current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!

by Toni Pizanie
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Same Song ~ Third Verse

Rev. Dexter Brecht, Director of Lesbian & Gay Community Center of New Orleans, is taking accountability seriously in his efforts to educate the community-at-large to protect our Gay youth. Dexter was contacted in April by Harvey Britton, Director of Ciaccio Center, the services center for Convenant House.

Britton wanted assistance from the LGCCNO in regard to Gay issues/lifestyles. A meeting was set for May. However, the day before this meeting a young man came to the Community Center to report that he had been attacked by other residents at Covenant House while the staff looked on in homophobic indifference.

Dexter used the appointed meeting to make Britton aware of the incident and suggested sensitivity training for the residents and staff. Several former employees have come forward with information on anti-Gay activity at Covenant House since the May meeting.

At a special board meeting of the LGCCNO in June, it was decided that the Center would take a three part approach to the Covenant House problem. First was to begin the training/information sessions as soon as possible. Next is the development of an advocacy program for all GLBT individuals which will include pro bono legal advice, social services and safe havens. Lastly, the Center will insist that former staff members of Covenant House who are licensed social workers must report their complaints to the licensing board or supervisory board before the Center will investigate allegations.

The first of these sessions was held Aug. 3. In attendance were staff from Ciaccio Center and residents. Additional sessions will be held for the staff of the residence center and new residents. These sessions will continue on a monthly basis to keep up with the turn-over of the residents and staff.

The Center needs assistance to implement the Advocacy Program. Help Wanted: attorneys, social workers, individuals with homes large enough to house one or more victims for short periods and volunteers. Don't be annoyed or embarrassed when you learn that all residence volunteers have to be vetted for the protection of the victims and themselves. That is just good business on the part of the LGCCNO.

I questioned why Dexter and the Center were assuming such a difficult project. That serene hint of a smile crossed his face and he answered gently, " we have a desire for growth accomplished not by reacting with the same attitude of hostility in which the offender acted." The smile broadened. "We want to hold people accountable for their actions toward our community and especially our youth."

Would that all community leaders had this attitude of holding others accountable.

It's Snowing In TG Land

Shannon Minter, a female to male Transgender, attorney for National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco and supporter of HRC has written a glowing report of HRC activities in their recent Quarterly. In sharing this article with local Transgenders, I am hearing that this is more of the same "snow job" that has been going on for years.

HRC members have misunderstood outside reports on HRC. I want to remind the community of facts that are being ignored. Lesbians and Gays have their best interests serviced by HRC. The organization has done some outstanding work in the introduction of issues, educating the world of legislators and developing activists in the field.

Locally some of the best of the A list in New Orleans Gay society are members of HRC and members of the Dinner Committee. When you speak to many of these individuals, don't speak politics. They just aren't interested. They know the right people and put on a class event and care about Lesbian and Gay rights. However, many of the most successful movers and shakers are not political. The truly political animals in HRC are usually LAGPAC members as well.

For that reason, this exceptional group of people were shocked that I would write articles that were hurtful to them. I suggest that this group start to educate themselves about the Transgender issues because the fight isn't going away. I am still receiving E-mail from across the country asking about the boycott and how they can join.

For me, the boycott is over. I want to start working with HRC and Transgender groups for better understanding and education. As with the straight community vs the Gay community, it is only education that made us (Gays) more acceptable.

HRC may just be snowing on the TG parade. HRC is wooing TG financial support without inclusion in legislation. However, HRC is still a huge organization that can get some things done. Education seems to be one of their strong suits.

There may have been failures in the past concerning Maine, North Carolina, ENDA yet overall there is a great effort to get the word out and educate. What supporters of the boycott can not understand is the dishonest approach by HRC in reporting intent. Local TG leaders were given hope that changes would take place in the near future. Now HRC is talking about five to ten years before they can foresee inclusivity.

Remember if you fit the unisex look, you are a Transgender by definition whether Gay or straight. Does the law protect you?

PFLAG Pledge

Thanks to LAGPAC's E-mail coverage, I was made aware of the Newsweek article that reports that prayer and Christianity can change Gays to straights as in the case of the Paulks. PFLAG is asking the community to write Newsweek to protest this biased article. For more information on the article, see the Newsweek Web site or borrow (do not buy) a copy of the issue. Addresses are listed in the magazine. Also call your local PFLAG representative for additional information.

current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!