How many remember way back in 1966 when renowned crossdresser Virginia Prince met with San Diego Police to argue against the city adopting an ordinance used to harass transgender people? Or when Nicole Murray Ramirez founded the Christine Jorgensen Society in 1974 and organized transsexuals to picket the San Diego County Courthouse? And do you…
In the 1960s and ’70s the San Diego Police Department was headed by a racist, homophobic and sexist police chief. Our bars were raided and LGBT people were harassed and treated like second class citizens. People of color and us gays referred to the downtown police station, then on Market Street, as “Gestapo Headquarters.” Recently,…
Thom Senzee, author of this article, is a West Coast-based freelance journalist, and a regular contributor to San Diego LGBT Weekly. The big moment was at hand. Butterflies in her stomach, spine stiffened and her mind trained on listening for the cue that would prompt her to stride with purpose alongside her guide dog, Camille,…
A San Diego woman pleaded guilty Oct. 20 to felony vandalism of Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill when she threw rocks through a glass door, shattering it, after she had been ejected from the popular gay business. Raquel Bonilla, 23, will be sentenced Jan. 18, 2017 by San Diego Superior Court Judge Polly Shamoon. She…
According to Merriam-Webster, “hobnob” is defined as time spent with someone (especially a famous or wealthy person) in a friendly way. “Butch” is famous for his acerbic sense of humor and is a wealth of scandalous gossip, so I guess you could say we “hobnobbed” at Hob Nob Hill. Hob Nob Hill has been serving…
You are the champion of all-time. Nobody can beat you; nobody can even tie your record. When it comes to thumb-wrestling, you know all the moves and you really throw your arm into it for the win. Hands-down, you’re the best. So now read Accepted by Pat Patterson (with Bertrand Hebert) and take it to…
As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace! As part of a Vibrant, Inclusive and Progressive community of faith, we come together on Sundays…
Palm Springs has long been an attractive getaway spot for Southern California coastal urbanites. Escape to the desert for some peace and quiet has long been a theme. In the years this cachet was at its ultimate – the Don Draper ’50s and ’60s, folks came from far and wide. The former glamour now looks…
Wake up. Election Day, Nov. 8, is almost here. The steady supply of publicity about state and local issues and the colossal amount of time and money spent on the presidential race indicate the importance of the outcome. Unfortunately, many people from both sides are unhappy with their party’s choice to the point they may…
First let me state that I think Equality California does great work. However, I have been stunned by the recent Go Vote or Why Vote ads the organization has been running over recent weeks. While the ads show diversity including transgender, deaf, Latino, lesbian and gay people of most ethnicities, I have not seen one…
