Well, I’ve been grounded again for a while and stupidly forgot to get my flu shot. So it’s been a lot of bed time for me, but life goes on.

For those of us who are of color, we know that racism is alive and well in society and even the election of our first black president doesn’t really change people. Racism is also alive in our GLBT community as you see few leaders or activists of color. Many don’t feel welcomed by or among our organizations. There are few people of color hired in our businesses and bars. There is little outreach to people of color unless you’re an HIV/AIDS organization and government funds require it. And of course, now we have the all white “Tea Baggers.” Sometimes things never change.

This is the most diverse city council in the history of San Diego and the most progressive. In the 1960s and 1970s, our city council was made up of almost all white conservative republican men. We have all come a long way baby! Two proven hard working city councilmembers who deserve to be re-elected are Kevin Faulconer and Tony Young. In these difficult times, we need the continual steady voices and leadership of both these gentlemen on our council.

I just don’t get it when some gay people claim that Abraham Lincoln was gay among other unproven historical figures. We already have well known GLBT proven historical people but it seems some would like it if every major figure was. Now I have the most love and respect for Elton John, but his recent statement that “Jesus was gay” is way off the mark. To those of us who are Christian, we don’t look at him as straight or gay – asexual maybe – but it isn’t a subject we ever focus on or is discussed anywhere (Bible etc.) Isn’t anything sacred anymore?

I hope to see you all at the San Diego LGBT Community Center on Friday, Feb. 26 when Lambda Archives will be honoring true “Heroes, Pioneers and Trailblazers” among us. Come and show your appreciation and respect for their service to our community and people even if you don’t know them. They helped build our community, and we stand on their and so many others shoulders. Congratulations to Toni Atkins, Frank Buttino, Jeri Dilno, Cheryl Houk, Judy “the Beauty” Forman, Mel Merrill, Big Mike Phillips and Sandra Ramirez. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 619-502-0747 or 619-952-7337.

This coming Saturday night, the great people of the Alano Club will be having their third annual talent show at the beautiful Balboa Park Club’s Santa Fe Room at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcomed to this great event with tickets only $10. Come out and support our recovery community!

As the years go by for me, I have more and more close friends who are now dads, moms, uncles and aunts etc. We all know that we don’t choose to be gay but are born this way. God does not make mistakes, and I believe he loves us all. Well, once again this was proven in a really cute and true Valentine story. A straight mom who has a lesbian sister who I know has three young boys. The-eight-year old came to his mom and said he wanted her to bake some cookies for his one secret (no names) valentine, which his teacher told her students that they could give out unsigned. The excited eight-year-old then told his mom it was for another eight-year-old boy! By the way, his aunt says her nephew has all the gay signs and attitudes already. Well guess what, the other eight-year-old turns out to also give this boy his very own secret valentine. Yes GLBT youth are growing up and coming on to their own in all ages.

The Human Rights Campaign’s fun annual “Bowling for Equality” is coming up this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Kearny Mesa Bowl. Last year, hundreds showed up for a fabulous night of socializing and meeting people of all ages. This should be another sell out. So get your tickets right now at www.hrc.org/sandiegobowling.

For more exciting, breaking news, gossip, politics and all the gay news that’s fit to print including Editor at Large Nicole Murray-Ramirez’s People Opinions & Politics, Associate Editor Aaron Heier’s Two Cents, Stephen Whitburn’s Politics Tracker, Stampp Corbin’s The Oracle and much more daily news and happenings, visit www.GLTNewsNow.com. Mark us in your favorites and stay informed daily!