Welcome to Rage, a new San Diego monthly. Let’s see now, we have the Gay & Lesbian Times, Buzz, Lavender Lens, dot Newsmagazine, Rocket, PIX, In Magazine, Frontiers and Zengers. There are also rumors of yet another GLBT publication launching soon.

President Bush says that we are fighting to stabilize Iraq. Yet the Iraqi government is allowing its Christians and GLBT citizens to be persecuted and killed. We will never change this country. You cannot force democracy on a country that doesn’t want it. A recent poll of Iraqi citizens overwhelming shows that they want us out of their country. I predict that this war will end up like Vietnam, period. As far as I’m concerned, we should cut our losses, bring our troops home and impeach Bush.

As many of you know, radical right-wing religious nuts are complaining about the upcoming July 8 Padres game at PETCO Park because the Gay Men’s Chorus will be singing the national anthem. These nut cases call it a salute to the GLBT community. Let’s show up in the thousands and cheer for our Gay Men’s Chorus and home team. The game starts at 5 p.m. Buy your tickets today and take everyone you know.

As I’ve said so many times, the Golden State is turning brown. The state of California has a population that consists of 57 percent people of color. That is: 13.1 million Latinos, 5 million Asians, 2.7 million blacks and 689,000 American Indians. Meanwhile, California’s Caucasian population is continuing to shrink. So why do I bring this up? Well, for decades I’ve been calling for more community building and stronger coalitions between the GLBT community and people of color. Our future and battle for equality depend on a stronger understanding of and connection with people of color.

Recently, several members of our community have left the Diversionary Theatre hundreds of thousands of dollars from their estates. This is great for the Diversionary Theatre and many GLBT people have the financial means to make such donations. However, I’ve been shocked to hear that the majority of the GLBT community gives nothing back to GLBT organizations. While some leave money to a museum or opera house, I say give it to the GLBT community. The Center, HIV/AIDS organizations, GLBT youth centers, housing projects and recovery organizations need continual support. These organizations save and change GLBT people’s lives. Please think about adding them to your wills.

Mr. San Diego himself, yes, Jack O’Brien, won his third Tony Award this past Sunday. It was well deserved. In fact, O’Brien’s play, The Coast of Utopia, won a record seven Tony Awards. The play is part of a trilogy about 19th century Russian intellectuals. Years ago, Jack O’Brien was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Nicky Awards, which is the gay San Diego equivalent of the Academy Awards. I know there is more to come from this especially gifted man. Bravo, Jack!

I’ve loved the movie Hairspray ever since it came out. Our very own Jack O’Brien turned the movie, which was directed by John Waters and starred the-one-and-only Divine, into a Broadway hit, and I had to see it twice. When it came to the Civic Theater in San Diego, I went to go see it along with Sherman Mendoza of The Caliph, and we had a great time. This summer, prepare yourselves for even more Hairspray, as the musical has been turned into a film and is set to be released sometime in July. This time it stars John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, who will hopefully play a better part than Jerry O’Boyle, who was a little weak in the stage show.

I’ve received reports about bad situations occurring through Internet meetings. I’ve heard of everything from blackmail and threats, to robbery and beatings. Be careful who you invite into your home. Let’s not forget about the recent murder of gay man Raymund Catolico, who met his killer on the Internet and was later murdered in his Little Italy condo. Be cautious and stop being so trusting. Remember, there are a lot of users and bad people out there.

If you loved Little Miss Sunshine, you’re going to have a great time watching the movie Waitress. It’s a rollercoaster ride of laughter and tears, but it’s much more than a drama/comedy. Waitress delivers a number of messages on many levels. I give it two thumbs and toes up!

Come out and celebrate Emperor Robi Cox’s birthday at Bacchus House this Saturday, June 16, at 7:30 p.m. It is sure to be a memorable event, with many people on hand to help the current monarch of the Imperial Court de San Diego celebrate his special day. Donations will benefit the Benjamin F. Dillingham Fund, which is a charitable organization of the Imperial Court de San Diego. Everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP via e-mail to bacchushouseevents@cox.net.

The annual Mr. and Ms. Gay Latino 2007 Contest will be held at Bacchus House on Sunday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m. This is always a fun and entertaining evening, and this year’s event promises to be the same. There is still time to become a contestant and the entire GLBT is encouraged to join in. For more information, call Jackie at 619-581-6440.