Blog Update

Thanks to Ryn Gargulinski and Mark Evans of the Tucson Citizen, Mark Kerr is blogging on that site about news and issues of concern to the LGBT Community.

The following is the link to the Observer page there, so update your bookmarks.

AIDS Walk, October 11

Mark your calendars for October 11th as Tucson celebrates its 21st Annual AIDSWALK presented by Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel benefiting the programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF). AIDSWALK features a 5K walk, 10K fun run, great food, entertainment, community education, kid and pet friendly play areas, a beautiful quilt opening ceremony with quilt panels on display from the Names Project Foundation, and much more.

Your participation in AIDSWALK means joining thousands of friends, families, and community members to walk in support of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, HIV education and prevention, and in memory of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS.

This year’s message, I walk because, allows people to share their story. I walk because…every 9½ minutes someone is infected with HIV. I walk because…approximately 2 young Americans under the age of 24 become infected with HIV every hour of every day. I walk because…everyone has an HIV status. I walk because…

SAAF provides care and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Arizona, including housing, a food pantry, medical and dental assistance and support groups. Equally important, SAAF provides outreach to groups at high risk of HIV/AIDS through seven different culturally targeted prevention programs as well as general community education to help reduce the risk of HIV.

You may visit us online for more info at www.aidswalktucson.com or call (520) 791-WALK (9255). Proceeds benefit the programs and services of SAAF.

Reveille Men's Chorus 2009-2010 Season

Dear Reveille Supporters,

I don't need to tell you about the impact these difficult economic times are having on the arts and nonprofit organizations here in Tucson. In the recent weeks you have no doubt received pleas for help from more than a few local GLBT non-profits. Sadly, Reveille is no different as we find ourselves in the same financial bind as most groups in Tucson. We desperately need your help.

In one month Reveille Men's Chorus will begin our 15th year of changing lives through music in Southern Arizona. As a performance ensemble Reveille has always been dedicated to musical excellence while promoting human rights, diversity and a world free of AIDS. We have partnered with local groups such as SAAF, TIHAN and Wingspan to assist in their efforts in battling HIV. We perform at AIDS Walk, TIHAN's Musical Potpourri, the Annual Wingspan Dinner and various other fundraisers throughout the year. Reveille also performs at local churches, synagogues, schools and senior citizen centers throughout Southern Arizona to entertain and to promote a positive image of our LGBT community. Reveille has performed in Mexico (on 5 separate occasions) and Brazil to help raise funds for local HIV/AIDS support groups. We traveled at our own expense, and funds raised for our performances stayed with the local groups that organized the concerts. We have always felt that music can be a powerful medium to affect change but we are now in danger of having to shut our doors.

I cannot put it in simpler terms, due to a decrease in donations this year we are faced for the first time without having the funds to begin our new season. We are grateful to all those who recently donated funds at our most recent performance in June. That money has enabled us to survive the summer months. But unless we receive the money necessary to begin our 2009-2010 season the singing may have to stop. To make a donation:

* Mail your tax deductible check to Reveille Men's Chorus, 300 E. University Blvd., #142, Tucson, AZ 85705.

* Or call the Reveille phone at (520) 304-1758 to make a credit card donation.

Your support will enable the men of Reveille to continue to raise our voices in song and lend our hands and our hearts to all of those in our community for whom we help with our music.

Thank you,
Jeffrey Bracker
President, Board of Directors

Right to Marry Arizona Update

Greetings from fellow Arizonans. We are writing to tell you about the Right to Marry campaign that will taking place in August.

We wanted to let you know young-adults will engage Phoenix during the week of August 9th. The Equality Walkers will journey 97 miles, the number of years Arizona has been a state without equal protection for its LGBT citizens, throughout the city. Along the route they will bring the conversation of civics, faith, and equality to religious institutions, politicians and community members.

We are writing foremost because we recognize and value your work on LGBT issues in this state. We think it behooves us all to be in good communication about our respective efforts. Secondly, if you have feedback, insight, or a desire to be involved, we should talk. This week we are putting out the call for participation, and this is an exciting intergenerational campaign that many folks can be a part of in creative ways.

We would love for you to show support of this event in any of the following ways:

* Host a meal

* Walk a portion of the route

* Email blast information about the walk

* Bring your organization members and supporters to the final mile of the walk from Phoenix City Hall to the Arizona State Capital on Saturday August 15th at 11am.

* Contact us with your personal stories

Please also check out our website for more information about the structure, the timeline, and details on involvement. We hope that we can work together or be mutually beneficial in our movement's goals for marriage equality in our state.

Feel free to contact us at any time.

Many thanks,

Meg Sneed

623-262-6696

Melissa Halverson

602-561-9311

meg@righttomarry.org

melissa@righttomarry.org

www.righttomarry.org

Open Letter from Wingspan Board President Cynthia Garcia

Times are tough. We've all felt the effects in our pocketbooks and portfolios.

Your LGBT community center is no exception. Wingspan is making some big changes. We must take these bold actions now to preserve our core services.

I wanted to tell you what's happening and ask for your help.

First Wingspan is moving.

Beginning this weekend, the Wingspan community center and staff offices will consolidate buildings with the EON Youth Lounge. This is a smaller building just across the street from Wingspan. Wingspan will be open Saturday July 18 and then close Sunday, July 19. Wingspan will remain closed next week (July 20—24) during the transition and reopen Monday, July 27 in the new space.

I've listed further details at the end of this letter about new hours and what this will mean.

There are more big changes ahead.

I want to also let you know that as part of a strategic plan to conserve resources by cutting all staff positions that are not grant-funded, Wingspan's Executive Director Jason Cianciotto has offered his resignation. When Jason saw that his resignation was a necessary part of cost-saving measures to preserve core services, he came to the board to recommend that he resign. We reluctantly accepted.

Jason has volunteered to continue as executive director, with only a $1 salary until July 31. Jason will write to you soon himself. Jason has given complete devotion and passion to his leadership of Wingspan over the last 18 months. We are grateful for his service, leadership, and generosity.

And finally, in place of the annual community dinner held in September, we are going to do something different this year. At this time when every dollar counts, we don't want to spend any money that doesn't go directly to support our programs and staff.

Various activities are being planned in the coming months for the community to gather and support Wingspan. We will continue to keep you informed and encourage your participation in these events.

I realize that this is a lot to take in. And it's happening fast.

It's been difficult for the board to make these changes. We are available to answer your questions and hear your concerns and ideas.

Now more than ever Wingspan needs you. This is our community. It's our center.

We'll need volunteers to do many things that paid staff used to do. We'll also need your financial support to ensure that Wingspan continues.

Wingspan has a strong history of community involvement and leadership. Wingspan began as an all-volunteer organization. Wingspan's roots actually go back to the late 1970s, when local community members offered their homes for a weekly youth support group.

In the late 1980s Wingspan rented a tiny office space. And in 1998 Wingspan hired its first paid staff. It wasn't until 2000 that Wingspan had an executive director.

Now, it's time to return to our roots.

In the very first newsletter of Wingspan, published in the late 1980s, the volunteer leaders wrote why they chose to call the community center Wingspan:

"The word Wingspan represents the enfolding of wings around us, cradling us in our struggle for survival," they wrote. They went on to explain that, "It expresses our desire for freedom; the freedom symbolized by a bird in flight. And it represents the spreading of our own wings, as each of us reach beyond our limits."

It's time to spread our own wings. To reach out. To stretch beyond what we thought was possible.

Your gifts of time and leadership are needed now. And your financial support is imperative.

For Wingspan to continue we must raise $125,000 by October 31, and find 1,000 new monthly donors who commit to giving $25 or more each month. And we need your help to do it.

Every donation counts. Nothing is too small. We need every person who cares about Wingspan in Southern Arizona to stretch and do their part.

Giving online is the quickest and easiest way for us to process your gift. Please go online today to www.wingspan.org and give as much as you can. Ask your friends to do the same.

Times are tough for everyone. But I know that we have an amazing community. The board of directors have already personally pledged $20,000 toward our $125,000 goal.

This is it. This is the critical moment to offer your skills and support to Wingspan. Wingspan needs you to continue offering critical, life-saving services and to speak loudly and proudly on behalf of the freedom and equality of the LGBT community in Southern Arizona.

Thank you in advance for your sacrificial giving. And for all that you will do to ensure that Wingspan continues.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Garcia

Wingspan Board President

P.S. If you have questions or ideas please feel free to email me directly at canngarcia@gmail.com or the board vice president Karyn Prechtel at kprechtel@mac.com.

We've tried to anticipate some of your questions below. But please contact us if you have more questions.

What will the transition be like next week?

· The anti-violence hotline will remain available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the transition. The number is 520-624-0348 and toll-free 800-553-9387.

· The EON Youth Lounge will remain open next week during its regular hours, 3 to 8 pm for youth ages 13-23.

· Staff email is currently down due to the transition. We hope to have this back up and running smoothly by the close of business Saturday, July 18.

· The Wingspan website will remain up during the transition. The web address is www.wingspan.org.

· The new combined Wingspan center and EON Youth Lounge will be open at its new location July 27.

What will the new center be like?

· The new center hours will be Monday — Friday. Wingspan and EON will be closed on the weekends. From 11 am until 2 pm the community is welcome to come and use the cyber center, library, and the one available meeting room.

· Wingspan will be closed each weekday from 2 pm to 3 pm to allow for a daily transition to an all-youth lounge.

· EON Youth Lounge will remain a youth-only safe space from 3 pm until 8 pm Monday—Friday. Only youth, SAGA and some Wingspan committees will be able to use the space from 3 pm to 8 pm.

What will the new Wingspan look like?

Wingspan's outreach, support and advocacy will continue with paid staff through the following programs: EON Youth Lounge, Anti-Violence Programs, and the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance. Wingspan's community education programs will also continue with leadership by volunteers. These programs have been the crux of Wingspan's 21-year legacy of providing national leadership in LGBT education and advocacy.

Wingspan's finances will remain professionally administered through a financial management contract.

Volunteer teams of community leaders will take the lead on organizing volunteers, fundraising, and Wingspan's public advocacy. Already volunteers completely run many of Wingspan's work such as our community Senior Programs. Wingspan began as a volunteer organization. By engaging the many gifts and talents of our community and returning to our roots as a volunteer organization, Wingspan will continue to promote the freedom, equality, safety, and well-being of LGBT people in Southern Arizona.

My group used to meet at Wingspan: Where else can we meet?

Tucson's public libraries and city council offices have free meeting spaces for the public. Both have offered their spaces for groups that used to meet at Wingspan.

See these websites for more about reserving rooms at a library near you:

http://www.library.pima.gov/services/meetingrooms/

http://www.library.pima.gov/about/policies/meetingroompolicy.pdf

http://www.library.pima.gov/pdf/MeetingRoomApplication.pdf

I want to help. What can I do?

If you can help pack boxes, come to the center Saturday, July 18, starting at 9 am.

If you'd like to give a donation the easiest way is to go online to www.wingspan.org and donate online.

If you have ideas or would like to volunteer to write grants, do data entry, sweep floors, answer phones, host a fundraiser, or lead a new outreach program for instance, contact board president, Cynthia Garcia, canngarcia@gmail.com or the board vice president, Karyn Prechtel at kprechtel@mac.com. Jason will also be available until July 31.Thank you. Together we are Wingspan. This is our community. And our center.

Mass. Sues Feds over Definition of Marriage

BOSTON, MA (Observer Update) - assachusetts, the first state to legalize Gay marriage, sued the U.S. government Wednesday (July 7) over a federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, reported the Associated Press on 365Gay.com.

The federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define and regulate marriage as it sees fit, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said. The 1996 law denies federal recognition of Gay marriage and gives states the right to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, argues the act “constitutes an overreaching and discriminatory federal law.” It says the approximately 16,000 same-sex couples who have married in Massachusetts since the state began performing Gay marriages in 2004 are being unfairly denied federal benefits given to heterosexual couples.

Besides Massachusetts, five other states - Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Iowa - have legalized Gay marriage. Gay marriage opponents in Maine said Wednesday that they had collected enough signatures to put the state’s new law on the November ballot for a possible override.

The Massachusetts lawsuit challenges the section of the federal law that creates a federal definition of marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.”

Before the law was passed, Coakley said, the federal government recognized that defining marital status was the “exclusive prerogative of the states.” Now, because of the U.S. law’s definition of marriage, same-sex couples are denied access to benefits given to heterosexual married couples, including federal income tax credits, employment benefits, retirement benefits, health insurance coverage and Social Security payments, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also argues that the federal law requires the state to violate the constitutional rights of its citizens by treating married heterosexual couples and married same-sex couples differently when determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and when determining whether the spouse of a veteran can be buried in a Massachusetts veterans’ cemetery.

“In enacting DOMA, Congress overstepped its authority, undermined states’ efforts to recognize marriages between same-sex couples, and codified an animus towards Gay and Lesbian people,” the lawsuit states. The Justice Department had not seen the lawsuit and cannot respond until it has a chance to review it, spokesman Charles Miller said.

The Defense of Marriage Act was enacted when it appeared Hawaii would soon legalize same-sex marriages and opponents worried that other states would be forced to recognize them.

President Barack Obama has pledged to work to repeal the law, although Gay rights activists criticized the administration last month after Justice Department lawyers defended it in a court brief. White House aides said they were doing their jobs to support a law that is on the books. This is the second lawsuit filed in Massachusetts challenging the law.

In March, the Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders claimed the law discriminates against Gay couples and is unconstitutional because it denies them access to federal benefits that other married couples receive, such as health insurance and pensions.

DOMA-ME-ME - By Mark R. Kerr

When the American Foundation for Equal Rights and former Bush v. Gore attorneys, former Solicitor General Ted Olson and David Boies, had teamed up to file suit (May 22) in federal court, the Ninth U.S. Circuit, located in San Francisco, California, challenging California’s Proposition 8, on the grounds that it violates the federal Constitution, specifically the Fourteenth Amendment and the equal protection clause when the California Supreme Court, in its ruling, said Gay and Lesbians could be treated “separate but equal” under the law, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights groups reacted with disdain.

This “premature” legal challenge, in a statement, on May 27 by the ACLU, GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Defenders), Lambda Legal, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Freedom to marry, GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay Lesbian Task Force “may well not win the right to marry back in California.” and that a legal defeat “would likely set back the fight for marriage nationwide, and hurt LGBT parents, employees, and students all over America,” but now more than a month later, these groups have filed a legal brief asking to be a part of this legal challenge.

Jennifer Pizer, Lambda Legal's national marriage director, said in an interview that their full participation is vital now that U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker has put the Proposition 8 challenge on a fast-track to trial. "We think it will be very helpful to Judge Walker and the ultimate resolution of the questions in the case for the litigation to have the benefit of the presence of the community in all its diversity," Pizer said.

Chad Griffin, the Board President of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, called the legal maneuvering, “too late” since the same groups originally criticized a federal civil rights claim as premature.
"You have unrelentingly and unequivocally acted to undermine this case even before it was filed. Considering this, it is inconceivable that you would zealously and effectively litigate this case if you were successful in intervening," Griffin said in a letter to the groups. "Therefore, we will vigorously oppose any motion to intervene."

More lawyers, Griffin continued would “delay and unnecessarily complicate the proceedings” but the public interest groups were welcome to continue participating as consultants, something the groups should do since they were initially loath to join this legal challenge, something they now see as a possibility but “if you snooze, you lose!”

Protecting and advancing equal rights through legal and policy advocacy, for all Americans is the reason, according to their website (equalrightsfoundation.org) why the American Foundation for Equal Rights was formed. For more information about this case, the American Foundation or to support their efforts, go to their website.

Boys R Us Presents: Life's a Drag - a Community Drag Event, July 25

TUCSON - Boys R Us presents: Life's a Drag - A community drag event, Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m. - midnight, benefiting IDKE XI, featuring performances by Janee' Starr, Turkish Delights, Switchblade Parade and DJ Motion all on one stage to raise funds for this year's International Drag King Community Extravaganza! Eegees, drinks, auctions!

Life’s a Drag will take place at the Fourth Ave. Winsett Outdoor Performance Center, just south of Bison Witches, 326 N. Fourth Ave.

For more information, contact Rachel Castillo, (520) 551-0778.

Summer Tea Dance, July 25

TUCSON (Observer Update) - A Summer Tea Dance for LGBT Seniors and their Friends, Saturday, July 25, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Coyote Moon, 915 W. Prince.

The DJ will play a mix of '40s big band, '50s/'60s oldies, country western, and the best of disco. Burgers, fries and other food items are available for purchase, and be sure to ask about the "Howl/Senior Pride" food and drink special.

For more information, call (520) 624-1779.

Rainbow Families - Mt Lemmon Trip, July 25

TUCSON (Observer Update) - On Saturday, July 25, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., enjoy a trip up to the cool temperatures of Mt. Lemmon. Meet at the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy at the McDonalds (at 11:00 a.m.) to caravan/car pool up the mountian.

There is a $5 per vehicle park pass required. If you want to meet later in the afternoon, take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary and continue 25.6 miles (through Summerhaven). Marshall Gulch Picnic Area is a quarter mile beyond the village. We will have a rainbow flag at the picnic area.

Rainbow Families is a group of LGBT parents with children who get together for monthly social events. Everyone is welcome and for more information, contact Peter, (520) 245-6659, lakepet@cox.net.

‘Bible Belt’ Playwright's Night, a Fundraiser for Eon Youth Lounge, July 18

TUCSON (Observer Update) - Enjoy a night with Paul Bonin-Rodriguez, the playwright of the nationally acclaimed "Talk of the Town" and "The Bible Belt...and other Accessories", director Kevin Johnson, and the young star of the Tucson productions, Ryan DeLuca. Both shows are one-man plays about a teenager in a small Texas town coming out, and were performed in Tucson in recent years.

"Bible Belt, " which won 2008 Arizona Daily Star MAC Award for both Best Comedy and Best Actor will return for limited run in August. "Talk..." and "Bible Belt..." are part of a sequence five plays about the same young man as he matures, and are reflections of the playwright's life. There will be a reception with light refreshments following the talk. Eon have asked Paul to talk about coming out as a teenager, as well as coming out in the theater world. We will also have a performance of a scene from THE BIBLE BELT by Mr. DeLuca as well as a reading from Part Five of the series from the playwright.

This event is a pay-what-you-can event so everyone can enjoy the evening. A portion of proceeds will benefit Wingspan's Youth and Family Programs and takes place, Jul 18, 2009, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 S. 6th Ave. For more information, contact Kevin Johnson, (520) 270-3332, azonstage@yahoo.com, website: http://www.arizonaonstage.org.

Pride events just 3 months away!

PRIDE IN THE DESERT & PRIDE ON PARADE

LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AWAY!

Tucson Pride's 2 signature events, Pride on Parade and Pride in the Desert are just a few short months away and we hope you will join us for these fantastic celebrations!

This year's Pride on Parade is moving back to 4th Avenue and will take place on Friday, October 9, 2009. The procession will begin at 6:00pm and a block party will follow featuring many of this year's Pride in the Desert performers.

Pride in the Desert takes place the following day, Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Reid Park. In addition to great entertainment (see below for more details), Pride in the Desert also features more than 100 exhibitors, the ever-popular IBT's Drag Depot, a Latin Dance tent, fun for the kids, and much, much more. You can purchase tickets online now and take advantage of the pre-purchase 20% discount.

We'll look forward to seeing you for another great weekend of events!

2009 PRIDE IN THE DESERT ENTERTAINERS

We're excited to announce that we are close to having a final line-up for this year's Pride in the Desert Mainstage and CoffeeHouse Tent entertainment.

In addition to our fantastic headline entertainers, Ari Gold, Adam Joseph, and Jonny McGovern, we are pleased to announce the addition of: Sabra Faulk, Amber Norgaard (pictured,above left), Candace Aragon, Too Much Information, Chris Jacobs (pictured, above middle), and many more talented musicians both local and national.

This year's Pride in the Desert event will feature entertainment on the mainstage from 10:00am-8:00pm and in the CoffeeHouse Tent from 10:30am-6:00pm.

Stay tuned to the Pride in the Desert page at TucsonPride.org for further information.

Artist availability subject to change.

PRIDE IN THE DESERT EXHIBITOR SPOTS: DISCOUNTED PRICES END JULY 31

Planning on being an exhibitor at this year's Pride in the Desert? Then be sure to let us know by the end of July in order to take advantage of discounted pricing.

Exhibitor spots are going fast and we are expecting to sell out, once again, this year. Click here for complete information, to download forms, and pay fees.

WANT TO GIVE BACK TO TUCSON PRIDE AND ANOTHER FAVORITE NON-PROFIT?

Tucson Pride needs volunteers for our events, Pride on Parade and Pride in the Desert, and we hope you will consider helping out.

The benefits of volunteering for Tucson Pride include gaining free admission to Pride in the Desert as well as the opportunity to make a donation to one of your favorite non-profit groups through our innovative Volunteer Dollars Program!

Let's face it, times are tough! What better way to save a little money while volunteering for a great organization and giving back to one of your favorite groups?

Click here for more information on being a volunteer and our Volunteer Dollars Program.

HIV Social Marketing Campaign Requires Community Input

TUCSON (Observer Update) - “We’re looking for community input. The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is developing an engaging, creative prevention marketing campaign for the entire Tucson community that will help increase awareness and knowledge about HIV in a strong effort to increase HIV testing and eliminate new HIV infections,” says Wendell Hicks, Executive Director at the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.

SAAF is launching its first ever community-wide social marketing campaign to increase awareness and education of HIV/AIDS, publicize the services and programs provided through the organization, and get people motivated to get tested.

However, before the campaign is launched, there will be a chance for the public to give input and share ideas about what this important awareness effort will look like. “It’s important to have a dynamic, interactive campaign that will educate and engage people to take action and stay safe through innovative approaches” says Hicks.

To Participate visit www.saaf.org/UandHIV or contact Hank Knaack, Marketing Coordinator at focusgroup@saaf.org or (520) 628-7223.

Each year SAAF provides services to nearly 1,200 people and delivers targeted prevention outreach and education programs to over 20,000 people who are at risk for infection. For more information about the programs and services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) or to schedule a tour of SAAF, please visit www.saaf.org or call (520) 628-7223.

SAAF’s mission is to create and sustain a healthier community through a compassionate, comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS.

Look good. Feel good. Do good for TIHAN on July 15!

TUCSON (Observer Update) - Look good. Feel good. Do good.

Treat yourself (or a loved one!) to beauty, style, and relaxation, and TIHAN benefits too: all proceeds support TIHAN’s programs for people living with HIV/AIDS! Robert Markley Salon Spa is offering a special event on Wednesday, July 15 from 4:00 - 8:00pm. Pamper yourself and book a massage, facial, waxing, or hair cut/style/treatment/color, and the salon will donate ALL proceeds (and tips!) to TIHAN.

The salon spa is located at the Plaza at Williams Centre, 5350 East Broadway Boulevard (just west of Craycroft), Suite 160. To make an appointment for this special TIHAN event, call Robert Markley Salon Spa at 520-747-1388.

‘Do Ask, Tell, Speak and Act!’ - By Mark R. Kerr

During a reception at the White House, June 29, President Barack Obama, marking the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City and the beginning of the modern Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights movement, said to those assembled for the event, “Welcome to your White House.”

“And I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that,” the president said. “ It's not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago.”

“I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I've made, but by the promises that my administration keeps,” Obama stated to the crowd. “We've been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.”

President Obama ran down the list of the calls he has made to encourage members of Congress to pass the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act and an inclusive hate crimes bill.

Words of encouragement indeed but it will take actions for these words to become paramount and more important, the law and policy of this nation so it is time for the LGBT community to keep the pressure up on both the White House and Congress on Capitol Hill, express encouraging words by telling those in power and act in every way possible as those brave individuals did that night at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.

Actions and words do have consequences since after the controversy over the Obama administration’s “legal response” to the challenge in federal court over the 13-year-old Defense of Marriage Act law enacted by Congress and the president’s “lack of response,” regarding the 16-year-old law, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” for which those out and open Gay and Lesbian individuals, who wish to serve this country in its armed services, can’t do so, as witnessed with the cases of Iraq War Veteran, Arab Linguist and soon to be, former New York National Guard Lt., Dan Choi and Air Force Lt. Col Dan Fehrenbach, show that “yes it can,” but the pressure must continue, now and for the foreseeable future.

Forty years have passed so far in this effort for equal treatment and LGBT citizens, in most states: still don’t have the right to work without the fear of being fired because of whom they are, perceived or otherwise; don’t have the governmental and judicial recognition of their relationships and families, using whatever word or convenient political phrase necessary and can’t serve this nation, if they so choose, by becoming a part of this country’s military.

Mr. President, the welcome was nice but it is not our White House or even government on Capitol Hill yet, until those words on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court apply to LGBT citizens of this nation, “Equal Justice Under the Law.”

Around the Old Pueblo

TUCSON (Observer Update) - Tickets are available online now for Wingspan's 12th Annual Dinner and Celebration, ¡Volamos!

Snail mail and phone calls to Development Associate Mike Herdegen are one way to go, but now you can also visit WingspanDinner.com and see menu and enterainment details, information about silent auction items (with more to come) and the awards, and purchase your tickets safely online!

This year the dinner features the acapella group, The Kinsey Sicks. You can reach Mike Herdegen at Wingspan, (520) 624-1779, ext 121. ...

The July breakfast meeting for the Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,Transgender Chamber of Commerce will take place on Thursday, July 16, 7:30 a.m., at the Hotel Tucson City Center Conference Suite Resort (formerly the Inn Suites), 475 N. Granada Ave.

Networking for Success: How to expand your networking reach in the Chamber and beyond. This presentation will help us all to better connect to one another and to use all available tools to expand our businesses and organizations. Bring your 30 second "elevator speech" and a description of your perfect customer!

RSVP by Monday July 13 by 12:00 noon, (520) 615-6436 or info@tucsonglbtchamber.org.

TIHAN Update

TUCSON (Observer Update) - On Wednesday, July 15, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tucsonans are invited to treat themselves to beauty, style, and relaxation at the Robert Markley Salon Spa and the programs of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) will benefit, too! Pampering may include a massage, facial, waxing, or hair cut/ style/ treatment/ color, and the salon will donate ALL proceeds (including tips) to support TIHAN's programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. The salon spa is located at the Plaza at Williams Centre, 5350 East Broadway Boulevard (just west of Craycroft) Suite 160. To make an appointment for this special July 15 event, call Robert Markley Salon Spa at 520-747-1388.

“We hope to have the salon filled with that night with men and women who are transforming themselves with great spa/salon services, while at the same time helping transform the lives of our clients through our programs,” said Scott Blades, Executive Director of TIHAN. “Come get more beautiful, and help build a more beautiful and compassionate community.” TIHAN is the largest privately-funded provider of support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Arizona. In 2008, TIHAN’s education and awareness programs reached more than 5,000 people through presentations, sermons, spoken announcements, and information tables at community events and another 36,000 through faith community bulletins and newsletters. TIHAN’s volunteer-based support programs served 267 people living with HIV/AIDS in 2008. Its Poz Café lunch program is the largest regular gathering place for people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Arizona, having served over 10,000 meals to more than 500 people living with HIV/AIDS. ...

The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) seeks your assistance with our active search for qualified applicants for two current openings: Administrative Assistant (30 hours/week) – must have experience coordinating volunteers, managing office operations, and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Access Kitchen/Menu Supervisor for Poz Cafe (15 hours/month) – must have experience coordinating volunteers as well as planning and preparing nutritious meals for 125-150 people once a month, ensuring compliance with health department guidelines (must be available on the third Thursday of each month for our Poz Cafe monthly luncheon for people living with HIV/AIDS)

For complete job descriptions, minimum qualifications, and instructions for applying, visit tihan.org and click on “Job Openings.” (Due to funding constraints, these positions have reduced hours.) For more information, visit www.tihan.org or contact Scott Blades, Executive Director, (520) 299-6647 or scott@tihan.org.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2009, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) will hold Volunteer Orientation from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at TIHAN, 1011 N Craycroft #301 (just south of Speedway). TIHAN provides compassionate support to people living with HIV/AIDS, free of prejudice and proselytism.

Advance registration is required for Volunteer Orientation. All a person has to do is call TIHAN, 299-6647, to sign up. Training fee is $17 and scholarships are available. Volunteer applications must be submitted prior to Volunteer Orientation. For more information, call TIHAN, (520) 299-6647.

Observer Events A Smashing Success

It was a busy weekend for the Observer staff over weekend. It began on Friday evening (June 26) with a fund raiser hosted by the folks at Coyote Moon. The crowd gathered early in the evening there and were entertained by a great show and of course, the raffle tickets, etc were carried out during the performances. Observer thanks Libby and Pat and the entire gang there who put this event on. From the loud applause from the audience, they were enjoying the entertainment as
well.

On Sunday (June 28) an extravaganza was held at IBT’s with all proceeds going to Observer. Several weeks in the planning stage made this event go on without a hitch. From the opening at 2:00 p.m. people began arriving and continued to fill the building and patio with a feeling of warmth and camaraderie.

Many were “Old Timers” who remembered the paper from its beginning and offered their best wishes as well as their donations. Entitled “Observe The Cause”, this affair had something for everyone. From a benefit Drag Show to live and silent auctions as well as raffles galore. Art from members of the community as well as Observer’s own Gary Clark were auctioned off throughout the afternoon.

One of the most unusual and entertaining features was a pictorial on the big screen TV of photos from the Observer archives from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and this decade. It drew a lot of people to view it all day and evening. The benefit Drag Show was hosted by two of Tucson’s Best - Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone.. Also appearing were Tori Steele, Diva, China Collins and a special duet with Courtney Roxoff and Haw A/C. These girls gave the throng a good taste of four decades of music and fun. During the show there was a DJ on the patio who played music of the 70s-80s-90s and now, and kept the crowd in a dancing mood.

Following the Drag Show there was Karaoke on the Patio with host Robin. But this was not your normal karaoke! Pay $1 donation to sing a song. However if someone in the audience deemed your performance unworthy they had the option to pay $5 to “Gong” you. Even better, someone could counter this offer and pay $10 to keep you singing. All in all it was lots of fun and some playful bickering ensued.

Throughout the afternoon customers had the opportunity to bid on a variety of items during the silent auction. There was a large selection of art pieces, products, services and more from contributors inside and out of the LGBT community. Also during Karaoke on the Patio, Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone hosted a live auction featuring some beautiful art. The entire staff of IBT’s as well as the female impersonators donated their time and tips to the “Cause.”

The Observer is forever indebted to The Moon as well as IBT’s for hosting this fund raising weekend. Special thanks go to Natalie Perry, Heather Moroso, Steve Barretto, Hal Bardach, SAAF, Wingspan, TIHAN, Colors Food & Spirits, Mike Lopez, Rick Young and Tom Galloway of Tile Canvasas, Scott Trosper, Gayle Whitley, KRQ, Starbucks, Antigone Books, Elements Salon, Silverbell Nursery, Mitch Edwards, Head of Style, Bella Eibenstiener, Backfire Chiropractic, Arizona Theatre Company, Ray Scott’s Automotive, Old Town Artisans, Invisible Theatre, Alec Laughlin, Eddie Gallegos, ‘N Touch and Wayne Rodegeiz and Bill Travis, Desert Fades, Dwayne Hough, Steven Alexander, What’s In A Name Heraldry of Tucson, Jeremy Isajiw, Alvaro DeAsis, Terry Delaney, Troy Terpening, DJ Hurricane, DJ Luis, Bunny FuFu and Ajia Simone, China Collins, Tori Steele, Diva, Ben Cook, Stan Phelps, Mike Vaughn, and to all who donated during this special event. And, of course, Mike Kramkowski of IT’s.

The cash-strapped Observer is indebted to everyone who donated to “The Cause”. It was in peril of closing down but is in fair shape and able to pay off some accrued bills. The Coyote Moon raised over $400 for us and the IT’s event raised over $5,000. Thank you!

Help bring independence from hunger

(H/T Arizona Daily Star Editorial Board. Bravo indeed!)

For many Tucsonans, the Fourth of July is a time for barbecues, hanging out with friends and watching fireworks. We hope you will join us in expanding the celebrations to include the growing number of folks in our area who rely on the Community Food Bank by turning your gathering into a fun food drive.

The Community Food Bank is serving more people and distributing more food throughout the five counties it serves in Southern Arizona, according to spokesman Jack Parris. In May, the food bank distributed 17,000 emergency food boxes, which supplies enough food to stretch for four to five meals, he said.

An apples-to-apples comparison with last year is difficult because a year ago clients could receive two emergency food boxes per month, but shortages and increased demand forced the food bank to cut that back to one box per month, he said.

The Community Food Bank relies on non-perishable food such as peanut butter and canned meats, vegetables, tomato products and soups. The agency also accepts monetary donations and, because of buying power, can turn every $1 donated into $9 of distributed food.

"We're seeing new people. The need continues to rise with the economy the way it is," Parris told us Thursday. "We continue to need the basic items that we always have had for food drives."

As the economy continues to struggle and unemployment increases, people who've never needed assistance are showing up asking for help to put food on the table. The Community Food Bank distributed 16.5 million pounds of food between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, Parris said. Between July 1, 2008, and May 31 the food bank gave out more than 20 million pounds of food, and officials expect when the June figures are in the total will hit 22 million pounds for the last fiscal year.

The unemployment rate in the Tucson metro area, which encompasses all of Pima County, was 7.7 percent in May, an increase of six-tenths of a percentage point over April. As a state, Arizona lost more than 21,000 jobs in May and had a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, according to a story by Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services.

U.S. Labor Department figures released Thursday reveal that employers cut 467,000 jobs nationwide in June, which bumped the national unemployment rate to 9.5 percent, The New York Times reported. That translates into 14.7 million who were unemployed in June.

Turning a party into a food drive isn't difficult — we suspect that Tucsonans, when asked directly, will be glad to help. The Community Food Bank comes to mind more readily during the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, but we hope people will begin associate Independence Day with donating food, too.

"People remember to feed the hungry during the holidays, but summertime is when our donations are down," Parris said. "This is the low point for us for donations."
The Community Food Bank fulfills a vital need, and we hope you'll take the challenge and make Independence Day mean independence from hunger for many in our community.

You can help: The Community Food Bank serves five counties in Southern Arizona and relies on donations of nonperishable goods and money to feed more than 220,000 people annually. Staples such as peanut butter, canned meats, vegetables, soups and tomato products are always needed. For help or to donate, call (520) 622-0525 or go online to communityfoodbank.org.

Mark the Date for Wingspan's Annual Dinner!

TUCSON (Observer Update) - This year’s community celebration will feature Wingspan's annual awards as well as Southern Arizona's first look into the future of Wingspan.

This year’s dinner will take place Saturday, September 26, 5:30 p.m., at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church.

Get ready to be motivated by our future and laugh as you enjoy the performance of the Kinsey Sicks, America's favorite dragapella beautyshop quartet. Mix and mingle with friends old and new for this very special night on the town!

For more information, contact Mike Herdegen (520) 624-1779, mherdegen@wingspan.org, wingspandinner.com.

Around the LGBT Pueblo

TUCSON (Observer Update) - The July breakfast meeting for the Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,Transgender Chamber of Commerce will take place on Thursday, July 16, 7:30 a.m., at the Hotel Tucson City Center Conference Suite Resort (formerly the Inn Suites), 475 N. Granada Ave.

Networking for Success: How to expand your networking reach in the Chamber and beyond. This presentation will help us all to better connect to one another and to use all available tools to expand our businesses and organizations. Bring your 30 second "elevator speech" and a description of your perfect customer!

RSVP by Monday July 13 by 12:00 noon, (520) 615-6436 or info@tucsonglbtchamber.org.

On Wednesday, July 15, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tucsonans are invited to treat themselves to beauty, style, and relaxation at the Robert Markley Salon Spa and the programs of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) will benefit, too! Pampering may include a massage, facial, waxing, or hair cut/ style/ treatment/ color, and the salon will donate ALL proceeds (including tips) to support TIHAN's programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. The salon spa is located at the Plaza at Williams Centre, 5350 East Broadway Boulevard (just west of Craycroft) Suite 160. To make an appointment for this special July 15 event, call Robert Markley Salon Spa at 520-747-1388.

“We hope to have the salon filled with that night with men and women who are transforming themselves with great spa/salon services, while at the same time helping transform the lives of our clients through our programs,” said Scott Blades, Executive Director of TIHAN. “Come get more beautiful, and help build a more beautiful and compassionate community.” TIHAN is the largest privately-funded provider of support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Arizona. In 2008, TIHAN’s education and awareness programs reached more than 5,000 people through presentations, sermons, spoken announcements, and information tables at community events and another 36,000 through faith community bulletins and newsletters. TIHAN’s volunteer-based support programs served 267 people living with HIV/AIDS in 2008. Its Poz Café lunch program is the largest regular gathering place for people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Arizona, having served over 10,000 meals to more than 500 people living with HIV/AIDS. ...

The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) seeks your assistance with our active search for qualified applicants for two current openings: Administrative Assistant (30 hours/week) – must have experience coordinating volunteers, managing office operations, and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Access Kitchen/Menu Supervisor for Poz Cafe (15 hours/month) – must have experience coordinating volunteers as well as planning and preparing nutritious meals for 125-150 people once a month, ensuring compliance with health department guidelines (must be available on the third Thursday of each month for our Poz Cafe monthly luncheon for people living with HIV/AIDS)

For complete job descriptions, minimum qualifications, and instructions for applying, visit tihan.org and click on “Job Openings.” (Due to funding constraints, these positions have reduced hours.) For more information, visit www.tihan.org or contact Scott Blades, Executive Director, (520) 299-6647 or scott@tihan.org.

What does LGBT Stand For?

Tucsonans came out to Coyote Moon on Friday, June 26 and IBT’s on Sunday, June 28 to commemorate Pride, the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the birth of the modern LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights movement, as well as to help this free weekly publication to be able to continue to operate during these very trying, economic times, as it has for more than 32 years.

Needed funds were raised for The Observer and the owners and publishers, Mr. Bob Ellis and Mr. Gary Clark to be able to continue providing the local information and news, something for a period of time was questionable because of the current fiscal circumstances and the loss of advertising.

Thanks to many individuals, lead by the indomitable Natalie Perry, the outpouring of financial, community and most important, heartfelt support was overwhelming and appreciated by Mr. Ellis and Mr. Clark, but Mark Kerr, the Managing Editor and those in attendance at both events, so to the Observer Benefit Committee and the sponsors, a big thank you to all for this effort to save a venerable institution, a free, weekly publication for the LGBT community, one of this nation’s oldest, has received the support needed for the interim.

This effort, especially during IBT’s event on Sunday, June 28, raised another question.

During a conversation, Miss Ajia Simone, Tucson’s “Black Cat,” asked why “didn’t Tucson’s community hold more events and benefits like this these days, especially with all that’s going on?”

Ajia’s question was a pertinent one, since she added that it had been several years since performing at IBT’s and added that Tucson’s LGBT bar owners had met on a regular, periodic basis to plan such events.
This point could also be posed towards Tucson’s LGBT groups, organizations and Tucson’s LGBT community itself?

Does Tucson’s LGBT community still stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender or does it stand for linking, gaming, blogging, twitterizing-texters.

Has the community become either so assimilated thanks to the accomplishments made year’s ago in the area of rights on the local level that it has become apathetic as time has passed and that LGBT doesn’t mean anything, anymore?

Perhaps it’s just the ecomony and despite the news accounts, studies and reports, the LGBT community here in Tucson just doesn’t have the money to spend?

So what does then LGBT stand for?