End
Company Information:
KZN Wildlife is fully aligned with the South African and International
Travel Trade. It has a database of nearly 2000 wholesalers and retailers
who regularly provide business to the Service. KZN Wildlife is in step
with the policies and commission structures applicable in the industry.
It is a full member of the South African Tourism Services Association -
thus adhering to strict codes of conduct as well as assuring its clients
of internationally accepted insurance and liability covers.
Guests from 27 countries are attracted to the diversity of KZN
Wildlife's tourism facilities, and the travel industry accounts for
reservations at most of its major protected areas, from the Ukhahlamba
Drakensberg Park, to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, and in the game
parks such as Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park with its unique Wilderness Trails.
Its marketing efforts are seen both locally and abroad, with regular
representation on the major consumer shows in the country as well as
local retail workshops. The World Travel Market in London and the I.T.B
in Berlin are attended annually where the visitor facilities and
protected areas of KZN Wildlife are marketed to the world travel
industry. Other shows and workshops are attended in Belgium and Holland.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Media Manager
Jeff Gaisford
+27 (0) 33 845 1235
jeff@kznwildlife.com
www.kznwildlife.com
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Travel Trade Manager
Sharon Ilett
+27 (0) 33 845 1003
tradedesk@kznwildlife.com
www.kznwildlife.com
Sent By:
Vivienne Quann
Senior Group Strategist
=============================
Hot Salsa Media - www.hotsalsamedia.co.za
=============================
JHB: 70 Rutland Rd
Parkwood, Johannesburg
KZN: 25 New Scotland Rd
Pietermaritzburg, 3201
PO Box 100350
Scottsville, PMB 3209
=============================
Tel: +27 33 346 2864
Fax: +27 86 514 0767
Cel: +27 84 486 2136
=============================
Media Contact: Sharon Kersten (305) 867-0933 /
kersten@the-beach.net
Photo Attached: Insurance Agent Steven Shulman, with Gloria Stein
Breaking New Ground on Health Coverage for Transsexuals
In what is believed to be the first time in the U.S., a South Florida woman
has been approved for an individual health insurance policy issued to her
post-operative transgender.
Obtaining individual health insurance coverage is often a daunting task, but
for a transsexual, the obstacles are overwhelming. At age 56, Melissa (last
name is withheld by request) is a woman in good physical and mental health,
yet she faced the iron gates of discrimination and bigotry when it came to
getting health insurance. The reason: Melissa completed gender
reassignment surgery six months ago.
Following rejections by numerous insurance underwriters, she contacted
Steven Shulman, a licensed insurance professional based in Miami.
"I was astounded by the responses I received from underwriters andproviders," says Shulman. "Only a couple of underwriters even went through
the motions of requesting an application, which was subsequently denied,
with no reason given. Others responded with the most incredulous
statements." Companies including Vista, United Health, American Medical
Security, Assurant Health, and Avalon declined to accept or underwrite the
case. Some of the responses included
* "We will decline a person that has had a sex change even if
there are no health concerns."
* "Will not consider for underwriting, do not apply!"
Some of the underwriters cited the increased potential of emotional
disorders resulting from gender reassignment surgery, yet when Shulman
offered to have mental health coverage excluded from the policy, it was
still denied.
Only Humana Health Insurance, through its Humana One individual division,
provided Melissa with comprehensive individual health coverage, following
the usual application process, including a complete physical and laboratory
tests.
In 2003, Shulman broke new ground when he successfully assisted Gloria
Stein*, a transsexual, in obtaining an individual life insurance policy
fully underwritten and with a preferred rating under her postoperative
status. The policy was issued by Mutual of Omaha, through its United of
Omaha division.
*Note: For 45 years, Gloria Stein had been Shulman's "Uncle Butch." She
began her gender reassignment surgery at the age of 65, completing it at age
68. Out of his experience with coming to terms with his uncle's
transformation and their subsequent new relationship, Shulman has written a
soon-to-be published book, entitled My Uncle Gloria. "The more I learned
about the barriers faced by people like Gloria, the more I wanted to help
others receive equitable treatment in insurance coverage," stated Shulman."
Hi-Res Image for Print Publications- Click Here
Kersten Communications
1815 Bay Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Tel 305.867.0933
Cell 305.458.3639
Communicating With Integrity
Marianne Puechl
Co-founder
Rainbow Wedding Network Magazine
Same Love, Same Rights™ GLBT Wedding and Family Expos
866-251-1564
RWNMar@bellsouth.net
http://RainbowWeddingNetworkMagazine.com
http://RainbowWeddingExpo.com
http://RainbowWeddingNetwork.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2006
A Magazine with a Purpose
The Nation's First Gay & Lesbian Wedding Magazine Finds New Ways to Give Back to the
Community
Asheville, NC- Launched in April 2006, RainbowWeddingNetwork Magazine is the
nation's first wedding and family magazine committed to the gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender community. Publishers of the magazine proudly
announce their Subscription Donation program, in which 20% of each subscription
rate is donated back to organizations working directly toward marriage and
adoption rights, effective healthcare and community awareness. For every
thousand new subscriptions, $6000 will be contributed to nonprofits working
locally, at the state level or nationally.
"Our company has been online for over six years, with approximately
30,000 hits per day to our websites," states co-founder Cindy Sproul. "And
now with the print magazine we are reaching an even broader audience. With
the recent rulings in New Jersey and the U.S. Senate, it's an important time
for those involved with equal marriage rights to stand together and support
one another."
Nonprofit organizations such as Marriage Equality USA and The Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts have joined forces with RainbowWeddingNetwork
Magazine and now receive $6 for every new subscription. Health organizations (The
Juno Foundation, Orlando) and GLBT community centers (The William Way Center,
Philadelphia) have also become involved. New subscribers may designate the organization
of their choice as the recipient of their subscription donation.
RainbowWeddingNetwork Magazine is a quarterly publication, featuring
high content that includes exclusive interviews, professional ceremony planning
tips, a 'Real Couples, Real Weddings' spotlight and current events. The upcoming
Issue 3 includes a Holiday Gift Guide, promoting unique merchants who commit themselves
to a policy of non-discrimination. "Our goal is to bridge couples and advocates with
gay-friendly businesses all across North America," Sproul states. "We screen each of
the 5000 businesses aligned with us, and provide couples free access to wedding
companies, as well as family-planning, travel and home-related resources.
Nonprofits, community groups, churches, temples and other organizations
are invited to get involved with the Subscription Donation program, as a fundraiser
for the vital work that they do on behalf of equal rights, health awareness and
non-discrimination.
"At this time when Marriage Equality is such a controversial topic,
it is essential for advocates to build on one another's resources and continue to
find ways to make a difference," Sproul continues. "We're glad to find ways that
are win-win for everyone involved."
101106
Michael Perronne
323-219-2686
michael@michaelhperronne.com
CONTROVERSIAL GAY AUTHOR "COMES OUT" WITH SECOND
EDITION OF HIS DEBUT NOVEL DURING NATIONAL COMING OUT MONTH
(Los Angeles, CA, 10/11/06)— Novelist, Michael Holloway Perronne, who last year made headlines for shipping a shovel and a copy of his gay themed debut novel, A Time Before Me, to conservative lawmaker Gerald Allen in response to proposed Alabama legislation that would ban (and as suggested by Allen perhaps bury) all gay books, is celebrating the release of the second edition of the very novel that first put him on the gay literature map.
It's no coincidence that the second edition of this gay coming-of-age tale is being released during National Coming Out Month. "Despite the fact that the novel takes place in the early 1990s, gay youth today still experience a lot of the same obstacles during the coming out process," Perronne said. "While gay youth, and gay rights in general, have made many strides in the past fifteen plus years, there is still a strong anti-gay stigma in many parts of the country. We see how homophobia has been used politically to drive people to polls. That's why National Coming Out Month is so extremely important. The more people that come out, the more it educates the straight (and gay) community on our issues. When people can put a face or name of someone they care about to their fear the issue all of a sudden becomes more human and understandable."
Perronne says he worries about the effect on gay youth, and others just coming out, of all the recent politicizing conservatives have done by using gay rights as a "scare tactic" in this country. "When you're talking about writing discrimination into the constitution that sends a strong message to the gay citizens of this country that we are far from being accepted by our society as a whole. As hard as it can be for people at times, the only way to combat that sort of hate is through education and awareness."
In A Time Before Me, a gay teen struggles to come to terms with his identity in the contrasting worlds of small town Mississippi and the Big Easy, New Orleans.
Currently, there are signings for A Time Before Me planned in West Hollywood, San Francisco, and New Orleans. www.michaelhperronne.com/events
Perronne is a writer living in Los Angeles. He has a BA from the University of Southern Mississippi and a MFA from the Creative Writing Workshop at the University of New Orleans. He is currently working on a sequel to the critically praised A Time Before Me, titled Falling Into Me.
A Time Before Me
ISBN: 1-58348-463-9
Publication Date: October 2, 2006
Retail Price: $13.95
Publisher: iUniverse Star
Wholesale- Available from Ingram Book Group- standard wholesale discounts and returns policy.
Retail- Available from on-line book retailers, on order at any bookstore, or visit http://www.michaelhperronne.com for more information.
Media Contacts- including to request review copies and interviews:
press@michaelhperronne.com
(310) 712-1914
"Unkindness of Ravens -- A Sam Perry Mystery" by Kathleen Tracy
Think "The L Word" meets Brenda Starr.if Brenda was a tomboy.
The Sam Perry mystery series features a modern lesbian couple who are independent, headstrong, edgy, confident, have vastly opposing personal styles and fashion sense-and are utterly perfect for one another. Just as Faye Kellerman brought Orthodox Judaism into the mainstream with her Peter Decker/Rena Lazarus books, author Kathleen Tracy presents three-dimensional, complex, hard-to-label gay women in a way too seldom seen in popular media.
The first book, "Unkindness of Ravens," introduces Samantha Perry, a droll, burnt-out crime reporter who moves to Palm Springs seeking a new start and the chance to finally explore her latent sexuality.or not. Ellen Konrad is a well-known actress who left Hollywood to protect family skeletons and is now a fast-rising local political star.
When the torture murder of a young drifter brings them together, there is an immediate emotional connection between the two women-and a simmering attraction. But while digging into the victim's past Sam inadvertently unearths a secret that threatens Konrad's career and tests the strength of their blossoming friendship. She'll have to use all her reporting savvy to protect Ellen and bring the killer to justice.
After identifying the murderer, Sam learns the full story of Ellen's past and unravels a family tragedy filled with emotional twists and unexpected turns. The truth, however, not only sets them free but sets them loose to begin an unlikely, romance that brings Sam and Ellen out of the closet and into each other's very disparate worlds.
Palm Springs' desert setting gives Unkindness of Ravens a unique sense of place and the author's background as an investigative print journalist lends authenticity to Sam's reporting methods-and the guerilla tactics she occasionally employs if necessary to break a story.
Beginning in October, Unkindness of Ravens can be ordered from Ingram and all major online booksellers. It is also available in e-book format. (ISBN 1-933705-82-5, Paribus Press)
To request a review copy (there are a limited number available on a first-come basis) or e-book (unlimited) please visit www.SamPerryMysteries.com, or email ReviewCopy@SamPerryMysteries.com and indicate your preferred format.
Email interview requests to SamPerry@SamPerryMysteries.com.
About the Author
A journalist for over twenty years, Kathleen Tracy's writing has been featured in magazines including Variety, A&E Biography, The Herald, KidScreen, VideoAge and TV Times. She is also the author of over 30 books including "The Boy Who Would Be King" (Dutton), "Jerry Seinfeld: The Entire Domain" (Carol Publishing), "Don Imus: America's Cowboy" (Carroll & Graf), "The Girl's Got Bite: A Look at Buffy's World" (St. Martin's), "Diana Rigg: The Biography" (Benbella Books), "Ellen DeGeneres" (Simon & Shuster), and "The Secret Story of Polygamy" (Sourcebooks), an investigation into the Utah child abuse trial that shed light on polygamy in modern America. Her biography of Morgan Freeman will be published by Barricade Books in late 2006.
The author is represented by Robert Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency and splits her time between LA and Palm Springs.
For Release
Contact: Mark Pietrzyk, research100@cox.net
http://www.internationalorder.org/scandal_response.html
October 9, 2006
RESEARCH REFUTES MYTH OF GAY THREAT TO CHILDREN
A study released today (http://www.internationalorder.org/scandal_response.html) refutes charges made by the religious right in response to the Congressman Foley scandal that homosexuals are significantly more inclined to molest children than heterosexuals. According to author Mark E. Pietrzyk, a number of conservative religious groups have issued papers claiming that gay men pose a highly disproportionate threat to children, citing a number of scientific studies to support their claims. However, when one examines the studies cited in these papers, one finds that the religious right has engaged in a serious distortion of the works of others. The scientists who authored the studies made no such claim about homosexuals posing a greater threat to children, and in fact in many cases argued the opposite.
In addition, many in the religious right have employed a version of the "slippery slope" argument, charging that the gay rights movement has led inevitably to tolerance for pedophilia by eroding all traditional norms of sexual behavior. However, Pietrzyk points out that the "slippery slope" argument is based on the false premise that the protection of children from sexual activity is a long-standing part of the Judeo-Christian ethic, which has only recently come under assault as a result of the gay rights movement. In fact, throughout most of history, the Judeo-Christian tradition tolerated and even approved of sexual relations between adult males and girls of twelve years of age or even younger. The contemporary taboo against sex between adults and minors developed only in the late nineteenth century, as societies became increasingly committed to the ideals of individual rights and personal autonomy, which led to concern about the possibility of coercion and exploitation in adult-minor relationships.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tyler St. Mark
August 20, 2006 (323) 966-2466
LANDMARK NOVELIST PUBLISHES FIRST NONFICTION BOOK
Patricia Nell Warren's Lavender Locker Room Out In November
Los Angeles, CA---The landmark author of some of the most popular gay fiction of modern time has turned her pen to the real world with what one prominent sports journalist has called "a fascinating array of often overlooked sports stories… from jockeys, skaters, and boxers to early Olympics gender testing."
Internationally celebrated novelist, Patricia Nell Warren, is publishing her first nonfiction book titled The Lavender Locker Room, 3000 Years of Great Athletes Whose Sexual Orientation Was Different, scheduled for release through Wildcat Press (www.wildcatpress.com) in November.
Warren's past works, including The Front Runner, Harlan's Race, Billy's Boy, The Wild Man, and One Is The Sun, represent a distinguished literary career of four decades and are considered essential inventory by booksellers who carry gay fiction.
Warren's latest offering is an anthology of historical essays previously featured on OutSports.com which chronicle the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender athletes over the past three millennia. Among the noteworthy sports figures featured in The Lavender Locker Room are golfer Babe Didrikson, boxer Wilhelm von Homburg, pilot Amelia Earhart, downhill skier Erik Schinegger, jockey John Damien, and 13th century jouster Jeanne la Pucelle, better known as Joan of Arc.
"These authentic, in-depth profiles span many countries and run the sexuality gamut," states Ms. Warren, "focusing both on the compelling personal stories of these remarkable athletes and on their lasting contributions to sport itself."
The Lavender Locker Room is also Warren's first anthology and features athletes from the Trojan War in 1000 B.C. to just after the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, representing a myriad of sports including alpine skiing, ballooning, baseball, boxing, dressage, fencing, football, horse racing, tennis, swimming, and sport aviation.
"My point in telling these stories is that the presence of athletes with different sexualities in sport is not something that started when football player David Kopay came out in 1975. It has been going on for many centuries," Warren declares.
Warren, who has written eight novels and two books of poetry, has attracted an estimated twenty million readers worldwide with subjects which range from gay life to Native American spirituality. However, The Lavender Locker Room is Warren's first book of nonfiction and is scheduled to arrive in bookstores nationwide by November 1s. According to Warren, launch events are in now preparation for both east and west coasts.
Warren's most celebrated work, The Front Runner, about the relationship between an ex-Marine track coach and his male athlete, was the first novel with openly gay characters to make the New York Times Bestseller List, has sold an estimated ten million copies in ten languages, and is considered by many to be the most influential gay novel of the 20th century.
Online information on The Lavender Locker Room or other books by Patricia Nell Warren is available at: www.wildcatpress.com
# # # # # # #
FOR PRESS INQUIRIES CONTACT: SETH UNGER (312) 281-8041
ADMIN@COLLISIONTHEATRE.ORG
http://www.collisiontheatre.org
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
COLLISION THEATRE RE-IMAGINES DRACULA
A SEXY, BIZARRE, OFF-BEAT VAMPIRE MUSICAL!
Chicago, IL August 28, 2006: Collision Theatre Company announces its
fall show Dracula by Obie Award winning playwright Mac Wellman, Oct
6th- Oct 28th, Friday & Saturday nights 11:00 pm, Special Halloween
Show Tuesday October 31st 8:00 p.m. Angel Island Theatre 731 W.
Sheridan Road. Tickets $15, students $10. For more information check
out www.collisiontheatre.org
Dracula by Mac Wellman is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic novel
that preserves the Victorian tendencies of his writing while veering
wildly into new vampire territory. As Seward, head of the asylum, and
his close friend Van Helsing attempt to thwart the machinations of
Dracula, Lucy seeks Dracula out and Mina begins succumbing to his
spell. Wickedly clever language and an often nightmarish world combine
to create a Dracula unlike it's ever been seen before. Directed by
Artistic Director CHRIS GARCIA PEAK.
Collision Theatre Company recently produced Shotgun Wedding at
National Pastime Theatre. We are dedicated to the entertainment,
education, and inspiration of the Chicago community and beyond. We
will produce new plays, company created original works, and
adaptations inspired from the theatrical and literary canon. Our work
will be a bold collision of the physical, visual, and aural realms.
Cast Includes: Erica Peregrine, Sarah Charmoli, Molly Armstrong, Eddie
Jordan III, Desmond Borges, Mary Grill, Kate Cares, Gabe Levinson.
Designed by: Josh Horvath, Shawne Benson, Libby Ford, Seth Unger, John
Sundling .
Contact Information:
for obit
Linda J. Long
Email: llong@OREGON.UOREGON.EDU
541-346-1906
for Prize
JEB (Joan E. Biren)
E-mail: Moonforce.Media@starpower.net
http://www.jebmedia.com/5322.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (September 11, 2006)
Pioneer of Erotic Lesbian Art, Tee A. Corinne Dies
Artist and author Tee Athelston Corinne died August 27, 2006, in Sunny Valley, Oregon, her home for the past twenty-five years. Hers was a dignified death, surrounded by friends, admirers, and students, after a six-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and untreatable cancer. Corinne was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1943. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida in 1965, and her Masters in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in New York in 1968. Additional studies were pursued at the Newcomb Art School of Tulane University and the Henry Street Settlement in New York City. She was a teacher of art and writing, most recently at Rogue Community College.
"Completely Queer: The Gay and Lesbian Encyclopedia," called her "one of the most visible and accessible lesbian artists in the world."
Susie Bright (also known as Susie Sexpert) said: "She is the beginning of lesbian erotic photography, and her influence is inestimable....She has created the most lasting images of lesbian eroticism, the vulva landscapes, the crayon-colored cunts, the solarized lesbian embraces, the portrait of her scowling lover in a starched white shirt."
Corinne burst into national awareness in 1977 with the publication of the third issue of the magazine "Sinister Wisdom." A poster of her solarized cover photograph of two women making love became required decoration for dorm rooms, apartments, and homes all over lesbian nation. The San Francisco Bay Area knew Tee even earlier, with her publication of the "Cunt Coloring Book" in 1975. As late as 1999, the Traditional Values Coalition sent copies of the "Cunt Coloring Book" to members of Congress calling it filth and pornography, in an effort to discredit James Hormel during the hearings on his appointment as ambassador to Luxembourg. (A copy of the coloring book is in the James Hormel Gay and Lesbian Reading Center at the San Francisco Public Library.)
In 1965, Corinne began exhibiting her artwork. Her work featured sexual, especially lesbian, imagery starting in the 1970s, when she worked with the San Francisco Sex Information Switchboard. Her artwork and writing began appearing in the lesbian and feminist press in 1974, including over fifty book covers for Naiad Press. Some of the magazines which published her work are "Sinister Wisdom," "Heresies," "Calyx," "Maize," "Libido," "A Woman's Touch," "off our backs," "On Our Backs," "Yellow Silk," "Cupido," "Bad Attitude," and "WomanSpirit." The album cover of Holly Near's "Imagine My Surprise" features a Corinne portrait; Corinne also contributed artwork to albums for Suede and Musica Femina.
>From 1979 to 1981 she co-facilitated the Feminist Photography Ovulars (as opposed to seminars), and was co-founder of "The Blatant Image, A Magazine of Feminist Photography," which grew out of the Ovulars.
Among her books of images are "Women Who Loved Women" (1984) and "Yantras of Womanlove" (1982). She produced dozens of chapbooks of her drawings. Her work is discussed in the books "The Contest of Meaning" (1989), "Stolen Glances: Lesbians Take Photographs" (1991), "Forbidden Subjects" (1992), and "Nothing But The Girl" (1996).
In 1983, she began her career as a writer of erotica, contributing stories to magazines and anthologies. "Dreams of the Woman Who Loved Sex," a collection of stories, appeared in 1987, followed by "Lovers" in 1989, and the novel "The Sparkling Lavender Dust of Lust," 1991. Corinne edited several anthologies of erotica, one of which, "Intricate Passions," won a Lambda Literary Award in 1990.
Corinne read papers at numerous conferences, including as a featured speaker in 1988 at the National Women in Photography Conference, the Berkshire Conference on Women and History, the Northwest Women's Studies Association, and the National Women's Studies Association. A founding board member and past co-chair of the Queer Caucus (originally the Lesbian and Gay Caucus) of the College Art Association, she was also a national board member of the Women's Caucus for Art.
Among her many honors was the 1997 Women's Caucus for Art "President's Award for Service to Women in the Arts." A lifelong activist in the women's and lesbian and gay rights movements, Corinne is the subject of an entry in "The Queer Encyclopedia of the Visual Arts," as well as in the book "Uncommon Heroes." In 2000, she received a Lambda Award for lifetime service from the Abdill-Ellis Lambda Community Center in Ashland, Oregon.
Corinne's art has appeared in shows at the Berkeley Art Museum at the University of California ("In a Different Light," 1995) and the Armand Hammer Museum in Los Angeles ("Sexual Politics," 1996). Some of her artwork will be included in "Wack!" in April 2007 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. A permanent archive of her work and papers has been established at the University of Oregon in Eugene. An index to this body of work is available online through Northwest Digital Archives.
Writer and social activist Beverly Anne Brown, Corinne's partner of sixteen years, died of cancer in October 2005. Their ashes will be interred in a double plot at Granite Hill Cemetery in Grants Pass, Oregon.
In the months after her diagnosis, Corinne completed two major projects. "Lesbian Art Issues: Variations on Queerly Appealing Themes," a collection of her essays, will be published in 2007 by Haworth Press. "Scars, Stoma, Ostomy Bag and Portacath" is a compact disk compilation of manipulated images of photographs she made during Brown's struggle with cancer. The CD was sent to friends and contacts in the art world. It may be viewed online at http://jeansirius.com/TeeACorinne/scars/.
A permanent collection of her papers and work has been established at the University of Oregon in Eugene. A finding aid to the core collection is available online in the Northwest Digital Archives database of finding aids at: http://nwda.wsulibs.wsu.edu/index.html. Additions to the collection are being acquired and will be added to the collection but are not currently available.
Contributions in her memory can be made to UO Foundation/Libraries, with "In memory of Tee Corinne" in the memo line, and should be mailed to the Library Development Office, 1299 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-1299. Alternately, the Tee A. Corinne Prize for Lesbian Media Artists has been established. Tax-deductible contributions to it can be made to Moonforce Media, PO Box 13375, Silver Spring, MD 20911.
---------------------------------------------
300 DPI Portrait for Print Use.
300 DPI Art Image for Print Use.
New Grant for Lesbian Media Artists Established: The Tee A. Corinne Prize
A new prize has been created to honor Tee A. Corinne, an artist with bold vision and a fierce dedication to encouraging and preserving lesbian art. The Tee A. Corinne Prize for Lesbian Media Artists, established by Moonforce Media, will award unrestricted grants of up to $1,000 annually. JEB (Joan E. Biren) will choose the inaugural prize winner. Application guidelines are online at http://jebmedia.com/5322.html. Applications are due by November 1, 2006.
The prize is for artists working in photography, film, video, digital media, new media, or any fusions of these forms and in any genre including documentary, narrative, experimental, or any other styles or combination of genres. The work may be about any subject.
Lesbian media artists are usually excluded from funding opportunities because the form and/or content of their work lie outside the bounds of traditional grantmaking. This prize furthers Tee's wish that individual lesbian artists be financially supported to work independently and without censorship.
If you wish to add your financial support to help ensure the ongoing success of this grant, you can send a tax-exempt donation to: Moonforce Media, PO Box 13375, Silver Spring, MD 20911. All checks earmarked for the Tee A. Corinne Prize will go entirely toward funding the prize.
Moonforce Media is a non-profit 501c(3) organization that has been serving progressive communities by producing and distributing documentary films and videos since 1979. Our productions have been broadcast and used by organizers and activists in the peace, feminist and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender movements. We are dedicated to promoting social justice through media and to encouraging queer media making.
# # #
Photo captions:
Sinister Wisdom © 1977 Tee A. Corinne
originally published on the cover of the magazine Sinister Wisdom #3, 1977
Tee A. Corinne © 2006 Susanne Petermann
Last Portrait of Tee A. Corinne, taken July 27, 2006
091306
Emanned Get's Personal
On September 5th. 2006 Emanned expanded its Gay Adult Auction Site and now has an addition to it's family. Its called Emanned personals.
After receiving numerous emails from members wishing to contact other members who's pictures they had seen
and bid on, the staff at Emanned saw the need to create a place where the members could do just that.
Emanned Personals, which appears to have been born out of necessity will be a truly Gay site for the purpose of making new friends or lovers, casual fun or serious, whatever your preference. It offers something or someone for everyone. It encompasses the entire Gay Community both male and female and reaches around the globe to help you find that certain someone. It is not just for singles but also offers couples the opportunity to meet other couples with the same inclinations.
Emanned Personals will prove to be a cut above the other so called personal sites, in that it will be a truly Gay site and there will be no mistake as to who you are and what you may be looking for. There will never be any censorship of your words, your ideals and your goals. Emanned Personals tells it like it is and encourages you to do the same. Honesty being the best policy and there being someone out there for everyone.
Emanned Personals will cater to the needs of the Gay Community and welcomes any input from its members on how to better serve you, your needs and its Gay Community.
Emanned offers a full month free trial membership and there after only $9.95 a month, and the ability to post numerous photos, where you can put your best foot forward, so to speak. It also offers numerous incentives for referrals and special rates for longer term membership. It affords its members a sounding board and an area where you can post news you feel will be of interest to the Gay community.
You may go to http://www.emanned.com/personals to join and remember it is free for the first month, so you may take advantage of this great opportunity to meet others.
You may contact the staff at emanned by sending your email to Emannedreply@aol.com or Staff@emanned.com should you have any questions or wish to give input.
091206
by Joe Murray
US Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement
www.rainbowsashmovement.com
Matthew Shepard Remembered.
Matthew Wayne Shepard never quite made it to his twenty-second birthday. A student at the University of Wyoming, born on December 1, 1976, he was brutally beaten on October 7, 1998 near Laramie, Wyoming. He died five days later on October 12 at Poudre Valley Hospital as a result of those injuries. His murderers, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney are now serving life sentences in state prison. The reason for the attack that cost Matthew his life: simply that he was gay.
As we approach the eighth anniversary of Matt's death, we would do well to recall the memory of this young man's life and the values that shaped it. We should also consider what those principles mean for us today.
Matthew Shepard was a gentle person whose life reflected the gospel law of love of neighbor. His father, Dennis Shepard, tells us that his son trusted and believed in the goodness of people. He could never understand how people could hurt one another either verbally or physically. Matt was known as a reconciler. He had a unique ability to bring people together to discuss and resolve their differences. His mother Judy Shepard recounts how Matt believed that pre judging people only shatters the opportunities to come to know and appreciate others as persons. She therefore established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to continue this legacy of tolerance exhibited by her son.
Matt's example is a particular challenge to all of us in the Catholic community at this time. The polarization between the institutional Church and the Gay and Lesbian community is more pronounced than ever. This division often expresses itself in pejorative language that crowds out dialogue and fuels the fires of anger and hate. Each side has its own vocabulary of intolerance. The anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder reminds us that hateful rhetoric can lead to violence and even death.
The Rainbow Sash Movement joins the many other people of good will who believe that we should renounce any demeaning and intolerant speech toward our fellow human beings no matter their orientation, gender, religion, race, ethnicity or class. Terms such as " homo phobic," "fundamentalist," "morally disordered," "gravely sinful," "reactionary" only slam the door shut on respectful dialogue. Such loaded phrases only prove that we have already judged one another, losing that opportunity Matt believed could bring us to know each other as human beings. We shudder to think how such language has led some to hurt others emotionally and physically. Did such speech give license to those men who attacked and killed Matthew Shepard?
There is no better way to honor the memory of Matthew Shepard than for both sides in the Church's debate on sexuality to mute the angry rhetoric and judgemental language. Such tones only satisfy the more radical fringe in both camps and prevent more rational and charitable people to be heard. We in the Rainbow Sash Movement, like Matthew Shepard, believe that most people on either side the issues that affect the GLBT community, have good will in their hearts. If we in the Catholic community can take the lead in clearing the atmosphere of prejudice, exclusion and negativity, then a respectful and frank dialogue will occur.
We long to establish a common ground where we can come to appreciate our common humanity in love. This would be the most fitting and lasting memorial to the life, death and enduring values of Matthew Wayne Shepard.
091006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DAVID DECOTEAU'S BEASTLY BOYZ HITS DVD FOR HALLOWEEN
Rapid Heart Pictures & odditycinema.com are proud to present prolific gay cult filmmaker David DeCoteau's (LEATHER JACKET LOVE STORY) latest erotic experiment in extreme and provocative queer horror…BEASTLY BOYZ.
Starring Sexy Newcomers: Sebastian Gacki, Emrey Wright, Dean Hrycan, Charlie Marsh, Andrew Butler, Valerie Murphy, Kyle Schwitek, Tyler Burrows, Neil William Hrabowy
Rachel, a beautiful young artist, is murdered at her secluded lake front house by a group of soulless killers. Enraged and shocked by his sister's senseless murder, Rachel's brother, Travis, vows to avenge her murder and punish her killers one by one - even if it costs him his soul.
"What makes BEASTLY BOYZ more potent than my other movies is that the imagery is much stronger and twisted in terms of suspense and the celebration of the male form - much like my previous films VOODOO ACADEMY & THE BROTHERHOOD, only far more sexy."- David DeCoteau
Special Features:
• Limited Edition. Only 5,000 DVDs Available • Signed by director David DeCoteau
• Director's Commentary • Widescreen Presentation • Making of Featurette (69 mins)
• Liner Notes by David DeCoteau • English Language • Unrated & Uncensored
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish
• NTSC All Regions Playable Worldwide
MSRP: $19.99 Sale Price: $12.99 Release Date: October 2nd, 2006
Pre-Orders Now Available at www.odditycinema.com.
###
For more information or to schedule an interview please contact David DeCoteau at decoteau@rapidheart.com or Chris Bavota at info@odditycinema.com. Digital Press Kit Available at http://rapidheart.com/Beastly_Boyz_Press_Kit.zip
Contact: Michael Ryan Michael@milliongayclicks.com
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW WEB SITE TO SHOWCASE CONTENT AND BUSINESSES FOR THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY
Los Angeles, CA, August 2006— By providing "one-click access" to millions of LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses, MillionGayClicks.com portends being an attention-grabbing and heavily-trafficked new website. In addition to targeting gay consumers with almost pinpoint accuracy, the developers are out to show the world the power of the gay advertising dollar.
The entire cosmos has finally woken up to the fact that LGBT audience—smarter, richer and savvier buyers and spenders—wield hefty economic clout in its buying engine and considerable influence in global markets. Major international powerhouses—clothiers, motor car companies, airlines, gay and gay-friendly travel destinations and national tourism offices, gourmet food and spirits, financial institutions, insurance companies—companies in every sector of the global economy are lining up to court, cajole and win the LGBT market, and need a way to direct these big spenders to their virtual storefronts. Not only are these firms seeking to share in the millions of dollars, euros, yen and pounds sterling generated by the global trend towards gay marriage and civil unions, but the accompanying financial planning, home buying, insurance, adoptive services, and a host of ancillary lines of business see the potential as nothing less than positively explosive growth.
MillionGayClicks has now launched and offers an innovative option. Not only does it offer the merchandisers an opportunity to vie for the gay consumer – but also offers LGBT a search-engine just for them with companies who want their business!
The brainchild of entrepreneurs David Begor and Michael Ryan, Cold Day in Hell Productions' MillionGayClicks.com is 100% gay owned and operated. They saw a niche in the gay online market. While dating sites and porn sites are rampant online, there was a real dearth of sites acting as a portal for gay-themed products and services. Thus, MillionGayClicks was born.
Completely free to the web surfer, MGC presents a homepage full of reviews for shopping, entertainment, travel and music. In addition, MGC offers up weekly links to favorite blogs, videos, podcasts and websites. While not all links or content are gay, per se, they do showcase something of interest to the gay market.
To the advertiser, this site is an ideal place to present a product to the LGBT market. Ad rates ranges from the super-affordable (search engine listings are only $25) to the moderate (homepage promotions are $100 per week) to the affordable (banner ads begin at $100 per month).
And Ryan and Begor are adding a new spin to traditional advertising with their unique Mosaic Page. The concept is buying advertising within a page consisting of 1 million pixels with each pixel selling for $.10 each. "What we're doing is creating mosaic marketing. The Mosaic Page is not only a piece of abstract art, for marketers to reach the gay consumer, but it is a new, innovative take on the search engine. We have your traditional search engine, and we also have the Mosaic Page, which is a visual search engine," said Ryan.
As part of Cold Day in Hell Productions' mission statement to give back to the community, non-profit and community groups will be encouraged to post a free ad on the site. This will give these organizations an instant forum for education and outreach.
The goal is to offer a fun, inclusive and well-rounded experience for each site visitor. Whether you're looking for travel, shopping, entertainment or public resources, you'll find something of interest on MillionGayClicks. The site will soon become an invaluable resource for those traveling to another city and looking for something to do, somewhere to stay or some place to eat.
A two-pronged marketing strategy will assure that MillionGayClicks remains a "safe and sane" place for web surfers of all backgrounds. Adult content and products will be promoted on MillionGayClicks' sister site: HotGayClicks.com.
National publicity and marketing campaigns are underway to ensure that all advertisers get maximum exposure. Media outlets are encouraged to contact MillionGayClicks for details on ad swaps and special media rates.
For more details on MillionGayClicks.com, please visit the website or contact Michael Ryan (Michael@milliongayclicks.com) at 323-666-9807 or David Begor (David@milliongayclicks.com) at 323-666-9808.
MillionGayClicks.com is a product of Cold Day in Hell Productions.
100% gay owned and operated.
Michael Ryan
Cold Day in Hell Productions
P.O. Box 291996
Los Angeles CA 90029
p. 323-666-9807
f. 323-666-9811
082406
FireDating.org Free Gay Dating Launches Today
San Francisco, CA August 24, 2006 -- Fire Dating a not for profit Free Gay Dating announces it's initial launch today. This site is dedicated to the Gay Community and is 100% free. It's sole design and purpose is to offer the services that the large pay for dating sites offer but never at a charge. The site does not take credit cards and will never charge for any features.
We determined that the large sites targeted towards this audience charge far more than the typical person is looking to spend. We have decided to offer a complimentary service with the features that gay men are looking for. Our community at FireDating.org believes in a free open place where they can meet new friends.
FireDating.org includes features such as live community chat, allowing people to chat with each other in public or privately. A forum is also available, allowing users to post about events in their local areas.
Additional features are also included such as Photo Libraries, Email and custom search features. These custom search features can match users based upon their location and preferences.
This site is dedicated to the gay community around the world looking for an alternative way to find someone special in their lives.
Since the site was opened this year we have had almost 900 gay men sign up on the site. 3,000 emails have been exchanged between users and 100's of photographs have been uploaded. Additionally we have had 10's of thousands of chat sessions initiated.
We have upgraded the hosting of this site allowing for thousands of simultaneous connections.
We believe that these services should be free to the gay community.
http://www.firedating.org is a not for profit organization looking to expand the reach of the gay community. We solely operate based upon donations from grateful users.
5th Annual Bi Men Conference & Bi Men Getaway Weekend
NEWS RELEASE: All Sources for Immediate Release
All Media Contact: "Mac" McCloud at 760/322-8672
or email "Mac" directly at : bitxnMAC@msn.com
August 15, 2006 - Palm Springs, CA USA
BISEXUAL 5th Bi MEN CONFERENCE & Bi MEN GETAWAY WEEKEND set for PALM SPRINGS!
The Bi Men Network is pleased to announce that Palm Springs, CA will be the third US city to host their Annual Bi Men Conference and Bi Men Getaway Weekend scheduled this year for October 5th-8th, 2006 in Palm Springs - after its first three years in San Diego and last year in Las Vegas. This four day weekend annual event is hosted by the Bi Men Network - www.bimen.org - the world's largest social and support organization for bisexual, bi-curious and gay adult men as well as bisexual couples - now with over 1/4 million adult male members around the world on all six continents.
Research shows that as much as fifteen per cent or more of the population are bisexual. Yet, there are so few resources available for bisexual people to exchange information and ideas about their unique sexual orientation, and to garner support for coping with life's concerns as a bisexual person. According to "Mac" McCloud - Bi Men Founder and Program Director for this 5th Annual Bi Men Conference and Bi Men Getaway Weekend, there are even fewer resources focusing exclusively on issues specific to bisexual and bi-curious men. This year's theme is: "Be Bi = Be Happy" with a program emphasizing self-acceptance and peace with one's self in order to live a better and more productive as well as happier life for your self - your family, as well as your friends and colleagues.
This annual Bi Men event was created five years ago expressly to allow bisexual, bi-curious and gay men to gather in a safe, supportive environment to dialogue on their issues of concern, including their feelings of invisibility and the societal pressures to remain closeted. The 5th Bi Men Conference will offer ten or more workshops, covering themes including Coming Out, Relationships, Dealing with Guilt; Spousal & Family Relations, Coming Out, Culture, Identity and Health to mention a few as well numerous social events and private mixers over the course of the four day weekend. The past four conferences have been highly successful, drawing men of all ethnicities, races, and religions, and from all across North America for informative, relaxing and fun weekends. The Bi Men expect that attendance at this year's weekend will match or exceed last year's successful event in Las Vegas.
The October 5th to 8th Bi Men Event will include a Friday early evening Welcome Reception, as well as a Saturday "Company Picnic" & Beer Bust, and a Sunday afternoon Pool Party & Beer Bust as well as time to explore Palm Springs and the Low Desert area. Registration fees vary from only $50 now to $80 depending on the time one's registration has been completed. Bargain early registration must be completed by the September 5th early bird deadline. Each attendee is responsible for his own housing accomodations and transportation but the Bi Men Network will strive to help men find shared rides and shared accomations if so desired. Paid admission at the door is permissable at $80, but advance planning and early registration is recommended to all attendees.
For more information about this unique Bi Men Event, please check our website at http://www.bimen.org and at http://www.bimen.org/events.htm and
For all media inquiries and public information please contact: "Mac" McCloud, Bi Men Founder at:
760/322-8672 or email him at: bitxnmac@msn.com
Bi MEN NETWORK www.bimen.org "You are not alone!
*************************************
081106
Donna Red Wing
dredwing@interfaithalliance.org
Donna Red Wing, long time GLBT advocate, has been named Director of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation's new project, First Freedom First.
The founders of our nation believed that all Americans should have the right to worship according to their own beliefs, or not to worship at all. So strong was their commitment to religious freedom that they enshrined it in the first sentence of the Bill of Rights.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."
This constitutional guarantee is often known as the "first freedom."
Religion is a deeply personal matter. Americans must be free to practice their religion without coercion. Government exists to provide for the general well-being of all people, and its workings must be independent of specific religious doctrines. Simply put, there must be a separation of church and state.
If we do not stand together as a nation, we stand to lose this fundamental freedom.
Of particular note to GLBT communities are the "Respect All Families" and "Democracy NOT Theocracy" issues; profound and contemporary lenses for us to understand the importance of religious freedom.
Please join us in signing the First Freedom First petition at:
www.firstfreedomfirst.org
And send a message that we do care about religious liberty.
First Freedom First is a joint project of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
"Faith is a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark."
~~Scandinavian saying
Donna Red Wing
Senior Advisor, Development & Program
Project Director, First Freedom First The Interfaith Alliance
1331 H Street NW
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
dredwing@interfaithalliance.org
drwpdx@msn.com
http://www.interfaithalliance.org
The Interfaith Alliance and The Interfaith Alliance Foundation - the national non-partisan advocacy voice of the interfaith movement.
080306
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LET'S GET SOME RINGTONES
Viral Video Star Goes Mobile
August 4, 2006
Glendale, CA - After sweeping social networking sites YouTube and MySpace
with the music video for the debut single from her new album Shoes, viral
video sensation Kelly today announced the launch of her ringtones on mobile
entertainment portal Medialicious.TV
"These tones rule", explained the Tarzana, California teenager who until
recently had been grounded by her parents for nearly 3 months. "You better
buy my ringtones, betch."
"Like any out of control teenager, Kelly has officially taken over our site
and we love it! She wants things done her way and she won't stand for
anything less", said Carolyn Coal, Interactive Creative Director at
Medialicious.TV. "We're thrilled to offer her ringtones and full song
downloads."
Kelly's meteoric rise to fame represents the latest success story in the
user generated content phenomenon on the Internet. A recent article in
Entertainment Weekly listing Kelly as a Viral VIP garnered hundreds of
thousands of downloads online and a celebrity following that included SNL's
Andy Samberg, co-star of the 2005 web sensation Lazy Sunday.
Medialicious.TV, a division of Glendale based strategic marketing firm NoCo
Media Group, will work with Kelly to launch a variety of new ringtones,
wallpapers and original mobile content throughout the fall of 2006.
About Kelly:
Kelly began her act in Santa Monica, California at O'Brien's, with two
songs, Shoes and Let Me Borrow That Top. The response was overwhelming, so
Kelly set to work on a music video for Shoes. That video has gone viral on
YouTube and on MySpace; as of this writing, it has received over 200,000
views with little to no promotion. To satisfy the demand for her material,
Kelly has created a CD of 11 songs.
About NoCo Media Group:
NoCo Media Group is a brand strategy and marketing services agency
specializing in the development of customized business-to-consumer and
business-to-business properties across multiple communications mediums. The
NoCo suite of services provides clients and partners with the resources to
bring a variety of product categories to market and generate new revenue
streams in non-core business applications.
Press Contact:
Carolyn Coal
NoCo Media Group
Carolyn@nocomediagroup.com
080206
S. F. WRITER COMPLETES ROLLER DERBY NOVEL WHILE ON HOSPICE, OPTIONS IT TO HOLLYWOOD
For Immediate Release
Dateline: August 1, 2006, San Francisco:
Stricken with an HIV related brain infection and given a terminal prognosis, writer D. M. Bordner (a.k.a. Tim Patten) finishes a four-year effort, completing the novel ROLLER BABES, THE STORY OF THE ROLLER DERBY QUEEN.
Experimental medications and special treatments suspended the infection's growth then unexpectedly Kaliber Films optioned the novel for movie, serial and TV rights.
"With sometimes five-minutes of strength a day, I worked on the story," Patten said. "I knew my legacy and last living words would be this book. The novel's female characters suffer sexism, racism and homophobia; inspired from actual people and historical events."
"My inspiration was that this untold story of women's empowerment needed a voice. Funny what eminent death can do to a person?"
Owner of Kaliber Films, Laurence Kaldor, read the novel and Tim Patten found himself getting calls from Hollywood requesting to option the rights to the novel.
"You had to scrape me off the ceiling," Patten said. "After the sale, I struggled for a long time over telling my personal story, until now. I'm no longer ashamed of my disease, health condition or trauma involved in writing the book."
On: July 11, 2006: Kaliber Films proudly announced the acquisition of ROLLER BABES, a novel by D. M. Bordner (a.k.a. Tim Patten), set in America circa 1950s, women's roller derby.
"Despite my health circumstance, I hope to stay around in order to see the story on the screen," Patten said.
Tim Patten (a.k.a. D. M. Bordner) and Kaliber Films are available for Interview.
Phone: 415 431-6802
Email: JDCinSF@Aol.com
080106
JUST PUBLISHED: A GUIDEBOOK UNVEILS THE SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL POLITICAL HOUSE PARTIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 31, 2006
Contacts:
Dr. Juan Ahonen-Jover, juan@equallitygiving.org, 305-924-1515 (9 am -
9 pm EST)
Dr. Ken Ahonen-Jover, ken@equalitygiving.org, 305-924-1514 (9 am - 9
pm EST)
Miami Beach, July 31, 2006 - With political fundraising about to go
in hyper-drive, "Secrets of Successful Political House Parties"
is a little gem of a guidebook. A very quick read at only 43 pages,
it is written with action bullets that campaigns and fundraisers can
use for getting the most out of house parties. The book has plenty of
space for readers to take notes. In effect, it is really a workbook
and planner to get the job done with minimum headaches and maximum
results.
The guidebook was written by Lila Gracey, who is well qualified to
teach the secrets as she was the Director of Donor Relations at the
Gill Foundation, the past director of the DNC's Gay and Lesbian
Leadership Council, the Chief of Staff of the US Ambassador to
Austria, and an aide to a Colorado governor, among other positions.
She now has a strategic consulting business, Grace Concepts.
Lila is also a member of the National Advisory Board of
www.eQualityGiving.org, the only webservice for major and mega donors
that recommends politicians and organizations working to achieve
LGBTQ equality under the law.
Dr. Juan Ahonen-Jover, cofounder of www.eQualityGiving.org, said,
"Spend a few dollars on this book and by just applying any of the
suggestions given, you will more than recover your investment.
Actually buy a bunch of them and give them to your favorite campaigns
and friends to help them raise more money. We just sent copies to the
more than 60 political campaigns and political organizations that we
endorse to achieve LGBTQ equality under the law."
Dr. Ken Ahonen-Jover, the other cofounder of www.eQualityGiving.org,
said: "This is not a theoretical book, it is really a workbook with
all the action items that you need so you can get money to candidates
and win."
The book is a great workbook for fundraisers. It is more cost
effective for campaigns to buy multiple copies and give a copy to
each host than it is to spend hours repeating the same training. As a
bonus, Lila Gracey offers one hour of free telephone consultation for
each 25 books bought by an organization or individual. Already two
organizations have purchased 70 copies each.
The book is available at http://grace-concepts.com/publications.asp
for $15 a copy or only $10 a copy for quantities of 25 books or more.
______________________________________________________________________
www.eQualityGiving.org is the only webservice for major and mega
donors. It recommends politicians and organizations to achieve LGBTQ
equality under the law. Subscribe to free alerts at
www.eQualityGiving.org
072806
Press Release: Contact - Stan Tiger 858-610-3944
For Immediate Release
NEW T--SHIRT CELEBRATES 1,000 YEARS OF GAY HISTORY WITH 27 GAY
CELEBRITIES -- AND SOME CONTROVERSY
What controversy do Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, modern nursing
founder Florence Nightingale and Hollywood star Rock Hudson have in
common? All are featured on a controversial new T-shirt spotlighting
the achievements of famous GLBT figures throughout history. The
t-shirt - which features the slogan "What a difference a Gay makes!"
superimposed on the freedom rainbow - has just been unveiled on
www.FamousGayShirt.com .
The shirt features 27 gay celebrated figures - some controversialand a source of dispute among historians. Leonardo DaVinci, Richard
the Lion-Hearted and U.S. Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, are
among those feverishly debated - but not by the t-shirt's creator and
designer, Award-winning Southern California playwright Janet S. Tiger.
"This T-shirt is a moving history lesson. Whatever controversy there
is has to do with lingering homophobia and people's resistance to
accept these famous figures - including one of America's founding
fathers - were gay. The controversy will only help to educate people."
The inspiration for the t-shirt - created by a heterosexual married
woman with two children -- comes from her having worked in the
theatre for many years, surrounded by gay collaborators. "Working
with talented gay actors and directors, I felt that people in the
mainstream didn't appreciate what gays had contributed not only to
theater, but to society." The specific concept of the
history-lesson-in-a-t-shirt came to Tiger after a reading of one of
her plays in San Diego, over ten years ago. "The music went off in my
brain - 'what a difference a gay makes', and the rainbow, and the
image was complete." Tiger, whose plays have been produced from New
York to New Zealand, recently won the DFAS National Playwriting
Contest for "Day of Atonement."
Assisting with research on the shirt's gay history was Jonathan
Dunn-Rankin, a local historian, longtime friend of Tiger, and founder
and past president of the Gay Academic Union. "I am proud to be
wearing the first shirt!" said Jonathan.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit gay community causes such as
PFLAG and the arts programs at Swedenborgian Church, where Tiger's
most recent play, RENNY'S STORY, was performed. "I was delighted to
hear that a portion of the proceeds would go to help our Arts
Ministry," said Rev. Carla Friedrich, M.Div., pastor of the
Swedenborgian Church of San Diego. "It is also consistent with our
ministerial philosophy of social justice that all people are an aspect
of our divine origins."
The shirt may be seen at www.FamousGayShirt.com .
072706
Staff@emanned.com
http://www.emanned.com
On June 18th 2006 Emanned.com opened its site to the public.
We are proud to announce we are a True Gay Adult Auction Site, where you can auction off your sexy used thongs, your smelly old socks and even a pair of ratty old tennis shoes, the sky's the limit. We hope to take our members as far as their imagination will allow, where they can let it all hang out and if they do they can take a picture and can auction that off too.
We created this site in memory of one of the partners late son, Vincent, who's imagination and whit took him through life as far as he could in the short time he was allowed.
We hope ours will be a fun site where people can go to not only sell their personal items at auction, make a few bucks but more importantly make a few friends.
While strolling down the Bay one day (ebay) it occurred to us that we ourselves needed a gay site where we could invest in our own community and do so with our usual good humor, style and of course the true gay way with lots of Panache.
So here we are waiting for you to stop by sign up (no membership fees) and send us your pictures and your auctions. Maybe visit our chat room and make a friend or two.
Although this is an adult site and your imagination and our site can take you on a wild gay ride, we would like you to know you may auction off many other things as well, such as technology, books etc.
Please note we are currently giving a $5.00 credit to new members to use with their auctions. We will also be giving referral fees for new customers. We hope they will email us with any questions regarding our site.
We are new and still getting it all together and need your help to compete with the big guys. So in the spirit of the true Gay Community "won't you please climb aboard" and join us while we strive to bring you the best Gay Adult Auction/Trading site. Come be yourself that's how we like you, and know the rainbow flag will always be flying high on our site.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Out On Film, Atlanta's Gay & Lesbian film festival and second largest cultural event for Atlanta's GLBT community, announces call for entries
The 19th Annual Out On Film will take place November 10-16, 2006 at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
ATLANTA, Ga., July 24, 2006 – IMAGE Film & Video Center, the non-profit organization that produces Out On Film, announced today that it is now accepting submissions for the 19th Annual Out On Film, Atlanta's second-largest cultural event for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community (after Atlanta Pride). The film festival will take place November 10-16, 2006 at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema in Atlanta, Georgia. Entries must be received by Friday, August 18, 2006. IMAGE Film & Video members have an extra week to submit their films – Friday, August 25, 2006. Filmmakers can download an Out On Film entry form at http://www.outonfilm.com/.
The 19th annual OUT ON FILM: Atlanta's GLBT Film Festival will feature films and videos from around the world by, for and about the lesbian/gay/trans/bi community. Out On Film will screen films in the Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental and Student categories. The festival is produced annually by IMAGE Film & Video Center, the Southeast's premiere regional media arts center. All works must be submitted on DVD or 1/2" VHS (NTSC system only) for prescreening. DVD is preferred. Please do not send film reels or original material. All works submitted must be available by October 27, 2006 for inclusion in the festival.
All entry fees should be payable to IMAGE Film & Video Center in U.S. currency by check or money order, excepting those using credit card. At the request of those submitting outside of the United States, IMAGE is offering the option of paying by credit card (note: $1 processing charge will be added to your entry fee if you use a credit card.)
Entry fees are as follows:
* $15 - Works entered by an individual or a non-profit organization
* $10 - Works entered by IMAGE members and/or students (enclose copy of membership card or student ID)
Filmmakers should mail their submission, entry form and entry fee to:
Attn: Festival Director
Out On Film
535 Means Street NW
Suite C
Atlanta, GA 30318
About IMAGE Film & Video Center
IMAGE Film &Video Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering independent and alternative film and video as unique forms of individual expression. Since its founding in 1977, IMAGE (Independent Media Artists of Georgia, Etc.) has grown to become one of the most respected not-for-profit media arts centers in the nation. For more information, please call (404) 352-4225, email holly@imagefv.org or visit our website at http://www.imagefv.org/.
In addition to presenting Out On Film, IMAGE also produces the ten day Atlanta Film Festival, offers screenings, workshops, monthly salons, fiscal sponsorships, screenplay critiquing services, outreach programs, and equipment access. Major funding for IMAGE is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council, City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Georgia Council for the Arts with appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund.
###
072506
New Pet Fashion Line Launched to Color-Coordinate Pets with Their Accessories
Looking for the latest in designer pet wear? Want to be the first to color-coordinate your pet with their own accessories? See the latest and one of the hottest trends in pet collars, leads and more. Luxury leather accessories are customized with cut, polished real semi-precious or faux stones to match your pet's combination of colors.Los Angeles, CA - July 25, 2006 -- With pet ownership at an all time high pet couture is focusing on enhancing each pet's unique beauty. Couture Accessories offers customized leather accessories individually made to order. Features unique to Couture Accessories are color-matching with stones (real semi-precious or faux), and robust custom-manufactured gold-plated rims that secure stones in all pet rough playing (patent pending).
"Yes, people often spend more on their pet than on themselves," says Nela Kash, President of Couture Accessories Inc. "A pet collar or harness is a pet's most fashionable statement showing the world just how pampered and stylish he is."
Couture Accessories sells its products online with a full catalogue of over 400 detailed photos. Pet owners can select the color-category of their pet online and view only the designs that match the pet's color-combination. Pet owners select a design and their choice of semi-precious (combination of agate, onyx, and jasper) or European faux stones. The product is then custom-made for the pet. Products are made from hand-stitched harness leather (used for horses). Soft leather is used for small pets. Each product has gold-plated hooks, buckle and rim for beauty and durability.
For additional information contact Nela Kash or visit www.coutureaccessories.com. Couture Accessories Inc. has exclusive rights on the company logo, brand-name, trademark and designs.
About Couture Accessories Inc.:
Couture Accessories is a European family-owned business with corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, California USA. A percentage of the proceeds are donated to animal shelters.
Contact:
Nela Kash, President
Couture Accessories Inc.
310-446-9746
http://www.coutureaccessories.com
# # #
Contrary to what we think:
Russians Don't Pine for
Democracy and Freedom
- - - - - -When I was a budding Army counter-intelligence agent at Fort Holabird in the mid-'50s, even that nest of right wing super patriots - and let's face it, that included me - felt nothing but pity and sympathy for the millions of enslaved Ivans and Natashas that kept the cogs oiled in the wheels of the great Soviet monolith..
"We hate their government, but we love and sympathize with the Russian people," was heard so often it was almost a mantra.
And later as a newspaper reporter on one of the major dailies of the American Southeast, I remember clearly predicting that some day Russians would be free, because freedom is everyone's natural state; and once you've experienced it, you will never let yourself be pushed back into the box.
It was just a matter of time until the widening cracks in the Soviet Union broke wide open; in the meantime, each day Russians were experiencing a tiny bit more freedom; and finally the flood tide of real freedom would wash everything else away. Gone would be communism, totalitarianism, and all the other isms, washed aside by the relentless surge of freedom and democracy.
[I don't mean to imply that I predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union - at least so soon. I was not nearly so insightful. I merely felt that in the course of time, it would inevitably collapse under the insatiable demands of the human spirit.]
When I finally got my first glimpse of Russia as one of a tour group of American gay square dancers in 1993, Russia was just emerging from the shackles of 70 years of "socialist realism."
Homosexuality had just been decriminalized under the great democratic leader Boris Yeltsin. Young gay Russians were beginning to peer out of the closet. People were experimenting with being themselves. There was almost a sense of frontier freedom.
You even felt that the poverty was something temporary, that the rising tide of democratic capitalism would inevitably wash it away.
America was the world's beacon of inspiration, of a better way of life, of democracy, of freedom, and as its ambassadors, we were viewed with a kind of awe.
I returned every Christmas for the next three years, and finally, in December, 1997, I uprooted myself from everything I had known and been and experienced in America to witness and become a part of what I was sure was a great emerging democracy.
But in the words of the title of the book by Joseph Heller, "Something Happened."
The great democrat Yeltsin showed himself for what he was: A drunken, manipulated fool who had no idea of what a state was, much less how to run it. During his term the appalling and criminal give-away of government property took place under the charade of "privatization." The Khodorkofskys, Berezovskys, Abramoviches, Deripaskas, and on and on were handed the immense wealth of Russia's natural resources and became the "ruling oligarchs" that - with the tragic exception of Mikhail Khodorkovsky -- still dominate the Russian economic scene.
And then came Putin, annointed by Yeltsin because Yeltsin's time was running out and ex-KGB Colonel Putin had demonstrated that he could be counted on to keep his mouth shut and could be trusted to not prosecute Yeltsin and his pals for their obscene excesses, fraud, and looting.
Putin has kept his word. Neither the Yeltsins nor their hangers-on have paid for their crimes -- except for Khodokovsky. And even he was warned. Early in 2003, the same year in which the Yukos oil magnate was arrested and jailed, Putin told Yeltsin's oligarchs to stay out of politics if they wanted to keep their sandboxes. "You leave me alone, and I'll leave you alone."
They all took the hint except Khodorkovsky, who in the meantime, seems to have had an epiphany, to have grasped what a great democracy Russia had the potential of becoming if only the rule of law and Western social and business standards could become a reality.
He saw where Putin was taking the state, and it wasn't in the direction of Western democracy. Khodorkovsky started making noises about opposing Putin in the next election. He created non-profit organizations aimed at democratization. He talked about selling Russian oil to America. The world has seen the result. Once the richest man in Russia, Khodorkovsky has been stripped of his wealth, his power, and his freedom.
Since that time, the rest of the Yeltsin tycoons have busied themselves in their billion-dollar sandboxes and kept out of Putin's playhouse.
Something happened in America, too. George Bush was - questionably -- elected president. There was a - questionable - terrorist plot which destroyed the World Trade Center and became the rationale for American attacks against Muslim oil-producing countries, a bullying stance against the rest of the world, and a diminution of personal freedoms in America. The world's beacon was extinguished.
Before all that, Dubya looked into Putin's eyes and saw the soul of a man he could trust.
But America sees everything in black and white. It's either "the evil empire" or "the soul of a man you can trust."
Now Bush has taken a second look and everything's black again. Putin has strangled democracy in its cradle. The free press is an international joke; the parliament jumps to the snap of his fingers, and the independent judiciary hasn't been independent since long before the Khodorkovsky trial.
It's all true, of course, but there are some grays mixed in there somewhere.
Putin won the last election by a landslide. Although there was a lot of rigging and engineering - though probably less than for Bush's election in America - it was still unquestionably a landslide.
I asked one of my students, Valera, a computer genius and Jewish intellectual, why Russians had opted to reelect the man who was obviously leading them down the path of autocracy when clear democratic alternatives - like the Yabloko Party or Irina Khakamada -- were there for the push of a button.
And that's when my epiphany began.
American fantasy to the contrary notwithstanding, Russians, in the words of one analyst, are not "seething" under the oppression of a reemerging autocracy. The reemerging autocracy scarcely bothers them. They don't dream of freedom. They don't dream of democracy. They dream of stability and predictability, of being able to find and keep a job, of putting money in the bank and knowing that it will be there a year from now, of buying a home, of raising and educating children.
Democracy for them means the chaos, scandals, uncertainty and economic disasters of the Yeltsin years. Certainty and stability for them are infinitely more important than democracy. And Putin has given them that.
Historically, at least from the time of the Tatar conquests, Russia has considered itself a family, and the leader has been the stern and dependable parent. "The little father" was even the historic appellation for the czar. The Bolshevik revolution did nothing to change that except turn the old formula upside down. The working class became the rulers and the former elite became the ruled.
Stalin, the brutish "man of steel," became "the little father," the reincarnation of Ivan the Terrible, say some, who - fiendish despot that he was - nevertheless gave them stability and a sense of pride. They were for the most part happy.
In truth, the vast majority of Russians are happy to see the return of the "little father" in the form of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The rock of Gibraltar, the stern Big Daddy who must sometimes punish as well as reward, who is returning stability and a sense of pride.
A recent poll showed that 59% approve of Putin's administration and about the same number would like for the constitution to be changed so he can remain czar.
"I really like our president," announced my new boyfriend Alex out of the blue while sitting in the courtyard yesterday. "He's a great man, and he knows just how our country should be ruled."
Alex is no genius. But he was speaking the mind of the Russian people.
Except for a few liberal reformers, Russians laugh at the chidings and tut-tuts of Bush and Cheney. "America should mind its own business," they say.
My friend Andrei in St. Petersburg, a student of international affairs, goes so far as to say each country has its own freedom, and Russia is not ready for the Western version.
"Freedom is not compatible with our culture," he says.
And as for backsliding on democracy, Putin put it in the proper context recently when he said Bush should cast the beam out of his own eye before trying to cast the mote out of his neighbor's.
With the great American democratic experiment visibly sliding to collapse, and with such "democratic" models as Guantanamo and Al Ghraib, the Russian charge of American hypocrisy rings uncomfortably true. America is no longer credible.
By and large, Russians are quite happy with the progress they are making under Putin. While in many respects, Russia is still an undeveloped country, per capita gross domestic product has risen under Putin from $500 to $4,500 - though mostly from oil; poverty rolls have nearly halved from 42 million to 26 million; college grads have grown by 50%, and a middle class is emerging in the nation's cities.
Patriotism and tradition are vastly more important to Russians than democracy or freedom. In fact, mention democracy and you'll hear "been there, did that."
And that's the tragedy. The so-called democracy of Yeltsin was not democracy at all. Russians have not tasted democracy. And thanks to their bitter memories, may never.
My Russian friend Sasha, a doctoral student of chemistry now studying in America, calls his native country a "failed state." And it probably is. Teachers and doctors are paid appallingly. The medical system is an embarrassment. The bureaucracy is stifling and counterproductive. Domestic industrialization is still stunted - almost everything is imported.
Many predict Putin's reversion to autocracy and curbing of freedoms will ultimately bring down the clumsy government. It probably will.
But in the meantime, Russians aren't looking that far ahead. They're doing just fine with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, thank you. Their "little father" is looking after them.
Russians are no more "seething" under their yoke and waiting for a democratic state to liberate them than were the hapless Iraqis of three years ago.
And they don't need advice from America. In fact, they have a little advice of their own:
"Mind your own business! And while you're at it, clean up your own sordid mess!"
Note: The author, Dieter Hall, is an ex-pat former American journalist and author now teaching in a Moscow university. He is writing this column under an assumed name.
Copyright 2006 by GLINN Media Corporation, Key West, FL. This column is free to use. This weekly column is available for syndication. Email dan@gaydata.com for more information. Online usage requires the entire column be used including this copyright notice.
071806
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070806
Marianne Puechl
Rainbow Wedding Network Magazine
866-251-1564
rwnmar@bellsouth.net
http://www.RainbowWeddingNetworkMagazine.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2006
NY and GA Court Rulings Strengthen and Intensify the Fight for GLBT Marriage and Family Equality
Asheville, NC- According to the Los Angeles Times "the gay-marriage movement suffered two major defeats on the state level Thursday, as Georgia's Supreme Court upheld an amendment banning the unions, and New York's highest court ruled that its state constitution did not grant same-sex couples the right to wed." However, Cindy Sproul and Marianne Puechl, co-founders of Rainbow Wedding Network Magazine and RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, believe the defeats are a call to arms for the GLBT community and its allies. "These decisions are certainly a setback no one can deny," states Sproul, "but we see every day how these situations strengthen and intensify our community's commitment to protecting our families and our civil rights as citizens of this country."
Sproul and Puechl have been leaders in the same-sex wedding industry since 1999. Inspired by their own personal journey as partners the two women began http://www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com to help GLBT friendly wedding professionals connect with same-sex couples interested in having commitment ceremonies throughout the United States. The website currently has over 4500 vendors listed throughout the nation and in Canada. "Long before 'gay marriage' was in the spotlight same-sex couples have publicly acknowledged their relationships with ceremonies and celebrations," says Puechl. "Legally recognized or not, same-sex couples will continue to have long term relationships and to raise children."
Since the release of the New York and Georgia rulings marriage equality and GLBT rights organizations across the nation have announced their dedication to the protection of GLBT civil rights and families. "As a community we are not going to back down," adds Sproul. "Now is the time for likeminded factions to take real action personally, professionally and financially." "It is time Americans who believe in freedom and equality, the principles our country was founded on, take a stand," continues Puechl. "We urge everyone to think carefully about where and how they spend their money this year. We can utilize our power in so many vital ways, through volunteering, contributing and through the green of our day-to-day purchasing power. We absolutely must support one another and reject all forms of discrimination." The New York ruling comes after the recent, high profile gay bashing of Kevin Aviance in the Village.
Rainbow Wedding Network plans to continue its efforts within the GLBT marriage and family equality sector both online and in print and its production of the national Same Love, Same Rights™ GLBT Wedding and Family Expos. For more information visit http://www.RainbowWeddingNetworkMagazine.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2006
Marianne Puechl
Rainbow Wedding Network Magazine
866-251-1564
rwnmar@bellsouth.net
http://www.RainbowWeddingNetworkMagazine.com
070406
Community sharply divided on tactics
Moscow Gays Survived Parade By Not Getting Involved
- - - - -
When rain, skinheads, cops, politicians, and the Russian orthodox church aborted Moscow's first-ever gay parade this past May, it was widely reported as a defeat for Moscow's gays.
But that's not exactly true. It was a defeat for gay rights, but it did not come as a blow to the majority of Moscow gays.
This was not an event widely supported by the gay community. Only 100 or so gays actually showed up, and many of them were foreigners who had come to attend a two day session on homophobia in Russia commemorating the 13th anniversary of the legalization of homosexuality. The gay march was to be the capstone event.
The marching gays were far outnumbered by skinheads, Russian Orthodox "christians," and cops. But if you go to one of the city's gay nightclubs, you'd swear half the city is gay. Why did so few of them materialize on the streets of Moscow to support their cause?
First of all, the gay community did not have a big investment in this spectacle. In fact, it was organized by a non-gay, whom many suspected was using the event to build his own reputation and career as an organizer.
Most gays had been cool-to-hostile to the idea of applying for a city hall permit to hold a gay parade in the first place, and had been relieved when Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov denied it.
Gay bookstore owner Ed Mishin, for example, told an interviewer ahead of the event that "the parade won't bring anything but unwanted attention to gays."
Most Moscow gays actually opposed it, he said. "We think there are other ways to fight homophobia in this society."
To those who favor confrontation as the best means for advancing the civil rights - of gays, people of color, women, whatever -- this sounds like a cop-out.
But would these confrontationists also suggest a parade in Tehran or Riyadh to advance the rights of Muslim gays in Iran or Saudi Arabia?
The overwhelming reason gays don't want to call attention to themselves in Moscow is essentially the same reason Muslim gays don't want to call attention to themselves: rampant homophobia. A gay parade would be counterproductive, Moscow gays contend, and would risk intensifying public antagonism against them and perhaps reviving laws banning homosexuality altogether. Or worse.
Confrontation works where there's widespread community support for the rights of the oppressed group - like the gays at Stonewall in NYC. It doesn't work when most of the community is complicit in the oppression.
There's also the matter of personal safety and survival - both physical and professional.
Russia is steeped in tradition, superstition, and religion. The Russian Orthodox Church, the Muslim religion, and even the tiny Russian protestant community are colored by the homophobia of the Old Testament.
When one of my ex-boyfriends, who had been "converted" from Orthodoxy to the Baptist protestant denomination, first arrived from Vladikafkaz in the Caucuses, he devoutly believed that -- although he couldn't change his sexuality -- he was nevertheless doomed to "everlasting hell" for "lying with men" in contravention of the Old Testament laws.
Russia is governed more by tradition than anything else, and there is no accepted tradition of being gay, although Tatanya Mamonovna, a Soviet exiled women's rights advocate now living in America, insists that at least two of Russia's greatest rulers -- Peter the Great and Catherine the Great -- were bisexual.
Even so, homosexuality was forbidden throughout the czarist era and remained outlawed until Yeltsin legalized it in 1993. Nobody knows how many thousands or tens of thousands of gays were executed or died in Stalin's labor camps.
Although homosexuality is now legal, a strong social taboo remains. Gay Russians live in constant fear that family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues might discover they're gay. Outing could cost them their jobs, their place in the university, and perhaps even their families and homes. That is another reason so few showed up for the parade. They couldn't afford the luxury of being publicly identified.
"I know many people whose bosses found out, and they were fired," says my roommate, the former Baptist convert.
Some -- especially those in the provinces and in some former Soviet republics -- are thrown out by their families and become homeless nomads in Moscow, seeking work or more likely a "sponsor," an older man who, in return for sex, will take them in and support them.
I myself must keep my own gay identity under wraps. I am writing this column under a pseudonym. I teach at a public school, a professional academy, and a university, and if I were unveiled as gay at any of them, I would unquestionably lose my position - and perhaps ultimately my visa.
The prevailing attitude of even the most broadminded and liberal Muscovite seems to be, "I'm not against homosexuals, but let them keep to their clubs and quit trying to impose themselves into the lives of ordinary people. Let them do what they want - privately. But not on the streets of Moscow!"
My relatively open-minded student Anton has a four-year-old son whom he doesn't want exposed to "this unnatural way of life. I don't have anything against gays," he says, "but they should stay in their clubs. They have no business having a parade on the streets of Moscow. It's immoral."
There's also the matter of personal safety.
On two different nights a couple of weeks before the gay parade, groups of skinheads and Russian Orthodox Church members united to converge on two Moscow clubs, one of which, "The Three Monkeys," was gay; but the other was simply staging a special evening for lesbians.
Bussed-in babushkas and their priest, armed with Orthodox icons, joined forces with a small army of skinheads to harass and intimidate the two locales.
The special event for lesbians had to be cancelled, and several gays were injured at the Three Monkeys.
A year or two ago, my ex-boyfriend Dima from Nizhniy Novgorod was exiting "Chance" gay club after a night of drinking and dancing when he was set on and beaten by a band of skinheads. He avoided a repetition of the same fate as he was approaching a gay club about the time of the gay parade only by insisting that he wasn't going to the club, that he lived in the neighborhood.
Even more intimidating than the Russian Orthodox Church are the Muslims, who represent a significant percentage of the Russian population and whose prescribed punishment for homosexuality - as recurrent headlines attest -- is beheading.
The chief Muslim authority in the Nizhniy Novgorod region urged Muslims to "stone gays if and when they march"; and the head Muslim honcho for all of Russia declared that all "normal people, both Muslims and Russian Orthodox," should beat gay people if they come out to march.
And that 's exactly what happened when a handful of gay activists defied the parade ban and came out on that rainy Saturday afternoon to demonstrate for gay rights. One of the beating victims turned out to be a lawmaker of the German Bundestag, Volker Beck, whom a young ultranationalist boasted of punching in the face "because I'm a normal Russian guy."
He was "just combining work and pleasure," he told the Moscow Times: beating faggots while hanging out with his pals.
The plan for the unapproved march was to lay flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier just outside the Kremlin wall, then to march up Tverskaya Blvd., Moscow's main drag, to the statue of Moscow founder Igor Dolgoruky for a ceremony.
When police locked the gates leading to the tomb site, the flowers were instead laid at the gate. Anti-gay protesters stomped and crushed the flowers and pelted gays with eggs and tomatoes, shouting "Death to fags," and "fags out of Russia."
In a speech at the base of the Dolgoruky monument, Russian lawmaker Nikolai Kuryanovich, of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party, excoriated the "gay mafia" as "fit for rotting America or dying Europe."
After going on to defend the use of the nazi salute and remind that homosexuality was once a crime in Russia, he led the anti-gay protestors in a chant of "Gays and lesbians to Kolyma," the notorious Soviet labor camp.
In a homophobic tirade the following week, Mayor Luzhkov bragged that the evil homosexuals: "got thrashed."
The tomb of the unknown soldier "may not be a church," he declared, "but it is a state and national altar," and gays' attempt to place flowers at its eternal flame was the "desecration of a holy place."
"They broke through" the barriers, "and of course they got thrashed."
I personally chickened out of making a statement with my body out of fear both for my physical safety and of getting arrested and ultimately kicked out of Russia. This would not be a good career move, I reasoned.
Even if I had wanted to turn my body into a bulletin board for gay rights, I wouldn't have been able to. I didn't find out where the event was taking place until I saw the cops beating heads on TV. Gay sites had purposely held off on giving the information till an hour or two before the march to try to protect the participants. It obviously didn't work.
Some lay the blame for the debacle directly at Luzhkov's homophobic feet, pointing out that the less populous and more provincial Ekaterinburg has had a gay parade for the past two years without incident.
But others point out that Luzhkov does not lead his electorate. He follows. And when he denied the permit you can be sure that he knew that that's what the overwhelming number of his Muscovites wanted. He is homophobic because the population is homophobic.
There's one humorous footnote to the unhappy event: Gays standing at the sidelines under rainbow-colored umbrellas were not accosted. The anti's haven't yet caught on that the six-colored rainbow is the symbol of gay liberation.
Note: The author, Dieter Hall, is an ex-pat former American journalist and author now teaching in a Moscow university. He is writing this column under an assumed name.
This column is copyright 2006 by GLINN Media Corporation. This column is free to use without charge. Online use requires that the entire article be used with this notice. This is a free sample of syndicated series of inside reporting from Moscow with a gay perspective. For more information on this column and syndication rates/rights email dan@gaydata.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dave Macey, dmacey@bigfrontier.com
(312) 224-8546
Independent Forensics releases first test to measure human genetic resistance to HIV
New test provides unprecedented personal health knowledge
Chicago - June 26, 2006: Independent Forensics, the nations leading independent forensics laboratory, has developed the world's first test to determine human genetic resistance to HIV. The test can determine if a person is a fast, neutral or slow progressor to AIDS after HIV infection. Results of the test can help individuals affected with HIV determine how quickly the virus will likely cause disease and, with a medical professional decided how aggressive of treatment they should pursue.
The test, which measures the genetics of CCR5 receptors on t-cells uses a simple 'buccal swab' collection procedure which can be done at home. Test results are available in three weeks. CCR5 is the primary HIV receptor in t-cells and persons contain varying amounts of the receptors on their t-cells based on their genetics. The fewer available CCR5 receptors an individual has the more likely they will have a slow progression to AIDS when infected with HIV-1.
"We believe the CCR5 Halotype Test is one of the most important things an individual with HIV can do to help in their treatment. It is part of our philosophy to 'Know Thyself', knowing your own genetic makeup will help everyone make informed and healthy life decisions," says Jack Keehma, CEO of Independent Forensics.
"The development of the CCR5 Halotype Test really puts us on the shoulders of giants," says Karl Reich Chief Scientific Officer, Independent Forensics, "Years of studies by internationally recognized HIV experts have proven the importance of CCR5 receptors in determining HIV progression levels".
Individuals interested in the CCR5 Halotype test should contact Independent Forensics at (866) 434-2400 or ccr5@ifi-test.com. Or visit www.ifi-test.com/basepair/ for more information.
# # #
About Independent Forensics
Independent Forensics is a leading DNA research and analysis laboratory with a scientific team that includes 5 Ph.D.s and 2 M.S. level forensic scientists. Independent Forensics' scientific group has over 60 combined years experience in DNA and related scientific fields. Independent Forensics' services include paternity, immigration, CODIS data basing, convicted offender, casework, expert witness testimony and product development for the forensic community including SampleTrak software and the Rapid-Stain Identification tests for Saliva and Semen. Accreditations include: Forensic Quality Services – ISO/IEC 17025, American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), New York State Department of Health (NYDOH) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). Proficiency Testing is administered by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). www.IFI-TEST.com (866) 434-2400 Toll free.
Dave Macey
Main: (312) 238-9308 Direct: (312) 224-8546 Cell: (773) 401-8852 Fax: (312) 602-2450
BIGfrontier Communications Group
600 W. Van Buren Suite 507A Chicago, IL 60607
www.bigfrontier.com
Producers of the BIG Idea Breakfast Events
Winner: 2006 PCC Golden Trumpet; 2006, 2003 League of Professional Communicators award of excellence; 2003, 2004 BMA Tower Awards
062806
Contact: Brian J. Stephens
802.380.8455 (mobile)
bjstephens@TrueAzimuth.biz
http://NavigatingTogether.info
True Azimuth, LLC
1098 Wild Hill Road
Fairlee, VT 05045
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Relationship Course for Gay Couples
True Azimuth, LLC announced today a 3-day adventure-based course for gay
couples. The course, which will be held in the mountains of Vermont, takes
place Thursday August 28 - Saturday September 1. Scott Graham,
personal/executive coach, described the course as "an opportunity for
couples to learn about themselves and each other while developing a
framework for success and sustainability in their relationship."
Highlights of the course include helping couples: make better decisions for
themselves and their relationship, become more intimate with each other,
increase awareness of personal dynamics, identify core values and create a
framework to establish balance between home, work, and play.
Couples will be involved in orienteering, adventure-based problem solving
exercises, trust activities, a solo reflection experience, and an open fire
cooking challenge based upon the excavated kitchen set ups used during the
Revolutionary War.
One of the real bonuses of the course is a pre-course DiSC assessment and a
complimentary post-course coaching session. The DiSC assessment is a
questionaire, the results of which will help couples understand their own
behavior, learn how and when to adapt their behavior, improve communication,
promote appreciation of differences and reduce conflict. "As a life coach I
work with individuals and couples to help them get more out of life. This
course offers an opportunity for a couple to jumpstart that experience,"
Graham said.
"While we will be learning a lot we will also have a whole lot of fun," said
Graham. The course is being co-led by Brian Stephens, Graham's partner of
17 years. Planned discussion topics include: communication, strategies to
a strong personal foundation, what is really causing problems, how to have a
balanced life, self-care, sexuality, values and integrity.
The course is limited to 6 couples to insure quality time and effectiveness
of the experience.
For more information about the course and to register, go to
http://NavigatingTogether.info or email Brian Stephens at
bjstephens@TrueAzimuth.biz.
True Azimuth, LLC is a life coaching service started by G. Sott Graham to
help clients "get their bearings and get going". Services include: personal
coaching, business coaching, adventure-based activities and personal growth
/ learning tools.
###
062406
Catherine R. Laporte - (516) 593-5045 or catzmusicmgt@aol.com
Photo avail and included at bottom of email.
Onsite Day of Event interviews available. Lyrics to "I AM" (the rising) included.
To hear song, go to www.taborah.com (music)
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MEDIA ALERT
* HERITAGE OF PRIDE - PRIDEFEST
STAGEFEST PERFORMANCE
featuring
TABORAH
MEDIA ALERT
SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH - 2006
STAGEFEST - 6:00 PM
New York City
EVENT LOCATION
Inconjunction with the Pride Parade - Pride Fest can be found at Greenwich and Washington Sts. Between Christopher and Spring Streets from 11:00 am -10:00 pm. STAGEFEST - The entertainment stage is located at Greenwich and Clark Streets. DJ from 1pm - 3pm. LIVE intertainment from 3pm - 8pm. The events are free to the public. Stagefest is co-hosted by radio station, 103.5 KTU. For more information regarding Taborah, visit her website at www.taborah.com
For more about Pride Fest and directions visit
Heritage of Pride at www.hopinc.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TABORAH
BRINGS HER PRIDE ANTHEM "I AM (THE RISING) TO
THE HERITAGE OF PRIDE produced STAGE FEST
in the heart of PRIDE FEST
SUNDAY - JUNE 25th * Performance Time: 6:00 pm.
New York, New York, June 21, 2006 – Six octave dance floor diva and BMI songwriter, Taborah returns to New York City for The Heritage of Pride produced StageFest with her smash Billboard Club Dance hit and Pride Anthem of Life which remained on the Billboard Charts for 16 weeks, "I AM" (the rising), and her new single, All I Gave To You 2006, on Sunday, June 25th at Pride Fest (at the base of the internationally acclaim, Heritage of Pride March/Parade). PrideFest is in conjunction with the annual New York City Heritage of Pride March and Parade and is a 4 in 1 entertainment bananaza where Parade revelers can find the best in art, vendors, and family friendly entertainment for GBLT's and GBLT friendly folks who live, visit and work in New York City! Stage Fest features entertainment for the hip, young and proud! This once a year, Dance Block Party features a live DJ from 1pm til 3pm with entertainment from 3pm til 8 pm. Taborah will perform with live backing vocals and dancers and her 6:00 pm show is not to be missed!
Catz Entertainment recording artist, and BMI songwriter, Taborah
Taborah, a Long Island native has been busy on the road promoting her 2nd USA single release, All I Gave To You '06, which is a follow up to her mega-Billboard hit, I AM (the rising). Just released on indi label, Catz Entertainment, her new single hits the Billboard charts this week and is sure to surpass the success found on her first USA single, I AM (the rising). "I AM" (the rising) has become a Pride Anthem and its catchy lyrics are inspirational. The club floor favorite rose to the Top 5 and stayed on the Billboard Dance Club charts for 16 weeks. I Am (the rising) also became the reining tip-off song for the WNBA New York Liberty 2005 season. Taborah's 'I AM" (the rising) lyrics were also chosen by the Long Island Gay & Lesbian Youth Prom Committee as the official theme concept
for the 2006 alternative Prom.
Taborah, formerly of Euro-Pop group Blackwood is no stranger to the record charts having received a FIMI Award, Italy's equivalent to the US Grammy Award with number singles on the Billboard World Charts, Hit Parade and IMusica e Dische, and video's on MTV Europe in the 90's. Hot from an inspirational performance which kicked off New York Pride Week in Bryant Park at the Heritage of Pride Rally, Taborah says, "I am thrilled to come back to StageFest. It's such a great day of rememberance, and celebration! I could think of no other place I would rather be and look forward to seeing everyone on Parade Day! It is so important to remember to continue to strive for equal rights, and Stage Fest is a great day to get that message out in a fun and entertaining way!
--end--
For interviews or Taborah music for review contact:
Catherine R. Laporte - (516) 241-1510 or (516) 593-5045.
catzmusicmgt@aol.com
ww.taborah.com
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Lyrics
TABORAH
I AM (the rising)
T. Adams (BMI) / Worldvision (BMI)
(and I am...yes, I am) - ooooooh oooooh oooooh
Verse
Momma told me all my life
Just how a girl is supposed to be
I never looked inside myself to find my own identity
Well, I've been searching and I have found, life's reality
I'm gonna make my own set of rules and
Be just who I want to be
Chorus
And I AM
Making all my choices
I control my destiny
Yes, I AM
I'm gonna do it my way
Following what feels good to me
And I AM...
I'm making all my choices,
I control my destiny
(Yes, I AM)
I'm gonna do it my way
I'm following what feels good to me
And I AM...and I AM...and I AM (and I am)
Verse
Like a bird let out of a cage
I'm finally feeling free to fly
I found happiness in my life
The smile on my face will verify
Well I've been searchin' and I have found life's reality
I'm gonna make my own set of rules and
Be just who I want to be
And I AM...I'm making my own choices
I control my destiny
Yes I AM...Im gonna do things my way
following what feels good to me
(2 times)
And I am, And I am and I am and I am…And I am
I've been searchin' and I have found life's reality
I'm gonna make my own set of rules and
Be just who I want to be
And I AM, making my own choices
I control my destiny
And I AM
I'm gonna do things my way following what feels good to me
(I AM breakout)
And I AM, And I Am, Yes I Am, Yes I AM, And I Am
062206
Press contact:
Carolyn Coal
carolyn@medialicious.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2006