Out in the Mountains

 

Has the Time Come?

It has happened. Massachusetts now
has a statewide law banning discrimination
based on sexual orientation in housing,
credit, insurance, public accomodations,
and employment. After 17 years the
struggle, hard work and dedication of les-
bian and gay activists has paid off. But their
struggle is not over. Hours after the law was
passed as a bill by the legislature, there
were cries by conservatives to repeal the
measure in the form of a referendum on the
next election ballot. Unfortunately, in the
state of Massachusetts it is relatively easy
to place referendum questions on the ballot.
The going won’t be easy for the right wing
though. The Massachusetts Coalition for
Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights say that they
will contest every single signature of the
33 ,0OO that the conservatives need to place
an item on the ballot. Pro-gay forces also
point to popular opinion polls which show
that 70% of Massachusetts voters support a
law for gay civil rights. Maybe it is a good
thing if the conservatives can bring it to a
vote. If it passes a ballot vote then it will
stay a law.

As we in Vermont look at our southern
neighbor’s success, it reminds us that hard
work and dedication definitely win out in
the end. Their victory will aid in rejuvenat-
ing lesbian and gay political forces
throughout the country let alone in our
state. Yet, there is also the reminder that
there is a need to be ever-vigilant against
conservative, bigoted politics.

The beauty of the passage of this law
was that no new strategies were employed,
no potions concocted, no magic hats used,
no curses envoked. Strong and persistant
lobbying works for lesbians and gays as
well. Now that we see that we also can
obtain civil rights through our C0unt:ry’s
political system, it provides impetus for
continuing to fight. Vermont might be
several years behind Massachusetts in
terms of legislature’s liberal composition,

but we can continue to better our chances

with each election.

Of course, there are those ever present I

questions. Is the passage of the law in
Massachusetts a fluke? Will it be repealed
and put conservatives back on their toes to
prevent its passage ever again? Will it take
another decade or so before the another
state can claim a similar victory?

Or are we starting to see a shift in
thinking of politicians? Are Republican
lesbians and gays really starting to influ-
ence the voting of their representatives? Is
this a signal of a different generation of
politician entering the arena? With all the
baby-boomers, flower children and hippies
now in their mid—to-late 30’s, are they pm-
vidin g a more liberal backdrop to politics?

Time will only tell for many of these
questions, but in the interim it is necessary
to continue making phone calls, writing
letters and knocking on doors in order to
move closer to our civil rights.

 

Dear OITM:

This the final installment in my series
about gay men and the women who love
them.

Throughout the months I’ve received a
great deal of positive feedback on these
pieces, both from people in Vermont and in
other areas. It speaks well off your publica-
tion that you have allowed the series to run
uninterrupted.

I'd like to congratulate you all for
work. OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS is
worthwhile and the articles beneficial to all
Vermonters, regardless of their sexual ori-
entation.

Best Wishes,

K.K. WILDER
Dear folks at OITM,

First of all, let me congratulate you,

and also thank you, for putting out such a
good publication. OITM is a real treat. I am

new to Vermont and pretty much home-
bound due to chronic illness. It has been
real special to me to have some regular
news of the lesbian/gay community here,
particularly since I’ve been unable to ,meet

people and be a part of things in a more

direct way because of my Health. OITM
has helped to fill a real crucial gap for me.
and I,m sure for many others. I am grateful

that you’ve all put the time and energy in I0

make it possible. _
I guess the main point is that i appreci-

ate what you are doing, and would like I0

support your efforts. I know that thank

you,s, although they are nice, don,t get the i

work done and don,t pay the bills, and I
know how much it takes to keep somethllfg
like OITM going. I will certainly be 1“ ,
touch when I am once again well enough ‘°.
help out in a more active way. In the mean

time, know that I am cheering you on and
(Continued on <1 3

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