Footnotes: Pride 2009

It's done. Pride week 2009 has become history as the summer heat wave takes center stage and many of you move on, continue or stay in holding patterns of your daily lives. Whether you participated or attended any events, ultimately I surely hope that in some manner you took a moment to reflect on your life's journey in "living the life" that has most likely been one of the significant touchstones of your existence. As I moved among you, listening, engaging, encouraging and possibly even enraging, I personally know that despite the variations of our stories, the depths of the struggles to find a sense of acceptance or the complexities of our interactions within that "six degree" paradigm, we can not deny the commonality of our yearning for greater equality as same gender loving humans whom should respect each other as we pursue that same respect overall. Does Pride answer or even address the multi-layers of issues, concerns, constructs or disparities within the community? Probably not. However, with each year's commemoration, at least dialogue should be the order of the day, even among the more lighthearted fare. It's over, but the work for 2010 should be began TODAY and it begins with you....!

Picnic in Pride: After all the local venue activities featuring a mixed bag of shows, masquerading and bar hopping, for myself came Sunday's hastily produced Pride Picnic cobbled together with a determined band of individuals and sponsors. As my partner and myself promoted the event during the week prior, I heard all the yeahs and the nays for this event. Especially those whom mused "yeah, there we go again, Queers in the Park..." or "who planned this thing on Father's day!" All that aside and thank you for sharing all of it with me, the Pride Picnic sojourned on and to our surprise we had a decent turnout although not the massive ATL or SFO mash up's that also a few you didn't mind reminding me about. Now hear this, OF Course NOT, this is Little Rock my people! For the last time, if we had a sizable community with the broad swath of economic impact or committed individuals then "their" would be "here." But instead we had a nice gathering estimated from 125 people, maxing at 200 according to those attempting to count heads as they came and went irregardless the first day of summer heat. The agenda included brief speeches from Legislator Kathy Webb who reminded us of our political strides, candidate Jay Barth forcefully requested those in attendance to become involved in his upcoming campaign and Stonewall Democrat President, J. Lafontaine, urged greater participation in all processes revolving around issues of equality in Arkansas. Meanwhile, the event did it's damnest to be as broad based as it possibly could. There was music, mixing, equality games shepherded by DYSC coordinator, Bryan Olson, A micro RENT theatre troupe which filled the pavilion with acapella music from the famed Puccini' "La Boheme musical, Irish footwork ala Riverdance, Poetry slammers and even musical chairs. During all this interaction, this forum answered the call from organizers and offered our support for co-sponsoring the FREE food to all in attendance. My list of thanks begins with my long time companion, James who was tirelessly involved from the word go. He was toast on Monday. Our friend and co-worker, Michael T. who didn't hesitate when I asked would he assist. Brett E. who immediately signed on as a branded beverage sponsor with only a moment's notice and Charles who delivered Pride cookies from Russellville! My gratitude also goes to those straight allies and vendors who donated for the asking. On the spot, we got additional assistance from DSRA members who helped keep the beverages flowing, Jason for stepping up, all the while I attempted to keep the food coming to those is line. At one point, I thought we were a bit overwhelmed, with a swelling crowd, the line began to snake and our non-professional grill was in overload mode. We appreciated everyone for being patient and understanding as the team kept burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers coming for 3 straight hours! For the record, we continued to provide food, even for the very last person who got lost and shared their frustration at not having more detailed directions provided. In clean up mode thanks to all those who stayed behind to assist including Cardinal GLBTQ Advocates, DYSC members and participants that kept us ECO friendly. Believe it or not, there were some community members speculating as to whether we were friendly to Mother Earth. My readers, CorneliusOnpoint, and all those involved have demonstrated that basically there are no "circumstances," except perhaps the Apocalypse itself, that should deter this community from gathering our talented tenth in concert to produce a Pride event. I challenge all of you who attended or want to continue the momentum, let's hear from you starting TODAY. If you didn't attend for whatever reason, then so be it, but I can assure you that despite it all, we discovered that we all had reasons to be PROUD. Many thanks to everyone and there will be pictures posted this week. If you have candid shots to share or videos, comments or observations, as you know, the light is always on....

RAINBOW TGIF!!!!

It's three days til PRIDE 2009 bows out until the next go round. So, where are we as of today, well, there's more merry making to come with birthday bashes, show girls from Dallas, Reunion Fish Fry, turn-a-about's and of course concluding with Sunday's Pride Picnic in Allsop Park at 12:30 p.m. As for myself and companion, it's been a long and winding week in which we tried to make the rounds to those events as our schedules allowed. I hope that everyone who has stopped into their favorite activity, event or spot has at least got a spark of pride that such venues are not only here for your entertainment pleasure, but free from needless raids or intimidating law enforcement such as those experienced by patrons of the Stonewall Inn in 1969. It's been 40 years since that turning point and the upstart of the "gay liberation" movement which is still striving for the human rights that this blessed land so treasures. No matter your politics, position or disposition, all of us can ask ourselves, "what have you done today to be proud?"

Pride in BLK: As we forge on to concluding Pride 2009, comes the formal announcement of the Little Rock Black Pride Weekend, July 24-26, 2009. Of course with this post their will be some pontificating as well as "mixed signals" that such an event sends, as I've been staunctly promoting unity and common grounds. That position is still intact yet, unfortunately the broadness of the concept has not been totally met, even though their have been good intentions and notable attempts to do so. This onion has many layers rooted in past racial attitudes and insensitivity's that still today result in divisiveness and inequitable perceptions. The entire mindset for Black pride can somewhat be further understood as sourced from About. Com which states, "LGBT people are thought of and referenced as one homogeneous community and not as comprised of the diverse cultures within it. Gay and lesbian people come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic groups. One could say some of us represent a culture within a culture. These differences can pose unique challenges when addressing individual needs. And often times many LGBT people feel that they better relate to the same-gender-loving individuals that mirror their own experiences." It is for these reasons, not a "hate factor" or a "reverse discrimination," move from which these prides have flourished stateside but globally, including here in Little Rock, which has been supported by the International Federation of Black Prides. As I understand, these activities are "open and accessible" to everyone who would like to attend. I've attended event in the past which were problematic, attempted to work with this group as well to avail, but I plan to attend again when possible.
Activities include: Friday: Meet and greet at La Quinta 901 Fair Park. Gay Greek Swag Nite at Markham 801. Saturday: Free Pride Luncheon at Theressa Hoover United Methodist Church 4000 w. 13th St. LR. Label Swag Check After party Markham 801. Sunday: Family Fun Day Picnic at Reservoir Park at Cantrell and Reservoir Rd. then the final event After party Farewell Bash at the Multi-Cultural Center Corner of 11th St and Cross St. LR
Host Hotel La Quinta Inn 901 Fair Park Blvd. LR
For more information: mailto:%20srogers@littlerockblackpride.co or 501-398-0307

3rd Annual Pride Parade of NW Arkansas: NWA PRIDE announces the 3d Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE: A Celebration of Diversity and Community. It will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite everyone to come together in solidarity and support of equal rights for all. The parade lineup will start at 8 AM on North East Street, between Meadow and Dickson Streets. Parade will start promptly at 10 AM. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the Walton Arts Center Parking Lot.
For more details, float and/or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride's web site at nwapride.org.

Quote of the Week: " I"ve been on the "D- List" so long that I don't know anything else!" as delivered by N. Jones

In a Pride Sweep

Are you "Prided" out yet? Well, are you? As both myself and companion continued to make the rounds, we realized that something is missing and it may YOU! Perhaps many may be reserving themselves for the weekend events, but turnout seems to have been lackluster to just about non-existent. It's understandable that our busy lives, schedules, economic concerns, the Net and who's knows what else can detract the attention from the planned events. However, as the week chugs we will be checking in and out of what's really going on.

Pride Periscope: Management of ST has always promoted this north shore venue as sort of a "club house" atmosphere, allowing patrons to come as you are and feel a since of community. However, patrons some what missed the boat on Pajama Night when only bar manager Michael showed up in his PJ's. For the record, I wasn't in "costume," basically because I was doing several places in an evening and it wasn't going to work for me. How would I explain to Little Rock's finest if needed too, why I was driving around in such a manner. Anyway, all that dosent matter since those present stated that they were unaware of the event and again the proverbial, " what pride? When is it?, Oh, is it this week...?"

INFO, Please: Even as I determined that somehow PRIDE 09 was simply not making the radar test, there was another blip of info that perhaps apparently didn't get the "hey over here" it needed as well. It was the handy "downloadable" schedule that was available from the Backstreet website highlighted with a nifty Pride button. I thought I had posted about this tool, but nevertheless, this webmaster gadget is the type of access and outreach that is imperative in our information arsenals. Now before I get the e-mail from those citing my insensitivity to those caught up in the "digital divide," this method is still handy for those who have computers that can at least pass on "correct" information. Thusly, avoiding much of the "misinformation" that gets bandied about like wildfire. I'm giving this idea a "Pride High Five" in keeping the information channel open to all those who need or want to know!


FUQ Talk-Talk: Fed Up Queers, a local activist group will be hosting their first meeting, June the 30th @ 6:00 at the Main Library Downtown. It will be on the second floor, in the Fribourgh Room. For a different twist and a smart one at that, they are offering possible transportation to the site. In an earlier posting, I reported on the direct citizen's action campaign entitled, "No to Norman," involving printed fliers, Mr. Jones and confused onlookers. If you are interested in more info you can get it directly from their site at http://www.fedupqueers.wordpress.com/ .

Pride in the City

It's mid-week as pride in the city unfolds and I have to report that so far it's been as eventful as slow boat to China. Not to mention that as I've circulated I hoped to discover at least a few who knew why we celebrate "Pride" and this year's important significance. So far, and it pains me to cite this but, not one person that I randomly engaged had a clue. Yes my people, so far not one. The answers were as varied and some times just plain old out their in the lunatic fringe sphere. While many said flatly that they "didn't know," others felt that it was "time to party," or something that the "bars" did every year. Even though their was no methodology to these inquires, I was just dismayed that most reveled in their lack of knowledge and felt no sense of need to understand. Amazing. Meanwhile the "week" rolls on and as schedule allow so will I, looking, listening and learning from the GLBTQ community and beyond...

Pride Week Recap:

* Congrats to Breanna Braxton and Mr. DeMarco as the Pride Week Royalty team. The two were crowned during the Mr.& Miss Gay Pride, last Sunday night at UBU. Both individuals have been out and about during the week. Exactly what their platform or agenda is all about is most likely in a TBA( to be announced) mode.

* I made the rounds on Tuesday to promote Sunday's Pride Picnic and checking out the scene. First up, STAR Bar. Both myself and companion like this haunt, but we were sorta perpelexed by the low-no attendance for the their TexMex night. I guess one was suppose to order some items but we were not offered any info on what it was all about. Despite, at least one order of "taco somethings" that went to an another table. I'm glad that I ate a snack before coming. Even more interesting was the fact that we were told that "we did Pride last evening (monday night's pub crawl) and we don't know what else is happening." Excuse me, but the schedule has the bar "participating" in Pride week all week with Jill S. Band, Mask Madness, flashback party? We went in search of other activities such as the Guitar Hero party at Off Center which was a kitschy nod to the New York Street performer that obviously made no connection locally. It was a bust. A few regulars sitting around the bar fully dressed with no real interest in the scheduled event. Again, what's up with the idea of doing stuff in your underwear, especially since most folks keep telling me that they are not wearing any? During the evening we stopped in to Sidetracks and 601 where customers were mixing with no sense that Pride week was even happening. And so it goes....

In an earlier post I mentioned that the Pride week was filled with bar crawls and such, but lack any depth, basically because it's not a priority and it's very obvious as I stated above, but certainly needed. So, here's a teachable moment, a light bulb moment or at least an attempt to educate, empower and enlighten from CorneliusOnpoint.

The first gay pride parade in 1969, known as the March on Stonewall, started as a protest against discrimination and violence against gays in New York City. Today, pride events have become an annual ritual and have grown to include thousands of gay and gay-friendly participants, not to mention hundreds of spectators. Many gays and lesbians dress in bright colors, head-to-toe leather or sometimes next to nothing. But regardless of the attire, all of the participants join the festivities to remind the world that gays deserve the same rights as others and people should be free to live their own lifestyle, void of judgement or hate. Gay pride is also a symbol of solidarity and an opportunity to express the vivid personalities which reflect the diverse gay communities throughout the world. During this time (and in many places year round), the skies are covered with the gay pride flags and banners, the symbol of gay solidarity and freedom.

The gay pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker and debuted at the 1978 San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade. Read more about the origin of the gay pride flag! Also, Did you know that each color on the gay pride flag has a different meaning? See what each color represents here!

Pride 2009 in full affect!

PRIDE IN THE CITY, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS JUNE 14 -21, 2009

"LIVE: LAUGH: BE GAY!

We're off and running! It's Pride 2009 in the City and there's a slew of activities covering a much ground for the GLBTQ community and beyond. Of course, I don't want you to forget about the Pride Picnic in Allsop Park this Sunday, June 21, 2009. We are an official sponsor and been in full throttle to make this event a sure winner to conclude the week and as we welcome the first day of Summer 09! The Picnic committee jumped into action and we have been amazed at the creative power that has been unleashed by core members and those who have answered the call to action. Ryan Olson, CAR program director, demonstrated that we can broadcast our message in video and this forum book ended the effort with our "Pod Snap" sent out to our e-list, with the hopes that each of these new media mash ups will go viral! Did you pass it on? Personally, it's been deliciously fun even as time was of the essence and a "survivor" attitude quickly took hold. Thematically, the picnic will encourage each of us in attendance and those not, that we must began to find unity in our "six degrees of separation." Overall, it's the colorful ties that bind us, not indifference, insensitivity's or internal complexities that continue to fragment those determined to make a difference and the precious resource necessary to fuel these efforts. I urge all of you to attend what you may of the activities happening in the area, but please heed my plea for your attendance at this Sunday's event. If you haven't had a chance to donate or show your support, you still can. Call 244-9690 or hit me up here in the comment section. Come see me as I look forward to seeing all you and meeting new faces. Won't you join me!

For more info on the weeks activities, hit our link to Backstreet where you can download a complete schedule of what's going on. It's all the PRIDE!!! ( www.backstreetdanceclub.com/pride09/ )

Let Pride 2009 Ring!!!

The head of the Office of Personnel Management and the attorney general on Wednesday said the federal government must do more to ensure equal opportunities for gay and lesbian Americans.
In some of the most pointed remarks on the subject by an Obama administration official, OPM Director John Berry,(picutred) the highest ranking openly gay person to serve in the executive branch, affirmed the president's support for gay Americans, saying, "with the help of a president who supports our cause, the aid of courageous fellow countrymen and women who love liberty, and with God's grace, we shall prevail" in the quest for civil rights.
Berry and Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at the Justice Department's celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
Holder, who appeared with Berry at the event, said many of the same obstacles to equality for gay Americans that existed more than a decade ago are still around.
Berry drew on his personal background and experiences with family and friends to argue that public service is valuable no matter the sexual orientation of the person performing it. His father, he said, served with gay men at Guadalcanal during World War II, and told his son, " 'We didn't call 'em gays, but they were there, and died as bravely as everyone else.' "
The OPM director said his first partner, who died after a prolonged battle with HIV/AIDS, showed him the importance of supportive family and of policies that allowed Berry to care for him and be with him when he died, even though they were not legally married.
"My family has never known divorce," Berry said. "Were we married? No, but I dare anyone to say that we were not in love.... Where do you stand? Honoring love as precious and true wherever you find it, or with those who would demean or deny it? I urge you: Stand where you can be proud. Stand with service and truth. Stand with love. Stand for liberty and justice for all."
At the ceremony, the Justice Department's Equal Employment Opportunity staff and DoJ Pride, the affinity group for gay and lesbian employees, honored Frank Kameny, a former federal employee and gay civil rights pioneer who fought against discrimination and classifying gay federal workers as security risks. The event also praised Marc Salans, assistant director of Justice's Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management, who has helped DoJ Pride target personnel policies that limit benefits for gay and lesbian workers.
Holder said he planned to work closely to work with DoJ Pride to ensure that Justice offered equal opportunities to all employees no matter their sexual orientation, saying it was the department's responsibility to ensure "the right of openly LGBT employees to do their jobs with distinction and professionalism."
Other Obama administration officials have taken steps to extend benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian federal employees. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is modifying internal department manuals to give domestic partners of Foreign Service officers access to health clinics, emergency evacuations and employment opportunities when they are deployed overseas. And the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is implementing a domestic partner benefit program negotiated during the Bush administration between the agency and the National Treasury Employees Union.
Berry said in a May meeting with reporters that he expected President Obama to back legislation -- the 2009 Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act -- that would give the domestic partners of gay and lesbian federal employees access to health and retirement benefits in exchange for their agreement to abide by rules governing issues such as nepotism.
"The president has asked both State and us to do what we can," he said at that meeting. "Where we need legislation, we will seek legislation."

SHOW SOME PRIDE: GPW June 14- 21 It's Pride in the Rock!

Click our Evoca icon for an important Pride 09 announcement!

Funky Fresh Friday

The countdown continues to PRIDE 2009 rolling out starting June 14 thru 21. It's that one week of the year, that allows everyone a chance to think about "what have you done today to be proud." However, it's not all about the week, it's really about staying prideful 365 days a year, all the while passing that feeling on to as many others as possible. So with pride, here we go with a funky fresh Friday edition of COP:24/7!

Who's Who in Black SGL America: The list is out and I didn't make it. The Who's Who in Black LGBT America from BET ( Black Entertainment Television). Several years ago, I did make a Who's Who list, but I guess I'm not a Who's Who enough for the BET list yet. Anyway, it's some of the candidates that made the list that sorta had me pondering, who are these folks anyway? Now don't get me twisted, there are some that I'm familiar with yet there are many that I'm clueless to. Since it's a Pride week in the making, let's do a teachable moment. O.K. Here are a few who made the list and I wonder just how many of you know who they are? I've even posted items about at least 5 of them in this forum.

1. Angela Davis

2. E. Lynn Harris(pictured)

3. John Amaechi

4.Kevin Aviance

5.Patrik Polk

6. Wanda Skyes

If you know, then hit us up in the comment section. If you have to google, then get busy. You can search this site as well to find out why they were people of interest.

What's the "T": What's really the "T" is in Lady T, known as Teena Marie, the musical raven that has a new CD that dropped earlier this month entitled, "Congo Square." Make no mistake, I'm partial to the "ivory queen of Soul," who can pen a verse then sing it so that it pierces your senses. One of my all time favs is her soaring, "If I were a Bell," which brings me to tears. I've long been a fan of Lady T, since her days with R& B funkster, Rick James and her solo efforts populate my downloads and certainly this latest effort will make the cut. Her heart wrenching duo "Fire & Ice" with James is the number one most requested R& B ballad in history. Currently on local radio, she is high rotation with her "Can't Last a Day," duo featuring Faith Evans. It's pure Teena with a remarkable and recognizable siren voice that summons my attention at the drop of a dime. Even as she has matured, there's nothing lacking in ability to deliver and the other tracks on this CD demonstrate that Marie is in full awareness of what's going on in world. She duet teams with Howard Hewitt, MCLyte and her own daughter who is following in her mom's footsteps. The Grammy nominated icon has also partnered with PAX Stereo for the official Tenna Marie Channel to stream for the net. The CD can be obtained from I-Tunes and other online sources. If that were not enough, Lady T is also taking her catalog to new heights via the net including a complete twitter campaign to boot, plus a tour schedule. You Go Girl! I've listened in to the channel and if you are a Teena devotee, it's on point.

Pink Dust Up: Here's the latest update and clarity of the FED Up duster that occurred last Friday at the DSB complex. First up, the organizers let me know that the formal moniker of that micro-movement is "No to Norman," vs. the "just say" action words that I assume I zealously connected. We stand corrected. I've posted their comments for your consideration and there is a link to the comments from Mr. Jones on their site. However, they are not convinced that those words are of Mr. J. However, I read the comment and I feel confident those words are vintage bonafide Jones speak. As he shared with me some of his thoughts on this matter, some of the same phrases were used and his citing being at the first march in Washington is truthful. The group also chided me for inferring that the exercise was about "Consumerism vs. Liberation," and as they state it, "...that having a “gay club” simply is not enough. You are not just a business man, people see you as offering these safe spaces, which we believe to not be safe for Queer and Trans folk. Your clubs are becoming more and more straight (this is what you call assimilation) and are no longer welcoming to the people who actually need them." Just for the record this forum has posted on numerous occasions that "gay"bars are going out of business across the country due to patrons, that's gay folk, who have made choices not to exclusively go to such entities while others are nesting at the house or doing the Net. Locally, there are plenty of SGL people at the Electric Cowboy, Club Elevations and La Changes. These are primarily "straight" outlets where I'm told by club goers that they feel "welcomed." Finally, I've known Jones for nearly 20 years and we've not always seen eye to eye on a plethora of issues. During that time I've come to learn that we can agree to disagree. His unique view of the world, community sensibilities and his place in it, is his own and has been such since I first met him. Perhaps their are teachable moments in his future, but as owner and operator of his businesess he is the shotcaller, just as I am for my own empire. Mr. Jones stated in his comments that he was open for dialouge, I suggest that those concerned make an appointment to discuss it or debate it further.

The Thursday 24/7 Catch Up 2.0

Pink Dusting: As promised, I got a chance to speak directly to Norman J. in reference to last weeks FEDUp Queers dust up at the DSB complex in conjunction with the new groups "Just say No to Norman," campaign. Here's a sling shot recap, the group decided to distribute fliers(pictured) at the entrance to the complex in which Jones with security in tow approached/confronted the participants about the effort. There was an foggy exchange between the parties, subsequently they departed. Flash forward to Jones, which stated to me that on that evening (Friday 6/5.09) Discovery- The Experience, actually was being leased by an outside entity for the Amsterdam Party. The organizers had contracted with him for the event, advertised independently and was the sole producer. The club was not in it's regular operation since it's closed on Friday evenings normally. Jones said, "I've had protesters at the pageants (MGA) across the country, but never had actual protester at the club since it's been open." He cited that he respects those who want to protest but he felt that this was a misguided effort. The group's website has outlined their position for the campaign including questions about Helping People With AIDS, the direct funding source for AIDS clients. Norman further said that he tried to post his viewpoint, but the site has been "comment blocked". Furthermore, according to Jones he is available for outreach to the group and willing to listen to their grievances. "We've helped individuals pay their rents and gave out thousands of dollars from HWPA." He remarked in reference to the FED Up site. He concluded that," I'm a small business man trying to make living with my businesses. HWPA is usually available on Tuesdays and their have been occasions that there was no one to answer the phones. After all I get pretty busy some days." End part 1. Need more?, yes there's more coming this Friday. You will not want to miss it. Trust me.

I found this timely and interesting article from The Advocate in regards to The Home Depot furnishing giant in regards to lavender shopping trends. Unfortunately, I wasn't apart of the survey, but both myself and my LTC have had some retail therapy at this behemoth which has provided us an outlet for everything from Plant manure to the literally the kitchen sink. In case you didn't know Home Depot has had a colorful existence in regards to it's recognition of domestic partners. Especially that ill fated move to allow employee "pets," yes- I'm not kidding, "Fido" to get insurance before employees who were in SGL partnerships. They've since reverse themselves and are rated rather highly as a comfy workplace for gays and lesbians.

Homo Depot? by Neal Broverman
From the Advocate
It's no coincidence that many gays and lesbians are often spotted at Home Depot -- a new study finds that gay homeowners are continuing to spend oodles of money on home-improvement projects.
The study -- conducted in March by Chicago-based research agency Socratic Technologies and LGBT marketing agency Target 10 -- found that gay shoppers spend almost twice as much on home-improvement items at stores like Home Depot and Lowe's compared to straight peers, with 63% of gay couples saying they plan on starting new home-improvement projects in the next 12 months.
Gay couples who participated in the survey also said they intend, on average, to spend $2,077 on home improvements within the next year, while straight couples intend to spend only $1,384. The study also found that gay couples are not scrimping during the recession and intend to purchase products from high-end brands like Viking, Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, and Miele. Thirty-four percent of gay homeowners reported that they plan to replace a kitchen appliance in the coming year.
"Gay men and lesbians have a reputation of being major home-improvement shoppers and this survey reaffirms that," said Matt Tumminello, president of Target 10. "Renovating and refurbishing homes is in many ways a part of gay culture. Even in bad economic times, they are not stopping." Over the last three years, 72% of gay homeowners had made home improvements.
Gay and straight couples apparently have very different shopping styles, at least according to the study. "We found that gay consumers are shopping in more places than straight consumers to find the items that they want. This includes both at retail stores and online," said Jeff Kerr, vice president of Socratic Technologies. Gay consumers reported higher rates of shopping and purchasing at Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, Best Buy, and even the warehouse shopping club Costco. "They are savvy shoppers who are determined to find exactly what they want and at the best price."

Event Horizons in Color

It's mid-week and COP:24/7 is winding up and ready to go full tilt with Pride 2009. For the next two weeks this forum will explore everything PRIDE connected and then some. However, we certainly won't neglect breaking news, updates, and what else is happening on the globe. Therefore, without further delay, let's go get em...

Unity in Pride Picnic: COP:24/7 has joined forces with area supporters in assiting with producing this years Pride Picnic scheduled for 6.21.09 at 12:30 P.M. in Allsop Park. The plans are taking shape with a quickness, but you can still volunteer, donate, sponsor and most important of all, "tell all ya friends," to come on out. Get this, the cost is FREE. Yes my readers, it's a community unity picnic in search of creating pathways to cohesiveness as well as closing ranks on a variety of fronts. There will be speakers, music, games concluding with a softball game. Please look for posters, flyers and of course online media from CorneliusOnpoint.
The buzz is out and we will be looking for you. Need more info, get in touch today at our site or http://www.artisticrevolution.org/. Can we count on your support!



Capacity Building in the City: The Arkansas Department of Health(ADH) in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Corrections will be hosting a training on June 26, in the ADH auditorium. The focus of the training is based on prisoner re-entry into mainstrean society, most notably barriers and the callabortive partnership required for positive outcomes. Also, this training will cover a variety of steps towards identifying means of transitioning HIV prisoners into healthcare upon release. If you are interested in attending; simply respond to Mr. Rhodes at 661-2762 by June 17 to reserve a seat. Seating capacity is limited and this is scheduled to be an all day event (8:00 – 4:30).


Saying No to Hate: After much wrangling and politicking the U.S. Senate leadership has settled on passing hate-crimes legislation -- which would expand existing federal law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability -- as an amendment to another bill rather than voting on it as a stand-alone piece of legislation. In case you are not up to speed on this matter, this issue has had a rough and tumble time in gaining sponsors or traction on Capitol Hill. It's been bumping around Congress for the last decade despite affirmative votes. The Human Rights Campaign has been an ardent proponent of the legislation, meanwhile urging that the final bill composition be passed and sent to President Obama before it's August recess. Locally, Arkansas' laws doesn't specifically include sexual orientation or trans-gender components but offers a broad approach to "hate crimes." This issue has more signifcance in lieu of a murder of a local transperson and assualt of another indiduviual at the Little Rock Airport. For your information, I've included some of the actual laws concerning hate crimes in this state. For more information check out http://www.partnersagainsthate.org/ (graphic: Advocate)

ARKANSAS
Ark. Stat. Ann. § 5-71-215Covers damage of "any place of worship, cemetary, or burial monument." >> More information

Ark. Stat. Ann. § 5-71-207Disorderly conduct includes damage of "patriotic or religious symbol" in a public place. >> More information



Ark. Stat. Ann. § 16-123-106Provides action for damages or injunctive relief for victims of intimidation, harassment, violence, or property damage "where such acts are motivated by racial, religious, or ethnic animosity." >> More information

Ark. Stat. Ann. § 16-123-105Provides civil action for damages and injunctive relief for deprivation of constitutional rights. >> More information


DSB Dust Up: I've been accused of not getting both sides of the story in other issues and I'm not going to be roasted for that again. Therefore, I will be speaking with Mr. Jones about his version of the FEDup Queers dust up that occurred last Friday night near the Discovery/ Backstreet complex. I'm sure that I'll get a snoot full, so stay tuned....

PRIDE in the ROCK! June 14- 21,2009

Come out and Show your Pride!

Under the Rainbow

I'm just about back to full strength this week, after a double whammy of a late spring cold and pesky infection that gave it all to TKO the big guy. However, I'm a damn trooper that just will not give in to being "sick" when I've got things to do. My long time companion gets pretty testy with me as I keep the fires burning during my health ordeals. He's of the call 911 mindset and I'm all about what's in the medicine cabinet. Yet, some how we both survive and those that know me, really know me, understand that I'm gonna keep swinging until there's no swing left. Therefore, let's swing out sister with the latest from the the SGL community and beyond....

OH LRCP!: If you've been following this forum and I know you have, this platform has posted items concerning Little Rock Capitol Pride during it's brief existence, always open for response or rebuttal. In the past we've been taken task for "airing" dirty laundry, decisiveness, and down right hate mongering from their then supporters and those who are no fans of COP:24/7. In a brief online statement, the group cited that "circumstances" caused the cancellation of the proposed River market event. However, I kept pondering what "circumstances?" So I did what all you wanted me to do and went asking. Although Ms. Chagoya, LRCP President signed off on that statement, I discovered that board members saw the entire affair differently. It seems that there was a laundry list of problems from the beginning which resulted in a total melt down. First up, a lack of committed motivation of committee members who perhaps were on board with the "idea" of producing a pride event but overwhelmed when it came to putting the shoulder to the grindstone. Secondly, the fundraising aspect of a NPO is daunting even for the experts, and if there's no well oiled machine in place it's damn near impossible to gather the cash needed. According to their internal financial guru, " there was simply no feasible way to put on the festival with the cash we had on hand." The group had done a few funders around town, only amassing about $1500 and "I couldn't find any sponsors that wanted to underwrite," they concluded. After it was decided that the event wouldn't be held, allegedly deposits on planned items (i.e. portapotty's, etc.) needed cancelling and other financial matters were is disarray. Thirdly, I surmised that at the core of this debacle was just plain old lack of visionary planning and a leadership vacuum which added to the pulling the plug. Recently, Miss C stated that LRCP wasn't interested in participating in the pride picnic, but presented a film presentation and would promote other activities on it's website. In the meantime, it's all so sad that once again, "circumstances" has infected yet another local entity most likely on it's way to the bone yard of community groups such as Positive Voices, G&L Task Force, Arkansas Equality Network and so forth and so on.

FED Up Q: There it is was, a blurb from another local group forming and plotting their course of actions. Who is it this time?, well it's FedUpQueers. Which in a brief dust up last Friday night (6.5.09) in the DBS complex area they stirred up the ire of businessman, NK while distributing flyer's as apart of their "Just say No to Norman," campaign. What's this all about? According to their new web outpost, http://www.fedupqueers.wordpress.com/ , this effort is all about "Queer liberation vs. Queer Consumerism. The FED Up 5, state that the entertainment complex is a "warehouse of exploitation," and has it's own laundry list of items that support their position. Are these folks serious? If I recall, all of this muttering is nothing new. I respect their right to voice their opinion, however, I find it curious that while I'm out and about, not necesarily in gay bars either, I see many and I do mean many Queer as Folk sporting the latest I-Pods, designer eye wear, sport cars, SUV's, and luxury cars and above all CASH. I've seen the extremely fashionable homes of some and others with Lofts, Condo's, and MacMasions with pools. I've not detected that this set is interested in the difference of Queer anything except whether it's Egyptian cotton or domestic. Is this problematic? Could be depending on how you spin it. We live in America, where our capitalistic system has ebbed and flowed for the last 200 some years, often not serving the masses or the oppressed. No one man is not the sum total of issues that affect this community. The last time I looked "people" have the ability to "choose" where they spend their dollars, or find value for them. If the 18+ have a problem with paying 15 bucks, then don't do so. If anyone doesn't care for the house rules or management mindset of that establishment, then stay the hell out. If this community needs venues or outlets that are more responsive, then seek them out. What about the DSRA clubhouse, it sits idle almost 6 days a week. Sound pretty simple to me. In the meantime hit me up on this site, I've got a great idea for a party and maybe a party spot to do so. Oh yeah, maybe we can do for half price, which still means CASH will be involved.

Rainbows Rising over a Manic Monday

The countdown continues to PRIDE 2009 as this forum keeps percolating and producing our daily brand of what's really going on from the lunatic fringe to the plateaus of power. It's all here each and every day as Arkansas' only daily source for the GLBTQ community and beyond. Here we go again....

AIDS Walking: The Stonewall Caucus of Arkansas and the Democratic Party of Arkansas will have AIDS Walk teams on Saturday, June 13 during, the Arkansas AIDS Foundation's 7th Annual Celebration of Life AIDS Walk on Saturday, at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. President Clinton is the one of the world's foremost activists on the struggle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) was established to reorganize markets and work with governments making treatment more accessible to the developing world. After the walk, there will be a health fair, live entertainment, and FREE food. There will be a balloon release in memory of loved ones lost to AIDS and in the hope of finding a cure. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. The entry fee for the event is $20 and all proceeds will be used to support client services at the Arkansas AIDS Foundation. To join the Democratic Party of Arkansas's team or to contribute to the walk please click here. For more information please contact Angela Bradford at (501)374-2361, or Joe L. at http://www.stonewalldemocrats.com/

Pride Picnic Meet: A planning meeting has been called for this Wed. June 10th at 3:00 p.m. for the 09 Pride Picnic being held June 21 at 12:30 p.m. in Allsop Park. The meeting will be held at the CAR offices, 800 Scott St. inside First Presbyterian. Please call 258-3186 to be let inside. For more info contact Randi at the Center for Artistic Revolution. This forum will be participating as a sponsor, so join us at this community event.

Let Us Entertain U: As you know readers, I do my best to make the rounds of the area outlets, actually "walking the walk as I talk the talk," about supporting these establishment as social alternatives. Yet to my surprise, I've been somewhat perplexed at the varying turn out that I've witnessed despite scheduled events for your pleasure. Both me and my companion have been startled when we've found ourselves to be the only faces in the place. At STAR Bar, 1900 W. 3rd Street, on a Friday evening, we were the only "two" patrons in this ultra metro spot. Although it was early evening, around post happy hour, for the next hour we had the place all to ourselves. We enjoyed some pricey, but tasty and beautifully presented appetizers in the cool lounge (pictured), listened to the DJ's mood music, strolled out to the "smoking area," with it's Tiki Torches, settled up the tab and moved on. On another outing on a Saturday evening at 601 Center, we found ourselves again, yes again, with our personal bartender, "Jeff", whom stated that he was glad that we dropped in since we were the first and only patrons during his shift. As a familiar face, we mused about a variety of topics as videos played overhead and we enjoyed cold beverages. My partner kept saying, what's wrong with this picture? I retorted that perhaps they knew I was coming so they were waiting till I was gone to come out! Silly me. Nonetheless, I realize that I've recoiled from the "late night" face in the crowd set, but finally we have outlets that do open early for those who are not on a midnight prowl. So this possible alternative is available for the taking on both sides of the river. Want a preview, then check out STAR BAR's chic website at http://www.starbarlounge.com/

Pride Picnic in the Park, June 21, 2009 - 12:30 p.m.

CorneliusOnpoint is a participating media sponsor!!

Fallout Friday, Me, U & Them

Can you feel it? It's a sensation that's starting to rush the city. It's the feeling of PRIDE 2009 that's opening like fresh flowers after a summer shower. If the buzz hasn't grabbed you as yet, I hope that in the coming days, you will find yourself getting into a pride mindset and then passing it on!! Of course, here at COP24/7 we are always in a state of pride when bringing you the latest updates, links, videos, pod casting, commentary and so much more that you can possibly handle. Therefore, let's not tarry and get it in gear for this outing. Let er rip.....

Pride Politics: It's official, POTUS has spoken. Who is POTUS, well it's the code moniker for "President of the United States", Barack Obama, who has sent forth a proclamation citing LGBT Pride Month. Say what? Yes, it's true. However, this presidential move didn't send the talking heads over the cliffs or shock waves through wall street. But, it ceremoniously pings in lavender sets and communities across the land, in lieu of Prop 8 or the renegade states signing on to Marriage equality. Nevertheless, I'm pleased as punch for that effort, it's the political home front that has me pondering if this community can get a proclamation from the Governor, Mayor or somebody? If the leader of the Free World can step to plate and reconize, then my dear voting friends, if we can't defeat, overturn anything, can we at least get a measly proclamation? For the record, this has been tried before from then guv, Bill Clinton's office was approached with the idea and was bemirched by Chief of Staff, Betsy Wright, whom saw no value in doing a radical thing like that. Oh how the times are a changing or are they? Certainly Clinton 42 and S.O.S Hillary have taken a liking to the GLBT community after them days. So the question that lies before us, can we ask for a proclamation from Gov. Bebee or Mayor Stodala without rebuff or billy goat gruff? Well, I'm don't know, but it sounds like a good idea to me. In the meantime, here's the real deal from President O. Thanks Mr. President for the shout out!

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary___________________________________________________________For Immediate Release June 1, 2009

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAA PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

COP: Special Marriage Equality Primer

Often I need a breather, refresher, time out or what have you. Yet, I'm always gald to get content from one of my favorite online sources, QueerCents. I felt that this item was quite timely with all the "marriage equality" shout outs going on including the newly hot spot of New Hampshire! So take a gander and I'll be back to the boards from the Big Chair, shortly....

3 Reasons Why Gays should Document Everything

by Alex Jason

I can’t wait to walk down the aisle with my fiance. Since we’ve been together almost four years now, it’s only natural that we’d love to show the world we want to commit to each other for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, since we’re gay, such an event would only be ceremonial: the federal government doesn’t recognize same-sex relationships and who’s knows when they will.
In the absence of a political miracle that sees gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) succeed President Obama and legislate same-sex marriage, I figured I’d talk to some people and see what my options are.
What I found out - to be brief - is that the more patience I have, the more options I have. Just like old folks planning for their retirement, I too can make sure my fiance gets money from my 401(k) should I pass away. I can own an apartment 50/50 with a partner and even share the mortgage tax benefit. And if we have kids, we can both have legal rights guaranteeing our children can’t be taken away by the state or another family member - even if we separate.
The key? Document everything.
“If it’s not documented, then you can’t rely on any formal structure to help you or to prove your case,” says Debra Neiman, a certified financial planner in Massachusetts who helped start the PridePlanners Association, a group of financial planners serving the gay and lesbian community. “If it’s not on paper, there are no guarantees for anything.”
That’s not say your relationship should be all about spreadsheets and calculators. Not at all. But if you and your partner are serious about making a life commitment, you need to hammer out the basics surrounding your money, house, health and children (optional). Older gays and lesbians didn’t have the luxury of talking openly about relationship planning, but us young folks do and we need to start planning.
First and foremost: the federal government does not provide any benefits to same-sex couples, nada, zip, zero. Some states provide protections to same-sex couples. Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut have same-sex marriage laws that put gays and lesbians on equal footing with their straight counterparts. New Jersey has civil unions that are equal to marriage in everything but name. New Hampshire is close to passing same-sex marriage legislatively. Washington and Oregon have domestic partner laws, while Hawaii has limited domestic partnerships. Everywhere else, nothing.
Still, you don’t want to count on the kindness of a random judge to decide whether your decade of mortgage payments qualifies toward ownership of your apartment, or if that car your ex promised you actually becomes yours. You want to know for sure. Where to start? Write up a domestic partner agreement.
A domestic partner agreement can be as specific or general as you want. Ultimately, it’s a road map for your relationship, and like a map, it shows where you are now and where you hope to be later. If you have a car, say whose it is and outline who pays what for it. If you own an apartment, detail the mortgage payments and who gets the tax benefits that come along with the property. If one pays all the mortgage and the other takes care of the kids - and that couple equates the two - spell that out so a judge knows that the parties in the relationship see one another as equals. Some couples also outline what assets would be divided, and how, should they split up.
Doing all this allows both people in the relationship to assess themselves, what they have and what they want. Getting all this out in the open is essential to making plans. Being as upfront and honest about your financial positions is essential to coming up with an agreement that both people are happy with.
You’ll need a lawyer to draw up a domestic partner agreement that will stand up in court. Financial planners even recommend that each person in the relationship retain his or her own counsel so as to satisfy a judge who could claim that one member in the relationship was coerced into consenting to the agreement.
“You’re either very prepared or very aware or you don’t want to think about it (financial planning),” says John Fairbanks, financial advisor with Smith Barney in Hartford, Ct. He says a lot of young people in committed relationships figure they’ll start planning after they turn 40. Problem is, that may be too late.
Let’s start with what you can do with everyday things, like bank accounts, 401(k)s, credit cards, cars and health care.
So how should you handle your money? Open a joint account, keep separate accounts? Those in a serious relationship probably want some way to pay for bills together and buy groceries, so a shared account comes in handy. This part’s actually not so hard. A lot of financial planners tell you that the best relationships are those where those involved feel equal - so having your own money in addition to sharing funds is a great way to go. Just be careful in the joint account: if one person deposits $15,000 and the other only puts in $100, then you’re liable to pay the federal gift tax –which is a whopping 50% on anything over $13,000 — on the difference. The solution? Keep most of your assets in separate accounts and contribute equally, either on a percentage or per-dollar basis, to the joint account. Remember, document that there’s a 50/50 divide. A simple account statement will suffice.
Dealing with your 401(k) account at work is even easier. You can list anyone as the beneficiary for your savings, just contact your human resources department and fill out the appropriate form. Just be sure to keep an eye on the form should you split up with your partner: you don’t want your ex walking away with a hefty some just because you forgot to keep the form current!
Credit cards aren’t that tricky either. You can always put another person on your account, usually for a fee, regardless of your relationship. But be careful: credit is debt. If you sign on to the account, and your partner bails or can’t pay the bills, you may be liable. One advantage of being an unmarried couple is that your credit ratings remain separate, so if one of you needs to rehabilitate your credit rating, there’s breathing room to do so: while the person with good credit borrows the money the other can pay him/her back without having to involve creditors.
Speaking of creditors, be careful if you and your hubby want to buy a car. Sure it seems like a no-brainer: how else are you going to get from your living room to the grocery store? And for new couples, buying a car can be the first “major” joint purchase. But know your partner before you do this cause if he/she has nothing, and the car is under joint ownership, you’re the one who’s obligated to pay out if you’re sued. Joint ownership sounds great at first, but it is what it is: joint ownership.
Health care for unmarried, same-sex couples can be simple if the right precautions are taken. First and foremost, a couple needs to get a health care proxy, which is a document that outlines the rights of a same-sex partner in the absence of laws recognizing this person as a spouse.
“If you don’t have a health care proxy that lets your partner visit you in the hospital, any hospital can turn you away,” says Todd Sears, a financial planner who runs Merrill Lynch’s LGBT initiative. He suggests filing your health care proxy with the nearest hospital - the one to which you’d be taken in a 911 emergency. Also, carry a shrunken-down version of the document to fit in your wallet and save a copy of the health care proxy in your portable email account to have handy while traveling.
As for health care benefits, you should check with your employer if they offer domestic partner options. If yes, be aware that the monthly payments you pay to add your partner onto your plan will be taxed, unlike married couples. Same-sex couples aren’t alone though: employers providing domestic partner benefits also pay federal tax to provide you with the health care. This all may change soon though. Legislation in Congress is currently in the works to make benefits granted to unmarried couples equal to those who are married.

PRIDE 2009: Rainbow's & Lambda's Rising Part 2

In case you've been out of the loop, PRIDE 09 schedules are circulating in the area outlets and other details are ebbing and flowing from a variety of other sources. It's the typical fashion that accompanies this effort each year, where matters are not exactly confirmed until they are sorta confirmed. Anyway, as I've stated previously, their are numerous activities for your consideration. I decided that perhaps some of my readers may not get access to some of the e-blast that are flying with fury, so I will post some items, links or websites for your 411!! Stay tuned for the latest pride updates and more....

Central High Museum and Visitor Center and Little Rock Capital Pride Present:
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
Saturday June 6, 2009 2-4PM
2125 Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas
Bayard Rustin was an American civil rights activist, important largely behind the scenes in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and earlier, and the main organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He counseled Martin Luther King, Jr. on the techniques of nonviolent resistance. He became an advocate on behalf of gay and lesbian causes in the latter part of his career; however, his homosexuality was the reason for attacks from many governmental as well as interest groups. As a side note, I've seen this film which has been presented several times in this area and actually met Mr. Rustin before his untimely death.

6th Annual Conway Pride Parade & Festival: June 14, 2009 Line-up begins at 2:00 pm at the Pink House 1605 Robinson—Conway, AR


Festival Site: Simon Park next to City Hall 1201 Oak St Vendor and entertainer applications still being accepted. Contact John Schenck if you want to perform: 501-697-1651. Contact Adam if you’d like to have a booth: 501-912-3780 Non-Profit booths are: $15.00 and $25.00 for profit booth


Be sure and bring sunscreen, chairs and blankets and come get your pride on!

Annual Mr. & Mrs. Gay Pride: June 14th – Doors open at 8pm Club UBU at 824 West Capitol

Sunday June 21st at 12:30 Allsop Park, Cantrell & Cedar Park Rd., Little Rock
Free food while it lasts
The 1st Annual Equality Games including the “three legged race for marriage equality” and many more. Great prizes for each event such as a gift certificate to Gauchos Grill.
D.J., Speakers and Entertainers
Booths with information and goods
And to wrap it all up…it’s the “Clash of the Softball Junkies” ball game that comes with a rainbow trophy for the winners!!

NWA PRIDE announces the 3d Annual NWA PRIDE PARADE: A Celebration of Diversity and Community. It will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Parade organizers invite everyone to come together in solidarity and support of equal rights for all. The parade lineup will start at 8 AM on North East Street, between Meadow and Dickson Streets. Parade will start promptly at 10 AM. A brief Pride rally will be held at the end of the parade in the Walton Arts Center Parking Lot.
For more details, float and/or speaker applications, please go to NWA Pride's web site at nwapride.org. This year we will have a 30 X 60 Pride Flag, so volunteers are needed to carry the flag. We also need volunteers to help in anyway they can. http://www.nwapride.org/

We are in search of PRIDE stories. If you have an item, poem, short story, essay or commentary, then hit us up and share it during PRIDE 09. Click the comment box and get busy.

Here Comes that Sound: An American Crash

Yesterday, we all heard it again. Another American iconic company imploding, washing up on the shores of the bankruptcy court system and again on the backs of unsuspecting tax payers. For the life of me, as this maddenss continues to unfold, I can't help but wonder, " what's going on here! Just who was minding the operation and where oh where was the leadership foresight! I remember the Chrysler debacle of yesteryear which at that time I was hopeful we were learning a lesson. The oil embargo, those gas lines and rationing, all come rolling back to my memory. I lived through it, again perhaps with youthful zeal, I believed that the "smartest folks in the room" were steering us Americans in best direction for the future. How wrong, very wrong I was for that rose colored glasses mentality, especially as consumer of GM products and moreover now as fellow taxpayer. It's just all so surreal. I recently got an item from social gadfly Michael Moore, filmaker of Roger & Me who was asking some 20 YEARS ago about the lofty GM brand, it's overseers and future. I saw that movie twice, along with Chris Paine's 2006 film, "Who Killed the Electric Car, each from my NetFlix affiliation. There's been messengers with distinct clarion calls about this dilemma, apparrently to no avail. If you get a chance, see these films for more prespective, meanwhile I'm sharing that somber yet hopeful item from Moore. It's unedited and reposted as composed by Mr. Moore. This site is apart of Mr. Moore's film web group.

Goodbye, GM by Michael Moore
June 1, 2009
I write this on the morning of the end of the once-mighty General Motors. By high noon, the President of the United States will have made it official: General Motors, as we know it, has been totaled.
As I sit here in GM's birthplace, Flint, Michigan, I am surrounded by friends and family who are filled with anxiety about what will happen to them and to the town. Forty percent of the homes and businesses in the city have been abandoned. Imagine what it would be like if you lived in a city where almost every other house is empty. What would be your state of mind?
It is with sad irony that the company which invented "planned obsolescence" -- the decision to build cars that would fall apart after a few years so that the customer would then have to buy a new one -- has now made itself obsolete. It refused to build automobiles that the public wanted, cars that got great gas mileage, were as safe as they could be, and were exceedingly comfortable to drive. Oh -- and that wouldn't start falling apart after two years. GM stubbornly fought environmental and safety regulations. Its executives arrogantly ignored the "inferior" Japanese and German cars, cars which would become the gold standard for automobile buyers. And it was hell-bent on punishing its unionized workforce, lopping off thousands of workers for no good reason other than to "improve" the short-term bottom line of the corporation. Beginning in the 1980s, when GM was posting record profits, it moved countless jobs to Mexico and elsewhere, thus destroying the lives of tens of thousands of hard-working Americans. The glaring stupidity of this policy was that, when they eliminated the income of so many middle class families, who did they think was going to be able to afford to buy their cars? History will record this blunder in the same way it now writes about the French building the Maginot Line or how the Romans cluelessly poisoned their own water system with lethal lead in its pipes.
So here we are at the deathbed of General Motors. The company's body not yet cold, and I find myself filled with -- dare I say it -- joy. It is not the joy of revenge against a corporation that ruined my hometown and brought misery, divorce, alcoholism, homelessness, physical and mental debilitation, and drug addiction to the people I grew up with. Nor do I, obviously, claim any joy in knowing that 21,000 more GM workers will be told that they, too, are without a job.
But you and I and the rest of America now own a car company! I know, I know -- who on earth wants to run a car company? Who among us wants $50 billion of our tax dollars thrown down the rat hole of still trying to save GM? Let's be clear about this: The only way to save GM is to kill GM. Saving our precious industrial infrastructure, though, is another matter and must be a top priority. If we allow the shutting down and tearing down of our auto plants, we will sorely wish we still had them when we realize that those factories could have built the alternative energy systems we now desperately need. And when we realize that the best way to transport ourselves is on light rail and bullet trains and cleaner buses, how will we do this if we've allowed our industrial capacity and its skilled workforce to disappear?
Thus, as GM is "reorganized" by the federal government and the bankruptcy court, here is the plan I am asking President Obama to implement for the good of the workers, the GM communities, and the nation as a whole. Twenty years ago when I made "Roger & Me," I tried to warn people about what was ahead for General Motors. Had the power structure and the punditocracy listened, maybe much of this could have been avoided. Based on my track record, I request an honest and sincere consideration of the following suggestions:
1. Just as President Roosevelt did after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the President must tell the nation that we are at war and we must immediately convert our auto factories to factories that build mass transit vehicles and alternative energy devices. Within months in Flint in 1942, GM halted all car production and immediately used the assembly lines to build planes, tanks and machine guns. The conversion took no time at all. Everyone pitched in. The fascists were defeated.
We are now in a different kind of war -- a war that we have conducted against the ecosystem and has been conducted by our very own corporate leaders. This current war has two fronts. One is headquartered in Detroit. The products built in the factories of GM, Ford and Chrysler are some of the greatest weapons of mass destruction responsible for global warming and the melting of our polar icecaps. The things we call "cars" may have been fun to drive, but they are like a million daggers into the heart of Mother Nature. To continue to build them would only lead to the ruin of our species and much of the planet.
The other front in this war is being waged by the oil companies against you and me. They are committed to fleecing us whenever they can, and they have been reckless stewards of the finite amount of oil that is located under the surface of the earth. They know they are sucking it bone dry. And like the lumber tycoons of the early 20th century who didn't give a damn about future generations as they tore down every forest they could get their hands on, these oil barons are not telling the public what they know to be true -- that there are only a few more decades of useable oil on this planet. And as the end days of oil approach us, get ready for some very desperate people willing to kill and be killed just to get their hands on a gallon can of gasoline.
President Obama, now that he has taken control of GM, needs to convert the factories to new and needed uses immediately.
2. Don't put another $30 billion into the coffers of GM to build cars. Instead, use that money to keep the current workforce -- and most of those who have been laid off -- employed so that they can build the new modes of 21st century transportation. Let them start the conversion work now.
3. Announce that we will have bullet trains criss-crossing this country in the next five years. Japan is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its first bullet train this year. Now they have dozens of them. Average speed: 165 mph. Average time a train is late: under 30 seconds. They have had these high speed trains for nearly five decades -- and we don't even have one! The fact that the technology already exists for us to go from New York to L.A. in 17 hours by train, and that we haven't used it, is criminal. Let's hire the unemployed to build the new high speed lines all over the country. Chicago to Detroit in less than two hours. Miami to DC in under 7 hours. Denver to Dallas in five and a half. This can be done and done now.
4. Initiate a program to put light rail mass transit lines in all our large and medium-sized cities. Build those trains in the GM factories. And hire local people everywhere to install and run this system.
5. For people in rural areas not served by the train lines, have the GM plants produce energy efficient clean buses.
6. For the time being, have some factories build hybrid or all-electric cars (and batteries). It will take a few years for people to get used to the new ways to transport ourselves, so if we're going to have automobiles, let's have kinder, gentler ones. We can be building these next month (do not believe anyone who tells you it will take years to retool the factories -- that simply isn't true).
7. Transform some of the empty GM factories to facilities that build windmills, solar panels and other means of alternate forms of energy. We need tens of millions of solar panels right now. And there is an eager and skilled workforce who can build them.
8. Provide tax incentives for those who travel by hybrid car or bus or train. Also, credits for those who convert their home to alternative energy.
9. To help pay for this, impose a two-dollar tax on every gallon of gasoline. This will get people to switch to more energy saving cars or to use the new rail lines and rail cars the former autoworkers have built for them.
Well, that's a start. Please, please, please don't save GM so that a smaller version of it will simply do nothing more than build Chevys or Cadillacs. This is not a long-term solution. Don't throw bad money into a company whose tailpipe is malfunctioning, causing a strange odor to fill the car.
100 years ago this year, the founders of General Motors convinced the world to give up their horses and saddles and buggy whips to try a new form of transportation. Now it is time for us to say goodbye to the internal combustion engine. It seemed to serve us well for so long. We enjoyed the car hops at the A&W. We made out in the front -- and the back -- seat. We watched movies on large outdoor screens, went to the races at NASCAR tracks across the country, and saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time through the window down Hwy. 1. And now it's over. It's a new day and a new century. The President -- and the UAW -- must seize this moment and create a big batch of lemonade from this very sour and sad lemon.
Yesterday, the last surviving person from the Titanic disaster passed away. She escaped certain death that night and went on to live another 97 years.
So can we survive our own Titanic in all the Flint Michigans of this country. 60% of GM is ours. I think we can do a better job.

Yours, Michael Moore

MMFlint@aol.com

MichaelMoore.com

Pride 2009: Rainbows & Lamdas Rising

40 year's after Stonewall...

PRIDE 2009: Rockin Onward and Upward

Well, it's June 1, 2009, with another Pride season swiftly taking flight across the country and globally. The rainbow flags are unfurling, festival goers choosing which hot spots to descend upon and Little Rock won't be left out of the yearly effort regardless of the "circumstances" surrounding the Little Rock Capital groups earlier announcement citing the cancellation of the Rivermarket shindig. To somewhat set the stage, I've included a extremely well produced video courtsey of YouTube uploaded by JGL Songs LLC. It's from the upcoming CD, Pride at 40, performed by JG Leavitt, Freddy Freeman and Kevin H. Music. Thanks to one of my readers/contributor (MB) who has dubbed me a "tech diva," and always shares with me many interesting articles plus source material. This toe tapping homage to the journey thus far has many eye catching clips and vitally important messages nicely wrapped for the video set. It recounts many incidents as well as indivuals who have been flashpoints in gay history. I had to watch it at least twice to get the full affect and maybe you will as well. Locally, this communtiy has had a tug of war with mixing "teachable moments" within our "social" celebration of Pride. In the past we've had speakers, art shows, dinners, and fourms that brought out some takers but overwhelmingly, those events have not been the odds on favorite with planners. And again, this year's schedule will feature a host of merry making that ranges from pajama parties to bar crawls, simply because endusers will gravitate to these choices without hesitation. This will be unfortunate for those persons, couples or onlookers who would perhaps preferred a more substantive alternative than yet another trip to "headache heaven." Consequently, those so inclined, need to step to the plate and get 'er done. Programming for the intelligensia crowd can be a draw if it's properly planned and secured. If the planners of those "girls just want to have" activities can do, so can those whom want to celebrate the week with more meaning and those all important "light bulb moments," that are really needed these days. It's been widely reported that Pride festivals around the country are in decline due to demographic shifts, strained revenue streams and committees in disarray similar to the local implosion. Yet, Pride continues to some how revive itself and move on. Believe it or not it's been 40 years since the NYC Stonewall riots which sparked SGL men and women into a groundswell that is continuing to this very moment. Ladies and Gentlemen and all those who havent' decided, as the we enter another pride chapter, I challenge all of you to look deeper into the eyes of the person in mirror as you go your way each day, with echo's of "what have you done today to be proud!"

Local Color: The pride schedules are making their way to the area outlets and gosh dern they're packed with stuff. In stead of me re-posting it, I'll just say you should check the various outlets websites, locales and yes, I'll be musing about much of it from the Big Chair. New to the line up this year is L. West's swanky STAR BAR. I had heard so much about it, including facts and fiction, so I strolled on over to see what's all the fuss about. I'll give you that lowdown at another time, but look for their happy hour during pride and other surprises from this upstart. Meanwhile, there's something new brewing at Off Center, which I suspect should give the former Easy Street venue a boost. If all goes well, maybe just maybe this will be a Pride week celebration gift in the waiting. On the northside, SIDETRACKS continues their speical brand of bar party with it's 2 for 2, and during pride, that pajama party maddness that returns for another turn. I'm beginning to wonder,"what is with folk standing around in the drawers or PJ's?" Obviously, this must be some kind of fad, because it keeps popping up all over the place. Of course,UBU, Backstreet and 601 will all be at play during the week with celebrations and more. Whew, where do I start, what will I miss? Until then, I'll keep doing you and you keep doing me. Come on back, there's more....