WILB HQ75 .0971 Out in the Mountains VERMONT'S NEWSPAPER FOR LESBIANS, GAY MEN, AND BISEXUALS Volume X, Number 9 December 1995 FREE‘ If Santa Were Gay: A Queer Holiday List €‘1.“"1""‘ (Photo: Kip M. Roberson) Burlington 's '135 Pearl.‘ Santa promises to bring peace to the Pearl Paul Olsen NORTH POLE/COLCHESTER -- As the holidays approach and the spirit of goodwill and giving enters our hearts, ‘tis the season once again for 0ITM‘s holiday gift list. If Santa were to take my advice, here's what he'd deliver this holiday season: Vermont Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights (VCLGR): Success in the adoption reform bill debate Burlington’s 135‘ Pearl: Air conditioning ("air—conditioning neutral" is. not chic in July) WIZN's Corm and the Coach: Low ratings Burlington Women's Council Executive Director Peggy Luhrs: An honorary membership in the Log Cabin Club Vermont Lesbians: Funding for a Women ’s Health Project to combat HIV transmission Northern Vermont's g/I/b community: A gay bar Governor Howard Dean: A budget in the black Lieutenant Governor Barbara Snelling: An invitation that isn't rescinded State Senator Susan Sweetser: An understanding of HIV transmission so she can withdraw her support for irresponsible HIV testing legislation Vermont Gay Social Alternatives (VGSA): Political activity Long time lesbian and gay activists: A new generation to carry on the struggle Continued on page 9 ''It All Started With " An Exploration of Leadership in ‘the Community, umveasnvorvisnuom Pan 3 lfiennett Law 1 BETHEL -- “It all started with Pat Buchanan. I literally credit his speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention with my active involvement in the gay community. I figured if he could pew that much hate on national television and get that much pplause for it, then something had to be done.” (Chris Tebbetts, Burlington) The one question in the leadership survey, chronicled in the October and November issues of OITM, to which the respondents submitted a wide divergence of responses was, “What motivated you to assume or accept a leadership role in the l/g/b/t community?” The respondents reported being motivated by a variety of personal factors, in many cases reflecting their affiliations with specific branches of the larger community. Most reported that their experiences substantively enhanced their lives, and respondents took satisfaction in the resultant improvement in the lives of others made along the way. “I think I am motivated by the dual forces of anger and idealism. My awareness of social ills often angers me, saddens me, disgusts me; my belief that I can make a difference comforts me. My belief that 1, working with others, can make a big difference motivates me to reach out and make connections with others who share similar concerns. What has sustained me in the past has been the excitement of success, measured in a ‘ myriad of ways, from connections , made, to bills passed. I have also been sustained by the opportunity to (OITM file photo) create.” (Susan Aranoff, Randolph) Randolph's Susan Aranofi ' was "motivated by the dual “I moved to Vermont when there were forces of anger and idealism "few social groups for l/g/b people, and no bar. I started attending Integrity (the gay and lesbian ministry of the Episcopal Church) meetings, not because I’m particularly religious, but because it was about the only social organization for l/g/b people. I met a lot of l/g/b folks; some were political and this was really my first exposure to community organizing and lobbying. I admired these political organizers for their bravery I learned that information was a form (of po\)Ner that could be used to the community’s advantage.” anon. got involved to alleviate my own sense of isolation. I think being bi can be somewhat isolating in itself, but in a rural area it is doubly isolating. I don’t want to think that anyone else will have to be as isolated as me.” (Kirsten Isgro, Burlington) “Whenever I’m given the opportunity to speak up about heteropatriarchy and its manifestations, I take the chance and say what I think without compromise or apology. Speaking out and taking actioniare my responses to injustice Members of my Continued on page 8 Babsgate to Roommate: 1995 in Review Kip M. Roberson WINOOSKI -- Vermont, the most rural state in the nation, proved once again in 1995 that . small means anything but sleepy or uneventful. The news and events that shaped ‘ Vermont's g/l/b community were as varied (Photo: Bennett Law) and . Terje Anderson, member of unpredlctable President Clinton's Advisory ?5 the weather Council on AIDS/HIV 1" January- Ranging from the coming out story of Ed Flanagan to the frightening as well as uplifting story ofDaddy’s Roommate to the scandalous Babsgate to the scoop on Howard Dean's reelection plans, 1995 has proven to be a very queer year. ....-.._ Narrowing the past year's events down to a Letterman-esque Top 10 list was not an easy task. The list contains surprising, angering, heart-warming and history-making stories. True, some of these stories may not be remembered much past February or March of next year but they were nonetheless significant to 1995. . Instead of trying to predict what 1996 will hold for our community, let us reminisce over 1995 one final time. Let the countdown begin! 10. Mr. Anderson goes to Washington Early this past summer, Vennont Department of Health AIDS Program Chief Terje Anderson was named to President Clinton's Advisory Council on AIDS/HIV. "Everything the council is going to be looking at is the question of what the president can do personally," said Anderson, "Even though he has certainly talked about AIDS more than any other previous president, there's a lot more he can do." Perhaps the most important aspect of Anderson's appointment is his ability to advocate for rural-specific needs created by the epidemic. Anderson stressed the power of each person's ability to know the facts and to discuss HIV and AIDS issues both within and outside their own communities. Anderson pointed out the need for individuals to take care of themselves through safer sex, attention to personal health, and concern for partners and '57'Continued on page 6