April 1987, Page 11

VT Pride March Update

"Now more than ever" was the winning
selection for this year's Lesbian/Gay Pride
march theme at the March 2nd meeting of
the Planning Committee. Also at the
meeting, the first of two masters of
ceremonies was confirmed and preliminary
arrangements for poster and button designs
were made.

It was also confirmed that the rally
will be June 20th on the steps of the
Unitarian Church at the head of Church
Street. The parade route is still undecided.
Help and ideas are still needed. The group
has decided to use local speakers from all
over the state and needs your suggestions
on possible candidates.

"We want this to be
Vermont-oriented rally." said one committee
member, "and we want the whole state
represented. If people can't make the
meetings but have suggestions for speakers
or other things they’d like to see happen.
they should mail them to us, care of Out in
the Mountains.

Some of the runner-up themes the
committee rejected included, "March and
shout, the Legislature ain't got no clout,"
"Proud not Cowed," "March and Shout,
Legislature's full of Louts," "Ten Percent
won't Relent," and "Out of the Closet, into
the Constitution."

March on Washington Coming Together

On Saturday, February 28th, 35 people
from around New England met at Boston’s
City Hall for the second regional organizing
meeting for the National March on
Washington. Seven people from Vermont
attended the meeting.

"We are here today sharing information
about the progress each of our groups/states
has accomplished thus far," was the
comment of a facilitator at the start of the
meeting. A number of reports were given
and new delegates, with alternates, were
chosen for the National Steering Committee.

The focus of the march was discussed
at length. The primary emphasis for the
march will be lesbian and gay rights. Some
people at the meeting expressed the concern
that the message of the march may become
diluted if other progressive movements use it
to push their causes.

However, it was noted that many
lesbians and gay men are involved in one or
more of these other movements. Several of
those present felt that if an effort is not
made to reach other grassroots movements
for peace and justice, we would lose an
important opportunity for coalition building.

Clearly, this difference of emphasis
concerning a central focus will continue to
be debated. (A note of interest: The
National Organization of Women strongly
supports the march, and has donated office
space and equipment in Washington, DC.
Also, American Friends Service Committee
has donated money to cover expenses).

There were lively discussions about
possible ways of transporting people to
Washington, D.C. on the weekend of
October 11th. Buses, cars. and planes were
suggested. One exciting prospect would be a
"freedom train" weaving its way down
through New England and the East coast.
Plans have already been developed providing
a similar train from the West coast. Other
ideas? Suggested schedule of events will
include: Friday, October 9th, as a national
day of lobbying our representatives; Sunday,
October 11th, as March Day; and Tuesday,
October 13th, as a day of civil disobedience
at the Supreme Court. The next scheduled
regional meeting will be on Saturday, March
28th, 1-4 P.M. at City Hall in Boston. For
more information or to share ideas, please
write V.L.G.R., Box 281, Hinesburg, VT
05461 or call 864-3617.

Book Review  

by Jim Shirlock

I’ ookin For Mr. Ri ht But
I'll ettle For Mr. Ri ht Awa by Gregory
Flood could easily become the gay man's
constitutional. It is a book to read over
and over again in the face of any adversity.

 

This book is clearly an affirmation of
who we are as gay men and more
importantly, who we are as individuals. It is
very clear that our individual affirmation is
the central theme. When one can affirm
oneself as an individual, one can affirm
being gay, all relationships, and having
AIDS.

If the title does not capture your
attention, then the table of contents most
surely will. With a chapter title like I Lgft
EL Heart in San Francisco. And Kev West.
And L.A. And Fire Island. And
Provincetown. And I hear Phoenix Is i e...
along with Safe Sex: Robbjng Your Peter tp

Pay Paul, you will definitely decide to
indulge in reading this very worthwhile book.

Gregory Flood details the type of
thought processes that an individual gay man
needs to feel good about himself. It is
through these thought processes that one
can conquer any adversity that is faced. He
deals with removing negative subconscious
thoughts and turning them into positive
conscious behavior. All obstacles to one’s
happiness can be removed.

It is very clear that the person who has
the power to do anything in life is you.
Gregory Flood affirms the beauty of the
individual. He has become a prophet and
like so many others, we will hear what we
want and disregard what we want. But he
clearly leaves that choice to us.

I feel that with the catchy titles (book
and chapters), the format, the pertinent
quotes, and the straightforward approach,
this book will be a best-seller. The wit and
wisdom will prove to be very valuable to our

Calendar

April 2 - mu;

VLGR. Monthly Meeting. Peace &
Justice Center. Burlington, Vt. 7:30pm.

A r'l 4 - i. t u .

Northem New England Tradeswomen’s
Conference. Workshops. films, dance. More
info.--Lynda Siegcl at CEDO. Rm 32, City
Hall, Burlington. Vt. Call (802) 658-9300,
Ext. 197.

April 5 - Sat

Integrity. St. Paul's Cathedral,
Burlington. Service--7:55pm. Social
program--8:45pm.

April 5 - Sup

VT. CARES Annual Meeting. 1:30pm
Bethany Church, Montpelier. Vt
April 3 - flgg

Burlington Peace Coalition Board
Meeting. 186 College St., Burlington. Vt.
7:00pm.

April 14 - Tue

PASSOVER
April [5 - Wgg

OITM, DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES!!
April 16 - [pug

OITM, Content & Editing meeting.
6:00pm. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington,
Vt.

April 17 - Fri

OITM, Typing. 5:30pm.
A ril - at

Integrity. Celebrating Easter Vigil with
St. Paul's Congregation. Sat. night,
Burlington, Vt.

April 19 - Sup
_ EASTER
April 19 - Sup

Lesbian/Gay Unitarian-Universalist
Brunch at Joyce's. Info call 862-8507.

A ril 24 2 - Fri. at.

"Mobilization for Justice and Peace in
Central America & Southern Africa," in
Washington, D.C. Buses leave on Friday.
24th. For more info; call 229-0800,
863-8326, or 257-4776. Vt. Central America
Non-Intervention Network.

April 27 - Mon

Lesbian/Gay Pride. Organizing, planning
meeting. Peace & Justice Center. 7:30pm.
A ril - ur

OITM. General Meeting and Collating.
6:00pm. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington.
Vt. All Welcome!!

_ 

Lesbian/Gay Statewide Coalition
Meeting. South Royalton, Vt. 10:30am.
my;-_m

VLGR Monthly Meeting. Peace &
Justice Center. Burlington, Vt. 7:30pm.

 

community. If every bookshelf could have a
copy and if every gay man could read and
understand what is said, then the
consciousness of our community would be
raised higher than ever imagined possible.
Let your mind reach for the heavens, read
this book!

I’m Looking For Mr. Right But I'll
Settle For Mr. Right Away is published by
Brob House Books in Atlanta