Many of us in the GLBT community are very lucky indeed as we have two families: one we are born with and one we choose.
Sadly, for me and many others it is only our chosen family that sustains us; my grandparents, father and many family members pushed me away because I was gay.
Many of my friends are like brothers to me (my one and only brother and I are not close) and I’ve mentored and become close to many gay, lesbian and trans young people and they have become like children to me (calling me mom) and many are now grown. My cat, Nixon, is also like my child.
Every Mother’s Day I am blessed to get so many, many calls, cards, emails etc. But this past Mother’s Day, I was taken out to brunch by my newest daughter, Bronwyn Ingram (first lady of San Diego) and Mayor Bob Filner who gave me a beautiful rosary.
Yes, I am grateful for my loving mother but also to my beloved chosen family. Indeed I am so very blessed.
Gay for Good… thank you!
Did you know that every month GLBT San Diegans and friends quietly and without publicity volunteer throughout our city for countless causes and non-profit agencies.
They’re called Gay For Good and their goal is to get us out of our “gayborhoods” and raise our exposure throughout San Diego by performing community services.
Last week, Allan Spyere and I joined them for two hours of volunteering and “packaging” at the San Diego Food Bank. These GLBT volunteers are mostly young people (I was one of a few seniors) and are wonderful and such real role models for us all.
It was my honor to join them. By the way, did you know that the San Diego Food Bank provides food for thousands of children on weekends through 34 schools! A big thank you to Barbara Moreno, Jeff Fleming, Ian Johnson, John Greenwell, Robin Rigby and everyone at gayforgood.org
Chris Ward to run for City Council
Chris Ward is a recipient of both a GSDBA Foundation and an Imperial Court Harvey Milk/NMR Student Sponsorship. He went to Harvard and got a master’s degree in Public Policy and Urban Planning and returned back to San Diego to serve his city and community.
Chris has served as a “key advisor” to Donna Frye, Lori Saldaña, Mike Aguirre, Bonnie Dumanis and now is the chief of staff to popular state Sen. Marty Block.
While Chris Ward may not be well known to some in the GLBT community (he is on the board of the Human Dignity Foundation and recently got appointed to the GLBT Historic Task Force/San Diego ) he and his lifelong partner Thom Harpole are homeowners in University Heights and are anxiously awaiting their first adopted child.
Chris is looking at running for City Council District 3 and others being mentioned are Stephen Whitburn, Anthony Bernal and Laurie Cosky.
GLBT monument at Pride Flag
Those hard-working people at the Hillcrest Business Association who brought you our fabulous Rainbow Flag in Hillcrest along with the Lambda Archives are now establishing a community history monument, by top landscape architect Michael Brennan, at the flag’s base which is great.
Yes, and you could be a part of it and get your name forever on a tile or the base of the monument. Info: hillcrestbia.org
Viagra® tea at Bamboo Lounge
Yes, you read right, there is now a Viagra-like all-natural tea on sale at Bamboo Lounge (1475 University Ave.) and all my friends tell me it really works! By the way, now every second Sunday at Bamboo Lounge is Bear Tea Blast… check it out!
Mark your calendar: VIP dates!
Saturday, June 1: Equality California San Diego Dinner, The Prado, 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 8: San Diego Human Dignity Foundation’s Reunion Party, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 20: GSDBA Business Awards Luncheon, Sheraton Mission Valley, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 29: Annual Frida Fiesta at The Center, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2: The Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Honor, The Center, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25: 38th Annual Nicky Awards, Marriott Mission Valley
Saturday, Oct. 19: The LGBT Center’s 40th anniversary, The Center Gala, 6 p.m.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for more than 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six 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
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