a bigger voice in '08
I've definitely been more interested in the presidential election campaigns this year than in the three previous elections in which I could legally vote. I don't know if it's just that I've reached that age of adulthood where politics take a bigger role in my life or if, like many Americans seem to be saying, I am ready for change.
Gays and lesbians are making their voices heard like never before in this year's Presidential process. The Human Rights Campaign and LOGO, the cable television channel devoted to LGBT programming, held the first-ever Presidential debate that focused solely on gay and lesbian issues. Openly gay and lesbian presence has also been phenomenal at this year's Democratic and Republican conventions. According to CNN, open gays and lesbians made up 6 percent of this year's Democratic National Convention delegates, about 250 of the total 4,400. At the Republican National Convention this week, 100 Log Cabin Republican (LCR) members and openly gay delegates, alternates and convention guests attended, according to a recent press announcement from Scott Tucker, communications director for LCR. The Log Cabin Republicans is a 30-year old organization that has state and local chapters nationwide and seeks to promote legislation to provide basic fairness to gay and lesbian Americans and to build a more inclusive GOP.
Tuesday afternoon, the LCR's board of directors, which had been hesitant about an endorsement, voted 12-2 to endorse the Republican nominees, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) for President and Vice President. LCR announced the decision at its "Big Tent Event" on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn. According to a statement released by the organization, LCR President Patrick Sammon said "On the most important issue that LGBT Americans faced in the last decade - the federal marriage amendment - Sen. John McCain stood with us. Now we stand with him." Although not endorsing same-sex marriage, McCain has stood strong behind his belief that there should not be a constitutional amendment banning them.
I won't be following their lead, as I've previously stated I'm excited about the possibilities Sen. Barack Obama will bring to the country. Especially, after McCain's veep pick. While LCR president Sammon recently told 365gay.com that "Gov. Palin is an inclusive Republican who will help Sen. McCain appeal to gay and lesbian voters," I seem to agree with the Human Rights Campaign's President Joe Solmonese's view on her. "America may not know much about Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough." In the same article by 365gay.com he goes on to describe her personal views on same-sex marriage and domestic partner benefits. Palin has expressed her opinion that domestic partner benefits for state workers should be stripped away and has voiced her opposition to same-sex marriage.
Through it all, the almighty convention, the uber-celebration of politics here in America and the essential symbol of our presidential process, has finally become a place where gay and lesbian voices are heard. Several events, such as lunches and parties, took place during both convention weeks honoring their respective openly gay and lesbian delegates. As of press time, it was unclear if any mention of gay and lesbian equality reached the convention floor's platform, but I highly doubt that it did. In his Presidential nomination acceptance speech, Sen. Obama stated "I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination." The first night of the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is widely respected by both parties, said "Barack Obama will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, group against group, and straight against gay." I think, just possibly that people in both parties are already starting to pull on those book seams. It's surely to make some difference come November.
"i wanna be a republican"
In its first live concert film, The Kinsey Sicks, who are billed as "America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet," reveal the shocking news that the members have gone Republican. What ensues is a mock GOP fundraiser featuring Rachel, Winnie, Trixie and Trampolina, the members of The Kinsey Sicks who are played by Ben Schatz, Irwin Keller, Jeff Manabat and Chris Dilley respectively.
The Kinsey Sicks, who began performing in 1994, is known around the country for original parodies of well-known songs which are often highly politically charged. The group began performing in San Francisco and has produced and performed theatrical productions and concerts across the country.
The production features a take-off on the "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" favorite "I've Never Been to Me" reworked as a safe sex tribute called "I've Been Through Parasites (But I've Never Had VD)," "It Isn't Easy Being Dumm," "Rent a Homo," "Lo Que Paso, Paso," and "Chicago" (the musical) based "When You're Good to Dubya (Dubya's Good to You)."
The Bay Area Reporter called the production "a night of sizzling satire and sexy trash talk...a laugh-out-loud funny...showcase to rival the Margaret Cho franchise." And as Genre puts it - "The Sicks skewer everything the Republican Party seems to hold dear."
T-Time, the local Transgender discussion forum, will show the film followed by a discussion at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Center Project (TCP). This will open T-Time's fall film series and no admission is required, although a donation to TCP is suggested. TCP is located at 307 Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach. For more information call 626-4953 or visit www.thecenterproject.com or www.myrtlebeacht-time.org.
Till next week, have fun and be safe.
-Chris Rudisill, Weekly Surge