3 Comments Kathleen
LA HRC Event Hits and Misses
March 16, 2010
by Brian Leubitz
Karen Ocamb does a fantastic job covering the LGBT news of the day at her blog, LGBTPOV, the LA Frontiers newspaper, and throughout numerous LGBT publications. She is really a fantastic source for your LGBT news, especially anything going on in SoCal. So, it was with excitement that I clicked on over when I saw her recap of the HRC gala dinner.
To summarize: Kathy Griffin was the star of the show, and others…well…
So it uncommon for a self-proclaimed “D-List” celebrity to make more news than the politicos. But comedienne Kathy Griffin’s call to protest the antigay military policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a significant highlight at the Human Rights Campaign gala March 13 at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel. Actress Portia de Rossi was also a hit with the story about her political evolution.
Griffin – the intentionally controversial comedienne awarded the HRC Ally for Equality Award – apologized for foregoing her usual “dick” jokes (see a funny red carpet interview with her on Radaronline.) But she decided to skip the prepared speech in favor of reading emails from a gay soldier doing his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and the soldier’s partner of 10 years – both of whom are suffering under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Griffin has taken her comedy tour to Iraq and intends to do a special on DADT on her Bravo show, “My Life on the D-List.” She announced that she is flying to Washington DC on Monday to meet with Congressmember Barney Frank and “whoever else” she can meet on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, she is holding a DADT protest in Freedom Plaza at noon, which will also be taped for her special. She asked the audience to use their social networks (“twat it on your twitter”) to spread the word.
*** *** ***
While this was a powerful segment, other portions of the HRC dinner were awkward.For instance, there was an embarrassing paucity of politicians at the political fundraiser – most notably missing was California Assembly Speaker John Perez who just made history as the nation’s first openly gay Latino to head a state legislative body. (LGBTPOV)
Ocamb also felt that while it was great that Senator Boxer was able to speak to the crowd, the fact that she only stayed to speak, and quickly departed was something of a bummer. Also, Dr. Duane McWaine, the spouse of openly gay Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner, was not recognized by the HRC organizers.
Nonetheless, these events are as much to see and be seen as anything else. It’s less about actually bringing about political change, and more about raising cash for HRC and looking splendid.
So, did anybody attend the event? Any thoughts?
Filed under: Uncategorized
28 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Maine Dave | March 16, 2010 at 1:40 am
I love Kathy Griffin, but really, what does it matter what she, and other Hollywood types, thinks about the DADT policy?
2.
Eddie | March 16, 2010 at 1:40 am
Comedienne? Really? Does Karen Ocamb consider herself an authoress? Or a "bloggeress?" I thought we were past all this stuff now.
3.
Richard W. Fitch | March 16, 2010 at 2:05 am
Why do people so readily discount the views of "Hollywood Types"?? Just because they are entertainment celebrities does not mean they have no social and political convictions as well. Ron Reagan made it to the White House and Charlton Heston had considerable national impact as pres. of NRA. They may earn their money creating fantasies for their audiences, but they still are real people with real lives away from the lights and glamor.
4.
Kathleen | March 16, 2010 at 2:06 am
Maine Dave, the Hollywood types often have more influence on public opinion than do those who are non-Hollywood political activists. Ultimately, if the general public is behind repeal, the politicians will gladly follow. So support of celebrities like Kathy Griffin can certainly make a difference.
5.
Ronnie | March 16, 2010 at 2:22 am
Kathy Griffin is not on the D-List….she is on the A-List …….for ALLY……….woooo hoooooo….LOVE HER!!!!…..<3…Ronnie
6.
Maine Dave | March 16, 2010 at 2:27 am
I understand what you are saying, but where I live the people in Hollywood, all the way over in "liberal" California, are seen as having no idea about life and ways here. They are seen as butting in where they have no business and sometimes some people are less inclined to support an issue if it's been taken up as a cause by Hollywood.
Will the people of western and northern Maine who voted Yes on 1 and support DADT change their mind because others on the left coast, already seen as liberals, support gay marriage and the repeal of DADT? I really don't think so.
Mr. Fitch-the two examples you gave are known conservatives and most of the people in Hollywood who support us are not. I am not sure if they are good examples to support the notion of the influence of Hollywood on American society as a whole.
Cindy McCain and Dick Cheney coming out in support-THAT will make more of a difference overall than liberal celebrities.
Dave
7.
Michelle Evans | March 16, 2010 at 2:32 am
I guess that the problem with "liberal Hollywood" is that pretty much everyone in the world expects them to be liberal, so they are not listened to in the same way as people such as Cindy McCain. That was huge news because she is associated with a very conservative Senator. That's what gets people's attention, when a conservative jumps to our side of the tracks.
On the other hand, the very positive side of Hollywood celebrities doing their thing in our favor is that they attract money to the cause, and that is always something that is desperately needed if we are to win back our rights and freedom. From that perspective I welcome Kathy and anyone else who can do what she does to raise awareness and money.
8.
Michelle Evans | March 16, 2010 at 2:37 am
As for the HRC itself, I have to say that every time I see or hear about something they are doing supposedly to move us forward, I have to take it with a grain of salt. As a transgender person, I am very cognizant of the fact that in 2007 the HRC threw out all transgender people as being worthy of the same equality as LGB people. Joes' idea was that he would come back and pick us up later, after he and the rest of LGBs got everything they wanted. As if anyone truly believed that would happen.
And to this day, Joe has never apologized for what he did to us as the head of the only American organization to take that stance against trans. He maintains that his actions were right and proper, when they were clearly not. He should have been removed as head of HRC as that would be the only true way to acknowledge the wrong he did. Yet he still plows away without a care in the world and could care less what he did to us.
9.
Ronnie | March 16, 2010 at 2:53 am
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.asp…
Obama Administration Specifically Recruited Homosexual Activist to Be 'Safe Schools Czar'
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer
"Because of his controversial past, last fall 52 House Republicans signed a letter to President Barack Obama calling for Jennings to be removed from the safe schools post. The letter was circulated by Iowa Rep. Steve King."
(me) so…over 3 million Americans are publicly telling you to STFU..and mind your own business….but are you listening?…..NO!!!!…..
"“As the founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings has played an integral role in promoting homosexuality and pushing a pro-homosexual agenda in America's schools — an agenda that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to instill in their children,” the House Republican letter said."
(me)….so the values of parents of LGBTQQI children and the values of LGBTQQIA parents don't matter?…..Then why do you take their tax money?……
"“Throughout his career, Mr. Jennings has made it his mission to establish special protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students to the exclusion of all other students,” the House GOP letter said."
(Me) are straight students being attacked and/or murdered because they are straight?……They have protections…LGBTQQIA students don't…..
"In a widely circulated 2000 speech regarding the allegedly underage student, Jennings recalled a 15-year-old named Brewster.
As Jennings has recounted: “He got very quiet, and he finally looked at me and said, ‘Well, I met someone in the bus station bathroom and I went home with him.’ High school sophomore, 15 years old. That was the only way he knew how to meet gay people. I was a closeted gay teacher, 24 years old, didn’t know what to say, knew I should say something quickly. So I finally said–my best friend had just died of AIDS the week before. I looked at Brewster and said, ‘You know, I hope you knew to use a condom.’ He said to me something I will never forget, He said, ‘Why should I? My life isn’t worth saving anyway.’”
(me)….That is what you teach your kids….you fu<king Hateros…..that their lives are not worth saving….So Sad….for YOU……
"White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters, “I think there are many good people from every political persuasion that seek to serve their country and serve in government, I think it’s a sacrifice, but one that people do voluntarily because they love their country.”
(me) But to the Hateros….a person is only aloud to serve their country in any way only if you fit their mold….and live how they want you to live….sounds like freedom to me……NOT!!!!!……<3….Ronnie
10.
yoshi | March 16, 2010 at 2:55 am
I've been to two HRC dinners local to my city and a few other gatherings. They are pointless affairs. Everyone hangs around, bid for pointless objects, have dinner, listen to some bad and occasionally good speeches, take jabs at Republicans, eat bad food, and then "mingle".
I'm convinced HRC is just a dating club. I stopped giving HRC money after they were begging for donations for the building they overpaid for in Washington DC.
11.
rf | March 16, 2010 at 2:58 am
Looks like firedoglake is going back to liveblogging the prop 8 trial. or at least trying to:
http://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/35471
12.
Richard A. Walter (s | March 16, 2010 at 3:14 am
Just keeping up with the posts. By the way, we sent our census form off today. It really felt great to put my name down and check husband for the relationship question, and then to put the Queer the Census label on the envelope!
13.
Ronnie | March 16, 2010 at 3:18 am
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/03/1…
Posted on Advocate.com March 16, 2010
Penn. Senators Votes Down Antigay Marriage Bill
By Neal Broverman
"Pennsylvania legislators on Tuesday voted against advancing a bill that could have constitutionally banned same-sex marriage."
(me) hahaha….PWND…..
"The state's senate judiciary committee tabled senate bill 707 by an 8-6 bipartisan vote."
(me) not a wide spread….but the Hateros lost none the less…..
"“The efforts to embed discrimination against LGBT people into our constitution have failed for a third time,” Andy Hoover, legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania,"
(me) Strike 3…..your out…..to quote Jujubee….."Just get yourself some manners so you don't look so damn stupid"….Hateros……
" “This committee today recognized that LGBT people are our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, and our family members and that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
(me) That's what I've been saying all along….
Committee members who voted to table SB 707 included Republicans Pat Browne, Jane Earll, and Mary Jo White and Democrats Daylin Leach, Lisa Boscola, Wayne Fontana, Michael Stack, and Jay Costa.
(me) sweet…..<3…Ronnie
14.
Ronnie | March 16, 2010 at 3:20 am
I didn't get my sticker in the mail yet?….<3…Ronnie
15.
fiona64 | March 16, 2010 at 3:54 am
Me either. I'm waiting for the sticker to show up before I send it off.
Love,
Fiona
16.
Kathleen | March 16, 2010 at 3:55 am
Looks like there won't be a live blog. But I hope, at least, we'll get a summary of the proceedings.
I've been trying to keep people posted on this matter at the facebook P8TT page, including making the court filings available to anyone who wants them. But I have no way of knowing what the outcome is until an Order is issued, unless it gets reported somewhere.
17.
Marlene Bomer | March 16, 2010 at 4:37 am
As another transactivist, I have to agree with Michelle.
Uncle Joe threw us under the bus the nanosecond ENDA was threatened.
As with most wealthy gay men, he cares not for those who have to struggle every day with discrimination, but only with what he and his kind can get.
We need to remember that right at the beginning it all centered gay men. Lesbians were "allowed" to participate, but only as secretaries, and coffee servants.
As I've always said, once a certain segment of an oppressed community believe they've arrived, and begin to drive expensive cars, wear fancy clothes, and have six-figure incomes, they then become the oppressor. This is because of the delusion that they can never be a victim of discrimination because of their status.
My answer to that is they'd best not break down in certain areas of this country, because no matter what their car, or their clothes, or their job, they're just another f*g to beat up.
I was in a chat on Pam's House Blend where this table of lesbians were at a banquet, and this group of gay men walked up to them, left their dirty glasses on the table and told the women to take care of their glasses!
If I was there, I'd probably grab one of the boys by his tackle and tell the bastard to take care of his *own* glasses, and ask the asshole if we looked like the serving crew!
This arrogance by certain gay men boils my gourd, and it doesn't help that these banquets are far and above the affordability of working class LGBTs! Not all of us can afford tickets that cost $300, 400, and higher, not to mention be able to drive the hours it takes to get to where the banquet's being held! You'd think HRC and their state groups still believe the economy's going full steam ahead!
I used to get calls from HRC, and I told the person calling *why* I will never support them again until they start work for *everyone's* rights, not just a select few!
18.
Alan E. | March 16, 2010 at 4:37 am
The A+ list!
19.
rainbowneck1963 | March 16, 2010 at 4:56 am
Marlene, My husband and I went through that in our very own house until recently when his "adopted son" and his husband moved out. They want to pretend they are Mr. Macho and hang with a crowd that they don't seem to realize are laughing at them behind their backs, and they wanted to treat us as if we were the only ones who were supposed to take care of the household chores around here. And they just loved talking to each of us about the other behind our backs. They even tried telling lies to my mother-in-law about the two of us in an attempt to split us up, but it backfired on them and they have no credibility with her. And this was coming from two gay men who are trying to pretend they are straight. The are only fooing themselves. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any problem doing my share of the laundry, the dishes, the cooking, or the yardwork. But dammit, If I am going to do all of it, then nobody else should be in my house to live except me and my husband. If you are too lazy to stay awake and make sure you finish your own laundry by taking it out of the washer, putting it in the dryer, and then hanging it up after it comes out of the dryer, don't get mad at me when your clothes need to be rewashed or or are wrinkled. And don't get angry at me when you dirty the pots and pans and go to bed without doing the dishes when you cook for yourself and nobody else in the household.
20.
dieter | March 16, 2010 at 5:59 am
Dave….hollywood is where the awards ceremonies are. actors and actresses are from every state in the union, and they don't all live in Hollywood, nor are all tv,movies, and films produced here.
your point is a moot one.
the Governor of California ..what you call a "liberal" state….
is a REPUBLICAN. California is NOT a liberal state, and in fact has more per capita conservatives than anywhere else. ever been to FRESNO?..or bakersfield?
or even sacramento? NO!
and just so you know..he is also an actor.
after having lived in Hollywood for a majority of my life, I can safely tell you that MOST celebrities are not from Hollywood, nor do they live there. seems you so- called enlightened people with such a backwards view about actors, have gotten your facts a little skewed.
and actors are people with jobs just like everyone else. it cracks me up when apparently jealous people like you put them down as ignorant little know-nothings just because you don't like the job they have.
what's next?..you wont like anything that is supported by teachers?…or firemen?…or policemen?..I mean they are all people, and they all have jobs. I will never understand the animous against actors…or Hollywood.
I guess some people just need to get out more.
funny how you silly conservatives are ALWAYS the very first to jump on the bandwagon of an actor when you find out they are freaky little religious right wing nutbags.
I guess if that's the case then actors are OK people right?..lol..what a LOAD!
21.
dieter | March 16, 2010 at 6:04 am
I got my queer the census sticker in the mail yesterday.
oh and anyone who supports the HRC should be forced to give up their gay card, and to go live in Texas where they belong.
the HRC is NOT our ally….
22.
Maine Dave | March 16, 2010 at 6:16 am
Hi, Dieter-
Thanks for your reply. Having lived the majority of my life in Los Angeles, I know exactly what you are talking about. But having "gotten out" to areas that are not liberal California, I can safely say that there are people who care not what those in Hollywood say. I also know that California is not wholly liberal, but many people in other states don't realize that.
I am not sure why you have taken such a personal angle towards me in your reply, but you seem to have missed the point I was making. I am also not sure why you label me a conservative when I point out that many in the country don't care what actors or other celebrities say on certain issues. And who said anything about "enlightened people"?
I think that one thing that we can all agree on is that we, as a community, celebrate diversity and that includes the diversity of opinion.
Dave
23.
Rick | March 17, 2010 at 5:09 am
I'd be interested in more comments on HRC. Has it become just another self-serving lobbying organization? If I recall, HRC did not support the Prop 8 Trial; they preferred slogging along state by state, issue by issue, rather than taking the more immediate and direct path to SCOTUS.
24.
dieter | March 17, 2010 at 6:58 am
The HRC's SOLE purpose is to get more personal money for Mr. Joe Solmonese, most people do not know that he is paid well over 350,000 PER YEAR. that is PERSONAL income.that comes directly from all your donations! and the rest of all your donations go to purchasing his and his teams travel expenses, mortgages, and fancy dinner parties.
HRC does NOT want to move gay rights forward. They want things to drag out as long as possible so they can keep asking for more money.
they do nothing except photo ops.
if gays achieve equality then Joe's cash cow dries up and he would be forced to get a job and pay his own way. his dinner parties would stop, and he would have to live like the rest of us REAL gay advocates.
at one point long ago I was having a difficult time financially and contacted them to please STOP my automatic monthly donations. they said they would do so..well the next month they STILL took money out of my back account, and when I contacted them to complain and threaten to talk to a lawyer, they responded by saying:
"Go ahead..we can afford a better lawyer than you could ever hope to afford, and you will lose."
that is for REAL.
HRC is a group of people scamming the gay community to live an opulent lifestyle while doing NOTHING to advance gay rights. Joe needs to be fired, He is worse for gay rights than Maggie Gallagher and NOM is. FACT!
ask for a list of any REAL progress that the HRC is solely responsible for. You will have a very short list..worded to make it sound like they are working hard, when it is clear..their agenda is to prolong donations coming in as long as possible.
HRC was against the federal prop 8 trial UNTIL people complained and threatened to stop donations. suddenly they saw the light. Hrc has consistantly thrown trans people under the bus.
Hrc has consistantly lied about progress they have made. Hrc condones WAITING UNTIL 2017 to repeal doma and dadt!
FACTS!
25.
Rose W. | March 19, 2010 at 12:46 am
Agreed. My partner is trans, else I don't think I would've known. I boycott the HRC because of their anti-trans stuff.
26.
pdxile | March 22, 2010 at 5:55 am
HRC has a long and terrible history of going into places that are facing anti-gay initiatives or legislation, holding gala fundraising events there that people pay a huge amount of money to attend, and then whisking back off to DC without a shred of assistance given to the local folks fighting off attacks – but taking the money they could use in those campaigns with them.
HRC(F) did it in Oregon in the late 1980s, bringing Harvey Fierstein to headline an event that we thought would raise money for our grassroots fight against Oregon Citizens' Alliance campaigns. They even billed it as a benefit. Raised tons of money, left a token donation (less than 5% of what they netted, IIRC), and ran. Pissed off Harvey, too – and guaranteed that I will never, ever, EVER attend their events, support them, or put their sticker on my car.
They're not our allies.
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