i By Tom Smith, (Alderpperson in Burling-
ton, Ward 3).

The slogan, “Silence Equals Death,”
graphically points the way forward in the
struggle against homophobia. We must be
looking for every opportunity to challenge
manifestations of homophobia, using var-
ied tactics from “kiss-ins” at the Republi-

l can Convention to polemics in psychiatric
journals.

The Burlington Board of Alders pres-
ents one such opportunity. With this in
mind I brought forth a resolution this spring
condemining the “Drink Beers, Kill
Queers” campaign at UVM. In Augustl
sponsored another resolution commemo-

It rating John Rutkowski’ s courage in educat-
-‘ing the public about A.I.D.S. The follow-
ing is the text of the resolution which was
passed unanimously by the Board August
15 rekating to People With Aids.

CITY OF BURLINGTON

In the year One Thousand Nine
Hundred and Eighty—eight

Resolved by the City Council of the
City of Burlington, as follows:

That WHEREAS, Acquired Immune
Defiency Syndrome (A.I.D.S.) has killed
more than 40,000 people in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, A.I.D.S. has had a profound
affect on the gay men’s community; and
WHEREAS, homophobia is a widespread
system of beliefs that has been responsible
for the harrassment of/and discrimination
against those individuals thought to be
homosexual; and
WHEREAS, these prejudices have under-
mined the public commitment to fund re-
search to find a cure for A.I.D.S.; and

_WHEREAS, the A.I.D.S. epidemic has
exacerbated homophobia and heightened
théii harassment of gay men and lesbians;
an
WHEREAS, John Rutkowski, a 29 year

_old Burlington resident was first diagnosed

-as hailing A.I.D.S. in September of 1987,

-and died June 28, 1988; and ,

'whER_EAS, John had experienced the

ghardshllls of being an openly gay male in a
h0m0phobic society; and

REAS, John chose to take his per-

30ml message about A.I.D.S. to the public

despite the stigma associated with the ill-
ness; and
XQHEREAS, John’s efforts at public edu-

hi '0“ Contradicted the Vermont perspec-
Ve that A.I.D.S. 1S simply a big city prob-

.

 j

Burlington lders Pass Resolton

lem; and

WHEREAS, John’s choice to personally
do public education about A.I.D.S. took
great courage;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Board of Aldermen urges the
Mayor and the Board of Finance to pledge
a sum of money from the special projects
fund to Vermont Committee for A.I.D.S.
Resources, Education and Services in the
name of John Rutkowski; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
City Clerk is directed to send a copy of
this Resolution to J ohn’s mother; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this
Board will seek creative ways to educate
the public about A.I.D.S.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this
Board will re-dedicate itself to the
struggle against homophobia.

October 1988

 

Therapy from page 5

as an individual. As one person said, “If a
therapist’s reactions are going to get in the
way of talking freely about the gay part of
me--that’s not the therapist for me!” All
suggested that an initial get—acquainted
meeting is the best time to ask aprospective
therapist about their experiences and feel-
ings concerning lesbian/gay/bisexual
clients. It is imperative that a client be
comfortable with her/his counselor, gay-
sensitive or not. Shopping around a bit and
getting friends’ recommendations are
highly suggested. The bottom line, several
say, is that clients are paying for a service
and should be satisfied with what they get
for their money.

Kstephen
&
Burns

Taft Corners Shopping
Center
Williston VT 05495

878-64 13

  

  
 

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209 College St.
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658-2523

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