[Letter to editor of TWT magazine from Don Baker concerning upsets within the gay community in regards to an AIDS benefit] Page: 1 of 4
[2] p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this letter.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
April 27, 1988
T.W.T.
Attn: Editor
2525 Wycliff #123
Dallas, Texas 75219
Dear Editor,
Bill Waybourn's recent letter to your publication to "clarify"
the facts about the upcoming Dallas Cares AIDS benefit did nothing to
dispute the fact that non-gay people initiated this event. The truth
of the matter is that Fran McNulty, a leading supporter of the arts
in Dallas, took the lead in getting this all together. I still say,
Bravo Fran McNulty and all the other non-gay people who had anything
to do with this' There is nothing wrong with giving credit where
credit is due.
Secondly, Bill's letter seems, in a very condesending way, to imply
that if he or the Dallas Gay Alliance is not aware of all behind the
scenes efforts to help and support the cause against AIDS, then either:
(1) it is not really happening; or (2) it shouldn't be happening. Both
are ungracious and cruel responses. I suspect that Bill Waybourn, as
key representative of the DGA, is not halfway informed about the anonymous
efforts that have been undertaken by many of Dallas' lesbian and gay leaders
in combating this disease. Furthermore, Bill's revealing posture
insinuates he is somehow in a position to judge what efforts are "enough"
and which ones are "right". God help us all not to be so judgemental.
In regards to getting the "facts" out to the community, many in leadership
roles in our community know that on two recent occasions the DGA failed
to demonstrate its leadership qualities in organizing against AIDS in Dallas.
One such occasion was in February at IMPACT '88. At that time the Lesbian
and Gay Political Coalition of Dallas invited all the representatives of
lesbian and gay organizations to come together to discover ways to unify
our community within the political arena to confront the AIDS crises. Over
one hundred and fifty lesbian and gay leaders attended. Over fifty organizations
were represented. The leadership of the DGA voted not to attend. Why?
What kind of message did that send to those who have fought so diligently against
AIDS in Dallas? Did Bill Waybourn's decision not to attend help or hurt
the cause against AIDS in Dallas? Who is to say?
Secondly, last March city councilpersons Lori Palmer and Craig Holcomb
initiated a meeting of organizations in town that work with AIDS patients
and the cause against AIDS. The intent was to get input as to an appropriate
response by the city to the crises. Representatives from the PWA Coalition
of Dallas attended. The Oak Lawn Counseling Center was present. The Lesbian
and Gay Political Coalition of Dallas attended along with the AIDS ARMS Network.
Bill Waybourn and some leaders in the DGA took a position not to attend. Why?
Was this action a measure of the DGA's commitment to fight AIDS? Who is
to say?
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This letter can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Letter.
[Letter to editor of TWT magazine from Don Baker concerning upsets within the gay community in regards to an AIDS benefit], letter, April 27, 1988; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc947331/m1/1/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.