Well, I’ve been grounded again for a month; so, I’ve canceled all my out-of-state traveling. Now maybe, I can enjoy our community and its many events.
Cheering your parents/family relationships
Every Father’s Day has very mixed emotions for me. Coming from a very Latino, Catholic, conservative family my parents were not happy, at all, with my being gay.
My father died before we could even really sit down and have a conversation. Our relationship was a very cold, distant one and I can never ever forget how he physically beat my mother up and how, at times, I would try to step in between them as a then-little boy.
When my very religious grandparents found out I was gay they would hardly ever acknowledge me again.
My father did teach me about history, politics and community involvement and that part of what I am today is because of his politics and interest.
My family was never warm or close. My mother and I love each other and she has accepted my gay activism – she even rode with me as grand marshal of Pride’s 30th anniversary parade – but we are not as close as we should be. I love her deeply and I know she does me.
As for my only brother; we really have no relationship and he can’t be bothered with me. I have much closer love with my friends and “gay family,” which I’ve made throughout these decades.
Yes, the cold, hard facts are that I don’t, and never have had a relationship with most of my family.
The reason I write about this today is to tell those of you who have accepting parents or relatives that you are truly blessed, and be grateful and cherish them. I have had many friends go to their grave without any family caring or reaching out to them.
My friends, don’t ever take your accepting and loving parents for granted as there are so many of your GLBT brothers and sisters who will never in their life feel that unconditional love and acceptance. Know that you are truly blessed.
Art & Soul this Saturday, June 23
Being Alive, San Diego’s largest HIV-AIDS agency is holding its annual gala benefit this Saturday, June 23 at the Sunset Temple, 6-9 p.m.
Being Alive has helped thousands of people living with HIV-AIDS. It is one of our most outstanding and respected AIDS agencies. Please support them. Info: 619-291-1400.
National Milk ship campaign launched
A national letter writing campaign has been launched to get the U.S. Navy Dept. to name a vessel after civil rights icon Harvey Milk.
Recently announced honorary chairs of the campaign were Iraq war veteran Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Zoe Dunning, Congressman Bob Filner, ranking member of the Congressional Veterans Affairs and Stuart Milk, president of the Harvey Milk Foundation. So please, get your family and friends from all over the country to write to Hon. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, 1000 Navy Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20350-1000.
The GLBT Historic Task Force is involved in this national campaign. More information: 619-692-1967.
HRC dinner: Aug. 18
San Diego will be host to a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner, Aug. 18 at the fabulous Hard Rock Hotel.
The HRC is one of the most influential and powerful GLBT organizations in Washington, D.C. and has been an important voice for all GLBT Americans.
As a past HRC national board member I am glad to see San Diego joining other major cities in hosting an HRC dinner. For more information: 619-857-3931 and 619-886-7977.
About plastic surgery/silicone
It’s no secret that I have had more plastic surgery done than Joan Rivers and I’m still looking ugly!
Well, more than 50 years after one of these surgeries, by a then-top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, I’ve begun to have major problems and had to go to the hospital and it’s continuing. It turns out; this top plastic surgeon was a quack and had no diploma or anything.
My advice to those thinking about plastic surgery is to make a serious background check on your doctors’ and never put silicone in your body. Period.
Stuart Milk to be Tijuana Pride grand marshal: June 23
Global human rights advocate Stuart Milk will be in Tijuana, Mexico next Saturday, June 23 as their honorary Pride grand marshal. Milk will be holding meetings with Mexican GLBT civil rights leaders, government officials and AIDS-HIV agencies.
Recently human rights icon Bishop Desmond Tutu of Africa hailed Stuart Milk as the only American gay rights leader doing global work and giving hope to countless thousands of people around the world, receiving many death threats from radical right wing and fascist groups. Carolina Ramos and I will be going to Tijuana, June 23, with Stuart Milk.
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. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.
