Well I’m off to the airport for another speaking engagement … this time in Alaska! Don’t forget the “Diving for Being Alive” benefit this Sunday, Sept. 2.
“The Carl DeMaio I know:” yes or no?
Many media outlets, mostly straight and some gay have asked me for months to write or be interviewed about my past close relationship with Carl DeMaio, who once referred to me as his “mother and mentor.”
During the primary, I refused all media requests, but now, many GLBT leaders and activists are urging me to grant these interviews or write this article … I want your opinions: nmrsandiego@yahoo.com
EQCA event … the pride of San Diego
I’ve been to countless GLBT civil rights brunches, lunches, dinners, etc. But Saturday’s San Diego Equality California event, held at the breathtaking Rancho Santa Fe estate of Joyce Rowland and her partner Pam Morgan, was one of the best fundraisers ever. Great food, entertainment and the most fabulous silent auction.
“Fashion” was all over the place. Popular actor Wilson Cruz was emcee and was in top form. He should have his own TV comedy show! Congratulations to deserving honorees: Rev. Albert Ogle, Dr. Joel Trambley and San Diego School Superintendent Bill Kowba … as a past state president of Equality California, I’ve never been so proud of our hard-working and commtted San Diego EQCA board members; Joyce Rowland, Randy Clark, Susan Guinn and Scott Paine. It was great to see former state executive director, Geoff Kors, who I always lovingly called “the Elizabeth Birch of California.”
But a most sincere thank you to Joyce and Pam, who underwrote the entire cost of this gala dinner. Thank you for your kindness.
GLBT event raises more than $20K for Filner
The historic Bankers Hill home of City Commissioner Bruce Abrams was the site of a GLBT fundraiser for mayoral candidate, Congressman Bob Filner. More than $20,000 was raised at the $500-a-plate brunch. Among the VIPs in attendance were gay elected officials, such as Sen. Chris Kehoe, Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, Councilman Todd Gloria and School Board member Kevin Beiser. Councilman Todd Gloria gave the best speech, when he said, “I’ve worked closely with Bob Filner’s opponent for four years, and I’m not supporting him.”
A big bravo to this fundraiser’s main organizer, Commissioner Abrams. And, I was honored to be a cohost along with Doug Case and San Diego Democrats for Equality, as well as Linda Perine of the Victory Fund. (And a special thank you to the businessman who paid for my ticket!)
About Pete Wilson’s endorsement of Carl DeMaio …
Many of us will never forget that in the 1970s, when the police were raiding our bars and beating up gay people under what was then a reign of terror led by Police Chief Ray Hoppler, who was a racist, sexist and homophobe. A group of GLBT activists, including me, requested to meet with then mayor, Pete Wilson, who refused to meet with “homosexuals.” Pete Wilson was a homophobe, just like Charles LiMandri, Larry Stirling, Roger Hedgecock and Doug Manchester, who just gave more than $52,000 to the Republican Party and its platform of anti-marriage equality and anti-women’s choice policy positions. All of these right-wing archconservatives have endorsed and given money to Carl DeMaio, who has sold out and turned his back on his very own GLBT community.
Dinner with Bonnie Dumanis
At this past Sunday’s Nicky Awards, the district attorney of San Diego County, yes our very own Bonnie Dumanis got one of the loudest and longest cheers from the hundreds of people in the ballroom at the Marriott Mission Valley. Bonnie is one of the most respected public officials in the region. (No. 1 in almost all surveys.) And we of her GLBT community will always be proud of her. While most of our almost two-and-a-half-hour dinner-get-together at Lei Lounge was “off the record” she did tell me that I could stop all those rumors … she is not endorsing a candidate for mayor.
In memory of “Ran” and Kurt’s mom …
Ran O’Dell was not only a beautiful-looking man, but had a most beautiful soul … His eyes and smile would make anyone melt. But I loved his kindness and warmth. And, in my years of conversations with him, he never had anything bad to say about anyone. This past Monday’s “celebration of life” for Ran held at Martinis Above Fourth was classy, wonderful and joyful … just like Ran would have wanted it to be … he will be missed by many.
San Diego community activist and popular blogger, Kurt Cunningham’s mother, Lisa Cunningham also passed from our world this past weekend. I met this beautiful and classy mother many times and admired her unconditional love for her son and support for his community and friends. This most wonderful woman not only walked in our AIDS Walk, but gave donations to many GLBT causes and charities. Our hearts go out to Kurt , who is like a son to me.
… In memory of the mother of our Empress XXVII de San Diego Summer Meadows (aka Kurt Cunningham) The Imperial Court will donate all money they raise for AIDS Walk 2012 in memory of Lisa Cunningham … I will miss her wonderful Southern accent and seeing one of the most loving and beautiful bonds between a mother and her gay son. v
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
Well if Pete Wilson is endorsing someone I know for a fact that its a person for me NOT to vote for, I recall the days of when he was mayor and it was not a good time the glbt or people of color community here.
Tell us what you know! Who is Johnathan Hale, aka John Wyckoff, aka Johnathan Hackett?