NEW MEXICO GLBTQ CENTERS PRESENTS JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA IN TORTILLA HEAVEN

SAVE THE DATE

JANUARY 9,2010

NEW MEXICO GLBTQ CENTERS PRESENTS

JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA

IN

TORTILLA HEAVEN

7:00PM AT THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

LAS CRUCES

MEET AND GREET RECEPTION FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE

"Tortilla Heaven" is a solo play performed by Comedy Central star Jade Esteban Estrada. The show is comedic yet very real story of first, second and third generations Mexicans trying to relate to one another. First generations living a humble life and making home feel more like home, second generations abandoning their roots in order to assimilate to the big city life and the third generations trying to understand it all without knowing the language of his people. When generations finally meet, speaking the same language seems to be the easy part of a difficult journey of understanding why your family is so different. Whether you love them or hate them, they are going to be there when you need help the most!

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT TORTILLA HEAVEN

"We really enjoyed meeting Jade and seeing him perform. The turn out was great and the students were very receptive."

Veronica Kann

La Casa

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA/CHAMPAIGN

 

"What Jade does is important for the community. He brings awareness of culture."

Katherine Palomino

Office of Intercultural Affairs

GREENVILLE COLLEGE

 

"Tonight was spectacular! Jade Esteban Estrada, you're not just an entertainer par excellence but one of the most sparkling personalities (all seven of them tonight) around. You truly have been a shining star for GCAM and we love you for your guidance and faith in us and what we are trying to do in this world."

Judy Reeves

Co-Chair

GULF COAST ARCHIVE AND MUSEUM OF HOUSTON

National Coming Out Day - Conversations from the Heart

Perez Hilton... A Victim???

Written By Kimo


So most of you may have heard about the recent scandal involving Perez Hilton and Will.I.AM of the Black Eyed Peas. I was doing some web browsing and found out that GLAAD recently criticized Perez for using anti-gay slur (fagot) against Will.I.AM on Sunday in a altercation outside a night club in Toronto. GLAAD also said that Perez should apologize for his actions in using the anti-gay slur.

After doing a little bit more searching I found an article on MTV.com that Perez Hilton says that GLAAD owes him an apology for further victimizing him. The article quotes a statement Perez gave to TMZ saying, "I am saddened GLAAD chose to victimize me further by criticizing me for how I non-violently dealt with a very scary situation that, unfortunately, turned violent." Perez goes on to say, "While I doubt I will get an apology from GLAAD, nor do I expect one, I would just hope people know how difficult it is to intellectualize a situation and think rationally when a thug disguised as a musician is screaming at your face and intimidating you, I am just very fortunate and grateful that nothing more serious happened to me."

I decided to do a little more research by going to his blog site and see if he posted anything recent regarding the incident. I'll be honest I was not surprised when I found his latest posting, “A New Statement from Perez Hilton”. He starts off by giving his take on the situation and how he felt physically threatened by a verbally abusive Will.I.Am. He makes an attempt to justify his actions with the following statement “I was in an out-of-the ordinary situation and used a word that I would not utter under normal circumstances. My intention - however misguided it may have been - was to stand up for myself and tell this belligerent man that I had enough of his badgering and was not going to continue to let him berate and intimidate me. I wanted to hurt him with the word I chose, not anyone else.” Perez goes on to say, “I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a non-violent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community. I am just speaking for myself, a gay man. One who is labeled "flamboyant" in the media. An American that is not granted equal rights under the law.”

So what is he really saying by that statement. Because he is not a self proclaimed spokesperson for the gay community, he is labeled “flamboyant” in the media, an American that is not granted equal rights under the law, and felt physically threatened by ones alleged verbal abuse, all these elements justify his actions? Hmmm okay?

Perez later states, “words can hurt. But words should not provoke someone to violence.” “I have been extremely bothered by the public reaction to my assault. Violence should never be condoned with such statements as "It's Karma" or "I don't believe in violence but….". In fact, several television and radio shows over the past couple of days echoed the sentiment "He had it coming". Would they have said the same thing if I was a woman? Would I have "deserved it" if I had been stabbed? Or shot? Or killed?”

Perez cant be serious??? Right????? When I first heard of the altercation between the two stars I ignored it and just chalked it up to typical Hollywood drama. But after today I am actually bothered by it.

I guess its because I don't like the fact that Perez has turned the situation and made himself the victim and never takes responsibility for his own actions. If he had walked away from the altercation. Chose a peaceful means to resolve the situation chances are the outcome would have been totally different.

In his blog posting I find several of his quotes a direct contradiction to his actions, like this one: “words can hurt. But words should not provoke someone to violence.” If he really believed in this Will.I.Am's alleged verbal abuse wouldn't have caused Perez to react violently by calling him a fagot right?


There are no reports that a gun was being held to his head and he was forced to stay and tolerate the verbal abuse. There were other nonviolent solutions to the situation that Perez could have chose. It can be a difficult or painful concept to grasp at times, but your actions or reaction to a situation can dramatically determine the outcome. I feel that this situation is a prime example of exactly that.

Don't get me wrong I am not saying that he deserved to be hit. What I am saying is that his violent actions, brought about a violent outcome. Had his reaction been one of peace the outcome would have more than likely been one of peace. I hope that Perez will eventually see how his own actions played a part in the situation and he can truly learn from it.

If you would like to read more you can use the links located through out this blog. Or you can use google and find plenty of articles and formulate your own thoughts about the situation. Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions about this blog. All views, comments, ideas, perspectives are welcomed!

An Open Letter to President Obama from People For the American Way

Written by Kimo

I was doing some web browsing today and I came across this letter that was written to President Obama on 6/23/2009 by a group called People For the American Way. The group made some bold but interesting statements in this letter. One of which the group equates the administration's DOMA brief to the policies of the Bush administration. Early in the letter they call Obama out and state that he has shied from promoting issues of equality:

“Any reasonable person is aware of the extraordinary challenges that faced the nation as you took office, including a dire financial crisis that has cost millions of Americans their jobs, homes, and access to health care. You have not shied from these most daunting of challenges. But it seems that you have shied from promoting the vision of equality that you articulated during your campaign.”

The letter also talks about the Presidents recent action to extend some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

“Your recent action to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, and your statement from the Oval Office committing yourself to work tirelessly toward equality, could have been the kind of moment that was celebrated as a milestone on the march toward equality. But instead it had the feel of, and was reported as, an incremental half-measure rushed onto the stage to placate a discontented political constituency.”

The letter also calls on the president to use his leadership and "energetic moral vision" that was once demonstrated as a presidential candidate for the cause of gay and lesbian Americans.

I urge you to read this letter. You can do so by clicking the link Open Letter to President Obama

What are your thoughts? How do you think President Obama is doing when it comes to equality issues? I now there are probably some mixed opinions out there so lets hear them!

Interview with Vanessa Santiesteban

Greetings Every One!!!!

We thought it would be a nice for our readers get to know some of the volunteer staff for the GLBTQ Centers Organization.

In this Blog you will see my brief email interview I had with Vanessa! Hope you all enjoy!

Kimo: So Vanessa tell me Where did you grow up?

Vanessa: I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas.

Kimo: Why don't you share with our readers what are some of your passions are.

Vanessa: Some of my passions would have to include: volunteering for different organizations that are either in El Paso or Las Cruces area.

Kimo: Very Nice! What are some of your greatest achievements and proud moments?

Vanessa: I guess it would have to be graduating college while going to school and beating cancer. What a fun way to commemorate your college years!!

Kimo: WOW! Congratulations on your victory over cancer that alone is a milestone on its own! How long have you been a member of the GLBTQ community? How did you come in contact with the NMGLBTQ Centers Organization?

Vanessa: I have been married for almost four years and I have a close friend who is gay and I hold true to my heart. I came across GLBTQ community of Las Cruces because of the awareness of Richard and David are creating in Las Cruces and wanted to assist with their cause.

Kimo: Thats Awesome Vanessa the GLBTQ community needs more straight people gettng involved and supporting us. Thank you for all that you do and continue to do. Within the next 5 years what are some things you would like to see happening within the GLBTQ community?

Vanessa: I guess for the GLBTQ community to be a tight knitted family of New Mexico.

Kimo: I think thats a common dream lots of GLBTQ members in New Mexico have. Hopefully the centers will be the starting block in creating that family / community bond. Where do you see the NMGLBTQ organization within the next 5 years? What types of things would you to see happening?

Vanessa: I see the NMGLBTQ organization bringing awareness to the community and gain recognition as an outstanding and modeled organization for GLBTQ organizations across the country.

Kimo: I couldn't have said it better Vanessa! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me via email. I appreciate your time and I hopefully I will get to meet you real soon.

Our Big Gay Weekend – ABQ Pride 2009

By David Stocum

Albuquerque Pride was another success. We reconnected with old friends and made several new contacts that will be valuable additions to the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers project as we go forward. It was a lot of fun too!

Our primary goal for the day was to spread the word about the New Mexico GLBTQ Community Needs Assessment and promote participation. We are looking for 400 responses to the survey online at http://NMglbtqCenters.needs.sgizmo.com. We are about half way there and with 1000 postcards to be distributed at Gallup Pride, ABQ Pride, Southern New Mexico Pride in Las Cruces and Pride on the Railyard Plaza in Santa Fe we should achieve that goal. I lost count of the number of conversations we had about the needs assessment in Albuquerque so let’s just say it was a whole bunch :)

It seems every year we have at least one challenge at Pride events and this year was no exception. This year in addition to leaving the table and chairs in Las Cruces, the alarm clock in our hotel room didn’t go off, and our booth was parked in a handicapped parking space (look closely at the picture of the booth). Fortunately the sunrise in the hotel window woke us in plenty of time and the State Police were not enforcing parking :)

Again this year I was photographically challenged and most to the pictures came out blurry. The two that didn’t are posted here. MaryEllen Broderick has some great photos of the day over on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/l725b4). Two other things that never seem to change are the wingnut protesters at the parade and the afternoon winds. Of course, they are also part of the charm of ABQ Pride every year.

Thanks to the gang at Pride, you did your usual stellar job.

ABQ Pride 2009

Richard and I arrived in Albuquerque for Pride and upon arriving at the hotel realized the table and chairs for the booth are in Las Cruces. We purchased a table because a booth with no table just doesn't work.

I hope to post some pictures to the blog tomorrow evening when we get back to the hotel. We are having dinner with a potential volunteer or maybe even board member. If you are at Pride in ABQ stop by booth 57 and say hello.

NM GLBTQ Centers Participates at NM Rights Summit

Photos by MaryEllen Broderick

http://www.democracyfornewmexico.com/

Posted by David Stocum

Yesterday Board President Richard Scramstad and I attended the Summit on LGBT Rights New Mexico. The summit organized by an Ad Hoc committee was held at the University of New Mexico Law School and was attended by approximately 100 community leaders and activists. I’d like to share my impressions of the day. I have posted a more newsy account at the SW LGBT Press Online site at http://nhcv.blogspot.com/2009/06/community-leaders-and-activists-create.html

It was very evident yesterday at the summit that our New Mexico GLBTQ community is a diverse group with strong opinions as to how to best move forward toward full equality. By the end of the day it was also apparent that we can have respectful yet passionate conversations about what full equality means and how we get there. It is also clear to me that each of us while doing our specific work needs to be mindful of the larger movement we are a part of. We all have contributions to make, no one person or group can achieve full equality alone.

We all see things through the filter of our life experience and current focus. My lens is having grown up in a small town in upstate New York in the 60s and 70s. I graduated high school almost a year to the day before the Stonewall riots. The lens is also community centers as a vehicle to support and empower the GLBTQ community.

A couple of themes ran through the Summit that resonate with the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers mission to “reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning through education, advocacy, support, example, and collaboration,” and our vision of six regional community centers with mobile outreach to more rural areas of New Mexico. Those themes were the need to reach out to the rural parts of the state outside the Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe corridor and the desire for a more unified sense of community getting away from north vs. south, Las Cruces vs. Albuquerque etc. Will this be easy, will this be accomplished by one organization? Quite simply no. It will require all of us and I mean all of us to put collaboration ahead of competition and the greater good ahead of geography. We have all been guilty at one point or another of letting our egos or agendas get in the way of the best interests of the community (GLBTQ New Mexico) that we all serve.

While we have a lot on our plates, getting community centers off the ground, New Mexico GLBTQ Centers pledges to do whatever we can to support the other organizations serving GLBTQ New Mexico for the good of all of us.

Obama's Presidential Proclamation for Pride

Written By: Kimo

Yesterday, I found myself snooping through the White House website and I came across President Barack Obama's proclamation on pride month (Click here to see it). The proclamation I believe is very well written, but that’s expected. Obama Starts off by referencing Stonewall, and he acknowledges the contributions that LGBT Americans have made and continue to make that "strengthen the fabric of American society". Obama goes on to say how proud he is to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration.

Obama them goes on to state, “The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.”

Obama also adds, “My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.”

President Obama then closes with, “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.”

I will be honest after reading this proclamation I was inspired. It gave me a new sense of hope maybe change for our community is coming sooner than later. I’m very grateful that President Barack Obama had the courage to make this declaration, I pray that Obama maintains this courage and turn his words into reality. After all, actions speak louder than words right? Only time will tell.

Please feel free to share your thoughts about Obama’s proclamation for pride?

No Marriage for Straight People

Written By: Kimo

No marriage for straight people! Its funny to actually see those words grouped together. Whats even more strange is to see that as reality. I read an Article today on the ADVOCATE.com that in response to the California supreme court's decision to uphold Prop. 8 two California pastors will not be officiating heterosexual marriages in their churches until Prop. 8 is no more! Two pastors in Glendale also went on record that they will also follow suit!

This could turn out to be a very powerful blow to those who use religion as a weapon to keep gays and lesbians from having the equal right to marry. I hope more brave religious figures come out and make similar statements like this.

Please feel free to share your voice and comment on this blog!

If you would like to read the article just click the blue link above.

Rob Thomas has a “Big Gay Chip On His Shoulder”

Written By: Kimo

Yesterday I read an article about Rob Thomas, former Matchbox Twenty lead singer now solo artist, let loose to the Huffington Post this past Wednesday. The name of this article is “The Big Gay Chip On My Shoulder.” This article was a result of the supreme courts decision to uphold proposition 8.

I consider myself to be a gay Christian and I found that Rob made some very interesting and valid points against the ultra-conservative Christian right wing regarding religion and gay marriage. Here are some of the quotes from Rob that I thought were very interesting.

“I believe the fact that an atheist, who doesn't believe in God at all, is allowed to enter into the holy land of marriage while a gay Christian is not, shows that this law is arbitrary. Are we to believe that anyone who doesn't live their life according to the King James Bible isn't protected by the same laws that protect those who do? Using the same argument that I've seen on the 700 Club, that would mean that Jewish, Hindu, or Muslim weddings are also null and void.”

“I believe that to deny this right to the gay population is to say to them, "this god is not your god and he doesn't love you." There isn't one person who is against gay marriage that can give me a reason why it shouldn't be legal without bringing God or their religion into it.”

Rob even adds his comments on civil unions. We have all heard the argument, “If two women or two men enter into a civil union, why isn’t that enough? Why do they have to have marriage?

Rob Thomas answers that with, “A civil union has to do with death. It's essentially a document that gives you lower taxes and the right to let your faux spouse collect your insurance when you pass away. A marriage is about life. It's about a commitment. And this argument is about allowing people to have the right to make that commitment, even if it doesn't make sense to you.”

If you would like to read more about Rob Thomas’s “Big Gay Chip On His Shoulder” You view the full length article at the Huffington Post website at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-thomas/the-big-gay-chip-on-my-sh_b_208183.html

Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions!

Court upholds Prop 8; State continues to recognize 18,000 marriages

From Lambda Legal

(San Francisco) May 26, 2009 —Today, in a 6 to 1 decision, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the ballot measure that eliminated the right of same sex couples to marry. In the ruling authored by Chief Justice Ronald George, the Court stated "We emphasize only that among the various constitutional protections recognized in the Marriage Cases as available to same-sex couples, it is only the designation of marriage — albeit significant — that has been removed by this initiative measure." At the same time, the court unanimously ruled that the more than 18,000 marriages that took place between June 16 and November 4, 2008 continue to be fully valid and recognized by the state of California. The decision reaffirmed the Court's prior holding that sexual orientation is subject to the highest level of protection under the California Constitution.

In a strongly worded dissent, Justice Carlos Moreno stated, "The rule the majority crafts today not only allows same-sex couples to be stripped of the right to marry that this court recognized in the Marriage Cases, it places at risk the state constitutional rights of all disfavored minorities. It weakens the status of our state Constitution as a bulwark of fundamental rights for minorities protected from the will of the majority."

Read More Here

From The Bilerico Project.... What would Harvey say?

Would Harvey Milk be proud of us?

Filed by: Chuck Wolfe

May 22, 2009 9:30 AM

Shortly before he died in 1978, openly gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk made some extraordinarily prescient audio recordings. On one recording, he famously said, "If a bullet should enter my brain, let it destroy every closet door."

Today would have been Harvey's 79th birthday but for Dan White's bullet.

May 22nd, Harvey Milk Day, is a good time to reflect on whether we have heeded his call to live openly and fight hard for true equality. Would Harvey be proud of where we are in 2009? The truth is I think he'd be celebrating on Castro Street some days and marching up the National Mall on others:

Full Story at Bilerico Project

Introduction

Hello Everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kimo, and I am very excited to be writing for the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers blog. In this blog you will find posts about the Centers people, projects and events. You will also find posts on current news articles that are impacting our community. Don’t be shy feel free to comment on anything you read.

To give you some information about me, I am 28 years young. I have lived in Albuquerque all of my life and I grew up in the NE Heights. I have been partnered for 4 years with an amazing Man who I absolutely adore! I’m a huge sports junkie. I love basketball, football, and boxing. I am naturally a kid at heart so box games, video games, any type of game are a great stress reliever for me. My passion is Poetry I love reading, writing and listening to poetry. There is nothing like listening to some one breath life into their words and reveal a piece of their soul.

I think That’s enough about me for now…LOL

Please stay tuned for future posts, and feel free to respond and make comments. This isn’t a private or members only blog so your participation is welcomed!

Kimo

Big Hearts Come In Little Packages

Written By: Kimo

I read an article online the other day that really touched me. It was about a 9 year old kid named Ethan Mcnamee. While out on the play ground he heard some kids making antigay remarks and he later learned that a same sex couple in his neighborhood couldn’t get married. These events inspired him to organize a rally in support of marriage equality. Now if you haven’t seen or heard the story you might be thinking “What can a 9 year old kid actually do for marriage equality?“

Ethan with the help of his teacher and some classmates who volunteered, made posters and signs and lined up speakers. Ethan even took the stage himself at the Colorado’s state capitol. The article even covered provided a quote from the Ethan gave reporters, “Everybody is different in a good way.”

I applaud Ethan and his ability to stand up for what he believes in by finding a way to get involved. Ethan is a shining example to not only his peer group but to all generations. Big hearts really can come in small packages!

Please don’t be shy share your thoughts and feelings about this blog!

If you would like to read more you can read the article by clicking the link below

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid84561.asp

You can also view the YouTube video here:

International Day Against Homophobia - May 17, 2009

Coming Soon, Stay Tuned.....

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