First of all, thank you once again for your concern about my health, but this is the last time I will be discussing it… or writing about it. I am not in perfect condition and, yes, I’m ill… but I’m very optimistic and I’m doing OK. There are many who are suffering with AIDS, cancer, etc.… they are the ones that I believe are the role models for me…. Trust me, though I have bad times, I am lucky. That being said, at times I will not have a column or will be unable to attend events… please understand. Also, this is a private matter and though I deeply appreciate your outpouring of concern, I will not discuss my health situation again… period. Thank you for understanding.

The sudden death of Charles Lewis shocked and saddened many in our city and the GLBT community. Now all the talk is who will succeed him in office…. I am supporting and hoping for Charles’ chief of staff, Anthony Young, to be his successor. Charles and Tony had been friends since childhood. I believe that the 4th District needs another champion and role model… a bridge builder, and Andy Young is that man. … He gives hope to the youth in his district and is new blood and a new generation.

But the facts are that if the Rev. George Stevens runs, he will win…. Rev. Stevens and I agree to disagree on some issues, but no one has fought for the 4th District like he has… I hope Rev. Stevens will pass on the torch to a new generation of leaders like Andy Young.

Word is that Dwayne Crenshaw who lost to Charles Lewis will once again run… Dwayne is a nice guy but I urge him not to run, as word is that this time some conservative and religious leaders will not give Dwayne Crenshaw “a pass” this campaign around.

During recent elections I have begun to notice in the last few years some gay political activists beginning smear campaigns of lies and false statements on candidates they do not support.

When Charles Lewis ran, many in our community stated he was homophobic and a “George Stevens clone”… of course he wasn’t, and turned out to be a friend of our community.

District 1 council candidate Phil Thalheimer has also been smeared by some as homophobic… he is not; as I’ve said, his parents survived the holocaust… he knows about hate and bigotry.

Now a smear campaign in our community has begun by some that Tricia Hunter is homophobic… bullshit. Do you think Bonnie Dumanis and I would support a homophobic candidate? Tricia Hunter is a nurse who has cared about our community since the early days of AIDS… she is pro-choice and for equal rights for all citizens. Tricia Hunter came out early against the anti-gay amendment. Like John Kerry, she strongly supports GLBT civil unions. She is committed to establishing a GLBT advisory board and has strong GLBT support of leaders, activists, business people and people of color supporting her… including GLBT Vote 2004… Tricia Hunter homophobic? Just ask her longtime gay roommate.

I call upon our community leaders and political activists to support your candidate and not smear the opponent… I proudly support Tricia Hunter and call upon each of you not to listen just to me or Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins, or any of us…don’t just take our word; get to know the candidate yourself…

The fifth annual Scouting For All rally at Balboa Park was a great success with a solid turnout of enthusiastic supporters from all communities and age groups. For the first time, a group of Religious right protestors reading their Bibles showed up… maybe it was to celebrate our victory in the courts?! This was one of the best rallies I’ve attended yet, with all the speakers doing an outstanding job: M.E. Stephens (one of our community’s best speakers); Brenda Watson, courageous and proud as usual; Ernie McCray, who has a voice like Barry White and speaks like Jesse Jackson; both Mick Rabin and Bob Leyh were excellent and very articulate and had the crowd responding; Jennifer Schumaker, a lesbian and mother, stole our hearts and emotions; and Howard Menzor did a fine job as emcee. I had to leave early for Gay Day in South Bay, but I urge all of you to continue to support Scouting For All … and a great big bravo to all of these outstanding citizens, both GLBT and straight, for fighting the good and noble fight for us and our youth…. God bless you.

It’s great that we have a North County Pride and Gay Day in South Bay (Chula Vista), proving once again that GLBT citizens live all over San Diego County. Gay Day in South Bay is one of my favorites, as it is truly a family affair in a beautiful park…. Free admission, free food (thank you, Sycuan Casino) and everyone is friendly and has a good time…. This fabulous day is sponsored by that outstanding organization, Family Matters (which has a membership of over 800 GLBT families)…. I can’t wait ’til next year, as it grows bigger every year.

The talk of the town is the first GLBT event on the U.S.S. Midway (the huge Navy aircraft carrier) and you’re all invited! It’s Sunday, Sept. 12, and it’s the annual Living Out Loud event to benefit Stepping Stone… and the great organizers of this event have for the second year booked a nationally well-known popular comedian, the hilarious and beautiful Caroline Rhea… it’s an event that always has good food and an unbelievable silent auction… so get your tickets today…. It should be a sellout. Phone (619) 584-4010 ext. 108 for tickets or more information… and I hope to see you all there.