RFD Issue 26 Spring 1981

Page 1


Jhc Current Crisis &Jhe Juture jeatu res F o l l o w i n g an RFD t r a d i t i o n , t h i s S p r i n g i s s u e i s late. The p r o d u c t i o n o f t h i s i s s u e r e q u i r e d a p r o l o n g e d e f f o r t on t h e p a r t o f b o t h Running Wat e r and t h e f e a t u r e c o l l e c t i v e . Our W i n t e r , i n g e n e r a l , h a s b e e n a t i m e o f s t r u g g l e t o meet resp on sib ilities. We a r e g r a t e f u l f o r t h e e x ­ p r e s s i o n s o f war mt h and a o p r e c i a t i o n w h i c h come through the m a il. You p r o v i d e d us w i t h i n s p i r ­ a t io n to keep g o in g . ( S o m e d a y y o u r l e t t e r s may even g e t a r e p l y . ) RFD i s r e s p o n d i n g t o t h e e n e r g y f o c u s e d upon i t . Although not c o m p l e t e l y s o l v e d , f i n a n c e s are b e ­ g i n n i n g t o l o o k mor e m a n a g e a b l e . Wi t h t h e new p r i c e s t h e j o u r n a l may b e a b l e t o c o v e r c o s t s . However, in order t o a c h i e v e t h i s g o a l , mor e o f t h e m a g a ­ z i n e s mus t b e s o l d t h r o u g h s u b ­ scriptions. Sales to book­ s t o r e s and d i s t r i b u t o r s a r e o f t e n a t a l o s s when " r e t u r n s " are fig u r e d in . We a r e b e g i n ­ ning a d r iv e t o in c r e a s e sub­ s c r i p t i o n s a n d p r o v i d e RFD' s m e s s a g e t o mo r e o f o u r b r o t h ­ ers. A d v e r tisin g i s a key factor. Ads f o r RFD a r e b e i n g p la c e d in other p u b l i c a t i o n s . We a r e d e v e l o p i n g a p o l i c y f o r a d v e r t i s i n g w i t h i n RFD a n d e x ­ change a d v e r t is in g w ith other journals is being c u lt iv a t e d . At t h e same t i m e we a r e ma ki ng e v e r y e f f o r t t o m a i n t a i n an a ttr a c tiv e journal o f c o n s i s t ­ e n t q u a l i t y - a p r o d u c t which w ill s e ll i t s e lf .

I n t e r e s t i n f e a t u r e s h a s grown r e m a r k a b l y . Sud­ d e n l y t h i s W i n t e r , t h e f e a t u r e s f o r t h e ne xt four i s s u e s were s c h e d u l e d . We're hoping t h i s advance n o t i c e w i l l a l l o w RFD t o e v e n t u a l l y come o u t on schedule. So p l e a s e d o n ' t w a i t f o r t h e l a s t m i n ­ u t e t o w r i t e o r draw t h a t s p e c i a l p i e c e y o u h a v e in mind. Your c o n t r i b u t i o n i s n e v e r t o o e a r l y . M a i l y o u r work t o RFD, R o u t e 1 , Box 1 2 7 E , B a k e r s v i l l e , NC 2 8 7 0 5 . I f th e submission i s designed fo r a p a r t i c u l a r f e a t u r e p l e a s e s p e c i f y which one i n your c o v e r l e t t e r . W e ' l l im m ed ia tely send i t on t o t h e a p p r o p r i a t e g r o u p . I f you ha ve a group i n t e r e s t e d i n d o i n g a f e a t u r e f o r RFD, t e l l us y o u r i d e a a n d w e ' l l s e n d y o u d e t a i l s on w h a t ’ s involved. Here i s a l i s t o f t h e up-coming themes :

Spring Is fy rc f

W h i l e RFD i s m a k i ng h e a d w a y and e x p e r i e n c i n g p o s i t i v e g r o w t h , i n d i v i d u a l l y , we a r e beginning to f e e l d e p le te d . At Ru n n i n g w a t e r , we c a n w e l l u n d e r s t a n d t h e p a t t e r n by w h i c h RFD h a s b u r n e d o u t a s e ­ q u e n c e o f c o l l e c t i v e s and i n ­ cn )(»se dividuals. The amount o f work a n d d e t a i l r e q u i r e d t o do t h i s O h could 1 fly, I d f ly mlk thee! j o b c an e a s i l y o ve r w h e l m a s m a l l number o f w i l l i n g w o r k e r s . We W)e Id make with joyful , y are n o t , however, ready to pass - ~ ' " JJ* the jo u r n a l o n . We a r e f i n d i n g O u r annual visit o'er the globe. p articu lar value in the connec­ t i o n t o o t h e r s w h i c h RFD p r o ­ v i d e s , a n d much p e r s o n a l s a t i s ­ f a c t i o n in the s e r v i c e i t e n ­ a b l e s us t o o f f e r . Further, we a r e h o p i n g t h a t s o m e d a y i t w i l l p r o v i d e a s m a l l i n c o m e t o h e l p u s s u b s i s t on o u r h o m e s t e a d without p e r io d ic so jo u rn s t o c i t i e s for employment.

Companions of the spring.

fvm To TheCuck*>' by 3bfm Logan

We've o r g a n i z e d p r o c e d u r e s t o e f f i c i e n t l y h a n d l e c l e r i c a l r e s p o n ­ sib ilities. But t h e a c t u a l p r o d u c t i o n o f t h e j o u r n a l , p u b l i c i t y , and fun d r a i s i n g r e q u i r e g r e a t e r manpower. C o n s e q u e n t l y we a r e l o o k i n g f o r d e e p e r i n v o l v e m e n t f r o m i n t e r e s t e d p e r s o n s i n t h e RFD community. The c e n t e r f o l d o f t h i s i s s u e d e s c r i b e s " 1 0 Ways t o P a r t i c i p a t e i n RFD". P l e a s e rea d i t o v e r and c o n s i d e r t h e t a s k s a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s t o w h i c h y o u m i g h t w a n t t o make a c o m m i t t m e n t . T h i s i s an i n v i t a t i o n t o a c t i v e l y s h a r e y o u r c r e a t i v e e n e r g y w i t h RFD.

ISSUE # 2 7 SUMMER ' 8 1 PCETRY This fe a tu r e i s being compiled in North C a r o l i n a . Original c o n t r i b u t i o n s by and about g a y p o e t s and p o e t r y a r e w e l c o m e . A l t h o u g h t h e ma i n e m p h a s i s w i l l b e on p o e t r y , s h o r t s t o r i e s , p r o s e , and o t h e r l i t e r a r y f o rms w i l l a l s o be c o n s i d e r e d . Graph­ i c s of every im aginable type w i l l c e r t a i n l y be u s e f u l h e r e . P l e a s e n o t e t h e i mmi nen t due date; S u b m i s s i o n s roust b e ijt by A p r i l 3 0 , 1 9 8 1 , f o r f u l l consideration. * # * # * # * # * * * * * » FALL ' 8 1 ISSUE # 2 8 A LOOK AT GAY ALCOHOLISM A b l e n d o f p e r s o n a l s t o r i e s and f a c t , i s b e i n g put t o g e t h e r by a group in M a s s a c h u s e t t s . The y w r i t e "f r o m New E n g l a n d w e ' l l t a k e y o u on our j o u r n e y , t h r o u g h d e n i a l and d e f i a n c e and i n t o defeat. We t o g e t h e r e m e r g e , o f f e r i n g a common s o l u t i o n a n d mo r e h o p e t h a n we e x p e c t e d i " A r t i c l e s , s t o r i e s , and i n f o r ­ m a t i o n on s u p p o r t i v e o r g a n i z ­ a t i o n s , and r e s o u r c e s are w e l ­ come . The s u b m i s s i o n d u e d a t e i s J u l V 13th , 1 9 8 1 .

• *»* ** * * * * * * * * WINTER 81 ISSUE # 2 9 HUMOR This fe a tu r e i s being compiled in T e n n e s s e e . T h e r e ' s a rumor t h a t i t ' s b e i n g done by t h e F a i r y F u n n y Fa rm, b u t t h a t r e ­ mains t o be s e e n . The s u b m i s ­ s i o n d u e d a t e i s Oct . 1 5 , 1981 .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPRING *82 ISSUE # 3 0 WILD FOODS, HERBAL, RECIPES T his fe a tu re i s being compiled i n Arkansas by f a m i l i a r f a i r y foragers. The d u e d a t e f o r su b m ission s i s J a n . 15, 1 9 9 2 ■


C © I N T / ^ 2? / B ( U 7T C D ' R s 17 , 38 , 6 6 - 6 7 F r a n k l i n Abbott 16 A l a r i c na Tor Roy B a r b e r 54-55 Pa ul V. B e y e r 1 9 , 42 63 woody B l a c k 54 Frank B r a y t o n 24-25 , 73-75 E dwi n B r i d g e s P eter Burkholder 48-52 22 B i l l Callahan T e r r y Cavanagh 11-13 26 Randy C o n n e r s Sam C r a w f o r d 65 37 Thomas Dorn 36 Fleetwood F lo a tin g E a g le Feather 46 26 I s r a e l D a v i d Fishman 34 David Frey 14 C r i t Goin M i c h a e l Hampton 4 7 , 5 3 , 59 71 John o f Hermit H ol lo w 57-58 B i l l Houghton 62 B i l l Kelly 40 Peter Kendrick David K erlick 5 64 Krisga 3 7 , 39 G a b r i e l Lampert 15 Lasis 79 Satya L ittleb ear 60 Br yan Ma ni re M i c h a e l Mason 38 3 7 , 38 B i l l M atthias 18-20 Her nando Me ri no 69-71 M i c h a e l Mewborn 37 C h i p Moore 72 J e r r y Noakes 21-22 NLCC 41 , 4 3 - 4 5 Ro c ky P a t t 68 Nae P e a r s o n S h e r a k Poe 39 I . M. P o u s t i n i k 23 C e c e l ia Prince 66-67 John S o l d o 39 David Sparks 26 J e r r y St a mp s 78-79 38 Fred S tr u g a tz 76-77 P u r l i e Sudds M i c h a e l Tr ombl y 39 77 J o h n Weaver John Wol fe 63 Bob W o l f f 43

<G /R iA IP IH U <£ Mykul C r a n e Gary Gilm an C r i t Goin M i c h a e l Hampton J . Har n de n L a r r y Her ms e n P ra irie Jackson Peter Kendrick Ji m Long D a v i d My e r s Allen Troxler Rick T uoelo (f r o n t ^ / P (D fD lU < C T l

VIRGINIA: Woody B l a c k P i p e r Duck M i c h a e l Hampton Bryan Manire B laise S p in elli

£

cover) (D I N

RUNNING '•'ATER: E dwi n Peter Ro c k y Ron

A COUNTRY JO U R N A L

FOR GAY M F N E V E R Y W I l E R t

® STRING • 1981 T

/A IB IL IE

© IF

C

© IN T IF IN TT S

A D VERTI S I NG .......................................................................................................................................0 0 - 0 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS............................................................................................................. 6 - 8 , 1 0 , 26 C e l e b r a t i o n s a n d G a t h e r i n g s .............................................................................................. 10 G r o u p s a n d O r g a n i z a t i o n s ........................................... 8 Me d i a A n n o u n c e m e n t s ................................................................................................................... 6 T h r e e C a l l s f o r A c t i o n .........................................................................................................26 W o r k s h o p s a n d C o n f e r e n c e s ................................................................. 7 BOOK R E V I E W S .................................................................................................................................4 0 - 4 3 BROTHERS BEHIND B A R S ........................................................................................................... 2 7 - 3 5 CONTACT LETTERS ........................................................................................................................ 8 0 - 8 9 FAERIE N E T W O R K ....................................................................................... 1 4 , 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 1 , 22 F a e r i e Fund by L a s i s ................................................................. ...........................................15 L a b e l s a n d O t he r T h o u g h t s by B i l l C a l l a h a n ................................................. 22 A M e s s a g e f r o m Your G y p s y Shaman b y C r i t G o i n ............................................14 The N o r t h e r n L i g h t C i r c l e C o o p e r a t i v e ...................................... . . . . .21 N o t e s on N e t w o r k a n d Co mmuni t y by F r a n k l i n A b b o t t ...................................17 F E A T U R E ............................................................................................................................................. 4 7 - o ‘F F e a t u r i n g M e n ' s M u s i c b y M i c h a e l H a m p t o n ........................................................... 47 G e t Out Your Ra i nb o w C o l o r s . . . b y P e t e r B u r k h o l d e r .................................. 4 8 The F a i r y So ng b y P e t e r B u r k h o l d e r ............................................................ . . 50 The Ch a nt f r om t h e H i l l b y P e t e r B u r k h o l d e r ...................... . . . . . 5 2 B l a c k b e r r i b y M i c h a e l Hampton ............................................................ ...........................53 An I n t e r v i e w w i t h C h r i s Ta n n e r b y F r a n k B r a y t o n . ................................. 54 Roy B a r b e r ................................................................. ..... ............................................................ 54 Tom R o b i n s o n B a n d .............................................. ........................ . . . . . . . . 5 6 M e n ' s M u s i c In R e c o r d s by B i l l H o u g h t o n ................................................. ..... . 57 C h o i r G i r l s Axe C l o s e t D o o r s b y M i c h a e l H a m p t o n ...................................... 59 Homemade I n s t r u m e n t s b y Br y a n M a n i r e ...................................................................6 0 Q u i c k a n d S i m p l e Rhythm ...................................................................................................... . 6 1 Bamboo F l u t e s by B i l l K e l l y ..............................................................................................62 F l u t e Qu e e n b y Woody B l a c k and J o h n W o l f e .......................................................6 3 F a e r i e R i n g i n g by K r i s g a and SamC r a w f o r d ...........................................................64 One Mo r n i n g b y F r a n k l i n A b b o t t a n d C e c i l i a P r i n c e . . . . . . .66 The P a r t i n g b y Nae P e a r s o n ..............................................................................................6 8 G A T H E R I N G S ....................................................................................................................... 5 , 1 0 , 11 On a G a t h e r i n g b y D a v i d K e r l i c k .................................................................................. 5 T h a t ' s M a g i c b y T e r r y C a v a n a g h ...................... ..... ......................................................11 HEALTH 73-79 The A p o t h e c a r y b y J e r r y S t a m p s ..................................................................................7 8 On S k i n And S o a p b y S a t y a L i t t l e b e a r ...................................................... ..... . 7 9 H OMESTEADI NG..................................................................................................5 , 4 5, 6 9 - 7 7 , 9 0 E a t Your W i l d f l o w e r s b y E d w i n B r i d g e s ................................................. ..... . . 7 3 Froraage de C h e v r e b y P u r l i e S u d d s ............................................................................ 76 The Grahm C e n t e r b y Ro c ky P a t t ..................................................................................4 5 The H o m e s t e a d O u t h o u s e b y J e r r y N o a k e s ............................................................7 2 The H o m e s t e a d Wo r ks ho p by M i c h a e l M e w b o r n ...................................................... 6 9 N e w o o f ........................................................................................... 90 N o t e s From H e r m i t H o l l o w b y J o h n ............................................................................ 71 On H o m e s t e a d i n g by J o h n a n d B o b ..................................................................................5 LETTERS TO R F D .............................................................................................................2 - 4 , 5 , 26 P C E T R Y ................................................................................................................................................. 3 7 - 3 9 POLITICS ........................................................................................................................7 , 2 4 - 2 6 , 44 G e n o c i d e i n G u a t e m a l a by E d w i n B r i d g e s ............................................................ 24 P e o p l e ' s A n t i - W a r M o b i l i z a t i o n ................................................................................... 26 S e e d P a t e n t i n g b y R o c k y P a t t ................................................................ .44 Who I s The O r a l M a j o r i t y ......................................................................................................7 RFD INFORMATION ...................................................... i n s i d e c o v e r s , c e n t e r f o l d , 92 1 0 Ways t o P a r t i c i p a t e i n R F D ..................................................................c e n t e r f o l d SHORT STORIES AND CREATIVE W R I T I N G ...................... 1 6 , 1 8 - 2 0 , 3 6 , 4 6 , 77 And Mot he r N a t u r e C r e a t e d U s . . . b y H e r n a n d o M e r i n o . . . . . . .18 F a e r i e Wi n g s F l y I n t o I n f i n i t y b y F l o a t i n g E a g l e F e a t h e r . . .46 M u s i ng by J o n w e a v e r .............................................................................................................. 7 7 R a i s i n g The J u i c e s a n d S l u i c e s by F l e e t w o o d ......................................................36 S P I R I T U A L I T Y ...................................................................................................................9 , 1 6 , 2 3 G r e a t R i t e by A l a r i c Na T o r .............................................................................................16 The Rowan T r e e b y P a u l V. B e y e r 1 ............................................................................ 9 A V i e w From H e r e b y I . M. P o u s t i n i k ........................................................................ 2 3

1


LETTERS I was s u r p r i z e d t o s a y t h e l e a s t , to see anti-P agan oropaganda in a magazine such as yours. You mus t s u r e l y h a v e a l a r g e number o f P a g a n r e a d e r s , i f your a r t i c l e s a r e any i n d i ­ c a t i o n o f your r e a d e r s ' i n t e r e s t s . I am r e f e r r i n g t o " S p i r i t u a l i ­ t i e s f o r G a y s " b y Edward Norman in is s u e #25. As a Pagan a n d a W i t c h , I r e s e n t my w o r s h i p o f t h e Mo t he r b e i n g r e f e r r e d t o a s "psychological r etro g ressio n " . And d o e s b e i n g Mama's B o y s make my s t r a i g h t Pa g a n f r i e n d s p a t h ­ olo g ica l heterosexuals? The r e a s o n i n g o f Edward Norman i s a s h r i e k i n t h e woods t o a n y o n e who h a s e v e r e n c o u n t e r e d Paganism even at t h e e l e m e n t a r y level. Having t a u g h t s c i e n c e at t h e e l e m e n t a r y l e v e l , a s w e l l as having taken c o u r s e s in b o t ­ any, z o o l o g y , g e o l o g y , b i o c h e m ­ i s t r y , anatomy, e t c e t e r a , I s e e noth in g in man's s c i e n t i f i c d i s c o v e r i e s th a t c o n f l i c t with mo de r n P a g a n c o n c e p t s . Ed w a r d s g o e s on t o i m p l y t h a t we P a g a n s h a v e n o t h i n g f o r tea ch in g s save chants for holy Nature. Again he r e v e a l s h i s

i g n o r a n c e a s he c h a n t s a g a i n s t Her. He t h e n s t a t e s t h a t P a g ­ anism i s d e f i c i e n t i n h e l p i n g i t s adherents to face death, b u t d o e s n ' t s t a t e why o r how, b e c a u s e , o f c o u r s e , he c a n ' t . Wi t h an i m p r e s s i v e t w i s t o f l o g i c , Edwa rd t h e n a n n o u n c e s t h a t "w or ship o f th e Female c u l m i n a t e s i n c a s t r a t i o n " , due t o t h e f a c t t h a t many w o r s h i p ­ pers o f Cybele used to c a s t r a t e them selves in ancient tim es. Am I t o p r e s u m e , t h e r e f o r e , that worship o f the Chris' c u lm in a te s in c r u c i f i x i o n ? In t h e p a s t t e n y e a r s , I h a v e h a d my s e x u a l p r e f e r e n c e s c r i t i c i z e d by under h a l f a dozen o f th e hundreds o f W itches I h a v e k n o wn . On t h e o t h e r h a n d , my r e l i g i o n a n d my i n ­ volvement in i t has been c o n ­ s t a n t l y a t t a c k e d b y my s o - e a l l e d "g a y b r o t h e r s " . In f a c t , a t t i m e s I f e e l t h a t my "g a y b r o t h e r s " , a t l e a s t the nonPagon o n e s , a r e g o o d f o r j u s t one t h i n g . T h a t ' s how I f e l t a f t e r r e a d ­ ing " S p i r i t u a l i t i e s for Gays". My r o o m m a t e , B r i a n , who i s a l s o a g a y P a g a n , s u g g e s t e d a more p o s i t i v e approach o f su b m it t in g a r t i c l e s on g a y P a g a n i s m . You w i l l r e c e i v e one i n t h e near f ut ur e . But I h a d t o g e t Edwa rd o f f my chest. A l a r i c na Tor K a n s a s C i t y , MO

2146 N. H ALSTED 871-5011 C H G O J L 60614

Dear F r i e n d s , Ray N e l s o n , a r t i s t i c d i r e c t o r o f The P u p p e t P l a c e , a n d m y s e l f a r e b o t h s u b s c r i b e r s t o RFD. And a s we p r e p a r e f o r o u r u p ­ coming p r o d u c t i o n o f G i l b e r t & S u l l i v a n ' s "The M i k a d o " , we both f e l t that the jo urna l i s our f i r s t c h o i c e t o b e n e f i t from o u r o p e n i n g n i g h t g a y - l a . Puppet P l a c e i s a s m a l l , h a n dto-mouth, sto r efr o n t th ea tre which s e a t s about 100 p e o p l e . We h o p e t o h a v e e a c h o f t h o s e s e a t s f i l l e d on Ma rc h 1 3 t h w i t h p r o c e e d s g o i n g t o RFD. We would l i k e t o c r e a t e a sm a ll l o b b y d i s p l a y d e s c r i b i n g RFD and wonder wh et h er your p o s t e r h a s y e t m a t e r i a l i z e d (We a r e l o a t h t o c u t up o u r b a c k i s ­ sues). A n ythi ng you mig ht se n d i n t h e way o f g r a p h i c s , s u c h a s a p o s t e r , cover i l l u s t r a t i o n s or a b r i e f d e s c r i p t i v e / h i s t o r i c a l pa ra g ra ph, w i l l be g r e a t l y appreciated. RFD i s a u n i q u e v o i c e w i t h much t o s a y t o b o t h urban and r u r a l d w e l l e r s , a n d we a r e t h a n k f u l f o r o u r b r o t h e r s who d e v o t e them selves to the a c tu a l ta sk o f c o m po si ng and p u b l i s h i n g . Wi t h c o m m i t t m e n t o n t h e p a r t o f a l l f r i e n d s o f RFD, i t s v o i c e need not be s t i l l e d . In b r o t h e r h o o d , Bob F i s h , D i r e c t o r "The Mi k a d o "

Jdmcs Broughton , Will Vdlley, C A

(E ditors' Note: Indeed, the n e ws i n t h i s l e t t e r was a t o t a l ­ ly unexpected springtim e flow er. RFD s i n c e r e l y t h a n k s Bob a nd Ray f o r t h e i r v a l u a b l e s u p p o r t i n m a k i ng O p e n i n g N i g h t a b e n ­ e f i t for the J o u r n a l.)


Dear RFD, H e r e i s a d r a w i n g I h o n e you can use in the magazine. It i s my g r a n d m o t h e r s e a t e d , who has be e n c l o s e t o dea th fo r a w h i l e now. My c r e a t i v e e n e r g i e s c ome f rom he r l a t e l y . S e e t h e h e a r t s i n t h e t r e e and in the g r a ss? I love her. I l o v e you g u y s t o o . Gary Gilman ' • ' es br o o k, ME

I j u s t r e a d my f i r s t i s s u e o f RFD ( y o u r l a t e s t ) a n d r e a l l y enjoyed i t . I especially a p p r e c ia te d Clover Chango's

De a r

friends

at

RFD,

thoughtful consideration of t h e t i e s be t w e e n our s p i r i t ­ u a l i t y a s f a e r i e s and p o l i t i c a l / s o c i a l a c tio n as f a e r i e s . For me t h e d i s t i n c t i o n s r a p i d l y dissolve. W i t c h c r a f t , a nd g a y faery s p i r i t u a l i t y (goddess/ g o d and n a t u r e r e c o g n i z i n g and w o r s h i p p i n g ) a r e a s metaphor f o r our r e a l i n t i m a t e and u n ­ d e n i a b l e , d e l i c a t e and t e n u o u s r e l a t io n s to a l l the r est o f the natu ral world. C r a f t , in ceremony, r i t u a l , p o e t r y , and t h e w a y s we l i v e i s t h e e v e r d e e p e n i n g , e v e r mor e i n s i g h t ­ f u l , t r u t h f u l a n d m o v i ng e x ­ p r e s s i o n o f o u r s e l v e s , a n d our r e l a t i o n s with the world. The more t h o u g h t f u l l y we work a t o u r c r a f t s , t h e mor e we e n g a g e i n c r i t i c i s m and s e l f c r i t i c i s m , t h e mo r e we s h a r e our work i n o ur d i f f e r e n t c o m m u n i t i e s , we keep growing in t h i s p r o c e s s c a ll e d change.

The o t h e r d a y i g o t a c o p y o f t h e l a s t i s s u e o f RFD ( i t i s h a rd t o f i n d , i t s e e m s ) , and i t i s good rea d in g . I ha d a s u b s c r i p t i o n , some y e a r s a g o , when i l i v e d i n c i t i e s ; now that i l i v e in the country i wa n t t o r e n e w my s u b s c r i p t i o n . I t h a s much o f v a l u e . Most o f a l l , i t h in k , i t f e e l s good t o know t h a t t h e r e a r e b r o t h e r s i n much t h e same c i r c u m s t a n c e s , s t r u g g l i n g - a s i am - t o make i t , to le a r n , to su r v iv e . And somehow i t h e l p s a l s o t o know t h a t o t h e r s a r e as a l o n e and l o n e l y a s i am: a l o n e b y c h o i c e , l o n e l y f o r a r oan' s t o u c h , and no t k n o w i n g w h e r e o r how t o l o o k f o r t h a t man, o r me n. Keep up t h e g o o d w o r k . I am s e n d i n g you a l i t t l e o v e r t h e p rice o f a year's subscription t o h e l p i n y o ur w o r k .

a brother

Love,

in d e e d ,

jon C h ristensen San F r a n c i s c o , CA

3

Robert

^olff

Langley,

WA


A check for $100 accompanied a card, w i t h t h e f o l l o w i n g w o r d s :

4 Jyza.ijine

Reduction! 3<uvie love Dovcd Voune lu b b o c k ,

TX

Hiya gu ys ,

^

______ Post Office Box 70

o r 10} Stoncy M ountain Road *Hendersonville. N X 28791 • (704) 691 0211

February 11, 1981

Mr. Ron Lambe RFD Route 1, Box 127-E bakersville, North Carolina Dear Mr, Lambe:

I ’ d l i k e t o make o n e comment on Dennis M e l b a ' s o n 's i n t e r ­ e s t i n g r e v i e w o f M i t c h '«*alker’ s book, V isionary Love. Dennis u s e s t h e term " J u d e o - C h r i s t i a n " s e v e r a l t i m e s , a s i f th e y were one c u l t u r e . Ev e n t h o u g h b o t h groups h i s t o r i c a l l y have been p a t r i a r c h a l , t h e r e a r e many differences. One m a j o r d i f ­ f e r e n c e i s t h a t J e ws f e e l t h a t t h e i r way i s A wa y . Christians f e e l t h a t t h e i r way i s THE way. T h e r e a r e no m i s s i o n a r i e s among Jews, whereas C h r i s t i a n s scour the planet looking for c u ltu r e s t o de g r a d e and c o n v e r t .

Policies here have not changed in the past few years ... we still will not accept advertising from RFD. Nor do vie accept exchange advertising. All ads in THE MOTHER EARTH NEWS are paid at the prices found in our current rate card. Under the existing conditions, I am unable to forward advertising rates to you. Sincerely,

Beverly Roets, Director Advertising Services /gch

Shalom,

Dear E d i t o r s & B r o t h e r s ,

Dov b e n Khayyi m O a k l a n d , CA

As a c i t y p e r s o n , a l b e i t o n e who s p e n t summers o n a f arm ' t i l the age o f s i x t e e n , I want t o t e l l y o u how much I e n j o y your e x c i t i n g and h i g h q u ality publication!

G reetings,

28705

Fairy frien d s!

I have b een at the A t l a n t a F a i r y G a t h e r i n g , a n d much b e a u t y i s i n my l i f e , g r o w i n g d e e p l y w i t h i n roe b e c a u s e o f t h i s s h a r ­ ing weekend. The s o n g I b e g a n to teach at th e f a ir y ga therin g follow s: La Mere T e r r e

- The Mo t he r E a r t h

She w i l l b r i n g t h e b u d s i n t h e spr ing , And l a u g h among t h e f l o w e r s , In summe r ’ s h e a t a r e Her k i s s e s sw eet, She s i n g s i n l e a f y bowers , She c u t s t h e g r a i n , and g a t h e r s When f r u i t s o f f a l l s u r r o u n d H e r , Her b o n e s g r o w o l d i n w i n t r y cold, S h e w r a p s Her c l o a k a r o u n d H e r , but . . . ( r e p e a t ) F lo a tin g E agle Feather C h a r l e s t o n , SC

I roust a d m i t I w a s s o me wh a t c h a g r i n e d and m y s t i f i e d at t h e c o n s t a n t u s e o f t h e wo r d s fa iry , fa e rie, faggot, e t c ., in t h e sample copy I o r d e r e d . Because of the h ig h ly p e j o r ­ a tiv e connotations of these l a b e l s , I ha d l o n g s i n c e c u l l e d t h e s e w o r d s f r o m my v o c a b u l a r y , a n d I ha d a s s u m e d , ray t h i n k i n g a s w e l l . I belong t o a n d am a c t i v e i n a c o u p l e o f n o n - p o lit ic a l gay o r g a n iz ­ a t i o n s and h a v e d o n e c o u n s e l ­ i n g a n d c o n d u c t e d as w e l l a s a t t e n d e d workshops p u b l i c l y and w i t h i n t h e s e g r o u p s . Some o f t h e t h r u s t o f t h e s e me e t i n g s has been c o n s c i o u s n e s s r a i s i n g which i n c lu d e d im prov­ ing i n d i v i d u a l s e l f - e s t e e m and i n s t i l l i n g g a y p r i d e . This among o t h e r t h i n g s , i n v o l v e d not seein g o u r s e lv e s in the

1

n e g a t i v e t e r m s common t o t h e la rg er " s tr a ig h t " (glum?) s o ­ ciety. S o , I am c o n f u s e d ! O t h e r s t o whom I h a v e shown t h e m a g a z in e were s i m i l a r l y impressed with i t s q u a l i t y , but dism ayed by the use o f wo r d s t h e y h a v e c o me t o a s s o ­ c i a t e w ith the v i c i o u s e p i ­ t h e t s u s e d b y y o u n g t h u g s who h a r a s s and v i c t i m i z e g a y s . A f t e r r e a d i n g my s e c o n d i s s u e ( # 2 5 ) , I have become q u i t e d e s e n s it i z e d to th e se terms, but a q u e s t i o n r e m a i n s . Has my c o n s c i o u s n e s s now b e e n l o w ­ e r e d o r h a s i t r i s e n t o some h i g h e r and a s y e t i n e x p l i c a b l e level? I am c u r i o u s t o know how t h e s e a p p e l a t i o n s h a v e come t o b e u s e d , i n d e e d t o t h e p o in t o f i d e n t i t y , so f r e e l y a n d a c c e p t i n g l y b y my r u r a l brothers. As a new s u b s c r i b ­ e r , p e r h a p s I may h a v e m i s s e d a "bit o f h i s t o r y " . In t h e b o n d o f b r o t h e r h o o d , my w a r m e s t r e g a r d s t o my "country c o u sin s" ! J o n R. J o s t 3 2 7 0 N. Lake S h o r e C h i c a g o , IL 6 0 6 5 7


RFD'fW S SHARE THOUGHTS A W FEELINGS ON A GATHERING To ray f a e r i e b r o t h e r s

h o n o r s , a n d t o r e s i d e o n l y i n my i n t e l l e c t . s h a l l s h a r e w i t h y o u my h e a r t o f h e a r t s l

-

I am o n l y now b e g i n n i n g t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e s i g ­ n i f i c a n c e o f th e Winter S o l s t i c e (1 9 8 0 ) g a t h e r ­ i n g a t H a r b i n Hot S p r i n g s . Never b e f o r e have I f e l t ray s o u l be s t r e t c h e d i n s o many d i m e n ­ s i o n s , a l l at o n c e .

I

As o f t h i s w r i t i n g I am s t i l l a p r a c t i c i n g C h r i s t i a n , and I b e l i e v e t h a t a l l r e l i g i o n s , at t h e i r i n m o s t c o r e , a r e o n e a n d t h e s a m e , but tim e has c o r r u p t e d t h e i r e x t e r n a l e x p r e s s ­ ion. T r u l y , t h e w a x i n g o f t h e new s u n , and t h e o r i e n t o f t h e C h r i s t - c o n s c i o u s n e s s from on h i g h c a n be r e c o g n i z e d a s f a c e t s o f t h e s a me c o h e r ­ ing u n i t y .

I know t h a t a t t h e c e n t e r o f my b e i n g i s an e m p t i n e s s , w h i c h a t t h e same t i m e i s n o t h i n g but l o v e . E v e r y moment o f my e x i s t e n c e i s n o ­ t h i n g but a m i r a c l e . There i s n o t h i n g i n the p h y s i c a l u n i v e r s e but g r a c e .

But I r a m b l e . As I s t r i v e t o d e t a c h m y s e l f f ro m t i m e , I r e u n i t e w i t h t h e u n i v e r s e , w i t h m ir a c u lo u s lo v e beyond u n d e r s t a n d in g . And t h a t we c a n do t h i s t o g e t h e r m a k e s me l o v e y o u a l l s o much t h a t I c a n h a r d l y s t a n d i t .

My l i f e up t o now h a s b e e n o n e o f a l m o s t c o m ­ p u l s i v e i s o l a t i o n , d e n y i n g t h a t I am l o v a b l e and c a p a b l e o f l o v i n g . Encasing t h i s d e n ia l, l i k e a c o n c r e t e o v e r c o a t , has been a la c k o f f a i t h i n t h e g o o d n e s s o f my p h y s i c a l b o d y and i t s sexual a ttr ib u te s . To o l o n g h a v e I b o u g h t i n t o the c o r r u p t i d e o l o g y o f y o u t h and b e a u t y . Wi t h y o u r h e l p , O my f a i r y b r o t h e r s , I s h a l l s h a t t e r t h i s o v e r c o a t , t o g e t h e r w it h the com­ p u l s i o n t o d e c o r a t e t h i s e g o w i t h t i t l e s and

H o l d o n t o me and e m b r a c e me; and n o t h i n g e l s e .

there

is only

love

D a v i d K e r l i c k . . . de P r o f u n d i s 7 7 1 N. F a i r Oa ks A v e . #1 S u n n y v a l e , CA 9 4 0 8 6

ON HOMESTEADING De ar RFD, T h i s i s ab ou t t h e d r i v e and d e s i r e t o h av e a f a r m a n d o f f i n d i n g o u t wh a t o n e i s made o f . I am n o t s u r e why I am w r i t i n g t h i s , b u t o n e t h i n g f o r s u r e i s t h a t i f y o u wa n t s o m e t h i n g b a d e n o u g h , y o u ' l l f i n d a way t o h a v e what e v e r i t i s . Ba c k i n 1 9 6 9 , I w a n t e d j u s t a b o u t e v e r y t h i n g , b u t wasn't r e a l l y sure o f anything. I d e c id e d to l e a v e home a n d g o o u t a n d f i n d my p l a c e i n t h e world. L e a v i n g t h e l i t t l e t own o f E l k o , N e v a d a , I t o o k o f f for th e b i g c i t i e s where e v e r y t h i n g might b e . From e a s t t o w e s t c o a s t , D r i m a r i l y w e s t c o a s t I w o r e o u t C a l i f o r n i a up a n d down - i n a n d o u t , l o o k i n g and h o p i n g t o f i n d s o m e t h i n g t h a t would t r u l y s a t i s f y me. I ha d t h o u g h t I wa s g a y f o r many y e a r s , b u t had never done a n y th in g about i t . L . A . a n d San F r a n c i s c o d i d h e l p t o do a s much a b o u t i t a s possible.

Bob was n o t a s g u n g - h o a b o u t t h e c o u n t r y l i f e b u t w e n t a l o n g w i t h me. We s t a r t e d t o l o o k f o r a place. Land t o b u i l d o n , b i g f a r m s , l i t t l e f a r m s , y o u name i t we l o o k e d a t i t . Spending a l l d a y e v e r y d a y , f i n a l l y we f o u n d t h e r i g h t p l a c e , a 2 0 a c r e p i e c e o f h e a v e n on e a r t h 50 m iles south of P ortland c a l l e d W ilhoit Sp rin g s, near M o la l l a . When we s t a r t e d we ha d $ 1 0 0 i n t h e b a n k a n d e i g h t mo n t h s l a t e r we w o r k e d a n d s a v e d , s o l d c a r s a n d many p o s s e s s i o n s , e n o u g h t h a t we made i t . We ha d what we n e e d e d t o bu y our p i e c e o f h e a v e n . We h a v e b e e n h e r e f o r f o u r y e a r s no w, a n d f i n a l l y i t h a s h a p p e n e d ; I h a v e q u i t my j o b a n d am w o r k ­ i n g o n l y on t h e f a r m . E v e r y d a y I c a n s a y more a n d mor e t h a t I h a v e f o u n d what I wa s l o o k i n g f o r .

In t h e m i d s t o f t h e c i t y I ha d a d e s i r e t o g o t o t h e c o u n t r y a n d work f o r m y s e l f o n t h e l a n d . Tho ug h n e v e r s u r e i f I w o u l d e v e r d o i t o r e v e n i f I c o u l d do i t .

I t r e a l l y c a n b e d o n e i f you want t h a t l i t t l e p i e c e o f l a n d a nd a r e w i l l i n g t o wor k f o r i t ; i t can and w i l l b e y o u r s .

In 1 9 7 3 I m o v e d t o C a r s o n C i t y , N e v a d a , p u r c h a s ­ e d a m o b i l e home a n d s t a r t e d t o l o o k i n t o r e a l l y being a country person. I met many p e o p l e a n d t r a v e l e d around lo o k in g for a spot t o s e t t l e . In 1 9 7 5 I d e c i d e d t h a t i t w o u l d b e t h e b e a u t i f u l g r e e n e r y o f O r e g o n w h o r e I w o u l d g o t o s t a r t my l i f e in the co u n try . To b e down r i g h t h o n e s t , i t w a s n ' t r e a c h i n g P o r t l a n d I w a n t e d mor e o f

t h e f un o f l i v i n g i n i t . F o rtu n ately, that did pass. I g u e s s I c a n s a y I s t a r t e d t o g r o w up a nd r e a l l y f e e l t h e n e e d t o g e t t h a t f arm I ha d wanted. G o i n g b a c k f o r a mo me n t , I d i d h a v e o n e g o o d e x p e r i e n c e i n P o r t l a n d ; I met s o m e o n e who was v e r y r i g h t f o r me, b e c a u s e we a r e g o i n g t o b e c e l e b r a t i n g o u r f i f t h y e a r t o g e t h e r i n No v . o f 1980.

I t t a k e s a l o t o u t o f y o u , and a v e r y l o v i n g p e r s o n t o s u p p o r t you i n your c r a z y w a y s , but mo s t o f a l l i t t a k e s h o n e s t y w i t h y o u r s e l f ; Y(XJ CAN DO I T.

t h a t e a s y ; uo o n t h e c i t y and

5

J o h n & Boh 37138 S . W i lh o it Rd. M o l a l l a , OR 9 7 0 3 8


GD Cfhe. %C<iulelconj The C a u l d r o n i s an experim ental Lesbian and g a y m a l e t h e a t r e l o f t which has r e c e n t ­ l y i n i t i a t e d i t s work in Boston. The p o l ­ i t i c s are r a d ic a l, the p r o c e s s c o l l e c t i v e and t h e a r t i s t i c n a t u r e s e r i o u s . "Theatre for the im a g in a t io n o f and t h e c o u r a g e f o r f r e e d o m . " For s p r i n g , a t h e a t r e f e s t i v a l and f i l m month a r e b e i n g p l a n ­ ned. A l s o , i d e a s f o r a s u mme r / a ut umn t h e a t r e f e s t i v a l a n d / o r workshop r e t r e a t i n the c o u n t r y ar e b e i n g hoped f o r . Any o ne i n t e r e s t e d i n p a r t i c i p a t i n g or c o r r e s p o n d i n g on any l e v e l p le a se contact clover chango, The C a u l d r o n , 2 2 R a n d o l p h S t . , B o s t o n , MA 0 2 1 1 9 .

GAY SASKATCHEWAN Ga y S a s k a t c h e w a n i s a q u a r t e r l y n e w s l e t t e r w h i c h s e r v e s a much broader a r ea than Saskatchewan w ith p e r t i n e n t gay news, a n ­ nouncements, r e v ie w s, c o n t a c t s , etc. The p o p u l a r i t y o f t h e p u b ­ l i c a t i o n i s gr o w ing and i t i s now t h e s e c o n d - m o s t w i d e l y r e a d p u b l i c a t i o n f o r l e s b i a n s and g a y s in E n g l i s h Canada. The p u b l i c a t i o n e x i s t s on d o n a t i o n s exclusively. If you'd lik e to r e c e i v e i t send a d o n a t io n t o : S a s k a t c h e w a n Gay C o a l i t i o n , P . O . Box 7 5 0 8 , S a s k a t o o n , S a s k a t c h e w a n , Ca n a da

bwmt

B l a c k and W h i t e Men T o g e t h e r i s a q u a r t e r l y n e w s l e t t e r which r e ­ p o r t s on the a c t i v i t i e s o f i t s b i r a c i a l member s u p o o r t g r o u p s t h a t h a v e f o r m e d i n many c i t i e s . It inclu des fe a tu re s, l e t t e r s , d i a l o g u e s on r e l a t i o n s h i p s , and h u n d r e d s o f a d s f o r men s p e c i f ­ i c a l l y seeking f r ie n d s h i p s in another r a c e . Subscriptions are $ 1 2 . 0 0 / y r . Write t o : BWMT, 2 7 9 C o l l i n g w o o d , San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 1 4 .

Lylyaves Maki ng W a v e s , An A t l a n t i c c u a r t e r l y f o r L e s b i a n a nd Gay men, i s d i r e c t e d p r i m a r i l y at t h e A t l a n t i c p r o v i n c e s o f Canada. T his new-born p u b l i c a t i o n w i l l h e l p t o f i l l t h e v o i d l e f t by the s h o r t - l i v e d B o o n ie s , a journal for rural gay Canadians. F o r more i n f o r m a t i o n on t h i s welcome e d i t i o n w r i t e t o : P.O. Box 0 9 5 3 , S t a t i o n A, H a l i f a x , NS B3K 5M6

AGAINST THE GRAIN

A r k a n s a s Ga y ^ Y i t e s i s t h e m onthly n e w s l e t t e r o f Arkansas Ga y R i g h t s , I n c . I t k e e p s you w e ll-in fo r m ed o f gay r e l a t e d n e ws a n d e v e n t s t h r o u g h o u t t h e state. F o r mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n write: AGR, I n c . , P . O . Box 3 1 1 5 , L . R . , AR 7 2 2 0 3

C i r c l e N e t w o r k News i s a q u a r t ­ e r l y newspaper o f pagan s p i r i t ­ u a l i t y for a l l p e o p l e . The C ircle also publishes a r e ­ s o u r c e g u i d e and o t h e r i t e m s , and s p o n s o r s Pa g a n f e s t i v a l s . The C i r c l c N e t w o r k News i s $ 5 p e r y e a r or $2 f o r a s a m p l e copy. For more i n f o r m a t i o n , w r i t e : C i r c l e , Box 9 0 1 3 , M a d i s o n , Wl 53715.

(,a> Task Force, American Library Association (Social Responsibilities Round Table) Box 2383. Philadelphia, P A 19103. C oordinator: Barbara Cdltings (215) 471-3322.

P l e a s e n o t i c e t h e c o r r e c t p r i c e s on wa s u i e r r o r . Gay A ids t o r C o u n selo rs Gay M a te r ia ls f o r Use in S chools Gay R esources f o r R e lig io u s S tu d j

these pamphlets.

Last

issue

Gay M a te ria l s Core Col l e c t i o n L i s t •Gay T ea ch e rs R eso u rces A S h o rt L esb ian Reading L i s t

Above l i s t s : 2 c o p ie s , 35?: 3-lo'N c o p ie s , 15? e ac h : I t o r more, ICY e a c h , p re p a id (in c lu d e s n a i l i n g ) .

Above l i s t s : 2 c o p ie s , 25?: 3*1®~ c o p ie s , 1 .c each: 15 o r more, It e ac h , p re p a id ( in c lu d e s m a i l i n g ) , •

Against the Grain i s a q u a r te r ­ ly journal o f in s ig h t fu l c r e a ­ tiv e w riting. I t s purpose i s t o g a t h e r and p u b l i s h o r i g i n a l s t o r i e s , poems, s k e t c h e s , a r t , and g r a p h i c s t h a t s p e a k o f t h e p a i n s and j o y s o f s t r u g g l i n g today, as well as the v i s i o n ­ ary w o r l d t o be c r e a t e d . Is­ sues a l t e r n a t e f o c u s between c r e a t i v e w r i t i n g and p o l i t i c a l / social/econoroic a n a ly s is . The d e a d l i n e for th e next i s s u e ( p o l i t i c a l ) i s May 1 . Please include a se lf-a d d r e sse d s t a m p e d e n v e l o p e i f you w i s h t o have your m a n u s c r i p t r e ­ turned. The a d d r e s s i s ATG c / o L a m e n t , Box 3 3 4 6 , S t a n f o r d , CA 94 3 0 5 .

The T i m e s o f L o u i s i a n a Commun i t i e s put out i t s f i r s t i s s u e f o r March 1 9 9 1 . TLC r e p o r t s on a ll gay-related a c tiv itie s t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t a t e and h o p e s to he lp e s t a b l i s h a b e t t e r com­ munity for t h e g a y p e o p l e o f Louisiana. Fo r more i n f o r m a t i o n on t h i s e m e r g i n g v o i c e w r i t e t o R o b e r t E. W a l s h , J r . , TLC, P . O . Box 9 1 4 4 2 , L a f a y e t t e , LA 7 0 5 0 1


¥

^ t ' k ' k ' k ' k

W HO IS t h e

ORAL MAJORITY

¥

¥

¥

xhe Oral M a jo r ity i s a grouo f i g h t i n g for p r i v a c y 4 l r i g h t s and s e x u a l a nd e m o t i o n a l f r e e d o m . The o r g a n i z a t i o n s t a r t e d i n F l o r i d a ' s Dade C o u n t y by Bob K u n s t a n d A l a n R o c k a w a y , Dh D . , a s a c o u n t e r a t t a c k t o the Anita Bryant c r u s a d e o f r e l i g i o u s e x t r e m i s m and i n t o l e r a n c e . By f o c u s i n g a t t e n t i o n ” on t h e n e e d a nd d e s i r e f o r n e r s o n a l f r e e d o m i n t h e p r i v a t e l i v e s o f a l l c i t i z e n s , t h e y t o o k an ^ o f f e n s iv e D o s itio n in confronting the B ib le b u l^ lies. The m o v e m e n t s ' s t r e n g t h i s g r o u n d e d i n a p o s i t i v e s e l f - i m a g e w h i c h ma ke s no a D o l o g i e s f o r s e x u a l o r i e n t a t i o n o r t h e a b i l i t y t o l o v e and ^ give pleasure. T o u c h i n g , h u g g i n g , c u d d l i n g , a nd lovemaking r e g a r d l e s s o f the gender o f p a r t i c i o a n t s are c l e a r l y assumed t o th e p o s i t i v e s th e y ^ naturally are. The o r g a n i z a t i o n h o l d s t h a t t h e i s s u e i s not th e m o r a l i t y o f a f f e c t i o n a l b eha v ^ i o r , b u t t h e i m m o r a l i t y i n t h e s u p p r e s s i o n and d e n i a l o f b a s i c human r i g h t s . Bob K u n s t ' s d y na mi c o f f e n s i v e i n a r g u m e n t , p u b l i c i t y , and p o l i t i c a l s t r a t e g y h a s worked in F l o r i d a . The O r a l Majority w r ites: -K " w e ' v e u n i q u e l y r i s k e d e v e r y t h i n g i n 3 Dade C o u n . t y a n d two F l o r i d a e l e c t i o n s t o s u c c e s s f u l l y g a i n t h e k n o w l e d g e o f f u n d a m e n t a l s t h a t d o work and h a v e p r o d u c e d v i c t o r i e s f o r us a l l . ~

" I t i s t h i s e x p e r t i s e we b r i n g f o r w a r d t o i mme n s e l y a d v a n c e t h e Movement f o r E m o t i o n a l a n d S e x u a l V* L i b e r a t i o n a n d t o t a p i n t o t h a t r e a l a n d g l o r i o u s ^ p o t e n t i a l o f our community and t h e i r a n s w e r s .

¥ v

"We ' ve b e e n b r a i n w a s h e d t o b e l i e v e i n l i m i t a t i o n s , W e ' v e a l l b e e n t r a i n e d n o t t o wa n t f r e e d o m b e c a u s e i f we t a s t e i t w e ' l l wa n t more o f i t . That i s what s e x u a l f r e e d o m a n d e m o t i o n a l f r e e d o m i s a l l a b o u t v s . t h e g u i l t a n d s h a me t h e y w a n t us to f e e l . That i s t h e s t r u g g l e we've been in the m i d d l e o f s i n c e b r i n g i n g you A n i t a B r y a n t i n 1976. I t ' s t i m e t o s t o p t h e e x c u s e s & d o what z* n e e d s t o b e d o n e . "

M

G a in e s v ille Su n

I’M PART OF THE

ORAL MAJORITY Buttons and Bumper Stickers Available L a y R ig h t * A rtivin t lio h K u n * i S t ill H a u lin g

Here a r e

some w a y s t o b e c o m e i n v o l v e d :

1) W rite a check to C .U .R .E . (C on gress U n ite d f o r R i g h t s & E o u a l i t y ) , P . O . Box 1 9 8 1 - G , 1 1 0 5 N o r t h Main S t . , G a i n e s v i l l e , FL 3 2 6 0 1 . 2)

Register

to vote

£

§

O

3

7

if

not

already reg istered .

3) O r g a n i z e an "Or a l M a j o r i t y " c h a p t e r c a mpus a nd i n y o ur c o m m u n i t y .

on your

4) D i s p l a y our s l o g a n s s o t h a t e v e r y t i m e some ­ o n e t h i n k s o f t h e Mo r a l M a j o r i t y t h e y ' l l t h i n k o f t h e O r a l M a j o r i t y a n d A c c e s s t o Or g a s m, w h e r e t h e r e i s s t r e n g t h in numbers, t h a t e v e n one p e r ­ s on i n a communi ty c an c a r r y a l o t o f c l o u t . D o n ' t l e a v e home w i t h o u t u s . Participate'. Now'. I ’M PART OF THE ORAL MAJORITY b u t t o n s a n d bumper s t i c k e r s a v a i l a b l e from C . U . R . E . $ 1 . 1 8 f o r a b u t t o n or bumper s t i c k e r $ 1 1 f o r 12 s t i c k e r s or b u t t o n s o r c o m b i n a t i o n $50 fo r 63, $100 for 125, $200 for 250 Make c h e c k s p a y a b l e t o C . U. R .E .__________________ _

And t h e O r a l M a j o r i t y d o e s h a v e s p e c i f i c p l a n s , ^ ^ g o a l s , a nd s t r a t e g i e s f o r 1 9 8 1 . Write for the 4C d e t a i l s . _ . t o r i c a l , m a g i c a l , a nd I n d i a n uses of plan ts . workshop i n ­ clu d es f i e l d t r i p s , handouts, n i b b l e s , and t e a s . Caropout i n OZARK WILD ED IBLE/MEDICINAL the country, o v ern ig h t. Bring PLANTS WORKSHOP - We e k e n d e x ­ s t a p l e f o o d s , camping g e a r , p e r i e n t i a l workshops in th e flashlight, etc. Children w el­ id en tification , collection , come. $1 8 pe r a d u l t , c a s h or p r e p a r a t i o n and u s e o f w i l d t r a d e ; $2 p e r c h i l d . $5 d e p o s ­ e d i b l e and m e d i c i n a l p l a n t s . i t e n s u r e s your p l a c e i n t h e May 4 - 5 and J u n e d a t e t o b e workshop. WHEN: A p r . 4 & 5; announced. Write for d e t a i l s : May 3 0 & 3 1 , 1 9 8 1 . WHERE: J i m Lo n g , R t . l , Box 4 5 , B l u e * W h i p p o o r w i l l H o l l e r , Dr y C r e e k E y e , MO 6 5 6 1 1 R d . , D e k a l b C o . , TN ( a p p r o x . 6 0 m i . f rom N a s h v i l l e . ) Pre­ F0RA3E FOR FOOD AND HEALTH r eg istr a tio n necessary: lim ­ EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL WILDPLANT ited enrollm ent. FOR MORE I N­ WORKSHOP - - An i n - d e p t h i n t r o ­ FORMATION, CONTACT: Steve duction to the i d e n t i f i c a t i o n , Taylor (Snowbear), 'diippoorwill c o l l e c t i o n , p r e p a r a t i o n and u s e H o l l e r , R t . 1 , D o w e l l t o w n , TN o f n a t i v e e d i b l e and m e d i c i n a l 3 7 0 5 9 or M i l o G u t h r i e , P . 0 . wild p la n ts . Covers f i e l d i Box 1 4 1 , Wo o d b u r y , TN 3 7 1 9 0 . d e n tifica tio n , folklore, h is ­

^CONFERENCES

S a tu rd a y , J an. 10, 1001

BLACK AND WHITE CONVENTION - B l a c k and W h i t e Men T o g e t h e r , the i n t e r r a c i a l support group, announced to da y p l a n s for i t s f i r s t intern ation al convention t o be h e l d i n Ban F r a n c i s c o , June 2 5 - 2 8 . "The r e c e n t s w i n g t o t h e R i g h t h a s c r e a t e d a newand f r i g h t e n i n g - c l i m a t e for m inorities, particu larly B l a c k s , " a spokesman s a i d t o ­ day. " P a ssiv e r e a c t io n to r a c i s m i s no l o n g e r e n o u g h . W h a t ' s n e e d e d i s a mo r e p u b l i c sense of in te r r a c ia l concern." BVMT, f o u n d e d -just o v e r a y e a r a g o , a l r e a d y has c h a p t e r s in 24 A m e r i c a n c i t i e s a nd i n L o n ­ don, England. Further i n f o r ­ mation i s a v a i l a b l e d i r e c t l y f rom BWMT, 2 7 9 C o l l i n g w o o d , San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 1 4 .


Little Rock, AR

Ames, I A G a y s a n d L e s b i a n s o f Ames i s a community gr oup o f l e s b i a n s , g a y men, b i s e x u a l s , t r a n s p e o p l e , and h e t e r o s e x u a l s u p p o r t e r s . Ames, a u n i v e r s i t y c i t y , i s i n t h e h e a r t o f c e n t r a l Iowa a n d i s su r r o u n d e d by hu nd red s o f s m a l l , farming co m m u nities. Many o f o u r members g r e w up i n s u c h an e n v i r o n m e n t , a n d we a r e c o n c e r n e d about r e a c h i n g out t o Iowa l e s b i a n s a n d g a y men who l i v e i n areas where t h e r e are no l o c a l l e s b i a n / g a y o r g a n i z a ­ tions. We wa n t t o h e l p b r e a k the f e e l in g s of i s o l a t i o n th ese r u r a l s i s t e r s and b r o t h e r s so m e­ time f e e l . We i n v i t e t hem t o w r i t e t o us and we, i n t u r n , w i l l s e n d them a p a c k e t o f ma­ t e r i a l , including a directory o f Io wa l e s b i a n a n d g a y g r o u p s , various p o s it i v e brochures, a n d o ur n e w s l e t t e r . Th e y w i l l a l s o r e c e i v e an i n v i t a t i o n t o j o i n u s a t o ur r e g u l a r m e e t i n g s w h i c h a r e h e l d t h e f i r s t Monday o f e a c h mont h a t 7 : 3 0 pm a t t h e U n i t a r i a n F e l l o w s h i p at 1015 N. H y l a n d , a s w e l l a s t o o u r o t h e r f u n c t i o n s which have i n ­ c lu d e d p o t l u c k s , d a n c e s and picnics. I f g i v e n enough a d ­ v a n c e n o t i c e , we c a n p r o v i d e o v e r n ig h t accommodations. We a l s o h a v e i n d i v i d u a l s i n GLA who a r e w i l l i n g t o s t a r t c o r ­ responding with th e se rural I ow ans on a r e g u l a r b a s i s a sort o f "pen-paling." To c o n t a c t u s , w r i t e t o GLA, R u r a l Io wa P r o g r a m , F0 Box 2 2 8 3 Ames, IA 5 0 0 1 0

G r a s s r o o t s Women' s Ho u s e i n L i t t l e R o c k , AR i s : -an o r g a n i z i n g and r e s o u r c e s p a c e f o r t h e f e m i n i s t com­ munity . - a p l a c e wh e r e p e o p l e c a n g e t beyond t h e s e l f - l i m i t i n g d e f i n i t i o n s o f man/ woman, g a y /s tr a ig h t, black/w hite, etc. -a l i v i n g c o l l e c t i v e p r e s e n t l y c o m p o s e d o f s e v e r a l women a nd one (gay)m an, h o p e f u l l y soon t o be b i - r a c i a l . -w o r k i n g to war d b e i n g a model " i n t e g r a l ur ba n h o u s e " . - o p e n t o t r a v e l i n g women a n d s u p p o r t i v e men ( f e m i n i s t s a n d f a e r i e s ) who n e e d a n i g h t ’ s r e s t (we s u g g e s t a s m a l l , but n e g o t i a b l e d o n a t i o n ) , - l o c a t e d a t 1 5 2 4 S . Summit ( c o r n e r o f 1 6 t h & Summit), near C e n t r a l High S c h o o l . A c a l l a he ad wou ld be appreciated. (501)378-7851

Washington, DC The P e o p l e U n i t e d A g a i n s t Gover nme nt R e p r e s s i o n and t h e Klan and N a z i s o r g a n i z e d a counterinaugural demonstra­ t i o n o f about 4 , 0 0 0 marchers on J a n . 2 0 t h . The o r g a n i z a ­ tion , a national c o a litio n of a n t i - r a c i s t and o t h e r g r o u p s , i s c o n t i n u i n g t o o r g a n i z e and work t o w a r d s d e f e a t i n g r i g h t wing a t t e m p t s t o c u r t a i l c i v i l lib erties. F o r more i n f o r m a ­ t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e m a t : PO Box 5 7 3 3 8 , W a s h i n g t o n , DC 2 0 0 3 7 , (202)462-7500.

Caulfield, M0 Mo t he r Oa k, t h e f e m i n i s t c a u ­ c u s o f t h e Oz a r k A r e a Co mmu ni t y C o n g r e s s ( s e e p a g e 31 o f RFD # 2 5 ) , met a g a i n i n l a t e J a n . a t E u r e k a S p r i n g s , AR. Of i n t e r e s t t o RFD r e a d e r s i s t h e f a c t t h a t t h e men p r e s e n t ( b o t h g a y and h e t e r o ) were a c c e p t e d w i t h warm h e a r t s a n d c l e a r m i n d s b y t h e women a s part o f the group. Many g o o d i d e a s , f a c t s , a nd s t r a t e g i e s we r e s h a r e d , a n d c o n n e c t i o n s i n our b i o - r e g i o n a l network grew s t r o n g e r . Task f o r c e s wo r ke d on e d u c a t i o n and d e n u c l e a r i z a t i o n . we a l l took turns ca rin g for the children. The c a u c u s s e n t a r e p r e s e n t a t i v e t o t h e wo me n' s March o n W a s h i n g t o n w i t h a m a n d a t e t h a t M o t h e r ' s Day be c o - o p t e d i n t o Lo v e Your Mot he r ( E a r t h ) Day. The n e x t m e e t i n g w i l l b e A p r i l 4 - 5 a t a f arm o n t h e Wh i t e R i v e r n e a r M o u n t a i n V i e w , AR. We w i l l wo r k o n o ur p r o c e s s , p r io r itiz a tio n of concerns, a n d an i s s u e f o c u s , b u t a l s o p rovide time for add ressin g i n t e r p e r s o n a l a nd s p i r i t u a l needs. F o r mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t Mary W i l l o w , D .C . R o u t e , Box 4 5 - A , w e s t P l a i n s , MO 6 5 7 7 5 . Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n on Oz a r k Ar e a Co mmu ni t y C o n g r e s s , w r i t e OACC, Box 6 7 - 2 , C a u l f i e l d , MO 6 5 6 2 6 .

8


fa e rie s C reate A Pagan C enter

The Rowan TreeD e a r Fr i e n d s o f RFD, It c e r t a i n l y i s i n t e r e s t i n g l i v i n g in t h i s type o f atmosphere. We a r e n e a r l y c o m p l e t e w i t h our i n c o r p o r a t i o n a s a c h u r c h , f o r we f e e l i t n e c e s ­ s a r y f o r we c i t y - w i t c h e s t o p r o t e c t o u r h o u s e , o u r t e m p l e , o u r g a r d e n s and o u r s t u d e n t s . When c o m o l e t e , i t w i l l a l l o w us t o e f f e c t i v e l y drop out o f the sy s tem . We a r e a s c l o s e a s p o s s i b l e t o b e i n g r u r a l , e v e n t h o u g h we a r e w i t h i n t h e inner c i t y o f M inneapolis. I have l i v e d in the c o u n t r y f o r g r e a t p o r t i o n s o f my l i f e , e v e n i n a commune i n N o r t h e r n M i n n e s o t a ( w h e r e w e r e a l l t h e men?) b u t now my work a s P r i e s t a n d t e a c h e r k e e p s me h e r e , w h e r e t h e s t u d e n t s a r e . There’ s a lot o f m a g i c k t o b e h a d , h o w e v e r , a n d we a r e s e c r e t ­ l y d e l i g h t e d a t t h e c o n t i n u a l c o mme n t s a b o u t our home s e e m i n g l i k e a f arm h o u s e ( a l t h o u g h f e w o f t h o s e h a v e a t e m p l e ) a n d t h e q u i e t and g r e e n growth g i v i n g us a woodland a t m o s p h e r e . There i s work t o b e d o n e i n t h e c i t i e s , a n d we h a v e found t h a t th e j o y s o f having enough p r i v a c y for nude s u n b a t h i n g in our b a ck y a r d , and t h e w i l d areas along the M i s s i s s i p p i even w ithin the heart o f t h e c i t y a f f o r d s us t h e c o n t a c t w i t h t h e G o d­ d e s s o f N a t u r e s o e s s e n t i a l t o the Pagan h e a r t .

We t h o u g h t w e ' d l i k e t o s h a r e s ome i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t o u r work w i t h your r e a d e r s . The Rowan T r e e i s a c t i v e l y i n v o l v e d i n many a s p e c t s o f t h e New Age w h i c h a r e o f i n t e r e s t t o P a g a n s a n d F a e r i e s a l i k e , a n d a s we h a v e b e e n d o i n g t h i s work f o r a number o f y e a r s , we f i n d t h e r e i s much t o s h a r e . In May o f 1 9 3 0 , my l o v e r ( C a s s i d y ) a n d I moved i n t o an a b a n d o n e d h o u s e i n M i n n e a p o l i s , a n d b e ­ gan making i t l i v a b l e and h a b i t a b l e . I ha d b e e n i n v o l v e d w i t h t h e Rowan T r e e s i n c e i t s i n c e n t i o n ( e v e n l o n g b e f o r e t h e name Rowan T r e e came i n t o u s e ) a n d p a r t o f o u r move was t o p r o v i d e s p a c e for t h e Center and i t s growing work. We h a v e a w o n d e r f u l T e m p l e , i n w h i c h we w o r s h i p b o t h t h e God i n H i s many a s p e c t s a n d t h e G o d d e s s i n H e r s . In f a c t , t h a t wa s t h e f i r s t room t h a t we c o m o l e t e d , t r u e Pagans a t h e a r t . '<*e h a v e s u r r o u n d e d o ur h o u s e w i t h h e r b g a r d e n s , a n d a r e c r e a t i n g a sa n c tu a r y for t h e herb devas (t h e s p i r i t s / s o u l s o f h e r b s , much l i k e l i t t l e p e o p l e f o r t h e F a e r ­ ies). The g a r d e n b e h i n d t h e h o u s e h a s a r i t u a l c i r c l e f o r d a n c e s and o u t d o o r w o r s h i p o f t h e r e ­ lig io n of nature. I t ' s been a wonderful p r o j e c t , a n d we h a v e a g r o w i n g number o f members a n d s t u ­ d e n t s who come h e r e t o s t u d y a v a r i e t y o f s u b ­ j e c t s , s u ch a s a s t r o l o g y , h e r b a l h e a l i n g , and p s y c h i c / s p i r i t u a l development. Our ma i n w o r k , h o w e v e r , i s i n w o r k i n g w i t h t h o s e men a n d women who a r e s t u d y i n g t o b e i n i t i a t e d i n t o t h e P r i e s t / e s s h o o d s o f W i c c a a n d o f t h e Sh a ma n. find t h a t t h e men who s t u d y h e r e a r e p r i m a r i l y g a y , and t h e women a r e p e r h a p s a t h i r d l e s b i a n , a n d t wo t h i r d s h e t e r o s e x u a l . A l l mi x w e l l , and t h e r e a r e no p r e j u d i c e s . We c o n t i n u e t o e n j o y an a t m o s p h e r e o f P e r f e c t Love a n d P e r f e c t T r u s t .

Fo r t h o s e who l i v e i n i s o l a t e d p a r t s o f t h e c o u n ­ t r y , we h a v e a c a t a l o g o f h e r b s a v a i l a b l e b y m a i l order. We h a v e an h e r b s h o p h e r e a t t h e Rowan T r e e , a n d f i n d i n g t h a t many o f o u r r e a d e r s h a v e no a c c e s s t o a s h o p , we h a v e e x p a n d e d a n d h o p e to help o th e r s. We k e e p o u r p r i c e s a s l o w a s p o s s i b l e , and f i l l o r d e r s a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s i b l e . H o p e f u l l y , o ur s e l e c t i o n w i l l c o n t i n u e t o g r o w (we now h a v e a b o u t a h u n d r e d t y p e s o f h e r b s a v a i l a b l e ). (Editor: A r e v ie w o f P a u l ' s book, The H o i y B o o k s o f t h e D e v a s : an h e r b a l 1 f o r t h e Aquar i a n A g e , i s on p a g e of th is issue of RFD. )

The Rowan T r e e i s i n v o l v e d w i t h many a c t i v i t i e s . We h a v e b e e n w o r k i n g f o r g a y a nd l e s b i a n r i g h t s w i t h i n t h e l a r g e r P a g a n Co mmu ni t y t h r o u g h o u t t h e U . S . , h a v i n g b e g u n (lh y r s . a g o ) t o a d d a s p e c i a l a d d i t i o n t o o ur r e g u l a r n e w s l e t t e r ( The U n i c o r n ) w h i c h p r o v i d e s n e ws o f t h e P a g a n / W i c c a n c o m m u n i t y e i g h t t i m e s a y e a r , c o i n c i d i n g w it h the s a b b a t s . We h a v e a t t e n d e d a number o f P a g a n f e s t i v a l s , a n d l a s t y e a r we s c h e d u l e d t h e g a y a n d l e s b i a n r a p s e s s i o n which l e d to th e h i s t o r i c i n c l u s i o n o f g a y men i n Z . B u d a p e s t ' s D i a n i c C i r c l e w h i c h o u r b r o t h e r Ray N e l s o n w r o t e a b o u t i n y o u r l a s t i s ­ sue. L a s t H a l l o w m a s we s p o n s o r e d a r e t r e a t f o r Gay F a e r i e s ( n o t a l l men who i d e n t i f y t h e m s e l v e s a s F a e r i e s a r e g a y ) h e r e a t t h e Rowan T r e e , a n d i t wa s a w o n d e r f u l t i m e , w i t h c i t i e s l i k e Sa n F r a n c i s c o , A t l a n t a , Kansas C i t y , C h i c a g o , and L e v i t t o w n , Pa. r e p r e s e n t e d . I t wa s a g r e a t e x ­ p e r i e n c e , w ith workshops in c h a n t , s e x u a l magick, a n d r i t u a l s a nd f u n and l o v e s h a r e d b y t h o s e a t ­ tending. We w i l l b e s p o n s o r i n g a n o t h e r s u c h r e ­ t r e a t t h i s c o m i n g May, a n d l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h e event with g r e a t j o y . (See p . f o r more i n f o r ­ m a t i o n c o n c e r n i n g t h e May G a t h e r i n g ) .

I h o p e t h i s f i n d s a l l o f you e n j o y i n g t h e j o y o f l i f e , o f l o v e , a nd o f t h e s p e c i a l F a e r y Ma g i c k w h i c h i s a v a i l a b l e t o a l l who c a r e t o s e e k i t , t o p u t i n t h e n e c e s s a r y work t o d e v e l o p i t , and who c a r e a n d c h e r i s h i t . Onl y t o t h o s e a r e t h e m ysteries unveiled. Much L o v e a n d B l e s s e d Be Paul

The RowanTree Box 881*+ MpIsMN 55T08

P .S. The g r o w t h o f RFD & i t s s h a r i n g o f commun­ i c a t i o n for t h o s e g a y s , f a e r i e s , e t c . d i s c o v e r ­ ing the value o f a r e l i g i o n of natu ral c y c l e s i s joyous. I w i s h y o u e x t e n d e d s u c c e s s o v e r many years. May t h e G o d d e s s k i s s y o u r d r e a m s , a n d t h e G o l d e n God make y o u r f a n t a s i e s r e a l .

9


A G a t h e r i n g o f Gay Men i n A t l a n t a (Feb. 6 - 8 , A t l a n t a , GA) C o n t a c t : Frank A b b o t t , 1422 I v e r s o n S t . , A t l a n t a , GA 3 0 3 0 7 * * * * * The Snow F a e r i e s G athering for Ith a ca , NY (Mar. 2 0 - 2 2 - S p r i n g Equinox) C o n t a c t : Tom S e i d n e r , B orealis Bookstore, 4 1 6 Edd y S t . , I t h a c a , NY 1 4 8 5 0

Vernal ering cisco, (March

Equinox G a t h ­ n e a r San F r a n ­ CA 20 & 21)

Contact: S a i , 250A C e n t r a l A v e . , S F , CA 94117 or c a l l 4 1 5 626-1338

The S e c o n d An n u a l A l l - B o y B u f f a l o River F loat ( A p r i l 2 0 - 2 1 ; P o n c a , AR) A c a n o e t r i p down 22 m i l e s o f the s c e n i c B u f f a l o N a t io n a l River. The r a p i d s a r e FUN, nothing that a beginner c a n 't handle. The r i v e r a b o u n d s w i t h 300-500 f t . b l u f f s , w a t e r f a l l s , f e r n s , f l o w e r s a nd v e g e t a t i o n . Cost: $18 f o r c ano e r e n t a l ( p e r p e r s o n ) , must be c o n f i r m e d by A p r i l 1. Brino food, t e n t , s l e e p i n g bag; e v e r v t h i n o wrap­ ped to stand dunkino in 6 f t . o f water - t r a v e l 1 i a h t . Fo r d e t a i l s and t o r e s e r v e a place (April 1 d e a d lin e ) con­ tact: Ji m Lo ng , R t . 1 , Box 4 5 , B l u e E y e , MO 6 5 6 1 1

May Day C e l e b r a t i o n (May 1 - 3 , S h o r t Mt . ,

TN)

Bring food to share: suggested: te n t , sle ep in g bag. Contact: S h o r t M t . , R t . 1, Box 9 3A, L i b e r t y , TN 3 7 0 9 5

F a i r y Moon R e t r e a t (May 1 5 - 1 7 , M p l s . , The Rowan T r e e w i l l b e s p o n ­ s o r i n g a F a i r y Moon R e t r e a t i n th e s o r in g sea so n o f 1931. D a t e s a r e May 1 5 - 1 7 , t o c o i n ­ c i d e with the f i n a l days o f a moon w h i c h w i l l wax f u l l i n Scorpio. The w e e k e n d w i l l b e ­ g in with a Friday evening Fairy C i r c l e , h e l d in the herb g a r ­ d e n s o f L o t h l o r i e n , and c o n ­ t i n u e th ro ug h t h e weekend w i th w o r k s h o p s , m u s i c , m e a l s , and fun. A p o ssib le conclusion w i l l be a F a ir y r i t u a l h e l d at a sa cred c i r c l e along the M is s is s ip p i River. Further d e t a i l s w i l l be p u b l i s h e d in the Extra Pages, the g a y / l e s b ia n s e c t i o n o f "the Unicorn" or a r e a v a i l a b l e f r o m: The Rowan T r e e , Box 8 8 1 4 , M p l s . , MN 5 5 4 0 8 . Pre-reg i s t r a t io n w i l l b e $ 1 0 and t h e t o t a l c o s t w i l l be r o u g h ly $ 5 0 -6 0 i n c l u d ­ i ng m e a l s and s l e e p i n g s p a c e . Space w i l l be l i m i t e d . D is­ c o u n t e d f e e s f o r t h o s e who p r o v i d e t h e i r own l o d g i n g a n d m eals w i l l be a v a i l a b l e .

C r i t ' s B i r t h d a y P a r t y / P o t Luck Party (May 3 0 - J u n e 1 , S h o r t M t . , TN) B r in g w h a t e v e r you n e e d . Contact: Sh ort Mt. , R t . 1, Box 9 8 A , L i b e r t y , TN 3 7 0 9 5

10

The S e v e n t h R u n n i n g K a t e r Gather ing (J une 1 9 - 2 1 , Running w a t e r , B a k e r s v i l l e , NC) A weekend c e l e b r a t i o n o f s h a r ­ i n g , t o u c h i n g , and c i r c l e s a t t h e home o f RFD. Bring gear t o camp a t Ru n n i n g Wat er on m y s t i c a l Roan M o u n t a i n i n v / e s t e r n NC. Our f a c i l i t i e s a r e p r i m i t i v e and l i m i t e d s o we a t t e m p t t o b e w e l l p r e p a r ­ ed i n o rder to accomodate as many b r o t h e r s a s we c a n . P l e a s e w r i t e f o r d e t a i l s a nd map. We a p p r e c i a t e a d v a n c e n o t i c e from t h o s e a t t e n d i n g and a d o n a t i o n towards t h e communally p r e p a r e d m e a l s . Contact: R u n n i n g Wat e r Farm, R t . 1 , Box 127E , B a k e r s v i l l e , NC 2 8 7 0 5

Possible Future Gathering Toronto G athering (E a r ly J u ly '81 - c o i n c i d i n g w i t h t h e T o r o n t o N a t i o n a l Ga y Conference ) Contact: Doug W h i t f i e l d , 7 5 0 0 1 0 5 t h S t . , Edmonton, A l b e r t a , Ca n a d a T6E 4 V 1 .


THATS MAGIC! A PERSONAL ACCOUNT O f THE HARBIN HOT SPRINGS BY RICO GATHERING The many a c c o u n t s o f F a e r i e G a t h e r i n g s t h a t I h a v e r e a d i n RFD l e a v e me f e e l i n g h u m b l e a b o u t my a b i l i t y t o e x p r e s s t h e m a g i c o f t h e H a r b i n Hot S p r i n g s G a t h e r i n g . Wi t h y o u r l o v i n g p a t i e n c e I w i l l t r y t o s h a r e i n t h e m o s t p o t e n t way my e x p e r i e n c e s a nd t h o u g h t s . P l e a s e a c c e p t some diversion s.

Hot S p r i n g s G a t h e r i n g . I found m y s e l f st a n d in g b e h i n d hi m c o m p l e t e l y a t random i n t h e s e c o n d , outer c i r c l e as everyone t r ie d to sta y c lo s e to t h e f i r e t o k e e p warm, I h a d no i d e a who h e was He j u s t moved me s t r o n g l y . When i t wa s t i m e t o l e a v e I had b e e n k i s s i n g h i s n e c k a n d s h o u l d e r s from b e h i n d .

The f i r s t G a t h e r i n g I a t t e n d e d wa s t h e B o l i n a s H alloween G a th e rin g in ' 8 0 . Some f r i e n d s I d i d n ’ t know v e r y w e l l s u g g e s t e d we a l l g o t o g e t h e r . They were g o i n g r e g a r d l e s s . Whi c h m e a n t , i f n e c e s s a r y , g e t t i n g o f f wor k a t 7: 0 0 PM i n San F r a n c i s c o ; h i t c h h i k i n g 4 0 m i l e s i n t h e d a r k and c o l d , through th e c i t y a c r o s s t h e G olden G ate B r i d g e a n d t h r o u g h w o o d e d Ma r i n C o u n t y , a r r i v i n g p e r h a p s l a t e , a n d t h e n o n e o f t he m h a d t o b e b a c k t h e ne xt morning f o r work: I o n l y ha d t h e v a g u ­ e s t u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f where i t was I o f f e r e d t o d r i v e i n my new " o l d p i c k u p t r u c k " , b u t I b e c a me convinced that anything th e s e gay f r ie n d s (I d i d n ' t know t h e y w e r e f a e r i e s y e t ) w e r e c o m m i t t e d t o a t t e n d i n g , h a d t o b e more w o r t h w h i l e t h a n a H a l l o w e e n s t r e e t s c e n e i n San F r a n c i s c o w i t h a l l i t s p o t e n t i a l v i o l e n c e and bad v i b e s .

Over t i m e Norman i n f o r m e d me o f t h e p r e p a r a t i o n s for t h e " S o l s t i c e F r o l i c for G entlem en F a i r i e s " ( H a r b i n Hot S p r i n g s G a t h e r i n g ) . He d i d m o s t o f the planning h im self. I t was a s t r o n g t e s t i m o n y f o r me o f t h e p o t e n c y o f i n d i v i d u a l p o w e r . Norman c a l l e d i t a "h ea r t flo w " p r o j e c t and i n v o k e d t h e s p i r i t s o f h i s f a e r i e b r o t h e r s t o h e l p make i t a l l c ome t o g e t h e r . It did.

My f r i e n d s ha d a d i f f i c u l t t i m e v e r b a l l y p r e p a r i n g me f o r wh a t I wa s a b o u t t o e n c o u n t e r . They ended up m a k i n g i t s o u n d l i k e " R o s e m a r y ’ s Baby i n t h e Woods" f o r q u e e r s , a n d I b e c a m e i n c r e a s i n g l y n e r v o u s a s I d r o v e o v e r s h a d o w e d r o a d s a nd u n ­ marked t u r n s t o s e a r c h o u t t h i s " e v e n t " . Even t h o u g h my f r i e n d J o h n , a n o l d e r t h e r a p i s t a n d o r d i n a r i l y my r o c k o f s e c u r i t y , wa s w i t h u s , I wa s l i t e r a l l y s h a k i n g f r om f r i g h t a s we f i n a l l y p u lle d in t o the l a s t driveway. The f o u r o f u s g o t out o f th e tru c k ca b, but I d i d so v e r y r e ­ l u c t a n t l y ; v i s i o n s o f macabre c u l t s and k n i v e s c u t t i n g o ur h e a r t s h a u n t e d me. I w r ite t h i s in a ll honesty. I j u s t d i d n ' t kno w w h a t t o e x p e c t . " F a e r i e " was n o t y e t a p o s i t i v e t e r m f o r me. I l o s t t h e s i n g l e k e y t o t h e t r u c k a s we w a l k e d up t h e d r i v e w a y . '‘Je o n l y r e a l i z e d t h i s l a t e r when i t wa s t i m e t o d r i v e t o t h e b e a c h f o r t h e circle. S t r a n g e l y , J o h n w a l k e d 30 f e e t a way f rom t h e t r u c k and i n t h e c o u n t r y dar k fou n d t h e ke y in the d i r t driveway. U s u a l l y he a s k s me t o r e a d r e s t a u r a n t me nus b e c a u s e h e c a n ’ t s e e t h e p r i n t without h i s g l a s s e s . At t h a t p o i n t I knew s o m e ­ t h i n g p o w e r f u l wa s h a p p e n i n g . But w h a t ? At t h e B o l i n a s H a l l o w e e n G a t h e r i n g ( s e e RFD # 2 5 p . 8 f o r an a c c o u n t o f t h i s g a t h e r i n g b y S a i ) I met Norman who wa s p u t t i n g t o g e t h e r t h e H a r b i n

11

S u p p o s e d l y a b u s was l e a v i n g from San F r a n c i s c o for t h i s Harbin G a t h e r i n g . T h i s would s h u t t l e the infamous order o f the S i s t e r s o f Perpetual Indulgence. I was a b l e t o make r e s e r v a t i o n s f o r my p a r t n e r a n d m y s e l f t o b e on t h i s b u s . As s e e ms t y p i c a l w i t h f a e r i e h a p p e n i n g s t h e bus had c l u t c h p r o b le m s and ne ver l e f t t h e c i t y . Instead the e x a c t number o f c a r s a p p e a r e d s o t h a t e v e r y o n e c o u l d c a r - p o o l t h e ho ur a n d an h a l f r i d e n o r t h t o Sonoma C o u n t y . S i n c e my f i r s t g a t h e r i n g a t B o l i n a s was s o h i g h a n d e n e r g i z e d I w a s t o t a l l y r e a d y f o r my s e c o n d e x p e r i e n c e on t h e W i n t e r S o l s t i c e . I had a l s o t h e f o r t u n a t e e x p e r i e n c e o f g o i n g t o H a r b i n Hot S p r in g s s i x weeks e a r l i e r with a s e x u a l i t y c o u n s e l i n g c l a s s f rom San F r a n c i s c o S t a t e . Thu s I was a b l e t o v i s u a l i z e b e f o r e h a n d e x a c t l y w h e r e we w e r e h e a d e d . . . i n a p h y s i c a l a n d g e o g r a p h i c a l d i m e n s i o n anyway. I learned e a r l i e r that t h i s p a r t i c u la r fewt h o u s a n d a c r e v a l l e y ha d o n c e b e e n s a c r e d I n d i a n land. S o m e t i m e i n t h e 1 8 0 0 * s t h e w h i t e men f o r ­ c e d t he m o u t . The I n d i a n s w e r e r e p o r t e d t o h a v e l e f t a c u r s e on t h e l a n d a s t h e y s p a c e d t h e m ­ s e l v e s along the se m icirc u la r rid g e e n c lo s in g the v a l l e y . In t h e l a t e 1 8 0 0 ’ s t h e h o t s p r i n g s a n d n a t u r a l b e a u t y o f Sonoma C o u n t y f o r m e d t h e nucleus for a very fin e h o te l r e s o r t . So f i n e , i n f a c t , t h a t e a r l i e r U . S . P r e s i d e n t s had supposedly v i s i t e d th e r e . The p l a c e b e c a m e a b a n d o n e d i n t h e 1 9 0 0 ’ s f o r some r e a s o n ( t h e curse?). The r e s o r t e r o d e d b u t t h e b u i l d i n g s stayed on. In t h e 6 0 * s a g r o up o f f l o w e r c h i l ­ d r e n o r w h a t e v e r was t h e c h a r a c t e r o f t h e s e p a r ticu la r 6 0 ’s fo lk , inhabited the l i t t l e valley. I t b e c a m e an LSD f a c t o r y . One d a y t h e


coming Harb in G a t h e r i n g . But t h e r e wa s more g o in g on. O t h e r s w e r e b e i n g h e a l e d a nd I w a t c h e d i t and s h a r e d i t .

THAT'S M A G IC! (CONTINUED)

I f I might b l a s p h e m o u s l y a s s e r t t h a t I have not YET r e a d , e i t h e r A r t h u r E v a n s ' b o o k , W i t c h c r a f t a n d t h e Ga y C o u n t e r C u l t u r e o r V i s i o n a r y Love by M i t c h W a l k e r ; a n d f u r t h e r m o r e I am h o n e s t l y n o t v e r y a w a r e or e d u c a t e d a b o u t a n c i e n t r e l i g i o n s o r t r a d i t i o n s , may I c o n t i n u e t h i s d i s c u s s i o n o f magic? Although th e c i r c l e around th e f i r e at n i g h t seems t o be t h e t r a d i t i o n a l p o i n t o f h i g h po we r m a g i c ( f r o m what I ' v e r e a d i n RFD) , t h e s e hot s p r i n g s o f f e r e d another s e t t i n g where I think h ig h -e n e r g y s t u f f happened. T h e r e was a v e r y h o t t u b , o n e h a d t o i n c h o n e ' s way i n t o , a n d t h e n t h e r e wa s c o n n e c t e d t o t h a t a l a r g e r p o o l - l i k e s t r u c t u r e with a tem p era ture j u s t above bo dy t e m p e r a t u r e s o on e c o u l d f l o a t f o r h o u r s and h o u r s i n t h e m i n e r a l w a t e r a s we d i d . This larger s t r u c t u r e h e l d p e r h a p s 4 0 t o 6 0 when n e c e s s a r y . Then 2 0 y a r d s a way wa s a c o l d p l u n g e t h e s i z e o f a r e g u l a r b u i l t - i n swi mmi ng p o o l c o m p l e t e w i t h diving board. C o l d i t was'. A l a r g e wo o d en d e c k was n e a r b y and t r e e s o v e r h e a d c o v e r e d h a l f t h e sky.

l o c a l p o l i c e p u l l e d i n and c l o s e d t h e f a c t o r y and c a u s e d a g r e a t d e a l o f o t h e r d i s t r e s s . The nearby i n h a b i t a n t s o f th e l i t t l e town, M id dleto n , b e c a m e e n r a g e d when t h e y l e a r n e d o f t h e h i p p i e drug c u l t u r e . Th e y a c t u a l l y s t o r m e d t h e p l a c e a n d b u r n e d down mo s t o f t h e b u i l d i n g s ( t h e curse?). Fo r a w h i l e c h a o s r e i g n e d t h e r e a g a i n . Now t h e p r o p e r t y i s c o n t r o l l e d b y t h e "He art C o n s c i o u s n e s s Church" whic h a p p e a r s t o be a l o o s e l y o r g a n i z e d g r o u p w i s h i n g t o l i v e i n an idealized settin g . Th e y a r e c o m p l e t e l y n o n ­ proselytizing. Wi t h t h e s e f o l k s Norman made a r r a n g e m e n t s f o r a b o u t 7 5 F a e r i e s t o come a n d s t a y i n t h e mo s t i n t e r e s t i n g s u r v i v i n g b u i l d i n g , "The S t o n e L o d g e " . A ne we r l o d g e a s h o r t w a l k away w a s a l s o r e s e r v e d f o r t h o s e who p r e p a r e d t h e i r own f o o d . Norman ha d a l s o a r r a n g e d f o o d t o be r e a d i e d f o r t h o s e i n t h e S t o n e L o d g e . The c a m p i n g o u t o p t i o n wa s e x e r c i s e d b y s o m e . The t i m i n g o f t h e m e a l s a n d t h e s e p a r a t i o n o f t h e t wo g r o u p s i n e a c h l o d g e w e r e t h e o n l y c o m ­ p l a i n t s about t h e p r e p a r a t i o n s and s e t t i n g . T h i s s e e m s u n i m p o r t a n t now.

Oh y e s , t h e m a g i c . Some f i n e h a n d s o m e y o un g f a e r i e s were t a l k i n g t o g e t h e r about t h e e x o e r i e n c e o f t h e h o t s o r i n g s wh e r e c o n s t a n t h u g g i n g and s t r o k i n g w e r e e x c h a n g e d b e t w e e n e v e r y a g e a nd shape o f p e r s o n . " T h i s w a t e r medium r e a l l y ma k e s i t f e e l s a f e r t o h o l d someone n a k e d ."

When my p a r t n e r a n d I a r r i v e d F r i d a y N i g h t we dropped our t h i n g s at t h e S t o n e Lodg e, o a i d t h e r e m a i n d e r o f o ur f e e , a n d h e a d e d n a k e d f o r t h e Hot S p r i n g s . A l t h o u g h a f e w o t h e r s f rom t h e C h u r c h w e r e a r o u n d t h e p r o p e r t y , we s e e m e d t o h a v e t o t a l f r e e d o m , w i t h a minimum o f o u t s i d e contact. At t h i s p o i n t I w o u l d l i k e t o d i v e d e e p e r i n t o my c o n s c i o u s n e s s a n d s h a r e t h e po we r and s e n s a t i o n s o f t h a t we ek en d. P l e a s e bear w i t h me b e c a u s e I am t r y i n g t o b e s u c c i n c t .

"Yea, e v e n t h e g u y s w i t h l o t s o f f l a b f e e l warm and s e n s u o u s a nd g o o d t o h o l d . I ’ ve h e l d 26 f a e r i e s a l r e a d y . " " I t ' s g r e a t b e c a u s e I wo u ld have a d i f f i c u l t t i m e a l l o w i n g t h a t much p h y s i c a l i n t i m a c y s o me w h e r e e l s e . "

When g a y men g a t h e r a n d men o f 1 8 o r 2 0 t a l k , h u g , h o l d a n d d e e p l y c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h men o f 50 o r 6 0 ; THAT'S MAGIC'. When 5 0 v o i c e s a nd f a c e s sta n d about a f i r e w ith a l o v i n g , p u r i f y ­ i n g , h e a l i n g i n t e n t ; THAT'S MAGIC! When 3 0 men h o l d arms i n a h u g e , t e p i d , h o t s p r i n g c i r c l i n g a r o u n d and a r o u n d , s m i l i n g , k i s s i n g a s t h e f u l l moon a p p e a r s g i g a n t i c o n t h e h o r i z o n , on t h e s o l s t i c e o f t h e w i n t e r w h i l e two p l a n e t s a l i g n i n s u c h a way t h a t t h e y w o n ' t a g a i n f o r 350 y e a r s ; THAT ’ 8 MAG IC 1

" Ye a , i s n ' t i t firmness ihere wr i n k l e s . "

a m a z i n g how much m u s c l e a n d i s un de r t h o s e f l a b b y

"And I l i k e t h e h a r d - o n s t h a t e v e r y o n e g e t s , b u t y o u c a n ' t do much a b o u t t hem i n t h e water ." "It

I p o i n t t h i s m a g i c o u t b e c a u s e I h e a r d and overheard o f disap pointm ents with the night circles. Perhaps the s t r u c t u r e s o f t h e r i t u a l s w e r e t o o l o o s e , a n d p e r h a p s e v e r y o n e d i d n ' t make i t o u t t o t h e c i r c l e f o r some r e a s o n , a n d p e r h a n s a s m a l l number o f g a y men ( n o t y e t f a e r i e s ) we re j u s t d r o p p i n g i n a n d n o t f u l l y a w a r e o f t h e h e a l i n g power p o t e n t i a l o f t h i s g a t h e r i n g . "It's h a r d t o k e e p t h e e n e r g y up f o r e a c h o f t h e s e g a t h e r i n g s " I wa s t o l d . "I seem t o c ome w i t h s o much e x p e c t a t i o n b e c a u s e t h e l a s t g a t h e r i n g was j u s t s o p o w e r f u l a n d b e a u t i f u l . I get afraid I ' l l be d i s a p p o i n t e d " . F o r me, t h e m a g i c was e n d l e s s l y a r o u n d me . Yes, p e r h a p s I was e n c h a n t ­ ed. I d i d n ' t know why t h i s p e r s o n c o u l d n ' t s e e it. I a d m i t I ' d f i n i s h e d t h e c o u r s e wor k f o r seven c l a s s e s the day b e f o r e I l e f t for t h i s g a t h e r i n g w h i c h t h e n g a v e me a B . A . d e g r e e a f t e r s i x y e a r s . And y e s , a g a i n , I h a d t h e s t r e n g t h t o f i n i s h t h e work p a r t l y b e c a u s e o f t h e h e a l i n g o f t h e B o l i n a s G a t h e r i n g a nd t h e i m p e t u s o f t h e u p ­

certainly

isn't

"Well,

I wouldn't

"Well,

I would."

too orgasm icly o r ie n te d ."

say t h a t . "

"We l l . . . " "W eeelll. . . " As I ' v e m e n t i o n e d a l r e a d y I f o u n d m a g i c e v e r y ­ where: a t m e a l t i m e when an o l d e r f a e r i e t o l d a s t o r y o f h i s youth in the c o u n t r y . He was o n c e f u c k i n g a c ow a n d i t s h i t on h i m . He h a d t o e x p l a i n t o h i s m o t h e r why h i s p a n t s w e r e wet a f t e r h a v i n g t a k e n t hem o f f t o wa s h t hem i n t h e horse trough. He s a i d h e ' d f a l l e n i n t h e t r o u g h and t h i s s e e m e d l e s s e m b a r r a s s i n g t h a n t h e t r u t h . I g r e w up i n D e t r o i t . To h e a r t h i s s t o r y , f o r r e a l , f rom t h e l i p s o f a c o u n t r y f a e r i e wa s v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o me. J u s t a s i m p o r t a n t was H a r r y H a y ' s t e l l i n g me d i r e c t l y ( n o t f rom a b o o k ) w h i l e f o u r o f u s l o c k e d arms i n t h e h o t t u b t h a t

it


Germany

he p e r s o n a l l y k n e w g a y m e n w h o w e n t t o in t h e l a t e *30 ' s to r e s c u e t h e i r l o v e r s never c a m e back.

and

M a g i c a l t o me wa s C r i t s h o v i n g t h a t p i p e i n my f a c e e n d l e s s l y a n d l i g h t i n g i t f o r me. Magical t o me was t h a t l u n a t i c d a n c i n g a r o u n d c o n s t a n t l y f o r h o u r s w i t h a s k i r t and b e l l s . Everytime I l o o k e d up h e h a d o n a new c h i f f o n d r e s s , or p i n k p u mp s , or a f e a t h e r h a t . That l u n a t i c t u r n e d out t o be S a i , o f c o u r s e . M a g i c a l t o me was J a m e s B r o u g h t o n ' s p o e t r y r e a d t o us by h i m s e l f m id-Sunday m o r n in g . Serious l i s t e n e r s s h a r i n g an o l d e r a r t i s t ' s l i f e wor k a n d v a l i d a t i n g a l l my f a n t a s i e s o f my own p o ­ tent i a l . M a g i c a l t o me wa s t h a t b i g f a e r i e b e i n g f l o a t e d i n t h e p o o l l a t e , l a t e S a t u r d a y N i g h t by f o u r or f i v e young f a e r i e s . H e ' d b e e n e y e i n g me and p a s s i n g h i g h - e n e r g y t o roe a l l day a n d n i g h t . It wa s l o v i n g , b u t i n t e n s e and s o m e t i m e s s l i g h t l y d ifficu lt. When h e t o o k a c i d i t was a l m o s t a crisis. A fte r o n l y four m inutes o f b e in g f l o a t e d h e s q u i r m e d a n d c o n t o r t e d and c o u l d n o t a l l o w us to f l o a t him. He s e e m e d n o t t o b e a b l e t o h a n d l e the a t t e n t i o n . Oh s o g e n t l y I t r i e d t o t e a c h him. " I t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o have a l o t o f energy f o c u s e d on y o u r p e r s o n i f y o u r n o t r e a d y f o r i t , is n 't it?" M a g i c a l t o me was t h e c i r c l e S a t u r d a y N i g h t when o n l y 1 0 o r 12 w e r e l e f t . I ' d been c a l l i n g for f a ir y mirth a l l night as the h e a v in e ss o f r i t u a l o p p r e s s e d n e w c o m e r s a s w e l l a s some p o w e r faeries. When o n l y a f e w w e r e l e f t I f o u n d P a n ' s f a c e i n an e l a b o r a t e l y d r e s s e d f a e r i e

13

whose dark f e a t u r e s and c h a n t e d me . To m y s e l f anywhere." Hours l a t e r s o l s t i c e , a long n ig h t) h a d h i s way w i t h me .

p e r f e c t symmetry e n ­ I s a i d , " I ' d f o l l o w you t h a t n i g h t ( i t was t h e I met hi m a g i a n a n d he

M a g i c a l t o me wa s an a c i d t r i p a l l S a t u r d a y A l l e n a s we c l i m b e d up a h i l l a n d f o r h o u r s q u i e t l y and w a t c h e d l i t t l e f a e r i e e x c u r s i o n s low. I ' v e n e v e r t a k e n a c i d b e f o r e and b e e n q u i e t and a t p e a c e .

with sat be­ that

And f i n a l l y , m a g i c a l t o me was t h a t f a e r i e w i t t h a t r e s p o n d e d a t meal t i m e . Norman ha d i n f o r m e d us t h a t t h e f e e d b a c k h e r e c e i v e d f r o m o u r h o s t s wa s t h a t our g r o u p wa s h i g h l y w e l c o m e a n d t h e y l i k e d what we w e r e a b o u t . "One t h i n g , h o w e v e r , " Norman p a s s e d o n " t h e r e ' s b e e n some c o m p l a i n t s f r om o t h e r s a b o u t e x p l i c i t c o c k s u c k i n g i n t h e t u b s and w e ' r e a s k e d t o c o o l i t . " A v o i c e rang o u t , " R ig h t , t h e y l i k e us r e a l f i n e a l r i g h t i f o n l y we w e r e n ' t c o c k s u c k e r s ' . " I s t r o n g l y s u s p e c t t h a t t h o s e who m i s s e d t h e m a g i c , i f a n y , c l o s e d t h e m s e l v e s o f f f rom i t . "What's m a g i c a l " I t r i e d t o a s s e r t " i s t h a t t h i s g r o u p h a s a c o n s c i o u s n e s s way b e y o n d a n d a b o v e a ny s i n g l e l i t t l e f a e r i e c o n t r o l l i n g i t . " Of c o u r s e t h a t s p e c i a l f e e l i n g o f group u n i t y d o e s n ' t ALWAYS c o m e . If it did so e a s i l y , it w o u ld n 't be s p e c i a l . We come t o g e t h e r a n d i f group magic i s t h e r e i t m a n i f e s t s . If not, not. when g r o u p m a g i c d o e s n ' t se e m t o be m a n i f e s t i n g and p e o p l e f e e l s p l i n t e r e d , so be i t . One must t h e n r e l y on o n e ' s i n d i v i d u a l p o w e r . However, when t h e g r o u p m a g i c d o e s m a n i f e s t , i t ' s s o p o w e r f u l and s o h e a l i n g . I d o n ' t want t o m i s s it. So I ' l l c o n t i n u e g a t h e r i n g when g a t h e r i n g s happen.


F a e r i e s e v e r y w h e r e h a v e g i v e n me s o much e n e r g y . The g a t h e r i n g a t H a r b i n Hot S p r i n g s o v e r t h e Wi n­ t e r S o l s t i c e i n N o r t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a was a t t e n d ­ e d by n e a r l y 70 f a e r i e s . Hot Damn!

H o t l a n t a was g o i n g t h r o u g h a c o l d s p e l l . I ar­ r i v e d e a r l y , and t h e g r a p e v i n e w e a v e d t h r o u g h the c i t y with h a ste. F a e r i e s s t a r t e d popping o u t o f t h e woodwork. A h i g h l i t e o f the g a t h e r ­ i n g wa s t h e o p e n i n g r i t u a l a t t h e S a t u r d a y m o r n ­ i n g c i r c l e when J a s o n ( l 5! y r s o l d ) g a v e t h e w e l ­ come a d d r e s s t h a t e a c h a n d e v e r y f a e r i e u n d e r ­ s t o o d a s a m e s s a g e f rom t h e G o d d e s s . Again r e ­ u n i o n s w e r e h a p p e n i n g , new r e l a t i o n s h i p s s p r o u t ­ ing, old r e la t io n s h ip s being given a b o o st. The network i s coming t o g e t h e r .

I wa s t r o u b l e d a nd f e l t t e n s i o n i n t h e a i r . This wa s my s i x t h g a t h e r i n g . I ha d n o t e x p e r i e n c e d t h i s f e e l i n g among f a e r i e s . I s t a y e d near t he Hot Tubs m o s t o f t h e w e e k e n d . Constantly ques­ t i o n i n g m o t i v e s and a c t i o n s o f o t h e r f a e r i e s . Was t h i s n e c e s s a r y ? I f e l t so trou b led I d id n 't even go to the ca m p fire th a t n i t e .

I h a v e w i t h me a s I t r a v e l a c o m p l e t e s e t o f t a p e s from t h e De n ve r G a t h e r i n g , and I'm l o o k i n g forward to sh a rin g tim e with a l l o f you. Hope­ f u l l y , a f a e r i e c i r c l e w i l l convene in each h a v ­ en t h a t I v i s i t f o r s t o r y t e l l i n g and b e l l r i n g ­ ing .

The s e v e n hour j o u r n e y t o S a c r a m e n t o t h r o u g h t h e r a i n and w i n d , c o u g h i n g , f e e l i n g d r a i n e d - I was d e t e r m i n e d t o come up w i t h a s o l u t i o n . I wasn't e v e n s u r e what I was l o o k i n g f o r . To d i r e c t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f a n y t h i n g o n e must act w ith g r a c e . L e t t i n g t h e natu re o f the need determine the c h o ic e . O n e 's p u b l i c image s h o u l d i n d i c a t e t h e meaning o f o n e ' s p u r p o s e . When f a e r i e s f i n d o t h e r f a e r i e s , we r e c o g n i z e i t a s a t r u e t r e a s u r e when we o f f e r o u r s e l v e s w i t h a sincerity of feelin g. For t h i s i s t h e g o l d e n wrapping o f u n e q u a l l e d l u x u r y .

S e e you s o o n

-

Love & K i s s e s ,

TAPE # 8

Ti me mus t f u l f i l l i t s e l f n a t u r a l l y . We a r e a l l working f o r a b e t t e r p l a c e t o l i v e in harmony. F r a c t i o n a l i s m must b e a v o i d e d . After spending s e v e r a l w e e k s a l o n e , m e d i t a t i n g a n d s t u d y i n g my i n n e r f e e l i n g s , I wa s a b l e t o g e t b a c k t o wha t I do b e s t - t r a v e l and t e l l s t o r i e s .

My r e a c t i o n and t h o u g h t s a b o u t Ceremonial in Colorado.

the Kali F ir e

The b o d y t i n g l e s f r om h e a d t o t o e The ar ms r e a c h f o r t h e s k y A c a l m n e s s mo v e s o v e r t h e room C l o s i n g ray e y e s , r e s t i n g Peacefully Absorbing t h e energy S o a k i n g up t h e j u i c e Sex magi c - K a l i - Dan cin g Laughter - P le a su r e - S in g in g Waves o f e n e r g y f l o a t a r o u n d t h e room; /Vt t i i ^ s I am f o r c e d t o s t a n d up o t h e r t i m e s ray ar ms w o n ' t stop weaving & dancing w i t h t h e m o v e me n t s o f the c h a n t in g The e j a c u l a t i o n c h o r u s s i n g s with the reverence o f the tim es th e Goddess hears us t i l She i s h a p p y a n d s e n d s us c o m f o r t .

1 d e c i d e d i t b e t t e r f o r me t o n o t g e t i n v o l v e d i n m a j o r c o n f l i c t s i n i d e o l o g y o f what a s a n c ­ t u a r y i s or i s n o t . These problem s a re b e in g wor ke d o u t by t h e f a e r i e s a c t u a l l y l i v i n g i n t h e many s a n c t u a r i e s t h r o u g h o u t f a e r i e l a n d . I wish t o onL-y b r i n g o ur n e e d s a n d p r o b l e m s o u t i n t h e o p e n s o a l l t h e c a r d s a r e o n t h e t a b l e a n d we may s e e t h e w h o l e p i c t u r e a n d n o t j u s t o n e s i d e . C o n s t r u c t i v e d e v e l o p m e n t i s n o t an a i m l e s s m e a n ­ d e r i n g o f e n e r g y f o r c e s but t h e i n t e l l i g e n t move­ ment o f e n e r g y t o w a r d t h e f u l f i l l m e n t o f a t t a i n ­ ment o f a t a r g e t . My t a r g e t i s t o t r a v e l a n d s p r e a d o u t o u r own s t o r i e s f o r a b e t t e r u n d e r -

33S

It


ff-acvtc ffund V I S I O N To e s t a b l i s h a F a e r i e N e t w o r k r e s o u r c e s t r u c t u r e t o p o o l , s h a r e , r e p o o l , a n d r e s h a r e r e ­ s o u r c e s w i t h i n t h e Network t o h e l p b r i n g t o r e a l i t y F a e r i e c u l t u r a l / p o l i t i c a l / s p i r i t u a l V isions. As a f u n d - r a i s i n g p r o g r a m i s e s t a b l i s h e d , t h e n g r a n t s and o u t r i g h t c o n t r i b u t i o n s c o u l d a l s o be made. B I R T H I N G The F a e r i e Fund i s s e e d e d w i t h $ 1 5 0 0 s u r p l u s r e s o u r c e s for Radical F a e r ie s in Colorado.

f r om t h e

1980 S p i r i t u a l

Conference

G O A L S To k e e p t h e c o r e Fund i n t a c t b y i n i t i a l l y m a k i ng Faerie c u l t u r a l / p o l i t i c a l / s p i r i t u a l p r o j e c t s . To k e e p t h e Fund s p i r a l i n g / g r o w i n g contrib utions of outright grants.

by s e e k i n g

loans

funds

( r e p a y a b l e by June

1,

f r o m t h e F a e r i e N e t wo r k

1981)

for

t o a l s o make

To e s t a b l i s h w i t h i n t h e F a e r i e Fund a c e r t a i n p o r t i o n o f money t o be u s e d a s a P r i s o n e r A s s i s t a n c e P r o j e c t , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o w a r d h e l p i n g o ur s i s t e r s * a n d b r o t h e r s ' s t r u g g l e t o reach the " o u tsid e ." LOG 1STIC S The L a s i s F a e r i e s o f New O r l e a n s h a v e v o l u n t e e r ­ e d t o c a r e t a k e t h e F a e r i e Fund b y : 1) E s t a b l i s h i n g a ba n k a c c o u n t a n d b o o k k e e p i n g p r o c e d u r e s ; l e t t i n g t h e N e t w o r k know i t e x i s t s t h r u m a i l i n g s and med ia; s o l i c i t i n g p r o j e c t s and f u n d s . Ml AT * S NEEDED

2) S e e k i n g o u t g e o g r a p h i c a l l y , r a c i a l l y , a nd c l a s s l y d iv e r s e F aerie C ir c le s to serve as d e ­ c i s i o n m a k e r s f o r t h e Fund, c h o o s i n g b e t w e e n com­ p e t i n g p r o j e c t s , d e v e l o p i n g p o l i c i e s and p r i o r ­ itie s , etc.

F aeries w illin g to volunteer decisionmaking C i r c l e s .

3) I n v e s t ig a t e e s t a b l i s h i n g a le g a l b a s i s for a n o n p r o f i t t a x - e x e m p t s t a t u s f o r t h e F un d .

Faeries June 1,

A)

Funds

D e v e l o p an o n g o i n g

Feedback.

f u n d - r a i s i n g program.

5) Hand le o n g o i n g pap erwork and c o m m u n i c a t io n s b e t w e e n F a e r i e s c o n t r i b u t i n g or s e e k i n g f u n d s , t h e d e c i s i o n m a k i n g C i r c l e , t h e N e t w o r k, and "au thorities," if necessary.

seeking 1981.

f o r F a e r i e Fund

loans for p r o j e c t s

r e p a y a b l e by

t o make t h e F a e r i e Fund s p i r a l

and g r ow .

A logo.

P l e a s e d o n ’ t h e s i t a t e t o a s k q u e s t i o n s o r make comments. T h i s i s a l l new a n d v e r y o p e n t o p r o ­ c e s s , c h a n g e , and g r o w t h . write to:

6) P r o v i d e a c c o u n t a b i l i t y t o th e Network thru q u a r t e r l y r e p o r t s i n RFD o r b y o p e n i n g t h e r e ­ c o r d s i n s t a n t l y t o any i n t e r e s t e d F a e r i e .

F a e r i e Fund c /o Lasis P . O . Box 5 1 0 1 2 New O r l e a n s , LA

7) In t h e e v e n t t h a t L a s i s w a n t s t o e n d i t s c o m mi t m e n t t o t h e F a e r i e F un d , o r i s a s k e d t o end i t s commitment, L a s i s w i l l undertake t o f i n d F a e r i e s w i l l i n g t o assume r e s p o n s i b i l i t y fo r the Fund. 8) L a s i s commits t h e m s e l v e s t o d e v e lo p in g the F a e r i e Fu n d i n a s o p e n , e f f i c i e n t , t i m e l y , n u r ­ turing, c o lle c t iv e , F a erielik e, subject-subject manner a s t h e y know how.

15

70151


Great Rite

btf A) m ena Tor The G r e a t R i t e h a s b e e n p r a c t i c e d b y Pa g a n s h a ­ mans s i n c e t h e dawn o f m a n k i n d . E ssen tially, it i s a r i t u a l i z e d s e x u a l un io n, r a i s i n g t h a t union f rom t h e mundane t o a s a c r e d s t a t e . I t can be a v e r y m o v i ng e x p e r i e n c e , a n d i s o f t e n p e r f o r m e d w i t h c o n s i d e r a b l e t e c h n i q u e by a d e p t s , c r e a t i n g deeply a lte r e d s t a t e s o f co n scio u sn ess.

The S o l a r Go d g r o w s t o m a t u r i t y i n t h e s p r i n g . As t h e su n g o e s i n t o t h e s i g n o f T a u r u s ( t h e B u l l ) t h e M a y p o l e i s e r e c t e d o n May Day t o v e n e r a t e His P h a l l u s . He r e i g n s o v e r t h e warm, summer m o n t h s , a n d t h e n g o e s o n t o H i s d e a t h and r e b i r t h . At H i s w e a k e s t moment , t h e su n en te rs the sig n o f Capricorn, the goat (Pan).

Today, th e G reat R i t e almost i n v a r i a b l y r e v o l v e s a r o u n d t h e same t h e m e , t h a t o f t h e u n i o n o f t h e God a n d t h e G o d d e s s . T h i s theme i s i d e a l l y s u i t e d for h e t e r o s e x u a l c o u p l e s , as one pa rtner tends to resemble a god, w h ile the other partner resembles a god d ess. And t h e u n i o n o f m a l e and f e m a l e i s c e r t a i n l y a t he me w o r t h c e l e b r a t i n g s i n c e we a l l owe o u r p h y s i c a l e x i s t e n c e t o s u c h unions.

The t h e m e o f t h e t w o - f o l d Go d a d a p t s i t s e l f n i c e l y t o an i n t e r m a l e G r e a t R i t e . You a n d y o u r p a r t n e r mus t f i r s t d e c i d e w h i c h w i l l r e p r e ­ s e n t t h e B u l l , and which w i l l r e p r e s e n t t h e S t a g . P h y s i c a l f e a t u r e s can o f t e n be d e c i d i n g f a c t o r s . G o l d e n , b l o n d y o u t h s make b e t t e r S u n Go d s t h a n Dread Lords o f t h e Shadows. B e g in p r e p a r a t i o n s f o r your R i t e t h r e e d a y s b e ­ f o r e t h e f u l l mo o n. The n i g h t o f t h e f u l l moon i s an i d e a l t i m e t o work t h e G r e a t R i t e , n o t f o r any s y m b o l i c r e a s o n , but for t h e e f f e c t t h a t t h e f u l l moon h a s o n t h e human p s y c h e .

The g a y P a g a n , h o w e v e r , w i l l n o t u s u a l l y f i n d t h i s form o f t h e G r e a t R i t e f u l f i l l i n g t o h i s personal p s y c h o sp ir itu a l needs. In d e v e l o p i n g i n t e r m a l e s h a m a n i s m , g a y P a g a n men n e e d t o c r e a t e and e x p e r i e n c e s a m e - s e x s y m b o l i s m s i n r i t u a l .

Your p r e p a r a t i o n s s h o u l d i n c l u d e f a s t i n g a nd sexual abstinence. F o r some p e o o l e , a t o t a l f a s t can be very i n c o n v e n i e n t . A to ta l fast i s n ' t n e c e s s a r y , b u t you s h o u l d e a t a s l i g h t l y as p o s s i b l e . Av oi d m e a t s , c o f f e e , and h e a v i l y processed foods. A v o i d "junk f o o d ” c o m p l e t e l y . You s h o u l d f a s t c o m p l e t e l y o n t h e d a y b e f o r e the R ite. A b s t a i n f rom s e x c o m p l e t e l y , i n c l u d ­ ing m asturbation, a l l three days.

For t h e G r e a t R i t e , o n e i n t e r m a l e t he m e i s t h e Dance o f t h e S t a g and t h e B u l l . The Go d ( m a s c u ­ l i n e fo r ce ) i s dual in natu re. In o n e a s p e c t , He i s t h e G o l d e n B u l l , t h e Sun G o d , t h e Lo r d o f Li gh t and L i f e . The G o l d e n B u l l o f t h e Sun h a s h i s d o u b l e , or c o u n t e r p a r t . This other aspect i s t h e D r e a d Lo r d o f S h a d o w s , t h e S t a g God o f t h e Hunt. T h i s d i v i n e duo i s f o u n d i n most p r e C hristian cultu res. T h e y w e r e c a l l e d H o r u s and Se t by t h e E g y p t i a n s . The G r e e k s knew them a s A p o l l o and P a n / D i o n y s u s . Among t h e C e l t s , t h e t wo d o m i n a n t m a l e d e i t i e s w e r e B e l i n o s ( t h e God o f L i g h t ) and C e r n u n n o s ( t h e Ho r n e d God o f t h e Underworld).

Each p a r t n e r s h o u l d m e d i t a t e s e v e r a l tiroes d a i l y a s w e l l a s work r i t u a l s i d e n t i f y i n g h i m s e l f w i t h h i s r e s p e c t i v e a s p e c t o f t h e God. I f e i t h e r or b o t h o f you w i s h t o u s e a s p e c i f i c c u l t u r a l m y t h o l o g y , d o n ' t mi x d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s . In o t h e r w o r d s , i f one o f you i s i d e n t i f y i n g s p e c i f i c a l l y w ith Horus, th e o t h e r sh o u ld be i d e n t i f y i n g w ith S e t , not w ith Cernunnos. On warm, summer n i g h t s , t h e i d e a l l o c a t i o n f o r t h i s R i t e would b e , o f c o u r s e , in h o l y w i l d e r ­ ness. C h o o s e a l o c a t i o n t h a t i s b o t h s a f e and com fortable. I f an o u t s i d e l o c a t i o n i s i m o r a c t i c a l , p r e p a r e a r i t u a l a r e a w i t h i n c e n s e a nd candles. Arrange e l e v e n c a n d l e s in a c i r c l e around th e r i t u a l a r e a . S h o r t l y b e f o r e t h e R i t e , s h a r e a c up o f dami ana t e a , o r so me o t h e r m i l d , h e r b a l a p h r o d i s i a c . The n e n t e r t h e r i t u a l a r e a a n d b e g i n y o u r R i t e . Ta k e i t s l o w a n d e a s y , u s i n g a l o t Remember, t h e p u r p o s e o f t h e R i t e an a l t e r e d s t a t e o f c o n s c i o u s n e s s , orgasm. E a c h o f you s h o u l d l i t e r a the oth e r . Be c o n s c i o u s o f e v e r y Become!

of foreplay. i s to achieve not t o reach l l y worship sensation.

T h i s i s o n e way t o work an i n t e r m a l e G r e a t R i t e , b u t i t i s not t h e o n l y way. You a n d y o u r p a r t ­ ne r m i g h t a l s o r e p r e s e n t t h e e l e m e n t a l f o r c e s , c o m i n g t o g e t h e r a s E a r t h a nd W a t e r , o r a s A i r and F i r e . Experiment. And e n j o y .

16

1


mores on n e t w o r k

M O COMMUNITY BY FRANKLIN ABBOTT v«e a r e r e m e m b e r i n g o u r f u t u r e r e f l e c t e d i n c o m ­ munity t h a t grows l i k e iv y v i n e s i n t e r t w i n i n g i t i s hard t o s e e where one l e a v e s o f f and a n o t h ­ er b egin s. We a r e b e c o m i n g t o m o r r o w t o g e t h e r . Our n e t w o r k i s s p a r k l e a n d h e a t and r o m a n c e . Cur c o m m u n i t y i s a m i r r o r o f o u r h e a r t ’ s s p o k e n and unsp oken f e a r s and d e s i r e s . Our l i v e s c o n ­ n e c t c o n s c i o u s l y and u n c o n s c i o u s l y . We g i v e e a c h o t h e r l o v e and d i s e a s e , h op e and d e s p a i r . We a r e h u n g e r and f u l f i l l m e n t b o t h . I am n e v e r f u l l e r t h a n i n c o mmuni o n a t o u r g a t h e r i n g s , n e v ­ e r l o n e l i e r t h a n i n l e a v i n g , w o u n d e d by t h e c o n ­ trast .

p

Networking r e a c t i v a t e s - sparks f l y . w ildfires t h a t warm a n d h e a l c a n a l s o b u r n a n d b l i n d . Energy without grounding i n t o x i c a t e s then d i s s i ­ p a t e s a n d we wonder wa s i t r e a l ? Co mmu ni t y s e e k s t r a n s i t i o n f rom r e a c t i o n t o r e ­ s p o n s i b i l i t y - t h e a b i l i t y t o r e s p o n d , t o own, to ground, to r o o t. We a r e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r o ur b o d i e s - how we t o u c h e a c h o t h e r , f o r o ur w o r d s how we s p e a k our t r u t h s . We mus t own o ur p a i n a nd o ur f e a r , o ur r a g e a n d o u r g r i e f . We roust own a nd g r o u n d a n d d e e p l y r o o t o u r r i g h t t o j o y .

*4 f:

The w i t c h e s t e a c h t h a t o u r e n e r g i e s r e t u r n i n t r i p l i c a t e , t h e b u d d h i s t s t h a t o ur w o r l d i s o ur mirror. So w a t c h u s , w a t c h u s a s we d a n c e a n d a s we s t u m b l e , a s we s c a r a n d a s we h e a l . Watch o u r e y e s a v e r t , w a t c h t hem f l o w t o m e e t , d i s s o l v e in s i n g l e v i s i o n . We a r e r a d i a n c e a n d s h a d o w i n d e l i c a t e e m b r a c e , i n a r t i c u l a t e , awkwar d i n s y m ­ b o l , coming c l o s e s t i n our s i l e n c e , our l a u g h t e r , o u r w o r d l e s s d u l c e t i n t o n a t i o n s we a r e r e m e m b e r ­ i n g o u r f u t u r e a s man l o v i n g men.

^Nsjfe'

^

w a t c h u s , w a t c h u s a s t h e s o f t e s t l i g h t a t dawn * l i f t s a v e i l o f m i s t a nd s o b e g i n s a d a y u n i q u e ^ l i k e no d a y known b e f o r e . We a r e s u c h a b e g i n ning. Wat ch u s .

17


F l o a t i n g around i n s i l k y s n a c e , d o t t e d with s t a r s o f a l l c o l o r s and a d o r n e d w i t h c o n s t e l l a ­ t i o n s , g a l a x i e s , b l a c k h o l e s a n d b r i g h t and d a r k s k i e s , Mot he r N a t u r e was a b o u t t o f i n i s h t i n k e r i n g w i t h her l a t e s t p r o j e c t .

I' m s o i n t o c y c l e s , s h e t o l d h e r s e l f , s i n c e a s u s u a l t h e r e w a s n ' t anybody e l s e around she c o u l d t a l k t o ; - - I ' m the c y c l e s la d y ! she c h u c k le d , l e t t i n g he r mi n d s p e c u l a t e on p o s s i b l e a l t e r n a ­ t i v e s or a d d i t i o n s t o c y c l e s .

--Hmm, I mus t f i n d i t a p r o p e r p l a c e - - s a i d s h e , t h i n k i n g o f a not t o o h o t , not t o o c o l d o i e c e o f s p a c e w h e r e s h e c o u l d p l a c e h e r new b a l l t o c i r c l e h a p p i l y a r o u n d . . . - - Hmm. . yes, a yellow start They ar e some o f t h e mo s t b e n e f i c i a l , sh e m u t t e r e d as s h e p i n c h e d t h e b a l l h e r e a nd t h e r e a nd p o k e d h o l e s and d e p r e s s i o n s , p l a y f u l l y and d i s t r a c t e d l y ; very much i n t h e same way s h e d i d e v e r y ­ t h i n g e l s e , i n t h a t w h o l e s o m e manner t h a t came o u t o f h e r i n n e r s e l f - a l m o s t u n w i l l ­ i n g l y , a l m o st a c c i d e n t a l l y (or so i t a p p e a r e d ) .

Ba c k on t h e o l a n e t m o u n t a i n s a nd o c e a n s we r e o f b r e a t h t a k i n g b e a u t y and N a t u r e ' s w a t e r c y c l e , which p l e a s e d her o a r t i c u l a r l y , had d r e s s e d in w h i t e t h e i mmense o e a k s t h a t g l e a m e d a g a i n s t t h e b l u e s k i e s , and g e n e r a t e d g r e e n e r y o f a l l s h a d e s which l u s t i l y d r e s s e d t h e l o w l a n d s and t h e v a l l e y s . T h i s t i m e a r o u n d s h e was r e j o i c i n g i n t h e c r e a ­ t i o n o f f l o w e r s , - - I ' m s u c h an a r t i s t , s a i d e v e r - o r e s e n t / e v e r - a b s e n t Mot he r N a t u r e , - - l o o k at t h e f r a g i l e , g l o r i o u s and s i m p l e b e a u t y o f t h i s Mo r n i n g G l o r y . She l i k e d b i g r e s o u n d i n g wo r d s t o o . And e v e r y t i l n e s h e t u r n e d a r o u n d s h e w o u l d add s o m e t h i n g ne w, s o m e t h i n g p e r s o n a l , f o r s h e was a true b e l ie v e r in keeping a t t e n t i o n to the l it t l e details. - - D e t a i l s a r e what c o u n t ; t h e y make e x i s t i n g p l e a s a n t a n d h a p p y , s h e monologued. And t h e n s h e p r o c e e d e d t o s l o w l y and e l a b o r a t e l y c r e a t e a new k i n d o f l a v e n d e r flower with long, tender, bright ye llo w p i s t i l s t h a t f i t p a r t i c u l a r l y w e l l and e n h a n c e d c e r t a i n mountain range a r e a s .

She t w i s t e d a r o u n d a l i t t l e , j u s t t o c h a n g e p o s i t i o n s , sh o o t in g s t a r s through s o a c e , c a u sin g e x p l o s i o n s o f l i g h t and c o l l i s i o n s o f p l a n e t s . - - T h a t l a s t e x p l o s i o n s u r e was d i f f e r e n t , s h e thou ght, wondering about the odds o f w i t n e s s i n g a s i m i l a r on e a g a i n , knowing f u l l w e l l sh e c o u l d have another one anytim e she f e l t l i k e i t . Mo t he r N a t u r e t u r n e d he r a t t e n t i o n a g a i n t o he r l a t e s t p r o j e c t , and sh e f e l t p l e a s e d by t h e h e a v y r a i n s t o r m s t h a t now w e r e f i l l i n g m o s t o f the d e p r e ssio n s in the b a l l .

She c r e a t e d a n t s and ea rthworm s which e n a b l e d t h e e a r t h t o b r e a t h e ; b e e s f o r f l o w e r s t o make l o v e w i t h ; a nd b u tterflies rambling l i t t l e dreams - a s o ne o f her p r a c t i c a l p h i l osophical s t a t e ­ ments for tho se who ha d e y e s t o se e , h e a r ts to f e e l and m inds t o understand. S u c h a t e n d e r way t o m a n i f e s t a nd t r a n s m i t h e r wisdom'.

- - W e l l , what a l o v e l y p a t t e r n , s h e c o u l d n ' t h e l p but e x c l a i m , s t a r i n g at th e p a t c h e s o f l a n d t h a t e m e r g e d from t h e b l u e w a t e r s a f t e r t h e s t o r m s we r e o v e r . A perfect­ i o n i s t , she pushed the land m a s s e s h e r e and t h e r e , f o l l o w i n g her m i n u t e s e n s e o f a e s t h e t i c s , and f e e l i n g p l e a s e d w i t h t he r e ­ s u l t s , s h e d r i f t e d away t o r e j o i c e o n t h e b i r t h o f a new g a l a x y , a ma­ j o r p r o j e c t s h e ha d s t a r t e d some t i m e a g o . Mot he r N a t u r e d i d n ' t n e e d t o w o r r y e v e r . Some u n c o n s c i o u s p a r t o f h e r s e l f w o u l d a l w a y s k e e p an e y e on t h i n g s . Right b e f o r e l e a v i n g , she c r e a t e d a s m i l i n g thought for the newly c r e a t e d p l a n e t , one o f her s p e c i a l motion s e t t i n g , ever l a s t i n g t h o u g h t s , and t u r n e d away. And t h i n g s o n t h a t l i t t l e b l u e o v o i d a l j e w e l , another p u r p o s e le s s c r e a t i o n o f p u r p o s e le s s Mot her N a t u r e , s t a r t e d m o v i n g , m o v i n g a n d c h a n g ­ i n g , g r o w i n g and d y i n g , a n d b e i n g b o r n a g a i n .

S o much b e a u t y a n d ha r mo ny a n d s o much j o y c o m i n g f rom he r m i c r o c r e a t i o n ' . The U n i v e r s e was v e r y b e a u t i f u l , o f c o u r s e , a n d no d o u b t a very s e r i o u s b u s i n e s s ; but th a t l i t t l e d e l i c a t e flo w e re d p l a n e t s i t t i n g in a co rner o f th e U n i­ v e r s e be c a me v e r y d e a r t o N a t u r e ' s h e a r t , and i t was a l o t o f f u n too*, l i k e p l a y i n g l i v e d o l l house. And i t g a v e he r s o much p e a c e a n d c o n t e n t m e n t , t h a t o u t o f i t a l i t t l e bo r e do m s p r u n g a n d ' i - comfort s p r o u t e d . --An e x p e r i m e n t i n s e l f

1c


m o t i o n , t h a t ' s what i t ' l l b e : - s a i d s h e , - - g r a c e f u l m o t i o n , i n a l l c o l o r s , s i z e s a nd s h a p e s ! and s o o n , d e e r r a n down t h e m o u n t a i n s , s q u i r r e l s up t r e e s . F i s h p r o l i f e r a t e d and swam t h e o c e a n c u r r e n t s , t u r t l e s D r a c t i c e d s l o w m o t i o n , t i g e r s were f a s t as wind.

developm ent, e very c r e a t i o n , every advance, e v e r y s t e p humans t o o k , a s i n n o v a t i v e o r c r e a ­ t i v e a s i t a p p e a r e d , showed t h e s e p r i n c i p l e s as i t s o r i g i n and o b j e c t i v e . I t had a l l be en reduced merely to the sim ple d e f e n s e o f t h e i r l a i r s and t h e i r p o s s e s i o n s - whic h i n c l u d e d t h o s e h u m a n s , whom t h e y ha d e n s l a v e d , c a r r i e r s o f t h e i n t e r n a l r e p r o d u c t i v e o r g a n s - and t o a c q u i r e , n o - m a t t e r - h o w , more o f b o t h . Th e y ha d a l s o s e t on d e s t r o y i n g b y a l l m e a n s p o s s i b l e t h o s e who i n t h o u g h t o r a c t i o n d i s a g r e e d w i t h their esta b lish ed order. Such a p i t y ! The a n i m a l u s e and c o n t r o l o f b r i g h t s o u l s and mi nds t o p e r p e t u a t e a h u mano id c h i c k e n c o o p , or w o l f ' s c a v e . . . w i t h t h e d i f f e r e n c e t h a t a n i m a l s do not c a s u a lly k i l l each oth er. And i t w a s a l l t h e i r own c h o i c e . Such a w a s t e ! And on t o p o f i t a l l t h e y da r e d t o blame h e r , t o blame i t a l l on " i n s t i n c t s 1' o r " n a t u r a l o r d e r " or " s p e c i e s traits". To h o n o r t r u t h , t h e r e ha d b e e n f e w d i s s i d e n t s who kn e w t h a t " n o t h i n g h a s t o b e b u t what we want i t t o b e " , who knew we ha d many c h o i c e s a n d who b r o u g h t s p o r a d i c , i s o l a t e d and true change. U n f o r t u n a t e l y m e n ' s g r e e d and m i n d l e s s a c t i o n s w e r e a l w a y s f a r more n u m e r o u s .

By t h i s t i m e N a t u r e h a d d e c i d e d upon an a d d i t i o n t o c y c l e s a n d wa s g e t t i n g i n t o c h a i n s , s o n a t ­ u r a l l y , e v er y th in g b e s id e s e x i s t i n g in c y c l e s , f it into a chain. Every l i t t l e t e r r e s t r i a l d a n c e r s e r v e d a n o t h e r o n e h i g h e r up t h e l a d d e r a s s o me o n e e l s e h a d j u s t s e r v e d i t . S o e x c i t i n g wa s s o much move me nt t h a t m u s i c h a d t o b e t o l e n d w i n g e d , m o v i n g h a r mo n y t o s u c h moving m e l o d i e s ; m us ic t o f l o w from t h e s k i e s t o p r o ­ d u c e s m i l e s and h a p p y h e a r t s ; m u s i c t o f l o a t down f r om d a z z ­ l i n g s p a r k s o f r e d or b l u e , o f w h it e , y e l l o w or b r i g h t green. Such m u s i c a l f l y i n g i n s t r u m e n t s b i r d s c ame t o b e . And e t e r n i t y it .

c o n t i n u e d a nd s o d i d E a r t h w i t h i n T h a t ' s why h e r d i s e n c h a n t m e n t wa s s o d e e p . c-he h a d e x p e c t e d a l o t more f ro m t h e s e huma ns ; s h e ha d e x p e c t e d t h e i r d i v i n e b e i n g s t o r a i s e t h e m ­ s e l v e s a bo v e t h e i r anima l e x i s t e n c e and t o p r a i s e h e r and p l a y w i t h her i n her e n d l e s s p l a y g r o u n d . And s h e ha d n o t made a m i s t a k e . Mo t he r N a t u r e d i d n o t make m i s t a k e s ; t h e s e we r e no w, i r r e v e r s i b l y , d i v i n e b e i n g s ; a d i v i n e p a r t o f h e r s e l f e x i s t i n g and a c t i n g i n d e p e n d e n t l y .

One o c c a s i o n f o u n d Mo t he r N a t u r e d i s e n c h a n t e d . S h e was a h a r d w o r k i n g l a d y a n d t h e U n i v e r s e was i r r e f u t a b l e p r o o f o f i t , b u t i t wa s a l l v e r y i n a n i m a t e and u n a p p r e c i a t i v e ; v e r y un ­ aware o f i t s e x i s t e n c e as o n l y t h e a b s o l u t e can be. Mo t h e r N a t u r e ' s s h a r e o f v a n i t y wa s u n ­ s a t i s f i e d with the lack o f r e c o g n it io n that came f r om t h e U n i v e r s e .

S h e h a d g i v e n t he m s e v e r a l c h a n c e s and e a c h t i m e t h e humans f a i l e d : The y s a n k c o n t i n e n t s , t o t a l l y d e s t r o y e d , t i m e a f t e r t i m e , t h e i r own g r e a t c u l t u r e s w h i c h had d e v e l o p e d o v e r t h o u ­ s a n d s o f y e a r s , l i k e t h e r a c e o f g i a n t s which was p r e c e e d e d b y t h e r a c e o f h e r m a p h r o d i t e s a nd f o l l o w e d by o t h e r r a c e v e r s i o n s , l i k e t h e p r e ­ sent one with s e p a r a t e b in a r y g e n d e r s . Nature h a d g i v e n t h e m a new c h a n c e , a l w a y s a ne w b e gining. But now i t a l l was v e r y s e r i o u s . Men, b l i n d e d by t h e i r immense v a n i t y w e r e a b o u t t o burn i t a l l , i r r e v e r s i b l y .

But what c o n t r i b u t e d mor e t o he r d i s e n c h a n t m e n t was what s h e c o n s i d e r e d t h e f a i l u r e o f he r f i n ­ e s t , d e a r e s t c r e a t i o n ; t h e o n e t o whom s h e g a v e h e r b e l o v e d e a r t h t o roam f r e e . L e t me t e l l y o u a b o u t t h i s c r e a t i o n ; I n a moment o f e c s t a c y , s h e m i x e d s e l f - m o t i o n , p h y s i c a l b e a u t y a nd a p i e c e o f h e r own s o u l : a l i t t l e s p a r k o f he r e t e r n a l , i n n e r e n e r g y , i n t o t h e roost d r a m a t i c b e in g s ever to in h a b it E arth . S h e c a l l e d t hem humans. From t h e i r d i v i n e s o u l s t h e y o b t a i n e d b r i g h t i n t e l l i g e n c e and t h e c o n s c i o u s n e s s o f b e i n g , o f t h e U n i v e r s e and o f t h e i r c r e a t o r , g o o d o l d Mo t he r N a t u r e . The y a l s o r e c e i v e d freedom o f c h o i c e i n a l l t h e i r a c t i o n s , i n h e r ­ e nt a l s o t o t h e i r s o u l s and a t o u c h o f p r i d e , a t o u c h o f h u m i l i t y and a s h o w e r i n g o f l o v e .

A lo ne i n a s i l e n t U n i v e r s e , w i t h her b e l o v e d p a r a d i s e o r b i t i n g t h e Sun a n d h e r r a c e o f f a l l e n a n g e l s about t o d e s t r o y i t a l l , i n c l u d i n g them ­ s e l v e s o n e more t i m e , Mot her N a t u r e ' s s a d n e s s kn e w no l i m i t . Some thi ng needed t o be don e fo r e v e n a s bad as t h e y had b e e n , N a t u r e s t i l l l o v e d humankind.

In s p i t e o f i t a l l , humans s e e m e d t o h a v e f a ile d ; a fter thousands o f years o f e x is t e n c e a l l t h e y h a d d o n e wa s a t t a i n i n ­ credible lev els of sophistication in th e development o f a l l k in d s o f t o o l s , e s p e c i a l l y th o s e used for wars. Their s o u l s , however, w e r e no mo r e a d v a n c e d t h a n when s h e f i r s t d r o p p e d t he m on E a r t h , naked and h e l p l e s s l i k e b a b i e s .

Away, f a r a w a y , a s f a r away a s s h e c o u l d g e t sh e t u r n e d , she r e v o l v e d t o think t h i n g s o v e r . S h e was a n g r y a n d s a d , f u l l o f s o r r o w a n d c o n ­ t e m p t , and as a l w a y s , i n u n d a t e d w i t h l o v e f l o w ­ i n g o u t w a r d f rom h e r i n n e r s e l f . From t h e f o u r d i s t a n t c o r n e r s o f t h e U n i v e r s e , t o which she had v e n t u r e d , l o n g i n g and d e s p e r a t i o n s e t i n ; d e s p e r a t i o n fo r an a c t o f c r e a t i o n t o improve t h e s t a t e o f t h i n g s on E a r t h ; l o n g i n g f o r l o v e , f o r a b e i n g t o l o v e her and a p p r e c i a t e h e r . She wa s s i c k a n d t i r e d , n a u s e a t e d a n d i n s u l t e d by t h e l o w , d i r t y m a n i p u l a t i o n s , d i s r e s p e c t a n d a b u s e men h a d s h o wn a n d d o n e t o h e r w h i l e c a l l i n g i t l o v e , w h i l e c a l l i n g he r c r e a t o r and g o d .

T h e i r a n i m a l a s p e c t s e e m e d t o h a v e shown i t s e l f i n t h e i r f r e e c h o i c e a n d c o n s e q u e n t l y i t ha d p r e v a i l e d over t h e i r d i v i n e s o u l s . All their a c t i v i t i e s were d i c t a t e d by ani m al p r i n c i p l e s such as m i n d l e s s , animal l i k e r e p r o d u c t i o n , p o w e r o v e r o t h e r s , a nd a g g r e s s i o n i n t h e p r o t e c ­ t i o n o f t h e i r p h y s i c a l t e r r i t o r i e s which l i m i t ­ l e s s greed seeked always to e n l a r g e . E v e r y new

19


And Mother Nature Created Us.,. continued

D e s p e r a t i o n and l o n g i n g t u r n e d i n t o i n t e n s e d e s i r e , r e l a x a t i o n came a n d s h e c l e a r l y v i s u ­ a l i z e d i t s o b j e c t i v e and t h e p r o c e s s t o r e a c h it . And f i l l e d w i t h l o v e a n d h e r e t e r n a l n e e d f o r a tr u e c r e a t o r l i k e h e r s e l f she c r e a t e d , out o f the b r i g h t e s t l i g h t e v e r , out o f the s o f t e s t p a r t o f her i n s i d e s , a most s e n s i t i v e b e i n g w i t h ha r mo ny a s i t s b r a i n , b e a u t y a s i t s b l o o d , t r u t h a s i t s f e e t and a w h i t e r o s e a s i t s h e a r t . A b e i n g c a p a b l e o f h e a r i n g and l i s t e n i n g t o he r and o f t a l k i n g b a c k . S h e made i t t o u g h , t o u g h ­ er th a n any o t h e r b e i n g f o r i t had t o be p o l i s h ­ ed the h a r d e st in l i f e through v e ry rough e x ­ ternal c h is e lin g to withstand hatred, aggression a n d t o b e c o m e a d i a m o n d s t a r w i t h whom s h e c o u l d p l a y and t r u l y c r e a t e , be yo nd ani m al i n s t i n c t s , beyond e a r t h ly l i f e . A b e i n g who c o u l d n ' t h e l p but u n d e r s t a n d b e a u t y , t r u t h and h ar mo ny, be l o y a l t o them a n d f i g h t t o p r e s e r v e t h e m ; a g i f t , a n d he r l i n k w i t h m a n k i n d t o b r i n g a b o u t new d i r e c t i o n s a n d t r u e c h a n g e , a s t h e y ha d d o n e , do a n d s h a l l c o n t i n u e t o d o . She went b a c k i n t i m e and p l a c e d t he m w i t h o t h e r human b e i n g s r i g h t f rom t h e v e r y b e g i n n i n g . Oh s o v e r y p l e a s e d s h e was'. The U n i v e r s e who t h r o u g h a l l t h i s h a d come t o a s t a n d s t i l l , c i r ­ c l e d , shone and s p a r k l e d a g a i n ; m i l l i o n s o f s t a r s we r e b o r n and e n e r g y f l o w e d t h r o u g h o u t . The Mo t he r t u r n e d a r o u n d t o p e a c e f u l l y r e j o i c e i n t h e c r e a t i o n o f a n e b u l a t o be f l a n k e d by a c o u p l e o f b l a c k h o l e s which p r o m i s e d t o be v i s ­ ually g r a tify in g . Her s m i l e f l o a t e d t h r o u g h o u t .

And That's how, sometime this eternity Another Nature created us, those who arc animated by a share of lhat great being

N O RTH ERN C IR C L E

L IG H T S

C O O P E R A T IV E

De a r F a i r y B r o t h e r s , ABOUT PURSE LVESIn J a n u a r y o f 1 9 8 1 , N o r t h e r n L i g h t s C i r c l e C o ­ o p e r a t i v e (NLCC) came i n t o b e i n g . Presently, NLCC h a s 4 m e m b e r s . we a r e a c o l l e c t i v e o f r a d ­ i c a l f a i r i e s organized for the e x p ress purposes o f c re a tin g /ex p a n d in g fa ir y space, jnd to further o t h e r g o a l s and v i s i o n s t h e c o o p e r a t i v e d e s i g ­ nates . We o p e r a t e b y a c o n s e n s u s cess .

decision

m a k i ng D r o -

At t h i s t i m e we a r e s e e k i n g a r a b l e , p a r t l y w o o d ­ e d r u r a l l a n d i n t h e u n g l a c i a t e d r e g i o n o f West Central W i s c o n s i n , t o e s t a b l i s h an i n t e n t i o n a l c om mu n it y f o r f a i r i e s . We e n v i s i o n a p l a c e o f s h a r i n g and n u r t u r a n c e w h e r e we c a n d e v e l o p a p p r o p r i a t e t e c h n o l o g i e s , and e x p a n d t h e c o n c e p t s o f e n e r g y / l a n d u s e i n t o a new f orm o f h a r m o n i o u s s y n e r g i s m . This coop s h a ll ex p lo re org a n ic farming, hydro­ p o n i c s , f r u i t g r o w i n g and o t h e r o r g a n i c a g r i c u l ­ t u r a l t e c h n i q u e s , i n an e f f o r t t o f i n d t h e most i n t e n s i v e m ethods o f f o o d (and o t h e r g o o d s ) p r o ­ d u c t i o n , w i t h t h e l e a s t p o s s i b l e i m p a c t on t h e natural environment. NLCC was f o r m e d a s a l e g a l c o o p e r a t i v e u n d e r W i s ­ c o n s in 's "Cooperative A s so c ia tio n Act". T h is act p l a c e s d e c i s i o n ma k i ng p o w e r s i n t h e h a n d s o f t h e m e mb e r s , b a s e d on t h e l e v e l o f i n v o l v e m e n t b y t h e members i n f u r t h e r a n c e o f t h e c o o p e r a t i v e ' s p u r ­ poses .

iv>e now know as the gay fo rc e .

As a l e g a l e n t i t y , c o n t r o l l e d b y i t s m e mb e r s , a W i s c o n s i n C o o p e r a t i v e may i n f a c t a c q u i r e a nd p r e s e r v e l a n d throug h the h o l d i n g o f t i t l e ( s ) not as p u b l i c or p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y but in t r u s t e e s h i o , as s e t fo r th in the B y-law s. T his i s but one l e g a l asp ec t o f t h i s type o f c o o p e r a tiv e system, which o f f e r s r e a l a l t e r n a t i v e s t o p a t r i a r c h a l types o f in te r a c tio n .

ZQ


N O RTH ERN

L IG H T S

C IR C L E

C O O P E R A T IV E

(CONTINUED)

About 1 0 0 c o p i e s o f t h i s f i r s t O u t r e a c h L e t t e r were sen t to f a i r i e s a c r o s s the land . It i s l i k e l y t h e r e a r e many mor e f a i r i e s who w o u l d l i k e t o know a b o u t NLCC, who d i d n o t r e c e i v e this le tte r . H o w e v e r , d u e t o l i m i t e d f u n d s ( and a "prom otional e x p e n s e l i m i t a t i o n " se t by the S t a t e o f W is c o n s in ) Northern L i g h t s C i r c l e Coop­ e r a t i v e i s r e s t r i c t e d at t h i s time to exten d i t ­ s e l f i n some w a y s , u n t i l f u r t h e r g r o w t h i s r e a l ­ ized .

Even p r i o r t o c o n c e p t i o n , i t s organizers fe lt t h a t NLCC s h o u l d a l l o w f o r a v a r i e t y o f t y o e s , and d e g r e e s o f i n v o l v e m e n t . We f e e l t h a t t h r o u g h d i f f e r e n t f o r ms o f m e m b e r s h i p , t h i s c o o p e r a t i v e may b r i n g o u t t h e w i d e s t r a n g e o f i n v o l v e m e n t , a n d a l l o w more p e o p l e t o b e c o m e a c t i v e me mber s o f NLCC.

At t h i s t i m e NLCC i s s e t up t o a c c e p t members f o r o n l y o n e o f many f o r ms o f p o s s i b l e m e m b e r s h i p . T h i s f orm o f m e m b e r s h i p i s c a l l e d t h e " R e s i d e n t Member" f o r m , a n d r e p r e s e n t s a c o r e c i r c l e o f d e e p r o o t e d c ommi tment w h i c h i s p r o v i d i n g a c e n ­ t r a l ongoing f o r c e in f u r t h e r a n c e o f t h i s c o o p ­ erative 's g o a ls.

YOU CAN HELP NORTHERN LIGHTS CIRCLE COOPERATIVE GROW *

We w o u l d l i k e t o o p e n up o n e o r mo r e o t h e r s p e c ­ i f i c forms o f membership i n t h e near f u t u r e . What i s l a c k i n g a t t h i s p o i n t i s a w i d e s e n s e o f r e a l i n t e r a c t i o n b e t w e e n NLCC and f a i r i e s e v e r y ­ where.

*

*

D e a r F a i r y B r o t h e r s , i f you f e e l l i k e b e c o m i n g i n v o l v e d i n so me wa y , p l e a s e o u t r e a c h ' . I f you e n v i s i o n some f o r m o f o n g o i n g c o mmi t me n t w h i c h may o r may n o t b e t h e sa me a s t h e " R e s i d e n t Mem­ ber" form, p l e a s e sh a r e i t with us. We w o u l d l i k e t o d e f i n e t h e d i f f e r e n t forms o f membership b a s e d o n t h e i n p u t we r e c e i v e f rom YOU'. T h i s me a ns t h a t y o u r i n p u t f rom now o n i s b e c o m i n g i n t e g r a t e d i n t o the very c o re o f the Northern L i g h t s C i r c l e C o o p e r a t i v e d e c i s i o n ma k i ng p r o ­ cess .

*

IF YOU WISH TO BECOME INVOLVED AT THIS TIME *

*

*

*

*

W r i t e u s , s h a r e y o ur f e e l i n g s a n d i d e a s , ( i . e . what a r e y o ur s p e c i f i c a r e a s o f c o m ­ m i t m e n t ?) I f y o u a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n p o s s i b l e me mb e r ­ sh ip , w rite us. P l e a s e t r y t o g i v e us some s e n s e o f where you a r e . T h i s w i l l a l l o w us t o a n s w e r y o u r q u e s t i o n s more c o n c i s e l y , and w i l l h e l p g e n e r a t e m ut u al s h a r i n g and understanding. we a r e now a b l e t o a c c e p t c o n t r i b u t i o n s e a r ­ ma r ke d f o r t h e p u r c h a s e o f l a n d . C h e c k s may b e made p a y a b l e t o " N o r t h e r n L i g h t s C i r c l e C o o p e r a t i v e Land T r u s t R e s e r v e " , o r ,rNLCC LTR". T h e s e f u n d s g o d i r e c t l y i n t o a s p e c ­ i a l a c c o u n t , and t h e f u n d s t h e r e i n s h a l l o n l y b e u s e d t o w a r d s s e c u r i n g l a n d b y NLCC. ( More a b o u t d o n a t i o n s l a t e r . ) We i n v i t e y o u t o v i s i t . P l e a s e w r i t e or c a l l ahead.

S p r e a d t h e word'. Talk to o th e r f a i r i e s ; i f th e y d i d n ' t r e c e i v e t h i s l e t t e r , but wish t o , i n q u i r i e s may b e d i r e c t e d t o o u r a d d r e s s . (We d o a s k t h a t p e r s o n s r e q u e s t i n g p r i n t e d matter e n c lo s e po sta g e and/or a small don­ a t io n i f they are able to a ffo r d o n e . ) Or, Xerox t h i s l e t t e r y o u r s e l f for the f a i r i e s you know t h a t want more i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t N o r th e r n L i g h t s C i r c l e Coop. C o n t r i b u t e mone y i f y o u a r e a b l e t o . (Re­ member, d o n a t i o n s may b e made e i t h e r t o w a r d s t h e NLCC g e n e r a l b u s i n e s s a c c o u n t , o r t h e y may b e e a r m a r k e d s p e c i f i c a l l y t o w a r d s t h e purchase o f land , as o u t l i n e d e a r l i e r . ' G e n e r a l D o n a t i o n " c h e c k s may s i m p l y b e made out to "Northern L ig h t s C i r c l e C o o p e r a tiv e " o r "NLCC". S h a r e w i t h u s y o ur k n o w l e d g e o f , a n d e x p e r i ­ e n c e s w i t h c o o p s , e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e you f e e l w i l l h e l p NLCC t o e x p a n d i t s k n o w l e d g e o f e x i s t i n g c o o p e r a t i v e v e n t u r e s which are some­ how s i m i l a r . (Xir t e m p o r a r y a d d r e s s a nd p h o n e number a p ­ pear in t h e h e a d in g o f t h i s l e t t e r . Future Outreach L e t t e r s w i l l update t h i s a d d r e s s when i t b e c o m e s n e c e s s a r y . I f you w i s h t o r e c e i v e f u t u r e O u t r e a c h L e t t e r s f r o m NLCC, we a s k t h a t y o u w r i t e us b a c k . ( I f you w i s h t o u s e i t , t h e form b e l o w may b e u s e d i n your r e s p o n s e . ) We w i l l t h e n p l a c e you o n o ur m a i l i n g l i s t , u n l e s s y o u r e q u e s t otherwise. ( I f b y c h a n c e you a r e n o t i n t e r ­ e s t e d a t a l l i n NLCC, y o u may r e t u r n t h i s O u t r e a c h L e t t e r - a nd t e l l us you want o f f o u r m a i l i n g l i s t a n d you w o n ' t b e b o t h e r e d again 1) F airie

sp irit

- faerie

love

NORTHERN LIGHTS CIRCLE COOPERATIVE FINALLY 2944 Grand Avenue S ou th M i n n e a p o l i s , Mi n n . 5 5 4 0 8 Phone: (612) 824-4355

At t h i s t i m e we a r e l i v i n g and w o r k i n g c o l l e c ­ t i v e l y i n M i n n e a p o l i s , MN. T h is i s a temporary s i t u a t i o n t h a t h a s c o me a b o u t b y n e c e s s i t y . We hope t o r a i s e enough f u n d s i n t h e near f u t u r e to secure land in W isconsin.

11


A A

w LABELS i

_

AND OTHER THOUGHTS by Bill Callahan w ith merrim ent, g i v e n to s o c i a l i n d u lg e n c e ; h e n c e l o o s e and l i c e n t i o u s " . I g u e s s you c o u l d s a y t h e name f i t s many o f o u r b a r - b a t h - p a r t y h o p p i n g c i t y b r e t h r e n . But d o e s i t d e s c r i b e ALL h o m o s e x u a l men? The o r i g i n s o f t h e word g a y a s i t p e r t a i n s t o us ha s be en w r i t t e n about n u m e r o u s t i m e s b e f o r e , s o no n e e d t o g o i n t o that. But i t wa s a c t u a l l y t h e s t r a i g h t p r e s s t h a t q u i c k l y p i c k e d i t up a n d p r o m o t e d i t s u s e . An y o n e i n t h e b u s i n e s s k n o w s t h a t s h o r t w o r d s are n e c e s s a r y for h e a d l i n e s ( f o r sp a ce r e a s o n s ) . As an e x a m p l e , d o y o u t h i n k i f a l l t h e g a y s i n t h i s c o u n t r y now s a i d t o t h e p r e s s " h e n c e f o r t h we want t o b e c a l l e d r u g g e d " t h a t t h e y ' d g o a long with i t ? F i r s t , t h e wo r d i s t o o l o n g , b u t m o s t i m p o r t a n t , t h e u s e o f r u g g e d w o u l d b e an a f f r o n t to hetro-roacho m a s c u l i n i t y .

E n t e r i n g a b o o k s t o r e d u r i n g my f i r s t v i s i t t o E u g e n e , O r . , my e y e was i m m e d i a t e l y c a u g h t b y t h e f i n e c o v e r g r a p h i c s o f a m a g a z i n e RFD. Was t h i s t h e p u b l i c a t i o n I had h e a r d o f but never saw on a n y n e w s s t a n d . S u r e w a s l At l a s t a m a g a z i n e I c a n r e l a t e t o - - i s o f t h e la n d , h o m e s t e a d i n g , a p p r o p r i a t e t e c h n o l o g y a n d men i n t e r e s t e d i n ma k i ng c o n t a c t w i t h o t h e r rural tei.. But o n e a s p e c t d i s a p p o i n t e d me - lack o f p r i d e and s e l f r e s p e c t labeling. I am s p e a k i n g o f t h e a d o p t i o n o f d e m e a n i n g , d e ­ r o g a t o r y wo r ds t o d e s c r i b e o u r s e l v e s - - f a g g o t s , f a i r i e s , p a n s i e s , q u e e n s and ev en g a y s . Were t h e s e w o r d s o f o ur own m a k i n g ? N o . They w e re f o i s t e d on u s by h e t r o s . Maybe i n some c a s e s th e y apply t o c e r t a i n segments o f the homosexual w o r ld . However, I t a k e o f f e n s e at t h e s e n e g a t i v e n a m e s ; a nd d o n o t f e e l t h e y d e ­ s c r i b e me o r a number o f o t h e r men I ' v e met who acquired t h is l i f e s t y l e .

And t h e n t h e r e ' s t h e K i t c h e n Qu e e n D e p a r t m e n t , c o m p lete w ith a male g r a p h i c wearing a f r i l l y a p r o n a n d t i a r a , who s e e m s t o b e g o i n g t h r o u g h s ome s o r t o f g e n d e r c o n f u s i o n . Maybe a f e w o u t th e r e are in that p l a c e . I ' d l i k e t o sho w RFD t o so me o f my s t r a i g h t f r i e n d s , b u t t h a t d r a w ­ in g wo u ld j u s t c o n f i r m i n t h e i r minds where most g a y s a r e a t ( r e i n f o r c i n g t h e b e l i e f t h a t we l i k e t o d r e s s a s w o m e n ) . Couldn't the k i t c h ­ en p e r s o n j u s t be i n a s p o r t s h i r t and p l a i n a p r o n , then t h e m a j o r i t y wo u ld not be o f f e n d e d ( u n l e s s , o f c o u r s e , you d o n ' t l i k e b e a r d s ) ? I p r o b a b l y h a v e a s g o o d a s e n s e o f humor a s a n y ­ o n e , b u t am v e r y s e n s i t i v e when i t c o m e s t o t h e area o f group r i d i c u l e . I t ' s t i m e f o r us t o s t o p t h e s i l l i n e s s when l o o k i n g a t o u r s e l v e s , using n e g a tiv e l a b e l s . w e ' v e b e e n p u t down b y h e tr o s enough.

Woul d y o u l i k e t o b e c a l l e d a j e r k , n e r d , d o p e , n i t w i t , l i a r or s t u p i d ? Wo ul d y o u t h e n t u r n a r o u n d and c a l l y o u r s e l f any o f t h e s e n a m e s . . . a nd i n p r i n t ? I f you c a l l a j u v e n i l e a d e l i n ­ quent c o n t i n u o u s l y , h e ' l l s t a r t b e l i e v i n g i t , a c t a c c o r d i n g l y and so on s t a r t b r a g g i n g about i t . A c co r d i n g t o d i c t i o n a r i e s and g e n e r a l u s e by a l l , p a n s i e s a r e p h y s i c a l l y weak e f f e m i n a t e men. B efore goin g f u r th e r , I should say i t ' s a f a c t o f l i f e t h a t c e r t a i n men ( e v e n some s t r a i g h t s ) a r e t h a t way. In t h e c o m p e t i t i v e , m a sc u lin e world though t h i s ty p e o f p e r so n i s l o o k e d down upon ( a n d e v e n b y many g a y s ) . But t h e p a n sy might a l s o be h o n e s t , c a r i n g , t a l e n t ­ e d i n some u n - m a s c u l i n e f i e l d . S o why s h o u l d h e m e e k l y a c c e p t a p u t - d o w n l a b e l a nd s u b s c r i b e to i t ? S u r e l y , h e a n d we c o u l d c h o o s e a more p o s i t i v e l a b e l , l i k e human b e i n g .

I g u e s s e v e n among RFD *s s e v e r a l t h o u s a n d r e a d ­ e r s t h e r e a r e many d i v i s i o n s . Am I t o p r e s u m e t h a t t h o s e who c a l l t h e m s e l v e s p a n s i e s a r e m ostly i n t e r e s t e d in g e t t i n g to g eth er with other p a n s i e s , and so f o r t h . H o m o s e x u a l s (a c l i n i c a l n a me ) t h r o u g h o u t h i s t o r y h a v e b e e n v e r y t a l e n t e d i n a r t s and l e t t e r s . Wi t h s o many c r e a t i v e p e o p l e i n o u r m i d s t , c a n ' t we c ome up w i t h l a b ­ e l s f o r o u s e l v e s d e r i v e d f rom p o s i t i v e w o r d s , or make up e n t i r e l y new o n e s .

To my u n d e r s t a n d i n g , f a g g o t s a r e s e x u a l l y a g r e s s i v e and b l a t a n t . Although, according to my d i c t i o n a r y i t s e e m s t o come f rom t h e B r i t ­ i s h u s e ox' f a g : "I n E n g l i s h s c h o o l s , a b o y who d o e s s e r v i c e f o r a n o t h e r b o y o f a h i g h e r f o r m; h e n c e a m e n i a l , a d r u d g e " . And o f c o u r s e f a i r i e s a r e what m y t h i c a l s t o r y b o o k f a i r i e s l o o k and a c t l i k e . W h i l e p r o b a b l y t o o l a t e , we s h o u l d s t r i v e t o elim inate gay. Webster d e f i n e s gay a s " e x c i t e d

In t h e 6 0 ' s , t h e B l a c k s s a i d t o t h e w o r l d , a nd t h e p r e s s e s p e c i a l l y , we want t o b e c a l l e d B la ck s - - not n i g g e r s , d a r k i e s or boy. Do t h e i r p u b l i c a t i o n s make e x t e n s i v e u s e o f n e g ­ a t i v e , s l a n g l a b e l s when d e s c r i b i n g t h e m s e l v e s ? P e a c e and H ig h T i m e s

22


I . M. P o u s t i n i k i s a p s u e d o n y r a . A p o u s t i n i k i s a h o l y man, o r i g i n a l l y f r om t h e R u s s i a n O r t h o d o x t r a d i t i o n , w h o s e l i f e o f p r a y e r a n d s e r v i c e d r a w s hi m i n t o many p l a c e s a n d s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e h e a l ­ i n g and w h o l e n e s s a r e d e s i r e d . He i s p r e s e n t a n d t h e n h e i s a b s e n t . When p r e s e n t h i s t a s k i s t o f o c u s t h e h e a l i n g P r e s e n c e o f t h e L o r d Go d i n t h a t s i t u a t i o n , e v e n t h o u g h t h e D i v i n e Name may n o t be sp o k e n . H i s p e r s o n a l i d e n t i t y i s h i d d e n b e c a u s e t h e a c c i d e n t s o f h i s own l i f e a r e l e s s i m p o r ­ tant than th e h e a l i n g t r u t h he b r i n g s . I t i s my h o p e t h a t t h e s e R e f l e c t i o n s , t h i s V i e w From H e r e , may b e i n t h a t t r a d i t i o n . What I h a v e t o s a y may r e f l e c t s o me o f y o ur own t h o u g h t s a n d f e e l i n g s o r i t may b e a v i e w f rom a p l a c e y o u h a v e n e v e r b e e n . H o w e v e r , i t i s my h o p e t h a t t h i s V i e w w i l 1 b r i n g l i g h t , j o y a n d t r u t h t o y o u a s y o u r e f l e c t more d e e p l y on t h e v i e w f r o m y o ur p l a c e .

The Ga y Co mmu n i t y i s a n e t w o r k o f p e r s o n s who ha ve c h o s e n t o c a l l t h e m s e l v e s "gay" - - t h a t i s , happy, open, f r e e , u n i h i b i t e d . We a r e men a n d women o f a l l s o c i a l , e c o n o m i c , e d u c a t i o n a l , r a ­ c i a l and c u l t u r a l g r o u p s . Some a r e q u i t e o p e n , o t h e r s are q u i t e h id d e n . Most a r e s e l e c t i v e l y o p e n , d e p e n d i n g o n whom we c a n t r u s t . Our c o m ­ m u n i t y h a s t wo d i s t i n g u i s h i n g f e a t u r e s : F i r s t , we a r e m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l p e r s o n s w i t h i n ­ t e r e s t s , f e e l i n g s a n d a c t i o n s on many l e v e l s . We h a v e h i g h l y d e v e l o p e d s e n s i t i v i t i e s t o t h e male and f e m a l e a s p e c t s o f e a c h p e r s o n . Thus, we v i e w a l l p e r s o n s a s e q u a l s who p o t e n t i a l l y merit resp e ct as p e e r s . T h is approach t o l i f e ma k e s u s d i f f e r e n t f r o m o t h e r p e r s o n s , o f t e n c a l l e d " s t r a i g h t " , a n d who f o l l o w t h e " s t r a i g h t a n d n a r r o w" p a t h o f s o c i a l a n d c u l t u r a l e x p e c t ­ ations . B e c a u s e t h i s g o a l i s o f t e n m i s s e d , wh a t i s s e e n i s n o t t h a t f i n e b a l a n c e we s t r i v e f o r , b u t t h e o f f balance c a rica tu re : ma c ho man, e f f e m i n a t e p a n sy , f l i t t i n g f a i r y , phony f a g g o t , o l d a u n t i e , b i t t e r bu tch , flaming f r u i t , e t c . It i s the c r i p p l e d , wo u n d e d a n d f r a g m e n t e d t h a t o r d i n a r y p e o p l e s e e , a n d a b o u t whom t h e B i b l e s p e a k s m o s t harshly. But, as in a l l c u l t u r e s and communit­ i e s , we s h o u l d b e j u d g e d b y o ur b e s t e x a m p l e s , not th e w o r s t . The m e d i e v a l S p a n i s h c l o w n , M a t t e c h i n e , was a p r o t o t y p e o f t h e mo de r n g a y man. He w a s u n i n h i b i t e d a n d f r e e , y e t b e n e a t h t h e g a i t y and l a u g h t e r i s t h e d e e p s a d n e s s o f o n e who k n o ws s u f f e r i n g .

Second, we have se x u a l and em o tio n a l p r e fe r e n c e s fo r p er so n s o f th e same s e x . T h is i s o fte n c a l l ­

ed "hom osexuality". But t h i s l i f e s t y l e i s a way o f t h i n k i n g a n d f e e l i n g , n o t m e r e l y a way o f a c t ing. It has been s a i d t h a t homosexual p e r s o n s are e x a c t l y l i k e h e te r o se x u a l persons "except t h a t t h e y have a s l i g h t d i f f e r e n c e in t h e i r s e x ­ ual and a f f e c t i o n a l p r e f e r e n c e s . But Ga y p e o p l e a r e p e o p l e who , maybe f rom b i r t h , h a v e known t h a t t h e y have a m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l q u a l i t y which s e p a r a t e s t hem f r o m o t h e r p e o p l e . And i n t h i s r e s p e c t . . . g a y p e o p l e a r e a l m o s t o p p o s i t e f rom everybody e l s e , except in bed". Thu s n o t a l l t h o s e w i t h s a m e - s e x o r i e n t a t i o n a n d b e h a v i o r a r e ' g a y ' ; nor a r e a l l t h o s e w i t h o p p o s i t e - s e x o r i e n t a t i o n and b e h a v i o r n e c e s s ­ arily 'stra ig h t'. As w i l l b e d e v e l o p e d i n t h e s e R e f l e c t i o n s I am o n e o f t h e s e m u l t i d i m e n s i o n a l , b o t h / a n d p e r s o n s , and h a v e b e e n s o f o r a l m o s t f i f t y years. The h o m o s e x u a l c o m m u n i t y c o m p r i s e s b e t w e e n f i v e and t e n p e r c e n t o f t h e p o p u l a t i o n . But, because o f t h e a l l - p e r v a s i v e o p p r e s s i o n , t h i s community h a s r e m a i n e d l a r g e l y h i d d e n from t h e g e n e r a l population. P a r t o f t h e l i b e r a t i o n mo v e me nt b e ­ g in n in g in the 1960s i s th e l i b e r a t i o n o f gay men and l e s b i a n s f r o m a n c i e n t r e q u i r e m e n t s t h a t we r e m a i n " h i d d e n i n t h e c l o s e t " o r s u f f e r h u m i l i a t i o n or e v e n d e a t h . These R e f l e c t i o n s are d e s i g n e d to encourage c o n ­ t e m p o r a r y e x a m p l e s b o t h f o r t h e G a y Co mmu ni t y and fo r t h e community a t l a r g e , so t h a t a l l o f u s may b e c o me mo r e w h o l e , r e s p o n s i b l e a n d p r o ­ d u c t i v e c i t i z e n s o f t h e c o m m u n i t i e s i n w h i c h we live.


GENOCIDE IN GUATEM ALA ITS ROOTS IN THE US NATIONAL SECURITY STATE B Y EDW IN BRID G ES The o p p r e s s i o n o f t h e n a t i v e Mayans o f G u a t e m a l a has been c o n t i n u o u s s i n c e t h e a r r i v a l o f the Spanish i n 1524. I n d e p e n d e n c e f rom S p a i n m e r e ­ l y l i b e r a t e d the Sp a nish c o l o n i s t s , and t h e degradation of the Indians con tin u ed . The f i r s t h o p e f o r c h a n g e came i n 1 9 4 4 when a p o p u l a r i n ­ s u r r e c t i o n put a l i b e r a l regime in power. Free e l e c t i o n s w e r e h e l d , a n d a g r a r i a n and p o l i t i c a l ref or m s were i n i t i a t e d . However, t h i s d i s p l e a s ­ e d t h e r e a l r u l e r s o f t h e c o u n t r y - D e l Mont e a n d U n i t e d F r u i t (now U n i t e d B r a n d s ) , a n d a p ­ p ea lin g to U.S. a u t h o r i t i e s they i n s t i g a t e d the CIA c o u p i n w h i c h CIA p l a n e s bombed G u a t e m a l a ' C i t y , a n d p u t i n power t h e r i g h t - w i n g d i c t a t o r ­ s h i p s which have c o n t i n u e d t o t h i s da y . 8,000 c a m p e s i n o s w e r e k i l l e d i n t h e f i r s t t wo m o n t h s o f t h e new r e g i m e , a n d 9 , 0 0 0 p o l i t i c a l a r r e s t s made i n t h e f i r s t y e a r .

N o v . 4 , 1 9 3 0 ( G u a t e m a l a C i t y ) - At Los O c o t e s , t wo b o d i e s w e r e f o u n d on t h e h i g h w a y , w i t h s i g n s of torture. '\tiat d o e s i t me a n , " s i g n s o f t o r t u r e " ? Cadavers a r e f o u n d w i t h o u t e y e s , t e s t i c l e s , or w i t h h a n d s cut o ff. B o d ie s are found w ith o u t f i n g e r n a i l s , t e e t h , or n i p p l e s . Women' s b o d i e s a p p e a r w i t h c h e s t s bur n e d , b r a n d s f rom h o t i r o n o n t h e i r Amput a s k i n , and w i t h t h e i r s c a l p p u l l e d o f f . t e d p a r t s a r e p l a c e d on t o p o f b o d i e s . Signs o f t o r t u r e : n e e d l e s through the to ng u e. In t h e t e s t i c l e s . Stuck in t h e b o t t o m s o f t h e feet. C h e s t s c r u s h e d b y p e r s o n s j u m p i n g on them. S p i k e s d r i v e n and sc r e w e d i n t o h e a d s . Suspending the v i c t i m w ith nylon cord t i e d to h is sexual organs. Amputation o f th e tongu e.

In 1 9 6 5 - 6 6 t h e U . S . M i l i t a r y p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e Pen tagon-backed "Operation G uatemala", to purge t h e c o u n t r y o f t h e few hund red g u e r i l l a s a c t i v e there. 1 9 , 4 9 2 G u a t e m a l a n s we re a s s a s s i n a t e d and massacred. A l s o , p a r a m i l i t a r y d e a t h squads w e r e o r g a n i z e d , and b e g a n t o c a r r y o u t t h e t o r ­ t u r e and a s s a s s i n a t i o n p l a n s o f t h e U . S . - G u a t ­ emalan g o v e r n m e n t , l e a v i n g o f f i c i a l s f r e e t o c l a i m t h a t t h e y were b a t t l i n g b o t h t h e " r i g h t " and " l e f t " , w h i l e t h e g e n e r a l s w e r e r u n n i n g , a nd s t i l l r u n , d e a t h s q u a d s f r o m t h e N a t i o n a l P a l a c e Annex.

Signs o f to rtu re: ears cut o f f . Dr o wn e d i n gasoline. Face m u tila te d . Hands c u t o f f t h e children o f victim s. G u a t e m a l a , home o f 6 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e , i s t h e mo s t populous n a t i o n in C e n t r a l America. More t h a n 60% o f G u a t e m a l a n s a r e Mayan I n d i a n s , mo s t o f whom do n o t s p e a k S p a n i s h . 75% o f t h e p e o p l e are cam pesinos, s u b s is te n c e farmers, o ften e a r n ­ i n g money b y w o r k i n g on l a r g e c o f f e e , c o t t o n , or sugar p l a n t a t i o n s , a l l for e x p o r t . Soon, G u a t e ­ m a l a w i l l a l s o b e a ma j o r e x p o r t e r o f p e t r o l e u m and n i c k e l . 3 8 9 f a m i l i e s own 75% o f a l l f e r t i l e l a n d s ; s i x p e o p l e own 26% o f a l l l a n d i n G u a t e m a l a . While the producers o f food for export ann ua lly obtain $1 b i l l i o n , t h e p e r c a p i t a i n c o m e f o r t h e I n d i a n s i s $30 a n n u a lly . T r y l i v i n g on t h a t when b e a n s a r e 6 5 c e n t s a pound'. Ea c h d a y t h e r i c h a n d t h e m i l i t a r y t a k e o v e r more l a n d s , w i t h t h e c o m p l i ­ c ity of a ll authorities. C o n se q u e n tia lly , the c a m p e s i n o s a r e l e f t w i t h o u t l a n d - a n d t h e me a ns to produce food - reaching the po in t o f d e s p e r a ­ t i o n when t h e y s e e t h e i r c h i l d r e n d y i n g f rom h u n g e r and i l l n e s s . H a lf t h e c h i l d r e n born in Guatemala d i e b e f o r e the age o f f i v e . In t h e 1 9 8 0 ' s , t h e s h a r p e s t c o n f r o n t a t i o n s c r e a t e d by U . S . p o l i t i c a l and e c o n o m ic d o m i n a t i o n a re o ccu rrin g in the sm a ll, s t r a t e g i c a l l y lo c a t e d c o u n t r i e s o f C e n t r a l America. The m o s t c o n s e r ­ v a t i v e Gua temalan gov ern m en t newsoaper p r i n t e d rep orts o f 3,617 p o l i t i c a l deaths in the f i r s t t e n m o n t h s o f 1 9 8 0 - e v e n t h o u g h mo s t o f t h e mass a t r o c i t i e s ar e not r e p o r t e d . Of t h i s num­ b e r , at l e a s t 90 were U n i v e r s i t y p r o f e s s o r s , 3 89 U n i v e r s i t y s t u d e n t s , 326 e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l t e a c h e r s , 311 c a m p e s i n o l e a d e r s , 12 j o u r n a l i s t s , and hu ndreds o f un io n l e a d e r s . L a s t aut umn a l o n e , 39 l e a d e r s o f t h e m o d e r a t e C h r i s t i a n D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y were a s s a s s i n a t e d . 326 k i l l i n g s w e r e r e p o r t e d i n j u s t t h e f i r s t t wo w e e k s o f February. The c r i s i s i s i m m e d i a t e , and i s r e a c h ­ ing g e n o c i d a l p r o p o r t i o n s .

Z *

The s t a r t o f t h e l a t e s t wa v e o f r e p r e s s i o n came i n May 1 9 7 8 when a v i l l a g e o f Q u i c h e I n d i a n s r e c e i v e d o r d e rs t o go to Panzos, where they w o u l d r e c e i v e a d o c u m e n t a b o u t t h e i r l a n d s . When they a r riv ed s o l d i e r s b l o c k e d t h e i r e x i t s , and t h e l a n d o w n e r s i n s u l t e d a n d t h r e a t e n e d them with death. The I n d i a n s a s k e d t o s p e a k , w e r e r e f u s e d , and s u d d e n l y s o l d i e r s and c i v i l i a n s a 1 i k e f i r e d on t h e un a r me d I n d i a n s f r om t h e r o o f ­ tops. In a f e w m o m e n t s , 1 4 0 w e r e k i l l e d . The I n d i a n s w e r e l o a d e d i n t o g a r b a g e t r u c k s a nd dumped i n t o a common g r a v e dug b y a b u l l d o z e r two d a y s e a r l i e r . The 3 0 0 i n j u r e d w e r e d e n i e d m edical a t t e n t i o n ; t h o s e t h a t f l e d were sought o u t a n d g u n n e d down. The t o r t u r e a n d g e n o c i d e have not a b a t e d s i n c e . The U . S . i n v o l v e m e n t a n d c o m p l i c i t y w i t h t h i s o p p r e s s i o n has not a b a te d e i t h e r . Fo r many y e a r s now, t h e P e n t a g o n h a s p r o m o t e d t h e U n i t e d C e n t r a l A m e r i c a n Army. This in v o lv e d the t r a i n i n g o f Guatemalan p o l i c e at a c o s t o f $ 1 , 7 5 0 U . S . ta x d o l l a r s per " s t u d e n t " . Rather t h a n b e i n g d e s i g n e d t o c o mba t t e r r o r i s m , t h e s e were a c t u a l l y c o u r s e s i n t e r r o r i s t a c t i v i t i e s . In a d d i t i o n t h e U . S . h a s s o l d G u a t e m a l a $ 3 5 . 4 m i l l i o n o f m i l i t a r y e q u i p m e n t , a nd p r o v i d e d o u t r i g h t g i f t s o f $ 3 5 m i l l i o n more o f s u r p l u s e q u i p m e n t and m i l i t a r y a s s i s t a n c e . The P e n t a ­ g o n h a s p r o p o s e d f o r 1 9 8 1 "a l i m i t e d U . S . s e ­ c u r i t y a s s i s t a n c e p r o g r a m " t o p r o v i d e "an e f f e c t i v e me a n s o f m a i n t a i n i n g an o v e r a l l c o ­ operative rela tio n sh ip " .


GENOCIDE IN GUATEM ALA (CONTINUED) But, as a lw a y s , the r e a l powers i n f l u e n c i n g th e se p o l i c i e s are the m u lt in a t io n a l co rp o ra ­ t i o n s i n t e n t on c o n t i n u e d e x p l o i t a t i o n o f G u a ­ tem ala's natural resources. H i s t o r i c a l l y , the f o o d e x p o r t i n g c o r p o r a t i o n s h a v e o p e r a t e d an economy o f p l a n n e d u n d e r - d e v e l o p m e n t i n G u a t e ­ mala by u s u r p i n g I n d i a n l a n d s , c r e a t i n g s h o r t ­ ages o f food for d om estic consumption. In a d d i t i o n , t h e i r i nhuma n l a b o r p r a c t i c e s and c a r e l e s s e x p l o i t a t i o n o f n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s have weakened t h e c a m p e s i n o s ' c a p a c i t y t o a c h i e v e self-sufficiency. Through t h e s e p r a c t i c e s , t h e national wealth reaches only the a ir e a d y -w e a lt h y , and t h e m a s s e s b e c o m e mor e a n d mor e d e ­ p e n d e n t on t h e c o r p o r a t e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e . The o n l y way t o k e e p s u c h a n u n d e r - d e v e l o p e d s o c i e t y "stable" i s with m assive r e p r e s s io n . Now, w i t h t h e d i s c o v e r y a n d " d e v e l o p m e n t " o f o i l and n i c k e l r e s e r v e s i n n o r t h e r n G u a t e m a l a , more I n d i a n s a r e b e i n g d i s p l a c e d from t h e i r meager l a n d s . Under t h e q u i s e o f o p e n i n g up t h i s r e g i o n f o r s e t t l e m e n t by c a m p e s i n o s t o produce fo o d fo r d o m e s t ic consu m ption, $25 m i l l i o n o f U . S . mo ne y h a s b e e n u s e d b y G u a t e ­ m a l a t o b u i l d t h e r o a d s and s e t t l e c h e a p l a b o r f o r o i l and n i c k e l p r o d u c t i o n . Ar e " c a l u l a t e d m a s s a c r e " o r " d e l i b e r a t e b a r ­ b a r i t y ” too strong a d e s c r i p t i o n to use? I th in k n o t , c o n s i d e r i n g t h e documented in f o r m a ­ t i o n a v a i l a b l e c o n c e r n in g inv o lv em ent o f the G u a t e m a l a n g o v e r n m e n t , t h e U . S . g o v e r n m e n t , and m u l t i n a t i o n a l c o r p o r a t i o n s i n p l a n n i n g and m a n i ­ p u la tin g e v e n ts in Guatemala. Under t h e g u i s e o f p r o t e c t i n g t h e p e o p l e from "C om muni st s ", t h e U . S . h a s p r o p p e d up t h e G u a t e m a l a n d i c t a t o r s i n a l m o s t e v e r y way p o s s i b l e . T h e o n l y " C o m m u n i st s " in Guatemala are t h e p e o p l e , almost t o t a l l y i g ­ n o r a n t o f p o l i t i c a l p h i l o s o p h y a n d l a b e l s , who r e b e l , p r o t e s t , and o r g a n i z e a g a i n s t o n e o f t h e most u n j u s t and r e p r e s s i v e s o c i a l s t r u c t u r e s i n the world. It i s s i g n i f i c a n t t h a t not one p erso n h a s been c o n v i c t e d o f any o f t h e t e n s o f t h o u s a n d s of deaths. Gua te ma lan r i g h t i s t s l o o k t o R on ald Reagan a s t h e i r l a s t chance t o c l i n g t o power. Guatema­ l a n b u s i n e s s m e n a n d g o v e r n m e n t o f f i c i a l s . wer e o p e n l y e c s t a t i c about R e a g a n ' s e l e c t i o n and t h e c o n s e r v a t i v e trium ph. A "Who ' s Who" o f t h e A m e r i c a n New R i g h t v i s i t e d G u a t e m a l a i n 1 9 8 0 . Re a g a n was q u o t e d a s h a v i n g t o l d a l e a d i n g f i g ­ ure i n t h e r e a c t i o n a r y r i g h t wing o f G u a t e m a la , "Hang i n ' t i l l we g e t t h e r e . W e ' l l g e t i n , and t h e n w e ' l l g i v e you some h e l p . D o n ' t g i v e up: s t a y t h e r e and f i g h t ' . " The c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n t h e U . S . c o n s e r v a t i v e s a n d G u a t e m a l a a r e nu me r ­ ous. Apparently, th ere i s good reason to b e ­ l i e v e th a t U . S . m i l i t a r y "aid" to Guatemala w i l l be i n t e n s i f i e d , q u i t e p o s s i b l y t o t h e p o i n t o f using U.S. f o r c e s . You may w o n d e r wha t a l l t h i s h a s t o do w i t h RPD, and why i t a p p e a r s h e r e . One r e a s o n i s t h a t t h i s i n f o r m a t io n appears in few o th e r p l a c e s . The U . S . a n d C a n a d i a n p r e s s b l o c k o u t o f news f rom G u a t e m a l a h a s b e e n a l m o s t c o m p l e t e , e v e n

though t h e s e e v e n t s are r e p o r t e d r e g u l a r l y in the papers o f other c o u n tr ie s . Also, there roust b e u n i t y o f a l l p e o p l e s t r u g g l i n g a g a i n s t t h e f o r c e s o f o p p r e s s i o n , whether s o c i a l , p o l i ­ t i c a l , or e c o n o m i c . T h i r d l y , the Guatemalan people are f ig h t in g a b a t t l e for s e l f - s u f f i c i e n ­ c y a n d l e s s d e p e n d e n c e on a n u n j u s t e c o n o m i c s y s t e m , a g o a l o f RFD r e a d e r s a l s o , w h i l e t h e l a n d and r e s o u r c e s n e c e s s a r y t o m a i n t a i n t h a t i n d e p e n d e r t c e a r e f o r c i b l y t a k e n away f r om t h e m , with the support o f the U.S. government. F i n a l l y , there are s e r io u s i m p lic a tio n s in the C e h t r a l American s i t u a t i o n for f u t u r e U . S . d o ­ mestic p o lic y . T h e r e h a s g r o w n up i n t h e U . S . a network o f su pport for t h e N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y S t a t e t h a t e x t e n d s from i n t e l l e c t u a l s t o t h e g o v e r n m e n t t o b u s i n e s s and t o t h e m i l i t a r y . The p o l i c i e s s t e m m i n g f rom t h i s d o c t r i n e a r e q u i t e e f f e c t i v e in keeping the t h i r d world in l i n e w i t h U . S . i m p e r i a l i s t i n t e r e s t s , and i t i s o n ly a matter o f time b e f o r e i n t e r n a l d i s s e n t i o n becomes as g r e a t a t h r e a t t o "N ational S e c u r i t y " as f o r e i g n i n s t a b i l i t y i s , w h i c h c a n , and a l r e a d y i s a f f e c t i n g RFD r e a d e r s . T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l t h i n g s you c a n d o t o f i g h t t h i s c o n s p i r a c y o f s i l e n t support o f tyranny in Guatemala. The mo s t i m p o r t a n t i s t o b e c o m e w e l l i n f o r m e d o n t h i s and r e l a t e d C e n t r a l A m e r i c a n issues. T h i s a r t i c l e i s g r e a t l y c o n d e n s e d f rom t h e L a t e W i n t e r , 1981 i s s u e o f G re en R e v o l u t i o n , p u b l i s h e d b y t h e S c h o o l o f L i v i n g , PO Box 3 2 3 3 , Y o r k , PA 1 7 4 0 2 . S i n g l e c o p i e s o f t h e 72 p a g e r e p o r t on G u a t e m a l a a r e $ 1 . 5 0 , b u n d l e s o f 2 0 c o p ies are $18. Copies are a l s o a v a ila b le t h r o u g h RFD f o r $ 1 . 3 0 ( p o s t a g e i n c l u d e d ) . S p r e a d t h e wor d t o o t h e r s a b o u t t h i s i s s u e , p a r t i c u l a r l y g r o u p s i n y o ur a r e a s y m p a t h e t i c to lib e r a t io n str u g g le s. W r i t e o r c a l l your s e n a t o r s and r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s t o v o i c e your o p p o s i t i o n t o U . S . m i l i t a r y or e c o n o m i c a i d t o Guatemala. A n o t he r means o f s u p p o r t i s t o o r ­ g a n i z e or j o i n l o c a l s o l i d a r i t y g r o u p s . Fo r mor e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t ! A s s o c i a t i o n i n S o l i ­ d a r i t y w i t h G u a t e m a l a , PO Box 1 3 0 0 6 , W a s h i n g t o n , DC 2 0 0 0 9 . Nov. 5, 1980 (Guatemala C i t y ) "Enthusiasm in G u a t e m a l a B e c a u s e o f t h e V i c t o r y o f R. R e a g a n . " G r e a t e r p r i v a t e i n v e s t m e n t wa s e x p e c t e d , i t wa s s a i d , s i n c e i n v e s t o r s kn e w R e a g a n w o u l d p r o t e c t their in t e r e s t s . R e l a t i o n s between Guatemala a n d t h e U . S . we r e e x p e c t e d t o b e s t r e n g t h e n e d .


3 Calls for action_______

Commemotdiive

Dear B r o t h e r s ,

L a s t y e a r , a t t h e De n v e r g a t h e r i n g , a t a c i r c l e commemorating our b r o t h e r s m a r ty r e d by t h e N a z i s , i t wa s f e l t t h a t e a c h y e a r on t h e same d a t e ( A u ­ g u s t 1 3 ) we h o l d some s o r t o f s i m i l a r e v e n t . I am a s k i n g f o r i n p u t f rom a n y b r o t h e r s who m i g h t want t o h e l p w i t h i d e a s , e t c . Sp ecifically, 1) S h o u l d we c o n s i d e r i s s u i n g a n a t i o n a l or i n t e r n a t i o n a l c a l l f o r s u c h an e v e n t ( t o b e h e l d wherever p e o p l e a r e; i t c o u l d be a s sim p le as s u g g e s t i n g t h a t p e o p l e l i g h t a c a n d l e on t h a t d a y , e t c . , e t c . )? 2) Wo ul d a n y o n e c a r e t o w r i t e s u c h a c a l l ( I d o n ' t f e e l t h a t I c an do i t m y s e l f ) ? 3) Is t h e r e any f e e l i n g t h a t such a n a t i o n a l o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l d a y b e o t h e r t h a n on A u g u s t 1 3 , s a y on t h e d a y t h a t t h e N a z i s b u r n t t h e l i b r a r y

lite ra ry De a r F a e r y F a g g o t B r o t h e r s , Indulgent S i s t e r s :

S issies,

& Perpetually

We a r e c o m p i l i n g an a n t h o l o g y o f g a y m a l e w r i t i n g f o c u s i n g on t h e m e r g i n g o f r a d i c a l f o r ms ( n o n c h r i s t i a n , n o n - p a t r i a r c h a l ) o f s p i r i t u a l i t y a nd p o l i t i c s w i t h i n t h e F a e r y m o v e me n t . v?e e n v i s i o n t h i s a n t h o l o g y NOT a s a d e s c r i p t i o n o f o u r mo v e me nt t o b e p r e s e n t e d t o a s t r a i g h t a u d i e n c e but a s a book d e s i g n e d t o h e l p a l l o f us e n r i c h our k n o w l e d g e o f t h e m a g i c k a l and h e a l ­ i n g a r t s , a s w e l l a s a g u i d e t o n u r t u r i n g each o t h e r and l e a r n i n g t o l i v e t o g e t h e r i n c o l l e c t i v e / communal e n v i r o n m e n t s . We h o p e t o c o v e r s u c h t o p i c s a s : 1) g a y men a s s p i r i t u a l b e i n g s 2) g a y s p i r i t g u e s t s / g a y myths & l e g e n d s 3) m y s t i c a l a s p e c t s o f g a y s e x u a l i t y / s e x magick 4) healin g v ia massage, c r y s t a l s , m e d ita tio n , v i s u a l i z a t ion 5) fa e r y music, a r t , w r i t in g , dance, th e a tr e , film , e t c .I 6) f a e r y magick: s p e l l s , charms, r i t e s , i n ­ cantations 7) faery fathering

'fhliticdil

PC

§

i H-H

H

w

Pm

o w P

m

I am s h a r i n g t h e s e t h o u g h t s w i t h y o u b e c a u s e I f e e l t h a t t h i s i s a v e r y i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f o ur h i s t o r y a n d I f e e l t h a t t h e memory o f o u r m a r ­ t y r e d b r o t h e r s mu s t b e k e p t a l i v e ' . Yo urs i n

fairy

love,

I s r a e l D a v i d F is hman 168 S t a t e S t r e e t B r o o k l y n , NY 1 1 2 0 1 2 1 2 - U L 5 - 4 8 0 3 _______________________________________________ 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13)

fa eries & fem inists faery h u m o r /c a m p /sillin e ss/lig h t-n e ss faery p o l i t i c s f a e r i e s & quantum p h y s i c s f a e r i e s n u r t u r i n g & l o v i n g o u r s e l v e s & each other c i t y f a e r i e s and c o u n t r y f a e r i e s : kissing cousins

I f y o u a r e i n v o l v e d i n a n y o f t h e h e a l i n g , magc i k a l , or f i n e a r t s , o r a c t i v e i n f a e r y s t r u g g l e s , we e n c o u r a g e y o u t o s u b m i t a n a r t i c l e . An i d e a l l e n g t h w o u l d be 7 t o 10 o a g e s d o u b l e - s p a c e d or 2 ,0 0 0 to 3 ,000 words. We w o u l d l i k e t o h a v e a l l t h e a r t i c l e s i n b y A u g u s t 1 5 , 1 9 8 1 ; b u t i f you a r e i n t e r e s t e d , p l e a s e l e t u s know o f y o u r i n ­ t e n t i o n s as soon as p o s s i b l e . Mail e s s a y s t o : Randy C o n n e r & D a v i d S p a r k s , 9 4 8 Noe S t . , San F r a n c is c o , C a l i f o r n i a 94114. P l e a s e t r y t o make y o u r e s s a y s a s p e r s o n a l and as n o n r h e t o r i c a l a s p o s s i b l e . I f you a r e n o t a w r i t e r b u t w o u l d l i k e t o b e i n t e r v i e w e d , l e t us know s o o n . May Pan & Hermes & C e r n u n n o s I s i s A s t a r t e D i a n a H ec a t e Demeter K a l i & Inanna b l e s s you, Randy C o n n e r & D a v i d S p a r k s

MARCHTO the PENTAGONMAY3

o

The war preparations by the Reagan administration and the military-industrial complex pose the gravest danger to the people of the United States and the entire world. In particular. Reagan and Haig are bent on provoking a Vietnam-type war in El Salvador.

<

Join the tens of thousands of people who want to demonstrate to express their outrage at the dangerous course toward war and increased human suffering planned by Reagan for millions. Protest the anti-people, racist budget cuts, which are a direct result of the bloated $190 billion Pentagon war budget.

Z

U . s : War o h-H

Z <

o f t h e g a y r i g h t s m o v e me n t ? D o e s a n y o n e know the date? 4) Where s h o u l d s u c h a c a l l b e s e n t t o ? RFD, GCN, Bo dy P o l i t i c , t h e A d v o c a t e c ome t o m i n d . Sh ould i t go t o a l l l e s b i a n and g a y o r g a n i z a t i o n s Can a n y o n e o u t t h e r e d o s u c h a m a i l i n g ? <<Jrite the c a l l ? Design the c a l l ? 5) When s h o u l d s u c h a c a l l g o o u t ?

N

PQ

2

Build-up

N ation al O ffice: WILSON CENTER

The time to organize is now! JOIN US!

P eoples' Anti-W ar M obilization

1470 IRVING ST. N.W. • W ASHINGTON, D .C . 20010 • (202)462-1488


brothers behind bars

i

n

/\ll that we know who lie in gaol 'y Is that the wall is strong; ¥$- /\nd that each Jay Is like a yean year whose7Jays arc long' from 'The Ballad o f Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde RFD n e e d s t o h e a r t h e t r u t h f r o m b e h i n d p r i s o n w a l l s . "Brothers Behind Bars" i s a f r e e f o r um f o r p r i s o n e r s t o e x p r e s s f e e l i n g s , i d e a s , e x p e r i e n c e s , r e a c t i o n s a n d t o c o n t a c t o t h e r s . L e t t e r s w i l l be e d i t e d f o r s p e l l i n g , p u n c t u a t i o n and c l a r i t y u n l e s s s p e c i f i e d o t h e r w i s e . It i s r e q u e s t e d t h a t c o n t a c t l e t t e r s n o t e x c e e d 2 0 0 w o r d s as s p a c e i s l i m i t e d . Dear B e a u t i f u l

RFD,

"A d a y l a t e a nd a d o l l a r s h o r t " , b u t I am h a p p y t o p r o c l a i m t h a t I ' v e d i s c o v e r e d RFD. A fellow i n m a t e w a n t e d t o s h a r e a poem he had p r i n t e d and l o and b e ­ h o l d , i t wa s i n t h i s ’K3ay C o u n t r y J o u r n a l " , Summer 1 9 8 0 . We s h a r e d t h a t e v e n i n g o u r g a y i t y ( s o m e t h i n g you do n o t d i s c l o s e in p r i s o n ) . And now I h a v e d e c i d e d t o w r i t e you a n d a s k y o u t o r un a r e q u e s t under " b r o t h e r s b e h i n d b a r s " s o I m i g h t c o r r e s p o n d w i t h more fellow gays. The p o s s i b i l i t i e s a r e u n l i m i t e d , f o r my s e n t e n c e i s over t h i s A p r i l , 1 9 8 1 . I am m o v i ng t o a 27 a c r e farm here in C olorado. I would lo v e to share l i f e with a n o th er/o r many s i m i l a r n o n - s y s t e m t y p e . T h i s h a s b e e n a l i f e - l o n g dream ( w h i c h I t h o u g h t was f a i r l y o r i g i n a l ) , a n d RFD h a s o p e n e d my e y e s t h a t many g a y s h a v e t h e same dr e a m a n d a r e way a h e a d o f the game. So, p l e a s e l e t ' s s h a r e d r e a m s , g o a l s , i d e a s a nd c o r r e s p o n d , v i s i t , and l o v e one another. To t e l l y o u a l i t t l e a b o u t m y s e l f ; I am 33 y e a r s young, I r i s h - A m e r i c a n , 6 ' 1 " , 180#, h a ir y , muscular, a l o v e ­ able terry-bear type. I w ill e x c h a n g e p h o t o s and l e t t e r s w i t h a n y a n d a l l who w r i t e . I r e a l l y mean t h a t ' . Shawn A. D e v l i n P . 0 . Box 9 9 9 , # 4 5 5 9 3 Canon C i t y , C o l o . 81212

Dear RFD,

Brothers

I am a g a y man 6 f e e t t a l l , 1 6 5 l b s . , w i t h b r o wn h a i r . R i g h t now I am i n p r i s o n a n d I am l o n e l y , b e c a u s e I h a v e no o u t s i d e p e o p l e . I am l o o k ­ i n g fo r someone t o w r i t e t o a nd s h a r e so me g o o d t a l k s . I have been ga y for t h r e e years and I am l o o k i n g f o r s o m e b o d y t o l i v e w i t h when I g e t o u t . L o o k i n g f o r a n y b o d y who w i l l w rite.

I j u s t f i n i s h e d r e a d i n g y o ur rag f o r t h e f i r s t ti m e and I t h i n k i t ' s w o n d e r f u l t h e way i t ' s put t o g e t h e r ! To s a y t h e l e a s t i t ' s b e t t e r , much b e t t e r t h a n a n y o t h e r Fa g r a g I ' v e read! P r e s e n t l y though i t ' s t h e o n l y r a g we c a n g e t h e r e on t h e L a v e n d e r c u l t u r e ! The p i g s a r e h i c k s a n d t h e y ' r e uncommonl y s t u p i d ! But some a r e h i p t o t h e s c e n e s here! But t h e y j u s t d o n ' t want t o make a ny f u s s o v e r t h e fact that th e r e's faggots m ilk ­ i n g we e we e i n t h e s e w a l l s o f solitude!

Love, R a l p h T r o u t ma n #158725 2 4 0 0 S. S h e r i d a n Muskegon, Mich.

49442

De a r E d i t o r , I am a 22 y e a r o l d w h i t e m a l e i n m a t e a n d I aim w r i t i n g y o u i n h o p e t h a t y o u w i l l r un a s m a l l ad f o r roe i n y o ur n e w s p a p e r . I h a v e no f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s o u t s i d e i n t h e f r e e w o r l d and i t ' s v e ry l o n e l y at m ail c a l l . So a n y t h i n g y o u may do f o r roe on t h i s m a t t e r w i l l b e a p p r e ­ c i a t e d b y roe, a n d I w i l l b e i n your d e b t . I' m t h a n k i n g you i n a d v a n c e f o r t a k i n g y o ur t i m e . Sincerely, S t e v e Gard Box 5 1 1 , # 1 5 5 - 8 3 9 C ol u m b u s , Ohi o 43216

11

and s i s t e r s ,

Now b a c k t o t h e p u r p o s e o f t h i s le t t e r of despair! I' m p r e s ­ e n t l y on a s i x c o c k a day h a b i t b u t I' m s t i l l l o n e l y ! Even w i t h a l l my s i s t e r s t o k e e p me occupied! I' m i n s e a r c h o f s o m e o n e who n e e d s l o v e a n d u n ­ derstanding! Some one who w i l l s h a r e h a p p i n e s s and not l e t it die! T h a t s o me o n e I h o p e e x i s t s ! I' m o n l y t w e n t y y e a r s o l d and I ' v e been burned a c o u p le o f times! But I k e e p t r y i n g ! Is t h e r e a n y o n e ; l e t me know! And I ’ l l a n s we r a l l l e t t e r s ! W e l l , I have t o g o ! Love, (Miss Anthony) A n t ho n y M c K e n z i e Box 9 9 9 , R e g i s t e r N o . 4 4 8 7 3 C . H. #1 Ca n o n C i t y , C o l o r a d o 81818


brothers behind bars Dear E d i t o r , I am a 36 y e a r o l d m a l e i n m a t e and a t t h i s t i m e I am i n c a r ­ c e r a t e d h e r e a t t h e Co l u mb u s Correctional F a c ilit y . I am w r i t i n g you i n h o p e s t h a t you may b e s o k i n d a n d u n d e r s t a n d ­ i n g a s t o r un a s m a l l ad f o r me i n y o u r n e w s p a p e r . I have no f u n d s i n w h i c h t o p a y y o u f o r an a d . I h a v e no f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s t o speak o f t h a t w r i t e t o me o r c o me v i s i t me a n d i t i s ve ry l o n e l y e x p e c t a n t l y at m a i l c a l l s o a n y t h i n g y o u may do f o r me on t h i s m a t t e r s h a l l p u t me i n y o u r d e b t . I am t h a n k i n g y ou i n a d v a n c e f o r t a k i n g your t i m e . Sincerely, J o h n H. Bus h # 1 4 0 - 2 0 4 P . O . Box 511 Columbus, Ohio 43216

My f o r m e r a r t i c l e s h a v e b e e n n>i meo g r a phed b y t h e a d m i n i s t r a ­ t i o n , a n d p l a c e d i n my f i l e I am n o t o p e n l y r a d i c a l , do n o t p u s h my s e x u a l i t y o n a n y o n e , and I d o n ' t a c t f e m i n i n e . I r e s p e c t th e se q u a l i t i e s in o t h e r s , b u t I c a n o n l y b e my ­ s e l f - w h o e v e r h e - s h e may b e . I ’ ve t r i e d to c o n t a c t o ther p r i s o n e r s t o s e e i f t h e y were as bad o f f a s t h e y sound ed , many w e r e n o t . One who n e e d s h e lp i s Star C a r t e r . That l a d y has been put through s o me c h a n g e s , p r o v e n h e r i n o c e n c e , and i s s t i l l h e l d i n l o c k down. I ’ v e w r i t t e n but r e c e i v e d a l l my l e t t e r s b a c k . I know t h e a u t h o r i t i e s a r e t a m p e r i n g w i t h her m a i l . A p e r so n has a r i g h t t o r e c e i v e mail in p r i s o n . Even t h e h o s t a g e s in Iran were g i v e n m ail. Are we l e s s humane t h a n the Iranians? Where a r e t h e g a y l a w y e r s , t h e su pport g r o u p s , where are the members o f o u r f a m i l y ? So okay, w e're c r i m in a l s , second c l a s s c i t i z e n s , a n d t o make m a t t e r s w o r s e , we a r e q u e e r s . E x c u s e me, i t ' s t i m e f o r v i o l i n s and p o p c o r n .

the

Well p e o p l e , I d o n ' t have t o w a ste a l o t o f words h e r e , s e e m s l i k e I ' v e h a d my s a y .

De ar RFD, In r e s p o n s e t o y o u r i n q u i r y t o p r i s o n e r s i n i s s u e 2 5 , I am h a v i n g no p r o b l e m r e c e i v i n g my c o p i e s o f RFD. Sometimes the s e a l i s u n b r o k e n on t h e e n v e l o p e , so m e t i m e s i t has b e e n b r o ke n by a mail o f f i c e r here at t h e p e n i tentiary. I have a f e e l i n g t h a t any m a g a z i n e s which a r e r e t u r n e d t o y o u ma r ke d "Un­ a u t h o r i z e d " or " R e f u s e d " ha v e been r e f u s e d by t h e p r i s o n mail officer. The men w i l l n o t b e i n f o r m e d o f t h i s , and t h e y a r e p r o b a b l y w o n d e r i n g why t h e i r copy d id not a r r i v e . I d o n ’ t e n jo y c r y b a b i e s , but th e p r iso n system openly d i s ­ c r im in a te s a g a in st homosexuals. A l l t h e " a c c e n t e d " g i r l i e mags are allow ed , inclu ding Hustler ( y e c h h ) b u t v e t g a y mags i n g e n e r a l a r e not a l l o w e d . I d o n ' t know how much l o n g e r I w i l l b e a b l e t o r e c e i v e RFD, they c o u l d drop the c u r t a i n any t i m e .

I' m g e t t i n o u t w i t h i n a y e a r , b e s e e i n ' y a ' l l on so me s u n n y day. young, proud,

h o t a nd G a y ,

Da v id (Shogun) Frey S a l e m , OR

De a r RFD, I ju s t f i n i s h e d reading the Summer 1 9 8 0 e d i t i o n o f RFD. RFD i s among t h e f e w Ga y p u b ­ l i c a t i o n s which a r e a l l o w e d i n s i d e t h e Ore gon S t a t e P e n i ­ tentiary. I t was l i k e a b r e a t h o f f r e s h a ir a f t e r not having a n y t h i n g t o r ea d by g a y a u t h o r s for a long tim e. I enjoyed e s p e c i a l l y t h e s t o r y , "Mickey", b y J o s e p h Uher . T h a n k s , Joe ' . Tha t s t o r y s t i m u l a t e d a f e w memories o u t o f t h e n o t - t o o d i s t ant p a s t .

28

T h i s i s my f i r s t t i m e i n p r i s o n . B e l i e v e me, i t ' s n o t a t a l l l i k e t h e p i c t u r e I had o f p r i ­ son l i f e . I un d e rsta n d , though, t h a t OSP i s n ' t l i k e a n y o t h e r institu tion . I n o t i c e you ha v e had o t h e r l e t t e r s from i n m a t e s in here. I d o n ' t b e l i e v e any o f us c o u l d r e a l l y communicate wh a t i t i s l i k e f o r G a y men i n h e r e , that i s , w itho u t w r i t i n g a book (which I might end u d doing). Maybe we c a n g i v e you a few g l im p s e s in s e v e r a l letters. B e l i e v e i t o r n o t , my b i g g e s t s u r p r i s e wa s t h e u n a v a i l a b i l i t y o f Ga y m a g s . I' m n o t t a l k i n g a b o u t some o f t h e mo r e e x p l i c i t m a t e r i a l , j u s t a few o f the mor e s o f t c o r e m a g s , w h i c h a r e a v a i l a b l e i n most c i g a r s t o r e s and e v e n i n g r o c e r y s t o r e s l i k e S a f e w a y and " 7 - 1 1 " . The s i t u ­ a t i o n i s s u c h t h a t a l l t h e more common m a l e h e t e r o s e x u a l m a g a ­ z in e s are a v a i la b le to e v e r y ­ one - - b u t I d o n ' t g e t o f f s e e ­ i n g p i c t u r e s o f n a k e d women. Why i s i t t h a t s o me p e o p l e a r e p r o v i d e d w i t h m a s t u r b a t o r y ma­ t e r i a l and not o t h e r s ? I have t a lk e d with th e Superintendant ( Wa r d e n ) a b o u t t h i s m a t t e r , and he s a y s t h a t b y p r o v i d i n g p i c t o g r a p h i c l i t e r a t u r e which i s Ga y o r i e n t e d i s g o i n g t o e n c o u r a g e Ga y s e x u a l a c t i v i t i e s within the i n s t i t u t i o n , i t m i g h t e v e n l e a d some p e o p l e t o b e l i e v e t h a t the p e o p l e in charge condone such a c t i v i t i e s ' . B u t , I want t h e n t o know t h a t b e i n g Ga y i s n o t s o m e t h i n g t o c o nde mn e i t h e r 1 How d o I do this? The o n l y w a y t o c h a n g e this situation, T believe, is fo r b o t h t h o s e o f us i n s i d e and o u t s i d e p r i s o n s t o i n i t i a t e l e n g t h y a n d c o n t i n u e d c o mmu n i ­ c a t io n s with those in charge a n d a n y o n e who m i g h t h a v e a n y i n f l u e n c e on t h o s e o e o p l e . We n e e d h e l p a n d s u p o o r t f r om y o u , our b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s on t h e o u t s i d e , a s we t r y t o a c h i e v e some k i n d o f c h a n g e . May we h a v e y o u r h e l p ? If t h e r e i s anyone i n t e r e s t e d in a c h i e v i n g some k i n d o f r e f o r m , p l e a s e w r i t e me. L e t u s work t o g e t h e r t o p u t down d i s c r i m ­ i n a t i o n i n any f or m. However we g o a b o u t t h i s , we n e e d a united fron t. P l e a s e , l e t us s t a r t c o m m u n i c a t i n g and s t a r t m o v i n g i n t h e same d i r e c t i o n , united. J o n a t h a n K. L a n d r e - 4 2 5 6 0 2605 S t a t e S t r e e t S a l e m , OR 97310


Dear

b

r

o

t

h

e

r

behind b a rs To Whom i s C o n c e r n e d : I w r i t e y ou , b e c a u se I need s o m e o n e t o w r i t e t o , a n d who w i l l understand! My m i n d i s l i b e r a l , a n d I am v e r y l o n e l y a s you c an s e e from t h e l i s t o f p h i l o s o p h i c a l poems t h a t I send you. Now I r e n d e r e x p l a n ­ a t io n o f m y s e lf to you. I l i v e i n a s m a l l t o wn o f S o u t h ­ er n O hi o, and I'm b l a c k mi xed w i t h I n d i a n , J e w , G e r ma n , a nd w h ite but I tu rned o u t s o r t o f - a " r e d d i s h - b r o w n " , and I'm a CANCER, b o r n 7 - 1 9 - 4 7 w h i c h me a n s my a g e i s 3 3 . I' m c o u n t r y p l u s what c i t y f o l k s c a ll square!! I lik e horse­ back r i d i n g , h u n t i n g , and j u s t l a y i n g a r o u n d i n t h e s u n , a nd I also l i k e riding m otorcycles, and p l a y i n g m u s i c - - c o u n t r y and a c i d - r o c k . I stand 6'0", weigh in at 190 l b s , but l o s ­ ing f a s t . A l s o , I h a v e n ' t any color b a r r ie r . I ' v e t r a v e l e d around t h e c o u n ­ t r y s i d e a b i t , a n d I ' v e ha d some f u n , b u t I' m l o n e l y t ho u gh ; I d o n ' t ha ve nobody out th e r e'.! Oh y e s ' . I'm d o ­ i n g 4 - 2 5 y r s . and I ' l l g o t o t h e bo a r d i n 8 months so I h o p e t h a t I ' l l make i t o u t o f here then! But s t i l l y e t , t h o u g h ; I n e e d s o m e b o d y now! I s u r e l y h op e t h a t you c an h e l p roe i f p o s s i b l e ? I don't h a v e a ny h a n g - u p s on s e x u a l a t t r a c t i o n s , because I fe e l l i k e t h i s , i t ' s whatever turns a p e r s o n l o o s e , and a s l o n g a s they both enjoy t h e m s e l v e s , w h o e v e r t h e y may b e . That's how I ' v e a l w a y s l o o k e d a t i t ! Well I hope t h a t you can f o r m ­ u l a t e s o me wh a t o f an i d e a o f roe, a n d a l s o , I h o p e t h a t y o u c a n h e l p me f i n d s o m e o n e t h a t w o u l d b e i n t e r e s t e d i n me! So thank you f o r your t i m e ; I ' l l a w a i t your r e p l y . G e o r g e E . Zimmerman Bo x 4 5 6 9 9 # 1 5 3 - 5 9 5 L u c a s v i l l e , OH 4 5 6 9 9

RFD,

s My name i s M i c h a e l D a v i d a nd I' m 2 6 y e a r s o l d , b l u e g r e e n e y e s , br own h a i r , w e i g h 1 6 2 a n d am 5 ' 9 V ' • I' m i n p r i s o n and w o u l d l i k e t o c o r r e s p o n d with other gay fr ie n d s . Also would l i k e t o s t a r t r e c e i v i n g RFD. I h a v e no money t o p a y for th e s u b s c r i p t i o n but p l e a s e h e l o i f you c a n . My h o b b i e s a r e p l a y i n g t h e g u i t a r a n d s i n g i n g , a nd I l o v e nature. I d o n ' t l i k e t o be in a crowd b u t j u s t w i t h someone lik e m yself. Please w rite. Love, Michael David C-12623 Room 3 1 9 3 P . 0 . Eox A-E Sa n L u i s O b i s p o , CA 9 3 4 0 9

Some o f us h a v e l o n g t e r m s , some s h o r t , mo s t o f u s h a v e been p l a c e d in s o l i t a r y c o n ­ f i n e m e n t f o r s t a n d i n g up f o r our r i g h t s t h r o u g h o u t o t h e r p r i s o n s in N.C. Some h a v e p la ced themselves in s o l i t a r y for fear o f being raped, hu rt, r o b b e d , u s e d , and a b u s e d . We need h e lp ; a l l gay p r i s o n e r s n e e d h e l p - want t o f e e l w a n ­ t e d and l o v e d . Some f a m i l i e s h a v e t u r n e d t h e i r b a c k s on th e ir c h ild re n because they ha v e l e a r n e d t h e i r s o n or d a u ­ g h t e r was g a y o r l e s b i a n . Th e y c a l l u s s i c k , q u e e r , f a g ­ gots, perverts, e tc. We ll l e t me t e l l y o u a l l s o m e t h i n g ; I am p r o u d o f t h o s e w o r d s . I am proud to be gay for I have experien ced the real beauty o f p h y s i c a l , m e n t a l , a nd s o i r i t ua l love? w i t h a n o t h e r m a l e a nd I w i l l n o t c h a n g e my l i f e s t y l e f o r no o n e . I wear my " g a y n e s s " v e r y p r o u d l y and w i t h a s m i l e , ° e o p l e may t o r me n t me, t hr o w roe i n t o a dark o r i s o n and e v e n s h e d my b l o o d , b u t t h e y c a n n o t h u r t my s p i r i t o r t o u c h my truth. I s i n c e r e l y hope t h e f r i e n d s a t RFD w i l l o r i n t t h i s l e t t e r i n t h e i r n e x t p u b l i c a t i o n and we w o u l d l i k e t o r e c e i v e e n ­ c o u r a g i n g l e t t e r s f rom a n v a nd a l l our g a y b r o t h e r s a nd s i s ­ ters. H e i n us t o f i g h t f o r o ur p l a c e i n t h i s w o r l d .

Greetings

friends

at

RFD, Sincerely

I am i n c a r c e r a t e d i n t h e N . C . Dept, o f C or re c tio n s at Blanch, N.C. I j u s t r e c e i v e d my f i r s t i s s u e o f RFD a n d I want t o t h a n k y o u v e r y mu c h . I' m t r u l y l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o my n e x t i s ­ sue. I would l i k e t o e x p r e s s my d e e p e s t f e e l i n g s t o a l l who a r e c o n c e r n e d and would l i k e to help the gay p riso n ers here a t B l a n c h or a n y o t h e r p r i s o n . I hope whoever r e a d s t h i s l e t ­ t e r w i l l not t a k e i t l i g h t l y .

yours,

Eddie Coll in s Remus S h e l t o n W i l l i a m C. B r o o k s J a m e s A. Cameron Kt . 1 , Box 1 4 0 B l a n c h , NC 27212

De a r E d i t o r , L e t me g o d e e p e r i n d e a t h t o wh a t I' m t r y i n g t o b r i n g a c r o s s t o a l l th e g a y s around th e world. You s e e , I' m wh a t you w i l l c a l l a "m i l i t a n t g a y ". I' m v e r y much a g a i n s t c a p i t a l ­ i s t i c p e o p l e who c o n t i n u e t o put t h e g a y b r o t h e r s and s i s ­ t e r s down. We a r e humans a l s o a n d wa nt t o b e t r e a t e d e q u a l l y in a l l aspects of l i f e . We a r e few a t t h i s p r i s o n b u t w h e t h e r f e w o r l a r g e we w i l l c o n tin u e to stand to g e th er in t h i s "robot c o n c r e t e j u n g le " and f i g h t ou r o p p r e s s o r s .

Z9

Sincere! Lonely guy age 25, s e e k i n g a h o n e s t and s i n c e r e r e l a t i o n s h i o w ith a mature and s e t t l e d o e r s o n . I' m no t i n t o c o n ga me s or h u s t l i n g . I am s i n c e r e . ^lease w rite, send stamped e n v e l o p e w i t h l e t ter . Thank y o u , Le e C o l e m a n # C - 2 0 6 0 6 Rro. 4 1 6 7 P . 0 . Box A Sa n L u i s C p i s p o , CA

93409


brcrthet'S behind b a rs De a r RFD, I' m a p r i s o n e r a g e 2 0 b o r n F e b ­ ruary 1st 1961. I'm a w h i t e m a l e , A q u a r i u s i s my s i g n , a n d I sta n d 5'10" or 5 '1 1 " . I have br own s h o u l d e r l e n g t h h a i r a n d blue ey es. I enjoy almost a l l t h e l u x u r i e s t h a t we a r e b l e s s e d w i t h h e r e on e a r t h . I enjoy s i n g i n g , d a n c i n g and r o l l e r skating. Being i n c a r c e r a t e d in p r i s o n l e a v e s one l o n e l y at t i m e s a n d c u t o f f f r om t h e world. It would be w o n d e r f u l t o c o r r e s p o n d w i t h some warm and s i n c e r e p e o p l e . Please wr i t e :

Dear

Dear

RFD,

I am a 2 8 y r . o l d m a l e p r i s o n e r I n te r e s te d in sharing with p e o p l e who a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n s h a r i n g a l s o , who w i l l w r i t e t o me . I' m f r e n c h & I n d i a n , good body & l o o k s , long d k . brown h a i r & e y e s , 5 ' 7 V ' t a l l , 155 p o u n d s , m a t u r e , and e n j o y th e b e s t in l i f e , can r e l a t e on many l e v e l s a n d l o v e s s e x , c a r s , s p o r t s , p o e tr y , music, and m o s t e v e r y t h i n g . Please se n d p h o t o , w i l l answer a l l . Sincerely,

My i n t e r e s t s a r e p o e t r y , a r t work, o u t d o o r s p o r t s and r e a d ­ ing. I'm a l s o i n t o w e i g h t - l i f t in g ( o n l y fo r d e f i n i t i o n ) and running. Sincerely

Sincerely, Kenny H i c k s Bo x # C- 0 3 9 4 9 CTF C e n t r a l G - 2 4 6 S o l e d a d , CA 9 3 9 6 0

S i s t e r s ,and B r o t h e r s '.

We a r e t h r e e s i s t e r s t h a t h a v e spent s e v e r a l years g e t t i n g in t o u c h w i t h who we a r e , wh a t w e ' r e a b o u t a s women and c o m i n g out o f the o p p r e s s i v e r o l e s o f fem ale s t a g n a t i o n in th e man's system. One o f u s h a s b e e n i n and o u t o f t h e c o r r e c t i o n a l sy s t e m and p r i s o n s fo r 25 y e a r s . We f e e l t h a t women i n p r i s o n ar e t h e most o p p r e s s e d p e o p l e in the world.

De ar RFD: GWM w o u l d l i k e t o h e a r f rom o t h e r GWM 2 0 - 4 0 y e a r s o l d . In p r i s o n , 30 y r s o l d , l o n e l y a n d want s i n c e r e a n d h o n e s t f r i e n d ­ ship and/or r e l a t i o n s h i p . R i c h a r d A. P i c k i n p a u g h Rt 1 Box 54 8 L e x i n g t o n , CK 7 3 0 5 1

yours,

"Lonely P riso n e r " - I need c o r r e s p o n d e n c e , no s p e c i f i c r a c e or n a t i o n a l i t y , a l l w a l k s of l i f e are accepted, fe e l free t o w r i t e a s you p l e a s e .

GWM, g r e e n e y e s , b l o n d e h a i r , i n d i r e ne ed o f someone t o un ­ b u r y him f rom t h e s e b l u e s . So damn t i r e d o f l o s i n ' - a n d n o t h i n ' t o do - a n d a l l d a y t o do i t - p l e a s e , w o n ' t ya shade t h i s h e l l - -

R i c h a r d C . La s h # 1 5 1 - 7 9 0 M . C . I . P . O . Box 57 M a r i o n , OH 4 3 3 0 2

S h a n n o n B. M i l l e r Box 14 B o i s e , ID 8 3 7 0 7

may c o n c e r n :

P l e a s e a d d my name t o y o ur s e c t i o n that o f f e r s pen p a l listin gs. "33 y r . o l d i n m a t e n e e d s l e t t e r s a n d p h o t o s from p e o p l e who c a r e ; 5 ' l l " / w h i t e / hung/170 l b s . / g o o d b u ild /a n d w i l l be f r e e i n s i x m ont h s". Thank y o u .

De a r

John F . G re en e P . O . Box 6 0 7 NSP C a r s o n C i t y , NV 8 9 7 0 1

To whom i t

- RFD,

Chas. Bernal C-21592 G-238 CTF C e n t r a l S o l e d a d , CA 9 3 9 6 0

w illia m A ld r id g e A-70866 P . 0 . Box 87 Me n a r d , IL 6 2 2 5 9

I am p r e s e n t l y i n c a r c e r a t e d i n t h e Ne vada S t a t e P r i s o n h e r e in Carson C i t y . I read about y o ur p u b l i c a t i o n i n t h e GayCon Press N e w s le tte r . As I h a v e no o n e t o w r i t e a t t h e p r e s e n t tim e, I would a p p r e c i a t e p l a c ­ i n g an a d i n y o u r p u b l i c a t i o n .

Editor

30

#16495

We s e e a s a b e g i n n i n g p l a c e t h e need for s i s t e r s ' v o i c e s t o be he a r d . So o ur e f f o r t s are d irected to p rin tin g a n e w s l e t t e r . . . "Writing f o r R igh ts V oices Behind Prison W alls", we want s i s t e r s a n d b r o t h e r s i n the p r iso n s to r e c e i v e the news­ le tte r free of charge. We w e l ­ come a n y d o n a t i o n s , f e e d b a c k and e n e r g y from s i s t e r s and b r o t h e r s o u t s i d e , as w e l l as inside. Our c o m mi t m e n t w i l l r e m a i n s t r o n g , s i n c e o ur f u n d s and r e s o u r c e s are l i m i t e d i t i s v e r y important t o have th e support of other people in the struggle . We wa n t t o r e a c h i n c a r c e r a t e d p e o p l e who r e a d RFD, a n d a l s o l e t b r o t h e r s o u t s i d e know o f our ne e d fo r f e e d b a c k , s u pp or t & donations. The n e w s l e t t e r b y women i n p r i s o n w i l l b e a r e a l i t y o n c e we h a v e p o s t a g e money. I f we c a n r a i s e $ 1 0 0 we c a n s t a r t m a i l i n g i n A p r i l . Wi t h l o v e

in the

struggle,

The S i s t e r s o f I n n e r - C o n n e c t i o n s 2 5 9 .South 6 0 t h S t r e e t P h i l a d e l p h i a , PA 1 9 1 3 9


To whom

b

r

o

t

h

e

r

s

behind b a rs

it m a y concern*.

Lonely P r i s o n e r , in need o f correspondents. 27 y e a r s o l d , n a t i v e O h i o a n , Co l u mb u s a r e a , no s p e c i f i c r a c e o r n a t i o n a l i t y , f e e l f r e e t o w r i t e a s you p l e a s e , w i l l answer a l l l e t t e r s . W i l l i e Gardiner No. 1 6 0 - 2 0 9 P . O . Box 57 M a r i o n , OH 4 3 3 0 2

Dear

RFD,

I am 2 0 y e a r s o l d , w/ro, w e l l b u i l t and d o i n g a s h o r t ti m e but w i l l be o u t so o n . I need a f r i e n d a n d my h o b b i e s a r e : w a te r s k iin g , horseback r id in g , f i s h i n g , r o l l e r s k a t i n g and I love cooking. I f you wo uld l i k e t o c o r r e s p o n d w i t h me, p lease w rite to: Rodney E l k i n s #1016 04 P . O . Box 97 M c A l e s t e r , OK 7 4 501

De a r E d i t o r , I r e a l i z e t h a t your p u b l i c a t i o n may n o t o r d i n a r i l y b e f o r p e r ­ sonal advertisem ent. But a f t e r h e a r i n g my p l i g h t I h o p e w i t h a l l s i n c e r i t y t h a t y o ur a b l e t o e x e r c i s e some e m p a t h y a n d h e l p me i f a t a l l p o s s i b l e . I ' v e been in c a r c e r a te d for 6 y e a r s , I came t o t h i s b l e a k e x i s t a n c e when I wa s b u t 17 years o ld . I'v e l o s t t i e s with f a m i l y and f r i e n d s , t h u s t h e o u t s i d e w o r l d on a p e r s o n a l level. w i t h t h e h e l p o f God I ' l l b e g e t t i n g o u t s o o n and I ' d l i k e t o e s t a b l i s h some o u t ­ side t i e s . I need th e p o s i t i v e f o r c e s o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n a nd human i n t e r a c t i o n , t h e s e a r e n e c e s s a r y i f my r e e n t r y t o s o c i e t y i s t o b e s mo ot h and s u c c e s s f u l l y permanent. I t h a n k y ou f o r y ou r t i m e and patience it is g r e a tly appre­ c i a t e d and I h o p e no g r e a t i n ­ c o n v e n i e n c e wa s d o n e y o u . Also I t r u s t y o u ' l l deem b e i n g i n ­ s t r u m e n t a l i n my r e a d j u s t m e n t a worthy enough c a u s e to h e lp me i n my q u e s t . By r e l a y i n g t h i s message to th e p u b lic v i a y o ur p u b l i c a t i o n . I' m a l i b e r a l , o p e n m i n d e d b i male. I'm 22 y e a r s o l d , 6 ' 1 ” , 169 l b s . I s e e k some human in te r a c tio n v ia the m ail, with a ll in terested people. I s t h e r e a humane s o u l among y o u , who w i l l r e a c h f o r t h i s deprived s o u l. Must I s u f f e r t h i s mental anquish o f l o n e l i ­ n e s s and s o l i t u d e . I've paid t h e b u l k o f my d e b t t o s o c i e t y , s o o p e n t h e d o o r a n d sho w me someone c a r e s . Lets share the glory c a lle d l i f e , write to: C h a r l e s W. B o o k e r #156447 P . O . Box 4 5 6 9 9 L u c a s v i l l e , OH 4 5 6 9 9

To who i t

may c o n c e r n :

I am p r e s e n t l y i n c a r c e r a t e d a t t h e G r e a t Meadows C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t y a t C o m s t o c k , New Yo r k. And am i n t e r e s t e d i n o b t a i n i n g i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e man­ agement and t r e a t m e n t o f t r a n s ­ sex ua l or/and hermaphrodite p e r s o n s who a r e i n c a r c e r a t e d i n c o r r e c t io n a l f a c i l i t i e s (Fed­ e r a l a nd S t a t e ) o r / a n d i n a n y s t a t e ' s medical f a c i l i t y . I am h o p i n g t o r e c e i v e c o r r e c ­ t i v e surgery (tra n ssex u a l su r ­ g e r y ) d u r i n g my i n c a r c e r a t i o n a n d h o p e t h a t y o u may b e a b l e t o p r o v i d e some p o s i t i v e i n f o r ­ m a t i o n and a s s i s t a n c e . Ar e you a w a r e o f t h e e x i s t e n c e o f a n y o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l s who h a v e a t t e m p t e d or b e e n s u c c e s s ­ fu l in obtaining transsexual s u r g e r y ( e l e c t r o l y s i s , ho r mo ne treatm ents, breast augmentation, s i l ic o n e im plants, hysterectomy, c a s t r a t io n , e t c . ) while in c a r ­ cerated? Ar e y o u a w a r e o f t h e e x i s t a n c e o f a n y i n d i v i d u a l s who p r i o r t o a n d / o r f o l l o w i n g s u r g e r y or d u e to such s i m i l a r r e l a t e d c ir c u m ­ s t a n c e w e r e s e g r e g a t e d f rom g e n e ra l pop u lation and/or t r a n s ­ fe rr ed to another f a c i l i t y ? I would be ever so g r a t e f u l for any i n f o r m a t i o n or a s s i s t a n c e you may b e a b l e t o e x t e n d i n t h i s matter . Sincerely, Le ona Address l e t t e r s t o : J o s e p h L. C r e s c i m a n n o # 7 7 -A-2726 P . O . b o x B, H - 3 - 1 7 Danne roor a, N . Y . 1 2 9 2 9

21

De a r RFD, JUST A THOUGHT E v e r y o n e h a s h a d t h e i r own i n ­ d iv id u a l e x p e r ie n c e s , through th eir separate environmental c i r c u m s t a n c e s which p l a y a m a j o r d e t e r m i n i n g f a c t o r t o o ur varying personal p r e fer en ce s. S o , i f you h a v e a mi nd t o r e a ­ son - u s e i t l And you w i l l fin d that the devine purpose f o r a l l o f us t o b e d i f f e r e n t i s t o l e a r n from e a c h o t h e r . You c a n ' t be l i k e me a n d I c a n ' t be l i k e you. Ea c h o f u s i s u n i q u e w i t h o ur own s t o r y t o t e l l . So I ' l l l i s t e n t o you, i f y o u ' l l l i s t e n t o me; w e ’ l l l e a r n f r om e a c h o t h e r a n d t o g e t h e r we raav p o s ­ s i b l y d i s c o v e r a common g r o u n d o f i d e a s t o s h a r e and e s t a b l i s h a s o l i d b a se in which t o b u i l d on a n d a c c o m p l i s h o u r m u t u a l goals. Note: The p o s i t i v e a n d n e g a t i v e a s p e c t s are th e v i b r a t i o n s which hold the u n iverse t o g e t h e r . P o s i t i v e b e in g th e idea or th e m a k e r , a nd n e g a t i v e b e i n g t h e s t r e n g t h o f t h a t which t h e u n ­ i v e r s e i s made o f . To b e on e it h e r s i d e o f the extreme i s t o be d e v o i d o f kn owledge o f the w h o le, the two c o m p r is in g that whole. Because o f the e x ­ t r e m e n e s s o f t h e two a s p e c t s , roan wa s c r e a t e d t o s e r v e a s a l i v i n g l i a i s o n between them, t o draw from b o t h and a c h i e v e the balance. In o t h e r w o r d s , man i s t h e b a l a n c e o f c r e a t i o n . Write so o n , E a r l Johnson C-72283 P . O . Box 87 Me n a r d , IL 6 2 2 5 9


brothers behind b a rs

RFD,

A l s o , I would l i k e to take t h i s t i m e t o make t h e r e a d e r s o f RFD a w a r e o f t h e g a y p r i s o n e r s . Most o f you know t h a t t h e r e are a v a s t group o f g a y s in A m e r i c a n p r i s o n s t o d a y , a n d we are lo n e ly . We a r e t h e l o n e l y ones. You h a v e y o u r b a d o n e s & y o ur g o o d o n e s . But s t i l l we a r e t h e l o n e l y . I ' v e ha d d i f f e r e n t g a y s t o w r i t e me from t h e o u t s i d e & i n t i m e we shared a b e a u t if u l r e l a t i o n ­ ship. But n o t m e a n i n g f u l , when i t came t o r e q u e s t i n g a f e w d o l l a r s for stamps & w r i t i n g m a t e r i a l t h a t ' s when t h e r e ­ la tio n sh ip ends. The " g i v e roe's". But l e t me s a y t h a t we are not g e t t i n ' pay for b e in g in p r is o n . Our w r o n g s c a u s e o u r p a y s c a l e t o d r o p t o t wo c e n t s a day. So i f you d o n ' t h a v e a n y o n e o u t t h e r e who m i g h t b e c o n c e r n e d t o w a r d s y o ur w e l l b eing y o u ' r e in t r o u b l e . So b r o t h e r s & s i s t e r s b e l i e v e me d o n ' t t h i n k for a s e c o n d t h a t the g a y s in p r i s o n are t r y i n g t o use th e g a y s o f the o u t s i d e world. We n e e d y o ur h e l p & s u p p o r t & we l o v e you d e e p l y . I'm s p e a k i n g f o r m y s e l f , b u t I speak a l s o for o t h e r s th a t I know f e e l t h e way I f e e l . Thank y o u .

HELP*. YOUR CHOICE: Young ( ?~ y r s . ) S c o r p i o n e e d s / w a n t s penpals c o n ta c t with d e s ie n s t o w a r d s LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. G,,|M w i t h a c t i v e - r e c e p t i v e o r a l i n c 1in a t io n s . Ha nds o me, m a s c ­ u l i n e , endowed, s t r a i g h t - l o o k ing(dressed). w i l l answer a l l who a r e s i n c e r e and g e n t l e . Se nd p h o t o i f p o s s i b l e . I w ill too. k’r i t e : Dean J u s t i n McKeever P . O. Box C - HSU - 8841 Waupun, wi 53963

De ar E d i t o r , I am a 4 0 y e a r o l d i n m a t e . I h a v e no f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s t o s p e a k o f t h a t w r i t e t o me a n d i t i s very lo n e ly at mail c a l l . I am w r i t i n g y o u i n h o p e s t h a t you w i l l h e s o k i n d a nd u n d e r - * s t a n d i n g t o h e l p me w i t h t h i s m a t t e r a s I h a v e no f u n d s i n w h i c h t o p a y y o u t o r un a s m a l l a d f o r me i n y o u r n e w s p a p e r . I am 5 ' 9 " i n h e i g h t , w e i g h 1 7 5 , e y e s brown, b l a c k h a i r , born 8-21-40. I am i n t h e D e p a r t ­ ment o f R e h a b i l i t a t i o n and C o r r e c t io n here in the s t a t e o f Ohio. I am g a y a n d h a v e no f a m i l y or f r i e n d s w h a t s o e v e r in the s t a t e o f Ohio. A l s o my m o t h e r a n d da d p a s s e d a wa y f i v e m o n t h s a g o and I n e v e r knew t h a t a human b e i n g c o u l d b e s o l o n e l y w i t h o u t m a i l or s o m e o n e to w r ite. I f e e l t h a t my u n ­ known f r i e n d s i n t h e f r e e g a y w o r l d w i l l h e l p me i n t h i s matter. I w i l l s e n d y o u my s t a t e pay s h o u l d you need i t t o pay f o r a s m a l l ad? I only g e t $ 3 . 0 0 a month. I really n e e d f r i e n d s h i p a nd l o v e f rom my s i s t e r s a n d b r o t h e r s o u t s i d e because t h i s i s h e l l in here on g a y s . The y r e a l l y do g a y s v e r y wr o ng i n t h i s p r i s o n and g a y s o u t s i d e s h o u l d kno w. I have f r i e n d s i n s i d e t h a t need o u tsid e help as m yself. I am t h a n k i n g you i n a d v a n c e f o r t a k i n g your t i m e . Yo urs t r u l y w i t h

Dear

love,

R o b e r t L. C a r r o l l *139 462 P . O . Box 511 Columbus, Ohio 43216

D e a r RFD, Thank y o u , t h a n k y o u , t h a n k youl It p a s s e d through t h e da rkn ess, f i l t e r s through the c lo u d s , m ingles with the s t a r ­ l i g h t , & f i n d s i t s way t o my h e a r t on t h e p a t h o f a s u n ­ be am. I' m t a l k i n g a b o u t y o ur RFD Mag. t h a t you s e n t t o me. You r e a l l y d o n ’ t know & I c a n e x p l a i n my f e e l i n ' s t o y o u f o r s u c h a b e a u t i f u l mag. I want to take t h i s time to share w i t h y o u & my o t h e r b r o t h e r s & s i s t e r s i n t h e g a y w o r l d my deepest r e s p e ct for s t i c k i n ' t o g e t h e r t o make & c r e a t e s u c h a f i n e ma g . I t h i n k RFD w i l l t r a v e l far & I ’m su re i t w i l l become a m a s t e r p i e c e f o r t h e ones that are tr u ly in vo lv ed . I ' v e f o u n d i n my * 2 5 i s s u e o f RFD a g r e a t d e a l o f c o n c e r n for co u n tr y l i v i n g . I love t h e c o u n t r y & ho p e t o o n e d a y soon be a b l e t o t r a v e l t h e r e & b u i l d my own g a t h e r i n g o n c e I' m o u t o f p r i s o n . Speaking o f p r i s o n I want t o s a y t h a t s i n c e I 'v e been in p r iso n I h a v e w r i t t e n many a Gay A s s o ­ c i a t i o n & ne v e r have I r e c e i v ­ ed such m a t e r i a l as y o u r s . P l u s on t o p o f t h a t , t h e y r e ­ f u s e d me a s a member b e c a u s e I was i n p r i s o n . I ' v e been g a y a l l my l i f e & I ' v e n e v e r o n c e came a c r o s s s u c h t o u c h i n g & v e r y b e a u t i f u l mag. a s I ' v e f o u n d i n RFD. P l e a s e k e e p up t h e b e a u t i f u l work l o v e r s & p l e a s e d o n o t l e a v e roe o u t . R i g h t now y o u ' r e s e n d i n g me my sub. free of charges. But I p r o m i s e t o s e n d you a d o n a t i o n as soon as I can g e t a h o ld o f some m o n e y .

3Z

I wish to take t h i s time to c o n g r a t u l a t e a l l who s t r i v e d t o p u t t h e RFD mag. t o g e t h e r . I o n l y have one i s s u e but I s h a l l s h a r e i t w i t h my t / r o t h e r s & make t hem a w a r e o f RFD. A g a i n t h a n k s , f o r RFD & may t h e r e b e many many more RFDs in t h e f u t u r e . P lea se take c a r e a n d y o u h a v e a l l my l o v e & wishes always. Lo v e a l w a y s , D o n n i e Le e B r o n z e P.M.B. # 3 7 6 5 0 C . B . C UR-7 A n g o l a , LA 7 0 7 1 2

X De ar RFD, L o n e l y 24 y e a r o l d p r i s o n e r s e e k s your f r i e n d s h i p . '<!r i t e s o o n a nd s o w i l l I . Thanks, Tom I s a b e l l a #143-833 ° , 0 . Box 57 Marion, Ohio

4330?


In c l o s i n g I ' l l s a y B l e s s you a l l , and us g a y s h e r e n e e d s u p ­ p o r t , a nd I h o p e a l l my RFDs w i l l b e s e n t t o me h e r e now, a n d i f y o u r e a d e r s know o f a n y g a y p a p e r s p l e a s e w r i t e and l e t me kn o w. I ' l l answer a l l l e t t e r s s e n t , a l s o a s ta mp o r t wo i f p o s s i b l e . So come on and w r i t e .

brothers

behind bars

De a r RFD,

I am now b a c k i n t h e a l m o s t r e ­ p a i r e d Idaho S t a t e o r i s o n in B o i s e , Idaho. As I s a i d , I had o oe n h e a r t s u r g e r y O ct . 2 , 1 9 7 8 a n d an a r t i f i c i a l m e t a l valve implanted. S i n c e t h a t s u r g e r y t h e y have k e p t me on b l o o d t h i n n e r . In t h e r i o t a l l o f my p e r s o n a l p r o p e r t y was d e s t r o y e d , and s o wa s my e l e c t r i c r a z o r w h i c h I must u s e a t a l l t i m e s . We c a n ' t h a v e t h i n g s s e n t t o us anymore, but t h e y s e l l r a ­ z o r s , e t c . in t h e commissary now. The S t a t e w i l l n o t r e ­ p l a c e any l o s s t o our p e r s o n ­ al property. A new e l e c t r i c r a z o r c o s t s $ 4 7 .6 0 , a radio to l i s t e n to costs $43.50. Is t h e r e anyone out t h e r e th a t c o u l d e i t h e r l o a n me $ 1 0 0 or d o n a t e i t ? I go b e f o r e th e D a r o le board in J u l y , and sh ould g e t a o a r o l e t h e n , a n d w o u l d Da y b a c k a l l help g iv en . If I should r e ­ c e i v e mo r e t h a n i s n e e d e d I w ill return i t . I am a t l e a s t n e a r my l o v e d o n e s , a n d t h e man I l o v e i s now i n my c e l l a g a i n . He a l s o l o v e s me v e r y d e e p l y a n d i f a l l g o e s w e l l w e ' l l be on t h e s t r e e t s t o g e t h e r , and w i l l l i v e very happy. '\>e n e e d a l l t h e s u p p o r t we c a n g e t , and I need t o be a b l e t o h a v e a l a w y e r a t my p a r o l e hearing. All the fe llo w s & g a l s that r e a d RFD, i f a n y h e l o c a n b e given to th is gay in prison I ' d be v e ry v e ry g r a t e f u l . If anyone can helD a l i t t l e D l e a s e s e n d r e g u l a r roonev o r d e r s made payable to the F is c a l O fficer f o r Ray B a r k e r # 1 3 9 1 0 .

Ray (MA) B a r k e r # 1 3 9 1 0 P . O . Box 1 4 , 9 - 5 B o i s e , ID 8 3 7 0 7

Ga y Co mmu ni t y News 22 B r o m f i e l d S t r e e t B o s t o n , MA 0 2 1 0 8 Cellmate MCC - I n s t i t u t i o n a l M i n i s t r y 5 3 0 0 S a n t a Mo n i ca B l v d . , S t e . 3 0 4 Los A n g e l e s , CA 9 0 0 2 9

X D e a r RFD R e a d e r s , I am a p r i s o n e r i n O r e g o n S t a t e P enitentiary. I 'v e never w r i t ­ t e n a g a y m a g a z i n e b e f o r e , nor a gay person lik e m yself. I' m a C a n c e r , 24 y e a r s o l d , 6' , b r o wn h a i r , b l u e e y e s . I' m i n t e r e s t e d i n h e a r i n g f rom a n y ­ o n e t o s h a r e k n o w l e d g e and l o v e My i n t e r e s t s i n c l u d e d r a w i n g and p a i n t i n g .

De a r

San F r a n c i s c o C r u s a d e r P . O . Box 1 5 2 8 San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 0 1 Guardian 33 W. 1 7 t h S t r e e t New Yo r k, NY 1 0 0 1 l (an i n d e p e n d e n t r a d i c a l

weekly)

GALA R e v i e w P . O . Box 1 4 1 4 2 San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 1 4 (Gay A t h e i s t s L e a g u e o f A m e r i c a )

P e a c e and L o v e , J e f f Ha r n d e n 39368 06P 2605 S t a t e S t . S a l e m , Oregon

Gaycon P r e s s N e w s l e t t e r Ronald Endersbv - E d it o r 2 0 - 1 2 t h S t r e e t #326 San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 0 3 ( c a n a l s o s u p p l y some c o n i e s o f other gay p u b lic a t io n s ) Fag Rag c /o Charles S h iveley 22 B r o m f i e l d S t r e e t B o s t o n , MA 0 2 1 0 8

In Ga y Lo v e & P r i d e ,

H e l l o r e a d e r s , w e l l i n my l a s t l e t t e r I s a i d I ’d l e t everyone know w h e r e I aim. Well Tuesday J a n . 2 6 t h we ( o t h e r I d a h o S t a t e inm ates) l e f t Englewood, C o lo r ­ a d o , and were fl ow n t o B o i s e , Idaho.

P u b l i c a t i o n s f r e e to g a y o r i s oners on request:

I t ' s Ti me N a t i o n a l Ga y T a s k F o r c e S u i t e 601 80 F i f t h Avenue New Yo r k, NY 1 0 0 1 1

97310

Sir,

23 y r . old b i s e x u a l would l i k e t o c o r r e s p o n d w i t h male only. I' m 6 ' 1 " , 1 5 0 p o u n d s , b l u e eyes, b l o n d hair, a Caucas i a n . My a d d r e s s i s : Floyd Swarta # 1 6 0 -3 8 8 PO Box 5 1 1 C o l u m b u s , OH 4 3 2 1 6

Gay S u n s h i n e P . O . Box 4 0 3 9 7 San F r a n c i s c o , CA

P r i s o n e r s Union 1315 18th S t r e e t San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 0 7 ( f r e e t o CA p r i s o n e r s , $ 2 t o out o f s t a t e p r i s o n e r s . For C a l i f o r n ia p r iso n reform) Drummer 15 H a r r i e t S t r e e t Sa n F r a n c i s c o , CA

P r i s o n i n m a t e s n e e d your friendship. Ken' s F rien d s d i r e c t o r y l i s t s many a d ­ d r e s s e s a nd d e s c r i p t i o n s o f prisoners. It a ls o in clu d es a r t i c l e s on t h e ne ed for p r i s o n r efo rm and o f a r e l i ­ g io u s (C hristian) nature. For a c o p y ( d o n a t i o n a p p r e ­ cia te d ) write:

Gay I n s u r g e n t P . O . Box 2 3 3 7 P hiladelphia,

Lambda L i g h t h o u s e P . 0 . Bo x 3 0 2 3 P o r t C h a r l o t t e , FL

The A l t e r n a t e 15 H a r r i e t S t r e e t San F r a n c i s c o , CA

33

33952

94140

94103

W a l l Paper 1 2 5 1 S e c o n d Av e n u e San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 2 2 (American F r ie n d s S e r v i c e Committee)

PA

19103

94103


TEARS IN) DARKNESS Dear F r i e n d s , E n c l o s e d i s a b r i e f c o l l e c t i o n o f t h o u g h t s and e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t may h e l p r u r a l g a y s g a i n i n ­ sig h t i n t o the l i f e o f a gay p r is o n e r . Perhaps i t may o pe n some d o o r s o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n us. And i f we a r e l u c k y , may r e s u l t i n j u s t o n e l o n e l y gay r e a c h in g b e h in d t h e s e w a l l s t o f i n d l o v e a n d f r i e n d s h i p w i t h a man d e s i r i n g t o l i v e a n d work i n t h e c o u n t r y upo n r e l e a s e . A c o n v i c t n e v e r f o r g e t s s o m e o n e who t a k e s t h e t i m e t o w r i t e a n d s h a r e h o p e s and p l a n s f o r t h e future. D o n ' t b e a f r a i d t o g e t t o know a c o n ­ v i c t , we a r e p e o p l e t o o . P e r h a p s w i t h an e x p a n d ­ ed s e n s e o f l o v e and l o y a l t y t h a t b o r d e r s f a n a t ­ i c i s m , b u t no o n e i s p e r f e c t . VJe a r e f o r g a y s everywhere, even i f they fear us. The o n e s t h a t r i p you o f f a f t e r t h e y spen d the n i g h t d o n ’ t la s t long in here s w e e th e a r ts . Yo urs

i n Lo v e a n d S t r u g g l e ,

D a v i d L. F r e y

* * * R eflections

* * *

The h e a v y s t e e l do o r c r a s h e d b e h i n d me. Dirty men i n r a g g e d g r e e n p a n t s a n d s h i r t s e y e d me c a r e f u l l y and o p e n l y . He a v y smoke o b s c u r e d t h e r e a r p o r t i o n o f t h e dor m, b u t I c o u l d s e e dim g l o w s o f c i g a r e t t e s and hea r t h e s h u f f l i n g o f cards. My f i r s t d a y o f r e h a b i l i t a t i o n ha d b e ­ gun . A f t e r I wa s t o o n o t i c e a b l y s i c k t o i g n o r e , t h e j a i l o r s p u t me i n an i s o l a t i o n c e l l . Psycholo­ g i s t s i n t e r v i e w e d me and u s e d my own w o r d s t o b u i l d s t a t e m e n t s I ne ve r made. I needed help a n d my w e a k n e s s w a s u s e d a s a t o o l t o make me s o u n d l i k e a h a r d e n e d c r i m i n a l , t o dr aw i n f o r ­ m a t i o n f rom me t h a t w o u l d make me do mo r e t i m e . I wa s a f i r s t t i m e o f f e n d e r . I cooperated, I was r a p e d , I bega n to l e a r n . The j a i l o r s be c a me e n e m i e s a nd I t o o k g r e a t d e ­ l i g h t i n c r e a t i n g c h a o s f o r them. There were f e w b o o k s t o r e a d and i t was a way t o p a s s t h e time. My g u i l t a n d r e m o r s e w h i c h h a d b e e n a c u t e , f a d e d a s I p i c k e d b u g s o u t o f my f o o d , s p r e a d my c h e e k s f o r i n s p e c t i o n , a n d s h o w e r e d unde r t h e w a t c h f u l e y e s o f f e m a l e j a i l o r s . I l e a r n e d a b o u t g u n s and k n i v e s and e x p l o s i v e s . I l e a r n e d t h a t you o n l y n e e d t wo and o n e h a l f in ch es of blade to stab a person in the h e a r t. The a r t o f c o o k i n g w h i c h I ha d p r e s u m e d t o know a g r e a t d e a l a b o u t t o o k on new d i m e n s i o n a s I l e a r n e d how t o c o o k p i l f e r e d me a t i n a s i n k . My v e g e t a r i a n i s m we nt o u t t h e s c r e e n e d w i n d o w , over the c y c l o n e f e n c e topped with g e n e ro u s s w i r l s o f r a z o r w i r e , and i n t o t h e d a r k n e s s o f t h e Oregon n i g h t . I c a n s t i l l remember l i t t l e D a n n y , b a r e l y 18 a n d l o o k i n g a l l o f 15 y e a r s o l d a s h e p e e r e d f rom u n d e r t h e bunk o f an o l d c o n who h a d t e r ­ r o r i z e d hi m and made hi m a p u n k . We c o u l d h e a r them a t n i g h t , gening a t i t f o r h o u r s a s Danny

l e a r n e d h o m o s e x u a l i t y i n i t s m o s t p u t r i d form. . The m u f f l e d c r i e s o f p a i n , t h e moans o f p l e a s u r e t h a t c ame l a t e r , t h e s l a p s a n d c u f f s t h a t p r e ­ c l u d e d e a c h demand upon Danny b y t h e o l d e r and unfeeling con. The d u l l h o p e l e s s l o o k i n D a n n y ' s e y e s w h e n e v e r h e c ame o u t o f t h e c e l l t o s h o w e r . My r e h a b i l i t a t i o n t o o k o n new d i m e n s i o n a s I w a s s e n t e n c e d t o 38 y e a r s o n B u r g l a r y , R o b b e r y , and A s s a u l t . The t i m e was t o b e s e r v e d c o n c u r ­ r e n t l y s i n c e a l l t h e c h a r g e s were t h e r e s u l t o f one crim e. I w o u l d o n l y h a v e t o do 1 5 y e a r s . I f I k e p t ray n o s e c l e a n I c o u l d b e o u t a f t e r s e r v i n g f i v e or s i x y e a r s . I f n o t I w o u l d do e v e r y day o f i t . I d e l ib e r a t e l y gained weight to look unappeal­ i n g , b u t t h e o l d c o n s w e r e n ' t f o o l e d , t h e y knew what I w a s t h e m i n u t e I w a l k e d o n t o t h e y a r d . I was l u c k y t o m e e t T e r r i . She s t o o d j u s t a h a i r o v e r f i v e f o o t , and w e i g h e d l e s s t h a n one h u n d r e d p o u n d s b u t s h e wa s i c e on t wo l e g s a n d w o u ld n't h e s i t a t e t o use a shank. She s t o o d up a g a i n s t a b i g b l a c k man who was t r y i n g t o p r e s s u r e me f o r s e x . He b a c k e d do wn. I owe T e r r i a l o t f o r t a k i n g me u n d e r h e r w i n g . As t h e m o n t h s f a d e d i n t o y e a r s I p i c k e d up my c o l ­ l e g e c r e d i t s , r e a d h u ge am ou n ts o f b o o k s , and b e g a n t o f i n d m y s e l f b e i n g c a l l e d The Bookworm b y ray c a r e f u l l y s e l e c t e d h a n d f u l o f f r i e n d s . I l e a r n e d how t o l o o k c a r e f u l l y f o r t h e l o v e i n s i d e p e o p l e , and o v e r l o o k t h e c r u e l and t h o u g h t l e s s p a r t s o f a man who h a s known l i t t l e bu t h a t e and v i o l e n c e . T h e r e i s b i t c h i n me, and t h e r e i s a l o t o f c o n c e r n f o r o t h e r s , b u t there is s e lfis h n e s s a lso . I saw m y s e l f r e a c h i n g b e y o n d t h e p r i s o n w a l l s , w r i t i n g t o men w h o s e l i f e s t y l e s I e n v i e d . I l e a r n e d t h a t Comi ng Out i s a w o n d e r f u l e x p e r i ­ e n c e t o w i t n e s s i n a n o t h e r man. My l o v e and c o n c e r n s p r e a d t o o t h e r g a y men i n t h e p r i s o n a n d I wa s t h e f i r s t t o r e c e i v e RFD, a n d s e l f ­ i s h l y h e s it a t e d to share the d isc o v e ry with o t h e r s , l e s t t h e p r i s o n a u t h o r i t i e s b a r i t from b e i n g d e l i v e r e d , a s t h e y ha d s e v e r a l b o o k s s e n t by f r i e n d s . My f i n a l d e c i s i o n w a s r e w a r d e d a t h o u s a n d t i m e s , f o r i t h e l p e d a b e a u t i f u l , s e n s i t i v e , and i n ­ t e l l i g e n t y o u n g man come t o g r i p s w i t h h i s own sexuality. I s n ' t i t wonderful to care for others ? I' m g e t t i n g o u t i n e l e v e n m o n t h s , I ' l l b e s e e ­ i n g you a t t h e g a t h e r i n g s , w o r k s h o p s , and c o n ­ ferences. ( I f my p a r o l e o f f i c e r i s d e c e n t ) . I n t h e m e a n t i m e , I s e n d my l o v e . Solidarity is o ur o n l y h o p e . So o n I w i l l b e s e n d i n g a c h e c k f o r my s u b s c r i p t i o n , a n d t o h e l p d e f r a y t h e costs o f freebies. P.S. Ever

My j o b o f f e r f e l l t h r o u g h a n d I n e e d w o r k . try to get a job w hile in p r ison ?

David Frey 41379 2605 S t a t e S t r e e t S a l e m , OR 9 7 3 1 0


TEARS IN) DARKN)£SS G r e e t i n g s F r i e n d s at

RFD,

Dear R e a d e r s ,

Once a g a i n I am w r i t i n g y o u i n h o p e s t h a t you w i l l s p r e a d t h e t r a g i c n e ws o f what h a s h a p p e n ­ ed at t h i s p r i s o n . S i n c e I w r o t e you b a ck i n F e b . 2 , 1 9 3 1 I h a v e come t o know what t h i s p r i s ­ on i s r e a l l y l i k e . About a we e k a g o a f e w o f t h e i n m a t e s w e r e g o i n g t o r a p e a n d c h e c k my lover out o f the c e l l b lo c k . I a n d J a me s Came ron a r e v e r y much i n l o v e w i t h o n e a n o t h e r , s o I c o u ld n 't allow t h i s to happen. I wa s g o i n g t o c o n f r o n t t h e s e g u y s a b o u t ma k i ng s e r i o u s t h r e a t s on Jaunes. James g o t v e r y u p s e t c a u s e he d i d n ' t want me t o g e t i n t o a n y t r o u b l e . One t h i n g l e a d t o a n o t h e r a n d a t 1 : 3 0 am. J a m e s c u t h i m s e l f with a razor b la d e. when I h a d s e e n wh a t h e ha d d o n e i t r e a l l y u p s e t me a n d i n t u r n I c u t m y s e l f . We w e r e t a k e n t o C e n t r a l P r i s o n i n R a l e i g h , NC w h e r e we w e r e s e w e d up a n d t h e n r e t u r n e d b a c k t o Blanch P r i s o n . On o ur a r r i v a l b a c k h e r e we were p l a c e d i n d i f f e r e n t s e g r e g a t i o n s ( t h e h o l e ) . The o f f i c a l s h e r e h a v e b e e n t r e a t i n g J a me s a n d I v e r y b a d l y c a u s e t h e y know we a r e b o t h g a y a n d are in l o v e w i t h one a n o t h e r . Two d a y s l a t e r I was moved t o t h e h o l e t h a t J a m e s was i n ( f i v e c e l l s down f r om h i m ) . Then t h r e e d a y s l a t e r J a m e s and I c u t o u r s e l v e s a g a i n i n h o p e s o f g e t ­ ting together. We w e r e c u t v e r y b a d l y . We w e r e l e f t i n o u r c e l l s f o r a b o u t 1*. h o u r s . James p a s s e d o u t due t o l o s s o f b l o o d . We w e r e t a k e n t o t h e f i r s t a i d e room a n d t h e n u r s e o n l y p u t b a n d a g e s on u s . We w e r e n o t s e n t t o R a l e i g h t o be sewed up. The n e x t d a y J a m e s was s h i p p e d t o another p r i s o n . The o f f i c i a l s h e r e a s w e l l a s some o f t h e i n m a t e s d i d n ' t wa nt J a me s a n d I t o be t o g e t h e r . The o f f i c i a l s h e r e a r e r e a l l y down on g a y p e o p l e . Some o f t h e i n m a t e s h e r e a r e v e r y c r u e l and n a r r o w - m i n d e d . They t r y t o u s e , abu se a n d h u r t us a n d I d o n ' t l i k e t o s e e t h a t ( e s p e ­ c i a l l y when i t c o m e s t o s o m e o n e t r y i n g t o h u r t James. J a m e s a nd I a r e s o i n l o v e w i t h e a c h o t h e r t h a t i f a n d when we a r e b o t h r e l e a s e d we are g o in g to be m arried . I am a s k i n g you f r i e n d s a t RFD t o t a k e n o t i c e o f wh a t h a s h a p p e n e d h e r e a n d s p r e a d t h e ne ws t o our B r o t h e r s and S i s t e r s . We n e e d e a c h a n d e v e r y o n e o f our g a y b r o s and s i s t e r s o u t t h e r e f o r s u p p o r t , e n c ou r a g em e n t and h e l p . What I want t o know i s t h e r e a n y o r g a n i z a t i o n s o u t t h e r e who i s w i l l i n g t o p u t p r e s s u r e on t h i s p r i s o n and h e l p i n g James and m y s e l f in coming togeth er once again? I need to be with him, ' c a u s e i f I' m n o t g r e a t harm i s g o i n g t o come t o him. I w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e i t v e r y much i f t h e f r i e n d s a t RFD a n d t h r o u g h o u t t h e l a n d w i l l w r i t e J a me s a s w e l l a s m y s e l f a n d h e l p us t o f i g h t t h i s s y s t e m , t h a t we o n c e a g a i n may b e a b l e t o r e j o i n and s h a r e our l o v e w i t h o n e a n o t h e r . Our a d d r e s s ­ es are: Eddie C o l l i n s 8 3 5 W. Morgan S t . R a l e i g h , NC 2 7 6 0 5

J a m e s A. Cameron 9 7 7 Camp Road S a l i s b u r y , NC 2 8 1 4 4

The p a i n a n d t u r m o i l e x p e r i e n c e d b y o u r b r o t h e r s in p r iso n i s o fte n beyond b e l i e f . And who c a r e s ? Who i s t h e i r v o i c e ? Who e v e n k n o ws when o n e d i s ­ a p p e a r s d y i n g i n h i s c e l l f rom d a i l y a b u s e ? Many p r i s o n e r s w r i t e t o RFD. We e x t e n d f r e e s u b s c r i p ­ t i o n s a nd p r i n t t h e i r c o n t a c t l e t t e r s . But w i t h v e r y l i m i t e d p e r s o n n e l , t h i s i s a l l t h a t we c a n do h e r e a t R u n n i n g w a t e r . But i s i t e n o u g h ? S h o u l d n ' t RFD, a t t h e v e r y l e a s t , know t h e o u t c o m e o f t h e p e r s o n a l c r i s e s about which p r i s o n e r s w r i t e t o us? S h o u l d n ' t we be d e v e l o p i n g t h e kn owled ge and m a c hine ry t o be q u e s t i o n i n g a n d p u t t i n g p r e s s u r e upon a u t h o r i t i e s on b e h a l f o f p r i s o n e r s i n c e r t a i n s i t u a t i o n s ? S h o u l d n ' t we b e k e e p i n g t a b s o n o u r b r o t h e r s w h o s e l i v e s appear endangered? S h o u ld n 't we, at l e a s t , know w h i c h p r i s o n s a r e n o t l e t t i n g RFD t h r o u g h ? And s h o u l d n ' t we b e d e v e l o p i n g t h e c a p a b i l i t i e s to s u c c e s s f u l l y appeal t h e s e c a s e s ? RFD was r e ­ c e n t l y d e n ie d e n t r y by the Texas Department o f C o r r e c t i o n s b e c a u se " it would enco ura g e d e v i a t e crim inal sexual behavior". P e r h a p s what t h e y r e a l l y f e a r i s t h a t i t w o u l d e n c o u r a g e p r i d e a nd s e l f - r e s p e c t f o r our t r u e n a t u r e . B u t, our a p ­ p e a l o f t h i s r u l i n g wa s r e j e c t e d . We do n o t h a v e t h e manpower t o f o l l o w up o n s u c h d e v e l o p m e n t s . RFD n e e d s e d i t o r s t o p r o c e s s t h e l e t t e r s o f p r i s ­ o n e r s a n d p u r s u e t h e s e m a t t e r s a s t h e y a r i s e . As t h i s j o b c o u l d e a s i l y b e c o m e o v e r w h e l m i n g , we c a n d i v i d e t h e c o u n t r y up a n d l e t e a c h " B r o t h e r B e ­ hin d Bars" e d i t o r handle j u s t one g e o g r a p h i c a r e a . The t a s k w o u l d i n c l u d e : 1) K e e p i n g s u b s c r i p t i o n r e c o r d s on t h e p r i s ­ o n e r s i n y o ur g e o g r a p h i c a r e a . Ma ki ng p e r i ­ o d i c c h e c k s t h a t RFD i s g e t t i n g t h r o u g h t o these inmates. 2) Preparin g p r i s o n e r c o n t a c t l e t t e r s for t h e m a g a z i n e b y t y p i n g t he m up i n a 3" column. 3) P r o v i d i n g i m m e d i a t e r e s p o n s e t o y o ur p r i s o n e r s l e t t e r s when c a l l e d f o r a n d c o n ­ t i n u i n g c o r r e s p o n d e n c e when n e e d e d . 4) W riting to p r is o n a u t h o r i t i e s and/or s e e k i n g o t h e r means t o i n f l u e n c e i n t e r n a l p r i s o n s i t u a t i o n s f r o m t h e o u t s i d e when useful. 5) R e p o r t i n g b a c k t o RFD r e a d e r s o f i m ­ p o r t a n t h a p p e n i n g s , and r u l i n g s w i t h i n y o ur a r e a . 6) Corresp ond in g w ith t h e Brother Behind Ba r s e d i t o r s from o t h e r a r e a s e x c h a n g i n g knowledge o f u s e f u l p r o c e d u r e s . 7) D e v e l o p i n g k n o w l e d g e , and r e c o r d s o f r e s o u r c e s , o r g a n i z a t i o n s and i n d i v i d u a l s who c a n a i d i n i n t e r c e s s i o n on b e h a l f o f gay p r i s o n e r s . P l e a s e w r i t e t o us i f y o u a r e a b l e t o r e a c h o u t to t h e s e b r o t h e r s at t h i s tim e. Your a d d r e s s w i l l not be p r i n t e d . In o r d e r t o k e e p c ommuni ­ c a t i o n w i t h RFD a s s i m p l e a s p o s s i b l e , a l l m a i l w i l l b e c l e a r e d t h r o u g h o u r a d d r e s s and f o r w a r d e d to you. Thank y o u . The RFD c o l l e c t i v e

P l e a s e h e l p u s , d o n ' t t u r n y o u r b a c k s on u s ! H e l p u s t o s t a y s t r o n g and work w i t h u s . Thank you a n d much l o v e t o y o u a l l .

R t . 1 , Box 127E B a k e r s v i l l e , NC

Yo urs S i n c e r e l y , Eddie

35

28705


RISING THE JUICES AND SLUICES BY FLEETWOOD ^ I ' v e w a n t e d t o w r i t e t h i s a r t i c l e f o r some t i m e and J e r r y S t a m p s ' a r t i c l e i n RFD # 2 5 s e e m e d a g o o d i n t r o f o r me. When b r o a c h e d w i t h t h e s u b ­ j e c t o f a p h r o d i s i a c s , i ' v e h a d many f a g g o t b r o ­ t h e r s t e l l me, "I d o n ' t n e e d t hem' . " W e l l , i u n d e r s t a n d t h e u r g e s o f f a g g o t men and h a v i n g met many o f t he m i n a l l k i n d s o f p l a c e s , i f e e l i know what t h e y m e a n . And i b e l i e v e t h a t many o f us h a v e b e e n m i s g u i d e d b y a myth o f a p h r o ­ disiacs: th a t th e y have been used t r a d i t i o n a l ­ l y t o make womyn h o r n y f o r men b e c a u s e men w a n t ­ e d more s e x w i t h womyn t h a n t h e y ha d b e e n h a v ­ ing. A p h r o d i s i a c s have o f t e n been used t o su p ­ e r c e d e wo m y n ' s f l u x o f s e x u a l d e s i r e i n o r d e r t o b r i n g p l e a s u r e ojn demand t o men. This is o p p r e s s i v e o f wo m y n ' s s e x u a l i t y a n d j u d g i n g h e t m e n ' s s e l f - m i n d e d v i e w o f womyn's s e x u a l i t y ( a n d t h e l i m i t s o f t h e i r o w n ) , i'ro n o t s u r p r i s ­ ed . A p h r od isiac herbs are the g o d d e s s ' g i f t s to b r in g h e i g h t e n e d p h y s i c a l p l e a s u r e , not sim ply t o make p e o p l e h o t a n d " h o r n y " . I have found t h a t t h e use o f t h e s e h e r b s do not n e c e s s a r i l y make a man h o r n y . ( The m i n d - s e t i s , o f c o u r s e , im portant.) What t h e y w i l l d o i s s t r e n g t h e n s e n s i t i v i t y i n t h e a n a l - g e n i t a l r e g i o n o f o ur b o d i e s ( a nd t a c t i l e s e n s e i n g e n e r a l ) , and t o d e l i v e r th e stamina t o i n d u l g e in the p l e a s u r e s for extended p e r io d s o f tim e. Let roe t e l l a f e w t a l e s r o u n d a b o u t . The two h e r b s i ' m roost f a m i l i a r w i t h a r e A m e r i c a n G i n ­ s e n g a n d Cube b b e r r i e s . Let me s p e c i f y . Si­ b e r i a n or Korean g i n s e n g , P anax s c h i n - s e r v g , i s a wonderful v i t a l i s e r t o the system at la r g e b u t i t i s no t an a p h r o d i s i a c . It has been s a i d th at r e g u la r use o f the herb w i l l p r o lo n g th e m a l e s e x " d r i v e " ( n e e d a new w o r d ) l a t e i n t o life. But i t i s A m e r i c a n g i n s e n g , P a na x q u i n q u i f o l i u s , l o n g known a n d now h a r d t o l o c a t e , th at Amerindian c u l t u r e s have been a c q u a in te d w i t h a n d t o w h i c h i'ro r e f e r r i n g . On f i r s t e x p e r i m e n t ( p l e a s e d o t ) a l o n g t i m e b u d d y / l o v e r o f mi ne and i , b e i n g a l r e a d y d e ­ s i r o u s o f a l o n g s e x s e s s i o n t o g e t h e r , made some g i n s e n g t e a . (One e v e n t a b l e s p o o n p o w d e r ­ ed to a p o t o f b o i l i n g w a t e r . ) A f t e r downing t h e p o t p r e t t y r a p i d l y , we s a t down t o smoke some h a s h i s h a nd g e t l o o s e , s e t t i n g a s i d e t h e mundane c r a z i n e s s o f e v e r y d a y l i v e s . Knowi ng t h a t i t o f t e n t a k e s about 20 m i n u t e s f o r hash t o c o me o n s t r o n g , we c h a t t e d p l a y f u l l y t i l we b e g a n t o want t o g e t i t o n . As we b e g a n some l i g h t c o c k s u c k i n g , i f e l t r e a l war mt h a n d t i t i l a t i o n i n my g r o i n , e x t e r n a l l y s t i m u l a t e d or not. Taking a b r e a t h from our s e r v i c e s , our e y e s were f i l l e d w i t h s t a r s and our l o i n s hot for m o re, more, morel And s o we h a d i t . Must have been t h r e e hours o f w on d e rfu l, r i p p l i n g , s u c k i n g and f u c k i n g . Now, i know t h a t some o f y o u w i l l s a y t h a t you have t h i s kind o f sex a l l th e t im e . Great'. But a f t e r n i n e y e a r s o f v a r i o u s s e x w i t h t h i s man, i

know t h a t what we w e r e d o i n g t o g e t h e r w a s d e f i n ­ i t e l y b o o s t e d by t h e g i n s e n g . Long, s t e a d y , se n s itiv e sex, continuously hot. Orgasm was n e i t h e r i m p e d e d nor a c c e l e r a t e d , b u t d e s i r e was sustained. I f my c o c k r e l a x e d , i t d i d n ' t t a k e b u t a dr o p o f s p i t on h i s l i p s t o g e t h a r d a g a i n . Once a g a i n , w e ' v e h a d a b r o a d s e x u a l r e l a t i o n ­ s h i p , y e t t h i s t y p e o f s e x was u n u s u a l l y e x c i t ­ ing. We h a v e s i n c e d o n e g i n s e n g t o g e t h e r s e v e r a l t i m e s , o n c e w i t h a t h i r d r o m p i ng b u d d y who was equally th r ille d . H e r e ' s an i n t e r m e d i a t e t i d b i t t h a t may s a y s o m e ­ thing. At a g a t h e r i n g o n S h o r t M o u n t a i n , T e n n ­ e s s e e i p r e p a r e d s o me s a w p a l m e t t o b e r r i e s ( u n ­ r e l a t e d to the b u g s ) , Serenoa s e r r u l a t a . I h u s k e d t h e b e r r i e s and g r o u n d t h e h u s k s . Per­ haps i sh o u ld have ground the whole b e r r i e s . S e v e r a l o f u s , i n t h e ma i n h o u s e i n t h e m i d s t o f a l l kinds o f normal, t e s t e r i c a l g a t h e r in g - g o in g s o n , a t e a t l e a s t wh a t c o u l d be d e s c r i b e d a s a healthy dose. My b o d y b e c a m e f l u s h e d a f t e r a b o u t 2 0 m i n u t e s , my m i n d a b i t a n x i o u s , b u t no o n e made a n y move t o h a v e s e x . No t o n e c o c k to uched by a man's l i p s . So w h a t h a p p e n e d was ...n oth in g. My c o n c l u s i o n i s t h a t a f t e r c o n ­ suming the h e r b , d o n ' t s i t a r oun d w a i t i n g t o get a roaring hard-on. Get t o i t '. The a p h r o ­ d i s i a c needs th e c a t a l y s t s o f s p i t and t o u c h , s w e a t and d e s i r e t o r e a l l y w o r k . Then w a t c h o u t , h o n e y , ' c a u s e y o u c a n l o s e y o u r head'. A t h i r d o c c a s i o n h a p p e n e d w i t h a b u n c h o f Man­ hattan f a i r i e s . We h a d c a l l e d an o r g y , b u t a l a s , o n l y f o u r o f u s c o u l d make i t . No b l a m e . I made g i n s e n g t e a a n d Cu be b b e r r i e s , P i p e r c u b e b a . (One h e a p i n g t a b l e s p o o n o f c r u s h e d b e r r i e s t o a pot o f b o ilin g w a te r.) A b it d isap p oin ted that t h e r e w e r e n ' t more o f u s , t h e m i n d - s e t was n o t real strong. But we w e r e a l l game a n d l o v i n g o f o n e a n o t h e r , n o t w i s h i n g m e r e nu mbe rs t o d e t e r u s f rom o u r e x p e r i m e n t a l p l e a s u r e s . As h a p p e n e d , t h r e e men d r a n k a s l i g h t l y weak p o t o f g i n s e n g , w h i l e i d r a n k mo s t o f a p o t o f c u b e b b e r r i e s . The f o u r o f us b e g a n some m u l t i p l e c o c k s u c k i n g a n d a f t e r a f a i r l y c a l m ho ur , t h e o t h e r t h r e e f e l l asleep! W h i l e my c u b e b b e r r i e s k e p t me h o t and m a s t u r b a t i n g ov er t h r e e s l e e p i n g f a i r i e s ! F o r t u n a t e l y , o n e o f t hem wo ke up a n d h e l p e d me out. So h e r e ' s my a d v i c e . Make y o u r t e a s t r o n g a n d make s u r e e v e r y man d r i n k s at^ l e a s t t wo c u p s o f tea. Three won’ t hurt you. I'm s u r e t h e s h a ­ mans o f o u r h e r i t a g e d i d n ' t c r i b on a m o u n t s l i k e we p o o r f a i r i e s w i l l do w i t h t h e l a s t gr am o f reefer in the house. A l s o , w i n e and p o t h e l p s t h e s e t b y r e l a x i n g a n d d i s c h a r g i n g mundane m i n d wanderings. And l a s t l y , d o n ' t w a i t f o r some kind o f miraculous drug-induced e r o t i c urgency, sex i s the c a t a l y s t for the a p h r o d is ia c . I'm su re t h e r e are d o s a g e s or herbs so st r o n g to b r i n g t h i s about ( p l e a s e t e l l m e !) bu t i have a l w a y s f o u n d p r a i s i n g C e r n u n n o s a nd g o i n g down on my b u d d y t o b e t h e b e s t way t o g i v e an a p h r o ­ d i s i a c t h e b e s t f or m o f e x p r e s s i o n . GO FOR IT!


Short Muscular

Young Men -by G a b r i e l

Lamport

S h o r t , m u s c u l a r y o u n g men S h o u l d e r s wide l i k e t h e sun, Riding m o to rc y c le s tw ice t h e i r s i z e , Mad e y e s s t i l l r e a d y t o t a k e o n t h e b i g g e r ( b u t t h e b i g g e r b o y s h a v e g r o wn up d o c i l e and a f r a i d ) Young men s h o r t a n d s t o c k y r e m i n d me o f s o m e t h i n g r i c h a n d s p i c y B a k l a v a , German c h o c o l a t e c a k e , Hot p i n e a p o l e c l o v e s C a n a d i a n b a c o n , Or a t h i c k , b u b b l i n g s t e w t h a t s e n d s o f f i n v i t a t i o n s o f c h i l e and c a y e n n e . Al w a y s i t l o o k s l i k e you c o u l e j u s t w o l f b u t i t ’ s a l w a y s t o o much.

fourthreeone - twonineoheight TH! C ALLAN YT I ME REQUEST LINE - b y C h i p Moore through

boys

it

do wn,

the r in g in g

tejephoning MAMA-SAN s c r e a m i n g at

dirty

ONE DYKE,

dishes

JULES b r o k e

TWO DYKE,

Psychosis - b y Thomas Dorn

cause o f roaches dancing

in her i

cut-

down c u r l s

running o f f

w i t h ANNIE' S

THREE DYKE,

top -notch ( we d e c i d e d

to

like)

a nd through

the

deep

from t h e b a c k b r o w n e y e d CHRIS l a u g h i n g thr ou gh her to

the

s p i l l my s e e d i n p l a c e s s t a t i c s t a g n a n t p a p e r f rom t h e b a t h r o o m d ir t y socks my 1 e g s my h a i r my b e l l y my h a n ds in air i t l o s e s s t a r t s t o r un i t soaks now c l e a r no w h e r e no t h i n g i s p i l l i t now t h u n d e r b a l l b a l l p o in t paper v i s c o u s p a t t e r n i n g

FOUR. nose

sound o f

sw eetlife

sliding

womanmag i c . FIVE DYKE , SI X DYKE . G7MML SOME MORE.

Su nd a y S c h o o l

Poem -by B i l l

j e s u s l o v e s john mary m a g d a l e n e p e t e r whore s l u t s g a y s thieves lepers c a s t i n g no s t o n e s g o d a s man l o v e s g o d was i s man g o d our mother androgyne g o d d e s s e s a l l that i s loving

37

M atthias

c

1979


We Ne e d You Now

They t e l l - b y M i c h a e l Mason

Whoever y o u a r e , Wh e r e v e r you may b e When, w i t h t h e s e l i n e s , You i n t e r s e c t i n T i me :

me t h a t

color

i s t h e Answer -by Fre d S t r u g a t z

T h e y t e l l me t h a t c o l o r i s t h e a n s w e r To c h a s e my h e a r t a r o u n d t h e s t a r s a n d c a t c h my f e e l i n g s i n t h i s summer t i m e l a n d a n d b e r e a l w i t h t h e s e t a k e a l l t h e t i m e t o s e e them and t h e i r b e a u t y T h i s i s my b e a u t y t o o W r i t e down a l l t h e w o r d s and b e i n j o y w i t h my a r t i s t

Know t h a t we n e e d y o u now, As we n e e d e d y o u b e f o r e . But we c a n n o t f u l l y e m b r a c e U n t i l we me e t i n t h e h a l l w a y o f door s . You c h o o s e y o ur v o w s , But know t h a t t h e b o u g h s Of Our t r e e a r e s t r o n g . You wo r d t h e v o w s , But we n e e d y o u Now.

flowers

My s o u l m a k e s f o r b e a u t i f u l y e l l o w p e t a l s M o o n l i g h t i s s u c h a h a r mo ny f o r t h e dark n i g h t c 1980

How we n e e d you I s y o ur h e a r t t o o u r s . The s e e d s i n c h - d e e p i n g o o d g r o u n d , Tu rn in g t o l e a v e s , the n coming t o f l o w e r s As we c o n t e m p l a t e t h e c o n s t r u a l s Of t h e f r e e i n g o r i m p r i s o n i n g p o w e r s

mm

And what i n us r e s p o n d s l i k e t h i s S t i l l turns t o g i v e a la ug h in g cheek A lover’s k iss. How l i t t l e m o v e me n t s do f u l l c i r c l e s ma ke . T h i s i s how we n e e d y o u now:

w Now I s The Ti me -by B i l l

We lded i n a f e l l o w s h i p S t r o n g o f arms - More s t r o n g o f mi n d T h i s i s how We n e e d y o u now.

M atthias

b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s u n i t e d the pink t r i a n g l e a t r o c i t y s y m b o l i z e s our o p p r e s s i o n a t t h e hand o f f e a r h a t r e d ignorance in to le r a n c e g u i l t

c 1980

b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s u n i t e d w h e t h e r we a r e t o l i v e i n f e a r o f t h e b r u t a l i t y o f s o many who w o u l d h a v e u s t e r m i n a t e d c r e m a t e d im p r is o n e d born a g a in

Re q u i e m Fo r The F a m i l y Myth -by F r a n k l i n Abbott in the South we l e a v e t h e c a s k e t o p e n w i t h few e x c e p t i o n s no m a t t e r what t h e s t y l e o f d y i n g we l e a v e t h e c a s k e t o p e n and l o o k v e r y hard at the f a c e o f d e a t h a t what r e m a i n s a t s o u l ' s d e p a r t u r e at m o t i o n l e s s n e s s we l o o k u n t i l c o n v i n c e d but what i f what i s o v e r c o m e cannot be l a i d t o view i n solemn mortuary what i f what i s o v e r c o m e i s no t h i n g r e s t b u t a w i s h , a dream a myth, a l i e w i t h no b u r i a l how t o mourn no g r a v e t o h o l d no e a r t h t o c o v e r no s t o n e t o mark s a y when a n d how w i t h o u t a body d y i n g comes hard and b e l i e v i n g s l o w l y f o l l o w s

38

w h e t h e r we a r e t o b e s e e n f o r ou r a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s and c o n t r ib u t io n s t o the d a i l y course o f l i v i n g for a l l o f human e f f o r t t h r o u g h o u t t i m e w h e t h e r we a r e t o b e l o v e d and l o v e r s o f e a c h o t h e r openly fr e e ly without g u i l t i n t h e s t r e e t f a c t o r y home a n d c l a s s r o o m a s t h e y now d o t h e n we m u s t b e g i n t o f i n d within o u r se lv es the courage t o break t h e c h a i n s o f s i l e n c e w h i c h h o l d o u r v o i c e s and t o s h o u t i n j o y a n d f r e e d o m I am GAY I am Ga y I am Ga y i t b e g i n s w i t h e a c h o f us b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s u n i t e d in d iv id u a lly un ited to the other b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s u n i t e d we a r e GAY we a r e GAY we a r e GAY

c 1979


To a W e i g h t l i f t e r

Peacocking -by G a b r ie l

Lamport

You’ r e w a s t i n g your t i m e w i t h t h e l a d i e s . Look a t a l l t h e work y o u p u t i n t o sho wing your arms, your t i t s , y o u r b e l l y t h a t h a s no b e l l y ; they don't care. S u r e t h e y ' l l t a k e y o u on - when t h e y g e t h o r n y and s o m e t i m e s i n s p i t e o f y o u r b o d y s o t a u t and w e l l - t u n e d . But i t ' s t h e f a g g o t s o f t h e w o r l d t h a t c a n g i v e y o u what y o u w a n t , t h a t can w o r s h i p your e v e r y drop o f s w e a t .

Notes o f Sleep - b y M. T r o m b l e y L i g h t and s h a d o w c r o s s t h i s p a p e r : words t o map a r e g i o n . Here i s a h e a r t b e a t , here is a pen. Your s p i n e h a s c r o s s e d the f l a t white o f a s h e e t , arched a shadow be t w e e n t h e c u r v e o f my m i d d l e and yo ur b a c k . All night s t a r s turn in the equinox. S e a s o n s l e a v e and e n t e r the calen d ar, r e fle c t i n wave a n d a r e l o s t i n dark sa n d .

No, ne v e r mind - w e ' v e g o t enough l i k e y o u . S e n d me o n e t h e women r e a l l y l i k e ; he c o u l d b e b i g and s t r o n g , t h a t ' s o k a y , but not b e a u t i f u l , or at l e a s t unencumbered by h i s b e a u t y . L e t him b e a l i t t l e f a t , a n d j u s t a l i t t l e s l o v e n l y , s o I ' l l know t h a t h e ' s n o t s o d e t e r m i n e d to g e t t o the next m o un tain top. Le t me know t h a t h e ' l l wa nt t o r o l l a r o u n d s o m e t i m e s w i t h no o r g a s m i n s i g h t e n j o y i n g my p l e a s u r e at t h e f e e l o f h i s hands o n my b o d y .

Lasting

-by Po e He i s a m o u n t a i n H i g h a nd p r o u d I am a s t r earn C o o l and c l e a r The s u n i s our l o v e S h i n i n g f rom a b o v e He i s a f i e l d So g r e e n a n d v a s t I am a l a k e D e e p a nd s t i l l C lo ud s a r e our l o v e F l o a t i n g up a b o v e We c o m p l i m e n t e a c h o t h e r Lov i n g 1 y I t ’s a la stin g affair He i s t h e wi nd S t r o n g and f r e e I am a t r e e T a i l a nd k i n d E n e r g y i s our l o v e Comi ng f rom a b o v e He i s t h e s o n g Tha t f i l l s t h e a i r I am t h e b r u s h That p a i n t s t h e n i g h t Stars a r e our l o v e T w i n k l i n g up a b o v e We c o m p l i m e n t e a c h o t h e r Lo v i n g 1 y It's a lasting affair

The d a r k s c e n t o f y o u r h a i r c a t c h e s my e y e s t h e way c e r t a i n dr earns g l a z e my v i s i o n a t w a k i n g . The l a k e c o n t i n u e s to d e f i n e t h i s edge o f l a n d and w a t e r , the l i g h t th a t b r i s t l e s i n my m u s t a c h e . I know y o ur b r e a t h t h a t b r u s h e s p a s t my l i o s in sle e p . You t u r n your b a c k l i k e a b o a t t i l t e d in sa n d , t h e r o s e o f m o r n i ng and b l u e sky a c l e f t i n shadow. I know t h i s b e a c h . Ther e i s o n l y one b o a t , the w h ite t i p s o f water brusing the s t i f f air of th is particular moment c a u g h t i n t h e movement o f a branch, th e beach pebbles shining a s t i l l n e s s I would c a tch a n d h o l d f o r my o wn .

Affair

Contr i d i c t i o n -by John J .

Soldo

Leaned a g a i n s t t h e r a i l : the e a s e o f f l e s h c o n t r a d i c t s the tig h t f i t o f jea n s. c 1980

39


Jeremy Rifkin Entropy: A New Wo r l d V i e w by Je remy R i f k i n w i t h Te d Howard A f t e r w o r d by Dr . N i c h o l a s G e o r g e s c u - R o e g e n P u b l i s h e d b y The V i k i n g P r e s s on Se Dt e mbe r 4 , 1980 at $ 1 0 . 9 5 . A v a i l a b l e a t mo s t b o o k s t o r e s .

Entropy i s being c r e a t e d c o n t in u o u s ly . The r e s o u r c e s o f t h e w o r l d a r e f i n i t e and b e i n g used up. The t o t a l e n e r g y i n t h e U n i v e r s e i s b e i n g d e p l e t e d moment b y m o m e n t . L e ss and l e s s i s a v a i l a b l e f o r man w i t h e a c h p a s s i n g d ay and s h o r t a g e s w i l l b e t h e h a r s h r e a l i t y for each s u c c e e d in g g e n e r a t i o n . A world view w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h i s v i s i o n p u t s a t o t a l l y new p e r s p e c t i v e on c o n s e r v a t i o n .

Do y o u e v e r wo nde r why t h e w o r l d i s n ' t w o r k i n g ? I ’ v e wo nd er ed and I o f t e n a s k e d m y s e l f t h e fo llo w in g q u e s tio n s concerning the d a i l y b r e a k ­ downs o f c i v i l i z a t i o n i n s p i t e o f a d v a n c e d t e c h ­ nology: Why i s f o r e i g n i n t e r v e n t i o n b y t h e U n it e d S t a t e s s o c r i t i c a l and n e c e s s a r y ? Why a r e we l e t t i n g s u p p o s e d l y ' s a f e ' r e a c t o r s l i k e Three M ile I s l a n d and o t h e r s spew d e a d l y r a d i ­ a t i o n a l l over th e c o u n t r y s i d e ? Why a r e l a r g e c i t i e s l i k e New York f a l t e r i n g on t h e v e r g e o f collapse? Why d o we h a v e i n f l a t i o n , h i g h e r t a x e s , e n v i r o n m e n t a l p o l l u t i o n , urban b l i g h t , and t h e e n e r g y c r u n c h ?

I d o n ' t e x p e c t y o u t o a c c e p t t h i s u n i v e r s a l l aw governing a l l matter with t h i s b r i e f sta tem en t. I r e a d t h e f i r s t few c h a p t e r s o f t h i s book b a l k i n g at t h e a r g u m e n t s , s a y i n g to m y s e l f " t h e r e mus t b e s o m e t h i n g o v e r l o o k e d h e r e " . However, a s t h e e x p l a n a t i o n s became c l e a r , I b e g a n t o l e t g o o f o l d c o n c e p t s a n d saw t h e w o r l d from t h e v i e w p o i n t o f t h e e n t r o p y r e a l i t y . And, i t r i n g s t r u e . T h e c o n s t r u c t r e a f f i r m s my g u t r e a c t i o n t o mod­ ern s o c i e t y . I n t u i t i v e l y , without s c i e n t i f i c e x p l a n a t i o n , I ' v e f e l t t h a t th e r e i s something wr o ng w i t h o u r i n t e n s e l y c e n t r a l i z e d and m e c h ­ anized c i v i l i z a t i o n . The f a c t t h a t t h e v o r ­ a c i o u s e nerg y a p p e t i t e o f t h i s monster i s p r e s ­ e n t l y met s e e m s t o m i t i g a t e o b j e c t i o n s . But, in terms o f e n t r o p y , t h e c o n se q u en ce s are i n ­ e s c a p a b l e and f a r - r e a c h i n g .

A new v o i c e i s c a l l i n g o u t t h a t t h e s e " a r e a l l s y mpt o ms o f a l a r g e r d i s o r d e r t h a t Jimmy C a r t e r d i d n o t c r e a t e a n d R o n a l d Re a g a n c a n n o t f i x . " The v o i c e s p e a k s w i t h p r e c i s e c l a r i t y o f t h e u n d e r l y i n g c o n c e p t s and o r a c t i c e s w h i c h c r e a t e th is i l l - f a t e d so c ia l order. The v o i c e i s t h a t o f Jeremy R i f k i n i n t h e r e c e n t l y p u b l i s h e d book Entropy: A New Wo r l d V i e w .

With i r r e f u t a b l e e v i d e n c e , Jeremy c o n v i n c i n g l y argues that the present course w ill continue to y i e l d e v e r - i n c r e a s i n g l y d is a s t r o u s e f f e c t s . He p r o p o s e s an a l t e r n a t i v e w o r l d v i e w c o n s i s ­ t e n t w i t h t h e r e a l i t y he o b s e r v e s . And, he c h a l l e n g e s the reader t o r e s t r u c t u r e h i s t h i n k ­ i n g , v a l u e s , and l i f e s t y l e t o a c c e p t p e r s o n a l responsib ility.

Entropy r e f e r s to m atter which i s tra nsfo rm ed t o an u n u s a b l e s t a t e a f t e r man h a s e x t r a c t e d e n e r g y a nd u t i l i t y f rom i t . It i s burned f u e l , c o n s o r t e d f o o d , wor n g o o d s , m a c h i n e s , a n d p a r t s , a nd a l l w a s t e p r o d u c t s . Some i t e m s c a n be r e ­ c y c l e d w i t h a f u r t h e r e x p e n s e o f e n e r g y and a mo r e l i m i t e d r e t u r n . But t h e s e c o n d l a w o f t h e r m o d y n a m i c s ( The E n t r o p y Law) d e s c r i b e s t h e u n i v e r s a l phenomenon t h a t a l l m a t t e r t r a v e l s down a o n e - w a y s t r e e t f rom p o t e n t i a l e n e r g y t o s p e n t e n e r g y , t o an u n u s a b l e c o n d i t i o n , a s t a t e of waste. The mi n d n a t u r a l l y r e b e l s a t t h i s t h o u g h t a s we s e a r c h o u r e x p e r i e n c e f o r a p r o ­ c e s s w h i c h c r e a t e s more e n e r g y t h a n i t u s e s . But t h i s b e l i e f , a s t h e b o o k s o c l e a r l y s h o w s , i s f u t i l e and u n n a t u r a l .

The b o o k i s a b s o r b i n g r e a d i n g i n s p i t e o f t h e s c i e n t i f i c argument and p r e c i s e d a t a . Numer ous footnotes providing d e t a ile d su b sta n tia tio n allow t h e c o n c i s e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f a f a s t mo v ­ ing t e x t . T h i s p o w e r f u l b o o k h a s q u i c k l y made t he ro und s h e r e at Running W at er. It i s o f t e n a t o p i c o f c o n v e r s a t i o n p r o v i d i n g u s w i t h new i n s i g h t s on t h e i n t e n t i o n a l l i f e s t y l e we d a i l y create. w r i t t e n by P e t e r ,

40

R u n n i n g Water


■ BOOK

REVIEW

/MONGOLIAN C LO U D W O U 5 C .S By DAN l\UEHN M ongo lia n Cloud Houses by Dan Kuehn P r i n t e d by A u t s y Copy ( B o u l d e r , C o l o r a d o ) a n d i l l u s t r a t e d and t y p e d b y t h e Au t h o r ( C l o u d H o u s e s , c / o Dan Kuehn, Bo x 1 2 1 , P a i a , Ma u i , Hawaii 9 6 7 7 9 ) at $ 7 . 0 0 p o s t p a i d . A l s o , a C l oud Ho us e C o l o r i n g Book i s a v a i l a b l e a t $ 4 . 0 0 p o s t ­ paid.

Wow to

m&Ke kYurt &nd live ComfortAbly Her e i s an e x c i t i n g a n d i n t e r e s t i n g new g r a s s r o o t s p u b l i c a t i o n by a l o n g - t i m e R F D e r . The bo o k e s s e n t i a l l y d e s c r i b e s how t o make a bamboo and rub b erb an d f r a m e d , c a n v a s c o v e r e d s u p e r - d e ­ l u x e y u r t , and l i v e c o m f o r t a b l y . I t ' s a very w e l l - w r i t t e n , w e l l - d e s i g n e d and e a s y - t o - u n d e r s t a n d book e x p l a i n i n g y u r t c o n s t r u c t i o n i n s t e p by-step d e ta il. Many c l e a r i l l u s t r a t i o n s , drawn b y t h e a u t h o r , a c c o m p a n y t h e t e x t and f u r t h e r sim p lify concise construction procedures. In a d d i t i o n , t h e a u t h o r e x p o u n d s on how t o i n c o r p ­ o r a t e and c o n s t r u c t t h e b a s i c s p l u s e x t r a f e a ­ t u r e s such as a h e a t i n g / c o o k i n g s t o v e , a yurt l i n e r , a "natural" r e f r i g e r a t o r , a l o f t , a study, etc. The a u t h o r d e m o n s t r a t e s t h a t y u r t l i v i n g c a n b e a v e r y e c o n o m i c a l , p r a c t i c a l a nd f un l i f e s t y l e a s w e l l a s a c o m f o r t a b l e , and f u n c t i o n a l o n e . A f t e r l i v i n g f i v e y e a r s i n h i s y u r t , Dan d o e s n ’ t know i f h e c o u l d l i v e w i t h c o r n e r s , c e n t r a l h e a t i n g , or t h e w h i r r o f a r e f r i g e r a t o r a g a i n .

Dan s a y s , " L i f e i n t h e s t i c k s i s b e t t e r than I e v e r e x p e c t e d . Lovers may b e f e w e r t h a n y o u ' d f i n d i n t h e b i g c i t y b a r s , but t h e q u a l i t y has g o n e way u p . I t ' s s o e a s y t o s e e manl o v e o n l y i n t h e t e r m s d e f i n e d by o ur w e i r d c u l t u r e a n d no t a s t h e i n d i v i d ­ ual e xperien ce that it i s . " Yurt l i v i n g may v e r y w e l l b e a v i a b l e a l t e r n a ­ t i v e to c o n v e n t i o n a l l i v i n g during th e hard t i m e s t h a t a r e upo n u s ! Dan w r o t e t h a t h i s y u r t , w h i c h was s e t up i n a l o c a t i o n s o me wha t s h e l t e r ­ e d f r o m t h e w i n d , w i t h a l i n e r a nd a s m a l l s t o v e , c a n k e e p o n e warm i n t e m p e r a t u r e s down t o - 4 0 ° ' . P le a s e note t h a t t h e author has a l s o p u b l i s h e d a C l o u d Ho us e C o l o r i n g Book w h i c h c o n t a i n s many of his fine i llu s t r a t io n s . J u s t what you y u r t e n t h u s i a s t s a nd t h o s e who e n j o y c o l o r i n g s h o u l d h a v e on c o l d w i n t e r and s p r i n g e v e n i n g s . Dan w e l c o m e s bo o k o r d e r s ( s e e >e h e a d i n g ) , c r i t i c i s m and l o v e l e t t e r s . P l e a s e su p p o r t our b r o t h e r in h i s home b u s i n e s s . w r i t t e n by Rocky,

VI

R u n n i n g Wat er

Farm


BOOK

REVIEW'

(Hie Ifjoly iBooks of the Devas an jfjerballjotr tbeXrauamn

The H o l y B o o k s o f t h e D c v a s : an h e r b a l l f o r A q u a r i a n Age by R e v . P a u l V . B e y e r l P u b l i s h e d by The Rowan T r e e , I n c . ( Bo x 8 8 1 4 , M i n n e a p o l i s , MN 5 5 4 0 8 ) a t $ 7 . 0 0 p o s t p a i d

the

This i s the f i r s t volume o f a s e r i e s o f books w h ic h i n t r o d u c e you t o t h e s p i r i t u a l n a t u r e o f herbs. Most o f t h e b o o k s a v a i l a b l e on h e r b a l magick a r e s p e l l b o u n d , but t h e Holy Books b r i n g you t r a n s l a t i o n s f rom t h e a n c i e n t b o o k s o f t h e Devas ( p la n t s p i r i t s ) t h e m s e l v e s . The H o l y B o o k s a r e r i c h i n m y t h o l o g y , a s t h e y t e l l t h e t a l e o f the Goddess c r e a t i n g t h e u n i ­ v e r s e w i t h Her s a c r e d s o n g , t e a c h i n g tj’i e p l a n ­ e t a r y e n e r g i e s a s t h e y f l o w t h r ou g h t h e Deva Kingdom o f L o t h l o r i e n . The m a j o r p o r t i o n o f Vo l um e One i s t h e D e v a R i t u a l . This R itual is t o t h e D e v a Kingdom a s t h e B a r d o T h o d o l i s t o T i b e t , for i t i s the legend o f the descent o f t h e G o d d e s s t o E a r t h , when She i n i t i a t e d t h e Devas i n t o the p r i e s t h o o d o f h e a l e r s . It i s s a i d t h a t s e e k i n g h e r b a l wi s d o m t h r o u g h t h i s R i t u a l i s t h e me a n s o f l e a r n i n g t h e M y s t e r y t h e Goddess gave unto a l l h e a l e r s . The R i t u a l i s d r e sse d in a d e l i g h t f u l t a l e , r ic h in the p o e t ­ r y o f d a n c e & i n v o c a t i o n , a s She c r e a t e s a s a c ­ r e d p l a c e & c a l l s upon f o u r u n i c o r n s o u t o f t h e four w ind s.

aud VhdUji&i \w l6 hands and danced round and ro u n d i n Vha u io o u lih h _ t..."

C o n t a i n i n g w i t h i n a w e a l t h o f i n f o r m a t i o n on t h e s p i r i t u a l n a t u r e o f h e r b s , Vo l um e One i s i l l u s t r a t e d by a r t i s t P r a i r i e J a c k s o n , whose work a p p e a r s i n s u c h f i n e j o u r n a l s a s Womans p i r i t & The U n i c o r n & i n many g r a p h i c s t h r o u g h ­ out t h e f e m i n i s t community. There i s a drawing for ea ch p l a n e t , showing t h e nature o f t h e d i v ­ ine for ce w ith in each; drawings powerful in t h e i r i m a g e r y t o e v o k e t h e D e v a l e g e n d s ; a nd t h e i l l u s t r a t i o n s for the R itu al are t r u ly in s p ir e d . The b o o k i s e a s y - t o - r e a d & e x c e l l e n t l y l a i d o u t . T e x t & t r a n s l a t i o n s a r e b y P a u l & A n d r i u s ( who i s w e ll-v e r s e d in the ancien t la n g u a g es). Paul i s n o t e d f o r h i s c o l u m n , " N o t e s from an H e r b a l " , w h i c h t e a c h e s t h e e s o t e r i c n a t u r e o f h e r b s , and h a s b e e n on t h e p a t h o f h e r b a l h e a l i n g a n d m a g ­ i c k f o r more t h a n o n e l i f e . Rowan T r e e

Publications

the ROWAN TREE Illustrations arcjromthetext and copvjwrited. Please donotuse withoutpermission.


BOOK ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -

BOOK

REVIEW

M

cin L o v in g T h e m s e l v e s

Men L o v i n g T h e m s e l v e s I mage? o f Male S e l f - S e x u a l i t y P h o t o g r a p h y and t e x t by J a c k M o r i n, P u b l i s h e d by Down T h e r e P r e s s ( P . 0 . B u r l i n g a m e , CA 9 4 0 1 0 ) a t $ 9 . 0 0 .

PhD Box 2 0 8 6 ,

1 g r e w up t h i n k i n g I wa s f r e e o f g u i l t a b o u t my daily se lf-p lea su r in g . Well f r i e n d s , I got a r ude a w a k e n i n g a f e w y e a r s a g o w h i l e t e l l i n g a b o u t a dr e am i n w h i c h my j e r k o f f b u d d y a nd I had a c c i d e n t l y bu rne d a barn o n l y t o l e a r n t h a t i t was B d g a r A l l e n P o e s ' s b a r n , a n d t h e p i c t u r e w h i c h c ame t o mi nd was t h a t o f my m o t h e r s a y i n g , "Neve r m o r e ” . On o n e l e v e l I h a d come t o t e r m s w i t h ma ki ng l o v e w i t h m y s e l f , a l o n e a n d w i t h a f e w f r i e n d s , and o n a n o t h e r l e v e l I h a d f a r l e s s a f f i r m a t i v e n o t i o n s i n my h e a d a b o u t my f a n t a s ­ t i c a l l y g r a t if y in g sexual a c t i v i t i e s . ' >'ithout my p a r e n t s a c t u a l l y s a y i n g a word I ha d t a k e n on a l o t o f n e g a t i v e f e e l i n g s abo ut p l a y i n g w i t h my t r o u s e r s n a k e . Men L o v i n g T h e m s e l v e s i s a i m e d a t a s s i s t i n g r e ­ l a x a t i o n and e x p a n s i o n o f p l e a s u r e a n d s a t i s ­ faction. The p h o t o g r a o h e r / a u t h o r J a c k Mo r i n has a c h i e v e d h i s g o a l w ith a h e a l t h y measure o f s e n s u a l i t y and g r a c e . The h u n d r e d mage b o o k i s a p i c t u r e b o o k i n w h i c h t w e l v e a d u l t m a l e s w i t h v e r y l i t t l e i n common share t h e ir s e l f - p l e a s u r in g with rea d er s. The men r e p r e s e n t a b r o a d s p e c t r u m o f e v e r y c h a r ­ a c t e r i s t i c ; w i d e l y d i f f e r i n g r a c i a l and c u l t u r ­ a l b a c k g r o u n d s , e d u c a t i o n , i n c o m e , p o l i t i c a l a nd r e l i g i o u s b e l i e f s , b o d y t y p e s , and p e r s o n a l i t i e s .

Ea c h ma k e s a s h o r t p e r s o n a l s t a t e m e n t d e s c r i b i n g t h o u g h t s and f e e l i n g s . Some o f t h e men a r e g a y , some b i s e x u a l , some s t r a i g h t . F o r t h e mo s t p a r t t h e words k e e p a f f e c t i o n a l p r e f e r e n c e s s e c r e t . Mo r i n s a y s t h i s i s t o a l l o w r e a d e r s t h e f u l l e s t o o s s i b l e i d e n t i f i c a t i o n and i t w o r k s . The men d o h a v e i n common a p o s i t i v e a t t i t u d e t o w a r d s e l f - p l e a s u r i n g a n d m a s t u r b a t i o n and t h e i r w i l l ­ i n g n e s s t o s h a r e t h e m s e l v e s w i t h us i s i m p r e s s ­ ive . The p h o t o g r a p h s a n d D e r s o n a l s t a t e m e n t s f o l l o w a b r i e f i n t r o d u c t i o n in which t h e author e s t a b ­ l i s h e s t h e apo roach and t o n e o f t h e bo o k . The Dhotographs are e x c e l l e n t . In M o r i n ' s w o r d s , "The s t a t e m e n t s a n d p h o t o g r a p h s g i v e u s a r a r e o p p o r t u n i t y t o o b s e r v e an a s p e c t o f m a l e s e x ­ u a l i t y w h i c h , f o r most p e o p l e , h a s b e e n s h i e l d e d from v i e w a n d l a r g e l y a b s e n t f rom c o n v e r s a t i o n (except jo k e s ) ." The f i n a l s e c t i o n i s t i t l e d "The P s y c h o l o g y o f Ma l e S e l f - f e x u a l i t y " . H e r e Mo r i n g i v e s u s i n ­ s i g h t i n t o t h e u s e s o f m a s t u r b a t i o n and t h e p s y c h o s o c i a l dynamics which sometimes i n h i b i t self-pleasure. Mo r i n w r i t e s c l e a r l y , w e l l , a n d what he s a y s r i n g s t r u e . The r e s u l t i s a b e a u t i f u l l y s e n s u a l l i f e - l o v i n g and a f f i r m i n g s t a t e ­ ment. Among M o r i n ' s m e s s a g e s i s t h a t l o v e ma k­ i n g h a s v a l u e a l o n e , t o g e t h e r w i t h a p a r t n e r or p a r t n e r s , and t h a t t h e r e can be v a l u e in s h a r i n g o n e 's s e l f - l o v i n g with p a r tn e r s. Of c o u r s e we knew t h i s a l l a l o n g b u t s t i l l i t i s r e a s s u r i n g f o r many o f us t o s e e t h e p r e m i s e s o w e l l s e t down i n an e s t h e t i c a l l y s a t i s f y i n g b o o k . W r i t t e n By Bob 'vt olf f

REVIEW,

T h i s book c o u l d b e s t be d e s c r i b e d a s e v e r y t e e n ­ a g e r ' s g u id e to g a y n e s s . For g a y y o u n g p e o p l e , i t w i l l b e an i n v a l u a b l e s u r v i v a l g u i d e . And e v e n t h o s e who b e l i e v e t h e y ' r e s t r a i g h t w i l l f i n d t h a t t h e b o o k a d d r e s s e s many q u e s t i o n s t h e y ' v e wondered a b o u t . S e v e r a l c h a p t e r s d i s c u s s the problem s o f coming o u t a s a g a y t e e n a g e r , s t i l l l i v i n g a t home: " S h o u l d I t e l l my p a r e n t s ? " "What w i l l my b e s t f r i e n d say?" F i r s t - p e r s o n a c c o u n t s by high s c h o o l s t u d e n t s , who c ame o u t i n c l a s s , w i l l b e o f s p e c i a l i n t e r e s t to anyone who's t h i n k i n g o f b e i n g mor e o p e n i n s c h o o l .

Y o u n g , Gay a n d P r o u d Prepared by Sasha Alyson P u b l i s h e d by A l y s o n P u b l i c a t i o n s , I n c . (75 Kneel a n d S t r e e t , Room 3 0 9 , B o s t o n , MA 0 2 1 1 1 ) a t $3.50 postpaid. F i n a l l y , h e r e i s a b o o k f o r g a y s u n d e r 18 y e a r s old. Ga y y o u n g p e o p l e h a v e a l w a y s f a c e d u n i q u e problems. T h i s new b o o k o f f e r s t he m some v a l u ­ a b l e a d v i c e on d e a l i n g w i t h t h o s e p r o b l e m s .

"How d o I me et o t h e r y o un g g a y s ? " i s t h e s e c o n d b i g problem f a c e d by g a y t e e n a g e r s . There are no e a s y a n s w e r s , b u t Young, Ga y a n d P r o u d off­ e r s some u s e f u l s u g g e s t i o n s . There's l o t s of o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n pa ck ed i n t o t h i s work, i n c l u d ­ i n g a b e g i n n e r ' s g u i d e t o g a y s e x u a l i t y , and some p r a c t i c a l a d v i c e a b o u t h e a l t h c a r e a n d o r e cautions. Ask y o ur l o c a l l i b r a r y a n d b o o k s t o r e t o g e t i t , s o t he b o o k w i l l b e a v a i l a b l e t o mo r e y o un g o e o p l e i n y o u r t own or b u y a c o n y a s a g i f t f o r a yo ung f r i e n d . ( To g e t b o o k s i n t o y o ur l i b r a r y - s e e RFD * 2 5 , o g . 7 , HOW GAY IS YOUR LIBRARY?) w r i t t e n b y A l y s o n P u b l i c a t i o n s , Inc. e d i t e d b y Rocky, R u n n i n g Water Farm


R E A P I N G W H A T WE SOW

What is nSF/RAF A g a i n , w e ’ r e f a c e d w i t h t h e g r e e d a nd e x p l o i t a t i o n o f t h e c o r ­ porate g ia n t s . I t s e e m s t h a t t h e g i a n t s h a v e f o u n d a n o t h e r way t o i n c r e a s e th e ir p r o f i t s through seed companies. The l a r g e c o r p o r a t i o n s a r e p r e s e n t l y b u y i n g o u t many s e e d c o m p a n i e s . (Bur­ p e e S e e d s h a s b e e n b o u g h t b y I . T . T . among many t a k e o v e r s b y c o n ­ glom erates.) What i s t h e b i g p r o f i t i n s e e d s ? A way o f mo n o p ­ o l i s t i c c o n t r o l i s b e i n g d e v i s e d which r e q u i r e s t o t a l de p e n d e n c e o n s e e d c o m p a n i e s who w i l l e x c l u s i v e l y p r o d u c e a h y b r i d p r o d u c t . The p l a n i s t o i n t r o d u c e r e g i o n a l l y t h e e x c l u s i v e u s e o f h y b r i d s e e d s , which do not b r e e d t r u e ; t h e r e b y r e q u i r i n g g r o w e r s t o p u r ­ c h a s e s e e d s y e a r a f t e r y e a r i n s t e a d o f s a v i n g t h e i r own s e e d s . M o r e o v e r , un de r g u i s e o f e n c o u r a g i n g t h e r e s e a r c h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t o f more new v a r i e t i e s , a s e e d p a t e n t i n g l e g i s l a t i o n wa s r e c e n t l y p a s s e d which w i l l e x t e n d the t y p e s o f v e g e t a b l e s fo r which v a r i e t ­ i e s may b e p a t e n t e d . The i m m e d i a t e e f f e c t s o f t h i s a c t w i l l i n ­ clude : An e c o n o m i c i n c e n t i v e f o r r e p l a c i n g t r a d i t i o n a l o f f e r i n g s with p a te n te d v a r i e t i e s ( h y b r id s ) .

seed

The t r a d i t i o n a l p l a n t v a r i e t i e s w i l l f a l l o u t o f u s e a n d many w i l l b e c o m e e x t i n c t a l m o s t i m m e d i a t e l y . Th er e w i l l be a l o s s o f g e n e t i c w ill prevail.

diversity;

uniform ity

T h e r e w i l l b e a l o s s o f r e s e a r c h by p r o v i d i n g an i n ­ c e n t i v e f o r b r e e d e r s t o k e e p i n f o r m a t i o n s e c r e t and r e s t r i c t fr ee exchange o f breeding m a t e r ia ls . (This p o s e s a s e r i o u s problem for p u b l i c , n o n p r o f it b r e e d ­ ing p rogram s). T h e r e w i l l b e an i n c r e a s e i n s e e d c omp a n y c o n s o l i d a ­ t i o n b y t h e l a r g e p e t r o - c h e m i c a l and dr ug c o m p a n i e s . Ma rket c o n t r o l

and h i g h e r s e e d p r i c e s

w ill

ensue.

In some EUROPEAN c o u n t r i e s , i 1 l e g a l v e g e t a b l e l a w s w e r e p a s s e d i n an e f f o r t t o e n f o r c e p a t e n t i n g l a w s . Is the U .S . next??? In ten siv e breeding o f a standard l im it e d g e n e t ic base c r e a t e s a s i t u a t i o n prone to epidemic plan t d i s e a s e s . To k e e p a b r e a s t o f t h i s i s s u e and o t h e r f arm r e l a t e d n e ws a n d p r o ­ grams, s u b s c r ib e to : RURAL ADVANCE, Fr a n k P o r t e r Graham C e n t e r , R o u t e 3 , Box 9 5 , W a d e s b o r o , NC 2 8 1 7 0 . The n e w s l e t t e r i s f r e e b u t d o n a tio n s are g r e a t l y a p p r e c i a t e d . A n o t h e r v e r y w o r t h w h i l e p u b l i c a t i o n f rom t h i s c e n t e r i s t h e S e e d D i r e c t o r y which i s a v a i l a b l e f o r $ 1 . 0 0 . The d i r e c t o r y i s a u s e ­ f u l and i n d i s p e n s i b l e g u i d e t o s o u r c e s o f t r a d i t i o n a l , o l d - t i m e y v e g e t a b l e , f r u i t a n d nu t v a r i e t i e s . w ritten by Rocky,

Running Water

The 1 9 3 0 s was a mean d e c a d e fo r t h e r u r a l poor o f the South. The G r e a t D e p r e s s i o n o f t h a t d e c a d e b o r e down on the r egion lea v in g thousands j o b l e s s and h o m e l e s s . Hardest h i t were th e sm a ll farmer, s h a r e c r o p p e r s and t e n a n t f a r m ­ e r s whose l i v e l i h o o d s were t e n ­ uous ev en in t h e b e s t o f t i m e s . A i mi ng t o r a i s e a g r i c u l t u r a l p r i c e s by d e c r e a s i n g s u p p l i e s , the government began t o pay f a r m e r s t o t a k e l a n d out o f production. But t h i s o n l y me a nt t h a t l e s s f a r m l a b o r wa s needed. And w i t h t h e s e g o v e r n ­ ment s u b s i d i e s , b i g f a r m e r s began t o m ech anize, f u r t h e r red ucin g the need for l a b o r . Hun d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d s w e r e fo rced to lea v e farming, the o n l y way o f l i f e t h e y had e ver known. In 1 9 3 7 , a g r o u p o f d i s t i n ­ g u i s h e d A m e r i c a n s came t o g e t h ­ er t o i n s t i t u t e a N a t i o n a l S h a r e c r o p p e r s We e k . By 1 9 4 3 i t h a d g r o wn i n t o a p e r m a n e n t , year-round o r g a n iz a tio n - the N a t i o n a l S h a r e c r o p p e r s Fund for the purpose o f a s s i s t i n g t h e s e b e l e a g u e r e d yet proud people. In W a s h i n g t o n t h e N a t i o n a l S h a r e c r o p p e r s Fund became a s t r o n g v o i c e s p e a k in g for t h e i n t e r e s t s o f t h e r u r a l poor. I t was an e a r l y p r o p o n ­ e n t o f minimum w a g e l a w s , b e t t e r c o n d i t i o n s for migrant w o r k e r s and r u r a l h o u s i n g p r o ­ grams .


nSF/RAF CONTI N llE D In t h e S o u t h t h e N a t i o n a l S h a r e c r o p p e r s Fund p r o v i d e d support t o th e h i s t o r i c S o u t h ­ e r n T e na n t F a rm e r s Un i o n and other g r a ss-r o o ts o r g a n iza tio n s. When t h e c o u n t r y t u r n e d i t s a tt e n t i o n to race r e l a t i o n s in the 1960s, the Sharecroppers Fund was f o u n d b u s i l y h e l p i n g r u r a l poor o r g a n i z e i n t e r r a c i a l c o o p e r a tiv e s throughout the South. These were t h e b e g i n ­ nings o f a Southern rural c o ­ o p e r a t i v e mo v e me nt t h a t w o u l d p l a y a ma j o r r o l e i n t h e C i v i l R i g h t s mo v e me nt a t t h e l o c a l level. The S h a r e c r o p p e r s Fund e s t a b ­ l i s h e d t h e R u r a l Ad v a n c e m e n t Fund i n 1 9 6 6 t o p r o v i d e t a x d e d u c t i b i l i t y to donors for support o f NSF's e d u c a t i o n a l and f i e l d p r o g r a m s . Wi t h t h i s development the o r g a n i z a t i o n was a b l e t o l a u n c h a d d i t i o n a l p r o g r a m s a n d o f f e r mo r e t r a i n ­ ing and s u p p o r t t o g r a s s - r o o t s o r g a n iz a tio n s in the South. In 1 9 7 2 , t h e R u r a l A d v a n c e ­ ment Fund e s t a b l i s h e d t h e F r a n k P o r t e r Graham D e m o n s t r a ­ t i o n Farm a n d E d u c a t i o n a l C e n t e r , na mi ng i t a f t e r o n e o f t h e f o u n d e r s o f t h e N a t '1 S h a r e c r o p p e r s F un d . A pro­ g r e s s i v e , D r . Graham ha d b e e n a U . S . S e n a t o r , and l o n g - t i m e p resid en t o f the U n iv e r sity o f North C a r o l i n a .

ft

V

THE GRAHAM CENTER

The Graham C e n t e r o p e r a t e s a 4 0 0 a c r e d e m o n s t r a t i o n f arm t h a t d e v e l o p s and d e m o n s t r a t e s e c o l o g i c a l , l o w - c o s t f a r m i n g m e t h o d s a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e s m a l l farm. A s a m p l i n g o f f ar m p r o j e c t s follow s: small

acreage,

intensive

systems

v egetab le production

sm all-scale, specialty

organic crop r o t a tio n

1 0 - s o w hog o p e r a t i

field

crops

greenhouse production goat

me at and m i l k p r o d u c t i o n

composting op eration conventional

f i e l d crops

orchard of o ld -tim cy

fruit

tr

herb g a r d e n s beekeeping In a d d i t i o n , t h e c e n t e r h a s a t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m f o r t h e s m a l l f a r me r i n p r a c t i c a l s m a l l f arm o p e r a t i o n and m a n a g e m e n t , i n c l u d ­ ing : s o i l ma na g e ment equipment field

usage

crop & v e g e t a b le produ ction

livestock

production

b io lo g ic a l pest

control

f arm p l a n n i n g S i n c e 1972 t h e i d e n t i t i e s o f t h e R u r a l A d v a n c e m e n t Fund a n d t h e Graham C e n t e r h a v e b e c o me a l m o s t s y n o n o m o u s . NSF m a i n t a i n s a s e p a r a t e s t a t u s t o wo r k o n i s s u e s o f p u b l i c policy.

record keeping market i n g , e t c . T hese programs are o f f e r e d f r e e o f charge t o t h e sm all farmer. A l s o , t h e r e a r e a l i m i t e d number o f a p p r e n t i c e s h i p s a v a i l a b l e t o s t u d e n t s a nd o t h e r s w i s h i n g t o l e a r n mo r e i n t h e a b o v e a r e a s . The F r a n k P o r t e r Graham C e n t e r w o u l d c e r t a i n l y b e an a p p r o p r i a t e p l a c e t o v i s i t i n o r d e r t o g a i n some p r a c t i c a l i n s i g h t a b o u t s m a l l - s c a le farming. I h i g h l y r ec ommend t a k i n g t i m e t o s e e what i s h a p p e n i n g t h e r e i f you a r e i n t h e W a d e s b o r o , N o r t h C a r o l i n a a r e a a n d y o u h a v e an i n t e r e s t i n s m a l l - s c a l e f a r m i n g . w r i t t e n by Rocky,

R u n n i n g Wat er


gloating eagle g c I

As f a i r i e s , e a c h o f u s i s c a l l e d up o n t o f u l f i l l a g r e a t r o l e in the awakening o f the p l a n e t ' s evolution. By a c c e p t i n g , n u r t u r i n g o u r F a i r y n e s s , we c a n h e l p g u i d e t h e p l a n e t ' s t h i n k i n g t o v a l u e r e c e p t i v i t y and s u b j e c t i v e - h o l i s t i c relation s. Onl y t h r o u g h r e c e p t i v e a t t u n e m e n t t o i n n e r g u i d ­ anc e and i t s e x p r e s s i o n i n s e r v i c e t o h u m a n i t y , t o our a n i m a l , p l a n t , human and s p i r i t b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d , c a n t h e new world emerge. The s t a g e we a r e e n t e r i n g i s t h e s t a g e o f p u r i f i c a t i o n and t r a n s f o r m a t i o n th ro ug h surrender.

T h i s i s a c a l l t o c l e a n s e t h e b o d y , mi nd a n d heart. P h y s i c a l l y , we p r o m o t e g o o d h e a l t h i n order t o p rovide a s u it a b l e e x t e n s io n o f the S p ir it-M y s ter y in to the m a teria l world. Mental­ l y , we r i d t h e mi n d o f n e g a t i v e t h o u g h t s , a l l j u d g e m e n t s , and l i m i t a t i o n s i n u n d e r s t a n d i n g . E m o t i o n a l l y , we r i s e a b o v e t h e p e r s o n a l p e r ­ s p e c t i v e a n d o p e n our h e a r t s t o t h e v a s t n e s s o f t h e u n i v e r s e and t h e h e a r t - b r e a k i n g c o n d i t i o n o f h u m a n i t y - and f a i r i e s s o c i a l l y and s p i r i t u a l ­ l y o p p r e s s e d b y an a n a l y t i c a l s o c i e t y . The u l t i m a t e a i m i s a l w a y s p u r i f i c a t i o n o f t h e i n d i v i d u a l s e l f so that t h e c o n s c i o u s n e s s o f the One Who l e may e m e r g e and t h e a b i l i t y t o l e t t h e c o s m i c t h o u g h t p r o c e s s f lo w t h r ou g h our minds i n s e r v i c e o f humanity, whether a nim a l, p l a n t or p e r s o n , and f o r f a i r i e s e s D e c i a l l y .

The e a r t h i s p r e s e n t l y e n g a g e d i n a d e e p t r a n s ­ f o r m a t i o n on a l l l e v e l s , p h y s i c a l , m e n t a l , s o c ­ i a l , and s p i r i t u a l . The c h a l l e n g e o f t h e f a i r y d e v e l o p i n g i n f i n i t e wi ngs i s t o f i n d and e x p r e s s our r e a l n a t u r e , w h ic h i s d i v i n e . Wi t h o u r new i n s i g h t s , we w i l l d r a w b e i n g s t o h i g h e r r e a l i z a ­ t i o n s , a nd t o an u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e r e a l G o a l of life . We w i l l d y n a m i c a l l y e x p r e s s o u r r e a l i ­ z a t i o n s i n t h e w o r l d , r i g h t h e r e and now. This understanding of the higher dim ensions of p e r s o n h o o d ( o f f a i r y - n e s s more s p e c i f i c a l l y ) c an o n l y b e c o m m u n i c a t e d from t h e d e p t h . This me a ns p e n e t r a t i n g i n o n e ' s d e e p e r l a y e r s o f t h e mi n d u n t i l t h e d e e p e s t I n n e r S e l f i s r e a c h e d , the Great S p i r i t - M y s t e r y e v ery w here, t h e Su­ preme C o n s c i o u s n e s s , t h e d i v i n e p r e s e n c e i n e v e r y c e l l o f our b e i n g s .


RFD is the c o o p e r a tiv e ven tu re o f its r e a d e r s. I t newels a n d attem p tin g

Input

fund

is n e e d e d fm m

Here are s o m e s p e c i f y

ta sk s

w hich r e q u i r e

th e

W rite a l e t t e r to th e editor o f a

1

a t t e n t io n

fu n d s:

Kelp us uiikh advertising

local gay a n d alternative

<W sharing

contact le tte r s

in

w h eth er they liv e

th e

c o u n tn j.

b e tw e e n

m ost a n d t e l l

put

m a g a zin e f e a t u r e s a re /U s o

in d e ­

th a t majaz-inc s p a c z

the fa c t

th e cou ntry or c d y .

ty p e s o f a r tic le s you e n jo y

th rou gh ou t

needed

newspaper, m a g ­

self-su fficien t lif e s t y le s

is provided for f r e e

th e

RFD with

R F D 'crs*.

by sen d in g os leads on

dnd

way

gay

v e n tin g , e d it in g , a n d graphics.

o f e n e r g e tic

provide

most n eed a s s i s t a n c e . .

in your life. You might want to m ention t h e jo u r n a ls s u p ­ pendent o\ the oppressive sy s te m

th e

p o sitiv e e n e r g y ^mm e v e r y o n e , i n

w h ere w e

a z in e , or newsletter te ltn g hoiu RFD has made d d fje r e n c e port for gay m e n a ttem p tin g

gay m en

areas

raising, so licitin g su b scrip tion s, a n d advertising, to

First Some ways to kelp increase subscriptions jC

w elco m es

to coordinate the publication, v\)e have examined the

conscious

tttth& ps D escrib e

about th e

u n iq u e

to g e th e r by d if f e r e n t g r o u p s

it

m ig h t b e

h e lp f u l

t o O p ia te

the m a g a z i n e ts to t a lly a O olu n teer effort produced, by a non-profit organ utftfon.. "Ell em how to subscribe (?8.so th a t

Tor regu lar s u b s c r ip t i o n s ) ^ d

th a t

p r is o n e r s ca n g e t

i t fr e e .

r u r a l publications which m ig h t b e in te r e ste d in

e x c h a n g in g a d s with

RFD. Or, if you have th e e x tr a dollar and tim e, place a n d

> r T O U lr

can s e n d you a d copy suitable for

layout in

a

num ber oj s iz e s ,

t-u en

be tier, f you f e e l c x v d w v , d e s i g n the ad

y o u r se lf

Tn j h d , if y<?u

come up with 6 good rd jdr

an

RFD publicity CAvnpr^n, WC d wel<ovw th e ejjort. D is t r ib u te

RFD.

garious type

who

who should be s a m p le

seld o m r e s u lts

s p e n d in g

be m uch hrs

fo lk ?

RFD d c s , s e ll

Advertise your h»ne

th e m busmess m

to t a k e i t

be

(tedtors attuned wi th RFO m^ht

borne w ith him, RFD, he 11

g la d

to s e l l

keep

die. dollar p rofi or p a ss it on to i k e p o te n tia l s u b ­ scriber

w e II credit your a c c o u n l fo r

copies if you m a il th em

b ack to

u n sold

u s.

fto y d A rra n g e an

land

We'd -a.il rather su p p o rt a b'Cottier, Write for o u r ad C<3>te ca rd .

RFD

in Quantities o f Y> or more f o r <2,00. Jo u ca n

be able to make contacts a n d h e lp b r o th ers g e t their

d m oves in t o

to i n s i s t

W e ’ ll

would be oj particular interest.

S u b , g iv e th e

a n ig h t o r t w o w ith

RD

products and services

or g lim p s e of th e magazine

m o r e lik e ly

life a ls o .

knows lets of

in a s u b s c r ip tio n .

fellow th e opportunity a fte r

gre­

c o p ie s. hum an n a tu r e fe su ch

b r ie f m e n t i o n

that

d? you are t h e

RFD e v e n t

or

girt

S u b s c r ip tio n ,

benef

A d r a m a t ic w a g o f b r in g in g a t t e n t io n

dor a friend

a n i r e v e n u e s t o RFD is to

who

fo rm a n c e , d i n n e r , o r

sU ge a

a c t iv it y o n

per­ b e h a lf

of the j o u r n a l %O fiank goo ttuppet Riace in Chic«5>go •for a b e a u ti u! b h is th e

cam p U

d y n a m ic su p p o rt. le tte r

t u r b lu e r

on

paq c 2.

d e ta ils J

or Sec to r

s te r n s r ip e

for our message, but needs the extra nudge to get his feet wet We will send a greeting card Announcing the gift subscription with your p e rs o n a l m essage Written inside.


Rst a notice advertising RfU

A fla c r e a d i n g

these

pages, remove: this omitrMd dnd cut out the ads. Then post them on Local bulletin boards and places where the potentaal ^FP et rmgVi Visit, /bo can. ^produce the paces in <juanhty ij you know lots of places to fiang tine messages *

+

*

*

*

+

+

+

+

+

® A COUNTRY JOURNAL ® FOR GAY M E N EV E R Y W H E R E

+

Tjtnc are Some voays to help produce d quality journal: RFD is in desperate need of original graphics. One O ) of the jeahires of the early issues which gaue Them SPRING. SUMMER. FALL. 8, WINTER character and personality m s the ■ * 300 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E wonderful graphics created especially 8 . 5 0 R E G U L A R SUBSCRIPTIONUYR) Jhr the journal. /A couple are r e ­ J Z O O iN lT H F I R S T C L A S S M A IL IN G used *n these ads. and other pages f R o u te 1, B a r 127-E $ B a te r s v ille , N£. $ 2 8 7 0 5 ® in this magazine Zinjortunatelg none of us here are capable of this caliber oj creativity. In jact, lay out is ojten impeded by a search for any picture which would add interest To the page. Graphics are n&st useful which are 3", d%\ or 10* wide and not exceeding 1d%n m height. Shese are reduced to TO% of size in the printed magazine. 7Tuz^ must be black and white. Drawings oj fairies, people, dues, flowers, jyrmsbeads, gatherings, and. tanlas res would be telpjul. %>«)pTia.te cartoons would be great. We could abo use many smaller drawings and designs (3" wide by ^ to IV lujh) to separate printed items, 35 Contact dtiers, pfisemer otters, media and flews dnnouncemm^ SPRING. SUMMER. I ALL. 8 WINTER etc. It1 xjou^ really want a challenge * 3 0 0 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E we’d aba tijcc to have several sW 8 . 5 0 R E G U L A R S U B SC R IP T IO N (I ) hj rovers in case a -eatuce epup 1 2 . 0 0 WITH F I R S T C L A S S M A IL IN G runs into 0 problem designing a cnvrr.

® A COUNTRY JOURNAL FOR CAY M E N E V E R Y W H E R E

v Route 1. Bar

127-E

YR

tBahersvilh EC


COUNTRY

® A COUNTRY JOURNAL ® FOR GAY M E N EV E R Y W H E R E

LOVERS

A COUNTRY JOURNAL FOR GAY M E N E V E R Y W H E R E SPRING, SUM M ER. FALL, & W IN TER STKINi.. SUMMLR.

> 3 .0 0 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E 8 . 5 0 R E G U L A R S U B S C R I P T im a r S I I Z .O O M T H T I R S T C L A S S MAILING

& WINTIR

A 3 .0 0 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E 8. 5 0 r e g u l a r s u b s c r i p t i o n u r R ) v Route

12.0

0

WITH FIRST CLASS MAILING

1, Baxr 127-E

f

Bahersvltte. IIC.

f 28705 V

y

Route J, B o v IZ7-E

& B ahersv flle,

NjC.

$

28705 $


COUNTRY

® A COUNTRY JOURNAL ® FOR GAY M E N EV E R Y W H E R E

LOVERS

A COUNTRY JOURNAL FOR GAY M E N E V E R Y W H E R E SPRING, SUM M ER. FALL, & W IN TER STKINi.. SUMMLR.

> 3 .0 0 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E 8 . 5 0 R E G U L A R S U B S C R I P T im a r S I I Z .O O M T H T I R S T C L A S S MAILING

& WINTIR

A 3 .0 0 S A M P L E COPY L A T E S T I S S U E 8. 5 0 r e g u l a r s u b s c r i p t i o n u r R ) v Route

12.0

0

WITH FIRST CLASS MAILING

1, Baxr 127-E

f

Bahersvltte. IIC.

f 28705 V

y

Route J, B o v IZ7-E

& B ahersv flle,

NjC.

$

28705 $


Submit writings for publication. Take care to edit and rewrite your initial draft so that It is dear,concise, and says just what you mean to say in the? style you intend. Insighfe observations, experiences, tv act Tons, ani expertise wActh well-deserve 6 haring, make the journal lively, intimate, and informative. V/z have always depended upon th e Contributions of readers and we Ye. cardmuaK y impressed with the material we receive:. When you take the time to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammadccat errors, the editors and tyoists could just kiss gcu. Tj you wart your work to appear only ij it rs left exactly as submitted, please say 50.

Hi

E d it a d e p a r t m e n t o f th e j o u r n a l .

c o n siste n t e ffo r t

M oreover, w e believe t ic ip a t io n

rea d y

have e d it o r s .

to

each

w ith

th a t

issu e ,

die

T h ere

are

sta n d a r d d e p a r tm e n ts

journdl

woo Id h e e n h a n c e d by ex.ten d m < g b r o th e r s.

th e n

pvt

the m a t e r ia l

in t h e f o r m

th e

S e v e r a l o f th e

These editors r e v ie w all su b m ission s p e r t a i n i n g

lectio n s fo r p u b lic a tio n , 3 n d

oj

U)e a re h a v in g d iffic u lty h a n d lin g a ll

a la r g e r n u m b er o f i n t e r e s t e d

w h ic h

a

th is Work. here. input a n d

p ar­

d e p a r tm e n ts

a l­

to t h e i r d e p a r t m e n t ,

it will a p p e a r in

require

th e

m ake s e ­ m a g a z in e .

Ib ishopedand prayed by the Sunning VOater Collective, that: editors will also take on the hsk oj typing die material {or layout, (typing up to CO pages of magazine rack issue is rapidly burning out "the two people who can type here.) The jol/owing dreas need editors: 1. Contact betters, /III contact ielters are printed, bub there rs still much work tin volvecl on get) ing t h e m -rea d y fio r layout. 2. brothers Behind Bars. Several editors may be needed here. See page35 tor a

ma-oe detailed explanation ok the task. 3. Articles and submissions pertaining to oatherings. This would include all extended accounts cf gatherings anil shorter -reaction letters.

Articles pertaining t o homestead kmJledge. 7his could be divided up into specialties uu allow editors to work in a r m s o j personal e x p e r tis e . ( \z . gardening, animal husbandry, c o n s ir v c t ib n techniques, etc.) 5. Articles pertaining u> <spiTitua.ti.ly and philosophy.

0.

7.

Articles about home-remedies Those and fiction. Thi» would mclude

all creative writing which is n o t c l a s s i f i e d as poetry 3. $oob feevfcvjs. Ijere again acv’eral editors in special areas of expertise mi■ # <* useful.

(HfD gets books to TCvLcvV as well asreviews submitted by red d en s.') T. Kitchen Queen 10. Hcjdes and interviews. W e d [iko. t o start spotlighting some of the jis cmating people in the B, community. This particular editing gob may Tfcqutre creating examples of the material and style. Fortner ideas and input you may want to contribute will b <2 a p p r e c ia te d . A ll materia! will continue to bt sub mi tied Id the %FD address. I t will then be sorted, and semi b department editors and feature groups. ?ig&S£ volunteer if you have the enterefe dnd can free the feme hofeneet Jour deadlines a year. <r?

(Lb

100% NATURAL


I n t h i s m u s i c s e c t i o n we w a n t t o t e l l HERE I S a GREAT EXCITEMENT s u r r o u n d i n g y o u a b o u t some o f t h e s e a r t i s t s . We h o p e y o u t h e g ro w in g gay c u l t u r e and i t s n e t ­ w i l l t a k e a n i n t e r e s t i n some o f t h e m . M o s t e v ­ w o r k i n g . The a i r v i b r a t e s a n d s h i m m e r s e r y t h i n g we h a v e h e a r d h a s b e e n s u p e r b . We w i t h a f r e s h new e n e r g y ; e s p e c i a l l y o f f e r a b r o a d s p e c t r u m o f a v a i l a b l e m u s i c ; some w i t h new g r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p e m e n t i n m e n ' s c u l t u r e . T h e r e a o p e a r s t o b e a n i n c r e a si ­s f a e r i e - l i k e , s ome l e s s s o . M o a t a l l o f t h e s e m u s i c i a n s a r e in l a r g e c i t i e s where t h e r e i s a i n g nu mber o f i n v o l v e d and e n l i g h t e n e d men g r e a t d e a l o f o t h e r a c t i v i t y g o i n g o n . Gay s u r f a c i n g . Taking a look a t the music produced m a r c h i n g b a n d s and c h o r u s e s a r e s p r i n g i n g up by g a y s g i v e s p r o o f o f o u r g r o w t h . and p e r f o r m i n g a r o u n d t h e c o u n t r y . T h i s t y p e o f a c t i v i t y p r o v i d e r a n i n v a l u a b l e and v i s i b l e "Our l o n g t e r m s u r v i v a l a s a s p e c i e s and a s a f a e r i e - o e o p l e r e q u i r e s t h a t we m a n i f e s t f a c e f o r t h e gay community. I t a l s o p r o v i d e s c r e a tiv e a l t e r n a t i v e s to stra ig h tm an econot h e o p p o r t u n i t y f o r t h e i n v o lv e m e n t , of a l a r g e mi c / s o c i a l / r e l i g i o u s f a l s e - s e l f s y s t e m s . number o f p e o p l e i n a p e r s o n a l l y s a t i s f y i n g T h i s w i l l come t h r o u g h m o n t h s a n d y e a r s o f a c t i v i t y . T h e r e a r e men s u c h a s Roy B a r b e r c o l l e c t i v e an d c ommunal f a e r i e - l i f e . O ur s i n g i n g g a y s o n g s i n c o f f e e h o u s e s , c l u b s , and c u l t u r e w i l l e v o l v e s p o n t a n e o u s l y a s we make f e s t i v a l s . There a re people l i k e P e t e r Burk­ m u s i c , b u i l d d w e l l i n g s , a n d make l o v e . O u r h o ld er w ritin g songs f o r our g a th e rin g s . c o m p l e t e s u c c e s s w i l l n o t be i m m e d i a t e , b u t we b e g i n NOV/.' " E ASK YOU TO TAKE A LOOK a t t h e o f f e r ­ i n g s . We i n v i t e y o u r a p p r e c i a t i o n a n d T h i s a p r o p o s o u o t e f r o m M i l o (RFC 2 5 ) t h u s , s u p p o r t . We d o n o t m e a n t o m i s ­ c o n t a i n s a r e f e r e n c e t o o u r f a e r i e c u l t u r e . One le a d you; t h i n g s a re o nly j u s t b e g in ­ i s b e g in n in g to see r e f e r e n c e s to our c u lt u r e n i n g . We h a v e a l o n g way t o g o t o w a r d s m entioned w ith g r e a t e r fre q u e n c y . Faeridom i s s u c c e s s . Many o f t h e s e m u s i c i a n s a r e s t r u g ­ new t o me. I h a v e b e e n s o me h o w o b l i v i o u s t o_ g l i n g . They need o u r f i n a n c i a l a s w ell a s o u r f a e r i e s a s a p e o p l e w i t h a c u l t u r e . Rut i t m oral s u p p o r t . P r o d u c i n g r e c o r d s i s an e x p e n ­ there. And g r o w i n g . l o o k i n g b a c k i t i s e a s y t o s i v e p r o c e s s . I t i n a n e x p e n s e we c a n h e I p see t h a t o u r c u l t u r a l a s p e c t s have been growing them t o m ee t. a n d e v o l v i n g , j u s t a s we h a v e . We h a v e d r a w n Being a gay m u sic ia n d o e s n o t e x a c t l y f r o m o l d e r r e l i g i o n s a n d n e w e r m o v e m e n t s . We w i n o n e n a t i o n a l a c c l a i m . We a l l t o o f r e q u e n t ­ have been i m i t a t i n g th e s e so u rc es to d e term in e l y k now t h e o p p r e s s i o n s w h i c h k e e p e v e n s u c ­ o u r d i r e c t i o n and i d e n t i t y , b u t o u t o f a l l t h i f c e s s f u l m u s ic ia n s from bein g open a b o u t t h e i r o u r own c u l t u r e i s b e g i n n i n g t o e m e r g e ; r i s i n g g a y n e s s . K n o w i n g t h i s , we f u r t h e r know we n e e d upw ar d and o u t w a r d . I t i s u n i q u e l y o u r own. Our t o p r o v i d e m o r a l s u p p o r t f o r t h o s e who c h o o s e m usic r e f l e c t s an e x p a n d i n g gay c o n s c i o u s n e s s . t o be o p e n . M u s i c h a s b e e n v e r y much a p a r t o f o u r T h i n k a b o u t t h e s e men m a k i n g t o u r s . m o v e m e n t f r o m t h e b e g i n n i n g . A n y o n e who h a s C o n s i d e r s h o w i n g y o u r s u p p o r t by b r i n g i n g t h e m b e e n t o t h e g a t h e r i n g s k n o w s how i n t e g r a l m u s i c to p la y in your comm unities. Attend t h e i r con­ i s i n o u r a c t i v i t i e s . T h e s i n g i n g . an d c h a n t i n g c e r t s . P u r c h a s e a l b u m s . Make d o n a t i o n s . b i n d s and s t r e n g t h e n s u s a s t h e c i r c l e d o e s . Go s e e t h e s e f o l k s o n o n e o f t h o s e B u t w h a t a j o y t o s e e we a r e p r o d u c i n g o u r own t r i p s t o town. Or l e a r n from t h e i r e xam ples. songs! P ro d u c in g music which speaks of our c u l ­ Fo r m y o u r own g r o u p s . Make y o u r own m u s i c a n d tu re , records our h isto ry , t e l l s of our praise, i n s t r u m e n t s . G e t t o g e t h e r a n d p r e p a r e en >. o r j o y , and l o v e . S e e i n g a s o n g l i k e "The C h a n t ta in m e n t ( c l a y s , songs, s k i t s ) to b r i n g to the from t h e H i l l " a p p e a r a s m a g i c a l l y a s i t d id g a t h e r i n g s and s h a r e w i t h u s . T h r o u g h a l l t h e ( s e e P e t e r ' s s t o r y and so n g ) i s a t e s t i m o n y to d i f f e r e n t channels 1 is te d -e v e ry o n e should find the f e r t i l i t y of our unique c u ltu re . a p a t h l e a d i n g t o some i n v o l v e m e n t , w h e t h e r a p ­ p re c ia tiv e l i s t e n e r or inspired producer. HERE ARE A NUMBER OF MEN s i n g i n g e n ­ Y'e owe a l o t t o women i n o u r d e v e l o p ­ l i g h t e n e d m u s i c . C h a r l i e Murphy, B l a c k m e n t . T h e y h a v e b l a z e d a way a h e a d o f u s w i t h b e r r i , C h r i s T a n n e r , Tom R o b i n s o n , a n d . t h e i r g r e a t s t r e n g t h . We h a v e a d m i r e d t h e i r i n o t h e r s l i k e them a r e s i n g i n g s o n g s s p ir in p m usicians fo r a long tim e. 1 c o u n t e r i n g s e x i s m , r a c i s m , and e n v i r o n ­ have admired t h e i r netw o rk in g which c r i s s ­ m e n t a l d e s t r u c t i o n ; s o n g s w i t h r e v e r e n c e f o r c r o s s e s t h i s c o u n t r y . I t c r o s s e d mv s m a l 1 t o w n women a n d o u r m o t h e r - o u r e a r t h ; s o n g s o f g r e a t i n t h e form o f B ark S t a r P r o d u c t io n : ? , b r i n g i n g s t r u g g l e s a n d s o n g s o f p; r e s i t l o v e * B e c a u s e o f s w e e t w o m e n ' s m u s i c t o o u r e a r s . May o u r g r o w ­ t h e p a r t i c u l a r v a l u e o f t h e i r i n s i g h t s and t h e i n g n e t w o r k d o t h e s a me f o r me n . m e s s a g e s t h e y d e l i v e r , we h a v e e m p h a s i z e d t h e s e I n t h e n e x t f e w p a g e s we o f f e r t h e men i n o u r i s s u e . O u r m u s i c i a n s a r e t o u r i n g a n d w o r d s o f t h e a r t i s t s - t h e m s e l v e s . L ook a t t h e m . s i n g i n g f o r u s . They a r e p r o d u c i n g p r i c e l e s s You may n o t i c e t h e i r t h o u g h t s a n d w i s h e s o f t e n a l b u m s . We h a v e a l o t t o b e p r o u d o f w i t h t h e s e r e f l e c t y o u r own. beginnings. We a r e a l i v e a n d f e r t i l e a n d r e a l .

T

W

T

^7


Sometimes i t g e t s t o o h a r d t o f e e l a l l t h e jo y I n t h e f a c e o f a l l t h e p a i n we s e e But t h e r e ' s a h e a l i n g p l a c e w i t h i n o u r h e a r t s I t ' s c o m i n g a l i v e i n y o u a n d me T h ere's Leading T h ere's C alling

a gay s p i r i t s i n g i n g i n o u r h e a r t s us through th e s e tro u b le d tim es a gay s p i r i t moving 'r o u n d t h i s l a n d u s t o a t im e o f open l o v e from

"Gay S p i r i t "

b y C h a r l i e Mu r p h y

Q e t O u ttjO UT

'R.auiboo Colors Alake- if / u i C o ^ v t r ^ a ^ ,_ , 1

/

C h d rlcL M v)

P e fc r 'B u r k W ,

£ C h a r l i e Murphy i s a f a g g o t c u l t u r a l w o r k e r , a s in g e r /s o n g w r i te r working w ith o t h e r s to b u ild a new h e a l i n g c u l t u r e f o r me n . He l i v e s i n S e a ttle , g ives co n certs a l l acro ss the c o n tin ­ e n t , and i s a b o u t t o b r i n g o u t a r e c o r d o f h i s m u s i c w i t h a c u l t u r a l c o l l e c t i v e , Good F a i r y Productions. He i s a l s o a n i n s p i r a t i o n , a l i v ­ ing beacon o f f a i r y power. He p l a y e d i n C h i c a g o t wo y e a r s a g o , a n d I w e n t o n t h e r e c o m m e n d a t i o n of a friend. T h a t c o n c e r t c h a n g e d my l i f e , a s f o r the f i r s t time I u n d e rsto o d th e i n c r e d i b l e t r a n s f o r m i n g power f o r change m u sic can h a v e . CHARLIE: My m a i n i n t e r e s t i n l i f e i s w o r k i n g t o b r i n g a b o u t c h a n g e , and I l o v e t o s i n g and w r i t e m u s i c and s h a r e i t . I'm d o in g b o th , which m a k e s t h i s w o r k t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l t h i n g f o r me to do. As f a g g o t s , we h a v e a l o t t o b r i n g t o b u i l d i n g a new h e a l i n g c u l t u r e . One o f t h e t h i n g s t h a t e x c i t e s me a n d I c h a l l e n g e m y s e l f t o d o i s s i n g i n g t o p e o p l e who a r e v e r y d i f f e r e n t and f i n d i n g t h e b a s i s o f u n i t y - j o i n i n g t o g e t h ­

e r to p r o t e c t the e a rth . I ' v e sung a t community c o l l e g e s , f o r p e o p l e whose l i v e s a r e v e r y d i f ­ f e r e n t from m in e, and t h e r e s p o n s e h a s b e en f a n ­ tastic. I'm n o t i n t o "form ing r a n k s " w ith any group, n o r i n t o f a l s e h e a l i n g which i g n o r e s th e differences. I can o n l y sp e a k t h e t r u t h a s I know i t a n d h o p e my m u s i c c a n h e a l s p l i t s b e ­ tween us a s i t h e a l s i n d i v i d u a l s . PETER: In o u r phone c o n v e r s a t i o n s f o r t h i s i n t e r v i e w , C h a r l i e s p o k e o f how h e b e g a n t o s e e t h e h e a l i n g power o f m usic f o r h i m s e l f . CHARLIE: L i v i n g a l o n e i n V i r g i n i a a few y e a r s a g o , s o n g s s t a r t e d c o m i n g t o me. I was coming o u t , I had gobs o f t i m e , and I was g e t t i n g i n t o u c h w i t h t h e d e e p e r l e v e l s o f my c r e a t i v i t y . S o m e t h i n g c h a n g e d , t o o , i n my r e l a t i o n s h i p t o m yself. I began t o b e l i e v e i n m y s e lf , i n what I could do. I s a w m u s i c a s a way t o h e a l my­ s e l f , and t h e n a s I s t a r t e d t o p e r f o r m I saw i t h a v i n g an e f f e c t on o t h e r s . I began to b e lie v e i n t h e p o w e r o f m u s i c t o weave i n b e h i n d p e o ­ p le 's id eo lo g ica l blocks. PETER: The c o n c e r t t h a t c o ld F e b r u a r y n i g h t i n C h i c a g o h a d t h a t e f f e c t o n me. I found the b e a u t y o f ^ b ^ r l i e ' a m u s i c n o t o n l y s u p p o r t i n g my own g a y l i b e r a t i o n - i n t h e s o n g s I a l r e a d y " a g r e e d w i t h " - b u t a l s o c h a l l e n g i n g my a p a t h y on a w i d e r a n g e o f i s s u e s . CHARLIE: I w a n t t o e n c o u r a g e and c h a l l e n g e p e o ­ p l e t o t a k e w h a t e v e r t h e n e x t s t e p i s f o r them in o r g a n i z i n g t h e i r l i v e s around making change. I a l s o want t o h o l d up t o p e o p l e t h e r e a l i t y o f the p lan e tary c r i s i s t h a t we f a c e , c h a l l e n g i n g them t o f e e l t h e i r d e s p a i r i n o r d e r t o c la i m t h e power o f t h a t c o m p a s s io n , r a t h e r t h a n numbing out in the face of the p la n e ta ry c r i s i s . PETER: He d o e s t h a t , t o o . Last A pril, I f e lt s t r e n g t h e n e d wh e n I a d m i t t e d my d e s p a i r a b o u t th e r i s e o f m i l i t a r i s m i n t h e world and C h a r l i e t o l d me t o go a h e a d a n d f e e l i t a l l b e c a u s e ray mood w a s p a r t o f t h e e a r t h ' s h e a l i n g p r o c e s s , a n d I w o u l d b e j o y f u l a g a i n wh e n i t w a s t i m e . He w a s r i g h t . C h a r l i e ' s s o n g s o p e n e d t h e way f o r me t o s t a r t u s i n g my own m u s i c w i t h n e w p u r ­ p o s e , ^a b a n d o n i n g t h e s t e r i l e a c a d e m i c " m o d e r n m u s i c ' w o rld I had t r a i n e d i n and l e a r n i n g a g a i n t h e power o f s i m p l i c i t y and d i r e c t n e s s . By t h e t i m e I saw my n e x t C h a r l i e M u r p h y c o n c e r t , I wa s w o r k i n g o n my f i r s t F a i r y S o n g , l e a r n i n g t o s e e t h e c o n n e c t e d n e s s b e t w e e n my l i f e , my s p i r i t u a l ­ i t y . ray p o l i t i c s , a n d my m u s i c . C h arlie has c o n t i n u e d t o g i v e me s u p p o r t , t h r o u g h h i s m u s i c a n d now t h r o u g h h i s f r i e n d s h i p . R ecently, h e 's b e e n e n c o u r a g i n g me t o p e r f o r m , a n d h i s e n e r g y h e l p s me o v e r c o m e t h e f e e l i n g s o f i n a a e o u a c v I ' v e been t a u g h t . CHARLIE.: A fte r g e ttin g s ta r te d perform ing fo r - r i e n d s a n d a t a l o c a l r e s t a u r a n t , I wa s i n ­ v i te d to j o in th e W alls to Roses C o l l e c t i v e , (which produced one o f t h e f i r s t r e c o r d s o f


X .

a n t i - s e x i s t m e n ’ s m u s i c , F o l k w a y s FTS 5 / 5 8 / ) , p l a y e d a t a m e n ’s c o n f e r e n c e , t h e n t o u r e d , and i t j u s t s p r e a d by word o f m o u t h . Now I ’ m i n S e a t t l e w o r k i n g w i t h Good F a i r y P r o d u c t i o n s . Our e n e rg y i s r e a l l y h i g h . W hat’s n e a t about t h i s support group is t h a t ev ery o n e's in i t f o r t h e i r own r e a s o n s . I t 's not just " le t's h e l p C h a r l i e " ; t h e y ' r e f i n d i n g good work f o r t h e m s e l v e s , e a c h c o m m i t t e d i n a l o n g - t e r m way to get t h is a cro ss. PETER: C h a r l i e r e c o r d e d h i s new a l b u m l a t e i n the f a l l in N ash v ille. Re c o - o r o d u c e d i t w i t h G e o f M o r g a n , who h a s h i s own f i r s t a l b u m o u t , a v a i l a b l e b y m a i l ( Bo x 1 2 0 8 7 5 , N a s h v i l l e , TN 37212). The r e c o r d i n g s e s s i o n was "a n e v e n t and r i t u a l i n i t s e l f " , w i t h f r i e n d s f l y i n g i n from a l l o v e r . The r e l e a s e d a t e i s so m e ti m e i n e a r l y s o r i n g ; by t h e t i m e t h i s i s p u b l i s h e d , C h a r l i e h o p e s t o be c a r r y i n g i t w i t h him a s he tours. As I w r i t e t h i s i n F e b r u a r y , Good F a i r y P r o d u c t i o n s i s s t i l l i n n e e d o f mo n e y f o r p r e s ­ s i n g and p a c k a g i n g and i s l o o k i n g f o r p e o p l e t o h e l p d i s t r i b u t e t h e r e c o r d when i t comes o u t . F a i r i e s c a n h e l p w i t h l o a n s o r g i f t s t o GFP, P . 0 . Box 1 2 1 8 8 , B r o a d w a y S t a . , S e a t t l e , WA 98102. Good F a i r y c a n a l s o p r o v i d e a l o t o f h e l p f o r t h o s e who w o u l d l i k e t o p l a n a c o n ­ c e r t , i n c l u d i n g p r o m o t i o n a l i d e a s and m a t e r i a l help. I f y o u h a v e n ' t b e e n t o a C h a r l i e Mu r p h y c o n c e r t, y o u 'r e r e a l l y m is sin g something! So g e t t o i t i f he comes n e a r b y , o r p l a n one y o u r selV6 S0 T h e f i r s t s i d e o f t h e r e c o r d w i l l h a v e " Gav S p i r i t " , "Double l o v e " ( " I k i s s a l l t h e p l a c e s where p l e a s u r e h i d e s " ) , " U n d e r C a p r i c o r n " ( " o u r h a n d s a r e h o l y f i v e - p o i n t e d s t a r s " ) , " D e a r Men" ( " l a y y o u r arm o r down, l e t y o u r s o f t n e s s f l o w " ) , and " M o th e r O c e a n " . S i d e two: "V o ices from th e M o u n t a i n s " ( a p o l i t i c a l s t r u g g l e s o n g ) , "The H e a l i n g Song" ( a b o u t m usic a s a h e a l i n g f o r c e ) , a n d t h e s o n g a b o u t t h e b u r n i n g t i m e s a n d now ( " t h e E a r t h i s a w i t c h a n d t h e men s t i l l b u r n h e r " ) , which i n c l u d e s th e Goddess ch an t ( " I s i s A s ta r te Diana H ecate Demeter K ali In a n a " ). CHARLIE: The whole album i s a b o u t r e v i v a l , tra n s fo rm a tio n , n o l i t c a l r e a l i t y , people jo in in g together. Our u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f r e v o l u t i o n o f t e n is re a l shallow . I hope t h i s opens up p e o p le to a l l t h e l e v e l s , from t h e m ythic to everyday reality. Oppression o p e rates in s id e us. We f i g h t i t by c e l e b r a t i n g gay l o v e a s h e a l i n g force.

p o litc a l auestions. How do we , a s A m e r i c a n s , fig h t im perialism ? I t r y to r a i s e s p e c i f i c i s s u e s a b o u t how we u s e o u r h u m a n e n e r g y a n d how we o r g a n i s e o u r l i v e s c o l l e c t i v e l y . We n e e d t o a l l o w t h e s p i r i t u a l b a c k i n t o o u r l i v e s and n o t c o n f u s e i t w i t h c h u r c h d o g m a . .P e o ­ p l e h e a r my s o n g s o f t h e G o d d e s s o r t h e H o r n e d One a n d t h e y t h i n k t h e y ' r e g o i n g b a c k w a r d s . I'm not t r y i n g to g e t people to worship t h i s o r t h a t i m a g e , b u t t o c r e a t e t o g e t h e r i m a g e s w h e r e we f o c u s and d i r e c t o u r p s y c h i c power a s humans. I l o v e s h a r i n g my c r e a t i v i t y , my l o v e o f l i f e , a n d s t i m u l a t i n g p e o p l e t.o t h i n k a b o u t their lives. I ' v e met i n c r e d i b l e p e o p le e v e r y ­ w h e r e a s I ' v e t r a v e l e d , a n d t h e r e w i l l !•< mor< popping up. The t i m e is r i ; • . o f t h e w o r d s o f a n o l d I n d i a n c h i e f , who r a i d , "You w h o s e d a y i t i s , g e t o u t y o u r r a i n b o w c o l ­ o r s a n d make i t ' b e a u t i f u l .

Good fairy productions, <i cultural collective

PO Box 12188, Broadway Sta., Seattle, WA 98102

The c u r r e n t d i s t i n c t i o n b e t w e e n p o l i t c a l and s p i r i t u a l m a k e s n o s e n s e t o me. P olitics is a way o f s e e i n g a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e w o r l d , d e ­ v e l o p i n g o u r c o n s c i o u s n e s s s , and a c t i v a t i n g o u r l i v e s , a n d h a s t o do w i t h d e e p l y h e l d b e l i e f s and v a l u e s . V/hat c o u l d b e m o r e s p i r i t u a l ? At t h e s a me t i m e , I w a n t t o f a c e t h e h a r d

'

' , '

p h o t o b y Jim G ray C o l l e c t i v e m em bers l e f t t o r i g h t : G e o f f , C h a r l i e , and j e r a h on a S e a t t l e c u r b .

39

C h r is ,


sin c e I was f i v e . A fte r /e a r s o f com position le s s o n s intended to bend my so u l in to conforming with the agony and e li t i s m o f modern c l a s s i c a l m usic, I found th a t I d id n 't want to be a composer, I wanted to w rite music and share i t with my f r ie n d s . Hearing co n c er ts by C h arlie Murphy and H olly Near opened new worlds fo r me, and I found the songs I was w r itin g grow­ in g in purpose. A fte r the N ation al March an Washington fo r Lesbian and Gay R ights in October, 1979, I came home and wrote the chorus o f t h i s song, e x p r e ssin g my f e e lin g s o f u n ity and jo y in fin d in g my t r ib e . But the words to the v e r s e s w ouldn't come, although the music was tak in g shape. At the end o f the month, I saw C h arlie Murphy perform ing again in Milwaukee, a t the 6th N ation al Con­ feren ce on Men and M a scu lin ity . Through h is music and the j o y f u l l i v e s o f the fa g g o ts and f a i r i e s who a tten d ed , I was stren gthened in my f a ir y n atu re, and the words came pouring o u t. Music i s an overwhelming fo r ce in my l i f e , a s i s my growing f a ir y id e n t it y . Without the example o f C h arlie and a l l the oth er f a i r i e s and Maggots I'v e met in the l a s t two y e a r s , I could never have in te g r a te d them a s I am now learn in g to do. When I shared t h i s 3ong with other dancers and music-makers a t the Fairy Gathering t h i s August, I f e l t th a t my music had tr u ly found i t s p lace and i t 3 purpose.

tf/AyW/e/"

cJPe

October 19"??

y* vM s ty t t y O /~ j

t)}C

A fa iry harp h a n g s in the w ood P layed by e v e r y b r e e z e ,

50

j t]it cj/tji j

i4 a

oj Icrc^,.

^

sty , "fo

cJiofUJ


Y t iritt h tjit

M

v /$

f/iiju j

^ J 3 ot5 j ° T

f a

t

l] i

i

f)iy t} i7 n

o j

Io

yl

i m jW

j,

f r t y t y j y r f t our

liri}i<( °vyltYt^ <?5 ir tjijio is ^ tjie. Go(c(e < S v t y t ) U) to.

Y t

W ill

>

t j i t

C iu y jij M k ffr

ccltfr'jrlte

th e

#

f a

i p

JM

*

h

ljl

r ^ t o j r i ) 1^ t)ic t i f t ) 1 ,

/ ^.J

ir i tk

TS ■,% , y / L - «/V

jW

^

J) iM t k

V e W ll

^

< ln /\

O v ZfV r >

t ir t k f y jy f ',\ V v ^ w t h

cjiw / K

# cW ?

t %}{£• .

v

..

JJ J>«r r*< < * j ^ e to >l*J *' t» cu^k« rw-j, -ip «jt» &t. »tt tt^e hW ,

j>iino ve/-ffop- ivilh jdt'j)'0*' f81? 5*

^

CW^o, 8061j

51


Jetep Buphold* I |e G

t;

J

m

This chant has a little story behind it: The second night of the Fairy Gathering, after the Kali ritual, I walked slowly back to my tent, guided only by my inner light and the stars. I came to an open place, and sang to the trees and the hill3 and the 3tars a song I wrote in July which I wrote and sang in a state of ecstasy. The next morning, I went out to meditate at the fish pole, and heard the 3ong reverberating, as if being sung to me by the hills and the trees. It was only then that I realized that was the place I had 3uag the night before, and the place was giving me back my song.

A u g u s t , 1180

*le H^l

The following morning, I had a very similar experience while medi­ tating - a song reverberating in my head, coming from the hills - but I didn't recognize the time. I went over and over it in my head and found words to fit it, and when I was done meditating wrote it all down. I was so sure it had come from the place around me that I thought someone else must have planted it there. I found Peter, who had facil­ itated a moon ritual in that place the night before, and asked if they had used'that chant. No, but he loved it - and so did the other fairies I shared it with that morn­ ing and at the dinner circle that F

-

i faipy

SI

evening. I n s t e ad of t ak i ng q ua rt z from t he mount ai n, a s t he f a i r y David recommened, I t o o k t h i s c h a n t a s a t a n g i b l e c o n n e c t i on t o t h e Ga t h e r i n g and t h e h e a l i n g power of our community t h e r e - and I f e l t i t t o be no l e s s a p a r t o f t he e a r t h t ha n t he q u a r t z . F i n a l l y , I have u n d e r s t o o d t h e Na t i v e American ( B l a c k f o o t , among o t h e r s ) t r a d i t i o n of goi ng i n t o t h e w i l d e r n e s s and r e c e i v i n g a v i s i o n , and a song. The v e r s e s a r e a c o n t r i b u t i o n from t he mount ai ns o f B r i t i s h Colum­ b i a , where I s p e n t t h e f o l l o w i n g week. The c h a n t s t a n d s n i c e l y a l o n e , b u t t he v e r s e s e x p r e s s seme of my p e r s o n a l e x p e r i e n c e of t h e Fh i r y G a t h e r i n g .

epe

G

n

E,si h h \-f j - j h || ±r.j~ir J ■t_ .yl l f.J r—jj

faip^Voocf,

j'aij-vj sijir} & tells Z bfot^ep^oocf,

fairy

Eart{|, Siirj £ npoorjSpiirj vl|ic(p jiv e

V e fse s C nyi

Eb "t«j

l4S 1)1ft

Rbn;aj

£ s m Tfe larjcf invitesohp feet. Ve sloyly <(aqce to tfpe

&

¥

of t(|e

Tfc leaves & jpasses sirg. Oljp voices tlerpcT, £ ©up- dparptiry fills tlpe G ‘yeiq

. 1 «

11

I

1I

to cfpaqt

love.

3.

j h i r y ty'ii,

^Ak> *v*j

m

p

f.

j* 'n

fa ir s v ° ° ^

Gt «v*j

¥ Voodf.

F n.W

sUl$ ii\ stillness sff^e.Ve eqtep j^eace arpcT toiicfy silence Pb

^

iessifgs

C n»n " "

jZ P

°j*a

r u b ,

i

■k f

(^oVep as otip boefies slpape oVJf 1180 V* Petef BurkHolcfcr tjie i]~c f/-*c to )lp.a I t

tljc c^tjt Ts aljo hue aloi^e,

f l

J '

\-Z ±

to cljJfjt

sfipit £ ©upl e, Ipealiijcj |oVe—. iju jti/n t,

tjic yh / / j i / i j

is lovtlj a cijpclld

v^ole

51

)vy


B l a c k b e r r i p r e s e n t s a p o l i s h e d so u n d w h ic h e x ­ p o s e s h i s t a l e n t s a s a l y r i c i s t and s o n g w r i t e r . He h a s a g o o d m ix o f q u a l i f i e d m u s i c i a n s and s in g e r s in v o lv e d in th e p r o d u c tio n . T h i s alb u m p r o v id e s a f u l l a r ra y o f h i s s t y l e s . T he s o n g s r a n g e from a c o u p l e n i c e c o u n t r y w e s t e r n t u n e s t o a s l o w e r s o n g a b o u t b e i n g a l o n e c a l l e d "Re­ t u r n t o t h e R e a s o n ." T h is so n g i s a l l s t r i n g s .

X T 'S O K A Y X

E r R OJV//V' A S

RECAEREBER

A C H U £>

X HAD A C H /cb H jcD L o u E R .

A a/D LIK E r t* jc 730/5 W i l l OEYEcU DO (a/ 5 c l o N G - c l o s e r t o e a c h o t h e r . r W 4 S SU G H T L Y X T L O *>, X w o rJ D C R lE H E 'D ACUE SAEa /ouU, L I K E W E T>i £> E a c h QTUErP T /J EW, C A H 'T V o o SEE)

XT'S GooD FoR aaE) <sOoQ

aa£

x v s o K ' v e a H , y e a h . H 6 y ~ X T 's Q K ; L E T u S C-RoW IAJO u /? W A Y S T o G CTHER X T SOAT

AS 1 QK e

w

/htq

Teens,

lay

A A Y /o \y c -/? € w F o R TH*S G u y

To g e t h e r WE Wauee D Dahl) fn Ham I)

AH O O oR LoV E

T xQ 'RE a

ch

TH E SK V

0 - v o , a )o , a J O T H £/R R / D i c u l E TOE'S TR o YE D 0 uR /~L r W ' T Y ^ e r r y s<xw H E s t a y e d h r o / ^ .a ^ E So ' P E o P L . E W O O / . D L E T U S . PcoPu c

i s t who l i v e s and p e r f o r m s i n S a n F r a n c i s c o . He came h e r e from T u c s o n w i t h a g r o u p c a l l e d B reeze. S in c e t h e d i s s o l u t i o n o f th e g r o u p , he h a s b e e n b u i l d i n g a s o l o e f f o r t . T h i s warm , s e n s i t i v e man e m p h a s iz e s t h a t he i s a l y r i c a l s o n g w r i t e r . He b e g a n w r i t i n g p o e t r y , - l a t e r m u s ic , w r i t i n g a b o u t g a y l o v e , b l a c k c u l t u r e and p o l i t i c a l i s s u e s a t o n c e r e ­ f l e c t i v e o f h i s s p i r i t u a l i t y and s o c i a l c o n s ­ c io u s n e s s . I d e n t i f y i n g p r o b le m s we f a c e , he c a l l s f o r e n l i g h t e n m e n t and c o n s c i o u s n e s s - r a i s ­ in g . I n T u c s o n ( 7 1 - 7 7 ) , he s t a r t e d w r i t i n g "up f r o n t " gay m usic. He h a d n o g a y p o e t s a n d m u s ­ i c i a n s to serv e as models. H i s r o o t s stem from b l u e s , g o s p e l and j a z z . B l a c k b e r r i p r i d e s him­ s e l f on t h e u n i q u e q u a l i t y and w ide v a r i e t y o f s t y l e s found in h i s m usic. T h e t wo s o n g s o n t h e W a l l s t o R o se s album r e f l e c t t h i s . "It is i m p o r t a n t f o r me "to b e a n o u t f r o n t g a y e n t e r ­ tainer. I n e e d t h a t s t a t e m e n t i n my m u s i c ; b u t a l l t h e m usic i s n o t gay aim ed. I d o n ’t want t o l i m i t my a u d i e n c e . " His audiences are l a r g e ­ l y g a y , and h e f e e l s h i s s t r o n g e s t s u p p o r t e r s a r e wo me n . „ , , P r o d u c i n g m u sic a s an o p e n ly gay m ale h a s p r o d u c e d many s t r u g g l e s w i t h s e e m i n g l y l i t t l e support a t tim es. B e i n g b l a c k h a s compounded t h i s d i f f i c u l t y . He h a s a t r a c e o f b i t t e r n e s s f o r t r e n d y g a y men w h o s e " h e r o e s a r e a l l h e t e r — s e x u a l w o m e n . " He f e e l s h e i s c o m p e t i n g w i t h t h e gay b a r s and t h e i r m u s i c . Gay c r i t i c s a r e o f t e n v e r y h a r d on male s i n g e r s ; " . . . t h e y t r a s h e d a n y g a y m a l e who t r i e d t o d o a n y t h i n g . He s e e s t h e n e e d f o r s u p p o r t . B l a c k b e r r i , h ow­ ever, w ill continue re g a rd le s s of the lack of gay s u p p o r t . A ta p e i s o f f e r e d th ro u g h Ravenhead w ith fiv e s e l e c ti o n s (June 1979). His music i s s t r o n g , b u t a t t i m e s s a d , d e e p and e m o t i o n a . . , as h is r i c h , bass v o cals c o n trib u te a unique soothing q u a lity . The s e l e c t i o n s a r e s o u l f u l and e x p r e s s i v e . He p r o v i d e s s u p e r b g u i t a r w o r k ; t h i s man a n d g u i t a r a r e c o m p l e t e . He h a s b e e n s t r u g g l i n g a l o n g t i m e t o g e t o u t h i s own a l b u m . F i n a l l y , t h e new a l b u m w i l l h o p e f u l l y b e r e l e a s e d i n J u n e f o r Gay P r i d e We e k . A taped preview o f s e l e c t i o n s f o r t h e a l b u m l e f t me s p e e c h l e s s . The q u a l i t y o i m u s i c and r e c o r d i n g w ere a l l t o o i m p r e s s i v e .

Hi o w n

d h q

C Z A H 'T y o u S E E

E

r

s t a h

— X T 'S

Ero JD

F jR / A C

ZT'S QK L E T

US G R O W

m O u R

Ia / A Y J

- W H A T E l/ E R

X T 'S OK, LX ~ T

U S

G R

o v o

'h

O

o

R

W A Y S

T O G ET H ER .

T H E Y E '«V?5 PASSED B y

TRETTY S oon 37 G/?E w OR To TSe A W TSo T n o r / coTh E R o u E SEcoSE.

x s earc hed aa/ sole £. pouHO THE

aW

_____

A/ovy, SoHEHow XFEKLT h a T x onGERSTAK,^

y e s ) X OnoERSTANti -AcuQ lT pECl-S S o Et K a HD. CA U ’T YOU S E E XT's E-oor, XT 'S o K-

G oob EoR/AE

LE T US G r o w i HOUR W a y s , EoR E uER

XT'S OR.

L E T US GRoxru l e i O u R W A Y S 7 77J i b ,

53

L . e r o s r o «


FRANK: Do y o u t h i n k t h a t " m e s s a g e m u s i c " i s out of fashion th ese days? CHRI S: No , I t h i n k t h a t a l o t o f d o g m a m u s i c is out of fashion. I mean r e a l l y d o g m a t i c p o ­ l i t i c a l , u p -a g a in st-th e -w a ll type, fu c k -c a p ita l­ ism m u s i c i s o u t o f f a s h i o n . F i r s t o f a l l you can h e a r t h o s e words and n o t u n d e r s t a n d what t h e y m o a n , a n d I t h i n k a l o t o f t h o s e w o r d s come o u t o f a book. T h e y d o n ' t come f r o m s o m e b o d y ’ s experience or f e e lin g s or whatever. I j u s t take f r o m my e x p e r i e n c e s o f l i v i n g a s a p o o r w o r k i n g p e r s o n and b e i n g q u e e r . Sometimes I'm a f r a i d t h a t I p u s h t o o f a r , t h a t a f e w o f my s o n g s a r e to o p o l i t i c a l , making i t h ard f o r p e o p le t o hoar. I s t a r t e d w r i t i n g s o n g s b e c a u s e I wanted to s i n g i n p u b l i c a s a way o f s a y i n g ' I s t h e r e a n y ­ b o d y e l s e o u t t h e r e who t h i n k s l i k e m e ? ' be­ c a u s e I f e l t r e a l l y good a b o u t t h e gay community and s t a r t e d t o f e e l s t r o n g a b o u t b e i n g a s i s s y b u t w a s n ' t g e t t i n g much s u p p o r t f r o m my o t h e r f r i e n d s - e v e n g a y f r i e n d s ; s o wh e n I w r o t e " S e n ­ s i t i v e l i t t l e B o y " i t wa s t o s a y ' I ' m a s i s s y , i s a n y b o d y e l s e ? ' So t h a t w a s t h e f i r s t t h i n g t h a t r e a l l y h a p p e n e d t o me m u s i c a l l y a n d I g o t a l o t o f good r e s p o n s e . Th en I s t a r t e d t o l o o k a t o t h e r p ro b le m s i n t h e community and t h e world and r e a l i s e d t h a t w h i l e t h e r e i s a c o m m un ity o u t t h e r e t h a t s u p p o r t s me b e i n g g a y , we a l s o h a v e to r e a l i z e t h a t th e r e a re o th e r problems b e sid e s homophobia i n t h i s c o u n t r y . FRANK: Do y o u s e e t h e g a y c o m m u n i t y a s y o u r primary audience? CHRI S: Yeah. The women's community h a s been t h e m a i n s o u r c e o f s u p p o r t f o r me o v e r t h e y e a r s years — lesbians p a rticu la rly . FRANK: Why d o y o u t h i n k l e s b i a n s w o u l d s u p p o r t a g a y man w r i t i n g p o l i t i c a l s o n g s ? CHRI S: B e c a u s e wo me n a r e g o i n g t h r o u g h a w h o l e t r a n s i t i o n o f d e v e l o p i n g t h e i r own c u l t u r e . T h e r e ' s a whole su rg e h ap p en in g w ith a l l th e s e g r e a t women a r t i s t s s o a l o t o f women a r e now b e a r i n g o t h e r women s i n g a b o u t t h e i r p r o b l e m s , b u t t h e y ' r e s t i l l h e a r i n g t h e s a me c r a p f r o m me n . A l o t o f t i m e s a woman w i l l come u p t o me a f t e r a c o n c e r t a n d t e l l me t h a t i t ' s n i c e t o h e a r a g a y man s i n g i n g a b o u t b e i n g a g a y ma n . I t h i n k women l i k e t o h e a r men s i n g i n g a b o u t g a y s t u f f and a l s o c o n n e c t i n g b e i n g a f a g g o t w i t h b e i n g a s i s s y and w i t h t h e i r s t r u g g l e s and b l a c k s t r u g g l e s and p u t t i n g i t a l l t o g e t h e r . FRANK: C o u l d y o u t e l l me a b o u t "Good F a i r y " ? CHRI S: Good F a i r y w a s a n i d e a I h a d a b o u t t h r e e y e a r s ago t o r e c o r d gay m usic and a l s o s e t u p a t o u r i n g c o mp a n y f o r g a y m u s i c i a n s . E v e n t u ­ a l l y I ' d l i k e t o be a p r o d u c t i o n company t h a t r e c o r d s gay m e n ' s m u s i c and a l s o c an r e a c h o u t a t some p o i n t a n d d o m o r e t h a n t h a t . I t w i l l h e l p s e t up c o n c e r t t o u r s t h r o u g h a n e tw o rk i n different c ities.

I t ' s g o i n g t o t a k e a l o t o f w o rk t o s e t up t h e s e a l t e r n a t i v e s . I t ' s e x h a u s ti n g sometimes and I g e t r e a l l y d e p r e s s e d a b o u t i t , f e e l i n g i t w i l l n e v e r h a p p e n , b u t t h e n s o m e t h i n g w i l l come a l o n g t o s p a r k my i n t e r e s t a n d I ' l l s e e t h a t we r e a l l y c a n c r e a t e c h a n g e by d o i n g t h i s . I d o n ' t r e s e n t t h e work. I f i n d i t n e c e s s a r y and f u l ­ f i l l i n g a t t h e s a me t i m e , b u t I d o r e s e n t t h a t i t h a s n ' t b e e n d o n e b e f o r e . I r e s e n t t h a t we a r e p io n e e rs in t r y in g to c r e a te t h i s th in g . There should n e v e r have been a need f o r i t . B a s i c a l l y i t s h o u l d b e a p a r t o f t h e w h o l e c u l t u r e . V/e s h o u l d n 't have to c r e a te i t under th e weight o f a c u ltu re t h a t a lre a d y dom inates us. FRANK: One o f t h e t h i n g s t h a t y o u r m u s i c p r o ­ j e c t s i s s t r e n g t h . You e v e n h a v e a s o n g a b o u t i t , " S t r e n g t h I n T h ese H a n d s" . I s t h a t one o f t h e t h i n g s t h a t you c o n s c i o u s l y f o c u s on? CHRI S: Oh , y e s , i t ' s v e r y c o n s c i o u s . A l o t o f t i m e s wh e n y o u ' r e a n e f f e m i n a t e man o r a n i s o ­ l a t e d g a y p e r s o n s omev. ' her e i n a s m a l l c i t y o r w h e r e v e r , yo u g e t f e e l i n g s o f d e p r e s s i o n and s t a r t t o f e e l r e a l l y weak, l i k e t h e r e ’s n o t h i n g you c a n do t o c h a n g e a n y t h i n g so y ou r e s i g n yoursel-f to l i v i n g w ith a l l th e b u l l s h i t , nut t h a t 's not tru e. T h e r e i s a l o t o f s t r e n g t h i n n u m b e r s and t h e r e ' s a l o t o f s t r e n g t h i n o u r s e l v e s . V/e j u s t n e e d t o f i n d o u t how t o u s e i t a n d how t o g e t s u p p o r t from e a c h o t h e r t o be a b l e t o u s e i t . T h e wo r d ' s t r e n g t h ' r e a l l y m e a n s a l o t t o me. I t means s t r e n g t h e m o t i o n a l l y , p h y s i c a l l y , s t r e n g t h a s a movement, s t r e n g t h a s i n d i v i d u a l s a l l t h e s e d i f f e r e n t t h i n g s and t h e y ' r e a l l r e a l ­ l y im p o r t a n t. Yes, i t ' s v e ry c o n s c io u s .

I b e g a n w r i t i n g s o n g s a s a way o f m a k i n g s e n s e o f my e x p e r i e n c e a s a b i s e x u a l man . I w r i t e i n t h e s p i r i t o f t h o s e men who l o n g f o r a l t e r n a t i v e s , who s t r u g g l e t o c r e a t e n e w p o s ­ s i b i l i t i e s f o r l i v i n g w ith each o th e r , w ith women, b e y o n d t r a d i t i o n a l " m a c h o " , s t r a i g h t gay, butch-fern s t e r e o t y p e s . I want to docu­ m e n t my g r o w t h a s a man f o r m y s e l f a n d f o r o t h e r men. I w r i t e a b o u t f a t h e r s and male and female f r i e n d s as w e ll a s l o v e r s . I w rite ab o u t p e o p l e on t h e e d g e , t r y i n g t o c r e a t e a l i f e w i t h s ome d i g n i t y i n v e r y d i f f i c u l t t i m e s . l i b e r a t i o n , I b e l i e v e , h a s v e r y much t o d o with our r e la ti o n s h ip s . I n t i m a c y c an be more r e v e a l i n g o f o u r v a l u e s and p e r s o n a l p o l i t i c s t h a n t h e s l o g a n s we a d h e r e t o o r o p i n i o n s we v o ic e . My music C losely s c r u t i n i z e s i n t i m a c y . I s e a r c h f o r my own p e r s o n a l f r e e d o m a s a man i n my m u s i c . For th e p a s t y e a r I have been p l a y i n g w ith i sb o x x i st a n d p e r c u s s i o n i s t . I t '-as t e e n e x c i t i n g t o e x p l o r e what h i g h e n e r g y m u s i c v e c a n ma k e t o g e t h e r a s a b i s e x u a l woman a n d ma n .


U n f o r t u n a t e l y i t i s s t i l l n o t s t y l i s h f o r gay men t o w r i t e c x o r e s s i v e , v u l n e r a b l e , p e r s o n a l ' me o f m a c h o - c h i c , wh e n a s u g ­ g e s t i o n o f f e m i n i n i t y i s d i s t a s t e f u l t o many. We a r e n o t , i t s e e m s , a s a p e o p l e r e a d y t o c e l ­ e b r a t e t h e u n i q u e n e s s and b e a u t y o f o u r e x p e r ­ i e n c e a s men l o v i n g m e n . I n s t e a d , we o f t e n t e n d to i d e n t i f y w ith to u g h d is c o "Push i n t h e Bush", o r s e n t i m e n t a l m u s i c f r o m f o r m e r women s t a r s . I n l i g h t o f t h i s i t i s v e r y e x c i t i n g t o me t h a t a d i f f i c u l t gay song t h a t I w ro te , " C u r i o s i t y a n d L i e s " ( w h i t e g a y man c o n f r o n t s h i s r a c i s m and l o n e l i n e s s v i a g ay b a r s e t t i n g ) , c o u l d be a winner in a r a t h e r s t r a i g h t songw riting c o n te st h e l d - a t S i n g e r 's S tu d io in Georgetown. I t seems t h a t t h e d i f f i c u l t y o f m a k i n g human c o n n e c t i o n i s a u n i v e r s a l theme r e g a r d l e s s o f i t s s e x u a l ­ ity. I b e li e v e t h a t th e gay o r b i s e x u a l m an's e x p e r i e n c e h a s i m p o r t a n t and u n i q u e c o l o r s t o c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e p i c t u r e o f human e x p e r i e n c e . I believe in careful c eleb ra tio n of our liv e s a s g r o w i n g men , i n a f f i r m i n g p e r m a n e n t l y o u r e x p e r i e n c e t h r o u gh c r e a t i v e s o n g . C o m i n g Home

( f o r my f a t h e r )

For Max

by Roy Barber I t ' s a c l i p - c l o p m o rn in g i n B o sto n town, B u lly winds a r e blow ing, W h i p p i n g r i g h t d own T h rough s t r e e t s o f s t o r i e s and c o b b l e s t o n e s . W ell, i t ' s b r o t h e r - h a t e s - b r o t h e r where freedom began, And me, I V n s t i l l l o o k i n g f o r my own p r o m i s e d land. Max, I r e m e m b e r w a l k i n g i n e a r l y s p r i n g , T o u c h i n g t e n d e r d r e a m s t h a t we w o u l d a l w a y s bring, B rother to b ro th er, w e 'll s t a r t fre e schools, W e ' l l go b e h i n d b a r s , y o u a n d me g o t a l l t h e tools. We d r a n k b e e r , s m o k e d c h e a p c i g a r s , p l a y e d m u s i c with dimes, And y o u s t u f f e d y o u r r o u n d b o d y , s a v i n g u p f o r hard tim e s, " W e l l s a i d , my f r i e n d , t o t h e p o i n t a n d p recise," And y o u r l a u g h t e r e m b r a c e d l i k e war m b r a n d y w i t h spice.

a country d o c to r

b y Rby B a r b e r

You s p o k e o f l i v i n g i n C h i c a g o Cn t h e s t e a m y S o u t h S i d e The y e a r a f t e r d i s a s t e r , D a l e y ' s guns s t i l l survived. In t o u r tu r e d p h ra s e s .y o u could b a re ly r e p e a t, You s p o k e o f t h e b l e e d i n g woman who f e l l d e a d at your fe e t.

F l i g h t down, Yo u n g man r u n n i n g t o f a m i l i a r f a c e s , b i r t h i n g places, F r i g h t e n e d o f t o u c h i n g down, And t h e a n x i o u s v o i c e s i n h i s o l d home t o w n . P a p a , r u d d y man i n f e a t h e r e d c a p , We l c o me y o u r m a n c h i l d , w e l c o m e h i m h o m e . H om e-sculpted o u t from m em ories, and t i m e l o s t a n d f r e e d , A c r o s s N o r t h e r n c o l d , my l i f e u n f o l d s , A cross te le p h o n e l i n e s , and l i n e s h a l f - t o l d , y o u r y o u n g man h u r r i e s home.

You g a v e me Ho u n d Dog T a y l o r a n d Toro T . H a l l , And y o u w r o t e y o u r own s o n g s o n y o u r A f r i c a n w all, C f t r i b a l d a n c e r s , I k ne w y o u w e r e c h i e f o f t h e m all. You w e n t W e s t t o r i d e t h e r a i l s a n d I s t a y e d back a t school nd w r o t e t e r m . p a p e r s o n l i b e r a t i o n L ik e an a c a d e m ic f o o l ! T h e n i g h t y o u c ame b a c k y o u woke me a t t h r e e , With t a l e s ' o f a d v e n t u r e , and g r e a s y b u r g e r s from t h e D i x i e .

To p a p a , i n s w e a t e r s a n d y e a r - o l d t i e s , S w e e t man f o u n d h i s g o o d n e s s a s t h e y e a r s w e n t hy, S i l e n t man s e a r c h i n g f o r f a m i l y t i e s , W i t h a w i f e w h o ' s g o n e o f f l o o k i n g f o r h i s own s e c re t plan.

We s p o k e o f l i v i n g t o g e t h e r I n s ome f a r o f f p l a c e , L a u g h in g and fo r m in g a m a g i c a l s p a c e , Now I know y o u ' r e a h e a l e r i n some S o u t h e r n town, W hile I walk i n S p a n i s h f u r 't h e s e c o ld h i l l s round, And I l o v e y o u Max, w i t h y o u r b o u r b o n l a u g h t e r and brown b o d y .

To p a p a , i n s w e a t e r s a n d y e a r - o l d t i e s , S w e e t man f o u n d h i s g o o d n e s s a s t h e y e a r s went by, S i l e n t man s e a r c h i n g f o r f a m i l y t i e s , With a w i f e w h o 's a d e b a t e r , power i n h e r h a n d , And a s o n who h a s g o n e o f f l o o k i n g f o r h i s own se c re t plan. V.'ell t h e r e wa s t o o And f e a r s a n d b u l l y You h a t e d my l i f e , And I l i v e d f o r t h e weather. Not t i l l I was o f f C o u l d we f i n d e a c h

much l o s t i n u n s a i d t e a r s , rage acro ss the y ears, b u t I h a te d you b e t t e r , s t o r m s and t h e f i e r y

Y e a r s l a t e r , we b o t h l i v e a l o n e But t o d a y I ' m b o u n c i n g b a r e - a s s e d on K e n t u c k y creek stones, I'm s t i l l t h e r e as y o u e r u p t i n memor y, Running naked in o u r g reen m oist s p r i n g , Thinking fre e .

s e a rc h in g f o r keys to m yself o th e r, o r reach out fo r help

B u t i t wa s y o u p a p a who s a n g f i r s t t o me, A sim ple c h i l d ' s melody, And I w a n t e d t o s i n g b i g , t o l i f t my v o i c e Like you, p apa, j u s t l i k e you. A Q u i e t man, you f o u n d y o u r v o i c e W i t h h e a l i n g b r o k e n b o y s who n e v e r mad e i t b a c k And f a r m h a n d s , c o t t o n p i c k e r s o f f t h e r a c k , And d r i n k i n g b o y s t o o l o s t t o f i g h t b a c k — W e l l I n e e d t h a t l o v e , p a p a , m a n c h i l d t o man C o m i n g h o m e , t h i s C h r i s t m a s , f r o m my own f o r e i g n land. Co m i n g h o m e , eyes, Co m i n g h o m e , Co m i n g h o m e ,

with

t r e m b l i n g h a n d s and

(friend from '60's)

steely

w ondering where t h e y e a r s went byo h , p a p a , f i n a l l y c o m i n g home.

55


w 2

5

.“

*

a

n

=

'

*'oc*c a9a ^n st Racism i s a campaign supported by rock fans and — ic ia n a a l ik e , in c lu d in g TRBra "We want r e b e l m usic, s t r e e t m usic. Music th a t breaks'down p e o p le 's fe a r o f one a n oth er. C r is is , m usic. Now m usic. Music th a t knows who th e r e a l enemy i s . " ROCK AGAINST RACISM f T l

etc fo u J ^ r tn

T h ts

D ork n e^ bq

fcKoer im. {tie dorhneSS Stfr«d UjO qmcL fijkt jar' ijour ra

Freadavn. Idcfo iadJdn

/W

ijerurFreedom.

Freedom {a choose- tk e i you- clc u)cth ijcur body J Freedom (a belic*€ ah ad you Ufa F reed o m

ja r b ro th e rs fa fo v e ^

one another' Frad&n jor biasA. and uikitcFreedom jram the luckes cwd male cfay*unation. Treedm jar the mother {and uuftFretifrK from h'<j Brothers interroyal Freedom fa live Ijour emm, ll^L ...

TRB i s a rock band formed Jan# 7 7 : through s e n e lucky breaks ♦ much support from diehard fan s we 1 record in g c o n tr a c t th a t Aug. and B r it is h h i t O c t./ w ith " 2 -4 -6 -8 Motorway." T his i s our f i r s t album, Politics isn't party broadcasts and general elections, it's yer Itid sister who cant get an abortion. yer best mate getting paki bashed. or sent down tor PC W ^ e g one^wrtOt mantuana tlie GLC deciding which bands we can 1 see it s everyday i.le tor rock tans, tor everyone who hasn't got a cushy job or rich parents. t . . .____ I got no illusions about the political lett any more than the right ju st a shrewd idea which ol the two side's gonna stomp on us tirst All ol us - you. me. rock n rollers, punfcs. longhatrs. dope smokers, squatters. stiWents. unmarried mothers. _ jobless. immigrants, gipsies to stand aside is to take sides. If music can e a ^ ^ e n a tmv traction Of the prejudice and intolerance in this world, then it s worth trying I don t call that "unnecessary overtones of violence" I call it standing up for your rights And if we fart, if we all get swallowed up by big bums before we achieve a thmg. then we n havta face the scorn ol tomorrow's generation But we re gonna have a good try. TON/H^OBIt^SON m New Musical Ertpress

5b

_________ ______________


A

c n s

A

u iu -

I

k

%

c c o rd $

b u lb itl JiouakbK'

' uC^mn^^vut CollecUvCVanc&tver Ca~Operative- Ticutio "

J o b r l a th . C reatures of the S t r e e t , Jo b ria th ( E l e k t r a , a d i v i s i o n o f Warner B r o s . ) , ’ 7 3 / ' 7 4 , Two a l b u m s b y a n a m a z i n g l y " d e c a d e s ahead-of-his-tim e" person. Sometimes v e ry o u t r a g e o u s , a n d v e r y s p a c e y i n e v e r y way i m a g in a b le , he d i v e s i n t o a l l a r e a s w ith o u t looking back. P r e - p u n k a n d o u t o f t h i s kno wn world.' So ngs l i k e "Movie Q u e e n , " " I ' m a m a n , " "Space C low n," "Di* q,trich/Fondyke, " " S i s t e r S u e , " a n d " Wh a t a P r e t t y " a r e t h i n g s t o p a y a t t e n t i o n t o , and t h e r e c o r d c o v e r s a r e a v i s u a l s o m e t h i n g o n t h e i r own.' Very f u t u r e gay o r i e n t e d . . .

F o r t h o s e o f you i n p o s s e s s i o n o f a r e c o r d p l a y e r o f s o me k i n d o r a n o t h e r , y o u may b e i n ­ t e r e s t e d i n w h a t c an be had i f y ou l o o k a r o u n d f o r a lbum s w i t h gay c o n t e n t , and h a p p i l y , p e r ­ formed by a gay m u s i c i a n . F o r o u r r a d i o show h e r e i n V a n c o u v e r , " C o m i n g C u t " h a s come i n c o n t a c t w ith a f a i r amount o f gay m en 's m usic, b oth l i v e and r e c o r d e d . Our r e c o r d l i b r a r y i s n o t h u g e , b u t we a r e q u i t e p r o u d o f t h e c o l l e c t i o n we h a v e , w i t h r a r e a n d ne w a l b u m s u s e d h e r e a n d th e r e i n our v a r io u s programmes. _ The f i r s t few l i s t e d a r e " r a r i t i e s . If vou a r e l u c k y eno u g h t o s t u m b l e u pon one o f these in a used record shop, grab i t . They r e a w o n d e r f u l way o f s t a r t i n g a " h i s t o r y " o f g a y culture. T he o t h e r a l b u m s l i s t e d s h o u l d be f a i r l y e a s y t o l o c a t e and b u y . ihe r e c o r d i n g c o m p a n y ' s name i s a f t e r t h e t i t l e .

What M a k e s A Man A M a n ? , L a r r y P a u l e t t e ( V a n ­ guard), 197^. A p p a r e n t l y th< r e c o r d i n g , L i ­ b e l h a s u n d e r g o n e c h a n g e s s o y o u may h a v e a tim e g e t t i n g t h i s one. L a r r y d o e s t h e s a me a s G o t h a m , r e c o r d i n g o t h e r p e o p l e ' s s o n g s , but. h e h a s t h e c l a s s t o make t h e m s o much m o r e p e r ­ s o n a l l y h i s own. And t h e c o v e r e v e n t o u t s o f h i s u p - f r o n t being gay. Which i s a r a r i t y in i t s e l f f o r any co m m e rc ially produced record.' " F r e a k e r ' s B a l l " , a n d " T a k e Me Home W i t h Yo u " ( f r o m t h e o f f - B r o a d w a y m u s i c a l i n w h i c h he a p p e a r e d , " L e t My P e o p l e Co me" ) a r e g r e a t p o p u l a r n u m b e r s , b u t " T r i a d " by D a v i d C r o s b y ( o f S t i l l s & Nash f a m e ? ) , and a l u s h o r c h e s ­ t r a t e d v e r s i o n o f t h e t i t l e s o n g by C h a r l e s A s n a v o u r j u s t d i d i t t o me e v e r y t i m e . ' He i n a talented singer.

l a v e n d e r C o u n t r y , ( S e a t t l e Gay C o m m u n i t y C e n ter} 1973” As y o u c a n s e e b y t h e d a t e t h i s i s a r a t h e r o ld album. The album i s c o u n t r y o r i ­ e n t e d , b u t n o t " w e s t e r n i s h " b y a n y me a n s . ' It i s n ' t a c la ssy , tec h n ic a l arrangem ent, but is g o o d o l d - f a s h i o n e d g a y men p u t t i n g t h e i r f e e l ­ ing in to music. The s t a n d o u t s a r e "Ba ck I n t h e C l o s e t A g a i n , " and " C r y i n " T h e s e C o c k s u c k i n g T e a r s , " which a re p r e t t y heavy m usica l numbers, b u t t h e n l i b e r a t i o n had j u s t b eg u n , and e v e r y ­ body had t o g e t s o m e t h i n g o f f t h e i r c h e s t s . R e c o r d e d g a y m u s i c wa s s t i l l y o u n g t h e n , t o o . (Record a v a i l a b l e from F a y g e l e ben Miriam f o r S 3 , p a y a b l e t o SGCC, R t . 1 , Box 9 2 E , E f l a n d , N.C. 2 7 2 4 3 . )

AC-DC B l u e s . Gay J n z z R e i s s u e : - , V o l . I , f r i g h t a n d Gay ( S t a s h R e c o r d i n g s , P . 0 . Box ' ' N. Y. 11215)7 At l a s t , s o m e o n e h a s t h o u g h t t o d e l v e i n t o w h a t was r e c o r d e d b e f o r e t h o s e 19 7 0 d a y s , a n d t h i s i s w h a t ( s o f a r ) o n e c o m p a n y h a s come up w i t h . V i n t a g e o ld r e c o r d i n g s from v i n t a g e a r t i s t s l i k e George N o b le , C onnie M cLean's Rhythym B o y s , G e o r g e H a n n a h , P e g Leo H o w e l l , a n d many o t h e r s , w i t h l o v e l y t i t l e s l i k e " S i s s y Man B l u e s , " " I t ' s T i g h t L i k e T h a t , " " I ’ m G o n n a Ke e p My H a i r P a r t e d , " a n d m a n y , many o t h e r s , w i t h r e c o r d i n g d a t e s , m u s i c a l n o t e s and h i s s t o r i e s o f b l u e s and j a z z i n - d e m days.' They r ro a l l j u s t g r e a t to l i s t e n t o , and t h i n k o f what t h e y a l l g o t a wa y w i t h t h e n . '

C aravan T o n i g h t . S t e v e n Grossman (Very Very M o n t . I t s . , 3 6 3 Qwar Wns A v e . , N . Y . , N« 1• 10 0 2 4 ) , 1973. All t h e songs a r e b e a u t i f u l , in l y r i c s , m u s i c a l a r r a n g e m e n t s , and l i s t e n i n g v a l ­ ues From t h e t i t l e c o m p o s i t i o n , t o s o n g s l i k e " C a n ' t P a p a B l u e s , " " C u t , " "You D o n ' t H a v e To Be A s h a m e d , " "Many K i n d s o f L 0 v e , " a n d o n a n d on. S t e v e n i s j u s t p l a i n l y a t home w i t h h i s music. R e ally look out fo r t h i s one. You won t regret lti What D i d You E x p e c t ? , M i c h a e l C o h e n ( F o l k w a u s , 43 We s t 6 l s t , S t . , " N . Y . , N . Y . , 1 0 0 2 3 ) , 1 9 7 3 . H i s v o i c e and s t y l e w i l l r e m i n d you o f h i s b ro th e r, Leonard, but the songs are d e f i n i t e l y him. "The L a s t Angry Young Ma n," and " B i t t e r F e s t " a r e two o f h i s more solemn s o n g s , b u t t h e n " C o u l d n ' t Do W i t h o u t " l i f t s y o u u p a n d n e v e r l e t s you down. F o l k w a y R e c o r d s , by t h e wa y, h a s th is wonderful h a b it o f in c lu d in g b o o k lets with the re c o rd s. They can c o n t a i n a n y t h i n g from t h e l y r i c s t o t o p h o t o g r a p h s , and n i c e l o n g p e r s o n a l h is to r ie s of the m usician. Q u i t e a t r e a t from j u s t t h e r e c o r d and t h e c o v e r ' T his is a ls o a n o t h e r " r a r e f i n d " f o r u s a t "Coming Cu t . M ichael, I m ean...

H i n g e a n d B r a c k e t . An E v e n i n g w i t h (EMI R e c o r d s L t d . , H a y es, M i d d l e s e x , E n g l a n d ) , 1977. G etting t h i s , a n d t h r e e o t h e r a l b u ms , t h i s t a l e n t e d d u o have produced i s worth a l l of the E n g lish c u r ­ r e n c y y o u c a n come u p w i t h . ' They a r e an amazing c o u p l e o f me n , who p o r t r a y t wo s p i n s t e r f r i e n d s , D r . E v a d n e H i n g e a n d Dame H i l d a B r a c k e t , who are re s id e n ts of Stakton T ressle. The b i o g r a ­ p h i e s an d s t o r i e s t h e y t e l l on s t a g e a r e p u r e l y f i c t i t i o u s , but w ith m arvelous d o u b le -e n te n d re l i n e s , a n d s i n g i n g w i t h t h e i r own v o i c e s i n r a n g ­ e s I w o u l d n ’t dream o f a t t e m p t i n g , they have become n a t i o n a l t r e a s u r e o f G r e a t B r i t a i n , h a v i n g g i v e n R o y a l Command p e r f o r m a n c e s t o t h e r e a l Qu e e n h e r s e l f . ' T h e y a r e . t o be h e a r d a nd ceen i f vou e v e r g e t t h e c h a n c e .

G o t h a m . G o t h a m ( D r e a m R e c o r d s , DA 3 5 0 1 ) . This i s a v e r y c om m e rc ial album , b u t due to t h e i r u p r o a r i o u s l y gay l i v e n i g h t c l u b a c t s , t h e y have a d e fin ite follow ing. They m o s t l y r e c o r d o t h e r m a t e r i a l , b u t v e r y w e l l , and w i t h a n i c e h a r ­ mony t h a t ' s r e a l l y h a r d t o a r g u e a b o u t , "iou Wo r k e d Y o u r S p e l l o n Me" i s a g o o d e x a m p l e o f th is t ig h t voice blending th a t they possess. They a l s o h a v e a n o t h e r a lbum o u t .

W a l l s To R o s e s . S o n g s o f C h a n g i n g Men ( F o l k w a y s .), 1 . T h i s i s an i m p r e s s i v e c o l l e c t i o n o f m u s i c a n d l y r i c s f r o m a c o l l e c t i v e o f men a n d women o n t h e E a s t c o a s t , p u t t o g e t h e r w i t h l o v e and r e s p e c t , and c a r e d f o r l i k e an i d e a w h o s e t i m e h a s f i n a l l y c o me . The s t u f f i n t h i s

57


one r e c o r d w i l l f e e d y o u r t h o u g h t s and dream s f o r y e a r s t o c o me . F avorites include "Sensi­ t i v e L i t t l e Bo y " b y C h r i s T a n n e r , "Gay S p i r i t " b y C h a r l i e M u r p h y , "When W i l l t h e I g n o r a n c e E n d ? " by B l a c k b e r r i . Again, a wonderful b o o k let i s included fo r your l i s t e n i n g p le a s u re , with b io g ra p h ie s of a l l those involved in t h i s pro­ j e c t o f l o v e , a l o n g w i t h l y r i c s , and e v e n g u i t a r notes! Gay Name Ga me, Tom W i l s o n ( A b o v e g r o u n d R e c o r d s , V . C . Bo x 'JHTT, P h i l a d e l p h i a , P a . 1 9 1 0 3 ) , 19771979. T h i s company i s t r y i n g t o work o u t some­ t h i n g f o r m e n 's m u sic l i k e O l i v i a R e c o r d s have f o r women's m u s i c . T h a t i s , a "home b a s e " f o r gay r e c o r d i n g a r t i s t s . T h e i r f i r s t e f f o r t , by Tom, i s a v e r y g o o d s t a r t i n d e e d . His punchy w o r d s , and s i m p l e m u s i c a l a r r a n g e m e n t s k e e p him on t o p o f w h a t ' s been h a p p e n i n g l a t e l y i n t h e world. S o n g s l i k e t h e t i t l e t r a c k "Gay Name G a m e , " "Momma ' s B o y , " " S a v e O u r C h i l d r e n / R e c r u i t e r '3 F i g h t S o n g , " and o t h e r s a l l h ave t h e l i t t l e " b i t e " i n t o s o c i e t y ' s a t t i t u d e s a b o u t u s , and o n c e he b i t e s he p r e t t y w e l l d e s t r o y s t h e wh ole myth! A very t o p ic a l perform er. P o w e r I n T h e D a r k n e s s , Tom R o b i n s o n Ba n d ( H a r v e s t o/o C a p ito l R e c o rd s ), 1978. TRB T w o , ( s a m e a s a b o v e ) 1 9 7 9 . S e c t o r 2 7 , Tom R o b i n s o n & S e c t o r ? 7 (A & M R e c o r d s ), 1980. W o r d s c a n n o t d e s c r i b e t h i s man and h i s m u s i c . He i s a p o l i t i c a l p o e t . A renn a i s s a n c e m u s i c i a n i n h i s own r i g h t . With t h e TRB a l b u m s , a n d now h i s new b a n d , S e c t o r 2 7 , h e c o n s i s t e n t l y c o me s u p w i t h h a r d r o c k n u m b e r s we can a l l b e l i e v e i n . He b e l i e v e s i n h e l p i n g a l l m i n o r i t i e s , gay i n c l u d e d . T h e TRB Two a l b u m , f o r e x a m p l e , l i s t s m a j o r o r g a n i s a t i o n s and p u b ­ l i c a t i o n s around th e world d e a l i n g w ith e t h n i c , e n v i o r n m e n t a l , s e x u a l o r i e n t a t i o n , and m o r e ! The s o n g "P ow er I n The D a r k n e s s " i s e m o t i o n a l l y h ard, y e t high in impact to our sen ses o f i n j u s ­ t i c e from s o c i e t y . " W h e r e Can We Go T o n i g h t ? " f r o m t h e new S e c t o r 27 a l b u m s a y s b a s i c a l l y t h e same t h i n g , b u t o n a m o r e p e r s o n a l l e v e l f r o m t h e man h i m s e l f . Any o f t h e s e r e c o r d s a r e s o m e ­ th in g to look fo r.

L e t T h e r e Be M u s i c , S a n F r a n s i s c o Gay M e n ' s C h o r u s (Choxnxs T a p e s , P . 0 . Box 1 4 6 6 5 , S . F . , Ca . 94114). A i n ' t I t a Grand and G l o r i o u s N o ise (same a s above). — — A Gay M u s i c a l C e l e b r a t i o n a t G r a c e C a t h e d r a l ( s a me a s a b o v e ) . The f i r s t c o n t a i n s t h e m a j e s t y o f Wagner, t h e warmth o f C a r o le King, t h e c o n t e m p o r a r y comments o f P a u l Simon, t h e i n t r i c a c i e s o f R a n d a l l Thompson, t h e d e l i c a c y o f R i c h a r d R o d g e r s , and t h e e t e r n a l q u a l i t y o f Anton B ru c k n er. The t h i r d i s a 2 t a p e s e t w i t h t wo c h o r u s e s ( m e n ' s c h o r u s a n d l e s b i a n and g a y m e n ' s c h o r u s ) , p l u s band and o r c h e s ­ tra. I t i n c l u d e s s e l e c t i o n s from Brahms l o v e s o n g s , S i b e l i u s , Sigmund Ro m be rg , G e r s h w i n , and more. ( F i r s t two t a p e s 8 6 . 5 0 e a c h , G r a c e C a t h e d r a l t a p e $ 1 2 ; h a n d l i n g $1 f o r u p t o t wo ta p e s , $2 f o r th r e e or fo u r t a p e s . )

Gay a n d S t r a i g h t T o g e t h e r , V o l . 1, ( a v a i l a b l e f r o m G i n n i C l e m m e n s a t 1 8 2 5 N. C l e v e l a n d , C h ic a g o , I l l i n o i s ) 1980. T h i s was a h a p p y s u r p r i s e t h a t r e c e n t l y d r o p p e d i n t o o u r show, and h a s b e en welcomed warm ly. M ostly re co rd ed l i v e a t His 'n ' Hers c o ffe e house in Chicago, t h e album i s brimm ing w i t h l o v e l y t h i n g s , p r o ­ d u c e d by y o u n g and o l d ( 2 7 - 7 7 ) , g a y and s t r a i g h t ( 9 o f o n e , 13 t h e o t h e r ) , m a l e s a n d f e m a l e s ( 9 a nd 13, n o t c o u n t i n g one mixed c h o i r ! ) . The d i v e r s i t y i s so w id e , t h a t eac h so n g h a s a s p e c i a l p l a c e on i t ' s own. My p e r s o n a l f a v o ­ r i t e i s t h e f i r s t c u t , "Song f o r H is ' n ' H e r s , " by J e f f r e y J o n e s ; a 7 m i n u t e v a l e n t i n e ' s c a r d f r o m a s t r a i g h t man t o g a y p e o p l e e v e r y w h e r e , w i t h j u s t g u i t a r and p i a n o , by L a r r y S i e g a l . "How N i c e " b y K r i s t i n L e m s , i s a p o i g n a n t q u e s ­ tio n -so n g t e l l i n g of the joys of s tr a ig h t b l i s s , t h e n c o m p a r i n g i t t o w h a t we g e t i f i n p a i r s o f t h e same s e x . A th in k in g song. " D i r t y O l d Wo­ man" by M e r l e M a r k l a n d i s w h a t i t s a y s , o n l y very d e l i g h t f u l l y so. C h a r l i e Mur phy o f " W a l l s t o R o s e s " h a s o n e h e r e e n t i t l e d " I f You G o t G a y n e s s " , a g o o d r o u s e r t o wa k e y o u u p a n d k e e p you g o i n g t i l l t h e n e x t march! W rite th e s e good f r i e n d s , and g e t a copy o f t h i s s o o n . . . t h e n w r i t e a n d f i n d o u t w h e n Vo l u m e 2 i s comin' out. K l y d e s c o p e . C l y d e Y o s h i d a ( R i c h a r d N. M a s s a , m a n a g e r / p r o d u c e r , 2414 F r o n t S t . , S u i t e 15, San D i e g o , Ca. 92101). S a i l o r Boy ( s a m e a s a b o v e ) . A l l l y r i c s and m u s i c w r i t t e n and s u n g by C l y d e . He h a s a r i c h v o i c e , and h i s m u sic i s sw ee t and m ello w . While most o f h i s music i s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y gay o r i e n ­ t e d , h i s l y r i c s seem t o a p p e a l t o g a y and l e s ­ bian audiences. The m u s i c , p r i m a r i l y l o v e s o n g s , i s w e ll e x ec u te d and o f h ig h q u a l i t y . F i r s t tape 6 songs; second tape 3 songs. (Tapes 8 2 .5 0 e a c h , p l u s . 50 c e n t s h a n d l i n g . )

P l e a s e T i p Your W a i t r e s s . W i l l i e S o r d i l l ( F o l k ­ ways) , 1 9 8 0 . t h e y 'v e done i t a g a in , t h i s r e ­ c o r d i n g company! W i l l i e was o n e o f t h e " W a l l s t o R o s e s " c o l l e c t i v e members, and i n t h i s r e c o r d h e f i r m l y e s t a b l i s h e s why h e s o u n d s s c g o o d . Fr o m a new r e c o r d i n g o f " F o r My Men F r i e n d s " , t o h a n p y r e v e l a t i o n s l i k e " T h e I L o v e Me S o n g " ( s u n g w i t h a bunch o f g r e a t y o u n g s t e r s ) and "I D o n ' t C a r e Wh a t T h e y S a y " ( c r o o n e d b y a n e q u a l l y g r e a t bunch o f o l d s t e r s ! ) , h e ' s a good l y r i c i s t and a r r a n g e r b a r n o n e. And k e e p y o u r e y e o n Folkways. T h e y se em t o be k e e p i n g u p w i t h u s , a n d w h a t we h a v e t o o f f e r t h e w o r l d i t s e e m s .

Sounds o f t h e G a t h e r i n g , from t h e S p i r i t u a l G athering f o r R adical d a i r i e s in Colorado. F a g g o t B r o t h e r s o f t h e Mo o n . C h r i s T a n n e r a n d C h a r l i e Murphy. B lack b erri. B lackberri. P o r t r a i t of S h ash i, Shashi. Mar k B u n v a n . Ma r k B u n y a n . A l l a v a i l a b l e f r o m R a v e n ' s He a d C o m m u n i c a t i o n , Box 1 1 4 7 2 , S a n F r a n s i s c o , Ca . 94101. R aven's He ad s e e k s t o p r e s e r v e o u r e v o l v i n g g a y c u l t u r e by r e c o r d i n g t h e w o r k s o f o u r p e r f o r m i n g a r t ­ i s t s , h i s t o r i a n s , h e a l e r s , and o u r s e l v e s . They produce hig h q u a l i t y audio c a s s e t t e ta p e s . A complete c a ta lo g u e i s a v a i l a b l e . A stamped se lf-a d d re s s e d b u sin ess envelope i s h e lp f u l.

The N a t i o n a l March on W a s h i n g t o n f o r L e s b i a n a n d Gay R i g h t s ^ / T h e 5 a v F r e e d o m T r a i n , ( Ma g ­ nus k e c o r d s , 4986 l ^ t h A v e . , S a c r a m e n t o , Ca . 95820) 1979. E v e r y o n e f r o m Tom R o b i n s o n t o A l l e n G i n s b e r g , Robin T y l e r , Kate M i l l e t , and a c a s t o f 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 , we w e r e a l l m a k i n g g a y music t h a t day! And h e a r i n g w h a t w e n t o n , o n t h e "A mtrash S p e c i a l " from t h e West c o a s t to the E ast, is a t r e a t too. I t 's definitely a p a r t o f g a y h i s t o r y , a n d i t ’ s s o m e t h i n g t o be v e r y , very proud o f .

58


Closet Door

Choir G irls

' • l i v i n g i n S a n F r a n c i s c o . . . we a l l h a v e a r i n g s i d e s e a t t o one o f t h e m o s t e x c i t i n g and im p o rta n t s o c i a l changes e v er to take p la c e . F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e i n t h e know h i s t o r y o f t h e w o r l d we a s h o m o s e x u a l men a n d women f i n d o u r s e lv e s in p o s s e s s io n o f a 'blank check' w ith w h i c h t o w r i t e o u r own c u l t u r e , t o e s t a b l i s h o u r own c o m m u n i t y . N e v e r b e f o r e h a v e we h a d t h e f r e e d o m t o d e t e r m i n e o u r own d e s t i n i e s q u i t e t h e way we h a v e i t n o w. And, w h i l e t h e t i m e and c i r c u m s t a n c e s a r e o n o u r s i d e , we n e e d t o ' g o f o r i t ' w ith e v e r y th in g w e've g o t ." — Golden Gate P e r f o r m in g A r ts C o n cert

T hese o r g a n iz a t i o n s serve a s powerful s t a t e ­ ments f o r th e p u b l ic . They p ro v id e p o s i t i v e v i s i b l e evidence o f o u r c u lt u r e . But t h e g r e a t ­ e s t b e n e f i t s e e m s t o be t h e p e r s o n a l g a i n s o f t h e members. G e ttin g Involved with th e r e groups changes p e o p le 's l i v e s . I t e r e a tor- a g- od d i a ­ l o g u e b e t w e e n g a y men a n d l e s b i a n s . I t gives t hem a g r e a t s e n s e o f u n i t y and p r o v i d e s a l o t o f s h a r i n g and l o v e and s a t i s f a c t i o n . C o n c e r t s h a v e b e e n s c h e d u l e d by t h e s e g r o u p s throughout the year. I t is im possible to d e ­ s c r i b e a l l th e groups o r even t h e i r r e p e r t o i r e . Mos t o f t h e m u s i c i s n o t o r i g i n a l , b u t w h a t 1r i n t e r e s t i n g i s t h e new m e a n i n g m u s i c t a k e s o n when p e r f o r m e d by g a y s . T h e SFGMC d o e s a v a r ­ i e t y o f t u n e s from . c l a s s i c a l , t o pop; o f f e r i n g a s e l e c t i o n t h a t c o u ld p l e a s e most anybody. C e r t a i n so n g s u n d e r c o n d u c t o r Dick Kramer t a k e o n h a u n t i n g new* m o a n i n g wh e n s u n g b y a c h o r u s o f g a y me n . "V/e K i r s i n t h e S h a d o w s " h a : a new m o v i n g Q u a l i t y a s d o e s " S t o u t . H e a r t e d Me n ".

T h e s e c o n d h a l f o f 1 9 7 b saw t h e r i s e o f p i o n e e r o r g a n i s a t i o n s i n San F r a n c i s c o d e s t i n e d to in f lu e n c e o t h e r s in the co u n try in to f o llo w ­ ing t h e i r example. T h e S a n F r a n c i s c o Gay F r e e ­ dom F a y M a r c h i n g Band and T w i r l i n g C o r p s , t h e S a n F r a n c i s c o Gay M e n ' s C h o r u s ( SF GKC) , a n d t h e San F r a n c i s c o L e s b i a n C h o r u s w e r e t h o s e p i o ­ n e e r s . e x a m p l e s o f t h e many o r g a n i s a t i o n s w h i c h have been s p r i n g i n g up i n m a jo r c i t i e s s i n c e then in clu d e m arching bands, c h o ra le s , jazz b e n d s , e n s e m b l e s , o r c h e s t r a s , l e s b i a n and gay ' ■ c , tap '8. Th< provide a v a r i e t y of musical e n te rta in s '. They v a r y g r e a t ! y in s i z e , from e ig h t, i n t h e S a c r a m e n t o F r o n t S t r e e t E n s e m b le t o one h u n d r e d n inety-one in t h e S a n F r a n c i s c o Gay F r e e d o m Fay M a r c h i n g Band and T w i r l i n g C o r p s . The g r o u p s , h o w e v e r , a l l h a v e s i m i l a r p u r -

Go l i s t e n t o t h e m - - o r g e t i n v o l v e d . T h e s e c i t i e s have o r g a n i s a t i o n s o f one ty p e o r another; C h i c a g o , H o u s t o n , L o s A n g e l e s , New York, S acram en to , San F r a n c is c o , W ashington, D . C . , D a l l a s , Mia mi, S e a t t l e , and P o r t l a n d . J a y , b u s i n e s s m a n a g e r o f SFGMC, h a s d i l i g e n t l y c o l l e c t e d a c o m p l e t e l i s t i n g o f rail t h e s e g r o u p s . The se c o n d e d i t i o n o f t h e N a t i o n a l D i r e c t o r y o f l e s b i a n a n d Gay M e n ' s B a n d s a n d f c h o r u s e s i s a v a i l a b l e f o r one d o l l a r from: GALA F o r f o r n i ng A r t s , P . 0 . Box 1 4 4 4 4 , S a n F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 1 4 .

u n d e r an a d m i n i s t r a t i v e u m b r e l l a , su c h eg t h e Golden Gate P e r f o r m i n g A r t s , I t s . , " p r o f i t o rg a n iz a tio n created fo r the purpose of s u p p o r t i n g t h e growth and e x p r e s s i o n o f p e r f o r m ­ i n g a r t i s t s i n o u r community. Golden Gate Perform ing A rts a lre a d y encompasses a rem arkable fam ily..." An e x c e r p t f r o m t h e s t a t e m e n t o f p u r p o s e f o r t h e SFGMC w o u l d t y p i f y t h e f e e l i n g s of o th e r groups; " T h e m e m b e r s o f t h e SFGMC a r e comm itted to s i n g i n g and g ro w in g t o g e t h e r i n o r d e r t o r e f l e c t enormous p r i d e in o u r e x i s t e n c e a s g a y men a n d t o r e a c h o u t a n d i n s t i l l t h a t p r i d e i n o u r gay b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s a s w e l l a s i n t h e o t h e r c o m m u n i t i e s i n w h i c h we l i v e . . . V/e b e l i e v e t h a t t h e m u s i c we s i n g s h o u l d b e a celebration th at is a v a lid a tin g process for b o t h s i n g e r and l i s t e n e r s . As b r o t h e r s we a r e comm itted t o g ro w th t h a t r e a c h e s beyond t h e r e a l m o f m u s i c a l p u r p o s e s and t h a t d e e p e n s and e n r i c h e s o u r l i v e s a s gay m en."

* 0 f i n t e r e s t , t h e S a n F r a n c i s c o Gay M e n ' s C h o r u s w i l l t o u r Amer i c a f r o m J u n e f. , 1991 t o Ju n e 20, 19 8 1 . The s c h e d u l e i s : 6 / 7 D a l l a s , C onvention C en ter T h e a tre ; 6 /8 M in n e a p o li;, S y m p h o n y L a i " ; 6 / 9 I . i n c o l n , Lew P l y m o u t h Cl u r c h ; 6 / 1 1 D e t r o i t , F o r d A u d i t o r i u m ; 6 / l T New Y o r k , Beacon T h e a t r e ; 6 / 1 6 B o s t o n , O pera House; 6 / 1 8 W a s h i n g t o n , Kennedy C e n t e r Concert. H a l l ; 6 / 2 0 S e a t t l e , Opera House.

59


t

c arvet

lowto make aD c u t (X p\ece of ash, g Qppie, or other simil wood - e v e n a yard s t ic k t o a b o u t 120 cm., d iam.

approx, i.scm.

lOno,

sm ooth a re a with

a kn ife ^ Y\u hole

owtomarfe b o

s i t on a chair and place th e bow b e t w e e n your l e g s Th e peg enc/ r e s t s on t h e Ground a g a i n s t your foot, the f l a t s u r f a c e o f t h e o t h e r end a g a i n s t y o u r c h e e k , w i t h your mouth S li g h t l y o p e n . The bow is he ld f i r m l y ’ u s i n g th e o t h e r hand To p lu c k th e w ir e w ith To

u rc

I.Cut off the n arrow end o f the gourd, Si.Scrape o u t s e e d s - s a v e s e e d s , 3.Dry gourd in Sun or in low temp, oven, k r i l l with seeds, beans, or pebbles, 5.1 f long enough, reattach gourd end withglue; (o-lf needed, glue dowel in fo neck o f gourde 7. Dip twine in glue, wrap firmly around dowel, and up gourd about 'S'!

S-Tf desired, decorate

a p i c k o r fingernail L

.

Change th e s h a p e o t the m outh to b rin g o u fd iffe r e n t n otes.

%Coconuts and recycled tin cans work too!

To p l a y - s h a k e To a gay rhy thi

Gourds are easy to growl 7

T is

A

6 i* f+

60

To

& e

S t a p le


N e xf t i m e you're hang/n o a t a n d f e e l t h e m u s i c comm'on, S c o u t a r o u n d t h e house and farm f o r r h y l h m m a k e r s . Examples are:

Quick € > '^ 3 and Simnle

t h e w ashboard “ c o v e r the. f i n g e r s w ith th im b l& s and rubar\d ta p trie mefa! ridges and woocUn

tw o w o o den

S p o o n s t p la y e d lik e r h y t h m s t i c k s or ca sta n ets

vegetable grater

with a thim ble f o r strumming

f r a me

f l o w e r p o t b e ! Is s e c tio n o f ugated c a r d b o a r d fo p layer and s tru m cii or s t i c k ol

tone bells -suspend a collect ton of keys, nails, tubes (wood or m efaO o r euen

S e l e c t p o ts fo r t o n e by tapping -size and thickness a re Important-play g e n tly w it h a wooden m a l l e t

situerw are from a s m a ll trdme

/f

l

A

Robinson Crusoe and His Man Friday

Bring out the melody

mm R ob1 -a

in-

son

C ru- soe w as &

w

£

w

strol- ling one

d ay .

W hen dow n th e — # -----# -

--------------

»■

f = R obt

r =

f .

in- son

‘J J. ^

i

“I

am

-= f

fcl/

ra n ; u-

u-

1t

£

-M

--- fr

day

;

F ri- d a y said,

C ru soe said. “ C om e live w ith

beach F ri

£

your

t

P v....

£*•


m Many years ago, when I existed in a different reality and was on that ycxithful quest for order and reason, I spent sane time in a stretch of the California Coast called Big Sur. A thoroughly de­ lightful part of the world to en­ large one's perspective beyond tract hone southern California im­ printing. 1 lived in a cabin in a canyon with three other folks. There would appear in this canyon and other places round about, a child of the woods namod Alan. Alan is the per­ son that taught me how to make bam­ boo flutes. Alan carried little with him but a pocket knife and he lived where he pleased. He had a beautiful cave in a rock cliff that overlooked the Pacific as his occa­ sional home. One day Alan came by with more than his usual lack of posessions. He had two steel rods and several pieces of bamboo. It was his intent that he would share the knowledge of how to make beautiful sounds emanate frcm that bamboo. He laid the steel rods on the remains of the morning fire that glowed in the tin box stove. One rod was 3/8 " diameter; it is used to make the hole that is the mouth piece and to burn out the partitions between the sections of bamboo. The other rod was 1/4." diameter; it is used to make the holes the fingers cover and uncover to produce all the variety of sounds that are held inside that piece of bamboo. The steel rods were both glow­ ing red by now and Alan first took the larger rod and burnt out all but the last of the partitioning walls. He burnt the insides smooth without getting the bamboo so hot that it would 3plit, Next, after the larger rod had been placed back or. the coals to bring it back to that cherry red glow that sears its way through the bamboo, Alan made a hole laterally into the bamboo about 14J* down from the er.d that was still blocked. The first hint of the magic therein rises through the cabin walls with that first note that is blown. That is the intial char­ acter of the flute. Alan then de­ termined where the finger holes should go by blowing down into the blow hole and feeling with his fingers where the other holes should go. He made consistently mellow sounding flutes by this esoteric method. About one in five

#

H

i * of the flutes that I've made by this method have been pleasing to my ear. There are, of course, formulas available to determine the diameter of the flute and the spacing and size of the holes so that the flute then plays in a common key. I per­ sonally have never been too much concerned with that aspect as far as bamboo flutes go. I have a lovely ceramic flute made by a German craftsman that is perfectly in the key of F and has a sound all its own. Because bamboo is reason­ ably available, it is great fun to try all the different positions that you can imagine, and differ­ ent sizes. The diagram is just a guide that makes a flute in a standard musical key, that of F. This flute needs to have a specific diameter of 3/4" and a length that comes to a little over 1 9 ". Over the years I've made flutes out of anything cylindrical that I've come across. Long pieces of plumbing pipes make strange har­ monics. I made one bamboo flute that was three feet long and 4." wide. It hyper-ventilated me to play it. I've had at least one flute with me ever since. Learning the method for getting sound out of your flute is fairly simple. I sold flutes at a swap meet for a while and I would have to teach people how to play them before I could sell them one. It's very much like blowing into a bottle to get a sound out of it. If the sound doesn't come right away or it's a little fuzzy, try tightening your lips and rotating the flute in relation to your mouth, or combin­ ations of the two. You can play higher notes by tightening your lips and blowing harder, softer ones by blowing softer and more gently. Try it you'll like it. Get yourself a pair of hot rods and son* bamboo and go to it. Serenading the moon is a good place to start. You have a captive audience there. Other fun instruments are hoses and assorted tubes that can be blown into trumpet fashion. Like pretending your lips are your asshole and you're tryin' to fart into a coke bottle. I can get an easy six notes on a ten foot piece of P p v t . The neighbors on the next ridge can hear it. Kinda dramatic sound against the hills.


C W il Our c o l l e c t i v e w an ted t o i n c l u d e an a r t i ­ c l e on "Famous F a g o t C o m p o se rs T h r o u g h t h e Cen­ tu r ie s " , hut lacked the r e q u is ite sc h o larsh ip . H istory "openly" acknowledges only Tchaikovsky. V/e l a c k e d t h e r e s o u r c e s t o c o n f i r m o r d e t a i l th e rumored g a y n ess o f , f o r exam ple, Beethoven. A h i s t o r i c a l f i g u r e w idely reco g n ize d f o r h is gayness, hut not h is m usical a b i l i t y , i s Frederick the Great. ( A ll th e g r e a t s were gay: Alexander, P e t e r , F re d e ric k .) An a c c o m p l i s h e d f l u t i s t , h e c o m p o s e d 25 f l u t e s o n a t a s a n d 4 concertos, as well as several l i b r e t t o s . F r e d e r i c k ' s b r i l l a n t i n t e l l e c t and w ide r a n g i n g i n t e r e s t s i n t h e a r t s c a n f i r s t be tra c e d to h i s unhappy c h ild h o o d . His f a th e r ( F r e d e r i c k I ) t r i e d t o i n t e r e s t h i s son i n m i l ­ i t a r y m a t t e r s , b u t th e young h e i r p r e f e r r e d books and c o l l e c t e d a s e c r e t l i b r a r y . The c o n ­ se rv ativ e king tr ie d to f o s te r a love of hunt­ ing in h i s o f f s p r i n g , but th e f r e e t h i n k i n g p r i n c e c o n c i e v e d a p a s s i o n f o r m u s i c and t h e flute. R e l a t i o n s b e tw ee n f a t h e r and son grew s t r a i n e d ; no d o u b t t h e k i n g t h o u g h t h i s s o n wa s a s i s s y ; t h e m o n a rc h 's t r e a tm e n t o f h i s son grew b r u t a l and h u m i l i a t i n g . F o r c e d t o a c c o m p a n y h i s f a t h e r o n a n a r my t o u r , t h e y o u n g p r i n c e p l a n n e d a n e s c a p e t o En­ gland. T h i s p l o t was d i s c o v e r e d a t t h e l a s t m i n u t e , and yo u n g F r e d e r i c k was s u b j e c t t o courtm arshall as a d e s e rte r. He w a s f o r c e d t o

w i t n e s s t h e e x e c u t i o n o f L i e u t . Hans He rmann, a co -co n sp ira to r (perhaps lo v er? ). F r e d e r i c k was l a t e r " f o r m a l l y " r e c o n c i l l e d t o h i s f a t h e r and a p p o i n t e d t o m in o r m ilitary posts. A t a g e 21 F r e d e r i c k w e n t a s a n o b s e r v e r wd th t h e n e i g h b o r i n g A u s t r i a n army o f P r i n c e E u g e n e o f S a v o y , t h e m o s t f a m o u s com­ mander o f t h a t e r a . Eugene a l s o h a s w i d e ly b een rum oured t o be g a y . The p r o s p e c t o f one ga y p r i n c e s e r v i n g a s a r o l e model f o r a n o t h e r s u r e l y p r o v i d e s food fo r thought. C erta in ly a f t e r t h i s period Fred­ e r i c k s e e m s t o h a v e come i n t o a s u r e r s e n s e o f him self. F re d e ric k I I (1712-1786) succeeded to the P r u s s ia n th ro n e a t age 28. He c o n t i n u e d h i s l i t e r a r y a n d m u s i c a l p a s s i o n s u n d i mm e d t h r o u g h ­ out his life tim e . He a l s o b e c a m e a r e n o u n a n d f e a r e d m i l i t a r y l e a d e r , a s w e l l a s an accom­ plish ed statesm an. He w a s t h e e p i t o m e o f t h e "enlightened despot". He a d v a n c e d r e f o r m s a n d co d ified laws. F r e d e r i c k t h e G r e a t c o n s t r u c t e d an opu­ l e n t r o c o c o p a l a c e n e a r Potsdam where he c o l ­ l e c t e d a r t , p la y e d t h e f l u t e , and s u r r o u n d e d h im s e lf w ith l i t e r a r y f r i e n d s , in c lu d in g Vol­ t a i r e . H er e he w r o t e b o o k s on h i s t o r y and p o l i ­ tics. H e r e he composed h i s f l u t e s o n a t a s and concertos. Her e- t h e k i n g b e c a m e a g u e e n .

Zaqtitnc Taislcs -O&ncina 3 o k n ,t d o lf e

As a l o n g t i m e l o v e r o f m u s i c I o f t e n was f r u s t r a t e d a t m u s i c t h a t c o u l d o n l y be p e r ­ for med by t r a i n e d s p e c i a l i s t s c a l l e d " m u s i ­ c ia n s " . ' I found th e u su a l r o l e s o f "perfo rm e r" and " a u d i e n c e " t o b e l i m i t i n g . E v e r y p e r s o n s e e m s t o h a v e a r h y t h m i c mu­ s i c a l i n s t i n c t - a s c h i l d r e n so c l e a r l y demon­ strate. H e r e a r e s o me " c o m p o s i t i o n s " d e s i g n e d t o a l l o w f r e e p a r t i c i p a t i o n by a l l , r e g a r d l e s s of age, a b i l i t y , or tr a in in g . SOLO BODY MUSIC S t a r t b y c l a p p i n g h a n d s in m oderate rhythm. Keep c l a p p i n g u n t i l you have a s t e a d y , r e p e t i t i v e b e a t . This is the " p u l s e " a n d s t a y s t h e s a me t h r o u g h o u t . P r o g r e s s by s t r i k i n g d i f f e r e n t p a r t s o f th e body. Keep t h e " p u l s e " , and e x p e r i m e n t with d i f f e r e n t sounds. When d i f f e r e n t b o d y sounds have been e x p lo r e d , s to p . GROUP BODY MUSIC One p e r s o n i n a g r o u p w i t h " S o l o Body M u s i c " . T h i s p e r s o n i s now t h e "pulse". O t h e r g r o u p members j o i n i n a s e a c h o n e g e t s t h e b e a t , b y c l a p p i n g i n t h e s a me rhythm as th e " p u l s e " . When t h e g r o u p i s a l l

c l a p p i n g t o g e t h e r , g r o u p m e m b e r s move a mo n g each o t h e r , clap p in g hands a l l around, p a tt y c s Kg st i yl ©* FOUND OBJECT MUSIC Same a s " B o d y M u s i c " , b u t a d d s o me r a n d o m o b j e c t s f r o m t h e i m m e d i a t e environm ent - s t i c k s , t i n cans, e tc . H i t them t o g e t h e r , b l o w t h r o u g h t h e m , w h a t e v e r w i l l mak e a sa tis fy in g noise. T h i s c a n be " s o l o " o r "group", o f course. RITUAL MUSIC R e c i t e a s h o r t p o e m, o r a n y group o f words, in tim e to the " p u ls e " . H ere's an ex am p le: The f e e l i n g i s s t r o n g I want to b e lo n g I j o i n i n th e song And d a n c e a l o n g . C o m b i n e w i t h Bo d y M u s i c , F o u n d O b j e c t s , etc. Any o r a l l o f t h e s e p i e c e s may b e p e r ­ formed i n any c o m b i n a t i o n . Self-expression is t h e key - s t a y l o o s e and e n j o y t h e m u s i c !

'Q&ncinq andMusic are considered the 'Same yttampparts of the UorldcKesfondimj to rkatnvt'

idlsi Ljau'body is part aj the- urtoj’fnaJun^dnusuc.


yy

M

y

fatR.IE

y y y Y

<r ?

7 5 - 4 Ccenrus p p UHy A tco w fa w n g te j-

y

y ? * ru r

f

ru e

H u **.

l Jf r f| J

sh are.

yousr,e-

y y )T y y y

I

A A A A A

y y y

y

% I# r

> 1

r

L pe tr

'

I TT

n

y c u n - s e li FP

L

\ J n u a - £ ,*

£ H

i f f "i I FA

W

o

F A *e -

-&

jfcftgPE A T

f

f

ikl/L /isiGr

^

j ilA Al HCAL

T0

»f

r

_* /VNp

___ TO

t

e

U £eAaf ?rTt*s h

P e s iK E b

4 6

/ ^ <5-«>W

K ftf$4*A

y y

y /,

h g r C S

i

O-

And

//7

u jo n n o -n

f~k<

/7?<f

T ~ h g r g s

/ o y CS

/r?

j n

} 'A n d

a. -rA

e

mo.* m e * *

e^ r d S

dn- d -■ -

a .

-g-A -- e-

in i n

/rtc n n

/ n

cA / /W ---- /n

m

7 ~ A d r* <€ *9

And

az .

i / e

m

aC joo dd Cf «K e ss ss )

,'n

fiAg foci Ade rs) /n

s

Y ~ A g r g 's

/o u t*

J

o~

uio

g

|

/ nn ee .

}■ fi

<b*i

a .

m

a . n

/n

in , n

J

c A

i / e /

-rAg cA i/d

v

you

y

J

y o

J

q o & C d e s f)

y

y y y y y y y

y&u u

J you you

m

/n

J

J

ejoafide**) "> ye y~A& cfo</(dtsSJ /,} yOU. x

y y

y*> u

in

y

mxn

J* }

r -A A g r * . ' s

/ng

o . r\

J

y A e

/n g—

~ 3 ^

/ o

= £ = £

c f i i i / c /

J

f-Aeres

e.

u u <? m

-rAe *0 0 ',m &-n

i

Tfierc*

/ f i g

x

">

y o u .

\

v

y y y LyLI

'

we


— P2 fy *

K 'F = * n

ma

R F = R FR R b=JHD H =* wfripnds. 1et rre te11 you how I ’m f<»elin

have

.J

given

I

me

|* n n J T n i Listen,

£

Listen,

$ n n

j

love

yo u

so

j | ;i J i n n n

Li st en to my he ar t song.

i

I will n e ve r fo rg et you,

i

will ne ve r fo rsake you,

tfl

m I will ne ve r fo rg et you,

I

P

m

I wi ll n e v e r fors ak e you.

f.-.jljjj J|J J J J |JJJ J J lj j I | j J J J U J HJJ J UJ I ^ r r r 1r r rr 1r r JJI«N i i We

c i r c l e no w b e --- ne at h the moon, we

b r ot he r' s hands

Ga y

sp ir it that

ci rc le no w b e --- neath the stars

we c l a s p in love

draws each of us

and magic now

is ours

and holds us all

w i t h i n its gr as p

j We

si ng our songs of

br o t h e r love,

and

celebrate

our

i .ipower

i


6

(o



^ vl

\

i l

words and music by Nae P e a r s o n

7; j a 1 1J ijj Jft J J ■ m j. J 7 ] / ifrrr *1 You say yo u love me and yet I am a f r a i d »

$

Will yo u r love be s t ro ng or

For we can't rest fo re ve r in the cool awes om e shade.

*

= --------- —

rr

^

4

«

and the love le ss will all s o m e d a y meeti H

complete.

For as sure as the su n shines above you and I,

co me a time, J

my love, wh e n we'll say goodbye. J T- i

m

m

j. j

J j

there will

Yo u' re l e a v i n g me you say A -------1

iu j

i jm

and now w e ’re up on that day, I----- ------ * 6*,^

'~ n n

I wi s h you G o d ’s b l e s s i n g as you go awa.\ . dvn.

but I re al ly wish you'd stay. I'm left here to wa lk the streets alone, * ~ — , — A — -|---------- 1---------------1----------------------------

r r

rj

where once before a bright,

■A

and life wi ll s o m e h o w seem

k'k :ii ff fffj r itfJ r.fi

m

4

For the lovers

-------------------------- 1— . I

------

j

j

bright light had shone.

if j J J - H n iJ S s not at t o c r y ,

but yo u have fi n a l l y said goodbye

68

I guess I'll try

r


Kje

U b y F)icM / ' V u ’i X V O

You h a v e b e e n w o r k i n g f o r h o u r s , l y i n g o n y o u r b a c k i n what s e e m e d a t f i r s t a s o f t g r a s s y p a r t o f the lawn. Now y o u r b a c k f e e l s l i k e a p i n cushion. Ab o v e y o u , p e r c h e d o n wo o d e n b l o c k s a foot o f f th e ground, i s t h e worn-out but s t i l l s e r v i c e a b l e p i c k - u p you b o u g h t f o r ^>200. To da y s problem i s a l e a k y s e a l i n t h e t r a n s m i s s i o n . You w o u l d h a v e f i x e d i t a mo n t h a g o b u t t h e r e was s u c h a c o n t i n u o u s s p e l l o f r a i n t h a t you d i d n ' t want t o r i s k pneumonia t o s a v e y our t r u c k from l o s s o f v i t a l b o d y f l u i d s . The t r u c k , a f f e c t i o n a t e l y known a s J a k e , h a s b e c o m e q u i t e an a t t a c h m e n t . Jake i s b a s i c a l l y sound. He h a s an u n u s u a l l y l a r g e a o p e t i t e f o r o i l b u t h i s c o n t r i b u t i o n a n d o t h e r w i s e l o w c o s t make him a v i t a l part o f the homestead. Besides, he's simple. No c o m p u t e r b r a k e s o r i g n i t i o n , j u s t good m e ch an ical d e s i g n . E v e r y o n e who u s e s hi m knows t h a t y o u h a v e t o a c c o m o d a t e him i n c e r t a i n ways. On c o l d m o r n i n g s you h a v e t o p u l l t h e c h o k e o u t a l l t h e way a s you w i n d t h e s t a r t e r u n t i l he c o u g h s o n c e . Then y o u e a s e t h e c h o k e i n g r a d u a l l y a s y o u c o n t i n u e t o w i n d u n t i l he wakes u p . He's v e r y cranky at f i r s t . He d o e s n ' t l i k e t o b e d i s t u r b e d u n t i l h e ' s ha d a c h a n c e t o flex his jo in ts. But y o u w a i t .

v i t a l t o o l s , a g a r d e n , a s m a l l home b u s i n e s s a l l th e makings o f a good hom estead. But you worry about J a k e . One d a y you may n e e d hi m a nd h e ' s not g o i n g t o r e s p o n d t o your l o v i n g ha n ds . You h a d p u t o f f some r e p a i r t o o l o n g w h i l e you waited for the r ig h t c o n d i t i o n s . You n e e d a s h o p . You n e e d a p l a c e w h e r e you c a n work on J a k e when t h e w e a t h e r i s n ' t f i t f o r a n y ­ thing e l s e . In h i s o l d a g e h e w a n t s f o r a t t e n ­ t i o n a nd h e w a n t s i t now. Homesteaders, as a r u l e , g o i n t o t h e v e n t u r e w i t h a s s e t s f rom a nother l i f e . T h e i r e q u i p m e n t must l a s t much longer than i s o r d i n a r i l y e x p e c t e d . L e t ' s ass ume y o u want t o a c c o m o d a t e J a k e a n d h i s m e c h a n i c a l f a m i l y by b u i l d i n g a w o r k s h o p f o r t h e i r c a r e .

The t r a n s m i s s i o n s e a l s h o u l d h a v e b e e n e a s y t o fix. In f a c t , i t w a s , b u t you s p e n t an h o u r o r more f u m b l i n g t h r o u g h t h e g r a s s w i t h y o u r f i n g e r t i p s l o o k i n g f o r t h e nu t y o u l o s t w h i l e r e m o v i n g the d r ive s h a f t . '•’e l l , t h i s t i m e y o u f i n i s h e d the r e p a ir j u s t in t h e n i c k . There have been o t h e r t i m e s when you w a i t e d d a y s f o r t h e w e a t h e r to break. As t h e l a s t o f t h e b l o c k s w e r e r e m o v e d the c lo u d s bu rst at t h e seams.

THE MECHANICAL WORKSHOP The s h o p s h o u l d b e p l a c e d w h e r e i t i s e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e b y d r i v e w a y , n o t t o o f a r from t h e h o u s e and p e r h a p s c l o s e t o t h e g a r d e n . Placing i t t o o f a r f rom o t h e r a r e a s o f a h o m e s t e a d or t r y i n g t o c o n c e a l i t may b e a m i s t a k e a f f e c t i n g the b u i l d i n g ' s u s e f u ln e s s .

I f y o u t o o k J a k e t o a m e c h a n i c e v e r y t i m e he a c t e d up a l i t t l e you w o u l d p r o b a b l y h a v e t o p u t the o l d boy out to p a s t u r e . Mechanics have so l i t t l e r e s p e c t f o r hi m a n d t h e y c h a r g e s o much. They n e g l e c t t h i n g s l i k e t i g h t e n i n g up t h e s h i f t l i n k a g e w h i l e t h e y ’ r e un d e r t h e r e c h a n g i n g t h e oil. You kn o w, s p r u c i n g up a b i t , d o i n g r e p a i r s t h a t r e q u i r e a l i t t l e l o v e a n d no p a r t s .

In c l i m a t e s w h e r e w i n t e r ' s c o l d w i l l k e e n you f rom p e r f o r m i n g n e c e s s a r y r e p a i r s on e q u i p m e n t , i t is appropriate to consider a stron g, t i g h t l y enclosed str u c tu r e. T h e r e s h o u l d b e e n o u g h room t o s u r r o u n d t h e l a r g e s t v e h i c l e o wn e d a s w e l l a s p l e n t y o f s p a c e for t o o l s and w o r k b e n c h e s . Wa l ka r o u n d r oom, e s p e c i a l l y i n f r o n t o f and t o t h e s i d e s o f the v e h i c l e sh ould be s u f f i c i e n t t o a l l o w for any d i s a s s e m b l y and r e n a i r s t h a t ar e c o n s i d e r e d w i t h i n t h e c a p a b i l i t i e s o f your equipment and t a l e n t s . G en erally, fiv e to six f e e t in e v e r y d i r e c t i o n w i l l be s u f f i c i e n t for c o m p l e t e disem bow elme nt o f any c ar o r l i g h t

You’ v e made up y o ur mi n d t h a t o u t h e r e , t e n m i l e s from t h e n e a r e s t t o w n , i s w h e r e you a r e g o i n g t o live. Your p l a n s f o r t h e p l a c e w i l l o n e d a y t u r n an o l d d e r e l i c t f arm i n t o a p a r a d i s e . You i n t e n d t o make g o o d u s e o f t h e m a c h i n e r y you h a v e ha d a l l t h e s e y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g J a k e . You have a t i l l e r and a c a r , a l l p a i d f o r , a few

<o9


% fjoojestzad Workshop Continued truck. E x t r a room s h o u l d b e p l a n n e d f o r a n y a n t i c i p a t e d t o o l s and f i x t u r e s s o t h a t a c c u m u l a ­ t i o n s o f i n f r e q u e n t l y u s e d t o o l s do not e n c r o a c h on o n e ' s m o b i l i t y .

FLOOR PLAN FOR MECHANICAL SHOP WITH ATTACHED SHED FOR GARDEN TOOLS

The f l o o r o f a g a r a g e s h o u l d b e o f c o n c r e t e a n d sraootn e n o u g h s o t h a t s m a l l w h e e l s c a r r y i n g s e v e r a l hundred pounds can r o o l f r e e l y over the surface. The t h i c k n e s s o f t h e f l o o r n e e d n o t b e more t h a n s i x i n c h e s and c an be c a s t i n o n e slab. A four i n c h t h i c k n e s s w i l l be enough i f the s l a b i s r e i n f o r c e d w ith s t e e l . The r e s t o f t h e s t r u c t u r e c a n b e b u i l t upon t h i s s l a b w i t h no more f o u n d a t i o n d e v e l o p m e n t p r o v i d e d t h e s t r u c t u r e i s o f some l i g h t w e i g h t p l a n . A heav­ i e r b u i l d i n g , s u c h a s o n e made o f s t o n e , w o u l d r e q u i r e a much more s u b s t a n t i a l f o u n d a t i o n . The g r o u n d un d e r t h e f l o o r s h o u l d b e p r e o a r e d t o p r o v i d e a firm b a se for th e s l a b . The a r e a s h o u l d n o t b e s u b j e c t t o f l o o d i n g nor r a p i d water r u n o f f . The c o n s t r u c t i o n i s g e n e r a l l y v e r y h o u s e - l i k e a n d a n y ma nu a l o f c o n s t r u c t i o n w i l l be a u s e f u l g u i d e . I have s e v e r a l s u g g e s ­ t i o n s and w i l l m e n t i o n t hem l a t e r . It i s c o n v e n ie n t to have a s l a b in f r o n t o f the d r iv e -in door. T h i s s e c t i o n s h o u l d be at l e a s t the l e n g t h o f a c a r and wi de enough t o p r o v i d e mud-free walk-around. Much work c a n be d o n e o u t s i d e i n b e t t e r l i g h t when w e a t h e r p e r m i t s . The o u t s i d e s l a b s h o u l d h a v e a s l i g h t s l o p e away f rom t h e b u i l d i n g t o a l l o w r u n o f f o f r a i n a n d wa s h w a t e r . A s l o p e o f an i n c h f o r e v e r y t e n fe et o f len g th i s enough. I n s i d e , p r o v i s i o n s h o u l d b e made f o r h e a v y liftin g . E n g i n e s ca n be c h a n g e d by e v e n t h e r a n k e s t amateur m e c h a n i c i f t h e r e i s a s t r o n g h o i s t w ith mountings in the c e i l i n g . A thick b e a m , s a y 4 b y 10 i n c h e s s p a n n i n g s e v e r a l c e i l ­ i n g b e a m s may b e e n o u g h s t r e n g t h t o l i f t a b o u t o n e - h a l f t o n . T h i s d e p e n d s on t h e r a f t e r p l a n and t h e w i d t h o f t h e b u i l d i n g . Ratchet h o i s t s , u s u a l l y c o s t i n g about $ 2 5 , can b e p u r c h a s e d at any de pa rt m en t or har dware s t o r e . They not o n l y c a n l i f t an e n g i n e , b u t t h e y c o me i n h a n d y f o r a l l s o r t s o f t h i n g s on t h e h o m e ste a d . Th e y o n l y r e q u i r e t h e u s e o f one hand e v e n f o r h e a v y l i f t i n g s o y o u h a v e o n e ha n d f r e e t o g u i d e your work.

Legend 12. 3. «• 5. 6. 7. 8.

The b u i l d i n g i t s e l f n e e d n o t b e e l a b o r a t e . A s i m p l e wood f r a m e d a n d p l a n k e d s t r u c t u r e w i t h a g a b l e r o o f , a few wi nd ow s, a w a l k - i n d o o r , a d r i v e - i n d o o r , a n d a wood h e a t e r w o u l d b e i d e a l . I t n e e d n o t b e an e y e s o r e . ( I t can be s t y l e d t o b l e n d i n w i t h s u r r o u n d i n g b u i l d i n g s and c a n h e l p g i v e t h e a p p e a r a n c e o f a w e l l p l a n n e d and e f f i c i e n t homestead.) Th e r e a r e few s t r u c t u r a l d i f f e r e n c e s be t w e e n i t and a h o u s e . The w a l l s may b e a l i t t l e h i g h e r t h a n y o u w o u l d p l a n f o r a h o u se and i f a t t i c s t o r a g e i s d e s i r e d i t i s wise to plan for e x tr a th ic k n e ss o f the c e i l i n g be a ms w i t h a f l o o r , a n d i n s u l a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e a t t i c f l o o r and t h e c e i l i n g m a t e r i a l . A large wood h e a t e r made f rom a 55 g a l l o n s t e e l drum w ill provide plen ty o f heat. An i n e x p e n s i v e c o n v e r s i o n k i t i s a v a i l a b l e and I w i l l l i s t i t s source in the b ib lio g r a p h y .

Wo r kbe nc h Roll-around tool box Area for car Shelving A cetylene torch Metal t a b l e w ith welder underneath Woodstove Floor jack

9. 10. 11. 12.

13. 14 .

Locker (6 f t . t a l l ) Support p o s t s for shed r o o f O u t l in e o f shed roof Ar e a f o r g a r d e n implement s t o r a g e gravel floor G r a v e l walkway Slab for o u ts id e work.

w a t e r s p i g o t i s h e l p f u l f o r w a s h i n g c a r s and s h o u l d be thought o f as n e c e s s a r y , p a r t i c u l a r l y i f y o u l i v e i n an a r e a w h e r e r o a d s a r e s a l t e d in w i n t e r . U n l e s s y o u a r e p l a n n i n g t o do e l e c t r i c a l w e l d i n g , a s i m p l e s e r v i c e l i n e coming f rom t h e h o u s e w i t h a b o u t 2 5 amps c a p a c i t y i s enough. The s m a l l e r w e l d e r s w i l l r e q u i r e a b o u t 3 0 amps a t 1 2 5 v o l t s a n d t h e more u s e f u l u n i t s w i l l r eq u ire 220 v o l t s . Be r e a l i s t i c a b o u t y o u r e l e c t r i c a l n e e d s a n d by a l l me a ns c h e c k y o u r l o ­ cal codes. C e r t a i n a r e a s h a v e minimum r e q u i r e ­ ments f o r w t r u c t u r e s o f v a r i o u s t y p e s and g e n e r ­ a l l y e l e c t r i c a l codes are s t r i c t l y e n fo r c e d . The m e c h a n i c a l s h o p i s t h e i d e a l p l a c e t o do a l l s o r t s o f other homestead c h o r e s . All of t h e m a c h in e ry t h a t can be br o ug h t i n t o t h e sh o p i s m o s t e f f i c i e n t l y s e r v i c e d t h e r e . If you a r e w e l l - e q u i p p e d f o r a u t o m a i n t e n a n c e y ou p r o b a b l y h a v e a l l you n e e d t o s e r v i c e most

'•Piter a n d e l e c t r i c i t y a r e t h e o n l y u t i l i t i e s nee de d and ar e l i m i t e d t o b a s i c s . An o u t s i d e

70


%

Motes from

fyo ve ste a d O Jocfisfiop C o n tin u e d

Q e m i)

other m echanical b e i n g s . The same t o o l s a r e used. He r e y o u c a n t a k e y o u r t i m e a n d do t h e j ob r i g h t w i t h no da ma g e o r i n c o n v e n i e n c e from t h e w e a t h e r , a n d you a r e f r e e t o w a i t f o r D a r t s and i n s p i r a t i o n .

M o((ow

The re a r e h u n d r e d s o f g o o d b o o k s and a r t i c l e s w r i t t e n on t h e s u b j e c t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n . Rather t ha n l i s t more t h a n a f e w h e r e , I ' l l o n l y o u t ­ l i n e what t o l o o k f o r . A t r i p t o y o ur l o c a l l i b r a r y or b o o k s t o r e w i l l b e r e w a r d i n g e n o u g h .

When I t o o k p o s s e s s i o n o f t h i s h o m e s t e a d f i v e y e a r s a g o , i t wa s M a r c h , a n d t h e g a r d e n ha d b e e n l e f t t o g o w i l d a n d was f i l l e d w i t h c a r p e t s o f chickweed. A n x i o u s t o h a v e some e a r l y g r e e n f o o d t o e a t I c o v e r e d an a r e a w i t h c h i c k e n ma­ n u r e a n d s a w d u s t and t u r n e d i t u n d e r . C utting t h e b a r o f w i r e c o a t h a n g e r s I s t r a i g h t e n e d t he m t o make a U a n d p l a c e d t he m a f o o t a p a r t . A w i r e j o i n e d them and wa s p e g g e d down e a c h e n d t o g i v e s o me r i g i d i t y . T h i s was c o v e r e d w i t h c l e a r p l a s t i c - the hanger part p i e r c e d h o l e s . Ea c h s i d e was h e l d down b y s t o n e s a n d o d d p i e c e s o f w o o d w h i c h made i t e a s y t o l i f t f o r w a t e r i n g a nd weeding. L e t t u c e , r a d i s h and e a r l y c a r r o t s were s o wn a n d I was a b l e t o e a t t h e f i r s t t wo a mont h b e f o r e I c o u l d h a v e i f sown i n t h e o p e n .

Consider f i r s t the m a t e r ia ls that are a v a i l a ­ b l e t o you a t l ow c o s t and f i n d a b o o k t h a t d o e s j u s t i c e to that m a te r ia l. A l l home b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l s ar e s u i t a b l e for workshop c o n s t r u c ­ tion. Choose a book t h a t at f i r s t g l a n c e has more i n f o r m a t i o n t h a n you may n e e d . There sh o u ld b e t a b l e s and c h a r t s i n d i c a t i n g t h e s t r e n g t h o f c e r t a i n m a t e r i a l s for s p e c i f i c u s e s . Tr y t o f i n d o n e t h a t t e l l s how t o b u i l d d o o r s a n d w i n ­ do ws f rom s c r a t c h . These item s can be v ery e x ­ pensive. A b o o k t h a t t r a c e s c o n s t r u c t i o n f rom A t o Z may b e h e l p f u l . The b o o k s h o u l d b e w e l l i n d e x e d w i t h many d i a g r a m s , a l l p r o p e r l y e x ­ plained. D i a g r a m s a r e g e n e r a l l y more u s e f u l than p h o t o g r a p h s , h a v i n g d i m e n s i o n a l d a t a added as a p a r t o f t h e v i e w . Here a r e a f e w: How t o D e s i g n a n d B u i l d Your Own H o u s e , b y Lupe D i Do n n o and P h y l l i s S p e r l i n g . 1 9 7 8 , A l f r e d A. Knoph, New Y o r k , p u b l i s h e r ; Random H o u s e I n c . , New Y o r k , d i s t r i b u t o r . Many t a b l e s f o r j o i s t s , beams, r a f t e r s , e t c . w i t h go o d e x p l a n a t i o n o f a b u i l d i n g ' s s t r u c t u r a l dynamics. Follows co n ­ s t r u c t i o n o f a h o u s e f rom c o n c e p t i o n t o d e s i g n and t h r o u g h a l l p h a s e s o f b u i l d i n g . Some c o n ­ c r e t e i n s t r u c t i o n s b u t l i m i t e d t o p i e r s and footings.

S i n c e t h e n , I ' v e made l a r g e r f r a m e s o f o d d p i e c e s o f wood a n d c o v e r e d t hem w i t h a h e a v i e r p l a s t i c u n d e r w h i c h I ' v e s e t o u t t o m a t o , p e p p e r and other p la n t s . On warm d a y s I l i f t an e d g e a n d p l a c e a b r i c k u n d e r i t t o g i v e some v e n t i l a t i o n .

The O w n e r - B u i l t H o m e s t e a d , b y B a r b a r a a n d Ken Ke r n . 1 9 7 7 , C h a r l e s S c r i b n e r ' s S o n s , New Yo r k. C o n t a i n s c h a p t e r on h o m e s t e a d w o r k s h o p t h a t t h e a u t h o r s b u i l t on t h e i r s p r e a d . The l a y o u t p r o ­ v i d e s not o n l y for m a i n t e n a n c e o f v e h i c l e s but has woodworking and m e t a l w o r k i n g a r e a s . The construction is a hollow glip-form ed stone wall w i t h a wood f r a m e d r o o f . See p a g e s 2 4 8 - 2 6 1 .

T h i s y e a r I h a v e some o l d wi ndow f r a m e s a nd am g o i n g t o make a mo r e p e r m a n e n t f r a m e w i t h c o n ­ c r e t e b lo c k s i d e s , l i n i n g t h e i n s i d e back w a ll w i t h a l u mi n u m f o i l a n d b o t t l e s o f w a t e r f o r a p assive solar e f f e c t .

B a s i c C o n s t r u c t i o n T e c h n i q u e s f o r H o u s e s a nd Small B u i l d i n g s , Simply E x p l a i n e d , by t h e U. S . Na v y , B u r e a u o f P e r s o n n e l . O r i g i n a l l y c a l l e d B uilder 3 & 2 w r i t t e n in 1970. P u b l i s h e d by Do v e r P u b l i s h i n g i n 1 9 7 2 un de r t h e new t i t l e . Although la c k in g in t a b l e s for s t r e n g t h s o f m a t e r i a l s and d i f f i c u l t r e a d i n g at t i m e s , t h i s book i s p r o b a b l y o n e o f t h e mo s t t h o r o u g h c o n ­ s tr u c tio n g u id es ever w r it te n . The b o o k h a s d e t a i l e d e x p l a n a t i o n s on e x c a v a t i o n , r e t a i n i n g w alls, p ie r s , foundations, concrete sla b s, masonry, w a l l s , r o o f s , f l o o r s , windows, d o o r s , s c a f f o l d i n g and r i g g i n g , i n t e r i o r f i n i s h i n g , h e av y c o n s t r u c t i o n and l a t r i n e s .

I ' m l u c k y t o h a v e a n e a r b y f arm t h a t r a i s e s b r o i l e r s w h i c h s u p p l i e s me e a c h y e a r w i t h a dump t r u c k p i l e d h i g h w i t h c h i c k e n ma nure f o r $ 2 0 . T h i s , a l o n g w i t h c o m p o s t a nd wood a s h e s k e e p s the garden in high f e r t i l i t y . As I' m w r i t i n g ( e a r l y D e c e m b e r ) , I h a v e t wo l a r g e l o c k e r / f r e e z e r d r a w e r s a t a n e a r b y meat m a r k e t s t u f f e d f u l l o f g a r d e n p r o d u c e ; 14 d o z e n q u a r t s o f p e a c h e s , p e a r s , c h e r r i e s , s t r a w b e r r i e s , b l u e b e r r i e s a nd r e s p b e r r i e s , p l u s homemade j a m s . (My o n e d w a r f B a r t l e t t p e a r t r e e p r o d u c e d 2 2 0 medi um a nd l a r g e f r u i t s a g a i n s t 2 p e a r s two y e a r s ago'.) The f i r s t s n o w s t o r m h i t l a s t n i g h t . 'sdth a p a r c e l o f b o o k s f ro m t h e S t a t e L i b r a r y , a g l o w ­ i n g l o g f i r e , p l e n t y o f home g r o w n f o o d a n d t h e l o n g w e e k - e n d v i s i t o f ray l o v e r - what more c a n a co u n tr y guy want?

Low c o s t wood h e a t e r k i t c o n v e r t i n g 55 g a l l o n s t e e l drum or s m a l l e r t a n k . Door k i t s a n d f l u e kits. S o t z C o r p o r a t i o n , 1 3 6 2 8 S t a t i o n Ro a d , Columbia S t a t i o n , Ohio 4 4 0 2 8 .

71


The H ‘ omestead Outhouse f

'One Scoop P et Poop. , Down The Pole, P lea sef

By

PerryPoo

w i t h s i n c e we d i d n ' t h a v e r u n n i n g w a t e r f o r washing. a f r i e n d has t h i s s i g n which h e l p s One s c o o p p e r p o o p , down t h e h o l e , p l e a s e . So c o n s t r u c t t h e b u i l d i n g b i g e n o u g h ; i t ' s no t a c l o s e t b u t a r o o m.

So y o u a r e g o i n g t o h o m e s t e a d - t h a t ' s g r e a t I w o u l d l i k e t o s h a r e some t h i n g s I h a v e l e a r n e d . T h i s i s i n r e g a r d s t o a p l a c e v e r y d e a r t o my h e a r t and i t i s t h e o u t h o u s e . I h a v e s e e n some b e a u t i f u l o u t h o u s e s a nd some v e r y s i m p l e o n e s b u t no m a t t e r how o r n a t e o r s i m p l e t h e y a r e , t h e y mus t b e f u n c t i o n a l . Some t h i n g s t o k e e p i n mi nd a r e : D o n ' t p u t i t t o o f a r from t h e h o u s e . On a c o l d n i g h t o r a r a i n y o n e , not t o m e n ti o n t h e tiroes you have a c o l d or t h e f l u , y o u d o n ' t wa n t t o b e r u n n i n g t h e 1 0 0 y a r d d a s h j u s t t o do vour e x c r e m e n t e x ­ ercises. An o u t h o u s e i n t h e c o u n t r y i s a b a s i c p a r t o f l i f e s o why t r y t o h i d e i t i n t h e b u s h e s o r way down b a c k ; s o p u t i t a b o u t 50 f e e t f rom t h e h o u s e a n d make s u r e i t h a s e a s y a c c e s s . Now r e g a r d i n g t h e b u i l d i n g i t s e l f , a n d d e p e n d i n g o n how g r e g a r i o u s y o u a r e y o u may w a n t a o n e h o l e r or a t e n - h o l e r , t h i s i s s t r i c t l y p r e f e r e n c e I p r e f e r a o n e h o l e r m y s e l f , and I d o n ' t c o n s i d e r that a hang-up. R e g a r d l e s s o f how many h o l e s you have ( w e ' r e t a l k i n g abo ut o u t h o u s e s ) b u i l d t h e s t r u c t u r e b i g e n o u g h s o y o u c a n s t a n d up c o m f o r t a b l y and t u r n a r o u n d e a s i l y . Some o f u s are 6 ' 3 " - so c o n s i d e r u s . A lso , during winter you a r e g o i n g t o be b u n d l e d up a n d y o u ' l l n e e d e x t r a room t o a c c o m o d a t e b u l k y c o a t s a n d b o o t s in t h is b u ild in g . S i n c e I e n j o y ray v i s i t t o t h e o u t h o u s e I r e a l l y h a t e f e e l i n g c l a u s t r o p h o b i c at a t i m e when I want t o r e l a x . One more t h i n g , y o u ' l l n e e d room f o r a c o n t a i n e r t o h o l d a s h e s o r s a w d u s t t o p u t down t h e h o l e a f t e r e a c h u s e . I s a y "down t h e h o l e " b e c a u s e a c i t y f r i e n d o f o u r s came b a c k w i t h g r a y d u s t on h i s h a n d s a n d upon q u e s t i o n i n g h i m , he r e p l i e d t h a t h e t h o u g h t i t wa s a d u s t i n g p o w d e r t o f r e s h e n up h i s h a n d s

As t o s t y l e - a f e w f r i e n d s h a v e o u t h o u s e s t h a t you s q u a t f l a t - f o o t e d o v e r t h e h o l e . I do b e ­ l i e v e t h i s t o b e t h e b e s t way t o l e t l o o s e , b u t t h e r e a r e some o f us who j u s t d o n ' t s q u a t w e l l , so a throne i s a n i c e i d e a . we a l s o p a i n t e d o u r s w h i t e a n d i t ' s s u r p r i s i n g how much n i c e r i t i s . S o m e w h e r e I mus t h a v e c h i l d h o o d m e m o r i e s o f d a r k o u t h o u s e s w i t h c r a w l y t h i n g s t h a t w o u l d p u l l me in to the h o le. So t h e c h e e r i e r i t i s , t h e b e t ­ t e r f o r me. '"hat a b o u t t h e s h i t t h a t i s g o i n g t o a c c u m u l a t e ? I h a v e a v e r y s i m p l e and y e t e f f e c t i v e m e th o d t h a t I ’ d l i k e t o e n c o u r a g e you t o t r y . Build your o u t h o u s e t o t a l l y a b o v e g r o u n d . Don't dig a h o l e o r c e m e n t a r o o m, j u s t p l a c e a c o n t a i n e r under the s e a t . We u s e a 3 0 g a l l o n g a l v a n i z e d t r a s h can and i t works g r e a t . we p u t a o n e - h a l f i n c h m i x t u r e o f sa w du st and a s h e s i n t h e b o tt om each time a f t e r emptying th e c a n . This r e a l l y h e l p s w i t h t h e du mp i n g o f t h e c o n t e n t s - h a r d l y anything s t i c k s . <Je u s u a l l y l e t t h e c a n g e t t h r e e q u a r t e r s f u l l , t h e n t h e t wo o f u s c a r r y i t w i t h o u t much t r o u b l e t o t h e c o m p o s t s i t e , we d o k e e p t h i s p i l e s e p a r a t e f r o m o u r r e g u l a r c o m p o s t and o n l y u s e i t on t h e t r e e s a nd f l o w ­ ers . I ' d a l s o l i k e .to s t r e s s th e use o f a m ix tu r e o f a s h e s and saw du st - about e q u a l p a r t s . This d o e s t wo i m p o r t a n t t h i n g s . One, i t v i r t u a l l y elim in a tes odors. Two , t h e s a w d u s t h e l p s a e r a t e t h e s h i t for f a s t e r c o m p o st in g . Three th e sawdust h e l p s absorb the p i s s . F o u r , the* <t-,het add p o t a s h and h e l p s s w e e t e n t h e s o i l f o r our w o n d e r f u l p l a n t s . Some o f t h e b e s t t h i n g s about t h i s s y s t e m i s t h a t t h e r e i s seldom any s m e l l , no s p e c i a l v e n t i n g i s r e q u i r e d , no d i g ­ g i n g out t h e o l d s h i t , and i t ' s e a s i l y ta ke n t o the compost p i l e . S o , t h e r e a r e my h i n t s t o a s s u r e a h a o p y t i m e i n t h e o u t h o u s e u s i n g t h e e a s i e s t a n d b e s t ways I know o f f o r h a n d l i n g t h e s h i t .


One o f t h e mo s t d i v e r s e , w i d e s p r e a d , a n d a b u n ­ da n t g r o u p s o f s p r i n g w i l d f l o w e r s i s t h e v i o ­ le t s (Viola sp p .). The re a r e over one hundred s p e c i e s d i s t r i b u t e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e U. S . and Canada. A l l a r e e d i b l e , t h o u g h some o f t h e y e l l o w v a r i e t i e s s h o u l d be u s e d i n m o d e r a t i o n , a s t h e y may b e m i l d l y c a t h a r t i c . Leave’s a r e v a r i a b l e , g e n e r a l l y h e a r t o r a r r o w - s h a p e d on p la n ts three to ten inches t a l l . The y e l l o w , b l u e - v i o l e t , o r w h i t e f l o w e r s a p p e a r i n g f rom

Much h a s b e e n w r i t t e n , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t h e l a s t t w e n t y y e a r s , about f o r a g i n g f o r w i l d e d i b l e plants. Some o f i t i s g o o d , b u t much l a c k s c o n ­ c e r n f o r t h e e c o l o g i c a l s o u n d n e s s o f some c o l ­ l e c t i n g p r a c t i c e s and t h e d i f f i c u l t y i n i d e n t i ­ f i c a t i o n o f many s p e c i e s a t t h e s t a g e a t w h i c h their p a la ta b ility peaks. I cannot overempha­ s iz e the fa m ila r ity with plant c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s n e c e s s a r y for one t o i d e n t i f y any p l a n t f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e f rom a v a g u e d e s c r i p t i o n . I t ' s best t o l e a r n p l a n t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n f rom an e x p e r i ­ e n c e d f o r a g e r or n a t u r a l i s t , b u t , b a r r i n g t h a t , to read d e s c r i p t i o n s c a r e f u l l y , stu d y a l l draw­ i n g s and p h o t o g r a p h s a v a i l a b l e , and c h e c k as many k e y i d e n t i f y i n g f e a t u r e s a s p o s s i b l e i n m a k i ng an i n i t i a l d e t e r m i n a t i o n o f a p a r t i c u l a r plan t. The p l a n t s I ' v e c h o s e n f o r t h i s a r t i c l e a r e a l l sho wy s p r i n g w i l d f l o w e r s o f w i d e s p r e a d d i s t r i ­ b u t i o n i n t h e m o i s t f o r e s t s o f t h e e a s t e r n and c e n t r a l U n i t e d S t a t e s and a d j a c e n t Ca n a d a ( r o u g h l y f rom New B r u n s w i c k t h r o u g h O n t a r i o and s o u t h t o F l o r i d a a n d T e x a s ) . Some a r e f o u n d i n t h e w e s t e r n U. S . a n d Ca n a d a a l s o , a n d may e x t e n d i n t o d r i e r w o o d l a n d s , c l e a r i n g s , and o p e n f i e l d s . A l l can be h a r v e s t e d w ithout h a r m i ng t h e p l a n t s t h e m s e l v e s , o r s e v e r e l y d e p le tin g the plan t pop u lation o f i t s r ep ro ­ ductive p o t e n t ia l. A b a s i c r u l e t o f o l l o w when f o r a g i n g t o i n s u r e mini mal e n v i r o n m e n t a l impact i s t o n e v e r h a r v e s t mor e t h a n 10% o f t h e l e a v e s o f a p l a n t or p l a n t p o p u l a t i o n , 50% o f t h e f r u i t o f an a n n u a l h e r b p o p u l a t i o n , o r 90% o f the f r u i t o f a p e r e n n i a l herb p o p u l a t i o n , t r e e , or s h r u b . More t h a n e n o u g h l e a v e s , f l o w e r s , a nd f r u i t s s h o u l d be l e f t t o i n s u r e t h e p e r p e t ­ uation of these valuable p la n ts . All of the p l a n t g r o u p s p r e s e n t e d h e r e c o n t a i n most or a l l p e r e n n i a l s p e c i e s , so I f e e l c o l l e c t i o n o f t h e s e l e a v e s , f l o w e r s , and f r u i t s i s a c c e p t a b l e i f th e above g u i d e l i n e s are f o l l o w e d . In a d d i t i o n , a l l o f t h e s e p l a n t s c a n b e i d e n t i ­ f i e d e a s i l y by t h e i r r a t h e r d i s t i n c t i v e and s h o wy f l o w e r s , a p p e a r i n g i n e a r l y t o m i d - s p r i n g i n roost a r e a s . The f l o w e r i n g a n d f r u i t i n g p e r i o d s g i v e n a r e i n p r o g r e s s i o n f rom s o u t h t o n o r t h a n d f rom e a r l y t o l a t e r s p e c i e s o f t h e same g e n u s i n a p a r t i c u l a r a r e a . They do not i n d i c a t e t h a t t h a t p l a n t w i l l b e f l o w e r i n g or f r u i t i n g i n your r e g i o n t h r o u g h o u t t h e e n t i r e time span g i v e n . The a c t u a l f l o w e r i n g p e r i o d o f e a c h s p e c i e s i n a p a r t i c u l a r a r e a may b e o n l y o n e o r t wo w e e k s . F ruit is u su a lly a v a i l ­ a b l e f o r a s o me wh a t l o n g e r p e r i o d . These p l a n t s s h o u l d a l l be e n j o y e d f o r t h e i r b e a u t y and f r a g r a n c e , a n d , r a t h e r i n c i d e n t a l l y , f o r their ta ste .

AH violet pictures are

Size,

March t h r o u g h J u n e h a v e f i v e p e t a l s , w i t h t h e l o w e s t p e t a l e x t e n d i n g b a c k t o f orm a s o u r . Some s p e c i e s a r e uncommon, b u t m o s t a r e q u i t e abundant p e r e n n i a l s for min g l a r g e c o l o n i e s . B o th t h e t e n d e r young l e a v e s and t h e f l o w e r s c a n be u s e d . The l e a v e s make a g o o d a d d i t i o n t o s a l a d or c o o k e d g r e e n s , o r t o s o u p a s an o k r a - l i k e t h i c k e n e r ( y o u may want t o r e m o v e t h e f i b r o u s m i d r i b f o r some u s e s ) . They a r e an e x c e l l e n t s o u r c e o f v i t a m i n s A a n d C . The b l o s s o m s c a n be u s e d i n s a l a d s , f o r j e l l y , or candied to decorate d e s s e r t s .

73


L o o k i n g up w h i l e you g a t h e r t h o s e w o o d l a n d v i o l e t s , y o u may s e e a s m a l l t r e e w i t h c l u s t e r s o f pin k or l a v e n d e r f l o w e r s ha n gi ng c l o s e t o s p r e a d i n g dark g r a y b r a n c h e s . This i s the r ed bud (C e r c i s c a n a d e n s i s ) , a v e r s a t i l e s o u r c e of wild e d ib le s . Related sp e c ie s in the w est­ e r n U. S . a r e a l s o e d i b l e . The f l o w e r s r e s e m ­ b l e t h o s e o f p e a s a nd a p p e a r b e f o r e t h e b r o a d l y h e a r t - s h a p e d l e a v e s , s o m e t i m e f r om March t o May. The f l o w e r b u d s a nd f l o w e r s c a n b e p i c k l e d f o r u s e a s a g a r n i s h , u s e d raw i n s a l a d s , or a dd e d t o d e s s e r t s f o r b o t h c o l o r and f l a v o r . The t e n d e r y o un g s e e d p o d s a r e b e s t o n e t o two mo nt h s a f t e r f l o w e r i n g and c a n b e s a u t e e d i n bu tter for ten minutes as a cooked v e g e ta b le , or s u b s t i t u t e d f o r snow p e a s .

l e t s fo ld in g along a c e n t r a l c r e a s e . Her e i n t h e m o u n t a i n s o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a i t f o r ms t h i c k c a r p e t s on t h e f l o o r o f c o o l , damp s p r u c e - f i r f o r e s t s , at i t s southern l i m i t . Common wood s o r r e l ha s w h i t e or p a l e p i n k f i v e - p e t a l e d f l o w e r s w i t h p r o m i n e n t p i n k l i n e s on t h e p e t ­ a l s , a p p e a r i n g f rom May t o J u l y . Other s p e c i e s have r o s e p u r p l e t o p u r p l i s h v i o l e t f lo w e r s ( 0 . v i o l a c e a ) f rom A p r i l t o J u l y o r y e l l o w f l o w e r s (O. s t r i c t a a n d o t h e r s ) f rom May u n t i l fa ll. The f l o w e r s , f r u i t , a n d y o u n g l e a v e s a l l add a p l e a s a n t l y s o u r t a s t e t o s a l a d s , a nd ca n be u s e d f o r b o t h hot and c o l d t e a s . Us e wood s o r r e l i n m o d e r a t i o n , a s t h e p l a n t c o n ­ t a i n s o x a l i c a c i d , a l s o found in s p in a c h , chard, a nd r h u b a r b , a n d o v e r c o n s u m p t i o n c a n i n h i b i t c a l c i u m a b s o r p t i o n by t h e bo d y . T h e r e i s an a b u n d a n c e o f s o u r c e s o f t e a s among w i l d e d i b l e s , a n d t h i s l i s t i s no e x c e p t i o n . One w i d e l y u s e d i s t h e b a s s w o o d o r l i n d e n (T ilia spp.). T h is t a l l t r e e has fin e ly toothed, h a ir le s s , heartshaped, f i v e t o te n inch long l e a v e s with uneven b a s e s . The c l u s t e r s o f f r a g r a n t , creamy-white to y e llo w ish f l o w e r s d a n g l e f rom c o n s p i c ­ u o u s l y w i n g e d s t a l k s , f rom May to August. The d r i e d f l o w e r s a r e used fo r t e a . To c o l l e c t f l o w e r s from a t a l l t r e e , t r y s p r e a d i n g Basswood a s h e e t u n d e r t h e b r a n c h e s when you f i r s t s t a r t n o t i c i n g t h e f l o w e r s f a l l i n g , and g i v e n d r y w e a t h e r you c a n c o l l e c t a g o o d q u a n t i t y e v e r y d a y f o r a week o r s o .

One o f t h e e a r l i e s t s p r i n g w i l d f l o w e r s i s t h e t r a i l i n g arbutus (E pig a ea r e p e n s ), f lo w e r in g f rom F e b r u a r y t o May. The p l a n t i s a l o w , t r a i l i n g , e v e r g r e e n shrub w ith l e a t h e r y o val l e a v e s a n d woody b r o w n - h a i r y s t e m s . The c l u s ­ t e r e d f l o w e r s a r e w h i t e or l i g h t p i n k , w i t h f i v e l o b e s f l a r i n g f rom a s h o r t t u b e . The c o r o l l a ( f l o w e r l o b e s a n d t u b e ) ma k e s an i n t e r ­ e s t i n g s w e e t - s o u r n i b b l e or s a l a d a d d i t i o n . T h i s p l a n t i s r a r e a n d p r o t e c t e d i n some s t a t e s , a l t h o u g h l o c a l l y abundant i n o t h e r s . Check'the lo c a l s ta tu s of t r a i l i n g arbutus before c o lle c tin g i t .

Wood Sorrels A w idesp read p la n t group which f l o w e r s som e­ what l a t e r i s t h e wood s o r r e l f a m i l y ( Q x a l i s spp.). The common wo o d s o r r e l ( O. a c e t o s e l l a o r O. m o n t a n a ) i s a t h r e e t o f o u r i n c h c o l o n i a l peren nial having c l o v e r l i k e le a v e s with l e a f ­

An e a s i e r p l a n t t o g e t t o i s s p i c e b u s h ( L i n d e r a b e n z o i n ) , a s mo o t h b a r k e d s i x t o t w e l v e f o o t shrub w i t h s l e n d e r , b r i t t l e t w i g s . The e n t i r e p l a n t i s s t r o n g l y s p i c y - a r o m a t i c , s o me wh a t reminicent o f euca ly p tu s. The c l u s t e r s o f s m a l l , y e ll o w f l o w e r s appear b e f o r e the l e a v e s , from March t o May. The l e a v e s a r e t h i n , e l l i p ­ t i c , t o o t h l e s s , h a i r l e s s , and g e n e r a l l y n o n d e ­ scrip t. The m a l e a n d f e m a l e f l o w e r s a r e b o r n e on s e p a r a t e p l a n t s a n d f rom J u l y t o S e p t e m b e r t h e female p l a n t s produce o v a l , a r o m a ti c , o i l y , s c a r l e t b e r r i e s , each with a s i n g l e ov a l seed . The t w i g s , f l o w e r s , b a r k , a n d y o u n g l e a v e s o f s p i c e b u s h c an be c o l l e c t e d year round f o r a s u r p r i s i n g l y m i l d and p l e a s a n t t e a . A lso , the d r i e d and g r o u n d b e r r i e s c a n b e u s e d a s a s u b ­ s t i t u t e for a l l s p i c e .


One mus t w a i t s e v e r a l m o n t h s t o h a r v e s t t h e e d i b l e f r u i t s w h i c h some o f our s p r i n g w i l d flowers produce. H o w e v e r , many o f t h e s e p l a n t s a r e mo st e a s i l y r e c o g n i z e d i n s p r i n g and c an be l o c a t e d a n d mar ke d f o r e a s y c o l l e c t i o n o f t h e i r summer b o u n t y . One o f t h e s e i s t h e mava p p l e ( Podophyllum p e l t a t u m ) , a t w e l v e to e ig h t e e n inch p e r e n n ia l herb. From March t o

A n o t he r s i m i l a r t r e e i s t h e h a w t h o r n (C r a t a e g u s s p p . ) , a d e n s e s h r u b or s m a l l t r e e w i t h l o n g t h o r n s and s h a r p l y t o o t h e d , l o b e d or u n l o b e d leaves. The f i v e - p e t a l e d , w h i t e o r p a l e p i n k r o s e - l i k e f l o w e r s a p p e a r f r om A p r i l t o J u n e . The u s u a l l y r e d f r u i t , r e s e m b l i n g r o s e h i p s or t i n y a p p l e s , r i p e n f r o m May t o O c t o b e r , a n d c a n b e u s e d f o r jam o r j e l l y , o r d r i e d a n d used for t e a . Some s p e c i e s a r e t o o d r y and s e e d y t o b e v e r y g o o d , and none a r e at t h e i r b e s t r a w , s o e x p e r i m e n t w i t h t h o s e i n y o ur area.

May apple

Now, i f y o u ' r e n o t s t i l l s n o w e d i n , t h e r e s h o u l d b e o n e o r more o f t h e a b o v e s p e c i e s f l o w e r i n g now n e a r w h e r e y o u a r e , i f you l i v e in the area I 'v e t r i e d to c o v e r . Make p o s i t i v e i d e n t i f i c a t i o n s , then experim ent with t h e s e a n d o t h e r known e d i b l e p l a n t s . Foraging can p r o v i d e i n t e r e s t , v a r i e t y , and n u t r i t i o n t o the homestead d i e t , as w e l l as a deeper a p ­ p r e c i a t i o n o f th e n a t u r a l world around us. I f y o u c ome up w i t h a n y g o o d w i l d f o o d s r e c i ­ p e s , s e n d t hem i n t o RFD. Meanwhile. . . eat y o ur w i l d f l o w e r s l

J u n e i t b e a r s a s i n g l e w a x y , o n e t o t wo i n c h , w h ite flow er in t h e fo r k o f t h e stem below t h e t wo i a r g e , d e e p l y c u t , u m b r e l l a - l i k e leaves. The e g g s i z e d a n d s h a p e d b e r r y r i p e n s t o y e l l o w a s t h e p l a n t w i t h e r s and d i e s from J u ly to e a r l y September. A ll parts of the p l a n t other than th e f u l l y r ip e n e d f r u i t pu lp ar e p o i s o n o u s . Eat t h e d e l i c i o u s p u l p , s e e d e d , e i t h e r r a w, c o o k e d i n t o j e l l y , or j u i c e d and a dded t o l e mo n ad e or w i n e .

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

E dib le wild

Plants*

Coon, N e l s o n . Using Wayside P l a n t s . New Yo r k: H e a r t h s i d e P r e s s , 1969 (4th e d . ) * F e r n a l d , M. L. a n d A. C. K i n s e y . Edible Wild P la n t s o f E a st e r n North A m erica. New Yo r k: H a r p e r and Row, 1 9 5 3 ( r e v . e d . ) Gibbons, E u e l l . S t a l k i n g t h e Wild A s p a r a g u s . New Yo r k: D a v i d McKay C o . , 1 9 6 2 . H i t c h c o c k , S u s a n T . G a t h e r Ye W i l d T h i n g s . New Yor k: Ha rper and Row, 1 9 8 0 . M e d s g e r , O l i v e r P. E d i b l e Wild P l a n t s . New Yo r k: C o l l i e r Books, 1972. * P eterson, Lee. A F i e l d Guide to E d i b le Wild P lan ts. Boston: Houghton M i f f l i n C o . , 19 77 . The s e r v i c e b e r r y ( A m e l a n c h i e r s p p . ) i s a n o t h e r p l a n t t o c a t c h when i t ' s m o s t c o n s p i c u o u s i n early spring. T h is shrub or sm a ll t r e e has d r o o p i n g c l u s t e r s o f sho wy f i v e - p e t a l e d w h i t e f l o w e r s f rom March t o J u n e , s o m e t i m e s s t a n d i n g o u t f rom a m i l e away a s t h e o n l y c o l o r i n t h e forest. E n j o y a n d mark t h e t r e e s , a n d come b a c k t wo t o t h r e e m o n t h s l a t e r t o s e e t h e a l t e r n a t e , o v a l , f i n e l y t o o t h e d l e a v e s with p o i n t e d t i p s and ro unded b a s e s and t h e e x c e l ­ l e n t deep red t o p u r p l i s h b l a c k , t e n - s e e d e d fruit. The f r u i t c a n b e e a t e n r a w , c o o k e d i n p i e s or m u f f i n s , or d r i e d fo r u s e l i k e c u r ­ rants. The m o i s t e r a nd c o o l e r y o u r w e a t h e r , t h e plumper t h e b e r r i e s w i l l b e . In d r i e r a r e a s t h e y may b e a l m o s t u n p a l a t a b l e .

F i e l d Guides N i e r i n g , w i l l i a m A. a n d N a n c y O l m s t e a d . The Audubon S o c i e t y F i e l d G u i d e t o N o r t h Ame r ­ ican w ild flo w e r s, Eastern R egion. New York: A l f r e d A. Kno p h, 1 9 7 9 . ( W e s t e r n E dition a lso ; photographic) P e t e r s o n , Roger a n d M a r g a r e t McKenny. A F ie ld Guide to W ildflowers o f N o rthea stern and N o r t h - c e n t r a l No rt h A m e r i c a . Boston: Houghton M i f f l i n C o . , 1 9 6 8 . ( l i n e draw­ i n g s ; a l s o Ro c ky M t ns . a n d ° a c i f i c S t s . e d s . ) P e t r i d e s , G e o r g e A. A F i e l d Guide to Trees and S h r u b s . Boston: Houghton M i f f l i n C o . , 1972 , 7 2 n d e d . )

75


e de Cfievte

%

nr IB O m S E Ei(Q)M E» hm d

Turlte Sudds

Transforming t h e milk o f g o a t s i n t o c h e e s e i s m a jik . "p £t e" mould, s l o w c o a g u l a t i o n , and a moldy e x t e r i o r , f r e n c h g o a t c h e e s e c a n b e ma de .

Illu s tr a tio n

#

1

Using a classic

The m i l k s h o u l d b e f rom a h e a l t h y d o e , w i t h o u t c o l o s t r u m , i m p u r i t ­ i e s , abnormal odor or t a s t e . ( " O f f " m i l k when no t u s e d i n c o o k ­ i n g may b e made i n t o a f l a v o r e d c h e e s e u s i n g w i l d o n i o n s , g a r l i c or c h i v e s . ) You may b e g i n t h e p r o c e s s a f t e r e a c h m i l k i n g o r j o i n t h e t wo d a i l y m i l k i n g s . J o i n i n g t h e m i l k r e d u c e s t h e wor k, but d u r i n g h o t p e r i o d s t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n o f t h e e v e n i n g m i l k mus t b e handled c a r e f u l l y to a v o i d th e p r o l i f e r a t i o n o f c e r t a i n germs. R e frig e ra tin g at 6°-8°C i s adequate. F i l t e r i n g t h e m ilk e l i m i n a t e s i m p u r i t i e s . An o r d i n a r y m i l k f i l t ­ e r may b e f o l d e d t o f i t a f u n n e l . D is c a r d the f i l t e r a f t e r each use. P l a c e t h e m i l k i n a c l e a n s t o n e w a r e o r e n a r a e l wa r e p o t . Add the c o a g u la n t. U s u a l l y t h i s i s an e x t r a c t from t h e s t o m a c h s o f v e a l o r k i d s b u t v e g e t a b l e r e n n e t i s a v a i l a b l e f r o m: Red M o u n t a i n P . O . Box 7 5 8 Glenwood S p r in g s Colorado 81601

M o le#

in sides

sm all jui*»hm^ size na.l tales in ta tt'o m

^ Mould Use t h i s formula for c o n ­ verting Centigrade to Fahrenhei t : C° x 9 / 5

+ 32 = F°

I ll us trat ior\ # £

A W ooden

C a g e

A l s o , t r y your h e a l t h f o o d s t o r e or f a r m e r ' s c o - o p . Rennet s h o u l d b e k e p t a way from l i g h t a n d h e a t . The amount t o b e u s e d v a r i e s d e p e n d i n g on t h e b r a n d s o j u s t f o l l o w i n s t r u c t i o n s . When a d d i n g t h e r e n n e t t h e t e m p e r a t u r e o f t h e m i l k s h o u l d b e b e ­ t w e e n 1 8 ° and 23°C . . . o r a s c l o s e a s p o s s i b l e t o t he t e m p e r a t u r e immediately a fte r m ilk in g . In c o l d p e r i o d s u s e 2 1 ° - 2 3 ° C , and 1 8 ° - 1 9 ° C d u r i n g t h e s ummer. C o a g u l a t i o n i s a l s o a i d e d by t h e n a t u r a l a c i d i f i c a t i o n o f t he m ilk. Sometimes du rin g w inter i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o r e i n f o r c e th e a c i d i t y b y a d d i n g some o f t h e p r e v i o u s d a y ’ s whey c u p f o r 10 l i t e r s of m ilk). By a d d i n g a t a b l e s p o o n o f whey w i t h t h e r e n n e t e a c h t i m e , t h e m o l d c u l t u r e w i l l b e p a s s e d on f r om c h e e s e t o c h e e s e much l i k e a y o g h u r t c u l t u r e . The m i l k s h o u l d r e s t i n t h e c r o c k f o r 24 h o u r s . Keep i t c o o l i n summer, ( i n t h e f r u i t c e l l a r ) a n d warm i n w i n t e r , ( on t h e ’p i a n o ) . I f you b e g i n making c h e e s e w i t h t h e m o r n i n g ’ s m i l k , by e v e n i n g t h e c u r d w i l l h a v e s e t e n o u g h t o make a d e l i g h t f u l d e s s e r t w h i c h we c a l l f r o m a g e b l a n c . L i g h t e r a n d mo r e d e l i c a t e t h a n y o g h u r t i t i s a new a g e p e a s a n t ' s d e l i g h t . J u s t s c o o p i t o u t and s e r v e i m ­ m e d i a t e l y i n b o w l s , p l a i n or w i t h a t o u c h o f p r e s e r v e s . F o r you C h r i s t i a n s i t ' s h e a v e n ly ; for pagans d i v i n e ; fo r b u d d h i s t s n i r vanic. A f t e r 24 h o u r s c u t t h e c u r d i n q u a r t e r s a n d h o p e t h e p e t i t e l a i t (whey) r i s e s . I f i t d o e s n ' t t h e c h e e s e h a s b e e n t o o warm b u t do not wo r ry i t w i l l o n l y a f f e c t t h e t e x t u r e and c r e a t e a i r p o c k e t s in the c h e e s e . To o much c u r d l i n g a g e n t o r l e a v i n g t h e c u r d i n t h e whey t o o l o n g w i l l do t h e same t h i n g . Pour t h e wh e y o f f a nd f i l l th e moulds w i t h t h e c u r d . The m o u l d s a r e f i l l e d w i t h s m a l l h o l e s t o a l l o w t h e whey t o d r a i n a n d a r e made o f p l a s t i c . They a r e q u i t e common i n f r a n c e b u t who kno ws w h e r e t o g e t t hem h e r e ? Y o u ' l l j u s t h a v e t o make your own ( s e e i l l u s t r a t i o n 1 ) .

76


d r o m a g c d

Chcvre

A f t e r f i l l i n g t h e m o u l d s w i t h t h e c u r d , c o v e r a n d a l l o w t he m t o drain. The r e s i d u a l whey i s w o n d e r f u l f o r c o o k i n g and f e e d i n g c a t s and c h i c k e n s b u t do not f e e d i t b a c k t o your g o a t s a s i t w i l l c r e a t e g a s and b l o a t them. You c a n a l s o make r i c o t t a o r k j e t o s t with i t . I ' l l w r i t e an a r t i c l e on t h a t a r t i n a f u t u r e i s s u e . Twelve h o u r s l a t e r t u r n t h e c h e e s e i n t h e mould. This helps the c h e e s e e l i m i n a t e mo r e w h e y . A f t e r 36 h o u r s r e m o v e t h e c h e e s e from t h e m o u l d . S a l t i n g i s used not o n l y to h e i g h t e n t h e fl a v o u r but a l s o t o d e f i n e t h e m i c r o b i a l g r o w t h . S a lt the su rface o f the c h e e s e , ( t o p , b ot to m and s i d e s ) u s i n g a f i n e s a l t - by hand or with a s a l t shaker. An e x c e s s o f s a l t m a k e s i t d i f f i c u l t f o r t h e g r ow th o f t h e b e n e f i c i a l b a c t e r i a and d e t e r i o r a t e s t h e d i g e s t i v e q u a litie s of the cheese. A lack o f s a lt a llo w s th e appearance o f odious b a c t e r i a . (Avoid red m olds. When i n d o u b t f e e d i t t o t h e c a t s .) The b e n e f i c i a l m o u l d i s a p e n i c i l l i n t h a t d e v e l o p s o n t h e s u r f a c e o f the c h e e s e . You may l e a v e t h e c h e e s e a n d s e e what b a c t e r i a g r o w s i n y o u r " c a v e " o r y o u may p u r c h a s e some " c h e v r e " , ( i m p o r t e d f r e n c h g o a t c h e e s e ) a n d i n o c u l a t e y o u r c h e e s e b y a d d i n g some o f t h e o u t s i d e mould t o t h e s e t c u r d . You may a l s o i n o c u l a t e w i t h a moul d from b l u e c h e e s e . ( Go o d f r e n c h r o q u e f o r t i s a s h e e p c h e e s e t h a t a g e s i n a " c a v e " wher e t h e b l u e moul d i s i n r e s i d e n c e . Watch o u t f o r b l u e c h e e s e s t h o u g h . I ha ve r e a d where t h e mould " e s c a p e d " and t u r n e d a l l s u b s e q u e n t c h e e s e s i n t o g o a t r o q u e f o r t . P e r h a p s t h e m o u l d f r o m camerabert or b r i e m i g h t work a s w e l l . ) P l a c e t h e c h e e s e i n a wo o d e n c a g e w i t h w o o d e n s l a t s h e l v e s ( c l e a n ha y may a l s o b e u s e d ) , a n d a s c r e e n e d f r o n t a n d b a c k ( s e e i l l u s ­ t r a t i o n 2 ) o r an " a r m o i r e a f r o m a g e " o r a c a k e c o o l i n g r a c k c o v ­ ered with a c le a n d ia p e r . The c h e e s e mus t b e a i r e d b u t a l s o n e e d s p r o t e c t i o n f rom i n s e c t s . . . a n d c a t s . A g a i n , d e p e n d i n g upon t h e w e a t h e r , k e e p i t c o o l o r warm ( 1 3 ° - 1 8 ° C ) . Do n o t r e f r i g e r a t e t h e c h e e s e a s i t t a k e s on t h e o d o r and f l a v o u r o f your f r i d g e . The c h e e s e may b e e a t e n more or l e s s d r y d e p e n d i n g o n t a s t e . find i t e x c e lle n t a fte r three weeks.) S o , br e a k o ut t h e wine and b o n a p p e t i t .

(We

3 :comagedc Cficvce in thtee steps 1) Mi x t h e m o r n i n g a n d p r e v i o u s e v e n i n g ' s m ilk in a p o t . Add the rennet along with a t a b l e ­ s p o o n o f t h e o l d wh e y a n d s t i r g e n t l y w i t h a wo o d e n s p o o n . Le t i t r e s t i n a t e p i d s p o t fo r 24 hours, ( u n t i l the next morning). 2) D r a in and l a d l e i n t o m o ulds . Le t r e s t 12 h o u r s a n d i n t h e evening turn each c h e es e in i t s mould. T h e n e x t m o r n i ng r e m o v e from t h e m ou ld s and s a l t t o p , b o t t o m and s i d e s . Place the c h e e s e i n a s c r e e n e d c a g e on wo o d e n s l a t s . C l e a n s t r a w may a l s o be u s e d . Tur n e a c h c h e e s e one time each day. 3) The d r y i n g i s s l o w a n d d e ­ p e n d s o n t h e t e m p e r a t u r e and hum idity. If p o s s ib le a well a era ted spot with a temperature from 13 - 1 8 C i s p r e f e r r e d . The c h e e s e may b e e a t e n i m m e d i a t e l y , or o l d e r a n d mor e d r y , b u t w h e n ­ ev er y o u ' r e hungry i s a good tim e.

The s e e d l i n g s w e r e r e a d y t o b e t r a n s p l a n t e d . I found t h e s h o v e l j u x t a p o s e d w i t h r a k e s and h o e s and h a n d l e d m i s c e l l a n y . Turning th e s o i l o v e r , v e i n s o f d a r k m u l c h s h o w e d ; worms c r i n g e d i n t h e sun. In t h o s e moment s t h e d i g g i n g and worms a n d f a i r y s t r u g g l e m e r g e d - worms a r e a f a i r y t o t e m . E a t i n g t h r o u g h t h e g a r b a g e o f c i v i l i z a t i o n and d r y e a r t h , t h e i r t r a i l o f s h i t ma ke s t h e s o i l fertile. They can r e g e n e r a t e t h e m s e l v e s w i t h ­ out p r o c r e a t i o n . The O l d E n g l i s h r o o t Wyrm me a ns s e r p e n t , s y mb o l o f wi s d o m a n d t r a n s f o r m a t i o n , t h e K u n d a l i n i , t h e C a d u c e u s , and o f c o u r s e , t h e f i r s t a d v o c a t e for sex e d u c a t i o n , E v e ' s temptor in the Tree o f Knowledge. C u r i o u s l y , bro th e r C h a r le s Darwin, wh o s e t h e o r y of n a t u r a l s e l e c t i o n i n f l u e n c e d t h e s o c i o b i o l o g i s t s who i n f l u e n c e H a r r y ' s i n ­ s i g h t s , f i n i s h e d h i s r e s e a r c h on h i s m a c r o c o s m i c t h e o r y b y s t u d y i n g t h e m i c r o c o s m o f wo r ms . w h i l e d i g g i n g c a r e f u l l y around a clump o f v i o l e t s in t h e co rner o f th e g a r d e n , I lo o k e d out at th e l a wn a n d n o t i c e d d a n d e l i o n s s p r o u t i n g . Meta­ p h o r s a n d m y t h s t o remember a r e e v e r y w h e r e . T h o s e b r i g h t y e l l o w "w e e d s " t h a t d e f y e n d l e s s su bu rb a n l a w n s c an f l y t o o .

77


THE APOTHECARY BY JERRY STAM PS P.D. Q. I understand t h e r e 's a s p e c i f ic for g e n i t a l h e r p e s ; w o u l d you t e l l more a b o u t t h a t ?

Q. J e r r y , maybe some f o l k s d o n ' t know what h o m e o p a t h i c m e d i c i n e i s , c o u l d y o u g i v e u s some i d e a o f what i t ' s a l l a b o u t ?

A. Y e s , i t ' s c a l l e d HERPES PROGEN, a n d i t a r o u n d $ 3 f o r a t wo m o n t h s s u p p l y .

A. w e l l , homeopathic m e d icin e i s t h e o l d e s t f orm o f m e d i c i n e . I t d a t e s b a c k some 5 , 0 0 0 y e a r s or s o . It i s b a s e d on t h e p r e m i s e t h a t i f a s u b s t a n c e c a n e l i c i t i n t h e b o d y an u l t r a m i l d f orm o f t h e d i s e a s e , t h e n d e f e n s e s o f t h e b o d y w i l l b e r a i s e d and a c u r e e f f e c t e d . ( E x , s m a l l p o x v a c c i n a t i o n i s a s i m p l i f i e d f or m o f * homeopathic m e d i c i n e . B asically i t ’s stim ulat­ i n g t h e b o d y ' s own m e c h a n i s m s , e f f e c t i n g a c ur e . )

Q.

A. T h a t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o answer b e c a u s e I d o n ' t know o f a n y t h i n g t h a t c a n ' t b e t r e a t e d b y h o m e o ­ p a t h i c m e t h o d s , a nd t r e a t e d e f f e c t i v e l y . Most homeopathic m e d ic in e s are c o m b in a t io n s o f herbs and c e r t a i n i n o r g a n i c a n d o r g a n i c s u b s t a n c e s .

t h i s t wo m o n t h s s u p p l y c u r e

it?

* * * * * * * Q. I f homeopathic m e d ic in e s are e f f e c t i v e in a r e a s such a s c a n c e r , h e rpes s i m p l e x , g e n i t a l h e r p e s , e t c . , why a r e more d o c t o r s n o t u s i n g the treatm ents?

* » « * » # * such a s

A. The n o s o d e s a r e a t t e n u a t e d m i n u t e d o s e s o f a s u b s t a n c e w h i c h w i l l p r o d u c e an a n t i b o d y f o r m ­ a tio n without producing a to x ic response w ith in the body. T h i s i n c l u d e s b a c t e r i a , v i r u s e s and ch e m ic al su b s t a n c e s ( fo r example paraquat p o i s o n ­ ing ) . * * * * * * * Q. In o t h e r w o r d s , y o u ' r e s a y i n g h o m e o p a t h i c m edical t e c h n i q u e s would t r e a t paraquat p o i s o n ­ i n g w i t h more p a r a q u a t ? A.

W ill

A. P o s s i b l y , sometimes i t t a k e s a lo n g e r t r e a t ­ m e n t , d e p e n d i n g upon t h e s e v e r i t y a n d t h e l e n g t h o f t i m e t h e p e r s o n h a s ha d i t b e f o r e b e g i n n i n g treatment. S o me o ne t a k i n g HERPES PROGEN ( n o s o d e ) a l s o n e e d s t o b e t a k i n g , i n my o p i n i o n , INTER­ FERON ( n o s o d e ) w h i c h i s a n o t h e r h o m e o p a t h i c s u b ­ sta n ce that r a i s e s th e p o t e n t i a l for antibody f o r m a t i o n fo r v i r t u a l l y any d i s e a s e , but e s p e c i a l l y e f f e c t i v e in v i r a l d i s e a s e s such as h e r p e s . In a d d i t i o n , L y s i n e ( a n e s s e n t i a l a m i n o a c i d ) can s h o r t e n t h e d u r a t i o n o f t h e o u t b r e a k .

What k i n d s o f d i s e a s e s c a n be t r e a t e d ?

Q. Woul d y o u g i v e u s s ome s p e c i f i c s , n o s o d e s . . . what a r e t h e y ?

costs

* * * * * * *

* * * * * * * Q.

treatment the readers

A. I' m n o t s u r e wh y , e x c e p t h o m e o p a t h i c m e d ­ i c i n e f e l l i n t o d i s u s e w i t h t h e a d v e n t o f symp­ t o m a t i c m e d i c i n e , t h e t r e a t m e n t o f t h e s y mp t o ms i n s t e a d o f the d i s e a s e i t s e l f , which i s the p r a c ­ t i c e in gen eral m edicine, today. Co m b i n e d w i t h that f a c t , homeopathic m e d ic in e i s v e r y c o m p l i ­ c a t e d m e d i c i n e and u s e o f i t r e q u i r e s a v e r y i n t i m a t e knowledge o f each p a t i e n t . Homeopathy i s f r e q u e n t l y r e f e r r e d to a s "w itch d o c t o r in g " b y p h y s i c i a n s , b u t t h i s i s p u r e i g n o r a n c e on th eir part. * * * * * * * Q. Do y o u s e l l h o m e o p a t h i c s t h r o u g h y o u r a p o t h ­ e c a r y , a n d do y o u h a v e a c a t a l o g ?

Yes. * * * * * * *

Q.

Why w o u l d n ' t

that

make i t

A. Yes, 7 5C.

worse?

I sell

h o m e o p a t h i c s and t h e c a t a l o g

is

* * * * * * *

A. B e c a u s e o f t h e n a t u r e o f t h e d o s a g e form and t h e a b s o r p t i o n c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s (a d o s a g e f orm i n a l a c t o s e o r a b o u n d s u b s t a n c e w h i c h a f f e c t s the a b s o r p t io n i n t o the b lo o d stream in s u c h a way a s t o e f f e c t a n t i b o d y f o r m a t i o n a n d wfien t h e r e ’ s a n t i b o d y f o r m a t i o n t h e b o d y ' s e q u i p p e d t o f i g h t a n d wa r d o f f s p e c i f i c d i s e a s e s and t h e r e b y be c o me r e s i s t a n t t o t h e d i s e a s e o r immune t o i t ) .

Q. I s t h e r e any dan ger homeopathics?

in t r e a t i n g

o n e s e l f with

A. Probably no t. The d o s a g e i s s o s m a l l , o v e r a l o n g p e r i o d o f t i m e , a n d a s l o n g a s you know what y o u ' r e t r e a t i n g y o u r s e l f f o r y o u s h o u l d be ok. Ot h e r t h a n t h a t p r e c a u t i o n . . . n o , no d a n ­ gers .

* * * * * * *

* * * * * * *

rs


THEAPOTHECARY CONTINUED Q. You've a greed to ta k e q u e s t i o n s through t h i s column, r i g h t ?

f rom R F D ' e r s

A. Yes. I ' l l a c c e p t any q u e s t i o n abou t a n y ­ t h i n g h e r b a l or h o m e o p a t h i c . If i t ' s too p e r ­ s o n a l f o r p r i n t i n g I ' l l answer t h e q u e s t i o n personally. (Editor: If the question i s o f g e n e r a l i n t e r e s t and i m p o r t a n c e t o RFD'ers t h e n J e r r y might submit t h e q u e s t i o n t o t h e column w i t h t h e p e r s o n ' s c o n s e n t , o f c o u r s e , and ke ep t h e r e a d e r ' s name c o n f i d e n t i a l . And a s a m a t t e r o f p o l i c y , a l l r e a d e r s names who a s k J e r r y ' s a d v i c e w i l l b e k e p t s t r i c t l y c o n f i d e n t i a l - do n o t s e n d y o u r name o r r e t u r n a d d r e s s i f y o u f e e l u n c o m f o r t a b l e about i t . ) * * * * * # * Q.

Do y o u c h a r g e

for

y o ur p e r s o n a l

rep lies?

A. No, b u t I r e a l l y a p p r e c i a t e a SASE & 7 5 p for a c a t a l o g . I a l s o a p p r e c i a t e i t when f o l k s bu y t h e i r h e r b s ' n t h i n g s f rom me, t o o . * * * * * * * Q. O . k . , how a b o u t some g o o d s i m p l e c u r a t i v e s , s i n c e t h i s i s t h e b e g i n n i n g o f an o n - g o i n g a d ­ v i c e c o l u m n i n RFD? How a b o u t a g o o d home r e m ­ e dy f o r c r a b s ? A. Th e e a s i e s t i s 1 o z . S u l p h u r , 1 o z . V a s e l i n e , mixed. Apply e v e r y n i g h t f o r a week, l o n g e r i f needed. * * * * * * * Q.

How a b o u t

something

lik e

hem orrhoids?

A. Us e W i t c h H a z e l ( d r y ) a n d make s t r o n g t e a , s o a k some c o t t o n a n d make a r e c t a l p a c k . You w ill f e e l r e l i e f in 10-15 m inutes. Repeat as necessary. * * * * * * * Q. Where d o y o u want q u e s t i o n s sent ? A. J u s t s e n d t he m address. Personal c a t a l o g s or o r d e r s APOTHECARY, 33 Van 72632.

for

t h i s column

t o R u n n i n g W a t e r , a t t h e RFD q u e s t i o n s or r e q u e s t s f o r s h o u l d b e s e n t t o me STAMPS B u r e n , E u r e k a S p r i n g s , AR

#■*■*•*#■** Thank y o u J e r r y ! (Editors Note: HERPES PROGEN a n d INTERFERON b o t h n o s o d e s - c a n b e o r d e r e d f rom S t a m p s A p o t h ­ ecary. H i s c a t a l o g l i s t s many f i n e h e r b s , h e r b ­ a l o i l s , m e d i c i n a l h e r b a l f o r m u l a s , n o s o d e s and roany o t h e r f i n e h e r b a l p r e p a r a t i o n s . There's p l e n t y more t h a n 7 5 p w o r t h o f i n f o r m a t i o n i n the c a t a l o g . )

On Skin And Soap by Satya Litttcbcar

Now t h a t summer i s a p p r o a c h i n g , p e o p l e s h o u l d b e w a r n e d a b o u t e x c e s s i v e u s e o f s o a p on t h e body. A f t e r a l o n g d a y i n t h e s u n , mo s t A m e r i ­ c a n s corpe home a n d s e e t h a t t h e i r s k i n i s o i l y . They t h e n p r o c e e d t o soa p t h e i r b o d i e s i n t h e shower t o remove a l l t h e o i l i n e s s . U n f o r t u n a t e l y , roost p e o p l e do n o t r e a l i z e t h e importance o f t h i s o i l l a y e r . It i s a n a tu r a l p r o te c tio n again st the su n 's p o t e n t ia l d e s t r u c ­ t i v e n e s s t o our s k i n . This layer of o i l i s nec­ e s s a r y f o r b o t h V i t a m i n D and m e l a n i n ( s k i n p i g ­ ment) p r o d u c t i o n . M e l a n i n a nd V i t a m i n D a r e v i r t u a l l y i d e n t i c a l in chemical co m p o sitio n . I f we a l l o w t h e l a y e r o f p r e c i o u s o i l t o s t a y on our s k i n , l i g h t - s k i n n e d p e o p l e w i l l n o t i c e a h e a lth y tan em erging. A l l p e o p l e , dark or l i g h t , w i l l n o t i c e t h a t t h e i r s k i n w i l l remain m o i s t , s o f t , and v i g o r o u s l y h e a l t h y . Regular showers are encouraged ; i t i s sim p ly the soap which i s t o be a v o i d e d . A l o o f a b r u s h , r u b b e d on t h e sk in removes d i r t , w h i l e a l lo w in g the o i l layer to remain. In l i g h t - s k i n n e d p e o p l e , r e m o v a l o f t h e o i l l a y ­ er i s a b a s i c c a u se o f sk in c a n c e r . (Western d o c t o r s a r e not aware o f t h i s y e t . ) What h a p ­ pens i s th is : We s p e n d a d a y i n t h e s u n . The s k in s e c r e t e s the o i l which i s n e c e s s a r y t o p r o ­ du ce m e l a n i n , t h u s d a r k e n i n g t h e s k i n , and p r o ­ t e c t i n g you f rom f u t u r e b u r n s . I f we r e mo v e a l l t h e o i l we m i g h t w i n d up w i t h l o t s o f b u m and p e e l i n g r a t h e r t h a n a p r o t e c t i v e l a y e r o f darkened s k in . After years o f abuse, skin ca n ­ cer often r e s u l t s . As t h e human r a c e e v o l v e d , o n l y t h e d a r k e s t people could stay healthy in p la c e s lik e A frica , land o f in te n s e sun. The l i g h t e s t s k i n n e d p e o ­ p l e c o u l d r e m a i n h e a l t h y e v e n i n t h e roost n o r t h ­ e r n l a n d s (Norway, Sweden) b e c a u s e t h e i r l i g h t ­ l y p i g m e n t e d s k i n s a l l o w e d t h e maximum amount o f a l l - i m p o r t a n t Vitam in D t o be a bso rb ed . T o d a y , we m i g r a t e n o t b y n a t u r e ' s l a w s , b u t b y a i r p l a n e s , s o we mus t t a k e s p e c i a l p r e c a u t i o n s t o s t a y h e a l t h y i f our s k i n t y p e s a r e not a d a p t ­ e d t o o u r new e n v i r o n m e n t . In n o r t h e r n c l i m a t e s , d a r k - s k i n n e d p e o p l e s s h o u l d g et e x t r a sources o f Vitamin D ( f i s h , c o d - l iv e r o i l , and t h e sun a r e e x c e l l e n t s o u r c e s ) . In southern c lim a t e s , lig h t - s k in n e d peo p le should l i m i t t h e u s e o f s o a p , and l i m i t t h e i r t i m e i n t h e s u n , d e p e n d i n g on t h e i r b o d y ' s p a r t i c u l a r needs. In t i m e s o f a b u n d a n t s u n , i f we u s e s o a p , i t s h o u l d b e m a i n l y on o u r u n d e r a r m s , g e n i t a l s , and asshole. I f y o ur f a c e f e e l s t o o g r e a s y , u s e some s o a p , b u t t r y t o m i n i m i z e i t . Try to l e a v e your n a t u r a l o i l s on your s k i n at l e a s t 2 h o u rs b e f o r e g o i n g i n t o t h e h o t s u n , and a t l e a s t 4 h o u r s a f t e r you g e t o u t o f i t . Adequate amounts o f v i t a m i n A ( c a r r o t s , s q u a s h , yellow -orange v e g e ta b le s ) are a ls o very im port­ ant for h e a l t h y s k i n . Happy h e a l t h t o a l l . _______

ie>


D e a r RFD,

De a r E v e r y b o d y ,

D e a r RFD R e a d e r s :

In t h e mont h o f may, m y k u l , m y c u i , and j o e a r e t r a v e l i n g t o the grand canyons for a few weeks o f b a c k p a c k i n g . We w o u l d l i k e t o h e a r f rom c o l l e c t i v e s ( r u r a l Or c i t y ) f o r c o m m u n i c a ­ t i n g , s h a r i n g l o v e and f r i e n d ­ s h i p on o u r s o j o u r n a c r o s s t h e land. P l a n on g o i n g t h r o u g h k a n s a s a n d c o l o . on t h e way o u t . And b a c k t h r o u g h t h e l o w e r w e s ­ t e r n s t a t e s o n o u r way ho me . If u are in to sharing w rite to:

B lessed be: Ar e y o u a j o y t o discover: In t h e o l d s p i r i t o f b e i n g no s u c h t h i n g a s a c o i n c i d e n c e , I began t o browse t h r u RFD a t o u r l o c a l g a y b o o k s t o r e and d i s c o v e r e d a wh ole b ig wide world out t h e r e .

I am i n t e r e s t e d i n p e n - p a l s a n d ma k i ng f r i e n d s . I am a l s o l o o k i n g f o r work. At t h e p r e ­ se n t tim e I need a j o b . I am l o o k i n g f o r a j o b t h a t i s on the l e v e l :

mykul c r a n e m a n i t w o f a r ms sta r r o u t e 1 box 45 b l u e e y e , mo 6 5 6 1 1 417-334-4081

Dear

RFD,

I want t o s h a r e my p l a c e a s a f a i r i e household. I imagine a mo de l " i n t e g r a l s u b u r b a n h o u s e " akin t o the F a r a llo n e s I n s t i ­ t u t e I n t e g r a l Urban H o u s e i n B e r k e l e y , but w i t h the added dimension of f a i r i e c o n s c io u s ­ ness. It can a l s o s e r v e a s a community r e s o u r c e c e n t e r w i t h t h e "L i b r a r y fo r S o c i a l and T e c h n o l o g i c a l A l t e r n a t i v e s " in t h e f r o n t r o o m, a n d I w o u l d l i k e t o s p e n d more o f my own e n e r g i e s to i n t e g r a t e computers and o t h e r e l e c t r o n i c t e c h n o l o g y a s a r e a l communication t o o l f o r an a l t e r n a t i v e s o c i e t y i n g e n e r a l a s p a r t o f t h i s commun­ ity outreach. I am o p e n t o f a i r i e e n e r g y t o j o i n me i n a l l of this. Perhaps t h i s can e v o lv e in to a true f a i r i e sancturary. I am e x c i t e d a b o u t h e l p i n g w ith communications for and b e t w e en s a n c t u a r i e s . ARO ( B i l l H i l l ) 141 L a n s d a l e F a i r f a x , CA 9 4 9 0 3

I' m 2 7 , a g a y w i c c a n w h o ' s b e e n f e e lin g l ik e the on ly gay c r a f t person in the world. After some o f t h e h e a d t r i p s l a i d on me b y s t r a i g h t c r a f t b r o t h e r s and s i s t e r s h e r e , i t ' s w o n d e r ­ f u l t o know t h e r e ' s o t h e r g a y f a e r i e s , p a g a n s and w i c c a n s o ut t h e r e , male and f e m a l e . Now a l l I w a n t i s t o t i e i n w i t h a l l o f y o u , t o me e t a n d h e a r f r o m a s many o f y o u a s possible. I' m p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t o n a t u r a l h e a l i n g and h e r b o l o g y , i n c e n s e and m e d i t a t i o n . I a l s o wa nt t o k e e p up w i t h m e e t i n g s a n d g a th e r in g s during the year. I' m from P u e r t o R i c o , s o t h i s northern expanse o f the Goddess' r e a l m i s new a n d e x c i t i n g t o roe. I' m c u r r e n t l y l a i d o f f , w i t h t i m e on my h a n d s a n d g e t t i n g ready to k ic k o f f t h e l a r g e ur ban s c e n e , b u t I' m a l s o r e a l ­ istic. There's a lo t I'v e got to learn in p r ep aration to that s t e p . I d o n ' t know much a b o u t w h a t ' s be y o nd H a r p e r ' s F e r r y , and ru ra l l i f e in th e Caribbean i s a far c r y f rom t h e m a i n l a n d . So I' m a n x i o u s t o r e a c h o u t , s h a r e and l e a r n . So d r o p a l i n e , t h e r e ' s an a w f u l l o n e l y b r o t h e r who c o u l d u s e f r i e n d l y t h o u g h t , i d e a a n d ha n d t o k e e p the s p i r i t up. Oscar G a r c i a - V e r a 1 7 1 7 "R" S t . NW # 1 1 3 W a s h i n g t o n , DC 2 0 0 0 9

SO

I am 5 ' 7 " a n d I h a v e b l u e - g r e e n e y e s and br o wn c u r l y h a i r and h a v e a s wi mme r s b o d y , s m o o t h c h e s t and h a i r y l e g s . I h a v e many i n t e r e s t s a n d h o b ­ b i e s , I r a i s e d a few head o f c a t t l e a n d I am i n t e r e s t e d i n a n t i q u e s a n d I am a l s o i n t e r ­ e s t e d i n o l d b u i l d i n g s and t h e restoration of old buildings to their natural s ta te . I l i k e o l d m o v i e s a n d I am s o me wh a t i n t e r e s t e d i n a r t . I have been a c t i v e i n sm all f a r m i n g i n t h e p a s t , and h op e t o b e c o m e more a c t i v e i n f a r m ­ ing in t h e f u t u r e . I would be g l a d t o inform a n y ­ one about f a r m i n g . I ' l l ans we r a l l that w rite. So t a k e c a r e a n d w r i t e soon' . Randy L. S l y 1 5 0 1 9 t h A v e . West O s k a l o o s a , IA 5 2 5 7 7

D e a r RFD, LOOKING FOR A MAN who i s h e a l t h y and s e r i o u s l y i n t e r ­ e sted in s e l f - s u f f i c i e n c y , l a s t i n g r e l a t i o n s h i p , non­ d r i n k e r , non-drug u s e r , nonsmoker , who i s h i m s e l f a l o v e r o f q u i e t an d ha r d work, h o n e s t , c l e a n and m a s c u l i n e . Want t o s h a r e home i n n o r t h e r n New E n g ­ land. W rite to : NEWOOF c / o 9CF P . O . Box 9 7 S h e l d o n S p r i n g s , VT

054 8 5


Dear

Greetings

f r om S i n k i n g V a l l e y ,

I' m a n a t i v e t o t h e s e h i l l s o f C e n t r a l P e n n s y l v a n i a where I live. A moonchild with a strong C a th o lic upbringing, I v al ue- a h a p p y h o m e l i f e , h a r d w o r k , and g e n t l e n e s s . I enjoy music, the o u td o o rs, nature, h e l p i n g o t h e r s and l i v i n g t h e good l i f e . I ’ d l i k e t o hear f rom o t h e r s who a r e s e r i o u s about t h e l i f e s t y l e t h e y l e a d and want t o s h a r e t h e j o y s and b u r d e n s o f l i f e and l i v e l i h o o d . I k e e p b e e s a s a s m a l l hone b u s i n e s s and ha ve t he c a p a c i t y f o r an a b u n d a n t g a r d e n . As I' m m e l l o w i n g i n t o my 4 0 ' s (birthdate: J u ly 14, 1 9 3 7 ) , I fin d v i t a l i t y in the laugh­ t e r and e n e r g y o f y o u t h f u l but m a t u r e me n. I have c r e a t e d a com fortable homestead, that c a n be cozy, warm, a n d a l m o s t s e l f - s u f f i c i e n t with the rig h t energy. I ' d l i k e t o s h a r e my h e a r t and h e a r t h w i t h a non smo k e r who e n j o y s n a t u r a l foods.

Dear

RFDers,

I am l o o k i n g f o r an a g r i c u l t u ­ ral c o l l e c t i v e to j o i n . I am g e o g r a p h i c a l l y l i m i t e d t o no. C a l i f o r n i a a s my i n c o m e b a s e i s i n t h e SF b a y a r e a , a n d I need to l i v e w ithin a h a l f o f a day's d r iv e. I would p r e f e r a "radical f a e r i e ” oriented environment. I am e x p e r i e n c e d i n many p h a s e s o f a g r i c u l t u r e and I h a v e many s k i l l s t o o f f e r . I w a s r a i s e d on a f arm i n N o r t h w e s t Iowa w h e r e I l e a r n e d t o g a r d e n , f arm and t a k e c a r e o f livestock. I am a v e t e r i n a r ­ i a n a n d know much a b o u t d a i r y and l i v e s t o c k management. Hopeful, P a t r i c k Kramme 956 Stanyan S t . San F r a n c i s c o , CA 9 4 1 1 7

Friends at

Make Confad with someone special~ anolher J{3D reader D onations,

of

P l e a s e c o n d e n s e y o ur l e t t e r t o 2 0 0 w o r d s o r l e s s . Brevity i s t h e s o u l o f w i t and s a v e s p a g e s p a c e f o r o t h e r s . Spell­ i n g a n d p u n c t u a t i o n w i l l be c o r r e c t e d u n l e s s you s t a t e t h a t y o u ' d p r e f e r t h e l e t t e r t o be p u b l i s h e d "as i s " . P l e a s e be p o s i t i v e i n s t a t i n g your i n t e r e s t s and a f f i n i t i e s . Saying "no" t o a ny p a r t i c u l a r p e r s o n a l i t y t r a i t o r human c h a r a t e r i s t i c may u n n e c e s s a r i l y o f f e n d a b r o t h e r . A l s o remember t h a t p l a c i n g a c o n t a c t l e t t e r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o ans we r a l l r e p l i e s . Se nd your

letter

Wi t h a l l o f t h e drama o f Wag­ n e r , a young a s p i r i n g s t a g e d i r e c t o r s e a r ch es for a b e n e ­ f a c t o r who w i l l a s s i s t i n t h e continuance of h is stu d ie s. D a n c e r -b u ilt A r ies having s t u d i e d o p e r a , v o i c e , and b a l ­ l e t , w ish es to complete a d e ­ g r ee in opera d i r e c t i o n . Ed­ u c a t i o n has been t r a g i c a l l y i n t e r r u p t e d by f a m i l y d i s i n t e ­ g r a t i o n and f i n a n c i a l d i s a s t e r . I' m s t r u g g l i n g t o s a v e money i n o r d e r t o c o n t i n u e my e d u c a ­ t i o n so t h a t opera w i l l some­ d a y be p e r f o r m e d w i t h v i t a l energy, genuine b e l i e v a b i l i t y , and f a i r y p e r s p e c t i v e . A s c h o l a r s h i p w i l l p r o v i d e mo s t o f my t u i t i o n , b u t l i v i n g e x ­ penses are needed. Is t h e r e a p a t r o n o f the a r t s out t h e r e seeking a p o te n tia l Z o f f e r e ll i ? All in q u ir ie s w ill receive a g ra tefu l response. I' m e a g e r ­ ly w a i t i n g , so i s the o p e r a t i c world. W rit e t o me. Manais C lem en ts 1 1 2 2 O l d 7 0 W e s t , Lot 12 B l a c k M o u n t a i n , NC 2 8 7 1 1 (704) 669-9212

Don C o o n e y RD 3 , Box 312 A l t o o n a , PA 1 6 6 0 1

RFD p r i n t s c o n t a c t l e t t e r s f r e e o f c h a r g e . c o u r s e , are alw a y s welcome.

RFD,

engenders

the

RFD,

I 'v e been in A u s t r a lia for c l o s e t o a mo nt h now. The b e a c h e s a r e some o f t h e f i n e s t I ' v e e v e r seen. S i n c e i t ' s summer h e r e i n t h e S o u t h e r n H e m i s p h e r e now I ' v e been at t h e b e a c h e s q u i t e a b i t . The c o u n t r y s i d e i s m a i n l y t r o p ­ i c a l with the i n t e r io r country being d e s e r t. The p e o p l e a r e f r i e n d l y a nd I' m e n j o y i n g i t a l l v e r y much. I f t h e r e ' s anyone who w o u l d e n j o y c o m m u n i c a t i n g w i t h a b r o t h e r on t h e e a s t c o a s t o f A u s t r a l i a f o r a w h i l e I'm e n ­ c l o s i n g my a d d r e s s h e r e . Ta k e c a r e o f y o u r s e l v e s and s e n d on my s u b . I ' l l be l o o k in g forward to i t . In P e a c e and l o v e , G e o r g e Hubba r d 6 Mafeking Ave. C a v e C o v e , NSW, A u s t r a l i a U.S.

Address:

945 E. Jackson S t . San J o s e , CA 9 5 1 1 2

to: RFD R t . 1 , Box 127E B a k e r s v i l l e , NC 2 8 7 0 5

81

2066


a t h e a r t and l o v e r i v e r f l o a t ­ ing, exploring, prospecting for g o l d , e t c . I f t h i s sounds l i k e y o u r dr e am o r y o u know o f a n y o n e who m i g h t b e i n t e r e s t e d p l e a s e c o n t a c t roe.

De ar Back To N a t u r e F r i e n d s , I' m l o o k i n g f o r a n o t h e r g u y who I' m a t l e a s t f a i r l y c o m p a t i b l e with to l i v e o f f the land p r e ­ f e r a b l y i n Ca n a d a o r A l a s k a . I'm 3 0 , 1 55 l b s , b l u e e y e s , br own h a i r , 5' 1 0 " t a l l , m a s c u ­ l i n e , s i n c e r e , warm, a nd f r i e n d ­ ly. I would l i k e to l i v e in a w i l d e r n e s s ty p e surrounding or in the country. Some t h i n g s being in a w ild e r n e s s type e n ­ v i r o n m e n t me a ns t o me ...................... S t a n d i n g on a f r o z e n l a k e with darkness approaching, the s i l h o u e t t e d t r e e s v i s ­ i b l e dimly through s o f t l y f a l l i n g snow f l a k e s e v e r y ­ where. Cuddled t i g h t in our t o a s t y b e d , thunder b o o m i n g d r a w i n g us c l o s e r , s o s e c u r e , and t e a c h i n g u s t o be th a n k fu l fo r the s h e l t e r o f each o t h e r s l o v ­ in g arms. The w i n d , b l o w ­ ing through the s c e n t e d w h i s p e r i n g p i n e s , which s e e m s t o s a y i n i t s own way how l u c k y we a r e t o h a v e f o u n d e a c h o t h e r and s h a r e t h e r e s t o f our n a t ­ ural l i v e s to g e th er . The warm b r e e z e p a r t i n g our h a i r a s we h i k e t h r o u g h t h e w i l d e r n e s s w i t h our p a c k s a n d e v e r y t h i n g we need t o s u r v i v e w h ile e x ­ p l o r i n g t h e ways o f t h e w i l d and l e a r n i n g t o g e t h e r . A m i d n i g h t swim i n a v i r ­ g i n l a k e under r e f l e c t i o n s o f a b i g o r a n g e mo o n. T a l k ­ ing i n t o the n i g h t by a glowing campfire in te r u p ted o c c a s i o n a l l y by a h o o t ­ ing o w l , a s p l a s h i n g f i s h , or a h o w l i n g w o l f . The l e a v e s a r e d i f f e r e n t now, f a l l i n g a l l around u s , r e ­ minding us o f a winter soon t o c o me b u t we w i l l b e t o ­ g e t h e r a n d we w i l l b e p r e ­ pared. The g e e s e a r e f l y ­ ing south for another year b u t we mus t s t a y . Now we have tim e to e n jo y e v e r y ­ thing that t h i s time o f year ha s t o o f f e r . I would a l s o l i k e to c o rr es p o n d with other "back-to-nature" p eo p le for f r ie n d s h ip . I con­ s i d e r m y s e l f a ' ' G r i z z l y Adams"

Jim J o n e s P . O . Box 3 2 2 1 1 F r i d l e y , MN 5 5 4 3 2

De a r R F D e r s , In C a l i f o r n i a ' s M e n d o c i n o C t y , i n - l a n d w h e r e i t ' s warm b e t w e e n L a y t o n v i l l e a nd L e g g e t t , I h a v e o n - l o a n f r om i t s C r e a t o r (we c a l l i t o wn ) 38 a c r e s o f b e a u t ­ i f u l wooded w i l d e r n e s s l a n d t h a t i s t o t a l l y p r i v a t e a nd which f r o n t s t h e y e a r - r o u n d B l u e Rock C r e e k .

c o u p l e s p r i n g s , t h e c r e e k and h o p e t h i s summer t o s i n k a w e l l at the h i g h e s t e l e v a t i o n . The v i e w s o f t h e v a l l e y and d i s t a n t mountains are i n s p i r i n g . As far as the eye can se e th ere a r e no s i g n s o f man o r s t r u c t ­ ures. I t ' s a b o u t 6-5% t r e e c o v ­ e r e d w i t h an a b u n d a n c e o f f i r s , g i a n t madrones, m ighty o a k s , huge m a p l e s , s w e e t - s m e l l i n g b u c k e y e s , p i n e and a few v a r i e t ­ ie s I 'v e yet to i d e n t i f y . And t h e c r e e k at the bottom o f the h i l l h a s some r e f r e s h i n g swimm­ ing h o l e s . Am i n c l u d i n g a p i c t u r e o f my ­ s e l f (w ould be n i c e i f o t h e r l e t t e r w r i t e r s w o u l d do same s o a l l h a d some v i s u a l i d e a o f the auth ors). Woul d s a y I' m

I w o u l d v e r y much l i k e t o s h a r e i t w i t h some p a r t n e r s who a l s o f a v o r t r e a d i n g l i g h t l y on t h e l a n d a n d d e v e l o p i n g an u n o b t r u ­ s iv e , e n e r g y - e f f ic i e n t , mostly s e l f - s u s t a i n i n g homestead for a small fam ily o f b r o th e r s. I t w o u l d b e more c o o p e r a t i v e t h a n c ommunal , w i t h e a c h p u t ­ t i n g i n an e q u a l s h a r e o f money/energy. Some m i g h t b e a b l e to l i v e th ere, w hile others might have t o l i m i t t h e i r v i s ­ i t s because of d ista n t jobs. But e a c h w o u l d h a v e a s a y i n o u r g o a l s a n d some p r i v a t e l i v ­ ing and g a r d e n in g s p a c e . Have f i g u r e d a o n e / e i g h t h s h a r e at $3,750. w i t h $ 7 5 0 down t h e b a la n c e c o u l d be p a i d o f f in t h r e e y e a r s a t 10% i n t e r e s t . The l a n d i s a l r e a d y p a i d f o r s o y o u w o u l d b e m a k i ng p a y m e n t s t o me r a t h e r t h a n a b a n k . All would be l e g a l l y done. Paired b r o s would be welcom e, but ea ch w o u l d h a v e t o p u r c h a s e h i s own share, sin c e the partnership i s lim ited to eig h t. T h i s i s n o t an o f f e r t o s e l l t o t h e f i r s t f e w who come down the road. Those p a r t i c i p a t i n g s u r e l y w o u l d want t o f e e l a l l p a r t n e r s had s i m i l a r v i e w s , common i n t e r e s t s , a n d w e r e r e ­ s p o n s i b l e , and d e p e n d a b l e . A l i t t l e mor e a b o u t t h e l a n d : I t r u n s at ab ou t 30 d e g r e e s t o t h e c r e e k w i t h a number o f l e v ­ e l building/cam ping/gardening sites. For wate r t h e r e i s a

s i

more i n t o " m a l e n e s s " t h a n " g a y ­ ness", being a p h y sic a l-se n s u a l t y p e , w i t h g o o d s e n s e o f h u mo r . Besides carpentry, tree care and t r a i l b u i l d i n g , I'm a c t i v e i n swi mmi ng, b o d y - b u i l d i n g , f r is b e e , horse sh o es , hiking and c a m p i n g . Enjoy l i s t e n i n g to good rock m u s ic , mellow a c c o u s t i c , and p a s s i n g t h e p i p e a f t e r a home-cooked ev en in g meal. So i f t h e r e ' s a few out t h e r e who h a v e b e e n t h i n k i n g o f l a n d in that area in a s s o c ia t io n w i t h some k i n d r e d s o u l s , d r o p me a l i n e a n d t e l l a b o u t y o u r ­ s e l f and t h o u g h t s . Maybe we c o u l d g a t h e r on t h e l a n d o v e r t h e Memorial Day and J u l y 4 t h weekend. I go t h e r e e v e r y few w e e k s , b ut a t p r e s e n t l i v e and work i n Yr e k a ( n o t t o b e c o n ­ fu s e d w ith Eureka or U k iah ). Peace. B i l l Callahan P . O . Box 1334 Y r e k a , CA 9 6 0 9 7


a l m o s t u n c o n s i d e r e d , t h e work o f someone p l a y i n g w i t h l e f t ­ o v e r b r e a d dough u n t i l the c h i e f b a k e r s h o u l d a r r i v e a nd t h e r e a l c r e a t i v e work b e g i n . And now I s e e t h e r e i s no c h i e f b a k e r e x c e p t me. De a r RFD, 39 y e a r o l d , 6 ' 3 " C a n c e r i n t o g a r d e n in g , out o f doors in t h e c o u n t r y , good worker, l o v e s a n i m a l s ( I h a v e 4 d o g s and 2 cats). I am l o o k i n g f o r s o m e ­ one g a y t o s h a r e l i f e and a f arm w i t h . I d o n ' t have c a p i ­ t a l to i n v e s t in a farm, but I do h a v e a v e t ' s b e n e f i t t o h e l p buy a f a r m . I am a l s o i n t o p la n ts , rem odeling, cooking, home l i f e , a r c h i t e c t u r e , m u s i c , th e a ter , books, a l l phases of d e s i g n , swi mmi ng , f i s h i n g , l o v e winter. I h a v e h a d my own b u s ­ i n e s s b u t I l o s t i t t h r o u g h my fam ily. I am o p p o s e d t o d r u g s , a bu se o f a l c o h o l , and man's a b u s e t o man. A ll e n q u i r i e s w r i t e a frank l e t t e r a nd p l e a s e s e n d r e c e n t pictures. I w ill return the pictures. Robert F o g a r t y 118-D Greenwood P I . D e c a t u r , GA 30030 (404 ) - 3 7 3 - 4 8 3 7

De a r F o l k s : Several days b e fo r e the Spring Equinox I turn t h i r t y . Ev e r s i n c e I was t e n I ' v e w a n t e d t o turn t h i r t y . T h i r t y , t o me, h a s a l w a y s b e e n t h e a g e when f i n a l m a t u r in g o f a l l powers sets in. T h i r t y wa s su pDOs e d t o make me t h i n , c o n f i d e n t , u n a fra id , accompanied, f u l l y c r e a t i v e , happy. I t was s u p ­ p o s e d t o make me d i f f e r e n t . I have a f e e l i n g going to .

it

isn't

Why d o e s i t t a k e s o l o n g f o r some p e o p l e t o r e a l i z e t h a t t h e i r l i v e s are t h e i r l i v e s , shape d l a r g e l y by t hem, l i m i t e d l a r g e l y b y t h e m , e m b i t t e r e d and e n r i c h e d l a r g e l y b y t h e m ? My t i m e s a r e i n my h a n d s now a s t h e y ' v e a l w a y s b e e n , a nd i n h o r r o r I l o o k b a c k and r e a l i z e t h a t wh&t I ' v e d o n e t o mo l d those t im e s has been o f f - h a n d e d ,

Or i f t h e r e i s , I' m r a t h e r h i g h ­ er in h i s e s t i m a t i o n than I ' v e hitherto believed. T h i s l e t t e r i s t o t h o s e o f you who r e a d RFD a s I d o , a n d y e a r n f o r s o m e t h i n g b e t t e r , a n d wo n ­ d e r why s o m e t h i n g b e t t e r i s n ' t c o m i n g y o u r wa y . I f y o u ' r e at a l l l i k e me, t h e a d v e n t o f s p r i n g a l t e r n a t e l y e l a t e s you with i t s symbolic promise o f r e b i r t h and d e p r e s s e s you w i t h i t s r e t u r n t o summer and t h e "same o l d t h i n g . " The p o i n t s p r i n g t r i e s t o make, and t h e p o in t I o f t e n m iss, i s that t h e r e i s no s p r i n g w i t h o u t p r i o r preparation: sowing o f s e e d , s t i r r i n g o f r o o ts in response t o c o l d a n d t h a w , a n i m a l s and p l a n t s d y i n g and f e e d i n g s u c ­ c e s s i v e g e n e r a t io n s with th e ir h u s k s , t h e mad f r e n z y o f p h o t o ­ synthesis. Yes, y e s , yo u'v e heard b e fo r e , perhaps so o ften t h a t i t s e e m s m a u d l i n and s e n ­ t i m e n t a l t o you i n s t e a d o f t r u e . It i s t r u e , however. I must p r e p a r e f o r my s p r i n g . My v i s ­ i o n o f t h i r t y might not have come a b o u t u n d e r a n y human c i r ­ c u m s t a n c e s , but i t might ha ve come c l o s e r t o b e i n g r e a l i z e d h a d I b e e n ma ki ng c h o i c e s c o n ­ ducive to l i f e a l l along. So wh a t now? G o o d q u e s t i o n . Last i s s u e I g a v e a l i t t l e l e c ­ t u r e on t h e n e c e s s i t y o f e mo­ t i o n a l independence for l i v i n g in a l a r g e l y s t r a i g h t country c ommune. W e ll, s i n c e then I ’ ve l e f t t h a t commune f o r a v a r i e t y o f r e a s o n s , o n e o f t hem u n g o v ­ ernable lo n e lin e s s . I' m b a c k in the c i t y , try in g to f i n i s h my n o v e l . I j u s t ha d a s c i e n c e f ic t io n story published. I ’ ve r e a l i z e d I' m warm a n d r e s p o n ­ s i v e and t h e r e f o r e g o o d i n b e d , a nd e v e n p h y s i c a l l y a t t r a c t i v e i f you l i k e h a i r and b u l k , w h i c h some p e o p l e d o . I ' m not confident. I'm t r y i n g . If you l i k e , I ' l l h e l p you t r y , too. F e e l f r e e t o w r i t e me. Rand Lee 2 3 0 4 -A N. B e r k s h i r e R d . C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e , VA 2290]

83

Dear RFD brothers

-

My name i s S t a n l e y G a i l , i ' m 2 9 , have been out o f t h e c l o s e t f o r some 10 y e a r s , I' m c u r r e n t ­ l y a v e g e t a r i a n but not f a n a t ­ i c a l about i t . I ' v e ha d s e v ­ e r a l y e a r s ' e x p e r i e n c e on l a ­ b o u r - i n t e n s i v e o r g a n i c f a r ms and t h r o u g h l y l o v e r u r a l , s e m i ­ a s c e t i c l i v i n g ( by " s e m i - a s c e t ­ i c " i mean i c a n h a u l w a t e r f r om a w e l l a n d c h o p wo o d f o r my h e a t , e t c . ) . In f a c t , i f i n d p i t c h i n g h a y ( no b a l e s , p l e a s e t ) o n e o f t h e mo r e r e s t ­ f u l m e d i t a t i o n s i ' ve foun d. Fo r t h e l a s t 2 y e a r s i ' v e b e e n b a c k i n ur ba n l i f e , and f e e l o n c e more t h e n e e d t o r e a c h o u t t o an e a r t h i e r way o f l i f e . I f anyone out t h e r e i s i n need of a d d itio n a l labour, organic f a r m i n g o n l y p l e a s e , or knows o f a b l a c k s m i t h who w o u l d b e w i l l i n g t o take* on an a p p r e n ­ t i c e , i wou ld welcome c o r r e ­ spondence. I d e a l l y , i'm l o o k ­ i ng for a c o l l e c t i v e w i t h a s p i r i t u a l o r i e n t a t i o n working e v e n t u a l l y f or s e l f - s u b s i s t e n c e , b u t l i f e i s no t y e t i d e a l . In t h e Oz a r k a r e a w o u l d b e n i c e , but not e s s e n t i a l . By t h e w a y , i ' v e a l s o b e e n a p r o f e s s i o n a l A s t r o l o g e r for some y e a r s and w o u l d w e l c o m e h e a r i n g f rom R a d i c a l F a e r i e s (p a g a n is t s ) and/or gay "ru ra li s t s " with accurate b ir th datai ' m a t t e m p t i n g t o f i n d some A stro lo g ica l "indicators" of such p r o p e n s i t i e s . I work c h e a p - h a v e d o n e w i t h room a n d b o a r d i n t h e p a s t , would a g a in in t h e r ig h t s i t uat ion . S t a n le y G a i l Johnson 6 501 West Markham L i t t l e R o c k , AR 7 2 2 0 5

C a r p e n te r wanted t o f a c i l i t a t e b u i l d i n g a s h e d dor me r a b o v e t he ma i n c a b i n i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r t h e May Day G a t h e r i n g on S h o r t Mountain. Please w rite sin c e you c a n ' t c a l l a s we h a v e no phone or e l e c t r i c i t y . Short Mountain R t . 1 , Box 98A L i b e r t y , TN 3 7 0 QS


I e n v i s i o n th e world s i t u a t i o n (which i s pa r t o f th e e x e r c i s e ) . It sure i s a p le a s in g e x e r c i s e to put t o g e t h e r a t e n t a t i v e c r y s t a l b a l l to see the fu tu re in .

Dear f r i e n d s land,

i n a m o r p h o u s RFD

H ello once again. I was r e a l p l e a s e d w i t h t h e r e s p o n s e t o my l e t t e r i n t h e l a s t i s s u e and w a n t e d t o l e t y o u know I h a v e move d on f rom M i s s o u r i t o Mr. P o t a t o e La nd . That’ s r ig h t. I'm i n Id a h o . It seems f o l k s r e s p o n d t o o t h e r ' s v i s i o n s when t h e r e ' s a r e s o n a t i o n in th e ir l i v e s . My g r e a t ­ e s t p l e a s u r e o f t e n c o m e s from s h a r i n g my v i s i o n a n d h e a r i n g another's. T h a t ' s how w o r l d s are born.

So i f a n y o f y o u h a v e s i m i l a r g o a l s , d r o p me a l i n e o r c a l l . I have a P is c e a n natu re that dreams but n e e d s V i r g o l i k e fo lk s to help c o n c r e tiz e i t . B lessings

be,

Wm S h e p a r d s o n ( Mo r n i n g F e a t h e r ) 432 South 11th S t . B o i s e , ID 8 3 7 0 2 (208) 384-9260

T here's a b e a u t if u lly indulgent and v i s i o n a r y book t h a t h a s been a r o u n d f o r a b o u t t wo y e a r s t h a t I've only discovered th is f a l l . The t i t l e i s C r e a t i v e V i s u a l i z ­ a t i o n and i t ' s by S h a k t i Gawain a t $ 4 . 9 5 ( Wh a t e v e r P u b l i s h i n g , P . O . Box 3 0 7 3 , B e r k e l e y , CA 94703). I f you b e l i e v e you h a v e a n y t h i n g t o do w i t h c r e a t i n g t h e r e a l i t y y o u r e s i d e i n , t h i s bo o k may i n t e r e s t you. S h ak ti has a wonderful cha p te r c a l l e d " S e t t i n g G o a l s " and i n i t sh e c h a l l e n g e s us t o c r e a t e our p e r f e c t w o r l d on p a p e r . So I did i t . Here i t i s . I am l i v i n g o n a s p a c i o u s c o u n t r y farm w i t h f i v e o t h e r b e a u t i f u l growing f a i r i e s . L o t s o f aniroal/human f r i e n d s hang o u t h e r e . We h a v e g a t h ­ e r i n g s on t h e a n c i e n t p a g a n holidays. D u r i n g t h e d a y I work i n t h e c i t y a t a c o l l e c t i v e l y owned bookstore. We c a r r y l o t s o f hard to g e t a l t e r n a t i v e s t u f f . At n i g h t I work o n my f i c t i o n and a m o nth ly f a i r y n e w s l e t t e r . The b o o k s t o r e i s a l s o a l e a r n ­ i n g c e n t e r and I have h e l p e d p u t t o g e t h e r g r o u p s on w i t c h ­ c r a f t , w r itin g , m editation, and c r e a t i v e v i s i o n i n g . I'm a l s o in v o lv e d in a weekly gay c r e a tiv e co n scio u sn ess group.

I' m p r e s e n t l y l i v i n g i n Wyom­ in g but would l i k e t o r e l o c a t e t o an a r e a w h e r e t h e r e a r e other rural gays. I'm a lm os t s u r e I' m t h e o n l y o n e h e r e l I'm 28 y e a r s o l d , v e r y o p t i ­ m i s t i c , f l e x i b l e and a happy person. I enjoy p o u ltry r a i s ­ i n g and wo uld r e a l l y l i k e t o f i n d *ork i n p o u l t r y b u s i n e s s . I grow a huge g a r d e n , heat w i t h w o o d , am v e r y s e l f - s u f f ­ i c i e n t , and sp en d a l o t o f tim e alone. I came h e r e f rom C a l ­ i f o r n i a t o g e t back t o n a t u r e b u t ha d no i d e a i t w o u l d b e s o desolate. S o , I am r e a d y t o leave. I ' d l i k e t o h e a r f rom a n y o n e , a n y w h e r e who m i g h t h a v e an o p e n i n g on a p o u l t r y r a n c h , hatchery, e tc . I t would a l s o b e n i c e t o h e a r f rom o t h e r s i n my s i t u a t i o n . Thank y o u l S te v e Campbell Box 6 1 7 3 S h e r i d a n , WY 8 2 8 0 1

B u s y , ham? Indulgent, perhaps, I h a v e n ' t e v e n g o n e i n t o how

SV

Dear RFD, We w o u l d l i k e t o i n t r o d u c e o u r ­ s e l v e s t o y o u a nd t e l l y o u a b o u t a p l a c e we h a v e i n New A l b a n y , PA w h i c h we c a l l T e s s e r v i l l e F a r m. I t i s a 9 0 a c r e f arm i n t h e E n d l e s s M o u n t a i n Range o f C e n t r a l P e n n s y l v a n i a . The f a r m wa s p u r c h a s e d f i v e y e a r s ag o , but o n l y u n t i l s i x months ago d i d our v i s i o n b e ­ g in to m a t e r i a l i z e . We a r e a g a y c o u p l e l i v i n g i n New York C ity. My l o v e r , J a c k , i s a p r ie s t, a pastoral counselor, and an o r g a n i c f a r m e r . I am an a r t i s t w i t h my e n d e a v o r s g o i n g f rom t h e t h e a t r e t o p a i n t i n g , s c u l p t u r e and w r i t i n g . Wi t h our e n e r g i e s c o m b i n e d . T e s s e r v i l l e i s becoming a s p i r i t u a l and a r t i s t i c community a s w e l l as a working farm. We h a v e a g r o u p o f t e n p e o p l e who we c a l l t h e a s s o c i a t e co m mu nit y, com­ p r i s e d o f c l e r g y , s o c i a l work­ e r s , a c t o r s , a r t i s t s , farmers and t e a c h e r s . The s e t t i n g a t t h e f arm g i v e s u s a l l i n s p i r a ­ t i o n i n our i n d i v i d u a l s e a r c h e s as w ell as the sharing of a communal l i f e s t y l e . There i s a m a r r i e d c o u p l e who l i v e p e r m ­ a n e n tly at T e s s e r v i l l e ( t h i s i s not o n l y a g a y e n v i r o n m e n t ) , who t e n d t h e l a n d a n d t h e f arm house. We h a v e a h u g e o r g a n i c g a r d e n a n d a t t h i s p o i n t we have c h i c k e n s and a r i d i n g h o r s e w i t h g o a t s , wo r k h o r s e s and a c a l f t o be purchased i n t h e n e x t t wo m o n t h s . F a c i l i t i e s for g u e s t s are m in­ imal at t h i s tim e. There are s h e l t e r e d p l a c e s (a c o n v e r t e d g r a n a r y , t e n t s ) and o u t d o o r showers and t o i l e t s . We a r e working toward h a v i n g a p l a c e fo r l a r g e g r o u p s and r e t r e a t s d u r i n g t h e warmer m o n t h s . We a r e v e r y e x c i t e d a b o u t T e s s ­ erville. It i s a l s o e x c i t in g t o hear o f o t h e r p e o p l e ' s work. The g a t h e r i n g s a t R u n n i n g Wat er sound v e r y s i m i l a r t o our p l a n s for T e s s e r v i l l e . I f anyone i s i n t e r e s t e d i n o ur wor k we c a n b e c o n t a c t e d i n New York o r T esserville. Wa r m l y , Fred S t r u g a t z T e s s e r v i l l e Farm RD 1 Box 7 5 New A l b a n y , PA 1 8 8 3 3


o f t h e t h i n g s I ' v e done s i n c e I'v e l iv e d here inclu de: gar­ dening, e l e c t r i c a l w iring, canning and food p r e s e r v a t io n , r o ck w a l l b u i l d i n g , rough c a r ­ pentry, sh eetrockin g, sh its h o v e l i n g and t r e e f e l l i n g . De ar RFD, My L a b r a d o r a n d I l i v e a l o n e on t h e s h o r e s o f G r a s s La ke i n Northern I l l i n o i s . There's a l ­ wa y s a p o t o f c o f f e e on t h e stove. We l o v e c o m p a n y . I'm a c o m p u t e r p r o g r a mme r w i t h brown h a i r , b l u e e y e s , 1 4 5 l b s . , and 36 y e a r s o l d . I' m i n t e r e s t e d in n a t u r e , t h e mind, c o m p u t e r s , Z e n ............................oh y e s , a n d s e x . B i l l Murphy R t . 1 , Box 6 4 0 A n t i o c h , IL 6 0 0 0 2

Dear RFD, I am l i v i n g i n t h e wo o d s o f M a s s a c h u s e t t s w i t h t wo o t h e r g a y men, on a g a y c o m m u n i t y o f s o r t s th a t i n c l u d e s four houses and s i x f u l l - t i m e r e s i d e n t s . I ' v e l i v e d h e r e s i n c e February 1980. R i g h t now I work o n t h e h o u s e and h o m e s t e a d o f t h e t wo men I l iv e with; w h ile they are c a r ­ p e n t e r s who wo r k o u t s i d e o f t h e h o u s e e a c h wor k d a y . Therefore, I am a l o n e m o s t o f t h e t i m e d u r ­ ing th e day. I am s e e k i n g t o change t h i s as w e l l a s g e n e r a l l y planning t o g e t mo r e p e o p l e involved here. What I am l o o k i n g f o r i s a w o r k ­ i ng p a r t n e r / f r i e n d who w a n t s a s i t u a t i o n in a very rural s e t ­ t i n g w i t h o t h e r g a y men. We ca nnot o f f e r you a s a l a r y , but we c a n o f f e r y o u , i n e x c h a n g e f o r y o ur w o r k , f r e e r e n t and p o s s i b l e f o o d , an o f p o r t u n i t y to develop a wide v a r i e t y o f h o m e s t e a d i n g s k i l l s , a nd a b e a u t i f u l ho me . You and I w o u l d work t o g e t h e r , and you a l o n e o r b o t h o f u s wo u l d o c c u p y a s m a l l , p r i m i t i v e cabin approxim ately 3 /8 o f a m i l e i n t o t h e wo o d s f ro m t h e h o u s e I now l i v e i n . I am 21 y e a r s o l d , b a s i c a l l y vegetarian, good-lookin g, i n ­ t e l l i g e n t and e n e r g e t i c . Some

You w i l l b e i n t e r a c t i n g c l o s e ­ l y and r e g u l a r l y w i t h t h e o t h e r t wo men I l i v e w i t h a s w e l l a s with m y s e lf. T h e y a r e 31 a n d 36 y e a r s o l d , v e g e t a r i a n , and a s i n t e r e s t e d a s I am i n y o u r being here. You w o u l d b e a m a t u r e , b u t p r e ­ f e r a b l y y o u n g i n d i v i d u a l , who l o v e s n a t u r e and can h a n d l e har d work. P r e f e r a b l e , you would be e i t h e r : 1 ) Some one w i t h a s k i l l o r c r a f t who c o u l d work o n t h e h o m e s t e a d a s w e l l a s g e n e r a t e mone y f o r y o u r s e l f t h r u y o u r c r a f t o r , 2 ) S o me o n e who h a s mone y s a v e d a n d w o u l d l i k e t o be here s e a s o n a l l y , such as a t e a c h e r . The p o s s ­ ib ility o f o u t s i d e employment i n t o wn e x i s t s a n d i s up t o y o u , b u t y o u mus t h a v e a s t r o n g c o m mi t m e n t t o w o r k i n g o n t h e homestead. B a s i c a l l y , wh a t I am l o o k i n g f o r i s s o m e o n e w i t h a s t r o n g i n t e r e s t and so me way o f p a r t i a l l y supporting your­ self . P l e a s e w r i t e s o we c a n e x c h a n g e mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n a n d g a g e c o m ­ p a t i b i l i t y - a v i s i t c a n be arranged a f t e r t h i s . B i l l Murphy Peakhouse B u t t e r w o r t h Farm RFD 2 O r a n g e , MA 0 1 3 6 4

D e a r RFD, This l e t t e r i s to appeal to your r e a d e r s fo r f i n a n c i a l a s s i s t a n c e t o h e l p d e f r a y grow i n g l e g a l c o s t s a r i s i n g f rom my b a t t l e w i t h t h e N o r t h C a r o ­ lin a Courts. F o r t h e p a s t t wo y e a r s , my l i f e h a s be e n r e s t r i c t e d by court proceedings resu ltin g f rom t h e c a s e , The S t a t e o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a v . W i l l i e D. P i l k i n g t o n , a r i s i n g f rom t h e charge o f "attempting to take i m m o r a l , i m p r o p e r and i n d e c e n t l i b e r t i e s with a minor". I am innocent. Since th is episode

85

b e g a n on O c t o b e r 2 8 , 1 9 7 8 , I have been f o r c e d t o cope w ith incompetent la w y ers, l o s s o f employment, i n t e r r u p t e d e d u c a ­ tion, j a i l, financial disaster a n d a n up h i l l b a t t l e o f c l a r ­ ify in g f a l s e inform ation p r e ­ s e n t e d a g a i n s t me d u r i n g t h e original tr ia l. I wa s w r o n g l y f o u n d g u i l t y o f t h e s e c h a r g e s due t o t h e D i s ­ t r i c t A t t o r n e y , i n he r d e s i r e t o d i s c r e d i t me b e f o r e t h e jury, presenting a crim inal r e c o r d as i f i t were mine, but in r e a l i t y the r e c o r d b e lo n g e d to another person w ith a sim ­ i l a r n a me . While I d e n ie d h a v i n g any r e c o r d d u r i n g t h e t r i a l , t h e r e w a s no i m m e d i a t e way t o p r o v e t h e t r u t h . Also the su bject o f hom osexuality was t o u c h e d up on. I received a four year p r i s o n s e n t e n c e . T h i s c o n v i c t i o n wa s i m m e d i a t e ­ ly appealed. P r e s e n t l y th e appeal i s at th e N . C . Supreme Court l e v e l . My new l a w y e r s a r e »w>rking v e r y h a r d t o p r e s e n t t h e many g r o s s t e c h n i c a l e r r o r s f r om t h e o r ­ ig in a l t r i a l , to demonstrate t h e n e e d f o r a t o t a l l y new trial. Due t o t h e l e n g t h o f t i m e a n d r e s e a r c h i n v o l v e d , my s a v i n g s o f $ 3 , 0 0 0 a n d an a d d i t i o n a l $ 1 5 0 0 f r om d o n a t i o n s , h a v e been s p e n t . Original estim ates had p l a c e d t o t a l c o s t a t $ 4 , 000 but t h i s has been e x c e e d e d and w i l l p r o b a b l y d o u b l e . D o n a t i o n s t o w a r d my l e g a l d e ­ fense are being c o lle c t e d t h r o u g h The N o r t h C a r o l i n a Hu­ man R i g h t s F und . They p r o v i d e a F e d e r a l and N.C. t a x d e d u c t ­ ible status. Donations should b e made t o : The N . C . Human R i g h t s Fund ( d o n a t i o n f o r W.D. P i l k i n g t o n ) , P . O. Box 1 0 7 8 2 , R a l e i g h , NC 2 7 6 0 5 . 1 hope p e o p l e r e a d in g t h i s w i l l understand the s e r io u sn e ss of t h i s s i t u a t i o n a n d d o wh a t t h e y can t o h e l p . I a l s o hope r e a d ­ e r s w i l l w r i t e t o me s o I c a n p r o v i d e t hem w i t h a mo r e d e t a i l ­ e d a c c o u n t o f my l e g a l e x p e r i ­ ence, Thank y o u . W i l l i e D. P i l k i n g t o n 6 1 1 N. B o u n d a r y S t . R a l e i g h , NC 2 7 6 0 4


p a r t o f a s t r i n g band; a c l a s s i c a l p i a n i s t , h o f a duo p i a n o team; a ba r o qu e v i o l i n ­ i s t - a c t i v e l y p e r f o r m i n g on t wo o f t h e a b o v e ( y o u g u e s s which ).

My b r o t h e r a nd I h a v e a d a i r y f a r m 50 m i l e s n o r t h o f M a d i s o n , WI. I s p e n d w e e k e n d s a n d my months o f v a c a t i o n work ing there - m ilking cows, p l a n t i n g / h a r v e s t i n g c r o p s , t e n d i n g the garden, e tc . U n t i l I can f i ­ n a n c i a l l y a f f o r d t o l i v e on t h e f arm f u l l - t i m e I am w o r k ­ i n g 1 4 0 m i l e s a way i n a c o m ­ m u n it y c o l l e g e in C r y s t a l Lake, IL. The p a y i s g r e a t ; t h e work s o - s o ( w e l l , sometimes not q u i t e so good). My e n t h u s i a s m i s r e ­ s e r v e d f o r t h e f arm a n d e x p e c i a l l y f o r our g o o d h e r d o f r e ­ giste re d H olsteins.

Third: an a r t i s t - c r a f t s m a n woodworker, in str u m e n t b u i l d ­ e r , house d e s ig n e r , a lover o f J a p a n e s e a r t and a e s t h e t i c , a te r r ib le s p e lle r , a oartner i n a new s m a l l b u s i n e s s . Fourth: a y o ung 3 3 , w e l l b u i l t , c u t e , br own h a i r , b l u e e y e s , mustashe, c u d ily . I approach l o v e - m a k i n g a s an a r t i n t h e orien tal sense. I f you ’ re out know. Best

wishes

there,

let

me

-

Don M i n n e r l y 2 1 5 1 2 Orr S p r i n g s Rd. U k i a h . CA 9 5 4 8 2

I' m 3 3 , 6 ' 1 " , 180 l b s ( i n v e r y g o o d s h a p e f rom r u n n i n g , s w i m­ mi ng a n d f arm w o r k ) a n d h a v e red h a ir . Some one t o s h a r e w ith would be g r e a t l y a p p r e c i ­ ated. Ro J a h n s 144 E l l s w o r t h C r y s t a l Lake,

IL

60014

Dear R F D ,

E n c l o s e d you I'm r e n e w i n g RFD. I want do in g such a

w ill find a check, my s u b s c r i p t i o n t o t o t h a n k y o u on great job.

L i v i n g h e r e w i t h Da v e i n t h i s isolated fishing v illa g e , I d o n ' t have any c o n t a c t with other gays. RFD h a s made i t p o s s i b l e f o r me t o make s e v e r a l new f r i e n d s t h r o u o h t h e c o n t a c t letters. T h is has h e ln e d throuoh t h e I o n a w i n t e r mo n t h s t o k e e n i n t a c t my s a n i t y . S o me t i me i n t h e n e a r f u t u r e I D l a n t o s u b m i t an a r t i c l e on " L i f e in Rural A l a s k a " . At t h i s t i m e I am D o u r i n g t h r o u g h s e e d and n u r s e r y s t o c k catalogs. I w i l l h o D e f u l l y be p l a n t i n g my g a r d e n 5 0 ' x 5 0 ' i n l a t e May. T h i s year I ' v e added k a l e , k o h l r a b i and a s an e x p e r ­ i men t w / D l a s t i c s q u a s h t o t h e l i s t o f cabbage, b r o c c o li, peas, o n ion s, p o t a t o e s , spinach, mustard, t u r n i o s , r a d i s h e s , b e e t s , head l e t t u c e , 3 k in d s o f l e a f l e t t u c e and c a r r o t s . It's a l l g r o wn o r g a n i c a l l y . We a l s o h a v e a g r e e n h o u s e g o i n g up i n J u n e , w h e r e we D l a n t o g r o w t o m a t o e s , g r e e n p e p o e r s and cucumbers. In t h e f a l l I D l a n on t r a v e l i n g t h r o u g h t h e l o w e r 4 5 on my way t o v i s i t my f a m i l y i n F l o r i d a . I D l a n t o stOD and v i s i t t h e f r i e n d s I h a v e made, t h a n k s t o

RFD.

Dear F r i e n d s , I have been l i v i n g in a f a i r l y r em ot e a r e a o f the Mendocino Mountains for four y e a r s b u i l d i n g a h o u s e and s e t t i n g up my i d e a l ( o r n e a r l y i d e a l ) environment. I have always b e l i e v e d t h a t my roan i s o u t t h e r e s o m e w h e r e a nd t h a t s o m e ­ d a y o ur p a t h s w o u l d m e e t . But, t h e number o f p e o p l e i n g e n e r a l who coroe t h r o u g h my v a l l e y ( 1 0 m i l e s up u n p a v e d c o u n t r y r o a d s a n d 4 m i l e s up a d i r t d r i v e w a y ) a r e f e w a nd t h e number o f g a y men i s i n d i r e c t p r o p o r t i o n . So p e r h a p s y o u w i l l r e a d t h i s n o t e and r e s p o n d . I a m: F irst: a roan - a p l a y f u l l p u p , a l o v e r o f n a t u r e and humanity, never t o o busy for a garae o f c h a s e o r f o r w a t c h ­ i n g t h e moon r i s e . Second: a musician - a t r a ­ d i t i o n a l Appalachian F i d l e t ,

RFD , H i , roy name i s R i c h a r d . I'm l o o k i n g t h r o u g h GAY SOURCE. Have y o u v i s i t e d h e r e ? Sri Ram A s h r a m a , D r a we r AR, R e n s o n , AZ 8 5 6 0 2 . The 3 o t h e r p e o p l e here are readying to s e l l the Ranch and I' m c u r i o u s a s a l l g e t o u t t o know w h e r e i s t h e r e an a c t u a l Gay Commune i n e x i s t ­ e n c e wh e r e I c o u l d b e c o m e a c ­ t i v e l y in volved in help in g o th e r s with th e ir p r o j e c t ? C o u l d y o u c o n t a c t roe s o o n w i t h inform ation? R i c h a r d A. Q u i c k c / o D esert Sanctuary Dr a we r AR B e n s o n , AZ 8 5 6 0 2 1-602-586-3774

I f a n y RFDers o u t t h e r e a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n g e t t i n g t o know a 6 ' br own h a i r & e y e s , o i s c e s m a l e , who i s s e n s i t i v e , b i g h e a r t e d a n d an a l l a r o u n d fr ie n d ly guy, p le a s e w r ite . Some o f my i n t e r e s t s a r e h i k i n g , organic gardening, bird watch­ i n g , fo r a g in g for w i l d e d i b l e s , herbs, h o r tic u ltu r e , psychology, r e a d i n g , q u i e t mo ment s b y t h e f i r e , m u s i c f rom c l a s s i c a l t o pop. T h e r e ' s a l o t mo r e t o me than I ha ve m e n t i o n e d . So i f y o u a r e i n t o e x p a n d i n g y o ur e x p e r i e n c e s o f l i v i n g l i f e and would l i k e t o s h a r e in forming a new f r i e n d s h i p , p l e a s e w r i t e . F r e d L. J o h n s P . O . Box 2 3 5 P o r t L i o n s , AK

99550


i s a concern for p r e se r v in g na­ t u r e ' s ways and a v o i d i n g u n n e c ­ essary w astefulness. I'm v e g ­ e t a r i a n i n my own h o me , f o r e c o n o m i c and e c o l o g i c a l r e a s o n s . Tho u g h i f o f f e r e d meat a t a me a l i n a n o t h e r ' s h o me , I w i l l p a r ­ take . Dear R F D e r s , A c o n s c i o u s , g a y male s t a n d - u o comedian. An e x t i n c t s p e c i e s ? Not s o l Faggot b r o th e r with a g e n e tic p r o p e n s ity for right f i e l d i s a v a i l a b l e for c o n f e r ­ ences, e tc . Send for a t a p e , i f i n t e r e s t e d (or b e t t e r , send a bla nk t a p e in e x c h a n g e ) . D a v i d Knuds*‘n 4 5 3 7 S p r u c e S t . , A- 5 P h i l a d e l p h i a , PA 1 9 1 3 9 (215) 387-8960

Dear RFD F r i e n d s , When I f i r s t mo v e d t o Or e g o n from M a s s a c h u s e t t s , I d e c i d e d t o l i v e a n d work i n t h e c i t y (in P o r tla n d ) u n t i l I saved some mone y t o move o u t t o t h e b e a u t i f u l c o u n t r y s i d e which i s a l l around the northw est h e r e . W e l l , i t ' s b e e n a f e w y e a r s and I'm s t i l l i n t h e c i t y . But my dream i s s t i l l a l i v e , and I'm g ettin g awfully itch y feet to move. I'm l o o k i n g f o r an i n d i v i d u a l or g r o u p i n t h e c o u n t r y w h o s e l i f e s t y l e I might f i t in w i t h . I l o v e t h e m i l d c l i m a t e and b e a u t y o f w e s t e r n Oregon and wo u l d l i k e t o l i v e some p l a c e s i m i l a r l y m ild , though c l i m a t e c e r t a i n l y w i l l n o t b e t h e ma i n f a c t o r i f som e thing e l s e sounds good. I' m 2 6 , 5 ' 6 " , 1 4 0 l b s , l o n g i s h br own h a i r a n d b e a r d , healthy. I d o n o t s mo k e . I d r i n k o n l y o c c a s i o n a l l y , and t h e n , m o d e r a t e l y , a n d I c a n do very w e l l w ith o u t a l c o h o l at all. I'm s e e k i n g a n a t u r e / e a r t h - c e n t e r e d l i f e s t y l e , w i t h l i t t l e or no t e c h n o l o g y , a s s e l f - s u f f i c ­ ient as p o s s i b l e . I lik e grow­ ing v e g e t a b l e g a r d e n s and h a v i n g a n i m a l s f o r t h e i r e g g and m i l k p r o d u c t s , bu t I ' m a l s o i n t e r e s t ­ ed i n l e a r n i n g wha t e d i b l e s s i m ­ p l y c a n b e g a t h e r e d from t h e surrounding a r e a . Though I' m i n c l i n e d toward th e idea o f v o l ­ untary p r i m i t i v i s m , a l i v i n g s itu a tio n using higher t e c h n o l ­ o g y w o u l d b e ok a s l o n g a s t h e r e

As f a r a s r e l i g i o u s v i e w s g o , though I dabble in m e d i t a t i o n , T a o i s m , a nd B u d d h i s m , m o s t l y I j u s t l o o k a r o u n d me a n d s e e t h e e a rth , sun, f o r e s t s , f i e l d s , r iv e r s , p la n ts , animals, people, etc. I b e l i e v e in "love the e a r t h a s you l o v e y o u r s e l f " . I tr y to see the natural order •and b e a u t y a n d ha r mo ny o f t h i n g s a n d w o u l d l i k e my l i f e s t y l e t o flow along with i t . I can t h i n k o f more p l e a s a n t d i r e c t i o n s f o r humankind t o g o i n t h a n t h e one t h a t p r e s e n t i n d u s t r y and h i g h t e c h n o l o g y and w a s t e f u l n e s s a r e taking us. I'm o p e n a s t o w h e t h e r I l i v e w i t h an i n d i v i d u a l , a s f r i e n d or l o v e r , or w i t h a g r oup - c ommunal o r p o l y f i d e l i t o u s , men or women, s e x u a l o r n o n - s e x u a l . I t w o u l d j u s t d e p e n d on t h e s i t ­ u a t i o n i t s e l f and t h e p e o p l e involved. I' m m o s t l y g a y , b u t sometimes c a l l m y s e l f b i s e x u a l . C h i l d r e n someday wou ld be n i c e . To k e e p m y s e l f s a n e d u r i n g my urban and s u b u r b a n l i f e , t i l l I c o u l d g e t o u t a n d g e t what I wanted, I 'v e been in to : danc­ ing, theatre, ch oir, raised-bed vegetab le gardening, sign la n ­ guage, Russian, Spanish, organ, piano, recorder, tr a v e l, h ik in g, camping. But my h e a r t a l w a y s y e a r n s f o r d a i l y ( n o t j u s t on weekend e x c u r s i o n s ) d i r e c t c o n ­ t a c t w ith the land (not through a s p h a l t ) and f r e s h a i r and s u n ­ s h i n e , where I can run around n a t u r a l l y naked and f r e e o n c e i n a w h i l e , a nd w h e r e I w o n ' t f e e l p r e s s u r e t o c u t my n a t u r a l h a i r o r s h a v e my n a t u r a l b e a r d . I ' d l i k e t o move i n t o an e s t a b ­ l i s h e d s i t u a t i o n , o r , one t h a t ' s j u s t g e t t i n g g o i n g would be ok, b u t I h a v e o n l y a few t h o u s a n d d o l l a r s s a v e d up t o c o n t r i b u t e .

Dear

RFDers,

I am l o o k i n g f o r a s m a l l g r o u p ( up t o 1 5 ) o f g e n t l e men t o s h a r e l i v i n g , l o v i n g , and land w it h in a b e a u t i f u l w i n t e ry environment th a t i s c o n ­ ducive to s p i r i t u a l growth, p e a c e o f m i n d , a nd s y m b i o s i s w i t h mother n a t u r e - a p l a c e where I ca n g i v e and r e c e i v e support in working toward a simple nearly s e l f - s u f f i c i e n t l i fest y l e . I am 3 2 , w i t h t h i c k b l o n d e c u rly h a ir , blue ey es, t r i ­ c o lo r e d short beard, 5'10" and 170 l b s . o f c l a s s i c a l greek fe a tu re s, g e n tle , soft s p o k e n , s o m e t i m e s q u i e t a nd reser v ed , once in a while a g g r e s s i v e , but m o stly i n b e ­ tween . I have a p a s s i o n a t e lo v e for n a t u r a l b e a u t y , g a r d e n i n g and l a n d s c a p e d e s i g n (my P r o f e s s ­ i o n ) , and o c c a s i o n a l t r a v e l to d i s t a n t la n d s . I enjoy more c o m p e t i t i v e a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s swi mmi ng, s k i i n g , sk a tin g , h ik in g , dancing, gardening, reading, lis te n in g t o m u s i c and s i l e n c e , s e t t i n g by t h e f i r e , and b e i n g . I n e e d a home b a s e o f l o v i n g , u n d e r s t a n d i n g , and s u p p o r t i v e fam ily. I ne ed a p l a c e where I c a n g a r d e n , h i k e , a nd m e d ­ i t a t e t o my h e a r t s c o n t e n t . I n e e d a p l a c e t o s e t ray r o o t s withou t danger o f be in g su d ­ d e n l y u p r o o t e d by a p r o f i t o r po wer o r i e n t e d l a n d o w n e r . A land t r u s t arrangement would be j u s t t o my l i k i n g . Does a ny th in g l i k e t h i s e x i s t out there? I' m n o t w e a l t h y b y a n y me a ns m o n e t a r i l y , b u t I' m w e a l t h y i n s p i r i t , mind, h e a l t h , k n o w l e d g e , and e n e r g y , w i t h a p i t t a n c e o f cash to i n v e s t . Are t h e r e a ny landed g e n t r y out t h e r e for whom t h i s s o u n d s a p p e a l i n g o r interesting? If so, p le a se c o n ­ t a c t roe. I ' d l o v e t o h e a r from you. A woodland f a i r y ,

Hope t o h e a r T h a n k s '.

f rom you r e a l

soon*. Jeremy B e l l 3990A M o n t e c i t o Av e . S a n t a R o s a , CA 9 5404 ( 7 0 7 ) 528-6644

Steven Poole c / o Holec 784 6 t h S t r e e t Lake O s w e g o , OR

97034

rr

8i


ha d my C r u s a d e . My n e i g h b o r s c a u s e me no a n x i e t y a n d I e n ­ joy returning the favor. I' m s t r a i g h t and a p p r e c i a t e t h e c o mpa ny o f t h e s a m e .

I ' m 34 ( b u t I h a v e t h e c u r s e o f l o o k i n g 2 5 ) , 5' 1 1 " , 2 0 0 l b * ; . , br own h a i r , b l u e e y e s , v e r y V i r g o , and o n e h e l l o f a nice person. I l i v e on a s m a l l p i e c e o f l a n d n e a r a t o wn o f 1 7 , 0 0 0 a n d no t a l l t h a t f a r from 2 m a j o r c i t i e s . The h o u s e i s 1 8 9 0 s , s m a l l , s e m i mo de r n t h e b a r n a new p o l e b a r n . An­ i m a l s a l l over t h e p l a c e ; 2 Arabian h o r s e s , c h i c k e n s , du cks, g e e s e , r a b b i t s , and my A i r d a l e Bogie. I n t e r e s t s - many and var i e d l I c a n ' t s a y what I want i n a man, b e c a u s e I w o n ' t know u n ­ t i l I me et h i m . I b e l i e v e in a c c e p t i n g e v e r y o n e as thems e l f s a n d w o r k i n g from t h e r e . I wish t h e w o r ld would do t h a t . J e f f Ward Rt . 2 , Box 2 0 0 , Mwy. 1 0 9 '•’a t e r t o w n , WI 53094

I' m n o t l o o k i n g f o r a l o v e r ; i f y o u a r e you w o u l d b e b e t t e r served to look elsew h e re . I' m e a s y t o g e t a l o n g w i t h . I h a v e no c o n c r e t e i d e a s f o r t h i s p l a c e a n d mo s t o f my t i m e t o d a t e h a s g o n e i n t o s o i l a me n dation. I ' d be w i l l i n g to p u r ­ s u e j u s t a b o u t a n y p r o j e c t you might e n t e r t a i n . The summers i n A r k a n s a s a r e u n ­ g o d l y h o t ; i f you l i k e he at y o u 'll love i t here. Winters a r e m i l d , and f a l l i s l o n g and un excelled. The t i c k s and c h i g g e r s are a l s o u n e x c e l l e d .

I h a v e an e x c e l l e n t j o b , b u t i t i s a t so me d i s t a n c e a n d I h a v e no t i m e f o r t h i s p l a c e . I w i l l p r o v i d e r o o m , b o a r d and s t ip e n d in return for the labor o f s o m e o n e w i t h a modi cum o f s t r e n g t h and a m b i t i o n . Prac­ t i c a l e x p e r i e n c e i s not n e c e s ­ s a r y ; I ’ v e a l w a y s ha d a f o n d p l a c e i n my h e a r t f o r r a nk amateur s . I'm 3 3 , a c o l l e g e g r a d u a t e , a Yankee, a Vietnam v e t , a p o l i ­ t i c a l l i b e r a l and a s o c i a l conservative. I'm not i n t o t o b a c c o or d r u g s and sel dom drink. I' m n o n - r e l i g i o u s a n d an e t h i c a l C h r i s t i a n . I don't b e l i e v e i n ma k i ng w a v e s ; I ' v e

I enjoy reading. and i n q u i s i t i v e .

I am m a t u r e

I would l i k e to d e v e lo p a r e ­ l a t i o n s h i p v i a l e t t e r f i r s t with e v e n t u a l h o p e f o r an o o e n and i n v o l v e d r e l a t i o n s h i p w ith a gay man who f e e l s t h e y c o u l d b e c o m­ f o r t a b l e w i t h me i n a l i f e s i t ­ ua tio n in v o lv ed in a rural area w h i c h I a p p r e c i a t e and know how t o d e a l and c o p e w i t h . Louis Scheier Box 4 1 5 S p r i n g e r , NM

87747

Ed We l s h Rt 4 Box 164 H u n t s v i l l e , AR 7 2 7 4 0

F e l l o w RFP'ers I am a 35 y e a r o l d , a n g l o m a l e 2 3 0 # , brown e y e s - br o wn h a i r , s u f f e r i n g f rom m a l e p a t t e r n b a l d n e s s , which I hooe adds c h a r a c t e r t o my p e r s o n a l i t y a n d a p p e a r a n c e , i f no t c h a r m. I am a L ib r a , born October 22, 1945.

I own a b o u t 1 1 0 a c r e s i n t h e Arkansas O zarks. I t ' s an o l d d a i r y farm w h i c h w i l l n e v e r b e so again. About o n e h a l f i s o a k and p i n e t i m b e r and t h e o th e r h a l f i s pasture/roeadow in r e g r e s s iv e t r a n s i t i o n .

S e l l e r , a job I thoroughly enjoy, w hile attending a vocation al s c h o o l s t u d y i n g a c c o u n t i n g and a c ou irin g a b u sin ess background.

I h a v e l i v e d a l o n e i n New M e x i c o i n a s m a l l t own o f 2 0 0 0 a l l my l i f e , and h a v e a v o i d e d c i t i e s from f e a r o f a l a c k o f c o n t e n t , coupled with a b a s ic d is tr u s t o f urban l i v i n g . Consequently, I have never been r e a l i s t i c a l l y in v o lv ed in a gay r e l a t i o n s h i p , t o any e x t e n t , o t h e r t o q u a l i f y m yself as a severe c lo s e t case with hopes for s a l v a t i o n . T h i s i s mv b a d p o i n t , o n e I h o o e t h e r i g h t p e r s o n wo uld not have trouble dealing with. I am warm a nd l o v i n g o t h e r w i s e , a n d n e e d t e n d e r c a r e and c o n c e r n . I am i n t e r e s t e d i n l i v i n g i n t h e c o u n tr y in a s e l f su p p o rtin g s i t u a t i o n w i t h a man my a o e f rom 3 0 - 4 0 or i n a r u r a l a r e a w h e r e a j o b would be a v a i l a b l e . I h a v e ha d 2‘ y e a r s o f c o l l e a e a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f New M e x i c o , have been a c o r r e c t i o n s o f f i c e r a n d h i g h w a y a i d e , and f o r t h e l a s t 3 y e a r s ha v e wor ke d at a l o c a l race tr a ck as a Q u i n e l l a

S8

About t h e t i m e o ur c o n t a c t l e t ­ t e r r e g a r d i n g Govinda nad a Ashr a m -- a T a n t r i c ashram o f ga y men - - a p p e a r e d i n RFD # 2 5 , we u n e x p e c t e d l y mo v e d t o Lo s A n g e ­ les. C o n s e q u e n t l y , w h i l e we have r e c e i v e d s e v e r a l r e s p o n s e s f rom RFD r e a d e r s , s ome o f o u r m ail has not been forwarded. I f your l e t t e r t o us i s r e t u r n ­ e d or h a s n ' t b e e n a n s w e r e d , p l e a s e w r i t e t o us a g a i n at the a d d r e s s below . Our move t o Lo s A n g e l e s i s o n l y t e m p o r a r y , and t h e Ashram w i l l s t i l l b e c e n t e r e d i n t h e San F r a n c i s c o a r e a , t o w h i c h we w i l l be r e t u r n i n g - - h o p e f u l l y t o a r u r a l s e t t i n g - - i n th e next few y e a r s . In t h e m e a n t i m e we p l a n t o d e v e l o p t h e Ashram through c o rr es p o n d e n c e and th e c o o r d i n a t i o n o f p r o j e c t s a nd a c t i v i t i e s t h a t s u p p o r t our common g o a l s . I f you a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n j o i n ­ i n g w i t h u s o r i f you d e s i r e further inform ation, p lea se w rite to: G o v i n d a n a n d a Ashram 960 L arrab ee #103 Los A n g e l e s , CA 9 0 0 6 9


--- C O N T A C T L E T T E R S ----

I wo uld l i k e to communicate w i t h a n y o n e o u t t h e r e who h a s some a f f i n i t y t o t h e s e i n t e r ­ e s t s and g o a l s I w i l l answer a l l promptly. I w i l l be t r a ­ v e lin g e x t e n s i v e l y in the s p r i n g a n d summer a n d h o p e t o b e a b l e t o v i s i t some o f y o u t h e n , o r h a v e y o u v i s i t roe.

Have we g o t a p i a n o f o r y o u ? I f you w o u l d l i k e t o t u n e and repair o u r p i a n o p e r h a p s we c a n wo r k a t r a d e . Short Mountain Rt . 1 , Box 98A L i b e r t y , TN 3 7 0 9 5

Dear RFD, If in terested please contact: Small h o m e s t e a d . Old a p p l e trees, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, e tc . - chickens, d u c k s , and g e e s e , few r a b b i t s , d o g s and c a t s . Garden. Single male needs companion. Not t o o much work i n v o l v e d . Pho ne a n d e l e c t r i c i t y a v a i l a b l e , but l i v ­ ing q u a r t e r s a r e not f a n c y . Heat i s wood a n d c o a l s t o v e . S t a y home t y p e o f p e r s o n d e s i r e d on l o n g t e r m b a s i s . Dope, heavy d r i n k i n g , sm ok in g or r e l i g i o n not d e s i r a b l e . Education, looks or c o l o r u n i m p o r t a n t . Must l i k e a n i m a l s a nd g a r d e n i n g . Write to

Edwin B r i d g e s 301 P e a r s o n D r i v e A s h e v i l l e , NC 28801 (704 )-2 5 2 -7 7 6 4

A. L. T. F r a n q u i c / o F a r m i ng U n c l e Box 91 L i b e r t y , NY 12754

To L o v e A n o t h e r Man De a r RFD B r o t h e r s , I' m a d e v o t e d RFD r e a d e r l o o k ­ in g t o e s t a b l i s h c o n t a c t which w i l l b r i n g me c l o s e r t o my goal of a cooperative, rural, self-sufficient life sty le . I'm a 2 3 y e a r o l d , 6 ' 3 " , 1 4 5 l b . A r i e s , w i t h b l u e e y e s and brown h a i r , b e a r d , a n d m o u s ­ tache. I ' m a n a t u r e l o v e r and n a t u r a l i s t at h e a r t , which l e d me t o a M . S . i n B o t a n y a s my formal e d u c a t i o n . My c u r r e n t ( s t i l l l i v i n g in the c i t y ) i n ­ t e r e s t s include gardening, tra v e l, cooking, hiking, singin g, radical/ faerie p o litic s , net­ w o r k i n g , n a t u r e s t u d y , and c l a s s i c a l m u s i c , not n e c e s s a r ­ i l y i n any o r d e r . The s i t u a t i o n I e n v i s i o n f o r m y se lf i s not c l e a r l y d e f i n e d , t h e r e f o r e o p e n t o new i mput and i n s i g h t s . I l ik e the idea o f being in v o lv ed in a land t r u s t , or o t h e r s i t u a t i o n w h i c h a llo w s th e f e e l i n g s o f perman­ e n c e and r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t h e land. I'm b a s i c a l l y an o r g a n ­ i z e d , e f f i c i e n t , and r a t i o n a l t h i n k i n g p e r s o n , and p r e f e r w o r k i n g w i t h o t h e r s who s u p p o r t or s h a r e t h o s e a t t r i b u t e s .

The s t r e n g t h o f my l o v e i s t h e sw ift current o f the r iv e r , w i t h t h e coming o f s p r i n g . And t h e t e n d e r n e s s o f t h e dew on a f o r e s t g l a d e , o n a summer morn. And t h e aut umn l e a v e s a r e t h e d e p t h o f my l o v e , f o r a s t h e y take f l i g h t to th e ground, to grow i n t h e i r d e p t h s , so d o e s my l o v e . And my s i l e n c e , i s t h a t o f t h e winter snow, g l i d i n g through darkness o f night. And t o b e r e n e w e d e a c h s p r i n g , w i t h s t r e n g t h , f o r a l l our s p r i n g s t o come.

Hello , I ' m an i n t r o s p e c t i v e , c r e a t i v e , good-looking, sp ir itu a l/sen su a l 3 6 - y e a r - o l d g a y male ( 5 * 1 1 " / 1 7 5 l b s . ) who - - a f t e r 12 h a p ­ py years o f l i v i n g , m o s t l y a lone o n my h i l l t o p - r a n c h i n t h e S a n t a Cr uz M o u n t a i n s - - am r e a d y t o s h a r e my s p a c e , h e a r t , a n d m i n d w i t h a n o t h e r warm­ h e a r t e d , h o t - b lo o d e d hermit l i k e m y s e l f - - on a ny o f v a r ­ ious bases: f r om p e r m a n e n t l i v e - i n a l l t h e way t o c o s m i c o n e - n i g h t l o v e r s - - j u s t so long as he/you are open, hon­ e s t and h a v e y o ur own t r i p w e l l together. I teach psychology, w r ite n o v e ls, tend cows, b e ­ l i e v e i n God, have v i s i t e d I n d i a numer ous t i m e s , and l o v e m usic, sin g in g , s u n s e ts , s i ­ l e n c e , a n d b e a r d e d , w o o d s y men w i t h d e p t h a nd p a s s i o n . I have n e v e r p l a c e d an a d l i k e t h i s b e f o r e , and e v e n f e e l a l i t t l e f o o l i s h about doing so now,b ut s o m e t h i n g t e l l s me t h a t , s o m e ­ w h e r e o u t t h e r e among RFD' s h u n ­ dreds o f o d d b a ll, r u s t i c r e a d ­ e r s , t h e r e j u s t might be one ( o r m o r e ) whom God h a s i n t e n d e d to e x p e r ie n c e roind/body/soul b r o t h e r h o o d w i t h me, a nd I w i t h him. I f y o u t h i n k i t m i g h t be you, b r o t h e r , d o n ' t l e t the c h a n c e s l i p by u s . Sincerely, C h a r l i e Br a un POB 578 B o u l d e r C r e e k , CA

95006

I am a man, My home f o r now i s Kodiak, A la s k a . I am now 2 8 , born J a n . 26, I sta n d 6 f e e t 4 . And n e e d s o m e o n e t o l o v e a n d t o l o v e me . I have very l i t t l e t o o f f e r a n y o n e b u t me. Wi t h g r e a t

love,

John Arthur Aspl un d P . 0 . Box 1 8 0 3 K o d i a k , AK 99615

89

Patron wanted. No e x p e r i e n c e necessary. S e n d SASE t o : Sh o rt Mountain R t . 1 , Box 98A L i b e r t y , TN 3 7 0 9 5


THE CONDITIONS

N ew

F a r m e r s s h o u l d p r a c t i c e an o r g a n i c a p p r o a c h t o a g r i c u l t u r e on 1 t o 1 0 0 a c r e s o f l a n d . Th e y s h o u l d be w i l l i n g t o e x p l a i n a l l p r o c e d u r e s , p r o v i d e m e a l s and a p l a c e t o s l e e p (no t n e c e s s ­ a r i l y a b e d ) , and g e n e r a l l y t r e a t t h e worker mor e a s an a p p r e n t i c e d r e l a t i v e t h a n a s an e m­ ployee.

B r e la n d

W orkers On

0 rgaru'c F arm s

W o r k e r s s h o u l d be o v e r 16 y e a r s o l d , and i n good p h y s ic a l c o n d i t i o n . They s h o u l d be w i l l ­ i n g t o p u t i n 1 0 h o u r s o f h a r d , d i r t y work e v e r y d a y , p u l l i n g tyeeds , s h o v e l l i n g m a n u r e , a n d d o ­ i n g w h a t e v e r e l s e may b e a s k e d o f t h e m .

NEW ENGLAND '*ORKERS ON ORGANIC FARMS i s a n o n ­ p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n w h i c h p l a c e s v o l u n t e e r s on o r g a n i c f a r ms i n New E n g l a n d . In r e t u r n f o r f u l l - t i m e l a b o r , farmers p r o v id e m e a ls, a p l a c e t o s l e e p , a nd s o m e t i m e s a l i f t f rom a l o c a l t o wn .

T h o s e who a r e u n a b l e t o me e t t h e s e b a s i c c o n d i ­ t i o n s w i l l be a s k e d t o r e s i g n t h e i r m e m b e r s h i p s .

HOW IT OPERATES D e s c r i p t i o n s o f NEWOCF f a r m s , a l o n g w i t h d a t e s when w o r k e r s a r e n e e d e d on e a c h f a r m , a r e l i s t e d in a bi-m onthly n e w s le tte r . Wo r k e r s m a i l " b o o k ­ i n g f o r m s , " i n d i c a t i n g w h e r e t h e y want t o w o r k , to the farm er's Regional O rganizer. The R. O. c o n f i r m s the w o r k - d a t e w i t h t h e f a r m e r , t h e n p a s s e s on t h e a d d r e s s a n d p h o n e n u mbe r , a l o n g w i t h a map s h o w i n g how t o r e a c h t h e f a r m. F i n a l d e t a i l s ar e worked out d i r e c t l y be t w e e n t h e wo r k e r and t h e f a r m e r , w i t h t h e wo r k e r s h o w ­ i n g up a t t h e a r r a n g e d t i m e , s l e e p i n g b a g , w o r k c l o t h e s , b o o t s , and a l l p e r s o n a l i t e m s i n h a n d . The n e w s l e t t e r a l s o g i v e s d e t a i l s o f r e g i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t s i n t h e o r g a n i c m o v e me n t , and i n ­ c l u d e s me mb e r s ' c o n t r i b u t i o n s a nd a d v e r t i s e ­ ments. O ffer s o f o r g a n iz a tio n a l help are always w e l c o m e s o t h a t t h e work i n v o l v e d may b e s h a r e d a nd NEWOQF may e x p a n d .

" I f y o u a r e a New E n g l a n d r e s i d e n t , a n d a r e e i t h e r an o r g a n i c f a r me r who w o u l d l i k e , f rom t i m e t o t i m e , t o t a k e o n an e x t r a - h a n d i n e x ­ c h a n g e f o r room and b o a r d , o r a v o l u n t e e r i n t e r ­ e s t e d i n f u l l d a y s o f h a r d work w h i l e g a i n i n g organic a g r ic u ltu r a l experien ce, contact: NEW00F, c / o B r u c e D e m p s t e r , S t . J o h n ' s C o l l e g e , A n n a p o l i s , MD 2 1 4 0 4 . New E n g l a n d Wo r k e r s on O r g a n i c Farms w i l l p u b l i s h i t s f i r s t b i - m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r / p l a c e m e n t d i r e c t o r y t h i s month." R i g h t now, a s I u n d e r s t a n d i t , WOOF i s l i m i t e d t o t h e New E n g l a n d a r e a b u t c o u l d b e e x p a n d e d to other r e g i o n s . An y o ne i n t e r e s t e d i n f o r m i n g a WOOF i n t h e i r a r e a ( i t t a k e s a b o u t s i x m o n t h s p a r t - t i m e ) i s we lco me t o c o n t a c t B r uc e a t t h e above a d d r e s s . To g e t s e t up i n a s t a t e r e ­ q u i r e s having a R eg io na l O rganizer in each t e l e p h o n e c o d e a r e a or d i s t r i c t . The R . O. w o u l d be o n l y r e s p o n s i b l e f o r o r g a n i c f a r m s i n t h a t a r e a and m a t c h i n g a q u a l i f i e d v o l u n t e e r w o r k e r / a p p r e n t i c e t o t h a t p a r t i c u l a r farm.

The W)ise U)oman share# her wisdom with 15011 ^ times a 15ear around the solstices and equinoxesh>r four

«sr&1

a jocwwai o r

new vivo *,

-Alternative visions for politics, art, spirituality, and community -Avant garde fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, portfolios, and more A forum for everyone involved in alternative, non sexist consciousness NOW AVAILABLE — CAMILLE O'GRADY/MARK THOMPSON/ STARHAWK/SAMUEL STEWARD/JUDY GRAHN/CANYON SAM/EMANUEL RO/ GINNY LLOYD/ORIGINAL GRAPHICS L IM IT E D

H A N D -S T A M P E D

E D IT IO N

-- ISSUE # 2 Send $2.50/copy or $10/subscription to VORTEX/ P.0. Bo* 11622/ S.an Francisco/ CA 94101.

o/fhcGoddw

where to go for tree and inexpensive: •health & dental care •legal services •services for gays •anim al spay clinics •job counseling You'll find all this and much more in the all new Bay Area People's Yellow Pages 200 p ag e s—$4 95 in bookstores or send $5.95 (includes tax and postage) Send to: PYP 944 Market. PO Box 3 1 2 9 1J . S F 94131 Please send ., . copies of the PYP @5.95 to: Name Address

........

90

T h e School of Living Persons i n t e r e s t e d in lea r n in g s k il l s of rural liv in g , organ­ ic gardening, p reserv in g , e t c . a n d who c a n e x c h a n g e w i t h wor k and/or teaching other s k i l l s are welcome t o e x p l o r e the p o s ­ s i b i l i t y o f s h o r t term v i s i t s or l o n g - t e r m i n t e r n s h i p s . P. O. BOX 3233. YORK. Pa . J7402 MAILING LIST o f mo r e t h a n 9 0 0 a l t e r n a t i v e , p r o g r e s s i v e , f e m i n i s t , e n v i r o n m e n t a l , a nd transform ation-oriented p e r io d ic a ls . All c u rren t; a l l a d d resses double-checked with p e r io d ic a ls concerned. On p r e s s u r e s e n s i ­ t iv e la b e ls , $35. Mark S a t i n , P . O . Box 3 2 4 2 , W i n c h e s t e r , VA 2 2 6 0 1 ( a u t h o r , New P o lit ic s , D elta).


A D V E R T IS E C M

a I&

ia h

IN R F D

*-

flSEDim

rpotrhi b y f%/)AlK>UAl ^ -from $vtho< $ 3 . / i / 2 2 /Ve^oA) ST.,MZ pmA/OTA, b&rtcxA

Minnesota's only gay newspaper. Founded November, 1979. Now twice monthly, 10,000 copies. Subscriptions $12/24 issues. 4 West 26th Street, Suite K, Mpls., MN 55404. To advertise call (612) 872-8325.

IH T E G lIIT f, Gay Episcopalians and Their Friends

NORTH CAROLINA: DISCOVER T he N ews & E ntertainm ent Paper for N.C.’s Gay Community

r p f o n i p < > 9 C

Providing support for gay and lesbian Christians. Facilitating education in the Church. We offer worship, program, and social events with chapters in many major cities. Free Sample Publication on Request For Information Write:

r a ,m NEEDS ^

J. Lawrence Integrity, Inc 10 Mercier Ave. Dorchesler MA 02124

Subscription $12/yr. Sample Copy: $ 1 00 Ad rates available on request

^GRAPHICS

i3lack and White Drawinos 3

\

P O Box 25642 Raleigh. NC 27611 (919)829 0181

'D (it Jlooinrj !l3iotlitill00 J

1

y

, o r 1 0 " w id e

UP to 13V ' high Route I, Rax 127-LL BaHersvtlh H \\ _____ 28700

heterosexism can be cured! Send 25fto receivecatalog.(212) 255-8097

in .th e . m is s o u r i ozarks

Jo mafu. aMfftxtnct inyoui ftft.

O sc a rW ild e M em o ria l B ookshop

Jut [nocltuxt bom...

15 Christopher Street, New York City 10014

P.O. Box 5 5 6 FID S u s s e x . N J 0 7 4 6 1

Gay/ LARGE SELECTION of Feminist, Anti­ nuke, Lesbian/Gay buttons: "Eat the Rich," "Queers Against Racism." many more. $1.00 each; 10 or more 60' ea. plus postage. Send sase for illustrated catalogue. Red Lily Distributors P.O. Box 141 Woodbury, TN 37190 Inquire about custom orders.

Lesbian Literature Catalogue

DOUGLAS & OZARK COUNTIES

___ GO page3, annotatedfigaFiction >Biography

STEVE BENNETT

Politics, C lassics, oelj-help, etc. *1.50 to

A D IFFER EN T LIGHT

REAL ESTATE BROKER P .O . B ox IO 3 6 A va, M is s o u ri 656 08

Box R 4 0 1 4 SA N TA M ON ICA B O U LE V A R D L O S A N G E L E S , C A L IF O R N IA 9 0 0 2 9

o r c a l l a n y tim e

A SUMMONS TO

417-683-5315

The Second Annual

TAYCI GRAND COUNCIL

M

Gentle Men for tGender Justice

A PAGAN SPIRITUAL CONCLAVE FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN TO BE HELD ON THE SUMMER SOLSTICE JUNE 19-21, 1981 At an 1100 acre mineral hotsprings in Northern California COME & CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE WITH YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS!

M.: Gentle Men For Gender Justice; Box 313. 306 V Brooks, Madison W1 53715

Slart mv subscription with M. * N a m e : _________________________

$66 Registration Donation includes meals, lodging, use of hot springs and other facilities. [-

City:

TAYU grand COUNCIL P.O. Box 11554, Santa Rosa, CA 95406

91

Zip

Here'* M.OO for four issues I live in Canada or Mexico. Here's 110 00 I live abroad Here’s an International Money Order for 512.00. Send me a publicity packet (leaflets, press release, ad copy).


STAMPSAPOTHECARY \

O ver 3 0 0 usual and unusual /techs, essential oils, and homeopathic medicines. Mail Order Service Catalog available jo r 75* 33 Von 8 uren Eur e k a Springs, AR 7 2 6 32 (501) 2 5 3 - 9 1 7 5

Northern. Lam bda Nord

ym communique

Bo* 990

#750 for 5 lbs. post paid

Md<j22ine

3for C ounlvtjside Qoplel

An LP record album with 30 photographs and text With Kate M illet. Allen Ginsberg, Robin Tyler, Tom Robinson. Lucia Valeska. Rev Troy Perry and a cast of 250.000 Send S8 plus $1 postage and applicable sales tax to

A tH W tS s

Also available MEN LOVING MEN A Gay Sex (Sulde & Consciousness Book by M Walker Text, SO> explicit photos, drawings S ill

Covering: Small stock, bees, gardening, health, nature and personal ads arc c/R tC ‘ A musl {or all bacLuard farmers/ homesE&adevs. Our o tHucav, dunks togou. J One gear o n ly ds,oo

Farming Uncle®

Magnus Records 61 Vendola Dr San Ratael, CA 94903

NAMI

In te rn a tio n a l ~ J o u rn a I «

periodical for Natural Peoole and M other Nature Lovers P. O. BOX 8 1 - E 8 L IB E R T Y , N E W Y O R K

B-ubseripfiott Form IS THIS SUBSCRIPTION A RENEWAL?

12754

P l e a s e e n t e r a 1 y e a r (4 i s s u e ) s u b s c r i p t i o n m a i l e d 2 nd c l a s s t o a d d r e s s w i t h i n USA (? $ 8 . 5 0 / y r

R o u te 1, b o x 127-E B a te rsv ille . Uf; 28705 _ □ v E ,

no

NAME

P l e a s e e n t e r a 1 y e a r (4 i s s u e ) s u b s c r i p t i o n in one o f the f o l ­ lowing c a t e g o r i e s Q $12.QO/yr. Domestic s u b s c r ip t io n mailed first class Subscription to foreign ad­ d r e s s ( i n c l u d i n g Ca na da & Mexico) S u b s c r ii;p t i o n w h i c h r e q u i r e s b i l l i nmgg ( i n d i v i d u a l s o r i n st it u tio n s)

□ □ □

E n c l o s e d i s a c o n t r i b u t i o n to h e l p s u p p o r t RPD, a n o n - p r o f i t organization. D onations are tax-deductible.

ADDRESS

m a ile d in a d i s c r e e t ,

HONEY FROM THE APIARY OF DON COONEY RD.-3 BOX - 312 ALTOONA, PA. 16601 PHONE - 814 944-2360

TO ORDER Please send . copy/copies of the book MEAT at $11 each postpaid (California residents add 6% sales tax). Check/money order to: GAY SUNSHINE PRESS P O BOX 40397, San Francisco. California 94140

<*FD i s

-y

ZT F'

w b lf

C aribou, M ain e CH 7 3 6 Articles oj in te re s t to the le sb ia n / gay male c o m m u n ity of NoHoern i^am e, North w estern New Brunswick, and i?.rvusc.ouata, Quebec. Dead line for submissions is ttie firs t of each, m onth. Subscription. r a te * 7 /y r , NLN m em b ersh ip '.*10 (Vlucies Comm.) or i(0 (for [pwincome people,dle>o me. Comm.)

Ml AT anthoLyiM"* thi? bust from S T H (Manhattan Review of Unnatural Acts) the roughest, raunchiest most explicitly gay publication the grassroots (our nal of gay sex Men nationwide write about their most intimate sexual experiences fucking, sucking. S&M. scat, water sports, sex with soldiers, sailors, athletes truckdrtvers, jockstrap/tearoom, father and son sex. etc Illustrated with more than 20 full page sexy nude photos Praised highly by Core Vidal. William Bur roughs, Allen Ginsberg.

TOWN

/

^

MEAT: How Men Look, Act, Talk, Walk, Dress, Undress, Taste, and Smell. True Homosexual Experiences from S.T.H.

«L~V

/. /

cQ /r

STATE plain,

Z IP

sea led envelope.

P. lcomes g i f t s u b s c r i p t i o n s . W e'll y o ur p e r s o n a l m e s s a g e i n s c r i b e d w i t h i n .

T o t a l amount e n c l o s e d (make c h e c k s o r mone y o r d e r s p a y a b l e

to

RED ) .

send a g r e e t i n g card announcina the g i f t s u b s c r i p t i o n w ith P l e a s e or de r g i f t s u b s c r i p t i o n s on a s e p a r a t e s h e e t .

9Z


S a v e RFD p r e c i o u s mone y a n d l e t u s know y o u r new a d d r e s s . Except fo r F i r s t C l a s s m a i l i n g s , t h e p o s t o f f i c e u s u a l l y d o e s not f o r ­ ward m a g a z i n e s ; t h e y e i t h e r d e s t r o y i t or r e t u r n i t t o u s . In e i t h e r e v e n t , i t c o s t s RFD a d d i t i o n a l p o s t a g e , a n d y o u m i g h t n o t r e c e i v e an i s s u e . I f y o u move a r o u n d a l o t , y o u w o u l d p r o b a b l y want a - F i r s t C l a s s m a i l i n g s u b s c r i p t i o n . P l e a s e i n c l u d e your ZI P c o d e s .

m a i l i n g

z A D V E R T I S

I NG

O

B A C K

I

S U B S C R I P T I O N S

l

I S S U E S

t=

We s e l l b a c k a n d s i n g l e i s s u e s a t $ 3 . 0 0 e a c h . There are p l e n t y o f c o p i e s o f n u m b e r s 9 t h r u 2 3 a n d now some l i m i t e d number o f i s s u e s 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , &8. We a r e s t i l l o u t o f n o s . 1 , 2 . R e g u l a r s u b s c r i p t i o n s a r e $ 8 . 5 0 f o r f o u r c o n s e c u t i v e i s s u e 1 ( o ne year). F i r s t C l a s s m a i l ( a d v a n t a g e o u s f o r s u b s c r i b e r s who move a r o u n d ) , a nd F o r e i g n ( i n c l u d i n g C a n a d a ) s u b s c r i p t i o n s a r e $ 1 2 . 0 0 . I n s t i t u t i o n a l subs a r e $ 8 . 5 0 u n l e s s t h e y r e q u i r e e x t r a b i l l i n g in which c a s e th e y w i l l be $ 1 2 . 0 0 .

We p u b l i s h a l l na me s a n d a d d r e s s e s o f c o n t r i b u t o r s u n l e s s we a r e a sked not t o . We w i l l NOT s e n d s u b s c r i b e r s names and a d d r e s s e s t o anyone r e q u e s t i n g them. However, i f someone w i s h e s t o se n d a d i r e c t m a i l i n g t o R F D e r s , we w i l l do i t t h r u o u r f a c i l i t i e s p r o v i d e d t h e m a i l e r f u r n i s h e s t h e m a t e r i a l s and c o v e r s t h e e x ­ penses . S U B M I S S I O N S

Lj_

- p a r t i c u l a r l y f r om g a y owned a n d o r i e n t e d P l e a s e w r i t e f o r Ad r a t e s c h e d u l e .

RFD i s a n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n , a n d d o n a t i o n s t o i t a r e t a x deductable. I t ' s n o t p o s s i b l e f o r e v e r y o n e t o w r i t e , dr aw or wor k on l a y o u t , b u t p e r h a p s s o m e o n e o u t t h e r e c a n a f f o r d a f e w extra d o lla rs . Tha t i s a n o t h e r i m p o r t a n t way o f c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e p r o d u c t i o n o f RFD.

z

O

We w e l c o m e a d v e r t i s i n g g r o u p s and b u s i n e s s e s .

P l e a s e s h a r e y o u r k n o w l e d g e a n d v i s i o n s t h r o u g h RFD. We w e l c o m e m a ter ia l o f a l l v a r i e t i e s for p o s s i b l e i n c lu s i o n in futu re issues. WRITTEN MATERIAL: N e a t l y t y p e w r i t t e n a n d / o r d o u b l e sp aced i s h e l p f u l , but not r e q u i r e d . What i s mo r e i m p o r t a n t i s t h a t y o u r wo r k l e a v e y o u r h a n d s a_s y o u wou 1 d h a v e i t a p p e a r i n p r i n t s i n c e we p r e f e r n o t t o e d i t a n y o n e ' s work o t h e r t h a n f o r p u n c t u a t i o n , s p e l l i n g and c l a r i t y . P l e a s e i n d i c a t e any i n t e n ­ t i o n a l s t y l i z e d v a r i a t i o n f r om s t a n d a r d E n g l i s h . POETRY: S e n d wh a t y o u f e e l i s y o ur b e s t w o r k , w i t h an e y e t o w a r d s u c c i n c t n e s s . GRAPHICS: B l a c k a n d w h i t e o n l y , p l e a s e . Do n o t e x c e e d t e n i n c h column w i d t h . PHOTOS: S h o u l d b e b l a c k a n d w h i t e o n l y a n d h i g h contrast i f p o ssib le. I d e n t if ic a t io n o f su b je ct, time, lo c a t io n i s a l s o h e l p f u l a n d s h o u l d b e i n c l u d e d when p o s s i b l e . Also h e l p f u l w o u l d b e a SASE ( s e l f a d d r e s s e d , s t a m p e d e n v e l o p e ) i f y o u want y o u r work r e t u r n e d w h e t h e r i t ' s u s e d o r u n u s e d . We l o o k f o r w a r d t o h e a r i n g f rom y o u w i t h l o v e . For mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n on f e a t u r e s sid e front cover.

M

and uncoming the m es

The d u e d a t e s f o r m a t e r i a l t o r e c e i v e Summer ’ 81 I s s u e 2 7 . . , ' 81 I s s u e 2 8 , . , Fall W i n t e r ' 81 I s s u e 2 9 . . . Spr i n g * 82 I s s u e 30 . . .

. . . .

see

the

in­

fu ll consideration: A p r i l 3 0 , 1981 1 5 , 1981 July Oct. 15 , 1981 15, 1981 Jan.

Mail a l l c o r r e s p o n d e n c e s ( a d v e r t i s i n g , s u b s c r i o t i o n s , b u s i n e s s , s u b m i s s i o n s , f e a t u r e r e l a t e d m a t e r i a l , or l e t t e r s t o : RFD R o u t e 1 , Box 127E B a k e r s v i l l e , NC 2 8 7 0 5



Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.