Out in the Mountains

 

Being Thankful

November has traditionally been a
time in our country when we take stock of
that for which we feel thankful, a time of
Thanksgiving. There are many among us
who are offended by the origin of this
tradition as it is steeped in the exploitation
of Native Americans by invading settlers.
However, this tradition does remind us that
it is important to stop and take notice of that
which is good in our lives.

This is especially important for thaos
of us who are working to bring about
change in our oppressive system. Change
never happens fast enough when you are
being victimized. But change does hap-
pend and it is important to stop and notice
that we are making a difference.

We are nearing the end of the decade of
the ‘80’s and good things have happened in
Vermont for lesbians, gay men and bisexu-
als. These changes have included annual
lesbian/gay pride celebrations which have
brought with them a tremendous increase in
our visibility in this state. We have seen the
formation of a statewide coalition of lesbi-
ans and gay men which has been instru-
mental in advocating for our rights through
legislative means. We have a monthly

newspaper (OITM) which tells the stories
of many of our lives and demands that our
trials and our victories be noticed. We have
seen the formation and continuation of
Vennont CARES which has advocated and
educated toward a rational, caring response
to the tragedy of AIDS. We have recently
seen the formafion of OUTRIGHT VER.
MONT, a group aimed at meeting the needs
of our young brothers and sisters. We have
seen parents of lesbians and gay men begin
to speak out to our legislators and through
the formation of various PFLAG groups in

the state. ‘

These are only a few of the things *
which we as lesbians, gay men and bisexu-
als can feel thankful for. None of this was in
place ten years ago. Of course it is not
enough, but it is a solid beginning.

It is important to appreciate the tre- I
mendous amount of time, energy and re-
sources that individuals have put into
making these changes happen. For the ‘
courage, integrity and commitment of all
those people who have made change hap-
pen for us in this state, we at OITM are r
thankful. l

 

Send mail: we at OITM miss your
letters and feedback.

Nothing to do Friday Nights?

Help get OITM Out- help stuff envelopes
on Friday, December 1st
8pm at 30 Elmwood'Ave,Burl.

Help Make OITM Happen- Check the Calendar Dates for our
Meeting times