Blast From The Past; FREE P.R.E.S.S. Gay Rights Ordinance

Hard to believe there was a time when the struggle to

get equal protection on the books for gays and lesbians

was met with even more hostility and rigor than the last

several years of DOMA, Don't Ask/Don't Tell,

and the other various state battles.

But in Tampa and Hillsborough County (Florida)

in the early to mid-1990s, there was an

ongoing soap opera conflagration the

likes of which hasn't been seen since.

To try and help the various ballot measures pass,

I did a Special Edition of FREE P.R.E.S.S.

to educate people as to what exactly the

referendums were about, the wording to expect

on the ballot, and addressing some of the fallacies people

held about the content.

Special flashback thanks to Chuckles for helping

pass them out at busy intersections, and

Monkey Boy for the type-setting assist!
Lifesavers!

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Blast from The Past; FREE P.R.E.S.S. # 5

Once upon a time in publishing,

Li'l Robert did his own news zine in a little

place called "the entire Florida mid-coasts."

It had a little touch of everything,

and it certainly wasn't for everyone!

Here's the cover that had the library system

cast out all free publications from their premises,

just so they could deny me access without a lawsuit!

FREE P.R.E.S.S.
(Progressive Resource for Encouragement in Stressful Situations!)

Discovery

We crawl forth on the shore

bright freckles never more

Passion bound by need

the emptiness now we feed

Bounding and smiling

swapped with struggle and strife

innocence is a lie

everyone fights for their life

Alone and confused

afraid and sans sight

we murder our kindness

to gain needed might

Hope--though muted--we still carry

in public we play submissive

in private it's survival we marry

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