-- Like when they came out with a memo which supposedly offers
protection and then three weeks later they terminate an employee (Jeff
Kruk) the day after he asks the diversity department for help in dealing with
anti-gay harassment.
Monica Emerson, Director of the Diversity Department, said on the In
The Life TV series that any employee can come to them with their
concerns "in confidence" for concerns like this will not be tolerated. What
a joke! If it is confidential then why was Jeff Kruk terminated the very next
day after expressing his concerns?
The following is a quote from Katherine Linton, host of the gay /
lesbian / bi / trans TV program In The Life, as quoted by OUT Magazine, on
page 46 of the August issue: "We went to Detroit to do the Chrysler story
and we brought our digital camera to a meeting at a huge gay coffee shop.
When we announced that we were going to start filming, I've never seen
people clear out so quickly."
There is obvious fear and paranoia on the part of even Chrysler
"management" gays and lesbians. Otherwise, why did everyone clear out
so quickly? The fact that Chrysler tries to project the image to the world
that all is fine for sexual minorities is obviously not felt by those who left
for fear of persecution at work. Editors note: This letter has been edited in
the interest of space, but the focus and intent are unchanged. The letter
was sent by Ron Woods, Anton Anderson, David Reckinger and Martha
Grevatt. Martha Grevatt is an employee of Chrysler at the Twinsburg plant.
Stonewall Akron can now be found on the WWW at:
{http://www.rainbow-akron.com/stonewall/}. We are proud to host the
site for them, and proud to be new members of this important gay
organization. It has been a real pleasure working with the talented and
creative minds that are on the board of Stonewall Akron. At the new Web
site, you will find the contents of the current newsletter, information and an
application for joining Stonewall Akron, a Web Email form for contacting
Stonewall Akron electronically, and more; presented in a very organized,
easy to navigate format. Plans are to archive all of the Stonewall Akron
newsletters (from now on) so that browsers of the site can catch up with all
of the issues and activities of this busy and informative group of people.
Highland Square is certainly a happening place these days. For
those of us who do not frequent the bars, the Square is a great place to
spend some time. Angel Falls Coffee Company continues to have many
events of interest at their store; from music to art and much more. Also the
Highland Theatre is getting better and better. They are constantly
improving on the theater itself, as well as the movies and events that they
are presenting. There is something for everyone almost every week now.
Of course, there are also many other interesting places to visit in Highland
Square. Even going to the old Highland Square Pharmacy is like taking a
step back in time. Next time you are in the area, check out all the places
here. From the tailor to the cobbler to the restaurants. You will find a bunch
of very nice people and many gay friendly businesses.
