YUCCA VALLEY- Students and young adults here who are gay, or think they may be, finally have options to turn to for judgment-free advice, information, peer support or counseling.  Long awaited option one is the newly formed, peer led Gay-Straight Alliance at Yucca Valley High School. The second option is a program at the drop-in and support facility operated by the non-profit counseling, assistance and mental health provider, Pacific Clinics.

True Colors is the name given the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. It was formed last Spring following the suggestion of a substitute teacher who was fired shortly thereafter (see related story). Krista Blevins, a junior, started True Colors with help from her girlfriend Hailey Citrine, now graduated.

The existence of such a group represents a milestone for the school which, like many schools, has had past incidents of callous neglect for the welfare of LGBT students or those perceived to be. (See Hi Desert LGBT News – Sept. ‘09).

True Colors met several times before summer break. And while their promotional fliers routinely disappeared, meetings were drawing one to two dozen students. True Colors Facebook group page boasts almost 70 members. Many are alumni; several have left messages of support. Another chunk of those on the group’s Facebook page are students from other Morongo Basin schools, none of which have similar organizations.

This summer True Colors received some notoriety following a feature on the group in the Hi-Desert Star. Blevins wrote of local reaction to the story in an email,

“Hailey got a hug from a random old guy in the store saying, ‘That took a lotta guts to do and I’m really proud of you guys!’”

Plans for the 2010-11 academic year include organizing a Pride Week coinciding with Greater Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 & 7. Other plans include educational outreach to the town’s Youth Advisory Commission and possibly a guest appearance from school principal turned political candidate, Pat Meagher.

The Morongo Basin lags behind Victor Valley where five of the six high schools have GSA groups.

A few miles east of Yucca Valley High School, inside a rather nondescript store front in an industrial park, there’s a safe space where anyone age 16 to 25 can get professional or peer counseling and other assistance without fear of rejection or discrimination..They can also shower, study, shoot pool, wash their clothes or watch TV, go online, or munch.

The drop-in facility is operated by Pacific Clinics Transitional Age Youth Center, a non-profit funded through the Mental Health Services Act and the County Dept. of Behavioral Health. The funding comes with a mandate that it go to programs for underserved youth populations such as African-Americans, Latinos, homeless, and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are questioning their sexuality.

The services “TAY Center” provides are as wide ranging as the issues such young adults face.

Assistance is offered based on need and availability. TAY has provided a bus ticket to a runaway ready to return home a thousand miles away; and they have covered emergency dental work for a teen in pain.

For LGBTs here, the TAY Center offers services appropriate to their unique issues and concerns. Creating awareness of the drop-in center among potential LGBTQ clients presents an unusual challenge to Claire Karp, Pacific Clinics’ Associate Divisional Director. Karp has been looking at unconventional ways to create awareness among young people who may be struggling to understand and conceal their sexuality. Use of social networks, student publication advertisements, regular socials or discussion groups, and outreach to area clergy and guidance counselors all remain options under consideration.

There are no applications or membership requirements; everyone within the age group is welcome. All the services are free. Clients arrive by invitation or referral, or they may simply show up.

Located in the Monterey Business Center, Pacific Clinics is in the middle building, Suite D. The staff, including case managers, mental health providers, and peer and substance abuse counselors, operate the facility from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, and 9 to 7 Thursdays. The phone number is 760-228-9657.

While at TAY researching this story, a young man recognized me as a new face and without hesitation stuckout his hand, “Hi, I’m Ryan Ness. Welcome.” We shook and I, in turn, introduced myself.

Ness, a peer counselor at the facility, was eager to share about it. As he did, I imagined how any young person coming through their door would be made to feel that they’d come to a place where they could belong regardless of skin color, or sexual orientation.

VICTORVILLE – In Victor Valley another TAY Center provides a safe space where LGBTQ people ages 16 to 25 can turn for counseling, camaraderie and support.

Now in its second year, the TAY Center here is administered by Victor Community Support Services. It operates slightly differently than the one in Yucca Valley. The drop-in center is available once potential clients have been evaluated and enrolled.

The centerpiece of the program’s queer outreach is a regular discussion group facilitated by Nathan Trujillo; his title is Family Partner. For many LGBTQ youth and their families here, Trujillo is the face of the program.

Every Tuesday, Trujillo facilitates a discussion. The topic may cover any number of LGBTQ subjects like history, current events, health and safety, coming out or dating.

Young people newly aware they are homosexual, transgender, or questioning if they may be, are often on their own as they try to understand who and what they are.

Most come out in a vacuum, unable to turn to parents or teachers for guidance.

For those secure enough to turn to family for insight and understanding, few parents are equipped or prepared to affirm and assist a child coming to grips with his or her own homosexuality or gender identity. These are the conditions that make the services provided by the TAY Center a lifeline to LGBTQ youth.

Find them at 14360 Saint Andrews Drive, Ste.11, Victorville 92395. 760-243-5417.

MORONGO BASIN – Equality California PAC, the state’s most powerful LGBT lobby, endorsed two candidates who may well be this area’s next representatives.

The action comes as a major boon for Pat Meagher who aims to beat Jerry Lewis for his seat in Washington. Meagher has been criss-crossing the district with his message on jobs, banking reform and equality. Lewis, who has held the office for 35 years, is rarely seen here.

Equally energized by the EQCA endorsement, Carl Wood’s campaign to replace Paul Cook in the state assembly continues to gain steam. In 2008 the Wood campaign got off to a late start and still defeated Cook in Riverside County.

This time his entire organization is focused on taking both counties, and polls suggest that is a very real possibility.

Meet Pat Meagher & Carl Wood

Saturday, Sept. 25 from 3 to Saturday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 5:PM when they return to when they return to Bruce’s Coyote Kitchen at CMC for a Candidates Forum.

Call 760-449-4048.

My best memory is from Madison, Wisconsin. When I saw pro-equality supporters marching up the street to the State Capitol and chanting, it was very emotional. At that moment I was proud to be part of that community, seeing the camaraderie and people, gay and straight, standing side by side fighting for equality, it was awesome. All I could do was cry.

- from Phyllis’ blog on the Courage Campaign trip to document the NOM tour.

Ever wonder why so many in the queer communities remain on the sidelines allowing others to defend our right to pursue meaningful, productive lives and loving relationships?

I’m not referring to those who choose to live in the closet. They are busy clinging to their secret so strongly that protecting it is their life’s primary directive.

Those who are “out” know that living in the closet isn’t living at all. “Coming out” is the great emancipator. The respect gainedfor ourselves and from others far outweighs the loss of anyone who loved us only while we lived the lie.

Most of us will tell you that our lives began once we came out.

But leading an open, affirming life may not be the end of the journey if we are to fulfill our potential as productive, valued members of this society.

Those involved in the active defense of our community will confirm the richly fulfilling sense of empowerment and satisfaction they gain from their efforts.

Active defense could be anything from joining a rally to writing a straight friend or official about the effects of discrimination on your family.

Sorry Facebook, clicking doesn’t count.

Phyllis Lozano of Victorville recently returned from a month long, nearly 3,500 mile road trip following the National Organization for Marriage’s bus crusade against marriage equality. Phyllis and two others were tracking the NOM Tour and documenting what they saw.

“My first rally was in Indianapolis, Indiana … I photographed a woman standing toe-to-toe, sign to sign with a NOM supporter, for what they believed in. It was a very powerful sight for me … I realized I was a part of something big,” writes Phyllis.

She goes on, “Following the tour and documenting what we saw, talking to the different people for and against the National Organization for Marriage and their message of hate and fear gave me a sense of peace. I come from a church background myself and believed the lies for a long time.  I finally feel like I have made a contribution (to) …something that was bigger than me. I will continue to fight for equality probably for the rest of my life, but this is so far my proudest moment.”

Read more of Phyllis’ blog, see photos & videos at: http://prop8trialtracker.com/category/nom-tour-tracker

TWENTYNINE PALMS – When 54-year-old Empress Lonnie (Gamache), once the reigning monarch of the Imperial Court of Los Angeles, moved to the Hi Desert in 1990 he thought he had retired from gay philanthropy.

“I gave everything away, my crowns, my gowns and my eyelashes,” said Gamache.  “It’s not cheap being an empress.”

Nowadays he works for a non-profit as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, and recently he became active again with the Imperial Court as an advisor for the Czarina’s Ball, an elite fund raiser held at the Riviera Palm Springs Resort. The nation’s oldest gay philanthropic organization, last year the Imperial Courts handed over more than $100,000 to the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

“I thought the plan was to slow down, but now I don’t know. I enjoy helping our community and other people, “ he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“When people know you everywhere you go, it says something about what you’ve done with your life.”

This year Lonnie received the Queen s Mother’s Double Edged Award for his years of service which began in LA in the early 1970s.

“That was a long time ago,” he said. “Now I’m here to stay. My whole family lives in the Hi Desert now.”

YUCCA VALLEY – When YVHS substitute teacher Gordon Larson received a dismissal notice, some believed it was the district’s response to the openly gay educator’s efforts to help students form a Gay-Straight Alliance. The district denies the suggestion stating that such discrimination is not tolerated.

The reason for the firing may never be known outside the school board since personnel matters such as this are considered confidential and protected from disclosure under the Brown Act.

1. Hi Desert homosexuals didn’t all fly down from San Francisco.  We’re from everywhere including families here in the  Morongo  Basin.
2. Clara True lived as an out lesbian in 29 Palms over 100 years ago.
3. Gay Vietnam War hero Leonard Matlovich often stayed with a gay couple here. His tombstone in the US Congressional Cemetery reads: “When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one”.
4. Photographs and/or reference to anyone in this publication are not an indication of their political or sexual positions or orientation.
5. The Basin has been represented in the State Senate by a gay man since 2003. Roy Ashburn championed Prop 8 in part to hide his homosexuality.
6. The absence of photos and/or references to everyone not in this publication is no indication of their sexual or political positions or orientation.
7. LGBTs work in every hi desert industry from the grocers to the CHP.
8. A gay social group has been active in the Basin for almost 20 years.
9. County voter records indicate the Basin’s state assemblyman resides in Yucca Valley with his wife and a gay staffer.
10. Approximately 500 local households identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

We need your help.

Most people aren’t aware of the weight a letter carries. Many don’t know that when they write their representative it gets read. A personal letter can carry the weight of dozens of emails, letters to the editor can carry even more weight.

Call to Action last issue, asked you to email me your commitment to write a letter to the editor in support of two candidates who stand out as friends of the LGBT community. For you less motivated, I offered to write a letter on your behalf if you’d simply dash off an email giving me permission. I tried to make it easy in hopes of collecting a couple dozen names. Apparently, I failed.

No one responded  Perhaps many find it difficult to pen a letter, especially on an issue which may be unfamiliar. Still, I have to believe that many of you would be willing to pitch in for equality. Right?

When we take action as a community we can effect change. Consider the online, straw poll conducted by Hi Desert Publishing the week of Aug. 14.

When it first came to our attention, 15 votes favored the recent court decision ruling Prop 8 unconstitutional, while 44 disapproved of the ruling.

An Urgent Call to Action Urgent Call to Action went out via email to subscribers in the Basin and within minutes the numbers begin to change. By the next morning, we’d blown the opposition out of the heavens. Small actions do have an impact.

If we join together, pool influence, and maintain focus through Election Day Nov. 2nd, it is possible for us to wake up to a better world Nov. 3rd.

If you think clicking “Like” on Facebook shows community involvement, I strongly suggest you get out of the chair, turn off the computer, and think about actively doing something for your community during this election.

Again, is there anyone who can donate one or two hours, or more for equality?

We need your help. We need your help. Can you make some calls, put up yard signs, or answer emails? If you want to help but your time is limited, then go get your checkbook; we really need some funding.

Won’t you please call or email me and let me know you’re willing to pitch in?

We could really use you.

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

The following is excerpted from an advance copy of Positive Living by Rev. Dr. Louis Gerhardt, due out this Fall through Amazon.

When Patty and I had our church wedding in 1995 our dear friend, the late Paul Isner, was my best man.

Paul was openly gay. He had a high opinion of himself and lived his relatively brief life with dignity and enthusiasm.

I first met Paul while I was serving as Senior Minister of First Congregational Church in metropolitan Los Angeles. The church building is magnificent and houses the largest church pipe organ in the world.

Many people congregate there daily for noon organ concerts and to participate in other church activities.

Paul was one of those people. He also enjoyed visiting our home in South Pasadena.

With my late wife, Grace, and our son Loren, I moved to Fresno in 1980 to serve our church there. Shortly after our arrival Paul wrote and asked if he could come to Fresno, live with us, and work at the church.

We welcomed him and he immediately became the church organist and worked in the church office.

Months later Paul went to San Diego to work in the city’s superior library system and to play the organ for a large Christian Science church in the Greater San Diego area.

Paul physically died in 2005 and I conducted his memorial service in San Diego’s downtown branch library. I then conducted a second memorial service and commitment at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. He was only 42 and died unexpectedly of natural causes.

I share this with you because my late wife Grace (he was the organist at her funeral) and my wife Patty loved Paul very much. We learned so much from him and his friends about the wonderful people of the GLBT community.

I have been a minister and counselor for better than 55 years and I have been in constructive and caring relationships with gay people all over the country. I have officiated at the weddings of many gay couples and have had many gay people on the boards and committees of the churches I have served. These experiences qualify me to write with some authority on the subject of homosexuals.

The purpose of all I have written, is to make it absolutely clear that I deplore attempts by some misguided, usually religiously oriented, people to portray homosexuals as men and women who are simply “sick” or “abnormal,” who could be “cured” of their “sinful” ways if they just determined to do so.

That kind of superficial thinking is wrong!

In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association issued a strong statement that homosexuality is not a mental disorder. Without doubt, men and women live more wholesome and happier lives when they accept without misgivings who and what they are.

In 1979 Mayor Thomas Bradley and the City of Los Angeles presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of effort to bring together different races, religions, and ethnic groups in a genuine spirit of mutual respect. I am pleased that I received that recognition.

Now I pray and work for a day when all people regardless of sexual orientation have all the rights, privileges and genuine respect often reserved for heterosexuals.

Sept. 11 – Food Giveaway at Ricky’s from 3 to 4:30 pm.

Sept. 10 – General Meeting of High Desert Equality 7:pm.  One of Life’s Perks, 18375 Hwy 18, Ste.3, Apple Valley.

Sept. 18 – Pepper & Cookie Blakeley celebrate 10 Years at Ricky’s. Huge Party. Live Entertainment, Potluck, Slumber Parties by Amber; service by Royalty Limousines. They have 3 sons, a police officer, an actor & the youngest, is a student. Their commitment ceremony was in June, 2003. In 2008 they legally married on the same June date and time. Their secret to a successful marriage? Communication & Laughter.

People ask why we celebrate in September if we got married in June,” says Pepper. “It’s because we met in September. Cookie didn’t make me marry her until June.

Sept. 19 – Clash for the Cause Wrestling Benefit — Mike Chatman vs. 2 Lumps O’ Sugar! Check out the flier below!

Sept. 25 – Fall Festa at the Wynn Family Home. Starts at 4:pm. Bring a potluck dish & enjoy swimming, horseshoes, volleyball, balloon contest, poker & more. More info. on Facebook & HDE.

Sept. 26-  Final Food Giveaway at Westside 15. Owners Ed & Jim have cake for all who show up from 1 to 3:pm.

Oct. 2 – Victor Valley Community College Walk With Your Dog fundraiser for the High Desert Domestic Violence Program & PAL Humane Society. Entry is $20; each entrant gets a T-shirt. Time TBA.

Thank you Michael Salazar for serving as HDE Chairperson; best of luck on your move overseas.

Thank you Pastor Randy of Phelan’s Desert Lighthouse Church for rescuing us when we needed a truck.

Thank you Sprint Cell com which closed after 14 years of community service and support. Good luck Wendy & staff.

Send your Victor Valley news to:  onetrupep@hotmail.com

- PEPPER BLAKELEY, HIGH DESERT EQUALITY

Partners Debra Miller & Stephanie Prado (far left) and organizer Pepper Blakeley with son, Jerry (far right). Between them are some of those who benefited from the food distribution program.

Thanks to all who helped HDE, High Desert Domestic Violence Program and the Cap Program assist 100 families at the Food Giveaway Aug. 28. The program has been extended thru September.

Tools for developing a more positive outlook on life & relationships.

Honest Answers to Tough Questions
Louis Gerhardt, Lecturer

WEDNESDAYS 10 – 11 AM

• Sept. 8 – Is There a God?
• Sept. 15 – Who Was Jesus?
• Sept. 22 – Are All Religions Equal?
• Sept. 29 – Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
• Oct. 6 – What is Prayer & Meditation?
• More Sessions Follow

Not a Bible study or discussion group.  Each unit is self-contained.  Come when you are able – No Charge.

St. Joseph of Arimathea
Episcopal Church
Onaga at Church Street
Yucca Valley 92284

For more info, call:

• Lou 800-995-1620 or 760-367-4627
• Joe or Jananne Turner 760-365-5695

You’re invited to another outstanding Carl Wood barbecue fundraiser barbecue fundraiser with master chef Anne Wood in charge.

Saturday, Sept. 11
4 to 7:pm
$25 per person

10103 Live Oak Ave, Cherry Valley, CA

RSVP to Betty McMillion
951-769-6636 or Msmac777@aol.com

Join a Carpool from Morongo Basin
call 760-449-4048

Make checks payable to:

Carl Wood for Assembly 2010

Paid for by Carl Wood for Assembly 2010, FPPC ID#1317574

Sunday, Sept. 19 – 2:30 Curtain – Theatre 29

The 25th Annual Putnam County SPELLING BEE
under the direction of Kathryn Ferguson

A hilarious Tony Award winning musical with a gay sub plot that makes it perfect for any queer family!

– says Hi Desert LGBT News

Reg. LGBTs $12 – Senior LGBTs $10
Lesbians, Gays, Transgenders & PFLAGS

Order tickets on your own or
to sit in the queer section, Contact Jim Babb
760-272-4361 jimbabb@pobox.com

Deadline is Sept.15 & based on availability.

Check each statement you feel is true:

• Abortion should be illegal.
• Gay marriage should be illegal.
• LGBTs don’t need protection in the school yard or workplace.
• Environmental protection standards should be rolled back.
• Corporate bankrolling of local politicians is okay.
• Area unemployed didn’t need benefit extensions this year.
• Gays & lesbians serving our country should be required to live in the closet.

IF you checked 3 or more statements, your interests are being well served in Washington.  Jerry is your guy and has been for 34 years. You should be happy. STOP HERE.

IF you checked less than 3 boxes, your interests are not being served. CONTINUE >

CHOOSE ONE OPTION >

• OPTION A: Don’t register or go vote on Nov. 2. Don’t complain about government, LGBT rights, crooked politicians, taxes, unemployment, etc. Your concerns are irrelevant. No more effort is required of you. You should be happy. STOP HERE.
• OPTION B: Take one or more of the following ACTIONS > The more you complete, the better the odds of seeing your interests represented in Washington.
  • ACTIONS > Register to Vote if you haven’t already. Vote for Pat Meagher Nov. 2. Take our word for it, or do your own research, either way Pat Meagher is the clear choice.  Pat Meagher opposes 16-term incumbent Jerry Lewis for a Congressional District that runs from DHS to Needles to Yucca Valley to Victor Valley to San Bernardino.
  • BONUS OPPORTUNITIES > Pat Meagher returns to the Morongo Basin Sept. 25 to meet with voters at Bruce’s Coyote Kitchen from 3 to 5:PM. Please attend, bring afriend. Want to do more? Contribute to the Campaign, help make phone calls, write a letter to the newspaper, get a bumper sticker. Get involved, call 760-449-4048!

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

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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