My cat Nixon just celebrated another birthday and I love my kitty. Boy, if he could talk, blog or write a book … wait, I’d be in big trouble!
Five days in Connecticut
As my plane was near landing I looked out the window to a region blanketed by snow, which was everywhere. From the air all of Connecticut seemed totally white.
For five days I was booked into the Marriott Hotel in the town of Windsor, which was the first town established in this state, around 1633. My stay included nights where the temperature reached six to ten degrees!
Just a very few miles away is the city of Hartford, which is the capitol of Connecticut. I was given tours of its beautiful city hall as well as the state capitol, which was built in 1878. It’s full of wonderful historical sculptures and statues, including one of native 21 year old revolutionary war hero Nathan Hale, whose famous last words are inscribed on the statue’s granite base: “I regret I have only one life to give to my country.”
The city of Hartford is about 52 percent Puerto Rican, and its mayor, Pedro Segera is not only Latino but gay. The local Pride organization actually sponsored a dance right in city hall which, by the way, is very stately, historic and beautiful. There are two gay bars in Hartford, but I was so busy I never got to see them.
My speech was well received and I spoke much about our growing LGBT youth, who are coming out now younger than ever. Metroline, New England’s oldest gay publication that hits five states, interviewed me. What impressed me the most was the involvement of so many LGBT youth from all around this region and the mutual support these regional five New England states give to each other.
I will be returning to the East Coast (New York) next month.
The MacKinzie family
The event I attended was a benefit for two organizations, True Colors (for LGBT youth) and St. Phillips House (an HIV/AIDS agency). I had the great honor to present a “Family of Distinction” award to the MacKinzie family of Hartford.
The family is made up of parents Dale and Ann MacKinzie and their two sons, Matt (straight) and Bryce (transgender female to male). The entire family not only accepts Bryce but is 100 percent involved in the LGBT community and many of its organizations! Talk about true and loving “Family Values.”
One of the highlights of my visit was meeting and talking to this wonderful family, who are so loved and respected by the LGBT community of New England.
Lunch with Nathan Fletcher
Many say he is not only the future of the Republican Party but of California – young, bright, ex-Marine State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher. Probably best known as the author of Chelsea’s Law and a staunch defender and protector of California’s children, Nathan is a leading candidate to be the next mayor of San Diego.
We had lunch last week at Baja Betty’s and to know Nathan Fletcher is to know why both Democrats and Republicans like him. To me, he has that young savvy Kennedy-like charm.
Born in a small town in Arkansas to hard-working parents, he himself was a janitor during his high school days. He has a beautiful wife and baby boy. He stood up in the state assembly and this veteran spoke out against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Nathan Fletcher wants to change things in San Diego and believes it’s time for new leadership and that he is ready to be our next mayor. He believes he can make the primary run-off next year, but with candidates like Bonnie Dumanis, Carl DeMaio and maybe Bob Filner (who recently moved into our city limits) among a dozen others, he definitely has his work cut out for him. But whatever happens I believe a governor or U.S. senate seat is definitely in Nathan Fletcher’s future.
Anti-bullying conference this weekend
San Diego will be hosting a three day conference for school counselors and educators this weekend entitled Solutions to a Crisis: Supporting Students, Saving Lives. This important event is being sponsored by the Center for Excellence in School Counseling and Leadership as well as the Harvey Milk Foundation (founder Stuart Milk will be flying in for the conference).
A special guest keynote speaker will be coming in from Washington D.C., representing the Obama administration. The Imperial Court is proud to be a $5,000 sponsor of this conference.
Bravo to conference co-chairs Dr. Trish Hatch and Vincent Pompei on their hard work and leadership. For more info: lgbtqi2011.com.
Sanders to emcee Milk Diversity Breakfast
Yes, returning for a third year in a row, the emcees of the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast San Diego County will once again be the ever popular Mayor Jerry Sanders and his beautiful daughter, Lisa. Tables and tickets are already being bought up for this annual civil rights event which attracts more than 1,000 people. So, get your reservations in today for this Friday, May 21 event. More info, 619-692-2077.
2011 Oscars picks!
As many of you know I just love going to the movies and, of course, live for the Oscars! I hope The King’s Speech wins best picture and Colin Firth wins best actor. This was a great movie. I also loved The Fighter and hope it wins best original screenplay as well as best supporting actor (Christian Bale) and actress (Amy Adams). Yes, I agree that The Social Network was brilliant and I hope it wins best original screenplay as well as best director. And, I would love it if Annette Bening won best actress for The Kids are All Right.
Oh, by the way, San Diego’s gay academy awards, the Nicky Awards, have been set for Aug. 28.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a City Commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. Nicole is a past state president of Equality California and has served on the national boards of the HRC and NGLTF. He is currently a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and Chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsd@aol.com.
