After reading mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio’s interview in this past Sunday’s Union–Tribune I posted this commentary on our LGBT Weekly Web site (lgbtweekly.jeffjungblut.com
“My phone and email started exploding when Sunday’s issue of the Union-Tribune came out with the in-depth interview with mayoral candidate and current City Councilman Carl DeMaio. The big question is whether Carl actually told the Union-Tribune he was “single.”
“On his Facebook page, Carl says he is “in a relationship.” In fact, two years ago I introduced Carl to his current boyfriend, Johnathan Hale, owner of the publication San Diego Pix and Web site SDGLN while we were at a gay bar and restaurant in North Park. Carl and Johnathan have even exchanged promise rings which they both wear. They also live happily together in Carl’s beautiful Rancho Bernardo home.
“To my knowledge, they have not broken up as Johnathan is Carl’s first real gay love; Carl has told me so. Some question why Carl will hold and kiss Johnathan in public while in Hillcrest, but not so when he is in his conservative Republican city council district. People also ask why Carl did not introduce Hale as his partner during his campaign kickoff. Out lesbian District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis introduced her partner, when she kicked off her mayoral campaign.
“I know Carl and Johnathan both deeply love each other and Carl told me he has never been happier. I am glad I introduced them to each other but I do understand all the questions and eyebrow raising. All the other LGBT candidates and office holders have acknowledged and proudly listed the names of their partners in past Union-Tribune interviews. Those proudly acknowledging their partners are Toni Atkins, Chris Kehoe, Todd Gloria and Kevin Beiser. Why didn’t Carl DeMaio?
“Did the Union-Tribune editorial board make a mistake? Will Carl correct this false information? I know that Carl is proud that he is gay and he has voted in favor of every LGBT issue that has come before him at the city council. I hope Carl will demand that the Union-Tribune correct this error.”
Since my Monday commentary, the Union-Tribune editorial board issued an official statement that Carl DeMaio himself requested that he be listed as “single” in their interview article. Also his partner Johnathan Hale has since posted on his Facebook that indeed they are still in a committed relationship and are waiting for marriage equality. Though this has all become somewhat confusing with very mixed signals I most sincerely wish Carl and Johnathan the best.
GLBT Veterans Wall dedication: Nov. 11
The Ben F. Dillingham III and Bridget Wilson GLBT Veterans Wall of Honor will be dedicated at the Center on Friday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at 6:30 p.m. during a patriotic ceremony which the entire community will be invited to attend. A GLBT San Diego Veterans Council will be established to oversee the wall and set up the criteria for the names to be put up on the wall. Fundraising for the veteran’s wall will begin at the end of the month. For more info phone: 619-692-1967.
Nicky Awards: Aug. 28
Get your tickets and tables now for “San Diego’s Gay Academy Awards” show and presentation. The 36th Nicky Awards are only a week away – Sunday, Aug. 28 at the Center, 6 p.m. And it’s looking like another sell-out with outstanding entertainment. Just follow the “red carpet” and the flashbulbs for this annual fun and exciting event that this year will benefit the LGBT Center, Lambda Archives and the Imperial Court. The 2011 Nicky Awards board of governors chairs are Lisa Sanders and Allan Spyere and they told me that this year’s awards will be like a combination of the “Oscars and MTV.” For table reservations, tickets etc. phone 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com
Queen Eddie Fund helps students
Eddie Conlon was an Army veteran and beloved gay columnist, entertainer and popular personality who loved children and young people and raised a lot of money for countless charitable causes. When Eddie died of cancer hundreds of people attended his memorial including Mayor O’Connor and Congressman Bob Filner to name a few. Eddie was the “Queen Mother” of the Imperial Court de San Diego and years ago the late Nathan Garcia and I established the Queen Eddie Youth Fund which is administered by the LGBT Center and Family Matters.
This school year, the Queen Eddie Fund will be assisting over 40 young students with backpacks, school supplies, shoes and clothes. Every year Martinis Above Fourth and their great customers raise big money for the youth fund through their “Xmas Wreath Auction” which makes it possible to help these young students in need for the 2011 school year. (Thank you Martinis Above Fourth.)
For more information or to make a donation to the Queen Eddie Youth Fund, phone 619-692-1967.
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. He is also 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.
