| Transcript |
www.houstonvoice.com
ISSUE 1018
The Boy Scouts of America
says It has the right to pick the
•moral leaders' for its troops,
even If that means banning
gay Scouts like James Dale,
whose case reached the U.S.
Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Page S
More than two-dozen gay
Grammys were ~led out to gay
artists Monday-including les·
blan singer Meshell Ndgeocello-during
ceremonies that called
Oritlon to the growing
In~ of queer-tinged music.
Page 15
There's nothing
better than Sunday's
Millennium March
on Washington to
celebrate the victory
won in Vermont,
says MMOW
executive director
Dianne Hardy·
Garcia. The Texas
activist expects
300,000 people.
Page 5
ALL THE NEWS FOR YOUR LIFE. AND YOUR STYLE.
What do you call
a woman who is
an actress, stand·
up comedienne,
novelist. record·
ing artist. femi·
nist, gay and a
single mom? We
call her Sandra
Bernhard and
she's coming to
Houston.
Page 15 ------~
APRIL 28, 2000
'C.U. me!' Vermont legislature approves historic 'civil unions'
bill and state's governor quickly signs it into law
by LAURA BROWN
A bill to recognize same-sex "civil unions"
won final passage in the Vermont legislature
Tuesday and received Gov Howard Dean's
signature a day later, bringing with it the creation
of a new verb: "to C.t,;."
"We're going to get C.U.'ed," said a
beaming Stacy Jolie~ moments after the
I louse gave its final approval to the meas·
ure "I've already asked :-.:ina to C.U. me.''
Jolles was referring to her partner of
nearly a decade, Nina Beck, who cradled
the couple's 5-month-old son Seth as the
two women hugged fnends and posed for
pictures following the vote.
The partm•rs were one of the three samesex
wuples wlio fled smt m July 1997 seek·
mg the right to marry That smt led to the
Vermont Supreme Court's December rulmg
that called on the Legislature to find a way
to l'Xtend all the rights and pnv1leges of
m.uriage to same·sex couples.
While the term "CU." doesn't roll off the
tongue quite as easily as the word "mar·
nage," jollcs' comments left little doubt as
to what 5he meant.
They and other gay and lesbian couples
are already planning their visit to their
respective town clerk's office after the bill
goes into effect July 1.
"I think we were actually quite disappomted
in December that the Supreme
Court didn't go for full marriage, but I
think since then we have come to really
respect the civil union thing and what 1t
represents · what a huge step forward it is
for all of us," said Stan Baker
Dean's signature on the bill
Wednesday-making Vermont the first
state to offer gay couples almost all of the
same benefits as married heterosexu.ils
under state !aw-came less than two hours
after 11 reached his desk.
By the time of a 2 p.m. news conference,
he already had signed it far out of view of
television cameras, photographers and
r<'porters. Dean signed the bi!, prhately
because he did not want the ceremony to be
a triumphal party by supporters of the la\\
Instead, he said, it was time for the state to
begm healing.
"This IS history This IS thnll.ng. This IS
the dawn of J new era of support and protC(
hon for the fanulies of lesbian and gay
couples and the1r cluldren," said Gary
Buseck, executive director of Gay & L csbian
Advocates & Defenders.
During the Vermont House debate this
week, a Republican representative made
one !a~t attempt to kill the bill by proposing
to delay the vote until after the
Bobbi Whitacre (left) is hugged by partner
Sandi Cote ofter the Vermont House gave final
passage to the dvd unions bill on Tuesday.
Gov. Howard Dean signed the measure into
law a day later.
November e!ecltons.
But the effort failed, and on Tuesday, the
Vermont House passed the Senate version
of the bill by a margin of i9~8. three 'ates
more than 1t earned on first passage
,_ Continued on Page 10
Organizing gay educators
A veteran Houston teacher wants other gay and gay-friend ly educators to he lp
start a local chapter of a national gay educators group to better conditions for
gay employees, students
by KAYDAYUS
A f louston chapter of a national group is
in the process of orgamzing to help stem
harassment and violence against gay and
lesbian students and educators m metro
Houston schools.
The new chapter of the New York-based
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education
Network (GLSEN) will help to bring together
educators, parents and students to assure
that "that each member of every school
community is valued and respected, regardless
of sexual orientation.'' organizers said
Kathleen Murray, a veteran teacher in the
Houston Independent School Distnct, is
spearheading the effort to bring a GLSEN
chapter to Houston. While researching a
book last year in the Internet, Murray was
surprised by what she found about hate
crimes, something that propelled her to take
action.
"It was a wakeup call for me," said
Murray, a teacher for 11 years. "The exclu·
sion of protecbon is an injustice against the
LGBT community."
Murray also discovered information
about GLSEN.
"[ checked it out and found there was no
chapter in Houston and the closest one was
in Dallas. I thought, 'There's something
wrong with this picture.' There is a cntical
need for GLSEN. So manv of our children
are falling into the cracks,:. she said.
Murray hopes the new chapter v.'ill be the
impetus for change in metro school sys·
tems, including HISD, which has a spotty
histqry when it comes to gay and Ie~b1an
issues.
"We need counseling and intervention
and the focus needs to be on the student.
How much learning can go on if you don't
feel safe where you are?" Murray said.
A 10-year-old group, GLSEN began fight·
ing anti-gay discrimination in Boston
schools in 1990 and e\'Ol\'ed into a national
> Continued on Page 12
2 APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
LOG ON FOR A MORE WELCOMING FINANCIAL WORLD.
Welcome to gfn.com, the Gay Financial Network. With free daily news and information, plus the
best in online trading, home mortgages, online banking, insurance and more from top-name
financial partners, gfn.com is empowering the gay community toward realizing our American dream.
free daily financial news and information banking • mortgages •insurance •investing
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
GDJjJU .=:.;
·t}JB JJ:;·iDf JdB
8 HIGHLY EFFECTIVE THERAPY
CRJXIVAN II' coi .!Vflto dntretroliral agerits IS a poMrlJ J)roE -.e nhbtor tnat f gilts HN and IS
dlTlOf'€ the prefen>d treatmems fOr HIV in kx1eraJ healthcare gudeines. CPJXIVAN LJ' help reduce t 1e
chance d h!sses dfld death assooateC with 1-rv; CRlXIVAN can cllso ;iep lc:M.e" the dmOll'1t d J-fV r )O.T
body (ailed w-al IOaCf ) and 'Cl.ISe )O.T CD4 T -eel CCUlt. as shov.n n s!'..des over a Ol'le-)ear perod. Some
n--tonnt< "1JY riot experlenee these e"ects. CRJXJVAN oS not a are for HIV or AIDS.
• DURABLE RESULTS
•u• !mark study. over 90% of 31 ~1ents receMng a combmat1or- of CR.iXIVAN, All.
and 3TC reduced their serum vrr-al load befO;V the Lrnrt of det'noo after 24 weel<S lmportd~ the
'1mrted nUTT'ber of piltJent 5 who chose to stay with tfie study for longer pe"IC>ds of tirre rnainta ned
these results through the one-year mark. In a c;eparate study. 30% of 261 patier'tS receMng dual therapy
of CRJXJVAN and AI'. had serum Viral !oads below the timrt of detectJon at 48 weeks. :i another
landmark study, 43% of 40 patients receMng COO'btnation therapy wrth CRJXNAN. All. and n: fiacJ
p/aSTT'a viral loads below the 'm" of detect.Dn at 40 weeks. :i thJS study d aver l.000 patierTts. the
group of patients re<:eM/li CPJXJVAN aJong With 31C and AZT acliieved a redJctlOn 1r deaths OJXf
AIDS defi" ng 1 :iesscs aver those tolk1ng 31C ard AZT rone Overall the ri..mber of deatrr: w-..s
nadequate to assess the ripact of CRD<.VAl\i on Sl.n1Val. Blood vraJ loads were measured by av-...>-ble
tests and 1k wus may ... i... ""°Sent 1n other Clf1'ilT1 1'\!Ste'Tl"-
• THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRIXIVAN
CRlXIVAN car be t&ffl meal or on an e11W stomach. Some ;:mients tre.J!ed wrtr CRlXIVAN
may de-v€fop k.d'ley stones. For some. t/115 can exJ to more severe Krliey probleMs, ndJcir€ kdiey tatre
Dnnkng at least 6 glasses of water each day '11ay fielp ceduce tfie cr..:nce of fol'1TI ng a Kidney stone
Other Sid<.- effects reported 1no<Jde rapid break.down of red blood eels and ve:r problerrls.
As wrtr other protease nhbtors. change5 1n body lilt, increased l:Xeedng n some pateits Witt henophilia.
ard 111Creased blood sugar fcvc>ls or diabetes rave beer reportC'd. AdditionaJly. severe muscle p;;;ri .:r1d
weakness hJve occ..1rred n patients also t&mg cholesterol-..:iwerng PledlOnes ailed "statJr< There
art' 5()(11:> CQfT'ln"on medications and AIDS related medications you should rot taKe with CRIXJVAN
Disc.JSS all medications ~ are tak...ng or plan to take "wV!!h yoor doctor:
For more oeta11ed mfo•mat.Jn about CRJXNAN. pea;e reud the m{ormat:m 11r. e Jtey fol.ow ,
tJ::s adl'ert'Ser'lml
Gider.es b-the Use cl Aruetrowa1 Agerts ir t-tv. lri!cted Mk and .Ado!escents. Panel er Ch:.11 i+ .ictces tr
i'eatMent cl HI/ Wecton. Dcpartmef'! cl Health ard 1-lman 'ier'JICeS (Ot ~ t5 Ma;- 5 1999
Remember to ask your
doctor about CRIXIVAN. CRIXIVAN
.capsules
3
4 APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
.~·1 CRIXIVAN' Patient Information about CRIXIVAN' IKRIK·slll-vanJ
• ~ fur HI\' (Hwnan hnmunodeticiencl' \ims) Infection ""' -(iUEW'rufate) Generic name: inilin:111r (m-Dlll-i1uh-H'l'rl 'ulfate
• CaosUeS 9024510
before ~ start tlk.P,JQ CRIXIVAN AaJ. read the leaflet e::!' t.oe )'Cli
111-:ase C")'lhlng 11as d1anged Remetrbel: Jeal!et ooes not IJke tne
wit!1 )'OlJ" cb:tor You and )'OlJ" 1oc'or should disaJss CAOOVAN wnen )C
start tll<ing yas medic:' and at ~ check;;;:; You •emain under a OOc'or s care ~
u:::ng CRXJ',;i.N and should not Change or stop treatnent Wit!'.:; l lirSI t:i.'klng wit!' yru aoctoc
What IS CRIXNAN?
CRIXNAN Is an oral capsule used tor the treatment or HIV (Human lmmun0del1ciency Virus).
HIV is Ille virus ll1at causes AIDS (acquired immune defiaency syndrome). CRIXIVAN a Jype ol HIV
dl1lg al a pro!C'.!;e PRC' tee-ase) inhilbr
How does CR/XIVAN work?
... "has been
IJeetl
How should I take CR/XfVAN?
1llflllS ~
Take CRIXIVAN capsules every day as presCnbed by yoor dodor. Cailrue t3c1YJ »l 'fO.I
<ll:U )QJ fD T ltC ~ artW1I ii CIWMI yo.I ctx:lu leis )QJ fD tN! rifiJ 'rtr. lte -
~ ~ iake JIQJ ,.. 'X<JVAll )QJ "el 'IOI Sl<Jp ;>;x;es or tll<ll 'II 'lolicl::
Int t ~ mxM>H 15 ~ aaNr'j '1f11JAN may be mi:ed ~ '""SiStn:eJ
Take CRIXIVAH capsules every 8 hours around the clock, every day. t riav be
Jo r iber to take CROOVAN ' vou bk8 at rie :me tune mry lay ll!ll' have luestlonS be;.
wllen !D C XIVAN Ooctor or .., prov h you declOO wllat hedu
wort<:; !or
H you mlSS a dose by more than 2 hours, wait and Jhen lake the next dose at the regularly
scheduled ume. Howe'e you 1T11SS a dose by Jess lhan 2 hours lake your do5e '.'lmedialely
~your next oosa at the regtAarly schedul nme Do not lake more or ress ~ your prescribed
dose ot CROOVAN at arry one nrre
Take CRIXJVAN with water. You can also lakO CROOVAN wtth ottier beverageS such as ~ or lllO:Jm
!!"ii\. llJCe coffee or tea.
Ideally, lake eacll dose of CRIXIVAN wlthotJI food but with water at leaSt one hour before or two
hours after a meal. Or you a:.1 t.Jke CIWOVAN wtth a IT1d Examllles DI light meals include
av 'OaSI wtth tell'/. ;Jice lr1Cl cottee twl1h ~or im..tn m111< and sugar ~ you want)
ran llake3 wt!l or IX!:': llll and 50ga1
Clo not lakO ROOVAN al Jhe same IJlne as any inea!s that are high 111 calories, tal and pro!Clll
(!or exar11>le - a bacoo and ew breakfast) Wilen tlken at Ille same time • ®JVAN JheSe foodS
can i1ter'ere wtth CRIXIVAIJ bc"lg ltlsortled into your IJloollstrea!ll and may Jessen Its effect.
6 It is critical that yoo drink at least 11x s-oonce glasses of liquids (preferably water) throughout
the day, every day. CRIXIVAN can cause kidney stones. Having e:iougll f\'.;!(ls in your body cncutd
help reduce Ille cnances Ol l!lmllng a kOlev sttre Call your doctor or othel tieal'..h care prQYider ~
you devetlp ldci1ey paJ11S (middle to ~ stomac't or back pain) or blood 1n the unne
Does ClllXTVAN cure HIV or AIDS?
<RXIVAN IS iot 1 ~ la HV °'ADS. Petllle tak!ng CJllXJVAN may Slill ~ lnfectionS or other c:ordtlons
assocJa!ed with >IV Because of 11\is, ~ ls very importanl lor you to remam under the care ol a doctor
AJtt1our11 CRXIVAIJ IS not a an for HV or AIDS, CffmAN can help redl£e your dm:es ol getting llnesses,
lllCIUllng deatn, asso:b!ed wttll ltV CROOVAN may rot llaVe V1eSe effect! in aD paten!S.
Does GRIXNAN reduce the risk of passing HN lo others?
llllXIVAIJ llaS 'lOI been Shown 'D redUCe Ille r'Gk ol passmg HV to otherS tllrough rex:raJ conJact or blood
ccnlamination
Who should not take GRIX/VAN?
Do 10I tll<e CROOVAN H )QJ llaVe had a serious aJterg!c r98Ctlcn to CRIXJVAN or arry ol lls ~
What other medical problems or conditions should I discvss wtth my doctor?
t to your doctor I
• vou are pregn:; or ! you beCome pregna.'lt wt1lle you are tlklng alXJVAN We do nol yet k.iow '>OW
CRIXJV.v-1 afeclS pegnant f«Jlllllll or l1lelr ~babies.
o Yoo n ~ 'eedirlQ. You !hoUd SlllP leedng you n talung CRIXIVAN
AlsD to your doctor you have
• P!OOlerr.s ~ 'fWI mi especilJly d you have 11'*1 or 'llOdera!e liver Clsease ':81lSed by Cintlosis
• Problems "' your icrre;;.
• :Jiabeles
·~ • 'ti#! c:tXlieslelQJ a:xl you are tlL":il ~med!..: called-..-.
Tel your doctor about Bl!'j medr-ies you tWng or (liar! '2ke, indudlng 'lOll-~too ~
can GRIX/VAN be taken with other medications? ..
Drugs you Sl!ou!d not take with CRIXIVAN
SELOANE• (lerfenadine ttSMANAi. •
vrnsID" "1ldazolam HAl..CIOW (::'.lllllaml
PRO:>W.Jl" E•got l'ledieallOrlS ~ ~ and Ca•
•:1;mg CRIXIVAN Wlttl t.'!'l above 'lledicallOrlS Q;;.;:;J result ~ ' ~ proOJems (sue'!
~ he3r'!leat or excessrve
Jn 1 you should not take CR!XIVAN w tl1 larr knowl' as r.:FAO!N" R:fAMATP RIFATER"
'll r.1.W' AIE."
' ~ • Jlrciti CR!XlVM l:illl n The 1 ng not a piete
rlle eCIS "eJ)Olted With CROOVAN whC'.'. tlkrll r ;ie wt1ll o~ anb HIV drugs Oo not r !y on
leatlet alone lor fomallon about effects twr OOctor can witll YIX' a more ;np1e1e ~
OISlde ~
Some patients treated with CROCIVAN developed kidney stones. In some of these pabents tnis led ta
mOtll severe kidney problems, inctuc:Jmg kidney failure or innammatlOll of Jhe kidneys. Onnklng at
least six 8-ounce glasses of liquid (preferably water) each day should help reduce Jhe chanCeS 01
fomung 1 lddney stone. cal ~ doctor or othc: heaJro care p!OYlder 1 you de"<cfop '" . -v:y pams (middle
to lower tomach or rock pain) or blood 111 the ur111e
Some paUents treated with CRJXJVAN have had rapid bleal<down of red brood cells (hemoly!IC anemia)
wfllcl1111 some = was severe or resulted l!l death
Some pa'Jent 'reated wttti r:w:Nl>N have had INer prOOlems niJdN1g liver ta111.1e and <tcatll Some pallent!;
had ocner .-iesses or were bl<ll1g Oiiier Ougs. tt IS lllCe:::: I CRIXIVAN raused tnese Ne< JlOOlems
0 Dates and high blood sugar ~rglycemla) have occurred in pa!Jeflts tlk:IJ;j PfOlease inhibitors n
some of Jhese patients, thiS Jed to ketoacidosls, a ser1ous •ondition caused by pOOr1y 00/llrotled blood
SllQar Some patients had diabe1es before stziting protease lnhlbltofS otners clld '10t Some patients
required Qislments Jo !heir "3betes 11100ica1Ion O!he!S r-100 new diabetes medicaUon
h sane patiellts Wlttl llerTqJhi!ia n:reasoo bleeOnO l'a!; been reported
Se.ere muscle p;jll1 and weakness have ocwred in patients laking protease lflhblas. irduc:Jll1ll CRIXIVM,
ID;le1!ler wttri sorne ot Ill! CllOles!erof 1ower1ng mediOOeS C3fled 'statins. • Ca! YI>"' doCIDI r you develop
se.eie lllJSde paJn or weakness.
Cl-.anges Jn body fat 'lave been seen 111 some paUents taking protease lnhtMors Tllese Changes may
ll1Clude Increased amount of fat 111 Jhe upper back and nec1< ("buHalo hUITIP1 breasJ. and around Jhe
tn: Loss or ta! tram uie ieQ" and arms may also happen The (;3USe and tong lelm l1ealth effects Of
tnese aincltions are not ITTiwn at UiS time
ClirQJ StuOe3
Increases In bilirubin (one laboratay test ot ver Juneton) have been reported 111 approximately 10% ot
pa!Jents. Usuany, tills fincing has not been assooated wtth !Iver PfttJlems Howc'm. 1111 rare occasioos. a
persor1 may develop yelJow1ng ol trJe skJn BJ1d,lor eves
Side e!lects oa:urrJng 111 2% or roore ot pallC!llS lnCblcC! abOOrnlnal pain. fatigue or weal<ness. 11.n pain,
teefirlg IJMell. nausea. dl.mhea. vomiting. acid regixyltation Joss ol nwctite. dry rnoutll. OOck pain, headache.
lrlltJble Sleepqj. dlzzineSS. tas1e Cl1angeS. rash, ~ respiratory Infection. av Sllln. arxJ sore l!Voat.
'iWolen ~ due to blod<ed unne llow occi..-red rarely •
Mal1<el!ng U;lerieflce
OJher ;;;oe eftecls reported since CROOVAN has been rnaike1ed lnWOO
aDergJc reactJons; severe s1;11 reactiOnS ye!llwlng ol the $kin :id/or ews.
hearl prcllJems R:ludl:ig heart attadl; lllldonWlal swelllng indlgestJoo,
ittanvnatJon ol lhe kkileys, il!'.ammatlOll of llle im:reas joint pain
~ ltclling hes, Change l!1 color, h<W Joss i1grlMI' Jccro '
Wllll or wlthol.: ir.fecllon; crystals 11 ttie lrile ~ i;: lJ!al and
IUIDless ol tne rrouth.
Tel JW <b:tll" ~ alnJI tnese or any Olller .nad ~
a Jte arotoo pe:-,:sis or wrr;ens, r.ee1< medcal ll!'.ClllD1
How should I store GRIX/VAN capsules?
• Keep CROOVAN ..:;;:utes 11 the botlle they ':arOO am I room
tempefalln! 86'f)
• Keep CMIVAN capsiJles ct'; by ieawig tile small desiC:ta11 'pdlcM"
" me bot!!e Kee:> 111e bOtt1e ctoset1.
nlls """1icll/IDn IQS pt..al/Jed lot yout patliallar- Do llOI use It lot lt!Y oa. t:fJtldltJon °' flv• #Ill "'Yflody fM. ~oep alWVAN 11111 llJI lfl«licinos
out ttl a. mdJ ol cfJ/ltJrftl If you .,_,..,._tefy. -1 aut """° tllall IM prncrlbed dOU •I lh<S -·<IM ha - u1.,,, contact you1 _, flO/Sall <Dntrol nntor leafle1 ,,,_ •.,,..,... d ir1loml:lllOO ll»I f1V1!NI '""' llo'9-ir1J.es1JOOS or concerre ltlc>A - C!lllVAll 71 tW talk ro yas doctor CRIXIVAN.
---•OERCl<&CO '°" ;ol"l!IGl!IOIOCK&CO l>e. •996 •:m Al;..,........,
- ""-- bdomiV>o>d.., - ....,..,.., .. .,...,,... c1 """°' & to re
tjMERCK ' (indinavir sulfate)
capsules
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
INSIDE
NEWS
Around the South ..•••......••....... 6
Judge permits adoption challenge in Flo ..•.. 6
Fired lesbian worker sues Baptist home ..... 6
Around the Notion •••••.•.....•.•...• .7
NGLTF tops newly out NOW official .••.... .7
Military not 'testing ground' for gays,
official soys ..••......•......•..•.. .7
Health News •••.....••.....•••••.. .18
Tuberculosis outbreak among transgendered I 8
Survey: Depression top gay health concern . I 8
VOICES & ECHOES
Editoriol: Gays may ruin 'traditional marriage' .8
Kubiak: Lifestyles of the vain, self--0bsarbed . 9
OUT ON THE BAYOU
Stand-up Girl Sondra Bernhard comes calling I 5
GlAMA-rous! The gay Grommys .••...••. I 5
On Stage: Melody on a lost path •..•.• . .. I 6
Out in Print: Memoirs of a hustler ...•.... 20
Bestsellers •••••••••••..•.••....... 20
Eating Out: Daring dishes stand out ....... 21
Community Calendar •.•.....••... . ... 22
Occasions ..••••.••.•.....••••..... 26
My Stars! .••.....•••.....••.• . .. . . 27
ClASSIFIEDS •••....••.•.......•.•..•••. 24
Issue 1018
l1fdii!.!\td1i voice
All material In Houstoo Voice ts protected by
federal copyright law and may not be repre>ducad
without the written consent of Houston
Voice. The sexual orlentat100 or advertISers,
photographers, writers and cartoonists pub-lished
herein is neither Inferred or implied. The
appearance of names or piclorlal representa·
toon does not necessarily indicate the sexual
Ortentation of that person or persons.
Houston Voice accepts unsolicited ed1tonal
material but cannot take responsibility for rts
return. The editor reserves the r;ght to accept,
reject or edit any submission.
AU rights revert to authors upon
pubhcation. Guidelines tor freelance
contributors are available upon request.
Houston Voice
500 Lovett Blvd., Suite 200
Houston, TX 77006
713-529-8490
NEWS 5
Thousands expected to march on National Mall
WASillL\;GTON (AP)-There's nothing
better than a march on the National Mall to
build on the victory that gays and lesbians just
won in Vermont, Diane.Hardy-Garcia says.
That's because every step forward gays
and le~bians make-like the brand-new
Vermont civil unions law-there is a step
back, like the slaying of Pfc. Barry Winchell
at Fort Campbell, Ky., after rumors surfaced
that he was gay, said Hardy-Garcia,
executive director of Sunday's Millennium
March on Washington and the Lesbian Gay
Rights Lobby of Texas.
tunng Garth Brooks and Melissa Etheridge,
rallying between the Washington
Monument and the Capitol and broadcasting
the events O\'er the Internet.
Also scheduled to attend are the parents
of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay
Umvers1ty of Wyoming student who died in
October 1998 after being beaten into a coma
and tied to a fence, and \\~mchell's mother, "'
Patricia Kutteles of Kansas City, :\lo. ~
Organizers are expecting 300,000 people
at the fourth rally for gay, lesbian and bisexual
right on the Mall in the last 21 years.
They have been planning for years, hoping
the rally will mobilize supporters into an
important voting bloc this presidential election
year.
Critics praise the intentions of the e\·ent x
but question how it has been organized. ~
William Dobbs, member of a committee of ~
acti\;sts formed to oppose the march, says ,
decisions about the event were made by ~
people in Washington who failed to gamer Texas activist and Millennium March organizer
enough support on the local level and from Dianne Hardy-Garcia said despite criti<ism,
minority groups. Sunday's event wil 'help celebrate gay
"Celebrities draw attention but in the end victories' ike the civil unions bill in Vermont.
But it is not without its critics. And the
most vocal ones are other gay and lesbian
rights groups who claim the event has little
grassroots support.
it's supposed to be a civil rights march,"
Dobbs said. "It shouldn't be just a feel-good
event. But those past marches came about
when there was a real community consensus
to march on the capital and push the
government changes."
Men Together rescheduled a board meeting
originally set for this weekend in Washington
to show its opposition to the march.
March supporters dismiss the criticism.
"There have been disagreements. with
every social justice mo\'ement and past
marches," said Da\id Smith, spokesman
for Human Rights Campaign. "The contro\'
ersy right now is not as important as the
fact that we are all coming together to work
for the common goal."
"There's many things to celebrate and a
lot of work to yet to do," Hardy-Garcia
said. "One of the reasons we do marches on
Washington is something that is important
to the gay community-the real need to
bring more people into this movement."
To do that, they're staging a concert fea-
New York City Counalwoman Christine
Quinn, who:;e Manhattan district is home to a
big portion of the city's gay and lesbian population,
urged her constituents to stay away to
concentrate on efforts closer to home instead.
The National Association of Black and White
Scouts' gay ban argued before high court
WASHINGTON (AP)--
Walking with his lawyer and
parents, James Dale ignored the
anti-gay acth·ists who followed
him across the Supreme Court's
broad marble plaza.
"Save yourself from this
awful, horrible lifestyle~" yelled
Philip Benham of D;illas, president
of the anti-abortion group
Operation Rescue. "Mr Dale,
Jesus will set you free'"
D.iniel Martino of
Wa~hington :;tood with a cross
and a large sign declaring, "A
homosexual Boy Scout leader is
like asking a fox to guard the
chickens."
Dale has seen and heard such
statements before and says they
do not affect him.
"The only per$on I am is me,
and I've always been true to
myself, and I think that's the
most important thing," he said,
addressing a mob of reporters
and curious tounsts after the
court heard arguments in his
case against the Boy Scouts of
America.
Exp~lled as a scouting supervisor
in 1990 when the Boy
S,Couts learned he was gay, the
Eagle Scout two years later
launched a legal challenge to
the !<Cout's claim that gay people
do not ml'et the organiza-lion's
standard of "morally
straight."
Without saying how they will
ultimately volt', several justices
voiced skeptiasm about how far
the court could go to force open
admissions upon private organizations.
"In your \'Jew, a Catholic
organization has to admit
Jews" and "a Jewish organiza·
!Ion has to admit Catholics,"
justice Stephen G. Breyer told
Evan Wolfson, Dale's lawyer.
Founded in 1910, the Scouts
have an oath and law that long
have required members to
promise to be "clean" and
"morally ~tra1ght." But no writ- ~
ten rule specifically addresses ~
homosexuality. ::;
Wolfson said the Scouts are §
not primarily an "anti·gay ~
organization" and therefore
Dale's presence did not burden
the group's message.
New Jersey's highest court
ruled that the Boy Scouts' ban
on gay troop leaders violated a
state prohibition on discrimination
in public accommodations.
But the Scouts say the state law
violates the organization's
rights of fm. .· speech and free
association under the
Constitution's First
Amendment.
Former Eagle Scout Jcmes Dale (center) talks to the press at the Supreme
Court in Washington Wednesday after Supreme Court justices joined i11 a
spirited debate over whether loy Scouts can bcw gays from serving as
troop leaders.
Justice John Paul Stevens
asked George Davidson, the
Scouts' lawyer, whether gays
could be excluded if they did
not publicly declare their sexual
orientation, but it was discovered
against their wishes.
Yes, said Davidson, arguing
that the organization had a
right "to choose the moral
leaders for the children in
the program."
Dale, 29, li\·es in :\ew York
Gty and is advertismg director
for a magazine for people who
are HIV-positive.
6
At Clia1e/ Ne tab
ffiie in te!e/;ra6i11-5
vur ii11er1i6y ...
•
S.me companies merely say that they cme about certain
communities but do very little to back it up. But when you choose
Chase, you choose a company that has a history of supporting
causes that are important to our customers and employees. What's
more, we are equally committed to programs that recognize
differences, like a nondiscrimination policy that protects
everyone. At Chase, respect for the individual is a principle that
influences many of our business decisions. We look forward to
earning your business.
A Proud Supporter
of Houston's 2000
Lesbian and Gay
Pride Celebration
OCHASE
~, ' T•e JoY ,,,.
~ -
Visit or call our Kirby branch or any of our
52 convenient branches In the Greater Houston area.
Gerald Caliendo,
Sales Manager, AVP
(713) 525-2225
Chase-Kirby
3201 Kirby Drive
Steve Santana
Banking Service Officer
(71 3) 525-2287
NEWS APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Around the South
For more news coverage: www.houstonvoice.com
Mississippi governor to sign newly-passed ban on gay adoptions
JACKSON (AP}-Mississippi lawmakers voted April 19 to ban gay couples from adopting,
becoming the second state this year to try to keep lesbians and gay men from becoming parents.
The Senate passed the ban without debate and without opposition. The House had given •
approval earlier, and Gov. Ronnie Musgrove has already said he will sign the bill. The proposal,
which takes effect July 1, said "adoption by couples of the same gender is prohibited."
The Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association had led a phone call lobbying effort
over the past month to revive the bill, which looked dead when a committee chair said he was
reluctant to bring the divisive bill up for debate. Democratic Sen. Hillman Frazier said his colleagues
were responding to political pressure. 'This is a very hot topic around the nation. They
wanted to make a statement," he said, Two other states, Florida and Utah, also have bans on
gay adoption. Utah's was adopted earlier this year.
Judge permits ACLU challenge to Florida ban on gay adoptions
KEY WEST, Fla.-A federal judge ruled April 24 that the
ACLU's challenge to Florida's law banning gay adoption
can proceed, rejecting the state's request to dismiss the lawsuit.
In court arguments to dismiss the case last month, the
state contended that the plaintiffs had not actually applied
to adopt, and therefore could not show that they were
impacted by the adoption ban. The state also defended the
adoption ban on "moral" grounds and claimed the gay families
in the case were not entitlt:d to legal protection. In
today's decision, U.S. District Judge James Lawrence King
did not address the state's morality claim, focusing only on
which plaintiffs had formally submitted adoption applications.
Although the ACLU took the position that the adoption
ban made the applications futile, the court said it want·
Once Gov. Ronnie Musgrove ed the applications submitted nonetheless and allowed 30
signs a new law banning adop- days for this to happen. "The plaintiffs began filling out the
tion by gay couples, Mississippi necessary paperwork this morning, and it will be submitted
will join Florida and Utah with as soon as it is ready," said Michael Adams, Associate
sinilar legal prohiiitions. Director of the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project.
Fired lesbian worker sues Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children
LOUISVILLE, Ky 1AP)-Asocial worker fired by Kentucky Baptist_H?mes for Children
after being outed as a lesbian sued her former employer on Apnl 17, cla1mmg her civil rights
were violated. The state of Kentucky was also named as a defendant for providing more
than half the agency's $21 million budget. Baptist I iomes firL>d Alicia Pedre1ra, a therapist
and supervisor, on Ckt. 23, 1998, on the grounJs that her sexual orientation ran counter to
the organization's values. Her dismiss<il came after agency employees s.1w a picture of
Pedretra and her partner enterL>d in a photo contest at the Kentucky State Fair without her
knowledge. Bill Smithwick, president and CEO of Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children,
defended the organizatton's hiring policy. "We place a lot of emphasis on role models, and
for us to have a staff person who is openly homosexual in some way could encourage '
[youngsters) to be sexually confused and to enter the homosexual lifestyle," he said.
S.C. capital's police crack down on male prostitution at park
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)-Police have conducted about a dozen undercover stings m
Columbia's Granby Park, which some say has become a haven for male prostitution. Four
men were arrested for allegedly soliciting sex in the park in Decemlx>r. It's unclear how
many arrests have been made since then. "The park is there for the use of all citizens for
recreational activities. It's for families," said Police Chief Charles Austin. ''It's not intended
to be an outdoor motel, and we're not going to allow it to tum into one." Some area resi·
dents say police are being too heavy-handed in dealing with the situation. Daniel Hutchins,
who ltves nearby and often walks his dog in the park, said police harassed one of his friends.
"They told a friend of mine to leave, and hew.isn't doing anything dirty," Hutchins said.
Florida county adds protection for gays into local housing code
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-After more than three hours of debate, the I.eon County
Commission voted 5-1 to add sexual orientation to the county's Fair I lousing Code's antid1scnmmation
clause, the Tallahassee Democrat reported April 19. Th.it action makes it illegal
for homeowners to refuse to sell or rent property to someone bt'C.iuse they nre gay.
"This amendment is in rcahty nothing more than a technical amendment to bring thl• code
in line with extSting community standards," SJid Commissioner Cliff Thaell, who introduced
the .imendment last month "l're1ud1ct' is for outside the mainstream of thought in
th.t5 community." The mostly pro-amendment crowd, many wearing white ribbons,
applauded the vote Throughout the public hearing, s~eakers said the measure didn't condone
the tlomoscxuahty but put gays on the same footing as heterosexuals when it came to
looking for a home
-From staff and wire reports
,
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000 NEWS
Around the Nation
For more news coverage: www.houstonvoice.com
NGLTF picks newly out NOW official as new executive director
W\SlllNGTON-The National Gay & Lesbian Task
Force named Elizabeth Toledo, a vice president of the
National Organiz.1tion for Women, as its new rxecutiw
director last week. Toledo, 38, a L1tina mothrr who c,1me
out as .1 lesbian less than a year ago, will replace Kerry
Lobel. who resigned April 7 after three years at NGLTF's
helm, the Washmgton Blade reported April 21. Jerry Clark,
co-chair of NGLTF's board, said Toledo's recent decision
to come out was not dewed as a negative by the board.
"We really think her example will be an inspiration for a
lot of people who are not already out, and should be,"
Clark said . • Less than one year after NOW Vice President Elizabeth Toledo
came out, she has been named executive director of the
National Lesbian & Gay Task Force.
Prosecutors drop hate charges over prep student's knife attack
GREENFIELD, Mass. (AP)-A former prep school student has been sentenced to three
years probation after admitting using a knife to cqt the word "HOMO" into the ~ack of
another student. Matthew Rogers, 20, of Franklin, Tenn., was also given a suspended 2.5-
year jail term and ordered to perform 144 hours of community service at his Ap~I 19 sentencing
on two misdemeanor assault charges. Rogers' roommate, Jonathan Shapiro, 18, of
Keene, N.ll, was also charged in the attack. Judge Bertha Josephson questioned prosecutors
closely about their dl'Cision to drop hate crime charges as well as felony assault charges
as part of the plea bargain. Prosecutor Renee Seese s..1id Rogers did not consider his 17-
year-old victim to be a homosexual and described the assault as hazing. Police described
the cuts as shallow, but deep enough to draw blood. Authori ties said the students had
argued over the British rock band Queen and the characterization of its music as "gay."
Rogers lost an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, because of the incident
Rulings against domestic partner benefits in Pittsburgh, Virginia
PITTSBURG!! (AP)-The University of Pittsburgh was within its legal rights to deny
health benefits to same-sex partners of employees, a judge ruled Apnl 20. Judge Robert
Gallo said that Pitt's policy is neutral because health benefits are offered to all employees
regardless of sexual orientation, and Pitt also denies benefits to unmarried par'!1ers of heterosexual
employees. The city of Pittsburgh had been trymg to force ~e ~m~er~1ty,_ throug~
its Commission on Human Relations, to co'!'ply Wllh the city's ant1-d1scnm.ma~o~ o~d1-
nance. The judge also ordered the commission to halt its investigation of d1scnmmatlon
charges against the university. Deborah Henson, a former Pitt instructor who sued when
the university denied benefits to her le;;bian partner, said she would appeal.
Meanwhile, in Richmond, a unanimous Virginia Supreme Court struck down Arlington
County's law that conferred health insurance benefits on the unma~ricd domestic partners
of local government employees, the Washington Post reported Apnl 22. The court ruled 7-
0 that the Virginia General Assembly had never expressly granted such authority to local
governmcnb. The county said it would not appl'al.
Navy secretary says military is no 'testing ground' for gay rights
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)-Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig told an audienCl' at the
lJ S. Naval Academy that the military should not be considered a testing ground for gayrights
issues. Responding to a quest10n about gays in military service, Danzig said April 17
that American society "hasn't reached a consensus" on gay rights. "In the end, the military
itself shouldn't be a driver of that, but a follower of the consensus of society," he said. "It
ts really much more an issue for society-at-large as it is for the military," he said "lbe military
1:m't csS<'ntially a testing ground"
Meanwh1ll' m West I lollywood, Calif., the $1.2 m1lhon price tag for the city's proposed
veterans memorial has ra1Sed eyebrows, the Les Angelt'S Times reported Apnl 21. Some tax·
payers and oty council members are concl'mcd about rosts, while others question why tlus
small, gay-fricndlv city would pay tribute to the mihtary <lt <ill.
Michigan city repeals 40-year-old ban on serving gays in bars
ROYAL OAK, Mich.-Just 10 days aftL'r city commissioners found out that this Michigan
aty had banned bars from serving gay:-. more than 40 years ago, they unanimously repealed
the Jaw, the I >et roil free Press reported Apnl 20. Red-faced officials said the ban hadn't been
enforced for as long as anyone remembered But word of the ban still sent a flash of angst
through a town whose gay merchants and customers h~lped fuel its rcnaissan~c.. ''f!1at Ian·
guagc was more than four decades old, and at the hme it was wntten, the oty hfted 1t, word
for word, from what then was ;;tatc Jaw," said City Attorney Chuck Scmchena. The statt•
since had revised its code and rt'.rnovcd its rl'fcrence to gays, Semchena said April 19.
-From staff 11nd wire reports
If you are seriously ill, selling
your life insurance is an option to consider.
We have the experience
and knowledge to get you
the highest cash settlement
possible. Celebrating 10 years as
a viatical and life settlement broker.
* One quick, simple application * Competitive bidding process brings
you the highest possible price * All policy types considered, even
some less thon two years old
* No cost or obligation at ony time
* HIV and other senous illnesses
* Ouotify up to 900 lceOs
* Confidentiality, naw ond always
* Request information 24 hours a day
_ ~BENEFITS
~AMERICA
We give you solutions you can live with.
800-777-8878
Viohcol & Life Settlemenl Assooohon al Amonco
When you have
issues to deal with,
being gay shouldn't
be one of them.
If you're struggling with addiction o
depression, you need a treatment
center where you can
be yourself....
Where you can talk frankly and
safely to people who understand
you.
We're Pride Institute, the nation's
leader In providing treatment for
the gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered communities. We
have programs offering residential,
outpatient and halfway house
services. You have the power.
Call us today.
f' IAUOUDAI.£
NEW~
TPRIDE
INS'll'l'U'l'E
800-54-PRIDE
www.benefitsamerica.com
Benefits Amenco NA, Inc.
7
8 VOICES AND ECHOES APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
VOICe: Gays may ruin 'traditional marriage'
1· ifiJj fA{i] 1)1 EDITORIAL
STAFF
Associate Publisher
Mike Fleming
mlkeOhoustonvoice.com
Editor
Matthew A. Henn1e
ed1torOhoustonvo1ce com
Production
Bethany Bartran - Stt11or GraphlC Designer
Co ntributors
R1c!l Arenschieldt. Kay Y Dayus.
T•ayce Diskin. Ear D11tman.
D l Groover, Robert B. Henderson,
Kathreen lee, Gip Plaster. E la Tyler
Photographers
Dalton DeHart. K1:-1 Thompson.
Terry Su.livar
Advertising Sales
Ken Burd
Tom Robbins
Office Administrator,
Classifieds a. Di~ctory
Marshall Rainwater
Administra tion a. S" les Support
Carolyn A. Roberts
N•tion•I Advertising Representative
R1vendell Marketing Company, Inc.
212-242-6863
A
Publishers
Ch" Crain
Rick Ellsasser
CHARTER MEMBER
GREATER HOUSTON
GAY & LESBiAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Established 1974 as the Montrose Star.
SOO Lovett Blvd. Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77006
(713) 529-8490
(800) 729-8490
fax· (713) 5~531
Contents copyright 1999
Offu houn; 9 am. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays
To submit a letter
letters should be fewer than 400 words We
reserve the right to edit for content and
~ngth We will withhold names upon
request. but you m:.st include your name and
phone number for venf1tat1on. Please send
ma I to Houston Voice, SOO Lovett Blvd . Suite
200. Houston, Texas 77006: fax (7 IJ)
529-9531 or e-mail to ed1torOhouston·
"""' com Opinions •"!'fessed thereif' do not
reflect those of the Houston Voice.
In all the fuss over our demand that government
recognize our freedom to marry,
the retort that always leaves homosexual
heads scratching is that we somehow pose a
threat to Htraditional marriage."
As a literal matter, of course, it's true.
"Traditional marriage," by defini~n, has
not included same-sex couples.
But that's only an argument against
change Before a landmark Supreme Court
dec1S1on m 1969, "traditional marriage" in
many parts of this country did not include
mterraaal couples.
Now that the Vermont legislature has
chosen to follow the considered judgment
of th.it state's Supreme Court, and not the
cowardly example set by legislators in
l lawail and Alaska, the voices alleging a
homosexual threat to "traditional marriage"
will only get louder.
It's difficult to see how v-.inning recognition
of our relationships would discourage
happy heterosexual couples from taking the
marital plunge. So long as these oppositesex
couples are actually heterosexual, a chmate
more welcome to gay relationships
shouldn't undermine their will to be wed.
But our fight for legal recognition-any
sort of legal recognition-has, in fact,
already undermined "traditional marriage"
for heterosexuals, though the result may
have been mostly unintentional.
In every place it's come up around the
planet, efforts to win full-fledged gay marnage
nghts have fallen at least somewhat
short of the mark. Conservative resistance
has prevailed, and gay couples have won
some variety of second-class recognition.
In the English-speaking world, the faux
mamages have been called "domcsttc partnerships."
In France, they're c.1lled l'acte
civil de solidarite, or "l'ACS."
And because most gay righb leaders and
their fnends in government are socially progressive,
they've put up little resistance to
the argument that gays seeking inclusion in
lWE VERMONT lEGISL.AruRE HAVING OKAYED CNU. UNl<l'IS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES,
MR. IJ M2S. ,JEDEDIAH UNa:RWOOO WAIT PATIEN1'LY FOR IT 10 DES'TRO'f
iH£R ~·YEAR MAAAJAGE.
marriage rights shouldn't exclude anyone
from these domestic partnerships.
So in most places, heterosexual couples
have also won access to the newly created
insbtuhon of almost-but-not-quite-marriage.
The effect on "traditional marriage" has
been dramatic. In France, where PACS were
first available last year, some 14,000 couples
have signed up, half of them heterosexual.
In a fascinating April 18 report by the Ncrv
York Times, these straight couples talked
about how happy they were to enter into
PACS. rather than marriage, which they saw
as "a burdensome institution, weighed down
with religious connotation.~, and likely to end
badly and at enormous expense."
Some described their PACS as a "trial
run" for marriage, but many said they had
no desire to fully tie the knot. Jn France, as
in many Roman Catholic countries, divorce
can be difficult and expensive. Dissolving a
PACS often involves merely giving notice
Vermont passes 'civil unions,'
Page 1
to the other party.
Meanwhile, "PACS-ed" couple:; can file
jointly for taxes, be eligible for each other's
work place benefits, and automatically obtain
joint ownership of new property they acquire.
Back in the States, many heterosexual couples
are also choosing domestic partnership
over marriage for many of the same reasons.
In almost every jurisdiction where OP status
is available, straight couples far outnumber
gay couples on the sign-up sheet.
This threat to "traditional marriage" as
an attractive relationship option comes at
the same ~1me that some states are purposefully
making 1t harder to enter and exit that
venerable institution.
In Florida and Wiscon.,in, for example,
heterosexual couples are encouraged by a
marriage license discount to go through premarital
counseling before they legally wed.
In other states, including Mississippi,
couples wishing to marry are offered the
option of entering into a separate marriage
scheme that does not permit "no fault"
divorce. To exit such an arrangement, one
partner must prove willful misconductabuse
or infidelity-by the other.
So far, it isn't working. Very few straight
couples-fewer than 15 percent-ha\'e
opted for the souped-up, ultra-traditional
marriage. The counseling option is still too
new, and <iccording to another Times report,
the results are decidedly indecisive.
These_ ineffectual attempts at bucking
up tr.1d1honal marriage are losing the battle
to a popular and easier alternative that 1s
increas_i~gly available. There's your threat
to trad1ttonal marriage
. 1:J1at may Wl.'11 be a good thing, but It is
ironic that the short-term resistance from
some qua~trrs to recognition of gay mamage
has contributed significantly to the wry
hann that ou~ foes fear thr most-the piecemeal
destruction of traditional marriage.
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000 VOICES AND ECHOES 9
VIEWPOINT
Lifestyles of the vain and self-absorbed
by GREG D. KUBIAK
You've heard it before. All that handwringing
about the superficial body image
and \'amty among gay men. But the effect of our obsession
with outer appearances, and the industries that
support those obsessions, should make room for the
more troubl.ng reality of internal \·anity.
We know quite well how the fitness and fashion
industry is making a mint off of gay male sensibilities
.md the desire to be on the cutting edge of physical fitness,
beauty and style. Some statistics sugge:.t that
plastic surgery among gay men is a luxury in higher
proportion than in the general public.
D.iwn Atkins, author of "Looking Queer: Body Image
and Identity in Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender
Communities," has conducted studies about self-image,
body weight and health in the gay male community.
She found that the rate of eating disorders is higher
among gay men than previously thought. But this is not
the only exposure of 21st century vanity that affects our
society. The internal vanity is also in our interest.
The phone conversation was one-sided and seemingly
endless. For nearly 15 minutes, Mark's friend prattled
on about his gym routine, his untrustworthy new
boyfriend, and how his job is just "so bad, bL'Cause my
boss is, like, always wanting to see my work."
Finally, the gym bunny took a breath and asked, "So,
how are you?"
Mark, an acquaintance who related this story to me,
was by now exasperated. Still, he told his self-described
"best" friend, "Not too well. My dad had a heart attack
today. I'm flying home tonight"
There was silence on the other end of the phone, followed
by a soft and shallow, "Oh? Bummer."
It's just one Hlustration. There's an increasing awareness
among soaologists a.nd Main Street Americans
about life and human relationships. There are growmg
numbers of self-absorbed aliens taking on human fonn
Now, l don't have an)' studies, figures or legislative
remedies for the internal vanity and self-absorption that is
cr('('ping through society. It's too pervasive. ~·m !1'ore interested
m naming the beast for now, than killing it.
Worried that you, too, may be infected by this stealth
invasion of St:'lf·absorbed aliens? Do your own inventory.
If the average gym bunny worked half
as hard on his personality as he did
his pees, he might actually be an
interesting person.
Take tv.·o blank pieces of paper. On the first, write down
three columns of names: people you currently regard as
your "best" friend(s); those you regard as friends; and
finally. the names of people with whom you have exten·
sive contact, but may not think of as a friend.
Now, review your conversations and interactions with
each person in each column and ask yourself these ques·
tions, (putting scores by the side of the names.)
1. Is this person someone I'd call if I had a problem or
needed a serious favor?
Score: add one point for "11c~ "; subtract 011.e point for "no,
but they'd probably call me if they n£'('ded a fauor"; and zero
points if you don't k11ow.
2. Do I initiate contact with that person, wait for them
to call me, or don't think about it because it's pretty
even?
Score: add one point for "pretty ewn"; zero pomts for "I
initiate"; and subtract one 110111.t for "wait for them."
3. Is this someone whom I legitimately enjoy spend·
mg time with? And why'
Score.': add one point for "yes"; extra 110ints for partic111arly
good, q11a/1tatii>e "wliy's"
After you've added up the points, and considered the
qualitative "why" question in #3, take the second piece
of paper
With that, reorder the columns with best friends,
friends, and acquaintances based on the range of numer·
tc differences.
U you sec spcafic shifts m names mo\'ed columns, 11 probably
mean' either (a) you're being sucked dry by pt.'Ople who
give little b.1ck, or (b) you're sucking your "friend~" dry.
The increase in sales of self-help books and psychologi·
cal counseling appointments should give us all an idea
that the "me" generation has taken some bad turns in the
last few years. But it's not too late for us to do the internal
work that we're so quick to do for our exterior selves.
A good friend of mine summed it up best refcrnng to
an attractive, well-built young man some time ago. "If
he worked half as hard on his personality as he did hts
pees," said my friend, "he might actually be an interesting
person."
We buv supplemenb to build muscle, increase sexual
vinhtv and grow hair. We dispO!-l' of excess income on
the la.test designer-labeled fashiorL", gym memberships
.ind $40 haircuts.
But moral support and fncndship don't come from a catalog
or a weight room.
Pretty soon, it'll get lonely if you are the only friend you
have. The best ad\ire to an increasingly >elf-absorbed
world 1s: If you want a friend, you've got to be a friend.
Greg D Kubuik IS a Was/11ngto11-lxzsed .frrelance rolummst
and can be readied tilil tlus publication or at GKubiak@aol.com.
Revisit tho oorlu sto~ of Mo and Sydney's court.ship in this
orchiw cpioodo while U10 cartoonist takes a hricf rest stop,
10 NEWS APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Civil unions recognized in Vermont
Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (left) is congratulated by Rep. Bal
Lippert, the only openly gay member of Vermont's legislature, in
his office at the Statehouse after Dean announced at a press conference
that he had signed the civil unions bill into law earfier in
the day Wednesday.
.- Continued from Page 1
"The possibihhes for our families and, indeed, the shape
of our movement are forever changed," said Beatnce
Dohm, legal director for the national Lambda Legal Defense
& Education Fund.
"Vermont has sent a sign.ii to the entire nation that it IS no
longer tolerable to deny lesbians and gay couples the
respect other couples take for granted."
GLAD served .is co-counsel in a lawsuit brought by three
gay Vermont couples seekmg to marry their same-sex partners,
while Lambda filed "fnend of the court" bnefs m the
case
The state Senate approved the avil unions bill Apnl 18,
but made changes that required the measure to be approved
again by the House-where many feared it could lose votes,
making passage questionable.
One representative who was absent for the first House
ballot voted in favor of the measure, while two who originally
voted against the civil union bill changed and voted in
favor of the measure's final passage. Both supported the
concept of gay unions all along, but initially said the proposed
legislation didn't go far enough.
Rep Wilham Mackinnon had argued that gays should g receive the full instituhon of marriage, while Rep. James
~ ColVJn wanted civil unions to be open to unmarried hetcro~
sexual couples as well.
::i The new civil union law 1s "a step, 1ust a step,"
:!; Mackinnon said, according to the Associated Press. "I prom-ise
that I for one will remain ever-Vigilant to any d1scrim1-
nation that may continue here in Vermont."
Governor says 'time to heal'
In an interview with Vermont Public Television pnor to
the legislature's final vote, Dean said he understands that
some Vermonters oppose the bill, but he feels it 1s necessary
to lessen discrimination.
"I have been governor for rune years; my kids were born
m this state and I am not going to do anything that I think
would harm thL~ state-ever," Dean said
Opponents have argued that lawmakers weren't listening
to vocal criticism from some citizens, but Dean said he disagreed.
"I think legislators have listened to the public. There is a
difference between listening to people and agreeing Mth
them," he said
The will .of the ma1ority can't trample on the rights of
minorities, Dean said. "In Alabama, in 1964, Jf you had put
the question of whether African Americans ought to be able
to vote equally and hold property, the vote would have been
'no,"' he said.
Recognition for gay unions is a civil rights issue, "but it is
not the same civil rights issue as if you were African
American and had no right to vote," Dean said later in the
interview.
"ObVJously, gay and lesbian people have the right to vote
and to own property and so on," he explained
"The reason it is a civil rights issue is this: People arc beaten
and m some cases killed because they are gay or lesbian
m the same way other minority groups are beaten or killed
because they arc members of minority groups."
Dean also said he disagreed with those who said gays
would "flock" to Vermont to register their unions. The
state's secretary of the Agency of Commerce and
Community Development has also said there was no reason
to expect "any substantial negative or positive impact on
Vermont businesses" as a result of c1v1l unions.
Dean quietly signed the bill behind closed doors in an
effort to help begin healing the rift the legislation has caused
across the state.
"In politics, bill signings are triumphal," he said "They represent
overcoming of one side over another. These celebrations,
as the subject of the matter of the bill, will be private."
Other states unlikely to recognize unions
The House version of the bill originally wanted the law to
go into effect two months later, but representatives agreed
Tuesday with the Senate's earlier deadline, the only substantive
change between the two versions. Tax and insurance
provisions will not go into effect until 2001.
To register their partnership, gay couples who are over 18
and not closely related by blood will be able to get a "civil
union" license from their town clerk, just as heterosexual
couples receive marriage licenses. The unions could then be
CLEARANCE!
Williams Birnberg & Andersen, L.L.P.
Mitchell Katine
Attorney at Law
How can I. ke-lp ~ou?
(713) 981-9595 or
mkatine®wba-law.com
2000 DEVILLES, ESCALADES,
CATERAS, SEVILLES
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000 NEWS 11
Peter Harrigan (left) and Stan Bake, one of three same·sex couples who sued after they were
denied marriage &censes, watched the Vermont legislature debate a 'civil union' bill that won final
passage on Tuesday.
certified by a judge, justice of the peace or
clergy member.
Gay couples in Vermont will ultimately
receive all of the same benefits as married
heterosexuals, including automatic inheri·
lance rights, hospital visitation, the right to
make medical decisions for a partner, the
right to be treated as an economic unit for
state tax purposes, the ability to obtain joint
policies of insurance and joint credit and
parenting rights
Couples who split up and end their "civil
union" called a "dissolution" in the new law,
will h~ve rights similar to those in div0orce,
including methods for equitable property
division, child custody and support.
"The law applies to private parties as
well, and discrimination against parties to a
civil union is considered both marital status
and sexual orientation· discrimination,"
according to GLAD.
But the state action has no effect on feder·
al programs like Social Security benefits.
Moreover, the federal government and 30
states now have laws denying recognition
to same-sex marriages, and Alabama's
attorney general said this week that his
state's gay marriage ban would ban recognition
of "civil unions," too.
Gay rights advocates have vowed to file
legal challenges against other states' refusal
to recognize Vermont unions, citing the U.S.
Constitution's guarantee to "full faith and
credit" of each state's laws.
Tire Assocmtcd Press and the Rutland Herald
contributed to tlus report.
Premier Paging and Wireless'
PHONE· ACTfVATION • VOICE MAIL
CALLER ID • FIRST INCOMING MINUTE
TRUE PER-SECOND BILLING
I
You called • W• anlwered ;
Houston's Trusted Name in Communications
Preml r
AGING & WIRELESS
281-575-8500
12220 Murphy Road • ..,.,ww.ca/lpremier.com
What does a •civil union' look like?
Some of the key benefits that would
be offered to gay and lesbian couples
under the ci\·il union bill passed by the
Vermont legislature this week:
• Property
P;utners would be entitled to 1oint
title, transfer from one to the other on
death, and property transfer tax benefil~.
• Adoption
Civil union partners would be enlt·
tied to all the protections and benefits
available when adopting a child. Same·
sex couples already are allowed under
Vermont law to adopt, but the laws
would reflect that those couples would
be treated as spouses.
• lnsur;ince
State employees in civil unions
would be treated as spouses for insur·
ancc or continuing care contracts.
• Hnlth cue
Medical decisions that someone can
now make for a spouse also could be
made by those in a civil union.
Hospital visitation and notification
would be treated similarly.
• Lawsuits
Someone in a civil union would be
able to sue for the wrongful death of a
partner, the emotional distress caused
by partner 's death or injury, and the
loss ol consortium caused by death or
in1ury.
• Probate
Probate law and procedures related
to spouses would flow to civil union
partners.
• Abuse
Parties to a cn•il union would quali·
fy for \"Jrious abuse programs as
spouses.
• Discrimination
Laws prohibiting discrimination
based on marital status would apply to
civil union couples.
• Compens;ition
Provisions in victims' compensation
and workers' compensation related to
spouses also would apply to civil
union partners.
•Testimony
Partners in a civil union could not
be compelled to testify against one
another, just as spouses cannot be
forced to do.
• Definitions
State laws that confer benefits or
rights to people based on their manta!
or family status-~uch as family
landowner rights to hunt and fish or
definihons of family farmers-would
be broadened to recognize cl\'il unions.
-Source· Associated Press
Building
futures.
The return on
some im·estmcnts
is impossible
to measure.
• /AXA ADVISORS
Building Fulures
George Hawkins
777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 150
713-402-6425
george.hawkins@axa-advisors.co111
12 NEWS APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Gay educators group forming in Houston
- Continued from Page 1
group m 1994. There are now 85 local chapters
around the country and the organization
supports students who start gaystraight
alliances in their schools.
The number of gay-straight alliances has
"exploded" m recent years, especially since
college student Matthew Shepherd was
murdered in 1998, in part for being gay,
Kevm Jennings, GLSE.\l's founder and executive
director, recently told the Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette
Now, there are an estimated 700 GSAs
around the country.
Murray's effort has the support of
GI.SEN, which will send its southern field
organizer, Brenda Barron, to Houston in
early June to talk with local organizers.
Based in Atlanta, Barron's territory
includes Texas.
Barron said she will help guide the local
community in starting the chapter.
"Ultimately, it takes the people in the
community to get the chapter started,"
Barron said. "It takes a strong grassroots
vmce and grassroots organizing and seeking
action using democracy as it should be
used-voices heard for change."
Without the whole community, she cautioned,
it won't be effective.
Once a chapter is in place, change is
brought about ''by spreading the word and
educating the community for the need to
change the language in school policy," a
21ST CENTURY
BIOTECHNOLOGY
You may be
practically immune
to HIV-1: Order our
simple at-home test
for $ 79 .00 fOday.
process that isn't quick, Barron said.
"The efforts produce a much more open
environment to get policies in place and
training m place," she said.
But efforts to start a GLSEN chapter in
Houston already have the backing of some
HISD officials.
"We need an organization to work with
the system to make the system more
responsive," said Harne! Arvey, assistant
superintendent for student services at
HISD. "I would personally like to see a
policy that does address bias regarding
sexual orientation for students and teachers.
By not having one, we are not sensitive
to gay and lesbian administration
staff, teachers and students."
While HISD has worked with PFLAG to
hold training sessions for counselors, the
school district's record on gay and lesbian
issues is spotty.
HISD received an "F" from GLSEN in a
1998 report grading the nation's 42 largest
school districts on how well they protect
gay and lesbian students and educators.
The report graded the school districts in
six areas, including whether school policies
protected students and staff from discrimination
and harassment based on sexual orientation,
if staff training includes gay and
lesbian issues, if curriculum is inclusive and
whether gay-straight alliances are allowed.
Houston joined San Antonio and 40
percent of the school systems in reporting
a "no" in all six areas; Dallas earned a
Discover your DNA
with our fast &
affordable
Personal Genetic
(610) 497 - 3594
21 CBiotech.com
"B," m part for its wntten policies protecting
gay and lesbian students and staff
and for the district's staff training,
according to the report.
Arvey, a supporter of PFLAG and the
Houston Area Teen Coalition of
Homosexuals, said that although HISD has
group counseling, teacher sensitivity training
and language that is intended to protect
all students, protection for gay children is
not included.
"It is not specifically spelled out," Arvey said.
But Arvey said she was "personally
offended" by the 1998 GLSEN report.
"We have some of the most sensitive policies
toward AIDS and HIV. They are exemplary.
But I was really shocked the district
does not have a specific policy that's gender
related," she said.
Terry Abbott, HISD's press secretary, said
the school district has policies in place to
protect "all students," though the policies
don't specifically mention gay and lesbian
students. Abbott said he disagreed with
findings of the 1998 GLSEN report.
But he said he was unfamiliar with efforts
to organize a GLSEN chapter in Houston
and refused to comment.
Murray wants the metro Houston chapter
to be diverse, she said.
"I want everyone to feel welcome,"
Murray said. "They don't have to be gay or
lesbian to be a part of the organization. I want
it to be diverse organization building a coalition
across the entire learning spectrum."
Brenda Barron, GLSEN's southern field
organizer, will come to Houston in early June
to help bolster efforts to start a chapter of the
national group here.
Organizers planned their first meeting
this week and are set to staff a booth at
Resurrection MCC on April 30 and May 7 to
recruit volunteers.
GLSEN Houston
glsenhouston@cs.com
THE LOVETT INN
Distinctive Lodging and Catering Accommodations
Historic Accommodations • Corporate Meeting Rooms
Banquet Facilities • Jacuzzi Suites • Poof/Hot Tub
Near Downtown, Museums and Medical Center
We do catered events for up to 200 people!
501 Lovett Blvd. Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-5224 . (800) 779-5224
Fax (713) 528-6708 • tovettinn.com
YOU'LL LOVE IT!
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
We make lots of decisions together.
But some choices I make for me.
Thafs why I use PROPECIA.
PROPECIA is the first and only FDA-approved pill proven to treat
male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and anterior
mid-scalp area in men.
THE NUMBERS
rie 1.!a is, fer '!10Sl 't1ef1, PROPECIA work~ The results iii 2 ye~ ol te5IIf1g <pe!k fer lh<mselves. •
• ~ OUI cl 6 men kepi the amot.111 of ha~ they had (vs. 28'11> With a sugar pill)
• 2 w cl 1 men grew bacl: somt cl lhttr lo'1 ha• (vs. 1'lb Wl!h a sugar poll)
Most men reported an oncrea5e 111 !he arnounl cl hao a decrease" hair loss. and rnprovement
., appeMance And the vasr majOllly ol men on PROPECIA wer~ rated as rnproyed by docL'""
(llO';b vs. 47'1b With a s:igar :).
•Based on Yeltel slUdies at 2 ~of men rs to 41 Wiii! mild ro moder~ half km.
There IS no1 Mltnce lhal PROPECIA worts for r«Pding hairlines at !he lemples-
THE MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Ctinical ~$hawed PRQPE(IA was verv wrll roler.ned. Only a verv small number cl men had '°"" semal side effect;, with each occumng on less lhan 2'111 of men They rdJded less de5ire
lor sex, ddlirufty 11 acheWlg an et.a.on. and a droea 11 lhe amounr of semen. \\1ien the.,,.,,
..tio had lhese side effect> stopped Llking PROf>ECIA. lhe ~ dtect> """""'I
OMERO<
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW
PROPECIA is for mtft only. Women..lloareormaypaential!ybe pregnant must nol .ise
PROPECIA because ol the rl5k that !he adNf ll8Jedienl may cai:;e a~ bid cl brth defect
(See accompany1ll8 Pa1lonl l'oduc! -'=1alion for delails ) liewtsc lhey Wl\jd IYOod hand'.::
!he 1abJets r.flel1 they're OUll1'd or broken. PROPEc.A l.Jhle!s are coated and will prevMI rontaa
~!he «INt ingredint during normal handling
WHEN YOU COULD SEE RESULJS
Take PROPEOA daily and you COIJd see~ in as little as lhree <nontlls. tt you stop 1.1<:ng II.
OOwevei. )00! results will gradually go~ a...er!M!lve 'TIO!l!hs. And ii a hasn 1-'ced in IM!lve
mon!hs, • IS unlikely to be ol 'ienefit
For more onformabon, call l -888-806-J72S or VISll our wd>sile at www.propecia.com{lnfo.
PROPECIA IS av.ii!able by prescnpoon only so IH best !hons to do is ulk to your doctor.
!(now the faCls. Ma!l)' mei do which IS prtlbably why M!' .IO.!XXl presmp!JOOS fer PROP£CIA
are filled e.idl weel ..
Plea •ead the 'lfXI page fer addioonal llformaoon aboli PROPEOA.
---y~d.U.~ID • -IMS--~-... ,.
Propem·
(f~terili
Helping make hair loss history"
13
14
Propec1a ·,
(Finasteride) Tablets
Patient Information about PROPECIA'
(Pro-pee-sha l
Generc name: finasteride tfm-AS-llJr-eyed)
PROPECIA'" lslonsellyMEN ONLY
PIM•'Ud ntletbltor•youmrthkagPROP£0A Also readdle~ ~11.ld.twilhPROPECIAHC'hDntfyou
, ... ,ourptttCJ10DQfl.JUSI: 1ae~hNcbangtd.Renwmbe lhisl9tfttldoes1JOtQktthtpllctolc&refutdistUSllOftlwtlh
JOUf' doctor You and ¥QUI' doctor sbo4lkl discuu OROP£C!A wlltn you ltlrt :aling 'fOLI" mechC9t)On and It te d'ltc.ktrPS-Whal
IS PROPEQA-tor'
PRO PE CIA is ....S tor lhe
PROPECIA tor
--ldltok•PllOPECIA' ---·INUUt!IOftl • 1'aka one tablet by mouth 11ch day
• You moy 13kt PROP£CIA- 0t without t00d
• Hvauforvol Dtak1PROPECIA.do1111111k11 -•t1blet.lusltablhenextt1ble11susual
PROPEClA wf1 narwort faster or better t you take I mottd\an onct t dly
APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Wllo-HQI "hPROPECIA'
• P~PECIA IS for the treatment of male pattern h11110S1111 MEN ONLY ind should not bt taken by women ot children.
• Anyone a arg1c to any ot lhe sngredients
A WllllJltl lbowl PROPECIA 1nd pr19n1ncy
• Wome• who art Of MtY polenhally be pr1gn1~
Must not •H PROPEClA
-Id not handle cnishod 0< brok'" tablets al PROPECIA
ti 1 WOMll who ii pregnanl wrdl 1 Nit baby absotbl dtt Kllvt ingred1lflt in PROPECIA. tither by sw1llowing or through
dte 1lun.11 uy ClllM tbnorruhhn oft..,_ bliby·1 su OfllM. H 1 woman who 11 pr11111nt comes ntto coeltact with tM
at;trwe iagrtdtellt • PROPEClA. a doctor should be censutrotl PRO PE CIA tablelS 1t1 coated lfMI w1ll prtvenl contact widt
... ""'"iagradianl ...... _, ........... provi<lld..., .... tablats ... not-.... -
WW 111diepessit>l11ule offl<IS of PROPECIA'
Likealpme: produc!s.PROP£C!Amayt1U11sideeHt<U.ln lllldies.1>d11ff1ctskom PROPECIAwore
uncommonanddidnotaffectmostme Aam& 1M1tnberofmen1~1dc11"..a "x side-effects These en
r Id one or more of the following less desue f0t sex; utry 1 hltwlQ 1 lflC:bOn: and 1 dee ease n the am
crlseman ra thesesfdteffetts ed leuthan~?frnen Jhes111detftenwent1W1Ylftft18 who stopped
PROPE A. Tboy1lsolf1S1Pllf• who PROP!~
gene
"'°""""' toboulthese or 111'1
• PRO PE CIA can affect a ~lood tut aHH PSA C'Prntate-Spe< tc Atttigeal tor lhe scrHe111g et pro a.ta uncer. H
rou Imo 1PSAIntt1ooe.yH-d1111 YG11' •actor dw yoo 111 r>lbsg PROP!~
Stot1110anOantlloot
Kee;i PROPE A ng1 1 c er and keep the tamer 1 rt m 1 dry p a e al room emptra 1
PIOPECIA lablets .,, co1ted and will prevent contact wtdl tbt 1ctr"' htgred11nt dan•1 eo11111I handling.
,rov1d1d tti.1 tb1 tablets ire aot b«lkla or cnshtd
Do not t your PROPECIA ~bltts to anyone else h hH bH presc d nty for yo Kffp PROPECIA 1 d 1
ed .a ns out of the a of ldren
TH S LEAf. ET PROVIDES A S~MMARY Of NFORMAllDN ABOL PROPECIA f AfTER READING THIS UAF ET
YOU HAVI: ANY QUE~IONS OR ARE NC S,RE ABC ANYTHING ASK YOUR OOCllR
1-11111-0l-7315.Mondoytllrorrglifnday.tlllAM. T01:(1JPM tm
1'qrsterld trtHmart o! UERCK a CO
._. . .....,,,.,.at11£11Ck6CO ...
........ edrt.tdetMrklf.tohrtloPllJiltwrMa
Propec1a· ~~
(F1nastende) Tablets comacHle>L ,.., .. __
0 MERCK & CO., INC., Wh tetoouse Station N.. 08889 uSA
~'""*'"'
«IMl7111KIJJ)-PRP-C0N
d says gay fans <an relate to her
they'U have the <hanc• to do
orms ill Houston her first Texas • I
SIX years.
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
A GUIDE FOR YOUR LEISURE TIME
Comedienne Sandra Bernhard is,
surprisingly, a modest person who
doesn't relish celebrity
status. But her new found
mellowness doesn't affect her
on stage raunch.
by EARL DITIMAN
What do you call a worn.in who 1s an actress,
stand-up comedienne, novelist, recording artist,
feminist, gay and a single mom?
Critics have labeled her "brilliant and one of a
kind"; some members of the gay commuruty proclaim
her their patron samt, leg10ns of devoted
fans simply call her "divine"
But Sandra Bernhard, the woman and the performer,
IS much more than all that.
Her obvious t.ilents aside, she's an mcred1bly
inteP gent, funny, sv.eet-natured and swpnsmgly
modest 1.idy who IS fearless in her quest to speak out on
the world's inJUShces. But don't say that to her face,
because she'll set you straight ma New York minute
'Tm Just a loud, big-mouthed broad with an atbtudc and
you're making me sound like Mother Tl'rcsa," the multi-talent-ed
performer said 1okingly from her home m the Big Apple. "Do
you want to know what to call me' How about a woman who has
been givrn some really great chanc to haw herself heard through
ertertauung people' Because that~ all I n'all} am and I'm gomg to
keep domg 1t until peorlc get tired f me and tell me to shut up "
l1lcre s little cham- of that any time sooo As her upcorrung ~
womamhow m Houston wilhhow, her ro ha\Ul'th.ld theirfill yet
"I haven t been to Texas m about six years, I m glJd that
people hJ\en't forgotten me," she said with d laugh. "I really
have lo s.iy that I love fexas and the South I thmk it IS kinda
true about what they say about the hosp1tahty of the South.
I've Jlways felt that people go out of their way to make you
feel at home down there."
Bernhard ts one performer who doesn't buy into the notion
that Southerners are culturally-challenged hillb11lies.
"In fact, I trunk people from the South are probably more
aware and more into the arts than a lot of the culture vultures
from L.A or New York," Bernhard s.ud "When people want to
> Continued on Page 19
L
More than two-dozen gay Grammys
were doled out to gay artists
Monday during ceremonies that
called attention to the growing
influence of queer-tinged music
by :vtARK J. HUISMAN
NEW YORK--:Jn his program letter to the 4th A!Ulual
Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards, which were held
here on Monday, GLAMA co-founder and executive director
Michael Mitchell urged fans to "be brave and explore
new territory" by purchasing some new music.
By supporting the work of artists both familiar and new,
and for rewarding work in more categories than ever, the
2000 GLAMAs were indeed brave, even if thev occasionally
treaded m familiar award< show territory. '
The 'how overcame early snafus-including traffic gridlock
caused by President Ointon's motorcade, who was in
town for a fund-raiser. missing awards and technical glitches-
but was hampered with no-show nominees. Of 26
GLAMAs awarded, eight w t!Ulcrs skipped the ceremony.
Absentees included Suzanne \\estenhoefer, lellSSa
Ethendge, Lee Lessack and The Butchies. lt was particularly
d!Sappointing that four of the eight GLAMAs m new categories
were not picked up Gretchen Lee of Cu1ve
Magazine (Music Reporting/CntJcsm), Susan Morabito
(DJ), Indigo Girls and John Reynolds (Producer of the Year)
and Hentges and Jude O'Nym (Song of the Year).
The most graceful, elegant moment:; undoubtedly belonged
to the cla:.,1cal and choral winners, including aa.. 1cal
Performance GLAMA winner Then...""1 Bogard ("Alleluia In A
Form ofTcx"t"ata"; Mu.~ic nf Louise Tahru; CR!}.
'Tm from l..iramine, Wyoming," said the dearly choked-up
Bogard, who teache5 at the Unim'Sity of Wyommg. "And if I
can be out and you can be out, we should all be able to be out."
;..- Continued on Page 17
16 OUT ON THE BAYOU APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
---
Bringing the Worlds Best to Houston
presents
David Campbell
Cabaret
Stamng in off-Broadway's premiere of Sondheim's
Saturday Night, 26-year-old David Campbell is an
exc1bng young talent With an ever-versatile tenor,
this Australian heart-throb is captivating
Hear such favorites as
Bndge Over Troubled Water, I Got Rhythm,
Old Devil Moon, and more
Catch a rising star ...
Friday, May Sth
Seating on Jones Hall Stage
7:00 pm & 9:30 pm
www.ticketmaster.com
<t~ AESTA • FDL£Y'S ·KROGER 713-ll7-4SPA
~8.-n:M
........ "'" -· ~ Bank o f M ontreal
AMERICAN Contlne n u l IGE'.'llERAL
flt~,\NCli\I , GRO
Ai rline~
On Stage
Melody on a lost path
by D.L. GROOVER
If you think you can't teach an old dog
new tricks, think again.
Carlisle Floyd, American opera's grand
old man, has created COLD SASSY
TREE, unveiled earlier this month at
Houston Grand Opera in a most lyrical
production. Aside from the physical
beauty of the sets and costumes, whose
realism could rival any Belasco presenta·
tion from the tum of last century, Floyd
has decided to shun the melodic and
embrace the ultra-modem. Bad dog.
No longer does he charm us with
melody as in "Susannah," his one opera ~
for which he will be remembered, nor -
enmesh us with drama and sigmficance as ©
in "Of Mice and Men" or "Willie Stark." !;;
Instead he bows to the contemporary ~
and creates a jagged, dissonant score to a ~
piece of fairly tame passion where the ~
most conflict seems to stem from whether ii
the house gets indoor plumbing.
Taking a slice of rural Americana from
the corn·pone novel of Olive Ann Burns,
Floyd has fashioned a bland opera It is
filled with all the sappy virtues of "The
Waltons" and even an unintentional
whiff of "The Music Man," although
without its gift for music or sanctimo·
nious parody.
There's not a tune to be heard all
evening except for the e\•angelical
Doxology ("Praise God From Whom All
Blessings Flow"). Tensions rise and dra·
matic situations occur throughout the
evening, but not once do the characters
really sing For a few bars they get close
to a sustained melodic line, but Floyd. m
his curmudgeon mood, pulls back and
withholds pleasure.
It's no wonder people don't respond to
contemporary operas; there's nothing in
them to wrap your ears around. It's diffi·
cult to think of any recent work you'd
want to sit through again.
Directed in unobtrusive style by Bruce
Beresford, "Cold Sassy" moves cinemati·
cally and is performed without a false
note, even 1 f they are ill served by
Floyd's music.
Last seen m a m•eting performance in
"Mefistofele," Patricia Racette brings her
dramatic gifts and voice to the role of
Love Simpson. She is the young woman
who mames the much older general
store owner ma "business arrangement"
that sets the tongues of the small town of
Cold Sassy Tree wagging in disapproval.
As Rucker Lattimore, Dean Peterson
rounds out his idiosyncratic, cantanker·
ous character with gently evolving
shades of tenderness and wraps hb lus·
CJous bass baritone around Floyd's
zigzag tunes with more love than this
music deserves.
As narrator and John-Boy stand-in,
Will Tweedy, who wants to be a writer
Composer Carlisle Floyd was in Houston earlier
this month during rehearsals of his ' Cold Sassy
Tree,' his latest and perhaps final opera.
and falls in love with a girl from the
wrong side of the tracks, John McVeigh's
tenor fills the house with dramatic
insight and brings his character an ingra·
tiating goodness. Margaret Lloyd, as
Lightfoot McClendon, the mill worker
who longs for "learning," sings and acts
gloriously, although_ all her arias are way
too brief and musically sketchy to be
truly affecting.
Although this subplot of mismatched
lovers could take the story to a higher
realm, Floyd, writing as his own dr.ima·
tist, loses interest in them and settles
their conflict too easily. The situations in
this small rural Georgia town get settled
with low-key concern, even the dram.itic
confessions of childhood rape or the
problem of segregation.
It's the fault of the music, because
everything sounds the same. Hypocrisy
is given the same tonal value as young
love; playing checkers on the front porch
sounds just like attempted murder. The
story can't possibly move us because the
music goes nowhere.
Floyd is notorious for tinkering with
his work, having edited "Jonathon
Wade" for 25 years after its premiere,
until he finally scuttled the original book
and music almost entirely. Perhaps mspi·
ration will strike with "Cold Sassy Tree,"
and instead of new tricks, he'll revert to
the old one: melody as the path to drama.
Cold Sassy Tree
Houston Grand Opera
Wort ham Theater Center
Through May 6
713·227-ARTS
wwwhoustongrandopera.org
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
- Continued from Page 15
As Kristina Boerger accepted her
Contemporary Classical Composer CL.AMA
("Dream of· Snow Covered Bridges,"
Amasong, AMAJ/ Amasong), she was
re;plendent in black tuxedo tails, starched
white ·shirt and bright baby blue bow tie.
And the evening's first genuine surprise
occurred moments later when presenter Kate
Chnton announced the Choral GLAMA,
which tied and went to Boerger for her second
award, and to Dallas-based Turtle Creek
Chorale for "In This Heart of Mine" (The
Best of Turtle Creek Chorale; TCC).
Two GLAMAs helped point out how
forcibly queer music is forcing the major
labels to re-write industry rules.
After rocking the crowd with her winning
track, Joi Cardwell won the Dance Music
GLAMA for "Last Chance for Love," from
her album Deliverance (Nomad Records),
which was produced by her own label.
"This means so much to me because
Deliverance is my first album on my very
own label," Cardwell said. ''J'm free from
the record companies."
GAYBC Radio's Charlie Dyer won the
first-ever GLAMA for Live Radio Broadcast.
"The GLAMAs are about music, not about
radio," Dyer said. 'Thanks for supporting us
because we don't exist without you."
Christian Andreason took the nod for
OUT ON THE BAYOU
For a list of GLAMA winners,
visit www.houstonvoice.com
Contemporary Spiritual Music, a new category.
17
"When the subject of spirituality came up,
papers started rustling, conversations began
and people got up to get drinks," Andreason
said. "But everyone in this room, whether
you write or sing music or listen to it, does
so from a place of spiritual honesty."
In a perfect sign of queer serendipity,
GLAMA's two special honorees, jazz
pianist Fred Hersch and singer/songwnter
Meshell Ndgeocello, were each honored
beyond those prizes. Hersch earned a
standing ovation while accepting the
Michael Callen Medal, awarded to an individual,
group, organization or business
committed to furthering gay music and
whose spirit embodies that of the late
activist and musician.
GLAMA co-founders Michael Mitchell (left) and Tom McCormick added several new categories
to the annual gay music awards, which-despite some minor glitches-showed the growing
influence of queer music.
Revealing their similar backgroundCallen
was raised in Cincinnati, Hersch a
half an hour away-Hersch recalled meeting
and working with Callen on the landmark
album Legacy. Hersch also collected
the Male Artist GLAMA, for "Fred Hersch
Live at Jordan Hall: Let Yourself Go."
Meshell Ndgeocello received the
evening's second standing ovation while
accepting GLAMA's Outmusic Award, presented
to a recording artist, group or musician
who has advanced gay music through
their work as an out musician.
"Jt's really hard to come here and see that
I'm only one of a handful of people of color.
I just wish we could all love each other. Just
love each other," Ndgeocello said. "Thank
you so much for this. It inspires me to keep
working, to go back to my label and push
the envelope a little bit more."
In an interview after the awards ceremony,
Ndgeocello laughed at her statements
about pushing her music label-it is, after
all, owned by Madonna.
"You can always push the envelope a lit-
Propec1a®
(f inasteride)
Ask your doctor about this pill from Merck.
For more information, call 1·888-MERCK· 74.
www.propecia.com
tie more," Ndgeocello said. "I think my
next thing to do is to impregnate Madonna.
Maybe I can get some, you know, something
real happening that way."
But the three-time GLAMA winner also
reiterated her belief that the gay community
has racial barriers to break down.
"The community is so racially diverse, so
economically diverse, so artistically
diverse. Jt's just really difficult. Because I
deal with that in my every day life. I even
remember going to coming out meetings in
New York and there was racism then. There
is racism in the gay community today. But
we can fix that. We can all broaden our
minds. We really can all love each other. We
at least have to try," Ndgeocello said.
18
Now Accepting Medicare, PPOs
& Standard Insurances.
Exercise Programs
Personal Trainers
Nutritional Intervention
Massage Therapy
Stress/Pain Managment
Neuropathy Therapy
Peer Support
Workshops & Seminars
Steroid Education
Increase Self Esteem
Our Reputation
is built on OUR MEMBERS!
AJ) ITTrrnesG
\@)XCJ~
Voted #1
in Customer Satisfaction!
4040 MILAM 77006
(713) 524-9932
Let us show you
how 01:1r program
will work for you!
londay to Friday 5 am - 10 pm
'aturday & Sunday 8 am - 8 pm
NEWS APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Health Briefs
For more news coverage: www.houstonvoice.com
Tuberculosis outbreak among transgendered leads to CDC warning
ATLANTA (AP)-A tuberculosis outbreak among transgender people living in Baltimore
and :-\ew York City may be spreading, the government said April 20. The COC confirmed
26 active cases and 37 dormant cases of tuberculosis, most of them connected to transgender
people in the two cities. The COC uses the term "transgender" to encompasses crossdressers,
those who have undergone sex-change procedures and individuals who are planning
to undergo sex-change operations. All of the cases in Baltimore were men, except for
four women who were either family members of the men or health care workers who treated
them. The government said 62 percent of the tuberculosis patients tested positive for
HIV, making them especially susceptible to TB. "Frequent travel and social network links
identified among the Baltimore and NYC cases have raised concern that this strain ... may
be circulating in other cities among young, mobile transgender persons with HIV infection,"
the COC said in a report. The COC is checking for additional cases linked to the same strain
in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
European health agency issues warning on AIDS drug Viramune
BRUSSEL.5-The European Medicines Evaluation Agency has issued a warning about
use of the AIDS drug Viramune, following reports of potentially fatal side effects, Reuters
news service reported April 19. The European Union's drug administration said in an April
12 statement that patients and doctors must take special care in the first eight weeks of
using Viramune, also called nevirapine. The EMEA said that some users.of the drug had
suffered severe skin and liver reactions and some had died It said patients with a history
of skin and liver complaints should not use Viramune. South Africa recently halted trials of
another AIDS drug being administered in combination with nevirapine following the
deaths of five women in one trial.
On-line survey finds depression to be gays' top health concern
NEW YORK-Depression tops the list of health concerns for lesbian and gay men,
according to a health survey released by Gayflealth.com. The survey ranked depression as
the top health concern, even surpassing HIV, for both lesbians (35 percent of those surveyed)
and gay men (32 percent of those surveyed). Compared with a similar study among heterosexuals,
gay men and lesbians are twice as likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be
concerned about depression. The rest of the top five for gay men include prostate and testicular
problems, HIV, sexually transmitted disease, and hepatitis; for lesbians, breast cancer,
cervical cancer, menstrual pain and estrogen replacement followed depression as major
health concerns. GayHealth.com is a new web-site devoted exclusively to gay health issues,
and operated by gay medical professionals. The survey was used to launch the site April 15.
Health officials use lowrider car to bring AIDS message to Latinos
SACRAMENTO (AP)-The Cahforma
· Dcpartr:nent of f.lealth Services 1s sending a
customized lownder car across the state as a
"moving billboord" to teach Latino youths
about s.ife sex and AIDS. A Modl-..;to car club
added hand-painted AIDS prevention murals
and slogans in Spanish and English to the
sides of the 1953 Chevy Bel Air. The vehicle
also features special hydraulics, chrome rims,
a sound system and upholstery. Latinos
account for nearly a third of new AIDS cases
in California, state officials said. California
Director of Health Diana Bonta said the
lowrider will travel to cultural events and car
shows for the next 18 months m ,1n attempt to
A hand-painted lowrider car similar to this
one is being used to help educate Latino
youths in Cafifornia about safe sex and AIDS.
reach out to Latino youths. It was unveiled
April 17 m Los Angeles by Bonta, Latma talk show host Cristina Sarlegui of Univision, and
Ricardo Gonzalez, publisher of Lowrrder Magazine. Its first official stop will be April 30 at
Sacramento's Festival de la Familia.
High-fiber diet does not reduce colon cancer risk, studies say
ATlAl\1TA-A high-fiber diet does not prevent the polyps that can lead to colort'Ct,11
cancer, according to two large studies published in this week's New Engl.lnd Journal of
Ml•dicme, G'\N reported Each year 1~0,000 Americans arc diagnosed with colorectal cancer,
and 56,000 die from the disease Previous rese.1rch st~ggcsted a high·fibl·r diet could
reduce .1 person's nsk of colorectal canCl'r, but those studies did not directly me,1sure the
anti-cancer effects of a high-fiber diet. "There may be many rt•asons toe.it .i diet that is low
m fat and high m fiber, fruits, and vegetables or to supplement the diet with a food high in
cereal fiber, but preventing colorectal adenomas, at least for the first three to four years is
not one of them," said Dr. Tim Byers of the University of Colorado School of ~ledicm; Ill
an accompanying editorial. The study authors did express concern that the thm.~year
study may have not been long enough to sec a difference m polyp development.
-From staff and wire reports
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28 2000 OUT ON THE BAYOU 19
Stand-up GIRL
>-- Continued from page 15
know something, they find out about it.
Maybe the culture is not always as easily
accessible in certain parts of the South, but
when people want to know, they know."
And for the multi-faceted artist, much of
that support comes from the gay comm uni·
ty-a fact not lost on Bernhard.
"I think because of my specification and
my openness, I'm the kind of performer that
the gay community can relate to," she said.
"My own sexuality aside, I just think that on
the surface, I'm iust somebody that has that
kmd of sensibility. I'm open and not
ashamed of it and gay audiences appreciate
that. They, probably more than anyone else,
can dig what I'm saying and appreciate me
going out on a limb during my show."
In typic,11 Bernhard fashion, 'Tm Still
Herc .. Damn lt1" will be packed with a
number of new surprises.
"It's kind of a hybrid of 'I'm Still Herc'
and the stuff l'\'e been domg on the road
since," she said "It's the bulk of the origi·
nal show, but it's abo a lot of new stuff,
things that I continue to add. Like me, the
show's continually e\'olving. It's really a
cross-section of cultural examination and
my emotional/spiritual Journeys all intcrWO\'
en around music and singing."
While admitting that giving birth to
daughter Cicely Yasin in 1998 has mellowed
her personally, motherhood has
done little to tone down her raunchy yet
heartfelt ranting and ravings about contemporary
life on stage. Bernhard refuses to
artistically muzzle her views.
"I've never had a single regret about any·
thing I've said on or off the stage," she said.
"Because more than anything, I think that it
has done good things for me and good
things for people who needed to hear it. I
think that if you are forthright and coming
from your heart, people who maybe inhibited,
a little intimidated or afraid to express
themselves get inspired by that. It gives
them an opportunity to gain their footing."
From her recurring role on the hit sitcom
"Roseanne," as lesbian character Nancy
from 1991 to 199b, to her recent cameo a~ a
gay actress on "The Sopranos," Bernhard
has repeatedly ignored common
I lollywood wisdom that taking on gay
rob c.:in damage a career. While gay fans
applaud the work, Bernhard has never seen
these actions as particularly noble.
"While I was doing 'Roseanne,' I never
thought that it w.:is so brave or so important,"
she said. "I just thought that it was a fun character.
But if it affected people in a good way,
then that was fantastic. I just never looked at
it like I was doing something heroic."
Shll. Bernhard is considered by some to
be a role model, but it's not a role in life
she set out to secure.
"I never purposefully thought to myself,
'Hey, I want to be a role model,'" she said. "I
iust think I am one because I do what I love
and I have a great time doing it. l know that
I am affecting people, but I'm not setting out
to. I'm not a lecturer. I'm not someone out
there going, 'Listen to me, because I'm the
truth-teller. I'm going to break ground!' I
A fresh approach for restoring the skin
you ore born with.
Available NOW for men and women.
SPECTACULAR RESULTS!
• improve skin tone, clarity, elasticity
• effectively treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun
damage, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation
ASK ABOUT OUR
TRANSDERMAL HAIR REMOVAL PROCESS
'4".rp~n_w --W- 3843 N. Braeswood 713-669-0466
TRANSDERMAL HAIR RESTORATION
All natural transdermal skin and
transdermal lace technology
WE SERVICE AND REPAIR ALL
1YPES OF HAIR SYSTEMS, WHILE
YOU WAIT. Fun SERVICE, $30
just march forward and do my work"
Even with her celebrity status, Bernhard
doesn't see herself as a star.
"You'd be surprised how I live my life. I
don't really live it like that. I'm kind of out
on the streets, doing my thing-like going
to the dry cleaners. I do things that are not
typical of somebody who thinks they are a
celebrity," she said. "I just think that things
are going to happen because they are sup·
posed to happen, not because I'm a star
"That whole celebrity thing is really just
a state of mind,'' Bernhard said. " And I 1ust
think that it is a boring one I think It's kind
of sad for somebody to have to get up every
morning and realize that their whole hfc is
about them bemg famous. I thlnk that it is
deadenmg. I really do."
Bernhard speaks from expenence, having
spent a great deal of time with former
pal Madonna while the Material Girl was
scaling the ladder to superstardom.
"I had a chance to see what that crap can
do to you, so I don't think that she has that
much of a fun life, at least not in my opinion,"
Bernhard s.1id "I wouldn't want to be
followed around by paparazzi and ha\'e my
every mo\'e morutored I think that would
be hell on earth. Can you think of anyone
who would find that rewarding?"
But that could change if Bernhard's act·
ing career continues on it's upward spiral.
With "Dinner Rush," she's just added
another entry onto her resume of performances
m films like "Track 29," "Lover Girl,"
"King Of Comedy" and "Hudson Hawk."
The project that could put Bernhard's
radiant visage in front of millions of
Americans on a weekly basis is a top secret
/J t/r,iJ ...
television show, which reportedly could
ha\'e her playing another lesbian character.
"I just wrote a TV thing fer me to star in,
and we are pitching it at different places,"
she said. "It's a comedy, but I don't want to
JinX it by talking about it too much. All I will
say is that it's a pretty eclectic piece that
should definitely get people's attention."
Until a deal is finalized, Bernhard will be
keeping herself \'ery busy. She's working on
another album, writing another book, auditionmg
for more film roles and spending as
much time as she can performing for chari·
ties benefiting gay and AIDS-related causes.
As for more 11\'e performances, don't
expect a full-flcdgt.'CI tour anytime soon.
"I think I'm too old to live that rock 'n'
roll style, so 111 probably just keep to doing
these weekend gigs,'' the 44-ycar-old said
with a laugh. "I ha\'e a lot of responsibilities
at home now, so I like to bt> there as
much as I can. Doing these shows are like
nicl' little weekend vacations for me. I ha\'e
fun doing them and hopefully so do the
people who come see me
'Tm a happy gal at this point in my hfc,
and I'm doing the things that I want to do,"
she added.
Sandra Bernhard
Mays. 7 p.m.
Aerial Theatre
Tickets are S36 25-S76.25
713-629-3700
tke 1lutf6 yvu 're ih.7
/J if clw 1/uy:~e yvu Na h-6.J
MUSCLE MECHANICS""
PKRSONA L. TRAINING STUDIO
713.523.5330
•Y AP'P'OINTMll: N T. CALL N O W .
617 'R1ch"'ond .Aven"e in Montrose
+WESTBURY GARDENS
CONDOS
2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath. 2-Story
Townhouse with private patio and
assigned covered parking. $38,000
2 Bedroom. 1 Bath, Spacious Upstairs
Flat. very Good Condition $29 000
For more mformslion. please call after
Tuesday, Apnl 2 5, 2000
All units ire In 1 chinning old·world •tmosphere
with an over-sized pool on the complex
713. 729.9316
Call Lyn for an appointment
(On-Sole Agent)
Real
Estate
Call Marshall Rainwater
at 713-529-8490
20 OUT ON THE BAYOU
Out In Print BOOK NEWS
Memoirs of a philosophizing hustler
by JS. HALL
Like many a young man before him,
Rick Whitaker left his home m the
Midwest for the bright lights of New York
City. But unlike many of those hypothetical
young men, Whitaker's journey took
darker and more twisted directions, as a
series of mISfortunes led him to hustling.
ASSUMING THE POSITIO:-.; chronicles
his descent into this netherworld
and eventual emergence to the path of
recovery. In many respects, Whitaker differed
from the stereotypical hustler. A
college dropout who had studied philosophy,
he wrote book reviews and a
novel, proofread manuscnpts and dabbled
m classical music.
But then jobs started falling through,
the novel kept getting rejected, and his
boyfnend Tom broke up with him Wh:rt
began as a one-time act of getting back at
his ex soon escalated into a full-time 1ob;
Whitaker's drug use increased.
While some might .irguc that he was
debasing himself, the author contends that
"hustlmg, at least at the lime I began doing
1t full time, seemed more hke an effective
way to earn money than a spiritual or
moral dilemma."
Indeed, he sees nothing wrong with
scott kennedy
'Assuming the Position: A
Memoir of Hustling'
By Fl ck Whitaker
Four Walls Eight W1ndO'M, hardcover,
192 pages. SIS
paying money for good sex, any more than
exchanging money for a sumptuous meal
or to sec a favorite performer in concert.
True, he could earn in a few hours what
others would earn in a week, but hts
expensive drug addiction-which deadened
his emohons so he could continue
hustling-ate all the profit and left him
back at the beginning of an increasingly
vicious cycle.
To some, the idea of hustling holds a
certain sleazy glamour; "Assuming the
Position" pops this bubble with cool, semidetached
prose Whitaker insists he didn't
set out to de-glamonze the "profession,"
but you can't help being simultaneously
repelled yet morbidly fascinated by some
of his Iess-than-sa\•ory encounters.
Most involved older, far-from-attractive
men with unpleasant habits-like a
coked-up doctor; a psychologist who
ought to have seen a shrink himself; a successful
lawyer with serious self-esteem
issues; and a computer geek with a pen-bob
smith
SUNDAY, MAY 7 • 8PM
/
)>
V>
V> c::
3
:.-,:,r
'"O
0
"'
Rick Whitaker
chant for oversized dildos.
But Whitaker makes an important point
that every man somewhere, somehow has
some erohc characteristic about him, and
only by focusing on that element was he
able to complete some of his transactions.
The product of a broken home,
Whitaker partially attributes hb hustling
as a way of reaching out to his ;1bsent
father, which makes more sense in the
book than it might in thL~ review, and as a
way of both feeling something intense and
losing himself at the some time
He quotes liberally from Freud,
1ietzsche, Thoreau, Leonard Woolf and
Wittgenstein, using their words to illustrate
some of his particular, peculiar situations.
The chapters alternate with
entries from his journals of the time,
which reflect his often strung out,
depressed state of mind.
He freely admits that the spiral of his
life "felt good-even the going downward,
especially the going downward. It was
relaxing and easy."
But now that he's sober and no longer
hustling, he still doesn't play what-if
games.
"It was an interesting expencnce," he
wntes, "but not, in itself, nearly so interesting
as hfc 1s for me now ....
"Prostitution is inelegant, a11d I have
always wa11ted to be an example of a certam
kind of rlegancc, .. [the kind] resulting
from the undistractcd observation of
one's own vigorous thinking
Thoughtlessness IS the cnme-or the smthat
comes before all others, and hustling
requires it," Whitaker concludes.
Those seeking a sexy account of husthng
encounters are advised to look elsewhere
But readers interested in an oddly
compelling, ph1losophically-flavorcd
exploration of a dark descent and ultimate
escape would do well to pick up
"Assuming the Pos1hon."
APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
What yo!'r neighbors
are reading . . .
1 Mr. Right is Out There
by Kenneth George, $13.95
2 Get Happy:
The Life of Judy Garland
by Gerald Clarke, $29.95
3 National Nancys
by rred Hunter, $22.95
4 Cat on the Scent
by Rita Mae Brown, $6.99
5 Shy Girl
by Elizabeth Stark, $22
6 Fabulous Hell
by Craig Curtis, $12.95
7 The Operator: David Geffen
Builds, Buys and Sells the
New Hollywood
by Tom King, $25.95
8 Rough Stuff
by Simon Sheppard, $13.95
9 Fresh Flesh
by Stella Duffy, $15
10 Married Women
Who Love Women
by Carron Strock, $12 95
Crossroads Market
BOOKSTORE & CAFE
1111 Westheimer
713-942-0147
Built to Survive
by Michael Mooney and
Nelson Verge!
2 Original Story By
by Arthur Laurents, $30
3 Get Happy:
The Life of Judy Garland
by Gerald Clarke, $29.95
4 Rooneys Shorts
by William Rooney, $14.95
5 The Cruelty of Science
by Sebastian Beaumont, $12.95
6 Gay Adult Video Star Directory
by Balle Wayne, $18.95
7 All About' All About Eve'
by Sam Staggs, $24.95
8 Boys Across the Street
by Rick Sanford, $24
9 Something to Tell You
by Gilbert Herdt and
Bruce Koff, $22 95
10 Golden Men:
Gay MJn's Guide to Midlife
by Harold Kooden, $14
w;~'
3939 Montrose Boulevard
713-522-5156
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000 OUT ON THE BAYOU 21
Eating Out RESTAURANT REVIEWS
For Auto, Home & Health
£~~ng dish~~~~~b.?~! l•ffeey I
Your
Community
Insurance
Agency!
The raves about CAFE BEIGNET, a block
outside of the Galleria between 5.1ge and
Yorktown, made ml' picture an upscale coffee
shop with an emphasis on pastries. While the
sea of cars parked in front doe-n't mesh with its
sclf-aimparison to a Pan..,ian cafe, Cafe Bcignet
is as close as we'll get m Houston.
The slick cherry wood furniture and bold
paintings ms1de present a stylish, yet unpl'l'tentious
interior. What's not visible 1s the
upstairs bakery, where staff arrives at 3 a.m. to
mix, knead and punch until the downstairs
counter is fully stoch>d with everything from
breads and muffins to pastries.
The complimentary breads, served in chic
wire baskets, help lure you to the bakery
counter on your way out. The fresh multigrained
bread was wholesome, and
the com bread moist
enough to avoid
crumbling when
spread with
pesto. I loved the
idea of pesto as
dipping sauce.
With just a dollop
on a small saucer, the
olive oil drams to the edge
of thl' dish, leaving the thick, spicy
mixture of nub, cheese and basil in the ccntrr,
satisfying both those who prefer to dunk
thcir breads in a lightly flavored oil and
those who prefer to slather away.
The rich Tomato Soup ($3.75) is simply
sublime. Served in a sun-dried tomato bread
bowl, the salmon-colored base is flecked with
black pepper and topped \1rith a few strands
of basil. The cream and pepper contribute as
much flavor as do the tomatoes, and the·
bread offsets the somewhat fiery bite. For
iJ;.iosc who prefer less filling soup, the Duck
Cafe Beignet
5381 Westheimer
713-626-9664
Food: ~ S':i S S':iS':i
service: ~~~S~
Value: ~<t>~SJ
Scene: 8' 8' SJ t)
t Opt for bread, water at home
~ t, Worth the drive, so Ii~ a little
with minuscule carrots and zucchini cubes.
While simple, the Cafe Salad ($3.75) features
ripe tomatoes and lettuces coated with a
carefully balanced balsamic vinaigrette.
The attention and quality given to each
dish 1s impressive, but what really allows
Cafe Beignet to stand out is the astonishing
number of original, daring dishes. The separate
brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner
menus overlap only slightly-and all
menus offer an array of pastas, crepes,
appetizers and entrees.
The Smoked Trout Ravioli ($9) exemplifies
the Cafe' s practice of transforming familiar
ingredients and dishes into something worth
raving about. A mamy mixture of smoked fish
and marscapone cheese fills each tender pasta
disc. The deliciously gamey aftertaste of the
fish kicks in beautifully against the tender
texture of the pasta, but
hardly overpowers the
Marinara.
The Almond
Crusted Chilean
Sea Bas.s ($17.95) is
more typical of the
entree list. The serving
of seared fish, large
and thick as a copy of "War
and Peace," remains flaky and savory
throughout. Served on a bed of artichoke hearts
and stewl'<i tomatoes, and topped with toasted
almonds and asparagus, the entire dish retams
the flavor of each of its parts.
Although the "Continental Fusion" descriptor
is e\ ident with dishes like 9lri.mp and
Artichoke Martini ($8.75), Grilled Salmon Fillet
and Black Pepper Fettucrini ($16.95), Wild
Mushroom Risotto ($15.95) and Mediterranean
Grilll'<i Chicken ($11.50), Cafe Beignet offers
more than a ·wink to our local coast.
The Gulf Bouillabaisse ($16.95; $9 for lunch
portion) offers a treasure chest of shrimp,
crawfish, scallops and Andouille sausage.
The dark saffron broth delicately steams each
:;eafood piece, and the sausages sizzle in the
tangy tomato-in{u.5(.>d oils.
The less successful Crawfish and 5.1ffron
Gnocchi ($6.50) coats its seafood With a delicious
lobster-tomato sauce, but the chewy texture
and bland flavor fall short of other, more
exquisite dishes.
Speaking of the Gulf's culinary gifts,
be1gnets play a greater role than a mere
b.ikery item. The Crawfish Beignets ($15)
consist of sauteed bell peppers and cucum·
bcr wmoulade. The Artichoke Beignet
($13), stuffed with olives, feta cheese and
ht•rbs, gives a Mediterranean twist to this
New Orll'ans staple.
The sm·crs arc friendly and knowledgl'able,
and it's not unusual to see the proud and
h<*p1t.ible owner pouring coffee and replenishing
bread baskeb as he welcomes customers.
The location defmitely draws the
Gallena area shcppcrs and residents, but
Montrose natives would do well to venture
out to experience the superb dishes.
ROB SCHMERLER & STAFF
713.661. 7700
Buslne.ss l:uurancr • l\orA:rr.s Comprnsallon
Group llralth • LI/~ lnsurancr &· much morr
6575 l'U.oop Sout/r, Suite 185 Bellaire, TX 77401
Cefe6rating 25 Years
in tfie Communit}j
Saturaays at 7:30pm
1307-Jf 'Yafe • 713-880-2872
to sign up for a weekly email preview,
send your address to editor@houstonvoice.com
visit us on-fine today art
www.houstonvoice.com
22 OUT ON THE BAYOU APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Maranatha Fellowship MCC
1311 Holman
(across from HCC-Downtown Campus)
Services Start Sundays at 6:30pm
April 30 Rev. Carl Tell, Guest Pastor
"God Sees You As God Has Called You, Not As You See Yo11rself'
• Speaal time for Prayer and Healing m tlus service
• Come and receive a blessing
"Circle of Chairs"
A new recovery support group, is being held at 5pm in the Blue Room of the
Educational Butlding. ChristJan support for every addiction. Everyone is welcome.
....
Bible Study begins at 5:30pm
and nursery is available.
Mid-week •Home Group"
services on Tuesdays
and Wednesdays
For more info •••
713-528-6756 or
maranatha@e-v1.net
Baly,Mind
&Spirit
NOT YOUR BASIC STORE!
Unique Clubwear
& Undergear
*For Men & Women•
Leather, Lubricants
Adult Toys - Gifts r:------ -,
125% Off Sale1
I Mens Club Shirts I
Ladles Dresses
L.---- - ---'
~As 1207 Your New L.!J 'J "tui!h§I Alternative Store
'"Don't Miss this Once a Year Sale"
713-944-6010
E-Mail: erasl207@bobnaiLcom
l!l7 Sl'ENCl!K • AU.£'11 GENOA. S...O. 1"""1<.._ TX 77
E.l•C..lfFft:c• •J&1 Nrport/Cclloic. nco C;all 2 M1b
0ncn IO :nn . M>dn lu • M21I Ordon -
1M
~~~ Maranatha ~lf . ~f
Fellowship
lfetropolltan
Community Church
·A~--'*'ll•~Ood. '
!Michael A. Bartfey M.o: P.A~
" Your Near-Town Psychiatr ist"
General psychiatnc·.~valuabons • ApPropnate
medication management • Cash tra'1$action
receipt provided for insurance purposes
• Medicare also accepted • Confidentiahty stnctty
respected • Se hab!a Espallol
500 Lovett Suite # 275
Houston, Tx 77006
713. 521.3334
if your hair
isn't BECOMING to you,
you should BE COMING to me.
DON Gill
STUDIO 911
713-521-0911
MASSAGE
IT'S A PLEASURE
Roland iu1rnsm
713-942-2399
Ce11trall.11 Localed
•7 Days/Evenings•
ttsalMC
Outcal/s Kr.Jcome
Call Marshall Rainwater
at 713-529-8490
community calendar
saturday, a pril 29
Alter Hours KPFT 90.1 FM. 12 a .m. to 3 a.m. 713·526·
5738
Q·Patrol walks the str••ts 9,4s p.m. 713-528·SAF£.
D19n1ty mass. 7:30 p .m. for gay Catholics. 713-880·
2872
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Rosary 8 a.m. 1805 W.
Alabama. 713·528-6665.
Houston Chain Gang 81cycle Club. 7'3·863·1860.
Rainbow Foshong Club. 713·526·7070.
Northwoods AIDS Coallt1on food Pantry Southwest
C•nter 281 ·633-2S55 & Conroe 936•41 1614 10 a.m.
to 2 pm.
Houston lesbian and Gay drop 1n hours from noon to
4 p.m. 713·524 3818. Mo ntrose Writer's PrOJtct. 3 to
4 30 p rn. • Ray Hill and love• benefit performance
7 30 pm. 803 H•wthorne. 713·956· 1866.
sunday, april 30
New Hope Chriman Center Worship Stl\11Ct 11 a.m.
803 Hawthorne. 713·524·3818.
Houston Area Teen CoalJt1on of Homosexuals meeu.
713.942.1002
Rainbow Ride rs. A bicycle club for women. 713·869.
1686.
St Stephen's Episcopal Church Holy Rote Eucharist I
7;45 a .m.; Holy Rite Eucharist II 8;55 a .m.; Education
hour 10 a .m.; Choral Eucharist 11 a m. 113·528·6665.
M"anatha FeJlowsh1p Metropolitan Church. 6:30 p.m.
113·S28·6756.
Resurrection MCC. Services. 9 a m and 11 a.m.
H•ndbell Choir reh .. rsal 1:30 p.m. 713·861·9149.
Grace Lutheran Church. Sunday school for all ages 9:00
am. Service 10:30 a .m. 713-528-3269.
Community Gospel. Service at 11 a .m. & 7 p.m. Sunday
School for children. 713·880·9235 or www community·
gosp•l.org.
Houston Mission Church. Service 10:30 a.m. 713-529·
822S.
Covenant Baptist Church. Service 9.30 a.m. & educat jon
hour 11 • m. 713·668-8830.
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church. Services at
8:30 • m. & 10,50 a.m. Sund•y school 9 4S a .m. 713-
526-1017
Th• Women's Group. 10,4S a.m. 713·529-8S71.
Unitarian Fellowship of Galveston County. 502 Church
St . S•rvoce 10,30 • .m. 409·765-8330.
First Congregational Church (Memorial). Service at 11
am. Christian Education. 1 L30 p.m. 713--468-9543 or
fcc-houston.org.
Un1taoan Fellowship of Hou\ton. Adult forum 10 a.m.
Servic• 11 a .m. 713·686·5876.
Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation: Adult
discussion 9:45 a .m. Service 11 a.m. 281-277-8882.
www.h1uc.org
Houston Tennis Club. 9 a.m.- Memorial Park at the
Tennis Center. 713 692·2703.
PFLAG Houston. 2 p.m. 7•3·867·9020.
monday, may 1
Berong Support Network. 7 p.m. 713-526-1017
Frost Eye Chnic. Free eye exams for p"ople with HIV.
713·830-3000.
HIV testing Free from AVES from 1 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
713·626·2837.
FrontRunn•rs. 6:30 p.m. 713·522-ll021
Kolb• Pro1ect Euchari1t 7-30 p.m. 713·861 · 1800.
Northwoods AIDS Coaltt1on Food Pantry opef\. 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. 936-441-1614.
Houston Tennis Club. 9 a.m. Memorial Park at the
Tennis Center- 713-692·2703
STD hams & tr•atment. Free. AVES. 713-626·2837
gayOAR. Wellness community. 7 p .m. 713·526-1017
X211 •
Houston lesbian and Gay Community d rop·tn hours
from 6 to 9 p.m. Black lesbian & G.iy Coalition weekly
m••t<ng 7 p.m 713·524·3818.
tuesday, may 2
Gay Men HIV+ Psychotherapy. Montrose Counseling
Center. 4,30 p.m. 713·529·0037.
Aftercare Group Treatment. Montrose Counseling
Center 6 p.m. 713·529 0037
PROTECT. An HIV·negatove support group 7 p.m. 713.
526·1017.
Women Survivors of Childhood Abuse. Montrose
Couns•long Center 6:30 p.m. 713·529·0037
Bering Support Network. lunch Bunch Gang 11 a .m.
713-S26·1017
Gay Men's Process Group . 7 p.m. 3316 Mt. Vernon. 713~
526·8390.
Men's Network. Discussion group for social. educ,\t10n·
al development of gay and bisexual men. 7 p.m.
Montrose Counseling Center. 713-529-0037.
Northwoods AIDS Coa l1t1on Food Pantry open. 10 a .m.
to 6 p.m. 281 633·255S.
Lambda Skating Club skates at 8 p.m. Tradewinds. 713-
410-7215.
Houston Lesbian a nd Gay Community Ce nter drop-in
hours 6 to 9 p.m. l esbian Commg Out Group meets 7
p.m. lubians Island Young Women's Group meets 7
p.m. 803 Hawthorne. 713·528·3818.
INNOVATIVE • ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO
MEDIATION/CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Results Oriented • Affordable • Short Term
20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE working with couples,
organizations and groups in conflict.
Cf!enle/v f<Pl/ cewatitiit lJ, X 1wudedge & cetu111<;..:
Maria E. Minicucci, Ph.D.
Human Behavior Specialist • 713-592-5262
Oasis Esplanade
A three level luxury apt, with rooftop garden & best
view in New Orleans. 3 blocks to French Quartei
All amenities. Available for short term accommodati~ns
FOR RESERVATIONS: 800-575-9166 • 504-524-4248
1260 Esplan.ide Ave , New Orlea111, LA 70116
HOUSTON VOICE • APRIL 28, 2000
Impotence support/d1scusslon group. 7 p.m. 713-523~
04S1
lesbian Health ln1t1at1ve. Monthly meeting. 1 p.m, 713·
603-0023
wednesday, may 3
free HIV Testing. Thomas Street Clinic. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
201S Thomas Street 713-793-4026.
STD Exams & treatment. Free. AVES. 713-626-2837.
81Net Houston. 7:30 p.m. Social meeting. 713-467-4380
Women's Network. 7 p.m. Montrose Counseling Center.
701 Richmond. 713-S29-0037
Northwoods AIDS Coalition Food Pantry open. 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. 936-441 ·16t4
PtOJtlL Caesar. Workshops. AFH. 3203 Weslayan. 713·
623-6796.
Out Skate Rollerskating Club. 8 to 10 p.m. 807S Cook
Road. 281-933-S818.
Rainbow Ranglers free C&W dance lessons. Brazos
Rover Bottom. 7 p.m. 713-880-0670.
Hospital Volunteer Training. Kolbe Project. 1 to 4 p.m.
713-861-1800.
Bible Study. Noon & 6:30 p.m. St. Stephen's Eposcopal.
713-S26-666S.
Sporotual Uplift service. 7 p.m. Bible Study 7:30 p.m.
Resurrection MCC. 713-861 -9149.
Houston Tennis Club. 9 a.m. Memorial Park at the
Tennis Center. 713-692-2703.
HIV Testing. Free. AVES. 713-626-2837.
Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center drop·in
hours 6 t o 9 p.m. Free HIV testing by the Montrose
Clinic 6 to 9 p.m. Houston Gay & lesbian Poht1cal
Caucus monthly meeting. 7 p.m. 803 Hawthorne. 713.
524·3818. -
Classoc Chasm Car Club. Monthly meeting. 713-797-
8615
thursday, may 4
G1y Men's Chorus of Houston Open rehearsal. 7 p.m.
713-S21 -7464
HIV+ Men Psychotherapy. Montrose Counseling Center.
US p.m. 713-S29-0037.
Rainbow Ranglers free C&W dance lessons. Brazos
Rover Bottom. 7 p.m. 713-880-0670.
STD Exams & treatment. Free. AVES 713-626-2837.
Relapse Prevention. Montrose Counseling Center. 2
p.m. 713-529-0037
Northwoods AIDS Coalition Food Pantry open. 10 a.m
to 6 p.m. 281-633-2SSS.
Aftercare Group Treatment. Montrose Counseling
Center. 6 p.m 713-S29-0037
ROCK.SENSUAL.
"Rain is solid." -Houston Press
"waves of Rain is a sumptuous,
auditory feast that will leave you
satiated." -Urban Beat
Waves Of Rain
The New Album From Uquid-i
Available at Wherehouse Music Souodwaves,
Cactus. Sam Goody (Willowbrook & Village)
www.lmulsio nR<'cord•-corn
! or morT inform•tion call 1U-111-H H
OUT ON THE BAYOU
Women's Therapy Group. Montrose Counseling Center.
S:30 p.m. 713-S29-0037
FrontRunners. 6:30 p.m. 713-S22-8021.
HIV Art Course Program. 1 to 4 p.m. Patrick Palmer
713 -S26-1118.
Women's Clinic Montrose Clinic. 713-830-3000.
Open Mike N19ht Cafe Artist. 8 p.m. 713-S28-3704
Community Gospel. Service. 7:30 p.m. 713-880-923S or
www.communitygospel.org
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church. Dinner at
6:30 p.m. Varoous Support Groups 7 p.m. 713·526-1017
HIV T•st1n9. Free. AVES. 713-626-2837.
Gay, lesbian & Bisexual Alliance at the University of
Hounon (GLOBAL) meets at 4 p.m. 713-743-7S39.
Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center drop·tn
hours 6 to 9 p.m. ·First Comes Lust" lesbian Sex
Forum. 7 p.m. 713-S24-3818.
EC Houston. Pro-Gay. Pro Christian. Bible Study 800·
310-6718.
friday, may 5
Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals
(HAT.C.H.) meets. 713-942 7002.
Aftercare Group Treatment. Montrose Counsehng
Center. 6 p.m. 713-S29-0037
STD Exams & treatment. Free. AVES. 713-626-2837.
Frost Eye Clinic. Free eye exams for people with HIV.
713-830-3000.
Q-Patrol walks the stre•ts. 8:4S p.m. 713-S28-SAFE.
Kolbe Project . Morning Prayer. 10 a.m. Park Plaza
Hospital vosotatoon at 7 p.m. 713-861-1800.
Houston Tennis Club. 9 a.m. Memorial Park at the
Tennos Center. 713-692-2703.
Pos1t1ve Art Workshop. 1 p.m. to .C p.m. Patrick Palmer.
713-626-1118.
Lesbian and Gay Voices. KPFT 90.1 FM. 7 p.m. 713-526·
S738.
M1shpachat Ahz1m Shabbat Serw1ces. 8 p.m. 713 -748·
7079.
Men's Coming Out Group. 7 p.m. 713-S24-3818.
Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center drop-t'n
hours 6 to 9 p.m. lesbian Movie night. 7 p.m .• 713.
524-3818.
Healing Eucharist. Christ Church Cathedral. 7 p.m. 1117
Texas. 713-222-2S93.
Community Awareness for Transgender Support (CATS)
meets. 409-927-1705 or tgh~lpOyahoo.com .
To list an event call Carolyn Roberts at 713-519-8'~.
fax at 7'3·519-9531, or e-mail ed1torOhoustonvoice.com.
Deadline Is Friday at S p.m.
THE PLAZA
AT
RIVER OAKS
~ A , A ~ T M ! N T S
1920 W. Gray • 1945 W. Bell
713-528-5277
SEE THE CLASSIFIED SECTIOS
RESURRECTION MCC
Celebrates the
Mlu.ENNIUM
MARCH
ON
WASHINGTON
2DDD
Worship Services are Sundays at 9am & 11am
and Wednesdays at 7pm
713-861-9149
1919 Decatur St. • Houston, Texas 77007
www.mccr-hou.com
Automotive
Services ~ .
Call Marshall Rainwater
at 713-529-8490
•• \\ •• THI 11al PLACI
Ire.
•Alignment
•Brakes • 1 307 Fairview
(3 blocks west of Montrose)
713-529-1414
American & Foreign
TAFT STREET
AUTO
Aute Repair & Service
713-526-3723
1411 Taft Houst11.TX. 11011
Alignments
Brakes
2314 Washington
713-880-4747
23
24
Classifieds
Announcements
The Chamber
lbe general meeting 1s set for
May 2nd at Sonoma, 141~
C:i11fom1a The social hour b<.-g1ns
1116pm nod ends :u 7pm then dinner
• Jcny Qumnes ll!ld Regma
l>o!son ill'C the spotlighted cntertunmcnt
• Vickie M.:O:inahan
:md Rick Schroder are the featured
spe:il;ers for "Out" In Corporate
Amenc:i. They ,.,11 discuss how n
rc:illy 1s in corporate Amenc:i to
openly identify :is lesbian or gay. •
Non-members are welcome
Cash bar :ind set menu pnce •
$22.00/members, $25 OCV nonmembers
• RSVP to 713523 7576
• Actor Auditions
Theatre !'cw West 111 Sonoma 1s
lookmg for 2 men and 2 women
(ages 2040) for upcoming producuon.
• Auditions will be held
S:uurday, Apnl 29, I -5pm. • By
appomtment only, call
71 'U22 2204.
An Uncommon Legacy
The de:idlme of May I, 2000 for
subm1ss1on of applic:u1ons for
An Uncommon Legacy
Foundauon, Inc scholarships
draws near Application~ and
complete m-strucuons are available
on the mtemet
(www uncommonlegacy.org)
M:u' apphcat1ons to 200 Hyde
P:irk. Houston, TX 77006 •
Bod\ Posithe
Wellness Center
1s a non profit org;1mznt10n that
seeks to empower those wnh
HIV 1nfcct1on. through nutnt1on
hiropr~ct c scrv ces yoga. nod
pt.'CHounsehng If you = mter
estcd m pa111cip:u.c.n or volun
teenng "e Willi! to spc;U; "'ith
you 1 \ 1 u our \\ellSlte at
"'"'wbodypc .t1ve org or call
711 ~24 2174
Autos For Sale
19 Ford Fxped1t1on XLT • ISK
miles. 1nl seat dual air, Wo"' 1 •
$!5,999 • Lone Star N1ss:m
2SI 241 ~600
'90 M1tsub1Sh1 Galan! • Auto.
sunroof, power W/L and more• •
$4.299 • Lone Star Nissan
281 2418600
'89 Nissan Pathfinder • 75K
miles, power W/L, mcc1 •
$3,999 • Lone Sur Nissan,
281 241 8600.
'92 Ford Explorer• Auto, po"er
W/L, cruise. tilt and more' •
$4,999 • Lone Star Nissan,
281 243 8600
'98 GMC Suburban SLT • Only
34K miles, leather, 3rd seJt,
dual rur • $23,99'1 • Lone Star
:-;lSSall, 281 243.8600.
'98 Mazda 626 • Only IOK
miles, CD, auto, super dean'• S
11,999 • Lone Star !'11ssan,
281 24'.l 8600.
'99 Mercury Sable • Auto, power
W/L. 2 to choose from. •
S 12,299 • Lone Star Nissan,
281 .243.8600
'97 lnfm1t1 1-lO
Stk #VT~07501. Bose, power
W/L, leathcr sunroof• Sl5,999 •
Lone S1:ir l'<.s::..in, 281 241 8600
'91 Mazda Protege • 4 door, cold
A/C. super mce, super pnce •
S2.999 • [..one Star Nissan,
281 243 8600
·9~ Mercury Tracer • Auto,
power WfL. and more' • $4,499
Lone Siar :-.01ssan,
2812418600
Employment
Adm. Assistant
Seekmg full urne energe1ic can·
d1da1e with public candor willmg
to make presen1a11ons and
fam1har wtth mtemet • Will
assist in expansion of program·
ming :ind workshops. • Kolbe
Project, 713.861.1800.
Carter & Cooley
Busy Heights area deli needs
counter help. • Apply 1n person
at 375 West 19th Street or call
Doug :u 7 n 864 3354.
The 611 Club 1s mterviewmg for
expenenced bartenders. •Apply
m person on Tuesdays only -
before .lpm at 611 Hyde Park.
Cafe Bc1gnet, :in upscale Gallena
n:stauranl 1s now hmng manager
and profi:ss1onal w:ut slaff • Fax
resume to 711 790.0846 or apply
m pcl'St'n :u 5381 Wcsthe1mer &
Yorktown
N1ghtmgalc ADC offers free
employment assistance ro HIV+
individuals • lncludmg JOb preparedness
tram ng. resume
development. Job search as 1
lance Fer more information wll
71'9 I 1~43
Person_a_l-.1-'r_a_i_n_e_r _
Pos.:1on Jv:ulable • Ceruticallon
and experience preferred. •
C ontacl John Aaron •.it
1 n ~21 ~HO fur
1ntcrv1cw/informat1on.
OUTSIDE SALES
Work with our cornmumty and
g.-e back at the same umc
Good base • Excellent benefits
and generous tomm1ss1on •
Mon Fn • Call Jan Rcberts wnh
Community Commun1eat1ons
.Set'll.ork at 281 ~8l 3770. See
our full pai:e :id m this issue
Cnsh1er •Late mgh1 Sh1f1S • S1a11
$6 50 per hour• Apply m person
1100 Fannm • M1dtowne Spa.
STEVEN'S HOUSE
HIV Intermediate care borne
seeks mgh1 staff · Resident mtcraction.
housework. :mJ clencal •
Understandinglsens1t1vtty of
HIV/AIDS and expcncnce a plus
•EOE• Send rcsurne to Executive
Director • PO Box IJ 1301
Houston. Texas 77219-1303
EXHIBITIONIST
WANTED
Exc111ng new "ebsne venture •
We provtde the •cchmcnl stuff •
You be the st:ir1 711957.3500.
Window~tedia
Window Media, the publisher of
Southern \'rltct (Atlanta), Hou
sum Vma (Houston) lmpt1cl
News (:-.cw Orleans) and ecl1pst
magazme 1s expcncncmg
unprecedenlcd growth wllh
amb111ous plans for the future
Talen1ed. hard-working, creative
and dedicated ind1v1duals ore
constantly rn demand as
opponunt11es ansc "'thin our
pubhcat1on areas: Sales.
Admm1Mrauon, Circu·
lat1on/Distnbullon, Editorial,
Design/Producuon. If you are
interested m a career palh w11h a
growing organizauon, please
submit your resume to: Window
Media. Attn Human Resources
Dep1 • I 095 Zonolite Road #I 00.
Atlanta Ga . 30306.
BASIC BROTHERS
N"w acceptmg applications for
management positions and fulV
pan·t1me retail employmen1.
Pnor retaiVsales expenence and
computer knowledge a plus •
Come JOJO our team and enjoy
one of the best benefit package.
around • Apply M ·F, I O-.im-4pm,
1212 Wes1hcuner • No phone
calls please.
Home Improvements
Top Sml, Clay Gravel nnd etc. •
Spread and compacted • We
build ponds, roads, pads, etc •
Free delivery• 281216878~ or
281546 10 0
BOOGIE&
MARCELA
Home Repair Service • 40 Years
expenence • Call us for all your
rep:ur needs• 713.8566188.
Items For Sale
Community Yard Sale
You keep the $$$
Reserve a boo1h at the
Communny Yard Sale (May 6th
& 7th) at the llou.5ton Lesbian
& Gay Communuy Center (803
Hawthorne) and sell your stuff •
Make small donauon to the cen
!er for your space, then keep all
of your proceeds For more
mformarion or to reserve your
booth call 713524 J81g
Licensed Massage
Brazilian-Swedish
Massage
Relaxauon or Spon massage m
BRAZILIAN STYLE • Shower
factlny Male 1herap1s1
(RMT#Ol 1176) • 832.4416443
Hawaiian Massage
2 Hours - $90.00 special (Reg
S 125.00) • 3 Hour< -S 125 00 special
(Reg. $175.00) • 1im of L.A
( Rmt #23477). 713.508.7896.
ALL AMERICAN
Therapcuuc massage by Tim •
Located m Montrose • Sports •
• Swedish • Professional ser.1ng
Montrose. lletghts and River
Oaks • RMT# 21139 • 281.
520.7630.
ARE YOU STRESSED?
Expenencc the bcl.t m 1hcr~peut1c
full body massage • Call now
for an appomtment • Randal •
RMT# MT0059JO • 713.861.
5458.
Massage Therapy al its finest. •
Swedish. Deep Tissue, Sports,
Reflexology • Don't settle for
less • In/Out, Ho1els, 7 Days •
Jeff #016074 (Nationally Cerufied)
711524.5865
You Need Therapy!
Massage therapy now available
al Muscle Mechamcs personal
trarnrng & wellness studio- sports
massage, therapeultc massage,
relaxauon therapy. Ca.II now for
your appointment! Muscle
Mechanics 711.523.5330.
Moving Services
American Movers
Vmt us on the web • www.
nrncncanmovcrs.org • 2412 A
"Taft • Houston. Texas 77006 •
."low Statewide • TxDOT
#00528-2015C • 713.522.1717
Pets
The llomeless Pet Placement
League IS n Houston area. nonprofit
annnal welfare organlZllt1on
HPPL provtdes f:.>r the
rehab1!rL1110n of stray and abandoned
dogs and cats lhrough its
umque fosler care program. All
animals are spayed/neutered and
have their first set of shots For
more mf;irmat1on en.I
71 1 862 7 387 or \ 1ew website at
WWW llPl'L.org
The Spay Neuter Asststancc Program
"11.111 provide FREE spaymg/
neutenng, rabies vaccmauons
and city hccnscs for nn1-
mals belonging to qualifymg
low mcome dog nnd cat guard·
1ans. For qualificauons and
trans-ponauon information
please call 713.522 .2337
Professional Services
DJ RICK SIX
Mobile DJ • Parties, Clubs, etc. •
Top 40 • Diva • Hou'e • Trance •
713 747.8384.
BODY WAXING
FOR MEN
Personal groormng by Dale •
Waxing specialist & licensed
Cosmetologist Private
Loc:u1on m Montrose • Cnll for
appomtment 713.529 5952.
APRIL 28, 2000 • HOUSTON VOICE
Real Estate For Rent
Montrose/New Post Office Arca
• 462' Yupon @ C.asilecoun •
4Plex, I Bedroom • Good
Landlord/stable tenants
$500.00 + •Alan, 711 521 !711.
MO!'ITROSE
Charm mg I II. 2-story, 1910
Carnage House • Complclcly
renovated, Central NH, hard·
woods, hlly pond. garden, picket
fence. FREE DSL-mlemet/yard
mamtenance. • See to love',
owner 713524.6545 or
713.529.5200.
Galleria Condo
Huge 2/2, 1200 sq ft.
Richmond/Sage area, molding •
pnvate pauo, balcony off Master
• S 1,050 (bills paid) • Call for
more iRformation, Lmda
Marshall Realtors
713.523.4600
HEIGHTS APARTME"ffS
New & Unu,ual I Bedroom/I
Bath • $595 - $895 per month •
Individual flats • 1112 Lawrence
@ 11th Street • Lauder
Propen1cs. 713.862 3747
Westbury Gardens
Two separa1c units: I upstairs &
I downstairs, each "uh 2 bedrooms,
I lialh and assigned covered
parkmg. • $625 month •
Call 713 729 9316.
Gn:cnway Plaza Condo
2 blocks from Compaq Center •
I/I, gated communny, W/D on
s11e, covered p:ukmg. counyards
• $450 mrn•h + clc.:tnc •
1400 nmmons I .nne
713.868 21H
Westbury Square
J/I Condo, 748 sq. ft •By pool,
covered p:irkmg, ll(;Ccss gates,
W/D on-slle, central nir new
c.irpet, basic cable 1ndudcd.
i:ay-fncndly. • SS25 month • Call
7117212011.
1 BEUROO:\.I
Great locauons Montrose/River
Oaks • Wiil included • Garage
available • New construction •
Gill for specials • 713.630.0006
RIVER OAKS
Pla1.a at River Oaks • I bedroom
• Wiil included • For details call
713 ~28. S277
Roommates
Share house with SWM •
Memorial Park area • Pnv |
