Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / Jan. 1, 1988, edition 1 / Page 3
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1987 (Continued from page 1) But to bring this story closer to home, it even looked pretty good here too. Sure there continue to be arrests in the bookstores under questionable police tactics, but others are beginning to notice. Metrolina AIDS Project received $33,000 from the county commission to fund education and other projects. The pro-gay mayor of Durham with stood a recall petition from the radical religious right. The city of Raleigh is beginning to document anti-gay vio lence and discrimination in that city and it may prove to be a model for the rest of the state in a method of ad dressing this problem. And speaking of anti-gay violence, the three white supremacists up in Hickory tried to use the fag bashing defense during their bookstore murder trial. Guess what? It didn’t work. They’re behind bars now with a lot of time to think about what they did. All in all, last year wasn’t too bad. But what of the coming year? Here we sit on the verge of the 1990’s. The 1890’s were known as “The Gay 90’s.’’ Could it happen again? Things are looking up for us. I don’t think there’s going to be a great outpouring of sympathy for us, but I DO think we can make real advances in civil rights for ourselves and many others. We only have to get off our collective rumps and do it. So? What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? This one is going to be no party, but lots of hard work. But the end result will be worth it. Editors have used this year end story to give their wish list for the coming year. I liked the idea, and besides, like Dear Abby says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So here we go. I Q-NotM PAGE 3 January 1988 1) A cure for AIDS. I’ve lost too many good friends. And the loss is not just mine. Society has lost some of the most brilliant and talented people who have graced our world, and the world is poorer for the loss. 2) A sense of community here in Charlotte. 3) Repeal of all Crime Against Na ture Laws, and guaranteed confidenti ality of HIV screening results. What can I say about laws that make it a crime to love another per son. They’re just ridiculous and serve no purpose except to harass a group of people. As to confidentiality of HIV tests, people most at risk are not going to get tested if they think that the results are going to be known to their insurance company or employer, not to mention their neighbors. And heaven forbid that the local press in a small town gets hold of this information. The main thrust of testing and screening should be to find those exposed and help them to keep from passing the disease on to others through education and counseling, NOT to point a finger of blame and then treat them like the lepers of the 20th century. May they have a little compassion. There but by the grace of God.... 4) Recognition of Charlotte’s Gay Community as a legitimate commu nity. Folks, this has got to come to pass. But it will only happen after we begin to take ourselves seriously as a community. The old us versus them syndrome creeps in again. Please, no more. 5) A Gay Community Service Center. No matter how you look at it, Char lotte is at the point in its life where we have a lot of gay groups scattered out like ashtrays throughout the city. They all need offices, and most of them need telephone lines, copier machines, lights, heat, mail addresses, you name it. Why not put them alt in the same place and let them share the phones, copier, address, everything they can share. It not only makes economic Time To Join Midseason Bowling Isn’t that special. By Joel N. Smith Charlotte’s gay bowling league “Isn’t That Special,” begins the second half of the ’87-’S8 season on January 4. Mid season is an excellent time for new bowlers to join. All bowlers will begin this half with new handicaps and aver ages. The league bowls at 9 pm every Monday at Coliseum Lanes. These team standings and individual averages were supplied by the league secretary: First place “The Special Om”; second place “Vicious Queens”; third place “Topmen”; fourth place “Friends of Dorothy”; fifth place “Blue Thunder”; sixth place “Bottoms Up.” Averages: Canty 131; A1 136;p John C 101; Tim 117; Jim L 164; Geroge 137; Phil 100; Jeff 108; Joel 114; Jim Y 138; Chris 136. “Isn’t That Special” is a fun league, enjoyed by all who participate. Come jom the league or just come bowl on any Monday night. sense, but also logistical sense. A one stop gets it all. Think about it. Do it. 6) A home for this newspaper. That’s an easy one. All we need is about 2,000 square feet of heated space to put our computer, paste up tables, a few desks, phones, and a darkroom with running water. Got an old ware house, cellar, attic? It doesn’t have to be fancy, just dry. Give us a call. Well, my typewriter is running out of ribbon, so I’ll have to cut it short. Here’s wishing you an excellent year. I ask for just one favor. Take care of your brothers and sisters. They are the best friends you’ve got. You may have to depend on them in the future. That’s how a sense of commu nity begins to be built. V % George and Joel HAPPY NEW YEAR 1988 Bigger and Better for you! from the staff and man^ement of Charades 421 Eastway at The Plaza, Charlotte □ 704/568-3556 18 And Up Welcome Thursdays And Fridays Thursdays: No Cover For Members Plus Drink Specials 21 And Up Welcome Saturdays & &
Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.)
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