2 — OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS — JANUARY 1999 EDITORIAL Reflecting On Battles Past, Present and Future J. he front page of this issue I is an excellent reflection of the year past and a pre- view of what we have ahead of us in 1999. A 93-year-old member of our local community is recognized for her contribution to our past and, consequently, our future. An official gathering of local Christians resolves to include our community fully in spite of con- trary decrees from the larger communion. Local authorities recognize the need for harsher penalties in crimes motivated by ignorant hate. And a group made up of gays, conservatives, and everyone in between unite against an organization known for its discriminatory practices. Interest in GLBT history is becoming almost trendy. Response to our new “Stonehenge to Stonewall” col- umn has been enthusiastic. At almost every gathering of our leaders l’ve attended this year, the subject of preserving the sto- ries of our past has arisen. We must see this idea through and record the lives of our previous generations. It is more than fasci- nating reading; it is critical for us to move forward with actions based upon what. we learn from the successes and failures of the past. It is also terribly important that we recognize our allies in the straight community and yell from the highest towers when they stick their necks out for us. A unanimous vote of 189 Vermont church leaders in support of total inclusion for GLBTS is no small feat, particularly when many of their higher human authorities rigorously disagree with such a move. Cry “Assimilation!” all you want. The fact is that we do - always have, always will — live amongst these people. Researchers tell us that as much as 75 percent of the world is straight; some say more. Cooperation and comfortable co- existence is not giving in, it is common sense. Reality check: some of our best friends are straight. Look at the tiny Rutland County town of Benson, where people from every point on the political spectrum are banding together. Sure, some are in itjust to lower their property taxes, but isn’t it poetic that one of our bat- tle cries is of use to them now? Whatever the motives, the fact is that an organization with a proud tradition of discriminating against people is about to be con- fronted. They will finally be told that they can’t have it both ways. .Tax—free status for non-profits is legally bound to equal access. The Boy Scouts of America are going to have to pay up or open ,up. Mainstream authorities are also tuning in to the need for extra protection against hate crimes. It is deplorable that most ofthe country had to be shocked into action on this subject by the cacao-ouuoon-o-no-on highly publicized murder of Matthew Shepard —- so many others have died for no better rea- sons — but it is out there now. I pray that the tide is strong enough to see this through. Here in Vermont, as is so often the case, we are ahead ofthe popular movement.. Our already strong hate crime laws may be rein- forced in the state legislature this spring. The coming year is going to be an exciting one. We’ll have a decision from the Vermont Supreme Court on our right to marry. No matter what the deci- sion, we have to prepare our- selves for the inevitable fight with the political right wing. We’ll have a blast at the drag ball. We’ll watch Samson, dis- guised as Benson, Vermont, tack- le Goliath — aka The Boy Scouts of America — using accusations of discrimination as a sling shot. We’ll keep an eye on the health department as they consider reporting the names of people with HIV. We’ll be a part of a new tradition during Equality It is critical for as to move forward with actions based upon what we learn from the successes and failures of the past. Begins at Home week in March. We’ll make plans for a communi- ty center. We’ll pay attention to ' those who have been there and done that and learn from them. My First Thank You Note C is the season for writing l to tell people how much we appreciate the gifts they gave us in the previous month and l’ll start with an open letter to all of you who have responded so far to our recent subscription and donation appeal. It is wonderful to receive this concrete validation of the work we do here and the confirmation that Out in the Mountains is a vital part of our community. All of us are dedicated to providing you with the news, information, and connections you need. Thank you for thanking us.V’ The onset‘ of adolescence Out in the Mountains turns thirteen this February. Wbatavor you take along for pleasure, consider this: We may feei.sa!e:in.Vermont; but we 're not immune: to AIDS and bone uaiinz transmitted diseases; i ckwnce... e a condo” ‘wt ‘.4 1. . anonymously upon request, and strict confi- Our IN THE MOUNTAINS Established M1986 C — EDITOR IN CHIEF — Barbara Dozetos — ART DIRECTOR — Donald Eggert — WRITER/COPY EDITOR - Tina Giangrande — PRODUCTION ASSISTANT — Mack Fioark — OFFICE MANAGER — Jim Petrie — SOURCE /CALENDAR EDITOR- Gary Smith - CIRCULATION MANAGER — Kevin Mcateer Columnists: Skeeter Sanders, Sandi Cote, Crow Cohen, Keith Goslant, Flev.lChristlne Leslie, Susan Murray, Beth Robinson, Esther Fiothblum, Miki Thomas, Thomas Henning, Charles Emond, Virginia Rentrew, Esther Fiothblum, John Hannah Contributors: Tom Aloisi, Sarah, Burgamy, Joy Griffith, Cleo Wolf, , Donald Eggert, John Fedor, Cathy C Resmer, Yves Morrissette, Maxwell Stroud, Kimberly Ward, Elena Taylor-Garcia, Tim Evans, Marti Backus -MOUNTAIN PRIDE MEDIA- BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cheryl Carmi, Joy Griffith, Garrett Kimberly, Bennett Law, Jim Petrie, Roger Mapes, Kevin McAteer, Rekha Fiosha, Joseph Ryan, Chuck Starr STATEMENT OF PURPOSE V The purpose of Out in the Mountains is to- uals, transgendered people, and our support- ers in Vermont. We wish the newspaper to mation. We also see O/TM as a vehiclelor the celebration of the culture and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered communities here in Vermont and elsewhere. EDITORIAL POLICY We will consider for publication any material which broadens our understanding of our lifestyles and oi each other. Views and opin- ions appearing in the paper do not necessar- ily represent those of Out in the Mountains. This paper cannot and will not endorse any candidates or actions of public officials on issues of importance to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgendered persons. We reserve the right not to publish any mate- rial deemed to be overtly racist, sexist, anti- Semitic, ageist, classist, xenophobic, or homophobic. V Writers‘ guidelines are available on request. All materials submitted must include a name and a contact number. However, within the pages of the newspaper, articles may appear dentially will be observed. Articles, letters, and artwork should be sent to us by the deadlines indicated in each monltfs calendar. This is normally in the mid- dle of the month prior to publication (i.e. mid- February for the March issue). We encourage and implore our readers to do what they can to make 0/TMa paper which truly represents the many voices of our communities. Out in the Mountains (ISSN 1081-5562) is published monthly by Mountain Pride Media, Inc. The newspaper maintains offices on Bridge Street in Richmond, Vermont. The subscription rate is $20 per year within the United States of America. @1999, Out in the Mountains Out in the Mountains PO Box 1078 Richmond VT 05477-1078 TEL (802) 434-OITM FAX (802) 434-7046. oitm@together.net, editor@vtpride.org, or ads @vtpride.org- serve as a voice for lesbians, gay men, bisex- ,. be a source of information, insight, and aftir- '