A big bravo to our Center for its LGBT San Diego Delivers the Vote! campaign… one of the best-organized community-wide voter registration drives in history. Bravo to the San Diego Democratic Club for continuing its over 20 years of making GLBT voter registration one of its major priorities… and bravo to GLBT Vote 2004 for its community outreach and voter education…. Now everyone, remember to vote on Nov. 2.

First of all, I have never liked how many in our community have chosen to attack and belittle openly lesbian Mary Cheney, daughter of the vice president. Mary Cheney has always chosen to remain a private person… Dick Gephardt’s lesbian daughter sought the political spotlight. I feel the parents of Mary Cheney have all the right to discuss their daughter… I felt during the vice presidential debate that John Edwards brought up Mary Cheney with respect and care and the vice president thanked him. I support John Kerry 100 percent, but like most Americans, I feel his bringing up Mary Cheney was inappropriate. (A recent poll of Democrats, Republicans and Independents showed that 64 percent felt it was inappropriate and only 33 percent appropriate.) I feel that for Kerry’s campaign manager to say “Mary Cheney is fair game” was awful. Also, for John Edwards’ wife to say that Mary Cheney’s mother was “embarrassed” about her lesbian daughter was also below the belt. But as for the outrage of many Republicans… how about their complete silence when Republican U.S. Senate candidate Alan Keyes compared Mary Cheney to “Satan”…. And how about the Republican Party in some states using gay marriage as a wedge issue… both parties did not handle this Mary Cheney affair well… let’s leave the children of candidates alone and off limits.

In the last weeks, after many discussions, phone calls, etc., it has been very apparent that all three candidates for mayor have GLBT support…. Yes, some more than others, but all three can claim GLBT support. Donna Frye probably has more support with the endorsements of Deputy Mayor Toni Atkins and the San Diego Democratic Club… Frye is the only candidate supporting gay marriage. Ron Roberts is probably close behind with endorsements from the Gay & Lesbian Times, GLBT Vote 2004, Ben Dillingham, etc. Roberts came out against the anti-gay amendment and has almost a 20-year record of pro-gay votes, including major AIDS funding and funding for The Center. Mayor Dick Murphy remains popular in some GLBT circles… everyone acknowledges that he is a down to earth “nice guy” and gentleman who, though our community did not support him at all four years ago, has done his best to reach out to our community…. I am friends with all three candidates, as many in our community are. Some in our community are financially giving to more than one candidate because, like many San Diegans, they are torn between these candidates… for many, the ever-changing race makes this a difficult election.

San Diego’s annual Latin Pride used to draw thousands and last weekend drew hundreds… mostly because of the controversy around Bienestar and its control by the Los Angeles main office. Latin Pride Executive Director Ben Gomez did his very best and worked hard in a very difficult situation and he has my respect.

The good news is that next year’s Latin Pride 2005 will be totally controlled by its owners, the Latino community, and the proceeds will benefit more local GLBT Latino organizations than just always Bienestar. Anthony Cortez and I are the co-founders of Latin Pride and with the “team” and leadership of Carolina Ramos, Franceska, Tony Puente and Larry Baza, our vision is a Latin Pride that benefits many GLBT and AIDS Latino agencies, not just one. Our first Latin Pride San Diego had over $35,000 in sponsorship… this year’s Latin Pride could only get a few thousand… there will be an open public meeting early next year to organize next year’s Latin Pride and announce major sponsors and public input on the beneficiaries…. In a signed, written letter, Ben Gomez agreed that this would be the last time Bienestar solely produces this annual event.

I do think we should all appreciate the many volunteers and those who worked hard on this year’s Latin Pride… but next year’s will definitely be better, with more major sponsors and unity.

Mama’s Kitchen is celebrating its 15th anniversary… yes, 15 years of feeding people living with AIDS and leaving love and compassion with every meal. Mama’s Kitchen has successfully bridged the gap between an always-caring GLBT community and our straight community… making AIDS the human and health issue that it is…. Now Mama’s Kitchen not only delivers meals daily, but has the AIDS food bank (Mama’s Pantry) and Grocery Hearts… thank you to its outstanding executive director, Alberto Cortes, its hard-working board, great staff and hundreds of volunteers…. God bless everyone at Mama’s Kitchen.

The Center’s annual Gala is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 30, at the beautiful Marriott Hotel and Marina, and word is ticket sales are so hot that this will be the biggest attendance ever! (Great job to co-chairs M.E. Stephens and Fred Sainz.) This is always our community’s major social event of the year, with one of the most diverse crowds and the who’s who of San Diego…. With budget cuts and funding being down for all social service organizations, it’s important that we support our Center now more than ever…. For tickets, table reservations, etc., phone (619) 692-2077.

One of San Diego’s most popular, award-winning bars, yes, Bourbon Street, is celebrating this week… and you should know that new owners Mike and Bill Weiss, who have owned Bourbon Street only for a few months, have given out financial contributions to AIDS Walk, Latin Pride, FilmOut San Diego and Grocery Hearts (Mama’s Kitchen’s food bank), and are hosting a fundraiser for Ron Roberts for mayor…. That’s what you call diving right into our community with total commitment and support. Congratulations to everyone at Bourbon Street, especially Michael Mack, Leo and the entire great staff. Don’t forget super-popular backup singer for Madonna, yes, Niki Haris will be at Bourbon Street this Sunday, Oct. 24, at 7:00 p.m.

The final GLBT fundraiser for Ron Roberts for mayor will be held next Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Bourbon Street (7:30 to 9:00 p.m.) with food, drinks, etc. Along with many hosts, this fundraiser is mainly being organized by Michael Mack… for more information, phone (619) 291-4043.

The beautiful home of prominent gay attorney Bruce Abrams will be the location of a multi-Democratic club fundraiser for write-in mayoral candidate Donna Frye, with contributions requested, starting at $50 and going to $250. For further information, phone (858) 496-3312.

Rebar sets aside Wednesday nights for their popular BAD parties. And on Wednesday, Oct. 27, they are hosting their Halloween Boogiebash with DJ Lollipop and the most outrageous, shocking costume contest. There will also be a live performance by Joey G. and Damien Lux, performing their debut single, “Hot Ticket”. Free CDs to the first 100 guests!