Newspapers / Community Connections (Asheville, N.C.) / April 1, 1991, edition 1 / Page 13
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Community Connections, April, 1991 Page 13 SPEAKING OUT! Send us a copy when you send letters or telegrams about gay/lesbian issues to elected officials, other press, etc. February 27, 1991 Mr. Art Cooley WHKP Radio P. O. Box 2740 Hendersonville NC 28793 Dear Mr. Cooley: This is to follow up our telephone conversation which took place at 6:40 a.m. today concerning a remark which deeply offended my wife and me. Just after 6:30 a.m. there was a discussion concerning a news story that an employer (I think it was Cracker Barrel) had fired workers because they were lesbian and/or gay. One of your two morning radio personalities commented, "Good for Cracker Barrel." Many times these gentlemen, on the air, give off-the cuff personal opinion remarks, many of them in a political vein, that we have let slide by in the interest of freedom of speech.... This particular remark, however, we will not let go unchallenged. We are willing to grant that perhaps the remark was based not on malice, but on ignorance; however, that does not excuse it. Statistically, gay and lesbian people comprise ten percent of the population. If you add parents, siblings and other relatives and friends of gay persons, you will come up with a significantly larger percentage of the population who are not only offended, but also alarmed when such naked prejudice is expressed. Two of our four children are gay. In our efforts to break free from the conditioning we grew up with because of the overwhelming prejudice of our society, we have become acquainted with many persons in the gay community and find them to be among the most winsome, creative, compassionate people it has been our privilege to meet. Large numbers of them gravitate toward the helping professions, and society would be much the poorer without them. We have learned that to be homosexual is not something they chose, it is simply something they are. Yet we have to live with the fear that if their sexual orientation, which is really nobody’s business but their own, were known, our two sons are in danger of losing their livelihoods, their living accommodations, perhaps even their lives, if they are accosted on a dark street by a gang of self-righteous gay- bashers swinging baseball bats. We suggest that your announcers think twice when expressing personal opinions.... I am a retired United Methodist minister, AIDS information officer for the Hendersonville chapter of the American Red Cross and a member of the Red Cross board. My wife and I are founding members of the Henderson County Chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). If any of your staff (the offending announcer in particular) is interested in helping to overcome prejudice in society’s treatment of lesbians and gays, we’d be happy to meet with you/him/them at a mutually agreeable time to discuss how it might be done. Sincerely, James F. Allen Jean W. Allen CLASSIFIED Cats looking for good homes! I am in desperate need of new, loving homes for several of my 21 cats. I have all ages and colors and can offer vouchers to help with neutering/spaying. If you would like a new cat to love, please call Kelly at 258- 0660. Leave a message telling why you’re calling, and include your name and phone number. Legally protect you & mate. Living wills, powers of attorney, wills w/o lawyer costs. Two sets of forms, instructions. $15. Freeflight Inc. 0-1 PO Box 372, Asheville, NC 28802. CHURCH???...NOT ME!!! Have you given up on churches that demand conformity or ask you to turn off your mind? The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville may have something to offer you. We don't tell you what you must believe; we help you explore what you do believe. A welcoming church that affirms the worth and dignity of every person. 704/254-6001 Sunday Services at 11:00 Charlotte Street at Edwin Place Stand Out From the Crowd With Fashions From Giovani Foveno z B ’4r FLUHARTY’S OPTICIANS DWI? • Prompt Assessment • Treatment (when indicated) — Condensed five-week program (for most people) — 2 nights per week — $375 if assessment is done at Orange Street Orange Street Recovery Center is a state licensed facility, employing competent, courteous and caring professionals. We assure confidentiality in a comfortable "home-llke” setting. , We also offer Outpatient alcohol and drug abuse treatment Specialty program for women Child care Orange Street Recover!) Center 25 Orange Street Ashville NC 28801 (704)251-9400
Community Connections (Asheville, N.C.)
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April 1, 1991, edition 1
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