It’s been a rough two weeks for me healthwise and, yes, friendshipwise. It feels at times that I’m in the eye of the storm, and now I’ve found out that the fundraising event that Laura Fink is talking about is the one that, in 2005, Attorney Bruce Abrams and I organized and hosted. A $1,000 a plate congressional campaign dinner for Bob Filner and it was me who said, “Laura has worked her butt off for this event and you should be grateful, Bob.” I’ve always liked Laura, a smart, beautiful and hardworking lady who I’ve always thought would make a solid future candidate for office. And, no, she never told me or Bruce about the allegations against Bob that she now has come forward with. It was mostly a gay fundraiser and thus pretty fun and lively.
I truly thank the overwhelming response I’ve gotten from my last column. My longtime friend, Bob, is down and pretty much alone, and I am here for him just like my friends stood by me during my drug problems, rehabs, deep depressions, etc. Yes, I do believe that Bob Filner will do the right thing for our city, which he loves. But most importantly, it is indeed a wake-up call for me and all men to educate ourselves and be more sensitive and knowledgeable when it comes to sexual harassment and abuse.
And finally, to those of you who are saying that the mayor isn’t really sorry, and only cares about himself … in the more than three decades I’ve known Bob Filner; in our recent conversations (sometimes late at night), I can tell you that our mayor is in personal pain from all the damage he has caused to these women and our city. He knows he has let us all down.
Honoring Mayor Sanders – Aug. 11
You’re all invited to a special LGBT sponsored brunch in honor of Mayor Jerry Sanders Sunday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s a $500 a plate event to benefit the legacy of Jerry and our city’s new downtown library. I hope you will show Jerry Sanders our love and respect and support this event. For more information, please contact Susan Atkins at 858-722-5286.
My life with diabetes
Well, after almost kicking the bucket with my sugar count at 1,100, I’m now down to about 115! My daily life has become about putting a needle full of insulin in my fat belly every morning and pricking my finger for a blood count three times a day. I’ve always been afraid of needles so my fingers are full of holes, as I screw up a lot! I can’t eat like I used to.(I ate like Miss Piggy!) And this life-changing disease at times gets to me, but I know I’m lucky and there are so many others a lot worse off than me. And as for my health coverage, it’s a disaster. Why can’t we be like Canada? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your kindness and concern.
Nicky Awards tickets
Every year, the Nicky Awards are sold out. And this year is looking the same. So get your tickets and tables today for an evening of pre-awards red carpet, fabulous fun awards show with outstanding entertainment and an official after hours blowout at Rich’s. For further information please call
619-300-1232 or visit nickyawards.org
DeMaio for Congress or mayor?
Well, former City Councilman Carl DeMaio is sitting pretty, ahead in all the polls for Congress and a solid frontrunner in mayoral polls. I hope he runs for Congress, where he would become a national leader as its only openly gay Republican congressman. But my sources tell me that he still wants to be mayor. But then he could be facing Councilman Todd Gloria! Whatever happens let’s all commit (I do) not to go through another ugly, divisive and negative campaign within our community, like last time.
The facts are that Carl DeMaio always voted for LGBT civil rights on the City Council; has always been a strong advocate for marriage equality and is proud of his life partner and relationship with Johnathan Hale. Now, let’s all move on and debate the issues, whatever his next campaign is. I know I will!
Gay Men’s Chorus … wow!
Well, to be very honest, I hate musicals, (movies, plays, concerts, etc.) I always have. But boy, did I love this past weekend’s San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus fabulous, concert Feelin’ Groovy! One of the most fun, entertaining and wonderful evenings I have had in a long time. Bravo to artistic director, the legendary Gary Holt, and outstanding choreographer, Joey Landwehr. And the props and sets were just great. All the solos were top notch, especially Marc Maty’s, Bob Lehman, Edwin Quermit, Steve Nelson, Michael Connor and Steve Uhrman. The entire chorus looked like they were having a lot of fun and it was good to see members from seniors to young men. I know I’ll be back and take a bow, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, because you’re indeed the pride of San Diego!
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
>>…Carl DeMaio…is proud of his life partner and relationship with Johnathan Hale.<<
If this is the case, why does Carl DeMaio continue not to name his partner Johnathan Hale on his campaign web site in the "About" section? It sounds like Carl is still living in a glass closet.
See http://carldemaio.com/about
So Ramirez is now questioning the integrity of Laura Fink. The creep still hasn’t woken up as far as women’s issues is concerned.
Given that you were the person who made the comment that led to Laura Fink being publicly embarrassed by Mayor Filner, why would she have had to tell you about it? (“And, no, she never told me or Bruce about the allegations against Bob that she now has come forward with.”) It seems that at the moment it happened was the moment to call him on it – publicly or privately. For too long people turned a blind eye to his behavior, which only encouraged more of the same.