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NEWSV OL U M E 2 5 I S S U E 7 - A P R I L 2 0 11 THE C O A S T A L E M P I R E LGBT COMMUNITY NEWS A FIRST CITY NETWORK PRODUCTION

Easter Bonnet Social - p.6 Georgia Equality News - p.7 Act Out Savannah - p.10 Oyster Roast - p14-17 AIDS from kidney - p.18 Trevor Project to Honor Radcliffe - p.20 Horoscopes- p22-23 Easter Fun - p.26-27 First City Network invites and welcomes everyone without regard to ability, age, ancestry, beliefs, class, , race, or identity. NETWORK NEWS THE FINE PRINT

First City Network, Inc. is a local, private, non-profit community ser- We hope you share our pride in 22 years of publication of the Network News. vice organization charted in 1985 by concerned citizens seeking a and Production costs are borne by subscribers, advertisers and donors. positive community. First City Network serves as a forum to share strengths and ideas, stimulate personal growth and provide social activi- The Network News is a product of First City Network, which does not dis- ties. We provide national, state and local information and referral services for criminate because of ability, age, ancestry, beliefs, class, gender, race or health care, counseling, education, advocacy and mutual support. sexual orientation.

NETWORK NEWS - Production Staff Comments or opinions in the Network News may not reflect the policies of Editor-In-Chief Travis Sawyer FCN, its members or board of directors. FCN policy safeguards the privacy Contributors The Community and confidentiality of all members. Mailing lists and inquiry calls are always Billing Hank Reineking confidential. Ad Manager Travis Sawyer Distribution Hank Reineking All written material (excluding Gay Guide) will use only first names, unless Photography The Community members authorize in writing the use of full names. FCN endorses and sup- ports the use of full names, but realizes that some members need to safe- FIRST CITY NETWORK - Board Officers guard their privacy. FCN respects that right. Co-Chair Nicole Oretsky Co-Chair Candace Hardnett Submissions to the Network News become the property of FCN. A writer’s Treasurer Hank Reineking Secretary Ken Barthels name and telephone number must accompany submissions, but pseud- onyms may be used if requested. FCN does not buy submitted material, FCN BOARD OF DIRECTORS and has no obligation to use or return submissions. Material accepted may Bobby Jeffrey Kevin Clark be edited. Marsha Ipsen Chela Gutierrez Roger S. Brittany Kaiser You are welcome to copy all or part of this issue to share with others. We James Dowling Will Bellais encourage other organizations and publications to reproduce articles of inter- est. Please credit Network News, Savannah, Georgia.

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NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 3 the CLASSIFIEDS and EVENTS SAVANNAH GAY GUIDE GAY GUIDE CONTINUED... SUPPORT GAY-FRIENDLY BUSINESS - TELL THEM YOU FOUND THEM IN THE FCN NETWORK NEWS FREE - EMAIL [email protected] FOR PLACEMENT BEFORE THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH

ARCHITECT FUNERAL SERVICES HOME REPAIR/CLEANING CONT. POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS INTEGRITY AT ST. PAUL’S FIRST CITY NETWORK Daniel Snyder. Member A.I.A. Adams Funeral Services Sparkling House Cleaning Georgia Equality Savannah Chapter 7 PM, Third Tuesday of every month, SATURDAY LESBIAN Board Meetings 216 East Gaston St. 510 Stephenson Ave. Asian Style 106 W. 38th St. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 34th & Open to the Public (912) 238-0410 (912) 354-6260 (912) 257 6587 (912) 944-0996 Abercorn (Contact: Richard Gourley, SOCIAL POTLUCK First Monday of Every Month (912) 354-6261 Phone - 912-713-5546) 6:30pm BOOKS & VIDEOS INSURANCE AGENCY PRIDE ORGANIZATIONS Hosted By: Hosted By: 307 East Harris St. - Second Floor Home Run Video & News GOURMET FOOD & MORE Bush Insurance Agency. Savannah Pride Inc. ’S HEART CIRCLE Samantha Claar First City Network Come One Come All 4 East Liberty St Brighter Day Natural Foods 340 Eisenhower Dr. Bldg 300 Ste A or savannahgapride.org 7 PM, Second Tuesday of every month, (912) 236-5192 Organic foods, books, 1554 Hwy 80 in Pooler Los Robles, 101 East 34th Street TBA STAND OUT YOUTH herbs, health supplies, etc. (912) 356-0266. PRINTING/DESIGN/PHOTO (Contact: Richard Gourley, April 2nd The Board is currently discussing CEREMONIES 1102 Bull St., Creative Approach Phone - 912-713-5546) 7:30 - 10:00 for information visit our a New Schedule for Meetings. Ceremonies Plus – Teri Joseph (912) 236-4703 INTERIOR DESIGN 306 Jefferson Street website for directions and up 307 East Harris St. - Second Floor (912) 667-3119 Brian Clyatt - Island Interiors acreativeapproach.com [email protected] Thrive Carryout Cafe 8114 Waters Avenue (912) 233-8300 Info - 912-786-4351 to date information. SAVANNAH PRIDE BOARD 4700 Highway 80 E (912) 352-8005 First Tuesday of the month at 7 pm COLLEGE ORGANIZATIONS Whitemarsh (912) 898-2131 Advice Guys Web/Business Services 112 Andrea Dr. 307 E Harris St. Second Floor AASU Gay Straight Alliance Timothy Burkett Interiors (912) 228-3612 Tybee Island Apple PH 706-910-6426 HAIR SALONS (912) 236-6500 adviceguys.us GAY VOLLEYBALL [email protected] Designs 804 Salon. Just a side note that Volleyball is 210 East Park Ave. LEGAL SERVICES One Horse Photography discontinued, as tradition dictates, Georgia Southern University (912) 201-0070 Robert W. Bush. Onehorsephotography.com until the spring (sometime in April) Gay Straight Alliance P.O. Box 8432. due to colder weather. We will Contact Person: Laura Cahill Christopher’s Hair Salon (912) 651-2180 ~ (912) 231-9906. REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE Go to www.FirstCityNetwork.net keep you informed of the exact 912 531 8326 [email protected] 529 E Gordon St. Coastal Real Estate Group time that it begins again... (912) 234-7070 Georgia Legal Services Roy Hill & John Giles for up to date information regarding Savannah College of Art & Design Bill Broker 315 E Liberty St. The Socials and Potlucks & Allies (Q&A) HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES 6602 Abercorn Street (912) 233-5900 (912) 525-6729 Assisted Recovery Center of Ga. (912) 651-2180. Krista Haberson (Faculty) 7722 Waters Ave Donald Callahan [email protected] (912) 352-2425 or (888) 570-6391 LODGING Keller Williams Realty Colleen Mattis (VP of Q&A) Brunswick Manor 48 Abercorn St, Ste 201 [email protected] My Brothaz Home Inc. 825 Egmont Street (912) 441-4416 HIV/AIDS support Brunswick, GA 31520 COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY services for Everyone (912) 265-6889 Ron Melander Ellen Farrell LPC, EEMCP 2111 Price St. Keller Williams Realty Holistic Psychotherapy (912) 231-8727 / fax (912) 231-8730 NIGHTLIFE 48 Abercorn St, Ste 201 FIRST CITY NETWORK 6203 Abercorn St. #108 Blaine’s Backdoor Bar (912) 441-7124 (912) 247-4263, Stand Out Youth 13 E. Perry Ln. www.ellenfarrell.com Every Friday at 7 pm (912) 233-6765 RESTAURANTS MEMBERSHIP & SUBSCRIPTION 307 East Harris St. Wright Square Café Karen Abato Art, Art Therapist (912) 657-1966 Chuck’s Bar 21 West York St. 912-220-0071 301 West River St. (912) 238-1150 HIV Services. (912) 232-1005. Braswell Gamble, LPC Chatham CARE Center LOCAL WEBSITES 23 East 38th St. 107 B Fahm St. Club One Jefferson Gaysavannah.com (912) 231-8429 (912) 651-2253 (Home of The Lady Chablis) [email protected] 1 Jefferson St. Mail your completed form with payment to: Sarah Holmes, Ph.D. Hospice Savannah Inc. (912) 232-0200 WORSHIP SERVICES 23 East 38th St. Homecare and Hospice House; Agape Empowerment Ministries First City Network (912) 233-7304 grief support services. OUTDOORS 703D Louisville Road PO Box 2442 1352 Eisenhower Dr. Roys Hideaway agapeempowerment.org Duke Miles, LCSW Psychotherapy (912) 355-2289 (912)225-3900 Savannah, GA 31402-2442 23 E 38th St.. royshideaway.com Asbury Memorial UMC In Retrospect... (912) 233-1312 Union Mission Phoenix Project. 1008 East Henry St. $100 Corporate - $40 Family/Couple HIV housing and support. PET SERVICES (912) 233-4351 Nancy Wallace, LCSW 120 Fahm St. Save-A-Life $25 Individual - $10 Student w/ ID 23 East 38th St. (912) 231-0123 Julie - (912) 354-7357 St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Did you enjoy this years Oyster Roast? (912) 447-0230 2716 Mechanics Ave. You can also become a member online at: HIV/AIDS LEGAL PROJECT TailsSpin (912) 354-6815 Martha Womack, PhD. Psychologist. Free legal services to HIV+ 4501 Habersham St. What did you like? firstcitynetwork.net 23 East 38th St. who meet income guides. (912) 691-8788 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (912) 447-5660 / fax (912) 447-5661 10 Whitaker St. TailsSpin.com 34th and Abercorn - Savannah (912)651-2180 (912) 232-0274 FINANCIAL SERVICES PHYSICAL THERAPY What didnt you like? Brouillette & Cowan HOME REPAIR/CLEANING Phoenix Holistic Center Unitarian Universalist Church 1 Oglethorpe Pro Bldg, Ste 102 II Davy LLC Home Repair Service 1138 B East 72nd St. 313 E Harris St (912) 354-2262 (912) 303-0363 (912) 660-3031 (912) 234-0980 What can we improve for next year? Dawn Phaneuf I’m Fixin Too ! LLC Skidaway Family Chiropractic Center. Unity Church of Savannah (912) 398-2800 (912) 398-2800 5704 Skidaway Rd. 2320 Sunset Blvd. [email protected] Free Estimates. Call Today! (912) 356-5886. (912) 355-4704 Email us at [email protected] to voice your opinion and give us some feedback on what was liked Mitchell Bush Summit Pest Control Small World Therapeutic Massage Unitarian Universalist of Statesboro or disliked and what we can do to make it better. 340 Eisenhower Dr. 300 Ste A Once a year Pest Control Brantley Moate NCTM, NMT, CMT, LMT www.uustatesboro.org (912) 356-0266 ext. 106 (912)351-0979 Whitemarsh Island - next to Jalapenos 609 East Grady Street (912) 897-7979 (912) 489-8338

4 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 5 APRIL 2 - Health Insurance Georgia Equality News FCN’S EASTER BONNET SOCIAL AT TYBEE By Ron Blake By Your Friends at Georgia Equality

You would think that a person with great health wouldn’t Why wouldn’t my health insurance company be able to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman Jerry experience any problems getting health insurance. You use the very recent results of the thorough physical exam Nadler (D-NY) have announced that they will re-introduce would think! I am that someone who is in great health and conducted by the life insurance company? I gave my the Uniting American Families Act in the upcoming weeks. yet one of the big insurance companies put me through the consent for the release of information which would prove The Uniting American Families Act allows gay, lesbian, meat grinder recently to lower my deductible. How then is my wellness worthiness to them. You are light years ahead bisexual and (LGBT) Americans to sponsor our it possible that anyone with less than desirable health has of me if you guessed the health insurance company ignored foreign-born spouses/partners and children for residency a chance of garnering health insurance? these exam results from the life insurance company. in the US. Passage of this bill would prevent more LGBT families from being torn apart or forced into exile to stay I have had my fair share of colds, the flu, and some Three months after beginning my journey for a lower together. UAFA would end immigration nettlesome allergies that have dotted my landscape these deductible, I was granted approval for my request. against all LGBT families, regardless of where they live in past many years. I am allergic to cats and I have been the United States or abroad, and regardless of whether given a prescription to help with that. I have had this The tenor of my message is not to discuss how healthy I their local government or state recognizes marriage. prescription for some time now and nothing has changed. am. I am aware that at any time I could lose my health and The insurance company already knew about this and yet that is precisely why I wanted to have the insurance plan I We need to increase our record number of cosponsors over they investigated… once again. It is a $4 prescription and selected. Instead the focus should be why someone with last year’s numbers (136 in the House of Representatives, yet they investigated my nefarious cat allergy medication! my level of health should have such a difficult time getting 26 in the Senate) to show Congress that they must act I had a cervical fusion almost seven years ago. As horrible health insurance. Maybe it’s time to get out the pitchforks to stop LGBT families from being torn apart by unfair as that sounds, it was simply a bulging disk in my neck area and torches! immigration laws! In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it and surgery rectified the problem. I have fully recovered You’ll be the grandest lady (or gay boy) from that. Even though I have the same insurance company This health and fitness article is brought to you by that guy When you send your letter, add your testimonials, personal in the Easter parade and only wanted to lower my deductible, the investigators with plenty of aplomb! That guy of unshakable poise is Ron experiences and points of view – they are an extremely I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over began their interrogation about this procedure…once Blake and he can be reached at [email protected] powerful way to let Congress know how critical passage I’ll be the proudest fellow again. of UAFA is for our families. Click here to send a letter to (or butch ) in the Easter parade your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators urging them On the Avenue I have been running 30 miles per week since that surgery to cosponsor the Uniting American Families Act when it is Fifth Avenue those many years ago. I have been lifting heavy weights introduced in the upcoming weeks! The photographers will snap us in my workouts three times per week since the doctors And you’ll find that you’re performed their work on my neck area. I have been In the rotogravure engaged in work that involves plenty of physical activity Oh, I could write a sonnet about over the last 84 months. Shouldn’t common sense dictate your Easter bonnet at some point that I have successfully moved on from that And of the I’m taking to cervical fusion? the Easter parade Irving Berlin penned the above for Judy Garland.. and this I even forgot to inform the insurance company on the social pays tribute to The Easter Bonnet immortalized by this application that I had a heart problem. It wasn’t because song and movie. I was evasive but instead because I merely forgot. I forgot because there was never any credence to the test results in Freddy Mercury of , Elton John and all those fabulous the first place. A false positive EKG reading one day during gay boys had Bonnet Parties. Furthering our fine and long a routine physical exam indicated I had an abnormality with tradition of extravagant hat couture for the Easter season. my ticker. (You know the British say “put a bonnet on it” for all kinds of heads..) The subsequent stress test and negative reading left the Buy it off the rack - design your own - frilly – funky – huge – doctors and nurses amazed at my cardiovascular strength. tiny – swath yourself in the glory of a headpiece. Let’s have But imagine if the insurance experts found out about this fun with this! Get a head start for Easter Sunday. situation! I would almost certainly have been placed under the hot lamps for numerous bouts of questioning? 112 Andrea Dr. - Tybee Island ~ phone 912-786-4351 Furthermore, I was very recently given a very thorough Your hostesses are Samantha Claar and the lovely physical exam by a life insurance company after requesting of Savannah Lavender . We shall be decked out in a large policy amount. And if there’s anything we know our finery and looking forward to seeing yours. please don’t about insurance companies, it’s that they are thorough to disappoint us! a nauseating degree! This thorough exam indicated I was eligible for the ultra premium life insurance rate because of Drinks are from 6-7, dinner and desserts are 7-10pm. my superb health. My agent informed me that only three There will have a fire pit and fun dance music. other people out of his 1500 clients in 15 years were eligible for this rate based on their excellent health.

6 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net US demanding gay rights support By The Associated Press

(Washington) The Obama administration will introduce its first In December, even the Obama administration held back from statement calling for the United Nations’ top human rights voting for a U.N. resolution condemning killings of vulnerable body to combat discrimination against gays and lesbians people around the world after specifically proposing around the world, completing a U.S. reversal from years of an amendment to protect people based on their sexual ambiguity on the subject during the presidency of George W. orientation. At issue was a separate, arcane legal dispute Bush. over international human rights law.

The U.S. declaration will be made Tuesday at the Geneva- U.N. General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions based Human Rights Council and has the support of more aren’t legally binding; they reflect only the view of the majority than 80 countries. Although it is not in the form of binding of the world’s nations. resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution But gay rights advocates say it is important to gather backers could be brought to a vote later this year. for statements, resolutions and other documents such as the one that will be presented Tuesday by the United States, The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for even when their legal effect is null. Because gay rights are still years. And despite growing acceptance for hotly contested in many parts of Africa, the Middle East and in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers say elsewhere, establishing an ever larger coalition of countries there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection can help create a legal norm such as those that exist for the of gays against discrimination and mistreatment. protection of women, religious minorities, children and other vulnerable or marginalized groups. “We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of Supporting the statement Tuesday will be newcomers such as their sexual orientation or ,” said Suzanne Thailand, Rwanda, El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international Republic. organizations. “This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated.” The growing movement also highlights the gradual shift in the U.N.’s top human rights body, which has previously scorned The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal the plight of gays and lesbians. punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in In 2003, the council’s predecessor body, the Human Rights the U.N.’s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that Commission held a heated dispute after a proposal made by “these are sensitive issues for many,” but insists that people Brazil and backed by European nations. Muslim countries must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual balked, saying they couldn’t accept any reference to the term orientation. “sexual orientation.” Pakistan’s ambassador went further, telling diplomats he preferred the term “sexual disorientation.” Nossel said the U.S. was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights – among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Barack Obama took office.

Obama has stepped up the case for gay rights in recent months, winning a congressional vote to repeal the “don’t A-A ask, don’t tell” ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military and urging last weekend in a joint statement with the Brazilian president for the establishment of a special investigator to MEETS EVERY monitor respect for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals in the Western Hemisphere. SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY Under the Bush administration, the U.S. policy was markedly FROM 7:30PM TO 8:30 PM different. The administration didn’t support a French resolution at the U.N. General Assembly in 2008 that addressed similar concerns, joining Russia, China, the Vatican and Islamic 307 E Harris Street states in opposition. The U.S. explained its position at the time in technical terms, saying it was fearful of language that would infringe on the right of American states to legislate matters such as gay marriage.

8 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net Act Out Savannah By Cody Patterson

PROCLAMATION it’s definition of Queer: “(1) often disparaging: homosexual WHEREAS, adopting a negative word, such as Queer – even (based on the concept, recommendation and conviction of (2) sometimes offensive: gay” and also offers the following if every last individual and organization were to accept it – Spencer Wulwick, a 73 year old gay male, with a view towards discussion: would only take care of that one word. We would still have uniting, rather than dividing, and furthering true and full equality other hateful words such as fag/, and many for the entire gay community in all matters governed by civil law “Over the past two decades, an important change has occurred others. It is certainly reasonable, therefore, to expect that in all 50 states on the 9th day of March 2011) in the use of queer in sense 2d. The older, strongly pejorative other “new” words would evolve; and use has certainly not vanished, but a use by some gay people A PROCLAMATION by Act Out Savannah … and other and some academics as a neutral or even positive term has WHEREAS, use of terms like “queer” tends to divide the gay concurring organizations and individuals …. recognizing the established itself. This development is most noticeable in the community, drains energy needed to be focused on more word “family” to be representative of all those individuals and adjective but is reflected in the corresponding noun as well. important issues, like implementation of the repeal of “Don’t groups who do not feel that they fit the stereotypical definition The newer use is sometimes taken to be offensive, especially Ask, Don’t Tell,” preventing suicides such as the rash of of “heterosexual”. by older gay men who fostered the acceptance of gay in suicides we have recently seen among young gay people, these uses and still have a strong preference for it.”; and providing for full marriage equality and ultimately full equality WHEREAS, before the word “gay” was used to identify non- for all human beings in all civil matters; and heterosexuals, only derogatory terms like QUEER, queen, WHEREAS, the thesaurus offers synonyms for the word queer, WHEREAS, the advancement of equality is dependent on fag, faggot, fag-e-lah, pansy, sissy, fairy, , lezzie, dyke, nearly all of which are “negative” in what they communicate, support of straight friends and allies and while many are bull-dyke, butch etc. were used in a hateful, demeaning such as: indeed supportive, there are many others who simply do not manner ; and want to identify themselves with derogatory terms, such as www.thesaurus.com: anomalous, atypical, bizarre, crazy, “queer”; and WHEREAS, the gay community’s acronyms have become curious, demented, disquieting, doubtful, droll, dubious, WHEREAS, anti-gay organizations use the term “family” meaningless and or unmanageable, creating confusion, so eccentric, eerie, erratic, extraordinary, fishy, flaky*, fly ball, and other “positive” generally accepted words to further that what started as “Gay” (G) later became G&L then GLB freaky, funny, idiosyncratic, irrational, irregular, kinky*, their goals and objectives as to have all believe that the gay then GLBT which now some refer to as LGBT and continues kooky, mad, mysterious, oddball, off the wall, outlandish, community is not part of the overall fabric of society, such as to GLBTQ and GLBTQI and GLBTQI2S etc. etc. ad infinitum, outré, peculiar, puzzling, quaint, questionable, remarkable, “American family Association,” “ Family Research Council,” which only gives even more reason to adopt one word to shady, singular, strange, suspicious, touched, unbalanced, “Focus on the family,” “National Organization for Marriage”, represent the entire community; and uncanny, uncommon, unconventional, unhinged, unnatural, “Faith and Freedom Coalition”, and numerous others; and unorthodox, unusual, wacky*, weird WHEREAS, previous generations demonstrated courage to WHEREAS, we are indeed family in the traditional “come out”, to implement change, to create the freedoms Roget’s thesaurus: Deviating from the customary: bizarre, use of the word; i.e. we are husbands and wives, that are currently enjoyed by the gay community, and to make cranky, curious, eccentric, erratic, freakish, idiosyncratic, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and possible further advancements for equality; and odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, quirky, singular, strange, brothers, grandmothers and grandfathers, grandsons and unnatural, unusual, weird, kooky, screwball,...; and granddaughters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, WHEREAS, previous generations worked long and hard to cousins etc.; and convince others that we are NOT “odd or unusual” but, rather, we are just like them in every other way (as much as any two WHEREAS, the term “gay” which was, indeed, originally WHEREAS, the term “family” has long been used to identify or more individuals can be) and want to be seen as equal to fostered as an acceptable word to identify the overall gay people within the Gay community in terms such as “He’s the rest of society and not an anomaly; and community has, in recent years, been used in a negative, family” or “She’s family.” derogatory sense by the use of phrases such as “that’s so WHEREAS, these previous generations are fully deserving gay”; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Act Out Savannah, of our respect and admiration and should be paid tribute by along with all the other organizations and individuals joining current and future generations; and this proclamation, officially recognize the term “family” to WHEREAS, some dictionaries (Wikipedia) define “Queer” WHEREAS, there is indeed recent and continued evidence be representative of the entire Gay community consisting of as “an umbrella term for sexual minorities” they also of Queer being used to not only demean but to destroy the all those people who do not feel that they fit the definition recognize that the term is CONTROVERSIAL because it property of gay people as was demonstrated against Carol of “heterosexual,” including, but not limited to those who was “reappropriated only two decades ago as an anti- Ann and Laura, a lesbian couple, who’s home in Tennessee consider themselves to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, , gay epithet.” Moreover, they go on to recognize that was burned to the ground; and transgender, asexual, 2-spirited, inter-sexual, pansexual, “Furthermore, some LGBT people disapprove of using queer questioning or queer, as well as supportive relatives, friends, as a catch-all because they consider it offensive, derisive or WHEREAS, the term queer has been used in phrases that are advocates and allies. self-deprecating given its continuous use as a form of hate purely hateful such as “The only thing better than one dead speech. Other LGBT people may avoid queer because they queer, is two dead ” used in a note to Carol Ann and associate it with political radicalism, or simply because they Laura; and perceive it as the faddish slang of a “younger generation.”; and WHEREAS, the public use of a word – even though seen as a Martin (“Cody”) Patterson positive word within a community - gives license to others to Executive Director WHEREAS, other dictionaries (Miriam-Webster) includes in use that word in a negative or derogatory manner; and Act Out Savannah

10 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 11 Corvino: Are we defined by our sexuality? By John Corvino, columnist, 365gay.com

Why does “love the sinner; hate the sin” ring so hollow in the filtration system, however, is once gay-rights debate? again different from our own…”

One reason, as I’ve argued before, is that part of loving the I’m not so sure that it is. “sinner” is making an effort to understand him—something our opponents seldom do. If they did make that effort, it would To the extent that my sexual be a lot harder for them to classify our intimate relationships behavior is a key part of my as “sin.” identity, it’s because that behavior is tied closely to my experience of But there’s another, related problem, and it’s worth reflecting intimacy and isolation, pride and on. shame, power and vulnerability, joy and loss—all profound human The so-called “sin” here is not an isolated misstep, like emotions. fudging one’s tax returns or being mean to one’s little sister. It’s a key part of the fundamental relationships around which It’s because that behavior is we organize our lives. It’s a conduit to intimacy. a distinctive way in which I communicate my affection for my Some actions, dispositions, and relationships are deeply partner of 10 years, Mark. connected to personal identity. In such cases, the “sin” and the “sinner”—“what we do” and “who we are”—are not so Are straight people radically easily separated. different? Ask any straight person in a happy long-term romantic This is a point that is easy to misunderstand, even for those relationship to imagine life with that who are making an admirable effort. Take Andrew Marin, relationship gone, and see if that founder and president of The Marin Foundation, a non-profit wouldn’t affect his or her sense of organization that works to build bridges between the LGBT identity. There are reasons, after community and the Christian Church. Marin’s book “Love all, why many people (usually is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay women) change their names upon Community” is a sincere bridge-building effort, the kind of getting married, or why they refer all-too-rare attempt at understanding I mentioned above. to their romantic partners as their “significant others.” His second chapter, “We Are Not Your Project” is subtitled “Sexual Behavior Is Gay Identity”—a statement Marin has Of course, not all gay people—or heard from many of the gays he’s spoken with. straight people—are in relationships. Even for single people, My mother, like most people, is plenty open about her however, sexuality is tied to those profound human emotions, sexuality: her relationship with my father, for example, and the I don’t doubt that some gays make such a statement: “Sexual which in turn are identity-shaping. fact that it (sexually) resulted in two children. Her sexuality is behavior is gay identity.” But without further qualification, it’s a key part of her identity. She just never articulates it that way. a very odd thing to say. For the record, I’ve corresponded with Marin, and he shared with me that his thoughts have evolved on this point. He’s It’s true that gay people tend to think about their “gay It’s odd partly because gay relationships, like straight written about that evolution and its sources on his blog, www. identity” more than straight people think about their “straight relationships, include countless behaviors beyond sex: movie loveisanorientation.com. identity.” That’s mainly because, in a hetero-normative world, dates, long walks on the beach, quiet evenings at home, and embracing gay identity requires a lot more effort. plenty of mundane “for better and for worse” stuff. But confusion on this point is widespread. That effort would be mitigated if the “Love the sinner” crowd It’s also odd because gay identity is usually connected to gay I recall an argument with my mother from two decades ago, would do more listening (like Marin) and less rushing to community, where the vast majority of relationships are non- when I first came out of the closet. She was adjusting to my judgment. sexual. newly-embraced gayness, and she wished I would keep quieter about it. John Corvino, Ph.D. is a writer, speaker, and philosophy And it’s odd—to my ears, anyway—because Marin uses it as a professor at Wayne State University in Detroit. His column way of contrasting the self-understanding of gay people with “I just don’t get it,” she said in frustration. “Your father and I “The Gay Moralist” appears Fridays at 365gay.com. Read the self-understanding of straight people, particularly straight are not open about our sexuality!” more or watch clips from his talks at www.johncorvino.com. Christians: “when it comes to Christian behavior and identity, what we do is not necessarily who we are; and who we are It’s not nice to laugh at one’s mother, but that sentence was is not necessarily what we do….The GLBT community’s a howler: “YOUR FATHER AND I are not open about our sexuality.”

12 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 13 2011 Oyster Roast, Success By Roger S. Congratulations to Macy’s The 23rd Annual Oyster Roast was a big success. Lots of Belk’s great food, beverage, and fun. Old friendships were renewed Billy And Melvin the Winners of the and new ones were formed. Phoenix Holistic Center Golden Oyster Award Bob Friedman The Oyster Roast is always the biggest social event of the DC2 Designs year for FCN and this year was no exception. The weather Samantha Claar was perfect. Seems everybody stayed a little longer this Peacock’s Florist year. Lots of conversations, fevered bidding at the silent SEED Eco Lounge auction, and serious shuckers out back. We had a large Club One increase in Sponsors, Merchants, and volunteers this year. JW Jamerson III, DDS Kem Highfill We suggest that you take an extra minute and look over the Savannah Pride list of supporters and participants. These are the Merchants, Savannah Mega Family Vendors, and Business people that support our Community. Many thanks are due these people. VOLUNTEERS and SPONSORS Alex Frederick EMERALD Mike Duncan Don Callahan Real Estate Group Hank Reineking Mr. Bruce Adams, Adams Funeral Services Rich Patty L. Mathews Seafood Nicole Oretsky Southern Eagle Distributing (Budweiser) Jamey and Jim Creative Approach Jim and Donell Candice Hardnett RAINBOW David Messier Jay Weidner Landscape Gardening of Beaufort Austin and Justin Charlotte Rehmert Mike Duncan Thank You, Once Again Rich Brown Mike Heliker By. Travis Sawyer Jamey Maury and Dan Snyder Bobby Jeffery Billy and Melvin Travis Sawyer Thank you to Everybody that came out and supported the Robert W Bush Dan K 22nd Annual First City Network Oyster Roast. Whether you Jim and Jamey Roger were a volunteer or spectator your gratitude and contributions Queer Power Movement Tom Nease were greatly appreciated and accepted. This years event Ford and John Kevin Clark could not have happened without your support. Alex Ortiz SHAMROCK Marsha Ipsen Bingo with Billy was great as the players laughed, danced Ron Melander Mark Krueger and screamed BINGO in order to grab their winnings. Barry Finch James Dowling Chris Marvin Laura D A Silent Auction that was not so silent as people were Chuck Haynes for Flowers Gary constantly bidding against each other and making hilarious Wil Bellais and Carl Wise Billy threats in order to win chairs, cologne, perfume, an oversized Travis H Coles Melvin dog chew toy, paintings, vacation rentals and gift certificates Ken Barthels and Rob Richardson Brittany Kaiser to local merchants. Scott West MERCHANTS & VENDORS Ginger and Pam Miller Marsha was slinging the weenies at the grill and making some Creative Approach Marcie Palmer of the best veggie burgers that many of us non-vegetarians Tail Spins Mark Hill have ever tasted. The Oysters were a great contribution to Scott West Marketing Eric Morris the infamous Oyster Roast, I mean come on it wouldnt be an Sticky Fingers Restaurant & Catering Gary Hargrove Oyster Roast without those little jewels from the sea. Asbury Memorial Busy Bats Dale Long Old Savannah Tours & Haunted Trolly James Farringer Who could forget the amazing finalle... The last raffle tickets Salon Della Vita Chuck Renfroe were selling fast as Marsha, Candice and Will were digging to Sweet Water Spa Dale Worley see who would win the Pot-o-Gold. Come back next year for Spa Los Robles Kara Relimer an even more enjoyable day with your community. Until then The 17th Street Inn Tybee Island Charlene Waldron we hope to see you at the Socials and other fun filled events Trainme247.com Trainers to Ruby throughout the year.

14 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 15

Transplant patient got AIDS Ga. activists demand more funding from new kidney as AIDS drug wait list tops 1,000 By The Associated Press By Matt Schafer

A transplant patient contracted AIDS from the kidney of a At least one similar U.S. case has been reported in the media. Several HIV care providers are warning of a looming crisis living donor, in the first documented case of its kind in the An Orlando, Fla., last year filed a lawsuit saying she for some of their poorest patients if more money cannot be U.S. since screening for HIV began in the mid-1980s. was infected with HIV through a 2007 kidney transplant from found for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program this year. a live donor in Florida. However, CDC officials said they have It turns out the donor had unprotected gay sex in the 11 not been asked to investigate and could not confirm the Georgia’s wait list for the program now includes more than weeks between the time he tested negative and the time the report. 1,000 people and represents a public health crisis, supporters surgery took place in 2009. of ADAP said at a press conference March 1 at the Grady In a report Thursday on the New York City case, the Centers Before that, Italian doctors reported HIV transmission from a Infection Disease Program office in Atlanta. for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that organ live organ donor in 1989. donors have repeat HIV tests a week before surgery. ADAP provides access to up to 60 different medications used Since the 1980s, there has been a confirmed report of a to treat HIV, AIDS and related infections for 4,300 people in “The most sensitive test needs to be done as close as deceased donor’s organs spreading the AIDS virus. That Georgia. Funded through a mix of federal and state money, possible to the time of transplant,” said Dr. Colin Shepard, happened in Illinois in 2007, when organs from a 38-year-old the program’s $44.8 million budget is approximately $15 who oversees tracking of HIV cases for the New York City gay went to four recipients. million short of what it needs to deal with increasing demand. Health Department. For many years, transplant organizations focused heavily Dr. Larry Lehman, executive director of AID Gwinnett, said The CDC also said would-be organ donors should be told to on screening organs taken from the dead, which accounted that none of his patients on the waiting list are going without avoid behavior that can increase their chances of infection. for the large majority of transplants. But kidneys from live medications, but he fears the situation could change. donors are becoming increasingly common. In 1988, about Living organ donors in the U.S. are routinely tested for 32 percent of kidney transplants came from live donors. By “What’s happening right now is that due to the compassion infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. But the last year, it was more than 46 percent, according to federal of the pharmaceutical companies, no one is actually going organization that oversees organ transplants in the U.S. does data. Donors generally are relatives or friends. without meds. The concern is that we had a waiting list not have an explicit policy on when such screening should be many years ago, and as demand grew the pharmaceutical week, growing by 30 people each week,” Graham said. done. That’s left up to transplant centers. About 88,000 people are on the kidney waiting list right now, companies began to change the eligibility requirements, so according the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit we could actually see people going without meds,” Lehman Protecting a program’s funding is one thing and trying to Because of patient confidentiality, health officials released organization that manages the nation’s organ transplant said. boost a budget during a funding shortfall is another. Graham few details about the donor, recipient, their relationship or the system for the federal government. The group is developing said there are ways to shift the burden around to find the hospital where the transplant took place, except to say that new nationwide policies for live donors, spokesman Joel The fear spreads across the medical community. Jacqueline funding for ADAP without having to cut other programs or it is in New York. Newman said. Muther, HIV policy, contracts and resource manager for the raise taxes. Grady IDP, said there is worry about how long the good will Neither the donor nor the recipient knew he or she had HIV Transplant centers have teams that evaluate potential donors of companies like Bristol Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline “Certainly the easiest solution is to increase funding,” he said. until about a year after the transplant, according to the CDC and look for physical or psychological red flags. But some will last. “However there are actually some provisions through the new report. would-be donors may find themselves in a quandary: They federal healthcare reform legislation that I think Georgia can want to save a loved one’s life but are unwilling to reveal that “I thank God for the pharmaceutical companies stepping up take advantage of to ease the burden on ADAP and perhaps The recipient developed AIDS, perhaps because he or she they use drugs, have gay sex or engage in other behavior that in a crisis, but they didn’t say they were going to do it forever, roll some of those people off of the waiting list. was on drugs that suppress the immune system to prevent raises their risk of HIV. for ever increasing numbers, and they can’t,” she said. “They organ rejection, while the donor did not, health officials said. might cap the program or even decrease enrollment, but “That again is going to take leadership and a commitment to Both are receiving HIV treatment. Their conditions were not Some donors may assume they will be tested for every when it happens it’s going to be scary.” solving this crisis,” he said. disclosed in the report. important kind of infection, and think it doesn’t matter whether they disclose their risky behavior, Kuehnert said. Call for more money The Georgia General Assembly held its 21st day of the 40 “We don’t know how frequently this is happening and we legislative days on March 1 and is on pace to finish the need better surveillance,” said Dr. Matthew Kuehnert, a CDC CDC officials recommend a HIV test developed in the 1990s To find the additional $15 million to meet the needs of those session in early April. Funding for ADAP has been a focus for official who co-wrote the report. that is more sensitive than traditional testing. The more on the waiting list, the coalition of medical providers and HIV care providers for over a decade, said Dázon Dixon Diallo sensitive test can detect HIV within 10 days after the person AIDS advocacy groups hopes to find $10 million in federal of Sisterlove, an HIV education and advocacy group. HIV infections in a donor or recipient may not be discovered is first infected. An older test won’t detect antibodies to HIV funds and $5 million state funds from the Georgia Legislature. until long after a transplant, and even then, patients and their until three to eight weeks after infection. Yet the older tests “At the national level and then those of us involved in the doctors may not make the connection and report it, health are more commonly done. Georgia Equality is one of the organizations lobbying for the CARE Coalition, there’s always been a push to make sure officials said. increase in state funds. Simply protecting the current funding ADAP is protected and/or increased,” Diallo said. “It’s only is no longer enough, GE Executive Director Jeff Graham said. been because of the economic crisis that it has come back In this case, once health authorities were notified late last year, up... they spent months investigating whether the transplanted “I do feel that there is still strong enough support at the kidney was the source of the patient’s AIDS infection. Genetic Capitol for ADAP that there won’t be any cuts. … However it “This is the first time in a very long time that we have had a analysis of the virus confirmed investigators’ suspicions. is a completely different situation that we have now because national crisis of people getting access to care and Georgia we have this waiting list of 1,009 people as of the end of last has been rising to the top in a hurry,” she said. “That’s scary.”

18 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 19 Anti-suicide Trevor Project to honor Radcliffe By The Associated Press

Daniel Radcliffe looks forward to a tolerant world where “The people that are doing the heroic things are the people young people grow up unaffected by differences in sexual answering phones 24 hours a day in the Trevor call centers,” orientation. he said. “I think that out of everything that I’ve done so far in my career, I think this is absolutely one of the most important, For the past couple of years, the “Harry Potter” star has been if not the most important, thing that I’m associated with.” doing his part to make that a reality with his work with the Trevor Project, the leading organization for suicide prevention Radcliffe, currently appearing in the Broadway revival of efforts among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” says youths. audience members often acknowledge his work with the organization. For his contribution, Radcliffe is being honored with the organization’s Hero Award at a ceremony in New York in June. “I meet people at the stage door every night that thank me for what I’m doing with the Trevor project,” he said proudly. “It’s fantastic,” Radcliffe told The Associated Press. “The fact that they think of what I’ve done by promoting awareness The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by filmmakers James of the Trevor Project itself and the issues that it works to Lecesne, Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone. Their 1994 film, promote and help is a great honor.” “Trevor,” about a gay 13-year-old boy who tried to commit suicide after his friends learned of his sexuality, won the The Trevor Hero Award, announced Monday, recognizes a Academy Award for Film Short. The film was the catalyst for person who serves as an inspiration to sexual minority youths the birth of the organization after it was shown on HBO in and increases visibility and understanding of the lesbian, 1998. gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning, or LGBTQ, community. Past Hero Award recipients include screen and Radcliffe became aware of the Trevor Project in 2008 during stage actor Nathan Lane, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black his Broadway debut in a revival of “Equus.” Since 2009, he and former Miss America and “Ugly Betty” actress Vanessa has appeared in public service announcements and has Williams. made public statements in support of the organization.

While privileged to be a part of this group carrying forward the organization’s life-saving work, Radcliffe said he feels a little bashful about it, too.

NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 21 April 2011 Horoscopes

Aries: Romance flows freely in your life this month. It always On the last day of the month you could receive a very Sagittarius: Now is a good time to consider increasing your does at this time of year. There could be some real surprises meaningful insight about yourself. This something could be knowledge at the higher education level. Perhaps embarking along these lines. Persons could step from the shadows of a very solid nature. What a nice gift from the heavens. on a new path of enlightenment or just a reading really thick with flowers for you. Persons you had never considered book. Travel is favored as well, but with Mercury retrograde romantically before could pursue with vigor and visa versa. Leo: You’re bubbling with energy this month with the Sun it’s advisable to triple-check you plans, schedules, and and Mars in your 1st house of self. The energy last for three itinerary for mishaps that could catch you by surprise. During the last half of the month you shift to matters regarding weeks and it’s a good time to get out there and do the projects your employment and health. There could be advancements you’ve been thinking about. During the month, there could During the last half of the month your career sector gets a on the job or you could take major steps to improve you be confusing signals and signs coming from your Committed big boost with Jupiter, Mars and the Sun all crowded into this health at that time. Other. Postpone taking action on joint money matters until house. Sudden acclaim could come your way, shining the after the 11th. spotlight on you. The benefits of this will be most felt on the On the last day of the month, a matter regarding where you last day of April. live could and should be finalized. Clear and sound thinking Good luck could come your way during the last half of the make whatever is occurring to come together in a very solid month in areas regarding resources and cash. Long forgotten Capricorn: Joint money, taxes and insurance will hold your and beneficial way. loans and favors could suddenly be repaid to your surprise attention for the first two weeks of the month. Good news and pleasure. could be coming your way, just when you needed it the most. Taurus: The home front is looking so right this month. Any Careful planning may be required to stretch funds after the improvements you have made or are working on pay big Virgo: Normally, this is your month for taking it easy, but April 21st, at a time when you feel the pull of the open road and dividends during the first half of this month. If there are things finds you dealing with a behind the scenes well spring of the need to get away from it all. If traveling is on the agenda, that you would like to change regarding you abode, this energy that must be dealt with or there could be consequences remember to triple-check everything like schedules, planes would be the right time to undertake that effort. The results to your health that would be hard to diagnose. Seek ways to tickets and reservations. will be very satisfying. alleviate the pressure. Also try to avoid overindulging in food or drink during the last half the month. The last half of the month finds you in pleasant company The last half of the month has you focused on your romantic and focusing on your committed other. Solid ground may be life. There will be many opportunities at this time with people Friends could provide you with some solid moneymaking gained with this person if you remember to listen closely to you would not normally find yourself attracted to. Still, take opportunities this month. Be patient and hear them out. You what they are saying. the risk and experience something new and different. could reap some handsome profits and do it quickly. Aquarius: Personal committed relationships dominate your You could receive a very meaningful romantic communication On the last a day of the month, you could make a new a long life for the first three weeks of April. Renewed romance and on the last day of the month. It will be safe to take it face lasting friend. There is also the possibility of receiving a gift enthusiasm could find its way back into this area. If you’re value and trust it. that could last you a lifetime. How nice for you. not in a committed relationship look for happiness to come through your business partners. Remember to acknowledge Gemini: This will be an interesting month for you as the Libra: Activities with friends sweep you through this April them for all they do in your behalf. It will pave the way for the emphasis is on communication. There could be a flurry of with fun at every turn. Short trips during the first two weeks remainder of April. information coming your way. The problem is Mercury is could find you in lovely surroundings. If you must travel, retrograde for the month. You may have to triple- check that make sure you triple check everything before you leave with During the last half of the month your focus shifts to shared information before releasing it to others. Mercury retrograde all month. resources. A quick accounting of the joint checking account could find you with a surplus of cash you did not expect 1102 Bull Street • Savannah, GA • 31401 The last two weeks of the month will find you drawn to The last half of April could provide you with some surprises to find. A quick, spontaneous trip may be in the offing. Be your home. Something there calls to you and the backyard on the job and regarding your career. Some will be very visible mindful that Mercury is still retrograde until the end of the (912) 236-4703 • Fax (912) 236-9026 barbeque looks so inviting. A home improvement project and some will come from behind the scenes. Career changes month and could move to foul your fun. could find its wheels during this period with surprising results. made on the last day of the month will be the most beneficial On the last day of the month, there could be something of and long lasting. Pisces: Your job scene is hopping with action and fun this a very solid agreement reached that could effect you for month. You could get a raise or a promotion, or both. Your sometime to come. Scorpio: The career sector is jumping with activity health should be in tip-top shape so get out of the house and and excitement this month. You may be thrust into the move around. This would be an excellent time to start a new Cancer: Your money is highlighted this month. It’s all good limelight over your accomplishments. There could be major diet or exercise plan. news, though. You may be feeling the effects of a budget put advancements and pay increases from ideas and hard work into place months ago, thus resulting is a surplus of funds. you have put forth. Traveling for business or transactions at During the last half of the month your focus shifts to Also, changes that you could have made at the personal level a great distance work best on the 17th. Double-check all the partnerships and serious relationships. They are blessed meaningful during this two-week period of April. figures before agreeing to anything though. with some great aspects. If you’re planning on popping the question, wait until the last day of the month to do so. At that After the middle of the month, communication picks up in If you must travel this month, wait until the last day when time the planets line up to really cement anything started on your life. Be mindful that Mercury in retrograde could effect aspects favor a journey filled with peace, smooth sailing and that day. the flow and content of that communication. Try not to take quiet joy. Traveling with friends is also favored. There could anything at face value, but check out it’s validity before you be some surprises from them along the way. accept it.

22 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 23 Ricky Martin, awarded by the GLAAD A UNIQUE WAY TO By Victor I Diaz FEEL MORE ENERGIZED... AND BE AS HEALTHY The puertorrican pop star, Ricky Martin was honored by the AS YOU CAN BE. Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), with the Vitro Russo award for his work as a role model at a gala Karen Voss, DC held on Saturday night in New York City. Clark Voss, DC Reiki certified (912) 356-5886 Martin, the 39 year old singer, urged people and the GLAAD to help spread gay rights throughout Latin America in his ac- ceptance speech. Chiropractic works with the subtle The latin Idol also thanked his parents for their support and energies of the body flowing through “partner in crime” AKA boyfriend Carlos, in a video posted on th e nervous system to stimulate the body’s the web page of the news paper ‘EL Nuevo Dia’. own innate capacity to heal itself.

“I just want to be free. I can say, today I am free,” the Puerto Reiki works with the flow of Universal Life Rican singer said at New York’s GLAAD Media Awards, which Force Energy channeled into the body to bal- recognize the best portrayals of gay community members in film, television, radio, music, newspapers and blogs. ance the energy centers and to facilitate the healing process. “Today puertorrican TV is one step closer to been away from hate, thanks to GLAAD”, said Martin, expressing his gratitude Skidaway Family Chiropractic to the organization who for 25 years has worked to amplify Center the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) 5704 Skidaway Road people. Savannah, GA 31406 In march 2010 the Latin star admitted his sexuality and since then he has been heralded as a gay role model, especially for Latin Americans.

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24 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 25 Hey Guys and Gal’s

Welcome to the Funday Easter Page

Please Color the drawings however your heart desires.

If you wish email us your Colorings and a winner will be selected to win a $25 Gift Certificate.

If you have questions or wish to submit your work please do so by sending it to [email protected]

Prize provided by Travis Sawyer - FCN Editor | Deadline is April 20th

26 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 27 Megachurch choir asked Kerry: Repeal the to sign anti-gay covenant Defense of Marriage Act By Jon Fairbanks By 365gay Newswire

It was legalized discrimination — not to mention an abuse of Choir members at the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, the Constitution for political purposes. My vote against it — Calif. say church leaders want them to sign a document which some predicted would cost me reelection in 1996 — is taking a stance against homosexuality. among my proudest votes as a United States Senator. But my job in 2011 isn’t to feel good about my vote — or to boast that The “Crystal Cathedral Worship Choir and Worship Team fifteen years later, I’m vindicated when at last an American Covenant” asks church members to strictly follow the Bible President now agrees that DOMA is unconstitutional. No, my in every way. job — and our job together — is to work to undo the damage that DOMA has done in treating loving, committed couples Some members are upset about this portion of the covenant like second class citizens. referring to homosexuality: “I understand that in an era where images of family relationship and personal sexuality are often We know the impact of DOMA: every day, Americans are confused, Crystal Cathedral Ministries believes that it is denied access to more than 1,100 federal benefits, including important to teach and model the biblical view. I understand Social Security and numerous tax benefits — benefits that are Want to contribute to the Network News... that Crystal Cathedral Ministries teaches that sexual intimacy derived from marriage and are available to every opposite- please email you articles or advertisements is intended by God to only be within the bonds of marriage, sex married couple. to [email protected]. between one man and one woman.” That’s why it’s long overdue to put an end to this discrimination Sheila Schuller Coleman, senior pastor of the Crystal by putting an end to DOMA. We can do that with new Remember the deadline is the 20th Cathedral apologized for causing pain among choir members legislation called the Respect for Marriage Act that would can do it legislatively — usually faster than the judicial system of each month!! but says the document is intended to “clarify expectations.” restore the rights of all lawfully married couples — gay or allows — and that is the aim of the Respect for Marriage Act. heterosexual. I am committed to DOMA’s repeal as quickly as Her father, church founder Robert Schuller, disagrees, with possible and I believe we can make that happen through the The Respect for Marriage Act repeals key sections of DOMA — the policy, saying that it directly contradicts his attitude of Respect for Marriage Act. and the immediate effect of doing away with those provisions tolerance and welcome. would be that same-sex couples and their families would be Thankfully, DOMA is already under assault in the federal eligible for important federal benefits and protections, such Schuller Coleman said in a statement: “The definition is courts, one of which — here in Massachusetts — struck down as family and medical leave, Social Security spousal and brouillette & cowan the one that our denomination, The Reformed Church in a key portion of the law as unconstitutional. In a powerfully survivors’ benefits, and filing joint federal tax returns. Wealth Managers Tax Professionals America, and the Crystal Cathedral adheres to, based on its worded ruling last summer, Judge Joseph Tauro of the understanding of the scriptures.” federal district court in Boston decimated the argument that What it would not do is require states that have not yet DOMA is a legitimate effort to preserve the existing social enacted legal protections for same-sex couples to recognize A spokesperson for the church says gays will not be banned order to buy time to digest the controversial idea of same- any marriage. But it would guarantee that the federal At Brouillette & Cowan, we help provide from attending services. sex marriage. “If the Constitution means anything, it does at government would stop discriminating against same-sex the very least mean that the Constitution will not abide a bare couples who were legally married in one state regardless of clarity, confidence and personalized financial solutions Crystal Cathedral Ministries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy congressional desire to harm a politically, unpopular group,” the state laws in another state where they may choose to last fall. The church reportedly owes about $7.5 million to Judge Tauro wrote. He got it exactly right. But the wheels of live. That way, we can avoid a ridiculous situation in which, to the clients we serve, with the goal of creating and various unsecured creditors. justice can move way too slowly, as we all know. Congress for example, a same-sex couple is married in Massachusetts, doesn’t have to wait for the courts to right the wrongs. We with federal rights, but loses them when a job transfer brings preserving wealth while maximizing tax savings. them to a state that does not recognize their marriage. This is an important feature because the system of federal benefits has always been based upon marriage.

Marianne K. Brouillette, EA On these issues, I believe America is moving in the right ® C. Jason Cowan, CPA direction. Five states now allow same-sex couples to marry; Financial Advisors several others recognize civil unions. Moreover, Congress finally repealed the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that forced gay service members to live a lie in order to serve their Telephone 912.354.2262 country. The next step is to relegate DOMA to the dust bin of history. Fax 912.354.3165

Securities John Kerry is a Democratic Senator of Massachusetts.

www.BCSavannah.com

28 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net - 29 firstcitynetwork.net - (912) 236-CITY The Classifieds FCN Withers: Party for a victim Advertising Contract By James Withers

Advertiser Last month, on February 22, Barie Shortell was walking on a Address Brooklyn street. It was 10 pm and six teens walked by him. Phone They wondered about his gender and uttered anti-gay slurs.

Fax “I feel pretty confident they perceived me as a gay man and attacked me, but I can’t understand why they did what they Email did,” said Shortell, who is not gay. Ad Size The culprits pushed him against the wall, fracturing his jaw, Months to Run nose, and eye sockets. He was taken to hospital, and under- Amount Received went 10 hours of surgery–three plates were put in his head. A surgeon compared the force of the attack to what usually happens in a car accident. There are no arrests and the inci- Advertising Rates dent has been classified as a hate crime. Email your Free Pages are divided into eight segments, 3.5 The victim has no medical insurance. Next week (Wednesday, inches wide by 2.25 inches high. Non-CommercialMarch 23) his friends are having Classified a fundraiser called to: Gay Bash: A Benefit For Barie Shortell. There’s a Facebook page and a Color [email protected] to make donations.

Full Page $110.00 After you help out Shortell, make sure to give some money 1/2 Page $66.00 to the Anti-Violence Project. This organization is on the front lines. 1/4 Page $44.00 First City Network 1/8 Page $28.00 Membership & Subscription Black and White Mail your completed form with payment to: Full Page $72.00 1/2 Page $44.00 First City Network PO Box 2442 1/4 Page $33.00 Savannah, GA 31402-2442 1/8 Page $22.00 $100 Corporate

Advertiser $40 Family/Couple ______$25 Individual Date ______FCN Ad Rep. Name(s) ______Address All Articles and Ads must be in City/State/Zip digital format and Print Ready. Email Let Us Know how we are Doing... Contact [email protected] Please send editorials and questions or comments to [email protected] Pre Payment is required You can also sign up online! on all new ad’s. Please we really want to know what our community thinks and needs to see in the Networkyour News community ~ Remember too. this is

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30 - NETWORK NEWS - First City Network - 912.236.CITY - firstcitynetwork.net