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"Even if it were possible, even if it were, how far could i go - oh how far? No further than a few inches from his skin But, lord! you know I am miles into him; Oh, I want, how I want to sail along his blood, and climb every bone and burrow warm in his flesh: Oh make me a lilliputian among lilliputians and let me set forth on an expedition around him, to chart the grooves of his brain to swim in every vein and never return alive from the journey."

ROCK HUDSON - HIS STORY by ROCK HUDSON and SARA DAVIDSON BANTUM BOOKS. REVIEW BY CIARAN COLEMAN "Shortly before Rock Hudson died he decided that his life story should be written in full. Had he nothing else to lose? - ""So much bullshit has been written about me. It's time to tell my story. It’s time to set things straight."" Sara Davidson, a journalist and friend of Rock's personal secre­ tary, Mark Miller, was em­ ployed to put the story to pa­ per. She started the task o n September 4 1985. Her last in­ terview with Rock was on September 30 1985. Rock died on October 2 1985. Ms. Davidson was empowered by Rock to interview anyone who he had known who was prepared to talk. Most of them took the opportunity and the result is a portrait of an ex­ traordinarily complex person. She found that nothing Rock had said could be taken at face value. Even if Rock had told the same fact to ten people it might not have been true. Rock loved secrets and conundrums and seemed to enjoy throwing peo­ ple on a false scent. Often Rock told different friends conflicting stories, and Ms. Davidson found that she had to draw up a score- card: how many said yes, how many said no? She then consid­ ered the sources and tried to ponder the motives. The result of this balancing method is an apparently fair book which gives the writer the opportunity to make his/her own decision. FULL OF CONTRADICTIONS Rock Hudson was a man full of contradictions. One small ex­ ample of this was Rock's obsession with needlepoint. Although always concerned to preserve his macho image he had no problems i n needlepointing while on set. Now when was the last time you took out your needlepointing kit while in the office or factory floor? Despite the fact that so much of Rock's life was a desperate de­ ception for him, he is shown throughout this book to have been a person who on the sur­ face was bright and cheerful even through the toughest times such as when he was battling with alcoholism which badly affected his career in later years. He is also shown to have ben a generous man especially to those that he regarded as family: Joy his housekeeper, Clarence the gardener and James his English butler, and they returned his generosity with absolute loyalty. MARRIAGE TO PHYLLIS GATES A considerable section of the book is given over to dis­ cussing Rock’s marriage to Phyllis Gates ""the central co­ nundrum of Rock Hudson's life."" The debate on this conundrum is ongoing especially in view of Phyllis Gates' recent book ""My Husband - Rock Hudson."" When Ms. Davidson interviews Phyllis in the book under re­ view she says ""He didn't love. He wasn't even her! I'll bet you that my marriage was arranged by Universal."" Rock says that the marriage didn't work because ""From that day (the wedding day) . . . she became the movie star's wife. She had to have a new dress for everything, and she had to have a mink, not a fox.” Many of Rock's friends contend that he did love and was in love with Phyllis. Sara Davidson concludes that in her opinion ""Rock did have genuine feelings of love for Phyllis, and that concern for his career was one of the factors that led him to marry her."" I would agree. More than anything else the book shows what a warm, loving, generous and romantic person Rock was. Some would say that he was too nice. So nice that he could never tell an ex-lover to leave. But did this also show an overriding dishonesty? A failure to come to terms with reality and the truth? If that is the case then Rock re­ deems himself by having this story told. It is regrettable that it had to be written in such tragic circumstances. However, his last attempt to tell the truth has done immeasurable good to the battle against the popular media's view of AIDS and it has helped greatly funding for AIDS research. We have that to thank Rock Hudson for, and this if nothing else should encourage us to buy the book. 0553 17277 8 PRICE £3.95Stg" "Shortly before Rock Hudson died he decided that his life story should be written in full. Had he nothing else to lose? - ""So much bullshit has been written about me. It's time to tell my story. It’s time to set things straight."" Sara Davidson, a journalist and friend of Rock's personal secre­tary, Mark Miller, was em­ployed to put the story to pa­per. She started the task on September 4 1985. Her last in­terview with Rock was on September 30 1985. Rock died on October 2 1985. Ms. Davidson was empowered by Rock to interview anyone who he had known who was prepared to talk. Most of them took the opportunity and the result is a portrait of an ex­traordinarily complex person. She found that nothing Rock had said could be taken at face value. Even if Rock had told the same fact to ten people it might not have been true. Rock loved secrets and conundrums and seemed to enjoy throwing peo­ple on a false scent. Often Rock told different friends conflicting stories, and Ms. Davidson found that she had to draw up a score- card: how many said yes, how many said no? She then consid­ered the sources and tried to ponder the motives. The result of this balancing method is an apparently fair book which gives the writer the opportunity to make his/her own decision. FULL OF CONTRADICTIONS Rock Hudson was a man full of contradictions. One small ex­ample of this was Rock's obsession with needlepoint. Although always concerned to preserve his macho image he had no problems in needlepointing while on set. Now when was the last time you took out your needlepointing kit while in the office or factory floor? Despite the fact that so much of Rock's life was a desperate de­ception for him, he is shown throughout this book to have been a person who on the sur­face was bright and cheerful even through the toughest times such as when he was battling with alcoholism which badly affected his career in later years. He is also shown to have ben a generous man especially to those that he regarded as family: Joy his housekeeper, Clarence the gardener and James his English butler, and they returned his generosity with absolute loyalty. MARRIAGE TO PHYLLIS GATES A considerable section of the book is given over to dis­ cussing Rock’s marriage to Phyllis Gates ""the central conundrum of Rock Hudson's life."" The debate on this conundrum is ongoing especially in view of Phyllis Gates' recent book ""My Husband - Rock Hudson."" When Ms. Davidson interviews Phyllis in the book under re­view she says ""He didn't love. He wasn't even here! I'll bet you that my marriage was arranged by Universal."" Rock says that the marriage didn't work because ""From that day (the wedding day) . . . she became the movie star's wife. She had to have a new dress for everything, and she had to have a mink, not a fox.” Many of Rock's friends contend that he did love and was in love with Phyllis. Sara Davidson concludes that in her opinion ""Rock did have genuine feelings of love for Phyllis, and that concern for his career was one of the factors that led him to marry her."" I would agree. More than anything else the book shows what a warm, loving, generous and romantic person Rock was. Some would say that he was too nice. So nice that he could never tell an ex-lover to leave. But did this also show an overriding dishonesty? A failure to come to terms with reality and the truth? HELP FOR AIDS If that is the case then Rock re­deems himself by having this story told. It is regrettable that it had to be written in such tragic circumstances. However, his last attempt to tell the truth has done immeasurable good to the battle against the popular media's view of AIDS and it has helped greatly funding for AIDS research. We have that to thank Rock Hudson for, and this if nothing else should encourage us to buy the book. 0553 17277 8 PRICE £3.95Stg"

"Young lads at the cinema Come off in their pants When randy blokes beside them Impale them knee to knee And their sensations thrill With testicular vibration. This commingling is anathema To our cultural commissars But in the darkened cinema It occurs some days To the incidental music, The crunching of pop corn And semen dampening their underpants."

"DOROTHY ON AGONY AUNTS Occasionally I see the agony columns of Papers and Periodicals trying to cope with letters which have a Gay Content. I have also seen the moralistic cautious replies that are given. The ""Dear Linda"" column in the Sunday World believes we cannot know we're gay until we're twenty eight. What I want to know is why didn't she pick an age like fifty eight! If one is going to keep us quiet why not make it as long as possible. The Sunday World response is a particularly ludicrous example of how the ""experts"" have treated Gay Men and Lesbian Women. They tent to err grievously on the side of caution and so perpetuate the myth of 'a phase' of something similar. My column will be sensitive and factual. Hopefully it will be widely used and during the next few months I look forward to your letters. My address is: Dear Dorothy, G.C.N., P.O. Box 931, Dublin 4 Dear Dorothy, It's only recently that I have come to terms with being a homosexual. A ""friend"" of mine informed me of the National Gay Federation. Being the timid type I felt ashamed at first about enquiring for information but as I have already stated I have become accustomed to being gay. I have one problem with which I hope you may be able to help me. In the last few months I have come to realise that I am physically attracted to my best friend. I have tried to conceal this by dating and sleeping with other women, but I am only sexually aroused if I see my friend's face in their face as I make love to them, and I dream that he is present. I believe that my friend feels this way too, but we have never spoken of our sexual attraction for each other. The only sexual experience which I have had with another male was last Summer, when a known homosexual made advances towards me and I responded with pleasure. That was when my true feelings came to the surface, and the realisation struck that I was gay. I am now in a dilemma as to what I should do. Is this 'just a phase"" I am going through? Please advise me. Yours faithfully. Dilemma Struck, Tralee Dear Dilemma Struck, This does not sound like a 'phase' to me. It sounds like the real thing and you have hit the jackpot in your description of the three classic indications of being a homosexual. 1. You have 'responded with pleasure' in sexual relationship with a member of your own sex. 2. While making love to members of the opposite sex you must fantasise about being with someone of your own sex in order to become aroused. 3. You are developing a strong physical - and I assume emotional as it is your best friend - attraction to a particular member of your own sex. Despite your use of expressions like 'I have come to terms with being gay' I do not feel that you have otherwise you would not be asking 'is this just a phase'. Your next step is to start learning to accept your true sexual orientation and to become comfortable with it. This may take time and it will take courage but ultimately it is more rewarding than never learning to love or to accept yourself. This will be achieved by meeting and talking to other gay people who have learnt to accept themselves. It will not be achieved by falling hopelessly in love with your best friend who may or may not be gay. Even if he is gay he may not fancy you. Many gay people make this mistake and it has potentially disastrous consequences. I think that they subconsciously believe that if their best friend is 'that way' too then it will be in some way easier to accept. An independent course of action is called for now and in time you will have the confidence to discuss your sexuality with your friend should you desire to do so. Please ring T.A.F. at (01) 777847 for details of the option open to you to meet other gay people. Dorothy. Dear Dorothy, I'm a lesbian who has been our on the scene for many years now and by this stage I thought I had seen it all. However a few weeks ago, at our local pub I was chatted up by a very attractive women who I had not met before. As the night wore on we got on very well with each other and she invited me back to her place. When we were going to bed she was wearing a strap on dildo! I nearly died, however I thought to myself. ""I'll try anything once"". Anyway, the point of the matter is that I enjoyed myself very much, but I am worried about the health hazards, also now I am worried about my sexuality, enjoying phallic symbols didn't seem to be part of my lesbianism up to this. Do you think I may be going straight? Please advise. Confused Dear Confused Firstly sharing dildo's may be risky if you are not sure about your partners past experience. However it is advisable to clean dildo's after each partner’s use. As to the question of your sexuality. A women can have two types of orgasm. 1. Clitoral, 2. Vaginal. The first (clitoral) may be accomplished by stimulation, ie licking, rubbing, massaging etc. The second (vaginal) may be accomplished by and object inside the vagina - fingers, phallic objects, dildo's, etc. Both orgasms are enjoyable and fulfilling. Because you enjoy a vaginal orgasm does not mean you are straight. In the same way as enjoyment of clitoral orgasm does not mean you are a lesbian. Unfortunately I am not in a position to clarify your sexuality for you. Only you can decide that. From your letter however it seems obvious that you are attracted to women and enjoy being with them. Dorothy"

"Clause 28 was renumbered Clause 29 after a recent hearing. On March 9th the House of Commons defeated by a 53 per­son majority a last-ditch at­tempt by Labour Party members to amend the Clause. Local Government Minister, Michael Howard, reiterated dur­ing the debate that the Clause was a ""response to growing concern about the use of ratepayers' money by some Councils to promote homosexu­ality."" The Local Government Bill which includes Clause 29, is expected to become law within the next 6 weeks."A settlement in the insurance claim on the Hirschfeld Centre is expected to be agreed and signed by Easter. Representatives from the National Gay Federation and Hirschfeld Enterprises, the centre's holding company, have been meeting recently with insurance officials to agree on an initial payment covering the damaged building and contents. The Hirschfeld Centre has been closed since last November 4th when a fire destroyed the ground and first floors of the building. Sources in the National Gay Federation say it will take at least three months to reopen the community centre in Dublin's fashionable Temple Bar area.

During the Seanad (Senate) debate of March 4th on AIDS funding, Senator Don Lydon (Fianna Fail) referred to the irresponsible ramblings of "some of our more deviant Senators". In doing so, he cooked up a storm which may weather for some time - in spite of his forced apology later. "Senator Lydon was speaking on the Government's plans to launch a £450,000 pilot education programme in the Eastern Health Board area aimed at IV drug users. The programme was to be funded by pro­ceeds from the National Lottery. The Senator stressed the importance of aiming the AIDS Programme at ""those most at risk, such as drug addicts, promis­cuous people and sodomites."" Senator Lydon was also of the opinion that the AIDS dis­ ease (sic) would not have had the same effect on the population if people's moral standards had not dropped so much. Surprisingly, no one in the Upper House seemed to take offence at this remark, being more put out by the ""deviants"" charge. Later in the week however the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) attacked the Senator. ICCL Chairman, Tom Cooney, said the remarks ""appeared to rest on an irrational and deeply objectionable prejudice against gay members of the community."" The ICCL took objection to both the ""sodomites"" and ""deviant"" Senators' remarks, obviously inferring that that latter name­ calling had been aimed at Senator David Norris, among others. Significantly, Senator David Norris - the only openly gay member in the Seanad, was ab­ sent from the debate. He was out of the country on business and it has been difficult to as­ certain precisely who the name­ calling was aimed at. Senator Joe O'Toole (Independent) speaking during the resumed debate on March 9th felt the remarks of Senator Lydon had been aimed at him particularly and sought an ex­ planation from his colleague as well as a ruling from the Cathaoirleach (Chair.) There were heated exchanges during this debate with Senator Maurice Manning, Fine Gael Leader in the House, charging that colleague Lydon’s remarks were not made in a political context. He also maintained the ""deviant Senators"" remark had caused great offence and should be withdrawn. The Cathaoirleach, Mrs. Treas Honan, refused to entertain any further discussion on the matter and suggested that injured par­ ties take up the matter with the Oireachtas Committee on Procedures and Privileges. Well the matter didn't rest there because on the following day in the House Senator Lydon apol­ogised to Senator O'Toole whom he understood had been insulted by his remarks. When contacted by Gay Community News Senator Lydon reiterated what he had said to his colleagues on March 10th. He insisted that his re­ marks were meant as ""off the cuff comments"", referring to ""various senators who he felt were 'off the road' or 'deviant' - in the old sense of the word - in their approach to the Government's programme on AIDS."" He had apologised to any member of the House who had taken offence at the word in its more perjorative sense, which suggested abnormality. Meanwhile the National Gay Federation has written o Senator Lydon upbraiding him for using what it calls ""sensationalist language"", which, the Federation main­tains, ""apart from being in very bad taste, only serves to reaf­firm in some people's minds the myth that gay people are somehow only sexual beings without any sense of humanity or personality."" ""It was irresponsible"", the Federation also said, ""to cate­gorise gay people generally as 'sodomites' when the gay movement in Ireland had been at the forefront of AIDS pre­vention and information, a fact acknowledged in the Senate by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr. Terry Leyden." "Senator Lydon was speaking on the Government's plans to launch a £450,000 pilot education programme in the Eastern Health Board area aimed at IV drug users. The programme was to be funded by pro­ceeds from the National Lottery. The Senator stressed the importance of aiming the AIDS Programme at ""those most at risk, such as drug addicts, promis­cuous people and sodomites."" Senator Lydon was also of the opinion that the AIDS dis­ease (sic) would not have had the same effect on the population if people's moral standards had not dropped so much. Surprisingly, no one in the Upper House seemed to take offence at this remark, being more put out by the ""deviants"" charge. Later in the week however the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) attacked the Senator. ICCL Chairman, Tom Cooney, said the remarks ""appeared to rest on an irrational and deeply objectionable prejudice against gay members of the community."" The ICCL took objection to both the ""sodomites"" and ""deviant"" Senators' remarks, obviously inferring that that latter name­ calling had been aimed at Senator David Norris, among others. Significantly, Senator David Norris - the only openly gay member in the Seanad, was ab­sent from the debate. He was out of the country on business and it has been difficult to as­ certain precisely who the name­ calling was aimed at. Senator Joe O'Toole (Independent) speaking during the resumed debate on March 9th felt the remarks of Senator Lydon had been aimed at him particularly and sought an ex­planation from his colleague as well as a ruling from the Cathaoirleach (Chair.) There were heated exchanges during this debate with Senator Maurice Manning, Fine Gael Leader in the House, charging that colleague Lydon’s remarks were not made in a political context. He also maintained the ""deviant Senators"" remark had caused great offence and should be withdrawn. The Cathaoirleach, Mrs. Treas Honan, refused to entertain any further discussion on the matter and suggested that injured par­ties take up the matter with the Oireachtas Committee on Procedures and Privileges. Well the matter didn't rest there because on the following day in the House Senator Lydon apol­ogised to Senator O'Toole whom he understood had been insulted by his remarks. When contacted by Gay Community News Senator Lydon reiterated what he had said to his colleagues on March 10th. He insisted that his re­marks were meant as ""off the cuff comments"", referring to ""various senators who he felt were 'off the road' or 'deviant' - in the old sense of the word - in their approach to the Government's programme on AIDS."" He had apologised to any member of the House who had taken offence at the word in its more perjorative sense, which suggested abnormality. Meanwhile the National Gay Federation has written to Senator Lydon upbraiding him for using what it calls ""sensationalist language"", which, the Federation main­tains, ""apart from being in very bad taste, only serves to reaf­firm in some people's minds the myth that gay people are somehow only sexual beings without any sense of humanity or personality."" ""It was irresponsible"", the Federation also said, ""to cate­gorise gay people generally as 'sodomites' when the gay movement in Ireland had been at the forefront of AIDS pre­vention and information, a fact acknowledged in the Senate by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr. Terry Leyden."

BRITISH EMBASSY PROTEST A dozen gay women and men protested for three hours outside the British Embassy in Merrion Road, Dublin, on Saturday 20th February, in solidarity with British gay people rallying in Manchester at the same time against Clause 28. The picket was organised by the National Gay Federation (NGF) and attended by supporters from outside Dublin. Senator David Norris was also among the protestors. National newspapers, preoccupied with the Fianna F&il Ard-Fheis in nearby R.D.S., ignored the picket.

"TAF FILM SHOW Friends of TAF, the fundraising arm of Tel-A-Friend, Gay Switchboard, is planning two screenings of the film, Donna Herlinda and Her Son for mid-April at a Dublin cinema. The film will be shown in the Academy Cinema, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th April at 8.30 p.m. each evening. Because of the complex nature of Ireland's censorship laws the film screenings have to be ad­vertised as ""Members Only."" Information about membership and support of this worthy cause may be had by 'phoning Tel-A- Friend at Dublin (01) 777299, Monday-Friday 8-10pm, Saturday 3-6pm or Sunday 2- 4pm/7-9pm. NEW GAYSOC IN NCAD Art student Paul McAuley took the plunge with a couple of friends on February 25 and established a Gay Society on the campus of the National College for Art and Design (NCAD) at Thomas Street, Dublin. The group attracted 22 people to its first meeting and has already forged links with the Gay Societies in Belfield, Maynooth and Trinity. Although general attitudes on the campus are complacent, McAuley maintains that ""most people are simply not aware of the issues, or aware that there are gay students who have particular needs"". Some have been particularly encouraging, however, and the Women's Group at the college has been very supportive of the new society. The Students’ Union has also been supportive, through its President, Ciaran Swan. Paul McAuley said they were grateful for being able to use all the S.U. facilities. He said there would be ""absolute uproar"" if the college authorities refused in any way to ratify the society and couldn't see any opposition to it. BRITISH EMBASSY PROTEST A dozen gay women and men protested for three hours outside the British Embassy in Merrion Road, Dublin, on Saturday 20th February, in solidarity with British gay people rallying in Manchester at the same time against Clause 28. The picket was organised by the National Gay Federation (NGF) and attended by supporters from outside Dublin. Senator David Norris was also among the protestors. National newspapers, preoccup­ied with the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis in nearby R.D.S., ignored the picket. OMAGH MEETING A meeting for Gay People will be held in the North on Monday 18th April at 8 pm in the Sperran Room Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This is the first such meeting in Northern Ireland and considering the great interest being shown, a vary large attendance is expected. The meeting is being advertised in ""Hot Press"", ""In Dublin"", etc. NGF FOUNDER EMIGRATES A former manager of the Hirschfeld Centre and one of the founders of the National Gay Federation will be leaving Dublin in late March for the US. Tony O'Shea (37),. helped es­tablish the National Gay Federation and the Hirschfeld Centre in early 1979 and until recently was closely associated with both ventures. O’Shea was appointed Manager of the Centre in 1980 and also acted as Secretary to NGF's holding company, Hirschfeld Enterprises Ltd. He held the well-paid Manager's job until 1986 when the Hirschfeld Centre ran into severe financial difficulties and was forced to cut back by making its two paid workers - a cleaner and manager - redundant. Much consideration was given at the time to selling the Centre and cutting its huge debts and O'Shea maintained his involvement, albeit voluntarily, until the situation was stabilised later that year. In his free time Tony O'Shea was also involved in D.J.'ing at Flikkers Dance Club in the Centre and was at one time NGF's liaison with Gay Health Action - having helped set up that group in January 1985. THE JOYS OF SEX Gay Health Action (GHA) has launched a new information leaflet on safer sex. Entitled 'The Joys of Sex', the well-produced glossy turquoise A6 leaflet opens out to a safer- sex pin-up, detailing the latest information on safe-sex prac­tices for gay men. The information is clearly writ­ten and broken down into safe, low risk and high risk sex. The leaflet explains that 'The AIDS Crisis' does not mean that sex is a thing of the past. Sex can be safe. Much of what gay men have always done together has been 'Safe' and has no risk of passing the AIDS virus (sic). It's simple to learn what's safe and what isn't. Safer sex doesn't mean that we have to 'stick to one partner' or be afraid to start with a new lover. What matters is that we don't transmit the virus. Copies of the pin-up leaflet are available from GHA, 16 Beresford Place, Dublin 1. Telephone: (01) 788848, Mon- Fri. llam-4pm."

NEW GAYSOC IN NCAD Art student Paul McAuley took the plunge with a couple of friends on February 25 and established a Gay Society on the campus of the National College for Art and Design (NCAD) at Thomas Street, Dublin. The group attracted 22 people to its first meeting and has already forged links with the Gay Societies in Belfield, Maynooth and Trinity. Although general attitudes on the campus are complacent, McAuley maintains that "most people are simply not aware of the issues, or aware that there are gay students who have particular needs". Some have been particularly encouraging, however, and the Women's Group at the college has been very supportive of the new society. The Students’ Union has also been supportive, through its President, Ciaran Swan. Paul McAuley said they were grateful for being able to use all the S.U. facilities. He said there would b e "absolute uproar" if the college authorities refused in any way to ratify the society and couldn't see any opposition to it.

OMAGH MEETING A meeting for Gay People will be held in the North on Monday 18th April at 8 pm in the Sperran Room Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This is the first such meeting in Northern Ireland and considering the great interest being shown, a vary large attendance is expected. The meeting is being advertised in "Hot Press", "In Dublin", etc.

HOME NEWS TAF FILM SHOW Friends of TAF, the fundraising arm of Tel-A-Friend, Gay Switchboard, is planning two screenings of the film, Donna Herlinda and Her Son for mid-April at a Dublin cinema. The film will be shown in the Academy Cinema, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th April at 8.30 p.m. each evening. Because of the complex nature of Ireland's censorship laws the film screenings have to be advertised as "Members Only." Information about membership and support of this worthy cause may be had by 'phoning Tel-A-Friend at Dublin (01) 777299, Monday-Friday 8-10pm, Saturday 3-6pm or Sunday 2-4pm/7-9pm.

"TAF FILM SHOW Friends of TAF, the fundraising arm of Tel-A-Friend, Gay Switchboard, is planning two screenings of the film, Donna Herlinda and Her Son for mid-April at a Dublin cinema. The film will be shown in the Academy Cinema, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th April at 8.30 p.m. each evening. Because of the complex nature of Ireland's censorship laws the film screenings have to be ad­vertised as ""Members Only."" Information about membership and support of this worthy cause may be had by 'phoning Tel-A- Friend at Dublin (01) 777299, Monday-Friday 8-10pm, Saturday 3-6pm or Sunday 2- 4pm/7-9pm. NEW GAYSOC IN NCAD Art student Paul McAuley took the plunge with a couple of friends on February 25 and established a Gay Society on the campus of the National College for Art and Design (NCAD) at Thomas Street, Dublin. The group attracted 22 people to its first meeting and has already forged links with the Gay Societies in Belfield, Maynooth and Trinity. Although general attitudes on the campus are complacent, McAuley maintains that ""most people are simply not aware of the issues, or aware that there are gay students who have particular needs"". Some have been particularly encouraging, however, and the Women's Group at the college has been very supportive of the new society. The Students’ Union has also been supportive, through its President, Ciaran Swan. Paul McAuley said they were grateful for being able to use all the S.U. facilities. He said there would be ""absolute uproar"" if the college authorities refused in any way to ratify the society and couldn't see any opposition to it. BRITISH EMBASSY PROTEST A dozen gay women and men protested for three hours outside the British Embassy in Merrion Road, Dublin, on Saturday 20th February, in solidarity with British gay people rallying in Manchester at the same time against Clause 28. The picket was organised by the National Gay Federation (NGF) and attended by supporters from outside Dublin. Senator David Norris was also among the protestors. National newspapers, preoccup­ied with the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis in nearby R.D.S., ignored the picket. OMAGH MEETING A meeting for Gay People will be held in the North on Monday 18th April at 8 pm in the Sperran Room Royal Arms Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This is the first such meeting in Northern Ireland and considering the great interest being shown, a vary large attendance is expected. The meeting is being advertised in ""Hot Press"", ""In Dublin"", etc. NGF FOUNDER EMIGRATES A former manager of the Hirschfeld Centre and one of the founders of the National Gay Federation will be leaving Dublin in late March for the US. Tony O'Shea (37),. helped es­tablish the National Gay Federation and the Hirschfeld Centre in early 1979 and until recently was closely associated with both ventures. O’Shea was appointed Manager of the Centre in 1980 and also acted as Secretary to NGF's holding company, Hirschfeld Enterprises Ltd. He held the well-paid Manager's job until 1986 when the Hirschfeld Centre ran into severe financial difficulties and was forced to cut back by making its two paid workers - a cleaner and manager - redundant. Much consideration was given at the time to selling the Centre and cutting its huge debts and O'Shea maintained his involvement, albeit voluntarily, until the situation was stabilised later that year. In his free time Tony O'Shea was also involved in D.J.'ing at Flikkers Dance Club in the Centre and was at one time NGF's liaison with Gay Health Action - having helped set up that group in January 1985. THE JOYS OF SEX Gay Health Action (GHA) has launched a new information leaflet on safer sex. Entitled 'The Joys of Sex', the well-produced glossy turquoise A6 leaflet opens out to a safer- sex pin-up, detailing the latest information on safe-sex prac­tices for gay men. The information is clearly writ­ten and broken down into safe, low risk and high risk sex. The leaflet explains that 'The AIDS Crisis' does not mean that sex is a thing of the past. Sex can be safe. Much of what gay men have always done together has been 'Safe' and has no risk of passing the AIDS virus (sic). It's simple to learn what's safe and what isn't. Safer sex doesn't mean that we have to 'stick to one partner' or be afraid to start with a new lover. What matters is that we don't transmit the virus. Copies of the pin-up leaflet are available from GHA, 16 Beresford Place, Dublin 1. Telephone: (01) 788848, Mon- Fri. llam-4pm."

THE LESBIAN & GAY YOUTH GROUP The NGF Lesbian and Gay Youth "Group - or the NGF Youth Group as it was then called - was formed around ten years ago. The founder members felt that the special needs of young gays were not being met by any of the existing organisations. The initial purposes of the NGF Youth Group were to create a forum for discussion and to provide a positive and supportive environment for young gays who were in the process of coming out. Originally the youth group had an all-male membership. But over the years young lesbians have gradually become more involved in running the group and participating in its various activities - thus the transition from NGF Youth Group to NGF Gay & Lesbian Youth Group. It is essential that the group is not seen as a male-dominated clique, but as it stands at the moment there is room for more young women members: integration and interaction between young gays and lesbians is an important part of the youth group. THE LESBIAN & GAY YOUTH GROUP The NGF Lesbian and Gay Youth "Group - or the NGF Youth Group as it was then called - was formed around ten years ago. The founder members felt that the special needs of young gays were not being met by any of the existing organisations. The initial purposes of the NGF Youth Group were to create a forum for discussion and to provide a positive and supportive environment for young gays who were in the process of coming out. Originally the youth group had an all-male membership. But over the years young lesbians have gradually become more involved in running the group and participating in its various activities - thus the transition from NGF Youth Group to NGF Gay & Lesbian Youth Group. It is essential that the group is not seen as a male-dominated clique, but as it stands at the moment there is room for more young women members: integration and interaction between young gays and lesbians is an important part of the youth group. GAY YOUTH LINE One very rewarding spin-off from the youth group is the Gay Youth Line telephone service, started less than a year ago. This was initiated by members of the group who felt that there was occasion for a gay telephone counselling service run for and by young people. Volunteers from the youth group were trained by T.A.F., and the line was set up. During its period of operation the service has advised, helped, or listened to, many people, some of whom are now members of the youth group. Due to an increased interest from members of the youth group, it is hoped that more volunteers will be trained and the service expanded in the future. NEW VENUE For the nine years or so until the fire in early November, the youth group had met at the Hirschfeld Centre in Fownes Street. After the fire there were various mistakes , misunderstandings and confusion about finding a permanent venue, this was settled in January when the group were given use of the D.R.C., 6 Crow Street, where we shall remain for the foreseeable future. SAME AGE SUPPORT Now that we are settled in the D.R.C., we have reinstated the youth group as a social meeting place for young gays and lesbians, a discussion group, and as a place for support or refuge. We would like young gays and lesbians to feel that they have a place where they can meet people like themselves, in the same age-group, in an informal and relaxed sitting. If you're young, and you're gay, or think you are, or whatever, please feel free to drop into the youth group, or call the youth line. Gay & Lesbian Youth: Sundays, 4-7 pm Downstairs D.R.C. Gay Youth Line: Sundays, 2-4 pm Tel. (01) 777847

WHAT IS MCC? The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is a Christian denomination whose primary ministry is within the gay community but it is also a church for all people, women and men, saints and sinners, rich and poor, black and white. MCC was founded by the Rev. Troy Perry in Los Angeles on the 6th of October, 1968. Troy who comes from a Pentecostal background is the moderator of his fellowship. He is assisted by a board of nine elders who may be women or men, ordained or lay. All members of the church have equal status, there is no hierarchy as such. Pastors and deacons are set aside to preach and serve but all members may lead worship and preside at the Lords table. The church grew in number and inner strength. By 1970 there were congregations in San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago and at present there are over 240 churches throughout the world in such diverse places as Australia, Denmark, Nigeria and Indonesia though the majority of members are in North America. It is now hoped that there will be sufficient interest in Ireland to bring this special ministry to the gay community here. MCC is here for those who feel a God-shaped gap in their lives, who need to be reassured of Gods love and who feel they do not fit in to any of the mainline denominations. From the beginning people have come to MCC from every conceivable Christian tradition. The result has been a rich blend of Pentecostal spontaneity and exuberance combined with the solemnity of Anglican, orthodox and Roman Catholic liturgy. The Sunday services are always Eucharistic and in some churches there are bible studies, prayer groups and membership classes during the week. MCC ascribes to belief in the historic Creeds, the inspiration of scripture and the priesthood of all believers. The Universal Fellowship is committed to eradicating sexism and the use of inclusive language in its worship and life. The care of people with AIDS, political activism, nuclear disarmament, world peace and social justice are urgent concerns close to the hearts of all members of the Fellowship. Alistair Bate.

WOMEN’S ACTION Do you ever feel like you’re getting the wrong end of the stick. Ever get fed up of being an underdog. A woman and horror of horrors a lesbian to boot. Not been taken seriously has always been a problem for women and in particular lesbians. Being a second class citizen is not fun. Some women take it on themselves to do something about it, hence we have JJ's and The Castle, we have lesbian telephone lines in the Status for the Council of Women. We have refuges for battered women, we have a Rape Crises Centre. Are these enough? As a lesbian I don't think so. As a lesbian I feel we have our own special needs. Apart from pubs, lesbian line, the occasional disco in Powers and even more occasional trips to the country for a weekend, we need more social gatherings, clubs, associations. Somewhere where we can relax and be ourselves. If you feel the same way why not contact Women's Action, we need fresh ideas, new enthusiasm, more commitment. If you are interested contact: Taxi Women's Action Tel. 732693 between 2-5 pm weekdays.

To my friends, lovers, and fel­low dykes. "To begin with, I address myself to lesbians, dykes, queers, Marys, those who say they are sure, those who think they are sure, Saras and basically every butch/fem bulldozing dizzy dyke who reads this i.e. women. The first thing I'd like to ex­ plain is my opening salut-ation. Especially if you fall in the cat­ egory of being either of those who say you are sure or those who say you aren't, because frankly my dears I don't give a damn. Please do not misunder­ stand me. We spend so much time telling or not telling that we're lesbian, that coming out becomes at least for some, putting a gloved hand just out­ side our own little closet. So even if some day the glove is snatched a hand is all that is exposed. It is very common to say that lesbians are not seen and not heard for obvious rea­ sons such as losing jobs, friends, family, face, need I go on? Yes, we should. Personally I must say that I'm happy to be with a woman, without pushing my sexuality on her if she natu­ rally does the same. But where does that leave us. On the one side we could all rave on about our sexuality (but for one reason or another I doubt I'll ever see the day that seeing two women hold hands, gloved or bare, is a regular occurrence. To some this could be classed as raving but even the British women can do better and on the other we stay as we are, but either way noth­ ing will change. We, Irish lesbians, have so much to learn and so much to give I am not surprised that the laws in this country do neither condemn nor condone nor do they even recognise us, as we are for the most part invisible. Even when asked for support, most women demonstrate read­ ily, but for fear of being classed as lesbian, they also demon­ strate the fact they are feminist. Surely we are all women first and our sexuality need not come into play when support is called for. It is only a disgrace to themselves, to those women who firstly say I'm not lesbian and then wage their support. Take, for example, the women demonstrating at Greenham Common. For the most they are ordinary women. They are har- rassed to say the least, called ""dirty lesbians."" But, of course, they know there is no point in denying being lesbian. After all there is a little bit of dyke in us all. So if I end saying I'll be back on a lighter note next month with a story of love, lust and laughter, I hope you'll be yourself as this could be the be­ ginning of dare I say it, a meaningful relationship. Cheers to queers and those who are not sure." "To begin with, I address myself to lesbians, dykes, queers, Marys, those who say they are sure, those who think they are sure, Saras and basically every butch/fem bulldozing dizzy dyke who reads this i.e. women. The first thing I'd like to ex­plain is my opening salut-ation. Especially if you fall in the cat­egory of being either of those who say you are sure or those who say you aren't, because frankly my dears I don't give a damn. Please do not misunder­stand me. We spend so much time telling or not telling that we're lesbian, that coming out becomes at least for some, putting a gloved hand just out­side our own little closet. So even if some day the glove is snatched a hand is all that is exposed. It is very common to say that lesbians are not seen and not heard for obvious rea­sons such as losing jobs, friends, family, face, need I go on? Yes, we should. Personally I must say that I'm happy to be with a woman, without pushing my sexuality on her if she natu­rally does the same. But where does that leave us. On the one side we could all rave on about our sexuality (but for one reason or another I doubt I'll ever see the day that seeing two women hold hands, gloved or bare, is a regular occurrence. To some this could be classed as raving but even the British women can do better and on the other we stay as we are, but either way noth­ing will change. We, Irish lesbians, have so much to learn and so much to give I am not surprised that the laws in this country do neither condemn nor condone nor do they even recognise us, as we are for the most part invisible. Even when asked for support, most women demonstrate read­ily, but for fear of being classed as lesbian, they also demon­strate the fact they are feminist. Surely we are all women first and our sexuality need not come into play when support is called for. It is only a disgrace to themselves, to those women who firstly say I'm not lesbian and then wage their support. Take, for example, the women demonstrating at Greenham Common. For the most they are ordinary women. They are harrassed to say the least, called ""dirty lesbians."" But, of course, they know there is no point in denying being lesbian. After all there is a little bit of dyke in us all. So if I end saying I'll be back on a lighter note next month with a story of love, lust and laughter, I hope you'll be yourself as this could be the be­ginning of dare I say it, a meaningful relationship. Cheers to queers and those who are not sure."

Magnus Hirschfeld Awards Honours Supporters of Gay Community "The Magnus Hirschfeld Award, which is given each year in recognition of service to the gay community in Ireland, was presented to Marie Seligman and Fr Bernard Lynch last month. Marie Seligman was well-known for the many gatherings she hosted in her home in Rathmines, at a time when gay people had few spaces for themselves in the late 60's and early 70's. Fr Bernard Lynch made a strong impression on thousands of television viewers - helping the level of understanding of gay people in Ireland in the process - when he described his work for AIDS sufferers in New York over the last few years. The awards were presented on behalf of the Gay National Federation by N.G.F. President Tonie Walsh, at a ceremony in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin on February 13th. Describing Marie Seligman's help to the gay community, he said: ""Years ago, when there were no support systems for gay people, no Hirschfeld Centre, and nowhere where gay people could feel comfortable with themselves, she threw open the doors of her house to them. She gave gay people support as a friend, and as a counsellor, and even earned herself the title of 'the Fairy Godmother'. Accepting the award, Marie Seligman said that she had thoroughly enjoyed the many wonderful times there had been in her house, and that they were the happiest days of her life. Fr Bernard Lynch, who is originally from Ennis in Co Clare, also expressed his thanks for the award. ""It's not lightly that a person chooses to oppose their church or society,"" he said. ""It's far more appealing to be loved and respected by our compatriots than to be ostracised and alienated by them. There are moments in life which made it worthwhile, and this in one of them."" ""I am grateful and happy to receive this award. It has always been my profound wish to do for my own Irish people what I have worked on for the gay and lesbian community in New York."" ""It would be my dream that human rights for the gay community would come about in my lifetime. We do what we do for our children. We do it for the gay and lesbian children already born who need a light telling them it's alright for them to be gay, it's God's way for them to be gay."" ""What we are simply saying to society is that we are you, and you are us."" he went on. ""Our oppression is your oppression. In the end, it is the slave who sets the master free. Time is on the side of love. So we need to go on living and go on loving, even 'the enemy'. For the enemy even more than us needs to be set free."" Fr Lynch was recalled from New York when his work with AIDS sufferers was publicised here, and is currently on sabbatical in Rome. He was visiting Ireland in response to over 300 letters which he had received, asking him for his support in connection with the work he did on AIDS in New York. The type of work Fr Lynch is to undertake after the sabbatical year is currently under review." "The Magnus Hirschfeld Award, which is given each year in recognition of service to the gay community in Ireland, was presented to Marie Seligman and Fr Bernard Lynch last month. Marie Seligman was well-known for the many gatherings she hosted in her home in Rathmines, at a time when gay people had few spaces for themselves in the late 60's and early 70's. Fr Bernard Lynch made a strong impression on thousands of television viewers - helping the level of understanding of gay people in Ireland in the process - when he described his work for AIDS sufferers in New York over the last few years. The awards were presented on behalf of the Gay National Federation by N.G.F. President Tonie Walsh, at a ceremony in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin on February 13th. Describing Marie Seligman's help to the gay community, he said: ""Years ago, when there were no support systems for gay people, no Hirschfeld Centre, and nowhere where gay people could feel comfortable with themselves, she threw open the doors of her house to them. She gave gay people support as a friend, and as a counsellor, and even earned herself the title of 'the Fairy Godmother'. Accepting the award, Marie Seligman said that she had thoroughly enjoyed the many wonderful times there had been in her house, and that they were the happiest days of her life. Fr Bernard Lynch, who is originally from Ennis in Co Clare, also expressed his thanks for the award. ""It's not lightly that a person chooses to oppose their church or society,"" he said. ""It's far more appealing to be loved and respected by our compatriots than to be ostracised and alienated by them. There are moments in life which made it worthwhile, and this in one of them."" ""I am grateful and happy to receive this award. It has always been my profound wish to do for my own Irish people what I have worked on for the gay and lesbian community in New York."" ""It would be my dream that human rights for the gay community would come about in my lifetime. We do what we do for our children. We do it for the gay and lesbian children already born who need a light telling them it's alright for them to be gay, it's God's way for them to be gay."" ""What we are simply saying to society is that we are you, and you are us."" he went on. ""Our oppression is your oppression. In the end, it is the slave who sets the master free. Time is on the side of love. So we need to go on living and go on loving, even 'the enemy'. For the enemy even more than us needs to be set free."" Fr Lynch was recalled from New York when his work with AIDS sufferers was publicised here, and is currently on sabbatical in Rome. He was visiting Ireland in response to over 300 letters which he had received, asking him for his support in connection with the work he did on AIDS in New York. The type of work Fr Lynch is to undertake after the sabbatical year is currently under review."

"The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches invites you to a showing of our video ""GOD, GAYS AND THE GOSPEL"" Followed by open question time at the Clarence Hotel, Wellington Quay, Dublin 2. Saturday 2nd April 1988 at 4.00 p.m. Admission Free. Our message is that God has a special place in his heart for all gay men and lesbian women. Want to know more, ring our pas­tor on 842486."