LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999

In This Issue
u Gay Scene in Burkina
Faso
u Lesbian/Gay Rights
Worldwide
u Membership Time Again
u Financial Statement

NewsLetter u Mentor Needs

u Organization & Peace
Corps News
February 1999

F
ebruary’s issue begins with an article by Don Bapst about his experiences in
West Africa’s Burkina Faso. q Mike Learned reviews a valuable resource of
information about lesbian and gay rights in 12 different countries. q Bill
Erdmann paints our financial picture and tells us where the money goes. q Kevin
Souza asks for help with the Mentor Project. q News of our organization and a recent
high level appointment at Peace Corps.

Eight Years and Stronger Than Ever

Shortly, LGB RPCVs will celebrate
our eighth anniversary. We first came
together as a group in Washington
D.C. during Peace Corps’ thirtieth
anniversary celebration in 1991.
Shortly after the group became an
affiliate member of the National
Peace Corps Association (NPCA), the
Peace Corps’ official alumni group.
After about three years of being run
by members from the Washington
D.C. area, a group of gay and lesbian
returned volunteers in the San
Francisco Bay Area continued
steering the organization.
A lot has been accomplished in
that time, including just holding
together as a group. Almost four
years ago, Peace Corps added “sexual
orientation” to its non-discriminatory
clause, a major goal of ours. Peace
Corps has become increasingly open
and inviting to lesbian and gay
volunteers and staff over these years.
Lesbian and gay issues are included
in new volunteer diversity training
programs. Support groups for lesbian
and gay volunteers exist in many
countries. During the 1998 Pride
Season, Peace Corps was present with
recruiting and information tables at
seven Gay Pride parades and events
around the country, most recently at
Palm Springs’ fall Pride event.
Under current Peace Corps
leadership we expect this progress to
continue. But we are living in
politically shaky times. The Presiden-
tial Election in the year 2000 could
“Peace Corps has
becoming increasingly
open and inviting to
lesbian and gay volun-
teers and staff over these
years. ”
change the leadership and the social/
political direction of the entire
organization, altering the agency’s
response to gay and lesbian participa-
tion in Peace Corps. It’s important
that we stick around and keep watch.
Every February we solicit member-
ship funds from our members. We get
membership funds in two ways. If
someone joins the NPCA and
designates LGB RPCVs as their
affiliate group, $15 of that fee comes
to us. If you are a member of the
NPCA, please renew your member-
ship when the NPCA notifies you
that your fees are due (this could be
any month of the year), and name or
1
confirm us as your affiliate RPCV
organization. If you have sent your
membership to us directly, you will
receive a 1999 membership solicita-
tion with this issue of the newsletter.
Please renew promptly. Your finan-
cial support is crucial to our survival.
Bill Erdmann, our financial coordi-
nator, explains where your member-
ship dues go in an article in this
issue. He also includes a financial
statement for 1998.
Kevin Souza discusses resource
needs for our Mentor Program. The
number of people contacting us
through our web site needing
information about Peace Corps is
rapidly increasing. We need more
recent volunteers as mentors who can
help lesbians and gay men who want
to know about their experiences and
the lesbian/gay situation in the
countries where they served. Two
articles in this issue help disseminate
such information. RPCV Don Bapst
describes discrete gay life in remote
Burkina Faso and his reactions to his
experiences there. Mike Learned
reviews the current issue of the
Harvard Gay and Lesbian Review
which includes 12 articles on gay/
lesbian human rights issues around
the world.•
LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999
Coming Out in West Africa:
a PCV Finds Gays in Burkina Faso
Editor’s note: This is a much con-
densed version of Don’s article which has
appeared in the Gay and Lesbian Times,
Seattle Gay News, Windy City Times, and
on the Gay Financial Network.
I knew little about Burkina Faso when
I received my invitation from Peace Corps
to teach English there at University level.
As a film buff, I knew the Burkinabé
produced fine films and hosted an African
film festival. I also knew it was one of
the least developed countries in the
world, landlocked just north of Ghana
and the Ivory Coast. It was about as far
away culturally that you could get from
America. Peace Corps would give me the
opportunity to experience an interesting
culture far different from my own.
There were a couple of aspects of
Peace Corps’ offer that made me nervous.
First was my health. I’d be taking the
latest treatment against malaria,
mefloquine. It had been banned in
England because intense psychological
side effects reported by some users. It
was likely that I’d get intestinal parasites
at least once during my stay. Well, if I
really got sick, they could always “med-
evac” me home on an airplane. I’d just
cross my fingers and hope for the best.
My second issue was harder to resolve
and ultimately riskier. How would my
homosexuality affect my Peace Corps
experience? I’d been out of the closet
since I was fifteen years old. Everything I
read about Burkina Faso seemed to
suggest that homosexuality was “non-
existent.” At best it was viewed as just
another European perversion not present
on the African continent. Though I’d
experienced many examples of anti-gay
discrimination, I’d never been in a purely
homophobic environment or far from gay
friends for longer than a few hours.
Despite possible dangers, I was curious to
have the unique opportunity to live in a
culture where people hadn’t already
found heavily politicized labels for their
sexuality. Maybe it was time to see what
life was like in a pre-Stonewall environ-
ment. What better way than to go to a
country that hadn’t yet heard of the gay
rights movement. This experiment might
involve some risks. Would people be
hostile to gays? Did West Africa have
anything at all resembling a gay scene?
What would happen?
- by Don Bapst, RPCV
Soon there was no more time for
questions. I found myself getting off a
plane in the middle of the arid West
African savanna. The U.S. ambassador
was there to shake our hands and
personally welcome us. We were each
handed our first bottle of Laafi brand
mineral water to combat the instant
dehydration our bodies were experiencing
in the 110 degree-plus heat.
During the first three months we went
through a vigorous training program
while living in dorm-style accommoda-
Most of the volunteers,
however straight, were
familiar enough with gay
culture to slip an affec-
tionate “Hey girlfriend!”
into the conversation
from time to time.
tions outside the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. I
shared my room with a straight
Burkinabé trainer, a straight volunteer,
and to my surprise another gay volunteer.
I was able to come out almost immedi-
ately to all the other Peace Corps
volunteers, creating a support mecha-
nism. Speaking to them was like being
back home. Most of the volunteers,
however straight, were familiar enough
with gay culture to slip an affectionate
“Hey girlfriend!” into the conversation
from time to time. This came as an
unexpected source of comfort so far from
my gay stomping grounds in America.
On the other hand, coming out to a
Burkinabé was no simple task. Everyone
I met, including the trainers, assumed I
was heterosexual. The men were
constantly trying to set me up with local
women, including on occasion their
wives. Though our trainers spoke French
and some English, I was able to chat with
my American colleagues about issues of
sexual frustration and cultural confusion
without our African trainers understand-
ing.
In my spare time, I began to work on
developing a platonic dialogue with my
Burkinabé roommate. Since I had lived in
2
Paris and spoke fluent French, we had an
immediate channel of communication that
he didn’t have with the other volunteers.
After a month, we moved from small talk
about general cultural differences to more
intimate areas, such as our goals and
desires. Naturally this led to conversa-
tions about sex. I tried on numerous
occasions to come out to him. After all,
he shared his deepest secrets about the
women he’d loved and lost and about
those he currently desired. But, I just
couldn’t tell him.
Later I bravely asked my friend if he
thought homosexuality existed in Africa.
“I’ve heard of fags before,” he said, “but
you don’t really see that here.” He wasn’t
forthcoming with his opinion of “fags,”
but his choice of language was already a
disturbing indication. He didn’t seem to
have a clue that I might be one. He
mentioned that he’d “seen one around” at
the University. I asked how the guy had
been treated. “I don’t know, I just avoided
him.” He seemed perplexed by my
questions and we dropped the topic. I let
it go and left the relationship as it was. I
wanted a better and safer way to come
out in the future.
Later during training, I asked one of
our Burkinabé trainers how homosexual-
ity was perceived. Some of the straight
volunteers pushed the question further,
bringing up their own positive opinions
about gay rights. This discussion led to
the trainers claiming that homosexuality
was fine for “whites” but that it didn’t
exist in Africa. When asked about
lesbians, the response was hysterical
laughter. In this environment, I had to ask
myself if coming out to people in Burkina
Faso would do much good.
By the time I began my work at the
University in the capital city, I decided
that it would be best if I waited until I
understood more of the nuances of the
local culture before coming out to anyone.
It would take me seven months before I
found an appropriate and safe moment to
do it. It was about this time that I met a
man who became a lover. I’ll call him
Jean. A contact of a contact gave me his
name, suggesting I call him regarding a
project I was working on at the Univer-
sity. From the moment I met him, I was
sure he was gay. I wasn’t initially
attracted to him, but I wanted to talk to a
 LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999

LGB RPCVs Launch New

Electronic Mailing List
gay Burkinabé and compare life experi- everyone saying that their American The LGB RPCV association has a new
ences. I made numerous efforts to see him neighbor was a fag? and improved e-mail listserve service.
again, and after two months of hinting After a run-in with another volunteer Our old electronic mailing list has closed
around, we finally came out to one over the issue of race, homosexuality, and and we have opened a new list with
another. It turned out that he had lived in AIDS, I began to wonder how secure my OneList, a free web based electronic
Europe for some time, where he had safety net was with the other volunteers. mailing list service at www.onelist.com.
discovered his sexuality. Home now, he Was my cover going to be blown? I was The electronic mailing list is designed
was back in the closet, and even engaged also becoming concerned that my to give our members a greater voice in
to be married. Nevertheless, he organized relationship with Jean might endanger our organization; to share stories and
little parties at different friends’ homes him. We’d become more affectionate with ideas; to connect with each other; and to
from time to time. Eventually he one another in public. African men held advertise their local LGB RPCV events.
introduced me to his community of “out” one another’s hands. Americans, The list also allows the national steering
gay men, about 12 guys. everyone knew, didn’t. He was hiding me committee to get important news out to
At my first gay party in Africa, we sat from his fiancée, and I had someone back our members faster and more efficiently.
around a coffee table and snacked on in the States. We strongly encourage you to join the
chips till someone Resolving these list. It will not burden your e-mail box
put on some music issues was further with lots of messages and you can easily
and everyone began At my first gay party complicated by my control your subscription. Also, this list is
pairing off to dance.
Here in the privacy
in Africa, we sat around weekly mefloquine
treatments against
moderated in order to prevent message
loops and other annoying electronic
of an exclusive gay a coffee table and malaria. The drug mailing list hazards.
event, guys were free was giving me To subscribe simply visit this URL
to be themselves and
snacked on chips till Technicolor night- with your web browser:
as campy or romantic someone put on some mares, daily mood www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/lgbrpcv
as they wanted to be. swings, and panic or send an e-mail to lgbrpcv@geocities.com
A fireman caressed music and everyone attacks. I couldn’t and let us know you want to join the
his date in time to began pairing off to separate what was mailing list. You may chose between a
the music. Two coming from my regular subscription or a digest version.
young army men dance. reaction to the Our list also maintains an archive at
practiced modeling environment and www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/lgbrpcv •
techniques. Some of what was coming
the other guys sat on the sofa and kept a from the drug. I had just finished teaching
running commentary on the dancers. my first semester at the University and
After seven months of life in the African had turned in my grades. I gave it some
closet, this was an unbelievable sight. hard thought, and decided to return to the
After a couple of dances, I asked Jean States early.
to dance with me. That’s when I realized Since returning home, I’ve received PO Box 14332
that we’d actually gotten to know each letters from Burkinabé friends, fellow San Francisco CA 94114-4332
lgbrpcv@geocities.com
other pretty well over the last couple of volunteers, and finally from Jean. “I http://www.geocities.com/~lgbrpcv
months. I realized I’d overlooked his know that a new life has started for you
Editor Mike Learned
handsomeness. Our growing interest in Don, but here things are still only
Layout Kevin H. Souza
one another was apparent to the others, crawling along for me.” I pray that he is
and the subject of conversation. Getting well and happy and still organizing those
together was difficult. Jean still lived monthly gay events. I have this dream The LGB RPCV Newsletter is
with his family, and because of armed that we’ll meet again someday in a world published quarterly by the Lesbian,
burglaries in the neighborhood, I had a that has forgotten all these boundaries of Gay, Bisexual RPCV Organization, an
nighttime guard who looked after my race, class, sex, sexuality, nationality, affiliate of the National Peace Corps
house. He saw everyone who came and health, privilege, language, culture, and Association. We exist to promote
went. After Jean stayed over, I felt the religion. And then I wake up to my very Peace Corps ideals and acceptance of
guard looking at me differently. Was I real memories of my brief stay in West
gays and lesbians throughout the
being paranoid? Africa and realize that it’s only a dream
Then the gay group came to my house that could bridge two worlds that are so world. Submission of articles or
and we hung out on the patio. We camped very far apart.• graphics to be published in the
it up with a lot of gay slang imported to newsletter is encouraged. The right to
Burkinabé French from Paris. Were my use or edit materials remains with the
neighbors familiar with this vocabulary? Don Bapst served in Burkina Faso in editor. Copyright remains with the
Every time I was around my new gay 1997. He is currently a free lance writer author. Send submissions or inquires
friends, I just had to cut loose, but I living in San Francisco. to the above address or e-mail.
worried I was creating a scandal. Was

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LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999
Human Rights Around the World - a Review of the Harvard Gay
and Lesbian Review, Winter 1999 Issue - by Mike Learned
The Harvard Gay and Lesbian
Review, begun five years ago as a lesbian
and gay oriented quasi-literary quarterly,
has matured into a major vehicle for
information about gay and lesbian issues
around the world. The Winter 1999 issue
features twelve articles about the gay
components of human rights from four
continents, written by local writers or
frequent visitors to these countries. Many
of these reports are from developing
countries where Peace Corps has
programs or near by. They all offer
current updates of what’s going on (or not
going on) relating to the gay and lesbian
international human rights agenda.
Of great interest is Akilah Monifa’s
piece on Africa. In Sub-Saharan Africa
and South Africa: World’s Apart, the
author reports on the wide range of
attitudes toward homosexuality to match
the vast ethnic and historical diversity of
the region. South Africa has the only
constitution in the world that specifically
bans discrimination based on sexual
orientation, yet most of its near neighbors
have become bastions of homophobic
rhetoric. The leaders of Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Swaziland
have all attacked gays and gay rights
organizations. Monifa describes the
travails of fledgling gay rights groups in
these countries and their battles against
both church and state, and then goes to
contrast these to the extraordinary strides
made by gays and lesbians in South
Africa since the collapse of Apartheid in
the early 90s.
Another article by Andrew Matzner,
Thailand: Paradise Not, opens our eyes
to the reality rather than the popular
myths about gay life in Thailand. Of
particular interest is the author’s
reporting on the work of Anjaree, a
lesbian group that is the only organiza-
tion in Thailand challenging human
rights violations against gays and
lesbians. He explains that part of the
reason that lesbians rather than gay men
have organized to defend their human
rights lies in the social realities of men
and women, and the ways in which Thai
culture privileges the masculine over the
feminine. 500 member Anjaree, founded
in 1986, was formed to address these
gender issues, stressing that lesbian
rights are women’s rights.
Bolivia: Landlocked State, by Pedro
Albornoz describes the cultural as well as
geographic land-locked status of his
country. The author tells of his life in
Cochabamba (also the site of Peace
Corps’ Bolivian training center).
Although homosexual behavior is not
against the law in Bolivia, it is still
considered a form of unnatural and anti-
social behavior by most Bolivians. He
quotes Bolivian gay rights activists about
the extreme pressures exerted on
lesbians. As in Thailand, half a world and
many cultures away, the plight of Bolivian
lesbians is tied to their society’s views of
women’s place in the community and the
limitations placed on their social and
cultural freedoms. Albornoz finishes by
Many of these reports
are from developing
countries where Peace
Corps has programs or
near by. They all offer
current updates of
what’s going on...
telling us of his society’s strongest
weapon against homosexuality. It is not
the law, it is shame. “We are taught to be
ashamed of ourselves and our friends,
ashamed of who we are as gay people.”
There are other articles on Latin
America, about gay life in Brazil, Chile,
and Cuba. All three countries have more
sophisticated urban societies than Bolivia.
Brazil and Chile have large middle-
classes and more open relationships with
their gay citizens. Cuba, while desper-
ately poor and with a recent history of
serious gay oppression, now allows much
more freedom to gay and lesbian citizens.
All three countries share the burden of
societies that proscribe rigid gender roles,
and have difficulty handling women and
men who do not fit into these roles. Tim
Frasca’s article on Chile, describes the
problems of combating AIDS in an
environment where many men who have
sex with other men do not identify
themselves as gay.
4
Sonya Franeta, Russia: A Moscow
Salon, writes about the Moscow Lesbian
and Gay Archives (ALG). A literary salon
of sorts, the ALG, introduces its members
to unpublished material by gay, and
especially lesbian, writers who are often
just beginning to emerge. Russia has a
large and active gay and lesbian commu-
nity. Franeta’s article describes some of
activities that a gay community can
partake of when there is freedom for gay
people of similar interest to come
together. In an article from nearby eastern
Europe, Jean Jacques Soukup describes
gay life in Hungary, Out(side) in
Budapest. Although many gays in
Hungary have difficulty acknowledging
their gay identity because of societal
pressures, that doesn’t seem to get in the
way of their enjoying a gay lifestyle.
Though not as extensive as the commer-
cial gay and lesbian infrastructure in
western Europe, there are lots of gay and
lesbian venues, organizations and
publications in Hungary.
Other articles discuss gay social, legal
and political progress in Denmark,
France and Ireland. The most surprising
story (at least for me) is the extraordinary
progress made by gays and lesbians in
Ireland. While gay Irish contingents have
been rejected as parade participants in
the Saint Patrick Day Parades in New
York and Boston, this seems to reflect
Irish American attitudes stuck in a
generation or two back, and not those of
present day Ireland.
Lesbians and gays joining the Peace
Corps have lots of questions about the
“gay/lesbian situation” in the countries
where they’ll serve. This information is
often difficult to find. Sometimes it may
not even exist, other than anecdotally.
Thanks to the Harvard Gay and Lesbian
Review and other publications, and an
increased interest in worldwide lesbian
and gay issues, it’s starting to be talked
about, written up, and published. •
Mike Learned was a volunteer in
Central Africa in the 60s. He’s been an
active member of LGB RPCVs for seven
years.
 LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999

1999 Financial Report -by Bill Erdmann Organizational Update

It’s that time of year again when we let you know where we get the money to keep Our Washington D.C. affiliate is in the
this group going and how your money is spent to support our activities. process of revitalizing itself. A core group
We are almost totally dependent on you for money. More than 90% of our income of people are committed to rebuilding the
last year came from membership dues, either when you joined NPCA and designated group over the next year. They’re calling
us as your affiliate group, or when you sent us membership dues directly. If you’re a all the D.C. area RPCVs on our mailing
member of NPCA, please remember to designate this group as your affiliate when you list and planning social and other events.
renew your membership. If you aren’t a member of NPCA, please respond now to our Dennis Gilligan is the new Washington
enclosed request for dues. D.C. Representative on LGB RPCV’s
Our biggest expense supports the printing and mailing of the quarterly newsletter. Steering Committee. He can be reached
The publication goes not only to our RPCV members, but also to volunteers in the at by e-mail at dhgilligan@aol.com or by
field, Peace Corps recruiting offices and Washington Peace Corps staff. A number of phone (202) 332-1114.
Country Directors subscribe to the newsletter, and we continue to look for ways to Brian Guse, our New England
widen distribution throughout the world. Representative, is moving from Northern
Thanks to an incredible number of hours volunteered by Kevin Souza, our Web site Vermont to Washington D.C. and has
and e-mail address don’t cost much money, but they remain among our most important resigned from the Steering Committee.
communication tools. We’re looking for someone else from the
Supporting regional affiliate groups is our next most significant expense. If you live northeastern part of the country to join
in an area with a local affiliate, half of your dues automatically go to the chapter. the Committee. If you or someone you
Local affiliates are currently active in San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California and know is interested contact Wayne Hill.
Washington, DC. (e-mail: wchill2rex@aol.com, phone:
As planned, income exceeded expenses last year to make up for conference and (415) 695-7728).•
project expenses in 1997 and to allow us to support new projects in 1999.
As always, we welcome any ideas you have about how your money should be spent.

1998 Finances
Income
Membership dues from NPCA 2,704 Mentors Needed -
Individual membership dues 2,351
T-shirts 60 Especially Women!
Other 435
Many of you are now familiar with our very successful
TOTAL INCOME 5,549
Mentor Project, which pairs our members with gay and lesbian
Peace Corps applicants to discuss issues around sexual orienta-
Expenses
tion and Peace Corps service. We have recently stepped up our
Newsletters 2,295
efforts to provide service to Peace Corps applicants through a
Group affiliates 765
number of new initiatives. Our refurbished web site now
NPCA dues rebates 185
includes much more information for applicants, as well as a
Other 157
special section for Peace Corps recruiters that provides them
TOTAL EXPENSES 3,402
with the tools they need to assist lesbian, gay and bisexual
applicants. Also, the Regional Recruiting Office in San
OPERATING DIFFERENCE 2,147
Francisco has started their own mentor-like program called
“PreConnect.” Through this program applicants complete a
Checking Account Balance 12/31/98 4,818
questionnaire where they are able to indicate that they are
interested in speaking with gay or lesbian Peace Corps alumni.
Gay Activist Appointed to PC Job These applicants are referred to us and we pair them with a
mentor from our group.
Victor J. Basile, the first executive director of the Human During the past 60 days we have assisted 21 applicants
Rights Campaign, (HRC - the gay political action committee), through our Mentor Program. Eleven contacted us through our
has been appointed director of Peace Corps’ Office of Private web page, six through Peace Corps recruiters and the remainder
Sector Cooperation and International Volunteerism. In his through friends. The success of our program means we need
Peace Corps job, Basile will raise private funds to support your help. Please consider volunteering to serve as a mentor to
volunteer projects around the world. Basile is a long-time gay gay, lesbian and bisexual Peace Corps applicants. We are in
activist. In addition to his experience with HRC, he has particular need of women mentors since nearly half of the
worked as a consultant to gay political organizations helping applicants contacting us are women, while only 19 of our
them raise money and strengthen their fund-raising capability. designated mentors are women. If you are interested in speaking
Basile’s position does not require Senate confirmation. We with applicants about your experience please write to us, drop
offer Basile our support and good wishes.• us an e-mail at lgbrpcv@geocities.com, or call Kevin Souza at
(415) 242-1931.•

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LGB RPCV NewsLetter - February 1999

Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Who are we?
We’re an organization of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and others who are former Peace Corps
volunteers, current volunteers, former and current staff members, and friends. Founded in Washington
D.C. in 1991, we have several hundred members throughout the country and around the world who
have served in the Peace Corps since its beginning in 1961.
We are composed of a national steering committee, together with regional chapters. We currently
have local chapters in San Francisco, Southern California, Seattle and Washington D.C. We are an
affiliate member of the National Peace Corps Association.
What’s our purpose?
We promote Peace Corps ideals and acceptance of lesbians, gays and bisexuals throughout the
world.
What do we do?
u Provide support to our national members and current volunteers.
u Facilitate the creation of regional chapters.
u Actively involve ourselves as an affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
u Promote policies and projects that support Peace Corps ideals and the acceptance and active
involvement of lesbians, gays and bisexuals within the Peace Corps.
u Take an active part in Gay Pride events around the country encouraging gays, lesbians and bisexu-
als to consider the Peace Corps experience.
u Offer our members as informational resources and mentors for lesbians, gays and bisexuals who
have been offered a Peace Corps assignment.
u Host social events for our members.
u Communicate regularly with our members and others through a quarterly newsletter and our web site.

Ne w M e mbe rs hip * Addre s s Change Form

New Member
Name: Change of Adress/Renewal
I would talk with applicants
Street:
about my experience.

City: State: Zip:

Phone/Fax/E- mail:

Country of Service: Years:

PC Project: Current Work:

M e mbe rs hip $15 for LGB RPCVs Only

$40 for LGB RPCV Plus the National Pe ace Corps As s ociation

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

E-mail: lgbrpcv@ge ocitie s .com * http://www.ge ocitie s .com/~lgbrpcv
6