What's Up

     Well, we're trying, but the power brokers of the Akron Gay
Community are just too wrapped up in their own importance to
really give a shit. They have their personal agendas to carry
forward (mostly making money for themselves) and do not concern
themselves with the community as a whole.

     The group wielding the most financial clout is,
unfortunately, the bar owners. Some of which really do care.
While others use their financial clout to try and manipulate the
rest of us. Achieving unity amongst the various Gay factions in
Akron is little more than a pipe dream. As far as most bar
owners are concerned, the status quo is the way they want to
keep it.

     Gay bars in this town change direction as often as the wind.
Few bar owners view a new venture into their territory as a
benefit to the community, as a whole. But, if they were to be
given a little support and time, everyone would benefit in the
long run. As Akron's Gay business base would grow, and more and
more people would come here to enjoy themselves. And, the
chances of Gay people being recognized as a viable force in
Akron's political circles would greatly increase.

     Since we first started working with Don Brown to publish
What's Up, we have been referred to as "militant faggots" by one
bar owner. We were told by another person who now seems to
control the advertising for more than one bar that the bars own
this magazine, because without them, we could not exist. The
management of one Akron bar has stopped advertising with us due
to disagreements over content and the fact that we would not
chase them for days, kissing their asses, begging for ads. This
is but one example of a power trip, due to a bar owners personal
ego. Sound business practice or community had nothing to do with
it. It was strictly a calculated personal attempt to exercise
power over this publication. At this point, we have only two
gracious Akron bars continuing to advertise in this publication.
Fortunately many new community minded businesses have helped to
fill the void and have become very supportive of What's Up and
it's goals.

     Don Brown is trying to raise everyone's interest in building
a much needed Akron Gay Community Center. Where are the wealthy
Gay people now -- those who give millions to a university, and
ignore the community of which they are a part? Personal agendas!
That's what it's all about. This magazine, as conceived by Don,
was intended to be a free forum for us all to support our causes
and report on matters of concern to our community. He continues
to struggle in his commitment to reach that goal. And, the
community just chugs along, oblivious to it all. Maybe it's time
we started using the bars for the purpose of entertainment; stop
mixing our politics with alcohol; and unite behind a real
political force to shape our agenda. Perhaps Stonewall Akron is
a good starting point.

The Old Boys Club Has Lost Its Focus.             TZ      :o{)