Wisconsin Gay News From Quest: Vol. 14 No. 9

Volume 14 No. 9 June 21, 2007 Compiled & written by Mike Fitzpatrick Top Stories: Chaka, Joan, Kathy & Tom Sizzle, Milwaukee Pride Numbers Soar Single Day & Weekend PrideFest Records Shattered, Mayor Steps With Pride In Sunday Parade By Mike Fitzpatrick Milwaukee - If you’re going to going to throw a 20th anniversary party, you send out the invites and hope everyone will come - and that the weather will cooperate. The stars aligned the weekend of June 8-10 as more than 30,000 gay men and women and their allies came out to celebrate the biggest Gay Pride celebration in Milwaukee history. The stars shined both onstage and off at the Henry B. Maier Festival grounds as 27,467 passed through the PrideFest turnstiles over the weekend, a 15% increase over 2006’s previous record attendance of 23,839 attendees. Both Friday’s 8,389 and Saturday’s 13,300 attendance figures were record single-day totals. Combined with the estimated 2500-2700 participants and parade watchers out for Sunday’s nearly two-hour long Pride parade, it was a weekend for the record books. “This weekend has been a remarkable celebration of PrideFest’s 20th anniversary,” festival president Scott Gunkel said in a June 11 press release. “Our record attendance can be attributed to a phenomenal volunteer team, superb entertainment, perfect festival weather, and an incredible community spirit that filled the festival grounds.” PrideFest began its 20th Anniversary celebration by smashing its Friday attendance record by approximately 35%. Under picture-perfect skies, the PrideFest grounds filled up quickly Friday afternoon with thousands anticipating headliner Kathy Griffin’s performance. Griffin herself, fresh from co-hosting ABC’s “The View” earlier that morning, announced the attendance increase following her show and stated that it was both the largest audience and “the best experience” in her career. “The LGBT community, along with plenty of straight friends and family, turned out in full force tonight,” PrideFest President Scott Gunkel told Quest following the Griffin show. The headline show opened with rousing comic and musical sets from drag personalities Hedda Lettuce and Miss Foozie. German club sensation Cascada was again a no-show. PrideFest officials - in noting the cancellation of what would have been a make-up show for her 2006 miss - also advised attendees that her entire U. S. tour had been canceled for health reasons. But the very mixed straight and gay crowd were there for Life On The D-List’s Griffin and her hour and a half “dish” about life in Hollywood and its celebrity “food chain” did not disappoint. Griffin drew howls talking about “Oprah and her boyfriend Gail,” suggesting Barbara Walters’ favorite personal lubricant was Astroglide, and repeatedly referring to American Idol’s metrosexual host as “Miss Seacrest.” As part of its anniversary celebration, the festival’s opening ceremony honored 16 other diverse organizations and community groups that have been in existence for 20 years or more. “This year is about recognizing the many ways that we have come together to build a stronger community, whether it is for social, religious, health, or political reasons,” Communications Director Paul Williams told the nearly 1000 festival goers in the audience. Organizations honored were: Wisconsin Cream City Chorus (founded in 1987), the Milwaukee Film/Video Festival (1987), the HIT/Holiday Invitational Tournament (1986), HIT/BestD League (1986), the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (1985), HIT/Monday Night Irregulars (1982), Cream City Foundation (1982), Black and White Men Together (1981), Castaways M.C. (1979), Gay Youth Milwaukee (1979), the Metropolitan Community Church in Milwaukee (1978), GAMMA (1978), the Saturday Softball Beer League (1977), BestD Clinic (1974), the Galano Club (1973), and the Gay People’s Union (1971). Scott Gunkel In a surprise ending to the opening ceremony, the PrideFest team also honored President Scott Gunkel with an award for his years of dedication to PrideFest. Gunkel was one of the original founders of PrideFest and returned several times over the years, serving as Treasurer in 1992 and becoming President in 2006. The heat was on Saturday as well. Perfect festival-going weather – sunny 70s by day cooling to mid-60’s – and the explosive performance of eight-time Grammy-winner Chaka Khan debuting portions of her new CD while re-energizing her’70s and ‘80s classics brought out a crowd that topped the festival’s all-time attendance record. Crowds were out in force early. The line to donate food to ARCW’s food pantry in order to gain free admittance to the festival grounds as over two blocks long, spilling off the sidewalks. Inside attendees were treated to revues by gay country line dancers, drag divas, leather men and more. Serious issues were addressed at forums and exhibits throughout the day. Center Advocates provided a forum on the need for transgender inclusion in Wisconsin’s anti-discrimination laws and the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin presented a panel discussion on gay adoption. The Milwaukee History Project unveiled an all new display and the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center sponsored a series of one-act plays by gay authors. By the start of the headline show, crowds had swelled to such a degree in the Miller Oasis area that maneuvering to get anywhere near the stage became challenging. New York City drag personality Peppermint hosted the show, offering her own musical talents, including a number currently airing on the gay cable channel LOGO. Also on tap to warm up the crowd were crowd-pleasing performances by Sade Pendarvis, the “queen of gay soul,” and Italian club act the Benassi Bros. featuring Dhany. However the night belonged to the triumphant performance offered up the legendary Chaka Khan. In offering up her all-time top seller “I Feel For You” as the kick-off number, Chaka signaled that that was not going to be an evening of nostalgia: she was back and offering up fresh evidence that she is a 21st Century funk icon. Khan shared two numbers from her new CD, now set for August release. Both the affecting ballad “Angel” and especially the sassy funk concoction “(Will You) Love Me” were warmly received by the diverse crowd that ranged from twentysomethings to seasoned Chakaholics. The final three songs of the evening of Khan’s ninety-plus minute show seared the audience with musical heat. Khan first turned the Rufus classic “You Got The Love” into a group sing-along, then offered an awesome marathon reading of “Sweet Thing,” allowing each of her three new back-up singers a chance to re-interpret the chart topper before the mentor brought it home to the cheering crowd. Then Chaka and her twelve-member entourage launched into her first solo hit “I’m Every Woman.” By the end of the number, Chaka had not only reclaimed her song from pallid Whitney Houston remake, she was ready to remain center stage for some time to come. Khan’s sizzling show more than made up for the loss of the previously promoted fireworks display, which brought a round of ‘boos” when it was announced on the main stage. PrideFest offered the following explanation to Quest: “Milwaukee’s PrideFest had another wonderful day of celebration on Saturday, June 9th. The evening was capped off with a full-length, full band concert performed by the legendary Chaka Khan. The Saturday headline performance is believed to be Ms. Khan’s first full-length live show with new material in nearly 10 years. “To provide this unique opportunity, PrideFest made a much-deliberated budgetary decision to cancel the fireworks display that is typically a part of the celebration. We respect that many festival-goers enjoy the fireworks; however, we had an opportunity to give our attendees a nationally significant concert experience that truly made Milwaukee’s PrideFest a unique LGBT Pride event. “Unfortunately, this change to the schedule was made after most of our promotions and the Pride Guide was printed, so they included references to the fireworks. “We very much appreciate the input of our attendees in defining the entertainment and activities presented at PrideFest. As usual, all feedback concerning festival activities will be considered as we plan to bring the LGBT community an even better PrideFest in 2008!” On Sunday afternoon Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s presence at the 2007 LGBT Pride Parade certainly stole the show early on at what has become an ever more elaborate show of the state’s gay pride statewide. Barrett and State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) followed just behind this year’s Grand Marshall County Supervisor Peggy West. The official 39 units in this year’s parade belied the sometimes extravagant number of individual elements that made up each unit in the one hour and forty-five minute march. Units came from as far away as Door Country, Oshkosh, Kenosha and Chicago to be part of this year’s event. Parade viewers also appeared to surpass last year’s official head count of 2,000. As befits a pride parade, there were a dozen colorful floats, marching and cheerleader units. Royalty was in abundance including the effervescent Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA Shannon Dupree, the seemingly omnipresent Dear Ruthie and a bevy of titleholders from the city’s Latino community. One of the most interesting developments at this year’s parade was the expanding involvement of mainstream business. A third of the units at this years parade represented auto dealers, realtors, attorneys, coffee shops, moving companies and others seeking to curry gay consumer favor. They were also joined by mainstream street vendors selling ice cream, rainbow flags, boas and other trinkets. The small contingent of “Christian” Pride Parade Awards protesters who settled in mid-route were far outnumbered by the parade units of welcoming churches passing them by. Parade awards were announced at a ceremony at the PrideFest Rainbow Stage following the march. ARCW and the Chicago Cheer Leaders won 1st prize for best marching unit, with second place going to Chicago’s R.O.T.C. (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps) and third place given to Starbucks Coffee. Best Decorated Car went to Kurtz Corral of Sturgeon Bay, with second awarded to the Milwaukee PumpHouse and third place given to City Lights Chill of Milwaukee. Best float was awarded to Club Icon of Kenosha, with second going to M’s of Milwaukee and third place awarded to Fluid/Walker’s Pint of Milwaukee. A clerical transcription error discovered after the presentation reversed the announced second and third place float winners (the correct order is listed in this article). Competition in the float category was especially fierce, with Club Icon winning the top spot by a single vote majority. The Spirit Award was given to Triangle for its carrying of a block-long rainbow flag. The flag display has now become the parade closing unit, anticipated by Cream City parade attendees as much as the appearance of Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Lots of everyday people who love rock & roll or just wanted to be in touch with their fellow community members filled the Summerfest grounds June 10 for the final day PrideFest. Many came to party hearty with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and relive their two decades of chart-toppers, plus get a taste of the quartet’s hook-laden latest album “Sinner.” The 49-year old Jett, looking and acting half her age, did not disappoint the nearly two thousand who stuck around to the final licks Sunday night. For the most part, it was a trip down memory lane, with the audience invited to sing along to extended renditions of Jett’s million sellers. The singer especially enjoyed the interaction with her clearly devoted female fans. At one point someone tossed a box of gum onto the stage. Jett retrieved it, held it up to the audience and said “You really know me - this is my brand!” The over-the-top performance by rockers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts capped an all-distaff Sunday headline show. The evening was hosted by comedian Vickie Shaw and also included performances by WAMI-award winner Ronnie Nyles and the Krash Band, and Boi & Gurl Toiz on Broadway. Pride Idol 2007 winner Laura Kessler from Appleton opened for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. “Joan Jett and the Blackhearts may love rock n’ roll, but we love them and the incredible performance they delivered to help close out one of the best gay pride events in the country,” PrideFest Communications Director Paul Williams told Quest. Throughout the weekend PrideFest offered numerous educational activities and over 150 food, shopping and organizational vendors. Over the last two decades PrideFest has grown to be Wisconsin’s largest LGBT event. This year’s entertainment lineup was the biggest LGBT Pride entertainment lineup in the nation. Bid To Ban Gay Marriage Fails In Massachusetts Former Gov & GOP Prez Candidate Romney Reacts, Supporters Push For Out-Of State Access Boston - Same-sex marriage will remain legal in Massachusetts - for at least the next five years. Gay marriage proponents from the state’s governor to all but a handful of the state’s legislators won the months-long battle June 14 by defeating a proposed referendum on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. “In Massachusetts, the freedom to marry is secure,” Governor. Deval Patrick said after following the legislature’s 151 to 45 vote against the amendment, which would have needed fifty favorable votes in order to go before voters in a referendum in November 2008. The June 14 vote means that opponents of gay marriage will have to start from square one to sponsor a new amendment, which could not get on the ballot before 2012. Massachusetts is the only state where same-sex marriage is legal, although five states allow civil unions or their equivalent. The outcome had not been a foregone conclusion, especially after the amendment won first-round approval from the legislature last January, with 62 lawmakers supporting it. Even a few hours before the vote, advocates on both sides of the issue said they were not sure whether enough legislators could be persuaded to switch their votes and stop the amendment. The 11th-hour decisions of several legislators to vote against the amendment followed intensive lobbying by the leaders of the state House and Senate and Governor Patrick. “I think I am going to be doing a certain number of fund-raisers for districts, and I am happy to do that,” Patrick said. Patrick’s key arguments to wavering legislators were that not only should same-sex marriage be allowed but also that a referendum next year would be both divisive and distracting from critically important state issues. About 8,500 gay and lesbian couples have been married in Massachusetts since the unions became legal in May 2004. In December 2005, opponents, led by the Massachusetts Family Institute, gathered 170,000 signatures for an amendment banning same-sex marriage, which was supported by Mr. Patrick’s predecessor and current GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. In response to the vote aimed squarely at so-called “social conservative” voters, Romney called for a federal marriage amendment, citing the rejection of the ballot measure by nearly 80% of the state’s democratically elected officials as proof that “we need to have a Federal marriage amendment ... because states like Massachusetts will take the course they did.” Polls of the Massachusetts electorate since same-sex marriage became legal in 2004 have generally found that a majority those surveyed supported it, and that the opinion was roughly the same as before legalization. Romney’s critics have been quick to point out the former governor’s flip-flops on the gay marriage issue, often referring to the candidate as “Multiple Choice Mitt.” Fresh off the success of defending gay marriage from its latest attack, advocates say they have one more fight in Massachusetts: repealing a 1913 law that bars same-sex couples in most other states from coming here to get married. Some say the law - which says couples cannot be married here unless their unions would be legal in their home states - has its roots in the effort to block interracial marriage, and plan soon to strategize for its repeal. Opponents of gay marriage have said repealing the law would make Massachusetts the “Las Vegas of gay marriage.” “This radical social experiment will be exported to the other 49 states,” Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, told reporters June 15. If the state’s 1913 law is repealed, it would mean gay couples from other states could legally marry in Massachusetts. The possible impact of the marriages in other states is unknown. Most states prohibit gay marriage, but a Massachusetts certificate could provide the foundation for legal challenges. A court challenge was the basis of Massachusetts legalizing same-sex marriage, after gay couples were denied marriage licenses. World & National News: QNU Quick Review: The Top 10 Stories Of The Last Month (Editor’s Note: Because of the four week gap between this edition of Quest and the Pride Guide double issue last month, the following is list of our the top ten major world and national news over the last 30 days. Complete coverage of breaking gay news updated daily is available online on Quest’s QNU page. Click on QNU at www.quest-online.com.) 1. Gay Groups Decry Bush Top Doc Pick - When your nominee (announced June 5) for Surgeon General believes gays can be cured through prayer, you know its going to start a firestorm. Then again the jury’s still out on evolution, right George? 2. Moscow Pride Gets Ugly - British gay activist Peter Thatchell and Right Said Fred singer Richard Fairbrass were among the dozens of “dirty homosexuals” beaten by Russian Orthodox extremists and later arrested by the city’s police. 3. A Gay Mayor In Dallas? - The race was too close to call on election eve (and Quest’s deadline) June 15 between the Democratic party-endorsed gay candidate Ed Oakley and nonpartisan Tom Leppert in a run-off to replace outgoing mayor. (Editor's post election note: Oakley lost.) 4. Lesbian Sues eHarmony - She saw the commercials, signed up but can’t find the love of her life because the site matches breeders only. Fundie founder Neil Clark Warren claims he doesn’t have enough research to hook up homos. Tell that to your Focus On The Family best buddy James Dobson. 5. Red Cross Tries To Undo Gay Blood Donor Ban - A week after the FDA reiterated the two-decade long ban on gay blood donations, the nation’s largest blood bank in late May said they would fight to undo the decision. 6. Sao Paulo Pride Boasts Three Million Attendees - We know the Brazilians love their carnivale but waving the rainbow flags and outdrawing the Pope’s visit? That’s just sick and wrong! And we’re lovin’ every bossa nova driven minute of it. 7. Oregon Wackos Start Ballot Campaign - Just a week after the passage of two gay rights laws, the bigots were back collecting signatures for a 2008 referendum to try to un-do the bills. 8. Romney Whines: “I’m Not Anti-Gay!”- Spin doctors for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney went into overtime in late May trying to build moderate support for the flip-flopping former Massachusetts governor. Didn’t help though: a lesbian mom called him out on his anti-gay family stances during a campaign stop about a week later. 9. Survey Says: Brits OK With Gay - In a wide-ranging study published May 22, over 90% of British citizens support full gay equality. Surprisingly, regular church goers in the UK agree as well - 84% of them in fact. 10: News Flash? “Niles” Is OK With Gay Too - David Hyde-Pierce the actor who played Fraiser’s fey brother Niles on the long running comedy, came out May 30 as openly gay. We didn’t see that one coming, did we? State News: Madison Pride Announces 2007 MAGIC Weekend Entertainers Madison - Chart-topping dance diva Ultra Naté, WAMI winning rocker Ronnie Nyles and country-rock sensation Tonya Watts will headline the entertainment at this year’s MAGIC weekend here July 21-22. In addition Saturday’s picnic will feature Pulsation, the 2006 MAGIC Queen Diva and her band, and the Lexi Ravyn Dragshow and Cabaret Show. In addition to Nyles and Watts, Pulsation will return for an encore performance at Sunday’s post-rally show. American house music and dance-pop singer Ultra Naté has hit the pop charts with songs such as “Free” and “If You Could Read My Mind” (as part of “Stars on 54” studio group that also featured Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez). Other Top 10 club hits include “Show Me,” “Desire,” & “Get it Up (the Feeling),” “Love’s the Only Drug”, and the recent #1 “Automatic.” Ultra's videos are also in rotation on the gay cable channel LOGO’s Click List. Tonya Watts is one part country girl, one part sassy, sexy rock diva. Her dreams of walking in the footsteps of her idol, Dolly Parton came true when she was cast the role of Parton in The Barbara Mandrell Story: Get to the Heart. Watts has opened for country superstars Alabama and Toby Keith and most recently for the legendary David Allan Coe at Hollywood’s Key Club. Watt’s show will feature songs from her recent album, “The Day Tonya Watts Came To Town,” as well as her newest single “Go Go.” WAMI winner Ronnie Nyles is a favorite in many festivals throughout the Midwest, playing most recently at Milwaukee’s Pridefest. Each time Ronnie takes the stage, fans are given an intimate reflection, a very exclusive look at Ronnie, her music and her musical influences. It’s no wonder why last April she was voted Wisconsin’s Female Vocalist of the Year and received the “People’s Choice” award. Lexi Ravyn Productions is an entertainment troupe that includes Alexis M. Rouge, the Contessa Pirahna and DJ Ravyn. Lexi is currently featured at Madison’s newest show bar, Adair’s Lounge. The Magic Picnic 2007 show will feature Alexis, Bryanna Banxs, Kurtis Ryan, Lulu Rodriguez, Desiree Matthews and other performers from around the state. Chicago’s multiethnic, all-woman band Pulsation was one of the crowd favorites at Madison Pride in 2006. Pulsation plays many styles and rhythms ranging from 70’s disco to 90’s hip hop. In 2006 MAGIC Queen DIVA! made pageant history by being the first female born female to hold the title. This year the sassy Puerto Rican mama will has a spot all her own. DIVA! will be joined by her band from New York City. MAGIC weekend will also feature merchandise and food vendors, a separate stage for family-friendly entertainment and a new area for LGBT youth. For more information about MAGIC Weekend visit the Madison Pride website at: www.madisonpride.org. N.E.W. Pride Picnic Set For July 7 Hilbert - After a year’s hiatus due to an unplanned licensing snafu, organizers have announced the return of the popular northeast Wisconsin pride event, the N.E.W. Pride picnic. The fund-raising picnic will be held from Noon to 8 PM at the Al Kamke farm, on Highway 57 about a half hour south of DePere. A mix of live entertainment by area performers and dance music provided by several club spinners has been planned, in addition to a menu of grilled favorites and cold beverages. A $2 admission per person will be charged. All proceeds from this year’s picnic will benefit the long-running Argonauts’ Charities. The charity has assisted as a last-resort provider for people living with HIV with emergency needs when no other assistance program is available. Vendors will be welcome on site and dozens are expected. For more information about the picnic, contact Jim by phone at: 920-989-1692 or by email at: jimbo1740@cs.com. Bipartisan Vote Assures Access To Health Care for People with HIV Madison - By a lopsided 15-1 bipartisan vote, the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance, recently voted to restore a vital pilot program to more effectively spend state dollars in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The JCF motion was sponsored by State Representatives Robin Vos (R-Burlington) and Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and State Senators Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) an is viewed by AIDs activists as continuing Wisconsin’s history of sound public policy and investment in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Part of Governor Jim Doyle’s initial budget proposal, the pilot program will ensure that at least 100 low-income Wisconsinites with HIV enrolled in a state and federally funded drug-only program will have access to health insurance at a lower cost to Wisconsin taxpayers. Both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly need to adopt the program as a part of their respective budget plans in order for the pilot to begin. “Wisconsin has been a leader in the fight against AIDS since the inception of the epidemic,” AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) Chief Operating Officer Michael J. Gifford said of the recent vote. “This bipartisan group of JFC members renewed that commitment and have helped assure access to care for everyone with HIV.” “We are very grateful to Representative Pocan for his support of the HIV Health Care Access Pilot Program and for his outstanding leadership in the Assembly and Joint Finance Committee on this important issue,” Gifford added. “Throughout his long tenure in the state legislature, Rep. Pocan has been a compassionate and outspoken leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS.” Currently, low-income people with HIV who meet specific eligibility requirements may enroll in the Wisconsin AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This program ensures people with HIV get the medications they need but does not cover other health care costs like physician visits or check-ups. Because of the high costs of HIV medications, some of the individuals in ADAP were receiving several thousands of dollars of drugs per month - more than the cost of the most expensive insurance policies with a prescription drug benefit. “The two most important factors necessary for people with HIV to live a long and healthy life are access to medical care and HIV medications,” Gifford noted. “Through this pilot program, the state is able to assure everyone in Wisconsin with HIV will have access to both medications and medical care through the ARCW Medical Center, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.” Because the pilot program reduces expenditures needed for ADAP, additional funding will be made available to Wisconsin AIDS service organizations (ASOs), like ARCW and the AIDS Network in Madison, through the Mike Johnson Life Care and Early Intervention Services grant. ARCW is Wisconsin’s largest ASO and has offices in Eau Claire, Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Superior and Wausau. With the support of the Mike Johnson life care and early intervention services grant and other funding sources, ARCW provides medical care, dental care, mental health therapy, legal representation, housing services, a food pantry and social work case management to 3,000 Wisconsin residents living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, ARCW also reaches 150,000 people annually at risk of contracting HIV with life saving prevention information and resources. “Our Lives” Set For July Debut Madison - “Our Lives,” a new semi-monthly feature magazine focusing on the city’s gay community is scheduled to hit the streets here on July 1. Publisher Patrick Farabaugh has characterized the publication as “a lifestyle magazine specifically focusing on the human-interest stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, and allied individuals in south-central Wisconsin.” The premier issue of the magazine will feature stories on the importance of PFLAG, trans-identified Felicia Melton-Smyth’s account of care-giving for her close friends during the AIDS crisis, and the success of the Madison Gay Hockey Association, also founded by Farabaugh.. The magazine will also carry a number of columns by Madison area writers. According to the Life in the Middle Publishing, LLC press release, more than three-quarters of the press run will be distributed in the Madison metro area. An additional 2000 copies will be split among Chicago, Eau Claire, Green Bay, LaCrosse and Milwaukee. More information about “Our Lives” is available the magazine’s website at: www.ourlivesmadison.com. LGBT Youth Fund Created Milwaukee - Cream City Foundation is one of four LGBT community foundations and funds selected to receive multi-year, matching grants as part of the FLGI + ADAM Queer Youth Initiative at Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues, an initiative to support organizations and activities that serve or address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. “Too often, mainstream funders feel uncomfortable supporting LGBT youth organizations, because they are not familiar or understand the real problems LGBT youth face every day,” said Maria Cadenas, Executive Director of the Cream City Foundation. “This initiate will help create resources for much needed programming and help us leverage and educate donors and Foundations about the very real needs of LGBT youth.” Other grantees include: the Berks County Community Foundation (Reading, PA), the Columbus Foundation (Columbus, OH), and the Pride Foundation (Seattle, WA). In December 2006, public LGBT foundations and funds were invited to submit proposals. The four funded foundations will receive grants of $22,500 that they will have to match over three years. Preference was given to proposals that prioritized grant making to LGBT youth-serving organizations and projects that: involved youth in leadership roles; addressed LGBT youth of color, young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth, low-income youth, and youth in rural areas; and worked for systemic change, demonstrating an understanding of the interconnectedness of race, class, sexuality, and other issues. ADAM is a funding collaborative of Ralph Alpert, Michael Dively and Weston F. Milliken, Ph.D. The mission of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) is to seek equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and communities by mobilizing philanthropic resources that advance racial, economic and gender justice. Cream City Foundation was founded in 1982 and is celebrating over 25 years and over $500,000 of giving to LGBT communities. For more information visit www.creamcityfoundation.org. OutReach 15th Annual Awards Banquet Set Madison – Tickets for the 15th Annual OutReach Awards Banquet are now available. The banquet will be held Friday, July 20 in the Grand Ballroom of the Monona Terrace. The evening will include a reception and cocktails at 5:45 PM, with dinner at 6:45, followed by the program and awards. This year’s keynote speaker is State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee). A fireworks display celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Monona Terrace will conclude the evening’s festivities. General Admission tickets for the banquet are $60 per person or $110 per pair. Tickets can be purchased for $25 for people with a limited income. A sliding scale is also available. Credit Card orders may be placed by calling 608-255-8582, or by stopping by OutReach at 600 Williamson Street. The Outreach Awards banquet is an annual fundraising event held by OutReach, Madison’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center. Awards given at the event recognize outstanding achievement on behalf of the LGBT communities by individuals and organizations. For more information, contact OutReach at 608-255-8582 or email nikkib@outreachinc.com. Flamboyant Fairies & Different Daughters: Summer Gay History Course Offered Milwaukee - The Milwaukee LGBT Center is offering “Flamboyant Fairies & Different Daughters,” an intensive summer course on gay and lesbian history. Meeting dates will be on June 25, July 3, July 9, July 16 and July 23. Classes will run from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Cost for the course is $25 and includes food. The course will cover four books in four weeks. It includes field trips and guest speakers relevant to local lesbian and gay history. The course will be taught by Ms. Jennifer Curtis, who holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and is currently working on her PhD in Urban Studies from UW-Milwaukee. Books are not included in cost. The course is being underwritten by the Cream City Foundation. For more information email director@creamcityfoundation.org or call 414-225-0244. Take A Peek Under These Queer Shorts! Madison - StageQ will present its second annual festival of short plays, Queer Shorts 2 for one weekend only, June 28-30, at the Bartell Theatre, 113 E Mifflin St.here. Queer Shorts 2: What’s Love Got to Do with It? will present 11 one-act plays. Prepare to be entertained by looks at love from the wry to the cynical to the romantic. Over 150 short plays were submitted and the final production will sure to bring laughter and the occasional tear to your eye. With plays submitted from all over North America, Queer Shorts 2 brings together works by Kent Forsberg, Sara Snyder, Robert Sullivan, Linda Suzuki, Ellen Lewis, Carol Mullen, Scott Sickles, Lonnie Westeen, Kathleen Warnock and Jaime Neidermeier. The directors are Erik Andrus, DJ Caputo, Katy Conley, Riddle Flow-On, Nick Kaprelian, Maggie Richardson and Jan Levine Thal,. Queer Shorts 2 will run Thursday through Saturday, June 28-30 at the Bartell Theater. Tickets are $15 for all performances except Thursday evening’s $10 special. Showtimes are Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM. A 2 PM matinee is also set for Sunday. Tickets may be purchased online at www.StageQ.com or through the reservation line at: 608-661-9696 Ext. 3. Regional Grant Makers Meeting To Share a Common Vision Milwaukee - Cream City Foundation will sponsor a grant maker convening for the Midwest as part of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) Common Vision initiative. Common Vision is a national, multi-year initiative that will bring together grant makers in seven regions of the country who share an interest in fulfilling philanthropy’s promise to provide widespread equity and opportunity. “Our goal is to open up a unique space where grant makers of all types can meet one another, share their expertise and collectively examine the ways in which philanthropy, at the state and regional level, can address historical inequities based on sexuality, race, class and gender,”program director at Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues Luz Guerra said . “Cream City Foundation believes that philanthropy has an immense influence on creating long-lasting social change in our communities - including the elimination of homophobia,” Cream City Executive Director Maria Cardenas said. “Common Vision enhances the work we have done over they years to promote social change philanthropy.” The meeting will begin an in-depth conversation about philanthropy’s potential for improving equity and building healthy communities in their respective regions. Cardenas also noted that of the sixteen LGBT-specific foundations operating in the Unites States, three are located in Wisconsin. Cardenas has offered invitations to attend the conference to Cream City’s sister Wisconsin organizations the New New Harvest Foundation in Madison and Rainbow Over Wisconsin in Appleton. Other sponsors to the meeting include Arcus Foundation, Donors Forum of Chicago, John Larsen Foundation, Minnesota Council of Foundations, Pfund (Philanthrofund Foundation), Council of Michigan Foundations, Chicago Foundation for Women and the Crossroads Fund. Numerous national foundations and affinity groups have partnered with us, including: Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, the Diversity in Philanthropy Project, Funders Network on Population, Reproductive Health and Rights, Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities, Ms. Foundation for Women, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity. The mission of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) is to seek equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and communities by mobilizing philanthropic resources that advance racial, economic and gender justice. To learn more about FLGI, please visit www.lgbtfunders.org Cream City Foundation was founded in 1982 and is celebrating over 25 years and over $500,000 of giving to LGBT communities. For more information visit www.creamcityfoundation.org. New Harvest Foundation Sets Summer Garden Tour Madison - The New Harvest Foundation has asked and received consent from a dozen generous gardeners to open their beautiful private gardens to the public in support of LGBT communities in south central Wisconsin. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 1, so you won’t miss this self-guided tour of some of Madison’s most intimate and original gardens. The tour will start at 10 AM and end at 4 PM. The dozen gardens are concentrated in the near-south and near-east sides of downtown Madison and have been created by people who love to get their hands dirty and nurture their plants and create a beautiful living environment. These are your neighbors’ gardens, the private yards lovingly tended, that you’ve been curious to see. They are all unique urban hidaways blooming with each gardener’s particular expression of pride. Tickets and an attractive program, with map, are available in advance for $10 each from the following Madison ticket outlets: A Room of One’s Own Bookstore, Cafe Zoma, Daffodil Parker, J Kinney Florist and the Willy St. Co-op. Tickets are also available from Morningwood Farm in Mt. Horeb. Tickets will also be available for $15 each at garden location on the day of the tour. Come out and wander through these beautiful little sanctuaries and support the New Harvest Foundation. The New Harvest Foundation is the only foundation in south central Wisconsin that channels charitable contributions exclusively to organizations working to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, services, culture and community development. Founded in 1984, New Harvest pools contributions of hundreds of donors each year to provide grant money to LGBT causes. 2007 Center Advocates Gender Identity & Expression Discrimination Survey Milwaukee - Help assess the discrimination that occurs in the transgender, gender non-conforming and association communities. Under current law in the state of Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee, it is legal to for an employer to fire or refuse to hire a person solely because he or she is transgender or gender non-conforming. It is also legal to refuse to rent or provide any public accommodation and services to a person solely because he or she is transgender or gender non-conforming. The City of Madison and Dane County is the only area in the state that has non-discrimination protections that include gender identity and expression. Center Advocates needs to hear your voice and your story. To take the survey, visit the Center Advocates website at: www.centeradvocates.org. Feature Story: An Open Letter to Restaurant and Business Owners in Milwaukee During Pride Month By Carmen Alicia Murguia My friends and I would like you to know that as Latina and Black patrons of your restaurant or business, DO NOT PASS US UP. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people we have such strong economic power it is crazy not to serve us! We will patronize you and use your club, bar, restaurant and business to it’s fullest and tell our friends to do so as well. Keep in mind, though, if you don’t serve us the way Charles D, James Ford and I were not even given a gracious welcome, we will do the same: We will tell everyone NOT to patronize, utilize or step foot in your restaurant, bar, club or business. I told my guys specifically, “Let’s patronize this slick, chic, classy restaurant and bar. It is Black owned.” As I said the words, I thought how much I love the cool, brown, upscale ambience, delicious shrimp tempura and neo-soul music playing. Besides, it is located in the very neighborhood we conduct our non-profit and for-profit business in. “No, Carmen,” Charles insisted. “It is still a straight restaurant and club, never mind it is Black-owned. They do not treat us the same.” I mean, I go to Soche so often the bartender Paul knows I drink easy living. Although, I must say, when I have gone it is after work and I have a suit on. It’s a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and I’ve gone alone or I meet other people who patronize it on a regular. I’ve entertained a client there for lunch. I realize, though, he is white and as we know gay white money means so much more than our money. It seems that my presence alone allows me to “pass.” Don’t think for a second, just because I “pass” in my work clothes, a little lipstick and a smile and my dollars on the counter, that I’m going to let you “pass” me and my boys up and allow your business to take our money, our time and our joy of a relaxed dinner together on a Friday night in Milwaukee. Does this sound familiar to you? I mean how can we have a so-called “Renaissance” in Bronzeville or any neighborhood in the U.S. when some of our businesses are still stuck in the worst part of U.S history - WHEN BLACKS AND LATINOS WERE NOT SERVED. They were stared at and judged, not received warmly in the least, and passed over until one of us demanded service. “It is not Savoy’s, girl” he proclaimed to me. “Mmhmm,” James nodded as he drove. I still did not get it though. We were dressed stylishly yet casually for a Friday night, so it wasn’t our look, as much as it was how we looked. Charles and James were right. How dare you think so little of us to not serve us. How dare you think that you can get away without so much as a “Hello!” at the door courteously and handing us menus, seating us with dignity, the way you did the gentleman before us. How dare you “pass” us along from one waiter, to the next waitress to the next waiter, until finally the third one who came over reluctantly with menus in his hand, but an “I’ll be right back to take your drink order,” flying out of his mouth even though we still hadn’t had a thing to sip on or taste in front of us -- not a glass of water, napkins and silverware, no specials mentioned, just menus assuming we’d look at them -- and this was 7 minutes after our arrival. I finally had enough when I noticed the brother staring at us from the bar, sooo hard up and down and that’s when I got up and went straight to Paul and asked for the manager who was standing next to him. The guys walked out to the car. “Listen, we are leaving,” and I continued with one breath. What the hell, I come here all the time. Paul you know me. Three servers passed us and all three said someone will be right with you, until one guy reluctantly came over because the others didn’t want to be bothered. There was a new waiter at the door standing next to the hostess didn’t host. He smiled and said good evening. She looked at us and continued walking away with another guest. Do you know who you just turned away. That’s Charles “D” of Charles D Productions, Inc. thee longest running organization addressing HIV and AIDS prevention, education, resources through entertainment to serve Wisconsin’s LGBT Black communities and their families. That’s Jazzy James Ford, Mr. Wisconsin At Large! This is ridiculous. I’ve never been treated like this and I refuse to let that happen to my friends.” Ain’t no offer of free chicken wings the manager gave me going to salvage what happened on Friday night. There is nothing slick, chic, or classy about not being served for who we are. In fact, it is ugly, it is tired, and it is old. Business Owners: Take a lesson from Di and Prentice at Savoy’s on Locust Street where we were greeted, sat and handed menus and our drink order taken by the owner, their daughter, and the waitress. Take a lesson from Rock Steady Barbers and Stylists, “I serve every customer one at a time,” the owner says no matter how full the shop was one day Charles was in for a shampoo and trim. Take a lesson from Los Comales Mexican Restaurant on Cesar Chavez Drive, where after a 1 a.m. show, I saw queens in full drag get their tacos al pastor. Take a lesson from the Pfister Hotel where everyone is treated like a celebrity for one night or one week. Take a lesson from Mr. Perkins and Ja’Stacy’s Restaurants, it is not just the aroma of Marvin Gaye playing and pork chops cracking, the Bucks playing and greens simmering, but it is the sense of comfort and relaxation and service that is inviting the minute you walk through their doors. Dear Restaurant and Business Owners: No matter who we are, how we look, or our place in society, serve EVERYONE equally with dignity. I hope to go back and see a change one day in that new restaurant. Thank you. Top of Page Quest Home QNU Home

Volume 14 No. 9 June 21, 2007
Compiled & written by Mike Fitzpatrick

Top Stories:

Chaka, Joan, Kathy & Tom Sizzle, Milwaukee Pride Numbers Soar
Single Day & Weekend PrideFest Records Shattered, Mayor Steps With Pride In Sunday Parade
By Mike Fitzpatrick
Milwaukee - If you’re going to going to throw a 20th anniversary party, you send out the invites and hope everyone will come - and that the weather will cooperate. The stars aligned the weekend of June 8-10 as more than 30,000 gay men and women and their allies came out to Pride People

celebrate the biggest Gay Pride celebration in Milwaukee history.
The stars shined both onstage and off at the Henry B. Maier Festival grounds as 27,467 passed through the PrideFest turnstiles over the weekend, a 15% increase over 2006’s previous record attendance of 23,839 attendees. Both Friday’s 8,389 and Saturday’s 13,300 attendance figures were record single-day totals. Combined with the estimated 2500-2700 participants and parade watchers out for Sunday’s nearly two-hour long Pride parade, it was a weekend for the record books.
“This weekend has been a remarkable celebration of PrideFest’s 20th anniversary,” festival president Scott Gunkel said in a June 11 press release. “Our record attendance can be attributed to a phenomenal volunteer team, superb entertainment, perfect festival weather, and an incredible community spirit that filled the festival grounds.”
PrideFest began its 20th Anniversary celebration by smashing its Friday attendance record by approximately 35%. Under picture-perfect skies, the PrideFest grounds filled up quickly Friday afternoon with thousands anticipating headliner Kathy Griffin’s performance. Griffin herself, fresh from co-hosting ABC’s “The View” earlier that morning, announced the attendance increase following her show and stated that it was both the largest audience and “the best experience” in her career.
“The LGBT community, along with plenty of straight friends and family, turned out in full force tonight,” PrideFest President Scott Gunkel told Quest following the Griffin show.
The headline show opened with rousing comic and musical sets from drag personalities Hedda Lettuce and Miss Foozie. German club sensation Cascada was again a no-show. PrideFest officials - in noting the cancellation of what would have been a make-up show for her 2006 miss - also advised attendees that her entire U. S. tour had been canceled for health reasons.
But the very mixed straight and gay crowd were there for Life On The D-List’s Griffin and her hour and a half “dish” about life in Hollywood and its celebrity “food chain” did not disappoint. Griffin drew howls talking about “Oprah and her boyfriend Gail,” suggesting Barbara Walters’ favorite personal lubricant was Astroglide, and repeatedly referring to American Idol’s metrosexual host as “Miss Seacrest.”
As part of its anniversary celebration, the festival’s opening ceremony honored 16 other diverse organizations and community groups that have been in existence for 20 years or more.
“This year is about recognizing the many ways that we have come together to build a stronger community, whether it is for social, religious, health, or political reasons,” Communications Director Paul Williams told the nearly 1000 festival goers in the audience.
Organizations honored were: Wisconsin Cream City Chorus (founded in 1987), the Milwaukee Film/Video Festival (1987), the HIT/Holiday Invitational Tournament (1986), HIT/BestD League (1986), the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (1985), HIT/Monday Night Irregulars (1982), Cream City Foundation (1982), Black and White Men Together (1981), Castaways M.C. (1979), Gay Youth Milwaukee (1979), the Metropolitan Community Church in Milwaukee (1978), GAMMA (1978), the Saturday Softball Beer League (1977), BestD Clinic (1974), the Galano Club (1973), and the Gay People’s Union (1971).
Scott Gunkel In a surprise ending to the opening ceremony, the PrideFest team also honored President Scott Gunkel with an award for his years of dedication to PrideFest. Gunkel was one of the original founders of PrideFest and returned several times over the years, serving as Treasurer in 1992 and becoming President in 2006.
The heat was on Saturday as well. Perfect festival-going weather – sunny 70s by day cooling to mid-60’s – and the explosive performance of eight-time Grammy-winner Chaka Khan debuting portions of her new CD while re-energizing her’70s and ‘80s classics brought out a crowd that topped the festival’s all-time attendance record.
Crowds were out in force early. The line to donate food to ARCW’s food pantry in order to gain free admittance to the festival grounds as over two blocks long, spilling off the sidewalks. Inside attendees were treated to revues by gay country line dancers, drag divas, leather men and more. Serious issues were addressed at forums and exhibits throughout the day. Center Advocates provided a forum on the need for transgender inclusion in Wisconsin’s anti-discrimination laws and the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin presented a panel discussion on gay adoption. The Milwaukee History Project unveiled an all new display and the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center sponsored a series of one-act plays by gay authors.
By the start of the headline show, crowds had swelled to such a degree in the Miller Oasis area that maneuvering to get anywhere near the stage became challenging. New York City drag personality Peppermint hosted the show, offering her own musical talents, including a number currently airing on the gay cable channel LOGO. Also on tap to warm up the crowd were crowd-pleasing performances by Sade Pendarvis, the “queen of gay soul,” and Italian club act the Benassi Bros. featuring Dhany.
However the night belonged to the triumphant performance offered up the legendary Chaka Khan. In offering up her all-time top seller “I Feel For You” as the kick-off number, Chaka signaled that that was not going to be an evening of nostalgia: she was back and offering up fresh evidence that she is a 21st Century funk icon.
Khan shared two numbers from her new CD, now set for August release. Both the affecting ballad “Angel” and especially the sassy funk concoction “(Will You) Love Me” were warmly received by the diverse crowd that ranged from twentysomethings to seasoned Chakaholics.
The final three songs of the evening of Khan’s ninety-plus minute show seared the audience with musical heat. Khan first turned the Rufus classic “You Got The Love” into a group sing-along, then offered an awesome marathon reading of “Sweet Thing,” allowing each of her three new back-up singers a chance to re-interpret the chart topper before the mentor brought it home to the cheering crowd. Then Chaka and her twelve-member entourage launched into her first solo hit “I’m Every Woman.” By the end of the number, Chaka had not only reclaimed her song from pallid Whitney Houston remake, she was ready to remain center stage for some time to come.
Khan’s sizzling show more than made up for the loss of the previously promoted fireworks display, which brought a round of ‘boos” when it was announced on the main stage.
PrideFest offered the following explanation to Quest: “Milwaukee’s PrideFest had another wonderful day of celebration on Saturday, June 9th. The evening was capped off with a full-length, full band concert performed by the legendary Chaka Khan. The Saturday headline performance is believed to be Ms. Khan’s first full-length live show with new material in nearly 10 years.
“To provide this unique opportunity, PrideFest made a much-deliberated budgetary decision to cancel the fireworks display that is typically a part of the celebration. We respect that many festival-goers enjoy the fireworks; however, we had an opportunity to give our attendees a nationally significant concert experience that truly made Milwaukee’s PrideFest a unique LGBT Pride event.
“Unfortunately, this change to the schedule was made after most of our promotions and the Pride Guide was printed, so they included references to the fireworks.
“We very much appreciate the input of our attendees in defining the entertainment and activities presented at PrideFest. As usual, all feedback concerning festival activities will be considered as we plan to bring the LGBT community an even better PrideFest in 2008!”
On Sunday afternoon Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s presence at the 2007 LGBT Pride Parade certainly stole the show early on at what has become an ever more elaborate show of the state’s gay pride statewide. Barrett and State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) followed just behind this year’s Grand Marshall County Supervisor Peggy West.
The official 39 units in this year’s parade belied the sometimes extravagant number of individual elements that made up each unit in the one hour and forty-five minute march. Units came from as far away as Door Country, Oshkosh, Kenosha and Chicago to be part of this year’s event. Parade viewers also appeared to surpass last year’s official head count of 2,000.
As befits a pride parade, there were a dozen colorful floats, marching and cheerleader units. Royalty was in abundance including the effervescent Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA Shannon Dupree, the seemingly omnipresent Dear Ruthie and a bevy of titleholders from the city’s Latino community.
One of the most interesting developments at this year’s parade was the expanding involvement of mainstream business. A third of the units at this years parade represented auto dealers, realtors, attorneys, coffee shops, moving companies and others seeking to curry gay consumer favor. They were also joined by mainstream street vendors selling ice cream, rainbow flags, boas and other trinkets. The small contingent of “Christian” Pride Parade Awards protesters who settled in mid-route were far outnumbered by the parade units of welcoming churches passing them by.
Parade awards were announced at a ceremony at the PrideFest Rainbow Stage following the march. ARCW and the Chicago Cheer Leaders won 1st prize for best marching unit, with second place going to Chicago’s R.O.T.C. (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps) and third place given to Starbucks Coffee. Best Decorated Car went to Kurtz Corral of Sturgeon Bay, with second awarded to the Milwaukee PumpHouse and third place given to City Lights Chill of Milwaukee.
Best float was awarded to Club Icon of Kenosha, with second going to M’s of Milwaukee and third place awarded to Fluid/Walker’s Pint of Milwaukee. A clerical transcription error discovered after the presentation reversed the announced second and third place float winners (the correct order is listed in this article). Competition in the float category was especially fierce, with Club Icon winning the top spot by a single vote majority.
The Spirit Award was given to Triangle for its carrying of a block-long rainbow flag. The flag display has now become the parade closing unit, anticipated by Cream City parade attendees as much as the appearance of Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Lots of everyday people who love rock & roll or just wanted to be in touch with their fellow community members filled the Summerfest grounds June 10 for the final day PrideFest. Many came to party hearty with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and relive their two decades of chart-toppers, plus get a taste of the quartet’s hook-laden latest album “Sinner.”
The 49-year old Jett, looking and acting half her age, did not disappoint the nearly two thousand who stuck around to the final licks Sunday night. For the most part, it was a trip down memory lane, with the audience invited to sing along to extended renditions of Jett’s million sellers.
The singer especially enjoyed the interaction with her clearly devoted female fans. At one point someone tossed a box of gum onto the stage. Jett retrieved it, held it up to the audience and said “You really know me - this is my brand!”
The over-the-top performance by rockers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts capped an all-distaff Sunday headline show. The evening was hosted by comedian Vickie Shaw and also included performances by WAMI-award winner Ronnie Nyles and the Krash Band, and Boi & Gurl Toiz on Broadway. Pride Idol 2007 winner Laura Kessler from Appleton opened for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
“Joan Jett and the Blackhearts may love rock n’ roll, but we love them and the incredible performance they delivered to help close out one of the best gay pride events in the country,” PrideFest Communications Director Paul Williams told Quest.
Throughout the weekend PrideFest offered numerous educational activities and over 150 food, shopping and organizational vendors. Over the last two decades PrideFest has grown to be Wisconsin’s largest LGBT event. This year’s entertainment lineup was the biggest LGBT Pride entertainment lineup in the nation.

Bid To Ban Gay Marriage Fails In Massachusetts
Former Gov & GOP Prez Candidate Romney Reacts, Supporters Push For Out-Of State Access
Boston - Same-sex marriage will remain legal in Massachusetts - for at least the next five years. Gay marriage proponents from the state’s governor to all but a handful of the state’s legislators won the months-long battle June 14 by defeating a proposed referendum on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman.
“In Massachusetts, the freedom to marry is secure,” Governor. Deval Patrick said after following the legislature’s 151 to 45 vote against the amendment, which would have needed fifty favorable votes in order to go before voters in a referendum in November 2008.
The June 14 vote means that opponents of gay marriage will have to start from square one to sponsor a new amendment, which could not get on the ballot before 2012. Massachusetts is the only state where same-sex marriage is legal, although five states allow civil unions or their equivalent.
The outcome had not been a foregone conclusion, especially after the amendment won first-round approval from the legislature last January, with 62 lawmakers supporting it. Even a few hours before the vote, advocates on both sides of the issue said they were not sure whether enough legislators could be persuaded to switch their votes and stop the amendment. The 11th-hour decisions of several legislators to vote against the amendment followed intensive lobbying by the leaders of the state House and Senate and Governor Patrick.
“I think I am going to be doing a certain number of fund-raisers for districts, and I am happy to do that,” Patrick said. Patrick’s key arguments to wavering legislators were that not only should same-sex marriage be allowed but also that a referendum next year would be both divisive and distracting from critically important state issues.
About 8,500 gay and lesbian couples have been married in Massachusetts since the unions became legal in May 2004. In December 2005, opponents, led by the Massachusetts Family Institute, gathered 170,000 signatures for an amendment banning same-sex marriage, which was supported by Mr. Patrick’s predecessor and current GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
In response to the vote aimed squarely at so-called “social conservative” voters, Romney called for a federal marriage amendment, citing the rejection of the ballot measure by nearly 80% of the state’s democratically elected officials as proof that “we need to have a Federal marriage amendment ... because states like Massachusetts will take the course they did.”
Polls of the Massachusetts electorate since same-sex marriage became legal in 2004 have generally found that a majority those surveyed supported it, and that the opinion was roughly the same as before legalization.
Romney’s critics have been quick to point out the former governor’s flip-flops on the gay marriage issue, often referring to the candidate as “Multiple Choice Mitt.”
Fresh off the success of defending gay marriage from its latest attack, advocates say they have one more fight in Massachusetts: repealing a 1913 law that bars same-sex couples in most other states from coming here to get married.
Some say the law - which says couples cannot be married here unless their unions would be legal in their home states - has its roots in the effort to block interracial marriage, and plan soon to strategize for its repeal. Opponents of gay marriage have said repealing the law would make Massachusetts the “Las Vegas of gay marriage.”
“This radical social experiment will be exported to the other 49 states,” Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, told reporters June 15.
If the state’s 1913 law is repealed, it would mean gay couples from other states could legally marry in Massachusetts.
The possible impact of the marriages in other states is unknown. Most states prohibit gay marriage, but a Massachusetts certificate could provide the foundation for legal challenges. A court challenge was the basis of Massachusetts legalizing same-sex marriage, after gay couples were denied marriage licenses.

World & National News:

QNU Quick Review: The Top 10 Stories Of The Last Month

(Editor’s Note: Because of the four week gap between this edition of Quest and the Pride Guide double issue last month, the following is list of our the top ten major world and national news over the last 30 days. Complete coverage of breaking gay news updated daily is available online on Quest’s QNU page. Click on QNU at www.quest-online.com.)

1. Gay Groups Decry Bush Top Doc Pick - When your nominee (announced June 5) for Surgeon General believes gays can be cured through prayer, you know its going to start a firestorm. Then again the jury’s still out on evolution, right George?
2. Moscow Pride Gets Ugly - British gay activist Peter Thatchell and Right Said Fred singer Richard Fairbrass were among the dozens of “dirty homosexuals” beaten by Russian Orthodox extremists and later arrested by the city’s police.
3. A Gay Mayor In Dallas? - The race was too close to call on election eve (and Quest’s deadline) June 15 between the Democratic party-endorsed gay candidate Ed Oakley and nonpartisan Tom Leppert in a run-off to replace outgoing mayor. (Editor's post election note: Oakley lost.)
4. Lesbian Sues eHarmony - She saw the commercials, signed up but can’t find the love of her life because the site matches breeders only. Fundie founder Neil Clark Warren claims he doesn’t have enough research to hook up homos. Tell that to your Focus On The Family best buddy James Dobson.
5. Red Cross Tries To Undo Gay Blood Donor Ban - A week after the FDA reiterated the two-decade long ban on gay blood donations, the nation’s largest blood bank in late May said they would fight to undo the decision.
6. Sao Paulo Pride Boasts Three Million Attendees - We know the Brazilians love their carnivale but waving the rainbow flags and outdrawing the Pope’s visit? That’s just sick and wrong! And we’re lovin’ every bossa nova driven minute of it.
7. Oregon Wackos Start Ballot Campaign - Just a week after the passage of two gay rights laws, the bigots were back collecting signatures for a 2008 referendum to try to un-do the bills.
8. Romney Whines: “I’m Not Anti-Gay!”- Spin doctors for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney went into overtime in late May trying to build moderate support for the flip-flopping former Massachusetts governor. Didn’t help though: a lesbian mom called him out on his anti-gay family stances during a campaign stop about a week later.
9. Survey Says: Brits OK With Gay - In a wide-ranging study published May 22, over 90% of British citizens support full gay equality. Surprisingly, regular church goers in the UK agree as well - 84% of them in fact.
10: News Flash? “Niles” Is OK With Gay Too - David Hyde-Pierce the actor who played Fraiser’s fey brother Niles on the long running comedy, came out May 30 as openly gay. We didn’t see that one coming, did we?

State News:

Madison Pride Announces 2007 MAGIC Weekend Entertainers
Madison - Chart-topping dance diva Ultra Naté, WAMI winning rocker Ronnie Nyles and country-rock sensation Tonya Watts will headline the MP logo

entertainment at this year’s MAGIC weekend here July 21-22.
In addition Saturday’s picnic will feature Pulsation, the 2006 MAGIC Queen Diva and her band, and the Lexi Ravyn Dragshow and Cabaret Show. In addition to Nyles and Watts, Pulsation will return for an encore performance at Sunday’s post-rally show.
American house music and dance-pop singer Ultra Naté has hit the pop charts with songs such as “Free” and “If You Could Read My Mind” (as part of “Stars on 54” studio group that also featured Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez). Other Top 10 club hits include “Show Me,” “Desire,” & “Get it Up (the Feeling),” “Love’s the Only Drug”, and the recent #1 “Automatic.” Ultra's videos are also in rotation on the gay cable channel LOGO’s Click List.
Tonya Watts is one part country girl, one part sassy, sexy rock diva. Her dreams of walking in the footsteps of her idol, Dolly Parton came true when she was cast the role of Parton in The Barbara Mandrell Story: Get to the Heart. Watts has opened for country superstars Alabama and Toby Keith and most recently for the legendary David Allan Coe at Hollywood’s Key Club. Watt’s show will feature songs from her recent album, “The Day Tonya Watts Came To Town,” as well as her newest single “Go Go.”
WAMI winner Ronnie Nyles is a favorite in many festivals throughout the Midwest, playing most recently at Milwaukee’s Pridefest. Each time Ronnie takes the stage, fans are given an intimate reflection, a very exclusive look at Ronnie, her music and her musical influences. It’s no wonder why last April she was voted Wisconsin’s Female Vocalist of the Year and received the “People’s Choice” award.
Lexi Ravyn Productions is an entertainment troupe that includes Alexis M. Rouge, the Contessa Pirahna and DJ Ravyn. Lexi is currently featured at Madison’s newest show bar, Adair’s Lounge. The Magic Picnic 2007 show will feature Alexis, Bryanna Banxs, Kurtis Ryan, Lulu Rodriguez, Desiree Matthews and other performers from around the state.
Chicago’s multiethnic, all-woman band Pulsation was one of the crowd favorites at Madison Pride in 2006. Pulsation plays many styles and rhythms ranging from 70’s disco to 90’s hip hop.
In 2006 MAGIC Queen DIVA! made pageant history by being the first female born female to hold the title. This year the sassy Puerto Rican mama will has a spot all her own. DIVA! will be joined by her band from New York City.
MAGIC weekend will also feature merchandise and food vendors, a separate stage for family-friendly entertainment and a new area for LGBT youth. For more information about MAGIC Weekend visit the Madison Pride website at: www.madisonpride.org.

N.E.W. Pride Picnic Set For July 7
Hilbert - After a year’s hiatus due to an unplanned licensing snafu, organizers have announced the return of the popular northeast Wisconsin pride event, the N.E.W. Pride picnic. The fund-raising picnic will be held from Noon to 8 PM at the Al Kamke farm, on Highway 57 about a half hour south of DePere. A mix of live entertainment by area performers and dance music provided by several club spinners has been planned, in addition to a menu of grilled favorites and cold beverages.
A $2 admission per person will be charged. All proceeds from this year’s picnic will benefit the long-running Argonauts’ Charities. The charity has assisted as a last-resort provider for people living with HIV with emergency needs when no other assistance program is available.
Vendors will be welcome on site and dozens are expected. For more information about the picnic, contact Jim by phone at: 920-989-1692 or by email at: jimbo1740@cs.com.

Bipartisan Vote Assures Access To Health Care for People with HIV
Madison - By a lopsided 15-1 bipartisan vote, the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance, recently voted to restore a vital pilot program to more effectively spend state dollars in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The JCF motion was sponsored by State Representatives Robin Vos (R-Burlington) and Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and State Senators Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) an is viewed by AIDs activists as continuing Wisconsin’s history of sound public policy and investment in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Part of Governor Jim Doyle’s initial budget proposal, the pilot program will ensure that at least 100 low-income Wisconsinites with HIV enrolled in a state and federally funded drug-only program will have access to health insurance at a lower cost to Wisconsin taxpayers. Both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly need to adopt the program as a part of their respective budget plans in order for the pilot to begin.
“Wisconsin has been a leader in the fight against AIDS since the inception of the epidemic,” AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) Chief Operating Officer Michael J. Gifford said of the recent vote. “This bipartisan group of JFC members renewed that commitment and have helped assure access to care for everyone with HIV.”
“We are very grateful to Representative Pocan for his support of the HIV Health Care Access Pilot Program and for his outstanding leadership in the Assembly and Joint Finance Committee on this important issue,” Gifford added. “Throughout his long tenure in the state legislature, Rep. Pocan has been a compassionate and outspoken leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”
Currently, low-income people with HIV who meet specific eligibility requirements may enroll in the Wisconsin AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This program ensures people with HIV get the medications they need but does not cover other health care costs like physician visits or check-ups. Because of the high costs of HIV medications, some of the individuals in ADAP were receiving several thousands of dollars of drugs per month - more than the cost of the most expensive insurance policies with a prescription drug benefit.
“The two most important factors necessary for people with HIV to live a long and healthy life are access to medical care and HIV medications,” Gifford noted. “Through this pilot program, the state is able to assure everyone in Wisconsin with HIV will have access to both medications and medical care through the ARCW Medical Center, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.”
Because the pilot program reduces expenditures needed for ADAP, additional funding will be made available to Wisconsin AIDS service organizations (ASOs), like ARCW and the AIDS Network in Madison, through the Mike Johnson Life Care and Early Intervention Services grant.
ARCW is Wisconsin’s largest ASO and has offices in Eau Claire, Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Superior and Wausau. With the support of the Mike Johnson life care and early intervention services grant and other funding sources, ARCW provides medical care, dental care, mental health therapy, legal representation, housing services, a food pantry and social work case management to 3,000 Wisconsin residents living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, ARCW also reaches 150,000 people annually at risk of contracting HIV with life saving prevention information and resources.

“Our Lives” Set For July Debut
Madison - “Our Lives,” a new semi-monthly feature magazine focusing on the city’s gay community is scheduled to hit the streets here on July 1. Publisher Patrick Farabaugh has characterized the publication as “a lifestyle magazine specifically focusing on the human-interest stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, and allied individuals in south-central Wisconsin.”
The premier issue of the magazine will feature stories on the importance of PFLAG, trans-identified Felicia Melton-Smyth’s account of care-giving for her close friends during the AIDS crisis, and the success of the Madison Gay Hockey Association, also founded by Farabaugh.. The magazine will also carry a number of columns by Madison area writers.
According to the Life in the Middle Publishing, LLC press release, more than three-quarters of the press run will be distributed in the Madison metro area. An additional 2000 copies will be split among Chicago, Eau Claire, Green Bay, LaCrosse and Milwaukee.
More information about “Our Lives” is available the magazine’s website at: www.ourlivesmadison.com.

LGBT Youth Fund Created
Milwaukee - Cream City Foundation is one of four LGBT community foundations and funds selected to receive multi-year, matching grants as part of the FLGI + ADAM Queer Youth Initiative at Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues, an initiative to support organizations and activities that serve or address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
“Too often, mainstream funders feel uncomfortable supporting LGBT youth organizations, because they are not familiar or understand the real problems LGBT youth face every day,” said Maria Cadenas, Executive Director of the Cream City Foundation. “This initiate will help create resources for much needed programming and help us leverage and educate donors and Foundations about the very real needs of LGBT youth.”
Other grantees include: the Berks County Community Foundation (Reading, PA), the Columbus Foundation (Columbus, OH), and the Pride Foundation (Seattle, WA).
In December 2006, public LGBT foundations and funds were invited to submit proposals. The four funded foundations will receive grants of $22,500 that they will have to match over three years.
Preference was given to proposals that prioritized grant making to LGBT youth-serving organizations and projects that: involved youth in leadership roles; addressed LGBT youth of color, young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth, low-income youth, and youth in rural areas; and worked for systemic change, demonstrating an understanding of the interconnectedness of race, class, sexuality, and other issues.
ADAM is a funding collaborative of Ralph Alpert, Michael Dively and Weston F. Milliken, Ph.D.
The mission of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) is to seek equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and communities by mobilizing philanthropic resources that advance racial, economic and gender justice.
Cream City Foundation was founded in 1982 and is celebrating over 25 years and over $500,000 of giving to LGBT communities. For more information visit www.creamcityfoundation.org.

OutReach 15th Annual Awards Banquet Set
Madison – Tickets for the 15th Annual OutReach Awards Banquet are now available. The banquet will be held Friday, July 20 in the Grand Ballroom of the Monona Terrace.
The evening will include a reception and cocktails at 5:45 PM, with dinner at 6:45, followed by the program and awards. This year’s keynote speaker is State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee).
A fireworks display celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Monona Terrace will conclude the evening’s festivities.
General Admission tickets for the banquet are $60 per person or $110 per pair. Tickets can be purchased for $25 for people with a limited income. A sliding scale is also available. Credit Card orders may be placed by calling 608-255-8582, or by stopping by OutReach at 600 Williamson Street.
The Outreach Awards banquet is an annual fundraising event held by OutReach, Madison’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center. Awards given at the event recognize outstanding achievement on behalf of the LGBT communities by individuals and organizations.
For more information, contact OutReach at 608-255-8582 or email nikkib@outreachinc.com.

Flamboyant Fairies & Different Daughters: Summer Gay History Course Offered
Milwaukee - The Milwaukee LGBT Center is offering “Flamboyant Fairies & Different Daughters,” an intensive summer course on gay and lesbian history. Meeting dates will be on June 25, July 3, July 9, July 16 and July 23. Classes will run from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
Cost for the course is $25 and includes food. The course will cover four books in four weeks. It includes field trips and guest speakers relevant to local lesbian and gay history. The course will be taught by Ms. Jennifer Curtis, who holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and is currently working on her PhD in Urban Studies from UW-Milwaukee. Books are not included in cost. The course is being underwritten by the Cream City Foundation. For more information email director@creamcityfoundation.org or call 414-225-0244.

Take A Peek Under These Queer Shorts!
Madison - StageQ will present its second annual festival of short plays, Queer Shorts 2 for one weekend only, June 28-30, at the Bartell Theatre, 113 E Mifflin St.here.
Queer Shorts 2: What’s Love Got to Do with It? will present 11 one-act plays. Prepare to be entertained by looks at love from the wry to the cynical to the romantic. Over 150 short plays were submitted and the final production will sure to bring laughter and the occasional tear to your eye.
With plays submitted from all over North America, Queer Shorts 2 brings together works by Kent Forsberg, Sara Snyder, Robert Sullivan, Linda Suzuki, Ellen Lewis, Carol Mullen, Scott Sickles, Lonnie Westeen, Kathleen Warnock and Jaime Neidermeier.
The directors are Erik Andrus, DJ Caputo, Katy Conley, Riddle Flow-On, Nick Kaprelian, Maggie Richardson and Jan Levine Thal,.
Queer Shorts 2 will run Thursday through Saturday, June 28-30 at the Bartell Theater. Tickets are $15 for all performances except Thursday evening’s $10 special. Showtimes are Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 PM, Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM. A 2 PM matinee is also set for Sunday. Tickets may be purchased online at www.StageQ.com or through the reservation line at: 608-661-9696 Ext. 3.

Regional Grant Makers Meeting To Share a Common Vision
Milwaukee - Cream City Foundation will sponsor a grant maker convening for the Midwest as part of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) Common Vision initiative. Common Vision is a national, multi-year initiative that will bring together grant makers in seven regions of the country who share an interest in fulfilling philanthropy’s promise to provide widespread equity and opportunity.
“Our goal is to open up a unique space where grant makers of all types can meet one another, share their expertise and collectively examine the ways in which philanthropy, at the state and regional level, can address historical inequities based on sexuality, race, class and gender,”program director at Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues Luz Guerra said .
“Cream City Foundation believes that philanthropy has an immense influence on creating long-lasting social change in our communities - including the elimination of homophobia,” Cream City Executive Director Maria Cardenas said. “Common Vision enhances the work we have done over they years to promote social change philanthropy.”
The meeting will begin an in-depth conversation about philanthropy’s potential for improving equity and building healthy communities in their respective regions. Cardenas also noted that of the sixteen LGBT-specific foundations operating in the Unites States, three are located in Wisconsin. Cardenas has offered invitations to attend the conference to Cream City’s sister Wisconsin organizations the New New Harvest Foundation in Madison and Rainbow Over Wisconsin in Appleton.
Other sponsors to the meeting include Arcus Foundation, Donors Forum of Chicago, John Larsen Foundation, Minnesota Council of Foundations, Pfund (Philanthrofund Foundation), Council of Michigan Foundations, Chicago Foundation for Women and the Crossroads Fund.
Numerous national foundations and affinity groups have partnered with us, including: Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, the Diversity in Philanthropy Project, Funders Network on Population, Reproductive Health and Rights, Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities, Ms. Foundation for Women, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity.
The mission of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues (FLGI) is to seek equality and rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and communities by mobilizing philanthropic resources that advance racial, economic and gender justice. To learn more about FLGI, please visit www.lgbtfunders.org
Cream City Foundation was founded in 1982 and is celebrating over 25 years and over $500,000 of giving to LGBT communities. For more information visit www.creamcityfoundation.org.

New Harvest Foundation Sets Summer Garden Tour
Madison - The New Harvest Foundation has asked and received consent from a dozen generous gardeners to open their beautiful private gardens to the public in support of LGBT communities in south central Wisconsin. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 1, so you won’t miss this self-guided tour of some of Madison’s most intimate and original gardens. The tour will start at 10 AM and end at 4 PM.
The dozen gardens are concentrated in the near-south and near-east sides of downtown Madison and have been created by people who love to get their hands dirty and nurture their plants and create a beautiful living environment. These are your neighbors’ gardens, the private yards lovingly tended, that you’ve been curious to see. They are all unique urban hidaways blooming with each gardener’s particular expression of pride.
Tickets and an attractive program, with map, are available in advance for $10 each from the following Madison ticket outlets: A Room of One’s Own Bookstore, Cafe Zoma, Daffodil Parker, J Kinney Florist and the Willy St. Co-op. Tickets are also available from Morningwood Farm in Mt. Horeb. Tickets will also be available for $15 each at garden location on the day of the tour.
Come out and wander through these beautiful little sanctuaries and support the New Harvest Foundation.
The New Harvest Foundation is the only foundation in south central Wisconsin that channels charitable contributions exclusively to organizations working to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, services, culture and community development. Founded in 1984, New Harvest pools contributions of hundreds of donors each year to provide grant money to LGBT causes.

2007 Center Advocates Gender Identity & Expression Discrimination Survey
Milwaukee - Help assess the discrimination that occurs in the transgender, gender non-conforming and association communities. Under current law in the state of Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee, it is legal to for an employer to fire or refuse to hire a person solely because he or she is transgender or gender non-conforming. It is also legal to refuse to rent or provide any public accommodation and services to a person solely because he or she is transgender or gender non-conforming. The City of Madison and Dane County is the only area in the state that has non-discrimination protections that include gender identity and expression. Center Advocates needs to hear your voice and your story. To take the survey, visit the Center Advocates website at: www.centeradvocates.org.

Feature Story:

An Open Letter to Restaurant and Business Owners
in Milwaukee During Pride Month
By Carmen Alicia Murguia
My friends and I would like you to know that as Latina and Black patrons of your restaurant or business, DO NOT PASS US UP. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people we have such strong economic power it is crazy not to serve us! We will patronize you and use your club, bar, restaurant and business to it’s fullest and tell our friends to do so as well. Keep in mind, though, if you don’t serve us the way Charles D, James Ford and I were not even given a gracious welcome, we will do the same:
We will tell everyone NOT to patronize, utilize or step foot in your restaurant, bar, club or business.
I told my guys specifically, “Let’s patronize this slick, chic, classy restaurant and bar. It is Black owned.”
As I said the words, I thought how much I love the cool, brown, upscale ambience, delicious shrimp tempura and neo-soul music playing. Besides, it is located in the very neighborhood we conduct our non-profit and for-profit business in.
“No, Carmen,” Charles insisted.
“It is still a straight restaurant and club, never mind it is Black-owned. They do not treat us the same.”
   I mean, I go to Soche so often the bartender Paul knows I drink easy living. Although, I must say, when I have gone it is after work and I have a suit on. It’s a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and I’ve gone alone or I meet other people who patronize it on a regular. I’ve entertained a client there for lunch. I realize, though, he is white and as we know gay white money means so much more than our money. It seems that my presence alone allows me to “pass.”
Don’t think for a second, just because I “pass” in my work clothes, a little lipstick and a smile and my dollars on the counter, that I’m going to let you “pass” me and my boys up and allow your business to take our money, our time and our joy of a relaxed dinner together on a Friday night in Milwaukee. Does this sound familiar to you? I mean how can we have a so-called “Renaissance” in Bronzeville or any neighborhood in the U.S. when some of our businesses are still stuck in the worst part of U.S history - WHEN BLACKS AND LATINOS WERE NOT SERVED. They were stared at and judged, not received warmly in the least, and passed over until one of us demanded service.
   “It is not Savoy’s, girl” he proclaimed to me. “Mmhmm,” James nodded as he drove.
   I still did not get it though. We were dressed stylishly yet casually for a Friday night, so it wasn’t our look, as much as it was how we looked. Charles and James were right.
   How dare you think so little of us to not serve us. How dare you think that you can get away without so much as a “Hello!” at the door courteously and handing us menus, seating us with dignity, the way you did the gentleman before us. How dare you “pass” us along from one waiter, to the next waitress to the next waiter, until finally the third one who came over reluctantly with menus in his hand, but an “I’ll be right back to take your drink order,” flying out of his mouth even though we still hadn’t had a thing to sip on or taste in front of us -- not a glass of water, napkins and silverware, no specials mentioned, just menus assuming we’d look at them -- and this was 7 minutes after our arrival.
I finally had enough when I noticed the brother staring at us from the bar, sooo hard up and down and that’s when I got up and went straight to Paul and asked for the manager who was standing next to him. The guys walked out to the car.
“Listen, we are leaving,” and I continued with one breath. What the hell, I come here all the time. Paul you know me. Three servers passed us and all three said someone will be right with you, until one guy reluctantly came over because the others didn’t want to be bothered. There was a new waiter at the door standing next to the hostess didn’t host. He smiled and said good evening. She looked at us and continued walking away with another guest. Do you know who you just turned away. That’s Charles “D” of Charles D Productions, Inc. thee longest running organization addressing HIV and AIDS prevention, education, resources through entertainment to serve Wisconsin’s LGBT Black communities and their families. That’s Jazzy James Ford, Mr. Wisconsin At Large! This is ridiculous. I’ve never been treated like this and I refuse to let that happen to my friends.”
Ain’t no offer of free chicken wings the manager gave me going to salvage what happened on Friday night. There is nothing slick, chic, or classy about not being served for who we are. In fact, it is ugly, it is tired, and it is old.
Business Owners: Take a lesson from Di and Prentice at Savoy’s on Locust Street where we were greeted, sat and handed menus and our drink order taken by the owner, their daughter, and the waitress. Take a lesson from Rock Steady Barbers and Stylists, “I serve every customer one at a time,” the owner says no matter how full the shop was one day Charles was in for a shampoo and trim. Take a lesson from Los Comales Mexican Restaurant on Cesar Chavez Drive, where after a 1 a.m. show, I saw queens in full drag get their tacos al pastor. Take a lesson from the Pfister Hotel where everyone is treated like a celebrity for one night or one week. Take a lesson from Mr. Perkins and Ja’Stacy’s Restaurants, it is not just the aroma of Marvin Gaye playing and pork chops cracking, the Bucks playing and greens simmering, but it is the sense of comfort and relaxation and service that is inviting the minute you walk through their doors.
Dear Restaurant and Business Owners: No matter who we are, how we look, or our place in society, serve EVERYONE equally with dignity.
I hope to go back and see a change one day in that new restaurant. Thank you.

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