Dear 01 TM ,

It is with great pleasure that we encour-
age the efforts of Out in the Mountains to
continue publication. It is Vermont’s only
news magazine for Lesbians and Gay Men
and their supporters.

For the past three years,» Vertnont’s
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(P-FLAG) has been listed in this publica-
tion as a resource to the community. This
has led to many referrals to P-FLAG from
parents as well as lesbians and gay men.
0IT M provides a valuable networking
service in this respect.

In this rural New England state, there
is a significant population of lesbians and
gay men who need all the help they can get
to maintain networking services. Many live
in isolated areas. OITM is one instrument
that helps bring our community together. It
is also read by many supporters of the gay
community. Without it, we would be more
isolated from one another. We would also
lose coverage of civil rights issues impor-
tant to our community which are poorly
reported in the popular press.

P-FLAG of Southwestern Vermont
loves and supports our lesbian daughters,
gay sons, and all our gay and non-gay
parents and friends. OITM is an invaluable
asset for us because it is a primary way in
which our organization is publicized.

OIT M is important as a news source, a
feature magazine, and a networking serv-
ice. We strongly urge its continuation.

Yours sincerely,

Julie and Peter Cooper, Rutland

Dear OIT M ,

I am really upset to see the word “bi-
sexuals” on our masthead, and I think you
owe us an explanation. (Ed note: Agreed.
Read the editorial.) How can you justify
this change without any consultation or
input from the gay and lesbian community?
fig is pushing for this change? As far as I
am aware, there is no “bisexual” commu-
nity that is visible and organized and work-
ing for their issues (whatever they are). Let
the bisexuals first stand up and identify
themselves, then do something for them-
selves (and us) before we simply include

April-May 1990

them. I think this is a bogus issue being
pushed by one or two misguided souls
whose real goal is to divide the lesbian and
gay community, as happened in Northamp-
ton MA recently.

Sincerely,

R. M., Montpelier

Dear “New” OIT M,

Congratulations! And thanks!

It is extremely gratifying and restores
peace and hope and faith to the soul to
witness this outpouring from our entire
Vermont community and the real results: a
lifeline thrown out to the lifeline that has
been OITM in the past.

Certainly there will be changes — there
must be, with new infusions of fresh blood
and energy. That is a true sign of life and en-
sures renewed growth and this help to many
around the state.

Best of luck, and especially of more
workers and resources to enhance your
effective good works.

Most sincerely and gratefully,

Gilles, Burlington

The Passion of Pearls

135 Pearl Street
Burlington, Vermont