Ba lire Ifee VOL. XXVI No. 2 January 11, 1996 395 NINTH ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103 Willie Sworn In F United Press International make the appointments; the police and fire commis¬ sions have that authority. ormer state Assembly Speaker Willie Brown Brown also announced the appointment of long¬ was sworn in as San Francisco’s mayor Mon¬ time lesbian activist Pat Norman to the city’s Police day, January 8. With thousands in attendance. Commission. Brown took the oath of office in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial fountain in down¬ town’s Yerba Buena Gardens, and wasted little time “My administration will not be plagued by leaks,” setting the tone of his administration. said Brown. “I told no one of these [nomination] de¬ Brown kicked off the festivities by taking a phone cisions. ... I will listen to those who advise me - but call from President Bill Clinton, joking with the chief I, and I alone, will make the announcements.” executive that the president should be in Sain Francis¬ The mayor also called for a summit of neighbor¬ co, because “there’s no snow, and no Republicans.” hood, government, and business leaders to be staged Then it was down to business as Brown used his during his first 100 days in office, to chart a plan to re¬ inaugural address to begin carrying out his campaign vitalize the city. opFrrr oar“mneIcl iiihsgseaico vatneno. s s,ma indaok tehm isha itwste iral ldt hbmeei inra insr atarcacett,ii oosnne xaoudnamel iofnoriisret rnaatltali toiSonan,n”, mwBaiitlyhIl iniodn net hvt hfaeeetl do rcepeirgmtayal,e r nbdpto,a nriBntdi rc toiuhswlesa nurC elysh ta iotinhd ase th Bilemoa nsuwiglnoa- tduDeel dilhsa otbyruaiecscdtik .n M ga iss$ts1aior5tn0s men Cleland LtaBhdaremou Ww idtnnioetip hssbat arretaithdcmtaio.o tem“,n nI e hthw’ esati hvlnlece a hb smfieaie reifssdd,wt tAiahvfnetes.d ti”dea ernvac-eniAst eimporaonenl rip iccrdeoa enctoe eftscfosti icwvbeeerit chFoE rmmaerdyel pdSooawnw“ nIeBF rtior rntoawotwne ngcnn ied Sst c aavtonloos otFGes reriapsean r ntocotthims sa eciprcsoepae. ndrio sv btoaeu iabld dazo lo la ne pivnnaegerrk wyc t hbhasuitnnialggtd e ii uinsnmo t thhhiiiness Photo: Jane Philo Sanders, an African-American, to be assistant chief. town,” he said. “I will do everything I can to save our Brown then named Bob Demmons as the first two ball teams.” Reach out and touch someone: Mayor Willie Brown takes a call from black to head the city’s Fire Department. With that, the party began. Brown’s inaugural staff President Clinton during his inauguration. Brown got off the best bon The mayor acknowledged he had not talked with planned a bash at a converted pier along the city’s mot of the day when he told the beleaguered chief executive: 'You either man but felt confident they would accept their wharf, featuring music from the likes of Huey Lewis should be here, Mr. President. There is no snow and no Republicans.' new assignments. In fact, it is not the mayor’s job to and the News and Carlos Santana. ▼ Salvation Army Client Infamous Alleges Anti-Gay Abuses Castro/18th Taxi D Hijacker Nabbed by Dennis Conkin to the Salvation Army in San Koppel told the Army that he’d Francisco. relapsed and was told that he espite Salvation Army Koppel was addicted to would not be expelled from the re¬ claims that it does not dis¬ methamphetamine and intimately covery program because the Army But Many Still Complain criminate against lesbians familiar with the harsh life of a believed he was sincere about his and gays, a gay man says Tenderloin street addict when he efforts to rehabilitate himself. he got the shaft from the social turned to the Salvation Army for However, a few days after the About Neighborhood Crime service agency while he was in shelter and rehabilitation in the relapse, when a vulnerable and midst of a life-and-death battle late 1980s. uncertain Koppel was receiving with injection drugs. “I was in their Harbor Light counseling from a Salvation Army Aby Mary Ann JW The story is just one told by program, but I used drugs and captain, he learned that the offer Swissler former Army clients to the Bay went into their detox program,” of continued practical help and Area Reporter. Koppel remembers. shelter and emotional and spiritu¬ man be¬ Christopher Koppel, 47, now After he successfully complet¬ al assistance came with an anti¬ lieved re¬ lives in Washington, D.C. and has ed the alcohol and drug detox pro¬ gay price tag. sponsible been clean and sober for four gram, Koppel was referred to the “My homosexuality was just a for at least years. He is off the street, a regu¬ Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Cen¬ sinful thing. That was the way he six taxicab hijack¬ lar member of gay 12-step alcohol ter on Valencia Street. basically looked at it,” Koppel ings, using the inter¬ and substance abuse recovery But the course of early recov¬ told the Bay Area Reporter. “And section of 18th and groups, and is in a long-term and ery is rarely a simple transition he told me that I drank and used Castro as his jump¬ stable relationship with a man he from being strung out to being drugs because I could not accept ing off point, was deeply loves. sober, and while on a weekend my homosexuality. wrestled out of a cab From all appearances and his pass from the program, Koppel “It’s in their credo that homo- and held for police own testimony, Koppel has been again relapsed and shot drugs dur¬ Continued on page 16 by a cab driver very successful in turning his life ing the last week of his six-month whom he allegedly around, but he says it’s no thanks stay at the ARC. tried to rob Satur¬ day, January 6. Joseph Kristof- 1 INSIDE THIS WEEK | ferson, 39, was ar¬ Abandoned cab site in the Castro. rested in the late af- - temoon after he re¬ BarTalk. .40 Mr. Marcus... ..44 ^ portedly tried to rob a 230-pound, 6’ 3” DeSoto cabby who drove him to a Bemal Heights location. Calendar. .42 Obituaries.. ..18 I Driver Herbert V. Gee told authorities the much smaller suspect i tried to choke him with a seat belt, sprayed tear gas in his face, and Classifieds.... .....24 Open Forum..... .6 then kicked him in the chest when Gee tried to grab Kristofferson. Sapphistication.. 10 Out There.... ...31 Kristofferson managed to escape the cab - but immediately ran down a dead-end street. GLAAD. .12 Personals. ..46 Gee blocked the exit until police arrived, who arrested Kristof¬ — 1 ferson and booked him on four felony counts. Authorities suspect Letters. .7 Wayne Friday.., he may be have carried out six hold-ups in a string of cab robberies beginning November 26. Only two days before Kristofferson’s arrest, a highjacked cab was found abandoned in the parking garage of the Cala supermar- Dianamite: Gay icon Diana Ross and gay RuPaul chat with the B.A.R. See pp. 148-15. Continued on page 10 FIRST OF TWO SECTIONS ▼ Community Dental Update Y COMMUNITY NEWS Richard A. Barrera D.D.S. 490 Post St., Suite #520 A few months ago, soon after the independent re¬ Union Square, San Francisco lease of Extra Fancy's Sinner Man album, lead singer Brian Grilio seemed wary of big. corporate record com¬ 986-4534 panies. “One of the reasons I started this band," ex¬ plained the outspoken queer singer, 'was because I was pissed off that 1 wasn't able to express my point of view Cosmetic Veneers openly on a major label." So it's ironic that this hard-rocking Los Angeles band Veneers are part of the advanced technology of cosmetic dentistry. is currently signing a deal with Atlantic Records, with a Veneers are an alternative which may suit your dental needs better than remixed re-release of Sinner Man slated for sometime in the simple bonding procedure. Veneers can correct poorly-shaped or the spring. With Dave Jerden doing the remixing—famous misaligned teeth and whiten perm«ne8t^^»irj£&W discolored teeth. for working with both Jane's Addiction and Alice In Veneers may provide greater durabi&y and st\ain Resistance than bond¬ Chains—Extra Fancy seems destined for success. But if ing, and they provide a very natural IoOkS 1 1 L*- you can't wait for the re-release, the indie CD, on Diablo A veneer is a very thin, custom-rryide s^Tspecially prepared to match the color of your teeth. A small apjlunt of enamel may need to Musica, is still available. With only 5000 copies pressed, be removed to provide room and to lengthen the veneer. An impres¬ it could very well end up as a collectible, so if you want sion of the tooth is sent to a denU&faboratory where the veneer is artis¬ to hear what Extra Fancy sounds like before the corrup¬ tically constructed. When it to attach the veneer, the tooth is pre¬ tion of a major label, track down this album soon. pared with a mild etching Solution. Using composite resin cements, the veneer is then directly,dpf^ed to the front surface of the tooth. Extra Fancy plays with Stone Fox and Aint this Tooth veneers can quickly and beautifully transform your smile, and Saturday, January 13th, at Kilowatt, 3160 16th make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel. If you have any Street. Show starts at 9 pm. Tickets are $6. questions abot^fcneers or would like to set up a dental visit, please call us today! 'ir CUAV To Hold Lesbian Richard A. Barrera D.D.S. 986-4534 Domestic Violence Forums Have a Smooth 1996! Permanent by Mary Ann Swissler the scene of a battering, Guong The service organization also has Hair Removal said the situation has improved a crisis hotline. Four workshops designed to only slightly. The two discussions on vio¬ get lesbians out of domestic vio¬ Police officers still may not lence will be held at the Dolores Now is the time to start lence situations, or prevent them recognize the dynamics when re¬ Street Community Center, located treatment for smooth skin from ever happening, will be sponding to a call, even here in at 938 Valencia Street. “Hate Moti¬ permanently by Spring or Summer sponsored by Community United San Francisco, where they have vated Violence Against Women” is Against Violence (CUAV) in the received training about domestic scheduled for Saturday, January 27 next few weeks. violence in gay relationships. from 1 to 4 p.m. “Lesbian Domes¬ Free Consultation (415) 6264729 “The workshops are aimed at “I think people are beginning tic Violence” will be held on Tues¬ John Frizzell queer women,” volunteer coordi¬ to talk about it more,” Guong said, day, February 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. nator and community organizer “but the fact is that it remains an Two follow-up self-defense Registered Electrologist Nhu Guong told the Bay Area Re¬ issue that people do not want to classes will be held at 973 Market porter. “This was part of a grant to face. We do not want the rest of Street, located across from the organize four forums aimed at the society to use it against us. Warfield. A $5 fee will be charged. Great Food, Great Atmosphere women’s community. CUAV has “It is difficult for police to be¬ A street self-defense class will be traditionally served men, and lieve that battering is going on. held on Saturday, February 3, we’re trying to outreach to women “And they will many times ar¬ from 1 to 5 p.m. “Learn to Defend in the community.” rest both parties.” Yourself in the Home Against an Authentic Italian Cuisine The reasons why domestic vio¬ Abusive Partner” is scheduled for lence occurs among lesbian cou¬ What Can They Do? Saturday, February 24 from 1 to 5 Specialties direct from Italy ples are exactly the same as for CUAV will assist battered les¬ p.m. Gay Owned & Operated heterosexual couples, although the bians by helping obtain temporary Pre-registration is strongly en¬ no-talk rules are even stricter restraining orders, she said, and couraged. ▼ OPEN NIGHLTY FOR DINNER among queers, she said. Despite a Greg Merrill and Rebeca Rivera 2032 Polk St., SF CA 94109 (Btwn Broadway & Pacific in Russian Hill) flood of recent publicity, aimed at of CUAV’s gay men’s domestic For more information, call (415)923-9984 Fax (415) 923-9715 educating both lesbians and police violence project often go to court Nhu Guong at CUAV at (415) A Great Place to Take That Special Person! officers who might get called to if someone decides to prosecute. 777-5500. Cathedral Hill SF ‘Phantom’ Fights AIDS Chiropractic Clinic Our Goal is to Provide Gentle, Effective, Quality Care by Mary Ann Swissler tain call speeches asking for dona¬ of Phantom of the Opera is one of to Get You Out of Pain tions. More than $106,500 was Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Massage Therapist on staff The San Francisco company of raised at Phantom, and a matching AIDS’ great champions,” said Insurance, Medicare, Worker’s Comp., Phantom of the Opera recently grant from Absolut Vodka doubled BC/EFA producing director Tom Auto Accidents, Courtesy Consultation. outpaced theatre companies from that sum, as part of its Absolut Viola. “Without their extensive Dr. Philip DelPozzo 771-5595 Dr. Thomas Carlbert New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Theatre Program to benefit Broad¬ and continued efforts, we would Chicago, and Atlanta in raising way Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. not be able to provide assistance 1115 Geary Blvd. (between Van Ness & Franklin) money for AIDS charities from San Francisco-based AIDS to persons living with AIDS to the ticketholders. Emergency Fund and the Bay great extent that we do.” For six weeks from November Area Prenatal AIDS Center will The New York production of Glen Canyon Animal Hospital 14 until December 23, theatergo¬ receive a total of $26,500 of the Victor, Victoria came in second, by ers who attended Phantom and money raised. raising $150,500. ▼ X3#Ifck ACT’s Seven Guitars heard cur¬ ‘The San Francisco company Richard C. Spickard, DVM </t <41V v•\ !W Wwl^X . > W. Chris Hummel Jr, DVM Vi^f . JW'KY ‘Out in All Directions’ Editors 920-6980 To Speak at Noe Valley Library Free Convenient Parking Use. 5264 Diamond Heights Blvd. In the Diamond Heights Shopping Center by Mary Ann Swissler Among the more than 50 queer cus, lives in New York. scribes lending their skills to this In addition to reading, Witt Personalized Service Through Lynn Witt and Sherry Thomas impressively detailed, 635-page and Thomas will discuss the gene¬ the Legal/Insurance Maze The Law Offices of will talk about their new book Out book about gay history and culture sis of the book, and then hold a Specializing in: Robert Harlan Gold In $.11 Directions: The Almanac of are B.A.R. writers Wendell Ricketts, question-and-answer session. • Employment and Sexual Gay and Lesbian America on Daniel Mangin, and David Lamble. Greifer said that the Noe Val¬ Wednesday, January 17 beginning Librarian Roberta Greifer said ley branch frequently screens Discrimination Free Initial Consultation at 7 p.m. at the Noe Valley/Sally she got the idea for the event be¬ films and holds forums that are • Personal Injury/Auto Accidents Call Today Brunn Branch. The branch is lo¬ cause the library often invites pa¬ open to the public. A presentation • CDoisnpturatcetss and Small Business (415) 399-9969 cbalotecdk uapt f4ro51m 2Je4rtshe yS trSeetrte. et, one ttoro cnos mweit ha nrdec reenatdly apnudb dliisshceuds sb othoekisr oFne baruroarmy.a tThe rapy will be held in • Gay Domestic Partnership The reading is open to the pub¬ work. Out editors Witt and Thomas Issues 353 Sacramento St., Suite 1500 lic and will be videotaped by the fit the bill on both accounts, and For more information con¬ • Business Debt San Francisco, California 94111 Public Library’s audio visual de¬ agreed to appear. The third editor, tact the library at (415) 695- Negotiation/Collection partment. gay historian and author Eric Mar¬ 5095. PAGE 2-BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996 COMMUNITY NEWS SF County Jail Changes ‘Gay Tank’ Rules by Dennis Conkin old system that determined who ments in conditions at the jail - als and street drag queens. Hirst Ammiano told the B.A.R. “I know qualified for such housing was and are designed to protect in¬ said any inmate who felt adverse¬ what it’s like to be harassed, and Simply identifying oneself as “terribly subjective,” and often mates who need the protective ly affected or unsafe by the new we have to keep the jails safe for homosexual may no longer be based on the sole assessment of a housing. classification system could either lesbian and gay inmates.” enough to get inmates into protec¬ deputy or the claims of an inmate Examples of the need for the contact the department’s indepen¬ Supervisor Carole Migden told tive segregated housing at San seeking protective custody. objective criteria, according to dent ombudsman or contact her the Bay Area Reporter that she, Francisco County Jail, the Bay The factual criteria now used Hirst, include cases in which a directly for assistance. too, had never been informed of Area Reporter has learned. in determining the need for pro¬ sexual predator identifies himself “Everyone has the right to live the change of criteria at the jail, “We have made a change in the tective housing include current as gay so he could be placed in the safely and securely within the and said inmates who feel at risk system,” Sheriff’s Department charges, criminal history, psychi¬ gay tank, or a gang member says jail,” she said. or who have fear about their safe¬ Public Affairs Officer Eileen Hirst atric status, gang affiliation, edu¬ he is gay in order to carry out an “I wasn’t aware of the change ty in jail may feel free to contact has confirmed. cational level, and other factors. attack on another inmate in pro¬ in classification,” Supervisor Tom her office for assistance. V Hirst acknowledged that a gay “We will look at objective risk tective housing. person may not be placed in seg¬ factors in making a decision,” regated housing solely because Hirst said. Pre-ops Only? Legal Question? they are gay, but said the new cri¬ The new criteria were adopted Some gay inmates have called teria and classification system will on the recommendation from the the Bay Area Reporter to express be an improvement over the old special master in charge of moni¬ concern that the housing would be system - and safer. She said the. toring court-ordered improve¬ limited to pre-operative transsexu¬ • Personal Injury ♦ Motor Vehicle Accidents • Business Law Jordan’s Farewell • Insurance Claims • Landlord-Tenant Disputes Blasts Anti-Gay Lutherans No Charge For Initial Consultation M (415) 398-0298 m3 One Emborcadero Center, Suite 1200 Scon A. Gursky Son Francisco, California 94111 Attorney At Law by Dennis Conkin refused to comply with the de¬ important to express an opinion nomination’s prohibition on gay when a denial of justice occurs. Former Mayor Frank Jordan’s clergy being sexually active. “When people are excluded last official legislative act, Thurs¬ The resolution, which urged the from full participation because of Foreign day, January 4 was the signing of anti-gay denomination to reconsider things like race, religion, and sex¬ We'll treat you like a Board of Supervisors resolution its action, was sponsored by Super¬ ual orientation, the entire commu¬ one of the family in support of two San Francisco visor Tom Ammiano and co-spon- nity is harmed,” he said, “because Car Repair churches expelled from the Evan¬ sored by Supervisors Susan Leal, people who want to contribute are gelical Lutheran Church in Amer¬ Carole Migden, and Sue Bierman. denied the opportunity - and the ica on December 31. “History has shown that soci¬ community is denied the help. CA St. Francis Lutheran Church etal attitudes will not change until “I hope that this church will and First United Lutheran Church the institutions of government, the come to learn what we have come were expelled for ordaining a les¬ press, and religion change,” said to value in San Francisco: the Cowden Automotive bian couple and a gay man who Jordan. “Therefore, as a city, it is richness of human diversity im¬ 875 Folsom at 5th proves the quality of life for Mon-STalniu rF ra7n:3c0is-6co:0 0PM everyone.” ▼ 415.777.9858 rainbow^Br wireless 4 Cellular • Paging • Accessories 10 percent of all company profits go to local AIDS organizations to help fight the battle against AIDS. Motorola Micro Tac Lite Digital Base Frank Jordan: “It is important to express an opinion when a denial of justice occurs. • Vibra-Call for Silent Alert • Up to 180 Minutes Talk Time Public Forum Scheduled • 110# Alpha Numeric Memory On Gay Community Center $17.95 ONLY by Mary Ann Swissler presentation by the project. The PER MONTH (24 MONTHS) rest of the time will be devoted to 0 DOWN 0% INTEREST Plans to secure a building for a questions and comments from WITH DIGITAL SERVICE... future community center in the those attending.” IT'S ONE LOW RATE ALL OVER THE STATE** Upper Market area will be dis¬ No target date has been set for cussed Sunday, February 18 from 2 the center’s opening, but accord¬ to 5 p.m. at a forum sponsored by ing to organizers it will house gay, Ericsson digital PH-343 The San Francisco Center Project. lesbian, bisexual, and transgender According to Allen Carson, groups, and provide referrals to Community Outreach Chair of the AIDS and gay-related services, • User Friendly Menu project, the meeting will be held when it does open. V in the Audre Lorde room of the • 99# Alphanumeric Memory San Francisco Women’s Building, For additional information, located at 3543 18th Street, near write 584 Castro Street • Compact Size - 9.25 ozs Valencia. #450, San Francisco CA “We hope all interested parties 94114; call (415) 241-1526; or $15.79" will attend,” Carson said. “There e-mail sfgaycom@ ONLY will be a half-hour informational hooked.net. per month (24 months) (415) 431-8222 Correction: 15th and Market Street\ San Francisco The photo accampanying last week's article "Levy To Give Im¬ migration Talk for G40+ers* incorrectly identified the Interna¬ CELLULARONE tional Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission's Asylum Project director as Simon Levy. His name is actually Sydney “Financing subject to Cellular One credit approval. Tax not included. Quality Service Activation of digital Ilex plan required for financing. Some restrictions apply. See s. Price without activation $! Levy. The Bay Area Reporter apologizes for the error. '“Long distance charges may apply. BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996-PAGE 3 COMMUNITY NEWS bankruptcy law OFFICE THOMAS R. BURNS I Attorney At Law m _<=„. .DATE ALL c Golden Shower Convenient Civic Centertocafion Americans for Gay Rights/SFs {! to r) Gilbert Baker, Michael Merrigan and Brett Thomas protest German-advocated censorship of the Internet outside the Goethe Institut Jan, 4. Several bottles of Beck's were poured out on Bush St. as the cameras rolled. The group is encouraging everyone to COSMETIC AND PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY boycott German beer and other products. Michael W. Blevins, D.D.S. i & Associates Hamilton Square 450 Sutter Street Suite 1233 San Francisco Church Lawsuit (415) 986-6223 Sedation, MC/Visa, Insurance A member of GGBA, BAPHR Nearing Settlement Since 1979 Is Selling Your Life Insurance The Right Choice? by Dennis Conkin drawn this month, in exchange for tions were exhortatory, and that a settlement agreement that the they never harmed anyone, did not Let us help you find out... Attorneys for four gay men losing church will not be held li¬ touch or throw objects at any per¬ slapped with now-dismissed hate able for tens of thousands of dol¬ son, and did not agitate for other crimes lawsuits by the right wing lars in court costs and attorney’s protesters to do so. Rutherford Institute, on behalf of fees. In fact, Wildes, a person with Viatical Settlement Consulting & Brokerage an anti-gay San Francisco Baptist Lee Wildes, Paul Bernardino, AIDS, was himself allegedly spit church, are close to settling the former Sentinel reporter Michael on by a man identified as the son bizarre case. Colbruno, and former San Fran¬ of Hamilton Square pastor David explore financial alternatives for people living with A state court judge ruled last cisco Sentinel publisher Ray Innes. a life-threatening illness — No fee to you ever! October that the Hamilton Square Chalker were sued by the church According to the legal brief, an Baptist Church had no standing to on civil hate crimes charges after angry Wildes tore off one of the sue two activists and a reporter demonstrators protested the ap¬ plastic numbers that identified the Experienced • Compassionate • Confidential and publisher of the now-defunct pearance of anti-gay minister Lou address of the church and the man San Francisco Sentinel, a gay Sheldon at the church. identified as Innes’s son reported Licensed in California — Offices in Sausalito tabloid publication, in connection The Rutherford Institute al¬ the action to police, who then ar¬ Member, Viatical Association of America with a September 19, 1993 protest leged in the lawsuit that defen¬ rested Wildes. at the church. A federal court dis¬ dants Wildes and Bernardino en¬ The incident became a blatant 415.332.1444 or 800.905.0114 missed the Rutherford Institute’s couraged and incited a riot during public relations and fundraising Email: [email protected] appeal of the ruling - which the the protest, and that Colbruno effort for the church, which institute then appealed. “aided and abetted” rioters by en¬ brought scores of supporters to a “We Represent You, Not a Purchasing Company" Although the appeal of the fed¬ tering the church and taping Shel¬ subsequent Board of Supervisors eral court decision is still techni¬ don’s speech - and then showing meeting. — Carole Fiedler cally pending, attorneys for the some demonstrators after leaving At that meeting, well-known defendants told the Bay Area Re¬ the church that he had tape record¬ gay activist Barbie Jesus was porter they expect it to be with¬ ed Sheldon’s comments. hauled off by police after he spit The lawsuits also charged that on Sheldon, who was protected by San Francisco municipal authori¬ a cordon of bodyguards brought ties had adopted policies of “toler¬ by Baptist minister and fired ance to and indifference toward” Human Rights Commissioner unlawful assemblies conducted on Reverend Eugene Lumpkin. behalf of “the political agenda” of Courts later ruled that the the lesbian and gay community. church has no standing to sue, and SAN FRANCISCO FURNITURE CO Lawyers for the legal firm of that none of the actions referenced Heller, Ehrman, White, and in the lawsuits constituted hate McAuliffe argued in a legal brief crimes under federal civil rights or UNIQUE &CHIC FURNISHINGS that Wildes’s and Bernardino’s ac¬ state hate crimes statutes. T SALE... SALE... SALE... Six Groups Receive : Come join in the celebration of the Most Unique Furniture Store in the Bay Area. Designer sofas, slipcovered Sisters' Habitual Awards furniture, leather, accent chairs, sofabeds, sectionals, modulars, motion furniture, and Lane by Dennis Conkin Against Defamation; Outline on¬ recliners. Plus tables, lamps, and line information for PWAs; and accessories for that special touch. The Sisters of Perpetual Indul¬ the LYRIC Young Women’s Pro¬ gence have awarded more than gram’s 1996 Health and Sex Fair. SAVE UP TO 40% $5,500 in grants to six Bay Area Each group received $918, a non-profit groups that provide di¬ portion of the proceeds collected rect services to the lesbian, gay, at the group’s Halloween Plea- bisexual, and transgendered com¬ suredome celebration. munities. Over the last six years, accord¬ The beneficiaries of this year’s ing to a press release provided by awards are The Living Well Pro¬ SPI, Inc., the group has raised more ject: Kairos grief support groups; than $200,000 for an estimated 40 2900 Geary Blvd., San Francisco CA 415-751-4200 The Women’s Cancer Resource non-profits that provide direct ser¬ Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-8 Fri-Sat 10-6 Sunday 11-5 Center; Gay and Lesbian Alliance vices to sexual minorities. T PAGE 4-BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11, 1996 COMMUNITY NEWS "A winning cross-cultural experience ” Michael Bauer, SF Chronicle Historian, VFW “...a relaxing retreat...and absurdly low prices” Caroline Bates, Gourmet Magazine Commander Paul “...packed with inviting, The Gay Restaurant robust flavors..." in Union Square Janet Hazen, SF Bay Guardian 116 Maiden Lane, 3rd Floor, SF • (415) 433-2288 “The food’s so good we want Lunch 11:30am - 3:00pm to tell everyone.” Dinner 5:30pm - 9:00pm Hardman Dies at 72 Barbara Lane, SF Weekly Fri & Sat til’ 10:00pm • Closed on Sundays KILL FOOT PAIN NOW! FREE CONSULTATION (WITH THIS AD)* by Dennis Conkin charge histories of applicant mem¬ FAST • SAFE • COMFORTABLE • AFFORDABLE bers. Longtime gay and lesbian vet¬ Finally, after Hardman and * Modem Laser Treatments Advanced erans’ affairs activist and gay other members threatened a dis¬ • HMO Runaround? Not here. Foot Clinic American Post legion founder and crimination lawsuit, the national »Custom Arch Devices 411 Grand Ave. (by the lake) commander Dr. Paul D. Hardman group relented and the AH post ' MC/VISA/Credit plan Oakland has died at the age of 72. formed - a happier ending than » Evening Hours-Free Parking Hardman died Friday, January the one to a similar struggle in the ' Twilight Sedation Dr. Ron Worley Podiatrist-Director (510) 465-FEET 6, one day after a medical proce¬ East. Refer Somone You Love" dure related to a prostatectomy he. “The legion was successful in OV‘EDoRes n2o0t inYclEudAe xR-rSay sS, tEriRmmVinIgC nEai lsT, cOor nTs oHr Ecal lLusEes,S pBresIcAripNtio n&s, sGupApliYes &C aO coMmpMleteU exNamI.T Y received earlier in the year. preventing a New York lesbian “Paul was a true San Francis¬ and gay post,” Robbins said. can and one of the most energetic Charges of discrimination were Do You Need an Automobile? and active people that I’ve ever also brought by Hardman against met in my life,” said San Francis¬ the California State Department of co Supervisor Angela Alioto. “He the American Legion, after the was a persistent and tireless advo¬ group refused to allow the post to Do You Have Credit Problems? 1 cate for veterans rights.” advertise in the state AL magazine on Aa lvioatroie twy oorfk ecdiv iwc itphr oHjeacrtds,m iann¬ The late Dr. Paul D. Hardman. otirc lreesb uotp tphoes pinugb ligcaaytiso nin’s tmhea nmy ialir¬¬ Bankruptcy • No Credit • First Time Buyers cluding the establishment of the tary. Museum of San Francisco at the The City’s Human Rights I’ve Helped Hundreds. Let Me Help You! ? Cannery. more than a decade ago with the Commission is set to issue a find¬ Long active in civic affairs, conservative American Legion ing in the complaint within two I’m a Woman Who Knows the Needs of the Community * Hardman was also well known for over the formation of the Alexan¬ weeks. It agreed to take the com¬ hthise Wscraur tiMnye moofr itahle faocpielirtayt iobnys thoef dtieorn H. amilton Post of the organiza¬ qpulaairntte rbse craeunstse tihtse Wstaatre MALem hoearida¬l 1-800-788-7057 trustees and city administrators of “At first the local legion was offices from the city for a token the facility. delighted that all these young men rent of $150 per month. “There really was no else like and women wanted to establish a Hardman, who had a doctorate him. He was the most dedicated post - but then they found out just in history, was also the author of a Please Call Ann Hageman g and determined force for veterans. exactly what kind of men and historical book on homoeroticism Some of his associates will do our women we were,” laughed Bud in military affairs. 600 Serramonte Blvd. Q best to continue his work,” long¬ Robbins. A memorial service for Hard¬ Colma, CA time friend Arch Wilson told the The American Legion tried to man will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Bay Area Reporter. delay the start-up of the post, by Saturday, February 3 in Room 203 A World War II Navy veteran, conveniently losing the group’s of the War Memorial Building, lo¬ Hardman had a memorable battle charter paperwork and the dis- cated at 401 Van Ness Street. ▼ Always wanted to.. Confidentiality Fast Turn-around High cash payouts Neuma can help by purchasing your life insurance policy of $10,000 or more with rates based on your medical condition. Lump sum payments range up to 92% of the policy's full value. With our personalized, confidential attention to your needs and fast turn-around time, we will help you make the most of your assets .now you can! now... when you really need them. LICENSED OR ELIGIBLE UNDER STATE LAW WHERE REQUIRED EXCEPT FOR KANSAS Neume PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY 1 800 457-7828 Neuma is an A Viatical Settlement Company - - independent EMAIL: [email protected] • FAX (708) 674-1165 corporation that V A purchases all Neuma meets or exceeds all state, local and federal confidentiality laws. types of life ~ A insurance. BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996-PAGE B.A.R, OPEN FORUM Bay Area Reporter 395 Ninth Street, SF, CA 94103 (415)861-5019 (415)861-7230 Vol. XXVI No. 2 • January 11,1996 Next Issue Out: January 18 Next Deadline: January 12 PUBLISHER Bob Ross JOE HOOVER GUEST OPINION ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER An Open Mark Thompsen NEWS EDITOR Mike Salinas Letter to ARTS EDITOR Chris Culwell the Mayor GENERAL MANAGER Michael M. Yamashita CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING David McBrayer by Gerard Koskovich BARTALK & ayor Brown: GENERAL INFORMATION Please accept my congratulations on Andy McConnell your election. As a San Francisco citizen who voted ASSISTANT EDITORS for you, I am writing to express my concern about Dennis Conkin published reports that Captain Richard Cairns is Patrick Hoctel being considered for promotion to the position of deputy chief in the San Francisco Police Depart¬ Roberto Friedman ment. Because of his recent disciplinary record, Mary Ann Swissler Cairns should be regarded as an unsuitable candi¬ date for a position on the command staff. ART DIRECTOR I believe that promoting Cairns would severely Adrian Roberts EDITORIAL damage ongoing efforts to improve discipline in the department. San Francisco voters made their demand for a better disciplined force quite evident AD PRODUCTION & LAYOUT in November by voting overwhelmingly in favor of Kurt Thomas Back To Work Proposition G. And I know from your public state¬ ments - and from the campaign mailer I received at PHOTOGRAPHERS my home which criticizes the Castro Sweep and Darlene/PhotoGraphics T other incidents of police misconduct under Frank Jane Philomen Cleland Jordan - that you are very concerned about this issue, as well. Given the fact that he holds the rank Gregory H. Fleischer he first order of business this ed across America, but no similar ef¬ of captain, Cairns has a duty to demonstrate the Marc Geller week is a heartfelt “welcome forts are being waged in opposition. highest degree of professionalism and discipline Rick Gerharter back” to all those formerly The gay and lesbian political clubs for the many officers under his command. He has failed in this duty, having engaged in misconduct Phil Migilarese, Jr. idled government workers who don’t seem to have encouraged as so serious that the Police Commission has been just returned to work. That includes many future Harvey Milks and Sheila forced to publicly suspend him twice in the past CARTOONIST Mayor Willie Brown, too. Welcome, Kuehls as we need. That isn’t meant as five years. The commission has found Cairns Joe Hoover Mr. Mayor, and best wishes. harping criticism: what’s more impor¬ guilty on a number of charges, among them lying San Francisco’s new district attor¬ tant than raking through the past is se¬ to order a false felony arrest and beating two WPOaLyInTeI CFAriLd ayE DITOR ninetyo, Toefrfeicnec eM Hoanldlianya,n ,b wuta sw ailtsho ssowmoer¬n cfiunrdin tgh othsee cfuatnudried,a bteys mnoakwi nagn dth seu epfpfoorrtt pwaosmsWeedhn eo wnv eiotrhf ffoiocuret prcsra owumsietoh td iaou nrri,en ctgho erth dce ho Cife amfs mtirsaock oSenswd iuete cppt l.aa irne what less fanfare than the new mayor’s them. to the entire department that advancement requires CONTRIBUTING WRITERS inauguration (of course, the same The need for fresh political talent is a clearly superior disciplinary record. By contrast, Diannne Aaronson, Rene M. Astudillo, could be said about some moon apparent on every level, from City when ranking officers who have failed to uphold MEriicnh Baelal cCk.w Belolt, kJino,h Jna iBmlaen cCoa, der, launches). It was heartening to see that Hall all the way down to Washington, wthiet hg penoesirtailo nosrd oefr sg roefa ttehre rdeesppoanrtsmibeinlitt ya,r eth ree pwroarmdoe¬d Philip Campbell, Jim Coughenour, that ceremony, like Brown’s, was DC; as The Republican Revolution tion sends a message to all officers that they are M.R. Covino, Marianne Dresser, Beth Elliott, packed with well-wishers, many, many goes the way of the dodo bird and The free to ignore the rules. I uige you to convey to Chad Jones, Robert Julian, John F. Karr, of whom were lesbians and gay men. Dream of a Greater Serbia - and it your new chief that his or her promotions to the Jeffery Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, Heartening, but not surprising: Halli- will, it will, once all Americans realize command staff must exemplify in no uncertain KDLAaa.nr eiKenl i sOMsecalamnmgaibnn,,, HMKaark.r leM Bemarru ccOuess ,eK nJneiiar prIyIpI ,e Mr, etzker, anlamn’oss tp raess emnucec hi ni mthpaatc ot fufipcoen w gilaly h aanvde tthhee irG kOidPs doore tshne’itr gpiavree nats ,d asom nch aanbcoeust tmerimsIc sow notdhuualtcd t ta hilsse o o Jvloiekrred. aton -meraak ep osulircey t hoaft ytooule araren caew aforer Deborah Peifer, Elissa Perry, Mary Richards, lesbian citizens as Brown’s presence in are it doesn’t care about them, either - of the impact that a Cairns promotion would have on Adrian Roberts, Bob Roehr, John Ross, the mayor’s office. there is bound to be a flurry of legisla¬ the department’s stated goal of expanded communi¬ Doug Seto, Marv. Shaw, Rick Thoman, So we might as well say this to our tive turnovers. All-new candidates ty policing. Captain Cairns was the tactical com¬ Paul Thomason, Stephanie von Buchau, new D.A. now, while he’s fresh and may well rise from relative obscurity mander of the Castro Sweep, and as such he was di¬ Dick Walters eager: the problem of crime in the Cas¬ to political power in a hurry. (They rectly involved in taking the decision to invade the tro is rising again, it seems, and needs may not be Democrats, either. They Cswaseterpo awll itchi tiozveners f1r5o0m ptohlei cset reoefftsic ienr sa, stoev veino-lbelnotclyk MEMBER to be dealt with firmly now before it could be third, fourth, or fifth party area, and to place everyone in homes and business¬ National Gay Newspaper Guild gets worse. The district attorney’s of¬ candidates or even other, different. Re¬ es in the neighborhood under house arrest. United Press International fice has, in the past, vigorously pun¬ publicans.) Caims has consistently attempted to white¬ ished those who saw the neighborhood The people who will step in and wash his role in the Castro Sweep. As a com¬ as “easy,” effectively discouraging help shape the next century will be, plainant in the resulting Office of Citizen Com¬ plaints case, I read the confidential OCC report, other would-be criminals, and we hope mostly, ordinary people with strong took part in a confidential OCC investigative hear¬ to see that effort continued. senses of duty and civic pride (we ing where Caims testified, and attended every one Of course, Hallinan’s promise to hope). In short, people like most of the public disciplinary hearings held by the Po¬ expand the office’s hate crimes unit is B.A.R. readers. There may be future lice Commission. On that basis, I can assure you NATIONAL SALES already something everyone in the supervisors, district attorneys, or may¬ that Caims was centrally involved in the decision¬ REPRESENTATIVE community can feel good about. It is ors - or presidents, for that matter - making - and directly responsible for the tactical Rivendell Marketing never pleasant to think about random reading these words now and realizing cahndo icveios l-en tth aattt arecsku oltne dt hien hthuem sainn grlieg hmtso sotf mthaes slievs¬e attacks, but it is important these days. for the first time that a political career bian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and people LEGAL COUNSEL We may feel physically safer here in is possible. And that would be wonder¬ with AIDS communities in the history of San Thomas E. Horn, Esq. the gay ghettos of San Francisco, but ful. Francisco. we might not be as safe as all that. A Those people who are interested in In addition to his severe misconduct before and ACUhaDsI TWOeRs/dAeCll COUNTANT disturbing trend is developing, of ho¬ entering that arena - or who are too dinujruidnigc itohues sawnede pu,n Cpraoifmesss bioenhaalv emda ninn earn deuxrtirnegm ethlye mophobes traveling across state lines timid, but think they may want to help nearly two years of disciplinary proceedings which to kill: the assassination-style murders others - are encouraged to attend the followed. Two examples: Caims lied under oath of two lesbians in Oregon and the bru¬ meetings of some of the political clubs about his actions during the Police Commission vtACRae oesdrptptieivyos irersoitmgireoh rnewt n rohet©f is cwe Bhrh 1evia9nced9rhsov6 t te.hEh reetnPi strupeeibgrusphlb irtils ilihlstseoeehg sdeae, r ld Iwibnitt eceeo.lem irke lsvry ee,wj se hcBiitsc a hayi nn myAp ioagrdeoh¬art rmtaelec nean tttfa rcwokmese okonsu wtt weoorfe g sbatyaot tehm, ecvnoi msiinmt iTnigtet xetadhs e biiynr casnaronifu’ftn ahdru otruotn wadnn, .d a Gnitdo c sooeunel dwin bh, eak tit chitke’s stahtabero ttu iort;ef s ia,t oohthuefe as trchiaonenmg dsO p.s lCuAaisCnntada in fnhoteserd m a pnmaudlbla ytlnhi ncecle yorO mtCahpnCaldta istpnthraeeifdv f aa ictnteot il snyutg hcm hedn eianr- ecaschectrieoie¬drf result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads mothers! wonderful journey. (A note to the Willis Casey, while one of the citizens filed an ad¬ will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, phi¬ With that kind of insanity on the clubs: increasing your own outreach ditional OCC complaint about the harassment. losophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. loose, it’s good to have an expanded efforts wouldn’t hurt.) These facts about Cairns’s record are common Advertising rates are available upon request. hate crimes unit everywhere. knowledge in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen¬ dered, and people with AIDS communities. As a Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential In the meanwhile, everyone looks consequence, a promotion for Caims would further and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertis¬ An interesting question, now that forward with interest to Mayor undermine relations between the San Francisco Po¬ ers, photographers, and writers published herein is District Attorney Hallinan is no longer Brown’s appointment to the board. lice Department and those communities - as well fnoeri tuhnesro ilnicfietrerde dm naonru ismcprilpietds . oWr aer tawreo rnko. t responsible Supervisor Hallinan, is who will be After the shutdown of ’95 and the as relations with all citizens who are concerned awarded his seat on the board. And Blizzard of ’96, he’ll be filling one about police misconduct. The effect would be dis¬ that interesting question always leads more very important slot and putting astrous on efforts at community policing - a strat¬ egy which aims to reduce crime by building coop¬ to another: where is the next genera¬ another person to work in the govern¬ eration based on trust and respect between citizens tion of leaders? ment. and the police. For several years right wing Congressional GOPs may think Mr. Mayor, I thank you for your attention to Trehcey cBleady Aparpeae rR uespinogr tesor yis- bparisnetde di nokns . 100% theocrats have been pouring money that’s a bad trend, but not us. After all, these concerns and look forward to a new era of into programs that get their kind elect¬ there’s so much to be done. T leadership on these and other crucial issues during your administration. T PAGE 6-BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996 LETTERS Losses from AIDS Anyone but Carole Migden I am writing in response to two comments made in The incident alluded to in the brief article ‘“Si¬ Lawrence W. Smith’s letter (B.A.R., Dec. 28) after he lencing Tactics’ by Migden Aide?” (12/7) is not an attended the S.F. Gay Men’s Chorus holiday concert isolated incident. Many others who have called and and the “Dance-Along Nutcracker” concert by the disagreed have received the same treatment. Ms. S.F. Winds of Freedom (the seated version of the S.F. Migden has gone to great lengths to squash other Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band). First, he commented news stories such as this one. that he “longed for the days when tickets were $5 a Do you think a person of this temperament belongs shot.” Second, he mentioned that “not a word about in Sacramento? losses (of members to AIDS) was uttered” at the Jeffrey E. Auman Winds of Freedom concert, other than a reference or San Francisco two to Jon Sims, our founder. 19 Years Experience & Really (arinq Regarding ticket prices, the Winds of Freedom per¬ A hero remembered formed the “Dance-Along Nutcracker” twice on De¬ Blue Shield Provider cember 17. The first performance was free, and the sec¬ As your readers consider resolutions for the new ond had a ticket price of $10, hardly top dollar for a year. I’d like them to know about my friend Steven. HOUSER quality show at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. I My friend Steven died on World AIDS Day. Quiet¬ should also remind Mr. Smith that the Winds of Free¬ ly. In his sleep. Unassuming to the end. He asked me dom performs its Community Concert Series on the not to write an obituary. So we’ll call this a remem¬ second Tuesday of every second month at Bethany brance. He’s not here to argue the point. 470 Castro Stmt - Suita 203 United Methodist Church in Noe Valley, and that all My friend Steven spent his life serving. Two tours 552-9300 these concerts are free. The next concert is February 13. in the Navy. Ten years with troubled teens in the Regarding losses from AIDS suffered by band boonies of Virginia. AIDS groups in the heartland. Gift Certificates members, Mr. Smith must not have been paying at¬ And ended up with us ... at Shanti ... in this city he Perfect for EVERY occasion! tention during one of the more moving numbers, the loved. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables / I Am What I Am” My friend Steven had a gift, and gave it. Quietly. medley. Conductor Nancy Corporon told the audience Unassumingly. A kind word to someone ranting. A “Legal Services with an Emphasis that this piece was arranged by Wayne Love in 1992 couple of bucks to someone tapped. A bed to save on Meeting Special Needs ” for a concert commemorating the tenth anniversaries them from the sidewalk. He collected our lost pup¬ of Gay Games I and the founding of Lesbian and Gay pies, and was bitten more than once. Mostly, he gave Barry Schneider Bands of America. At that time, it was dedicated to the us his time - time he didn’t have much of. memories of all Gay Games and band participants My friend Steven showed us. The caregivers. The Attorney at Lair who have been lost to AIDS over the years. With experts. He had AIDS. Fine, what can I do? He was AIDS having claimed Wayne Love three months ago, poor. Fine, others are broke. He was sick. Fine, peo¬ ■iOO Montgomery St. ♦ Suite 505 ♦ San Francisco Nancy rededicated the performance to him and all ple are dying. He was dying. Fine, who can I teach? (415) 781-6500 those who have succumbed to AIDS. After the Winds He was dead. Fine, what’s next? of Freedom, vocalists Lisa Gray and Dan Johnson, My friend Steven would tell you what’s next. More ♦ Wills & Probate ♦ Personal Injury and the Bay Area Raw Rahs performed the work, work. Quiet work. Unassuming work. Work you can ♦ Criminal Offenses ♦ Family Law there was hardly a dry eye in the house. do. Work that needs doing. Work you will love. Work Elsewhere in the concert, the bitingly satirical that will bring you love. “Sheep In Wolves’ Clothing” was performed by My friend Steven would tell you to volunteer. ALL COMMERCIAL LINES • HOMEOWNERS & APTS. • EARTHQUAKE • BARS Marga Gomez and the Winds of Freedom. Based Hand out tickets for Shanti’s Activities program. Flip loosely on “Peter and the Wolf,” it told a farcical story pancakes at Laguna Honda Hospice. Collect pennies of four band members “who had all lost many friends for the AIDS Emergency Fund. Make a panel for the In California (800) 479-5558 to AIDS” rising as one to prevent Jesse Helms and NAMES quilt. Deliver meals for Open Hand. Or find Newt Gingrich from spoiling the “Dance-Along Nut¬ something else to do ... and do it. cracker.” How anyone could have missed the message My friend Steven taught us. You don’t need to be Schmidt & Schmidt about losses from AIDS is beyond me. heroic to be a hero. He was my hero. And I thought I I am glad Mr. Smith attended the “Dance-Along couldn’t have heroes anymore. INSURANCE Nutcracker” and enjoyed it. Trust me, Mr. Smith, the My friend, Steven Slaton, received Shanti’s 1995 San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band has suf¬ Leadership Award a month before he died. His work fered many, many losses from AIDS. Our organiza¬ on behalf of people with AIDS goes on. Please help. Since 1970 tion is named in memory of our founder Jon Sims, and a brass plaque sitting at the entrance to our building Kevin P. Murphy 582 Market Street, P.O.Box 2212 3512 West Sunset Blvd., (also named for Mr. Sims) lists the names of those San Francisco 18th Floor Palm Springs, CA 92263 Ste. 275 who have “marched on.” Unfortunately, the plaque is San Francisco. CA 94104 (619) 320-3288 Los Angeles, CA 90026 completely full and another is being ordered. An oral lesson (415) 981-3915 (213) 669-1608 Fax (415) 392-2069 Fax (213) 669-1802 Doug Litwin At the STOP AIDS Project, there is one question San Francisco our volunteers and staff hear most frequently: How TRAVEL • LIFE & MEDICAL • LIABILITY • FIRE • CRIME • WORKERS COMP • BONDS safe is oral sex? We know there is much anxiety in the Mourning in America community around oral sex and that many of us base Attorney at Law our decisions more on anecdotes and intuition and Should we infer, from Lawrence Smith’s 12/28 let¬ less on science and research. On Friday January 12, ter, that it’s more important to remember the names of. from 7 to 9:30 p.m., STOP AIDS Project will be host¬ Boone Callaway our dead friends than their spirit? There’s already ing a community forum on this topic at the Metropol¬ enough sadness in our community without attempting itan Community Church, 150 Eureka Street. to divide us by contrasting how different groups mourn. A panel discussion between scientific and commu¬ • Personal Injury nity health experts will be followed by open discus¬ • Discrimination Jeff Bowles sion. We encourage anyone with questions, concerns, San Francisco and interest to join us. • Medical Malpractice We believe this kind of public dialogue can make Imperial gratitude for a healthier, more informed community. And we • Relationship Agreements Dear San Francisco, hope to see you there. Fredric Sonenberg • Wrongful Eviction Thank you for being the City you are! So much has Executive Director, STOP AIDS Project • Wills & Estate Planning happened in 1995 and so many have been quick to be¬ moan the demise of the City by the Bay. We, howev¬ FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION er, are proud to call this City home. We’ve seen a Legalizing needles community growing more unified, mourning contin¬ ued loss, but refusing to surrender; a community ex¬ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) re¬ Callaway & Wolf 415.621.3988 ercising its political clout with issues and candidates; fuses to recognize one of the oldest and most com¬ 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 710 a community more than occasionally putting aside in¬ monly used medical devices in history: the acupunc¬ dividual wants to serve the needs of others; a commu¬ ture needle. According to FDA documents, acupunc¬ nity relishing its diversity and embracing its differ¬ ture needles have been in common use in the United ences; a community determined not just to survive, States for over 200 years, yet they have been classi¬ but to thrive in new and exciting ways. fied as “investigational devices” by the Center for De¬ Thank you for allowing us to serve as your Em¬ vices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the FDA. peror and Empress for a year. Your enthusiastic sup¬ This classification makes outlaws of acupuncturists port wherever we’ve shown up has been overwhelm¬ and their patients. In 1994, acupuncturists and re¬ ing. Thank you, Bay Area Reporter, for all the won¬ searchers presented citizen petitions to the FDA to derful, positive press coverage you’ve provided. We change the classification of acupuncture needles to will step down on March 2, proud of our reign and allow their legal use by licensed practitioners. Feder¬ very proud of the City and the community we’ve al regulations require that the FDA respond to citizen served. petitions within six months, but there has been no re¬ All the best to all of you in 1996! sponse to date, almost two years later. The FDA has been unwilling even to admit that Brian Benamati acupuncture needles perform “safely and effectively” H.M.I.M. Emperor of San Francisco as a device designed to puncture the skin. Can the Donna Sachet FDA not find one legitimate use for acupuncture? The H.M.I.M. Empress of San Francisco FDA will not reveal its hand, and apparently political pressure will have to be brought to bear to force them to rule on acupuncture needles. We urge your readers They’re dethpicable! to call their U.S. representative or senator today and Rudolf V. Isch, D.D.S. Your recent column, and I paraphrase, “San Fran¬ ask them to find out “When will the FDA legalize cisco’s 50 most powerful lesbians and gays,” should acupuncture needles?” have been entitled “San Francisco’s 50 most despica¬ A Professional Corporation ble lesbians and gays.” Howard Moffet Clinical Faculty Name withheld for fear of retribution American College of Union Square Location - Visa/MC & Most Insurance Accepted San Francisco Traditional Chinese Medicine BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996-PAGE 7 LETTERS Marriage Certificate Catholic Priest will bless your gay/lesbian marriage Staff suggestions Tragedy in by mail and issue you a Christian Marriage Certificate. Send Thank you for Stephanie von Buchau. Don Blake Santa Rosa Diocese names, date of commitment, address, and $45 stipend to: (Letters, Dec. 28) has it right: the best. Hope it was This letter is in regard to a minor editorial error in Father Charles not a one-time shot. The only two periodicals in my Mr. Dennis Conkin’s article headed, “New Santa Rosa P.O. Box 31517 hmoouns eg, oyaolus , anfudn Onyp etrhai nNge. wAs,n sde ekmee tpo hMaviceh saoeml eB cootkmi¬n S21e xe dAitbiuosne. TChaisse isE, naddsm iint teSduliyc,i dae m” iinno yr oisusru De,e bcuetm ibt eisr San Francisco, CA 94131-0517 alive forever. Murder Wayne Friday. one of those “fingernails on the chalkboard” things [email protected] Thank you for existing. that calls into question a publication’s attention to de¬ tail and therefore one’s overall credibility. In all fair¬ Michael J. Kressbach ness, I’ve seen major metropolitan dailies, despite all San Francisco of their resources, make the same error. Urban Professionals You refer to the Archdiocese of Santa Rosa. There Malicious upgrade is no such thing. There is simply the Diocese of Santa Volleyball League Rosa. The organization of the Catholic Church is I appreciate the attention paid to the plight of San based upon the division of the entire world into geo¬ - Gay Divisic Francisco Office Supplies, as reported by Dennis graphic regions, each known as a diocese, and each Conkin, in the Dec. 28 edition of the Bay Area Re¬ diocese is under the rule of a bishop who is appointed Under New Management portMers.. Seto’s attorney, David Blumenfield, made a bmyo tdheem P otrpaen.s pIno rbtyatgioonne a cnedn ctuormiems,u bneifcoarteio tnh,e b aisdhvoepnst ooff All Levels of Competition wholly fallacious statement when he alleged that De¬ certain major cities were given, in addition to the re¬ Team SC Individuals Welcome ctoe msabvearg e2 2m wy assto trhee. Soinnlcye ttihmee o pMesr.a tSioento w haasd s oavmaeilwabhlaet cspesoen,s iabni liatdyd feodr rtehsep oandsmibiinliistytr.a tSiohno uoldf tahneyi r oofw sne vdeiroa¬l Come Check Us Out! 431-6339 less complex than constructing the Bay Bridge, in¬ nearby bishops die, they were to oversee his diocese volving Ms. Seto with her vacuum cleaner, her hus¬ until the Pope could be informed and a new bishop in¬ Open House Jan. 17-18 at 7pm • James Lick Middle School • 1220 Noe, SF band with his drill, and some acolyte serving no dis¬ stalled. To these bishops, the title of Archbishop was cernible purpose beyond sagacious agreement to pon¬ given. And so, a diocese governed by an Archbishop derous pronouncements from headquarters, it is diffi¬ is an Archdiocese. cult to know why the holes that had to be drilled could There are approximately a dozen dioceses in the rdable Bankruptcy not have been done on December 26 or even (God for¬ State of California: Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Oakland, bid) several years ago when she was on official notice San Francisco, San Jose, Monterey, Fresno, San Luis that the building was in need of substantial upgrading. Obispo (I think), San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Or¬ Richard LaCava, Attorney at Law Of course, she may not have been able to do any ange, San Diego, possibly one or two more. Of these, work to bring the building up to code when she was only San Francisco and Los Angeles are Archdioce¬ Free Consultations first informed of the necessity, since she had evident¬ ses. The rest are simply Dioceses. The Most Reverend Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy ly entered into some sort of agreement to host the Patrick Zieman, Bishop of Santa Rosa, is most defi¬ CEvoennvienngi e&n t WMeieskseionnd/ CAapsptrooi nOtmffeicnet s Available AmsuRyc cSse tso(sArfaumgle,e rjruicodaognmi nR gion d b1eyn9 t9th 5Se. ovIctai erwitoyau)s ,sA bcnyrni tutthaeelr scw o(annyoc,nl avev,a esu tnliyn¬ ngietneIelnyrca inldloyet n (ataanllt lhAyo,r uchgthbhei snhoAotr pnc.eh cbeisshsaorpi lyo)f a LCoasr dAinnagl,e wlehs icihs Call 415. 282. 8960 floodrteu noaft delryo,p epnindgasn gaevraeidla)b slieg hfoter dt haen dd etlhigeh vt aosft mmyo tchuesr¬- tmhee awnso rtlhda t( bhuet ish eoanveil yo ff rthooms eI t1a5ly0) owr hsoo vfrootme taor oeulencdt tomers. the Pope. Mr. Blumenfield’s statement that access to the All of this aside, I cannot resist passing along one premises had been refused by me previously is (how small observation on the facts presented: the State shall I say this charitably, and in a form suitable for went to considerable lengths to develop the charges publication?) a noxious lie. As he, himself, pointed against both men and demanded rather Draconian ret¬ Intuitive & Nurturing out in writing, Ms. Seto has the absolute right, as a ribution for their offenses. Yet, large numbers of un¬ Gentle Acupressure point-work helps clear landlord, to create whatever havoc she wishes when¬ derage girls undergo abortions every year. Pregnancy up energy blockages ever she wishes, a contractual provision supported by is prima facie evidence of sexual activity. And studies allowing your body to re-energize. law that is hard to understand. have revealed that many, if not most, of these preg¬ Safe and non-sexual. Ms. Seto’s malicious and discriminatory treatment nancies were the result of encounters with males sev¬ 45-minute sessions in a convenient of my store, in a building which has other commercial eral, if not many, years older. Many of these encoun¬ IntroduCctaosrtyro r alotec aotfi o$n1. 9.00 stepmacpet naot ti ndtriimlleidda, tpioronb, eodn earnodu sv ioonla tietsd ,f aisc ea aflnadg rdaenlet taet¬¬ tgeirrsl (wore rhee rc ofaetrhceerd). pNreosnsees aar er aipnev eosrt isgimatielda r ucnhlaersgse .t he good until 3/31/96. Regularly $39.00+. rious to the Castro Area. Yesterday’s San Jose Mercury-News, in quite an¬ CalNl Teowm Ttoe slcehpehdounlee y#o u(r4 n1e5x)t a9p9p8o-i7n4tm4e3n t. senIs itdivoe aspupprpecoirat teo ft hoeu rB c.Aom.Rm.'su nciotym’sp rperhoebnlseimves aanndd hoathde rf ocuorn ctehxiltd, rreenf ebryre dh etro 7a1 -1y7e-ayre-oarld-o lsdte pgfiralt hwerh!o T hhaids Member A .B. M. P. concerns. suggests that the old goat had been plugging her since Wesley W. Waite she was 13! Not only was nothing done, they ended r San Francisco up as guests on a TV talk show. Had there been the slightest evidence that the old man had been fooling Gay & Lesbian Catholics, ^ Loving gay youths around with a 13-year-old stepson, there’d have been Our Families & Friends a vigorous investigation and he could almost certain¬ On Friday, December 15, a man facing life in ly expect to die in prison. Eucharist Every Sunday 5:30 p.m. prison committed suicide. His crime was “sexual ac¬ I find the sexual exploitation and abuse of children V Seventh Avenue Church tivity” with teenaged boys. May David Hodges rest in of either sex to be reprehensible. But I find the obvi¬ 1329 7th Ave. at Judah * 681-249 peace. ous double standard and all that it implies to be truly How many men must die in prison or at their own horrifying. And when we, in a misguided attempt to hands before some semblance of sanity returns to our be “responsible,” attempt to deny such fringe groups state and our nation? How many men must lose their as NAMBLA and other such organizations the right to All Body Training lives and livelihoods for loving gay youths before gay advocate (note that I did not say “practice”) sex with tD©r-yeoAap■d e*y y Doo- tufoo tw yrcaoaoiunnn ttin inmnegeue de pt robm1o ngyc- r ryheaoame utlep r f tooshorw e yny or?oiu ug ’hrte GPersloNenFa l 0nFitnn ePsTs T1Gsrta iCnlea.rs/ sF CiGtneertsisfr ieCdio nAfsfuffilltoiaantet b“ukklepnneg eealAwiwidnkt,e elwrta ishksah”e e at G hasta regp pe eBeSeu aokboaky nef td rtrota1a yu2 MgR t e?wwcod DashyHase?o, on nPwa aoInl lddbimc egetach anaDayymt e sIepme axwsor etahrxmesiu s enatsnolotltor y yr“a i cpaeahpcsn iatdlirmdv ee.enu”n,t s¬dIIt pokmuridoersrj uao ldwo iprnc ee rwosm phupiasprtseeoisvnose niruo ,tsn o,. w dthee enrgyer bauyns t ac oovnuotrJir ceiebern uoaetSnmimndagi enei ms mM Jpioa.go shsFceeteoi ,lrt yshtCat eeitAinorr My 8 years of experience ly does not, that the average age of puberty in this aTPndhr oede fdMeicsatsiooinso tw nilla hle lp you! (415) 7C7all 1Abo-u9t M6y S6ervi6ces coinol dutehnrit srl yor veisespr .e1 Wc2t .yh Iea ata rlIss d,o i 8dk nmneowotn ktIh nwso,aw sa nwad ag stah ytah tya oIt uhwteha ,cs owtuyiltpdhi’ cvaanel ThRee “Rbouharnad’se Mned oBifll s mKeeep dMiocunatiln g”b (iDlelcs. 14 Guidance Available gotten decades in prison for one of our many nights of issue): passion, or that I might have been abused by the po¬ Even though my heart, as well as other well-wish¬ lice if I’d refused to cooperate. I had no idea how ers’ hearts, go out to Mr. Rohana for his misfortune, often this has happened, and how terribly it has often first with the shooting, then with his medical bills, I James G.Gregory D.D.S. ended, I only knew that I wanted a good friend and a find this article very disheartening and pandering to good blow-job, and my first lover represented both of the general public. Mojgan Maher D.D.S. these things. I, like so many other people with an illness, be¬ I am writing now because I have just read The came disabled last January 31. This January, my main Boston Sex Scandal, by gay columnist John Mitzel source of income (State Disability Fund) ends, cutting (following the tradition of John Gerasi’s The Boys of my income in half. Unfortunately, my bills are going Boise), and I know that the death of David Hodges to remain the same. I will begin to experience a was not a fluke. It is part of an ongoing tragedy which tremendous burden of medical bills. This stress will escalated dramatically in the 1950s and threatens now be increased later this year when I start paying for to disrupt the whole of our culture - as the scourge of COBRA. homophobia, which has boiled over, is now trans¬ On top of that, I, like many others, will still have formed into a new kind of age-based ideology that di¬ to pay an annual deductible plus a 20% co-pay for my vides the generations disastrously. insurance. Along with this I will have my regular bills I shudder to think what my life would’ve been like (rent, utilities, etc.) to manage. Who will be there for if my first affair hadn’t happened, or worse, if it had me? For the rest of us? been exposed. I do not now envy the boys who used I think Mr. Rohana is experiencing what quite a to go to “batting practice” at Hodges’s home, for the few of us are managing and struggling through ... way they are likely being treated by quacks and cops. debt. I suggest he get an attorney to get the bill col¬ The cop says of Hodges: “There was no indication he lectors off his back, but I also suggest that he keep was gay.” But says nothing of whether any of his ado¬ making partial payments and count his blessings that lescent male visitors might be “gay.” I certainly hope his life was spared. At least he’ll be able to enjoy fam¬ not, if being “gay” means giving the cold shoulder to ily, friends and the spirit of a Higher Love for quite the kind of lonely, homy kid I once was. some time. Bill Duckett Steven D. Keller Gentle Care in our comfortable office near Union t uare San Francisco San Francisco 450 Sutter, Suite 1220 • 415.986.1020 We accept most insurance. VISA and MasterCard PAGE 8-BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996 WAYNE FRIDAY l Stanley Ayers, D.D.S. & Cjenerai (Cosmetic &£)entistry (415) 397-2500 vft". ,I t 450 Sutter Street • Suite 2320 • San Francisco [9roudfij S)erring vV Y. the tJesbian & (yrry ommunitij Photo and Design: Franco. Doug tor HAM Studios Personal Injury Business Law Litigation Employment discrimination Although he couldn't compete with Da Mayor's extravaganza, Terence Hallinan nonetheless described his Jan.8 swearing in as our next DA by longtime friend Judge John Dearman as the high point of his life. 1 Goldstein, Gellman, Melbostad & Gibson Attorneys at laW Da Mayor Is In 100 Van Ness M 21st Floor San Francisco ayor Willie Brown keep getting tips from numerous vous. Sixty-one percent of voters California Call Jeffrey Qibson took office Monday in sources that the Democrats des¬ polled said President Clinton was 9 4102 415*621*5600 a manner befitting an perately want to take back the more earnest than the GOP in try¬ English monarch, and statehouse in ’98 and are continu¬ ing to find a solution for the bud¬ pSeacnt inFgr angcriesacta ntsh inagres cflreoamrl y theexi¬r iinngst teoin l etaon trhye aavgialyin o. nM Daniayn cnhee cFke¬- gtheet iRmeppausbsleic, awnhsi laer eo nrelya l4ly3 %try tihnign.k Lonely? Frustrated? newly crowned leader. The elec¬ book Dems feel Lieutenant Gov¬ In one of her first actions in her tion of the city’s first African- ernor Gray Davis owes his pre¬ new job, New Jersey Insurance Not Any More! American mayor, in which Brown sent job to his GOP opponent’s Commissioner Elizabeth Randall took over 95% of the black vote, lackluster campaign and would be (appointed by GOP Governor has also brought hope to the city’s unable to win the Big One. Christine Todd Whitman) killed Personal interview/photo session will match minority populations as well. a proposed rule that would have you with your dream date. Only $50. , SanH Fopraen dciosecsa nssp rainreg hetoeprninagl, tahnadt Commentary lsectr eegnr ofuopr HiInVsu arnadn cdee ncyo cmovpearnaigees Located in Castro. Brown can use his political skills to those who test positive. VIP Matchmaker hthoen setda teb yL emgiosrlea tuthrea nt o3 u0n iytee aar sc itiyn Another hot rumor has Presi¬ reseTnot athtiev esu rpTriosme of Lnoa notnoes. Reapn¬¬ (415) 252-9700 divided by police misconduct, a dent Clinton’s White House nounced he will seek re-election rampant drug problem, and the in¬ Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, a to the 9th Congressional District creasing numbers of homeless on former Monterey-area congress¬ (parts of San Francisco and the SAGA North our streets. (Not to mention crime man, considering a shot at Sacra¬ Peninsula). This guy is beginning on the buses, the lack of afford¬ mento. How do the Dems avoid a to look like California’s version of Gay and Lesbian able housing, deteriorating hous¬ costly and divisive primary clash? Strom Thurmond. ing, the AIDS epidemic, etc.) That’s an easy one: Feinstein Friends and supporters of gay Alpine Ski Club Willie “No Honeymoon” runs, Panetta sits it out, and if attorney Kevin McCarthy are Welcomes Brown certainly recognizes that DiFi wins, she appoints him to holding a reception/fundraiser for NEW MEMBERS all these problems exist, and dur¬ succeed her in the Senate. A Fein¬ the bright young lawyer’s Superi¬ ing his campaign and since his stein spokeswoman told the Bay or Court race (March 1996) on Of All Abilities December 12 election, he has Area Reporter that the senator Monday, January 22, 5:30-7:30 promised to act on them as fast as “will not close off any options.” p.m. at Yank Sing Restaurant, 427 Kirkwood, CA Jan 19-21 humanly possible. How will he Hmm! Battery St. Contributions of $50 keep these promises? “Perfor¬ Even though his presidential on up are requested. Call 441- Alpine Meadows, CA Feb 19-21 mance,” he said at a news confer¬ candidacy flopped badly and he 7156 for information. Jackson Hole, WY Feb 29 - Mar 4 ence after his runoff victory. ‘The pulled out of a race he was never European entertainers haven’t level of performance I’m prepared really in, Pete Wilson will receive really made it until either the Heavenly Valley, CA Mar 29-31 to engage in to make good on my $1.6 million from the feds this Queen of England or the French Come sign-up at SAGA’s promises.” year - matching funds from the Legion of Honor officially pre¬ Beau Brummell Brown, known Federal Elections Commission sents them with an award. The General Meeting / Dessert Bash for his love of pricey suits, flashy and taxpayer money, I might add. American equivalent would Sunday, January 14,1996 @ 6:30 p.m. cars, and expensive restaurants, I didn’t ask him to run, did you? be...an engraved pen from the seems well-qualified and sincerely Did anybody? White House? Well, rocker Elton First Unitarian Church determined to make the necessary Carol Ruth Silver for Con¬ John is now a Commander of the 1187 Franklin Street @ Geary SF, CA changes. “I know why this city is gress? Yep, seems she’s officially British Empire, having been on check out our new web-site home page at "http://users.aol.coni/saganorth/sagaski.html" in trouble,” Brown explained re¬ moved to the North Coast to run the New Year Honors list an¬ cently. “Standards, rules and regu¬ against incumbent Republican nounced by Queen Elizabeth II. Please Call SAGA North @ (415) 995-2772 lations have been so long in place, Frank Riggs in the 1st Congres¬ John, who was Britain’s top-earn¬ For More Membership or Trip Infomation and are designed to discourage sional District. ing pop star in 1994, has raised and block change.” Describing Caroline Marks, Milton’s millions for his Elton John AIDS himself as “a quick study,” Brown wife, is picking up some big en¬ Foundation. During a highly pub¬ claims that “I am able to absorb dorsements for her supe race. licized interview last year, he was WINTER PROJECT... volumes of information quickly” Look for Hawaii to become the asked by news diva Barbara “I’ll and pledges to move immediately nation’s first state to legalize gay Make You Cry” Walters: “Elton, Now is the perfect time to to make changes in municipal marriages this year. A gubernator¬ are you bisexual?” The superstar permanently remove unwanted hair. government. ial commission has recommended looked straight into Walters’ eyes Our mayor has also been quot¬ that gay couples be allowed to and quietly declared, “No, Bar¬ ► smooth chest ed as saying: “I’m also a pro. In 31 marry, but the Legislature there bara. I am a homosexual.” ► clear back and shoulders years, I’ve learned how to do the has not changed the law to allow A tip to the thousands of k.d. ► personal areas job. I’m not into gloom. I’m not it. The Hawaii state Supreme lang fans out there: your fave into doom. I hope San Francisco Court has ruled that denying mar¬ chanteuse appears two nights Sterile, disposable surgical takes my style. I hope San Fran¬ riage licenses to gay couples is un¬ only, February 19 and 20, at Oak¬ cisco takes on my attitude. All of constitutional unless the state can land’s Paramount Theatre, and gold probes. that comes from me.” prove a “compelling interest.” The tickets are selling/os7. Sounds like we won’t have to Hawaii state attorney general is My Quote of the Week is from Feel confident that your body is worry about this mayor being a preparing to argue the case for a someone I consider a hero in a clear & smooth shrinking violet - a little “compelling interest” before the world that has few heroes left: Napoleon peut-etre. Even Mr. court in July, but current bets are AIDS patient and activist Jeff Complimentary consultation Brown’s closest friends admit he that legal gay marriages in Hawaii Getty. Getty, when leaving San (415) 626-8505 has a very healthy ego, but so will be a fact and soon. Francisco General Hospital last ■S what! I’ll bet the guy delivers and Polls such as the New York week after receiving a baboon Randall Stephens, R.E. gets the job done. We’ll compare Times/CBS News Poll and others bone marrow transplant that doc¬ Approved by the American Medical Association notes a year from now. Good luck show President Clinton emerging tors hope will save his life, an¬ California State Licensed Registered Electrologist • 15 Years Experience and Godspeed, Mr. Mayor. from the federal budget standoff nounced: ‘To the naysayers who with his highest ratings in two said that I would never recover Politics and Poker years. The Newt and presidential from this procedure, well, here I The rumor that won’t die! I wannabe Bob Dole are very ner¬ am. And you were wrong.” ▼ 550-B Castro Street • San Francisco, California 94114 BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996-PAGE 9 SAPPHISTICATION BURNEY O. ALLGOOD, EA, CFP * Enrolled Agent New Queer’s Weave Certified Financial Planner EXPERT, COMPLETE TAX SERVICES A RETIREMENT & ESTATE PLANNING by Beth Elliott about the night. We had the big Haight and found less exploration fun for our face. of consciousness than ordinary s far as rockin’ in the new The day underscored a passage substance abuse by those who S69a0n MFraarnkceits cSotr,e CetA, S9u4i1te0 45 12 FTaexl:: 441155//336622--50132016 year goes, this one was a I’d just read in the East Bay Ex¬ wanted more from the community DIY (do-it-yourselO af¬ press book supplement (Hillary than they were willing and able to fair for the Sapphisticated Mullins on two books about the put in. one. A bunch of my oldest and Beats and 1920s Left Bank- les¬ dearest friends waited till the day bians): “Like creativity, survival is The big squeeze to gather ourselves, our voices and something people pursue with in¬ And didn’t our “women’s com¬ our guitars down in Pacifica to dividual and group resources.” munity” get squeezed between po¬ create our own entertainment. It Those two lineages actually meet litical exploitation and those who, probably wasn’t queer enough for like the runaways to the Haight, some folk’s tastes, but any party expected to be taken care of with¬ Russian River Resort where I get cheered on for playing Commentary out necessarily contributing to the original tunes with blatantly les¬ nurturing of the community to bian lyrics works for me. which they looked for an endless Saying my old roommate both in my circles of close supply of fun? Here we are, a MARTIN LUTHER Ryckje married a musician doesn’t friends/extended family of choice quarter century after Stonewall, even begin to hint at this tribe’s and in the roots of the (post) mod¬ and what we have is part collec¬ complex, boundary-crossing his¬ em Bay Area lesbian community; tion of good-time scenes, part tory. Ryckje had just left her hus¬ the quote resonates in the remarks community. What large-scale net¬ KING WEEKEND band, many moons ago, when she friends and I make about wanting work we have feels inaccessible to took up with both said musician, to live on land with each other. too many woman-loving women; John (who was 16 at the time), and When we talk this way, it’s an ac¬ they either face rejection for not January 12-15 me (who was but a few years knowledgment of these two lin¬ being part of the urban in-groups, older), and moved into a room in eages’ importance to our lives - or back away from things like Re¬ the Inner Sunset household we but also an admission that we no verse Honky Tonk Angel Syn¬ would call the Irving Street Home longer look to a larger community drome (too many single women for Wayward Girls. The two of of kindred spirits for belonging acting like “married” lesbians are them are still together, and Ryck and mutual assistance. still available). We’ve yet to ac¬ and I still can’t keep our hands off complish what the Left Bank les¬ each other. The true path bians did in terms of seeking cre¬ So here they had a house full of The Beats looked to reject dull ativity and survival together, friends and bandmates old and conformity for adventures and al¬ though this was once an ideal held new (not to mention half of Ryck- tered states of consciousness - not high. je’s women’s choral class) and necessarily as ends in themselves I don’t miss a hippie communi¬ more Martin guitars than I’ve ever (the exhilarating freedom of being ty that terribly. There are enough seen in one place outside of in the moment notwithstanding), friends and other folks around George Gruhn’s guitar shop in but as a path to discover what it who’ve held onto the positive 1 (800) 41-RESORT (707) 869-0691 Nashville. We did the song about truly means to be human. They in¬ ideals for me to feel comfortable. 16390 4th at Mill, Guerneville the pretty woman. We did the song fluenced a bunch of Bay Area folk Moreover, I think whatever drug musicians who gained access to culture is left lost most of its trials of a new psychoactive drug ideals a long time ago; it’s now Read and Save - LSD - and went on to spawn more about getting loaded than and popularize a new artistically opening the Doors of Perception and mystically oriented counter¬ (title of an influential Aldous Hux¬ culture. ley book). Some folks are contin¬ Foley Books From this counterculture came uing serious psychedelic studies; some of the lesbians who wanted as long as that work’s available, I The Discount Bookstore to birth another counterculture, don’t care whether it’s popular. I one that would be for women to sure wouldn’t mind a revival of On Battery Between California & Pine love, bond with and build commu¬ the old lesbian hippie sub-sub¬ In The Heart Of The Financial District nity with other women. Some en¬ subculture, though, as long as it’s visioned the mutual support and one that’s kept maturing and 20% oh Books We Carry artistic inspiration of the Left learning from experience as my Bank lesbians combined with the friends seem to have done. Books We Order Beat/hippie dedication to finding Meanwhile, I continue a long¬ out what it meant to be women, as standing pattern of ambivalence defined by women. If this sounds about being marginalized in the We can order over 200,000 Hardcover and Paper farfetched, how do you explain current incarnation of lesbian titles “ the time betwen order and pick-up is usually the Goddess revival and ecofemi- community. After all, I do have a nism? (And if you’re tempted to wonderful extended family in only 4 days. 415-391-0622 tMhicnKk eonfn at hmisa kaes s aa nf leuxkcee, lTleenrtr ecnacsee wI hfiecehl tom boest mdyissealpfp. oBiuntt ejud sti nw htehne for the role of ritual psychedelic community, I find myself sensing plant ingestion in nature-oriented, that its evolution is a spiral: anoth¬ female-positive societies in his er turn, and women will get over COME HOME TO YOUR EROTIC BODY book The Food of the Gods). their attitudes and weave ideals Unfortunately, not all the peo¬ into community again. It’s like my ple these scenes attracted got the thorough lack of interest in this vision sustaining the fun, the wave of “baby boomers turning BAY AREA method to the madness - or the 50” stories: I don’t give a rat’s ass, work it takes to maintain an alter¬ and won’t give a rat’s ass when I Experience erotic native economy. I nodded sadly turn 50. There are generations of FEBRUARY 24-25 during the Beatles television an¬ lesbians coming along making energy as playful, thology, when George Harrison changes just as substantial, and I spoke of their notion of moving to want to be a part of that continued For information, call: sacred, energizing and San Francisco until he toured the evolution. ▼ ERIC HOLMGREN transformative. (510) 653-1594 Taxi Hijacker Robert Aikens told the Bay Area Reporter he has been appointed Body Electric’s Continued from page 1 cChoamirm oitfte eth eo f Stahfee tyM earncdh anCtrsi moef ket at Collingwood and 18th Upper Market group, to work with CELEBRATING THE BODY EROTIC streets. police and merchants in combat¬ Kristofferson was arraigned on ing what many see as a crime charges of robbery, battery with wave. bodily injury, assault with a dead¬ Aikens added that he plans to ly weapon, and unlawful posses¬ hold a fundraiser for Community 'ux Bavarian sion of tear gas Wednesday, Janu¬ United Against Violence some¬ ary 10. time this year, out of gratitude for Rouse their compassion and referrals to Havin’ a Crime Wave ... community resources after his Meanwhile, Castro and Upper Market Street store was held up at Market area merchants are ex¬ gun-point on the opening day of A Guest House pressing increasing concern about business. the downside of that area’s heavy Other stores held up at gun- or • 4 Blocks from Ski Lift • South Shore Location traffic. New Year’s Eve left two knife-point in December include Noe Street stores, Take Sushi and the Eros Club on Market Street, • 1 Mile to Casinos • Private Baths • 5 Minutes to Clubs Jumpin’ Java, with smashed-in Aardvark Books on Church s$n Lake Taboe storefront windows; in addition. Street, Suzanne’s Muffins on Cas¬ Take Sushi’s $10,000 refrigera¬ tro Street, and Kinko’s Copies and 800 431-4411 tion system was stolen. The Gap, both located on Market - Books, Inc. general manager Street. ▼ PAGE 10-BAY AREA REPORTER-January 11. 1996