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Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Pride Celebrations > 2000 - 2009
Photo
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[2005] Pride Photos from Kelly Carter
Subject
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Pride Photos
Description
An account of the resource
Photos from the 2005 Pride celebration contributed by Kelly Carter
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Kelly Carter
Date
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2005
2005
cater
june
kelly
Kelly Carter
parade
photo
photos
Pride
Pride celebration
pride Parade
-
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51d0603c1901386d92dfa1e15ce61811
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0f6cffda4fae053c8f9105e94b7420b5.pdf
082442d5723e9f3a97a2689ddfc3d1bf
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa PLWA Sues Jail For
Withholding Medicines
TULSA (TFN) - Early in June, the Stipe Law Firm
notified the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority,
that it was suing the authority on behalf of Daniel
McClure..McClure, aperson living with AIDS (PLWA)
was arrested onJune 12, 2000 andbookedinto the Tulsa
Jail. Per the notice of tort claim letter, and statements
made to TFN while being held at thejail, McClure was
denied access to his medicines as well as to timely
medical care despite repeated requests. Because anumber
of HIV treatments have strict regimens, failure to
take the drugs at the prescribed tim~" can result in
seriously greater illness.
The letter filed by the Sfipe Law Firm alleges that
"negligence of the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority"
has lead to a faster progressirn of McClute’ s
disease, "a.worsening of l~s medical condition and
emotional distress." The.claim is for in .excess of
Parade. +Festival 2001
TULSA ~FFN) - It was a part new event and part old
event. The 2001 Pride celebrations, organized by Tulsa
Okla,.omans for Human Rights (TOHR) had a new
paraae route, alarger festival in the old sit~ and some o
the_same old protesters. The parade featured even more :
church floats anda shorterlength going along Cherry St. "
from Utica to Veterans Park. But true to prior years, a "
handful offundamentalist Christians mostly peacefully ¯
protested along the route. The protesters included some
of .the anti-Gay Fred Phelps cult of Topeka, Kansas.
The night before the parade and festival, the Tulsa
Country Club’w.as the site of a gala fundraising dinner. "
And while the event may have been slightly "
underattended, it was rinsed more funds than any prior
sort of event. Community Hero awardee, Rick Martil
used a spirited auction style to solicit funds from attend: "
ees to match a $5,000 commitment from TOHR supporter
Mark Bouney. NOt only was the match made but "
due to the generosity of Williitms Cos. DiVersity Director
Eric Watson, Who attended with his wife, over "
$20,000 wasraised. The attendence of Mr. Watson on ¯
behalf of Williams was a first for any major Tulsa ."
corporation as was their $5,000 donation. "
TOHR will be ho!ding their monthly meeting onJuly "
10 at 7pro at the LGBT Center and solicits feedback on
the Pride events fl~e. TOHR members also attended ."
the Okla. City parade, carrying the 120’ rainbow flag.
IJJ DIRECTORY
~ EDITORIAL/PRI DE.15HOTOS
US & WORLD NEWS
HEALTH NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT + MORE P, 8
GAY STUDIES/RAGING LESBIAN P, 10/11
P, 2 "
P, 3
P, 4 "
P, 6
~Serving ~Lesbian’ ,.,=,.Gay’ ~~,Bisexual=T~~ans+gend~r~ed¯ Tulsans, O0r.. r__ammesFamili + Friends"
=mo ng¯ -D ’ve¯rs!ty :¯ _P’ ride Everywhere.. NYC,
Tulsa Pride Parade & Festival i San Francmco + Omahti
¯ SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A Lesbian motorcade, which included topless riders waving rainbow flags,
¯ faux nuns, clowns and brides, rode down the street,
: kicking off the city’s 31st Annual Pride Parade and
¯ Celebration.
¯ An estimated 1 million people cheered as the group
¯ of Dykes on Bikes roared their motorcycles on Sun¯
day late in June and led floats of. drag queens, city officials, community groups and marching bands to
." the Civic Center plaza, where the celebration, lasted
¯ all day.
For Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgenders
¯ attending, the parade helped to create an atmosphere
." of acceptance and celebration. It’s also an opportu-
¯ nity to educate people about, their community. The
¯
parade is California’s largest public event and has .
¯ become one of the’world’s best known Gay pride
¯ celebrations.
¯ "Thi s is a great opporthnity to raise the visibility of
the Gay community," said city Supervisor Mark
¯ Lent, who is’ openly Gay and served as one the
¯ p ade s five marshals. S,a~,, Francisco has ,always
been a leader in Gay rights but nationwide, I m still
¯ a second-class citizen," Lent said. The parade is an
¯ opportunity to help oti~ers understand that Gay issues
¯ are everyone’s issues, he said.
The celebration also has became aforum to address
,,: the impact of AIDS on the community.over the past
¯ two decades. "I’m a survivor of the disease," said
David Lyons, an Oaldandresident whohas not missed
¯ aparade since !98l: "Tiffs is a great chance to educate
.you~..g_African-Ameri,¢~, ,~,,Gay people. We can’ t think
’ itself.
The 2001 Diversity Festival willfeature booths & entertaiment.
¯
U.S, Census Sh.ows More Gay
Couples; More Figures to Come ¯ WASHINGTON (AP/TFN)- U.S. census figures released at the ¯
end of last month for five states continue to show a dramatic
increase in the.number of households that comprise same-se~
partners but most likely still undercount the actual number due to
co,n,~,finued anti~.Gay bias, the Hum.an Rights Campaign said.
~ nese newngures continue to show a national trend where
record number of people are willing to acknowledge living in a
household with "a same-sex partner," said David M. Smith.
HRC’s communications director and senior strategist. "While
the census data suggest incredible progress, we believe thi
census continues to undercount same-sex partners because many
people are still not comfortable disclosingi~ a federal survey that
they are in a same-sex relationship. And despite an educational
effort by HRC and other, groups, not all respondents were aware
of the census question. -
s___T~_.e ~ensns ~B,urean released da.ta today for Alabama, Mis-
¯ oun, ~xansas, r~ew York and Ohio. New York reported the
largest number of same-sex households with 46,490, a 238%
increase from the 1990 census. Ohio reported the next largest
tiumber with 18,937 same-sex.households, a 401% increase.
Missouri ranked third with 9,428, a 388% increase. Alabama
reported 8,109 same-sex honseholds, a 659% increase. And
Kansas reported 3,973~ a 514% increas~
’.q’he census data have important social implications because
Americans will become acutely aware that Gay and Lesbian
families are numerous and face discrin~natory barriers in terms
Ofpubh"c poh"cy," stu" d Smi’ th. "Asmore of these families become
visible in their communities, people will work to end the unfair
treatment andlegal discrimination they often face." "
Census figures released also show that the number of same-sex "
unmarried partners in rural areas have. increased slightly. The
most substantial change was in Missouri, where 7,095, (75%) "
same-sex unmarried households are in urban areas while 2,333 "
(25%) arein rural areas. This marks a significant change from the "
1990 census when only 11% (1,711) of same sex unmarried
households were in rural parts of the state see Census, p. 9
G " " bymanywhohavefoughtfor
ay rights. Everybody did the hard work," she said.
’~Now, there are so many non-Gay people who.come
and bring th(ir children: This to me means acceptance.
It gives me a sense of belonging.’"
This year’s event featured several new additions
and promised more diversity than ever, plus a more
family friendly environment, organizers said.
Cecilia Chung, Gay Pride Parade president, estimated
1 million people attended Sunday’s celebration.
.
But the drag queens in sequined dresses and feathers
along with the young, buff men wearing tight
shorts were a bit too much ~or some tourists who got
caught in the middle of the celebration "It’s enlightening,"
said Sally Christenson, 48. "I was naive. I
never thought people would expose themselves to
this extent. You don’t see this in Minnesota."
However in Minneapolis...
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Anestimated 200,000 people
gathered in Loring Park inMinneapolis to celebrate
Gay pride. "It’s the one weekend of the year where
people can be themselves and not have tO worry," said
TBiw~i N~.n.al~, One ofthe organizers ofl~e 29th annual
in t~mes ~ay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Pride
Festival.
While likely a little less flamboyant than the event
in San Francisco, the turnout in Miuneapolis showed
that statem,,e.n,t above by Sally Christenson isn’t quite
accurate. It s a fun time," said Jolene K,o,stohryz,
who stud she attends the festival every.year. You get
to see a whole bunch of different kinds Of people."
And in Omaha,
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The city’s 17th a.~uualGay
Prideparadedrew hundreds ofparticipants and watchers
as it snaked through 12 downtown blocks. The
theme for the parade was "Phoenix Rising," which
organizers said was a reference to the movement’s
renewed efforts after last year’ s passage of Initiative
416.
see Pride; p, 5
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*~amboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
~Schatzi’ s, 2619 S. Memorial
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box II, 1338 E. 3rd
*Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th
832-1269
610~5323
838-9792
744-4280
585-3405
745-9998
280-1316
834:4234
660-0856
584-1308
835-2376
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Assoc. inMed. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
BodyPiercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books. & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders B.ooks & Music, 801~ S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth 295-5868
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Commuuity Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
-*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
Doghouse on Bro0kside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Me~ofial 369-8555
Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379
Events Unlimited~ 507 S, Main_ ~ 592-0460
Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 744-9595
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
G~y & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross,-Insurance &financial planning 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440.
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865-E. Skelly 745-1111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732.E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’ s .:Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 .747-5466
*Li,~ing ArtSpace, 308 Soffth Kenosha 585-1234
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664~2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*The Pride Store 743-4297
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101 747-5932,
;’Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. 834-7921,748-0224
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N... Lewis 592-0767
www.gaytulsa.org - website for Tulsa Gays &Lesbians
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc: POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780
Chaml~r of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood 587-1.314
*Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playh_ouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511
918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159, e-mail: TulsaNew.s.@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal
Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry
Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindst¢om,Esther
Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw
Member of The Associated Press
Issued around the 1 st of each month, the entire contents of.this
publication are protected by US copyright-2001 by Tulsa
Family News and may notbe reproduced either in whole or in
part without written permission from the publisher. Publication
of a name or photo does not indicate a person’ S sexual
orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication
unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole
property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4
copies of each edition at distribution points.
Additional copies are avail-able by calling 583~1248:
¯¯ *Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics &
¯ Episcopalians; POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
: *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747:7777
¯ *FreeSpiritWomen’ s Center, call for location&info: 587-4669 ¯
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
¯ Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
¯ *Tulsa C.A.R:E.S, 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
¯ HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 ¯
*HouseoftheHoly SpiritMinstries,1517 S. Memorial 224-4754
¯ *MCC United~ 1623. N. Maplewood 838-1715
¯ NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111
: NOW, Nat’l Org forWomen, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658 ¯ OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
¯ *OSU-TUlsa
¯ PFLA-G; POB: 52800, 74152 749-4901
¯ *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S..Peoria 587-7674 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
¯ R.A:I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195
¯ *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325 ¯
St. Aidan’ S Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882
: St.Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71St 492-7140
: *St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
¯ Soulforce-OK,Rt.4,#3534,Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761 ¯
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
¯ *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
¯ Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 ¯
¯ Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights,.Gay Comm. Center 743-4297
" TUL-PAC, PositiveAdvoeacy Coalition, POB2687,TUlsa 74101
¯ T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
: .-*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
¯
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
¯ *Tulsa Gay Commtmity Center, 2Ist & Memorial 743-4297
¯ Unity Church of Christianity,3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
¯ BARTLESVILLE
Barflesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
TAHLEQUAH ~
¯ Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
¯ Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church .918-456-7900
Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
¯ Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734
." Jim & Brent’.s,Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457
.. DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807
¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445
¯
MCC of the Living Spring o 501-253-9337
¯ Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429 501-253-2776
¯ Old Jallhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332
Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646
¯ White Light, 1 Center St. 501-253-4074
¯
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
¯ Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696
: ~ is where youcan find TFN. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay-friendly.
Council Oaks Men’s Chorale
As a Gay Dad, I recently experienced a
wonderful first. During the TOHR coordi:
~ J~ation of Tulsa Gay Pride week celebration,
: my younger son, his cousin and a high
¯ school peer of theirs attended their first ever
¯ " gay related function. Since divorcing and
¯ coming out five years .ago, this is the first
time one of my children has attended a gay
: function. Of the varied venues offered dur-
: ing the 2001 Tulsa Gay Pride week, we
chose to attend the Council Oak Men’s
¯ Chorale mini concert heldMonday evening.
at the central library.
¯ This was the first time my son and his
¯ friends had been exposed to the Gay com-
" muuity in such "large numbers", for high
¯
school "kids" accustomed to the top 10 rock/
¯ pop/rap tunes, the concert repertoire was a
¯ - bit austere, however, I am pleased to say
¯ these urban kids, left the concert with a new ¯
refreshing positive attitude and respect to-
" ward the Gay .community at large. As a
¯ compliment, FII tell you that the most re-
. peated comment was... "these guys are
¯
gay?" Fortunately, as we all began to openly
¯ talk during the eveni~ig many typical worn
¯, out"stereotypes andmyths"were dispelled.
Thank you Council Oak guys for your
¯ hard work and continued efforts to be a
¯ positive force and professional face on be-
-¯ half of .our community. You’ ve helped in
part to make a great difference in the con-
: tinuing relationship with my son. I am honored
to consider Council Oak Chorale as
¯ being part of "my extended family". ¯
- Milton-Nunley, Tulsa
¯ Oklahoma City Removes
: Gay Banners Despite Permit
¯ The Gay Pride banners which ~Tere hung
¯ on light poles at the north end of Classen
¯ Boulevard in Oklahoma City cost the spon\
¯ soring organizations $11,000. Their design.
¯ was approved in advance by the City of
¯ Oklahoma City. The legal permit to hang
¯ them extended through July 7. For the City
¯ to remove the banners ten days before the
." permit expired is a blatant <~xample of dis-
: crimination against the gay and lesbian or-
,¯ ganizations which followed procedures and
incurred great expense to have the banners
¯ professionally produced and placed on the
." poles.
¯ "No News is Good News" - Oklahoma
: City’ s Gay Rights March and Pride Parade
¯ on Sunday afternoon, June 24, included a
¯ festival beforehand in Memorial Park, with
¯ booths, tables, livemusic, and refreshments ¯
- and a huge street party afterwards. Some
¯ 7,000 to 10,000 participants and supporters
." took part in. the events, which were well
¯ organized; peaceful, and celebrative. That
" the events were poorly reported by the local
." news media - or not covered at all - repre-
¯ . sents more disc.rimination against homo-
. ¯ sexuals.
: Gays and Lesbians struggle to find their
¯ place in a society where, religious leaders,
¯ editorial writers, parents, and teachersjudge
i" them, condemn them, and vilify them for
¯ who they are. Gay teenagers commit suicide
." in far higher percentages than do hetero-
¯ sexual, teenagers.
: see Letters, p. 11
by Tom Neal
Oklahoma Today, the official magazine of the State of
Oklahoma, just released their July/August issue which
features Tulsa. But is it a rather peculiar Tulsa.
Just as once the majoritywhite culture refused to
acknowledge racial minorities, creating a whites only
image, Oklahomt~ Today(OT)has shownTulsaas "straights
only."
Now we should give them a very little credit. They did
get a few black folks in the issue and actually even ones
who are wall regarded in the black community in,~tead of
Tulsa’ s white leadership’ s favorite "acceptable" blacks.
Butjournalists, at least when they really do theirjob, are
supposed to reflect reality. And the reality is that there are
Lesbian and Gay people in Tulsa: we exist. ~
Oklahoma’s oldest Lesbian and Gay organihations are
here: the oldest, the Metropolitan Community Church
United, renamed but still extant, and Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights (TOHR), which runs the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgendered Community Center, And this
publication has been around nearly eightyears. It would
have taken very little to mention the community center, or
to identify, just as was done for Tulsa blacks, one or
another community leader, or mention a community publication-
as was done of, obviously, The World, but also,
The Oklahoma Eagle and that waste of newsprint, the
prejudiced and anti-Gay Urban Tulsa.
’What’ s baffling about Oklahoma’Today’s failure (~t its
heart, simply to tell the truth about our city) isthat after a
conversation ] had with its editor Louisa McCune about
four years ago, OT ran a mention of the first or second
Pride March (before the first parade). McCune knows that
we exist.
But perhaps the problem doesn’t lie there. Oklahoma
Today publisher Joan Henderson’s response to my coneems
was that when OT featured Oklahoma City some
issues back, they proudly ignored OKC’ s LGBT community
also.
Later in the conversation, she variously suggested that
they could not write about us because they give OT to 4th
graders and theycan’ t write "about sex," thattheir readers
are all about 62 years old and they don’ t even want to read
about blacks or Indians, and that they’re a state magazine
.and if we have a problem with what Oklahoma Today’s
doing, wecanjust talk to her Republican boss, Gov. Fr~tk
K.eating, Lt. Gov~ Mary Fallin, and Tourism and Recreataon
Executive Director Jane Jayroe.
Of course, I-wouldn’t waste my breath tr~ing to talk
with the ethically bd’uddled Keating et al, but I do think it
will be quite interesting to talk with members of the
legislature - see Today, p. 8
Official Refuses to
Perform Gay Marriages
LEEUWARDEN, Netherlands (AP) - A civil servant
who has refused to officiate Gay marriages could be
fired by the city, officials said last month. Nynke
Yxinga-Boomgaardt can only save herpart-time job if
she signs a contract agreeing to wed same-sex couples
at city hall, municipal authorities in Leeuwarden said.
Same-sex mamages were legalxzed in April, making
the Netherlands the first country to grant Gay
couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including
~e right to adopt children. "In this job she has
the obligation to enforce the law, and under Dutch law
Gay couples have equal rights," said Jan van der Hoek,
a spokesman for the city, about 100 kilometers (60
miles) north of Amsterdam. If she refuses, the.spokesman
said, her contract will be .terminated in September.
Eringa-Boomgaardt refused to wed fwo Gay couples
over the past three months, saying she is principally
opposed to same-sex marriages. The couples are still
waiting to be married.
"This is about the battle betWeen equality and my
right to have conscientious objections," Eringa-
Boomgaardt told the Trouw daily newspaper..
Gay-Pride Flag
Burners Arrested
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A man with a history of
desecrating the Gay-pride flag is one of two people
charged with burning the baiaher during a parade.
Police charged Charles Spingola, 45, and Thomas
Meyer, 47, both of Newark, with open buming, a firstdegree
misdemeanor punishable by as. much as six
months in jail. .
A state appeals court last week upheld Spingola’s
conviction on criminal damage charges for tearing
down:aGay-prideflag thatwas flying at the Statehouse
two:years -ago a~ a’similar parade. " .
Police said Spingolaand Meyer setfire to arainbow-"
colored flag they had been carrying as the last marchers
in the Columbus Pride Parade passed the Statehouse.
Police Sgt. Michael Piccininni said Spingola
had burned another Gay-pride flag about 21/2 hours
earlier outside Broad Street United Methodist Church,
where a Gay-oriented service took place before the
parade.
Piccininni said Spingola was given a waming, but
returned later during the parade with a new flag and a
small container 0f gasoline.
Andrea Critchet, head of parade security, said she
was splashed with gasoline after approaching Spingola
andMeyernear the Statehouseand telling themto keep
away from parade participants. ’°We were there to
protect him, to-keep the crowd away from him,"
Cfitchet said. "He said, ’You’ re all gonnaburn in hell,’
and he flipped it (the flag) up on me.". Cfitchet was
~checked by paramedics for burning in her’throat but
was not injured.
Teresa Spingola, 46, said her husband and her two
sons, 12 and 16, intended to burn the nylon flag, but
didn’ t expect the scuffle or arrests that followed. "It’ s
legal to bum the American flag. We thought it’ s OK to
bum the queer flag," she said. She said that last.year,
the family burned a Gay flag at the same intersection
without incident.
Presbyterian Pastor
Comes Out, Resigns
¯ chief policy-making body of the Presbyterian Church
¯ " (U.S:A.) voted to relmmmend lifting a ban on ordaining
homosexual clergy.
The measure must still be ratified over the next year
by .a majority Of the ~hurch’s 173 presbyteries, or
regional legislatures. That will be harder to achieve
and, besides,. Hawley cannot endure any=longer the
stress of living in two worlds.
’T ve had a lot of personal, emotional and health
struggles, and I just realized I could not live in the
closet anymore," said Hawley, 42, who led the Genesee
Valley Presbytery, which represents 73 congregations
in the Rochester region_ in western NewYork. "I knew
I had to get more open with my sexuality if I was going
to recover. There’ s been a lot of pain in terms of being
silent when I personally ~’elt I s.hould have been sw.aking."
Hawley did not plan to have his departure from the
church coincide with the emotional debate in Louisville,
Ky., where the General Assembly of thenafion’ s
. sixthlargest Protestant denomination voted 317-208m
favor of ordination of Gays attd Lesbians.
What his decision will do is allow him to speak more
forcefully on an issue that several mainline Protestant
denominations, notably the Episcopal Church and
United Methodist Church, have struggled with in recent
years. "I feel~badly in a way that I haven."t been
more outspoken but that’ s part of the problem with the
closet - it’s not safe to," he-said. "But now I can tall
people how destructive it was to try to live that life and
quietly serve."
Hawley, who grew up in Montrose, Pa., and studi_e,d.,.
atthe Jesuit-run University of Scranton~ said he didn t
realize he was Gay when he was ordained in 1983. He
¯ figured it out in 1995 after years of turmoil.
Although he was not in a relationship,Hawley said
: he constantly feared losing his job. He might have
¯ battled to keep it now, he said, but knew that conserva-
¯ fives in the presbytery would have pushed for his
removal. "That’ s the fight that I didnotpersonally want
¯
to take," said Hawley, who plans a new career in
teaching. ’-’The only way I can be honest and comfortable
about myself is to come out and to resign. It’ s a
. ¯ matter.of integrity."
¯ At last year’s General Assembly meeting, Hawley
said he was forced to listen quietly as conservatives
argued against inclusion Of Gays in the leadership of a
church that has a~ many as 3.6 million members. The
¯ remarks were not~"hateful so much as ignorant," he
¯ said. The push to remove the ban on Gay clergy from ¯
the church’ s constitution "would mean-the church has
made a really radical shift, and I’mnot sure that ithas,’~
he added.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - In hi’s .t8th year as a ¯
Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Bill Hawley realized ¯
he could nolonger keep his sexual orientation a secret. -’.
¯By revealing that he’s Gay, Hawley also decided his :
only real choice was to quit the church. ¯
His resignation took effect June 15, the same day the ~ :
Bank Refuses Account
to Anti-Gay Group
: MONTREAL (AP) - A Canadian bank is refusing to
¯ open an account for a coalition of conservative and ¯
religious.groups that opposes MontreaV s bid to host
¯ the2006GayGames.Montrealis competingwiththree
¯ U.S. cities- Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles - to
host the Gay Games, which typically draw 24,000
:’ athletes and 200,000 spectators.
: -The No ’C-ommittee2006 was formed in April after
¯ -Montreal announced its. bid. The. committee’s mem-
: bers indudethe Christian Heritage Party and the Cam~
¯ paign Life Coalition for Quebec. The Rev. Daniel
Cormier, who heads the committee, said the group
¯ fears visiting athletes could spread the HIV virus that ¯
leads to AIDS.
A Royal Bank spokesman-confirmed the No Committee
2006 was denied a bank account for donations
for supporters. "We refuse to support or oppose di.scriminatory
activities of ~any kind," said bank spokes-
"man Raymond Chouinard.
Cormier called thebank’ s refusal discriminatory. He
said at a news conference Friday that his group would
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take the case to court or the Quebec Human Rights.
Commission.
East Ohio Methodists
Oppose Anti-Gay Stance
LAKESIDE, Ohio (AP) - A group of United Methodist
ministers and parishioners from the East Ohio "
Conference is preparing for another attack on th~ "
hurch s anti-Gay doctrine.
Thirty United Methodist ministers in the regional
groupjoined dozens of church members in signing the "
"East Ohio Declaration," whichopposes the doctrine’ s "
anti-Gay stance, andwill begin a series of discussions
in September aimed at the issue. The United:Methodist
church has more than 9 million members worldwide .
most are in the United States. ¯
During its national quadrennial meeting in Cleve- ¯
land last summer, about 1,000 church leaders voted 2- ¯
1. to uphold the church’ s stance on Gays. The doctrine .
states that homosexuality is incompatible with ~aris- ¯
tian teaching; thatno sexually-activehomosexual rain- ¯
isters should be ordained; and that same-sex mamages ¯
will. not be honored.
Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton - who oversees the ¯
192,000-member East Ohio Conference - planned a ¯
series of discussions in preparation for revisiting the "
issue when the United. Methodist Church meeots again "
in Pittsburgh in 2004.
Two representatives from each of the 12 East Ohio :
Methodist districts will attend a September 22 prelimi- ."
nary meeting. One representative will sent to support .
existing church doctrine, the other to argue for change. ¯
Those delegates plus 40 other church officials will air ¯
their views and be traine3l to organize similar meetings .
around the state.
: A magistrate had said the state did not have enough
: evidence to support the aggravated kidnapping charge.
¯ But the Supreme Court disagreed, saying though the
facts are in dispute, there is enough evidence to argue
them in court.
us," said Tom Aeschlimann, one of the event’ s orgamzers.
For the first time the parade had a grand
marshal, Scott Winkler, a native of Loomi s who is an
insurance agent in Omaha.
New York City Event Rivals SF One
NEW YORK (AP) - Three dozen Gay couples celebrated
their same-sex partnerships to kick off New
York City’ s 32nd annum Gay pride parade, a Celebration
of flamboyant costumes and floats. "We’d like to
be recognized as a couple," said Sheneen Ellis, wearing
awhite veil and mini-dress decorated with tiny red
rhinestones, as she stood with her partner, Alona
Hartnett, dressed in white ~lacks and jacket.
They were surrounded by their five children as two
ministers and a rabbi blessed them ifi a ceremony
Sunday at the entrance to Central Park just before the
Heritage of Pride parade.
"Two mothers are better than having only one,", read
a sign carried by one of the children, 10-year-old
Calhea Johnson. "I love mommy and mommy."
The parade included Lesbians on motorcycles, a
rainbow arch of balloons and a top-down convertible
carrying veterans of the 1969 Stonewall riots, in which
The initiative banning same-sex marriages passed
by 70% to 30% last November. "We’re going to be
here and we’ re going to stay around. You better accept
ThomasTavl0rofBrockville aretir....¯ . _ _ " pa.tronsofaGaybarinG-reenwichVillagefoughtback "
: " .r . , euNnmsterwno ¯ - -s " . .............. ag--m’n-s"tapou""ceram..... , , ,~:. ¯
¯ ~,~ u,~. oz~tto1, a Vzmt. ,-.v~u n we corot just sit flown years to a colorful pageant drawing hundreds of thou
and talk and agree that we are not of one mind about
this," that would represent progress for the church;
Taylor said.
Church leaders who signed the East Ohio Declaration
said they have no intenfi.on ofdefying the church’ s
rules on Gays, and doubt that it will cause schism. A
Methodist minister could be disciplined for perform- :
ing a marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple, but "
Taylor said he knows of no same-sex couples in the
East .Ohi,o Conference that are seeking a Methodist -"
mamage.
Men, Parents Accused of i
Abducting Lesbian "
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Utah Supre~m~ourt
decided to allow two Jordanian men to be tried~for
aggravated kidnapping in the alleged abduction and
beating of their sister in October 1999. The ’woman’s
mother and father also are charged in the alleged
attack.
Prosecutors saybrothers IehabHawatmehand Shaher
Hawatmeh, their father, Jami] Hawatmeh, and their :
mother, Wedad Hawatmeh, kidnapped and beat 23- ."
year-oldMuna Hawatmeh when they discovered she
was a Lesbian. The woman said she agreed to-return to ~
Jordan as away to stop the beatings. Thenext morning, "
.the family was driving her to the airport from their :
home in Sandy when her partner spotted them and ¯
called police. The family agreed to take the woman to "
the Sandy police station, and a doctor later found "
bruises on her arms and legs. ¯
Thefour are charged with simple kidnapping, which "
cames a sentence of up to 15 years. But Assistant "
Attorney General Fred Voros argued that the defen- "
dants’ alleged use of weapons and threats warrants the
aggravated kidnapping charge, which carries a life
sentence.
¯ sands of participants and spectators, and has been
replicated in’cities around the world. .
¯ Paris-, Berlin, Chicago and Atlanta
In Europe, Pads and Berlin celebrated Gay pride on
¯ Saturday .with rollicking parades. At the center of the
festivities were the cities’ mayors, both openly Gay.
In Chicago, organizers expected approximately
350,000 to attend what has become one of the largest
parades in the city.
hi Atlanta, thousands of people, including several
mayoral candidates, participated in the city’ s 31 st Gay
Pride celebration, which wrapped up with a parade
along the City’s main artery, Peachtree Street. "Events
¯ like this help increase our visibility and help to let ¯
p.eo.ple k~,,o,w that Gay people do exist, that we’re not
clevlants, Benson Cohen said. "We don’ tjust exist in-
" the shadows."
The New York marriag, ceremonies were not le-
! gaily binding but served as ~i rallying point for activists
who would like to see samp-sex couples accorded the
same legal rights as.heteros.exual couples.
New York City’s domestic partnership law gives
public employees who are same-sex couples the same
health benefits as married couples, along with privileges
such as visiting rights in city institutions like
hospitals and jails.
~ Vermont is the only state that offers Gay couples the
option o.f civil unions, which give them the ~ame rights
as mamed couples. Legislation to legalize homosexual
unions has been introduced in New York state
but has never passed.
Gay Health Ads :
Pulled in. NYC :
NEW YORK (AP) - Local officials condemned-
the city and an ad agency tmde~- ¯
city contract for pulling apublic service ad ¯
that promoted a free health line f0~Gays ’
from s,everal bus stopsin the Bronx.
"It is outrageous thal when .new HIV
infection rates are soaring, especially "
among men of color, that a responsible ad "
like ~this, intended to confront this health ¯
crisis, is censored by the city and by Infinity
Outdoor,’.’ said state Sen. Tom Duane. :
"It is the height of irresponsibility on the
city’ s part and the height of hypocrisy on ¯
the part of Outdoor, the company behind
the Howard Stem show, to call this ad "
inappropriate or indecent," Duane added. °
Infinity Outdoor is the advertising company
that maintains the city’ s bus shelters._
Its parent, Infinity Broadcasting, airs the "
sometimes-raunchy Howard Stem radio
show.
City Councilwoman Christine Qninn
said New York City "should be doing
everything in its power tO heighten public
awareness of the epidemic and to educate
those at risk about steps they can take to
protect themselVeS."
The ad, paid for by the Bronx Lesbian
-..and Gay Health Resource C0ilsortium,
showed two men, one with his arm around
the other~ above a caption that read, "I’m
not Gay, but sometimes I have sex, with
other.guys," and included a numberfor the
health line.
Infinity Outdoor initially approved the
content of the ads.But company spokes~
man Dana McClintock said a significant
number Of complaints were rdceived,specifically
about the reference to sex. "Making
these decisions is tough;’ McClintock
said. "It’s a,gray area. It’s not black and
white, it’ s doing our best to ~strike a bal-.
ance between First Amendment rights and..
community concerns."
ButLisaWinters, founder of the consortium,
said the original was "not at all an
offensive ad." "There are ads for ’Sex and
the City’ up all over the place,~Lshe said.
"What’s wrong with these posters?" She
has said the ads featuring the two men
were intended to reach men in the Bronx
¯ who do not identify themselves as Gay.
The city’ s Department of Transportation
owns the shelters, and Commissioner
Iris Weinshall supported~ the company’s
decision to pull the ad. "This poster was
totally inappropriate, and we applaud. the
contractor fortaking it down," she said.
"We feel,that good taste can supersede the
First Amendment."_
The same ads featuring the two menalso
are displayed inside city buses, and have
, not been pulled. Bus ads are controlled by
TDI Worldwide, another company owned
bY Infinity Broadcasting.
People.with HIV
Share Stories
UNITEDNATIONS CAP)-DavidBrooks
.Arnold, a ~65-year-old grandfather from
Washington; D.C., and Josephine
Chiturttmam, a 42-year old mother of four
from Zimbabwe, have more in common
than they expected. They both w0rkfor the
Red Cross, both lost partners mAIDS and
both are HIV-positive.
People-from all walks of life with HIV
andAIDS traveledfromevery continent to
share their stories in moviiag testimonials
that drew an audience of government officials,
AIDS experts and U.N. Secretary-
General Kofi Annam
Patinya Noyphon, a petite Thai wOman
with a sweet smile and soft brown hair,
found out shewas HIV-positive when her
husband died of AIDS in 1996. Her story
moved many to tears Tliesday as she re-
- counted the shock of learning her husband
had the disease and that he left her with the
virus.
Ini997; she joined a network of AIDS
patients that began counseling others with
the vires thinmore than~36 million people "
are living with. That network has grown
into an international movement of people
living with HIV/AIDS and Tuesday they
formed a partnership with the Red Cross to
bring mo,re infectedpeople into caregiving
¯ roles.
’~"~e active participation.of those living
with HIV/AID-S is absolutely vital," Annan
¯ ; told a room of over 200 people gathered to
:hear HIV positive advocates speak out.
Annan, who h’as-made AIDS a personal
¯ -crusade, said the alliance "sends a powerful
message to decision-makers, and to
¯
society as ~ whole, about the importance
of tackling stigma .and discrimination."
Many attending the session, part ofa
three-day U.N. conference on HIV/AIDS,
openly talked about shame and discrimination.
"We are not viruses," said Adam
P0well, a member of the Norwegian delegation
to the conference, who is HIV
positive: "We are humanity," he said.
Others ’used the opportunity to mourn
loved Ones and encourage those infected
¯ to continue fighting. Chiturumani, an AIDS Counselor in her
¯ nau,~e Zimbabwe, lost her husbandto the
¯ pandemic last year. She also lost her
¯ brother, a nephew, a brother and sister-in-
" law and numerous cousins- 22 relatives in
all since 1994 - all taken by AIDS.
Over 20 years, Arnold, director of international
relations for the American Red
Cross, lost more than 100 friends, including
his 10ngtimepartner, to AIDS, Despite
vastly different backgrounds, a fatal dis-
" ease has madethem instant friends. "It’s
an immediate bonding; Arnold sat . He
¯ said that "Josephine is living my past,"
¯ noting that the disease detected among
: Gay men in the United States in the 1980s
¯ is now ravaging whole communities in
¯ Africa.
"- Chiturumani said reaching out to others
¯ with AIDS has helped her live with the
¯ virus. ’~’It makes me belieVe that tomorrow
¯ there will be someone out there who will
: care for me," she said.
In Africa, Stigma
Prevails
BAMAKO, Mali (AP)- Long years after
: becoming the first in hisSahara nation to
: publicly acknowledge carrying the AIDS
: virus, Mamadou Barry is still fighting the
: samebattleas0n Day One. Themissionis
¯ "convincing people thatAIDS exists," says
¯ Barry, whoin 1994feltcompelledtoleave
"- his family business after he revealed that
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he had tested positive for HIV:
In apandemic that stigmatizes as it kills,
AIDS in Africa today, remains a disease
that leaves many of its.victims choosing a
quiet death overthe proSpecfof a life of
pfiblic shame.
In government after government, reluctan~
c~,to co~icede that Africans are dying of
what s seenas aWes.terndegeneracyhelps
keep impoverished countries decades behind
the West in confronting the disease.
In household after household, the shame
blocks testing and tr_eatment and even the
simplest known preventative measures,
such as condoms.
In Mall’s capital, Bamako, a foreign
publication’s report this month that the
death of a promruent Malian official had
been due to AIDS angered many, in and
out of government.
PrimeMinisterMandeSidibe"wentinto
a rage," one aide related, speaking on
condition of anonymity. Countrywide, the
near unanimous response was that it was
wrong to dirty the name of an illustrious
dead man.
In all of Africa, the top official to admit
to having AIDS is Edwin Cameron, a
judge on South Africa’s Constitutional
Court. But Cameron is white, openly Gay
and able to afford treatment.- in all, not
someone to whom the average infected
African would look as a model.
AIDS is "considered a disease ofpeople
of bad morals, of the ill-bred," said Dr.
Allou Sylla, director of a Bamako center
that tests the few who dare to find out
whether they have AIDS. In the general
absence of testing, often the only rough
confirmation that a~madO~ w0mmi died of
AIDS comes when a spouse follows them
in death one or two years later.-
Overwhelmingly, the tendency is to
blame the diarrhea, the rashes, thehorrifying’
wasting away on witchcraft. Sorcerers
andfaith-healers flourish. AIDS treatment,
meanwhile, remains a rarity, ,affordable
only to a few thousand among the 26
million living with HIV across the continent.
Even thosewhofall ill with diseases that
bring AIDS-like symptoms, such as tuberculosis
with its weight loss, are shunned,
Often losing their jobs.
In polygamous African societies, AIDS
is spread mainly by sex between men and
women. It is also spread by contaminat&t
blood and by unsterilized blades - used
interchangeably andcommunally for tribal
rituals, circumcisions andbarbering. AIDS
hit hard from the start among prostitutes,
who literally line the streets in some African
cities. That contributed to the enduring
Stigma.
In Mali, Aminate Nana Kasse is among
those closely following the news out of the
U.N. AIDS eonferenceinNewYork. Nana
Kasse was infected with HIV by her husband,
who has since died. Nana Kasse has
a dream, a distant one, for Africa - that
every government will require HIV tests
ing for couples before they marry. ’"No
African wife would dare _demand of her
husband that he wear a Condom, let alone
suggest that.he take a test," Nana Kasse
said. With mandatory tests, "at least One
would know who she’s marrying," the
widow said.
Mall this year became one of 10 African
countries to enter deals with Western drugcompanies
for low’cost HIV drugs - although
in poorAfrica dying without care
will remain the norm. for millions.
There are other signs of hope, coming
only when local powers acknowledge and
accept the fight against AIDS. An example
is in Senegal, where Islamic imams
preach the prevealtion message in their
Friday sermons at the country’ s mosques.
"People are starting more and more to
believe in iL" said Sylla, the clinic director
in Bamako.
Still; no family in Mali wants it said in
the. community that they have a relative
infected with HIV in their midst.
"I .knew that it was for the. best," says
Barry, explaining his decision to sever ties
with his family after discovering he had
the AIDS virus. Now in his 40s, he still
lives estrangedfrom them. "I believe I was
taking- from them a"decision that the faroi!
y, soonerorlater,wouldhavebeen obliged
to take."
600K in China
Have AIDS Virus
UN1TED NATIONS (AP) -.More than
600,000 people in China are estimated to ."
be infected with the AIDS virus and the :
number is increasing by 30% annually, ¯
p.rimarily because of an upsurge in infec- ¯
tlons among intravenous, drug users, .
China’ s health minister said.
Although the prevalence of the HIV
virus and AIDS is still low -just 0.5% of ~
China’ s 1.27 billion population- the government
has launched a five-year plan to ;
reduce the-ingrease ~rom 3Q% 5o 10% -.
annually,’Zhang Wenkang toId Tl~e Associated
Press.
Theplan calls f0r includingAIDS awareness
in the sex edUcation curriculum for ¯
!.5-year-01ds, prevention messages from "
leading actors, condom vending machines :
and education programs at all leadership ¯
levels. Impro ced treatment- including the -.
possibility of cheap drugs - is also part of
the plan, Zhang said in an interview after "
addressing the first U.N. General Assem- ~
bly Special Session on HIV/AIDS. ¯
Five years ago,. about 40% of China~s "
HIV cases were the result of the illegal :
selling of blood, primarily..in rural areas ¯
where dirty needles were often used, he
said. Following a gove.rp_ment crackdown "
on illegal blood-buying, the percentage of :
HIV cases from tainted blood has dropped
to 4 to 6%.
About70% of current HIV cases are the
result ofintravenous drug use, Zhang said.
Another 10% are infected through heterosexual
or homosexual relations and a
smaller percentage from mother-to-child
transmission of the virus.
Professor Shao Yiming, deputy director
of China’ s National Center for AIDS Prevention
and Control, explained that the
numbers are just estimates. As. a developlng
country China can.dnly do limited
AIDS testing and people in rural areas
often,don’t recognize the HIV virus, he "
said.
Zhang said the estimate of more than :
600,000 HIV sufferers was made by epi- "
demiologists based on the actual number "
of reported HIV cases - 23,905 at the end ¯
of March. At that time, there were also956 "
AIDS patients and 537 confirmed deaths, :
he said.
The Joint U.N.-Program on HIV/AIDS
has said that "while East Asia and the
Pacific region still appear to be holding
HIV at bay, the recent steep rise in sexually
transmitted infections in China and
tile vast transmigration ofpcople- spurred
by economic growth - could unleash an
epidemic.." "
Outlining China’ s five-year plan to cut
new HIV infections, Zhang said people
will be urged to take preventative measures
against the disease, "... for instance
to develop a healthy lifestyle, without so
many sex partners, and secondly without
drug using. We advocate m,a~i,’tal sex. we
discourage extramarital sex.
Zhang called on pharmaceutical companies
toreduce the cost of the drug "cocktail"
that has proven effective in treating
HIV and AIDS because the current cost"is
unimaginable for the peasants and citizens.’"
About 200 Chinese afflicted with the
virus are currently taking part in a trial
using free drugs, he said. Shao said China
has the capability of making ’cheap drugs
to treat HIV and AIDS because it produces
many of the chemicals used in the medications,
"but the drug is only one ring of the
whole chain of treatment."
He said China is preparing a comprehensive
treatment program, from health
care infrastructure and well-trained doc-
.tors and nurses to drugs, laboratory testing
and monitoring.
Though China is starting to confront its
AIDS Crisis, the government still harasses
activists seeking to draw attention to the
problem - especially when doing so uncovers
government negligence.
Last month, Chinese officials ref.used.to
issue a passport to retired physician Dr.
Gao Yaojie to accept the Jonathan Mann
Award from the Global Health Council at
aceremonyin Washington, D.C., attended
by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Gao,74, has publicized the spread ofAIDS
among poor farmers in central China,
blamed on an unsanitary, blood-buying
industry. She said officials accused her of
helping "anti-China forces."
Contacted at her home in Henan
province’s capital, 7Jaengzhou, Gao said
officials have told her patients to seyer ties
with her, saying she had been arrested.
People who have visited her at home have
been detained and officials have blocked
her from distributing donated medicine
and cash to AIDS victims, she said. Gao
has published her own report about AIDS
in China and plans to distribute tt free to
patients, health institutions and the media.
Eastern Europe/
Russia Hit By AIDS
NEW YORK (AP) - Eastern Europe and
the former Soviet Union,- which already
have the world’ s fastest rising rates ofnew
HIV/AIDS infections, are headed for a
large-scale" epidemic unless anti-AIDS
.programs go into full swing now, speciallsts
on the region have warned.
The numbers are still small compared
with Africa, where 26 million people ore
infected with HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, but they are climbing fast. The
United Nations ~stimates that the number
of infected people:in the former Soviet
Union and Eastern Europe has skyrocketed
from 30,000 in 1995 to 700,000 as of
last year.
Ethan Nadelmann of the Lindesmith
Center/Drug Policy Foundation said the
region "leads the world in the connectioN’
between AIDS and intravenous drug use,
with80% of HIV infections linked to drug
abuse.
Nadelman moderated the panel discussion
"preventing an Epidemic" among
doctors, heads of rehabilitation programs,
politicians and researchers. Their meeting
was organized by the Open Society Institute,
a charitablefoundation active throughout
the region, and coincided with the
three-day United Nations’ Special Ses=
sion on AIDS.
Sergey Kovalev, a member of the Russian
Parliamentandlongtimehumanrights
activist, said his country has answered the
increase in intravenous drug use with repressive
measures that drive users underground,
rather than toward medical care.
Their sharing Of hypodermic needles has
spread HIV, especially among the young.
Kovalev said his government is not likely
to budge from that approach unless it is
p~essured to do so by Western nations.
Prison populations have swelled, with
correspondingincreases in drug useamong
inmates and in diseases such as tuberculosis
that prey on HIV-infected people. Although
there once was comprehensive
health care throughout the region, today
those systems have crumbled and there is
virtually no treatment offered for people
infected with HIV.
Paul Farmer, a Harvard Medical School
professor who leads AIDS programs m
Russia and Haiti, .said politicians in the
regi0I~ and internationally wil.l avoid tacklingthe
potential AIDS epidemic on their
own. To change that simalaon, he said,
- health professionals and activists need to
unite to establish fwo ’things: a comprehensive
plan for research, pre~,enfion, treatment
and care for orphans; and pilot programs_
that show how the work can be
accomplished. "All they need is division
in our ranks to say,’ No, i t can’ t be done,’"
he warned. "The search for excuses not to
do this is almost criminal."
.Konstanfin Lezhentsev, who helped establish
Ukraine’ s firstAIDS treatmentprogram
through Medecins Sans Frontieres,
or Doctors Without Borders, said the aim
ofhis group is to have"aneffecfive tool for
speaking with the government" about the
urgency Of every patient’s right to treatment.
A woman on the panel who asked to be
called only by her first nmne, Irina, spoke
of issues that go beyond government
policy: disci’iminafion against those with
HIV. Inherfirst public declaration that she
is infected with HIV, Irina described how
She became a drug addict, despite coming
from aloving family, studying at a university,
etc. She thought all her troubles were
over when she completed a drag rehabilitaftonprogram,
but soon she found out that
she was HIV-posifive.
HIV-infected people are shunned by
family and afraid to go to doctors, she said.
Even people she had helped through drug
programs deserted her.
by Jim Christjohn, entertainment editor
"Planets of the Universe", the first single
off Stevie Nicks’ .new album "Trouble in
¯ Shangri La" is scheduled for release to
stores on July 3rd. The single will include.
several club remixes. It should be good,
the song itself is great, and hopefully, for
the first time since 1986’ s "I Can’ t Wait",
fans will be able to go to
the clubs and dance t6 a
Stevie song. It would be
niceifthe clubs in Tulsa
are wise enough to get a
clue and play it rather
than the mixes they usually
spin.
One club version is
11 minutes long and
contains lyrics cut from
the album version.
The tour should be
interesting in that La
Diva Nicks is ~bandoning
the "Stevie Nicks/
ment jn theatre is taking place July 11-14
with Tulsa Experimental theatre’s production
of",The dkDistance Between Bod-
Ies Grows Greater Every Day:" Call
Summerstage for tix at 596-7111.
- "Always, Patsy Cline," an allegedly true
story about a fan’s relationship with the
singer is brought to you by American
"The Haunted Castle
opens its doors July 4th:
Johnny inherits a haunted
castle in EnOland (isn’t
that where they all are?)
and ~oes to claim his
inheritance. It’s a whole
lott~a troubleafter that, as
the devil seems to think
Theatre Company July
12-211 Featuring the
music of-the great lady,
.ax are available by calling
596-7111/ Hmm,
anyone else experiencing
drjh vu? Anyone
else got that number
memorized?
"Love Letters," a writing
exercise thatbecame
a romance and then a
play, is offered up July
12-21 by the Centerstage
Players, and once
more tix are available at
Fleetwo~d Mac Great- he’s the rightful owner. - say it with me - 596-
est Hits’ package,-in " ~ 71’1,1.
which only’ one or two new ~ongs were ¯ Adrian Zmed, 80 s heartthrob best
thrown in, and adding 5 new songs to the known for wrestling with William Shatner
set,includingsomeol~lersongsneverdone on that cop show he was in (Adrian was
in concert. She stops August 3rd in Dallas, hot, Adam not) and who showed his magand
tickets are going fast., nificen_t abs in the 80’ s tour of"Godspell",
Melissa Etheridge plays Will Rogers
coliseum in Fort Worth September 10th
and 1 lth, for which tickets go on sale July
7th. Karin, the .Raging Lesbian, reports-it
will.be two dates withjust Melissa and her
guitar. Sounds like a~ intimate evening,
which would be.great. The RLreports it is
called the ’,’Live and Alone Tour’’, as opposed
to the dead and en masse tour; RL
introduced me to her music, much like I
introduced her to Stevie’ s. (Read: "Forced
it down her throat until she knew every
song by heart!") Fortunately, m3’ enthusiasm
for Stevie took (asevidencedby find--
ing a Stevie cassette I KNEW.I hadn’t
g~ en her, and forced her to fess up that
she, indeed~ had bought it- and loved it.),
as did hers for Meli~sa
Interestingly enough, if ybu play the
track"I Miss You" from Stevie’ s "Trouble
in Shangfi" La" and.then play "Enough of
Me" from Melissa’ S"Breakdown", you’ll
find it’ s almost the same song - same chord
progressions, sameguitar. Whoinfluenced
who? John Shanks, Melissa’s producer,
produced some of Stevie’ s album, but not
that track. Interesting...
There’ s a new Imax 3-D movie coming,
and it’s sure to bring a bit of Halloween
into summer. "The Haunted Castle opens
its doors July 4th. Johnnyinherits ahaunted
caste in England (isff t that where they all
are?) and goes to claim his inheritance. It’ s
a whole lotta trouble after that, as the devil
seems to thinkhe’ s the rightful Owner. The
Imax Corp0fation actually tried to launch
an effort to ban this film due to its graphic
content, entreating theatre owners not to
show iLHow much of that is true and how
much hype I don’t know, but it did make
for an interesting press release. And it
looks like it would be a fun film to check
out, especially forhorror buffs.A new way
to get a chill in the heat of summer.
On the local front, an.intriguing expericomes
to Tulsa to play in "Big" - and oh
~e puns I could make endlessly here. He
is rather a tall man... And very broad
shouldered, actually. Anyway, back to the
column at hand-no, don’ t go there, either.
Anyh.oo, themusical that flopped onBroad-
" way is now suitable for touring produc-
’ taons and Theater Arts is bringing it to
town July 13-22 at the Van Trease Per-
¯ - forming Arts Center for Education
(PLEASE get a shorter name!) at 595-
¯ 7777. At least it’ s a different phone num-
- bet.
Tulsa CARES presents "Hairball 2001,
an event to raise bucks to combat AIDS
and raise awareness (and hair) in Tulsa. If
you canget it up- the hair, I should say, to
clarify for the more gutterminded among
thereadership - and, if you can’ t get it up,
for hair raising fun, call 834-4194 ~0r tix to
the Tulsa CARES hair ball, er, hair (raising)°
ball. And have a ball, at the ball. Oh,
I think this column has just descended to a
whole new level, and it ain’t up.
For the folks still reading after that last
¯" bit who are into women, Shadia Dahlal
." ("Hello, dahling!" she says to thekids) and
¯ her Purple Roses of Cairo dance troupe
: swing into town July 26-29 to writhe and
¯ swing hips for your delight. "Passage to a
: world of dark-eyed women, mysterious
¯ customs,veils,incenseanddrums."Hmm,
¯ I know a couple of Lesbians that would
like to explore those mysteries, I bet.
¯ And on the lighter side, Theater Pops
¯ weighs in with ,Bash" July 26-August 5. ¯
"Bash" is acollection of 3 one act plays
." about people capable of unspeakable acts
: of evil and complexity.
¯ Nothing like a dose of Complex "evil to ¯
get the brai,’,n working. Better than coffee.
: Bi~lledas a portraitofhowdarkthehuman
: spirit can become," which I think I discov,
: ered all too well from grade school on
¯ through high school.
American Theatre Co.
presents.
July-12-21
John H. Williams Theater
Performing Arts Center
For tickets and information,
call 596-7111 or 800-364-7111
www.tulpac.com
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for justice
& equality for-Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Pers0nalInjury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Di’umright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointmenls are available.
Holland Hall
A SCHOOL THAT HAS iTS ACT TOGETHER
Holland Hall ranks
first in the city of Tulsa
and second in the state
for average ACT scores.
And, our seniors, Class of 2001,
have received acceptances to
colleges that include Brown,
Colorado College, Georgetown,
Harvard. MIT, Tufts, Tulane,"
University of Michigan,
Vanderbilt and Yale.
Laboratory work engages students in the new
18,000-square-foot Duenner Family Science,
Mathematics and Technology Center.
~PreSchool through G’i~tde 12
(918} 481-1111, ext. 251
the folks who provide the funding that
Gov. Frank administers to Oklahoma Today.
While our legislature’s no model of "
progressive thinking, there are a few sena- ¯
tors and representatives who.believe that ¯
evenGayOklahomans deserve tobe treated - ¯
fairly - and who know that Oklahoma
Today is funded with our tax dollars too.
Last but not least, I should note that this ¯
problem of invisible Gay people i~ not
new. We saw the same problem with the
"homo-free" Tulsa Centennial. Andinterestingly
enough some of the same players
retum~
If one could bring "disbarment" proceedings
againsta professor as you can
against a negligent attorney, thenOU professor
of letters Danney Goble, Ph.D.
should have his credentials revoked for
deliberately suppressing the history, ofGay
Tulsans in his Centennial book.
Some might excuse this as an oversight
but within a day after Goble received the
contract to write the Centennial history~ I
called him and gave him names and phone
numbers of several individuals who could
speak about the last 30 years of Tulsa’s
Gay history. Goblenever even bothered to
call any of these people and .yet claimed
his book was more reflective of the history
of Tulsa’ s minority communities.
Hadhe called and found the information
lacking, the omission might be justified.
Instead we just have plain and simple
bigotry. Also noteworthy is the recogni:
tion OT gives to Sharon King Davis who
was chair of Tulsa’s bigoted Centennial
effort. Davis, is both a staunch Baptist but
also a major Democratic Party leader.
Ofcourse, OklahomaDemocrats, mostly
want to pretend that there are no Gay
people here except for when national
Democratic groups require that they m,
elude us, oh, and when they need money,.
like certain former governor or current
congressman who both received or asked
for major donations from "rich Gays"
Of course, some will argue who cares
about Oklahoma Today? The only people
who read it are 62 year old white bigots
(and at least this 43 year old editor). But
the way we as a community are represented
in the media is crucial to our survival
and progress. When we are misrepresented,
prejudices remain and help create
an environment where hatred, assault
and even murder can flourish. When we
are rendered invisible, in effect, told we
are not even worthy of acknowledgement,
Oklahoma Todayhelps reinforcea climate
of intolerance.
Rendering minorities invisible is a.mil-~
lenniaold technique. Those whoconquered
eradicated the language, the culture of
those defeated. In America, history was
written as that of white men, whether or
not it really was until quite recently.
In Tulsa, all notices of the 1921 Race
Riot were torn out of the archives, and this
was not taught in~ any Tulsa public or
private school w.ell into the ’90’ s.
And of course, in Oklahoma today, we
see that there are no Gay people.
and 89% (220) were from urban areas.
Jackson County, including Kansas City,
had the largest count of same-sex couples,
1,723.
But whenthe 1,463 same-gender couples
in No. 2-ranking St. Louis County were
added to the 1,297 from the city of St.
Louis, No. 3 on the list, the total of 2,760
mtranked Jackson County.
For Elizabeth Radford and Marlssa Pace
of St. Louis, describing themselves as a
couple on their Census paperwork "’just
came easily because it’s who we are and
we are comfortable withit," said Pace, 32,
a chemist.
Radford, a 34-year-old social worker,
said she and Pace took the step last year of
having a marriage ceremony performed
by clergy during a party attended by about
70 friends and relatives in St. Louis.
In Ohio, 16,244 (88%) same-sex unmarried
households are in urban areas,
while 2,288 (12%) are in rural areas, according
to the census data. This marksa
slight change from .the 1990 census when
only 9% (336) of same-sex unmarried
households were in rural parts of the state
and 91% (3,441) were in urban areas.
In Alabama 5,778 (71%) same-sex .unmamed
households are in urban areas,
while 2,331 (29%)are in rural areas.
In1990, only 25% (262) of same-sex unmarried
households were in rural parts of
the state and 76% (807) were in urban
areas.
In Kansas, the census figures showed
that 2,544 (64%) same-sex unmarried
households are in urban areas, while 1,429
(36%) areinrural areas. In 1990;only 29%
(185) of same-sex ufimarried households
were in rural parts of the state and 71%
(462) were in urban areas.
Mike Silverman, 28, a computer software
e~glneer, and his partner of more
than five yearL Dave Greenbaum, recently
returned from Vermont, where they had a
civil union ceremony. Lawrence is home
of the University ofKansas, and Silverman
said it’ s the only city in the state with an
anti-discrimination ordinance protecting
Gay men and Lesbians.
In New York, 43,529 (94%) same-sex
¯ tmmarried households are in urban areas,
; while 2,961 (6%) are in rural areas. In the
¯
last census, only 4% (561) of:same-sex
¯ tmmarried households were in rural parts
of the state and 96% (13,187) were m
¯ urban areas.
Men with a male partner accounted for
¯ 15,016 households, and female couples
¯ made up 1’0,890 households, in 2000. The ¯
census also confirms that enclaves ofGays
¯ are concentrated in the Manhattan neigh-
" borhoods of Chelseaandthe’vVestVillage.
¯ Data on other states will be released in
~ batches through mid-August, according to
¯ census officials. The Human Pdghts Cam-
" paign (HRC), the largest national Lesbian
~md Gay political organization, is working
~ with the Urban Institute, a Washington,
¯ D.C. think tank specializing in statistical
: analysis, to analyze same-sex partner
¯ household data. HRClobbies Congress; ¯
provides camp.aign support and educates
¯ .thepublic to ensurethat LGBT Americans
¯ can be open and safe at home and at work
~7 Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D.
Lastmonth some970 guns, several bales
of marijuana, and forty or so boxes of
pornography went up in smoke The Tulsa
Police Department used fire
clean its evidence lockers
of items it didn’t want to
auction back to the community.
Thank goodnesswe
are now thus secured
against these three menaces
to society:, weapons,
drugs, and dirty pictures.
The day the lurid glossies
went into the furnaces,
I happened to be reading
Barry Werth’s recent biography
The Scarlet Professor:
Newton Arvin- A Literary
Life Shattered by
Scandal.
Arvin was an ennnent
literary critic and professor
of English at Smith (in
Northampton, MA), 0neof
the Ivy-league’s "Seven
Sister" colleges for women.
His books on Nathaniel
Hawthbm, Walt Whitman,
~ind Herman Melville (the
later of which won~the National
BookAward) helped
create the canon of 19th
century American literature,
loved or cursed by
today’s English majors. Literature made
Arvin, and literature -of a sort also
destroyed him. Arvin was arrested,~fined,
institutionalized,, mad forced to retire for
possessing Gay pornography.
Born at the turn of the century, Arvin
was-shy, short, balding, and: often depressed.
He hdd married and divorced in
his early 30’ s but only slowly and partially
reconciled himself emotionally to his homosexuality.
He progressed through a
number of short-lived relationships with
younger men, some of whom he recruited
as English instructors. (In thgse days, sleep:
ing with the boss could be a more obvious
requirement of one’ s job.)
Truman Capote, a young writer Arvin
met at an artist colony, dated Arvin for two
years, and dedicated to him his first novel,
Other Voices, Other Rooms. To Arvin’s
credit, he kept in touch with many of his
lovers years after they had parted.
In his 50’s, Arvin discovered nearby
Springfield’s several Gay bars, cruising
New York City bathhouses (the Everard),
and also skin magazines. Arvin’ s renewed
sexual adventuresomeness partly reflected
an increasing loneliness of late middle age
but also the sudden appearance in New
York City newsstands of accessible Gay
pornography. In the 1950s, pioneer pornographers
such as Sam Roth and also
Bob Mizer, in the guise of the Athletic
Model Guild, began publishing pictures of
mostly naked (apart from a posing strap or
two) young men. Thom Fitzgerald’s recent
video Beefcake documents the historyof
the muscle maga~i,’nes that led to,
Arvin’s downfall such as Grecian GuiM
Piciorial, MANual, and Trim.
Before the 1950s, Gaypornography was
to spnng-
"... Pornography
9nly exlsts in soeiet~es
where sexuality, or
aspects thereof, is
repressed and
inhibited.
Pornography’s
secrecy and
saladousness furl its
conslderahle charm.
One may imagine,
however, some sexual
ecology...- past or
future-where .all
facets of se- x are
simply mundane and,
as a eonsec~uenee,
pornography is
unthlnhahl-e... "
scarce and hard to find. Basically, one had
¯ to write or draw or photograph it onesdf,
: or else somehow acquire obscure special
¯ editions and art prints mostly published in
Europe. By midcentury, however, Ameri2
can enterprise and knowhow
had at last brought
graphicpornography home
to the masses. Arvin began
buying and collecting the
new musclemagazines, and
also films of nude wresfling
and the like. A novel
technology, 8ram film and
the home movie projector
(perhaps Arvin borrowed
his from Smith College
classrooms?), also boosted
the mass market for pom
-productions.- We’ve recently
experienced similar
technological boosts with
the VCR, .DVD, and the
Intemet.
Pornography, actually,
as an idea is rather recent.
The word, a fancy madeup
Greek term meaning
"writing about harlots,"
first appeared around 1850
or so. Victorian archaeological
excavations of Roman
Pompeii and
Herculaneum had uncovered
shocking sexual imagery
in murals, mosaics, and decorative
household objects. These artifacts were
quickly.squirreled awayin secret museum
caches but they inspired a fierce interest, a
fascination only partly disguised by
"’pornography’ s" net-Greek facade.of polite,
scientific objecfiyity. Terminological
alternatives similarly have historically
shallow roots. Obscene is a Latin worst
that originally meant ominous or illomened;
and smut an Old English word
meamng sooty or smudged.
Pornography only exists in societies
Where sexuality, or aspects thereof, is repressed
and inhibited. Pornography’s secrecy
and salaciousness ftiel its considerable
charm. One may imagine, however,
some sexual ecology - past or .future -
where all facets -of sex are simply mundane
and, as a consequence, pornography
is unthinkable.
But not in Massachusetts in 1960, on the
cusp of the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations.
Wily politicians then witch--
hunted pornographers and-their customers,
building careers on burning dirty pictures.
A new federal law, passed in July
1960, had made it illegal to send pornographic
material through the mail or to
otherwise distribute this. Arvin and his
circle of Gay. friends met occasionally to
trade magazines and films and to show off
new items in their collections. But postal
inspectors got busy tracking down pore
mailings-and, on September 2, 1960, three
police officers pounded on Arvin’ s door.
They seized his films and magazines and
Arvin too. Terrified, he ratted on Ms Gay
friends and colleagues two ofwhom, along
with Arvin, were convicted and lost their
teaching positions, see Studies, p. 11
Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights
(TOHR) invites individuals, businesses and
organizations to a
Community-Wide
Meeting:
A Permanent Location for the
Community Center
Thurs., July 26th
6:30, meet & greet, program at 7pm_
LGBT Community Center, 21st & Memorial
Discussion Topics:
Where? How Big?
As Focus for New Neighborhood?
For info,, call 743-GAYS (743-4297)
IGTA member
Call 341. 6866
Intorn tion l
~TourS formoreinformation.
TULSA COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC
PARTY
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pm
Want to save
Money and
Help Build a
Community
Center?
Switch to
Rainbow
Communications
Long Distance and More,
10% of Revenues Will
Benefit Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights.
Capital Campaign and
General Fund
For more
information,
call 665-3401
or evenings
at A.A.7-8602.
Tulsa’s only
professional
body-piercing
Kelly Kirby,-CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional-corporation
Lesbians and Gay men face many special
tax situations whether single or as couples.
Electronic filing is available for faster refunds.
747-5466
4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
by Karin Gregory
You know when it hitS, don’t you? Ev- "
cry word she utters is golden, no matter ¯
how crude; every look she gives, you want .-
to capture on film to replay; every phone °
message she sends, you save mad listen to "
on your loneliest days(and especially ¯
nights!). You’re the homiest Lesbian in .
town, yet when you think of HER, you "
¯ don’t think of the next time you’ll have ¯
sex, just how good it feels to be with her, °
whether for an hour or a whole night, "
waking up with her the next morning. You .
want to learn her, be a part of her, and fuse o
yourtwo soulsinto one. Youwritehideous ~
purple prose in the second person that ¯
some poor folks in Tulsa will read (well, ¯
maybe not after this paragraph!). :
When-you’re with her, you’re on an "
emotional high, blocking out everyone ¯
around but the two of you. An hour after "
she’s left, you’re still high. Somewhere "
between the second and third hour, how- ¯
ever, your emotions sink so fast and so low
that you don’t think you can live until you "
see her again. When you hear from her, "
you sound like the silliest schoolgirl who .
ever lived. She’s the only woman who
makes you nervous because you can’ ttalk
to her like other women. You have to be "
honest. Her bluntness and honesty make
you want to be a better person, not only for "
her, but for yourself. Yoi~’re feeling emotions
you never thou.ght you had. Dare you
question? Analyze? Categorize every feel- .:
ing? Then put a label on those feelings? ¯
Can it be <gasp!> love? HELP!
Why do I need help?why don’ t Ijust sit "
back and enjoy the ride like most couples? ¯
For the first time in my life, I’m ready for ¯
that "R" word. She’s beautiful, talented, "
creative, interested in me. So what’s the ¯
problem? Miss Interested-In-Me has only
one flaw--the same flaw that haunts many
Gay couples--the dreaded_EX! Yup, I’min "
love with a woman who’ s stillinlove with ¯
her ex. Before you start calling me all °
kinds of stupid, I knew about the ex before °
I met Miss Interested-In-Me in person. I
just didn’ t know, nor did she, the extent of °
those feelings. Now you can call me all "
kinds of stupid! I walked into this trap. "
I even met Ms. X once at my,.., my,.
.. my.... whatever’s house. Gay Felix and "
I liked her very much. No, she couldn’t be "
rude, crude, and vulgar, could she? She "
couldn’t be evil and have a wart on her ¯
nose. Oh, no! Remember, we’re talking ."
Gregory luck here. She and "my girl" are "
- even best friends. OUCH! And Ms. X "
likes me. I found out about that when Miss °
Interested-In-Me and I spent aparticularly
soulful night together.. "She likes you," :
she said. "She. likes how attentive you are ."
to me." ¯
It occurred to me to say, "Well, it’ s nice "
to get the first wife’s permission,’" but I "
thought better of it. If this woman has ¯
taught me anything, it’ s to think before I ;
speak--a first for me. I’ ve also learned that "
it’s easy to live with a stake through your "
heart. It’s just when that stake is twisted ¯
around that you think you won’t ever be "
able to breathe again. She also tells me I’m "
.anincredible person to listen to her and not "
to run. I’dlike to say that incredible people
are not easy to find; that once you find one,
you hold on for dear life. But then I have to
think about that and realize that too much
too soon will run off Miss Interested-In-
Me.
Some people say she’ s using me. Others
say that shejust needs time. Hell, she’ s had
at least two years! Gay Felix, who’s been
around her more than others, told me the
other day, "Karin, she’s called you, invited
you over, initiated sex--I’ dbe happy!"
He’s a man--what else did you expect?
I’m also remembering a line from a
musical, for which mosrof you Gay men
would be proud. Around the end of ’~The
Music Man", when the townspeople discover
that "Professor" Harold Hill is a con
man, they run after him with tar and feathenng
in mind. Marian the Librarian’ s little
brother, Winthrop, tells Hill to run away.
Hill says he can’ t. He. looks at Marian and
declares,"For t_he first time in my life; I got
my foot caught in the door.’"
Marian, if you’re out there, think of my
foot and how it must hurt being stuck in
your door for so long. Think of "that stake
twisting through my heart. Know that this
salesman won’ t bemaking any morehouse
calls for a long time. Aren’t exes a bitch?
Arvin’s collection of soft, nudie guy
imagery, lugged imo court as evidence,
undoubtedly was subsequently burned.
Arvin died two years after his trial, in
1963.
Forty years later, it is quaint, one could
say, that the state still strikes matches to
protect us from the perils of pornography.
Butitmaybe alosing battle, particularly in
Oklahoma. The more sexual repression,
themorepornography. It’ s maybe no accident
that Tulsa spelled backwards, as ~veryone
knows, is A SLUT.
Lamont Lindstrom teaches anthropology
ht the University o[Tulsa, and can be
reached at lamont10@yahoo.com
It is time for society tO recognize that
Gays and Lesbians are a responsible minority
facing unjust discrimination and
mistreatment by the majority - just like
every other minority which has struggled
forjustice a~.d equal treatment inAmerica.
- Nathaniel Batchelder, Director
The Peace House, Oklahoma City
In statements to TFN, McClure noted
that repeated efforts to discuss and resolve
these issues with Tulsa Comity commis,
Sioner John Selph, a Democrat and with
Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage, also a Demo:
crat, both of whom are represented on the
Criminal Justice Authority, have been rebuffed
to date.
McClure also issued a written challenge
to Savage and the county commissioners
to meet with him to resole these issues.
present.s
I
JuIy 14, 8pm, PAC’sWestby Pavilion ~ LaFortune
Studio,
$80 donation.
Call Rebecca at 834-4194
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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[2001] Tulsa Family News, July 2001; Volume 8, Issue 7
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
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Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
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Tulsa Family News
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
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Tom Neal
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July 2001
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James Christjohns
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Hughston Walkinshaw
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, June 2001; Volume 8, Issue 7
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
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2001
AIDS
arts
Atlanta
Berlin
businesses
censorship
Census
Chicago
China
churches
Council Oak Men's Chorale
Diversity celebration
Eastern Europe
entertainment
flag burning
gay clergy
Hair Ball
hate crimes
HIV
HIV testing
kidnapping
Netherlands
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Ohio
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Openarms Youth Project
Paris
police abuse
pornography
Pride
pride Parade
Raging Lesbian
Red Cross
Red Rock Tulsa
restaurants
Russia
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stigma
Tulsa CARES
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Minnesota ’Sodomy’ Law
RUled Unconstitutional
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota’ s law thatprohibits
oral sex and other intimacy betweenconsenting adults
is unconstitutional, a state district courtjudge has ruled.
~udgeDelila Pierce said the law, which had been on the
books since the 1800s, is unconstitutional because it
violates the right of privacy guaranteed by the Minnesota
Constitution.
The Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (MnCLU) and
the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Lesbian
& Gay Rights Project had filed a lawsuit last.summer
challenging the sodomy statute on behalf of a cross
section of Minnesotans.
Although the state court ruling should prevent the
sodomy law from being enforced anywhere in Minnesota,
the MnCLU is asking the court to technically
classify the case as a class action. MnCLU attorney
Teresa Nelson said that would lea~ "absolutely no
uncertainty" see Sodomy, p.ll
Global AIDS Goals
Debated at United Nations
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Delegates from over 100
countries began debating a plan recently calling for
tough new targets to combat AIDS worldwide, including
the spending of up to $10 billion a year by 2005 in
developing countries. The delegates opened five days
of negotiations on a declaration U.N. members are
expected to approve at the General Assembly special
session on HIV/AIDS in New York next month.
"This is a global problem that needs global actionand
a global response," said Australia’s U.N. Ambassador
Penny Wensley. ’-’We know it can be done, but it cannotbe
done unless there is a massive infusion of resources
and a mobilization of political will."
The draft declaration endorses the goal set last Sep-"
tember by some 150 world leaders at the U.N. Millennium
Snmmit ofhalting and starting toreverse the HIV/
AIDS epidemic by 2015. The document was drafted by
Wensley and Ibra Deguene Ka, the U.N. ambassador
from Senegal, who are co-chairing preparations for the
U.N. meeting June 25-27.
The declaration, if adopted, would commit U.N.
members to meeting a series of interim targets over the
next 15 years.
Among these proposed targets are the following:
- Governments should develop national strategies
"and financing plans see Global, p. 2
¯
Pride 2001 F ,atures N.ew
Parade Route, Bigger Fest,val
Interfaith Service Rescheduled
¯¯ TULSA (TFN)-Organizers of the 2001 Pride events areworking
frantically to finish last minute details for the parade and festival
¯
and associated events which they believe will be better than any
: before. And as happens, at least one event has been rescheduled:
¯ the Interfaith service is now at 7pr~_.on Wednesday, June 6, still ¯
at Sharp Chapel at the University of Tulsa, just off of 1 lth St. at
¯ College Ave.
¯ Greg Gatewood, spokesman forTulsaOklahomans forHuman
Rights (TOHR) notes also that the black-tie optional Gala Dinner
at the Tulsa Country Club on Friday, June 8th will have dancing
after the dinner as well as a silent and also brief live auction.
: Tickets are still available at the Center, 743-4297.
¯ Organizers also want to emphas:ze the change in Parade
location and time. It will begin at 3pm at 15th near Utica
¯ continuing along Cherry St. to Boston and along 18th to the
: Festival in Veterans’ Park as in the past. see Pride, p. 9
SGe.rvin.gaL.esyb.ian..,.___j,, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families +Fji=~nd~
¯ Phelps’ Protest Raises $
for Gay/Straight Students
The 2001 Diversity Festival will feature booths & entertaiment.
¯ Vermont House Tries to
Revise Civil Union Legislation
¯ by Ross Sneyd, Associated Press Writer ¯
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont House passed a recip-
: rocal partnership bill that would repeal civil umons even as it
: endorses same-sex relationships. The bill, which would confer
¯ mamage benefits on all couples who cannot otherwise marry,
¯ passed 72-69. Civil unions applied only to Gay and Lesbian
¯ couples, but the replacement reciprocal partnerships would ap- ¯
ply to same-sex couples and to pairs of blood relatives.
: The debate on final passage was marked by sharp exchanges
¯ over homosexuality. Ironically, it required many people who ¯
find homosexuality morally repugnant to endorse relationships
¯
between two men and two women. "It’s difficult because it still
¯ gives the same benefits to same-sex individuals, couples as the
¯ traditional marriage couple," said Rep. Nancy Sheltra, R-Derby,
: one of the leading opponents of civil unions. She voted for the
¯ bill.
¯ The state Senate will get thebill next, but leaders have said they
¯ don’t intend to address it. And Gov. Howard Dean has said he ¯
would not sign any legislation changing the civil unions law.
¯ The bill accomplished some of the goals of civil unions
¯ opponents; though,because couples no longerwouldbe required ¯
¯ tohave theirunions certified byAjudge, clergymember orjustice
of the peace in the same way that marriages are solemnized. It
¯ also would require the reciprocal partnerships licenses would be
¯ issued by the Health Depa],’tment instead of by individual town
¯ clerks, as civil unions and marriages are.
"We see this as a step in the right direction," said the Rev. Craig
i
Bensen °fCamb,ri,d~e, a leader in theanti-civil uni°n gr°upTake
it to the People. It s a bill that makes sense only in the world
definedbyBaker." Tha~’ s the 1999 Vermont Supreme Court case
that declared Vermont s marriage statutes unconstitutional becauseGay
and Lesbian couples were denied the benefits that flow
from marriage. To comply with the ruling, the Legislature last
year adopted civil unions. That’s a legal structure that parallels
mamage but remained separate and distinct, see Unions, p. 2
¯ TULSA (TFN) - Making lemonade out of lemons,
young and older supporters ofGay/Straight Alliances
in Oklahoma and new Jenks graduate, Kevin Barker,
¯
¯ gathered at the LGBT Community Center onMay 21 torespondpositively to a graduationprotestbyWichita
¯ anti-Gay preacher Fred Phelps and his clan. Phelps
¯ targeted Jenks High School because the school’s
adminstration, after someprodding andin response to
¯ fedcral law, allowed the formation of the Gay/Straight
¯ Alliance. ¯
In a widely distributed e-mail, Barker wrote, "my
: response to this is aimed to take a negative situation
¯ andmakeitapositiveone. Iloveusingkindness tokill
¯ hatred so here is what I wouldlike to do." Barker then
¯ proposed that supporters make a pledge to donate a ¯ sum for each hour that Phelps protested. The more his
¯ crew was there, the more would be raised for the
¯ Jenks GSA via the Oklahoma chapter of GLSEN
(Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network).
see Jenks, p. 9
Gill Foundation to Give
TOHR $40,000 Grant
Kevin Barker. Jenks Class of 2001, Kerry Lewis of
TOHR and Karin Weldin ofSoulforce at the Center.
TULSA (TFN)-TulsaOklahomans forHumanRights
(TOHR) has announced that the Denver-based Gill
Foundation has awarded one of its Fast Track grants
toTOHRfor $40,000 for operating andprogramming
expenses over a three-year period. The grant also
includes technical assistance support. TOHR is one
of only three organizations in the nation to receive the
grant.
~llae grant will help to ensure TOHR’s financial
stability, increase the effectiveness of its programs,
and continue its work of more than 20 years in
educating the public about issues affectingTulsa’s
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual &Transgender communities.
TOHR is Oklahoma’s oldest civil rights organization
dedicated to acheiving equality for the Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities.
TOHR’s largest program is the operation ofthe Tulsa
Gay, Lesbian, Bi &Transgender Community Center,
2114 S. Memorial Road.
The Gill Foundation was established in 1994 by
Tim Gill, founder and former chairman and chief
technology officer of Quark, Inc., a Denver-based
computer software company. Tim Gill and the Gill
Foundation have provided more than $21 million to
hundreds of organizations and programs serving
LGBT communities and people living with HIV/
AIDS.
Through the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Coloradol
the foundation funds Colorado nonprofits in the areas
of: social justice; children, youth and families; leadership
development; arts and culture and public broadcasting.
In addition, the foundation operates the OutGiving
Department which provides technical assistance and
other resources see Gill, p. 9
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*CW’ s, 1737 S. Memorial
*Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Schatzi’ s, 2619 S. Memorial
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box II, 1338 E. 3rd
*Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. I5th
832-1269
610-5323
838-9792
744-4280
585-3405
745-9998
280-1316
834-4234
660-0856
584-1308
835-2376
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. H~rvard 743-1000
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E: 71 250-5034
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth 295-5868
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial 369-8555
Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460
Horal Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 744-9595
Four Star Import Automotive, 9906 E..:55th PI. 610-0880
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial plaiming 459-9349
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1-111
*International Tours 341-6866
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750
*Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018
"David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-5466
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha 585-1234
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 584-3112
Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31 663-5934
*Mohawk. Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626
*The Pride Store 743-4297
Ralnbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101 747-5932
Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617
Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. 834-7921,748-0224
Paul Tay, Car Salesman 260-7829
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558
Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767
www gaytulsa.org - website for Tulsa Gays & Lesbians
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363
Black & White, Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815
B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780.
Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence
Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood 587-1314
*Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300
*Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595
Council Oak Men’s Chorale 748-3888
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712- ~1511
918.583 1248, fax: 583.4615
POB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159 o-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal
Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin.Gregory, Barry
Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lament Lindstrom, Esther
Rothbluml Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw
Member of The Associated Press
Issued around the 1st of each month, the entire contents of this
publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa
Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in
part without written permission from the publisher. Publication
of a name or photo does not indicate a person’ s sexual
orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication
unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole
property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4
copies of each edition at distribution points.
Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
*Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E 31 742-2457
Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics & _-
Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*Free Spirit Women’ s Center, call for location &info: 587-4669
Friend For A Friend, POB 52344, 74152 747-6827
Friends in Unity Social Org., POB 8542, 74101 582-0438
*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378
*HouseoftheHolySpiritMinstries,1517S. Memorial 224-4754
*MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715
NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral PI. 748-3111
NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159 365-5658
OK Spokes Club (bicycling), POB 9165, 74157
*OSU-Tulsa
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS .Interfaith Network 749-4195
*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140
*St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
Soulforce-OK, R.t.4,#3534,Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, Gay Comm. Center 743-4297
TUL-PAC, PositiveAdvocacy Coalition, POB2687,Tulsa 74101
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21st &Memorial 7434297
Unity Churchof Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833
BARTLESVILLE
Barflesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353
"TAHLEQUAH
Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900
Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900
Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570 918-453-9360
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734
Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 50!-253-7457
DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807
Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445
MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337
Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, POB 429 501-253-2776
Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332
Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646
~rhite Light, 1 Center St. 501-253-4074
JOPLIN, MISSOURI
Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696
* is where you can find T’~N. Not all are Gay-owned but all are Gay-friendly,
to combat HIV/AIDS by 2003. The plans
should involve thebusiness sector, grassroots
groups and people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Countries most affected by HIV should
adopt by 2003 a set oftime targets to achieve
the goal of reducing HIV prevalence among
young men and women aged 15-24 by 25%
by 2005. HIV prevalence in the same age
group should be reducedby 25% worldwide
by 2010.
- A wide range of measures to prevent
AIDS - including information and education
- should be available by 2005 in all
countries, taking account of "local circumstances,
ethnic and cultural values."
- The number of infants infected with
HIV should be reduced by 20% by 2005 and
by 50% by. 2010 by providing treatment to
expectantmothers who are infected with the
HIV virus.
- By 2003, countries should develop national
programs to increase the availability
9f drugs to treat HIV infections by addressmg
issues such as pricing, and by 2005 they
shouldmakeprogress in implementing comprehensive
health care programs.
Theproposed draft also calls for countries
to initiate programs to identify groups most
vulnerable to AIDS by 2003, to implement
programs for AIDS orphans by 2005, and to
adopt legislation by 2005 protecting the
rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Last month, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi
Annan called for an annual war chest of $7
billion to $10 billion to fight the pandemic.
The draft proposal calls for reaching this
overall target incrementally by 2005, with
money coming from national budgets, international
donors, and private assistance.
Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Peg
Fiery devised reciprocal partnerships as a
¯ .way to comply with the Baker ruling but
." also to alter some of the moral objections to
¯¯ civil unions. She also argued that there are
other committed, loving "family units" that
¯
deserved the same benefits that same-sex
"_ couples were granted last year.
¯ Gay and Lesbian Vermonters, though,
¯ said the bill was an insult because it sought
-" to equate their committed relationships to
: those they have with a mother, sibling, aunt
.. or uncle. The relationships are significantly
¯ different, they said. "Last year we crafted a
¯
Ve.rmo,,nt compromise and we called it civil
¯ umon, said Rep. William Lippert, D-
¯ Hinesburg, one of two openly Gay lawmak-
¯ ers. "What we have before us today is not
just an expansion, as proclaimed, it in fact
¯ uhdoes that Vermont compromise called
civil union. You cannot escape that."
: Civil unions opponents were intent on
¯ scaling back the law, if not repealing it
¯ altogether. They reluctantly decided it was
impossible to repeal it outright and not provide
a replacement, though, because the
SupremeCourtmadeclear itprobably would
¯ grant Gay and Lesbian couples marriage
licenses in the absence of an alternative.
: Republicans won their majority in the
House largely on the strength of opposition
to the civil unions law. But Democrats re-
" tained control of the Senate.
by Matthew W. Holloway
The Gay community is not a happy one.
Homosexuals are often crippled in their
emotional stability byboth the outer forces
of oppression, hate and violence; as well
as the inner forces of depression,
doubt, self loathing
and loneliness. It is
mainly due to this crippling
emotional legacy that homosexuals
have developed
the well-deserved reputation
for drug use, mental
illness, and promiscuity.
Thesepattems, as once was
believed, are not an unavoidable
side effect ofhomosexuality;
they are, in
fact, not due at all to the
fact that one is a homosexual,
they are more related
to membership, either
claimed orexpressod, in the
much touted but rarely defined
"Gay community".
Oneofthe primary drives
of people is to align themselves into communities
of people. This is done for many
reasons, but one of the most influential
reasons is to give people smaller packets
Of society that they can deal with, and to
organize that society so that each can understand
it. These communities take many
forms, such as religions, governments, and
smaller sub-social communities.
In many situations these communities
of people serve a shorter term purpose,
such as the strength of African-American
commtmity in the 1960’s. The reason for
organizing very strong but temporary communities
such as these is to battle agmnst
some exterior force. It has been said that
people is at his strongest when he is united
in the face of some common evil, and this
is true. We unite ourselves into conmmnities
in order to battle against some outside
force.
The Gay community was originally organized
after this fashion, but the homosexual
battle for acceptance and equality
"... If the Gay
eommunlty does not
drastleally change it’s
image in the next ten
years from a eommunlty
united only by a shared
sexual preference to a
group of people with more
in common, with a
genuine uniting for~e,
then there will be no real
vletory in the struggle
against oppression
that we all share...."
has been a much longer
and harder one than that of
the African-American
community of the 1960’s.
In order for the Gay commuuity
to survxve as a social
group it must be
changed from the temporary,
constantly embattled,
and exclusive community
to a more functional and
longer lasting model.
If the Gay community
is not able ’to change satisfactorily
into a more stable
and permanentcommunity
it will do long term permanent
damage to the campaign
in this country for
Gay civil rights, ff the Gay
community does not drastically
change it’s image in the next ten
years from a community united only by a
shared sexual preference to a group of
people withmoreincommon, with a genuine
uniting force, then there will be no real
victory in the struggle against oppression
that we all share.
We must provide a world free of the
oppression to the many children who constantly
realize their own sexualities and
reach out for support. Will we be there for
them in the next ten years? Are we there
for them now? It is our duty to provide
these youngpeople with a stable and happy
commtmity that they will be happy and
content to join.
Matthew W. Holloway will attend Tulsa
Community College this fall, majoring tn
English.
Our GLBT Pride week is fast approaching
and many members of ourGLBT community
ask: "why. even get involved?" I’ll
tell you why...
To celebrate your own diversity as a
unique individual and to be proud who you
are! To unite us as a stronger community.
To meet others in the community who
wouldn;t meet otherwise. TO LEARN.
During themonthofJune, I tend to come
out to more people and feel better about
not hiding that I am a lesbian and I am
proud. Being "out" is not a requirement to
attend the Pride events, so those of you
who struggle with that need not won’y. I
want you to consider going to at least one
Pride event, you’ll be glad you did!
It seems tomethat people fear what they
have not experienced or what.they do not
understand. "Fear of the unknown" rings
so true with this one. I-have found that
most people have had a strong feeling for
a member of the same sex at some point in
their life (if they are honest enough to
admit it). Whether or not they choose to
labd that attraction as a sexual feeling or
not has a lot to do with many factors;
cultural, religious, & the comml~tity they
live in.
Often people do not know what to label
these feelings. They mav not have any
exposure to homosexualit~ except through
the media, which basically portrays a homosexual
as a deviant person to be feared,
- or a comedian! The news does the best
job of all at slapping anegative view our
way. Anytime a homosexual is in thenews
it is because they .have been involved in
some bizarre love triangle or are trying to
adopt a child. In either case, the homosexual
looks like a pervert, pedophile, you
name it. I think thatmost people are either,
a strong,heterosexual or a strong homosexual.
Of course, this makes for very
interesting "water cooler’, discussions.
Somepeople fall somewherein the middle,
and depending on their life circumstances,
at some point act on it or not.
So now you are thinking what point in
all this?Actually, I will let youin on a little
secret.., people, humanbeings, menAND
women want to be loved. Some feel that
can happen in a relationship with awoman
and some feel that can happen in a rdationship
with a man.
see Divine, p. 11
I spent a lovely evening recently at the
Tulsa Philharmonic and followed that by
meeting some friends at a favorite Gay
watering hole and was amazed at the conversations
that I overheard. "Have you
seenhimlately... ? Oh gift,
she is packing on the
pounds! Must be lonely."
Khother one went like this:
"ThatQueenhas morerolls
than Pillsbury." And then a
little later: "Ooh Mary. .
he looks like the Michelin
Man on a bad hair day."
Fascinating.
At first, I dismissed this
behavioras abunchofhateful
queens with nothing
better to do than talk, but
my observations actually
bring up a much larger (no
pun intended) issue: Why
are Gay men so crazed
about weight?
It is true that welivein an
in.credibly image-conscious
society where looking good is paramount,
but the obsession with staying thin
is especially pervasive with Gay men. On
a recent trip to Toronto, I caught the great
film "Parting Glances", and my point was
driven home when a hefty character made
the statement that "I may have co~umitted
the gay Cardinal Sin of being overweight
but I still have a lot to offer someone."
Being overweight can’t be a sin, can it? In
Gay society, you bet it is and the consequences
can be devastating.
I recently came out of a year-long rela-
¯tionship with a ~nan who was mmfiacal
about weight - mine. I am a healthy 37
year old man who is 5’ 11" mad a solid 180
pounds and I work out regularly. Like any
person, I have been known to gain a few ¯
pounds afler sphtrging on some great meals.
At first, my Ex put me on display as if to
say "’Look what I" ve caught," but when the
scale neared 190 the adoring cormnents
turued nasty. "You are getting a double
chin!" he barked at me one morning "mad
I won’t have a fat boyfriend." Ouch. Was
I not the same personjust because I gained
7 pounds? I tried going to the gym more
and eating less but my weight continued to
fluctuate. I told my Ex that the topic ofmy
weight was offlimi ts but this did not work.
In public, he was the perfect boyfriend. In
private, he was critical and cold. I became
frightened at losing my Partner. Then I
became bulimic.
It happened slowly at first. I popped a
couple of laxatives before going to bed as
if they were an herbal supplement. Our
relationship seemed to improve as I became
thinner. So two laxatives became
four, eight, ten... I finally quit counting.
When we went out, friends would comment
on how great I looked now that my
waist was 29 inches and shrinking. I was
told that I looked a decade younger. People
were amazed that I could eat and drink
whatever I wanted and still lose weight. It
should have felt great...but if they only
knew.
The relationship ended between Christmas
and New Year’ s. Upon learning ofmy
bulimia, my Ex left a terse note onmy door
"... In our group of six.
there were four Gay men,
two of whom I knew. We
were at once frightened
and outraged that our
partners, friends, and Gay
brothers could not accept
us for who we are. Give us
the AIDS epidemie to
fight or mobilize us
against hate and we’ll join
together as One,
but God forbid if any
of us are chunky . . .
stating that he wmated nothing further tc
with someone who had a selfish, sic"- ~ ~g
disorder. Charming.
"’I’ll show him," I said and I decided to
losemore weight. Two weeks later I was in
The GAP wanting some
new jeans but they had
nothing for aman with a 26
inch waist. There were
whispers among people
that I had Cancer or AIDS.
In reality, I was fooling
Mother Nature and soon
she fought back. First my
personality began to
change. Gone was the self
confident, easy-going man
I was and in my place was
afrightened, obsessive, and
vicious Mr. Hyde. I backed
out of an important promotion
at work, fearing that I
would fail I brought new
definition to the term "lean
and mean."
Then I rushed to the
doctor one day in agony with stomach
pains and he told me that I was suffering
from malnutrition and had lesions on my
colon. IfI continued to abuse laxatives, the
doctor said, I would indeed have a new
Partner: a colostomy bag. And that was if
I lived. I was frightened that if my condition
were exposed, I would be treated with
the same disgust that my Ex displayed. So
I went to Bulimics Anonymous.
In our group of six, there were four Gay
men, two of whom ! knew. We were a~
once frightened and outraged that our partners.
friends, and Gay brothers could nol
accept us as we are. Give us the AIDS
epidemic to fight or mobilize us against
hate and we’ll join together as One, bul
God forbid if any of us are chunky - then
we are "dmnaged goods."
I learned that bulimia is not about weight:
it is about control. In my case, I was tryiug
to balm~ce a career, a relationship, graduate
school, AND stay in shape. I was not
expected to gmn any weight. Sometlfing
had to give. I also lemned to share my
experience with others. I leaned on three
people: a parent, my personal trainer, and
a close friend - ironically all of whom are
heterosexual. They were completely supportive.
My trainer did get angry with me
for not trusting him to help me out of this
darkness and then he put his arms around
me and held me while I cried in disbelief
that this understanding and compassion
seems virtually non-existent in the Gay
connntmity.
Fortunately, I had recovered. It was not
easy. My hair turned gray for a time and I
had severe skin eruptions as I leached the
chemicals out of my body. My digestive
system is extremely sensitive and will
remain so for the rest of my life. But my
weight is stable and I amhappy withmy 32
inch waist. Most important, I know that I
am a good person no matter what my
weight and any man is lucky to have me.
And my Ex ? I saw him recently. He
walked by and refused to speak to me. As
I looked at this man who had become a
stranger, I noticed that he had indeed put
on some weight... - anonymous
Memorial to Gay
Soldiers Dedicated.
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (AP) - A Gay veterans
group unveiled a monument to remember Gay service
members killed in combat. The recent ceremony was
attended by veterans in tmiform, the mother of a Navy
serviceman beaten to death at age 23 for being Gay, -"
and a color guard carrying the rainbow banner that _"
symbolizes Gay pride. ¯
The activists who pushed for the monument in this :
desert city just south of Palm Springs say it is the first ¯
of its kind. "It’s a turn-of-the-century event," said¯"
Dennis Palt, a former Air Force staff sergeant who
served in Vxemam. I had hope for this but you could "
have never thought this would becomea reality in the "
1970s, 1980s or ’90s. It’ s fabulous."
Hawaii Passes Hate
Crimes Bill
HONOLULU (AP) - Gov. BenCayetano said that he
will sign the "hate crimes" bill passed.by this year’ s
Legislature. It gives longer sentences for crimes motivated
by the victim’ s race, religion, disability, ethnicity,
national origin or sexual orientation.
Cayetano said while he has concerns about making
distinctions between various kinds of victims, in this
casehefeels there’ s a statement tube made. He said his
decision was "close call" because he doesn’ t believe
Hawaii has a problem with hate crimes - yet.
The hate crimes bill was supported by Gay and
Lesbian groups and several civil rights groups, including
the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. It was opposed
by the Public Defender’s Office, the Honolulu
Police Department. and several religion-based groups.
Disciples Church Adds
Partner Benefits
Man Adopts Gay Partner "
SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP)-A Montgomery County ¯
man has adopted his Gay partner. Chief Circuit Judge "
DeLawrence Beard approved the petition of the 60-
year-old adopter and the 65-year-old adoptee, Beard’s :
law clerk, Tracy Silverman, confirmed.
The men’s lawyer, James Shrybman, said that since "
the men can’t legally marry, they sought the adoption ",
to guaranteefamily rights regarding e~.ch o,th.err s ,me.dical
care andfuneral arrangements, and to clarity c~mms
of survivorship and inheritance Shrybman would not
identify the men, citing their desire for privacy. Their
adoption records in court are sealed. The lawyer said
the Silver Spring couple have lived together at least 32
years.
Shrybman said they considered forging some sort of
domestic partner contract, but felt it wouldn’t have
provided the family relationship recognized by law
and might not withstand challenges by other claimants.
"They chose to proceed to have the court put its
~mprimatur on their relationship and this is the only
one that was open to them," Shrybman said. The
adoptee’s parents are both dead, he said.
Other Gay couples have attempted such adoptions,
with varying degrees of success, m recent years, said
David Buckel, senior staff attorney with the Lambda
Legal Defense and Education Fund, a national Gay
civil-rights organization based in New York.
"’At present, same-sex couples throughout the nation
are denied the freedom to marry, which would bring
the greatest array of protections for their family," he
said. "’When you are a couple and you can’t get
roamed, you kind of reach out for whatever alternaayes
there are, and it sounds like these gentlemen have
found a helpful alternative in the state of Maryla_~.d."
A bill to diminate sex discrimination in mamage
was introducedin the 2000 General Assembly but was
blocked in committee. Baltimore city, Takoma Park
and Montgomery County offer domestic partnership
benefits to their employees.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -The 831,000-member Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) has become one of the
first mainline Protestant denominations to authorize
medical coverage for domestic partners of unmarried
employees.
The decision was announced by the church pension
fund, which had discussed the issue for five years and
agreed to consider coverage if July’ s national General
Assembly approved it. But the denomination’s General
Board said last month the pension fund should
decide, not the national meeting. The coverage, which
could start as soon as January, doesn’ t extend to pensions.
Group Condemns
i Disney Gay Days ¯
¯ ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The president of a Christian
group is asking that Disney officials denounce "Gay
¯ Days," the annual gathering of Gays and Lesbians at
¯ Orlando’ s theme parks.
¯ Martin Mawyer, president of the Forest, Va.-based
~ Christian Action Network, sent a letter to Disney
¯ chairman Michael Eisner also asking Disney officials
¯ to warn families about the event. He asked that signs be .
¯ posted and that other visitors to be able to get refunds
¯ if they Want. "After all, these families made plans to
¯ attend a theme park, not ahomosexual event," Mawyer
¯ said in the letter.
Disney and the other Orlando theme parks don’t
sponsor Gay Days but many of the week’s events, are
¯ held on the theme park resort’s property as well as
: Universal Studios, SeaWofld and Tampa Bay Busch
Gardens.
"Our policy is to be hospitable to everyone who
comes to our resort, to welcome everyone as a guest
and to treat everyone with respect," said Disney spokeswoman
Rena Callahan. "Mr. Mawyer is w~elcome to
visit Walt Disney World any day and we will wdcome
him as a guest as well."
Gay Days started out as a single day in 1991 when
then-Orlando resident Doug Swallow and friends from
a Gay computer bulletin board service informally
decided to get together at the Magic Kingdom. Since
then, Gay Days has become a multi-day event that
starts June 1 this year. It is expected to attract as many
as 100,000 Gays and Lesbians and dozens of parties in
local clubs and venues.
Find out for yourself how good the Lord is! - Ps. 34:8
Come share
good ness of
Lord with our
community
Morning
11:00 AM
=hildren’s Worship
During Service
MCC United
Rev. Cathy Elliott, Pastor
1623 N. Maplewood (918)838-1715 mcctulsa@aol.com
Lesbian Kiss Gets
Yearbook Censored
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Dozens of Boulder High
School students locked lips outside the school to protest
a decision to withdraw a photo of a same-sex kiss
from the yearbook. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Straight
students were encouraged to kiss one another, and
about 150 people turned out at the protest. It lasted
about an hour.
Students had claimed discrimination after the picture
of two girls kissing was yankedfrom the yearbook.
The picturewas to be included in a feature called"First
Kiss" along w;th those ofheterosexual couples kissing.
Yearbook adviser Ruth Palmer said the parents of the
two girls would have to give permission for the photo
to run. When she didn’t hear back from them, she took
the photo out.
Student Rachel Stanley said that decision showed a
double standard because photos of male-female kisses
were allowed to run without parental approval. "A lot
more needs to be done to open people’s eyes about the
problems facing kids" with different sexual backgrounds,
Stanley said as students behind her hugged
and kissed. "It has to start somewhere and maybe this
is it."
Community
Unitarian Universalist
Congregation
at Community ofHope
2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595
A Welcoming Congregation
HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am
Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm, Sunday Eve. Service, 6pm
1517 S. Memorial, 628-0802, hffo: 224-4754
The Open Arms Project
Young Adult Support Group
Outreach Program Thurs. Nights
Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment
Call for meeting times and place:
918-584-2325
Mingo Valley Flowers
9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145
918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800~dAA-5934
Family Owned & Operated
Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW
Ghild, Family, Individual & Gouplo Psychotherapy
(918) 743-9559
2121 South Columbia, Suite 420
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518
The Pride Store
21st Street & Memorial
Tulsa Gay Community Services Center
743-GAYS (743-4297)
6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday
12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center
TOM NEAL
BUILDING & GARDEN
DESIGN
583-I248
Red Rock Tulsa
Free Confidential HIV Testing
Walk-in Clinics
Tues. & Thurs.,5 -8 pm
at the Center, 1307 East 38th
Daytime appointments available.
Call for more information:
918-.584-2325
G
American Red Cross
American Red Cross
-Tulsa Area Chapter
10151 East Eleventh
Tulsa 74128
Dannette McIntosh
Diversity Co-ordinator
83-8:1100
Saint Aidan
4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882
Saint John
4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381
OPENARMS .o
OPEN MINDS
OPEN I-IFARFS
Saint Dunstan
5635 East 71st, 492-7140
Trinity
501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Louisiana Senate Kills
Anti-discrimination Bill
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Legislation outlawing
employment discrimination against Gays was defeated
in the Louisiana Senate after a polite but sometimes
emotional debate. "If we fail today we’ll be back again
in the next session," the bill’ s sponsor, state Sen. Don
Cravins, said just before the 14-21 vote against the
measure.
Cravins’ bill would have outlawed discrimination in
hiring, firing or promoting anyone on the basis of
"actual or perceived sexual orientation." Cravins said
some lawmakers supported the idea but admitted to
him they could not vote for it because it would cost
them political support.
While Senate committee debate included views from
religious opponents of the bill, opposition on the floor
centered around the practicality of the bill.
State Sen. Bill Jones said the bill was unworkable
since it created a protected class and proving someone
is a member of that class would be based solely on that
person’s claim.
Lutheran Bishop Resigns
Over Gay Ordination
LOS ANGELES (AP)- Southern California’s ranking
Lutheran bishop says the church has asked him to
resign for participating in last month’ s ordination of a
Lesbian in Minnesota in defiance of church law.
Bishop Paul W. Egertson, whose sonis Gay, said he
has decided whether to comply with the request, which
comesjust months before his term expires Aug. 31. He
was not seeking re-election.
Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson asked
Egertson before the ceremony to reconsiderhis participation,
said John Brooks, a spokesman for the Chicago-
based Evangelical. Lutheran Church in America.
Brooks would not confirm that the bishop had asked
Egertson to resign.
Rev. Paul Tidemann of St. Paul-Reformation
Lutheran Church said he is not surprised by the decision.
Anita Hill, the pastor who Egertson ordained,
now serves at St. Paul-Reformation with Tidemann. "I
think that the ELCA is doing what it feels it has to do
given the policy that it has," Tidemann said. "Every:
body is in a bit of a difficult spot because the church has
not decided to change that policy ""
Egertson, 65, became bishop of the Southern California
(West) Synod in 1995. The synod includes 140
churches, 275 ministers and nearly 46,000 baptized
members.
Egei’tson became the church’ s first active bishop to
participate in the ordination of a Lesbian when he took
part in the ceremony for Hill. Egcrtson said he was
conscience-bound to defy the church by joining in
Hill’ s ordination. "I can no longer advocate this cause
with credibility from a posihon of personal safety,"
Egertson wrote Anderson at the time.
Somechurch leaders were concerned aboutEgertson
whenhe was elected bishop in 1995 because he said he
had earlier joined in blessing same-sex couples. For
that reason, Egertson said, he promised in writing to
resign if he ever felt he must defy church law as a
matter ofconscience. He said Anderson has now asked
him to follow through.
The Saint Paul Area Synod would not comment on
Egertson because "responsibility for this matter rests
with our churchwide leadership," said spokeswoman
Beth Helgen.
But the Saint Paul Area Synod is considering disciplinary
action against St. Paul-Reformation. Bishop
Mark Hanson and the Saint Paul Area Synod Council
could decide to expel the congregation from the ELCA.
Helgen said she expected the synod to make a decision
soon, but there is no deadline for the announcement.
Religious Leader
Opposes Partner Benefits
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The executive director of
the Christian Civic League of Maine has begun taking
steps to prohibit all state and local governments from
providing domestic partnership benefits. Michael Heath
filed a petition with the Secretary of State’s office to
force an election on the issue.
ff Heath’s petition is approved and he meets the
requirements necessary to land the issue on the November
2002 ballot, voters will also decide whether or
not to overturn a decision by the Portland City Council
to establish a registry of same-sex and opposite-sex
unmarried couples.
Heath’s referendum would also prohibit the state
university*system from providing benefits to the domestic
partners of their employees, and would take
away health insurance from the domestic parmers of
employees who already have them.
"We are praying and thinking about it and talking
with folks who have concerns about this, about domestic
partnership and the agenda of the Gay movement
here in Maineand throughout the country," Heath said.
The Secretary of State’s office is reviewing the
petition and is expected to respond by June 4. Heath
will then be able to collect signatures- he needs 42,101
- to place the question on the ballot.
The state has made significant strides in recognizing
stone-sex couples in recent months. Earlier this year,
the State Employee Health Commission approved
granting health insurance beuefits to Gay and unmarried
heterosexual partners of state employees.
On Monday, the Portland City Council made history
by unanimously supporting the creation of a registry,
which will recognizedomes tic partners as families and
afford them many of the same rights and privileges as
husbands and wives The university systeln and the
City of Portland have offered the benefits for some
time, and the ordinance City Councilors in the city
approved on Monday would require any recipient of
city funds to offer the benefits to employees.
A bill is also in the state Legislature that would
require health insurance companies to offer domestic
partner benefits if they offer coverage to the spouses of
plan-covered Legislature members. The measure was
approved by the House of Representatives and is
headed to the Senate for a final vote.
Karen Gcraghty, a Portland city councilor who cosponsored
the city’s ordinance, said she and others
knew that Heath had filed the petition, and are taking
steps to keep a ballot question from passing. "This is
about denying peoples’ access to health care," she
said. "This is about inequity in the workplace.’"
Heath has been successful with statewide referendnms
oncivil rights issues for Gays. In February, 1998,
voters overturned a statewide anti,discrimination law
that the Legislaturehad passed. Last November, voters
again turned down such a law.
Portland Eases Ban on
Military Recruiting
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland school board
has loosenedamilitary recrmting ban that was prompted
by the military’ s "don’ t ask, don’ t tell" policy toward
Gays. In a unanimous vote, the board decided teachers
and counselors can refer students to recruiters offcampus
only if students are told that the military
prohibits Gays who disclose or act on their orientation.
The decision is a compromise between Gay civilrights
activists who opposed military recruitment in
schools and recruiters, who said the armed forces offer
opportunities for students who aren’ t college-bound.
Abrams wrote the district’ s ban on military recruitment,
which was put into place in 1995. The board had
pushed various plans in recent weeks to give students
more access to the military in school.
Powell Will Lobby
for More AIDS $
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) - Secretary of
State Colin Powell says his four-nation
tour of Africa has pu.t human faces on the
AIDS epidemic sweeping the continent,
and he’ll use the experience to lobby for
more U.S. aid.
"I can go back and make a case in
Washington of the need for more resources,"
Powell said. "I hope I can convey
the passion of what I have seen" when
he reports back to President Bush. Powell
was wrapping up an African gour that also
.tookhim to Mali, South Africa and Kenya.
He was next headed to Budapest, Hungary,
for NATO meetings.
The secretary visited AIDS outreach
. centers in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, and
Kampala, the Ugandan capital. He said he
was deeply moved by heating the experiences
of AIDS victims in both places, and
watching Africans trying to come to grips
with the disease ttL~ough song, dance and
skits. "You don’t really get a full appreciation
until you see the people who are
sla’icken," Powell said.
In Nairobi, Patricia Ochieng, 33, told
Powell it had been nearly 10 years since
she’d tested positive with HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS. Since then, both her 4-
year-old son and her husband have died of
the disease, she said, and"I kept dying day
by day. All my dreams were gone."
The Bush administration announced
earlier this month it was contributing an
ilfitial $200 million to a global $7 billion
fund to combat AIDS. That’s on top of
about $460 million the United States had
earlier committed to fighting AIDS.
In Kampala, Powell announced $50
millionin aid over five years to helpUganda
expand a prevention program. The programhas
sharpl) cut Uganda s HIV-AIDS
rate from nearly 30% to about 10%.
On his travels through Africa, Powell
has said repeatedly that he would work to
get additional U.S. support for AIDS prevention,
research and trealanent programs.
"Even though there are wars in other
parts of the world, even though there’s a
crisis in the Middle. East, even though
people are dying in these conflicts around
the world, there’s no war more serious,
there’s no war causing more death or destruction,
there’s no war on the face Of the
earth that is more grave than the war in
sub-Saharan Africa against HIV-AIDS,"
he said. More than 25 million people on
the continent are infected with HIV.
Teens Want
Complete Sex Info
CHICAGO (AP) - Take a look at some of
the spicy novds aimed at readers as young
as 12. Tune in any number of TV shows
popular with young viewers and try finding
the characters who haven’t had sex.
Ever hear the "Thong Song" or the recent
No. 1 "It Wasn’t Me," a tune about a
couple getting caught "banging on the
bathroomfloor"?Many dementary school
students have.
Officially - from President George W.
Bush on down - young people are being
told to just say ’no’ to sex. Yet they are
bombarded with images that, they say,
make the mantra difficult to take seriously.
Frustrated with mixed messages,
many teens say the)’ would make better
choices for themselves if they had more
information about sex - and less hype.
"How can you expect teens to be abstinent
when all they see is sex?" asks DeVoia
Stewart, 16. "It’s a little hypocritical."
Through the 1990s, biennial surveys
from the federal Centers for Disease Control
andPreventionfound fewerhigh school
students saying they had had sexual intercourse
- from just over 54.1% in 1991 to
49.9% in 1999. The number of teen-age
mothers giving birthalso dropped, although
there are still about a million teen pregnancies
each year.
But health officials say sexually transmitted
diseases are a big concern for teens
- among them HIV, chlamydia, herpes,
gonorrhea and human papilloma virus,
which can develop into cervical cancer.
They also say that, instead of intercourse,
someteens are having otherkinds ofsexual
contact, like oral sex, that can easily spread
disease.
The statistics have only heightened the
debate about what to tell young people
about sex, evenamongyoungpeople themselves.
"In my school, there are people
who adamantly preach about waiting for
sex, and there are also people who love to
recount their own racy experiences," says
Alessa Thomas, 16.
For adults, part of the debate is whether
to distribute condoms and other forms of
birth control to teens. This spring, Planned
Parenthood distributed "prom Survival
Kits," including condoms, to students in
Minneapolis and other cities.
About the same time, a health board in
northern Kentucky decided to change its
sex .education curriculum to "abstinence
only," seeing any talk of safer sex or
condom distribution as lessons in "how
to." "We’re talking about young people
who can’t remember to bring their homework
to school or set their alarm dock -
and yet we want them to remember to use
acondomevery time they engage in sexual
intercourse?" says Addia Wuchner, who
oversees the board’s haman sexuality committee.
But many young people say they should
be trusted to handle more information -
the more, the better. Christopher Batu, 20,
agrees that abstinence education is important,
but he still wishes he had knownmore
about "the reality of what could happen"
because of sex when he was younger. He
says "sex isn’ t evil," but it carries a load of
responsibility with it.
The hunger for accurate, frank informa~
tion has prompted some teens to educate
themselves. Some efforts are official, including
SEX, ETC., a sexuality and health
newsletter and Web site sponsored by
Rutgers University that is written by teens
for teens.
Other teens say they get their information
from sources such as drDrew.com, a
healthWeb sitefor 14- to 24-year-olds that
answers questions ranging from "What is
considered safe sex?" to "What can I do to
helpmyboyfriend last longer during sex?"
Thomas says she doesn’t go to adults
because "I am afraid they will judge me."
Still, a report released this month shows
that many young people want more infor-
Tulsa
A R E S
p r e s e n t
Hair Ball
2001
Juty 14, 8pro, PAC’sWestby
Pavilion & LaFortune Studio,
$80 donation.
Call Rebecca at 884-4194
On the 20th Anniversary
of AIDS, the AIDS Coalition
of Tulsa presents a
Town Hall Meeting
June 5th, 2pm
Topics:
Update on the Epidemic, Janice Nicklas
Testing Positive, Living with HIV, Tommy Chesbro
Knowing Your HIV Status, Ebony Skillens
Diversity In New HIV Cases, Kristi Frisbie
HIV Treatment in Tulsa,
Damon Baker, DO, & Don Eberly
Care Needs of PLWAs, Sharon Thoele
How Tulsans Can Help, Janice Nicklas
Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder
The Tulsa City County
Library System
is proud to
Embrace Diverst
honoring Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered
Oklahomans with the following events:
Saturday, June 2. 2pm. Maxwell Park Library
"Coming Out in Tulsa Area High Schools"
Dr. Doug Gronberg, English teacher at Booker T. Washington High School,
moderates a panel discussion by high school students in Gay/Straight Alliances.
Monday, June 4. 7pm. Central Library
"Council Oak Men’s Chorale"
Monday, June 4. 7pm. Helmerich Library
"Family Law Issues Affecting the Gay COmmuaity"
Panel discussion with IJnda Lacey, TU College of Law, moderating.
Thursday, June 7. 7pm. Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
Harvey.Fierstein and Matthew Broderick star in "Torch Song Trilogy."
Saturday, June 9. 12 Noon. Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
"Out Of the Past" documents the struggles of Kelli Peterson, who started a Gay’/
Straight alliance in her Salt Lake City school in 1996.
Thursday, June 14. 7pm. Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
’°Trevor": Winner of the 1994 Academy Award for best live action short.
"If These Walls Could Talk": Stories about Lesbian couples in three deeades.
"Bubbeh .Lee and Me": A Gay man’s visit with his 87 year old grandmother.
Tuesday, June 19.2pm. West Regional Library
Book Discussion: "Deliver Us From Evie"
Thursday, June 21. lpm. Broken Arrow Library
Book Disa~ssion:"Fried Green Tomatoes"
Thursday, June 21. 7pm. Brookside Library
AIDS Memorial Quilt Project
Vale Bode, director of Education and Outreach for the Tulsa Area chapter of
the NAMES project, discusses the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Please call 596-7977 or your local branch library if you have questions or
need more information. Please plan to attend. "
marion from adults about sex.
The survey of 12- to 17-year-olds by the
fkaiser Family Foundation found that48%
wanted more information about sexual
health from their doctor and 42% from
their health class teachers. A third wanted
more discussxons with their parents.
"This is difficuh stuffto talk to yourkids
about, but youhave to do it-kids want you
to doit," says Margaret Anderson, a senior
program manager for the Academy for
Educational Development, a nonprofit
group that uses fe,~Ieta]and privatefuhding
to help-community organizations develop
sex education and other programs.
Jonathan Olinger, 18, agrees. He says
that his parents’ first talk with him about
sex was awkward but that it _opened the
door to other questions. "We listen to our
parents a lot more than they realize," he
says.
Glaxo Lowering
AIDS Drugs Costs
NAIROBI,- Kenya (AP)~_-. Glaxo
SmithKline will expand a program tod-e--
liver low-cost AIDS drugs in Kenya to
include -aid organizations andl~ge employee
health programs, the marketing
director in Kenya said at the end of May.
Dr. William Kiarie said the company’s
drugs would be offered at a no-profit price,
90% cheaper than the retail price charged
in North America and Europe. Glaxo
Kenya already Offers the drugs at the discounted
pnee to government hospitals.
"It is not a new program, it is just new in
the way it is being implemented," Kiarie
said. "What we are talking about is implementing
the price reductions and expanding
that to more groups of people."
Glaxo, along with other multinational
pharmaceutical companies, has come under
increasing pressure to lower the prices
of antiretroviral drugs that treat HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS. More than 26
million people in Africa have HIV, but
most live on less than $1 a day.
Glaxo’s discount will bring the price of
treatment down to $2 a day, Kiarie said.
Only about 1,000 of the 2.1 million
Kenyans infected with HIV are being
treated with antiretrovirals now, Kiarie
said. But even at the lower price, this
numberwill only expand to between 20,000
and 30,000, he added.
"As an industry, we have to lower the
prices," Kiarie Said. "But this will not be
enough. If we want a significant increase
in access to antiretroviral drugs, we have
to look for other funding and infrastructure
buildup." Kiarie refused to discuss
specific drugs or what the exact prices
would be.
Indra Van Gisbergen, an attorney working
with the Kenyan CoalitiOn for Access
to Essential Medicines, said the offer was
nothing that hadn’t been promised by the
pharmaceutical companies before and that
the lack of details was disturbing.
"Glaxo is misleading the public on the
-prices by hiding all the conditions that
come with the price," Van Gisbergen said.
"In order to get those pnces you have to
sign a contract that hasa very funny paragraph
about agreeing with the company."
Van Gisbergensaid Glaxo has refused
to show AIDS activists copies of the contract,
but she had obtained one copy. She
said Glaxo’s announcement was timed to
influence a bill in Kenya’s parliament that
would allow the government to override
patents and allow the importation of lowpriced,
generic AIDS drugs. "This announeement
should not be used as an’ excuse
not to pass the bill and allow generic
drugs into Kenya," Van Gisbergen said.
HIV Clinic Targets
Rural Poor
GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) - qlae fight
against HIV disease is being stepped up in
Greenwood, Leflore County and the rest
of the Delta.
To Dr. Hamza O. Brimah of Greenwood,
director of the program, it’s about
time. "I have a growing base of padents
who are living with HIV," said Brimah,
40. "Back in 1997, when the Magnolia
Medical Clinic opened, we had barely 10
patients. Today, we’ve seen almost 200."
A $1 million grant provided by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services
will be spread over three years and
provide primary care services for !owincome
individuals living with HIV, he
said.
Called the Magnoli~ Medical Clinic/
Greenwood Leflore Hospital HIV Program,
the project covers a nine-county
region that runs west to Washington
County, south to Holmes County and north
to Coahoma County.
The grant has two goals, Brimah said.
The first is to improve the quality of care
provided to the HIV patient. One way is to
upgrade patient referrals to other primarycare
services, such as dental care, mental
health care and women’s health care.-
The other is improving access to care.
"Werealize that there are still many people
who are not in care," Brimah said. For
every person living with HIV, he said,
there are nine or 10 who aren’t aware that
they have it. "What we’re trying to do is
encourage people to get tested, to access
care by being able to provide them with
transportation and to pay for their clinic
visits," Brimati said.
Testing and treatments, if necessary, are
provided at no cost for low-income individuals.
Treatment for AIDS and HIV has
improved significantly over the past five
years.
"In the past, there used to be complex
regimens, which meant several pills that
had lots of side effects that differ from the
more recent treatment options," Brimah
said. One improvement is a new pill that
has to be taken only twice a day. "That’s a
long way from the time when patients had
to take upwards of 30 pills a day," Brimah
said. "The cost has remained about the
Average treatment costs for HIV patients
are around $1,000 per month. Drugs
also have been developed that can reduce
the transmission of HIV from mother to
baby. "We encourage all pregnant women
to get HIV tested," Brimah said. "It is
possible to reduce the chances that the
baby will be born with HIV disease."
AIDS and HIV cases have leveled off
nationwide, but the number of rural cases
has risen slightly, Brimah said.
by TFN staff
James Christjohn, TFN’s most excellent
entertainment editor, is taking much
needed time offforgoodbehavior (editor’s
note: is that what that’s called now?). He
is gearing upfor the Stevie Nicks tour. The
high priestess of rock and roll STEVIE
NICKS will embark on an extensive concert
tour this summer
with an itinerary that
will take her across the
United States.
Nicks will perfonfi
material from her new
CD TROUBLE IN
SHANGRI-LA which
entered the Billboard
albtun charts at No. 5
and has remained a Top
2Ohit for the last three
weeks. She" will also
cover material from her
previous solo albums as
well as her hits as a
member of Fleetwood
Mac.
Billboard Magazine
hailed Nicks’ new album as "this years
comeback equivalent to Carlos Santana
and her strongest material since her landmark
Bdla Donna." Check local venues
for on sale dates and ticket prices.
The tour dates are as follows, being the
closest to Tulsa She gets: August 3 Dallas,
TX Smirnoff Music Center; August 4
Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Pavilion; August 28 Banner Springs, KS
Sandstone Amphitheatre; August 29 St.
Louis, MO Riverport Amphitheatre. -
But meanwhile in Tulsa, there’s things
happening. From June 6th to July 1, Light
Opera Oklahoma (LOOK) will be prov!ding
the best in light, summer entertmnment
with, as always, some Gilbert &
Sullivan, the Mikado, Herbert’s Naughty
Marietta and Lerner & Lowe’s My Fair
Lady, based, of course on George Bernard
Shaw’s Pygmalion.
LOOK is also presenting a one woman
"Carmen" which feature Julie Goell as a
cleaning lady who entertains hersdf by
performing scenes from the Bizet opera.
And Broadway and film .veteran Lynette
Bennett will reprise the career of Jeanette
McDonald in a show Bennett wrote. For
times and dates on all these performance,
call 583-5398 or see their website: www.
webtek.com/gilbertsullivan
Down at the Performing Arts Center,
American Theatre Company will close
their season with Wit, the riveting tale of
Dr. Vivian Bearing, a professor of 17th
century English poetJohn Donne. Bearing
has cancer and the play addresses her
struggle with the disease and is full of
allusions to Donne’s work. Tulsa theatre
veteran Lisa Wilson stars in the, production
directed by Ken Spence. Call the
PAC, 596-2525, for times and prices.
Also there. Theatre Tulsa will present
the Cotton Patch Gospel which recounts
the life and times of Jesus Christ as set in
the hills of Georgia. It’s been characterized
as "a story for intellectuals who are
closet hillbillies..." This, of course, describe~
so many that we know... This is
Philbrook’s award winning lawns.
likdy to be good despite this description.
¯
Again call 596-2525.
¯¯ Put on your radar Tulsa’s annual
SummerStage Festival which will present
¯
a number of plays during July and into
¯ early August. Call thePAC at 596-2525 or
log on to www.tulpac.com
¯ Now over at Philbrook, they’re notcoming
up daisies and dandelions
in the lawn. In
fact, the museum has
won an award from
Briggs and Stratton
(yes, that’s right, the
lawn mower engine
manufactorers) for having
one of the top ten
lawns in the US. Others
who’ve won the award
include Graceland, the
Alamo, and this year,
the Biltmore Estate and
the Hemingway Home
in Key West. All the
work at Philbrook is
done by only four
people according to
¯ grounds supervisor, Ralph Bendel.
¯ And one ofTulsa’ s summer traditions is
film and theatre on the lawn at Philbrook.
¯ Keep reading this column for further in-
¯. formauon.
Also at Philbrook is a show opening
¯ June 10 of the glass artistry of West Coas!
¯ artist William Morris. Morris’ work is ¯
reflective of his interest in archeology and
¯ ancient pagan cultures. Morris lives near
Seattle where he was master glassblower
to world renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
Morris’ work is in the collections of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre
and the Victoria and Albert Museum in
¯ London as well as theLos Angeles County ¯
Museum.
¯ Philbrook is at 2727 S. Rockford Rd., is
¯ open Tues. - Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 11-Spin
¯ and till 8pm on Thurs. Admission at the ¯
grounds, Museum Shop and la Villa res-
¯ taurant is alway free and more information
¯ is available at www.philbrook.org
". Don’t" forget that Tulsa CiU-County
¯ Library is presenting a variety of Diversity
¯ programnfing during the month of June.
¯ Central Library will host the Council
Oak Men’ s Chorale on Monday, June 4 at
¯ 7pro. The Chorale will perform a variety
¯ of vocal selections.
¯ On Thursday, June 7 at 7pm, Central ¯
will begifl its "Diversity Film. Festival"
¯ with Harvey Fierstein and Matthew
¯ Broderickin"TorchSongTrilogy," which
¯ was adapted from the Tony Award win-
. ning Broadway hit. The musical numbers
¯ are a hoot, and Anne Bancroft chews the
: scenery nicely.
¯ Next will be "Out of the Past" docu- ¯
menting the struggles of Kelli Peterson,
¯ who started a Gay/Straight alliance in her
¯ Salt Lake City school in 1996. Her fight ¯
became a statewide battle that brought
¯ national attention. This film is scheduled
¯ for Saturday, June 9 at 12 Noon.
Thursday, June 14 (7pm) will see
" "Trevor": Winner of the 1994 Academy
¯ Award for best live action short. This
¯ highly acclaimed, see arts, p. 9
Bernsen
Foundation
For Tickets Call
(918) 583-5398
Kendall Theatre
The University of Tulsa
Matinees: 2:00 Evenings: Thursday &
Friday 7:30, Saturday 8:00
Tirnothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for justice
& equality for Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planning,
Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-8OO-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East 3roadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
weekend and evening appoinlmenls are available.
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified Public Accountant
a professional corporation
Lesbians and Gay men face many special
tax situations whether single or as couples.
Electronic filing is available for faster refunds.
747-5466
4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135
touching, funny film addresses issues of
sexual identity and compassion and, "If
These Wails Could Taik" a trio of stories
about Lesbian couples in three different
decades.
The last film that evening will be
"Bubbeh Lee and Me": about a Gay man’ s
visit with his 87 year old grandmother in a
Florida retirement community.
Pleasecall 596-7977 or yourlocal branch
library if you have questions or need more
information.
GLSEN is the sponsor of Student Pride
USA, the organization that helped me to
get our Gay Straight Alliance started, and
GLSEN in Oklahoma provided assistance
to Barker as well.
Phelps, aiso adisbarred attorney, didnot
attend the protest himself but members of
his congregation, most of whom are also
related to him did picket near Orai Roberts
University’s Mabee Center.
Barker, in remarks made to supporters
at the Center, noted that in response to ’the
protest a number of his classmates, many
unknown to him, offered .him words of
support and encouragement.
Barker aiso notedthat as afundraiser the
incident was highly successful, raising
several thousand dollars for Gay/Straight
student organizing in Oklahoma.
to supportthe conmaunities it serves. The
Gill Foundation and OutGiving Department
are headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
The Gay and Lesbian Fundfor Colorado
is based in Colorado Springs.
The Festival will feature booths with pride
merchandise, food, beverages as well as a
variety of entertainment, from singers to
femaieimpersonators,maybe a comedian,
grrrl bands, the Council Oak Mens Choraie
and "surprises." The opemng ceremonies
for the Festivai will be held at
4:30pm. The Festivai is scheduled to continue
until dark.
Tulsa Transit shuttles will begin at noon
at Veterans’ Park to take people to several
stops aiong the parade route.
Volunteers are encouraged to help carry
the 120 foot long rainbow flag, Oklahoma’ s
largest. Entries into the parade are still
possible but the entry fee has now gone to
$50, profit and non-profit alike.
At the Gaia Dinner, TOHR will present
its Community Hero awards to four individuals
as well as recognize some of the
organization’ s donors, and the TOHR Volunteer
of the Year.
And on June 16th, Borders Books &
Music will haveaTOHRbenefit day where
a percentage of purchases will be donated
by the store to TOHR. Cail the Center at
743-4297 for more information.
Viewpoint: Study ¢:
Gay to Straight Bias ¯
by Wayne Besen
The Human Rights Campaign
What do John Paulk, Jeremy Marks
Wade Richards have in conm~on ? ~I
were ail high profile"ex-Gays" who c:~ v.
out of the closet in the past year - c:
Paulk’s case, was photographed at a ~ y
bar in Washington. If there is one kn~:.
fact about "ex-Gays," it is that one camaot
aiways take their stories of "change" at
face vaiue.
In light of the double lives of prominent
"ex-Gays," it seems questionable to conduct
a"scientific" study on whetherpeople
can "change" their sexual orientation - if it
is based solely on their testimonies. Yet
this is exactly what psychologist Dr. Robert
Spitzer did. Moreover, many ofhis 200
subjects wereinvolvedupon the referral of
several virulently anti-Gay political groups.
Themostobvious flaw in Spitzer’ s study
was the clear role played by these groups.
The "ex-Gay" ministries referred 43% of
the subjl~cts to Spitzer. The anti-Gay National
Association for the Research and
Therapy of Homosexuaiity referred 23%.
"His sampling method was totally inadequate,"
Dr. Lawrence Hartmann, a professorat
Harvard and alongtime researcher
on homosexuality told Newsday. A year
ago, the Human Rights Campaign urged
Spitzer in a letter to use objective physical
measures in determining whether his subjects
were still attracted to the same sex.
Why did he decline? Spitzer and others
claim that the new study shows that sexuai
orientation in "highly motivated" people
may be changeable.
But the results show quite the opposite.
Even though study participants were a
hand-selected sample of activists - with
78% having spoken out publicly about
~onver~ion therapy - only .17% of the men
and55%ofthe womencharacterized themselves
as 100% heterosexual after at least
five years of therapy. Additionaily, 56%
of the men and 18% of the women still said
they fantasized about the same sex.
Anti-Gay activists have long claimed
that tens of thousands of people have gone
from Gay to straight. But after a review of
the most "’successful" 200 cases, it is clear
that the failure rate of conversion therapy
is high. This is why Spitzer acknowledged
having "great difficulty" in finding nonreligious
therapists able to refer clients
whom had successfully changed their
sexual orientation.
Another study by Ariel Shidlo and
Michael Schroeder, represents a more realistic
picture of conversion therapy efforts.
TheNew York psychologists studied
202 subjects who tried to change their
sexual orientation, and found that 97%
failed to change in any meaningful way.
And of the 3% who claimed to have fully
changed, all but one work as "conversion"
counselors.
Until society is freefrom anti-Gay prejudice,
people will feel compelled or be
coerced into attempting to change. While
new research on this controversial subject
is welcome, Spitzer’s study does not further
enhance the current debate. It only
offers a view that is long on right-wing
influence and short of objective data.
by Lamont Lindstrom
Here is a childhoodmemory: Iamriding
the bus to school - fifth grade, I think. I’m
relaxed, looking about here-and-there: At
other kids, out the window, at myself refleeted
in the window, and
- oh my god! - I’m wearing
a yellow shirt! And it’s
Queersday! Thursday, that
is. I can’t anymore remember
all the indignities, but
friends and enemies used
hands and tongues to reprimand
me for breaking one
of the sacred rules of
schoolyard society: Only
queers would wear yellow
on Thursday.
We followed a complicated
and often cruel kid
culture full of beliefs, rituals,
and regulations. These
rules starkly delineated the
normal from the abnormal,
the acceptable from the
forbidden. Many focused
on appearance. Boys cross
their legs at the knee, gifts
at the ankle. Boys carry
books at the side, girls
complicated and often
cruel kid culture furl of
beliefs, rltuals, and
regulations... Many
focused on appearance.
Woe was he, or she, who
failed to monitor the
body... It is an easy
guess that playground
taboos refleet children’s
attempts to grapple with
gender... [trying to fit]
ourselves into an adult
world of maseuline
and feminine...’"
cuddled in front. Boys do not stand with
hands on hips akimbo. Woe was he, or she,
who failed to monitor the body.
Schoolyard surveillance was. painstaking
if sometimes quirky. Be cai~ful not to
wear a shirt with a little loop in the middle
of tim shoulders. Playground police’would
rip off these fruit-loops just as they did the
fagtags on Polo shirts. And when I made it
to high school, the heavy question was
which ear to pierce. Boys who pierced
their right ears were likely fags. Left, we
all knew, was right.
Folklorists have recorded many similar
elements of kid lore around America.
Queersday still exists, although the day in
question differs from place to place, as..
does the tabooed color (yellow or green in
some towns, and redin others) Itis aneasy
guess that playground taboos reflect
children’s attempts to grapple with gender.
All of us experienced the challenge of
fitting ourselves into an adult world of
masculine and feminine. We had to be
boys or gifts. Anything in-between was
to(~ upsetting to contemplate. It could imply
that those vital categories, male and
female, weren’t as solid as we needed to
believe they were. Rather than doubt our
categories, we witch-huntedfags and dykes
- failed boys and inadequate gifts.
Folklorists al so collect elaborated, adult
versions of schoolyard culture Jan
Brunvand, for one, has published a series
of collections of urban legends. These are
stories, presented as the truth, that circulate
by word-of-mouth and, increasingly,
over the Internet. (Several excellent
websites, including www.urbanlegends.
corn andwww.snopes2.com, track
new legends and also maintain story archives.)
Just as playgroundfolklorereflects kids’
gender anxieties, we can suppose that urban
legends similarly express areas of
ambiguity and disquiet in everyday American
life.
Accounts of Kentucky-fried rats, for
example, are plentiful: couple goes to fastfood
chicken joint, drives through, buys a
bucket, and chows down. Wife says, "Gee
honey, my chicken tastes
funny !" Husband turns on
light and both are shocked
to see thatWifehas chewed
through hunk of rat, tail
still hangs from the breading.
Couple rushes io lawyer
and sues chicken joint
for XXXX dollars.
A pervasive feature of
contemporary American
life is that we eat food
cooked by strangers (and
poorly paid strangers, at
that). The rat story, and
many similar, reflect and
express the anxieties that
fast food engenders.
Similarly, stories of
poodles in the macrowave
shadow worries about technology
we neither understand
nor completely control:
old lady who on rainy
days dries her toy poodle in
her oven gets new microwave as a gift.
Next time dog gets wet she pops it into the
microwave. Poodle explodes.
Computer virus hoaxes, or stories of
people having cybersex with someone who
mrus out to beMom or Dad, reflect similar
alarms about complex technology.
Many Americans also are worried and
disquieted by homosexuality. Not surprisingly,
their anxiety has sparked a genre of
Gay-themed urban legends. But notably,
there are not that many of these.
Snopes.com archives ouly five, and all
date back several decades or more. The
hoary legend of the horrified college student
puzzled by rectal pain who discovers
his roommate has been drugging him
nightly to have his way with hirn can be
traced back, in one form or another, to the
1880s.
Also decades old is the legend of the
rock star (Elton John, David Bowie, Mick
Jagger, Jon Bon Jovi, Li’l Kim, Britney
Spears, etc. etc.) who is rushed to hospital
after collapsing on stage to have [insert
your number here] gallons of semen
pumped from stomach.
Three other Gay-themed legends were
all first collected back in the 1980s: (!)
Guy goes home with woman who, playfully
it seems, ties him up. But then Batman
(or other masked person) emerges from
closet to leap his bones; (2) a movie will
-soon be released portraying Jesus as Gay;
and, perhaps the most notorious, (3) closeted
cdebrity has trouble with his gerbil.
But several newer legends have surfaced
that reflect fear of AIDS: AIDS
Mary or AIDS Harry - the trick who
disappears after writing "welcome to the
world ofAIDS" on your bathroom mirror;
and stories of AIDS-infected needles left
sticking out of theater seats or public telephone
change return slots.
We can hope that the decline of Gaythemed
urban legends see Studies, p. 11
Want to save
Money and
Help Build a
Community
Center?
Switch to
Rainbow
Communications
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10% of Revenues Will
Benefit Tulsa Oklahomans
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For more
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call 665-3401
or evenings
at 447-8602.
rl)_,1122_
Tulsa’s only
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I
NOW... you are thinking, no way.., itis
about sex. Thanks to the media, we tend
to be an incredibly sexual society. Well
okay, sexuality has some to do with it too,
but it is only an expression of the feeling of
acceptance and security they feel in the
relationship.
What kind of behavior should be "socially
acceptable" for GLBT people? Or
better yet, what would the heterosexual
society find acceptable behavior?
"MEN will refrain from hugging, kissing,
or holding hands in public; firm handshakes
only. WOMEN will be permitted
to hug, and to kiss each other on the cheek.
ANY public expression of sexual or romantic
interest in members of the same
gender will be unacceptable. WOMEN
will shop in the Women’s Department at
Sears; men in the Men’s Department.
EACH woman will find aman to live with,
change her last name to match his, and
maintain their home. CHILDREN will be
optional, but encouraged."
So, how many heterosexuals do YOU
know that follow this .code of conduct? So
if we all acted that way, they’d love us..
yeah right. Whoever believes that, I would
strongly suggest to get out of your
"CandyLand" world of beliefs. But what’ s
so great about their rules that we should be
asking for permission to assimilate? Rules,
if they are not clear should be questioned
and changed, if need be.
Those rules say that men must be Men
and womenmust be Women (and children
are the property of biological parents).
They say that everyone should conform to
a standard code of conduct, dress, and
even beliefs. People who don’t conform
may (or may not) be tolerated, but will
never be treated like equals. As for sex..
the rules are both silly and oppressive, and
they’re observed with such hypocrisy it
isn’t funny. Can we say Neanderthal...?
I’m positive that these social standards,
right out of?Father Knows Best," refers to
are a limiting set of nfles: this is acceptable,
that is not. But for me, one of the
benefits ofbeing LesbianAND outspoken
has been that it made me question those
rules.., and ultimately reject those that
didn’t make sense. Don’t ask me to go
back to them; I’d rather go forward.
Rather than a rigid rule book, why don’t
we instead outline something positive to
aspire to? After all, if we must negotiate,
I’d rather do it from a position of strength.
.. of pride in the example we have to offer,
not one of shame and embarrassment.
Here is my revised, socially accepting
behavior for EVERYONE: "WE will accept
others, regardless of the way they
look, dress, talk, or act. WE will support
people’ s right to do whatever they want in
their bedrooms, regardless of whether we
want to do it ourselves. WEwill be honest
about who we are, rather than pretending
to be what others want us to be.WEwill let
people believe things we don’t bdieve,
and express opinions we don’t share. WE
will never negotiate away the righ( to be
whoever we are."
PS: Go visit a nursing home and make a
friend... STOP the abuse and neglect of
the elderly.
that the law cannot be enforced statewide.
"This is a good day for privacy and
fairness in Minnesota," said Charles
Samuelson, executive director of the
MnCLU. "By inviting the governmentinto
every bedroom in the state, this law was
dearly unconstitutional - which is why
the court struck it down."
Gov. Jesse Ventura agreed, his spokesman
said. "It’s consistent with the
governor’s philosophy that there are some
things the government has no business
making laws about," said John Wodele.
"He sees this as a welcome decision."
Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Mirmeapolis,
has tried unsucessfully more than once to
repeal the provision through legislative
channels. She had a bill ready again this
year, but never introduced it because she
was waiting to see the outcome of the court
case. "I obviously thinkit is terrific," Kahn
said of the ruling. "I always thought that
law was unconstitutional."
Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota
Family Council, disagreed. "This is
another case of blatant judicial activism
where a judge decides to make the law
rather than interpret it," Prichard said. He
said the issue should be decided by the
Legislature.
Matt Coles, director of the ACLU’s
Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, says 35
states, including Minnesota, havehad their
sodomy laws either repealed by legislatures
or struck down by the courts. In
1961, all 50 states had sodomy laws on the
books. "One more down, 15 to go," Coles
said after hearing about ’the Minnesota
j.udge’s decision. "We absolutely are gomg
to stay with it."
Minnesota’s taw prohibits oral and anal
sex between any adults, including married
couples and disabled people who cannot
engage in any other form of intimacy.
Penalties include up to a year injail and up
to $3,000 in fines.
For years, efforts to repeal the law in the
state Legislature were unsuccessful.
Although sodomy laws are rarely enforced,
Coles says they can be used against
proponents ofdomesticpartners ordinances
and other issues sought by Gays and Les-
- bians. ’The people who want to keep the
(sodomy) law onthe book, there’ s amethod
to their madness," Coles said. "The existence
of these laws are used to generally
delegitimize Gays and Lesbians in public
debate."
indicates dissipation of public anxieties
about homosexuality - the gradual
mainstreaming of Gay. But wait! Have
you heard about-Yahoo! shutting down the
porno sites? Have you heard that Rock
Hudson and Jim Nabors were married?
lsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
presents
Celeb
Diversi-ty
ti 2001
Saturday, June 2, 2001
TOHR Follies 2001
"Hollywood TimeWarp"
~..:Avondale Studio & Theatre (the old Delaware Playhouse)
1511 So. Delaware Ave., 8pm
Reception immediately following.
Tickets: $15.00, At the Door: $20.00
The Pride Store @ Tulsa GLBT
Community Center; 2114 S Memorial
or by calling 918.743.4297 or toll
free (outside Tulsa) at 866.335.9074
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
Tulsa Interfaith Service
Sponsored by TU BLGT Alliance, Sharp Chapel, TU, 3pm
Monday, June 4, 2001
Council Oak Men s Chorale Concert.
Presented by Tulsa City/County Library
"Diversity in Song"
Aaronson Auditorium, Central Librarym 3rd.& Denver, 7pm
Monday, June 4, 2001
Family Law Panel
Presented by Tulsa City/County Library
Law Professor Linda Lacey& an expert panel
Helmerich Library, 91st and Yale, 7pm
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
APt Exhibit: ,"Embracing Art"
IAll Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Avenue, 6-gpm
Thursday, June 7, 2001
GLBT Film Festival
Sponsored by Tulsa City/County Library
AaronsonAuditofium, Central Library, 3rd and Denver, 7pm
Friday, June 8, 2001
TOHR Diversity Gala
Benefiting TOHR and Diversity Celebration 2001
"Embrace Diversity" Parents of Hate Crime Victims:
Speakers and Parade Grand Marshalls:
Gabi Clayton, Olympia, WA,
Dorothy Holman, Chicago,
Don Sinclair, Houston, TX,
Carolyn Wagner, Fayetteville, AR
"Community Hero" Awards presentation honoring
those in the local GLBT community.
Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Yukon Dr., 7pm, reception &
silent auction, 8pm dinner, $100/ea. $1,000 table of eight.
Sponsorships available. Reserved seating available by calling
918.743.4297 or 866.335.9074
Saturday, June 9, 2001
The Pride Parade
Cherry Street (15th Street) to Boston Avenue to
18th Street to Veterans .Park
Stags at 3pm, Float/marchers begin assembling at lpm.
No entries after 2:45pro
Featuring:Entries from across the region
Community Heroes, Oklahoma’s largest Pride Flag
Diversity Festival
Sponsored by: Bud Light & Eastern Oklahoma Beverages
Veterans’ Park, 1875 So. Boulder Ave., 3pm
Featuring Entertainment, Speakers, and¯ more.
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Women’s Tea Dance
Women only dance, DJ, and live entertainment by Melanie
Fry, pipe & cigar patio, unplugged music circle, and more.
Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood, 3-Tpm
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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[2001] Tulsa Family News, June 2001; Volume 8, Issue 6
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
An account of the resource
Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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June 2001
Contributor
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James Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Scheppers
Hughston Walkinshaw
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Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, May 2001; Volume 8, Issue 5
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English
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newspaper
periodical
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/613
2001
adult adoption
AIDS
AIDS Colin Powell
AIDS drugs
anti-discrimination bill
arts and entertainment
bias
bullying
businesses
censorship
Christianity
churches
civil unions
Disciples Church
Disney
Diversity celebration
Dyke Divine
Fred Phelps
gay veterans
Gill Foundation
Glaxo SmithKline
grants
Hair Ball
hate crimes bill
health
HIV
HIV testing
Lutheran Church
military
military inclusion
military recruiting
Openarms Youth Project
outreach
Partner Benefits
Pride 2001
pride Parade
Red Cross
Red Rock Tulsa
restaurants
sex education
sodomy laws
testing
Tulsa CARES
Tulsa City County Library
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rigts
Westboro Baptist Church
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5baa9c52448ce50ccfea124932aaf84c.jpg
0b97203f8a546b44d0df80a622888445
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/0ae1e9698f1541cf1b53825f477d4aad.pdf
770a81a10b0d9658dd442c74d3130469
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[Sub-Series] Newsletters & Publications > Tom Neal Newsletters > Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa HIV/AIDS Agency
Alienates Gay Supporters
TULSA (TFN) - For an agency which was founded in
largemeasur¢byTUl~’ s Gay commtmity-the~ommunity
firstandmost~by_theHIV/AIDSpandemic,
it seems a mighty dumb move. Why would Tulsa
C.A.R.E.S., formerly knownas theHIV Resource Consordum,
not to~members ofTulsa" s Gay commuuity,
some of whom had been significant donors, to it,
annual fundraising event, the Red Ribbon Ball? This is
thequesfionwhichanumberof individualswereasking
themselves and their friends after they were not invited
to the April 28 event held at the Williams Center.
While none of the individuals were willing to be
publically critical of an agency whosemission they still
support, several noted that they had gifts of $500 and
more to the fundraising event in recent years, and were
quite surprised not even to receive an invitation. One
noted that even former Tulsa CARES,.board president,
Nancy McDonald, see CARES?, p.2
World Leader Speaks on
Fight against AIDS
PHILADEI ~PHIA (AP) - To wage an effective global
campaign against AIDS, $7 billion to $10 billion a year
is needed from both governments and philanthropists,
U.N. Secretary-General KofiAnnan said. Current spending
on AIDS research and prevention measures in
developing countries is about $1 billion a year, Annan
said at a cxmference last month.
"The world has the resources to defeat this epidemic
if it really wants to," he said. "But at present, there’ s a
lot of confusion abouthow the money should be raised,
where it should be directed and who can ensure that it’ s
well spent."
In his remarks tomore than 2,000 philanthropists and
business leaders during the 52nd annual conference for
the Council onFoundations,Annan called on the public
and private organizations to work together to fight the
spread of HIV and AIDS.
"We are not spending anywhere near what is needed
to fight AIDS," Annan said. "It is not a choice between
prevention and medicine. We need both."
Aunan said national leaders and community grOups
must workto supportthoseliving withAIDS and to help
educate others about the disease. He said the United
Nations must coordinate the batdc against the disease.
His goal is thatby the time delegates meet onJune 25 for
a session on HIV and AIDS, see Global, p. 3
DIRECTORY
EDITORIAL
US & WORLD NEWS
HEALTH NEWS
P. 2
P. 3
P. 4
P. 6
Z ENTERTAINMENT + MORE P. 8
GAY STUDIES/RAGING LESBIAN P. 10/11
Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friends
¯ Tulsa Receives $50,000 GLBT
:Funding Challenge Grant
¯ TULSA (1TN) - Tulsa is just one of four US commnnities to
: receive a $50,000 challenge grantfrom the National I_~sbian and
¯¯ Gay Community Funding Parmership (NLGCFP) through the
Tulsa Community Foundation.
: The grant specifically targets Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
¯ Transgendered (LGBT)issues and requires matching funds from
¯ Tulsa to be raised. Longtime activist, local PFLAG founder and
: former national PFLAG president;Nancy McDonald wrote the
¯ proposal according to Janice Nicklas, who said she assisted with
¯ the project.
¯ The funds ifmatched locally will be distributed on the basis of
: a"needs assessment" done by a local steering committee. There
: is an initial grant of $7,500 to help prepare the needs assesment.
¯ According to NancyCMnnin~hamofNLGCFP,letters of support
: were received from Sanford Cardin, director of the Schnstermau
: Foundation and ScottZarrow, a member of a prominentbusiness
: family known for its charitable work..
: Per Nicklas, the grant application proposed a parmership
betweensomeofthefollowing organizations: TulsaOklahomann
i for Human Rights (TOHR), Parents, Families and Friends of
i Lesbians and Gays 0aFLAG), Tulsa Public Schools, Youth
_- Services of Tulsa, the YWCA, Tulsa Area United Way and
¯ others. It is anticipated that the effort to create a permanent
". community center might benefit from this grant.
: TheTulsa Community Foundation is less than a few years old
¯ and was founded by oilmanand Bank of Oklahoma majority
¯ shareholder, George Kaiser. When Kaiser started the Founda-
: lion, he responded in an interview with TFN, that his intention
: was that the organization address the needs of Tulsa’ s LGBT
: community, specifically saying that he Supported civil rights for
¯ Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals.
: However, there may be issues with the board ofdirectors ofthe
: TulsaCommtmity Foundation. Although this grant was awarded
~ several months ago, Foundation staff, requested that TFN not
¯ report this information first for a month, see $, p. 3
¯ NGLTF LeaderToledo Resigns
¯ WASHINGTON, D.C. April 20, 2001 - Elizabeth Toledo, ex-
~ ecutive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,
: announced that she has chosen not to renew her contract and is
¯ resigning her position effective May 18.
: "It has been a distinct honor to work at NGLTF and with such
¯ atalented and passionate staff," said Toledo. "I’m confident that
¯ theTask Force will continue to provide progressiveleadership to ¯
the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender movement."
¯" Toledo,anexperieneed organizer, was namedexecutive directorin
April 2000. Underher leadership, theTask Force solidified
¯ its progressive voice on a wide range of issues, expanded its
¯" training and organizing on behalf of the LGBT movement, and
¯ continued topublish cutting-edge research throughits think tank,
¯ the NGLTF Policy Institute. A thoughtful and articulate leader,
." Toledo regularly appeared in the national media and maintained
¯" a high profile of speaking engagements.
¯ Key highlights of Toledo’ s tenure at NGLTF include:
- Establishing NGLTF as a nonpartisan authority on GLBT
¯ electoral issues by providing data and analysis on the GLB vote,
¯ issuing detailed reports on presidential and vice presidential
¯ candidates, convening"What’ s At Stake" forums inkey electoral
¯ states, and maintaining the acclaimed Elections 2000 website.
: -Publishing three important Policy Institute reports:
: "Transgender Equality: A Handbook for Activists and Policy
¯ Makers;....Outing Age: Public Policy Issue Affecting Gay, ¯
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Elderly;" and "Redistrict-
: ing: A Strategy Memo."
- Serving as a watchdog to the Bush White House, including
launchinga"WWatch" web site, organizing against certainBush
: cabinet nominees, and issuing reports on Bushfs proposed gov-
¯ emment-funded religion initiative, the tax plan, and school
¯¯ vouchers, and,
¯ - Establishing a diverse and skilled seniormanagement team to lead NGLTF, improving its financial condition, and imple-
’ menting an innovative and effective membership campaign.
~ Jerry Clark, Co-Chair of the NGLTF Board of Directors said,
¯ see NGLTF, p. 2
¯ not everyone has given up -
HIV’s Ability to Hide
Thwarts Hope for Cure
By Daniel Q. Haney, AP Medical Editor
Will AIDS ever be cured?
The latest research on the resourceful AIDS virus
that causes the disease suggests a disheartening answer:
Probably not.
Just a few years ago, even some of the most soberminded
researchers wondered if the end of AIDS
might be near. Perhaps the pills that miraculously
changed H.IV from a death sentence to a chronic
infection would go the final step, they thought, eventually
curing the infection by purging every trace of
the virus from the human body.
Such talk quickly faded. The new drug cocktails,
amazing as they were, could not get rid of the virus.
Evenifall signs ofit vanished for years, HIV was still
lurking somewhere. Inevitably it roared back by the
billions as soon as people stopped taking their medi-
Ever since that realization sank in, finding HIV’s
hiding places has been the goal of a small group of
researchers. What they have learned is one of the
biggest disappointments in AIDS research.
The fact that HIV is an insidious and resourceful
parasiteis hardly a surprise. After all,AIDS researchgas
already understand in lavish detail how HIV
latches onto human blood cells, how it oozes inside
and kills them. They know the significance of every
bump and crevice on the surface of the virus and how
these shield it fr6m destruction.
But no basic AIDS discovery in recent times has
proved so disturbing as the way HIV burrows in for
the long haul. It has shifted the ultimate goal ofAIDS
treatment toward something less ambitious. Since
eradicating HIV now seems so unlikely - although
see HIV, p. 3
: TOHR + Pride 2001
¯ TULSA - Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights
~ (TOHR) will feature at its May meeting, Julie Sum-
" mers and Roxann Moeller from the Tulsa Mental
¯ Health Association to make a presentation about the ¯ mental health issues for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
~ and Transgender communities on Tuesday, May 8th.
¯ at 7:30pro at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center,
: 2114 South Memorial.
¯ Theresa Bamardfrom American Express Financial
¯ Services will also give a short overview of three
¯ upcoming f’mancial planning seminars designed fo]
: our commumty to be held during the month of May.
: .Organizers also will provide updated information
¯ on this years Pride events from Tulsa City/Count)
Library programs to ongoing fundraisingfor aperma-
: nent community center location.
¯ On May 9th at the Center at 7pro, City of Tulsa
¯ Human Rights Dept. staff will hold a foetus group te
: help identify LGBT community issues.
¯ And a number of benefits are ongoing to support
the Parade and Festival. Renegades will host one on
: May 5th as well as another on May 18 featuring a
: farewell performance from Kansas City dancer Doug
¯ Boyce, a great Tulsa favorite.
¯ Also, TOHR reports that more than 30 Cherry St.
¯ and Boston Ave. (SoBo) businesses have signed a
¯" letter of supportfor the Parade which will gofrom15th
near Utica to Boston to 18th and Veterans Park.
¯ At the park, during the Festival after the Parade, ¯ organizers are promising great entertainment, including
"men, women and drag queens."
Greg Gatewood, spokesperson for TOHR board
¯ president, Kerry Lewis, confirmed arumor ofvandal-
, ism at the Center last month. A box of glass jars as
: well as a brick was thrown through the front doors. In
¯ a bizarre touch, a "serenity" prayer was left at the
¯ scene, see TOHR, p. 7
Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants
*Bmnboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine
*CW’s, 1737 S. MemOrial
*Play-Mot, 424 S. Memorial
Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square
*Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main
*St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st
*Schatzi’s, 2619 S. Memorial
*The Star, 1565 Sheridan
*TNT’s, 2114 S. Memorial
*Tool Box II, 1338 E. 3rd
*Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan
*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th
832-1269
610-5323
838-9792
744-4280
585-3405
745-9998
280-1316
834-4234
660-0856
584-1308
835:2376
749-1563
Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals
Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard -743-1000
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 665-4580
Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15
*Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21
*Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale
Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria
*CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria
*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E 1 lth
Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis
712-1122
712-9955
494-2665
743-5272
746-0313
295-5868
581-0902, 743-4117
Community Cleaning; Kerby Baker 622-0700
Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468
*Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th
Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria
*Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan
Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial
Ross Edward Salon
Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main
Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria
Four Star Import Automotive, 99~.6 E. 55th PI.
Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr.
Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare
*Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st
Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning
Mark T. Hamby, Attorney
*Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly
*International Tours
Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th
*Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th
David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering
The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening
*Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15
Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210
*Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha
*Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd
lVlingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E. 31
*Moha~vk Music, 6157 E 51 Place
Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo
*The Pride Store
Rainbowz on the River B+B, POB 696, 74101
Richard’ s Carpet Cleaning
Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co.
Paul Tay, Car Salesman
*Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis
Venus Salon, 1247 S.Harvard
Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling
*Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan
*Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis
749-3620 "
744-5556 "
838-8503
369-8555
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260-7829
481-0558
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592-0767
www.gaytulsa.org - website for TulsaGays &Lesbians
Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities
AIDS Walk Tulsa, POB 4337, 74101 579-9593
¯ 918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615
FOB 4140. Tulsa. OK 74159. e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net
¯
~ublisher + Editor: Tom Neal
¯
Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry
¯ Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche. Lament Lindstrom Esther
Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw
¯
Member of The Associated Press
: Issued around the 1 st of each month, the entire contents of this
¯ publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa
Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in
part without written permission from the publisher. Publication
of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s sexual
orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication
unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole
property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4
copies of each edition at distribution points.
Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248.
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria
Black & White. Inc. POB 14001, Tulsa 74159
Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center. 2207 E. 6
B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr.
Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston
*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1.
Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood
*Commlmity of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale
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Council Oak Men’ s Chorale
*Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware
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Episcopalians, POB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140
*Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777
*-7tee SpiritWomen’s Center, call forlocation&info: 587-4669
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*Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194
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NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, POB 14068, 74159
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*OSU-TUlsa
PFLAG, POB 52800, 74152
*Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria -
Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152
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*Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8
St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincimmti
749-4901
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584-2325
425-7882
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*St. Jerome’ s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088
Soulforce-OK, Rt.4,#3534, Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761
*Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171
*TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225
Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 5954105
Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only
TulsaOkla. for Human Rights, GayComm. Center 743-4297
TUL-PAC, PositiveAdvocacy Coalition,POB2687,Tulsa 74101
T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827
*Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule
*Tulsa Community College Campuses
*Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21st &Memorial
Unity Church ofCliffstianity,3355 S. Jamestown
BARTLESVILLE
Barflesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone
TAHLEQOAH
Stonewall League, call for information:
Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church
Green Country AIDS Coalition, POB 1570
¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
¯ Autumn Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734
" Jim & Brent’ s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457
501-253-6807
743-2363 " DeVito’ s Restaurant, 5 Center St.
587-7314 Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445
583-7815 " MCC of the Living Spring
501:253-9337
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501-253-2776
585-1201 " Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery
501-253-5332
& Florence ¯ Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646
587-1314 : White Light, 1 Center St.
501-253-4074
747-6300 " JOPLIN, MISSOURI
749-0595 " Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696
748-3888 ¯
712-1511 " *iswherey°ucanfindTFN’N°tallareGay’°wnedbutallareGay’friendly"
743-4297
749-8833
918-337-5353
918456-7900
918-456-7900
918-453-9360
wasn’t even invited though she attended the
event regardless. And according to a Tulsa
CARES staff member, even Janice Nicklas
of the Tulsa Area United Way associated
Community Service Council,who is easily
one of Tulsa longest and most ardent
fundraisers for HIV/AIDS care and prevention,
had to ask for an invitation.
While a tiny handful of prominent Gays
did attend the event, even those were reported
to be concerned, and in one case,
furious, at the absenceof former donors.
TulsaCARES boardpresidentShannon Hall
expressed great concern about the perception
of exclusion of Gay supporters.
Hall explained that the event orgamzing
was different from prior years and that the
invitations were extended to those on a list
which local decorator and longtime AIDS
~undraiser, Charles Faudree provided. Hall
suggested that the agency failed to see that
their former list of event supporters and the
Faudree list were "merged." Hall went out
of his way to take responsibility as board
president for the negative result.
However, others, while giving Hall full
credibility for his effort, wondered, about
just how accidental the exclusion was, citing
the impression that over time, as Tulsa
CARES has drawnmore"mainstream" funding
and support, the agency has been perceived
as distancing itself from its Gay
origins. This allegation has been made both
by donors and clients.
Regardless of the hurt feelings, alienated
former donors, and ill will which most
fundraising groups seek to avoid, word is
that this year’ s Red Ribbon Ball was a great
success, raising over $100,000 from attendees
characterized as "straight, rich people."
Some who spoke with TFN, just said that
while they support the fight against HIV/
AIDS even when support for that effort is
waning, they wonder if other groups may be
more appreciative of their support.
Editor’s note: in t,~e past, Tulsa Family
News hasprovided news coverageforTulsa
CARES but has also donated advertisements
both to support Tulsa CARES’ Red
Ribbon Galaandto Faudree’ sHopeCandlelightTour.
While the exclusion ofGaypeople
an d media may have been accidental, TFN
urges Tulsa CARES director and staff to
offer letter of apology. We’ ll sure print it.
"It is with great sadness and regret that we
accept Elizabeth’s resignation. She made
significant strides for the Task Force. We
thankherforheraccomplishments and dedication
during the last year, and we are confident
that she will continue to be a voice of
progressive leadership in the movement."
Toledo cited family responsibilities, in
particular, the poor health of her mother and
the heavy travel demands of her position as
reasons for her resignation.
many contend the next best thing will be
somehow limning the body to control the
virus, to help patients live with HIV instead
of getting rid of it.
Many of the insights come from the
work of Dr. Robert Siliciano of Johns
Hopkins University, who regularly tests
the blood of about 50 Baltimore AIDS
patients, measuring the virus’ s persistence
despite the best treatments. "What HIV
has done is tap into the most fundamental
aspect of.theimmune systern,andthat is its
immunological memory," he says. "It’s
the lJerfect mechanism for the virus to
ensure its survival."
Perfect because the virus lies silent inside
cells that are programmed to do nothing
but sit and wait. They are calledresting
memory T cells. Their only job is to store
arecord ofthe germs they encounter, keeping
the body prepared for the next time it
sees them.
These cells literally are the immune
system’s memory, so they must survive
for a long time. Otherwise we would catch
the same diseases over and over. HIV lies
inside these sleeping cells, dormant but
dangerous. Siliciano believes this means
HIV infection will last a lifetime.
The memory cells do die off, but ever so
slowly. At the rate he sees in his Baltimore
patients, it will take 73 years for them to go
away completely. He cannot imagine a
way to speed up the process, certainly not
with the drugs now available or with anything
else on the horizon.
This latently infected reservoir, as scientists
call it, is the single biggest obstacle
to getting rid of AIDS. "It’ s the thing that
keeps us from curing this," says Dr. Roger
Pomerantz of Thomas Jefferson University
in Philadelphia.
None of this was obvious in 1996, the
dawn of the modern age of AIDS treatment.
Doctors watched AIDS patients literally
get up from their death beds after
taking the newly available drug combinations.
Anything seemed possible.
Dr. David Ho of the Aaron Diamond
AIDS Research Center in New York City
cautiously speculated about eradicating
HIV. If the drugs stopped the virus from
infecting more blood cells, then the ones
already loaded with virus would eventually
die off naturally, leaving the body
virus free. Perhaps this would take two or
three years, he thought.
Butin late 1997, another discoverymade
that seem lmlikely. Silieiano and two other
teams independently found the virus insidememory
T cells. They checked people
who had seemed to be free of virus for two
years. Every time, they found fully potent
copies of virus inside their memory cells.
No one tmderstood then how long these
cells would stay alive, although it was
assumedit wouldalmostcertainlybemore
than a couple of years. "It was a sobering
realization about the recalciliant nature of
this reservoir," remembers Dr. Anthony
Fauci, head of the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The next obvious approach was to try to
destroy these Trojan horses. Fauci’ s team
tried to "flush out the reservoir," as they
put it. The idea: Intermittently feed the
bodyinterleukin-2, agrowthhormone that
would make these dormant memory cells
awaken and then die.
¯
Theexperiment seemed to go well. Doc-
¯ tors biopsied patents’ lymph nodes and
¯¯ found nothing. They grew hundreds of
millions of their cells in cultures. Still
¯ nothing. Finally they stoppedall treatment
¯ and waited. Within three or four weeks,
¯ they had their answer. The virus came ¯
back in every single patient.
¯ "We are not going to be eliminating this
reservoir," Fauci now says. "Whether you
¯ can measureit or not doesn’t seem to have
¯
a significant impact on the clinically rd-
¯ evant phenomenon of what happens when
¯ you stop the drug." ¯
Nevertheless, scientists have learned
¯
much about how the virus hides. HIV’s
¯ primary target in the body is a kind of
¯ white blood cell known as a cd4 T helper ¯
cell. The virus infects them, hijacks their
¯
machinery so they manufacture more vi-
¯ ms, then kills them.
¯ After they get infected, though, a few of
these helper cells become memory cells.
: HIV has already stitched its genes into the
cells’ genetic code in preparation formak-
¯ ingmore virus. But nothing happens. The ¯
cells go to sleep, virusand all.
¯ All of this happens within the first days
¯ of an HIV infection, even before the body
¯ begins to make antibodies against the vi-
¯
ms. The number of cells involved is rela-
¯ tively small, perhaps 1 million scattered
¯ throughtheblood stream, thelymph glands
¯ and perhaps elsewhere.
Normally, the body kills HIV-infected
: cells. But it misses these, because they
~"’look perfectly normal. ’q’he only difference
between a latenfly infected cell and
its uninfected counterparts is a little bit of
HIV DNA," says Si!ician0. This silnilarity
also makes the infected cells almost impossible
to kill with any kind of targeted
drugs. There is simply no easy way to sort
out the good from the bad.
Siliciano has been counting these cells
in his Baltimore volunteers for five years.
The number he finds in their bodies now
"is essentially exactly the same as they
started with."
Why do they die off so slowly, if at all?
There are two leading theories: Their longevity
reflects the basic biology ofmemory
T cells, or their supply is constantly replenished.
Siliciano favors the first theory. Immunological
memory lasts forever. This is
why ~rmeone who catches measles in
childhood will remain immune to the disease
into old age. Memory cells may die
over time, "but they also make replacements
by cell division. And every time a
memory cell divides, it faithfully reproduces
the HIV that is stitched into its
genes.
However, the Diamond Center’s Ho
¯ prefers the second theory. Actually,
¯ memory cells are mucJa shorter lived, he
¯ believes. But their supply is constantly
¯
being renewed by a continuing cycle of
¯ low-level infection.
¯ The standard drug regimens -what doc- ¯
tors call highly active antiretroviral therapy,
¯
or HAART - can reduce viral levels by
¯ 10,000fold. Butperhaps they do not completely
stop the virus from infecting fresh
¯: T cells. Some of these go on to become
¯
infected memory cells. Thus, however
¯ quickly these memory cells die, they are
¯ replaced by more. see HIV, p. 7
by Matthew W. Holloway
Marriage is an amorphous institution,
changing in response to the demands of
society. Marriage, in some form or another,
has existed in every society throughout
the history of man.
In addition, marriage is
not a purely Christian
concept Marriage is
largely a product of our
society and has not always
had to do with religion.
What relationships are
considered a marriage?
How do we decide
what relationships to call a
marriage? Does a couple
really need a governmentissued
license to be "marfled"?
These questions have
aroused many debates
through the years. Does
society decide if people are
mamed? Or is it to be left
up to the people involved
in the union?
What of polygamous and incestuous
marriages? They have been ridiculed and
defamed in many societies. There are reasons
why polygamous and incestuous relationships
do not benefit society. In some
ways, they can actually harm a society,
depending on the context in which they are
found. This is because of the biological
problems involved in these unions. The
government has shown sufficient reason
to deny these marriages. This is one of the
reasons that their employment has been
limited, even in those societies which see
them as a viable alteruative.
And when we look at redefining marriage,
where do same-sex relationships fit
into the picture? When we look at the
required criteria of a marriage, we will see
that homosexual marriages fulfill all of
them, as well as many of die non-essential
characteristics.
There, what basis does the United States
Government have in denying marriage
licenses to homosexual couples? Absolutely
none.
If the American Government is "of the
people, by the people, and for the people"
then why are these marriages not recognized?
There is no question that homosexuals
are in every way equal citizens of
the United States. The American Government
has in place safeguards against a
conceptknownas "tyranny ofthe masses".
This is a relatively new problem, as it is
found exclusively in one of the newest
forms of government, the republic. It occurs
when the population of the nation gets
so large that any minority group trying to
be heard is drowned out by the din of all of
the other minority groups, clamoring for
their own representation in the elected
assembly.
And the United States elected assembly,
the Congress, is one of the smallest in the
world. This makes it very hard for any
minority group to receive adequate representation
in this nation. One of the major
safeguards against"tyranny ofthemasses"
in this nation is the Supreme Court. One of
its major duties is to protect the Bill of
Rights and to apply the Constitution to the
¯ cases which are presented o :~
With the very conservative ~z
¯
court at this time, there is ~~,~
; reaching a feasible conclusion to
¯ bate over homosexual marriage.
Homosexuals have been
"... when we look at
redefining marriage, "
where do same-sex
relationships
fit into the picture?
When we look at the
required criteria d a
marriage, we will see
that homosexual
marriages fulfill all of
them, as well as many of
the non-essentlal
characteristics.. 7
traditionally discriminated
against for years. This is a
fact. The new laws prohibiting
homosexual couples
from being considered the
exact equals of heterosexual
couples are simply
hate-based legislation.
That anyone could use
our governmental system
to promote hate or defame
any minority group is atrociously
unethical. The
United States Government
has not shown any promotion
of the public good at
all in prohibiting homosexual
marriage, and neither
has any one of our
fifty states.
Therefore, they are
¯ overstepping their boundaries in even pro-
¯ posing legislation such as the Knight Ini- ¯
tiative. In addition, the Supreme Court
¯ must step in to protect the minority from
tyranny. This is the only viable solution to
¯ thecontroversy which shakes ournation to
¯
its very foundations. The fight of the ho-
¯ mosexuals in the United States parallels
¯ that of the African-Americans of the
: 1960’s.
¯ The Civil Rights Bill of 1964 encountered
strong resistance, but eventual! y the
leaders of this nation realized that African-
Americans are citizens, with the samerights
" as any other citizeu of the United States.
¯ Be they black, white, Hispanic, Asian,
straight, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, male,
¯
female, mentally challenged, handicapped,
or any other nlinority, everyone, every
citizen, every child of the United States of
America and the world deserves a voice
¯
and a positive rol~ model. Can we not give
¯ them this in the new nfille~mium? Let there
¯ be no more Columbines. The world is tired
¯ of hate.
¯ Matthew W. Holloway waJ a recepient
ofa TOHR 2000 Community Hero award
and was afounder ofa Gay/Straighl Alliance
at one of Tulsa’s high schools. This
fall he will be attending Tulsa Community
College, majoring in English.
The same request was made again a month
later. No official explanatio~l was provided
by Foundation staff.for the delay in
accepting the grant.
However, an examination of the membership
of the board of trustees of the Foundation
shows at least three, members with
documented records of engaging in anti-
Gay discrimination or supporting organizations
which engage in discrimination:
Tulsa World pubhsher Bob Lorton, Tulsa
Area United Way executive director
Kathleen Coin and one other.
At press time, no word had been received
about when or whether TulsaCommtmity
Foundation will accept the grant.
Alabama House
Addresses Hate Crimes
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama House
voted 45-42 last month to include sexual orientation in
a state law that provides additional penalties for hate
crimes. The vote sent the bill sponsored by Rep. Alvin
Holmes, D-Montgomery, to the Senate, where it died
last year.
Holmes said the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Alabama
supports the legislation.
Reps. Allen Sanderson, Arthur Payne, andDuWayne
Bridges, were among opponents who .said the bill
would increase penalties for crimes against a special
group of people. "We are trying to create a special
privileged class, Gays and Lesbians," Payne said. "If
anyone commits a crime against a Gay or Lesbian they
are going to be punished to a greater degree than if
against another group."
But Holmes said "everybody is covered" under the
hate crime law. "Why shouldn’ t they be ~overed under
it?"he said. Alabamalaw already mandates minimum
prison terms that felons must serve for crimes motivated
b_y race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity
or physical or mental disability.
Colorado House Kills
Hate-Crimes Amendment
DENVER (AP) - For the eighth time in 10 years, abill
has been killed that would have expanded Colorado’ s
hate-crimes law to incl~ade crimes based on a victim’ s
sexual orientation.
The House State, Veterans and Military Affairs
Committee voted 6-5 against Senate Bill 75. which
had passed the Senate on a 20-15"vote. The bill would
have broadened ethnic intimidation laws that levy
tougher penalties for crimes motivated by the victim’ s
race, national origin or religion to include crimes
motivated by the victim’s real or perceived sexual
orientation, gender identity, age and mental or physical
disability.
Sponsor Rep. Mark Larson, R-Cortez, trying to
counter the traditional arguments, said the proposal
would not create special rights for certain groups of
people, nor would it attempt to restrict free-speech
rights. "We are not nmning a government based on our
ownnarrow view oflife,"he said. "Itis the Legislature’ s
responsibility to protect its citizens, all of its citizens."
Opponents argued the law would create separate
classes of people that would be treated differently,
violating the constitutional guarantee of equal protection.
"I would remove the entire hate-crimes law
because I think everybody should be treated equally,"
said Rep. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs.
But victims of certain bias-motivated crimes are not
treated equally, Larson ceantered. For example, a
person who throws a brick with a hateful message
attached through a Black person’s window can be
punished moreharshly under current law than a person
who does the same to a Gay person’ s window, he said.
Proponents said the bill properly focused on the
motivation of the criminal, rather than characteristics
of the victim. For example, said Deputy Denver District
Attorney Everett Engstrom, a person who kills
could be prosecuted for murder, for manslaughter or
for criminally negligent homi’cide based on his or her
state of mind.
"Hate crimes are different from ordinary crimes.
They are intended to send a message, to victimize the
individual and the entire commttnity they belong to,"
said Pat Steadman, representing Equal .Rights Colorado.
"The harm.from a hate crime .is larger than the
harm tojustan individual." Evan Zuckerman, assistant
director of the Anti-Defamation League’s mountain
states region, said the bill was necessary to protect
groups of people who are being victimized based on
certain characteristics. "We shouldn’ t let another year
¯ Some Vermonters Want
to Repeal Civil Unions
¯
MONTPELIER, Vt.(AP) -The HouseJudiciary Com-
." mittee voted to continue working on a bill that could
¯¯ eventually lead to arepeal of civil unions. The committee
is one vote shy of an outfight repeal of the law that
¯ grants the rights, benefits and responsibilities of mar-
. riage to same-sex couples.
But committee members who support repeal agreed
: to continue working on a bill that would offer an
¯ alternative to civil unions because it may provide their
¯ only opportunity to have an up-or-down vote on repeal
: on the House floor. Reciprocal partnerships are a
." concept conceived by Judiciary Committee Chair-
" woman Peg Flory that would repeal civil unions and
¯ offer suchpartnerships to all couples who are currently ¯
prohibited from marrying under state law. That in-
" eludes same-sex couples, whowonmarriagerights and
_" benefits through civil unions, as wall as blood rela-
¯ tives. Flory’ s goal with her billis to expand thenumber
¯" ofcouples who could qualify forbenefits withoutusing
¯ sexual orientation as the criterion for obtaining them.
¯ Some opponents of civil unions don’t like the strat-
¯ egy of supporting Flory’ s bill solely as a parliamentary ¯
maneuver. The Rev. David Stertzbach of the Vermont
¯ Defense of Marriage Committee wrote to legislators
¯ late last week warning them that such a strategy was ¯
unacceptable to his group. Stertzbach’s group was
¯ active in the elections last year.
"We believe Vermonters deserve (an) honest,
straightforward vote on the repeal of civil unions in
committee and on the House floor without any unprin-
¯ cipled votes for reciprocal benefits for homosexuals
¯ even as a parliamentary maneuver," he wrote. "It
would sadden me to report to voters that any conservative
voted for reciprocal benefits."
Among the issues with Flory’ s bill that trouble civil
unions opponents is that it would require them to
support a bill that would grant rights to Gay and
¯ Lesbian couples. ’’This bill further diminishes marriage,"
Haas told his committee.
¯ Still, repeal supporters on the Judiciary.’ Commi ttee
do not believe they have much choice if they want to
¯ force a vote. Rep. Harvey Otterman, R-Topsham, said
¯ he did not like to see a bill "bottled up in committee,"
so he would support Flory’s bill and then make a
judgment later on whether to vote for repeal if such a
¯ proposal were made on the floor. ’Tmgoing to reserve
the right to vote asI see fit," Otterman said.
i NY Housing Case May
¯ Impact Civil Rights Laws
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Lawyers for Yeshiva University
on defended its refusal to allow Gay couples to
share student apartments, a policy two Lesbian students
contend discriminated against them on the basis
of sexual orientation and marital status.
Yeshiva lawyer Mark Jacoby told the state’ s highest.
court that the university was well within its .rights to
restrict use of the university-owned housing to single
students-or married graduate students - but to deny
unmarried heterosexual or homosexual couples the use
of those apartments.
"Look, we have a limited amount of student housing
available," Jacoby told the Court of Appeals, conveying
the rea,~oning of university officials. ’’We’ve acquired
this to accommodate-students. We can accommodate
students themselves. We’re prepared to accommodate
spouses and children of students and facilitate
their education. But we’ re not going to open the
door and (accommodate) everybody who wants to
bring in a buddy, or a friend, or a partner."
The lawyer arguing on behalf of the two Lesbian
studeats for the American Civil Liberties Union’s
Lesbian & Gay Rights Project, James Esseks, countered
that Yeshiva’ s housing policy had a "disparate
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(918) 743-c 559¯
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SinceNew Yorklaw prohibits all-male or all-female
couples from getting mamed, allowing only married
couples to share housing means Gay couples are unfairly
barred from possibly sharing in the benefit of the
cheap apartments. "This case is not about securing
marriage for same-sex couples or creating new laws -
it’ s about enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination
against those who can’t get married," Esseks said.
Both state and local anti-discrimination laws mayhave
been violated by Yeshiva’s policies, Esseks said.
Thechallenge against Yeshiva’ s policy was brought
by two students, Sara Levin and Maggie Jones, after
their requests to live with their partners were rejected.
Both Levin and Jones were offered university-owned
housing for themselves alone. Both are students at the
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, which is affifiated
with Yeshiva.
Two lower state courts have nded for Yeshiva’ s
no-unmarried-couple housing policy. The Court of
Appeals is likely to hand down a written ruling in the
ease by early summer.
. Several groups filedfriend-of-the-court briefs in the
¯ case, including theAssociation ofthe Bar ofNew York
City, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund
and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Those briefs argue that civil rights protections for
many kinds of minority groups could be weakened by
upholding Yeshiva’ s housing policies. New York state
Attorney General Eliot Spitzer also filed a brief before
the court critical of Yeshiva’ s housing policy.
Wesleyan U. Hires Gay
Studies Professor
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) - Following the lead of
Yale, Wesleyan University will appoint a full-time
professor to teach Gay and Lesbian studies. The position
Is expected to be filled wilhin a year, and the
professor will begin teaching in the fall semester 2002,
Justin Harmon, a school spokesman said.
The new position will be among 20 the university
has created during thepast couple of years in an effort
to expand its curriculum, Harmon Said. University
officials said the new professor will help develop a
Gay and Lesbian studies curriculum.
The lack of Gay studies courses at Wesleyan has
drawn protests from students and faculty in recent
years. Wesleyan has offered one such course per year.
"I’m delighted that we’re having this position here,"
said Henry Abelove, one of the professors who has
taught Gay studies course. "This will add substantially
to the queer studies courses we can offer here."
Abelove said the new professor probably will be
expected to teach two courses per semester, like other
professors at Wesleyan.
Earlier this month, Yale University accepted a $1
million donation from the family of Larry Kramer to
help fund the Larry Kramer Initiative for Lesbian and
Gay Studies at Yale.
That decision ended four years of debate about
Kramer’s desire to fund a Gay and Lesbian studies
program at. Yale. Kramer,an outspoken activist for
AIDS awareness and Gay issues, initially wanted to
give Yale $5 million to hire a full-time professor in the
field. Yale rejected that offer because the university
thought Gay studies was too narrow a field for a
permanent professorship. In response, Kramer had
accused the university of being homophobic.
Members of Wesleyan’ s Queer Alliance, a group of
Lesbian and Gay students, pushed hard earlier in the
spring to get the position at their school approved. In
March, the alliance held a "kiss-in" demonstration in
front of the admissions office. The demonstration
coincided with a meeting of the university’s trustees.
"We’re really pleased, although I’m almost surprised,"
said junior Phil Gentry, an alliance leader.
"We tried to be optimistic, but at the same time this
same proposal was turned down before..."
New ACLU Leader
Hispanic + Openly Gay
: NEW YORK (AP) - A New York public interest
¯ attorney was named Tuesday to lead the American
Civil Liberties Union, becoming the first Hispanic and
: openly Gay man to do so. Anthony D. Romero, 35,
¯ currently serves as a director of the Ford Foundation’ s
¯ program for human rights and international cooperation,
overseeing $90 million in grants.
¯ As the ACLU’ s executive director, he said will work
to make the civil rights organization more prominent
¯ in local communities. He said theACLU will continue
to focus on defending religious liberty, reproductive
¯ freedom andtherights ofwomen, minorities and Gays.
"’I hope to beginmy tenure as the 1eader of thi s vitally
important organization by sparking a new dialogue
¯
about the bedrock values ofAmerican democracy," he
: said, adding his goal is to "promote a new generation
of committed civil libertarians and civil rights activ-
¯ ists.’"
¯ The Bronx-born Romero is a graduate of Stanford
: Law School and Princeton University. ACLU Presi-
¯ dent Nadine Strossen called Romero "an idealist, bold ¯
and creative in his vision and strategy but skeptical and
¯ realistic in his tactics." Romero will take over in
¯ September for Ira Glasser, Who is retiring after 23
¯ years in the post.
Conservative Extremists
Stall Anti-Bullying Bill
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - A bill designed to stop
bullying in schools has stalled in the Legislature amid
opposition from Christian conservatives who say it is
really a Gay-rights measure. Under the measure, school
¯
districts would have to write policies against bullying
: and train employees and volunteers to stop harass-
~ ment. Teachers,police, Gov. Gary Lockeand Attorney
¯ General ChristineGregoire saidthe legislationis needed ¯ to protect picked-on kids.
¯ But the state’ s chapter ofthe Christian Coalition said
: it couldbe seen as trying to prevent some students from
¯ condemning homosexuality. Rick Forcier, director of
: the Christian Coalition of Washington, said the mea-
: sure could lead to homosexual sensitivity training in
: schools. "We don’ t want to see kids beat up on and we
¯ would like to see the rules that are already in place
¯ enforced," he said. "But I think this one went well
¯ beyond what we think is necessary."
The measure passed the Senate but never made it to
: a vote in the House Education Committee in the
¯ regular session that ended April 22. The governor has
¯ listed, it on his agenda for the 30-day special legislative
¯ sessxon now under way.
Georgia County Adds
Partner Benefits
¯
DECATUR, Ga. (AP) - DeKalb County commission-
" ers have approved providing domestic 15artners of Gay
county employees with medical, dental and life insur-
¯ ance benefits. The measure, approved by a 6-1 vote at
¯ the end of April, makes the suburban Atlanta county
: the first in Georgia to offer such benefits to employees.
¯ County officials estimate that about 70 employees -
¯ 1% of the total - will seek the benefits, which would cost thecounty about $200,000 out of abenefits budget
¯ about $39 million a year. The city of Atlanta has been
the only local government in Georgia with a domestic
partner package.
¯ The private sector has been quicker to provide such
¯ benefits, said Harry Knox, director of the Gay civil
¯ rights group, the Georgia Equality Project. Four of the
state’ s largest employers- BellSouth, DeltaAir Lines,
¯ Atlanta Gas Light and Coca-Cola - have done so,
¯ Knox said.
Vaccine Research
Maybe Overlooked
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - Developing a
vaccine to prevent AIDS should be given
top priority in the fight against the deadly
virus sweeping Africa, aleading epidemiologist
said. Efforts to develop a vaccine
risked getting overlooked in the push to
raise money to fight AIDS, said Seth
Berkley, president oftheNew York-based
International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.
However, key decisions on whether to
pursue vaccine "candidates" currently in
human trials may need to be made as early
as 2002, he said.
Berkley spoke recently on the sidelines
ofa two-day AfricanAIDS summit hosted
by Nigeria and the Organization of African
Unity. There, African lcaders signed a
declaration calling on members to aim at
spending 15% of their national budgets on
health programs, including a significant
proportion on AIDS andto provide cheap
and effective drugs to treat those infected.
The Vaccine Initiative- a private, nonprofitorgani7ationfundedbygovernments,
foundations and private enterprise - has
raised more than $300 million to assist
vaccine research and create systems for
distributing them in the developing world.
Yet Berkley estimates that the project
would require at least double that figure to
give research bodies "a chance" of developing
vaccines by 2007.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annanalso
announced efforts to create a global ’~ar
chest" worth $7 billion to $10 billion to
fight AIDS. It was unclear how much
would be devoted to vaccine research,
Otherobservers said vaccine trials could
be "fast-tracked" in about half the time or
less if funding in the billions was made
available.
Billions of dollars have gone into the
developmentofeffectiveAIDS treatments,
but vaccine research has received relatively
little funding. Pharmaceutical cornpatties
have viewed it as unprofitable, and~
most AIDS activists have focused their
efforts on finding a cure.
U.S. governmentfunding ofHIV-AIDS
research last year.topped $2billion, with
about $250 million going toward vaccine
research. Therestwent toward developing
drugs to treat those with the disease.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
andWestern countries such as Canadaand
the Netherlands have also provided millions
of dollars for vaccine research.
Nancy Powell,head of the U.S. delegation
to the African summit, said Friday
that PresidentBush’ s administrationwould
spend $2.5 billion on HIV-AIDS research
this year, including $480 million for "international
HIV/AIDS assistance." Shedid
not give a further breakdown. ’q’he Bush
administration is Africa’s partner in this
effort. The United States has been the
world leader in research and assistance to
" batde these diseases," Powell said.
Researching and testing an AIDS vaccine
is only the first part of the problem,
Berkley said. Getting it to those who need
it most is another challenge. Vaccines developed
for other diseases ordinarily take
15 years or more before they are affordable
in poor countries.
The Vaccine Initiative hopes that pri;
vate Firms involved in the production of
: the vaccines will offer them at cut-rate
: prices in poorer countries. "Extraordinar-
¯ ilycomplexplanning is required," Berkley
: said. "Establishingnew production capac-
¯ ity alone normally requires 4-5 years."
i Debt Relief for Poor-
Urged to Fight AIDS
¯ NEWYORK (AP) -The debt owed by the
¯
world’ s poorest countries is a major bar-
: rier to fighting the AIDS pandemic and
¯ should be canceled immediately, activists
¯ urged.
¯ The plea came as the World Bank and
¯ The International Monetary Fund, which
¯ hold the majority of the debt, held their
¯ spring meeting in Washington. The inter-
" nadonal lending organizations have ajoint
¯ program to reduce debt but have so far
¯ declined to wipe the slates clean.
: "It is morally reprehensible fo( the de-
: veloped world to condnue to demand re-
- payment when we have a crisis on the
¯ continent of Mrica," said Njongonkulu
¯ Ndugane, Archbishop of Cape Town,
: South Africa. "One hundred percent can-
: cellation is nonnegotiable."
¯ Sub-Saharan African countries spend
$13.3.billionon debt repayment each year
i but need $15 billion to stop the spread of
: HIV/AIDS, according to the Global AIDS
¯ Alliance: Zambia, for example, has an
. annual debt service of $174 million, with
: $90 million of that going to the World
¯ BankandlMF. The country’ s health bud-
¯ get is $76 million.
¯ Jeffrey Sachs, an economist at Harvard
: University, said that canceling debt will
¯ give countries even more money to.fight
: the disease that is ravishing the continent.
: AIDS has killed about 22 million people
¯ globally, including 17million in sub~Sa-
¯ haran Africa.
: Twoseparateinitiatives wereintroduced
: in theCongress this weekwhichcall onthe
: IMF and the World Bank to eliminate
:
debt. Onebill introducedby Reps. Maxine
Waters, a California Democrat, and Speni
eer Bachus, an Alabama Repubfican, Calls
: for 100% debt relief for the world’s poor-
: est countries. The bill introduced by Bar-
. bara I.~e, a California Democrat, calls for
¯ debt relief for countries heavily affected
¯ byHIV/AIDS.
: Bono, the lead singer of the Irish rock
: band U2, said that part of the problem is
¯ that Americans don~t understand how .the
: debt is devastating the poorest countries.
: Heplans to try to raise awareness tocreate
; political pressure. -
: The World Bank have a program cal!ed
¯ the HIPC Initiative to stem debt. Accord,
¯ ing to a World Bank report, the 22 coun-
¯ tries receiving somerelief have seen debt
¯ payments go from 3.7% to 2.1% of gross
domestic product. Actifists say the reduc-
: lions are negligible, especially consider-
" ing the AIDS crisis. Indeed, pharmaceuti-
: cal-compaules have drastically’reduced
¯ theprice ofAIDSmedications with at Ieast
¯ two films sellingmedicine at cost. Still,
¯ they are deemed to expensive.
¯ "HIV/AIDS is worse than the bubonic
¯ plague," said Lee. ’q~he money used for
¯ debt service could be used for education,
research, a health care delivery system...
: It could go a long way to turning the
¯ situation around."
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I
!
!
!
The Tulsa City County
Library System
is proud to
Embrace-Diversity
honoring Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered
Oklahomans with the following events:
Saturday, June 2. 2pro. Maxwell Park Library
"Coming Out in Tulsa Area High Schools"
Dr. Doug Gronberg, English teacher at Booker T. Washington High School,
moderates a pane! discussion by high school students in Gay/Straight Alliances.
Monday, June 4. 7pm. Central Library
"Council Oak Men’ s Chorale"
Monday, June 4. 7pm. Helmerich Library
"Family Law Issues Affecting the Gay Community"
Panel discussion with Linda Lacey, TU.College of Law, moderating.
Thursday, June 7. 7pm. Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
Harvey Fierstein and Matthew Broderick star in "Torch Song Trilogy."
Saturday, June 9. 12 Noon. Central Library
"Diversity. Film Festival’"
"Out of the Past" documents the struggles of Kelli Peterson, who started a Gay/
Straight alliance in her Salt Lake City school in 1996.
Thursday,,, June 142 7pm. Central Library
Diversity Film Festival"
"Trevor": Winner of the 1994 Academy Award for best live-action short.
"If These Walls Could Talk": Stories about Lesbian couples in three decades.
"Bubbeh Lee an~d Me"= A Gay man’ s Visit with his 87 year old grandmother.
t~ook Discussion: Deliver Us From Evie’
Thmsday, June 21.~lpm. Broken Arrow Library
Book Discussion:"Fried Green Tomatoes"
Thursday, June 21. 7pro. Brookside Library
:AIDS Memorial Quilt Project
Vale Bode, director of Education and Outreach for the Tulsa Area chapter of
the NAMES project, discusses the AIDS Memorial Quilt
¯Please call 596-7977 or your local branch library if you have questions or
need more information. Please plan to attend.
"If we could stop the residual replication,
what wouldbe the persistence of the reservoir?"
Ho asks. His team has started a new
experiment, code numbered 377, to f’md
o u t
They have come up with a new four"
drug combination, a kind of super-
HAART, that they believe is more powerful
than the standard variety. About 30
patients are taking the drugs. The goal is to
stop the low-level circulation of their virus,
which in turn shOuld shut off the
supply of newly infected memory cells.
Ifit works,Hobelieves it couldwipeout
the body’s HIV-infected memory T cells
in three to four years. "No one would say
that once we get rid of this reservoir, we
have a cure," says Ho. "We have confronted
a difficult problem, but there may
be others."
Among the biggest of these is the worry
that infected memory T cells are not the
body’s onlylongdived reservoir.of HIV.
The virus may linger as well in other
places that are hard to check or lie beyond
thereach ofAIDS drugs, such as the brain,
bone marrow and testes.
"It will be a daunting task to eliminate
those unknown viral reservoirs, even with
much more potent drugs that might come
outin the near future," says Dr. Tae-Wook
Chun of the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases.
This is why Chun and many AIDS re,
searchers now believe the best defense
against HIV may ultimately be the body’ s
own. These doctors wouldlike to teach the
immune.system to control HIV, so people
can stop taking AIDS drugs, which have
unpleasant and unhealthy side effects.
No one can say whether this is even
possible. But they already can envision a
strategy: Shut down viral replication with
standard drugs. Then give vac,ines and
otherboosters thatwill inteusffy thebody’ s
natural - and up to now, failed - surveillance
against HIV.
In time, they say, the immune system
might learn to do the entirejob alone. But
all bf this is unproven theory, just fike the
idea of viral eradication was five years
ago.
a global strategy can be developed to help
fight the disease.
"What I propose is a Global Fund, dedieatedto
the battle against HIV, AIDS and
other diseases. Clearly, it must be organized
in a way that corresponds to the
needs ofthe affected countries andpeople,"
Annan said. "Each country or community
receiving support from the fund would
have to show that it is actually bringing
results to those most at risk."
Annan said there are still many legal and
administrative matters to be settled before
the fund is established. He would not say
how much the U.S. government should
contribute but urged involvement.
"I hope that the U.S. government would
join in making funds available andjoining
: the fight against the disease," Annan said.
¯¯ "It would be presumptuous of me to say
how much the U.S. should pay. I hope,
: considering the size of the government,
¯ that it would be substantial."
: Annan’s appeal comes on the heels of a
: speech to leaders gathered at the Mrican
¯ Summlt on HIV, AIDS and other infec-
: tious diseases. There, he outlined his.ob-
: jectives andurgedMrieangovernments to
¯ take the lead in mobilizing resources.
¯ Paul DiDonato, executive director of
: Funders Concerned About AIDS, a New
: York-based organization, said he was
~ pleased with Annan’s remarks. ’q’he fact
¯ that thereis this level of leadership talking ¯
about theissueis encouraging," DiDonato
¯ said. "A year ago, U.S. leaders were not
: giving speeches aboutAIDS;now they are
¯ talking about it."
¯ MaybeI’mNOTmoreattractive with vaginal
itch. Dam! I was hoping something
¯ would help!
In the past month I’ve learned who my
real friends are: those who stick with you
: even when you’re scratching your crotch
: on a public street. OK, so that was my
¯ roommate, and he does need me to paymy
: half of the rent.
: But my friend Lindsey, who lives in a
¯ garrett apartment similar to that in "La
: Boheme", has stuck withme. Shejust tells
¯ me to shut up when I talk about "the itch."
: So I do it several times,just to piss her off.
, My friend Jim even slept with me when
’¯ he" visited. He didn’t have any fear that
he’ d get it. WeP, dull! Of course not! And
: the next possible Ms. Right hasn’trun
¯ away -yet. I’ve also had several-more
¯ women contact me through the Intemet. ¯
So there’s something to say about these
:. "women’ s thi"ngs," a’fter all. I’ vemet other
¯ women, kept my roommate/friend;from
¯ throwing me out, slept with a man (Jim!),
: and even had sex while keeping m~ pants
¯ on.
¯ OK, boys. You can come backnowA’m
: f’mishedtaikinn about"theitch." Youwon’ t
: have to endur~ this next time, I promise.
: My rooinmate’s cowering in the corner,
: though. Why? After screaming at him,
¯ I’ve just decided the topic ofmy next
: column - Multiple PMS Disorder and the
: Women Who Have Long, Drawn,Out,
¯ Heavy, Gushing, Extremely Bloody Peri-
: otis. See ya then!
¯" Since no anti-Gay language was used,
Tulsa Police could not even informally
¯" classify this as ahate crime but Dept. Chief
Busby did say that Tulsa Police would
¯ start using tht~parkinglot outside the Cen-
: ter when they stop to write their reports in
: between responding to crimes. TOHR
: vohmteers hopethat themore visible pres-
¯ ence may" deter more crime.
," TOHR is also soliciting donations to
¯ pay for the door glass repair. Some dona- ¯
dons have been received but more are
". needed. AlsoTOHRhas now negotiated a
compromise with the Center’s landlord
¯ for a sign. see TOHR, p.9
by Jim Christjohn, entertainment editor
The new singles from the Stevie Nicks
album, "Planets of the Universe", "Everyday",
and "TooFarFromTexas" are climbing
the charts, althoughyouwouldn’ tknow
it around here: Dallas stations are playing
the hell out of "Planets...", but in Tulsa
radio stations didn’ t evenl~tw that Stevie
was releasing a new album.
May lst, in spiteof
the fact it’ s been in the
trademagazines for several
months now, and
she’s been popping ~p
all over the.. place. It S
.w0nderful:~01ivein such "
~in~?,rmed t0wn:~~.
-APis~rently, the radio
stations are about three
years behind the rest of
the country. I think they
should read the Gay paper
intown, so they can
keep up with what’s
going on. (editor’s note:
at least with Stevie
Nicks.t)
The new disc is killer, and even if you
aren’t a Stevie Fan, I think you’ll like it.
Amazingly, when I went to Target to nab
the official release, the bin was empty! A
friend of mine said with some surprise,
"Look! I guess you aren’t the only Stevie
fan here!" I did find one, but I thought the
comment was humorous.
Nicks said she will begin a U.S. tour on
June 29. The Dallas stop i.s August 3rd.
Plans for a new Fleetwood Mac album are
going ahead around September without
Christine McVie, though they have her
blessing.
One of Celebrity Attractions best offerings,
"Red White and Tuna" explodes
into townMay 8-13 at the PAC, 596-7111.
It promise to be an evening of fun and
frolic with the residents of Tuna, Texas -
all played~by Joe Sears and Jaston Williams.
If you were unfortunate enough to
have missed "Greater Tuna", and "A Tuna
Christmas", here’s your chance to catch
up with these hilarious folks. These performances
sell out fast, so grab those tickets
now! You won’t regret it.
Sometimes, something comes across
your desk for review that is simply unbelievable.
Watching. it is like watching a
train wreck: you hate yourself for it, you
don’ t want to look, but you just have to.
"West Hollywood Stories" is one of those
things. A two-set video series of a Gay
soap opera out of and set in LA,its tag line
is ’’These are the Gays of our lives."
As one can imagine, this sets it up as a
comedy. Except it’ s not. It’s a wretched
affair, with acting talent culled from the
bottom of the pool, and videography designed
to make any amateur look good.
Production values? I’m hard pressed to
find any. It looks like some high school
kids got together and tried to make a "Gay
Bitch Project."
Think "Queer as Folk" (QAF) done really
badly with people who can’ t act. Yep,
it’s pretty bad. in fact, I was thinking,
"With Queer as Folk, why even’do this?"
Joe Sears as Aunt Pearl Burras
¯¯ All I can guess is that this was donebefore
the QAF series at a time when any funding
: would have come out of pocket and any
¯ actors would be people with no experi- ¯
ence. It does provide laughs, but all unin-
¯ tentional.
¯ And it’ s kind of an embarrassed laugh,
such as one might make at a train wreck to
cover up one’s horror.
The premise is a good
idea: AGay soap. Thank
Gods it’s being done
wall on QAF. Anyone
who bitches about anything
on that show
should be forced to sit
through "WeHo Stories."
Obviously, I can’t
recommend spending
any money on this, and
I really hoped it would
live up to its billing as a
comedy spoof of soaps.
All Icansayis,this soap
don’t clean. Or even
make suds.
The "Queer as Folk"
soundtrack is out, and in both British and
American versions. The British has two
: versions: A "highlights disc, and an ex-
¯ panded import disc. Both covers are the
same, it’ s only when you look at the back
¯ - one has around 15 tracks, the other, 35 or
¯ so. The American only has one out thus
¯ far, andit’s pretty cool forboppin’ around.
After 7 years in this town, I’d never
¯ madeitto theGflcreaseMuseum.Afriend
¯ from CA came to visit, andI was showing
him the sights, and we stopped there, al-
¯ most as an afterthought. Wow! I had no
¯ idea... I thought it would be like the
¯ Philbrook, which I always thought of as a ¯
poor excuse for a museum - pretty house,
¯
but not much to it.
¯ Gilcrease was amazing, especially since
¯ my ~’riend was of Native American de-
" scent. He did make one commentthat was
¯ reallythought-provoking: in the lowerlev-
¯ els are hundreds of NA artifacts, from
¯ peace pipes to clothing to head dresses to
: utensils and sacred objects.
¯ At one point, we stopped in front of a
series of clothing articles, one with what
¯ looked like a bullet hole through it in the
: center of the chest, with blood around it.
¯ My friend said, "this is like visiting
¯ Auschwitz. And ten to one these items
¯ were not given to the museum by the
original owners."
¯ Point well made, in fact, many of the
¯ objects would have been buried with the
¯ owner had they been given proper burial.
¯ In many cases, I doubt also that the owner
: had any say in he matter.
Yet another thing I learned was that
pipes, as sacred objects, should never be
¯ shown assembled unless for the purpose
¯ intended - to carry prayers to the spirits. ¯
Cody said that museums who are respect-
" ful and do their research display the pipes
¯ in separate pieces. The Gilcrease displays
¯ were in such a manner. ¯
¯ Philbrook, in constrast, displayed pipes
assembled, an insult to the people from
¯ whom the pipes were taken.
Oklahoma NAR~L invites you to our
~ $35 per person
Timothy W. Daniel
Attorney at Law
An Attorney who will fight for justice
& equality for Gays & Lesbians
Domestic Partnership Planningl
Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy
1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504
128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma
Weekend and evening appointments are available.
o
ooooo000.
Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC
Certified-Public Accountant
a professional corporation
Lesbians and Gay men face many special
tax situations whether single or as couples.
Electronic filing is available for faster refunds.
747-5466
4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite210, Tulsa 74135
by Barry Hensley
Tulsa City-County Library
This year, the Tulsa City-County Library
is making a coordinated effort to
provide a variety of Diversity programmingacross
TulsaCounty during themonth
of June. Please make plans to attendsome
of these programs. A good attendance at
these programs, and positive feedback,
will ensure continued library programming
dedicated to GLBT issues. The library
will also haveabooth, as usual, at the
Diversity celebration at Veteran’ s Park on
Saturday, June 9.
Library programs for June include:
Saturday, June 2. 2pm.
Maxwell Park Library
"Coming OutinTulsaAreaHigh Schools"
Dr. Doug Gronberg, English teacher at
BookerT. WashingtonHigh School, moderates
a panel discussion by high school
students in the Tulsa area Gay/Straight
Alliances.
Monday, June 4. 7pm.
Central Library
"Council Oak Men’s Chorale"
Join us for a celebration of sound as an
ensemble from the Chorale performs a.
variety of vocal selections.
Monday, June 4. 7pm.
Helmerich Library
"Family Law Issues
Affecting the Gay Community’"
Discussion will center around the legal
. rights of same-sex couples, adoption issues
and access to artificial-reproduction
teclinology. Linda Lacey, professor, University
ofTulsa College ofLaw, will moderate.
Thursday, June 7. 7pro.
Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
Harvey Fierstein andMatthew Broderick
star in "Torch Song Trilogy," which was
adapted from the Tony Award winning
Broadway hit. The musical numbers are a
hoot, and Anne Bancroft chews the scenery
nicely.
Saturday, June 9. 12 Noon.
Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
"Outofthe Past" documents the struggles
of Ke]li Peterson, who started a Gay/
Straight alliance in her Salt Lake City
school in 1996. Her fight became a statewidebattle
that broughtnational attention.
Thursday, June 14. 7pm.
Central Library
"Diversity Film Festival"
"Trevor": Winner of the 1994 Academy
Award for best live action short. This
highly acclaimed, touching, funny film
addresses issues of sexual identity and
compassion.
"If These Walls Could Talk": Trio of
stories about Lesbian couples in three different
decades.
"Bubbeh Lee and Me": Documents a
Gayman’ s visitwithhis 87 year oldgrandmother
in a Florida retirement commu-
Tuesday, June 19. 2pm.
West Regional Library
BookDiscussion: "Deliver Us Frown Ev:
¯ This bookbe M. E. Kerr tells the ste~’;
: 16 year old Parr Burma,an and his fa
: who face some difficult times when ;,:,
¯ spreads around their small Missouri
: that his older sister is a Lesbian, after
: leaves the family farm to live with the
¯¯ daughter of the town’ s banker.
Thursday, June 21. lpm.
Broken Arrow Library
Book Discussion:
"Fried Green Tomatoes"
This Fannie Flagg hit mixes direct and
empowering confrontations with racism,
sexism and ageism with the colorful and
endearing language of the Depression-era
South.
Thursday, June 21. 7pm.
Brookside Library
AIDS Memorial Quilt Project
Vale Bode, director of Education and
Outreach for the Tulsa Area chapter of the
NAMES project, discusses the AIDS
morial Quilt.
Please call 596-7977 or yourlocal branch
library if you have questions or need more
information. Please plan to attend.
Council Oak Men’s
Concert May 11-13
Join the Council Oak Men’s Chorale
(COMC) as it sings the works of musical
pioneers in its concert "American Dreamers"
at Philbrook’ s Wilson Hall, May 11-
13. Performances are on Friday and Saturday
at 8 PM a~,d a matinee on Sunday,
Mother’s Day, at 3 PM. Tickets are $15
For more information, call 748-3888.
Three composers explore three centuries
of the American quest for freedom.
Randall Thompson, Aaron Copland and
Stephen Sondheim, have created works
inspired by the ideals, hopes and dreams of
a nation and its people.
COMC was recently honored to sing the
national anthemat the Tulsa Driller’ s home
game opener on Easter Sunday. America’ s
favorite pastime was introduced by a rousing
rendition of the Star Spangled Banner
performed by COMC’ s 25-male voices.
Formoreinformation about Tulsa’ s premier
Gay men’ s chorus visit:
www.counciloak.org
While it will only have abbreviations,
TOHR and LGBT for Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
andTransgendered, Gatewoodnotes
- it will have "lots of rainbows all over it."
Funds are needed to pay for the new sign
as well. ~
Gatewood adds that through the efforts
of Anna Dodwell, aka, Dyke Divine,
KHITS, 106.9 FM will be airing interviews
with la Dyke herself, TOHR,
PFLAG, Tulsa CARES, and HOPE, probably
on the week beginning June 4th.
Volunteers and sponsors are still needed
for the Gala dinner and the Festival, so for
more information, call 743-4297.
home. Sean was tough and
built like a fireplug. Hehad
just returned home after
serving several years in the
Marines. He spoke animat-
.edly aboutguns, and sports,
and arm-wrestling. (He
beat me.) "Okay, enough
already!" I thought. I attributed
Sean’ s hyper-masculine
pose to the fact that
we were, at the time, sitting
in Hula’s, Waikiki’s
foremost gay bar. Sean,
poor boy, was still edgy
about his sexuality.
But something more vital
was at stake, Hater discovered.
I had occasion
once to catch Sean naked.
Nervous, blushing, and
ashamed he explained he
by Lamont Lindstrom, Ph.D. however, the chimps have us humans beat.
I met Scan one summer in Honolulu. Because of this, perhaps, these organs are
Like many local guys, his ancestry was " less charged in popular culture. Fewer
assorted-alittlebitHawaiian and the rest " men lose sleep over marbles instead of
Asian and European- a mixture reflecting " tennis balls. Fewer scams promise testicle
,,
the history of his island enlargement.
. . . Humans, unllhe When it comes to mea-
+ most mammals, have
suring humans, sampling
and data collection have
lost the haeeulum - a long been problematic.
hone within the penis
Still, it’s established that
the average length of an
- for unhnow’n erect human penis is beevolutionary
reasons. tween five and six inches.
An informative website,
Nonetheless, amon~ The Definitive Penis Size
primates at least,
Survey ("http://
www.connection.com/
humans are the man. -dickie/result.html"),
We are lar~er than
records a somewhat longer
average but its sample is
chimpanzees. And self-selected and no doubt
mighty ~orillas -
composed of those more
inclined to boast.
despite their hulh - So how did humans get
sport penises of Sean’s
so large, ethologically
speaking? Students of evoslze:
just over one inch lution generally fall back
had inherited the family lon~ when erect..."
on two explanations to accurse.
I looked down and count for sexual dimorthere
it was: The smallest human penis I phism such as penis size. Men perhaps
had ever seen. Scan, when excited on a engaged in competitive penile display to
good day, was perhaps an inch and a half threaten and cow one another, thus to
in length. "" establish dominance within a group.
SusanBordo,thefeminist scholar,pokes Thanks to higher status, men with longer
intoAmericanequataonsofmenwiththeir penises had more children. Or. perhaps
penises inThe Male Body: A New Look at long peruses instead resulted trom sexual
Men in Public and in Private (1999). She
selection. Women sought out better-enexplores
the effects of popnlar imagery on doWed men to increase their own sexual
our feelings about our bodies and our- pleasure.
selves. Bordo, previously, had written However the human pems evolved,
about the impact of media depictions of people in many societies celebrate its size.
female beauty on women’ s perceptions of They associate bigness with potency, autheir
bodies. American women suffer a thority, and manliness. In many of the
sort of collective "body image distortion’! island cultures of the Southwestern Pasyndrome.
Themajorityoverestimateshow cific, for example, men traditionally
much space the body takes up. Women flaunted artificially enlarged penises. On
believe, often incorrectly, that they are too Talma, where I once lived, some men still
fat. wrap and expand the penis with plant
Bordo suggests that men suffer a paral- fibers and leaves and cinch this upright to
lel body distortion syndrome. Men tend to a belt around the waist. They appear to
underestimate our penises. We believe we have permanent erections. Farther to the
’ h ° are too small. We aren t fat enoug , as it west, in the central highlands of New
were. In some cases - Sean’ s perhaps- we " Guinea, men stick their penises into dried
are right. In others, however, men put " gourds of various shapes. The most strikthemselves
in comparative disadvantage
¯ ing are three or four feet long, which are
vis-a-vis the rare, or imagined, colossal againtiedupright.Thesedongatedgourds
penises celebrated in popular culture (not
" make much more. splendid display than
tomention in thousands of immodest per- " just bailing up socks in ones underwear.
sonal ads). Enough of us suffer "shower
¯ But cnlmral celebration of male size is
syndrome" or "locker room phobia" to
" neither inevitable nor obligatory. Anyone
eb_rich dozens of dubious penis enlarge- " - who has peeked under those grape leaves
ment schemes.
¯ that the Victorians stuck onto Roman and
We might turn to my physical anthro-
Greek statuary will have noted marble
pologistcolleagues for eulighteument. The " members of only modest measure. Modhumanpenisisabitofamystery,
notleast " eration in all things governed classical
because scientists (male, mostly) haven’ t : aesthetics. A large penis then was the sign
directed much attention to this touchy ob- ¯ of wild animal, not civilized human.
ject. Humans,unlikemostmammals,have : This all would be cold comfort to Sean.
lost the baeeulum - abone within the penis " A shortcoming in one area blinded him to
-forunknownevolutionaryreasons-None- " the beauty of his body (although it did
theless, among primates at least, humans " make him into an excellent arm wrestler).
are theman. Wearelarger thanchimpan- : Sean could be, at least, king among the
zees. And mighty gorilla,s - despite their " gorillas.
bulk - sport penises of Sean’s size: just ¯ Lamont Lindstrom teaches anthropolover
oneinchlong whenerect. Withtestes, : ogy at the University of Tulsa.
Want to save
Money and
Help Build a
Community
Center?
Switch to
Rainbow
Communications
Long Distance and More,
10% of Revenues Will
Benefit Tulsa Oklahomans
for Human Rights
Capital Campaign and
General Fund
For more
information,
call 665-3401
or evenings
at da.7-8602.
Tulsa’s only
professional
body-piercing
IGTA member
.Call 341.6866
International
ToHrsfor rnore information.
’TULSA COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC
PARTY
Country Club Barbering
Custom Styling for Men & Women
David Kauskey
3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-Spm
by Karin Gregory
OK, boys - you might want to leave the
room for this one. It’s grrl talk. And no, I
DON’T mean Melissa Etheridge supposedly
leading every single actress in Hollywood
down the Lesbian path of corruption.
By the way, has Nicole Kidmanmade
that list yet? Sorry, silly indulgences.
However, boys, you may want to stay if
you now have, have ever had, or will have
in the future, a Lesbian roommate. You
might learn something. Granted, something
you don’ t want to learn, but I can tell
you that my roommate has a whole new
perspective on women’s biological problems--
his headis now firmly entrenchedin
the sand!
Yes, grrls, I’m talkingabout that lovely
problem called the vaginal infection. By
now, the men have dropped their papers,
screaming as they run to the kitchen to find
the fork that will poke out their eyes, thus
hopefully getting rid of the images swidxng
in their heads: So, let’s talk, shall we?
How do these things get started, is what
I want to know. How is it that you feel fine
one day, then wake up the next in burning,
itching agony? OK, so I’d fallen off the
diet/exercise wagon my roommate and I
started. I wasn’t drinking enough water;
wasfftexercising as much as he (wall,
he’s 24 for God’s sake!); and I wasn’t
eating right. Hey, maybe I DO know how
it got started!
My roommate did well with it the first
few days. I detailed, moment by moment,
how the "fire down below" felt, all the
while standing in front of him scratching
like a straight man with jock itch. My
roommate’s friends were OK with it for
awhile also, until I kept scratching like a
straight man in front of them, too. We
don’t get many guests anymore. And he
gave me advice about the various creams
and lotions I was using. His advice was not
to use more than one. I’d been using four
¯ or five at a time. I went to bed every night
¯¯ wet, and not in the good way.
Then came the "Hostess Cupcake" pc-
¯ riod. Have you ever used Mycelex 3, or
¯" Gynelotromin cream? They give you a
¯ tube of got with three long tampon-look-
. ing sticks. You pour the got into the stick
¯ and then lie down, inserting the stick. It
¯ sounds gross. The application is another
¯ story, however. All right, I guess I really
: DIDN’T read in the instructions that I was
¯ to masturbate while putting in the stick,
¯ but it didn’t say I couldn’t. A grrl has to
¯ have some fun! They also tell you to only
use it for three nights. They know it’s
¯ addictive, I suppose. I got up after awhile
¯ (afteracigarette, actually!),andannounced
¯ to my roommate that I was now a Hostess
~ cupcake. After shouling, "Oh...My...God!"
¯ and shoving out his friend, who was
¯ screaming, "Oh, the horror!", he slammed ¯
his door and didn’t open it until I left for
¯ work the next morning.
I finally went to the doctor at my
" roommate’s pleading. This was an inter-
" esting situation. The nurse, who under-
. stands about vaginal things, asked if I used
¯ any birth control. "No," was myreply. She
¯ wroteit down and said nothing more about
¯ it. My doctor had a medical student in that
¯ day--a dentis!! He asked me about the last
time I had sex. No, he didn’ t want details,
¯ just an approximate. He started to talk
: about condoms when I stopped him, say-
. ing that I’ d had sex with three people in the
¯
last year - "One was a man; they usually
¯ aren’t." To which he quickly said, "OK,"
¯ and moved on.
¯ Then they all (nurse, medical student,
¯
doctor) converged in the tiny examination
¯ room while I spread my legs for all to see.
¯ I asked if they’d like to invite anyone else ¯
in as long as I was in this position. I’ve
¯ always found I have more audience mem-
¯ bets when I’m,in the stirrups than when i
have my mouth open for the doctor. And
¯
I’m told I have pretty teeth! I received my
¯ applause and was able to dress, when the
¯ doctor came in to ask why I didn’t use
¯ condoms. "I don’t have sex with men",
: was my reply. Geez, how many times do I
¯ have to come out at my doctor’s office
: before they get a clue?
¯ Have you ever noticed how things begin
¯
happemng when you’re at your worst?
: You always meet someone you haven’t
¯ seen in years when you wear your old ¯
clothes, your cap to hide the hair you
didn’t wash that day, or when you’re unshaven
(for those intimate old friends!).
Somehow, even on the Internet, you seem
more attractive when you have your period
or when you have, as I did, a vaginal
itch. She began emailing me, and I was
struck with this feeling of awe that FINALLY
I’d be meeting someone from
Fort Worth (instead of talking to someone
from Corpus Christi or Kansas) at the
same time I had "this problem." Meet her
I did, and we talked for several hours
before we came back to my place. No, this
was at her request. Granted, she didn’t
have to twist this horny Lesbian’ s ann, but
I didn’t mind her twisting other things.
I know several women who are embarrassed
to be naked in front of their husbands.
I’ ve always had the opposite problem
withmy bed partners, and this day was
certainly One ofthe worst days to be dressed
in front of her while I had a close-up of her
beauty - VERY close up! So I lay there
wearing my big pants (pants with no restrictions
like jeans have), and felt very
strange to be wearing most of my clothes.
After all, I didn’ t want the next possible
Ms. Right to get any kind of disease, even
though I’d already been to the doctor and
found that it was a simple bacterial infection
taken care of with medicati< a (unfortunately,
NOT the Mycelex 3 !). Now that
[ think of it, even though the infection is
gone, she hasn’ t suggested we come back
to my place anymore.
see Raging, p. 7
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
presents
Dive’rsity
rati
.Saturday, June.2, 2001
TOHR Follies 2001
"From Here to Eternity"
Avondale Studio & Theatre (the old Delaware Playhouse)
1511 So. Delaware Ave., 8pro
Reception immediately following.
Tickets: $15.00, At the Door:.-$20.00
The Pride Store @ Tulsa GLBT
Community Center; 2114 S Memorial
or’by calling 918.743.4297 or toll
free (outside Tulsa) at 866.335.9074
Sunday, June 3, 2001
Tulsa Interfaith Service
Sponsored by TU BLGT Alliance, Sharp Chapel, TU, 3pm
Monday, June 4, 2001
Council Oak Men’s Chorale Concert
Presented by Tulsa City/County Library
"Diversity in Song"
Aaronson Auditorium; Central Librarym 3rd & Denver, 7pm
Monday, June 4, 2001
Family Law Panel
Presented by Tulsa City/Coullty Library
TU Law Professor Linda Lacey& an expert panel
Helmefich Library, 91st and Yale, 7pm
Tuesday, June 5, 2001
Art Exhibit: "Embracing Art"
All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. PeofiaAvenue, 6-gpm
Thursday, June 7~ 2001
GLBT Film Festival
Sponsored by Tulsa City/County Library
AaronsoriAuditofium, Central Library, 3rd and Denver, 7pro
Friday, June 8, 2001
TOHR Diversity Gala
Benefiting TOHR and Diversity Celebration 2001
"Death. Be Not Proud" Parents of Hate Crime Victims:
Speakers and Parade Grand Marshalls:
Gabi Clayton, Olympia, WA,
Dorothy Hajdys Holman, Chicago~ Don Sinclair,
Houston, TX, Carolyn Wagner, Fayetteville, AR
"Community Hero" Awards presentation honoring
those in the local GLBT community.
Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Yukon Dr., 7pm, reception &
silent auction, 8pro dinner, $100/ea. $1,000 table of eight.
Sponsorships available. Reserved seating available by calling
918.743.4297 or 866.335.9074
Saturday, June 9, 2001
The Pride Parade
Cherry Street (15th Street) to Boston Avenue to
18th Street to Veterans Park
Starts at 3pro, Float/marchers begin assembling at lpm.
No entries after 2:45pm.
Featuririg:Entfies from across the region
Community Heroes, Oklahoma’s largest Pride Flag
Diversity Festival
Sponsored by: Bud Light & Eastern Oklahoma Beverages
Veterans’ Park, 1875 So. Boulder Ave., 3pm
Featuring Entertainment, Speakers, and more.
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Women’s Tea Dance
Women only dance, DJ, and live entertainment by Melanie
Fry, pipe &cigar patio, unplugged music circle, and more.
Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood, 3-Tpm
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
newspaper
periodical
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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[2001] Tulsa Family News, May 2001; Volume 8, Issue 5
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities.
Description
An account of the resource
Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9).
The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level.
This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
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Tulsa Family News
Source
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https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24
Publisher
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Tom Neal
Date
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May 2001
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
James Christjohn
Karin Gregory
Barry Hensley
J.P. Legrandbouche
Lamont Lindstrom
Esther Rothblum
Mary Schepers
Hughston Walkinshaw
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News
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Tulsa Family News, April 2001; Volume 8, Issue 4
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PDF
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English
Type
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newspaper
periodical
Coverage
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Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper
Tulsa---Oklahoma
Oklahoma---Tulsa
United States Oklahoma Tulsa
United States of America (50 states)
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/show/612
2001
AIDS
AIDS vaccine
American Civil Liberties Union
anti-bullying
arts and entertainment
businesses
churches
civil rights
civil unions
Council Oak Men's Chorale
Diversity celebration
Gay marriage
hate crimes
HIV
HIV testing
housing
Lamont Lindstrom
marriage equality
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
National Lesbian and Gay Community Funding Partnership
Openarms Youth Project
Partner Benefits
Pride
Pride 2001
pride Parade
Raging Lesbian
Red Cross
Red Rock Tulsa
restaurants
Tulsa Community Foundation
Tulsa Family News
Tulsa Library
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Wesleyan University
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/733b2f2153340c0152c8ddfe54b6ed5d.jpg
06b85fa3864a1cd9fb22b85f79874359
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f877c3716f55d1351dd0b5dc72bdb505.pdf
cbaefc1fc50913638b9cd20f6f15b445
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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magazine
Description
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Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
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Original Format
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magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
~nty one years ago was a world that many
young people never k~ew or could comprehend.
No openly gay person had been elected
to public office in Oklahoma. Organizations
advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans
were few and far less influential. Only 3 years
earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had passed
legislation (later ruled unconstitutional by the
Federal court system) that would prohibit a
public school teacher from even making a positive
statement about the GLBT community
in a classroom. Equality for GLBT people was
hardly discussed, and gay marriage even more
remote. Politicians could (and did) make hateful
statements about our community without
any fear that someone would challenge their
remarks. (sorry Sally, you came along too late)
ride
~ganizers of this year’s Tulsa Pride Celebration
are promising the public that this
year’s events will be anything but boring. Nate
Black, one of the co-chairs says the changes
are intended to breathe a new sense of excitement
into the Pride observance and to help
promote the revitalization of downtown. It
may not look the same, but organizers promise
that Tulsa Pride 2008 will be just as incredible
of a celebration as ever. Spanning over two
weeks, with an event almost every evening,
Tulsa Pride 2008 has something for everyone.
"There will be some differences, but the spirit
of the celebration is the same. It is still going
to be a joyful, invigorating experience that xvill
spark the same sense of pride and freedom in
our community,"
Tutso PI IDE ?008
2 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
walk or drag yourselfto Tulsa
Pride 2008
By Joey De
It may not look the same, but organizers promise that Tulsa Pride
2008 is a series of events you won’t want to miss. "We have our
three anchor events: the gala, the parade and block party, and the
picnic," explains Pride co-chair Nate Black. "There ~vill be some
differences from the past, but the spirit ofTulsa Pride is as vibrant as
ever."
Here is a brief look at the events ofTulsa Pride 2008. For a complete
listing, maps and details, visit www.tulsapride.org
May 30 - "Sisters in Song" concert at All Souls Unitarian Church.
May 31- Wear your rainbow attire and enjoy a day at America’s favorite
zoo with your friends and family. Tnat night, join the Equality
Gala and celebrate the GLBT community at Cain’s Ballroom.
Jun. 1 - Rev. Barney McLaughlin and members ofTulsa’s faith community
will be hosting "Spiritual Equality," an interfaith service at
Bethany Christian Church.
Jun. 2 - Join PFLAG at the Circle Cinema for a free screening of
"Anyone and Everyone," a film about families struggling to accept
their GLBT youth.
Jun. 4 - Cheer the Drillers to victory and enjoy an old-fashioned
ballpark picnic. Tickets must be bought in advance. That evening,
Lochran Theatre’s "He&vig and the Angry Inch," opens. The show
will play at various locations through the 15th.
Jun. 5 - Enjoy the works of 60 artists at "More Color," a one-night
ex~hibition at the Equality Center.
Jun. 6 - Open Arms Youth Project Fashion Show.
Jun. 7 - Dine at the OkEq Family Taco Dinner benefiting PFLAG,
then join the Pride Parade and Block Party, with two stages of entertainment.
Youth Services ofTulsa will be hosting a concert in their
Coffee House for those under 21 and child care will be available for
those under 12 at the Equality Center.
Jun. 8 - Texas Hold’era at the Equality Center.
Jun. 10 - Leather and Fetish fashion show at the Equality Center.
Jun. 11 - Join the "Gender Avengers" for an evening of monologues
and plays addressing transgender issues.
Jun. 12 - Learn about raising kids in a diverse world at the Downtown
Library. Speakers will be available and books attacked for their
"inappropriate" messages will be displayed.
Jun. 13 - Screen "The ~A’ Word," a film with no audio or subtitles,
about 10 deaf lesbians.
Jun. 14 - Walce up early for the YST fun run before the Equality
Festival at Centennial Park on 6th and Peoria!
www.ozarksstar.corn the STAR 3
OKC P DE EEKEND
AN EVENT TRULY
’COMING OF AGE"
By Victor Gorin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ It can be hard
to fathom, but OKC Pride is now 21. Had
the event been a child born 21 years ago,
that person would now be ready to legally
enjoy the bars. Instead a spirit of human
determination was born in rocky Oklahoma
soil, with the joyful trappings that come
with living in the Bible Belt’s buckle, q-his
beginning came to Oklahoma through the
brave organization of about a dozen people.
As Paul Thompson recAls, "We didfft know
if there wotdd be 10 people marching or a
hundred." The Ku Klux Klan had promised
to meet the marchers when they came
over the N.W. 39th Street hill with hostile
confrontation. When around 400 marchers
came over the hill, the Klansmen waiting
in Safeway’s (now Homeland) parking lot
promptly left the scene, and a proud tradition
began.
It was a world that many young people
never knew or could comprehend. No
openly gay person had been elected to
public office in Oklahoma. Organizations
advocating equality for GLBT Oklahomans
were few and far less influential. Only 3
years earlier our Oklahoma Legislature had
passed legislation (later ruled unconstitutional
by the Federal court system) that
would prohibit a public school teacher from
even making a positive statement about the
GLBT community in a classroom. Equality
for GLBT people was hardly discussed, and
gay marriage even more remote. Politicians
could (and did) make hateful statements
about our community without any fear that
someone would challenge their remarks.
(sorry Sally, you came along too late)
Today the Pride Festival and Parade truly
showcases the theme by showing how far
we’ve come. Festival booths not only feature
openly gay public office holders (now even
on the State level with the appointment of
Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth), but
also gay political organizations of Democrats
and Republicans, as well as straight politicians
& parties who are proud to speak out
for us and seek our vote. Social organizations
(from rodeo to softball), and religious
groups bring us all together in glamorous
diversity. There are countless more business
organizations proud to seek out the gay
community to make a buck. Last but not
least, nothing compares to the mosaic of the
GLBT community and their friends, people
from all walks of life together in Pride.
EVENTS:
June 14 Saturday OKC Pride at the Zoo
10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For the first time there will be a gay day at
the Oklahoma City Zoo. It will be a great
way to begin the week’s festivities with
family and/or friends. There is information
about a special reduced rate inside every
OKC Pride Participation Packet, so come
out, enjoy the day and wish the animals a
good week too!
June 15 Sunday OKC Pride Day ofWorship
Cathedral of Hope & Church of the Open
Arms ( both UCC) will be planning special
worship celebrations to commemorate Pride
Week. Ifyou have felt left out or excluded
from worship, these churches are ready to
welcome you just as you are.
June 20- OKC Pride Parade
Now moved to Friday evening stepping off
at 7 p.m. the route is unchanged. Beginning
at Memorial Park ( N.W. 36th & Classen) it
proceeds north on Classen two blocks north
ofN.W. 39th Street, turns around on Classen
and then proceeds west on N.W. 39th.
Our Grand Marshall will be Joe Salmonese,
the chair of the national Human Rights
Campaign.
Preceding the Parade will be a Strip Show (
signifying the N.W. 39th Street Strip)
featuring some of our wildest and finest
entertainers. Then the crowd cheers on as
the parade’s first arrivals enjoy the finest
climax ever enjoyed at any event. As the
Parade concludes those in the mood will
be ready to party, giving new meaning to a
wild weekend while remembering how Pride
brings us together.
June 21- 22 OKC Pride Festival
Still at Oklahoma Cit)?s Memorial Park at
N.W. "36th & Classen, the Festival will run
from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday June 21,
and from noon until 5 p.m. June 22 Sunday.
There will be many booths featuring
organizations you can learn from or even
consider joining, as well as endless types of
merchandise. There will be entertainment
as well
Following the Festival conclusion at 5 p.m.
Sunday, Church of the Open Arms has their
Annual Pride Ice Cream Social, which will
featuring the Therapy Sisters in concert.
There’s no better way to cool off, enjoy the
fun & music and recap the xveekend.
This is an event you don’t want to miss, it’s
there for all of us. For more infornaation
pick up a Pride Guide at your favorite clubs, "
or check out the website at wwv.okcpride.
com
DBAT Celebrates Pride
by Hosting a Diversity
Job Fair
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Diversity
Business Association ofTulsa (DBAT), a
program of Oklahomans for Equality, is
hosting a Diversity Job Fair on June 13th
from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The event, being
held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
in Downtown Tulsa, will bring together lgbt
job seekers and lgbt-friendly employers in a
safe and comfortable environment, allowing
for open dialogue and alleviating fears of
discrimination.
The Diversity Job Fair offers a unique opportunity
for diversity-conscious employers
to access the wealth of skilled and talented
members of the lgbt community. Additionally,
job seekers are given an unprecedented
connection to companies that are lgbtfriendly.
F~r more information or if your company
is interested in participating in the job fair,
contact Susan Hartman at dbat@okeq.org
or call 918-698-2977.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
By David Benkof
Should gay-rights advances be put on hold
until all LGBT people can be included? On
this question, the position held by the most
prominent voices in the gay community is
so inconsistent it borders on incoherent.
Last year, most leading gay-rights organizations
rejected the advice of congressional
experts including Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.)
and pushed for an unlikely-to-pass
version of the Employment Non-Discrimination
Act (ENDA) that included gender
identity. \Vc~hen the broader bill was replaced
with an ENDA that covered only sexual
orientation, hundreds of gay and lesbian
groups lobbied Congress to vote "no" on
what was the most important piece of gayrights
legislation in a decade. Indeed, seven
Democrats who had previously been reliable
votes for pro-gay bills opposed ENDA
because it did not include protections for
transgender people.
LGBT activists defended this stance in a
variety of ways, but the basic argument xvas
that no part of the community should gain
civil rights at the expense of other parts.
Of course, had that been the approach of
voting-rights activists after the Civil War,
African-Americans would have forfeited the
vote until women gained suffrage a halfcentury
later - and they, in turn, may have
been asked to wait for the passage of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 before gaining
the right to vote. In any event, supporters
ofwhat became known as "United ENDA"
characterized their position as a principled
one, believing that LGB rights without T
rights were worse than no rights at all, and
that (Evita show tune be damned) politics is
not "the art of the possible."
This pose is simply unsustainable, as an
examination of transgender military inclusion
shows.
The Web sites of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force; the Human Rights
Campaign; Parents, Friends, and Families of
Lesbians and Gays; and many other groups
advocate for an ENDA that includes gender
identity, but the T is glaringly missing when
it comes to military issues. ~nese organizations
push for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals
to serve openly in the armed forces, but
don’t lobby on behalf of transgender people
who want to serve their country. They certainly
don’t insist that any repeal of "Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT) be linked to
equality for transgender servicemembers.
There are only three ways LGBT organizations
can react to this imbalance with any
sort of integrity:
One, they could refuse to support the repeal
ofDADT unless it is accompanied by a new
policy that prohibits the military from discriminating
on the basis of gender identity.
Two, they could admit that their ENDA
strategy was wrong and agree to accept an
LGB-only workplace bill until such time as
the votes are there to pass a more inclusive
ENDA.
Three, they could articulate pub!icly and
precisely why discrimination against
transgender people in the military is more
legitimate than private-sector discrimination
against them - and why it is more legitimate
than discrimination against lesbians, gay
men, and bisexuals in the military.
I would certainly prefer the second solution,
but I could respect the other two
approaches. My hunch, though, is that none
of these stances will be adopted. The status
quo is strong evidence that the "United
ENDA" stance is not primarily about political
principles. It’s about the internal power
dynamics in the LGBT community, which
have caused gay leaders to draw the line at
an inclusive ENDA. No such mobilization
has taken place over transgender people in
the military, so there has been no perceived
need for an ultimatum on that issue. Yet.
David Benkofwas a longtime gay columnist, historian,
and entrepreneur (as David Bianco). He is openly bisexual,
but as an OrthodoxJew he is guided byJewish law
in the areas ofsexvtality andfamily life. He can be reached
at DavidBenkof@aol.com.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
F~E BEER & HOT DO~
For a Family’s Dinner brought by the neighbors after the Death of Bettsie.
Be sure to look on the bottom ofthe dish to see what neighbor brought it!
Original Mo~,ie will be shown @ 7 pm dUl-h’~g dim-let.
Ist Eplsede of Series will be shown immediately fo!!o~d.ug
$10 D~nat~n to OG~,A inc]ludes ~nner
~$1GNING Meet and Greet
Leslie Jordan - From Sordid Lives, Will & Grace
My Trip Down The :PINK CARPET
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
@
Coming of e
~ulsa PRIDE ar~ 2008
ONE NIGHT ONLY
ThuP~day, June 5, 2008, 5:G0prn to 9:0~m
atthe Dennis R. Nell Equali~ C~nt~r,
Corner of 4th and Keno~, dov~ov,~ Tuls~
the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Directed by David Gatigan
Oklahoma City June 8, 2008 at 8pro
wv~v.ozarksstar.com the 8TAP, 9
interview
Interview by Victor Gorin
eslie Jordan arrived in this world during 1955
in the Heartland of the Bible Belt, born and
grown up in Chattanooga,Tennessee.. AI-
[ho@ ~rowing up was ~ostly nor easy, he
made le~nonade o[it of lemons and marie his
experiences work for him, taking a bus to HoIly~
vood and never looking back. His credits are
coundess, with app~ces on TV shows too numerous m mention
them but in~ih&ag Reba and Will and Grace(which garnered
him an E . Re is an accomplished playwright with
his first success Like a Dog on Linoleum" followed by Hysterical
B redness and other Southern Tragedies. Among his film successes
i~’thd camp} dassic ’Sordid I[ives" (where he portrayed the
drag que~ Brother Boy), which will be a n~w~series
o£ LOGO ~ningJuly 23. His new book, "My, Trip down
the P~~t:’ is 7h~ Slory of his life with his @s dd downs,
tragedies, ~ es and tri~phs, and the story o~a flamboyant
~who has ~yfound hirrisel£ He is portr~iying his life ~lSo in
a one man play of the same title in Olda~oma ~it~ June 8, for this
is a must re~d and a must see. He shares his thoug~is with~E
LESHE: Well I v,~as the Pips Printing guy, and t also was the elevator
operator that took people to Ha~bu}ger Hell in a Taco Bel!
co~ercial, i was the ~h~ck Full of Nuts coit~e boy, a]l kinds of
commercials. ~ ~ ~
10 the,STAR www.ozarksstar.com
ma$~e that possible.
~CTOR~ g,q~.en does your new book COme
*utJune 3~ and Iamso
which is Ga~
~cOholigm and RddiC’
: are some gay" activists wh6
feei that fl~bSya~t gay characters in the
ueenS hinder the s{~u~le
answer to
Ilow iS
tr~sggn:
: and see me, I promise
the STAR tl
Dracula ofFree
Speech, Kirk
Humphreys, Pdses From
the Po litica Grave
by James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY) Just as the mythic
Dracula ofTransylvania came back from the
dead to spread horror among the peasants,
so has the flesh-and-blood Kirk Humphreys
come back from the politically dead to fling
his homophobic horror in the hall~ of Oklahoma
City’s public schools.
Reborn in the blood of his religion and bred
in the desiccated dessert of intolerance, Kirk
Humphreys was recently appointed by the
Oklahoma City School Board to fill the
position of chair until an election is held in
February, 2009.
Coming above ground with his first public
election to the Putnam City school Board
in 1987, he rose to bigger things as mayor
ofOKC in 1998. He resigned during his
second term to run for U. S. Senate which
he lost to Dr. Tom Coburn, 25% to 61%.
Settling back into his businessman’s grave of
multiple real estate dealings, one would have
thought that we had heard the last of Mr.
Humphreys.
So why the concern regarding his reappearance?
During his time as Mayor of OKC, he was
the driving force behind the 2001 attempt
to prevent Cimarron Alliance, a GLBT
advocacy group, from exercising their First
Amendment right to free speech with the
display of banners promoting gay/lesbian
equality.
However, the shining light of Federal
District Court Judge Robin Cauthron,
exorcised the demon of Humphreys and as
she ruled in favor of Cimarron Alliance and
enjoined the City Council from interfering
with Cimarron’s banner display on the
utility poles. Hitherto the sacred utility
poles had been the exclusive marketplace for
hetero organizations such as the Chamber of
Commerce, rodeos, and other civic clubs.
Did I mention the earlier "Tin Drum" video
law suit?
12 the STAR
In 1997, a fundamentalist censorship group
ponied up with an Oklahoma County judge
willing to make an informal ruling that the
"Tin Drum" was child pornography and
that copies of it could be seized in Oklahoma
County wherever it could be found
whether in private homes or public libraries.
Despite the facts that the film had been released
in 1979, received major film awards,
and not anyone prior to Humphreys had
made a legal claim of obscenity against the
film, Humphreys again smelled blood and
was hot on the trail ofwhat he thought
would surely be a victory for fundamentalist
decency. ~hinking that the cross of his
religion would trump all blasphemers and
dissolve the First and Fourth Amendments
he encouraged the court case to proceed.
Federal District Court Judge Ralph ~hompson,
however, found that the film is not
child pornography, and went on to criticize
that the County Judge, Richard Freeman,
had made a serious error in judgment
pertaining to what constitutes pornography
and allowing the OKC police, carte blanche,
to search homes and businesses without a
warrant.
Both of the lost lawsuits backed by Kirk
Humphreys cost hundreds of thousands of
taxpayer dollars in expenses and attorney
fees which resulted in higher property taxes.
¯hough the "Tin Drum" adventure was
publicly lead by former District Attorney
Bob Macy, as mayor and the boss of the
OKC police chief, I feel that Humphreys
was certainly in the loop and should have
had more sense and better advise in calling
off the figurative police dogs.
If the past is prologue, I think we can expect
some more Humphreys hauntings at the
expense of the Oklahoma City taxpayers. It’s
been shown that the Constitution, its Bill of
Rights, and especially the First Amendment,
if applied in time, can counter the poisonous
vapors that waft from Humphreys.
Wockner News Service
Congress’ highest-ranking
vet calls f.or DADT
repeal
WASHINGTON, DC __ U.S. Rep. Joe
Sestak, D-Pa., whose military rank was the
highest of any veteran now in Congress,
has urged fellow lawmakers to join him in
repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy
that bars open gays from the military.
Sestak, a three-star admiral who spent 31
years in the Navy, is one of 17 congressional
veterans co-sponsoring the repeal bill.
"It is easy for me to see why Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell should be repealed," Sestak said
May 3. "Once you have served in war and
faced danger with a gay service member,
how can you come home and say gay people
should not enjoy equal rights?"
Sestak’s comments came at the Equality
Forum, an annual GLBT conference and
festival in Philadelphia.
The Military Readiness Enhancement Act
(H.R. 1246), which would repeal Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell and allow GLB personnel to serve
openly, has 142 co-sponsors in total.
"Veterans like Adm. Sestak, who have dedicated
their lives to serving this country, are
leading the movement in Congress to repeal
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," said Aubrey Sarvis of
the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
"These lawmakers agree with senior
military officers, including former chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:John Shalikashvili
and retired Army Maj. Gen. Vance
Coleman, that when it comes to defusing
IEDs, tending to injured troops, deciphering
enemy codes and flying reconnaissance
missions -- sexual orientation is irrelevant.
Seventy-nine percent of the American
people agree with them and it is time that
Congress finally repeal this law."
Carly Simon: ’I don’t
consider myself"to be
not gay
In an interview published May 1 in the San
Francisco gay weeldy Bay Area Reporter,
’70s pop-music legend Carly Simon said, "I
don’t consider myself to be not gay."
The double-negative quasi-coming-out
occurred when interviewer Gregg Shapiro
inquired: "After speaking with you this
morning, I’m going to be interviewing
Cyndi Lauper regarding her True Colors
tour, which features gay and straight artists
performing to raise money for the Human
Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations.
I’m wondering if Cyndi called
you and asked you to be a part of the True
Colors tour, might you get involved?"
Simon replied: "Well, the part that I could
be involved in is the gay and lesbian part.
The part that would be hard for me is to
commit to a tour because I’m not very
comfortable being onstage. But the part that
would be easiest for me would be singing on
behalf of all of us. I don’t consider myself to
be not gay."
Shapiro responded: "Wow! Well, it’s great to
have you as part of the family."
"Thank you!" Simon said. "I mean, I’ve
enlarged all of my possibilities. There are a
lot of extremely personal stories to tell about
that, but we won’t go into that right now.
Let’s just say that it just depends upon who
I’m with."
Attempts to contact Simon through her
publicist, record label and MySpace page
were unsuccessful as of press time.
Frank: Transgender
people were terrible lobbyists
Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass.,
says transgender people did a terrible
job of lobbying for inclusion in the federal
Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
A version of the measure, known as ENDA,
that protects sexual orientation but not gender
identity has passed the U.S. House of
Representatives and is pending in the Senate.
"I’ve never seen a worse job of lobbying
done by the transgender community," Frank
told the Oregon gay newspaper Just Out in
its May 2 issue. "They seem to think that
all they had to do was to get the gay and
lesbian community to say ’OK.’ I think they
thought that this was a train, and that they
were a car on the train."
"I said to them, ’You’ve got to work this,
you’ve got to lobby people.’ They did a terrible
job of lobbying, and so we didn’t have
the votes," Frank said.
First ot3enlv Illinois
legislator dle
Larry McKeon, Illinois’ first openly gay and
first openly HIV-positive state legislator,
died May 13 of a severe stroke. He was 63.
McKeon represented a district of Chicago’s
North Side in the state House of Representatives
from 1997 to 2007.
An Army veteran and former cop, McKeon
also served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s
liaison to the GLBT community prior to his
election to public office.
McKeon retired last year, citing health issues
related to HIV and cancer.
........More U. S. News page 27
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
recently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth
to a light, hall the men that like me are gay, k’~ ~e. I have a
really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though,~
Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are
planning to marD: Ellen has said she is
"thrilled" at the r~ing by the California
supreme court to overturn the state’s ban on
gay marri~e.
Alexander Payne
"Hung" Up at HBO
Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander
Payne (for Sideways, not his litde-usedbut-
stilbcredit-getting screer~ptay for I Now
Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new
pro’ect9 up his ste~we. And it~ about what’s
in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot
on track at HBO, will be Payne’s [IW-directing
debut, from a script by Dmitry Lip~n.
creator of%e Riches. ~md the subiect
matter? What happens when a~l average,
middle-aged basketbal! coach learns how to
put his exceptionally large’~- penis to better
~e. NO actor has signed on yet to play the
gifted guy, but casting is scheduled m begi n
soon. If picked up for series, it will be, a; the
very least, the first show" of its k5nd. But wi!I
there be a Boogie Nights-style revea! shot?
Or will it remain a mysteiT? Either way,
expect a big deal to made about this one.
Holb~voodactress
edl3
ship only
the closet.
of
True Co .ors
pP g
Cyndi LaUper~ colors are brighter than ever.
F~li~Wing [tie Success of last year’s landmark
tofir, Latimer is back to help the Human
Ri~ts Campaign, theS~ue Colors Fund of
StOnewall C~r~i-nuni~? Foundation, PFLa~G
and the Centertink Network ofBLGT community
cemers.
Famous for just wanting to have fun, Lau per
will be bringing her tour to the Zoo Amphitheater
in Oklahoma City on Jun. 23.
Joining Cyndi wilt be The B-52s,
joan J~tr ~d The Blackhearts, ~mdy Belt of
STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Foster, 45, is believed to have called offher Erasure. Margaret Cho and Girl tn A Coma.
relationship with movie producer Cydney with host Carson r*v~ ressl.ev,.f.or.tic.ket." t.mor-
Bernard after a series of arguments. The marion or a full list ofto[,r dates, visit ~~",.~,,,
couple were together for 14 years and have truecolorstour corn
two children ~x;~om Fosrer g~ve birth to and " "
Bernard adopted, according to the British
Daily Mail tabloid.
Pt~oto by: Bill Gaddis
getting hot out. Tulsa’s
wonderful sprir~g ,h,as played out. Here
are a coupl~ tips I d like {o pass along
that may add to your summer enjoyment
of vino..F,irstly, for white win~S,
you know/get ern ~ld! And as the~e
Wines warm up in your glass, the fruit
flavors open Up to~. I really like this
gradual experience. Many times, we
finish a bottle so fast when sharing
with friends that we don’t even notice.
For red wines, put a chill on ’era
as well. NOT too c.o,ld but just cool
enough so that you’re not drinking
warm glug. Remember, room temperatu~’
e can mean a whole different
thing during the summer. Proper stem
ware can also make a big difference
this time of year. Riedel glasses are
among the best althougt~ not recommended
poolside. Here are some
wines for both red & white lovers.
www.ozarksstar.com
The fo owing is
Calistoga Cellars Chardonnay 2006
This vintage was just released in
ket. If you liked the ’05, this
will really hit the mark. It’s li
beautifully balanced
mix of ripe pear and
the wine is medium bodied
soft finish. A favodte of l
visit McGilrs on 21rst St.
Vincent Pouilly-Fuisse
This Pouilly-Fuisse in several
areas belonging to th~
The wine is created
by Jean-Jac(
celebrated Chateau
nette Vincent
He blends the
well balanced
ers are on t
finish. I first discovered s wine over at
1740/wine bar on Boston n~ear 18th. This
Chardonnay from France i~ quite good.
Michel Picard Vouvray
This is Chenin Blanc from the Loi
of France. Fresh aromas of apricot &
on the nose and the finish is fruity and~~
slightly off dry. Enjoy this from with me,is
that include shellfish to desserts like
apple pies with vanilla ice cream.
oak barrels
owner of the
Made-Antoi-
").
make a
White flow-
Ochoa Garnacha Rose 2006
This Rose wine is made entirely from
Grenache grapes. The color of is a result
of the short maceration period that helps
to maintain the fragrant aromas and
fresh flavors. A well structured Spanish
wine with plenty of well-rounded fruit and
balanced acidity. Food pairings include
pasta, salads and vegetables.
ut the tannins, these producers
make their wines more
their youth. This bottle
is also affordable and has received high
acclaim from wine critics. Serious meat
oriented pastas would go well with this
wine.
Toad Cacophony Zinfandel
2006
This ;I, Hollow Zinfandel
comes ~ ppellation
where Zinf~ les thdve upon the
long h nights. This new
offering i~ ~ 20% Petit
Sirah. It~!a
really great
& jammy wine that’s a
:e~.for barbecued meats.
:i~va/Sparkling wine
NV. Th~ rfclude; 50% Macabeo, ~ 15% Xarelolo. This
iJwhat you may be used
ne or U S sparkling
:he Spanish create a
: old world version from
wine is quite affordable
pleasantly surprise you.
~s ~s a good wine to fall back on as you
;lebrate the summer months.
And as always, I say go to your favorite
wine shop, ask questions and purchase
a bottle or two. Share some food & wine
with friends and check this out for yourself.
Produtorri del Barbaresco 2004
I had a chance to visit this winery when I
was northern Italy. The grape is Nebbiolo
and it’s one of the most important wine
grape varieties of Italy’s Piedmont region.
Flavors of violets, tar, cherries, truffles,
tobacco & prunes come to mind. Although ~is.~grape can take years to age and
Mr. D also hosts wine & food events
known in town as the Wine
Tulsa.
References include: the ABC’s of wine by James
Laube/wv,rw.WineSpec~ator.com
www.FoodandWine.com
www.Wikipedia.org
the STAR 15
9t8.585,5898 ® 800.585,5101
West 7th Street (corner 7th & Boulder Ave) ® Tulsa, Ok 74t 19 e www.q plazatulsa.com
16 theSTAR June 2008
TW’s-AFAB Catering
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
LUNA VISTA B & B
"Morltezuma’s Castle"
aJmost knocked us over. At night we saw
more stars in the sky than we ever see
here in the Midwest.
There are fabulous places to visit and there are "beyond Fabulous"
places to visit. Luna Vista in Rimrock, Arizona is such a place.
Driving out to California on a recent trip we were guests of Kala
(pronounced Calla is in Calla Lily) and her husband Frank at their
"beyond Fabulous" Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast. Located just
about 20 miles southeast of Sedona and just about 3 miles offthe
Interstate, this has to be one of the finest and most unusual places
that we have been. However to get there you get off the pavement
and drive about three miles around curvy hilly, rocky and treacherous
gravel and dirt roads to make your arrival. But after arriving,
it is ~vorth the trip. After making the last turn you are aghast when
you see this place. It is like you have arrived at the Ponderosa! Kala
and Frank were residents of the East Coast and after 9111 they decided
that it was time for a major move. They purchased the property
in Rimrock, remodeled, repaired, built on, put in a swimming
pool, Jacuzzi and many more additions and finally opened their new
B and B in February, 2004 and it has been an instant success ever
since.
We stayed in the Don Diego (Zorro)
suite. Our bathroom was 18 feet by 20
feet and included our own Jacuzzi. Our
shower was 6 feet by 8 feet and included
a steam room and a double vanity, bidet
and every kind of amenity that you
would possibly want. Our linens were
400-threat count Egyptian cotton and of
course they were ironed before putting
them on the beds! Oh! Did we mention
that they have heated towel racks in
the bathroom? Each room came with a
DVDITFIVHS, CD player, etc. A bottle
of wine is in every room for the guests.
The grounds are fabulous. They are very pet-friendly and even have
a dog run and a horse run should you care to bring your horse. Not
into driving? Then use their helicopter pad and fly right in!
They serve a full-course breakfast every day and on Sundays’ a
full brunch. And we are not talking a muffin and coffee, but a full
sit-down breakfast with wanes, breakfast steak, eggs, potatoes, etc.
Nothing is left out. Guests have the full run of the house and property
including an office where you can check your e-mails and work
online if need be.
But the most important thing about Luna Vista are the owners,
KALA AND FRANK. Nxey genuinely care about their guests and
cater to their every need. Tney love life and it shows. In all of our
travels, they are the most sincere, heartwarming and friendly people
that we have ever met. On our last night there, Kala and Frank
hosted a party in our honor and invited severn of their neighbors
and area antiques dealers. They fixed enough food for an entire
army. Everyone was so interesting in their own way. The woman
The moment that Kala opened the door to welcome us in,
we I~IEW that we were going in for a big treat and we were! She
is dive, animated, professional, entertaining and a great hostess.
Frank ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is very excited about
everything. Together they make a great team and we know that they
will be in the bed and breakfast business for many years. They can’t
help it if they were born straight! It happens in the best of families.
Everyone is welcome at Luna Vista and we do mean everybody!
We stayed there for three days and didn’t even want to go
anywhere else. However one day we did drive over to Montezuma’s
Castle and on to Montezumgs Lake which was extremely interesting.
But the red enjoyment was taking advantage of the Luna Vista
B and B and the many amenities it has to offer. It is located on 16
acres and you can take a long hike through the woods and river area.
The flowers were blooming everywhere. The sights and aromas Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast
18 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
Luna Vista Bed and Breakfast
next door to them bakes fantastic desserts and another neighbor is
a spiritual advisor and yet another creams beautiful "cactus" lamps
and objects. She presented us xvith one of her creations. The next
time you really xvant to get away from everything and truly have a
memorable experience, book yoursdf a xveek at the "beyond fabulous"
Luna Vista. Their website is: wxvxv.lunavistabandb.com or call
800-611-4788.
They have been featured in many travel publications from coast to
coast. To get to Rimrock either fly into Flags{aff or Phoenix, rent
an auto and drive. That is unless you’re already driving, then just
drive on Interstate 17 and take the 293 Exit.
We stayed xvith them on a return trip from California and our
"beyond fabnlous" experiences continued while staying there. We
don’t make many promises, but trust us on this one, we promise
that you will have one of the finest and most enjoyable weeks of
your life xvith Kala and Frank.
Alxvays remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and
talk to everyone!
Get the STAR delivered
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Send Check or Money
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Les residents want
Wockner News Wire
Nxree residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have filed suit in an attempt
to reclaim the word "lesbian" and stop the group Homosexual
and Lesbian Community of Greece (OLKE) from using it.
Gay women are believed to have adopted the word in memory of
Sappho, a poet who lived on the island in the sixth century B.C.
and wrote about love between women.
The plaintiffs claim the alleged theft of "lesbian" from the island’s
residents amounts to "psychological and moral rape."
An OLKE spokeswoman called the case "ridiculous" but an Athens
court will hear the matter on June 10.
Quotable Quotes
Cuba’s parliament is studying proposals to legalize same-sex unions
and give gay couples the benefits that people in traditional marriages
enjoy. "The freedom of sexual choice and gender identity are exercises
in equality and social justice," said Mariela Castro, daughter of
President Raul Castro,.
www.ozarksstar.corn ~}~eSTAR t9
of Town
B~ A~&’~w Colli~
W-eekend Getaways from
Portland, Oregon
Oregon’s Gannon Beach o~rs some ofthe best sunset-viewing on the
West Coast. (Photo by Andrew Collins)
with a marionberry vinaigreue. For more sophisticated fare, book
a table at the Gower Street Bistro, which presents creative regional
dishes, such as pan-seared sea scallops with roaste&cre~ corn,
eNgplant, and tJancetta.
You might spend the mornings in Cannon Beach strolling along the sand,
admiring the many geological formations just Offshore, such as the famous,
237-~bot-tall Haystack Rocla Do as locals do and grab a cup ofdelicious
java at Sleepy Mgnk C~ff?e Roasters (alofig with £ ~hick sli~e ofch0~latechip
pumpkin bread)before you Set Out[ %nture south of Cannori Beach
and youll pass throt~ Oswald West S~te Park, which is laced with hiking
trails that weave through 01d-gro~f0rest; leading down tO the ~ch.
End your day in fianky itS, with its quirlg, cafes and galleri~i perhaps
enjoying a glass of Oregon wine at Vino, a snaz~ little Wine bar that
also ser~e~ plate~ of delici0u] chkrcuterie and cheeSe. Between Manzanita
and CannOn Beach in tiny Arch Cape, the gay-owned Ocean Point Inn
comprises three oceanfront suites with chic, contempo~ furnishings, fiatscreen
TVs, and gas fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a ~de range oftreatments
at the inn’s spa. It’s one of the most romantic accommodations along the
coast.
I-5}
Within 30 miles of Portland, in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley; you’ll
find some ofthe leading wineries in ~e United States - the area ha~ become
especially renowned for iris pinot noirs. Ifyou have only a day to tour the
region, focus your efforts a~ound the rural, hilly Yamhill area, home to such
esteemed vineyards as Willakenzie, Penner,Ash, and Adelsheim. Just a short
drive south, in the Dundee Hills. standouts include Archery Summit, Sokot
Blosser, and Domaine Serene. ~ese are among dozens ofwineries with tasting
rooms open m the public.
Hip and cosmopolitan Portland continues to emerge as a popular urban
vacation destination for gay" and lesbian travelers, thanks in part to its stellar
restaurant scene, liberal social climate, and artsy personalit~: But another
major draw of this charmed city is its proxmaity to so many breathtakingly
beautiful places that make perfect two- to three-day getaways. In an afternoon’s
drive, you can explore the rugged Oregon Coast, tile lush Willamette
Valley wine country, or the high desert outdoor recreation mecca of Bend.
Here’s a look at three ideal weekend getaways from the Portland area, all of
them centered on communities with an increasing number of gay-owned or
gay-friendly accommodations and restaurants.
Camaon Beach and Manzanita (a 90-minute drive via U.S. 26)
~Ihis part of the valley abounds with excellent restaurants, too. An intimate
spot serving relatively affordable French fare, Cuvee sits along the quiet
main drag oftiny Carlton and is a fine place to end a day ofwine-t~asting.
Among the several stellar restauvamts in Dundee, check out Tina’s, a bustling
bistro that features creative American fare emphasizing ingredients from
local r delicious dish is the seared halibut
cheeks with diced
"Ihere
tic and
rooms, each with a
As vou
From downtown Pordand, U.S. 26 leads west over the dramatic Coast
Mountains to northern Oregon’s spectacular and relatively macrowded
coast, a highlight ofwhich is dapper Cannon Beach, a low-keyed
munity set along a striking stretch of beach. Quite a few gays and lesbians
(including Pordand-based filmmaker Gus Van Zant) own or rent summer
homes here or in nearby beach towns, such as funk)" Manzauita and upscale
Gearhart.
The quieter south end of Cannon Beach. known as Tolovana Park. has a
slightly more artsy feel. Here you might spend the night at the delightful
Inn at Cannon Beach, a tasteful complex of contemporar5 two-srory
cottages that open around a central courtyard with fragrant flower gardens
and Adirondack chairs. Itk steps from the beach, and next door to’the
Warren House Pub. a casual, gay-friendly spot that brews its own
excellent beer and serves tast7 comfort food, such as grilled pankocrusted
oysters, and house-smoked-salmon salad
gene. Here
scene of any Oregon city
with parks ~nd ri~:e vci~ opportunities for recreation. A
attraction is the Owen Ros~ Garden, where more than d
Nearb); a former chicken-processing plant houses the Fifth Street
Market, now a complex of fascinati~ shops and enticing restaurants,
mclu&ng one of the regions best dining choices, Marche. Here you can ry
such memorable fare as 0yen-roasted local mussels with a saffron-cream,
and smoked pork chops with rhubarb chum~ From April through De~emher,
check out the neaiby Saturday Market, Where ente~iners pei~form and
close to 200 artisans, farmers, and cooks sell their wares.
20 f~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
OAXACA RESTAURANT Sed0na, Arizona
Pronounced (Wa-ha&a) this Mexican restaurant in Sedona
offers exciting food. With breath-taking scenery and beautiful
views from their rooftop cantina, Oaxaca has earned it’s title "Local
Secret/Big Find" by Travelocity.com. Tnis old world stTle Mexican
restaurant is located in Uptown Sedona and offers casual dining
with an extensive menu with a taste of every palate.
Carl Butler, the owner and a registered dietitian has created a
delicious menu with a healthy approach. Oaxaca serves up heart
healthy, reduced fat
and low cholesterol
recipes which are
full of flavo!! Oaxaca
serves a wide
range of Mexican,
Southwest, American
and Vegetarian
dishes with authentic
favorites Such
as fajitas and chile
rellenos.
It is no wonder why
people have been dining there for years and years and many people
drive out of their way when traveling, just to dine there! You certainly
will have a wonderful dining experience, enjoying the exciting
flavors of their food and looking at the fabulous mountain scenery.
q-hey are open daily: 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Happy hour: 3 PM
to 6 PM. Breakfast buffet: Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AiM to 10:30
AM. q-hey are located at 321 North Highway 89A in Sedona,
Arizona.
.............................. CHILE RELLENOS Next Page
theSTAR 21
di i g°
New art exhibit feat ring
artist Dennis Olson
at the Dennis Ro Neill
Equality Center
TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center art gallery will host
its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist
reception from 5-9pm, Thursday,
June 5, 2008, for the opening of their
June exhibit, paintings by Oklahoma
City resident Dennis Olson.
This event will correlate with the onenight-
only Tulsa Pride "More Color" art
show featuring works by sixty artists.
Dennis Olson’s exhibit will remain up
through the month ofJune, and can be
viewed Monday thru Saturday from
3-gpm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center is located at 621 E. 4th St.,
in downtown Tulsa. More info can be
found on the web at okeq.org.
This monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s
for Equality (OkEq). OkEq seeks
equal rights for Imsbian, Gay, Bisexual &
Transgender (LGBT) individuals and
families through advocacy, education,
programs, alliances, and the operation of
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Quotable Quotes
"I respect the Court’s decision and as
Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also,
as I have said in the past, I will not support
an amendment to the constitution
that would overturn this state Supreme
Court ruling."
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:
OkEq Cdebrates
Ca i£ornia Ru ing £or
Marriage Equa ity
TULSA, OK (PR) - May 15, 2008 __
Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California
State Supreme Court ruled in favor of full
marriage equality for same-sex couples. The
decision follows lawsuits by fifteen couples
who challenged the constitutionality of the
state’s marriage ban.
"This historic decision is a victory for
fairness and opportunity for hundreds of
thousands of loving, committed couples
and their families in California," said Justice
Waidner, Oklahomans for Equality Executive
Director. "We continue to work and
hope for the day when families in every state
have the basic protections that come with
marriage."
A growing number of states provide recognition
of same-sex relationships. Including
California, eight states plus the District of
Columbia allow couples to marry or confer
rights and benefits similar to marriage.
However, the Defense of Marriage Act still
prohibits the Federal government from
recognizing same-sex marriages approved in
individual states.
In November, Californians vote on a ballot
initiative to amend the state constitution by
defining marriage as between one man and
one woman. If passed, this constitutional
amendment would overturn the California
Supreme Court’s ruling.
"Many Americans believe that marriage
equality will be a reality in their lifetimes,"
noted Waidner. "Organizations in every
corner of this country are working hard to
achieve the kanerican dream of equality
and justice for all. We are all inspired by
the California marriage decision and look
forward to the day when every American in
every state and territory will have the opportunity
to realize their hopes and dreams
by marrying the person they love."
22 theSTAR w~v.ozarksstar.com
Sound ofMusic
Headlines Lyric’s 2008
Stammer Season
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ Tickets
for Lyric Theatre’s 2008 summer season of
musicals are now on sale. Lyric "Iheatre,
Oklahoma’s premiere professional theatre
company, proudly continues its 46-year tradition
of producing stellar Broadway-style
shows for the people of Oklahoma.
Lyric’s four summer season productions
will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall
in downtown Oklahoma City. From June
24th through 28th, Lyric will open the
season with The Sound of Music, presented
for the first time on the Civic Center stage.
This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein family
classic tells the story of Maria, a young,
spirited, would-be nun who is appointed as
governess for the seven children of a widowed
sea captain.
Lyric’s next production, Swing!, will run
from July 8th through 12th. Swing! is a celebration
of the music and dance phenomenon
that swept the nation in the ’30s and
’40s. This all-singing, all-dancing evening
of music features over thirty incredible
numbers guaranteed to put audiences "in
the mood!" Lyric will bring a beloved movie
musical to the stage from July 22nd through
26th. Set in Oregon in 1850, Seven Brides
For Seven Brothers is the fresh, wholesome
tale ofAdam Pontipee and his unkempt,
burly brothers who kidnap six townswomen
for the winter in hopes of finding love
and companionship. Their well-meaning,
but hilarious shenanigans of courtship are
played out in boisterous song and dance.
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers will feature
Broadway performers Elisa Van Duyne as
Milly and Jim Sorensen as Adam. (rated G)
Concluding Lyric’s 2008 summer season
is a modern musical hit, Urinetown, the
Musical, fresh off the Broadway stage. The
title might give off the impression that the
play is about nothing more than a town that
indulges itself in bathroom related humor.
In reality, Urinetown, the Musical, written
by Greg Kotis, a New York playwright who
specializes in socially relevant comedies, is a
hilarious melodrama about a town plagued
by drought. In a mad attempt to regulate
,#cater consumption, the government forces
its citizens to use pay-per-use amenities,
monopolized by the Urine Good Company.
Urinetown satirizes corporate and political
greed, the idealism of rebellion, and also
spoofs on the art of musical theatre itself, all
set to a score bursting with a big Broadway
sound.
"Urinetown ~von the 2002 Tony Award
for Best Original Score and is lauded on
Broadway as one of the smartest, most
comical musicals of this century;" explains
Nick Demos, Lyric’s Artistic Director. There
is nothing offensive about it, other than an
unattractive title!" Urinetown plays from
August 5th through 9th, and guarantees a
unique night of unprecedented laughter.
(rated PG)
Single tickets to all Civic Center productions
start at $27. Four-Show Season Ticket
packages are also still available and start
at just $80, as are the Three-Show Family
Packages which include The Sound of
Music, Swing!, and Seven Brides For Seven
Brothers. For more info visit www.lyrictheatreokc.
com or call (405) 524-9312.
TOM KOVACH
MAKES HISTORY
WINNING A SEAT ON NOR_MAN’S
CITY COUNCIL
By Victor Gorin
NORMAN, OK__ Tom Kovach, an out
gay Democrat was elected to the Norman
City Council representing Ward 2 in a
runoff against political consultant Chebon
Marshall. The race began running against 2
opponents, Mr. Marshall and Michael McKee.
Although Chebon Marshall got the most
votes, he did not get a majority of the total
votes. Mr. Kovach was in second place, so as
per Oklahoma election law, this resulted in a
runoff election.
Although vastly outspent, Mr. Kovach made
up for this with hard work and determination,
and making known his stands on issues
to make the city better. As he puts it, "
Throughout the campaign we stuck mainly
to the issues, which were mainly public
safety and storm water." His efforts won the
endorsement of both the Sierra Club and
the Norman Homeowner’s Alliance.
There was rumor mongering about his
sexual orientation, and a literature drop
Photo: Tom Kovach by Victor Gorin
designed to turn conservative voters against
him close to the election named him as
endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats
( explaining for those who didn’t know that
it was a gay rights organization within the
Democratic Party), and a member of the
American Civil Liberties Union (both true).
Despite this distraction from the issues, his
sincerity and practical message carried him
to victory.
He has lived in Norman over 40 years,
much of that in Ward 2. His partner of
over 10 years, Will Weir, is also an activist
volunteer with the Oklahoma Department
of Corrections, P-Flag, GLSEN, and helping
people with disabilities. Mr. Weir won
Norman’s Human Pdghts Award in 2007.
Tom made history being Oklahoma’s 3rd
openly gay elected public official The last
2 were Oklahoma State Representative A1
McAffrey (Democrat District 88, elected
2006) and Oklahoma County Commissioner
Jim Roth (Democrat District 1, first
elected 2002). The first was Dr. David
also elected to the Norman City Council in
2001, who Tom remembers as "Someone
who stood up for many issues which are
now being considered by a more progressive
city council, and we owe a lot to him"
As for his future he is optimistic, stating
that" I have been active in the city, spe~ng
before the city council many times. N~ey
know me well, and I think we have a good
working relationship. I look forward to
working with the seasoned members of the
council, and look forward to working with
Mayor (Cindy) Rosenthal."
www.ozarksstar.com {:h®$TAR 23
Photo’s by Victor G. & Jud / G.
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideawa t, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City
24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City
By Greg Steele
Club
Rachael
n downtown Jade Esteban portraying his one man play Inns
III, The Gay and Lesbian History of the Wodd at
OKC’s Indiv dual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery
Laura Belmonte, President Oklahomans for Equality and
OKC Pride Publicity Coordinator Michael Cich at the 2008
LGBT Leadership Summit hosted by Cimarron Alliance
Oklahoma ( Reverend Lo rce
his friend
Alex with their friends at May P-Flag Meeting. Gay ’Star Trek’ actor George Takei is to
marry his partner Brad Altman in California
Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Male Co-Chair Paul Thompson
congratulates Reverend Loyce Newton-Edwards on her ordination
as a UCC minister at Church of the Open Arms.
www.ozarksstar.com ~
Swimsuit C01tect 0n Men From Mensuas
_Mensuas announces their 2008 Swimsuit Collectionfor Menfiaturing swimwear by Bask#,
Mensuas, IV2N Bodywear and Timoteo. Jvat in timefor sumrne~ these new swimsuits are great
for t,6e beach or laying by the i)ool.
TAMPA, FL 0)RWEB) __ Mensuas announces
their 2008 Swimsuit Collection for
Men featuring swimsuits by Baskit, Mensuas,
N2N Bodyxvear and Timoteo. Just in
time for summer, these nexv sxvimsuits are
great for the beach or laying by the pool
Timeoteo Swim Bikini
Mensuas has carried N2N Bod),wear swimsuits
for several years. The N2N Bodywear
2008 Sxvimsuits include the Catalina
Competitor, Corona Competitor, Cosmo
Competitor and the X-Poser. The new and
daring designs xvill sure to get you noticed at
the beach.
Mensuas has team up xvith Tulio to create
the exciting nexv Mensua~ Swim Bikini in
four new styles for 2008. Modeled by Levi
Poulter, these unique swimsuit designs
represent a bold and exciting trend in mens
sxvimxvear.
Mensuas new operations center is located in
the suburbs of Tampa, F1. The new operations
center allows customers orders to be
processed faster and alloxv the
California Muscle Capri Blue Swim
Teaser q-hong
availability of more future products at their
website. Our customer’s satisfaction with
the products they order and the amount of
time it takes to receive their order is number
one priority at Menuas. Mensuas wants to
become number one shopping source for
customers to order their underwear and
sxvimwear for themselves or for the man in
their life.
Mensuas always offer free shipping on all
orders totaling $25.00 or more for US and
Canada customers. We offer great international
shipping rates. All orders received by
3:00 PM EST are shipped the same business
day by USPS regular mail. All items shipped
from Mensuas are tracked from the Post
Office to ensure customers packages can be
traced in case of lost or mishandled pack
Baskit Orange Lucky 7 3.5" Swim Bikini
ages. All packages shipped discreetly to
our customers to ensure privacy. Mensuas
is offering their customers a 10%
discount on their next order, please
enter promotion code undies08 at
checkout and receive the 10% discount
on your order total excluding shipping
charges. Website: www.mensuas.com
Mensuas Swim Bikini
Timeoteo Swim Bikini California Muscle Dolce Swim Brief
26 t~~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
WEST HOLL,,~Y~VO,OD, CA (,P,R) __ On
June 4, 2008i !G)~atomy star T.R.
K ight will i;i M tthew hepard
Foundation ~ h~i~ kick off National Gay-
Pride month with a symbolic dusk commitment
ceremony at the faamed West Hollywood
hotspot, The Abbey.
At 8pm, couples from aroufid the nation
will "tie the knot" in an event officiated by
the Mayor ofWest Holly~vood and witnessed
by Judy Shepard. Couples will be
wearing the Matthew Shepard Erase Hate
pendant courtesy of Love and Pride jewehy
designer, Udi Behr. Love and Pride is the
first online jewelry destination for people
who believe in equality, diversity and tolerance
for all. www.!oveandpride.com
Behr created the Erase Hate pendant for
Judy Shepard, in memory of her son, Matthew
Shepard, who was the victim of a
brutal anti-gay hate crime in rural Wyoming
ten years ago. His murder brought national
attention to the issue of hate crime legislation
and was a watershed moment in the
fight for gay civil rights.
Behr remarks, "A public commitment
ceremony is a great way to join together and
strengthen our two messages; ’Celebrating
Love’ and ’Erasing Hate.’" 100% of net
proceeds from sales of the pendant assist the
Matthew Shepard Foundation.
v~’~v.ozarksstar.com
Judy Shepard, executive director of the
Foundation, said, "Wearing the Erase Hate
pendant is a great way for people to express
how they feel and promote the values of
understanding, compassion and acceptance
that were so important to Matthew," Adding,
"It has been ten years since the death of
my son. Although we can not replace Matthew,
we can join together to help spread
the message of erasing hate."
Mayor Jeffrey Prang comments, "The City
of West Hollywood supports marriage
equality and continues to work hard for
changes in California law." Adding, "We
will not stop fighting for our rights as no
government can prevent us from loving
whom we choose."
World renowned recording artist Steve
Oliver will perform the classic ceremonial
march Pachelbel Canon in D major.
CEREMONY REGISTRATION FORM:
www.MatthewShepard.org/GetMarried
PRIDE PARADE OF
NW"ARKANSAS
FAYETTEVILLE AR (PR) __ NWA
PRIDE announces the 2nd Annual NWA
PRIDE PARADE, A Celebration of Diversity
and Community, will be held on
Saturday, June 28, 2008 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Parade organizers invite GLBTs aald
Straight allies to come together in solidarity
in support of equal rights for all.
It is NWA Pride’s great pleasure to honor
Chris Harmon as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Chris has been an unsung hero as founder
of the NWA POSITIVE LINKS BUDDY
PROGRAM and is currently a board
member of the NWA GLBT Community
Center.
The Buddy Program provides information
and much needed peer-to-peer support for
people living with HIV and AIDS. Chris
and Program volunteers maintain a food
bank, make personal visits, help with chores,
transportation and provide many other
resources for 1Mng a positive life.
Parade participants and spectators are
encouraged to be artistic, have fun and show
your pride. (Kid friendly and appropriate
for public locations) Paint your face, wear
costumes, dress up your pets, horses,
bicycles, vehicles and especially this election
year, proudly wave rainbow and American
flags.
The parade lineup will start at 10 AM on
Meadow Street, next to the Arvest Bank.
Parade will start promptly at 12 Noon. A
brief Pride rally will be held at the end of
the parade in the V/alton Arts Center Parking
Lot.
For more details, float and or speaker applications,
please go to NWA Pride’s web
site at www.nwapride.org. Volunteers still
needed!
"A Star Studded Night"
Gala in Fayettevillle
FAYETTEVILLE, AR (PR) __ The NXX/A
GLBT Community Center will host their
2nd Annual Fund Raising Gala "A Star
Studded Night" on Friday, June 27 at the
Clarion Inn located at 1255 S. Shiloh
Drive in Fayetteville. The Ball Room ~vill
be delightfully decorated resembling the
glitz and glamor of a Hollywood party. Gala
Guests’ will enjoy the fun and excitement of
a "night among the stars" as guests become
our Celebrities in an evening filled with
great food, dancing and music provided by
Dance Enhance Entertainment.
The evening will begin with a lavish Prime
Rib, Chicken or Vegetarian Buffet entree as
well as silent auctions and special speakers
which include the Rev. Lowell Grisham
of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Shawn
Coker the Chairperson ofThe NWA Diversity
Council and Vice President of Diversity
Business Practices ofTyson Foods. Throughout
the evening guests’ will be casting their
vote for the "Star of the Night" Award
which will be given to the person who raises
the most money through a $1 ballot.
Advance tickets for the event are $50 each
or $400 per table of 8 and may be purchased
on-line at http:/Avww.nwaglbtcc.org
or by calling 1-888-361-9222 or in person
at Tymythy’s Hair Salon located at 130 E.
Poplar St. Suite B in Fayetteville. Tickets
will not be available at the door. Doors open
at 6 p.m. and a Cash Cocktail bar will be
open throughout the night. Formal Attire or
Celebrity Costumes are recommended.
th÷STAR 27
by Jack Fertig June 2008
"Take bo~d risks, Aquarius!"
Everyone is being just a bit too fabulous for words!
Mercury is retrograde, so his alignment with Venus
and the Sun is a bit more like a collision of verbosity
and overaffected efforts at charm. Mars in Leo is feeding
the frenzy. Remember Lucy and Ethel at charm
school? It’s that kind of week!
ARIES (Narch 20 -April 19): Baby wants to play, but you
are atypically given more to talk than action now. Chatty
word games and rambling are not usually your style, but go
with it for now. Don’t be afraid to look silly.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Buying or tossing out household
items could easily be a mistake. Instead try rearranging
things and seeing them in a new light. This is a great
time to locate problems in domestic finances, but solving
them should wait a few weeks.
GEMINI (May 2t - Jun.e 20): You’re going to trip over your
tongue no matter what you’re talking about. Best to keep it
light, nonconfrontational, and all in good humor so you can
laugh with your friends over your own malapropisms and
faux pas.
CANCER (June 21- Ju~y 22): Hide the plastic, and keep
the cash out of reach. Any urge to display your good taste
is best done as tasteful restraint - and no, that doesn’t
mean buying handcuffs that match the bedposts! Take time
out with someone you value most.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Everyone says you look
fabulous - and you do! You’re all cranked up, looking and
thinking three steps ahead, but are you really three steps
ahead going in the right direction? Check with friends who
care about more than looking fabulous.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Someone behind the
scenes offers to help you up the ladder. Some secrets may
be revealed in the process, but that can also work in your
favor. Everyone’s screwing up some these days, but your
mistakes - and the way you handle them - look good!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): You could charm
anyone into believing your stories and arguments, even
if they contain mistakes. Leave room for later revisions!
Better just to radiate charm and energy; save the important
facts for later.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Seems everybody
wants a taste of what you’ve got! If you do play
around, none of it will be secret. You could get a reputation
as a great lover, but what would your boss and your partner
say?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 o December 21}): Misunderstandings
with your partner actually open new doors that
could improve your relationship. Explore new pleasures
and possibilities together. If anything seems disappointing,
you might want to try again a few weeks later.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Anyone playing
around should make regular visits to the clinic. When
was your last time? If you have a clean bill of health, you
can have a great time practicing any erotic techniques
you’d like to develop.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Be creative! Be
daring! Take bold risks and be willing to fall down and look
utterly ridiculous. A good pratfall can be endearing, helping
to improve your partnership orto find a good candidate for
one.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19): You have the housecleaning
energy and lack of focus typical of a speed freak.
Try to concentrate on one specific task or goal at a time.
You’ll soon be dissatisfied with the results, but that’s OK.
Housework always needs redoing!
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve T. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
MCC of the Living Spring
17 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays at 6:00 PM
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
28 theSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
DOWNTOWN PLAZA ofTULSA
17 West 7th Street
Tulsa, OK
918-585-5898
www.downtownplazatulsa.com
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESS\VAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-2221
www.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747~5466
Certified Public Accountant
ANGLES
2117 NW 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
www.anglesclub.com
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-8700
www.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9494
www.ctubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. 11TH
Tulsa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
Support those who support us.
DIVERSITY PRIDE EVENTS
P. O. BOX 3158
Eure"ka Springs, AR 72631
479-253-2555
www.diversitypride.com
EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowshi
311 S Klein Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405-761-1878
www.myspace.com/expressionsokc
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Saturday 9:30 AM
MCC of the LIVING SPRING
17 Hk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays 6pm
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NW EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
~’xw,wv.c21 goldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa
New and Historic Homes for Sale
and Rent For Info:
www.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
OKJAZZ HALL OF FAME
111E. lstSt
Tulsa, OK
918-596-1001
www.okjazz.org
TOLBERT THEATER
400 W. Sheridan
Oklahoma City, OK
405-297-2264
www.tickets.com
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
DALLAS CVB
Dallas, TX
www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com
9 8-835-?887
OKC PRIDE, INC
PO BOX 60296
Oklahoma City, OK 73146
www.okcpride.org
OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
OPENARMS YOUTH PROJECT
2015 -B S. Lakewood
Tulsa, OK 74112
918-838-7104
www. openarmsproject.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
KING OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-314-3898
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
918-743-8636
Want the STAR delivered to your home or business?
12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed
envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form
below and send with a check or rnoneyorder to:
NAME:
Address:
City:.
Phone:
The STAR
PO Box 581718
Tulsa, OK 74158-1718
(Single Copies $3.00 per issue)
St: Zip:.
Check enclosed
Money Order
Start Date:
www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR
Chuck Breckenridge
~ether buying or selling
I’)). work hard for your[ ...................
30 tB÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com
We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or
promiscuous behavior in a positive light in
our public schools.
We oppose the erosion of our military
readiness through openly practicing
hornosexuals serving in the military
We oppose the promotion of homosexuality,
the elimination of laws against sodomy,
and the granting of minority protection or
special status to any person based upon
sexua~ preference or llfestyb choice.
We are committed to equal treatment
of all service members and believe all
patriotic Americans should be allowed
to serve our country without
discrimination, persecution or violence.
We support legislation barring workplace
discrimination based on sexual orientation.
We support the full inclusion of gay and
lesbian families in the life of our nation
and seek equal responsibilities, benefits
and protections for these families.
Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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[2008] The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 01, 2008
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
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English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwestern Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeastern Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
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Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
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Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
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Charles (Chaz) Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Joey D.
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ronald Blake
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
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The Star Magazine, May 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 5
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/250
The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248
After Dark
Barney Frank
Bars
Carly Simon
DADT Repeal
Dennis Olson
dining
Don't Ask Don't Tell
ENDA
horoscope
Joe Sestak
Larry McKeon
Lesbos
Leslie Jordan
Lyric Theatre
marriage equality
MCC church
military inclusion
Night club
Paparazzi on the Prowl
pride Parade
Qscopes
Quotable Quotes
Star Advertisers
Star Scene
starclassifieds
swimsuits
Tom Kovach
TR Knight
travel
wine
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a918105ab6adf69713364d2fce7d8fe6.jpg
897cdc4b95d5e02e0ab111a32bc1d143
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/820049079019edbbc4699ae60584c413.pdf
a000a4191d62824a2816c51d7099c84b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
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Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
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2004-2011
Format
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Images
Online texts
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
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https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
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magazine
Text
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By Joey De
2008
A new "
for Pride
By Joey De
Ifyou have lived in Tulsa for more
than twenty minutes, you knmv that
there is an impenetrable force-field
separating the city. Most Tulsans call it
Forty-First Street.
Photo: Equality Festival at Tulsa’s New Centennial Park
Sometimes change can be difficult,
however, despite months of complaints
and apocalyptic predictions about the
many "firsts" at Tulsa Pride 2008, it seems
that the only people who had difficulties
were the protesters. For the first time in
the celebration’s history, the protesters
were present for only a minimal time
during the Pride Parade and completely
absent from the Diversity picnic.
"2008 was a },ear of dramatic change,"
says Nate Black, one of the event’s cochairs.
"However thanks to the dedication
of a strong group of volunteers, all the
changes to this year’s events were possible.
It would not have been possible without
each and every person who helped."
Black especially credited his co-chairs
Kristi Freeman and Toby Jenkins with
making the pieces fit together. "Kristi has
an incredible ability to assess and foresee
needs and coordinate logistics. The fact
that everything worked smoothly to host
thousands of people at our events xvas a
testament to her abilities."
"The fact that ~hlsa Pride is able
to remain free to the public is proof of
Toby’s dedication to these events, which
on the low end cost over $30,000. Under
his leadership, we were able to, for the
first time, secure the majority of our
sponsorships long before the events even
took place," says Black.
.......... Continued page-5
Enter the Downtown Plaza Hotel, on
7th & Boulder, who for the first time in
recent memory provided Tulsa Pride an
official "host" hotel.
Staying at a hotel room for your own
city’s Pride ,nay seem a little excessive, but
for a South-Tulsan, it made perfect sense.
Having a place downtown to call "home"
for the weekend saved time and even
money on the celebration’s two largest
weekends.
Anyone who has ever been to a Pride
observance knows that three things are
true. It will be hot. You will be sweaty.
You xvill be drinking. All three of those
can combine to impede a "proper" Pride
celebration, but with the convenience of
the Downtown Plaza Hotel’s location,
neither was an issue.
Through taking advantage of the
special Pride Rate offered by the hotel, it
was effortless to enjoy the day (or early
evenings) festivities,
..........Continued page-5
1-800o535oAIDS (2437)
Ok ahoraa s H~VIST~
2 the STAR ww~v.ozarksstar.com
Dear Editor:
I thought I would add something to the political cartoon in the
June 2008 Star.
Presently I live in Oklahoma City, and much to my surprise have
done so for the last 14 years. Originally from Boston I make an annual
trip home each Christmas to see family and friends and make
a quick pilgrimage to the haunts I was familiar with before leaving
Boston in the mid 80’s. This pilgrimage consists ofwalking the city
to see what is still around that I was familiar with, and perhaps who
is still around that I can remember.
On my most recent trip I was a little saddened to see many places
that meant a lot to me are no longer around, or have been so renovated
for so different a use that they are unrecognizable. As is my
custom, on this outing I stopped in at every gay bar I could remember,
or find, and had drinks and conversations with the bartenders.
Most of the old bars are gone, as are the people.
Politics begins in the bars in Boston, and gay politics was no
exception. The civil rights fought for and won began with many
bar patrons and owners, and in the process of getting what they
were after, the bar owners found that with acceptance came a lesser
need for the safety of an exclusively gay bar with the occasional
straight patron. In conjunction with this the price of living in the
city has made any gay ghetto prohibitive, making it necessary for
what vcould have been the denizens of such an area to move into the
suburbs for affordable housing with the side effect of showing the
majority of the state that Gay people were pretty normal, and not
the screaming stereotypes that isolation seemed to promote. Gay
people were seen as responsible people and not the party animals
who spent most of their lives going to bars to dance the night away
and returning home each night with a different sex partner. They
turned out to be people so normal that marriage did not seem to be
such an improbable thing.
The ultimate goal of gay gights is equality, and that means normalcy
for most. Just as straights have their outlets out of the mainstream,
so do gay people. But both do have their mainstreams. The gay bars
still around are nostalgia for us older gentlemen who want some of
the past preserved for our visits back, or who may feel more comfortable
in one because life had not been all that kind to us, with
just a bit of the specialty shop aura to them. Most have become very
mixed, while some have become the corner bar, the lodge for men
and women of like minds to talk freely among their own, but doing
it willingly as opposed to necessarily.
The lesser the need for exclusively gay bars, the more success can be
claimed by the gay community.
Joe Quigley
Oklahoma City
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 3
4 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
TULSA PRIDE continued
According to estimates provided by the
Tulsa Police Department, this year’s Pride
Parade and Block Party have become the
largest events of their kind in Downtown
Tulsa. Police estimate that there were a
combined 18,000 people between the two
events.
Many parade-goers were excited about
the new evening-format, celebrating with
glow sticks and sparklers. Some of the
floats even stepped into the spirit embracing
christmas lights and disco balls. Most
route walkers were simply excited over the
fact that they no longer had the sun beating
down on them and that the trek was much
flatter.
Following the parade, the block party
centered around the Equality Center came
into its own, maintaining a crowd until the
scheduled end at midnight. Following the
event, most of the area bars reported record
capacity crowds as the party continued
through the evening.
The following weekend at Centennial
Park, the only thing to be missed was the
heat and mud at the former location. For
many pride-goers, this event was the first
time they had visited the new Tulsa centerpiece.
Most fell in love with its picturesque
setting and more importantly abundant
shade.
According to TPD estimates, 12,000
people visited the Diversity Picnic, which
according to organizers was represented by
a steady flow of people through out the day.
The forty-plus booths at this year’s picnic
xvere the most diverse in memory, representing
non-profit service organizations such as
HOPE Testing Clinic, Fortune 500 companies
such as Best Buy and the traditional
array of Rainbow Retailers.
Picnickers enjoyed the live entertainment
that took the stage off and on through
out the day, while kids entertained themselves
on the inflatable games and climbing
wall. Okay, the kids weren’t the only ones
enjoying the inflatable games. The handsdown
hit of the picnic was the water slide
that both kids and adults rode repeatedly.
While the three major pride attractions
could be considered a successful spl!t, many
attendees expressed a desire for the events
to be recombined onto one weekend. A
common complaint: "I didn’t know what
weekend to tell my friends to come. They
couldn’t take off work both weekends or
afford the gas to come twice."
Black reacts to such criticism openly.
"There were a lot of changes this year. Some
things went very well; some things didn’t go
as well as we had hoped. We are going to
take what we learned, listen to the feed back
we receive and then will make the appropriate
changes for next year."
As for now, Black and the rest of the
Tulsa Pride Committee are happy to place
Tulsa Pride 2008 in the history books as a
success, with a rejuvenated event positioned
to grow in the years to come.
DOWNTOWN PLAZA HOTEL cont.
then quickly retreat to air-conditioning
and a cold shower. This was especially useful
following the parade and block party,
just before visiting the bar,s. Adding to the
convenience was the hotel s on-call shuttle.
With less then a ten minute wait each time
it was needed, the shuttle allowed guests to
leave their cars and avoid parking headaches,
expensive gas and more importantly, DUIs.
The hotel is currently undergoing a
complete restoration, with every room being
completely renovated to sport an almost
TUqnspired blue and gold color scheme.
Furnished with antique-style pieces, the
rooms of the Downtown Plaza Hotel are
uncluttered, yet comfortable and quaint.
Pride guests noticed a little construction
"dust" in the form of the occasional minor
malfunction and missing carpet outside the
elevator, however found their problems fixed
quickly and courteously with a simple call
to the front desk.
Perhaps the most enjoyed aspect of
Downtown Plaza Lobby
the Downtown Plaza Hotel by some pride
guests was their retreat to the New York
City-eque second story outdoor pool.
Tucked quietly between the rooftops of
dmvntown Tulsa, the pool was quiet, clean,
and theperfect place to prepare for, or
recover from the festivities.
Staying at the Downtown Plaza Hotel
gives celebrating Tulsa Pride a new feel. For
those from Tulsa, it creates an enjoyable
mini-vacation, while those who travel enjoy
its close proximity to the Pride events and
Downtown night life. Either way, whether
from in or out of town, it always feels good
to stay where "family" is welcome.
w~,~N.ozarksstar.com the STAR 5
Diversity
Business
Association
of Tulsa
The Phantom Standard
Joey De
For Marni Raab, playing the role of
Christine in the legendary musical "The
Phantom of the Opera," is the fulfillment of
a long time dream. "I started ~vith this show
as an understudy in 2001," recalls Raab,
~vho has played the role for the past seven
years internationally. "I was then promoted
to performing two shmvs a week, and then
when on tour six."
Although it may seem odd to plan alternating
actresses to play a role, Raab explains
it as "just good business sense." "The show
is long and Christine is onstage for almost
all of it," says Raab, who notes that there
is only one scene in the almost three hour
show in which her character doesn’t appear.
"The people they hire to play Christine
are ingdnues," says Raab, who continues
"They put big, heavy costumes on them,
and then thrmv them around. I wind up
falling and running then falling again, a
lot. It’s just better to schedule somebody as
a second principal then to never kno~ving
when your lead will be out."
"The Phantom of the Opera," is Andrew
Lloyd Webbers’ hit musical about Raab’s
character, Christine, and her admirer/kidnapper,
~ll~e Phantom. "He’s a maniac, a
monster, disfigured and he’s a murderer,"
describes Raab, "but he is also a poet, an
architect and a brilliant composer."
Christine on the other hand, is a young
lady on the verge of adulthood, says Raab.
"She was been raised by her violinist father,
educated and probably traveled the world,
which was rare then." Raab explains that her
character is lonely and looking for a way in
life when the brilliant, yet creepy Phantom
enters her life as a mentor. Unfortunately,
Christine’s’ childhood acquaintance Raoul
re-enters her life at the same time, completing
a love triangle that entangles the three.
"She must choose between the passionate
genius who has a horrible disfigurement and
has been led down the wrong path, and the
nice guy."
When asked how the show has endured,
Raab believes that "The Phantom," offers
something for everyone to react to. "I have
done the show across Canada, the US and
Asia, and every audience reacts differently.
There are lavish sets, pyrotechnics and
elaborate costumes. It’s ornate, it’s majestic
and at the heart it’s a love story."
Helping to ensure the quality of "The
Phantom" experience, Raab says that every
production of the show must meet the highest
standards. "Audiences demand a certain
standard," says Raab," but the producers
insist on it. If you xvant to produce the
show, you must have the seal of approval
from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince and
al! of the people associated with the original.
This way the show you see (in Tulsa) is the
same as what people in New York and on
the West End are seeing."
Raab says that there is also a standard
the performers in the show must live up to.
"It is humbling and an honor to be in this
show, and I know I have big shoes to fill. It
has been around for so long, audiences feel
a sense of ownership in it, making it even
more important to see it done right. You
(the performers) have a responsibility to
keep the show in shape and do it justice."
According to Raab, the performers have
help from standard’s directors, who guide
their performances to prevent serious character
infractions.
"We dodt have the luxury of’finding’
our characters," the actress explains. "It takes
a different skill set to step into a role that
has been established and place our marks on
it as artists."
If you have not yet experienced "The
Phantom," the show will be at the Tulsa
PAC through July 13. Visit www.myticketoffice.
corn for ticketing information.
Quotable Quotes
Scientists at the Karolinska Institute studied
brain scans of 90 gay and straight men and
women, and found that the size of the two
symmetrical halves of the brains of gay men
more closely resembled those of straight
women than they did straight men, while
the brains of homosexual women were
asymmetrical like those of straight men.
6 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Open Daily = High Noon
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 7
17 West 7th Street (corner 7~ & Boulder Ave)
Tulsa, Ok 74119
R~tions: 918~5~98 e 800~5,5101
www.downtownplazatulsa:com
8 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
JULY 2008 the STAR 9
Oklahoma City Museum
o£Art Presents
Roman Art £rom the
Louvre
Final U.S. venue for rare ancient works from
the Louvre’s esteemed collection
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ The Otdahoma
City Museum ofArt wil! be the final
North American venue for Roman Art from
the Louvre, June 19 through October 12,
2008. Tile seventeen-~veek exhibition, so
large it will occupy the Museum’s ground
floor special exhibition gallery and the eight
second floor galleries of the Museum, will
feature 184 works, some weighing more
than 6,000 pounds. An unprecedented
exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn
from the Louvre’s unparalleled collection, it
provides a rare and historic opportunity for
Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent
works, many of which have not been
seen by the public in decades and most of
which have never traveled to the United
States. Furthermore, many of the objects in
the exhibition have recently been restored,
bringing to light their original beauty and
strength of expression.
"The Louvre, thanks to Napoleon’s megalomaniac
interest in the glories ofAncient
Rome, has one of the finest collections of
Roman art outside of Italy," said Hardy
George, Ph.D., chief curator at the Oklahoma
City Museum ofArt. "The exhibition
of sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and frescos
will be scrupulously arranged in a thematic
manner that will certainly be visually and
aesthetically pleasing as well as historically
informative."
The exhibition examines the manifestations
of Roman public and private life through
an exploration of several themes, including
religion, urbanism, war, imperial expansion,
funerary practices, intellectual life, and
family. Roman Art from the Louvre shows
the full range of Roman artistry and taste,
juxtaposing "official" art with more modest,
private works.
The portrait busts of anonymous men,
women, and children featured in "The Roman
Citizen" reveal the styles and fashions
popular during the Roman Empire. Clothing,
hairstyles, jewelry and other accessories,
perfume bottles, and cosmetics are examined
within the greater context of the role of
women in the Roman Empire. Other topics
addressed include the art of Roman portraiture;
the Boscoreale treasure; and Hadrian’s
Villa at Tivoli and the Maritime Theater.
Roman Art from the Louvre was organized
by the American Federation ofArts and the
Musde du Louvre. The exhibition is supported
by an indemnity from the Federal
Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
American Federation ofArts: The AFA is a
nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions
for presentation in museums around
the ~vorld, publishes exhibition catalogues,
and develops educational materials and programs.
For more information on the AFA,
please visit www.afaweb.org.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Voter registration applications may
be submitted at any time. However, a
valid application must be received at a
motor license agency or a designated
voter registration agency, or postmarked
(if submitted by mail), more than 24
days prior to an election in order for the
applicant to participate in that election.
Deadlines for submitting valid voter registration
applications prior to the 2008
statewide elections are as follows:
Primary Hection
Friday, July 4 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, July 29 - Election
Runoff Primary Election
Friday, August 1 - Registration Deadline
Tuesday, August 26 - Hection
General Election
Frida); October 10 - Registration
Deadline
Tuesday, November 4 - Election
CHANGES IN POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Changes in political affiliation may not
be made during the period from June
! through August 31, inclusive, in any
even-numbered year. The last day on
which a change in political affiliation
can be made before the closed period is
May 31; the first day on which a change
in political affiliation can be made after
the closed period is September 1.
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
Last day to request absentee ballot
for July 29 Primary Election
\Vednesday, July 23
Vote early at your County Hection
Board office
Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturda); July 26, 8 AM - 1 PM
Monday, July 28, 8 AiVl - 6 PM
Candidate Filing
for federal, state, legislative
and county offices
June 2 - 4
vavw.ok, gov/-elections/index.html
10 the STAR www.ozarksstar.com
Congressman Frank: WhyJohn
McCain Is \Vdrong for the LGBT
Community
WASHINGTON, DC __ In the May
edition of the Democratic National
Committee’s LGBT newsletter, Democratic
Congressman Barney Frank makes the case
for why electing John McCain would be a
step backward for the LGBT community.
Frank, a member of Congress representing
Massachusetts since 1981, has long been an
outspoken civil rights advocate and a vocal
member of the LGBT community.
While McCain has tried to portray himself
as a "maverick" and a "moderate," Congress:
man Frank makes it clear that on LGBT
rights, like so many issues, McCain offers a
third Bush term.
~-he following are excerpts of Congressman
Frank’s article:
changes taking place in civil life ... Homosexuality
is a behavioral trait, unlike skin
color...
"With one exception, the relevance of which
Senator McCain himself is rapidly diminishing,
John McCain’s record is completely
opposed to our efforts to combat prejudice
and gain legal equality...
"He has of course made it clear that he will
support constitutional Amendments banning
marriage at the state level, including
in his mvn state ofArizona, and he regretted
the fact that Arizona rejected such an
amendment...
"In every other area, McCain has a consistent
voting record against our efforts. In
1996, the only time the Senate voted on
the Employment Nondiscrimination Act,
McCain was one of those who voted no. He
has also consistently voted against extending
hate crimes protection to gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgender individuals...
"This apparently reflects the prejudiced
view that he expressed in 1993 when he
was helping block President Clinton’s effort
when he said on February 4th, as recorded
in the Congressional Record, "The issue of
allowing open gay lifestyles in the military is
completely different from the kind of
"In addition to strongly opposing same-sex
marriage, suggesting that he could modify
his opposition to a federal constitutional
amendment banning states like Massachusetts
from adopting same-sex marriage,
voting against ENDA, consistently opposing
hate crimes coverage for us, and being
recorded against every other effort in the
Senate to give us fair treatment, Senator
McCain also promised if he becomes
president to reduce those protections we
have been able to achieve at the Supreme
Court level. He has noted his admiration
for those justices who have consistently
voted against any efforts by GLBT people
to establish any right to legal equality, for
example ChiefJustice Rehnquist, a dissenter
in the Lawrence v. Texas case, in which the
sodomy laws against gay and lesbian people
were stricken.
"Given the alignment of Supreme Court
Justices, and their ages, it is virtually certain
that ifJohn McCain is president, he will
appoint justices who will overturn the
Lawrence decision and the leading Supreme
Court opponent of fair treatment for gay
and lesbian people, Antonin Scalia ~vill gain
alhes from McCmns appolntme ts.
Community
Peopte living
50t c (3) b~on Profit ()rganization
Our House, Too offers a vadety of
activities for PeoPle who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyday.
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those who are HIM+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
hardsmmjr@yahoo.com.
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 1t
~W By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
MY TRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET
for Will & Grace in 2006, but Leslie also
is a gifted writer and playwright. He wrote
and starred in the autobiographical play,
LOST IN THE PERSHING POIINT
HOTEL, which was also made into a motion
picture.
He has appeared in dozens ofTV shows
including The Fall Guy, Murphy Brown,
Newhart, Ski Patrol, Lois & Clark "The
New Adventures of Superman", Reba,
Wings, The Pretender, Dharma and Gregg,
Ellen, Caroline and the City, Sabrina, the
Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal,
Boston Public, Judging Amy, George Lopez,
Boston Legal, Ugly Betty and Hidden Palms
to name just a few.
Leslie Jordan, the wonderful talented actor,
comedian, writer and playwright has just
come out with his new book, MYTRIP
DOWN THE PINK CARPET which is a
fabulously funny and interesting biography
of Leslie’s life, so far. We are fortunate that
we met Leslie a few years ago and saw his
opening performance of"Like A Dog On
Linoleum" in West Hollywood. He played
to sell out audiences every night, and now
in his new book, he brings his life to readers
throughout the nation to peruse.
What began as a smal! boy growing up
in Tennessee and thru his different trials
and tribulations he now is one of the top
actors/entertainers in the country. Leslie
has written a brutally honest story of his
life and tells about all of it, warts and all,
from his alcoholism, addiction to drugs,
street hustlers and everything in between.
The greatest thing is that he has been able
to overcome most all of his demons (he has
now been sober for over 10 years). Most
people who write biographies like to kinda
forget the bad times and only tell about
the good times. Not Leslie! He deals with
every aspect of his life and takes the readers
through everything.
Most people only know of Leslie either
from the movie, Sordid Lives or from his
guest appearances on Will & Grace. He was
nominated and won the Emmy for Outstanding
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Yes, Leslie Jordan does have a ministry and
that ministry is to be fun, funny, exciting
and to bring happiness to the world. There
is enough grief and misery in the world as it
is. He brings a breath of fresh air wherever
he goes. It is so nice reading a real biography
where the author tells it just as it was and is
and lets the readers get to know him personally.
This should be a "must read" for all
high school students, both gay and straight.
It is an honest and compelling story of one
person’s struggle with himself and the world
around him, and he won! Leslie Jordan certainly
deserves all the awards and accolades
that he receives. MYTRIP DOWN THE
PINK CARPET is one of the funniest yet
heart-felt books that we have ever read.
Leslie Jordan is real ! and in today’s world
that is really something to say! Leslie Jordan
is not like Paul Lynde, he is not like Truman
Capote, he is not like anybody else. He is
simply himself and that is what makes him
so great. After reading this book we can understand
why his one man performances are
sell outs! We can’t wait for the sequel to this
book! We URGE all of our readers to rush
out and purchase a copy of this book. Leslie
Jordan is taking his "act" on the road again
and will be coming to a city near you with
an exciting one man performance and to
sign his book. Check out his website, www.
thelesliejordan.com for updates. "Love, light
to you, Leslie and the very best!"
Donald Pile and Ray Williarm, Award-winning Celebrity
travel columnists who writefor gaypublicationsfrom
Coast to Coast. Proud members ofthe IGLTA. You can
email them at: gaytravelers@aol.com or visit their webpage
at: http://www,hometown.aol.com/gaytravelers
12 the STAR ~vw.ozarksstar.com
Wockner News Service
Two California counties
rebel against marriage
ruling
County clerks in California’s Kern and
Butte counties have stopped performing
all marriages so as not to have to marry gay
couples.
In Kern County, where Bakersfield is
located, Clerk Ann Barnett announced her
decision after county lawyers told her she
could not marry straight couples but refuse
to marry gay couples. Officially, she said
the move stemmed from a lack ofstaffand
space to meet the anticipated demand for
weddings.
But in an e-mail sent to the conservative
legal group Alliance Defense Fund and obtained
by the Bakersfield Californian newspaper,
Barnett’s office wrote: "Our question
is, now that the Supreme Court has refused
to stay its decision, will Alliance Defense
Fund defend the County Clerk if she ceases
performing all marriage ceremonies.... We
fully expect to be sued and our own counsel
is not being of help.’"
In Butte County, north of Sacramento,
County Clerk Candace Grubbs cited money
problems in announcing her decision. ~:he
county’s largest city is Chico, population
87,OO0.
But the president of the California Association
of Clerks and Elected Officials, Contra
Costa County Clerk Steve Weir, said the
money excuse makes no sense.
He told the San Francisco Chronicle that
counties make money from selling marriage
licenses and performing weddings.
Kern and Butte counties still have to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples,
but counties are not required to also offer
wedding ceremonies, though most do as a
courtesy and because it brings in income.
Massachusetts governot’sdaughter
comes
out
Katherine Patrick, daughter of Massachusetts
Gov. Deval Patrick, came out publicly
as a lesbian June 12 in an interview with the
Boston gay newspaper Bay Windows.
"We... wanted people to know that it’s
not only something that we accept, but it’s
something that we’re very proud of," Katherine,
18, said.
She said she came out to her parents in July
2007, just before a picnic by the pool at
their home in the Berkshires.
"It was the easiest coming out experience
that anyone could possibly have," Katherine
said.
First lady Diane Patrick called that event "a
nonevent in the sense that there wasn’t any
tension."
"I was just happy for her that she knew who
she was and that she was comfortable with
who she was," she said.
Gov. Patrick told Bay Windows, "I think
when Katherine started to memorize all the
episodes ofThe L Word, there was some
hint that maybe she was sending us."
Big gay gro,ups: Do
marry; dont sue
Leading national gay organizations have
issued a strongly worded advisory al! but
demanding that same-sex couples who visit
California to get married not file any lawsuits
seeking recognition of their marriages
in their home states.
The document also strongly urges married
same-sex couples not to sue for federal
recognition of their marriages.
The lengthy document was issued June 10
by Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties
Union, the Human Rights Campaign,
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation,
the National Center for Lesbian
Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and
Defenders, Equality Federation, Freedom To
Marry, and the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force.
"Don’t go suing right away," the groups said.
"Most lawsuits will likely set us all back."
"One thing couples shouldn’t do is just sue
the federal government or, if they are from
other states, go sue their home state or
their employer to recognize their marriage
or open up the health plan," the advisory
continued. "Pushing the federal government
before we have a critical mass of states
recognizing same-sex relationships or suing
in states where the courts aren’t ready is
likely to get us bad rulings. Bad rulings will
make it much more difficult for us to win
marriage, and will certainly make it take
much longer."
The full document can be accessed on the
ACLU’s Web site at tinyurl.com/66z8kq.
N.Y. governor sued over
gay-marriage decision
Five state lawmakers and the right-wing
legal group Alliance Defense Fund sued
New York Gov. David Paterson on June 3,
hoping to block his order that state agencies
must recognize same-sex marriages entered
into in places where they are legal.
The suit claims that only the Legislature can
redefine marriage and seeks an injunction
halting implementation of the order.
Paterson has said he merely complied with
a recent court decision that found that a
community college could not deny benefits
to the wife of a female employee -- the
couple married in Canada -- because New
York policy recognizes marriages performed
outside the state.
Same-sex marriage is allowed in Belgium,
California, Canada, Denmark, Massachusetts,
the Netherlands, South Africa and
Spain.
........More U. S. News page 23
www.ozarksstar.com the STAR 13
~e~LInside Hol~ood, reports on new
Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller Get Secretive
~hen
ifyou dofft get to know what it is.
movie proiecr, and the reason for all the hush
ator, Cameron Crowe. Crowe is known t
tong as he cm~, and this one is no exception.
Witherspoon and Ben Stiller, and it’s a romantic
bytes, the presence of
seem like the most promising. ~they mean that
as Etizabethtown. So the rum re is tentatively bright. For now,
Dan Butler to Karl Rove: I Love You
What happens when
political strategist? 7he consequences of such a strange ~
comedy from writer-director Dan Butler, _Kad Rove: I Love
as Bulldog on Frasier, Butler stars in this seifa
depressed careerist actor in 2004,
creating a one man show about President Bush’s to
goal? The win-win scenario of both swaying the
above the tide for once. The Hollywood/D.(
producer, screenwri ~er, director, and star, and audiences can
makes the tihn-festivai circuit rounds, starting tight about now.
14 the STAR
The fellewing
EarthQ~ke Zin ’05
The Phillips brothers pride th~mselves
farming
on quality. Their efforts
competitions.
with lots zing and flavor.
Earthq
brands under
Chards &
must try.
Orin Swift Cedars The
wine
’Heavenly
It’s rare
and :
pepper and tobacco
wild berry, with some
flavors. Ahint
suggests that
Petite Sirah, Charbono and
St
offering is best from 2009 through 20
Ravenswood Napa Zin ’05
97% Zinfandel, 3% Carignane. Heasing
bright, ripe plum flavors with a fine tannin
structure. This xvine has a lingering finish tha’
tastes ofraspberries, doves and vanilla.
Opolo Mountain Zin ’05
Ifyou are one of those who believe bigger is
better, read on. Appropriately named for its
bountiful bouquet offruit as well as where
the grapes are grown, this full-bodied Zinfandd
has plenty ofripe black cherry, plum
and spice and is framed by soft tannins and
balanced acidity.
,case
Zinfandel, Petit Sirah & Carignanel the
2006 Ner~ Mi~o (Italian for "mixed
black") is deep filackish-burgundy colored
with a nose o~ dried herbs, pepper and
leather. This deii~ious "field blend" styled
wine has flavors 6f pomegranate, black
fruits and figs with a hint
of spice, medium to full
bodied firm tannins,
a long, lush finish/
Italian food, spicy
the rig~ht now, though
critics say it
will next 5 - 7 ),ears.
This to find so if you
see it,
of the better values,
to be a vastly superior
fbr Zinfandel. This wine,
some Petite Sirak, Merlot,
and Grenache blended in/exhibits
ruby color. There is a sweet nose
of peppery black cherry and raspberry,
liqueur intermixed with spring flowers
earth. The wine is medium to full-bodied.
Wine critic Robert Parker gave this one
Points.
Mr. D also hosts wine & food events
i known in town as the Wine Enthusiasts
Tulsa.
References include: the ABC’s of wine by James
Laube/www.WineSpectator.com
’,,~##¢.FoodandWine.com
www.Wikipedia.org
Z A P www.zinfandel.org
Members from ever) 25 club flag
VOTE For Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth & Co.
16 t~$TAR
SSIL~’s HOT Cowboys, Let’s Rodeo!
www.ozarksstar.¢om
JULY 2008
downtown Tulsa. Author Clara Nipper 0fTulga-Her new book, Femme
Noir, has received num~ro~ rave reviews and was nominated
for 2 Lambda Lite~ rds~ Her story backdrop
is in Tulsa a~ the time 6f~h~ i921 rac~ riots, about a
lesbian murder mystery featuring a hardcore black woman
named Nora who finds h~rself ii~,estigating her friend’s
murder, the STAR t 7
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
WEST HOLL OOD, CALIFOrnIA 90069
Special praise needs to be given to Steve Nycklemoe who is the
Director of Operations. He has done an outstanding job in putting
this exhibit together. Actually it is one of the finest exhibits that we
have seen in our travels. We strongly urge all of our readers to visit
this museum.
Steve Nycklemoe & Ray \Villiams
Well, the zip code just about explains almost everything about West
Hollywood! What else can be said except that it is fun and exciting
and ? There is so much to see and do and not enough time. For
those of you who have never been there, \Hest Hollywood which is
known as "WEHO" is located between Los Angeles and Beverly
Hills and the main street is Santa Monica Blvd. which is filled with
gay flags, restaurants, bars and shops. At night time it is filled with
thousands of people partying.
The HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM is located in the historic Max
Factor building at 1660 North Highland Avenue just a few blocks
east of the Kodak Center in downtown Hollywood. They have over
10,000 showbiz treasures. When we were there, they had a special
exhibit of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia including many of the
dresses that she wore in her movies. You can see the chair where
Hizabeth Taylor sat in the movie Cleopatra, view Cary Grant’s
vintage Rolls Royce, Elvis Presley’s favorite bathrobe, Rocky’s boxing
gloves and Indiana Jones’ whip.
As you enter the beautiful Art Deco building you walk directly in to
the exquisite lobby with it’s original art deco lighting fixtures, show
cases and architectural moldings. There are displays of original Max
Factor cosmetics and ads. Browse the different make up rooms
where each has a different color mode It is truly like stepping back
into old Hollywood when it was at it’s peak. There are several floors
of exciting exhibits to see. Actually one could spend a whole day
there and not see everything. Downstairs they have the original
prison setting of Hannibal in Silence of the Lambs.
They have really worked at making this one of the finest museums
in the country. Anybody and everybody who is even remotely interested
in movies should visit this museum. Their hours are 10 AM
to 5 PM, Thursday thru Sunday. Be sure to check out their website
at: www.thehollywoodmuseum.com.
Be sure to visit at least one of the major movie studios while you are
in West Hollywood.
We attended the world premier play, BOISE USA by the extremely
talented playwright, Gene Franklin Smith and masterly directed by
Arturo Castillo. BOISE USA is a character-driven drama about gay
persecution in Boise, Idaho in the 1950’s. The writing is superb!
The casting is perfect! Every actor is sensational. The audience is
mesmerized by all of this. Hopefully it will go to Broadway in the
near future as everybody needs to experience this splendid drama.
We had the good fortune of meeting Gene Franklin Smith and he
is an incredibly talented playwright. We can only hope that he
continues writing for many years to come. It has been playing to
rave reviews. It is presently showing at the Matrix Theater at 7657
Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
There are of course dozens and dozens of museums and galleries to
visit in greater Los Angeles. As always is the case when we travel.....
too many things to see and do, and not enough time. We did have
"lunch with Holly Woodlawff’ one afternoon. She was one of the
Andy Warhol actresses who now lives in West Hollywood and we
visited with the Countess Alexis who is one of the great Divas of all
times who was also associated with Andy Warhol in New York City
and was in several movies.
One day we visited the new Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing. This
is an incredible high-rise apartment housing project for "seasoned"
gays and lesbian on a fixed income. Complete ~vith a swimming
pool, library room, gym room and a social room this facility offers a
safe and secure place for "seasoned" gays and lesbians to live.
There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the greater Los Angles
Area. Our favorites was the ABBEY which is a huge restaurant and
bar right in downtown West HoltFwcood. The TASTE restaurant
is also a great place that we would strongly recommend. Excellent
food and service as well as ambiance at these bars. For breakfast or
lunch we enjoy the French Market restaurant.
There are dozens and dozens of bars in West Hollywood and on
weekends there are usually long lines waiting to get in. Drink
prices at most of these bars are astronomical! For our readers in the
Midwest, be ready for a shock. It is nothing to pay $10 to $15 for a
drink and we mean just for a regular bourbon and coke or screwdriver.
We are not talking call drinks either! With gas hovering
around $5.00 a gallon and drinks priced that high and with the cost
of housing, it does take lots of money to have a good time.
18 th÷$TAR ~.ozarksstar.com
The Abbey Restaurant and Bar
We stayed at the San Vicente Inn which is just 1/2 block from Santa
Monica Blvd. It is a totally gay resort that has recently been sold
and is now in the process of being completely remodeled. It is the
most convenient place to stay since you can walk almost everywhere,
and if you want to go anywhere else you catch the bus. The staffis
one of the friendliest around.
NOTE: Seepage 22for 7he Abbey’s Tn~ffte Macaroni & Cheese recipe.
Oklahomans for Equality and Breast
Impressions ofTulsa team up to raise breast
cancer awareness.
Breast Impressions "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" Art on Display
TULSA, OK (PR) __ For the second year Breast Impressions breast
cast art will be on display at the Oklahomans for Equality Dennis
R. Nell! Equality Center gallery through the month ofJuly. Only
breast cancer survivors have been cast in plaster this year, and local
artists have turned the castings into stunning examples of each
survivor’s incredible journey through breast cancer¯ The art displayed
will be auctioned at the Breast Impressions Annual Gala for
the benefit ofTulsa Project Woman, Inc. on October 3, 2008. But
the Equality Center "Beauty beyond Breast Cancer" show allows
Oklahomans to see and experience he inspiration through each
survivor s story.
Breast Impressions is honored to display the work at the Dennis R.
Neill Equality Center gallery because of the higher risk for developing
breast cancer among lesbians and bisexual women.
www.ozarksstar.corn
Due to a variety of social stigmas statistically they have a higher risk
profile than their heterosexual counterparts. Realizing this, Tulsa
Project Woman will hold an educational seminar during the Breast
Impressions art show, to further promote breast cancer awareness
through the communit):
Opening Night of the Gallery showing will be July 3, 2008 from
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at
621 E. 4th Street, in downtown Tulsa. Refreshments will be provided
by Panera Bread, Godiva Chocolate, and Escargot’s. Many of
the artists and breast cancer survivor models will be in attendance to
meet those who visit. The show will continue through July until the
28th, Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tulsa Project
Woman will also host a dessert reception and private showing of
the Breast Impressions Exhibit and then a Breast Health Education
seminar on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm. This seminar will include
information on Breast Cancer Prevention, How to do a Self Breast
Exam and the Tulsa Project Woman.
You can contact Judi Grove, founder of Breast Impressions at 918-
691-3874 for more information about the Equality Center gallery
showing, or the upcoming Gala and Auction for the benefit ofTulsa
Project Woman.
theSTAR 19
of Town
By Andrew Collins
Nashville, Tennessee
:was
good idea). The s~ae
THEABBEY FOOD &B£
By Donald Pile & Ray \vq’illiams
The Abbey Food and Bar is located at
692 North Robertson just 1/2 block south
of Santa Monica Blvd. It has been around
quite a few years and it is one of the wonderful
restaurants/bars that just keeps getting
better year after year after year. David
Cooley is the master at the art ofwork and
play. Over the past 15+ years, his creation,
The Abbey Food and Bar, has grown from a
small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one
of the most popular hotspots in the country.
Locals, tourists and celebrities alike all flock
to The Abbey for its infamous Martinis
as well as its stunning, open-air ambiance
and truly relaxed elegance. In May 2006,
Cooley and The Abbey entered an entirely
new and exciting phase in its partnership
with the Los Angeles-based SBE, which has
fast become one of the pivotal players in the
Los Angeles nightlife and restaurant scene.
Armed with the expertise, infrastructure and
corporate reach of SBE, The Abbey is beginning
its biggest expansion to date - reproducing
the signature Abbey experience in
selected cities nationwide. While no specific
locations have been finalized for national
expansion, Cooley and SBE are exploring
locations where The Abbey’s open-air
concept would work best, including Miami’s
South Beach, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas,
Las Vegas and Phoenix.
So now you have the background on
the Abbey but you MUST dine and drink
there. It is where it is all happening in West
Hollywood and everyone who is anyone
goes there. Hizabeth Taylor made a rare
appearance there last month to a cheering
crowd. When we dined there, everything
was great...the service, the ambiance and
the food was spectacular! We had the finest
pork chops that we have ever had! The
mac and cheese with truffles were to die for!
There are dozens and dozens of restaurants
to dine at in West Hollywood and this is
certainly one of the finest. Check out their
exciting menu on line at their website,
http://www.abbeyfoodandbar.com/
22 tbeSTAR w~wv.ozarksstar.com
Ca iforni s will vote
on same-sex marriage
They’re gonna vote on whether you are a full
American.
Anti-gay activists have succeeded in qualifying
an initiative for the Nov. 4 ballot to
amend the California Constitution to undo
the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling that
opened marriage to same-sex couples. The
ruling takes effect, and the weddings begin,
on June 16 at 5 p.m.
The activists had to submit 694,354 valid
petition signatures to qualify the initiative
for a vote. They submitted 1,120,801 and,
on June 2, Secretary of State Debra Bowen
said a spot-check of 3 percent of the signatures
found that a high enough percentage
of them ,vere valid to extrapolate that the
threshold would be met if all t. 1 million
were checked.
Tne amendment will state: "Only a marriage
between a man and a woman is valid or
recognized in California."
The latest poll on the issue, a respected
California Field Poll released May 28, found
that 51 percent of registered California voters
support same-sex marriage, 42 percent
oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion.
The poll found that 54 percent oppose
amending the state constitution to ban
same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an
amendment and 6 percent have no opinion.
The biggest support for same-sex marriage
came from younger voters, Democrats,
liberals, nonreligious people and residents of
the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles
County.
The strongest opposition came from older
people, Republicans, conservatives, bornagain
Christians, Protestants and residents
of the Central Valley and Southern California
counties apart from L.A. County.
Observers predict that the battle may be
won or lost in the populous Southern California
counties of Orange and San Diego.
Women (53 percent) polled more supportive
than men (48 percent) with 8 percent
of each having no opinion and the rest opposed.
A majority of respondents up to age 49
favored sane-sex marriage, while a majority
of people over age 50 opposed it.
The poll questioned 1,052 voters and had a
margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.
Obama cdebrates gay
pride
Presidential candidate Barack Obama said
June 6 that his campaign is actively participating
in more than 60 gay pride events this
summer, as detailed at pride.barackobama.
com/pridemonth.
"I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgendered brothers and sisters
in celebrating the accomplishments, the
lives, and the families of all LGBT people
during this Pride season," Obama said in a
statement.
"It’s time to live up to our founding promise
of equality by treating all our citizens with
dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil
rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and
protect workers against discrimination based
upon sexual orientation and gender identity
or expression. Let’s repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell and demonstrate that the most effective
and professional military in the world
is open to all Americans who are ready and
willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the
relationships and the families ofLGBT
Americans with full equality under the law.
"Generations ofLGBT Americans, at once
ordinary and extraordinary, have made
possible this moment in our history. With
leadership and hard work, we can fulfill the
promise of equality for all," Obama said.
Quotable Quotes
Obama told reporters "the Republicans
helped to engineer the distraction of the war
in Iraq at a time when we could have pinned
down the people who actually committed
9-11." He said Osama bin Laden is still at
large in part because of their failed strategies.
Kansas CoupJe Does
IDO.
By Greg Steele
Photo: Donald Pile, Larry IVard, Riverside
County, (Palm Springs) CA County Clerk and
oj~ciating the wedding and Ray Williams.
PALM SPRINGS, CA __ Donald Pile and
Ray Williams long time friends and columnists
for The Star exchanged legal vows in
Palm Springs, CA on June 17, 2008.
The couple drove from West Hollywood,
where they were vacationing, to Palm
Springs for the ceremony. The Star talked
with them about the historic occasion.
"We stopped by Palm Springs early this
morning and were married", Donald told
us. "Mel Haber, owner of the famous
Melwn’S Restaurant in Palm Springs was a
witness. He is a dear straight friend of ours.
The other witness was our good friend,
Stefan Hemming who owns the Liberace
Estate. We were very cool about the whole
thing until the Clerk said, "In as much as .......
Donald and Raymond have thus consented
together in marriage, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the State of California
as a Commissioner of Civil Marriage
for the County of Riverside (Palm Springs,
CA), I now pronounce you to be united in
marriage".
"It was a small wedding as we didn’t have
much time. When we walked out the front
door of the county court house, we were
crying and shouting".
After 37 years we have never been more in
love with each other. We are just sad for
the gays and lesbians in other parts of the
country who do not have the opportunity to
get married".
www.ozarksstar.corn th÷STAR 23
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ Steve’s Hideaway, Tulsa
24 @Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City
June 6, O~n~YoUth Center conducted the r annua
F~hi~~: ,Th~ ~h~ was hosted by 106.9 s Chase and
OK:: There were
different artists in
Pride Prade These ad es are hay ng tooooo~ ~bh fun
www.ozarksstar.com
CaIJaway CD Romanticizes Man to Man AL
RE-ELECTED
D STRICT 88
"You Ain’t Woman Enough’To Take My
Man", a gay man is telling a woman, drag
queen or possible a transvestite, that she isn’t
woman enough to take his boyfriend.
The title song "darn it, Baby, That’s Love"
highlights the collection. Clay and his partner,
Ty Lewis sing it as a duet with passion
and love. Other song selections that will get
you in the mood include "I’ve Grown Ac-
:customed To Your Face", "All ~e Man That
I Need", "Never Loved A Man Before", and
"Come In From The Rain"
In the past 20 years Callaway managed to
find love, work somewhat in the shadows of
"the industry" (as in, behind the scenes) in
Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Dominican
Republic and all points in between,
boomeranged through Nashville and came
to live in Hilo, Hawaii. It was here that the
muse again came to him. "Hawaii is so full
of music and incredible voices that I found
my self facing this love I have to sing out
loud and once again I felt in love with the
audience, and they seemed to like me too",
Clay says.
Charlie’s, often hosted by Joan Rivers, The
Rose Tatoo, the Palomino Club and other
"interesting" places. All the while making a
living working in television production as
a production assistant and slowly moving
up that food chain. Life was good, met a
few cute guys along the way and a few hot
messes as well. It came a time in my early
20% I was taking voice lessons with Bob
Garrett and we ended up writing a couple
of songs together. On my web site, I have
included a demo of one of those songs from
over 20 years ago for a sneak peek at one
that will be resurrected for my next album. I
can’t sing that high anymore, but it’s a look
back to a day tong past."
"Then a fire in my apartment building left
me homeless and sent me back to stay with
my family in Arkansas for the summer to
regroup. In some ways I felt defeated, but
got chosen to direct the summer musical at
the community theater, the South Arkansas
Arts Center, and while in my home town,
met the love of my life, Ty. He had been
there most of his and my life, but we had
never met."
"I moved to LA at 19 to finish college at
¯ LMU, that was pretty much it for singing
and performing aside from high school chores
and the occasional opportunity to dress
up in a chicken suit. (But that’s another
story.) LA was a big eye-opener, as it would
be for anyone let alone a young gay guy
from south Arkansas. I began to write songs
and performing at lots of fun places on the
Sunset Strip and beyond. Carlos &
Gay Chicago Magazine says "On his debut
album, Callaway takes love songs many
written by men and popularized by women
then turns them on end by singing them in
his distinctive vocal style to other men. It’s
a creative approach that can make for some
rather interesting word play. "
You can purchase the CD online at: www.
cdbaby.com/cd/daycallaway
By Victor Gorin
Keith Taggart congratulates State Representative
AI McAflgrey at a fundraiser for Jim Roth at the
residence of Mike McLain & Richard Ogden.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma’s
first openly gay legislator, Al McAffrey was
re-elected to represent District 88 of central
Oklahoma City. He was first elected in
2006.
At the close of the filing period June 4
there was only one opponent, 27 year old
Dominique Block, who was running as an
Independent. His candidacy was challenged
by the McAffrey campaign on the
grounds that he had not been registered
as an Independent for 6 months prior to
the filing period, and the Oklahoma State
Election Board determined he was not
eligible. As there was no other opposition,
Al McAffrey was automatically re-elected
to of~ce.
Al welcomes this opportunity stating," It’s
a great feeling to know my constituents
have faith in me, and by their support I’ll
be able to serve them for two more years."
Quotable Quotes
The Tonight Show host, Jay Leno decided to
make an appearance in support of the recent
legalization of gay marriage by California’s
Supreme Court.
"He said that he is from Massachusetts and
that the sky did not fall in their state when
marriage equality became the law of the
land there," a rep for the event said.
26 th÷STAR www.ozarksstar.com
NATIONAL NEWS
Task Force Action Ftmd
applauds New York
Assembly £or historic
vote on transgender
rights
"We congratulate the leadership ofAssemblyman
Richard Gottfried, the many
transgender leaders and allies in New York,
and our partner, Empire State Pride Agenda,
for this important victory. We now call on
the leaders of the New York Senate to bring
this bill to the floor so that protections fbr
transgender people and others in New York
are not delayed another day."
Noway adopts gaymarriage
law
OSLO (AFP) -- Norway’s parliament on
Wednesday adopted a new marriage law
that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt
children and permits lesbians to be artificially
inseminated.
WASHINGTON, DC (PR) __ The National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
applauds the New York Assembly’s passage
today of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination
Act (GENDA). The bill, which
passed by a 102-33 vote, now moves to the
state Senate. The measure seeks to prohibit
discrimination on the basis of gender identity
or expression in housing, employment,
credit and public accommodations and
would add gender identity or expression to
the state’s hate crimes law.
New York extended protections on the basis
of sexual orientation in 2002 and the Task
Force has worked with the Empire State
Pride Agenda, legislators and community
activists since then to amend the law to
add gender identity or expression protections,
including by helping draft GENDA.
Among the other contributions the Task
Force made to this effort was a convening
of transgender and allied activists in 2006
at a training in Albany to provide leaders
with skills for how to build coalitions in
support of this bill, and a Power Summit
training on Long Island in December 2007
that attracted more than 100 activists who
were taught how to lobby their legislators
and build grassroots support for the bill.
If the bill passes the Senate, Gov. David
Paterson is expected to sign it and New York
would become the 13th state to explicitly
ban discrimination based on gender identity
or expression. Currently, 39 percent of the
country’s population is covered by such a
local or state law.
Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive
Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action
Fund
"This is a very exciting victory for the people
ofNew York, particularly transgender
people. Legislation of this sort is not only
responsible public policy, it also shows the
nation that New York is unafraid to join the
ranks of states that value all of their citizens,
including those who are transgender or who
express their gender in ways that reflect the
broad and beautiful spectrum of humanity.
www.ozarksstar.com
Libertarian Party selects Bob
Barr.as 2008 presidential
nominee
Former Congressman plans to take the
White House as Libertarian candidate
DENVER, CO (PR) __ The Libertarian
Party has nominated former Congressman
Bob Barr as its candidate for president for
the 2008 election.
"I’m sure we will emerge here with the
strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian
Party," Barr stated in his victory
speech shortly after being selected as the
Party’s nominee. "I want everybody to remember
that we only have 163 days to win
this election. We cannot waste one single
day."
More than 650 Libertarian delegates met
in Denver from May 22 tilt the 26 for the
2008 Libertarian National Convention. After
six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon,
Barr was selected as the Party’s presidential
nominee.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third
largest political party, founded in 1971 as an
alternative to the two main political parties.
You can find more information on the Libertarian
Party by visiting www.LP.org. The
Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller
government, lower taxes and more freedom.
After a heated debate, the members of
parliament adopted the text by a vote of 84
to 41.
The three centre-left coalition parties in
power and two opposition parties, the
Conservatives and the Liberals, voted largely
in favour of the law, while the Christian
Democrats and the far-right Progress Party
voted against it.
Norway thus became the sixth country in
the world to grant homosexuals the right to
marry on an equal footing with heterosexuals,
according to Norwegian television TV2.
"This decision is of an importance comparable
to universal suffrage and our law
on parity," Labour Party rapporteur Gunn
Karin Gjul said during the debate.
The most controversial part of the law is
that which gives lesbians the right to be artificially
inseminated. The sperm donor must
be identified so that the child can seek out
his or her biological father at the age of 18.
Outside the parliament, a handful of opponents
protested with posters reading "Have
fathers become superfluous?" and "Parliament
has no mandate to change the laws of
nature."
Among other things, the new legislation replaces
a so-called "partnership law" adopted
in 1993 xvhich gave Norwegian homosexuals
the right to civil unions.
Health care workers who do not want to
perform artificial inseminations on lesbians
because of their personal convictions will
not be under any obligation to carry out the
procedure.
The new law is expected to enter into force
at the end of this year or eatly next year.
Homosexuality was illegal until 1972 in
Norway, a country which has since become
one of the most liberal in the world in the
field.
~÷STAR 27
by Jack Fertig July 2008
"Nalke like a tourist, Pisces!"
With Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Eris all in mutual
aspect, efforts at wit and charm are subverted by excessive
impulses and eagerness to take offense. Still,
it’s a good time to hash out friendly disagreements or
to take up arts or crafts projects.
¯ARIES (March 20 -April 19): Before speaking up, try to remember
some bit of wisdom from a wise old woman, probably
your grandmother or a teacher from early childhood.
Her insight could smooth out the rough edges, turning your
initial ideas from disastrous to helpful.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You may be overly invested
in a set goal that isn’t as realistic as it originally seemed.
We all need to revise plans now and then. Be practical, not
stubborn! Discuss it with friends, and take time alone to
reconsider priorities.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): You may be trying too hard to
get ahead and to organize people you see as "your team."
Stand back, think about what’s really important, and listen
carefully to your friends and their aims. Communication is
the key to cooperation.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Arguments that seem to
come out of nowhere are really about your hidden doubts
and fears. Expert opinions can help set your mind at ease.
Try exploring some artistic medium or musical style that
wouldn’t normally interest you.
LEO (July 23 - August 22): Your own ideas of sexual
politics could shake up your corner of the GLBT community,
which can stimulate new thinking. Discussion points that
come from the heart will go over better than battle cries that
sound like P.C. cliches.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Flirtations and
sexual politics can complicate relations with bosses and
colleagues. Acknowledging sexual tension may help to
dispel it, but that doesn’t always work. Think deeply and far
ahead before trying it. Discuss any problems at your job
with friends who work elsewhere.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Cooperation is usually
more productive in the long run than competition is.
Both have their place, but your eager ambitions may blind
you to better opportunities. Careful listening can turn rivals
into allies.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Sexual experimentation
is fine in principle; just be careful that you don’t
land in a bad situation. Think ahead and be cautious! Be
clear about health risks, discuss at length what you really
want, and look before you leap.
28 theSTAR
SAG~TTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Disruptions
at home can make you cranky and argumentative.
Looking for sex to blow off steam may prove more frustrating
than helpful. Competitive games - especially those that
test communications skills (Scrabble, Charades, Pictionary)
- are probably better for releasing tension.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Keep your focus
right in front of your nose. Accidents are just waiting to
happen; being overloaded and distracted only encourages
them! Teamwork is helpful, if you can resist the urge to get
drawn into turf battles.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February t8): The cost of fun
can be a lot higher than expected. Be inventive (you can
manage that!), and have a great time on the cheap. Debates
over aesthetics may seem more heated than they
should be, but welcome the arguments for potential inspiration.
PISCES (February t9 - March 19): Feeling like a stranger
at home isn’t fun, but it can fuel the creative juices. Get
playful, make like a tourist, and let someone take you to
places you’d never go on your own. Take a more objective,
outsider’s stance in community politics.
MCC METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
IRev Steve "IF. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, IVlO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Saturdays at 10:00 AM
Community Mieal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
MCC of the Living Spring
t7 Elk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays at 6:00 PMi
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
www.ozarksstar.com
Support those who support us.
DOWNTOWN PLAZ__A ofTULSA
17 West 7th Street
Tulsa, OK
918-585-5898
www.downtownplazatulsa.com
HABANA INN
2200 NW39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-528-2221
www.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ANGLES
2117 NW39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK
www.anglesdub.com
BAMBOO LOUNGE
7204 E. PINE
Tulsa, OK
918-836-8700
www.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB MAJESTIC
124 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
918-584-9494
www.dubmajestictulsa.com
FINISHLINE
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
STEVES HIDEAWAY LOUNGE
11730 E. llTH
Tulsa, OK
918-437-0449
Open Sun- Sat 2pm to 2am
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
EXPRESSIONS Comm Fellowship
311 S Klein Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405-761-1878
www.myspace.com/expressionsokc
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIWSTD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Saturday 9:30 AM
MCC of the LMNG SPRING
17 Hk Street
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-9337
Worship Sundays 6pm
OPENAR/vlS YOUTH PROJECT
2015 -B S. Lakewood
Tulsa, OK 74112
918-838-7104
www. openarmsproject.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N. Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
KING OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-314-3898
JUDY G. PHOTO’S
Tulsa, OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
9!8-743-8636
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 NWEXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c2 lgoldcastle.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa
New and Historic Homes for Sale
and Rent For Info:
wv~v.gaybradyheightstulsa.com
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
For { vertisin
Knformation
DALLAS CVB
Dallas, TX
www.winatrip.glbtdallas.com
Want the STAR delivered to your home or business?
12 issues for $33.95 will be mailed in a sealed
envelope the 1st of each month. Complete the form
below and send with a check or moneyorder to:
NAME:
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www.ozarksstar.com theSTAR
Keller Williams Realty
Chuck Breckenridge
Vghether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
KING OF
MASSAGE
Great Touch
Man to Man
Futl Bodj Massage
2 hands or 4 hands
available
(405) 3{4o3898
Now Hiring Male & Female
30 t~eSTAR www.ozarksstar.com
We believe that homosexuality is not a
genetic trait but a chosen lifestyle.
We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or
promiscuous behavior in a positive light in
our public schools.
We oppose the erosion of our military
readiness through openly_ practicing
homosexuals serving in the military
We oppose the promotion of homosexuality,
the elimination of laws against sodomy,
and the granting of minority protection or
special status to any person based upon
sexual preference or lifestyle choice.
If the Republican message of hate and division
doesn’t represent you, then join us and vote
Democrati’c in support of what we stand for:
LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL,
PROUDLY INCLUDING THE GLBT COMMUNITY.
I~’ol~V~ln ~o~e$~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair
I~ Asbe~’ry~ Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair
Undu Sru~’ ~’~ Oklahoma State Democratic Party
Treasurer
¢~’~o g~’d~ Oklahoma State Field Director Democratic
National Commiffee, Fifth District Chair
3~ ~o~’~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner
A~ ~{~’e~ Oklahoma State Representative District 88
gob ~.e~o~ our friend who’s straight but not narrow
Taken from current platforms of the Republican and Democratic parties of Oklahoma.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2008] The Star Magazine, July 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 7
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 01, 2008
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwestern Missouri
Western Arkansas
Southeastern Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Star Magazine’s first issue began February of 2005. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004) and The Ozark Star (2004). Follows is The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Charles (Chaz) Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Joey D.
Victor Gorin
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ronald Blake
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Liz Highleyman
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Star Magazine, June 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 6
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/248
Metro Star. August 1, 2008; Volume 5, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/198
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/247
After Dark
Al McAffrey
Bob Bar
Deval Patrick
horoscopes
Katherine Patrick
Leslie Jordan
marriage equality
mixology
Night club
Obama
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Our House
Paparazzi on the Prowl
pride Parade
project runway
Quotable Quotes
recipes
Star Advertisers
star classified
Star Scene
The National Gay and Task Force
The Phantom of the Opera
Too
travel
wine
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2e2a9a8c933dbbbc21c3c4cdc0a83571.jpg
c0285f15bddb2569e69f41fde420d855
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b96238e6cb780c76b436d590e485edff.pdf
f3af744a4fdff9fad5baa5b8f88f0d77
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Newsletters & Publications > Ozarks Pride, Ozarks Star, Star, Metro Star Newspapers, 2004-2011
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Ozarks Pride
Ozarks Star
Star
Metro Star
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-2011
Format
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Images
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Description
An account of the resource
Ozarks Pride's first issue began in January of 2004. Then follows Ozarks Pride (2004), The Star (2005), and The Metro Star (2008).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
Western Arkansas
Eastern Oklahoma
Southeast Kansas
The United States of America (50 states)
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ozarks Pride/Star Media
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
C.D. Ward
T.J. Kelly
Chaz Storm
Marion Wilson
Greg Steele
Randy Vineyard
Steve T. Urie
Chaz
Lady Bunny
Romeo San Vincente
Steve T. Urie
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Michael Hinzman
Jack Fertig
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/browse?collection=19&page=1
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
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magazine
Text
Any textual data included in the document
Oldahoma City’s Robin
Dorner oins Metro
Star team. She not only
brings her talent and
enthusiasm, but also
expertise gained from
overall life experience and
reporting. Seepage 5
3.corn THE PREMIER SOURCE FOR GLBT OKLAHOMA JULY 1,2009
TSUNAMI SLAMS OBAMA
by Rex Wockmer
not health coverage, which he said june 17 is not within his
power. That’s the good news -- all of it.
What hasn’t he done? Anything about Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell, anything about the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA),
anything about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
He’s done nothing about any of the stuff he promised the
gays before they rushed to the polls en masse last November
to make sure he won that election.
And, then, Mr. Obama’s Justice Deparmxent filed a
briefJune 1 ! in a federal same-sex marriage case that used
nearly eveW nasty homophobic argument in the book to
argue against letting gays get married. That was the straw
that broke the camel’s back and unleashed a flood of harsh
criticism from gay VIPs.
"I hold this administration to a higher standard than this
brief," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese
wrote to Obama. "In the course of your campaign, I became
convinced -- and I still want to believe -- that you do, too....
This brief should not be good enough for you, The question
is;Mr. President-- do you bdieve that it’s
)bama. dec~des 22 which~not necessary ~ i
, ~ . to file a brief. It’s a horrific and hideous attack on LGBT
:. .......
[one thats good. He ~ssued
Americans."
and he extended a few
spousal benefits ~ ~d~ employees’ Same’sex partners -- National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director
sick leave and long-term care insur~ce; for example, but
Kate Kendell on her Facebook page: "The filing by the
............ Continued See GAY TSUNAMI Page-24
Pro ect Pride Foundation
Director Under Investigation For
Fraud
By Victor Gorin
OKLAMOMA CIT~; OK__ On May 16, Robert
Jordan Chiles was dected to a position on the Oklahoma
State Democratic Party’s Central Committee as part of the
Affirmative Action Committee. Ivan Holmes, previous chair
of the Oklahoma State Democratic Party stated to the Metro
Star, "Robert ovces the party for tickets he purchased for the
luncheon at the State Convention along with advertising in
the program. He said he would pay that immediately
and he hasn’t as ofyet, so vce will pursue this issue." If he
doesn’t resign his position, party officials are ready to begin
impeachment proceedings.
In May Mr. Chiles placed an advertisement in the Metro
Star which ran in the June 2009 isme; soliciting funds for
his Project Pride Foundation, presented as an organization
working to advance GLBT rights and hdp people living with
HIV. This advertisement was paid for with a check that was
returned unpaid by his bank. Mr. Chiles was given numerous
opportunities by phone and email to cover the check with no
results. It has since been turned over to the Oldahoma County
District Attorney for collection and possible prosecution.
........... Continued See PROJECT PRIDE Page-17
T lsa Pride Se s New
By Michael \~ Sasser
TULSA, OK__Tt~a Pride’s Diversity Festival and Pride
Parade engaged a record number of participants on June 6th,
both in terms of spectators and participants.
"I think it exceeded expectations," said Oldahomans for
Equality President Toby Jenkins. "We were worried whether
the format and schedule might scare people or would be
comfortable for people to participate in. Our Pioneer
Breakfast far, far exceeded expectations. N~e police tell us
there were 23,000 people at the festival which is the largest
single-day attendance for an event we have ever had."
Jenkins said the festival also included over 70 vendors and
booths, twice the number as last year; and there vcere three
times the number of parade entries as last year.
"The parade yeas larger, there were more floats and more
groups," If there was a down side, it ~vas that in the nev¢ event
format debuting this year, there were fewer spectators along
the parade route.
........... Continued See TULSA PRIDE Page-6
LOCAL>> 9 YO GRAND MARSHALL I NATIONAL >> NO SUPPONF FOR DADT I WORLD >> 50,000 2gF EURO PRIDE I PLUS >> LIFESTYLE TRAVEL I ~’FS I WINE I DINING
July 2009
2
A good time
By Robin Domer-Townsend
OGRA [)~ddent RTint Wied}n, Robin Dornerphoto
OKLk(HOMA CI~/, OK Every ),ear as Memorial
Day weekend rolls around, the Oklahoma Gay Rodeo is held
in Oklahoma City. Their goal as a social organizarion is to
host an annual-gay rodeo in Oklahoma City, assist in western
related events and contribute to charitable organizations. This
year~ motto is. ’~A Bucking Good Time."
The mission ofOGRA (Oklahoma Gay Rodeo
Association) is to act as a non-profit organization, to perform
charitable duties for the surrounding area through fundraisers,
rodeo performances, etc., for any particular charitable
organization the general membership of the association shall
choose.
"Xhat is the main goal of]OGRA; to raise money for
charity," said Klint Wieden, OGRA President. "Each year we
give primarily to two different charities ~vhich provide services
to those living with HIV or AIDS." This year’s beneficiaries
of the event are Other Options/Friends Food Pantry and
RAIN Oklahoma. Each of these organizations will receive a
charitable contribution from OGRA once the dollar amount
for donation has been calculated. "Usually it is around $3,500
for each organization," adds Wieden.
"Wieden grew up on a big ranch in north~vest Oklahoma
on thousands of acres. His family raised cattle, ran horses
and performed all general ranching duties and his family
was always involved in the rodeo. "I also love doing charity
work. It is a necessary thing," he adds. "I enjoy the causes xve
stand for at OGRA and bringing the two together; rodeo and
chariw, well, it’s a great thing for me."
OGP,A is a nonprofit organization and member of the
International Gay ;Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) which is
comprised of 28 state/provincial associations throughout the
United States and Canada. The purpose for organizing OGRA
was to prov;ide a harmonious enviromnent for those interested
in the western lifestyle to express themselves through rodeo,
dance and other £~mity social activities barring al! prejudices
related to sex, nation~ origin, sexual orientation, religion, race
or any other prejudices. Overall, the IGRA has raised millions
ofdoltars ~br charities across the country.
Next year is a very big year for the OGRA as they will
celebrate their 25th anniversary. "Even more is in store for
next year’s event," furthers Wieden. "We will have a special
limited edition designer ’trophy buckle’ made. Each of the 25
buckles will be numbered and sold to raise even more money
for the charities ,are help."
Wieden and the board of the OGRA wish to thank all of
their sponsors and volunteers, but offer a special thanks to
Premium Beers of Oklahoma and the Copa/Finish Line which
each contributed more than $10,000 this ),ear. For more
information about OGRA please visit www.ogra.net.
Diversity Business
Assodates; proud to do
in OKC
By Robin Dorner-Townsend
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 2004, the Diversity
Business Association (DBA) has been a "proud’ organization
representing many businesses and prot)ssions in the
Oklahoma City metro area. As an organization primarily for
gay and gay-friendly businesses, DBA is a diverse group; thus
the name "Diversity Business Association."
DBA is not an organization iust for the gay, lesbian.
bisexual or transgender (GLBT} community. It is an open
minded, diverse group of individuals from all walks of life.
"Why not do business with people who want to do business
with you?", is their organizational motto. With nearly 150
members, the Diversity Business Association does mean
business.
"DBA has become Oklahoma City’s fastest growing GLBT
organization and with good reason," says Monty Milburm
President ofDBA. "We offer a casual yet business oriented
environment for our members to connect with and do
business with people that want to do business with them. It is
these connections that help all of us succeed in good and bad
times."
Each month, usually two business connection meetings are
held where members meet to network and exchange business
cards, ideas, and get together for fun events also. There are
luncheons, educational meetings and after hour mixers which
bring the group together for people ~vho want t6 do business
with like-minded people.
Membership fees for DBA are some of the best in this
area for an organization of its ~nd. An individual business
membership is $49 per year and corporate memberships (for
up to 10 people) are $450. Unlike most organizations, DBA
has a student or ’social’ membership f)e for $25 per year. N~is
allows the businesses in the area who are gay or gay-friendly to
benefit from like-minded people seeking to do business with
this diverse group.
The goal of DBA is to be a positive organization in the
GLBT community and the Oklahoma City community as
a whole. DBA will have a booth at the upcoming Gay Pride
events to be held at Memorial Park in Oklahoma City on June
27th & 28th and invites everyone to come and visit to see
what they are all about.
"I would like to encourage you to visit often, check out
our calendar and consider joining. We encourage positive
competition and celebrate each member’s success," adds
Milburn. "t am proud to serve as President of such a fine
organization. We really do mean business."
For more information about DBA, please email them at
contact@dbametro.org or visit vvw~.dbametro.org. It is best to
use Internet Explorer when visiting this site.
Impressive Youth Leads Tulsa’s
Gay Pride Parade
By Judy Gabbard
Noah Blatt GrandMarshall ~dsa Pride Parade. Judy G. photo
TULSA, OK The Grand Marshal! ofTulsds Annual
Pride Parade xvas not a celebrity or an individual with a crown
of jewels: this Grand Marshall was a nine year old young man
named Noah Blatt. Noah Blatt is a perfect example ofwhat
the words "Diversity" and "Acceptance" represent in the
contin~l struggle of gay rights.
Told to me by a representative of Oldahomans [br
Equality, Noah Blatt first came m the attention of the
committee members at Tulsa’s Equality Center, when
he hand delivered a letter and a donation. In the letter,
Noah explained that as an assignment he was to chose an
organization that he rahought was making a difference, His
mission was to acknowledge that organization and donate
to its support. Noah has continued to contribute part of his
weekly allowance in support ofTulsa’s Equality Center.
Toby Jenkins, Tulsa’s Equality committee President, said,
that when it came time to select the Grand Marshall for the
Pride Parade, no other individual was as deserving as Noah
Blatt.
Noah’s revelation, revealed in his letter, that xvhen same
sex couples love each other and want to marry, there shotdd
be no one allowed to stand in their way. Simple truth uttered
from one so young shows that the continuing struggle for gay
rights is making an impact on public opinion.
In a short interview with Noah Blatt, I met a gentle young
man with a view of the world that maW lose when they grow
up. Noah is determined to hang on to his beliefs and make
his opinions known. Noah’s room and dad are hard working,
well educated parents who have a!lo~ved their child to develop
his own views of human behavior.
Mr and Mrs Blatt support their young son’s ideas and
know that it takes only one person to start a movement
towards human rights.
Noah was introduced to the public at the Pride Festival
held at Centennial Park, located at 6th and Peoria, and
severalo awards were bestowed upon him. The greatest prize
was a view into the future possibilities of our youth. The
importance of bestowing understanding, love, guidance and
attention to our younger population was made evident in such
a small package, Noah Blatt.
www.rnetrostarnews.com ~®troSTAR 3
UDGE RULES IN KEITH
KIMMEL’S FAVOR
ON HIS I’M GAY LICENSE
PLATE
By Victor Gotin
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On April 6 Keith KimmeL
like maW other Ol-dahomans since 1967, applied for a
personalized license plate for his !992 Dodge pickup truck.
However. he ran into an obstacle because his message
was ’TM GAY". His request was denied. Kathy Green, a
supervisor in the Motor Vehicle Division, stated that his
request was denied due to a Oklahoma Tax Commission Rule
710:60-3-150 (d) which states "No license plate will be issued
-which may be offensive to the general public." However, she
did not state why she deemed that his message fit into that
category.
Mr. Kimmel appealed this decision, and his case was heard
by Administrative Law Judge Jay Harrington in Oklahoma
City on May 7. A favorable ruling, in which Judge Harrington
recommended that Keith be allowed his I’M GAY plate, was
released on June 18, jttst a week before Gay" Pride celebrations
ldcked off in Oklahoma City.
Attorney Brittany M. Novomy, who represented him on
this case had this statement, "This decision is an indication
that we do still live in a society that respects the rule of law,
and when we feel our civil rights have been violated we know
we can turn to our legal system to remedy the situation. I
believe it is also a signal that despite its national reputation,
Oldahoma has outstanding women and men in the legal
profession who put the law ahead of old prejudices."
The Oklahoma Tax Commission may accept or reject
this recommendation. Talking with Mr.Kimmel he stated,
"I think the judge reviewed the case carefully,, made a good
decision and I hope the commission will do the right thing
and let me have nay plate." If the Oklahoma Tax Commission
doesfft fol!ow- through and allow his plate he plans to pursue
additional legal action.
BillyJackson and Michael[ Friday
ioined their lives together
By Victor Gorin
Bil{rJackson &Michael Friday at their Holy[ Union wid~ t/.,eir
.iF[ends Luq andMidn@t. Godn photo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Billy Jackson and Michael
Friday joined their lives together Sunday, June 14 in Norman
at Thunderbird Chapel. Lovers of the country lifestyle, both
are active in OGRA, Michael as the mernbership chair and
Billy who is running for Mr. O.G.R~k. next year. Tney are
setding down together on the outskirts of Noble where
Michael, as a member of the Orchid Society, will be able to
pursue his hobby. The Holy Union was offidated by Pastor
Neill Spurgin of Exp~:essions Community Fellowship, where
both Billy and Michael are members. Let’s wish them a
wonderful life together.
Annual Hot Young Hollywood
Party to benefit R.A.I.N.
Oklahoma August 7
Angles to host annual Hot Young Hollywood PaW to benefit
RAIN Oklahoma. Oklahoma CiF’ HIVNon-profit agent/.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ August 7 2009
N~e Hot Young Holly~vood Party is an annual fundraiser for
RAIN Oklahoma, acting as a spotlight for local GLBT owned
& friendly businesses. RAIN Oklahoma will be honoring four
Oklahomans for their outstanding leadership and activism.
The event will be a fun filled evening with fashion
shmvs from well-known designers such as Cadillac Cowboy;
Nicole Moan, GLAMNERD, Riot Rockett and Debauchery
Clothing, plus live performances from Oklahoma City;s own
Eric Bramble and others. Definitely an event not to be missed!
Rafiqe ticket sales provided much of the $2500 raised at
last year’s party. I~mt year sponsor donated items included a
necklace donated by Mitchener & Farrand Jewelers, a "makeover"
prize package .from Velvet Monkey Inc., dinner for two
at 1492, and a Marc-by-Marc Jacobs bag among many other
items.
For the RAIN Leadership Award, campus GLBT groups
made nominations from OCU, UCO, OU, OSU OKC AND
UT as well as the GLBT group of DELL and the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation. The goal of our nominees is to increase
the quality of life for all Oklahomans.
RAIN Oklahoma is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit agency,
depending on private donations and the support of the
community to continue providing high quality of services.
RAIN Oklahoma offers a wide array of services from free HIV
testing and counseling, community outreach projects, Ryan
White Case Management, ADVANTAGE Medicaid waiver
services & Transitional Housing. RAIN Oklahoma’s
mission is to compassionately serve indMduals and
communities impacted by HIV/AIDS through
education, volunteerism and coordinated access to
healthcare & support services.
We accept all donations; Gift Certificates, Checlcs,
Merchandise and/or services. Donors will be recognized
in the program.
For additional information on The Hot Young
Holbavood Party, please contact the Hot Young
Holl)wcood Committee:
Contact:
Kendet R. Powers, CTR Agent
RAIN Oklahoma
405/204/7767
kpowers@rainoklahom.org
Vicld Banta
Vicki Banta the Partyoligist
405/850/6817
Xfbanta@aol.com
Kai R. Dameron
Rain Oldahoma, CTR Coordinator
405/232/2437 xt 123
KaiDameron@hotmail.com
Giving back: MAC Cosmetics
’Viva Glam’ line supports HIV!
AIDS organizations
By Robin Dorner-Townsend
Inf!’ont ofthe Iguana Lounge in Automobile Alley in downtown
Oklahoma Ci~, the 3¢IAC cosmetics staffin Oklahoma City show
their support in theform of"a big check"for Other Options and
Friends Food Pantry. Thefundraising event "51 Toast to Life"
was heldfor the non-profit organization at The Iguana Lounge
in April The Iguana showed its support ofthe Other Options
organization by undenvHting the charitable event.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Since 1989, Other
Options has been on the forefront of prevention, education,
and assistance of those in need who are living ~vith HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Autoimmune
Deficiency Syndrome). The organization was Formed as anonprofit
whose missi6n" included al! services which hdp persons
living with the disease but currently their primary focus is that
of food services, nutrition and education.
Mary Arbuckle, Director of Other Options works to
assist the clients they serve, organizes donations and among
many other taslcs, she also writes grant applications for the
organization. "It’s a .....Continued see MAC page 24
July 2009
4
Leather Camp Vwill
be running in Wichita
gg~IICHITA, KS (PR) __ August 14
- 16, 2009. Early bird registration is active
until July" 21st at a rate of $75.00. After July
21st, the package cost xvill be $85.00. The
Clarion Hotel will hots the event with a room
rate of $79.00 per night. Rooms need to be
booked directly through the hotel. Ask for
the WOOLF rate to get the discount.
~qere are lots of great classes for this years
event. Presenters include ~qaipmaster Bob
and Bootpig, Graydancer, Sir Olivier and pup
sparlg~, Mason and Michelle. In addition, we
will be having our Central Hains Regional
contests for Central Plains LeatherSirlboy and
CommunivA Bootblack as well as our loc~
WOOLF contests for Mr. and Ms. WOOLF
and Kansas boy/girl. All of the contests
will be judged by International LeatherSir
2009, Sir Raul, International Leatherboy
2009, boy bill, Central Plains LeatherSir
2009, Master Sam Sampson, Central Plains
Leatherboy 2009, pup sparkle, Central
Plains Community Bootblack 2009, boy
blu, Great Plains Leatherboy 2008, boy mike
and Rev. Jackie Carter of the Metropolitan
Community Church ofWichita. The
weekend ~vill be emceed by Tom Stice.
For more information and to register for the
weekend and book your hotel room, please
visit www.wichitaleatherpride.com.
Robin DornerJoins Metro Star Staff
Robin Dorner-Tmvnsend. Staff photo
OKLAI-IOMA CITY. OK Already
well kmown in Oklahoma City and beyond as
a fun loving reporter and activist. Ms. Dorner
Born in Wichita, she graduated from
Kansas Newman College in that same
city to become a Registered Nurse. She
moved to Oklahoma City in 1983 when
jobs for RNs were plentiful. She worked
in various positions as a dialysis nurse,
in home health and hospice settings,
and case management. She is a happily
married heterosexual, celebrating 15
years together with Ken Townsend,
her soulmate who is in the oil & gas
business.
In 2004 she earned a Bachelor’s
Degree in Health administration,
followed by a Master’s Degree in
Business Administration in 2006.
After this milestone, seeking a different
direction, she branched out into
journalism with the City" Sentinel.
broadening their horizons when she
covered many events of the GLBT
community. She first became involved
with our community during the !990s
when she volunteered as a nurse for
the Triangle Association vdth D~:Larry
Prater. who operated a free AIDS
clinic. Relating ~o that experience she
stated that "I loved it, not only as a nurse
but also from the love, camaraderie and
acceptance I found in the gay community."
Her involvement in the community grew,
and she later became a boai~d member of
has just joined the Metro Star team. She will the Cimarron Alliance Foundation. She is a
be repo~ting local news and ~ents and wil! former board member and current member of
handle OK~’~C ad sales al6nFwithRikGOdbev Diversity Bttsiness Association of Oklahoma
and Victor Gorin. She is also an accomplished City, and is her husband Ken. She does
~h0togr~pher. She n0{ 0hly brings 1{~} taleh{ vohmteer work for Other OptiOns, and looks
~nd enthusiasm, but alSO ~ert~e gained forward to working with the Metro Star. We
f om oCe llife ep0mng welcome her a oard .
the City Sentinel ( fbrmeriy the Mid City
Advocate).
www:metrostarnews.com &~et~’oSTAR 5
Dont Shop - Adop
By Michael ~{~. Sasser
Tulsa author Clara Nipper. Press photo
TULSA, OK __ Tulsa author Clara
Nipper never read mysteries, thrillers or true
crime books, so when - on a dare from her
partner - she set out to write in the genre,
they set the mood and picked up the stylized
approach by camping out in their home.
lowering the air conditioning and watching
classic noir films such as Double Indemnity,
Laura and the more-modern Body Heat.
"They were terrific," said Nipper. "I took
some inspiration from them."
Nine months in the writing, Nipper
completed her first novel, the stylish Femme
Noi~; a tide that aptly describes both the book
and the innovative genre of lesbian literature.
"I was writing "chick stories’ and my
partner told me that since that wasn’t ,going
an?~vhere I should try something new,
Nipper said.
So, Nipper crafted a character that was
the "total opposite" of her. "She is tall and
lean, black and bald, and a total womanizer
- a slut. I wondered if I could wrire an entire
book about her. And, I thought, yes I could."
The rest is now history. Femme Noir is
being published by Bold Stroke Books.
In the book, Nora Delaney is Nipper’s
protagonist. The hard-boiled, hypersexualized
womanizing college basketball
coach chases the case of her murdered exlover
from LA to Tulsa only to be waylayed
by a gorgeous, gin-swilling skirt who has
information as well as an appetite for women
like Nora.
The book contains classic noir elements
and Nora is cut from the same cloth as many
classic, troubled genre protagonists - except
that she is a woman. Hailed by maw for its
unique and interesting voice, the book is also
sexually graphic and unapologetic.
"’gq~en my father got a copy of the book.
I wrote in it ’please don’t read this’." Nipper
said. "I hope he hasn’t.
Tulsa native Nipper is veU much unlike
her lead character.
"I was straight most of my life," said the
Tulsa CountT Courthouse clerk. "I was always
open with sexuality and thought that if it felt
good, do it. I’ve only had t-wo girlfriends in
nay life. My first girlfriend was the one who
said "you should try this’ and I said ’sure, let’s
give ir a try.’ It was tumultuous except for the
sex tbr the next two years. I have been with
nay current partner for 13 years."
Nipper had been "spiritually" a writer her
entire life, from the time she xvrote a short
story in grade school that a teacher insisted
on turning into a slide show.
"The best advice I ever got was to write
one page a day and after a year, you ~voutd
have 365 pages," Nipper said. "qhe road
to publishing has been rocky, but my
publisher now is terrific. They do so much to
support authors and offer opportunities and
guidance."
Femme Noir’s sequel, I4dss of Noir,
is already under contract. It’s set in New
Orleans and will continue to stretch the
parameters ofsexuat representation.
"I’ve already shocke,~,! and appalled some
lesbmns, N~pper stud. I th~nk that means
am on the right track."
For more information on Nipper and
Femme Noir, visit www.claranipper.com.
"Most people waited for the parade at
[Centennial Park], and it was packed there".
A shuttle system taking parade-path
spectators to the park might be one thing
added for future Pride festivals. For the most
part, though, the new event structure was
very much a success.
"The fireworks, the ferris wheel and the
concert were all huge successes." Jenkins said.
Jenkins noticed a few things in particular
this year. Employees of Spaghetti Warehouse
on Brady Street came out to cheer ~or the
parade. At Centennial Park. the crowd
included a notable number of straight couples
and individuals, including maW attending
their first-ever Pride event with or without a
GBLT relative or friend.
"I thought, ’Wo~v. ~vhen did it become
cool to go to Pride?" "-We also had a tot
of seniors there. One mother said she
was impressed at how family-friendly the
environment was. I wish I could say that was
something we tried to do. but it’s just a sign
of the evolution of the community."
Police commented on how busy the Kid
Zone was with approximately 700 children of
GLBT families and straight participants.
This year’s n~w policy against ice chests
and bringing in outside food and beverages
also worked out. Jenkins said no one had to
go to the hospital and police told him that
for the first time there was no one who they
considered acting publicly drunk to the point
of being a nuisance.
Vendors also told Jenkins they had done
well at the event. Jenkins hopes that means it
will be possible to continue expansion of the
event in the future with more participants.
Although the parade route saw the typical
number of protestors, there was only one
notable at the festival itself.
Annie Bryce drove an hour to attend her
first Tulsa Pride event.
"I was very impressed at how nice it was
and, really, how nice the people were - men,
women, gay and straight even," she said.
Cashen" Stewart attended the Pride
Festival, largely for the parade, He thinks the
eve,n,t could still be improved.
I think there should be a bit more things
to do at Pnde that are more mteracuve, he
said.
lenkins said that other smaller cities
aro{md Oldahoma also having Pride events,
such as Enid for the first time ever in July, is
evidence of empowerment.
"People are feeling safe enough to have
festivals - that’s a good sign."
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July 2009
6
So, ust What is the True
Definition-ofMarriage ?
by James Nimmo
OY._LM-IOMA CITY. OK As a semiprofessional
musician I provided music at the
same-gender marriage recently of two friends
of mine, the latest ceremony of uncountable
services I’ve played, t’rn also a committed
atheist and rather hard-boiled when it comes
to asking [or divine intervention, as well
as the invention of skT-oriented deities for
whatever reason. I support everyone’s private
pursuit of their interests in accordance with
the First Amendment as long as infringement
of my own legally supported rights isn’t
involved.
There was no doubt of the sincerity of the
participants in this religious ceremony. There
were prayers, vestments, and liturgy common
to any other Christian denomination
marriage ceremony. Had you been
blindfolded and dropped into this touchingly
simple outdoor service, uncoached and
uninformed, you would not have been able to
distinguish this wedding from the thousands
being conducted in the rest of the country on
any Saturday afternoon.
Jaded as I am about religion, I did get a
little misty-eyed when the minister spoke-of
the hands being held by the two grooms. As
these ceremonies of commitment go the hope
is always for a devoted and determined future
of mutual and exclusive support through a
lifetime of as many years o?iife as our genetic
desdny wil1 give us. He described these hands
as they are now. young and strong brushing
away ~ears of joy and sorrow, touching in
moments of intimacy, and when old and
wrinkled they’ will sti!l be the hands we want
touching us in times of need.
~ view myself as a married man wittl a
partner of 32 years, and 1 can identi~! with
the sentiments and intentions the minister
outlined in his .;ermon. By what fiat of
bigoted ignorance can anyone deny me and
millions of other gay and Lesbian Americans
this legaI right of marriage just because
the gender of the two people is the same,
choosing to share their bounty and their
concerns for as long as they’re able, be it one
year or hopefully- a long lifetime? How is that
any different from what opposite-gendered
people choose to do?
To answer my own title, I think marriage
is the ability of two responsible people
committed to each othm; with a seriousness
of purpose, for as long as they are able to
hones@ maintain the relationship, with or
without the imprimatur of religion.
At one time I was a proponent of
going nicker the recognition of our gay/
Iesbian equality one right at a time. But
at approximately 1,400 indMdual rights
bestowed with a completed marriage
license, there arefft enough years for
even Methuselah to see the success of the
movement. I now see that only a dedicated
Federal lawsuit, such as the one being
brought by Ted Olson and David Boles (
http://tiwurl.com/q6hvip ), will give us
the trne definition of marriage we gay and
Lesbian citizens need to live our lives with the
choice so casually enjoyed by straights.
~.metrostamews.com
Politics M es for
Strange Bedfellows
by James Nimmo
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It’s pretty
exciting to be a gay/lesbian activist these days.
Our civil rights movement has been focused
on California which has been performing
a line dance with basically the lovers of
romance and civil rights in one line and the
haters of diversity and inclusion in another.
With the survival of Prop-Hate in
California in late May there are now thirty
states that prohibit same-gender marriage
by constitutional amendment; thirty-seven
prohibit it by statute. Some states even went
double-dipping in their vehemence against
gays and lesbians with both.
But on the sunny side, as of this writing,
there are five states that allow same-sex
marriage with three states promoting samegender
unions. ( http:lhinyurt.comlmq8fev )
I’m not too hot with arithmetic but even
I can tell there is some overlapping of statutes
and amendments with a minority of states
still sitting on the sidelines, waiting and
waiting.
Waiting for what? Maybe the same thing
I’ve been waiting for. A team of lawyers,
financial supporters, and plaintiffs willing
to put this momentous issue into it’s proper
frame: Shall the United States continue
with this jurisprudence crazy, quilt of rich
progressive action and tawdry, shortsighted
discrimination or blanket the country with
one legal rtding that allows all adults to make
their own decisions for their future regardless
of gender, religion, or geographic location?
That’s where the odd bedfellows Ted
Olson and David Boles come in. These two
lawyers, fmnous for being on opposing sides
of the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case that
by a one-vote margin put the Bush/Cheney
ticket in the White House have filed a
Federal lawsuit to place an injunction on the
California Supreme Court decision upholding
the anti-marriage equality amendment lmown
as Proposition 8.7heir plan is to carry this
lawsuit up the chain of Federal courts to
the US Supreme Court if necessary in order
to have a definitive ruling as to whether
or not same-gendered people are covered
under the 14th Amendment of the Federal
Constitution, specifically the clause that all
citizens are entided to the full protection of
the laws. ( http://tinyurt.com/dypxfp )
Many of the main stream civil rights and
gay/lesbian advocacy organizations ( The
American Civi! Liberties Union, Lambda
Legal, the National Center for Lesbian
Rights, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian
Advocates & Defenders, the Human Rights
Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force, the Equality Federation, and the
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
are aghast at the audacity of this plan
sponsored by the American Foundation for
Equal Rights. ( http:/Itinyurl.comlld6a2w )
I’m no legal eagle but I’m literate, folio~w
the news, and can reason, tn addition, my
partner and I were among 12 other plaintiffs
in the attempt by Oklahoma’s chapter of the
ACLU to derail the 2004 Okie version of
Prop. 8, known as State Question 71 ! that
passed with a 70+% majority vote.
The legal strategy being used by the
As t see it, ~here are two important
precedents (an important aspect of
jurisprudence? from the Supremes that
recognize our gay/lesbian citizenship. They
are: Lawrence v. Texas ( http://tinyurl.
com/br2tj t that eliminated sodomy laws
by overturning Bowers v. Hardwick (http://
tinyurl.com/jus3e ), and the Romer v. Evans
decision overturning Colorado’s infamous
Amendment 2 dewing gay/lesbian citizens
protection of state laws( http://tinyurl.
com/49m9er ) wherein Justice Kennedy
famously wrote that "[Amendment 2] is at
once too narrow and too broad. It identifies
persons by a single trait and then denies them
protection across the board. The resulting
disqualification of a class of persons from die
right to seek specific protection from the law
is unprecedented in our iurisprudence."
Let me add that Justice Kennedy is
the famous "swing vote" on many Court
decisions that are decided by a single vote.
Though there have been changes in the names
of the j ustices over the years, the legal balance
of the Court is still the same: four living in
the 18th century, four in the 21st century,
with one bridge between them.
If politics makes for strange bedfellows
and change is die buzz word for this political
season, then I think it’s time to change
the sheets. As these two well experienced
attorneys have wedded dlemselves to marriage
equality, I wish them a happy honeymoon.
Live long and prosper, Olson and Boles!
Joplin First Pride in
over ten years
JOPHN. MO (PR) In January of this
year Rev. Steve Urie of Spirit of Christ MCC
asked for volunteers to h~ad up a committee
commissioned with the task of planning and
bringing together Joplin’s first Pride Event in
over ten years. Out of that was born Joplin:
Out & About, a collaborative committee
made up of people from Spirit of Christ
MCC, AT&T and other GLBT groups and
members from the community. A target date
was set and the planning began.
¯homas, Joanna, Darrell, Jeff, Heath,
Shauna and Shea with the intermittent help
of others handled the tough iob of keeping it
all together.
Tne final result was several events through
the week including a Karaoke Night, Movie
Night and finally Joplin’s Out & About Event
in the park.
Just ten years ago you would find law
enforcement setting traps to catch men in the
park cruising. This year with la~v enforcement
patrols protecting the event; the community
celebrated with groups from Springfield,
Galena, Tulsa, the greater Joplin area and as
far away as NWArkansa~s, Weir and Topetca,
Kansas taking pride and respect to a new
high level for the community. Private and
non-profit vendors started signing on as did
other local groups including UCC Family
Fellowship, Joplin Gays Yahoo Group, Joplin’s
GLBT Corporate Center, the support group
fi-om AT&T, Planned Parenthood, PROMO,
the Pla-Mor Lounge and APO’s local and
Springfield’s offices. The Metro Star played
an important part in providing sponsorship
and coverage of the event. The Topet~
Transgendered Alliance was represented by
Steve/Lila & spouse Joy also members of
MCC Topeka. Entertainment was provided
by a band as well drag queens from Joplin
and Springfield. The Gto Center from
Springfield, MO showed up in support of
the Event, helped with Sponsorship and
provided information about their services. We
thank everyone who sponsored, supported,
participated and just plain attended this
event.
Rev. Steve Urie &long time partner Heath with
festival voluntee~ Staffphoto
Held in Joplin’s McClellan Park June 13th
and with over 250 people from the GLBTQ
community this was a success for our
community. Friends, family supporters and
the straight community including children
and some well behaved canines came together
to show that we can be one community that
we can work together, play together and
respect each other. From Gay Bingo to the
sale of Pride Jewelry, entertainment ro fbod.
free HIV testing to information, and with
MC Brandon everyone had a great time. In
addition several boxes of food were donated
t~br APO clients through the Angel Food
Ministries program.
Lots ofentertainment, & good lookingguys and
gab atjoplin Pide Yestiva~ Staffphoto
We would like to thank Naomas for
his dedication and tenacity in keeping it
together; Joanna for gathering equipment,
supplies, support mad being one foot soldier
you couldn’t top, Darrell for writing the
first GLBT Joplin History Booklet, Jeff
for putting the boolde.t togethm; Heath
for cooking his heart out and all the
volunteers that brought it together. With the
encouragement of the community at large
already pouring in this may have been Joplin’s
first Pride event in recent history but clearly
won’t be its last.
Wockner News Service
New Hampshire legalizes
same-sex marriage
New Hampshire legalized same-sex
marriage June 3 when Gov. John Lynch
signed three bills, including one that had
cleared the Legislature just an hour eadier.
3-he bills open marriage to same-sex
couples starting Jan. 1 and protect certain
rights of religious organizations, associations
and societies that oppose gay marriage.
"Today is a historic day for all Granite
Staters," said Mo B~ley, executive director
of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry
Coalition. "We applaud Gov. Lynch, (House)
Speaker (Terie) Norelli, (Senate) President
(Sylvia) Larsen and the leadership of the
General Court (legislature) for making sure
that all loving, committed couples have the
freedom to marry. Today, our shared values of
individual liberty, freedom and fairness have
been upheld:"
The final bill, tsveaking religious
protections, passed the Senate 14-10 and
th.e House 198-I76. Lynch had required
tile additional language as a condition of his
agreeing to let gays marry.
In announcing his support for same-sex
marriage on May 14, Lynch said: "At its
core, (this bill) simply changes the term ’civil
union’ to ’civil marriage.’ Given the cultural,
historical and religious significance of the
word marriage, this is a rneaningfu! change.
I have heard, and I understand, the very real
feelings of same-sex couples that a separate
system is not an equal system. That a civiI law
that differentiates between their committed
relationships and those of heterosexual
couples undermines both their dignity and
the legitimacy of their families."
Tl~e measures signed into law will repea!
the state’s civil-union law effective Jan. 1,
2011, and prohibit any new civil unions after
Jan. 1, 2010.
Same-sex marriage is legal in five other
U.S. states: Massachusetts, Connecticut,
Iowa, Vermont (starting in September)
and Maine (starting in Septembe0. Nlere
also are 18,000 same-sex couples legally
married nnder California law, though no
more will be allowed to marry until voters
repeal Proposition 8, the state constitutional
amendment passed last November, or until
the U.S. Supreme Court strikes it down Or it
is blocked by comx injunction. Gay groups
are planning a ballot initiative to delete
Prop 8, and a federal lawsuit has been filed
charging that Prop 8 violates the due-process
and equal-protection clauses of the U.S.
Constitution. The lawsuit also says Prop 8
relegates gays and lesbians to second-class
citizenship and discriminates based on gender
and sexual orientation. It further seeks an
injunction allowing same-sex marriage to
resttme in California pending resolution of
the case.
Hi ary Clinton issues
pride month statement
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a
Gay Pride month statement June 1.
She wrote: "Forty years ago this month,
the gay rights movement began with the
Stonewall riots in New York City; as gays and
lesbians demanded an end to the persecution
they had long endured. Now, after decades
of hard work, the fight has grown into a
global movement to achieve a world in which
al! people live free from violence and fear,
regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity.
"In honor of Gay and Lesbian
Pride Month and on behalf of the State
Department, I extend our appreciation to the
global LGBT community for its coui’age and
determination during the past 40 years, and I
offer our support for the significant work that
still lies ahead.
"At the State Department and throughout
the Administration, we are grateflal for
our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
employees in Washington and around
the world. They and their families make
many sacrifices to serve our nation. Wneir
contributions are vital to our efforts to
establish stability, prosperity and peace
worldwide.
"Human rights arc_- at the heart of those
efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of
the world live under constant threat of arrest,
violence, even torture. The persecution of
gays and lesbians is a violation ofhuman
rights and an affront to human decency,
and it must end. As Secretary of State, I
will advance a comprehensive human rights
agenda that includes the elimination of
violence and discrimination against people
based on sexual orientation or gender
identity.
"N~ough the road to full equality ibr
LGBT Aalaericans is long, the example set by
those fighting for equal rights in the United
States gives hope to men and women around
the world who yearn for a better future for
themselves and their loved ones[
"This June, let us recommit ourselves to
achieving a world in ~vhich all people can live
in safety and freedom, no matter who they
are or ~vhom they love."
Clinton also is preparing to grant spousal
benefits and protections to diplomats’ gay
partners, she said in a recent letter to the
group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign ~aqZairs
Agencies.
The pack,age will include medical and
emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement,
shipment of household effects, use of U.S.
government medical facilities abroad, isstlance
of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and
security and language training.
Not included are health insurance,
retirement benefits and certain other perks.
Nevada Legislat e
overrides governor’s veto
ofpartnership bill
Nevada’s Senate and Assembly on May 30
and 31 overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ May 25
veto of a domestic-partnership bill.
Tne new la~¢ extends to same- and
opposite-sex registered domestic parmers
nearly all state-level rights and obligations of
marriage.
The override came without a vote to spare
in both the Senate (14-7) and the Assembly
(28-!4). In the Senate, 10 Democrats and
four Republicans voted for tile override, and
five Republicans and two Democrats voted
against it.
Gibbons had claimed the bill ran afoul
of a 2002 state constitutional amendment
that defines marriage as between a man and
a woman. He also argued that gay couples
could go sign private contracts if they
desired the protections of marriage for their
relationship.
"The significance here is it literally equates
’domestic partner’ with ’spouse’ under
Nevada state la**;" Michael Ginsburg of the
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
told Las Vegas correspondent Steve Friess.
"You have the flail force of the law behind you
nox~: When you’re in the hospital, forced to
ma~e decisions for your partner, all you have
to say is, ’This is nay spouse,’ and that carries
tremendous weight."
.am Lambert
Photo: American Idol runner up Adam Lambert
Who kalew? American Idol sensation and first
runner-up Adam Lambert is a homosexual.
"I don’t think it should be a surprise for
anyone to hear that I’m gay," Lambert told
Rolling Stone June 9. "I’ve been living in Los
Angeles for eight years as a gay man. I’ve been
at clubs drunk malting out with somebody in
the corner."
"Right after the finale, I almost started talldng
about it to the reporters, but I thought, ’I’m
going to wait for Rolling Stone, that wil!
be cooler,’" he said. "I didfft want tile Clay ’
Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine
bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in
context.
’Tin proud ofmy sexuality. I embrace it. It’s
just another part of me."
Lambert noted, however: "I’m trying to be a
singer, not a civil rights leader."
July 2009
State Dept. to give gay
couples spousal benefits
U.S. Secreta,y of&am HillaO, Clinton
is prepari,g to grant spousal ben~ts and
protections m diglomau’gay gartne,s. Photo by
Rex l)~ckner
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
is preparing to grant spousal benefits and
protections to diplomats’ gay partners, she
said in a recent letter to the group Gays and
Lesbians in Foreign M~airs Agencies.
"Like all families, our Foreign Service
t~milies come in different configurations; all
are part of the common fiabric of our post
communities abroad," Clinton wrote. "The
department will provide these benefits for
both opposite-sex and same-sex partners
because it is the righ~ thing to do’
~Ihe benefits will indude medical and
emergency evacuation, travel reimbursement,
shipment ofhousehoid effects, use of U.S.
government medical facilities abroad, issuance
of diplomatic passports, visa assistance, and
security and ,language training.
NOt induded in the package are health
insurance, retirement benefits and certain
other perks.
"This is a remedy that is long overdue,"
said Human Rights Campaign President
Joe Solmonese, "For too many years, LGBT
Foreign Service officers have been forced to
choose between serving their country and
protecting their families."
Dick Cheney endorses
same-sex marriage
Former Vice President Dick Cheney came
out in support of same-sex marriage June 1
more clearly than he has in the past.
Asked about the issue at the National
Press Club, Cheney responded: "I think
freedom means freedom for everyone. And,
as many ofyou know, one ofmy daughters is
gay, and it’s something that we’ve lived with
for a long time in our family. I think people
ought to be free to enter into any kind of
union they wish, any kind of arrangement
they wish. The question of~vhether or not
there ought to be a federal statute that
governs this, I don’t support. I do believe
that historically the way marriage has been
regulated is at the state level -- ~his has always
been a state issue -- and ~ think that’s the
way ff ough~ to be handled ~oday, that is.
on a state-by-aa~c basis. D~ffbrem ;tares
make d~ff~t’ren~ decision But [ don’t haw
prob{cm with that ~ think people ought to
get a shot at d~at. And they do a~ present."
Cheney has made very similar comments
before, but they did not go quite as far.
In 2004, for example, he said: "I believe
today that freedom does mean freedom for
everybody. People ought to be free to choose
any arrangement they want. It’s really no
one else’s business. ~nat’s a separate question
from the issue of whether or not government
should sanction or approve or give some
sort of authorization, if you will, to these
relationships. Traditionally, that’s been an
issue for the states. States have regulated
marriage, ifyou will. That would be my
preference. In effect, what’s happened is that
in recent months, especially in Massachusetts,
but also in California, but in Massachusetts
we had the Massachusetts Supreme Court
direct the state of-- the legislature of
Massachusetts to modify their constitution to
allow gay marriage. And the fact is that the
president felt that it was important to make
it clear that that’s the wrong ~vay to go, as
far as he’s concerned. Now, he sets the policy
for this administration, and I support the
president."
Americans do not
support ’Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’
Americans overwhelmingly want to see
the military’s "Don’t Ask, Do~t Tell" ban on
open gays repealed, a new Gallup poll has
found.
Sixty-nine percent told pollsters it’s time
for the ban to go -- including 58 percent of
Republicans, 58 percent of self-described
co~iservatives and 60 percent 0fwee~y
churchgoers.
Eighty-sLx percent of liberals oppose the
DADT policy, along with 82 percent of
Democrats and 78 percent of people between
age 18 and 29.
Even people over age 65 (60 percent),
Southerners (57 percent) and people who
didn’t finish high school (57 percent) said it’s
time to dump the ban.
Said Gallup: "President Barack Obama
will be well-positioned to forge ahead with his
campaign promise to end the military ban on
openly gay service members."
Gallup polled 1,105 adults nationwide
between May 7 and 10. The organization
said it was 95 percent confident that the
maximum margin of sampling error was plus
or minus 3 percentage points.
CALIFORNIA HIV EMERGENCY
Schwarzenegger, Legislature may slash HIV funding
Gay and HIVadvocates rallied at *~e state Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., on time i 0 against
draconian cuts in HIVfi~ndingproposed by Gov. Arnold Schwar~enegger and under consideration
by the Legislature. Wockner Newsphoto by Charlie Peer/Ou~vord Magazine
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
has proposed, and the California Legislature
is considering, draconian cuts to all types of
HIV-related funding in the nea>bankrupt
state.
In the worst-case scenario, which is still
not off the table, slashes to the AIDS Drug
Assistance Program could result in thousands
of Californians who make less than $41,600
per year losing access to the statelprovided
drugs that suppress HIV and keep them dive.
In the apparent best,case scenario, not all
HIV drugs would be available via ADAP and
patients would have to pay part of the cost 0f
the ones they could geta That is problematic
because some HIVvposirive people have
developed resistance to some HIV drugs, and
need access to the full arsenal of therapies to
stay alive.
Further, the current plan apparendy
completely eliminates state funding for the
tests that determine if a patient is responding
to treatment -- such tests as CD4 counts,
viral-load measurement and drug-resistance
monitoring.
These tests are essentially mandatory in -
HIV treatmm~t. Doctors use them so they
can change a nonresponsive patient’s drug
combination to another combo that works in
that patient -- before the patient’s immune
system breaks down further and the patient
develops a life-threatening opportunistic
infection............
The current plan apparently also
dramatically ~lashes handing for education,
prevention, counseling and testing programs.
Some 35,000 working- and middleclass
Californians who don’t make enough
money to pay for their own treatment could
be adversely or dangerously affected by the
possible cuts to ADAP and elimination of
monitoring testing.
Gay and HIV advocates have strongly
denounced the budget proposals, and a
large rally was held at the state Capitol in
Sacramento on June 10.
Lesbian couple marries
on Indian reservation
A lesbian couple married on the Coquille
Indian reservation in Coos Bay, Ore., May
24. It was believed to be the first such
marriage in the U.S.
~ae Coqui!te tribe passed a la~v legalizing
same-sex marriage more than a year ago, but
it just now took effect.
Kitzen Branting, 26, and Jeni Branting,
28, tied the knot in the tribe’s meeting hall.
Their marriage will not be recognized by
the state of Oregon, but will be legal on the
property of the tribe, which is a sovereign ~
nation.
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Wockner News Service
50,000 at EuroPride
Some 50,000people ~rned outfor the EuroPrideparade, hem in Zurich this year on June
~ Photo by Nikolai Alekseev, GayRussta.ru
Some 50,000 people turned out for the
EuroPrkle parade, hdd in Zurich this year
on June 6.
Openly lesbian Zurich Mayor Corine
Mauch joined in.
Next year, the parade ventures behind
the former Iron Curtain to Warsaw -- a city
that as recently- as 2005 tried to ban pride,
only to be later rebuffed by the European
Court of Human Pdghts.
Meanwhile, Rom& gay pride parade
dr~ more than 100,000 participants June
13~ with a demand fbr legalization of
same-sex marriage and equa! rights for gay
couples.
Some 1,500 people marched in Warsaw
on June 13, also demanding legalization
of same-sex partnerships. "l-he parade, on
central Marszalkowska Street, attracted fewer
than !00 counterprotesters, who shouted
anti-gay vitriol.
Five hundred people marched in Zagreb,
Croatia, on June t3. Police kept about
50 snarling anti-gays from disrupting the
parade.
20,000 march
Tel Av v
Around 20,000 people joined Tel Aviv’s
! lth gay pride parade June 12.
The march ended with a beach ’~edding"
of five gay" couples. Same-sex marriage is not
legal in Israel.
Some top rabbis had urged Prime
Minister Beniamin Netanydau m try to ban
the parade. They called it an abomination.
A few religious right-wingers picketed
the march, which was paid for by the city
government.
’Tel Aviv is more secular than Jerusalem,
where the pride parade routinely leads large
numbers of religious folks ~o wail and gnash.
Last year’s parade in Jerusalem featured
3,000 naarchers and 2,000 cops to protect
them. They walked al! of @ur blocks.
~n 2007, the Jerusalem parade traveled
about 500 meters before ultra-Orthodox
protesters shut it down, despite the presence
orS,000 police o@cers. Prior to the parade,
police arrested a man with a bomb. The postparade
rally was canceled because striking
firefighters refused to provide a required
firetruck.
In 2005, a counterdemontrator stabbed
three marchers at Jerusalem’s marcia and later
was convicted of attempted murder. ~ae
victims’ iniuries were not serious.
Moscow gays want to
picket Obama
Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Mekseev
says members of his group will attempt to
stage a picket in favor of same-sex marriage at
the U.S. Embassy on July 7 during President
Bara& Obama’s visit.
It is unlikely the activists will receive city
permission to do so. Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has
banned pride parades for the past four years
and sent riot police to aggressively arrest those
who ignored the bans.
Luzl~ov has called gay parades
"demonic," "satanic" and "weapons of mass
destruction." He also has said the bans are for
gays own good so that "radical Christians"
don’t have a chance to "kill them."
Mekseev is hopet~fl that he’ll be able to
pull off the picket regardless because "the
presidential media pack wilt be in town."
Mayor Luz ov lashes
out at gays
Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has again
lashed out at gays, calling them "homos" and
calling gay pride parades "demonic."
Appearing on a TV program June 2,
Luzhkov reportedly said: "Niere are two
reasons gay pride parades are unacceptable in
Moscow: First and foremost, public morality
.does not accept such parades, public morality
does nor accept those homos."
Secondly, he said: "If they gather together,
assuming they are allowed to hold a parade,
other people will simply kill them. ~here
are radical Christians in Moscow who stand
strongly against such demonic manifestations,
as they say.
"There were attempts made (in May’) to
hold the gay parade during the Eurovision
Song Contest in Moscova We had to isolate
about 19 radical Christians who intended to
attack those homos.’
On May, 16, riot police broke up an
attempt to stage the fourth annual gay
pride parade in Moscov~; arresting up to 80
participants, including gay leader N@olai
Ale~eev, British gay leader Peter %tchell and
Chicago gay activist Andy Thayen
Luzhkov previously has called gay pride
parades "satanic" and "weapons of mass
destruction," and has o@cially banned them
each ),ear.
Lithuanian Parliament
votes ’no promo
homo’ law
Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas,
approved a measure on first reading June
4 that bans references to homosexuality in
schools and in public information that can be
visible to children. Tne bill still has to dear a
final vote.
The tally was 57-2 with 8 abstentions.
Many MPs missed the vote.
Amnesty International said the "Law
on the Protection of Minors Against the
Detrimental Effect of Public Information’~
would classify "homosexuality alongside
issues such as ... the display of a dead or
cruelly mutilated body of a person, and
information that arouses fear or horror, or
encourages self-mutilatisn or suicide."
Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty’s Europe
and Central Asia program director, said the
proposed law "denies the right to freedom of
expression and deprives students’ access to the
support and protection they may need."
China sees its first gay
pride week
China saw" its first-ever gay pride week
June 7-14 in Shanghai.
Events included movies, plays, art
exhibits, panel discussions, swimming and
badminton competitions, and a big party,
thouglx at least one play" and one film were
ordered canceled by authorities.
Some 500 people attended a barbecue/
drag shiny/fashion show/hot-body contest on
June 13.
Organizers decided against holding a
parade, saying it iust didn’t seem to be legally
possible, according to China Daily:
"Shanghai Pride is a community-building
exercise," co-organizer Tiffany Lemay told
the English-lang~aage paper. "We hope
to raise awareness of issues surrounding
homosexuality, raise the visibility of the
gay community, help people within our
community to come out, and build bridges
between the gay and straight communities."
Northern Irish LGBs
report high level ofhate
Twenty-one percent of gay and bisexual
men and I8 percent of lesbian and bisexual
women iri Northern Ireland say they\,e been
the victim of a homophobic hate crime or
incident in the past three years.
The figure comes fi’om a survey of I,t43
LGB people catrried out by the Rainbow
Project with funding from the Police Service
of Northern Ireland.
Tne study found that 64 percent of such
incidents were not reported to police and 30
percent resulted in physical injui3:
ebec to 1attach
strategy against
homophobia
Quebec Justice Minister Kathleen Well
has announced the Canadian province will
implement a comprehensive strategy against
homophobia before the end of the year.
She broke the news at a May I7 rally
marking the International Day Against
Homophobia (IDAHO).
"We see it as a major step forward here
since doing so, Quebec will ackmowledge
officially that homophobia -- and not
homosexuality -- is a social problem and
take action, instead of passively banning
discrimination, said Magazine ]~tre Editor
Andrd Gagnon.
"As far as I know, it will be the first
government in the world to adopt such
a strategy that will cover all its spheres of
intervention," he said.
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July 2009
i t÷matie
Ruling: English adoption agencies
cannot discriminate
The Charities Commission of England and Wales ruled
June 2 that adoption agencies cannot discriminate against gay
couples.
The commission cited the Equality Act (Sexual
Orientationl Regulations 2007, which ban discrimination
based on sexual orientation.
Violation of the law would lead to a loss of charity status
and public funding.
The ruling came in a case involving the Catholic Care
charity in Leeds, which wanted to amend its official statement
of objectives with the commission to exclude consideration of
gay couples.
Denmark is not gay nirvana
Denmarlq the first nation in the world to legalize gay
partnerships, in 1989, still has a problem with homophobia.
Eighteen percent of GLBT people in Copenhagen and
8 percent in other parts of the country say they’ve been
discriminated against based on their sexual orientation in
the past year, according to a report from the Center for
Alternative Social Analysis.
GLBT people between ages 16 and 29 reported more
problems than older people.
A total of 3,400 homophobic incidents were reported to
police in 2008, the study said.
A report in the Politiken newspaper said gay businesses
also have been targeted.
Copenhageds oldest gay ba~; Centralhiornet. had rocks
thrown through its windows six times in 2008. Patrons also
have been bombed with eggs through the bar’s open door.
Australian prison OKs gay
con}ugal visits
Xhe Alexander Maconochie prison in Australia’s Capital
Territory has decided to let gay inmates receive conjugal visits
six times a year.
The policy applies to prisoners who are ~vell-behaved and
whose partner is not also incarcerated at the facility.
Reports said that the state of Victoria. where Melbourne is
located, is the only other place in Australia where gay inmates
can have sex dates with their partners.
Bosnian churches oppose antidiscrimination
bill
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Interreligious Council is
opposing a.bill to ban discrimination based on sexual
orientation, claiming it will lead to legalization of same-sex
marriage.
The measure has passed first reading in the House of
Representatives.
A national law banning discrimination based on sexual
orientation is a requirement for any nation that wants its
citizens to be able to travel within the European Union
without obtaining a visa.
Nae Interreligious Council is composed of representatives
of the nation’s Roman Catholics, Muslims, Jews and
Orthodox Christians.
Balkanlnsight.com said it is unttsual for the council "to
agree on any concrete actions and (it) often has been blocked
by internal boycotts."
.Gay marriage campaign launched
m Portugal
The Movement for Equality in Access to Civil Marriage
launched on May 31 in Lisbon, Portugal.
More than 1,000 people signed onto the campaign,
including politicians, well-known actors, pop singers and
businesspeople, and Nobel Prize winner Josd Saramago, who
was honored for literature in 1998.
The campaign’s manifesto, which nmv can be signed by
anyone in Portugal, states, in part: "Equal access to civil
marriage is a matter of justice that deserves the support of all
people who oppose homophobia and discrimination.... We
citizens who believe in equal rights, dignity and recognition
for all of us -- for our families, friends and colleagues -- join
our voices to express our support for equality.
"We call this change necessary, fair and urgent because we
know that the current situation of inequality divides society
between those who are included and those who are excluded,
between persons who are inside and marginalized persons....
We now have an opportunity to end one of the last unjustified
(instances of) discrimination written in our law."
Peru gay police ban less stringent
than reported
Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas says recent
news reports that gays have been banned from being police
officers were not quite right.
Mid-May reports said cops who have sex with people of
the same sex would be banned because they cause scandal and
denigrate the police’s image.
But Cabanillas says the new law, which took effect May
12, will only ban gay cops if their gay-related public behavior
is scandalous or damages the image of the institution.
She said the ministry has no desire to "get in anyone’s bed"
and that officials only wish to target unseemly, embarrassing
or scandalous occurrences or attitudes related to sexual
orientation that happen in the public sphere.
Gay groups said the taw is problematic and discriminatory
either way because ir seems to suggest that certain public
expressions of homosexuality are more likely ro run afoul of
the law than similar public expressions of heterosexuality.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights
Commission and Movimiento Homosexual de Lima have
launched a letter-~vriting campaign to Peru’s public defender,
=’asldng her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the
Constitutional Court to cl!allenge the so-called ’offense’ of
same-sex relations and its associated penalty."
"We write to express our concern over Law 29356, vchich
establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police,
and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to ’have
sex with people of the same gender that causes scandal or
undermines corporate image,’" a sample letter says in part.
"This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights -- both of which have been signed by Peru. This
regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional
treaty ratified by Peru in 2002.... Finally, Law 29356
is inconsistent with human rights principles that are
already, codified in Peruvian law. On December 1, 2004,
a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by
Parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize
discrimination based on sexual orientation."
Australian benefits agency
recognizes gay de facto couples
Centrelink, the Australian government’s social-benefits
agency, will treat gay de facto couples as married for benefits
purposes starting July 1.
While the move increases equality, it also will result in
a loss of benefits for some coupled gays, who previously
qualified based on their individual income.
Centrelink assistance encompasses such things as health
care, prescription drugs., unemployment payments, disaster
aid,,rent subsidies, aid to single parents and a wide range of
other benefits and welfare programs.
"From 1 July 2009 changes to legislation wilt mean that
customers who are in a same-sex de facto relationship will be
recognised as partnered for Centrelink and Family Assistance
Office purposes," says the agenc)?s Web site. "All customers
who are assessed as being a member of a couple will have their
rate of payment calculated iri the same way."
Colombian policeman added to
partner’s health insurance
The Board of Health of Colombia’s National Police
granted health-insurance benefits to the partner of a gay
officer May 14.
The extension of coverage to Fabifin Mauricio
Chibcha Romero followed a January ruling by the nation’s
Constitutional Court that granted marital rights to commonlaw
same-sex couples in areas that indude civil service,
contracts ~vith the government, housing protection and
assistance, immigration, social security, death indemnification,
and criminal noninctimination.
~Pne activist group Colombia Diversa said the ruling
encompassed all the "civil, political, social, economic, criminal
and immigration rights ... of a common-law union, minus
adoption."
Chibcha also gained access to police housing subsidies and
vacation dubs.
METROPOL!TAN
COMMUNITY CHURCHES
Rev Steve ~. Urie
Spirit of Christ MCC
2902 E 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
417-529-8480
Worship Sunday 6:00 PM
Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM
WWg~¢.S0cmcc.
Have a God filled and BleSSed Day!
w,,~w.rnetrostarnews.com ~,tr®STAR 11
Viognier [vee-oh-nay]
For those who haven’t experienced
Viognier, the first glass is quite a revelation.
This wine will embody al! Or some of the
following: honeysuckle, citrus blossoms,
t~,chee, ripe melon, freshly picked.peaches
6r apricots and ripe pear. Winemaker Craig
Williams, from Josep~ ~nhe~s Vin~;a,~s, s~s
Viognier contains floral compounds called
~Terpens. Tl~ey are also found in Muscat and
Pdesling. So, think of the most aromatic
Muscat or Riesling you’ve ever encountered,
then concentrate it and you have Viognier.
The majoriV of French Viogniers are
sold as Vin de Pays in the Languedoc. In the
Rl~one wine region, the grape is o~en blended
with Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache
blanc. In the Northern part of Rhone, the
grape is sometimes blended with Chardonnay.
Since the late 1980s, plantings ofViognier
in the United States and Cagada have
increased dramat,ically. The Rhone R~angers
of the mid 1980 s help spark the increased
interest in Viognier in California and now
Californigs Central Coast is the leading
producer.
Looking some good summerwtt te wines. > ~ Marcheregiono~:~yand~ to
monm, we are art a ou- < fthe}lord
most widet l~ted white
wpicNly Sauvignon blanc ~ Macab~o. Xg Mar&etti~07 it~~ ~" *~ ,~.
,..... ?~ P ~ , [, desiunated "Rueda V?rdejo must contaifi Fazi,B; t~gli~ ~007 Italy >::~
wine grape, veraemo is cl~slHeo as a noble o - ....
or classic grape. On the PortuDtese mainland,
85% Verdejo, and are oAen 100% Verde’o....... *..........
it is recommended in the DAO region and
Verdejo winm are aromatic, often ~oA . ~d[as ~wws, Isay go to your favorite wing/~
and Rdl-bodied. %ey can be somewhat ~k questions ~d purchase a bottle or
with the production of white port. Some
Portuguese locales call this Gouveio. The
Godello grape grown in northwest Spain is
believed to be the same variety as Verdelho.
%e grape has been successful in the vineyards
ofAustralia, particularly the Hunter \~lley
region, Langhorne Creek and the Swan
Xga!le?: Australian versions of Verdelho are
noted for their intense flavors vdth hints of
lime and honeysuclde. California is producing
more of this varietal as ,sell.
St. Amant 2006 California
Marquis Philips 2007 Australia
Verdejo [ver-day-ho]
This is a variety of wine grape that has long
been grown in the Rueda winegrowing region
of Spain. The grape originated in North
Africa, and was spread to Rueda in about
the 1 lth Century. For most of this time
Verdejo was generally used to make a strongly
oxidized, Sherry-like wine, In the 1970s the
reminiscent of Sauvignon blanc
warm climate.
Gar~i Grande 2007 Spain
Marquis de Riscal 2007 Spain
: Share some food& wine with friendd
a~d ehe~k this out for yourself.
,Vouv~ay[vooh-~ay]
’,Wines fi’om the French
to the east ofTours are made in
range of styles fi-om the Chenin
Vintages in the Loire are variable,
best years Vouvray can produce
very long-lived white wines.
It turns out that most chenin blanc
1970s what most
generic, alcoholic" "
by corporations
consumed in
rather than wine
chenin blanc is
exhibiting a nutty,
Pichot 2007
Nais writer is one ofthe managers at the Grand
Vin wine shop at Utica Square. He also bar tends
and hosts wine & food events around town known
as the Wine Enthusiasts ofTulsa.
indude:
/ www. la~neSpecta-
Verdicchio
months recipe courtesy of:
Crab
Ingredients
1 Cup Mayonnaise
4 Eggs
1 V2 Cup Japanese Breadcrumbs
2 T Granulated Garlic
2 T Onion Powder
2 - I lb Cans Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
(Indonesian or Philippine)
2 - 1 lb Cans Bacldin Crab Meat
(indonesian or Philippine)
Preparation:
Mix first 5 ingredients together by hand.
Drain Crab meat cans ofwater. Fold in
Baclcfin crab meat first and then gently fold
in jumbo lump crab meat being careful
not to break up the lumps. If mixrure
is too wet. add 1A cup more ofJapanese
Breadcrumbs. Mixture should barely
hold together. DO NOT PU/T .~NY
ADDITIONAL SEASONINGS OR TOO
MUCH BRREADCRUMBS IN! The
drizzle on top of the crab cakes will give ir
all of the seasoning it will need.
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat
with half an 20 inch of corn oil. Once the
mixture is made, take a 4 ounce scoop and
pack in the crab cake mixture. Carefully
place the flat side of the crab cake down
in the oil for approximately ! - 2 minutes
until golden brmvn. Place the crab cake on
a pre-greased baking sheet, fried side up.
These can now be held for up to 5 days in
the refrigerator or finished offin the oven
immediately;
DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS (BAY MAYO)
1 Cup Mayonnaise
2 T Old Bay
Dash ofGranulated Garlic
% Cup Heavy Cream
the ba~
12 July 2009
Big-screen beckons Nell Patrick Harris
xYvq~ite hosting this year’s Tony Axvards, Nell Patrick Harris
joked about his second-class status as a "TV guy." But he’s
atready proven he’s hilarious on the big screen in the Harold
& Kumar movies, so now that second-tier status is about to
change with two new film projects on the horizon. Harris
has joined the cast of Beastly, the new film from gay director
Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) that Romeo’s already
reported on here, but the How I Met Your Mother star wilt
also be playing a lead role in The Best and the Brightest.
Harris plays a husband - way to break that gay-actor-curse
NPH - from Ddaware whose wife goes bananas about social
status when they move to New York City and try to get their
kid into an elite kindergarten. Amy Sedaris, John ~
and Kate Mulgrew al~0 star in ~he latter;
hit theaters before the end of 20!0.
How to make a monster musicaJ
More and more movies are being made from poptflar
childhood toys, from dolls (Kit Kittredge: An American
Girl) to action figures (Transformers) tO even board games
(Clue). But now we’re getting a movie musical based on a toy
that doesn’t even exist yet and will presumably be marketed
alongside the film itself. Gay super-producers Craig Zadan
and Nell Meron are reuniting with Hairspray composerlyricist
Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott gc’ittman to make
an original screen musical around an as-yet-unnamed Mattel
monster toy. Every~daing’s being kept very much on the
hush-hush, but the one thing that’s been revealed is that the
property will "add a fresh twist to monster lore." No word
yet on when this new musical will go into production, but
Romeo bets five bucks that if the movie and the toy do well,
an eventual Broadway adaptation is inevitable. And TV
show. And more toys. And sequels. And ...
Jake Gyllenhaal andAnne Hathaway Focus Features photo
Brokeback spouses reunite
Granted, the romance between Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway in
Brokeback Mountain was a tragic one involving the closet and deception and
death, but these actors are determined to give it another go in a movie where he
won’t be playing a gay cowboy. Love and Other Drugs will feature Gyllenhaal
as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Pfizer during the time when a revolutionary
litde blue pill was hitting the market (the film is based on the book Hard Sell:
Tne Evolution ofa Viagra Salesman) while Hathaway will play a woman with
Parldnson’s with whom he begins a relationship after they meet on a sales
call. Ed Zwick (Glor~ Defiance) is set to direct, with Shooting set to happen
possibly as early as this fall. A movie about Viagra may make audiences stand at
attention, but if the film lasts more than four hours, please, call your doctor.
Romeo San PTcente hopes the monster-toy musical will be like the Dra~dapuppet rock operaj~om
_ForgettingSarah Marshall_, complete withfull-fl’ontal male nudity. He can be reached care of
thispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywOod@qsyndicate.com.
~LSA, 0g (PR). Continuing
the m0fithl9 ShOwcase of local artists a
the Equality Center (621 E. 4th Street in
Downtown Tulsa ~ right next to Living Arts
(Ok )
will feature Tulsa Artist Michael Cooper with
an opening show and reception on Thursday,
July 2nd from 6-gpm and continuing
throughout the month ofJuly.
Michael Cooper is an emerging artist
in the Oldahoma scene, specializing
in journalistic art, music, and portrait
photography. In 2008 he joined Urban Tulsa
Weekly as a staff photographer and has seen
his work published in notable other Okie
publications, induding Oklahoma Gazzette
and Oklahoma Today Magazine. In his own
words, "I have two eyes and one lens, and
they battle each other for experiences daily.
The way I see it - few people get to live their
passion, and being an artist is mine. I’m just
trying this road of exploration out, and I
hope you’re there along for the ride".
www.metrostarnews.corn gg{<~{:a~oSTA,R 13
MCC United ~°~"-~~o’~°" 918-838-171~
Metropolitan Community Chu~h
put tb
Chr°
y Church
14 ;~÷troSTAR July 2009
www.metrostamews.com ~÷troSTAR 15
PHILADELPHIA, PA
"As in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the country"
by Donald Pile and Ray Williams
[)how: Gables Bed andBreakfizst
Visiting Philadelphia for the first time
-was certainly, a very exciting and interesting
time for us. We knew ahead of time al!
about the historical things to see and do but
had no idea what else to expect. We first
checked into The Gables Bed and Break~st
which has been owned for the past 16 years
by ~rren Cederholm and Don Caskey.
Located in the University part of the city, it is
a grand old Victoria home full of wonderful
antiques from top to bottom. ~e house has
a "wrap around" porch for guests to sit and
have drinlcs and snacks or just to view the
sights and sounds of the area. Each room is
beautifully decorated in antiques. A full, and
we do mean FULL sit down breakfast in the
~orma! dining room is served each morning.
XYge are not talking doughnuts and coflree but
a fail sit down brealNast. This was a perfect
way to talk with the other guests to find out
what others did the day" be~bre or were going
to do that day. "While there we met guests
from California, Alabama and all over. Many
of the guests alwws stay there when visiting
Philadelphia. Warren and Don are graciotts
hosts and. al%r 16 years of taking guests into
their lovely home, they seem to have been
able to do it the right way< Another great
thing about staying at The Gables is that the
trolley system runs right in front of their
house and you can take it downtown in just
minutes, and it runs about every 20 minutes
a!l day 10ng. The), have ample off-street
parking behind their house which is a big
plus.
To begin your day, take the trolley
downtown. From that point you can take
another bus or ,valk south to the famous
historical district of Philadelphia and visit
all the places there. No trip to Philadelphia
would be complete without visiting the
Liberty Bell and the other historical places
that are located within a few blocks of there.
Philadelphia is proud of their art museums as
well they, should be. ~-he Philadelphia
Museum of Art is a first class museum and
is a MUST for anyon& visit to the cits: A
few blocks away is the Rodin Museum which
houses more Rodin sculptors any~vhere except
for Paris. There are maW other museums to
visit also.
Ofcourse every visitor to Philadelphia
must try one of their famous Philly
Cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch. There
are a lot of gay bars in the ’~gayborhood"
area of the city which is iust a few blocks
west of downtmvn and easily ~vithin ~valking
distance from the public transportation.
Knock was our very favorite bar there. It is
what a gay bar should be all about....... A
clean bar where the owner/management/staff
is super friendly; wl~ere the customers are
super friendl> where you can walk in and
really enioy yourself, located righ~ on the
corner of Locust St. and I2th Street. They
also have an excellent res~urant located in
the bar. ~Pnis is one of the finest restaurants
in the city ~vith fine white linen tablecloths
and napkins on every table. Jim the Maitre
’d is extremely professional. The servers are
very professional. They have a huge menu
offering the very finest of cuisine. Owned by
Bill Wood, this bar/restaurant is extremely
popular with both people ~vho live in the city
as ~vell as travelers.
We were fortunate during our stay to
see the Broadway pla}~ Grey Gardens which
is about the life of the aunt and cousin of
Jackie Kennedy- Onassis. They lived in a 24
room house in the Hamptons on Long Island
but were extremely poor and let their house
run down something horrible. Mother and
daughter loved (and hated) each other but
were bound to live with each other until the
mother finally died. There was a movie made
about their lives and HBO came out with
another movie a couple of months ago. Both
live theatre as well as the visua! arts are a huge
makeup in Philadelphia.
You could easily spend a whole ~veek
in this beautiful city and still not see
everything. The architecture is unbelievably
tremendous. On weekends, the Penn Landing
downtown is full of vendors and local
artists. Philadelphia is certainly a city that is
welcoming gay travelers with open arms.
There are just a handful of cities that you
must visit in the country and Philadelphia is
certainly" on our short list. Most cities you
still need a car to travel around however not
in this city. They have such a great public
transportation system and is extremely safe
and clean. Why can’t all cities do this?
For more information on Philadelphia,
visit: www.gablesbb.com and they are
located at 4520 Chester Avenue. Phone:
215.662. ! 918. ?dso visit w~v<ka~ockphilly.
COLT1
Another great website to visit
is: http://www.gophita.com/c/your_
philadelphia/14/diverse_philadelphia/287/
gay~friendly_philadelphia/4.html and wwcw.
gayphiladelphia.com
On a personal note, we want to thank
Bruce Yelk, Director of Human Resources
& Gay Marketing, Greater Philadelphia
Tourism marketing Corportation and to our
friend Buster Stevens who hosted a wonderful
dinner for us xvhile we were visiting.
Photo: Famous Liber~_y Bell Philadelphia, PA
Always remember to have fun when traveling,
meet new people and talk to everyone!
Wayne Fuller reported on gossipboy.com, an
Oklahoma internet news service focused on
the GLBT community, that Mr. Chiles had
been convicted of Obtaining Money by False
Pretenses in McClain County in 2006, for
which he received a 2 year deferred sentence
now completed. Since then a warrant for
his arrest was issued for the same offense
in Pontotoc County, which was in effect
when he was elected to his Democratic Party
position.
Robert Chiles, Director &Founder ofPrject
Pride Foundation ofOklahoma. Gorin photo
On June 8, represented by attorney Gordon
Melson, he appeared in court in Pontotoc
Count-5: An agreement was reached ~vith
the warrant withdrawn, and Robert ~vould
have until August 27 to make restitution to
the parties involved.
On June 3, when cast members from the
national tour of "The Drowsy Chaperone"
did a benefit at Tulsa’s Renegades Club for
Until There’s a Cure, an organization helping
those with HIV. Mr. Chiles presented them
with a large check payable to that organization.
It likewise would not clear his bank.
Mr. Chiles had been contacted by that
organization and he promised them a cashier~
check which was not received as of press time.
Following this, Mr. Chiles had asked the
Red Ribbon Revue, a monthly benefit show
performed at Renegades, to do a benefit for
his Foundation. In a statement to gossipboy.
corn Renegades entertainer Tabitha Taylor
stated, "I’m glad this was caught before we
did a fundraiser with the name attached."
www.metrostamews.com ~÷{~oSTAR 17
18 July 2009
,~.metrostarnews.com ~®~°~STAR t9
By Camper English
Crafting the Cosmopolitan
~he Cosmopolitan is one tasty
cocktail and probably most popular drink
created in the last 30 years, but it is not
magically original. The recipe calls for lemon
vodka, lime iuice, orange liqueur, and a splash
of cranberry for color. Minus the cranberry,
the drink follows the formula of spirit plus
lime plus orange liqueur. If that spirit is
tequila, that’s a Margarita. If it’s unflavored
vodka, that’s a Kamikaze.
In fact. the prevailing theory on the
creation of the Cosmopolitan is that it ,vas a
spin-offofthe Kamikaze created by a Miami
bartender
named Cheryl
Cook in 1985
or !986.
She said the
Cosmo is. ~
"Merely a ~
Kamikaze
with Absolut
Citron and
a splash of
cranberry
juice."
But her
version called
for Rose’s lime
juice, a bottled
lime juice
that’s a poor
substimte
for freshsqueezed,
and triple
sec, which
usually refers to the low-end orange liqueurs
that are poor substitutes for Cointreau. These
items are often served at high-volume bars
that want to save money on (admittedly
pricey) orange liqueur and don’t want their
bartenders taldng the time to squeeze limes
for each drink.
But I find the Cosmo-to be intolerable
~vithout them. So too did Toby Cecchini, a
New York bartender credited with finessing
the drink into its best form. Someone told
Cecchini about the drink, but in their version
it was made with unflavored vodka, Rose’s
lime, and the red-colored syrup grenadine.
He liked the look of the drink - soft pink and
served in a Martini glass - and experinaented
~vith ingredients to make the flavor match the
fashion. In the end, his version came out just
like Cheryl Cook’s version, but with better
ingredients.
This version caught on like wildfire
in New York. causing Cecchini and other
bartenders to make them by the thousands.
In the era of bottled sour mix and vermouthflee
Martinis. this drink seerned highmaintenance
enough for Cecchini to call
them "labor-intensive pink monstrosities."
~e trick to making a good pink
monstrosity; even if you have the proper
ingredients, is getting the ratio of them. right.
Apparently this is a problem for bartenders
~oo - i’ve had Cosmopolitans i~ every shade
from c!¢ar to deep red. When I make them at
borne, I’m ~o~- laz/to Ioot up ~[~e recipe so I
}ust ake ir ,,~ ingredient ar a vitae: ~ couo~e
ounces of Charon a smat~ splash of Cointreau.
and a large quantity of’lime.
(I like them tart.) I make mine in keeping
,vith Cheryl Cook’s original instructions
of ~jttst enough cranberry to make it oh so
pretty in pink."
That’s my starting point, anyway. One
thing I’ve learned making this drink is that
cranberry juice, like slimming black clothing,
hides many sins. Even if you get the initial
ratios of liquor and juice all wrong, or have to
resort to bottled lime )uice and bottom-shelf
triple sec, you can always make a drinkable
version of this drink. Just keep adding
cranberry until it’s good.
Vodka, Now Available in Juniper Flavor
I like to think of"bathtub gift" as
"Martinis by the poo!." but that’s not where
the expression originated. It came about
during Prohibition xvhen people would
"make" their own gin by adding mail-order
juniper flavoring to lowquality
alcohol to help mask its
awfulness. 2the weird tiring is, gin
cocktails were awfully popular
back then.
Today it is still legal to make
gin this way- not in the bathtub.
but by adding juniper oil and
other flavors to a neutral spirit
like vodka. Thankftdly, most of
the gins with which we’re familiar
don’t do it like that. Gin usually
starts with high-proof neutral
spirit made from grains like corn,
wheat, and rye. The gin distiller
then selects a range of botanicals
or botanical oils to infuse into the
spirit, then redistills everything
together.
There are many different
distilling methods gin makers
employ, but this is probably only
interesting to folks like me ~vho
spend our spare time hanging out
in distilleries on vacation. More interesting
are the types of botanicals that go in to gin.
Traditional brands like Beefeater, Plymouth,
and Tanqueray contain many ingredients like
citrus peels, coriander, cinnamon, and cassia
bark. Newer gins on the market like Bombay
Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Martin Miller’s also
include things like lavender, ginseng, rose,
and green tea. All gins, by definition, must
contain jtmiper (berries that smell like pine
trees) as a dominant flavor, but the newer
ones tend to put less of it in.
While vodka lovers and gin lovers are
usually different sorts of people (though
I find versatility provides more options in
the bedroom and the liquor cabinet)~ when
it comes right down to it gin is really just
juniper-flavored vodka. Ifyou’ve got vodka
drinkers over for cocktails and you only
have gin left, just tell them their drinks are
made with "botanical vodka." If you’re in
the opposite situation, tell them the vodka is
"diet gin." Lying to your guests is the most
entertaining part of entertaining them.
The combination and concentration
of the juniper, spices, citrus, and other
botanicals is what gives each gin its unique
flavor and makes it a better or worse fit for
different cocktails. Some modern gins are
so very citrusy and floral that they can be
too perfumey for a Martini. (Hey, this drink
smells like grandma!} On the other hand.
when you add an intensely juniper-heaW
gin ro a Gimlet or other mild cockt ills.
s~metimes all you ~aste b rhe juniper. (Hey,
this drink smells like where ~ ~andma is
buried!~
2O
The trick is finding the right fit for each
gin fqr your mouth. I prefer the old-style
gins in a Martini, Aviation, Pink Gin, and
Negroni. With the more-floral, less-juniper
gins I like the Salty Dog, Gimlet, White Lady,
and Vesper.
But I find that no matter what kind of gin
you have in the house you can always add it
to tonic water and it will taste just fine. Tonic
is the mixer that swings both ways.
Camper English is a cocktails andspirits
writer andpublisher ofAlcademics.com.
Miss Gay Oklahoma
2009 Crowned in OKC
By Victor Gorin
Left: 2008 Miss Gay Oklahoma Adrienne
Fischer, 1st altetmam Samantha West, Shantd
l~£andalay &Miss Gay America Victoria
DePaula. Gorin Photo
worked their hearts out, hoping to be the next
Miss Gay Oklahoma. Emceed by former Miss
Gay America 2006 Nicole Dubois & former
Miss Gay Oklahoma 2005 Pure Chocolate
(as Steven), it got wild Saturday night as it
wound down to 5 finalists with their friends
cheering on their favorites.
That fun fabulous contest came to a
conclusion on Saturday night June 13 when
Shantel Mandalay finally won the title of Miss
Gay Oklahoma America after many years
of pursuing that dream. A proud 3rd grade
teacher who also coaches Special Olympics,
Miss Mandalay and her entourage wowed the
audience with a fast stepping dance routine
to the C&W classic "The Devi! went down to
Georgia" that brought the house down.
It was also an emotional time for the
current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma
Adrienne Fischer when she passed on her
tide, joining many other former Miss Gay
Oklahomas who were there for the occasion.
Together with 1st alternate Samantha \Vest.
Shantel will be eligible to compete in the
national Miss Gay America competition to
be held this year in St.Louis October 28.-
November 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK It was a
festive weekend June 11-13 at Angles in
Oklahoma City when once again the girls
lIGHT
BILENT AUCTION- AND RAFFLES
Dd. IKEY TURNS UP THE WITH OlSDg ALL NIGHT
~:mSTAR July 2009
~’#~W.metrostamews.com
@ Angles, Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Pool Party, OKC
@Club Majestic, Tulsa
@Club 209, Tulsa
Photo’s by Victor G. & Judy G.
@ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa
@ The Copa Oklahoma City
@ The Ledo, Oklahoma City
@ Finishlinel Oklahoma City
@ OGRA Rodeo, OKC
Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
@ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa
@ Tulsa Pride 09 Parade
www.metrostarnews.com , <,STAR 23
Oban~a administration defending DOMA
is shocking and unsetding. Clearly, our selfdescribed
’fierce advocate’ needs significant
additional pushing and pressure from all of
US."
Popular blogger John Aravosis: "A
Democratic president of the United States of
i~erica, in the year 2009. and an African-
B~nerican child of inter-racial parents no less,
gave his la~wers the go ahead ro compare
our marriages to incest on the same day that
42 years ago the Supreme Court ruled in
[ais parents’ favor in Loving v. Virginia....
We demand our rights, and we expect this
president, who promised them in exchange
[or millions of our votes and millions of
our donations, to deliver. And so help me
God, we will continue to hold this president
accountable for his broken promises and his
betrayals]"
Lambda Lega!’s Legal Director Jon
Davidson: "X~at they need to be asked
is why they gratuitously went out of their
-way ~o make the outrageous arguments
they unnecessarily included such as that
DOM2~ does not discriminate based on
sexual orientation or that the right ar issue
is not marriage but an unestablished rigi~t
~o ’same-sex marriage or
that DOMA is somehow
iustified in order to protect
taxpayers ~;ho don’t want
their tax do!lars used
ro suppor~ lesbian and
gay couples iwhile it~
apparently fine to make
lesbians and gay men pay
the same rm,:es but be
&nied the benefits provided
heterosexual couples) .... I
am seething mad."
Top Clinton aide
R5chard Socarides: "It had
such a buckshot approach
ro it, a veritable kitchen
sink of anti-gay legal theories, that it seemed
expressly designed to inflict maximal damage
ro our rights. Instead of malting nuanced
arguments which took into account the
president’s oi?-stated support for repealing
DO1VLA -- a law he has called ’abhorrent’ --
the brief seemed to embrace DOMA and all
its horrific consequences,"
Equality California Executive Director
Geoff Kors: "We ... call on President Obama
m order the Justice Department ro file a
supplemental brief reversing its position and
instead urging the repeal of DOMA."
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Executive Director Rea Carey: "The malicious
and outrageous arguments and language
used in the Department ofJustice’s marriage
brief is only serving to inflame and malign
the humanity of same-sex couples and our
families."
Gay writer Dan Savage: "If this shit is
’fierce advocacy,’ Mr. President, we’ll take
benign neglect.7
CBS News: "The anger from gay rights
advocates toward President Obama is starting
to boil over."
~!~e Wall Street Journal called Sotmonese’s
letter to Obama "scathing."
The New York Times editorialized: "The
Obama administration, which came to office
promising to protect gay rights but so far has
nor done much, actually struck a blow" for the
other side last week.... If the administration
does feel compelled to defend (DOMA), it
should do so in a less hurtful wa~: ... There
writer Dan
/ Savage: "If ’\
dais shit is ’fierce
advocacy; Mr.
President, we’ll
take benign /
\... neglect."
was no need to resort to specious arguments
and inflammatory language to impugn samesex
marriage as an institution."
Plans apparently are shaping up for a
gay March on Washington in October,
spearheaded, it appears, by veteran activist
Cleve Jones, the man who created the
NAMES Proiect AIDS Memorial O~ilt."The
President is in serious danger of motivating
a huge mass of gay people to stream into
\Ygashington for the simple ioy of standing in
front of the White House and giving him a
piece of their minds," wrote syndicated gay
columnist \gayne Besen.
"For what seemed Iike forever, Democrats
told us that when the big bad Republicans
went away, our lives would improve," Besen
said. "XN~ell, the Republican nightmare is over,
so why do I still feel like I’m in the middle of
a political Friday the 13th movie? ... As far
as I’m concerned, if the donkeys can’t detiv(r
now, they can Idss my ass."
On June 17, when Obama "delivered"
to federal employees a smattering of spousal
benefits, via issuance of a "memorandum," he
did again denounce DOblA.
"I think we all have to acknowledge this
is only one step," the president said.
the steps we have not yet t~en is to repeal the
Defense of Marriage Act. I
believe it’s discriminatory,
I think it interferes ,vith
states’ rights, and we will
work with Congress ro
overturn it. \rUe’re gor more
work to do to ensure that
government treats all its
citizens equally, to figh~
iniustice and intolerance in
all its forms, and to bring
about that more perfect
union. I’m committed
to these efforts, and I
pledge to work tirelessly
on behalf of these issues in
the months and years to
come.-
Obama also expressed support for the
Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations
Act.
"Under current law, we cannot provide
same-sex couples with the full range of
benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married
couples," he said. "That’s why I’m proud
to announce rny support for the Domestic
Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial
legislation that will guarantee these rights
for all federal employees. I want to thank
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me
somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for
her tireless leadership on this bill and in the
broader struggle for equality. I want to thank
Sen. Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well
as Susan Collins for championing this bill
in the Senate, and Rep. Barney Frank for his
leadership on this and so many other issues."
Sounds good, but gay activists ~veren’t
impressed. They want action.
"We commend President Obama ana his
administration for taking this beginning step
to level the playing field but we look forward
to working with him to repeal the Defense of
Marriage Act, overturn ’Dofft Ask, Don’t Tell’
and guarantee the entire American worl6brce
is free from discrimination," said HRC’s
Solmonese.
The Associated Press said, "His (Obama’s)
critics -- and there were many -- saw
Wednesday’s incremental move to expand gay
rights as litde more than pandering to a
reliably Democratic voting bloc."
Lamb& Legal Executive Director
Kevin Cathcart: "While ending any of
the discrimination against gay and lesbian
federal employees is a welcome step, today’s
... announcement falls far short of our hopes
and expectations. President Obama dearly
understands how important it is for people
to have health insurance coverage ro protect
their loved ones and this plan does not
provide that. Lambda Legal is representing
Karen Golinsldi, a federal employee who
works for the judicial branch and who is
seeking health insurance coverage for her
same-sex spouse. A federal judge has already
issued an administrative decision in that
matter, concluding that, within the existing
roles, the federal government can choose
to provide health insurance for same-sex
partners. Vie think they should.... The day is
long past for incomplete, piecemeal fixes that
leave hard-worldng families uninsured and
struggling."
People For the American W’ay President
Michael B. Keegan: "Today’s presidential
memorandum is a very small step in the right
direction, but it’s a token, and tokens are no
longer enough. DOMA stands in the way of
real progress for same-sex couples nmv denied
federal recognition and protection, and its
repeal is tong overdue. President Obama has a
unique ability to provide the moral leadership
to ensure that all Americans are treated
equally under the law. but so far he has failed
to exercise it. We urge the president to live
up to his own rhetoric about being a ’fierce
advocate’ fbr gay and lesbian Americans.
Taking action on his pledge to repeal DOMA
would be ~vorthy of the vision that he held
out to Americans during his campaign
NGLTF’s Carey: "This presidential
memorandum today will extend some
selected protections to the same-sex partners
and families of federal employees.... This
memo is one building block toward full
equality, and much more remains to be done
in order for the administration to live up to
the promises of equality the president made
as a candidate on the campaign trail.... We
also call on the president to take additional
steps that will have a positive impact on our
health, our livelihoods and our families’ safety
that do not require legislative action. These
include reversing the standing policy of the
U.S. Census Bureau to manually un-marry
any same-sex couple who lawfully states they
are married on the 2010 census, extending
employment protections to federal employees
based on gender identity, and reversing the
regulations that continue to throw roadblocks
in the way of HIV-positive individuals who
want to travel to this country."
NCLR’s Kendell: "The policy announced
today by the president committing to a
federal ~vorkplace free from discrimination is
a step in the right direction but inadequate
and long overdue. It leaves out millions
ofAmerieans who do not work for the
federal government and fails to include key
benefits including health insurance. When
running for office, then candidate Obama
called equality for LGBT people a ’moral
imperative.’ We will continue to demand
this administration live up to the president’s
promise of achieving ’full equality for the
millions ofLGBT people in this country.’"
The language is strong and the front is
unified. Nae White House clearly is listening,
but when will our "fierce advocate" act?
Writing on his house.gov Web site June
16, gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polls, D-Colo., said:
"I am a proud Democrat, as are many in the
LGBT community, and I believe we must
hold our leaders accountable. The Obama
Administration made a HUGE mistalte in the
DOMA brief. If they keep malting mistakes
like this. they risktosing the support of the
GLBT community forever, although I do
not believe we are at that point yet. President
Obama needs to honor his promise ro repeal
this ... hateful and divisive law. As the New
York Times editorialized yesterday, ’busy
calendars and political expediency are no
excuse for malting one group of Americans
wait any longer for equal rights.’"
labor of love really," said Arbuckle. "We ate
like a family here." The organization serves
men, women and children. "XWe have about
30-40 children who may be infected or have
parents who are," adds Arbuclde.
Recently, Arbuckle submitted a grant
application to the }v’La,C-AIDS Fund which
is an organization established in 1994 that
globally supports all persons lMng with
HIV/AIDS. "It is a passion for our company
and our staff," said Armando Ortiz, MAC
Retail Manager at Penn Square Mall. "We
refer to this as the heart and soul ofMAC
Cosmetics. MAC stands for Make-up, Art
and Cosmetics.
"Our Viva-Glam program is where the
monies come from," adds Ortiz. "We give
back 100% of the selling price back to the
community. This program is really something
we embrace in our company." MAC
Cosmetics has been in business since I984
and has donated over $t35 million dollars to
date through the MAC-AIDS Fund.
Other Options has changed some over
the years and now focuses primarily on their
Friends Food Pantry. "The other services are
provided so well by other organizations in the
city that we focus on the nutritional program
now," said Mary Arbuckle, Director of the
Other Options organization. "\ge work well
together with RAIN Oklahoma, the OU
Infectious Disease Clinic, and other local
organizations so our clients can ger all the
hdp they need and so there is less duplication
of services."
Friends Food Pantry is exclusive to the
HIV and MDS community. Clients come to
the srore to shop each week. "We give them
a shopping cart and let them select their own
items, which is different than most food
banks," adds Arbuckle. "We want to empower
their mind; we don’t want them to feel like
it’s a charity." Arbuckle says they plan ro
spend the majority of the MAC-AIDS grant
on their Boost program, which provides the
high-prorein Boost drink to those in most
need of the nutritional supplement.
Donations to Other Options are always
~velcomed and appreciated. For more
information about Other Options or the
Friends Food Pantry, please call (405) 946-
8577.
by Jack Fertig July 2009
"Pay attention, Cancer!"
Saturn square Mercury would normally
bring out everyone’s inner critic, but
with Saturn in Virgo and Mercury in
Gemini, bitchy outbursts are to be
expected. If you’re feeling brilliant, write
it down and think twice before saying
it aloud. Take a long view and look for
opportunities for self-improvement,
ARIES (March 20 - Apri~ 19): Stay
focused on work. Any personal remarks,
especially about colleagues, are sure
to get you into trouble. Your critical
analyses and recommendations for
improvement are probably a bit off the
mark, but at least they show you’re
paying attention.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Avoid
gambling and investments in any
game play strictly for funsies. Focus on
developing skill at your sport or hobby.
That’s an uphill slog, too, but something
that’s just fun now can have practical
value down the road.
GEMiNi {May 21- June 20): If you get
any criticism from family or roommates,
thank them for sharing and think about
what they say. There may be something
to it. Responding in kind will only start
an a~ui argument.
CANCER (June 21~- July 22): Pay
attention where you’re walking or
driving. Distractions inside your own
head can cause awful accidents. Be
aware of your surroundings, and you
can find better ways to bang up against
someone.
LEO (Ju~y 23 - August 22): You’re
inclined to be very critical of someone’s
political values, so why not focus on
your own? In this era of diminishing
resources, we all need to step back
and re-think things. Brainstorming
with friends will help you update your
perspective.
VlRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The sharp edge of your wit is very
much in evidence. Keep it focused
on practical matters and attention to
your own health and well-being. When
tempted to speak of others, make extra
effort to keep it kind and constructive.
L~B~ (September 23 - October
22): There’s always room for selfimprovement,
but don’t beat yourself up
with your faults, which you’re now likely
to exaggerate anyway. A creative focus
for your inner critic could help you to be
more realistic.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November
21): As your brain races around sex,
you may want to look beyond simple
gratification. That has its time and
place, but think seriously about your
relationships and what you’d want to be
doing - and with whom - in 20 years.
SAG!TTARIUS (November 22
- December 20): You will get into
arguments. Stay focused, principled
and respectful. The way you press
your point can earn you a great deal
of respect. Stay clear on details and
graciously accept correction when it’s
appropriate.
CAPRICORN (December 21
- January 19): Take it slow and easy.
Pay attention to details and you’ll have
fewer accidents and arguments at
work. Sex seems a great release for
stress, but is it really? Focus on what’s
important at work and at play.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February
18): You may be losing yourself helping
others, and fun may feel more like work.
An analytic approach to techniques of
craft, sport and/or pleasure reconciles
the latter. Being ruthless and selfish for
a bit is now good for you.
PISCES (February 19 - March
19): Domestic criticisms are nearly
inevitable. Being self-critical will help
keep you out of arguments, but give
yourself credit as well as blame. Your
partner’s shortcomings on that score
are highlighted because of your focus.
If you must say something, be kind and
gentle!
Community for
People iving
with
H R/!A DS
A 50’f c (3) Non t rofit Or~nizadon
Our House, Too offers a variety of
activities for people who are HIV+ and
or living with AIDS to help combat the
social isolation that many of our
people live through each and everyda~:
We provide a Toiletry and Household
Pantry for those "who are HIV+
and or living with AIDS who cannot
afford to purchase these items for
themselves. We invite anyone who
would like to volunteer or provide financial
assistance to please contact
us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail
ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobat.net
112 3 4
~5 6 7 8 9 ~10111213
14
~ 15
17 18 19
66 67 68
69 70 7I
43 Ausmas capital( to Aust ~ans
~ ’Watcha~Liberg~ game h~re
18 Irritating : ,
50 of Seventeefi :
52 :l~i~---~"s home Stat~ (abgr:};
~3 cone Out ~nthe b~a~h
5~ ~Evbr~tt S Monkey Zetterland
58 E~d of the a~eadline ~
52 Adult filly
69 %v0some
70 Second name in cross-dressing
7! Doest" own
31
33 Prefix with
35 In the sack
38 "Lead into temptation"
39 Casey J0n~s, e.g.
40 GOt excited ,
41 Hollinghurst s 7~e Swimming~Pool
42 Edmontons province
45 Many a place near Aspen
46 Ball {vh£ckers, in Ping-Pong
47 U-turn from SSW ~9 Gate design,
1 C. Marlowes tongue
55 Golfer Sam
57 Overhand stroke, for Mauresmo
59 It gets spilled at wild parties
60 Beat it
61 Peruvian native
65 Quit, with "out"
Solution page 26
We :welcome ~[etters fro ers. Shorter letters are more likely to be printed, as are those
that addreks ohly a Singte topiC, Letters are subject to editing for lefigt|i and clarity. In-
ClYde your hO~ addr~s} an~ ~,~time phone fiumber fo~-~;efifidatiDm Send l{~rs to the
4ditor~ pFe ly:~ ii (~iam£ws@sl;cglobal.ndt)~ Le{ters als~ may be mailed (Metro
Stem P~ Box 5~i 7’18, TulSa, IOK 7~ 158)
~wcw.metrostarnews.com ;~8÷troSTAR 25
Stage Performance To
Benefit C arron Alliance
OK~AI-IOMA CITY, OK (PR) __ lheatre
lovers are invited to attend an upcoming
performance of a Carpenter Square Theatre
production with proceeds benefiting the Cimarron
Alliance Foundation.
Carpenter Square’s Thursday, July 2, production
of"The Little Dog Laughed" will benefit Cimarron
and cimarronAP,TS! The show begins at 7:30
p.m. Tickets, at a discount, are $15 and can be
purchased £nline at: CAF
Carpenter Square provides the following
synopsis of tl~e show: Mitchell Green is a handsome
young movie actor who is on the verge of major
stardom. His agent can’t seem to keep him in
the closet due to his "slight recurring case of
homosexuality." And as if that’s not enough, he falls
in love with his most recent "rent boy" and wants
to announce it to the world. Helping him navigate
Holl.~;~vood’s choppy waters, his shark of an agent
Diane does everything she can to keep him away
~?om the rent boy and the rent boy’s girlfriend
(wait, the rent boy has a girlfriend?), but it’s not
smooth sailing.
Ticket sales are limited to 200, so buy )!our
rickets early!
Jamie Fo~
Jul 9, 2009 at BOK Center
Ticket Prices: $69.75 and $59.75
"l~is summer heats tip with a tour from one of the
Imrtest artists to move fi:om the big screen to the
stage. Jamie Foxx begins a summer tour in July and
makes Tulsa one of the first stops.
eridm Idols Live
Jul 24, 2009 at BOK Center Tulsa
Tickets Prices: $69.50, $55.50, $40.50
Fans ofAmerica’s #1 show will once again have the
chance to catch their favorite "Idols" performing
live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from
American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly
anticipated summer tour.
Aerosmith
Ju130, 2009 at BOK Center
AEROSMITH
with ZZ TOP
July 30 @ 7:30pro
Ticket Prices: $129.50, $89.50, $49.50
~EROSMITH--STEVEN TYLER (vocals), JOE
PERRY (guitar), BP4\D ~WHITFORD (guitar),
TOM HAMILTON (bass) and JOEY KP,a~_MER
(drums)--made history last year when Activision
released Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, marldng the
first music-based game built around the legendary
music of Aerosraith.
Kdth Urban
Aug 7, 2009 at BOK Center @ 8:00pm
Keith Urban with Sugarland
Ticket Prices: $77, $47 and $20
Grammy Award winner Keith Urban, one of the
industry’s raost explosive and critic~dly hailed live
acts, will be stopping at the BOK Center on Friday,
August 7th fi~r his "Escape Together ~otld Tour"
together with KC Masterpiece° and Kings~rd°
featuring multi-platinum superstars Sugarland.
Webs#e- www.kylecomics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aol,com
bi~er gir!
2{3 @~:{:~oSTAR July 2009
Support those who support us. Their
A
HABANA INN
2200 NW 39TH ~KESSWAY
Oldakoma City, OK
405-528-2221
wsvw.habanainn.com
KELLY KIRBY, CPA
48 I5 S. I-DYRVARD, SUITE 424
Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466
Certified Public Accountant
ROUTE 66 ANTIQUE MALL
4624 E. ! lth Street
Tulsa OK
918-836-3838
VALERIE WILLIFORD
625 N.W. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
405-226-8585
CONFIDENTIAL CAP~ &
CONSULTATION-OKC
405-326-9652
NATIa~q BLACK
PRIMEP£CA 10820 E. 45th #305
Tulsa. OK
918-615-8177
nblack.rn#39@primerica.com
OKC MORTUARY
2415-C N. "WALNUT AVE.
Olda~oma City, OK
80B-9!3-t310
GARY CORNETT
FUTUPJTY FIRST IN S.
Tulsa. OK
918-688-!360
ads allow us to distribute your community news FREE to you.
THE LEDO
2200 NW 39TH E~RESSWAY
Oklalloma City, OK
405-525-0730
www.habanainn.com
TULSA EAGLE
1338 E. 3RD
Tulsa, OK
918-592-1188
Open 7days week 2pm to 2am
CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS
3131 N. PENN,
OKC, OK 405-525-9555
Service Sunday 10:45 AM
HOPE TESTING CLINIC
3540 E. 31st
Tulsa, OK
800-535-2437
Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline
SPIRIT OF CHRIST MCC
2902 E. 20TH STREET,
Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480
Service Sunday 6pm
MCC UNITED
1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK
918-838-1715
www.nlcctulsa.org
RFAL:ESTATE:
ARMANDO AMOR
Keller Williams Realty
1624 SW !22nd
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405-473-6870
CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE
3627 IxYgg EXPRESSWAY
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-840-2106
www.c21 goldcasde.com
CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE
Keller Williams Realty
Tulsa, OK
918-706-1887
CINDY LOLLIS
Castle Finders Realty
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
OKZAHOMANS for EQUALITY
621 E. 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
918-743-4297
www.okeq.org
OUR HOUSE, TOO
203 N: Nogales Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
918-585-9552
~NG OF MASSAGE
In or Out Calls
Oklahoma City, OK
405-882-6127
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
In Calls Only, N\V OKC
405-822-7378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.cim
ANGLES
2 ! 17 N~V 39th St.
Oklahoma City, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S
wvw:angtesdub.com Tulsa. OK
judygphotos@sbcglobal.net
BAMBOO LOUNGE 918-743-8636
7204 E. PINE
GUSHER’S RESTAURANT
2200 N~V 39TH EXPRESSWAY
Oldahoma City, OK
405-525-0730
Located inside Habana Inn
THE KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City; OK 73112
Located inside the BOOM
THE MARKET PLACE ON 39th
2235 N.W. 39th
Oklah0maCity. OK
405-528-5555
TRA
EURE~ SPRINGS CVB
Eureka Springs, AR
www.eurekasprings.org
Cindy Lolli~
Castle Finders, LLC
Real Estate & Property Management
Owasso, OK 74055
918-697-7406
Armando Amor
Phone: 405-473-6870
Fax: 405-691-2708
BUY GI Joe Action Figures
(12" size Only)
THE
KITCHEN
2218 NW 39th
Oklahoma City, OKC 73112
(405) 801-7200
Open Tues.-Sun 12
Noon ~o 11PM. Featuring
Chef Susie Lopez.
Located inside the "BOOM"
Call
Therapeutic
By licensed professional for Physical
Rehabilitation.
NW OKO near Penn Square
In-Calls only
(405) 822#378
nwokcmassageguy@aol.corn
Tulsa. OK
918-836-8700
~a~vw.bambooloungetulsa.com
CLUB 209
209 N. BOULDER
%lsa, OK
918-584-9944
CLUB MAJESTIC
!24 N. BOSTON
Tulsa, OK
9!8-584-9494
FINISHLINE
~oo NW 59TH EXPreSSWaY
Oklahoma Civ, OK
405-525-2900
~l=,v.habanainn.cona
THE COPA
2200 NW 39TH E~SSWAY
O~om~ Cit~ OK
405-525-0730
x~m,w.habanainn.com
Start building a business
today to supplement your"
income in case of layoff.
High potential commissions.
Excellent instruction.
Set your own hours.
Call NATHAN BLACK
Chuck Breckenridge
Whether buying or selling
I’ll work hard for you.
www.metrostarnews.com ~÷troSTAR 27
28 July 2009
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7
Subject
The topic of the resource
Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics
Description
An account of the resource
The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005).
This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit.
This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Star Media, Ltd
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Star Media, Ltd
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
July 1, 2009
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Image
Online text
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
magazine
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Chaz Ward
Victor Gorin
Greg Steele
James Nimmo
Jeanne Flanigan
Rex Wockner
Gerald Libonati
Michael W. Sasser
Robin Dorner-Townsend
Romeo San Vicente
Andrew Collins
Donald Pile
Ray Williams
Jack Fertig
Devre Jackson
Judy G.
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Southwest Missouri
West Arkansas
Southeast Kansas
Eastern Oklahoma
The United States of America (50 states)
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19
Relation
A related resource
The Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128
The Metro Star Magazine, August 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 8
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/129
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133
Adam Lambert
adoption
California HIV
church
Clara Nipper
cocktail chatter
Comics
commentary
crossword puzzle
Dick Cheney
dining
discrimination
Diversity Business Association
domestic-partnership bill
Don't Ask
Don't Tell
First Thursday
gay police ban
Hillary Clinton
homophobia
international news
Joplin pride
June 2009
Keith Kimmel
Kyle's Bed and Breakfast
legalization of same sex marriage
lesbian Noir
License Plate
MAC cosmetics
Michael Cooper
Miss Gay
National news
Obama
Oklahoma City Rodeo
Oklahoma News
Other Options
Pride Month
pride Parade
Qscopes
R.A.I.N.
Robin Dorner
snap shots
spousal benefits and protection
stage
Star Scene
The Metro Star
travel
Tulsa
Tulsa Pride's Diversity Festival
-
https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ad20efeb17a26adcb09dc5c8e4173cbb.pdf
f114a930b5b0ca5eb8a15548a7f7df81
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Pride Celebrations > 2000 - 2009
Still Image
A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
[2009] Pride Ad
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Oklahomans For Equality
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Oklahomans For Equality
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 6, 2009
Centennial Park - 6th & Peoria
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Oklahomans For Equality
2009 Pride
BBQ Angel
Centennial Park
Eric Himan
Pancake Breakfast
pride Parade