sexuality and by tracing for the workshop participants the role
played by our brothers and sisters from the times of the Old
Testament through the ancient Greeks and Romans, through the
Middle Ages and up to the Germany of the turn of the century. I
told them about Hitler’s death camps and about the Native
American berdache traditions.

I had to skip. I had to rush and I was unable, as I often said, to
do the subject justice. Despite the shortage of time, I believe I
was able to give a feel for the history and perhaps to whet the ap-
petites of a few people to read more. I ended by distributing a
four page bibliography with marks next to recommended books,
and with a selected additional look at “Before Stonewall.”

Immediately following the 90 minute History Workshop, I moved
aside the VCR and TV, and set out namecards on a long table for
the eight panelists involved in the discussion. About a dozen peo-
ple had attended the History Workshop. This number doubled for
the discussion of Gay and Lesbian Issues in ABE. Many people
who had not registered dropped by to participate or just to listen. I
only wish I had arranged to tape it. It was, in a word, impressive!

After introducing all seven of us as gay, I offered each panelist
the opportunity to speak. Each person did so eloquently, and
there followed a wonderful dialogue between the panelists and
the audience -— (I would guess to have been half gay.) There
were many personal stories told. People who spoke included a bi-
sexual and her search for an identity, and a non-gay woman who
had gay parents and had been raised in a gay society and her
search for her identity as a straight woman. One ABE teacher,
who had come out to me in great fear and secrecy last year, chose
this opportunity to come out publicly!

I had to do very little as moderator to keep things moving. I was
sorry to stop when the time came for lunch. All of the panelists
stayed for lunch and I was glad to see the dialogue continuing
all over the dining room. I might be biased, but I feel that these
workshops and the openly gay presence at this Conference for
the very first time helped everyone who attended to grow a lit-
tle, to understand a little, to think a little more about bigotry and
prejudice... and perhaps to accept a little more the great gift that
we gay and lesbian people are to society as a whole. I feel that
all who participated are now better able to accept our sense of
service to others, our generosity of spirit, our dedication to our
work, our artistic abilities, and our zest for life.V

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THERESA BACON 425-4079

call for free consultation I

Q. What’s better than Boston??
Newer than New York??
More fun than San Francisco??

A. Vermont’s 1993 Lesbian, Gay
and Bisexual Pride Day!!

Mark your calendars now for Saturday
June 26th  and plan to be in Burlington
for the celebration.

And while you’ve got your calendars out
write down Saturday ‘February 13th.
That’s the date of our Valentine Sock
Hop. Its a fundraiser for 1993 Pride day
and will be held in Contois Auditorium in
Burlington at 8 pm.

If you want to get involved in the fun and
planning for Pride Day or any of our out-
rageous fundraisers...we want to hear
from you.

General Info:
Leah 864-6764, Lucy 862-8236

_ Outreach/Statewide Organizing:
Susan 728-4638, Pat 889-3524

Publicity: Rachael 862-4467
Sock Hop: Peggy 862-9015

Bring your marching band instrument out of
the closet for 1993 Gay Pride.

Contact Peter at 878-1123 to get involved.

January 1993

Plansfor Pride Day 1993

 

(302) 878-5600 BUSINESS
(802) 878-0096 FAX
(802) 434-3432 RESIDENCE

ATIGTIE W
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