"Periodically obscene"
by Jim Van Buskirk

Two panel discussions: “Being Obscene? A Panel of Pornographers?” and “First Time In Print!” were held in conjunction with the exhibits “Discovering Passions, Evolving Bodies: Queer Periodicals Between W.W. II and the World Wide Web.” The exhibits were at the Historical Society of Northern California, San Francisco from September 27-November 15 (fuller description in the October 2002 newsletter).

I attended the “Being Obscene?” panel assembled by Paul Gabriel -- exhibits director of the GLBT Historical Society of Northern California -- which was introduced by gay historian Willie Walker. I was impressed by the nearly fifty attendees in the drab, ill-named “Rainbow Room” who chose a history lesson over the many other cultural offerings that evening (including Kate Clinton).

We were rewarded by a lively panel, highlighted by the appearance of the always articulate, amusing, and informative Tee Corinne. Tom Bianchi’s comments sounded pompous in comparison, though he was likely the draw for many in the crowd.

Unfortunately Susie Bright was a no-show due to illness, but her successor at On Our Backs, Heather Findlay, offered her aesthetic and economic perspectives as a publisher of lesbian erotica as well as on her other publication Girlfriends.

Jack Fritscher and Robert Davolt, respectively the first and last publishers at Drummer, painted a fascinating picture of the ins and out (sorry) of life at the publication. Surprisingly Robert was the only one on the panel who presented images.

Red wine and the Middle Eastern nibbles from La Mediterranee made the meal-time event much more festive. Kudos to all involved.

Jim Van Buskirk
Program Manager
James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center
San Francisco Public Library
e-mail: JimV@sfpl.org


Queer Caucus for Art newsletter, January 2003
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