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.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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
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!
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!
Monday, November 19, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Friday, November 9, 2007
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.
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.
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