Though the law probably will be used
by the state to argue against same—sex
marriage in court later this summer, the
case’s attorneys, including Evan
Woifson of Lambda Legal Defense and
Education Fund, have said they don’t
expect it to significantly alter the case.
(Outlines)

WHO estimates
4 million with AIDS

GENEVA -- The number of AIDS cases
worldwide has risen to 4 million this year,
a 60 percent jump over last year’s 2.5
million. Asia has the highest infection
rate, rising from one percent of the
world’s cases to 6 percent this year. An
estimated 2.5 million cases are in
sub—Saharan Africa, where 10 million are
HIV—positive. Worldwide, 16 million
adults and 1 million children ‘are
HIV—positive. Half of the 3 million new
adult infections are in women. (Outlines)

European gays show
pnde

AMSTERDAM —— A large number of
European gay men and lesbians turned
out for the various pride events held
across the continent in June. An
estimated 100,000 attended EuroPride in
Amsterdam, director Hans Verhoeven
told Reuters. The people gathering in
the city hoped to send a strong message
against the rise of ultra—right—wing
activism and violence in Europe,
Verhoeven said. EuroPride, which
moves to a different country every year,
offered over 300 events. One of the
more unusual events this year was a
nighttime bicycle tour of cruisey parks.
In other European nations, between
100,000 and 150,000 people marched in
London’s gay—pride parade and attended
the festival June 19, according to
various estimates. The march began at

Hyde Park and ended at Brockwell Park,
where pop stars Jimmy Somerville, Boy
George and others entertained. Between
35,000 and 40,000 gays and lesbians
turned out for pride celebrations in Paris
June 19. (Frontiers)

Sharon Bottoms May
Wait for Son’s Return

VIRGINIA -— Although lesbian mother
Sharon Bottoms has won custody of her
two-year—old son, appeals may prevent
the child’s reunion with his mother for a
year or more.

On June 21, a Virginia appeals court
ordered Bottoms’ son, Tyler Doustou,
returned to her, ruling that she is “a fit
and nurturing parent,” and that the fact
that a parent is gay or lesbian “does not
per se render a parent unfit to have
custody of his or her child.”

But on June 24, Bottoms’ mother Kay,
who is battling for custody of Tyler,
filed a notice of intent to appeal before
the Virginia State Supreme Court.

Virginia law mandates that child
custody decisions cannot take effect
until all appeals have been decided. The
initial decision of September 1993
awarding custody to Kay Bottoms will
thus remain in effect until the state
Supreme Court rules on the case. If the
court decides not to hear the case, Tyler
could be returned to his mother in a
month or two. But if the case is
appealed, a decision may not be issued
for a year or even two years.

Evan Wolfson of the New York—based
Lambda Legal Defense and Education
Fund called the requirement that Tyler
be kept away from his mother a
“kidnapping” based on “anti—gay
prejudice.” (The Washington Blade)

(80

Susan McKenzie, M. S.

Experienced Feminist Therapist-Licensed Psychologist
Formerly Affiliated with the Women’s Therapy Center, Burlington, VT

Announces the opening of a new practice in Norwich, VT
Lesbian issues: Relationships, Parenting, Childhood Trauma, Life
Transitions, Anxiety and Depression

Insurance Accepted - Slidina Fees - Supervision and Consultation

) 660-9096

 
 
  
       

September 1994

October Declared
Lesbian & Gay History
Month

CHICAGO —— Several national
lesbian/bisexual/gay organizations,
educational associations and prominent
historians have jointly declared each
October as National Lesbian & Gay
History Month. Modeled on successful
celebrations such as Black History
Month, Women’s History Month,
Lesbian & Gay History Month is
designed to promote the teaching of
LesBiGay history in secondary and
post—secondary academic settings, as
well as within the LesBiGay community
and mainstream society.

A National Coordinating Council has
been formed to raise awareness and
assist in the development of grassroots
activities. The National Council has
resource materials available to
individuals and organizations _interested
in helping to celebrate Lesbian & Gay
History Month. To obtain resource
materials, send a SASE with 52¢ stamp
to: LGHM, c/o Gerber/Hart Library &
Archives, "3352 N. Paulina, Chicago, IL
60657. Call (312)883-3003 for more
information. V

R02

PAYN E

 

SISTA T

JUDGE

Honesty-Experience-Integrity
VOTE PRIMARY
Sept 1 3!

ma cm by The Roz Payne lot Assistant Judge Committee