Out in the Mountains

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The people, mainly from the state-
wide coalition, who organized the march,
did a commendable job. The parade route
was well thought out and provided for
maximum exposure. There is no attention-
grabber stronger than 400 queers disrupt-
ing traffic and interuppting mom and pop
on the Saturday afternoon shopping trip.
Traffic was stopped on Main St., State St.,
and especially Rt. 2. Although there were
many thumbs-up signs and horn honks of
support, there were also a few icy stares
with white-knuckled grips on the steering
wheel. At the rally, a rather large woman,
with a very loud voice, jumped from a
pickup truck and proceeded to shout ob-
scenitzies at the crowd; the incident was
more comical than threatenin

The pre- and post-march rallies w e
emceed by Susan Aranoff and Jim Morgan.
Kwanzaa kept the crowd moving to their
colorfulrhythms. Otherentertainmentwas
provided by the Vermont Cares Cabaret
and a local lesbian singer/guitarist. There
were several inspiring speakers and al-
though Governor Kunin regretfully de-
clined an invitation to speak, she did send
a strong letter of support which was read
aloud. Many of the Democratic candidates
were present at the rally, seeking support
from what they are finally realizing is a
substantial lesbian and gay political force
in Vermont; some of them even joined in
the march.

Once again, the VermontLesbian and
Gay Pride March was a shining success,
illustrated by apoignant example of how
a positive portrayal of being gay can help
someone struggling to overcome oppres-
sion: during the open-mike session at the
rally, a young man went up to the micro-
phone and announced his “coming-out”
for the first time. He was inspired by the
tremendous uplifting of spirit, and feelings
of finally belonging, which one cannot help

8

    

Sorry folks, there is no Gert
and Alice for this month because our
advice columnists are burned out. In
order to continue this column we will
need some person or persons to replace
Gert and Alice (We can change the name
of the column so as to not exclude men

Letters Home

by Jim Shirlock

“Coming Out” is a life—long
process for gay men and lesbians. Our
society is slow to adjust as well.

I remember fantasizing about
men at a very early age and idolizing
various male personalities. Chad Everet,
known as Dr. J oe Gannon on Medical Cen-
ter, was one of my most favorite.

As a junior high student, Ifound
myself being called “faggot,” “queer,” and
“fairy” by older students. Even before I
knew what they meant, these words were
painful to me. I developed my first

-“crush” on anolder man when I was-a

sophomore. He was my high school sci-
ence teacher.

As I left high schol and entered
college, Ifound myself attracted to, and
sexually aroused by, other guys in my dorm
and it scared me. Somehow it wasn’t
supposed to happen that way. Finally one
day, I said to myself, “Jim, you are gay.”
That was the turning point in my life.

Shortly thereafter, Istarted tell-
ing my family and a few close friends.

Many were not shocked by the news and .

most were supportive. A few even helped

 

from the selection process- how about

I

Greg and Alfred?). Send your inquiries 3
and/or information to: ;n
OITM c

P.O. Box 177 \

Burlington, \‘)’T 05402 ,a

        
 

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4 23*

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by suggesting books and one suggested'

that I join the Gay Student Union.
My first meeting at the GSU,3
was both exciting and frightening. With 3
continued involvement and meeting many Si
good people, both gay men and lesbians,I_li
realized that I was part of a very special?”
11

group.

I continue “Coming Out” every €
day. Gay Pride marches here and in)?
Washington have solidified my belief thali
we are a loving and caring group. Invo1ve- F
ment with Out in the Mountains and Vet-
mont CARES have exposed meto manyi
people dedicated to strengthening our;
community.

Most everyone who knows me]
now, knows that I am gay. To most of:
them, this fact has not changed their feel-
ings for me. And me, lam happy now,
happier than I ever thought possible. lsnij.
that what “Coming Out" is all about? 

JOAN KNIGHT Photography

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