I’m in town for about a week, and then I’m off on another trip to Washington, D.C. While I was gone I heard almost $6,000 was raised for Being Alive at this past Sunday’s pool party.
“Conversations with Nicole” going live on the Internet!
Yes you read right. I am working with some producers to do a weekly live show on the Internet: A 45-minute Conversation with Nicole will cover everything from politics, gossip, interviews to scandals and, of course, my opinions on many subjects. Keep your eyes on thatssogaylive.com for my premier show … and fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be a very bumpy ride!
Six days in Alaska
The 1970s were the last time I was in Anchorage, Alaska and I returned for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of its GLBT community and first organizations. There are about two gay bars in Anchorage and Mad Myrna’s is No. 1. Phyllis Rhodes, who is the executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage, gave me a tour of this wonderful place. I also got a tour of the “gay section” of the Anchorage Community Memorial Cemetery where many GLBT citizens are buried and rest in peace together. (I love this idea). Let me tell you, I gained at least 10 more pounds eating all this great and endless seafood. Yes, it was the usual speeches, meetings, receptions, including one fun outrageous “roast”, which ended up with me being a target. But I truly got back at them when it was my turn. Probably my biggest honor was when I gave some awards out to former Sen. Arliss Sturgulewski (who was also a Republican candidate for governor in 1986 and 1990) and former assemblymember and NAACP leader Elvi Gray-Jackson. Both these straight former elected officials were staunch supporters and allies when it came to GLBT civil rights. As usual, I had a busy schedule but I did stop by the Holy Family Cathedral of Archbishop Roger Schwietz and I must say it was the most plain and simple looking Catholic cathedral I’ve ever seen. I was the guest of businessman Kevin Majors, Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Paula Butner and the GLBT community. Boy, did I come home with a lot of gifts: Honorary Alaskan citizen, big beautifully made rainbow quilt, a Russian military hat, a fox fur, salmon and a private part of a walrus among other things …
What has the Republican Party become?
As I tuned in for three days of the 2012 Republican Convention it struck me on how the entire convention and delegates were almost 100 percent white and older. The Republican Party does not reflect our changing nation and its rich diversity. Their anti-choice, anti-Planned Parenthood, anti-gay marriage stand is not the voice of the majority of Americans. Their vice presidential nominee Congressman Paul Ryan is a Tea Party radical who wants to bring back Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has taken stands not allowing women who have been raped to be given a “choice” when it comes to their very own body. Yet they say Ryan is the future of the Republican Party. In fact, CNN reported that some Republicans on the convention floor had to be removed when they threw peanuts at a black person saying: “This is how we feed animals.” The Republican Party is totally against almost any new gun laws and has no compassion for undocumented low-paid farm workers. The Republican Party is now in the hands and leadership of the extreme radical Christian right and the Tea Party. This is the Republican Party that mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio has committed to, been endorsed by and, yes, Carl DeMaio has stood with and supported its candidate, Mitt Romney, on the same stage – proudly. Think about it.
Lambda Archives gala: Friday, Sept. 7
This coming Friday is the 25th anniversary of the Lambda Archives of San Diego and the gala event will be held at MCRD, San Diego. Yes, the first GLBT event held on a military installation. In many ways we have been losing our history here in our GLBT community and the Lambda Archives has been struggling for years to preserve and archive it without major support from our community. Let’s please support the Archives. For more information: 619-260-1522 or info@lambdaarchives.org
Allan Spyere deserves all the credit!
Many of you have reached out to say that the 37th annual Nicky Awards were one of the best yet. But trust me; all credit should go to Allan Spyere, who is totally responsible for all its success.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five 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
