' Out in the Mountains Letters to the Editor To the Editor: After the March in Washington I con- tinue to be amazed that you still carry first names under your listing of staff members on page two. Knowing that Vermont has ‘the added benefits of a gay rights law, enough of this homophobia. The complete name or none at all. Un- fortunately, the closet is a state of mind, unless, of course, your name is Cher. Albert: fiartterre Seacoast Gay Men Burlington Police Meet Gay Community On May 25, eight Burlington police of- ficers met with members of the gay and les- bian community in an open forum to dis- cuss issues of concern. The meeting, arranged at the request of Of- ficer Greg Knight of the Community Based Police (CBP), was moderated by Howdy Russell. About 20 men and women at- tended the meeting. Representative from the Police Department included all but one of the Community Based Police Officers, Sgt. Mike Rogers, CBC Supervisor and Lt. Emmet Hillard, the Police Department night shift supervisor. The officers introduced themselves and talked about the role of the CBP and their reasons for attending the meeting. Ac- Dear Editor, Coming out is a process which is more gradual for some of us than others. It took me a long time to identify myself as a lesbian. Than it took awhile to act on it. Becoming involved with OITM was another step. And I really felt “out there” when my first name appared on the masthead. Someday my full name may appear, but I have a few more steps to take before then. Carol V cording to Officer Robert Moore, “Our #1 goal is to create a better living environment help people get to know and develop a re- lationship with a local cop.” Officer Knight the lack of trust the gay community has in the police and the fact that in many cases, people will not call on the police for help. Community members described concerns and fears of the police and the “system” and gave some background on why many peo- ple feel the way they do. The meeting provided both police and com- munity members an opportunity to ex- change opinions and concerns. It was part of the Police Department's ongoing effort to reach out to Burlington's minority com- munities and provide service to them. V “Ask me how to save on car insurance?’ KEEP US POSTED! , Please 16! 115 know Of any 6V¢ntS lfyu1bnngyunhornemd