President's Corner
by Beth Payne
I would like to take this little bit of time to welcome everone back to Chapman, or to welcome you to Chapman University!
Last year was spectacular for GLBA. With the success of our Gay Pride Celebration last spring we have a lot to live up to, but I don't think it'll be a problem. We have a lot of events already planned and more in the works. THis is the first issue of our vervy first newsletter and we are all ver proud. THis has been something that others and myself have been wanting for a long time. Monday, October 11th is Nationall Coming OUt day. GLBA has arranged for a speaker and refreshments in the Pankey Lounge, and the program will begin at about 11am. Those who feel comfortable are welcome to stand up and share their coming out stories. Later in the semeaster GLBA will be participating in the coming of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.
I'm really excited about this year and I am looking forward to new projects, new activities and more successes for GLBA.
Big Gay News!
by Ryan Ramirez
Gays and lesbians in California can now enjoy such "special" rights as living together as legal partners, owning a home, having a job, and going to school in a safe environment, now that Governor Davis has signed three landmark gay rights bills into law.
The first new law established a statewide domestic partner registry, extending hospital visitation rights to partners. The law also provides that state and local government employees can get health care benfits for their partners.
Governor Davis also signed into law a bill that protects gays from job and housing discrimination. Future discrimination claims will now be handleed by the state's Fair Employment and Housing Department, which is an important civil rights advocate.
The last bill banned discrimination and harassment against gay students and teachers in public schools and colleges. Current legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disablity, and gender. The new law simply adds sexual orienation to that list.
Governor Davis said taht the new legislation "would help beat back the forces of hatred and discrimination that strike at the very heart of what it means to be a Californian."
GLBA's Efforts Motivate Campus Community
by Al Griggs
The effects of last spring's Century of Pride celebration are still being felt around the campus of Chapman University. MOst notably, the appearance of comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer last April, the first nationally known stand-up comedian to come to Chapman. Suzanne's performance was followed this
year by the hilarious and very gay-positive Margaret Cho. Sponsored by Associated Students, Ms. Cho's act centerend largely around her relationship with her family and her multitude of gay male friends. The show nearly sold out Memorail Hall (900 Seats) and attracted members of the Chapman community that would most likely not attend sucah a liberal show.
Also still going strong is the Agora bookstore's commintment to diversity. The entire staff of the Agora has been incredibly supportive and helpful to GLBA and cultural events on campus. During Pride last spring they set up a gay & lesbian book display and after the festivities turned it into a gay and lesbian studies section. After the summer, few books were left and rather than do away with the section, the Agora has ordered a new batch of books. So look forward to the new and improved Gay & Lesbian Studies section later this semester in the Agora. Also remember the only way they can keep it goin gis if people actually buy the books, so don't be shy, go pick up a copy or two.
The years is going by fast and preparations for Pride 2000 will soon be under way, so make sure you let Jake Student Activities know if there is something you'd like to see happen this year. Be creative, nothing is too grand to try for; lets make it another great year for diversity at Chapman.
Coming Out at Disneyland
by Ryan Ramirez
I have never done the canoe trip down the Rivers of America before. As I stood in line on Saturday, I worried about getting my shoes wet. I had just applied a fresh coat of red glitter glue to my Doc Martens the night before and didn't want to spoil the job. As I pondered the potential danger to my Ruby Docs, the rest of my group (about ten guys) talked amongst themselves. Two toher groups of guys in red shirts were situated in front and behind us in the line. My best friend Joel was in the back of the group talking to a particularly energetic young woman behind us. Joel always says that the lines are the best things about Disneyland because it affords one the opportunity to engage in the lost art of conversation and to meet new people. He's an optimist. Anyhow, she asked him why she had seen so many people wearing red shirts that day. My ears pricked up at this and I looked up from my shoes.
Everyone's attention had been directed towards her. Earlier in the day, we had been asked the very same question in the Indiana Jones line, but none of us gave the inquirers a direct answer. Joel and I regretted missing the opportunity to do our part to make the community visible. Now we had a chance at redemption. Some of us laughed nervously and some made jokes, but the young woman persisted until someone carefully explained that it was unofficial Gay Day at Disneyland. The shirts were an attempt to show our numbers. She hardly flinched and next wanted to know how we all knew about it. We explained about the email compaign and such. Anyhow, she asked more questions, we took her picture, and her group joined ours in a canoe that was filled to capacity.
After five minutes and sixteen seconds of screaming and laughing, I stepped off the canoe, my left side completely soaked. I knew the fate of my shoes before I even looked at them. I looked down warily, but the water dripping off ever inch of them actually made them shine brighter, without harming the paint in the slightest.
Get Out and Dance!
by J.R.I
If you're gay, lesbian, bi, transgender or straight and you like to dance...this article is just for you! As a club kid myself, I enjoy my late night evenings dancin' the night away at the hottest Los Angeles and Orange County clubs. Ya see, once upon a time when I came out I wanted to mingle with the boys and find out where they were all hidin', so I dicovered the clubs now I'm part of the family. Going to the clubs was a great way for me to meet new people, make new friends, find partners, and most importatntly feel safe to be gay with hundreds of happy people on one dance floor. Dance clubs are the social gathering spots where gay people come out of their closts, wear homofabulous outfits, and arrive from destinations miles away to enjoy the nightlife.
Bored on a Tuesday night? Micky's is the place to be. Micky's is a 21+ bar and 18+ dance hangout that opens right to the street so you can peer in or out. Inside there is a circular bar, cool breezy seating area, and a dance floor at the back. The setting is laid back and ahs an older crowd, yet people can enjoy drinking and dancing to a variety of dance and mainstream pop music.
Varsity at Rage is the most happenin' Thursday night of all nights. Filled with the hottest guys and girls from the LA and OC areas, Varsity is my personal favorite. Varsity is a place where all my friends from miles away come to the heart of West Hollywood to enjoy Hi-NRG mixes by Dj Paul E. If you want to bust a groove hardcore, Rage is the place. Music ranges from hard house to trance, rave, techno, and mainstream pop. Fashion is a plus too. So come in your most fabulous attire and get ready to sweat cuz its HOTT in there!!
There's no place like home...there's no place like home. Hey Dorothy! Welcome to OZZ...tap those heels harder cuz there's hot guys and girls at the end of that rainbow! Ozz is found in the heart of Orange County and is the only 18+ club in the area. Ozz offers 18+ nights on Fridays and Sundays only. MOre kicked back and less serious than West Hollywood clubs, trendy guys and girls can dance to every musical genre ranging from mainstream pop to Latin pop, house to techno, and from rap and hip-hop to R&B. Friday nights theme is "Pure XTC" and music is mixed by Dj Millennium. Sunday night is Drag Night and is hosted by the most fabulous drag queen of them all Raja. Drag shows start at 11pm and the dance club closes at 2am. So come early and cheer for Los Angeles and Orange Count's best drag performers.
Micky's - 8857 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 657-1176
Rage - 8911 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 652-7055
OZZ Grill and Steakhouse - 6231 Manchester Blvd., Buena Park. (714) 522-1542
