November, 1975

Bicentennial Conf.

Cont. From Pg. 5

the second floor. The light show was especially impressive as rainbow colors shot throught cylindrical metal tubes from above the dancing area.

Since we wanted to get in as much bar activity as possible, we left Washington Square and debated whether to return to The Lost and Found or try Pier 9. One major detraction of D.C. gay night life is that all major bars charge a $3.00 cover for admission. Although one receives 3 tickets for drinks, this discourages bar hopping, unless you are either rich or a confirmed alcoholic.

Recognizing the pitiful state of our finances, we opted for The Lost and Found. though hesitantly. Pier 9, located on Half St. S.W., is the glitter and fashion gay disco of D.C. It has two dance floors, upstairs and down, a number of bars, and a restaurant. On weekends, nude male stag films are shown upstairs free of charge.... Tempting, but is it worth another three dollars?

When we arrived, The Lost and Found was throbbing madly. Whistling and howling thundered through the rooms, and celebrities like Sergeant Matlovich could be seen in distant corners conversing with other patrons. What was most amusing was the illegal action

going on in the bathroom. Suffice it to say, that you would have to see it to believe it.

Talking with some of the D.C. residents, we discovered that The Phase One on 8th Street S.E. and the Club Madame two doors down were the major women's bars. The Lost and Found also contained separate women's facilities, a fact that apparently eluded my drunken eyes.

Finally, we dragged ourselves to the infamous Annapolis and tried to get some sleep, though the party next door and the arguing couple downstairs made it tough.

Sunday Morning With The Lesbian Feminists

Awaking at about ten, blearyeyed, we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel. We decided on taking one last run to Georgetown to eat breakfast at the immortal Clyde's, one of the most decorative and finest eaterys in D.C. After a pleasant meal, we trekked back to All Soul's Church to hear the panel on the relationship between the feminist and gay movements.

Jean O'Leary began the discussion by saying that the major problem facing the gay movement today is lesbian invisibility. "This is largely due to the circumstances that men have all the money and mobility just look at how many more gay male bars exist than gay women bars. The leaders of the movement are men because of

HIGH GEAR

their power connections." According to O'Leary this had lead to lesbian separatism, but now, she claims, the trend is gradually moving toward unity with men. "Our destinies are dependent on each other."

Laurel Morton spoke next and said lesbians are the buffer between both the feminist and gay movements: "Unfortunately, gay liberation has yet to see the oppression of sexism, as feminism has. Equal relationships among women, thus, can only be formed outside of the malecentered society. Lesbian and gay male cultures are not the same. However, as a political tool, separatism has become ineffective."

Morton reiterated that for true unity to Occur between gay women and men the following must happen: 1) Lesbians must be seen more extensively through the straight media 2) Gay resources must be made available to women as well as men. 3)Lesbians must be seen in leadership positions, and 4) All gays must embrace the input of feminism."

The final speaker, SocialistFeminist Kathy Valentine, attacked society's prescription of sex roles for women and gay men: "Are not the same roles spoon-fed to both of us! Are not both gay men and women seen as indecisive, sensititve, artistic, manipulative, good homemakers, childish, pretty, sexy, and bitchy!

"When men are ready to take woman's leadershin and work

side by side, then we can work together for our common struggle."

The Departure

While Ms. Valentine concluded her colorful presentation, we quietly exited through the rear door of the church. Saddened that we were unable to stay for the remainder of the conference, we charted our course for Cleveland and waiting job responsibilities. As we drove home, the political inspiration we felt lead to a provocative argument concerning sexism among gay males. I kthink I'll leave the bulk of that exchange for another time.....

The energy of 400 gay activists from across the country cannot be adequately described through the written word. It is enough to say that the gay movement is just now shifting into high gear. The Gay Bicentennial Conference was a positive leap forward, and the social life of D.C. was exhilarating. Who says politics and fun can't mix?

CLUB

Page 15

AMERICA

NEEDS YOU NOW

696-5330

CLEVELAND

*

*-k

*

**

Come Get Your Bird Stuffed

With All The Trimmings

Hot Soothing

Dry Sauna

1448 W. 32nd St. 631-9702

BC

O

Super Steamy

*

Steam Room