END SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland Issue 14 - February 1997 ELECTRONIC EDITION ***Now available on the Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe information is now at the END of the magazine. All Material Copyright (c) Pageprint Limited 1997. Permission is hereby given to distribute this material provided that this copyright notice is included and that distribution is specifically for non-profitmaking reasons. Distribution for profit must be done only with prior written consent of the magazine any deviation from this will be seen as an infringement of copyright. Hardcopies are limited to one per person for personal use only and such hard copies are subject to the same copyright restrictions as laid out above. The printed edition of ScotsGay is available by post at the following rates: 6 issue sub (UK & EC) 6ukp 6 issue sub (Overseas) 12ukp 12 issue sub (UK & EC) 10ukp 12 issue sub (Overseas) 22ukp Make Cheques and POs payable to 'Pageprint Limited'or 'ScotsGay'and send them to: Subscriptions ScotsGay Pageprint Limited PO Box 666 Edinburgh Scotland EH7 5YW In this issue: Editorial - forgotten rights News - reports and investigations Otton On ... - victims Inside OUT - the total Scene Guide Venues - what and where Scene - now with Inverness! Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market Letters - stirring people up International - news from around the world Reviews - books, videos and films Listings - checked and updated every issue Helplines - if you need a friendly ear Music - Joy DJ Alan's latest chart ScotsDyke - invisible lesbians? Contributors - who we are, etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= The failed Spanner appeal to the European Court hasn't really been the main topic of conversation in the pubs and clubs recently. S&M is, after all, a minority interest and who wants to be associated with perverts like that! As one gay man put it, "It's psychiatric treatment they need - not civil liberties". But, just wait a minute. Is not homosexuality a minority interest? Have homosexuals not been called perverts? And have we not been forced into psychiatric treatment because of our sexuality? You see, it's just too easy to try and impose our own ideas of sexual 'normality' onto others. Homophobes do it every day and we know the damage that causes. So too the attitude of the Vanilla Majority to those who are into something a bit more spicy. I may well dislike the sounds of pain from the adjoining bedroom when my lover brings home a friend who wants to be beaten severely. But I certainly wouldn't think of throwing the pair of them out of the house. It's more a case of negotiating so that I'm not at home when such things occur. After all, it's my problem, not theirs. Nevertheless, the Moral Majority (which includes far too many lesbians, bisexuals and gay men who really ought to know better) is so uncomfortable at the very idea of others enjoying themselves in 'unconventional' ways that they would throw SMers into gaol. The Spanner case has shown that there is a definite limit to what we thought was a more liberal attitude to differing sexualities in Europe. And it has been shown in an insulting manner which paves the way for Nanny State to interfere in our bedrooms. Unfortunately, it seems that New Labour supports this interference. Jack Straw, meeting with lesbigay campaigners recently, offered us very little other than a free vote on 16. Of Spanner, he said nothing. John Hein -------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== WEST AND WILDE ARSON ATTACK Edinburgh lives were put at risk when West and Wilde Bookshop became the target of an arson attack at 4am on the morning of Friday 14th February. Concern centred upon the fact that the shop is situated at street level in a block of flats. Entry was gained by smashing the front door glass and an attempt was made to start a fire which fortunately failed to take hold. Damage was minimal. This is the second arson attack against the shop. It is not yet known if the two instances were connected or if the motive was anti-gay. There had been no threats prior to the attack. Business has not been interrupted. The matter is being handled by the police as a serious crime. Anyone with any information related to the event, particularly if anything unusual was seen in the area around Dublin Street and Broughton Street is asked to contact Gayfield Square police station in Edinburgh on 0131-556 9270. The attack came just as West and Wilde partners Bob Orr and Raymond Rose were announcing the first issue for three years of Reading AIDS, their well respected list of books on HIV/AIDS. Financial problems had dictated the suspension of Reading AIDS but, while the problems and realities of the virus have changed, there is still an urgent need for accurate and current information. Reading AIDS is as uniquely situated in providing information for people living with AIDS/HIV as it is for the professionals that work with them. This is particularly stressed in the HIV/AIDS and Sexuality section which lists several books which have been written with gay men in mind. Copies are available by post - a stamped envelope appreciated - from West and Wilde Bookshop, 25a Dundas Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QQ. SCOTTISH OFFICE CLIMB-DOWN ON SEX REGISTER Edinburgh based lobby group, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Equality Network has won changes to the Sex Offenders Bill which has cleared the House of Commons, and now goes to the House of Lords, where it will probably be debated shortly. The amendments were first proposed by the LGB Equality Network who pointed out that under the Bill as it stood, two adult men fined for consensual sex in a car, for example, would he placed on the 'paedophile register'. The Government versions of the LGB Equality Network amendments to bring Scotland into line with the rest of the UK were passed without a vote. This removes the registration requirement in Scotland, for consensual adult (over 18) gay sex, and for male prostitution offences. Two Stonewall amendments tabled by Labour were discussed. The first relates to the exclusion from registration for consensual sex between teenagers which breaches the age of consent. At present, intercourse with a girl between 13 and 16, by a man under 20, does not result in registration, and neither does gay sex by a man under 20 with a man under 18. However, lesbian sex by a woman under 20 with a woman under 16, and heterosexual sex short of intercourse, by a man under 20 with a woman under 16, will result in registration if prosecuted as indecent assault (or in Scotland as shameless indecency or indecent behaviour). Stonewall's first amendment was designed to fix this (the LGBEN had drafted a corresponding amendment for Scotland, which Labour spoke to at the Committee stage). The government rejected the amendment. The minister, David Maclean said, "I agree that the amendment identifies a theoretical anomaly. A teenager who has committed unlawful intercourse with a girl under 16 would avoid registration, whereas the same teenager, if charged with assault as a result of consensual indecent behaviour falling short of intercourse, would be required to register. We have thought very hard about the matter, but we have concluded that the problem is more apparent than real. "I do not believe that there is likely to be a problem in practice. I do not believe that cases are likely to come to court in respect of teenagers engaged in what are patently consensual intimate acts." Stonewall's second amendment was an attempt to remove the registration requirement for a man over 20 who has consensual sex with a man aged 16 or 17. The government rejected this amendment, David Maclean saying, "I am aware of the arguments for reducing the age of homosexual consent to 16, but the fact remains that Parliament has decided that for homosexual offences the age of 18 must remain the threshold. That being so, I am not prepared to lift registration where the offence is committed against someone who is a minor for those purposes." Labour withdrew the amendments, with the suggestion that the government reconsider their views on them in the House of Lords. The Bill may go through the House of Lords quite quickly. It could clear Parliament by the middle of March, or if the Lords amend it, by the end of March. Laura Norris of LGB Equality Network said, "We are very pleased that the Scottish Office has recognised the force of our arguments. We know that they received many letters from those concerned with the bill's proper operation, pointing out that to put people on the register for consenting adult sex would undermine the operation of a measure intended to protect the public from potentially dangerous sex offenders." The LGB Equality Network remains concerned that the Bill still discriminates against young gay men, because of the higher age of consent of 18 for gay sex. A 20 year-old man fined for consensual sex with his 17 year-old boyfriend will still be put on the paedophile register, even though a heterosexual couple of any age mix over 16 can have sex quite legally. Tim Hopkins, of the Equality Network, said "The Government says that a young heterosexual man ceases to be a child when he reaches 16, but in their view a gay man remains a child til the age of 18. That's simply unfair, and we will be campaigning strongly for equalisation of the age of consent as soon as possible after the general election. AN OASIS FOR GAY MEN Gay Men's Health in Edinburgh have opened a new drop-in and information service, called the Oasis, for Gay and Bisexual men. Running on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 5pm and on Thursdays between 10am and 10pm, the drop-in provides free information and support as well as access to other services. The Oasis includes an information centre with free materials on a variety of issues, such as coming out, safer sex, self esteem and local venues as well as a comfortable space for people to have a cup of coffee or tea and a chat with a volunteer or worker. There is access to free counselling and support as well as information on other services. Craig Hutchison, Care and Support Worker for Gay Men's Health said; "People are welcome to pop in at any time to pick up information or free papers. It's a friendly, informal environment with workers and trained volunteers available to provide information and answer any questions. "We're hoping that the Oasis will act as an information point for gay and bisexual men, a place where people can find out what's going on locally and where they can get a chance to talk about the things which concern them and to say what they would like to see happen. People can also get information on other services or access to free counselling and support on relationships, bereavement, safer sex or whatever is on their minds." "People are welcome to drop in to our premises at 1Oa Union Street, Edinburgh anytime, or to give us a call on 0131-558 9444 for more information." 'AIDS CURE' STUSHIE AIDS/HIV activists are up in arms after a Scottish gay magazine published a small advertisement featuring a book entitled "21 ways to Cure AIDS". The advert, on page 24 of Gay Scotland's February issue, invited readers to send ukp16.95 to a PO Box in Ilford, Essex, for the "sensational new book". But now, both Police and Trading Standards Officers in Ilford are looking into the remarkable claims. David Johnson, a Director of Waverley Care Trust, told ScotsGay: "I am alarmed. There isn't a cure. I'm extremely anxious about someone being duped into buying a book like this given the fact that we know that there is no cure for AIDS!" "I published it because it came with a cheque attached", admitted an unconcerned Dominic d'Angelo, Gay Scotland's editor. Nevertheless, he agreed that it was a "strange ad". We asked him if he felt it was appropriate for a gay magazine to publish an advertisement claiming knowledge of 21 ways to cure AIDS when the best endeavours of the medical research profession had been unable to find even one cure. He said, "If the author thinks he has these cures, then he is entitled to have his claims published so that the readers are able to take up or not take up his offer". We put to him that his magazine had a responsibility to protect its readers from fraudulent claims. "Not having read the book, I can't tell if they are fraudulent". When asked why he hadn't read the book he told us, "As I haven't been supplied with a review copy, I haven't had a chance to read it". The title Gay Scotland is owned by lesbigay campaigning group Outright Scotland and was licensed to d'Angelo for a five year period in 1995 in exchange for d'Angelo agreeing to clear off the magazine's debts of around ukp16,000 - many of them owed to d'Angelo and run up under his period of editorship. It currently has the lowest circulation of the three gay titles published in Scotland. Said John Hein, editor of ScotsGay, "I am speechless at d'Angelo's attitude. If he had admitted to an error of judgement or even blamed his advertising staff, I could have understood. But his total lack of concern is just appalling". Gordon Gosnell, editor of Pulse, told us: "Under no circumstances would I have published an ad like that. It is, at best, misleading and liable to give people false hope". HIGHLANDS Reach Out Highland in Inverness is now running monthly meetings for gay men, young gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and TV/TSs. MODEM Borders Bulletin Board is back online on Hawick (01450) 377877. To gain access, register as a new user and leave a message for the SYSOP. Speeds: 2400-28,800 baud. 8N1. TONIC Glasgow Gay Men's Chorus are holding an open day in the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre on 16th March to try and attract new members for a 100 person chorus for Glasgay! POLYCON The Edinburgh group organising Polycon, which was to be the UK's first non-monogamy convention, has had to cancel the event due to a lack of bookings. FOOD LINE Glasgow Food Line, the charity which delivers meals to people living with HIV, has appointed three new Directors: Robert Blockley, Dominic d'Angelo and Alison Thompson. DANCE The GGLC will be holding its next ceilidh in the Glasshouse in Queen's Park on Friday 21st March. Tickets are ukp6 (ukp5 unwaged). HUSTINGS Speakers from the Labour Party, Scottish Socialist Alliance, Liberal Democrats and SNP attended a hustings in the GGLC organised by Outright Scotland and all supported an age of consent of 16. MORTGAGE Outright Scotland members are to be asked to re-mortgage the Edinburgh LGB Centre for a further ukp25,000 to pay for improvements. The move comes amidst allegations of incompetence in the Centre's running. OUTING Campaigner Peter Tatchell of Outrage! is threatening to out 15 gay MPs. Two are Cabinet Ministers and one is a woman. FILM Stonewall Youth Project in Edinburgh have produced a 15 minute film entitled "It's not just a phase". RUBBERS Gay Men's Health in Edinburgh have dropped Durex and KY and are now distributing SafeGuard Forte and ID lubricant. BI The Edinburgh based Bisexual Phoneline plans to extend its service by taking calls on Friday evenings. They're also looking for new volunteers to train to answer the phone. MOVE Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group has moved to larger premises and is now meeting every Wednesday evening. --------------------------------------------------------------------- OTTON ON .... ============= VICTIMS When a 16-year-old gay youth turned up at a week-long event organised by the thousand-strong Gay Outdoor Club in Stirling, he inadvertently walked into the epicentre of a shock-wave of paedophilia sweeping the country in the wake of Thomas Hamilton's classroom massacre. For the discreet, professional gay adults, his youthful good looks caused quite a stir. Gay rights went right out of the window. Some fled. One man in a sensitive Government position promptly booked in at a nearby hotel. Another spent the night in his van before driving home. A small group, including a doctor and a couple of teachers, gathered to decide the fate of the tearful youth before he too was sent packing shortly before midnight. Said one man: "I'm sorry for him, but this is all too close to Dunblane." The youth later turned up at an organised gay badminton group in Glasgow. The leader, a gay teacher, abandoned the group citing his presence as one of the reasons. Garry Otton examines why. At a time when the greatest risk of child sex abuse was, (and still is), from within the family, Thomas Hamilton's sexual inclinations have heralded a widespread scapegoating of gay men. But are all the men sentenced for child abuse, paedophiles? And how guiltless are their "innocent victims?" The Scottish media have been dragging scoutmasters and gym teachers, boys' club managers and priests in a frenzy to the sacrificial altar of a morally outraged public. One "sex beast" after another has been "caged." A 24-year-old was jailed for 3 months after being found on school grounds in Paisley, a 77-year-old man was sentenced to four years for taking pictures of kids at the seaside in Ayrshire and drunken 37-year-old, Father Gerry Fitzsimmons faced shame and retribution after allegedly groping a 16-year-old. Meanwhile, public toilets, saunas, parks and swimming pool changing areas throughout Scotland have become flashpoints of moral warfare. A 29-year-old man was sentenced for peeking at two 14-year-old boys in one swimming-pool changing area, and at the Playdrome, outside Glasgow, a 34-year-old scoutmaster faced indecency charges after filming boys with a video camera. An attendant warned parents in the Daily Record "that all their children are at risk... The problem with these modern pools is that there are more open changing rooms and less staff patrolling them. The only way to clamp down on this kind of thing is by fitting screens to the top and bottom of cubicles and security guards watching at all times." By Christmas, children had to seek parental permission to sit on Santa's knee at Jenner's department store in Edinburgh and the lyrics of a song about the victims of the Vietnam war were changed, launching the children of Dunblane to the number one position in the nation's charts, singing: "Knocking On Heaven's Door." Weeks later, after Stirling police revealed to the Scottish Daily Mail the address of 50-year-old Alan Christie, 'family from hell,' mother, 'Big Mags' Haney, led a lynch-mob to hammer on the door of his lodgings in Stirling screaming: "Beast out!" Alan Christie spent a year in jail for molesting a four-year-old girl. A "register of paedophiles" has been promised by Home Secretary, Michael Howard. But he seems to have overlooked the discrepancy of an unequal age of consent in his plans. 18 for gay men: 16 for lesbians and straights. And since a paedophile is someone who has a sexual interest in pre-pubescent children, the bill may go well beyond its remit. Campaigners in England sought, and got, amendments to the bill protecting gays from prosecution for procuring: simply chatting up other men, and closeted men who seek men in gay cruising areas. Scotland was not so lucky. Scottish Office minister, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton ordered a review of the government's commitment to cracking down on sex offenders. But Scottish gay campaigners had to kick up merry hell to persuade Michael Forsyth that "offences," involving everyone from rentboys, to consenting Scottish gay and bisexual men over 20, should not land them a place amongst rapists and child abusers on a national register. And Forsyth left it to the last possible moment to change his mind. And the "innocent victims?" A few years ago, when a 31-year-old gay businessman reported the theft of ukp2,500 to the police, his 18-year-old lover admitted pocketing the money. He also told them he was having a relationship with the 31-year-old man against his will. He was sentenced to seven years. The youth escaped without charge. Charles Kumar was a sexually - maybe not emotionally - mature 14-year-old. when he met 38-year-old, lain MacDonald, They had sex on numerous occasions until Charles went to the Daily Record with his story, a tabloid renowned amongst the gay community for its homophobic stance. He told them he was "terrified of being branded gay" and they gratefully ran the front-page story: "Sex beast nailed by Daily Record... Caged: 18 years for the care worker who preyed on boys... Evil lain MacDonald, 39, put a boy through bell for almost a year... James - not his real name - told how MacDonald's sickening abuse had torn his life apart." Charles told them: "The sentence will give me the chance to get my life together." He didn't waste any time. He's been spotted on the Edinburgh scene and his picture has even appeared in Gay Scotland enjoying a knees-up at a gay charity event. Iain MacDonald insists he "did not force him to do anything he did not want to do." His sentence of 6 years for sex with Charles was substantially more than that given in recent Scottish cases involving pre-pubescent children. Sandra Alves, a 28-year-old mum got six months for asking two boys, 11 and 13-years-old, for sex. She was found on top of the 11-year-old. 27-year-old David Skelding got 3-year's supervision and an order to seek psychiatric help after being found guilty of lewd and libidinous behaviour with a seven-year-old girl. 30-year-old Gregory Smith, convicted of indecent behaviour toward a 13-year-old girl in her tent on a camping trip, was freed on appeal. Police and judicial homophobia appears more widespread than ever. Stirling police have not been forgiven for telling John Saunders' employers he was gay after he reported a theft in a gay pub, He lost his job from Scottish National Camps in a landmark case in 1980 that set a precedent for losing your job on the grounds of being gay. Their conduct was again under scrutiny recently when they were accused of using a 13-year-old lad to bait men in public lavatories in Stirling. 11 men were arrested, two of whom took their lives. Most gay cruising areas or public conveniences - or 'cottages,' in the gay vernacular - throughout the country are frequented by at least one or two youths of about 13 or 14-years-old seeking gay sex. If they find someone prepared to initiate them into a gay lifestyle, exposing secrets otherwise denied them, they might think themselves lucky. Most likely, these days, they will be shunned. Avoided by the hordes of married men and closets that epidemiologists call Mesmacs. Men who seek drive-in, fast food sex as quickly and discreetly as they can without picking up a gay label checking out. In other words: in denial. The youngsters, if not already in denial themselves, perhaps by excusing their proclivities passing as 'rent,' can be frustrated at their inability to find a replicate of an heterosexual ideal, a loving boyfriend prepared to fulfil their sexual and emotional needs. Whilst the public, media and government focus on the older "pervert" we are failing young gays, struggling to come to terms with their sexuality in a world that was rather they didn't. Not all young gays seek promiscuity, but receive it as one after another married or closeted man, with their emotions hooked safely behind the bedroom door of the family home, pull over in the lay-by for furtive, hurried, clandestine and very occasionally unsafe gay sex with the dish of the day. This is not to say our gay or bisexual kids are destined to be rammed up against a toilet wall by an older man. Research at the University of Frankfurt has shown that whilst two-thirds of gay men, (a third of lesbians), have their first experience of sex between the ages of 14 and 16, 30% of young gays under 18 will have sex with boys the same age and 34% with a man over 18. Young gays don't necessarily fare any better in the hands of their straight peers. It has been estimated that one in seven parents send their gay kids to psychiatrists. Ten years ago, a gay youth, 16-year-old Craig Diver, was kept in care by a Scottish Children's Panel against his will using a care order designed for children subjected to violence. The playground is still the centre of sexual learning in Britain, with sexual orientation pretty much low down on its agenda. Thanks to gay liberation, kids are only too aware of the presence of gays. In the class, playing sport, even sharing the showers. But with the press bullish with the term "pervert," lines get crossed. Where does "gay" end and "pervert" begin? Kids strive for the heterosexual ideal, and the "pervert" reinforces it. Homosexual feelings are always challenged. Some kids shy away from being a target altogether, One teacher told me. "The embarrassment boys face using the showers seems far greater than at any other time I have taught. Some will avoid sports altogether, rather than undressing in front of their class," Research in America endorses the extent of the dilemma. The New York Times revealed a disturbing trend in US schools with kids avoiding showers after sports; some are even picked up by parents and driven home to shower in private, and one school even considered removing the showers altogether. In a society that trumpets the supremity of heterosexism, there will be victims of all ages. And victims beget victims. Thomas Hamilton grew up in a red-neck town in the fifties in a family whose level of sexual repression was such that he believed his own mother was his sister. In the absence of any support for his homosexual leanings, he masked then behind a "masculine" interest in guns and tried to deny them. But there was growing pressure for him to declare them. "I am no pervert," he wrote whilst taking solace in an age group where sexuality is, at best, undeclared. Boys called this quiet man who gave them money for sweets and fish suppers a pervert. They regularly stoned him in the streets. He received vicious beatings from angry fathers. One mum, Doreen Hagger proudly told The Sun how she and a friend brewed "pails of eggs, shampoo, oil and flour and threw it over him..." On some occasions, Thomas Hamilton would break down in tears and tried to hit back at the whispering campaign by distributing 7,000 leaflets to parents. Young Jamie Thomson told the Daily Express: "if we saw him he used to be a target, he was the sort of man who would have his windows broken. Often kids used to throw stones at him." After the brutal slaughter, neighbours felt free to tell the press how they had peered through his windows and watched him sitting alone looking at an array of pictures of little boys on his wall. His next-door-neighbour, Grace told The Herald: "He was a sinister, sleazy sort of man who never talked about his personal life... He was kind of effeminate..." Columnist, Simon Heffer cheered the lynch-mob in the Daily Mail: "To their great credit as a community, the people of Dunblane read Hamilton correctly. Locally, society performed its functions properly. He was ostracised from contact with the children he so desired. Parents made judgements about him, and acted upon them." When Thomas Hamilton wrote to Dunblane Primary School to challenge their accusations, he wrote: "At Dunblane Primary School where teachers have contaminated all of the older boys with this poison, even former cleaners and dinner ladies have been told by teachers at school that I am a pervert... There have been reports at many schools of boys being rounded up by staff and even warnings given to entire schools by head teachers during assembly... I have no criminal record nor have I ever been accused of sexual child abuse by any child and I am not a pervert." His letters were dismissed as "hate filled" and the "rantings of a lunatic." Thomas Hamilton might have been a bully. But there has never been any evidence of him having sex with boys. The more society puts pressure on men and boys to declare their heterosexuality, the more homosexuality is denied. There are more suicides. More broken marriages; more arrests for indecency. More names could be tragically added to the growing list of Britain's gay serial killers: Dennis Neilson, Michel Lupo, Colin Ireland and Peter Moore. And the police and judiciary will be kept even more busy, filling the courts with victims of victims. And whilst John Major rides the crest of this wave of pederasteria, championing a sporting nation and the setting up of voluntary cadet teams in state schools, he should consider the possibility that fewer men than ever are going to be prepared to take up the responsibilities of looking after boys. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOAPBOX ======= FIGHTING FIT, WITH GAY LIB (and other slogans) In my last article here, I talked about living with the fact that AIDS will be around us for pretty much the rest of our days. New therapies will mean people will survive for longer and stay well during that survival for longer. It means there's a danger of a second wave of HIV infection on a massive scale if people think AIDS is now survivable and manageable. Fear will no longer be a potent propaganda weapon for educators. That was my basic thesis. Add to that, the massive boredom level with all things to do with AIDS (admit it) and the basic downer that it represents to your basic gay guy just trying to get by, stay sane and make it to the millennium and you have now got a thoroughly stumped set of AIDS educators. So, what's the way forward? The use of slogans, banners and badges to teach us about the dangers of HIV worked on a basic information giving level (Carry A Condom! Insist on Safe Sex! ). We did need that information too, it saved a lot of lives and gave us facts so simple anyone could use them. We still need such simple messages, this time about numbers infected, costs of treatment and surviving illness. We still need facts that we, the gay public, can utilise. Truthful and accessible information should not be beyond the wit of educators to give us. Yet, who among you can tell the rough number of HIV infected people in the gay scene in your town, their age breakdown, their general states of health, are they surviving longer, are they in work, what have been the costs of HIV in your community? There is an educational theory called liberation education. It involves giving accurate facts in simple easy to use formats and then trusting your community to act on the information through partnership and dialogues they choose for themselves. In other words, the idea of a few AIDS experts going among us handing out tablets of wisdom (or for that matter just tablets) is replaced with ordinary gay people deciding for themselves what are their own safe sex limits, what are their political reactions to the facts before them. Three developments illustrate the success of this type of approach. Gay Men Fighting Aids was set up by a group of us a few years ago now and its mandate was to involve literally thousands of gay men in the transfer of facts about AIDS. That damned virus was only able to spread as quickly as it did because gays have such a closely intertwined culture, so we wanted to copy its pathways by using a "pass it on" approach (we called it 'each one teach one'). Gay men, we figured, would only be interested in such numbers if we spoke an honest gay language that was 'up' on raunch, style and positive gay imagery and light on depressing imagery about AIDS. For a while it worked wonders, but, as the gay scene's confidence returned in the Nineties, the Single issue agenda of HIV has even made the vigour and diversity of GMFA look tired and overdone. The local Scots attempts to copy that approach stumbled around in mediocrity born from compromise and fear of offending straight sensibility. Next, from the ashes of SAM's Glasgow Gay Mens' Project, arose the Talking Bollocks Theatre Group working in partnership with the famed 7:84 Company. That project produced excellent theatre - packing houses on both Coasts, giving ordinary gay men a broad voice, and subtly located within that drama was the voice of survivorship and how different men had gone about it. It was a renewing of our commitment to Just Being Here. Gay men, not moralising nor setting themselves up above the rest of us, were reminding us of the essence of our gay identity and why it's important for us to survive and prosper together. Here is one of the solutions to fighting HIV. It is eloquent, truthful and powerfully located in our collective experience. Thirdly, the recent emergence of the Gay and Bisexual Equality Network, which successfully stopped a dangerous proposal to include gay consenting adult sex offenders (cruising, outdoor sex) from becoming part of the paedophile register, shows that gays are back fighting for their rights and not sitting back suffering in a darkened room. Our success should remind us that we used to be brilliant campaigners for liberal values, human as well as gay rights, tireless against the oppressors. Well we're back, and this time we are tempered and toughened by our nightmare of the last decade and a half. By campaigning for a better Scotland which acknowledges us and protects, even proclaims our rights, we are staking out our future, and in doing so our survival. Single issue AIDS agencies may soon no longer be needed except as information givers, the willingness to make our future safe will be the job of each of us, for our own and each others' sakes. Derek Ogg --------------------------------------------------------------------- INSIDE OUT ========== Scotland's broadest (and most geographically aware) guide to the whole lesbian, gay and bisexual scene. Inside we have a complete list of venues, gossip from now five corners of the country and a huge and varied selection of contact ads in our famed and fabled Meet Market... VENUES Aberdeen ABERDEEN WOMEN'S CENTRE Shoe Lane. Tel: (01224) 625010. Fax: 01224 625777. Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Where the women hang out. Lesbian group meets Wednesday 8-10pm. CASTRO BAR AND CLUB 47 Netherkirkgate. Tel: (01224) 624472. Mon-Sat 5pm-2am. Sun 7pm-2am. Cosy atmosphere. Totally refurbished since its last incarnation as the Pink Flamingo. CLUB CABERFEIDH 9 Hadden Street. Tel: (01224) 212181. Tue-Sun 10pm-2am. Disco - tends to be quiet midweek but busier at the weekends. SWEET! Exodus (upstairs), Triplekirks, Schoolhill. Tel: (01224) 624288. Fri 10pm-2am. Weekly house night with the JOY DJ's from Edinburgh. Dundee DEVA'S 75 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. Dundee's long established gay bar. Something for everyone! Pool table. LIBERTY NIGHTCLUB 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. Thu-Sat 11pm-2.30am Sun 10.30pm-2.30am. Good atmosphere, very popular disco with wide selection of sounds and the occasional act/PA. Thursdays and Sundays are quieter - but not much. Dunfermline KLUB KREOLE 33 Carnegie Drive. Tel: (01383) 741087. Every 4th Sat (15th Feb and 15th March) 10.30pm-2am. Mixed House club hosted by Alan of Joy. Edinburgh BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Daily Noon-2pm and 6pm-10.30pm Superb little vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. Excellent value lunch menu. BLUE MOON 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788. Sun-Thu 9am-1am. Fri-Sat 9am-3am. Popular lesbigay cafe/bar complex. BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP 220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-538 7069. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Mixed bookshop selling a selection of UK and imported gay magazines. CAFE KUDOS 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 4349. Daily Noon-1am. Food Noon-9pm. Fresh, stylish and always crowded. Mainly gay but tolerant of well behaved heterosexuals. WWW: http:/www.scotsgay.co.uk/kudos/ CAFE LUCIA 13-29 Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 1112. Generally 10am-10pm but hours vary according to performances. Mixed bar attached to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Full of luvvies and their friends! C.C. BLOOM'S 23 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Mon-Fri 5.30pm-3am. Sat 1pm-3am. Sun 3pm-3am.. Karaoke on Thursday and Sunday. Male strippers Sun at 4pm. Disco every night from 10.30pm. CITY CAFE 19 Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 0125. 11am-11pm. Not as outrageously mixed as it used to be, but still seriously conventional. CLUB MERCADO - PLAYMATES 36-39 Market Street. Tel: 0131-226 4224. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month. Busy new club at rear of Waverley station. CYBERIA 88 Hanover Street. Tel: 0131-220 4403. Daily 11am-10pm (7pm Sun) Friendly mixed cybercafe with friendly mixed gorgeous staff. Where the wired queers hang out. WWW: http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/ EDINBURGH LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL CENTRE 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses PJ's , Stonewall Cafe-Bar, OUTRIGHT Scotland, Pride Scotland and Massage for Health. Also provides meeting and noticeboard space for many lesbigay organisations. Private mailboxes available. FANTASIES 8b Drummond Street. Tel/FAX: 0131-557 8336. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Sun Noon-9pm. Scotland's ONLY licenced SEX shop where you'll be made welcome by the very bearish Vince (who's straight) or Paddy (who isn't). Toys galore, video rental too! Glamour shop upstairs. FLAMES 192 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-221 0499. Mon-Sat 11am-11.30pm. Sun 12.30-11pm. Mixed (but very gay friendly with oodles of gay staff) up-market city centre restaurant with bars. International cuisine with good vegetarian range. Real Ale. FOUR BBBB's CLUB 26b Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Big Beary Bulky Boys have their own club at Intense in the New Town Bar on the 4th Friday of the month. 8-10pm - bar opens to non members 9pm-1am. FRENCH CONNECTION 89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 7651. Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Sun 1pm-1am. Intimate bar just off the Rose Street Crawl. Never a dull moment. Karaoke Tue & Fri. JOY Wilkie House, Cowgate. JOY Info Line: 0131-467 2551. Saturdays - every 4 weeks. 10pm-3am. Joy, Scotland's most upfront gay club! ukp6 members/ukp7 non-members (reduced entry of ukp4 before 11pm). E-mail: chaz.and.andy@cableinet.co.uk MARMALADE CAT BISTRO Old Craighall Road, Millerhill, near Dalkeith. Tel: 0131-660 1211. Mon-Sat Noon-2.15pm and 6-9.30pm, Sun 12.30-2.45pm and 6-9pm. Mixed establishment specialising in Portuguese cuisine. Vegetarian menu available. MASSAGE FOR HEALTH 58a/60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-220 5154. By appointment only. Therapeutic massage from ITEC qualified practitioners Sara and Anne. Concessions available. NEW TOWN BAR 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Daily Noon-1am. Especially popular with Bears, but has wide clientele. Intense, the sub-basement leather and fetish bar is open Thurs-Sun 9pm-1am - men only. No EIGHTEEN 18 Albert Place. Tel: 0131-553 3222. Mon-Sat Noon-10pm. Sun 2-10pm. Sauna club for gay gentlemen - run by a couple of straight Dykes! Now open on Sundays - great for that aprs Kirk Session! O.M.O. CLOTHING 1 Barony Street (Basement). Tel: 0131-558 8746. Wed-Sun 1pm-8pm. Fashion and jewellery made by local designers. Something to suit every pocket. Also club tapes and tickets for clubs. ORANGE Studio 24 (formerly Calton Studios), 24 Calton Road. Tel: 0131-558 3758. Every second Saturday. The best of upper class house. OVER THE RAINBOW 32c Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-557 8969. Daily 5pm-1am. Good food. with a mixed crowd. PJ'S 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-558 8174. Mon-Sat Noon-7pm. Sun Noon-5pm. Gifts and toys for gay boyz and girlz. ROUTE 66 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-557 3379. Nightly 12.30pm-1am. Food served 12.30-10pm. Misnamed - it's the best Route to a 69 that we've ever found - ask for details of where the bus stops are! The only gay bar in Scotland which serves real ale. SOLAS CAFE 2/4 Abbeymount. Tel: 0131-661 0982. Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 11am-4pm, Wed 5-9pm. Attached to Solas National HIV Information Centre. Good home cooking (everything cooked on the premises). Both dead animal and veggie. STONEWALL CAFE-BAR 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7069. Mon-Sat Noon-9.30pm, Sun Noon-5.30pm. Opens 29th March. Scottish/continental food. Friendly community ambience. Leaner pockets welcome. TACKNO 36-39 Market Street. Tel: 0131-226 4224. Last Sun of each month 11pm-4am. DJ Trendy Wendy. Mixed and crowded club night. TASTE The Honeycomb, 36-38a Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 4381. Sun 11pm-3am. Weekly mixed members' club with DJs Fisher and Price. Visitor's passes from West & Wilde. THEATRE ROYAL BAR 24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-557 2142. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Sun 12.30pm-11pm. Basically straight, this Real Ale bar (formerly a Gas Board Showroom) in the middle of Edinburgh's Gay Triangle attracts a fair number of queers for an off-scene pint before heading for nearby fleshpots. TOMMY THAI'S BAR Linden Hotel, 9-13 Nelson Street. Tel: 0131-557 4344. Daily Noon-11pm. Quiet bar attached to Edinburgh's biggest gay hotel. Superb Thai restaurant. Owned by London's Philbeach Hotel. E-mail: linden.seal@ukonline.co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/linden/ WEB 13 13 Bread Street. Tel: 0131-229 8883. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun Noon-8pm. Informal mixed cybercafe with homely and approachable staff. WWW: http://www.web13.co.uk/ WEST & WILDE BOOKSHOP 25a Dundas Street. Tel: 0131-556 0079. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Scotland's only lesbian and gay bookshop. Lots of books and quite a few magazines! Falkirk DROOKIT DUCK 16 Grahams Road. Tel: (01324) 613644. Mon 11am-3pm and 5pm-11.30. Tue-Thu 11am-3pm and 5pm-12.30am. Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Sun 7pm-Midnight. Straight bar used by a few discrete local gays. Near to Grahamston station. Galashiels GREEN'S DINER 4 Green Street. Tel: (01896) 757667. Mon-Tue 10am-5pm. Wed-Sat 10am-10pm. Mixed. discreet trendy cafe/bar. Regular meeting place for all Border Town lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Closed Sundays. Glasgow ASTRO GIFT SHOP GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-226 9977. Mon-Sat Noon-7pm. Sun Noon-6pm. Nicely appointed and stocked gift shop(s) on the ground floor of the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. ATLANTIS CAFE BAR 22 Cambridge Street. Tel: 0141-333 1375. European style cafe/bar welcoming people whose sexual orientation is not a big deal. AUSTINS 183a Hope Street. Tel: 0141-332 2707. Mon-Thu 5pm-Midnight, Sun 2pm-Midnight. Friendly and busy basement pub. Entertainment every evening. No longer open at lunchtime. BENNETS DISCO 80-90, Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Tue-Sat 10.30pm-3.30am. Beautifully appointed busy club. Frequent PAs. Tuesdays are straight. CCA Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-332 7521. E-mail: cca@easynet.co.uk. Centre open Mon-Wed 9am-11pm Thur-Sat 9am-Midnight Sun Noon-10.30pm. Bookshop Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun Noon-5pm. Galleries Mon-Sat 11am-6pm Sun Noon-5pm (admission free). Two galleries, two performance spaces, cafe bar and bookshop. Lesbigay friendly place bustling with life, the universe and everything. Wheelchair accessible apart from upstairs performance space. CENTURION 19 Dixon Street. Tel/FAX: 0141-248 4485. Sauna and Shop: Noon-10pm. Shop sells toys, videos, mags and everything in between. Exclusive stockists for RoB. The much awaited sauna is now open for trade of the roaring variety! E-mail: info@centurion.prestel.co.uk CLUB X-CHANGE 25 Royal Exchange Square. Tel: 0141-204 4599. Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 11.30pm-3am. Wed, Fri, Sat 11pm-3am. Large basement club, popular with young crowd. Wednesday nights are straight/student (though still quite mixed). COURT BAR 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 8pm-Midnight. Small bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until mid-evening. DELMONICA'S 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Daily Noon-Midnight. Food Noon-7pm. Busy pub with backroom area (not THAT kind of backroom!). GLASGOW GAY & LESBIAN CENTRE 11 Dixon Street. Tel/FAX: 0141-221 7203. Daily 10am-10pm. Glasgow's community centre for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Cafe and gift shop. Other businesses in the centre include Asset Mortgages and Calosa Publishing. Two large meeting rooms available for hire. Not as busy as it should be - it needs your support! Fully wheelchair accessible venue. E-mail: gglc@gglc.org.uk. WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/gglc/ GLC CAFE/BAR GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-204 5418. Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight. Sun 10am-8pm. The tastefully decorated eaterie for the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. JAVA CAFE 152 Park Road. Tel: 0141-337 6727. 9am-11pm. Popular cyber cafe with mixed clientele close to Glasgow University but popular with students and non-students alike. Http://www.java-cafe.co.uk/ LOVE BOUTIQUE The Arches, Midland Street. Tel: 0141-221 9736. 10.30pm-3am. 1st Saturday of the month. Busy mixed club popular with the younger crowd. THE POLO LOUNGE AND CLUB 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Lounge: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am. Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. Sun 2.30pm-3am. Club: Fri-Sun 10.30pm-3am. Upmarket bar and club. Free entry to club before 11pm. Something new and definitely different. SADIE FROST'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 7pm-Midnight. Bar meals Mon-Sat Noon-7pm. Friendly staff who compliment the upmarket decor. Nice and convenient for rail travellers to the North and East of Scotland. SAPPHO'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005 (ask for Jane). Mon-Sat 7pm-Midnight. Glasgow's only all woman bar. Very popular. Inside Sadie Frost's. SQUIRES LOUNGE 106 West Campbell Street. Tel: 0141-221 9184. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight, Sat 12.30pm-Midnight, Sun 8pm-Midnight. Long narrow intimate basement bar, DJ Sun, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat. Packed at the weekend. Nightly happy hours 11pm-midnight (all night Sun). VICTORIA BAR 157-159 Bridgegait. Tel: 0141-552 6040. Mon-Sat 11am--Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Basically straight, but justly popular with Glasgow's many real ale queens and dykes. THE WATERLOO 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-221 7359. Daily Noon-Midnight. Popular, crowded, down to earth gay drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar - what more can we say? WEST END CAFE 6 Kersland Street. Tel/FAX: 0141-334 1345. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Sun Noon-5pm. Friendly cafe in the heart of the West End run by two beautiful drama queens. Mixed clientele. Full vegetarian menu available. Inverness NICO'S BAR/BISTRO Glen Mhor Hotel, Ness Bank. Tel: (01463) 234308. Wed and Fri 9-11pm. Smart relaxed bar popular with local gays especially on Wednesday and Friday nights (9.15pm onwards). Mixed clientele. Kilmarnock KAYPARK TAVERN 27/29 London Road. Tel: (01563) 523623. Straight pub - the lounge is used by some local gays on Mondays evenings. Kirkcaldy SANCTUARY: THE HOUSE OF GOD C¾sars Nightclub, 13 Charlotte Street. Tel: (01592) 201389. Second Sunday of each month. 10pm-2am. Mixed night with loud popular noise by Maggie and Alan of JOY! Students/Members ukp4, Omnium Gatherum ukp5. Stirling BARNTON BISTRO 3 1/2 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Mon-Thur 10.30am-11.45pm, Fri-Sat 10.30am-12.45am, Sun Noon-11.45pm. (Food: Day and early evening). Near to railway station, Mixed, busy, bohemian and friendly bar/bistro. Popular with students and Sons/Daughters of the Rock alike. Good food. Real Ale. ----------------------------------------------------------------- SCENE ===== OBAIR DHEADHAIN --------------- Well here we are again and it's the second ScotsGay column of '97 God at this rate it's gonna be Christmas before we know it again, hey who knows maybe Santa will remember my big black man this time!!!! - wot, me bitter? Never! Anyone been watching Eastbenders recently?....it's quite interesting (as my hubby..a recently converted fan pointed out) that the only stable relationship on the square at the moment happens to be the gay relationship with Tony and Simon. Does this mean that old Auntie Beeb has actually started to move into the late nineties at last?. Anyway guess I must've hit a open wound with 'ole' Minerva in me last column, cause I slagged him off about having been a roughie toughie oilman, started him off on a tangent about walking through mine fields on foot n stuff ! well all I can say is it must have played havoc with your stilettos dear! Who would have thought it underneath that Gautier sequined frock and 12 inch stilettos lies the body of Arnold Shwarzhnegger and the dick of Tattoo from Fantasy Island! Mmmmmm got me all hot n' sweaty so I guess I had better get on with the hand job.....OOPS job at hand I mean !!!!! Well both of the city's hot spots are still going strong and the Caberfeidh recently re-opened after having been closed for refurbishment. So I guess that's as good an excuse as any to go out for a bit of a bucket under the pretense of having to see what it looks like for the magazine... never needed an excuse before but hey it's always good to have one under your belt just in case! If you're anything like me then the thought of big hairy men will drive you to the point of climax!... if so then you had better get yourself along to Castro's on Fridays for the Grampian Bear Club meetings. Word has it that it can get quite hot, although I can't tell you first hand as yet as I missed the last meeting due to Wisdom toothache (the tooth went today... along with all my wisdom!!! [what happened to the tooth fairy? - Ed]) but my sources tell me that although only six bears actually turned up a great time was had by all. Needless to say I'll be there this Friday with bells on so to speak. Just so I can report back to my readers you understand... me a married man an' all. Anyway a full report will follow so watch this space for all the hot gossip! Whilst we are on the subject of Castro's they are soon to start up a membership system ....I'm not too sure what this will entail or what exactly you will get for your membership fee or what benefits will be available to those taking up the option but as soon as I have all the details I will pass on all the information to you. I still think it would be pretty cool if either Tracy or Jacqui would consider opening on a Sunday afternoon for pre-lunch drinkies, I mean I don't know about you but many a time I wake up on a Sunday morning thinking God I could murder a pub lunch and maybe something nice!!!! For dessert if ya know what I mean! So come on girls how 'bout it? Couldn't hurt to give it a try now, could it? What do you think readers?..... Anyway, guess I had better think about wrapping things up here, but if there is anything that you guys out there would like to have mentioned in this column or anything you would like to see covered you can drop me some e-mail (my address is at the bottom of the page) or you can drop me some snail mail at the Scotsgay address. Either way it would be great to get some feedback from you guys as I get lots of mail from all over the world from horny rednecks after my body but never seem to get any mail from here at home. Anyway I'm off to wrap up my hubby's Valentine's Present and sort out his card... I know you're all vomiting into your handbags but hey what can I say... I'm just a hopeless old romantic! I know it'll totally embarrass him but it's got to be done... Happy Valentine's Day Mike I love you tons! Hope you all got something nice! (If you know what I mean) from that special someone this Valentine's Day and remember when you do get it... fuck safe and fuck hard! Until next time, Doug AKA Little Bear littlebear@drink.demon.co.uk DUN-DEAGH --------- Oh dear! It seems that our Editor has mega pissed off Jol - for it looks like it's down to moi to write the column this month! I hear that the Scottish LGB Students were over in force from their meeting at St Andrews the other night. Quite filled up Liberties from all accounts plus a few folk overflowed down the road to Deva's. Deva's is still closed on a Sunday - well, they're entitled to their day off like anybody else! And satisfying the demands of all us pernickity pooves and dykes must be fairly tiring. Talking of which, ScotsGay has had a long anonymous letter slagging off one of the Dundee venues at length. Perhaps if it had been signed (or the promised 150 signatures in its support had materialised) we'd be paying a bit more attention. As it is, we've filed it in an appropriate place. Liberties has cut its days back a bit too - now opening Thursday-Sunday though - but Brian is considering opening Wednesdays if he thinks enough people will turn out.. He tells me that there have been a few changes with his record spinners - Saturday Night with Brian 'Fair Maid of Perth' Petrie springs to mind - and he's hoping to have a female DJ for Sundays soon. I see he's doing a promotion with a prize of a free draw for a holiday ticket for two to 'A European Destination'. However, when I asked if that meant Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen, he told me where to go - but I couldn't find it on any map! Funny, that. On the entertainment side of things, Deva's has had a band in on the occasional Thursday which seems to go down quite well and I'm told that there are a number of PA's coming up in Liberties in the next month or so. That's Personal Appearance - not Prince Albert - before you ask! I gather that the Women's Disco at the Galleon Bar the other Friday was quite busy - just a one-off, it seems, but fun had by one and all, nevertheless. The usual rumours abound of a new club opening in the City - as always, we shall see! Iain iain@drink.demon.co.uk DUN EIDEANN ----------- I see our typesetter has got a new Gaelic Dictionary and wants to show off. I'll just call the place Embruh, if you don't mind! Firstly, apologies to Switchboard for printing the wrong number for the Ticketline for their Spring Fling on March 7th. Sorry. Well, as I forecast in the last issue, Ian "Outright" Dunn is going into the hospitality business and plans to re-open the back room in the LGB Centre as the Stonewall Cafe/Bar towards the end of March. He tells me that he's aiming at a 'community feel' to the place and will be catering for leaner pockets. However, I gather that Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade have breathed a sigh of relief on hearing that he won't be doing the cooking himself - he must be the only man in town who can burn a pan of water and what he does to bacon should not be spoken about in polite company but can, I'm told, oft be seen wafting around Gayfield Square of a morning! Anyway, he's promising Scottish and continental cuisine. Wonder if that will include mince and tatties? Up the road at the Blue Moon, I hear that a record was set the other weekend when customers cleared them out of 500 free condoms in just two days! Just what sort of customers do they have in there? And will they please send me over a couple? However, I'm afraid that Sam has rather let the cat out of the bag about the use to which all the lube sachets are put - 'Great for the hair', she tells me. Popped into Flames in Morrison Street the other day just to confirm that it was as nice as the press release promised. It was - and better - with real ale on tap! A "few minutes walk" (like, about 45 of them!) took me up to Cafe Lucia which was as full of luvvies as ever. Round the corner at Fantasies, Paddy seemed to be offering a personal fitting service to a customer, so I made my excuses and left before Vince could do the same for me. Not, however, before a flyer was thrust into my hand for a forthcoming perve night.. 101 Damnations is being held at Walkers in Shandwick Place on 16th March (8pm-2am). Apparently "A Very Strict Dress Code Will Be Enforced" - leather, PVC, latex, lycra, crossdress. So, no to my anorak, then! Sounds like a lot of fun if you're into that sort of thing, which of course I'm not, now which night did I say it was on? Tickets are ukp7.50. Phone 0131-557 8336 or 0131-557 9413 for more details. The venues at the top of Broughton Street have been suffering from the Playhouse again recently. According to Craig at Route 69, Riverdance is managing to attract an even older (and straighter) crowd than Cliff Richard! Didn't seem that way in CC's - perhaps it's the loud popular noise that puts them off! I've been out on the scene with a straight friend recently and he was commenting how relaxed Edinburgh's scene was compared with other places he's been. Maybe it's just because he's not as young and pretty as he once seems to think he was, and the propositions are drying up! Who knows! Anyway, he seemed quite impressed with Kudos and is dragging his dyke friend from Galston to there next week to do some serious women hunting. Met her through the 'straight' section in ScotsGay's Meet Market too - yes, it really is genuine! Well, that's it for another month. (Fill up the rest of the space with pix, please Mr Typesetter, our readers won't notice) Iain iain@drink.demon.co.uk GLASCHU ------- THE M-FILES... THE TRUTH IS NOT HERE... Here we go again, time to get the column written!. Not a lot to report this month, as the scene is still quiet. Another 2 weeks, and everything should be back to normal. This time of year is really boring on the club scene, as all the girls are still poor after Christmas, serves you right for buying all those pressies with your Miss Selfridge credit card!!. The big event of the month was of course, the Annual Gay Ball. I was unable to attend, but it seems like it was well attended, with most of the boyz and girlz getting out their kilts and dinner jackets. Everyone I've spoken seemed to have had a great time, and hopefully I'll be able to get along next year. All change YET again down at the Gay and Lesbian Centre. Stuart and Gerry have now moved everything into the old PJs unit, and the other is now available for rent again. Is the centre ever going to start REALLY promoting itself? It's now been open for a year, and the only pointers to its existence are a nice shiny plaque and the freedom flag! The equivalent of the German National Debt was spent in getting the place opened, but the advertising budget appears to be non-existant. I find it quite ironic that they've got a map of Gay Glasgow pinned up in the foyer, when the only people likely to see it probably know where everything is! Come on Centre management, a few posters don't cost the earth, and would hopefully result in greater continuity in keeping the shop units let. It's unbelievable the number of people who have still never been in cos they don't know where it is, or what it does. Can you believe ScotsGay has been on the go for over two years? Personally, seems like a hundred years ago that I started this column, or was it because I was living in Aberdeen all those years ago? Oops!!, shouldn't have said that should I? Can't go upsetting the short fat bald one in Dod and Bunty land, now that she's entered her wonderous positivity phase!! Ooh err missus!! The other short fat bald one informs me that there will be a letter of complaint about me in this issue. Seems like somebody took exception to something I wrote last month, but I've got to wait until this issue is printed before I can see it! Shame!! Still it's nice to know that the proletariat continue to read this column. A letter of COMPLAINT, I don't believe it, the fellow's mad!!. Doesn't he know that this column is to the gay scene, what the Dead Sea Scrolls are to religion!!. Don't you think that the Polo Lounge is trying to project maybe too upmarket an image? I was there during the afternoon a few days ago, and there were only five customers in. Personally, I rather like the sort of Gentleman's Club atmosphere they try to create, even if it does feel like you're drinking in a Laura Ashley shop window. I remember reading about some company doing this experiment many years ago, to stop the workforce from lingering in the bogs too long during company time. They tried various paint schemes, and found that certain colours resulted in the staff spending as little time as possible in the washrooms. Is this the thinking behind the screamy loud paintwork in the little queens' room? Can't imagine the fairies wanting to hang around gossipping and preening in this technicolour nightmare!! Still, I like the Polo Lounge for a quiet drink in the afternoon. Nice touch having the papers available for those of us who like to sit and read the press, but if you're a Sun or Daily Retard reader, take your own copy. The opening of the Polo Club has had an adverse effect on the other clubs, with Club-X being badly hit. Hopefully things will level out again soon. Sadly, by the time that this issue of ScotsGay is printed, one of Glasgows gay clubs may have closed its doors for the last time. Gillespies has had a bit of an unfortunate history, and will be closing on 2/3/97. If you do get a copy of this issue before the last night, get on down for the farewell bash. There will be surprise guests, free scoobysnacks, and lots of drinks promos!! The club closing is a great shame, as I always considered it to be the friendliest of all the clubs, and unlike somewhere else I could mention, you don't have to wait ages to get served coz the ever so pretty bar staff are too busy preening themselves to bother about the customers. I wish Martha and Laura all the best in whatever venture they enter into next. The bar part of the venue has been closed for some while now, which is a pity for those of us who don't like loud music, and enjoy a game of pool. Suppose I'll have to dig out my dungarees and Doc Martens, and get a lesbian haircut so I can get into Sapphos as it's the only place left with a pool table!! It's a pity that the geographical location of a club can be so critical, but this was always at the root of the problem. Seems like the girls just couldn't be bothered to walk the extra 10 minutes out of the city centre Who else was outraged by that sad old queen Quentin Crisp, and his views that pregnant women should be allowed to abort babies exhibiting the gay gene?? It's outrageous that one our own is actually spouting this crap!!, trying to justify his view by saying that woofters are likely to have miserable lives. This might have been the case when he was young, but I think he could have found out the views of todays queers before expressing his opinion. Most fairies I know are too busy partying and generally having a good time to be miserable!! It really pisses me off that the press seem to think that the views of dinosaurs like Quentin bloody Crisp are representative of the gay community. Why do they never ask the opinions of REAL celebrities, like ME!!! By the time you read this, Centurion Health Club will have had its first all-nighter. Was in a few days ago to find out their plans for the future, and it seemed strange being surrounded by half naked bodies, when I was fully clothed. The club is pretty well complete now, with the sun beds, saunas, TV lounges, Jacuzzi and cafe all fully operational. Still to come are the steam room and the gym equipment. Apparently they are still waiting for the floor weight loading certificate. Aren't bureaucrats marvellous!! It's taken years of planning by Gordon and Alex to get this far, and the pen pushers still haven't got their act together. Forgot to mention that the shop is also now open, selling magazines, videos, sports gear and, rubber and leather wear. Oh, they also sell toys, and I don't mean Barbie Dolls. Are you really supposed to put some of those things where I think they're meant to go?? Come to think of it, I think a Barbie Doll would probably be a better fit, no doubt there's some of you out there who will know from experience, you sad people!! Well, like I said, not a lot to report, never is at this time of year, but hopefully I'll have more for you next month. See you all then, hugz'n'stuff, Minerva minerva@drink.demon.co.uk INBHIR NIS ---------- Greetings, Aye! Aye! whit's the craic and pogmothoin (it's great having a granny-in-law who can spell the Gaelic) Well here we are - Inverness and the chilly North calling... Well calling time anyway on the lack of scene news from up here. The scene may not be as big and throbbing as all you lot of queens are used to but it's our own wee scene and it's all we've got - remember it's not the size of the ship... (blah blah and other cliches). Anyway, it's Friday Night! I've had my shower and douche, Corrie's just started, DJ (himself - my man) is engrossed in it, I'm ready, I'm geared up, and raring to go... unfortunately to work, answering 100 enquiries and taking 999 calls from hysterical drama queens who have broken a nail!! Never mind anyway, enough of this cosy fireside chat, what's been happening in the frozen North? Well the Moray Lesbian & Gay Network (was MuGGs) have been earning their Princess Points by having by all accounts a most successful Christmas at the Rothes Glen Hotel and do seem really to be going from strength to strength, with folk coming (ahem!) travelling from all around to their fortnightly get-together at the Cat's Whiskers in Elgin, so well done ladz 'n' lassies - but later in this saga I will have to strip you of some of those Princess Points - boy, that's voodoo (great film that, wasn't it?) The Highland Y.G.G. (Youth Group) is earning Princess Points rapidly. After a shaky start, there is now a healthy attendance at their monthly meetings and at their excursions around the area which are nicknamed 'A Frolic With Flora' on account of the excursion's meeting place being at the Flora MacDonald statue beside the High Court in the centre of Inverness. The group are looking forward to marching at Pride and shortly afterwards their 1st birthday. Recent events of notice in the Highlands include the Reach Out Highland Valentine/End Of Sexual Health Year Ceilidh/Disco held at the Loch Ness House Hotel in Inverness. There was an excellent attendance with folk travelling from all areas of Scotland (and even a lad from Australia who was in the area at the time) who all combined to make a very good and fun-filled night. It was especially heartening to see so many of the local Transgender group attend and support the event. Many Princess Points to them, but unfortunately a very poor response from the Moray gang of whom very few turned up after saying they would. So they get docked a few PPs for that. Many thanks go to Ronald and the other Reach Out Highland staff who worked so hard to organize this event, and never ones to rest on their laurels, the gang have already started to plan the Reach Out Highland 2nd Birthday Bash for later in the year. GO GIRLS! Well that's it for now from the gale-blown and rain-soaked North - I better go now - himself's away to Inverness for a hen night - probably will spend hours picking just the right one for the pot... well that's devotion for you... Calmac -------------------------------------------------------------------- BOXES - THE SCOTSGAY MEET MARKET ================================ To reply to a Contact Ad: By e-mail: We can now accept replies by e-mail for Box Numbers. They should be sent to boxreplies@drink.demon.co.uk and will be printed out and posted on by snail mail to the box number holders. There will be no charge for this service. As box number holders are unlikely to have access to e-mail, please include your name and address so that they can get back to you! And remember to include the box number that you're replying to clearly on each reply. By snail mail: Just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP RIGHT corner and place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first class stamps. If you are writing from outside the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from most Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs. Send all replies to: ScotsGay Magazine, Pageprint Limited, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. To place a Contact Ad: Write to the above address enclosing your advertisement copy. Ads are FREE of charge to the advertiser. Or you can send them by e-mail to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk Personal Ads in ScotsGay's Meet Market are read by more people than any other Scottish Gay Title! WOMEN ----- Glasgow - Edinburgh Big sexy butch number, 22, cuddly and fun loving, seeks similar butch number for kisses and cuddles. Photo appreciated but not essential. Box SG14001. Stonewall Youth Group Under 26? Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual? Looking for new friends? This friendly, informal group has regular meetings/social events. For more details call 0131-556 4040 on Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.00pm. or e-mail edyouth@cableinet.co.uk Aberdeen - Anywhere Thirtyish fem, looking for friends, possible relationship. Gentle and shy, not very experienced, easy going, caring, honest, with GSOH, loves children and animals. Age unimportant. Photo if possible. Box SG14018. MEN --- Curious? Mature guy offers safe considerate experience to young (under 26) first-timer. Discretion assured. Can accommodate (Glasgow/Edinburgh) or will travel. All letters answered. Photo/phone helps. Box SG14002. Elgin - Inverness - Bi Guy I'm looking for Bi or Gay guys for uncomplicated fun. I'm 5' 6", 135lb, 33 with balding dark/grey hair. I am married so I will have to meet at your place. I am also fairly inexperienced but willing to learn. Box SG14005 Edinburgh 42 year old male, bald on top, small beard, somewhat overweight, WLTM active older man, preferably 50+, interested in mild S&M, cp. Box SG14006. Moustached Couple Seek One Or More Strathclyde couple, both moustached seek other moustached guys, singles or couples for mutual fun. Interests include leather/denim/uniform, 3s, 4s etc. We are both early 30s, moustached, slim/medium build, dark haired. Into most things safe, and willing to try almost anything at least once. Especially welcome are Policemen and Firemen. Discretion assured and expected at all times. Box SG14008. Scotland 29 year old seeks guys 18-30 for good time. Can accommodate. Me - stocky build, sexually very flexible but discreet and s/a. Serious replies only. Box SG14009. Stonewall Youth Group Under 26? Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual? Looking for new friends? This friendly, informal group has regular meetings/social events. For more details call 0131-556 4040 on Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.00pm. or e-mail edyouth@cableinet.co.uk Looking For Fun Young guy, 22, good-looking, seeks similar for a laugh, cuddle, whatever! No blobs or trolls need apply. Photo appreciated but not essential - a frank, honest, witty letter is! Box SG14010. 21 And Horny Near Montrose 21 year old good looking gwm. 6' ,175 lbs, athletic, brown hair, green eyes, 8 inch cut. Looking for fun safe horny times with like minded guys under 30. Must be able to travel and accommodate. Box SG14011. “ALTERNATIVE WRESTLER” "Monthly Wrestling Fanzine 'ALTERNATIVE WRESTLER' (ukp2) from 'ALTERNATIVE SPORTS', PO Box No 437, Glasgow - G42 8HU. European wide Gay/Bi wrestling events list available! Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Berlin, Amsterdam gay/bi training clubs open!" Something Between Your Ears? 24 year old GWM, Edinburgh. Seeking man (24-40ish) with more between his ears than between his legs. Interests are cinema, literature, cooking, science. A sense of humour and a health dose of cynicism an added bonus. Tory voters need not reply. Box SG14012. Glasgow - West Coast Wanted: Master, leather, combats, boots, any age - own place with plenty of gear, detailed letter, photo appreciated. Me: 45 young, novice - slim, 5'7, 32wst. available during weekdays - married. Box SG14014. Wrestling Fun I'm looking for guys who would like some wrestling fun. Nothing serious, just some enjoyable times rolling around with a lot of close body contact. Also some light spanking if you liked that. I'm 42, medium height and build. Will wrestle in briefs or shorts or jeans. Box SG14015. Inverness - Highlands Tired of the wannabe`s in town? Want to find someone genuine for friendship, maybe more? I am 30, 6` tall, like to drink and smoke! I am a family man with no ..or few...secrets. Would be interested in meeting a man who appreciates the good things in life, who is around my age, and enjoys life. Drop me a note! Box SG14016. Gang Bang Boys Two horny skinheads, passive butts, 30/31. Have us at your party. Have us anywhere you like. Free for the taking. One dark, slim, one blond, big, burly, both hairy with tight ready to use butts. You 18-60, L to XXL. Lots of sweaty horny mates. Brown/yellow and navy blue. Box SG14019. Dundee Retired guy, discreet, honest, genuine, seeks young hairy bodied sportsman/student for friendship. Frank letter with photo (returned). ALA. Box SG14020. Smelly White Socks? Cheesy Feet? Active Daddies/Brothers wanted by two sweaty passive young, sniffer skinheads, 28 and 30. Butts and noses freely available for parties. You: active 18-50, medium/stocky build with lots of sweaty butt fancying mates. Box SG14023. Bisexual Man, late 20's, own company, looking for Scots guy under 25 for serious 1-2-1 relationship. I'm white European, w/e and maybe you can help. All letters answered. Thank you. Box SG14024. Glasgow - Anywhere Mature student, slightly disabled, 38, straight acting/looking, likes pubs, eating out, cinema, wishes to meet guy, 25-38 or mature student with similar interests. Photo would be nice. ALA. Box SG14025. Edinburgh - VWE 26 Year Old Looking for active guys to give me a good time. Age no problem. Can travel or accommodate. Send frank letter and explicit photo in return for mine. Box SG14026. Uncle Knows Best! Attractive, dominant type, 48, seeks obedient lad, teenage or twenties (max 36) for light discipline, fun and friendship. Anywhere. Can accommodate or travel. Box SG14027. Edinburgh 31 year old, 6', slim, attractive, ns, recently out, seeks local guy, 25-35 for uncomplicated friendship and an introduction to safe fun. Photo appreciated. Box SG14028. Edinburgh Student, 25, 5'10", slim, black hair, brown eyes, good looking, seeks similar 25-30s to hold tight in a loving 1-2-1. Box SG14029. Shoe Shagging Young guy who enjoys shoes and feet seeks similar friends in Edinburgh area. Enjoys exhibitionism too. Box SG14030. Strathclyde Couple Seek Boyz Tall, slim, good looking guyz, 25 and 40, both dark, WSOH, versatile, w/e, seek young slim guyz for no strings fun, no hassles, laid back horny times. Photo please. ALAWP. Box SG14031. Chunky, Hairy And Sexy Guys Wanted 28, 6'3", hairy, No 2 crop, seeks big brother/uncle/father figure under 50 for long hugs and more. Taches welcome. Can accommodate or travel in Central Scotland. Box SG14032. Edinburgh - Non Tory - Horny Sincere, honest, 36, straight acting guy, light brown hair, blue/green eyes, 5'10", average build, seeks slim guy under 35 for friendship, hopefully leading to 1-2-1. Photo gets reply. Box SG14033. East - Central - West? Write Now! 39 year old Fife guy, medium build, 5'9" tall, brown hair, hazel eyes, seeks slim guys/couples 18-50 for fun and friendship. Can accommodate or travel. Write soon. I'm versatile. ALA. Box SG14035 Glasgow Gay male, 28, good looking, straight acting, non scene, genuine, seeks similar male aged 25-35 for fun times, friendship. Bisexuals also welcome. Box SG14036. Glasgow - Anywhere Glasgow male, 36, reasonable looking, straight acting, genuine, good natured, easy going, into DIY and oral. Looking for similar genuine straight acting guy 26-38 for friendship, possibly 1-2-1 relationship. Box SG14037. Central Scotland - Anywhere Relive that feeling of tingling anticipation as Sir took his heavyweight Lochgelly off his shoulder under his jacket. Tall, slim, 38 year old guy will help jog your memory. ALAWP. Box SG14038. Glasgow Postgrad student, 25, looking for friends. Into film, literature, theatre, music, fine art, going out and eating in/out. E-mail: pg9607873@gsa.ac.uk or write to: Box SG14039. Abandoned Moggy Seeks Fellow Tom VSA g/l, 25, blond, blue eyes! Seeks someone handsome and wholesome who won't mess me around. Must be totally n/s, s/a. Do any genuine guys exist? Age 21-35. ALAWP please. Box SG14040. Gentle Giant Seeks Romance! Large lad, 37, seeks romantic, intelligent chaser/bear for decent talk and also to be a companion. Have been let down badly by so-called "chaser". Are you genuine? ALA. Box SG14041. Slave - Sock/Boot Worshipper 27 year old seeks tops into bd with sweaty socks to gag this slave. Would also like to meet other guys into socks, Lycra, rubber and anything kinky and horny. Box SG14042. Central Scotland Master, early 40's, needs new guys into leather and rubber masks, chaps, boots, slings, CP, TT, BDSM. Me WE, good body, fit. You perhaps novice, 18+ or experienced very horny older. Box SG14043. Angus - Scotland Retired, young 60's guy, looking for young guys 20+ for friendship/more to enjoy life. GSOH, considerate, sincere, plenty of TLC to give you. ALA. Telephone number. Photo? Students welcome. Box SG14044. 40+ - Central Scotland 40+, 5'7", cropped, good body/mind/humour. Adventurous. Modest? Seeks buddies of similar maturity to share new experiences. ALA. Box SG14045. South Scotland - Anywhere Professional male looking for attractive partner under 40. VGSOH. SA. Can travel or accommodate. ALAWP. Box SG14046. Glasgow - Shy 26 Year Old 5'11", black hair, brown eyes, 14 stone, non scene, likes travel, cinema, theatre. Looking to meet 21-27 year old non smoker. If interested in personality rather than good looks, then write. Box SG14047. Glasgow Guy, 30's, wltm genuine guys for fun, friendship, 1-2-1 possible, who knows? ALA. Sincere replies only. Detailed letter and same in return. Box SG14048. Seeking New Age Man In Grampian Me: very youthful 40, good looking, ns, sa, 5'10", 11.5 stone and hairy. You: under 40, of similar build, to share life and its adventures. Box SG14049. Glasgow Area Friendly young male seeks other young male/s under 30 for discreet fun, friendship and possible relationship. Good times guaranteed. Into shorts, denims, black trousers. Photo, phone helpful. Guaranteed to reply. Box SG14050. Edinburgh - Highlands Mates sought for fun visits by horny, discreet, masculine, down to earth English Midlands lad. Energetic in/out. ALAWP. Box SG14051. Dundee - Tayside 39 years, 6ft, 11st 7lb, short dark hair, active businessman, looking for genuine 24-30 (max) straight acting, non scene, slim, passive, sensitive guy in employment (white collar?). Must enjoy restaurants, theatre. Discretion assured and expected. Must live Dundee area. Detailed letter and photo for reply. Genuine advert. No time wasters. Box SG14052. Glasgow - Central Scotland Couple, 29/47, s/a, s/l, wltm any bearded, hairy guys for fun, friendship. Can travel and accommodate. Married, bi-guys also welcomed. Discretion is assured. Looks unimportant. Photo, phone number if possible. ALA. Box SG14053. Central Scotland Shy guy (32), inexperienced, medium build, non smoker, seeks sales rep or similar (28-38) who is looking for discreet male company away from home. Absolute discretion guaranteed and expected. Box SG14054. Edinburgh - Fife Professional guy, 30's, young looking, slim build, slightly heavy, wltm guy 25-40 for fun times in/out. Likes sauna, massage and relaxing. Watches videos. Box SG14055. Forres - Moray Area Boyish 40 year old male, 5'10", 40" chest, 32" waist, hairy and good looking, wants w/e soulmate under 36 for friendship and possible 1-2-1. ALAWP. Box SG14056. Glasgow - Edinburgh - Anywhere Falkirk based 43 year old, 18 stone of sheer delight, awaits the pleasure of your company. I have a VGSOH. Will answer all replies. Box SG14057. Masterful Weightlifter 30's, seeks similarly beefy, well developed, clean shaven, non camp slaves, 18-30, for strict training. Photo appreciated. Glasgow/anywhere. Box SG14058. Tayside - Anywhere Mature, passive male, tired of disappointments, wltm loving active guy with view to establishing 1-2-1 relationship. Age and looks unimportant. Discretion assured. Can accommodate or travel. Box SG14059. Inverness - Highlands Fit guys required in the Highlands. Recently admired, attractive, well shaped 30's, non smoker, seeks young, fit, non smoking guys to assist with practical jobs around flat. Not ashamed to teasing/stripping also required for badminton/training. ALAWP. Box SG14060. Tayside Fed up with the restrictions of underwear? Tayside guy (43) prefers going without it. If you are like minded, please drop me a line. Kilties and trouser wearers equally welcome. Box SG14061. 34 Year Old Skinhead Zero cropped, well into skin gear, DM's, army gear/scene, looking for mates into bootlicking, gobbing, pissing. ALAWP. Phone number gets quick reply. Box SG14062. Glasgow - Anywhere Friendly bi guy, 40's, will pull your briefs down! Cannot accommodate. Seeks friends to visit? Wanted: your unwanted briefs. Enjoy massage, safe fun, w/sports, videos. Welcome hairy, VWE. Photos please returned promptly. Box SG14063. Tayside - Dundee - Edinburgh Gay man, 42, old fashioned collar and tie type, enjoys lingerie. CP orientated. Seeks similar gay type, 40-60, for long term friendship. Prefer to travel. SAE and photo helps. Box SG14064. Edinburgh - Glasgow - Anywhere Friendly, 30something guy, 5'7", red hair and beard, very hairy body, brown eyes, seeks young, smooth student type for fun and friendship. Discretion assured (if required). Non scene. Bi or bi-curious welcome. Can accommodate or travel. Box SG14065. Dundee - Tayside Male, 50, young at heart, slim build, straight acting/looking, wltm active guy, any age, for social activities, friendship and safe fun. Can travel and accommodate. ALA. Box SG14066. BISEXUAL Tayside - Fife - Edinburgh Kinky sub TV maid seeks bi/gay couples to serve. M+M, F+F or M+F. Photos, videos, fetish, CP, role playing parties! SAE. Photo. Can travel/accommodate. Box SG14021. 99% Gay Lad Would like to meet busty bi or bi-curious discreet lesbian sister/mother, 18-50, to help this w/e masculine Oedipus Rex explore/expend and remember family fun times. Box SG14022. Glasgow Bi male, 32, seeks bi female, 30-34 for friendship, possible relationship. I'm no Rob Lowe but have lots of love to give to the right girl. Your place only. Photo please. Box SG14034. Bi Curious? Are you under 26? Curious but a bit worried about jumping in at the deep end? Mature guy, discreet and sensible, offers first time safe and considerate experience. What have you got to loose? Box SG14067. Stonewall Youth Group Under 26? Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual? Looking for new friends? This friendly, informal group has regular meetings/social events. For more details call 0131-556 4040 on Tuesdays 7.30pm-9.00pm. or e-mail edyouth@cableinet.co.uk STRAIGHT -------- Edinburgh Happily single guy, 28, lots of male gay friends, very few bi female ones, would like to remedy this gap in his life. Friendship critical criteria. If you don't like pointless intelligent conversations, friendly arguments, steamy night clubs, leisurely 30 yard walks in the country, serious recreational alcohol abuse and John Player Special cigs, save yourself the postage stamp and take up All Bran instead. Box SG14003. Edinburgh - Glasgow - Anywhere A garden full of flowers and a house full of books: but no love! Help! I can't think what to say! Guy, 45, seeks bi female merchant banker (over 16) with snazzy career, good job prospects and Gold Amex (or failing that, a personality) to help him compose personal ads and more. Looks preferred, brains essential. Non-smoker. Kind to children and other small animals. Why not suck it and see? Box SG14004. PASSING GLANCES --------------- It's a Wonderful Life? 17th December 1996. Filmhouse, Edinburgh. You: tall, grey hair, brown 3/4 length jacket, yellow jeans, black gutties, reading Guardian. Me: brown cord jacket, very timid, but hopelessly smitten. We both wear glasses, and walked along Gilmore Place. Can you get in touch ? Box SG14013. Sadie Frost's - Film Review Sunday 2nd February. You were reading the Film Review, drinking Miller and smoking Marlborough Lights. It's hard to find gay film lovers in Glasgow. Fancy meeting another film addict? Box SG14017. ACCOMMODATION OFFERED --------------------- Gay Blackpool Immaculate, spacious, semi-detached, 3 bedroom house, unfurn. Fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, 1 single. Cooker, fridge/freezer, washer. Gardens front/rear. Newly decorated. Dining room, sitting room, up and downstairs WC. Carpets and curtains throughout. LONG LET. ukp498.33 per calendar month plus ukp400 bond. DSS, Housing Benefit considered. Two to four HIV+ and AIDS DIAGNOSIS welcome. DLA Claimants sharing also welcome. Experienced Landlords. Tel: Johnny 01253 291774 or 0468 868402. JOBS OFFERED ------------ Cash For Your Body Photogenic guys can earn ukp75 cash - or ukp100 with chest and arm definition - posing for Mike Arlen who has had 13 glossy magazines published called Mike Arlen's Guys. Send snapshots of your magnificent body to him: Mike Arlen, Wetherby Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square, London. SW5 9BH or call him on 0171-373 1107. Glasgow - Edinburgh Amateur photographer wants to contact young guys (18-22) for photo work. Fees paid if work published with model's agreement, otherwise expenses paid. Please send photo and details . Box SG14007. FRIENDS ABROAD -------------- USA Female Divorced white American female, 28, seeks lesbian friend/lover to share love of nature, history and all styles of music. One 7 year old daughter. Will be in UK July 1997. Please reply soon!! Send e-mail to bryant.97@osu.edu or snail mail to: Angela Bryant, 1720 King Road Apartment A-4...Newark, Ohio 43055, USA. Telephone 001 (614) 366-0875. Seek San Franciscans Now in Edi I am a journalist. In connection with research for a story, I'm seeking people from the San Francisco bay area who have relocated to Edinburgh, and people from Edinburgh who have relocated to San Francisco. Gay or hetero (or whatever!) Any leads appreciated. (I will be in Edinburgh in July.) E-mail: lazere@sirius.com or write: A. Lazere, 1150 Union Street, San Francisco CA 94109, USA. Kilt Fantasy Would like to hear from Scots who enjoy wearing kilts and enjoy even more the attentions of an oral expert crawling under it. I live in New York, but visit London and nearby parts regularly. I'm a playwright/graphic designer and quite sane: just have this kilt obsession... E-mail: AlfredZ@aol.com or write: Alfred Zelcer, 80 Seventh Avenue, #1Brooklyn, NY 11217,USA. LA GymBody Seeks Pal Seeking a outgoing guy with sense of being proud to show off his physique in sexy casual & athletic jean cut off shorts cut (40-33cm) or 16"-13", hot running shorts & be friends! Smooth body & college looks +! Write: DD, PO Box 2806-467, Torrance, CA 90509-2806, USA or e-mail: jympal@earthlink.net New Zealand Scotophile GWM, wishes to make contact with hunky Scottish guys. Any of you visiting this way? I'm 40, 6ft, 12 st, hairy, and horny. I live in Wellington and would love to show you a good time. A couple of words in that sexy accent is enough to .... Richard King, 142 Nevay Road, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand. USA Hi There! My name is Reggie and I am a 29 year old Gay Black male and I live in Philadelphia, PA, USA. I am 6ft., 200lbs., masculine, attractive and in good shape. I have dark skin, hair and eyes. I enjoy reading, travelling, movies, studying foreign languages and martial arts. For fun, I like to hang out with my friends, meet new people, ice skate and ride horses. My majors in university are East-Asian Studies and International Business with a minor in Psychology. I speak French, Chinese, some Italian, Spanish and German. I am hoping to meet Gay Men for casual fun, dating or hopefully, a long term committed relationship. Or if you're just visiting Philadelphia, PA (Philly) and would like to meet someone for friendship or a good time, get in touch with me. If this sounds interesting to you and you would like to know more and perhaps meet, please send me E-Mail: Reggie215@juno.com or write to me at: Reggie Garrison, 201 S. 12th Street, Apartment #2C, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA. I look forward to hearing from you soon. So, don't be shy or embarrassed. Write soon and let's begin a GREAT friendship and have LOTS OF FUN!! Until I hear from you, take care. Italy Italian university researcher, 25, gay, interested in Scottish Literature and Culture, seeks friends, any age and everywhere in Scotland. Write: Walter Morani, Via A. Diaz, 4 - 390055 Laives (BZ), Italy. BACK RUBS --------- Edinburgh Masseur A caring skilled personal touch at excellent poundstretcher value. Jim. 0131-556 7199. Escort Glasgow/Edinburgh locality. Attractive 25 year old student offers professional unhurried service. Available some days/weekends & some evenings. Advanced bookings prevent disappointment. 01683 221486. Massage - Paisley Let me rub you up the right way - using essential oils. Reasonable rates. Give yourself a treat!!! Ask for Tony. 01505 324561. Masseur - Aberdeen - Dundee Young guy, 29, gives great massage. Phone Steve on 0589 565418. Anytime. Men Only Escorts and Masseurs: Good looking guys Scotland-wide! Gordon: professional type, 23, slim, vwe! Gordon: swimmers build, 23, smoooth and sexy! Rhys: boyish, 20, dark looks, stunning! Sam: 21, blond and blue, slim and smooth. Other guys available - call for details. We can mail photo-profiles to you to help you choose the right guy! Your place, our place or hotel! Call Ross on 0421 035644. Escorts wanted all areas - call now. Rex 24 hour escort or massage. My place or yours. Built to please. Phone 0541 570727. SERVICES -------- Books Good quality books for gay men available by mail order. Fast confidential service and good discounts. Titles include Spartacus '97, New Joy of Gay Sex and Safer Sexy. Call 0171-635 0332 for leaflet or write: Frontier Books, 149 Chadwick Road, London. SE15 4PY. Come on line at THE CLUB! '3-in-1' phone dating for gay men: 0891 556666. Virtual Chat: exchange Home Phone Numbers and uncensored voice messages with other callers who are on line NOW! Voicemale Dating: leave Private Replies to other guys' messages. Record your Own Message which thousands will listen to and which they can reply to in Total Confidence! Members Only Noticeboard: dozens of messages with home phone numbers available from our Helpline, by Fax or E-mail! Helpline: Phone 01754 871800 (2pm-8pm, Mon-Sat). Fax: 01754 871799. E-mail: admin@bizorg.co.uk. Post: PO Box 425, PE25 2RQ. Calls cost 50p per minute. Company Formations Why pay more? For only ukp90, Cosun Limited will supply a freshly formed Scottish, English/Welsh or Northern Ireland Limited or PLC with your own choice of name. For a free copy of our "Guide to Limited Companies": Freephone 0800 526421. Gay Business Association Member. E-mail: cosun@drink.demon.co.uk. Http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/cosun/ Gay Phone Line Fancy a phone chat? 0891 910070. Men on line 24 hours. Fast, friendly and easy to use. Run by gay men for gay men. Info on Mr Gay UK '97 - press 4 in the main menu. Calls charged @ 50p per min. Other servicres promoted. APN, Walk 34, Middleton Road, LS27 8AJ. Genuine Phone Dating For Gay Men The Dating Line that has it all! Instant Messaging, VoiceMale Dating and 'Traditional' Phone Dating. 0891 556655. 50p/min. TBO, Box 425, PE25 2RQ. CALL NOW! Get Wet Leather, rubber & PVC clothes for men & women, leather & rubber harnesses, silicone and latex toys, lubricants, SM equipment, wholesale available. Send ukp5 for catalogue or sae for price list to: Get Wet, BCM 3564, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel/Fax: 0171-627 0290. Golden Wheel Seeking discreet gay or bisexual new friends, male or female? Long standing service, all areas and worldwide. Send stamp for details to: (Sadie), The Golden Wheel, Liverpool. L15 3HT. Nude Cleaner Nude cleaner. Anything considered. Discretion assured. Ask for Tony. 01505 324561. Pen Friends Gay, Lesbian and Bi-sexuals ages 16+, non profit organisation, members nationwide and worldwide, membership ukp6 p/a or ukp3 p/a concessionary. Write, enclosing 2 stamps to: LGB National Pen Pals, PO Box 2000, Horwich, Lancs, England. BL6 7PG. Penpal Mag Penpal Mag for adults: over 500 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring: 01257 480155. Translations English to German and German to English. General business and personal translations undertaken by native German speaker. Details: Phone Colne (01282) 862351. Worldwide Penfriends Regular lists. Make friends, exchange holidays, improve your languages. For general and music lovers' lists send ukp3 to "The Penpal List", c/o 221B Merton Road, Southfields, London. SW18 5EE. PHOTOGRAPHY ----------- Ginger Snaps 35mm film developing and printing service. Mail orders processed in 24 hours. Videotape conversions to and from all worldwide systems using broadcast spec equipment. Scanning: images scanned onto disk or via e-mail. Callin or phone. 21 High Street, Acton, London. W3 6NG. Tel: 0181-993 6772. Fax: 0181-993 9982. E-mail: bginger@dircon.co.uk. Visa, Mastercard, Amex welcome. Just 18 Nude photo sets, sample set ukp15 from BM Ferrari, London, WC1N 3XX. Cheques and postal orders payable to 'M Bentley'. Models required. Send photo to above address. VIDEOS ------ Free Video Lists The premier "one-stop" mail order service for all the best videos/books/photosets from Prowler, Pride, SAP, Load, etc., etc. Plus exclusive 'BoyBabe' videos unavailable anywhere else! Trading Post, Freepost BR1307, Eastbourne. BN21 1BR. Telephone: 01323 737481. WHERE TO STAY ------------- Ardbeg House Ardbeg House Hotel, Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Welcome breaks, two nights or more, ukp27 per person per night, Dinner B&B (some en-suite rooms with four poster beds). Scenically situated. Beautiful period country house full of character, home comforts and good food. Phone Neil on 01688 400254. Beside the Seaside ... Roseland Guest House, Ayr. Ron invites you to enjoy Bed and Breakfast in his quiet, centrally located Victorian townhouse. For that totally relaxing break. (Not exclusive). Please Tel/Fax 01292 283435 for current prices. Birmingham, West Midlands Sebastion Guest House. Telephone: 0121-455 9459. Large Georgian house located in the city centre, close to the gay village, all rooms colour TV, double beds, tea/coffee, communal lounge, sun room and large gardens. Blackpool Regent Hotel. Telephone: Blackpool (01253) 22787. Recently refurbished, Late Bar, Happy hour daily, En-Suite available, Flamingo's concessions, Mid-week specials Mon-Fri ukp44 B/B, Fri-Mon B/B (excluding Bank Holidays). Single nights available. Call Ernest NOW to avoid disappointment. Brighton Shalimar Hotel, 23 Broad Street, BN2 1TJ. Exclusively gay in centre of gay village. Most rooms en-suite. Four poster for that special occasion. Full English breakfast. Tea/coffee. Fridge. Hairdryer. Colour Television. Clock Radio/alarm. Telephone. Residents' bar. Phone or Fax Kevin or Lawrence - 01273 605316. Brighton Women's guesthouse. Fantastic value accommodation from ukp11pp in a friendly atmosphere next to the sea - and you don't have to get up early! Leaflet: The Only Alternative Left, 39 St Aubyn's, Hove, Sussex. BN3 2TH. Telephone: 01273 324739. Scotland-Brighton direct train! Capital Accommodation Want a gay stay for a holiday or just a change of scene?!!! Aries Guest House offers a warm, friendly welcome to Edinburgh. Ten minutes from Princes Street, close to theatres, cinemas, shops and restaurant, clubs and bars. Telephone: 0131-229 4669. Central Private Hotel Mixed clientele, Junction 28 M1, short distance to Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, ALTON TOWERS, Sherwood Forest, Rooms En-suite, Licensed Restaurant, vegetarians, laundry service. Own front door key, no restrictions, Massage & Sunbed room. Weekend rates available. Phone: 01623 552373/Fax: 01623 443106. Edinburgh Mansfield House - Small elegant guest house within minutes of bars and clubs. All rooms have colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Basic room or En Suite. Continental breakfast available until midday. 57 Dublin Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6NL. Tel/FAX: 0131-556 7980. Fife - Scotland B&B Private Residence - central situation - convenient public transport - parking if required. Good facilities, relaxed friendly. Businessmen, UK tourists, overseas visitors, welcome - guys only. Telephone: Vic 01592 201985. Glasgow Berkeley Hotel, 63 Berkeley Street, G3. Phone: 0141-204 5470 or 0141-221 7880. Central, gay friendly, TV room, pool room, self catering facilities, shared and doubles. Special midweek rates. New York and San Francisco Pride Travel has the largest selection of gay and lesbian friendly hotels, guest houses and apartments in New York, San Francisco and throughout the USA/Canada. For brochure, phone Pride Travel-USA on 01273 606656. Provincetown USA Provincetown - America's most popular gay/lesbian resort. It's like being at Gay Pride every day of the week. Live the legend. For free brochure telephone Pride Travel-USA on 01273 606656. Relax in the Scottish Highlands Edwardian country hotel. Interesting food. Good wines and malts. Spectacular views. DBB ukp35-69. Although not exclusively gay you will be warmly welcomed. Call Ian or Eric: 01479 851347. Auchendean Lodge Hotel, Dulnain Bridge, Inverness-shire. PH26 3LU. Scarborough Hotel Interludes, "Holiday Which" recommended, welcomes gay men/women. Friendly, peaceful atmosphere. Licensed. Unique theatre theme. Elegant, en-suite, non-smoking seaview bedrooms (double, twin, 4-poster). ukp24pp B&B with 5% discount for 4 nights and 12.5% for 7 nights. Phone Ian/Bob 01723 360513. The Plough Hotel Luxury Gay-Friendly Hotel Gateway to the Lakes and Dales. 14 en-suite rooms, pub food, fine a la carter restaurant. 2 mins Junc 36 M6 on the A65. Cow Brow, Lupton, Cumbria. LA6 1PJ. Tel: 01539 567227. Fax: 01539 567848. Torquay Oscars Hotel is a gay family run hotel in the heart of Torquay's English Riviera. Single, Double & Triple rooms available all year round. Very comfortable 2 star accommodation and candlelit cellar restaurant. Call Ricky or Allan for details. 01803 293563. 10% discount on stays of three nights or more offered to ScotsGay readers! York Pauleda House Hotel, 123 Clifton, York. YO3 6BL. Enjoy superb accommodation centrally situated only minutes away from all the historic attractions. All rooms en-suite. Satellite TV, some Fourposters. Parking. B&B from ukp20 pppn. Family run. Gay Friendly. Tel: 01904 634745. Fax: 01904 621327. InsideOut: a monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. ISSN: 1360-9327. Edited, printed and published in Scotland. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, February 1997. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5JW. In even numbered months, InsideOut appears as part of ScotsGay. Non profit use by the lesbigay community of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge - but contact us first for permission. We haven't had sex with most of the people who appear in the magazine, so we don't actually know what their sexuality is. Editorial: Tel: 0131-539 0666. Fax: 0131-539 2999. E-mail: scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk. Internet World-Wide-Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Advertising: Tel: 0131-558 1279. Fax: 0131-539 2999. Subscribing by E-mail: Send a 'subscribe scotsgay-list' message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk and the text files of future editions will be delivered to you by e-mail. To unsubscribe, send a message with 'unsubscribe scotsgay-list' in the body of the message ----------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS ======= ScotsGay welcomes letters from readers. They should be sent to: ScotsGay Letters, PO Box 666, Edinburgh EH7 5YW, fax them to: 0131-539 2999 or alternatively send them via e-mail to letters@scotsgay.co.uk Central Scotland Police, Randolphfield, Stirling. Dear Sir, BIASED AGENDA I was shocked and appalled at your article concerning the Central Scotland Police operation at Beechwood which betrays a clearly biased agenda and is 'see through' in its naivety. You have treated an important and sensitive issue in a totally unprofessional manner and used my lack of availability to respond to your questions as an excuse to launch an unwarranted attack on the Chief Constable and Central Scotland Police. As you are well aware this matter has been under press scrutiny for some time and you have chosen to repeat suggestions that the police 'allowed' the involvement of a thirteen year old child in these offences, a matter which I have already stated for the record is untrue. Why? This is a dreadful piece of journalism which no doubt those with a more discerning attitude towards the truth will be able to determine for themselves. The comments you make concerning the Chief Constable and the force are totally without foundation and the very least I would expect from you is an apology to the Chief Constable. It is certainly worthy of note that you have chosen not to present any of the statistical material supplied to you in your article and I am left wondering, as no doubt many of your readers will be, why? The tone of your article suggests that you had already made up your mind as to what you intended to print and I have serious doubts as to the helpfulness of the Chief Constable's Annual Reports in your pursuit of this agenda. I note from my sources that you were unavailable to respond to a media enquiry from a radio station being otherwise engaged. It is strange that you permit yourself the courtesy of being absent from your own office to deal with your business but do not recognise that others, such as myself also have important, busy and pressing schedules, which may not necessarily fit in with your demanding publication deadlines. Yours faithfully, Michael Currie Deputy Chief Constable 12/1 4 Fountainwell Terrace Sighthill, Glasgow. Dear Sir, SUAVE COMMENT I read with astonishment, in your January isse, what I perceive to be a total and largely unwarranted attack on two of Glasgow's best gay venues. In your SceneOut column, penned by one 'Minerva', whoever he/she/it may be, ClubXChange was first to bear the brunt. I quote - "Is it any surprise that Club X was quiet on Christmas Eve when they were charging ukp6 to get in?" Now correct me if I'm wrong, but most of the other nightclubs in Glasgow were actually charging more for their admission on that same night. Fair enough, Club X was quieter than usual, but it doesn't deserve to be exclusively harangued by you because of this. Next in line of sight was the recently opened Polo Lounge/Club. "Talking about entry charges, who else thinks that the Polo Club is OTT with theirs?" and "The drinks prices are keeping a lot of people away," is what was printed in Minerva's column - perhaps Ms. Minerva can't afford to pay for a quality pint in comfortable surroundings like the Polo, because she doesn't earn enough for writing a load of drivel in your magazine! (Actually, I would hope she doesn't get paid at all! (think we're stupid? - Ed)) The Polo Lounge, in my opinion, is the most innovative and exciting thing to happen on the Glasgow gay scene since Bennet's opened sixteen years ago. My last gripe, and perhaps the worst, relates to "Another club" that "decided not to have a guest list on New Year's Eve, and make everybody pay to get in, including staff working in Glasgow's gay bars, who usually get in for free after work." Why wasn't this 'other club' named if both Club X and The Polo were run into the ground? Maybe because it was in fact Bennet's, and the rather anally retentive Minerva didn't want to rub them up the wrong way just in case they made her pay all the time? To be brutally honest, I am sick and fed up of the constant bitching over club politics by so-called 'columnists' in gay publications. Having personally worked for Bennet's, Club X, GHQ (before it became Sadie Frost's), Delmonica's and Madame Gillespie's, I do not see the point of slagging off one against the other, when, at the end of the day, they are all providing a welcome service to the gay scene in Glasgow. It's about high time that a respected publication like ScotsGay, and InsideOut, read by a large majority of people on the scene pulled its socks up and behaved a little more like other publications aimed at gay people - be a little more objective and positive in your scene reports, and start to condemn the views of stroppy, bitchy little stuck-up queens like Ms. Minerva (whoever she may be). Yours faithfully, Gavin J. Watson Dear Sir, LOAD OF OLD FANNY There follows a copy of a letter that was sent to me at the OutRage! office by The Society for the Promotion of Camp. You may find it curious and somewhat amusing, as I did. Yours sincerely, Peter Tatchell Society for the Promotion of Camp, 16 Old Queen Street, London SW1 2RU. Dear Mr. Tatchell, It has come to our attention that certain newspaper diarists and satirists are giving disproportionate column inches to the antics of Polly Portillo and Mandy Mandelson. Other equally deserving politicians are being neglected, which is very hurtful to their feelings. Speaking frankly, this favouritism towards Polly and Mandy is most unfair and has got to stop. It's time equal prominence was given to Patsy Patten, Linda Lilley, Mavis Montgomery, Clarissa Coe, Fanny Forsyth, Edna Evans, Wally Widdecombe, Monica Molyneaux, Betty Bellingham, Hattie Heath, Sonia Shepherd and many others. How would you feel if you had a loveable, camp nickname, but everyone insisted on calling you by the boring, straight, Christian name that your parents gave you? No, you wouldn't like it one bit. You'd be really cheesed off to see Polly and Mandy getting all the attention. So, please, do ask all your friends and contacts in media circles to give a mention to all these poor overlooked MPs. With thanks, 'Penelope' Parker-Smythe Hon. Secretary Sheffield Pink 387 Attercliffe Road Sheffield Sir, DIZZY QUEEN This company will not accept post with the stamps put on upside down. This is an insult to the Queen. This company will not accept post with stamps of the UK put on UPSIDE DOWN. This is an insult to the Queen. This is not the first time post has be (sic) sent from this company with the stamps put on upside down. David Ward ----------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL ============= by Rex Wockner NO AIDS DRUGS FOR COSTA RICANS The assistant director of Costa Rica's nationalised health-care system, Dr. Julieta Rodriguez, has told 25 HIV-positive people that the system will not pay for HIV antiviral drugs. In a meeting held in the offices of the agency, the Caja Costrariccense de Seguros Sociales, Rodriguez said the drugs are too expensive and do not cure AIDS anyway. One of the 25 attendees, "Antonio," told reporters afterward: "Since we started meeting three weeks ago, two members of our group have died. But the authorities here don't care. We are young, productive members of this society who have contributed [via mandatory payroll deductions] to this [health-care] system as workers during many years. But they won't give us anything. It is a horrible situation." Richard Stern, Health Coordinator for the gay group Triangulo Rosa, added: "Drug companies are charging prices that are absolutely unreachable for 98 percent of the population of a country like Costa Rica. Because of their fear of an avalanche of people seeking these medications, the government, instead of pursuing a course of openness and compromise, has retreated to a hard-line position against helping these people." BOMB EXPLODES IN ATLANTA GAY BAR Five people were hurt in a bomb attack on a gay bar in Atlanta. The device wrecked the Other Side, a popular predominantly lesbian club, when it exploded at 10pm on Friday night local time. Two of the injured were seriously hurt and one required surgery. "One person came out with shrapnel in their back, he was bleeding and another woman was brought out and laid out on another part of the bar with nails sticking out of her arm," said eyewitness Kay Hinton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Out This Week. She was working on the door of the club when the bomb went off. Police believe a small explosive device was left in a rucksack on the patio at the back of the bar sending nails and shrapnel throughout the back bar area. Causalities would have been far higher had the bomb gone off half an hour later. "The crowd was starting to pour in after ten - we get busy after ten thirty usually. They'd just announced that the show that was gonna start in thirty minutes and about five or ten minutes after that the bomb exploded," Kay Hinton added. "Everybody started screaming 'it's gunshot, it's gunshot', although it couldn't have been gunshot because the entire bar was shaken by the impact. People then began to realise it was a bomb and they were wandering about in shock." The Other Side, which in terms of size compares to Follies in Manchester or the Vauxhall Tavern in London, was badly damaged in the explosion. A second device left in the area, which was primed to catch rescue workers as they came to the scene, was found and detonated in a controlled explosion. No individual or group claimed responsibility but police believe it is the work of a serial bomber or bombers following two recent attacks on abortion clinics in the city and the pipe bomb at Centennial Park last July. However, Atlanta's gay commentators were keen to play down any anti-gay motivation in the attack. "There's certainly a lot of shock and disbelief that this amount of violence has come to us. There's some denial - that it wasn't a specifically lesbian and gay establishment that was targeted and there's hope that maybe it was a more random act and maybe we don't need to be so concerned." said the editor of the local gay newspaper ETC, Jack Pelham. His view was echoed by Kay Hinton who said that whoever was responsible didn't know the club very well. "I don't think it was necessarily directed at that particular bar. I think that it was more of a statement that was being made by someone. It's obvious they didn't know very much about the bar - if they'd known it then they'd have known there'd be a bigger crowd in later on." On the following Sunday, Lesbians and gay men in Atlanta held a rally, gathering as close as they could to the club which had been sealed off for forensic tests. EUROPE Here are some dates for gay-pride celebrations in Europe this summer: Amsterdam: Aug. 1-10; Bochum, Germany: June 14; Birmingham, England: May 24-26; Brighton, England: Aug. 9; Edinburgh: June 15-21; London: July 5; Oslo: June 15-22; Paris (location of EuroPride this year): June 28. Additions to the list should be e-mailed to the International Association of Lesbian/Gay Pride Coordinators at ialgpc@tde.com. Their World Wide Web site is located at http://www.tde.com/~ialgpc. FRANCE A film about Paris gay nightlife drew more French people to theatres last year than any other movie. Four million people forked over their francs to see "Pedale Douce." INDIA For reasons unknown, India's government has stopped distributing condoms in New Delhi's red-light district — home to an estimated 10,000 sex workers. Prostitutes Welfare Association President Kharaiti Lal Bhola told UPI, "These hapless women have no protection whatsoever." Condom manufacturers told the news service the government simply has not placed any recent orders. INTERNET Groups and individuals can automatically join every International Lesbian and Gay Association campaign of 1997 by sending an e-mail message to actions@ilga.org. The message must include a name and postal address. Most ILGA actions take the form of protest letters to homophobic officials and others in positions of authority. "As a permanent supporter you will be informed each time your name is included in an action, which makes it possible for you to inform me if you do not want to support one or more of the distributed actions," said creator, Bjoern Skolander of Sweden. SINGAPORE Oral sex is a crime unless it is followed by penile-vaginal sex, Singapore's Court of Appeal has ruled. Only "the coitus of the male and female sexual organs" is natural and "unnatural acts" are permitted only as foreplay, the court said. The ruling came in the bizarre case of a man who tricked a 19-year-old women into fellating him by convincing her it would cleanse her of a toxin she acquired when another man performed cunnilingus on her. THAILAND Thailand's education minister, Sukhavich Rangsitpol, wants to send gays to a "special education centre" for "treatment" because they are "sick — both physically and mentally," the Bangkok Post reported. To not send gays off for re-education risks "adding male prostitutes to society," he added. Rangsitpol was speaking in support of Thailand's new ban on gay students at the nation's 36 teacher colleges. ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe has banned discrimination against people with HIV, the nation's PANA Wire Service reported. At least nine percent of Zimbabweans are believed to be HIV-positive. The new protections come amidst a continuing anti-gay campaign led by President Robert Mugabe. Mugabe has declared homosexuality "an abomination" and "sub-animal behavior" and urged citizens to "hand [gays] over to the police." Mugabe said in one of numerous such outbursts, "I don't believe they have any rights at all." ------------------------------------------------------------------ REVIEWS ======= books There must be Fifty Ways to tell your Mother by Lynn Sutcliffe Cassell, ukp8.99 This is an inspiring collection of Coming Out stories. Some of them made me think: "Why didn't I think of that one?" while others made me cringe. But altogether I really enjoyed reading about the experiences of others, given frankly and without holds barred. This could be a book worth considering as a present for that friend of yours that is still languishing in the closet. Male Order by Barbara Gibson Cassell, ukp8.99 Here but for the grace go I. That's one of the impressions I was left with after reading this frank and shockingly brutal account of these kids. Finding themselves in the street as young as twelve or thirteen with no-one to turn to other than the shady individuals hellbent on their own pleasure. I left home at an early age, but luckily was spared the awful experiences some of these kids tell of in this harrowing book. There is the story of Madser, whose Mother and Father were beating and abusing him from the age of three and who left Dublin at the age thirteen to start a new life in London. But of course being duped into thinking of himself as an evil bastard by his uncaring parents, it came as it had to and he ended up on the game and contracting HIV. Then there is the story of this Welsh lad brought up by his mum and four sisters. When he turned seven he decided he didn't want to grow up into a man and from that day onwards his life seemed to be an odyssey towards his eventual sex-change. Confusion and regret reign supreme in this incredibly moving book. I am grateful to the author to have resisted the temptation to correct the spelling and grammatical mistakes made in the telling of these life stories, as it would have detracted from the authenticity and reduced their validity. A great reminder to everybody to never, never take advantage of someone else's misfortune. From the Street by Mandy McCartin GMP, ukp19.95 Mandy McCartin is a lesbian painter living and working in East London and you can see from her paintings and drawings that this is where her inspiration originates. These works are a realistic interpretation and next time you are in East London remember these pictures and look around you and you'll see what I mean. There is no way of telling you how much I like this collection of McCartin's work, because however much I write about them, words will never do them justice. Look out for any exhibitions which include works by this artist and you can see the raw truth of what is in front of her every day. With this book you'll be able to share her reality and be a part of history, because, sure as eggs is eggs, Mandy McCartin's work will be used as a correct and historical record of the East End of the nineties, just as we look at Samuel Pepys diaries for a record of the 1600's in London. Sex and Spirit by Clifford Bishop Macmillan, ukp9.99 and Native North America by Larry J. Zimmerman Macmillan, ukp9.99 These two books are an addition to the Living Wisdom series, which are authoritative yet thoroughly accessible texts supported by stunning illustrations and designs. This series captures the essence of exotic and alternative cultures, and traces the relevance of these cultures to our contemporary quest for life's meaning and values. Avoiding the unsubstantiated claims of much new age publishing, Living Wisdom is based on thorough scholarship, married to a questioning approach that refuses to be satisfied with easy answers or to accept received opinion. This is exactly what the bumf said that Macmillan sent to me and I felt that one could not put it better. The text in these books grips you from beginning to end and it is true that the illustrations and photographs are excellent and at only ukp9.99 they are a good buy. Flight of the Kingfisher by Monica Furlong Harper Collins, ukp16.99 What a remarkable woman! The true spirit of adventure is alive and well in Monica Furlong. Not the Hollywood, Indiana Jones style, but the feeling, caring and sometimes positively timid type of a person wanting to make a difference. Her quest for knowledge has brought the author to live with the Aborigines in Australia's arid inner deserts, where she gained some tantalizing glimpses of the lives of these enlightened peoples. Her account of her time spent with the Kukatja is a rare blend of autobiography, travel and spiritual anthropology. She provides a precious insight into Aboriginal culture and spiritualism as seen through the eyes of a 'civilised' Westerner. Yet, she never falls into the trap of considering herself in any way better than her hosts. All through the book, the overwhelming feeling is that meeting these people was a deeply humbling experience, overturning day by day some of the almost sacred beliefs of the author. This is not just a book, it is a glimpse into a world sadly lost by most of the riders in that fast and furious roller-coaster we call civilisation. A Small Sacrifice by Ellen Hart The Woman's Press, ukp6.99 What a nice change! Here is a book you can take to bed with you on a rainy evening, tuck yourself in and be thoroughly entertained. Ellen Hart provides you with nail-biting tension from the first to the last page in this well crafted and dramatic murder mystery. But it's not just the tension created that makes this an outstanding book, it's the sense of humour, it's the plot worthy of Agatha Christie and last (but not least) it's the cast of characters you'll find incredibly easy to identify with. To be perfectly honest, yours truly is usually not too hot on murder mysteries and I was groaning when this book arrived on my doorstep, but this one made a refreshing change and I look forward to the next thrilling instalment by this very talented woman. video Red Hot - 60min EuroBoy: Office Boy Virgins - 60min Paying The Rent - 60min by Prowler Press It's not easy to give your full attention to pornographic videos when you have a large cat sitting on the bed looking at you disapprovingly. It seems that a better use of my time would be doing a spot of tin opening in the kitchen! Well, yah boo to you Rinka - I've got something you haven't after that trip to the vet and you'll just have to wait! Red Hot is shot, not by Prowler but by the Moscow College of Liberal Arts and the Moscow Film School Gay Group. Set in Minsk and Moscow, it confirms that, body-wise, the Russians are still suffering from the low calorie intake of the bread queues. Back in the UK, Paying the Rent, although released by Prowler, is actually from Special Assignment Photography. Again, this one didn't do a lot for me, but it was decidedly raunchier than the Russian effort. After all their Eastern European videos, it's clear that Prowler are cutting back costs in Office Boy Virgins, much of which was shot in their own offices! A 'telephone engineer' (who wouldn't know a Butt from his elbow - obscure BT joke there) joins one of Prowler's staff for an engaging duo, whilst Scottish interest is provided by 19 year old Vincent from Glasgow who gets into an office boy over a warm photocopier! I suppose I'd better go and open that tin, then. My box of toilet tissue has remained totally unsullied. Thank you, Rinka. You don't half know how to make a chap feel guilty! Justin Milne film In the fifties and sixties if you put the name Dirk Bogarde above a British cinema, millions of women led their husbands and lovers to the box office - no matter what he appeared in. In the nineties I dare to suggest only three British leading men have that kind of charisma - Hugh Grant, Daniel Day Lewis and Ralph Fiennes. Currently Mr Fiennes is on show in "The English Patient" that has been nominated for many Academy Awards. Based on a Michael Ondaatje novel, it is set in North Africa and Italy before and during the Second World War. Ralph is an archeologist attracted to the married Kristin Scott Thomas. Events throw them together when her husband is away and the inevitable happens. But he is horrifically burned in a plane crash. Juliette Binoche nurses him as he relives, mentally, the romance he can never recapture. You might call it a women's picture because, in flashbacks, Mr Fiennes is irresistible. His appeal is equally potent onstage. Critics here and in New York raved about his "Hamlet". And lucky Londoners can see him onstage currently at the Almeida Theatre, Islington, in the Victorian play "Ivanov" that started in February. Every ticket for the first month sold within hours of being on sale and he is currently being persuaded to extend the season before he rushes off to make another highly paid movie. It isn't often a film opens in 20 Scottish cinemas on the same day. This will happen on 11th April with "The Near Room", a slightly unambitious title for quite an ambitious British gangster film shot in Glasgow. Adrian Dunbar is a reporter on a paper specializing in exposé stories. The dialogue has a hard hitting realism as he uncovers a child sex abuse scandal. Most of the cast smoke like chimneys and the swearing is continual. But Mr Dunbar has a riveting face which was first seen to advantage in "Hear My Song" - the best film of the year a few seasons ago. For him and for some astute direction "The Near Room" is worth your time. More than a few people could he interested in the 11th Lesbian and Gay Film Festival at London's National Film Theatre between 13th and 27th March which tours the country getting to Edinburgh and Glasgow for the weeks 13th and 20th June. If you haven't the patience to wait till June and plan a southern safari, a call to the National Film Theatre is a good idea to get the programme on 0171-928 3232. It is packed with rare treats like the film version of the play "My Night With Reg". In "Glasgow Kiss" we learn it is the city with the largest lesbian and gay centre in Europe. Anyone appreciating Jewish sex appeal must see "I Was A Jewish Sex Worker" about a guy who was an erotic masseur. "Johns" opens officially in May, but Is being previewed here and is a compelling close-up of young guys in prostitution on Santa Monica Boulevard. David Arquette is someone many would be prepared to pay cash for. "Perverted Justice" reveals 40% of the women in American prisons on 'death row,' are lesbians. The French "What A Drag" is a comedy about a gay bar that had people queuing in France. It seems 50% of the sex changes in America are female to male. Rosa von Praunhem covers this and many other fascinating subjects in the German made "Transsexual Menace". If there isn't enough violence in your life you must consider "Tokyo Fist". Clearly the Japanese love to suffer in cinemas. For the leading man is a boxer and, when the director doesn't have blood gushing from someone's nose, there is someone flat out on the canvas slithering across pools of blood. The leading lady can't make up her mind between her lover and boxer boyfriend. To pass the time she takes a metal spike and skewers her earlobes. When the men In her life are not banging their heads against walls she is punching their faces viciously till they are dripping in blood. If there are no abattoirs in your area where you can see plenty of blood running then this movie is the next best thing. Low budget movies that don't get circuit bookings are a good place to spot stars of tomorrow. And Hal Hartley is an American writer/director whose work is worth looking for. In "Flirt" he has filmed three versions of the same story. A New York couple have been together six months and have to part for three months as she has a job in Paris where she also happens to have a former boyfriend. Before leaving, she asks her lover if he visualises a future for them together, but he is reluctant to commit himself. It ends dramatically when a gun is produced. This story Is duplicated in Tokyo and with a gay couple in Berlin. It is distributed by the Artificial Eye Company who also supply much of their product on video. A phone call to 0181-960 1860 will bring you a list of some worth seeing fringe movies. The first section of "Flirt" has two guys who could be very big stars of tomorrow. Bill Sage Is the lover having problems committing himself. Martin Donovan Is a jealous husband with a gun in his hand. Mr Donovan is clean shaven in "Flirt" and has a personality changing moustache in "The Portrait Of A Lady" which takes him into quite a different class as it is one of the prestige movies of the year. It is adapted from a Henry James Victorian novel and directed by Jane Campion who had great success with "The Piano". This could be the film that gets Mrs Tom Cruise alias Nicole Kidman, taken seriously at last playing a wealthy American entering European society. An unfortunate marriage to the arrogant John Malkovitch, duplicating his amusingly blasé performance in "Dangerous Liaisons", shows her great wealth does not make happiness a certainty. If you are not obsessed with action movies and enjoy the idea of watching rich Victorians suffer you might like this as much as I did. The only problem was getting used to Miss Campion's passion for shooting scenes in a quarter light. Barbara Hersey, Richard E. Grant and Sir John Geilgud battle through that with determination. And Martin Donovan, coughing his way to an early grave, is worth your scrutiny. Supposing you were a sculptor living in a lonely spot on the west coast of Ireland and on the beach one day you found a very good looking young man unconscious washed up by the tide. You pulled him on a trolley back to your cottage, lit a fire and peeled the soaking clothes from his magnificent body. Waking up finally it becomes clear his leg is broken. Could you set it and nurse him back to health? All this happens to Anne Brochet in "Driftwood" and the young man is the breathtaking James Spader. You might then understand why she tells him it is an island and not easy to leave. In time they become lovers and more than a few people in world audiences will be envying her. The Spader presence in this offbeat movie makes it very worth your consideration - if you happen to agree he is one of the most attractive sights onscreen today. "Driftwood" develops into quite a drama after a male neighbour she is avoiding watches them making love through the cottage window. She dramatically proves she will go to any length to keep the world away and Mr Spader decorating her bed. I knew exactly how she felt. It is the month for the Irish for "Trojan Eddie" is set in a small Irish town that has Stephen Rea as an auctioneer with a brilliant line of dialogue who could sell anything. Richard Harris is the boss who collects the takings. He falls for the prettiest girl in the town who is a third of his age, Aislin McGuckin. But she has been passing a nervous palm across Stephen's virile young assistant, Stuart Townsend. However, she agrees to marry the grey haired Richard and changes her mind on the wedding night snatching a ukp10,000 case of dowry money and making for the hills with the pulsating Mr Townsend. Aislin and Stuart have more than their share of sex appeal to keep audiences interested. Plus, as many moviemakers are convinced violence is what the public wants, there were scenes where I was looking away nervously. BEST OF THE CURRENT RELEASES A spectacular young man called Leonardo DiCaprio is on view in two new titles soon - a modern day version of "Romeo And Juliet" and the far more interesting "Total Eclipse" in which he is a farm boy in Victorian times with a clever flair for writing poetry. A publisher Is even more impressed with him than his work and leaves his wife to set up house with Leonardo. See the film and you'll understand why. "Fever Pitch" is for football fanatics. When school teacher Colin Firth is not thinking about the game he is giving cursory glances at fellow teacher, Ruth Gemmelle. She makes courtship no problem for him as on his first visit to her flat she says: "You can stay the night if you want to". Wouldn't anybody, with Colin Firth in front of them? I love the Australian actress Judy Davis, so I was patient with "Blood And Wine" in which her adulterous husband, Jack Nicholson is in league with Michael Caine as a professional thief. You have got to be a big lover of any of these three to appreciate this one. "lrma Vepp" is a French movie about a film director who Imports a lovely Japanese actress to make a film where she is wearing a figure hugging black latex outfit throughout. Track it down if girls in tight black rubber are your scene. American actors can't be too pleased with Tim Roth. Not satisfied with British opportunities he moved to Hollywood and never stops working. In "No Way Home", he leaves prison after six years finding it not easy to go straight as his big brother Is selling drugs to half the town. A liberal dose of violence as usual and Mr Roth sounds like a genuine American. There are those who have had the stamina to sit through all four hours of "Hamlet" directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh. I would have preferred Ralph Fiennes in the part. But, If you have the patience to see the best of Shakespeare plays in an updated luxurious Victorian setting, it is so slickly done you will appreciate the expertise. Malcolm Epstein --------------------------------------------------------------- LISTINGS ======== We TRY to provide Scotland's most up-to-date and accurate listings. If your group isn't listed, — or if your entry needs updating — please write to ScotsGay with full details. We're not clairvoyant: If we don't know about it, it just won't go in! We'd also like to know about your forthcoming events and meetings. Although many of the listings are for specific towns, they often cover a much wider area. If in doubt, you can always phone one of the Switchboards for more information. Write to:- ScotsGay Listings, Pageprint Limited, PO Box 666, Edinburgh EH7 5YW, Fax them to: 0131-539 2999 or e-mail them to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk. NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND is Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay and bisexual rights organisation. It was founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group and changed its name to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992. OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND owns the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre. To contact, write to: The Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA or send e-mail to tmh@dcs.ed.ac.uk Why not join OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND? Membership is ukp12 waged, ukp6 low-waged (under ukp10,000 pa) and ukp3 unwaged. Life membership is ukp150. Please make out your cheque/Postal Order to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND and send to The Membership Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, 58a Broughton Street, EDINBURGH. EH1 3SA. LESBIAN ARCHIVE AND INFORMATION CENTRE: The UK's largest and most significant collection of materials relating to lesbian lives. LAIC (at Glasgow Women's Library) 109 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5HD. Tel: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm and Sat 2-5pm. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/resources/glasgow_womens_library/lesbian_archive.html. PRIDE SCOTLAND: Pride Scotland organises the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Pride event in Scotland, which will next be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 21st June 1997. Phone: 0131-556 8822 Mon-Sat 2-5pm, Tue 7-8pm. Or write: c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. E-mail: pridescotland@drink.demon.co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/pride/. All kinds of help are urgently required all year round! LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: North East Scotland Gay Group caters for all ages and meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Phone Ron on Aberdeen (01224) 312547 (7-11pm) for information or write to: PO Box 129, Aberdeen. AB10 7QT. Icebreakers is a social group which meets on 2nd Friday and last Monday of each month. Contact Aberdeen Switchboard for details. AYR: Ayrshire Forum is a group for gay men, lesbians and bisexuals providing support and acting as a social focus. Write c/o The Leisure Centre, 24 Wellington Square, Ayr. BORDERS: Borders Gay Switchboard operates every Mon, Wed & Fri evening 7.30-10pm for confidential information, advice and counselling. Phone Galashiels (01896) 756611 or write to Borders Gay Switchboard, PO Box 13305, Hawick, Borders. TD9 9YG. CAITHNESS GAY AND LESBIAN CONNECTION: A friendly informal group which meets regularly. Write to: Box 689, Journal Office, 42 Union Street, Wick, Caithness. KW1 5ED. CENTRAL REGION: Forth Friend has a disco (1st Saturday of most months) and a social group which meets every second Wednesday. The Forth Friend phoneline operates each Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Stirling (01786) 471285. Or write to: PO Box 28, Stirling. FK9 5YW. DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY: Regular social meetings - usually every second Thursday. For details of all events: phone Dumfries (01387) 269161 Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm or write to Dumfries and Galloway Lesbian and Gay Group, PO Box 1299, Dumfries. DG1 2PD. DUNDEE: OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND Dundee Focus Group for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals meets 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm in the YMCA Special Projects Office, 76 Bell Street. Write to: PO Box 104, Dundee. DD1 3DU. Tay Friend, holds regular social meetings for gay men. Write to: Tayfriend, PO Box 182, Dundee. DD1 9UP. EDINBURGH: Icebreakers is an alternative to the scene and takes place between 7.45pm and 9pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each calendar month in Cafe Kudos. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. ELGIN: Moray Lesbian and Gay Network meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each month 7.30pm in the Cat's Whiskers pub in New Elgin. Also meets every Saturday 3.30-5pm for informal coffee afternoon in Mathieson's Pastisserie (lower ground floor of St Giles shopping mall). Sunday afternoon outing takes place every 4th Sunday. Phone Bobby on Elgin (01343) 542928 for details. Or write: MLGN, 2-4 Lamb Street, Bishopmill, Elgin. IV30 2DG. FIFE FRIEND: Small voluntary phoneline offering support, advice and information to lesbians and gay men within Fife. Friday: 7.30-10.30pm. Telephone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688. Write to PO Box 19, Kirkcaldy, Fife. KY1 3JF. Runs a monthly disco. GLASGOW: Glasgow Gay & Lesbian Centre Project, fundraising, campaigning and social group. Committee meetings held on 1st Saturday each month at 2pm in the Centre, open to all. Write to Glasgow Gay & Lesbian Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL or contact 0141-221 7203 (phone/fax). Childcare expenses and BSL interpreter available - please give advance notice. E-mail: gglc@gglc.org.uk. WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/gglc/ Glasgow Gay Group is an informal social group for gay men. Has a regular weekly pub night as well as running other social events like theatre, cinema, bowling, etc. Phone: Logan on Duntocher (01389) 875078. Icebreakers Cafe, for lesbians gays and bisexuals new to the scene:12.30-3pm on First Sunday in each month. GGLC, 11 Dixon St. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. HAMILTON: Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group is a group which meets every Wednesday. Social and educational events. Details from Phace West: 0141-332 3838. INVERCLYDE: Inverclyde Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Group meets every Tuesday 7-10pm. Details from Joe Hammill on Greenock (01475) 745903 or write:L PO Box 9700, Port Glasgow. PA14 5YD. INVERNESS: Highland Gay Men's Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 28 Huntly Street. Phone Andrew on Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or write to: PO Box 67, Inverness. IV1 2XX. WOMEN'S GROUPS ABERDEEN LESBIAN GROUP: Meets every Wednesday 8-10pm in the Women's Centre, Shoe Lane. Phone Aberdeen (01224) 625010 or 627415 for details. DUNDEE: Sumbiddies Dachters (Lesbian Support Group) meets at 7pm every second Tuesday at Women's Health & Family Project, 1 Russell Project, Hilltown, Dundee. DD3 7RU. Telephone: 01382 810230. EDINBURGH: AD Group: For lesbians 45+ (younger lesbians who support the concerns of lesbians 45+). Meetings for discussion and support. For more details, phone Lesbian Line. Dykes Nytes Out: social events for couples and singles in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Edinburgh Bisexual Group meets every Thursday at 8pm-9.30pm in the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, 58a Broughton Street. All welcome. Lesbian Line 0131-557 0751, Mondays and Thursdays 7.30–10pm. For information, advice and counselling in confidence. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. Lesbian Mothers Group: Phone: Sue Robertson - 0131-556 3899/4563. Or write: One Parent Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. LIAS: Lesbian Information And Support. A self help group which meets fortnightly at 40 Shandwick Place (EAMH Meeting Room). Offers help and support and provides a comfortable environment to meet and discuss problems/issues for the lesbian community in the Lothians. Phone: 0131-225 8508. Women's Network: PO Box 159, Edinburgh. EH7 5EL. GLASGOW: Dykes Nytes Out: social events for couples and singles in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Glasgow Women's Library, 4th/5th Floors, 109 Trongate, G1 5HD. Tel: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm. Sat 2-5pm. Closed Mon. Lending and reference library - books, magazines, journals, videos, leaflets and information. UK and overseas feminist and lesbian publications. Contains the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre - a unique national collection of publications, journals and ephemera by and for lesbians. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/resources/glasgow_womens_library/ Lesbian Avengers: Meets regularly. Phone 0141-552 8345 for details. Lesbian Line: 0141-552 3355 Wednesdays 7-10pm. Write to: PO Box 686, Glasgow. G3 7TL enclosing an sae for monthly 'Lavender Listing'. Lesbian Mothers Discussion Group: Meets every second Monday at 6-8pm. Support group, social events, informal chat. Crêche and fares help available. Phone Vicky on 0141-333 1450. Lesbian Networking Meeting: Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for meeting details and Lynne on 0141-221 7150 for childcare information. Lesbian Sports Group: Squash, badminton, tennis. Meets weekly. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Olderwomen's Group: Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Team Caledonia West Women's Cycling Group: Phone Women in Sport on 0141-227 5933 for details. Women's Softball Group: Meets weekly. Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. INVERNESS: Out and About is a friendly lesbian social group that gets together once a month. Write to: PO Box 91, Inverness. IV1 2GJ. LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Please enclose an sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. BISEXUALS BI MEN'S NETWORK: In formation. Contact: Tim Sallis, c/o Edinburgh Bi Group, 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. DUNDEE BI GROUP: Write: Fiona or James, c/o Dundee LG Switchboard, PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. EDINBURGH BISEXUAL GROUP: Meets every Thursday at 8pm-9.30pm in the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, 58a Broughton Street. There's an excellent programme of talks and speakers usually followed by a visit to a local pub for socialising. Phone: Bisexual Line on 0131-557 3620. EDINBURGH SM BI GROUP: Meets regularly. Write: Edinburgh SM Bis, 58a Broughton Stret, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. GLASGOW BI NETWORK: Social support and health advice to Bis and supporters. Meets GGLC. Contact Dominic Aveyard on 0141-248 6864 (day) or e-mail greenaction@gn.apc.org GLASGOW BI WOMEN'S GROUP: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at the Centre for Women's Health. For details, write: FAO Carole, c/o Centre for Women's Health, 6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G3 7NB. E-mail: (mark mail FAO GBWG) quine@quine.org.uk. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/gbwg/ ATHEISTS/HUMANISTS EDINBURGH FREETHINKERS: An informal network of militant atheists (with one militant humanist agnostic atheist). Write to: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW or e-mail god@drink.demon.co.uk GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION (GALHA): A group for non religious lesbians gays and bisexuals which promotes an enlightened, rational Humanist approach to homosexuality. Details from GALHA National Office, 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Phone/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. BEARS BEARS' CLUB UK: For hairy men and admirers. Meets in the New Town Bar, Edinburgh on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8.30pm. Write to: BCUK, 56 Albert Street, Beswick, Manchester. M11 3SU. BEREAVEMENT LESBIAN & GAY BEREAVEMENT PROJECT: Lesbians and gay men needing advice and support can ring 0181-455 8894 at any time. Or write to: Lesbian & Gay Bereavement Project, Vaughan M Williams Centre, Colindale Hospital, London. NW9 5HG. THRESHOLDS: Individual and group support for gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with men, within Edinburgh and the Lothians. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Telephone: 0131-558 9444. BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Details: GBMCC, PO Box 33, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. CHRISTIANS CHANGING CHURCH ATTITUDES: Write c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. E-mail: cca2000@btinternet.com EVANGELICAL: Lesbian or gay? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Phone: Ewan on Polmont (01324) 715542 or write: EF/LGC, 13 Westbrook Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 3AQ. HOLY TRINITY METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: An inclusive church of the lesbigay and trangendered community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: first and third Sunday of each month at 6pm in the Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh and third Sunday of each month at 1pm in the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Phone John on 0131-556 1309. Write: Holy Trinity MCC, PO Box 12433, Edinburgh. EH1 3FU. E-mail: mcc@tattoo.ed.ac.uk. L&GCM: Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement. Write to PO Box 1436, Glasgow. G31 2NY. QUAKERS: Quaker Lesbian and Gay Fellowship (formerly Friends' Homosexual Fellowship) is a welcoming and supportive national group for people of all sexual orientations and their friends. Write to: Ruth, 3 Hallsfield, Cricklade, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 6LR. QUEST: Organisation for Roman Catholic men and women who are gay. Monthly meetings are held in Glasgow and Edinburgh. For information, call Linkline Glasgow on 0141-948 0397. Sunday 7-10pm. Or you can write to: Quest, PO Box 280, Glasgow. G12 0AW. COMMUNICATIONS BORDERS BULLETIN BOARD: Computer based information, programs and gay message exchanges. On-line 24 hours a day. To gain access to these areas, register as a new user and leave a messsage for the Sysop who will upgrade your access accordingly. Connect speeds 2400-28,800 baud. Hawick (01450) 377877. CHAPPS BBS: 24 hour board operating at speeds up to 28,800. 0131-539 1132 or 0131-538 3345 (speeds up to 14,400) Fido echoes. LAMBDA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (EUROPE): Europe's only club for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered amateur radio enthusiasts and their friends. Sae to: LARC, PO Box 2782, Brighton. BN1 7LJ. LAMBDA BOARD — EDINBURGH: The UK's oldest lesbigay 24 hour computer based bulletin board system. Private mailboxing, areas for Women, Gay Men, Bisexuals, Leather Enthusiasts, TV/TSs, etc. 0131-556 6316. Scrolling (8N1) and Viewdata (Prestel) formats at speeds up to V22bis (2400/2400). CULTURAL CLANN AN UABHAIR (A FAMILY OF PRIDE): New York City's own Gay & Lesbian Scottish Association. Membership open to anyone. Dances, ceilidhs, cultural events throughout the year. A particular warm welcome to anyone visiting our town from Scotland! E-mail: Gay_Piper@NYCnet.com for any and all information, or snail mail to Clann An Uabhair, G.L.S.A., P.O. Box 630, Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10016, USA. Phone: 00 1 (212) 726-1418. GLASGAY!: Lesbian and gay arts festival. Takes place next 31st Oct-8th Nov 1997. Write: c/o CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G2 3JD. Phone: 0141-332 7521. GLASGOW GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Meets Mon, 7.30pm, GGLC. No auditions: new members always welcome. Phone: 0141-337 3806. INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY (IKAS): Contact and social group for guys interested in viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter: SAE Mervyn Tacy, 'Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park Road, RETFORD, Notts, DN22 7PA. LONG YANG CLUB: An international organisation for gay orientals and interested people of other nationalities. Promotes social events, education and mutual help services and publishes a magazine. Phone Ray: 0131-336 1287. E-mail: raymond@probus.demon.co.uk WESTERN STARS: Western style line and partner dancing for gays, lesbians and friends of goodwill. Thu evenings, new Edinburgh venue to be announced in March. Phone: 0131-453 3284. DRINK PROBLEMS If you are a lesbian or gay man with a drink problem and want help and advice, you can ring Tom on 0141-770 6599, 7 days a week anytime. Tom refers to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but does preparatory work. FORCES AT EASE: An advice service to armed forces personnel and their families on any subject. Free, independent, confidential, impartial. Write: 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6LS or phone (Sundays 5-7pm only) 0171-247 5164. RANK OUTSIDERS: Support group of Lesbian and Gay Ex Armed Forces Personnel. No rank distinctions. Write:Rank Outsiders, BCM Box 8431, London. WC1N 3XX. National Helpline: 0171-566 0044 Wed 7-9pm. HEALTH MATTERS BODY POSITIVE (GLASGOW): Providing support for those HIV+ and with AIDS in the West of Scotland. Phone: 0141-332 5010. Or write: 3 Park Quadrant, Glasgow. G3 6BS. E-mail: bpstrathclyde@enterprise.net. BODY POSITIVE (GRAMPIAN): Support and assistance for gay men with HIV/AIDS. Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 404408. Or write to: PO Box 83, Aberdeen. AB9 1AA. BODY POSITIVE (LOTHIAN): Phone to speak to a gay positive person 1:1 on 0131-652 0754 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-7pm. Or write to: 37-39 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5DJ. BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): Self help for HIV+ people on Dundee (01382) 461555 Tue, Wed Thu 10am-4pm. CENTRE FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH: 6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Open Tue-Thur 10am-4.30pm (other times by arrangement). Fully accessible. Telephone: 0141-211 6700 (Minicom: 0141-211 6701). CRUSAID SCOTLAND: 25 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4QS. Telephone: 0131-225 8918. Fax: 0131-220 4033. AIDS/HIV Fundraisers. DOT (DUNDEE OUTREACH TEAM): Harm Reduction Centre, 55 Constitution Road, Dundee. DD1 1LB. Telephone: Dundee (01382) 201919. Sexual health and relevant issues for gay and bisexual men. Free and confidential service. Drop in coffee shop: Sat 2-5pm. Friendly and informal. FRIENDS FOR LIFE: Provides support and information in Glasgow and surrounding areas to people affected by terminal or long term chronic illness. ie Cancer, AIDS, MS, etc. Please call 0141-204 2202 or write to Friends for Life, 5th Floor, 52 St Enoch Square, Glasgow. G1 4DH. GALUP: Gay and Lesbian United Programme. Promotes health issues among lesbians gays and bisexuals in the Dundee area. Write: c/o YMCA Special Projects Office, 76 Bell Street, Dundee. GAY MEN'S HEALTH: A voluntary sector project for gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with men. Services include individual support and counselling, Thresholds (a bereavement project), scene work, educating and training. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Telephone: 0131-558 9444. GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for various HIV/AIDS projects in the Glasgow area. PO Box 3954, Glasgow. G51 4RA. GLASGOW FOOD LINE LIMITED: Voluntary organisation which provides a cooked lunch to people who are HIV+ living in the Glasgow area. Unit A, Maryhill Workspaces Ltd, 45 Garrioch Road, Glasgow. G20 8RG. Phone/Fax: 0141-946 0003. GLASGOW HIV CARERS SUPPORT GROUP: Phone: 0141-221 8100. Or write to: Suite 226, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow. G2 6HJ. GRAMPIAN AIDS LINE: Aberdeen (01224) 574000 or write to GAL, PO Box 250, Aberdeen. HAVEN: Drop-in space for those affected by HIV and AIDS in the west of Scotland. Mon-Fri 11am-5pm. Ruchill Hospital, 520 Bilsland Drive, Glasgow. G20 5NB. Tel: 0141-946 7120 ext 1550. LANARKSHIRE HIV COUNSELLING: Phone Airdrie (01236) 747960 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm) MILESTONE HOUSE: Residential care (primarily respite and paliative care) for people with HIV/AIDS. 223 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Phone: 0131-441 6989. OASIS: Drop-in and information service for gay and bisexual men. Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-10pm. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131-558 9444. PAISLEY SUPPORT GROUP: For people with HIV, partners, friends and family. First Wednesday of the month 7.30pm at The Wynd, School Wynd (off Moss Street). Phone: Margaret McAllister on Brediland (01505) 814284. PHACE WEST: A locally based and managed agency for people affected by HIV/AIDS serving Glasgow and the West of Scotland. 49 Bath Street, Glasgow. G2 2DL. Phone: 0141-332 3838 (Fax: 0141-332 3755). E-mail: 101606.3052@compuserve.co.uk. POSITIVE HELP: Practical help for people who are HIV+ or who have AIDS and their families, children, friends and carers. 64a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Phone: 0131-558 1122. REACH OUT HIGHLAND: encourages and supports people throughout the Highlands - whether living there or visiting - to take responsibility for, manage, and make informed choices about their sexual health and well-being. 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. IV3 5PR. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585. E-mail: E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk SOLAS NATIONAL HIV INFORMATION CENTRE: 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, advice and cafe. Information centre: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri - 11-4pm. Wed, 5-9pm. Phone: 0131-659 5116. E-mail: information@solas.demon.co.uk STEVE RETSON PROJECT: Weekly sexual health service for gay men. Tuesday 5.30-9pm. Department of GU Medicine, Main Outpatient Department, Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow. Phone: 0141-211 4753. WAVERLEY CARE TRUST BUDDY SERVICE: Buddying Service for people with HIV/AIDS. Buddy Service Co-ordinator, 4a Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5AB. Phone: 0131-556 3959. Fax: 0131-556 5045. NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE: 0800 567123. A Freephone, 24 hour service for confidential advice and information. Minicom: 0800 521361 (10am-10pm). LEATHER MSC SCOTLAND: MSC Scotland, PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. MSC Scotland is a member of the European Federation of Motorcycle Clubs. LEGAL GAY AND LESBIAN LEGAL ADVICE: GLAD is a London based advice line run by lesbian and gay lawyers. Phone: 0171-831 3535 (Mon-Thu 7-9.30pm). State clearly that you seek Scottish legal advice as our law is very different from that of England and Wales. NON-MONOGAMY ABUNDANCE: New supportive UK/European network for non-monogamous people. For more info on polyamory/polyfidelity, write enclosing sae to: Abundance, PO Box 5190, Birmingham. B13 9DJ. E-mail: polyenq@sugito.demon.co.uk ORDERS ORDER OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE: The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part of a world wide order of queer men and women of all sexualities which is open to all who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The expurgation of stigmatic guilt and the promulgation of universal joy. Contact Sister Solicitation OPI, c/o 60 Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. OUTDOOR CLUBS GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, cycling, hillwalking, windsurfing, cross-country skiing, camping and youth hostelling etc. For more details send a large (A5) sae to: GOC, PO Box 24, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8YZ or ring one of the Scottish Contacts:- East: Grant on 0131-556 8705 (Hill-walking), John on 0131-657 3707 (Cycling). West: Douglas on 0141-636 5894. North: Michael on Inverness (01463) 230651. South-West: Philip and Mark on Southwick (01387) 780653. GAY RAMBLING GROUP: Walks on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Phone Ross on 0141-427 1511. OVER FORTIES PHŒNIX: The only national group for the over forties and friends of any age. Write (enclosing an sae) to: Phœnix, PO Box 103, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9SJ. PARENTS PARENTS' FRIEND: Phone: 0113-267 4627. Or write to: Voluntary Action Leeds, Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslett, Leeds. LS10 2QW. SCOTTISH PARENTS ENQUIRY SERVICE: Support for parents of lesbians and gay men. Contact via Lothian Switchboard or write to SPE, PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. POLITICAL DELGA: Democrats for Lesbian and Gay Action - write to 4 Cowley Street, London. SW1P 3NB or e-mail archdruid@cix.compulink.co.uk LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Phone: Southport (01704) 500115 (day), 0151-259 5935 (ansaphone), write to: Liberal Party Lesbian & Gay Campaign, 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool. L13 7EG or e-mail: libgay@libparty.demon.co.uk THE PASSION BRIGADE: Mixed sex/sexuality - all ages and races. Anarchism. Details (2 postage stamps please) from BM Box 207, LONDON. WC1N 3XX. SCOTTISH LABOUR CAMPAIGN FOR LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS: Works within the Labour and Trades Union movement to secure equality for lesbians and gay men. Meets quarterly. Contact c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. TORCHE: Tory Campaign for Homosexual Equality - write: BM TORCHE, London WC1N 3XX. RAPE/SEXUAL ABUSE RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Women: Dingwall (01349) 865316 7-10pm nightly. Men: Dingwall (01349) 862686 Mon and Wed 7-10pm. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9LH. SCIENCE FICTION DELANEY'S CHILDREN: Meets every 1st Sunday of the month in Edinburgh from 3-4.30pm. Contact Jane on 0131-556 6109. GLASGOW GAY SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY: Meets every 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Paul on 0141-339 9176. S/M EDINBURGH SM BI GROUP: Meets regularly. Write: Edinburgh SM Bis, 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. SM GAYS: Write to SM Gays, BM SM Gays, London. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: bandanas@dircon.co.uk SPORTS ABERDEEN GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Wednesday: Phone David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. BRITISH GAY AND LESBIAN SPORTS FEDERATION: Encourages participation in sport. Write (with sae) to BGLSF, Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, London. N1 9SE. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S RUNNING CLUB: Meets for 3-4 mile casual local run. Alistair: 0131-661 0008. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally, Commonwealth Pool on 2nd and 4th Thursdays - details from Tom on 0131-229 5755. GAY BODYBUILDERS/WEIGHTRAINERS CLUB: contact Winston Duncan on 0171-379 3480 for contact with Scottish members and nationally. Produces "Iron-Up" magazine as part of ukp25 membership. GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Glasgow group holds monthly meetings in Squires Bar. For further details, please contact Ewan on 0141-779 2321 or write enclosing sae c/o Phace West, 49 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2DL. GLASGOW & EDINBURGH ALTERNATIVE WRESTLERS: Edinburgh club meets every Sunday 6.15-9.30pm. Glasgow club meets every Friday 10am-4.15pm. Pinfall & Submission plus Pro-Style Wrestling. We now produce a monthly wrestling publication. ukp2 from address below. Phone: Derek on 0131-467 1465 or Iain on 0141-423 4175. Write: Alternative Wrestlers, PO Box 437, Glasgow. G42 8HU. E-mail: altspor@dial.pipex.com GLASGOW GAY BADMINTON & SWIMMING: Every week during term time at Woodside Secondary School, Berkeley St. Badminton: Mondays at 8.30pm and Thursdays at 6.30pm. Swimming: Thursdays at 8.30pm. Details: Ian 0141-959 0543 (Badminton) or Douglas 0141-636 5894 (Swimming). STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Societies. Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. Many are open to non-students living in the area. There are also groups covering wider areas run in conjunction with the National Union of Students — East of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, East of Scotland Area NUS, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU or phone on 0131-556 6598. North of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, North of Scotland Area NUS, University of Aberdeen, 50/52 College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB2 3DS. West of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, West of Scotland Area NUS, Cathcart House, Langside College, 50 Prospecthill Road, Glasgow. G42 9LB. You can contact the NUS Scottish Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Officer on 0131-556 6598 or write to NUS Scotland, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU. E-mail: nus-scot@dircon.co.uk. OPEN UNIVERSITY L&G SOC: Phone David: 0141-554 7159. TEACHERS EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: Write c/o 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6EH. Or contact Simon Macaulay, Assistant Secretary, on 0131-225 6244. TV/TS ABERDEEN: Crossdressing Group. Contact Aberdeen Switchboard for details. EDINBURGH: Scottish TV/TS Group meets in private rooms last Saturday each month bar December. Ring Lothian Switchboard for further information. GLASGOW: Crosslynx meets second Wednesday of each month from 7pm-10pm. Phone Strathclyde Switchboard for more details. HIGHLAND T-GROUP: Monthly TV/TS support group. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm) or write to: PO Box 67, Inverness. IV1 2XX. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT VISUAL IMPAIRED GAY GROUP SCOTLAND (VIGG): Offers a listening ear and support to women and men. Phone Colin and Jim: Dumfries (01387) 261679. WORKPLACE GMB: Contact Mary Harrison, Regional Equal Rights Officer, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Phoen: 0141-332 8641. LESBIANS AND GAYS IN NAPO: Phone Ian on 0131-554 0043. MSF: Lesbians and Gays in MSF. Phone: 0171-738 5469 or write c/o 39b Pentonville Road, London. N1 9LP. UNISON NATIONAL L&G CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE: Phone: 0131-469 3880. Or write: c/o 18 St Giles Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1PT. YOUTH GROUPS ABERDEEN LGB YOUTH GROUP: For 21s and under. Meets Noon-4pm on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 272975 or e-mail src038@abdn.ac.uk HIGHLAND YOUTH GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP: Meets 7.30pm 1st Wednesday at 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm). IRVINE: O.L.A. is a group for young gay/bisexual men under 26. Meets Mondays 7-9pm. Details: Kevin Wright, Ayrshire Central Hospital, on Irvine (01294) 323473. LESBIAN YOUTH SUPPORT INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Please enclose an sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. STIRLING YOUTH GROUP: Details from Forth Friend on Stirling (01786) 471285 Mon 7.30-10pm. STONEWALL YOUTH GROUP: For lesbians, gays and bisexuals under 26. Offers individual and group support. Provides a meeting place for young people to express their sexuality, get information on sexual health issues, talk about issues which affect them, and take part in social activities. Phone: 0131-556 4040. Or write: c/o PO Box 169, Edinburgh, EH1 3UU. E-mail: edyouth@cableinet.co.uk STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH MOVEMENT: Friendship and support for under 26s. Meets Tuesday 7.30pm and Sat afternoons. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard or Glasgow Lesbian Line. Write c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. --------------------------------------------------------------- SWITCHBOARDS AND HELPLINES ========================== BISEXUAL PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: 0131-557 3620 BORDERS GAY SWITCHBOARD Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-10pm Phone: Galashiels (01896) 756611 DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY L&G PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: Dumfries (01387) 269161 DUNDEE LGB SWITCHBOARD: Mon 7-10pm Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620 EDINBURGH LESBIAN LINE: Mon, Thurs 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-557 0751 FIFE FRIEND: Fri 7.30-10.30pm Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688 FORTH FRIEND: Mon 7.30-9.30pm Phone: Stirling (01786) 471285 GLASGOW LESBIAN LINE: Wed 7-10pm Phone: 0141-552 3355 GRAMPIAN LESBIAN, GAY & BISEXUAL SWITCHBOARD: Wed & Fri 7-10pm, Tues 2-5 Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 633500 (Minicom available) Fax: Aberdeen (01224) 634055 LOTHIAN GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-556 4049 MORAY LGB SWITCHBOARD: Men: Tue & Fri 7-11pm Women: Thu 7-11pm Phone: Elgin (01343) 541188 STRATHCLYDE GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7-10pm Phone: 0141-332 8372 LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD: 24 hours Phone/Minicom: 0171-837 7324 --------------------------------------------------------------------- MUSIC ===== Alan's Chart 1. The Joker - Tribal Tunes (Tribal Mix) (Sperm) 2. DJ Randy - Pandomia (Prolekult) 3. Coma B - Have Fun (St.Peter & Heaven Remix) (Wonderboy) 4. Donnie & Choci - What Happened? (Original) (Choci's) 5. Siona - Do You Wanna Funk (Stormy Weather Dub) (Urgent) 6. Tbe Handbaggers - U Found Out (A.P.A.Dub) (Tidy Trax) 7. The Spirit - The Spirit (Das Trix Mix) (Logic) 8. Edge & Dentist - Hold Back (XVX) 9. Magic Alec - Resonance (Goodfellos Mix) (Wonderboy) 10. Milo - Soft & Smooth (Noasphere Mix) (Beluga) 11. Dipsomanic - Get Me Off (Madely'S NRG Stormer) (Bosca Beats) 12. Armania - Turn Me On (Loep) 13. Raissa - Your Summertime (The Journey Dub) (Polydor) 14. CJ Agnelli - Lush! (Quincy & Sonnance Mix) (Freerange) 15. Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar (Three'N'One Mix) (Hooj Choons) 16. DJ Jean & Peran - Let Yourself Go (It) 17. House Bros. - Groovin (Extended Version) (Express Traxx) 18. Pete 'Tweaker' Bones - On Golden Ponds / Woody (Red Ant) 19. Incisions - Beyond Motion / Techno Gong (Jinx) 20. The Freak & Mac Zimms - Ping Pong (2-Play) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSDYKE ========= Invisible Lebians? The lesbian scene is a diverse and transitional creature incorporating baby dyke clubettes to pool hall diehards with immaculate quiffs. Though a cross section of dyke lifestyles will reveal many differences, whichever community/scene you care to frequent, in the back rooms, around the pool tables and in the tasteful cafés one can often detect a common and resounding whinge... Why are the gay scene/papers/clubs and campaigns so dominated by the boys? And where are all the successful women's nights? There are a handful of established women's club nights such as London's "Vixens" and Manchester's "Climax" but for every one successful dyke venture there are several that fail (or never get started!) There is a common belief, shared by many women promoters that often dyke nights fail due to not only a lack of support from gay owned venues, but also a reluctance by women themselves to support new venues. This seems odd considering the amount of grumbles the average dyke dinner party will spawn about the lack of opportunities for us to strut our funky stuff. However, it must be recognised that often women don't have as much pink spending power as men, but aside from such practicalities, it seems as though there is a myth that women just aren't as keen on leaving their living rooms as the good time guys. Personally, I just can't bring myself to believe that dykes really do all pair off and settle for an eternity of nights in with the cats and constant reruns of Claire of the Moon. Moreover I'm not convinced that none of us would like the regular or occasional option of a women only or women dominated space. Unfortunately, a glance at the listings in London-based publications such as The Pink, or our very own ScotsGay often reveal women's listings columns no longer than a Boots' own-brand tampon. It being the "post-modern" nineties, many will argue that women's space is no longer needed and that it is separatist or even sexist. However, it seems that such critics of women's clubs don't often level such accusations at the men only or male dominated clubs and bars found in every major city or town. I am not suggesting that the boys shouldn't have their own playground, just that some parity would be nice. When most women "come out" in these "PC is boring" times and express a preference for a women's event, it is often more to do with the atmospheric benefits of such a space than merely anti-male dogma. I have specifically written "anti-male" as opposed to "feminist" as it seems that reminding ourselves of some of the lessons feminism has taught us can't do us girls any harm in our pursuit to get a bigger or even juicier slice of the scene. Feminists pointed out years ago (about the same time, in fact, the women's movement spawned the first Gay rights groups) that if women want something done properly it's best to lead by example. I don't mean to imply that none of the boys have an interest or inclination in letting us join in their party; just that they quite often forget to send us an invite and quite often need a nudge to remind them we exist. It is, in fact, a combination of "nudging" techniques combined with some "on the pulse" attitudes from the girls and boys in organisations such as Pride Scotland that have led to more opportunities for all you luscious lesbians and buoyant bisexuals to really influence Scotland's Premier Pink Party games. Since the first festival in 1995, Pride has included a women's section on the march and a "Women's Tent" (funkier names are gratefully received!) on the festival site. Pride's initiative this year is "Equality For All". This initiative is intended to highlight not only the need for equality in wider society for people of all sexualities, but also for the gay community to respect the diversity of individuals within it. Although there are women involved at all levels in Pride Scotland's structures, they are still well in the minority. With this in mind, Pride are actively encouraging more women to get involved and input into what will surely be Scotland's largest queer celebration this year. As well as established volunteers groups working on areas such as publicity and fund-raising, a women's working group is being formed and is looking for new ideas, contributions and members! So if you're harbouring ambitions to leave a trail of creative smoke as your "access all areas" pass flies by, or you just have a suggestion, then Pride would love to hear from you! This is a great opportunity for the dykes of Scotland to get visible and make some good times (go on - you know you want to). Though I hate to use a variation of a popular cliché, it's worth remembering "if you're part of the solution, it can be fun tackling the problem!" Zelda --------------------------------------------------------------------- CREDITS ======= ScotsGay: a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals edited, printed and published in Scotland. ISSN: 1357-0595.(c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, February 1997. Non profit use by the lesbigay community of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge - but contact us first for permission. We haven't had sex with most of the people who appear in the magazine so we don't actually know what their sexuality is. Editor: John Hein. Contributors in this issue: Garry Otton and Derek Ogg (Features), Doug, Iain, Minerva & Calmac (Scene), Rex Wockner (International), Dirk, Andy & Justin (Books), Malcom Epstein (Films), Alan Nicholls (Music), Zelda (ScotsDyke) Editorial Enquiries: Write to: ScotsGay, Pageprint Limited, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Telephone: 0131-539 0666. Fax: 0131-539 2999. E-mail: scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk We welcome news, articles, photos, cartoons, etc. — especially lesbian and bisexual material. Advertising Enquiries: Telephone: 0131-558 1279. Fax: 0131-539 2999. World-Wide-Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Subscribing by Internet: Send a 'subscribe scotsgay-list' message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk and the text files of future editions will be delivered to you by e-mail. To unsubscribe, send a message with 'unsubscribe scotsgay-list' in the body of the text.