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\centerline{\hl Letters For You}

{\rightskip=1in I used to publish all letters sent to HOMOCORE.�
Then I said I'd try to publish all letters, and if I couldn't get�
them in one issue, it's go in the next. Now, there is no way in�
hell I can publish all the letters. Some were simply thrown away.�
Sorry! Included are all the ones that looked ``important'' -- our�
judgement.

}
Short letters are far more likely to get printed than long ones.�
If you don't want a letter published, please say so. If you do,�
include your name and address as you'd like to see it appear.

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% Dear so and so
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% message body
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% -- byline
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% {\it reply\dots }
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Hi there!

Here's three bucks -- please, send me the latest issue of�
Homocore! I sent you a sample of my zine Metorismus about three�
months ago -- did you receive it? I hope you did.

I'm going to write some sort of article on Homocore for a Finnish�
zine called ``Toinen Valhtoehto''; could you help me with it? I�
could send you some questions about your zine, sexuality etc,�
etc\dots The reason I'm doing this article is that I would really�
like to raise a discussion about homosexuality in our little�
scene -- I want to see some homopunks here! Toinen Valhtoehto is�
a zine that comes out every two or three weeks and it has a good�
letters section so that's the reason why I'll write the article�
for them.

I guess I should tell you something about myself. I'm 19-year-old�
boy from central Finland -- this is my last year in highschool�
(the final exams will be over within a month). I'm gay�
(surprise!!!). My boyfriend is gay too!!! He's the only gay I've�
ever got to know. Well, obviously I've met several others too but�
no one seems to be willing to tell me that they're homosexuals.

I've known that I'm gay since I was about ten or twelve years�
old. I have much earlier signs of my abnormal sexual desires (ha�
ha) too: I remember how my father used to buy me comic books�
every now and then\dots Superman, Spiderman, Batman and stuff�
like that. I used to watch all those big men with big muscles and�
usually I got a hard-on and I was pretty confused about it\dots I�
was about 5 then. I can hear you laughing there but this thing�
really happened to me!

Then came the teenage years and of course I tried to deny that I�
simply wasn't interested in girls. I had a couple of girlfriend�
and I had sex with them. It was kinda nice, but nothing 
special--the earth didn't move.

Last autumn me and two other guys had this long debate about�
homosexuality and during that debate I found out that one of�
those two guys wasn't straight. He was my best friend (I've known�
him for about 7 years now). So, that's how I found my�
boyfriend\dots at first I was afraid that sex might ruin the fine�
relationship we had before, but so far everything's been great. �
That guy really makes me happy!

I know this letter is blatant, banal + boring but life is�
blatant, banal + boring! Anyway, write back + let me know if you�
can help me with the article, ok? I'll travel to New York next�
April, so it may take a while for me in getting back to you. �
Stay lucky + take care! Love, Ville

Ville / Box 12 / 51601 Havkivori FINLAND

\bar

Hello again happy homocore-

I sent you a letter + poem recently and two things - sorry the�
letter was kinda wet, and I meant to include a dollar for \#5 or�
whichever, so here. How did the Anarchy thing come off or did it�
yet\dots the vastness of Los Angeles is getting increasingly�
(vivid and) oppressive these summer months. Kinda neat -- equal�
doses of restlessness and torpor.

I went to the Rodia/Watts towers a while ago, boy, for me one of�
the most special places, but - last went in 1981 and before that�
in the mid sixties we went as a family -- it seemed a very�
community run thing; a cultural and arts center, fountains, a�
juice bar, lots of people. There was a palpable sense of \dots �
gathering and doing. In the seventies (the decade of ignorance)�
the neglect showed. I spent a night exploring and wandering the�
neighborhood and it was a definitely broken but still human�
place. Now\dots the towers are covered in cruel scaffolds, no one�
looks to care (there is a preservation attempt to explain the�
const. look - but I know better people 've tried many times to�
demolish Rodia's work looks the pres. fools will accomplish. I�
think art {/it changes} in time; not like a photo to stand�
unaffected) and the neighborhood is severe and vicious. Living in�
the housing developments would be like having your teeth pulled�
every day. Not all the people seemed miserable, but there was a�
feel of\dots 

And I am desolate before the awesome neglect of and constant�
torturing belittling rape by people who have the power my life is�
so small that I cannot organize my anger and fear my survival�
becomes moot.

Geoff Tuck / 729 E. Palm St. / Alt CA 91001-1915

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Homocore:

I live in a backwards city of uptight conservatives and cultural�
obscurity. I was lucky to find your zine in one of the cooler�
record stores in town, but in a strange order\dots first \#5 then�
\#3 then \#4. From this you should be able to figure out how�
strange Seattle really is\dots 

I was happy to discover that there are other people living in�
obscurity as I am. I became a different person altogether. My�
friends (the few that I have) were shocked by the new me!

I like to see that people are pulling together to help each other�
from the looming oppression of society. I fight it every day. We�
do not need ignorance and hatred! The sad part of this is that�
(at least as far as I have seen) is that other gay persons act�
like we are nothing, and no part of their society. This shouldn't�
be. I have been verbally abused by uptight gays who can not�
accept me for my choice of lifestyle. Oh fucking well I guess! I�
had to grow up in a really redneck town and deal with al lot of�
shit and when I finally managed to meet other gay people, they�
just wanted to make me conform to their image. I don't think that�
there is anything wrong with the way that others choose to lead�
their lives, but there is something wrong with trying to make�
others conform to it.

After all of that I am still trying to figure out if I am gay or�
not of course, that adds to the problem because everyone thinks�
that by the age of 21 you ought to know. Well I fucking don't!I�
do know that I live my own fucking life and I would really like�
to meet some new people! This is very hard! The gay scene and the�
punk scene are no different\dots too political and conservative.�
Outsiders are treated with contempt.

I just don't understand at all! I am pretty easy going most of�
the time I guess, and I is hard to be a part of something which�
goes against my morals. I laugh at all of the people who swallow�
lies in order to just be a part of something. Sick societies�
breeding hatred.

I am hoping that someone would like to write to me. I am into�
just about anything, and if I am not I like to experiment! I�
write poetry so I've put one together for all of the outcasts out�
there:

I give myself up to another I give myself up to brutal pain the�
act of blood intercourse sadness and panic head in explosive pain�
spinning from the rush of lust someone inside being murdered�
given myself again to no fucking smile so here it is (my dick)�
once again lifeless and uncaring as I should be, but I've fallen�
in love with another dead illusion

I have broken the chains of depression!

Thanks to all who have put together such a zine and all of the�
readers everywhere. Charge change and CRUSH OPPRESSION! Get over�
those pushing you to conform! Be free! Anyone write to me \&�
here's my \$1 for the next zine. 

Matt Foster / 1820 Terry Ave / Seattle WA 98101

P.S. There is a band called {\it Death in June} who I suspect to�
be Homo. You ought to check out the ``Brown Book'' album and�
maybe review it. It's cool but kind of weird too. One of my�
friends thinks they are nazis but i'm not too sure. On the inside�
sleeve it says: ``It is the plague of our age that we fight in�
isolation.''

{\it Write up a review and send it in. We love to hear what turns�
people on. -Cory}

\bar

Tom,

I saw your listing in Factsheet Five, and thought I'd write, even�
though I doubt these conservative assholes will let your zine in.

I'm in the fuckin' joint in Missouri, and I'm hoping you can�
maybe help me out in finding someone who'd like to send me some�
hot fuckin' sex letters. I don't want to play any fuckin games, I�
don't want any money, or any of that bullshit. All I want is some�
letters from some big dick mother fuckers who like smooth hot�
asses, because I've got the smoothest, tightest and the {/it�
hottest}!

Someone who's into getting high, watching some porn flix, and�
getting their balls and dick licked and sucked real good. When I�
get out, I'll be staying in Redwood City. I want some big hard�
dicks waiting for me when I get there! See what you can do for�
me. Thanks,

Bully Pullin \#154784 / F.C.C. 1012 W. Columbia / Farmington MO�
63640

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Flipping through M.R.R seeing another Homocore ad \& realizing�
that I can no longer sit here disconnected with other gays \&�
lesbians I need contact. There are thousands (well not that many)�
of lesbian women in their 30-40-50's here, but so few (3)�
lesbians my own age. I hope to be moving down to the bay area for�
college soon - maybe I can make connections. Who knows - but send�
me your zine, here is some silver. Thanks,

Pamela Moore / PO Box 367 / Miranda CA 95553

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Hey Tom-

Here's buck for your issue \#6, thanx for sending \#5, and for my�
classified ad in. Sorry to say that my ad is in desperate need of�
clarification, cause it seems to have put me on the 'quick-trick'�
mailing list, so I would like ta let the readers know that�
contrary to popular opinion, it was never intended as no sex at,�
but was aimed at scoring some local pals to hang out with. The�
bottom line being that I'm basically straight edge sexually, view�
sex as an extension of friendship, and only bend over for damn�
good buddies. Besides which, if I was in to quickies, One-night�
stands, etc., I would not need no ad, cause I deflect enough o'�
those bullshit offers on a day to day basis.

In regards to yer answer to the letters of Marc Klapper in�
Gulairmoe, all I can say is, it seems that hope springs eternal�
as the sayin' goes. How you could think that the ``ratio might�
have been better'' is beyond me - especially after readin' yer�
comment to Shawn Jeffcoat about ``when I or my friends walk�
through the Castro''. If ya think those ``nasty looks'' are bad�
news, try going into a Castro bar (like the Phoenix) on a Friday�
or Saturday night, or maybe the 'Rawhide', or business district�
gay bars. And ya damn well better not light up a clove cigarette�
in the 'trax' bar! believe me, breeders don't gots no monopoly on�
stupidity these days! Hell tom - about the only bars around�
that's worth a damn is 'Crystol Pistol' and some south o' market�
ones, and this stuff ain't confined just to the bar scene either. �
If ya ask me, I think gratuitous rejection has mostly replaced�
the modern myth of gay brotherhood. Anyway, at least we do agree�
on one thing, that being what ya said about ``fag-basher-bashing�
would be more useful''. Having been a proponent of that hobby for�
many years, I can assure you that ``violence as a tool'' is quite�
an effective cure for what ails the homophobes! On the other�
hand, ya seem to have backslided a bit in your answer to�
Gulairmoe, concerning ``something we could do after the fact''. �
The answer is simple - wave bye-bye to the dancercise class, flip�
yer ballet teacher the birdie, and start learning how to protect�
your ass, cause ain't nobody gonna do it for ya! Either yer a�
solution to the fag basher problem, or you're part of the�
problem. Every time a wimp lets a fag basher fuck him over, he's�
providing 'positive reinforcement' that pretty much guarantees�
that the homophobe will do it again, to someone else. But if ya�
stomp their ass and break some bones, you will find their�
attitude is quickly adjusted (``Boo Hoo, I gots beaten up by a�
fuckin' queer''). E'nuff said!

Singh c/o / 2140 Shattuck Avenue Drawer 2479 / Berkeley CA 94704

P.S. Anybody who know where the aryan skinheads is hangin' out,�
now 'the farm' has closed down - drop me a postcard \& let me�
know. Also, any quality artists, writers, etc., should be advised�
that I'm looking for submissions of sinister 'n satanic artwork,�
movie stills of horror/gore or sex scenes, true stories of jail�
rape, \& other 'shock value' submissions for a one issue zine I'm�
working on. I'm payin' gratis of five to twenty dollar for first�
publication right. S.A.S.E required id ya want unused submissions�
returned. Deadline is midsummers eve 1990.

\bar

Dear Homocore,

In your last issue I saw a letter from a Bryan Holten from�
Indianapolis. I'm a college student in Chicago, but my family�
lives in Indy, so I wrote Bryan a letter.

Just recently I ran out of money for school, so I'm stuck working�
in Indy for a few months. So I gave Bryan a call. When I locked�
up his name in the phone book, I noticed it was Holton not�
Holten. When his mom yelled for him, she yelled Byron not Bryan. �
When I told him I'd seen his letter in Homocore, he told me to�
fuck off. In short, either Byron is a lousy speller and Mr.�
Paranoid, or that letter in Homocore was a joke.

This is kind of funny if this guy Byron is a fag basher, but�
still it's not cool, because I went to all the trouble of writing�
him! So readers, please don't send in practical joke letters! �
Now this guy knows Homocore exists. He can buy it, see my address�
in it, and give me shit. He probably won't, and I'm not scared of�
him anyway, but I'd rather not have assholes involved with�
Homocore in anyway.

If any real Indianapolis homo-punks or eccentrics would like to�
write, I'd be delighted, because I'm a little bored here, I'm a�
19 year-old Mohikan elf-girl who likes to read, go to the park�
and swing on the swings, and listen to such music as Throbbing�
Gristle, Christian Death, Velvet Underground, and 4AD bands. I'm�
also involved in TOPY.

Christine Griffin / 9347 Kingsboro CT / Indianapolis IN 46236 

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Hey Homocore,

Enclosed is 2 bucks. Please send me the latest issue and one of�
those way cool ``anarcho-homo-logo'' buttons. I'll wear it�
proudly. I've seen the oppression -- I was at a pride demo here�
in Orange County and saw my friends beaten and arrested by the�
riot squad bastards. Little by little the world might bet�
educated, but it's a weary struggle. Keep fighting, we'll all�
keep clawing \& scratching at the wall together. I'm pissed off�
at the moment though 'cause my friend just called me collect from�
L.A. He was at an anti-racism demo and the pigs came and�
brutalized the protesters, so my friend \& some other activists�
got jailed. Typical. Well, I gotta go. I'll be checking my mail.�
``Fight the Power''! Bi!

Lonni Child [girl] / 2650 E. College Place Apt. \# H-27 /�
Fullerton CA 92631

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{IT/OK, here the typist comes across a letter, scrawled in a�
rather attractive midnight blue ink.}

{\obeylines\parskip=0pt
It's not okay 
To be gay! 
Fags Suck! 
}

From all Richmond, VA Punks.

{IT/Yes fags suck, how well?}

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Hey There Happy Homos,

I jes' got back from San Francisco (where I was scouting out a�
place to live) and I must say that stumbling upon Homocore \#5 in�
Bound Together Books was a high point of my stay in your fair�
city. Where have you been all my life? Your zine is a dream come�
true for a freedom-hungry long-haired, loudmouthed, 
active-pacifist, punk-hippy faggot like myself. So, before I say�
anything else\dots take this 5 spot and send me ish' \#6 (when it�
comes out). Also send one to my man Kent and both \#5 \&\#6 to�
Colin Sick. With the leftover buck, feel free to send one to our�
good buddy George ``Douche''mejian {\it [our governor here in CA�
-- cory]} with my compliments. Regarding Colin; he is a D.J. at a�
reasonably hip college radio station out here in ``Smell-A.'' and�
exhibits an open mind, which is why I called him this morning. I�
had just finished reading the H.C. letters section when Colin�
played a tune called ``Ten Years After'', which, as you may know�
is a lovely little ditty about the degeneration of Punk to the�
gang-banging, weak fashion statement that so many ``punks'' are�
perpetrating now. He followed the tune with a remark saying,�
``Well, the scene isn't all bad -- the SHARP skins were at such�
and such a rally, etc\dots'' After reading Gulairmoe's letter in�
ish' \#5 I felt compelled to call Colin and clue him in to the�
fag-bashing incident that Gulairmoe and his buddy were victim to. �
He was really cool and listened to what I had to say and told me�
that he was aware of some bogus shit that these SHARP losers were�
up to as well. He also said that he had written them a letter�
asking what-the-fuck was up and said that they hadn't replied�
yet. Anyway, he was interested in H.Core so send him an ish' on�
me.

If there are any cool SHARPies out there who give a fuck you'd�
better start weeding out the closet-Nazis in your ranks or you're�
as hypocritical as they are!

Now, I got just one more gripe. In a letter from Johnny Rythm in�
ish' \#5 he urges Jeremy to explore his sexual identity by having�
``safe sex'' with ``someone clean \& AIDS free''. SHIT! I can't�
believe that there are people out there who still don't know the�
facts about HIV transmission. Listen up Mr. Rythm! You can fuck�
someone silly as long as you both wear a love glove on your�
willies and don't swallow each others cum or blood so get the�
fuck off your people-with-AIDS-are-death-traps trip and get�
yourself some education of sexually transmitted diseases. O.K.,�
enough of that shit.

I really grooved on your zine reviews and look forward to getting�
5 or 6 of them in the mail soon. Incidentally, is there anyway�
that I can get my paws on issues \#1-\#3 of Homocore? If anyone�
out here in Lost Angeles has 'em, pleeeese let me know. I'd also�
love to hear from other hippy-punks (gay, bi, straight -- I don't�
care) in my neighborhood so we can hang-out \& distribute this�
rag in L.A. Call me now girls \& boys cause I'm moving to S.F.�
soon.

Misplaced in L.A. 

Steffan / 1837-F 9th Street / Santa Monica CA 90404

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Dear Homocore,

I bought issue \#5 a few months ago at See Hear (a really cool�
store that sells all kinds of underground zines) and meant to�
write you a letter but didn't until now.

Even though I live in New York City with one of the largest gay�
populations in the world I sometimes feel totally alone. Being�
the gay rock \& roll hippie punk that I am. When I go to the gay�
bars I feel oppressed by the ``Yuppie'' wannabe-ness of it all�
and when I go to the rock and roll clubs I feel like the only gay�
person there. Anyway, the point of all my kvetching is just to�
tell you what a breath of fresh air your zine is. Hooray, I'm not�
alone!!! I've already made one good pen-friend through your�
letter section and I'd like to write to more gay rock and roller�
social outcasts like myself. 

Jeff Shore / 41-06 50 st. Apt. 36 / Woodside, NY / 11377

\bar

Dearest Thomas -- Larry-Bob (Holy fucking Titclamps) tells me�
BIMBOX arrived safe \& sound at Homocore. That's good I guess - �
as far as I can tell the feds have only nabbed 3 of them (out of�
300 sent so far). The next issue is due out in June, and features�
a throbbing life-size pop-up erection. and Jeffrey�
``Milquetoast'' Kennedy did a whole groovy Ann-Margaret spread�
for us. Not to mention more filthy lesbo smut from Debra, which�
hopefully will be accompanied by original dirty girly-girl�
pictures of our pal Alison. Hey Tom, you've been screaming for�
sapphic content, and baby now you've got it. Debras working on a�
sequel to ``Cinderella's Hunger''. In part 2 she introduces�
``cruel step sisters'', and when I spoke with her on the phone�
last (she lives in S.F.) she mentioned something about 
a lubed-up glass slipper.

What did you think of ``Cry Baby''? I can't believe John Waters�
didn't take the opportunity to re-enact the Female Trouble birth�
scene (i.e. the umbilical cord bit) with Rikki Lake - it would�
have been a great tribute to Divine, right at the climax of the�
picture where it belonged. What an asshole. Iggy was great�
though, and he looks better than ever. And Johnny Depp sliding�
down a sewer pipe in his undies was pretty cool too, although�
he's too fat for my taste - I like 'em rake thin, stoopid, and as�
emaciated as hell. What about you?

We made the mistake of sending BIMBOX in for review at MRR and�
those creeps gave a good nod but didn't mention we were queer. �
Assholes. Either they're lousy at reviewing zines, or they're�
really stupid not to see that we like it up the ass. Now we're�
being flooded with (fe)mail from all their white trash readers. �
We're still sending BIMBOX off to whoever writes though, because�
let's face it - everybody knows at least 1 drag queen, and we're�
confident it will fall into the right hands eventually. Also�
enclosed is the accompanying disclaimer going to any�
``suspected'' heterosexual MRR readers for your amusement. Rim�
and hand jobs, Johnny Noxema and later: I loved Homocore \#6�
especially ``why I hate leftists''. Right on. It's not just in SF�
0 it's all across the country. demonstrations of any sort have�
become more of a fashion/social event than a mass call for�
change. Ooooh, and I hate those GLAAD assholes too. I find their�
self-appointed authority far more offensive than anything Andy�
Rooney or Roseanne Barr has ever said. Who the fuck do they think�
they are? these obnoxious middle-class white clone organizations�
really stink. the L/G zine scene should really concentrate on�
keeping these assholes in line.

Well, I have to keep this short. I'm in the process of assembling�
400 pop-up penises and vaginas for our next issue. Love, 

Johnny Noxema Bimbox / 282 Parliament ST. \# 68 / Toronto M5A 3A4

{\it Well, I don't hate GLAAD, just that line about ``we can't�
help that we're gay, so you should leave us alone''. They missed�
the point -- (1) it's none of anybodys goddamn fucken biz ``why''�
I'm gay and (2) it plays into the hands of the ``we'll cure 'em�
of this genetic disease'' control pigs. GLAAD does an OK job of watching TV and getting TV couch patatos to write letters 'n'�
shit.

Waters' CRY BABY was pretty fucken boring. Too bad. Has Waters�
lost it? We watched MULTIPLE MANIACS the other nite but my�
attention span wouldn't let me. Its a much better movie.

I saw the shit you got from ``our'' feds, in the latest BIMBOX.�
The feds here are getting a bit out of hand -- literally every�
project I'm involved in -- computer network stuff, gay zines,�
whatever -- has the feds poking around and fucking with people.�
It's a free country, I guess.

Pop up a penis for me. 

\hfill -- tj}

\bar

Hello Tom, Homocore\dots I'm not REALLY back from Hell, I'm still�
there! But then you don't really care where I am\dots As it is�
I'm in ALASKA. Donna, that Divine Goddess of your guitar pate,�
has finally sent me a Homocore soothe \& warm my soul in this�
rally fucking frozen country\dots And it has, 35 is simply�
fantastic.

OOOH - I lament, I want to hang out with girl-lovers!! All my�
friends are alcoholic-hetero-punk-rock-trash\dots but I love�
them\dots Yet daily I dream of the pleasures of girls, not even�
for lust's sake, but for their wild souls and everything

Is the world truly as devoid of subversive homo girls and boys as�
we sound?

I actually live in Seattle and after a year and a half there,�
this is my great despair and certainly seems to be an ugly fact.�
Flipping through the Homocore pages, especially the photo of the�
parade float, I experience the pangs of ``what's it like to hang�
out with not one, not two, but AN ACUTE ABUNDANCE of gay punk�
rockers???'' OK, I don't believe a social crowd of same-sex�
loving people is gonna be any less twisted or tedious than my�
usual hetero-pack, but it would be SO NICE to at least get in on�
the waltz. I'm not exactly sitting around waiting for my 
rock-n-roll girl to pop into my life\dots I've definitely spent�
many hours at ``womens'' bars, cafe's etc. But as I say to Donna�
when explaining my ongoing celibacy/non-romance It'd be like,�
``how was the office honey?'' and ``how was your punk rock�
show?'' It's silly. I'm as in love with this culture of music \&�
etc. as I am with women. Urgh. But no honey, I just called to�
SOB. I've already run up a nice fat \$80 phone bill to S.F\dots�
so\dots this is much cheaper!! A little bit of homo therapy. I�
feel much better now I guess. 

Tamra / 207 10th avenue E. / Seattle, WA / 98102

\bar

Hey Tom, Here's a copy of ``Fuck Men'', Tom and I put together�
recently\dots It's \#1 (NO.2 is now available). We just got the�
Bad Poetry issue, neat idea, there was some good stuff in�
there\dots glad that the bit I sent for S.T.H. was of�
use/interest! That club I was trying to do a Homocore show at,�
ended up saying no, paranoid of ``problems'' arising. Too�
bad\dots We'd like to play a Homocore show/benefit, whatever.. if�
you or any one down there ever gets one together, just let us�
know\dots 

tom and I had a Hairy?!!! experience (well, near scary, at least�
fucked up) Friday at Gilman, trying to see bad Religion, Packed,�
too many people, we walked off down a side road, and walking back�
went between two skinheads peeing, I had my arm around Tom and�
one said ``c'mon now none of that'' The other ``what are ya' fags�
or somethin'?'' We stopped to them and said ``yeah, you got a�
problem with that??'' and one said, ``yeah, I'd punch ya' but I'm�
scared I might get A.I.D.S.'' Pissed, we walked off, seething�
anger. we returned a few minutes later to beat them up, or better�
yet, their car, but alas, they were gone, which may've been�
better after all, but, I don't know, sometimes I really�
wonder\dots Well take care. 

Todd / Pollution Circus / 1008 10th st \#729 / sacramento, ca /�
95814

\bar

Dearest Homocore-

This is first time I've ever ordered your magazine. I've heard so�
much about it. I'm glad magz like yours exist. It's alot easier�
to come out and be able to say ``I'm Gay'' knowing that there are�
others who share the same interests. I'm an 18 yr old punk with a�
blue mohawk. I like all kinds of music though, such as oldies but�
goodies, alternative, new wave, etc. I also just go accepted to�
UC Berkeley!! I've been an honors student since 2nd grade only�
with a blue mohawk nobody could ever tell. I used to be very�
afraid of who I was because of my sexual preferences. I'm not a�
femme, but I'm sure some of my friends think I'm gay. I often�
used to contemplate suicide, though I was always too scared to�
commit the act. I've never told anyone, except you and JD's and�
other gay punk mags. I'm not as afraid anymore, now that I have�
some pen pals who are also gay. When at Berkeley, I plan on being�
president of the Gay/Lesbian program there. I'm going to make�
Homocore the best selling mag around the country. I'll make you�
famous!! We'll put the Enquirer out of business! Well, just�
wanted to say you've made my life a hell of alot easier and that�
I'm looking forward to next ish. Proud to be alive. 

Mr. Dante' Nuno. 422 S Chicago st / LA, CA / 90033

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Homos, What's goin' on? Well, nothing has changed since my last�
letter to you guys (and ladies) I'm still not gay. Although I was�
almost beat up because I was hanging out with an openly gay�
friend. It was neat, my friend and I ran like hell. (He says he�
went back later and sprayed a pink triangle on the hood of their�
truck.) Do you know any good local homocore bands that would like�
to be on a comp put out by me \& Run Like Hell Productions? If�
so, please just have 'em send a demo and some band info. Each�
band will get a free tape. I'll be reviewing the demos and your�
'zine and my 'zine ``Run like Hell'' When it's finished. I'll�
send you a copy of it if you're interested. Take care and Thanks, 

Mike p.o.box 45 / Penfield, NY / 14526

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{\it Tom thinks that it might be a good idea to send letters that�
aren't very TIMELY if you know what I mean. Take the above letter�
for example, It's from Mat and it's August now. By the time you�
read this it may be OCTOBER. {\rm [nope -- it's December\dots --�
tj]} Ha. The staff here goes around in circles and the mainstay�
Tom's head just swirls around with it and pretty soon it's�
already august. can you believe it? Can you understand it? Now's�
the time to do that community service for all those parking�
violations you've piled up. Right here at HOMOCORE HQ. inc. (I�
don't think you can really do that but I thought it sounded kinda�
funny) Anyways, If you happen to be a ``Homocore'' type band. I�
would drop a letter to the above mentioned ``Mike'' and see�
what's happening with ``Run like hell productions'' --donna}

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Dearest Homocore, 

My stuffed bunny Pogo Stick and I want to be famous, so please�
print our picture. Sorry I'm not naked. (at least Pogo is.)

Pogo's a punk; I'm a Mohikan elf. He likes hardcore, and I like�
gothic. Homocore readers can write us at 

9347 Kingsboro ct / Indpls, IN / 46236. 

We wrote you earlier this month but, that was before we got this�
picture back. Love, Christine

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I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I'll be saying something you,�
some of which I said to JD's just recently, seconds ago, maybe�
not yet, depends if they get my letter soon. I typed for them,�
was more coherent for them! NOT FOR YOU!! NOT FOR YOU!

You guys, and others, are building a vibrant parade of hope/�
love/ touching, in my mind if not yours. I hear music, laughing. �
But me still here. I will not ask for b.h;tejy05ji forget it. let�
me smolder in peace! I am a mad man now but lack poetic urge to�
be colorful. Or am just confused, tired\dots no, will not say�
lonely\dots I have bootstraps, Yes? "Up and at 'em boy!!!

But still, all I ask for is a kick in the ass\dots ..

Between work, sleep, chores, family, stagnant social habits,�
things stay the same and I stay here, still\dots alone. Why? Got�
to move, Staying still. No medals please, feelings for the�
pathetic. I have no crutches, do I? Am I not self-sufficient�
enough? Still\dots I Hate you, FUCK YOU! I hear a parade or�
something, coming and going\dots by. FUCK YOU!

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Hey guy's I've got a problem, I was wondering if I could get some�
advice from you guys. Ok, there is this dude I really like but�
he's the type that refuses to believe that he can love another�
man, he's been this way for 10 years (gay that is) yet he always�
seems to manage on calling home to see if I made it home ok. �
Things on that nature. I'm not sure what to do I've never run a�
situation like this H-E-L-P!!! 

Shawn / 7 Gardenview dr / St. Peters, MO / 63376

{\it Give him a fucken kiss or grab his dick. No sense that�
silliness going on any longer\dots -- tj}


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Dear Tom, I was quite impressed with your latest Homocore. \#5�
was the first issue i've ever seen and I'll have to order some�
back issues when I get some U.S. bucks. Even though I'm not gay,�
I dug the zine a lot. `course, I'm not really that straight�
either. I find both males and females attractive, as long as�
they're kinda ``punky'' or weird looking. A lot of macho jerks�
think I'm gay because I look strange and have pierced ears (among�
other things!) and it doesn't bother me if a gay guy thinks I'm�
attractive. I must admit, I'm curious. It's just that I haven't�
tried it with a guy yet. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. the fact�
that I have a steady girlfriend might have something to do with�
that, although she's been in the UK for 2 months now and I'm not�
sure if our relationship is still a relationship anymore, Ya�
know?

Anyway, I think what you're doing is great. I say ``break down�
sexual barriers.'' who cares who you have sex with? And I think�
you are an alternative to both ``gays'' and ``straights'' who�
feel alienated by ``normal'' gay and straight communities and�
feel closer to the punk/underground scene\dots 

Dr. Weasel / 23 Nelson st. \#3 / Kingston ONT / K7L 3W6

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Dear Friends,

I was introduced to Homocore (\#4) by someone I met at the 
under-21 gay Men's Group when I was visiting Berkeley. After�
returning to New York, I got the issue that was released between�
then and now (\#5) and I looked at previous issues at a friends�
party. Homocore is great, but the letters section is fucking�
beautiful.

I used to stop by the bargain bins at Tower Records in the East�
Village and see what gay music I could pick up for a-buck-or-less�
per record. I found two discs about which your readers should be�
told. 1. A hardcore album, but I don't know which name is the�
record's and which is the performers'. (Bear with me.) Maybe it's�
``Disorder'', by KAFKA PROCESS. Then again, maybe one side is by�
a group called DISORDER and the flip side is by a group called�
KAFKA PROCESS. {\it [There's a band called KAFKA PROCESS on the�
VIVA UMKHONTO benefit comp, 86 or so -- song called `children of�
love', but the lyrics seem to be in Norwegian. Address I have for�
them is Mandalsgattan 1 / 0190 Oslo NORWAY --tj]} If that's true,�
then the title is probably ``One day son all this will be�
yours.'' The most prominent bunch of words on the cover. Anyway,�
``Double Standards'' (on the ``Disorder'' side) goes: ``Make sure�
you're over twenty-one/ if you want it up the bum.''�
``togetherness and Unity'' (Also on the ``Disorder'' side) goes:�
``I get enough bullshit/ from straights and pigs \& cops/�
Ignorance and bigotry/ are things we gotta stop.'' The record was�
released in 1986 by Disorder Records. (Contact -- Revolver�
Distribution, The Old Malt House, Little Ann Street, Bristol 2,�
England.) The sleeve also says `` Contact -- c/o X-Port Plater,�
Mandals Gate 1 -- 0190 -- Oslo 1 -- NORGE.''

2. ``Petals and Ashes (Long Mix),'' a 12" single by Jeremy Kidd�
and released in 1985 by Self-Drive Records (no address given). �
``This is a Self-Drive Record distributed by Red Rhino \& the�
Cartel'' And recorded in Hull, Quebec. I don't know if Jeremy�
Kidd was gay, but ``Petals and Ashes'' is dedicated to anarchist�
Emma Goldman, who had AT LEAST one or two Lesbian relationships.

I'd like to read any information on these two records. If this�
letter gets published, a big, sloppy kiss goes out all lesbians�
and gay men who are even entertaining anarchist, radical or�
socialist ideas. I love you. Oh thanks for the article about the�
Alley Club. I had just returned from visiting Missoula, Montana,�
when I picked up issue \#5. (the AmVets was the only gay bar when�
I was there.)

Adam Mark Kleinkopg, Co-Op City building \#8/ 100-14B Dekruif�
Place/ Bronx, NY / 10475

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Dear Homocore Staff, 

First of all let me thank you for sending me a copy of HOMOCORE�
as a person in the N.Y.S. Prison System it really made a�
difference in my day. Your publication really gets into the�
issues as I consider myself to be a sexual dissident. I do not�
conform to the age of consent laws, yes that makes me a boy lover�
and I readily admit that but with consent only. I see nothing�
wrong with intergenerational sex and I am paying the ultimate�
price for my belief. I also do not regret a single minute spent�
with a boy. To say that there are no gay children would be 
a mis-statement yet our Court system and society seems to feel�
that a 
person under a certain age could not be gay but when they�
reach this magic age of ``legal'' consent, well then he's old�
enough to know. this is just plain immature thinking and for�
other gay people to be caught up in this type of thought should�
be unheard of. We as a gay community so lets not put each other�
down, we will all suck a dick who cares what size it is.

I am looking for pen pals and please feel free to write. It is�
always great to receive a letter from friends. Yours, 

Wayne Hunt. P.O.Box AG-85A8050/ Fallsburg, NY/ 12733

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Dear Tom and HOMOCORE,

I'm just writing to tell you of an amazing experience my dear�
friend Hatied McCloud has just written my about. I'm sure you'll�
find it interesting! Ms. McCloud is originally from Dawson City,�
famous for the goldrush, yet equally infamous for it's large�
lesbian community. Lately though, she's working at Resolute Bay�
(population 200); for those of you unfamiliar with Canadian�
geography: I'm talking about the High Arctic, a mere snowmobile�
trip away from the North Pole. you can imagine how isolated it�
is\dots so I regularly send her news from ``down south'', which�
includes a few xeroxed pages from HOMOCORE, (I hope you don't�
mind\dots it's too expensive to ship the whole damn thing), which�
I consider to be one of the most interesting gay magazines to�
come out in a long time, (with the exception of J.D.'s\dots my�
favorite, but that's only due to Canadian nationalism).

Anyway, the isolation, along with the intense weather and various�
other factors create a very repressive environment. Let's just�
say that Gay Liberation is a totally foreign concept to most�
Northerners. However, to make a long story short, one day Hatie�
was extremely surprised to find a ``French Faggot Ice Fisherman''�
(her quotes) wearing a HOMOCORE anarcho-homo-logo button show up�
on her doorstep! (apparently it's not that hard to get from�
Montreal to Resolute.) Wow! Look how popular and world-famous you�
are? HOMOCORE has reached the farthest reaches of the Far North!�
Hatie promises to send some photos, and I'll be sure to forward�
you guys a few of them\dots they should be very interesting! 

Ronald- Ann \& Vilja Selde / \#3-651 Avalon rd. / Victoria, BC /�
Canada / V8V 1N8

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HI,

I'm really glad that there are others like me. For years I have�
had no one and now, I hope I might. I never went to fag bars�
because people used to make fun of my hair. So then I became�
kinda normal looking and I became a go-go boy, all those perverts�
liked me. But no one young even looked twice at me when I danced.�
All those yuppie fags never tipped. I made my living off old men�
(they were pleading and moping for lost youth - they hoped to buy�
it from me.) But I was never a hustler, I couldn't stand the�
thought of someone paying me to talk to them, someone paying me�
just to hug or kiss them, because inside they were so miserable�
and alone. Sometimes when I go out in public, and people walk�
past me - I expect them to walk up to me and start touching me.�
It's so hard to separate that world and normal reality. I have�
been a go-go dancer off and on for five years. And I always�
wanted to stop. I've always ended up dating yuppies, and fashion�
victims who didn't understand me inside. they always ignored my�
soul, and only looked at how I dressed and how it displeased�
them. So, now I ask\dots is there someone out there who can�
accept me as I have been? A stripper and a vagrant and a runaway.�
I need to know, because I'm getting lost inside myself and I'm�
losing what I believe in. (You can say it's all up to me. and it�
is.) But where can I fit in? Who can I talk to? Must I go back to�
dancing and smiling a false smile for a roomful of people who�
have died inside?

The answer to my search is not found in the faces of the dying,�
or in the faces of the desperate, and the perverse. But in the�
faces and souls of the living, who believe in what they believe�
and never falter.

I am peter, twenty-one, brown hair, brown eyes, 5'6 1/2", 135�
lbs., is there someone, anyone, people who will hold my hand? �
Cause you know I'll be there to hold yours. 

Peter Julion / box -379 Anderson Hill Rd. / purchase Ny /�
10577-1400

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Gadzoox man, I'm absolutely appalled at your answer to Summer�
from Ashby who's being locked in a 4'x 4' locked room for 7 hours�
a day for wearing combat boots to school. Your 
lay-down-and-take-it attitude of ``shit, what a terrible school''�
and ``luckily it (high school) eventually ends'' was a pretty�
lame answer you must admit and a real disservice to someone who�
needs help. The correct answer of course would be to kill the�
people responsible and I'm only half joking because most jail�
cells are bigger than four foot square and at least they let ya�
out for an hour a day for exercise - jeez.

Another ideas is to call up current affair or inside edition and�
get them to do a story, they love this kind of shit or call up�
the local newspaper and get some press, publicity is just what�
summer needs here. Also she should call up the ACLU and see what�
can be done through legal channels. I should think false�
imprisonment and/or child abuse charges would be a good starting�
point. Making noise with publicity is just the ticket here�
because a private school can ill afford bad press since it�
depends on paying customers to keep it's doors open [isn't it�
interesting that Summer says that she got suspended from school�
but still has to go? But of course if they sent her home dear old�
dad might want his money back. So instead, they keep her (and�
their money) and put her in a "learning cell" - sheesh]

Alas however, later in her letter, but in a different context,�
Summer says ``I'm lucky my parents are so great'' \dots well\dots�
I \dots uh\dots hmmm\dots perhaps she might want to rethink that�
stance and begin to solve her problem at home. I realize of�
course, that except for parental unity that all this is quite�
moot since I'm writing this in June and school is most probably�
over however the point remains the same to Summer or anybody else�
in a jam-don't let the bastards win without a good fight. So I�
wish nothing but love, luck, and success to Summer and hope she�
comes out a winner.

Also a swift kick in the nuts and a lobotomy to that jerk from�
Japan that somehow justifies sex with children by using police�
statistics. Shit, since when are the cops experts on child abuse? �
or anything else for that matter. I don't really care to get into�
it, so I'll just say I only hope the asshole gets run over by a�
bullet train.

In a lighter vein since so many people are interested in T-shirts�
and yer no artist, why not have readers send in their logo ideas,�
print up the best ones in a future issue and have everyone vote�
on one then you'll have one. Anyway, good zine and I'll be�
looking forward to the next one. 

mr/s opinion / Olympia, Wash.

{\it What the fuck -- what was I supposed to do? I don't even�
have her address -- I printed everything I got. I'm only a zine�
editor, no special magical powers here. Why don't you try to help�
her, instead of complaining to me? -- tj}

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Dear Tom -

I've enclosed a copy of a magazine I came across awhile ago. I�
wrote to the P.O. box to see if there were any other issues, and�
got an XNTRIX catalog which has Poison Girls records and tapes�
listed for sale, as well as copies of ``The Impossible Dream''. �
This one enclosed (no. 3) is definitely the best- thought you�
might enjoy seeing it. Also available is a T-shirt with the�
``Desires, Not Jobs'' centerfold printed on it.

A thought of something that might be included in a future�
Homocore- something about safe sex guidelines. I've recently read�
(as perhaps you have) that AIDS is affecting adolescents to a�
rather alarming degree- perhaps because people think that if they�
stay in their own age group there's no danger, ignorance of safe�
sex, etc. Safe sex, like all sex, is hot and great. Live and love�
\& love. I tried putting something together but it wasn't�
``happening'', I'm trying to find something in print that isn't�
too square and clinical that would be appropriate for�
appropriation. 

Bye now- love, Rick Robertson/496 LaGuardia Pl./No. 270/NYC NY�
10012

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Dear Homocore, 

Hi. I was just given an ish of yours and enjoyed it immensely. It�
truly is my cup of sweat. I'm a gay skinhead. I've been shaving�
my dome since I was 20. I'm now 34. I remember when the ``punk''�
scene (in the late 70's) was fresh, vital, raw, real, and robust,�
but now it's all too mechanical, paint-by-number and trendy. My�
shaved head is an acquired taste in Chicago's gay community, but�
a friend of mine and I find the gay scene in this town to be all�
too snooty, catty, and cliquish. I put a personal in the Chicago�
Reader a few months ago and no one replied. I was hurt, but�
realize that a shaved head may have select appeal. My address is�
at the conclusion of this note,and if there are any gay skinheads�
in the Chicago or nearby Indiana area, please write. I am�
monogamy oriented, and always have been, and always will be. Even�
if You're not scalped, and you're in your 20's, smooth and with�
no beard or mustache, please write. I compiled a list of films�
where actors had their heads shaved. I did NOT include a film if�
the actor wore a skullcap, or was by nature bald. Feel free to�
print it. Thank you. 

CY / PO Box 1036 / Homewood IL 60430

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Dear Homocore, I am a seventeen year old gay punk. Life in�
Missoula sux. Thank god for Homocore. The scene here is really�
lame. However, there is one gay hardcore band here called ``Into�
The March''. They are my only friends. Everyone at my school�
gives me shit because of my sexual preference. I am planning on�
moving to the Bay area when I graduate and go to art school. What�
is the scene like there? Please send me your most recent issue of�
Homocore. I want to correspond with other gay punks. Skate to�
die! 

Steve Ackert / 1219 S Higgens av / Missoula MT 59801 / ph(406)�
543-8117

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Dear Tom, 

I finally got a copy of Homocore, \#5 (I sent bucks for two�
issues in a row and messed with your system). It was great to see�
my story excerpt! Last night I read about you in Poetry Flash. At�
2 am found out Allen Ginsberg called you a ``weird looking genius�
kid''. ``Wowee Zowie,'' I thought, ``I gotta get that thank you�
note off to my good pal the genius kid, Tom.'' Are you sick of�
getting teased about it yet? I sent my novel off to the�
Alyson/Different Light contest like you suggested \& didn't make�
the finals altho my writing buddy \& friend Barbara Ruth did. �
Seems to be a consensus that this draft needs yet another�
rewrite. Oh, well. It's getting better, that much is clear. One�
big bit of feedback I'm getting- kids can't be this together \&�
responsible, this sexually experienced, this anti-racist, 
non-sexist and non-homophobic. Some of that is true \& some is�
not. I've started talking to folks more about it but there's�
complicated parts to unravel. I wrote out of an initial complete�
enthusiasm for punk

{\it[oops -- the typist stopped here, tired after typing a�
zillion letters. That's OK but -- it went in the trash with all�
the ``ALREADY TYPED'' letters. Oh well! -- tj]}

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Homocore Dears,

Boyz, Gurlz, Hi from Boston! Just received my 1st issue. Yeah,�
like some light has been shone on this gay Kid finally! There is�
alot of people in the closet who are skins, punks, deadheads,�
metal kidz and so on. Ya know, i knew i was gay way back when i�
saw Aerosmith's picture on ``Get You Wings''. Looks like Steve�
Taylor was inviting us all to his pecker! Lord of the Thighs! �
Anyhow, i love your rag and i'm sending more money to help you�
dudes and dudettes. Also found a local ad near me, hope it works!�
Yes, a guy! Kisses to all lesbian girls and gay boys everywhere.�
luv ya's, 

Dave Macmillan 65 Conwell Ave. 2, Somerville, MA 02144

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Hey,

It's me, Kendon. I guess I was pretty fired up when I wrote that�
last letter. I was talking to Tom some months after I wrote it�
and thought of pulling it out, but I read it again and decided to�
leave it. If I spilled my guts all over you, I still won't�
apologize; some of you need it. Since I wrote the letter, I had�
moved to San Francisco and Back. I learned a thing or two and�
gained a new respect for sex workers, but I still say take�
warning of the mentalities that can victimize pornography (pro or�
con). There are great powers in this world of wickedness and�
morals. (Why do you think they have bouncers at the Lusty Lady?)

I've seen the desperation in the eyes of people who wonder about�
the fate of the world and it's not scary standing form the�
observant view. I could give them an ``I have a dream speech'',�
or tell them that we are all doomed. I'm torn between the two. �
Surely, someone's gotta understand that! Sometimes I wish I could�
hurry up the major disasters that await us rather than wait and�
watch the suffering. Some say, ``then Don't watch it.'' It�
doesn't go away. We all are responsible for a lot. Some want to�
peacefully demonstrate, but that is so naive to think that you�
can stop hatred, violence \& greed by getting your head kicked in�
by a cop (stormtrooper) and carted off to jail, only to pay bail,�
which contributes to the system of unjust suffrage. I strayed a�
bit, so for now back to the reason I wrote this letter

To answer the question asked by the gal/guy who signed�
him/herself ``i''. I answer the question ``what do I think the�
purpose of Human Life is?'' with ``To co-exist with other life�
forms and prosper,'' but I won't. To tell you the truth, I don't�
know. I could bring in my spiritual beliefs, and you and God�
knows who else would dismiss me as a religious nut. If love and�
compassion for all living things is nutty, then I wish that all�
could be as nutty as I am and then I probably would not get�
stepped on for being a ``niceguy''. Instead I am, which in turn�
makes me very bitter and militant. So far all that I could muster�
up is that maybe we were meant to condemn everything we see. One�
day we'll condemn too much of everything and we will have to pay.

Animal Liberation is just a shred of what we must endure. We have�
to liberate each other. ALF can destroy labs and snicker about�
it, but they are enemies of the American Way and once they take a�
look at what's behind the American Way, the self satisfaction�
factor will shatter. I am tired of doing things to satisfy�
myself. I love myself very much for at least trying to do this�
through another source. Information. There is so much people�
don't know about themselves, The Tax Paying Citizen. And there is�
a weak spot in the conditioning of Americana, or western thinking�
(no, not eastern thinking either, there's a weak point in that as�
well.) I know about the robotic 9 to 5ers and those are the eggs�
that have fried daily. How can you think when your job and taxes�
and God knows what else has it's thumb on you? You can't breathe�
at all. I understand that. I hope you understand that I don't�
want that. I want real freedom and real responsibilities, not the�
``taxes done before Feb 21st'' or ``don't forget to vote.'' One�
day we will be without Animal Experimentation or the Seduction of�
the Government Walls. They conned us into believing we needed�
them, but the reason we need them in the first place was (well I�
can't blame it on the Government entirely) our fore fathers greed�
which lead to our own greed. We could also watch the world die�
because of our greed. I have nothing against the people in the�
movements, but I have something against the glory seeking ,�
corrupt, know-it-alls who really only know what's going to raise�
their status and/or line their pockets.

I'm to lazy to proofread, so I'll put my guts in an envelope and�
we'll see how far it gets.

Kendon Smith

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Dear Tom, 

I've been pondering the question of writing or not. I guess it's�
pretty obvious what I've chosen to do. I didn't want to write in�
fear of someone spotting my name, but finally I said fuck it who�
cares none of my friends read the zine cuzz they are all�
straight, except one count that one friend who is gay. I'll start�
by telling you about myself. About 3 months ago I finally told my�
friend (the one who is gay) about me being attracted to girls.�
I've always been attracted to them, I guess I wanted to deny it�
and kept saying it was wrong and not normal, but I realize it is�
true. I haven't told anyone else except a girl who I wrote to�
through this zine (thanx Trish). It's been pretty tough for me�
just getting to this point, but I know I have a long way to go.�
This zine has helped a little, but I need something more. I get�
real depressed when I think about past experiences w/guys and my�
childhood experiences w/girls. Now I feel it has something to do�
with the way I feel now. I guess I'm basically in the closet of�
confusion (Ha). I'm not even willing to classify myself yet.�
There is no one I can relate to or talk to with them�
understanding me. I'm really afraid to tell my straight friends�
my feelings cuzz of rejection. I have a very small social life, I�
mean small, a club once a month, not even that, concerts hardly�
ever. When I do go out it's with straight friends so I pretend I�
am too. It's really bringing me down when I always cover up my�
true feelings, there isn't much else I can do. I know of a gay \&�
lesbian support group but I have no automobile and no other way I�
can get there without the third degree. So zines are my only�
outlook. Well I guess this is it, sorry about the length, I had�
to tell someone. Also for those of you who read this and know�
what I'm going through or been through it, please I beg of you to�
write. Thanx.

Heidi Steele / 3331 Gall Blvd / Zephyrhills FL 33541

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Dear Tom,

Hi! I saw your name and address in a ``Factsheet Five'', and�
thought I'd write and explain my circumstances.

To begin with I have read your ``Homocore'' publication before�
that another inmate had received, but has since moved.

My name is John Methfessel, I'm a young gay white male, 25, have�
brown hair, blue eyes, 5'6", and a good build.

I am writing because I would very much like to receive your�
publication, but you should know that although you only ask for�
\$1.00 for ``Homocore'', I just can't afford to send it without�
going without some basic things like toothpaste or shampoo.

You see Tom, I'm serving 2 years for passing bad money orders�
here in Missouri, and don't know anyone because I'm from�
Wisconsin. The dept. of corrections here in Missouri only gives�
\$3.00 dollars a month to prisoners, and with that I must buy my�
tooth paste, shampoo and other basic things.

It's very hard to be a gay young person in prison. So if you can�
find some love for me in your heart. Please let me receive your�
publication and know that I'm not alone. Take care tom! Sincerely�
Your Friend always.

John Methfessel

P.S. I get released in 14 months and plan on moving out west�
(CAL). Where's the best place to live (i.e. L.A., San Francisco,�
San Diego etc.?) I really would like to know!

John Methfessel / P.C.C. / 2-C / 45755 / Rt. 2 Box 2222 / Mineral�
Point MO 63660

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this is a poor quality B/W photocopy of a color collage, i think�
that it loses something in the translation. anyway here is a�
couple bucks, for issue \#7 and i still would like a copy of�
issue \#5 if it is around. thank you.

by the way, i am still looking to contact anyone in the cleve.�
area, let's organize something.

i have been thinking about the acceptance of stereotypical gays�
in an otherwise homophobic society. the only reason that i see�
for this is the fact that the media-fed public feels safe with�
media-typical persons and ideas. i also wonder if this is the�
cause of the indifference expressed when confronted by the drug�
``problem'' in a lot of poor, and mainly black, neighborhoods? it�
would seem to fit. it seems that most of the fagbashings are�
against individuals on the fringe (i.e. not stereotypical) of the�
homosexual society. this may be because they do not fit into the�
``media-fag'' role and are threatening to societies TV corrupted�
brain (dare i use the word mind?)

Back in my highschool days (ended prematurely), i was a 
gender-blurred punk, and i received a lot of bullshit from my�
fellow students, whereas the decidedly gay, preppie, disco-bunny�
of the school got no harassment at all. more power to him. it all�
boils down to fitting into the preconceived, media-made 
(TV-news-papers-mags) characters. my advice is throw away your�
TVs and start being what you are meant to be -- whatever that may�
be. of course my advice is not useful to everyone, i am living in�
an oppression-free atmosphere with a cool job and relatively�
accepting family and friends, so it has probably been less�
painful (?) for me to be who i am.

don't accept our society as the norm\dots it isn't, it is a front�
built up by straight-uptight-white-males. find space and make it�
yours, step outside the boundaries that they have so conveniently�
set up for you. hold me back!!! i'm on a rampage!!! everything is�
so interconnected that i could go on like this for pages. maybe�
this could be printed as a serial. politics, philosophy, diet,�
buying-power, forced consumerism, ecology vs. big business. do we�
all knows this and are we all just acting accordingly, or are�
there people who would like to know more? let me know. write a�
response to Homocore or a letter to me. ok, i'm done. write. ok.�
ok.

scott simmerly / 11119 lake ave. \#102 / cleveland OH 44102

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Dear Tom and Homocore readers,

Just thought I'd finally write to provide some input (being a�
loyal reader since issue \#3) and to balance the scales regarding�
the ``women's input, lack of'' issue that's surfaced recently. I�
have stuff to discuss but first I'd just like to comment on/reply�
to, some other letters:

Summer: The ACLU puts out a series of legal handbooks, two being�
THE RIGHTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE by Martin Guggenheim and Alex Sussman,�
and THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS (I don't know the author). Other books�
in this series are targeted to women, gay people, etc. You should�
be able to find these either in a public library or you can order�
them from a bookstore. Inform yourself as to what your ``school''�
is legally able to do for you. Unfortunately, because your school�
is private they probably have the right to discipline you however�
they want as long as they don't physically abuse you. Good luck�
to you. Your experiences are typical of one who educators try to�
squash every remnant of individuality out of.

Dan: I agree with you about the conditioning, 
or self-conditioning you experience when you can't live openly�
gay; not necessarily out of repression but because you have no�
opportunity to express it. My solution is just to keep myself�
educated regarding political and social aspects of gay/lesbian�
issues, then, it becomes much more than just sexuality. But no�
matter how aware one is it is frustrating having no one to talk�
to.

So now, of course, comes the me part- I'm lesbian, black female,�
early twenties. Okay? I've always been a freak and outcast and�
I'm proud of it. The way I see it, being an outsider is probably�
one of the more direct ways of learning to think for yourself and�
forming your own opinions. Shaping myself instead of being shaped�
has made it difficult for anyone to categorize me, which is just�
as much a disadvantage when it comes to having a group of people�
to fall in with who you feel completely comfortable with.

For example, most of my gay friends are male. I don't have many�
women friends because in going out (to the ``wonderful'' bars)�
they can tend to be extremely cliquish, either in pairs or�
groups, and I don't intend to force myself on anyone. My straight�
acquaintances don't have any suspicion I'm gay- it's not that I'm�
not willing to tell but it just isn't an issue- I sincerely�
believe it's not any of their business unless I suspect they'll�
be sympathetic and further, it usually isn't relevant if you're�
intentionally holding back on all aspects of friendship, keeping�
it on a superficial level just in case they find out and reject�
you.

Next, the people who know I'm gay think I'm bi because I admire�
men. But I admire gay men, for God's sake! And just because they�
tie in admiration of the physical with sexual desire doesn't mean�
I do. I find nothing wrong with being a lesbian who on an�
objective basis can admire a guy's appearance. To complicate this�
issue, these objects of desire are usually effeminate and�
slightly built. So what does that mean? That I don't want or can�
handle a ``real man'' but can consider an ``imitation'', as some�
narrow-minded individuals might suggest?

To get really genderfucky, consider being- consider 
ima\-gin\-ing- consider fantasizing: - being lovers with a�
crossdresser of the opposite sex - being with a transvestite to�
your sex {\it [do you mean transsexual? --Becca]} (woman with�
male to female trans., man with female to male trans.) - if you�
believe in lesbian roleplaying, being able to be butch or femme�
at whim - being a gay woman who sometimes feels like a gay man,�
or a gay man who sometimes feels like a woman. Lastly, imagine�
yourself with your sexualities intact as a member of the opposite�
sex. Would you be gay, straight, bi, asexual? Or with a�
preference yet celibate?

Anyway, back to the outcast mode, I've always been ostracized for�
being too smart, too silent, too ugly (not true people), not�
feminine enough, etc, etc. As a black person I have to feel�
afraid to come out within my community because of all the�
stereotypes blacks have about gays. Even though I'd disprove many�
I'd be setting myself up for enormous amounts of abuse,�
especially from men who in my neighborhood think any woman is�
public property. Back in school I was hated for getting good�
grades, and probably cause every male could tell I was a latent�
dyke even before I knew. And because I mainly identify myself�
through what music I listen to, so-called "white" music, that was�
yet another division. Even the white kids I was in classes with�
didn't listen to the fringe music I did.

I could go on and on about divisions and definitions and�
everything else. My rule is to label yourself; if you have to,�
but don't restrict yourself or limit yourself to those labels. �
Especially if someone else has placed that label on you.

I'd be interested in entering a dialogue or just being penpals�
with anyone, male or female (especially), I don't mind how you�
define yourself, what stage you are at in coming out, and all�
that. I'd really like to hear from MA, CT, NY (NYC), CA (SF and�
LA), and Atlanta. I'm not punk per se but I listen to that as�
well as basic alternative, industrial, jazz, house and new beat,�
new age, folk and fringe folk, just about anything. My particular�
interests are photography (not doing, looking), print media�
(magazines), writing, Eastern philosophy and religion, karate and�
general fitness, dancing and all kinds o'shit. I'm very well read�
and have very broad interests so I'm open to learning about and�
discussing areas such as anarchism and politics, whatever, not�
just weighty issues either but just to talk. I'm also trying to�
start writing song lyrics and poetry on a regular basis so any�
feedback and ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone,

Sebastian Elle Marina c/o L. Mitchell / PO Box 31989 / Hartford�
CT 06103

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Dear Homocore,

Last Sunday was the Gay Pride parade which I took part in and�
though it was nice to feel a sense of community with the other�
few hundred thousand people there, now that it's five days later�
I feel somewhat alienated and confused. One of the difficulties I�
have with gay people (myself included but I'm working at getting�
over it) is the importance placed on looks. I've always been�
heavy and the rudeness and discrimination I've felt at the hands�
of my gay brethren hurts a whole lot more than the homo jokes�
make by my straight friends. You'd think that with all of the�
bullshit and oppression that gays have experienced that they'd be�
a little less superficial. Perhaps it's all of the emphasis�
placed on sex.

On the other hand I feel a lot more comfortable with my straight�
rock and roll friends (most of the time) even with the dumb�
jokes. I've told many of my friends about myself and for the last�
few weeks I've been wearing my Homocore button to gigs and I've�
gotten no flak from anyone, though I did have to explain to a few�
people that no, it isn't an Aerosmith button!! Rock and roll is,�
has been and always will be the driving force in my life, more so�
than my sexuality. Reading Homocore has helped me begin to bridge�
the gap between these two seemingly mutually exclusive aspects of�
my life. For this I thank you.

A great book that I think everyone should read is ``Even Cowgirls�
Get The Blues'' by�Q�A�� м�؅'s not specifically a gay story�
but anyone who has ever felt ``queer'' can relate to it because�
it's all about individuality and loving the part of yourself that�
makes you different even when that difference is really painful. �
It's also really funny. I've read it about five times and it's�
helped me through some really rough times.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. Again, thanks for being�
here and for being what you are. I'd love to hear from other gay�
Rock and Rollers wherever you are.

Sincerely, Jeff Shore / 41-06 50 St. Apt. 36 / Woodside, NY 11377

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Homocore:

Please send me \$5 worth of magazines. I have \#5 1/2 (Bad�
Poetry). Send me any back or new that you can. I'm writing this�
in a laundromat in my boring little town so please help! Soon!�
and that's also why I don't have 5 1/2 with me to see who I send�
this to.

Thanks! I have waited for Homocore for a few years and now that�
I'm almost 30 and well, it's the only thing that makes sense to�
me. I know one other guy in this town who likes ``core'' but�
don't talk to him much because his personality shifts when he�
drinks and I don't drink and I don't even know if he's queer and�
I don't even know if he knows, (that's the kind of town it is) I�
was in the Bay Area before I got too close to the scene, and now�
I'm in nowhere-land.

Please don't send me a button because nobody would know what it�
means. I could have pink triangles all over my body and well, it�
just isn't worth the energy to explain it to them.

Jerry Shihinski / 242 S. Poplar St. / Mt. Carmel PA 17851

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Dear Mr. Jennings-

As promised, here is my letter ``suitable for publishing'' if�
you'd like.

First, drugs: What do you get when you cross an intelligent�
youth, drugs, and an oppressive government? Basically, an�
individual who is for all intents and purposes- HARMLESS. I take�
drugs. I like drugs. But, I leave my head clear for enough hours�
to involve myself in the most powerful weapon against oppression;�
namely, information. ``Information is not knowledge; knowledge is�
not wisdom.''- Frank Zappa. Information is a weapon and knowledge�
is power. You take drugs on your days off. Otherwise, you take a�
permanent vacation with many daze off.

Second, women: Judy Chicago, major artist behind the creation of�
the DINNER PARTY said it best, ``women are so fucking 
ignorant- and it pisses me off!'' Thank-you, Judy, for your�
wisdom. I firmly believe that the plight of women would be�
greatly eased were they informed, educated, etc. Most women have�
fish bowls for heads with a goldfish or two poking about inside.�
Many of them like being like that because it feels comfortable to�
behave stupidly. I do not dislike women. William S. Burroughs,�
gay writer, does dislike women and is totally open about it. He�
constantly kills them off in his books and has even imagined�
procreation without the need for women. In THE JOB, he is asked�
about this in an interview. Trust me, he'd prefer they all be�
eliminated.

Insofar as women writing into Homocore: Mr. Jennings, why don't�
you try a less patriarchal approach? The sunglasses and stern�
expression have got to go. As is, you look like an expressionless�
redneck inviting lesbians in for a condescension beach party. If�
I were a lesbian, I wouldn't write to a guy like that. You look�
too scary. Why don't I come up there and tickle you? Maybe I�
could get you to eek- SMILE- act girlish, anything but the�
policeman look! I'm not trying to put you down. I think you're�
doing something very important. Just remember- as a fag it is�
your duty to outdo the straights by opening your heart to the�
world around you. Try it. I think you'll like the results.

Third, AIDS: I hate AIDS! But that doesn't mean that sex can't be�
fun. I believe that the more love in your fucking (with the help�
of a rubber, surgical gloves for fisting, and grape flavored�
latex for rimming or eating twat), the less likely you are to get�
AIDS and die. Have fun and spread love, not disease! Sleaziness�
is fun- but not death-sex! Yuck!

Fourth, music: There are many purposes for music and art. The�
most important are to use these to woo men (or women, if you're a�
woman). Music changes sex from a functional to a spiritual action�
shared between souls to heal and elevate. Simple orgasm is dull,�
making love all day is cool.

Another important function of music is to make you think. In�
seduction, your genitals are made to think. They swell up with�
blood, preparing for a conversation with another person's body. �
In political art, you get to question your identity, socially and�
spiritually. This is where you hope that your musicians aren't�
alcoholics or ignoramuses. If they take drugs all the time,�
listen to them on your daze off. If they have something to say�
and they entertain you, thrive on this (well, I don't need to�
tell you to because you will anyway). If they have something to�
say but put you to sleep, throw the music out. This isn't art. �
It's academic bullshit.

In conclusion, I think that the underground scene is important,�
is abundant with life and creativity, and has possibilities for�
advancing this world to a higher level of consciousness. But�
don't be fooled. The very governments we live under prefer us on�
drugs because it anesthetizes our want or ability for change. �
Watch out. Also, education is made so unpleasant that we often�
are borderline literate (not so much on reading and writing, but�
on knowledge and information). Remember- you don't have to be a�
student to make use of the University libraries. Skip the classes�
if you choose, but read the books! And don't steal them. The�
government would like for you to steal good books and lose them.�
That way the next guy will be IGNORANT. It's a sneaky form of�
book-burning. And do you as a person in the underground, want to�
help the government spread ignorance and therefore control? No.�
Use the fucking xerox machine.

These comments are general. I'm not intending to accuse anybody. �
But I know that there are people out there who need to hear this.

Tom, good luck with Homocore. I think that you're doing a great�
job. Just remember that the government never tells us it loves�
us- because it doesn't. And to tell people that you love them�
will do more to crush oppression than any stern expression ever�
would. With much love -

Daniel A. Ryan / 4301 E. 29th St. \#515 / Tucson AZ 85711-6369

{\it Addendum to Daniel Ryan's piece of shit --

You don't dislike women? Could have fooled me with your bullshit�
misogynist fishbowl analogy. And what is this DIE OF AIDS crap in�
your zine? I don't know, I don't even feel like yelling at you --�
your thoughts on women don't affect my life. Unfortunately what�
males think and feel about women DO affect women's lives and your�
attitude is just another affirmation that my theory ``CASTRATION�
IS THE ANSWER'' is the only way. --~becc\circleA}

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Dear Homocore Crew, 

Thanks for sending issues \#4 and \#6. I'm impressed to say the�
least! I never realized how many homopunks were out there. Where�
I live, there aren't any. I've been into punk/hardcore for�
several years now, and most of my friends consider me an oddity,�
or worse, that I'll grow out of my ``homo-ness''. Sorry, folks,�
but I don't think that will happen anytime soon.

Hope to see more from that right on dude, Lawrence Livermore. I�
showed ``Fag Bashing 66'' to some of my straight friends, and I�
think it opened up some eyes and made them rethink their�
attitudes about sexuality. 

Still, we have a long way to go. For instance, my friends and I�
recently went to see the movie ``Pump up the Volume''. For those�
of you who haven't seen it, it concerns a loner guy who runs a�
pirate radio program and talks to kids with problems. In one�
scene, he talks to a kid who is considering suicide because he is�
a homosexual. During the movie, whenever some kid discussed his�
problems, the audience seemed genuinely concerned. However, when�
the homo kid talked about his desperation and guilt, the audience�
began to scream ``faggot'' and ``get AIDS and die''. When he�
finally killed himself, some people in the theater laughed. I was�
horrified. I will never understand how people can be so fucking�
closeminded. After the movie, my friends and I discussed peoples'�
reaction to the above mentioned scene. They were puzzled as to�
why I was so concerned about it. I responded ``For you, it's a�
scene in a film. For some of us, it's life.'' Anyway, thanks for�
letting me ramble on. I needed to let out some frustration.�
Anyone out there who'd care to drop me a line (discreet please, I�
still live at home), write to:

Mike / 3099 Prior Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio / 44223 

A great big sloppy kiss to all at Homocore! 

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Dear Homocore, 

I was brought up by bigoted, homophobic parents in St. Paul, MN�
on the East Side. I heard, told and enjoyed racist jokes and the�
like until about a year ago. I didn't mind being called a�
``chick'' and felt that I was born only to ``serve a man''. My�
best friend enlightened me greatly and frankly, I'm ashamed at�
the kind of person I was. I look back at myself and wish I could�
kick myself! ICK!!! I was horrible!!! 

I can now describe myself as being anti-racist, non-homophobic,�
feminist, anarchist!!! I went to the Gay Pride March in�
Minneapolis and marched in the 90' sun for something that I can�
REALLY believe in! I gladly laid down in the middle of Lyndale�
and Hennipin avenues and symbolically died for aids (I refuse to�
give it capital letters!) 

If you can please print this, I'd be very appreciative! I'm also�
hoping my friend sees this and turns red when she sees in print�
how much I'd like to thank her for spending alot of time and�
doing alot of explaining to me to make me a better person! Thanks�
Gypsy!!! 

Also, I would like to become more active in marches and such. I�
don't really know how to find out about these things. If anyone�
in my area can help, please drop me a line at the following�
address: 461 W. Maryland \#107, St. Paul, MN 55117. Also, is�
there a zine like this more devoted to the lesbian/bi crowd? I'm�
straight, I think, and would like to do stuff for the womyn in my�
community. 

Thanks for letting me share my story, I hope to enlighten others�
as my friend has done for me!!! 

--Stiletto

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Dear Sir or Madam or Other as the case may be: I'm anxious to try�
your underground gay magazine. If it's free, thank you very much.�
If it costs please let me know how much or if I've enclosed the�
wrong amount. Please send it to me in a purple and yellow striped�
envelope with naked men on the outside so everyone will know I'm�
getting something special. (I hope the mailmen doesn't keep it�
for himself.) If you're out of purple and yellow envelopes send�
it whatever way is convenient. 

Thank you very much, 

Johnny Gallo / 1021 Pacific St. / Santa Monica CA 90405

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Hi there! 

Here's Mike from Monterey, in the Mex-northern. I hope all are�
very well in San Pancho. I write you this boring letter 'cos I'm�
interested in HOMOCORE zine which I enclosed the sufficient bucks�
(I guess\dots ) for the current issue of these zine. You know,�
I'm the editor of a shit zine called MEXI-CORE and I want a�
review in the next issue (\#3) of their zine. Here in Monterrey�
there are a big-small punk-HC scene w/bands like ABUSO (abuse),�
CABEZAS PODRIDAS (rotten heads), DISOLUTION SOCIAL (social�
dissolution), DERECHOS HUMANOS (human rights), REAL ANIMAL\dots �
recent acts have been dividing the northern scene by idiots from�
Salillo and S.L.P. (cities) but the Mexican scene continues�
growing up. Is Mexico City the city with the most of bands, gigs,�
collectives, acts, people, zines, punk festivals\dots In Tijuana�
SOLUCION MORTAL begins again (they started up in 1987), but they�
aren't a punk band musically (just stay the ideal, image and�
philosophy and a ``name'') they're a crossover band now. In�
Mexico City there are lot's of bands enlisted some of them:�
MASSACRE '86 (iden), XENOFOBIA (xenophobia), CADAVERES (corpses),�
ATOXXXICO (iden), REMANENTE (remainder), HEREJIA (heresy), RABIA�
(rage), M.E.L.I.-MUETE EN LA INDUSTRIA (death in the industry)�
and much more. Well, I think is all now. Bye. 

Curriculum Mortis / Alvaro / Escenas Belga, Griega Y Polaca / 
G-3 / Arnes Plasthjarna / Vortex / D.I.Y.

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Tom J, and Homocore readers/folks- 

Hay, my name is George, I'm 16, and I'm from icky suburban�
Detroit. I got a copy of your zine from Lawrence at LOOKOUT!�
INC.- which I really enjoyed reading. I'm a straight male (don't�
hate me yet!) but I really loved the articles; all and all, You�
are a very informative ``good read''. I'm writing because I'm�
unhappy with my lifestyle. My parents (stepdad, at least) are�
very strict, although I make it to the occasional good show�
Detroit has to offer, But at my age/situation it's hard to get�
meet/know good people, or find anything to do. I did however�
recently get a fake I.D.- I'll be 21 in nov.-YAH!) in issue 5, I�
read about the Alley club, and saw the comic ``MARY DON'T SLAM''�
it got me thinking how great it would be to have such great�
places/ situations/ people, and got depressed with my mediocre�
suburban punk-teen lifestyle. Friend and scene wise, I'm rather�
lonely. I have ``friends'' I can spend time with, even a�
girlfriend, but none of my friends are too free-thinking, or�
really into the scene, or mostly normal-folk in punk's clothing. 

There's so much sex I'd like to explore-well, I've tried most�
everything possible, straight, and my girlfriend and I have�
AMAZING sex (beginners (almost) luck?- who knows) it's just that�
without viewing girls as objects, i'd like to explore more (safe)�
sex, uninhibited, just with different partners. I'm not straight�
because I'm scared. At this point in my life, males aren't very�
appealing at all- (sometimes, even as friends.) For years I've�
almost wished I could be a girl- it seems in high school girls�
aren't beat up as often for being sensitive or ``sissies''. It�
also seems girls have an easier time finding more partners easily�
to have all the sex the want. (Maybe I'm wrong.) But' as a guy,�
I'll probably never be raped, and at least less often harassed by�
the opposite sex, sooo my big ``thing'' is, though, girls can be�
(..gulp.) LESBIANS. Aw wow, is female on female sex fascinating�
to me. I don't try to view lesbians (or any females) as objects,�
and treat EVERY human with respect, so I don't think I'm a pig,�
but maybe. I don't know any lesbians, though. It's just as�
natural to me to be incredibly turned on by lesbians as it is for�
many of all of you to be gay/straight or whatever your sexual�
orientation is. The thing is, if I was to put a classified in�
your respectable little 'zine that I was a guy, straight, and was�
very interested in corresponding with/meeting lesbians, what kind�
of reaction would I get? Is that offensive? (as a straight person�
I'm not sure) is that sexist? I'm far from politically correct�
and still very unsure of what philosophy to subscribe to. Do many�
guys share these urges? Lesbians, how do YOU feel about my�
desires, am I offensive? It's my ultimate sexual goal in life to�
finally find two gals to help me explore this silly (I guess)�
lust o' mine, but it'll probably just remain a fantasy, I guess. �
Oh, well, guess I'll remain horny and curious.

One question: In my lttle redneck suburb, the only readily�
available ``drugs'' are alcohol and weed. well unless you count�
airplane glue, magic markers, or nitrous oxide. I haven't found�
any lsd in ages. If it's possible could somebody help me get�
hooked up, via mail? Is it possible to do so with small�
quantities, undetected? I guess honesty is all I can offer, but I�
promise to pay reasonably for at least 2 hits. 

Well, anybody - straight/gay/ m or f/ any race, age hairy, bald,�
whatever, write!

If you choose to write, please, put nothing revealing on the�
envelope (oppressive environment - dad sometimes gets the mail�
before I do.) But please fill my mailbox with sex, joy,�
friendship, guidance, and love. Tom j. and all you homocore�
fellas/gals what you're doing is really appreciated!

george / 2459 Cora / Wyandotte MI 48192

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Hey- Mr. Jennings-

Long time no write- Anyways, please send me Homocore \#7 if it's�
been made. I know that you spoke of raising the price to \$2. 
If you need more \$\$, let me know.

Oh yeah- some friends of mine think you should try \& smile more�
too. You know, you might look kind o' cute with a big fat grin on�
your face.

I finally read your whole Bad Poetry issue. Guess it was a�
mistake to send you ``Songs for the Butch'' then. Oops. Well,�
take care you illustrious punkster. Love, 

Daniel A. Ryan / 4301 E. 29th st. \#175 / Tucson AZ 85711-6369

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Dear Tom,

Thankx a bunch for Homocore \#6 and the Homocore Bad Poetry \#5�
1/2. I love them. Homocore is one of the first ``alternative'' or �
``underground'' publications (whatever they're called) that I've�
ever seen and although I'm not a ``punk rocker'' type of guy, I�
am a 26 year old homosexual and I can relate to many instances�
described in many of the reader/writers letters. I see the parole�
board next week and hope to be out soon, so I am glad, even�
overjoyed in finding out about Homocore when I did. You know - in�
my area, you just hear about ANYTHING out of the NORM! Hey - for�
all the readers of Homocore\dots in \# there is so much GREAT�
TALK of issue \#5, but your flyer says ``SOLD OUT'' - so if a�
reader has one to get rid of, I'd really appreciate it if they�
could send me a copy. It MUST be good! And as you know - I can�
send stamps to pay for it (whoever was to send it to me).�
Remember, I'm in a Michigan Prison. Yo - Ken Grooms (AZ), Jeremy�
(Reading, MA), Dan Schubert (S.F.), Wilum Pugmire (Seattle), and�
everybody else out there\dots HANG IN THERE! BE KOOL! And keep�
your voices of opinion and such in the public. I have learned a�
lot about other people and also myself since learning of so�
publications that print actual everyday peoples voices. If each�
letter of experience printed in Homocore and other publications�
help just one person who reads it, then its all VERY WORTHWHILE!�
I'll close for now. Please don't forget (someone!) to send me an�
issue \#5! Also - I love to write letters. I make my own greeting�
cards too! So - everyone, feel free to write me. 

Jefferey Lebeda \#187278 / 2500 Sheridan Rd. / Muskegon MI 49442

\bar

Hey Comohore!

Please send me \#7 and \#8. Seeing letters from women in \#6 made�
my day! I'll try to submit something soon. I'm BI and FINALLY�
turning 21! Bob Mould plays in Santa Cruz on Nov 14th and that�
will be my first ``legal'' show. I do love your zine and would�
love to see more stuff regarding women - I'll try not to be a�
hypocrite and send something myself. KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON !

Susan Nilsson / 1129 Walk Circle / Santa Cruz CA 95060

P.S. For (lesbo/bi) women looking for alternatives to�
``politically correct'' lesbian separatists shit check out 'ON�
OUR BACKS' - expensive but sometimes worth it especially the punk�
lesbos in the May-June issue. 

\bar

Homo people -

I got up this morning and it was a new day and I had to say�
something out loud. Only I didn't know what it is except it�
vibrates to your rag so that's where I'm sending it so deal with�
it or whatever. Actually I need some outlet and validation. Don't�
have to tell you it isn't the most warm and wriggly world out�
there for us that are Freaks by self-definition or otherwise.�
But, your mag is opening a space\dots WHO LOVES WHO? HOW DO YOU�
DECIDE?? OR DO YOU? (imagine a picture of two people kissing that�
we couldn't print on both sides of the words) P.S. Here's \$1 for�
\#6, don't print my address if you run the letter - I'm paranoid�
of the hate out there even in my own backyard. AUGGHH!

Well, I drew a little picture and I feel better even if it isn't�
sans-flaw. You know that thing - ``flawless!'' Is that a straight�
jacket or what? 

Love and the Mother's Sex energy to us all (along with the�
father's, ain't no sexist pig)

\bar

Hi, Homocore:

I got one issue of this zine in Amsterdam and I found it really�
great! I live in Madrid and here you are not very likely to find�
homocore people. Most gays are elegant-dressed, empty-minded�
stupid guys. Anyway I am trying to join homocore people here for�
making things like a zine, a group of direct action, a music�
band\dots Always as hardcore gays, speaking about ourselves and�
our things. Sure it's not easy in here: we are to few and there's�
too much to do. We are trying, anyways. Last year I lived in�
Basque Country and I met some homocore gays and we made a zine (I�
send you one, Tom. Hope you like it and understand Spanish).

Here, I suppose, things are quite different from Frisco. I tell�
you what I do: I am on squatting, on autonomous anarquism, on gay�
movement, on radikal fights against U.S. army in Nicaragua,�
sexism, and celebration of the ``discovery'' (that is, bloodly�
colonisation) of America by the Spaniards in 1492. There are lots�
of things to fight for, and you'll never take a rest. That's why�
when I read your zine I shouted and danced. ('What have you�
smoked?' My friends asked me). It's very nice to know there are�
people lots of miles away working on the same things you are on.�
We are far from making a zine like 'Homocore' or demonstrations�
as you do in Frisco (not many people here) but I'm sure we'll be�
able to, some day. Let me tell you my labels: I am 23, dark�
haired, sociologist, gay, thin, tripper and core. If any of you�
core gays want to write me telling me things from S.F. or are�
planning a trip to Europe and want to contact me before, here is�
my address: 

Pedro Cremades / Fomento / 21 Madrid / SPAIN

A last favour: if any of you have some of these sold out Homocore�
zines (\#1,\#2,\#3,\#4) please send them to me (or make copies).�
thanks! Well, that's all. Fight and resist! Hasta Pronto. Pedro> 

\bar

Dear Tom and Homocore -

Decided it was time to write a real letter instead of the one-line crap I've sent in the past. First to get the bizness out of�
the way, here's a buck for \#6 and also \$2 for a couple of those�
anarcho-homo buttons if there's any more left.

I wrote a letter more than a month ago and before I could mail it�
I was put in the hospital and then had to move. That letter�
totally disappeared so I'm trying again to get one of.

I had really wanted another copy of \#4, but saw that there�
wasn't any left. I had \#4 about a week and then it was disposed�
of by my ``oppressive environment'' (basically my mom chucked it�
in the trash). If anyone wants to send me a xerox of any or all,�
I'd be very grateful.

Well, anyways, I live about an hour from Los Angeles in a�
suburban hell called Camarillo whose main claim to fame ia a�
state mental hospital located here. I'm not really into�
hardcore/thrash all that much, more gloom/industrial/art type�
stuff. But I've always had a fascination with mohawks, skinheads,�
leather boots, tattoos and such. My first sexual experience was�
with a younger punker dude with a big mohawk and a penchant for�
drugs and pain.

Some groups I listen to: P.I.L., X, Pixies, Replacements, R.H.�
Chile Peppers, Cult, Meat Puppets, Robyn Hitchcock, Tom Waits,�
Violent Femmes, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Caterwaul, Durutti�
Column, Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Christian Death, Shriekback,�
Legendary Pink Dots, Wire, Diamanda Galas, Throwing Muses, Camper�
van Beethoven \dots enough already.

I also like classical and avant-garde things. At the moment I'm�
recovering from several nasty hassles with bouts of depression -�
doctors fuck you over so bad with all their bogus medicine shit�
they don't know what their are doing even. I've been in�
``recovery'' wards 4x so far and doctors only screwed me up worse�
before they brought me down from highs. Then they leave you in a�
pit of depression and say goodbye. 

Well enough dreary shit - stick this letter in \#6 if it isn't�
out yet, other wise \#7's fine. Print my name and address so�
anyone interested can write - Anybody - I'd be glad to get some�
mail in this lonely little town.

Thanks and keep up the great job on Homocore.

Brandon Alexander / 430 Chapala / Camarillo, CA 93010

\bar

Dear friends,

I'm a dyke from Zurich and I've read about your zine several�
times in MRR and Flipside which here in Switzerland are available�
thru the record trade. Anyway, the ads just made me nosy and�
furthermore I've afraid the ``Watchtower'' might be slightly�
below my level. So please send me 1 copy of the latest HOMOCORE�
issue and 1 ANARCHO-HOMO-LOGO button as well, \$5 are inclosed.

Keep on doing whatever you're doing and may God be with your�
grandma's canary. Your ??????

Carmen Hausherr / Jennlerstrasse 11 / 8048 Zurich SWITZERLAND

(Carmen, I hope I got all the words correct, is all Swiss�
handwriting so hard to read. It looks nice, but hard to read)

\bar

Homocore;

I just opened issue six a little while ago, read a bit, and�
decided to finally write in since I've been reading Homocore for�
over a year now. I think that all of you who put together the�
zine and contribute to it in anyway are to be congratulated. I've�
read numerous letters in Homocore with the similar theme of ``I�
thought I was the only one out there''. I felt the same way when�
I first read an issue of Homocore and I still feel like I'm in a�
minority consisting of a handful of people. I'm glad that there�
is this zine to bring a lot of us together, share each others�
thoughts etc. But still where are all the Homopunks in Philly and�
surrounding areas? I know of very few, and the few are great�
friends nonetheless. Anyone feeling the same way can get in touch�
with me easily. I love to get lots of mail, so please write to: 

Bob Paulshock / 1251 Crease St. / Philadelphia, PA 19125

Also looking for three housemates to share expenses with. Cheap�
rent, safe neighborhood, few blocks from pub. transportation too!�
Enclosed is the \$1 for the next issue. Can't wait! Thanks again�
for just being there. That's all for now. BoB.

\bar

Tom,

Thanx a megaton for sending copies of HOMOCORE! I was very�
impressed with their content! Call me unaware, but I was�
surprised at the large amount of homosexual influence in the�
hardcore scene. I guess this may be due to the largely homophobic�
scene I am part of. I myself used ro be very homophobic a couple�
years back, until a couple of my close friends ``cam out of the�
closet'' so to speak. After that I started to evaluate the whole�
sexuality thing, and I came to realize that homosexuality is�
exactly as natural and normal as heterosexuality, differing only�
in the choice of who you are with. The more contact I come into�
with homo and bisexuals, the more respect I have for their�
sexuality. You must be a very strong group of individuals to deal�
with all the predjucide!

A big thanks to you is in order for the articles you sent. Rest�
assured that I will do my best to put them into print and pass�
those that I don't use on to others. Also, my zine, SUPERFICIAL�
REICH, is dead. I now do a zine called FREE THOUGHT, with two�
other guys (not to be confused with the straght-edge fanzine out�
of Maryland). Issue \#1 is not too great (as you can see by the�
copy I sent), but \#2 will be 1000 times better! If anyone�
reading HOMOCORE would like a copy of FREE THOUGHT \#1, you can�
get one for \$1.25 or 75\cents\ plus two 25\cents\ stamps. 

Also, anyone who is involved in any radical gay activist groups�
or anarchist groups get in touch. Front Range Anti-Racist Action�
is very interested in working with gay activist groups�
(anarchists, please directly to my personal PO box only).

Christian / Box 8720 / Ft. Collins CO *)524-8720

Front Range Anti-Racist Action / Box 102 / Greeley CO 80632-0102

\bar

Hi Tom!
Thanx a lot for your reply and zine. I did enjoyed it! Here's my�
new issue to trade for your's, I have also reviewed your zine! I�
do agree with what you say ``fuck sexual conformities\dots etc!''�
{\it[I stole the line from the NLP article a long time ago --�
tj]}  I feel that there is nothing bad a man to make love with�
another man of course, in the case that nobody treats each other�
like the ``shitty gay'' or shit like that. Sex has no borders, I�
have masturbated with the imagination I'm making love with�
another man and didn't feel any kind of guilty!! I still love�
women so nothing has affected me! Please keep on sending your�
next releases. I'll do the same for my zine. Thanx for all again�
and keep in touch!

Panos Tzanetatos - DECAPITATED PRODUCTIONS / Aspasias 55 /�
Helargos I55 6I - Athens GREECE

PS. Please return back my stamps!

\bar

Finally I write.

First of all, thanks for letting me MC the Fugazi show,�
expecially on my own terms. It was a blast (literally). For those�
who dunno, when Val \& Tom asked me to do the show, {\it[the last�
big HOMOCORE show / May 90 / Russian Center -- tj]} I said I�
would if they'd let me harrass the audience -- which I enjoyed�
thoroughly. I'm sure a lot of people left thinking I was a�
complete asshole, just for asking them to THINK about what they�
were doing. It's not that I think everyone should be an�
intellectual or anything -- that would be {\it ridiculuous}. But�
goddamn it, we're getting fucked with so heavility these days by�
The Powers That Be in this Corporate Oligarchy called AMerica,�
and the occasions are few when a large group of us {\it [over�
1000 people at that show!! -- tj]} can feel some common hope that�
we can overcome the shit and live our lives as we see fit. And�
like I say, seems like five years ago so many more of us were in�
a State Of Alert -- so I figgur a little prodding never hurts.�
Leave the cattle prodding to the Real Assholes. There's work to�
be done, like smashing those cattle-prods over their 
sphincter-ruled heads. So I'm a little militant these dats. Big�
Deal. And besides, a lot of people (including the bands) said�
they were really into what I was doing. Glad to hear even a�
whisper of agreement.

So I'm back in Boulder. So many people asked me, ``What are you�
doing in Boulder CO?'' I've asked myself that many times.�
Basically, it's not too bad for a little white-washed 
safe-to-be-liberal new age zen-capitalist deadhead 
yuppie-infested daddy's money college town. The hills are�
gorgeous and peaceful (except for the occasional mountain lion),�
and I'm getting a LOT of work done. Writing some fiction (I'm�
planning to send you a story), a punk screenplay, reading a lot,�
and basically trying to figure out all the problems with western�
civilization {\it[when you get done with that there's dishes in�
the sink --tj]}.


Also I've been infecting Boulder \& Denver with HOMOCORE�
propaganda. Wax Trax in Denver snatched up a small stack of zines�
I brought back from SF. Boulder has a decent little punk culture,�
though it is in the Land of a Thousand Closets. And though I'm�
not into crowbars, I have been approached by a few straight boys�
and scattered alternative fags with some curiosity. There's a�
very strong lesbian community here, but the gay male population�
is quite disparate -- mostly preppies \& yuppie cowboys, who want�
little to do with alternative or truely progressive ideas.�
There's one homogenous \& assimilative gay disco, which mostly�
serves to keep these fellows feeling OK about their yuppiehood.�
AIDS is just starting to hit the area, and as bad as it sounds I�
suspect it will eventually militarize the population.

There's a small ACT-UP in Denver, and I just read someone's�
trying to tart one in Boulder -- I mean to enquire. Trish McCarl,�
this punk dyke in Woulder who wrote ya's a letter in issue 5, is�
great to have around, considering there's maybe half a dozen�
homopunks in Colorado, and most of them aren't talking. Eric�
Gunner (some of you know) lives in Denver, and is getting a few�
of us to mark in their Gay Parade under an anti-assimilationist�
banner. I'll be there.

Saw Fugazi last Friday in Denver. First time they've played�
there, and they rocked peoples' pants off. There's a small but�
strong young \& scene in Denver (still reasonably homophobic of�
course) -- the crown was very cohesive. The place was very weird�
though 00 the Azlan Theatre, which is staffed and run by�
Skinheads. How Fugazi ended up playing there is beyond me. The�
Azlan makes you sign an ``Insurance Liability'' form when you�
enter (I signed Norman Bates), so they're not responsible if you�
get hurt ``slamming''. Actually it's so the bouncers \& friends�
can beat the shit out of anyone they care to. There was a little�
violence, and Ian stopped the show a couple of times to calm�
people down. The crowd was definitely with the band, though. I�
doubt I'll go there again. I don't know why anyone does, except�
there's a scarcity of venues. So here we have Skins explointing�
us only to subvert us, and subverting the shows in the process.�
Can't we get our shit A LITTLE more together than that? Fucking�
mid-America.

By the way, it was GRAND to see everyone I could on my trip back�
there; and I actually am sorry I couldn't see or spend more time�
with ya's. But as Arnold Schwartzenegger said, in his sexy�
Germanic way -- I'LL BE BACK.

Well, that's my report. Hope the letter isn't TOO long. I've also�
included a report of ZuZu's Petals Art Gang, a copy of the�
complete rant from the Fugazi show which got disrupted by the�
audience, and I poem I read at the show. Love to all, from the�
bottom of what's left of my heart.

Yours in con-spiracy,

Richard Loranger / 1327 Pine \#1 / Boulder CO 80302

PS. Hey, if anyone I know in SF is driving through here or�
visiting this summer {\it[sic -- tj]}, and has room for a guitar�
or two, PLEASE drop me a note and I'll call you. My electrics are�
stuck in the city and I'm jonesing.


\enddoublecolumns

\bye
