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T h e R e s p e c t e d S o u r c e f o r G L B T N e w s S i n c e J U N E 1 9 9 0

T H E C O M M U N I T Y

LETTER
www.theletteronline.com VOLUME 22, ISSUE 3 • MARCH 2011

Obama Administration Will No Longer Defend DOMA


In a bold move to advance the cause of marriage equality at the level of the
federal government, US Attorney General Eric Holder made the following
statement on February 23, regarding the Department of Justice’s course of action
in two lawsuits, Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, challenging
Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage for
federal purposes as only between a man and a woman.
“In the two years since this [Obama] Administration took office, the
Department of Justice has defended Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act
on several occasions in federal court. Each of those cases evaluating Section 3
was considered in jurisdictions in which binding circuit court precedents hold
that laws singling out people based on sexual orientation, as DOMA does, are
constitutional if there is a rational basis for their enactment. While the President
opposes DOMA and believes it should be repealed, the Department has defended
it in court because we were able to advance reasonable arguments under that
rational basis standard.
Section 3 of DOMA has now been challenged in the Second Circuit, however,
which has no established or binding standard for how laws concerning sexual
orientation should be treated. In these cases, the Administration faces for the
first time the question of whether laws regarding sexual orientation are subject
to the more permissive standard of review or whether a more rigorous standard,
Attorney General Eric Holder under which laws targeting minority groups with a history of discrimination are
viewed with suspicion by the courts, should apply.
Meet Lady GaGa after her Louisville After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the
concert & support Fairness! President has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented
Details on page 19!
(See DOMA, continued on page 19)

Daniel Mason
(502) 966-5178
4610 Outer Loop
Louisville
danielcmason@allstate.com
© 2009 Allstate Insurance Company allstate.com
Louisville
Tattoo Arts Convention
March 18th - 20th 2011

Hyatt Regency Louisville


West Jefferson St. Louisville, KY 40202. Hotel reservations (502) 581-1234. The Enigma, Olde City
Sideshow, a suspension performance by Crash, Penguin Boy & Baron, Slip & Slide Bikini Bowling &
Bikini Mechanical Bull Riding. Amy Nicoletto from LA Ink will be there all weekend long. Over 200 of
the world’s best tattoo artists will be there. Live tattooing and tattoo contest all weekend long.
Art galleries, art auction and tattoo seminars.
Show Info : 1 (800) 541-8239
Fri. 2PM - 12AM Sat. 12PM - 12AM Sun. 12PM - 8PM
$20 per day $40 for the weekend
tattooedkingpin.com
2 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011
Hawaii Legislature Approves Civil Union Bill
Last month a bill establishing civil unions easily passed
both chambers of the Hawaii legislature. As of press time
Gov. Neil Abercrombie was scheduled to sign the bill into
law. An enthusiastic supporter of equality, he even made
the law’s passage a major focus of his electioin campaign
last year.
Once enacted, the new law will take effect on January 1,
2012.
“This is a great day for all Hawaii families,” said Jennifer
Pizer, National Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal.
“We commend and thank Hawaii’s legislators for deciding
it’s time for the state to take this important step."
Lambda Legal and the ACLU filed a lawsuit in July,
2010 after then-Governor Linda Lingle vetoed HB 444, the
previous civil union bill. The remedy requested in that suit Gov. Neil
will be provided by this bill, meaning there will be no need
Abercrombie
for the lawsuit to continue.
Hawaii’s constitution was amended in 1998 to allow
the legislature to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, which it has done. This
means same-sex couples cannot ask Hawaii’s courts to require full equality through
marriage. Although civil unions are a lesser status than marriage, they will provide
a full range of state law protections and duties to gay and lesbian couples, such as
access to family court to dissolve the legal status in an orderly way, clear duties to
pay child support and alimony as spouses must, and other vital protections. Bills to
offer civil unions have been under steady consideration in the Hawai`i Legislature
each year since 2001.
With passage of Hawii's legislation, five states (CT, IA, MA, NH and VT) and the
District of Columbia allow same-sex couples to marry. Six states (CA, IL, NV, NJ, OR
and WA) offer broad state-law protection through civil union or registered domestic
(See Hawaii Legislature ,
continued on pg 14)

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MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 3



THE COMMUNIT Y Popular Gay Author, Movie Producer
Dies, Drug Overdose Suspected
Perry Moore, the openly gay author p o s t e d in the process of bringing the project to
www.theletteronline.com of the Lamdba Award-winning gay teen by Brent another network.
novel Hero and an executive producer Hartinger on Moore was instrumental in the creation
Post Office Box 7842 on The Chronicles of Narnia movie the AfterElton of the Narnia movie franchise, based on
Louisville, KY 40257 series, was found dead in his New York website, the books that he loved with a passion. He
(502) 419-2597 apartment on Thursday, February 17. His 39 year old was also influential in the memorable
body was discovered by his life partner. Perry, “lived casting of Tilda Swinton as the White
Founded in June 1990 by As of press time, conflicting newspaper an impressive Witch.
Jeffrey Goldsmith & and Internet news accounts claimed that l i f e … Moore has been out for years, even
Humphrey Marshall his death was suicide, while other reports Whenever once appearing in People magazine's
claim authorities had not announced we spoke, "Sexiest Man Alive" issue, as the Sexy
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/WEBMASTER
ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION: the nature of his death. Yet virtually all I always Man of the Week.
Dave VanderPol: (502) 419-2597 media reports claimed that his death found him Perry Moore Considered by many addiction experts
editor@theletteronline.com was caused by a drug overdose and the to be enormously supportive and to be the most abused prescription drug
majority of media accounts claim his encouraging.” on the market, OxyContin is highly
With an estimated readership of over
10,000, THE COMMUNITY LETTER is
death was caused by an overdose of the Moore had been working on a TV addictive. The pain killer also contributed
distributed throughout the six state pain killer OxyContrin. adaptation of Hero for Showtime, which to the death of Brokback Mountain star
region of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, According to a very emotional tribute had fallen through, although he had been Health Ledger.
Tennessee, Illinois, & Missouri

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Cubbie Britches
Mike Buford
Marie Davis
Lesbian Couple Sues Next-Door Neighbor For Alleged Arson
James Hensley by Out & About Newspaper Staff
Margaret Hults
Eric Jost A lesbian couple in Tennessee whose The complaint does allege taunts made to her house.”
Michael Kimmel home was burned to the ground last by Millsaps that specifically targeted the The Stuttes, who have been together
Holly Knight
Bryn Marlow September has filed a lawsuit against a Stuttes’ sexual orientation: for more than 15 years, moved to Vonore,
George Morrison next-door neighbor who they believe set For example, a month before the fire, Tenn. from Oklahoma in June 2005. Police
Beth Ann Rubin the fire. on August 4, they allege, Millsaps, reports state that for years before the fire,
Brian Rzepczynski The couple in question, Carol Ann whose double wide mobile home rests Carol Ann and Laura were harassed by
Ren Scheuerman
David Williams
Stutte and partner Laura Stutte, were about 20 feet from the gate leading to Millsaps, but no arrests were made.
on a visit to Nashville when the incident the Stuttes’ property, approached them In the complaint against Millsaps, the
DISTRIBUTION TEAM: happened on Saturday, September 4. as they stopped to close their front Stuttes are seeking a total of $880,000,
Derrick, Cheese, Gerald, They returned to find their house was gate. She poked at the Stuttes, alleges which includes damages for intentional
Hazel, Laura, Marie & James. burned to the ground and the word the complaint, and asked them, “Do infliction of emotional distress and
Publication of the name, photograph "queers" spray painted on the side of you know what is better than one dead malicious harassment.
or likeness of any person, organization, their garage. queer? Two dead queers.” The complaint Copyright 2011, Out & About
or business in articles or advertising
in THE COMMUNITY LETTER or on its According to a report published in the notes that she then threatened to burn Newspaper. All rights reserved.
companion websites is not to be Knoxville-based pulication Metro Pulse, their house down, laughed, and returned Reprinted with permission.
construed as an indication of the
sexual orientation of such person,
organization or business.

THE COMMUNITY LETTER assumes


no responsibility for unsolicited
Hoosier Legislators Ignore Economic Concerns,
materials submitted for publication. Preferring To Target Same-Sex Marriage
THE COMMUNITY LETTER The future of Indiana’s economic public education system and social the state’s stark economic situation is
reserves the right to edit or health and viability is the most important services programs. A discriminatory damaging to Hoosier families, Hughes
reject any advertisement.
issue facing all Indiana families, declared constitutional amendment appears to continued “Instead of offering solutions
© 2011. The Community Letter. leaders and allies of Indiana’s GLBT be nothing more than a highly divisive to the real problems Indiana families
All rights reserved. communities while the Indiana General political ploy, distracting Indiana from are facing, proponents of House Joint
Assembly contemplates the adoption focusing on our state’s real problems.” Resolution 6 are taking time on an
of House Joint Resolution 6, a marriage Sutton observed that House Joint unnecessary and damaging amendment
discrimination amendment to Indiana’s Resolution 6 would, for the first time, use to our Constitution, infringing on
APRIL 2011 DEADLINES constitution. an amendment to Indiana’s Constitution people’s human dignity.”
In mid-February the Indiana House as a tool of exclusion. The effect of this Sutton urged Hoosiers across the
of Representatives approved HJR-6 amendment is far-reaching, threatening state to join in voicing opposition to the
Press releases and Regional by a vote of 70 to 26. The proposed the access of unmarried couples to Marriage Discrimination Amendment.
Calendar items must be amendment now moves to the Indiana benefits such as inheritance rights, health “This is politics at its worst. Hoosiers
received no later than Senate for further consideration. care benefits and other legal protections demand real leadership from their
Friday, March 11, 2011. “We are greatly disappointed that for their families. elected officials, especially when so many
some members of the General Assembly “Hoosiers across the state are already struggle during these tough economic
have decided to endorse an amendment suffering from a battered economy. times.”
Advertising reservations must be that would forever write discrimination Our elected legislators should concern “Equality and fairness are Hoosier
received no later than into the Indiana Constitution,” stated themselves with solutions to get people values” noted the Rev. Kevin Armstrong,
Friday, March 18, 2011. Rick Sutton, President of Indiana back to work and not passing legislation Senior Pastor of North United Methodist
Equality Action. “Indiana is facing that would dampen Indiana’s recovery Church and representative of the Interfaith
a the effects of a crippling recession, from the current recession” stated Coalition on Nondiscrimination.
All items should be sent to high unemployment, diminishing Josephine Hughes on behalf of the “Discrimination of any kind should not
editor@theletteronline.com. job prospects, a significant budget National Association of Social Workers. be tolerated and certainly has no place in
deficit and serious threats to Indiana’s Explaining that any distraction from our state’s Constitution.”
4 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011
Conference Focused On Making
Kentuckiana Safer For GLBTQ Youth
Kentuckiana residents, some from as with this knowledge.
far away as Indianapolis, came together More than 30 adult youth workers
on Saturday, February 12 to learn how attended a Safe Space Training where they
to create the region a safer place for brainstormed and made commitments
gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and to creating a safer learning environment
questioning youth. for their peers – including coming out
“This type of continuous training is as an ally via posters, signs and stickers.
important to ensure every child has the According to one participant, “We must
access to a safe learning environment become professionally courageous to
they deserve,” said Louisville Youth support these precious children.”
Group (LYG) Executive Director Donald Coordinated and presented by the
Taylor. Louisville Youth Group, other sponsors
In a strategic partnership with the included, University of Louisville
University of Louisville’s Lambda Legal Brandeis School of Law, PFLAG Louisville
Caucus, students and supportive youth and First Lutheran Church. Attendees
workers alike, attended sessions such as: ranged in age from 14 to 72.
Gay-Straight Alliances 101 to learn their Founded in 1990, LYG boosts the self-
legal rights to a safe learning environment. esteem of GLBT youth by providing a
“Many students and teachers simply do safe space that encourages positive life
not know about the Equal Access Act and choices, teaches healthy interactions with Kentucky & Indiana legislatures are
what it guarantees youth. So we partnered peers and adults, and develops activities
with those who had legal knowledge to in which youth are challenged to reach
considering legislation that will impact
equip our students and their educators their full potential. the GLBT community. Stay informed!
Visit KentuckyFairness.org or IndianaEquality.org
Popular Pageant Adds “Drag King” Category for regular updates throughout March.
The Entertainer Of the Year Pageantry System (EOY) has
announced a new category to it’s family of pageants. The
organizers of the “King Entertainer of the Year for Male
Impersonators” are seeking venues and participants for this
new competition.
The national finals for Drag King will take place the
Connection Theatre in downtown Louisville
July 27 – 30. While this will be an “open contest”, the event
sponsor is encouraging promoters to organize preliminary
pageants. Contestants will be judged on presentation,
creative evening wear, talent and their response to a
question posed to them during the contest.
For more information visit www.eoy.net or call (502) 807-1972.

AIDS United Announces Grant To


Provide Expanded Care Programs
Thousands of individuals living with workers who need to record client data
HIV/AIDS in low-income and/or rural and contact information, one program
areas will now receive local, high quality will use handheld technology so that
care, thanks to new grants awarded by data appears instantly in the project
AIDS United for its Access to Care (A2C) database -- eliminating extra steps in
initiative. The awards, supported by a tracking and outcomes.
grant from the Social Innovation Fund • Center of Excellence in HIV-
(SIF), will help fund the development positive Women’s Care: Clinical care
of 10 innovative community-based for women living with HIV will be
programs to improve the lives of people integrated to address behavioral health
living with HIV/AIDS. Each grant needs, bilingual information and care,
represents a collaboration of multiple and childcare services. The Center of
organizations in each community. Excellence will be linked to clinical
Some of the exciting and pioneering research, addressing a gap in existing
approaches that SIF grantees will be research specific to women living with
developing include: HIV/AIDS.
• Mobile Engagement Teams: These • Telemedicine: A ground-breaking
teams will reach the most complex, approach to serving people who have a
chronically-ill HIV-positive New Yorkers severe shortage of nearby HIV medical
through street-based outreach and a providers, one program will use video
full spectrum of supportive services, technology to allow local nurses to
including psychiatric and housing communicate and collaborate with
support. (See AIDS United Announces GranT,
• Handheld technology: For outreach continued on pg 13)

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 5


Michigan: Anti-Gay Counseling Pride Comes Early To Miami Beach:
Student Accused Of Violating Ethics April 16th
On February 11 Lambda Legal filed the ethical rules and standards of care of After a highly successful event in 2010 that
a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of every major mental health professional attracted more than 35,000 people, the City of
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians organization including the American Miami Beach is gearing up for another historic Gay
and Gays (PFLAG), Gay, Lesbian and Counseling Association." Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, April 16,
Straight Education Network (GLSEN), In 2006, Julea Ward was admitted to 2011.
and the Detroit-based organizations Eastern Michigan University's masters The largest single-day event of the year in
Affirmations and Ruth Ellis Center in program for school counseling. In 2009, Miami Beach, the Pride Parade and Festival is an
a case involving a counseling student as part of her practicum coursework, extraordinary all-day event that features a loud and
dismissed from Eastern Michigan Ward refused to counsel an assigned colorful parade followed by an enormous festival
University (EMU) for violating ethics with exciting celebrities and musical performances,
client because he identified himself as
related to treatment of GLBT patients. LGBT-friendly vendors and businesses,
gay, saying she would not "affirm their
The case is being heard by the United refreshments, food and a family-friendly play area.
lifestyle." Ward then refused to participate
States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Again for 2011, one of the highlights of Pride will
Circuit. in a remediation plan that would help
be a salute to “Legacy Couples” – committed LGBT
Julea Ward, a graduate student her learn to counsel based on the client's
partners who have been together for 20 or more years
pursuing a degree in school counseling, values, not her own. These actions who will march and ride together in recognition of
claims her First Amendment rights were are a direct violation of the American their commitment and in affirmation of marriage
violated when EMU dismissed her after Counseling Association's code of ethics, equality. To register as a Legacy Couple for the 2011
she demanded to refer a gay client she a code that Ward agreed to adhere to parade, email Pride Director Cindy Brown at: cindy@maimibeachgaypride.com.
had been when she Also returning for 2011 will be the 2nd Annual Miami Beach Pride Cruise to The
assigned entered Bahamas, April 18 – 22. For more information on the Pride Cruise, visit www.
randomly into EMU's pridecruise.com.
as part of masters Because of the overwhelming success of the last two Pride events, Miami Beach Gay
her course program. Pride has been expanded this year to five extraordinary days OUT. From Saturday
work, and Following to Friday, exciting events leading up to the Pride Parade and Festival will include a
refused to a formal Women’s Art Conference, an Interfaith Service, a film night and more.
counsel any gay or lesbian clients in the review, Ward was dismissed from the Events and activities will be posted as they are confirmed, so please check the
future. program. website at www.miamibeachgaypride.com for the most up-to-date information.
"It is cruel, dangerous and unethical In April 2009, Ward sued EMU with the
for a counselor to refuse services on a help of a national anti-gay group based
discriminatory basis solely to lesbian or in Arizona, saying her First Amendment
gay youth who seek help and guidance rights were violated. The Federal District
Court ruled in favor of EMU, and Ward
Tri-State Alliance Hosts
from a mental health professional," said
Camilla Taylor, Senior Staff Attorney appealed to the United States Court of 10th Annual GLBT Prom
at the Midwest Regional Office of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The Tri-State Alliance of Evansville has
Lambda Legal in Chicago. "LGBT The anti-gay group representing scheduled the 10th Annual GLBT Prom
youth—a group specifically at risk for Ward boasts a budget of nearly $20 for Saturday, April 9 from 7:00pm until
bullying, depression, low self-esteem million devoted solely to suing public Midnight at the Evansville Holiday Inn
and suicide—need to have access to universities around the country in on US Highway 41 (formerly known as
counselors who will support them, not similar cases. In fact, Lambda Legal the Evansville Airport Marriott).
counselors who will abandon them participated in a nearly identical lawsuit A record turnout for the prom is
or worse—who will harm them by brought by a counseling student against expected this year, since this will mark
injecting antigay proscriptions into the a public university in Georgia less than the the first time the event has been
counseling relationship in violation of three months ago. publicized in all of Evansville’s public
high schools. All community members
are welcome to attend. Security will be
provided.
Admission is $10.00 per person at
the door. To download a copy of the
event flyer, visit www.TSAGL.org. For
additional information contact Wally at
(812) 480-0204 or wallypaynter@aol.com.

Facebook Adds “Civil Union” and


“Domestic Partnership” Options
Same-sex couples and individuals on Facebook now can express their relationship
statuses more effectively – the social networking site has added “in a civil union” and
“in a domestic partnership” to its relationship status options. Facebook has over 600
million users worldwide – the move demonstrates the growing everyday acceptance
of LGBT couples and individuals.
The changes were made in consultation with Facebook’s Network of Support. HRC
was one of the founding members of the Network, which was formed in October 2010
in an effort to combat LGBT cyberbullying.
HRC spokesperson Michael Cole-Schwartz praised the move in a Huffington Post
article: “As LGBT people face a patchwork of relationship recognition laws, this gives
people more tools to adequately describe their relationship. “Facebook has been a
company that has tried to be inclusive of the LGBT community and this just one sign
of it.”

6 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011


Cholesterol Medications May Slow
HIV Progression
Statin medications, commonly used to reduce high cholesterol, may also be able
to slow the progression of infection among HIV positive individuals, according to a
study recently published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
A team of researchers from the National Naval Medical Center said that statin
medications appear to inhibit cellular markers of immune activation and inflammation
among HIV positive individuals. The researchers were quick to stress that this
treatment is not the same thing as a cure. It simply means that statins may slow the
degradation of the immune system caused by HIV infection. This is often the leading
cause of complications and eventual death in individuals with the virus.
The primary objective of the study was actually to see if statins could lower the
amount of viral genetic material in the blood of HIV positive patients. This would
have been a major breakthrough. While their research failed to show this outcome, it
did indicate that there are other benefits to taking statins.
Statins are already among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world,
as millions of people take them to control their cholesterol levels.

Israel’s First Openly Gay


Judge Appointed
Late last month attorney Dori Spivak was
appointed as a judge in the Tel Aviv Labor
Court. He is the first openly gay judge
appointed in Israel.
Spivak, the deputy director of the Tel
Aviv University's law clinics, is a veteran
activist for GLBT rights. He is also the former
chairman of the Association for Civil Rights
Israel (ACRI) and an esteemed legal advisor
to the GLBT community.
Dan Yakir, an attorney for the ACRI,
congratulated Spivak on his appointment. Dori Spivak
Yakir observed that “As a personal friend
and a partner in the civil rights struggle I
can say this is an excellent choice. Dori is an expert on equality at work and health
rights. He will contribute to developing human rights at the work place.”
Many other gay activists and academics also expressed support for Spivak’s
nomination, describing it as “a ray of sunshine, especially at a dark time like today
where human rights organizations are under attack.” They expressed their hope that
this appointment will be a sign of social change, particularly within the justice system.
“He is an experienced legalist when it comes to human rights and labor laws,” Spivak’s
colleague, Professor Eyal Gross from the Tel Aviv University said.
Another academic colleague at the University is Spivak’s partner Dr. Yishai Blank.
“I don’t think sexual preferences had anything to do with this appointment. It’s a
happy occasion for us personally and also for the State. I’m not objective, of course,
but I believe he is deserving in light of his skills, capabilities and his commitment to
justice and the law.”
Blank added that ”many lawyers see judicial appointments as the pinnacle of their
career, and I think they should understand that conducting a fair trial is both an
endowment and a social cause. Dori hasn’t always thought about this position, but
it’s something that’s very hard not to be drawn to considering he sees it as his mission
and destiny.”

THE COMMUNITY LETTER Salutes…


every member of the GLBT community who has ever been put down,
shunned, or otherwise marginalized by another member of our own
community for reasons of age, race, religion (or lack of religious
affiliation), style of hair (or lack of hair), weight, disability, social status,
family status, income or for any other reason. Remember that
you are OK just the way you are! It is about time that individuals
who are marginalized by society STOP marginalizing one another.

Know of a community member who deserves to be recognized?


Tell us WHO and WHY: editor@theletteronline.com.

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 7


March 18 - 20
ST.PATRICKS
WEEKEND BASH
Green Beer and Irish Cheer
50% Off Room Rates
Through March 29!
April 22 - 24
SWIMMING POOL
OPENING
w/ Tiki Tiki Tea Dance
Party Saturday
Afternoon & Partying
Throughout The Night!
May 6 - 8
&M^LMA>
GREEK RUSH WEEKEND
Saturday Night Fraternity &
"QI>KB>G<> ¤

Toga Party at The Tavern


May 13 - 15 3&."9 *OD
DADDYS &
ADMIRERS WEEKEND 7PJDF 

A special weekend for '"9 

sexy men of a certain age
and their admirers! XXX.BSL&OHMBOEDPN

-JDFOTFEJO,FOUVDLZBOE*OEJBOB
0ĊFSJOHXPSMEXJEFSFMPDBUJPOBTTJTUBODF

8 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011


Louisvillian Kera
McLain, the lesbian
heroine of George
Morrison’s critically
acclaimed first novel,
Out From It All
(www.outfromitall.
com), is back – on
Mars in the 82-page
novella Worlds. She
battles harassment,
homophobia and
uncaring bureaucracy
to win a spot on this
historic journey, then
shocks her colleagues
by uncharacteristically breaking the rules, risking
her life to save a seemingly doomed mission.
Life on the Red Planet gives the misfit Kera
an unfamiliar yearning for Earth and she heads
home for her greatest adventures yet.
WORLDS is on sale in Louisville at
both Carmichael's Bookstores &
Day's Expresso & Coffee Bar, 1420
Bardstown Road. & Expressions
Of You Coffee House & Gallery,
18th Street and Muhammad Ali
Boulevard Or, to order, call
iUniverse at (800) 288-4677.

Bryan Gatewood
Attorney

Attorneys and Counselors at Law


PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR NEARLY A DECADE.

502.584.3300
231 South Fifth Street, Suite 200
Family Law • Estate Planning • Professional Small Business
Charitable Planning • Debtor/Creditor

www.johnsongatewood.com
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy law.

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 9


INCLUSIVE FAITH
COMMUNITIES RegionalCalendar sponsored by Mark England
Items of interest to the GLBT community are listed for FREE from non-profit community
Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) organizations, support and social groups. We also publicize events sponsored by businesses and
Journeying Together In Christ professionals currently advertising in THE COMMUNITY LETTER.
421 South 2nd Street (Downtown) Please send details at least four weeks in advance of your event. Contact: Dave VanderPol:
(502) 587-1354 editor@TheLetterOnline.com. Be sure type “Regional Calendar” in the subject line of your
Sundays: 8:15am (Rite I); 10:00am (Choral Rite II) message!
Concert & Choral Evensong: 2nd Sundays at 5:00pm
www.christchurchlouky.org 3rd Sundays Wednesdays: March 2 & April 6
3:00pm. Metro Louisville chapter of Parents, Family & 7:00pm. Crossport Crossdresser Support Group,
Central Presbyterian Church Friends of Lesbians and Gays. First Lutheran Church, Cincinnati. (513) 919-4850.
Celebrating God’s Wildly Inclusive Love 417 East Broadway. For more information call (502) 233- Sundays: March 6 & April 3
4th & Kentucky Streets (Old Louisville) 1323 or visit www.pflaglouisville.org. 3:00pm. Monthly meeting of Owensboro chapter
Church School: 9:30am Confidentiality respected. of Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays. Journey
Sunday Worship: 11:00am (Nursery Provided) Fellowship, located at the corner of Alexander Avenue &
18th Street. For information: pflagowensboro@hotmail.
Pastors: D. Mark Baridon & Ann J. Deibert Every Monday
com or call (270) 929-1399.
(502) 587-6935 • www.CentralChurchKY.org 7:00pm. Movie Mania at Gay & Lesbian Community
Center of Cincinnati, 4119 Hamilton Avenue. Free. For Mondays: March 7 & April 4
Clifton Universalist Unitarian Church movie titles click on the icon for the GLBT Calendar 7:00pm. Christian Men’s Fellowship Dinner. Organized
page at www.glbtcentercincinnati.com. by New Beginnings Church. Location: KT’s Restaurant,
We Need Not Think Alike To Love Alike 2300 Lexington Road, Louisville. More information:
2231 Payne Street, Louisville (40206) (812) 595-0571.
(502) 895-3189 | www.cliftonuu.org Every Monday
Rev. Todd Eklof, Minister 7:00;pm. Dayton Gay Men's Chorus practice at Monday March 7
Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church, 11:00am - Close. Dining OUT for Youth benefiting
Sunday Services: 11:00ish to 12:00ish, Louisville Youth Group. Lunch, Dinner or just drinks.
Social Hour, Vegetarian Lunch follows services 2382 Kennedy Avenue. For more information write Flanagan's Ale House, 934 Baxter Avenue.
DtnGayMensChorus@aol.com.
Metropolitan Community Church Tuesdays: March 8 & April 12
ALL People Are Welcome at the Table Every Tuesday 7:00pm. Cincinnati PFLAG meeting. Mount Auburn
2:45pm. GLBT Mental Health Issues Support Group at Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road.
1432 Highland Avenue (Louisville) For more information call (513) 721-7900.
(502) 587-6225 • www.mcclouisville.org The Recovery Center, 2340 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati.
Rev. Dee Dale, Pastor (513) 241-1411. Tuesdays: March 8 & April 12
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30am 7:30pm Dayton PFLAG Monthly Meeting. 667
6:00 - 8:00pm Miamisburg-Centerville Road (Centerville). For more
Wednesday Evening Worship: 6:00pm information call: (937) 640-3333.
Louisville Fairness Campaign Volunteer Meet-Up at
New Beginnings Church 2263 Frankfort Avenue. For more information call Kyle Wednesdays: March 16 & April 20
Defined By FAITH, Not Orientation! (502) 893-0788 or write fairness@fairness.org. 6:30pm. Indy Bi-Versity, confidential discussion group.
For more information, including the meeting location,
1710 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN write: indybiversity@yahoo.com.
Pastor Tracy Patton/ (812) 595-0571 6:30pm. Triangle Martial Arts Association: Tae Kwon Do
Sunday Worship: 10:30am training for GLBT community. Beginners & experienced March 18 - 20
www.newbeginnings4u.net welcome. For location write: m_fearnow@yahoo.com. St. Patrick’s Weekend Bash at Timberfell Lodge,
Greenville, TN. For details or to make reservations
7:30pm. Women's Tuesday Night Coming Out Group at for this or other upcoming special events visit www.
Open Door Community Fellowship timberfell.com. Seasonal 50% discount available on
Reaching Out to ALL People Off The Avenue, 1546 Knowlton Street, Cincinnati. (513) weekend room rates. Reservations: (800) 437-0118.
3938 Southern Parkway, Louisville 535-2517.
Saturday, March 19
(502) 893-6323 / Pastor Sherry Roby 8:00pm. Monthly meeting of Sienna, transgender
www.opendoorcommunityfellowship.com 1st & 3rd Thursdays
support group in Louisville. For location leave a
Sunday: 10:30am & Wednesday: 7:00pm 7:00pm. Gay Men’s Support Group meets at message: (502) 894-1048. For more information about the
Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, 1432 group visit www.tg-sienna.org.
St. Andrew United Church of Christ Highland Avenue.
Saturday, April 9
Wherever you are on life’s journey, 7:00pm - Midnight. 10th Annual GLBT Prom, sponsored
Every 3rd Friday
you are welcome here by the Tri-State Alliance of Evansville. Evansville
7:30pm. “Family-Friendly” Coffeehouse at Day’s Holiday Inn on US Highway 41. All community
2608 Browns Lane; Louisville, KY 40220
Coffee Shop, Bardstown Road at Edenside Avenue in members welcome. Admission: $10.00 per person at the
(502) 452-1777 / www.saintandrewucc.org
Louisville. Music and readings, organized by Marie door. For more information visit www.TSAGL.org or
Sunday Service: 10:30 am
Davis, cartoonist for THE COMMUNITY LETTER. call (812) 480-0204 or write wallypaynter@aol.com.
2nd Sunday Taize: 7:00 pm

Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church


A Welcoming Congregation,
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Standing On The Side Of LOVE! Saturday, May 7 @ 8:00pm.
4936 Brownsboro Road 3rd Annual DOWN & DERBY Benefit for the WINGS Clinic,
Louisville, KY 40222 At the Water Tower on River Road, Louisville.
(502) 425-6943 • www.tjuc.org Details on page 20 of this issue.
Sunday Service: 11:00am

These are PAID LISTINGS.


For more information
Mark England www.LouisvilleGayInfo.com
call (502) 419-2597. Selling Louisville's Most DIVERSE Neighborhoods

10 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011


OUT  SPOKEN

Paradise? by Ren Scheuerman


I seem to get stuck on a new song every at this moment, paradise might be very
few weeks. I’m constantly adding new hard to find, if not impossible. We
music to my various playlists, however, simply cannot control the world around
one song always seem to catch my us. Every week we are bombarded with
attention. I will then listen to that song sad and horrible stories that further
every day, sometimes several times a day, demonstrate that paradise is either closed
sometimes for several weeks. I dissect or under extensive renovation. However,
everything about the song. I try to I do think paradise has a good friend that
listen to each instrument separately and in some way must be present for paradise
together within the song. And I always to exist. That friend is hope.
“Google the lyrics”, read them over and Yes, we recognize all the problems that
over, while I try understand what the exist. They are often not able to be felt
writer is saying or could be saying. or touched, but it does not make them
I have no idea why I do this; it is just any less real. However, hope presents
something I have gotten into the habit of a projection, a future goal, a bet, even a
doing. I especially like finding new or dream. A dream that one day we can and
remade versions, of old songs. Most of will realize a paradise, that maybe at this
these songs have had a humble simple moment, is not tangible, but is possible.
beginning but have been transformed So keep looking around. Shrink your
into something much larger, something scale. Observe the small things that are
stronger, that now carries a louder sound, working. You can and will find glimpses
but with the same simple message. of paradise every day. The hard part is
trying to figure out how to combine these
For me this song during the past
glimpses into your life so that all you
month has been a childhood song that
begin to see are these small snapshots of
was remade a couple years ago. I heard
what is good in the world. It’s a process.
it once, but had not been able to find so far I have not found paradise. Am I my paradise. But, my definition only And I am certainly no closer to this goal
it again. Well, I found it. And yes the actually supposed to find it now? encompassed a small range of what we than you. But I do have hope. And, I
words remain the same, but the song I guess as an architect, I am programmed should consider when moving to or think you do too.
is something much louder and larger. to evaluate and critique the built relocating to paradise.
While the first version could not be environment around me, I did not even Paradise is meant to encompass
ignored because of its simple message, consider other meanings of paradise. I everything. And for many, a place of Ren Scheuerman and
the later version retains the message and only thought to consider my version of paradise, in this day and time, would his partner, Travis Lay,
has transformed it into something much paradise. For me, that would include be a place in which they could find enjoy living in the luxury
of Indian Hills (Northeast
more complex and boisterous. There is a built environment of architectural employment. A place where they would Louisville). where they
one lyric in the song that says, "If you want variety and style, in which the buildings be treated fairly. A place without crime or enjoy building bridges
to view paradise, simply look around created a fabric so that one building only violence. A place where they did not feel of understanding with
and view it." For some reason, this line strengthened the importance of other alone or lonely. Or maybe just simply a their neighbors (the vast
has been stuck in my head. Really? That adjacent structures. No electrical wires place where they felt they could be who majority of which are
is all I have to do? Just look around? I'm or poles, or anything that would clutter they are. But where is this place? rumored to heterosexual).
looking. Yes, I see areas that are nice, but or junk the landscape. That would be I am sorry to say, but on this planet,

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 11


TRANS FATTY

Louisville AIDS Walk: A Fundraiser In Need Of Some New Ideas by Dave VanderPol, Executive Editor
Brad Hampton announced in early February that he First, it is time to “Think Outside The Walk”. Fundraising walks for any number
had decided to no longer continue to serve as Director of of non-profit organizations and causes, not just those that benefit HIV/AIDS services,
the Louisville AIDS Walk. The annual event is the region’s are no longer as successful as they were 10 or 20 years ago when they were considered
longest-running HIV/AIDS fund raiser. I suppose I’m new and novel. So it is time to “diversify” the means used to raise money. I would
prejudiced here, but Brad’s decision to step down makes encourage ASCC to offer the community several (at least three or four) fund raising
me sad and very concerned. I can’t imagine anyone events throughout the year in addition to the Walk. Since the Walk no longer seems
more passionate about this cause, let alone anyone more capable of supplying all of the funds needed by member agencies, it seems to me that
knowledgeable in our community who could step into more events are needed to make up the shortfall.
this important role. Indeed Brad leaves some mighty big THE COMMUNITY LETTER, the longest-running media sponsor of the Louisville
shoes to fill. AIDS Walk, will be glad to step up and host at least two new annual events to support
Let me make it crystal clear: I have nothing less than the ASCC. Specifically this newspaper is willing to organize and offer the community
the utmost respect for all of Brad’s hard work on behalf a Chili Cook-Off fundraiser and an Art Show.
of the Walk over the past several years. When it comes to The second suggestion I have is that the Louisville AIDS Walk, in order to increase
all of his work to promote safe sex as well as fund raising the profitability of the event, should no longer include the Clark Memorial Bridge
and advocacy on the part HIV/AIDS, Brad Hampton is as part of its route. Sure, the official slogan of the fundraiser is “A Bridge of Hope
the best of the best in Metro Louisville. Period. Since 1993”, but it is time for the “bridge” to go!
At the same time it is no secret that the Louisville AIDS I’ve been told that it costs several thousands of dollars to use the bridge. I’ve also
Walk, like most AIDS Walks elsewhere in the United heard that the Walk has to pay several hundreds of dollars to both Metro Louisville
States, has experienced a decline in financial support in and Jeffersonville to cover the cost of police security at both ends of the bridge. Is the
recent years. Among the reasons making it harder for bridge really necessary to the success of the Walk? Other annual fund raising Walks
Walks to raise money include the lingering effect that the that take place in Louisville – some of them raising more money than traditionally
deep economic recession continues to have on most non- raised by the Louisville AIDS Walk – do not include the bridge as part of their route.
profit organizations. I’ve also witnessed a growing sense So is this expensive piece of overhead really need to assure a successful event?
of apathy towards anything to do with HIV/AIDS (including support of HIV/AIDS By holding the Walk in just downtown Louisville (or Cherokee Park or elsewhere
fundraising events), coupled with an increased level of denial among younger gay the Highlands neighborhood?) more money raised by the Walk would be made
men about the very real growing (NOT declining) numbers of individuals affected available to member agencies, meaning more money could go for the growing need
and infected by HIV. In 2010 one Louisville-based provider of medical care for person to fund client services. I realize that at least one ASCC agency is based in southeastern
infected with HIV added an average of 10 new clients per month. By the last few Indiana, so use of the bridge certainly has symbolic significance. But the high cost
months of 2010 they were averaging an increase of 10 new patients per week! So the involved in using the bridge likely outweighs the value of this symbolism.
need for assistance is not only very real, it is growing by astronomical proportions
here in Kentuckiana!
Here are a few suggestions that I believe will help the AIDS Service Center Coalition Agree or disagree, Dave VanderPol would love to know your thoughts! Write to him at editor@
(ASCC), the sponsor of the Walk, to experience an increase in financial support from theletteronline.com or call (502) 419-2597.
the community.

LIBERAL ON THE SAUCE

The Facebook Revolution by David Williams


We've all known the power of the Internet could suddenly one of the worst dictatorships Korea stack instead. Life's randomness
Internet for some time now: its ability be. in the world was on the brink of collapse. was never so apparent. I don't know
to create as well as destroy. Like some Last year's Finally, today, as I write, it's gone. Wow! how true the rumor was, but I suspect it
reincarnated Shiva, it's been wreaking Betty White What next, Oh Great Facebook? was pretty close.
havoc in our peaceful neighborhoods phenomenon Twenty years ago, nay, 17, none of us The way things used to work in the
since the Clinton Era. Back then, though, was a fun even knew what the Internet was. That world may be gone, a victim of modern
we had no clue what a wonderful and diversion. It 1994 Katie Couric clip where she asks technology. But in one sense not much
terrifying machine it could become. revived the "What's an Internet?" may seem comical, has changed. Just as that lone army
The first hint I had came in 1995 when career of one but any one of us could have asked the sergeant may have had the power of life
I realized I could send the same message of my favorite same question back then. Even 10 years or death over hundreds of thousands
to 100 different people with just a couple Hollywood ago, most of us outside Silicon Valley of GIs, so too, this year, did one man
of clicks of a mouse. Suddenly I could starlets (yes, could barely glimpse what the Internet has have the power to change the course of
save $25 in postage. Right then I knew in my mind, she's still a starlet). Last fall become: a globalized communications a nation. For that matter, so do we all,
the postal service was going to be in big here in Louisville, Tony Allison was able system where anything is possible from given the right circumstances.
trouble. to organize a great evening of nostalgia messing up Iran's nuclear reactors to The awesome power of the Internet was
Seven years later I started to see how at Q for all of us survivors of the 70s and taking down Hosni Mubarak. never more evident than in the events
the Internet was affecting magazines 80s bar scene. He didn't even have to In the 60s when I was in the army at Ft. that transpired in Egypt this winter. Let's
and newspapers. Then I saw how books send invitations through the mail. News Lee, Virginia and facing deployment to just hope we continue to use it for good
might begin to look as quaint as papyrus of the event bounced around the city by Vietnam, my buddies and I heard a rumor and not evil, or else we're all in danger.
scrolls. Star Wars was no longer science satellite. there was a computer at the Pentagon that
fiction but real and present. I wasn't sure But when Egypt erupted in revolt this made assignments at random. It was an
how I felt about all that until I realized past January, I knew things were getting old punch card system, probably made David Williams is the founder of the
how many trees might be saved, so I serious. Turns out an Egyptian Google by Honeywell (remember them?), and Williams-Nichols Institute and the Kentucky
went along with it. executive, through his Facebook page, only one young sergeant was in charge of Gay & Lesbian Library and Archives, which
But it wasn't until I signed onto urged his countrymen to show up for a it. It was thought that if you got in good
are housed at the University of Louisville’s
Facebook last year and heard about all little demonstration against his country's with him, you could probably convince
the things that were being done there brutal dictator. The message went viral. him to pull your card out of the Vietnam
Ekstrom Library.
that I understood just how awesome the As protests grew over the next two weeks, stack and put it in the Germany or South
12 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011
GAY LOVE DOCTOR

"I Want Him Back . . . NOW!" by Dr. Brian Rzepczynski, D.H.S., M.S.W.
Q: I tend to be a possessive person and these projections pop out. actually hear from him again. Instead,
have a hard time trusting my partners. I’m As far as your current separation start living your life and moving on—
not sure where this insecurity comes from, but from your boyfriend, it’s important to don’t put it on hold. And if you happen to
I’ve been burned pretty badly in the past from realize that we can’t “make” someone do hear from him…bonus!
prior lovers who cheated on me. I’ve recently something; we only have control over our Another option would be to send him
started dating someone new for the past couple own behavior. His decision about whether an e-mail or give him a call as a way to
of months. Between me not being able to trust to reconcile with you is not within your check-in since some time has gone by
him and his own religious beliefs of not having control and any efforts on your part to and he’s been on your mind. Use this as
sex until marriage (we’d been having it all try and exert too much influence might an opportunity to express how much the
along), he decided he needed a break. It’s been be met with resistance. If he doesn’t want relationship meant to you and that you
a week now and I still haven’t heard from him. to be together at this time, it’s important miss spending time with him. Ask how
I told him I would wait for him to contact me, to respect his request for space so as not he’s doing and acknowledge the challenges
but I really miss him and want this to work the relationship. This is a great thing and to alienate him and blow any chances for that existed in the relationship before,
out. What should I do? can definitely help you moving forward the two of you to work things out if that acknowledging and taking responsibility
with future involvements. Jealousy and possibility exists. for your part in the difficulties.
A: I’m sorry to hear about the parting of possessiveness can surely kill a budding So one option is to do nothing and wait You could also express a validation and
the ways between you and your boyfriend romance and I encourage you to keep the for him to contact you. Don’t pine for him, respect for his value in holding off on sex
but want to applaud you for having the momentum going by doing what you can, however, as you are then placing all your to help him feel acknowledged, heard, and
maturity, insight, and self-awareness to perhaps by working with a counselor, to hopes and expectations for happiness on understood. If you’re feeling particularly
recognize issues within yourself about learn how to manage insecurity and build the fate of whatever happens with him daring, you could solicit his feedback and
some of your own personal contributions trust so that future love connections won’t and that certainly is not a dependency you (See GAY LOVE DOCTOR,
to some of the issues that were present in run the risk of being sabotaged when want to have, particularly if you never continued on pg 14)

LOUIS PHILPOTT
4033 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY 40220

Mobile: (502) 836-1255 Century 21 Joe Guy Hagan


FAX: (502) 400-2796
louissellslouisville@gmail.com
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

AIDS United Announces Grant, CEO. “The 2:1 match requirement of


CATERING cont’d from pg 5 the SIF makes this a significant—and
CLASSIFIED ADS Chinese Cuisine. Let China Inn
cater your event! Competitive pricing medical providers at permanent HIV
expanding—investment in the “healthy
futures” of our nation’s communities
and a large menu. Call for catering treatment sites. hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Classified Advertising in THE menu and prices: (502) 636-2020. Visit The Social Innovation Fund, an These new partnerships enable
COMMUNITY LETTER is affordable us online: www.chinainnlouisville. initiative of the Corporation for National strategic, innovative, community-driven
and presented with a type font that is com. and Community Service (CNCS), was interventions that change how we invest
easy on the eyes! This is a great way to enacted under the Edward M. Kennedy in improving the health outcomes of the
GIFT SUGGESTION
support the work of your community Serve America Act, and targets millions people living with HIV/AIDS in the
Give the gift of affordable fine
newspaper. of public-private dollars to expand United States.”
art. Acrylic on canvas paintings
Up to 40 words for $15.00, 41 – 75 effective solutions across three issue Approximately 640,000 people living
featuring the Urban Realism genre
words for $25.00. Ads must be pre-paid areas: economic opportunity, healthy with HIV/AIDS in the United States are
from Louisville artist David Walinski.
with a credit card through PayPal or futures and youth development and not receiving the life-saving care they
View his paintings online: www.
by check. For more information write school support. AIDS United’s recent need due to a host of issues that can
davidwalinski.com.
advertising@theletteronline.com or $3.6 million SIF award is in support of include HIV-denial, stigma, poverty and
call (502) 419-2597. Deadline for pre- GRAPHIC DESIGN the “healthy futures” issue area, and limited access to appropriate care. In
payment and text: 20th day of the month Michael Eagan. Full service graphic requires a 2-to-1 match from the private addition to the specific objectives of the
for the following month’s issue. design, including web design. Photo sector to create a funding pool of more Social Innovation Fund, AIDS United’s
Paid ads appearing in print are restoration. Software training. than $10 million annually. A2C partnership with SIF is contributing
also placed on our main website Microsoft certified. Based in “This is a game-changing opportunity to the successful implementation of the
at no additional charge: www. Jeffersonville, IN. mdeagan@hotmail. for our grantee communities and the “Increasing Access to Care” pillar of
TheLetterOnline.com. com. private sector to come together to make National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).
a real difference in the lives of people For more information about AIDS
living with HIV/AIDS,” said Mark United’s A2C Initiative, visit www.
advertising@theletteronline.com or call (502) 322-4632
Ishaug, AIDS United President and aidsunited.org.

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 13


GAY & FEMINIST

Don’t Blame Me, I Voted Pro-Choice! by Eric Jost


Despite a co-mingled Congress during out of a similar social ideology, but out of
President Obama's State of the Union, (a misguided) concern for the economy.
Republicans and Democrats are as divided It’s disheartening to know that the
as ever as House Speaker Boehner (R-8th- officials elected on the hope of economic
OH) moves to push America to the right reform have so quickly and vehemently
at rapid speed. And after voting to repeal shown their true colors. But really, should
the Affordable Care Act, the next target we have expected anything different?
on the House Republicans' chopping The Tea Party might downplay social
block is: taxpayer funded abortion? issues, but at the end of the day these so-
I was not aware that my tax dollars called freedom fighters are all too ready
were being used to abort fetuses. In fact, I to restrict reproductive freedom and
was pretty sure they weren't. And didn't choice.
Obama sign an executive order last year Similar to when Democrats took
reaffirming the ban on taxpayer funded control of Congress (both houses) in 2006,
abortions? In fact, I believe the Hyde I'm sure Republicans were ecstatic to get
Amendment pretty much takes care of the chance to force their social ideology
this issue each year when Congress votes onto the people, but they were not
on it. Ooh! The No Taxpayer Funding elected in 2010 to ban abortion. In a time
for Abortion Act would make the Hyde of economic upheaval, I believe abortion
Amendment permanent! Well then it -- even these mysterious taxpayer-funded
must be enacted immediately! abortions -- is pretty far from most
Less than two months after people's minds. If I was struggling to pay
Republicans gained control of the House my mortgage and feed my family, I'm
and they've already broken campaign pretty sure what someone else does with
promises and gone against the public's their body is the least of my concerns.
will. Banning so-called taxpayer-funded And with the Republicans so quickly
abortions is only the first of many battles acting against the will of the people by
House Republicans are starting to wage. focusing on petty social issues, it shows
They are also looking to defund the us they are less concerned with voters
Title X family planning program (which and more concerned with exercising their
provides assistance to reproductive health political might.
clinics like Planned Parenthood, and
gives lower income individuals access
to contraception) and make budget cuts
Eric Jost is a freelance writer
by effectively eliminating the EPA and living in Washington, DC. His
any of our country’s renewable energy work ranges from first-person
initiatives. outlaw abortion. The Republican win was health care reform, attempts to reinstate narratives to commentaries on
Despite what some in the GOP believe, almost entirely economically motivated, Don't Ask Don't Tell, and now a focus on pop culture and politics. You
their victory in November was not a sign as every single voter poll indicated. But abortion goes to show that Republicans can check out more of his work
that America wanted to ban same-sex despite Boehner's promise that they are quick to betray the moderates and at www.eric-jost.com.
marriage, make condoms illegal, and would focus on the economy, the repeal of independent voters who elected them not

Hawaii Legislature, cont’d from pg 3 reciprocal beneficiaries law). Others population estimates from the 2010
(including at least MD and NY, U.S. Census, as of February 2011,
partnership; Hawaii will make it
seven. Five more states (Hawaii and probably NM and, for some more than 40% of the United States
plus CO, ME, MD and WI) offer purposes RI) respect marriages population resides in a jurisdiction
more limited protections through and/or non-marriage statuses that offering same-sex couples at least
a non-marriage status (the Hawaii same-sex couples entered into in some form of state-level legal
bill does not change the state’s other states. Consequently, based on protection.

GAY LOVE DOCTOR, cont’d from pg 13 effort. If you bank too much on this lesson and get some counseling for
and you don’t hear from him or if working through these issues to help
thoughts on the possibility of the you receive a “no” or a negative maximize your chances of success
two of you spending time together response, this could actually do next time.
with a prohibition against sex so more harm than good for yourself
you can work on building other by triggering more anger and hurt ©2008 Brian L.
and reinforcing your patterns of Rzepczynski, All rights
foundational parts of a relationship
while respecting his value on mistrust in men. Make sure your reserved. To sign up
for the FREE Gay Love
What Path Calls You?
holding off on intimacy. Offer this as motives are in the right place and Coach Newsletter
a gentle invitation, putting the ball in that you’re emotionally in a good filled with dating and
his court. If he bites, great! Proceed place to handle a rejection if it were relationship tips and
slowly from there on out if he wants to possibly come your way, otherwise skills for gay singles
to give it a second chance. it might be best to just keep moving and couples, as well as
If you choose the latter option, it’s forward and view this relationship to check out current coaching
very important that you not place opportunity that you had had groups, programs, and teleclasses, clamourunderbridge.typepad.com
any expectation of outcome on your with him as a valuable learning visit www.TheGayLoveCoach.com.

14 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011


OUTLOOK WITHIN

Urho & Me: Two Peas In A Pod? Two Grasshoppers On A Stick? by Bryn Marlow
Every March 16 when I was a teen, insight of a depth not offered by my ethnic But it's been a long time since I made
my mother and I went all out. We background or religious upbringing. liver pudding, waved the white flag
strung streamers in Nile green and Who was I? How was I to know? One with the light blue cross, bought another
royal purple from doorways. We feasted after another, I watched the touchstones grasshopper figurine.
on liver pudding, cranberry whip and of my life topple. According to legend, St. Urho drove
other Finnish delicacies. We exchanged Down went my identity as husband, the grasshoppers out of the vineyards of
homemade greeting cards. We donned every-day father to my children, church Finland, saving the grape harvest and
purple and green ribbons; clothing in that leader, church member, employed securing a name for himself. In Menaga,
color combination was hard to come by professional, good son, beloved brother, Minnesota stands a huge statue of the
in the 1970s. I made posters for the wall, tacit believer in the legal system, qualified fearsome saint, a grasshopper speared
grasshoppers holding signs that read, renter, upstanding citizen, acceptable on his pitchfork. I have often enough
“Hoppy St. Urho's Day.? person. made pilgrimage there. The town holds
I carried my celebrations over to I came to see myself in new ways, as an annual St. Urho's Day festival parade.
school. Shoving my Finnish heritage in a member of an oppressed minority, Some participants dress up like the saint;
the face of anyone who stood near was part of a creative wellspring of people others go as grasshoppers.
one way I tried to explain myself. I knew who as long as life have lived on the Saint Urho's story parallels that of
I was not like others; St. Urho's Day gave fringe, outside the pale, and added to the Patrick, who reputedly drove the snakes
me opportunity to celebrate my being richness and texture of society. This on a out of Ireland, and for good reason. Folks
different, to pretend this quality was good day. Some mornings I swallowed in northern Minnesota dreamed up the
rooted in my ethnic heritage. The rest whole the message that I was outcast, legend of St. Urho as a kind of spoof. Why
of the time, I used being the best-ever other, a worthless piece of crap, repulsive, should the Irish have all the fun? The
church boy as lid and lever to repress any dirty, loser, liar, sick-o, sinner, a threat to story caught on—any excuse for a party,
hint that I was attracted to the “wrong? my children. for ethnic pride, for another mid-March
gender. I did not wish to know this about My wife and I took them to Sunday Talk about identity crisis. celebration in a cold climate.
myself. School, Sunday services, Wednesday Who am I, anyway? Who are you? Even as I'm wearing my purple and
At the Christian college I attended I night prayer meetings and more. Are we all and only what and who we green sweater this March 16, I'll wonder
roomed with a man who was as rabidly From my earliest years, religion had say we are, who others tell us we are? to what degree St. Urho and I are
Swiss as I was Finnish. We got into a helped me make sense of life, of who I What comprises our identity? I live these constituted of the same stuff. How real are
knock-down-drag-out wrestling match was, where I was headed. My religious questions every day – we? How useful the identities we attach
when he stole my Finnish flag. On March faith and Finnish heritage were part of Sundays, Wednesday nights and March to ourselves? How long-lasting?
16 I made a big poster, “Proud to be me, blood and bone. 16 included.
Finnish,? and plastered it over his bed. No one was more surprised than me I never thought I'd identity as anything
When my children were born, I often when I came out in middle age, in mid- other than Christian, never dreamed Bryn Marlow (gayfeather.blogspot.com) lives
sang them the Finnish lullaby my mother marriage, in the midst of the religious, I'd live outside the church's embrace, with his husband Dave on a 1930s Indiana
sang to me. They'd have to get used to conservative rural Midwest. Identifying yet I have developed a deep mistrust of farmstead where they raise chickens and
having a father who was not run-of-the- as gay helped me understand why I organized religion. I thought my Finnish flowers.
mill. I hoped they'd like liver. And church. had felt so different all my life. This was roots would always be front and center.

“You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham,
Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd!
Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!. . . but you keep it all inside.”
-- Armand Goldman (portrayed by Robin Williams in the 1996 film THE BIRDCAGE)

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 15


LIFE BEYOND THERAPY

Unlearning Jealousy by Michael Kimmel, MA, MSW, LCSW


“Let jealousy be your teacher. Jealousy can lead you relationships. It can’t always be about you. For jealous
to the very places where you most need healing. It can people, it is all about them, because they’re so insecure
be your guide into your own dark side and show you and unstable they need you to do what they say and
the way to total self-realization. Jealousy can teach not “upset” them.
you how to live in peace with yourself and with the When I work with clients who feel stuck in their
whole world if you let it.” — Deborah Anapol, Love jealousy, I ask them if they are WILLING to not act
without Limits out their jealousy (no more screaming, name-calling or
throwing things). Instead, we work together so they
Jealousy feels lousy; most of us do whatever we can can sit with their jealous feelings, identify and analyze
not to go there. Why do we give it so much power them; this strips the jealous feelings of their power. I
to make us miserable? Why do some people use encourage my clients to feel their jealousy rather than
jealousy as an “excuse” to go berserk? Ask yourself: act it out. This is initially uncomfortable, and many
what is jealousy to me? For many of my clients, it’s an people tell me things like “it’ll kill me to feel this bad”.
expression of insecurity, fear, rejection, abandonment, But, It won’t. However, habitually acting out from
feeling inadequate, etc. Unlearning jealousy is a jealousy will kill your friendships, romances, careers
wonderful thing. I help clients with this all the time. and even your own aliveness.
It’s a gradual process that takes time and introspection, I encourage my clients to OWN their jealousy, “I feel
but the results are always worth it. jealous because my boyfriend was checking that guy
To unlearn jealousy, I help clients establish within out” or “I think my girlfriend is cheating on me because
themselves a strong foundation of internal security she was at the grocery store longer than usual.” Intense
that is not dependent on having or possessing people jealousy reeks of paranoia, and that brings us nothing
or things. If we think we own someone or something, but misery and craziness. But, there is good news: if
we’re stuck in jealousy. We don’t own our partners, you are willing to sit still and listen to your jealous
jobs, kids, looks, or health…we’re really just “renting” little self with compassion, you quickly discover that
them. We can’t make people stay with us, nor can we jealousy is survivable. That alone is shocking to lots of
hold onto something good forever. It’s in the nature people. Unlearning jealousy isn’t easy, but, it sure feels
of people and phenomena to be impermanent…ideally, good the more you do it.
we’ll enjoy them while they’re here and gracefully let I’ll close with a quote from the wonderful book,
go when it’s time. Sounds good, hard to do. Ethical Sluts (authors: D. Easton & C. Liszt):
One of the keys to unlearning jealousy is self- “I notice that jealousy comes and goes, depending
validation. Slowly, we can begin the process of looking on how good I feel about myself. When I’m not taking
to ourselves for our own happiness (an internal care of getting what I want, it’s easy to get jealous and
orientation) and needing less and less from other think that someone else is getting what I‘m not. I need
people, places or things (an external orientation). Start to remember that it’s my job to get my needs met. I
small…begin to develop your own internal compass. feel the jealousy, but I’m not willing to act on it, so it
For example, when you do something well, don’t call mostly goes away.”
your best friend right away to blurt it out. Instead, give And that, dear readers, is how it works.
yourself praise and encouragement. People who take
loving care of themselves are seldom jealous.
Jealous people need other people to do as they say. comfort decreases your jealousy. When someone LIcensed Psychotherapist Micheal Kimmel is a
Because they don’t have strong internal compasses, does something they don’t like, a jealous person feels native of Ohio and former resident of Louisville.
they cling to people and situations to feel okay. Jealous personally betrayed. A secure person notices it and He offers individual and couple therapy from his
people usually feel out of control, so they want to control may say, “I don’t like that. Please don’t do it again.” practice in San Diego. For more information about
their partners, friends and everyone in their path. This and a calm, reasonable conversation can follow where his counseling practice visit www.lifebeyondtherapy.
isn’t because they’re cruel; it’s because they’re scared. a compromise can be reached. Sound familiar? It’s com.
Becoming your own source of strength and how people maintain long-term friendships/romantic

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Educational Leadership and holds licenses as and their daughter live in Old Louisville where
a Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family they enjoy working with the many neighborhood
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16 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011


BREEDER THOUGHT

The Sanctity Of Equality by Rev. Todd F. Eklof


In 2004, President George W. Bush the mother and children and imposing
made what he called, “the sanctity of needed discipline. Contemporary
marriage,” a major reelection issue, conservative politics turns these family
calling for a Constitutional ban on all values into political values: hierarchical
same-sex marriages. “Marriage cannot authority, individual discipline, military
be severed from its cultural, religious might.” And the one thing certain
and natural roots without weakening about this model, he continues, is that,
the good influence of society,” he said. “Marriage in the strict father family
He also asked Congress to draft an must be heterosexual marriage.”
amendment, “defining and protecting Jesus, by contrast, in whose name
marriage as a union of a man and a such bigotry is somehow being justified,
woman as a husband and wife.” Not clearly said, “Call no one on earth your
only did he narrowly win a second term father.” [Matt. 23-9] He challenged the
that year, but eleven states, including patriarchal structures of his day and
Kentucky, also passed their own ended up paying with his life. In their
constitutional laws officially prohibiting place he promoted an egalitarian society
gay marriage. in which everyone shared what they
What’s most disturbing about this to had in common, and loved one another
me, as an American, is that it’s entirely as their equals, as themselves. The early
unconstitutional for our Government, Christians took this so seriously, in fact,
State or Federal, to pass laws protecting that they actually began cross-dressing
the “sanctity” of anything! “Congress in church. That’s right, some of the first
shall make no law respecting an Christians were gender-benders! The
establishment of religion!” Given the controversy over men appearing as
expensive, ““One Man, One Woman: women and women as men is explicitly
God’s Plan for Marriage,” campaign mentioned in I Corinthians, chapter 7.
funded by religious conservatives Paul supposedly ends up criticizing
across the land, its seems our nation’s such behavior as “disgraceful,” although
top Executive, along with many other many scholars consider these words
elected officials, decided to disregard to have been inserted into the text by
the Constitution in favor of mob-rule. someone else, since they contradict his
Although I do not question the value other egalitarian, free-spirited, “all things
of marriage for those who freely choose are lawful for you,” teachings. But that
it, I cannot comprehend where this Sarah and Hagar; to Jacob, its favorite all social contracts. By the 16th century, this controversy existed at all shows just
belief in its “sanctity” comes from. In son, who married both Rachel and her just 500 years ago, the Council of Trent how seriously the first Christians took
Western theology God is a “single male” sister Leah; to David, its most revered made it necessary for every marriage to equality! Thus, according to the biblical
whose most intimate relationship is with King who had six wives; to Solomon, be performed in the presence of a priest evidence, it’s not really the “sanctity of
another man, Jesus. Jesus himself did considered its wisest ruler, who had 700 and only then defined it as the union of marriage” believers should be worrying
not marry and, in fact, suggested that wives; and his grandson, Rehoboam, a man and woman who were obligated about, but the “sanctity of equality,” and
ideally people, “will neither marry nor the nation’s greatest reformer, who to live together for the rest of their lives. the unholy marriage between Church
be given in marriage, they will be like the had a modest number of only 18 wives. In doing so, they usurped Paul’s vision and State that continues to have a
angles in heaven.” [Mark 12:25] And we Historically speaking, marriage has been of a society without ethnic, economic, or foothold in our own government.
all know that Jesus’ vision was to create but a one-sided social contract arranged gender divisions, adhering, rather, to a
Heaven here on Earth, among us, which, between males exchanging females, and verse of scripture illegitimately forged in
apparently he saw as being egalitarian has been mostly polygamous (one male, his name; “the husband is the head of the
Todd Eklof is the minister at
and androgynous. Likewise, Paul, the many wives). Both Jesus and Paul favored house as Christ is head of the church.”
Clifton Universalist Unitarian
most influential founder of Christianity, more egalitarian arrangements in which [Eph. 5:23] Those who could not handle Church in Louisville. A native
discouraged marriage because those men and women were considered the living in an egalitarian society made of San Francisco (yet proudly
who do, “will have trouble in this life, same, in which, as Paul put it “there is the nuclear family the nucleus of its heterosexual), he moved here
and I am trying to spare you.” [I Cor. no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, hierarchal, patriarchal culture. over 20 years ago to be a
7:28] Although he did not advocated male nor female.” For years in our country conservatives student at The Southern Baptist
divorce for those who were already But equality is difficult for those have been promoting traditional “family Theological Seminary. Despite his
married, he did say, “from now on those dominator cultures that thrive on the values” for this very reason, although the Southern Baptist background, Eklof is an outspoken
who have wives should live as though very few exploiting everyone else. So, only families they’re really in favor of are supporter of marriage equality and a number of
they had none.” [I Cor. 7:28] after Rome made Christianity its official those that reflect this dominator model. other progressive causes, Eklof has written A
Gospel For Liberals, which is for sale online at www.
As for God’s “One Man, One Woman,” State religion, the first thing its legislator- As linguist George Lakoff has noted,
agospelforliberals.com.
plan for marriage, tell it to Abraham, the priests did was to take control of marriage “The strict father is moral authority and
founder of Israel, who was married to by maintaining exclusive authority over master of the household, dominating

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 17


VIDEO RECOMMENDATION
BY CUBBIE BRITCHES

Strapped
A routine trick at a man’s apartment propels a cynical hustler into a series of strange and life-
changing encounters in this stunningly photographed drama from San Francisco-based Joseph
Graham. Tall and lanky with a mop of unruly dark hair, the young man makes for an attractive
prostitute – handsome in body, amiable in personality and efficient in sex. While he’s just out to
make a buck, one guy at a time, this coldly efficient rent boy begins to look at himself in a different
way one stormy night when he finds himself lost in a maze-like apartment building.
The evening begins with a tryst with a beefy but timid man unused to gay sex. Their “session”
becomes surprisingly tender for both. But time is money, and he’s off – that is, he’d be off if he
could find the exit. His unexpected odyssey leads him to a series of encounters: there is one with a
“straight” guy with issues; a cocaine-fueled queen who thinks he knows him; an older man, hidden
away in a leaky attic apartment who assists him on his journey; and a lonely young man who thinks
he’s finally found a connection with someone. Sex is the commonality, but out of that commodity
comes raw, unguarded emotions for all, even for the hustler.
Sad, funny, sexy and touching, Strapped is an unforgettable look into one young man’s moving
journey to understanding.
Strapped is available for rent at Wild & Woolly Video, 1021 Bardstown Road in Louisville. So be
sure to call ahead to make sure this popular movie is available. You can also call ahead to ask that it
be reserved for you at the checkout counter: (502) 473-0969.

DINING OUT

Treat Yourself To A Meal At Varanese by Beth Ann Rubin


[Varanese; 2106 Frankfort Avenue, special Wine on Wednesdays or WOW Two of the nightly specials
Louisville, KY 40206. (502) 899-9904. which promotes ½ off bottles of wine. appealed to my companions
Online www.varanese.com.] But I was with some serious drinkers who selected the Seafood Pasta
so cocktails were de rigueur. As we and the Grouper. My other
Chef John Varanese defines the cuisine perused the menu, several items stood friend stuck to the regular menu
of his namesake restaurant as “modern out as sounding particularly delectable. and ordered the Flat Iron Steak
Mediterranean.” And Varanese, located It was nice to dining with more than one ($18) and I picked the Beef Tips
on Frankfort Avenue in the Clifton companion because that gave me a greater with Tortellini ($16).
neighborhood does not disappoint opportunity to sample everyone’s dishes. The Seafood Pasta was full
diners expecting a delicious meal by After another round of cocktails, we of tasty seafood and al dente
the acclaimed chef. The menu includes started with appetizers and salads. One pasta. The piece de resistance
nightly specials in addition to its regular friend selected the Fried Green Tomato was the large shrimp perched
selection, both with an emphasis on local Salad ($7), another opted for the Romaine atop the pasta. The Grouper
products. And the menu allows the patron Salad ($6) and I shared the Crispy was nicely cooked and served
to choose whether he or she is up for a Fried Calamari ($9) with another. The with a saffron rice and squash
casual meal or a fine dining experience. tomatoes on the one salad were topped medley.
One could enjoy a sandwich or select with a buttermilk dressing and adorned The Flat Iron Steak was are tired, have nothing in the pantry or just
appetizers with a cocktail or order a five with goat cheese and crispy prosciutto. grilled and drizzled with garlic Boursin don’t want to cook. Sometimes it is not
course meal with a complementing bottle The contrast of flavors was superb. The cheese sauce and served with a potato so easy to treat yourself to a special night
of wine. romaine on the other salad was tossed with gratin. My friend declared his steak one out. You need to decide whether you are
Varanese is located in what was once roasted garlic and parmesan dressing and of the most tender he had ever eaten. I actually going out for a dining experience
the Red Lounge. The building dates fried polenta croutons. And the calamari also enjoyed my beef tips cooked with or simply as a meal substitute. Any basic
back to the late 19th century and was at was served with a variety of peppers cheese tortellini with creamy gorgonzola spot can be visited for a meal substitute.
one point an auto repair shop. There is and a sweet chili sauce. The squid was sauce, baby spinach, grape tomatoes and But when you set aside the time for a true
nothing to remind one of the restaurant’s cooked perfectly and the accompanying pine nuts and was embellished with strips dining experience, I recommend Varanese
past history with its décor now. The sauce enhanced its flavor. of crispy prosciutto. I loved the pairing of for its comfortable atmosphere, good
dining area reflects the restaurant’s We were all there for more than a the rich gorgonzola with the beef. service and modern yet approachable and
modern approach to food. The lines are sandwich although some of those choices We passed on desserts since our meals affordable cuisine.
clean and uncluttered, tables are simply sounded terrific. The emphasis with were rich and we had eaten so much of
covered in white and the walls painted in the sandwiches was definitely more ours as well as the others. There are,
calming tones. Mediterranean with a Chicken with Feta however, some tasty sounding sweets Beth Ann Rubin has been reviewing restaurants
The restaurant does accept reservations Cheese wrapped in Flatbread with a such as Fried Banana with Oatmeal for THE LETTER for nearly four years. A Chicago

but our party of four was lucky enough Yogurt dipping sauce ($9) and a Hummus Cookie Dough Ice Cream ($6), Peaches
native, Beth Ann and her family live just south of
Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. A talented
to walk in on a Saturday night without a and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich also and Crème Crepes ($6) and a Chocolate cook in her own right, over the years her baked

wait. But the restaurant was still bustling. served in Flatbread ($9) among some of Lava Cake served with Ice Cream ($7).
goods have earned her numerous awards at the
Kentucky State Fair.
Varanese has an extensive wine list and a the selections. It is easy to decide to eat out when you
18 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011
KISSES by Marie Davis is sponsored by Highland Chiropractic | Dr. Charles Copeland, DC
To request your first appointment with Dr. Copeland, visit www.HighlandChirorpactic.com

Marie Davis is an internationally syndicated cartoonist. Her lesbian cartoon strip is published in five languages. Her first novel, Hey Diddle Diddle — for Lesbians
and Other Grownups, can be purchased through Amazon.com. Her e-mail address is mmmarie1961@aol.com.

DOMA, cont’d from pg 1 3 is unconstitutional under that


standard and that the Department
history of discrimination, will cease defense of Section 3.
classifications based on sexual The Department has a longstanding
orientation should be subject to a practice of defending the
more heightened standard of scrutiny. constitutionality of duly-enacted
The President has also concluded statutes if reasonable arguments can
that Section 3 of DOMA, as applied be made in their defense. At the same
to legally married same-sex couples, time, the Department in the past has
fails to meet that standard and is declined to defend statutes despite
therefore unconstitutional. Given the availability of professionally
that conclusion, the President has responsible arguments, in part because
instructed the Department not to – as here – the Department does not
defend the statute in such cases. I consider every such argument to be
fully concur with the President’s a “reasonable” one. Moreover, the
determination. Department has declined to defend a
Consequently, the Department will statute in cases, like this one, where
not defend the constitutionality of the President has concluded that the
Section 3 of DOMA as applied to same- statute is unconstitutional.
sex married couples in the two cases Much of the legal landscape
has changed in the 15 years since
filed in the Second Circuit. We will,
Congress passed DOMA. The
however, remain parties to the cases
Supreme Court has ruled that laws
and continue to represent the interests
criminalizing homosexual conduct
of the United States throughout the
are unconstitutional. Congress has
litigation. I have informed Members of
repealed the military’s Don’t Ask,
Congress of this decision, so Members Don’t Tell policy. Several lower
who wish to defend the statute may courts have ruled DOMA itself to be
pursue that option. The Department unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA
will also work closely with the courts will continue to remain in effect
to ensure that Congress has a full and unless Congress repeals it or there is
fair opportunity to participate in a final judicial finding that strikes it
pending litigation. down, and the President has informed
Furthermore, pursuant to the me that the Executive Branch will
President’s instructions, and upon continue to enforce the law. But while
further notification to Congress, I both the wisdom and the legality of
will instruct Department attorneys Section 3 of DOMA will continue Shelby County No Kill Mission is sponsoring two screenings of “Beyond the Myth”, a film
to advise courts in other pending to be the subject of both extensive about Pit Bulls and breed discrimination. Saturday March 19th at 7:00pm & 7:15pm (two
DOMA litigation of the President's litigation and public debate, this screenings, in separate auditoriums), Village 8 Theatres in Saint Matthews. VIP After
and my conclusions that a heightened Administration will no longer assert Party to follow at a nearby location. Admission to the film: $12.00. Movie admission and
standard should apply, that Section its constitutionality in court.” VIP After Party: $40.00. Tickets are available online at www.beyondthemyth.com.

MARCH 2011 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 19


20 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com MARCH 2011

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