We the LGBT community has survived the McCarthy Era, Anita Bryant, John Briggs and we will survive Donald Trump. We must organize more than ever and support in Washington, D.C., the Human Rights Campaign, the LGBTQ National Task Force and the Victory Fund. And we need to remember that our continuing civil rights movement must not only continue to be in the suites of political power, but be prepared to be in the streets if necessary. Yes, Trump will be giving us the most conservative administration ever, including the most anti-gay vice president in Mike Pence that our nation has ever had, as Trump ran the most extreme right wing political platform that will affect us. His promise to put in place anti-marriage equality and anti-choice Supreme Court justices will shape that institution for decades to come.
Now more than ever we must build stronger coalitions with the Latino, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander communities and political organizations, the Pro-Choice and other progressive movements.
And count your blessings, my LGBT sisters and brothers that we live in California. Congratulations to our new State Sen. Toni Atkins and Assemblyman Todd Gloria, and congratulations and thank God that Supervisor Dave Roberts was re-elected. It looks like it’s going to be Councilwoman Georgette Gomez who could the “Latina Donna Fry of San Diego,” and now we have two LGBT councilmembers with her win.
As a Latino and a gay man, last Tuesday was one of the worst presidential election nights in my life. But, the next morning I got up and took calls from Washington, D.C. and all over the United States and California. We will and must organize and work harder for the upcoming 2018 and yes 2020 elections!
U.S. Marine Will Ritchie honored
Camp Pendleton Marine Will Ritchie, who served in Afghanistan, was honored with a dinner hosted by his partner businessman Brian Bazinet. Will’s father Peter and his twin brother Paul flew in from Nebraska for the occasion. It was my honor to be invited and there should be more occasions like this one saluting our military men and women who have served our country. Will Ritchie was honored with special commendations from Congresswoman Susan Davis, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and Councilman Todd Gloria. County Supervisor Dave Roberts dropped by with two of his sons and commended Ritchie with a special award.
Nicky Awards this Sunday!
You are all invited to the 41st Annual Nicky Awards this coming Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Handlery Hotel in Hotel Circle. The live Red Carpet begins at 6 p.m. with the event beginning at 7 p.m. sharp! Special honorees announced by the Nicky Awards board of governors are: Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman to receive the Mayor George Moscone Leadership Award; Patrick Smith, Mr. IML 2015, to receive the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award and Morgan Hurley to receive the Michael Portantino Excellence in Journalism Award.
For further information on the 2016 Nicky Awards call: 619-692-1967, or 619-862-8654, or check out the Web site nickyawards.org
