Date: Wed, 09 Oct 1996 19:48:52 -0600 From: Barry Wick Subject: National Coming Out Day in South Dakota FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [[The following statements on National Coming Out Day, October 11th, for gays and lesbians can be attributed to Barry Wick, President, Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc., South Dakota's statewide organization for lesbians, gay men, transgendered persons and bisexuals.]] Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc (FACES of South Dakota) extends its congratulations to thousands of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered persons and their parents across the State of South Dakota who are celebrating National Coming Out Day in South Dakota on October 11th. What began over a year ago as an attack on gay men and lesbians by our legislature has brought only good luck and success to FACES of South Dakota as it celebrates its first year "out" in South Dakota. Today we are reaching hundreds of gays and lesbians who didn't believe "we" existed in South Dakota. Being "out" for gay men and lesbians means that we can throw off all the stereotypes, the vicious lies, and the self-imposed closet in which we locked ourselves. We throw open the door on National Coming Out Day celebrating our freedom from the oppression of heterosexism and self-imposed homophobia. Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is a great gift with which we are born. Being out, we discover for ourselves we are equal with everyone whether or not South Dakota see us. We see ourselves and we are beautiful. Let us join with all who are oppressed because of their misrepresented sexual orientation and celebrate this day free and happy. FACES of South Dakota congratulates lesbian and gay people celebrating on the campuses of South Dakota State University, Augustana, The University of South Dakota, Black Hills State University and all those "coming out" today. To quote the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk: "You'll feel so much better." We are proud to be gay just as we are proud to be South Dakotans. -30-30-30-30-30-30-30-30-30-30- For a complete listing of gay, lesbian and supportive organizations in South Dakota, contact FACES of South Dakota, Inc. at 605-343-5577. FACES of South Dakota, Inc., the first statewide gay and lesbian organization in South Dakota was founded on October 31, 1995 and is a tax deductible 501c3 organization with nearly 100 voting members. Almost 450 receive FACES of South Dakota newsletter, the first statewide newsletter for gays, lesbians and their friends. Another 300 pick up copies at various coffee houses, gay bars and book stores throughout the state. FACES is growing at a rate of 4 per cent per month. FACES also has created South Dakota's first gay and lesbian library with 500 books and 800 magazines. Barry Wick, Executive Director South Dakota Alternative Library Free Americans Creating Equal Status of South Dakota, Inc. FACES of South Dakota, a publication 13121 South Creekview Road Rapid City, South Dakota 57702-8503 Phone 605-343-5577 FAX 605-394-8962 email: facessd@rapidnet.com