Archive for the ‘Organizations’ Category

Quest, a group for artists, writers, and performers, now welcomes anyone with an interest in exploring those disciplines. Meetings are free and held 1st Tues. of the month at Dezart Studio in Palm Springs.

The format is unchanged; those wishing to present their work and receive feedback will sign up on arrival.

More Info at 760-325-1647 or email LBALAN@dc.rr.com.

Some call The Imperial Court System (ICS) a ‘camp Court”, not REAL. When there’s controversy, a voice whispers “it isn’t REAL!” It’s a point of view. I’ve met heads of state with royal titles; most are figureheads. Their lineage endows them with certain powers and respect because people want pomp and circumstance.

I’ve stayed with the ICS from my original title of Queen of the Desert to Imperial Crown Princess (under the Imperial Long Beach Court) because I’ve seen REAL. The ICS has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. That’s REAL.

It has changed the lives of many lonely and closeted young people. A few years ago Tsar Drue and I went to a club after a Portland Coronation. There was a mile long queue of kids, but when the doormen saw our glittering court finery, we were swept in and surrounded by young admirers. It made us aware we must be regal, friendly and always in character. To those kids, we were REAL!

ICS protocol is real. Drag has gone main stream due to personas like RuPaul and others. A lot of kids are making up and going out to raves and clubs. We must embrace their self-expression. That’s REAL.

Without focus on community potential, many Courts are shrinking. Others, like The Imperial Court of New York, are run like businesses and flourish. They attract talented celebrities rather than just put any member put on a gown for laughs. People donate to see such events—That is REAL.

We proved this at the Czarina’s Palm Springs Diversity Ball in August. There were glitches, but we showed that the up and coming could work with older stars, lesbians, transgenders, straights and impersonators to benefit the underfunded Harvey Milk Foundation. That is REAL!

Queen Elizabeth has ailments and bad days like anyone, yet she is always kind, regal and royal! She has no more government power than Nicole Murray Ramirez, ICS Queen Mother of the America’s. But her presentation is constant and has little to do with the private person. That is REAL.

So as “camp” as the titles may be—we owe it to those who respect us and do good works under our banner to be as real as any Monarch ever was. That influence all those we touch is REAL!

Because October is Harvey Milk Month the Emerald Kingdom is sending a DVD of the Inaugural Czarina’s Diversity Ball with any donation of $20 or more to the Harvey Milk Foundation. Donate online at www.emeraldkingdom.org.

VICTORVILLE—The Shims (drag queens) versus Ladies of the Desert (kings) was a game to remember! Everyone was ready to play; each team ready to best the other. Five innings later, the Shims proved to be the better men. Wigs flying, stockings dropping and boobs bouncing didn’t prevent the Shims from winning 33 to 3.

It was a great time for the spectators,and players, although we’d hoped to draw more people than came. High Desert Equality had a lot of fun putting it together, but we couldn’t have done it without generous contributions from Westside 15, Ricky’s Bar, the High Desert Domestic Violence Program. They get major thank you’s and so do all the players!

- Pepper Blakeley

EDITOR’S COMMENT — Increased competition for funds has put pressure on community groups to develop creative ways to generate income. HDE’s May 8 ‘Dragball’ match is the most creative fundraising idea we’ve heard of!

The brainchild of Pepper Blakely, the match pitted local guys in gowns against lesbians in tough guy drag. The goal was to sell refreshments and other items to spectators. Pepper deserves a lot of credit for seeing her great idea through.

Noon, Sunday, April 11th at One of Life’s Perks Cafe (On Outer Hwy. 18 across from St. Mary’s Hospital in Apple Valley). One hour meeting followed by mingling and fellowship.

This is our first time to meet at One of Life’s Perks, one of our most avid supporters!

Come join us to meet new faces, socialize with our regulars, and share your ideas!

More details on our web site …. click here.

- HIGH DESERT EQUALITY

Some 30 years ago I was privileged to be the Empress of Los Angeles. 20 years ago, I moved to the desert.

Now I’m an advisor to Czar Drue & Czarina Liz. We’re working on Augusts’ Czarina’s Ball.

This is your introduction to the Most Imperial Majesties. We’re building a strong, charity- oriented, non-profit, won’t you help us?

Join the many well-know people already involved. Go to: Emerald Kingdom and use the Application for Membership button.

Respectfully,

Empress XII Lonnie
The Mother Court of Southern California
http://www.emeraldkingdom.org/

Abderus is a community group based in Crestline.

All open-minded people are welcome to join us for networking, movies, dinners, theatre, bowling, picnics, camping, wine-tasting, seasonal sports & more.

Visit our web site for networking & information. Visit http://abderus-lgbt.ning.com to make contact.

Join in today!

Below is an appeal from a faculty member of the CMC A.W.A.R.E. Club. It was written in response to an appeal from club leadership imploring students to participate in the school’s LGBT club after a drop in participation.

We have a unique opportunity with A.W.A.R.E. club.  I’m not sure how many of us appreciate that we are ALLOWED to have a sponsored club and actually meet on campus. While this is supposed to happen across this free country of ours, it doesn’t.

In many places that attempt these kinds of clubs, students and sponsors are harassed at best and terrorized at worst. Many young people die violently because of their looks and sexual orientation.

Forget the social networking, activism, or emotional support this kind of club could provide. We need to attend these meetings BECAUSE WE CAN! And hopefully, those who need social interaction, an outlet for activism, or moral support will receive it.

Complacency means that we don’t mind going back to the way things were…and we don’t want to go there.

Best to everyone; see you next semester!

Tony Thacker
Mathematics

If you’re transsexual or questioning, this meeting may be a good place to begin your search. TG Soul meets the 2nd Saturday of every month. It’s your chance to meet other Inland Empire TG, socialize, ask questions & learn. For a better understanding of what you may be, go to http://www.transgendered-soul.com and click on “What am I?” on the navigation bar, or e-mail: tgsint@onekate.com.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 4 to 8 PM
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST — MEETING ROOM
3041 N. Sierra Way
San Bernardino CA 92405

2010 elections are fast approaching. Only a few people have expressed interest in forming a local chapter Stonewall Democrats, the nation’s only grassroots Democratic LGBT organization.

More are needed if we are to organize . Forming a chapter will help us secure and maintain civil equality. If you have any interest, contact fritzkoenig@hushmail.com 310-508-8794.

NORTH JOSHUA TREE—Morongo Basin Humane Society needs volunteers. There are openings for Dog Walkers to walk and play with dogs.

Help is also needed to operate a Bingo Machine and computer for calling numbers, distributing payouts and cashiering. Bingo is Wed. 10 – 4pm & Sat. 3 – 11pm.

The Thrift Store in Yucca Valley needs help sorting, pricing, doing inventory and cashiering. Store is closed Dec. 5—13 for a reorganization and could really use help during that time.

For more information or to volunteer contact subscribers Don Nelson at nelsondo@live.com or 760-668-2389; or Lois Johnson at 760-365-3215 or lsjohnson5@verizon.net.