Gays and Lesbians for Individual Liberty celebrates its second anniversary this month, and we are pleased to announce some exciting changes. Though we have always been committed to the market liberal philosophy, GLIL begins 1993 with a focus on new programs, new outreach, and new ideas. Over the past two years we have built a base of support in Washington's gay and lesbian community, and we appreciate the opportunity to bring the ideas of market liberalism to this important constituency. Through these changes, however, we hope to expand that support, both for GLIL and market liberal ideas. (For more on market liberalism, see What is GLIL? )

Foremost among the changes at GLIL is this first edition of The Quill, our bimonthly newsletter. Under the editorship of Dave Edmondson, we will publish The Quill every other month to inform you about upcoming GLIL events. The Quill will also carry articles on the latest ideas in market liberal thinking and other items of interest to gay market liberals, including book reviews, news briefs, and announcements. If you would like to receive The Quill or contribute material, please see What is the QUILL?

A second important addition to the GLIL network is our Program Series. Over the past two years we have seen our speeches, debates, and panel discussions well received by those who are interested in the ideas and policies that affect our lives. In fact, our debate on gay marriage between Andrew Sullivan of The New Republic and Tom Palmer of the Institute for Humane Studies was remarkably successful, gaining television coverage for an increasingly important issue. As well, we have been proud to sponsor events on hate crimes legislation and the platform for April's March on Washington. These issues, and many others, are important ones for our community and deserve serious attention.

To give that much needed attention, we have inaugurated the GLIL Program Series, a schedule of monthly events that focus on various issues of interest to our membership and beyond. We begin the series this month with Richard Sincere's "Political Alternatives for the Gay Community." Mr. Sincere, the chair of the Libertarian Party of Virginia, will discuss many of the popular and not so popular political alternatives that are available to gay men and lesbians. In March we continue the series with a speech by David Boaz, Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute, on "Our 'New Democrat' President." Mr. Boaz, a market liberal policy expert, will discuss the new administration's commitment to change and its understanding of market institutions. For times and locations, see "Upcoming GLIL Events" below. Future programs will be announced in The Quill and the Blade as they are scheduled.

A third activity that has gained the support of many members is our Happy Hour, held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. This monthly (previously biweekly) get-together at Trumpets, 17th and Q streets, N.W., gives members the chance to socialize with each other and informally discuss issues and ideas. It's also a wonderful opportunity for non-members to learn more about market liberalism and to meet other gay men and lesbians who are interested in these ideas.

In addition to The Quill, program events, and happy hours, GLIL also contributes to the community as the opportunity arises. In 1993, we will participate in the March on Washington and the Washington Pride Day Festival as we continue to promote market liberal ideas in the media through letters to the editor, op-eds, and advertisements. If you would like to be a part of GLIL and help us bring market liberalism to the gay and lesbian community of Washington, please join us. Come by the next happy hour or program meeting, write us at PO Box 65743, Washington DC 20035-5743, or give us a call at 703-920-4023. We welcome everyone who is honestly committed to principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and voluntary interaction upon which market liberalism stands. I hope we can on you for support, and I look forward to welcoming you at our next event.

Libertarians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns (LGLC), a national Libertarian organization, has the following events planned for the March on Washington weekend, April 24-25. Unless otherwise noted, all events will be at the Channel Inn, 650 Water St., S.W., near 7th and Maine Av. More information will be available in April's Quill and in The Washington Blade.

Saturday, April 24: Libertarian brunch and hospitality suite, 1747 S St. NW, time TBA (call 202-483-1311). LGLC business meeting, 4:30-6:00. Cocktail hour, 6:00-7:00. Fundraising dinner, 7:00-9:00; David Boaz will speak on "One, Two, Three, What Are We Marching For?" Those wishing to attend the dinner should send a check for $30.00 to LGLC, PO Box 447, Chelsea MI 48118-0447, and specify their choice of fish, beef, or chicken.

Sunday, April 25: Persons marching with LGLC should meet at 9:00.

Starting a conversation with a stranger is difficult enough; maintaining an intelligent exchange is, almost always, next to impossible. Different ideas are usually stonewalled not by arrogance, but by fear. I was lucky enough to have a very enlightening conversation with a young man from Brazil. His perceptions of gay life and culture in America were unique to this American ear.

First: We agreed that America is still a very Puritan nation. This is evidenced by the average parent's reaction to even the most innocent sexual explorations of their children. Granted, with HIV, AIDS, and STD's, safety is an issue -- indeed, a requirement -- but sexual relations between adolescents did not begin in the 1960's. Sex is a fact of life and has never been restricted to married people.

Second: America and other First World nations are at an era in their history where basic survival is not an issue (for the most part). More time can be spent on lofty and pretentious concepts of morality; hence, we can fire employees because of their sexuality. Paulo told me that the notion of an employer even caring that a person in his hire is gay is ridiculous. With average wages in Brazil about $100 per month, they have better things to worry about.

Third: Since sexuality is a private issue, homosexuals are totally assimilated into society; therefore, gay culture or society does not exist. Yes, there are gay bars, clubs, and saunas, but there is no issue for gays to rally around and band together. Can you believe that he said, "Gays are so united in America"? Doesn't he know we fight amongst ourselves? And to say we are more friendly than gays in Brazil was astonishing. "Most gays in Brazil are arrogant," he told me.

Fourth: Sexuality in Brazil is equated with pleasure; in America it is shaded by preference/orientation. He believed that 5% of the men are exclusively homosexual, that 5% are exclusively heterosexual, and that a full 90% are bisexual. Adolescents, while not actively encouraged, are fully expected to explore various paths to pleasure. There is no shame or mantle of guilt associated with sex.

We talked for almost three hours, white-bread me and Brazilian bronze-boy. I concluded that America should never be a melting pot, one big cauldron of mush. We should be more like a pot luck: distinct dishes that touch and complement one another, keeping their own special significance.

Thursday, February 18: Richard Sincere, chair of the Libertarian Party of Virginia, speaks on "Political Alternatives for the Gay Community." St. Margaret's Church, 1820 Connecticut Av., N.W., 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2: Libertarian happy hour. Trumpets, 17th and Q streets, N.W., 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 18: David Boaz, Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute, speaks on "Our 'New Democrat' President." St. Margaret's Church, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6: Libertarian happy hour. Trumpets, 17th and Q streets, N.W., 6:00-8:00 p.m.

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