Die—|n Calls for Shame

Dear OITM:

I was ashamed of some of my gay
brothers and sisters who took part in the so-
called “die in” demonstration in January in
Burlington. It was, to say the least, a vulgar
farce, and we do not need this kind of press.
It was an insult to the 500,000 people who
are still, in spite of 25 years of research and
billions of dollars spent thereon, dying
every year from cancer.

Some of those participating acted like
complete idiots, using vulgar and offensive
language and behavior. None of us should
be pointing the finger and blaming society
for the AIDS problem, nor making accusa-
tions that not enough is being done.

Proportionately, AIDS research fund-
ing is equal toor morethan cancer research,
and it is stupid to assume that our medical
science is going to instantly find cures no
matter how much money or time is spent.
We, as a society, have an uncanny abililty
to ignore our behaviors, which are usually
responsible for diseases like AIDS and
some cancers. We don’t want to take the

 

responsibility for things that befall us...it’s
a lot of bullshit and I’m sick and tired of
listening to it.

Most of the blame for the proliferation
and spread of AIDS lies within the gay
community, but we ignore talking about
this, because now that the rest of society is
atrisk, wecanblindly feel the monkey is off
our backs, and this too is bullshit. None of
us even like to be told that we “reap what we
sow,” but when you objectively look at
what's going on, it does come down to
that...p1ain and simple. If you smoke, you’ll
probably get lung cancer. If you butt-fuck
or engage in oral sex without condoms, you
probably will get AIDS.

So, everyone, especially those in the
gay community, should quit their bitching
and clean up their acts. People will also get
cancer and AIDS even if though they live
safe and clean - that’s just the way it is. Get
real and accept it.

M. Carey
Essex Junction

New Rutland Area Group Emerges

Following the demise of a number of
Rutland’s gay and lesbian groups, a new
outlet for the central Vermont community
has been established. The Rutland Area
Gay/Lesbian Connection had its initial
meeting at the end of last year, and looks
forward to sponsoring a number of gay and
lesbian events in the year ahead.

Organizers of the new Connection
point out that the group is not intended to be
adating service, but rather “a group of gays
and lesbians from the greater Rutland
communities who come together once a
month for mutual Support. to plan activi-
ties, have workshops and rap sessions, and
share Vermont’s organizational resources.
We would like to encourage those within
our surrounding communities to join us in
the many activities we’ll be planning and
lend your voice to us with concerns and
interests.”

_ The founders of the group felt it was
Important to establish a connection in the

area, “especially in time of isolation, fear,
and violence against us.” Though the
group’s original intent is non-political, fa-
cilitators agreed that they would move in
that direction if the members desired.

Following an initial publicity cam-
paign, group organizers distributed a wel-
come letter and questionnaire to potential
members. A meeting in Rutland on the 18th
of January was held to chart the course of
the new group. Listed activities included
game and video nights, barbecues and
beach parties, and field trips to places like
Montreal and Provincetown.

The group has already attracted mem-
bers from a diverse range of towns in the
central Vermont area and looks forward to
hearing from more gay men and lesbians in
the region. If you are interested in knowing
more,write to RAGLC atPO Box 455,East
Middlebury, Vennont 05740.

SHIATSU

In the Comfort of year Home.

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February 1991’