sappho psalm by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: [email protected] Trans Tragic econd Edit – This has been difficult to write as my feelings are conflicted. I began the first Swriting with feelings of disappointment and annoyance. A little talk with Fr. Michael and I realized my efforts needed to be more positive. I was suffering from the same feelings that the Trans Community is feeling. On Thursday, November 20th, the GLB community gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of 30 murdered Transgender individuals. But where was the T? Of the four Transgender people that showed up for the Remembrance, two left before the March to the Joan of Arc statue. For more than ten years, Ambush and I have fought for Transgender equality. So when the Transgender com- munity failed to attend the Remembrance it was natural to feel negative. The Transgender community has not supported the Lesbian and Gay community through the Forum or HRC because of their anger at not being included in mission statements or legislation. I find that reasonable. But times and policies are changing in New Orleans and across America. fighting inside our country for rights just as the GLBT community That’s a Wrap It is time for the Trans Community to leave the past is fighting. Congress has not taken care of our injured brothers eel Identities, the New Or- and work with established organizations. The Trans and sisters. leans LGBT film festival, Community is suffering like the Gay Community suffered Interested? Great! Send a holiday card with or without a Rwas a success despite a in our early years of working for equality. Today being Gay message to: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed lower than expected turnout. Those or Lesbian is accepted by many and just tolerated by Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, that did attend enjoyed some outstand- others. While there are still some that hate us and would DC 20307-50001. ing films based on Gay, Lesbian and destroy us, they are fewer today because of education. You could make a friend. You will make another human feel Transgender issues by Gay, Lesbian Because of working together, we have gained precious encouraged and appreciated. This may be the best gift you give and Transgender writers, directors, and rights that were just dreamed of during the 20th Century. this Christmas. film makers. It is true that no one is free until we are all free. It is The opening reception was festive. the responsibility of the Gay Community to continue to LA Equality Rally The spread so to speak was large and work not only for themselves but also for Transgenders. It was honored to be a part of this event. Hundreds delicious and different from the usual is the responsibility of Transgenders to work with a gathered on Loyola Avenue on November, 15th to demand sandwiches and dips. It was difficult not to go back for seconds or even thirds. Thanks positive attitude towards those who are trying to assist equality and voice our demands for equal marriage under I NOLGCC for a yummy party before the them. the law for the GLBT community. I was asked to speak on behalf excellent opening film. So who were the 40something people that showed of PFLAG. The reception I received was exciting. It is with love that I suggest that the up? Fr. Michael of Church of Christ the Liberator and Ryan McNeely, Managing Director, of the Forum for Equality Community Center do a better job of sell- Pastor Clinton Crawshaw of MCC lead the service with was the organizer and MC. Pastor Clinton gave the opening ing this event next year. I spoke with some love and respect. Ernie, Mattie and Amanda organized a prayer and closing remarks. Chair of the Forum, Dr. Marc Behar that did not know about the film festival. My joyful reception at the Community Center that lasted long spoke lovingly on our need for continued support for those who friend Danny Calhoun learned about the after the 8pm scheduled closing. Fr. Michel was touched wish to make a commitment to a life partner, a spouse. HRC was event from this column and invited me to by the beauty and tenderness of the young Gay people represented beautifully by Lili Alpaugh. She reminded us of our join him at the opening reception. Others learned about the event at the PFLAG who took part in the program. need for family, respect and loving commitment. Board meeting because the Center asked PFLAG was represented by Julie, Stewart and I. Sadly, I had to rush off to the CAC for the PFLAG sponsored PFLAG for financial support. So Randy, Unavailable was our Transgender Board member who was film in the Community Center’s Reel Identities. I missed hearing Stewart, Courtney and I attended in sup- traveling out of state (this was the first remembrance that Julie Thibodaux from the ACLU speak. I was very pleased to see port not only for the Center but PFLAG as Courtney has missed) and the Trans parent who has the involvement of the ACLU in our community. Julie is a precious well. Julie Thompson was in DC repre- recently resigned from our Board. and dedicated advocate. senting New Orleans at a National meet- The most exciting attendees were the youth of our Looking out over the crowd that gathered I was struck by the ing or she would have been there also. community. If you are wondering who will be our leaders diversity of the people. We were indeed a community of mixed Another of the exciting reasons for in the future, I met them that night. And I was impressed. backgrounds, ages, genders, race and needs. I met students attending the film festival at the CAC was to see the Upstairs Fire exhibit on the 4th I feel that the future of the New Orleans GLBT community who at a young age are not afraid to be “out.” I visited with older floor. Both the event and the exhibit were will be in good hands. members of the community who have been fighting for equality worth the time and money. Sponsors for for longer than I have had the courage to be “out.” I spoke with film fest were Harrah’s New Orleans, Salute a Soldier Larry Bagneris, our openly Gay representative in the Mayor’s Louisiana Public Heath Institute and his holiday season there are hundreds of office. It was Larry who stopped police from removing our PFLAG. injured American soldiers in military medical banners before the program began. The next big event for me will be the centers across our country. Whether we agree Thank you, New Orleans, for supporting this important dedication of the AIDS Memorial. I know T Washington Square Park will be full of with the war or not, we should not turn our backs on the issue. Thank you for lining the neutral-ground on Loyola and waving signs identifying us as supporters of a cause that strikes friends and loved ones that have waited men and women that are fighting for our country’s freedom many years for this day. I expect this to be the heart of our community. Thank you to the speakers who and safety. a day of great joy and sadness in remem- If you send only one greeting card this year, please reminded us all of the love we have to share. And thank you most bering those lost to AIDS. send it to a recovering American soldier. Many of these of all to Ryan and the Forum for bringing us together as a part of I hope you had a great Thanksgiving soldiers will never have a normal life again. And they are this National Rally for Equality. Day. GayBatonRouge.BIZ • GayNewOrleans.COM • GayPensacola.COM • GayAmerica.COM • December 2-15, 2008 • EXPOSE'-1 of 48 one last song by Donnie "Jager" Jay, SDGM XXXII E-mail: [email protected] Hillary Clinton Many honorable Americans, both Re- Shane, manager Candise, Justin & as Secretary of State publican, Democratic and Independents Tommy serve up the Thanksgiving t should not come as a surprise of both genders were mentioned, and in Feast at Le Roundup Manager Doc opens up Double Play’s all honesty it began to look as if he Thanksgiving Feast to anyone who has read my writings over the last few years indeed would become the great uniter. I He had stated during his whole cam- in this publication that I am indeed a rather die hard liberal. Although I can paign he would be bipartisan in running and sometimes do see the opposite the government and it is looking more side of the coin, and though infrequently, as if he plans on keeping his word every which I admit, at times there are things day. He said it was time for change in that I do agree with. The one thing I have the United States and I believe he will never hidden from my friends, on either deliver on that pledge. He is facing side of the aisle however was my re- probably the worst financial state our spect and admiration of Hillary Clinton. country has been in since the great She was of course my first choice as depression. big easy the Democratic nominee for president, When the Clinton era ended, the paparazzi economy was flourishing, and we had Ambush but that being past, I am just as glad an unbelievable surplus of assets, now Bartender Al behind the bar with that Obama will be there for us, as this manager Candise at Le Roundup country can not afford any more of after just eight years of Republican rule Stephen behind the bar Bush’s policies.