PAGE THREE
ON GAYS -^-'Jl^D JiEALTH
'"'“Gays^ and Health" was the topic at the February CGA meeting^ An internist,
-a nurse, and a psychologist talked about various aspects of physical and mental
/health.
Dr. Henry Lesesne, a liver specialist at North Carolina Memorial Hospital,
= talked in general about hepatitis, with a special emphasis on its possible
transmission”as a sexually transmissible disease. There are several kinds of
Infectious hepatitis, but there is only a laboratory test specific for hepatitis
S, formerly known as serum hepatitis. In general all kinds can be transmitted to
varying degrees by exposure to contaminated food-, water, feces, and blood. The
incidence is higher in gay men than in female prostitutes.
Mr, Allen Gray,-an instructor at UNC School of Nursing and a volunteer
counselor at Human Sexuality Information and'Counseling Service, discussed
and gonorrhea. He spoke of the symptoms, laboratory tests, and treatment
both. Ho pointed out that there is almost an epidemic of GC today, while cases
remain at a rather constant lower rate. The incidence of both o£
. ^lseases is higher in gay men for several reasons, including lack of pro-
^ y axis (using rubbers) and ignorance and anxiety on the part of patients and health
are providers. He made available at.the end of his presentation two booklets
Haadbo^k^ ^^^cuality Infonnation and Counseling Service, Gay V.D. and The V.Dj>_
spoke^^h Anderson, assistant professor of Clinical Psychology at DNC,
their ^ 8^ys and mental .health. He emphasized that some persons, regardless of
lems ^^i^tation, may need professional help in dealing with their prob-
Qexiili need to "shop around" for a therapist who does not view one^s
.deviation" as the root cause of all problems.
ever Anderson also pointed out that the originator and main proponent of
his ^ therapy to "treat" homosexuality has in the past few years re-examined
niai ^ methods for the treatment of gays. This re-examination has stemmed
estabT-f^^°™ pressure brought to bear by outside "radical" gays and inside
advo psychologists. This therapist has now announced that he no longer
es this modality of therapy for gay persons. Leonard
TALF - CGA OUTREACHES
^aeans^^^f have scheduled lots of Outreaches for March and April, which
and opportunities to help contact gays and straights at the University
throughout the Triangle area and the state.
» ■ I
Perticl '^^^t to do Outreaches, you are encouraged to attend one or two as a
the first. There is no pressure to jump in and do panels right at
curioslt^^ Anyone is Invited to come along, whether simply out of personal
y or a desire to answer questions or give critique to panel members.
and the ^^swer questions, suggested background readings are: Society
Sjdr;fr^^i^-^^^^Hy-j[Qr^osexual by George Weinberg, and Sappho Was a Right-On Woman by
Dott and Barbara Love.
d. ^6 7 ^791) or Howard Fradk^n
J r you are interested in participating or need a ride to observe.