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Yesterday, I took my first AIDS test. I haven't until now because I have been very careful in the last eight years. I've only had sex with two people, so I never really worried about it, considering myself safe. But for the past few months I've been feeling pretty bad. Last week I discovered a large lump on my neck, just below my ear. I was, and still am, scared to death. I saw the doctor yesterday and he wanted me to take the AIDS test, so I signed for it. I'm just shocked, though. How could it be AIDS? I've been so very careful. I'm scared. I can't sleep or eat and I get headaches every day. Well, if the test is positive, I'm dead, and these people will put me through a living hell. I really don't think I got it sexually. The two people I've had sex with were straight men, and they weren't IV drug users. I could have contracted it here, maybe through a used razor. Many times they make us use used razors if we want to shave. Oh well, I'll just have to see what the test says when it comes back. I would really like to get some correspondence going with your readers... gay/lesbian/straight, it's no concern, just correspondence and the need for closeness, sharing and caring. I really need some friends. I'll answer all letters, but please ask them to include postage, and a photo if possible. I'm going to close this letter for now and get it in the mail to you. Respect and love, Terry Barkley #173128 POBoxE Jackson, Mich. 49204 Where's ALFA? To The Editor. them to supply us with information on their group. We only print those who respond, in order to assure correct information.) Bringing Anti-Gay Violence Out of the Closet To the Editor: I looked in the mirror tonight, between my breasts and down to my stomach. The scars are fading. If only the mind could heal as quickly as the body. My thoughts today are as painful as the blade that carved my flesh. It was August, 1987.1 came out to my high school sweetheart and he walked away in disgust. One week later, he invited me to a party. I was happy he had contacted me again. Maybe we could still be friends. I went, we danced and then four guys held me down while my "boyfriend" raped me and carved, "gay", "lesbian", and "women" on my chest and stomach. Convinced that the heterosexual world would perform their own surgery on my experience, I remained obediently and oppressingly silent. The days, weeks and months passed. My story, shared only with my closest friends, was quietly set aside...perhaps trying to fade with the physical scars. Tonight, I realized this experience not only will not fade, but will either silence my screams or give me a voice to fight for my life. Once again, I must exit through another closet door and proclaim-" I am a proud lesbian and I will not be oppressed!" -Teri Kai (Editor's Note: Southern Voice received this piece in the mail with a request from the author to print it so others who have experienced anti-lesbian/gay violence will know that they are not alone.) newspaper that gives me the information I need about relevant issues so that 1 can make my own decisions. Hats off to everyone involved. There is something, however, I would like to see more of. I think there still needs to be more coverage of issues specifically relating to people of color. Even the lesbian and gay issues you tackle can take on a different cast when viewed from a different perspective. It's strange to think that even such a minority as gays and lesbians have their own "outgroups", but there are groups of people whose voices are still not sufficiently represented. Overall, your paper is extremely professional and informational. Please find enclosed my check for $20 to cover a year's subscription. I'm already looking forward to the next issue! Sincerely, Kalvin Rudyard | joe fvakk{ RAftSLS BUDDY >oDa wiy LAW TltAMMecC oev&ttip&if £+Y/C£s t MAJUaACI OLlOfffl. SldiMOALL THfLY^lE all Qf>GAK)l^EO, &UT... ANDREW (vOtOJAMj 8lu.y L-n Vf^FR-AlDS fo ft/ ... CAU'T 70 Fit VISA Clipping Will Continue Thank you so much for the good work you and others invested in the first issue of Southern Voice. We have needed a thorough lesbian and gay newspaper generated in our region for a long time. I was glad to see the focus on AIDS as well as other political news, and I particularly liked Rebecca Ranson's article on AIM. I would like to see a more comprehensive calendar of events published, and wondered why our oldest organization in Atlanta, ALFA, was not listed under "organizations". I look forward to the ways the paper will grow and change as it takes on a character and personality of its own. It is important that lesbians and gay men support Southern Voice through subscriptions and that businesses do so through advertising. We need the political and news coverage; we need the visibility; we nefd our many voices to be expressed in Southern Voice. Congratulations on a good beginning. Sincerely, Linda Bryant Atlanta, GA (Editors Note: Thanks for the words of support. Southern Voice welcomes all lesbian/gay organizations to be a part of the Registry. We sent letters to 47 organizations in the metro area and asked Kudos To the Editor Thank you for your article on the Presidential candidates and their views. Their positions on subjects effecting our community and the nation will definitely be a deciding factor in the upcoming election. Your paper dared to address issues often avoided by, or considered unimportant by, other papers. I am an individual who appreciates hard-core facts. I found your article on the candidates, and your entire paper, an asset to our community, city and state. I salute and commend Southern Voice for its efforts to enlighten all of us on vital issues. Your professionalism and genuine concern are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Curtis T. "Outgroups" Underrepresented To The Editor: I must tell you I was pleasantly surprised to see what a quality publication you have managed to put together for gays and lesbians in Atlanta. Finally, a "newsy" The "Clip Your VISA" Campaign, protesting VISA'S support of the anti-gay U.S. Olympic Committee, will continue through the next year, the organizer says. Gay publisher, Sasha Alyson, who began the campaign in August, explained that he originally he saw it as a shortterm project. "My first thought was that we should simply register our protest with them, then move on to other things," he said. "But VISA'S response has been appalling. They have steadfastly refused to address the issue of homophobia." Alyson began the Clip Your VISA campaign after reading an ad that stated, "everytime you you use VISA, we’ll contribute to the U.S. Olympic team." "After the viciously homophobic way the U.S. Olympic Committee treated Tom Waddell abd the Gay Games, I had no intention of using my VISA card again, and I decided to encourage others to join me," Alyson explained. "Several hundred people have sent in half of their card as a sign that they agree." The clipped cards are being used to make a banner memorializing Gay Games founder, Tom Waddell. "We displayed the banner at the March on Washington, and will continue to display it at other events," Alyson stated. VISA cardholders who want to participate in the campaign should cut their card in half, send one half to VISA and the other half to: Sasha Alyson, Alyson Publications, 40 Plympton St., Boston, MA 02118. (Reprinted from The Long Beach Chronicle, Jan. 14,1988). Viewpoints is part of a continuing effort to provide a forum of opinion for our community. We invite your ideas, comments and feelings and your responses to ideas expressed in this space. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Southern Voice. Submissions should be typed, double spaced and no longer than four pages. Mail to: Southern Voice/Viewpoints P.O. Box 54719 Atlanta, GA 30308 Page 5