LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

In This Issue
u Peace Corps Grows
u “Out” in Paraguay
u Gay Partners & PC
u Australian Letter

NewsLetter u Mentor Program

u Resources fro LGBs
u Gay Pride Events
May 1998

he May newsletter focuses on issues asked about at Gay Pride events q Dan

T Rael describes coming out to a close friend in a reluctant culture q Joe

Terteling has his say about the Peace Corps/Gay Domestic Partner issue q
Volunteering in Thailand with his partner is described by Michael Tatham q Kevin
Souza updates us on the Mentor Program q More resources for LGB volunteers called
for by Mike Learned q Details about the Gay Pride events
Opportunities With Peace Corps’ Growth
If the current $270 million Peace tion/Recruiting tables at several experience of lesbian and gay
Corps budget request is approved by locations and march in at least one volunteers within the Peace Corps
Congress, Peace Corps will begin to parade. Last year tables at the and on their assignments overseas.
build capability to have 10,000 Atlanta, Boston, Long Beach and San Sexual orientation is one of the
volunteers around the world by 2001. Francisco parades turned into very criteria identified in Peace Corps’
In a recent interview, Peace Corps successful Peace Corps recruiting equal employment opportunity policy,
Director, Mark Gearan, spoke about and there is wide participation of
his expansion plans. “I think some “The work of our openly gay people at all levels of the
parts of the world would proportion- Peace Corps. We need volunteers to
ately grow more: Central Asia, the volunteers - whether it’s help staff the tables and answer
Caucasus, Africa, and our new technology, environmen- questions. Call or e-mail the contacts
country entries in Haiti, South Africa, in this issue if you’re going to be at
Jordan, Bangladesh, and
tal protection, or HIV- one of these parades or festivals and
Mozambique.” Gearan discusses the AIDS education - must would like to help.
need to plan and implement over go on.” - Mark Gearan One of the most frequently asked
time. Recruitment of volunteers is an questions deals with the ability of
important part of his planning lesbian or gay domestic partners to
strategy. “That over the next two events. With Peace Corps’ proposed serve together in the Peace Corps.
years we recruit comprehensively and growth there are more opportunities Peace Corps will only assign legally
make sure that the program quality is for interesting and important Peace married couples. This has been policy
high...” Gearan discusses the kinds of Corps assignments. Part of our since 1961. We find this policy
work/projects that lie ahead. “The purpose, as an organization is to discriminatory and out-of-date. Of
work of our volunteers - whether it’s communicate these opportunities and course it also affects unmarried
technology, environmental protection, encourage lesbians, gay men and heterosexual couples, family mem-
or HIV-AIDS education - must go on. bisexuals to consider the Peace Corps bers, business partners, and friends
This budget proposal simply means experience. who could effectively serve together.
50 percent more volunteers will be This issue focuses on many of the While we recognize the difficulty
out there doing more of the work.” questions we get at the Gay Pride in finding the right assignment and
Again this summer lesbian, gay events from people interested in the location for any couple, we think all
and bisexual returned Peace Corps Peace Corps (usually more women couples should be on equal footing.
volunteers will participate in Gay than men). Once they get over the Two of our articles deal with this
Pride events around the country. We surprise of seeing the Peace Corps issue.
will help staff Peace Corps Informa- there, they ask questions about the

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LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998
My Esteemed Friend and Compadre
During most of my Peace Corps service
in Paraguay, I was still living under the
illusion that somehow I would actually
turn out to be straight. I had a very visible
girlfriend, another volunteer, but shortly
after her time was up and with the end of
my assignment rapidly approaching, I
came to realize that I could not go on
living my charade.
About five months before I was to
return home, I discovered that another
volunteer, and a good friend, was a
lesbian. She had lived most of her life
prior to Peace Corps “out” and decided
she simply wasn’t going to stay in the
closet any longer, at least within the
Peace Corps community in Paraguay. I
invited myself to her house one day, on
the other side of the country, supposedly
to help her out with a bee keeping
project. That night while we were
enjoying a good meal under candle light, I
“came out” to her. It was to me, like it
seems to be for most people - suddenly a
crack appeared in that huge wall that was
always in front of me, and cool, clear,
clean water began to gush through over
me. That was it. I knew I could never go
back in the closet. Within the next two
months or so I don’t think there was a
volunteer in the entire country who didn’t
know I was gay, and it was really great. I
hooked up with a support network of gay
and lesbian volunteers that I quickly
became a part of.
Back at my site things were different. I
didn’t see how I could possibly come out
to these people with whom I had become
so close. They had met my girlfriend (I
kept a photo of her in my little house), and
were certain that when I returned home we
would get married. I was sure they
wouldn’t understand, and at any rate, I
didn’t want to jeopardize my safety or the
work that I had already accomplished.
Those last few months were very
tumultuous. It felt so good to be out
within the Peace Corps community, that it
was hard for me to return to the work at
my site. I had also met a great guy, a
volunteer who had arrived a year after I
did, and we would time our visits to the
capital to coincide. On the other hand my
time in Paraguay was rapidly winding
down and I had formed some really strong
friendships with people in my community,
and I wanted to spend time with them as
well.
- by Dan Rael, RPCV
My Paraguayan counterpart and I had
become close friends. He and I worked
together with ten groups of farmers on a
variety of projects ranging from latrine
building to bee keeping. He’d come by in
his jeep, pick me up and we would go and
meet with one or two of the groups and
talk about whatever the topic of the day
was. I also came to know his family well,
and was extremely honored when they
asked me to be the godfather to their
newborn daughter. I accepted. This
relationship is akin to uncle in their
Within the next two
months or so I don’t
think there was a volun-
teer in the entire country
who didn’t know I was
gay, and it was really
great.
culture and is not to be taken lightly. I
would become my friend’s compadre (co-
father, sharing some of his paternal
responsibilities). I spent more of my free
time than ever with my new compadre
and his family.
Now I was gay. I felt guilty visiting
them, knowing that I was hiding my true
self from them, but I knew I couldn’t tell
them. I figured that I would just wait until
that day when I flew away, and let the
thousands of miles hide me nicely. We
could carry on the relationship via letters,
where I could easily veil the true facts of
my life. When I returned to the U.S., I
continued the “coming out” blitz that I
began in South America, proceeding
through my friends, brothers, sisters and
parents within a month of my return.
For over a year I carried on just like I
planned with my old friend and compadre
back in South America. We wrote each
other fairly often. I would describe nearly
everything happening in my life, nearly
everything. I also kept in touch with that
volunteer I had met shortly after coming
out, and we made plans for a rendezvous
and beach vacation in Brazil. I was to
meet him back in Paraguay and we would
proceed from there. I felt extremely guilty
for not letting my compadre know that I
2
was back, but I convinced myself that
there was no easy way to explain why I
was there, and why I was only staying a
day or two.
We traded a few more letters, and I
came to realize that I couldn’t continue to
hide such an important part of my life. It
wasn’t fair to either of us. I wrote my
usual long letter, explaining my new job
in San Francisco, talking about the city,
and even made mention of my “room-
mate” (the volunteer I had met in
Paraguay), who had recently returned to
the U.S. I then attached another letter,
where I explained that I couldn’t hide the
“reality” of my life from him anymore. I
told him that I was gay, and that my
friends and family had accepted it without
exception, and that they supported me in
my new relationship.
I believed that our friendship had
probably ended then, but I figured that it
was better for the truth to be said. Time
seemed to prove me right. A year went by,
a year and a half, with no word. I guessed
the he had probably had the “godfather-
ship” annulled somehow, and had a new
one appointed. Then one day a letter
arrived. It had been more than a year and a
half since I’d sent my letter. It took me
awhile to open it.
My esteemed friend and compadre Dan,
After a short time of silence, I would
like to break this barrier of silence that
has existed between us since your last
letter telling me your “reality.” It was a
bucket of cold water. It scared me. I
laughed. I was angry. I cried, and later I
reasoned. I much admire your valor, your
sincerity with yourself and with me. You
know Dan that in my culture, it is very
strange to have friends with this lifestyle,
and it is very sad to have relatives and
friends like you. I have thought much
about your “reality,” and in the end each
of us is the owner of his own life. I spoke
with many people about you, especially
other Peace Corps volunteers, and they
tell me that it is normal, and later I spoke
with my eldest daughter. She blushed and
was quite embarrassed. But we have
spoken quite a bit, and she also accepted
your “reality.” Next I spoke with my wife.
She cried. I had to explain many things,
and also she accepted everything. It cost
me a lot of time to convince them, but in
Continued on page 4

Some Perspective for Gay Couples Considering the
Peace Corps - by Joe Terteling, RPCV
Editor’s note: Joe Terteling, former
volunteer in Sri Lanka, gay man, and
former Peace Corps recruiter in Seattle,
gives his views of questions most fre-
quently asked by gay domestic partners
considering Peace Corps. He offers
suggestions and undermines some myths.
I fear domestic partners considering
Peace Corps are down on their luck for a
number of reasons.
Peace Corps doesn’t accept unmarried
couples of whatever gender combination.
Go figure. But even if Peace Corps did,
the first strike against gay/lesbian
domestic partners serving would be the
same difficulty Peace Corps has in placing
married couples overseas. Married
couples have a notoriously difficult time
landing a volunteer assignment, because
Peace Corps must find some village on the
planet with two official Peace Corps jobs
waiting, one for which each spouse is
qualified, and with housing for the couple
available in the same location. Although
meeting the job and housing criteria may
sound easy, it isn’t. Couples applying to
Peace Corps endure a wait easily twice as
long as do individual applicants - if an
assignment ever comes. Even spouses
possessing red-hot degrees or experience
in, say, agronomy and nursing, are going
nowhere with Peace Corps unless some
country has need of a couple possessing
these skills.
Unable to serve, gay couples frequently
ponder ways around the marriage barrier.
Here are common schemes I’ve heard
repeatedly from gay couples, and
occasionally from unmarried straight
couples, too.
We’ll both secretly apply for the
Peace Corps at the same time, hoping
we’ll be placed together. Please dismiss
any dream of being assigned in the same
place; much less the same country; much
less the same hemisphere. If you’ve got
different skills and interests and educa-
tional backgrounds, you’d be matched to
different jobs. Some countries ask for
certain skills, others don’t. Different
programs start at different times. Programs
get canceled. A volunteer pulled out of
one country due to instability may be
reassigned to the job “promised” to you:
so you get bumped to a program leaving
three months from now to Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile your lover has a ticket for
Ecuador in her hand.
Our love is so strong we can serve as
volunteers in different places. I watched
Donna and Alan, old sweethearts, serve
in Sri Lanka and Kenya, respectively. In
the first year Donna visited him in Kenya.
He visited her in Sri Lanka the next.
They’re now raising kids in Pennsylva-
nia. But I imagine two years on different
continents might strain any relationship.
I’ll just do Peace Corps while my
lover waits for me back at the condo.
Keep in mind that people of whatever
sexual orientation in romantic relation-
ships of whatever sort are statistically
more likely to quit Peace Corps and come
home early if they’ve left a love behind.
It’s a human thing.
Even spouses possess-
ing red-hot degrees or
experience in, say,
agronomy and nursing,
are going nowhere with
Peace Corps unless
some country has need
of a couple possessing
these skills.
I’ll secretly fly my lover over once
I’m settled in my village. I can’t
recommend this approach due to lack of a
job for your partner, lack of Peace Corps
preparatory training and health care,
possible social stigma, unavailability of
housing, and the like. Every anecdote I
know of a volunteer importing a lover
ends in disaster. My friend Maggie
brought her lover Richard to Nepal. They
were married there, as the striking photos
of Maggie in a red sari and dripping with
gold jewelry attest. But Richard left after
a few months. They soon divorced.
Another thing that can happen is that an
intimate relationship can impede
language and culture acquisition. Instead
of “getting into the culture” the partners
spend more time “getting into each
other.” And sometimes one partner bonds
with the culture, and the other doesn’t.
Until Peace Corps accepts gay
3
LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998
domestic partners, you do have avenues
to working abroad, but you’ll have to
research each thoroughly.
Ask your nearest Peace Corps
recruiting office for its most recent list
of alternative international agencies
doing development and volunteer work
abroad. There are many dozens of Non-
Government Organizations (NGOs) doing
remarkable work overseas. Ask the Peace
Corps office about volunteering for the
United Nations. Consider short jaunts
with organizations like Habitat for
Humanity, thereby building up your
resume of overseas experience. Check the
library for books on how to work abroad.
Consider working overseas for a
gay-friendly corporation which will
support you both.
Bone up on a language together,
travel to a place interesting to you
where its spoken, and look together for
some serious long-term volunteer work.
The South Pacific might be ideal, where
people are usually less shackled with
sexual stigma than here. Our LGB RPCV
Mentor Program can put you in touch
with former volunteers who worked in
parts of the world that interest you.
Attempt In-Country Admission.
This is a real long shot, but possible.
People wishing to be placed in a
particular country can travel there and
petition the Country Director, but success
depends on positions available, your
skills, availability of language and/or
cultural training, available sites, your
medical histories, discretionary Peace
Corps Country budget, and many other
details. In other words, you’d have to be
extremely lucky, and the couple (gay,
straight, or any combination) would need
a wad of cash to live on while they wait
to see if it works out. But strange things
happen, even in the Peace Corps.
I regret the dour overview, but these
are the realities as I see them. There are
occasional stories of gay domestic
partners assigned to different places in the
same country and their impassioned
weekend meetings, and there are anec-
dotes of gay volunteers who somehow
partner-up in remote and isolated areas.
But these happy tales seem much the
exception.
I think it’s vital for gay domestic
partners interested in Peace Corps to let
Continued on page 4
LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

The Applicant Mentor Program

- by Kevin H. Souza friend and compadre...
The LGB RPCV Mentor program is or humor me as I embarked on this great Continued from page 2
our most successful outreach and adventure. It seems strange now, but I the end we all accept it and hope to write
recruitment project, yet few of our remember feeling happy that Peace Corps to you normally. Well, Dan, long time not
members seem to know about it. Started in recognized, for the first time during my to see you; I’m sorry...
1995, the project connects Peace Corps application process, that gay men and
applicants and invitees with our members lesbians were in their midst. The letter went on to describe what
to discuss life as a gay or lesbian A program like this cannot succeed was happening with the family. My
volunteer. If the applicant has been with a handful of resources (our mem- godchild was about to turn five; their
assigned, we try to bers). Of the 824 oldest daughter was about to finish high
connect them with
someone who served The greatest strength of individuals currently
on the LGB RPCV
school.
I’ve since written a long letter back,
in the same country. the LGB RPCV organiza- mailing list, only 108 and found it so much easier now that there
We receive more than have volunteered to are no forbidden topics. I don’t know how
100 requests each tion is in the diversity of serve as mentors. Of our relationship would have evolved, had
year from gay, our members. We have those 108, only 31 I come out to him while I was still in
lesbian and bisexual have completed Paraguay. I was struck by the similarity of
individuals interested served in more than 97 service since 1988, his reactions to those of my mother. She
in joining the Peace countries and performed while 230 of our had to deal with me around her constantly
Corps, all seeking members have served after I came out, so the process went a
advice from those countless jobs in the field. during the past 10 little faster, but she progressed through the
who have gone years. Many same steps. As it turns out, true friendship
before. individuals have told with my compadre survives.
Most individuals looking for a mentor me that they do not feel comfortable
find us through our web site at talking to applicants, because they served Dan Rael was a volunteer in Paraguay
www.geocities.com/~lgbrpcv, others are too long ago. It is true that we look to form 1992 to 1994.
referred by Peace Corps recruiters. Often recently returned volunteers to discuss the
the friendships that are made through political situation for lesbians and gays in
mentoring an applicant last long into their various countries, but anyone can speak Peace Corps Couples...
Continued from page 3
service and renew old ties and memories about their personal experience. A great
for the mentor. deal of encouragement comes from simply Peace Corps know you’d apply if you
The greatest strength of the LGB knowing that other gay men and lesbians could. I want the Peace Corps to know of
RPCV organization is in the diversity of have served and flourished in the Peace the presence and interest of gay couples,
our members. We have served in more Corps. We also need more women to join for without a constant tap on the door I
than 97 countries and performed countless our mentor program. Currently only 15% fear the agency will never consider such a
jobs in the field. Our experience offers of our mentors are women, while they possibility.
applicants a solid foundation for consider- make up 25% of our membership. More Finally, I want to note that as an
ing Peace Corps service. mentors also means more countries are individual your sexual orientation is a
In 1989, less than 10 years ago, I sat in represented by the program. LGB RPCV non-issue for Peace Corps. There are tons
a hotel room in Philadelphia waiting to mentors currently represent only 51 of the of gay people in the Peace Corps at all
leave for Malawi. During one of our days 97 countries where we have served. levels of the organization: in Washington
of pre-service training I received a one- I strongly encourage our members to D.C., the regional recruiting offices, staff
page flyer that “addressed” issues join the Mentor program. You are likely overseas, and as volunteers in the field.
concerning minorities in the Peace Corps. not to be contacted more than once or You’re welcome as a gay person.
In one page Peace Corps summed up their twice a year, but that contact can make all I encourage you to call or visit your
support for individuals who were the difference in the life of a future nearest Peace Corps recruiting office and
preparing to serve. To paraphrase, “If you volunteer. To join the Mentor program, get a second opinion on my views. Good
are African American and serving in simply contact us at the address shown on luck, and, as they say in Sri Lanka, “May
Africa, don’t expect to be accepted more the back of the newsletter and say, “Sign the Triple Gems Bless You.”
readily than your non-African American me up for the Mentor program,” or e-mail
counterparts.” The same line for Asian us at lgbrpcv@geocities.com. Joe Terteling was a volunteer in Sri
Americans and Latin Americans; and for Lanka from 1984 to 1986.
gay and lesbian volunteers the sentence
read, “Don’t expect to meet any other gay Kevin H. Souza is National Coordina-
or lesbian volunteers or host country tor of the LGB RPCV Organization and
nationals during your two years of currently manages the Mentor Program.
service.” Was this supposed to comfort
me, send me running for the nearest exit,

4
 LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

A Letter from Australia - by Michael Tatham

Editor’s Note: While we were preparing There were many stresses on the
this issue which focuses on questions that relationship that would otherwise not
usually come up at the Gay Pride events have been there, and yes one did have a
at which we participate, a related e-mail better job than the other, but we also had August Articles
from Australia arrived out of the blue. different attitudes to the placement as In our next issue we are
The author has given us his permission to well, so coping was an individual as well featuring at least two articles
adapt it as an article . as a joint experience. We were there for by RPCVs who have recently
the duration of the two year program, and returned to the communities
I came across your web site recently are still together. where they served. Have any of
and was interested in the issues you There is a perception in Australia of a you made a similar visit recently?
discuss concerning “free and easy” We would like to include your
same sex couples and sexuality and “return story” in the August
the Peace Corps. ...and yes one did have acceptance of all issue. Deadline: July 15.
I was a volunteer diversity in
in Thailand with the
a better job than the countries like
You can mail or e-mail us
your articles.
Australian Volunteers other, but we also had Thailand, sometimes
Abroad Program
administered by the
different attitudes to the perpetuated by
Thailand’s own
lgbrpcv@geocities.com

Overseas Service placement as well, so ambiguous tourist

Bureau with my
partner Peter from coping was an individual promotion as well as
our own lack of in-
1995 to 1997. The as well as a joint experi- depth cultural
experience was an understanding. I
interesting one. ence. We were there for sometimes feel I
Whereas the OSB the duration of the two have to constantly
was ok about placing remind people
us (a lesbian couple year program, and are (including myself)
was placed in Africa still together. that there is in
at the same time), the Thailand, like in all
fact we were together societies, different
was cause for some consternation with our levels of acceptance. We have wonderful
host agency in Thailand. It was not until Thai friends of all genders and persua-
we received permission to move to sions. We were lucky to recently invite
separate organizations that we felt we one friend to visit us who had a great
PO Box 14332
were being treated on our own merits time showing us our town from his San Francisco CA 94114-4332
rather than as an oddity. Sometimes it perspective. lgbrpcv@geocities.com
http://www.geocities.com/~lgbrpcv
seemed that our host felt obliged to accept As far as I know, OSB continues to
us as volunteers in order to maintain an place gay couples if they can, so long as Editor Mike Learned
ongoing relationship with OSB. their skills and positions match. While Layout Kevin H. Souza
The fact that we went to the same host this may be difficult to do in the
organization (albeit different branch countryside, in big cities it should be The LGB RPCV Newsletter is pub-
offices about 20 km apart) meant we were easy. I would recommend couples who
lished quarterly by the Lesbian,
treated as being the same, having the want to be placed together keep trying to
same values and being stereotyped along get through the discriminatory Peace Gay, Bisexual RPCV Organization,
the same lines - a fascinating experience, Corps policy somehow, as ours was an an affiliate of the National Peace
if a little wearing. And, as for the myth of experience unique and exciting in its Corps Association. We exist to pro-
universal acceptance of homosexuality in realization. mote Peace Corps ideals and ac-
Thailand, yes it is - a myth. ceptance of gays and lesbians
throughout the world. Submission
of articles or graphics to be pub-
Dominican Republic Volunteers lished in the newsletter is encour-
aged. The right to use or edit ma-
Many members of our organization also belong to NPCA affiliates organized around
our country of service. These organizations can keep us in contact with events in these terials remains with the editor.
countries and volunteers we knew there. RPCVs and former staff who served in the Copyright remains with the author.
Dominican Republic have just organized a Friends of the Dominican Republic Send submissions or inquires to
organization. For information contact FDR Membership Chair, Randy Adams at the above address or e-mail.
adamsrmk@aol.com.

5
LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

Resources for Lesbian and Gay Volunteers on Life

Abroad - by Mike Learned
At a time of boggling amounts of information about every
aspect of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life, a close look Books:
at these resources reveals some extraordinary gaps. Search the
Cracks in the Iron Closet by David Tuller. Recently issued in
Internet or go to your local gay bookstore if you have one. Notice
paperback, this book describes the personal experiences and
the enormous cultural bias reflected in the information available
observations of the author (a journalist and activist) on extended
about gay life and topics around the world. Mostly its about
stays in Russia. Gives a broad account of lesbian and gay life since
issues and experience in the United States and the rest of the
the big political changes. Recommended for volunteers serving
economically affluent world (European countries, Canada, Japan,
anywhere in the former Soviet Union.
Israel, Australia, New Zealand) and occasionally about parts of
Islamic Homosexualities by Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe
the world where gay and lesbian tourists might visit: Thailand,
and many others, published in 1997. This is a collection of literary,
Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Polynesia, the West Indies and a
historical and anthropological studies about homosexuality in the
few other places. Even when the topic reflects the experiences of
Islamic world. Very little information about women, and not much
lesbians and gay men of color, it is usually from the point of view
that’s current. Would recommend for volunteers going to Islamic
of African-American or Hispanic and Asian immigrant commu-
countries who have the time to get through a lot of specialized
nities.
prose. Not an easy read.
Where’s the information about political, social and cultural
Out in the World by Neil Miller. Although published five years ago
issues related to homosexuality in countries where most Peace
and concentrating on many affluent countries where Peace Corps
Corps volunteers serve? Where do you find out about cultural
doesn’t serve, still some interesting information about gay and
attitudes, laws, and social issues that lesbian and gay volunteers
lesbian life in South Africa, Thailand, and urban Latin America. An
need to understand to be secure and comfortable in their
easy read.
assignments? Much of what is available about same-sex activity
Sex Longing and Not Belonging by Badruddin Khan. Published
and relationships in what we have traditionally called the
in 1997 by a small Thai publisher, Floating Lotus. Khan tells his story
“second” and “third” worlds (and where almost all Peace Corps
of growing up in urban Pakistan, gradually coming to recognize his
volunteers serve) falls under the broad category of anthropology
sexuality. He emigrated to the U.S. and Canada (where he now lives)
or sociology. And most of this, while reasonably current (20th
as a young man, and much of his story takes place in the West.
century), can’t really reflect the rapid changes occurring in the
Some valuable information and insights for those wanting to
villages, towns and urban centers of Africa, Latin America, and
understand more about gay male sexuality in Islamic South and
Asia.
Central Asia.
Even when such literature is current and applicable, it is
usually written in anthropological/sociological jargon that
requires swamp boots and machetes to slog through. In my Web sites:
experience, it is also overwhelmingly about issues of male International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
sexuality. Where’s information about lesbian or other close (IGLHRC): (http://www.iglhrc.org) IGLHRC advocates for a world in
female relationships outside of the first world? which the fundamental human rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals,
Our newsletter and web site are attempting to fill this transgendered people, and people with HIV and AIDS are respected
information gap. We publish articles from current and returned and accorded the protection of international human rights law.
volunteers that provide some information (this issue’s articles IGLHRC’s web site contains an exstensive online resource directory
about reactions in Paraguay and Thailand are examples of the of gay and lesbian issues around the world, including many countries
individual experience and observation we can provide). We’ve where Peace Corps Volunteers serve.
reviewed a few books that deal with sexuality abroad when it Trikone: (http://www.rahul.net/trikone) A non-profit group for
applied to places where Peace Corps volunteers serve (or close lesbian, gay, and bisexual South Asians located in San Jose, CA. An
by). We also occasionally publish short news items from abroad organization for American, immigrant, and visiting South Asians that
brought to our attention either through the press or the Interna- affirms both South Asian identity as well as lesbian, gay, and bisexual
tional Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). sexualities.
Current and past newsletter articles are on our web site. Amnesty International: (http://www.amnesty.org) The purpose
Beginning in June we plan to add a section to our web site of Amnesty International is to contribute to the observance of
that identifies additional resources for Peace Corps volunteers human rights throughout the world as set out in the United Nation’s
and others on their way to parts of the world with little available Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
information about sexuality and related issues. This will include
a listing of books, periodicals, videos, professional journals, and We invite our readers to tell us about additional resources that
web sites. If you know of resources we don’t know about, write provides information on lesbian and gay issues in countries where
or email us about them and include a short description. A short Peace Corps has programs.
list of possible resources in a format similar to what we’ll use
on our web site follows.

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 LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

LGB RPCV Participation in 1998 Gay Pride Events

Although not all plans are certain or final, members of our organization and/or Peace Corps recruiting staffs will be
involved in as many as eight Gay Pride events this summer and fall. Each of our regional affiliates will contact mem-
bers in their areas with more details. We’re looking for volunteers to join Peace Corps staff at recruiting/information
tables.

Here’s a quick run-down of what we know so far about locations, dates, activities, and key contacts.

Location Date Activities Contact

Atlanta June 28 Information Table Suzanne Marks

LGB RPCVs and the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting (404) 624-3469
Office (Volunteers need to work the table for short suzmarks@igc.apc.org
blocks of time throughout the day)

Boston June 18 Information table Brian Guse

LGB RPCVs and the Boston Peace Corps Recruiting (802) 864-3789
Office. This is still in the planning stages and bguse@together.net
volunteers are needed.

Los Angeles/ June 28 Information Table Tom Duffy

West Hollywood LGB RPCVs and the LA Peace Corps Recruiting (714) 832-7383
Office. This is still in the planning stages and thorne5352@aol.com
volunteers are needed.

Palm Springs Nov. 8 Information Table Tom Duffy

This is still in the planning stages and (714) 832-7383
volunteers are needed. thorne5352@aol.com

San Diego July 26 Information Table Tom Duffy

LGB RPCVs and the LA Peace Corps Recruiting (714) 832-7383
Office. This is still in the planning stages and thorne5352@aol.com
volunteers are needed.

San Francisco June 27 Annual pre-parade party and barbecue in the Castro Wayne Hill
neighborhood. Out-of-town visitors are invited (415) 695-RPCV
to attend! wchill2rex@aol.com

June 28 Information Table Anna Roche

LGB RPCVs and the San Francisco Peace Corps (510) 559-8841
Recruiting Office. Volunteers are needed.

Seattle June 28 Parade Contingent Joe Terteling

LGB RPCVs (206) 328-5083
Out-of-Town visitors are welcome to join in the march jnt@drizzle.com

Wash., D.C. June 7 Information Table Terry Anderson

LGB RPCVs and DC Peace Corps Recruiting Office (301) 587-5828
This event is in early planning stages and really terryalan@mindspring.com
needs volunteers to help out.

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LGB RPCV NewsLetter - May 1998

Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Who are we?
We’re a group of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and others who are returned Peace Corps volunteers,
current volunteers, staff members and friends.
We have a mailing list of several hundred volunteers and staff members who served in the Peace
Corps since its founding in 1961.
Our organization is composed of a national steering committee, together with regional chapters.
We currently have local chapters in the San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Seattle, New England and
southern California areas. We are affiliated with the National Peace Corps Association.

What’s our purpose?

We exist to promote Peace Corps ideals and acceptance of gays, lesbians and bisexuals throughout
the world.

What do we do?
u Facilitate the creation of regional groups; provide support to our national members and current
volunteers, and maintain liaison with the Peace Corps, the National Peace Corps Association and
related organizations.
u Host social events for our members.
u Promote policies and projects that supports Peace Corps ideals and the acceptance of lesbians,
gays and bisexuals.
u Work with Peace Corps staff to implement non-discriminatory policies throughout the organiza-
tion.
u Communicate regularly with our members through quarterly newsletters and our web site.

New Membership * Address Change Form

Name:

Street:

City: State: Zip:

Phone/Fax/E-mail:

Country of Service: Years:

PC Project: Current Work:

Membership $15 for LGB RPCVs Only

$40 for LGB RPCV Plus the National Peace Corps Association

LGB RPCVs; PO Box 14332; San Francisco, CA 94114-4332

E-mail: lgbrpcv@geocities.com * http://www.geocities.com/~lgbrpcv
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