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by Bruce Balboni, Managing Editor
On Saturday, July 1, 1995, Stephen Dobson, Rick Mitchell and another man as yet unnamed, are alleged to have attacked and beaten William Clark and another man. Dobson and Mitchell have been charged with aggravated assault, a felony, and harassment by characteristic, a misdemeanor. They also have been served with a civil suit which seeks a permanent injunction against them.
Mark Dion, spokesperson for the Portland Police Department, said, "We're alleging that this person (Clark) was attacked because he was perceived to be a homosexual. When you combine the slurs, the fact that the defendants identify Blackstone's as a locale for the gay community and that there doesn't seem to be, at this point, any provable relationship preceding the attack between the parties, I think it's safe for the court to infer that this was provoked simply by association with a particular characteristic, and in this case that would be the perceived or real identity as a gay man."
Dion added, "The criminal Hate Crimes Act, because it was only a misdemeanor, was not often used by prosecutors, but the legislature recently passed sentence enhancement (sponsored in the legislature by Carol Kontos, D-Windham and Mike Saxl, D-Portland) which allows for stiffer penalties if the judge so decides." Charges under this statute may be added later.
Stephen Dobson, the alleged ringleader of the attack, was arrested July 10. Steven "Rick" Mitchell turned himself in July 18. Both are out on bail.
There was a rumor that the police caught up with, questioned and released the perpetrators shortly after the attack. Dion said the police report prepared by Officer Robert Doherty does not show that that happened.
Dobson's identity was made known to police the night of the attack. CPR asked why the police delayed in arresting him. Dion explained, "If the police establish that there is probable cause against a particular individual for the commission of a felony, then you, as a police agent, can make what we call a PC arrest, a probable cause arrest. You feel there is sufficient evidence and you act. The more common process is, if you reach that point, you gather up all your material, you make an appointment with the District Attorney's office, an Assistant District Attorney reviews the material and then a warrant is issued.
"We scheduled that interview and it appeared that we were going to have to wait quite a few days before someone was going to talk to us about the case and we were prepared to do that. But we also developed information that Dobson was intending to leave his address and that he had shaved his moustache and begun to alter his appearance so we expected flight. I made the decision that the detectives arrest on probable cause and not wait for this appointment."
Police response time has become an issue in this case. Ralph Cusack, owner of Blackstone's said the police were called three times and he remembers that it took 27 minutes for the police to get there. Cusack said Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood checked police records and said it took 17 minutes.
Contradicting statements made by the man who helped Clark, Cusack said the attackers did make anti-gay statements. He heard, "How many cocks did you suck today?" and statements like, "Are you going to get your boyfriend to beat us up?" These statements were also confirmed by an employee of the bar.
Cusack commends Clark for having the guts to pursue this case publicly. He said he knows gay people who have been attacked but who are afraid to come out and say so. Cusack acknowledged that Clark had been shut off that night, but was not asked to leave the bar. He added that they do not have trouble with Clark as a bar patron.
After the fight, before the police came, Cusack recalls the odd occurrence of the attackers trying to shake hands with the sober patrons of the bar who were outside. One eyewitness recalls Mitchell saying he was sorry and that he didn't have anything to do with the attack. At this point the attackers were accompanied by a young woman who is reported to be a sister of one of the alleged attackers.
An employee at the bar remembered one of the attackers, Stephen Dobson, from high school, and immediately identified him for the police.
Dobson was arraigned July 12. Court was scheduled to start at 9 am. Judge Cote strolled in at 9:20 am. During the 20 minute wait, the court staff was overheard grumbling about the consistent tardiness of this judge and that arriving at 9:20 am was his "common practice."
A probable cause hearing date was set for September 8, at 1:30 pm. The judge then asked if there was an issue with respect to bail. The state asked for $5,000, single surety, 10% cash bail. The state asked for cash because of the seriousness of the assault.
For the purposes of setting bail the defense conceded that there was not an issue of probable cause.
As to bail the state said the crime appears to have been motivated by hate, there is a broken nose, facial cuts, an eye injury and assault by as may as three people against one. There has been an indication of flight and even though Dobson does not have a criminal record as an adult, he does have a juvenile record (sealed).
Dobson's attorney, James Bushell, argued for release on personal recognizance pointing out the purpose of bail, which is to ensure appearance at trial. Bushell added that Dobson was born and raised in Portland, has no criminal record, has both parents here, works full-time for a construction company, is 19 and went to Portland High. The judge then asked the state if there was a substantial risk of flight. The state said Dobson didn't have any failures to appear, but the police report said he was served with an eviction notice and his phone had been disconnected. These developments raised the specter of flight.
The judge asked the defense attorney if Dobson tried to change his appearance by shaving off facial hair. Bushell consulted with his client and then said, "Mr. Dobson has shaved, but he did not do so in order to evade arrest or apprehension or anything like that and as far as the eviction, he does concede that he is likely to be evicted, but he intends to move in with his mother who lives at 24 Berlin Street in Portland and she does have a phone. Until he moves next week he will be residing at his apartment which he still has a legal right to possess."
Judge Cote said, "This a class B assault." This type of felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Cote imposed as a condition of bail no contact, at all, direct or indirect with the victims of the assault or the witnesses whom he named as James O'Sullivan and Ralph Cusack. The judge then agreed with the state's request of $5,000 single surety or 10% cash. Dobson had no objection to the conditions of bail. Dobson was released on bail later that day.
Andrew Bloom, an attorney in the District Attorney's office, will be prosecuting this case. He explained that in felony cases charges are not officially leveled at defendants until an indictment is handed down by the Cumberland County Grand Jury.
Bloom thinks there is room on the August calendar for the grand jury to consider this case. It is possible that it won't go to the grand jury until September, which would mean that the indictment wouldn't be handed down until the end of September, pushing the possible trial date as far off as December.
Bloom believes there is sufficient evidence to present the case to the grand jury, but cautions that it is up to the grand jury to bring the actual charges.
The attorney general has filed a civil suit against alleged attackers, Dobson and Mitchell, and they have reportedly signed it voluntarily. The permanent injunction would require the defendants not to approach Clark or anyone, in any manner, because of sexual orientation, to stay 100 feet away from Clark and to stay 100 feet away from Blackstone's. Penalties are up to $5,000 for each violation.
Police Chief Chitwood saidd "Civil rights injunction relief is probably one of the best tools that we, in the law enforcement community, have to battle this type of racism, hatred and discrimination. It's been a great tool and I can't think of a better way to deal with these issues immediately, quickly, and with great positive impact for the criminal justice system."
CPR obtained the addresses given by the accused men to the District Court. An attempt was made to speak to the accused so as to obtain statements from them. Stephen Dobson supposedly resides at 12 Weymouth Street. The name "Dobson" was not on any of the mail boxes at 12 Weymouth Street and the woman in the first floor apartment did not know what apartment he lived in. A similar situation occurred at 124 Park Ave., the address given by Mitchell to the court. The name "Mitchell" was not on any mailbox, but the name "Dobson" is on the mailbox for apartment 13. There was no answer.
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Without doubt this year's Portland Pride celebraton was the biggest and best so far. Pictures and words will not express the fun and support that people experienced so I will not dwell on them, except to say that we have video.
I will, however, give the well deserved thank-you's to the supporters and workers for this year's Pride.
Thanks should first go the the City of Portland for being the sort of place where diversity is not only protected by may comfortably florish to the benefit of City life. City Manager, Bob Ganley, deserves note for his support of the Pride '95 Festival proposal that went before the Public Safety Committee and the City Council. Councilors Charles Harlowe, Keri Lord, and John McDonough, the members of the Public Safety Committee deserve thanks for their trust in the Pride Committee to fulfill the obligations of our proposal. The new Portland City Council deserve great appreciation for granting the "95 celebration official "Declaration of Festival". Former Councilor and former Mayor, Peter O'Donnel deserves thanks for his support and guidance in getting our proposal throught the process, as do the many City employers who freely and graciously gave advice and support.
Thanks is especially noted to the Portland Police for their support, protection and assistance throughout the weekend. The fact that no incident occurred during the entire weekend can greatly be attributed to their presence. They are Stars!!
When it came to raising the initial costs of the celebration three groups should be recognized. The drag community were instrumental in getting Portland Pride '95's fundraising off the ground. I have come to believe that their commitment to the confidence, diversity and visibility of gay and lesbian people is without equal. Also, the bars of Portland, especially Blackstone's were stellar in their assistance. Thanks also to National distributors and their Red Hook Ale supplier who were the primary financial backers of our first Pier Dance.
Finally, thanks to all members of the Pride '95 committee and their volunteers. Each was uniquely matched to their event and all were committed and deligent workers. Although they deserve to be better known, the satisfaction of a service well done is its own reward.
This year's celebration was better received by the general press, but the gay/lesbian press can not be thanked enough for their interest and support.
The philosophy of the Pride Committee is that a healthy community does not happen at the State House or the White House, but in our own houses. We have worked hard this year to provide a focus for all our community on the joys of mutual support and open, free lifes. We tried hard to showcase our community in the best of lights, informing not only each other, but the non-queer community as well. We believe that visibility works only if we work together.
1996 is Portland Pride's 10th anniversary. We are planning already to make it a perfect 10. The Pride Committee meets twice monthly, all year, with a place at the table for everyone. We have no closed meetings and allow great independence for anyone with ideas or energy. To be part of Pride '96, please call me at 207-871-9940, or speak to any Pride Committee member.
Thank you Portland,
Michael Rossetti
Director, Portland Pride
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by Bruce Balboni
Paul Madore, failed candidate for the state legislature from Lewiston, and leader of the successful fight against Equal Protection Lewiston, has been chosen to lead the newly formed Coalition to End Special Rights (CESR - pronounced "Caesar"). Their first meeting was held Monday, June 19, 1995. The Christian Civic League (CCL) of Maine is the parent of this coalition with support from Focus on the Family, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Family Research Council, based in Washington, D.C.
The emergence of this coalition is a reflection of the fading star of Carolyn Cosby, Chairperson of Concerned Maine Families (CMF) as a leader in the anti-gay political movement. Cosby has been unable to obtain any funds from national groups and is being investigated by the Ethics Commission in Augusta as a result of a complaint by one of her own supporters - Linda Bean.
Ominously, Bob Knight, who holds the absurdly oxymoronic title of Director of Cultural Studies for the Family Research Council, attended the June 19th meeting in Lewiston. The Family Research Council is a Washington, D.C. based radical right organization which supports the referendum and opposes any legal reform regarding the civil rights of homosexuals. Knight is the author of, "Homosexual Agenda" a series of pamphlets whose "emphasis is given to disputing the 10% figure and other faulty research claims, as well as exposing the homosexual agenda in schools."
Knight was the keynote speaker at the first meeting of CESR. According to, "The Record," newsletter of the Christian Civic League, "Knight indicated that the president of the Family Research Council, Gary Bauer, is very supportive of the referendum." Knight also told CESR that their coalition had received a strong endorsement from Tom Minnery, vice president of public policy at Focus on the Family.
"The Record," went on, "Knight is convinced the referendum can be won with hard work and the kind of sincere devotion demonstrated in the successful Lewiston campaign of 1993. Paul Madore closed the productive meeting with a promise to commit himself fully to the task of organizing a statewide grassroots effort and the administrative infrastructure to create a "Yes" vote in November. The initial budget for the Coalition is $100,000."
The Community Pride Reporter (CPR) spoke to Madore and asked him what involvement, if any, CMF would have in CESR. He said, "I was approached by representatives of principal organizations both state and national and I was asked to head the coalition and I'm just delighted that they gave me that opportunity. I'm very close to this issue and I share their concerns as well, mainly because I believe I understand the message and I'll be able to bring to the state effort something similar, if not identical, to the results in Lewiston."
When pressed to answer why Concerned Maine Families (CMF) is not included in this coalition and why they were not approached to lead the referendum battle, considering that it was they who gathered the signatures for the petitions to force a referendum, Madore would not answer. He said, "We're going to be very hard at work in the next few months and I expect to work on behalf of the referendum, that's what has been delegated to me."
He did offer the following observation as to why there may be a problem between Cosby and other supporters of the referendum, "I hope that we all have an opportunity to speak freely on the issue and to maintain the kind of respect that all parties deserve. If there is a problem at all I think it's that we don't do that. We fail in that effort. I want to maintain a mutual respect for all people involved and beyond that point I have a plate of fried chicken I've been attempting to get to. Let's talk in the future."
Paul Volle, Executive Director of the Maine Christian Coalition, told CPR that Madore has asked him to join CESR but Volle does not believe the referendum is constitutional and that the ends do not justify the means. Volle added, "I'm not willing to compromise my principles because they say the issue is so burning and we have to deal with it. I don't believe that at all. There has been a lot of pressure put on us from national groups and state groups but we will maintain the position we've had since 1993, which is hands off."
The national Christian Coalition has been receiving pressure from Bob Knight of the Family Research Council which in turn has been applied to Volle. Knight has called Volle. Madore recently spent two hours trying to get Volle to join the CESR.
Volle said Madore wants the referendum taken away form Cosby because Madore feels that Cosby is not a credible person. Volle added, "If you really stop and think about it they (CMF) have some real ethical problems going on with their finances and how they got the signatures from the standpoint . . . they were trying to tell the general public and the media that it's not a gay rights issue but when they were going out and collecting the signatures they were saying 'Stop the gay rights in the state and overturn the gay rights in Portland.' So it was one way to one group and another way to a different group. I don't think that's an honest prospective. When is she lying? I don't want to be associated with an effort like that."
Commenting on the most recent death threat Cosby received Volle said,"it's another way to get media attention." Volle said that years ago, when Cosby was involved in slandering legislative candidate Robin Lambert, she claimed to have received a death threat then.
CPR asked Volle if he has had any personal experience with gay men or lesbians. Volle said that he had a cousin, Steve, a homosexual, who died of AIDS.
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by Bruce Balboni, Managing Editor
Community Pride Reporter (CPR) obtained an exclusive interview, July 9, 1995, with the anonymous victim of a beating which took place outside Blackstone's, a popular Portland gay bar, the night of July 1, 1995. CPR respects a person's desire to remain anonymous and honors that request when we can substantiate the truthfulness of any given matter. In this case, the anonymous victim is known to CPR and, further, was seen by this writer immediately after the beating. His wounds confirm his story. The authenticity of who he is and his story is certain. We know who he is. We will not reveal his name.
CPR: I understand that you arrived outside Blackstone's right around the time the fight broke out. Can you describe what happened that night?
A: I was locking my bike outside Blackstone's and a friend of mine was sitting on the stairs, a black guy (William Clark), he was just sitting there. He was drunk. I guess they had just shut him off at Blackstone's and these three guys were walking up the sidewalk as I was locking my bike up. I don't know what was said but next thing I know, one of the guys had William down on the ground and was kicking the living shit right out of him. They were kneeing him in the face, getting him down on the ground . . . all three of them were just kicking him.
CPR: As they were kicking him were they making anti-gay statements?
A: No, no. I don't think it had anything to do with "gay." I know what the paper (Portland Press Herald) said but they're wrong.
CPR: Explain why you claim this beating was not a gay-bashing.
A: Because they didn't say anything. Usually they say "faggot" and stuff and that's what the paper said, and it's not right because I saw the whole thing.
CPR: They never once said anything about William or you being gay?
A: They never said anything. They never said "faggot," - nothing.
CPR: Do you remember what the first words that were exchanged before the fight actually started were. You said, "I don't know what was said." Do you have any recollection of those first words?
A: From what I saw they were just kicking him saying, "C'mon, get up, you punk," and they just kept on kicking him.
CPR: Wouldn't "punk" be considered another word for being gay?
A: No! I'm a punk and I'm not gay.
CPR: Right . . . so you don't know what started it?
A: No idea.
CPR: Did they speak to him or did he speak to them?
A: From what I hear, he said some words to them as they were walking by, but I don't know that for sure.
CPR: OK, so during the beating they weren't saying any anti-gay things?
A: No.
CPR: What happened next?
A: I got done locking my bike up . . . I'm watching the fight. I'm about ten feet away. At first it was one on one and then all three just started kicking him. They were kicking him as hard as they could - just kicking him, and when I saw that I walked up to all three of them and I said, "Look, why don't you pick on someone fucking sober."
CPR: Do you know them?
A: No, I never saw them before in my life.
CPR: When you said "pick on someone sober" did they stop beating him and start on you?
A: Well, they said, "What are you getting at . . . you want us to fight you?" And I said, "Well, you can either take a walk or we can go one on one. I ain't going to go three on one." And the next thing I know, the biggest guy out of the bunch, he wasn't tall but he was chubby, got me down on the ground. We were rolling around on the ground. I got some good shots in, I had him bleeding, he had me bleeding.
CPR: What did the other two do while you were fighting?
A: They were egging him on saying, "C'mon, kill him, kick his ass."
CPR: What was happening to William while this was happening?
A: He was getting his cuts checked out in Blackstone's.
CPR: Did someone in Blackstones call the cops right away?
A: They called them right away and it took 40 minutes for them to get there. [Ralph Cusack, owner of Blackstone's, said it took 22 minutes, Chief of Police Chitwood checked the 911 tapes and said it was 17 minutes. In any case, Chitwood acknowledged that the response time was too long.]
A: After a while, William came out. He was so hammered he went up to the guys and tried to help me out because I had helped him out.
CPR: What did they do to him then?
A: They didn't touch him. He was dragged away by someone from the bar. Then someone else who was in the bar, a friend of mine, got between the big guy and me and tried to break it up and finally it got broken up.
CPR: Did they just take off?
A: They wanted to fight more but everybody just kept breaking it up.
CPR: So how did it actually happen that they left?
A: Someone told them that the cops were called so they walked fast toward the West End.
CPR: After they walked away what happened?
A: The cops came about 40 minutes later and had William in the back seat of a cruiser getting his story. I told the owner of the bar (Ralph Cusack) that I didn't want anything to do with it. I didn't want my name mentioned.
CPR: Why do you wish to be anonymous?
A: Because it would be embarrassing for me. Even though it was outside a gay bar I really don't think it has anything to do with gay-bashing, but if the news thinks that then fuck 'em, I don't care.
CPR: Do you go to Blackstone's?
A: I go in there occasionally to play pool, 99% of my friends are gay but I'm not gay myself.
CPR: So you want to remain anonymous because you don't want to be associated with being gay?
A: Yeah, and I don't like the publicity.
CPR: Why are you so convinced, so certain, that it's not a gay bashing? You're saying that during that whole beating there wasn't one epithet about "faggot." Why would William say it was gay bashing?
A: Because he's gay.
CPR: Your recollection is that not one of those three guys used one single word about "faggot?"
A: Not that I could hear, I didn't hear one word.
CPR: Were there other people in the crowd who said they heard such words?
A: There might have been but they're all gay. I don't know why they'd say something when it never happened. I'm not happy with the article in the Portland Press Herald either.
CPR: What, in particular, displeases you?
A: That the fight has to do with gays. It has to do with gays, but it doesn't have to do with gay bashing.
CPR: Have you seen the three perpetrators since the fight?
A: Yes, I saw them that same night about two hours later on the corner of State Street and Pine Street waiting for one of us to come out after the cops had spoken to them and everything.
CPR: Are you saying that the police spoke to the perpetrators that night?
A: Someone told me that the cops went up to the West End and spoke to these guys and then let them go. I don't know why they let them go.
CPR: Have you been trying to help the police catch them?
A: No.
CPR: Why not?
A: I don't like cops.
CPR: Why?
A: Because I don't. They may be here to protect me but I really don't care for them. I really don't want to get involved.
CPR: If you saw the guys who fought you and William again and there was a cop nearby would you identify them?
A: No. I'd probably fight them again. If I hadn't had a few beers in me that night I could have wasted them.
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CPR: The Committee had a busy year this year, what was it like for you?
KP: Well, as the representative nominated by MLGPA I had big shoes to fill, since that seat had previously been held by Dale McCormick, Ed Shannon, and Richard Steinman. In addition, my appointment came through in November, and by then most of the discussions about LD321 had already taken place, so I focused on other aspects of the committee's activity.
CPR: Which activities were those?
KP: First, I felt it very very important to counter the conservative wave that came with the '94 election and work to make sure the Committee didn't shrink from it's responsibility to take a stand on important issues. Second, I was very involved with the Ryan White CARE Act. That effort had two components. Instate, the Committee reviewed how the funds are administered in Maine and worked witih state administrators to enhance PWHIV and public input into state decision-making. The other aspect was an effort to make sure federal lawmakers heard from Maine as they re-wrote the Ryan White CARE Act.
CPR: There was a big flap in Washington about the CARE Act recently, with Jesse Helms saying that he didn't there should be any funding for services for persons with HIV. Were you involved with that?
KP: Absolutely. The Ryan White CARE Act has been a lifeline to PWHIV in Maine, this year CARE Act funding will fund case management services and the AIDS Drug Program for more than 600 PWHIV accross the state. If Senator Helms succeeds in killing this legislation Maine, and every other state will be in big trouble. Fox51 ran a very good piece on the topic, as did the Bangor Daily News and Bangor's channel 7. Unfortunately all the other media outlets ignored the story.
CPR: How has Maine's Washington delegation been on HIV issues.
KP: It's too early to say for sure, but so far it's a pretty mixed bag. Senator Cohen signed on the CARE Act reauthorization early on and deserves our thanks. Senator Snowe didn't sign on and wouldn't even commit to voting for it - so we launched a broad letter writing and phone call campaign and finally, on June 28th she finally came on board. It's too early to know how things will go in the House, but I've been glad to see Rep. Baldacci taking an interest in the topic, though I think he needs some educating on the topic. I don't hold out much hope for Rep. Longley, but maybe he'll surprise me.
CPR: What is the status of the CARE Act now?
KP: We have 61co-sponsors in the US Senate, which is enough to pass the legislation and enough to overcome a filibuster. Unfortunately, Senator Dole won't let it come forward for a vote - so we really need folks to call or write to Senator Dole. The House has said it won't take any action until the Senate takes action and time is running out.
CPR: What happens if the CARE Act doesn't pass?
KP: Maine would lose $228,365.
CPR: You were just named Chair of the Maine HIV Advisory Committee, what do you see happening in the coming year?
KP: I was truely honored when the Committee recommended and the Governor appointed me Chair for the 6/95 - 5/96 year. I've been volunteering or working in HIV since 1985 and I'm very excited about taking on this kind of role. This year the Committee has decided to focus on a few different areas: the impact of the Health Care Commission report (and any resulting actions) on PWHIV; HIV Testing Issues - which continue to be a major source of disagreement; and state operations, such as a review of how they assure consistency and quality between programs. In addition, the Committee will take positions on a variety of issues and prepare to bring forward legislation to complete our work on LD321. The Committee also functions as the "first step" for a individuals and organizations interested in starting new programs or submitting legislation. We'll be working to reinforce this role and hopefully not be "caught off guard" by HIV legislation. The way we see it, the Committee can be a useful sounding board and screening mechanism to provide feedback, and if it's a good idea, support.
CPR: Any other comments?
KP: I hope your readers will take an active interest in the Committee and it's activities. The meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00am at the State Office Building. Trish Macomber provides staff support for the committee, she can be reached at (207) 874-1092. Folks with e-mail are welcome to contact me at KEPerkins@aol.com
CPR: Congratulations, and good luck this year.
KP: Thanks. I look forward to a productive year.
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by Rose Mary Denman
"Standing your ground." This is one of the governing tenants of Buddhism that I learned while living in a Buddhist community for a year. In fact, one was not considered ready for "ordination" until it was evident that one could "stand one's ground."
I think this is a good tenant for any of us to attempt to adhere to, regardless of religious affiliation . . . and it is an ideal toward which I strive, even though I am no longer a member of a Buddhist community.
Think about it for a moment. "Standing your ground" means not allowing ourselves to be swayed by the pressures to conform, pressures that assault us from what would appear to be every direction at times. It means getting clear on what's important and what can be compromised. It means being still long enough to begin to know our own hearts and minds enough so that we can "stand our ground." It also means being willing to take risks.
Someone once gave me a postcard with a picture on it of a group of penguins standing on the edge of a cliff. One little fellow has just leapt off; the others are just standing there, almost as if they are watching to see what will happen to their friend before they make any decisions about going over the edge. I keep this postcard where I can see it often throughout the day. It reminds me of how I have chosen to live in an increasingly intentional manner each day.
My experience has been that living intentionally is rarely easy. There's an old saying that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." That's not the kind of intentions to which I'm referring. You know what I mean - "I always intended to take a helium balloon ride. . . " the kind of intention that was simply a wisp of fantasy. I'm referring to the kind of intention which is born from within our very center, the kind of intention that is backed by the willingness to go to whatever length necessary to see the fulfillment of that intention, the kind of intention that takes not only heart, but also a strong will.
I recently listened to a tape by Carolyn Myss in which she stated that if we make choices which are incongruent with what we believe as truth, it will eventually lead to sickness and disease. I believe this statement wholeheartedly. Whenever I have failed to "stand my ground" on an issue that held great importance to me, it has often led to sleepless nights, getting into the wrong kinds of food, feeling stressed and, eventually, to a cold, the flu, allergy flare-ups or major headaches.
Slowly I am learning that it is best to simply stand my ground. In the long run, it's certainly the easiest, most productive way to live. It is also beginning to feel like the most freeing.
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Dear CPR,
Thank you for your generous help in promoting the Pride Pier Dance and all of this year's Pride events. Without the support of the press, our Pride Weekend would not have been so hugely successful.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all those who made our first Pier Dance the biggest and best party of the year. Special thanks go to our outstanding sponsors: Faith Worthley and the staff from Citi for hosting the cash bar, Katahdin restaurant for the balloon arch, Greg Powers Entertainment and Ken Newton for the sound system, Dunbar Lighting and David Jury of Jerky Space Body Optics for the lighting, Casco Bay Weekly for donated advertising space, Blackstones bar and Redhook Ale for cash contributions which help pay for insurance and promotion. The support and generosity of our sponsors made the Pier Dance possible. I encourage all members of our community to thank our sponsors through supporting the businesses which support our Pride.
Special thanks also to our four fabulous DJ's: Lisa Vaccaro, Kris Clark, Michael Giller and Laree Love who donated their time and talent to the event.
The help and support of the Portland City Council, the Public Safety Committee, the Police Department and all the city officials and employees who were involved in the permit process is greatly appreciated, as is the assistance of former Mayor Peter O'Donnell.
Thanks to Drop Me A Line for handling advance ticker sales, Johanna Amato for help with promo graphics, Crystal Rose for her knockout performance of "Over the Rainbow," Annette Dragon who photographed the event for us, Shawn Walsh for loaning rainbow flags, Vic Morrow for arranging the loan of tables, and Michael Wormwood for being Michael Wormwood.
Saving the best for last, I would like to thank all the exceptional people who volunteered for set up and security, especially Kevin Geel who saved the day on set up and Michael McKenzie who trained and directed the security crew. The volunteers who gave their time and energy to this event made it possible for nearly 2000 people to celebrate Pride safely and without incident. They all deserve our thanks.
Beyond presenting a great party to kick off Pride Weekend, the Pier Dance was created as a major fund raiser for the Pride Committee to finance all of the weekend's events. Between the gate receipts and Pride's percentage of the bar proceeds we are able to cover expenses for this year and have sufficient seed money to insure that Pride '96 will be bigger and better than ever. Thank you to all who attended and made the Pride Pier Dance a great success.
Sincerely,
Scott T. Hanson, Portland Pier Dance Organizer.
Dear CPR,
I have internalized the depression long enough. I am appalled at the direction that presidential politics has taken, and am at a loss for a solution.
Obviously there isn't a single Republican who I would trust to walk my mother's cat. Imagine the cesspool we would be in if they got more deeply entrenched?
The only option to me is to stick with President Clinton though he has let us down on more than one occasion, e.g. gays in the military, Jocelyn Elders, and his declaration during his campaign that "AIDS will be my passion." Although he did say the "A" word in connection with a slam on Jesse Helms, Phil Gramm's twin sister.
Ross Perot to me is another southern redneck who would say anything to get elected. Another gem is Pete Wilson. I was living in California when he first ran for governor. Always, the Sneaky Pete, he proclaimed loudly that if the legislature would pass a gay and lesbian rights bill, he would sign it. The legislature did so, and Wilson waited until 5:00 p.m. on Friday (when the press was gone) to veto it. Obviously the gay and lesbian community was incensed.
I'm willing to give Clinton another chance if we convince him to remember us in 1996. As far as I can see, it's the only choice we've got.
Thank you for listening to my rambling. IF you don't agree. I hope that you will at least give my points some consideration.
Yours in solidarity,
Ben Moore, Northport
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by Winnie Weir, Publishing Editor
In recent months, several gay men have come together to participate in social events in the Portland area. Dubbing themselves the Walt Whitman Dining Society, "it's an experiment just to bring gay men together to meet in a positive, social setting," said David Garrity, one of the early 'members.'
When asked about the nature of these gatherings, Garrity replied, "Some of us have no interest in bars anymore, and we just thought we'd give it a try." We've had a couple of events that brought together gay men and we all enjoyed it, but we aren't an organization," he continued.
I asked Garrity what the overall goal is. He replied, "Our overall goal is to experience ourselves as community. That's about it, if there is any goal. The only rules we have are no agenda, no politics, no speeches. It's a chance for gay men to get to know each other. That's it."
The group held its first gathering at the Portland Club in April with about 50 men attending. Their second get together was a barbecue held in mid-July at Diamond Cove. Over 75 men attended and "it seems as though it's going to grow," concluded Garrity.
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William J. Taormino, 51, writer and political activist, died of AIDS at Peabody House in Portland on July 19, 1995. He is survived by his daughter, Tristan Taormino, of Brooklyn, New York, and his life partner, Bill Barter, of Portland.
During his life Taormino produced numerous literary works, including poetry, non-fiction, personal essays and film reviews. In the earliest days of the AIDS pandemic, he worked as an advocate for people with AIDS in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He later wrote, directed and produced the play, "AIDS: The Writing On The Wall," which was performed in Provincetown and Seattle, Washington.
In lieu of funeral services, there will be a private family gathering. Memorial donations may be made to The AIDS Project, 615 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101.
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BATH/BRUNSWICK- Sagadahoc Bath/Brunswick chapter of Maine Won't Discriminate is organizing Maine Street Art Connection, a benefit for MWD by Brunswick galleries. On August 12, several art galleries in downtown Brunswick will donate 15% of their proceeds to Maine Won't Discriminate. The event will also include an art raffle, food sale and entertainment, which will take place between 3-6 pm.
The idea for this fund-raiser was sparked when Marji Greenhut, artist and owner of the newly opened Connections Gallery, volunteered to host an event that would publicize and raise funds for Maine Won't Discriminate. We have since recruited several other businesses, including O'Farrell Gallery, Wyler Gallery, and Icon Gallery. One or two others may join as well. Art for the raffle is being donated by area artists, and food for sale will be contributed by local restaurants. Entertainment will be provided by the acappella singers, Voices Rising, and other groups.
Raffle tickets and announcements will be sent out to Maine Won't Discriminate members and other supporters soon. For tickets or more information, call Sara Dickey at 207/729-3703 or Punnie Edgerton at 207/729-6406.
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PORTLAND: Fighting oppression is hard work. Sometimes the stress and strain of confronting discrimination, righting wrongs, advocating for those who are not yet able to advocate for themselves takes a toll on us. Even supporters need support.
Womenspace Counseling Center recognizes the wonderful work that those of you in the front trenches are doing for all of us, and would like to thank you by offering you a safe, caring space to unwind, vent frustrations, tell your stories and get nurtured before going back to the battle.
This group will meet on Wednesday evening, beginning August 9 and will meet again on August 23. The group will meet weekly starting September 6 through September and October until the November vote. Meetings are from 7:00-8:30 pm at Womenspace Counseling Center, 236 Park Avenue, Portland and will offer on-going, drop-in, facilitated support group, free of charge, for anyone who is working to support civil rights for lesbians and gays.
For more information, call either co-facilitator: Vivian Wadas, 774-2403 or Jewel McHale, 773-4211.
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by Winnie Weir
Former Portland School Committee candidate S. Erik Richard has been accepted as one of twenty-five youth from across the United States to attend the National Gay/Lesbian Task Force Youth Training Institute being held in San Francisco. The eighteen year old Richard was selected from a field of close to 200 applicants to attend the August workshop.
The goal of this training is to enhance youth leadership and offer educational resources for localized projects. Richard has already submitted a list of possible Maine based projects to be started, but is also "willing to take any suggestions seriously." According to Richard, Alan Stearns, Esq. will act as his mentor, offering guidance and support for the next year.
The National Gay/Lesbian Task Force is offering Richard a partial scholarship to enable his attendance. This leaves just over $500 to be raised within the next two weeks. Any contributions to assist this community-minded gay youth to participate in this training can be sent to: S. Erik Richard, c/o Community Pride Reporter, 142 High Street, Suite #623, Portland, Maine 04101. If you would like more information on this conference, feel free to contact Richard at 207/879-0331.
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On the Fourth of July, 1995 as America celebrated itself, without undue fanfare or rancor, the Maine community of Bar Harbor took an unprecedented step towards celebrating all of itself in its traditional Independence Day parade.
For the first time among the ninety-four contingents representing the broad diversity of life in this Mount Desert Island town was a proud float belonging to the Bar Harbor gay/lesbian/bi community group, Out on M.D.I.
The float was primarily the brainchild of Deb Cooper and Rick Henry, with help into the wee hours of Monday night and the morning of the Fourth from other Out on MDI members and friends, Chanda, Beth, Larry, Trevor, Tom, Heather, Linda, Peggy, Lynn, Rosemarie, and Paula.
In the party-like atmosphere of Rick's apartment, the seams of the fifteen-foot rainbow flag were folded, ironed, pinned, and stitched in a remarkable elbow-to-elbow cooperative assembly line. There were the tense moments when it appeared that the chicken-wire mountains adorned with three thousand purple and lilac paper flowers might not quite fit down the stairs as planned. It made it with only a few rumpled petals.
Bar Harbor is a small town. Those who would march behind the Out on MDI banner and under the rainbow flag would be absolutely out to friends, neighbors, and employers--giving rise to a few butterflies. But, as we waited for the parade to begin, the flag also became a gathering point for queer friends: two women visiting from Austin, Texas, friends from around New England and Canada, stopped-by to marvel and celebrate. A local woman timidly came out to members of the group while we waited in the park.
More than twenty Out on MDI and Hancock County Maine Won't Discriminate members marched behind the float carrying signs and passing out MWD buttons. In this week following the Supreme Court ruling upholding the ban on gays and lesbians in Boston's St.Patrick's Day parade, Bar Harbor spectators cheered and shouted, "Good for you!" and "It's about time!" as the Out On MDI float passed. Good friends darted from the sidewalk - or to the sidewalk - exchanging hugs and greetings.
Deb Cooper was the only woman driving in the parade while drag queen, Lexie Love, and the others riding on the float threw kisses and candy. Subtle statements of the unique character of our community.
There was no 'bad moment'. This was truly a celebration; an acceptance of diversity in the context of a family values holiday. Hearts soared and faces beamed. It felt like a Pride march, as well it was in many ways. But the no-big-deal status of a gay float in this parade may have been its most lasting legacy.
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The attack on a gay man, July 1, outside Blackstone's is another sad episode in the history of human relations. This paper's involvement with William Clark, the target of the attack, has been rewarding and reassuring. Mr. Clark's forthright manner in dealing with such senseless violence is inspiring.
There is, however, someone very important to this story who is, perhaps by his own choice, overlooked. We want to pay tribute to a man who risked has own safety to help someone else. The anonymous man who stepped into the breach, not knowing what might happen, gave the lie to the phrase, "discretion is the better part of valor." Had he been discreet, Mr. Clark may well not have been here to thank him as he intended to do at the City Hall rally, July 13.
Mr. Clark has said that had this man not helped him, he might have been killed. As he lay on the ground feeling the kicks to his head from three, strong young men, he wondered if he would survive.
The anonymous man didn't know if these three hoodlums had weapons, he didn't know if there were more of them nearby. Quite simply, he risked his life to save someone he barely knew. He is a white man, he is straight. Mr. Clark is black. Mr. Clark is gay. Those are the facts. In our self-righteousness we'd say those facts shouldn't matter, but we know that on the street they do. There is only one word to describe the action taken by the anonymous man. After all the lofty talk about constitutional rights by dignitaries subsides, a simple truth emerges. We are witness to heroism.
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That this was a busy and acrimonious legislative season in Augusta isn't news. What many people don't realize is that in the midst of all the budget and welfare reform battles an active and hardworking Maine HIV Advisory Committee, sometimes known as the Governor's HIV Advisory Comittee, was improving HIV policy and preventing problematic legislation from becoming law. What follows is a brief update on the "Committee" and it's activities.
Last year the legislature passed, and Governor McKernan signed, a bill to revitalize the Maine HIV Advisory Committee. This committee, initially created in the late 1980's had been instrumental in passing confidentiality and other important legislation that was useful to PWHIV in Maine. However, under Governor McKernan, committee membership dwindled and the Committee floundered. The revitalization legislation expanded committee membership and broadened the focus of it's work.
The Committee is charged with advising all departments and agencies of the state on:
A. Prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus, ... and education related to HIV;
B. Crises that may develop related to HIV;
C. Services to person with HIV;
D. Services for family members and other persons providing care and support to persons with HIV;
E. HIV-related policy, planning, rules or legislation; and
F. All fiscal matters related to HIV.
This past year a significant proportion of the Committee member's attention related to LD321. This time last year the Judiciary Committee asked the Advisory Committee to review the HIV testing statutes and recommended changes. These changes were translated into LD321. While not all of our recommended changes survived the legislative process, many did, including improved language for processing medical records and improvements to "right to know" language.
In addition, the Committee took positions on a number of HIV-related bills, including support for the medical use of marijauna and opposition to LD310 (the legislative version of the CMF referendum).
The Committee also issued a position statement on condom availability, emphasizing that, "The Maine HIV Advisory Committee recognizes that access to condoms for sexually active youth is essential to reducing the risk of HIV. The Committee recommends that youth-serving agencies, including schools, should make condoms available along with comprehensive education, counseling and referral."
Reaching these positions was the result of hard work and intensive discussion. The "new" Advisory Committee includes representatives from a wide varierty of groups - everyone from the Insurance Industry to the ML\GPA, from surgeons to members of the PTA. This diversity assures that issues which come before the committee receive a wide airing and that virtually every viewpoint will be heard. That a newly constituted group with this much diversity could be as effective and productive as they were is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of all involved.
All members are nominated by a legislatively mandated organization or group, though ultimately it is the Governor who appoints committee members. For a list of members, a copy of the Committee's annual report to the legislature, or other information, please call Trish Macomber at (207) 874-1092.
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Deb Cooper of Bar Harbor is in the process of organizing a statewide march in October to highlight the important issues for Gays and Lesbians in the November referendum vote. The plan is to have local coordinators for various regions who will gather the troops and make local media and celebrity connections.
This march, like the Unitarian Universalist Church's Speakout Maine project, may be one of few opportunities to bring lesbigay voices and concerns to public attention. The march is separate from but supported by the MWD campaign.
If you would like to march on one or several days in your area or - even better - if you can commit to organizing a segment of the March For Equal Rights - please connect with Deb at the phone number or email address below.
Columbus Day weekend marks the beginning of a month-long relay march - north from Kittery and south from Fort Kent. A mile at a time, a day at a time, we will walk, sing, dance, and campaign our way to the Augusta.
Expand the vision-organize *your* piece of this historic event! Invite local celebrities! Stage media events! Make it as big a production or as low-key as you like.. Just Do It!
For more information or to coordinate/participate in the March to Augusta, contact Deb Cooper (207) 276-5916 (dmc@aretha.jax.org)
Let's show our neighbors and the nation that the citizens of Maine won't support legalized discrimination and hatred.
Remember, it's YOUR LIFE that's being voted on in November!
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Just when interest in NASA and rockets to the moon began to fizzle, things began to fall apart: life crucial oxygen tanks exploded on board the Apollo 13 manned lunar spacecraft in the spring of 1970, and the incident gave added shelf life to the United States' space program. All the right stuff went wrong, and suddenly mission control realized that what goes up doesn't necessarily come down. Apollo 13 was an accident waiting to happen, and the attempt to rescue three astronauts in a two-man lunar module captivated the televised world with a rapt, baby-in-the-well intensity.
How dreary it must be to fly in one of those contraptions only to end up on the moon. In one of his better decisions, director Ron Howard doesn't sentamentalize his subject: outer space is dark and cold, merciless and cramped. A sudden jolt or thump could quicken the stoutest heart. The movie is a claustrophobe's nightmare. Once close up after another gives the film its uneasy, trapped in space atmosphere. There isn't a romantic notion in the movie save for honest, can do, American ingenuity. Newt Gingrich could take Oliver Stone's kids to see it, and it would be A-OK.
Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton are the marooned spacemen--Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, Fred Haise. And their low-keyed performances hit all the right notes. Their ship is "bleeding to death." They're low on oxygen and giddy on carbon dioxide. They're two hundred thousand miles from home with time on their hands to contemplate their fate. What would be the point of showy heroics. Ed Harris is the flight commander; he registers his terror, his anger in the flick of an eye. Kathleen Quinn plays astronaut wife, Marilyn Lovell who's good at keeping her fear just under wraps. She does not suffer nobly. She watches television coverage of the rescue mission and her eyes are fixed on the screen. With her son in her arms, she's almost startled when he says, "Mommy, you're squishing me." "Apollo 13" is about horror and how private it can be.
Before the flight, Jim Lovell (Hanks) stares at the full moon. He can't seem to take his eyes off of it; he can feel its pull. He itches to get there. Drifting in space, and low on amps, what's left of the craft circles the moon in a sling shot attempt at a U-turn. Orbiting 56 miles above it, the astronauts get a view of the moon they've only dreamed of. It fills the porthole as if to mock them: a missed opportunity staring them in the face and reflecting the light like a tombstone.
The movie reminds us of the early 70s. More of us smoked and a lot of us dressed funny. James Horner scored the film; it's a noisy hodgepodge and it occasionally washes over the audience like so many amber waves of grain. But this is nit picking.
Like any early manned space flight, the rescue of the Apollo 13 crew was given full television coverage, and it may have marked the last time we were so captivated by the moon. It may have been the last collective experience the country shared, in a time when we still thought better of ourselves.
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by: Frank Girolamo, P-town
The last time Provincetown was in wide release on movie screens across the country was in Norman Mailer's entombed "Dead Men Don't Dance." Somebody owes us a good laugh.
"Lie Down With Dogs" is an independent coming-of-age movie shot on location in Provincetown. The movie will open at the New Art Cinema on Friday, June 30. (Provincetown shares the movie's premiere with New York and Los Angeles.) Production notes say "Dogs" is a "spirited comedy about one gay man's pursuit of romance and happiness." According to writer, producer and director, Wally White, it is "very loosely based" on the summer of 1991, the summer he escaped from New York and came to Provincetown.
Any movie about Provincetown has many juicy possibilities. People come here primed. A traffic sign once marked the spot where route 6 and 6A split in North Truro. It read, "Provincetown either way." Inagine those coming over that hill, reading that sign and eager to believe every word of it. The sign was considered too racy to stay. It's gone, but the message remains. And people still arrive here ready to go. Summer in Provincetown is one prom night after another, a second adolescence, a theme park for the libido.
"The market for gay themes is very strong," according to White. "The gay audience is now clearly recognized as a niche market."
Other movies with gay or lesbian themes due out this summer are, "Heaven's A Drag," "Jeffrey," Wigstock," "Sister, My Sister," and "The Incredibly True Adventure of 2 Girls in Love," (a movie better than its title).
"Lie Down With Dogs" is not just another boy meets boy meets boy meets boy story, and White says that setting the film in Provincetown gave him the freedom not to focus on gay issues. The twenty-eight year old director says, "That's in stark contrast to many other gay movies, which make homosexuality their centerpiece rather than their backdrop. We were in the environment; we didn't have to deal with it. It wasn't an issue."
The film has been shown out of competition at gay film festivals in New York, Dallas and Berlin. There was a sold-out screening in early June at the 1500-seat Castro Theater in San Francisco. They like it.
The film was paid for with nine bulging credit cards for just over $40,000, Hollywood chicken feed. Production costs were cut with produce-placement agreements: there will be Coca-Cola. Provincetown businesses also pitched in by providing free lodging, location sites, transportation, copying services and even gym memberships. White estimates the value of services rendered at arount $63,000. The film was shot off-season. "We were lucky," he said, "the timing was right."
Unlike Jonathan Demme and "Philadelphia," White was not interested in making a crossover movie, one that would appeal to general audiences. He says his film is "for gay men and their admirers." And besides, "Homophobes don't pay eight dollars to see a gay movie. It just doesn't happen."
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This issue, I thought I would give you a collection of travel tips - tips to save you time, money, and/or aggravation.
WHILE TRAVELLING:
ON ARRIVAL:
These are just a few tips to make your trip more enjoyable and safe.
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If the answer to this question is YES then you probably need to do some planning to insure your financial security after you stop working. Planning for retirement does involve more than just putting money aside for later. There are a series of questions that need to be considered, like:
Give some consideration to the activities which you will want to be able to do when you retire. A goal of your retirement may be to allow more time in the day to pursue other interests such as painting, writing or even go back to school. A friend of mine wants to be able to travel around in a Winnebago. Each of these things will require an outlay of money and should be considered when developing a retirement plan so, let your imagination run and envision the life you want to have.
A basic component to a successful retirement plan is a budget for monthly living expenses. Take a look at your current expenses and try to project forward what they will be after you retire. It may be that some costs will decrease and others will increase. Many people do not have a mortgage payment in retirement but, real estate taxes will still continue and home maintenance costs could even increase. Medical expenses will probably increase possibly even to the point where you may need to reside in a nursing home. Give some consideration to what lifestyle changes will occur as you grow older and what the related costs may be.
After you have considered what you want to do in retirement and what your living expenses will be, the next step is to determine where the money will come from to pay for it all. This is where a having a good retirement plan will pay off. The income for your retirement will generally come from the investments you make during your working years. It may be an annual IRA contribution or funding an employer sponsored plan but the point is that your retirement income comes from what you put aside in investments and savings today. Social Security was not designed to be a primary source of income in retirement, only a supplement. Plan on having another source of income. It may be that you will need to fund your retirement by working part-time. Many people become bored and restless without work and part of their retirement plan is to continue working but, on a limited basis so that it allows them time for their other interests.
These are a few broad questions involved in developing a retirement plan. Each of these questions can lead to several other related questions and so on and so on. Also, remember that events rarely occur as expected so keep your retirement plan flexible and revise it on an as need basis. Looking forward to the days when working is no longer necessary is fun but getting there is another matter. My point being that a successful retirement where you have the lifestyle you desire is something which requires forethought and planning. Good Luck!
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by Winnie Weir, Publishing Editor
Pride '95 weekend was a series of high points culminating with a stirring performance by the Maine Gay Men's Chorus' production of "Our Time!" with an added bonus of special guests, The Flirtations.
Sitting in the packed State Theatre, the air felt electric with anticipation as performance time drew nearer. You could see the pride emanating from concert goers as they strode around the theatre greeting friends and family and calling out "Happy Pride." We were ready when the curtain went up and the first notes of "Diversity" filled the theatre.
The program was pure entertainment from beginning to end. The Chorus held us all in the palm of their hands as they presented their gifts of song, dance and humorous antics. The Maritones' version of "What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor" evoked ripples of laughter. "Deep River," a personal favorite, with Timothy Bate ably performing the solo, was very moving and ended the section entitled "Songs of Freedom."
Following these heavier selections, the Chorus moved into lighter fare with "Reel `a Bouche," "Pineapple Rag," and "Hit Me With a Hot Note." Kyle Tardy was responsible for choreography and staging and did an outstanding job as did the MGMC Dancers. How those boys did syncopate!
Our songs of pride ended the first half of the evening. It was, indeed, "Our Time," as the chorus sang these words of Stephen Sondheim. "I Sing the Body Electric," "He Ain't Heavy . . . He's My Brother," and There Comes a Time," touched different places in all our hearts.
Following a welcome intermission, which found Congress Street awash in people trying to catch a cool reprieve from the heat of the theatre, the fabulous Flirtations took center stage and mesmerized us with their rapid fire humor and singing. They were great, pure and simple. What a coup to have them sharing the stage with our own fabulous Gay Men's Chorus at Pride '95!
Their irreverent lyric rewriting of doo-wop classics pushed fond memory buttons for me, not only of the original songs, but of previous Flirt performances I've seen. You could hear a pin drop as the first notes of "Everything Possible" drifted out over the audience and covered us like a baby blanket. The words of this renowned lullaby strike a direct hit to the heart. "You can be anybody you want to be, you can love whomever you will." Now there's an affirming thought for a youngster grow up hearing. The audience fairly leapt out of their seats as the song ended with "And the only measure of your words and deeds, will be the love you leave behind when you're gone."
The Chorus returned to the stage to join the Flirts in three concluding numbers, "On Children," "Home," and "This Little Light" on which we had audience participation as well. This section was somewhat disappointing in that the Flirts overpowered the Chorus. I'm sure it was due to some technical difficult with mikes and monitors.
The concert provided a pride filled conclusion to a pride filled day (although I have it on good authority that the local bars had a dramatic increase in patrons following the concert!). Thank you to everyone connected with the Chorus for your gift of singing!
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Winnie Weir, Publishing Editor cprpride@aol.com
Bruce Balboni, Managing Editor 76275.1372@compuserve.com
Snail Mail: 142 High Street, Portland, Maine 04101
Formatting for Online Distribution by: Paula Stockholm paula@maine.com
Contents © 1995 Community Pride Reporter