Everything is Everything: The Tuesday Edition

Its's still fast and furious here at COP:24/7 How do we do it? It's anybody's guess and we continue to bring you updates, outtakes, re-takes and just plain old stuff. It's all going down right here and right now. Are you ready for some more, then let's go for it....

History Anyone: This site was proud to be apart of Equality Forums yearly celebration of GLBT History Month. In our fourth year we posted their daily video post which featured an wide array of individuals in the lavender history lexicon. This forum has attempted to empower our readers with this information including offering prizes in conjunction with the effort. However, our numbers and interaction was not as impressive as those reported by the organization. Even though we are in the computer age, I'm disappointed that we were unable to garner more hits or interest. It is for these reasons that we are analyzing our effectiveness in this community and whether our web presence has run it course. A final decision will be made within 30 days and the results will be announced. According to Equality Forum, in 2009, glbtHistoryMonth.com received:
4,200,000 Web Hits
1,100,000 Page Views
200,000+ Unique Visitors For GLBT History Month 2008, there were 600,000 Web hits. Over 650 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and for-profit corporations had a link to GLBT History Month 2009 on their Web sites, making GLBT History Month the largest collaborative GLBT project. In 2006, when Equality Forum launched GLBT History Month, 20 organizations had a link. "GLBT History Month opens our minds, especially those of our youth, to the possibilities of what we may become," said Dr. Luke Jensen, Director of LGBT Equity at University of Maryland, a collaborating partner. "The 700% increase in Web hits, page views and unique visitors reflects increased focus on YouTube, Face book, Twitter and blogs," stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "Our in-kind media sponsors, collaborating organizations, broadcasters airing the 30-second PSA, and community activists made a huge difference in leveraging the resources of GLBT History Month 2009." I've championed the use of the Net as an outreach tool unilaterally, even though there's been some response, overall I can't determine just how much we've penetrated the community overall. If you've got comments, ideas, observations, the floor is open for at least the next few weeks.

A 360 Taking it to the Streets

Another weekend burned brightly and boldly in Central City with myself moving about the going's on and such. I'm still baffled by those who continue to whine that there's nothing going on. WRONG, there's plenty of opportunities for fun, empowerment, entertainment and meeting new folks. You have to bring yourself to where it's taking place and then, do what you ask? Simply say, Hello! Is it that simple? Actually it really is and you should try it sometimes. In the meantime, here we go with the latest from COP:24/7!

Crowns-R-Us: Alyssa Edwards (1st alternate Miss Gay Heartland) captured the crown as Miss Gay America 2010. He was a longtime competitor with the MGA system throughout the country. I would like to extend my personal "congrats" to the Arkansas contingent that participated in the Miss Gay America pageant held last week in the STL. Our representatives, MGAA Christina Saxton, and 1st Alternate, Zia D'Yor gave it there best in an extremely competitive field of nationwide contestants. You can catch some candid shots on Miss D's myspace page or you can get a glimpse of the new royalty on the Miss Gay America Website.

Boot Scootin DSRA Style: It was another fine time at the DSRA Clubhouse this weekend with back to back activities featuring a Saturday evening Chili Cook off and Sippin Sunday/ Birthday Bash. I recall that there were at least 8 chili's vying for an array to awards ranging from Best to Anything Goes. I was not a judge but I got a chance to taste each entry and theirs some cooking talent in that camp. Want to know who won? Well, I'm not revealing that here, you'll have to click to the DSRA website for all the skinny. Sunday night's Sippin karaoke evening is becoming another clubhouse favorite featuring music by DJ Nate and singers bringing down the house. What's coming around the bend, it's the Boots & Belle's: A Night of Royalty show spotlighting the newly installed royalty team. It's December 5, Doors open 8 p.m. and showtime 9:30. There's going to be a silent auction and so much more. Stay tuned for more information. If you've not had the chance to check out DSRA, it's a must stop on your entertainment crawl.

"SIX MONTHS TO GO": Senatorial hopeful Jay Barth is inviting the public at large to his latest fundraiser on Tuesday, November 17 at 5:30pm. at Cajun's Wharf (2400 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, AR 72202) Mr. Barth has been aggressively seeking volunteers, contributors, allies and the SGL community for his bid as the next openly gay legislator. I read over his website and discovered some rather interesting viewpoints. If you have nothing to do, or need something to do, get involved in the campaign of your choice! Remember that it takes People, Money and Commitment to effect change. What you gonna do?

THE WALL: Today is the 20TH anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I remember it well and in later years I had a chance to see a section of that wall while visiting Eureka Springs. Everyday I'm literally amazed at the history that has passed before my eyes as well as it's affect on my senses. Life is so short, a blip, a blink or wisp of existence that I've learned not to take for granted but have embraced every nano second of my journey thus far. I'm taking the time to explore, discover and enjoy the landscape and all that inhabit it. Here's some food for thought, "don't waste time talking about doing something, but rather make time to get it done!"

Thursday Frame-Out 2.0

We're rolling right into the weekend and the e-box is busting loose with news, updates, commentary, video and so much more. Therefore, let's do a Thursday Frame-Out with a quickness. Ready? Let's do it....

Clinton Lectures Online: I'm a lecture fan and I have no apologies for that. I find it stimulating, invigorating and empowering to hear as well as see engaging individuals with competent viewpoints or those with competing viewpoints that make my cerebellum work harder. The Clinton School Speaker Series is a dynamic outlet for this type of enlightenment and hey, it's absolutely, FREE. Talk about a cheap date! Furthermore, if you've got transportation issues or perhaps just can't get your self out the house, the series is also available on the Net at http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/ A few weeks back I had a chance to catch the Neil Giuliano lecture which I found extremely interesting on numerous levels. Unfortunately, I wish that more of the actual SGL community would've been present or even more so, Mr. Giuliano could have been utilized as a direct inspirational resource to local groups. Of course none of that matters since the opportunity has passed. But actually that's the problem. Not being prepared to intersect when opportunity knocks often finds this community left out, left behind or even more so, simply lost in the shuffle. I hear it often, "why this" or "why that!" Well, you would think that this city would be well on it's way to doing more for itself, but for the umpteenth time, "It takes PEOPLE, MONEY and COMMITMENT supported by realistic action plans achieving measurable outcomes. Even though this formula is Organization 101, ultimately it's the power of the Politics of "Hello," that gets the ball rolling. If you don't began the process with a "hello, I need or can you do whatever," then you will continue to ask the proverbial "Why?" Mr. Giuliano's message covered that angle from his Stonewall timeline where he illuminated how the SGL movement has evolved.
His bio is extensive and celebrated to say the least according to the Clinton website. It states that, as a potential Democratic candidate in Arizona’s upcoming gubernatorial election, Neil Giuliano is the former four-term Republican mayor of Tempe, Arizona, and past president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). As Mayor of Tempe, Giuliano was among the nation’s most visible openly gay elected officials. Before becoming mayor, he was a 25-year senior administrator at Arizona State University where he directed student leadership development, alumni relations, federal government relations, and community relations. Here, he speaks about LGBT rights and the societal shift seen throughout the media regarding the LGBT community. As an added bonus I was proud to see Ryan U. Olson selected to intro the speaker and give a compelling personal story in relation to the topic. He noted that his small town upbringing propelled him to discover his authentic self and has allowed him sufficient growth since then. Mr. Olson is a student of the Clinton School of Public Service and former Center for Artistic Revolution DYSC coordinator. He was one of the organizers of the event and states that there will be other noteables scheduled. Congrats on a job well done and I personally look forward to the next guest in the lecture series. We need this type of programming to help us keep the faith!

It's Thunderdome Wednesday

Alrighty I've just about had it! Just when I though I had it all together, I realized that it was going to take some more "getting together" to keep it all together. Its' that feeling that you never seem to be in total control of what's really going on. How does this happen to such a organizing fool like myself? Well, it just does and when it does, you stop, re-think it all and start again. Yeah, start again is the part that sometimes get's me in the most sour way. However, I've subscribed to a new personal motivational service that is scheduled to hit me over the head each day with "you can do it," "get busy," stay focused," "do it now," messages to keep me out of that pitty party of one mind field. O.K. now that we said that, let's get to today's spin down of more of what I hope that you are searching for from this forum.

DSRA Royalty Show: Here it comes, the DSRA Royalty Team's first show out of shoot number one! It's going down December 5, 2009 pm, doors open at 8 p.m. with show time 9:30 p.m. As planning has begun, the show will also feature a Silent Auction with great items for your holiday shopping considerations in conjunction to a Variety show featuring area entertainers and surprises that you've got to be present to believe! Stay locked and loaded to this forum and dont' forget to check out the newly updated DSRA website. You can find the link in the margins. If you are interested in participating, volunteering, donating items or inkind services contact us TODAY at nealix101@comcast.net

PFLAG Thanksgiving Potluck: The local PFLAG organization is asking all allies and community members to bring your favorite holiday dish to the monthly meeting, November 19th, Thursday @ 6:00-7:30 pm Pulaski Heights Baptist Church—Rec Hall 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock During the evening the topic: Safe Schools/Safe Spaces will be discussed. Drinks, ice, utensils and paper products will be supplied According to organizers PFLAG is seeking board members and volunteers. Got some time to give then, Email or call for an application today! You can reach PFLAG at 501-244-9690 or mailto:pflaglr@gmail.com

Department of HHS to Create National Resource Center for LGBT Elders & HUD offer new policies

Health & Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius has announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. At first I didn't know what to make of it, then I was pleasantly elated that this center would be developed as well as this type of funding would be available. I wonder how this move resonates with all those lavender Obama haters that belive that the President is moving to slow for their taste. Furthermore, I wondered if their were any agencies in this state that would be so motivated or capable to explore seeking the funding. According to experts, it's estimated that as many as 1.5 to 4 million LGBT individuals are age 60 and older. Arkansas' SGL community is reflective of this assessment and the issue of LGBT indiviudals finding receptive senior services hasn't been sufficently explored. Thusly, this TARC funding opportunity highlights the fact that agencies that provide services to older individuals may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of this group of individuals. Recently their was a case of a senior HIV positive male being denied LTC after his status was revealed. However, HUD has also announced new policies banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "The evidence is clear that some are denied the opportunity to make housing choices in our nation based on who they are and that must end," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "President Obama and I are determined that a qualified individual and family will not be denied housing choice based on sexual orientation or gender identity." Under the new guidelines, the term “family” will now include all eligible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, couples and families and subsidized housing will be made available to those in need. HUD also announced it will begin a nationwide investigation into the discrimination LGBT people face in housing, a first for the federal government. Consequently that announcement adds synergy to the new Resource Center for LGBT Elders which will provide information, assistance and resources for both LGBT organizations and mainstream aging services providers at the state and community level. As I understand it will be designed to assist them in the development and provision of culturally sensitive supports and services. The LGBT Center will also be available to educate the LGBT community about the importance of planning ahead for future long term care needs. The LBGT Resource Center will help community-based organizations understand the unique needs and concerns of older LGBT individuals and assist them in implementing programs for local service providers, including providing help to LGBT caregivers who are providing care for an older partner with health or other challenges.The Administration on Aging will award a single Resource Center grant at approximately $250,000 per year, pending availability of funds. Eligible entities will include public-private nonprofit organizations with experience working on LGBT issues on a national level. The funding announcement cites the deadline date for submission of applications is 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 6, 2010. The deadline for submission of a letter of intent is December 4, 2009. Check it at www.a0a.com

Tuesday's Panorama and More

Did you say November? Is 2009 already about to be over? Well, it's last quarter and only about 8 weeks to go until 2010. Will this forum cross over? What lies ahead for Arkansas' LGBTQ community? Who will do the heavy lifting and why? So many questions and hopefully some answers will be revealed. In the meantime, we're going to ride it out and let the chips fall where they may...

They Kill Elephants-Don't They?: In past musings, I've mentioned that bell ringer advocates in this community give their all to raising awareness, issues, and consciousness concerning our sense of or lack of community in Little Rock. The task is an uphill battle wrought with trap doors that often leaves these diligent and committed individuals with raw nerve endings as they pursue the mission of activism. This is especially evident as funding cycles and grant proposal go into the deadline zone. In the Agenda for 2010 concerning Arkansas' LGBTQI as espoused by local NPO Living with/Affected By-Brotha & Sista's, I can sense the passionate frustration that is apart of the landscape of this type of work. As an "activist" in my own right, I too have embodied this frustration with what appears to be complacency and disconnect within our own body politic. Ms. DL's closer for that agenda speaks volumes and I believed that those words should be our lead for this posting. This forum has beat the drum slowly about how our lives are "full bodied" as we move through this journey. It's imperative that we embrace the "mind, body and soul," concept as a foundation to greater empowerment. The item is unedited and the opinion is owned by it's composer.

We are going into the second year of the re-emergence of Brothas & Sistas Incorporated. What was intended as HIV prevention has also become an assessment of the state of Arkansas’ LGBT community in and out of relation to HIV prevention. What we have found is “NEED”! We all need cultural competency to find out what we have in place so that we don’t re-invent the wheel. We need to know our own demographics because there is no need to ask for anything if we don’t know the amount we need. We need to have a working level of trust to be perceived as a unified front. We all need to see the bigger picture and what happens down the road if we do not do this now.
The LGBTQQ/SGL Youth are looking at us and if we don’t act appropriately they will be travelling down the same road of insanity to repeat this. The intergenerational gap must be filled! We must take on the opinion that a good leader makes more leaders. We have to realize that most of your revolutions are fought by the youth of that day. The leadership right now would simply be sending them to slaughter because we can’t even feed them. Some of us don’t even like them because they are different than we use to be. SO WHAT! We were different than our parents use to be. GET OVER IT!! If it’s not being ageist about the youth or visa- versa, it’s a race issue or a class issue. We seem to sit back and figure out every single way to separate each other. The only thing that should separate us at this moment is geography and Skype can take care of that.
Pick up your guns and kill all the rainbow elephants in the living room and let’s do something! The door is open to kill mine first.

November Monday

I've been laser focused on the raging health care debate, due to the fact that this issues is a ground zero tipping point within the the LGBTQ community. This is especially significant as I navigated through the system involving my own critical crisis which pushed me to learn what my rights were as a enduser and patient. Our own represenatives Lincoln and Pryor now spotlighted as key players in this hot button topic have been cited as possible filibusters on the issue. I watched as MSNBC host, Keith Olbermann called out these individuals for their positions and put his money where his mouth was in supporting the local free clinic in this city. Ironically, as Lotto and Poweball fever takes hold, it's reported that over $100,000 in sales occurred from Saturday nights launch. I would suspect that most likely some of those spending those resources in search of "instant riches" will partake in this FREE health clinic, instead of making a donation to offset clinic expenses. In a recent e-blast, further details have been released along with contact information. I'm posting that blurb for your FYI, in leiu of the fact that polls have showed that a "public option," is supported in this state. Health care reform is a true Hot Topic that should concern every one in the lavender community and beyond. It is reprinted unedited.

Little Rock Free Clinic Cometh

The Statehouse Convention Center in LittleRock will be the site of a free medical clinic for people seeking care from a health professional on Saturday, November 21, 2009 Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter said today. The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC), anational nonprofit organization, will operate the clinic."This is a fantastic opportunity for Arkansans who need health care to get the medical attention they sorely need, at least for a day. We are profoundly grateful to the National Association of Free Clinics andKeith Olbermann, without whom this would not be happening," Halter said.The NAFC will set up a registration process for patients and volunteersleading up to the November 21 clinic. The Alexandria, Va.-based non-profit organization operates as an advocate for more than 1,200 freemedical clinics and the people they serve nationwide. The non-profit organization engages a volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists,pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals to help meet the medical needs of patients served by free clinics.The NAFC has received donations from people responding to a call from Olbermann, an MSNBC news anchor, for free medical clinics in six states,including Arkansas. Olbermann issued the call last week during hishour-long "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" program, which airs at 7 p.m. CST Monday through Friday on MSNBC. He announced the date and location of the Little Rock clinic on Thursday night's program and also reported that 13,600 people had donated more than $1 million to the NAFC."I applaud Keith Olbermann for the passion and sense of urgency hehas brought to the national health-care debate," Halter said. "I congratulate him, along with thousands of Americans, who have opened their wallets to help make these free medical clinics a reality."Halter said he believed the one-day clinic also would help raiseawareness of the free clinics already operating in Arkansas that workdaily to fill the gaps in health care for the uninsured, underinsuredand medically underserved.The Lieutenant Governor arranged the date and location for the clinic,working with Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the Alexandria,Va.-based NAFC. Lamoureux booked the bottom floor of Convention Center,which offers more than 80,000 square feet of space for the one-day clinic. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Garry Hoffmann at 501-683-6970 or email: garry.hoffmann@ arkansas.gov

A Royalty Friday Re-mix

Road to Royalty:

DSRA Steps to Diversity

Well it had it happen, didn't it? I couldn't pass up another opportunity to demonstrate that my involvement with this community is broad based, unabashed and diverse. It's for this reason that I accepted the challenge to serve as the current Miss DSRA 2010-2011, representing the Diamond State Rodeo Association along side, Mr. Dwayne L., Mr. DSRA, and 1st Alternate, Marvella. How did this happen you ask? Well, thanks for asking, because at first I was bemused by the idea of myself re-stepping into the spotlight and certainly in the the C & W culture. Yet, after some hearty conversations and downright prodding, I thought, why not? After all, no one realized that I was country, when country wasn't cool. Furthermore, members of DSRA have always been cordial, as well as, embracing for as long as I've known the organization. I never subscribed to preconceived notions that the group was not inviting nor capable of offering myself an alternate entertainment option or new friendships. I'm fully aware of this organizations ripe history reviled with observations that cover the gamut. It seems that almost everybody has a "DSRA" story or perception that has been either positive or negative. Have I heard them all, most likely not. Is their any truth to them, depends on who you ask. Ladies and Gents, this is nothing new to any organization, especially one with 17 years in the rear view mirror. Every organization has it's triumphs and tragedies throughout it's existence involving personalities both large and demure. Not to mention internal wrangling that could be unsettling to some and maybe a radical approach for others. One simply can't keep dragging out the dirty laundry at every chance as a barrier to new growth. Yet, as a new royalty team member I'm determined that despite what has transpired, I'm poised to turn the page to discover new vision, lifeblood and spirit to move the organization forward into the 21st century. After all they've chosen myself as the first African American to hold this title since it's inception and the only one among the association national membership. Who knew that Little Rock would be the first! As I stood in the public presentation portion of competition, I stated that my goal was to encourage newcomers to explore what DSRA could bring to themselves and our overall sense of community. I hope to spread that message to all point across the state. If you've read this forum, you know I'm not afraid of traveling for the cause. For the record, the judges gave me a perfect score for that answer and the audience showed their acceptance with distinct applause. Since that evening, I've begun the process to review strategies, expectations and formulate a plan to execute what I could uniquely bring to both the DSRA and IGRA table. This is most important as we began the task of planning for Rodeo in the Rock 2011. However, no best laid plan can be achieved without supporter, advisers, and ultimately YOU. That's right, YOU. Therefore, I and the entire royalty team will be making the rounds in search of making that goal a reality during our tenure. I'm encouraging all past members, present members and future members to come to the table with me as we chart a course for the next decade and beyond. DSRA is alive, well and open to community at large! Click the link in this forum to check out the newly refreshed website and of course always keep it locked and loaded here at COP:24/7 I want to thank everyone who has shared there enthusiasm and well wishes on this endeavor. It's always good to know that there's still some good folks around this town who just might really wish you well. See you soon...we're coming!