DNC Institutes Domestic Partner
Benefits For Lesbian/Gay Employees
The Democratic National Committee has decided to offer domestic partner benefits to its lesbian and gay employees, joining the growing list of employers who treat their workers equally.
The benefits will become available to the same-sex domestic partners of DNC employees around July 1, after the committee negotiates its new health insurance contract. The DNC employs between 100 and 125 workers.
Several hundred U.S. employers already offer domestic partner benefits to employees, including such household names as IBM, Eastman Kodak, Disney, Harley-Davidson, Hewlett Packard, Consumer's Union, Glaxo-Wellcome, Microsoft, Time Warner and the Public Broadcasting System, to name a few.
DNC Appoints Director Of Gay And Lesbian Outreach
Democratic National Committee Chairmen Steve Grossman
and Gov. Roy Romer have announced the appointment of Tony Winnicker as Director of Gay and Lesbian Outreach.
Winnicker, who has directed local and statewide field organizing for campaigns in Michigan, Virginia and Iowa, will serve as the principal liaison between the DNC and the gay and lesbian community.
"Tony's experience as a grassroots organizer will be key to the DNC's efforts to expand the roles of gays and lesbians in the political process and in preparing for upcoming gubernatorial and congressional races," said DNC Chair Gov. Roy Romer.
"The Democratic Party has always been deeply committed to diversity and recognizes its value," said DNC Chair Steve Grossman. "As a national party we are committed to the inclusion of gays and lesbians in Democratic Party politics."
Winnicker, a native of Lansing, MI attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Tony previously served as Campaign Director for Citizen Action where he directed national issue and nonpartisan campaign efforts.
RAIN To Host Gospel/Jazz Brunch at Anne Rice's House
The Regional Aids Interfaith
Network (RAIN), will host a
"Gospel/Jazz Brunch on Sun., June 8, 1997 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Anne Rice's property, the former St. Elizabeth's Home, located at 1314 Napoleon Ave.
This special event will feature a catered brunch, live jazz and gospel music, property tour as well as a viewing of Anne Rice's fabulous doll collection. The event is open to the public for $35 per person. Door prize tickets will be on sale at the main entrance for chances on a "parade of gifts." Tickets for RAIN team members, CAREpartners and members of Friends of RAIN, are $25.
RAIN, which is a program of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans, develops and implements HIV/AIDS education to churches and synagogues to develop CARE TEAMS who provide non-medical assistance to people living with AIDS and their families. Support teams relieve many daily worries of persons living with AIDS and supply emotional support, socialization and encouragement.
A great day of music and gospel is planned. The Last Straws, Walter Payton's Snap Beans and St. Joan of Arc Gospel Choir are among the performing artists. For more information and tickets to the event call the RAIN office 523.3755 ext. 2918. Donations and tickets to this special Gospel/Jazz Brunch are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Call now to reserve admission tickets.
6th Annual High Heel Pool Tournament
The organizational meeting to
set the dates for the 6th Annual
High Heel Pool Tournament will be held May 28 at 6 pm at Another Corner (Upstairs), 2601 Royal.
The Pool Tournament itself will begin sometime in June (stay tuned) at participating bars. Last year the seven teams that participated raised $6,751 with a grand total of $22,401over the years for New Orleans Sports for AIDS.
Ambush has been a proud sponsor of this event since its inception.
Queer Month Of Sundays At Vieux Carre' MCC
Lesbians, gay men and queers of
all sorts will be celebrating Gay
Pride during June, and Vieux Carre'Metropolitan Community Church is no exception.
A queer-positive sermon series entitled "A Queer Month of Sundays" will explore the Bible and how it can empower the queer community.
The sermon titles hit at what's in store: June 1: Our Story Too; June 8: Namaste; June 15: Black Roots in a Blonde Bible; June 22: Uppity Women and Gentle Men; and, June 29: Love Songs for Purple People. Be a part of the worship experience at VCMCC Sundays at 11 am & 4:15 pm; 1128 St. Roch Ave.
Rev. Dexter Brecht
Elected to South Central District Committee
Congratulations to Rev. Dexter Brecht who was recently elected to the District Committee at the District Conference held in Dallas, TX on May 1-4.
The South Central District of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches encompasses Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
As a District Committee member he is responsible for proposing a budget for the District; implementing the budget; establishing and appointing committees and task forces of the District; and, fostering growth and development of newly formed church groups.
Fire Memorial To Be Held
Twenty-four years ago on Gay
Pride Sunday, the UpStairs Bar
burned down with dozens of people inside.
The arson was a tragedy which m uch of the public tried to ignore.
On Sunday, June 19, at 4:15 pm, Vieux Carre' MCC will hold a memorial service at the corner of Chartres and Iberville, the site of the Ustairs Bar. All are welcome to attend.
Some Like It Hot Auditions
The spiffy new female illusion
club, Some Like It Hot, located
at 216 Bourbon (behind the daiquari shop), where Forbidden Fruit (Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx and Reba Douglas) perform their musical revue, Cajun La Cage, nightly at 9 pm, is looking for a few good "character illusionists," not drag queens.
Auditions will be held the first Thursday of every month, 3 pm, at the club.
Auditionees are requested to come prepared to perform in character and to bring their own music. For more information, call 504.525.7765.
