Two of The Young Israeli Youth Impacted by Last Years Attack

Melanie Nathan – 7-27-2010 - A march will be held Saturday night in Tel Aviv  (July 31^st) to mark the one-year anniversary of a shooting attack in a Tel Aviv gay youth center that left two dead and 13 injured.

The march will start at the corner of Rothschild and Nahmani streets (near the youth center ) and end at Gan Meir, where a rally will be held with the families of the victims, Nir Katz 26, and Liz Trobishi, 16, the injured and members and counselors of the gay youth center.

Reposted from Haretz (Noah Kasharek)  - Ayala Katz, the mother of Nir Katz, who was a counselor at the center, and chairwoman of Tehila, a support group of parents of members of the gay and transgender community, will speak at the rally.

Next month a delegation of youth injured in the shooting will join Tel Aviv municipality officials and possibly Israeli police officials in Berlin to meet with representatives of Maneo, a group that provides support for gay and bisexual men who have been victims of violence, members of the Berlin police, German members of parliament and officials in the Berlin municipality.

The visit is sponsored by Maneo and is taking place in cooperation with the Tel Aviv municipality’s gay center.

Adir Steiner, Tel Aviv municipality’s coordinator of activities for the gay community, says the purpose of the trip is to learn the Berlin model for preventing and dealing with anti-gay violence.

The Berlin model has been adopted by other European cities, like Barcelona, Steiner told Haaretz. It is based on cooperation between Maneo and the authorities, particularly the police, which has two liaison officers to the gay community to deal with homophobic crimes, he said.

Steiner said if the model is adopted in Israel, Hoshen, a group working to change stereotypes about homosexuality and bisexuality and that trains professionals in matters pertaining to the LGBT community, would take the role of Maneo.

“Perhaps if we had started the project a few years ago, we would have documented manifestations of homophobia by the killer, who has not yet been caught, in cooperation with the police, and we might have identified him before the murder. Homophobia, like all hatred, begins small,” Steiner said.

The chief of the Berlin police has reportedly invited Israeli police officers to take part in the delegation, particularly the Tel Aviv district youth officer. The Israel Police said they have not yet received an official invitation.

Next Weekend I will Post my Exclusive Interview with the two Youth Above – to Honor the Victims of the Attack.   Please revisit LGR for this.  B’Shalom… Melanie Nathan

NOTE The Shooter has not been found by Israeli Authorities.

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Diabetes Mobile- iPod iTouch iPhone Applications

Nadia Al- Samarrie - Publisher of Diabetes Health

Jay Hewitt has traveled miles and miles and more miles in a nineteen year period, racing Ironman triathlons in Australia, Europe, the Carribean and all over North America, climbing and camping at the top of 14,000 foot Mt. Whitney, and of course dozens of family vacations and business trips.

Packing equipment and supplies for an Ironman triathlon and 3 weeks in Australia requires a bit of planning and preparation, but when you have diabetes you feel like you do that for just a weekend out of town.  Meters, strips, insulin, syringes, infusion sets, pump supplies, snacks . . . a simple weekend trip becomes a lunar expedition.

Who could be more qualified than Jay to provide traveling tips such as these and if you want to read more then I highly recommend DIABETES HEALTH Magazine where this article was first published and reprinted here with permission of King’s Publishing Inc.

“Here are JAY’s  top five tips for traveling with diabetes.

1. Bring Extra of Everything. Adopt the NASA triple redundancy system.  If one thing breaks or is lost, you have a back up, and another back up.  If I will be out of town two nights and will need to change my insulin pump infusion set once, I bring one set plus 3 extras.  I bring syringes for a day just in case the pump malfunctions or is damaged.
2. Keep Your Diabetes Critical Pouch Packed. My diabetes travel kit stays packed in my home with insulin pump infusion sets, syringes, alcohol swabs and other miscellaneous supplies.  I call this my diabetes “critical pouch.”  I periodically use and replace each item.  Life is too busy to remember to pack each thing every time you leave the house for a night.  I just grab that little pack and check the inventory and go.  I keep it in a quart size clear plastic freezer bag perfect for airport security and for me to see the contents, and keep it in my carry on bag.  I also bring several glucose meters as well.
3. Prescriptions at a National Pharmacy. Keep prescriptions for insulin, strips, syringes and any other supplies updated and on file with national pharmacies such as Walgreen’s, CVS, or other chain, even if you get your every day supplies from a local pharmacy or mail order.  When you live in Maryland and lose your insulin in Florida, those national chains can refill you there.
4. Pack Supplies in Separate Luggage. My diabetes critical pouch stays with me in my carry on bag on a plane and in the car.  This pouch contains my insulin so that it is not exposed to heat when my suitcase is left outside or in a car.  Packed in my suitcase with my clothes I keep extra supplies such as an extra meter and strips, pump supplies or syringes.  Now you are prepared if you get there, but your luggage does not.
5. Pack Travel Snacks. My briefcase or backpack always has at least 2 sport bars or other snack to munch on the plane or in the car when my blood sugar gets low.  I have extra sport bars packed in my suitcase, and even my glove box.  I like sport bars such as Clif Bar because they are packaged and sealed and travel easily in my bags.  I also keep a non perishable high carbohydrate drink in a plastic bottle in my car to sip when needed.

When flying across the country or internationally be sure to adjust the time on your insulin pump for your basal rate or injection of long acting insulin to correspond to that new time zone.  I make sure I have a bottle of juice or other carb drink in my hotel room.  Nothing is worse than waking in the middle of the night with low blood sugar and having to dress and roam the hotel halls for a vending machine.   When I travel alone I prefer to err a bit on the high side of normal blood sugar when sleeping because no one is in my hotel room to help if I have a severe low.

Traveling usually means eating different foods, and often at different times, so I tend to test more frequently on the road.  A little exercise on the road is always a great way to stabilize blood sugar and refresh your body and mind, especially on a business trip.  You knew I would recommend exercise, didn’t you!  I always pack my running shoes and clothes on a business trip with a packed schedule just so I can feel better, and enjoy a nice dinner.  I love to have dinner within walking distance of my hotel in major cities like Washington or New York so I can walk back and enjoy the conversation and post meal exercise.

A little planning will make for a good trip.  Have fun!  ( © Diabeteshealth.com 2010)”

Traveling with the  recently launch by Diabetes Health Apple Applications, by the California based King’s Publishing Inc. :- This could be a travel savior for those with Diabetes – Imagine being able to take  a compendium of Diabetes Related issues and TV broadcasts on your travels.  read more  at ……..   http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2010/06/29/6740/diabetes-health-is-the-first-diabetes-magazine-to-launch-iphone-and-ipod-touch-applications-dh-mobil/?isComment=1

Please let us know if you are interested in more health related articles here on LGR that specifically relate to lesbian interest ….In 1999, lesbians were identified as an underserved minority by the Institute of Medicine. Some health issues for lesbians are different from those of heterosexual women, and clinicians need to be aware of these differences in order to provide culturally-appropriate care, since at least 5% of their female patients are lesbian.

Articles of interest:
Abstract   Objective: This New Zealand study set out to measure the self-assessed health status of a snowball sample of lesbians in New Zealand, focusing on how lesbians use health services and perceived barriers to accessing health care.  In New Zealand-laws forbidding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation have been in place since 1993, yet 5 years later this study suggests lesbians may have poorer health, and their delaying consultation requires further study. Conclusion: This study supports overseas research showing that lesbians delay seeking health care and find barriers to health care that are different from a random sample of women.  http://www.springerlink.com/content/g8501u5750t752lu/ Percentages were calculated on the general questions and a standardized set of questions and calculated scoring was used to measure the self-assessed health of respondents.

******

http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2009/07/21/6285/gay-men-and-women-with-diabetes-find-a-voice-through-the-diabetes-and-gay-dang-foundation/

Posted by Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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St. John Fernando & Greg at SF Pride 2010

Fans ecstatic as Radio Personalities attend SF Pride;

Little did famed radio personalities, St. John, and team Greg and Fernando know that  being outlawed from the 2010 Pride festivities, by complicit Clear Channel and Pride San Francisco (2010) would in fact turn out a ‘blessing in disguise.”

St John has been  a San Francisco Pride feature  celebrity  DJ each Pride for the past fourteen years,  Greg and Fernando have been bashing on doors trying to get a spot, year after year and to no  avail.   It seemed their unwelcome fate was sealed when they quit the airwaves of Pride sponsor  Clear Channel.

Joining CBS, the two sets of scorching talent  brought their magnetic pull to CBS, their new home, willing to shake fist in the face of  what may well have been the homophobic culture generated by Clear Channel home to the likes of mega –right wing stars Limbaugh and Beck.

St John, as host and creator of San Francisco’s longest running global dance radio show HouseNation  and  on air personality  for CBS Radio’s MOViN99.7… nominated at WMC for mix show of the year, has performed at SF Pride for the past fourteen years.  From the airwaves to the dance floors of the hottest clubs and undergrounds, St. John’s energetic style has made him a staple internationally from Brazil to Canada, and nation-wide from New York’s Limelight to San Francisco’s Ruby Skye. With multiple CD releases on major labels such as Thrive and UBL Recordings, St. John has sold over a quarter-million albums and in 2010 , contributed to HIV/AIDS funding and cast Pride on a community of teens confused by coming out.

In complimentary contrast, and with standing fan base as profound, is beloved duo, team “ Greg and Fernando” who shake the morning commuters with humor and rancor, so unique in its gay-straight blend that their own ‘bridge’ belies that of the reach of the very Golden Gate most commuters cross each of those blaring CBS mornings. Be assured that despite the hefty $6.00 toll (or is it $7 yet?) these fans are adding laughter and fun to the beauty of that extraordinary Bay Area commute.

In the week leading to 2010 San Francisco Pride, Lez Get Real published an article, exposing, exclusively, the impending ban excluding the iconic hosts from performing at the SF Gay Pride Festival.

Despite the article’s virility and the hullabaloo it caused, Pride did not change its stance and nor did it answer our specific e-mail questions calling for an explanation.

After the Pride Festivities, we spoke to St. John as well as Fernando, on behalf of illustrious duo Greg and Fernando.  Clearly the sentiment was unified – annual San Francisco LGBT festival and parade crossed the implicit boundary from Pride to corporate control, delivered through exclusionary terms and conditions in sponsorship contracts, that not only excluded these superb talents but the very saints of “gay is okay!”, and hence served to tacitly disparage them in the eyes of fans and populace alike.

When Lezgetreal.com broke the story in its exclusive article, St. John’s fans were shocked.  The internet and St. John’s Facebook site, spiraled into the world of viral and the comments came pouring in, via email, bloggers, and the usual fan channels.

Feeling the pulse and camaraderie, nothing could keep the famed verbally flamboyant duo, Greg and Fernando, nor the LGR featured and talented magic-mix-machine St. John, away from Pride San Francisco and so of course they showed up; after all they are family.  They  were about to find out, however, that they were there not for themselves but for Pride after all, because the FANS did not let them forget that! They were there- for the fans, who recognized and all but swarmed both sets of talent.

Sparked by the previous article, they were incensed and happy to see the guys!

St. John told us that together with Greg and Fernando, and keen CBS interns, the band of  buddies attended San Francisco Pride, as any ordinary members of the population would have the right to do. “We made our rainbow signs and went to Pride,” quipped St. John.

“Truthfully,” says St. John, “I had the best time in memory of any of the San Francisco Pride events that I have attended, always as performer.  In all my fourteen years attending I have been on a stage performing, but this time I was amongst my fans and able to connect on a personal basis.  It was an extraordinary experience. “

St. John told me that he spoke to a young fan coming out at this Pride for the first time. The youngster was so grateful for the help when St. spent time talking to the young person.  “If that was all I accomplished with just that one person, this year at Pride” said St. John, “it was humbling and made the ban worthwhile.”

But that was clearly not all that they accomplished.  “I really felt like I was there for the people this time.  It was a very personal Pride experience for me.  Fan after fan came up to me and ironically while I was having a great time, they were reminding me and commiserating about the ban on my performing at Pride; many were sad and angry with San Francisco Pride Organizers and Clear Channel.”  According to St. John.

When I spoke to Fernando, he echoed the same sentiment, both he and Greg had a fantastic time; invited to the mike as they passed almost every performer and stage.  It seems it will be hard to keep them off future gigs  especially as their fame is growing exponentially.

St John said that the Lezgetreal Article had generated huge publicity for him and CBS and that awareness and recognition had increased “a hundred times. The number of people who came up to me at Pride was incredible and I had no idea how much buzz the article had generated.”  But it is much more than that – all tree hosts are much beloved and have given so much to the gay community that their presence would undoubtedly have NOT gone unn

St. John Spinning Despite BAN

oticed, regardless of the controversy.

Then came the unexpected, a coup of sorts, as they passed the Clear Channel Group, who had been pivotal in the Ban, the buddies sensed a  tasteless discomfort as their fellow DJ’s who, while perfectly entitled to replace the ex- clear channel and now CBS icons, must surely have been uneasy about the out and out ban.

Passing the Toyota Stage, fans rallied around and the next thing St. knew he was behind the controls and spinning the reputable mix to the delight of fans and all around.  Unplanned, and impromptu he found himself, not only caught in a united throng of festivities but showcasing his formidable talent nonetheless. No he had the best of both worlds.

While, St. John, has been the mix spin of Pride gig for fourteen years, the refusal to comment by Pride organizers, has prompted an omission begging for its own spin, any spin;   “Hey SF Pride- pray tell – who is pushing the buttons – what is going on here?” This is the resounding common denominator- a roar from comments generated by my earlier Article. “Has Pride been bought to the extent that the People of San Francisco are compelled to celebrate without their heroes? Is Pride the San Francisco Pride or is it now the Corporate Who has More Money Pride.

I do not know about you fellow queers, but as for me I have marched and paraded and celebrated in the name of San Francisco pride for many years and when I see those who model excellence for our community I feel good about myself and proud that my maker made me the perfect lesbian.

With this all said, I will be featuring an article in the next few days that will bring more of the Fernando Interview (Greg and Fernando) interview. Please visit our FB Page and make sure you subscribe.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Article  by Melanie Nathan and Lezgetreal © -  Can be re-blogged with the following accredation:
Article  at www.lezgetreal.com, by Melanie Nathan. (Include direct Link)

©Photos. Copyright  N. Collins /Melanie Nathan.

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San Francisco: Breaking – For the past 15 years openly gay, renowned DJ, radio host, and creator of San Francisco’s longest running global dance radio show “House Nation, who goes by the name St John, has been a feature, honing his iconic talent and superstar ACT at the annual San Francisco LGBT Pride.

But this year something smells a little off.  Sources inform us, that the event which would usually pride itself on tradition has succumbed to the demands of one of its  corporate sponsors, CLEAR CHANNEL.   Clear Chanel (yes the very clear channel, air-wave home to Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck,) and a major SF Pride 2010 sponsor has demanded the banning of ST. John and two other well known GAY Morning DJ’s; all three axed, shunned and rejected despite their years of entrenched relationship with the event.

St. John, described as  Superstar in the growing world of  mix was extremely popular at Clear Channel’s Wild 94.9 for 14 years, and then moved to CBS’s. Movin’ 99.7, KMVQ-FM.

St. John’s energetic style has made him a staple internationally from Brazil to Canada, and nation-wide from New York’s Limelight to San Francisco’s Ruby Skye. With multiple CD releases on major labels such as Thrive and UBL Recordings, St. John has sold over a quarter-million albums and in 2010 continues to work on exciting new projects.

The exclusion may be attributed to corporate wrangling and competitive venom between CBS and Clear Channel. Yet on wonders just how San Francisco pride fits into this mix of loyalty gone awry?

Since it was not only St John who made the move, but also other DJ’s and Michael Martin, once Program Director for Clear Channel and now Vice President of Programming for CBS RADIO San Francisco. The retribution could also be attributed to Martin who did not hide his excitement when St John left  Clear Channel to join CBS: “I am beyond excited to have him join MOViN!  His skill, passion, precision and drive to win are an inspiration to all who work with him and the detriment to those who try to compete against him,” said Martin.

Should we as a marginalized and discriminated against community stand behind our heroes? Or should we accept demanding sponsors who are giving SF Pride the profits off the  millions made and paid to the likes of homophobic and anti American  Limbaugh and Beck.

For St. John the feelings were mutual when he joined CBS; – “I’m thrilled to be reunited with programming legend Michael Martin. Together we’ve dominated ratings in both the Bay Area and Los Angeles and when St John moved asserted: “I can’t wait to work with him to do it again at my new home CBS RADIO San Francisco.”

Each year, Pride works with the event media partners, such as Clear Channel home to the likes of right wing lunatics – Limbaugh and Beck, to bring a televised and  radio broadcasts of the SF Pride Parade. SF Pride producers assert that they have been able to expand the coverage of the Parade to include a full-length, unedited online broadcast in addition to televised coverage the evening following the Parade’s conclusion.

Since St. John left clear channel, it is became apparent that punitive motives would follow the star, and that attempts would  be made to relegate his well earned reverence in the world of cool music and especially his vested platform at PRIDE.

St. John, clearly hurt by San Francisco Pride’s rejection of his talent, and his years of service was loathe to make any derogatory remarks at all either toward SF Pride or Clear Channel.

From my interview it was clear that not only is St John a good man, he is modest and is not willing to speak of  the enormous contributions he has made to fighting HIV/AIDS and helping those in need.

In furthering his career he is now being punished by his own community.  Not only is he a talent but he is an open voice to tens and thousands of a younger generation who hold him in the highest esteem, reaching across the gay- straight lines amongst the youngsters, where it really counts.

When asked for his comments  he told me: “Its been a long  journey with San Francisco Pride; I am proud  to have  been  apart of a great service to the community and hope that maybe I can find a way to continue to be so.”

I will say one thing and that is if Clear Channel tried to impose a ban on any gay performer of any kind with a history and credentials such as ST, John, I for one would rather risk their sponsorship!

The Organizers of San Francisco Pride were contacted for comment but no response was received.

Clear Channel Communications,  Inc.. (OTCBB:CCMO) is a global media and entertainment company specializing in mobile and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company’s businesses include radio and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.

By Melanie Nathan
Nathan@privatecourts.com
@oblogdeeoblogda
Get me on – FACE BOOK .

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Los Angeles, CA –  After enjoying international fame with her Universal Record Top 10 worldwide radio hit “Kiss The Rain” from her certified gold album “Growing Pains,” produced by Desmond Child (Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, Cher), then hitting rock bottom & being diagnosed with depression, Myers is finally making an admirable comeback as an indie artist who with the help of the internet’s Social Media Networks  (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is using her music & public image as a platform for spreading information and raising awareness about a  cause and pressingly urgent issue that is close to home for the singer: Depression.

Furthering her already vocal support for the LGBT community, Myers, the openly bi-sexual British prodigious singer/songwriter, will show her PRIDE with a live performance at this year’s NYC Pride weekend. Gracing the stage of  Central Park Summer Stage in Manhattan on June 19, Myers will take this opportunity to premiere (as an exclusive)  in front of  fans, activists and supporters her new single from her recently released album dubbed “Tea & Sympathy”.

A humanitarian at heart and LGBT Activist,  Myers will also launch this September, as part of “Back to school” month, her Pepsi Refresh Challenge project as a spokesperson for the JED Foundation - the leading nonprofit organization addressing issues related to mental health and suicide in the college population. Myers joins other celebrities such as Pete Wentz and Mary J. Blige in JED’s ongoing fight against depression and suicide prevention.  JED’s first program, ULifeline, launched in 2000 and has become a widely used online resource for college mental health with campus-specific information for over 1,250 schools. www.jedfoundation.org

As a woman diagnosed with depression,  (and saved from suicidal thoughts with the help of friends) Myers is localizing her efforts more specifically on the LGBT community, encouraging everyone — gay, straight, transgender, lesbian, bisexual — to get informed about and involved with the JED Foundation to fight depression. With the Pepsi Refresh challenger, Myers is determined to educate people about what depression is, how to recognize the warning signs, how to overcome it, shed light on how to help people suffering from depression – and overall, promote suicide prevention among young people.

SOME BASIC STATICS ABOUT DEPRESSION & SUICIDE:

Statics show that Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the US with 31,204 deaths recorded in 1995. This approximates to around one death every seventeen minutes. There are more suicides than homicides each year in the US. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that “as many as 30% of completed youth suicides each year” are performed by gays and lesbians. Suicide risk is higher among homosexual youths not because of their inability to accept their sexual orientation but because of the risks attached to it and the lack of support.

“Better off dead than gay” is the general sentiment directly connected to the fact that more often than not they are bullied, discriminated against, and because they are not accepted and don’t find a way of life for their homosexuality in society.

These past few months have seen the lost of some high-profile figures to suicide, and we believe that the way the media cover these stories can potentially have a positive or negative impact on young people.  When sensationalized, coverage of suicide can potentially have a negative impact on a young person already struggling emotionally and/or contemplating suicide.  But we can also use these tragedies as a moment to talk about suicide in a productive way – to help people understand it better, learn the warning signs and think about what they can do to protect themselves or a friend.

Not only does music have the power to captivate us, it has the ability to shape our beliefs and enact social change. Musicians are no strangers to playing concerts and galas on behalf of charities around the world in an effort to raise social awareness. In a world connected by technology like never before, music can have an even greater impact on social awareness. While major musicians have always had the ability to reach millions to help raise public awareness for their causes, the rise of the Internet enables anybody to voice their concerns on issues they support.  And that is exactly what Billie Myers is doing – as  Margaret Mead wrote: ”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

ABOUT BILLIE MYERS:

After a seven-year hiatus, Myers is back! And by BACK we don’t just mean figuratively by cementing her musical genius with a new album “Tea & Sympathy, but as well literally by publicly, and for the first time, breaking her silence on depression – a silence that nearly cost her her life.

Myers’ life is nothing short of inspirational and puts a face to so many different social, ethnic and psychological issues that are still affecting millions of people nowadays. Her courage to now openly talk about her depression and determination to not give up her artistic passion and dream epitomizes the meaning of hope and the concept of believing in yourself; not to mention the success she is enjoying as an independent artist who is admiringly embracing the DIY approach.

Self-Funded and released on her own label, Fruit Loop, “Tea & Sympathy” in less than 24 hours of its online release, impressively scored a #15 spot on the iTunes Singer/songwriter chart. With “Tea & Sympathy”, Myers is breaking new ground musically. Fashioning a unique collage of sound that intertwines electronica, trip-hop beats, and bluesy guitars around her live acoustic/rock roots, the envelope pushing, lyrically driven, emotionally rich new CD features collaborations with such highly acclaimed songwriters as Kristen Hall (Sugarland), Peter Vale (Lemar, Beverly Knight) and Marcella Detroit (Shakespeare’s Sister, Eric Clapton).

Now, as an independent artist, Myers is becoming the perfect example of how modern technology can and should be utilized to not only secure online presence and public exposure but as well how the internet offers a new distribution platform allowing indie artists to bypass the support of the major record labels.  Her online fans have recently launched a Facebook PR Campaign lobbying to get Myers back on the stage of Lilith Fair!

MYERS’ VICTORY OVER DEPRESSION:

Beyond the success Myers is now enjoying on the road back up on the charts, it is really the behind the scene story that merits a closer look at – her numerous personal as well as professional victories have undeniably positioned her as a powerful creative voice to be reckoned with:

- She was abandoned by her mother at age four who dropped her off at an orphanage.

- Her father wanting her to have a better life requested that she lived in a Caucasian foster home. Unfortunately for Billie she suffered through seven years of emotional abuse until her stepmother took her back to live with her and Billie’s real father.

- Battled all her life against racism as well as reverse discrimination constantly being rejected for being the product of mixed race (coming from an English mother and Jamaican father).

- Shot to international fame then brutally fell into anonymity. Hit rock-bottom financially, professionally and personally – had it all and lost it all!

- Nearly on the brink of suicide, bravely survived the harrowing web of depression;

- And now comes back to the music scene successfully battling against the Goliath of corporate record label moguls.

A true success story, Myers is undeniably emerging as one of the most inspirational music heroines and humanitarian of our times!

Posted by Melanie Nathan
follow me @oblogdeeoblogda

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When I started blogging almost a year ago, it was really to showcase my advocacy for immigration rights, my potential Sohpie’s choice and my work for UAFA; and so I dabbled on my little blog site  wondering if anyone would ever visit- O-BLOG-Dee-O-BlOG-DA – at www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

Then Shirley Tan, my advocacy client, received her introduction of a Private Bill by Senator Feinstein.  That was the day my working life changed. Nothing has been the same since. I do more and I earn less; but I cannot resist.  I have grown to love the story, finding it and telling it.

But I am not a real journalist I am a trained lawyer and mediator.  So my Achilles heal may well be the fact that when thrown a victim I must become the hero.  Now while some may think “how wonderful, nice person, always working for others, so giving and helping,” I must bare soul and admit it is not remotely selfless; nope, not when one finds so much satisfaction in making a little bit of a difference.

So then came the invitation of a lifetime to join Paula Brooks, on LEZGETREAL  and then the adventure began in earnest. Paula was told “Melanie is a loose Canon,” by those who fear my pen and Paula said, “Go away, Melanie is here to stay.”

So now with the growth and expansion of what we do here at Lezgetreal, from covering Tribeca  Film festivals  to Constance McMillen, to ‘corrective rape in Africa’ to a therapist column, to name but a smidgen; we announce that we will soon open up more advertising for a fair dollar, and in a very limited fashion.  If you want to be amongst the first for consideration, please contact us. We want to feed more into the worthy development of this site and could use help with maintenance. (nathan@privatecourts.com)

I have now covered stories, and events the likes of which I could not have imagined; and so far from what I originally started to do -  I always used to be on the guest side and now I am suddenly on the story side. Its a great ride and ask you to join all of us here at LEZGETREAL by continuing to support our site any way you can. Join our fan Page on Face Book, subscribe to our feed, watch us on Twitter, Re-tweet what we write, FB your friends, send us tips, advertise and most of all give us a good read.

Now, that all said please enjoy this unique interview with CONSTANCE McMillen from Saturday night at the NCLR gala celebration for their 33rd Anniversary.  Constance was a guest and a select few bloggers and journalist were invited for an exclusive photo op and interview. We have covered the NCLR event in two other Articles here on lezgetreal.

Thanks,

Mel!

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With NCLR and 2,000  San Francisco Lesbians

- And what a night it was!  I first saw Constance as she walked proudly into the Green Room at the Metreon in San Francisco.  She was wearing a gorgeous black cocktail dress and her beauty and elegance belied her 17 years.

We sat down to our interview; her answers eloquent and resolute, demonstrated fervor her for newly sparked activism.

Constance McMillen is a young lesbian high school student in Mississippi who prompted school officials to cancel her prom, because she wanted to attend with her girlfriend.

Constance told me that she was still being harassed at school by students pointing at her, talking about her and snickering with ridicule. In fact they have made it impossible for her to stay at school and she will be transferring to a different school to complete her schooling before going on to college.

She expressed how important it is for people to express displeasure at things that are unjust and that allies, not only LGBT people, should speak out about discrimination and injustice.

Constance was accompanied by her attorney, Christine Sun and after the interview joined all the women in the enormous hall where she appeared briefly on stage with Kate Clinton, Jane Lynch and Kate Kendell, Executive Director of NCLR.

No Prom could have provided the glitz and glamor of this one; – as NCLR, celebrating its 33^rd Anniversary, went all out on providing all the trimmings, to create an ambiance worthy of such celebration; from live band to fun food stands, trapeze artists and DJ extraordinaire.

However, with all the bop and bounce,  nothing resonates more intensely for me than Constance words – when I asked how many Proms she had been invited to, she said many.  A sad look came across her face, as she went on to say that no substitute Prom, nor any amount of extravagance, could ever replace her school prom, the one that she had looked so forward to for so long, that had been canceled by the School in its endeavor to bar Constance from attending with her girlfriend.

We will follow this Post with video of my interview with our young hero….

Melanie Nathan LGBT ADvocate /Activist

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

Picture: By Lezgetreal: Constance McMillen and small gathering of LGBT invited Press.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights, NCLR,  is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.

Year Founded: 1977

What We Do: NCLR is a non-profit, public interest law firm which litigates precedent-setting cases at the trial and appellate court levels; advocates for equitable public policies affecting the LGBT community; provides free legal assistance to LGBT people and their legal advocates; and conducts community education on LGBT legal issues.

Who We Serve: More than 5,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families in all fifty states each year, including LGBT seniors, immigrants, athletes, and youth. And our impact litigation serves all LGBT people in the United States.

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This Grand Prix of Lesbian action gets the checkered flag, yet again.  Mariah Hanson has succeed in  another exclusive –line up,  adding today’s  announcement today of  one time reunion  Salt-n-Peppa  and Spinerella.

Twenty years ago, I was one lipstick-lesbian who gratefully swirled to the ecstatic innovations of Mariah, a  pioneer in the development of the Dinah Shore Golf Classic Party-side event.  Now with an absolute “hail Mariah,” I look back and note the consistency and tireless dedication to our community for years of ‘right-on-ness, ‘ earning Mariah the coveted title of  “THE Dinah!”

Mariah and I spoke last month and I was amazed at how her energetic passion has maintained its proactive state of creativity.

With that said, see the update about Salt-n Pepa and Spinerella at….

More Articles about the Dinah weekend: http://lezgetreal.com/?p=24549

Melanie Nathan LGBT ADvocate /Activist

Melanie Nathan, reporting from Marin County – North - across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge:-
www.privatecourts.com; www.oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com

Last May, a CNN poll found that 79 percent of Americans feel that lesbian and gay military service members should be allowed to serve in the military.

Daniel Tepfer of Beavercreek, a town near Dayton, OH, is one of those who are in favor of junking the ban.

Tepfer, retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1989 after 23 yeas of service as a combat missile crewman and a contracts officer, and is pretty much a Regular Joe; he is the father of three and a proud grandpa.

Col. Tepfer is also a national director of Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and became a member after his daughter, Amanda, came out as lesbian in 1996 while a student at Dayton’s Wright State University.

PFLAG is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by the PFLAG national office, located in Washington, D.C., the national Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors.

More recently however, Col. Tepfer has become a very outspoken critic of the ban on openly lesbian and gay military service members known as “Don’t ask, Don’t tell,” and was a feature speaker at a recent rally on Capitol Hill covered by LGR.

During his speech Col Tepfer said…

“I confess to you today that while I was on active duty, I gave little or no thought to whether gay people were serving with me or whether they should be allowed to serve. Then everything changed. After my Air Force retirement and after Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was enacted; my wife and I learned that one of our three children is gay. What a mind-opener and heart-changer! We became aware of the many ways that gay, lesbian and bi-sexual citizens are treated unequally, including Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

In his closing Col. Tepfer asked those of us assembled to picture two uniformed officers knocking on the door and “bringing the devastating news that one of the two men who live together in that home have been killed in action. But wait, you can’t imagine that scenario because it wouldn’t happen. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell restrictions would prohibit that…”

After Col Tepfer’s speech… I found I had tears in my eyes visualizing having someone you love and cherish, giving the last full measure of devotion they can for this country and that service person’s surviving partner not receiving from that country even the most basics of human kindness that country could offer because they are gay…

Because I know first hand what that kindness means to the one who receives them….

When a soldier dies, an officer is assigned to attend their funeral. Part of those officers’ duties is give the surviving spouse the American flag that has been draped over the loved ones coffin. Honorable discharged veterans are also permitted this honor at their funerals.

In December, my partner of 10 years passed away due to breast cancer…

Debbie had been an officer in the United States Navy for a time and was thereby eligible for and accorded military honors at her funeral. However there was a momentary controversy just before her funeral over just who would receive her flag… My Father, a retired Air Force officer, and Debbie’s father, a retired navy officer, quickly explained to the young officer in charge of Debs honor guard the nature of our relationship and without further discussion, at the end of Debbie’s funeral service, the officer in charge did the decent thing and presented the flag to me…

And it meant a lot to me to be told, … “This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Navy in appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.” I knew this “small kindness” would mean even more to someone who had lost that loved one because they were killed in the line of duty in the service of his or her country… and what it would mean to someone not get that flag because of some arcane government policy.

So I knew I had to interview Col. Tepfer and do this story about him.

Col. Tepfer served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1989.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant through the AFROTC program after graduating with a BA in English from Butler University in Indianapolis, and later earned an MBA from the University of Montana. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College (AFSC), the USAF Squadron Officers’ School (SOS) and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).. At retirement, he held the rank of Colonel.

While on active duty he served as an administrative officer, an Armed Forces courier, a Minuteman combat crew commander and instructor. The last 11 years of his career were in procurement. He worked in contract administration, was a buyer in the KC-10 program office, was deputy director of contracts in the F-16 weapon system program and was director of contracts in the Joint STARS program.

Tepfer is the recipient of numerous military awards, including USAF Legion of Merit, USAF Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and the AF Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.

Tepfer and his wife Nancy have three children. They adopted their daughter Amanda, from Korea when she was 11 months old and I first asked him as a military man what was his initial reaction when he found out his child was gay.

“Although it might for some people, I don’t think being retired military had any impact on my reaction to having a gay child,” Tepfer said, “First of all we (my wife Nancy and I) had thought that our daughter was a lesbian long before she admitted it to us. Amanda arrived from Korea when she was 11 months old and from the time she could first walk and run she was into sports. Of course being an athletic woman doesn’t mean you are gay, but stereotypes always include a grain of truth.”

Col. Tepfer also said, “My wife and I were pretty liberal; we already didn’t think being gay was a choice and we thought gay people should be treated fairly, but it still was an adjustment. We went into the closet (PFLAG says when the child comes out the parents go into the closet. We had the usual anxieties about whether she would be mistreated, and we agonized over whom to tell, when to tell, and what would the reactions be from our friends and family. At first I never said a word to anyone and my wife went to the library to read as much about GLBT issues as she could find. Even after my wife and I began attending PFLG meetings, we didn’t talk to anyone else about it. I finally came out to people at work in 2002, and then I found my soapbox and have been shouting for GLBT rights ever since.”

Tepfer said that he didn’t think there was a time when he did not accept our daughter for who she is, but did think the question for him and his wife is when they “openly acknowledge” her for who she is.

“ I tell new parents at PFLAG meetings that when the child first comes out, she has already “gone” down the GLBT road some distance, while the parents are just now starting and have a lot of learning to do to arrive at that same point” Tepfer told us, “I think our initial emotion was sadness. When you first discover that your child is gay, your initial concern is for their safety.”

Tepfer elaborated on this point by saying, “You have heard of AIDS and you have read in the newspaper or seen on TV of the brutal beatings that many gays have experienced. You need to discover more about the world where your child is, and has been living, as quickly as possible. And of course you are concerned about the plans you have had for the child (wedding and children), but as you learn about the GLBT world, you also learn that those still are a possibility.”

When asked about his journey to PFLAG father started out Col Tepfer told me “In September of 1998, the United Church of Christ we attend elected to join the AIDS walk, which I supported,” Tepfer said.

“Our daughter had suggested that my wife and I check PFLAG out, so walked over, met the other PFLAG parents and joined them. During the walk, I not only talked to them but wound up carrying the banner. I went to the next meeting (Oct 1998). I remember that date because Matthew Shepard had just been killed in Laramie, Wyoming. I convinced Nancy to join me at meetings in early 1999. She didn’t think she needed PFLAG, but soon was as enthusiastic as I was. I have been on the local chapter board since the fall of 1999. I am now the Coordinator of PFLAG Chapters for the state of Ohio, and I am on the National Board of Directors.”

We then talked about The US Military, Don’t Ask- Don’t tel, the impacts of continuing the DADT policy and it’s repeal …

“As I said in my remarks at the rally,” said Tepfer, “the loss of highly qualified people and critical skills is a terrible waste. The money spent to train them is lost.”

Tepfer, referencing a Pentagon report released last Tuesday on sexual abuse in the military, added, “And now we read that the incident of rape of female service members is on the rise. Perhaps this is the direct result of the lowered standards from granting waivers (even waivers for felons) to those who otherwise would not qualify.”

The Department of Defense significantly increased the numbers of “moral waivers” granted to allow individuals with criminal convictions to serve in the military in an effort to fill the ranks of the Army and the Marine Corps after the start of the War in Iraq. The waivers were for crimes that range from drug offenses and theft – to sex crimes and manslaughter or vehicular homicide. The number of waivers issued by the Army increased from 249 in fiscal 2006 to 511 in fiscal 2007, and the increase for the Marine Corps for the same period was from 208 to 350.

“When I was on active duty I quickly discovered that getting quality people was a tough job,” Col Tepfer said, “and then when you were able to get them, the next job was to keep them. Right now qualified gay and lesbian citizens are standing outside the gate trying to get in. Others who managed to get in are being thrown out. Where is the sense in that?”

Since January, eleven service persons have been discharged under the provision of Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell.

I mention to Col Tepfer that my father, also a ranking former military man, has said the when the order finally comes down; the U.S.Military will “salute and execute,” and Tepfer agreed saying, “I totally agree with your father. Maj Gen D. Laich, one of the 102 flag officers who were at the “1200 Flags” event 2 years ago, came to our chapter to speak on Veterans Day last November. He also says the military will obey. They stood up and saluted in 1948 when the services were racially integrated, even if some disagreed with that decision. They will do so again.”

“We are the only country in NATO that rejects gays.” Tepfer went on, “Even Israel saw the value in accepting all people despite contrary religious views.’

Twenty-three of the 26 NATO nations allow gays and lesbians to serve openly and proudly. The United States, Turkey and Portugal are the only NATO nations that forbid gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed services. Nine nations allowing open service have fought alongside American troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, 12 nations allowing open service fought alongside U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom. The CIA, FBI, Defense Intelligence Agency and Secret Service also all have openly gay and lesbian personnel fighting in the war on terrorism.

Tepfer says he believes career service members will not stand in the way of a repeal of “don’t ask don’t tell.”…

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen said to graduate cadets at the U.S. Military Academy in May about DADT “It’s a law, and we follow it. Should the law change, the military will carry that out too.”

“Another argument against repeal is that some personnel will leave the service rather than serve with gays,” Tepfer told me. “Some of that will happen as well, but again, probably not as much as expected. I would anticipate that those losses would be more than offset by those who choose to join up because of the repeal, both gay and straight. Additionally, gay and lesbians now serving in the military may choose to remain because they will be able to do so without the stress caused by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Tepfer said.

A December 2006 poll of service members who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan found 73 percent of those polled were “comfortable with lesbians and gays.” A 2004 poll also found that a majority of junior enlisted service members believed gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the military.

Finally, on when he sees the end of DADT coming said Tepfer …

“It is hard for me to know the reaction of lawmakers and the DoD bosses. I have been out of the USAF for 20 years. It is now a different service. I never was stationed in Washington and am not sure I would even have known the answer to that question if asked 20 years ago. I follow politics more today then in 1989, but the senior DoD leadership is still an unknown to me.” However, Tepfer also said “I would hope that we can see it end during this, the 111th,congressional session. There are other items on the GLBT agenda, and I know everyone has their priority, but I think it will happen before the end of 2010.”

Coming from different professional backgrounds, they miss imaginative, fun and hot books for women like themselves and then they start the first L2L Publishing company in Latin America, Editora Malagueta (Red Chilli Pepper Publishers), directed by Laura Bacelar, a famous name in the book market, especially in the book-for-minorities market. She kindly answered some of my questions about the Brazilian lesbian reading scenario, via e-mail.

Do you have any idea how many lesbian novels there are written by Brazilian women?

Not really, but I know it’s a few. There are many short stories on the Internet in sites like xana in box and more recently abcLes. When you look at the amount of pages written, you quite say the production is reasonable, but most of it doesn’t exactly fit the ‘novel’ format. Printed lesbian novels, we certainly have no more than 30.

In your opinion, do Brazilian lesbians read little?

Brazilian people in general read little but there’s no doubt it’s NOT a ‘writing’ country. It’s not difficult to find talented women willing to show their good works, but they lack the knowledge of what are characters, plot and written text.

What do you think is the most important lesbian novel ever?

That’s a complicated question to answer once it depends a lot on personal taste, history and stuff. My first book was Patricia Hihgsmith’s Carol, later I discovered this was the first lesbian happy-ending book ever, what made me a lot of good, as well Isabel Miller’s Sarah & Patience, Desert hearts and Curious wine. But despite of representing the tension between inner desire and “social oppression, I guess nowadays they are not seen as good books for the new readers.

List three strong characteristics of Editora Malagueta’s books.

They are well-written, charming and positive, because suicidal, drug addicted and lonely lesbians, well, they are everywhere in other books. This view must change.

Lezzie is half-closeted Brazilian Philosophy High School teacher writing on everything she has the opportunity to read, listen to and see (as a good Gemini).You can find out more about here by checking her profile at http://lezgetreal.ning.com/profile/Boudecca.

O’Reilly was having a fit over it, to the point of announcing the state Governor’s phone number on air of his talking points commentary.

Apparently, someone took it upon themselves to chuck the sign out the door and take it to a radio station, that has been talking smack about it. A state trooper was sent to pick it up, while people showed up to protest at the crime scene, which was filling up with t.v. cameras. Among the crowd was James Pritchard of Seattle, who wore a pointy green hat and passed out candy-striped business cards proclaiming him “J. Elfus, Special Assistant to the Claus.” The ones showing up to protest were Christian groups. What a joke.


So much for sharing during this time of season. Listen, I haven’t talked about this because I really don’t know how I feel about it. I see both parties point of view, I do. But, I have to tell you, the Christian’s reaction is a joke. YOU ARE MAKING THE REST OF THE WORLD LAUGH AT US, SERIOUSLY, STOP! Now, the best comment I found so far on the Columbian site: by Melinda Parrott : 12/5/08 3:29pm

First of all..
Our Country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pilgrims came over seeking a land to have freedom to worship God. From that point Christianity has played a major part of our history. From the signing of our Declaration of Independence to the forming of the branches of our Government and establishing the laws of our Country. Even to the point that you could NOT hold a Political Office without being a Christian nore could you even be a US Citizen. The first President and The Presidents there after put the teaching of the Bible and Prayer in our White House, Schools and anytime they met. They FIRST PRAYED for hours to ask Our LORD JESUS CHRIST for his guidance on this Country..

To go against God and his word was considered a act of treason. Hum.. wonder what would happened if they were here today?

I believe it is NOW time for Americans and Christians to take a Stand.. WE WANT AMERICA BACK. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will come down on America and Do what is Necessary for her to come BACK to Jesus..

And YES we say Merry CHRISTmas at our home! God Bless America!

Does anyone see something wrong with this woman? Does anyone smell Taliban, dressed in Christian clothing? Anyone? Does anyone know why the Pilgrims headed over here? Does anyone know the history of when the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was added? Anyone? 1956. I am sick and tired of all these “Christians” trying to claim stake on the whole country, the whole U.S. of A. Listen, if you are a Pilgrim and a Puritan, then o.k. I back off, but the rest of you, go back to school, take an on-line course, learn from someone and educate yourself, not only on the real footsteps of Christ, but on the history of this country.

The L.D.S didn’t get off that ship. The Catholics didn’t get off that ship, and those of you that call yourselves, “Christians” you come from so many different branches (you can’t even get along amongst yourselves) that it is hard to keep track. Control your theocratic, power mongering selves and get a grip. The rest of the country is watching and you are making us look like fools!

The world is stewing…guess what is starting to boil? Religion.

p.Johanna is a single lesbian who lives in Southern California. You can find out more about her and view her photos by visiting her page on MySpace.