U. U. Holds L/G
Lay Service

A pink triangle hung in the front of
the church. The dozen speakers fidgeted
nervously in the front pew. Gilles Yves
Bonneau sat at the piano and began
playing J.P. Rameau’s, "Gigue en
rondeau". Thus began the first lesbian/gay
lay service sponsored by the First Unitarian
Universalist Society of Burlington.

Approximately two-hundred and fifty
people, many of them "regulars" of the
congregation, listened as selections from
"Gay American History" by Jonathan Katz
and a writing by Rita Mae Brown were
read. People listened to John Calvi"s song.
"For The Ones Who Aren’t Here,"
performed by Philip Roberts, and to nine
personal anecdotes from different
participants of the service. Stories of
coming out, of harassment , of amusement,
and of oppression were related.

People in the congregation were given
an opportunity to respond at the service.
Of the one-hundred sixty personal feedback
cards received, only three were negative.
Many expressed their gratitude for the
opportunity to learn, to grow, and for the
courage of the participants "coming out" to
the church. Those whom took part also
had the joyous chance to grow. For many
it was the first time one stood in public as
an openly lesbian/gay person.

The service was followed by a forum.
Approximately forty people gathered to
express their feelings about the service, or
about lesbians and gay men in today's
society. The service organizers had
collected book lists, contact information,
and other information which was available
for those attending the forum.

As one of the personal feedback cards
said, "I’m pleased I have come to once
more learn of love and concern. My
prejudice is lessened. My heart is more
open. Thank you all for sharing your soft,
sincere love."

 
from page 7 PFLAG

parents and gays and given them our
support and they have also helped us.
Our prayers are that groups will get
started in Vermont for gays, lesbians
and their families. We all need each
other and we are all different people.
PFLAG has a great newspaper, that
helps you see what is being done. and
yet to be done, for our sons and
daughters and us."

Kathy's name and number will appear
on the resource page of Out in the
Mountains as a PFLAG contact parent. She
is anxious to hear from other people
interested in-starting a PFLAG group in
Vermont. To receive information about
becoming a member of the federation, write
to:

PARENTS FLAG

P.O. Box 24565

Los Angeles, CA 90024

April 1987, Page 5

0|

Tues. Ed's $1 Bud Night
Wed. Ladies Night
Thurs. Boys Night Out

   

Womyn’s Dance Friday, April 3, 5-9 p.m.

0 Open 7 Days a Week 
Mon.- Fri. Open at 5pm
Sat. + Sun. Open at 8pm
O Downst'airs ls Open Tues., Thurs., Fri., and Sat.

0
O

135 Pearl Street Burlington, VT 802 863-2343

Out in the Mountains wants you
‘ You can have a future in the exciting world of
lesbian/gay journalism as an Out in the Mountains
staffer!
Learn all there is to know about the print

-/' media as you have a lot of fun trying to
X publish the monthly issue of Out in the

\ o , Mountains.
_ ,0 ' :0:v Intrigued?
' / Find out more by writing to:

Out in the Mountains
PO Box 438
Hinesburg, VT 05461