Well, I’m sick as a dog. Stupid me forgot to get my flu shot and now I’ve got a full-blown flu case. Get your flu shots today.
It’s time for a San Diego AIDS memorial
The city of Buffalo, N.Y. has had an AIDS memorial for well over two decades. It was one of the first in the nation and I have visited it and learned about it from its founders.
It’s long overdue that San Diego finally establishes an AIDS memorial. During the late 1980s some AIDS activists and I formed a committee to begin the discussion and work. Sadly, some thought we should spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a local memorial. This was not the original goal of the organizers and soon all discussions ended.
Recently, I have been talking to some elected government officials about re-establishing a local AIDS memorialtask force, made up of communities and people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Now these discussions are only in the beginning stages to make sure we can get commitments from city officials to, at least, start the process and re-discussion of a San Diego AIDS memorial. I will keep you posted.
Christmas Wreath Auction: Dec. 12
Yes, coming up next Monday night, Dec. 12, will be the 8th annual Holiday Wreath Auction at the award-winning Martinis Above Fourth (7 p.m.). A fun charity event for our community’s GLBT youth, many of whom have been rejected by their own families. Your fabulous auctioneer will be A.J. Turner and all proceeds will benefit the Eddie Conlon Youth Fund of The LGBT Center and Imperial Court. For further info: Martinisabovefourth.com.
Pride parades and festivals are about “us”
Yes, these celebrations are about all of us – the GLBT community and its rich diversity. A day when we all come together – drag queens, dykes, leather, businesspeople, the “sisters”, clergy, military, etc. As someone who helped organize our first Pride march in 1974 and rode in drag in our first parade in 1975, let me say that our vision was to make everyone feel welcome and free and able to express themselves. Recently, there have been more “rules” made up when it comes to our parade and festival.
What happened this year to Bill Walters should be unacceptable to all of us. The leather community’s attire is not lewd. If you want to really see “lewd” just drop by the “Over the Line” tournaments and “Mardi Gras” in the Gaslamp. Now that’s lewd. San Diego LGBT Pride has stated that they will make sure that the arrest of Mr. Walters at our Pride festival (all charges were dismissed) never happens again. It should never have happened, period. With all due respects San Diego Pride, your community is still waiting for the “Advisory Board” you promised us over a year ago.
Jose Julio Sarria’s 88th birthday
My very good friend, mentor and, yes kinda, my “gay mother,” World War II veteran Jose Julio Sarria will be celebrating his 88th birthday Dec. 12. Jose now lives in New Mexico and in 1961 he became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office, paving the way for Harvey Milk, Barney Frank, Chris Kehoe, etc. In 1965 Empress Jose founded the Imperial Court system which now has chapters in more than 68 cities across Canada, the U.S.A. and Mexico. The Imperial Court de San Diego will be celebrating its very own 40th anniversary Feb. 11-12, 2012. Happy birthday Mama.
The Salvation Army is anti-gay
Yes, the Salvation Army continues to have a history of discrimination when it comes to the GLBT community. There are countless reports, including in San Diego, of GLBT people being rejected and unwelcomed by this evangelical charity because gays are “sexually impure.” The Salvation Army in San Diego has turned away transgender homeless and gay couples. The Salvation Army calls upon gays to “embrace celibacy as a way of life.” The Salvation Army has a solid record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for anti-gay policies. Look up The Bilerico Project on the Internet for more information on this issue.
Outrageous Bingo next Wednesday
Yes, for one night only the wild and outrageous Bingo returns to Bourbon Street next Wednesday, Dec. 14 (8-11 p.m.). More than $2,500 in prizes will be given away and there will be a lot of surprises. All this is a benefit for the Trevor Project and aNoteToMyKid.com. And if you bring a toy for our “Toy for Kids” drive then your first game is free. San Diego LGBT Weekly columnist Allan Spyere and little ole me will be your hosts, so I hope to see you at Bourbon Street next Wednesday night.
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.
The Salvation Army isn’t LGBT friendly, but their fundraising model works because it takes the pocket change you won’t miss. I agree with Nicole…don’t give them your change. But don’t put it back in your pocket. Find a way to give it to other causes, with a wreath, a bingo game, or another LGBT cause.