Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 23:49:44 -0800 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Press Release Press Release LAVA LOUNGE DEFENSE FUND A HUGE SUCCESS!!!! In response to the recent events concerning the virtual Leather bar known as The Lava Lounge, a fund-raising party was held at the bar. Among the highlights of the event was a Leather hula-hoop contest with the winner being the former International National Ms. Leather, Mr. Spencer Bergstedt, who dazzled the crowd by successfully getting 21 hoops in motion at the same time while still being able to use his signal whip. "It wasn't easy," said Bergstedt, known for his pioneering work in the trans-gender community, "but after juggling gender identity for many years, a couple of hula-hoops is something you can do before breakfast." While no actual money was raised at the party, contributions to the defense fund have already begun pouring in and more money has been raised for The Pride Foundation than the project cost. "In truth," said Aubrey Sparks, perpetrator of the Lava Lounge Defense Fund project, "in virtual space there is nothing but binary code - only long strings of 1s and 0s. There are no dimly lit bars with controversial activities happening in the shadows. But in cyber-space we can see reflections of ourselves in this indifferent mirror. I created The Lava Lounge as a way to remember a time not so long ago when bar raids and police harassment were common. In most parts of the world, this is a very real threat of daily life. It is normal to want to look away. It is normal to want to forget our pain. But I want to remember the countless lives that were ruined by these actions, before the passing of time sweeps their names away forever. My hope is that by giving money to organizations like The Pride Foundation and the many organizations that they fund, events like these will truly be only in our memories. Someday, we can sit back and have a good laugh as we remember these days." "The project is far from over," Sparks continued. "But first I want to thank those who have already made a donation. It is people like you who give hope to the future. It is my desire that people will continue to participate in this humorous event with a contribution of $5.00 or more, payable to The Pride Foundation, 1122 East Pike St. #1001, Seattle WA 9811-3934. Please be sure to indicate that this contribution is designated for The Lava Lounge Fund. Remember, contributions to The Pride Foundation help to make a better tomorrow by funding the community today. For more information about The Pride Foundation, visit their new web site at: www.pridefoundation.org. Meet me at The Lava Lounge www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/lava.htm