306, 7660177/ W154

THE WALL

A PUBLICATION OF THE STONEWALL UNION OF OHIO

APRIL 1983

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Gay Leaders Meet With Celeste

STONEWALL UNION once again helped make history in Ohio this past month when members met March 11 with Ohio's new governor Richard Celeste. This was the first time an Ohio governor met officially with leaders of the Lesbian and Gay Community. Joined by Tom Chorlton of the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Democratic Clubs, Stonewall Board members Rhonda Rivera and John Corlett met with Governor Celeste for over half an hour and discussed various issues important to our community. Not only were strong lines of communication opened between the Gay Community and the Governor's office, but we also received a pledge from Celeste to act quickly on our request for an executive order banning discrimination throughout state employment and in companies holding state contracts.

CELESTE is also working with Stonewall Union to consider the formation of a statewide task force made up of civic, religious and community leaders to study the broad range of issues which concern the Lesbian and Gay community. Also discussed with Celeste was the long range plan to push for an amendment to the Ohio Civil Rights Code to protect Lesbian and Gay persons from all forms of discrimination.

MEDIA coverage of the meeting with Celeste was excellent. In addition to local television and radio coverage, a story by the Associated Press (AP) was picked up around the state.

STONEWALL UNION would like to thank all the individuals from around the state who helped bring about this important meeting with the Governor. Together there is so much we can do.

Gay Pride Parade June 26

AS warm weather finally returns to Ohio, activities and plans are heating up for national Gay Pride Week set for June 19 through June 26. This year's celebration is the 14th annual Gay Pride Week since the historic Stonewall riots in June of 1969 in New York City which marked the beginning of the Gay rights movement.

COLUMBUS is again hosting a statewide Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade which has been set for Sunday June 26. The date will coincide with marches in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and other cities across the nation. Ohio's Gay Pride Parade logo appears at lower left, and our theme this year is..."Freedom and Justice For All". Many organizations are joining with Stonewall Union in building for this parade and we hope to double the size of last year's parade to 4,000. Cleveland is planning to send three busloads to Columbus for the parade and large contingents are expected from Toledo, Cincinnati and Detroit.

SUNDAY

JUNE

26

COLUMBUS

GAY PRIDE PARADE 1983

WE need our members to spread the word about the parade to friends and relatives throughout the state and invite them to Columbus for that weekend. We also want more floats in this year's parade, so ask your favorite bar or business if they're sponsoring a float this year. Or build one of your own.

FUNDRAISING, a never ending endeavor, has already begun and you can help by attending fundraising parties Stonewall will hold throughout the spring. You can also help by joining or renewing your membership to Stonewall Union.

THE PARADE will form at 1 p.m. at Goodale Park and we hope to see you and all your friends there on Sunday, June 26.

THE SKY is the limit, so contact us if you have ideas, entries for the parade, or suggestions. Also, if you will be traveling to other cities in the Midwest contact us so we can provide you with posters and flyers for the event of the year.