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?