NEWS FROM THE FUND FOR REUNION/PRINCETON GALA P.O. Box 1481, Princeton, New Jersey 08542
Volume XI, No. 3	February 1998

Contents

"The choice of whether and whom to marry is one of the most important that decisions there is," says Evan Wolfson, who spearheads Lambda's Marriage Project. "It belongs to couples in love, not politicians or governments. National Freedom to Marry Day is an opportunity to help everyone understand the hardships and unfairness caused by denying lesbian and gay couple the Freedom to Marry. Working toward National Freedom to Marry Day's commemorations on February 12 gives us the chance to focus on winning more allies."

Events of National Freedom to Marry Day centered around the Marriage Resolution, a statement of support for equal marriage rights endorsed by hundreds of organizations, clergy, and prominent individuals. Organizers asked allies across the country to participate in a show of support by "Tying the Knot."

"Tying the Knot" entails knotting ribbons around trees, lamp posts, buildings, door knobs, and car antennae. Individuals are asked to tie a knot around their ring finger or arm, or to wear a knot on their lapel.

"Every person who 'Ties the Knot,' on February 12 will be starting conversations," says Kevin M. Cathcart, executive director at Lambda. "When someone asks what the ribbon represents, each of us can explain: it represents support for the Freedom to Marry, equality for lesbians and gay men, and love."

"We're asking everyone to think about their important life ties," Cathcart added. "That's what the knot represents. By refusing to recognize those ties, the state forces terrible risks on lesbian and gay families and couples- in effect, often severing those ties. Whether it involves hospital visitation, child custody, immigration, or other legal securities, lesbian andgay couples and families need the same basic family-survival rights that everyone else can enjoy." For copies of the Marriage Resolution brochure and other materials, contact Lambda's Marriage Project at: 120 Wall St., Suite.1500, NY, NY 10005, (212) 809-8585, lldefmarry@aol.com, www.lambdalegal.org, www.ftm.org

May 28 - 31 is reunions weekend this year, and FFR is once again hosting activities for the LGB community throughout the weekend. Once again you can gather in the cafe Friday evening, attend a thought provoking lecture Saturday morning, join us for our annual meeting and reception Saturday after the P’Rade, and dance into the night at Terrace Saturday night!

For our annual key-note address during Reunions week-end, we have invited Professor Karen R. Merrill to speak. She is an Assistant Professor of History at Princeton, whose specialty is the 20th century and the Western United States, and is a dynamic and openly gay member of the Princeton community. A member of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Concerns Task Force, she and her partner live in Princeton with their new baby.

Professor Merrill’s talk on Saturday, May 30, is titled "Teaching the 20th Century at the End of the 20th Century". She looks forward to speaking on her experience as an "out" member of the faculty, on gay and lesbian themes in 20th century history, and perhaps she will even throw in a queer cowboy story or two!

On November 13, I was honored and delighted to participate in an evening of readings with fellow queer writers Linda Yablonsky, Brad Gooch, and Scott Heim. Reading an excerpt from his fifth book, In the Golden Age of Promiscuity, Brad took us on a tour of the world of avant-garde filmmaking in the early 70s; Scott drew us in to the poignant story of four misfits at the center of his second novel, In Awe; Linda had us on the edge of our seats with a tale of a near heroin overdose from her first novel, The Story of Junk; and I read an excerpt from my first novel. The audience, about forty people, was warmly responsive and enthusiastic. The readings were followed by book signings by the authors.

The evening was supported by a number of local businesses. Art in General,a gallery at 79 Walker Street in SoHo, provided the performance space at a greatly reduced fee. Out Magazine made arrangements with other enterprises to provide us with dessert and port, as well as a charming and attentive wait staff. The spectacular desserts were baked by the Community Bar & Grill at 716 7th Avenue in Chelsea, and the port was provided courtesy of William Graham Co.

Glitter and Be Gay!

Lyric soprano Valerie Bernhardt and her partner, coloratura Lorraine Kay, will present an evening of Opera, Operetta, and other musical offerings along with a full dinner and open bar at La Traviata, an Italian bistro in Chelsea.

Valerie has sung for two seasons with the Pittsburgh opera singing the leads in a variety of Verdi and Puccini operas. Lorraine recently sang the role of the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with the Washington, DC Opera.

The ticket price is $80 or $125 for dinner and the show. An invitation is enclosed for those in the New York vicinity. Others who are interested can contact Shawn Cowls ‘87 at 212-229-1769, or David Beaty ‘50 at 973-672-3735,for information and reservations.

Other Regional Activities

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