An article in the Lerner Publications Booster has ignited a war of words between openly gay state Rep. Larry McKeon, D-34th, and three gay constituents.
In a letter, the three-;Lisa Brooks, Gabriela Fitz and Therese Quinn-;take McKeon to task for statements he made about the North Center/Lincoln Square Neighborhood Association ( NC/LSNA ) . They quote McKeon as saying he is having second thoughts about funding the association because of some group members' participation in an anti-gentrification protest outside Ald. Eugene Schulter's office. That protest apparently included the hanging of Schulter in effigy.
"In other words," the three wrote, "groups that are promised funds need to play nice with their elected officials and disavow any acts of public protest ... . It is terrible to realize that McKeon and other local politicians aren't committed to protecting their constituents' rights to speech and expression." In a written response, McKeon explained that he "offered ( NC/LSNA ) the opportunity to apply for a grant to support their activities. Since I made that offer, I advised the organization's president that the grant application had to be for a capital project or expenditure not general operating expenses ... . I can only assume the writers are upset about this change."
McKeon goes on to say, "I respect the writers right to free speech, including hanging a local Alderman in effigy in front of his ward office if they choose to do so. However, I do not believe that this is a good way to build community and constructive relationships. It is free speech, but some would consider it counterproductive if your intent is to have a constructive dialogue with the Alderman."
McKeon also makes clear that he has no connection to the neighborhood association, which now excludes the three letter-writers from its activities. The three blamed political pressure for their ouster from the group, and said such pressure could lead to groups feeling "the need to expel the dissenters and radicals from their ranks. As they begin their purges, outspoken lesbians and gays will be among those targeted for and vulnerable to expulsion."
Since their removal, they said, "the remaining group, and especially the Board, is now much less reflective of this area's diversity."
McKeon ends his response by offering to meet with the three writers and urges them to contact his district office.
Chicago Anti-Bashing Network hosts a Community Memorial Service Thursday, March 1, to Celebrate the Life of Paul Adams, long-time volunteer at Open Hand Chicago and the Gerber/ Hart Library and co-founder of ACT UP Chicago and Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, anthropologist and author. Service at 7 p.m., Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont, ( 773 ) 878-4781.
Hostelling International hosts a Gay and Lesbian Travel Forum: Out and About, Sat., March 3. Focus on international travel, presentations by Paul Weldin, president of L&GIT and Ted Lally, owner of Hemingway Travel, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., free, 24 E. Congress, ( 312 ) 360-0300.
International Women's Day is Thursday, March 8. There will be a demonstration and rally to celebrate and protest the Immigration and Naturalization Service, violence against women, sweatshops, trafficking of women and reproductive control. Starts at noon, Federal Bldg, 220 S. Dearborn. Co-sponsored by Sisters Organizing for a United Leadership, Prairie Fire Organizing Committee, Gabriela, Eighth Day Center for Justice, Centro Sin Fronteras, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, First Defense Legal Aid and the Nat'l Lawyers Guild; ( 773 ) 278-6706.
