Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida

Palin church promotes converting gays

BY RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Gov. Sarah Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer.

"You'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality," according to the insert in the bulletin of the Wasilla Bible Church, where Palin has prayed for about six years.

Palin's conservative Christian views have energized that part of the GOP electorate, which was lukewarm to John McCain's candidacy before he named her as his vice presidential choice. She is staunchly anti-abortion, opposing exceptions for rape and incest, and opposes gay marriage and spousal rights for gay couples.

Focus on the Family, a national Christian fundamentalist organization, is conducting the "Love Won Out" Conference in Anchorage, about 30 miles from Wasilla.

Palin, campaigning with McCain in the Midwest on Friday, has not publicly expressed a view on the so-called "pray away the gay" movement. Larry Kroon, senior pastor at Palin's church, was not available to discuss the matter Friday, said a church worker who declined to give her name.

Gay activists in Alaska said Palin has not worked actively against their interests, but early in her administration she supported a bill to overrule a court decision to block state benefits for gay partners of public employees. At the time, less than one-half of 1 percent of state employees had applied for the benefits, which were ordered by a 2005 ruling by the Alaska Supreme Court.

Palin reversed her position and vetoed the bill after the state attorney general said it was unconstitutional. But her reluctant support didn't win fans among Alaska's gay population, said Scott Turner, a gay activist in Anchorage.

"Less than 1 percent of state employees would even apply for benefits, so why make a big deal out of such a small number?" he said.

"I think gay Republicans are going to run away" if Palin supports efforts like the prayers to convert gays, said Wayne Besen, founder of the New York-based Truth Wins Out, a gay rights advocacy group. Besen called on Palin to publicly express her views now that she's a vice presidential nominee.

"People are looking at Sarah Palin as someone who might feasibly be in the White House," he said.

Gay marriage opens new chapters on good manners

BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com

Two beautiful, meant-to-be-together souls become one.

Two hearts. One promise.

Partners in life and love . . .

With gay marriage a reality in two states, Hallmark Cards has made it easier for those wanting to send the very best to Mr. & Mr. California or Mrs. & Mrs. Massachusetts.

''It's a wonderful thing for people who don't know how to pen those words,'' said Dear Abby herself, Jeanne Phillips, who often hears from confused readers wanting to know the proper way to address gay and lesbian partners, how same-sex couples manage to procreate, and which gender pronoun to use when a co-worker has transitioned to another sex.

''You'd be amazed where I get [these questions] from,'' Phillips said. ``My doctor called me once. He said his wife's niece was being married to another woman. They were giving a shower and they didn't know who to list first.

'You know what I said? `Call them and ask.' He laughed and said that's why you do what you do.''

Hallmark's line of gay-oriented greeting cards will soon launch in dozens of franchise Gold Crown stores and Walgreens, company spokeswoman Sarah Kolell said from headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.

''We are just in the very, very, very beginning,'' Kolell said. ``The cards are part of a larger revision. Across the country, there's about 40 stores now that are getting the revision.''

MEETING RESISTANCE

It's up to individual franchises whether to sell the gay merchandise. ''Eventually, all the Gold Crown stores will have the option to carry these cards,'' Kolell said.

Several franchisees in smaller markets have already said they won't carry the cards. And the American Family Association based in Tupelo, Miss., has called for a Hallmark boycott. ''Ask them to stop promoting a lifestyle that is not only unhealthy, but is also illegal in 48 states,'' according to an association member alert.

Kolell said Hallmark, which began offering same-sex and opposite-sex domestic-partner benefits to employees in 2005, was prepared for a backlash.

''The line was announced in response to a consumer need,'' she said. ``It's not a political statement. We knew it was a sensitive issue.''

Dear Abby says the protests demonstrate exactly why the cards are needed.

''I wish the self-righteous would not inflict their feelings on others,'' said Phillips, who succeeded her mother Pauline as syndicated advice columnist ''Abigail Van Buren'' in 2002. ``People who don't want to buy those cards -- and don't know any gay people -- they're free to not buy them.''

Phillips supports gay marriage and relishes her opportunity to touch millions of readers. She recalls when her mom began writing the column a half-century ago:

'They didn't even use the `H' word (homosexual). My mother was the first to put it in her column,'' Phillips said. ``Honey, this wasn't talked about. They might whisper about it, but they sure didn't have it in a family newspaper. In those days, it wasn't equal treatment, it was about compassion. Now, it sounds a little patronizing to say the word. It's all a progression you know.''

MAKING REVISIONS

Things have moved so quickly that Steven Petrow (pictured), former president of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, is busy revising his 1995 guide, The Essential Book of Gay Manners & Etiquette.

''When I did the original edition of Gay Etiquette, it was really clear that the purpose was not to skate rules, but to help people in circumstances and situations when they don't know,'' Petrow said. ``It's a guide to make people comfortable.''

Petrow said his book addresses ``the ins and outs of marriage, divorce, adoption.''

'If I hear one more time, `Where did your baby come from? Who is the father?' It's as if the parenting partner is not the father. And the whole gender pronoun thing is so confusing: When does he become she and she become he?''

Another hot topic: What to call a gay person's legally wed partner?

''A lot of gay people are uncomfortable referring to a spouse as a husband or a wife. I know married couples having a tough time wrapping themselves around those words,'' Petrow said. 'And think of straight people: `We're going out with the husbands.' ''

Petrow, a former executive editor of Time Inc., believes ``a lot about etiquette is about language, and language is how we convey our values.''

Dan Savage, whose edgy advice column appears online and is syndicated in alternative newspapers, said he also gets ``these really sweet letters from straight people who want to do the right thing.''

Straight people are not the only ones adjusting to modern gay etiquette. Many gay men and lesbians are, too.

''When we got married we felt ridiculous,'' said Savage, who years ago wed his male partner in a private commitment ceremony. ``When I see two women at the altar in two extravagant Cinderella gowns, it seems a little off. Or two men in tuxes.''

COMMERCIALIZATION

He fears ``the marital industrial complex is going to try to grind us down and our rituals will be subjected to the same banalification that heterosexual rituals have been subjected to. There is money to be made.''

Hallmark's move suggests to Savage that gay people have fully arrived.

''That's it. We win. Game over,'' he said. 'What Hallmark should do is create a line of cards for people being boycotted. `Congratulations, you're being boycotted by the American Family Association. You're doing something right.' ''

Photo 1: Actress Portia de Rossi, left, and television personality Ellen DeGeneres married last month in California. CHRIS WEEKS / AP

Gay-oriented Safe Schools South Florida: Don't cut TRUST counselors to save money

Message from Safe Schools South Florida:

Dear Friend of SSSF,

Our students cannot afford to lose their TRUST!

Miami-Dade County School Board is under pressure to make significant budget cuts and have set their sights on our student's first line of defense against bullying and harassment. For years now, TRUST (To Reach Ultimate Success Together) Counselors in Miami-Dade have worked tirelessly to keep all students safe.

At an August 28th budgetary committee meeting, Miami-Dade County School Board members placed the elimination of the TRUST Counselor program on the list of considered abudget cuts. While this item has been taken off the official agenda for next week's School Board meeting, the program is still in jeopardy and needs your support.
Tell the School Board to keep our TRUST counselors! http://ga4.org/campaign/TRUSTcounselors

We know that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender youth are among those who are most often the targets of bullying and harassment. The TRUST Counselor Program provides award-winning peer counseling programs that that have proven effective in changing the culture of entire schools. Combined with their serving as sponsors of GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances), the TRUST program has become essential in the effort to keep Miami-Dade Public Schools safe for all students.

Write your school board members TODAY http://ga4.org/campaign/TRUSTcounselors and ask them to support our TRUST counselors and keep our schools safe!

Sincerely,

Safe Schools South Florida

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Safe Schools South Florida (formerly GLSEN South Florida) is a 501c3 non-profit agency committed to making schools safe for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We train educators to recognize and address anti-gay bullying. We empower youth by supporting GSAs and holding annual GSA conferences. We educate the public through a speakers bureau and we monitor the success of our efforts through research and surveys. We rely on grants and donations from people who are concerned about children and education. For information about Safe Schools South Florida, our events, or to make a tax-deductible contribution please visit www.SafeSchoolsSouthFlorida.org  or email us at safe@safeschoolssouthflorida.org or call 954-771-4799.

Jennifer Holliday to perform at White Party AIDS fundraiser

News release:

The original "Dreamgirl", Jennifer Holliday has been proclaimed by both critics and fans alike as one of history’s greatest Broadway legends. Miss Holliday’s show-stopping, heart-wrenching performance of the torch ballad “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going” in the smash hit Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, made her a household name and introduced her big soulful voice to the world.

Don' miss her exciting performance this year at the 24th Annual White Party at Villa Vizcaya on Saturday, November 29, 2008. Purchase your tickets today at the White Party Week Ticket Center.

---

Now is the time to make your plans for the 24th Annual White Party week as all passes and tickets will go on sale, Monday, September 1st  with special discounts available for a limited time on select pass purchases.

Tickets are on sale now for the 24th Annual White Party at Vizcaya, Gods of War Leather Ball, Poseidon's Muscle Beach, Heatwave Pool Party, White Dreams - A Night with Eros, Noche Blanca - The Power of Zeus, Helio's White Horizons, and more. Visit the White Party Week Ticket Center by clicking the link above!

Family Research Council: Gov. Palin a pro-family, pro-life champion

FRC news release:

St. Paul, MN - Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding Senator John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate:

"Senator McCain made an outstanding pick from the choices that were on the table. Governor Sarah Palin is an outspoken advocate for pro-family policies that energize social conservatives. She has a record of advancing the culture of life at every opportunity including championing a ban on partial-birth abortion and promoting parental consent for minor abortions.

"On February 11th of this year, for example, she signed into law the 'Safe Haven for Infants Act,' facilitating the safe surrender of an unwanted newborn to a place of safety and hope. Her actions contrasts sharply with the Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who when he was in the Illinois Senate repeatedly helped to kill a bill that sought to protect babies who survived abortion."

"She has also lived out her personal beliefs. Earlier this year, Governor Palin and her husband welcomed the birth of their fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin. During the pregnancy, they learned that Trig would be born with Down's syndrome. In an era when over 80 percent of Down's syndrome babies are aborted, the Palins feel they have been extremely blessed by God to raise 'an absolutely perfect' son. Governor Palin continues to use her testimony to advance protections for unborn children.

"Governor Palin also believes that marriage is between one man and one woman. In a speech in 2006, she expressed her disappointment in an Alaskan Supreme Court ruling ordering that the state provide benefits to same-sex partners. 'I disagree with the recent court decision because I feel as though Alaskans spoke on this issue with its overwhelming support for a Constitutional Amendment in 1998 which defined marriage as between a man and woman."

HRC: McCain picks little-known, anti-gay governor as VP

HRC news release:

“America may not know much about Sarah Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. 

WASHINGTON – Today, presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain announced he has chosen first term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his choice to be his Vice Presidential running mate.  Although only holding an executive, state-wide office for less than two years, Gov. Palin has already shown that she is a fierce opponent of equality.

“America may not know much about Sarah Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Sarah Palin not only supported the 1998 Alaska constitutional amendment banning marriage equality but, in her less than two years as Governor, even expressed the extreme position of supporting stripping away domestic partner benefits for state workers.  When you can’t even support giving our community the rights to health insurance and pension benefits, it’s a frightening window into where she stands on equality.”

When asked about the right-wing’s reaction to the choice of Gov Palin, the New York Times quoted Ralph Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition as saying, “They’re beyond ecstatic”.

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Highlights of Governor Palin’s Anti-Equality Record

· Prior to being elected governor, Palin supported the 1998 constitutional amendment barring marriage for same-sex couples and has said she would support a ballot measure overturning a state supreme court decision mandating benefits for domestic partners of state employees

· She is close to “traditional values” groups, like Family Research Council, because she is strongly anti-choice

Marriage and Relationship Recognition

· Palin told the Anchorage Daily News that she supported the 1998 constitutional amendment on marriage.

· In addition, she told the Daily News that she would support a ballot question that would deny benefits to the domestic partners of public employees, which were ordered by an October 2005 decision of the Alaska Supreme Court, because, she said “honoring the family structure is that important." http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/elections/governor06/story/8049298p-7942233c.html

· While she followed the Court’s decision and he also signed legislation –her first legislative act as Governor of Alaska—to put the issue on the April 2007 ballot for a nonbinding advisory vote.  This was the only issue on the ballot and that election cost the state taxpayers $1.2 million.  This measure passed, but the legislature did not follow the public’s advice and it chose not to take any further action to overturn the court’s decision. 

· She did, however, veto legislation passed by the state legislature in 2006 that would have prohibited providing DP benefits to state workers, in defiance of the Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling.  She did this after the Supreme Court had already ruled and the Attorney General (Republican) advised her that the legislation was unconstitutional.  Palin went on to state that, as a matter of policy, she was in favor of the bill.

Ties to Anti-LGBT Groups

· She will be honored alongside anti-gay Representative Michelle Bachman (R-MN) at an event at the 2008 Republican Convention, the “Life of the Party,” sponsored in part by long-time opponent of GLBT rights, Phyllis Schlafly.

HRC's gay-oriented Obama campaign video

Produced by HRC:

In New York City, new HIV infections 3 times national rate

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- New data show New York City residents are contracting the virus that causes AIDS at three times the national rate.

The city health department said Wednesday that almost 4,800 New Yorkers were infected with HIV in 2006. That number represents 72 of every 100,000 residents, compared to a national rate of 23 per 100,000.

The figures pinpoint when people became infected with the virus, not just when they were diagnosed.

Health officials attribute the city's relatively high rate of new infections to its large populations of gay men, blacks and other groups on whom HIV has traditionally taken a heavy toll.

Assistant health commissioner Dr. Monica Sweeney says the figures underscore the continued need to promote HIV testing and prevention.

Clinton speaks of 'an America defined by deep and meaningful equality, from civil rights to labor rights, from women's rights to gay rights'

By DAVID LIGHTMAN AND MARGARET TALEV, McClatchy Newspapers

DENVER -- Sen. Hillary Clinton on Tuesday turned the second day of the Democratic National Convention into a celebration of her historic presidential campaign as a breakthrough for women, but she left no doubt that she's solidly behind Barack Obama as her party's nominee for the presidency.

After a video tribute to her long campaign against Obama for the nomination, Clinton walked onstage, introduced by her daughter, Chelsea, who called her "my hero and my mother." Together they faced a sea of waving white signs scrawled with the word "Hillary" in blue.

Clinton told everyone unequivocally: "I'm here tonight as a proud mother, as a proud Democrat, as a proud senator from New York, a proud American and a proud supporter of Barack Obama. . . . Whether you voted for me or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines."

"No way. No how. No McCain," she said as people roared. "Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our president."

She thanked her supporters, whom she called "my champions - my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits. You never gave in. You never gave up. And together we made history."

Her speech gave the convention an emotional lift after a desultory second day of speeches by a parade of Democratic politicians.

Shannon DeRubens, a Seattle stay-at-home mother, called Clinton's speech "amazing" and said it helped move her closer to embracing Obama. "I am still looking for the Obama experience Thursday night," she said, when the Illinois senator will make his acceptance speech.

Linda Mitchell, the president of the Washington state National Women's Political Caucus, agreed. "We knew what was coming in Senator Clinton's speech," Mitchell said. "Did it bring closure? No. We need to save some tears for tomorrow," when former President Bill Clinton will speak.

As Clinton moved into the heart of her message Tuesday night, women young and old sat intently, as though they were seeing the coda to a chapter of American history. Bill Clinton watched from a club level box, his hands in a triangle over his mouth, a serious look on his face.

Hillary Clinton clasped her hands, as though in prayer, as she talked about the fight for "an America defined by deep and meaningful equality, from civil rights to labor rights, from women's rights to gay rights."

Obama watched the speech in Billings, Mont., with Eran Thompson, 32, a field organizer for the Montana campaign, and his wife, Carlee.

After Clinton spoke, Obama said: "That was excellent. That was a strong speech. She made the case for why we're going to be unified in November and why we're going to win this election. I thought she was outstanding."

After leaving the house party, Obama called and talked for several minutes with Clinton, telling her how grateful he was for her support, that she gave a terrific speech and that all those whom he'd watched with in Billings were moved by her video and the introduction from Chelsea Clinton. He also said he loved her line, "No way. No how. No McCain."

He spoke with Bill Clinton for several minutes, too, saying that Hillary Clinton couldn't have been better and had made the case for change. He said he knew how proud Bill Clinton must have been as he watched her, as he'd been Monday night watching his wife, Michelle, speak, and how grateful he was for their support.

Obama heard Hillary Clinton tie his White House bid to her husband's presidency in her address.

Obama, his former rival said, will "meet the global challenges of our time. Democrats know how to do this," she said. "As I recall, President Clinton and the Democrats did it before. And President Obama and the Democrats will do it again."

Up went vertical blue signs that said "Unity." From the Alaska delegation in one corner to South Carolina in the other, they bobbed.

"We are Americans," Clinton told them. "We're not big on quitting. But remember, before we can keep going, we've got to get going by electing Barack Obama the next president of the United States."

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, the convention's keynote speaker, tried to hammer home that message earlier, warning that Republican rival John McCain "promises more of the same. A plan that would explode the deficit that will be passed on to our kids. No real strategy to invest in our crumbling infrastructure.

"And he would continue spending $10 billion a month" in Iraq, which Warner, who's a strong favorite to win a U.S. Senate seat from Virginia this fall, said America no longer could afford.

Warner's speech detailed the party's positions on health care, education and opportunity, and he closed with a quote from his fellow Virginian, Thomas Jefferson.

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past," Jefferson wrote to his onetime rival, John Adams of Massachusetts, toward the end of their lives.

"Jefferson got it right at the dawn of the 19th century, and it's our challenge to get it right at the dawn of the 21st," Warner said. "This race is all about the future. That's why we must elect Barack Obama as our next president."

Warner was received politely, but Clinton was clearly the evening's main event.

"I've loved her for years," said Carolyn Covington, a retired teacher from Palmer, Alaska. "But I'm going to be out there rooting for Obama."

The quest for harmony will continue Wednesday, when the featured prime-time speaker is Bill Clinton, who'd implicitly suggested earlier Tuesday that Obama may be a weak candidate.

"Suppose you're a voter, and you've got candidate X and candidate Y. Candidate X agrees with you on everything, but you don't think that candidate can deliver on anything at all," Clinton asked. "Candidate Y you agree with on about half the issues, but he can deliver.

"Which candidate are you going to vote for?"

The former president quickly added, "This has nothing to do with what's going on now."

Hillary Clinton connected with Michelle Obama backstage earlier Tuesday at an event sponsored by EMILY's List, a group that recruits and funds female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights.

"Senator Clinton congratulated her on her speech and Michelle wished her good luck tonight," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Delegates were confused about how a roll call of the states will proceed Wednesday. The Clinton and Obama camps were discussing a deal in which some states would cast votes on the convention floor in prime time, then Clinton or a supporter would move to make the Obama nomination unanimous.

Some delegates indicated that they'd be upset if they couldn't vote for her.

"Basically, the primary was a tie," said Margaret Haynes, a real estate broker from Wilmington, N.C.

"We know how we're going to leave here, but it's still important that women have made this progress. . . . If we're disenfranchised from casting a vote for Hillary Clinton, it will be very difficult to feel a part of a unified process."

Political pros were more optimistic, and put particular emphasis on getting women behind Obama.

"How can we be mad? They're us," said Eleanor Smeal, the president of the Feminist Majority Foundation and a Clinton supporter. And they have a common goal, Smeal added: a better, fairer economy.

(Talev reported from Billings, Mont.. Jim Morrill of The Charlotte Observer contributed to this report from Denver.)

Ron Edmonds / AP Photo

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., addresses the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008.

Video | Florida Red & Blue launches TV ad to right Amendment 2

Florida Red & Blue news release:

Florida Red & Blue, the bi-partisan, statewide organization running the SayNo2 campaign, takes to the airwaves with its first commercial, which highlights Democratic opposition to Amendment 2, the so-called “Florida Marriage Protection Amendment.” 

The 30 second ad will air on cable systems throughout Florida during televised coverage of the Democratic National Convention.

“Wanting to protect the rights and benefits of Floridians or keep government out of our lives isn’t partisan.” said Derek Newton, Florida Red & Blue campaign manager.  “With this ad we want to make sure Florida Democrats know leaders in the Democratic Party are united in opposition to Amendment 2.”

For more information on Florida Red & Blue's SayNo2 campaign, visit www.SayNo2.com.

Gay reader 'shocked and disappointed' singer Daddy Yankee endorsed McCain

Here's an e-mail I got today from David L. Wylie, senior editor of www.gaysofla.com:

Steve,

I was shocked and disappointed to read that Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee is endorsing [John McCain].  I hope you'll consider reprinted an article we posted about a group of young influential Latinos who have written an open letter of support for Obama, primarily because of the Democratic Nominee's stance on immigration and his support for LGBT equality.

The following is the link:

http://www.gaysofla.com/content/view/248/51/

We hope that this open letter will help young gay Latinos look past shallow'superstar' endorsements and seriously consider the real issues that could adversely affect them.

Regards,
David L. Wylie
Senior Editor
www.gaysofla.com

Latino LGBT Leaders Throw Support to Obama

Written by David L. Wylie

Actor Wilson Cruz and GaySoFla.com Associate Editor Geo Bustamante have joined dozens of prominent Latinos in endorsing Senator Obama for President of the United States. In an open letter to members of the LGBT Latino community, the group cites Obama’s consistent overtures of support to both the immigrant and gay communities. The following is the letter in its entirety.

LGBT LATINOS FOR OBAMA
CONTACTS:
Gloria Nieto & Andres Duque
lgbt.latinos4obama@gmail.com

An Open Letter to the Latino LGBT community:

Like many of you out there, we are thrilled at the opportunity to bring meaningful and lasting change to the White House by exercising our right to vote during this historic presidential election.
As LGBT Latinos and Latinas who happen to be immigrants or descendants from immigrant families we are sick and tired of seeing our lives and values be misrepresented by those who seek to drive wedges in our communities as a means to split our vote and gain power through division.
We saw it when the right wing used same-sex marriage to rile up the conservative vote for President George W. Bush and we are seeing it again with immigration being blamed as the source for all the nation’s ills.
We know that these are the politics of fear and that those same politics only served to elect one of the worst presidents in US history.
This is why we believe that, in this presidential election, there is one clear choice.
BARACK OBAMA
On the LGBT community: Senator Obama continues to include us in his speeches without prompting or regardless of his audience. He has spoken of his desire to lead all Americans - and has specifically mentioned the LGBT community as being part of his vision of America - during the televised primary debates as well as during presentations in African-American churches as well as Latino gatherings in California.
Senator Obama has said that he supports gender inclusion in a federal bill that would ban discrimination against our communities (as has Senator Hillary Clinton), but, unlike Clinton, he has also said he would repeal ALL of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), signed into law by President Bill Clinton, which allows states to discriminate against same-sex couples by only recognizing partnerships between a man and a woman (Clinton has said that she would only repeal part of the bill).
On immigration: At a time when even “respected” news media such as CNN use immigration bashing in order to drive up ratings and the Republican presidential candidates try to outdo each other in anti-immigrant fervor, we have been moved by Senator Obama’s consistent overtures to immigrant communities, his rejection of using immigrants as a scapegoat and his efforts to shatter stereotypes that African-American communities won’t stand up for immigrants or that Latinos will not vote for a black presidential candidate.
Unfortunately we have been dismayed by the efforts of some Clinton campaign associates to play down the importance of the African-American vote for Obama in South Carolina and other states in which the Illinois Senator has carried the African-American vote by wide margins – and won the states; and by comments from Latino pollster Sergio Bendixen implying that Latinos will not vote for Obama because of his skin color.
Economic tensions do exist between different communities of color, particularly at a time when the economy seems to be heading into a recession which might disproportionally affect our communities. But we need a president that will do his or her best to address the issues that are driving down this economy and not a president that will take advantage of those tensions for political gain.
We believe that the right person for the job is Senator Obama.
He offers a true vision of hope, a vision that values every single person who lives in the United States and not just an elite few.
A vote for Senator Obama provides an opportunity to change our country’s values and embrace our strengths and diversity - and to turn back the onslaught of hate and discrimination we have seen over the last eight years.
For that reason, we would like to ask you to ad your signature to this letter and to simply say:
“We step forward to claim our voice as LGBT Latinos in support of Barack Obama for United States President.”

• Wilson Cruz, Los Angeles, CA
• Chris Aguilar Garcia, Los Angeles, CA
• Noel Alicea, New York, NY
• Miguel Ayala, Washington, DC
• Tita Berger, Albuquerque, NM
• Geo Bustamante, Associate Editor, Gaysofla.com, Miami, FL
• W. Brandon Lacy Campos, Minneapolis, MN
• Pedro Chavez, Los Angeles, CA
• Andres Duque, Queens, NY
• Gael Guevara, New York, NY
• Lorenzo Herrera y Lozano, Austin, TX
• Jorge Irizarry, J.D., Bronx, NY
• Wilfred Labiosa, Boston, MA
• Roberto Martinez,Brooklyn, NY
• Gloria Nieto, San Jose, CA
• Juan Ortíz, Raleigh, NC
• Patricia Marie Perea, Albuquerque, NM
• Felicia A. Ramos, Chicago, IL
• Martha Ramos Duffer, Psy.D., Austin, TX
• Omar Robinson-Rodriquez, Atlanta, GA
• Annette Marie Rodriguez, Albuquerque, NM

Regent Media finalizes acquisition of Advocate, Out, other PlanetOut entities

News release:

Regent Media Launches Video Broadcasting on Advocate.com Featuring In-Depth Reports from the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Los Angeles -- Stephen P. Jarchow and Paul Colichman, Chairman and President of Regent Media, announced their company has completed the acquisition of PlanetOut’s publishing properties.  The properties include PlanetOut’s two flagship brands: The Advocate, the world’s leading LGBT news source, and Out, the world’s leading LGBT fashion and style source.  Additionally, Regent Media purchased The Out Traveler, the world’s leading LGBT travel source, and Alyson Books, the world’s leading LGBT book publisher. The brand’s corresponding web properties – advocate.com, out.com, outtraveler.com and Alyson.com - were also included in Regent Media’s acquisition. 

“Regent Media now owns the best-known and most respected brands in the gay and lesbian marketplace.  Our brands signify the highest quality content for the LGBT community via television, magazines, books and the web,” said Jarchow and Colichman.  “These seminal properties will continue to document and to enrich the culture and history of our nation.”

The Regent Media brands now include: here! Networks, heretv.com, here! Films, here! Home Entertainment, here! Tunes, The Advocate, advocate.com, Out, out.com, The Out Traveler, outtraveler.com, HIV Plus, hivplusmag.com, Alyson Books, alyson.com and Gaywired Media, which encompasses entertainment and lifestyle sites gaywired.com, shewired.com and gaysports.com.

As part of the ongoing re-launch of advocate.com, The Advocate news team will cover the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with its inaugural video news broadcasts. Advocate.com’s DNC news team includes veteran broadcast journalist James Hattori, as well as The Advocate news editors Kerry Eleveld and Sean Kennedy. Hattori is best known for his work as a senior correspondent with CBS, NBC and CNN.

“Advocate.com will proudly provide a unique perspective on the events of the DNC,” said Jon Barrett, Editor in Chief of The Advocate and advocate.com. “No other organization can serve our community with such an extraordinary level of resources and experience. Simply put, we are the best team in gay news.”

Colichman and Jarchow jointly supervise the various divisions of Regent Media.  Through their companies they have produced such films as the Academy Award-winning Gods & Monsters and Academy Award-nominated Tom & Viv. Their original television series include the entire here! production slate: Dante’s Cove, Paradise Falls, The Lair, The Donald Strachey Mysteries, The DL Chronicles and the annual Ribbon of Hope Celebration.

About Regent Media

Formed in 2008 by Regent Entertainment co-founders Paul Colichman and Stephen P. Jarchow, Regent Media is the world’s most dynamic multi-platform niche media company. The company includes here! Networks, America’s premium gay and lesbian television network airing in 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets, including every top ten market. Regent Media also publishes America’s best known magazines and books for the gay and lesbian market with brands including The Advocate, Out, The Out Traveler and HIV Plus, as well as the Alyson Books publishing division. Regent Media’s online presence incorporates the award-winning Advocate.com, Out.com, OutTraveler.com and Gaywired.com. The company boasts a dynamic and diverse staff in Los Angeles and New York, as well as a portfolio of media properties rich in cultural significance, history, entertainment, fashion and stunning imagery. For more information on Regent Media and its brands, log on to www.regentmedia.com.

Gay-rights group HRC declares Biden 'a proven and effective advocate for fairness and equality'

News release:

HRC President Hails Biden as “A Proven and Effective Advocate for Fairness and Equality”

WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, hailed the presumptive Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama’s selection of Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential running mate.  During his career in Congress, Senator Biden has a proven record of fighting for and supporting issues of fairness and equality. 

“In selecting Senator Joe Biden as his running mate, Senator Obama has chosen a proven and effective advocate for fairness and equality that our entire community can be proud of,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “Senator Biden’s record in the United States Senate is one of support and understanding that has been unwavering throughout his career.”

Recently, Senator Biden, as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, played an instrumental role in securing the passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), legislation which included Senator John Kerry and Senator Gordon Smith’s provision repealing the discriminatory HIV travel and immigration ban.  His working across the aisle guaranteed that the Kerry-Smith provision was adopted.  Furthermore, when opponents of the provision attempted to garner support to strip the provision from the bill, Senator Biden fought to keep the provision in the bill and helped secure the votes for PEPFAR'S final passage.

“We only need to look back to the recent passage of the repeal of the HIV travel and immigration ban to see the type of leadership we can expect from Senator Biden on the issues important to our community,” continued Solmonese.  “It was because of his determination and tenacity that we were able to see this relic of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS torn down.”

“If the support Senator Biden has proven on our issues is any indication of the type of Vice President he will be than our community can be assured that Senator Obama has chosen a thoughtful and staunch advocate for equality as his closest adviser,” concluded Solmonese.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

- 30 -

Highlights of Senator Joe Biden’s Record of Support for the GLBT Community

101st Congress (1989-1990): Overall Scorecard Rating 90%

102nd Congress (1991-1992):  Overall Scorecard Rating 91%

103rd Congress (1993-1994):  Overall Scorecard Rating 89%

104th Congress (1995-1996):  Overall Scorecard Rating 78%

105th Congress (1997-1998):  Overall Scorecard Rating 83%

106th Congress (1999-2000): Overall Scorecard Rating 86%

107th Congress (2001-2002):  Overall Scorecard Rating 100%

108th Congress (2003-2004):  Overall Scorecard Rating 63%

109th Congress (2005-2006):  Overall Scorecard Rating 78%

●  Helms Amendment – Hate Crimes Statistics Act (February 8, 1990). Senator Helms offered an amendment to a hate crimes statistics bill (S. AMDT. 1251 to S. 419) stating that “the homosexual movement threatens the strength and survival of the American family” and that “state sodomy laws should be enforced.”  The Helms amendment failed 19-77 (Record Vote No. 12).  HRC opposed this amendment.  Biden also opposed it.

●  District of Columbia’s Health Care Benefits Expansion Act (July 30, 1992). Senator Brock Adams (D-WA) offered a procedural motion to block attempts to repeal the District of Columbia’s Health Care Benefits Expansion Act, a measure adopted by the D.C. Council to provide D.C. government employees the opportunity to purchase health care coverage for their domestic partners.  The motion failed 41-51 and implementation of the D.C. law was subsequently prohibited by Congress.  HRC supported this motion.  Biden also supported it.

●  Justice Clarence Thomas Confirmation (October 15, 1991).
The Senate voted on President George H.W. Bush’s nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Senate confirmed his nomination 52-48 (Record Vote No. 220).  HRC opposed this nomination.  Biden also opposed it.

●  Hate Crimes Sentencing Enhancement (November 4, 1993).
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) offered an amendment to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1993 (S. AMDT. 1097 to S. 1607) to increase penalties for federal crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation and other characteristics.  The Feinstein Amendment was the first piece of federal legislation to provide protection on the basis of sexual orientation.  The amendment passed 95-4 (Record Vote No. 351).  HRC supported this amendment.  Biden also supported it.

●  Codification of the Ban on Gays and Lesbians in the Military (September 9, 1993). Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 1994 (S. AMDT. 783 to S. 1298) to prevent codification of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on lesbians and gays in the military.  The amendment failed 33-63 (Record Vote No. 250).  HRC supported this amendment.  Biden also supported it.

●  District of Columbia’s Domestic Partners Ordinance (July 27, 1993).
An amendment was offered to allow the District of Columbia to implement its ordinance allowing unmarried couples or partners to register with the D.C. government, making them eligible for group health insurance offered to D.C. government employees for a higher premium.  It failed 43-55 (Record Vote No. 217).  HRC supported this amendment.  Biden also supported it.

●  Employment Non-Discrimination Act (September 10, 1996).
In its first test in Congress, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (S. 932), which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, came within one vote of passage in the Senate.  Senator David Pryor (D-AR), who supported ENDA, missed the vote for a family emergency.  The bill failed 49-50 (Record Vote No. 281).  HRC supported this bill.  Biden also supported it.

●  Hate Crimes Amendment to Defense Authorization (June 20, 2000).
Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduced the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, renamed the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, as an amendment to the fiscal year 2001 defense authorization bill (S. AMDT. 3473 to S. 2549).  The Kennedy-Smith amendment would extend basic hate crime protections to all Americans in all communities by adding real or perceived sexual orientation, gender and disability to the categories covered and by removing the federally protected activity requirement.  This amendment was overwhelmingly approved 57-42 (Record Vote No. 136).  HRC supported this amendment.  Biden also supported it.

●  Federal Marriage Amendment (July 14, 2004). The Federal Marriage Amendment (S.J. Res 40), introduced in the Senate by Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO), would have enshrined discrimination into the U.S. Constitution by defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman and prohibiting federal and state laws from conferring same-sex couples with marital status and “the legal incidents thereof,” thereby endangering civil unions and domestic partnership benefits.  The amendment needed a two-thirds majority (67) to be passed in the Senate and a three-fifths majority (60) to proceed to a vote on the amendment (cloture).  The cloture motion failed 48-50 (Record Vote No. 155).  HRC opposed this cloture motion.  Biden also opposed it.

●  Federal Marriage Amendment (June 7, 2006). The Marriage Protection Amendment (formerly called the Federal Marriage Amendment) (S.J. Res. 1) would have enshrined discrimination into the U.S. Constitution by defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman and prohibiting federal and state laws from conferring same-sex couples with marital status and “the legal incidents thereof.”  The amendment would thereby endanger civil unions and domestic partnership benefits.  The amendment failed by a vote of 49-48, falling 11 votes short of the 60 necessary to invoke cloture, a procedural motion to advance to a vote on the substance of the bill (Record Vote No. 163).  The amendment would have needed 67 votes (two-thirds majority) to pass.  HRC opposed this amendment.  Biden also opposed it.

●  Justice Samuel Alito Confirmation (January 31, 2006). The Senate voted on President W. Bush’s nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Senate confirmed his nomination 58-42 (Record Vote No. 2).  HRC opposed this nomination.  Biden also opposed it.
●  Judge William Pryor Confirmation (June 9, 2005). The Senate voted on President Bush’s nomination of Judge William Pryor to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Senate confirmed his nomination 53-45 (Record Vote No. 133).  HRC opposed this nomination.  Biden also opposed it.

AIDS Memorial Quilt panels coming to Fort Lauderdale in September

Here's a message from Jodi Ihme, president of Names Project South Florida:

The NAMES Project South Florida Chapter of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be showing over 300 12 x 12 foot sections beginning the week of September 8^th and continuing thru December5th 2008. The majority of these sections will be displayed during the NMAC conference being held at the Broward Convention Center Sept 18^th-20^th,.

6 hotels along 17^th street causeway and Ft.Lauderdale beach have requested Quilt to be hung in their lobby during this time. Additional displays are being scheduled for both Miami International Airport and the Ft.Lauderdale Airport. After the conference a portion the display will continue to the Galleria Mall for display and WPB Compass in observance of World AIDS Day. We are in need of volunteers to help inventory, hang in the hotels and pack up for transport to other destinations and displays after the conference. We will be hosting a volunteer training on Saturday September 13 from 1 – 3PM at the GLCC 1717 N Andrews Ave. If you are available and would like to help please contact Jodi at our web site www.namesprojectsouthflorida.org or e-mail panels123@aol.com, We can also be reached at 954-599-7782. Please leave your contact information and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Gay journalists announce award winners Saturday at Washington conference

I've been blogging since Wednesday from Washington, D.C., where I'm attending the annual National Lesbian & Gay Journalists (NLGJA) conference. Here's today's news release about this year's award-winning journalists:

NLGJA Announces Excellence in Journalism Awards & 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

Washington, DC - As the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) kicked off "NLGJA Goes to Washington," its 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, it presented the first of its Excellence in Journalism Awards.

Winners and honorees in ten categories will be announced as part of the convention, which is taking place August 21-24 at Washington, D.C.'s Hilton Washington Hotel.

NLGJA will also announce the induction of two new members of its LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame. Philadelphia Inquirer Metro Reporter Gail Shister and writer Richard Goldstein join a list of pioneering lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) journalists that includes NLGJA founder Leroy F. Aarons, filmmaker Marlon Riggs and journalists Barbara Gittings and Kay Tobin Lahusen.

2008 Excellence in Journalism Awards

NLGJA's Excellence in Journalism Awards were established in 1993 to foster, recognize and reward excellence in journalism on issues related to the LGBT community. In addition to Journalist of the Year and the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award, awards are presented for HIV/AIDS coverage, written news, written feature, written opinion/editorial, radio, television, photojournalism, new media and student journalism.

NLGJA Journalist of the Year
-Presented to Martha Irvine, Associated Press

Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for Excellence in LGBT Media
-First Place presented to Laura Douglas-Brown, Southern Voice
-Second Place presented to Lou Chibbaro, Jr., Washington Blade
-Third Place presented to Kynn Bartlett, Colorez! 
NLGJA Excellence in News Writing Award
Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers   

-First Place presented to Joseph Contreras & Team, Newsweek International, "Legal in Unlikely Places"
-Second Place presented to Victoria A. Brownworth, Philadelphia Gay News, "Killing Ourselves with Hate: Suicide in the GLBT Community"
-Third Place presented to Chris Johnson, Washington Blade, "Media, Military Kept Soldier in Closet After Death"
NLGJA Excellence in Feature Writing
Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers

-First Place presented to Michael Luongo, Gay City News, "Our Man in Baghdad"
-Second Place presented to David Whitley, Orlando Sentinel, "A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery"
-Third Place presented to Laura Grotz, Renee Fields, Rachel Williams & Dominick Pizorno, RenoOut Magazine, "T is for Transsexual"

NLGJA Excellence in Writing Award Opinion/Editorial
Sponsored by Hearst Newspapers

-Presented to LZ Granderson, ESPN.com, "Harrowing Incident a Troubling Reminder of Homophobia"

NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Network Television

-First Place presented to Cory Gnazzo, Caroline Sommers, Keith McKay & Team, MSNBC, "Born in the Wrong Body - Girls Will Be Boys"
-Second Place presented to Joseph Kepnes, Tom Goldstone, Kim McCabe, Jeanne D'Agostino & Alison Ginsberg, CNN, "Uncovering America: Transgendered 7 Year-Old"
-Third Place presented to Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Paula Zahn Now: Science of Sexuality: Nature vs. Nurture"

NLGJA/Seigenthaler Excellence in Radio Award
-Presented to Madeleine Brand, Nihar Patel & Rick Holter, NPR, Day to Day, "Sportswriter Embarks on New Life as a Woman"

NLGJA/RTNDA Excellence in Online Journalism Award

-First Place presented to CNN.com, "Fighting for Acceptance"
-Second Place presented to Nova Safo, Yahoo! News, "Courting the Gay Vote"
-Third Place presented to Carl Sullivan, Newsweek.com, "Legitimate Journalism or Witch Hunt"

NLGJA Excellence in HIV/AIDS Coverage Award

-Presented to News & Notes, National Public Radio

NLGJA Excellence in Student Journalism Award
-First Place presented to Colin Dugdale, Indiana University, "Black Thongs, Leather Pants & Angel Wings"
-Second Place presented to Rachel Abbey, Kent State University, "On the Path to Domestic Partner Benefits in Ohio"
-Third Place presented to Adam Griffiths, Kent State University, "Saying No to Domestic Partner Benefits"

LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame

Established in 2005 as part of NLGJA's 15th anniversary celebration, the LGBT Journalists Hall of Fame honors individuals who made exemplary contributions through their careers to NLGJA's mission of promoting fair and accurate coverage of issues affecting the LGBT community.

Gail Shister was among the first "out" reporters in U.S. mainstream news media when she joined the New Orleans States-Item (now Picayune) in 1975 as its first woman sportswriter. Four years later, she broke the same barrier at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Shister was named The Inquirer's television columnist in 1982. Widely recognized as one of the country's foremost observers of the industry, Shister's news-breaking column ran for 25 years and was distributed to more than 500 newspapers. On the Web, she had her own link on the Drudge Report.
Now a metro reporter for The Inquirer, Shister writes profiles for Page One. She is a columnist for tvnewser.com and appears regularly on CNN's "Reliable Sources." She teaches writing at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is an adjunct professor in the English Department.
Shister served as vice president of NLGJA and won the Distinguished Service Award in 1997. She and her partner, photographer Penny Jeannechild, have three children.

Richard Goldstein has been writing about the intersection of politics and pop culture for more than four decades, starting by covering the 1960s rock scene for New York's Village Voice. He soon became a regular contributor and, eventually, editor and executive editor.
Goldstein was fired by the Voice in 2004, a quarter-century after the first Queer Issue, but is still taking on the establishment. In The Attack Queers: Liberal Society and the Gay Right, and Homocons: The Rise of the Gay Right he unleashed an attack on the growing gay conservative movement led by activists such as Bruce Bawer and Andrew Sullivan.
His provocative prose is accessible in Voice archives and in several books, including 1 in 7: Drugs on Campus, Goldstein's Greatest Hits: A Book Mostly about Rock 'n' Roll and Reporting the Counterculture.

About NLGJA

NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.

Reader op-ed: 'It would be unconscionable for any gay individual or organization to support John McCain's bid to lead our nation'

An op-ed piece submitted by reader Marc Paige of Fort Lauderdale:

Remember the 1999 John McCain who said he would be “comfortable” with a gay President? He is long gone. John McCain today is uncomfortable with even a gay-friendly Vice-President. The 2008 John McCain states that those who support the rights of gay people are not welcome on his presidential team.

In an interview with the conservative “Weekly Standard” magazine on August 13, McCain made it clear that in choosing a running mate, he would be more comfortable picking pro-choice former Governor Tom Ridge, with whom he disagrees on abortion rights (which the Republican Party likens to murder), over picking a “pro-gay rights” Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “I think it’s a fundamental tenet of our party to be pro-life but that does not mean we exclude people from our party that are pro-choice. We just have a strong disagreement. And I think Ridge is a great example of that. Far more so than Bloomberg, because Bloomberg is pro-gay rights, pro, you know, a number of issues.”

It is important to note that the deal breaker for McCain was Bloomberg’s support for the expansive concept of “gay rights”, which could include employment non-discrimination, hate-crimes protections, eliminating discrimination in the military, gay parental and adoption rights, helping at-risk gay youth, and other policies that recognize and protect the humanity and dignity of gay Americans. The issue of same-sex marriage was never mentioned in McCain’s dismissal of Bloomberg’s politics.

Some have argued that on same-sex marriage, Barack Obama and McCain are identical, as both believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. However, the truth is that Obama supports giving federal marriage rights to gay couples in the form of civil unions, and McCain supports nothing for gay couples. As the 2008 election nears, McCain has been touting his anti-gay bona fides more, exciting the far right, and frustrating and confusing the few gay supporters he has left.

Since the campaign began, McCain has deemed gay couples unfit to be adoptive parents, and declared that openly gay people in the military would put our national security “at grave risk”. Recently, McCain switched from supporting a federalist approach to define marriage, to actively endorsing an anti-gay amendment to California’s state Constitution, and he described a scenario where he might flip from his past opposition to a national Constitutional amendment prohibiting gay unions. Gay former Congressman Jim Kolbe’s praise of McCain for being “straightforward and consistent” has become laughable.

The most lasting and devastating damage McCain could bring to gay Americans would come via his imprint on the United States Supreme Court. At a recent forum, McCain said he would never have nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, David Souter, or John Paul Stevens to the Supreme Court. These four jurists happen to be ones who found it unconstitutional for any state to criminalize sexual relations between consenting adults. For his part, Obama cited Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas as Justices he would not have nominated. They are the Court’s two jurists most disdainful of any legal recognition for gay Americans, and support the rights of states to criminalize gay men and women for having sex. Justices Stevens and Ginsburg will likely retire within the next four years, and either a President Obama or a President McCain will be naming their replacements.

The myth of McCain the “maverick” has given way to the reality of McCain the appeaser, quite willing to use the crass gay baiting of his peers to gain favor with the antigay wing of the Republican Party. Despite past meetings with gay Republicans and a recent meeting with the Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans, McCain’s anti-gay rhetoric has only increased. It would be unconscionable for any gay individual or organization to support John McCain's bid to lead our nation.

SAVE news of note: Aqua & Communion grants

SAVE news release:

SAVE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES THE COMMUNION FOUNDATION AND THE AQUA FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS

Communion Celebrates Art 3 Event Raises $7,500 For The SAVE Foundation

Miami, FL - The SAVE Foundation wishes to thank the Communion Foundation for Communion Celebrates Art 3 (CCA3). Their annual art exhibit and silent auction, CCA3 was held at the Bakehouse Art Complex in May and doubled as a benefit for Project Cradle, the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and the SAVE Foundation.
Recently, the Communion Foundation's President, Murray Bowen, presented a grant check for $7,500 to Juan Talavera, SAVE's Board Chairman. Pictured, left to right is the Knight Foundation's Lorenzo Lebrija, graphic designer, Rafael Rodriguez, Communion Foundation President, Murray Bowen, SAVE Board Chairman, Juan Talavera, and SAVE Board Member and SAVE Guardian Society Member, Georg Ketelhohn.  Again, thank you Communion Foundation!

The Aqua Foundation For Women Donates $10,000 To The SAVE Foundation

Miami, FL - The SAVE Foundation also must thank the Aqua Foundation for Women for their recent and generous donation of $10,000 recognizing SAVE's efforts in the community.  Offering grant opportunities to community-based organizations and project sponsors that address identified needs and interests, the Aqua Foundation for Women promotes the equality, strength, health and visibility of South Florida lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (LBT) women.

The Aqua Foundation for Women and SAVE have collaborated and worked in concert for many years on LGBT issues in Miami-Dade County.  SAVE annually participates in the Aqua Foundation's signature event, Aqua Girl, the largest charity women's weekend in the country.  Thanks, again, Aqua Foundation, for your support!

About SAVE
Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE) advocates for equal rights for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and educates the community about human rights with an emphasis on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues.  Established in 1993, SAVE accomplishes this mission through education initiatives, outreach, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.  Starting with the landmark passage of Miami's Human Rights Ordinance in 1998 to recent enactments of domestic partner benefit policies, SAVE continues to lead the fight for LGBT equality in Miami-Dade County.

12864 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 338  l  North Miami, FL 33181  l  305.751.7283  l  305.751.9649 f

www.savedade.org  l  savedade@savedade.org

2008 Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year l  Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

VOTE "NO" ON AMENDMENT 2 ON NOVEMBER 4!

SAVE is a not-for-profit supported by contributions from the community.

North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin on cover of August Ambiente magazine

News release from Scott Galvin:

Exciting GLBT News!

Councilman Galvin on Cover of 'AMBIENTE'

Feature Story Focuses on Community Work

The August 2008 copy of 'AMBIENTE Magazine' has just come out and it features North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin on the cover.   Inside is a feature article entitled, "Pride and Politics," which recounts Galvin's work in the community and the gay rights policies adopted by the City Council. 

To read the entire article, click here!

AMBIENTE Magazine is a bilingual Hispanic LGBT publication produced bi-monthly offered free of charge to readers and distributed electronically around the globe.  Other stories this month feature Robert Walker, an illustrator who has worked for DC Comics and now draws his own features, as well as political and sports updates.

Dade County Domestic Partner Registry Starts Monday!

Thanks to your support, the day we all have worked for is fast approaching - Miami-Dade County's Domestic Partnership Registry Inaugural!   Registering is very important as it entitles domestic partners to visitation rights at healthcare, correctional and juvenile facilities, and extends health insurance and employee benefits to the domestic partners of county employees.
Save the date for Monday, August 18 at 10:00 am to join many of your friends to officially register your domestic partnership with Miami-Dade County at their Consumer Services Department (140 W Flagler St, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33130).

The event will celebrate our work together, honor your loving relationship, and provide area couples the chance to meet each other and strengthen the bonds that exist in our vibrant and diverse community. 

Click here for all details on how to register!

ABOUT THE DOMESTIC PARTNERS ORDINANCE
Miami-Dade County's Domestic Partnership Registry is part of the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance, passed into law by the Miami-Dade County Commission on May 20, 2008 in a historic 8 to 4 vote. Voting in favor of the ordinance were the following Commissioners:

Bruno A. Barreiro, Chair; Audrey M. Edmonson, Carlos A. Gimenez, Sally A. Heyman, Barbara J. Jordan, Dennis C. Moss, Katy Sorenson, and Rebeca Sosa.

The registry entitles domestic partners to visitation rights at healthcare, correctional and juvenile facilities, among other benefits. The registry is important also as many private sector companies rely on them to extend their own health insurance and employee benefit packages to the domestic partners of their employees.

Also, any Miami-Dade County employee who is a party to a registered domestic partnership relationship can elect to select insurance coverage for his or her domestic partner or their children in the same manner as an employee may elect coverage for a spouse or unmarried dependant child.
The City of North Miami has offered domestic partner benefits to its employees since 2006.

About Councilman Galvin

Scott Galvin is a native of North Miami who proudly serves his hometown. Elected to the City Council in 1999, he has been subsequently re-elected without opposition (in 2003 and 2007).

Galvin's work in the community has been tireless. He was a two-term president of the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce, as well as the North Miami Jaycees. He founded the Greater North Miami Historical Society and has been active in many other local groups.

Councilman Galvin also sits on the international Board of Directors for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). AHF is the nation's largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care. It offers cutting-edge medicine and advocacy, regardless of ability to pay to more than 27,000 people in the United States, Africa, Central America and Asia. He graduated from North Miami Senior High in 1986, and has been a staunch supporter ever since. In 2003, he established the non-profit "Pioneer Pride Fund" to benefit school programs. His efforts were acknowledged in 2004 when Galvin was elected to the school's "Golden Pioneer" hall-of-fame.

Professionallly, Galvin serves as the Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement of Greater Miami. His recruits and trains corporate volunteers to bring lessons of finance and community to children across Miami-Dade County. With a degree in education, he also served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek from 1993-1999.

In 2004, Galvin made a bit of local political history by becoming the first sitting elected official in South Florida to announce that he is gay.

Click here to visit Galvin's website.