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After talks that AIDS funding for the
state of Vennont would be significantly
diminished and thereby threaten the effec-
tiveness of area agencies and programs
dealing with the epidemic, the Vermont
Department of Health has recently learned
that federal plans to redistribute AIDS-
targetted monies have been suspended.

The proposed cuts would have most
affected the education programs presently
in existence in the state. These account for
approximately one third of the $500,000

  (cont. from page 4)

work to educate the community on the
issues within the AIDS crisis and will be a
vocal opponent of those forces which
would have us believe that the AIDS crisis
is over, or of little concern to the state of
Vermont.

There is an incredible amount of work
to be done before we conquer this plague,
but waiting for "someone else" to act on our
behalf will be the nail in our coffin.

I implore everyone to join the battle
against AIDS in some way. Whether it be
writing a letter to our congressional lead-
ers, talking to your children about safe sex,
volunteering your time to Vermont
C.A.R.E.S., or joining ACT UP/VT, if we
do not fight back our silence will surely
equal our deaths.

Sincerely,

Peter Blackrner

ACT UP/VT

Dear OITM:

I want to thank you out loud for your
tremendous, enthusiastic, and thorough
support of my Women's Music Series. You
have encouraged me to pursue future ven-
ues for your area.

Already I have tentative dates for
Csselberry-Dupree (for mid-February),
Kate Clinton (for spring 91), and the amaz-
ing dancer/choreographer/perfonnance
artist from Philadelphia, Ellen Forman.
liveryone, watch for our ads. Your support
ls precious and I hope Queen's Run Con-
certs can continue to do right by you.

Thank you, thank you,

Peg Eves, Queen's Run Concerts

P.S. Don't forget our man Allen Ginsberg
on December 8. Out of the closet, waving
the flag since 1945. Let's give him a warm
welcome. He brings new meaning to the
term "poetry reading."

AIDS Funding Restored

offered to Vermont by the federal govem-
ment. To date, Vermontis one of only a few
states which allocates no state funds for
AIDS prevention programs.

The federal government's reversal
comes after intensive lobbying by health
officials from Vennont and other states.

New P-FLAG Group

Started in Burlington

A new chapter of the national group
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(P-FLAG) is currently forming in the
Burlington area. The group is being spon-
sored by OUTRIGHT VERMONT, which
works primarily with gay, lesbian, and
bisexual youth.

According to OU'I'RIGHT Coordina-
tor Josie Juhasz, it seemed natural that her
organization would want to assist the for-
mation of a parent-oriented support group.
"(The parents) wanted to be able to share
their experiences and find more informa-
tion, which is something that (OUT-
RIGHT) wanted to be able to offer."

Interest for the group was solicited via
various armouncements, including a num-
ber of colorful posters placed in strategic
locations around the city. The response at
the initial meeting was good, according to
Juhasz.

The next meeting of the Burlington P-
FLAG is scheduled for December 9th from
2-4:00 in the OUTRIGHT office at 30
Elmwood Avenue. At this meeting, the
group will decide on a more permanent
location in which to hold its meetings.

Anyone interested in finding out more
about this group can call Josie at the

. A A A . . . . . A A . - A . . . . A . A . . . A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AA

December 1990

 

OUTRIGHT office (865-9677) or contact
one of the other two P-FLAG groups cur-
rently operating in the state (see Resource
Page for addresses).

Pearls Vandalism
Continues

Burlington's only gay bar, Pearls, con-
tinues to find itself the target of hate-moti-
vated vandalism.

The most recent incident coincided
with the election night campaign party for
Howard Russell, an openly gay man who
ran for State Senate from Chittenden
County. On the night of the party, cars
parked outside of Pearls had their tires
slashed while their owners were inside.

In previous months,awould-be arson-
ist lit several small fires along the outside
of the building. None of the intended
blazes incurred significant damage to the
location.

Pearls owner Nancy Barnett remains
strong in the face of such adversity, stating
simply and clearly that the gay and lesbian
community in Burlington "will not be vic-
timized." She has called on both her own
patrons and the Burlington Police Depart-
ment to increase their alertness when in the
neighborhood of the bar. .

Barnett claims that this year has been
like " a war zone," and as such has been one
of the most horrible for the bar in terms of
the number of anti-gay incidents of har-
rassment. In addition to the recent tire-
slashing and arson attempts, two patrons of
the bar have been beaten over the past year.
In both cases, the assailants were quickly

apprehended.

Partners in Recovery and Growth Inc., Therapists

Erica Marks, S.A.C., A.C.H., Director
Giita Clark, Associate
Sherry Hunt, B.A., A.C.H., Associate

Sexuality, Substance Abuse, Spirituality, Parenting, Gestalt, T.A.,
M Hypnosis, Individuals, Couples, Families, Groups

182 Main St.
Burlington, VT 05401
Sliding fee scale Phone: 865-2403

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