LOOKING BACK ON 2007

As we reach the end of the year, I've been reviewing some of the events that have shaped this year in the LGBT community both state-wide and here in Western South Dakota. All in all, it has been a good year for the LGBT community in South Dakota.

Even though the facilities had been rented since July 2006, the doors to The Center West officially opened, fully funded, on January first of this year. It also marked the beginning of a state-wide collaboration on the services provided by the community centers to the LGBT community.

We have individuals trained to do HIV testing and prevention through our grant from the S.D Dept. of Health. We also received a grant from the Bush foundation to fund much of our work with LGBT youth and the safe schools project.

Through a grant from the Gill Foundation out of Colorado, The Centers have been able to provide much of the funding and leg work necessary to form the new state-wide political organization, Equality South Dakota and the Equality South Dakota Political Action Committee. These two organizations will provide the LGBT community with a political arm with which to work toward the goal of ending discrimination and harassment of LGBT people in South Dakota. This is a very important organization for the LGBT community. I urge the entire LGBT community and our supporters to support this new organization. The Centers look forward to working with EQSD on projects that help further our cause in South Dakota.

We had a very successful Pride Festival in July at the Whispering Pines Camp Ground. Everyone had a great time and lots of opportunities were available for learning about how to move forward with our mission and goal of serving and advancing the LGBT community.

September saw a successful AIDS walk that was attended by over 200 walkers and even more participants who helped but didn't walk. Music, Speakers, food and good times were the order of the day. Plus a lot of awareness was created about HIV and AIDS prevention and the needs of those who are living with aids in our community.

In addition to our programs that serve the youth and their families and schools The Center West also has played host to a new Narcotics Anonymous 12 step group, a Native American Two Spirit group and our HIV Positive group "Living Positive in the Hills" has been moving forward.

We have expanded our Pride store to include safe sex products as well as other items. The library has grown with lots donations of both new and old books as well as several collections from individuals in the community. Patti Martinson, our #1 volunteer without whom we would not be functioning as well as we are, has catalogued the library and helped us to get some organization to our facilities.

Ann and Maggie have been invaluable in helping to build and maintain our shelves and physical space. Many people have donated furniture, computers, appliances and other items to help us to move forward.

While not affiliated with centers, Patti Maher has been organizing dances for the LGBT community monthly. Also, the Gay Men's social group has continued to grow with more people getting involved and attending the monthly socials. We thank Ken Erickson for organizing the Men's Socials and Patti for providing the monthly dances.

As we move forward into the new year we will be placing our main focus on expanding our services to the LGBT youth and their families in the Black Hills and surrounding area. We have plans to create an area wide Gay Straight Alliance that would encompass all the schools and colleges in the area as well as those who of that age group but may not be attending classes.

I want to thank everyone who has helped, volunteered, donated time and money and resources and helped us to grow. We hope that we can continue to count on your support in the new year as we continue to grow and expand our services to the LGBT community.

We are in the process of setting up a new web site and have been redoing our My Space and Face Book sites. We will be getting everyone hooked up with those sites very soon.

I personally am looking forward to working with everyone during the new year. Thank you everyone for everything.

Mike Coats, Director

The Center West

PS. I'm sure I've forgotten some things. This old brain does that. If you know of things that should be included, please leave a comment. Thanks!

Bob Ellis and responses to his letter in the Rapid City Weekly

Bob Ellis recently added his usual homophobic, politically motivated two cents to the discussion about the "Laramie Project" being produced by the Central High School Drama Department.

A letter appeared this week in the Rapid City Weekly in response to Ellis's diatribe.

I sent in a letter right away in response to Ellis misrepresentation of those studies. I was told it would be in today's Weekly News. However, it was not in this edition so i am including it in this post. You can read it in full below:

Bob Ellis, letter 12/13/07 quotes studies claiming gays have higher health risks than heterosexuals. Outside of distorting a CDC study he doesn’t give any sources. That’s because the authors of those studies have publicly demanded fundamentalist groups like Ellis’ stop distorting, misrepresenting and claiming conclusions not supported by the studies. (http://www.truthwinsout.org/.)
Veracity, credibility, scientific fact and reality never seem to get in the way of what Ellis wishes to believe. .

Last year Ellis campaigned to prevent gay couples from entering into and protecting long term relationships. Now he’s falsely chastising the gay community for not having long term committed relationships. Hypocrisy?
Virginia Law Professor Kim Forde-Mazrui cites statistics indicating that “states that predominantly go Republican have higher rates of divorce, teen pregnancy and out-of-wedlock births.” Should we keep Republicans away from children and schools?
Ellis should focus on helping individuals prevent high risk individual behaviors and not denigrate whole groups for the problems of some.

The Laramie Project is about confronting hatred and intolerance and ending the resulting violence. Ellis and fundamentalists oppose the Laramie Project and Hate Crimes Legislation because they don’t want to be held accountable for the violence resulting from the hate and intolerance they advocate.

Michael M. Coats, Director
The Center West

Beware of the Pat on the Back

Unfortunately, when someone gives you a pat on the back, it is very important to be aware of what they hold in their other hand!

Quotes from Candidates

“Unless Moses comes down with two stone tablets from Brokeback Mountain to tell us something different, we need to keep that understanding of marriage.”
– Mike Huckabee

“It’s the acts, it’s the various acts that people perform that are sinful”
– Rudolph Giuliani on homosexuality

“I don't want civil unions or gay marriage.”
– Mitt Romney

Born Again

I just recieved this from a friend and need to post it. It explains a lot.

From "Lanterns on the Levy," by William Alexander Percy, 1941 (Recollections of a Mississippi Delta Planter's Son):

"I asked a clergyman recently why it was that so many prominent church-goers were crooks in business and hypocrites in private life. He replied: "They have been born again." This clarified nothing for me and I told him as much. He explained sadly: "When they are born again, they are certain of salvation, and when you are certain of salvation you may do what you like." But I urged, horrified: "People don't really believe that!" "Hundreds of thousands of them," he rejoined, obviously as grieved as I. "The ethics of Jesus do not interest them when their rebirth guarantees them salvation."

Ryan White's Former Attorney's: "Huckabee is an idiot who doesn't read."

According to Ryan White's former attorney's in a letter to the editor in the Lafayette Journal Mike Huckabee is an idiot who does't read. Sounds like another George Bush to me. it scares the hell out of me that this idiot could be the Republican candidate for President of the United States.

After the mistake this country made in reelecting Bush, would they be stupid enough to vote for another idiot like Huckabee. I fear for my country!

Cafe' Latte is Great!

I don't know how many people have been to the Cafe' Latte Gourmet Coffee and Deli on Omaha St. in Rapid City. I have and I must say the food and the atmosphere are great. It is open until 6pm everyday. So if you are looking for a place for lunch or to meet friends or business contacts, the Cafe Latte' would certainly be a great place.

I am posting this because not only is this a great place to eat and meet friends, but Michelle, the owner, has been a great friend and ally to the LGBT community. She supplied all the food for this year's pride festival and even donated part of the proceeds back to The Center West. Every one at the Pride Festival was very impressed with the quality of the food and other items from Cafe' Latte. They certainly deserve the patronage of the entire LGBT community.

Some of us have had problems in the past with businesses that will discriminate and not value or even want our business. Therefore it is important and essential that we support those businesses that support us.

Cafe Latte' is located at 1301 W. Omaha #112. It is in the mall area just east of Office Depot. They were threatened with a boycott after some religious fanatics learned that they supported our festival. I don't know if it has had an impact. But, our community needs to make sure that it doesn't. Indeed we need to make it beneficial for bsinesses to support the LGBT community.

See you at Cafe' Latte!

Hucksters are dangerous to our health

As a rule I don't comment much on national politics. I know there are people better positioned than I to comment and keep everyone informed on these issues. However, with the rise of Mike Huckabee's presidential candidacy, I feel it is important that everyone be aware of the dangers this man poses to freedom and tolerance for everyone.

Huckabee is a Baptist Preacher who has made some pretty outrageous comments in the past about LGBT equality, Aids and religious freedom. I think it is important for everyone to read up and become informed about this man's views and his threat to the well being of the LGBT community. He has called for AIDS patients to be quarantined. He doesn't seem to know what that means. and he wants tlecture Ryan White's Mother on HIV and AIDS research

Therefore I recommend the following articles to everyone who has an open mind and wants to see this country remain a country that espouses freedom and equality for all.

He has called homosexuality a public health risk.

He doesn't like natural disasters to be called "an act of God." And he won't release copies of the sermons he has delivered. What is he afraid of?

Beware! this is a dangerous man.

Gay Bashing on the Pine Ridge Reservation

I am just getting word about a very severe gay bashing that has taken place on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The initial reports I am receiving indicate that a man was severely beaten and left to die in the country. He was hospitalized for several days.

Reports indicate that it was someone who is known to the LGBT community here in Rapid City, lived here in Rapid and in the past was a regular at TW's in Box Elder.

I am trying to get more information and permission to give more details about the incident. Will report more as I learn more.

Article in The Volante About showing of "The Bible Tells Me So."

A great article in the Volante, the campus newspaper at The University of South Dakota about the showing of the film "And The Bible Tells Me so." Would love to bring that film here.

Some Thoughts on School Bullies

The Rapid City Journal has had several articles about the problem of bullying in our schools. Kota Television did a story on Cyber Bullying last night as well. The LGBT community has too much first hand experience with this problem. All too often those who are or are perceived to be different are the ones targeted for bullying.

I have personally been involved in trying to resolve situations in which someone was being bullied in school because others thought they were gay. We attempted to get the attention of the school administration but did not have any positive results from those attempts. The problems only got worse.

One situation was several years ago at Central High School. A student was ridiculed by a staff member and forced to drop out. A more recent incident occurred at Southwest Middle School in which a student was continually singled out for harassment and physical abuse because some students decided he was gay. Attempts to get the school to resolve the situation resulted in the administration blaming the victim and refusing to get involved. They did everything wrong in trying to resolve the situation. The parents finally removed him from school and placed him in another school where he did well. The bullying stopped. Interestingly the same Principle was involved in both situations and is now at the center of this most recent incident as quoted in the above stories. When will this administration figure out the problem?

In the above incidents I cited, the students were fortunate to have parents who understood and accepted their kids. Those parents went to the aid of the kids and helped them to get through it. Without any help from the schools. Too many kids don't have that.

For too many kids if they are gay or are being accused of being gay, they would be afraid to ask their parents for help out of fear of losing the love of their families. Homophobia kills! They certainly don't want the school to call their parents. So they don't report it to the school authorities either. They just suffer and try to endure it. All too often the teachers and school staff look the other way for fear of retaliation by religious fanatics who think harassing gay people is a good thing.

The efforts by the staff at North Middle School and other schools in the area to protect kids and to stop the bullying is to be applauded and encouraged. Staff who are indifferent or are part of the problem should be disciplined and/or removed. All kids deserve to be in a safe environment where they can learn no matter who they are.

In conversations with school counsellors I have been told that in well over 60% of all suicide attempts with which they had dealt some issues of sexual orientation or gender identity were involved. Getting rid of the negative attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity would go a long way to resolving the problem. First we need to start with the school administration and staff.

A Real American Hero

Last night at the GOP Youtube Presidential Debate Retired Brigadier General Keith Kerr asked the candidates: "I'm a retired brigadier general with 43 years of service. And I'm a graduate of the Special Forces Officer Course, the Commanding General Staff Course and the Army War College. And I'm an openly gay man. I want to know why you think that American men and women in uniform are not professional enough to serve with gays and lesbians. " See Video here. The Servicemen's Legal Defense Network has issued the following statement.

It created a controversy about why he should have been there and who he worked for.

As a Gay Vietnam era Vet, I say thank you General Kerr. You are truly an American hero and a man of courage.

Keith Rhudy's Objection to the Laramie Project and Follow-up

Recently the Rapid City Weekly News printed a story about Rapid City Central High School's scheduled production of the Laramie Project,which I referred to in an earlier post. In that article I was asked to comment about the production.

It seems that Mr. Keith Rhudy has written a letter condemning that production. His claim to fame in the LGBT community has been his sending harassing and grotesque pamphlets and letters to anyone defending LGBT rights in the newspapers. Interestingly those same pamphlets have been turning up in our door at The Center West. He's finally found the courage to put his nonsense in public view.

This week in the Rapid City Weekly news my response to his letter has been printed.

Giving Thanks 2007

"Where has this year gone?" may be a cliche but it certainly is a valid question this year. It doesn't seem like it should be Thanksgiving already. But, it is. Another cliche says that time flies when you are having fun and when you are busy. I guess that explains how this year has gone by so fast.

We have been busy and a lot of incredible things have happened over the past year for which we should be thankful. A lot of good people have come forward to help get some very positive things happening for the LGBT community in South Dakota and in the nation.

The Center West officially opened its doors in January with grants from the South Dakota Department of Health, The Bush Foundation and many generous donations from friends and allies throughout South Dakota.

A cross section of bipartisan, gay and straight citizens of South Dakota came together to form Equality South Dakota and the Equality South Dakota Political Action Committee joining forces with the Centers for Equality to "secure, protect and support the rights and well being of LGBT South Dakotans and their families." to everyone who helped to get this organized and to those who have agreed to be on the respective Boards we say thank you.

To all those great people who have made donations and invested in The Centers for Equality, Equality South Dakota and the Equality South Dakota Pac a big thank you. Without the support of the community none of this could exist.

To all those people who donate monthly or make periodic donations thank you because it helps us to plan and expand our services to the community.

To everyone who donated time and energy to The Center West, to the Pride Festival, the Aids Walk, the men's socials, the dances and to the other events and daily activities we thank you for your commitment and dedication to making this a better community for us all.

To all our straight friends and family members who have supported, helped and donated, all too often in greater amounts than the LGBT community itself, we say thank you and bless you for going above and beyond what could be expected. Your support, your friendship and your dedication to us is what makes the real difference and the real social change.

We have had some funding cuts in our grants for next year. But, I am confident that with the support of the community we can build an even better Center to provide for the needs of the LGBT community our friends and families. For that I am truly grateful and say thank you to everyone.

Murdered Gay Man's parents Submit Question for GOP Youtube Debate

The parents of Ryan Skipper, who was murdered in Florida because he was gay, have submitted a question for the Youtube debate for the GOP Presidential candidates. Does anyone think they'll include it?

See the story of Ryan Skipper and the My Space site his friends have built in his memory.

Other articles abut his murder:

Gay slaying victim to be remembered.

Ryan Skipper: Media statements disputed in murder of gay man

Hate crime victim to be honored at Saturday Vigil

Today is National Transgender Day of Remembrance

National Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time to remember those who have been murdered and/or suffered harm because of Gender Identity. It is time for each of us to look into our own hearts and try to overcome the ignorance, intolerance and hatred that has been fed to us by a society that has had difficulty recognizing that we are all different and do not fit into neat little categories of male and female and the roles that society has demanded from them.

With the exclusion of Transgender from the Employment Non Discrimination act, we all need to double our efforts to make sure that in the future our Transgender friends and family members are not left behind in our push for equality. We can not allow the hatred and discrimination that in the past was leveled at the entire LGBT community now be transferred to the Transgender community as the surviving scapegoat for those who have to have someone to hate and to whom they can feel superior.

Gender indentity, gender roles, sexual orientation, diverstiy and our right to determine our own relationships are all intertwined. None of us will see freedom and equality until we all have the right to live as God intended. He did not create us all the same. He created us all different and unique. The real test of His love is to embrace, respect and celebrate our differences.

Unite in diversity!

A Veteran's Day First

I served four years in the U.S. Navy having been discharged in February of 1974. Yes, it was during the Vietnam War. I never went to Vietnam although the military tried at one point, but that's another story for another time. I served at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia as a Psychiatric Technician working on the Psych Wards.

We were not the most popular members of the Navy. There was very little understanding of Psychiatry in the regular Navy outside of our rate. And, the military was at war with itself - lifers vs the draftees. We were seen as the ones who were getting people out of their contracts with the military.

The anti-war feelings in the country at that time are well known. So I needn't go into detail about it. Let us suffice to say that I personally struggled with the decision to stay in the military even though I disagreed with the war, or as many of my Friends had done, go to Canada. At one time my bags were packed.

I made the decision to stay and finish my tour before getting out. It was a personal decision based on my beliefs and sense of duty. I do not pretend to say that it would have been the right decision for everyone. In fact, I still haven't convinced myself that it was what I should have done. I've just learned to accept that it is what I did based on my feelings at the time.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I DID SERVE AND FINISH MY ENLISTMENT!!

This came to the front of my consciousness this past Veteran's Day as we were returning from a meeting in Sioux Falls for Equality South Dakota. I was asked if I was a Veteran. When I replied that I was, the person thanked me for my service. Interestingly enough that marked the very first time in 35 years anyone had personally thanked me for serving in the military.

As a Gay man serving in the military in my position on the Psychiatric Wards and seeing many Gay brothers getting kicked out simply for being who they were, it tore my up and put me at odds with myself. I had still not fully dealt with my sexual orientation. If I had, I probably would have gotten out. But I didn't.

It is still happening with the ridiculous "Don't ask. Don't tell." GLBT people who have served with honor and distinction are being kicked out for simply trying to be as God created them. It is time to get rid of "Don't Ask. Don't Tell" and to allow LGBT people to served openly and honorably in a country that accepts and respects them and the service they provide.

And it is high time that this country said thank you to the thousands of LGBT Veterans who, despite being harassed and humiliated, risked and gave their lives to serve a country that too many times turned its back on the suffering and pain that these discriminatory policies have caused to LGBT people and their families.

Elsie is Leaving Us

Yesterday (Friday) Little Mike and I drove to Spearfish to help Elsie Vega and her sons to pack and load her truck for her move back to Iowa. Elsie is moving back to Iowa City to be closer to her family. We will all miss her very much.

Elsie has been very active in The United Methodist Church in trying to get acceptance of LGBT people. She has also been very instrumental in organizing and helping people of faith come to terms with their sexual orientation. She was very helpful in getting the United Methodist Church of South Dakota to go on record opposing Amendment C last year.

Elsie has been active in PFLAG and helping at The Center West when she was in town. In sorting through her things for the move, Elsie has donated a large collection of books, magazines, newletters and other items to the Center West library and other items to The Center West. Thank you Elsie!!

I will never forget our first Pride Festival at Mt. Rushmore. Elsie had called us and had decided to come out and be more public about the fact that she was a Lesbian. At 85 she took part in the Walk to Mt. Rushmore and then rode in the lead car to finish the walk. It is a very special memory for me. Elsie will always have a very special place in our hearts. South Dakota's loss will be Iowa's gain. I hope Iowa is ready for Elsie!!

Funding Cut for HIV and AIDS Prevention

At the same time we are learning that the rates of HIV and AIDS infections are double what has been previously reported, we are facing a cut in funding for our HIV prevention services here at The Center West and The Center East in Sioux Falls. We have operated under a grant from the Department of Health with funds from the Centers for Disease Control. We will recieve less money in 2008 than we did in 2007. This dispite the fact that we had requested more funds to increase our prevention activities and have invested in resources to accomplish that increase.

The Department of Health is not at fault in this. Indeed, they have tweeked the budget for next year to try to give us at least close to what we recieved last year. The money just isn't there to increase the funding.

The State of South Dakota gives nothing for HIV and AIDS prevention. All the money comes from the CDC. Maybe our legislature needs to step up and help with the prevention services for our state instead of relying on the CDC. Relying on the feds is always shaky.

As for the Centers we are facing some unpleasant choices. We can cut back on our services or a worse case scenerio would be to close The Center West. Right now we are looking for some alternative funding sources so we can not only maintain our present level of services but increase them as well.

Over the next few weeks and months we will be asking the community in South Dakota to help us out with some donations and support. If the LGBT community thinks that the Centers are important and the services we provide are needed, then the community needs to step up and help to keep the doors open. That can be done with donations of money, time and support. If you don't know what the Centers are about and what they have to offer, we invite you to stop in and check it out. I think you will be surprised.

All donations to the Centers can be tax deductible. Donations can be made on line. Or they can be mailed to The Center West, 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City, SD. 57702

Help us to help build a better, more vibrant and healthy LGBT community in South Dakota. A real community helps to take care of its own.

HIV infection rates twice what has been reported by CDC

According to a report by the Washington Blade the newest statistics regarding the rates of infection for HIV and the number of new cases is almost double what had been recently reported by the Centers For Disease Control. The CDC is trying to decide the best time to release the numbers so that it will have the least impact on the Bush Administration. Once again they are playing politics with our lives.

While I am sure that the Bush Administration will have many excuses and fingers to shift the blame, the real reasons are obvious. The current emphasis on abstinence only interventions and giving money to "Faith Based" organizations isn't working. Indeed it is probably making the situation much worse.

It is time that we have a reality based policy of trying to stop the spread of AIDS in this country. "Just say no" didn't work for the drug problem and it certainly isn't working to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

We need comprehensive sex education that not only includes abstinence but also gives the students the knowledge and understanding to make educated and reasoned choices about their own bodies and sexual activities. They need to know about safe sex. Ignorance is not bliss. It is deadly when it come to our sexual being.

I work with young people every day. Many of the old social barriers do not exist for these kids especially in small town rural America. I see them "hanging out" together, black, white, native, straight, gay, rich, poor and everything in between. And, yes, they are having sex. The only thing that has prevented a huge epidemic of HIV and AIDS in this area is the low prevalence of HIV in this area.

As I have been saying to anyone who would listen, the only thing it would take for a huge outbreak would be the introduction of one or two infected individuals in the area who aware or unaware of their status and are having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Well, it has happened. I hope everyone is ready for what is coming.

Pride at Mt. Rushmore again next year

This morning I traveled to Mt. Rushmore and met with the officials there to work out the final details for an event to be held there during our Pride Festival activites next year (2008). Chief Ranger Mike Phlaum was very helpful and cooperative in putting together the final touches on our Free Speech Permit for the event. Out thanks to him for making the process understandable and easy. There were no complications and we were able to sign the papers without any reservations.

While the details of the event are still being worked out, we can report on what we have so far. Judy Shepard, Mother of Mathew Shepard, and the founder of the Mathew Shepard Foundation, has agreed to be our guest speaker at Mt. Rushmore. She has agreed to come free of charge and our only expense will be the cost of her transportation. Les and Lee Thiel of Rapid City, long time friends of the Shepard Family have agreed to provide lodging for Judy while she is here. They were also instrumental in making the arrangements for her to attend our festivities. Our thanks to them.

We are also in contact with LGBT Veterans and other national organizations to truly make this a national event honoring LGBT Veterans and others who have served the cause of freedom and democracy and LGBT equality. Special tribute will be made to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of equality.

We are still in negotiations regarding a venue for the rest of the festival. Things are looking very good at this time for a great Pride Fest 2008.

We are still looking for vounteers and those willing to help with next year's Pride Fest. Anyone wishing to help can call The Center West; 605-348-3244 or e-mail pridefest2008@thecenterwest.org.

Rapid City Weekly Article about The Laramie Project

Deanna Dowlin's article in The Rapid City Weekly about The Central High School's upcoming production of the Larmie Project. Great article about a great event here in Rapid City. Go Central High School students.

Lucky Duck

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Things have been very busy and I've been out of town. The first week this month I was in San Francisco for some training. It was fun and I learned a lot from the class. Got to see some of San Francisco. But wish we could have had more time to see the sites.
We did make it to Folsom Street as part of the training and then went to the Castro district for the evening. It's tough work but someone has to do it.
Got back and spent time in Sioux Falls and then went to a meeting in Chamberlain for the Episcopal Church state meeting. Curtis and Beth had a table set up for Integrity. This week it was back to Chamberlain to attend a meeting with the Campaign For Healthy Families Coalition to plan for the upcoming fights in the lesgislature.
Last evening I went to Spearfish to attend the opening night for Lucky Duck, the play being performed by the BHSU Theater Dept. The play was one of Bill Russell's musicals.
I am not a theater critic so I won't attempt to do a review. However, I can report that I laughed a lot and had a wonderful time. The play was very funny and well done. Those familiar with Bill's work know about his pention for great lines and humorous comments. It was well worth seeing and well worth the $5 admission.
I would highly recommend that everyone go to see it. It is the first time one of Bill's plays has been performed in South Dakota. I was able to visit briefly with Bill both before the play and at the reception after. Bill definitly wants to come back to help us with our Pride Festival again next summer. We will be announcing more about that as soon as we have some more details worked out.
GO SEE LUCKY DUCK!!

Some Great Videos

Over the past few days I've come across some great videos that I think need to be shared with everyone.

The first one comes from Equality Utah and suggests we "be the change."

The second comes from South Carolina about Hate Crimes and is very moving and very well done.

Finally from Wayne Besen and Truth Wins Out, a video about the importance of coming out and being true to who you are. Trying to be straight when you're not damages a lot of people besides yourself. This is timely with National Coming Out day happening tomorow October 11th.

UPDATES AND THANK YOU

I am going to be out of town for a few days. I am being forced to fly to San Francisco for some trianing. I know it's tough be someone has to do it so I'll sacrifice. Seriously, I'm looking forward to a few days in gay mecca.

I've posted some thank you's and information about the First Annual Black Hills Aids Walk on that site. It was a great success. It is still not too late to donate to the Walk. It can be done by credit card at the site or by sending a check to The Center West at 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57702. Also a reminder to those who have pledged but not sent your money in, could you please do so so we can close the books on this year's Walk.

Plans are well under way for next years Pride Festival. It is looking like an event that no one will want to miss. Schedule your vacations early for the 11th, 12th and 13th of July, 2008.

See you all when I get back. I will try to post from California if I get the time!!

New 12 Step Groups Forming

A new LGBT NA (Narcotics Anonymous) group has been organized and will start having meetings begining next Monday September 24th at 7:30 pm. The meetings will be held at the Center West, 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City. Anyone interested can attend. for more information call The Center West; 348-3244.

As I posted earlier, a general 12 step group is also organizing and is planning on meeting on Thursday evenings at The Center West starting at a future date. For more information e-mail: 12steps@isp.com.

The Center West is available to the LGBT community for meetings and events and provides information, resources, support and referral services to the communty. info@thecenterwest.org

BHSU doing Lucky Ducky

I just received an e-mail from Bill Russell informing me that Black Hills State University will be performing his play "Lucky Ducky" which will be opening on October 18th. Bill will be flying out from New York to be guest consultant on the play. Mark your calendars! Don't want to miss this one.

Also Bill has informed me that he very much wants to participate in our Pride Festival next year and our homecoming party for all current and former LGBT South Dakotans.

The Laramie Project at Central HS

I just received a phone call from a reporter friend who was looking for comment on a story she is writing. It seems that Rapid City Central High School has decided to do The Laramie Project in the Spring as one of their student productions.

Naturally, my comment was that I thought it was fantastic. And, I hoped that it could generate a discussion about diversity and equality here in the community. We can be sure that it will generate discussion. I just hope that it can be done intelligently and without all the hate mongering. But, given the state of affairs with the right wing fundamentalists these days I think we all know what is coming.

I just think that we need to be ready to respond intelligently and rationally. Let the fundies rant and roll and show the world the hateful mentality they advocate. I've contacted some friends of the Shepard family that live in Rapid City and they in turn have already called Judy. She has some great suggestions for the event which we will be discussing at a later time.

The timing is perfect as we have already booked Judy Shepard for the Pride Festival next summer. We are working with the staff at Mt. Rushmore at this time about permits and scheduling for our program there.

We are working to make Pride Fest 2008 a major national event. Schedule vacations now for the weekend of the 11th, 12th and 13th of July 2008. We are in negotiations with a national venue to hold it there. It looks good. LGBT former and current South Dakotans its time to come home for the party! If you look close, the Hills aren't black. They're lavender.

Jon Hoadley Moves up!

I just recieved word that Jon Hoadley has been named the new Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats. The anouncement was made this morning. I recieved an e-mail from Jon and he is looking forward to helping South Dakota and the Democratic party move forward.
This is great news for those of us in South Dakota and a great opportunity for Jon. What a great opportunity for South Dakota.

Letter to the Journal sent

Health Department statistics indicate over 350 people live with AIDS in South Dakota with 35 new cases last year. While several programs help AIDS patients with medical expenses and other necessities, there are still unmet needs. Health issues related to AIDS affects the ability to work and to provide for oneself.

The Center West and The Center in Sioux Falls maintain a fund to assist with emergency expenses. To raise money for that fund The Center West is sponsoring the First Annual Black Hills Aids Walk September 29th starting at the Memorial Park Band Shell. Registration begins at 12 noon with music and snacks. A short program follows at 1:15. The Walk starts at 1:30. More information can be found at: http://aidswalkbh.blogspot.com/

Individuals and businesses can get involved by becoming walkers, sponsors, contributors and/or volunteers. They can sign up at the above web site.

The Center West is committed to HIV and Aids prevention by providing education, prevention and testing services to groups, events and institutions and providing support services to those living with AIDS.

We’re asking all compassionate people in the Black Hills to get involved and help us prevent and alleviate the pain and suffering of this disease.

NEW 12 STEP GROUP

Dear Michael,
Would you post a question to the LGBT & Friends community for me?
I'm interested in finding out if there would be any questions or comments on starting up a new 12 Step and Spirituality Discussion Group in Rapid City at the Center West. The group will be for anyone who is Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and their Friends & Family. You do not need to be in a twelve-step program to participate. Everyone is welcome.
The intent of the meeting is to create a safe space where our community can discuss our issues. There would not be a lot of reading. If available, special speakers would be welcome. Respectful discussion, with an opportunity for everyone to take part is the plan. Any person who uses name calling, intimidation or threats will be ejected from the meeting.
Meeting times have not yet been finalized. The tentative plan is for the group to meet on Thursday evenings at around 7pm for 60- to 90-minutes starting in October. If the group desires, coffee or dinner before or after the meeting can be arranged.
If interested in commenting or finding out more, please contact me at 12steps@isp.com.
Thanks Michael,
Jim

IT DOESN'T SMELL RIGHT TO ME

I know that this is off topic but I really need to have my say on this topic because I have seen this happen too many times in too many places and it almost always ends up not benefiting anyone but the poor mega rich business that needs the incentive to do business.

How is paying Cabelas to set up a store here going to benefit the community? Generate new business? While it may attract some new business to town, most of its income will be taken from money that would have been spent at businesses already in town who didn't get all of the incentives that Cabelas will get. Seems like an unfair advantage to me. Where are all the free market advocates on this one? How many of those businesses will have to close?

New jobs? First of all other businesses will be laying off employees because Cabelas is siphoning off money that would have been spent in their stores. And those are all low paying retail jobs which will be at or below the poverty level. So the social costs of poverty will be picked up by the community. Once again subsidizing Cabelas.

Increased sales tax income. If they are simply taking business away from already existing businesses, there will be no increase in income to the city.

Property tax income? If we give them tifs to develope the land, that means that we are dedicating the property taxes to pay for the infrastructure that Cabelas should have paid for in the first place. Plus we loaned them the money in the first place. Wouldn't we be better off selling the land at market value, investing the proceeds and using the income to develope infrastructure and build a really solid future for the community.

Instead of Cabelas making an investment in our community, they think that we should be making an investment in them. Doesn't bode well for the well being or our community. They are telling us up front that they don't give a damn about Rapid City.

No they don't give a damn about anything but profit. They will suck profit out our community and send it off to another part of the country where it will probably be taxed, benefitting their home community, because we don't have a corporate tax here in South Dakota.

If they were coming into Rapid City and actually investing by building their facilities and setting up shop to compete on a level playing field, it would be different. But they are not. They've got us singing their tune. And when the song is done, we will all have laryngitis and they will be singing all the way to the bank.

The only people who stand to make out on this deal are the developers and the contractors who will actually do the work. Unless of course Cabelas brings in their own people from elswhere. The interesting part of all this is that the people who build it and make the money, won't be getting it from Cabelas. Because Cabelas has figured out a way to get us to foot the bill for it.

Cabelas and other big box stores don't create wealth. They suck it out of the communites in which they operate.

The part that I find incredible is that this is a staunchly Republican state. I thought Republicans were supposed to be all for the free market.

REMEMBERING THE FIGHT AND THE NEED FOR AN AIDS WALK

In light of the upcoming Aids Walk here in the Black Hills I have been doing some reflecting on my own life and the changes I’ve seen in the past 35 years since I came out. I remember back in the late seventies and early eighties when “coming out” meant joining the party. Life was a big party. Individual and Sexual freedom was what life was all about. Discovering one’s self also meant pushing the limits and the boundaries of the physical as well as the intellectual, spiritual and emotional. We all had such great hopes for the future back then. And we attacked life with wild abandon. What did we have to worry about? No one was going to get pregnant. The occasional STD was cured with a shot of penicillin. Except for the occasional crazy person and the religious fanatics things were good. Unfortunately when you constantly push the limits, eventually you are going to find them. That is just what happened in the great gay community in which we found ourselves. We started hearing about this new disease that was killing gay men. There were all kinds of rumors. “It was a secret plot. It was introduced by the government to wipe us out.” No rumor was too wild not to advance. What proved to be shockingly true was that because it was affecting primarily gay men it wasn’t taken seriously and too many members of our community were getting horribly sick and dieing. It was allowed to get more out of control than it should have because of societies disdain for us and the political realities of the time. It was the gay community that began the push to get the word out about aids. I was involved in those early days in organizing on college campuses and struggling to find out about “the disease.” The beginning of the aids crisis was a great catalyst for the gay community. It forced us into organizing on a scale we didn’t think possible. And it forced us into reevaluating our lives and our communities. All the while we were watching our friends get sick and die. Too many of them were dieing lost and alone having been disowned and rejected by families and the rest of society. It forced the rest of us into realizing we had to take care of our own because no one else was going to do it. I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t get aids. Why I was spared, I don’t know. What I do know is that I now have an obligation to first of all to get the word out about HIV and AIDS prevention to prevent another holocaust like the one I, and those of my generation, experienced. The most vulnerable at this point are young gay people who aren’t getting any information in the schools or at home. They are very much at risk for another epidemic. Secondly with the advancement of medication and treatment for aids many people are living with it for years. There are members of our HIV Positive group that have been living with aids for 20 years. This has its own difficulties for the victims. Many are living quiet lives of desperation and loneliness because the rejection and discrimination are still there. Most are also living in poverty because of the high cost of treatment and medication as well as the inability for most to work. The above reasons are why it is so important for us to support the Aids Walk here in the Black Hills especially those of us in the gay community. First of all and most importantly it raises funds to help those living with aids with emergency expenses. And it lets them know that there are those of us who still care. Secondly it raises awareness and understanding about hiv and aids and ways to increase prevention. The biggest thing I realized through all of this is how lucky I am; that I have a responsibility to help those who weren’t as lucky as I; and that “there but for the grace of God go I.” It is very important for everyone to pitch in and help with this cause. Please don't let it devastate another generation.

A NEW TWIST ON THE JFK STORY

I'm posting a review of a new book which describes the relationship between JFK and his life long gay friend, Lem Billings. The review includes an interview with the author and researcher David Pitts. For those of us who grew up in the Camelot era this gives a whole new perspective on JFK and the hope that he gave the nation. WE WERE INCLUDED IN HIS DREAM FOR AMERICA.

My Turn: The Love That Will Finally Speak Its Name

A beautiful story of coming out, coming to terms and love.

RANDOM STUFF

I haven't posted much until today. I've been very busy with lots of things going on. I sit on the State Planning Group for HIV and AIDS prevention for the South Dakota Dept. of Health. We had meetings in Sioux Falls to set priorities and look to the future.

Also had to go to Pierre for a grant writing workshop. Plus we've been very busy getting things ready for the AIDS Walk coming up on September 29th. We could sure use some help to get things set up and to get businesses and individuals to donate and to support the event.

We will have a meeting to help plan on September 9th at 4pm here at The Center West.

We also have some great news about next year's Pride Festival. We have booked Judy Shepard to be part of our festival. It will be held on the second weekend in July 2008. We are putting together the committee to finish the preparations for next year's Pride. Anyone wanting to help with this or any other of our projects can call 348-3244.

SOME THOUGHTS ON SENATOR CRAIG

I have been reluctant to comment on the situation with Senator Craig because I have a lot of mixed emotions about it. On the one hand he was a closeted hypocrite who caused a lot of harm to the lgbt community and his downfall is well deserved.

On the other hand he was obviously a victim of entrapment. What was the police officer doing to attract his attention? Also he never actually engaged in anything. It was a situation where the authorities knew that most people would plead guilty rather than fight it and risk the negative backlash. It's about outing and humiliating not about preventing anything. If they really wanted to prevent this kind of behavior, they would have a uniformed police officer walk through on a regular basis. That would be a deterent not entrapment.

Do I approve of propositioning people in public bathrooms? Absolutely not! I remember many years ago I was traveling cross country and stopped at a rest stop in Indiana. While standing at the urinal I heard a voice from the stall behind me asking if he could help me. This was at a time when a lot of us were trying very hard to get the movement started and trying to dispel a lot of the negative stereotypes that were being used to condemn us.

Suddenly here I was being confronted with the real negative image. That man in a few words was unraveling much of the positive gains we had made. I was disgusted.

But I did understand where he was coming from. When you deny a people a place in the sun, it isn't right to then condemn their attempts to survive in the shadows. But, times have changed.

Senator Criag and other right wing hypocrites who have been literaly caught with their pants down are the logical result of the very policies that the reigious fundamentalists are promoting. Deny who you are. Keep sexual orientation hidden. Fill people full of guilt and self-hatred over how they are created and who they are. Then condemn them for acting like guilt ridden self hating hypocrites. The real hypocrites are the religous fanatics who are promoting these ridiculous and hateful notions of sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Adding to the hypocrisey is the fact that they are doing it for political and financial gain. Then they have the nerve to call themselves Christian. The fundamentalists and the Right wing branch that controls the Republican Party are reaping what they have sown. They created Larry Craig, Ted Haggard, Mark Foley, etc, etc, etc. Now they want to throw them under the bus.

"CONCERNED CITIZEN" PROMOTES BOYCOTT

I was made aware of a letter that has been sent to businesses that supported us during our Pride Festival condemning them for supporting the LGBT community and suggesting they will boycott those businesses. A copy of the letter is posted on Mt. Blogmore as well as a lot of great commentary.

While we don't take this letter seriously, we do think it would be a great idea if people wrote letters thanking those businesses for supporting us. It would be good to make a point of supporting those businesses as well. Why not deliver the letters in person when you patronize them. We did send thank you notes to all of them immediately after the Festival. A complete list of those businesses is at the Pride site.


When you think about it, this may be a good thing. If the Right wingers do boycott those businesses, the businesses will become bigot free zones and much more pleasant for all of us to patronize.

GREAT TRANSGENDER WEB SITE

Marla has given us a link to a great web site full of all kinds of great and important information and resources for the Transgender community. I will be putting a permanent link to this site here on the blog and will be adding it to our web site which is in process.

BLACK HILLS AIDS WALK

The Center West will be sponsoring a Walk to raise money for those who are suffering from AIDS on September 29th. Get all the information at the web site and make plans now to participate.

Church Cancels Memorial for Gay Navy Vet

As a Navy Vietnam Era Vet who also happens to be Gay, I am disgusted that this church would allow their hatred to prevent them from honoring a vet who put his life on the line for his country. The Church is the abomination!!

ARLINGTON, Texas -- A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.

Is South Dakota Really a Red State?

The recent posting by Don Frankenfeld on the Hog House blog maintained by Denise Ross formerly of the Rapid City Journal got me thinking about South Dakota politics. In his column Don tells why he, a conservative Republican, has joined the Board of Directors for the newly formed Equality South Dakota, which supports and advocates for equal rights and protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. It is a great column and well worth reading.

Many people see South Dakota as ultra conservative and hostile towards not only lgbt concerns but to any progressive and liberal thinking. While it may seem that way recently with control of the Republican party being in the hands of right wing religious extremists, I don't see that as the traditional thinking in South Dakota. Politics in South Dakota do not indicate this in the long term.

South Dakota has produced the likes of Hubert Humphrey, George McGovern, Tim Johnson and Tom Daschle. There is also a very strong Libertarian streak in South Dakota which says that while we may not all agree, we all have a right to be here and to live our lives according to our own beliefs. The fact that the draconian abortion ban was so soundly defeated and the anti gay marriage amendment came within two percentage points of loosing says a lot about the moderate nature of the real political view points in South Dakota.

The marriage amendment actually lost in 11 counties here in Western South Dakota which is supposed to be the most conservative part of the state.

Don Frankenfeld is part of a moderate group of conservative Republicans here in South Dakota which includes the likes of Stan Adelstien who was very supportive of South Dakotans Against Discrimination last year in their fight to defeat the marriage amendment.

South Dakota may be considered a red state. However, we are well on the way to making it a lavender state. In the near future I see Equality South Dakota not only pushing to have the marriage ban repealed but to have protections in place for LGBT people living and loving here.

The fight for equality will be won or lost in the small states like South Dakota. That is because in the large states they talk about six degrees of separation. In South Dakota it is two degrees of separation. It is the news of our lives and our own personal stories and contacts that make the difference and win hearts and minds. That is much easier to do in South Dakota than in New York City or Washington DC. Equality is won one heart at a time. To accomplish those victories people have to know you. In South Dakota every one knows everyone else. Good Neighbors don't discriminate!!

Pictures From Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

There are a lot of pictures of the Rally in Mt. Blogmore at the Rapid City Journal Web Site. I'll have more that I'll post here when I get time and people send them to me. It's been a crazy week!

DON'S A STRAIGHT REPUBLICAN!!

DON FRANKENFELD HAS A GREAT "COMING OUT" COLUMN ON THE HOG HOUSE BLOG. THANKS DON FOR AGREEING TO BE ON THE BOARD FOR EQSD.

PETRELIS FILES REPORTS ON GLBT PRESENCE AT MOTORCYCLE RALLY

THE PETRELIS FILES DOES A POST ABOUT THE GLBT BOOTH AT THE STURGIS RALLY.

DIRECTIONS TO THE GLBT SPACE AT TOP FIFTY RALLY VENUE

TAKE EXIT 46 OFF I-90 TO ELK VALE ROAD. TAKE A LEFT ON ELK VALE ROAD AND GO ACROSS I-90 TO THE STOP SIGN AT THE SERVICE ROAD. TAKE A LEFT ON TO THE SERVICE ROAD. GO APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE AND THE VENUE WILL BE ON YOUR LEFT. WE ARE ON THE FIRST LEVEL ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK BY THE OFFICE. STOP IN AND SAY HELLO.

GLBT EVENTS AT THIS YEAR STURGIS RALLY

THE CENTER WEST WILL HAVE A BOOTH AT THE INDEPENDENT CYCLE TENT AT THE TOP FIFTY RALLY VENUE IN PIEDMONT. IT IS AT ELK VALE ROAD, EXIT 46 ON I-90 AT PIEDMONT. THE VENUE IS OPEN 10 AM UNTIL 7 PM FROM SUNDAY AUGUST 5TH THROUGH SATURDAY AUGUST 11TH. WE WILL BE PASSING OUT LITERATURE AND SOLICITING DONATIONS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A FIRST FOR THE RALLY.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A GAY MEN'S BIKE RIDE THROUGH THE HILLS ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8TH. A FULL RALLY SCHEDULE IS POSTED HERE.

I HAVE ALSO HEARD RUMORS ABOUT A DYKES ON BIKES RIDE BUT I HAVE NO INFORMATION ON IT.

ABSTINENCE ONLY DOESN'T WORK

AS WE'VE ALL KNOWN ABSTINENCE ONLY PROGRAMS DON'T WORK. MSNBC REPORTS STUDIES NOW PROVE IT. IN REALITY IT HAS ALWAYS JUST BEEN AN EXCUSE TO GIVE MONEY TO FUNDAMENTALIST CHURCHES TO PROMOTE THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

GREAT NEW DOCUMENTARY

PREACHER'S SONS

No matter what you think about same-sex parenting, your assumptions will be challenged as you watch this compelling story unfold over the course of five years. The Stewarts are an unconventional family, with surprisingly conventional values. Their odyssey is intimate and moving; but it exists within a wider context of the national debate over same-sex marriage and adoption. This film presents a rich body of evidence that encourages thoughtful discussion of these hot-button topics.

OLD QUOTE FROM TONY BLAIR

An interesting - and obscure - speech by Tony Blair (English Prime Miinister) in 1994 when Labour was in opposition to the Conservative Government of John Major.

It was delivered during the debate on an amendment tabled by a Conservative to reduce the then age of consent for gay men (21) to 16, in line with heterosexuals.

This is what Blair - incidentally a devout Christian - told the House of Commons:

"People are entitled to think that homosexuality is wrong, but they are not entitled to use the criminal law to force that view upon others. A society that has learned, over time, racial and sexual equality can surely come to terms with equality of sexuality. That is the moral case for change tonight. It is our chance to welcome people � I do not care whether there are 50,000, 500,000 or 5 million; it matters not a damn � into full membership of our society on equal terms. It is our chance to do good, and we should take it.� (Source: Hansard, the official record of the UK Parliament - Date of speech: February 21, 1994)

Since Tony Blair is such a darling of Bush and the right wing maybe they should take notice.

CENTER WEST BOOTH FOR STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

THE CENTER WEST HAS BEEN GIVEN FREE BOOTH SPACE AT THE INDEPENDENT CYCLE TENT AT THE TOP FIFTY RALLY PARK IN PIEDMONT. TAKE EXIT 46 OFF I-90 AT ELK VALE ROAD. SHOULD SEE THE PARK IN THAT AREA. STOP IN AND SAY HELLO. WE WILL BE PASSING OUT LITERATURE AND SOLICITING DONATIONS. VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO BEING SOUGHT TO HELP WITH THIS. CONTACT MIKE AT THE CENTER WEST 605-348-3244.

OTHER THINGS ON THE AGENDA

We are making plans for the first annual AIDS WALK to be held here in Rapid City on September 29th. We will be gathering in Memorial Park at the Band Shell on Saturday Sept. 20th at 12 noon. There will be a short program, lunch and then a walk to Canyon Lake Park or other distances for those who can not walk that far.

We will be posting more details and information about signing up, sponsoring, donating etc.

The purpose of this walk is to raise money to assist those living with AIDS with unexpected emergency expenses and problems and to assist in HIV and AIDS Prevention services.

Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Mike at the Center West, 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702 Phone: 605-348-3244. Or e-mail: aidswalk@thecenterwest.org

PRIDE FEST IS OVER NOW ON TO OTHER THINGS

The pride festival is over for another year and now we can move on to other things. I haven't posted in awhile because we have been busy trying to finish up the details of Pride.

I really want to thank everyone who helped to put this together, the volunteers who helped set up, take down and transport everything back and forth. It is a big job. A big thank you to all the vendors and those who had information tables and booths. Thank you to the musicians, technicians, performers and guest speakers.

I especially wish to thank everyone who participated, contributed, listened, danced and had fun. You are the ones that make this a successful event.

We were a little disappointed that so many members of the GLBT community chose not to attend. I know that some had other commitments that kept them from attending. Many of those people have contributed time and money to make the Festival a success. I do wonder where was everyone else?

Since the Festival, I have heard of several incidents where those who did not attend were overheard to say that there is never anything going on in the GLBT community. My response to that (At least the one I can publish) is that if you want to have things going on in the community, then you need to patronize them when they do happen. Get involved and help to make them happen. Of course if your main goal is to have something to complain about, then you are on the right path. Keep doing what you are doing.

We are already making plans for next year's Pride Festival. We will be taking it to a whole new level with corporate funding and professional promotion and organizing. Get involved now.

DIRECTIONS TO PRIDE

HEAD WEST OUT OF RAPID CITY ON HWY 44 (AKA RIM ROCK OR JACKSON BLVD) TAKE 44 ALL THE WAY TO THE END WHERE IT INTERSECTS WITH HWY 385. TAKE A RIGHT ON 385 AND GO APPROX ONE AND A QUARTER MILES TO THE JUNCTION OF SILVER CITY ROAD. THERE WILL BE A SIGN FOR SILVER CITY ON THE RIGHT. TAKE A LEFT AND THE WHISPERING PINES CAMPGROUND IS ON THE LEFT AT THE INTERSECTION. LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW FLAGS.

THE PRIDE SITE IS IN THE BACK OF THE CAMPGROUND BY THE BIG HOUSE. THOSE NEEDING RV SITES WITH HOOK-UPS WILL NEED TO STOP AT THE CAMPGROUND OFFICE. THOSE TENTING OR NOT NEEDING HOOK-UPS CAN GO TO THE MEADOW BY THE BIG HOUSE. SOMEONE WILL BE HERE TO DIRECT YOU TO THE PROPER PLACE.

HAVE FUN!!

PRESS RELEASE FOR PRIDE

THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE WAS SENT OUT TO MEDIA OUTLETS ACROSS THE STATE TODAY.

SOUTH DAKOTA PRIDE FESTIVAL 2007

The fourth annual South Dakota Pride Festival is being held at The Whispering Pines Campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota on July 21^st and 22^nd.

The Pride Festival is an annual event that brings together members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities, their friends, families and supporters from all over South Dakota to celebrate pride, freedom and respect for LGBT people everywhere.

Set up will begin on Friday evening July 20^th staring at 4pm. People are free to come and camp Friday evening. Festivities will kick off at approximately 10am on Saturday.

Headlining this year’s event is Linda Boyle, singer, songwriter from Chicago. Linda sings a variety of music from folk and pop to ethnic and modern. Linda will be performing Saturday evening at approximately 6pm.

In addition there will be dancing in the meadow starting at 8pm on Saturday. Equality South Dakota will be participating in this year’s event and will be running several carnival style booths to raise money for their ongoing efforts to advocate, to support and to protect the rights of LGBT people in South Dakota.

Many other organizations and vendors will have information tables and be selling items at the Festival.

Sunday will be set aside as a spiritual celebration; a telling of our stories by those participating in the Festival and an opportunity to connect with the various organizations helping with the festival.

Representatives from several national and regional organizations will be present to give workshops and advice on various issues of importance to LGBT people in South Dakota.

There will be games and contests for all ages. Camping is available. For more information visit the web site at: http://pridefestsd2007.blogspot.com/

The Center West located at 3601 Canyon Lake Dr. Suite 4 in Rapid City is sponsoring the Pride Fest this year; Phone # 605-348-3244.

The Center West and The Center East in Sioux Falls in cooperation with the South Dakota Department of Health will be offering free HIV testing at the Pride site again this year.

For more information contact:
Michael Coats, Director
The Center West
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-348-3244
E-mail: mmcoats@thecenterwest.org

BUSY GETTING READY FOR PRIDE

SORRY I HAVEN'T BEEN POSTING MUCH LATELY. WE HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY GETTING EVERYTHING READY FOR PRIDE FEST 2007. IT PROMISES TO BE A LOT OF FUN.

IF YOU WANT A LAID BACK WEEKEND OF FUN, FOOD, GAMES, MUSIC, DANCING AND SHARING WITH LOTS OF FRIENDS NEW AND OLD, COME TO PRIDE THIS YEAR; JULY 21ST AND 22ND. WE HAVE PEOPLE COMING FROM ALL OVER SOUTH DAKOTA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

GET ALL THE INFORMATION AT: http://pridefestsd2007.blogspot.com/

SEE YOU ALL THERE!!

MY LETTER TO THE RSJ ON JULY 8TH

Bob Ellis’s July 3^rd column claims that so-called religious extremists and wing nuts are promoting traditional American values is difficult to swallow. Intolerance, anti-Semitism, homophobia, hate and religious exploitation were not the values I grew up with or that made this country great.

I learned values like tolerance, respect for other people, religious freedom, Love Thy Neighbor, government off my back and out of my bedroom and the right to make my own choices and mistakes and to live my life according to my beliefs and convictions.

Mr. Ellis and religious extremists advocating so-called “traditional values” exploit fear, ignorance, intolerance, hatred and bigotry to further their own financial and political ambitions and agenda.

Traditional values don’t condemn people for loving each other; declare only certain families have value; demand only certain religions be tolerated; or that everything and everyone be subservient to whatever they wish to believe no matter how absurd or out of touch with fact and reality.

The wing nuts can cry foul. The truth is that when given the informed choice between intolerant, belligerent “right wing-nuts” or voices of tolerance, respect and moderation, people of this community have chosen the real American values of respect and tolerance

DOES THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL BELIEVE THE GLBT COMMUNITY IS PART OF "OUR TOWNS"?

THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL HAS FAILED TO LIST ANY GLBT ORGANIZATIONS IN IT'S "OUR TOWNS" PUBLICATION.
SEVERAL WEEKS AGO I SENT INFORMATION REGARDING THE CENTER WEST AND THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS THAT MEET HERE TO THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL FOR INCLUSION IN ITS "OUR TOWNS' SPECIAL ADDITION TO THE JOURNAL. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD BE INCLUDED. WHEN I RECEIVED IT LAST WEEK, NOTHING FROM THE GLBT COMMUNITY WAS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION.
THERE WERE MANY OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS AND RESOURCES INCLUDED BUT NOTHING FROM THE GLBT COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION TO THIS OMISSION, THE JOURNAL WAS NOTIFIED BY THE CENTER WEST AND THE COLIN HIGGINS FOUNDATION ABOUT RYAN BOWKER'S COURAGE AWARD. THEY EVEN DID A PHONE INTERVIEW AND SENT A PHOTOGRAPHER. BUT TO DATE NOTHING HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE RAPID CITY WEEKLY & KOTA TELEVISION HAVE ALREADY DONE VERY GOOD STORIES. NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS IS SCHEDULING AN INTERVIEW. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE JOURNAL? IS IT TIME FOR THE GLBT COMMUNITY TO STOP SUPPORTING THE JOURNAL WITH OUR SUBSCRIPTIONS? WE SPEAK WITH OUR DOLLARS!

FORMER "EX-GAY" ACTIVISTS APOLOGIZE FOR THE HARM THEY'VE DONE!!

Three former “ex-gay” leaders were scheduled to make public apologies Wednesday in Los Angeles for the harm their ministries caused gays and lesbians, and will call for those still involved in ex-gay therapy to acknowledge their part.

KOTA video about Ryan's Courage Award and more

See the KOTA video about Ryan Bowker's Youth Courage Award and his work at The Center West. Go to: http://www.kotatv.com/ Look for Featured Video: KOTA Man Wins "Courage Award."
There are also pictures and coverage of the event at Broadway World .com

RYAN IN NEW YORK CITY

I talked with Ryan again tonight. He said the Pride Parade was incredible and that he had a great time yesterday. At the Trevor Project Banquet tonight he recieved his award and was able to visit and get his picture taken with everyone inclunding Nathan Lane and John Glover. John Glover told Ryan he really liked the t-shirt he was wearing and gave him some money to send him one. He was wearing the Black Hills GLBT Youth t-shirt with the hands and the triangle. Ryan will be home tomorow. He says the experience was incredible. This was Ryan's first airplane ride and his first trip to a major city. We are so glad it went so well

Dakotas Methodist Conference adopts petition inclusive of GLBT membership

At its meeting in Sioux Falls the weekend of June 9, 2007, the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a petition endorsing GLBT membership in the Methodist Church. The petition was in response to a ruling by the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church that upheld a pastor's decision in Virginia who denial membership to a gay man because he was gay. This petition will be forwarded to the United Methodist World General Conference for their consideration in 2008.

The Dakotas Conference consists of Methodist denominations in North and South Dakota.
The petition was written by the youth of Dickinson UMC in Dickinson, ND and submitted to the Dakotas Youth Annual Conference that preceded the Dakotas Annual Conference. The youth introduced it on the floor of the annual conference and after 30 minutes of debate on the floor and 15 minutes of small group discussion and a secret ballot, the petition was passed by the conference. The petition states:

We, as representatives of the youth in the United Methodist Church of all sexual orientations believe in promoting equality for all people seeking membership in our denomination.
Whereas the United Methodist slogan of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors does not advertise any exceptions when it comes to membership in the church. There is no fine print;
Whereas Jesus did not give any qualifications for being a part of his body -- only that we follow and believe;
Whereas a main reason for discrimination is the fear of change, something we cannot be afraid of;
Whereas the church must give the same consideration to all passages of Scripture: No passage deserves more or less scrutiny than any other;
Whereas we as a people, must not only interpret what God says in the Scriptures, but also what God says to us today;
Whereas the church exists to be a messenger of God's love. When the church denies that love to anyone by not allowing membership, they are effectively communicating that God is also denying them love.
Therefore, we propose an addition to the Book of Discipline stating that no person shall be withheld membership to the United Methodist Church on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Submitted by Tanielle Brost, Chance Cole, Connor Cole, Katharine Dalton, Emma McKirdy, Grace McKirdy, Ally Roemmich, and Jacob Tallmon, members of the Dickinson (ND) United Methodist Church youth group.

RYAN'S IN NEW YORK!!

I TALKED WITH RYAN THIS MORNING AND HE MADE IT TO NEW YORK FINE. HIS LUGGAGE WAS A DAY LATE. BUT, IT MADE IT TOO. HE WAS HAVING LUNCH WITH THE PEOPLE FROM THE COLIN HIGGINS FOUNDATION AND GETTING READY TO GO TO THE PRIDE PARADE. HE'S HAVING A GREAT TIME. HE RECEIVES HIS AWARD AT THE TREVOR PROJECT BANQUET TOMORROW NIGHT. WE ARE ALL WITH HIM IN SPIRIT AND PROUD.

NEW LOOK AT THE CENTER WEST

NEW DISPLAY CASES, NEW LAYOUT, NEW SHELVES, NEW MAGAZINE RACKS, NEW LOOK, NEW ATTITUDE, NEW, NEW, NEW AT THE CENTER WEST.

STOP IN FOR A VISIT AND CHECK US OUT. I'LL PUT THE COFFEE POT ON. THERE'S ALWAYS REFRESHMENTS IN THE FRIG.

3601 CANYON LAKE DR, SUITE 4
RAPID CITY
605-348-3244

FREE HIV TESTING -- NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY

In honor of National HIV Testing Day June 27th, The Center West will be offering free HIV testing at their booth at the Black Hills Heritage Festival in Memorial Park June 29th - July 1st.

The Center For Disease Control has advised everyone to get tested for HIV. Knowing your HIV status is important in the prevention of HIV and AIDs and also for surviving the disease once it has been contracted.

The Center West, a resource, support, information and referral center serving the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community, its family and friends, offers free HIV testing all the time at it's offices at 3601 Canyon Lake Dr, suite 4, in Rapid City. As a service to the community at large, The Center West will also be offering testing to anyone at The Heritage Festival.

As part of it's grant from the Department of Health, The Center West also offers HIV prevention services and counseling and hosts a support group and referral services or those who are HIV positive and/or living with AIDS.

GLSEN YOUTH SCHOOL SURVEY

LGBT YOUTH! SPEAK OUT ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCES!

WE ALSO HAVE HARD COPIES OF THIS SURVEY AVAILABLE AT THE CENTER WEST.

Help GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) inform education policymakers and the public about what’s really going on in our nation’s schools by completing the 2007 National School Climate Survey, GLSEN’s fifth national survey about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in school. The National School Climate Survey documents the problem of anti-LGBT bias in K-12 schools across the nation.

If you attended high school or middle school sometime during this school year (2006-2007) and are at least 13 years old, tell us about your experiences in school. (If you did not complete the entire school year you are still eligible.) The survey is completely anonymous.

For more info and to complete the survey online, visit: www.glsen.org/2007survey

Anti-gay forces in religious Black community stray from the message of King

Fundamentalist Black religious leaders are turning their backs on the message of equality and fairness as preached by Dr. King. Yolanda King's message of inclusion as espoused by her father will be sorely missed. Read the entire transcript of Yolanda King's keynote speech at the Human Rights Campaign 2000 Detroit Gala Dinner.

LOCAL YOUTH WINS COVETED COLIN HIGGINS YOUTH COURAGE AWARD

Ryan Bowker of Rapid City has recently been informed that he has been chosen as one of the four national winners of the coveted Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award. Ryan has been active as a volunteer and client at the Center West in Rapid City. He has been active in RALLY (Respect ALL Youth) support group for LGBTQ teens and young adults at The Center West. He is also a founding member of the Paha Sapa Two Spirit Society, educational, social and support group for LGBTQ Native Americans sponsored by the Center West.

Ryan has been active in HIV and AIDS prevention at The Center West and has also been named as a voting member of the State Planning Group for HIV and AIDS Prevention for the South Dakota Department of Health.

Ryan is also trained in HIV testing and counseling and assists in the HIV testing program at The Center West.

For more information on the Colin Higgins foundation and The National Youth Courage Award go to: http://www.colinhiggins.org/courageawards/history.cfm

Congratulations Ryan. We are all so proud of you.

THE CENTER WEST DEFINED

The Center West shares a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation status with The Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. As such they are two branches of the same organization. The mission and goal of the Center West is to provide support, resources, education, referral and networking services to the GLBT community. The Center West also advocates for equality and a safe inclusive environment for everyone.

A diverse Board of Directors governs the Center West according to the laws of the State of South Dakota. The staff and volunteers at The Center West are accountable to that Board of Directors and its bylaws. The Center West is also accountable to the rules and regulations and policies of the various grants that it receives.

The Center West is not now nor has it ever been a product, outgrowth or legacy of any organization that may have preceded it in this community. While we have great admiration, appreciation and gratitude for all those individuals and organizations that worked hard to build community, The Center West is a new organization with no encumbrances, allegiances, debts or ties to the past.

The Center West is not a membership organization. It does not claim to represent the GLBT community. While The Center West respectfully tries to meet the wishes, needs and concerns of the GLBT community it serves, members of the GLBT community do not automatically have a seat at the decision making table. This is a privately run non-profit corporation not a community organization.

Volunteers at The Center West are considered staff members and are held to the same standards of conduct and rules as any paid staff member. They are expected to follow the rules and policies of the organization and to respectfully work toward the fulfillment and realization of the mission. The Board of Directors reserves the right to deny use of the facilities to anyone for just cause.

The Center West has partnered and shares facilities with another 501-C-3 non-profit corporation, which shares the same mission and goals. The Black Hill GLBT Youth Support and Resource Center works with The Center West in providing services to GLBT youth in Western South Dakota. It however is a separate organization.

The Center West works with Equality South Dakota in advocating for equality and fairness for GLBT people. It is however, a separate organization. The Center West will from time to time enter into contract with Equality South Dakota and other organizations to provide services that fall within the scope of our 501-C-3 designations.

Stephen Colbert: Homosexuals should come with a warning label

Stephen Colbert's hysterically funny put down of James W. Holsinger's nomination to be Surgeon General. Bush is slapping the gay community in the face with this absurd nomination. Homosexuals should come with warning labels!

THE DAY THAT WAS IN MASSACHUSETTS

READ FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF THIS GREAT DAY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN MASSACHUSETTS.

A HUGE WIN IN MASSACHUSETTS!!!!

I just recieved this today from The Human rights Campaign. It brought a tear to my eye. What a day!!

Massachusetts Legislature Defeats Discriminatory Anti-Marriage Amendment

Proposed Amendment Would Have Rolled Back Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples

WASHINGTON — Today, during a joint session, Massachusetts lawmakers voted 151 to 45 to defeat a measure that would have placed a discriminatory, anti-marriage constitutional amendment before voters on the November 2008 ballot. The proposed amendment threatened to undo the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s historic 2003 decision making the state the first to recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples.

“This proposed constitutional amendment was a misguided attempt to put peoples’ equal rights to a vote. We are grateful that the overwhelming majority of Massachusetts legislators rejected this divisive measure,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Today’s vote is a reaffirmation of Massachusetts’ proud record of choosing equality over discrimination. For the past three years, loving and committed same-sex couples have enjoyed the equal right to marry in Massachusetts. Despite the doomsday predictions of opponents of equality, the sky hasn’t fallen, and no one’s marriage has been threatened. To the contrary, the institution of marriage has been strengthened as same-sex couples and their families have enjoyed the equal rights and protections they deserve under Massachusetts law. The legislature’s action ensures that they will continue to enjoy those equal rights and protections.”

The Massachusetts state constitution requires that just one-fourth of elected legislators approve an “initiative amendment” (a proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the legislature by initiative petition signed by a specified number of voters), in consecutive joint legislative sessions before the proposed amendment goes to the voters. Opponents of equality gathered signatures to place the proposed anti-marriage amendment before the legislature by initiative petition. Last January, 62 of the state’s 200 legislators voted in favor of the proposed amendment, which would define marriage “only as the union of one man and one woman.” If 50 or more legislators had voted in favor of the proposed amendment today, it would have been placed before the voters on the 2008 ballot.

Solmonese added: “We hope that this decisive vote puts to an end, once and for all, attempts to bypass the Supreme Judicial Court’s historic decision in the Goodridge case. The system worked; the court did its job by applying the state constitution to guarantee equal protection for all Massachusetts citizens and legislators did their job by defeating the anti-marriage amendment, which sought to return same-sex couples to second-class status. Now, we look forward to seeing other states join Massachusetts in recognizing marriage equality and putting an end to discrimination against same-sex couples and their families.”

Today’s vote comes as other states are considering providing equal marriage rights to same-sex couples under state law. Earlier this month, the California state Assembly passed a bill that would provide same-sex couples with the equal right to marry under state law. Marriage equality legislation has also been introduced and is still pending in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The so-called Defense of Marriage Act denies the equal rights, benefits, and responsibilities of marriage to same-sex couples under federal law.

“Today, the legislature made a powerful statement that it’s wrong to vote on rights,” said Marc Solomon, Campaign Director for MassEquality, a coalition of local and national organizations defending equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Massachusetts. “This is a day for all of Massachusetts to celebrate. We thank The Human Rights Campaign for its early and significant support of MassEquality. HRC’s contributions of financial resources and staff time were critical parts of our campaign to defeat this dangerous amendment.”

The Human Rights Campaign is proud to have partnered with Mass Equality to work to defeat the anti-marriage amendment. Since the Goodridge decision in 2003, the Human Rights Campaign has invested more than $1 million in the work of MassEquality. In the weeks leading up to today’s vote, HRC sent four staff members to Massachusetts, who devoted hundreds of hours to defeating the discriminatory amendment.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.