Congratulations to our Councilmember Todd Gloria and his first State of the District address, which drew a standing-only crowd and was a huge success.

Well finally the dust is settling down over the recent San Diego LGBT Pride controversy and after full media attention including, coverage in the Union-Tribune, local TV news stations and GLBT media. It’s time we all moved on. I’ve had good conversations with some of our new Pride board members and Councilmembers Todd Gloria and Carl DeMaio as well as Senator Christine Kehoe and former deputy mayor Toni Atkins. Its time we all give the new Pride board members a chance and to be patient and give them our support. We all have a rally, parade and festival to put on and support. So now let us all do our part to make this coming July the best Pride month ever!

It’s Black History Month, and as a Latino and gay man, I know, and we all should know, that our GLBT fight for equality – all minorities fight for equality in America – comes from the Black civil rights movement. We have all learned from the Black civil rights movement, from its demonstrations, sit-ins and marches. Yes, the GLBT fight for equality is the civil rights movement of the 21st century, but we owe much to our Black brothers and sisters who have shown us how to fight for our rights and prevail over hate.

I urge you all to catch HBO’s documentary, “A Family is a Family”, produced by Rosie O’ Donnell. It’s a brilliant, loving 40-minute film that I wish could be shown in all grade and middle schools. This film is about all kinds of families, heterosexual, GLBT, single parents, mixed and many races. The beauty of this film is that a vast majority of the dialogue comes from the mouths of children and their pure unconditional love that will touch your heart. This documentary includes great visuals and music, and as one child simply put it, “It’s all about love.” Catch this on HBO!

City Council President Ben Hueso is a stirring example of the American dream. Hueso is a success story from the “Barrio” and is a role model for all Latinos. His council district is one that is conservative on social issues and, yes, voted “Yes” on Proposition 8, but Ben Hueso stood up for equality and made a stand urging all to vote “No” on the proposition. This did not make his Catholic bishop happy who even wrote him a letter. But then our community has always been able to count on Ben for many years on numerous civil rights issues. Ben is now a leading candidate for the State Assembly and has received the full support and endorsements of Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins and Todd Gloria and almost every GLBT leader and businessperson in San Diego. Ben Hueso, who stood up against his own constituents and church for marriage equality, has earned our support. It is therefore so very disappointing that the San Diego Democratic Club declined to officially endorse him but just rated him “acceptable.” Many of us just don’t get it.

Mayor Jerry Sanders recently appointed prominent San Diego civic leader and businessperson Robert Gleason as chair of the powerful San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Gleason is also a much respected leader in our GLBT community. He is a past chair of the San Diego LGBT Community Center and a proud father of two beautiful children along with his life-long partner Marc. Gleason is also the co-chair of this year’s second annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast (May 21) and is a city commissioner. For some time, many San Diegans have urged Gleason to run for public office, and word is that he is seriously considering a future race for city council.

When popular former city councilmember Michael Zucchet was indicted, many of us stood solidly behind him and we’re happy to finally see the charges dropped. It should always be that one is innocent until proven guilty. Many of you have been asking questions about Bourbon Street, Lei Lounge owner Michael Weiss, who is also now facing federal charges back east. Weiss is also a public servant. He is a state commissioner, city commissioner and respected businessperson and philanthropist in Pennsylvania. The Weiss family has also been active in San Diego giving back to our community and supporting our fight for full equality. I know many of us wish the best for Michael. What I hear from my sources back east is that many believe that in the end he will prevail in the courts. Hang in there Michael Weiss, you have lots of friends not only on the East Coast but also on the West Coast.

One of Logo’s and VH1’s highest rating shows is back: “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. Included in this year’s cast is a local drag diva, Morgan of The Dreamgirls Revue. Morgan performs every Wednesday night at Urban Mo’s and Saturdays at Bourbon Street. Morgan won the first competition this week and was flawless. The reality show is about two female impersonators selected as the best from all over the USA and Puerto Rico, and they battle to win the crown. And now they have added another show called “Untucked!,” which is all just pure fun and fabulous TV.

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