The  ultimate  affront 
is  to  tell  women  that  they  will  enjoy  their 
own  pain.  That's  why  I  paraded  outside 
Red  Hot  Video." 

"But  now  that  the  police  have  raided 
them,  I'm  worried,"  he  said.  "The  police 
are  not  the  people  to  decide  what  is 
obscene.  I  don't  trust  iheni." 

Richard  Banner  and  Fred  Ciilherlson 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/11 


not  participate  in  the  fire  bombings... 
we  are  in  agreement  with  the  frustration 
and  anger  of  the  women  who  did,"  they 
said  in  a  statement. 

At  a  federation  press  conference 
called  to  publicize  the  upcoming  dem- 
onstrations, several  videotapes  were 
screened,  including  one  called  Water- 
power  that  showed  a  woman  being  mur- 
dered with  an  enema.  A  gay  man  attend- 
ing the  news  conference  said  participants 
were  deliberately  manipulated  to  res- 
pond in  an  emotional  way  to  the  films. 
"Women  reacted  with  horror  and  dis- 
gust," he  said. 

Hundreds  of  women  and  men  took 
part  in  the  demonstrations  against  Red 
Hot  Video,  including  some  gay  men  who 
had  bought  or  rented  gay  titles  from  the 
company. 

Sensational,  inaccurate  and  judgmen- 
t£il  press  coverage  has  clouded  the  issues 
involved  in  the  Red  Hot  Video  contro- 
versy, particularly  for  gay  men  (see  box). 
Initially,  there  was  no  mention  of  the 
gay  titles  carried  by  stores  in  the  chain. 
A  spokesperson  told  TBP  that  about  50 
of  Red  Hot's  tapes  appeal  to  a  gay  mar- 
ket, compared  to  200  frequently  request- 
ed heterosexual  ones.  The  spokesperson 
also  denied  that  Red  Hot  carries  snuff 
films  or  that  S/M,  bondage  and  kiddie 
porn  play  any  significant  part  in  the 
tapes.  '  'Why  would  we  jeopardize  a 
whole  market  for  (kiddie  porn)?"  he 
asked. 

Anti-pornography  feminists  insist  that 
the  combination  of  sex  and  violence  per- 
meates video  porn.  They  have  frequently 
cited  as  evidence  an  illustrated  catalogue 
that  categorizes  the  tapes  by  subject 
matter  such  as  "Rape  and  gangbang" 
and  "Bondage  &  discipline,  sadism  & 
masochism."  A  catalogue  obtained  by 
7"flP contains  no  illustrations,  but  does 
list  tapes  by  these  "erotic  themes"  cate- 
gories. The  actual  content  of  the  films  is 
not  clear. 

Although,  initially,  it  appeared  to 
resist  all  pressures  to  act  against  Red  Hot 
Video,  the  Attorney  General's  depart- 
ment stepped  in  January  7  when  police 
seized  100  tapes  from  12  video  stores 
across  the  province.  Nine  of  the  stores 
were  Red  Hot  Video  outlets.  The  only 
one  eventually  to  be  charged  was  the 


Red  Hot  store  in  Victoria.  Spokesper- 
sons from  the  BCFW  took  credit  for 
forcing  the  police  to  act  against  the 
"pornography  profiteers." 

The  police  struck  again  two  weeks 
later  in  what  they  described  as  a 
dramatic  arrest  of  two  women  and  three 
men  on  an  isolated  highway  north  of 
Vancouver.  A  large  cache  of  firearms 
and  explosives  was  seized  in  the  police 
operation.  The  five  suspects,  all  in  their 
20s,  were  charged  with  the  Red  Hot 
Video  fire  bombings,  with  dynamiting  a 
hydro  substation  and  conspiracy  to 
sabotage  a  military  base. 

Meanwhile  BCFW's  Pat  Feindel 
explained  the  point  of  the  protests  that 
finally  precipitated  the  police  raids  was 
to  demonstrate  "there  is  a  large  number 
of  people  who  object  to  this  kind  of 
material"  (videos  combining  sex  and 
violence).  She  explained  that  the  BCFW 
defines  pornography  as  the  combination 
of  sex  and  violence  but  that  the  federa- 
tion was  not  interested  in  suppressing  ex- 
plicit sexuality  or  eroticism. 

Feindel  told  TBP  that  the  federation 
had  not  taken  a  position  on  gay  porno- 
graphy. "Gays  have  a  different  ap- 
proach to  sex  and  violence,"  she  said, 
"and  sometimes  overlook  sex  role  dif- 
ferences which  women  take  the  conse- 
quences of."  D 


MEDIA 


"Queers  want  full 
rights" — Observer 

"According  to  The  Fifth  Estate,  CBC's 
news  probe  team,  our  armed  services 
have  been  especially  hard  on  the  indiv- 
idual whose  'sexual  orientation'  is  dif- 
ferent than  that  of  his  fellow  man  (or 
woman). 

"In  laymen's  terms,  the  army  has 
been  kicking  out  queers. 

"Of  course  the  armed  forces'  rules 
make  it  clear  that  homosexual  behavior 
can  not  be  tolerated.  In  spite  of  society's 
legal  and  moral  opposition  to  such 
moral  degenerates,  they  still  come  out 
screaming  about  their  rights  and 
privileges. 


"But  the  day  our  country's  regula- 
tions allow  gays  and  lesbians  to  fight 
side  by  side  with  the  normal  soldiers  will 
be  the  day  the  war  is  lost. 

"Can  you  imagine  men  fighting  in  the 
trenches  beside  some  guy  who  craves 
their  body?  Of  course  the  gay  communi- 
ty denies  that  they  are  a  limp-wristed 
bunch  of  pansies,  but  no  matter  how 
well  they  masquerade  as  being  hetero- 
sexuals, they  will  undoubtedly  be  found 
out  under  the  pressure  of  combat." 

—  Sarnia  Observer, 
January  14,  1983 

This  is  just  a  sampling  of  an  editorial 
that  appeared  in  the  Thomson  news- 
paper which  serves  the  Ontario  city  of 
Sarnia.  It  was  brought  to  TBP's  atten- 
tion by  Robert  Paterson  who,  "having 
served  over  four  years  with  the  Royal 


Canadian  Air  Force  during  World  War 
II,  "finds  this  attitude  most  repulsive. 

Paterson,  a  resident  of  Sarnia, 
thought  TBP  "might  be  interested  in  see- 
ing an  example  of  the  type  of  gross  ig- 
norance with  which  we  have  to  contend 
in  this  part  of  the  country.  " 

Another  Sarnia  resident  sent  TBP  a 
copy  of  the  editorial  with  the  note: 
"...  the  Sarnia  community  is  quite  shat- 
tered by  this  and  even  the  bravest  of  us 
will  not  publicly  denounce  it.  This  is  a 
very  small  town,  if  not  in  numbers,  cer- 
tainly in  mentality.  Please  do  not  use  my 
name. " 

Readers  may  want  to  tell  James  Car- 
naghan,  the  newspaper's  managing  edi- 
tor, what  they  think  of  his  editorial.  Let- 
ters should  be  sent  to:  Editor,  The 
Observer,  140 Front  Street  S,  Sarnia,  ON 
N7T2M5.  U 


GO  after  fair  play  on  the  airwaves 


OTTAWA  —  Gays  of  Ottawa  has  filed  an 
official  complaint  against  the  host  of  a 
phone-in  radio  programme  who  claimed 
that  gay  people  Eu-en't  fit  to  be  parents  or 
teachers  jmd  then  cut  off  callers  who  took 
exception  to  his  remarks. 

GO  has  told  the  Canadian  Radio-Tele- 
vision and  Telecommunications  Com- 
mission (CRTC)  that  Dean  Tower's 
remarks  are  in  violation  of  the  Criminal 
Code  and  the  Broadcast  Act. 

Radio  station  CFRA  fired  Tower  early 
this  year  because  of  his  show's  sinking 
popularity.  He  made  the  remarks  last  Oc- 
tober during  the  Bureau  of  Broadcasting 
Measurement's  full  ratings  period. 

"The  violations  occurred  when  (Tower 
said  that)  the  denial  of  parental  and 
employment  rights  to  homosexual  people 
was  justified,"  GO  says  in  a  letter  to  J  G 
Patenaud,  the  CRTC's  solicitor  general. 
"(Tower)  attempted  to  justify  his  position 
by  presenting  offensive,  false  and  inde- 
cent information  and  news  on  the  nature 
of  homosexuality,  particularly  concern- 
ing the  relationship  between  adults  who 
are  gay  and  children  who  are  either 
homosexual  or  heterosexual." 

Section  330  of  the  Criminal  Code  of 
Canada  reads:  "Everyone  who,  with  the 


Globe:  cleaning  up  the  classifieds 


TORONTO  —  The  right  hand  doesn't 
seem  to  know  what  the  left  hand  is  doing 
at  Canada's  national  newspaper  these 
days. 

In  the  same  month  that  a  new  union 
contract  for  nearly  400  employees  of  the 
Globe  and  Mail  added  job  protection  for 
gay  people,  the  classified-ads  department 
was  quietly  putting  into  effect  a  policy  of 
discrimination  that  excludes  gay  people 
from  the  companion  ads. 

In  late  January,  Globe  management 
decided  it  was  going  to  clean  house  in  the 
classifieds.  It  discontinued  two  entire 
categories  of  ads:  introduction  services 
and  the  rapidly  expanding  telephone  fan- 
tasy ads.  In  addition,  home  video  ads 
have  been  limited  to  the  use  of  the  des- 
criptive phrases  "adult  movies"  or  adult 
entertainment,"  while  suggestive  words 
like  "XXX  rated,"  "pornography"  and 
"hardcore"  have  been  banned. 

The  two  discontinued  categories  pro- 
vided a  small  but  assured  source  of 
revenue  for  the  financially  troubled  and 
advertising-hungry  Globe,  where  last 
year  50  employees'  jobs  were  abruptly 
terminated  as  an  economy  measure. 

James  Meldrum,  manager  of  the 
classified-ads  department,  estimated  the 


policy  changes  would  mean  "hundreds  of 
thousands  of  dollars  in  lost  income." 

Meldrum  told  TBP  the  ads  were  discon- 
tinued because  of  "numerous"  com- 
plaints from  readers,  none  apparently 
more  specific  than  that  the  ads  were  "not 
up  to  the  Globe  andMaiPs  standards." 

While  these  policies  were  being  imple- 
mented, another  change  was  happening 
more  covertly.  Meldrum,  whose  job 
requires  him  personally  to  authorize 
every  companion  ad,  began  to  reject  all 
gay  and  bisexual  ones.  Employees 
challenged  him  on  his  actions  and  he 
reportedly  said,  in  effect:  "I  know  it's 
discrimination  and  I  expect  to  get  some 
flak  from  the  gay  community." 

When  a  TBP  reporter  tried  to  place  an 
obviously  gay  ad,  he  was  informed  by  the 
telephone  answerer  there  had  been  a 
recent  change  in  policy  and  only  "guy- 
seeks-girl,  girl-seeks-guy"  ads  were  now 
acceptable. 

Meldrum  told  TBP  there  was  no  change 
in  policy  and  that  gay  ads  are  still  being 
"looked  at."  He  said  the  number  of  com- 
panion ads  in  general  has  been  dwindling 
and  he  hadn't  seen  any  gay  ones  cross  his 
desk  recently.  According  to  other  Globe 
sources,  however,  the  explanation  for 


that  is  simple:  Meldrum  has  made  it  clear 
to  telephone  answerers  he  doesn't  even 
want  to  look  at  such  ads. 

Less  than  two  weeks  before  gay  com- 
panion ads  were  suddenly  thrown  into  the 
sexual  —  therefore  offensive-to-readers 

—  category,  the  Southern  Ontario 
Newspaper  Guild  successfully  negotiated 
a  contract  with  Globe  management 
adding  "sexual  preference"  and 
"religion"  to  non-discrimination  clauses 
relating  to  hiring  and  firing.  The  union 
represents  employees  in  editorial,  inside- 
circulation  and  maintenance  departments 

—  but  not  in  classifieds. 

So,  while  certain  departments  at  the 
Globe  have  agreed  officially  that 
discrimination  ageiinst  gay  reporters  and 
other  workers  is  unacceptable,  another 
department  has  decided  covert 
discrimination  against  gay  customers  is 
acceptable. 

Gay  people  who  are  regular  readers  of 
the  Globe  may  wish  to  test  the  daily's 
responsiveness.  They  might  even  be 
seized  with  the  desire  to  advertise  in  the 
companion  classifieds,  which  can  be 
reached  by  calling  585-2222.  If  readers 
experience  problems  having  their  ads 
accepted,  they  shouldn't  hesitate  to  ask  to 
speak  to  the  manager. 

As  Mr  Meldrum  said,  the  Globe  prides 
itself  on  listening  to  its  readers. 

Ed  Jackson  D 


intent  to  injure  or  alarm  any  person,  con- 
veys by  radio  or  otherwise,  information 
that  he  knows  is  false  is  guilty  of  an  indic- 
table offence  and  is  liable  for  imprison- 
ment for  two  years."  The  Broadcast  Act 
forbids  the  presentation  of  "false  and 
misleading  news  and  information"  that 
encourages  hatred  and  prejudice. 

A  lesbian  mother  whose  call  to  Tower 
was  snipped  in  mid-sentence  also  wrote 
the  CRTC  to  protest.  "This  kind  of 
bigoted,  one-sided  programme  is 
extremely  harmful  to  any  minority 
group  in  this  country,"  she  said. 

Ernie  Calcutt,  CFRA  sportscaster  and 
the  person  in  charge  of  talk-show  hosts, 
says  Tower  was  fired  because  few  people 
were  listening  to  his  two-hour  afternoon 
show.  "The  ratings  were  terrible  for  that 
time  period,"  Calcutt  says.  "He  was  beg- 
ging for  calls." 

Meanwhile,  GO  has  received  a  letter  of 
apology  from  Global  Communications 
Ltd,  presentor  of  The  700  Club,  a  religi- 
ous television  programme.  A  700  Club 
show  last  November  branded  gay  people 
child  molesters  and  sado-masochistic 
killers.  "I  can  only  say  your  outrage  was 
justified,"  Global  president  Paul  Mor- 
ton said  in  a  letter  to  GO  member  Jim 
Carleton. 

Morton  says  that  from  now  on  the  pro- 
gramme will  have  to  comply  with 
Global's  policy  on  religious  program- 
ming, which  prohibits  such  attacks  on 
gay  people.  "Failure  (to  comply)  will 
result  in  the  cancellation  of  the  show," 
Morton  says.  Glenn  WheelerD 


POLICE 


Community  protests 
inspector's  remari(s 

VANCOUVER  —  Relations  between 
gay  people  and  the  city's  police  depart- 
ment were  badly  shaken  in  January  by 
the  publication  of  a  police  inspector's 
comments  regarding  "homosexual  in- 
volvement in  last  year's  murder  rate." 

In  a  January  6  West  Ender  article, 
reviewing  crime  statistics  for  1982,  In- 
spector Bill  Baird  of  the  police  com- 
munity relations  department  was  quoted 
as  saying  he  was  not  surprised  that  eight 
of  39  murders  in  the  city  were  the  result 
of  a  "homosexual  involvement," 
because  "homosexuals  react  violently 
when  things  go  wrong  for  them." 

The  front  page  article  sparked  a  wave 
of  protest  letters  and  phone  calls  to  the 
newspaper  and  to  Mayor  Mike  Har- 
court,  who  acts  as  chairman  of  the  Van- 
couver police  board. 


12/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


A  strongly  worded  letter  to  the  mayor 
from  the  Gay  Rights  Union  demanded 
Inspector  Baird's  removal  from  the 
force,  while  another  from  the  Vancouver 
Gay  Community  Centre  called  for  a 
public  retraction  and  apology. 

The  swiftness  and  intensity  of  the  gay 
community's  reaction  appeared  to  have 
the  desired  impact.  The  mayor  described 
the  statement  as  "unacceptable  because 
it  shows  discrimination"  and  promised 
to  take  the  matter  up  with  Chief  Con- 
stable Stewart  and  the  police  board. 

In  a  follow-up  article  in  the  West 
Ender,  Inspector  Baird  was  reported  to 
be  surprised  by  the  reaction,  and  added 
that  the  statement  was  meant  to  be  taken 
as  a  warning  to  the  gay  community.  He 
said  his  comments  were  "not  intended  to 
reflect  on  the  behaviour  of  all  homosex- 
uals but  that  there  was  violence  related 
to  the  community  and  statistical  analysis 
bears  this  out." 

So  far,  there  has  been  no  public  apo- 
logy from  Inspector  Baird  or  the  police 
department,  but  people  who  have  writ- 
ten letters  of  protest  have  been  contacted 
by  a  police  spokesman  to  clarify  the 
statement. 

According  to  Staff  Sergeant  Jerry  Roy 
and  several  other  police  officers.  Inspec- 
tor Baird  has  an  excellent  record  with 
the  gay  community.  In  the  mid-Seventies 
he  helped  establish  the  gay-police  Uaison 
committee,  and  since  then  has  arranged 
talks  by  gays  to  police  recruits  and  soft- 
ball  games  between  the  two  groups. 

"He's  definitely  not  a  redneck,"  said 
one  community  relations  officer. 

Jim  OakesD 

"Good  intentions" 
get  three  acquitted 

TORONTO  —  Provincial  Court  Judge 
R  D  Osborne  acquitted  two  women  and 
a  man  who  were  accused  of  assaulting 
and  obstructing  police  outside  the 
popular  lesbian  bar.  Together,  because 
he  was  convinced  of  their  good  inten- 
tions. 

"There  is  no  way  they  meant  to  cause 
trouble  with  the  police,"  the  judge  ex- 
plained in  his  January  3  decision.  "They 
endeavoured  to  help  a  person  they  saw 
to  be  in  distress."  The  charges  stemmed 
from  what  Judge  Osborne  called  a 
"misunderstanding"  in  front  of  the  bar 
January  20, 1982. 

One  of  the  accused,  Pam  (who  asks 
that  her  last  name  not  be  used),  remem- 
bers vividly  the  night  she  was  grabbed 
and,  coat  and  shirt  ripped  open,  dragged 
around  by  a  man  who  later  charged  her 
with  assault. 

Pam  and  her  friend  Donna  (who  also 
asks  that  her  last  name  not  be  used),  had 
invited  David  Tarneau  for  a  drink  at  the 
Church  Street  bar  on  their  way  home 
from  a  film.  It  was  David's  first  visit  to  a 
Toronto  gay  bar.  He,  like  many  local 
journalists,  knew  a  little  about  the  gay 
community.  But  he  hadn't  paid  that 
much  attention  to  reports  of  deteriora- 
ting relations  between  the  community 
and  the  city's  police  force. 

As  the  three  left  the  crowded  bar,  they 
saw  a  man  with  his  hands  around  the 
throat  of  a  woman  who  was  screaming 
for  help.  Others,  drawn  to  the  scene, 
grappled  with  the  man,  freed  the  woman 
and  pushed  her  into  the  bar  and  her 
assailant  back  down  the  stairs. 

"I'm  a  police  officer,"  the  man  told 
the  growing  crowd,  "and  that  girl  is 
under  arrest."  He  was  twice  asked  to 
prove  he  was  a  cop  and  he  twice  flipped 
open  his  wallet.  "He  didn't  show  his  ID 
so  that  I  could  see  it,"  Tarneau  testified. 
Pam  told  the  court  her  response  was. 


Circling  the  globe:  loronto  lesbian  Adncnnc  Hotis  Iwpc:^  :c  ic  Uic  :;;:,:  ,:o:::d,.  :^  i,.:c  j.JuI.j  ::.c  ;vi;.  .l,"  on  a  motorcycle.  She 
February  7,  on  her  72, 000  km  journey  through  thirty-three  countries,  and  hopes  to  arrive  in  Vancouver  on  New  Year 's  Day. 


left  Dallas.  Texas. 
1984. 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/13 


oooooooooooooooooooooc 

o 


Watch  for.. 


o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 


oooooooooooooooooooooo 


FRUIT  COCKTAIL 


...a  revue  with  gay  appeal 

A  song,  dance  and  comedy  extravaganza!  Live  on  stage,  over 
100  talented  performers  making  a  spectacle  of  themselves! 

Coming  to  the  Ryerson  Theatre  for  two  performances 
only— Sunday,  April  24  and  Monday,  April  25.  Tickets  on  sale 
March  1  at  the  Ryerson  Theatre  box  office.  Don't  miss  it! 

All  proceeds  to  the  Gay  Community  Appeal  of  Toronto. 


The  Right  to  Privacy  Committee's 
Report  to  the  Community 

February  3, 1983 

Since  February  5th,  1981 ,  the  RTPC  has  been  in  court  continuously, 
monitoring  trials  of  those  charged  as  keepers  and  found-ins.  279 
found-in  cases  are  now  complete.  The  courtroom  presence  and  the 
coordination  of  the  lawyers,  witnesses  and  documentation  have 
helped  produce  an  extraordinary  win  rate  of  87%. 
As  a  community,  we  have  raised  over  $100,000  to  assist  in  legal  de- 
fense and  to  wage  a  political  campaign  for  law  reform  and  against 
police  abuse.  The  Right  to  Privacy  Foundation,  created  by  the 
RTPC  to  administer  the  legal  defense  fund,  has  now  authorized 
assistance  for  127  found-ins  and  3  sets  of  keepers.  While  it  cannot  yet 
pay  out  the  most  recent  of  its  authorizations,  ongoing  fundraising 
will  ensure  that  those  commitments  are  met. 
If  you  can  help  us  once  again,  please  make  contributions  to  the 
defense  fund  payable  to  Harriet  Sachs  in  Trust  for  the  RTPC,  730 
Bathurst  Street,  Toronto,  M5S  2R4. 


COURT  UPDATE 

Found-ins: 

279  cases  completed     242  wins     37  losses 
2  cases  now  before  the  courts 

17  found-ins  failed  to  appear  in  court  and  now  face  bench 

warrants 

■ 

Keepers: 

Richmond           1  guilty  plea;  S  charges  withdrawn 
Romans               1  guilty  plea;  5  charges  withdrawn 
Back  Door          3  finding  of  guilt;  1  under  appeal 
International       1  guilty;  1  not  guilty;  under  appeal 
The  Club             Trial  not  yet  begun 
The  Barracks      Trial  not  yet  begun 

FUNDS  RAISED  AND  DEPOSITED 

Individual  Donations 

$65,500.38 

Dances,  other  events 

15,631.21 

Organizations 

18,694.34 

Others 

9,317.48 

TOTAL  RAISED: 

$109,143.41 

Less:  Fundraising  costs, 

Administrative  expenses,  etc 

13,364.64 

TOTAL  LEGAL  DEFENSE  FUND 

$95,778.77 

THE  RIGHT  TO  PRIVACY  FOUNDATION 

DISBURSEMENTS  AUTHORIZED 

Found-ins(127) 

Keepers  (3  sets) 

Others  (4) 

Legal  Administration  of  Fund 

TOTAL  AUTHORIZATIONS 

Payments  made 

Payment  arrears 

BILLING  IN  111  REGULAR  CASES 

Average  Legal  Bill 
Average  Authorization 


$69,658.06 

29,896.30 

6,278.76 

489.00 

$106,322.12 

95,391.20 

10,930.92 


$635.00 
500.00 


Antony  Vigers  C.G.A. 

Treasurer 

RTPC 


David  M.  Rayside 
Secretary  of  the  Board 
RTPF 


We're  not  just 
a  cheap 
pick-up! 


See  back  cover, 

subscribe 

and  save!!! 


"You  can't  be  an  officer  —  they  don't 
treat  people  that  way." 

The  man  turned  out  to  be  plainclothes 
officer  PC  David  Brown.  He  and  his 
partner  PC  Kenneth  Brown  claimed  they 
were  trying  to  arrest  Dianne  Shea, 
another  woman  charged  that  night,  for 
kicking  the  side  of  a  moving  vehicle  on 
Church  Street. 

In  his  reasons  for  dismissing  the 
charges,  Judge  Osborne  considered  a 
crucial  factor  to  be  the  time  at  which  the 
accused  learned  Brown  was  a  policeman. 
He  said  he  believed  that  point  was  when 
Brown  grabbed  both  Pam  and  Tarneau, 
said,  "You're  under  arrest,"  and  sig- 
naled to  his  partner. 

Moments  later  there  were  seven  police 
cars  on  the  scene.  Seven  people  were 
arrested,  including  Tarneau,  Pam  and 
another  bystander,  who  stood  trial  with 
them.  Three  of  the  remaining  accused, 
including  Dianne  Shea,  go  to  trial  this 
spring.  The  seventh  person  arrested,  a 
juvenile,  had  charges  against  her 
dropped. 

A  couple  of  nights  after  the  incident 
David  Tarneau  found  himself  among  a 
delegation  of  people  reporting  the 
details  to  the  Toronto  Gay  Community 
Council. 

After  the  meeting  a  committee  was 
struck,  legal  advice  secured,  the  press 
notified  and  reports  were  filed  with  the 
Citizen's  Independant  Review  of  Police 
Activities.  The  council  meeting  also 
heard  the  latest  official  word  from  police 
chief  Jack  Ackroyd.  The  city's  study 
into  gay-police  relations  had  recom- 
mended that  the  chief  tell  his  force  the 
gay  community  was  a  legitimate  one. 
Instead  he  said  the  police  force  assumes 
that  homosexuals  as  individuals  "are 
entitled  to  the  same  rights,  respect,  ser- 
vice and  protection  as  all  citizens."  This 
commitment  was  made  the  same  day 
that  Pam,  Tarneau  and  the  others  were 
drawn  into  the  "misunderstanding"  in 
front  of  Together.  Ackroyd  later  said 
that  the  police  were  just  doing  their  jobs 
and  that  any  problems  would  be  cleared 
up  when  the  matter  came  to  trial. 

In  rendering  his  decision.  Judge 
Osborne  commended  the  accused  for 
their  Good  Samaritan  impulses  and 
described  the  situation  as  one  of  "great 
misfortune  as  they  had  to  endure  this 
serious  trial,"  which  took  six  days, 
drawn  out  over  a  period  of  twelve 
months. 

That  the  police  were  not  "simply 
doing  their  jobs"  has  been  decided  by 
the  court.  But  the  question  remains: 
were  the  problems  with  what  they  were 
doing  addressed  by  the  trial  and  its 
outcome? 

Pam  doesn't  think  so.  "We  won  but 
we  are  out  the  money  and  the  time,"  she 
told  TBP.  "There  is  nothing  we  can  actu- 
ally do  to  rectify  what  happened  —  we 
can't  afford  to  lay  a  countercharge.  In  a 
sense,  they  got  away  with  it." 

Tarneau  says  the  events  left  him  with  a 
lot  to  think  about.  "I  want  a  police  force 
that's  responsible  to  the  public  — 
policemen  that  wouldn't  attack  someone 
they  thought  had  kicked  a  car  without 
finding  out  what  was  wrong  and  saying 
they  were  police,"  he  said.  He's  con- 
cerned about  the  "age-old  problems  of 
who  will  police  the  police  and  the  moral 
dilemma  of  the  bystander. ' ' 

Pam  says  she  can  see  why  people 
"don't  fight  back  or  come  forward  £is 
witnesses  —  the  system  is  geared  to 
make  it  hard."  But  she'd  do  it  again.  "I 
don't  have  any  illusions  about  cops  — 
I'd  go  out  of  my  way  to  help  anyone 
who  was  being  treated  like  that." 

Chris  Bearchelin 


14/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


PROFILE 


Svend  Robinson:  Speaking  out  on  Capital  Hill 


"l think  it 's  important  that  the  NDP  not 
be  afraid  to  take  stands  on  controversial 
issues. ...  To  the  extent  that  we  back 
away,  I  think  we  lose  support  rather 
than  gain  support.  "  —  Svend  Robinson, 
MP,  in  an  interview  January  28,  1983. 

The  most  common  adjective  used  in  the 
mass  media  to  describe  Svend  Robinson, 
Member  of  Parliament  for  Burnaby,  BC 
is  "outspoken."  It's  quite  true.  His  out- 
spokenness has  garnered  him  more  pub- 
lic attention  than  most  MPs  will  ever 
enjoy,  and  has  made  him  an  easily  rec- 
ognizable political  figure,  a  rare  com- 
modity for  the  federal  New  Democratic 
Party.  Recently,  however,  there  came  a 
point  when  the  NDP  feh  Robinson  had 
become  too  outspoken,  and  on  January 
19  federal  leader  Ed  Broadbent  fired 
him  as  the  party's  justice  critic. 

It  was  an  action  that  remains  of  par- 
ticular concern  to  the  lesbian  and  gay 
community,  as  Robinson's  most  contro- 
versial stands  have  probably  been  on  gay 
issues.  The  consistency  and  tenacity  of 
his  attacks  on  government  policy  affect- 
ing lesbians  and  gay  men  have  been 
unique  among  federal  politicians  and,  as 
a  result  of  his  work,  gay  issues  have 
come  up  more  often  in  the  current  ses- 
sion of  Parliament  than  in  all  sessions 
since  1867  combined.  He  has  hammered 
away  at  the  Armed  Forces  for  their  anti- 
gay  hiring  policy.  He  has  repeatedly 
challenged  the  justice  minister  on  his 
refusal  to  amend  the  Canadian  Human 
Rights  Act  to  include  sexual  orientation 
("nothing  less  than  a  political 
cop-out"). 

Robinson's  demotion  to  the  position 
of  consumer  and  corporate  affairs  critic 
did  not  come  as  a  total  suprise  to  many 
observers.  It's  no  secret  in  Ottawa  that 
he  is  strongly  disliked  by  Broadbent, 
among  others.  It's  also  no  secret  that 
Robinson  has  a  well-deserved  reputation 
for  being  abrasive,  arrogant  and  too 
quick  to  speak  for  the  party  without  first 
consulting  his  caucus. 

That's  how  it  was  interpreted  last 
December  when  Jack  Webster,  the  gar- 
rulous Vancouver  television  talk-show 
host,  asked  him  what  his  positions  were 
on  the  "problem"  of  prostitution. 

Robinson  explained  the  party  policy, 
which  calls  for  the  decriminalization  of 
soliciting,  the  repeal  of  bawdyhouse 
laws,  and  letting  municipalities  decide 
whether  bawdyhouses  should  operate 
locally.  Webster  attempted  to  create  the 
impression  that  the  NDP  wanted  a  chain 
of  state-run  brothels  ("the  Brothcan 
concept,"  as  Robinson  puts  it).  Of 
course,  that's  not  what  Robinson  said. 
But  the  simple  fact  that  he  made  party 
policy  public  (because  most  Canadians 
were  not  aware  of  the  NDP's  policies  on 
prostitution)  meant  that  he  lost  his  job. 

The  cumulative  effects  of  Robinson's 
tough  stands  on  a  wide  range  of  issues, 
including  gay  ones,  have  to  be  taken  into 
consideration  when  evaluating  his  dis- 
missal. Gay  activists  in  British  Colum- 
bia, Saskatchewan  and  Ontario  in  par- 
ticular are  well  aware  of  the  party's  tra- 
ditional ability  to  talk  boldly  —  until  it 
comes  time  to  act.  (The  jury  is  still  out  in 
Manitoba,  where  it  looks  like  the  gov- 
ernment is  again  poised  to  make  excuses 
for  not  putting  sexual  orientation  in  the 
provincial  human  rights  code.)  The 
party  has  a  long  history  of  internal  fight- 
ing over  "what  is  right"  and  "what  we 
can  sell  to  the  voters,"  with  self-styled 


NDPer  Svend  Robinson  on  political  pragmatists:  ' '  We  are  condemned  by  our  silence. ' ' 


pragmatists  arguing  that  gay  issues  only 
succeed  in  diverting  attention  from  eco- 
nomic issues. 

A  good  example  of  a  pragmatist  vic- 
tory was  the  1981  Ontario  provincial 
election  campaign,  during  which  the 
NDP  dropped  any  intentions  of  backing 
human  rights  code  amendments,  and 
later  refused  to  speak  out  against  the 
February  bath  raids.  Svend  Robinson 
was  invited  to  address  a  March  6  Tor- 
onto rally  organized  by  the  Coalition  for 
Gay  Rights  in  Ontario  and,  over  the 
loud  and  angry  protests  of  officials  in 


the  Ontario  wing  of  the  party,  he 
accepted. 

During  his  speech,  Robinson  was 
booed  by  the  crowd  of  1 ,200  when  he  en- 
dorsed Dan  Leckie,  the  NDP  candidate 
in  Toronto's  St  George  riding.  Leckie 
was  one  of  the  few  candidates  to  buck 
party  strategy  and  speak  out  in  favour  of 
gay  rights,  but  most  gays  were  not  pre- 
pared to  support  any  provincial  NDPer. 
One  couldn't  help  but  wonder  that  eve- 
ning why  Robinson  had  placed  himself 
in  this  almost  universally  unpopular  situ- 
ation. He  seemed  not  to  care  that  very 


few,  on  either  side  of  the  political  con- 
frontation, agreed  with  him.  What 
others  thought  didn't  really  matter.  It 
was  truly  uncharacteristic  behaviour  for 
an  elected  official. 

Robinson  told  TBPihdX  he  hasn't 
"reaped  any  great  political  benefits,  at 
least  not  in  terms  of  my  own  constitu- 
ency," for  his  pro-gay  stance.  He  claims 
many  of  his  constituents,  who  disagree 
with  him  strongly  on  certain  issues,  tell 
him  they  nonetheless  admire  a  politician 
who  isn't  afraid  of  saying  what  he  truly 
believes.  However,  inside  party  sources 
indicated  that,  when  his  job  was  on  the 
line,  Robinson  failed  to  get  much  sup- 
port in  the  federal  caucus  (aside  from 
most  members  from  his  native  British 
Columbia). 

Why  would  a  politician  be  so  forceful 
about  gay  rights  when  it  appears  that 
most  of  his  own  colleagues  would  not 
support  him? 

"Because  I  believe  it,  quite  simply," 
he  said  in  a  recent  interview  in  Toronto. 
"If  we  don't  speak  out  on  that  issue  and 
do  everything  in  our  power  to  change 
that  situation,  then  I  think  we  are  con- 
demned by  our  silence." 

He  doesn't  seem  to  have  changed  his 
mind  since  the  demotion,  and  he  says 
that  he'll  continue  to  speak  out.  Indeed, 
his  first  public-speaking  engagement  as 
consumer  and  corporate  affairs  critic 
was  at  the  University  of  Toronto's  Les- 
bian and  Gay  Awareness  Week.  He 
stresses  that  he's  still  the  critic  of  the 
Solicitor  General,  which  means  he'll 
continue  to  push  Robert  Kaplan  to  ini- 
tiate the  destruction  of  the  RCMP's 
thousands  of  files  on  gay  people.  As 
well,  he  still  has  his  amendment  to  the 
Canadian  Human  Rights  Act  in  the 
works  (see  box). 

The  fact  remains  that  Robinson's 
credibility  may  be  reduced  because  most 
of  his  comments  on  gay  issues  will  fall 
outside  his  official  area  of  party  respon- 
sibility. That  leaves  the  ball  in  the  court 
of  his  successor,  Toronto  MP  Lynn 
McDonald  (Broadview-Greenwood) 
who  remains  untested,  having  only  been 
elected  a  few  months  ago. 

The  gay  community  will  have  to  keep 
its  eye  on  the  pragmatists  of  the  NDP  to 
see  how  successful  they  are  in  thwarting 
the  acceptance  of  gay  rights  and  sexual 
reform  as  valid  electoral  issues. 

One  thing  is  certain  —  the  internal 
poHtical  battle  will  not  take  place 
without  Svend  Robinson. 

Kevin  Orrn 


Another  try:  getting  into  tire  Act 


Svend  Robinson,  MP  (Burnaby),  says  the 
soonest  federal  Justice  Committee  hear- 
ings could  be  expected  on  his  promised 
private  member's  bill  to  include  sexual 
orientation  in  the  Canadian  Human 
Rights  Act  is  this  April. 

"This  will  be  the  first  time  we've  gotten 
this  far...  to  (federal  Justice)  Committee 
hearings,"  he  said  at  a  forum  held  during 
Gay  and  Lesbian  Awareness  Week  at  the 
University  of  Toronto  in  January. 

Robinson  is  confident  that  his  pro- 
posed bill  will  advance  past  first  reading 
because  of  assurances  recently  made  by 
Justice  Minister  Mark  MacGuigan.  The 
minister  was  .seeking  to  secure  an  all-party 
agreement  to  allow  the  speedy  passage  of 
revisions  to  the  Act  to  protect  the  rights 
of  the  disabled  and  to  outlaw  sexual 
harassment  on  the  job.  (Those  revisions 
were  given  quick  approval  in  principle 
December  20,  but  final  passage  has  been 
delayed.) 

While  the  disabled  rights  amendments 


were  before  the  Justice  Committee,  Mac- 
Guigan, in  responding  to  questions  from 
Robinson  (who  was  then  NDP  justice 
critic),  said  that  there  was  not  sufficient 
"social  consensus"  to  proceed  with  a  sex- 
ual orientation  amendment.  He  left 
observers  puzzled  by  his  claim  that  the 
Canadian  Human  Rights  Commission 
(CHRC)  already  has  considerable  latitude 
to  interpret  the  existing  Act  with  regard 
to  sexual  orientation  (TBP, 
January/ February,  1983). 

Chief  commissioner  Gordon  Fair- 
weather  responded  to  inquiries  from 
Gays  of  Ottawa  executive  director  John 
Duggan  by  advising  that  an  explanation 
for  the  CHRC's  supposed  latitude  would 
have  to  come  from  the  Minister  himself. 
"It  has  always  been  the  position  of  the 
Canadian  Human  Rights  Commi.ssion 
that  the  statutory  ban  on  sex  discrimina- 
tion in  employment  cannot  be  extended 
to  include  sexual  preference  such  as 
homosexuality." 


That  is  why,  he  explained,  the  commis- 
sion has  recommended  in  all  reports  it 
has  made  to  parliament  that  sexual 
orientation  be  added  to  the  Act. 

Duggan's  further  inquiries  to  Mac- 
Guigan for  clarification  produced  the 
following  muddy  explanation:  "the  com- 
mission may  consider  that  a  prohibition 
against  discrimination  on  a  given  ground 
may  confer  protection  on  homosexuals. 
For  example,  the  commission  considers 
that  discrimination  on  the  basis  of  sex 
precludes  sexual  harassment.  As  a  result, 
sexual  harassment  by  or  against  homosex- 
uals could  be  prohibited." 

As  for  his  comments  about  social  con- 
sensus, MacGuigan  confirms  his  commit- 
ment to  allowing  the  Robinson  bill  to 
reach  committee  hearings.  Presumably 
the  hearing  will  provide  an  opportunity  to 
gauge  social  consensus. 

The  Canadian  Human  Rights  Act 
applies  to  all  federal  departments.  Crown 
corporations  and  federally  regulated 
industries  such  as  airlines,  banks  and  oil 


companies. 


Chris  Bearchell!  1 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/15 


ON  CAMPUS 


Awareness  week:  keeping  them  hopping 


There  are  people  in  the  Toronto  gay 
community  who  wouldn't  miss  a  Homo 
Hop  for  anything  —  at  last  count  they 
numbered  about  400.  What  is  a  Homo 
Hop?  It's  a  dance  for  lesbians  and  gay 
men  held  up  to  three  times  yearly  by 
Gays  and  Lesbians  at  the  University  of 
Toronto  (GLAUT),  and  it's  rapidly 
becoming  an  institution  second  only  to 
the  famed  GCDC  dances . 

Aside  from  frequently  being  an  event 
in  its  own  right,  a  Homo  Hop  has 
become  the  celebratory  finale  to 
GLAUT's  annual  Gay  and  Lesbian 
Awareness  Week  (GLAWK),  an  ambiti- 
ous programme  of  lectures,  exhibitions, 
symposiums  and  cultural  events  now  in 
its  third  year. 

Dan  Healey,  organizer  of  the  initial 
programme  in  February  1981,  says  he 
was  inspired  by  a  similar  (and  still  thriv- 
ing) event  at  the  University  of  British 
Columbia.  Healey  notes  that  from  the 
beginning  the  U  of  T  event,  then  called 
simply  Gay  Awareness  Week,  was  de- 
signed to  be  high  profile,  reaching  gays 
within  and  beyond  the  university  com- 
munity and  straight  people  on  and  off 
campus. 

Infogay,  an  information  centre  in  the 
busy  lobby  of  the  Sidney  Smith  academ- 
ic building,  has  become  a  popular  an- 
nual fixture  of  the  week,  as  have  accom- 
panying displays  of  local  gay  history. 
Events  of  larger  community  interest 
have  included  Gay  in  Ontario  (1981),  a 
political  forum  on  the  then-imminent 
provincial  election,  a  well-attended  gay- 


police  relations  panel  in  1982  featuring 
Arnold  Bruner  and  Toronto  police 
superintendent  David  Sproule  and,  this 
year,  panels  and  lectures  with  such 
diverse  participants  as  former  NDP  jus- 
tice critic  Svend  Robinson,  lesbian  fem- 
inist Karla  Jay,  and  Dr  M  Schelew,  vice- 
president  of  Amnesty  Internationsil. 

Year  two  of  Awareness  Week  saw  an 
increase  in  panels  and  discussions  pro- 
duced by  and  for  women  as  well  as  the 
inclusion  of  "lesbian"  in  the  title. 
Women's  influence  recently  reached  an 
apex  with  the  election  of  Alexandra 
Henriques  to  the  chair  of  GLAUT  at  the 
start  of  the  1982-83  academic  year.  The 
result  was  a  refreshing  variety  of  lesbian- 
oriented  events  at  this  year's  GLAWK 
(January  24  to  29),  such  as  a  Barbara 
Hammer  film  evening,  a  "Lesbian/ 
Feminist  Tour  of  Paris"  by  Karla  Jay, 
and  a  humorous  anecdotal  biography  of 
Gertrude  Stein  performed  by  come- 
dienne Pat  Bond  to  an  audience  of  more 
than  300,  including,  says  Henriques,  a 
surprising  number  of  straight  couples: 
"You  can  tell  by  the  way  they're 
dressed." 

The  increasing  success  of  GLAWK, 
both  financially  and  in  the  numbers  and 
diversity  of  those  participating,  is  due  to 

Making  it  happen:  Dan  Healey  (above), 
Alexandra  Henriques  (below)  and  Craig 
Patterson  (lett) 


many  factors.  Healey  believes  that  the 
Toronto  bath  raids,  which  occurred  a 
scant  three  weeks  before  Aw£ireness 
Week  '81,  gave  an  electricity  to  the  event 
which  might  have  taken  years  to  develop 
otherwise.  According  to  Craig  Patter- 
son, secretary  for  GLAWK  '82,  the 
charge  and  revolutionary  flavour  of  year 
one  were  such  that  by  year  two  the 
strong  gay  presence  on  campus  was  an 
accepted  fact,  providing  relative  ease  in 
relations  with  other  entities  on  campus 
(with  the  notable  exception  of  Roman 


TORONTO  -  A  day  in  the  lite  at  a  very 
proper  Manhattan  fister,  as  described  in 
The  Body  Politic  s  April  1982  issue,  is 
'  'dull  and  boring  "loan  Ontario  Provin- 
cial Court  judge. 

"Lust  with  a  very  proper  stranger ' ' 
was  not '  'calculated  to  titillate  the  sense 
or  cater  to  prurient  tastes, ' '  Judge 
Thomas  Mercer  wrote  in  late  January, 
explaining  his  November  1  decision  to 
acquit  Pink  Triangle  Press  of  obscenity 
charges.  Evidence  of  TBP's  restricted  cir- 
culation and  its  cover  proclamation  as  '  'a 
magazine  for  gay  liberation ' '  were  also 
relevant,  he  wrote. 

Ontario  Attorney  General  Roy 
McMurtry  told  a  legislative  committee  in 
December  that  he  will  not  appeal  this 
acquittal.  TBP  will  be  in  court  again  in 
April  or  May,  however,  for  the  appeal  of 
the  second  '  'Men  loving  boys  loving 
men"  acquittal.  RSO 


Catholic  St  Michael's  College,  which 
guarded  the  souls  of  its  student  body  by 
refusing  to  show  the  film  Michael,  a  Gay 
Son  (see  TBP,  April  '82).  This  year's 
GLAWK  even  saw  the  programme  ex- 
pand to  include  events  at  the  suburban 
Scarborough  and  Erindale  Colleges. 

Perhaps  the  clearest  indication  of  the 
growing  acceptance  of  gays  and  lesbians 
at  U  of  T  is  the  increase  of  funding 
allotments  to  GLAWK  from  the  univer- 
sity's Students'  Administrative  Council. 
In  1981,  Healey  and  his  co-workers  had 
to  take  their  case  to  the  student  media  to 
wrest  a  barely  adequate  $150  from  the 
council.  By  this  year,  thanks  largely  to 
support  from  apparently  non-gay  stu- 
dent representatives,  the  GLAWK  com- 
mittee came  away  with  a  surprise  $500. 
If  the  trend  continues,  homos  should  be 
hopping  for  a  good  many  years  to  come. 

JimBarlleyD 


IN  COURT 


Court  awards  custody 
to  dyke  grandmother 

VANCOUVER  —  Custody  of  a  two- 
and-a-half-year-old  girl  was  awarded  to 
her  lesbian  grandmother  and  her  grand- 
mother's lover  in  BC  provincial  court 
November  8,  1982,  over  the  objections 
of  her  natural  father. 

Judge  Philip  Collings's  primary  con- 
cern was  for  "the  health  and  emotional 
well-being  of  the  child. ' '  The  court 
noted  that  the  child  appears  to  be  happy 
and  well  adjusted  at  the  moment.  She 
has  been  living  with  her  grandmother, 
38-year-old  Sharon  Storey  of  Quesnel, 
BC,  for  more  than  half  her  life.  Her 
grandmother's  lover  has  also  performed 
many  of  the  day-to-day  mothering  func- 
tions. The  role  of  the  father,  Richard 
Nicholson,  24,  was  basically  that  of  the 
absent  visiting  parent. 

In  the  past,  both  Storey  and 
Nicholson  had  had  difficulty  coping 
with  the  demands  of  parenting.  Ac- 
cording to  Judge  Collings,  however,  the 
grandmother  appears  to  have  learned 
from  her  mistakes. 

It  is  unusual  to  grant  custody  to  a 
non-birth  parent  over  the  wishes  of  a 
birth  parent,  and  even  more  so  consider- 
ing the  matter  of  sexual  orientation.  The 
grandmother's  lesbianism  was  treated  as 
a  negative  factor  by  the  judge.  "Com- 
mon sense  dictates  that  a  child  be 
brought  up  with  a  view  to  the  norms  of 
the  society  in  which  she  resides,"  he 
said.  "Homosexuality  is  not  a  norm  in 
our  society  —  it  is  abnormal." 

His  misgivings  were  apparently  not 
removed  by  a  family  court  counsellor 
who  testified  that,  according  to  books 
he'd  read,  "the  sexual  preference  of  a 
custodial  parent  doesn't  indicate  the  sex- 
ual identity  of  the  child."  Nevertheless, 
the  grandmother's  lesbianism  was  not 
viewed  by  Collings  as  an  overriding 
consideration.  Jackie  Goodwin  D 

Judge  fines  assailant, 
advocates  tolerance 

EDMONTON  —  A  judge  of  the  Provin- 
cial Court  of  Alberta  sentenced  Darrin 
Burke  of  Edmonton,  on  December  10, 
1982,  to  a  $350  fine  or,  in  default,  to  35 
days  in  jail  for  assaulting  a  gay  man. 

The  assault  took  place  last  July,  when 
Grant  Guillet  of  Edmonton  was  walking 
on  McDonald  Drive,  a  popular  cruising 
area,  just  after  midnight. 

Several  hustlers  said  they  had  been 
asaulted  by  Burke  earlier  and  the  police 


16/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


We  want 
a  long-term 
relationship... 


With  you! 


(See  the  back  cover) 


had  been  called.  Although  the  hustlers 
were  able  to  identify  Burke,  the  police 
refused  to  arrest  him  until  Guillet  com- 
plained that  he  too  had  been  assaulted. 

In  sentencing  Burke,  the  judge  said, 
"As  far  as  Ilm  concerned  you  acted  like 
nothing  but  a  hood."  The  judge  then  ac- 
cused Burke  of  making  "trouble  for 
other  people...  simply  because  they're  a 
Httle  bit  different"  and  compared  him  to 
someone  who  would  "kick  a  lame  man 
because  he's  not  the  same  as  you  are." 

In  light  of  incredible  anti-gay 
statements  made  by  provincial  court 
judges  during  bawdyhouse  trials  a  year 
and  a  half  ago,  these  remarks  came  as 
something  of  a  surprise  to  Edmonton's 
gay  community.  To  the  best  knowledge 
of  gay  leaders  here,  this  is  the  first  time 
that  a  queerbasher  has  been  brought  to 
justice. 

For  the  past  two  summers  there  have 
been  numerous  reports  of  assaults  on 
gays  and  hustlers  on  or  near  McDonald 
Drive,  but  police  have  failed  to  take 
action.  Relations  between  gays  and 
Edmonton  police  have  been  poor  since 
the  May  1981  raid  on  the  Pisces  Health 
Spa.  NilsClaussonD 

Cabaret  tear-gassed, 
soldier  faces  chaises 

VICTORIA  —  A  serviceman  from  Cana- 
dian Forces  Base  Work  Point,  near  Vic- 
toria, faces  a  number  of  charges  after 
allegedly  releasing  a  tear  gas  grenade 
December  1 1  in  the  washroom  of  a 
Victoria  gay  bar. 

The  grenade  forced  more  than  100 
Saturday  night  patrons  of  Pal's  Cabaret, 
a  well  known  Victoria  gay  estabUsh- 
ment,  to  crowd  down  a  narrow  stairwell 
into  the  street.  The  gas  made  several 
people  ill,  and  one  had  to  be  treated  by 
paramedics  at  the  scene.  No  one  was 
seriously  injured. 

Brent  Carmichael,  assistant  manager 
at  Pal's,  told  TBP:  "It  was  a  terrorist  ac- 
tivity. The  fire  marshal  has  told  us  the 
grenade  could  easily  have  started  a  fire. 
As  it  was,  it  almost  bHnded  everyone." 
The  suspect,  according  to  Carmichael, 
had  been  noted  previously  at  Pal's  and 
at  another  nearby  gay  bar,  but  had  not 
been  thought  to  be  hostile. 

Since  the  attack,  Pal's  has  "had  really 
good  support"  from  the  gay  commun- 
ity, Carmichael  noted.  "(The  bombing) 
made  people  realize  that  things  can  go  a 
bit  farther  than  usual,  that  it's  a  thin  line 
to  violence  and  terrorism."  It  took  the 
cabaret  staff  several  days  to  ventilate 
residual  gas  from  the  building. 

According  to  a  military  spokesman, 
Trent  David  Dingman,  22,  is  currently 
spending  30  days  in  a  military  prison  in 
Edmonton  for  stealing,  transporting  and 
storing  the  grenade.  His  civilian  trial  is 
scheduled  to  take  place  on  April  22. 

Richard  SummerbellD 

City  prostitution  law 
overturned  by  court 

OTTAWA —  Following  a  recent 
Supreme  Court  of  Canada  ruling  that  a 
Calgary  anti-prostitution  bylaw  is  un- 
constitutional, the  federal  government  is 
being  urged  to  amend  the  Criminal  Code 
so  that  police  forces  can  more  easily 
crack  down  on  prostitutes. 

The  Calgary  bylaw  was  struck  down 
January  25  because  the  city  had  in- 
fringed on  criminal  law  which  is  under 
federal  jurisdiction.  So,  once  again, 
several  municipalities  are  turning  to 
Ottawa  for  help.  They  want  the  Crimin- 


£il  Code  amended  so  that  soliciting  need 
not  be  (as  it  now  must  be)  "pressing  and 
persistent"  to  be  an  offence. 

Justice  minister  Mark  MacGuigan, 
however,  is  reluctant  to  amend  the  Code 
because  he's  not  certain  that  prostitution 
"is  a  national  problem." 

Other  federal  politicians,  including 
Judy  Erola,  the  minister  responsible  for 
the  status  of  women,  are  determined  to 
avoid  changes  in  the  law  that  would 
allow  police  to  arbitrarily  harass  inno- 
cent women  and  men.  The  "pressing 
and  persistent"  qualification  was  de- 
signed to  prevent  this  kind  of  abuse. 

Tory  justice  critic  Ray  Hnatyshyn 
favours  amending  the  Code  and  thinks 
that  MacGuigan  is  "copping-out" 
because  "the  government  doesn't  want 
to  regulate  social  mores." 

If  the  government  is  indeed  shying 
away  from  regulating  morality,  it  seems 
not  unwilling  to  give  that  power  to 
municipalities.  MacGuigan  said  he  is 
seeking  a  way  for  Ottawa  to  delegate  its 
authority  over  some  criminal  law  to  local 
governments.  This  could  mean  empow- 
ering municipalities  to  pass  bylaws  such 
as  the  one  defeated  in  Calgary. 

Meanwhile,  Calgary  prostitutes  are 
sporting  "Yes  We  Can"  buttons,  and  in 
Vancouver  charges  against  300  men  and 
women  laid  under  that  city's  anti-prosti- 
tution bylaw  have  been  dropped.  In 
Toronto  police  continue  their  harass- 
ment of  prostitutes  by  laying  charges  of 
loitering  or  counselling  to  commit  an  in- 
decent act. 

Prostitution  itself  is  not  illegal  in 
Canada.  Danny  CockeriineD 

Accused  "not  guilty" 
in  entrapment  cases 

TORONTO  —  Provincial  Court  judges 
recently  dismissed  charges  laid  against 
two  gay  men  netted  in  police  entrapment 
operations. 

Both  men  were  arrested  last  summer 
in  Etobicoke's  Marie  Curtis  Park  by 
plainclothes  officers  posing  as  gay  men, 
and  were  charged  with  indecent  assault. 
One  of  the  men  was  further  charged  with 


committing  an  indecent  act. 

In  the  first  case  the  Crown  alleged  that 
the  defendant  had  approached  a  plain- 
clothes officer  and  asked  him  to  come  to 
a  more  secluded  area  of  the  park.  There, 
the  Crown  claimed,  the  man  began  to 
masturbate  himself  and  groped  the  offi- 
cer. At  this  point  the  arrest  took  place. 

While  he  accepted  the  Crown's  evi- 
dence at  face  value,  Judge  J  J  Belo- 
bradic  dismissed  the  indecent  assault 
charge.  He  concluded  that  the  accused 
"held  a  mistaken  belief"  that  the  officer 
also  was  looking  for  "what  may  be  call- 
ed a  homosexual  encounter."  An  essen- 
tial part  of  the  charge  of  indecent  assault 
is  intent  to  carry  out  the  act  "either 
knowing  the  complainant  does  not  con- 
sent or  recklessly  not  caring  whether 
there  is  consent  or  not,"  he  ruled. 

The  charge  that  the  accused  "did 
wilfully  commit  an  indecent  act,  to  wit 
expose  his  private  parts  in  a  public  place 
in  the  presence  of  one  or  more  persons," 
fared  no  better.  The  judge  ruled,  "There 
must  be  at  least  a  reasonable  doubt  as  to 
whether  the  accused  thought  the  com- 
plainant was  participating."  He  added, 
"If  the  complainant  acts  in  such  a  way 
as  to  induce  the  accused  to  believe  erro- 
neously that  the  complainant  is  partici- 
pating... the  complainant  ought  not  to 
be  treated  as  a  'person'  within  the  mean- 
ing of  Section  169  (of  the  Criminal 
Code)." 

On  November  29,  1982,  Provincial 
Court  Judge  V  A  Lampkin  similarly  dis- 
missed a  charge  of  indecent  assault 
against  another  man  who,  the  Crown 
alleged,  had  grabbed  a  police  officer's 
crotch.  Evidence  before  the  court  was 
that  the  officer,  dressed  in  casual 
clothes,  had  been  walking  back  and 
forth  in  the  park  and  glancing  at  the 
accused  before  the  "assault"  took  place. 
The  officer  testified  that  his  repeated 
glances  were  only  for  the  purpose  of 
observing  the  accused.  The  accused  had 
reached  a  different  conclusion. 

Lampkin  ruled  that,  given  the  area's 
reputation  as  "a  known  homosexual 
park"  and  the  officer's  behaviour,  the 
accused's  conclusion  that  the  officer  was 
cruising  him,  was  "an  honest  belief  that 
there  was  consent. ' ' 


Both  cases  illustrate  that  when  the 
police  resort  to  entrapment  to  make 
arrests,  there  are  legal  pitfalls  for  the 
police,  as  well  as  certain  defences  for 
their  victims. 

Recent  reports  reaching  TBP  indicate 
that  there  has  been  an  upsurge  of 
entrapment-related  arrests  by  police  in 
the  third-floor  washroom  at  the  Yonge 
and  Bloor  Hudson's  Bay  Company 
store.  Patrons  using  the  Bay  facilities  are 
urgedtobewary.  BillLoosD 


LABOUR 


Bathhouse  woilters 
form  Iandmai1(  union 

TORONTO  —  The  Roman's  II  Health 
Spa  has  become  the  first  of  the  city's 
gay-run  bars  and  baths  to  be  unionized. 
Union  reps  sat  down  with  management 
February  10  to  begin  negotiations  for 
the  staff's  first  collective  agreement. 

The  man  responsible  for  convincing 
workers  to  organize  was  Darryl 
Arsenault.  Roman's  owners  Jayne  and 
Robert  Taylor  chose  to  dispense  with  the 
usual  Labour  Relations  Board  hearing 
and  agreed  to  certification. 

Employees  now  belong  to  Local  725 
of  the  United  Food  and  Commercial 
Workers  and  Arsenault,  chosen  by  staff 
to  represent  them  at  negotiations,  imme- 
diately became  the  union's  first  test  case. 
He  was  abruptly  fired  after  he  could  not 
return  to  work  at  the  end  of  a  short 
medical  leave  of  absence  for  a  back 
injury  sustained  while  lifting  loads  of 
towels  in  the  establishment's  laundry. 

At  a  complaint  hearing  February  2,  a 
Labour  Relations  Board  chairman  urged 
the  two  sides  of  the  dispute  to  settle 
immediately  outside  of  arbitration. 
Later  the  same  day,  the  Roman's  agreed 
to  rehire  Arsenault  as  soon  as  he  was 
able  to  return  to  work. 

The  Roman's  lawyer  at  the  hearing 
was  a  partner  in  the  law  office  of  Donald 
J  McKillop,  considered  in  labour  circles 
to  be  one  of  the  city's  half-dozen  anti- 
union legal  firms.  EJD 


Red  Cross:  resisting  AIDS  panic 


TORONTO  —  The  Canadian  Red  Cross 
Society,  the  agency  responsible  for  virtu- 
ally all  blood  collection  in  this  country, 
has  resisted  pressure  from  at  least  one 
anti-gay  organization  to  ban  blood  dona- 
tions from  homosexuals.  The  Red  Cross 
has  opted  for  the  same  cautious  policies 
as  its  American  counterpart  in  the  face  of 
rising  concern  about  diseases  transmitted 
by  blood  transfusion. 

Three  of  the  largest  blood-banking 
a.ssociations  in  the  United  States  issued  a 
joint  policy  statement  in  January  that 
said  questions  about  a  person's  sexual 
orientation  would  be  "inappropriate" 
and  "ineffective"  in  eliminating  donors 
with  the  acquired  immune-deficiency  syn- 
drome (AIDS)  symptoms. 

"We  go  along  with  the  joint  statement 
made  in  the  US,  "  said  Dr  Derrick.  "The 
evidence  is  not  conclusive  enough  for  us 
to  change  our  blood-collection  patterns. 
We  are  not  taking  any  precipitous 
action."  He  added  that  the  Red  Cross 
was  concerned  about  the  privacy  rights  of 
donors  as  it  was  about  the  health  risk  to 
recipients. 

Meanwhile,  a  Toronto-based  anti-gay 
group  called  Positive  Parents  has  asked 
that  all  homosexuals  "refrain  from 
donating  blood  until  a  cure  for  AIDS  is 


found." 

Flyers  produced  by  Positive  Parents 
began  to  appear  in  the  city  in  early 
February.  Despite  a  complete  lack  of 
medical  evidence  to  support  their  claims, 
the  flyers  confidently  assert  that 
homosexuals  are  the  major  carriers  of 
AIDS,  and  that  aids  is  transmissible 
through  blood  transfusions.  Positive 
Parents  chairman  Stew  Newton  told  TBP 
the  flyers,  headlined  "Are  you  aware?", 
have  been  distributed  to  medical  staff  in 
every  hospital  in  the  city  and  at  several 
downtown  street  corners. 

Newton  has  also  written  to  federal  and 
provincial  health  ministers  and  other 
medical  officials  calling  for  an  inspection 
programme  to  test  employees  of  "all 
known  homosexually  operated  businesses 
of  a  public  nature,  such  as  Crispins 
Restaurant  and  the  St  Charles  Tavern"  in 
order  to  "determine  if  they  are  AIDS 
carriers."  The  flyers  request  that  "all 
known  homosexual  encounter  centres 
such  as  bawdy  bathhouses  be  shut  down 
at  once  and  that  all  known  homosexual 
dining  and  drinking  establishments 
display  notices  warning  patrons  of  the 
danger  of  AIDS  contamination." 

Newton  said  that  so  far  health 
authorities  have  been  unwilling  to  take  up 


his  suggestions  because  they  would  be 
"socially  unpopular,"  but  he  hopes  his 
campaign  will  "get  them  off  their  butts." 
Unlike  the  entire  medical  profession  at 
the  moment,  Newton  claims  to  have 
documentation  proving  AIDS  is  caused  by 
a  virus  and  that  homosexuals  are  its 
major  carriers. 

Dr  Derrick  said  that  if  evidence  eventu- 
ally became  clear  that  blood  transfusions 
and  AIDS  transmission  are  related,  it 
would  be  necessary  to  institute  stricter 
screening  of  blood  donors.  At  such  time, 
the  Red  Cross  would  follow  the  stated 
American  policy  of  going  to  leaders  of 
the  gay  community  for  help  in  conveying 
information  to  potential  donors. 

The  Red  Cross  as  well  as  the  Canadian 
Hemophilia  Society  are  currently 
involved  in  the  design  of  a  collaborative 
study  of  gay  men  and  hemophiliacs  which 
will  investigate  the  causes  of  AIDS.  The 
nine-person  team,  which  also  includes 
experts  in  infectious  diseases,  cancer 
research  and  epidemiology,  is  currently 
preparing  grant  applications  for  funds  to 
conduct  a  three-year-long  formal  study  in 
the  Toronto  area. 

According  to  Dr  Gordon  Jessamine, 
Chief  of  Field  Epidemiology  of  Health 
and  Welfare  in  Ottawa,  as  of  February  7 
there  were  26  cases  with  AIDS-likc  symp- 
toms reported  in  Canada,  of  which  16  arc 
gay  men.  Ten  of  the  16  have  died. 

F.d  Jackson [  J 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/17 


'  We  aren  't  Calgary,  and  we  sure  aren  't  Montreal. ' '  Fay  Orr  reports. 

Out  of  the  shadows  in  Red  Deer 


Halfway  between  Edmonton  and 
Calgary,  Red  Deer  boasts  a  popu- 
lation of  48,562  and  winter  tem- 
peratures that  can  dip  to  -40° 
Celsius.  Reliant  upon  the  oil  and 
gas  industry,  along  with  some  agricul- 
ture and  mining,  Red  Deer  is  quiet,  con- 
servative, a  true  central  Alberta  city,  the 
kind  unrenowned  for  its  tolerance  of 
gays  and  lesbians. 

But  the  gays  and  lesbians  are  there, 
working  in  the  post  offices,  in  the  local 
television  stations,  in  the  hospitals  and 
in  the  schools.  They  grow  up  in  smaller 
cities  like  Red  Deer.  Or  they  move  there 
to  take  jobs.  And  many  of  them  stay, 
sometimes  feeling  sad  and  lonely,  often 
living  quietly  with  a  lover  and  sometimes 
forging  social  and  informational  gay 
organizations. 

To  a  visitor  from  San  Francisco  or 
Vancouver,  "small  town  gays"  may 
seem  hopelessly  paranoid  and  closeted. 
But,  although  gay  hberation  may  never 
be  more  visible  than  a  one-line  advertise- 
ment in  the  personal  column  of  the  local 
newspaper,  it  takes  guts  to  form  a  gay 
community  in  a  place  like  Red  Deer. 

Shauna  Day,  23,  was  born  and  raised 
in  Red  Deer.  She  knew  she  was  a  lesbian 
from  an  early  age,  but  had  no  idea  what 
she  could  possibly  do  about  it.  "It  was 
sort  of  like  having  a  car  and  not  know- 
ing how  to  drive,"  she  says. 

Two  years  ago  Shauna  discovered  the 
existence  of  the  Gay  Association  of  Red 
Deer  (CARD)  from  the  local  newspaper. 
Her  hands  shook  as  she  read  the  one 
page  story  about  GARD's  attempts  to 
reach  out  to  the  city's  gays. 

Accustomed  to  believing  pitchfork- 
waving  farmers  would  chase  after  her 
should  she  dare  reveal  her  sexual  prefer- 
ence, Shauna,  fearful  and  skeptical, 
wrote  CARD  a  letter: 

Above  all  I  sincerely  hope  this  is  not  a 
cruel  joke  to  be  played  on  a  great  many 
scared  people  like  me.  I  can  barely  put 
into  words  the  emotions  that  played 
across  my  mind  when  I  saw  your  article  in 
the  newspaper  and,  although  I  am  still 
very  apprehensive,  I  have  decided  to  give 
it  a  shot. 

CARD  wrote  to  Shauna,  who  still  lived 
with  her  parents,  offering  her  a  phone 
number  to  call  for  more  information. 
"When  I  saw  the  letter,  I  was  too  scared 
to  write  down  the  number,"  she  recalls. 
"I  memorized  it  and  went  to  a  phone 
booth  to  make  the  call." 

The  phone  call  resulted  in  an  invita- 
tion to  a  dance  where  Shauna  met 
27-year-old  Gail  Turner.  Gail,  who  also 
learned  of  CARD  through  a  newspaper 
ad,  caught  her  eye  early  on  in  the  even- 
ing (something  Shauna  attributes  to  the 
massive  belt  buckle  inscribed  "EAT  ME" 
that  Gail  wore)  and  the  two  have  been 
together  ever  since. 

"Even  if  GARD  closes,  we'll  keep  that 
ad  going,  just  to  let  the  public  know  the 
faggots  are  still  here,"  say  organizers  Cin- 
dy Neufeld,  24,  and  Doug  Heichert,  32. 

Cindy,  Doug,  their  lovers,  and  Gail 
and  Shauna  are  the  main  organizers 
now.  Cindy,  who  has  collected  news- 
paper and  magazine  clippings  about 
homosexuality  since  she  was  a  12-year- 
old  growing  up  in  Brandon,  Manitoba, 
moved  to  Red  Deer  with  her  lover  in 
1980.  That  was  two  years  after  GARD's 


Gutsy  group:  on  GARD  for  the  tiidden  gay  people  in  ttie  small  towns  of  Alberta 


initial  formation  and,  unhappily  for  the 
couple,  just  a  few  months  after  the 
original  group  folded.  The  organization 
had  become  a  dating  service  and  mem- 
bers feared  a  lack  of  confidentiality 
when  it  was  rumoured  that  someone 
without  authorization  was  opening  mail 
sent  to  a  box  at  a  local  "bargain  hunter" 
style  newspaper. 

Undaunted  (the  two  were  desperate  to 
find  new  friends),  Cindy  and  her  lover 
used  the  defunct  GARD's  mailing  list  to 
get  in  touch  with  Red  Deer  lesbians  and 
gays.  They  also  left  their  home  phone 
number  as  a  contact  with  gay  informa- 
tion services  in  Calgary  and  Edmonton. 
They  then  tried  to  advertise  in  the  town's 
two  newspapers.  Their  ad  stated  simply: 
"Gay  Association  of  Red  Deer,  PO  Box 
356."  The  bargain  hunter  paper  ran  the 
ad,  as  it  had  for  the  old  GARD,  but 
cancelled  it  abruptly  after  18  months. 
When  pressed  for  an  explanation,  all  the 
newspaper  officials  would  reply  was, 
"We  can  cancel  any  ad  at  any  time." 

The  Red  Deer  Advocate  initially 
refused  even  to  look  at  the  ad.  Cindy 
says  she  was  told,  "This  is  a  family 
newspaper.  We  don't  run  ads  of  this 
nature." 

Cindy  wrote  to  the  paper's  editor, 
who  responded  by  inviting  her  in  for  a 
couple  of  interviews  that  resulted  in  one 
short  article  and  a  one  page-long 
feature.  He  also  told  Cindy  to  come  and 
see  him  if  she  had  any  more  problems 
placing  her  ad.  In  1982  the  Advocate  ran 
two  more  stories,  one  about  GARD  and 
one  about  the  results  of  a  gay-attitudes 
survey  Gail  conducted  in  a  shopping 
mall  for  her  college  sociology  class.  (The 
survey  was  fairly  positive  and  Gail 
reports  that  most  reactions  to  her  and 
Shauna  were  good,  although  one  man 
said,  "If  I  had  a  gun,  I'd  shoot  them  all 
(gays).") 

GARD  continues  to  run  its  Advocate 
ad  from  Wednesday  to  Saturday  each 
week  for  an  $18.60  monthly  rate.  Pla- 
cing the  ad  has  meant  a  true  coming-out 
for  both  Cindy  and  Doug,  who  take 


turns  each  month  visiting  the  Advocate 
office,  dressed  in  their  Sunday  best,  to 
pay  their  account.  It's  also  been  an 
education  for  the  women  who  take  the 
cash  over  the  counter. 

"They  were  so  nervous  at  first,"  says 
Cindy,  "you  could  see  their  hands  shake 
as  they  tried  to  avoid  touching  me  when 
they  took  my  money.  The  number  of 
times  I  got  back  extra  change!"  But 
now,  says  Doug  (who  dresses  up  be- 
cause, "If  they're  going  to  have  any- 
thing to  say  about  gays,  it's  going  to  be 
positive"),  the  women  are  relaxed  and 
friendly. 

GARD  has  grown  since  its  1980  revival 
from  two  to  100  members.  It  holds 
monthly  social  events,  ranging  from 
dances  to  sleigh  rides  to  country  camp- 
outs.  It  produces  a  monthly  newsletter, 
sends  speakers  to  Red  Deer  College  and 
is  contemplating  becoming  a  proper 
society  under  the  Alberta  Societies'  Act. 
The  group  also  ran  a  7  pm  to  10  pm 
nightly  phoneline  for  a  few  months,  but 
stopped  it  because  it  was  too  expensive 
to  maintain  and  because  there  were  too 
many  prank  calls. 

GARD  is  now  at  another  crossroads. 
Recently  Doug  and  his  lover,  Bruce 
Marchand,  23,  mailed  out  82  surveys 
asking  what  course  supporters  wished 
the  organization  to  take.  The  survey 
asked  questions  like  "Should  we  charge 
a  membership  fee?"  and  "Should  we 
become  more  active?"  In  late  January, 
36  members  turned  out  for  a  two-hour 
meeting  to  discuss  the  future  of  the 
organization.  Basically,  the  six  main 
organizers  were  tired  and  wanted  help. 
But  they  say  it's  hard  to  find  others  will- 
ing to  donate  time,  although  plenty, 
about  70  at  each  of  the  five  dances  held 
in  the  last  two  years,  are  willing  to  sup- 
port social  activities. 

"Our  apartment  has  become  Grand 
Central  Station,"  laments  Doug.  "We've 
a  spare  bed  that  we  have  to  get  rid  of 
because  too  many  people  use  it  to  crash." 

"You  just  can't  let  people  know  where 
you  live,"  warns  Cindy.  For  Cindy, 


Doug,  their  lovers  and  Shauna  and  Gail, 
maintaining  GARD  has  become  a  full- 
time  job.  Unable  to  afford  an  office,  they 
must  work  from  their  homes,  using  home 
phone  numbers.  It's  common  to  get  2  am 
phone  calls  from  lonely  gays.  But  not  all 
the  calls  and  the  letters  to  the  GARD  box 
number  come  from  gay  people  wanting  to 
connect  with  a  conununity. 

Many  inquiries  however  turn  out  to  be 
nasty  pranks  from  gay-haters  or  mis- 
taken calls  from  desperate  closet  cases 
who  call  hoping  to  arrange  for  quick 
sex.  And  there  are  the  calls  from  straight 
small  town  Albertans  who  are  also  lone- 
ly and  who  know  a  different  meaning 
for  the  word  "gay." 

"Once  I  got  a  letter  from  a  56-year- 
old  farmer,"  remembers  Doug.  "I 
called  him  and,  after  speaking  for  a 
while,  I  became  unsure  he  was  gay.  So  I 
asked  him  if  he'd  ever  had  any  gay  ex- 
periences. He  said  sure,  he'd  picked  up 
lots  of  girls  in  Calgary.  It  turns  out  he 
thought  gay  simply  meant  'happy.'  He 
thought  we  were  a  happy  group." 

Fear  of  pranksters  crashing  social 
events  has  led  organizers  to  behave  in 
near  mysterious  ways.  Those  who  res- 
pond to  the  ad  are  written  back  to  and 
invited  to  call  a  number.  Only  after 
some  conversation  will  GARD  dispense 
more  information.  Sometimes  Cindy  or 
one  of  the  other  organizers  will  arrange 
to  meet  the  newcomer  in  a  local  coffee 
shop. 

Although  the  organizers  are  "out"  to 
friends,  some  family  members  and  co- 
workers, none  is  willing  to  go  so  public 
as  to  appear  on  television  or  radio, 
although  they  have  been  invited.  In  local 
newspaper  stories,  false  names  are  used. 

"Sometimes  you  can  do  more  good  in 
the  community  by  not  being  known," 
says  Cindy.  "A  just-coming-out  gay  per- 
son might  be  nervous  being  seen  with 
you  in  a  public  place  if  everyone  in  town 
knows  you're  gay." 

There  are  many  other  closeted  aspects 
to  GARD.  Dances  are  held  a  half-hour's 
drive  from  the  city  because  half  the 
members  are  too  frightened  to  attend  a 
gay  function  within  city  limits.  The 
dance  hall  is  booked  under  the  title  "The 
Newcomers'  Club." 

Cindy,  who  maintains  a  small  archive 
comprising  photo  albums  and  a  seven- 
page  typed  history  of  the  group,  says 
gays  new  to  Red  Deer  who  are  from 
large  cities  find  its  hesitation  to  give  out 
gay  information  and  its  underground 
procedures  strange.  "One  woman  wrote 
to  us  that  she  could  hardly  believe  our  ad 
because,  if  there  was  an  active  gay  com- 
munity in  Red  Deer,  it  certainly  hid  itself 
well.  But  we  have  lived  here  and  we  have 
learned  by  trial  and  error.  We  know 
what  works  best.  We  aren't  Calgary  and 
we  sure  aren't  Montreal." 

It  takes  time,  money,  effort  and  cour- 
age to  be  a  small  city  gay  liberationist. 
The  goals  are  pretty  basic  —  find  out 
who  the  other  gays  in  town  are  and  get 
together  —  not  so  much  to  educate,  but 
just  to  dance  and  share  a  coffee. 

The  accomplishments  are  generally 
very  personal.  Doug  remembers  the  time 
a  33-year-old  eilcoholic  married  man 
came  up  to  him  at  a  dance  and  hugged 
him,  saying,  "Thanks,  you  guys.  I  can 
finally  accept  myself  as  a  gay  man."D 


ISH'HE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


"Dump  Dianne"  movement  grows  as  mayor  rejects  domestic-partners  bill 

Feinstein  veto  draws  fire  in  SF 


SAN  FRANCISCO  —  Mayor  Di- 
anne Feinstein  vetoed  this  city's 
proposed  "domestic-partners" 
bill  December  9,  provoking  an 
angry  reaction  in  the  gay  com- 
munity. Mayor  Feinstein  now  must  face 
a  special  recall  vote  April  26. 

The  domestic-partners  bill  was  intro- 
duced by  Supervisor  Harry  Britt  and  ap- 
proved by  the  board  of  supervisors  in  an 
8-to-3  vote  November  22.  The  legislation 
would  have  allowed  gay  and  unmarried 
non-gay  couples  to  declare  themselves 
domestic  partners  and  receive  the  same 
benefits  and  rights  now  received  by 
spouses. 

Feinstein's  original  reasons  for  veto- 
ing the  bill  were  that  it  was  vague  and 
unclear,  that  it  was  divisive  and  that  it 
would  result  in  higher  insurance  premi- 
ums for  city  employees.  However,  in  a 
January  26  meeting  she  told  gay  and  les- 
bian community  representatives  that  she 
would  oppose  a  second  revised  version 
of  the  bill  and  would  in  no  way,  shape  or 
form  put  her  signature  to  any  legislation 
that  mimicked  a  marriage  certificate. 
The  mayor's  decision  was  apparently  in- 
fluenced by  a  letter  from  Catholic  Arch- 
bishop John  R  Quinn,  who  claimed  that 
the  bill  was  "offensive  and  severely  in- 
imical to  marriage  and  the  family,  which 
are  the  foundation  of  society." 

Even  those  in  the  gay  community  who 
usually  support  Feinstein  joined  in  the 
criticism.  Reverend  Jim  Sandmireof  the 
Golden  Gate  Metropolitan  Community 
Church  said  he  and  others  had  support- 
ed the  mayor  and  excused  other  decisions 
she  had  made,  but  "there  is  no  excuse 
for  this."  Five  hundred  demonstrators 
gathered  in  front  of  City  Hall  on  the  day 
of  Feinstein's  announcement,  shouting 
"Dump  Dianne."  Feinstein's  invitation 
to  speak  at  a  fundraising  benefit  for  the 
Human  Rights  Campaign  Fund  in  Hous- 
ton, Texas  was  abruptly  cancelled  by 
organizers. 

Feinstein  faces  a  recall  vote  April  26 
after  a  petition  of  35,000  names  was 
presented  by  a  group  calling  itself  the 
White  Panthers.  The  Panthers  have  been 
organizing  to  oppose  the  mayor's  gun- 


control  law  for  several  months.  Thou- 
sands of  gay  people  apparently  signed 
the  Panthers'  petition  in  late  December 
to  express  their  anger  at  the  mayor's 
veto  of  the  domestic-partners  bill. 

The  city's  gay  political  leaders  seem  to 
be  divided  on  the  recall  effort.  Many  are 
worried  about  uniting  with  the  right- 
wing  gun  lobby,  even  though  disgusted 
by  Feinstein's  veto.  Others  feel  a  strong 
vote  of  non-confidence  in  the  mayor 
might  encourage  a  more  progressive  can- 
didate to  challenge  her  in  the  regular 
elections  next  November.  D 

AIDS  funds  approved; 
new  scare  over  blood 

WASHINGTON  DC  —The  US  Con- 
gress has  approved  a  $2-million  package 
for  research  into  Acquired  Immune  De- 
ficiency Syndrome.  AIDS  has  stricken 
nearly  1,000  people  across  the  United 
States  during  the  past  three  years,  and 
75%  of  the  victims  have  been  gay  men. 
Now  a  new  controversy  over  the  danger 
of  blood  donations  from  "high-risk 
groups"  has  made  front-page  headlines. 
The  $2-million  funding  bill,  which  be- 
came law  December  21,  was  a  compro- 
mise between  a  $2.6-million  measure  ap- 
proved by  the  House  of  Representatives 
and  a  $1.5-million  bill  approved  by  the 
Senate.  The  bill  was  the  result  of  intense 


lobbying  by  gay  groups,  who  expressed 
satisfaction  that  Congress  had  finally 
taken  note  of  AIDS  as  a  serious  health 
problem. 

The  AIDS  scare  took  a  new  twist  late 
in  December  after  it  was  reported  that  a 
baby  had  contracted  the  ailment,  possib- 
ly through  blood  transfusions  from  a 
man  who  subsequently  died  of  AIDS. 
Nine  hemophiliacs  who  receive  regular 
blood  transfusions  have  also  developed 
the  syndrome.  Hemophiliacs  are  at  high 
risk  because  the  blood  product  they  re- 
ceive is  produced  by  concentrating  ex- 
tracts from  blood  taken  from  more  than 
a  thousand  donors. 

A  joint  statement  by  the  American 
Red  Cross,  the  American  Association  of 
Blood  Banks  and  the  Council  of  Com- 
munity Blood  Centers  January  14  reject- 
ed a  call  to  ban  blood  donations  from 
high-risk  groups  —  gay  men,  Haitian 
immigrants  and  intravenous-drug  abus- 
ers. The  statement  declared  that  "direct 
or  indirect  questions  about  a  donor's 
sexual  preference  are  inappropriate  and 
ineffective  in  eliminating  those  donors 
who  may  carry  AIDS." 

In  spite  of  that  statement,  the  Nation- 
al Hemophilia  Foundation  issued  a 
statement  January  17  calling  on  manu- 
facturers of  blood  products  to  refuse 
blood  donations  from  gay  men  and  to 
identify  potential  gay  male  donors 
through  direct  questioning.  In  the  face 
of  criticism  from  gay  leaders,  Alan  P 


Brownstein,  executive  director  of  the 
foundation,  agreed  that  the  statement 
could  have  a  detrimental  impact  on  the 
gay  community.  "On  hindsight  I  think 
we  might  have  focused  better  on  precise 
wording  to  avoid  confusion  or  misinter- 
pretation," he  said. 

There  is  still  no  definitive  proof  that 
AIDS  can  be  transmitted  through  blood 
transfusions. 

In  New  York,  Gay  Men's  Health  Cri- 
sis Incorporated,  which  provides  infor- 
mation on  AIDS  and  counselling  and  pa- 
tient services  to  AIDS  victims,  has  rented 
the  Ringling  Brothers  Barnum  and 
Bailey  Circus  and  Madison  Square  Gar- 
dens for  a  special  benefit  performance 
April  30.  The  group,  which  has  more 
than  300  volunteers,  is  seeking  to  raise  at 
least  $150,000  to  help  carry  on  its  work. 

Governor  Thomas  H  Kean  of  New 
Jersey  issued  a  proclamation  January  3 
declaring  February  1983  AIDS  Aware- 
ness Month.  There  were  52  cases  of 
AIDS  reported  in  New  Jersey  as  of 
December  1,  1982.  Several  educational 
events  are  planned  for  the  month  and 
clinics  for  screening  and  testing  of  AIDS 
cases  have  been  set  up.  New  Jersey  Gay 
Coalition  president  Allen  Kratz  said  the 
declaration  will  "let  people  know  about 
AIDS  and  understand  as  much  as  is 
known  about  it.  It's  a  good  lesson  in 
how  the  gay  community  and  federal  and 
state  health  officials  can  work 
toaether."n 


Media  madness  for  the  holidays 


The  North  American  Man-Boy  Love 
Association  (NAMBLA)  was  splashed 
across  the  front  pages  of  US  east  coast 
tabloids  just  before  Christmas,  and  even 
received  a  full-page  denunciation  in  the 
January  17  issue  of  Time,  as  police  and  FBI 
agents  swept  down  on  members'  homes. 
The  sensational  media  event  was  the  big- 
gest "gay  sex  scandal"  since  the  Washing- 
ton press  invented  a  Congressional  page- 
boy sex  ring  to  pick  things  up  over  last 
summer's  news  doldrums.  The  NAMBLA 
hysteria  seemed  tailored 
for  the  Christmas 
market. 


Three  NAMBLA  members  were  arrested 
with  two  boys  at  a  cottage  in  Wareham, 
Massachusetts,  near  Cape  Cod,  and 
charged  with  indecent  assault  and  kidnap- 
ping December  3.  Police  carted  away  a 
large  stash  of  pornography  and  went  to  the 
media. 

The  Boston  Herald  American  echoed 
police  sources  calling  NAMBLA  "a  highly 
organized  group  of  men  with  a  single  pur- 
pose —  sex,"  and  a  "bizarre  international 
man-boy  sex  club."  In  a  December  7  arti- 
cle under  the  headline,  "Sex  Ring  Recruit- 
ed with  Gifts,  Literature  Defends  Homo- 
sexuality," the  Herald  went  on,  "Thou- 


sands of  boys,  some  no  more  than  eight  or 
nine  years  old,  were  lured  into  friendships 
by  gift-giving  men  who  eventually  seduced 
and  often  photographed  them,  police 
sources  said  yesterday." 

The  real  hysteria  was  yet  to  come.  Just 
before  Christmas  a  police  press  conference 
announced  that  a  photograph  found  in  the 
December  3  raid  was  that  of  Etan  Patz,  a 
six-year-old  who  disappeared  from  New 
York's  SoHo  district  in  1979.  "We're  95% 
sure  it's  him,"  said  Detective  Jack  Russell 
of  the  Wareham  police. 

"Did  Sex  Club  Trap  This  Boy?"  asked 
the  December  20  Herald.  "In  the  name  of 
what  twisted  idea  of  sexual  freedom  can 
anyone  justify  as  'benevolent'  the  crim- 
inal taking  of  a  first-grade  boy  from  his 
coniiniied  on  page  21 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/19 


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Momher:    Toront(»    Lambda    Business  Council 

.(2) 


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Toronto 

961-4740 


LicensMi  under  LLBO 


Dr.  WiUem  H.  Otto 

CLINICAL  PSYCHOLOGIST 


Private  practice  in  individual,  couple 

and  family  therapy  at  44  Jackes  Avenue 

(Yonge  and  St.  Clair  area), 

Toronto,  Ontario  M4T  1E5. 

Free  consultation. 

Confidentiality  guaranteed. 
Telephone  962-5328. 


Royal  court  bumps 
would-be  counsellor 

AMSTERDAM  —  Not  to  be  outdone  by 
the  British,  the  Dutch  royal  court  has 
produced  its  very  own  gay  scandal. 

An  applicant  for  the  post  of  staff 
counsellor  at  the  royal  court  was  re- 
jected at  the  very  last  stage  of  the  hiring 
process  on  the  grounds  of  his  homosex- 
uality last  November.  The  applicant  had 
passed  five  interviews  and  was  selected 
for  the  post  when  a  routine  security 
check  turned  up  his  homosexuality. 

The  Dutch  gay  organization  COC  de- 
manded an  explanation  from  the  prime 
minister,  who  replied  that  although  he 
felt  the  situation  was  unsatisfactory,  this 
was  an  "exceptional  circumstance."  The 
head  of  the  Dutch  government  informa- 
tion service  explained  that  since  a  staff 
counsellor  would  have  to  deal  with  fami- 
lies, a  homosexual  could  not  be  "first 
choice.  One  doesn't  appoint  a  Moslem 
to  solve  problems  among  Christians." 

Meanwhile,  the  Dutch  secretary  of 
defence  has  agreed  to  a  request  from  the 
country's  army  union  to  permit  soldiers 
to  wear  earrings,  despite  protests  by  offi- 
cers that  such  jewelry  might  become  en- 
tangled in  machinery.  A  defence  depart- 
ment official  described  the  move  as  a 
matter  of  emancipation  for  both  men 
and  women.  Previously  earrings  had 
been  banned  in  the  army,  regardless  of 
the  sex  of  the  wearer.  D 

Appeal  squashes 
Decision  of  Worms 

MAINZ  —  In  a  November  19  ruling,  an 
appeals  court  in  this  German  city  over- 
ruled the  decision  of  a  local  magistrate  in 
Worms  who  found  that  a  contract  be- 
tween homosexuals  was  void  on  the 
grounds  that  "morally  repulsive"  beha- 
viour had  been  involved  (see  TBP, 
December  '82).  The  German  gay  press 
had  described  the  magistrate's  decision 
as  "unprecedented  homophobia." 

The  appeals-court  decision  found  that 
changes  in  public  opinion  and  law  reform 
decriminalizing  homosexual  activity 
could  not  be  deemed  irrelevant  to  civil 
law.  The  contract  between  the  gay  men  in 
question  was  therefore  declared  valid. 

In  another  case  that  will  be  of  signifi- 
cance to  many  lesbians  and  gay  men,  the 
provincial  supreme  court  of  Hamm  af- 
firmed the  right  of  tenants  to  share 
private  apartments  with  whomever  they 
wished,  regardless  of  gender  and  of 
whether  sex  was  taking  place.  The  deci- 
sion challenges  a  long  tradition  that 
allowed  landlords  to  supervise  the 
morals  of  their  tenants,  and  evict  tenants 
who  were  found  wanting.  The  practice 
had  often  been  used  to  evict  gay  people 
and  unmarried  heterosexuals.  D 

Mexican  president 
revol(es  anti-pom  law 

MEXICO  — The  new  Mexican  presi- 
dent, Miguel  de  la  Madrid  Hurtado, 
elected  on  a  platform  of  "Moral 
Renovation  of  Society,"  has  been  forced 
to  revoke  an  anti-pornogrphy  decree 
proclaimed  by  his  predecessor,  Jose 
Lopez  Portillo,  after  public  protest,  but 
there  seems  to  be  a  continuing  swing  to 
the  right  by  the  Mexican  government  on 
moral  issues. 

Portillo's  "Regulation  of  Obscene 
Publications  and  Objects"  proscribed 


all  forms  of  media  that  would  incite  "in- 
directly or  through  means  of  double 
entendre,  acts  that  would  be  contrary  to 
good  customs  or  to  morality  or  which 
could  foment  or  induce  vices,"  portray 
"sexual  perversion"  or  "contain  semi- 
nudes,  complete  nudes  or  show  pubic 
hair."  The  decree  generated  a  storm  of 
protest  from  the  publishing  industry  and 
progressive  groups,  including  represen- 
tatives from  the  lesbian  group  Oikabeth, 
from  Mexico  City's  Grupo  Lambda  and 
from  gay  collectives  outside  the  capital 
who  condemned  it  as  "fascistic."  Mex- 
ican feminists  also  widely  condemned 
the  law  as  a  threat  to  freedom  of 
expression. 

The  new  president  is  expected  to  intro- 
duce his  own  proposals  concerning  ob- 
scenity later  this  year.  Meanwhile  the 
new  climate  of  moral  purity  has  pro- 
duced an  increase  of  police  harassment 
of  customers  of  gay  night  spots  in  Mex- 
ico City.  D 

French  court  rejects 
action  against  bishop 

STRASBOURG  —The  Strasbourg  Cor- 
rectional Court  refused  to  hear  a  legal 
complaint  by  the  Parisian  group  Ren- 
contre des  homosexualites  en  Isle-de- 
France  (RHIF)  against  the  Bishop  of 
Strasbourg,  Monseigneur  Leon  Arthur 
Elchinger,  November  30,  claiming  that 
the  bishop's  anti-gay  remarks  had  not 
been  directed  against  any  identifiable 
person. 

The  complaint  was  the  result  of  the 
bishop's  last-minute  withdrawal  of 
church  facilities,  which  had  been  booked 
by  the  International  Gay  Association  to 
accommodate  its  mid-year  conference  in 
April  1982.  Conference  delegates  were 
forced  to  seek  shelter  in  hastily  erected 
army  tents.  In  a  subsequent  press  confer- 
ence. Bishop  Elchinger  told  the  media,  "I 
respect  homosexuals  just  as  I  respect  the 
sick.  But  if  they  wish  to  pass  off  their 
sickness  as  health,  then  I  do  not  agree." 

A  press  conference  organized  the  day 
after  the  court  decided  not  to  hear  the 
case  denounced  the  view  that  homosexu- 
ality is  a  sickness.  "Behind  the  word 
'sickness'  there  are  very  ugly  meanings," 
said  historian  Jean  Paul  Aron.  "It  is  easy 
to  move  from  the  diagnostic  to  the  ana- 
thema. There  is  no  fundamental  differ- 
ence between  sickness  and  malignancy." 

The  RHIF  and  its  supporters  are 
presently  considering  appealing  the  case 
to  a  higher  court. 

The  decision  has  strengthened  the 
petition  campaign  for  the  country's  na- 
tional gay  organization,  the  Comite 
d'Urgence  Anti  Repression  Homosex- 
uelle  (CUARH).  The  group  is  calling  for 
the  inclusion  of  sexual  orientation  in  the 
country's  anti-discrimination  laws, 
which  are  up  for  review  in  1983. 

Although  the  Mitterrand  government 
repealed  the  remaining  anti-gay  articles 
from  the  French  criminal  code,  discrim- 
ination in  housing,  services,  child  cus- 
tody and  education  still  exist.  The 
CUARH  reasons  that  the  inclusion  of 
sexual  orientation  in  the  country's  tough 
anti-discrimination  laws  could  be  an  im- 
portant step  in  fighting  these  diffuse 
forms  of  heterosexism .  D 

World  News  credits 

Cay  Community  News  (Boston),  The  Wash- 
ington Blade  CWash'ington,  DC),  The  Advo- 
cate (San  Mateo),  The  Bay  Area  Reporter 
(San  Francisco),  Cay  Community  News  (Me\- 
bourne),  Homophonies  (Paris),  Cai  Pied 
(Paris),  Torso  (Berlin),  Kendall  Lovett  (Syd- 
ney). Special  thanks  to  Bob  Nelson  in  New 
York  for  research  on  the  NAMBLA  story. 


20rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


NSW  bias  ban  doesn't  stop  cops 


SYDNEY  — The  Australian  state  of 
New  South  Wales  amended  its  anti-dis- 
crimination act  to  protect  lesbians  and 
gay  men  from  discrimination  in  employ- 
ment, public  education,  services  and  ac- 
commodation November  26.  Ironically, 
it  is  still  illegal  to  engage  in  homosexual 
activity  in  the  state  and  poHce  moved 
against  a  gay  disco  January  29.  Several 
men  were  arrested  on  indecency  charges. 

The  amendment  was  introduced  by 
the  state's  Labour-Party  government  in 
spite  of  a  hysterical  anti-gay  campaign 
orchestrated  by  right-wing  member  of 
parliament  and  broadcaster,  the  Rever- 
end Fred  Nile.  Nile's  wild  allegations 
that  the  amendment  would  permit  ho- 
mosexual teachers  to  sexually  assault 
school  children  with  impunity  backfired 
and  isolated  him  from  other  slightly 
more  sane  conservative  forces. 

The  discrimination  law  was  a  real  shot 
in  the  arm  for  the  state's  gay  movement, 
which  had  seen  a  series  of  defeats  in  its 
attempt  to  reform  anti-gay  criminal  law 
over  the  past  year. 

The  police  force  was  thrown  into  a  tiz- 
zy by  the  law  change.  "Practising  homo- 
sexuals —  like  practising  thieves  —  will 
not  be  accepted  in  the  New  South  Wales 
police  force  despite  the  new  anti-dis- 
crimination laws,"  warned  a  shaken 
Assistant  PoHce  Commissioner  Angus 
Graham.  Graham  said  there  was  a  major 
conflict  between  the  new  anti-discrimin- 
ation laws  and  criminal  law  prohibiting 
homosexual  acts.  "The  solution  to  the 
dilemma  is  obvious,"  said  Sydney  gay 
activist  Ken  Lovett.  "The  NSW  govern- 
ment should  repeal  the  vicious  anti-gay 
sections  of  the  Crimes  Act  1900." 

But  Sydney  police  seem  far  from  rec- 
ognizing the  new  law  as  a  signal  of  ac- 
ceptance for  the  gay  community.  Police 


forced  their  way  into  Club  80,  a  popular 
gay  club,  early  in  the  morning  of  Janu- 
ary 29,  detaining  the  250  people  inside, 
some  for  up  to  four  hours,  until  they 
furnished  identification,  addresses  and 
employment  information.  Thirty  people 
were  taken  and  held  in  the  Darlinghurst 
police  station  but  were  later  released 
without  being  charged.  Four  men  were 
charged  with  committing  an  "indecent 
assault  on  a  male  person,  with  or  with- 
out consent." 

Community  response  was  swift.  A 
leaflet  condemning  the  raid  was  distrib- 
uted in  less  than  twelve  hours  and  a  dem- 
onstration of  1,000  angry  lesbians  and 
gay  men  Saturday,  February  5  demand- 
ed that  all  charges  be  dropped.  The  In- 
ternational Gay  Association  has  called 
for  protests  from  around  the  world. 

The  community  also  is  taking  the 
offensive  against  Reverend  Fred  Nile. 
On  the  same  day  the  anti-discrimination 
law  was  passed,  Sydney's  Gay  Solidarity 
Group  (GSG)  was  recognized  as  an  inter- 
ested party  and  allowed  to  challenge  the 
licence  renewal  of  radio  station  2GB  on 
the  grounds  that  Reverend  Fred  Nile's 
regular  four-hour  Sunday-night  show 
was  offensive  to  gay  people  and  their 
friends  and  used  religious  broadcasting 
time  for  political  purposes. 

During  the  hearings  before  the  Aus- 
tralian Broadcasting  Tribunal  December 
15,  barrister  David  Buchanan  intro- 
duced tapes  of  Nile's  program  where 
homosexuals  were  described  as  "vomit 
and  garbage"  and  were  said  to  "deserve 
to  have  their  necks  broken." 

In  spite  of  the  strong  presentation,  the 
tribunal  announced  the  renewal  of  the 
station's  licence  for  a  three-year  period. 
2GB  is  one  of  the  oldest  commercial  sta- 
tions in  the  country.  D 


NAMBLA,  continued  from  page  19 

parents?"  commented  a  New  York 
7/>/3e5  columnist. 

By  this  time  FBI  agents  had  ransacked 
the  apartments  of  two  NAMBLA  mem- 
bers in  New  York  and  questioned  five 
others.  Affadavits  used  to  obtain  search 
warrants  referred  to  a  number  of  sus- 
pected offences,  including  "possesion 
of  obscene  material,"  "kidnapping" 
and  "trafficking  in  white  slaves." 

The  New  York  Daily  News  suggested 
December  26  that  NAMBLA  facilitated  a 
procedure  by  which  "you  pay  thou- 
sands of  dollars  and  put  in  an  order  for 
a  seven-year-old  child  with  red  hair,  the 
next  day  he  arrives  at  your  door."  Pol- 
ice sources  speculated  that  NAMBLA 
was  making  up  a  "catalogue  of  avail- 
able boys." 

NAMBLA  hit  back  December  28  with 
press  conferences  of  its  own  in  Boston 
and  New  York.  Spokespersons  David 
Thorstad  and  John  Mitzel  showed  the 
press  a  copy  of  the  original  picture  of 
the  boy  police  were  "95%  sure"  was 
Etan  Patz.  It  had  been  published  in  a 
non-pornographic  calendar  in  1968, 
three  years  before  Patz  was  born. 

"NAMBLA  is  a  public  and  legal  or- 
ganization," explained  Mitzel.  "It  seeks 
to  educate  society  about  the  benevolent 
nature  of  man-boy  love  and  supports 
the  liberation  of  persons  of  all  ages 
from  sexual  prejudice,  exploitation  and 
oppression.  NAMBLA  is  not  and  never 
has  been  involved  in  prostitution,  the 
production  or  distribution  of  pornogra- 
phy or  the  transportation  of  minors  for 
illegal  purposes." 

"We  recognize  that  sexual  abuse  of 
I  children  does  occur  and  we  deplore  it," 


added  Bill  Andriette,  a  17-year-old 
NAMBLA  member.  "But  we  also  know 
from  experience  that  meaningful,  con- 
sensual sexual  and  emotional  relation- 
ships can  and  do  occur  between  men 
and  boys.  No  FBI  raid  can  stop  that." 

Hysteria  seems  to  still  have  the  last 
word.  The  New  Jersey  press,  full  of  fea- 
tures on  "child  molestation,"  quoted  a 
county  prosecutor  as  saying,  "our  chil- 
dren are  being  abducted  at  alarming 
rates."  One  New  Jersey  county  has 
begun  a  programme  of  fingerprinting 
school  children. 

Time's  January  17  feature  on  pedo- 
philia informed  readers  that  "a  surpris- 
ing number  (of  pedophiles)  are  other- 
wise respectable  and  well-to-do,"  and 
warned:  "Locations  for  contact  are  ob- 
vious, bus  stations,  amusement  arcades, 
and  school  yards....  The  seduction  is 
frequently  played  out  over  a  period  of 
weeks  or  months....  Once  hooked  the 
child  is  often  posed  for  pornographic 
pictures  and  asked  to  recruit  other 
children." 

"To  hear  many  pedophiles  tell  it,  they 
are  actually  protecting  the  child  by  iso- 
lating him  in  a  warm,  romantic  setting 
where  he  gets  the  love  that  parents  and 
peers  refuse  to  give.  That  rationaliza- 
tion has  taken  in  some  sexologists  who 
play  down  the  risk  of  damage  to  the 
child  and  blame  it  on  the  outraged  reac- 
tion of  the  parents." 

Time  concluded,  "Despite  the  pedo- 
philes' belief  that  almost  any  sexual 
taste  can  be  rendered  respectable,  no 
society  interested  in  its  own  preservation 
can  allow  such  conduct." 

NAMBLA  clearly  has  its  work  cut  out 
for  it. [  1 


Join  the 

Toronto 

Gay  Patrol 


The  TGP  is  a  voluntary,  non-profit  citizens'  group.  As  con- 
cerned lesbians  and  gay  nnen,  we  are  determined  to  make 
the  streets  of  Toronto  safer  for  gay  people.  We  are  complete- 
ly non-aggressive  and  do  not  condone  violence—  however, 
we  do  study  self-defense  techniques. 

If  you  too  are  concerned,  please  consider  joining  us. 
For  information:  Chris  (968-6744)  or  Peter  (368-6971). 


FORTUNE   AND 


MEN'S   EYES 


John  Herbert 


Metro   Theatre   Productions 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/21 


^atkjXLCU^ 


TBP'S  GU  DE  TO  WHAT'S  GOING  ON  N  TORO 


MONTH 


TV/Radio  Stephen  Stuckey] 

DA  Fringe  of  Leaves.  A  reading  of  gay 
Australian  writer  (The  Twyborn  Affair) 
Patrick  White's  novel.  Ellen,  a  Victorian 
farmer's  daughter,  marries  an  aristocratic 
Englishman  and  travels  to  Tasmania.  On  the 
way,  she  is  shipwrecked  off  the  Queensland 
coast  and  taken  prisoner  by  aborigines  — 
she  learns  about  cruelty  and  savagery  at  the 
point  of  a  spear.  In  twenty  parts.  CBC 
Radio.  Mon-Fri,  Mar  7-Apr  1.  10:25  pm. 

□  Feminism  in  the  Political  Arena.  Four 
programmes  examining  various  feminist 
strategies  for  affecting  change  in  political 
spheres,  and  the  opposition  to  these  strat- 
egies as  seen  by  leading  feminists  in  English 
Canada,  Quebec,  Britain  and  the  US.  Ideas, 
CBC  Stereo.  Mar  1,  8,  15,  22  at  8:05  pm. 

□  All  About  Eve.  Mankiewicz's  1950  back- 
stage story  about  superambitious  Anne  Bax- 
ter and  glitteringly  poisonous  George  San- 
ders exudes  vast  amounts  of  glossy  cynicism, 
aided  by  the  likes  of  bitchy  Bette  Davis  and 
beauteous  Marilyn  Monroe.  Saturday  Night 
at  the  Movies,  TVOntario.  Feb  26,  10  pm. 

□  Emma  Goldman:  A  Life  of  Anarchy.  She 
showed  up  in  Ragtime  and  Reds,  but  "this  is 
her  refl/ story,"  according  to  CBC.  A  four 
part  series  on  the  anarchist,  feminist,  and 
defender  of  free  love  and  homosexuality, 
who  was  born  in  Lithuania  and  died  in  Tor- 
onto. Ideas,  CBC  Stereo.  Feb  28,  Mar  7,  14 
and  21,  8:05  pm. 

Stage    Jon  Kaplan 

□The  Dear  Love  of  Comrades.  Canadian 
premiere  of  Noel  Greig's  musical  play  about 
the  life  of  Edward  Carpenter,  pioneer  of  the 
Independent  Labour  Party  movement  in  Vic- 
torian England,  whose  open  declaration  of 
homosexuality  forced  his  party  to  take  a 
stand  on  gay  rights.  Feb  27-Mar  6,  8  pm. 
The  final  show  will  be  a  special  benefit  per- 
formance for  the  Gay  Community  Appeal. 
University  College  Playhouse,  79A  St 
George  St.  978-6307. 

□  Pasolini/Pelosi.  Sky  Gilbert's  new  show,  a 
theatrical  investigation  into  the  murder  of 
film  director  Pier  Paolo  Pasolini.  Thurs- 
Sun,  Mar  18- Apr  3.  The  Theatre  Centre,  666 
King  St  W.  862-0659. 

□  An  Evening  with  Dorothy  Parker. 
Adapted  and  directed  by  Susan  Lowrie, 
from  the  writings  of  the  inimitable  wit.  Mar 
2-6,  8  pm.  George  Ignatieff  Theatre,  Trinity 
College,  Devonshire  Place.  978-4166. 

□  Fortune  and  Men's  Eyes.  John  Herbert's 
play  about  homosexuality  (and  other  things) 
in  Canadian  prisons  in  the  '60s.  Metro 
Theatre  Productions  remounts  its  version  at 
the  Pauline  McGibbon  Cultural  Centre,  86 
Lombard.  Feb  23-Mar  6,  8  pm.  823-3033. 

□  Mad  in  Canada.  Comedy  revue  whose 
hallmark  is  geniality  rather  than  biting 
satire.  Its  gay  sketch  is  sympathetic  if  predic- 
table. Mon-Fri,  8:30  pm;  Sat,  8  and  10:30 
pm;  Mon,  pay  what  you  can.  Old  Angelo's, 
45  Elm  St.  597-0155. 

□Toronto  Dance  Theatre.  The  company 
that  helped  put  Toronto  on  the  Canadian 
contemporary  dance  map  honours  its  found- 
ers with  evenings  devoted  to  their  choreo- 
graphy. Patricia  Bealty's  work  will  be  on 
view  Feb  23-26;  Peter  Randazzo's  choreo- 
graphy will  be  highlighted  Mar  2-5.  8  pm.  80 
Winchester  St.  967-1365. 

□  Louis  Faico  Dance  Company.  Falco,  best 
known  for  his  choreography  in  the  movie 
Fame,  returns  to  Toronto  after  last  year's 
successful  engagement.  This  year's  works  in- 
clude Black  and  Blue,  Little  Boy  and 
Escargot.  Mar  15-19,  8  pm.  Ryerson  Thea- 
tre, 43  Gerrard  St  E.  595-5088. 

□  3  X  Tenn.  The  University  of  Windsor 


Francesco  Clemente:  "visions  of polysexuality' 


Graduating  Class  with  one-act  plays  by 

Tennessee  Williams:  Talk  to  Me  Like  the 

Rain,  Twenty-Seven  Wagons  Full  of  Cotton 

and  Hello  from  Bertha.  Mar  10-13,  8:30  pm. 

Harbourfront,  235  Queen's  Quay  W. 

869-8412. 

□To  Serve  and  Protect.  Theatre  Autumn 


Angel  presents  a  workshop  version  of  Col- 
leen Murphy's  new  play  about  the  conflicts 
between  the  public  and  private  lives  of  two 
police  officers.  Feb  27  and  Mar  6,  7  pm.  St 
Paul's  Centre,  121  Avenue  Rd.  365-0533. 
□  Cabaret.  The  Limelight  Dinner  Theatre 
production  starring  Tom  Kneebone  and  Jan 


Kudelka  has  moved  to      W       Teller's  Cage 
Dinner  Theatre,  Commerce  Court.  862-1434. 

□  Oh!  Calcutta!  Musical  with  a  bit  of  nudity 
and  even  less  entertainment.  Mon-Thurs, 

9  pm;  Fri-Sat,  8  and  10:30  pm.  Variety  Din- 
ner Theatre,  2335  Yonge  St.  489-7777. 

□  Let  My  People  Come.  A  sex  musical,  with 
some  lesbian  and  gay  material.  Basin  St 
Cabaret,  180  Queen  St  W.  Mon-Thurs,  8 
pm;  Fri-Sat,  8  and  II  pm.  598-3013. 
□The  Dresser.  See  review  p  24. 

Art    Nicolas  Jenkins 

□  Madwoman.  Performance  by  H  Allin,  M 
Bociurkiw,  and  B  Lounder,  which  asks  for  a 
re-evaluation  of  women  and  mental  illness, 
in  terms  of  ritualized  oppression  within  our 
society.  ARC,  789  Queen  St  W.  368-5643. 
Feb25-26,  8:30  pm.  $3. 

□  TVice  Told  Tales.  Constance  deJong, 
author  of  Modern  Love  and  described  as  a 
"radicalized  Scheherazade  intent  on  eroding, 
among  other  things,  the  tyranny  of  gender," 
will  be  in  town  to  give  a  reading,  and  pos- 
sibly to  prepare  and  produce  a  new  work  for 
broadcast  television. Not  to  be  missed!  Part 
of  A  Space's  "Intervention"  series  curated 
by  Tim  Guest.  The  Rivoli,  334  Queen  St  W. 
596-1908.  Mar  2,  8  pm.  $3. 

□  Film  and  Video  Against  Censorship 
Benefit.  Dance,  film,  music,  poetry  and 
comedy  for  a  good  cause.  The  Funnel,  507 
King  St  E.  364-7003.  Feb  26,  8  pm. 

□  Sex  and  Representation  Series.  After  the 
the  very  successful  Von  Gloeden  show,  A 
Space  presents  parts  two  and  three  in  the 
series.  Italian  artist  Francesco  Clemente's 
drawings  are  described  as  "an  ambiguous 
and  compelling  vision  of  polysexuality... 
which  vividly  portray  a  kind  of  self- 
realization  through  sex."  (Through  Feb  26). 
New  York  painter  Pat  Steir  uses  a  rather 
romantic /symbolic  approach  to  the  theme  of 
sexuality.  (Feb  28-Mar  19).  A  Space,  299 
Queen  St  W,  Suite  507.  595-0790. 

□  Reclaiming  Documentary.  Martha 
Rossler,  respected  writer  and  performance 
artist,  will  lecture  on  the  theory  of  the  docu- 
mentary image  and  the  importance  of  return- 
ing it  to  its  "original"  political  roots.  Cana- 


22n"HE  BODY  POLITIC 


About  ninety  minutes  into  Without  a  Trace,  a 
new  film  directed  by  Stanley  Jaffe,  the  plot 
appears  to  be  all  wrapped  up.  Susan  (Cana- 
dian Kate  Nelligan,  at  left)  has  resigned  her- 
self to  never  seeing  her  six-year-old  son 
again,  after  his  disappearance  on  his  way  to 
school  one  morning.  Almost  everyone  is  sat- 
isfied the  case  has  been  solved  when  a  family 
friend  and  former  house-boy  in  his  twenties, 
an  '  'avowed  homosexual, ' '  is  discovered  to 
have  a  record  for  being  involved  with  a 
fourteen-year-old  boy,  especially  when  a  raid 
on  his  apartment  turns  up  handcuffs,  whips, 
chains  —  and  a  blood-stained  pair  of  the 
boy's  shorts. 

But  an  eleventh  hour  plot  twist  reveals  that 
the  boy  is  alive  and  well.  Unlike  the  rest  of 
the  film  (in  the  understated  style  of  Kramer 
vs  Kramer,  which  Jaffe  produced),  this  end- 
ing is  unconvincing,  but  it's  certainly  an 
admirable  step  forward  in  educating  the  pub- 
lic about  pedophelia.  None  other  than  Susan, 
the  boy's  mother,  lectures  the  audience  on 
y  how  pedophilia  is  not  necessarily  violent  or 
even  exploitative,  and  that  the  overwhelming 
majority  of  adults  involved  with  children  are 
heterosexual. 

Or  did  the  filmmakers  just  want  a  happy 
ending? 


MARCH  1983 


dian  Centre  of  Photography,  596  Markham 
St.  536-5400.  Mar  3,  7  pm.  $4/5. 
D Building  Women's  Culture.  The  Toronto 
Women's  Cultural  Collective  presents  a  two- 
month  festival  of  discussions  and  formal  and 
on-street  exhibitions  of  women's  art  and  cul- 
ture. Starting  on  International  Women's  Day 
and  running  through  April.  For  up-to-date 
info,  phone  534-1682. 

Cinema     Stephen  Stuckey 

DLianna.  John  Sayles's  film  set  in  a  New 
Jersey  academic  community  stars  Canadian 
Linda  Griffiths  as  a  married  mother  of  two 
who  wakes  up  one  day  and  discovers  that  in 
reality  she  is  a  lesbian  mother  of  two.  Fine 
Arts,  Yonge  north  of  Eglinton.  487-4548. 
DTootsie.  Hirsute  Dustin  Hoffman  sports 
funky  pastel  twin-sets  as  he  straightens  out 
the  messed-up  lives  of  the  beautiful  women 
around  him  in  this  true-to-life  comedy.  Long 
lineups.  Hyland,  Yonge  at  St  Clair. 
962-2891. 

DCome  Back  to  the  S  and  Dime,  Jimmy 
Dean,  Jimmy  Dean.  Robert  Altman's  new 
film  possesses  all  the  oozy  sleaziness  of  Con- 
fidential magazine  —  transsexual  Karen 
Black  plays  the  kind  of  girl  who  lip-syncs  to 
Eydie  Gorme  records  in  tacky  Kansas  City 
bars.  Trashy.  Carlton  Cinema  (at  Yonge), 
Eaton  Centre  Cineplex.  296-3456. 
[  1  Female  TVouble.  Divine  stars  in  this  epic 
John  Waters  movie  concerning  Dawn  Daven- 
port, runaway  schoolgirl.  Opens  with  Dawn 
trashing  her  parents'  Christmas  tree,  and 
goes  downhill  from  there.  Rivoli,  334  Queen 
St  W.  Feb  27,  7  pm.  596-1908. 
[  lln  the  Best  Interests  of  the  Children. 
Classic  documentary  about  lesbian  mothers, 
screened  by  the  Lesbian  Mothers'  Defence 
Fund.  Scadding  Court  Community  Centre, 
Dundas  St  W  and  Bathurst.  Mar  25,  8  pm. 
Donation  requested. 

1  'The  Stationmaster's  Wife.  Fassbinder's 
1977  telefilm  analyzes  the  ennui  suffered  by 
a  petit  bourgeois  Bavarian  hausfrau  —  her 
faithlessness  leads  to  sorrow  and  ruin.  With 
Kurt  Raab  and  Elisabeth  Trissenaar.  Interna- 
tional Cinema,  Yonge  at  Eglinton.  489-3800. 


Music    John  Allec 

DKiri  Te  Kanawa.  Charles  and  Di  probably 
thought  they  were  giving  her  an  honour 
when  she  sang  at  their  wedding,  but  history 
will  tell....  The  New  Zealand  soprano  with 
the  funny  name  and  exquisite  voice  comes  to 
Toronto  for  a  concert  of  Berlioz,  Handel  and 
Puccini  at  Roy  Thomson  Hall,  March  12  at 
8  pm  (broadcast  the  next  day  at  3  pm  by 
CBC  Stereo).  Also  singing  in  two  Metropol- 
itan Opera  broadcasts  of  Strauss  operas: 
Arabella  on  March  5  at  2  pm,  and  Der 
Rosenkavalier  on  March  19  at  1 :30  pm. 


EATING  OUT 


Greg  Saint  Louis 

*  Members  of  Lambda  Business  Council 

n  Special  this  issue:  Carltoti  Eat  Well.  Ingenious 
sandwiches  and  great  specials.  Some  inconsisten- 
cies —  jarring  x-port  green  and  vermillion  surroun- 
dings and  some  attitude  —  but  this  place  is  brand 
new.  Carlton  St  at  Ontario,  924-6733.  $20-40  for  2. 
n  Amsterdam  Caf6.  Still  the  best  deli  'n'  Dutch 
treats  on  Church  St,  485  just  south  of  Wtellesley 
n  Barney's.  Breakfast  and  lunch.  JUST  PU\IN 
GOOD.  $10  or  less  for  2.  385  Queen  St  W 
DBemelman's.  Pop  singles  bar  and  pricey 
restaurant.  Fashionably  cruisy,  especially  early 
Sunday.  83  Bloor  St  W.  960-0306. 
D  Caf6  New  Orleans.  See/be  seen  patio  packed 
year  'round  Beer,  wine,  innocuous  fare.  Go  lor  the 
view  618  Yonge  St.  922-2439. 
n  Carlevale's.  Unaffected  distinction  in  Italian  din- 
ing at  a  languid  pace.  158  Avenue  Rd  922-4787 
riChez  Loll.  Cozy,  very  pink  New-French  meals. 
$40 -t-  for  2  69  Yorkville  Ave.  960-0894. 
■*■  Crispins.  Innovative  winter  prix-fixe  and  k  la 
carte  menus;  European,  local  and  vegetarian 
cuisines.  Popular  wine  list,  well  researched, 
$20-50  lor  2  66  Gerrard  St  E.  977-1919. 
'A' Dudes.  Full  menu  10  Breadalbane  (behind 
Parkside  Tavern)  923-6136. 
( 1 18  East  Hotel  &  Tavern.  Inexpensive  home- 
cooked  meals  Daily  prime  rib  special.  $4  95;  Sun- 
day brunch  $3.95  18  Eastern  Ave  368-4040. 


.  _,  Emilio's.  Sandwich  stop,  restaurant,  bar  on  low 
east  side.  Brilliant  menu  changes  every  week. 
$20-40  for  2. 127  Queen  St  E.  366-3354. 
D  Fare  Exchange.  Small  neighbourhood  caf6.  4 
Irwin  Ave.  923-5924. 

n  Fenton's.  Pre-eminent  temple  of  refection.  Less 
expensive  room  downstairs.  $60-100  for  2.  2  Glou- 
cester St.  961-8485. 

D  Fiesta.  Bright,  lively  hyper-trend  restaurant; 
unusual  specials.  838  Yonge  St.  924-1990. 
D  Figaro  Ristorante  and  Cabaret.  Italian  food,  U^ 
entertainment.  21  Yorkville  Ave.  923-3263. 
D  Hart's.  Homey  open  room  features  coeurs  A  la 
kitsch,  all-day  menu  and  desserts.  Full  bar. 
Casual,  friendly  staff,  good  prices.  $8-30  for  2.  225 
Church  St  at  Dundas.  368-5350. 

*  Jennie's.  Casual  restaurant  with  anything  from 
burgers  to  steaks.  Fully  licensed.  360  Queen  St  E 
(at  Parliament).  861-1461. 

n  Johnny  K's.  Swank  chromo-bar/supper  salon 
on  the  beach.  All  day  menu,  brunch,  full  license. 
$15-20  for  2.  1955  Queen  St  E.  698-7133. 
*Les  Cavaliers.  Continental  menu,  daily  specials. 
418  Church  St,  977-4702. 

*  Lipstick.  Caf6-bar  with  full  menu  plus  late-nite 
snack  stuff.  Music  drifts  from  disco  to  nuevo  wavo. 
4:30  pm-3  am  (4  am  weekends).  2  for  1  brunch 

The  Stationmaster's  Wife:  ennui  in  the  night 


V*' 


MARCH  1983 


first  Sun  of  month.  580  Parliament  St,  922-6655, 
D  Living  Well  is  the  Best  Revenge.  Late-date  caf6 
open  daily  until  2,  Fri  &  Sat  to  4.  Soup/ 
sandwiches,  beer/wine.  692  Yonge  St.  922-6770. 
D  Major  Roberts.  Neighbourhood  bar  upstairs, 
dining  downstairs.  Inexpensive  lunches;  fixed- 
price  Sunday  brunch.  124  Harbord  St.  968-7000, 
D  Master  Chel.  Spanish  goodies  and  jugs  of 
Sangria.  $25-40  for  2.  Bloor  St  W  at  Brunswick. 
D  Metropolitan.  Snappy  Jetson-like  space  — 
attracts  advance  guard  of  fashion.  Food  unpredict- 
able Sporty  lounge  quiet  on  Sunday  afternoons. 
667  Yonge  St  968-2571. 

D  Mushrooms.  Casual  basement  restaurant.  Busi- 
ness clientele  changes  to  show-biz/gay  crowd  in 
lateeve.  49  Front  St  E.  368-1898, 
DThe  Outpost  (at  Hotel  California).  Inexpensive 
menu.  319  Jarvis  St.  925-6215. 
D  Parkway  Restaurant  and  Tavern.  Vintage  Cab- 
bagetown  chophouse  with  free  live  acts  $10  or 
less.  488  Parliament  St.  924-7202. 
n  Peachtree  Restaurant.  Burgers,  salads,  soups, 
desserts.  Till  1  am  daily.  678  Yonge  St.  967-4800. 
*Pimblett's.  Gaudy  friendly  British  pub/bistro  — 
import  draught,  desserts.  249  Gerrard  St  E. 
929-9525. 

D  Queen  Mother  Caf6.  Cosy,  informal  place  with 
reasonably  priced  soups,  salads,  sandwiches  and 
desserts.  206  Queen  St  W.  598-4719 
nRaclette.  Hearty  sandwiches,  lively  salads,  fon- 
dues, raclettes.  and  a  truly  amazing  by-the-glass 
wine  list.  $15-30  for2.  361  Queen  StW  593-0934 
DThe  Rivoli.  Popular  soup,  sandwich  and  dessert 
spot  with  Laotian  specialities.  Cabaret  space  in 
back  room  334  Queen  St  W  596-1908 
L 1  Le  Select  Bistro.  Parisian  fare,  dally  specials  and 
vins  du  jour  Jazz/blues  tapes  and  smart  service. 
$15-30  tor  2  328  Queen  St  W  596-6405 
1  I  Together.  Continental  menu,  specials  Sunday 
allyoucaneat/  $6  457  Church  St  923-3469 


NIGHTLIFE 


Bars 


The  Albany  Tavern.  158  King  St  E  861-1155 
Lounge,  beverage  room,  dance  floor  with  DJ,  patio 
Popular  Sunday  tea-dances, 
f  IThe  Barn.  83  Granby  St  977-4702.  Casual 
stand-up  bar  and  disco 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/23 


ON  THE  TOWN 


Those  into  observing  the  migratory  pat- 
terns of  Toronto's  gay  crowds  are  having 
a  field  day  lately....  The  Club  Mystique, 
in  what  used  to  be  David's,  wooed  DJ 
Greg  Hewlett  from  Stages,  and  the 
extravagant  space,  sound  system  and 
lights  may  rival  Stages'  sensory  over- 
load. The  managers  also  own  Montreal's 
successful  Mystique....  Meanwhile, 
Wally  MacDonald  has  transferred  his 
loyalties  from  The  Albany's  disco  booth 
to  Stages,  though  the  Sunday  tea  dances 
at  The  Albany  are  thankfully  still  a 
hit....  Cornelius,  which  made  an  abor- 
tive attempt  last  year  to  get  a  gay  clien- 
tele, has  once  again  decided  to  switch 
from  wine,  women  and  song  to  drugs, 
dicks  £uid  disco....  Malloney's  is  starting 
out  with  a  friendly  mixture  of  dykes  and 
gay  men....  18  East  Hotel  and  Tavern  is 
once  again  laying  claim  to  the  leather /- 
denim  crowd,  after  a  try  at  attracting  les- 
bians.... New  Dimensions,  the  new  les- 
bian social  group  which  replaced  Les- 
bian Potluck  Suppers,  says  they're  get- 
ting over  fifty  women  at  get-togethers 
lately....  Hoofers  Once  Again  {n^e 
Mainstage),  has  asked  that  they  not  be 
listed  in  TBP's  restaurant  listings.... 
Closets,  attics  and  Salvation  Army 
stores  throughout  TO  are  being  emptied 
in  preparation  for  GCDC's  March  26 
Mardi  Gras  Costume  Ball....  Party  Boys 
is  a  new  commercial  outfit  whose  March 
5  event.  Scavenger  Hunt,  may  be  the 
first  of  many.  It's  being  held  in 
Gregory's,  ordinarily  a  straight  bar.... 
The  Canadian  Opera  Company  will  put 
on  Benjamin  Britten's  Death  in  Venice  in 
June,  1984.  Britten's  last  opera  features 
a  mute  boy  dancer  as  Tadzio,  symbol  of 
beauty  and  art  to  the  aging 
Aschenbach....  The  Toronto  Stock 
Exchange  has  commissioned  a  sculpture 
from,  of  all  people.  General  Idea,  who 
generally  see  themselves  as  avant-garde. 

JohnAllecD 

Plus  qa  change,  plus  c  'est  la  meme  chose. . . . 

Our  researchers  recently  ur)earthed  a  1950s 
brochure  advertising  the  Walsingham  Hotel, 
which  turns  out  to  be  an  earlier  version  of  the 
now-gay  Hotel  California  (see  adp  43).  The 
Tara-like  balconies  have  sadly  disappeared, 
as  has  the  colourful  wallpaper. 


' '  ybu  're  always  on  the  run,  now  /  Holing  up  with  somebody. 


—  Gloria 


Sky  Gilbert's  latest  play,  previewed  in  mid-December  at  The  Theatre  Centre,  presents  an 
unlikely  trio  of  eccentrics  all  swooning  over  a  demonic,  ambisexual  stud  called  Rick.  Predict- 
ably, Gilbert's  monologues  are  the  best  part  of  Gloria,  particularly  one  seduction  scene  in  which 
Gilbert  (far  left)  sardonically  sizes  up  the  massively-endowed  and  (to  us)  invisible  Rick,  all  the 
while  fussing  demurely  with  a  pair  of  transparent  plastic  gloves  and  chatting  about  rectal 
examinations! 

Based  on  Pasolini's  Teorema,  the  play  is  bound  to  be  controversial.  It  veers  wildly  from 
Rabelaisian  high-jinks  to  homophobic  vitriole  (Swaantji  —  Lynne  Cormack,  centre  —  regularly 
deplores  the  preoccupation  of  gay  men  with  cock  size).  As  the  titular  heroine,  Kim  Renders 
(right)  creates  a  memorable  portrait  of  an  epileptic  with  a  voracious  sexual  appetite:  "I  happen 
to  be  good  in  bed  —  all  epileptics  are! '' '  Gilbert's  unique  delineation  of  her  character  disarmingly 
blends  sadness  and  absurdity. 

Charles  Murdoch 's  direction  seemed  flexible  and  gentle;  some  scenes  seemed  somewhat 
static,  though,  and  the  play  needs  a  more  powerful,  less  conventional  conclusion.  Gilbert  is  try- 
ing to  interest  alternative  theatre  groups  in  a  production  of  the  play,  and  the  future  will  hopefully 
contain  a  full  production  of  this  exciting  new  work.  PG  BakerU 


Hamming  it  up 

The  Dresser  by  Ronald  Harwood.  Bayview 
Playhouse,  1605  Bayview  Ave.  481-6191. 
Through  March  5. 


Toronto  Arts  Productions'  The  Dresser 
could  well  have  come  directly  from 
Stratford.  A  conspicuous  technical  com- 
petence is  obvious  from  the  staging  to 
the  costuming  —  this  is  no  cheap  pro- 
duction. Its  exaggerated  theatricality,  its 
success  on  Broadway  and  the  West  End, 
and  the  press  about  the  Robin  Phillips/ 
William  Hutt  production  in  Vancouver 
virtually  guaranteed  good  box  office, 
and  the  run  has  in  fact  been  extended. 

Harwood  seems  uncertain  as  to 
whether  to  vilify  or  venerate  Sir,  the 
actor/ manager  touring  wartime  England 
in  King  Lear,  around  whom  all  the  char- 
acters fiutter  and  prostrate  themselves. 
Douglas  Campbell  gives  the  role  a  larger 
than  life  performance  quite  suitable  to 
the  lines  and  situations  given  him  in  the 
script.  He  gets  to  do  all  those  things 
actors  would  die  to  do. 

So  does  Nicholas  Pennell  as  his 
dresser.  Pennell  preens  and  minces  and 
gets  increasingly  bitchy  and  drunk,  right 
up  to  the  the  traumatic  final  scenes 
where  his  revelation  and  soul-baring  will 
either  tear  your  heart  out  or  leave  you 
irritated  and  somewhat  perturbed.  One 
is  asked  to  accept  him  as  the  central 
character,  a  man  whose  love  dare  not 
speak  its  name  for  over  sixteen  years. 
Sixteen  years?  Accept  this  situation  or 


reject  the  entire  premise  of  the  play. 

In  an  icily  mechanical  performance  as 
Madge,  the  long  suffering  and  similarly 
unrequited  stage  manager,  Frances 
Hyland  sets  the  tone  and  terms  of  the 
action:  "Hopefulness  is  a  disease."  In 
the  performance  I  witnessed,  the  stage 
was  ablaze  with  histrionic  fireworks  —  a 
blaze  of  briefly  lived  brilliance  but  no 
enduringlight.  DayneOgilvieD 

'  'Should  Homosexuals  Be  Allowed  to  Adopt 
Children  ? ' '  was  the  question  posed  on  an 
upcoming  program  of  The  Great  Debate.  Gay 
father  John  Alan  Lee  (below)  joined  Blair 
Shaw,  formerly  with  Renaissance  Canada, 
and  host  Pierre  Berton  in  the  show,  which 
will  soon  be  telecast  on  CBC-TV (call  CBC  at 
868- 1972  for  date).  A  poll  of  the  studio  aud- 
ience before  the  program  indicated  a  fifty-fifty 
split  of  opinion,  but  Lee  had  a  majority  of  the 
audience  on  his  side  half  an  hour  later. 


D  Boots  (at  the  Selby).  592  Sherbourne  St 
921-3142.  Dance  floor,  lounge,  casual  dining  room. 
D Buddy's  Backroom  Bar.  370  Church  St. 
977-9955,  Chatty,  casual  stand-up  bar. 
DBud's  (at  Hotel  Selby).  592  Sherbourne  St 
921-1035.  Video,  dance  floor.  Strip  show  Thurs. 
nCameo  Club.  95  Trinity  St.  368-2824.  Licensed 
private  dance  club  for  women.  Fri  and  Sat  only. 
n Cornelius.  579  Yonge  St.  967-4666.  Cruise  bar, 
dance  floor.  7  days  a  week. 
n  Dudes.  10  Breadalbane  St  (laneway  behind 
Parksi<Je  Tavern).  923-61 36.  Stand-up  and  after- 
hours  bar  and  restaurant. 
ni8  East  Hotel  &  Tavern.  18  Eastern  Ave. 
368-4040.  Leather/levi  bar.  Pool  table,  videos,  7 
days  a  week.  Happy  hour,  9  pm. 
DKatrina's.  5  StJoseph  St.  961-4740.  Stand-up 
bar  with  dance  floor.  Open  Fri  and  Sat  to  4  am. 
Cover  charge  on  weekends.  Dining  lounge. 
DLes  Cavaliers.  418  Church  St.  977-4702.  Piano 
singalong  bar,  very  chatty. 
D  Malloney's.  85  Granville  St  (one  west  of  Bay). 
922-4106.  Bar/dance  floor.  Lesbians  and  gay  men. 
DThe  Outpost  (at  Hotel  California).  319  Jarvis  St 
(side  entrance).  925-6215.  Leather  and  denim 
crowd,  esp  weekends.  Dining  room,  pool  room. 
DParkside  Tavern.  530  Yonge  St.  922-3844.  Bar, 
dining  room  and  men's  beverage  room. 
DThe  Quest.  665  Yonge  St.  964-8641 .  Bar,  dining 
room  and  upstairs  disco. 
DSt  Charles  Tavern.  488  Yonge  St.  925-5517. 
City's  landmark  straight-owned  gay  bar. 
DTogether.  457  Church  St.  923-3469.  Bar,  dining 
room.  Comfortable  space  for  women. 


Baths 


DThe  Backdoor  Gym  and  Sauna.  121/2  Elm  St 
(laneway  west  of  Yonge  St  2  blocks  south  of  Ger- 
rard  St).  977-5997.  24  hours. 
DThe  Barracks.  56  Widmer  St.  593-0499.  Leather/ 
denim.  6  pm-4  am;  24  hours  on  weekends. 
DThe  Club.  231  IVIutual  St.  977-4629.  24  hours. 
DThe  Roman's  Health  and  Recreation  Spa.  742 
BaySt.  598-2110.  24  hours. 


Discos 


DCharly's.  488  Yonge  St,  upstairs.  925-5517. 
Men  only.  Fri  and  Sat,  10  pm  to  3:30  am. 
DClub  Mystique.  16  Phipps  Ave  (behind  Sutton 
Place  Hotel).  927-7707.  V\feekends. 
DManatee.llASt  Joseph  St.  922-1898.  Men 
only.  Fri,  Sat  and  Sun. 

DStages.  530  Yonge  St.  928-0492.  Mixed.  Sat  12 
to  5  am.  Sun  10:30  pm-4  am. 
DTwilightZone.  185  Richmond  StW.  977-3347. 
NewWave,  mixed. 

Accommodation 

DCatnaps  Guesthouse.  246  Sherbourne  St. 
968-2323.  Fifteen  rooms,  TV  lounge,  pool  table 
and  game  room,  laundry  and  kitchen  facilities, 
sundeck.  One  or  two  people:  $20. 
D18  East  Hotel  &  Tavern.  18  Eastern  Ave. 
368-4040.  Bar  and  dining  room,  22  rooms,  TV 
lounge,  sauna,  gym,  laundry  facilities,  free  park- 
ing. One  or  two  people:  $20. 
DHotelCalilornla.  319  Jarvis  St.  925-6215. 
Renovated.  47  rooms,  private  baths,  lounge.  Bar 
and  dining  room.  $35  single,  weekend  rates. 
DThe  Selby  Hotel.  592  Sherbourne  St. 
921-3142.  Victorian-style  hotel;  bar,  dining  room. 
72  rooms,  private  baths.  No  housekeeping.  One 
person:  $23.50;  two  people:  $29.50. 


COMMUNITY 


DToronto  Gay  CommunHy  Council.  105  Carlton  St.  AtU  lioor, 
MSB  1 M2.  Umbrella  organization  of  lesbian  and  gay  groups 
Forum  (or  sharing  information  and  discussing  political  strategies. 

Social/political  action 

[  I  Bridges.  Drawer  D062,  c/oTBP,  Box  7289,  Stn  A,  M5W  1X9, 

H/licfiael  Riordon  (922-0735),  Group  connecting  lesbian,  gay  and 

ttiird  world  liberation  struggles. 

f  IChutzpah.  730  Batburst  St,  M5S  2R4.  782-3942,  Group  for 

Jewisfi  gay  men  and  lesbians  and  friends 

f  'Coalition  lor  Gay  Rights  In  Ontario  (CGRO).  Box  822.  Stn  A, 

M5W  1G3  533-6824  Toronto  office:  730  BathurstSt,  I\/I5S  2R4, 

iCommlttee  to  Defend  John  Damlen.  1508-914  Yonge  St. 
M4W  3C8  925-6729 

I  :  Foundation  lor  the  Advancement  of  Canadian  Transsexuals 
(FACT)  —  Toronto.  519  Ctiurcfi  SI  Community  Centre.  IVI4Y  2C9 
(  IGay  Alliance  at  York.  c/oCYSF,  105  Central  Sq,  York  University. 
4700  Keele  St,  Downsview.  ON  mj  1P3,  667-2515, 
<  IGay  Asians  of  Toronto.  Drawer  R999,  c/o  The  Body  Politic.  Box 
7289.  Stn  A.  fVI5W  1X9  H/lonthly  meeting  and  social.  Info:  Glad 
Day.  961-4161 

Continued  on  page  28 


24/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


ABOVE 
IT 


y- 


579  YONGE  ST.  •    TORONTO 


CANADA 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/25 


PULL  OUT  AND  PUT  UP 


CALENDAR  OF  EVENTS 


IN  TORONTO 


FROM  WED,  FEB  23 


TOTHURS,  MAR31 


Bod^^ViUlic 


Wed/Feb  23 


DOut  &  Out  Midweek  Downhill  Ski  Day. 

Blue  Mountain  Peak,  7  am  —  no  crowds,  no 
line-ups!  Rental  available.  Lift  tickets  appx 
$18,  plus  discretionary  expenses  (including 
apres-ski  supper  in  CoUingwood).  Reserve  at 
927-0970  a  week  in  advance. 
DGay  Community  Council.  Monthly 
meeting.  519  Church  St  Community  Centre, 
7:30  pm.  Info:  923-GAYS. 

Thurs/Feb  24 

n"Gay  Art:  Towards  a  Definition."  Presen- 
tation by  the  gay  art  collective  JAC  to  the 
Lesbian  and  Gay  Academic  Society.  Rose 
Room,  Trinity  College  (U  of  T).  8  pm. 

Fri/Feb  25 

D  Samuel  Delaney.  The  respected  science- 
fiction  writer  (The  American  Shore)  and  lit- 
erary critic  speaks  on  the  Michel  Foucault: 
"Of  Male  Sexuality  as  a  System  of  Com- 
modity Control."  Presented  by  the  Graduate 
Program  in  Social  and  Political  Thought. 
Bethuen  College  Gallery,  third  floor,  York 
University  Campus. 

n  "Racism  in  the  Gay  ComAunity."  Discus- 
sion organized  by  Gays  and  Lesbians  at  the 
U  of  T,  including  speakers  Tim  McCaskell, 
Tony  Souza  and  Richard  Fung.  International 
Student  Centre,  U  of  T.  7:30  pm. 
Din  the  Best  Interests  of  the  Children.  Pre- 
sented by  the  Lesbian  Mothers*  Defence 
Fund.  See  Cinema. 

DGEM  Dance.  Gay  Equality  Mississauga 
presents  a  licensed  dance  at  Unitarian  Hall, 
84  South  Service  Rd.  8:30  pm.  1-453-4426. 


Sat/Feb  26 


n  Doctor's  Day.  Physicians  from  Gays  in 
Health  Care  will  be  donating  their  fees  for 
the  day  to  the  Gay  Community  Appeal. 
Phone  Hassle-Free  at  922-0603  for  info. 
DNew  Dimensions.  Lesbian  social  group. 
Info:  Gayle  at  683-8691. 
DFilm  and  Video  Against  Censorship  Bene- 
fit. See  Art. 


Sun/Feb  27 


n Sappho's  Birthday.  She  would  have  been 
over  2500  years  old  today.... 
DChutzpah's  Monthly  Brunch.  Break  bread 
with  the  popular  new  gay  Jewish  group.  Call 
782-3942. 

DOut  &  Out  Cross-Country  Ski  Day.  Horse- 
shoe Valley,  7:30  am.  Rental  available.  Info: 
960-6005. 

D  Toronto  Gay  Patrol  TVaining  Course.  Vol- 
unteers wanted!  519  Church  St  Community 
Centre,  3-6  pm.  Call  968-6744  or  368-6971. 
DThe  Dear  Love  of  Comrades.  Opening 
night.  See  Stage. 


Tues/March  1 


D Feminism  in  the  Political  Arena.  See 

TV/Radio. 


INTERNATIONAL 
WOMEN'S  DAY 
MARCH  5 "  1983 


"Women 's  Right  to  a  Job,  Women 's  Right  to 
Choose,  and  Women's  Right  to  Peace"  are  the 
demands  for  this  year's  International  Women's 
Day.  which  has  a  history  stretching  back  to 
rebellious  garment  workers  in  New  York  City's 
Lower  East  Side  in  1857. 

Three  preparatory  workshops  will  explore  each 
of  the  themes:  "Women 's  Liberation  and  the  Fight 
Against  Wage  Controls,  Concessions  and 
Unemployment  (March  1  at  8  pm.  Trinity  United 
Church,  427  Bloor  St  W):  "Women's  Liberation 
and  Abortion ' '  (Feb  28  at8  pm,  also  Trinity 
United):  and  "Women's  Liberation,  Disarmament 
and  Anti-Imperialism  (March  Sat  8  pm,  Metro- 
politan Community  Church,  730  Bat  hurst  St). 
March  5  itself  will  feature  a  rally-demonstration 
with  entertainment  at  Convocation  Hall  (U  of  T)  at 
1 1  am  sharp,  and  a  Fair  from  1  to  4  pm  at  Central 
Technical  School,  Bathurst  &  Harbord.  Lesbians 
are  welcome  to  join  the  all- women's  contingent  at 
the  front  of  the  march,  or  the  gay  contingent  (if  the 
latter,  please  call  653-4939).  Daycare  for  all  of  the 
above  is  available  by  pre-registering  with  John,  Cat 
or  Brian  at  591-1434. 

Two  dances  are  also  planned.  A  mixed  dance 
sponsored  by  Action  Daycare  and  OPSEU  Region  5 
Women 's  Committee  (a  benefit  for  Miniskool  Work- 
ers) takes  place  Feb  25  at  the  Robina  Ballroom,  1 
Robina  Avenue  (near  Oakwood  and  St  Clair): 
admission  $5.  A  women-only  dance  sponsored  by 
the  UofT  Women 's  Newsmagazine  at  8:30  pm  on 
March  5  will  also  take  place  at  the  Robina. 

For  more  information  on  any  of  these  events, 
please  call  789-4541. 


Wed/March  2 

D  Lesbian  Phone  Line  Meeting.  Prospective 

volunteers  welcome.  348  College  St,  third 

floor.  7  pm. 

D  An  Evening  with  Dorothy  Parker.  See 

Stage. 

D  Twice  Told  Tales.  See  Art. 


Thurs/March  3 


DGay  Fathers  and  Psychiatric  Counselling. 
Discussion  led  by  Or  K  Meen.  519  Church  St 
Community  Centre,  8  pm.  Info:  Gay  Fathers 
of  Toronto,  368-1 166  or  967-4203. 
D  Reclaiming  Documentary.  See  Art. 

Fri/March  4 

DGLAUT  Talent  Night!  Promises  to  hold  at 
least  a  few  surprises....  Refreshments  will  be 
served.  University  College  Union,  79  St 
George  St.  7:30  pm. 

Sat/March  5 

D  International  Women's  Day.  See  box. 
DScavenger  Hunt.  Party  Boys  invites  you  to 
"dance,  drink  and  discover"  at  Gregory's, 


17  Adelaide  St  W,  from  9  pm  to  2  am.  No 
one's  sure  yet  what  all  the  men  there  are  go- 
ing to  be  hunting  for,  but  it  is  on  Saturday 
night....  Three  full  bars,  snacks,  lounge. 
Tickets  $5  advance  at  Glad  Day,  $6  at  door. 
D Metropolitan  Community  Church.  Wor- 
ship service  and  promotional  for  TV  pro- 
gram. 730  Bathurst  St,  7:30  pm. 
DChutzpah  House  Party.  8  pm  at  Terry's. 
782-3942. 

DGay  Asians  Meeting.  Call  Glad  Day  at 
961-4161  for  info. 


Sun/March  6 


DJewish  Lesbian  Party.  Sponsored  by 
Chutzpah,  782-3942. 
D  New  Dimensions.  Lesbian  social  get- 
together.  Info:  Gayle,  683-8691. 
n  Reverend  IVoy  Perry.  The  long-time  head 
of  the  Metropolitan  Community  Church  will 
lead  a  service  at  7:30  pm,  730  Bathurst  St. 
D  Lesbian  Mothers  Potluck  Supper. 
6:30  pm.  Info:  368-2128. 
DThe  Dear  Love  of  Comrades.  Special 
benefit  performance  for  the  Ga^  Community 
Appeal.  See  Stage. 

Tues/March  8 

D Lambda  Business  Council  General 
Meeting.  Prospective  members  welcome. 
7:30  pm  at  Dude's,  with  dinner  beforehand 
if  you  like.  Info:  Isabel  Smythe,  960-1291. 


Wed/March  9 


DOut  &  Out  Midweek  Downhill  Ski  Day. 

No  crowds  or  line-ups!  Rental  available. 
Lifts  about  $18,  plus  discretionary  expenses. 
Call  927-0970  at  least  a  week  in  advance. 
D Homosexuality  and  the  Bible.  A  class 
sponsored  by  the  Metropolitan  Community 
Church.  730  Bathurst  St,  7:30  pm. 


Thurs/March  10 


D  "Someone  in  Your  Life  is  Gay."  The 

Skills  Exchange  presents  Rev  Brent  Hawkes 
of  MCC  speaking  on  having  friends  and  rel- 
atives who  are  gay.  Topics  will  include  prac- 
tical, factual  information  such  as  gays  and 
the  law.  7-10  pm.  For  more  info  or  to  regis- 
ter, call  967-7640  or  visit  5  Charles  St  W. 
$20.  Course  may  be  repeated  April  14th. 
DOut  &  Out  Environmental  Series:  Birds  in 
Ontario.  Lecture  tonight  at  7:30  pm. 
$3/members,  $4/ non-members.  Will  be  fol- 
lowed Mar  15,  20  and  30  with  films  and  field 
trips  to  Long  Point  and  Point  Pelee.  Info: 
927-0970. 


Fri/March  11 


D  "Homophobic  Graffiti."  A  presentation 
by  Susan  Prentice  sponsored  by  GLAUT.  In- 
ternational Student  Centre,  U  of  T.  7:30  pm. 
DGEM  Dance.  Gay  Equality  Mississauga 
presents  a  licensed  dance  at  the  Eldorado 
Hall  (call  453-4426  for  directions).  8:30  pm. 
D  Foundation  for  the  Advancement  of 


The  Dear  Love  of  Comrades:  Stuart  Dunsworth  (left)  as  Edward  Carpenter  and  Jonattian  More  as  his  lover  George  Adams,  in  Canadian  premiere 


Jf 


Juan  Antonio:  featured  in  the  company  formed  by  choreograptier  Louis  Faico,  famous  for  Fame 


Canadian  Transsexuals  Meeting.  519  Church 
St  Community  Centre,  8  pm.  A  film  may  be 
shown;  social  hour  to  follow. 


Sat/March  12 


t  J"The  City  Gardener."  Out  &  Out  presents 
an  extended  course  on  how  to  transform  that 
patch  of  grass  on  your  balcony  into  a  pro- 
ductive and  attractive  garden.  Two  lectures 
and  two  out-of-town  field  expeditions. 
Limited  to  15.  $25.  Info:  927-0970. 
n  Pasolini/Pelosi.  Premiere  of  Sky  Gilbert's 
new  play.  See  Stage. 
DKiri  Te  Kanawa.  See  H^usic. 

Sun/March  13 

I  IChutzpah's  Monthly  Brunch.  782-3942. 

M  on /March  14 

'  lU  of  T  Sex-Ed  Centre  Open  House. 

10  am-9  pm  through  Friday.  Gay  counsellors 

T\ies  night.  978-3977. 

Tues/ March  15 

DChutzpah  General  Planninji  Meeting. 

8  pm,  519  Church  Si  Community  Centre. 

Thurs/March  17 

1    A  Day  with  the  Irish.  Special  bar  night  at 
The  Outpost.  Last  year's  was  a  success,  even 
though  nobody  showed  up  in  green  leather. 
319  Jarvis  St,  late-ish. 


D  "Adhesiveness:  Between  Friendship  and 
Homosexuality."  Michael  Lynch  presents  a 
lecture  to  the  Lesbian  and  Gay  Academic 
Society.  Everyone  welcome.  Rose  Room, 
Trinity  College  (U  of  T).  8  pm. 
DOut  &  Out  Skills  Training:  Practical  Pho- 
tography. Three-part  course  taught  by  two 
pros.  $20  (members  $15).  927-0970. 

Fortune  and  f/len  's  Eyes:  Back  on  the  boards 


Fri/March  18 

DGay  Fathers  of  Toronto.  Potluck  supper/ 
discussion,  6:30  pm.  368-1166  or  967-4203. 
n  Pornography  Panel.  Discussion  sponsored 
by  Gays  and  Lesbians  at  the  U  of  T.  Interna- 
tional Student  Centre,  7:30  pm. 
DOut  &  Out  Country  Weekend.  At  a  farm- 
house near  Buckhorn,  with  outdoor  sports 
and  indoor  relaxation.  About  $50;  $30 
deposit  by  Mar  4.  Info:  927-0970. 

Sat/March  19 

DCGRO  invades  Niagara  Falls!  Two-day 
meeting  in  Niagara  Falls  of  the  Coalition  for 
Gay  Rights  in  Ontario,  including  a  Sunday 
workshop  called  "Bitch,  Bitch,  Bitch!"  and 
meeting  of  the  Steering  Committee.  1 1  am- 
4  pm  Sat  and  Sun.  Billeting,  info:  533-6824. 

Sun/March  20 

DNew  Dimensions.  Social  group  for  les- 
bians. Info:  Gayle  at  683-8691. 
D  Dignity  (gay  Catholics).  Special  service 
prepared  by  women.  See  Sundays. 
DOut  &  Out  Hike  to  Long  Point.  927-0970. 


Wed/March  23 


DOut  &  Out  Mid- Week  Cross-Country  Ski- 
ing. Info:  927-0970. 
DGay  Community  Council  of  Toronto. 
Forum  for  sharing  info  and  debating  issues. 
519  Church  St  Community  Centre,  7:30  pm. 
Info:  923-GAYS  or  CGRO  (533-6824). 

Thurs/March  24 

n Feminism  in  the  '80s:  "Which  Way  Now, 
Mother?"  Speaker  and  panel  discussion  on 
the  future  of  Canadian  feminism,  sponsored 
by  the  Ryerson  Women's  Centre.  380  Vic- 
toria St,  Room  L72  in  Lecture  Hall.  5:30 
pm.  Info:  Jennifer  Martin,  598-9838. 

Sat/March  26 

DMardi  Gras:  A  Costume  Ball.  The  Gay 
Community  Dance  Committee  presents  what 
could  be  the  costume  extravaganza  of  the 
year,  with  two  dance  floors  and  lotsa  fun. 
Upstairs,  DJs  Krys  Shepherd  and  Two  Man 
Sound  (Peter  Seifert  and  Michael  Temple) 
play  the  latest  in  disco,  while  downstairs 
Ilona  Laney  plays  rock,  new  wave  and 
women's  music.  Prizes  for  best  costumes,  of 
course.  Proceeds  to  twenty-eight  community 
groups.  Tickets  $7,  available  at  Toronto 
Women's  Bookstore  (40C  surcharge)  and 
Glad  Day  Books,  or  $5  after  1  am.  The  Con- 
cert Hall,  888  Yonge  St  (at  Davenport). 
9  pm-5  am. 

D  Gender  Blender  Dance.  Licensed  dance 
sponsored  by  the  U  of  T  Sex  Ed  Centre.  The 
Buttery,  Devonshire  Place.  8:30  pm.  $3. 
Sounds  like  fun! 

DOut  &  Out  First  Aid  lYaining.  An  inten- 
sive two-day  workshop  by  St  John's  Ambul- 
ance, providing  certificate  upon  completion. 
Minimum  of  8  people  required,  for  special 
course  exclusively  for  O&O  members.  $25. 
Arrange  attendance  by  March  15.  927-0970. 


Sun/March  27 


D Canadian  Day  of  Lesbian  Action.  For 

events  as  the  day  draws  near,  please  call 
964-7477  (Rape  Crisis  Centre)  or  consult  the 
next  issue  of  TBP. 


Mon/March  28 

[ JJane  Rule's  Birthday.  Canada's  own  ver- 
sion of  Sappho  turns  52  today. 

Tues/March  29 

D  Integrity  (gay  Anglicans).  Special  service: 
6:30  pm,  Eucharist;  7:15:  dinner;  8:  Medita- 
tion led  by  Sr  Thelma  Ann,  9:  compline. 
Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity  (Eaton  Centre). 

Thurs/March  31 

1  lOut  &  Out  Photography  Lecture.  For 

info,  call.927-0970. 

SEND  ALL  INFORMATION  TO 
OUT  IN  THE  CITY,  THE  BODY  POLITIC, 
BOX  7289,  STN  A.  TORONTO  IVI5W 1X9 

DEADLINE  FOR  THE  APRIL  ISSUE: 
THURSDAY,  MARCH  10, 1983 

FOR  MORE  UP-TO-DATE  INFO,  CALL 

923-GAYS 


Trouble  with  the  Police? 

Phone  960-6318.  24-hour  hotline  Confidential- 
ity guaranteed  Citizens'  Independent  Review 
of  Police  Activities  (CIRPA).  Call  us  first! 


MONDAYS 


DThe  Women's  Group.  Collectively 
run  support  and  consciousness-raising 
group  for  lesbians.  519  Church  St,  8  pm. 
Contact  Raechel  (926-0527). 
DJudy  Garland  Memorial  Bowling 
League.  9  pm.  For  info,  ask  at  Buddies, 
Dudes,  Boots  or  the  Albany. 
nOvereaters  Anonymous.  For  gays  and 
lesbians.  8  pm,  730  Bathurst  St. 
DLesbian/Lesbienne:  the  National  Les- 
bian Newsletter.  Meetings  at  7:30  pm. 
Contact  Kerry  for  more  info:  367-0589. 


TUESDAYS 


n Integrity  (Gay  Anglicans).  Church  of 
the  Holy  Trinity  (Eaton  Centre). 
7:30  pm,  except  Mar  29  (see  calendar). 
D Lesbian  and  Gay  Youth  Toronto. 

7:30  pm.  519  Church  St. 


WEDNESDAYS 


D Metropolitan  Community  Church. 

Midweek  services.  730  Bathurst  St. 
Wheelchair  accessible,  amplified  for  the 
hearing-impaired. 

n  No-Name  Cafe.  For  people  who  want 
an  alternative  to  the  bar  scene.  A  place 
to  relax,  with  coffee,  tea  and  conversa- 
tion. 519  Church  St,  8-10  pm. 
DToronto  Addicted  Women's  Self- 
Help  Network.  Self-help  group  for 
women  addicted  to  alcohol  and  other 
drugs.  Central  Neighbourhood  House. 
349  Ontario  St,  7  pm.  Info:  961-7319. 
Dlnternational'Women's  Day  Commit- 
tee. 7:30  pm.  Info:  789j4541. 
D Lutherans  Concerned.  8  pm  in  a 
member's  home.  Info:  David  at 
596-7052.  March  2  and  16. 


THURSDAYS 


D  Canadian  Gay  Archives.  Open  for 
research  and  tours,  7-10  pm.  24  Duncan 
St,  fifth  floor.  Info:  977-6320. 
DGay  Alliance  at  York.  Ross  BIdg, 
faculty  lounge  (S-869). 
n  Married  Lesbians. Support  discussion 
group  sponsored  by  Spouses  of  Gays. 
1 :30  pm,  206  St  Clair  Ave  W.  967-0597. 
DGay /Lesbian  Action  for  Disarma- 
nent.  7:30  pm.  921-1938.  Mar  3  and  17. 
DTAG  Coming  Out  Group.  Meets  in 
private  home.  Supportive  atmosphere 
for  people  coming  to  terms  with  their 
sexuality.  8  pm.  Info:  964-6600. 
njudy  Garland  Memorial  Bowling 
League.  9:30  pm.  Info:  ask  at  Buddies, 
Dudes,  Boots  or  the  Albany. 
D  Women  Against  Violence  Against 
Women.  519  Church  St,  7:30  pm. 
March  10  and  24. 


WEEKENDS 


Fridays 


GRiverdale  Volleyball  League.  For 

info,  ask  at  the  gay-owned  bars. 


Saturdays 


n  Lesbian  and  Gay  Youth  Toronto. 
Informal  coming  out  group,  2-5  pm, 
519  Church  St. 


Sundays 


I    Dignity/Toronto.  Worship  followed 
by  discussion.  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes 
Church,  Shcrbourne  St.  4  pm.  960-3997. 
L  J  Metropolitan  Community  Church. 
Singspiraiion  at  7:10,  worship  at  7:30 
and  fellowship  following.  730  Bathurst 
St.  Wheelchair  accessible,  amplified  for 
ihc  hearing-impaired. 

Alcoholics  Anonymous.  High  Noon 
Gay /Lesbian  Group.  12  noon,  730 
Bathurst  St.  Speaker.  Open  to  all. 


gay  . . .  got  a 
drinking  problem? 


(416)  964-3962 


OR  WRITE  BOX  "A"    730  BATHURST  STREET. 
TORONTO.  ONTARIO  M5S  2R4 


PARTNERS 


A, personalized  introductory  service 

for  discriminating  gays. 

A  new  concept  created  by 

gays  for  professional  gays. 

A  promise  of  discretion, 

integrity  and  value. 

(416)  482-0831 

Consultation  without  obligation. 

Guaranteed  confidential. 


continued  from  page  24 

DGay  CommunllY  Appeal  ol  Toronto.  Box  2212,  Sin  P.  M5S  2T2 
869-3036.  Fund-raising  tor  gay  and  lesbian  community  projects. 
DGay  Community  Dance  Committee  (GCDC).  730  Balhurst  St. 
M5S  2R4.  Organizes  community  lund-raising  dances. 
DGay  Fathers  ot  Toronto.  Box  187.  Stn  F.  M4Y  2L5.  967-0430  or 
967-4203, 

DGay/Lesbian  Action  tor  Disarmament.  Box  5794,  Stn  A. 
M5W  1P2.  921-1938 

DGay  Liberation  Against  ttie  Right  Everywhere  (GLARE).  Box  793. 
StnO,  M4T  2N7. 

DGay  SIG.  Drawer  C622,  c/o  Ttie  Body  Politic.  Box  7289.  Sin  A. 
M5W  1X9  Group  ol  gay  members  olMENSA  in  Canada, 
DGay  Sell-Oelonce  Group.  Box  793,  Stn  Q,  M4T  2N7  423-4803. 
Organizes  courses  in  sell-defence  in  and  outside  ol  Toronto, 
DGays  and  Lesbians  at  University  of  Toronto,  c/o  SAC  Oilice.  1 2 
Hart  House  Circle.  University  ol  Toronto,  M5S  1 A1 ,  978-491 1 , 
DGEM  Gay  Community  Outreach.  Box  62,  Brampton,  ON  L6V  2K7 
Peel  Region  (Bramplon-Mississauga)  group  tor  gays  and  lesbians, 
GaylineWest:453-GGC0, 

DGIad  Day  Defence  Fund.  648A  Yonge  St.  M4Y  2A6  961-4161 . 
Legal  fund  lor  Kevin  Orr,  asst  manager  charged  alter  April  21 
police  raid  on  bookstore.  Cheques  payable  to:  Hamburg/Trollope  in 
trust  lor  Glad  Day  Defence  Fund , 

D International  Gay  Association  (Toronto),  c/o  Gay  Community 
Council, 

QLesbian  and  Gay  Academic  Society.  Boxl87,  StnF,  M4Y  2L5 
921-531 7  (Conrad)  or  924-6474  (Alexandra) 
DLesbian  and  Gay  History  Group  of  Toronto.  Box  639.  Stn  A. 
M5W  102,961-7338, 

DLesbian  and  Gay  Pride  Day  Committee.  Box  793,  Stn  0. 
M4T  2N7,  Organizes  end  of  June  celebration, 
DLesbian  and  Gay  Youth  Toronto.  730  Balhurst  St.  M5S  2R4 
533-2867.  Phone  counselling:  Mon,  Wed.  Fri,  Sat 
7  pm-10:30  pm, 

DLesbian  Mothers'  Defence  Fund.  Box  38,  Stn  E,  M6H  4E1 . 
465-6822 

DLesbian  Speakers  Bureau.  Box  6597,  Stn  A,  M5W  1X4.  Info: 
Michelle  at  789-4541  or  Debbie  at  964-7477,  Speakers  tor  myth- 
shattering  seminars  and  workshops  about  lesbians, 
DLesbians  Against  the  Right  (LAR).  Box  6579.  Stn  A,  M5W  1X4 
Lesbian-feminist  political  action  group 
DNew  Democratic  Party  Gay  Caucus.  Box  792,  Sin  F,  M4Y  2N7 
964-1049 

DNew  Dimensions.  Social  group  for  women,  meets  approximately 
every  third  week.  Info:  Gayle,  683-8691 , 
D  Parents  and  Friends  of  Lesbians  and  Gays  Toronto.  52  Roxaline 
St,  Weston  ON  M9T  2Y9.  Info:  Pauline  l^artin  at  244-2105: 
D  Parents  ot  Gays  Mississauga.  c/o  Anne  Rutledge.  3323  Kings 
MastingsCres,  Mississauga  L5L  1G5  820-5130, 
DRightto  Privacy  Committee  (RTPC).  730  Balhurst  St,  M5S  2R4 
Defence  committee  for  gays  arrested  under  bawdyhouse  laws. 
Cheques  or  charges  payable  to:  Harriet  Sachs  in  trust  for  RTPC. 
Into:  961-8046  or  368-4392. 

DRosemary's  Women's  Group.  519  Church  St  Community  Centre. 
Into:  Raechel  926-0527.  Collectively  run  support  and  conscious- 
ness-raising group  lor  lesbians, 

DSpouses  of  Gays,  c/o  Caryn  Miller,  260  Carlton  St.  MSA  2L3 
Phoneline:  967-0597  Wed,  Thurs 6:30-8:30  pm, 
DToronto  Gay  Patrol.  Sell-governing  group  ol  lesbians  and  gay 
men  patrolling  downtown  core  of  city,  c/o  29  Grenville  St,  Apt  2, 
M4Y  1A1,  Into:  Peter,  368-6971,  or  Chris,  968-6744, 
DToronto  Male  Rape  Support  Group.  For  men  who  have  experi- 
enced rape.  Box 597,  StnO,  M4A  2P4,  731-1  Pape Avenue,  24 
hour  line:  461-5921 ,  or  922-1 111,  pager  7262, 
DToronto  Rainbow  Alliance  of  the  Deaf.  Box  671 ,  Sin  F,  M4Y  2N6 

Health/social  services 

D  After  You're  Out.  Weekly  groups  lor  gay  men  meeting  tor  10  weeks 
to  discuss  personal  goals,  problems,  topics  of  interest.  Organized  by 
TAG,  Info:  964-6600, 

DA  Way  Out.  530-GAYS.  24-hour  recorded  messages  for  young  les- 
bians and  gays.  Four  to  five  minutes  of  supportive  info  on  dealing 
with  parent.  Iriends,  tears  and  coming  out  problems.  Drawer  C614, 
c/oTBP,  80x7289,  Stn  A.  M5W  1X9, 
DAIcoholics  Anonymous.  Lesbian/gay  lellowships  964-3962. 
DGaycaro  Toronto.  Phoneline  368-8696  Irom  7-11  pm  seven  days  a 
week  Free  face-to-face  drop-in  counselling  service  in  the  downtown 
area  Drop-in  Thurs  7-10  pm.  519  Church  SI  Community  Centre. 
Group  sessions, 

DGay  Counselling  Centre  of  Toronto.  105  Carlton  St.  4th  floor, 
M5B  1M2,977-2153,Tues.Wed.Thurs,  6:30-9:30  pm.  Professional 
counselling  for  lesbians  and  gay  men.  Call  lor  appi  or  drop  in. 
DGay  Men's  Discussion  Groups.  Sponsored  by  U  of  T  Sex  Ed  Cen- 
tre 978-3977 

DHassie-Free  Clinic  -  Men.  556  Church  St,  2nd  floor.  M4Y  2E3, 
922-0603  VD  into,  testing  and  treatment.  Hours:  Mon.  Wed,  4-9 
pm;  Tues,  Thurs,  10  am-3  pm;  Fri,  4-7  pm;  Sat,  11  am-4  pm,  VO 
testing  at  baths:  Roman's,  Fri  from  9  pm;  The  Backdoor,  every  sec- 
ond Tues  from  9  pm;  The  Club,  every  second  Wed  Irom  9  pm, 
DLesbian  Phoneline.  Box  70.  Sin  F,  M4Y  2L4  960-3249  Tues 
7:30-10:30  pm  Recorded  message  other  limes.  Speakers  available, 
nSex  Ed  Centre,  c/o  U  of  T  Office  of  Admissions,  315  Bloor  St  W, 
Room  107,  M5S  1  A3,  Devonshire  and  Bloor  Sts.  behind  Admissions 
BIdg,  978-3977  Sex  counselling  for  U  ot  Tcampus.  Gay«ounsellors 
every  Tues,  10am-9pm, 

DToronto  Area  Gays.  Box  6706  Stn  A,  M5W  1X5,  964-6600.  Free 
peer  counselling  and  inio  lor  lesbians  and  gay  men,  Mon-Sal:  7 
pm-10:30pm 

DTrl-Aid  Charitable  Foundation.  8  Irwin  Ave,  U4Y  tK9.  Gay  youth 
counselling  and  street  work. 


Professional 


DAisociatlon  of  Gay  Social  Workert.  Box  182.  Sin  0.  M4A  2N3 
Social  work  students  welcome 

DGayj  In  Health  Care.  Box  7806,  Stn  A,  l^5W  1X7  920-1882.  In- 
cludes nurses,  physicians,  medical  students  and  psychologists, 
[DToronto  Lambda  Business  Council.  Box  513,  Adelaide  St  Stn, 
M5C  2J6 


Religious 


I  IChut2pah.  Se«  Social/political  action  lisllngs. 

[J  Dignity/Toronto.  Box  249.  Sin  E.  M6H  4E2.  960-3997.  Group  for 

gay  and  lesbian  Catholics  and  Iriends. 

'  I  Integrity/Toronto.  Box  873,  Stn  F,  M4Y  2N9,  Pastoral  ministry 

for  gay  and  lesbian  Anglicans  and  friends  487-7406  Chaplains 

available  for  pastoral  counselling  through  this  number 

'  ^Lutherans  Concerned,  c/o  Edward  Schlauch.  980  Broadview 

Ave.  Apt  2309.  M4K  3Y1 ,  463-7354  (David  or  James)  Support 


and  lellowship  for  gay  and  lesbian  Lutherans  and  their  friends 
DMetropolitan  Community  Church.  730  Balhurst  SI.  M5S  2R4 
532-2333  Christian  church  with  special  ministry  to  gay  commun- 
ity, 

DThe  Sisters  of  Perpetual  Indulgence.  Drawer  OPI.  c/o  TBP.  Box 
7289,  Stn  A.  M5W  1X9, 

DSplrit.  730  Balhurst  St.  M5S  2R4.  743-8948  or  482-181 7  Sup- 
port group  for  gay  and  lesbian  Salvationists  and  Iriends 
DToronto  Organization  of  United  Church  Homosexuals.  Box  626 
SInQ,  M4T  1L0 


Sports 


DCabbagetown  Group  Softball  League  .  Box  42.  Stn  L.  M6E  4Y4. 

863-0438, 

DFront  Runners  Toronto.  Box  8.  Adelaide  St  Stn.  MSC  2H8  Gay 

men  and  women's  running  club, 

DGay  Amateur  Sport  Association.  407-100  Gloucester  SI. 

M4Y  1M1,  921-2647  Team  sports, 

DJudy  Garland  Memorial  Bowling  League.  Info  bulletin  boards  in 

Buddy's.  Dudes,  The  Barn  or  Boots,  Sept-May  season, 

DOut  and  Out  Club.  Box  331 .  Sin  F.  M4Y  2L7  927-0970,  Outdoor 

activities  for  gay  people.  Include  phone  number, 

DRiverdale  Volleyball  League.  Sept-April  season  Info  at  Dudes. 

Buddy's  and  Albany  Tavern. 

Publications/information 

DAction!  Irregular  publication  ol  Right  to  Privacy  Committee,  730 
Balhurst  SI,  M5S  2R4,  924-4523, 
DThe  Body  Politic.  Box  7289,  Stn  A.  M5W  1X9  977-6320. 
DCanadian  Gay  Archives.  Box  639.  Stn  A.  M5W  1G2  977-6320. 
D  Circuit.  1  •  1 34  Carlton  St.  MSA  2K1 ,  922-0878  (editorial)  or 
964-1957  (business),  "Toronto's  magazine  of  eros  and  entertain- 
ment," Free  distribution  or  by  subscription 


Phone  counselling  lines 

DLesbian  Phoneline:  960-3249.  Tues 

7:30-10:30  pm. 

DLesbian  &  Gay  Youth  Toronto:  533-2867 

Mon,  Wed.  Fri,  Sat.  7-10:30  pm. 
DSpouses  of  Gays:  967-0597.  Wed  and 
Thurs  6:30-8:30  pm. 

DToronto  Area  Gays  (TAG):  964-6600.  Mon- 
Sat  7-10:30  pm.  Counselling,  info. 


DGay  Community  Calendar.  Call  923-GAYS  Box  8.  Adelaide  St 

Stn.  MSC  2H8,  24  hour  recorded  message  ol  weekly  events.  To  get 

info  listed  call  656-0372  between  7-10  pm  Mondays, 

DGayline  West.  453-GGCO.  Community  into  lor  Mississauga  and 

parts  west  of  Metro, 

DGIad  Day  Bookshop.  648A  Yonge  SI.  2nd  floor.  MSY  2A6 

961-4161,  Mon  10-8;  Tue-V*d  10-6;  Thurs-Fri  10-9;  Sal  10-6, 

DGrapevine,  Box  38,  Sin  E,  M6H  4E4,  Lesbian  Mothers'  Defence 

Fund  newsletter,  2-3  issues/year, 

Dlntegrity/Toronto  Newsletter.  Box  873,  Stn  F,  M4Y  2N9. 

DLesbian  Archives.  Box  928,  StnO,  M4T  2P1, 

DLesbian/Lesbionne.  National  newsletter,  367-0589  (Kerry), 

Women's  resources 

The  following  is  a  select  list  of  women's  services  in  Toronto  of  par- 
ticular interest  to  lesbians.    • 

DBroadside.  Box  494.  Sin  P.  M5S  2T1 .  598-3513.  Monthly  fem- 
inist newspaper.  Substantial  contributions  by  lesbians, 
DConstance  Hamilton  Housing  Co-op.  For  women  only.  523  Melita 
Ores.  M6G  3X9.  532-8860, 

DFireweed.  Box  279.  Stn  B.  M5T  2W2,  977-8681 ,  Feminist  quar- 
terly ol  politics  and  the  arts, 

DHassle-Free  Clinic  —  Women.  556  Church  SI,  second  floor, 
M4Y  2E3,  922-0566.  Free  medical  clinic.  Birth  control  and  gyne- 
cological into.  VD  and  pregnancy  testing,  abortion  counselling  and 
referrals.  Hours:  Mon.  Wed.  Fri,  10  am-3  pm;  Tues,  Thur.  4  pm- 
9  pm.  Call  ahead. 

D International  Women's  Day  Committee.  Box  70.  Stn  F.  M4Y  2L4. 
789-4541 ,  Independent  socialist  leminisl  organization, 
DJessle's  Centre  for  Teenage  Women.  154  Balhurst  St.  M5V  2R3. 
365-1888,  Multiservice  agency,  Lesbian-positive, 
DMacphail  House.  389  Church  SI,  MSB  2A1  977-1037  Long- 
term  YWCA  residence  lor  women  16-25,  Shared  co-op  apartments. 
DNellie's  Hostel  tor  Women.  275A  Broadview  Ave,  M4M  268 
461-1084,  Temporary  hostel  for  women  16  and  over,  including 
mothers  with  children, 

DRape  Crisis  Centre.  Box  6597.  Stn  A.  U5W  1X4,  Crisis  line: 
964-8080,  Business  line:  964-7477  Info,  sell-delence  courses. 
DSound  women,  c/o  flyerson  Women's  Centre.  SURPI.  380  Vic- 
toria SI.  MSB  1W7,  Ryerson  women's  radio  show  collective  Les- 
bian and  feminist  music,  interviews  and  announcements,  Sundays 
at  noon,  CKLN(102  9)FM  (via  Rogers  cable).  To  place  announce- 
ments, call  598-9838, 

DStop86.  86  Madison  Ave,  MSR  2S4,  922-3271,  Crisis  housing 
and  social  service  centre  lor  women  under  25, 
DTImes  Change  Women's  Employment  Centre.  22  Davisville  Ave, 
M4S  1E8,  487-2807  9-5  Mon-Thurs,  9-2  Fri  Employment  coun- 
selling, job  search  and  career  planning  workshops, 
DToronto  Addicted  Women's  Self-Help  Network.  Suite  202,  Box 
2213.  Stn  P,  MSS  2T2,  Phoneline:  961-7319,  Sell-help  group  lor 
women  addicted  to  alcohol  and  other  drugs.  Weekly  meetings, 
DToronto  Area  Caucus  ot  Women  and  the  Law.  Box  231 ,  Stn  B, 
M5T  2T2 

DToronto  Women's  Bookstore.  85  Harbord  St,  MSS  104 
922-8744,  Hours,  Mon-Sal,  10:30  am-6  pm, 
DU  of  T  Women's  Newsmagazine.  For  feminists  on  and  off  cam- 
pus 44  St  George  SI.  2nd  llr.  M5S  2E4  Info:  Brenda  534-4021 
DWomen  Against  Violence  Against  Women.  Box  1 74.  Stn  0. 
M6P  3J8,  Committed  to  action  from  a  feminist  perspective  against 
various  aspects  ol  violence  against  women, 
DWomen  in  Trades,  c/o  Times  Change.  22  Davisville  St. 
M4S  1E8  534-1161 

DWemen's  Counielling,  Referral  and  Education  Centre.  348  Col- 
lege Si.  M5T  1S4  924-0766  Therapy,  counselling,  info, 
DWomen's  Cuttural  Building  Hotline.  534-1682.  Phoneline  for 
women's  events 

DWomen's  Media  Alliance,  c/o  940  Queen  St  E.  M4M  i J7.  Phyllis 
Waugh.  466-8840 

DWomen'sResourceCentre.OISE.  252  Bloor  St  W,  MSS  1V6 
923-6641 ,  Ext  244  Books,  periodicals,  audio  &  video  tapes 
DWomynly  Way  Productions.  427  Bloor  St  W.  MSS  1X7 
925-6568  Company  bringing  concerts,  dance  and  theatrical  per- 
formances to  city 


28/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


Bod^UHc 


THERE'S  No  Life  Like  It, 
SAYS  THE  Canadian  Armed  Forces. 
Maybe.  But  if  youre  gay,  there  may 

BE  No  Life  IN  It  AT  ALL 


UNFIT 


SEIMCE 


Hummertime  in  northern  Ontario  and  the 
living  is  easy.  Fifty  young  reserves  and 
regular  members  of  the  Canadian  Armed 
Forces  are  on  a  training  course.  The  train- 
ing is  finished  and  gone  are  the  worries 
about  having  good  aim  on  the  rifle  range.  The  drinking 
begins. 

For  three  days  they  slump  in  steel  shacks  and  drink, 
but  finally  it's  the  night  before  puUout.  When  C,  an 
unhandsome  but  physically  appealing  nineteen-year- 
old  from  Toronto,  steps  outside  and  into  the  woods  to 
take  a  leak,  someone  follows.  He  stands  next  to  C,  who 
glances  over  and  sees  a  hard  cock.  "You  wanna  take 
care  of  this?"  he  asks  C,  who  laughs  but  obliges. 

An  innocent  jaunt  in  the  woods  but  enough  to  get 
you  booted  out  of  the  forces.  The  Canadian  miUtary, 
you  see,  spends  a  lot  of  time  and  money  trying  to  keep 
the  ranks  wholly  heterosexual.  So  last  year  over  a  hun- 
dred lesbians  and  gay  men  were  found  and  got  rid  of, 
most  by  internal  secret  police  innocuously  called  the 
Special  Investigation  Unit  (SIU). 

The  unfortutiates  could  expect  to  be  followed  on 
base  and  off,  subjected  to  arbitrary  search  and  seizure, 
and  humiliated  by  such  questions  as:  "Do  you  swallow 
come  when  you  suck  cocks?"  (There's  a  different  ver- 
sion for  women,  of  course.  See  box,  page  32.) 

Captain  Norbert  Cyr,  an  information  officer  at  the 
Department  of  National  Defence  in  Ottawa,  admits 
that  military  personnel  suspected  of  being  gay  are  sub- 
jected to  "police-type"  questioning.  "If  you're  on  the 
receiving  end  it  can  be  unpleasant,"  he  observes. 

The  no-gay  regulation  is  outlined  in  Canadian  Forces 
Administration  Order  19-20:  "If  a  person  subject  to  the 
Code  of  Service  Discipline  becomes  aware  or  suspects 
that  a  member  of  the  Canadian  Forces  is  homosexual... 
he  shall  report  the  matter  to  the  commanding  officer... 
Service  policy  docs  not  allow  homosexual  members  to 
be  retained  in  the  CF." 

The  men  who  run  the  military  see  gay  people  as  a 


An  ARTICLE  BY  Glenn  Wheeler 


threat  to  the  force  and  the  Canadian  state.  The 
possibility  of  blackmail  is  often  mentioned,  for  exam- 
ple. "Such  persons  are  still,  in  our  society,  subject  to 
blackmail,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  because  of  a 
partner,"  wrote  Admiral  Robert  Falls,  then  chief  of 
defence  staff,  in  a  1979  letter  to  Gordon  Fairweather, 
chief  commissioner  of  the  Canadian  Human  Rights 
Commission. 

There's  also  a  fear  that  heterosexuals  wouldn't  join 
if  lesbians  and  gay  men  were  members.  "There  is  the 
serious  question  of  the  image  of  the  Canadian  forces  in 
the  eyes  of  the  public,"  Falls  wrote.  "This  is  of  direct 
concern  to  me  since  the  maintenance  of  a  volunteer 
force  depends  to  a  great  deal  on  how  that  force  is 
viewed  by  potential  recruits  and  their  relatives  and 
friends." 


And,  my  God,  think  of  the  parents.  They'd  be  afraid 
to  have  their  children  venture  anywhere  near  a 
recruiting  office.  Wrote  Falls:  "My  personal  view  is 
that  the  majority  of  Canadians  are  not  prepared  to  ac- 
cept the  idea  of  homosexuals  in  the  forces,  and  they 
would  not  see  such  an  organization  as  a  suitable 
environment  for  their  sons  and  daughters." 

Forces  spokesmen  also  say  they're  worried  about  the 
safety  of  lesbians  and  gay  men  themselves. They  might 
get  bashed,  Norbert  Cyr  says.  And  that  would  be  dis- 
ruptive. "It  is  considered,"  Cyr  reads  from  a  defence 
department  policy  manual,  "that  because  of  the  unique 
demands  of  forces  life,  which  includes  enforced  prox- 
imity of  persons  in  ships  and  isolated  units  in  barracks, 
that  condoning  homosexual  behaviour  would  create 
conflicts  in  interpersonal  behaviour,  which  would 
affecfmorale  and  have  a  detrimental  effect  on  forces 
operational  efficiency." 

Canadian  military  personnel  are  often  called  upon  to 
serve  in  other  parts  of  the  world  and  for  legal  reasons, 
Admiral  Falls  says,  there  are  some  countries  where  gay 
people  couldn't  be  sent.  "A  substantial  number  of 
military  personnel  serve  outside  the  country:  under  UN, 
NORAD  and  NATO  auspices,  or  in  Canadian  missions 
throughout  the  world,"  Falls  explained  in  his  letter  to 
Fairweather.  "In  a  great  many  cases  homosexuals 
would  be  ineligible  for  such  service  because  of  the  laws 
or  social  mores  of  the  host  country.  Such  limitations  on 
the  employment  of  homosexuals  are  a  fact  of  life...." 

The  perennial  excuse  of  the  potential  for  blackmail  is 
especially  irksome.  Blackmail,  of  course,  wouldn't  be 
possible  if  the  administrative  orders  didn't  outlaw  gay 
sexuality.  And  despite  their  paranoia,  the  Canadian 
forces  still  can't  point  to  a  case  of  a  gay  member  having 
compromised  national  security. 

Herbert  Sutcliffc  says  he  would  have  gone  to  his 
commanding  officer  if  someone  had  tried  to  blackmail 
him  when  he  was  working  in  counlcrinlcllipcncc  lor  the 
Canadian  army  during  the  '40s  and  '50s.  .As  it  turned 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/29 


out,  however,  it  was  police  in  Washing- 
ton, DC  who  went  to  Major  Sutcliffe's 
bosses,  but  not  because  he'd  done  wrong. 

It  was  1961  and  Sutcliffe  was  being 
posted  to  the  Pentagon  to  help  the 
Americans  catch  spies.  He'd  been  out 
drinking,  sampling  the  night  Hfe  and 
mingling  with  his  new  colleagues.  He 
stopped  into  a  gay  watering  hole  on  the 
way  back  to  his  hotel  and  found  a  man 
in  the  next  urinal  making  suggestive  ges- 
tures. "Come  with  me,"  the  man  said, 
and  Sutcliffe  did.  To  the  police  station. 
Washington  police  contacted  the  Royal 
Canadian  Mounted  Police  and  Sutcliffe 
was  suddenly  a  civilian  again. 

Unlike  the  defence  department,  the 
rest  of  the  Canadian  government  is  no 


longer  preoccupied  with  the  possiblity  of 
blackmail  of  its  homosexual  employees. 
Then  Solicitor  General  Francis  Fox,  for 
example,  said  in  a  1977  letter  to  the  Na- 
tional Gay  Rights  Coalition  that  "an 
individual's  sexual  orientation  does  not 
prevent  that  individual  from  obtaining 
employment  in  the  Federal  Government 
or  from  obtaining  a  security  clearance." 

Prime  Minister  Trudeau  concurred: 
"Mr  Fox  has  indicated...  sexual  orienta- 
tion does  not  represent  a  bar  to  employ- 
ment in  the  Federal  Government  at 
large,  or  indeed  to  the  granting  of  secur- 
ity clearance.  I  can  only  emphasize  his 
assurance  that  there  is  no  government 
policy,  either  overt  or  covert,  of  discrim- 
ination against  homosexuals."  (Empha- 


sis is  Trudeau's.)  But  Trudeau  also  said 
the  defence  department's  policy  was 
made  necessary  by  "a  security  problem 
which  the  government  in  carrying  out  its 
responsibilities  has  to  take  into  con- 
sideration." 

Sutcliffe,  then,  might  have  the  same 
employer  now  as  he  had  in  1961  if  he'd 
been  working  for  the  Department  of 
Fisheries. 

The  implication  in  Falls's  reasoning  is 
that  gay  people  are  less  able  than  straight 
men  and  women  to  abide  the  laws  of 
other  countries.  Does  the  defence  de- 
partment, for  example,  balk  at  the  post- 
ing of  women  to  misogynist  countries  in 
the  Moslem  world,  or  worry  about  pas- 
sionate personnel  who  kiss  their  spouses 


Taking  the  forces  to  court 


The  only  Canadian  to  take  the  armed 
forces  to  court  over  its  discrimination 
against  lesbians  and  gay  men  signed  up  at 
Trois  Rivieres,  Quebec,  on  May  5,  1969. 
Seven  years  later,  in  Lahr,  West  Ger- 
many, Jacques  Gallant  was  called  before 
his  commanding  officer  and  told  he  was 
being  investigated  as  a  "sexual  deviate." 

Both  the  medical  officer  and  psychia- 
trist who  inter\iewed  Gallant  recom- 
mended he  be  retained,  a  fact  Gallant 
noted  when  he  appealed  his  discharge  to 
the  Federal  Court  of  Canada.  Gallant 
said  his  actions  in  no  way  scandalized  the 
forces  or  impaired  his  ability  to  perform 
his  duties.  And  if  he'd  been  allowed  to 
present  a  defence  in  French,  he  said,  he 
could  have  put  forward  arguments  to 
prove  his  case. 

The  Department  of  National  Defence 
didn't  bother  with  the  facts,  arguing  in- 
stead that  the  Court  had  no  jurisdiction 
in  the  matter.  The  justices  agreed:  "A 
person  who  joins  the  Forces  enters  into  a 
unilateral  commitment  in  return  for 
which  the  Queen  assumes  no  obligations," 
wrote  Mr  Justice  Marceau  in  the  1978 
decision.  "Relations  between  the  Queen 
and  Her  military  personnel,  as  such,  in  no 
way  give  rise  to  a  remedy  in  the  civil 
courts." 

Gallant  had  found  out  the  hard  way 
that  lesbians  and  gay  men  in  the  Cana- 
dian army  are  legally  helpless. 

Which  is  why  the  Canadian  Human 
Rights  Commission  could  do  nothing 
when  Darl  Wood,  hating  her  new  civilian 
life  and  missing  the  lover  she  left  behind, 
ended  up  on  its  doorstep  three  years  ago. 
Wood  doesn't  know  how  the  forces 
learned  she  was  a  lesbian,  but  was  dis- 
missed after  cracking  during  interroga- 
tion by  two  SIU  officers. 

Hugh  McKervill  of  the  commission's 
Halifax  office  could  give  her  emotional 
support,  but  nothing  more.  "If  it  inter- 
fered with  their  work  that  would  be  one 
thing,"  he  .says.  "But  we  can't  see  where 
it's  required  that  a  man  or  a  woman  be 
heterosexual  to  carry  out  the  functions  of 
the  military  or  any  other  force."  But  the 
Canadian  Armed  Forces  is  well  within  its 
rights.  And  though  the  commission  tries 
an  informal  "good  offices"  approach 
where  there  is  no  law  broken  but  an  in- 
justice appears  to  have  occurred,  McKer- 
vill says  that  doesn't  work  with  the 
forces. 

Svend  Robinson,  the  brash  Member  of 
Parliament  from  Burnaby,  BC  who.se 
vociferous  demands  for  gay  rights  are 
part  of  the  reason  he's  no  longer  the  New 
Democratic  Party's  justice  critic,  plans  to 
bring  the  matter  before  the  government's 
standing  committee  on  justice  and  legal 
affairs.  "It's  a  rather  sad  commentary  on 
the  military  that  a  person  can  be  hon- 


oured for  killing  but  is  discharged  merely 
for  loving." 

Robinson  can  take  some  cheer  from 
advances  being  made  in  the  United 
States,  where  a  man  and  woman  recently 
won  appeals  of  their  dismissals.  In  the 
first  case,  the  army  tried  to  dismiss 
Miriam  ben  Shalom  because  she's  a  les- 
bian. They  weren't,  however,  able  to  pro- 
vide evidence  of  ben  Shalom  having  sex 
with  women.  Wisconsin  District  Court 
ruled  the  dismissal  unconstitutional 
because  it  had  violated  ben  Shalom's  first 
amendment  liberties.  The  court  said  the 
army  cannot  release  someone  simply 
because  of  a  personality  trait:  "It  is  only 
when  one's  personality,  no  matter  how 
bizarre  or  potentially  dangerous,  actually 
manifests  itself  in  unlawful  conduct  that 
the  government  may  intercede  in  an  ef- 
fort to  control  the  personality  or  restrict 
its  manifestations." 

Unfortunately,  ben  Shalom's  victory 
was  in  a  lower  court  and  may  be  over- 
turned. It  was  also  a  lower  court  which 
ruled  that  Sgt  Perry  Watkins,  34,  should 
be  given  another  six-year  enlistment.  US 
District  Court  Judge  Barbara  Rothstein 
said  the  army's  contention  that  its  enlist- 
ment personnel  hadn't  known  Watkins 
was  gay  was  "patently  absurd."  Watkins, 
of  Tacoma,  Washington,  had  been  open 
about  his  sexuality  ever  since  his  pre- 
induction  physical  examination  in  1967. 
And  during  an  investigation  in  1968,  he 
admitted  to  the  Army  Criminal  Division 
that  he'd  had  sex  with  two  servicemen. 
But  it's  only  now  that  they've  decided 
they  want  him  to  go. 

Watkins  says  the  Army  was  glad 
enough  to  have  him  at  the  height  of  the 
Vietnam  War,  "When  they  want  you  bad 
enough,"  he  says,  "they'll  overlook  (the 
fact  that  you're  gay)."  He's  now  looking 
forward  to  military  retirement  and  full 
benefits  in  1988,  after  twenty  years  as 
aGI. 

The  lower  court  judgments  are  uneven 
and,  in  some  cases,  even  confiicting,  but 
the  United  States  Supreme  Court  has  yet 
to  rule  on  the  issue.  Still,  important  work 
has  been  done.  The  American  Civil  Liber- 
ties Union  (ACLU)  is  involved  in  the 
financing  and  arguing  of  a  half  dozen 
cases  of  gay  people  being  thrown  out  of 
the  army. 

"There's  a  kind  of  ideological  mix-up 
here,"  says  Susan  McGreavy  of  the  ACLU 
in  Los  Angeles.  "We  used  to  help  draft 
resisters  because  we  are  philosophically 
opposed  to  the  military." 

Chicago  lawyer  Joe  Schuman,  who 
besides  representing  gays  excluded  from 
the  army  has  just  written  a  pamphlet  for 
gay  men  facing  the  draft,  is  in  a  similar  , 
situation.  "I'm  a  socialist,"  he  says,  "but 
what  I'm  doing  is  fighting  for  the  right  of 
gay  people  to  participate  in  imperialism. 


It's  difficult  for  us  to  relate  to  (gay  people 
in  the  military)  but  everyone  should  have 
the  right  to  join." 

That  philosophical  tension  is  perhaps 
one  reason  lesbians  and  gay  men  around 
the  world  haven't  made  more  advances 
against  the  military.  For  it's  a  fact  that  in 
most  nations  military  personnel  are 
known  to  be  homophobic,  while  gay 
activists  are  usually  anti-militaristic. 

"Alot  of  us  feel  very  ambivalent," 
says  Jill  Clark,  who  writes  on  this  subject 
for  Boston's  Gay  Community  News.  "If 
I  could  choose  an  area  to  report  on,  it 
sure  as  hell  wouldn't  be  the  military." 
She  adds,  however,  "1  know  that  in  many 
cases  the  military  is  the  only  place  for 
some  people,  especially  women,  to  get 
any  kind  of  decent  job." 

Clark  and  other  activists  were  per- 
turbed when  Leonard  Matlovich,  the  red- 
haired  sergeant  who  got  his  face  on  the 
cover  of  Time,  accepted  $I60,0(X)  from 
the  air  force  in  return  for  ending  his  fight 
for  re-enlistment.  Matlovich,  who  re- 
ceived a  Bronze  Star  and  Purple  Heart 
for  his  performance  in  Vietnam,  hadn't 
waited  to  get  kicked  out.  He  had  told  his 
superiors  he  was  gay.  After  years  of  legal 
wrangling,  a  move  by  the  District  of  Col- 
umbia Court  of  Appeal  in  1978  to  order 
the  air  force  to  re-enlist  him  was  dropped 
because  of  the  cash  settlement. 

The  situation  in  Canada,  with  none  of 
the  court  successes  of  the  States,  is  even 
more  discouraging.  Blair  Johnston,  who 
spent  ten  years  in  the  Canadian  Armed 
Forces  and  is  now  vice-president  of  Gays 
of  Ottawa,  says  political  contradictions 
and  disagreements  are  partly  the  reason. 

"Left-leaning  gay  activists  look  at  the 
military  and  see  homosexuals,  not  gays," 
Johnston  says.  "But  that's  because  a  gay 
person  is  not  allowed  to  have  an  identity 
in  the  armed  forces.  Both  sides  have 
problems  in  terms  of  facing  society  and 
dealing  with  pressure  from  homophobes. 
The  group  in  the  military  suffers  from  a 
lack  of  awareness  of  what  it  is  to  be  gay. 
The  other  group  sometimes  has  so  much 
awareness  they're  not  able  to  see  some 
things." 

Monique  Hebert,  a  researcher  at  the 
Library  of  Parliament  in  Ottawa,  put  the 
matter  in  bleak,  bureaucratic  terms  in  a 
report  last  summer.  "In  contrast  to  the 
American  i^fituation,  the  Canadian  courts 
have  yet  to  improve  the  lot  of  the  homo- 
sexual serviceman,"  she  wrote. 

"...That  will  be  long  in  coming,  partic- 
ularly if  the  (Canadian)  courts  continue 
to  uphold  seemingly  arbitrary  military 
regulations  on  the  basis  that  they  serve  'a 
valid  federal  objective.'  If  this  test  does 
survive  a  challenge  under  the  Charter  of 
Rights  and  Freedoms,  homosexual  ser- 
vicemen can  only  expect  to  have  their  lot 
improved  if  it  is  deemed  expedient  to  do 
so  by  the  government. 

"The  end  result  is  similar  in  both 
cases:  the  military's  special  needs  will 
prevail."  D 


in  public  being  sent  to  Iran? 

There  was  a  time,  of  course,  when 
women  weren't  allowed  to  join  the  Can- 
adian forces  because  the  men  in  charge 
worried  about  their  ability  to  fulfill  ser- 
vice requirements.  Now  there  are  thou- 
sands of  women  in  the  forces,  even  in 
isolated  posts  and  onboard  ships.  Wor- 
ries about  men  and  women  serving  in 
close  proximity  have  come  to  naught. 

Similar  worries  about  gay  people  are 
being  proven  to  be  just  as  silly.  When 
Stephane  Sirard,  for  example,  lost  his 
job  with  the  military  police  at  CFB  Corn- 
wallis  in  Nova  Scotia,  the  men  and 
women  he  worked  with  helped  in  his 
unsuccessful  fight  to  stay  in  the  forces. 

Sirard,  from  New  Liskeard,  Ontario, 
joined  in  November,  1979,  and  was  told 
in  August,  1981  that  he'd  get  an  acceler- 
ated promotion  to  corporal.  Before  that 
could  happen,  however,  the  ubiquitous 
SIU  spotted  Sirard  leaving  the  Turret,  a 
gay  bar  in  Halifax.  He  was  discharged 
on  March  14,  1982. 

Several  of  Sirard's  supervisors  wrote 
letters  on  his  behalf.  While  he  was  pack- 
ing, his  shift  supervisor  told  him  to  fight 
his  dismissal.  And  two  dozen  military 
policemen,  most  of  whom  knew  why  he 
was  leaving,  came  to  a  farewell  party. 

Sirard  had  been  discreet:  he  says  he 
never  had  sex  on  base,  going  instead  to 
the  Turret  on  the  weekends.  He  never 
learned  how  the  SIU  found  out  he's  gay 
but  suspects  someone  who  resented  his 
meteoric  career  rise  picked  up  on  bits  of 
gossip  and  went  to  his  superiors. 

Because  the  informants  aren't  re- 
quired to  present  evidence  with  their 
allegations,  there's  much  opportunity 
for  majicious  gossip.  That's  what  hap- 
pened in  Argentia,  Newfoundland, 
where  Master  Corporal  Gloria  Cameron 
was  dismissed  on  July  2,  1977. 

There  were  thirty-three  Canadian 
forces  women  working  at  the  United 
States  naval  base  in  the  town,  eighty 
miles  across  the  Avalon  Peninsula  from 
St  John's.  Cameron  was  one  of  twelve 
lesbians  who  regularly  had  parties  with 
six  gay  men  in  a  nearby  cabin  in  the 
woods.  Things  went  fine  until  two  of  the 
women  decided  to  have  an  informal 
marriage  ceremony.  Major  Bernard 
Hogan  found  out  and  called  in  SIU  offi- 
cers from  Maritime  Command  in  Hali- 
fax. Cameron  lost  her  job  in  the  purge 
that  followed. 

"I  wanted  to  stay  in  the  forces  so 
bad,"  says  Cameron,  who's  now  back  in 
Kitchener,  Ontario.  "I  liked  my  job.  I 
belonged  there.  But  I  guess  I'd  known 
from  the  beginning  what  their  position 
was  on  gay  people.  I'd  always  lived  with 
the  fear  of  being  found  out.  I  suppose  I 
always  felt  I'd  eventually  get  caught.  It's 
not  a  very  good  way  to  live.  I  was  really 
nervous  and  afraid  but  I  wanted  to  stay 
in  the  forces." 

The  passing  on  of  rumours  through 
informants  that  likely  let  military  brass 
in  on  Cameron's  secret  is  one  form  of 
homophobia.  But  there  are  nastier  — 
and  more  dangerous  —  forms,  as  J 
found  out  in  Ottawa  two  years  ago. 

It  began  in  a  bar  on  base.  J,  an  eight- 
een-year-old from  Antigonish,  Nova 
Scotia,  was  accused  by  another  woman 
of  making  a  pass  at  her  boyfriend  (it  was 
really  the  boyfriend  who'd  proposi- 
tioned J).  There  was  an  unpleasant  scene 
and  J  left  for  the  barracks  and  bed. 

"Angle  came  and  woke  me,"  J  re- 
calls. "She  asked  me  to  step  outside  and 
she  and  another  straight  woman  started 
pushing  and  punching  while  everyone 
else  stood  by  and  watched.  No  one  tried 
to  stop  it."  J  was  finally  able  to  limp 
back  to  her  bunk,  fingering  her  bruises 
and  licking  the  blood  off  her  lips. 

The  two  women  went  to  the  military 


30rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/31 


Interrogation: 
trapped  &  alone 


Darl  Wood  started  writing  about  her  life 
in  the  Canadian  Armed  Forces  as  soon  as 
her  superiors  discovered  she  was  a  lesbian 
and  kicked  her  out  five  years  ago.  She 
still  lives  in  Halifax,  where  she  writes  and 
is  active  in  the  feminist  movement.  The 
following  piece  about  her  interrogation 
by  the  forces'  Special  Investigative  Unit  is 
an  excerpt  from  a  book-in-progress. 


Across  the  road  is  a  while  building.  A 
Special  Investigation  Unit.  Two  men 
escort  Carri  there  and  ask  her  to  wait. 
The  room  is  small  with  a  padded  door, 
soundproof.  It  is  empty  except  for  a  table 
and  three  chairs,  the  pale  square  ones 
with  straight  backs  that  make  you  sit  still. 
Carri  sits  with  her  hands  clasped  Hke  a 
grade-school  student  anticipating  the 
blows  from  a  teacher's  ruler.  She  waits. 

Please  Jesus,  take  away  the  numbness, 
I  can't  breathe.  She  whispers  to  the  intan- 
gible deity,  drawing  strength  from  a  past 
belief;  it  doesn't  matter  to  her  at  this 
point  if  it's  real  or  imaginary.  One  of  the 
men  asks  if  she  wants  a  woman  present 
while  being  questioned. 

"It  is  your  right  to  have  someone  with 
you  —  a  woman."  This  is  the  first  time 
she  is  aware  someone  has  come  back  into 
the  room.  She  wants  to  spit  the  words 
back  at  them.  Rights!  1  have  none  that 
count  now. 

"Eh...  no...  no,  thank  you,  I  don't 
think  so."  It  would  be  too  embarrassing. 
She  doesn't  really  know  what  to  say  yet, 
they  make  her  feel  shameful. 

"When  did  you  first  know  you  were  a 
lesbian?"  They  want  to  know,  two  men 
interrogating  her  about  her  sex  life. 

What  are  they  saying,  can  they  ask 
questions  like  that?  They  do,  over  and 
over;  she  desperately  needs  to  challenge 
their  right  to  do  this,  but  doesn't,  intimi- 
dated. "Look,  what  do  you  want  from 
me,  I've  already  told  you  that  I'm  gay." 
It's  futile,  an  outburst  of  childlike  defi- 
ance without  authority. 

It's  not  enough,  they  want  details: 
when,  where,  even  how;  tribadism,  digi- 
tal manipulation,  on  and  on  repeating  the 
same  questions  over  and  over  until  she 
wants  to  scream.  She  feels  dizzy.  Not 
understanding  half  of  what  they  ask. 
They  explain;  a  blushing  warmth  washes 
through  her.  Christ,  1  feel  like  I'm  going 
to  be  sick. 

"Are  you  sure  Sergeant  Adams  is  the 
first  woman  you've  made  love  to?" 

"Yes." 

"Is  she  the  only  woman  in  the  Service 
you've  been  involved  with?" 

"Yes,  the  only  one,  I've  already  told 
you  that  a  dozen  times." 

They  change  the  direction  of  their 
questioning  abruptly.  "Do  you  know 
what  cunnilingus  is?" 

"Yes,"  she  closes  her  eyes  and  hesitates 
answering,  "I  know  what  it  means." 

"Did  you  perform  it  on  her?" 

"Yes...  no...  I  don't  know,  ...no." 
Utter  confusion. 

"Did  she  do  it  to  you?"  The  room 
becomes  a  deadweight  of  quiet.  This  is 
degrading,  she  refuses  to  answer.  Bas- 
tards, leave  me  alone,  please  Jesus,  make 
them  just  leave  me  alone.  For  the  first 
time  she  wants  to  cry,  feeling  trapped  and 
alone,  but  she  is  angry  now  too,  so  she 
stares  past  the  men  to  regain  composure. 
She  contemplates  asking  them  if  they  are 
enjoying  their  sport,  do  they  get  their 
rocks  off  on  it?  Why  are  they  harassing 


Darl  Wood,  kicked  out  of  the  forces  five  years  ago: 

'No  longer  a  person,  labelled  now,  a  sexual  DEVIATE' 


me  and  why  am  I  complying?  She  says 
nothing,  continuing  to  stare  past  them 
through  the  bars  she  imagines  to  be  on 
the  windows.  Do  they  think  I  will  attack 
the  first  woman  that  comes  along  or 
molest  a  child?  Stop  it  Carri,  or  you'll  go 
crazy.  This  is  ludicrous.  Why  in  the  name 
of  Christ  am  I  allowing  myself  to  be 
cowed  like  this? 

Group  sex,  lesbian  circles,  whips  and 
chains  —  what  are  they  saying  now?  A 
low  stified  whine  escapes  her  arid  throat. 
What  do  they  think  I  am?  She  raises  her 
eyes  to  them  slowly.  Are  they  serious? 
They  are.  She  can't  help  herself,  she  burst 
out  into  a  tense  laugh,  not  into  tears. 
She's  gradually  becoming  aware  of  the 
insanity  of  the  situation.  Shocked  into 
regaining  a  sense  of  perspective  she  tells 
them  point  blank,  "I'm  not  going  to 
answer  any  more  personal  questions." 

They  try  more  subtle  questions.  She 
thinks  this  perverse  and  tells  them  that. 
They  warn  her  that  if  she  knows  of  any 


other  persons  in  the  Forces  that  are 
homosexual  it  would  be  better  if  she  told 
them  now,  they  would  hate  for  it  to  come 
out  later.  Whatever  that  means,  she  pon- 
ders this  mild  threat,  and  is  infuriated 
that  she  has  been  such  a  complete  ass, 
giving  away  too  much  of  herself  and  not 
knowing  just  how  it  came  about. 

They  tell  her  it  is  necessary  for  her  to 
sign  a  statement  admitting  to  her  devia- 
tion. No  longer  a  person,  labelled  now,  a 
sexual  deviate  —  god  that  sounds  gross. 
She  glowers  at  them,  her  eyes  narrow  try- 
ing to  identify  with  their  concept. 
Deviant,  a  quote  from  the  Queen's  Regu- 
lations and  Orders.  She  also  has  to  prom- 
ise that  she  will  not  tell  anyone  anything 
she  has  learned  since  joining  the  Forces. 
She  assumes  they  mean  the  Soviets,  as  if 
she  knew  anything  they  didn't  already 
know.  Shit,  me  a  security  risk,  all  of  a 
sudden  I'm  fucking  dangerous  to  nation- 
al security  because  I  happen  to  enjoy  hav- 
ing sex  with  the  woman  I  love.D 


police  the  next  day  and  explained  they 
had  bashed  J  because  she  was  a  lesbian. 
As  far  as  J  knows,  no  action  was  taken 
against  the  two  women.  She,  however, 
was  kicked  out  of  the  forces. 

R  had  an  equally  humiliating  and 
painful  experience  while  he  was  serving 
in  West  Germany  with  the  Royal  Cana- 
dian Air  Force  during  the  early  '50s.  He 
and  a  man  from  Quebec,  who  R  still 
thinks  was  gay,  were  visiting  a  German 
family  who  lived  near  the  base.  After 
having  a  good  time  and  drinking  a  lot,  R 
took  his  friend  out  to  the  family's  car 
and  gave  him  a  blow  job.  After  it  was 
over,  the  man  wasn't  as  pleased  as  R 
with  what  had  happened  and  the  two  got 
into  a  vicious  argument.  R  left  and  went 
back  to  base. 

Two  military  policemen  came  to  his 
bunk  the  next  morning.  Although  R 
didn't  admit  during  the  interrogation 
that  he's  gay  he  was  charged  with  inde- 
cent assault  and  later  sentenced  to  thirty 
days  in  jail. 

"What  I  remember  most  vividly  is  the 
way  I  was  mocked  and  ridiculed  by 
people  after  they  found  out  I  was  gay," 
R  says.  "I  was  made  to  get  down  and 
lick  an  imaginary  piece  of  dirt  off  the 
fioor.  Prisoners  ridiculed  me,  too,  and 
some  of  them  were  gay. ' ' 

But  Darl  Wood  (see  box)  says  most 
men  and  women  in  the  Canadian  Armed 
Forces  don't  care  about  the  sexuality  of 
their  fellow  soldiers.  "The  only  tension 
is  created  by  the  forces  themselves,  by 
pressuring  people  to  inform  on  anyone 
even  suspected  of  being  gay,"  she  says. 

That,  however,  provides  enough  fer- 
tile ground  for  the  growth  of  severe 
homophobia.  The  problem  was  poig- 
nantly brought  home  to  Darryl  Kippen 
of  Winnipeg  when  he  was  nineteen  and 
taking  basic  training  in  Cornwallis  in 
1976.  Kippen  knew  when  he  joined  he 
was  gay  but  didn't  know  it  mattered 
these  days.  After  all,  they  don't  ask  at 
the  recruiting  office. 

One  of  Kippen's  instructors  was  Ser- 
geant McGinnes.  "He  told  us  during 
class  that  the  armed  forces  is  no  place 
for  queers  and  that  if  anyone  was 
approached  by  a  queer  they  should  get  a 
bunch  of  the  guys,  take  him  into  the  bar- 
racks and  beat  the  shit  out  of  him. 
McGinnes  said  he'd  put  in  his  report 
that  the  guy  fell  down  the  stairs."  Kip- 
pen decided,  not  surprisingly,  that  he 
would  not  have  sex  with  other  forces 
men.  Three  years  later,  however,  the 
forces  did  find  out  he  was  gay  and 
kicked  him  out. 

The  military  believes  gay  people  have 
to  be  gotten  rid  of  and  that  the  end  justi- 
fies the  means:  denial  of  basic  human 
rights,  harassment  and  humiliation. 
Sadly,  the  defence  department  is  confi- 
dent the  new  Charter  of  Rights  won't 
force  an  end  to  the  discrimination. 

So  another  hundred  or  more  lesbians 
and  gay  men  will  be  thrown  out  of  the 
Canadian  Armed  Forces  in  1983  and, 
like  Stephane  Sirard,  will  be  left  to 
wonder  why  they  weren't  just  allowed  to 
do  their  jobs. 

"When  you  enjoy  the  work  you're  do- 
ing you  get  some  kind  of  satisfaction," 
Sirard  says.  "And  I  enjoyed  the  police 
work  very  much.  I'd  do  anything  to  be 
able  to  do  it  again." 

But  many  gay  people  who  want  to  join 
the  military  for  whatever  reason  —  to 
have  a  steady  job  or  to  serve  Canada  — 
are  still  prepared  to  take  their  chances. 
C,  for  example,  left  the  reserves  in  1981 
because  the  pay  was  too  poor  and  the 
work  was  too  hard.  Now  he  thinks  he'll 
join  the  regular  forces.  The  pay  is  not 
bad,  he  says,  and,  after  all,  there's  no 
Hfelikeit.D 

Glenn  Wheeler  is  a  freelance  writer  living  in 
Toronto. 


32rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


Michael  RiORDON  CHALLENGES 

Authority  with  Gay-Lesbian  Action 

FOR  Disarmament 


CRUISING 


PEACE 


D 


E 


hink  of  the  conflict  of  in- 
terest a  gay  man  faces  in  a 
peace  march  when  the  song 
comes  up,  "We  shall  not, 
we  shall  not  be  cruised." 
We're  not  the  only  special  interest  group 
the  politicians  and  the  generals  have 
stolen  from  in  their  attempts  to  euph- 
emize  the  business  of  nuclear  war.  What 
is  a  doctor  to  think  when  a  politician 
says,  "First  we'll  launch  a  surgical  strike 
against  the  Soviet  Union."  Or  an  actor 
when  a  general  says  quite  seriously, 
"We're  prepared  to  fight  a  limited-thea- 
tre nuclear  war  in  Europe."  Theatre? 
Who's  going  to  be  the  audience?  But 
worst  of  all  from  our  point  of  view  is 
what  they've  done  with  "cruise." 

A  cruise  missile  could  fit,  without 
badly  disrupting  things,  into  the  smallest 
gay  bar.  It's  a  pilotless  jet  plane  fifteen 


to  twenty  feet  long,  a  few  feet  in  diam- 
eter. With  a  nuclear,  chemical  or  biolog- 
ical warhead  it  skims  the  earth's  surface 
less  than  a  hundred  feet  above  the 
ground  to  its  target.  That's  lower  than 
any  current  radar  can  detect.  A  member 
of  Reagan's  nuclear  family,  the  cruise  is 
designed  to  be  a  first-strike  weapon,  ie, 
not  to  defend  against  nuclear  war  but  to 
start  it.  The  nuclear  warhead  it  carries 
has  a  destructive  power  fifteen  times 
that  of  the  US  A-bombs  that  flattened 
Hiroshima  and  Nagasaki  in  1945.  But 
what  makes  the  cruise  such  an  ingenious 
machine  is  a  sophisticated  onboard  com- 
puter guidance  system  that  lets  the  mis- 
sile negotiate  the  earth's  natural  and 
human-made  obstacles.  This  clever 
"brain"  is  made  here  in  Canada,  in  a 
Toronto  suburb,  by  skilled  non-union 
workers  in  a  factory  owned  by  Litton 
Systems  Canada. 
Before  dawn  of  Remembrance  Day 


1982,  several  hundred  people  converge 
in  buses  at  each  end  of  a  public  road 
leading  to  the  factory  compound  of  Lit- 
ton Systems  Canada.  Among  them  are  a 
dozen  gay  men  who've  recently  formed  a 
group  called  Gays  for  Life.  They  are 
participating  in  the  fifth  human  block- 
ade of  Litton.  At  the  previous  one,  on 
Hiroshima  Day  in  August,  twenty-three 
people  were  arrested  for  trespassing. 
This  time  a  hundred  and  fifty  are  pre- 
pared to  break  the  law.  They  had 
planned  to  block  with  their  bodies  as 
many  entrances  to  the  Litton  compound 
as  they  could  for  as  long  as  they  could. 
They  wanted  to  make  it  difficult  for  per- 
sonnel or  material  to  enter  or  leave. 
Under  a  cold  drizzle  the  resisters  are 
stopped  by  three  hundred  police  on 
foot,  on  horseback,  in  cars,  vans  and 
buses.  It  is  the  largest  police  operation  in 


CRUISE  MISSILE  SPECIFICATIONS: 

WEIGHT  WITH  BOOSTER:  1,450KG 

LENGTH  WITH  BOOSTER:  6M 

MAXIMUM  DIAMETER:  52CM 

WINGSPAK:2.5M 

CRUISE  SPEED:  HIGH  SUBSONIC 

OPERATIONAL  RANGE:  2,500KM 

CAPABLE  OF CARRYING 

CONVENTIONAL,  NUCLEAR, 

CHEMICAL  OR  BIOLOGICAL 

WARHEAD 


Canada  since  the  invocation  of  the  War 
Measures  Act  in  1970.  Before  Remem- 
brance Day,  the  largest  had  been  the 
Toronto  bath  raids  in  1981 .  Now,  at 
seven  a.m.,  half  the  gay  men,  identified 
by  large  pink  triangles  sewn  to  black 
armbands,  sit  down  on  the  wet  road  next 
to  the  women's  group.  Women's  Action 
for  Peace,  which  includes  lesbians.  If  the 
police  won't  let  them  blockade  Litton, 
then  they  will  blockade  the  police  and 
the  road.  At  stake  here  is  not  only  war 
and  peace,  but  who  has  power  over 
whom. 

Hince  November  the  mem- 
bers of  Gays  for  Life  have 
changed  their  group  name 
to  Gay-Lesbian  Action  for 
Disarmament  —  GLAD. 
They  did  not  like  the  anti-abortion 
echoes  in  their  first  name.  As  of  this 
writing  the  group  consists  of  gay  men 
ready  to  cooperate  with  lesbians  who 
have  similar  goals.  They  share  an  im- 
pulse that  has  spread  in  a  few  years  from 
a  few  patient,  dedicated  "peaceniks" 
who  have  been  at  it  forever  into  a  vast 
movement  that  transcends  nation,  class, 
gender,  religion  and  sexual  orientation. 
Well,  almost.  For  the  moment  the  urg- 
ency of  the  cause  preoccupies  most  of 
the  participants,  so  really  destructive 
splits  have  been  avoided.  Gay  men  are  in 
the  peace  movement  for  the  same  reason 
as  everyone  else  —  to  survive.  For  the 
first  time  in  human  history  our  world  is 
peopled  by  generations  who  are  learning 
to  doubt  the  future  —  not  how  good  it 
will  be,  but  whether  it  will  be  at  all. 
More  subtle  but  just  as  critical  is  the 
issue  of  power:  who  has  it,  who  does  not 
and  what  does  that  mean  in  terms  of 
human  survival  and  potential? 

Governments  of  the  world  currently 
spend  US$600-650  billion  a  year  to  arm 
themselves  against  each  other  and 
against  their  own  people.  This  "de- 
fence" includes  nuclear  explosive  power 
equivale'  •  to  three-and-a-half  Cow^  of 
TNT  for  every  person  on  earth.  Last  year 
750,000  people  marched  for  peace  at  the 
UN  in  New  York.  Then  the  Reagan  ad- 
ministration came  out  with  plans  to 
spend  $1.6  trillion  on  war  preparations 
over  the  next  five  years.  Toronto's  dis- 
armament referendum,  the  largest  of 
more  than  one  hundred  thirty  held  in 
Canada  last  year,  was  consistent  with  the 
others  in  producing  a  79.9%  vote  for 
multilateral  disarmament.  Yet  the  Cana- 
dian government  —  ie,  the  taxpayers  — 
heavily  subsidizes  Litton  to  produce  the 
cruise  brain.  A  recent  Gallup  poll  found 
the  majority  of  Canadians  oppose  test- 
ing the  cruise  in  Canada.  (It  was  being 
tested  in  California,  but  so  many 
crashed  that  the  residents  finally  object- 
ed.) Still,  the  Minister  of  External  Af- 
fairs continues  to  insist  that  public 
pressure  won't  stop  him  from  signing 
the  test  agreement. 

Gay  people  are  used  to  breaking  the 
law.  Some  places  we  do  it  by  having  sex 
in  a  park,  or  before  we're  twenty-one,  or 
with  more  than  one  partner.  Some  pla- 
ces we  do  it  by  having  .sex  under  any  cir- 
cumstances, some  places  by  even  think- 
ing about  it.  Usually  our  object  is  to  get 
away  with  whatever  we're  trying  to  do;  it 
costs  too  much  if  we're  caught.  Civil  dis- 
obedience, on  the  other  hand,  involves  a 
conscious  decision  to  break  the  law 
openly,  to  challenge  authority  to  its 
face.  We  do  it  when  we  march  in  the 
streets  without  a  police  permit,  as  we  did 
after  the  bath  raids.  A  group  of  men  did 
it  when  they  occupied  Attorney  General 
Roy  McMurtry's  office  for  several  days. 
Another  group  did  it  when,  in  hand- 
cuffs, they  protested  from  the  Ontario 
legislature  visitors'  gallery  our  exclusion 


from  the  so-called  Human  Rights  Code. 
Out  of  these  last  two  actions  came  a 
group  called  NOVA,  for  non-violent 
action,  and  out  of  NOVA  came  GLAD, 
Gay-Lesbian  Action  for  Disarmament. 

The  members  are  a  cross-section:  a 
woodworker,  an  organist,  a  civil  ser- 
vant, a  potter,  a  student,  a  microbiol- 
ogist, a  youth  worker.  Several  are  mem- 
bers of  Dignity,  the  gay  Catholic  organ- 
ization. The  peace  movement  is  full  of 
Catholics,  from  conservative  (eg,  on 
abortion)  to  radical  (rarely  on  abortion). 
At  stake  for  them  is  the  authority  of 
their  god,  or  more  precisely  their  own 
natural  authority,  as  received  from  their 
god,  versus  the  unnatural  accumulation 
of  power  vested  in  presidents,  prime 
ministers,  generals,  chairmen  of  the 
board  and,  not  infrequently,  cardinals 
and  popes.  Standing  behind  the  activists 
on  this  issue,  for  once,  are  the  US  Cath- 
olic bishops.  Their  astonishing  pastoral 
letter  says  among  other  things,  "We  do 
not  perceive  any  situation  in  which  the 
deliberate  initiation  of  nuclear  warfare, 
on  however  restricted  a  scale,  can  be 
morally  justified."  Secretary  of  Defense 
Caspar  Weinberger  has  called  the  bish- 
ops "dangerous."  It's  easy  to  see  what's 
at  stake  for  him.  Not  only  has  the  dehb- 
erate  initiation  of  nuclear  war  been  an 
integral  and  admitted  part  of  US  policy 
since  the  early  '70s,  but  also  the  poli- 
ticians and  militarists  have  come  very 
close  to  completely  disconnecting  the 
question  of  morality  from  what  they 
hoped  would  be  a  strictly  strategic  mat- 
ter, therefore  their  exclusive  domain. 

The  members  of  GLAD  aren't  particu- 
larly unusual  people.  They  have  sex, 
make  love,  form  intimate  relationships 
with  other  men.  Like  the  rest  of  us  they 
were  brought  up  to  recognize  and  res- 
pect power.  Like  the  rest  of  us  they 
know  it's  good  to  obey,  bad  to  disobey 
authority.  All  of  them  to  varying  degrees 
are  afraid  of  breaking  the  law,  afraid  of 
jail,  afraid  of  the  police.  At  the  same 
time  they  recognize  that  the  "authori- 
ties" are  leading  us  all  like  lemmings  to 
the  cliffs.  So  they're  learning  not  to  fol- 
low, but  to  disobey.  In  a  world  where 
most  adults  "consent"  to  be  governed 
by  criminals  and  fools,  GLAD  is  trying  to 
give  some  meaning  to  the  term  "con- 
senting adults." 

Laszlo  Kertosz  is  a  dancer.  Or  he  was. 
Now  he  wants  to  do  something  else,  in 
New  York.  He  can't  leave  Canada  until 
after  his  trial  for  resisting  an  officer  on 
Remembrance  Day.  "When  I  get  called 
a  name  on  the  street,  sometimes  I  want 
to  hit  them  so  they'll  think  twice  about 
insulting  me  again.  But  I  don't  want  to 
cultivate  that,  it's  a  bad  habit.  To  be  able 
to  hit  someone  you  have  to  be  able  to  see 
them  as  less  than  human.  That's  how 
you  get  war." 

Paul  Murphy  is  a  practising  Catholic. 
He  works,  when  he  can  get  work,  as  a 
church  musician.  One  of  his  dreams  for 
the  peace  movement  is  that  it  will  devel- 
op songs  that  ordinary  people  can  actu- 
ally sing.  "I'm  working  for  disarmament 
and  for  gay  rights  because  I  have  a  par- 
ticular vision  —  a  world  in  which  people 
aren't  coerced  into  doing  or  being 
anything.  I  hear  the  argument  all  the 
time  that  we  have  to  defend  our  faith  or 
our  way  of  life  against  the  communists. 
But  by  killing  them  or  even  threatening 
to  kill  them  we  destroy  our  faith,  our 
own  beliefs.  What's  left  to  defend?" 

With  an  attitude  like  that,  Paul  chal- 
lenges the  whole  mass  psychosis  on 
which  Western  (ie,  US)  "defence"  pol- 
icy has  depended  since  World  War  II.  US 
leaders  have  openly  threatened  at  least 
twelve  times  since  1945  to  defend  with 
nuclear  weapons  not  just  the  United 
States  but  US  interests  (eg,  oil  in  the  Per- 


MARCH  1983 


Remembrance  Day,  1982:  "By  the  end  of  the  day  62  people  have  been  arrested,  the  youngest  is  14,  the  oldest  in  her  late  eos' 


sian  GulO-  The  US  has  made  every 
major  technological  advance  in  weapons 
of  mass  destruction  ahead  of  the  USSR. 
Said  Secretary  of  Defense  Weinberger  to 
Congress  on  the  balance  of  power  in 
1982:  "I  would  not  for  a  moment  ex- 
change anything,  because  we  have  an 
immense  edge  in  technology."  And  the 
US  remains  the  only  nation  on  earth  ac- 
tually to  have  used  nuclear  weapons 
against  civilian  populations.  Despite  all 
this,  North  American  and  European  pol- 
iticians are  still  able  to  convince  large  — 
though  diminishing  —  portions  of  their 
people  that  communism  is  the  major 
threat  to  world  peace. 

A  similar  mass  conditioning  impedes 
our  struggle  for  gay  liberation.  Despite 
all  evidence  to  the  contrary,  enough 
people  can  still  be  fooled  into  believing 
we  pose  a  threat  to  children,  to  the  holy 
family,  to  heterosexuality  that  we  can 
still  be  denied  the  most  basic  human 
rights.  Essentially  the  same  surprisingly 
few  people  keep  getting  away  with  and 
banking  on  the  same  great  lies,  which 
allow  them  to  hold  power  over  a  supris- 
ingly  large  number  of  people.  They  suc- 
ceed mainly  because  the  majority  don't 
know  —  don't  want  to  know?  —  that 
it's  happening.  Among  the  beneficiaries 
of  this  sleight  of  hand  are  fundamental- 
ist leaders.  Both  .sexuality  and  peace  arc 
ideal  issues  for  them,  hard  to  grapple 
with,  easy  to  mystify.  The  Plain  Truth,  a 
glossy  fundamentalist  magazine  from 
California,  features  articles  on  sexual 
diseases,  the  virtues  of  free  enterprise. 


family  life,  the  "red  tide"  of  commun- 
ism in  Central  America,  the  end  of  the 
world.  "The  good  news  is  that  humanity 
is  not  doomed!  God  will  intervene  and 
forcibly  stop  man  at  the  last  possible 
moment  from  destroying  himself."  It's  a 
classic  message:  sit  back,  do  as  we  tell 
you,  trust  in  higher  authority  and  you'll 
be  saved.  The  others  will  get  what  they 
deserve.  Doesn't  it  all  sound  familiar? 
David  Collins  is  a  gay  peace  activist. 
Leafletting  workers  at  Litton  —  this  has 
been  done  every  week  for  the  last  two- 
and-a-half  years  —  asking  them  to  con- 
sider making  something  other  than 
cruise  missile  guidance  systems,  David  is 
often  taunted,  "Get  a  job!"  They  don't 
,know  that  he  works  longer  hours  than 
they  do,  for  disarmament  and  social 
change,  two  things  he  regards  as  insepar- 
able. Sometimes  he's  paid  for  his  work. 
It  costs  in  other  ways.  He  was  arrested 
again  on  Remembrance  Day  at  Litton. 
He  expects  to  spend  some  of  his  life  in 
prison  for  his  beliefs.  "When  1  think  of 
the  future  I  know  I'm  operating  in  a 
short  time  frame.  My  friends  and  house- 
mates give  me  a  lot  of  support,  but  when 
people  have  offered  to  deepen  relation- 
ships, there  can't  be  anyone  I'm  so  close 
to  that  I  couldn't  leave  them.  It  scares 
me  sometimes,  but  1  know  it's  the  way 
the  rest  of  my  life  is  going  to  be." 

• 
In  the  November  afternoon,  determined 
to  get  closer  to  Litton,  eighteen  of  the 
resisters  not  yet  arrested  try  to  cross  a 
highway  fence  near  the  compound. 


Some  are  clubbed  to  the  ground,  others 
pushed  by  police  back  onto  the  highway. 
Half  are  arrested,  including  at  least  two 
gay  men.  By  the  end  of  the  day  sixty-two 
people  have  been  arrested.  The  youngest 
is  fourteen,  the  oldest  in  her  late  sixties. 

That  night,  as  he  was  being  finger- 
printed, Paul  Murphy  recognized  a  fold- 
ed paper  crane,  a  Japanese  peace  sym- 
bol, on  a  desk  in  the  police  station.  He'd 
left  it  there  after  being  arrested  during  a 
previous  Litton  blockade.  One  of  the  de- 
tectives said  to  him,  "You  people  should 
change  the  image  of  your  movement  so 
people  like  me  would  get  involved.  Now 
all  you've  got  are  these  undesirables  — 
communists,  gay  activists,  weird  hair- 
dos." Paul  pointed  to  his  pink  triangle. 
"I'm  a  gay  activist.  Am  I  undesirable?" 
"Not  you,  but  the  others,  yes."  At 
another  station  a  policeman  asked  Rich- 
ard Woollard,  doing  jail  support  work, 
what  the  pink  triangle  on  his  armband 
meant.  "The  gay  peace  group,"  Richard 
answered,  "Oh,"  said  the  policeman.  To 
help,  Richard  added,  "Ask  52  Division. 
They  know  about  gay  people." 
Why  is  there  a  gay-lesbiati  peace  group 
when  GLAD  members  could  have  joined 
a  bewildering  array  of  established 
groups  in  the  movement?  Some  of  its 
more  progressive  people  not  only  wel- 
come us  but  actually  appear  to  want  to 
learn  from  our  distinctive  way  of  look- 
ing at  and  stuggling  with  the  world.  But 
the  more  common  reaction  gay  men  who 
arc  open  about  their  sexuality  get  is 
some  variation  of:  "Well,  now  wc  know. 


let's  get  on  with  the  really  important 
businessof  saving  the  world."  Or: 
"Why  do  you  always  have  to  bring  that 
into  every  discussion?  Why  can't  you 
just  be,  as  we  are?"  It's  very  easy  to  get 
absorbed,  without  a  trace.  That's  why 
there's  a  gay-lesbian  peace  group. 

Nineteen-eighty-three  is  the  year 
cruise  and  Pershing  missiles  are  to  be  in- 
stalled in  Europe.  No  one  can  predict 
what  will  happen  at  the  next  blockade.  It 
seems  likely  that  a  larger  number  of 
people  than  ever  are  prepared  to  break 
the  law,  to  survive.  It's  planned  for 
April  8,  but  it  could  be  earlier.  For  time 
and  place,  check  with  your  local  police. 
They're  busily  acknowledging  the  phen- 
omenal growth  of  the  peace  movement 
by  infiltrating  and  attacking  it,  the  same 
way  they  acknowlege  the  gay  movement 
or  any  other  movement  that  challenges 
power.  The  arrest  of  suspected  Litton 
bombers  hasn't  stopped  harassment  of 
open,  non-violent  groups  and  activists. 
All  the  parties  in  this  struggle  under- 
stand that  power  won  by  an  individual 
or  group  represents  power  lost  by  anoth- 
er individual  or  group.  The  stakes 
couldn't  be  higher. 

Gay-Lesbian  Action  for  Disarmament 
will  be  there.  So,  they  hope,  will  you. ; 

GLAD  may  he  contacted  by  writing  Box 
5794.  StnA.  Toronto.  ONM5W  IP2.  or  by 
phoning  (416)  921-1938. 

Michael  Riortion  is  a  Toronto  freelancer  who 
IS  learnini;  to  disobey  —  easier  said  than 
done. 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/35 


0n  Saturday,  20  November, 
this  magazine's  circulation 
team  trucked  around  Tor- 
onto newsstands  with  the 
December  issue,  removing 
from  the  racks  the  preceding  issue  with  its 
story  about  an  AIDS  patient  called  Fred. 
That  same  day,  in  Manhattan,  Fred  was 
receiving  visitors  in  his  Ninth  Avenue 
apartment  —  his  friend  Michael,  his 
family.  Without  speaking,  saying  good- 
bye. The  next  morning,  he  died. 

He  had  spent  much  of  the  last  two 
months  in  the  hospital,  losing  his 
strength  but  sustaining,  perhaps  even  in- 
creasing, his  scrappiness.  Since  the  onset 
of  AIDS  more  than  a  year  before,  Fred 
had  made  a  sequence  of  firm  decisions 
about  his  self-care.  To  the  occasional 
consternation  of  Bruce,  his  lover,  he 
chose  seclusion;  to  the  occasional  con- 
sternation of  his  parents,  he  chose  to  re- 
main among  his  gay  community.  He 
chose  to  discuss  with  me  the  "health 
crisis"  in  New  York  and  to  give  me  the 
interviews  that  led  to  the  7"flP  article. 
When  in  August  he  began  losing  his 
sight,  he  chose  a  constant  diet  of  TV  for 
amusement  —  and  for  other  purposes. 
When  in  November  he  knew  the  end  was 
near,  he  chose  to  return  home  from  the 
hospital.  Bruce  was  beyond  doubt  that, 
after  these  visits  on  Saturday,  he  chose 
the  morning  of  his  dying. 

Fred  also  chose  silence  for  much  of  his 
last  week;  even  that  incessant  television 
ended.  "I  like  it  when  you're  here,"  he 
once  said  to  Bruce,  "I  don't  have  to  talk 
to  you."  The  silence  was  a  refusal  to  say 
the  wrong  things,  a  way  of  stepping  clear 
of  the  tensions  that  inevitably  rose 
around  him  as  his  parents  became  in- 
creasingly distressed  with  his  condition 
and  his  lover  increasingly  distressed  with 
his  parents.  It  was  further,  Bruce  feels,  a 
choice  to  wean  his  closest  friends  from 
his  presence:  a  way  of  teaching  us  to  let 
go  as  he  himself  was  letting  go. 

He  could  jolly  well  break  silence  when 
he  wished.  "  Smile,"  he  snapped  wryly 
one  day  to  Bruce  as  they  sat  together. 
"You're  blind,  how  do  you  know  I'm 
not  smiling?"  Bruce  needled.  ^'I  know 
when  you're  not  smiling,"  came  the  re- 
tort. In  the  last  weeks  at  home  a  nurse 
was  required.  After  a  young  male  nurse, 
Fred's  first  choice,  failed  to  work  out, 
the  agency  sent  a  well-tested  black 
woman  from  Brooklyn.  Her  name  was 
Willadean.  "You  can  call  me  Willie," 
she  told  him.  Fred  lamented  how  many 
new  names  he  was  having  to  learn. 
"Well  then,"  she  said,  "call  me  Nurse." 
"I'll  call  you  Maid,"  he  replied,  and  she 
raised  no  objection.  Even  when  he  spoke 
to  no  one  else,  he  answered  Willie's 
arriving,  "Good  morning,  dear,"  with  a 
croaky,  "Good  morning.  Maid."  Maid 
was  indispensible  in  these  weeks  when 
incontinence  and  delirium  wracked  him. 

On  Saturday  night,  still  without  a 
word,  he  summoned  his  strength  to  lift 
an  arm  over  Bruce,  who  was  falling 
asleep  beside  him,  in  a  long,  hard-as- 
possible  hug.  Bruce  wondered  what  he 
wanted,  if  he  needed  anything,  and  only 
later  realized  that  this  was  not  an  asking 
but  a  giving. 

The  next  morning  Bruce  woke  to  hear 
him  breathing  fitfully.  After  trying  to 
find  a  more  comfortable  position  for 
him,  Bruce  showered,  tidied  the  apart- 
ment, prepared  for  what  he  knew  would 
be  one  of  the  last  days.  Fred  now  was  ut- 
terly weak,  a  skin-and-bones  echo  of  the 
vibrant  thirty-three-year-old  redhead 
Bruce  had  met  sixteen  months  before. 
Now,  every  breath  required  a  struggle. 
Bruce  took  his  place  at  the  bed  and  be- 
gan coaching,  "Come  on  now,  take  a 
breath.  Now,  take  another  one,"  and 
depressed  Fred's  sternum  to  cue  the  ex- 


'1f  Larry  IN  HIS  ILLNESS 

AND  DEATH  BECAME  DEARER  TO  us, 

BEING  CLOSE  TO  HIM  ALSO  MADE  HIS 

FRIENDS  AND  FAMILY  DEARER 

TO  EACH  OTHER" 


TfflS 

SEEING 

THE  SICK 

ENDEARS 

THEM 


BY  Michael  Lynch 


halations.  It  was  8:50.  Maid  was  due  in 
at  nine,  and  Bruce  began  to  fret  for  her 
arrival.  He  hesitated  phoning  the  hospi- 
tal, fearing  an  inhumane  fiurry  of  ambu- 
lances, emergency  rooms,  artificial  res- 
pirators. At  this  moment,  he  desperately 
wanted  Fred  to  live;  but  if  death  was  at 
hand,  he  also  wanted  him  to  die  there  at 
home  with  the  two  of  them  together  and 
touching.  At  five  to  nine  he  reached  to 
phone  Michael,  their  friend  who  lives 
nearby,  but  got  no  answer.  Then  the 
phone  rang.  "Hi,  it's  Michael,  did  you 
just  call?"  "Come,"  Bruce  said. 
"Now."  It  was  after  this  call,  knowing 
(Bruce  is  certain)  that  Michael  was  on 
his  way  but  with  the  two  of  them  still 
alone  together,  that  Fred  breathed  his 
last.  Bruce  closed  his  lover's  eyes, 
straightened  the  illness-thinned  body  on 
the  bed,  arranged  the  covers  and  awaited 
Michael's  arrival. 

Maid  arrived  too,  and  the  next  few 
hours  involved  many  phone  calls  and 
visitors:  the  police  ("Do  you  live  here?" 
"Have  you  been  with  him  all  night?" 
"How  long  have  you  known  him?" 
"How  long  was  he  sick?");  the  medical 
Inspector  ("If  his  doctor  will  sign  the 
death  certificate,  we  won't  have  to  take 
him  over  to  the  morgue");  and  Fred's 
family,  who  in  turns  kept  watch  over 
him  in  his  bedroom.  Intermittently, 
Bruce  went  in  to  assure  himself  that  yes, 
it  was  ended.  He  saw  over  the  drawn 
face  with  its  now  enormously  bushy 
mustache  a  new  ease. 

The  funeral  chapel  was  summoned, 
and  during  the  next  two  days  a  strike  by 
funeral  directors  provided  comic  incon- 
veniences. "Yesterday  was  like  an 
Altman  movie,"  Michael  quipped  on 
Tuesday,  "today  was  like  a  rerun." 
There  was  no  hearse,  but  a  station 
wagon.  The  limousine  drivers  honoured 
the  strike  and  would  drive  only  to  within 
two  blocks  of  the  chapel  so  the  picketers 
wouldn't  see  them.  (Bruce  found  a  polit- 
ically incorrect  gay  limo  service  who'd 
drive  them  all  the  way.)  Fred's  brother's 
rabbi  was  busy,  so  Bruce's  friend  David 
summoned  the  rabbi  who  serves  the  con- 
gregation on  Fire  Island.  "He  was  a  mir- 


acle," Bruce  recalled  —  winning  the 
family  with  his  warmth  and  assuring  the 
friends  with  his  gay  honesty. 

Fred's  parents  granted  Bruce  the  lead 
in  the  preparations  for  their  son's  funer- 
al, embracing  him  even  further  than  they 
had  before.  They  instructed  the  rabbi  to 
recognize  fully  Bruce  and  Fred's  rela- 
tionship in  the  eulogy.  For  parents  who 
had  had  difficulty  accepting  their  son's 
gayness  as  a  public  fact  —  and  who,  sit- 
ting shiva  the  next  two  nights  still  found 
it  difficult  to  introduce  Bruce  to  their 
friends  as  Fred's  "lover"  —  it  was  a 
giant  step.  They  now  were  choosing  to 
come  out  a  bit  further  as  parents  of  a 
gay  man.  As  Larry' ^  parents  —  for  this 
is  his  name,  "Fred"  being  a  pseudonym 
I  used  in  the  article  because  they  request- 
ed a  pseudonym.  In  the  Times,  they 
placed  an  obit  notice  that  recognized 
Bruce  and,  perhaps  more  tellingly  (since 
for  them  Kaposi's  sarcoma  was  a  telltale 
identification  of  gayness),  indicated 
Larry's  sexuality  by  requesting  memorial 
contributions  to  the  New  York  Univer- 
sity Kaposi's  Sarcoma  Research  Fund. 

Bruce's  own  family,  in  California, 
was  less  tractable.  When  his  mother 
phoned  to  apologize  for  not  coming, 
Bruce  exploded.  "The  rabbi  said  that 
the  day  between  the  death  and  the  funer- 
al is  a  day  to  say  whatever  I  feel,  without 
regard  for  later  problems,"  he  prefaced. 
"So  I'm  going  to  say  it.  I'm  pissed  that 
you  aren't  here.  If  it  were  a  daughter-  or 
a  son-in-law,  you'd  damn  well  be  here." 
He  hung  up.  A  few  hours  later,  relatives 
from  both  coasts  began  to  call.  His 
mother  had  phoned  the  entire  extended 
family  to  tell  them  her  son  was  gay,  his 
lover  had  died  and  he  needed  to  hear 
from  them.  Later  in  the  week,  an  aunt 
from  Jersey  crossed  the  river  to  visit  in 
the  apartment  for  the  first  time.  She 
spent  several  hours  learning  about  Larry 
from  Bruce,  going  over  their  picture 
albums,  opening  —  too  late  for  Larry, 
butnot  too  late  for  his  lover  —  many 
doors. 

On  Sunday  Bruce  had  plopped  Michael 
by  the  telephone  with  a  long  list  of 
friends  to  phone.  "I  want  them  to  know 


from  us,  not  by  hearing  it  on  the  street 
or  in  the  gym."  On  Monday,  the  funeral 
chapel  prepared  for  one  hundred  fifty 
people  and  had  to  fumble  for  extra  seat- 
ing when  twice  that  number  showed  for 
the  service.  Larry's  friends,  Bruce's 
friends,  Larry-and-Bruce's  friends,  fam- 
ily, concerned  brothers  from  the  Gay 
Men's  Health  Crisis  (who  in  recent 
weeks  had  become  "incredibly  respon- 
sive," earning  Bruce's  gratitude).  The 
rabbi,  who  had  been  given  the  TAP  arti- 
cle the  night  before,  referred  to  the 
sparkle  that  first  attracted  Bruce  to 
Larry's  eyes  and  directed  his  eulogy  to 
Bruce  and  to  Larry's  friends  as  well  as  to 
the  family.  Larry,  who  accepted  his  ill- 
ness in  the  context  of  his  gayness,  was 
respected  by  being  recognized  as  gay  in 
his  death. 

"The  outpouring  of  love  throughout 
the  day  not  only  provided  the  necessary 
support  that  Bruce  and  the  rest  of 
Larry's  family  needed,"  David  later  re- 
marked, "but  I  think,  beyond  that,  it 
truly  legitimized  Larry's  lifestyle  to  his 
family."  Sitting  shiva,  he,  Bruce  and 
Michael  all  observed  the  family's  awe  at 
this  massive  love  and  lively  affection.  "I 
especially  watched  Larry's  brother," 
Bruce  grinned,  "the  brother  who  had 
said  when  Larry  came  out  to  him,  'you'll 
always  be  accepted  in  my  home  despite 
your  gayness,  but  none  of  your  friends 
will  be  welcome  there.'  Over  the  last 
year,  he'd  come  around.  Now  here  he 
was  in  our  home,  and  these  friends  were 
all  around  us  caring  for  us,  caring  for 
him.  And  he  was  caring  for  all  of  us  as 
well." 

n  1880  the  English  Catholic 
priest  and  man-loving  poet 
Gerard  Manley  Hopkins, 
after  watching  a  Liverpool 
parishioner  die,  wrote  a 
poem  that  rings  synonymously  with  our 
experience  of  Larry's  illness  and  death: 

Felix  Randal  the  farrier,  O  is  he  dead 
then?  my  duty  all  ended. 

Who  have  watched  his  mould  of  man,  big- 
boned  and  hardy-handsome 

Pining,  pining,  till  time  when  reason 
rambled  in  it  and  some 

Fatal  four  disorders,  fleshed  there, 
all  contended? 
Hopkin's  poem  phrases  something  else 
we  experienced,  most  marvellously: 

This  seeing  the  sick  endears  them  to  us, 
us  too  it  endears. 
For  if  Larry  became  dearer  to  us,  even  in 
his  reason's  rambling  and  his  pining 
body,  being  close  to  him  in  his  illness 
also  made  his  friends  and  family  dearer 
to  each  other. 

Five  days  after  the  funeral  and  the 
cold  gray  skies  of  the  Long  Island  burial, 
Bruce  came  to  Toronto  for  a  weekend  of 
sharing.  In  his  suitcase  was  the  Yohrtseit 
candle,  which  we  relit  together  in  my  liv- 
ing room.  On  Saturday  night  we  went 
dancing,  as  we  had  long  known  we 
would.  We  danced  with  a  furious  rage 
against  our  loss,  brought  Larry  back  to 
life  between  us  on  the  dance  floor,  elec- 
trified our  bodies  with  ap  energy  that 
could  only  have  been  his  legacy  entering 
into  us  as  it  departed  from  his  hardy- 
handsome  mould.  A  death  dance,  we 
found,  is  no  mild,  pallidly  mournful 
mime,  but  a  vigorous  rout,  a  transfer  of 
power  from  the  dead  to  the  living. 
Before  that  night  I  thought  I  understood 
the  "passionate"  in  "passionate  friend- 
ship"; now  it  seems  to  me  a  force  be- 
yond telling.  How  much  more  powerful 
than  the  myths  of  transfiguration  or 
eternal  life  is  the  charged  new  life  of 
friends  who  have  experienced  loss  to- 
gether, who  have  felt  themselves  the 
recipients  of  their  dead  friend's  liveliest 
gift.D 


36rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


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DMr    DMs 
Address 


City  &  Code 


CB12 


Finding  the  spot  for  strengthening  orgasms 


Ever  since  Freud  sanctified,  in  the  name 
of  science,  the  old  myth  that  a  woman 
could  not  possibly  be  happy,  adjusted  or 
mature  unless  she  quit  playing  around 
with  her  clit,  transferred  all  orgasmic 
responses  to  the  inside  of  her  vagina, 
placed  her  little  probing  fingers  some- 
where other  than  her  genitals,  and  sur- 
rendered to  the  stark  reality  of  an  erect 
penis,  most  attempts  to  write  or  fanta- 
size about  things  like  female  ejaculations 
and  deeply  penetrating  vaginal  orgasms 
triggered  at  the  G  spot  have  been  met 
with  a  stony  silence  from  feminists  and 
anti-feminists,  lesbian  and  straight  alike. 

But  even  during  the  best  of  times, 
when  detailed  analyses  of  sexual  prac- 
tices are  placed  high  on  the  agenda  of 
science  or  politics,  these  attempts  have 
often  been  confused  or  equated  with  the 
"true"  expression,  the  essence  of  female 
identity,  an  essence  located  precisely  at 
the  site  of  a  woman's  sexAial  pleasure.  At 
those  times,  a  simple  paradox  raises  its 
typicadly  static  head:  either  a  woman  is 
seen  to  be  dependent  —  she  needs  a  cock 
to  bring  her  to  "real,"  deeply  satisfying 
(vaginal)  orgasm;  or  her  "nature"  is 
seen  to  be  "essentially"  independent  — 
it  would  soon  be  proven  "scientifically" 
that  the  clitoris,  and  not  the  vagina,  is 
the  only  "real"  sexual  organ,  providing 
for  the  only  "real"  sexual  fulfillment.  It 
is  exactly  this  clit /vagina  paradox  of 
essences  that  our  friends  Ladas,  Whip- 
ple and  Perry  wish  to  resolve  with  their 
little  pink  book.  The  G  Spot.  They  don't 
succeed,  but  that's  due  more  to  the  way 
they  have  presented  the  material  than 
the  actual  material  itself. 

As  neo-Freudians,  with  credentials 
that  span  the  field  of  bioenergetics,  sex- 
ology, nursing,  the  Divinity,  and  being  a 
featured  guest  on  the  Phil  Donahue 
show,  they  are  quick  to  point  out  the 
thing  this  book  is  not: 

This  book  is  not  a  book  about  love.  It  is 
not  about  the  problems  people  have  in  re- 
lating to  one  another.  It  is  not  about  resolv- 
ing emotional  problems,  although  some  of 
them  may  vanish  as  the  facts  described 
are  applied  to  people's  lives.  Above  all, 
this  is  not  a  panacea  for  all  the 
sexual  problems  faced  by  humankind. 

Having  carefully  narrowed  the  scope  of 
their  topic  in  this  way,  they  begin,  albeit 
in  a  pedantic  manner,  their  attempt  to 
resolve  the  paradox  —  to  attribute  a 
woman's  essence  to  the  clit  or  vagina  — 
by  arguing  that  a  woman's  essence  can 
be  attributed  to  both.  Not  only  that, 
they  argue  that  that  essence  is  complete- 
ly analogous  with  (rather  than  inferior 
or  superior  to)  the  male  orgasm  and 
male  physiology  in  general.  Simply 
stated,  their  argument  centres  around 
three  (not  so)  recent  discoveries:  the  rec- 
ognition of  the  G  spot;  female  ejacula- 
tion during  orgasm;  and  the  pubococ- 
cygeus  muscle  located  between  the  pubic 
bone  and  the  anus. 

Let  us  begin  with  the  G  spot  itself.  In 
1944,  Dr  Ernst  Grafenberg  located  a 
spot  on  the  anterior  wall  of  the  vagina. 
When  this  G  spot  was  rubbed  or  stimu- 
lated "properly,"  Grafenberg  found  it 
swelled  and  eventually  led  to  one  or  a 
multiple  series  of  "deep"  and  gigantic 
vaginal  orgasms. 

But  the  existence  of  the  G  spot  flew 
right  in  the  face  of  one  of  the  most  sig- 

The  G  Spot  and  Other  Recent  Discoveries 
about  Human  Sexuality,  by  Alice  Kahn 
Ladas,  Beverly  Whipple,  and  John  D  Perry. 
Holt,  Rinehart  and  Winston,  1982.  $16.25. 


nificant  scientific  studies  on  female  sex- 
ual physiology  to  date:  Masters  and 
Johnson's  Human  Sexual  Response, 
1966.  This  study  claimed  to  have  proved 
that  the  clitoris  was  the  only  sexually 
orgasmic  organ  in  the  female  body,  with 
all  sensitive  nerves  in  the  genital  area  — 
including  those  within  the  vagina  — 
eventually  connecting  at  the  bud  of  the 
cUtoris  itself.  Well,  Ladas,  Whipple  and 
Perry  argue  that  this  spot  is  not  simply 
an  extension  of  clitoral  nerves,  but  has 
its  own  set  of  tissues,  nerves  and  orgas- 
mic properties  quite  unlike  those  of  the 
clitoris.  More  importantly,  they  argue 
that  a  plausible  reason  why  Masters  and 
Johnson  would  have  missed  such  a  cru- 
cial finding  was  due  both  to  poor  lab 
conditions  (such  as  tenderly  using  a 
Q-tip  as  an  insufficient  probe,  thereby 
preventing  them  from  actually  finding  it) 
as  well  as  relying  on  an  anti-Freudian /- 
pro-clit  environment,  which  convinced 
them  to  stop  searching  any  farther. 
Ladas,  Whipple,  and  Perry  followed  in- 
stead the  instructions  detailed  by 
Grafenberg  and  found  the  spot  in  all  400 
cases  studied. 

In  doing  so,  they  made  an  interesting 
comparison.  Instead  of  likening  this 
spot  to  any  other  sexual  area  on  the  fe- 
male body,  they  compared  it  to  that  of 
the  prostate  gland  located  on  the  anter- 
ior wall  of  the  anus  in  the  male.  Like  the 
G  spot  in  women  the  prostate  gland, 
when  adequately  stimulated,  would 
swell  and  in  some  cases  produce  multiple 
orgasms.  Moreover,  they  found  that  the 
chemical  composition  of  the  ejaculatory 
fluid  of  the  males  was  exactly  the  same 


(minus  the  sperm)  as  that  of  a  fluid  pro- 
duced by  women  during  these  "deep" 
orgasmic  encounters.  And,  incidentally, 
it  was  shot  out  of  women  during  orgasm 
as  intensely  as  it  was  out  of  men. 

They  found  one  thing  of  note:  that  if 
you  want  to  strengthen  and  prolong 
those  lovely  orgasms,  there  is  an  exercise 
you  —  both  men  and  women  —  can  per- 
form on  the  set  of  muscles  between  the 
anus  and  pubic  bone  (called  the  PC  mus- 
cle for  short).  Basically  it  involves  pull- 
ing up  (as  if  holding  in  urine)  for  three 
or  more  seconds  and  then  a  pushing 
down  (as  if  having  a  bowel  movement) 
for  the  same  amount  of  time  in  approx- 
imately fifteen  minute  interval  exercise 
sessions.  And  to  make  sure  the  exercis- 
ing is  being  done  properly,  it  is  best  to 
proceed  with  a  "resistor"  inside  the 
anus  or  vagina  (in  the  form  of  a  tampon, 
dildo,  fingers,  penis  or  whatever). 

Whipple,  Perry  and  Ladas  have  re- 
opened for  public  debate  and  experience 
some  important  and  timely  facts  —  and 
this  is  the  best  thing  that  can  be  said 
about  the  book  itself.  For  it  is  written  in 
the  most  patronizing  fashion,  treating  its 
readers  as  if  they  are  thirty-five  going  on 
two  years  of  age.  Not  only  that,  but  the 
examples  they  choose  representing  the 
true  testimonials  of  the  thousands  of 
grateful  wide-eyed  (and  usually  hetero- 
sexual) innocents  who  have  been  helped 
by  finding  their  spots,  prostate  glands  or 
PC  muscles  range  from  mild  pathos  to 
outright  misogyny.  Two  examples  will 
suffice: 

While  listening  to  women  describe  their 
experiences  with  G  spot  stimulation,  (a 


MARCH  1983 


male  psychologist)  became  quite  con- 
fused.... "Well,"  said  a  nurse.  "Have  you 
ever  had  your  prostate  examined?" 

"No,"  he  admitted.  So  she  instructed 
him  to  lie  down,  and  inserted  a  lubricated 
finger.  "Yee-ow-ow!"  he  screamed,  as  she 
quickly  located  his  virgin  prostate. 

He  described  the  sensation  as  a  stab- 
bing pain  and  was  convinced  that  his 
prostate  had  been  pierced  by  a  long  fin- 
gernail. He  demanded  to  inspect  the 
nurse's  finger,  and  was  shocked  to  dis- 
cover that  she  had  hardly  any  fingernails 
at  all. 

"How  could  I  have  been  so  wrong?"  he 
asked  himself. ..He  asked  the  nurse  to  re- 
peat the  procedure.  This  time  the  results 
were  distinctly  different.  There  was  no 
sharp  pain  nor  even  any  dull  pain.  Al- 
though the  idea  of  a  finger  poking  into  his 
anus  was  "weird"  he  had  to  admit  that  it 
felt  good.  Indeed,  very  quickly  it  began  to 
feel  terrific. 

Dorothy  was  a  young  mother  who  was 
preoccupied  with  her  children  and  became 
less  and  less  interested  in  sex.  Her  hus- 
band reacted  to  this  by  having  an  affair, 
during  which  he  discovered  the  advan- 
tages of  strong  PC  muscles.  He  told  his 
wife  about  the  affair  and  what  he  had  dis- 
covered and  threatened  to  get  a  divorce  if 
she  did  not  get  medical  help  for  her  weak 
muscles. 

Dorothy,  a  deeply  religious  person,  was 
upset  about  her  husband's  affair,  but  also 
recognized  that  she  had  a  problem. 

...Finally  she  learned  of  a  bio  feedback 
therapist  who  offered  vaginal  myography, 
and  made  an  appointment.  According  to 
the  therapist,  "She  was  the  best  patient  I 
ever  treated.  She  was  literally  motivated 
by  the  fear  of  Hell  and  damnation.  Con- 
vinced her  impending  divorce  was  caused 
by  her  neglect  of  her  PC  muscle  and  deter- 
mined to  save  her  marriage,  she  practised 
like  mad....  By  the  second  week,  she  was 
hitting  a  r«ading  of  19  or  20,  which  put 
her  in  the  top  2  percent  of  women  who 
have  been  measured."  Obviously  there 
were  other  problems  in  the  marriage... 
but  her  husband  never  again  complained 
about  her  muscle  weakness. 

I  suppose  if  we  needed  reminding  that 
we  are  the  only  ones  who  can  liberate 
ourselves,  who  can  know  and  create  our 
sexualities  as  distinct  from  true  essences 
and  identities  imposed  upon  us,  then 
The  G  Spot  serves  yet  another  function. 
But  don't  go  out  and  buy  it  —  lie  down 
and  find  it.  SueGoldingD 


BOOKS 


Singing  and  swinging 
in  18tli-century  Italy 

Cry  to  Heaven,  by  Anne  Rice.  Knopf,  1982. 

Have  you  ever  wondered  what  exactly 
got  cut  off  when  boys  were  made  into 
eunuchs?  In  most  cases,  only  the  testi- 
cles were  removed  from  the  scrotum, 
leaving  the  penis  intact  and  fully  capable 
of  erection  and,  eventually,  ejaculation 
(minus  the  sperm).  Castrations  were 
commonly  performed  on  pre-pubescent 
boys  in  a  number  of  cultures,  usually  to 
produce  court  attendants  or  singers.  In 
Europe,  where  participation  by  women 
singers  in  church  services  and  operas  was 
often  discouraged  or  banned  altogether, 
the  practice  was  a  gruesome  result  of 
sexism. 

Although  casirati  may  seem  like  relics 
of  the  dim  past,  many  of  them  lived  and 
performed  in  the  nineteenth  century; 
Alessandro  Moreschi,  the  last  profes- 
sional castrato,  sang  in  the  Sistine 
Chapel  choir  and  died  in  1922.  The  best 
of  I  hem  had  soprano  voices  of  enormous 
power,  range  and  ncxibility.  but  wc  can 
really  only  guess  at  their  sound.  Only 
Moreschi  made  recordings,  and  that  was 
in  1902-.1.  well  before  the  advent  of  high 
lidelily. 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/37 


The  heyday  of  their  operatic  perform- 
ances was  the  early  eighteenth  century  in 
Italy,  and  this  world  is  faithfully  recre- 
ated in  Cry  to  Heaven.  The  historical  de- 
tail in  the  novel  is  impressive,  providing 
a  wealth  of  information  about  the  soci- 
ety of  the  time,  and  especially  its  operas. 
Unfortunately,  all  this  detailed  informa- 
tion does  not  add  up  to  a  poetic  evoca- 
tion of  the  period.  In  this  respect,  the 
work  is  distinctly  inferior  to  the  histori- 
cal novels  of  Mary  Renault,  which  seem 
almost  effortlessly  to  recreate  the  lives  of 
people  and  societies  long  dead.  Rice 
works  rather  too  hard  at  this  —  at  one 
point  actually  listing  various  historical 
facts  evidently  intended  to  give  us  our 
bearings  —  and  the  result  is  that  the 
reader  becomes  rooted  more  firmly  than 
ever  in  the  twentieth  century. 

The  story  is  centred  on  the  lives  of  two 
castrati,  Guido  and  Tonio.  Guido,  born 
of  a  peasant  family  in  southern  Italy,  is 
castrated  at  the  age  of  six  as  a  money- 
making  project  for  his  family.  He  is 
taken  to  a  conservatoho  in  Naples, 
where  he  becomes  a  singer  of  great 
promise  —  but  loses  his  voice  at  age 
eighteen.  His  talents  as  a  teacher  and 
composer  are  insufficient  consolation 
until,  after  several  suicide  attempts,  he 
meets  Tonio  and  becomes  his  mentor. 

Tonio,  on  the  other  hand,  is  the  heir 
of  the  Treschi,  one  of  the  great  patrician 
families  of  Venice.  His  love  of  singing 
carries  him  into  the  streets  and  alleyways 
of  Venice,  where  he  performs  with  a 
band  of  wandering  entertainers  and  star- 
tles the  inhabitants  with  his  incredible 
voice  and  musical  skill.  His  castration 
just  prior  to  puberty  is  orchestrated  by 
his  disinherited  elder  brother.  Because 
of  the  operation,  Tonio  is  robbed  of  the 
destiny  he  has  grown  to  expect  and  is  ex- 
iled from  Venice.  His  ascent  to  fame  on 


AESTHETERA 


•  Brad  Davis's  tit-ular  performance  in 
Querelle,  Fassbinder's  last  film,  has  in- 
spired an  enterprising  company  in  Paris 
to  market  look-alike  tank  tops  for  98F 
each.  Querelle,  which  except  for  a  show- 


Brad  Davis  in  Querelle:  sartorial  inspiration 

ing  at  last  year's  Montreal  film  festival 
has  hardly  been  seen  in  North  America, 
will  be  released  across  the  continent  in 
late  April,  along  with  Wizard  of  Bab- 
ylon, a  documentary  by  Dieter  Schider 
(producer  of  Querelle)  which  includes 
footage  of  Fassbinder's  last  days.  Next 
summer's  necklines  may  indicate  how 
successful  the  movie  is. 
•  Quentin  Crisp,  pom  star  Casey 
Donavan,  writer  Vito  Russo  and 


Striking  a  familiar  chord:  viewed  as  sexual  misfits,  but  no  problems  witti  birtti  control 


the  operatic  stage  and  his  obsession  with 
revenge  become  the  major  motifs  of  the 
novel.  He  pursues  both  these  goals  with 
nearly  demonic  intensity,  working  with 
Guido  in  the  studio  and  mastering  the 
arts  of  the  sword  and  stiletto  in  the  ferK- 
ing  salons  and  taverns  of  Naples. 

It  is  in  this  narrative  that  the  novel 
shines.  Rice's  skill  as  a  storyteller  is 
especially  apparent  in  her  recounting  of 
Tonio's  romantic  involvements.  His  re- 
lationship with  Guido,  who  becomes  his 
lover  as  well  as  his  teacher,  is  complex 
and  convincing,  filled  with  caring  and 
conflict.  Just  as  finely  wrought  is  the 
love  between  Tonio  and  Christina,  an 
English  woman  who  marries  into  the 
Neapolitan  nobility  and  is  widowed 
shortly  thereafter,  devoting  her  life  to 
painting  and,  eventually,  to  Tonio. 


Andrew  Bassi,  owner  of  the  Wire  Whisk 
Cooking  Center,  will  be  some  of  the 
celebrities  aboard  the  ms  Lindblad 
Explorer  when  it  leaves  Halifax  on  its 
Cruise  the  Atlantic  with  Us  voyage  Sep- 
tember 19.  Nine  days  later,  following 
"elaborate  tea  parties,  formal  dinners 
and  a  glittering  Fancy  Dress  Gala,"  the 
ship  will  dock  in  the  Caribbean.  "The 
passenger  list  will  read  like  a  Social  Reg- 
ister of  the  gay  world,"  promises  Hanns 
Ebensten  Travel  Inc,  705  Washington  St, 
New  York,  NY  10014. 

•  Edmund  White,  author  of  Stales  of 
Desire  and  A  Boy's  Own  Story,  is  work- 
ing on  a  new  fantasy  novel  called 
Caracole.  "It's  heterosexual,"  he  told 
Publisher's  Weekly,  "meaning  there  are 
no  gay  characters.  That's  the  fantasy 
part.  I'm  also  doing  a  book  of  critical 
essays  —  some  previously  published, 
others  new,  on  James  Merrill,  Proust, 
Nabokov,  James  Schuyler  and  others." 

•  The  February /March  issue  of  Mother 
Jones  features  an  excellent  article  by 
Allan  Benibe  on  lesbians  and  gay  men  in 
World  War  II  called  "Coming  Out 
Under  Fire,"  part  of  a  book-in-pro- 
gress.  Berube  is  still  welcoming  informa- 
tion, as  well  as  financial  support,  for  a 
research  project  on  World  War  II  spon- 
sored by  the  San  Francisco  Lesbian  and 
Gay  History  Project.  He  recently  quit 
his  job  and  is  devoting  three  months  to 
raising  money  for  the  project.  If  the 
fund-raising  is  successful,  it  will  allow 
him  to,  among  other  things,  interview 
more  than  fifty  men  and  women  ready 
to  relate  their  experiences  (such  as  a  gay 
American  pilot  who  spent  time  in  a  Ger- 
man POW  camp,  and  a  woman  who 
worked  with  other  lesbians  in  a  Penta- 
gon typing  pool),  and  work  through  the 
Freedom  of  Information  Act  to  collect 
material  from  secret  FBI  files  —  he  has 


Some  of  the  sex  scenes  in  the  novel 
attain  an  almost  incandescent  sensuality. 
In  this.  Rice  outshines  Mary  Renault, 
whose  handling  of  lovemaking  in  her 
novels  lacks  the  intimacy  and  immediacy 
found  here. 

Tonio  and  his  peers  are  an  interesting 
group  —  castrati,  musicians  and  offbeat 
members  of  the  nobility.  Castrati  were 
viewed  as  sexual  misfits;  they  were  not 
permitted  to  marry  but  were  widely 
sought  after  as  lovers,  no  doubt  in  part 
because  birth  control  was  not  a  problem 
for  them  or  their  partners.  Their  posi- 
tion outside  the  mainstream  of  socially 
approved  sexual  patterns  will  strike  a 
familiar  chord  for  gay  readers. 

Writing  this  novel  cannot  have  been 
an  easy  task,  since  its  five  hundred  odd 
pages  are  crammed  with  historical  detail 


already  received  some  personal  memos 
written  by  J  Edgar  Hoover  on  control- 
ling wartime  rumours  that  he  was 
"queer"  and  ordering  FBI  surveillance 
of  gay  officials  in  Washington.  Write: 
World  War  II  Project,  Box  42332,  San 
Francisco,  CA  94101. 

•  Joan  Nestle,  a  founding  member  of  the 
Lesbian  Herstory  Archives,  is  engaged  in 
researching  the  lesbian  community  in 
New  York  City  from  the  turn  of  the  cen- 
tury to  1970.  Any  information  (confi- 
dentiality assured)  will  be  appreciated. 
Write:  215  West  92nd  St,  New  York,  NY 
10025,  or  call  (212)  874-7232. 

•  West  Germany's  Pink  Rosa  Press 
recently  released  the  ultimate  in  glossy 
gay  guides.  Their  1983  Gay  Model  Guide 
is  interspersed  with  3-D  male  photos. 
Sold  with  the  book  are  coloured  glasses 
for  viewing  the  pics.  D 

Allan  B6rub6  on  WWII:  excellent  researct)  by 
a  tiistorian  seeking  more  info  —  and  funding 


38n"HE  BODY  POLITIC 


in  so  many  fields  —  music,  politics, 
architecture,  interior  design,  —  to  name 
only  a  few.  Its  tapestry  is  flawed  with  an 
overly  literal  approach  to  all  this,  but  it 
should  be  richly  rewarding  to  those  who 
love  historical  fiction. 

John  HigginsD 


FILM 


Toughness  and  wit 
at  the  5  and  Dime 

Come  Back  to  the  5  and  Dime,  Jimmy 
Dean,  Jimmy  Dean.  Dir:  Robert  Altman. 

There's  a  wonderful  moment  near  the 
end  of  Robert  Altman's  latest  film  when 
Cissy,  the  brassy  cut-up  (as  played  by 
the  amazing  Cher),  breaks  down  and 
tearfully  confesses  that  her  much  envied 
breasts  are  rubber.  A  masectomy  has  de- 
prived her  of  her  proudest  asset  and  of 
her  husband,  Lester  T,  a  redneck  stud 
who  has  run  off  repulsed  by  her  disfig- 
ured body.  It's  a  moment  of  haunting 
sadness,  which,  in  the  hands  of  a  lesser 
director  might  have  chimed  hollowly 
with  self-pity.  But  Ahman's  editing  is  in- 
spired. Immediately  he  cuts  to  the  faces 
of  Cissy's  listeners  (the  reassembled  Dis- 
ciples of  James  Dean),  stopping  at  brash 
Edna  May  who  bursts  out,  "Shit  —  and 
all  this  time  all  you's  wearin'  was 
retreads!"  The  laughter  which  erupts  is 
disturbing,  but  healing,  for  it  conveys  an 
extraordinary  moment  of  human  con- 
tact and  womynly  solidarity. 

Unpredictable  Altman's  latest  offer- 
ing combines  fluid  camera  work  and 
unusucil  editing  to  turn  material  that 
might  have  been  tediously  static  into  a 
compassionate  study  of  oppression  and 
self-deception,  suffused  with  humour 
and  insight.  The  film  surpasses  its  mon- 
grel origins  in  '40s  weepies  and  '50s 
melodramas  once  disparagingly  nick- 
named "women's  pictures."  It  glances 
at,  but  sidesteps,  the  maudlin  excesses  of 
The  Boys  In  the  Band  without  sacrifi- 
cing toughness  and  wit. 

As  Joanne  —  a  sleekly  sophisticated 
version  of  Joe,  the  young  dimestore 
clerk  once  brutalized  and  shunned  by 
small  town  bigots  —  Karen  Black  gives 
her  greatest  performance  since  Nash- 
\>ille.  Ostensibly,  Joe/ Joanne  has  come 
back  with  the  other  members  of  the  fan 
club  to  reaffirm  an  undying  devotion  to 
glorious  Dean.  But  she  also  returns  with 
motives  of  defiance  and  revenge.  Alt- 
man's  restless  camera  hovers  continually 
about  her  enigmatic  presence,  capturing 
her  humorous  malice  in  a  series  of 
disarming  close-ups. 

The  film's  treatment  of  transsexual 
Joanne  seems  both  sympathetic  and  un- 
compromising. It  challenges  the  as- 
sumption by  popular  audiences  that 
transsexuals  are  simply  women  trapped 
in  men's  bodies.  Circumstances  (small- 
town homophobia)  and  personal  weak- 
ness have  prevented  Joe  from  dealing 
with  his  gay  identity  and  his  own  oppres- 
sion. He  has  transformed  himself  into  a 
less-than-happy  parody  of  the  "girl  his 
mother  always  wanted."  Asked  by  the 
group  if  she  has  any  regrets.  Black  stares 
mysteriously  into  the  camera  like  a  Sia- 
mese cat:  "Only  when  I  think  about  it." 

The  film  shuttles  back  and  forth  be- 
tween the  innocence  of  the  '50s  —  "Sin- 
cerely," crooned  by  the  McGuire  Sis- 
ters, Photoplay  fan  magazines,  nooky 
and  fag-beating  in  the  local  cemetery 
and  the  impoverished  mythology  of 
post-Watergate  1975.  Altman's  elliptical 
dissolves  and  fades  enable  him  to  ex- 
plore the  widening  gap  between  youth's 
ideals  and  present,  harsher  truths. 


MARCH  1983 


But,  as  in  most  Altman  films,  the 
lonely  and  eccentric  somehow  survive, 
retreating  into  their  own  world  of 
dreams  and  fabrications.  For  Millie  in 
Three  Women,  Barbara  Jean  in  Nash- 
ville or  Mona  in  Jimmy  Dean,  life  is  a 
series  of  necessary  fictions  and  delicate 
accommodations.  As  the  truth-telling 
process  of  the  strange  reunion  intensi- 
fies, Mona  (Sandy  Dennis)  slips  back 
into  the  doomed  world  of  the  past  and 
her  dimestore  shrine  to  a  martyred  saint. 
"It  is  real,  it's  just  deceivin'  to  the  eye," 
she  quivers  early  in  the  film,  cradling  a 
chunk  of  the  crumbling  Giant  mansion- 
facade:  "That's  the  way  they  do  things 
in  the  movies." 

In  the  meantime  the  personalities  of 
legendary  James  Dean  and  transsexual 
Joanne  converge  bizarrely  in  the  sym- 
bolic figure  of  Mona' s  backward  son, 
Jimmy-Dean,  whom  we  hear  spoken  of 
but  never  actually  see.  His  escape  from 
Mona's  mausoleum  (in  Joanne's  yellow 
Porsche!)  aptly  combines  pathos  with 
terror:  the  fadeout  of  a  doomed  era  with 
the  disappearance  of  its  celluloid 
gods.  PaulBakerD 


MORE  BOOKS 


The  Godfucker 


An  Asian  Minor:  The  True  Story  of  Ganymede 

by  Felice  Picano.  Sea  Horse  Press,  1981 . 
$6.95. 

This  short  book  is,  in  essence,  about 
how  to  get  fucked  by  a  god  (first  clue: 
become  the  most  beautiful  boy  in  the 
world).  It's  an  erotic  fairy  tale  inspired 
by,  but  owing  nothing  to,  the  Greek 
myth  of  Zeus's  rape  of  Ganymede,  son 
of  the  King  of  Troy. 

The  narrative  voice  is  Ganymede's 
(age  twelve  when  the  story  begins),  and  a 
very  confused  voice  it  is.  Picano  has  him 
speak  in  a  mixture  of  eclectic  twentieth 
century  colloquial  ("my  own  main  man. 


If  an  alien  from  outer  space  had  landed  in 
Toronto  on  January  14  and  wandered  into  the 
Innis  College  Town  Hall  at  eight  o'clock,  it 
would  have  learned  two  things: 

1.  that  Kate  Clinton  is  a  "fumerist"; 

2.  that  a  '  'fumerist"  is  a  woman  who 
stands  up  in  front  of  a  room  full  of  feminists 
and  tells  penis  jokes. 

Said  alien  might  (understandably)  be  con- 
fused as  to  the  nature  of  North  American 
'  'turner"  and  might  (conceivably)  blame 
itself,  thinking  perhaps  that  it  had  misunder- 
stood or  misheard  some  of  Ms  Clinton 's 
jokes.  It  might,  therefore,  purchase  Ms  Clin- 
ton's new  album,  Making  Light!,  hoping  to 
be  enlightened.  And  would,  instead,  hear 
more  penis  jokes. 

Poor  alien.  Alone  and  confused,  it  would 
travel  back  to  outer  space,  formulating  in  its 
recently  politicized  brain  yet  another  version 
of  that  old  joke: 

Q:  How  many  lesbian  stand-up  comics 
does  it  take  to  tell  a  penis  joke? 

A :  That  'snot  funny.  Edna  BarkerO 


Zeus";  "everything  was  pretty  hunky- 
dory")  and  Taylor  Caldwell  historical 
("The  shepherd  was  aged...  but  withal 
quite  clean,  vigorous,  and  even  muscu- 
lar....") .  The  effect  of  this  combination 
is  usually  jarring  and  always  somewhat 
ridiculous.  Take  for  example  its  apoth- 
eosis (I  use  the  word  advisedly)  near  the 
end  of  the  tale,  when  Jupiter  finally 
makes  his  appearance  in  a  blaze  of  light- 
ning-induced electricity.  Ganymede  still 
plays  it  coy:  "  'What  happens  if  I  come 
to  you?'  I  asked,  and  answered  myself. 
'I  become  barbecued  boy,  right?  Well, 
forget  it.'" 

The  story  itself,  when  told  simply  and 
without  these  anachronistic  eirtifices,  is  a 
pleasantly  erotic  romantic  fantasy.  Who 
wouldn't  want  to  screw  Apollo  or  shack 
up  with  Jupiter  and  then  live  happily 
ever  after?  And  the  illustrations  are 
appropriately  suggestive;  like  the  sex 
scenes,  they  are  never  graphic. 

I  don't  know  what  Picano  was  trying 
to  prove  here.  Perhaps  he's  making  fun 


of  modern  efforts  to  find  a  gay  sensibil- 
ity in  classical  and  medieval  art  and  lit- 
erature. Maybe  if  he  hadn't  tried  so  hard 
to  be  cute,  this  brief  entertainment 
would  have  more  substance  than  it  does. 
Whatever  his  motives,  Picano  and  (more 
often  than  not)  the  reader  both  have  a 
good  time.  Rick  Archboid  D 

Variable  standards 

Overlooked  and  Underrated.  Issue  12  of 
Little  Caesar,  edited  by  Ian  Young.  Little 
Caesar  Press  (3373  Overland  Ave,  Los 
Angeles,  CA,  90034),  1982.  $3. 

The  cover  of  the  latest  number  of  Little 
Caesar,  Dennis  Cooper's  interesting  lit- 
tle magazine  from  California,  is  graced 
by  a  photograph  of  the  young  Glenway 
Wescott,  an  absorbing,  informal  study 
of  pensive  beauty  taken  by  George  Piatt 
Lynes,  probably  in  the  '20s.  Within  the 
magazine,  accompanying  an  essay  enti- 


Easily  the  most  intriguing  question  about 
Madame' s  Place,  the  syndicated  TVsit-com 
starring  Wayland  Flowers 's  screamingly  fun- 
ny puppet,  l^adame.  Is,  "How  do  the  male 
actors  on  the  show  feel  about  interacting  with 
a  she  who  is  really  a  he?"  In  their  profession, 
it's  still  not  every  day  that  they  encounter  a 
Tootsie  or  a  Victor/Victoria. 

The  way  to  Madame 's  Place  was  paved  un- 
doubtedly by  Jim  Henson  's  moppets  and  their 
TV  exploits.  It  is  Madame's  success,  how- 
ever, to  up  the  ante  on  the  whole  experience. 
Identifiably,  she  is  modelled  not  after  a  piggy 
but  a  human  being  (two,  actually:  Flowers' s 
mother  and  an  aunt)  and  —  more  to  the  point 
—  she  is  a  female  given  life  by  a  male  pup- 
peteer. It's  a  connection  quite  unusual  in  the 
worlds  of  puppets  or  ventriloquism.  Quite 
simply,  l^adame  is  genderfuck. 

As  with  all  puppets,  Madame 's  power  lies 
in  "her"  tongue.  Conceived  as  a  witch  char- 
acter when  first  created  by  a  friend  of 
Flowers,  she 's  evolved  into  a  happy  harridan, 
and  one  on  the  make.  Her  bio  now  mentions 
six  ex- husbands,  and  sexual  pursuit  is  the 
prime  rationale  for  the  show's  storyline. 
Madame  as  divorcee  consistently  projects  her 
randiness  with  talk  so  smart  it  tops  almost 
any  expert  in  bitchy  repartee  you  'd  care  to 
mention.  Besides  her  tongue.  Madame  also 
has  Flowers 's  marvelous  facility  at  manipu- 
latmg  her  outsizedjaw  and  chin  and  position- 
ing her  shoulders,  elbows  and  hands,  creat- 
ing with  this  limited  vocabulary  an  extremely 
expressive  body  language. 

Madame 's  got  a  drag  artist's  sensibility, 
really,  and  she 's  as  good  as  the  best.  Her 
show  let 's  you  know  when  she  s  particularly 
on  target  —  it  allows  the  real  guffaws  of  the 
studio  technicians  to  shadow  the  added-on 
laugh  track.  Phil  Shawl  1 


MARCH  1983 


tied  "Glenway  Wescott,  an  unfinished 
story"  is  a  later  picture  of  the  writer, 
looking  fit  and  cheerful.  Wescott  is  one 
of  a  number  of  living  and  dead  writers 
saluted  by  a  group  of  contributors  who 
were  requested  by  issue  editor  Ian 
Young  to  select  authors  who  have  not 
received  the  critical  and  public  reception 
to  which  their  work  entitles  them. 

The  resulting  tributes  vary  widely  in 
tone,  subject  matter  and  quality.  Neither 
the  photo  of  the  mature  Wescott  nor 
Jerry  Rosco's  essay  suggest  that  he  is 
suffering  bitterly  from  his  relative 
obscurity.  Poet  Tim  Dlugos  makes  a 
good  case  for  the  largely  ignored  merits 
of  Donald  Wyndham's  fiction,  and 
Oswell  Blakeston  has  contributed  a 
charming  if  abbreviated  memoir  of 
Mary  Buttes,  the  exotic  novelist  and 
confidante  of  Jean  Cocteau.  But 
Edmund  White's  essay  on  poet  James 
Schuyler  seems  an  appreciation  of  a 
writer  whose  career  some  might  envy 
(Schuyler  has  been  published  by  a  major 
New  York  house,  after  all). 

It  is  the  variabiHty  of  standards  and 
the  lack  of  an  editorial  overview  that 
produces  the  sometimes  confusing  vari- 
ety of  submissions.  Many  of  the  subjects 
and  their  themes  are  gay,  and  this  un- 
doubtedly helped  consign  some  of  the 
writers  to  neglect.  But  the  broader  truth 
is  that  most  writers  (and  particularly 
poets)  write  for  a  very  select  audience, 
and  most  of  the  public  rarely  reads.  Wri- 
ters are  unfortunately  not  heroes  in  out 
time.  GeorgeKSaxD 

Tainted  tweeds 

Crush  by  Jane  Futcher.  Little,  Brown  and 
Co, 1982. 

After  reading  this  novel,  I  was  shocked 
to  find  out  that  the  author  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Feminist  Writers  Guild.  I 
assumed  that  a  member  of  this  suppor- 
tive group  should  a)  be  able  to  create 
credible  female  characters  and  b)  deal 
with  the  topic  of  lesbianism  with  some 
degree  of  originality.  I  know  that  Crush 
was  written  for  "young  adults,"  but 
frankly,  I  think  one  could  read  hate 
tracts  by  the  Moral  Majority  and  get  a 
more  positive  view  of  homosexuality 
than  found  in  this  novel. 

Trapped  in  its  genre,  the  novel  is  set  in 
an  exclusive  girls  boarding  school,  and 
both  the  tweedy  teachers  and  their  pet- 
ted students  seethe  with  repressed  emo- 
tions. Of  the  two  students  who  actually 
fall  into  bed  together,  one  thinks  that 
sleeping  with  men  will  wash  off  the  taint 
of  being  "queer."  Not  only  is  the  plot 
unoriginal,  but  the  writing  itself  lacks 
force,  the  characters  are  like  cardboard 
pawns,  and  the  two  young  women  are  so 
bitchy  and  spiteful  they  could  have  been 
lifted  intact  from  some  sleazy  pulp 
novel.  I  suppose  it  is  necessary  to  make  a 
few  compromises  when  you  publish  with 
Little,  Brown,  but  in  light  of  the  great 
things  now  being  written  by  lesbian  wri- 
ters we  don't  have  to  make  do  with  this 
sort  of  trash.  JoyParksD 

This  issue's  writers 

Rick  Arcttbold  is  a  lormer  editor  who  now  does  it 
lor  tun  rather  than  profit.    .  Paul  Baker  is  a  Toronto 
writer  and  Altman  Ian      Edna  Barker  is  a  free- 
lance editor  who  only  tells  jOkes  sitting  down   . 
Sue  Gelding  is  linishmg  her  thesis  on  Gramsci  and 
democratic  politics      Gerald  Hannon  s  lather 
made  him  wash  his  hands  t>etore  using  the  tele- 
phone .    John  Higgins  is  a  Toronto  lawyer  and  an 
enthusiastic  reader  and  musician      Michael 
Lynch  is  contemplating  a  piece  atxjut  the  role  ol 
promiscuity  in  the  gay  community      Joy  Parks  is 
TBPs  lesbian  small  press  columnist      George  Sax 
IS  a  social  scientist  in  Bullalo      Phil  Shaw  pushes 
paper,  professionally,  personally,  he  pumps  iron 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/39 


Joy  Parks: 


CHAT  TRAVEL 
960H29I 

255  GERRARD  ST.  EAST 
TORONTO 

BEFORE  PLANNING  YOUR  NEXT  TRIP  YOU  REALLY  SHOULD 
HAVE  A  CHAT  WITH  CHAT  TRAVEL. 

THEY  HAVE  EVERYTHING  YOU  NEED  FOR  YOUR  VACATION 
PLEASURE.  COME  IN  AND  SEE  US. 


TIJ7iEDO 

p/ii\^riiNe 

'always  a  work  of  art ' 


APARTMENTS  ~1  DEDPvOOM-199 
START  AT  ~2        "  -249 

^"^"eSTIMATES:  405-2321 

TORONTO 


.  .  FOR  NUSIC 

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Disk  Jockey  Every  Night 

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Toronto 

•13-1469 


Shameless  Sapphistry 

Happy  birthday,  happy  birthday  to 
Shared  Ground!  This  marks  one  year  of 
this  column's  appearance  in  TBP.  I  had 
hoped  in  the  beginning  that  we  might  be 
able  to  start  some  sort  of  two-way  com- 
munication in  this  space.  However,  after 
a  whole  year  I'm  still  doing  all  the  talk- 
ing. I  mean  it  when  I  say  I  need  your 
help.  Please  send  in  your  suggestions,  or 
books  and  magazines  that  you  would 
like  to  see  "shared"  with  other  readers 
and  we  will  go  on  from  there.  OK,  the 
secret  is  out  —  sometimes  I  just  get  lone- 
ly and  need  to  know  what  >'ou  think 
should  appear  in  Shared  Ground. 

That  shameless  hussy  Alta  has  come  a 
long  way  from  producing  poetry  pam- 
phlets in  her  garage.  The  Shameless 
Hussy,  a  new  anthology  of  her  prose  and 
poetry  makes  it  clear  that  it  was  well 
worth  the  trip.  The  only  problem  I've 
encountered  with  Alta's  work  is  that  it's 
unusual.  It's  so  involving  and  inspiring, 
but  so  damned  funny  and  heartbreaking 
at  the  same  time  that  it's  hard  to  do  her 
poetry  justice  in  a  review.  Better  to  let 
her  speak  for  herself: 

I  am  one  of  the  true  hussies 

i  have  no  shame. 

i  was  a  housewife,  and 

stretched  from  the  housiness  of  it  (hus) 

and  the  wifiness  of  it  (wif /hus-wife)  to 

a  woman  who  can't  bear  wifedom  (hussy)/i 

grew  beyond  the  house  like  alice  after 

eating 
too  many  cookies;  lovers,  poetry,  moving 

my 
body  in  a  new  way,  an  old  way,  the  way 

women 
like  me  have  always  moved,  largely;  with 

great 
motions  beyond  our  allotted  sphere,  with 

more 
need  than  fear  and  more  grace  than  shame. 

As  much  as  I'd  like  to  suggest  that  Alta's 
work,  like  good  food  and  sunshine,  is 
just  right  for  everyone,  I  know  better. 
Beware  this  book  if  you  can't  handle  her 
idiosyncratic  spellings  or  the  way  she  zig- 
zags through  writing  forms.  But  if 
you're  a  racy  hussy  who  will  try  anything 
once,  you  shouldn't  miss  the  experience 
of  Alta. 

My  experience  with  how-to  books  on 
lesbian  sexuality  has  convinced  me  that 
most  are  written  by  ambidextrous  male 
anthropologists  studying  groups  of  les- 
bians in  the  way  one  would  study  extra- 
terrestrials. Those  books  concentrate 
their  information  either  on  bed- 
positions  that  could  make  a  contortion- 
ist from  Barnum's  shake  her  head  in  dis- 
belief, or  on  listings  of  the  multiple 
functions  of  wine  bottle  necks  and 
vegetable  sticks.  May  the  goddess  bless 
Pat  Califia  for  the  honesty,  realism, 
sense  of  humour  and  warmth  in  her 
book  of  lesbian  sexuality,  Sapphistry. 
Examining  both  techniques  and  taboos, 
this  book  is  a  well  researched  and  prac- 
tical guide  to  many  facets  of  lesbian  sex- 
uality. Very  important  is  her  chapter  on 
sexually-transmitted  diseases,  which 
looks  at  a  number  of  conditions  specific 
to  lesbians.  Her  work  on  disabled  les- 
bians is  required  reading,  not  just  for 
physically-challenged  women,  but  for  all 
those  seeking  the  knowledge  necessary 
for  understanding  women  whose  experi- 
ence may  be  quite  different  from  their 
own.  Califia's  section  on  S/M  lesbians 
may  be  one  of  the  few  places  where  the 
difference  between  variant  sex  between 


two  (or  more)  consenting  women  and 
the  problems  of  plain  old  painful  power- 
tripping  is  alone  worth  the  cost  of  the 
book.  Tee  Corine's  illustrations  —  fine 
line-drawings  made  in  homage  to 
women  artists  who  have  created  erotic 
images  for  women  —  evoke  the  lushness 
of  lesbian  sexuality  which  balances  the 
author's  direct  no-nonsense  approach. 

The  Cancer  Journals  by  Audre  Lorde 
is  a  difficult  book  to  read.  Its  truths  are 


Audre  Lorde:  great  courage  as  a  survivor 

terrifying.  The  writing  is  so  intense,  so 
raw,  that  there  are  times  when  you  are 
tempted  to  turn  away.  Yet  you  can't  hide 
from  the  experience  of  the  writer,  know- 
ing her  pain  could  belong  to  any  of  us. 
The  Cancer  Journals  record  the  author's 
experience  dealing  with  cancer  in  her 
breast  and  her  subsequent  mastectomy. 
Her  torments  go  beyond  the  physical 
aspects  of  the  disease,  to  the  inevitable 
fear,  surgery  and  therapy  geared  to  the 
heterosexual  woman's  conviction  that 
she  must  appear  normal,  sexy,  and  mar- 
ketable. Such  problems  take  on  greater 
significance  because  of  the  author's 
need,  as  a  lesbian,  to  love  her  own  body, 
and  to  love  women's  bodies  without 
pretension. 

As  a  black  lesbian,  Audre  Lorde's 
experience  shows  the  medical  system  to 
be  not  only  sexist  and  inhuman,  but 
racist  —  primarily  based  on  a  white, 
male  power  system  that  is  both  brutal 
and  dangerous  to  women.  Lorde  shows 
great  courage  as  a  survivor  in  The 
Cancer  Journals,  describing  the  depth  of 
concern  and  love  provided  by  a  small 
community  of  women  who  love  her. 
These  were  strong  enough  in  their  caring 
to  help  her  deal  with  a  personal  tragedy 
which  so  many  women  have  to  face 
alone.  The  Cancer  Journals  is  a  strong, 
powerful  and  important  document, 
political  in  the  way  it  examines  a  system 
of  patriarchal  values  which  threatens  our 
very  lives,  and  intensely /7£T50/Jfl/ in  its 
ability  to  demonstrate  how  women  need 
the  love  and  support  of  women. 

The  Shameless  Hussy  by  A  lla.  The  Crossing 
Press  Feminist  Series.  The  Crossing  Press, 
Trumansburg,  NY  14856.  $5.95  (US) paper 
.Sapphistry  by  Pal  Califia.  The  Naiad  Press 
Inc.  Box  10543.  Tallahassee.  FL  32302.  $6.95 
(US)  paper 

The  Cancer  Journals  by  A  udre  Lorde.  Spin- 
sters Ink,  RD  I,  Argyle,  NY  12809.  $4  (US) 
paper. 


40/THE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


So  many  men  *  so  little  space 


As  there  was  no  TBP  last  month,  my  pile 
of  books  is  even  taller  than  usual,  my 
notices  even  briefer.  Of  the  new  crop  of 
poetry  books,  the  loveliest  is  Tom 
Meyer's  Sappho's  Raft  ($12.50,  Inland 
Book  Co,  22  Hemingway  Ave,  East 
Haven,  CN  06512).  This  is  a  major  col- 
lection by  one  of  the  most  consistently 
fine  lyric  poets  around.  His  work  is 
always  thoughtful,  sensuous,  new: 

...returning  home 

from  Sienna 

the  young  man's  spine 

describes  him 

walking  through  July 

shirtless 

in  jeans  the  color  of 

Chianti 

Love  flickers  and  is  gone 

obscured  by  cloud 

almost 

an  extravagence 

Dennis  Cooper  and  James  Kirkup, 
two  of  the  best  poets  now  writing  in 
English,  and  both  strongly  gay- 
identified,  have  two  new  books  each. 
Kirkup's  No  More  Hiroshimas  and  Ecce 
Homo:  My  Pasolini  are  $6  each  from  the 
author,  BM-Box  2780,  British  Mono- 
marks, London  WCIN  3XX,  England. 
Cooper's  The  Missing  Men  and  My 


Martin  Humphries:  personal  lyrics 

Mark  are  available  from  Little  Caesar 
Press,  3373  Overland  Ave,  Apt  2,  Los 
Angeles,  CA  90034.  My  Mark  is  $5;  no 
price  indicated  for  The  Missing  Men. 
Cooper's  poems  are  highly  erotic; 
Kirkup's  (in  these  books)  more  political 
and  declamatory. 

Two  books  of  poem  sequences  on  gay 
historical  figures  are  The  T E  Lawrence 
Poems  by  the  Governor-General's 
Award  winning  Canadian  poet  Gwen- 
dolyn MacEwen  ($6.95,  Mosaic  Press, 
Box  1032,  Oakville,  ON  L6J  5E9)  and 
The  Picnic  in  the  Snow:  Ludwig  of 
Bavaria  by  the  prolific  Robert  Peters 
($5,  Bookslinger,  330  E  9th  St,  St  Paul, 
MN  55101).  Both  are  superb. 

A  couple  of  chapbooks  of  personal 
lyrics  from  England:  Martin  Humphries' 
Searching  for  a  Destination  ($3  from  the 
author,  lOGascony  Ave,  London  NW6) 
and  J  M  Hoadley's  Rumour  of  Rebel- 
lion ($2.50,  Druid  Press,  32  Portland 
Rd,  London  Wll). 

Haviland  Ferris  and  Steve  Abbott  are 
both  established  and  accomplished  gay 
poets.  Abbott  is  intelligently  experimen- 
tal, Ferris  lyrical  in  more  traditional 
modes.  Abbot's  Stretching  the  Agape 
Bra  (a  Jonathan  Williams-style  title)  is 
$2.95  from  Androgyne  Press,  930 
Shields,  San  Francisco,  CA  94132).  Fer- 
ris's  A  Passage  of  Witches  is  published 
by  the  Finial  Press,  Champaign,  Illinois. 
No  price  is  indicated. 

The  latest  collaboration  by  poet  Rich- 


ard Ronan  and  artist  Bill  Rancitelli  is  a 
set  of  seasonal  poems  infiuenced  by  Chi- 
nese verse,  A  Lamp  of  Small  Sorrow: 
FourFu  Poems {%\M,  A  Press,  Box 
206,  Laguna,  NM  87026).  David  Trini- 
dad's first  collection,  Pavane  ($4.80, 
Sherwood  Press,  9773  Comanche  Ave, 
Chatsworth,  CA  9131 1)  dips  into  myth- 
ology and  dream  and  integrates  them 
with  personal  experiences.  It  is  interest- 
ing to  compare  Trinidad's  poem  "The 
Sphinx"  with  Oscar  Wilde's  of  the  same 
title,  written  about  a  century  ago. 

Other  new  poetry  titles  are  George 
Mosby's  Waves  That  Circle  Him  in 
Stone,  a  collection  of  prison  poems 
($1.50,  Greenfield  Review  Press,  RD  1, 
Box  80,  Greenfield  Center,  NY  12833), 
Victor  Burner's  The  Noblest  Form,  a 
libretto  about  David  and  Jonathan 
($5.95,  Great  Western  PubHshing,416 
Magnolia,  Glendale,  CA  91204)  and 
Mark  J  Ameen's  Aye,  My  Dear,  I  Worry 
About  That  ($3,  Harmony  Books,  235 
East  4th  St,  New  York,  NY  10009): 

Listen,  I've  got  a  lover 
who  is  the  sexiest  person 
I've  ever  known. 
I  love  him  like  crazy, 
I  return  from  a  double  feature 
to  find  him  lounging 
in  black  and  white, 
a  glamour  chain 
round  his  neck 
catching  light, 
held  to  by  a  heart 
waiting  for  me. 

Lying  there  smoking,  watching  Dark 
Victory. 

N  A  Diaman  is  a  San  Francisco  writer 
with  his  own  publishing  company.  Per- 
sona Press,  which  has  issued  two  pre- 
vious novels  by  Diaman  as  well  as  two 
issues  of  a  gay  fiction  magazine.  Para- 
graph, now  apparently  defunct. 
Diaman's  first  novel,  Ed  Dean  is  Queer, 
was  one  of  a  spate  of  Anita  Bryant 
novels,  and,  though  not  as  bad  as  the 
unbelievably  odoriferous  Jason  is  Love, 
was  pretty  weak.  His  next  book,  a  futur- 
istic dystopia  called  The  Fourth  Wall, 
though  slight,  showed  considerable  im- 
provement. His  new  effort.  Second 
Crossing,  is  a  tale  of  a  young  man  com- 
ing out  while  entering  the  literary  circle 
in  North  Beach  toward  the  end  of  the 
beat  era. 

One  would  think  that  an  intense  liter- 
ary environment  populated  by  writers 
like  Robert  Duncan,  Allen  Ginsberg  and 
Jack  Spicer  would  inspire  a  lively  and  in- 
teresting narrative,  but  Second  Crossing 
is  very  dull  indeed  in  both  style  and  sub- 
stance. In  addition,  Diaman  adopts  an 
annoying  practice  of  using  correct 
names  for  some  of  the  writers  he  deals 
with,  and  transparent  pseudonyms  for 
others.  There  seems  no  reason  for  the 
inconsistency,  which  becomes  especially 
impertinent  when  he  attributes  Jack 
Spicer's  well-known  poem  Fifteen  False 
Propositions  About  God  to  someone 
with  another  name! 

Diaman  obviously  has  a  bit  of  money. 
If  he  had  u.sed  this  to  continue  publish- 
ing Paragraph  as  a  much-needed  vehicle 
for  good  gay  fiction,  he  could  have  done 
literature  and  the  gay  community  a  use- 
ful service.  Instead,  he  has  shut  his  eyes 
and  heard  the  shrill  trumpetings  of  a 
higher  calling  —  the  publishing  of  his 
own  work.  What  a  pity.D 
•  and  one  woman! 


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Friends 


International 


AMATEUR  RADIO  (HAM)  group  has  discreet, 
weekly  on-air  get-togethers.  Join  in,  find  a  friend. 
Contact  Wayne,  WAGFXL,  Box 605,  Glenhaven,  CA 
95443,  USA. 


National 


GAY  COMPUTER  NETWORK.  Instant  news,  info, 
ads,  fun.  Everyone  interested  in  establishing  one  write 
"Network,"  Box  1363,  Belleville,  ON  K8N  5JI. 


Calgary 


EDUCATED,  PROFESSIONAL  MALE,  bi  seeks 
similar  bi  women,  men  or  both  for  pleasure  and 
friendship,  I'm  reasonably  attractive,  31,  5'1!"  180 
lbs,  hairy,  curly,  masculine.  Excited  by  slender,  youth- 
ful partners  with  imagination!  I'm  a  nonsmoker  with 
interests  in  the  arts,  games,  some  sports,  good  food 
and  drink.  Please  reply  with  descriptive  letter  and 
phone.  Box  715,  Station  M,  Calgary,  AB  T2P  2J3. 


Toronto 


WANTED:  LESBIAN  WITH  Canadian  citizenship 
to  marry  oriental  gay  male  in  his  early  20s  for  conven- 
ience. Benefits  negotiable.  Please  help  me.  Drawer 
D190. 

SLIM,  ATTRACTIVE  COUPLE  looking  for  warm 
companions  to  share  great  food,  great  music  and 
great  times  at  Lipstick,  the  great  (not  so  late)  cafe  bar. 
Must  be  into  big,  juicy  burgers  and  tantalizing  tempt- 
ations (Chicken  Teriyaki,  to  mention  just  one  of 
many).  Looking  for  couples  or  singles  who  like  to 
start  early  and  party  till  3  am  on  week  nights  and  4  am 
on  weekends.  No  photo  necessary:  reply  in  person  at 
Lipstick,  580  Parliament  St  (south  of  Wellesley). 

BLIND  GAY  MAN  would  like  to  have  someone  read 
gay  material  to  him.  Call  Gaston  924-3271. 


Montreal/Ottawa 


DISCREET  GWM,  35,  5'7"  MOUSTACHE,  seeks 
horny,  professional  male  or  male/ female  couple  for 
pleasure  over  30.  Montreal /Ottawa  preferred.  Draw- 
er D213. 


New  Brunswick 


WESTERN  NEW  BRUNSWICK:  gay  professional 
male,  25,  would  like  to  meet  gay  female  for  mutual 
benefit  and  social  commitments.  I  am  and  you  should 
be  slim,  straight  in  appearance,  intelligent,  humor- 
ous, pleasant  and  discreet.  You  should  appreciate  and 
perhaps  share  my  career  need  to  maintain  a  straight 
image.  Drawer  D276. 

Friends/female 


Barrie 


HELP !  Is  there  one  lesbian  under  the  stars  who  would 
be  needed,  wanted  and  loved  by  me?  I  am  middle- 
aged,  5'3"  125  lbs,  professional,  very  honest,  caring, 
sentimental  and  romantic.  I  like  all  nice  things  in  life. 
My  favourites  are  dancing  and  travel.  Drawer  D095. 


Hamilton 


ADVENTURE  AND  ADVERSITY?  Baez  and  Beet- 
hoven? Career  and  caresses?  Come  explore  alphabet 
with  single  GWF,  29.  Write  giving  phone  number, 
photo  if  possible.  Drawer  D288. 


Toronto 


LESBIAN,  TIRED  OF  BARS,  looking  for  sincere, 
caring  female  for  friendship  and  more.  I  enjoy  music, 
nature  and  good  conversation.  Have  lots  to  offer 
right  woman.  Drawer  D280. 


obscurity.  Hitch  up  your  muddy  hippers;  cum  share  it 
with  me!...  Permanently!  J  E  Coll,  RFD  1,  Box  839, 
Stockton  Springs,  ME  04981,  USA. 


National 


WARM,  FRIENDLY,  ATTRACTIVE  GWM,  5'9" 
150  lbs,  30  years,  professional,  varied  interests,  fun- 
loving,  horny,  seeks  friendship,  correspondence  and 
good  times.  Drawer  D287. 

GWM  HOCKEY  FAN,  New  Yorker,  32,  5'9"  145, 
br/br,  will  be  visiting  Vancouver  (3/8),  Edmonton 
(3/11),  Calgary  (3/12)  to  attend  NY  Rangers  hockey 
games.  Need  game  ticket  and  would  appreciate 
someone  (18-32)  to  show  me  around.  Let's  face  off! 
Tom  Hoffman,  143-40  Ash,  Flushing  NY  11355. 


Britisti  Columbia 


GWM,  ATTRACTIVE,  5'8"  145  lbs,  seeks  GM, 
around  my  own  age  (29)  who  wants  sincere  friend- 
ship, possible  relationship.  Dislike  bar,  club  scenes. 
Oh,  have  beard,  hairy  chest.  Prefer  active  greek  men. 
New  Westminster  is  my  home.  Drawer  D272. 


Victoria 


VICTORIA,  WGM,  34,  5'9"  160  lbs  wants  to  meet 
same.  Vancouver  Island /Victoria  to  Campbell  River. 
Drawer  D240. 


Vancouver 


SPORTS  FANADDICT  (soccer,  hockey,  football) 
seeks  same  to  age  35.  Discreet.  SportsFan,  Box  67312, 
Vancouver.  BCVSW3T1. 

FEMININE  WM,  30,  social  drinker,  loner,  likes  TV, 
cooking,  seeks  masculine  men  to  50  for  intimate  en- 
counters. Include  photo.  Drawer  D329. 


Alberta 


ATTRACTIVE  GWM,  6'2"  175  lbs,  31,  seeks  GWM, 
25-35,  for  sincere  friendship,  possible  relationship.  I 
am  a  non-smoker  who  enjoys  the  outdoors,  music 
and  theatre,  and  open  to  others.  Your  photo  gets 
mine.  Drawer  D143. 

FORT  McMURRAY  PROFESSIONAL  male,  40s, 
seeks  gays  for  companionship  and  interests  in  theatre, 
music,  travel  and  sports.  Box  5382,  Fort  McMurray, 
AB  T9H  3G4. 


Edmonton 


EDMONTON  — LONELY,  MID  AGE  GWM,  6'  190 
lbs,  non-smoker,  social  drinker,  sincere,  varied  inter- 
ests, seeks  male  for  friendship  and /or  possible  rela- 
tionship, younger  person  preferred.  Free  accomoda- 
tions for  right  person.  Must  be  clean  and  responsible. 
Photo  appreciated,  discretion  assured.  Drawer  D335. 


Calgary 


YOUNG  GWM,  24,  6'  160  lbs  seeking  experienced 
topman  to  train  me  in  bondage /discipUne,  S/M,  WS 
and  other  areas  as  well.  I'm  an  eager  young  guy  look- 
ing for  a  man  who  knows  the  ropes  to  show  me  the 
way.  Long-term  relationship  possible  but  not  neces- 
sary. Training  under  an  experienced  master  to  find 
and  maybe  expand  my  limits  is  what  I  seek.  Drawer 
D201. 

30  YEARS  YOUNG,  6'2"  200  lbs,  attractive  visually 
and  mentally,  desires  to  meet  others  hoping  for 
friendship  or  relationship  with  100%  intimacy.  Let's 
build  a  future  together.  Photo  appreciated.  Drawer 
D264. 

ORIENTAL  GAY  MALE,  29,  5'8"  170  lbs,  seeks 
others  for  companionship.  Photo  appreciated.  Draw- 
er  D275. 

COMPANION  SOUGHT  BY  43-year-old  Calgary 
businessman  with  varied  interests.  Salary  negotiable. 
Drawer  D314. 

ATTRACTIVE  GWM,  ITALIAN,  5'6"  33,  132  lbs, 
brown  hair,  green  eyes,  moustache,  masculine,  hon- 
est, sincere,  easygoing,  enjoys  jogging,  raquetball, 
outdoors.  Would  like  to  hear  from  same  to  29  if  you 
are  interested  in  developing  a  friendship  possibly 
leading  to  a  relationship.  Reply  boxholder.  Box  6477, 
Station  D,  Calgary,  AB  T2P  2E1. 


Manitoba 


BODYBUILDER.  WELL-ENDOWED,  30,  blue- 
eyed,  good-looking  (what  more  can  you  ask?)  wants 
to  meet  other  bodybuilders.  Discretion  essential. 
Drawer  C657. 


Saskatchewan 


Friends/male 

International 

GWM,  33,  GOOD-LOOKING,  6'  165,  would  like  to 
correspond  with  men  35  and  older.  Interested  in 
photos,  video  and  hot  letters.  Possible  meetings, 
good  times.  Interested  in  gay/bi  men  who  enjoy  dis- 
creet friendship.  Your  photo  gets  mine.  Jim,  Box 
27478,  Honolulu,  HI  96827,  USA. 

HUNG!  YOUNG  PUERTO  RICAN  stud  with  beaut- 
iful  buns.  Have  letter/photo  for  you.  Write:  Box  687, 
New  York,  NY  10108,  USA. 

GOOD  BODY,  HUSKY,  60,  5'7"  175  lbs,  endowed, 
enjoy  everything  man  to  man.  Any  race.  Photo.  Pat, 
Box  95,  Wallawalla,  WA  99362.  USA. 

GUY  GOING  TO  PRAGUE  in  spring  wants  info  on 
bars,  baths,  English-speaking  contacts,  not  necessar- 
ily for  sex,  reasonable  hotels.  Drawer  D284. 

WRESTLING,  SOCIAL  CLUB.  Canada,  US  — 
make  friends  everywhere!  500  members.  Informa- 
tion, photomag,  $3.00:  NYWC,  59  W  10  St,  New 
York,  NY  10011,  USA. 

CORRESPOND  WITH  A  friendly,  sincere  GWM, 
36.  Many  interests:  friends,  letters,  travel,  languages, 
Levis,  gay  lit,  collections.  Lonely  isolation  in  China 
imminent ;  seeks  friendly  gay  pen  pals  everywhere.  All 
answered  (really!).  Box  478,  North  Bay,  ON  PIB  8J2. 

HIP-BOOTED   RAUNCHMAN   enjoying   seaside       HANDSOME  SUDBURIAN,  35,  seeks  quiet  and 


LOOKING  FOR  FRIEND/ LOVER.  Is  there  some- 
one out  there  who  still  believes  in  simple  love  and  af- 
fection? I'm  42,  tall,  dark  and  considered  good-look- 
ing, beard  and  moustache.  My  sexual  tastes  are  quite 
conventional,  not  into  bondage  or  S/M.  Love  to  cud- 
dle. Will  answer  all,  I  live  in  the  Saskatoon  area. 
Drawer  D263. 

SASKATOON,  SASKATCHEWAN-AREA  male, 
39, 5'8"  130  lbs,  left-leaning  and  fitness  seeks  a  man  25 
to  50  for  the  long  and  secure  relationship.  Drawer 
D307. 


Norttiern  Ontario 


TALL,  SLIM,  ATTRACTIVE  married  bisexual 
male,  mid  40s,  interested  in  horseriding,  arts,  sailing, 
travel  and  business,  seeks  similar  for  mutually  satisfy- 
ing, confidential,  long-term  relationship.  Drawer 
D251. 


MARCH  1983 


caring  younger  male  for  discreet  and  intimate  com- 
panionship. Drawer  D295. 


Southern  Ontario 


IS  THERE  ANY  gay  man  in  Chatham?  Mutual  dis- 
cretion, honesty,  friendship  desired.  Healthy,  warm, 
intelligent,  proud  to  be  gay  required.  Drawer  D136. 

WINDSOR  AREA  PROFESSIONAL  GWM.  28, 
rock,  buzz,  18-30,  cinema,  high-tech,  calm,  not  neur- 
otic, 5'10"  well-read,  travel,  au  boute!  De  la  region 
montrealaise.  Drawer  D225. 

YOUNG  KITCHENER  GWM  seeks  young  black  or 
Asian  male  for  a  possible  friendship  or  relationship. 
I'm  5'8"  140  lbs  and  have  brown  eyes  and  hair.  My  in- 
terests include  most  sports,  good  novels,  movies  and 
music.  If  you'  re  a  young  black  or  Asian  male  in  search 
of  that  "someone  special,"  why  not  write?  Photo  and 
long  letter  appreciated.  Drawer  D232. 

MUSCULAR,  GOOD-LOOKING  MALE,  21,  Lon- 
don,  Ontario,  pleasant  and  hot,  searching  for  another 
male  to  be  "good"  to  him.  No  kinky  stuff.  Reply 
drawer  D227. 

GWM,  29,  LOOKING  for  adventure  in  the  Beach- 
ville-Woodslock  area.  Seeking  dominant  topman. 
Send  letter  and  photo.  Box  246,  Beachville,  ON. 

GAY  CHRISTIAN,  53,  5'7"  185  lbs,'seeks  young  son 
type  to  love  and  share  good  times.  Prefer  clean- 
shaven, slim,  good  endowment.  Write  with  phone. 
Photo  brings  fast  reply.  Box  4443,  Station  C,  Lon- 
don,  ON  N5W  5J2. 

YOUNG  STRATFORD  GWM,  5'9"  slim,  blond, 
masculine,  considerate,  discreet,  seeks  slender,  sensi- 
tive young  guy  with  little  body  hair.  I'm  into  active 
greek,  spanking  and  soixante-neuf  Photo,  phone, 
erotic  letter  will  ensure  quick  reply.  Drawer  D283. 

WATERLOO.  FRENCHERS  WHO  don't  need  reci- 
procity  but  appreciate  man  with  clean  body,  long, 
thick  tool,  loves  to  be  sucked.  You  need  me.  My  place 
or  yours.  Age,  looks  unimportant  if  you're  an  expert. 
Drawer  D282. 

KITCHENER.  ME:  GOOD-LOOKING,  young, 
GWM,  moody,  emotional,  animal  lover,  bottom,  lov- 
ing, caring,  straight-looking.  You:  young,  GWM, 
animal  lover,  top,  honest.  Please  reply  with  long  let- 
ter, address  and  photo  if  possible.  My  name:  Trojan. 
Drawer  D281. 

DISCREET  MARRIED  MAN,  34,  5'8"  165  lbs, 
plain-looking,  seeks  same  to  share  sessions  with .  Pre- 
fer butch  types  in  jeans  and  black  leather  bike  jackets. 
Nothing  kinky,  but  hot,  masculine  leather-sex.  Black 
leather  biker  gloves  turn  me  on  too.  Frank,  detailed 
letter.  Sincere  only.  Box  3463,  Cambridge,  ON 
N3H  5C6. 

WANTED:  YOUNG  MASCULINE  males  London, 
Ontario  area  to  play  with,  oral  satisfaction,  by  51- 
year-old  nice  guy.  Drawer  D27I. 

GAY  WHITE  MALE,  early  20s,  wishes  to  make 
friends  from  all  over.  Good-looking  and  ready  for 
anything  except  pain.  Prefer  hung  greek  actives,  Lon- 
don, Chatham,  Windsor  area  or  pen  pals.  Frank  let- 
ter, phone,  photo  if  possible.  Drawer  D285. 

TWO  GAY  HOOSIERS  living  in  Ontario  seek  same 
for...  we  haven't  figured  out  what  yet,  but  if  "the 
gleaming  candlelight  /  still  shining  bright  /  through 
the  sycamores"  still  affects  you  deeply,  maybe  you 
can  tell  us.  All  Hoosierly  replies  answered  in  kind. 
Drawer  D267. 

WHITE  MALE  RUBBER  SLAVE  seeks  others  with 
same  interest.  I  like  dressing  in  rubber  boots,  briefs, 
harness.  Also  JO,  B  -^  C  torture,  S/M,  B&D,  making 
home  VHS  movies  (have  equipment).  Send  descrip- 
tive letter,  phone  number,  photo  if  you  like  same 
things.  Discretion  assured.  Jim.  Drawer  D290. 

WELL-BUILT  MASCULINE  youngguys  to  25  want- 
ed,  to  be  played  with,  orally  satisfied,  treated  royally, 
total  confidence,  by  50-year-old  good  guy.  Pen  pals 
wanted  from  anywhere.  Drawer  D298. 

ANY  GAY  MALE  seeking  companionship  and  inti- 
macy with  no  strings  attached  seeks  what  I  do.  I  am 
28,  trim,  friendly  and  sensual.  I  travel  a  lot  and  will 
come  to  you.  Age  or  race  no  barrier.  Orientals  most 
welcome.  Discretion  assured,  all  replies  answered. 
Send  photo  if  possible.  Reply  to  Box  1044,  Station  Q, 
Toronto,  ON  M4T  2P2.  Hamilton  to  London  and  in 
between. 

NIAGARA  PENINSULA  AREA,  professional  dis- 
creet gay  white  male,  35,  6'  160  lbs,  affectionate, 
good-looking,  sincere,  masculine  guy.  Enjoys  travel, 
cycling,  skiing,  dining,  movies,  concerts,  sex,  life. 
Dislikes  typical  gay  scene.  Wants  companion,  prefer- 
ably under  30,  slim,  lo  enjoy  and  share  in  these  pur- 
suits, perhaps  building  a  relationship.  Photo  if  pos- 
sible. Drawer  D328. 

GAY  CHRISTIAN  ORDAINED  seeks  serious  friend 
for  lasting  one-lo-one  relation.  I  like  to  be  called 
"Dad_/lCould  help  relocate.  Prefer  20  to  33,  clean 
and  honest.  Phone  and  photo  a  must.  All  answered. 
Box  4443,  Station  C,  London,  ON  N5W  1H5. 

GWM,  TALL,  DARK,  attractive  grad  student. 
Looking  fofrat  the  least,  a  deep  friendship.  Intelli- 
gent, often  quiet,  serious,  but  not  without  a  sense  of 
humour,  affectionate,  motivated,  well-read;  qualities 
I  believe  I  have  and  also  appreciate.  I  need  someone 
dependable  lo  both  share  (he  day's  ups  and  downs 
with  as  well  as  to  occasionally  paint  the  town  red. 
Guelph,  Kitchener-Waterloo,  Cambridge  area.  Sin- 
cere reply  appreciated,  answered.  Drawer  D308. 


Toronto 


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nationalities:  if  you're  slim,  attractive,  articulate, 
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passionate,  compassionate,  youthful;  if  you  value 
sincerity/ honesty  tempered  by  discretion /humour;  if 


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Adults   only    —    must  be  legal  age. 


—  COMPUTERIZED  INTRODUCTION  SERVICE  — 

2  Bloor  Street  West 

Suite  100-338 
Toronto   M4W  2G7 

—  Serving  gay  men  of  Toronto  and  Southern  Ontario  — 

...the  alternative... 

vniNHUNld 


^ 

■  :te:^ 

^ 

Bf*        In  Ontario: 
r4          1-880-208-2238 

/k          InToronto: 

1^            252-5222 

you  view  kissing /caressing  as  erotic  pleasure  rather 
than  "merely  foreplay";  if  you  delight  in  candlelight, 
conversation,  contemporary/classical  music/litera- 
ture, films,  cafes,  wine  and  more;  if  you  desire  similar 
qualities  in  an  unpretentiously  attractive  young 
GWM:  I'm  your  man.  Letier/phone/photo  to  Andy. 
(This  notice  appears  once  only.)  Drawer  D289. 


Piano  Tuning  &  Repair 

Winter  is  hard  on  both  you  jnd  your  iJi.ino.  The 
puino  lortunately.  cin  he  m.ide  very  hii|)|)v  with 
a  little  maintenance  and.  at  today's  [jiano  prices, 
it  makes  sense  to  kee[)  vours  in  ^ood  condition 

lames  Tennyson. 

333  Clinton  SI,  Toronto.  .S33-9804. 


AFFECTIONATE,  BEARDED,  EUROPEAN, 
well-built /hung,  35,  enjoys  fitness,  music,  movies, 
outdoors,  travelling,  seeks  thoughtful,  warm  friends 
anywhere,  under  35.  Photo  appreciated.  Box  7303, 
Station  A,  Toronto,  ON  M5W  1X9. 

HOT,  HUNG  MASTER,  29,  6'  165  lbs  seeks  slave  for 
any  fantasy  scene.  Enjoy  denim,  jocks,  dominance 
and  watersports.  Drawer  D196. 

GWM,  32,  HUSKY  seeks  wrestling  and  exercise  bud- 
dy to  improve  fitness.  Write  with  your  plan  for  sport 
and  fun.  Include  phone  number.  Drawer  D198. 

HOW  DO  YOU  like  your  man?  Tall,  dark  and  good- 
looking?  That's  me.  Into  bodybuilding  too.  Interest- 
ed in  corresponding  and  photo  exchanges.  Replies 
with  photos  answered  first.  Box  277,  Station  K,  Tor- 
onto, ON. 

YOUNG  MALE,  21,  6'4"  175  lbs  loves  sucking  and 
being  sucked,  hot  sex.  Seeks  same  for  fun.  Photo  if 
possible.  Drawer  D202. 

GWM,  36,  PROFESSIONAL,  190  lbs,  6'5"  well- 
endowed  seeks  young  man  over  21  into  spanking  or 
whatever.  Discretion  assured  and  requested.  Drawer 
DI9I. 

PART-TIME  ARTIST,  CHINESE,  35,  6'  seeks  edu- 
cated  man,  age  25-45,  for  long-term  friendship.  Pre- 
fer tall  guy.  Photo  please.  Drawer  D193. 

SINCERE,  ROMANTIC  MALE.  39,  5'10"  blue 
eyes,  trim  beard,  average  weight,  looks.  Would  like  to 
take  it  slow  and  steady  toward  a  committed  relation- 
ship with  a  younger,  muscular  man  who  is  intelligent, 
mature  and  has  a  sense  of  humour.  I  could  get  into 
light  (dominant)  B&D.  But  respect  and  caring  are 
much  more  important.  If  you  think  as  I  do,  a  detailed 
letter  and  photo  would  be  welcomed.  Drawer  D254. 

GOOD-LOOKING  MALE,  5'10"  blond  hair,  blue 
eyes,  150  lbs,  27  years  old,  looking  for  well-endowed 
guys  preferably  for  afternoon  or  evening  get-togeth- 
ers. Discretion  assured.  Drawer  D252. 

JUST  FOR  SOMETHING  completely  different?  I 
love  bondage,  having  my  balls  pulled  (etc!),  being 
"forced"  (french  or  greek).  (No  heavy  S/M,  WS)  but 
not  by  "Drum"  Machos  —  O  No!  Any  skinny  "sis- 
sies" (fern  welcome,  not  essential;  prefer  21  to  36)  out 
there  who  drool  to  play  Rough  Stud  (have  me  beg  you 
not  to  —  first;  then  beg  you  to!)?  I'm  your  chance 
(early  30s;  thin  but  masculine).  Your  phone,  please. 
Drawer  D258. 


BOB  DAMBON  GUIDE  •  BUSH 
BULLET  •  LAUGHING  GAS 
LIQUID  AHOMA  •  THBUST 

HARDWABE  •  LOCKEB  BOOM 
LUBBICANTS  •  NOVELTIES 

WHOLESALE  INQUimES  ONLY 

Contact: 

Peter  Boctiove,  Jerry  Levy  or  Delroy 

Douglas 

66  Gerrard  St  East 

Toronto  ON  MSB  1G5 

(416)  977-4718 


BISEXUAL  MALE,  40s,  CONSIDERED  attractive 
and  youthful.  Would  like  to  meet  younger  gay  or 
bisexual  guys  for  understanding  times.  Discretion  a 
must.  Photo  and  phone  number  appreciated  but  will 
reply  to  all  respondents.  Drawer  D259. 

ATTRACTIVE  MALE,  38,  seeks  buddy  friend  to  see 
on  regular  basis  and  spend  time  with.  Interests  include 
theatre,  arts,  dogs,  skiing.  Photo  if  possible  and 
phone  number  to  drawer  D256. 

DRAWER  DI74. 1  received  some  wonderful  replies  to 
my  ad.  Thank  you.  I  present  my  sincere  apologies  for 
not  replying.  Two  days  after  placing  it,  after  many 
months  alone,  I  met  someone  very  beautiful. 

BLACK  MALE,  24,  seeks  male  companion.  Prefer 
flight  attendants  or  professional  male.  Reply  Box  311 , 
Station  B,  Toronto,  ON  M5T  2W2. 

ATTRACTIVE  GWM,  31,  5'4"ll01bs,  blue  eyes,  red 
hair  and  moustache,  wheelchair-bound  with  cerebral 
palsy,  seeks  sexual  relief.  T-room  voyeur.  Prefer  slim, 
smooth  guys  my  age  or  under,  but  others  answered. 
Reply  with  phone.  Scott.  Drawer  D286. 

SEXY,  ATHLETIC  MALE  into  bodybuilding,  swim- 
mers, well-hung  men.  Toronto  and  surrounding  area. 
Photo  a  must.  Box  926,  Station  K,  Toronto,  ON 
M4P2H2. 

GWM  BUSINESSMAN,  32,  5'6"  looking  for 
friends,  companions,  and  possible  lover  to  age  28. 
Considered  masculine,  good-looking,  generous,  and 
considerate  of  others.  Discretion  assured  and  expect- 
ed. Phone  and  photo  if  possible.  Drawer  D279. 


VERY  ATTRACTIVE,  WELL-BUILT,  masculine, 
blue-eyed  blond  couple,  28&  30,  seek  horny,  younger 
male  or  couple  for  discreet  fun  get-togethers.  Inex- 
perienced or  bi  welcome.  Drawer  D343. 

DISAPPOINTED  with  answering  an  ad?  Not  this 
time.  Truly  goodlooking  28,  5'10",  150  lbs.  Well- 
built,  well-endowed,  athletic,  non-bar  type,  seeking 
attractive  males  under  24  for  discreet,  safe,  erotic  ex- 
periences. Drawer  D344. 

GWM,  32,  PROFESSIONAL,  passionate,  affection- 
ate,  seeks  older  male  35-49,  good-looking,  interest- 
ing, educated.  Socially  and  sexually  active.  Various 
interests,  possible  relationship.  Drawer  D278. 

MALE,  EARLY  40s,  NON-SMOKER,  looking  for 
friendship  and  the  nourishment  that  comes  from 
sharing  feelings  and  ideas.  Am  open-minded.  Wel- 
come replies  from  active,  masculine  males  of  all  races, 
singles/couples.  Let's  communicate.  Drawer  D268. 

WHITE  MALE,  40s,  MASCULINE,  seeks  affec- 
tionate,  greek  passive,  black  lover.  Drawer  D088. 

30-YEAR-OLD  EUROPEAN,  5)1"  170  lbs,  brown 
hair,  blue  eyes,  medium  complexion,  wants  to  meet 
hunky,  sexy  and  butch  blacks  and  East  Indians.  Eve- 
nings  762-8658. 

HUNG,  ATTRACTIVE  BLOND,  27,  5'6"  slim 
build,  into  JO,  greek  active,  seeks  slender  guys  to  34 
with  hot  ass.  Photo  if  possible.  Drawer  D243. 

ATTRACTIVE,  MASCULINE  GWM,  41,  5'I0"  160 
lbs  would  like  to  meet  interesting  men  for  good  times 
and  possible  relationship.  I'm  ati  affectionate  profes- 
sional person  with  varied  interests.  Will  answer  all, 
please  include  phone  number.  Drawer  D247. 


On  Wednesday,  March  30,  1983,  I'm 
hosting  a  Pot  Luck  2nd  Seder.  It's  Passover, 
a  time  to  remember  that  liberation  is  an 
ongoing  present  process.  If  you're  Jewish 
and  lesbian/gay  (or  a  lover  of  such  a 
person),  please  join  me. 

Call  Harvey  Hamburg,  967-5259  (Toronto). 


LOOKING  FOR  AN  EXPERIENCED,  dominant 
topman  into  bondage,  toys,  light  S/M,  watersports, 
inventive  ass  work,  any  race.  I  am  attractive,  slim,  39. 
Photo  and  phone  appreciated.  Drawer  D246. 

LOOKING  FOR  MASTERS  under  35.  Am  21,  5'I0" 
150  lbs,  Asian  origin.  Into  B&D,  pain,  humiliations, 
etc.  Photo  appreciated.  Drawer  D23I. 

MALE,  36,  VERY  SUBMISSIVE,  into  S/M,  B&D, 
WS  and  boot-licking,  digs  kinky  sex.  Always  willing 
to  please.  Drawer  D269. 

HAIRY  MALE,  38,  5'9"  155  lbs,  seeks  horny  dark- 
haired  cowboy  or  Latin  for  occasional  encounter.  All 
letters  receive  reply,  and  all  photographs  returned. 
Drawer  D266. 

GREEK?  —  HERAKLITOS.  FRENCH?  —  Impres- 
sionism.  (Bach  and  Blake,  not  baths  and  bars.) 
Closets?  For  clothes  and  old  boxes  (only).  Clones? 
"Once  you've  fucked  one,  you've..."  (Twining's  yes; 
tearooms  no.)  WS?  —  William  Shakespeare  (nothing 
else!).  (Poetry,  not  poppers.  "SM"  is  the  abbrevia- 
tion for  "manuscript"  backwards.)  BB?  Surely, 
"brains  'n'  brilliance."  Parks?  Definitely;  one  meets 
so  few  butterflies  and  flowers  in  the  city  otherwise. 
(What?  Anti-sex?  Heavens,  no!  Perish  the  thought;  I 
adore  it!)  Drawer  D265. 

VERY  ATTRACTIVE  GWM,  32,  6'l"  dark 
hair/moustache.  Masculine,  stable,  professional,  af- 
fectionate, caring,  would  like  to  meet  same.  Must 
have  positive  outlook  on  life.  Bars  should  not  be  your 
only  recreation.  Friendship  or  possible  long-term  re- 
lationship with  right  person.  Drawer  D273. 

BI  WM,  PROFESSIONAL  SWIMMER'S  BODY, 
40s,  complex  (interests  range  from  orchidist  to  eques- 
trian riding),  intelligent,  sensitive,  sophisticated  and 
handle  this  kooky  world  better  than  most.  I'm  in  neu- 
tral, looking  to  be  put  in  drive  by  good-looking,  crea- 
tive, straight-appearing  younger  male  protege  in 
sports  and/or  arts  field  from  central  Toronto  or  Man- 
hattan for  intensely  cerebral,  excessively  sensuous 
and  romantic  relationship  involving  travel  and  city 
and  country  life.  Photo  and  phone  assures  reply. 
Drawer  D274. 

MASTER,  32,  ATTRACTIVE,  seeks  attractive,  un- 
inhibited slave  under  35  for  long-term  relationship. 
Photo,  phone  and  descriptive  letter.  Drawer  D293. 

WHITE  MALE,  LATE  30s,  masculine,  clean,  heavy 
build  with  large,  fat  bottom  wants  to  receive  tradi- 
tional spanking  from  father-figure  type  over  45.  Oral 
service  a  possibility.  Discretion  expected  and  assured. 
Drawer  D294. 

BEAU  QU6b6COIS,  YEUX  bleus,  5'7"  140  lbs, 
bien  fait,  viril,  sirieux,  amusant,  romantique.  Lettre, 
photo.  Salut.  Drawer  D296. 

ATTRACTIVE  YOUNG  MALE,  22,  5'10"  150  lbs, 
would  like  to  meet  masculine  hairy  men  for  lots  of 
good  times!  Photo  and  phone  appreciated.  Drawer 
D300. 

LET'S  BE  FRIENDS!  A  20-year-old  professional 
businessman  is  looking  for  a  friend  who'll  really  care. 
I'm  attractive,  although  overweight.  If  this  doesn't 
bother  you,  then  let's  be  friends.  I  hope  you  enjoy 
theatre,  music  of  all  kinds  and  intimate  settings. 
Beware!  I  tend  to  be  "preppy."  Write  Gregg  if  you're 
the  friend  1  seek.  Drawer  D30I. 

DAYTIME  ENCOUNTERS  WANTED  by  35-year- 
old  GWM,  6'2"  190  lbs,  hairy  body,  looking  for 
younger,  hairy  man.  No  romance  please,  just  a  good 
time,  no  questions  asked.  Into  everything,  FF  OK. 


44n"HE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


Please  reply  with  way  to  contact  to  drawer  D29I. 
FAREWELL  TO  EDMONTON.  I'm  leaving  the  land " 
of  oil  and  money  for  Toronto  in  early  summer.  Would 
like  to  start  friendship  with  Toronto  gay(s)  so  I'll  at 
least  have  someone  I  know,  at  least  a  little,  at  least, 
when  1  arrive.  David  (that's  me)  is  a  GWM,  an  artist, 
somewhat  eccentric,  "cute,"  25,  intelligent,  political- 
ly conscious  (if  not  always  politically  correct),  inter- 
ested in  post-modernism,  feminism,  movies,  "new 
wave"  and  classical  music,  microcomputers,  dancing 
and  other  things  too.  If  1  sound  like  someone  you 
might  want  to  know,  let  me  know.  32  cents  is  not  a  lot 
of  money.  Drawer  D302. 

CLEAN-CUT,  24,  GWM,  5'll"  160  lbs.  I  don't  like 
the  bar  scene  and  cruising  is  too  dangerous.  I'd  like  to 
make  a  friend  who  likes  fun  times,  but  also  quiet  times 
at  home.  If  you  are  mature,  and  close  to  my  age, 
please  write.  Photos  are  appreciated.  Drawer  D303. 

YOUNG  45,  LIKES  69,  has  many  afternoons  and  odd 
evenings  to  meet  friends  with  the  same  likes  and  inter- 
ests. Likes  country  music,  non-smoker  and  drinker, 
would  like  to  meet  men  any  age  or  colour  for  fun  and 
general  relaxing  get-togethers.  Photo  and  phone  ap- 
preciated, will  return  when  we  meet.  Reply  Box  144, 
Station  Q,  Toronto,  ON  M4T  2L7. 

TALL,  TRIM,  ESTABLISHED  professional,  40s, 
likes  movies,  concerts,  opera,  theatre,  needs  intelli- 
gent friends,  companions,  lover.  Sexually  uninhibited 
and  open  to  adventure,  but  no  S/M,  WS,  FF,  etc. 
Reply  with  phone  number  if  possible.  Drawer  D215. 

YOUNG  ATTRACTIVE  ORIENTAL  male,  20.  uni- 
versity  student,  seeks  sincere  GWM  for  friendship 
and  possible  relationship.  Phone  and  photo  appreci- 
ated. Drawer  D218. ^^ 

AMBITIOUS,  FUN  MALE,  who  enjoys  roller-skat- 
ing, auctions,  flea  markets,  old  clothes  (collecting  and 
swapping)  etc,  anxiously  seeks  friend  with  similar  in- 

terests.  Darryl  922-8484. 

TOTALLY  INEXPERIENCED  GWM,  26,  5'8"  145 
lbs,  honest,  intelligent  and  good-looking  with  a  beard 
and  a  hairy  chest,  seeks  clean-shaven  smooth,  boyish 
types  to  25  to  learn  how  great  gay  sex  can  be.  Let's 
fantasize  and  experiment  together.  Photo  and  phone 
appreciated.  Fred,  55  McCaul  St,  Box  236.  Toronto. 

GWM,  27.  5'10"  155  lbs,  blond  and  bearded,  great 
legs!  Not  sick  of  bars  but  sick  of  tricks  who  turn  out  to 
be  jerks.  I  do  everything  to  excess:  smoke,  drink, 
sleep,  talk,  party  and  squander  money.  I  am  resolved 
to  find  a  large,  hairy  man  to  bring  some  order  into  my 
life.   Sense  of  humour  essential!   Phone  number. 

Drawer  D306. 

WHITE,  26,  6'4"  185  lbs,  well-hung,  built,  mascu- 
line, attractive  male  seeks  extremely  well-hung,  (ie 
enormous)  masculine,  clean  male  for  good  time  and 
possible  friendship.  Phone  number  and  explicit  photo 
gets  reply.  Drawer  D305. 


ATTRACTIVE  ASIAN  MALE,  28,  5'7"  130  lbs, 
moustache,  intelligent,  sensitive.  Would  like  to  meet 
masculine  types  for  fun  and  friendship.  Photo  and 
phone  appreciated.  Discretion  assured.  Drawer 
D320. 

FRIENDLY  ASIAN,  21 ,  seeks  Caucasian  or  Oriental 
for  friendship  or  possible  relationship.  Prefer  mascu- 
line and  sociable  guy.  Phone  number  appreciated. 
Drawer  D3I9. 


Fort  Lauderdale,  Florida 

Spend  a  pleasant  vacation  at  the 

LA  UDERDA I.E  MANOR  300  ft.  from  our 

beautiful  beach.  Party  at  the  world-famous 

Marlin  Beach  Hotel  next  door  and  come 

back  to  a  quiet  and  friendly  atmosphere. 

Modestly  priced  hotel  rooms,  efficiencies 

and  apart tnen IS  with  color  TV.  New  pool  in 

our  tropical  garden  and  BBQ.  Call  or  write 

Lauderdale  Manor  Motel,  2926  Valencia  Si. 

fort  Lauderdale,  Fla  33316 

Tel:  (305)  463-3385 


RESPONSIVE  GUY,  30s,  attractive,  5'H"  155  lbs. 
looking  for  butch  black  or  Oriental  guys  who  like  hot. 
hot  ass.  Michael  485-0071. 

VERY  ATTRACTIVE,  CLEAN  male  bi-model. 
5'H"  35,  160  lbs,  brown  eyes  and  hair,  very  under- 
standing. Wishes  to  entertain  the  mature  and  finan- 
cially secure.  Let  me  be  your  plaything  for  a  weekend 
or  evening.  Total  discretion  assured.  Write  to  Ben. 
drawer  D333. 

ARE  YOU  A  friendly,  attractive  guy  into  JO?  I'm  6' 
slim,  mid  30s,  discreet,  not  unattractive.  If  you'retall, 
slim,  with  a  smooth  chest,  so  much  the  better.  Photo 
appreciated  but  not  required.  Drawer  D332. 

GWM,  21. 125  lbs.  5'9"^brown  hair.  eyes,  moustache. 
Who  has  lost  in  love  that  promised  happiness.  Seeks  a 
warm,  loving,  caring,  dominant  man,  25-35  who  en- 
joys theatre,  camping,  etc.  I'm  a  level-headed  individ- 
ual who  is  professionally  employed.  Basically  I'm 
down  to  earth.  I'm  looking  for  that  special  person  for 
a  lover  relationship  to  make  my  life  happy  once  again. 
Photo  is  not  necessary.  Just  a  descriptive  letter.  Draw- 
erD331. 

ATTRACTIVE  ORIENTAL.  26.  straight-manner- 
ed, seeks  virile,  masculine  male  for  occasional  dis- 
creet meetings.  Hunky.  hung,  moustachioed  clone, 
athletic  topman,  couple,  bi,  mildly  kinky,  21-45, 
white,  black,  all  welcome.  Phone,  details  essential. 
Photo  if  possible.  Box  113,  Station  B,  Toronto,  ON 
M5T2T3. 


GWM,  23.  5'7"'  brown  hair,  eyes,  slim,  considered 
very  handsome,  seeks  stable,  intelligent  male  23-35 
for  relationship.  I'm  a  sensitive  and  understanding 
person  with  many  varied  interests:  literature,  music, 
sports,  politics,  travelling,  good  times.  Reply  with 
phone  number;  photo  appreciated.  Drawer  D3I8. 

YOU  I'M  LOOKING  FOR.  Need  to  feel  you  in  my 
arms.  GWM,  39,  145  lbs.  Same.  Toronto,  London, 
Windsor.  Friendship.  Let's  hit  it  on,  lasting,  now! 
Drawer  D317. 

GWM  SEEKING  SLIM  fop  men  to  35  for  morning/- 
afternoon  fun  tiriies.  Frank  letters  okay.  Not  looking 
for  relationship.  Not  into  games.  I'm  5'7"  blond, 
bearded,  trim,  28"  waist,  not  feminine,  french  active, 
JO,  uninhibited.  Photo  gets  mine,  but  all  an- 
swered. Blacks  welcomed.  Please  write:  boxholder, 
577  Burnhamthorpe  Road,  Box  104,  Elobicoke,  ON 
M9C  4V2. 

GWM,  31.  GOOD-LOOKING,  intelligent,  5'I0"  135 
lbs,  very  uninhibited,  likes  bridge,  windsurfing, 
X-country  skiing,  travel,  etc,  would  like  to  meet 
friends,  25  to  40,  possible  long-term  relationship  with 
right  person.  Drawer  D316. 

GWM,  PROFESSIONAL.  38,  6'  185  lbs,  considered 
very  attractive,  seeks  another  masculine  attractive 
guy  any  age  for  very  discreet  relationship.  Am  pa- 
tient, understanding,  sensitive.  Am  versatile  but  all 
the  better,  you  to  be  french  active,  greek  passive.  Mar- 
ried, bi  okay.  Love  music,  outdoors,  travel,  quiet  re- 
laxed evenings.  Prefer  Willowdale.  Thornhill  area  but 
elsewhere  okay.  Letter  with  photo  receives  immediate 
reply.  Absolute  discretion  assured  and  expected. 
Drawer  D315. 

GWM.  LIVING  IN  Vancouver  would  like  to  hear 
from  young  gay  Chinese  guys  in  Toronto  area.  I  am 
30,  good-looking,  muscular  body,  masculine.  Drawer 
D313. 

GWM,  26, 6'4"  190 lbs,  black  hair,  brown  eyes,  mous- 
tache, good  humour  and  outlook  on  Hfe  with  hobbies 
from  music,  cooking,  looking  for  possible  relation- 
ship. From  ages  23  to  36.  I  am  straight-acting  and 
-looking.  Will  answer  if  you  respond.  Drawer  D312. 

WHITE  MASCULINE  MALE,  56. 6'  160  lbs  to  meet 
young  male  to  30.  smooth  skin  or  httle  body  hair  pre- 
ferred. Race  and  endowment  not  important.  Fems 
welcome.  Also  pen  pals.  Drawer  D311. 

NOVICE  SLAVE/BODYBUILDER.  5'H"  175  lbs. 
seeks  hung  bodybuilder  master  to  service,  massage 
and  worship.  Discretion  assured,  sir.  Drawer  D310. 

A  MOST  HANDSOME  (not  conceited)  GQ  type 
male  seeks  new  spring  and  summer  friend  to  chum 
around  with.  Garth  922-8484. 

RUBBER  BOOTS,  HEAVY  rubber  wear,  stream- 
fishing,  beer.  JO.  Beginners  or  advanced  write  Box 
214,  Station  M,  Toronto,  ON  M6S  4T3. 

ATTRACTIVE  MASCULINE  MALE,  25  years,  145 


lbs,  seeks  young,  masculine  male,  18-25  for  fun  times 
(blue  jeans  and  black  leather  jacket  type  guys  turn  me 
on  a  lot).  Drawer  D309. 

WANTED:  GOOD-LOOKING.  HOT.  hung  man  to 
35  who  likes  french  active /passive  and  more  by  nice- 
looking  man,  28,  5'9"  140  lbs  with  nice  build  for  hot 
times  or/and  sincere,  mutually  loving  and  giving  long- 
term  relationship.  Phone,  photo,  letter  please.  Draw- 
er  D330. 

SINCERE  MALE  COLLEGE  student  seeks  sensi- 
tive, "down  to  earth"  type  men  to  40  who  enjoy 
music,  movies,  cooking  and  quiet  evenings  convers- 
ing. I'm  an  honest,  affectionate  person  with  curly 
brown  hair/eyes,  5'9"  155  lbs.  Please  send  detailed 
letter  with  phone  number.  Discretion  assured.  PS  —  I 
love  smiles!  Drawer  D327. 

A  41-YEAR-OLD  MALE,  5'7"  150  lbs,  quiet,  intelh- 
gent  and  clean,  with  interests  which  include  movies, 
books,  music,  would  like  to  meet  another  male  who 
shares  those  interests  and  believes  that  a  relationship 
should  be  for  more  than  just  sex.  Drawer  D325. 

VERY  GOOD-LOOKING,  WELL.HUNG.  hairy- 
chested  guy,  30.  6'  170  lbs.  brown/brown,  clean- 
shaven, greek  active,  would  like  to  meet  attractive 
man  under  35  for  pleasure.  Descriptive  letter  and 
photo  please.  Drawer  D324. 

SEXPERT,  35.  VERSATILE,  adventurous,  seeks 
muscles,  pecs,  denim,  leather,  enjoys  photography, 
pornography,  body  worship,  long  hot  raunchy  ses- 
sions, satisfaction  guaranteed.  Drawer  D323. 

ATTRACTIVE  BLACK  MAN  will  share  my  down- 
town  Toronto  apartment  with  aggressive  generous 
males,  evenings  or  overnight.  Reply  to  Box  1042,  Sta- 
tion  F,  Toronto,  ON  M4Y  2T7. 

DESIRED:  MATURE,  RESPONSIBLE  male,  retir- 
ed  or  unemployed.  Consider  saving  —  being  happy 
sharing  house  near  London  with  me.  39.  Let's  be  hap- 
■  py  and  enrich  our  lives  as  friends.  Drawer  D322. 

6'2"  MALE,  BLOND,  clean-cut,  28  years  old,  trap- 
ped in  Scarborough,  need  to  make  friends  my  own 
age.  Must  be  discreet.  Only  people  who  wish  to  have 
true  friend  bother  to  call  me  at  261-8911.  Ask  for 
Chuck  after  4:00  pm. 

AFFECTIONATE.  HONEST.  ATTRACTIVE 
Oriental  male,  24, 5'5"  125  lbs,  seek  sincere  GWM  be- 
tween 27  to  45  years  for  fun,  get-togethers  and  friend- 
ship. Phone  number,  letter  and  if  possible  photo  ap- 
preciated. Drawer  D321. 

HOT,  HUNG.  SUBMISSIVE  gay  male,  38,  6'1"  190 
lbs,  seeks  butch /masters  for  any  fantasy  scene.  Enjoy 
denim,  jocks,  dominance  and  watersports.  Write  with 
photo  to  Suite  030-240,  61  Front  St  W,  Toronto,  ON 
M5J  1E6. 

GWM,  40.  6'3"  195  lbs.  slim  build,  masculine  west- 
em-leather  dude,  dominant/passive  on  quiet  side, 
varied  interests,  seeks  dominant  topman,  must  be 


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MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/45 


INNPLACES 

An  association 

of  independently  owned 

gay  hotels  and  guest  houses. 


newyorkcity 

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(212)695-5393 
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(504)525-3983 
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(416)368-4040 
(713)520-9767 
(817)897-4972 
(617)267-2262 


A  UNIQUE  ROOMMATE-FINDING 

AGENCY  FOR  THE  GAY  AND 

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NEED  A  PLACE? 

OR  HAVE  A  PLACE  TO  SHARE? 

WE  CAN  HELP  YOU! 

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ROOMMATE  SERVICE  FOR  GAYS. 

CALL  US  AT:  221-2017 

OPEN  10  am -8  pm 

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Services  Ltd. 

Offering  a  private 
downtown  mailing  address 

Monthly  and  yearly 
rentals 

For  further  information 

Call  368-0104 

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Located  west  of  the  Royal  York 

Hotel  tunnel. 


Canada's  oldest  penpal  club 
for  gay  men. 

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fllATCI 


Members  across  Canada 
and  the  U.S. 


P.O.  Box  3043b.  Saskatoon 
Sask  S7K  3S9 


greek  active /french  passive  non-smoker,  neat,  clean, 
and  tidy  and  honest,  for  a  meaningful  enduring  rela- 
tionship, to  share  my  life  with  another  with  similar 
feelings.  Approximately  same  age.  No  one-night 
stands.  Photo  and  phone  appreciated.  Drawer  D338. 

THERE  IS  STILL  time  to  enjoy  XC-skiing  with  this 
energetic  friendly  non-smoking  WASP  male  but  our 
common  interests  include  summer  weekends  shared 
in  scuba  diving,  camping,  photography,  nature  and 
outdoors.  While  your  other  intersts  and  pleasures  will 
complement  and  expand  my  many  pursuits,  your  pri- 
mary goal  is  a  monogamous  long-term  relationship. 
This  professional  businessman,  40,  5'10"  150  lbs, 
would  also  enjoy  company  of  regular  fitness  exercise 
partner.  Photo,  phone.  Box  2612,  Station  F,  Scar- 
borough, ON  MIW  3P2. 

MASCULINE  MALE,  30,  sincere,  discreet,  domi- 
nant, seeks  young  masculine  male  for  friendship  and 
mild  discipline.  Box  22,  Oshawa,  ON  LIH  7K8. 

ATTRACTIVE,  VERY  MUSCULAR  male,  28, 
seeks  others  who  like  to  give  and  receive  affection; 
with  the  possibility  of  friendship  and /or  relationship. 
My  interests  include  movies,  theatre,  literature,  good 
conversation,  meditation,  dancing,  bodybuilding, 
wrestling,  hugging,  and  cuddling.  Drawer  D337. 

TALL,  ATTRACTIVE,  23-year-old  seeks  new 
friends  and  lovers.  Shy  at  first  but  I  blossom  like  a 
rose  quickly.  I  love  movies,  shopping,  music,  travel  or 
just  staying  home  watching  TV.  Into  JO,  greek  active, 
hot  sex.  Let's  get  together  and  enjoy.  Drawer  D336. 

MALE,  47,  SENSITIVE,  INTELLIGENT,  warm, 
enjoys  people,  music,  conversation,  sex.  Seeks  friend 
30-70,  similar  interests,  any  race.  Phone  number  re- 
quested. Drawer  D334. 

MALE  EXECUTIVE,  39,  ATTRACTIVE,  mascu- 
line,  WASP,  looking  for  an  intelligent,  attractive, 
masculine  male  to  care  about.  All  replies  answered. 
Jason.  Drawer  D340. 

PROFESSIONAL,  33,  BROWN  HAIR  and  eyes, 
good-looking,  5'7"  135  lbs,  own  apartment,  seeks 
masculine  guys  20-30  to  be  friends  and  bedmates. 
Love  sucking  and  being  sucked,  always  horny,  and 
willing  to  please.  Prefer  guys  of  average  height, 
athletic  build,  blond  hair,  and  blue  eyes.  Interested  in 
outdoors,  movies,  travel,  history,  business.  Discre- 
tion requested  and  assured.  Drawer  D339. 

STABLE,  INTELLIGENT,  SENSITIVE  mentor,  42, 
6'  180  seeks  smooth,  well-built  daddy's  boy.  If  you 
need  proper  training  to  become  devoted  son  and  want 
real  love,  caring  and  cuddling,  send  sincere  letter  with 
phone,  suitable  photos.  Drawer  D341. 

ORIENTAL!  GWM  WOULD  like  to  meet  you  for 
occasional  get-togethers  possibly  leading  to  some- 
thing on  a  permanent  basis.  This  is  a  sincere  ad  so  why 
don't  we  arrange  to  meet.  Drawer  D342. 

LOOKING  FOR  A  mature,  attractive  professional  or 
a  graduate  student  as  a  boyfriend.  Age  21-30  to  share 
a  full,  sensitive  life.  1  am  an  affectionate,  romantic, 
young  42-year-old.  Enjoy  theatre,  music,  dining, 
travel  and  companionship.  Phone  and  photo  ap- 
preciated. Drawer  D297. 


Eastern  Ontario 


IS  THERE  A  gay  male  in  Peterborough  or  Lindsay? 
Mutual  discretion,  honesty,  friendship  desired. 
Healthy,  warm,  sincere  required.  Drawer  D255. 

KINGSTON  GWM,  EARLY  30s,  loves  sex  cuddle  to 
kinky  porn  orgies  watching  others  almost  anything 
goes.  Drawer  D261. 

GWM,  30,  NOT  COMPLETELY  out  of  closet  would 
like  letters  of  encouragement  and  advice.  Not  sure  of 
terminology  I  read  in  ads,  eg,  greek  A/P,  french  A/P 
etc.  Let  me  know  someone  cares.  Would  appreciate 
photos,  nude,  sensual  or  intriguing.  Love  to  receive 
photo  from  bodybuilder  or  model.  First-ever  ad, 
please  don't  disappoint  me.  Drawer  D299. 

PEMBROKE,  OTTAWA  VALLEY;  24  years  old. 
Sagittarian  man.  Six  feet,  165  lbs  with  dark  blond  to 
brown  hair  and  blue  eyes.  I  am  hoping  to  move  to  the 
Pembroke  area  in  late  May  and  would  like  to  set  up 
correspondence  with  a  few  people  and  hopefully 
make  a  few  friends.  I  love  to  swim,  run,  dance,  go  for 
long  walks,  read,  go  to  the  movies  and  spend  long 
winter,  or  summer,  nights  in  the  company  of  a  warm, 
loving  friend.  Discreel  and  sincere.  All  letters  answer- 
ed. Drawer  D292. 


Ottawa 


PROFESSIONAL,  INTELLIGENT,  WARM,  sin- 
cere, mature  26-year-old  GWM  who  knows  himself 
and  what  he  wants,  is  looking  for  friendship  or  rela- 
tionship. I  am  interested  in  someone  who  is  between 
the  ages  of  25  to  45,  emotionally  stable,  mature  and 
sincere.  I  have  dark  hair,  moustache,  beard,  green 
eyes,  5'10"  155  lbs,  average  build.  Enjoy  outdoors,  in- 
dividual sports,  travel  and  quiet  evenings.  Lengthy 
letter  describing  yourself  is  required.  Photo  and 
phone  number  discretionary.  Drawer  D270. 


Quebec 


GAY  WHITE  MAN,  34  years,  bearded,  brown  hair, 
blue  eyes,  in  good  shape,  seeks  proud,  masculine, 
moustached  or  bearded,  collar-length  hair,  dark,  21 
years  to  35  years  with  good  body.  I  am  into  sensitivity, 
fantasy  play,  role-switching,  bondage,  light  S/M.  En- 
joy getting  you  to  the  height  of  ecstasy.  Reply  to  Ten- 
ant, Apt  209,  1550  Panama,  Brossard,  Quebec  or 
phone  514-672-7003. 


Montreal 


GWM,  BLUE  EYES,  BLOND,  well-carved,  24,  5'5" 
126  lbs,  attractive,  intelligent  and  versatile.  Seeking 
honest  young  student  or  responsible  decent  person 
with  built  body  18-30.  Write  about  yourself,  picture 
appreciated.  Confidence  assured.  Drawer  D140. 

HUSKY  MAN,  23,  6'1"  190  lbs,  auburn  hair,  green 


eyes,  bright,  energetic,  romantic.  Seeks  masculine 
companion  for  sincere  relationship.  Photo  appreciat- 
ed. Drawer  D253. 

SINCERE  MALE,  27,  6'  150  lbs,  hates  bars  and  has 
quiet  lifestyle,  hoping  for  a  serious,  romantic  rela- 
tionship with  a  masculine  male,  age  21  to  30.  Write  to 
me,  giving  hobbies,  interests  and  address  and /or 
phone  number.  Photo  a  must,  but  discretion  abso- 
lutely assured.  Drawer  D262. 


Nova  Scotia 


ROMANTIC  CLASSICAL  MUSICIAN  living  in 
Nova  Scotia  likes  art,  theatre,  movies,  good  food, 
good  conversation,  would  like  to  meet  guys  with  simi- 
lar interests  for  lasting  friendship,  Drawer  D234. 


■■■■^^■■■^■■^  V  ^  « 

guest  house  ^^(305)  d63-4827 

seciuaec  »''oaco  aecof  = 
'ncfiviauoi  Kitchens  o  retoxeo  rates  => 

o  inttr-ate  » 

3016  ALMAMBfJA  "  toRI  .audEWAlE  o  HOWDA  i3JOd 


Homes 


Toronto 


LARGE  VICTORfAN  HOUSE  to  share.  Laundry, 
parking,  fireplaces,  many  common  rooms,  seven 
bathrooms,  house  in  excellent  shape  and  nicely  fur- 
nished. Close  to  High  Park  and  Lake  Shore  Blvd  W 
from  $275  all  included.  John  or  Bob  536-3679. 

HORNY  MALE  HAS  furnished  apartment  to  share. 
$150/month.  1  am  6'2"  180  lbs,  love  JO  and  sleeping 
nude  together  till  we  both  reach  ecstasy.  691-6529. 

APARTMENT  TO  SHARE.  Gay  male  professional 
looking  for  a  second  gay  male  businessman  or  profes- 
sional to  share  beautifully  furnished,  large  apartment 
at  St  Clair  and  Yonge,  next  to  subway,  close  to  down- 
town. Own  bedroom,  two  bathrooms.  Rent  reason- 
able. Share  cost  of  housekeeper.  Available  March  1  or 
April  1.  David  962-0884. 

RIVERDALE  RENOVATED  HOME  to  share.  Fire- 
place,  5  appliances,  excellent  TTC,  quiet  street,  good 
company.  463-1569.  If  no  answer,  keep  trying. 

YOUTHFUL  SENIOR  SEEKS  young  man  to  share 
cheery  townhome.  Central.  You  should  like  classical 
music,  good  TV,  a  small  dog  and  me.  Would  prefer 
non-smoker.  Most  reasonable  rent  in  exchange  for 
light  household  chores.  This  house  ideal  for  employ- 
ed person  or  student.  Drawer  D304. 

CABBAGETOWN  RENOVATED  FOR  rent  or  sale. 
$700/month,  4  appliances.  Call  Marlene  Cowan 
475-2444. 

PROFESSIONAL  MALE,  25,  has  luxury  2-bedroom 
downtown  apartment  to  share  immediately  with  rela- 
tionship-oriented guy  under  28.  $265 /month  —  ser- 
ious enquiries  before  March  1st  please.  924-5950. 

HOUSE  TO  SHARE.  Room  with  small,  enclosed 
sun-room  attached  in  all-gay  household.  Share  rest  of 
house  including  garden,  living  room  with  fireplace, 
cable  TV,  large  kitchen.  Gerrard/Greenwood,  near 
subway  and  all-night  streetcar.  $275  /month  including 
utilities.  Ian  or  Randy  at  463-9688  or  694-8752. 

PARTLY  FURNISHED  ROOM  in  centre  city  town- 
house.  Seek  responsible  person,  non-smoker.  Short- 
term  arrangements  possible.  $285  /month.  Call  Thom 
967-0430  or  write  Box  187,  Station  F,  Toronto,  ON 
M4Y2L5. 

OLDER  WHITE  MASCULINE  male  has  room  to 
rent  in  his  2-bedroom  apartment  to  quiet  young  man. 
Student  preferred.  Reduced  rent  in  exchange  for  light 
household  duties.  266-9588. 

RIVERDALE  —  WE  ARE  TWO  gay  wimmin  living 
in  a  4- bedroom  renovated  home,  looking  to  share  ex- 
penses with  two  others.  Rent  negotiable.  Phone 
465-0705  and  leave  a  message.  Available  immediately. 

ROSEDALE  FLAT  TO  SHARE.  Male  professional 
in  his  30s  seeks  same  to  share  2-bedroom  flat.  Rent  in- 
cludes your  own  partial  washroom ,  cable  TV,  and  free 
use  of  laundry  facilities.  Other  features:  air  condi- 
tioning, dish  washer,  cleaning  woman,  use  of  screen- 
ed verandah.  On  a  quiet  street,  3  minutes  away  from 
subway.  Call  920-7513  from  11  am  to  10  pm. 


LL's  Painting  &  Decorating 

Wallpapering  &  repairs 

Louis  Leveille       255-7518 

2307  Lakeshore  Blvd  W  -  Suite  201 
Toronto  Ont  M8V  1A6 


Prisoners 


A  NOTE  TO  PRISONERS  who  wish  to  have  penpals 
—  Metropolitan  Community  Church  is  offering  a 
pen-pal  service  to  men  and  women  prisoners  through 
the  church's  prison  ministry.  The  address  is  Prison 
Ministry,  730  Bathurst  St,  Toronto,  ON  M5S  2R4. 

GAY  INMATES  and  young  prisoners  threatened 
with  sexual  exploitation,  in  institutions  throughout 
the  USA  and  Canada,  benefit  from  the  work  of  the 
Prometheus  Foundation.  You  can  help  by  joining  the 
Penpal  Group  or  any  of  several  other  vital  pro- 
grammes. For  information  and  a  copy  of  Fire!  the 
Foundation  newsletter,  send  self-addressed,  stamped 
envelope  to:  Prometheus,  495  Ellis  St,  No  2352,  San 
"rancisco,  CA  94102,  USA. 


WRITING  TO  PRISON  inmates  has  risks  as  well  as 
rewards.  Some  prisoners  are  sincere,  others  are  con 
artists.  Proceed  very  carefully  by  checking  with 
authorities  or  The  Prometheus  Foundation.  Report 
rip-offs  and  attempts  to  Prometheus,  which  aids  gay 
and  young  prisoners,  and  also  protects  against  prison 
rip-offs.  For  information  about  the  Penpal  Group 
and  other  programs,  send  SASE  (contributions  op- 
tional) to:  Prometheus,  2352,  495  Ellis  St,  San  Fran- 
cisco, CA  94102,  USA. 

LEFT  BANK  BOOKS  sponsors  a  Books  For  Prison- 
ers project.  Through  donations  and  a  postage  grant 
we  are  able  to  send  free  miscellaneous  books  to  in- 
mates everywhere,  (provided  an  institution  allows 
them  in).  We  offer  special  order  books  at  cost  (usually 
35-40%  off).  Prisoners  and  other  interested  person 
should  write:  Books  For  Prisoners,  BoxA,92PikeSt, 
"Seattle,  WA  98101,  USA. 

YOUNG  MAN  NEEDS  somebody!  Anybody  who 
may  have  the  time  and  compassion  to  write  me  and 
give  me  the  time  of  day  if  only  for  a  little  while.  Please 
somebody.  Mr  Charles  M  Lee,  152-164,  Box  45699, 
Lucasville,  OH  45699-0001.  USA. 

A  LONELY  PRISONER  seeking  correspondence  in 
the  free  world.  Look  to  be  paroled  in  August  of  1983. 
Jimmy  Troy  Peterson,  139284,  Box  45699,  Lucasville, 
OH  45699-0001,  USA.  Single,  33,  black,  brown  eyes, 
tan  complexion,  5'6"  race,  colour  or  creed  make  no 
difference.  Will  answer  all  letters.  Thank  you. 

AGE  26,  5'8"  brown  eyes.  Advocate  in  criminal  and 
civil  litigation.  Likes  reading,  writing,  music.  Basic 
need  for  meaningful  relationship.  Stevie  W  Knight, 
152172,  Box  45699,  Lucasville,  OH  45699  0001,  USA. 

I'M  A  GWM,  21,  looking  for  someone  to  share  my  in- 
terests, thoughts  and  other  things  with.  Please  write, 
I'll  answer  all.  Johnny  Adams,  103912,  Box  97, 
McAlester,  OK  74501,  USA. 

I'M  A  LONELY  21-year-old  bisexual  awaiting  so- 
meone to  hear  and  feel  my  echoes  of  loneliness  and  my 
heartbeats  of  love.  I  am  in  need  of  real  associates. 
Please  write:  Stacey  Sellers,  154-344,  Box  45699, 
Lucasville,  OH  45699-0001,  USA. 

WM,  6'4"  BODYBUILDER,  205  lbs,  brown  hair  and 
very  blue  eyes.  Intellient,  masculine,  attractive.  Into 
camping,  canoeing,  cycling,  skiing,  raquetball,  sex. 
How  about  you  and  1  getting  to  know  each  other.  All 
it  takes  is  a  stamp.  Larry  L  Chaney,  95872,  Box  97, 
McAlester,  OK  74501.  USA. 

PRISONER,  28,  incarcerated  for  3  years,  requests 
correspondence  with  sincere  people.  Help  relieve  the 
loneliness  I've  been  experiencing  at  mail  call.  Derek  A 
Johnson,  157-691,  Box  45699,  Lucasville,  OH 
45699-0001,  USA. 

26  YEARS,  WM,  5'9"  150  lbs,  hazel  eyes,  blond  hair, 
very  lonely.  Edward  Risner,  163-401.  Lucasville,  OH 
45699-0001,  USA. 

GWM,  23,  6'1"  185  lbs,  brown  hair,  blue  eyes,  very 
open-minded,  masculine,  athletic  body,  bodybuilder. 
L  D  Smith,  97484,  Box  97,  McAlester,  OK  74501. 
USA. 


Business 


NUDE  MODELS  REQUIRED.  Fee  or  royalties  from 
book  publication.  Nude  photo,  address.  Christopher 
E  Productions,  509-4100  Ponytrail,  Mississauga,  ON 
L4W2Y1. 

NEW  COMPANION/FRIENDSHIP  meeting  club. 
Free  membership  and  lifetime  ads  to  the  first  100  en- 
quiries. JTM.  2  Bloor  St  West,  Suite  100-316,  Toron- 
to, ON  M4W  3E2. 

DYNAMIC  RESUMES.  Total  services  devoted  to 
your  professional  success.  947-1369. 

HOLD  A  LINGERIE  and  novelty  party  in  your 
home.  Host  gets  gift  and  commission.  Drawer  D342. 


Sen/ices 


National 


ARE  YOU  TIRED  of  never  having  a  pencil  and  paper 
handy  when  you  want  to  give  a  new  friend  your  name 
and  phone  number?  Why  not  order  some  profession- 
al calling  cards  or  imprinted  matchbooks  TODAY. 
Only  $22.00  for  250  cards  and  FREE  card  case,  or  100 
matchbooks.  Price  includes  name  and  phone  number 
imprint.  Send  payment  and  clear  copy  to:  Seajay 
Enterprizes,  Box  624-B,  Station  F,  Toronto,  ON 
M4Y  2L8.  (Ontario  residents  add  sales  tax.)  Send  for 
our  imprinted  stationery  brochure. 

ARTIST,  SPECIALIST  IN  nudes,  poriraits.  Com- 
missions accepted,  or  from  stock.  Samples  available; 
send  $1.00  for  postage  and  handling.  R.  Mann,  Box 
1724,  Kingston,  ON. 


Edmonton 


MASSAGE  AND  REFLEXOLOGY  by  Registered 
Therapist.  Matthew  Shumaker.  Relaxation  and 
therapeutic  treatments.  11  am  to  8  pm.  Appointments 
(403)454-3079,  104-11817-123  St,  Edmonton  AB. 


Toronto 


SOLSTICE.  GAY  ASTROLOGICAL  and  tarot  con- 
sultations. 463-9688. 

EXPERIENCED  THERAPIST  available  to  individ- 
uals/couples  for  interpersonal  and  psychosexual  dif- 
ficulties. Please  leave  message  at  535-9818.  Bill  San- 
ders,  MSW,  Certified  Sexual  Therapist. 

QUALIFIED   PROFESSIONAL  THERAPIST 

WITH  ESTABLISHED  PRACTICE...  offers  per- 
sonal counselling  to  individuals  .seeking  to  improve 
their  abilities  in  relating  to  family,  friends,  employers 
or  mates.  Professional  code  of  ethics  observed.  Call 


46rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


during  business  hours.  Ron  MacLean  (416)  961-6340. 

FANTASY  CLOTHES  M/F.  And  everyday  clothes. 
Custom  designed  or  from  pattern.  Repairs,  altera- 
tions, makeovers.  Speedy,  experienced,  central.  Dis- 
creet.  Lorraine  488-7205. 

AVON  CALLING .  Gay  male  Avon  rep  would  be  hap- 
py to  fill  your  order.  For  brochure,  call  Gaston 
924-3271. 

FRIENDS,  ROMANS  and  countrymen,  I  will  rent 
you  my  ear. Professional  listener— Please  call  Warren 
922-8484  —  for  info  and  rates. 

MASTER  LOCKSMITH  and  advanced  apprentice 
electrician  (Engineer)  available  for  residential  and  in- 
dustrial/commercial work.  Free  estimates  and  best 
rates  in  town.  Fully  bonded  and  insured,  references 
available.  Call  Don  Brand,  466-7606  evenings. 

MASSAGE  BY  REGISTERED  therapist.  7  days  a 
week  by  appointment.  Tor.  Bathurst  and  St  Clair.  Mr 
Fung,  RM.  536-6806. 


Travel 


^  noD  ^ 

ftcn  -  sexhi" 
rASSOVBJi 

/n  Hebrew/English  and  transliteration. 

$3.75/Hagadab 

includes  postage. 

546-Sfh  Street  Oakland  CA  94609  USA 


mrk 


"COME  TO  LONDON  FOR  A  GAY  HOLIDAY" 
—  The  Philbeach  Hotel,  30/31  Philbeach  Gardens, 
London  SW5,  UK,  Europe's  largest  gay  hotel.  Bar, 
disco,  restaurant.  Tel:  01-373-1244/4544. 

BOSTON'S  ONLY  ALL-GAY,  all-new  place  to  stay. 
Immaculate,  perfect  location,  private  or  shared 
baths,  complimentary  continental  breakfast  and 
cocktail  set-ups.  Oasis,  22  Edgerly  Rd,  Boston,  MA 
02II5,  USA.  (617)  267-2262.  One  of  the  inn  places. 

SIR!  FORT  LAUDERDALE  has  21  bars  but  only  one 
convenient  downtown  guesthouse  $77-140  weekly. 
Free  bar  map:  call  afternoons  305-463-1756,  Sir 
Guesthouse,  705  SE  Second  Street,  Fort  Lauderdale, 
FL  33301,  USA. 

ALEXANDER'S  —  A  true  guesthouse  with  well- 
appointed,  private  accomodations;  pool  and  sun- 
decks.  Reasonable  rates  include  daily  continental 
breakfast  and  social  hour.  1118  Fleming  Street,  Key 
West,  FL  33040,  USA.  (305)  294-9919. 

Books/Mags/Films 

GAY  LITERATURE.  Comprehensive  58-page  cata- 
log. Over  3,000  books.  $2  deductible  from  first  pur- 
chase. Elysian  Fields,  81-1 3BP  Broadway,  Elmhurst, 
NY  11373,  USA. 

WANTED.  BACK  ISSUES  of  Pan.  Magpie,  etc. 
Send  issue  numbers  to  drawer  D257.  Will  pay  cash 
and  reply  promptly. 

GAY  MAGS  —  Blueboy,  Numbers,  Stars,  Stallions 
etc.  $4.00  regular,  now  4  for  $10.00  plus  $2.00  postage 
and  handling.  Send  cash  or  money  order  to  Rick  Mid- 
forth.  RR  2,  Arundel,  QC,  JOT  lAO. 

WILL  BUY  USED  gay  films,  books  or  mags.  Send 
resume/price  torGiUian,  Box  627,  Porcupine  Plain, 
SK  SOE  IVO. 


MALE,  27,  WITH  video  production  experience  re- 
quires full-time  employment  in  this  or  other  field. 
WiUing  to  work  in  Toronto  area.  Discreet.  Drawer 
D260. 

STUDENT  OR  RECENT  GRADUATE  in  interior 
design  to  consult  and  help  with  final  details  of  new 
home.  Reasonable  rate  and  will  pay  travel  expense. 
Drawer  D277. 

MARKETING  DIRECTOR.  Design  and  implement 
campaigns  to  increase  GCN's  subscription  and  news- 
stand sales.  Experience  helpful.  Full  time,  good  bene- 
fits. Queries:  Managing  Editor,  Gay'  Community 
News,  167Tremont  St,  Boston,  MA  02111,  USA.  (617) 
426-4469. 

MODELS  REQUIRED.  PREFER  23-33  years,  well 
buih.  No  previous  experience  required.  Call  763-1425. 

YOUNG,  ATTRACTIVE  NUDE  models  required. 
Action  photography  by  handsome  gay  professionals 
under  27.  $50-$100  negotiable.  Discretion  assured. 
Models  sought  from  across  Canada.  Photo,  nude  pre- 
ferably, address.  Be  adventurous,  you'll  enjoy  your- 
self.  Drawer  D326.  

SUMMER  EMPLOYMENT  SOUGHT  by  first-year 
York  University  (Glendon  campus)  student  studying 
English,  French  and  psychology.  Working  in  any  way 
with  books  is  my  aim.  Can  you  help?  Resume  sent  on 
request.  Drawer  D345. 

PERSONABLE,  ENTHUSIASTIC,  well-groomed, 
self-reliant ,  stable  individual  to  train  as  ballroom  dan- 
cing instructor.  Good  communication  skills  and  ge- 
nuine love  of  people  a  must  —  $8/hour-l-  after  train- 
ing. For  interview,  call  Douglas,  844-5880  (Oakville) 
1:30  pm  -  9:30  pm.  Monday  -  Friday. 

SALES  REP  WANTED.  Lingerie,  novelties,  home 
parties.  High  commission  and  lots  of  fun.  State  age, 
name  and  phone  number.  Drawer  D342. 


Messages 


JOHN,  RECENTLY  of  San  Francisco,  you  answered 
my  ad  (D195)  in  December  issue.  You  did  not  enclose 
phone  number  or  address.  Please  write  again. 

BOB...  IN  NYC  OVER  New  Year's...  I  received  your 
card.  The  address  should  be  162  W  56lh.  Have  tried  to 
contact  you  by  telephone.  Please  call  me  collect.  And 
thank  you  too  for  remembering.  R. 

J.  THANK  YOU  for  twelve  months  of  passion,  Jane 
Olivor,  Sweeney  Todd,  cats,  lusl.  wine  racks, 
Naipaul,  Ford,  the  Rajah  Sahib,  General  Tso, 
Haagen  Dazs,  Scarsdale,  furlivcness,  planning  to 
plan  the  plan,  certain  unwelcome  visitors,  Arthur(?), 
the  hall,  Mayan  ruins,  battling  airlines,  gaps,  the 
novel,  laying  carpel ,  and  above  all,  love  and  laughter. 
Let's  go  for  a  zillion  more.  Happy  anniversary.  R. 

JOHN  BEAUCHAMP.  Remember  the  Mac  Sex-Ed 
Party?  Contact  Vernon  Branch.  1704-D  West  Robin- 
son, Norman,  OK  73069,  USA. 

GLOBAL  STUDY/ACTION  GROUP  on  links  be- 
iween  ecology,  raw  resources,  patriarchy,  lesbian  /gay 
oppression,  militarism,  third  world  etc.  964-1278, 
mornings. 

WHATEVER  HAPPENED  TO  George  Evert  Klip- 
perl?  The  Body  Politic  is  interested  in  hearing  from 
anyone  who  has  information  concerning  this  man. 
Klippert's  case  wa.s  instrumenlal  in  influencing  the 
l%9  Criminal  Code  reforms  and  his  story  should  be 
lold.  Anyone  with  information  should  write  to  TBP, 
Box  7289.  Station  A,  Toronto,  ON  M5W  1X9.  or  call 
(416)  977-6320  and  ask  for  Ed,  Chris  or  Craig.  Confi- 
dentiality assured. 


Volunteers 


ORGANIZATIONS  seeking  volunteers  can  find 
them  in  THE  BODY  POLITIC  classifieds.  Advertise 
for  volunteer  help  and  get  a  50 Vo  discount  of f  our  reg- 
ular reasonable  rates. 

DECORATOR  WANTED — for  large  dance  hall .  Re- 
quirements  —  must  be  imaginative,  responsible  and 
have  the  ability  to  coax  people  up  a  20-foot  ladder. 
The  Gay  Community  Dance  Committee  needs  a  dec- 
orating co-ordinator  to  design  and  assist  in  the  crea- 
tion of  decorations  to  set  the  theme  for  each  dance. 
Some  past  themes  have  been:  Star  Gays,  Time  Warp, 
and  Spring  Prom.  How  would  you  have  decorated  for 
these?  If  you  are  interested  in  this  position  please 
write  to:  GCDC,  730  Bathurst  St,  Toronto,  ON 
M5S  2R4. 


Groups 


PAEDOPHILE?  The  Paedophile  Information  Ex- 
change (PIE)  is  a  campaigning  self-help  group  which 
seeks  to  promote,  through  its  international  English- 
speaking  membership,  a  wider  understanding  and  ac- 
ceptance of  the  rights  of  paedophiles  and  young 
people.  Write  for  full  details  to:  PIE,  P.O.  Box  75, 
London  E5  8AQ  (UK). 

TRICKS  ARE  A  PLEASURE,  but  Real  Magic  does 
better.  D^il  Dhraoithe  Aeracha  /  Assembly  of  Gay 
Druids.  964-0691  (6-7  pm). 


Recreation 


CYCLIST  WANTS  TO  meet  others,  male  or  female, 
interested  in  bicycle  touring.  Contact  Ken  653-7554. 


Other 


PHOTOS    OF    GOOD-LOOKING    ESCORTS! 

Sample  and  info:  $2.:  DomicileJLInc,7879St-Denis 
St,  Montreal,  QC  H2R  2E9,  Canada.  Tel:  (514) 
495-2980. 

GAY?  LESBIAN?  In  the  Canadian  armed  services 
now  or  in  the  past?  Thrown  out  for  being  gay?  We  are 
looking  for  lesbians  and  gay  men  who  have  been  in  the 
military  and  can  talk  about  their  experiences.  Confi- 
dentiality assured.  Write  to  Military,  c/o  The  Body 
Politic.  Box  7289,  Station  A,  Toronto.  ON  M5W  1X9 
or  phone  Ed  Jackson  at  (416)  977-6320  or  write  Gays 
of  Ottawa.  Box  2919,  Station  D,  Ottawa,  ON 
KIP  5W9  or  phone  John  Duggan  at  (613)  233-0152. 

GAY  COURTWATCH.  General  court  information, 
lawyer  referrals,  crisis  referrals,  support  services.  If 
you  have  been  arrested  or  need  assistance  with  the 
court  system  leave  a  message  at  room  337,  Old  City 
Hall  or  call  961-8046.  We  are  here  to  help  you. 

PIANO,  THEORY  LESSONS.  Young,  experienced 
teacher  accepting  serious  students.  Excellent  qualifi- 
cations. Downtown -studio.  All  levels  welcome.  Pa- 
tience assured.  Call  368-5973. 

WOMEN  WRITERS.  Arc  you  interested  in  submit- 
ting a  story  or  essay  (maximum  300  words)  or  some 
poems  (maximum  5)  or  short  one-act  plays  for 
Women  and  Worrfs  anthology  which  is  part  of  I  he  up- 
coming country-wide  conference  to  be  held  in  Van- 
couver, June  30  -  July  3.  Send  manuscripts  immedi- 
ately with  SSAE  to  Women  and  Words,  Box  65563, 
Station  F,  Vancouver,  EC  V5N  480. 

LINGERIE    AND    EROTIC    LOVE    TOYS. 

Catalogues,  lingerie.  $3;  love  toys.  $3.  Send  cheque  or 
money  order  which  is  refundable  with  first  order. 
Drawer  D.142 


e  are  a  discreet  and  professional 
roommate-matching  service  for  gay 
men  and  women  in  the  Toronto  area.  If 
you  are  looking  for  shared  accommodation, 
or  if  you  have  a  house  or  apartment  that 
you  would  like  to  share,  we  can  help  you 
find  the  right  person. 

For  more  information,  or  an 
appointment,  please  call 

(416)977-0774 

Monday  to  Saturday,  noon  until  8  p.m. 

We  are  not  a  dating  or  escort  service. 

RoommateSelectors 


FLORIDA 

Two-bedroom  detachecd  bungalow  from  builder 
for  only  $27,500 

Built  on  a  quarter-acre  treed  lot  of  your  choice 

•  5  minutes  to  the  beach  and  golf 

•  All  amenities  and  only  45  minutes  north  of  Tampa 

•  Rental  and  maintenance  programs 

•  Financing  available 

•  Cornplimentary  inspection  trip  to  purchasers 

For  further  information 
call  George  at  (416)  629-1242 


le  sex-shop  gai 
1661  est,  Ste-Catherine,  Montreal,  Que.  H2L  2J5  (514)  521-8451 


Payment  by  Visa,  Mastercard,  Cheque  or  Money  Order. 
Amount: Card  no: Expiry  date:. 

Name: 

Address: 

City:  


Code:. 


CXiebec  residents  add  9'.'  t,i\   svp 

Ht  ADDICT  '^-' 


'HLHHI 


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MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/47 


NATIONAL/ BINATIONAL 

ZjAkoholics  Anonymous.  International  Advisory  Council  lor  Homo- 
sexual Men  anil  Women.  Box  492.  Village  Sin.  New  )brk.  MY 
10014 

ZlAtlantic  Lesbian  and  Gay  Association/Association  des  Lesbi- 
ennes  el  des  gates  de  I'AUantique.  contact  GAE I  Halifax).  FLAG 
(Freaenclon)  or  Horttiern  Lamooa  Sard  (Western  NB). 
"ZCanadian  Gty Archives.  Box  639.  Stn  A,  Toronto.  0NM5W  1G2 
(416}  977-6320 

ZlDigaity/ Canada/ Oigniti.  Box  1912.  Winnipeg.  UBII3C  3R2 
(204)  772-4322 

~ Foundation  tor  the  Advancement  ol  Canadian  Transsexuals.  Box 
291.  Stn  A.  Hamillon.  0NL8N  308.  (416)  529-7884  Central:  Box 
2666.  Winnipeg.  MBB3C  4B3  SW  Ontario:  Ms  R  M  Schwarlzen- 
truber.  21  Cherry  St.  Kitchener  ON  N2G  2C5  576-5248 
Z-lntegrlty  (Gay  Anglicans  and  their  Friends),  Canadian  regional 
representative  c/o  Integrity/Edmonton 
ZInlernational  Gay  Association.  Secretariat.  c/oCHLR.  Box  931. 
Dublin  4.  Ireland  Iniernalional  Lesbian  Intormation  Secretarial, 
NVIH-COC.  FreOenksplein  14.  1017  XM.  Amsterdam.  Nether- 
lands, ph:  234596/231 192  International  Co-ordination  S  Intorma- 
tion Centreon  Religion.  Box  1.  Cork.  Ireland,  ph:  021-505394 
~Ligo  de  Samseksamaj  Geesperantistoj.  gay  Esperanto  organiza- 
tion. WOCrerarAve  Ottawa.  0NK1Z  7P2 
Z'New  Democratic  Party  Gay  Caucus.  Box  792.  Stn  F.  Toronto.  ON 
U4Y  2N7 

~  Section  on  Gay  and  Lesbian  Issues  in  Psychology,  c/o  Gary 
McDonald.  OepI  ol  Psychology.  Uol  Windsor.  N9A  3P4 
^Wemens Archives,  Box92S.  Sin  0.  Toronto.  0NM4T 2PI 


BRITISH  COLUMBIA 

Provincial 

.  Gays  and  Lesbians  in  the  United  Church  in  BC.  Box  46586.  Stn 
G.  \ancouver  V6R  4G8  (604)  734-5355  Support  group  and  edu- 
cational resources 
"Rural  Lesbian  Association,  flfl  1.  Ruskm.  BC  VON  1R0. 


Kamloops 


Thompson  Area  Gay  Group.  Box 3343.  V2C  6B9.welC0mes 
women  and  men  lo  regular  meetings,  discussions,  social  events. 
Into,  newsletter,  peer  sunport.  Iriendship. 

Kelowna 

^Okanagan  Gay  Organization.  Box  1165.  Stn  A,  Kelowna 

VI Y  7P8  Mutual  support.  The  group  can  be  contacted  directly  by 

phone  through  the  Kelowna  Grists  Centre. 

Prince  Rupert 

Gay  People  ol  Prince  Rupert.  Box881.  V8J  3Yt. 
(604)  624-4982  (eve) 

Reveistoke 

Lothlonen  Box  2054.  VOE  2S0  Into,  friendship,  hospitality 

Terrace 

nMotlhern  Lesbians.  RR  2.  Box  50.  Usk  Store.  V8G  3Z9. 

Vancouver 

.Alcoholics  Anonymous  (Gay),  733-4590  (men).  929-2585 

(women) 

"Jlrchives  Collective,  Box  3130.  MPO.  V6B  3X6 

TiBistxual  Women  s  Group  Monthly  meetings.  Write  Crystal. 

3085  Charles  St.  V5K  3B6.  or  call  Georgia  at  (604)  874-1 756  or 

Joyce  at  251 -6090 

iZComing  Out  (Gay  Radio),  c/o  Vancouver  Cooperative  Radio.  337 

CarrallSl.  V6B  2J4   Thurs  at  6  30  pm.  102  7  MHz  FM 

^  Congregation  Sha  ar  Hayim.  Jewish  gay  synagogue.  Box 

69406   V5K  4W6  (604)255-1076 

:  Daughters  Unlimited.  Joyce  (604)  25 1  -6090.  or  Elisa.  Dons  or 

Christine  (604)  254-7044  (Plans  10  open  a  women  s  club  ) 

'  Dignity /Vancouver.  Box  3016.  V6B3X5  (604)684-7810 

Gay  and  Lesbian  Caucus  ol  the  BC  NOP.  (604)  669-5434 

Gayblevision ,  TV  show  by  gay  people  about  gay  lite,  cultureand 
an  Regular  monthly  and  special  programmes  837  Bidwell  St. 
V6G  2J7  (604)  689-5661 

Gay/ Lesbian  Law  AssociabBn.  Faculty  ol  Law.  University  ol 
British  Columbia,  \6ncouver 

Gay  and  Lesbian  People  ol  Simon  Fraser  University,  c/o  SFU 
Student  Society  Simon  Fraser  University.  Burnaby  V5A  1S6 
(604)  291-3181  or  291-4539 

Gay  Festival  Society.  Box  34397.  Stn  0,  V6J  4P3.  (604) 
687-7129 

Gay/Lesbian  Law  Association ,  c/o  Law  Students  Assoc.  Faculty 
OiLaw.  UofBC.  V6T  IW5  (604)228-4638 

Gty  Rights  Union  Box  3130,  MPO,  1/68  3X6  (604)  731-9605 

Gays  and  Lesbians  ol  UBC.  Box  9.  Student  Union  BIdg.  U  of 
British  Columbia  V6T  1W5  (604)  228-4638  Meets  Thurs  at 
12  30pmlsee    The  Ubyssey'  lor  room) 
rintegrity:  Gay  Anghcans  and  their  Mends.  Box34l61,  StnD. 
V6J4N1   (604)873-2925 

Knights  ol  Malta,  Dogwood  Chapter  Society.  Box  336-810  West 
Broadway  V52  1J8 

Lambda  (Gty  Al-Anon).  Joe  al  (604)  689-  768 1  or  Mike  al 
327-8423 

Legal  Advice  Clinic  1244  Seymour  St  (VCCC)  Mon.  7:30  pm 
Free  advice  and  referrals 

Lesbian  and  Feminist  Mothers '  Political  Action  Group  Box 
65804.  Sin  F.  V5N  5L3  (604)  251-6090 
'JLtsbitn  and  Gay  Health  Sciences  Association  c/o  Gay  People  ol 
UBC.  Box  9  Studeni  Union  BIdg.  UBC,  V6T  1W5 
T.Ltsbian  Drop-In  322  W  Hastings,  every  Wed.  7:30pm 
(604)  6840523 

"Lesbian  Information  Line,  (604)  734-1016  Thurs.  Sun. 
7-  to  pm 

Z  Lesbian  Mothers '  Dtlense  Fund,  c/o  1 146  Commercial  Dr. 
V5L3X2  (604)251  5034  Pollack  brunches  last  Sun  of  month 
r  The  Lesbian  Show  Co-op  Radio,  337  Carrall  Si.  V6B  2J4 
102  7  MHz  FM   Thurs,  7  30pm 

Mettopoman  Community  Church.  Box  5178.  V6B  4B2  (604) 
681-8525  Services  Sun.  7  30  pm.  at  1811  West  16th  Ave  (at 
Burrard) 
"Parents  and  Friends  ol  Gays ,  1604)  987-6027  or  988-  7786 


_  Rights  ol  Lesbians,  (Subcommittee  ol  Federation  of  Women). 
Box  24687  Sin  C.  V5T  4E6. 
ORob  Joyce  Legal  Delense  Fund,  c/o  Gay  Rights  Union. 
nSEARCH,  c/o  VGCC.  Info  and  counselling:  (604)  689-1039, 
7- 10  pm. 

Z2Sherwood  Forest,  non-profit  gay  introduction  service. 
(604)  251-2789 

^Vancouver  VD  Clinic.  Rm  100.  828  W  10th  Ave  (near  Gen  Hosp). 
(604)874-2331.  Exi  220. 

UVancouver  Gay  Community  Centre.  1244  Seymour  St.  Box  2259, 
MPO.  V6B  3W2  (604)  684-6869  Services,  programs,  magazine. 
nvancouver Men  s Chorus.  Box48383.  Bentall Centre.  V7X  1A1. 
Ron  al  (604)  985-5808  or  Larry  at  (604)  669-6249 
CWomen  in  Focus.  204-456  WBroadway.  V5Y  1R3, 
(604)  872-2250 

anung  Gay  People,  c/o  SEARCH 

D  younger  Lesbian  Drop-In  every  Tues,  7-9  pm,  at  V/omen  s  Book- 
store. 322  W.  Hastings 
CJodiac  Fraternat  Society.  Box  33872.  Stn  D.  V6J  4i6. 

Victoria 

DAIcoholics  Anonymous  (Gay).  (604)  383-9862, 

OFeminist  Lesbian  Action  Group.  Box  1604.  Sin  E.  V8W  2X7 

OGayMens  Group.  261 2  Victor  St .  V8R  1N3  (604)595-6782. 

D  The  Island  Gay  Community  Centre  Society.  1318  Balmoral  Rd. 

V8R1L7  Gay  Cali  al  1923  Fernwood  every  Thurs  till  midnight,  and 

bowling,  sell-defence  classes,  volleyball  and  swimming, 

C^Need  (Victoria  Crisis  Line).  (604)  383-6323.  24  hrs.  Some  gay 

into  availabte. 

DUniversily  ol  Victoria  Gay  Focus  Club.  Student  Union  BIdg.  U  ol 

Victoria.  Box  1700.  V8W  2Y2, 

awomyn  's  Coffee  House.  1923  Fernwood,  Every  Wfed  evening. 

ALBERTA 

Provincial 

L  Mberta  Lesbian  and  Gay  Rights  Association  (ALGRA),  Box  1852. 
Edmonton  T5J  2P2. 


Calgary 


aCamp  181  Association.  Box  965.  Stn  T  T2H  2H4  Dances, 
campouls.  sports  and  other  activities  lor  lesbians  and  gays, 
nCalgary  Lambda  Centre  Society.  Box  357  Sin  M.  T2P  2H9. 
aCalgary  Gay  Fathers.  Conlact  GIRO  for  info. 
aOignity/ Calgary.  Box  1492.  Sin  I  T2H  2H7 
OFronlrunners  Group  (gay  AA).  Box  181.  Stn  M.  T2P  2M7 
OGay  Fathers  Into:  contact  GIRC  Polluck  lirsi  Sun  ol  the  month, 
OGay  Inlormation  and  Resources  Calgary.  Old  Y  BIdg.  Sles 
317-323.  223  l2AveSW.  T2P  0G9  (403)234-8973.  Into  and 
counselling  Mon-Fri.  7-10  pm.  Dances,  discussion  groups,  news- 
letter, gay  rights  action  Wtite:  Box  2715.  Stn  M.  T2P  3C1. 
OGay  Leisure  Unk.  Non-challenging,  non-sexual  social  organiza- 
tion Box  1812.  StnM.  T2P  2L8 

OGay  Political  Action  Committee,  c/o  Box  2943.  Stn  M,  T2P  3C3. 
Education  and  lobbying . 

Olmperial  Court  ol  the  Chinook  Arch,  (403)  282-6393.  Entertain- 
ments and  social  events. 

OIntegrity  (Gay  Anglicans  and  their  Friends),  c/o  Box  34.  Stn  G. 
T3A  2GI. 

OLambda  Centre,  community  centre  project.  Box357,  Stn  M, 
T2P  2H9 

OLesblan  Inlormation  Line,  (403)265-9458.  Tues-Fri.  8-10  pm, 
with  24  hr  answering  service.  Operated  by  Womyn  's  Collective, 
r  ]Lesblan  Mothers.  Lynn  al  (403)  264-6328  or  275-8362,  or  call 
LIL.  Polluck  lirsi  Sun  oleach  month. 
OLesblan  Outreach  and  Support  Team.  Box  6093.  Sin  A. 
T2H  214.(403)281-2895 

OLesbians  and  Gays  at  University  ol  Calgary,  Students  Club. 
MacEwanHall.  Uol  Calgary.  T2N  1N4. 
OMetropolilan  Community  Church.  204-16  Ave.  NW.  T2M  0H4 
(403)277-4004  Services  Sun  1 1:30  am  and  7  pmal  above 
address 

ORIghl  To  Privacy  Committee.  Box  2943.  Sin  M,  T2P  3C3  Into  on 
gays  and  the  law.  legal  relerrals. 

nwomyn's  Collective.  (403)  265-9458.  Dances,  library,  lesbian 
drop-ins  every  Tues.  Sponsors  LIL. 

Edmonton 

ODignity  Edmonton  Oigniti.  Box  53,  T5B  2B7 
OEdmonton  Roughnecks  Recreation  Association,  c/o  GATE  Vol- 
leyball, sollball,  gymnastics 

'  ]Gay  Alliance  Toward  Equality,  Box  1852,  T5J  2P2,  Office 
10173-104  SI  (403)  424-8361  Into  and  counselling.  Mon-Sal. 
710  pm.  Sun  2-5  pm  Also  coffeehouses,  socials,  newsletter, 
resource  library 

Gay  Fathers  S  Lesbian  Mothers.  For  into  call  (403)  424-8361 
Olnter/Ed.  Box  12G.  982a- 104  SI.  T5K  Oil  (403)  421-7629 
(Jim) 

I  Integrity  (Gay  Anglicans  and  Their  Friends),  c/o  I2G.  9820- 104 
SI.  T5K0Z1  (403)421-7629 

'.  Metropolitan  Community  Church  ol  Edmonton.  Box  1312. 
T5J  2M8  (403)482-4213  Worship  Sun  al  7  30  pm.  Unitarian 
Church.  12530-1 10  Ave 

OPrivacy  Delence  Committee,  c/o  Box  1852.  T5J  2P2 
OWomonspace.  No  7.  8406- 104  St.  T6E  4G2  (403)  433-3559 
(Jeanne)  Social  &  recreational  group  lor  lesbians. 

Red  Deer 

Gay  Association  ol  Red  Deer.  Box  356.  T4N  5E9 

SASKATCHEWAN 

Provincial 

AHirm/ Saskatchewan,  lesbians  and  gays  in  the  United  Church 
422  Smallwood  Ores.  Saskatoon.  S7L  4S4 

Dignity/ Saskatchewan  (gay  Catholics  and  Iriends).  Box  3181. 
Regina  S4P  3G7 

Gay  Rights  Subcommittee.  Saskatchewan  Association  lor  Human 
Rights.  305-ll63rdAveS.  Saskatoon.  S7K  1L5 
(306)  244- 1933 

Prince  Albert 

Prince  Albert  Gay  Community  Centre.  The  Zodiac  Club).  Box 
1893  S6V6J9  1-24  lOlhSl.E  (306)922-4650  Phone  line  Wed- 
Thurs.  8-10  pm.  social  evenings  Fri-Sat.  10  pm-  2  am 


Regina 

ORumours  (gay  community  centre).  2069  Broad  St  (back  en- 
trance). (306)522-7343. 

ORegina  Women's  Community  and  Rape  Crisis  Centre  219-1810 
Smith  SI.  S4P  2N3,  (306)  522-2777,  352-7688. 

Saskatoon 

OGay  i  Lesbian  Support  Services,  217-116  3rd  Ave  S.  Operates 
Gayline  Mailing  address:  Box  8581. 
OGay/Lesbian  Community  Centre.  Box  1662.  S7K  3R8.  Phone 
Gayline  lor  info  on  dance  and  special  event  locations  and  dales, 
OGayline,  (306)665-9129  Mon-Thurs.  7:30-10:30 pm.  Counsel- 
ling, support  groups  available. 
OLutherans  Concerned.  Box  8187  S7K  6C5 
astubble  Jumper  Press.  21-303  Queen  St.  S7K  0M1 

MANITOBA 

Provincial 

OManitoba  Gay  Coalition.  Box  27  UMSU.  University  of  Manitoba. 
Winnipeg  R3T  2N2,  (204)  269-8678, 

Brandon 

OGay  Friends  ol  Brandon.  Box  492.  R7A  5Z4.  (204)  727-4046. 


Portage-la-Prairie 


OBI-Wemen  s  Support  Group,  Box  820,  R I N  3C3. 
(204)  857-5295.  For  bisexual  viomen. 


Thompson 


OGay  Friends  ol  Thompson.  Box  151  R8N  1N2.  (204)677-5833 
(8-10  pm.  Tues  and  Thurs). 


Winnipeg 


[  ]Allirm:  Gays  and  Lesbians  olthe  United  Church  453-3984 
(Eric)  or  452-2853  (Dave), 

r  Xouncilon  Homosexuality  and  Religion.  Box  1912.  R3C  3R2. 
(204)269-8678.  772-8215,  Worship,  counselling,  library 
ODignity/Wlnnipeg.  Box  1912.  R3C3R2. 
OGay  AA  New  Freedom  Group.  Box  248 1 ,  or  contact  through  Man- 
itoba Central  Olfice,  (204)  233-3508, 
OGayAIAnon  Group  Info:  Gays  lor  Equality, 
OGay  Community  Centre.  277  Sherbrooke  SI.  (204)  786- 1236.  In- 
corporating Giovanni  s  Room,  a  cafi  for  lesbians  and  gay  men. 
Open  every  day  al  5:30  pm,  Sunal  1  pm.  Fully  licensed, 
OGay  Parents,  c/o  Gays  lor  Equality. 
OGays  lor  Equality.  Box  27  UMSU.  Uol  Manitoba,  R3T  2N2, 
(204)  269-8678.  Otfices  at  Community  Centre  and  UofM  (Rm 
102S.  Unlv  Centre)  Counselling,  into,  rap  sessions,  public  educa- 
tion and  law  reform.  Lesbian  counsellors  on  Tues  evenings. 
OLesblan  Drop-In.  Thurs.  7-10  pm  at  730  Alexander  Ave.  Enter- 
tainment &  coffee 

OLesblan  Line,  (204)  774-0007  Thurs,  7:30-10  pm. 
OMutual  Friendship  Society,  Inc.  Box  427.  R3C  2H6. 
(204)  774-3576.  Social  and  educational  programmes.  Operates 
Happenings  Social  Club.  272  Sherbrook  St, 
OOscar  Wilde  Memorial  Society,  Box2221.  R3C  3R5  Varietyof 
social,  cultural  and  educational  activities. 
OProject  Lambda.  Inc.  gay  community  services.  Box  391 1.  Stn  B. 
R2W5H9  (204)942-1983. 

OWInnlpeg  Gay  Media  Collective,  Box  27  UMSU,  U  ol  Manitoba, 
R3T  2N2.  (204)  269-8678  Produces  'Xomlng  Out,  "  weekly  hall- 
hour  cable  cast  (Thurs,  II  pm.  Channel  13W). 
OWInnlpeg  Gay  Ybuth,  c/o  GFE 
OUnlversity  ol  Winnipeg  Gay  Students  Association  Info: 
(204)  269-8678 
OYoursell.  Box  2790.  R3C  3R5.  For  bisexual  men  and  women. 

ONTARIO 

Provincial 

OCoalltion  lor  Gay  Rights  In  Ontario.  Box  822.  Stn  A.  Toronto 
M5W  1G3.  (416)  533-6824 

Cambridge 

OWani  to  start  a  groups  Please  write  Box  1496.  N1R  7G7 

Ear  Falls/ Red  Lake  Area 

OEar  Falls  Gays.  Box48l  Ear  Falls.  POV  ITO,  (807)222-2185 

Georgetown 

OGeorgetown  Gay  Friends.  Box223.  L7G  4T1.  (416)877-0228. 
OHomophlles  ol Halton  Hills.  35  Lynden  Circle.  L7G  4Y7  (4 16) 
877-5524  Drop-ins  every  Wed. 


Guelph 


OGuelph  Gay  Equality.  Box  773.  NIH  6L8.  Gayline: 
(519)  836-4550.  24  hrs. 

Hamilton 

OAlcohollcs  Anonymous  (Gay),  meets  Sat  at  8  pmal  15  Queen  St 

S  (side  entrance). 

f  ^Gay  Archives /History  Project  lor  Hamilton-Wentworth  (416) 

639-6050  Looking  lor  photos,  clippings,  personal  accounts  ol  gay 

lile  and  liberation  in  Hamilton,  especially  pre-1979 

OGay  Fathers  ol  Hamilton  Support,  advice.  Meets  twice  a  month. 

Call  Gayline  lor  into 

[  iGayline  Hamilton,  into  on  all  groups  and  activities,  peercounsel- 

ling  (416)  523-7055  Wed-Fri.  7-11  pm 

r  ]Gay  Women  s  Collective,  c/o  Gayline  Meets  2n(l  Mon  ol  month. 

I  .Hamilton  United  Gay  Societies  (HUGS),  a  meeting  ol  men  and 

women,  young  and  old,  wilh  discussions  and  speakers  Meets  on 

alternate  Weds.  Gay  Community  Centre.  Suite  207  41  King  William 

SI.  7  30  pm  Call  Gayline  lor  further  info 

I  Address  lor  all  Hamilton  groups  listed  above:  Box  44.  Sin  B. 

L8L  775 

Metropolitan  Community  Church.  Box  344.  Sin  A.  L8N  3C8 
Service  every  Sun.,  2  30pm,  2nd  lloor  sanctuary.  FirstPlace. 
350  King  SI  E 


Kingston 


I   Queen's  Homophlle  Association.  51  Queen's  Crescent.  Queen's 
University  K7L  2S7  (613)  547-2836.  Mon-Fri.  7-9  pm  Drop-m 
Thurs  nighls.  monthly  dances 


USappho-Wllde  House,  l  Aberdeen  SI.  K7L  3M9  Gay  and  lesbian 
co-op.  provides  space  lor  anishc.  social  and  political  activities . 

Kitchener/Waterloo 

OGay  Liberation  ol  Waterioo.  c/o  Federation  ol  Students.  U  of 

Waterloo.  Waterloo  N2L  3G1  (519)884-GiOW.  Colleehouse  every 

Wed  at  8, 30  pm.  Campus  CIr  rm  110 

OGay  News  and  Views,  radio  programme.  Tues.  6-8  pm.  CKMS- 

FM.  94  5MHz.  105  7  MHz  on  Grand  River  Cable,  200  University 

AveW.(519)886-CKMS 

OGays  ol  Willrld  Laurier  University,  c/o  GLOW, 

or/2  i  1/2  Club.  223  1/2  King  SI  (enter  from  Halls  Lane). 

(519)  742-9987  Private  disco  club,  licensed.  Thurs-Sat.8  pm- 

3  am. 

OInternatlonal  Women's  Day  Committee.  Box  1491.  SInC.  Kit- 
chener. N2G  4P2 

OKItchener-Waterloo  Gay  Media  Collective,  Box274l.  SInB.  Kit- 
chener, N2H  6N3  (519)579-3325, 

OLeaping  Lesbians,  radio  programme,  Thurs,  6  to  8  pm.  CKMS- 
FM.  94.5  MHz.  105.7  MHz  cable.  Write  c/o  LOOK. 
OLesblan  Organization  ol  Kitchener,  Box  2422,  Sin  B.  Kitchener 
N2H  6M3,  (519)  744-4863,  Womyns  coffeehouse  lirsi  Thurs  of 
month  al  85  Highland  Rd  W,  Kitchener 

London 

OGay  Youth  London,  c/o  HALO.  Meets  Thurs  al  7  pm,  2nd  lloor, 

649  Colborne  SI.  (519)  433-3762. 

OGayline.  (519)  679-6423.  Into  24  his/day  Peer  counselling  Mon 

and  Thurs.  7- 10  pm. 

OHomophile  Association  ol  London,  Ontario  (HALO).  649  Colborne 

St.  N6A  3Z2  (519)  433-3762,  Collee  House:  Sun  and  Mon. 

7-10  pm.  Disco/Bar:  FriandSal.  9pm -1:30  am. 

OMelnpolltan  Community  Church,  Box  4724,  Stn  D,  N5W  5L7 

Services  Sun,  7:30  pm  al  Unitarian  Church.  29  Victoria  St  W.  north 

entrance  to  Gibbons  Park.  Into:  V\/orship  Coordinator. 

(519)  433-9939  Rides:  (519)432-9690. 


Mississauga/ Brampton 


DGEM:  Gay  Community  Outreach.  Box  62.  Brampton  L6V  2K7. 
OGayline  West,  (416)453-GGC0,  Peer  counselling. 
OParents  olGays  Mississauga.  c/o  Anne  Rutledge.  3323  Kings 
Maslings  Cres.  L5L  ;G5,  (416)820-5130. 


Niagara  Region 


OGayline.  (416)354-3173. 

OGay  Unity  Niagara.  Box  692.  Niagara  Falls  L2E  6V5, 

OGay  Trails,  lor  lesbians  and  gay  men  who  enjoy  hiking  Day  and 

overnight  trips  planned.  Visitors  welcome.  Write  Gay  Trails.  Box 

1053.  MPO.  SI  Catharines.  L2R7A3.  or  call  (416)  685-6431 

before  9  am. 


North  Bay 


OCarIng  Homosexuals  Association  ol  North  Bay.  Box  649. 
Callander  POH  WO  (705)472-0909. 

Ottawa 

ODignlty/0ttawa/Dlgmt6.  Box  2102,  Stn  D,  KIP  5W3. 
OGay  People  at  Carleton,  c/o  CUSA,  Carleton  University  For  more 
into,  call  (613)  238-1717 

OGays  ol  Ottawa/Gals  del'Outaouais,  Box2919  Stn  D,  K1P5W9. 
GO  Centre.  175  Lisgar  St:  open  7:30-10:30 pm  Mon-Thurs,  Thurs: 
lesbian  drop-in.  8  pm:  Fri:  social,  7:30  -  1  am:  Sal:  women 's 
night,  7:30  pm  -  1  am:  Sun:  AA  Live  S  Let  Live  group,  8  pm.  Gay- 
line: (613)  238-1717  Mon-Fri  7:30  - 10:30  pm.  recording  other 
times.  Office:  (613)  233-0152. 

OGay  Youth  Ottawa/Hull/Jeunesse  Gal(e)  d'Ottawa/Hull  For  into 
call  or  write  Gays  ol  Ottawa.  Meeting/drop-in,  Wed  8  pm. 
175  Lisgar  SI. 

OIntegrity /Ottawa,  (gay  Anglicans  and  their  Iriends)  c/o  SI 
George's  Anglican  Church.  152  Metcalfe  St.  K2P  IN9 
(613)  235-2516,  9-5.  Mon-Fri,  Meets  2nd  and  4lh  Weds  at 
7:30  pm.  al  SI  George's 

OLesblennes  et  gais  du  campus/Lesbians  and  Gays  on  Campus, 
c/o  SFUO,  85  rue  Hastey  Street.  KIN  6N5. 
DLIve  and  Let  Live  Group  lor  gay  alcoholics.  Contact  GO, 
OMetropolilan  Community  Church,  Box  2979,  Stn  D,KIP5W9 
(613)232-0241, 
OParents  OlGays,  Box  9094,  K1G  3T8. 


Peterborough 


OGays  and  Lesbians  at  Trent  and  Peterborough,  262  Rubidge  St, 
K9J  3P2.  (705)  742-6229  Ollice  hours:  7:30-10 pm.  Tues-Thurs. 
Gay  Alcoholics  Anonymous  meets  (closed  group)  Tues  at2  pm 


Sudbury 


OSudbury  Lesbians  and  Gays  (SLAG).  Box  395,  Stn  B.  P3E  4P6. 
(705)675-5711 


Thunder  Bay 


ONorthern  Women's  Centre.  316  Bay  St.  P7B  1S1 

(807)  345-7802 

OGays  ol  Thunder  Bay.  Box2155.  P7B  5E8  (807)345-8011. 

Wed  and  Fri  7  30-9  30  pm.  Recording  other  times  Meets  Tues 

Dances  held  monthly. 

Toronto 

For  inlormation  on  groups  in  Toronto,  check  Out  In  The  City 

Windsor 

OGay/Lesblan  Inlormation  Line,  Box  7002,  Sandwich  Postal  Stn. 

N9C3YC.  (519)973-4951. 

[Mntegrlty,  (gay/lesbian  Anglicans),  c/o  Box  7002,  Sandwich 

Postal  Stn.  N9C  3Y6.  (519)  973-4951. 

\  ]Lesblan  and  Gay  Students  on  Campus,  c/o  Students '  Aclivilies 

Council,  UotWindsor  (519)973-4951  Rap  sessions  weekly 

ULesblan/Gay  Youth  Group,  c/o  Box  7002.  Sandwich  Postal  Stn, 

N9C3Y6,  (519)  973-4951. 


QUEBEC 

Charlevoix 

OAssoclatlon  pour  les  droits  des  gals  de  Charievoix,  CP  724,  Cler- 
mont. GOT  ICO  (418)439-2080. 

Hull 

r  Association  gale  de  I  ouest  quibicois.  CP  1215.  succ  B. 
J8X  3X7  (819)778-1737 


48rrHE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


LennoxvHIe 

{JGiy  students  Alliance.  Box 831.  Bishop's  University/ 
Champlain  Regional  College.  JIM  IZ7  (819)  563-2230. 


Montreal 

DAmrimr  .CP471.  succ  La  Citi.  H2N  2N9.  Gays  In  the  United 
Ctiurch 

OAlie  tux  trinssexuels  due  Ouitne.  CP363,  succ  C,  H2J  4K3 
(514)521-9302 

OAimi-toi (AA).  6518.  rue St-Vallier.  H2S  2P7.  (514)524-5821 
For  gay  and  lesbian  alcoholics. 
OAlplu  Kin  Fraternity,  c/o  Gay  Into. 
OAlttmatlvis.  3440  chemin  de  la  Cdle-des-Neiges.  H2J  1L2  For 
gay  male  drug  abusers. 

OAssoclation  communautaire  homostxuellt  de  I'UolverslU  de 
Montrial.  pavilion  Lionel-Groutx.  3200  Jean-Brlllant.  local  1267. 
H3T  1N8  (51 4)  342-9236  (Jean-Pierre) 
UAssoclalion  pour  Its  droits  dts  gals  tt  Itsbitnnts  du  Ouibic 
(ADGLO).  CP  36.  succ  C.  H2L  4J7  Bureau  263  est  rue  Sle- 
Catherine  (514)843-8671.  Mon-Fri.  7:30-10prn.  Fri.  1-4pm 
OAssoclation  pour  Its  bonnes  gens  sourdis.  CP  764.  succ  ft, 
H2J  3M4 

OAttlier  de  thiitit  gal.  Cigep  Bosemonl.  6400 16eAve.  local 
A-418  (Michel  Breton). 

DTht  Capablis.  Box  966.  succ H.  H3G 2M9.  (514) 486-4404. 
Support  group  lor  bisexual  men. 

OLa  Collectil  du  triangle  rose.  CP  893.  succ  La  Citi.  H2W  2P5. 
aComiti  d'auto-dilense  gal.  c/o  ADGLO 
OComlte  gai-e  du  Cigep  du  Vieux- Montreal.  255  est.  Ontario. 
H2X  3M8  Mon.6pm 

OComlte  de  soutien  aut  accusis  de  Tmxx.  a/s  Librarie  L  'Andro- 
gyne (see  below) 

OCommunauti  homophile  cliritienne.  Centre  Newman.  3484  rue 
Peel.  H3A  1W8  (514)382-8467  For  Catholics 
OContact-t-nous.  (514)861-6753  Venereal  disease  treatment. 
OCdte  i  Cote,  gay  couples  group  c/o  Gay  Into. 
OCiteiCote.  Radio centre-villeCINO (102.3 FM)  (514) 
288-1601  Mon.4pm 

OOignlty  Montreal  Digniti.  Centre  Newman  .  3484  rue  Peel. 
H3A  1W8.  (514)392-6711.  For  gay  Catholics. 
OOignlty/ Dignite  Groupe  CartiervHIi.  (514)  336-4163  (Jean- 
Franfois) 

Oiditions  Homeurvux.  CP245.  succ  N.  H2X  3M4. 
Olglise  Communautaire  de  Montrial,  Montreal  Community 
Church.  CP610.  succ  NOG.  H4A  3R1  (514)489-7845. 
DFtdtration  canadlinne  des  transsexuals  pour  le  Ouibac.  16  rue 
Viau.  \6udreuilJ7V  1A7 

OFemmes  gales  dt  McGIII.  3480.  rue  McTavish.  H3A  1X9.  (514) 
392-8920 
OGai-icoutt(hommts).  (514)843-5652.  Wed-Sal.  7-11  pm 

Gay  Fathers  ol  Montreal,  c/o  Gay  Into 
OGay  Health  Clinic.  Montreal  Youth  Clinic/Cllnique  des  Jeunes  de 
Montreal.  3465  Peel  Street.  H3A  1X1.  (514)  842-8576  General 
practice.  Mon-Fri.  9-5  pm;  open  until  8  pm  Mon  &  Frionty  Closed 
dally  12:30-1  30  pm. 

aeaylnlo.  CP1I64.  succH,  H3G  2N1.  (514) 486-1404.  Thurs- 
Fri.  7-11  pm.  Recorded  message  other  times. 
OBayHne.  c/o  Gay  Social  Services  Project,  5  rue,  Weredale  Park, 
Westmouni,  H3Z  1Y5  (514) 931 -5330 (women),  ThursandSat. 
7-11  pm,  931-8668 (men),  7daysaweek,  7-11  pm.  Inloand 
counselling  in  English 

OBayPtopltolMem,  34S0  rue  McTavish,  local411,  H3A  1X9 
(514)  392-8912  Meets  Thurs  at  7:30  In  rm  425/26. 
DBay  Social  Services  Protect ,  5  rue  Weredale  Pk.  Westmouni 
H3Z  IY5  (514)937-9581 

OLeGoHamKAA).  4652  rue  Jeanne- Mance.  (514)  728-3228.  For 
lesbian  and  gay  alcoholics 

CGroupe  de  discussion  pour  lesbiennes.  5  Weredale  Park, 
H3Z  tY5  (514)932-9581  (Joanne  Stilt). 
OBroupe  des  midecins  gals/gaits,  CP442.  succ  La  Cite, 
H2W  2N9 

OBroupe  pour  lesbiennes  alcoollques  (AA),  6517  rue  St-Oennis. 
aintegrity:  Gay  Anglicans  and  their  friends.  Box  562.  Verdun 
H4G3E4  (514)766-9623 

OJtunesse  Lambda  Ybuth.  c/o  The  Mow  Door,  3625  rue  Aylmer. 
2ndlloor,  H2X  2C3 

OLesblan  and  Gay  Friends  ol  Concordia,  c/o  CUSA,  Concordia 
University,  1455  boul  de  Maisonneuve  ouesi,  H3G  IMS 
(5 14)  879-8406  Ollice:  room  307,  2070  MacKay,  open  1-4  pm 
weekdays  Meetings  Thurs  at  4  pm  m  room  H-333-6. 

LesbUnnesalicotile.  (514)843-5661  CP36.  SuccC. 
H2L  4J7  V^ed-Sat.  7-11  pm 

•  iLlbrairler Androgyne,  3642  boul  St  Laurent,  2nd  floor, 
H2X2V4  (514)842-4765 

[  ]Ligue Lambda Inc,  CP701,  succN,  H2X  2N2  (514)  526-1967 
(Claude)  or  523-8026  (Donald)  Sports  group 

Haches  (gay  and  lesbian  Jews),  CP298,  succH.  H3G  2K8 
(5 14)  844-0863  or  4880849  Meets  at  the  Mow  Door.  3625 
Aylmer  Si.  Tuesal  8  pm 

ParahUes  Lesbiennes  et  Gals,  radio  CIBL  (t04,5  FM)  (5 14) 
526- 1489 

Parents  dt  gaHt)s/Parents  ol  Bays,  c/o  Gay  Into. 

Prlape   1661  est  Ste  Catherine.  H2L  2J5  (514)521-8451 

Productions  83.  CP  188.  succ  C.  H2L  4K1 

Keneontrtt  Bats.  Editions  Homeureux  Enr,  CP245.  succ  N. 
H2X  3M4 

I  La  Rumtur  dts  Birdachts.  radio  programme.  Mon20h.  CIBL- 
ml.  104.5  CP36.succC.H2L  4J7  (514)843-8671  or  526-1489 

Services  communautalres  pour  lesbiennes  et  gals  du  Centrt  des 
strvicts  sociaux  Vllli-Marit  5  Weredale  Park.  \Mslmounl. 
H3Z  lYb  (514)937-9581  (Joanne  Slill) 

Survivors,  c/o  Gay  Into  English  gay  group  lor  problem  drinkers 

Travesties  a  Montrial.  support  lor  iransvesMes  c/o  Gay  Into 

United  Church  Gays  and  Lesbians  in  Ouibec/Les  Gals  tt  Lts- 
biennis  del  EgUsi  Unit  au  Ouibec.  c/o  United  Theological  Col- 
lege 3b2l  UmveivlySl.  H3A  2A9  (514)392-6711 

VivrtBai(e)IAA).  Si  Jean  Anglican  Church.  llOesl.  Ste  Gather 
me.H2X  1/6  (514)733-0757 

Quebec 

Centre  homophile  d  aide  tt  dt  Hbiratlon.  175  Prmce-fdouard 
Gifl  4M8  I4i8)h?3  4997 

Groupt  gal  dt  lUnlvtrsIti  Laval/Broupt  dts  Itmmis  gaits  dt 
lUnivirsili  Laval  CP2500.  Pavilion  lemieux.  Cue  univeisiUire 
Sle-Foy  G1K  7P4 

'  Breupe  Unigal Inc  CP  152.  succ  Haule-VilleGIR  4P3  Social 
and  culluial  aclivilies  lor  men  and  women  (4 18)  522  2555 

L  Heurt  Bait  Pavilion  De  koninck.  Citi  Universitaire.  Sainie 
Foy  Radio  program  CkRLFM.  89  1  UH/.  Thurs  7  pm 


OLIgue  Mardi-Bai.  (4 18)  529-6973  (Jean  Claude  Roy) 
OTiiigai.  (418)522-2555  Gay  into.  Mon-Fri.  7-11  pm  Recorded 
message  other  times. 

Sherbrooke 

OL  'Association  communautaire  gait  dtl'Eslrit.  CP  1374. 
JIH  5L9 

NEW  BRUNSWICK 

Fredericton 

OFredtricton  Lesbians  and  Bays.  Box  1556,  StnA,  E3B  5G2. 

(506)  457-2156.  Meets  2nd  Wed  ol  month 

Moncton 

OGais  at  Ltsbiennts  dt  Moncton,  CP7102,  Riverview,  Nouveau 
Brunswick 

Western  NB 

ONorthem  Lambda  Hard,  Box  990,  Caribou,  Maine  04736  USA 
Serving  Western  NB  and  Northern  Maine  (Madawaska/Victoria/ 
Carlton,  NB:  Timiscouata,  Quebec,  and  Aroostook ,  Maine).  Gay 
phoneline:  (207)  498-6556. 

NOVA  SCOTIA 

Halifax 

OThe  Alternate  Bookshop,  1588  Barringlon  St,  2nd  lloor.  Mailing 

address:  Box  276,  Sin  M.  B3J  2N7  (902)  423-3830  or  422-4545 

OGay  Alliance  lor  Equality  Inc.  Box  3611.  Halilax  South  Postal 

Sin,  B3J  3K6  (902)  429-4294 

OBay  Artists  Musicians  Entertainers  Society  (BAMES)  ol  Atlantic 

Canada.  Box 361 1,  South  Stn,  83J  3K6. 

OBayllne  (902)  429-6969  Mon-Wed,  7-9pm,  Thurs-Sal, 

7-10  pm.  Into,  relerrals  and  peer  counselling.  Operated  by  GAE 

OBay  Ybuth  Society  ol  Halilax  Into:  Gayline  or 

422-4545  (Mon). 

OLesblan  Drop-In.  2nd  and  4lh  Fri  ol  month.  1225  Barringlon  St 

Into:  429-4063.  Music  and  conversation. 

OLIve  and  Let  Live  Group,  lor  gay  alcoholics.  Phone  or  write  GAE. 

OSparrow,  (gay  and  lesbian  Christians  and  Iriends),  c/o  Hope 

Cottage,  2435  Brunswick  St.  B3K  2Z4 .  Meets  Sun  at  8  pm.  2435 

Brunswick  St.  Colleehouse  Sun  at  The  Turret.  9  pm  -1  am  (902) 

429-7968 

OThe  Turret  Gay  Community  Centre.  1588  Barringlon  SI 

(902)  423-6814  Write:  Box  3611.  Halilax  South  Postal  Stn. 

B3J  3K6 

NEWFOUNDLAND 

Provincial 

OGay  AsSBcijatlon  In  Newfoundland,  Box  1364,  Stn  C,  St  John's. 
A1C5N5 


PUBLICATIONS 


OActionl  Right  to  Privacy  Committee,  730  Balhursl  St.  M5S  2R4 

OLe  Berdache.  CP36.  Succ  C,  Montreal,  PQ  H2L  4J7 

(514)  843-8671 

OThe  Body  Mitic,  Box  7289  StnA,  Toronto,  0NM5W  1X9. 

(416)977-6320 

OCHANB  Bulletin,  Box  649  Callander,  ONPOH  1H0 

DCircuit.  1-134  Carlton  St,  Toronto,  0NM5A  2K1  922-0878 

(editorial),  964-1957  (business). 

OCommuniqui.  Box  990,  Caribou,  Maine  04736,  USA. 

OFLABMAG.  Box  1556.  StnA,  Fredericton,  NBE38  5G2 

OFIagrant,  Box  652.  Stn  E.  Victoria.  BC  V8W  2P8.  Lesbian 

lemlnlst 

OThe  Gay  Gleaner  Box  1852.  Edmonton.  AS  T5J  2P2 

OGay  Information  Calgary.  No  31 7  223-  12  Ave,  SW.  Calgary.  AB 

T2R  0G9 

OGay  Niagara  News.  Box  692.  Niagara  Falls,  ON  L2E  6V5. 

OBay  Phoenix.  Box  44.  Stn  B,  Hamilton,  ON  L8L  7T5. 

(416)639-6050. 

OBAZE,  Gay/Lesbian  Community  Centre,  Box  1662,  Saskatoon, 

S7R  3R8 

OBEM  Journal.  Box  62.  Brampton.  0NL6V2K7 

O6L0W  Newsletter,  c/o  Federation  ol  Students.  U  ol  Waterloo. 

Waterloo.  ON  N2L  3G1 

OGOfnfo.  GaysolOttawa/Gaisdel'Outaouais,  Box29l9.  Stn  0, 

Ottawa.  ON  KIP  5W9 

OBuelph  Gay  Equality  Newsletter  Box  773,  Guelph,  0NN1H  6L8. 

I IHALO  Newsletter.  649  Colborne  Street.  London.  0NN6A  3Z2 

Ofnternatlonal  Justice  Monthly  c/o  RR  4.  Harrow.  ON  NOR  I  GO 

OLesblan/ Lesblenne.  Box  70.  Sin  F.  Toronto.  ON  M4Y  2L4 

OMaking  Waves:  An  Atlantic  Quarterly  lor  Lesbians  and  Gay  Men. 

Box  8953.  Station  A.  Halilax.  NS  B3K  5M6. 

r  lU  MensueUe  (a  s  attrapell.  a  lesbian  monthly.  CP771.  Succ  C. 

Montreal.  P0H2L  4L6 

1  Ntlwork  Victoria.  DepI  7  Box 4276.  StnA.  Victoria.  BC 

V8X3X4  (902)381-2225 

t  The  Radical  Rtviewer  (lesbian/leminisl  literary  tabloid).  Box 

24953.  Stn  C.  Vancouver.  BC  V5T  4E3 

[  IRtncontrts  Gaits.  Editions  Homeureux  Enr.  CP245.  Succ  N. 

Montrial.  OB  H2X  3M4 

r  ]Sortlt.  CP232.  SuccC.  Montreal.  P0H2L  4k I 

I  Thompson  Ana  Gay  Group  Ntwslttttr.  Box  3343.  kamloops.  BC 

V2C  6B9 

ThundtrGiy  c/o  Box  2155,  Thunder  Bay  ON 
I  WGCCNews,  Vancouver  Gay  Community  Centre  Society  Box 
2259  MPO.  Vancouver  BC  V6B  3W2  (604)  253- 1258 
'•   Voices,  (tor  lesbian  leminisl/separalisls).  c/o  I  Andrews,  RR  ? 
Kenora.  ON  P9N  3W8 


Is  your  group  listed? 

Network  is  TBP's  listing  of  lesbian  and  gay 
groups  throughout  Canada  and  Quebec.  It's  a 
way  of  letting  people  in  your  part  ol  the  country 
know  what's  happening,  and  a  way  ol  getting 
others  involved 

We  'II  gladly  change,  add  or  delete  any  informa- 
tion on  your  group  —  just  drop  us  a  line' 
Network.  The  Body  Politic,  Box  7289.  Stn  A. 
Toronto.  ON  M5W  1X9, 


LIVE  YOUR 
FANTASY 


TRAVEL  ARRANGEMENTS  BY: 

TOM  BECKETT 

485-9437 

Koho  Travel,  191  Eglinton 
Ave.  E.,  Toronto 


m  mMMM 


tKB^.fc 


LEATHER  AMD  WESTERN  BAR 

83  GRAMBY  ST  CORMER  CHURCH  ST 

416  368-4081 


■'4 


HOURS    8  P.M.  to  1  A.M. 
MONDAY  to  FRIDAY 

SATURDAY  8  P.M.  to  1  A.M. 

SUNDAY  2  P.M.  to  11  P.M. 


lit^  Catoliers; 

418  Church    •   977-4702 

—  piano  bar  —  dining  room  — 

Monday  to  Friday  —  12:00  -  1 :00  p.m. 

Saturday  —  5:00  -  1 :00  a.m. 

Sunday —  4:00-  11  p.m. 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/49 


•  Leather/levi  bar 

•  Affordable  dining 

•  All  double  roonns 

•  Sauna  and  gynn 

•  TV  lounge 

•  Laundry  facilities 

•  Free  parking 


S20  per  room  per  night. 
Weekly  rates  available. 


A  man's  hotel 


18  Eastern  Ave.  Toronto.  Ont 

(416)  368-4040 
100"    gay-owned  and  operated. 


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your  help 


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requires  volunteers  to  con- 
tinue its  innportant  work  in 
docunnenting  Canada's  Gay 
and  Lesbian  history.  Our  large 
collections  of  books,  period- 
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organizational  files  are  a  vital 
connmunity  resource.  Volun- 
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and  archival  techniques,  type- 
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needed.  If  you  can  help, 
please  contact  Jannes  Fraser 
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# 


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m 


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SOH'HE  BODY  POLITIC 


MARCH  1983 


Gerald  Hannon  taps  into  the  phone-fantasy  network 

Dial,  dial,  my  darling 


Brandon,  if  you're  reading  this,  I 
have  a  confession  to  mai<e:  1 
didn't  cum.  I  icnow  I  said  I  did, 
and  I  made  all  my  usual  noises, 
but  if  you  want  the  truth,  I  didn't 
even  have  a  hard-on  for  our  last  five 
minutes  together.  And  I  was  really  try- 
ing, 1  mean  I  really  was. 

I  lied  because  I  just  couldn't  face  dis- 
appointing you,  Brandon.  You  worked 
so  hard,  you  loved  my  body  and  you 
even  managed  to  cum  when  I  "did." 
Though  —  more  truth  —  I  don't  think 
you  really  came  either,  even  though  you 
moaned  noisily  about  taking  me  all  the 
way  to  the  back  of  your  throat  and  gob- 
bling my  cum  till  there  wasn't  a  drop 
left.  (Did  you  smoke  afterwards,  a 
friend  of  mine  asked.  Did  he?) 

Brandon  was  my  first-ever  Fantasy 
Friend.  In  fact,  he  was  the  first  friend 
I've  ever  had  who  came  with  a  very  pre- 
cise price  tag  —  he  cost  exactly  $35, 
posted  efficiently  to  my  already-bloated 
VISA  card.  He  would  have  been  my 
friend  for  life  if  I'd  arranged  somehow 
never  to  hang  up  the  phone,  and  you 
have  to  admit  that's  a  bargain.  The  only 
other  lifetime  arrangement  I  know  of  is 
marriage,  and  it'll  set  you  back  a  tidy 
sum  more  than  $35. 

Brandon  became  my  friend  because  I 
dialed  1-800-268-2238.  (It  turned  out  to 
be  only  a  fifteen-minute  friendship.  Like 
I  said,  I  wasn't  really  turned  on.  Maybe 
it  was  the  satin  sheets  he  talked  about. 
Never  could  stand  satin  sheets.)  That  put 
me  in  touch  with  a  nice  lady  receptionist 
at  Telefantasy,  who  put  me  in  touch  with 
Brandon,  after  I  answered  her  "What 
kind  of  fantasy  would  you  like  ful- 
filled?" with  a  vague  and  stammery, 
"I'dlike  to  talk  to  a  gay  man...." 

Telefantasy  is  a  Toronto  enterprise, 
one  of  several  that  the  media  have  taken 
to  calling  telephone  sex  clubs.  They  pre- 
fer to  think  of  themselves  as  a  combina- 
tion lonely  hearts  club  and,  yes,  realizers 
by  phone  of  any  fantasy  —  deep,  dark 
or  otherwise  —  that  you'd  care  to  neune. 
And  to  spend  $35  on;  that's  the  standard 
fee.  Managers  of  the  services  I  talked  to 
hasten  to  say  sex  isn't  the  only  thing  peo- 
ple call  about,  but  they're  equally  frank 
establishing  that  fantasy  playmates  (yup, 
they're  called  that  too)  won't  spend 
much  of  their  time  forced  to  talk  about 
art  or  music  or  problems  of  bilateral  dis- 
armament. It's  all  perfectly  legal,  which 
apparently  makes  the  Morality  Bureau 
quite  faint  from  frustration  —  fantasy 
friends  and  clients  just  can't  ever  meet  in 
the  flesh,  so  to  speak,  and  the  agencies 
all  say  they're  very  strict  about  that. 

No  Canadian  agency  I'm  aware  of  is 
entirely  gay,  though  at  least  two,  Tele- 
fantasy and  Arouse,  have  gay  or  bi  em- 
ployees and  are  trying  to  b'reak  into  the 
gay  market.  Telefantasy' s  Bill  Wallace 
says,  of  his  thirty  employees,  his  eight 
men  are  all  either  gay  or  bi.  Gerry 
Goodis  of  Arouse  says  he  has  "two  girls 
who  can  handle  calls  from  lesbians"  and 
he's  got  several  gay  men  on  line,  too.  All 
work  out  of  their  own  homes  and  typic- 
ally earn  30-40%  of  the  fee  the  agency 
charges  the  caller.  Wallace  says  take- 
home  pay  can  average  four  to  five  hun- 
dred dollars  a  week  —  and  that's  from 
being  on  call  a  maximum  ten  hours  a  day, 
five  days  a  week.  "You've  got  to  keep  a 


fresh  attitude  and  a  fresh  sound,"  he 
says.  Business  wgood.  Telefantasy  logs 
on  average  fifty  calls  a  day  —  759/o  from 
straight  men,  5%  from  straight  women, 
the  rest  pretty  equally  divided  between 
gay  men  and  lesbians.  And  can  you  real- 
ly talk  about  anything"]  "No  fantasy  is 
forbidden,"  says  Wallace,  and  if  you 
want  to  get  into  doing  it  with  a  nine- 
year-old  boy,  that's  just  fine.  Orgies? 
No  problem.  Telefantasy  will  provide  up 
to  seven  people  on  line,  each  one  a  mere 
$5  over  the  basic  charge.  "We've  tried," 
he  says,  "to  cover  all  the  bases." 

But  back  to  Brandon  and  me.  Maybe  1 
like  the  rude,  coarse  suddenness  of  a  call 
out  of  the  blue  with  an  authentically 
horny  man  at  the  end  of  the  hne  —  but 
Brandon  just  sounded  a  bit  too  polished, 
slithering  around  on  those  satin  sheets, 
wanting  to  gobble  my  big  pink  cock 
(how'd  he  know  you  weren't  black,  my 
friend  asked),  and  moaning  as  if  Cal 
Culver  has  just  sat  on  his  face. 

He  was  a  nice  guy,  though.  I  talked  to 
him  "for  real"  afterwards.  He's  been 
doing  this  for  about  three  months  and 
gets  to  handle  five  to  ten  calls  a  day.  He 
says  he  actually  cums  for  many  of  them. 
"Everybody's  different,"  he  says.  "I 
never  get  tired  of  it.  I  enjoy  my  work." 

Now  I  want  to  tell  you  about  Allan. 
Allan  is  studying  Business  and  English  at 
UCLA,  but  that's  not  what  I'll  really 
remember  him  for.  I'll  more  likely  recall 
his  10  '/:"  dick  (true,  he  told  me  later) 
and  that  I  found  him  by  calling  an 
American  phone-sex  service.  The  Hot 
Line,  also  known  as  The  Erection  Con- 
nection, in  Los  Angeles. 

1  f  it 's  typically  Canadian  to  have  two 
services  in  Toronto  that  will  consider  gay 
clients,  it's  typically  American  to  have 
not  only  exclusively  gay  services,  but 
even  ones  that  cater  to  special  interests. 
Recently,  the  California-based  gay  paper 
The  Advocate  can'K(i  twenty-one  dis- 
play ads  for  agencies  ranging  all  the  way 


from  My  World  ("The  total  phone  ser- 
vice for  cultured  men")  to  Peter's  S&M 
Phone  Action  ("Beginner's  consultation 
or  extra  heavy-duty")  with  stops  in  be- 
tween at  Dial-a-Load  ("Top  man.  Deep 
Voice.  Hairy  Chest.  Hard  Pecs.  Fat 
Dick.  Huge  Balls."),  Roughrider  ("Had 
enough  of  Urban  Cowboys?  Our  studs 
are  hung  with  Grade  'A'  prime  and  are 
waiting  to  shoot  off  with  you"),  and  the 
prissily  illustrated  but  deliciously  adjec- 
tival Jeremy's  Pleasure  Line  ("Listen  to 
our  guys  fiexing,  sweating  and  straining 
while  their  throbbing,  greased  rods  get 
ready  to  unleash  gobs  of  stud  juice  just 
for  you"). 

I  chose  The  Hot  Line  because  they 
had  a  big  ad  and  looked  middle-of-the- 
road  —  I  wasn't  sure  I  was  ready  for  gobs 
of  stud  juice.  I  settled  on  a  fantasy  I've 
never  had,  that  I  was  a  thirteen-year-old 
boy  at  summer  camp  who  would  have  his 
first  gay  experience  with  his  camp  coun- 
sellor. I  took  eight  inches  of  hard  plastic 
into  my  hand  and  dialed.  A  friendly 
American  voice  answered,  took  my 
name,  address,  phone  number  and  VISA 
card  info,  asked  about  my  fantasy,  said 
Uh-huh  when  I  told  him,  asked  how  old 
the  fantasy  playmate  should  be,  hairy  or 
smooth,  cut  or  uncut,  blond  or  dark, 
dominant  or  passive,  and  whether  I 
wanted  lots  of  sucking  or  lots  of  fucking 
or  did  it  matter?  A  bit  of  both,  1  said. 
Uh-huh.  Hang  up,  he  said.  Somebody'll 
call  you  in  five  minutes.  Five  minutes 
later  the  operator  called  to  say  1  had  a 
collect  call  from  Allan  in  Los  Angeles  and 
would  I  accept  the  charges?  I  would. 

"Hi,  Gerry"  (I  thought  Gerry 
sounded  more  thirteen-year-old).  "I'm 
Allan.  I'm  twenty-four,  I've  got  black, 
curly  hair,  I'm  six  feet  tall,  blue  eyes, 
chest  hair,  pecs  with  good  definition. 
You  know,  I've  been  noticing  you 
around  the  camp  this  summer,  Gerry. 
You're  a  bit  different  from  the  other 
guys  and  I  like  you  a  whole  lot.  I've  been 


watching  you  swim  and  I  think  you 
could  be  a  real  great  swimmer,  but  I 
think  you  need  a  little  help  with  your 
stroke.  It's  a  rainy  afternoon;  why  don't 
you  come  back  to  my  cabin  and  I'll  give 
you  a  few  pointers." 

Well,  I'm  glad  I  went;  Allan  was 
great.  We  had  a  long,  slow  talk  that  built 
up  the  dramatic  situation  in  convincing 
detail  and  I  could  say  as  much  or  as  little 
as  I  wanted.  Mostly  I  commented 
"sure"  or  "that's  a  good  idea,"  or 
"come  on,  nobody's  got  one  that  big," 
and  lay  out  on  the  the  fioor  playing  with 
myself  and  slowly  jerking  off.  He  asked 
to  see  my  stroke.  The  swim  variety,  1 
mean,  and  said  maybe  it  would  be  easier 
for  him  to  suggest  improvements  if  we 
took  off  our  shirts  ("Hey,  your  pecs 
aren't  bad,  Gerry")  and  then,  hell,  he 
said,  it'd  be  even  better  if  he  could  stand 
behind  me  and  put  his  arms  out  over 
mine  to  guide  me.  "Sorry  about  that 
bump  up  against  your  ass,  Gerry,  but 
when  you've  got  10  '/2"  it's  hard  to  keep 
it  out  of  the  way." 

It  consistently  amazed  me  how  seri- 
ously he  took  the  "fact"  that  this  was  to 
be  my  first  homosexual  experience.  The 
situation  heated  up  real  slowly,  the  first 
sexual  hint  coming  well  on  in  the  conver- 
sation, a  joking  jocky  reference  to  the 
hair  under  my  arms:  "I'll  bet  that's  not 
the  OAi/y  place  you've  got  hair!",  and  the 
voice  and  tone  were  always  reassuring, 
never  pushy.  When  the  talk  finally  got 
sexually  expUcit,  he  repeated  several 
times  that  this  was  normal,  there  was 
nothing  to  be  ashamed  of,  that  men 
could  do  this  to  each  other  and  there  was 
nothing  wrong.  If  I  wanted,  1  could  just 
take  the  head  of  his  cock  in  my  mouth 
and  he  wouldn't  push  it  in  any  further, 
and  when  the  time  finally  came  for  me  to 
get  fucked  he  eased  it  in  real  slow  and 
kept  asking  if  it  hurt.  Frankly,  by  this 
time  I'd  stopped  pretending  to  be  thir- 
teen and  worried,  and  just  wanted  every 
one  of  those  twenty-seven  centimetres  (I 
forgot  to  tell  him  we'd  gone  metric  up 
here)  right  up  my  bum. 

So  I  came  (though  it's  a  real  bother 
having  to  devote  one  hand  to  the  damn 
receiver)  and  he  said  he  came  (though  I 
don't  really  believe  it  and  I  don't  know 
why)  and  then  we  just  chatted  for  an- 
other quarter  hour.  I  found  out  he  was  a 
student  and  part-time  model  who'd  been 
at  this  for  six  months.  He  found  out 
Toronto  was  not  a  suburb  of  Montreal. 

Allan  said  I  should  look  him  up  if  I'm 
ever  in  Los  Angeles,  but  I  don't  think  I 
will.  I  know  what  happens  to  fantasies 
when  the  lights  come  on.  And  I  don't 
think  I'll  call  again;  thirty-five  bucks  is  a 
bit  much.  1  can  always  go  back  to  jerk- 
ing off  in  front  of  a  mirror,  excited  by 
how  wicked  1  am  to  have  my  pants  off. 

But  if  you  like  hot  talk  on  the  phone 
and  you've  got  the  bucks,  these  guys'll 
get  you  off.  Or  some  of  them.  And  if 
you  really  are  thirteen,  or  if  you're  stuck 
in  godknowswhere  or  in  some  marriage 
you  can't  or  don't  want  to  get  out  of  and 
you  want  to  meet  somebody  but  there's 
nobody,  then  —  and  I  wish  you  didn't 
have  to  pay  —  they're  there,  iwcnty-four 
hours  a  day  every  day  of  the  year.  And 
here's  a  special  wish  lor  you,  you 
thirteen-year-old  who's  dying-for-it:  I 
hope  you  get  Allan. I  1 


MARCH  1983 


THE  BODY  POLITIC/51 


'RE  NOT  JUST  i 
iHEAP  PICK-UP! 


So,  you've  picked  us  up  again,  with  another  one-month  stand  in  mind.  How; 
much  longer  is  this  going  to  go  on?  How  many  more  furtive  meetings  will;: 
there  be  in  dark  corners  of  bookstores?  How  much  longer  will  we  have  to  : 
hang  out  on  racks,  waiting  for  you  to  come  along? 

If  you  think  we're  a  cheap  pick-up,  you're  wrong!  Picking  us  up  each  month:  :•■•••; 
could  cost  you  $17.50  this  year.  But,  if  you  would  just  settle  down  with  us,  all  ::>: 
we  would  want  is  $13.95  (US  $15.95  abroad)  to  cover  the  bills. 

And  you  wouldn't  have  to  hit  the  streets  to  find  us.  We'd  be  right  there  at  yy/y; 
home,  waiting  for  you. 

We're  not  asking  for  a  permanent  commitment,  'til  death  do  us  part.  All  yye'r^ >  > 
asking  for  is  one  year.  ;:;>K:::^ 

; Just  fill  in  the  coupon  below  and  mail  it  to  us  or  use  the  handy  postage-psiid:;  : ; 
card  Inside  this  issue. 


lit  resii^ctaiile.  Subscribe. 


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