July - First City Network

Transcription

NETWORK
NEWS
V OL U M E 2 5 I S S U E 1 0 - J U LY 2 0 11
THE C O A S T A L E M P I R E
LGBT C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
A F I R S T CI T Y N E T W OR K P R O D U C T I O N
FCN Board Elections
Board Bio’s
- p.6
- p.7-9
MIss USA 2011 Supports NOH8 - p.12
Going the Distance - p16
UN Gay Rights Protection - p.19
Three Major Designers in NYC - p.21
Transgender Veterans available for Hormones - p24
F**k it Gays Should Marry - p.25
First City Network invites and welcomes everyone without
regard to ability, age, ancestry, beliefs, class, gender, race,
sexual orientation or identity.
NETWORK NEWS
THE FINE PRINT
First City Network, Inc.
is a local, private, non-profit community
service organization charted in 1985 by concerned citizens seeking a gay
and lesbian positive community. First City Network serves as a forum to share
strengths and ideas, stimulate personal growth and provide so cial activities.
We provide national, state and local information and referral services for
health care, counseling, education, advocacy and mutual support.
We hope you share our pride in 22 years of publication of the Network News.
Production costs are borne by subscribers, advertisers and donors.
NETWORK NEWS - Production Staff
Comments or opinions in the Network News may not reflect the policies of
FCN, its members or board of directors. FCN policy safeguards the privacy
and confidentiality of all members. Mailing lists and inquiry calls are always
confidential.
Editor-In-Chief
Contributors
Billing
Ad Manager
Distribution
Photography
Travis Sawyer
The Community
Hank Reineking
Travis Sawyer
Hank Reineking
The Community
FIRST CITY NETWORK - Board Officers
Co-Chair
Co-Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Nicole Oretsky
Candace Hardnett
Hank Reineking
Travis Sawyer
FCN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bobby Jeffrey
Marsha Ipsen
Roger S.
James Dowling
Kevin Clark
Chela Gutierrez
Brittany Kaiser
Will Bellais
SATURDAY LESBIAN
SOCIAL POTLUCK
Hosted By:
Creative Approach
July 2nd
7:30 - 10:00
Cell - 912-308-7430
306 Jefferson St
Downtown Savannah
Hosted By:
First City Network
TBA
for information visit our
website for directions and up
to date information.
The Network News is a product of First City Network, which does not discriminate because of ability, age, ancestry, beliefs, class, gender, race or
sexual orientation.
All written material (excluding Gay Guide) will use only first names, unless
members authorize in writing the use of full names. FCN endorses and supports the use of full names, but realizes that some members need to safeguard their privacy. FCN respects that right.
Submissions to the Network News become the property of FCN. A writer’s
name and telephone number must accompany submissions, but pseudonyms may be used if requested. FCN does not buy submitted material,
and has no obligation to use or return submissions. Material accepted may
be edited.
You are welcome to copy all or part of this issue to share with others. We
encourage other organizations and publications to reproduce articles of interest. Please credit Network News, Savannah, Georgia.
FCN Network News
P.O. Box 2442
Savannah, Georgia 31402-2442
editor@firstcitynetwork.net
All submissions become the property of FCN and your name will NOT be
printed unless we are given written permission. The editor reserves the right
to decide what is suitable for publishing. Please note that the deadline for
submission is the 20th of each month, Thank you.
More information on Page 5
NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 3
the
SAVANNAH GAY GUIDE
SUPPORT GAY-FRIENDLY BUSINESS - TELL THEM YOU FOUND THEM IN THE FCN NETWORK NEWS
ARCHITECT
Daniel Snyder. Member A.I.A.
216 East Gaston St.
(912) 238-0410
BOOKS & VIDEOS
Home Run Video & News
4 East Liberty St
(912) 236-5192
CEREMONIES
Ceremonies Plus – Teri Joseph
(912) 667-3119
teri55joseph@yahoo.com
COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS
AASU Gay Straight Alliance
Apple PH 706-910-6426
RP9874@STU.Armstrong.edu
Georgia Southern University
Gay Straight Alliance
Contact Person: Laura Cahill
912-531-8326 mrs.tayhill@hotmail.com
Savannah College of Art & Design
Queer & Allies (Q&A)
(912) 525-6729
Krista Haberson (Faculty)
kharbers@scad.edu
Colleen Mattis (VP of Q&A)
cmatti20@student.scad.edu
COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Ellen Farrell LPC, EEMCP
Holistic Psychotherapy
6203 Abercorn St. #108
(912) 247-4263,
www.ellenfarrell.com
Karen Abato ATR-BC, LCAT
Art Pyschotherapist - 912-220-0071
Braswell Gamble, LPC
23 East 38th St.
(912) 231-8429
Sarah Holmes, Ph.D.
23 East 38th St.
(912) 233-7304
Duke Miles, LCSW Psychotherapy
23 E 38th St..
(912) 233-1312
Nancy Wallace, LCSW
23 East 38th St.
(912) 447-0230
Martha Womack, PhD. Psychologist.
23 East 38th St.
(912) 447-5660 / fax (912) 447-5661
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Brouillette & Cowan
1 Oglethorpe Pro Bldg, Ste 102
(912) 354-2262
FUNERAL SERVICES
Adams Funeral Services
510 Stephenson Ave.
(912) 354-6260
(912) 354-6261
GOURMET FOOD & MORE
Brighter Day Natural Foods
Organic foods, books,
herbs, health supplies, etc.
1102 Bull St.,
(912) 236-4703
Thrive Carryout Cafe
4700 Highway 80 E
Whitemarsh (912) 898-2131
HAIR SALONS
Designs 804 Salon.
210 East Park Ave.
(912) 201-0070
Christopher’s Hair Salon
529 E Gordon St.
(912) 234-7070
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Assisted Recovery Center of Ga.
7722 Waters Ave
(912) 352-2425 or (888) 570-6391
My Brothaz Home Inc.
HIV/AIDS support
services for Everyone
2111 Price St.
(912) 231-8727 / fax (912) 231-8730
Stand Out Youth
Every Friday at 7 pm
307 East Harris St.
(912) 657-1966
HIV Services.
Chatham CARE Center
107 B Fahm St.
(912) 651-2253
HOME REPAIR/CLEANING CONT.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
INSURANCE AGENCY
PRIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Sparkling House Cleaning
Asian Style
(912) 257 6587
Bush Insurance Agency.
340 Eisenhower Dr. Bldg 300 Ste A or
1554 Hwy 80 in Pooler
(912) 356-0266.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Brian Clyatt - Island Interiors
8114 Waters Avenue
(912) 352-8005
Timothy Burkett Interiors
(912) 236-6500
LEGAL SERVICES
Robert W. Bush.
P.O. Box 8432.
(912) 651-2180 ~ (912) 231-9906.
Georgia Legal Services
Bill Broker
6602 Abercorn Street
(912) 651-2180.
LODGING
Brunswick Manor
825 Egmont Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 265-6889
NIGHTLIFE
Blaine’s Backdoor Bar
13 E. Perry Ln.
(912) 233-6765
Chuck’s Bar
301 West River St.
(912) 232-1005.
Club One Jefferson
(Home of The Lady Chablis)
1 Jefferson St.
(912) 232-0200
Hospice Savannah Inc.
Homecare and Hospice House; grief support services.
OUTDOORS
1352 Eisenhower Dr.
Roys Hideaway
(912) 355-2289
(912)225-3900
royshideaway.com
Union Mission Phoenix Project.
HIV housing and support.
PET SERVICES
120 Fahm St.
Save-A-Life
(912) 231-0123
Julie - (912) 354-7357
HIV/AIDS LEGAL PROJECT
Free legal services to HIV+ who meet income guides.
10 Whitaker St.
(912)651-2180
HOME REPAIR/CLEANING
TailsSpin
4501 Habersham St.
(912) 691-8788
TailsSpin.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY
II Davy LLC Home Repair Service
(912) 303-0363
Phoenix Holistic Center
1138 B East 72nd St.
(912) 660-3031
Dawn Phaneuf
(912) 398-2800
dawnphaneuf@bellsouth.net
I’m Fixin Too ! LLC
(912) 398-2800
Free Estimates. Call Today!
Skidaway Family Chiropractic Center.
5704 Skidaway Rd.
(912) 356-5886.
Mitchell Bush
340 Eisenhower Dr. 300 Ste A
(912) 356-0266 ext. 106
Summit Pest Control
Once a year Pest Control
(912)351-0979
Small World Therapeutic Massage
Brantley Moate NCTM, NMT, CMT, LMT
Whitemarsh Island - next to Jalapenos
(912) 897-7979
4 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net
Georgia Equality Savannah Chapter
106 W. 38th St.
(912) 944-0996
Savannah Pride Inc.
savannahgapride.org
PRINTING/DESIGN/PHOTO
Creative Approach
306 Jefferson Street
acreativeapproach.com
(912)233-8300
CLASSIFIEDS and EVENTS
G A Y
G U I D E
C O N T I N U E D . . .
FREE - EMAIL EDITOR@FIRSTCITYNETWORK.NET FOR PLACEMENT BEFORE THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH
INTEGRITY AT ST. PAUL’S
7 PM, Third Tuesday of every month,
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 34th &
Abercorn (Contact: Richard Gourley,
Phone - 912-713-5546)
GAY MEN’S HEART CIRCLE
7 PM, Second Tuesday of every month,
Los Robles, 101 East 34th Street
(Contact: Richard Gourley,
Phone - 912-713-5546)
SATURDAY LESBIAN
SOCIAL POTLUCK
Hosted By:
Creative Approach
July 2nd
7:30 - 10:00
Cell - 912-308-7430
306 Jefferson St
Downtown Savannah
Advice Guys Web/Business Services
(912) 228-3612 - adviceguys.us
Corner of Jefferson and Liberty Streets.
Directly across from the Savannah Civic
Center. For more information please
call
or email Travis Sawyer. travis@
acreativeapproach.com - The theme is
Fourth of July so burgers and hotdogs will
be grilled in the parking lot.
One Horse Photography
Onehorsephotography.com
REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE
Austin Hill Realty
7505 Waters Avenue, Suite B-7
912-354-2100
Coastal Real Estate Group
Roy Hill & John Giles
315 E Liberty St.
(912) 233-5900
Donald Callahan
Keller Williams Realty
(912) 441-4416
Ron Melander
Keller Williams Realty
(912) 441-7124
RESTAURANTS
Wright Square Café
21 West York St.
(912) 238-1150
LOCAL WEBSITES
Gaysavannah.com
info@gaysavannah.com
WORSHIP SERVICES
Agape Empowerment Ministries
703D Louisville Road
agapeempowerment.org
Asbury Memorial UMC
1008 East Henry St.
(912) 233-4351
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
2716 Mechanics Ave.
(912) 354-6815
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
34th and Abercorn - Savannah
(912) 232-0274
Unitarian Universalist Church
313 E Harris St
(912) 234-0980
Unity Church of Savannah
2320 Sunset Blvd.
(912) 355-4704
Unitarian Universalist of Statesboro
609 East Grady Street
(912) 489-8338
THE JUNE SOCIAL
By Marsha Ipsen
June’s social at Billy and Melvyn’s Coffee Pointe home was a
real love affair. I don’t mean love like the prior year’s commitment social he hosted, but instead it really highlighted Billy’s
passion for the greater Savannah LGBT community. The
wonderful turnout of guys and gals also reflected the communities’ love for both Billy and Melvyn. It also goes without
saying that Melvyn deserves enormous credit for all he does
to hold things together while Billy is away on business.
One thing I have learned over the last couple of years at these
socials is every social has a different set of faces, so they’re
not the same group just at a different location. To top it off, at
Billy and Melvyn’s social there were three people attending a
social for the first time. Bottom-line is FCN socials are a great
place to catch up with old friends and meet new friends. I’m
probably sounding like a broken record (remember those?)
by talking about the incredible food that has been showing
up at the socials this year. There was home cooked pulled
pork, peach cobbler, sub sandwiches, lemon meringue pies,
enough veggies to make a vegetarian O….oops, you know
what I mean. But honestly, you can’t eat this well at any restaurant and the price is right, friendship.
FIRST CITY NETWORK
Hosted By:
First City Network
Board Meetings
Open to the Public
First Tuesday of Every Month
6:30pm
307 East Harris St. - Second Floor
Come One Come All
TBA
STAND OUT YOUTH
for information visit our
website for directions and up
to date information.
The Board is currently discussing
a New Schedule for Meetings.
307 East Harris St. - Second Floor
SAVANNAH PRIDE
Board Meetings
Open to the Public
Second Tuesday of the month
7:00 pm
307 E Harris St. - Second Floor
Come One Come All
GAY VOLLEYBALL
We are playing Volleyball again for the
Summer season. Sundays at Daffin Park
near the Water St. side.
~ 2:00pm till 5:00 pm
Everyone is welcome to play
so please join us.
FIRST CITY NETWORK
MEMBERSHIP & SUBSCRIPTION
Mail your completed form with payment to:
First City Network
PO Box 2442
Savannah, GA 31402-2442
$100 Corporate - $40 Family/Couple
$25 Individual - $10 Student w/ ID
You can also become a member online at:
firstcitynetwork.net
Thank you Billy and Melvyn for hosting another fine FCN social, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do
for our community.
R
O
F
E
M
I
T
S
’
IT
N
C
FB O A R D
In the
u p coming
months we will
elect a new Board
of Directors that will
lead and guide Georgia’s
oldest GLBT organization
for next year.
ELE
S
N
O
I
T
C
FCN, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, has
been run successfully by volunteers like
you for more than 25 years!
SERVICE TO THE GLBT COMMMUNITY IS
EXCITING, REWARDING, AND FUN! ~ ONCE ON
THE BOARD, THE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: attending the monthly board meeting on the first Tuesday
night of each month - attending the monthly FCN Social volunteering on one of several committees - assistance with the
newsletter - assistance with the annual oyster roast and other fund
raising events - represent FCN with our partners, some of whom are:
StandOut Youth, PRIDE, and Georgia Equality - possibly serve as one of
four officers
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THE UPCOMING ELECTION:
Ballots will be mailed with the September newsletter. Only members in good standing
are eligible to vote. Each member will receive one ballot. All returned ballots must be
postmarked by September 20th. The new board will be installed at the board meeting on
October 4th, 2010.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IN ORDER TO RUN FOR THE BOARD YOU MUST BE A MEMBER IN
GOOD STANDING OF FCN. PLEASE ENJOY THE BIO’s IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES AND REMEMBER
TO VOTE FOR WHO YOU WANT TO BE OUR NEXT BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FCN RESERVES THE
RIGHT TO REFUSE MEMBERSHIP TO ANY PERSONS.
And the Candidates are...
Pastor Candice Hardnett | Co-chair (incumbent)
Candace E. Hardnett is a local pastor and activist. Candace served her country as a United
States Marine directly following 9/11. The wisdom, experience, and discipline that she gained
from the Corps carries forward into every facet of her life. She and her partner founded Agape
Empowerment Ministries in 2009 and she serves as the Senior Pastor. Candace is a sought
after orator and has helped to plan and organize several rallies and marches in Savannah. She
and her partner Erika own their own online business, Me and HCG. Candace is an avid runner
and health enthusiast. She holds a B.S. in Religion from Liberty University and is currently
pursuing her MDiv from her Alma Mater. She currently serves as Co-chair of First City Network
and looks forward to serving on the board again if re-elected.
Nicole Oretsky | Co-chair (incumbent)
Nicole is the current President of FCN, stepping into the role when former President Carolyn
Bowden resigned and moved. She is delighted to seek a second term on the board and
to again serve the FCN membership. She wants to continue making a contribution to the
goals of our community. This service fits neatly within her assemblage of interests and work
in community development and education. She moved to Savannah from New York City in
2008 to work as an Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Savannah State
University. She is grateful to all in the FCN community for welcoming her into the local LGBT
family.
Hank Reineking | Treasurer (incumbent)
I grew up in a small town in Northern New Jersey. After college and a few jobs, then several
years of operating and owning an Insurance Agency, I moved to Sleepy Hollow, NY after
meeting and moving in with my partner of 31 years. I spent my life working in the insurance
industry managing a large department. When we retired, Rich & I moved to Savannah in 2001,
and found the Saturday night socials a great place to meet new people. Around 2005 we
became involved with stuffing and mailing the FCN newsletter. With the 2009-2010 elections
for the First city Network Board, I found myself voted on as a write-in. In May of 2010 I took
over the job as Treasurer and have continued in that position. I was re-elected for the 20102011 term and look forward to serving the GLBT community again if reelected.
Travis Sawyer | Secretary | Editor FCN Network News (incumbent)
Born and raised in a small town in South Carolina he came to Savannah to pursue a degree
in Graphic Design. Once here he fell in love with Savannah and the charm that this city had to
offer as well as the GLBT Community.
While in college Travis became an active Board Member for Savannah Pride from 2003-2007
he held many titles such as PR Marketing, Treasurer, Secretary, Fundraising and Sponsorships.
Before graduating from SCAD he opened his own design and printing firm in Downtown
Savannah called Creative Approach, which was recently voted, by the Readers of Savannah
Morning News, one of the top Three Printers in Savannah.
Currently he is the Editor and Chief of the FCN Network News and Secretary for FCN. He looks
forward to working with other GLBT organizations and seeing the Savannah Unite Chapter
grow. He also would like to personally invite you all to a Great Saturday Social at Creative
Approach on July 2nd.
Brittany Kaiser | Board Member (incumbent)
A 22-year-old Junior at SCAD and a proud and dedicated activist. She began her work towards
LGBT equality young, serving as co-president of her High School Gay-Straight Alliance. She
then worked as a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign on and off for three years in New
York. After moving to Savannah in 2009, Brittany helped to organize the Queer Power March,
Savannah’s first ever march for LGBT rights. She has participated in various other local events
from the May 2010 City Hall rally to the recent actions against the Westboro Baptist Church.
This was Brittany’s first year on the FCN board, and she hopes to continue serving in the year
to come!
Will Bellais | Board Member | Socials Organization (incumbent)
Came to Savannah in 2001 and became an active participant in FCN affairs. From Washington,
D.C., I was a 20-year member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, an officer in the Gay
and Married Men’s Association (GAMMA). Retired as a Professor of Theatre at Montgomery
College, Rockville, MD, and an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American
Federation of Television and Radio Artists. I have been trained as a Sacred Intimate at the
Wildwood (Body Electric) program in California. Joined the FCN Board last year and was
appointed chair of the Monthly Social Events. I believe that GLBT people must be heard by
the “establishment” here in Savannah. I believe that gay men and lesbians have a mission in
this society and that mission is to create a society that has a social conscience. Carl and I were
married December 19, 2009 at the Unitarian Universalist church of Savannah.
Marsha Ipsen | Board Member | FCN Newsletter Chair (incumbent)
I am a current member of the FCN Board of Directors. I happen to be transgender and have
been married to my wife Jollie for 33 years. I am the owner of a pest control company here
in Savannah and have been in business on my own for 18 years. Every month I am learning
more and more about the Savannah LGBT community and meeting new members of our
community at the socials. FCN is an LGBT social organization and that is what I would like to
work towards preserving and enhancing. There are many other fine LGBT organizations in our
community doing good things, however, FCN is the social fabric that keeps us together; uniting
us, celebrating relationships, maybe creating others, and above all, bringing us together on a
regular basis and giving everyone the real feeling of being part of our community.
Roger S. | Board Member (incumbent)
I have lived my life in the Southeast United States and lived in Savannah since 2007. I currently
serve on the FCN Board. Working on the Fund Raising Committee, Community Outreach
Committee. The Oyster Roast and silent auction have been my biggest effort for FCN, this
year. I am working to build ties with the other organizations of our Community.
I have served on numerous Non-profits. I am a member of the Chatham County Democratic
Committee. I previously served on the Board of a North Carolina based Credit Union and
a Domestic Violence Tranisitional Program Non-Profit Board. I also served on the Disaster
Preparedness Committee of Holden Beach, NC.
My hope is that next year we will have greater success with the Oyester Roast and lay the
Kevin Clark | Board Member (incumbent)
Mr. Clark was elected to the Board of Directors of FCN in 1997. Elected Co-Chairman of FCN
in 1998 until 2002. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Georgia Equality Project in
1998 and formed the Savannah Chapter of GEP.
Bobby Jeffery | Board Member (incumbent)
Originally from Syracuse NY, however I consider myself a southern since I’ve been in Savannah
from a very young age. I was raised Catholic and come from a half Irish half Italian family.
Coming out as a teenager was very challenging.
Kevin opened “Under the Rainbow” inn after 3 1/2 years of extensive restoration. His home
now serves as a meeting place for many local organizations.
In my late 20’s, I co founded Savannah Pride (SP!) with Carol Riles, a former FCN Board
member. With the blessing of First City Network, we form the Savannah Pride Committee
in 2000. During my six years on SP! I held various positions including Executive Director for
the majority of the time. Under my management Pride became the second largest pride in
Georgia. In 2004 SP! was honored to host Interpride Region Four Conference called P.O.S.EPrides of the Southeast. The POSE conference to date is the largest LGBT conference ever
held in Savannah.
Acting in the capacity of FCN Co-Chair and Director of Georgia Equality Savannah, Mr. Clark
led the efforts that convinced Savannah City Manager, Michael Brown, to include “sexual
orientation” in Savannah’s non-distrimination law in 2002.
Mr. Clark led lobbying efforts to persuade this new Council to unanimously approve an official
Resolution opposing SR 595, Georgia’s proposed Constitutional Amendment banning samesex marriage on March 18, 2004.
If the members of FCN so choose to re-elect me to the board, I promise to bring my abilities
and knowledge to help foster a positive relationship between the LGBT community. Our
community has splintered off in many directions and we all need to come together.
Georgia Equality Savannah led the fight against hate and violence in Spring 2006 when a
series of hate crimes occurred in Savannah. As a result, City Council unanimously adopted
the “Equality Resolution” on January 4, 2007. New Police Chief Michael Berkow appointed
Star Corporal Trace Walden as GLBT Liaison to the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police.
Mr. Clark ran as a candidate for Georgia State Senate District 2 in the 2008 Democratic Primary
election - the first openly gay candidate to seek a State Senate Seat in Georgia. Afterwards,
he led lobbying efforts to persuade Savannah City Council to unanimously adopt Domestic
Partner benefits for City employees on October 7, 2010. This first-ever pro-gay policy initiative
made Savannah the 6th city in Georgia to offer these benefits.
Are you interested in being on the FCN Board... All that is required is for you to be a FCN
Member in good Standing. Email your bio and picture to editor@firstcitynetwork.net and
get published in next months issue before the voting commences...
Leslie Jordan’s
‘ONE MAN SHOW’
August 20th at 10PM
I Could Have...
Smokey Joe’s CafeThrough Aug. 6
By Ron Blake
By The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
There was so much I could have done if I hadn’t gone running this
morning. It took me 30 minutes to jet around town with my dirtspeckled blue and white running shoes; but oh the things I could
have done had I just stayed home!
Soak in the “malt shop” sounds of legendary songwriters Jerry
Leiber and Mike Stoller at “Smokey Joe’s Café,” the hottest joint
in town! Winner of a Grammy in 1995 for original cast recording, it
features 39 pop standards, including the biggest hits of rock ‘n roll
and R&B – “Poison Ivy,” “Fools Fall in Love,” “Yakety Yak,” “Hound
Dog,” “Love Potion No. 9,” “Spanish Harlem,” “Stand By Me” and
many more. Recipient of five Tony Award nominations, Smokey
Joe’s is a fast-paced trip through some of the biggest hits that will
have you “dancing in the streets.” Tickets: $40-$45; kids: $29-$31
Tickets are $35
I could have enjoyed several games of solitaire on my smart
phone. It’s quite a simple pleasure that can occupy me for hours if
I allow it. That royal family of jacks, kings, and queens can pull me
in like a fly to light.
Tickets will go fast so get yours today!
I could have continued watching TV in my underwear. There was
not anything in particular that captivated me, but there was the
constant thrill of uncovering that golden nugget on one of those
higher channels. I could have continued my search for that ultimate
show!
Portion of proceeds to benefit Savannah Pride
Tickets are available at www.clubone-online.com
I could have rifled through those high school yearbooks that
were calling to me from the nearby bookshelves. These tomes
of nostalgia have been pressuring me to peruse their pages ever
since I found Katey Hudsucker on Facebook recently. I couldn’t
remember if she signed that Student Council photo page.
I could have taken a nap. I was a little tired from all the excitement
I had from the night before. My pillow looked so comfortable and
my comforter was laundered just two days ago. It still smells so
Downy fresh and is the perfect sleeping pill.
I could have replaced the shoe laces on several of my shoes. My
pair of casual shoes has that one lace on its last thread. It’s been
in that precarious position for weeks now. Then there are the dirty
shoe laces on my formal shoes. I never did get that au jus sauce
off of them after the wedding reception from last month.
I could have started my Star Wars movie marathon that I have
been threatening to begin for months now. I haven’t seen any of
the movies in their entirety for as long as I can recall. How cool
would it be to see them all in the same day!
I could have baked some peanut butter banana muffins. I usually
don’t cook, but that’s never stopped me from trying things in the
past. I saw this recipe on one of those food channels and it looked
good and delicious. It also looked easy too and that is a big selling
point for me in the kitchen.
I could have watched some music videos on YouTube. There have
been many great songs released in the last few weeks and I would
have loved to see the videos too. Moreover, I could have even
flashed back to my beloved 80s rock. With a class reunion on the
horizon, it could have been an ideal time to get back to the big hair
generation.
I could have done a whole bunch of different things today instead
of running, but I didn’t. Thank goodness for that! There’s a lot of
nonsense out there waiting to pounce on your health and fitness
aspirations. Stay focused on what’s important and leave that
nonsense on the doormat. I’ll leave a light on for you!
~ JULY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ~
Character Development Through Improvisation: 2-4 p.m., July
7; Students will learn methods of developing natural characters
through sometimes unnatural means! Focus will be places
on employing improv, style, voice and movement to grow our
knowledge of character development; Arts Center of Coastal
Carolina; Ages: 11-15; $15; Instructor: Paige Klasing
Musical Kazoocicles: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., July 13; Join Lowcountry
artist Amos Hummell in this wacky workshop where we will be
crafting a kazoosaphone, a one-of-a kind musical instrument from
recycled materials; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Ages: 5-12;
$15; Instructor: Amos Hummell
Kids N’ Clay Camp: July 5-8 & 15 - Ages 6-12, Session 1 – 10
a.m.-12 p.m., Session 2 – 1-3 p.m.; Students will learn a variety
of ceramic hand building techniques: including pinch, slab, coil,
surface decoration, glazing and more; Arts Center of Coastal
Carolina; $100; Instructor: Danielle Tobia
Take the Stage! Performing Arts Camp: July 18-22, Ages 5-7 –
10 a.m.-12 p.m., Ages 8-12 – 1-3 p.m.; This week-long camp will
expose children to a variety of performing arts methods such as
dance, theater, and music; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; $100;
Instructors: Jay Apking and cast of “Smokey Joe’s Café”
Mixed Up Masterpieces Visual Arts Camp: July 18-22, Ages 5-7 –
1-3 p.m., Ages 8-12 – 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Students will experience
working in mediums such as painting, sculpture, printmaking,
found objects and more; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; $100;
Instructor: Margaret Hancock
Theatre Camp Session 1 with Jay Apking: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,
July 11-15; Make a cast of new friends during this fun-filled week!
Campers will experience a mini-production and will not only be
the cast, but will also be the production crew, learning how to
write scripts, understand and develop character, create set design
and props, and design costumes; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina;
Ages 9-14; $150
Theatre Camp Session 2 with Harry Culpepper: 9:30 a.m.-3:30
p.m., July 25-29; Make a cast of new friends during this fun-filled
week! Campers will experience a mini-production and will not only
be the cast, but will also be the production crew, learning how to
write scripts, understand and develop character, create set design
and props, and design costumes; Arts Center of Coastal Carolina;
Ages 9-14; $150
Miss USA 2011 Supports NOH8!
Gay Volunteer Day
Courtesy of the NOH8 Campaign
at
Grace House of Union Mission
Self-proclaimed geek Alyssa Campanella might have
been known up to this point as Miss California 2011, but that
all changed last night when Alyssa was announced as the
winner of the 2011 Miss USA Pageant!
Saturday July 16th
10 AM - Noon
NOH8 Supporter and former Miss USA Shanna Moakler
reached out to us a few weeks ago to make sure to connect
us to Alyssa as soon as she took over crown responsibilities,
and we’re so thankful for Shanna’s continued unwavering
support of our campaign and her attempts to always involve
new faces with our cause. Alyssa was eager to get involved
with our campaign to make it clear where she stood.
Fahm St @ Youmans St
Downtown Savannah
Behind Bus Station
Volunteer projects - weeding, window washing, planting,
pruning, laying pavers, mulchers
The Miss USA 2011 Pageant was hosted by familiar NOH8
Supporters Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic.
Donations are needed and greatly appreciated
Plants, mulch, pavers, paper bags, squeegies, money,
drinks and snacks for volunteers.
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that only two years
later, a beauty queen in support of the NOH8 Campaign and
its fight for equal rights has not only managed to secure the
Miss California title - but won the Miss USA title as well!
Previous Gay (GLBT & Queer) Volunteer days - Safe
Shelter, Humane Society, Phoenix House
Two years ago, former Miss California Carrie Prejean made
headlines at the Miss USA Pageant when Celebrity Judge
Perez Hilton (also a NOH8 Supporter) asked Prejean about her
stance on same-sex marriage, where Prejean controversially
answered she believed marriage to be between a man and a
woman. Prejean only received First Runner Up in pursuit of
the Miss USA Title.
Find us on Facebook
Georgia Equality Savannah Chapter
Kevin Clark 912-547-6263
Last year, we were honored to have the support of Miss
California 2010 Nicole Johnson, who was photographed in
her white gown from the Miss USA 2010 Pageant.
Nicole posed for her photo (featured right) with Inta Gems
Designer Peter Young, who is responsible for crafting
the beautiful crowns for all Miss California and Miss Teen
California title winners.
Nicole’s crown held special significance to Peter, who
designed the crown to feature the Love, Unity, and Beauty of
California in response to Carrie Prejean’s surprising attack on
gay marriage.
We wish Alyssa the best of luck with her position as Miss
USA 2011 and hope she continues to be an example for
young women all over the country.and Public Policy offered
a new estimate of homosexual identification: concluding
that 1.7% of Americans say they’re gay, and a slightly larger
group (1.8%) identified as bisexual — by definition attracted
to both genders and shaping their sexual behavior through
some mixture of inclination and preference.
Brad Sears of the Williams Institute defended the accuracy of
these numbers, suggesting gay leaders “let go” of previous,
unrealistic estimates of homosexual orientation. He told the
Associated Press that “with other populations of a similar size
of 2% to 4%, we don’t question whether there are too many
or too few.” For instance, no one suggests Jewish Americans
should be treated with contempt or dismissed as irrelevant to
the Christian majority because they number below 2% of the
U.S. population. Nor would the news media shy away from
reporting that in an age of religious conversion, choice plays a
role in adding to and subtracting from the Jewish community.
Religious identity arises from birth, upbringing, instinct, even
destiny, but the fact that it almost always includes some
element of choice doesn’t entitle the believer to less respect.
By the same token, it’s no sign of hostility or homophobia
to point to recent data suggesting that life experience and
personal decisions play roles alongside inborn inclination in
the complex, sometimes inconclusive, emergence of the gay
and lesbian identity.
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entertainment. “Poison Ivy,” “Fools Fall in Love,” “Yakety Yak,”
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August 10 & 11 What do John Belushi, Bill Murray,
John Candy, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell have in
common? They’re all alums of Second City, Chicago’s legendary theater
and an American treasure for 50 years. This high-flying live comedy
show from the troupe’s latest class of comics combines topical sketch
comedy, unique, hilarious songs, and on-the-spot improvisation.
Going the Distance:
An Interview with Marsha Ann Ipsen
society about other TG’s. Should someone choose to
come out, they need to realize not everyone will share their
enthusiasm. And should you decide to transition, you need
to realize you are making everyone in your life transition with
you without giving them a choice.
By Meredith Newton
“I am a 52 year old post-op MTF transsexual who remains
married to my wonderful wife of 32 years. I have been fortunate to
have the support of my family, friends and business customers.
I am active in my community including being on the board of
directors of a local LGBT organization along with being a trustee
for my church.”
How long have you known you were a girl?
You hear some TG gals say they knew they were a girl when
they were 3 or 4, and sometimes even younger. I think they
are nuts. I don’t believe a child that young has a grasp of what
the different genders really are. However I believe you can
now look back at your life and recognize behavior in those
younger years that maybe indicated gender incongruence.
I can think of behaviors when I was 4, but honestly I think I
was 11 or 12 when I first felt I was really a girl in a guy’s body.
Meredith: When did you decide to start transitioning?
Marsha: I first saw a psychiatrist and began HRT in early 2005
at the age of 46. Like many others I had struggled hiding
my rightful gender identity to the point that I knew I had no
choice but to pursue transition.
What were some of the roadblocks you faced during this
transitioning? Initially finding a gender therapist was difficult.
I could not find one in my city and ended up driving about 2
hours to another city. Otherwise the roadblocks I faced were
ones I created for myself like not telling my wife what I was
doing. But once my transition was underway I don’t know
if you could really say I had any roadblocks. The biggest
issue was overcoming the fear of losing my wife, family and
business. As time went on I realized most people were ok
with me and I was able to build a circle of friends, including
many from GS, giving me the support I needed to transition.
When did you find out about the actual date of your
surgery? On February 2, 2010 the United States Tax Court
ruled SRS and HRT are treatments for the condition of
gender identity disorder and therefore an acceptable medical
care tax deduction. Because this ruling came at the time I
was working on my taxes, I was able to see how it could be
possible for me to have my surgery. On March 15, 2010 I
wire transferred the deposit to secure my December 9, 2010
surgery date with Dr. Chettawut in Bangkok, Thailand. The
surgery date was later moved up to December 8, 2010.
Tell us about your surgeon. As I noted earlier, I chose Dr.
Chettawut. He is an incredible surgeon, or maybe I should
say skilled artist. The detail of his work is amazing. Probably
the biggest thing I came away with after my surgery is Dr.
Chettawut and his staff took care of me, and they also cared
about me. At a Christmas party for his staff and us Chet girls
at my hotel, he told me that because of my confidence in him
that he was the best, he worked extra hard to give me the
detail he was able to achieve. I love the guy, what more can
I say.
How did you feel the morning of your surgery? How did
you feel afterwards? I was so at peace with what was going
on that I don’t believe I was anxious at all. The driver was
scheduled to pick me up at the hotel at 1 p.m. so I took care
of my hotel arrangements and patiently waited in the hotel
lobby for the driver. After arriving, I changed into a gown and
again had my vitals checked, then walked to the operating
room and climbed up on the table. I don’t remember much
beyond that. I was later told the surgery took a little more
than 6 hours.
I woke up in the recovery room around 3:00 in the morning.
I remember Dr. Chettawut’s wife Tair who happens to be a
nurse, telling me to go back to sleep, that it was too early.
She told me the time and that the surgery was successful. I
wake up from anesthesia really well so I was wide awake in
the morning. The biggest question I get asked is did it hurt
and the answer is no. You are aware something went on in
that area; maybe call it an ache, but no pain. I was even able
to Skype with my wife which really surprised her because
she thought it would be a couple days before she would hear
from me. I know at times the reality of it all hit me and I was
of course excited, but I also felt at peace that I was now right.
What advice do you have for the TG community as a
whole? Overall acceptance of TG’s from society is rapidly
changing. The younger TG’s are fearless and are the key
to removing roadblocks such as discrimination and same
sex marriage. So my advice is to be patient. If you plan on
transitioning, don’t rush, but instead take your time and do it
on firm footing. I believe society has opened its doors to us if
we play by the rules. Some believe we should be able to do
whatever we want and I disagree with that. There is a proper
time and place for most behaviors. You don’t need to push it
in other people’s faces.
If there is anything else you’d like to add, feel free! I recently
had a woman who I highly respect come up to me at church
and tell me how proud she was of me. She went on to say it
took a lot of courage to do what I have done. I answered with
“No, it did not take courage. I did what I had to do.” I believe
that is a hard point to convey to non TG individuals so they
will actually understand what we go through. There are many
gals who came before me that never had the opportunity to
transition. I have been fortunate to live at a time when with
support from family, friends, and doctors, it can be done.
Was it easy? No, but I hope one day it will be easier for those
who are struggling and hiding who they really are.
What sort of challenges do you have ahead? I think life is
a challenge for everyone and now I have to deal with it as a
female. As far as transition I am probably done. I could be
content just living life as it is now but I will likely add new
challenges along the way. The biggest thing right now is
learning more about the people in the LGBT community in
my own area.
Overall, what would you say about the entire transitioning
period? I began my transition 6 years ago. Two years ago I
would have never dreamt I would be where I am today. It goes
to show that staying positive and believing in yourself can
take you a long ways. My transition took longer than many;
however I believe the outcome shows the gradual change
method I took worked out well for me.
Is there anything in particular you wish to describe about
your SRS? My SRS in Bangkok, Thailand was more than just
a surgery, it was an experience. I met others from around the
world, I had an incredible doctor and staff, I had contact with
friends and family back home including Wendy Larsen from
GS who kept me company on Skype while everyone else was
asleep, and I had my wife and a friend with me in Bangkok for
support so I never felt alone..
Meredith: What advice do you have for those who are afraid
to come out?
Marsha: First off, I don’t think everyone needs to come out.
If you have no intention of transitioning, then why bother.
Although acceptance is rapidly improving for transsexuals to
be out, I think it is the going back and forth that confuses
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GENEVA — The United Nations endorsed the rights of gay,
lesbian and transgender people for the first time ever Friday,
passing a resolution hailed as historic by the U.S. and other
backers and decried by some African and Muslim countries.
The declaration was cautiously worded, expressing “grave
concern” about abuses because of sexual orientation and
commissioning a global report on discrimination against gays.
But activists called it an important shift on an issue that has
divided the global body for decades, and they credited the
Obama administration’s push for gay rights at home and abroad.
“This represents a historic moment to highlight the human
rights abuses and violations that lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people face around the world based solely on
who they are and whom they love,” U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement.
Securities
www.BCSavannah.com
Following tense negotiations, members of the Geneva-based
U.N. Human Rights Council narrowly voted in favor of the
declaration put forward by South Africa, with 23 votes in
favor and 19 against.
Backers included the U.S., the European Union, Brazil and
other Latin American countries. Those against included
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Pakistan. China, Burkina
Faso and Zambia abstained, Kyrgyzstan didn’t vote and
Libya was suspended from the rights body earlier.
The resolution expressed “grave concern at acts of violence
and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed
against individuals because of their sexual orientation and
gender identity.”
More important, activists said, it also established a formal
U.N. process to document human rights abuses against gays,
including discriminatory laws and acts of violence. According
to Amnesty International, consensual same-sex relations
are illegal in 76 countries worldwide, while harassment and
discrimination are common in many more.
“Today’s resolution breaks the silence that has been
maintained for far too long,” said John Fisher of the gay rights
advocacy group ARC International.
The White House in a statement strongly backed the
declaration. “This marks a significant milestone in the
long struggle for equality, and the beginning of a universal
recognition that (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender)
persons are endowed with the same inalienable rights – and
entitled to the same protections – as all human beings.”
The resolution calls for a panel discussion next spring with
“constructive, informed and transparent dialogue on the issue
of discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence
against” gays, lesbians and transgender people.
The prospect of having their laws scrutinized in this way went
too far for many of the council’s 47-member states.
“We are seriously concerned at the attempt to introduce
to the United Nations some notions that have no legal
foundation,” said Zamir Akram, Pakistan’s envoy to the U.N.
in Geneva, speaking on behalf of the Organization of the
Islamic Conference.
Nigeria claimed the proposal went against the wishes of
most Africans. A diplomat from the northwest African state
of Mauritania called the resolution “an attempt to replace the
natural rights of a human being with an unnatural right.”
Boris Dittrich of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
rights program at Human Rights Watch said it was important
for the U.S. and Western Europe to persuade South Africa
to take the lead on the resolution so that other non-Western
countries would be less able to claim the West was imposing
its values.
At the same time, he noted that the U.N. has no enforcement
mechanism to back up the resolution. “It’s up to civil society
to name and shame those governments that continue
abuses,” Dittrich said.
The Obama administration has been pushing for gay rights
both domestically and internationally. In March, the U.S.
issued a nonbinding declaration in favor of gay rights that
gained the support of more than 80 countries at the U.N. In
addition, Congress recently repealed the ban on gays openly
serving in the military, and the Obama administration said it
would no longer defend the constitutionality of the U.S. law
that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage.
The vote in Geneva came at a momentous time for the gay
rights debate in the U.S. Activists across the political spectrum
were on edge Friday as New York legislators considered a bill
that would make the state the sixth – and by far the biggest –
to allow same-sex marriage.
Asked what good the U.N. resolution would do for gays and
lesbians in countries that opposed the resolution, U.S. Deputy
Assistant Secretary Daniel Baer said it was a signal “that there
are many people in the international community who stand with
them and who support them, and that change will come.”
“It’s a historic method of tyranny to make you feel that you are
alone,” he said. “One of the things that this resolution does
for people everywhere, particularly LGBT people everywhere,
is remind them that they are not alone.”
Three Major Designers Put
New York Marriage Equality on
Airman discharged
Under DADT policy
Display in New York City...
By Joseph Neese
Gay rights activists were recently surprised to learn a service
member was discharged under the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
policy, despite a repeal of the law appearing to be within
weeks of certification.
The airman, who was not identified by the Air Force, was
officially separated from the military on April 29 - the only
such separation this year.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Defense, Eileen
Lainez, confirmed the discharge Friday in an email.
Repeal was approved by Congress on Dec. 18, 2010, but
does not become law until 60 days after it is certified by the
president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.
An Oct. 21, 2010, policy states that all discharges under
DADT must be approved by several ranks of the military,
including the secretary of the branch of service in which the
service member serves and Defense Department’s lawyers.
“Until repeal occurs, the law commonly known as ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’ remains in effect, and the Department of Defense
will continue to apply the law as it is obligated to do so,”
Lainez said.
Major Joel Harper, an Air Force spokesman, said the
individual was a male whose rank was airman first class. The
airman admitted he was gay to his commander, Harper said,
and before any action of separation was initiated, the airman
went as far as writing the secretary of the Air Force, asking to
be separated from duty because of his sexuality.
GAY & STRAIGHT: TROOPS BURDENED BY LEGAL LIMBO
In March, Naval Petty Second Class Officer Derak Morado,
26, faced military “boards” - a closed-door hearing before a
three-person panel of enlisted and commissioned officers at Leemore Naval Air Station.
Karen Voss, DC
Clark Voss, DC
Reiki certified
The officer had to answer to an anonymous tip made in
November 2009 in which the accuser said something on
Morado’s MySpace page indicated he was gay.
Reiki works with the flow of Universal Life
Force Energy channeled into the body to balance the energy centers
and to facilitate the healing process.
Cronk called on President Barack Obama to sign a stop-loss
order, barring such discharges.
Nicholson said that while boards are “certainly a burden on
and unfair to service members who are gay,” they are also a
burden on the military itself. For the trials, officers must be
taken off duty to sit in on the hearings, leaving their other
duties behind.
Three of the worlds biggest names in fashion, Kate Spade, Michael
Kors and Levis, are unveiling store front window displays featuring
HRC’s New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign. With a vote
coming in a matter of days, we are grateful that these influential and
powerful businesses are putting equality and fairness on display.
LOOKING AHEAD TO JUNE
Reports indicate training for the new policy that will allow
openly gay individuals to serve is going “well” and has seen
“no hiccups,” according to Nicholson.
A recent poll released by Siena Research Institute shows public
opinion continues to trend toward marriage equality in New York
State with a record high of 58 percent support and a record low of
36 percent opposition.
“All signs are pointing to mid- to late-June,” for certification.
The Navy expects training to be completed by the end of
June, said Lt. Alana Garas, a Navy spokeswoman.
Alex Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers
United, the nation’s largest organization of gay and lesbian
troops and veterans, indicated he was initially shocked at the
action.
But certification does not require every unit in the armed
services to be trained, according to Lainez.
The New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign is centered on
video testimonials from New Yorkers who support the right of
same-sex couples to marry. To date, HRC has released videos
from Michael Strahan, Ben & Jerry, Broadway Actors, Vanessa
Williams, Anna Wintour, Larry King, Sean Avery, Julianna Margulies,
Bill T. Jones, Sam Waterston, Christopher Meloni, Mario Batali,
David Chang, Tom Colicchio, Lucy Liu, Bill Bratton and Rikki
Klieman, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Mayor
Michael Bloomberg, Former New York City Mayors Ed Koch and
David Dinkins, Russell Simmons, Mark and Sunrise Ruffalo, John
Slattery, Joan Rivers, Barbara Bush, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Whoopi
Goldberg, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon,
Fran Drescher, Moby, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Julianne Moore
and Kenneth Cole – with more to follow in the coming weeks.
“The Department of Defense has made it pretty clear that
discharges are on hold,” he said.
Nicholson said he believes with about 90 percent certainty
that certification will occur before month’s end, at which time
current Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, an advocate
of the repeal, is set to leave office.
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It would be imprudent to drag the repeal into the new
administration, Nicholson said, which will see Gates replaced
by current CIA Director Leon Panetta.
Kate Spade: 1 location
Soho: 454 Broome Street
“After the separation action was initiated, the individual was
informed of the current status of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell,’ and he reaffirmed to the Secretary of the Air
Force that he desired his separation action by expeditiously
processed,” Harper said.
However, it is a known tactic of some service members to
indicate they are gay - even though they may not be - in order
to get out of their service obligation.
“It sounds like he or she really had to go out of his way to
force the Air Force to do this,” Nicholson said.
The Associated Press has reported that half of the armed
services have been trained, including the bulk of Marine and
Army forces.
“It would be infinitely unwise for them to not do it in June,”
he said.
(912) 356-5886
Chiropractic works with the subtle
energies of the body flowing through
th e nervous system to stimulate the body’s
own innate capacity to heal itself.
Morado ultimately was not recommended for separation,
but gay rights advocates say he is just one in a long line of
service members who are still subject to “the threat of being
harassed,” said GetEqual Managing Editor Heather Cronk.
The Pentagon, however, is remaining quiet on the issue. When
asked how many troops had so far been trained, Lainez said
in an email that she had no information to share.
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Doctors
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“functional cure” for HIV
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Thirty years ago from Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control
issued the first report on the emerging AIDS epidemic. Now,
after years of progress in holding back the disease, there is
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CBS News correspondent Hank Plante, with San Francisco
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now living in the Bay Area, tested positive for HIV back in
1995, but now has entered the scientific journals as the first
man in world history to have his HIV completely eliminated
from his body. It’s what doctors call a “functional cure.”
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He was living in Berlin, Germany, in 2007, dealing with HIV
and leukemia, when scientists there gave him a bone marrow,
stem cell transplant that had astounding results.
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In fact, his only medical problem these days is one involving
his speech and motor skills because of neurological damage
after the treatment, but that’s getting better.
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the Great Plague;
People
who survived
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now for several years I think of the virus, and that hasn’t
happened before in our experience.”
Timothy Brown’s radical procedure may not be applicable to
many other people with HIV, because of the difficulty in doing
stem cell transplants, and finding the right donor. But this
one case does open the door to the field of “cure research,”
which is now gaining more attention.
“I’m cured of HIV,” Brown says. “I had HIV, but I don’t
anymore.”
Those are words that so many in the scientific community are
now cautiously clinging to.
developed an immunity, and that immunity was passed down
First to
City
Network
their
heirs today.
PO Box 2442
Brown says
the first man to be cured of HIV makes him
Savannah,
GA being
31402-2442
very, very happy.
$100 Corporate
$40 Family/Couple
$25 Individual
Needless to say, Brown is now being monitored by doctors at
San Francisco General Hospital and here at UCSF, where we
sought out a medical opinion from one of the most respected
AIDS researchers in the world, Dr. Jay Levy, who was one of
the co-discoverers of the HIV virus.
“If you’re able to take the white cells from someone and
Name(s)
manipulate them so they’re no longer infectable by HIV, and
Address
those white cells become the whole immune system of that
individual, you’ve got essentially what we call a functional
City/State/Zip
cure,” Dr. Levy says.
Email
We also sought out a medical opinion from Dr. Paul Volberding,
another pioneering AIDS expert, who has studied the disease
for all of its 30 years.
You
can also sign up online!
“One element of his treatment, and we don’t know which,
A-A
MEETS EVERY
SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY
FROM 7:30PM TO 8:30 PM
307 E Harris Street
allowed apparently the virus to be purged from his body.
So its going to be an interesting, I think, productive area to
study,” Dr. Volderding says. “He hasn’t had any recurrence
30
Transgender vets eligible for
hormones
Oh No, Fleas!
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Veterans Health Administration
has informed its hospitals and clinics that transgender
veterans are eligible for hormones, care before and after
gender change surgery, and mental health counseling as part
of their regular benefits.
Pets love the outdoors. And so do fleas. They both also like
the indoors too. Fleas can hitch a ride on our furry friends
and make themselves unwelcomed house guests. It’s very
important, especially in Savannah, to use regular monthly
flea treatments to protect your pets from fleas and greatly
reduce the likelihood of infestations. However, if these tiny
pests have found their way inside, here are some steps you
can take to get them OUT!
Finally, for tough cases, you can purchase a “flea bomb”
at your local pet store. These are sometimes referred to as
“indoor foggers”, and are relatively inexpensive. Be certain
to follow all package directions exactly, though - most flea
bombs require that the home be thoroughly aired out after
treatment, and you’ll need to wash any residue off of surfaces
such as countertops and cupboards, and vacuum thoroughly
once more.
First, you will want to eliminate the fleas living on your cat or
dog. Flea shampoos are effective when used properly. Start
by getting the pet’s neck fully wet, down to the skin. (Water
should be slightly warm, or even cool.) Apply flea shampoo
and lather thoroughly around the neck. This prevents fleas
from gathering at the ears, eyes, and face, where it is difficult
to shampoo safely. Next, get the rest of the pet’s body wet,
shampoo thoroughly, and let sit for a few minutes. Finally,
rinse the pet very well. Note that flea shampoos do wash
away any flea topical treatments, so you will need to re-apply
the topical flea preventative the day after a bath when the
pet’s natural oils have returned to the coat.
With perseverance and prevention you can get rid of fleas
and keep them away. Remember, these procedures are far
less expensive than calling in a pest control service!
Courtesy of The Monterey County Herald
In a directive issued Thursday, the VA reiterated that its
facilities are not permitted to perform genital or breast
surgeries on veterans in the process of changing genders.
But the agency confirmed that transgender patients are
entitled to routine health care that takes their special needs
into account and to transgender-specific treatments such
as hormone therapy and “non-surgical, supportive care for
complications of sex-reassignment surgery.”
In accordance with what it termed “the respectful delivery of
health care,” the VA also instructed medical personnel at its
950 health care centers to refer to transgender veterans in
conversation and on medical records by the gender pronoun
they prefer, regardless of whether they have undergone
surgery.
The policy also applies to veterans who appear to be one
gender but whose sex chromosomes indicate they are
another, a condition referred to as intersex.
Transgender activists have been pressuring the VA for years
to make such a statement. They maintain care of transgender
veterans varies too much from facility to facility, with some
easily accessing the full range of care and others being
denied all services.
1102 Bull Street • Savannah, GA • 31401
(912) 236-4703 • Fax (912) 236-9026
“It doesn’t create anything new. It just says to treat these
veterans like you treat all veterans, but for trans vets that’s
really huge,” National Center for Transgender Equality
executive director Mara Keisling said.
The VA quietly posted the directive on a section of its website
reserved for new directives, but has not commented on it.
A telephone call and email to the Department of Veterans
Affairs, which oversees the VA, were not returned Friday.
Autumn Sandeen, a Navy veteran who lives in San Diego,
has been happy with the treatment she has received through
her local VA facility, but said she knows of other transgender
veterans who were refused not only hormones and the
psychological counseling that is a precondition for sex
reassignment surgery, but regular checkups.
“It’s going to be a huge boon to veterans who are not getting
any care at all or are not getting appropriate care,” Sandeen
said. “You have to be able to treat the whole person, and
now the VA is telling them, you can’t separate out the
transgender component and you can’t only give care that is
not transspecific.”
By Jeff Manley of Tailspin
Republican Senator:
‘F**k It,’ Gays Should Marry
Courtesy of TMZ
Want an option that does not require giving your pet a bath?
Capstar is a pill that can be safely used to kill the fleas on
a pet within 24 hours. It is very effective for flea outbreaks,
but since it only lasts for 24 hours and only targets the adult
stage of the flea’s life cycle, it should not be used for monthly
flea prevention.
The second thing you need to do is vacuum everything in
your home - carpets, drapes, upholstery - everything:
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpeting, upholstered furniture and
floors, and the open areas under furniture and beds.
- Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately and seal it in a
plastic bag to ensure no fleas escape.
- Repeat this procedure on a regular basis throughout the
year to prevent flea populations from growing.
Next, wash all of your bedding, as well as your pet’s bedding,
in the hottest soapy water possible. This will kill off any
fleas hiding there, as well as any eggs that may have been
laid. Vacuum your mattress well while the bedding is in the
laundry, just in case.
For fleas that have escaped the pull of the vacuum or a soak
in the washing machine, flea home sprays that kill fleas on
contact are a great option. They are an effective way to “spot
eliminate” fleas in their tiny tracks. While many do contain
a small amount of residual insecticide, they can be safely
sprayed directly on pets, bedding, furniture and floors – just
make sure to follow the directions. Some newer “natural”
sprays are also available that do not contain any insecticides.
They are also effective but usually require more frequent
application.
Republican New York State Senator Roy McDonald has
SHATTERED party lines in support of gay marriage -- telling
reporters, “F**k it, I don’t care what you think. I’m trying to do
the right thing.”
The battle rages on in New York to legalize gay marriage -but McDonald threw his hat in the ring earlier this week ...
with the greatest statement of all time, claiming, “You get to
the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn’t
black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right
thing.”
“You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that.
Well, f**k it, I don’t care what you think. I’m trying to do the
right thing.”
“I’m tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the
job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I’m
trying to do the right thing, and that’s where I’m going with
this.”
With McDonald’s support, the gay marriage bill is only ONE
vote shy of being made into law -- which would make New
York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
ACT OUT SAVANNAH!
By Cody Patterson & Spencer Wulwick
The Counter-Protest of Westboro Baptist Church – which
initially had raised both questions and at least a few eyebrows
– went off without a single hitch and has been lauded by
many. For anyone who might still be harboring “second
thoughts,” we invite you to read the article written by Lesley
Conn of the Savannah Morning News, May 22nd 2011.
Kathleen Osteen a member of the Act Out Savannah Planning
Committee has a way of exciting a crowd and getting them
“in the mood.”
Perhaps the most rewarding comments came from a wife
whose husband is serving in the military in Iraq. She could
not thank us enough for having her “husband’s back” and
informed us that the counter protest was the main topic of
discussion among the soldiers stationed in Iraq.
The weeks of planning paid off with an event that was
flawlessly executed. After several weeks of living, breathing
and sleeping the Counter Protest, hundreds of supporters
rallied at Chippewa Square for the kickoff. And it didn’t
stop there. At each of the protest locations (Christ Church
at Johnson Square, First Baptist of Savannah at Chippewa
Square, St. John’s Episcopal Church at Madison Square and
St. John’s Cathedral at Lafayette Square) the crowd followed
Westboro Baptist Church Protestors and other supporters
joined in to fill out the crowd.
Especially pleasing was the unique diversity of this particular
GLBT event. There were people from Unitarian Universalist
Church of Savannah who attended as a “Community Support
Action.” There were wives of military personnel who trekked
from Beaufort, South Carolina. There were representatives
of the SE Freedom Fighters who came from Milledgeville,
Georgia. Even the Guardian Angels took it on themselves to
join in and offer support. The Bomber Girls (Savannah’s allfemale motorcycle club) were represented by Becky “Jerzey”
Bradley.
We wish to thank Pam Miller of the Savannah Gay & Lesbian
Community Police Collaborative (SGLCPC) for taking the
initiative to reach out to Act Out Savannah with helpful
suggestions, which were implemented.
Special thanks, too, to Sgt. David Gay and other members
of the Police Department who met with our organization to
carefully orchestrate everyone’s role in ensuring the safety
of all participants and ensuring appropriate conduct on
everyone’s part. We especially appreciated the efforts of
Lieutenant John Best who served as a liaison between the
officers on duty and Act Out Savannah. Job very well done,
Chief Lovett!!
Thanks so much to Rachel’s 1190, Bay Street Blues and
Chuck’s Bar who were our largest fund-raising supporters.
Last, but not least, we wish to express heartfelt appreciate
to the planning committee – who were instrumental in
accomplishing this wonderful feat. Our committee is almost
as diverse as the counter-protestors themselves, representing
gay, lesbian, bisexual and, yes, the straight communities.
You can learn about our activities by visiting our website
actoutsavannah.org or by visiting Act Out Savannah on
facebook.
FCN does not support any political candidates
suggested donation of 20-40 dollars
silent auction | special entertainment | complimentary munchies | draft beer | wine
6pm til 9pm
at Club One Jefferson
1 Jefferson Street
Friday, July 29th
1BJEGPSCZ+Fõ'FMTFSGPS.BZPS+Fõ'FMTFS$IBJSNBO4BSBI++BDLTPO$1"5SFBTVSFS
.":03
+Fõ'FMTFS
-&54&-&$5

July - First City Network

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