Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / May 31, 1997, edition 1 / Page 12
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PAGE 12 ▼ Q-Notes ▼ May 31,1997 If you are terminally ill and considering selling your life insurance policy... We can help: We represent you, not the buyer, in the sale of your life insurance policy. Our simplified process offers: • Strict confidentiality • Quick professional service • No fees or obligations • Highest cash payments • Informational Resources Positive Living Resources Tips the Scales in Your Favor. Available 24 hours 1-800-398-5177 Positive Living Resources donates a portion of all proceeds to local and national associations dedicated to fighting HIV and AIDS. glaad notes by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Ann Landers* good advice In a recent Ann Landers advice column, Ann gives sage advice to a gay man who had been invited to the wedding of his partners (“Toms”) sister. His mother-in-law, however, “sees this as strialy a family event, and has told Tom that she would rather I not attend.” He is strug gling with whether he should honor his rela tionship and the wishes of Tom’s sister, or re spect what he feels to be the hurtful request of the mother. “I really don’t want to make her miserable on such an important day,” he con cludes. Ann responds, “You have been invited to this wedding by the bride. This is HER day, and her wishes should prevail. By all means, go and be sure to ask Tom’s mother to dance.” While Ann Landers has given mixed sup port to lesbian and gay relationships in the re cent past, she should be applauded for recog nizing that the discomfort of the mother is her problem and that she is the one who should have to confront it — not the rest of the wed ding party. Thank Ms. Landers for this pearl of wisdom. Contact: Ann Landers, do Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., #700, Los Angles, CA 90045-5600. Babylon 5 probes gay marriage In a recent episode of the science-fiction se ries Babylon 5, two male crew members are senr on an undercover mission to Mars as gay new lyweds in order to infiltrate the society there. As they were given their falsified identification, their contact. Captain Jack (Donovan Scott) told them that “most of the resistance travel lighr, travel alone. So ro get travel permits for the two of you together...you’re [going to pre tend to be] a young, married couple on holi day to Mars for their honeymoon.” The two characters. Dr. Stephen Franklin (Richard Biggs) and Marcus Cole (Jason Carter), as sumed the roles with total nonchalance with Marcus saying to Stephen, “Well, shall we go. darling?” They argued about in-laws and other day-to-day issues and showed casual affection for one another, down-playing the frict that this was a gay couple and choosing instead to deal with the characters as just another married couple. Babylon 5, by introducing the issue of same- sex marriage so casually, sends a message to its audience that same-sex marriage need not be such a big issue. They also present a more ac cepting and inclusive society in the future, un like shows such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Thank the WB for Babylon 5 s candid por trayal, and encourage them to continue to fold lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elements into their plots. Contact: Jamie Kellner, Presi dent, WB/Warner Brothers Network, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522; fax: (818) 972-0864. Women\Sport illustrates homophobia In the spring 1997 issue of Women\Sport, Sports lUustrated’s long-awaited woman athlete- oriented magazine, Olympic softball team member Dot Richardson describes her years of hurt and disappointment, caused by people’s presumptions that as an athletic woman she must be a lesbian. Richardson states that the stereotyping of female athletes as lesbians “has been one of the biggest hindrances to the de velopment of women in sports” because par ents don’t want “insinuations” so they keep Aeir daughters off playing fields. While Richardson claims to have moved beyond judging her lesbian teammate (“Wasn’t she still a good ballplayer, a good teammate, a good person?”), her article stereotypes lesbians as women who “wanted to be [boys],” denies lesbian sexuality as “not really sex,” and calls being labeled a lesbian “poison.” Richardson maintains that it’s the possibility of being called a lesbian that keeps gifted women athletes from developing, not her and society’s homophobia and discomfort with women who happen to love other women and who challenge gender stereotypes. Write Women\Sport and tell them that in cluding an anti-lesbian article is a cowardly way of denying lesbians a level playing field in the See GLAAD on next page ARLOTTE 24 HOUR Charlotte’s LARGEST and Only t 24 HOUR CO-ED Fitness Center . Hurry...These OFFERS Will End Soon! 537-9060 3900 E. INDEPENDENCE BLVD. CHARLOTTE (Next to Haveiiy’s & Behind Burger King) Full Line Of Nautilus Computerized Bikes Aerobics/Stair Masters Free Weights Treadmills Video Aerobics Regulation Boxing Ring FAMILY DISCOUNTS other healthclubs call themselves “family fitness centers” but only Charlotte 24 Hour Fitness recognizes ALL families... including domestic partnerships. Please take advantage of our special discounts. Full Court Basketball Karate/Boxing I.P.F.A. Affiliated Sauna/Steam Room Pro Shop/Supplements Free Personal Trainers Cutdoor Sun Deck New Member Special! One Month FREE Tanning and 11 Month FREE w/ Membership *Must present this coupon ‘Must join club on 1 ®* visit *1 or 2 year membership
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