Global gay activist Stuart Milk (founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation) will be speaking at a special community forum today, Thursday Aug. 14 at The LGBT Center, 6 p.m. and you are all invited to attend and learn more about our brothers and sisters around the globe and their struggles.
Stuart Milk has indeed become a champion and a voice for GLBT people everywhere. Some say that Stuart Milk is following in his uncle’s (Harvey Milk) footsteps. Well, he is doing much more than that. He has created his own footsteps and journey and has been acknowledged as not only a national gay rights activist but one that sees and knows no borders when it comes to speaking out and standing with GLBT communities that feel alone and without hope. Personally, I have witnessed Stuart Milk in Europe and Central America and how people are moved and energized by him … that an American cares about them; that this nephew of a now global icon, Harvey Milk, takes the time to help them and gets to know them.
Like his uncle, Stuart Milk is very down to earth and loves people. While Stuart does not like to talk about it, I know his life has been threatened many times in foreign countries and neo-Nazis have showed up at rallies he has spoken at. Sometimes near riots happen and yet he never is afraid and goes to countries that have anti-gay laws on their books and Pride parades where thousands of religious radicals and fascists show up to stop such gay events.
Though he has met with foreign dignitaries from prime ministers and presidents to royalty Stuart loves far better being with GLBT activists and youth.
Stuart will be also at the unveiling of a historical community mural at the Wells Fargo Bank in Hillcrest. Among San Diego community pioneers being portrayed in the mural will be one of Harvey Milk in his naval uniform when he was stationed here in our city and also the painting will display the Harvey Milk Street sign.
I am very proud to be a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and to call Stuart Milk my friend.
Over 7,000 votes for 2014 Nicky Awards
This year, the Nicky Awards voting has broken all records with more than 7,000 votes from online and the Nicky voting parties! Tickets for the Sunday, Aug. 24 39th annual Nicky Awards are going fast; this year’s venue is our beautiful new downtown library. Among the special honorees will be the bishop and San Diego diocese of the Episcopal Church, the first Trans Pride March and entertainer Chad Michaels who will be receiving a “Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.” Producer Allan Spyere has booked some outstanding entertainment and promises a fast paced evening of fun and pride.
So get your tickets today. For more info: Allan 619-300-1232.
Depression, addiction and suicides
In next week’s column I will be talking about the suicide of comedian Robin Williams and about addiction and depression.
I have always been honest and upfront about my own drug addition, past street life and bouts with depression. I will address these serious issues in my next column with the hope that those also struggling with these issues can know there is help out there and you are not alone.
