N.J. Governor Makes Civil Unions Official DON`T DRINK AND DRIVE

Transcription

http://www.tucsonobserver.com
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
N.J. Governor Makes
Civil Unions Official
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signs legislation Dec. 21 legalizing civil
unions in the state
TRENTON, New Jersey Governor, John Corzine signed legislation Thursday (Dec. 21) giving samesex couples all the rights and
responsibilities of marriage allowed
under state law — but not the title,
reported the Associated Press on the
PlanetOut Network.
couples in the eyes of the federal
government because of 1996 law that
defines marriage as between a man
and a woman. Gay partners won’t be
able to collect deceased partners’
Social Security benefits, for example,
said family lawyer Felice T. Londa, who
represents many same-sex couples.
When the law goes into effect
Feb. 19, 2007, New Jersey will become
the third state offering civil unions to
same-sex couples and the fifth allowing them some version of marriage.
Connecticut and Vermont also offer
civil unions for same-sex couples,
while Massachusetts allows same-sex
couples to marry, and California has
domestic partnerships that confer
marriage rights under state law.
Donna Harrison of Asbury
Park, who has been with her partner,
Continued on Page Six
“We must recognize that many
Gay and Lesbian couples in New
Jersey are in committed relationships
and deserve the same benefits and
rights as every other family in this
state,” Gov. Jon S. Corzine said in
signing the legislation.
The Legislature passed the
civil unions bill Dec. 14 in response to a
state Supreme Court order that samesex couples be granted the same rights
as married couples. The court in
October gave lawmakers six months to
act but left it to them to decide whether
to call the unions “marriage” or
something else.
Gay and Lesbian couples
welcomed the civil unions law, but
some argued that not calling the
relationship “marriage” created a
different, inferior institution.
The civil unions law grants
same-sex couples adoption, inheritance, hospital visitation and medical
decision-making rights and the right
not to testify against a partner in state
court. They won’t, however, be entitled
to the same benefits as married
ISSUE 1171
Poll: Majority Of Troops Would
Welcome G/L Soldiers
SANTA BARBARA, California
- Three-out-of-four members of the
military who are serving in Iraq or
recently returned home say they don’t
care if someone in their unit is Gay
according to a poll released Tuesday
(Dec. 19) by Zogby International,
reported the Associated Press on the
PlanetOut Network. They also said
that if the military allowed Gays to
server openly it would have had no
effect on their decision to enlist.
Zogby polled 545 troops
between Oct. 24 and 26 who served in
Iraq and Afghanistan. The survey was
designed in conjunction with the
Michael D. Palm Center at the
University of California, Santa Barbara. It has a margin of error of plus or
minus 4.3 percentage points. The poll
also found that nearly one in four U.S.
troops say they know for sure that
someone in their unit is Gay or
Lesbian, and of those 59% said they
learned about the person’s sexual
orientation directly from the individual.
More than half of the troops
who know a Gay peer said the
presence of Gays or Lesbians in their
unit is well known by others despite the
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that bars
Gays from acknowledging publicly
that they are Gay. Of those who said
they do not know or suspect anyone in
their unit of being Gay nearly half said
they would not care if they discovered a
fellow trooper were homosexual.
“Today’s poll is one more nail
in the coffin of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’”
said C. Dixon Osburn, executive
director of Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network. “Those who defend
the law have argued that openly Gay
personnel harm military readiness.
This research highlights the absurdity
of such a hypothesis. Not only are
there more than 65,000 Lesbians and
Gays serving in the armed forces, but
many are serving openly.
Their
straight colleagues are just fine with
that At a time when our fighting forces
are stretched thin and leaders are
calling for the recruitment of more
troops, it is time for Congress to do
away with this archaic law.”
Since the ban on Gays serving
openly was implemented a decade ago
more than 11,000 men and women
have been dismissed under “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” according to the
Government Accountability Office. The
number of Gays and Lesbians who
have attempted to enlist and rejected
because they said they were Gay is not
known. A study conducted last year for
the Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network concluded that the U.S.
military could attract as many as
41,000 new recruits if Gays and
Lesbians in the military were able to be
open about their sexual orientation.
Congressman Marty Meehan
(D-MA) will re-introduce The Military
Readiness Enhancement Act, which
would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
and allow Gays to serve openly, when
Congress reconvenes in 2007. The bill
died at the end of the last Congress
after the Republican leadership tied it
up in committee. “These new data
prove that thousands of Gay and
Lesbian servicemembers are already
deployed overseas and are integrated,
important members of their units. It is
long past time to strike down “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” and create a new policy
that allows Gays and Lesbians to serve
openly,” Meehan said on Tuesday.
The Zogby poll is the latest in a
series of polls and public statements
indicating readiness for a chance in
policy. A 2004 Annenberg poll found
that a majority of junior enlisted
personnel favor allowing Gays to serve
openly, up from 13% in other polls from
1993. Among the general public,
Gallup has found 79 percent support
for repealing the Gay ban. A recent
Boston Globe poll also found that a
majority of conservatives and regular
church-goers favor repeal.
DON’T DRINK
AND DRIVE
DECEMBER 27, 2006
PAGE TWO
WEEKLY OBSERVER
PFLAG Tucson
Meeting Jan. 3
‘Talk Of The Town’
January 4 - 14
TUCSON - Arizona Onstage
Productions, for its first production for
2007 will be presenting “Talk of the
Town,” Jan. 4 - 14, 2007, at the Zuzi
Theater, 738 N. 5th Avenue.
This highly acclaimed oneman tour-de-force written by Paul
Bonin-Rodriguez tells the story of
Johnny Hobson, a 15-year-old boy
growing up in a small Texas town in
the early 1990s.
Obsessed with Princess
Diana, the Judds and working at the
local Dairy Queen, Johnny discovers
conflict with the community and family
because he “runs like a girl.” Between
cookin’ up Belt Busters and Christian
Steak Finger Baskets and dealing with
the pressures from the community, his
discovery of sexual identity and
orientation is explored in this funny,
touching and timely show that is “fall
out of your chair laughing, reaching for
a Kleenex the next moment, documentation of life affirmation” – Austin
Chronicle.
There’s never a dull moment
in Cedar Springs, Texas, as Johnny
experiences encounters with Ladybird
Johnson and her C.I.A. agents,
zealous preachers who try to “make
him right,” school kids who taunt him
for being a “sissy” and a set of ceramic
head-bobbing poodles that help him
find meaning to life as it is and the
possibilities of change in the future
Tickets for the “Talk” are $15
general admission, $12 student/
teacher/senior and for the special
matinee performance, Friday, Jan. 12,
$6 for students and $8 for adults.
Sponsored in part by The Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and
Straight Alliance through The Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.
Running Time: 85 minutes with no
intermission. Rating PG – 13. For
tickets, call (520) 882-6574 or go
online to arizonaonstage.org.
Prop. 107 Aftermath
Forum January 6
TUCSON - A debriefing and
next steps discussion about Proposition 107 will take place, Saturday,
Jan. 6, 2007, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at the Ward 6 Council Office, 3202
East 1st Street (one block south of
Speedway Blvd and one block east
of Country Club Road (behind the
Rumrunner/ Dish parking lot) in the
former TPD Midtown substation
building.
Bring yourselves, your energy, ideas and any leftover holiday
snacks you want to unload.
To RSVP or for more
information,
E-mail:
[email protected].
AGRA Road Runner
Regional Rodeo
Jan. 12-14
PHOENIX - The Arizona Gay
Rodeo Association (AGRA) will be
hosting the annual Road Runner
Regional Rodeo, Jan. 12 - 14 at
Rawhide Western Town.
One of the most popular
rodeos on the International Gay
Rodeo Association circuit of events,
the Road Runner Regional raises
funds for LGBT non-profit groups and
organizations.
Fund raising is not the sole
purpose of the event, having fun,
meeting new people and the comradery
of fellow enthusiasts are major factors
as well. In addition to the rodeo, a
rodeo school, pool party and other
events and activities are scheduled
over the weekend. Rodeo tickets are
$15 each day (Saturday and Sunday)
and for a Weekend Pass: $25 for both
days. Children under 12 years of age
admitted free. These tickets will get
you into the rodeo solely, for ticket
prices for the other events and
happenings, visit the website at agraphx.com.
It is a very simple short drive
from Central Phoenix to Rawhide at
Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River
Indian Community. From Phoenix:
Take I-10 East to Wild Horse Pass
Boulevard (Exit 162), turn right on Wild
Horse Pass Boulevard and go about .6
mile to 48th Street (first traffic light),
turn left on 48th Street and go about .3
mile to the first stop sign and at the
stop sign, follow the signs for General
Parking or Contestant/Staff/VIP Vendor Parking. From Tucson: Take I-10
West to Wild Horse Pass Boulevard
(Exit 162), exit and then turn left; go
over I-10 continuing on Wild Horse
Pass Boulevard, go about .6 mile to
48th Street (first traffic light), turn left
on 48th Street and go about .3 mile to
the first stop sign and at the stop sign,
follow the signs for General Parking or
Contestant/Staff/VIP/Vendor Parking.
Parking is free. Entrance to the rodeo
venue is through the Rawhide Western Town.
Wingspan Holiday
Hours
TUCSON - Wingspan, Tucson and Southern Arizona’s Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community center, located at 425 E. 7th St.,
will have a limited holiday schedule.
As the center followed on
Monday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day),
Wingspan will be open on Monday,
Jan. 1, 2007 (New Year’s Day), from
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information, go
online to wingspan.org or call (520)
624-1779.
Douglas J. Newman, P.C.
A T T O R N E Y
A T
L A W
Corporations . Limited Liability Companies . General Business
Wills . Trusts . Estate & Estate Tax Planning . Probate
2650 North Country Club Road . Tucson, Arizona 85716
Phone 520-325-2053 . Fax 520-325-2274 . dougnewmanlaw.com
TUCSON - PFLAG (Parents &
Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Tucson’s next meeting will take place
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007 at the
offices of Residence Life in the El
Portal Building on the University of
Arizona campus on the northeast
corner of 6th Street and Highland.
Neil Schneider from Phoenix
will speak about his coming-out
process. Schneider’s moving and
compelling story are highly recommend.
For more information, go
online to pflafgtucson.org or call (520)
360-3795
or
E-mail:
[email protected]. Parents,
Families and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays (PFLAG) is a national support,
educational and advocacy organization. PFLAG was founded in 1981 by
25 parents. PFLAG is now very strong
and speaks for many thousands of
others. PFLAG affiliates, like the one
here in Tucson, are located in over
425 communities throughout the
United States, Canada, Puerto Rico,
and five other countries. PFLAG is a
tax-exempt non-profit organization
that is not affiliated with any political or
religious institution.
If you would like to contact
PFLAG, or want the address of the
chapter in another community, call
PFLAG Tucson, (520) 575-8660 and
leave a message, or contact us at
[email protected]. Other Arizona PFLAG chapters are listed on
this web site. If you want the address
of PFLAG in another city, you may
also contact PFLAG’s national headquarters in Washington, online at
pflag.org.
AHRF Seeks
Development
Director
PHOENIX - The Arizona
Human Rights Fund is seeking a
passionate, outgoing, experienced
Development Director to plan and
direct the fundraising activities of the
organization. The successful candidate will have a strong fundraising
track record and proven leadership
skills to ensure that funding is
available to support AHRF’s efforts to
secure equality for LGBT individuals
and families in Arizona. Key responsibilities include researching, organizing, implementing, and evaluating all
fundraising activities of the organization.
Qualifications: Five years of
experience in development and foundation major gift fundraising, including
a strong background in personal
solicitation and use of volunteers in
fundraising efforts.
Demonstrated
persuasion skills and good personal
gift solicitation record. Strong written
and verbal communications skills,
including grant writing experience.
Ability to deal pleasantly and effectively with donors, volunteers, staff
and diverse community groups and
key publics is a must. Knowledge of
local, state, and national philanthropic
community. Experience with marketing and media relations. Ability to
work cooperatively with diverse staff
and volunteers. Be able to work
flexible work as hours as required.
Computer knowledge of Microsoft
Office Suite —— is a must (preference
for eTapestry and Get Active software
experience as well).
For more details, see the
Development Director Position Announcement and the Development
Director Job Description on AHRF’s
website, ahrf.org. To apply, e-mail a
resume and cover letter to:
[email protected]; or mail to: Barbara
McCullough-Jones, Executive Director, Arizona Human Rights Fund and
Foundation, PO Box 25044, Phoenix,
AZ 85002. For more information, email
or call Barbara McCullough-Jones,
(620) 650-0900.
P.O
X 50733,
.O.. BO
BOX
TUCSON,, AZ 85703
TUCSON
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WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
PAGE THREE
In Their Own W
ords - Most Outrageous Comments Of 2006
Words
How extreme were conservative commentators in their remarks this
year? How about calls to nuke the
Middle East and an allegation that a
“Gay ... mafia” used the congressional
page program as its own “personal
preserve.” Right-wing rhetoric documented by Media Matters for America
included the nonsensical (including
Rush Limbaugh’s claim that America’s
“obesity crisis” is caused by, among
other things, our failure to “teach [the
poor] how to butcher a — slaughter a
cow to get the butter, we gave them the
butter”), the offensive (such as rightwing pundit Debbie Schlussel’s question about “Barack Hussein Obama”: is
he “a man we want as President when
we are fighting the war of our lives
against Islam? Where will his loyalties
be?”), and the simply bizarre (such as
William A. Donohue’s claim that some
Hollywood stars would “sodomize their
own mother in a movie”). Since there
were so many outrageous statements,
we included a list of honorable
mentions along with the top 11, which,
if not for Ann Coulter, we might have
limited to 10.
order):
The top 11 (in chronological
William A. Donohue, president
of the Catholic League for Religious
and Civil Rights: “Well, look, there are
people in Hollywood, not all of them,
but there are some people who are
nothing more than harlots. They will do
anything for the buck. They wouldn’t
care. If you asked them to sodomize
their own mother in a movie, they
would do so, and they would do it with
a smile on their face.” [2/9/06]
Fox News host John Gibson:
“Do your duty. Make more babies.
That’s a lesson drawn out of two
interesting stories over the last couple
of days. First, a story yesterday that
half of the kids in this country under five
years old are minorities. By far, the
greatest number are Hispanic. You
know what that means? Twenty-five
years and the majority of the popula-
tion is Hispanic. Why is that? Well,
Hispanics are having more kids than
others. Notably, the ones Hispanics
call ‘gabachos’ — white people — are
having fewer.” [5/11/06]
Right-wing pundit Ann Coulter
on The New York Times’ decision to
report on the Bush administration’s
warrantless domestic wiretapping
program and a Treasury Department
financial transaction tracking program: The Times had done “something that could have gotten them
executed, certainly did get [Julius and
Ethel] Rosenberg[] executed.” [7/12/
06]
Coulter responding to
Hardball host Chris Matthews’ question, “How do you know that [former
President] Bill Clinton’s Gay?”: “I
don’t know if he’s Gay. But [former
Vice President] Al Gore — total fag.”
[7/27/06]
Nationally syndicated radio
host Michael Savage: “That’s why the
department store dummy named Wolf
Blitzer, a Jew who was born in Israel,
will do the astonishing act of being the
type that would stick Jewish children
into a gas chamber to stay alive
another day. He’s probably the most
despicable man in the media next to
Larry King, who takes a close runnerup by the hair of a nose. The two of
them together look like the type that
would have pushed Jewish children
into the oven to stay alive one more
day to entertain the Nazis.” [8/7/06]
Coulter on Rep. Maxine
Waters (D-CA), an African-American:
“Congresswoman Maxine Waters had
parachuted into Connecticut earlier in
the week to campaign against [Sen.
Joseph I.] Lieberman because he
once expressed reservations about
affirmative action, without which she
would not have a job that didn’t
involve wearing a paper hat. Waters
also considers Joe ‘soft’ on the issue
of the CIA inventing crack cocaine
and AIDS to kill all the black people
in America.” [8/9/06]
Nationally syndicated radio
host Rush Limbaugh, blaming
America’s “obesity crisis” on “the
left,” “liberal government,” and “food
stamps”: “Because we are sympathetic, we are compassionate people,
we have responded by letting our
government literally feed these
people to the point of obesity. At
least here in America, didn’t teach
them how to fish, we gave them the
fish. Didn’t teach them how to
butcher a — slaughter a cow to get
the butter, we gave them the butter.
The real bloat here, as we know, is in
— is in government.” [8/29/06]
Coulter on Sen. Lincoln
Chafee (R-RI): “They Shot the
Wrong Lincoln.” [8/30/06]
Conservative pundit and
former Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan: “Look, [Rep.
Jim] Kolbe [R-AZ] is Gay. He is an
out-of-the-closet Gay. [Rep. Mark]
Foley [R-FL] was Gay. The House
clerk who was in charge of the
pages [Jeff Trandahl] was Gay.
Foley’s administrative assistant, Mr.
[Kirk] Fordham, The New York
Times tell us, was Gay. You hear
about a lot of others. What’s going
on here, Joe [Scarborough, MSNBC
host], is basically these, this little
mafia in there looked upon the
pages, I guess, as their — sort of their
personal preserve. And it stinks to
high heaven what was done. And it
stinks to high heaven that it was not
exposed and these types of people,
thrown out by the Republican Party.”
[10/9/06]
CNN Headline News host
Glenn Beck to Rep.-elect Keith
Ellison (D-MN): “OK. No offense,
and I know Muslims. I like Muslims.
... With that being said, you are a
Democrat. You are saying, ‘Let’s cut
and run.’ And I have to tell you, I
have been nervous about this interview
with you, because what I feel like saying
is, ‘Sir, prove to me that you are not
working with our enemies.’ “ [11/14/06]
Right-wing pundit Debbie
Schlussel on Sen. Barack Obama (DIL): So, even if he identifies strongly as a
Christian ... is a man who Muslims think
is a Muslim, who feels some sort of
psychological need to prove himself to
his absent Muslim father, and who is
now moving in the direction of his
father’s heritage, a man we want as
President when we are fighting the war
of our lives against Islam? Where will his
loyalties be?” [12/18/06]
PAGE FOUR
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
What Is Reveille?
TUCSON (ON) - Reveille is
Tucson’s only Gay men’s chorus
dedicated to achieving artistic excellence in the tradition of men’s choral
music. But if you think Reveille are
we’re just a bunch of guys standing
around singing, think again! They
pride themselves on producing exciting, thought-provoking, inspiring and
entertaining productions while promoting a positive image of Gay men in
southern Arizona.
Reveille Tucson Gay Men’s
Chorus is a community chorus made
up of Gay and Gay-supportive men
reaching out to the greater Tucson
community through song. The chorus
is always looking for new members
and rehearse every Thursday from
7:00 to 10:00 p.m., at The Historic Y,
located at 300 E. University Blvd.
For the chorus, their goals are
to: Be widely known for artistic
excellence in the performance of male
chorus repertoire drawn from all
genres; present entertaining concerts
and shows that are enjoyable, exciting, inspiring and thought provoking;
have a loyal, diverse, and growing
audience throughout Southern Arizona and beyond; promote human
rights and reduce homophobia through
our performances; provide a safe,
accepting, and supportive environment for members’ personal and
artistic growth and to function as a
successful arts organization committed to long-term development and
growth. Linus Lerner is Reveille’s
Artistic Director.
Born in Brazil, Linus Lerner is
pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in
Orchestral Conducting at University of
Arizona. He earned a B.M. Degree at
the Federal University of Rio Grande
do Sul, a M.M. degree in Voice
Performance at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincin-
nati, and a M.M. degree in Orchestral
Conducting at Florida State University. Mr. Lerner, who has performed as
a singer in many operas and concerts
in the United States, Italy and Brazil,
has received awards in Competitions
such as The Neyde Thomas International Voice Competition, The Porto
Alegre Symphony Orchestra Voice
Competition and The Miami University
Concerto Competiton. Mr. Lerner has
conducted choirs and instrumental
groups in the United States, the Czech
Republic, Bulgaria and Brazil including serving as guest Conductor on
three occasions with the Porto Alegre
Symphony Orchestra in his hometown
Porto Alegre. He was associate
conductor of the Tallahassee Symphony Youth Orchestra and assistant
conductor of the Florida State University Orchestras. In April 2001 he
conducted the American Premier of
the Opera Procedura Penale by
Luciano Chailly in Tallahassee, FL. In
2002 he conducted performances of
the opera Le Nozze di Figaro, with the
symphony orchestras of Karlovy Vary
and Hadrec Kralove in the Czech
Republic. Last year he conducted
Carmen and Don Giovanni in Plovdiv,
Bulgaria.
Besides his work with Reveille Tucson Gay Men’s Chorus, Linus
Lerner serves as assistant conductor
of the UA Symphony Orchestra and
Opera Theatre, is co-conductor of the
UA Philharmonic Orchestra and is
music director of the Church of The
Painted Hills Choir.
If you wish to contact Linus
Lerner, Artistic Director, please send
an
e-mail
to
[email protected]. For more
information,
go
online
to
reveillegmc.com, call (520) 304-1758
or
e-mail
at
[email protected].
Paparazzi Sue Gay Blogger
Perez Hilton For $7.6M
Federline pumping gas and Britney
Spears showing her, um, assets.
“We’ve had trouble with a lot
of bloggers,” X17 co-owner Brandy
Navarre told the Los Angeles Times
for a story on its Web site. “But he’s the
biggest, and the most arrogant and
pigheaded about it, frankly. “He is
stealing our images and costing us
money every day,” she said. Hilton,
whose real name is Mario Lavandeira,
said he believes he has done nothing
illegal.
Perez Hilton
LOS ANGELES - Celebrity
blogger Perez Hilton is being
stalked by paparazzi — in court, at
least. X17 Inc., a Los Angeles photo
agency known for its images of
stars in personal or embarrassing
moments, has filed a $7.6 million
federal copyright infringement lawsuit against Hilton, reported the
PlanetOut.com.
Hilton’s Los Angeles-based
site, PerezHilton.com, posts tabloid
photos of celebs and adds cheeky
captions and rudimentary doodles.
The suit claims Hilton used 51
photographs without permission,
payment or credit, including images
of a pregnant Katie Holmes, Kevin
“I am going to vigorously
defend myself,” he said. “I am willing
to step up to the plate and fight for my
rights and fight for the rights of all
bloggers.” His attorney, Bryan Freedman, said Hilton has a legal right to
make satirical or humorous use of
newsworthy photographs.
If the copyright lawsuit succeeds, “the effect would be to
eliminate the ability to comment on
and transform photographs under the
fair-use exception to the Copyright
Act,” Freedman said. But X17’s
lawyer, John Tehranian, argued that
Hilton “is basically free-riding on the
labor and efforts of X17 and its
photographers who stay up all night
and roam the city.” Seven other photo
agencies sent Hilton a joint letter
demanding that he stop using their
photographs but they have not sued,
the Times said.
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
Ohio’s New Governor Makes State’s
First LGBT Cabinet Level Apointment
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Governor Elect Ted Strickland (D) has
appointed Columbus City Councilwoman Mary Jo Hudson to the
position of Director of the Department
of Insurance, 365Gay.com reported. It
is the first time in Ohio history that an
openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or
Transgender person has been appointed to a cabinet level position.
“Governor Elect Strickland
made a promise to voters to appoint a
cabinet that looks like all of Ohio.
Today he has taken an historic step in
recognizing the contributions and
qualifications of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Ohioans,”
said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio.
On Columbus City Council,
Hudson, an attorney, chairs the Jobs
and Economic Development Committee. From 1989 to 1996, Hudson was
a deputy liquidator and special
services attorney for the Ohio Department of Insurance and Office of the
Ohio Insurance Liquidator.
Ohio voters in 2004 passed a
constitutional amendment banning
Gay marriage. Republican lawmakers in the last session of the
legislature attempted to pass a bill
barring Gays from adopting.
The election of Strickland
followed a particularly acrimonious
campaign in which Republican
gubernatorial candidate Ken
Blackwell after he compared Gays to
criminals in a newspaper interview.
Strickland opposes same-sex marriage but has generally reached out
to the LGBT community.
His
appointment of Hudson must be
confirmed by the state Senate.
“This is the first concrete
demonstration that the tone in the
statehouse has already begun to
change,” said Bo Shuff, Director of
Education and Public Policy for
Equality Ohio. “We now know for
certain that the conversation about
issues that matter to Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender Ohioans
can take place. We urge the Ohio
Senate to confirm Councilwoman
Hudson.”
PAGE FIVE
PAGE SIX
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
Scottsdale Hate Crimes
Update
SCOTTSDALE - Paradise Valley Town Councilman Brian Cooney is
offering a $10,000 cash reward to urge
witnesses to come forward with
information about an assault on a Gay
couple Sunday (Dec. 17) outside a
Scottsdale restaurant, he said Wednesday (Dec 21), the Arizona Republic
reported.
Detectives continue to
search for as many as seven men
suspected in the beating of Jean
Rolland and Andrew Frost as more
people voiced their support for the
victims of the hate crime.
The couple were leaving
dinner at Frasher’s Steakhouse near
McDowell and Scottsdale roads when
they were assaulted by a group of men
shouting an anti-Gay slur, police said.
Cooney said he was outraged
to learn of the incident and is working
with Scottsdale police to coordinate
cash rewards for witnesses who
provide information leading to arrests.
“Scottsdale’s businesses and tourism
are welcome to everyone except for
violent thugs,” said Cooney, a local
Realtor who was elected to the
Paradise Valley Town Council this
year. “This has nothing to do with any
organization or the town of Paradise
Valley,” he said. “I’m doing this on my
own.”
Anyone with information on
Sunday’s attack is urged to call
Scottsdale police at (480) 312-5000 or
Silent Witness at 1-800-343-TIPS. ...
The East Valley Tribune reported that one of the victims in what
police are calling a hate crime said
people in Scottsdale normally show no
interest in his sexual orientation — and
that’s just how he likes it. “Generally
speaking, the attitude of Scottsdale is
pretty much what I like, which is people
are indifferent,” said Jean Rolland.
According to police reports, as
Rolland was leaving the restaurant
with his date, Andrew Frost, someone
struck Frost in the back of the head
with an unknown object. Six white
males who appeared to be “bikers”
then knocked the pair to the ground
and punched and kicked them. As a
result, Frost was taken to Scottsdale
Healthcare Osborn hospital for treatment, while Rolland suffered facial
lacerations.
Neither got a good look at their
assailants, and police spokesman,
Sgt. Mark Clark, said the investigation
is ongoing. A waiter witnessed part of
the altercation.
Rolland said.
Rolland, who splits his time
between Scottsdale and France, said
this is the first problem related to his
lifestyle that he’s encountered here.
Rolland said a few people
have stopped him on the street to
apologize. “I don’t want to make it
bigger than it is, but I thought it was
important to record it,” he said.
Runner Fails
Gender Test,
Loses
Medal
DOHA, Qatar - An Indian
runner who won a silver medal in the
women’s 800 meters at the Asian
Games failed a gender test and has
been stripped of the medal. Santhi
Soundarajan, 25, took the gender test
in Doha, Qatar, after placing second.
The Indian Olympic Association said Monday (Dec.18) it has been
told by the Olympic Council of Asia
that the 25-year-old runner was
disqualified. ‘’IOA has asked the
Athletic Federation of India to return
the medal as desired by the Olympic
Council of Asia,’’ the Indian Olympic
group said. The IOA also asked its
medical commission to inquire into
Soundarajan’s case and report within
10 days.
There are no compulsory
gender tests during events sanctioned
by the International Association of
Athletics Federations, but athletes
may be asked to take a gender test.
The medical evaluation panel usually
includes a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, and internal medicine specialist. An Indian athletics
official who spoke to the Associated
Press on condition of anonymity
because he was not authorized to
speak to the media said Soundarajan
almost certainly never had sexchange surgery. Instead, the official
said Soundarajan appeared to have
‘’abnormal chromosomes.’’ The official also said the test revealed more Y
chromosomes
than
allowed.
Soundarajan was not immediately
available for comment.
“Everything’s been OK. I’m
fine. It’s just very minor injuries,”
N.J. Governor Makes
CivilContinued
Unions
Official
from Page One
Kathy Ragauckas, for nine years, isn’t
exactly celebrating the bill signing,
though she said she and Ragauckas
will probably get a civil union certificate. “Although I think they provide
some benefit, it is a different treatment
of human beings,” she said.
The Gay rights group Garden
State Equality has promised to push
lawmakers to change the terminology
to “marriage.” Others are considering
lawsuits to force full recognition of
same-sex marriage.
The New Jersey bill creates a
commission that will regularly review
the law and recommend possible
changes.
Corzine, a Democrat, said that
seems a reasonable approach, but he
said calling the arrangement a civil
union rather than Gay marriage is
preferable. “For most, people marriage
has a religious connotation, and for
many there is a view that that term is
not consistent with the teachings of
their religious belief,” the governor
said. “So there is not democratic
support in the broader society for that
label, even though there is strong
support for equal protection under the
law.”
Social conservative groups
and lawmakers opposed the measure,
reasoning it brings Gay relationships
too close to marriage, but it easily
passed the legislature. Some have
vowed to push to amend the state
constitution to ban same-sex marriage,
but Democrats who control the legislature said such proposals won’t be
heard.
The three-day waiting period
required by the law is the same as with
marriage licenses. Licenses will be
valid for 30 days, and ceremonies can
be officiated by anyone who performs
weddings, including clergy and mayors. As with marriages, civil unions will
have to be witnessed by one additional
adult.
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
Desert Voices Brightens The Old Pueblo Through Song
TUCSON (ON) - Desert Voices
(DV), Arizona’s Premier GLBT Chorus,
was founded in 1988. A not-for-profit
corporation DV is committed to promoting an ongoing, positive Gay and
Lesbian presence in ther community.
The chorus is a uniquely diverse mix of
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender,
and straight people and welcome
anyone who is supportive to come sing
with us.
DV is a proud member of GALA
Choruses, an international association
of 180 Gay and Lesbian choruses, as
diverse as the communities they
represent. GALA Chorus membership
includes more than 10,000 Lesbians,
Gay men, Bisexuals, Transgendered
persons, and their friends and families
TUCSON - After opening the
gifts and enjoying the holiday dinner
with loved ones, families and friends,
people during this time can help those
helping out others living with, or
affected by HIV/AIDS.
The Southern Arizona AIDS
Foundation (SAAF) provides assistance to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and offers HIV
prevention programs. According to
SAAF, for 2005, nearly 1,200 people
accessed its range of support services, including food programs,
across North America, Europe, and
Australia. GALA’s mission is to
inspire and strengthen the international Lesbian and Gay community.
Desert Voices is also a member of
the American Choral Directors Association and Chorus America. The
current Artistic Director is Chris
Tackett
A Masters Degree graduate
of Indiana University, Mr. Tackett
studied jazz, composition and piano.
He worked his way through school as
a graduate assistant to David Baker
and Dominic Spera. As a vocal
accompanist, he has worked in many
studios including Walter Cassell,
Carol Smith, and William Warfield.
He was also the accompanist for the
Alamo City Men’s Chorale in San
Antonio, Texas for several years.
As Musical Director and Orchestrator, Mr. Tackett has taken part
in several local productions, including
Rags, Once On This Island, A Tucson
Pastorela for Borderlands Theater,
Merrily We Roll Along and Blood
Brothers for the University of Arizona
Repertory Theater. Other shows he
has worked on include Cabaret,
Pippin, and Rags for the San Antonio
Jewish Community Center, as well as
Dreamgirls, Crazy for You and Babes
in Toyland for the Josephine Theater.
Tucson audiences have heard many
Tackett compositions and arrangements. DV (for whom he served as
accompanist for several years before
Help Those Helping Out
medication assistance, emergency
utility assistance, transportation and
housing. For more than 100 people
living with HIV/AIDS who would
otherwise be homeless without the
help and more than 20,000 people
received HIV prevention information
through SAAF’s outreach programs
and services
Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS
Network (TIHAN) works to craft a
compassionate interfaith response
to the HIV/AIDS crisis that is free of
prejudice or proselytism with programs and services. TIHAN, through
education and support, works to build
bridges, reduce stigma and sustain
hope.
Gift certificates from discount
stores, grocery-store gift cards and
towel sets can be donated to SAAF
at their offices, 375 S. Euclid Ave.
For more information, go online at
saaf.org or contact SAAF Director of
Development Rick Wilson, (520)
PAGE SEVEN
being appointed Musical Director in
2003) has sung many of his works.
Internationally, groups such as the
Gregg Smith Singers and the Brodsky
Quartet have performed and recorded
his work. As an orchestrator, he has
worked for many people, including
Dave Brubeck and George Shering.
Recently, he contributed music to the
Arizona International Film Festival
(the Festival promo trailer), and
Panoramic Productions presentation
of Love! Valour! Compassion! He
completed a cantata, Brightest and
Best, based on songs and tunes from
the Sacred Harp in December 1999.
For more information, call
(520) 791-9662 or go online to
desertvoices.org.
628-7223.
Gift cards in denominations
of $20 or less to grocery stores,
department stores or discount
retailers, toiletry items for care
packages, such as soap, shampoo,
detergent, toothpaste, toilet tissue
and other items, new blankets and
sheets can be donated to TIHAN,
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays Fridays, 1011 N. Craycroft Road,
Suite 301. For more information, go
online to tihan.org or call Executive
Director Scott Blades, (520) 2996647.
PAGE EIGHT
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
COMMENTARY. . . .
Coming Out Of The Closet To
Declare My Humanity
By Leonard Pitts Jr.
This is for a reader who
demands to know why I write about Gay
issues. His conclusion is that I must
secretly be Gay myself.
Actually, he doesn’t express
himself quite that civilly. To the
contrary, his e-mails — which, until
recently, were arriving at the rate of
about one a week — evince a juvenility
that would embarrass a reasonably
intelligent fifth-grader. The most recent
one, for example, carried a salutation
reading, “Hi Mrs. Pitts.”
We’re talking about the kind of
thing for which delete buttons were
invented. So you may wonder why I
bring it to your attention, especially
since acknowledging a person like this
only encourages him. It’s simple,
actually: He raises an interesting
question that deserves an answer.
If from that you conclude (or
fear) you’re about to read a stirring
defense of my manly male masculinity,
no. The guy is free to believe what he
wishes; I really don’t care. And here, let
me digress to confess that, though I
refer to him using masculine pronouns,
I actually don’t know if he’s a he
because his notes have been anonymous. Still, I assume it’s a guy because
the level of sexual insecurity the emails suggest strikes me as — boy, am I
going to get in trouble for this — rather
guy-specific.
Anyway, to get back to the
point, I’m not here to argue sexuality. I
just find myself intrigued by the idea
that if you’re not Gay, you shouldn’t
care about Gay rights.
The most concise answer I can
give is cribbed from what a white kid
said 40 or so years ago, as white
college students were risking their lives
to travel South and register black
people to vote. Somebody asked why.
He said he acted from an understanding that his freedom was bound up with
the freedom of every other man.
I know it sounds cornier than
Kellogg’s, but that’s pretty much how I
feel.
I know also that some folks are
touchy about anything seeming to
equate the black civil-rights movement
with the Gay one. And no, Gay people
were not kidnapped from Gay Land and
sold into slavery, nor lynched by the
thousands.
On the other hand, they do
know something about housing
discrimination, they do know job
discrimination, they do know murder
for the sin of existence, they do know
the denial of civil rights and they do
know what it is like to be used as
scapegoat and boogeyman by demagogues and political opportunists.
They know enough of what I
know that I can’t ignore it. See, I have
yet to learn how to segregate my
moral concerns. It seems to me if I
abhor intolerance, discrimination and
hatred when they affect people who
look like me, I must also abhor them
when they affect people who do not.
For that matter, I must abhor them
even when they benefit me. Otherwise, what I claim as moral authority
is really just self-interest in disguise.
Among the things we seem
to have lost in the years since that
white kid made his stand is the ability,
the imagination, the willingness to
put ourselves into the skin of those
who are not like us.
I find it telling that Vice
President Dick Cheney hews to the
hard conservative line on virtually
every social issue, except Gay
marriage. It is, of course, no
coincidence that Cheney has a
daughter who is a Lesbian. Which
tells me his position is based not on
principle but, rather, on loving his
daughter.
It is a fine thing to love your
daughter. I would argue, however,
that it is also a fine thing and in some
ways, a finer thing, to love your
neighbor’s daughter, no matter her
sexual orientation, religion, race,
creed or economic status — and to
want her freedom as eagerly as you
want your own.
I believe in moral coherence.
And Rule No. 1 is, you cannot assert
your own humanity, then turn right
around and deny someone else’s.
If that makes me Gay, fine.
As my anonymous correspondent ably demonstrates, there
are worse things to be.
(Leonard Pitts Jr. is a
columnist for the Miami Herald. This
article was reprinted from the Dec.
17, 2006 edition of the Seattle
Times.)
Holiday Time Is Coming!
UPDATE YOUR HOME AND KITCHEN WITH THE ULTIMATE
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WEEKLY OBSERVER
PAGE NINE
DECEMBER 27, 2006
POLITICS 2006
by Mark R. Kerr
‘It Was Our Year’
Since 1927, the weekly news
magazine “Time” has selected an
individual for their “person of the year”
that has most influenced events in the
preceding year.
Some of these
selections have been controversial,
such as Adolf Hitler in 1938 and in
1979, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini.
This year’s selection raised
eyebrows, guffaws and questions when
“Time” announced it was “You” but all
controversy and joking aside, the news
magazine’s “choice” does make sense,
at least for 1/50th of the United States
since history was made over the past
twelve months.
Prior to this election year,
twenty states had voted on, approving
measures barring governmental and
legal recognition of same-sex relationships and in 2006, eight states had
measures on their Nov. 7, general
election ballot.
Arizona was one of the eight
states with a proposition or proposed
state constitutional amendment to be
considered by the voters.
Proposition 107 would have
barred governmental and legal recognition of same-sex marriages, civil
unions and domestic partners and the
extension of any benefits to such
relations with an amendment to the
Arizona Constitution.
After the court challenge to the
measure for which a judge allowed
Proposition 107 to be on the general
election ballot, you answered the call to
fight this attempt to enshrine discrimination in the state’s, 94-year-old
constitution. You:
Answered the call for funds to
be raised to counter Proposition 107 by
donating more than $1.8-million for the
campaign to defeat it, raising more than
Proposition 107’s proponents, “them,”
by more than $800,000, who only
raised $1-million ($10,000 of which
came from auto dealer Jim Click, who
donated the amount to Protect Marriage Arizona, the group spearheaded
the initiative on Oct. 24.), according to
the financial reports filed with the
Arizona Secretary of State’s office;
Raised awareness by speaking out on the potential ramifications
if Proposition 107 was to be approved
by Arizona voters;
Helped to galvanize opinion,
through letters to the editor, interviews with the mainstream media
(radio, newspapers, television and
the Internet) to make it these most
talked about measure on the Nov.
general election ballot; and,
Attended rallies, volunteered
time for the campaign, registered
new and lapsed voters and most
important, got Arizonans to cast
ballots in this election, more than
60% of those registered.
After this year’s election,
seven states approved their ballot
proposals but surprisingly, one state
didn’t.
Thanks to you, it was
Arizona, by a 51.8% to 48.2% margin,
rejecting Proposition 107.
“It is always wrong to put
basic rights up for a popular vote and
it is nearly impossible for any minority
to protect itself when that happens.
But in Arizona the impossible happened,” said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force, in a statement.
“The historic rejection of the
domestic partnership ban in Arizona
is a symbolic turning point in the
march toward marriage equality,” Joe
Solmonese, President of the Human
Rights Campaign commented in a
statement.
Foreman added, “Arizona
has a special place in history as the
first state to reject an anti Gay,
marriage ballot measure.”
Indeed, you helped to make
history in the Grand Canyon State by
showing that prejudice can be
defeated at the polls. You are
deserving of the accolades.
Ending the violence.
Wingspan launches the
Anti-Violence Project –
a community initiative
to assist lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender
victims of discrimination,
domestic violence, sexual
assault and hate crimes.
Call the Anti-Violence
Project 24-Hour Crisis
Line at 624-0348, or
toll-free 1-800-553-9387.
Ahead of Style
A Hair and Nail Salon
Owner
Ajia Simone
426 East 9th Street
Tucson, Arizona
624-8400
Would a member of the LGBT Community buy a car from lthis man? On OIct.
24, 2006, Tucson Car dealer Jim Click
donated $10,000 to Protect Marriage
Arizona, the group spearheading the
effort to enact Proposition 107 that
would have barred goovernmental and
legal recognition of civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sesx marriages. Source: financial report filed
by Protect Marriage Arizona with the
Arizona Secretary of State’s Office,
azsos.gov
Southern Arizona’s Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
Community Center
www.wingspan.org
PAGE TEN
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
Groups Urge Court To Reject
Bush Global AIDS Gag
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The
federal government is illegally restricting the ability of U.S. health
organizations to end the global HIV/
AIDS epidemic, the American Civil
Liberties Union and more than 25
public health and human rights
organizations hared in a legal brief
filed Thursday (Dec. 21), reported
365Gay.com. The groups are urging
a federal appeals court to reject a
U.S. policy known as the “AIDS
Leadership Act,” which requires
organizations that receive U.S.
federal funding-regardless of their
mission-to explicitly pledge to oppose commercial sex work. Two
federal courts have already ruled
that the policy violates the First
Amendment rights of U.S. organizations, but the government is appealing those decisions.
“It is shameful that the Bush
administration would value its political agenda over human lives,” said
Claudia Flores, an attorney with the
ACLU Women’s Rights Project and
counsel on today’s brief. “Rather
than saving lives, this global gag rule
will put women and girls at serious
risk of infection and death. This
policy is completely at odds with
efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/
AIDS and to treat its victims.”
The groups filed a friend-ofthe-court brief in the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Second Circuit in
U.S. Agency for International Development v. Alliance for Open Society
International. In the brief, the groups
emphasize the damaging impact the
policy would have on public health
worldwide. The groups also argue
that the policy violates the free
speech rights of U.S. organizations
by restricting use of their private
funds. Many organizations that work
to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS
often reach out to commercial sex
workers to distribute condoms and
offer education on safer-sex measures. Signing an official pledge to
oppose prostitution could lead to
further stigmatization of this high risk
population, say the groups, and
would undermine prevention and
treatment efforts. Those already
infected will be discouraged from
acknowledging their condition and
seeking treatment because of a fear
of being shunned or abused. Others
will not seek out information or
medical care or may fail to take
precautions that stem the spread of
HIV/AIDS for fear of stigmatization.
The groups say that this
policy is at odds with the United
States’ own HIV/AIDS policies. The
premier federal agencies working to
stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in the
United States, including the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention,
have found that isolating vulnerable
groups like sex workers profoundly
affects prevention efforts. Denying
all funds from the USAID to
organizations that do not make the
pledge is in direct contradiction to
this long held public health practice,
said the ACLU. While the Alliance for
Open Society International and
Pathfinder International, the organizations represented in the legal
challenge, do not endorse prostitution, the groups say it is essential
that they maintain their ability to
engage in proven, effective HIV
prevention methods with at-risk
populations. In a landmark opinion,
Judge Victor Marrero ruled in this
case that the pledge requirement
violated the First Amendment rights
of the two organizations by restrict-
ing their privately funded speech and
by forcing them to adopt the
government’s viewpoint in order to
remain eligible for funds. Today’s
ACLU brief urges the appeals court to
uphold Judge Marrero’s opinion. The
ACLU also filed a brief in a related
case, USAID v. DKT International, in
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia. DKT International,
a U.S.-based organization, was denied
federal funding when it refused to adopt
the policy because it would hamper its
HIV/AIDS services worldwide. On May
18, 2006, Judge Emmet G. Sullivan
ruled that the application of the pledge
requirement to DKT International violated the organization’s constitutional
rights.
Both opinions are now on
appeal by the government. Though the
outcome of both cases will affect only
the obligations of the plaintiff organizations under the pledge requirement, the
decisions will likely have a broad
impact on the other U.S.-based organizations that have been forced to limit
their speech in exchange for government funding.
Gay Penguin
Book Rturning To
School Libraries
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina A children’s book about a couple of
adult male penguins who raise a child
will go back on the shelves of the
libraries of four Charlotte-Mecklenburg
County, N.C., elementary schools until
a panel decides the fate of the briefly
banned title next month. And Tango
Makes Three was banned by superintendent Peter Gorman on November
30. The picture book, based on a true
story from New York’s Central Park
Zoo, is about two male penguins who
pair up and hatch an adopted egg.
Gorman told the Charlotte
Observer that he “screwed up” by
yanking the book. District policy calls
for challenged books to remain on the
shelves until a committee rules on the
complaint. He blamed the incident on a
miscommunication about school policy.
After the Observer questioned
the ban on Tuesday (Dec. 19), Gorman
had his staff brief him on school district
policy for handling such challenges.
The books will be returned to Eastover,
Hickory Grove, Mallard Creek, and
Myers Park elementary schools on
Thursday, Gorman told the paper.
Gorman said he asked his staff to look
into the same-sex penguin love story
after a couple of parents asked him
about it and county commissioner Bill
James e-mailed him an article about an
Illinois challenge to the book. The book
has been challenged in schools or
public libraries in seven other states,
but all have kept the book, according to
the American Library Association.
PAGE ELEVEN
PAGE TWELVE
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
Mexican Pop Diva Makes Comeback With Gay Coming-Out Song
MEXICO CITY, Mexico When scandalous pop diva Gloria
Trevi - once known as “Mexico’s
Madonna” and the country’s highestpaid performer - left jail, she handed
out fliers to promote herself, reported
365Gay.com. The hard work is paying
off and, two years later, Trevi has shot
to worldwide superstardom.
Her comeback album, “Como
nace el universo,” or “How the
Universe Was born,” sold more than
200,000 copies in the United States,
and received a Latin Billboard Award
nomination for best album. The single
“Todos me miran,” or “Everyone is
Looking at Me,” with a video depicting
a Gay man coming out, hit No. 1 in
Mexico. These days, Trevi has
become an icon for Gay men on both
sides of the border, dubbed the “Gay
Queen.”
“Conservatives criticize (Gays)
but then they wear the clothes they
design, listen to the music that they
have made so popular and use the
makeup that they create,” Trevi said in
a recent interview. Trevi rose to
stardom in the 1990s when her songs
about sexual independence won over
thousands of teenage fans, making
her one of Latin America’s biggest
stars. Then the bottom fell out.
In 2000, Trevi, along with
manager Sergio Andrade and backup
singer Maria Raquenel Portillo, were
arrested and accused of luring young
girls into their entourage with promises
of stardom and then sexually abusing
them. The three were detained in
Brazil, where all had fled to avoid
prosecution. They were extradited to
Mexico, where a second backup
singer was already being held. After
almost five years in Brazilian and
Mexican prisons, Trevi was acquitted
of charges of kidnapping, rape and
corruption of minors. The 38-year-old
singer, who has always maintained
her innocence, left jail with her son
Angel Gabriel, now four, and the
memory of losing a baby girl who died
shortly after being born there. Last
year, she gave birth to her second son,
Miguel Armando, and says she may
have more children.
Trevi no longer talks about her
time in jail but the experience
transformed her from a Mexican teen
idol into an international star with fans
in their 20s and 30s. And, although she
has tamed her wild lioness mane and
toned down her raunchy image - doing
away with the ripped tights - Trevi
hasn’t lost her spunk. She still lets
loose on stage, grabbing her crotch
and cracking whips. “My fans like the
rebel in me,” she said in a recent
interview. She’s even managed to
strike a fine balance between her rebel
girl image and her new life as an
activist mother, broadening her appeal.
Gloria Trevi
Trevi started a foundation,
named Ana Dalai after the baby that
died, to provide money and support to
jailed mothers, saying she has
firsthand knowledge of their difficulties. On Monday, she returned to the
Chihuahua prison where she was held
and handed out toys and medicine to
inmate mothers. She also has become a vocal defender of the Gay
community. The song “Everyone Is
Looking at Me,” which she said is
based on a friend’s experience, was a
favourite at sold-out shows during
Trevi’s recent tour of major Gay clubs
from New York to Los Angeles.
Her album “How the Universe
is Born” was a testament to fans of
Trevi’s fight against social taboos and
not being influenced by others, and
she has said “Everyone Is looking at
me” also relates her own feelings of
being rejected by certain sectors of
society. She said she hopes her
music inspires people to stay true to
themselves. “Artists, and above all
‘La Trevi’ teaches us, especially
women, about all the sides of
ourselves, the sexy one, the showoff,
the passionate one, the mother, the
super hero,” she said. “My rebelliousness more than anything has a cause.
. . . I never have been an anarchist,
I’ve always had goals and always
have acted out of love.”
Ryan White Act
Renewed
WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Bush on Tuesday (Dec. 19) signed
a bill shifting federal AIDS money to
rural areas and the South, reported the
Associated Press on advocate.com.
The House on December 9
agreed by voice vote to renew the $2.1
billion annual Ryan White Act. The
Senate passed the bill earlier after
senators from New York and New
Jersey dropped their opposition, accepting a compromise that settled
months of dispute just as Congress
adjourned for the year.
Lawmakers from some urban
areas feared losing money under a fiveyear renewal of the law.
The final deal renews it for
three years. That allows earlier reviews
of the formulas for distributing money
and eliminates the large dollar cuts in
the final years that threatened some
areas.
“We are pleased that a bipartisan Congress and the president were
able to come together and agree on the
reauthorization of the Ryan White
CARE Act and officially sign it into law
today,” said Joe Solmonese, president
of the Human Rights Campaign.
“This critical lifesaving piece of
legislation will help over a half million
low-income Americans living with HIV/
AIDS continue to receive the medical
care they so desperately need. However, as we head into a new year and a
new Congress we will aggressively
push to ensure that the years of
insufficient funding of this program be
corrected. If our government is serious
about combating this epidemic we must
not allow rhetoric to mask itself as real
action,” added Solmonese in a statement.
epidemic affecting mainly Gay white
men. The updates, the first since 2000,
aim to spread money more equally
around the country.
AIDS began as a big-city
The current law had counted
only patients with AIDS diagnoses. The
revision now counts patients with HIV
who have not developed AIDS. That
change favors the South and rural
areas, for example, where the disease is
a newer phenomenon.
WEEKLY OBSERVER
DECEMBER 27, 2006
PAGE THIRTEEN
NOTES FROM THE FOR-REAL SIDE
Sleazy Gimmicks
History repeats itself with a
vengeance. And then it does it all over
again. I’m thinking about World War
One, World War Two, Vietnam and Iraq.
Makes you want to weep.
If you read the German rationale for going to either war and the
reasons they thought they’d win, the
rhetoric is almost identical.
(See
Barbara Tuchman’s Pulitzer-prize-winning GUNS OF AUGUST.) And how
best could that repeating rhetoric be
characterized? How about “unbelievable arrogance leading to complete
self-delusion?”
Now we come along and repeat
the same trick with Vietnam and Iraq.
But that’s not enough to satisfy history.
No no. History makes us repeat the
same trick for exactly the same reason
— unbelievable arrogance leading to
complete self-delusion. But then the
repetition gets sadder and sleazier.
LBJ privately admitted that we’d lost the
war but continued to send young men to
their deaths because he couldn’t bear to
publicly admit what he admitted
privately. Imagine the criminality of it.
Imagine saying, in effect, “You guys
have got to die because I’d be terribly
embarrassed to go on TV and tell the
public what most of the public has
already figured out for itself.”
And then, as now, there were
the sleazy gimmicks to run the clock out
on the president’s term in office, sleazy
because they were, as they are now,
too far-fetched to be remotely plausible.
One such gimmick in Vietnam was to
dress our allies in the same style of
black pajamas that the enemy wore.
The theory was that this more traditional garb would win the hearts and
minds of the people. How much time
did that buy the embarrassed politicians, and how many lives did it cost?
Another Vietnam gimmick was called
something like “safe hamlets.” The
theory was that we’d gather up all the
people loyal to the puppet regime in
safe hamlets so we could more freely
raise hell with the rest of the
countryside. It was another strategic
non-starter that delayed political embarrassment and cost lives.
And here we go again in Iraq.
They’re now talking about embedding
about thirty thousand more American
troops in Iraqi units to provide...what
exactly? More technical expertise?
More firepower? More ethnic diversity?
How is this going to change the basic
situation?
Let’s say I’m a suicide bomber
whose mission is to drive a truckload of
explosives into a Baghdad market and
blow it up. Am I going to say to myself,
“I can’t possibly accomplish my mission
because the market I’m supposed to
blow up falls under the jurisdiction of an
Iraqi army unit that has just had five
American anti-terrorist experts embedded in it?”
The Iraqi units’ ineffectiveness
is not due to a lack of Americans
embedded in them. It’s due to the fact
that the American agenda is not their
agenda. But even if the agendas did
match, you don’t increase effectiveness
by embedding somebody. You increase effectiveness by changing the
leadership. Embedding people is going
to change things about as much as
embedding a tick in the coat of a hound
dog is going to change his hunting
skills.
The whole nonsense is just a
transparent excuse to run out the clock
on Bush’s presidency. He wants to run
it out for exactly the same reason the
LBJ wanted to run his out, so he doesn’t
have to come on TV and say, “Sorry,
folks. I lost the war.”
I’ve long suspected that one of
the reasons presidents like LBJ and the
W aren’t charged with treason is that, to
the ordinary American, it’s inconceivable that anyone could send their
countrymen to their deaths in order to
by Lee Thorn
avoid having to make an embarrassing speech. But that’s exactly what
happened with Vietnam and it’s
exactly what’s happening again.
Ordinary people don’t seem
to have the capacity to fully
appreciate how evil and selfish their
leaders can be.
Some might object that LBJ
and the W are worried about their
place in history. LBJ knew exactly
what his place in history would be.
He grieved about it, but couldn’t help
himself.
Who knows if Rove and
Cheney can get the concept of
history across to their protege? The
W definitely has a firm grasp of the
concept of embarrassment, having
undoubtedly suffered it from the first
day of kindergarten on, especially if
they tried to mainstream him.
Say what you want to about
Reagan. If it’s at all negative, I’ve
probably said it a time or two myself.
But let’s remember that on one brave
day he got on TV and looked America
in the eye and admitted that he’d
traded guns for hostages. Embarrassment be damned.
(Thorn welcomes comments,
suggestions for future columns, and
tips on local skulduggery that ought
to be exposed. Write to Box 85571,
Tucson, AZ 85754. E-mail:
[email protected])
Nemesis T
wins
Twins
ted
Excomm
unica
Ex-c
ommunica
unicated
By Jeho
vah’
Jehov
Witnesses
KALISPELL, Montana Jacob and Joshua Miller of the band
Nemesis Rising have been officially
shunned by their church, the
Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they
released a statement Thursday (Dec.
21) in response, reported
advocate.com. According to the
statement, a Jehovah’s Witnesses
meeting took place in the Millers’
hometown, where it was announced
that they had been “disfellowshipped,”
or excommunicated, because of their
homosexuality and their show on
Logo, Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis
Rising.
To be disfellowshipped is to
limit one or cut one off from all
contact with any Jehovah’s Witnesses, including family members.
While the twins are no longer
practicing the religion, they said that
they are willing to stay in contact with
anyone who is willing to speak with
them
“We find it ironic that a
religion whose members are asked
to knock on the doors of strangers
with a message of acceptance into
paradise on Earth will not accept two
of its own children for who they really
are,” they wrote in the statement.
“Our wish for them is one of tolerance
and understanding, and we send to
all of them a message of peace and
love.”
DECEMBER 27, 2006
PAGE FOURTEEN
HOROSCOPES
© 2006 Madam Lichtenstein
Despite our urge to heartily
party through the remainder of 2006,
we might actually benefit from a
reflective pause. Sun in Capricorn
offers a serious assessment of our
prior acts. Yeah, enough of that! Pass
the champagne!!
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 20)
Round out the remainder of
your 2006 with a deliberate corporate
push. You get noticed for even a
meager effort and can gain the upper
hand in any political tussle. Proud
Rams might even increase their end
of year bonus with one last lucky
gasp. Sun in Cap puts a bit of
professional oomph in your inbox.
Either that or it’s from your after hours
office party.
TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Escape the holiday doldrums
with a fabulous last minute vacation.
Queer Bulls need a break and Sun in
Cap delivers the tickets. However if
time and money are tight, spend your
waning 2006 days with a choice array
of exoticisms from foods to folks.
There is nothing more energizing than
seeing the world from a new,
refreshing angle. Uh, spread eagle?
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Don’t let all that flirtatiousness dissipate into the atmosphere.
That would be a terrible waste. Pink
Twins have buckets of love to give
and are looking for the chance to spill
it. Sun in Cap puts a crimp in your
style. Don’t despair. Sometimes there
is nothing more attractive than
vulnerability. However that is usually
when there are no other discernable
assets.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Gay Crabs are happiest
when they are cocooning with a
certain special someone. Do you
have that someone? No excuses. Use
the remainder of the year to cement
current relationships or create new
ones. If you are in the market, get Out
there and window shop. Be discerning while you have the varied choices.
Opportunities like this don’t come
around often, for you.
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23)
Sun in Cap can make you
very efficient and hard working. Oh
goodie. Celebrate the holidays with a
rousing last minute effort around the
office. Tie up loose ends (anyone we
know?) and finish off any long pending
projects. Not only will you receive a
great package of good will, you also
have the satisfaction of knowing that
you did a job well done! Does
delegating count?
many interesting new possibilities,
new ideas, new folks and new
projects that it will be difficult to
choose the best ones. Don’t rush into
anything - give yourself time to
assess the best opportunities. Sun in
your sign gives you charisma, social
magnetism and everyone’s unblinking attention. Oops.
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23)
This is your time to be
inventive, queer Virgin. Don’t restrict
your imagination - give your Gay muse
the chance to flourish. You may
concoct an artistic masterpiece or a
memorable end of year basheroo that
will have them talking for months.
Remember that a thing of beauty is a
joy forever. So choose your guest list
carefully and include many, many
things.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19)
Let your imagination run
wilde Aqueerius. Somehow life will
take a few surprising turns that will
leave you breathless and relieved.
Good - you were getting too stale and
sedate. Sun in Cap opens your
locked closet doors and releases
your assorted ids, gremlins and
demons. Sweep out the old and
welcome in the new. This will be
some new years celebration!
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23)
There is no better time than to
enjoy the holidays in the comfort of
your home. Proud Libras can bring the
action to them rather than have to go
out and seek it. Spruce up your
surroundings and liberally decorate
with an attractive, festive crowd. If you
have decorating ideas, try them on for
size. Sun in Cap provides 99%
inspiration and 1% perspiration, or
something like that.
PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20)
Find any excuse to get Out
and mingle, Guppie. This is not the
time to sit home and wait for the
phone to ring. Sun in Cap encourages you to deepen your social pool
and swim in new schools. Reconnect
with old compadres and make a few
new ones. You find many coconspirators who are ready and
raring to get into all sorts of mischief.
Don’t disappoint.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22)
Do you have something interesting and weighty to say? If so this is
the time to say it. Queer Scorps are
usually very careful with their words
and may even be a bit secretive. Open
up, give in your feelings and let
yourself emote. With Sun in Cap you
can now speak from the heart and be
heard. Oops. Do I smell something
burning?
WEEKLY OBSERVER
James Brown Dead
At 73
By Keith Boykin (keithboykin.com)
ATLANTA - He was the godfather of soul. For much of his 73 years on
the planet, he had his own style of
music, dress, and life. He electrified
audiences with his tight pants and cape,
his dance moves, and his voice. He
gave us legendary music for all times,
and he was perhaps the last of a
generation of recording artists from a
now bygone era of American music.
James Brown, the bridge between the
past and the present, was a legend
himself in his own time. He died around
1:45 (Eastern Standard Time) on
Christmas morning (Dec. 25) at Emory
Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta.
His career spanned six decades, and James Brown left a huge
imprint on the ever changing sands of
our music. He inspired everyone from
Mick Jagger to Michael Jackson.
Popularly known as “the hardest
working man in show business,” James
Brown performed until late in his life,
even after being diagnosed with
prostate cancer. And though he ran into
some troubles in his life, he will be
remembered mostly for the showman,
entertainer and vocalist he was. He was
a rare breed, now almost gone. He will
be missed by many.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22)
Your financial timing could not
be better as the Sun enters Cap. Do
you have any capital gains to reap? Is
there a bonus to be invested? You can
turn a small pile into a large one with a
little homework and effort. Gay Archers
turn their considerable talents to fiscal
matters and can make a few extra year
end bucks. Make them do what, you
lucky bastard?
CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20)
Pink Caps suddenly feel that
all eyes are upon them. There are so
Community Bars
1. AIN’T NOBODY’S BIZ
2900 E. Broadway 318-4838
2. IBT’S
616 N. 4th Ave. 882-3053
3. VENTURE-N
1239 N. 6th Ave. 882-8224
5. WOODY’S
3710 N. Oracle Road, 292-6702
6. HOWL AT THE MOON
915 W. Prince Rd. 293-7339
7. YARD DOG SALOON
2449 N. Stone, 624-3858
8. COLORS FOOD & SPIRITS
5305 E. Speedway 323-1840
9. HOLLYWOOD
1601 N. Oracle Rd.,628-3519
Community Organizations
A. MCC - METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCH
3269 N. Mountain - 292-9151
B. CORNERSTONE FELLOWSHIP
2902 N. Geronimo - 622-4626
D. WINGSPAN - 425 E. 7th St. - 624-1779
E. S.A.A.F. - 375 S. Euclid Ave. - 628-7223
F. RAINBOW PLANET COFFEE HOUSE
606 N. 4th Ave. - 620-1770
G. TIHAN -Tucson Interfaith
HIV/AIDS Network
1101 N. Craycroft, Ste 301. 299-6647
H. EON YOUTH CENTER 620-6245
WEEKLY OBSERVER
Wednesday, December 27th
Men’s Social Network Open to men of
all ages, newcomers welcomed:
7:00p.m. Canasta! Hosted by Merlin
and Lee at 207-5336. MSN Canasta
is played every Wednesday at 7pm,
but check back here for the host du
soir. If you are a nervous first timer,
you will find printed rules of play, and
guys eager to get you up and in the
action as you learn the game!
Thursday, December 28th
#1 Men’s Social Network Open to
men of all ages, newcomers welcomed: 7:00p.m. Coffee Night at
Rainbow Planet on Fabulous 4th, the
Premier Central Tucson GLBT owned
and operated purveyor of stimulating
caffeine enhanced beverages, delicious food, WIFI energy, and safe
social intercourse. . Just show up to
join in this no host cavalcade of queer
conversation.
#2Men’s Social Network Open to men
of all ages, newcomers welcomed:
7:00p.m.
Triangle Tribe-A Men’s
Circle According to a recent study,
very few people have as many close
friends as they would like. Are you as
connected with other men as you want
to be? Do you get the support you
need for issues in your life? Do you
wish you had more meaningful
friendships and relationships with
other men? Join like-minded men at
Wingspan to share feelings, thoughts
and ideas in a safe, respectful space.
For the same experience with both
straight and gay men, join us at the
regular Circle of Men meetings. Call
Tom at 591-2828 for dates and times.
Saturday, December,30th
7:00p.m. Shuffle over for Floating
Pinochle every Saturday of the month
except for first Saturday Monthly Pot
Luck.
New recruits are always
welcome and beginners are tutored to
develop their gay Hollywood movie
serial killer instincts! Phone host
Steve at 644-2076 for location, driving
directions, and info.
DECEMBER 27, 2006
Non Bar Calendar
Sunday, December 31st
3:00p.m. Thom hosts Dinner Out at
one of Tucson’s Ultra-Fabulous Buffets. Price is usually under $10 bucks.
For reservations and directions, please
contact Thom at 623-2941, or e-mail
[email protected] by the
Event Sunday at Noon to facilitate
reservations.
Tuesday, January 2
7:00p.m. Gay Reading Group meets
at Wingspan. For info, contact Doug at
529-0014 or [email protected] .
#2 Men’s Social Network Open to
men of all ages, newcomers welcomed: 7:00p.m. Hand and Foot with
Bruce. For info and directions: 7433890. Please call ahead to assist your
host in planning the evening.
Wednesday, January 3
7:00pm. Canasta hosted by Bruce
743-3890. MSN Canasta is played
every Wednesday at 7pm, but check
back here for the specific host.
Thursday, January 4
7:00p.m. No host Coffee Night at
Rainbow Planet on fabulous 4th
Avenue.
7:00p.m. Triangle Tribe-A Men’s
Circle. According to a recent study,
very few people have as many close
friends as they would like. Are you as
connected with other men as you want
to be? Do you get the support you
need for issues in your life? Do you
wish you had more meaningful
friendships and relationships with
other men? Join like-minded men at
Wingspan to share feelings, thoughts
and ideas in a safe, respectful space.
For the same experience with both
straight and gay men, join us at the
regular Circle of Men meetings. Call
Tom at 591-2828 for dates and times.
Friday, January 5
7:00p.m. Join Merlin and Lee for an
evening of Charades. Come out and
totally enjoy putting your acting/miming
and pantomime skills to the test. For
directions and reservations [(a limited
space event, please plan ahead and
phone early)], place a telephone call to
Lee and Merlin, your gracious yet
competitive emcees and moderators,
at 207-5336.
Saturday, January 6
#1 Men’s Social Network Open to men
8:30a.m. Join Robert for a morning of
Volleyball. This is played for fun, and
you’ll get to know some nice guys as
you play. Two great ways to work on
your game! For details and directions,
please call Robert at 400-1376.
#2 Men’s Social Network Open to men
7:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for
our monthly Pot Luck Dinner and to get
to know the members of MSN. It’s a
nice, safe setting, meet new men, and
greet friends. Reservations are not
necessary. Bring your favorite dish to
share.
If you don’t cook, bring
restaurant, deli, or grocery pre-cooked
food. Call Steve at 745-0304 for
location and directions.
Sunday, January 7
6:00p.m. Thom and/or Ken host Dinner
Out at one of Tucson’s Ultra-Fabulous
PAGE FIFTEEN
Buffets. For reservations and directions, contact Thom
623-2941,
[email protected] , or Ken at
294-6606. Please contact Thom or
Ken by Sunday at Noon to facilitate
reservations. Price is usually under
$10.
Check the Yahoo on-line
calendar for the scheduled place. The
venue is rotated to include all parts of
town, and may occasionally be held
at a full-service menu restaurant.
Monday, January 8
Open to men of all ages, newcomers
welcomed: 7:00p.m. Mexican Train
Dominos. Please call Karol at 7449017 for information and to reserve
your place at this limited seating
event.
Tuesday, January 9
Men’s Social Network Open to men
7:00p.m. Play bridge at Perry’s! Call
Perry for info at 321-4387.
Wednesday, January 10
Men’s Social Network Open to men
7:00pm. Canasta hosted by Marv &
Steve. MSN Canasta is played every
Wednesday at 7pm, but check back
here for the specific host. Call Marv
at 745-0304.
Thursday, January 11
#1Men’s Social Network Open to
men of all ages, newcomers welcomed: 7:00p.m. No host Coffee
Night at Rainbow Planet on fabulous
4th Avenue.
#2Men’s Social Network Open to
men of all ages, newcomers welcomed: 7:00p.m. Triangle Tribe-A
Men’s Circle. According to a recent
study, very few people have as many
close friends as they would like. Are
you as connected with other men as
you want to be? Do you wish you had
more meaningful friendships and
relationships with other men? Join
like-minded men at Wingspan to
share feelings, thoughts and ideas in
a safe, respectful space. 591-2828
for dates and times.
PAGE SIXTEEN
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
TUCSON RESOURCES - TUCSON RESOURCES - TUCSON RESOURCES
ANDREW LOCKHART
Certified Personal Trainer
* Private Workout Studio
* No Membership Fees or
Contracts
* Affordable
* FREE Initial Consultation
And Training Session
520-909-4649
520 615-6436
P.O. Box 13312
Tucson, AZ 85732
[email protected]
www.tucsonglbtchamber.org
WEEKLY OBSERVER
PAGE SEVENTEEN
DECEMBER 27, 2006
CLASSIFIED ADS ARE 25¢ PER WORD, $5.00 MINIMUM
CLASSIFIED ADS WILL NOT BE TAKEN BY PHONE
MATURE ROOMMATE WANTED.
Southside home, large bedroom,
washer and dryer. No Smoking, no
pets. Must have job and car. $300/mo.
745-5057
1171
ROOMMATE WANTED TO SHARE
LARGE CONDO MIDTOWN. Own
bedroom and bath. Pool and laundry
in complex. Share rent and electric.
Pool in complex. Parking available.
No smoking. Call 881-1369
1168
ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS
Let me keep your clothes fitting
properly and in good repaid. Experienced – Economical – Prompt. Merle
Hudson, (520)888-7264 in Tucson.
TIRED OF CHEESY $35.00 MASSAGES? DO YOU NEED TO FEEL
KNEADED? Call Stefano, Personal
Trainer and Massage Therapist for
Tucson’s Best Deep Tissue Sports
Massage. Also specializing in Hot
Stone, Swedish, Esalen, Tantric,
Acupressure, Reflexology and Energy
Transference. Relax for a very full
hour in my private, relaxing Eastside
location or in the comfort of your
home. 358-7978. $75.00 Incall $150.00 Out.
1171
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Ric 520-981-1141
1211
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1172
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out. Afternoons & evenings. Christopher 631-8509. 1171
RELAX WITH A FULL BODY MASSAGE FOR MEN in a private studio on
the West Side. Call Ralph, 548-1544
1175
HIV Positive Employee Wins
Discrimination
Case
employer has taken to heart that
LAS VEGAS, Nevada - A
former Subway employee who says
he was fired because he has HIV has
reached a settlement in his lawsuit
against a Subway restaurant owner in
Nevada, reported advocate.com.
Lambda Legal staff attorney Jen
Sinton said in a press release
Wednesday that the law clearly states
that employers cannot fire someone
because he or she is HIV-positive.
“Sound science shows if someone
with HIV is able to work, there is no
reason why they can’t work in the food
service industry,” Sinton said. “Improving science literacy around HIV
transmission is crucial to the struggle
to end AIDS.”
As part of the settlement with
former employee Robert Hickman,
Donna Curry Investments, which
owns the franchises where he worked,
will adopt written policies banning
discrimination against qualified individuals with HIV. The company will
also provide training for employees
about HIV transmission. Lambda
Legal represented Hickman, who was
hired to work at Subway in November
2004. The following February, when
he became eligible for health insurance after three months of employment, he saw that the insurance
application asked about his HIV
status. He told his employer he was
HIV-positive and was worried about
being denied coverage because of
that; the franchise holder then fired
him, claiming he posed a danger to
customers. He subsequently filed suit
in U.S. district court in Las Vegas.
“I’m gratified that my former
discrimination against people with HIV
is wrong and has agreed to have new
policies and training,” Hickman said in
the press release. “Employers must
learn what the CDC already knows: 25
years of scientific study confirm there
is no known risk of HIV transmission to
customers or anyone else through the
normal course of business at a
restaurant.”
ENHANCE YOUR
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(520)-390-0330
PAGE EIGHTEEN
DAILY BAR
CALENDAR
SUNDAY
THE BIZ - Open 3pm-2am; $2 Pitchers til 10pm
and Rotating Shot Specials all night; Latin Music with live
DJ at 9:30pm. Get ready!!! L Word Season 4 begins Jan.
7th at 8pm!
COLORS - Open 11m - 11pm Champagne
Brunch 11am - 2pm with choice of complimentary
mimosa, Bloody Mary or Screwdriver. Happy Hour 47pm $3 Skyy Cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and well. Full
menu served 2-10pm. Nightly dinner specials. Live
music performed by Dickie Steed during Brunch (11:302:30)
HOLLYWOOD - Open 5:00pm. Happy Hour 57pm $1.75 well, domestic bottles and draft.
HOWL AT THE MOON –Open at 10am. $2.50
Smirnoff Vodkas all day. We’ve got the NFL Sunday
Ticket - Watch your favorite NFL team here. $1 Jumbo
Dogs, $2 Chili Dogs. Free Texas Hold-’Em Poker
Tournaments at 4:00, and 7:00 pm. Ply for points and
prizes - no cash involved.
IBT’s -Troy’s Recovery Bar noon-4pm. 4-7:30
Karaoke on the patio. Benefit B-B-Q for the Pride Parade
5:30-7:30 and dance with DJ Mike Lopez 9pm to close.
VENTURE-N - Open 10am. Patio open 3pm.
$2.00 Bloody Marys or Screws til 3pm Patio Beer Bust 37.Burger BBQ 5-7. Selection of burger meats to choose
from. $3 proceeds go to Pet Watch (helping HIV/AIDS
clients with their veterinary bills).
WOODY’S - Open 11am. Brunch $5, 11:30 2:30. Patio Bar open 2pm-close. Yard games on the
grass. Beer Bust 16oz $1 2-7pm. $2.50 Sirloin or
Chicken Burgers w/sides 5-9pm. Karaoke with Michael
D. 9pm-close. .DJ Jeff on the Patio 9pm. Drag Bingo
every other Sunday 8-9
YARD DOG - Open 10am - 2am. Patio Bar
opens at 7pm.
MONDAY
THE BIZ - Open 3pm-10pm; Drink what you
want with ½ priced Happy Hour. Poke-Her Monday! Free
card lessons 5pm. Free Texas Hold-‘em Tourney at 6pm;
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Places. Happy Hour pricing & Free
Food
COLORS - Closed on Mondays.
HOLLYWOOD - Open 5pm. Happy Hour 5pm to
7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft.
HOWL AT THE MOON – Open at 3 pm. Happy
Hour 3 - 8 pm, $2.50 well, domestic longnecks & pints.
Kitchen open 4 - 9 pm. Watch Monday Night Football
here! $1 Jumbo Dogs, $2 Chili Dogs. Domestic draft beer
at happy hour prices all night.
IBT’s -Open Noon. Happy Hour Noon-8pm, DJ
Craig Carter 10pm-2am $1.50 well vodka drinks, All drink
specials not available during special events.
VENTURE-N - Open 9am. Patio 6pm. Free
pool til 4pm. $2.75 Skyy Martinis 4-8pm..
WOODY’S - Open 10am. w/Special Happy Hour
til 2pm $1.50 well or domestic longnecks. Regular Happy
Hour 2-8. Karaoke w/Michael D. 9-1
YARD DOG - Open daily 8am. 50¢ off any Top
Shelf Rum until 8pm. Beer Bust 4-8pm. Patio Bar opens
7pm
TUESDAY
THE BIZ - Open 3pm-10pm; Drink What You
Want with ½ priced Happy Hour. Monthly Wine Tasting
on 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5:30pm. Please RSVP
by the first Monday of the Month. Wine bottles will be for
sale after the tasting at a special discounted price.
COLORS - Open 4-11pm. Happy Hour 4-7 $3
Skyy cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and well. Nightly dinner
specials.
7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft. Karaoke 8pm12am.
Kitchen open 4-9pm. Free Texas Hold-Em Poker for
women only at 6:30 p.m. Play for points and prixzs - no
cash involved. Great way to learn the game or sharpen
your skills.
IBT’s - Open Noon. Happy Hour Noon-8pm,
Tropical Tuesdays $2.50 Tropical drinks and DJ Craig
Carter playing Retro Music 70’s, 80’s and 90’s 9pmclose.
VENTURE-N - Open 9am. Patio 7pm. Free Pool
til 4pm. Spaghetti Nite (2nd Tuesday every month $2.00).
WOODY’S - Open 10am w/Special Happy Hour
til 2pm $1.50 well or domestic longneck. Regular Happy
Hour 2-8. 80s Nite 9-close. $1 off to those wearing 80s
concert T-shirt. (Excludes draught & schnapps).
YARD DOG - Open daily 8am.50¢ off any Top
Shelf Tequila until 8pm Beer Bust 4-8pm. Patio Bar
Opens 7pm.
WEDNESDAY
THE BIZ - Open 3pm-2am; Drink what You Want
with ½ priced Happy Hour 3-8pm; 18 to Party, 21 to Drink!
18 & Over Night w/DJ Shorty at 9:30pm! Rotating Shot
Specials all night.
COLORS - Open 4-11pm. Happy Hour 4-7pm,
$3 Skyy cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and well. Full menu
served 4-10pm. Nightly dinner specials.
7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft. Movie Night.
First show 6pm, Second show 8pm with movie theatre
popcorn and hot dogs.
Hour 3 - 8 pm, $2.50 well, domestic longnecks & pints,
Kitchen open 4 - 9 pm. Free Pool all day and night. Free
Texas Hold-’Em Poker Tournament at 6:30 pm for
Women Only and open tournaments at 7 and 10. Play for
points & prizes - no cash involved. Great way to learn the
game or sharpen your skills.
DECEMBER 27, 2006
“Diva-Licious” show 9pm w/ Bunny Fu Fu& Friends. After
show dance with DJ Q til 2am,
VENTURE-N - Open 9am. Patio 7pm. Free Pool
til 4pm. $2.75 Cuervo Margaritas 4-8pm
Hour 2-8. Underwear- fetish-leather nite $1 off for those
wearing underwear-fetish or leather. (Excludes draught &
schnapps) for all in leather or underwear.
Shelf Vodka until 8pm Beer Bust 4-8pm. Patio Bar Opens
7pm.
THURSDAY
THE BIZ - Open3pm-2am; Drink What You
Want with ½ priced Happy Hour 3-8pm; ‘Thirsty
Thursday’ with Tori Steele & Friends! Drag show starts at
9:30pm with Tori Steele, Janee Starr, Diana Flair and
weekly special guests. $2 Pitchers and Rotating Shot
Specials. Followed by a new Surprise guest DJ!
COLORS - Open 4-11pm. Happy Hour 47pm,$3 Skyy cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and Well. Full
menu served 4-10pm. Nightly dinner specials.
7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft. Stnad-up
Comedy Night - open mike 8-10p.m. Register 7pm.
Prizes for winners.
Kitchen open 4 - 9 pm. Karaoke with Rosemary at
8:30pm.
IBT’s -Open Noon. Happy Hour Noon-8pm,
Boyz Nite Out with your Bartenders & GoGo Boys
dancing in their undies and DJ Mike Lopez spinning Top
40 & All request $1.75 Long Islands and $1.50 Tequila
shots 10pm-2am.
Free Pool til 4pm. Pool Tourney 7pm. $3 entry. Special
prices for players. Steak Nite (3rd Thursday during
summer). Bring your own or get it here $6.00.
Hour 2-8. Free Pool all day. NTN Game Nite w/prizes 9close. $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon. Patio bar open 8pm-close
Shelf Bourbon til 8pm. Beer Bust 4-8pm. Patio Bar opens
7pm.
FRIDAY
THE BIZ - Open 3pm-2am; Drink What You
Want with ½ priced Happy Hour 3-8pm; Rotating weeks
Latin or Hip Hop Music with DJ Shorty at 9:30pm.
Rotating Shot Specials all night!
COLORS - Open 4pm-1am. Happy Hour 47pm, $3 Skyy cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and Well .
Full menu served 4-10pm. Nightly Dinner Specials.
6:30-9:30pm. “Hot Jazz, Cool Martinis” with Susan
Artemis and Craig Faltin. 10pm “Guys & Dolls” hosted
by Lucinda Holliday. 21 and over.
HOLLYWOOD - Open 5pm. Happy Hour 5pm
to 7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft. Two for One
9pm - 12am. With midnight specials.
Kitchen open 4 - 9 pm. Free Two-Step lessons with
Amanda every other Friday.
Call 293-7339 for
schedule. DJ Pat plays your favorite country dance
songs 8:30 to close. Kitchen open 9 pm - midnight
serving late night munchies menu.
9pm Hot Dance with DJ Mike Lopez outside on the patio
and DJ Raynman spinning club music inside.9pm-2am.
Free Pool til 4pm.
WOODY’S - Open 10am.w/Special Happy
Hour til-2pm $1.50 well or domestic longnecks. Regular
Happy Hour 2-8. Patio Bar open 8-close. Party w/DJ
Jeff 9-close.
Shelf Gin until 8pm. Beer Bust 4-8pm. Patio Bar Opens
7pm
SATURDAY
THE BIZ - $1 Draught Beers until 10pm & $4
Finlandia Vodka Red Bull drinks until 11pm; Dance Party
with DJ Shorty at 9:30 mixing it up and playing what you
want to hear!
COLORS - Open 4pm-11pm, Happy Hour 4-7pm,
$3 Skyy cocktails, $2.50 Domestics and Well. Full menu
served 4-10pm. Nightly dinner specials. “Pacific Breeze”
performs 7-10pm.
7pm. $1.75 well, domestic bottles, draft.
HOWL AT THE MOON – Open at 11:00 am.
Happy Hour 11 am - 8 pm, $2.50 well, domestic longnecks
& pints. Kitchen open 11am -9pm. $2.50 capt. Morgan or
Mailbu. Cheeseburger & Fries Special for $4.50 all day.
Best burgers around. Johnny D playing dance mix or
ch3eck our ad for special events. Kitchen open 9pm to
midnight serving late night munchies menu.
IBT’s - Open Noon. Happy Hour Noon-8pm, 58pm karaoke and Teryaki Kabobs on the patio. 8:30pm
Show time w/ Ajia Simone or Janee Star. DJ Q spinning
Club Music inside and Mike Lopez spinning on the patio
10pm to close..
VENTURE-N - Open 9am. Patio Bar open 3pm.
Patio Beer Bust 3-7pm.
WOODY’S - Open 10am. Regular Happy Hour 28. $5 Steak or Fish w/all the trimmings 5-9. Patio Bar open
5-close. Live Jazz w/Arthur Migliazza on the patio 6-9.
Party w/DJ Jeff 9-close.
YARD DOG - Open daily 8am. Beer Bust 4-8pm.
$1.25 glass, $2.25 pitcher. Patio Bar Opens 7pm.
WEEKLY OBSERVER
BAR CALENDAR
Of Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
WOODY’S - Enjoy the sounds of Arthur Migliazza
on the Patio from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. with Dinner.
Stay after and listen to the sounds of DJ Jeff on
the Patio.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
THE BIZ - New Year’s Eve Bash! Help us bring
the New Year in with a Bang! Champagne Toast
& Balloon Drop at Midnight; Party Favors & Giveaways. Special Guest DJ to be announced.
COLORS - Dinner, drink and dancing. Colors’
Black and White Ball. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
Cocktails from 8:00 to 9:00, Dinner from 9:00 to
10:30 p.m. Dancing to follow with Johnny DJ. $60
per person includes 2 well cocktails or domestic
beers, Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala or Pasta
Primavera (vegetarian) wine with dinner (red or
white) and Tiramisu for dessert.
HOLLYWOOD - New Year’s Eve Party with
champagne, party favors, dessert bar and NO
Cover!
HOWL AT THE MOON - Make your plans now for
New Year’s Eve. The fun starts at 8:00 p.m.
Buffet served from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. DJ Pat
playing country & dance from 9:00 pm. To 2:00
a.m. Party favors, silly hats, noisemakers, and of
course, a champagne toast at Midnight.
Advanced tickets $10.00
IBT’s - New Year Black and White Party. No
Cover. 10:00 p.m. Dance Party with DJ Q
spinning on the dance floor and DJ Mike Lopez
spinning on the patio. Midnight - Champagne
Toast, Balloon Drop and More!!! 21+ with ID.
VENTURE-N - The ever-popular “Balloon
Busters Ball” and much more. Party favors and
the traditional champagne toast at midnight. No
Cover Charge!
WOODY’S - New Year’s Eve Party with 80s pop
star Tiffany and hypnotist Bradley Jay and Male
GoGo Dancers. Hosted by Ajia Simone and
Dominick Decarlo. Tickets are $25.00 and
seating is limited. Call Woody’s to reserve yours
now.
YARD DOG SALOON - New Year’s Eve party
with Sonny & Company begin playing Live at 9:00
p.m. Champagne toast at Midnight.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9
THE BIZ - First Monthly Wine Tasting at 5:30 p.m.
Featuring wines from the Sterling Vinter’s
Collection and BV Napa; Presented by Chris
Chavez, Sommelier. Please RSVP by Monday,
January 1st. Wine bottles will be available for sale
after the tasting at a special discounted price.
Arts and Entertainment
January 2 - 7
A Nederland Presentation: Broadway In Tucson
“All Shook Up”. 1-866-821-2929 or online
broadwayintucson.com
January 4 - 14
Arizona OnStage Productions, for it’s first
production for 2007 will be presenting “Talk Of
The Town” at the Zuzi Theater, 738-N. 5th
Avenue. Tickets for the production are $15
general admission, $12 student/teacher/senior
and for the special matinee performance Friday
Jan. 12 $6.00 for students and $8 for adults. For
tickets and more information call (620)882-6574
or go online to arizonaonstage.org
January 23 - 28
“Altar Boyz”.
1-866-821-2929 or online
broadwayintucson.com
March 20 - 25
“Rent”
1-866-821-2929 or online broadwayintucson.com
April 17 - 22
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrel”. 1-866-821-2929 or
online broadwayintucson.com
May 15 - 20
Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf,
starring Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin. 1-866821-2929 or online broadwayintucson.com
WEEKLY OBSERVER
“CELEBRACION” Out & About The group
is planning to go out for Thanksgiving
brunch. Our plans are not yet complete, but
if you would like some more information
about this, please contact us at [email protected], or leave a message
at 520-615-9237. We will contact you, as
soon as possible, Come and join us it will
be fun.
HALLELUJAH RECOVERY DRUG &
ALCOHOL 12-STEP. Every Thursday
5:30-6:30pm at Cornerstone Fellowship,
2902 N. Geronimo. 622-4626.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE
CLINIC provided daily by the Pima County
Health Department. Gay friendly. Confidential. Treatment and Medication too!
Any questions? Call 624-8272
SOUTHERN ARIZONA AIDS FOUNDATION (SAAF), 375 S. EUCLID. Office
Hours 8am to 5pm, Monday through
Friday. Direct services and emotional
support for persons with and affected by
HIV. Anonymous HIV testing and support
groups available. Prevention education
programs. 628-SAAF (7223). World wide
web: http://www.saaf.org. VOLUNTEERS
WELCOME.
P.F.L.A.G. - Parents and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays - is a support group
available to anyone who has a son,
daughter or friend who is Gay. Call 3603795 or write P.O. Box 36264, Tucson, AZ
85740-6264. All replies confidential.
GLBT-friendly AL-ANON group meets
Saturdays at 11am at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E. 22nd Street, Tucson.
YOUNG AND GAY?
GLBT Youth 23 and under, meet every
Saturday in Tucson for sharing, support
and information. Meetings are held at 425
E. 7th Street from 3 to 4:30 pm. You are not
alone. For more info call Wingspan, 6241779.
The TUCSON Chapter of PRIME TIMERS
WORLDWIDE invites Gay or Bisexual men
and their admirers to join and share Prime
Timers fellowship. We welcome mature
men (and admirers) who wish to become
involved with planned and future Prime
Timers (TPT) activities. Meetings luncheons and dinners are held monthly.
For dates, times and information call 2986727, leave name and phone number.
Tucsonpt@primetimersww,org
TUCSON GAY INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
For Information on human service organizations, health and mental health services,
financial and government assistance,
emergency services such as food and
shelter, education, etc. Call Information
and Referral 881-1794 - 8 am - 5 pm M-F.
AIDS HOTLINE - 326-AIDS. Hours M-F,
9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Information,
counseling, HIV-related services, Tucson.
GAY OR BI-SEXUAL MEN in relationships
with women. Need friends you can talk to?
Weekly support group meets Wednesdays
6:30 - 8:00 pm. Licensed psychologist
facilitator. Call 745-6977 in Tucson for
more information. Strictly confidential.
WINGSPAN - Tucson’s Gay, Lesbian &
Bisexual Community Center, 425 E. 7th
St., offers support groups / info line / social
events / library / meeting space. Volunteer
Opportunities. Board meetings every 2nd
Thursday (open to all), 6:00 p.m. Information 624-1779.
GREATER PHOENIX GAY & LESBIAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GPGLCC)
P.O. BOX 2097, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2097.
E-mail: [email protected] or call
(602)225-8444.
SOURCES UNLIMITED, a Lesbian & Gay
referral service. Business and individual
listings are free of charge. All information
available to anyone just simply by asking.
322-5655.
Leave
message.
[email protected]
GET NAKED with TNTucson MEN! We’re
a social and recreational club. Have you
ever longed to camp, swim, hike or play
with others who enjoy the same, dropping
all the masks and pretensions? We;re for
you! [email protected], P.O.
Box 12176, Tucson 85792 or call 5149894
INNER WISDOM - Try hypnotherapy for
pain relief, past life exploration and
addiction release. Also available: Spiritual
Counseling and Dream Interpretation.
579-9020
BEARS OF THE OLD PUEBLO — a social
club for bears and bigger, more robust
DECEMBER 27, 2006
men (and of course, those who prefer their
company). For more info, Call the Bears
Hotline (520)790-5775 or write P.O. Box
43910, Tucson, AZ 85733-3910 of visit our
website at www.botop.com All are welcome to our general meetings/potlucks on
the 2nd Friday of every month, at 3202 E.
1st St. (the “Ward 6" Office Bldg.) Just
south of Speedway & East of Country
Club. PotLuck Dinner begins at 6:30 and
the monthly meeting follows at 7:15 p.m.
LESBIAN AND GAY AL-ANON - Affected
by someone’s drinking? Meeting every
Tuesday 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. at Lambda
Center, 2940 E. Thomas, Phoenix. Ellie
581-8850 or Ronn 968-2384.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE GROUP - Outreach to Gay and Lesbian people in
Arizona. Meets monthly. Write to P.O. Box
893, Phoenix, AZ 85001 or call Eddy
Walters, (602)371-1102
CRONIES SOCIAL GROUP. A Social
group for Gay men who enjoy the
fellowship of their peers. Call Leo at 6246768.
T-SQUARES Lesbian and Gay Square
Dance Club, dances Tuesdays. from 6:309 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship Social
Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo (Northwest of 1st
Ave. and Glenn). No experience, no
partner required! For more info contact
David
at
325-6739,
or
visit
www.azgaydance.org
LIGHTNING LIGHTING will provide lighting for AIDS and related benefits at no
charge. For more info call Adrienne at 8897298.
COME EXPLORE YOUR SPIRITUALITY!
St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church
offers a variety of Gay and Lesbian groups
and services for the spiritually minded.
Come meet the Family! For more
information call Debbie 579-9827 or David
323-7943.
LESBIAN/GAY WRITERS: Workshop at
7:00 p.m. third Wednesday of every
month. Read and critique current projects.
Network and support. For info call 3254737.
DESERT VOICES, Tucson’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight
Chorus, has been singing songs of pride,
hope and laughter for 16 seasons. Check
out our website at www.desertvoices.org,
or call (520)791-9662 for information
about upcoming concerts or how to join.
Join the LESBIAN & GAY PUBLIC
AWARENESS PROJECT. In Tucson write
Awareness Project, 3661 N. Campbell
Ave. #365, Tucson, AZ 85719.
AA Meeting with HIV/AIDS focus, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., Wingspan Annex, 425 E.
7th Street. All alcoholics welcome.
MEN’S SOCIAL NETWORK: Social organization for men of all ages. Building an
extended Gay family in Tucson. Monthly
social potluck gatherings the first Saturday
of each month and almost weekly social
activities. Call 690-9565 for information
and a newsletter. Check the Non-Bar
Calendar in the Observer.
CARE TEAMS ARE AVAILABLE to offer
support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network
offers trained, compassionate and committed volunteers to provide services
including friendly visits, light housekeeping, assistance with meals, shopping,
errands, transportation and companionship for medical appointments, and respite
care for primary care givers. No judgement
or proselytizing - we are here to be of
service. For information call Scott at 2996647.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SPORTS
TEAMS and updates on Gay Games,
contact TEAM ARIZONA at their website:
teamarizona.org
ARE YOU GAY OR BISEXUAL AND
UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE? The Gay
Young Men’s Project is now looking for
volunteers for the project. We need people
who want to help create a positive social
change for young Gay men as well as
reduce the risk for HIV infection. For more
information please call 628-7223.
THE MEN’S MASSAGE GROUP meets
the 3rd Sunday of each month. It is a good
way to meet other men of all ages, safely,
and with the art of nurturing touch. There is
a fee. You must sign up in advance to
participate. Call Marc at 881-4582 for more
information or sign up.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GLBT,
Tucson’s Gay and Lesbian business
networking group holds regular meetings
the third Thursday of every month. Call
615-6436
for
more
info.
www.tucsonglbtchamber.org
TUCSON PRIDE, INC. (Formerly Tucson
Lesbian and Gay Alliance - TLGA) meets
on the second Wednesday at 845 S.
Craycroft Road at 6pm. Tucson Pride
events: Pride Week, Gay West and
Pride Weekend. Inquiries about support
groups and individual needs should be
directed to Wingspan and other local
agencies listed here. For more information
call 622-3200 or visit the TPI website at
www.tucsonpride.com
LEARN TO BE A LISTENING FRIEND
Unique Hospital Volunteer Program
teaches listening skills to Volunteers who
provide a safe/compassionate environment to at-risk patients. Training every 6
weeks. 694-7063.
TUCSON INTERFAITH HIV/AIDS NETWORK (TIHAN), a coalition of faith
communities committed to a compassionate response to HIV/AIDS, provides HIV
education in congregational settings,
volunteer CareTeams to support HIV+
persons, a referral network of HIVsensitive clergy, and interfaith services of
healing and hope. For more information
call 299-6647.
ANONYMOUS HIV COUNSELING AND
TESTING is available through the Pima
County Health Department at sites throughout Tucson, Very Gay Friendly. For more
information or to make an appointment call
791-7676.
SMART (Self Management And Recovery
Training) a free non-12-step self-help
alternative for people working to overcome
addictive and other emotional problems
meets in Tucson Monday thru Thursdays
at different locations. For more information
about SMART, contact Jennifer at 8383975.
AZdykes is a new email list for Lesbians
living in Arizona. For information mail
[email protected] and request guidelines.
OUTLOUD! Tucson’s premiere Local
Lesbian and Gay Radio Show, broadcast
every Sunday from 7-8 pm on 91.3 FM,
Community Radio KXCI.
THEATER / DINNER / MOVIES / ETC!
Nonsmoking Lesbian Network meets
every month. If you’d like to meet women
50+ (flexible) and socialize in a smoke-free
environment, please call or email: 8888010 ‘til 9pm, or [email protected].
The group dines OUT! and attends shows,
movies, comedy events, etc. Now in our
23rd year, 7th in Tucson.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA GENDER ALLIANCE (SAGA). The Southwest’s largest
transgender and gender-diversity advocacy organization. Speakers and panelists available. General meetings monthly
on the 1st Mondays at 7pm; Dezert Girlz
(MTF Support) meets 2nd Mondays at 7pm;
Dezert Boyz (FTM Support) meets 3rd
Tuesdays at 7pm. Also serving partners,
youth, intersex, service providers and
allies. Call (520)624-1779 x26 for more
info.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR
ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES. Not a dating club. Discreet. Meetings every Monday
evening. Call for more info. APEX (Arizona
Power Exchange) 602-415-1123. 24-hr
multi-choice message including information, calendar and location.
ARIZONA AIDS POLICY ALLIANCE
(AZAPA) seeks to educate legislators and
citizens about sound AIDS policy. For
more information write AZAPA, 6523 N.
14th St., #112, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or call
602-279-4805.
DESERT DOMINION, whose focus is
providing information and education for
people interested in the BDSM lifestyle,
meets monthly for group discussion and
social events. Visit our web site http://
www.desertdominion.org or call (520)7926424
SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS. Starting this February, the Tucson Rape crisis
Center will be providing free confidential
group services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender survivors of all manner
of sexual assault. Interested persons
please call Mirto Stone, MSW, at 327-1171
(if unavailable leave message with phone
number.
AAPSP - ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF
PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS: a
confidential organization committed to
providing support and networking for all
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual public safety
PAGE NINETEEN
professionals in Arizona. Membership
open to Law Enforcement Officers,
Firefighters, Probation, Parole and Corrections Officers and civilians working
within these agencies. Website: AAPSP.org
or e-mail: [email protected] or call Dave
(520)745-9059 (Tucson) or Kim (602)5346219 (Phoenix)
GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian and Straight
Education Network meets first Thursday of
every month at 4:30pm at Wingspan, 425
E.7th Street. 743-4800.
SAA (Sex Addicts Anonymous) has 5
meetings a week in Tucson. People who
wish to stop their compulsive sexual
behavior, please call (520) 745-0775 for
current information.
TUCSON GREATER SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION. Interested? Call Kelly Quinn,
(520)906-0669 and or Mona Garcia 2568728.
LUTHERANS CONCERNED — Tucson
chapter for Gay/Lesbian Lutherans meets
3rd Sunday, 6:30 p.m. each month at
Santa Cruz Lutheran Church, 6809 S.
Cardinal Ave. For information visit
www.lctucson.org write: LC, 7014 E. Golf
Links Road, PMB 212, Tucson, AZ 85730.
REVEILLE GAY MEN’S CHORUS rehearses Thursday evenings 7-10pm at the
Historic Y, corner of University Blvd. And
5th Ave. Join us!! Call 304-1758 for more
info.
“OUT ON THE TRAILS - EQUESTRIAN
FUN!”
Rider Club forming. Looking for women
and men to ride together on the trails of
Southern Arizona. Must have own horse,
truck and trailer. For more info write: “Out
On The Trails” P.O. Box 44045, Tucson,
AZ 85733-4045
THE MAN TO MAN Social/erotic education
club is the tantric men’s group that offers
passionate friendships, fun activities and
real Tantric sex education. Marc 881-4582
LGBT Buddhist Meditation Group. Join us
for two 20 minute silent sitting meditations,
and reading from Buddhist Spiritual text
and discussion. Bring a friend and a pillow
or cushion. Takes place every Sunday
from 10-11:30AM at Wingspan, 425 E. 7th
St. Donations accepted. Contact Maurice
Grossman for more info. 323-2293.
LGBT SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIM/
SURVIVORS OF Domestic Violence,
Sexual Assault, Hate Crimes, Bias Acts,
Harassment. Call Lori at Wingspan, 6241779, ext. 20. Services are free.
MEN’S HIKING CLUB - A peer-run
MEN’s outdoor club for hiking, biking, camping, boating etc, is now up and running in
the Tucson area. To join, go to SAGE-Tucson-subscribe @yahoogroups.com. See
you on the trails.
MEN’S KINK DISCUSSION GROUP (Open
to all who identify as male and are 18 or
older) meets 2nd Tuesday of the month,
7:00 p.m. at Desert Dominion, 3843 E. 37th
Street, Tucson, AZ. (Map available at
www.desertdominion,org) For those who
are kinky or just curious. No fee,
contributions are appreciated, but not
required.
The new MAN TO MAN INTENTIONAL
COMMUNITY is meeting about honoring
the spiritual side of ourselves. It is the
men’s social/erotic group that offers
passionate friendships, fun activities, and
real tantric sex education. Call Marc 8814582 in advance Check it out. We meet
the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7-9pm.
Potluck dinner. Donation.
BROTHERS OF THE COMPASSIONATE
WAY. Pagan spiritual group for gay,
bisexual, transgendered men. Box 41623,
Tucson, AZ 85717.
PAGE TWENTY
DECEMBER 27, 2006
WEEKLY OBSERVER
IT’S RODEO TIME!

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