Date: Thu, 31 Aug 1995 19:46:18 -0400 (EDT) From: David Casti Subject: ACTION ALERT: New Hampshire Submitted by: TsunamiInc@aol.com Homophobia at a New Hampshire Coffeehouse I am an out lesbian singer-songwriter who tours nationally. I had something horrible happen to me last night and I'm hoping that all of you can help me out. I was booked to perform at the Renaissance Coffeehouse in Nashua, NH in September. The guy who books the place told me in June that he wanted me to perform at his place. I like to have things in writing so I sent him a contract. I didn't get a signed contract back so last night (Auust 30), I phoned him. He rudely said, "I can't talk to you" and handed the phone to a female co-worker. I was confused at his behavior but started to talk to this woman (that I'd never spoken to before) about the upcoming concert. I could hear the guy raving about something in the background but since I was talking to the woman, I didn't pay attention. The woman said simply that my contract asked for a sound system (microphones, etc.) but they didn't have one. Politely, I told her that the booker had promised me one in June and then I stopped talking. Then, I could hear what the guy was raving on about. He called me a f***ing lesbian and why should he advertise my show to the f***ing gay community, who the f*** did I think I was ... I don't remember all that he said but it was clearly homophobic. Part of the reason he was angry was because of my contract. My contract is very simple and is no different than the contracts that other performers send out. My guess is that he didn't realize I was a lesbian until he'd read the clause in my contract that says that the venue agrees to adverstise to the gay community. I'd sent him my tape in June (it has out material on it) but apparently he hadn't listened to it before receiving the contract. Obviously, the concert was cancelled, leaviing a hole in my upcoming tour that I can't fill because it's too late to call someone else. I'm loosing money and the folks in Nashua won't get to hear me that night. Please contact this venue and tell them that their homophobic behavior is hurtful. Please be respectful -- don't play into this man's game of vicious name calling: Brian, Renaissance Coffeehouse, 204 Main St., Nashua, NH, 03060, 603-598-1890. If you live in the area, tell him that you would welcome a gay performer at the venue. On a much more positive note, I have another booking at a place in neighboring Londenderry. These people have been very respectful and I'm looking forward to the concert. You can contact them, also, if you wish and tell them that you're glad they booked me: Meredith, The Muse, c/o Grey Goose II, 2 Young Road, Londenderry, NH, 03053. If you live in the area and you'd like to come hear me, I'll be there on Friday September 29 at 8 pm. I'm opening for someone else so I'll be performing for about 20 minutes. Let me know if you contact these people and what responses, if any that you get. Thank you so much for your help. -- Jamie Anderson