Approximately 400 Vermonters took part
in Vermont’s fifth annual lesbian/gay pride
celebration on June 14 in Burlington.
Marching behind a banner which bore the
slogan "Now More Than Ever", members of
Vermont’s lesbian/gay community and their
supporters made, what has become, our
annual trek through downtown Burlington in
support of civil rights legislation and against
the homophobia witnessed this past year in
Vermont.

The rally, which featured local speakers
from across the state, focused primarily on
the homophobia churned up during last
year’s ERA campaign and the currently

_ ongoing efforts in Vermont to pass a sexual

orientation anti-discrimination bill. Many of
those who spoke talked of their own
personal experiences, both in ~terms of
discrimination and empowerment, during
these two campaigns.

Another focus during the rally had to
do with the local response to the AIDS

esbian/Gay Prdewaelebratlon

 
       

V” x

   

Photo by Bob Mundslock.

epidemic. Terje Anderson, executive director
of Vermont CARES, expressed concern that
"all the media seems to be concerned about
is the spread of AIDS among heterosexuals.
We can't afford to make the distinction. A
gay life is worth as much as a straight life."

Also, Mimi DeSouza of UVM's Gay,
Lesbian and Bisexual Association (GLBA),
spoke of that organization’s successful efforts
to have "sexual orientation" become a
protected class within the university’s
non-discrimination statutes.

The rally and parade also featured the
music of KWANZAA, a local, multi-cultural
percussion group. This group led the parade
through downtown Burlington and gave the
event a very festive air.

For More L/G Pride,
See Page 6.

 

September, 19S7 ‘

March on Washington

Local organizing efforts for Vermont’s
participation in the National March on
Washington (M.O.W.) has begun with two
meetings in July. Informal committees were
set up in the areas of fundraising, media
and transportation/lodging.

Fundraising efforts will begin with a
garage/bake sale at 17 Foster Street in
Burlington (see calendar) on Aug. 29. Also
planned is a fundraiser at Pearl's, Pearl
Street in Burlington, on Thursday, September
17 from 8 PM to closing. Funds will be
used for transportation and lodging expenses
as well as supporting regional M.O.W.
efforts. '

The media committee is planning public
service announcements for radio and general
press releases in an effort to get the word
out locally to both lesbian/gay community
members as well as the public at large.

Plans are being worked on for
coordinating group as well as individual
transportation. For more information call
Terje at Vermont C.A.R.E.S. 863-2437.

The committees will re-group on
Thursday, September 10 at the Peace and
Justice Center at 186 College Street,
Burlington, at 7:30 PM. Come and join the
effort!

 
Table of Contents

Letters to the Editor

March on Washington '
Vision Statement

1987 L/G Pride Photo Review
Movie Review

Dear Gert & Alice

AIDS Info

Calendar

 
The .1987 organizing committee for
Vermont’s Fifth Annual Lesbian
Gay Pride Celebration would like
to thank all who helped bring
about a very successful Pride

Weekend. What a great turnoutll

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