Timeline is a regular feature in each issue looking back to events and milestones that have helped us evolve into the community we are today.

Early September, 1994

The rebel out of Carolina, Dorothy Allison, graced the cover of Metroline.  During the mid-80s, Allison found herself front and center in the lesbian Sex War zone.  She was founder of the Lesbian Sex Mafia and author of the novels, Bastard out of Carolina and Skin: Talking About Sex, Class and Literature. The Sex Wars were heated battles over the role of sex and pornography in the lives of women – particularly lesbian feminists.  Women who engage in sadomasochism or wrote pornography were pitted against women who believed both S/M and pornography brutalized and enslaved all women.

Speaking of books, Surina Kahn offered an editorial on how super bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble and Borders, are moving into gay and lesbian markets around the country.  Now, the small queer bookstore is taking a stand.  Chain bookstores are looking to make a profit, while the smaller stores are looking to provide a haven, a friendly environment for the gay and lesbian community.  It all comes down to money.  Co-owner of the Reader’s Feast, Carolyn Gabel, claimed the Feast has barely made a profit, while community bookstores, such as Borders continue to make money for larger organizations.  To qoute Gabel, “our bottom line is about social change.” Really?  Since when did reading a book have anything to do with social change?

Locally, Blake West offered a profile of the social group, GEMS, an organization for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals of all ages to help the older members of our community through social events, fundraising efforts, educational outreach, and a Friendly Visitor Program.  It’s a group for those who wouldn’t be a part of the Pepsi generation to feel accepted and part of the community.

Tags: 2010, 37-12, LATE JUNE