Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 1 October 1996

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered
Health Science Librarians

Special Interest Group (SIG) of the
Medical Library Association

Editor: Bill Fleming
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center

CONTENTS

Introduction
1. Welcome to my world - the new editor speaks

Business
2a. A word from co-chair Sally Harvey about Site Selection Policy
2b. A word from co-chair Bill Karnoscak about SIG Offices
3. Seattle, 1997 - A Program Report
4. Seattle, 1997 - Accomodations Report
5. Karen's Korner - A Bibliography

People
6. Batavia Downes - Celebrity Reporter

The Lighter Side
7. Paris takes Chicago - The Miss Continental U.S.A. pageant

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1. WELCOME TO MY WORLD - THE EDITOR SPEAKS

Well, the summer is over. The season of laziness has passed, and now onto business! This is the first of a number of newsletters under my editorship. Many, many thanks go out to Tom Flemming, who has helped me in many ways (most importantly for the ideas and techniques which I have "borrowed" from his previous newsletters).

During the past two years in which I have been involved with the SIG, I have had the opportunity to meet, work, and party with an incredible group people. So much has been accomplished in the short existence of the SIG, lots more is in the works, and yet we manage every year to grow closer personally. At conferences there is a lot of important business to address, but there is also a good deal of bonding, and certainly a lot of fun (for some this would mean donning a table napkin as a head scarf and singing "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" from Fiddler on the Roof in the middle of a crowded restaurant). It is the spirit of this mix which I would like to incorporate into the newsletter.

In addition to reports from officers and other pertinent business, I am going to attempt a "People" section, where you can get the chance to let others know what you're up to (personally as well as professionally). You can even get the chance to spread some gossip about yourself as well as others (blind items are the best . . . keeps people guessing, you know). I have recruited none other than noted celebrity reporter Miss Batavia Downes to handle this enormous task. Check out her "People" beat.

Since this is my first newsletter, I'm bound to make mistakes. Please feel free to e-mail me, call me, or fly to Chicago to yell at me in person. I will respond to all. You are my people.

Enjoy!

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Your editor can be reached at:

bfleming@lib.rush.edu
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2a. A WORD FROM CO-CHAIR SALLY HARVEY ABOUT SITE SELECTION POLICY

Yawn!!! Stretch!!! I suspect everyone's tired of hearing about the MLA Site Selection Policy, but I really think this is an area where we can take a leadership role in the organization. I also think we could wrap up the issue rather quickly with a small, but dedicated working group from our SIG. Mitch and I have discussed this, and we believe a brief policy can be developed to establish our role in assuring the Site Selection Policy is followed. By simply asking a few key questions, we can remind the MLS Site Selection Committee of this policy, and of our concern about the issue. Mitch has graciously agreed to head this working group. If anyone else would like to contribute to their efforts, please contact either Mitch or me at the following email addresses or phone numbers:

Mitch: walters@medcat.library.swmed.edu (214) 648-2483

Sally: harvey@medcat.library.swmed.edu (214) 648-2483

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The author of this article can be reached at:

harvey@medcat.library.swmed.edu
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2b. A WORD FROM CO-CHAIR BILL KARNOSCAK ABOUT SIG OFFICES

At the SIG business meeting in Kansas City, a subcommittee was formed to examine and/or establish volunteer job descriptions. These positions are specific to activities contributing to the successful, smooth running of SIG-related events at the annual meeting.

The core group of this subcommittee is: Bill Fleming, Sally Harvey, Bill Karnoscak and Karen Zundel. We are about to embark upon the nitty gritty of pulling together the various functions identified from past meetings and things which would further enhance SIG member's enjoyment of the annual meeting.

If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Bill Karnoscak (btk@lib.rush.edu). Thanks.

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The author of this article can be reached at:

btk@lib.rush.edu
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3. SEATTLE, 1997 - A PROGRAM REPORT

by Robb Mackes

At this point I have nothing more to report than we are working on getting Simon LeVay to speak. I'm waiting to hear from John Clark about funding >From the Mental Health Librarians. I expect to hear from within the next week or so. Once a response comes back from him, we can proceed with plans.

If we do manage to snag Simon LeVay, his topic will be "Queer Science: The Use and Abuse of Research into Homosexuality."

As soon as there are further developments, I will let everyone know via the listserv.

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The author of this article can be reached at:

rtmackes@fast.net
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4. SEATTLE, 1997 - ACCOMODATIONS REPORT

by Bill Karnoscak

Good news on the Annual Meeting front: lodging accommodations have been arranged (most graciously) by Richard Klein. And the lucky winner is: The Pacific Plaza Hotel is at 400 Spring Street, a 5-block walk to the Convention Center in Seattle. This is a comparable (if not shorter!) walk than the Kalaroma Guest House was from the Washington Hilton and Towers (1995 Annual meeting arrangements). Our SIG has been secured a special group rate of $90 + tax (15.2%!). The $90 rate is the same for single or double occpancy. There is a cap of two persons per room. They've expressly mentioned three folks in a room cannot be accommodated. So please take note of that. When you make your reservations, make sure you let the contact know you're withthe Les-Bi-Gay Special Interest Group of MLA. I am trying to get a verification from Richard K at this point whether or not there is a group # assigned to our account... I'll advise ASAP via the listserv.

At this point, 20 rooms have been secured at our special group rate. Of those 20, 5 rooms have two double beds. The remaining 15 have one Queen bed. A complimentary continental breakfast is included daily in their breakfast lounge. This was the factor which was most serious in the decision to book with this hotel. It was felt by many who attended at the Radisson that the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues over breakfast was one of the best features of that hotel (aside from the fabulous staircase in the main lobby!).

Richard has been to this hotel and he likens it to the Radisson in Kansas City, wherein it is an older hotel rather than a cookie-cutter type, non-descript kind a la Hyatt, Sheraton, etc. I want to thank Richard for the time and energy he put forth in making this arrangement. We've been very fortunate over the years (starting with the annual meeting at San Antonio in 1994) to have folks who have led the effort to coordinate group lodging (to varying degrees of success, I might add -- Bates Motel remarks totally appropriate here).

Our group rate is applicable starting Friday 23 May 1997 and is good through Wednesday 28 May 1997. Reservations must be made directly to the Pacific Plaza at 1.800.426.1165. The group rate is guaranteed for reservations placed through 23 APRIL 1997. A credit card # is required to guarantee the room at the time of booking. Hours for the Toll-Free # are 9a - 6p Pacific Time; (for the time-zone impaired, let x = your current time. Therefore [x - 3 hours] for eastern time, [x - 2 hours] for Central time, etc.) Monday through Friday.

If you have questions about this, please email Bill Karnoscak (btk@lib.rush.edu) or call at 312.942.6832. Or call Richard Klein at 312.280.2486 (rklein@bigfoot.scholl.edu).

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The author of this article can be reached at:

btk@lib.rush.edu
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5. KAREN'S KORNER - A BIBLIOGRAPHY

by Karen Zundel

HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE LAW: A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

American Association of Law Libraries.  Sexual orientation and the law: a
selective bibliography on homosexuality and the law, 1969-1993.  Chicago:
Standing Committee on Lesbian and Gay Issues of the Social
Responsibilities Special Interest Section of the American Association of
Law Libraries, 1994.

Amnesty International.  Breaking the silence: human rights violations based
on sexual orientation.  New York: Amnesty International, 1994.

Baird, Robert M. and Baird, M. Katherine.  Homosexuality: debating the
issues. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 1995.

Bigot Busters.  Decline to sign: a guide to defeating anti-gay initiatives
through counter-petitioning.  Seattle: Bigot Busters/Decline to Sign, 1995.

Bowers, Jean M.  Homosexual rights: bibliography in brief, 1993-1994.
Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 1994.

Clark Boardman Co.   Sexual orientation and the law.  New York: Clark
Boardman, 1994.

Combs, Allison.  Discrimination laws with emphasis on sexual orientation.
Carson City, Legislation Counsel Bureau Research Division, 1995.

Curry, Hayden.  A legal guide for lesbian and gay couples, 8th ed. 
Berkeley: Nolo Press, 1994.

Deitcher, David.  The question of equality: lesbian and gay politics in
America since Stonewall.  New York: Scribner, 1995.

Galas, Judith C.  Gay rights.  San Diego: Lucent Books, 1996.

Garet, Ronald Reed.  Deposing Finnis.  Los Angeles: University of
Southern California Law Center, 1995.

Garner, Anne C.  The criminalization of homosexuality: an historical  and
legal analysis of the sodomy statute.  Central Missouri State University,
1995.

Gill, Thomas P., Chair.  Report of the commission on sexual orientation and
the law.  Hawaii Commission on Sexual Orientation and the Law, 1995.

Gingrich, Candace.  The accidental activist: a personal and political
memoir. New York: Scribner, 1996.

Heinze, Eric.  Sexual orientation, a human right: an essay on international
human rights law.  Boston: M. Nijhoff Publishers, 1995.

Herman, Didi and Stychin, Carl.  Legal inversions: lesbians, gay men, and
the politics of law.  Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1995.

Kaplan, Morris B.  Sexual justice: democratic citizenship and the politics of
desire.  New York: Routledge, 1996.

Leonard, Arthur.  Sexuality and the law: an encyclopedia of major cases. 
New York: Garland Publishers, 1993.

Moran, Leslie.  The homosexuality of law.  New York: Routledge, 1996.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.  Beyond the beltway, state of the
states 1995: a state-by-state survey of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered-related legislation during the 1995 sessions.  Washington, DC:
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1995.

Nava, Michael and Dawidoff, Robert.  Created equal: why gay rights matter
to America.  New York: St. Martin's Press, 1994.

North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys.  Lesbian and gay issues for
1996.  Durham, NC: North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys, 1996.

Robson, Ruthann.  Gay men, lesbians and the law.  New York: Chelsea
House Publishers, 1995.

Rubenstein, William B.  Lesbians, gay men and the law: cases and
materials. St. Paul: West Publishing, 1997.

Stychin, Carl F.  Law's desire: sexuality and the limits of justice.  New
York: Routledge, 1995.

Swan, Wallace.  Breaking the silence: gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues in
public administration.  Washington, DC: American Society for Public
Administration, 1995.

Wintemute, Robert.  Sexual orientation and human rights: the United States
Constitution, the European Convention, and the Canadian Charter.  New
York: Oxford University Press, 1995.

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The author of this article can be reached at:

mckmedlib@hslc.org
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6. BATAVIA DOWNES - CELEBRITY REPORTER

Well, here it is: the debut of Miss Batavia Downes' attempt at literature. Miss Downes requests that you do not expect too much at first as it is very difficult to think and write at the same time. Please be patient: all will be known in due time!

First off, we have a couple of very literate people to let you all know about. That would be Rick Barry and Martha Stone. First off let's see what Martha has written. Marie Boivin, the French midwife, was the subject of an essay published in "Notable women in the life Sciences: a biographical dictionary". I suppose that I should add all of the funny little numbers that you librarians add after EVERYTHING! The book was edited by B.F. and B.S. Shearer, Greenwood Press (what a lovely name!) 1996, ISBN 0-313-29302-3.

Flush with success our Martha coauthored a TWELVE page (more that I could do) annotated bibliography, "Public Faces, Private Lives: a bibliography of Boston's gay and lesbian writing". 1200 copies of this were handed out at the Boston Public Library's exhibit of the same name. This was during June of this year. Martha, Batavia has one little question for you.....did they make you hand them all out?

Now on to our other literate hero Rick Barry. Like Martha, Rick is also a co-author. His tome is entitled "Gerontological Nursing: Current Practice and Research". The book is published by a company name SLACK, Inc. Miss Downes hopes that the name in no way reflects the type of business that they run, I prefer a "tight ship" when it comes to business. But, alas, Miss Downes concerns are for naught as Mr. Barry reports that the book is selling quite well. As a matter of fact, Mr. Barry and his co-author Virginia Burggraf are in the process of writing a teacher's guide to accompany the book. In addition to all of this book activity Mr Barry will be the editor of a column (just like Batavia!). His column will appear in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing. Mr. Barry tells Batavia that the subject of the column will be health protection and prevention practices. Oh my, Rick is sure busy, but Batavia can't wait to see what he is up to come the Spring issue of this newsletter.

As we come to the end of our literary corner Batavia thought she should mention that Martha can be reached in Boston at the Treadwell Library. Mr. Barry can be reached at the American Nurses Association in Washington D. C. Speaking of our nation's capital, that area is busier than the biggest hive you have ever seen. Word comes to Miss Downes that Bryan Vogh has accepted a position as Internet Coordinator for the Southeastern Atlantic Region. Mr. Vogh accepted the position in August and is "settling in". Batavia hopes that you are now ready for the "housewarming" party. Not being any good with maps Mr. Vogh had to explain to Batavia that the Southeastern Atlantic region is part of something called the NN/LM. Well, Miss Downes is not about to figure out what that stands for! No sir, the last time an attempt was made at doing that, a quiet flight to Bermuda was in order. Whew! Where was I, oh yes! Our nations capital. There were quite a number of SIG members spotted at the display of the NAMES Project AIDS memorial quilt the weekend of October 10-13. Batavia spotted Bill Karnoscak, David Barnett, Karen Zundel, Robb Mackes, Tanner Wray, Rick Barry (the literate one), and someone from the sticks named Brian Smith. Batavia felt quite moved by the experience as did all involved. Batavia spotted Brian spending a great deal of time with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Batavia knows those Sisters and quite a group they are! Brian, deserving penance, has returned to the sticks where he should reside for a very long while. Batavia hopes he will not venture forth until May!

Before Batavia forgets, a late bulletin was received about the aformentioned Rick Barry. It seems Mr. Barry will become the President-elect of the Interagency Council on Information Resources for Nursing. Batavia is still waiting for her invitation for the Inaugural Ball on October 25. I am sure that the postman will appear with it very soon. A fabulous gown has been purchased (Nancy Reagan would be green with envy) and a new coiffure (Miss RuPaul could never get this blond) has been developed. Fancy dress balls are Miss Downes' favorite social activity, so make sure none of you forget that!

Batavia knows that all SIG members are subject to bouts of wanderlust and has one particular case to report. It seems that Mr. Robb Mackes from Eastern Pennsylvania made a trip to beautiful Pittsburgh. This was a visit to Karen Zundel. Word has it that Ms. Zundel gives a wonderful tour of that town. Batavia's reporters mentioned something about a husband named Mike and a son named Lee. Batavia has no idea if the tour includes the husband and son, but it sounds like the personal touch the a visit to Steel City should have! However, Ms. Zundel is not hesitant to venture from this lovely metropolis, in order for Mr. Mackes to enjoy the most of this visit, a trip to a place called "Fallingwater" was included. Now Batavia hasn't any knowledge of such a place, but after consulting the very nice, though rather standoffish public librarian.....Batavia wore a conservative polka dot suit a la Jayne Mansfield.....found out that it is a house! by a Frank Lloyd Wright. Batavia loves people with three names!

Well, gentle friends, Batavia has come to the end of her first literary effort on your behalf. A number of persons submitted what are commonly referred to as "blind items". They included illusions to Canadians, moisturizer, riverboats, handsome men, Charlie's Angels, Here come the Brides!, Loretta and the darts!, white bag and shoes after Labor Day!.....well it was all too taudry for words! So, I would now like to end with one of my favorite quotes. It is from a movie....Miss Downes doesn't read anything more than four pages in length......."Books are sooo decorative!" If any reader out there can name the movie, character, and (here's a hint) ACTRESS who uttered that immortal phrase. Let Batavia know (through her editor, of course) and you will be spared from coverage in any future columns!

Ta, Ta, there is a taffeta sale.........

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Batavia Downes can be reached via your editor.
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7. PARIS TAKES CHICAGO - A Trip to the Miss Continental U.S.A. 1996-97 Pageant

by Bill Fleming

Close your eyes and picture Paris France. I'll do the same. (slight pause) Do we have the same picture? We probably don't. You're probably envisioning the Eiffel Tower, The Arch de Triumphe, The Louvre. Well, I'm picturing the newly crowned Miss Continental U.S.A. working the runway in a fabulous yellow creation in the evening gown competition or in a simple butterfly-back Speedo swimsuit with swim cap in the swimwear competition. Confused? Don't be: the newly crowned Miss Continental U.S.A. is none other than Miss Paris Frantz (creative spelling).

This past Labor Day weekend, 33 female impersonators from all over the United States (and some from Canada) competed for the prestigious title of Miss Continental U.S.A. and, as always, Jerry Perry, Bill Karnoscak, and yours truly were on hand to witness the event.

As I said earlier Paris Frantz, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was crowned. 1st Runner Up was Tasha Long from Mobile, Alabama. 2nd Runner Up was Basia from somewhere in Florida (I believe). 3rd Runner Up was Danielle Hunter from Orlando, Florida. 4th Runner Up was Tommie Ross, who was representing the Miss Florida crown but who I believe is from Texas.

Bill, Jerry, and I, along with 15 of our friends attended both nights festivities. The first night was the preliminary competition where all 33 contestants compete in swimsuit, evening gown, and talent. Basia won the talent division with a wonderful Liza Minelli medley culminating with "New York, New York". The level of talent, while not spectacular, was very high, so there weren't nearly as many hysterical, BAD performances as there have been in years past. However, I personally will always remember Misty Knight (representing Miss Ohio) who danced on stage with a live boa constrictor. She laid it down on the runway and it darted out into the audience, sending drinks flying and people scattering. She then proceeded to stand on her head and thrust her pelvis. Now that's talent! (She didn't make the semifinals) There was a number with Freddie Krueger ("Nightmare on Elm Street") backup dancers, and a number where a contestant (who last year dazzled us with a Pocahontas tribute) burst out of a Mortal Kombat video game, went into the 70's classic "Kung Fu Fighting" and then a high-spirited dance number.

One memorable moment in the swimsuit competition in the preliminaries came from Miss New York Latina, Natalie DuPont, who sort of....how shall I say...."came out" of her swimsuit. I'm not sure if she knew it or not, because she kept on working that runway and smiling....

The finals were dazzling. Flame Monroe (forever known for the fact that she competed three years ago with a house arrest tag on her ankle), disgrunted at not making the semifinals, stormed off the stage. Tommie Ross did a Cleopatra number which involved a live (!) tiger and a live (!) bobcat which were being fed raw meat to keep them occupied. The tiger was about 20 feet from us and was constantly hissing. Paris got the crowd going with a "nervous breakdown" version of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds which I personally found disappointing (the evening before I was completely riveted by her performance of Shirley MacLaine numbers from Irma La Douce).

I got a chance to talk quite a bit with two fellows from Kentucky who sat at our table for the night of the finals. It seems that they travel to all of the national pageants (Miss U.S.of A., Miss National, Entertainer of the Year, Miss Gay America, Miss Continental). I have made plans to join them on their circuit starting in early 1997.

The evening did have its sad side, though. There was a moment of silence for Amber Richards, Miss Continental U.S.A. 1991-92, who died earlier in the year. Lady Catiria, Miss Continental U.S.A. 1995-96, divulged to the crowd in her outgoing performance that she was diagnosed with AIDS. The crowd was truly moved by her words.

After the contest, I had the opportunity to speak with Paris and her mother at a party at the Baton Show Lounge. Both were very cordial to the masses who were beseiging them for time. Paris is truly a class act.

A video of the contest is now available. Should you be interested in owning a copy of the videotape, please e-mail me: bfleming@lib.rush.edu. I'll get you the information.

Consider joining us next year for Miss Continental U.S.A. 1997-98. Who knows what lies in store: my money is on either Natasha Richards or Tasha Long to take it next year, but there's a lot of time between now and then......anything can happen.

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The author of this article can be reached at:

bfleming@lib.rush.edu
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THE END........

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