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Organizations
AALGA- African American Lesbian/Gay Alliance. 1st Sunday of
each month. 4:00 PM. Ashby and Gordan Street A political and
social organization for black lesbians and gay men.
PO Box 50374, Atlanta, Ga., 30302.691-5921 or 297-8815.
ACLU/LG-ACLU/Lesbian &Gay Chapter. 3rd Wednesday of
each month. Peachtree Branch Library. 7:30 PM. Working for
the civil rights of lesbians and gay men in the metropolitan Atlanta
area. 377-8312.
ACT- Atlanta Couples Together. A non-political, non-religious,
social organization whose purpose is to support the positive
aspects of gay and lesbian relationships. Events and meetings
vary. Info: A.C.T. Voice Mailbox, 365-2455, or writE PO Box
723291, Atlanta, Ga., 30339.
ACT UP/Atlanta-AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power Direct
action group with the purpose of fighting homophobia, AIDS, sex
ism and racism. Meetings held every Tuesday at 7:30 PM at 131
Ponce de Leon, Suite 233 . 24-hr. info line - 286-6247.
AFC- Atlanta Faerie Circle. 1st Sunday of each month. Location
and time varies. Gay men gathering for support and to explore
their connections with the earth and white light 6224112.
AGC- Atlanta Gay Center. 876-5372 Operated primarily by vol
unteers, AGC offers services for lesbians and gays men as well as
educational out-reach to society as a whole. Help Line-892-0661.
AGMC- Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus. A semi-professional com
munity-oriented chorus of male voices. Membership open to all
interested singers and non-singers alike. 378-9676.
AGLA- Athens Gay & Lesbian Association, at the University of
Georgia. All welcome at meetings, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of
every month; call 404/548-0580 for more information.
ALACC- Atlanta Lesbian Agenda Conference Committee. A
diverse group of lesbians hosting the 1st National Lesbian Agenda
Conference in April, 1991 Atlanta. Meetings 1st Tuesday of the
month, 7PM. PO Box 15226, Atl. 30333. Info 378-9769.
ALFA- Atlanta Lesbian Feminist Alliance. 2nd Sunday of each
month. 6:00 PM. A lesbian feminist organization which welcomes
lesbians of all races, religions, political orientation, economic sta
tus, occupation and degree of openness. Write PO Box 5502,
Atlanta, Ga. 30307 for more info and to request newsletter.
A LG PC- Atlanta Lesbian/Gay Pride Committee. 2nd Tuesday of
each month. 7:30 PM. Unitarian Universalist Church. Needs vol
unteers to coordinate this year's lesbian and gay pride March to
insure its success.
AMC- Atlanta March Committee- More Than a Phase.2nd and
4th Tuesday of each month. 7:30 PM. North Highland Branch
Library. A community based activist organization that works
toward promoting lesbian and gay rights through educational,
social, cultural, and political events. 377-8312.
APAC Atlanta Pro-Choice Action Committee - Join Atlanta's
newest abortion-rights activist group in defending women's health
clinics. A non-profit, non-partisan, nonviolent broad-based organi
zation created to support the right to reproductive freedom for all
people. 239-8016 for information. Our bodies, our lives, our right
to decide.
AVS- Atlanta Venture Sports. Activities and meetings vary. An
association in which the membership enjoys recreational, social,
educational, and sports activities. 2424899.
AID Atlanta- A community-based, non-profit agency providing
multiple services to all people with AIDS, their families and friends,
and education to everyone regarding the disease and its prevention.
1132 W. Peachtree St (Entrance 13th Street). 872-0600.
AIDS Info Line-876-9944 (Atlanta);l-800-551-2728 (State
wide). Answers to questions about AIDS, referrals, etc., by trained
volunteers staffing phone lines from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM daily. A
public service of AID Atlanta and the Ga. DHR,
Atlanta Business & Professional Guild- A non-profit service
organization comprised of both gay/lesbian and non-gay profes
sionals and businesspersons. 2nd Tuesday of each month. Place
varies. Membership and further info: 6624202
Atlanta Feminist Women's Chorus- A community-oriented
choral group of women's voices. Membership is open to all
women interested in singing. Chorus practice held each Sunday,
4:30-7:00 PM at the Fust Existentialist Church at
470 Candler Pk. Dr. 355-8894 or 4354498.
Atlanta Lambda Chorale- A community-oriented choral group
for men and women. Membership open to all singers and non
singers alike. Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7:30PM. 955-0296.
BWMT- Black and White Men Together. 1st Saturday of each
month.8:00 PM. Location varies. A gay inter-racial organization
committed to fostering a supportive environment wherein racial
and cultural barriers can be over-come and the goal of human
equality realized. 794-BWMT.
Circle of Healing- 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.7:30 PM.
First Existentialist Church. The Circle is open to anyone in need
of healing, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. 378-5570
CODA-Codependents Anonymous- Lambda. A 12-step program
of recovery from codependency for gays and lesbians. Meetings
Tues. & Wed. at 8 PM. For info and locations call: 239-1657.
Chrysalis - A women's center providing social, educational and
informational programs and services for the community. 2045
Manchester. For info call (404) 881-6300.
Congregation Bet Haverim- Services 1st and 3rd Friday of each
month at 8:30 PM. Shabbat Seder, 2nd Friday of each month at
7:30 PM. All Saints Episcopal Church. Proudly serving the les
bian and gay community. Info line: 642-3467.
ELGO- Emoty Lesbian & Gay Organization. Meetings every
Wed at 8:30 PM. Room 355 Dobbs University Center.
Box 23515, Emory Univ., Atlanta, Ga. 30322 727-6692.
First MCC Atlanta- Sunday Services at 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM
evangelistic service. Mid-week services on Wednesday at 7:30
PM.800 N. Highland Ave. Office hours Noon-6:00 PM.Tuesday-
FridayA Christian church proclaiming God's love for lesbians and
gay mea Counseling available by appointment for individuals and
couples. Same sex Holy Unions perforated. 872-2246.
Fourth Tuesday-A networking organization for lesbian profes
sionals and entrepreneurs, operating through monthly dinner
meetings and a variety of special social, sports and educational
events. P. O. Box 7817, Atlanta, GA 30309,6624353.
Friends Atlanta- Activities and meetings vary. A social, recre
ational, and educational group for gays and lesbians. Volleyball,
bowling, dinners, theater nights, and dances are among the activi
ties. 6624501.
Friends of Zoo Atlanta- Support organization for Zoo Atlanta.
For info regarding corporate sponsorship, membership, volunteers
and adopt-an-animal call (404) 525-9936. Mon.-Fri., 9AM-5PM.
GAA- Gay Atheists of America. Meetings social in nature and at
members' discretion.To assure freedom of speech; freedom from
religion; to defend the separation of church and stale; to assist in
obtaining civil rights for gays and lesbians, and to offer non
believers an alternate social scene. 875-8877.
GALA- Georgia Tech Gay and Lesbian Alliance. Weekly meetings.
676-1324. GAIA, Programs Area, GA Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332
GLSA- Ga. State Gay and Lesbian Student Alliance. Day meet
ings on Wed. 10:10am, Rm 904 General Classroom Bldg. (Nov.8
mtg. in 804 GCB). Info: 651-3636 or 3524570. GLSA, Box 506
University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303.
GANG - Greater Atlanta Naturist Group. For gay men who enjoy
nude outdoor and social activities. Not a sex club. Nude camping,
swimming, parties, etc. several times per month. For info send
SASE to: GANG, PO Box 7546, Atlanta, GA 30357.
GAPAC- Greater Atlanta Political Awareness Coalition.
Meetings vary. Die gay and lesbian political action committee
monitoring and acting in the local political scene. 368-7420.
GLPCI- Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International. 1st and
3rd Sunday of each month. 7:30 PM. Unitarian Universalist
Church. A support group for lesbian and gay parents. 296-8369.
Gay & Lesbian Pride March-1990-PO Box 5643, West
Columbia, SC 29171. (803) 796-3615,252-9455,2714207.
The Group- Thursday nights. Call the Gay Help Line at
892-0661 or write PO Box 15191, Atlanta, Ga. 30333. A support
group for gay and bisexual men who are or who have been
involved in marital-type situations with women.
Hotlanta Volleyball-Serious and amateur players are welcome
to join Mem bos compete in tournaments and regulation league
play. Clinics held during the year to learn and practice new tech
niques. Call 875-0700 for info.
Human Rights Campaign Fund- (HRCF-Atlanta) The nation's
largest Lesbian & Gay political + lobbying organization
P.O. Box 8594, Atlanta, GA 30306, Phone 365-8766.
Integrity- Gay Caucus of the Episcopal Church. 2nd and 4th
Friday of each month. 7:30 PM. All Saints Episcopal Church-3rd
floor of Ellis Hall. 875-2720.
LAMP - The Living AIDS Memorial Park Project. Second
Monday of every month. 7:30PM. N. Highland Branch Library.
For info: 874-8969. Address: LAMP, PO Box 301,
1579-F Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30324.
LEGAL- Legislate Equality for Gays and Lesbians. A voice for
lesbians and gays in the Democratic party. Mtgs. on 3rd Mon of
the month. 7pm at Ptree Branch Library. P.O. Box 54167, Atlanta
30308. (404) 286-7476.
LIFE- Lesbians in Fun Endeavors. Meeting times and locations
vary. Bringing professional gay women together for the fun of it,
giving them the opportunity to make friends and enjoy a wide
variety of events. 938-2009.
Lutherans Concerned/Atlanta- A Christian Ministry for
Lesbian and Gay Understanding. Please contact us at P.O. Box
13673, Atlanta, GA 30324.636-7109.
Lutherans Concerned'South Carolina- A society of gay les
bian and non-gay Christians. All denominations welcome. We
work to foster a climate of understanding, jusdee and reconcilia
tion among all people. 3rd Sunday of each month. 4:00PM. 728
Pickens Sl, Columbia, SC. Contact PO Box 90537, Columbia,
SC, 29290. (803)732-0838.
MAAS- Metro Atlanta Astrological Society. A networking edu
cational/research organization for both amateur and professional
astrologers. Usually meet the 4th Wed. of each month 622-5661
MACGLO- Metro Atlanta Council of Gay and Lesbian
Organizations. 3rd Thuisday of each month. 7:00 PM. Peachtree
Branch Library. A representative council of lesbian and gay orga
nizations to facilitate the exchange of info. 242-2342
MCC Ail Saints-Serving metro Atlanta with positive Christian
support for lesbians and gay men. 5:00 PM every Sunday.
575 Boulevard, SR Office hours: Mon-Thurs. lOAM-Noon, and
1PM4PM. 622-1154.
NAPWA- Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of People
with AIDS. Regular meetings and events. 131 Ponce de Leon,
Suite 233. A political, social, and educational organization con
fronting the AIDS crisis. Membership is open to all individuals
with AIDS, ARC or who are HIV positive. 874-7926.
The Names Project/Atlanta- A National AIDS Memorial.
Every Wednesday at 6:30PM at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Send correspondence to: 375 Georgia Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30312
P-FLAG- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. 3rd Sunday
of each month. 5-7 PM. Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of
Atlanta. Committed to help parents leant what we have learned.
To help change attitudes and create an environment of under
standing, so all gay people can live with dignity and respect.
961-6085 or 296-0830.
PLGC- Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concems/More Light
3rd Sunday of each month. Gays and lesbians gather over light
foods to celebrate their Presbyterian heritage. 373-5830.
Palmetto Gay/Lesbian Association - A support education and
civil rights organization in S. Carolina. PO Box 10022,
Greenville, SC, 29603-0022 24hr. switchboard(803) 2714207.
Pride of Peachtree - Atlanta's Lesbian & Gay Marching
BandEvery Monday night 7:30PM-9:OOPM at First MCC,
800 N. Highland Ave. For info call 434-7826.
Project Open Hand - Prepares and serves meals to PWAs,
PWARCs unable to do so themselves. Volunteers needed for
organizing, kitchen and delivery. 248-1788.
SESA - The Southeastern Sports Alliance is a fundraising, aware
ness and organizer for sports and cultural events leading up to
Celebration '90 Gay Games & Cultural Festival, Vancouver,
British Columbia. 875-0700.
SAME- Southeastern Arts, Media & Education Project, Inc.
Utilizes arts and media as tools for exploration, education, and
change in human rights, especially those of the lesbian/gay com
munity. 584-2104.
Southern Country Atlanta- A social organization which pro
motes country/westem dance and activities. We sponsor coun-
tiy/westem dance nights at three locations in Atlanta and some
out-of-town activities. Call 231 -0805 for further info.
Speak Out- Provides you, the voter, an opportunity to let your
congressional representatives know how you feel concerning
AIDS & Civil Rights Matters. P.O. Box 8594, Atlanta, GA
30306, Phone 365-8766.
WOW- Women of Wisdom. Usually every 3rd Monday of each
month. 7:30 PM. N. Highland Branch Library. Facilitates women
meeting together with other women in a pleasant atmosphere.
Offers timely programs of interest to the community, reaches out
to older women and women with special needs. 984-9929.
OUT
LINES
Age: 55
Occupation: Ministerial Intern at
First Existentialist Congregation
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
How long in Atlanta: 15 Years
Books currently reading: The
Coming of the Cosmic Christ by
Matthew Fox
Family: Two children, four grand
children
Professional goal: To become a
minister
Personal goal: To integrate my
head and my heart
Carol Ann Padgett: Integrating Intellect and Heart
Carol Ann Padgett holds up the little
ceramic figure of a bear. It is light as wood.
The bear has a red arrow painted along its
side, an arrow with a jagged shaft. The arrow
head resembles a heart.
"The heartline bear is a Southwestern sym
bol, she explains. "This one that I picked up
on the Acoma pueblo means a lot to me. The
Acoma people are trying to hold on to their
ancient spirituality, a way that believed in
integrating the intellect and the heart."
She speaks quietly, intently, precisely in a
soft Southern voice; a pretty Southern-lady
thing becomes one.”
She is in a new relationship now, "And it
takes a lot of nurturing. It has not been easy for
us, my being in seminary, and doing this
internship, and being in transition. I look for
ward to being able to give the relationship
more attention."
How do her children feel about her life?
"My son is in the Navy, with nuclear sub
marines. Interesting since I’ve been such a
peace activist. He's also a fundamentalist; he
and his family have some trouble with my
ultra-liberal leanings," she smiles.
face with blue eyes and light brown hair dust- Docs she intend to be the minister of a
ed with gray. Her gentility and graciousness church? Not necessarily. Rather she would like
give way to an uncompromising intensity to use her ministerial qualifications and health
when she speaks of things that arc "close to care background in a career that may include
my heart." working as an AIDS educator, with the elder-
"The bear has power," she continues, "And ly, or with substance abuse,
the female bear has great maternal instinct. If Asked if she is a feminist, she assents: "I'm
you see a pottery pair of a male and female very much a feminist, and, yes, I am a feminist
bears it will be the female that has the heart- theologian at this point But the dedication to
line," human liberation transcends labels Probably
Her home is sunlit and orderly; comfort- I'm a little less radical than some people would
able office with a big desk, lots of books. A like me to be."
Craftsman-style house with natural wood Carol Ann speaks with fervor on sepa-
beams, built-in bookcases and shelves. A ratism: "I do not espouse Mary Daly's radical
sense of warmth, comfort, spaciousness and separatist stances at all. That is one of the ways
order. We drink juice and discuss her jour- I differ from many women in the community,
neys. We're in a world that’s at the crossroads of
Carol Ann was bom in Mobile, Alabama extinction, where issues have to be addressed,
and was raised a Southern Baptist, "But I've and you can't do it with half the population."
been through three denominations," she says "Women need to have their own communi-
checrfully. She was married, had two children ties and their own friends and circles of spiritu-
and divorced in 1979, al enjoyment, but to throw away the rest of the
In 1985,1 went through a period of redefin- world in order to do that is a bit ludicrous. I
ing my spiritual life and came to the conclu
sion that my spirituality and myself were one.
There is no separation between the secular
and the sacred." : : ■ .'/i
"I was a very left-brain person. I realized I
needed to learn to relate to people in ways that
were not linear, not hierarchical. I needed to
get the head-heart connection in place in my
own life."
So she decided to enter seminary.
Carol Ann made her decision to live open
ly as a lesbian among her seminary friends. "I
had by then lived in a lesbian relationship for
seven years. So it was a conscious decision to
be open in seminary. I was able to help a lot
of people by doing that"
She sees coming out as more than being
open about one's sexuality. A complete com
ing out is really getting in touch with who you
are in all your aspects. So the sexuality, the
spirituality, the secular, the academic—evety-
have no idea of throwing away my son or my
grandson."
The little bear stands on the mantle, a frag
ile symbol of unity, of the oneness of head and
heart Carol Ann looks at it and muses: "How
much faith do I really have in my process?
How do I keep the faith instead of being
afraid?"
She reads Matthew Fox, the maverick
Catholic theologian: "Horrible tilings happen
to you, but you can't bury yourself in horror,
rather you must come out of your pain more
able to help someone else who is in pain. You
say yes to life. Instead of seeing God as the
spiritual source of everything, you see the
spiritual force in everything, and God as a way
of tapping into that. It takes God away
from—a separateness. And puts God into the
realm of everyday living."
- Charlene Ball
ll/Southern Voice • March 15,1990