I want to thank those of you who continue to support the Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant, which has, among its many contributions, helped with the burial or cremation of over a dozen GLBT members of our community.

Recently, the Union-Tribune printed a letter to the editor that contained false information that one of the eight candidates for San Diego City Council’s District 4 had come out at a public forum. The Union-Tribune printed the letter without even checking the facts (a few days later, they printed a retraction). While I do not support this candidate, I also believe that this was not the right thing to do. The author of the letter is a well-known and respected young businessman who got married in San Francisco and had another wedding at the Hotel del Coronado, which was covered by the local news. I understand how he is upset that this closeted gay candidate came out against gay marriage, but once again, I believe his actions were misguided and wrong.

Since this incident, I understand that this candidate has been coming out to people and will be coming out publicly soon… something he should have done a long time ago.

The Bienestar GLBT Latino center is going through a lot of problems… its entire staff resigned (including popular executive director Carolina Ramos). Its board members also all left and it has lost important financial grants… but most important of all, it lost the support of almost all of San Diego’s GLBT Latino leadership and activists.

While a GLBT center was indeed needed and the Latino community responded, Bienestar did not work because it was totally run from the Los Angeles’ main headquarters (there are about five Bienestar centers in Los Angeles County) and their bureaucracy was a total nightmare. The San Diego Bienestar was treated like a far-away stepchild and San Diegans felt their needs were a low priority. In fact, the local Bienestar lost grants because of the Los Angeles headquarters’ continuing failure to meet deadlines. One time I even had to step in to save a grant because of the Los Angeles headquarters’ incompetence. The lack of communication and respect of Los Angeles officials to the local board and staff continued to grow. In fact, lately the Los Angeles officials have been in San Diego more than they have ever been in all the years Bienestar has been open.

I know much more, and could state a lot more facts, but I won’t at this point. What has prompted me to write this is the statement made at a Los Angeles meeting of Latinos by the Bienestar director that, “White people had taken over Bienestar in San Diego.” This is a lie… what happened is that many San Diego Latino leaders and activists got together and had enough of the Los Angeles bureaucracy and left Bienestar. I believe in and support the work that Bienestar does, but being managed and controlled by a Los Angeles main office just did not work for San Diego…. We needed a Latino program/center run for us and by us Latino San Diegans.

Her online name was “Diva 6969” and indeed, one of San Diego’s most popular entertainers, Satin, was a true diva. She could get you angry, she could give you attitude but she had a heart that beat for the good of her community, and tirelessly and for years participated in and hosted countless benefits. God blessed her with a singing face that received many a standing ovation and she became the first drag queen to be invited to sing at a City Hall event. Satin was elected “Princess Royale” of the Imperial Court de San Diego and also won many contests. Even when I visited her in hospice, her spirit was high and she fought until the end against many illnesses…. But the truth be known, she had been fighting many health problems for years. Satin’s strength was her much-loved mother, Mama Wheels, and her love for her community. I recently met with Mama Wheels and Satin’s sister to plan a community celebration in memory of Satin, which is set for Nov. 7 at The Center. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Queen Eddie Youth Fund… I want to especially acknowledge Linda Childers (president of the Imperial Court de San Diego) for her constant support of Mama Wheels during her time of need.

A must-see and outstanding exhibit called “Changing Rooms: The Backstage World of Drag Queens”, a black-and-white photography exhibit by artist Andrew Printer to be held at the 4 Design Gallery (3813 Ray St.) in North Park from Oct. 9 to Nov. 9… Changing Rooms consists of photographs taken backstage at drag shows in bars in England, Prague, Tijuana and San Diego (many of the cast of the Dreamgirls Revue are included). A silent auction for a limited-edition print will be conducted to benefit Grocery Hearts. For more information on this most interesting and truly fabulous exhibit, phone (619) 501-0879.

I once again attended the annual National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) dinner at the Doubletree Hotel last Saturday. Renowned activist and comedian Dick Gregory was the special guest of honor. Out lesbian and African-American leader Dr. Pat Washington was honored with the coveted Presidential Award…. Among GLBTs in attendance were Jeff Durfee, Todd Gloria, Chris Horton, Dr. Al Best and Eduardo, and Maggie Allington… it was nice sitting with State Assembly candidate Tricia Hunter, along with Linda Childers. Congratulations, Pat Washington, on this well deserved honor and recognition.

Please, please don’t forget to register to vote in this, one of the most important elections of our lifetime… Monday, Oct. 18, is the last day you can register to vote… do it today. Thank you.

Rich’s is celebrating its 13th anniversary Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10, featuring special guest performers Simone Denny and DJ Barry Harris. Rich’s is also unveiling a new look, and all customers who arrive between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday nights receive a complementary VIP card! There will also be special gifts and prizes to commemorate the anniversary!