Republicans affirm anti-gayviews in platform, speeches
By CHRIS JOHNSONcjohnson@washblade.com
TAMPA, Fla. — The Republican Partythis week officially nominated formerMassachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as itscandidate for president at a conventiondelayed by the arrival of Hurricane Isaacand punctuated by anti-gay platformlanguage and speeches.(The Blade has had staff in Tampa allweek; visit washingtonblade.com forcomplete coverage of Mitt Romney’sThursday acceptance speech and allrelated developments this week.) Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, whochaired the Republican Party platformcommittee, touted the marriage languagein the manifesto — which endorses a U.S.constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage throughout the country — inaddition to backing other conservativepolicies like making abortion illegal.“This platform affirms the traditionalmeaning of marriage and the sanctity of human life, defends religious freedomand Second Amendment rights and callsfor a balanced budget amendment,”McDonnell said.Speakers at the Republican NationalConvention hammered President Obamafor what they said were failed economicpolicies while largely staying away fromsocial or LGBT issues — although marriagewas a cornerstone in a high-profile speechby former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.The former Republican presidentialcandidate talked about running for theWhite House and shaking hands withpeople from many walks of life as he
AUGUST 31 2012 VOLUME 43 ISSUE 35 •
OUR COMMUNITY, OUR STORIES SINCE 1969
• WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
17 LGBT delegates fromregion headed to Demconvention
By MICHAEL K. LAVERSmlavers@washblade.com
As Democrats prepare for their party’supcoming convention in Charlotte, localLGBT delegates stress they look forwardto representing the community at thequadrennial gathering.“I’m excited to be going to theconvention and I’m honored to representD.C. in Charlotte,” said LateefahWilliams, president of the GertrudeStein Democratic Club. She is amongthe four openly LGBT delegates whowill represent the nation’s capital at theDemocratic National Convention thatwill kick-off on Sept. 4. Gay labor activistGregory Cendana is among them, whileDemocratic activist David Meadowswill serve as an alternate. “My goal is toprovide a voice for all D.C. residents,particularly the LGBT community.”Jeffrey Richardson, director of theMayor’s Office of GLBT Affairs and theformer vice chair of the D.C. DemocraticParty, has attended two previousconventions as either a delegate or avolunteer. He told the Blade that thisyear is different in part because thepresumptive nominee is the incumbentpresident.“We’ll be focused on how we will unitethe party, unite the base to ensure thatPresident Obama gets re-elected,” saidRichardson.Earl Fowlkes, CEO of D.C. BlackPride and a member of the DemocraticNational Committee, will attend his firstconvention as a delegate. “I’m glad I’mgoing with all these people from D.C.,which is wonderful,” he said. “I’m reallyvery happy because this administration,this president has been so forthright in hisskill in really creating a better environment
CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
Delegates to the Republican National Convention cheered party leaders this week after aone-day delay due to Hurricane Isaac.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
Charlotte, here we come
Romney accepts GOP nomination
Film & Fun
D.C. Shorts kicks off ninthannual festival next weekfeaturing 140 filmsover 11 days.
PAGE 23
CONVENTIONCOVERAGE
The Blade will have a reporting teamin Charlotte starting Monday to coverthe Democratic National Convention. Visit washingtonblade.com forupdated reports all week.
Pay it Forward
Va. auto mechanic comes to aidof gay student after vandalsscratch ‘die fag’ onto car.
PAGE 06
02 • AUGUST 31, 2012WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
AUGUST 31, 2012 • 03
REHOBOTHRESOURCE.COM JACKLINGO.COM
DERRICK LINGO, BROKER
DIRECT: 302
-
226
-
6618
MOBILE: 302
-
745
-
4457
DERRICK@JACKLINGO.COM
TRACY KELLEY, REALTOR
DIRECT: 302
-
226
-
6401
CELL: 302
-
542
-
9610
TRACY@JACKLINGO.COM
TOLL FREE:800
-
345
-
4369 MAIN: 302
-
227
-
3883
246 REHOBOTH AVENUE, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971
NORTH SHORES,7 OCEAN DRIVE
REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE
5 BEDROOMS * 5+ BATHS
WAS:
$3,849,000
NOW:
$2,950,000
Sophisticated Style !
Your gateway to paradise
starts here. Experience 4 levels of views from your architecturallydistinctive resort home.Details: : 3,600+ sq. feet of livingspace, elevator, upper level observationdeck with panoramic views, heated pool, dedicated master level, and on.
1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 130 I Washington, DC
www.benchgym.com I 202.775.9400
☑
Weight Loss
☑
Muscle Size
☑
Tone
☑
Core
☑
Weight Loss
☑
Muscle Size
☑
Tone
☑
Core
“Like” us on Facebook.
Be Stronger! Be Healthy!
Search History:
Result 00 of 00
00 results for result for
p.
Washingtonblade.com - Volume 43, Issue 34 - August 24, 2012
Washingtonblade.com - Volume 43, Issue 34 - August 24, 2012
390
Reads
0
Readcasts
249
Embed Views
Recommended
More From This User
Notes
Load more
