JOSHUA TREE—By all accounts this year’s JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE marked a moment in Hi Desert history. For the 500 to 1,000 folks who turned out June 26, that ‘ moment’ needed no explanation. Everyone from old timers to clusters of little kids experienced the overwhelming sense of joy and security generated by all who gathered to celebrate their diversity and solidarity.

For this day at least, the voices of our loud-mouthed enemies were muted.

Gay men, lesbians, bi folks, transgenders, many many straight allies, people questioning their orientation and those who aren’t anything at all stood shoulder-to-shoulder In The Name of Equality—the theme of this year’s Pride.

Many people came early to explore Joshua Tree’s trend setting art galleries and quirky shops, all of which extended their hours to accommodate the influx.

Modern day Pied Piper, Darin Rich set the tone of the evening with an upbeat, eclectic mix of feel good music. People came trickling then pouring into the Art Queen Complex.

Throngs gathered at the Fred Drake Memorial Stage to hear from State Assembly candidate Carl Wood, a loyal equality advocate.

“There were so many fun things going on,” said Martha Elizabeth, a grandmother from Landers. “We didn’t want to miss any of it.”

Fans of Gram Rabbit who came to hear Rabbit & Rutherford, found themselves loving the sounds of Quinn & Hood, Kinky, Shari Elf & The Kittens, My Bear Hands, Kurt Schauppner and Santina Giordano. The lineup ran over time, but the audiences didn’t mind. Ted, Patti, Kinky and Kurt displayed a lot of grace and patience waiting to play.

Between sets, the crowd briefly heard more on equality. Keynote speaker, San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez spoke passionately about the struggle for marriage, repeal of ’DADT’ and the need to protect LGBT youth from bullies and abuse.

Commissioner Ramirez awarded five locals congressional commendations for their contributions to the community. Recipients included 16-year-old Krista Blevins for starting True Colors GSA group at YVHS, Gary Daigneault for his public support of marriage equality, Lynda Herrington for leading the AWARE club at CMC, Mike Lipsitz for writing and publishing this newsletter, and Andy Woods for his work with the local arts and business community.

U.S. House of Representatives candidate Pat Meagher and wife Trish showed up with a bunch of their nine kids. Meagher blasted Jerry Lewis’ shameful record of opposition to LGBT equality and women’s issues. Meagher is counting on the equality vote to help him get to Washington.

By midnight, the crowd inside the Art Queen Complex was thinning. Tired of circling the block outside the Art Queen, most of the local closet cases had returned home to their families. Most of the cleanup was done by 1:AM and still, about a dozen folks lingered, eager to prolong the good time, hoping it wasn’t over.

Pride after hours!

People piled into vehicles, fed gas and sped toward north Joshua Tree and the SHANGRILA multimedia art installation curated by Drew Dunlap.

Those arriving after midnight found a full out fiesta going with folks from near and far. Almost two dozen artists exhibited works in and around the five acres of silver freight containers and home. DJ Backpack played late night outer space jams long after the full Moon sank low on the horizon.

Many of the works exhibited relate to the juxtapositions and ironies found in this inhospitable part of the Mojave many of us know as paradise.

Gay Pride Media Watch !

Gay Pride events are about coming together in solidarity to celebrate who we are, but they are also about revealing ourselves to our communities … reminding our neighbors that we’re queer and we’re here. For this aspect of Pride we rely on local media to ‘put a face’ on our community.

Whether local media coverage of Gay Pride is to our benefit or detriment depends on many factors, some in our control others not. Probably the most important element in determining whether or not we are portrayed fairly and accurately is the objectivity of the reporter and editor. Do they approach the assignment with a blank canvas to be painted in with their observations, or do they arrive with an agenda that they seek to substantiate?

In it’s coverage of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that gave birth to the gay rights movement, The New York Times described the protestors as “the dregs of society.” Of course today’s Times is a champion of equality.

This year’s Joshua Tree Gay Pride coverage was great. The Basin’s mainstream media, Z107.7 News, Hi-Desert Star & The Desert Trail, all provided excellent pre-Pride coverage.

The Star’s Courtney Vaughn stands out for her insightful post-Pride reporting and her important spin off feature on the True Colors group at YVHS.

Weekly independents, including Desert Valley Star, Desert Local News, and Inland Empire Weekly also provided excellent exposure, as did LGBT media. Some from as far away as San Diego‘s Gay & Lesbian Times. The LGBT media standout was Coachella Valley’s Desert Daily Guide which provided weeks of excellent exposure, choice ad placement, and invaluable encouragement.

- Photos courtesy of Barbara Teran

Perhaps much of what Donald Krouse writes in the June issue (of his CALL TO ACTION column) may be valid, but there is one statement that I take exception to as to make me ignore anything else he writes. Why is it that the so many gays discriminate among themselves?

I am a gay Republican, and I do not appreciate being told there is no room for me in the party OF MY CHOICE. I have been a registered Republican since 1971, voted twice for Nixon, once for Ford, twice for Reagan, once for Bush, twice for Clinton, once for Gore, once for Kerry, and once for Obama (would have preferred another Clinton, but I couldn’t vote in the primary). Because I’m a Republican DOES NOT mean I go to the polls without my brain. I have always groaned at the idea that NO agenda deserves LGBT consideration other than LGBT issues.

I wouldn’t give two cents to any organization that outwardly treated anyone like I felt when I read Donald Krouse’s statement that, “It is time for (LGBT Republicans) to change party affiliation; otherwise we ask you to stay home June 8.” I was extremely insulted.

- Don Nelson

---

Dear Don,

Thanks for writing about June’s CALL TO ACTION column. I understand your concern with the comment. I might add that my draft submission of the column did not include the statement that offended you. Most of the time I present my copy and then it is edited. I have given approval for this but sometimes the comments become a bit more volatile than I would express.

I stand by most of the comments about the Republican Party doing nothing to support LGBT citizens and I believe that if there is a friendlier party it is the Democrats. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder if we’re just getting lip service from them. I agree there are more issues than just LGBT concerns, but Hi-Desert LGBT News has a specific focus and my column will continue to reflect on appropriate topics.

That said, I believe everyone should vote his or her conscience … that’s the right thing to do. Your offense at the suggestion to stay home is understandable.

Again, thanks for writing.

- Don Krouse

---

Like all editors, I often make revisions to items submitted for publication. That is not to say I always improve them. In hindsight, I recognize my revisions were heavy handed, partly out of my frustration with GOP homophobia and partly in an attempt to provoke a response. To that end, I suppose it was successful, but at too high a cost.

In his address at Joshua Tree Gay Pride, Nicole Murray Ramirez made the point that we cannot win our freedom as long as the Republican party is the enemy.

He suggests building bridges rather than burning them. Probably he is correct.

It is a fact, and not a matter of opinion, that the Republican Party is standing in the way of our freedom to marry and freedom to serve, and it is the GOP that does not want us protected on the job, at school, in the streets, nor while receiving medical care. For the time being at least, we still have the freedom to vote our conscious and my suggestion that gays who align themselves with our enemies stay home may be out of line. Without your feedback, it’s unlikely I would have come to such a conclusion. Thank you for that Don.

Now, if only you could help me understand what it is that attracts you to today’s Republican Party.

Mike Lipsitz, Editor
Comment to: HiDesertLGBTnews@aol.com

Adam Paige, Adrian French, American Free Journal, Andy Woods, Art Queen, AWARE Club, Barbara Teran, Bennett Hubbard, Ber Garza, Bonnie Brady, Bruce Miller Photography, Cactus Mart, Carl Wood, Charlie Sharples, Cherish Consignments, Cheryl Kandel, Cindy Daigneault, Courage Campaign, Coyote Corner, Crossroads Café, Crystal Sunday, Cyber Photo-Graphics, Daniel Gray, Darin Rich, David Diehnel, Debbie Melford, Denise Bowen, Desert AIDS Project, Desert Daily Guide, Desert Local News, Desert Trail, Desert Valley Star, Donald Krouse, Drew Dunlap, Doug Shipley, Emerald Kingdom, Emily Edge, Equality California, Eva Soltes, Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, Fritz Koenig—Photographer, Gail Bracy, Gay Yellow Pages of the Desert, George Zander, Getavision, Giery, Gina Kohn, Hailey Citrine, Hi Desert Acupuncture, Hi-Desert LGBT News, Hi-Desert Star, High Desert Doves, High Desert Equality, Inland Empire Weekly, Jay’e Jones, Jeffrey Durante, Jim Roffee, John Boswell, Jose Valezquez, Joshua Tree Health Foods, Joshua Tree Inn, Joshua Tree Saloon, JTAG, JT Village Realty, Karen Tracy, Kat Moser, Keri McParland, Kinky Leary, Krista Blevins, Kurt Schauppner, Laraine Turk, Larry Lane, Las Palmas Restaurant, Lee Balan, Lena McSkeane, Linda Ross, Little Mama, Liz Loren, Lonnie Gamache, Lori & David Greene, Lynda Herrington, Magic Mercantile, Marge Doyle, Martha Oswalt, Maya Brand, M.H., Mike Lipsitz, Mike McCauley, Milton Johnson, Mit Barter, Monet & Carey, Monet Blair, Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Morongo Basin Historical Society, Mt. Fuji General Store, My Bear Hands, Nancy Eckberg, Natalie Egnatchik, Nicole Murray Ramirez, No Limits, Pappy & Harriet’s, Park Rock Café, Pat Gowland, Pat Meagher, Patrick Whalen, Patti Hood, Phillip Mayberry, Phil Phillips, Phyllis Lozano, Rabbit & Rutherford, Randy Polumbo, Red Arrow Gallery, Rebecca Renish, Ricochet Gourmet, Ride Out Hide Out in Yucca Bowl, RJ Howard Computing, Roadhouse, Robert Hansen, Robin Wisman, Route 62 Antiques, Sacred Sands B&B, Sam’s Pizza, San Bernardino Country Sheriffs Dept, Santina Giordano, Scott Monteith, Scott Walker, Shari Elf & The Kittens, Sherry Hall, Strata Tattoo Lab, Susanne Noffz, Sybil Marcus, Tawnja Pflueger, Teacakes Bakers, Ted Quinn, Terry Hone, Terry Turner RScP, TJ Williams, Tom Cribb, Tons to Ounces Pet Care, Travis Puglisi, True Colors, True World Gallery, Victoria Manning, Wendy Cohen, Wendy Matzke, Westside 15, Wiefels Mortuary, Wikid Prints, Wind Walkers, Woods in the Desert Art Gallery, Zono Art, Z107.7-FM.

In June I was invited to open JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE by releasing a flock of white doves and promote the IMPERIAL COURT and CZARINA’S DYNASTY BALL at Palm Springs Riviera Hotel August 7.

From the podium in my black and white silk, pearls and huge hat, I surveyed the tank top and shorts crowd gathered in the desert heat. These were country people free of the airs and attitude common to the valley. There were lesbian couples with kids, friendly gay men, seniors having fun, and youngsters just coming out.

Turnout was huge and there was the spirit of togetherness. Everyone had come to promote and support equality, the event’s theme.

After the breathtaking dove release, I spoke. Appealing to those 50 and over I reflected on the days when homosexuality was considered a mental illness, and gay sex was criminal — dark times when gays were bashed, and the law looked the other way. Almost everyone lived in the closet and a middle-aged man in high drag could never have spoken publicly on these issues.

Turning my attention to the younger folks, I reminded them that their freedoms were won by activists like The Widow Norton, Jose, founder of the Imperial Court System, and Harvey Milk, the assassinated activist who we are to honor at the Czarina’s Ball August 7.

When I finished, I was caught off guard by exuberant applause. At that instant I experienced, possibly for the first time, authentic gay pride and I realized this is OUR time. The movement toward equality is unstoppable.

At the Czarina’s Ball, we will hear firsthand from Stuart Milk about his recent meeting with the President, and we will consummate a new alliance between EQUALITY CALIFORNIA and THE IMPERIAL COURT SYSTEM. The action will make us one of the most powerful forces in the equality movement, with influence reaching all the way to the White House.

Later, we tried to escape the heat and headed to the Joshua Tree Saloon, a local biker bar with a rough reputation. Feeling empowered by the day’s events, I crossed the threshold into the crush of straight bikers and cowboys. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I became increasingly self-conscious of my “Beverly Hills” ensemble.

My bravado began to weaken until a huge biker approached and said, “Ma’am, if you’re not married, I will marry you tomorrow!” Soon after a young man timidly approached to say he thought I was beautiful!

Everyone was having a good time just being themselves and I began to sense that these were good people. Maybe they didn’t know what was underneath my skirt, maybe they didn’t care. Some, including the owner, heard my speech and offered support! Complementary drinks arrived.

I can’t say exactly what I expected to bring to Joshua Tree Gay Pride, but I can say with certainty that I came away with a renewed sense of humanity, community and pride. My gratitude to the organizing committee and volunteers for producing such a spectacular event!

Elizabeth (Liz) Loren Maria Romanov
Her Most Imperial Majesty, Czarina of Riverside & Imperial Counties
liz@emeraldkingdom.org

Dove release generously produced & orchestrated by Tom Carlson High Desert Doves 760-413-9774

You’re invited …

Joshua Tree Town Hall Meeting
2:00 pm – Sunday – August 1
Bruce’s Coyote Kitchen at CMC
Follow signs from Hwy 62 & Rotary Way

www.PatMeagherForCongress.com

Before going into this issue’s Call to Action, I want to draw your attention to the individuals and businesses that Joshua Tree Gay Pride was so successful; it really does take a village!

Getting down to business, in case you’ve not heard, two pro-Equality candidates have gone out of their way to reach out to our community. Now they need our help if they are to have a real shot at winning in November. I’m referring to Pat Meagher (D), 41st Congressional District, and Carl Wood (D), 65th State Assembly District.

Call to Action this month, asks that you take just a few minutes to aid these men; here’s how.  Pledge to write a letter to the editor in support of either or both candidates. Decide which paper to write and the date you will do it and let me know in an email.

Not a letter writer? No problem. Give me the topic and the paper you’d like to see it in. That’s all! I’ll write it under your name, and after your approval, I’ll send it for you!

Because I’ve received minimal reader feedback since beginning Call to Action, this challenge may give me a sense of how many subscribers take it seriously. Nothing would make me happier than to be swamped with your emails.

If this assignment is more than you’re willing to take on, please consider allowing use of your name. I’ll send an advanced copy for your approval. If there’s any way to make it even easier for you to participate, let me know.

When people see lots of letters in support of a candidate they often follow the crowd. Bumper stickers are also a great way to build name recognition. And they don’t have to go on the bumper, consider the rear window? Email me if you want one.

- Donald is a retired financial planner living in Morongo Valley. Write him at CallToActionMB@aol.com.

Excerpt from Carl Wood’s message Carl Wood’s message at at Joshua Tree Gay Pride Joshua Tree Gay Pride

As with many people in our society, a recognition of the role played by discrimination against LGBT people was not a eureka moment for me, but was rather the result of a deepening and maturing of my personal understanding of the issue.

I was fortunate to be born into a family of social activists, fighters for peace and racial equality. But connecting a general humanism with the specific challenges of sexual identity and orientation has led me to see the struggle for equality as an integral part of the broader fight for social justice.

There‘s a common belief that areas such as the Inland Empire are so filled with intolerant people that espousal of LGBT equality will doom a political candidate. I heard the same things about racial equality when I was growing up in segregated Maryland in the 1950’s. I know it isn’t true.

But things don’t change unless we make them change. As Frederick Douglass said, “Power yields nothing without a demand.” I pledge to be part of that demand, to move us closer to becoming a society of true justice and equality for all.

Carl Wood aims for Carl Wood aims for 65th District Assembly Seat 65th District Assembly Seat November 2

www.wood4assembly.org

Westside 15 just celebrated its 26th anniversary! Congrats Jim & Ed.

High Desert Equality set up an information table staffed by Toney Henry and Pepper and Cookie Blakeley at Joshua Tree Gay Pride. The event was a huge success. HDE thanks organizers for the invitation. Everyone was so nice and helpful, and it was very well organized. We look forward to next year’s event.

In June HDE along with Ricky’s and Sprint Cell Comm fed over 100 families in the Victorville area. The food giveaway continues the 2nd and last Saturdays of July, August and September. This is made possible with help from the High Desert Domestic Violence Program and the CAP Program. Westside 15 is also generously involved in distributing some of this food in the high desert.

HDE hosted a Summer Luau at Westside 15 on July 10. The club’s very own Ziggy was crowned King and Rocky was made Queen. The royal couple took home some highly coveted products from Slumber Parties by Amber. Rocky also won the Limbo Contest all three times! The stick was almost on the floor!

HDE hosts the 2nd annual camp-out picnic at Mojave Narrows on July 17. There will be a Chili Cook Off, winner gets a trophy and moves on to the Apple Valley Rotary Chili Cook Off in October. More info on Facebook or click on the HDE link.

On July 9th Pepper Blakeley as “True Bitch” and Rebecca Wynn as “Conway Titty,” both of HDE, performed at The Lark in San Bernardino with The Inland Emperors drag king troupe. Delorian Chase, Miss Gay Calif. 2008 hosted the evening, check it out on You Tube. Don’t miss The Inland Emperors next appearance: Ricky’s July 31st. Catch Delorian every Sunday night at Ricky’s in Victorville.

At Sprint Cell Comm, new activations that mention HDE get $5 donated to the organization.

Local hero Jose Gomez completed the nearly 600 mile AIDS Lifecycle ride in early June. Thanks for this community’s generous outpouring of support toward the effort. Jose has already registered for the 2011 ride. It will be his third year!

- PEPPER BLAKELEY, HIGH DESERT EQUALITY

I observed the Fourth of July 1984 holiday by visiting the birthplace and burial site of Carl Sandburg in Galesburg, Illinois. It was a moving and spiritually enriching experience.

Carl Sandburg was both a powerful voice for all the people of the U.S. and a genuine “Citizen of the World.” I have always admired him and I have read every word he ever wrote for publication.

While visiting Sandburg’s boyhood home I viewed a video of his life in which he was interviewed by a Chicago reporter. He was asked “What is the worst word in the English language?”

He answered without hesitation, “Exclusive.”

Sandburg deplored any separation of people because of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, ethnic background or economic condition. And so do I!

It was Sandburg who wrote:

There is only one man in the world

and his name is All Men.

There is only one woman in the world

and her name is All Women.

There is only one child in the world

and the child’s name is All Children.

There is only one Maker in the world

and His children cover the earth

and they are named All God’s Children.

Rev. Dr. Louis Gerhardt is a minister, counselor and author. His weekly column, Tough Minded Optimism, appears in the Hi-Desert Star, Desert Trail & Observation Post. He counsels those of all religions or no religion.

Contact Rev. Lou at 760-367-4627, 800-995-1620 or res19mxc@verizon.net.

Hi-Desert LGBT News endorsed the pro-equality candidates listed here.

The winners, highlighted in red, go on to the general election Nov. 2nd.

You can support any of these candidates through financial contributions, volunteering time, and by giving them your vote in November.

• Governor Jerry Brown
• Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom
• Secretary of State Debra Bowen
• State Controller John Chiang
• Treasurer Bill Lockyer
• Attorney General Kamala Harris
• Insurance Commissioner Hector De La Torre
• State Sup. of Instruction Tom Torlakson
• U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
• U.S. Congress District 45 Steve Pougnet
• U.S. Congress District 41 Pat Meagher
• State Senate District 37 Justin Blake
• State Senate District 18 Carter Pope
• Assembly District 36 Shawntrice Watkins
• Assembly District 34 Esmeralda Castro
• Assembly District 59 Darcel Woods
• Assembly District 65 Carl Wood
• Proposition 16 Victory
• Proposition 17 Victory

JOSHUA TREE — With a great deal of media fanfare, openly gay Raymond Gregory was recently named Chief of Police for Indio, La Quinta and Coachella in Riverside County.

We interviewed Capt. Gregory in July 2008 when he was in Joshua Tree to officiate at the wedding of Craig Zimmerman to John Rupe. Theirs was among the first same-sex weddings in the Basin.

The story first appeared in the July 2008 Out & About newsletter (which became Hi-Desert LGBT News a year later). The original report was from the period after the ruling that granted gay families the freedom to marry and before that freedom was stripped away following the war on gay families waged by the Catholic and Mormon churches.

During the 2008 interview, Capt. Gregory made clear that his appointment as acting chief of police was thought to be temporary.

Shortly after the original interview, Capt. Gregory married his own partner. They have since adopted two children.

The Zimmerman-Rupes, ultimately relocated to Washington State where their union is not recognized even though their marriage was among those performed before Prop 8 barred such unions.

Mega record producer and artist, Damion “Damizza” Young will film rock artist Michael Allan, at the Czarina’s Ball August 7 at the Palm Springs Riviera .

Damizza will film the out, equality artist, performing his new hit, “Let’s Dance!” Damizza and Allan welcome all Diva’s, RuPaul contestants, lesbian rockers and drag artists to attend the Ball and join the onstage dance action during the filming.

Damizza has produced stars like Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Korn, Dr. Dre and Mariah Carey, including Carey’s hit single “Cry Baby.” Diversity is the music video’s theme. This is a great opportunity to show your support!

Tickets to the Czarina’s Ball will be at the door before the Red Carpet & media entrance, or online at www.emeraldkingdom.com.

MORONGO BASIN—Hi-Desert LGBT News seeks writers and columnists to contribute to the newsletter.

If you have something to say (or write), then join the newsletter team. If you feel the newsletter doesn’t express your point of view, come join the team. Perhaps we’re not covering LGBT news of interest to you? If that’s the case, then let us know, or submit a report.

Our mission is to provide queer news of interest to you. Your feedback tells us how we’re doing, where we can improve, and helps to identify topics that matter to you.

Email us at HiDesertLGBTnews@aol.com or call Mike at 760-449-4048. No idea is too queer for us to report!

The Silk Purse is back in 29 Palms. Sue Kelly has reopened her popular antiques and collectibles shop in downtown 29 Palms (next to Bistro 29).

A bright, open space, along with antiques, the shop features the work of local artists, jewelry by Sarah Waite, pioneer costumes by Theatre 29 costumer Kathryn Ferguson, and yes , air conditioning. Open Tues.-Sun. 10-5.

Visit The Silk Purse at 73519 Hwy. 62 across from Rio Ranch Market. 760-367-2999. The Silk Purse is suited for small gatherings like poetry readings or perhaps a tea.

From fine to fabulous, find it all at 29’s new shop … The Silk Purse.

7 pm Saturday, July 17, 2010

An Evening of Fun with Friends, Music, Microbrew Beer, Regional California Wine Tasting, Cheese & Dessert!

Historic Kendall Place at Plymouth Village

120 East Palm Ave, Redlands, CA

Tickets: $35 Individuals • $60 Couples • $20 Students

Call 909-528-6308 for more information

Click here for flyer

CARLWOOD, the Democratic Assembly challenger, is proud to have the endorsement of The Hi-Desert LGBTNews. Wood is a lifelong civil rights activist who is 100% committed to LGBT equality.

Click here for Carl Wood flyer

JOSHUA TREE, CA — Top entertainers and notable speakers are expected to draw crowds for the family-friendly JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE Saturday, June 26 at the Art Queen next to Joshua Tree Saloon. The theme is In The Name of Equality.

Live music will abound. Headlining is Rabbit & Rutherford of Gram Rabbit, the popular indie space-rock players born out of the Mojave. US House of Representatives candidate Pat Meagher, and State Assembly candidate Carl Wood will both be at JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE in the Name of Equality.

Saturday’s program begins with the summer JOSHUA TREE GALLERY CRAWL. The following galleries will remain open until 8 pm: The Red Arrow Gallery, True World Gallery, JTAG, Windwalkers, Woods in the Desert Art Gallery & Mt. Fuji General Store.

The ‘equality’ theme will be played out along the way with works relating to the freedoms denied lesbian,gay, bisexual & transgender people.

About 6 pm activities move a few blocks east to the Art Queen, 61855 Hwy. 62, in Joshua Tree. Refreshments, crafts vendors, area social and non-profits will be at the outdoor venue. Plus lots more live music including Quinn & Hood, Shari Elf & The Kittens, My Bear Hands, and Santina Giordano. DJ Darin Rich spins his brand of sophisticated house, samba and space disco between live sets.

JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE is organized by Courage Campaign’s Team Morongo Basin, a non-profit, grass roots,advocacy organization.

The event is funded by individual pledges plus A Design Marketing, Desert Daily Guide, Hi-Desert LGBT News, Crossroads Café , No Limits, Strata Tattoo Lab, Hi-Desert Acupuncture Center, Windwalkers and Zono Art, but more individual pledges remain critical to the success of the the effort.

If you can’t give money, please volunteer some time. Go to JoshuaTreeGayPride.com or call Hi-Desert LGBT News at 760-449-4048.

Last year’s JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE was a first for the Morongo Basin. Hundreds of local lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people, along with our families and many allied friends from every corner of the Basin gathered in Joshua Tree to enjoy art, music, dancing and networking. It was a day to celebrate who we are.

Joshua Tree was totally gay!

Last year’s Pride also saw the launch of this publication. I was already editor of a newsletter for Out & About, the local men’s social group, and wanted to morph that into a new publication with expanded coverage to include queer news of interest to women. The only barrier being the lack of a way to reach local lesbians. The solution involved a challenge and a promise.

The day of Pride, I set up a little table with a big poster challenging 50 lesbians to sign up for a free subscription and promising to launch the first issue of Hi-Desert LGBT News once they did. The goal was met in a few hours, and in a few weeks the first issue hit newsstands!

In the last year the number of local women subscribers nearly doubled, much more if you count those from Victor Valley. Some of the women who signed up then are now communicating. These are singles and couples who only 12 months ago felt isolated.

That development has been thrilling, but it needs to go to the next step. At least once a month, a local lesbian asks if I know another who might make for a good match. Of course I always draw a blank while my mind ponders the absurdity of this gay man playing matchmaker to local lesbians.

The benefits of forming a local lesbian group are obvious. All that is needed is one or two women to step forward and make it happen … pick a time and place and see who shows up. This newsletter offers an effective way to get the word out. I encourage local women to take advantage of it and build a network. Whether this network is social, political or spiritual is not so important. Reaching out and discovering who each other is seems like a reasonable first goal.

Women, here’s the Pride challenge: One of you name a time and place to meet. Get a clip board and pad of paper; then at Pride, sign up women to attend this ’organizing’ meeting. Later, send a reminder to the names on your pad!

Joining a Facebook group does not count as being active in your community. Won’t one of you accept this challenge? It’s called community service and your community needs it. It offers the potential to change lives for the better!

Have a happy, safe Pride.

Mike Lipsitz, Editor
Comment to: HiDesertLGBTnews@aol.com