Joseph Rocha is indeed a hero in so many ways. But now you, the community, will have the chance to honor “Heroes, Pioneers and Trailblazers” among us, some whom have devoted well over three decades fighting for our community and full equality. Among our local heroes are former deputy mayor Toni Atkins, Frank Buttino, Jeri Dilno, Cheryl Houk, Judy “the Beauty” Forman, Mel Merrill, Big Mike Phillips and Sandra Ramirez. Toni Atkins is a role model of what a true pubic servant should be about. Frank Buttino is an author and lecturer and the first out gay FBI agent who almost single handedly changed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s employment practices. Jeri Dilno is a true lesbian icon and leader activist and fighter who has devoted almost 40 years of her life in the political arena, feminist movement and is a fighter for almost every cause. Cheryl Houk single handily put the issue and face of our GLBT recovery community on the map in San Diego. Yes, she is the mother of Stepping Stone. Judy “the Beauty” Forman has since the 1970s been pouring out coffee and unconditional love at the Big Kitchen to all and proving that you don’t have to be gay to be apart of our family. To me, Judy is the woman who loves all of God’s children and let’s you know that you always have a true friend. Mel Merrill is an articulate, intelligent and passionate advocate for full equality for all of us. For decades, we have been able to count on Mel to quietly and mostly behind the scenes do anything and everything he can and answer any call for his help in this on going civil rights struggle. Big Mike Phillips, an always giving man, can’t say no to any cause or call. Mike Phillips biggest asset is his compassionate heart, which has touched thousands. Sandra Ramirez gives voice to those who are at times scorned by many and who have no voice such as the transgender community. Sandra is our Stonewall-like heroine breaking down doors for our transgender community. Please come and give your appreciation, respect and love to these outstanding San Diegans next Friday, Feb. 26 at the San Diego LGBT Community Center at 6 p.m. For more information, call 619-502-0747 or 619-952-7337. Though I can’t stay for the entire event, I’ve made sure that I will be able to spend sometime before I head to the airport. All these heroes deserve our attendance and love.

So many times people call me, e-mail me or just stop me on the street and tell me how upset they are about the very hateful and vicious attacks by, of course, mostly anonymous people posting comments after my and other columns and Web sites. Hey, I’m use to it, everything from ‘wish you would die’ to the unimaginable. Recently, Senator Christine Kehoe, Toni Atkins and Councilmember Todd Gloria have been subject to the vicious attacks. No one is spared by these few people hiding behind anonymous names and posting under numerous other names. Some, as you can tell, are really opposed to me and weekly respond with their hate and wild accusations, but they never offer any back-up or proof. Many of you ask me, ‘Why don’t you reply?’ I really don’t need to as they continue to make me the most read gay columnist in town for now more than 40 years. Most of their comments make them look like hate mongers, idiots and nut cases. I say keep your loony letters coming in. The more you write, the more you make my fan and foe base grow and the more bonus I get!