306, 7660977/ On 7

April 26, 1977

OGRC Newsletter

The Ohio Gay Rights Coalition is dedicated to the pursuit of Gay civil and social rights in the state of Ohio. Although OGRC a primary goal is to improve the legal standing of Gay people in Ohio, it is hoped that the coalition's activities will serve to draw us closer together. This newsletter is sent to activists and organizations across the state and is intended not only to publicize OGRC's political activities, but also to facilitate communications amongst Ohio's Gay organizations.

OGRC FORMED

After two statewide meetings the Ohio Gay Rights Coalition is on its way to becoming a unified and efficient instrument for protecting the interests of Gay people in Ohio. The coalition was formed in direct response to NGTF spokesperson Virginia Apuzzo's call for an Ohio-wide Gay organization. Bowling Green Gay Union hosted a meeting on January 22 to discuss the future of Gay rights activism in Ohio. Those present (approximately forty women and men from various cities and organizations) overwhelmingly agreed that a state organization should be formed, but decided to postpone any decisions as to its structure or financing.

The activists at the Bowling Green meeting attempted to determine what each city in Ohio could offer to the state organization, which was tentatively named Ohio Gay Rights Effort (OGRE). Columbus presented itself as the obvious place to center any activities involving the state legislature, and Central Ohio Lesbians (COL), along with the Columbus Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), volunteered to maintain contacts with legislators. Oberlin College was established as OGRE's communications headquarters, with the principle duty of compiling the newsletter. Bowling Green Gay Union offered the use of its printing and mailing facilities until OGRE could establish its own finances.

Coalition Solidifies

The second and most recent meeting of the coalition was hosted

by Oberlin College Gay Union on March 5th. Representatives from Cleveland's Gear Foundation and Gay Political Union (whose menberships overlap significantly) attended the business meeting, as did members of Youth Against War and Fascism's Gay Caucus, Bowling Green Gay Union, Central Ohio Lesbians, the Law Association for Gay and Lesbian Civil Liberties (Columbus), Dignity/ Cleveland, NOW/Youngstown's Lesbian Task Force, and Oberlin's Gay Union. Independent activists from Akron and Ashland also attended.

The Coalition's primary purpose was established as "the pursuit of Gay civil and social rights" with the understanding that a variety of approaches may be used in achieving our common goals. For instance, COL could lobby on behalf of civil rights legislation while YAWF's Gay Caucus would mobilize mass support through its contacts with progressive political and labor organizations. OGRC's members could also become involved with legal (as opposed to legislative) matters; a media-watch could be organized; educational and fundraising activities could be sponsored: OGRC has been structured to account for the diversity of its membership while still bringing us together in our common struggle.

At the March 5 meeting the suggestion was made that in order to streamline OGRC's business meetings and to encourage participation in projects each city or organization is committed to long-range goals: Columbus to lobbying in the state legislature; Oberlin to producing the newsletter; Cleveland to fundraising and financial matters.

Other groups and individual activists plan to accomplish specific tasks such as writing letters and contacting local legislators, civil rights organizations, and political groups.

OGRC's Structure

Business meetings are open to anyone concerned about the civil and social rights of Gay people in Ohio. Each member organization is expected to send at least one representative to each coalition meeting, but everyone present is encouraged to participate in discussion and decisions. A representative-at-large will ways

be present to speak for any individual members who cannot be present at a particular meeting. S/he can be contacted anytime between meetings. Financial matters will be handled by the

three treasurers in Cleveland who are empowered to sign checks. on the coalition's account. Although donations will be deposited in a central checking account, funds can be sent to other cities to finance ongoing projects. Each check must be signed by two of the three treasurers who must all be from the same area.

Solidarity With Other Groups

Before ending the March 5 meet.. ing those present unanimously resolved that OGRC opposes all discrimination against oppressed groups and intends to support those groups' struggles to protect individual liberties. Furthermore, OGRC vows to actively seek increased participation of Lesbians and minority Gays.

RALLY/Demonstration for Gay Rights &OCRC meeting May 15