This past Monday night, I attended a fundraiser along with Commissioner Bruce Abrams at Martini’s Above Fourth (fabulous food as usual) for popular County Supervisor Dave Roberts. It was one of the biggest crowds I have seen at a political event this campaign season, with both Democrats and Republicans in attendance. Dave Roberts is, along with his husband, a father of six children (one who is in the military) and is a fighter for families, fire prevention, the environment, the arts, law enforcement and people in need. He is one of the most caring men in politics; a true public servant who has done an outstanding job for all residents in his district. I urge his re-election. Thank you.
Vancouver, B.C.
For well over four decades now, I have had the pleasure of traveling all over Canada and attending charity events, civil rights rallies, conferences, etc. Canada has always been ahead of the United States when it comes to LGBT civil rights. While we were rioting at the Stonewall Inn against police brutality and discrimination in 1969, the prime minister of Canada signed a major homosexual civil rights bill. In two nights of giving keynote speeches in Vancouver before LGBT community leaders from all over Canada including Toronto, Surrey, London, Edmonton, Calgary, etc., I saluted Canada for being first for healthcare for all, first for marriage equality, first for gays in the military. Now, this summer I salute the first world leader ever to march in a Gay Pride parade, that being Canada’s current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In an interview with Outlook TV (an LGBT news show), I told all of our Canadian brothers and sisters that they have so much to be proud of, and that hopefully one day the United States will catch up.
While in Canada, I had the honor of bestowing some awards to the “Great Canada Native Cultural Society” and to respected Elders and Chiefs Byron and Al; all Canadians are proud of their First Nation Citizens. I always enjoy my visits to Canada and will be going to Hamilton, Ontario later this year.
I am really pleased that one of our upcoming Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast keynote speakers will be the Honorable Michael Connolly, the youngest elected member of the Alberta Canada Legislative Assembly. He is a proud gay man who many are predicting has a very bright future in Canada. Mayor Annise Parker, who was elected to three terms as the mayor of Houston, Texas, will also be honored at the Harvey Milk Breakfast.
Easter and over 450 children
For well over a decade, hundreds of children and their parents have gathered at Trolley Barn Park on Easter Sunday afternoon for the LGBT community-sponsored “Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.” Straight grandmother Linda Childers (who has a gay son) and I founded and organized this annual event along with the Imperial Court de San Diego. Soon, The LGBT Center (Family Matters) and Councilman Todd Gloria’s office became co-sponsors. (Gloria donated 140 baskets this year.) No child has ever left without a basket thanks to the generosity of our community, gay organizations and businesses. A very special thank you to: Hillcrest Pharmacy; Ben Dillingham; Human Dignity Foundation; Mark Gomez; Gleason and Maty’s family; Rory Ortiz; AHF Pharmacy; Fernando Ponyboy Junior; San Diego American Flag Football League; Sherman Mendoza and the Caliph; the Gay Men’s Chorus; Merkley Mitchell Funeral Home; Nick, Ryan and Rich’s Nightclub; Adrian Martinez; Megan Jackson; Carolina Ramos; Jesse Hubbard; Barbie Z, Billie Ann; Sir Nicholas and Rob Rodd of The Eagle; Wayne Dietz and the House of Asia; The Center staff; Elected Emperor James Von Rothschild, Elected Empress Jaeda Reign; Emperor XLIII Mikey Too; Empress XXXIII Lala Too; the 44th Reign court members; Kaiden; and everyone who helped and volunteered. 80 baskets were also taken to the Children’s Hospital, and 40 baskets were sent to Tijuana for a children’s Easter event. God bless all of you from the bottom of my heart.
