The Letter April 2009

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LETTER www.theletteronline.com

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 4 • APRIL 2009

Kentucky Legislators Got The Message: SB 68 Didn't Reach Senate For Vote The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest GLBT civil rights organization, issued the following statement in response to reports that Senate Bill 68, a bill that would prohibit adoption or foster parenting by any person “cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage that is valid in Kentucky,” has died in the Kentucky legislature. The Kentucky House of Representatives adjourned without voting on the legislation, which had been approved by a Senate committee and was pending in the

Senate. Kentucky’s legislative session ended March 30. “We’re glad to see that this dangerous bill did not advance. Very simply this legislation would have hurt children in Kentucky who are waiting for permanent homes with loving families,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We congratulate the Fairness Campaign, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, Kentucky Equality Federation, Join the Impact, the ACLU of Kentucky and HRC members who made their voices heard in support of children.”

"The fact that this attack on children was stopped at the Senate Committee level speaks volumes to the broad-based coalition support the Fairness Campaign was able to rally around this issue," said Chris Hartman, Director of the Louisvillebased Fairness Campaign. "We hope this victory is a sign that discriminatory anti-adoption legislation will not be considered in the Commonwealth's future, and that if it is, the Fairness Campaign will gather and build upon our allies and mobilize them against this bill with even greater fervor."

Tennessee’s legislature is currently considering a similar bill that would ban adoption by any person “involved in a cohabitating sexual relationship outside of a marriage”. Four states (Florida, Mississippi, Utah, and Arkansas) currently have laws that prohibit adoption by gay or lesbian couples (Florida’s law additionally prohibits adoption by gay or lesbian individuals).

Indiana: Marriage Discrimination Amendment Given 5th Consecutive "NO" Five years of bipartisan advocacy resulted in the Indiana Senate Republican caucus voting not to consider Senate Joint Resolution 15 (SJR-15) – the Marriage Discrimination Amendment – during the 2009 session of the recently concluded Indiana General Assembly. “Indiana Equality Action and its coalition partners applaud the courage of the Senators that voted to reject the punitive nature of SJR 15“, remarked Walter Botich, President of Indiana Equality Action (IEA). Credit for this success is due to the diligent and continuing efforts of GLBT Hoosiers, friends and allies. IEA and its coalition partners –- the Human Rights Campaign, Indiana Transgender Rights

Advocacy Alliance, Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, the Interfaith Coalition on Nondiscrimination, Stop the Amendment, Citizens for Civil Rights and regional coordinating committees –- thank people throughout the state for contacting their legislators to tell them hate and intolerance have no place in Indiana’s constitution. Observed IEA Vice-President Randy Studt, “Thanks goes out to the hundreds of individuals that let their elected officials know they had more important things on their mind such as our floundering economy, taxes, and education. Our hope is this is the start of a dialog that will continue to move Indiana forward.”

Proposals identical to SJR-15 – House Joint Resolutions 7 and 8 were also introduced in the Indiana House of Representatives. House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer previously announced that the proposals would not be considered during the 2009 legislative session. Although the threat of the Marriage Discrimination Amendment has apparently passed for the 2009 legislative session, much work is yet needed to secure basic rights for Indiana’s GLBT citizens. IEA is still working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to secure inclusive bias crimes protections for Hoosiers, amend Indiana’s Civil Rights law to protect against discrimination based on

either sexual orientation or gender identity, and to insure hospital visitation rights for unmarried couples. Organized in 2003, IEA has two primary objectives: amending Indiana’s Civil Rights law to protect against discrimination based on either sexual orientation or gender identity and ensuring that relationship protections for GLBT couples and families are not outlawed by an amendment to the State Constitution. For more information regarding IEA, visit their website at www. indianaequalityaction.org or call (888) 5670750.

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APRIL 2009

Around The Region & Beyond "Don't Say Gay" Bill Sent To State For Study A bill that would prohibit the discussion of gay or bisexual matters in any public or elementary school has been sent by the Tennessee House of Representatives K-12 Subcommittee to the State Board of Education for study, with a report due back from them by March 15, 2010. The move postpones for another year the attempt by Tennessee State Sen. Dewayne Bunch (R-Cleveland) and Rep. Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville) to have the legislation passed this session, unless the state finishes its report before the session is over. It failed last year in committee. "It was a good outcome," said Tennessee Equality Project President Christopher Sanders. However he also cautioned that the bill "remained alive and that Campfiled

by Jerry Jones (Out & About Newspaper)

could bring it back for an up or down vote." Sanders said the subcommittee had "less than 10 minutes" of discussion about the bill before sending it to the State Board of Education for study. "It helped that people took the time to call and e-mail their representatives about this bill," he said. "That made all the difference in the world." Jerry Jones is the publisher of Out & About Newspaper, based in Nashville. Copyright 2009, Out & About Newspaper. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

New Briefs From Kentuckiana Pride Festival For The Love Of Pancakes Kentuckiana Pride Festival (KPF) salutes Applebee's Restaurant on Taylorsville Road for hosting a Pancake Breakfast on March 21. Over $600.00 was raised to support the work of KPF. Pride @ Thunder Over Louisville KPF will be selling beverages at Thunder Over Louisville for the first time. Stop by our trailer on West Bingham Street, in front of Joe's Crab Shack. Stop buy for soft drinks, water, sports and energy drinks and coffee. Bottled beverages only will be on sale, so the line should move fast! Derby Parade Float For the second year, KPF is sponsoring a float in the Derby Festival Pegasus Parade (Thursday April 30). In keeping with the parades theme of "Destinations and Discovery" the KPF entry is titled "There Is No Place Like Home". Parade Chair Alex Wahl said "The design is Wizard of Oz meets Louisville". The float will also

by Mike Shouse, KPF Director

be on display at the Parade Preview on April 28 in the South Wing at the Kentucky Expo Center. Those interested in walking in the parade should write Alex at parade@ kentuckianapridefestival.com. All walkers will receive a free t-shirt to be worn during the parade. These shirts are collector’s items as they are a special design and limited to the parade participants.

The popular folk rock duo the INDIGO GIRLS are among the entertainers scheduled to appear at the 2009 Kentuckiana Pride Festival.

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Post Office Box 7842 Louisville, KY 40257 Founded in June 1990 by Jeffrey Goldsmith & Humphrey Marshall EXECUTIVE EDITOR/WEBMASTER ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION: Dave VanderPol: (502) 322-4632 [email protected] GRAPHIC DESIGN Deanna Sullivan - Designs by Deanna HIV RESOURCES EDITOR Brad Hampton [email protected] With an estimated readership of over 14,000, THE LETTER is distributed throughout the seven state region of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, & Missouri

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Indiana Equality Hires Field Organizer Indiana’s premier Fairness organization, Indiana Equality (IE), has announced the hiring of Denise “Dino” Sierp as its first full-time employee. She began her work last month as IE’s Field Organizer, focused on helping increase the number of inclusive human-rights ordinances around the state. Her work on this three-year project has been made possible by a generous grant from the Tides Foundation. “Dino brings a lot of energy to our organization,” says IE president Kathy Sarris, “and a sense of a different— but complementary—direction we can move in to do outreach to GLBT and ally communities.” Dino is well known and highly respected within a variety of communities inside and outside Indiana. As a concert and performance manager, she has supported lesbian and gay performers of local, national and international importance for decades, having set up an extensive networking system around the state for that purpose. As proprietor of Branching Out Productions since 1989, she has organized numerous events and programs to support authors who work in the areas of child abuse, mental health, women’s health and integrative medicine. As Director of Production for Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University, she trained, supervised and managed scores of volunteers and more than 100 employees over a three-year period. Combining her organizing skill and

show biz savvy, Dino has also raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years for cancer awareness. Dino grew up in Seymour, Indiana, and earned her BA in Social Work from Ball State University. She applied that social work training in a variety of contexts: innercity Indianapolis high schools; Indianapolis city government; group homes for developmentally disabled children; a residential treatment center for abused children; a rehabilitation program for offenders; Women’s Hospital of Indianapolis; and others. Her current philanthropic labor of love is the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), where she manages their newsletter and serves as a volunteer in their prison program. ICAN helps adult offenders train companion or assistance dogs for physically disabled children and adults in Indiana. “I have always been an advocate for social change,” says Dino. She noted that her “diverse experience” has provided her with “opportunities and challenges to teach others to think ‘outside the box’ and to find common ground. Building community alliances and developing individual relationships will play a major role in my job to advance Indiana Equality’s mission. The Field Organizer position provides me the opportunity to meet individuals throughout the state to exchange ideas and find ways to build stronger coalitions within their local communities.”

Groups Urge Court To Dismiss Challenge To Basic Student Protections Civil rights groups representing thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Californians filed a friend-of-the-court brief last month in support of Attorney General Jerry Brown's request to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to invalidate SB 777, the Student Civil Rights Act. The amicus brief by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center, Equality California, and Gay Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network), argues that the complaint lacks legal merit. The lawsuit is the third of its kind brought against the state by right-wing groups. "These laws protect the safety and well being of all students," said Carolyn Laub, GSA Network Executive Director. "Thousands of California students endure daily harassment at school based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Schools should be a safe space for

everyone; it's hard to believe that some adults don't agree." The Attorney General filed the motion to dismiss the lawsuit this past January. The right-wing groups seek to prevent enforcement of California statutes protecting students from discrimination, harassment, and bullying by overturning SB 777, which went into effect on January 1, 2008. SB 777 reinforces existing prohibitions of discrimination in publicly-funded schools and school-related activities, including discrimination based on religion, race, disability, gender, and sexual orientation and makes them consistent throughout the state education codes. SB 777 updates the Education Code to clearly reflect current law so school administrators and teachers know their responsibilities to protect students without having to crossreference other sections of state law.

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Documentary Challenges Gender Stereotyping & Homophobia Among Teens GroundSpark, a non-profit corporation that creates progressive films and educational campaigns, is hoping to ignite a national dialogue about gender stereotypes and pressures among youth with its new featurelength documentary, Straightlaced How Gender s Got Us All Tied Up. Directed by Academy Awardwinning filmmaker Debra Chasnoff, Straightlaced, will be coupled with an educational Debra Chasnoff curriculum and professional development series to train both professionals and youth to challenge gender stereotypes and homophobia. The documentary, featuring unscripted high school youth from around the country, is both uplifting and entertaining. From girls who dumb down so they don t intimidate boys, to boys who are sexually active just to prove they aren’t t gay, to nonconforming teens who face relentless bullying, the students show how gender expectations are having an unhealthy impact on the lives of today s teens. The film and educational curriculum will be presented in all 50 US states as well as in film festivals and symposia worldwide. Already seen in Atlanta, Greensboro NC, Columbus OH, and San Francisco, Straightlaced is scheduled to screen in such diverse locations as Montgomery AL, Laramie WY, Chicago, Garden City and Dodge City KS, New Orleans, Oakland, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Boston, New York City, and Saint Louis. For more information about Straightlaced, including a complete list of screenings, visit www. groundspark.org/straightlaced Debra Chasnoff’s work has fueled progressive social-change movements in many fields. She is the Executive Director at GroundSpark and cocreator of The Respect For All Project, a program that produces media and training resources to help prevent prejudice among young people. APRIL 2009

Kentucky Writer/Cartoonist Wins Queer Press Grant Prism Comics has announced that a Kentucky resident, Pam Harrison is the recipient of its 4th Annual Queer Press Grant for her submission, House of the Muses: The Latter Days of Sappho of Lesbos, a comic book series based on the writings of Sappho and Alkaios. The announcement was made at San Francisco's WonderCon, during Prism's panel, "Self-Publishing Queer Comics". "Among the most important projects performed by Prism throughout the year is finding and nurturing emerging talent from the LGBT community," said Patricia Jeres, Prism Co-President. "We are especially proud to be able to offer this grant to Pam, whose storytelling and incredible 3-D graphic technique really wowed Prism's Board." House of the Muses: The Latter Days of Sappho of Lesbos was born during Harrison's early college days studying New Testament Greek at Western Kentucky University where she discovered Sappho's poetry that she says, "literally my changed life." Harrison, an aspiring comics artist since age 12, eventually learned 3-D graphics, which became the basis for the illustrations in the published version of House of the Muses. She has most recently taught night classes at Louisville Technical Institute.

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Straight Actor Admits: "I Feel Pretty Gay"

Paul Rudd has been busy lately promoting his newest film; I Love You, Man, a comedy about a straight man’s quest to find a close male friend. Rudd shared his love for all-things-gay with Entertainment Weekly: "I always thought I'd be a really good gay guy. I love 'American Idol.' I watch 'Antiques Roadshow' like crazy. Guys like Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, Elton John - they're all very bright, with a razor-sharp wit. David Sedaris - who's funnier than David Sedaris? I love gay guys. I feel pretty gay. I'm certainly not the most macho guy in the room." You might remember the handsome actor played Jennifer Anniston’s gay roommate several years ago in the 1998 comedy, The Object of My Affection.

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Scholarship Dinner Features Discussion of "Sex & Science"

The community is invited to come out and enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a local professor/physician discuss what science is teaching us about human sexuality and in the process support the Scholarship Fund of the Metro Louisville chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The organization’s annual Bruce and Margaret Lincoln Scholarship Awards Banquet will take place Sunday, April 19 at First Lutheran Church, 417 East Broadway. The keynote speaker, Dr. Stuart Urbach is an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine and a board certified doctor of Internal Medicine. Doors will open at 5:00pm. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30. Recipients of this year’s Metro Louisville PFLAG scholarships will be announced following dinner. A minimum donation of $10.00 to support the Scholarship Fund will be collected at the door. All proceeds will go to fund next year's scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who are active in supporting and promoting the PFLAG mission of education, enlightenment and advocacy in our GLBT community. APRIL 2009

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Soulforce Urges: Grab Your Gay T-Shirt And Head To Church!

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Quality Thrift Items Wednesday thru Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm Sunday: 12:00noon – 4:00pm Store Proceeds Benefit Glade House & House of Ruth Volunteers Always Welcome! Space for this ad donated by Dr. Fred Schloemer www.SchloemerServices.com

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Advocates for GLBT equality, looking to develop dialogue about gay rights with members of faith communities across the nation, are invited to embark on the Sundays of Solidarity Campaign – visiting churches, synagogues, and other faith community gatherings across the nation – for seven “straight” Sundays this coming May and June. The nationwide action, cosponsored by Austin-based organizations Atticus Circle and Soulforce, aims to engage members of a wide variety of faith communities in discussions about faith, dignity, and equal rights for GLBT individuals and couples. The actions will start on May 17, which is observed as International Day Against Homophobia by a growing number of international gay rights organizations, and will end on June 28 -- the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, considered to be the start of the modern gay rights era. Participants in the campaign will wear T-shirts and buttons proclaiming "Gay? Fine by Me" and "Gay Marriage? Fine By Me," which are available via the Atticus Circle website (www.atticuscircle. org), attending worship services and other faith community meetings across the country. Participants are also invited to engage in non-violence training prior to the campaign, provided by organizers. According to Soulforce executive director Jeff Lutes, "These actions aren't designed to create tension; rather, they're designed to expose and reduce the tension that already exists around GLBT rights in this country. Our hope for Sundays of Solidarity is that participants are able to talk to people in their own faith communities, visit other faith communities, and help people understand the fundamental need for GLBT equality." Atticus Circle executive director Jodie Eldridge notes, "Our organization is made up of straight people who realize that GLBT Americans should enjoy the

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same rights as straight Americans do. Wearing a shirt or button proclaiming 'Gay? Fine By Me' is a simple but effective way to let people know that GLBT equality supporters are real people out in the community, willing to be visible and show their commitment." "One of these fundamental rights is practicing one's faith," Eldridge added. "For some GLBT individuals, being recognized and accepted within one's faith community is a first, crucial step toward achieving equal rights." This is not the first action Soulforce and Atticus Circle have collaborated on. In 2007 and 2008 the groups came together to sponsor Seven Straight Nights, a series of vigils and awarenessraising events held across the nation to bring GLBT equality supporters together in demonstrations of public support. Lutes notes, "Seven Straight Nights gave us an opportunity to build awareness and create energy for a number of people who acknowledge the need for GLBT equality in this country. Sundays of Solidarity is a way to engage people who may view GLBT equality differently than we do, or who haven't given it as much thought as we have. We can't wait to have these essential conversations with a wider circle of people." APRIL 2009

Connecticut Court Urged To Stand Anti-Harassment Law At the Superior Court in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday, March 13, Lambda Legal filed a friend-ofthe-court brief seeking to ensure that Connecticut's laws protecting employees from discrimination in the workplace are properly applied to protect gay and lesbian employees against discrimination in the form of harassment and a hostile working environment. "Connecticut's laws protecting gay and lesbian employees against discrimination does not leave employers the option of allowing antigay harassment," said Thomas W. Ude, Jr., Senior Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. "Employers may not tolerate work environments that are hostile to gay employees because of severe antigay intimidation, ridicule and insult - just as employers may not tolerate work environments that are hostile toward people because of their race, sex, disability, or religion - or any other trait protected under Connecticut's law." In early March, Lambda Legal submitted a petition seeking permission to file a friend-ofthe-court brief in support of Luis Patino, former employee of Birken Manufacturing Co., who claims damages under Connecticut's employment antidiscrimination law because he was subjected to severe

harassment during his employment, including the widespread use of anti-gay names and slurs in his workplace. Patino filed a series of complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, and filed his current lawsuit in 2005. On February 3, 2009, a jury found in favor of Patino on his hostile work environment claim, and awarded him non-economic damages of $94,500. However, on February 12, the employer moved to set aside that verdict, arguing that employers are not liable for anti-gay intimidation even though they are accountable for preventing other types of harassment in the workplace. Lambda Legal's friend-of-the-court brief argues that the verdict should stand because the state law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation protects workers against the kind of "hostile work environment" that Patino experienced. Lambda Legal's brief urges the trial court to hold that Connecticut employers who permit a work environment that is hostile to gay and lesbian employees violate state antidiscrimination statutes, and seeks to ensure that the law is rigorously applied to ensure that employers understand their duty to protect gay employees - like other employees - from hostile workplaces.

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"Gay Slay" Murder Believed To Have Craigslist Connection

According to a report posted on On Top Magazine’s website, New York City police have taken into custody a 16-year-old male suspect in the socalled "gay slay" of radio journalist George Weber. Weber was found dead late last month. His ankles were bound with duct tape and the walls of his Brooklyn apartment splattered with his blood. Officials believe he was killed nearly three days before his body was discovered. John Katehis was arrested within a week of when the incident was believed to have taken place. As of press time charges were pending. Officials allege that Weber, 47, and Katehis met online at Craigslist. org when the teen responded to a personals ad posted by Weber looking for Hispanic men into rough sex. The pair met on Friday and agreed to return to Weber's home. APRIL 2009

The New York Daily News called Katehis a "Satan-loving sadomasochist with a knife fetish" after viewing his online profile at MySpace.com. There were no signs of forced entry at Weber's Carroll Gardens home, where he had been stabbed about 50 times, including in his head, neck, the front and rear of his torso, his arms and his hands, authorities said. Police say the cuts to his hands suggest Weber might have attempted to fight off his attacker. Authorities apprehended Katehis at a bus stop after combing through e-mail messages on Weber's home computer and phone records from his cell phone. "He subsequently made statements implicating himself in the stabbing death," Paul J. Browne, the police department's chief spokesman, told the New York Times. The New York Post dubbed the killing a "gay slay." www.theletteronline.com

Mark England's Regional Calendar & Inclusive Faith Communities can be found on page 11 The Letter

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D.C. HIV/AIDS Report: Situation "Serious But Improving" While a recent report that showed an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of about 3% in the District of Columbia "brought new attention to AIDS" in the city, but several "key trends shown in the report got lost amid the alarm," Washington Post reporter Craig Timberg writes in a recent news article. The report showed the epidemic is "serious" and "more extensive than most suspected;" however, it "also suggests that the situation is in some way improving, and has been for years," Timberg writes. Timberg further noted that the increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence, although "troubling," is "largely a product" of anti-retroviral drugs that allow HIV-positive people to live longer. He writes that there is not much in the data to suggest that the district is "experiencing a burgeoning, African-style epidemic," adding that there has been "nothing like [Africa's] scale of devastation since anti-retroviral drugs arrived" in the city. The incidence of AIDS in the district has been declining since 1993, with 648 new cases reported in 2008, Timberg writes, adding that AIDS-related deaths have also declined since 1994. "What's clearly rising here is the number of people surviving with AIDS because of medicine not easily available in most African countries," Timberg writes. He adds that improving medical services for people living with HIV/ AIDS will improve their quality of life and that increased access to HIV testing will get people into treatment earlier. A "main target" of these efforts should be injection drug users -- who make up 25% of

the district's new cases -- through increased access to needle-exchange programs, according to Timberg. In addition, "[a]ny effort to finish off a declining epidemic would make sexual behavior priority No. 1," Timberg continues, adding that most sex education programs in the U.S. typically emphasize abstinence or condom use but have "shied away from discussing the risks of several concurrent sexual relationships." Many African countries are "making that shift" and including sexual behavior in their HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns, Timberg writes. "We'll know that a similar seriousness has arrived in Washington when the rhetoric cools and the billboards that I've seen in Botswana and Swaziland start appearing here, too," Timberg writes (Timberg, Washington Post, 3/22). Washing Post columnist Colbert King wrote in a recent Washing Post opinion piece that the District of Columbia was among the first U.S. cities to appoint an HIV/AIDS services director, as well as an office to oversee the epidemic and care for those living with the disease, but "things have gone downhill fast," King continues. Almost $500 million in federal and local funding was distributed between 1998 and 2006 for HIV/AIDS-related services in the local community, King writes, adding, "What do we have to show for it? An astonishing" 3% of residents who" are living with HIV/ AIDS. "More than $500 million in taxpayer money down the drain, we're left with the highest HIV/ AIDS rates," King writes.

LATE TO TEST = EARLY TO DIE GET TESTED FOR HIV! Don't Know Where To Test? Download Our HIV/AIDS RESOURCES GUIDE Online: www.TheLetterOnline.com 8

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APRIL 2009

Why Support A Gay Dating Website Owned By An Anti-Gay Psychologist? Beware that the anti-gay eHarmony.com dating website has launched a new “gayfriendly” website designed to match lesbian and gay singles. The new service resulted from eHarmony being sued last year by a gay man in New Jersey who claimed to have been denied service by eHarmony.com. The hetero-centric eHarmony website was founded by psychologist and author Dr. Neil Clark Warren. Warren is a long-time friend of Dr. James Dobson, founder of the anti-gay Christian organization Focus on the Family. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights secured an agreement from eHarmony.com to provide an equal service for gay and lesbian users after receiving a discrimination complaint from Eric McKinley. So eHarmony agreed to provide a similar service for men and women seeking those of the same gender. The eHarmonyaffiliated website, called Compatible Partners (www. compatiblepartners.net) claims that it is not oriented to facilitating casual sexual encounters. "Serious relationships for the gay and lesbian community," the new site’s home page declares, adding that the service is a "site for singles seeking a long-term samesex relationship." However, the site also carries a disclaimer: "The Company’s patented Compatibility Matching System was developed in the basis of research involving married heterosexual couples," text at the site informs readers. "The Company has not conducted similar research on same-sex relationships." Dr. Warren, a psychologist, has been quoted within the mainstream media as saying that helping straight couples was a career specialty. "It’s what I did for 40 years," Dr. Warren has been quoted as saying. "I never had a APRIL 2009

gay couple." (Our loss..NOT!!!) Dr. Warren, the article noted, has served in the past as the dean of the grad school for psychology at Pasadena’s Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also written a number of books for heterosexuals dealing with dating and marriage. After coming online in 2000, eHarmony was promoted by Focus on the Family in its radio programs; Dr. Warren himself was even an occasional guest on the Focus on the Family broadcasts until 2005. At that point Dr. Warren severed ties to the Christian organization and its founder, James Dobson, saying, "We’re trying to reach the whole world -- people of all spiritual orientations, all political philosophies, all racial backgrounds." Rather than spending money to support a website (yes, Committed Partners, like e-Harmony, is a for-profit website), we suggest you sign up for the popular FREE website OKCupid.com that matches gay, bisexual and straight singles. The website has a number of gay and bisexual singles residing within the six-state region served by THE LETTER and offers a very thoughtful approach to online match making. Many readers have recommended another FREE dating website: PlentyofFish. com. www.theletteronline.com

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Jamaica Isn't For Lovers by Michael Petrelis

The U.S. State Department has recently released its annual human rights survey and the entire chapter on Jamaica was a horrific read. As in years past, the chapter's section on gays and people with AIDS/HIV was particularly frightening. There are "targeted shootings of homosexuals" among other ills facing our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, giving more impetus to the development of a boycott of Jamaican rums and beers, along with cruise lines visiting the island nation. I'll soon share more information about the boycott and the demands that will be made on the government in Kingston. In the meanwhile, give this extract from the State Department 2008 human rights report some attention: The law prohibits "acts of gross indecency" (generally interpreted as any kind of physical intimacy) between men, in public or in private, which are punishable by 10 years in prison.

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays Coming out? Don’t face it alone! PFLAG is for more than just for parents, families and friends. We’re also here for you! SUPPORT

EDUCATION

ADVOCACY

We meet the Third Sunday of the month at 3:00pm at First Lutheran Church, 417 East Broadway. Use the west entrance closest to the alley. Questions? Leave a confidential message and one of our members will return your call.

(502) 329-0229.

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The Letter

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All Sexuals, and Gays (J-FLAG) continued to report human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, mob attacks, stabbings, harassment of homosexual patients by hospital and prison staff, and targeted shootings of homosexuals. Police often did not investigate such incidents. J-FLAG members also suffered attacks on their property, home intrusions as people demanded to know the number of persons and beds in a home, and in one instance, a fire bombing at the home of two men that left one of them with burns on more than 60 percent of his body. In addition homosexuals faced death and arson threats, with some of these directed at the J-FLAG offices. J-FLAG did not publicize its location due to such threats, and its officials reported feeling unsafe having meetings with clients at the organization's office. In February a mob broke into the home of four presumed homosexual men, killing three of them. The fourth was missing and presumed dead. The men had reported being harassed for their perceived sexual orientation prior to the fatal attack. Police made some inquiries in the case but did not conduct a full investigation or make any arrests by year's end. The trial of six suspects arrested for the 2005 robbery and murder of Lenford "Steve" Harvey, initially begun and then postponed in 2007, was scheduled to recommence in January 2009. Male inmates deemed by prison wardens to be homosexual were held in a separate facility for their protection. The method used for determining their sexual orientation was subjective and not regulated by the prison system, although inmates were said to confirm their homosexuality for their own safety. There were numerous reports of violence against homosexual inmates, perpetrated by the wardens and by other inmates, but few inmates sought recourse through the prison system. Homosexual men were hesitant to report incidents against them because of fear for their physical well-being. Lesbian women were subject to sexual assault as well as other physical attacks. Human rights NGOs and government entities agreed that brutality against homosexuals, primarily by private citizens, was widespread in the community. No laws protect persons living with HIV/AIDS from discrimination. Human rights NGOs reported severe stigma and discrimination against this group. The ILO worked with the Ministry of Labor on a program to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and to assist employers in designing policies for workers with HIV/AIDS. Although health care facilities were prepared to handle patients with HIV/AIDS, health care workers often neglected such patients.

Long-time activist Michael Petrelis reports stories the mainstream media choose to ignore. Michael has appeared on The O'Reilly Factor, CNN, ABC News, and National Public Radio. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Raw Story, The Chicago Tribune, The New Republic, and Stars & Stripes. You can visit Michael Petelis' blog at: mpetrelis.blogspot.com.

www.theletteronline.com

APRIL 2009

RegionalCalendar sponsored by Mark England Items listed must be of interested to the GLBT community. Items are listed for FREE from nonprofit community organizations, support and social groups. We also publicize events sponsored by businesses and professionals currently advertising in THE LETTER. Please send us information at least four weeks in advance of your event. Contact: Dave VanderPol: [email protected] and be sure to type “Regional Calendar” in the subject line of your message. 3rd Sundays 3:00pm. Metro Louisville chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays. First Lutheran Church, 417 East Broadway. For more information call (502) 329-0229 or write [email protected]. Confidentiality respected. Every Monday 7:00pm. Movie Mania at Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Cincinnati, 4119 Hamilton Avenue. Free. For movie titles click on the icon for the GLBT Calendar page at www. glbtcentercincinnati.com. Every Monday 7:00;pm. Dayton Gay Men's Chorus practice at Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church, 2382 Kennedy Avenue. For more information write [email protected]. Every Tuesday 2:45pm. GLBT Mental Health Issues Support Group at The Recovery Center, 2340 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati. (513) 241-1411. 6:30pm. Triangle Martial Arts Association: Tae Kwon Do training for GLBT community. Beginners & experienced welcome. For location write: [email protected].

Wednesdays: April 15 & May 20 6:30pm. Indy Bi-Versity, confidential discussion group. For more information, including the meeting location, write: [email protected]. Saturday, April 18 8:00pm. Monthly meeting of Sienna, Transgender support group in Louisville. For location leave a message: (502) 8941048. For general information about the group visit www. tg-sienna.org. Sundays: April 19 & May 17 3:30pm. Heartland Fairness, affiliated with the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, monthly meeting at 326 West Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. Write: [email protected]. Mondays: April 20 & 27 and May 4 & 11 7:30pm. Dave VanderPol facilitates a Single Gay Men's Book Study. Featured book:Finding The Boyfriend Within by Brad Gooch. For location in Louisville and more information write: [email protected].

7:30pm. Women's Tuesday Night Coming Out Group at Off The Avenue, 1546 Knowlton Street, Cincinnati. (513) 535-2517.

1st & 3rd Thursdays 7:00pm. Gay Men’s Support Group meets at Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, 1432 Highland Avenue. 3rd Wednesdays Louisville Gay Professionals. Group meets at a different bar each month. More information: [email protected].

Wednesdays: May 6 & June 3 7:00pm. Crossport Crossdresser Support Group, Cincinnati. (513) 919-4850.

Tuesday, April 14 7:30pm Dayton PFLAG Monthly Meeting. Tuesdays: April 14 & May 12 7:00pm. Cincinnati Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meeting. Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road. For more information call (513) 755-6150.

Mark England

Wednesday, May 13 Ohio Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse. Hosted by Equality Ohio. Details: www.equalityohio.org.

www.LouisvilleGayInfo.com

Selling Louisville's Most DIVERSE Neighborhoods APRIL 2009

Central Presbyterian Church Celebrating God’s Wildly Inclusive Love 4th & Kentucky Streets (Old Louisville) (502) 587-6935 Church School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am (Nursery Provided) Pastors: D. Mark Baridon & Ann J. Deibert www.CentralChurchKY.org City of Refuge Worship Center Come Worship Freely Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 1041 Goss Avenue, Suite 101, Louisville (40217) (502) 762-8986 / (502) 495-2603 Rev. Randy Meadows, Pastor Sunday Bible Study: 9::30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am & 7:00pm Wednesday Worship: 7:00pm www.cityofrefugewc.org First Unitarian Church Where Reason & Religion Meet 4th & York Streets, Louisville (502) 585-5110 Sunday Celebration of Life: 10:55am Wednesday Chalice Night: 5:30pm www.firstulou.org Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville A Christian Church Where ALL People Are Welcome at the Table 1432 Highland Avenue, Louisville (502) 587-6225 Rev. Dee Dale, Pastor Sunday Christian Education: 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30am Wednesday Evening Worship: 6:00pm www.mcclouisville.org

Every Thursday 6:30pm. Support group for all persons coping with all sorts of struggles. City of Refuge Worship Center, 1041 Goss Avenue, Suite 100, Louisville. Handicap accessible from back of building.

4th Wednesdays 6:00pm. Kentuckiana Rainbow Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting. For location visit www. KentuckianaRainbowCoC.org or call (502) 815-7195.

INCLUSIVE F A I T H COMMUNITIES

www.theletteronline.com

Progressive Pathways Fellowship What Path Calls You? Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center / #208 1/2 1860 Mellwood Avenue, Louisville (40206) Sunday Worship & Education: 5:30pm Wednesday Book Chat: 6:15pm www.progressivepathways.org Inclusive Faith Communities listings are an affordable way to let the GLBT community and allies know about your fellowship! Listings are welcome from congregations throughout the six state region served by THE LETTER. Pre-paid listings cost $75.00 for six month or $135.00 for one year. For more information write editor@theletteronline. com. Congregations purchasing a listing receive a significant discount off of the cost of any regular (display) advertising they purchase in addition to their listing. The Letter

11

Test. Treat. Prevent

Specialty Clinic



850 Barret Avenue, Suite 301 Louisville, KY 40204





(502) 574-6699

Confidential or Anonymous HIV Testing Syphilis, Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Testing / Treatment Other STD Services Available

No Appointment Necessary STD Exam: $20.00 Monday 10:00am - 6:00pm * Tuesday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Sure SB 68 was scary, but wait until you read about SB 69, the bill to make Rev. Al Mohler the “Super Parent” of all of Kentucky’s adopted and foster children! Read about SB 69 online (along with other great satire and parody news items): THE LETTERHEAD: All The News That's Fit To Swallow ...www.TheLetterOnline.com.

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The Letter

www.theletteronline.com

APRIL 2009

Community Dialogue LIBERAL ON THE SAUCE

The Age Of Milk

HOOSIER VALUES by David Williams

This past January I participated in a panel discussion about the Louisville GLBT community in the 1970s. It consisted of myself and several other gays, lesbians and transgenders who’d been out and about in Louisville during that time. One even had memories of Louisville before Stonewall, even though he’s younger than me! Title of the panel was “Louisville in the Age of Milk.” That’s Milk as in Harvey, not the dairy product. It was organized by the Fairness Campaign, Common Ground, the University of Louisville’s Office for LGBT Services, and the Williams-Nichols Archive and Library. From everything I heard afterwards, the evening was a great success. Not was it just fun for us old fogies to trip down memory lane a little, but it was an eye-opener for the audience, most of whom had no memory of the 70s, much less the 80s. I think it would be great to do a similar panel on Louisville in the 80s at some point. I did have to wonder about the title of the discussion, though. “Louisville in the Age of Milk”? I thought it rather amusing because, except for news of Harvey Milk’s election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and then his assassination, we hardly knew a thing about him in Louisville, Lexington, or Cincinnati. For that matter, other than serving as an inspiration for countless young people in isolated towns and cities around the country, he had little direct influence at all. Louisville and Lexington wouldn’t start organizing politically until the early 80s, long after Milk’s ashes had been scattered into the sea. It’s simply astounding how much the world has changed since 1978, when Milk was gunned down. Most of that change has come with the advent of the Internet in 1994 - 1995. Indeed, future historians, I’m convinced, will look upon the growth of the Internet much as previous ones looked on the invention of moveable type in the 1400s. In 1978, how did we gays and lesbians get our news? Not from the national news broadcasts, that’s for sure. Local broadcasters were even worse. While the CourierJournal and the Herald-Leader had their hearts in the right place, they found little reason to report on most GLBT news, either. The Courier did have wonderful feature stories from time to time. One article, on the late, great drag queen Kelly King (Miss Gay Louisville 1978) generated so many negative letters to the editor, it prompted my very first letter as well. It marks the start of my activist career. So how did we get our news? For most of us, it was The Advocate, which came out every other week. Were it not for The Advocate, we wouldn’t have known a thing about what was happening in New York or Boston or Los Angeles, much less Kansas City, New Orleans, or Toledo. The only problem: if something happened in New York, say, on November 1, the news might not get into The Advocate until the November 20 issue, and we wouldn’t read about it until we got it in the mail a week later. If you wanted to buy a copy off a newsstand, you had to sneak into a dirty bookstore. Talk about horse and buggy! “The Age of Milk”? What hype! It’s a phrase dreamed up by Hollywood to tout that wonderful movie Milk. It has little basis in reality, but sometimes reality has little to do with the writing of history. No one called the 20s and 30s the Age of Art Deco until 1965. I find it rather hilarious that in the future we may be calling the late 70s the Age of Milk when in reality most of us hardly knew a thing about him until he was gone. David Williams is the founder of the Williams-Nichols Institute and the Kentucky Gay & Lesbian Library and Archives, which are housed at the University of Louisville’s Ekstrom Library. APRIL 2009

Fairness Ordinances Are Much Needed

by Brandon Monson

Recently the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) announced the release of a new study discussing transgender youth and the victimization they face in schools. The report details transgender youth as having extremely high levels of victimization in school, even more so than their non-transgender lesbian, gay and bisexual peers. But they are also more likely to speak out about GLBT issues in the classroom, interestingly enough. Nearly 90% of transgender students experienced verbal harassment at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation and gender expression, more than 50% experienced physical harassment because of their sexual orientation and gender expression and more than a 25% experienced physical assault because of their sexual orientation and gender expression. "Harsh Realities demonstrates the urgent need for educators, policymakers and all who care about safe schools to address the disproportionate victimization of transgender students and to improve the knowledge and understanding of all members of the school community about issues related to gender and gender expression," said GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard. "It is important to note, however, that in the face of extreme harassment, transgender students are resilient and taking the lead to bring up GLBT issues in school." Sadly, the name of the report says it all: Harsh Realities. Transgender youth no doubt face a seemingly growing amount of harassment in public schools. It’s not just verbal or physical harassment that is a growing problem in America’s school system—the underlying culture is not welcome to GLBT students. This is exactly why marriage is not on the top of my political list or priorities. Sure, I would absolutely adore being able to marry whomever I love, but I realize that here in the Midwest, it’s not a political reality at the moment, and there are other things I’m concerned about. More important that fighting the losing marriage battle (I say that because Indiana already has a Defense of Marriage Act) I would rather focus on securing the basic rights that GLBT citizens deserve. I’m more concerned about securing inclusive bias crimes protections for our community. I’m more concerned with amending state Civil Rights law to protect against discrimination based on either sexual orientation or gender identity. On that note, you should know about Indiana Equality’s Human Rights Ordinance Project. Unlike organizations like the Indiana Family Institute and the American Family Association of Indiana that actively promote an agenda of exclusivity, Indiana Equality (IE) wants to reach out to the most diverse crowd as possible so that many different voices are heard. IE, in collaboration with the Midwest Office of Lambda Legal, American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 62, Indiana AFL-CIO, other state and local GLBT groups, and allied organizations, is seeking to pass an amendment to the state’s civil rights law to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In follow-up to these education activities, IE and the project collaborators will bring together identified GLBT and allied organizations in communities targeted for enactment of local human rights ordinances protections to build momentum for statewide legislation. The project will also offer training and coaching regarding community organizing and mobilization. This process should yield effective speakers who will stress the need for local human rights protections and who will later serve as local leaders as the project continues on to its statewide focus.

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(HOOSIER VALUES continued on page 16) The Letter

15

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

We're Not Ethusiastic About Mongiardo Senate Candidacy

Dr. Dan Mongiardo

Attorney General Jack Conway

[Editor’s Note: THE LETTER recently received the following “Open Letter”, dated March 27, 2009, from community activist Mark England. Lt. Gov. Mongiardo, a former state senator, has announced his intention to oppose Republican U.S. Senator Jim Bunning in the 2010 election cycle. THE LETTER shares Mr. England’s less-than-enthusiastic response to Mongiardo’s candidacy. In addition to his previous alliances with Fairness opponents, we were not appreciative of the negative tone of his 2004 campaign against Sen. Bunning, during which stooped to baiting his opponent as suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. THE LETTER would like to see Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway or another Fairness-friendly candidate oppose Bunning next year. The unedited text of England’s letter follows.] (HOOSIER VALUES continued from page 15) Indiana Equality has received a challenge grant of $45,000 for the first year, but the total project costs per year are almost $90,000, and we need your help to ensure that it is fully funded. I am asking you to make your tax-deductible donation today to make sure we are successful in 2009. Your contribution will guarantee we can hire a field organizer to travel every part of the state. This organizer will reach out and educate Hoosiers and their elected officials, laying the groundwork for needed protections for GLBT people in cities and towns that currently lack them. Your donation will also provide for educational materials, town hall meetings, grassroots mobilization, research, strategic polling, operational support, and other activities necessary to secure protections for GLBT Hoosiers. 16

The Letter

Dear Dr. Mongiardo: I received your letter today asking for a contribution. Your letter said that “Bunning has been an embarrassment to our state.” So has the 2004 SB245, the anti-gay marriage amendment your name appears very clearly on. This amendment, which prohibited me from having BASIC CIVIL RIGHTS with my chosen life partner, has had consequences reaching much further than we would ever imagined. We hear this amendment used in arguments EVERY LEGISLATIVE SESSION as a reason Kentucky should have more and more anti-gay policies, from healthcare to adoption. For example, because of YOUR amendment, the benefits offered at the universities are so poor that they are almost laughable. And even then YOUR amendment is used to argue that even those pitiful morsels of benefits are illegal. You chose to join forces with anti-gay legislators such as Gary Tapp and Vernie McGaha in passing this hateful and divisive amendment. You hurt many Kentuckians. You hurt me. You should be ashamed. If you and Bunning are my only two choices, I will likely vote for you. I hope I will have another. Sincerely, Mark England There’s a lot on the plate for 2009, and we’re confident that the tasks can be accomplished. If you would be interested in throwing a house party, volunteering for Indiana Equality, or even just making a monetary donation, feel free to contact us. If you’d like information on volunteering we can be reached at [email protected], www.indianaequality.org, or by phone at (888) 567-0750.

www.theletteronline.com

DePauw University student Brandon Monson serves at the Communications Chair for Indiana Equality, the Hoosier state's premier Fairness organization. APRIL 2009

Rainbow Of Thought GAY LOVE COACH

Blow Him Away With A Kick-Butt First Impression

by Brian Rzepczynski, M.S.W.

Whether you’re single and looking for “The One” or are trying to break into a social group or land a new job with a potential employer, you may only have one opportunity to peak someone’s interest and curiosity in who you are and what you might bring to the table. It’s commonly said that people form a first impression of someone within minutes, and sometimes even seconds, of meeting him.

Unlike those in your support system who know you intimately, new people only have limited knowledge about who you are and will form a judgment or an image about you by what they see and observe in their brief encounter with you. This hardcore reality can make or break an interaction, so you want to make sure you put your best foot forward to increase your chances of success in whatever outcome you’re seeking to accomplish in that particular social exchange. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your initial contacts with potential dating prospects so you can leave a favorable impression of yourself in their minds. This intrigue will compel them to want to learn more and then you’ll be well on your way toward landing that first date to gauge if there is any compatibility for some form of relationship moving forward. Trying to “get your foot in the door” with someone can sometimes feel anxiety-provoking and laden with pressure, especially if you tend to be shy or find yourself in a situation that’s foreign or out of sorts for you. But by applying some of these suggestions and being yourself, you just might find yourself in the position to make your relationship goals come to fruition. APRIL 2009

Top 8 Tips for Making a Rock Solid First Impression

1. It’s All About Him! This is probably the most important rule that the socially savvy gay dater must always follow if he wants to leave a lasting positive impression in the minds of any guy he’s interested in getting to know better. To snag the attentions of a guy, it’s always important to make him feel like the star. While reciprocation is important, the lead-in contact should be about meeting his needs first. Take the initial emphasis off yourself and instead show lots of curiosity and interest about him. Capitalize on commonalities and try to make him feel good about his strengths you observe. Avoid comments about physical appearance unless your intent is more about sexual cruising because this can be off-putting and may seem insincere and superficial. If the other guy is equally as savvy, he’ll mirror back the same style and the dialogue will likely deepen. 2. Body Language is Key Your words are only one part of the equation. Your non-verbal communication is probably more attuned to by your conaversational partner than what you say and can have more power and believability to his interpretations of your credibility and character. Make sure to smile, lean in when speaking to show interest, maintain good eye contact, watch your voice tone and rate of speech, and be as relaxed as possible to show a smooth composure. And make sure your body language and verbal speech are congruent and match. 3. Watch Your Communication Style It’s important to have a balanced dialogue with the guy you’re speaking with. Try to match each other’s style and avoid monopolizing the conversation or being a non-participant. There should be a nice back-and-forth rhythm between the two of you and learn to become adept at reading social cues that indicate his interest or a lack thereof so that boundaries can be respected. 4. Be Yourself! Even though you want to make a good impression, remember that this isn’t a performance. It’s essential to be the “real you”. Be authentic, fun, and interesting and use an appropriate amount of selfdisclosure. People can spot an imposter a mile away. Being fake is deceitful and starts relationships off on a dishonest foot. It also tends to attract the type of men who probably aren’t compatible with your relational partner vision anyway and wastes precious time and energy.

5. Practice Core Mindfulness In a first encounter with someone, it’s common to want to be liked and this can lead to being too much “in your head”. Thinking about what you’re going to say next in the interaction or worrying about the other guy’s perception of you can be distracting and take you away from being attentive from the man across from you. This can certainly bomb the guy’s opinion of you if he thinks you’re not paying attention to what he’s saying or if you appear distant and preoccupied. Live in the here-and-now and be in the moment. Let all five of your senses go wild and make sure to mirror back and validate what’s being communicated so he knows you’re really listening. That’s an important skill that will help you stay centered and connected with your talking partner. 6. Be All That You Can Be Although it’s controversial and can be viewed as shallow, physical appearance does play a huge role in someone’s estimation of you. Especially as men, we are generally cued in and attracted to the visual, so your looks and presentation will be important factors to consider. Pay attention to your grooming and hygiene, not to mention your clothes and accessories. Exercise regularly to give yourself both inner and outer glow. Your internal life is also vitally important. When you have positive self-esteem, you unconsciously send off vibes of confidence, self-assuredness, and sexiness. These tend to be magnetic qualities. Really let your personality shine through and be unapologetically yourself. 7. Feed Your Brain Sometimes being in a social situation can be overwhelming when you feel out of your element. And if the guy is really hot and you’re instantly smitten, it’s not uncommon to get tongue-tied and be at a loss for words. Always have a back-up arsenal of possible topics to have at your disposal should you need to spontaneously pull one out in an uncomfortable pause or silence with your conversational partner. Keep up on current events or media and read books on flirting, mingling, or social skills to fine-tune and boost your confidence. Not only will this give you something to talk about, but it will also make you more interesting and intellectually stimulating to your audience. Just make sure to not sound rehearsed or forced and let the conversation flow naturally into a topic change.

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8. Get Coached We often are not aware that people can perceive us differently than we see ourselves when socializing. Enlist the help of a trusted friend or coach to observe you in action at a social setting and listen to their feedback about your various strengths and weaknesses. Then you can develop a battle strategy for improving those areas in need of a workout. You can also attend classes on public speaking, join your local Toast Masters club, or enroll in a local improvisational or acting course to help you practice your social skills and to learn how to feel more at ease with spontaneity and “thinking on your feet.”

First impressions are lasting, so you want to ensure that you give it all you’ve got without undue pressure to please. We can’t usually control the chemistry that we feel toward certain people, but you can promote your chances of dating success and/or building your friendship network and professional leads by letting your true personality shine through in your interactions with others and following the above tips to the best of your ability. If you and that other guy don’t click, don’t sweat it. If nothing else, it was good practice with your social skills and it is definitely NOT a rejection of you… because they don’t know who you are on one interchange. So get out there and mix and be fabulous! Who knows? Maybe one of those times you’ll snag someone special out of it. Cheers! ©2008 Brian L. Rzepczynski, All rights reserved. To sign up for the FREE Gay Love Coach Newsletter filled with dating and relationship tips and skills for gay singles and couples, as well as to check out current coaching groups, programs, and teleclasses, visit www.TheGayLoveCoach.com.

The Letter

17

PACKERS & POODLES

There's No Such Thing As A "Missed Connection"

by Christy Ikner

Technology is just not my thing. I only have a MySpace page because my wife is genius enough to create it for me. So, when I had to put my jet ski on Craig’s List I was more than a little nervous. I had to figure out how to input text and upload pictures of the ski. It took me about six hours. Not because I’m just that Web site ignorant, but because I stumbled across a feature on Craig’s list called Missed Connections. Ya’ll, I was hooked! Missed Connections is a section on craigslist.org where if a person spots somebody at Starbucks on a Thursday, wearing a red sweater ordering a caramel latte, they can reach out to the latte lover with a message requesting they contact back. Now, I’m not making fun of people who are dating. Nor am I making fun of people who see “hot” people places that they go in town and they wish they could meet them. But I am a little shocked at the gall that some people have regarding the messages that they place on this list. Missed Connections has sections for male looking for female, male looking for male and women looking for women. Of course I started with the good ones - women looking for women. Now, I know lesbians, so I wasn’t at all surprised that a lot of their missed connections happened at Home Depot, car washes and Hooters. But, I was surprised at the detail that some of them gave when reaching out to their missed connection. Who knew that lesbians could be so poetic? Most of it was a bit trite and they all described how beautiful the eyes of their missed connections were. “Those beautiful green eyes pulled me in and melted my soul.” “My heart melted when I looked into those beautiful green eyes.” Now you can replace green with whatever color you want, but things were melting in these lesbian misses. And the hair stroking desires were also touching. “I wish I could run my fingers through that beautiful red hair.” “If I could stroke your hair the way looking at you stroked my heart…” It became very clear in my unofficial research that most of the lesbos with the missed connections were packers who didn’t have balls enough to say something to their potential love interest face-to-face. I mean poodles don’t melt, they do the melting. And hair stroking is something

18

The Letter

that happens to them and not something they are doing unless they are laying under a packer and in the middle of a big “O”. After reading the ladies' writings, I just couldn’t resist checking out the difference in the lesbos and the gaybos. And just as I suspected, there was no male melting. Nope, it was all “You are hot, I am hot, we could be hot.” And a lot of, “Hey, you were with your boyfriend” or “I was with my boyfriend. Want to hook up?" Come on guys! I’m not judging you, but damn! What if your boyfriend is reading the missed connections and he, too, remembers the hot dude in the red sweater in the porn section of the video store? What then? What if he answers and you show up and then he shows up? Hell, I know in the land of lesbians that would be an all weekend fight. As far as the straighties' postings, I wouldn't bother looking at them unless you are having trouble sleeping or suspect your mom or dad of having an affair. Snoozefest! They were cute trying and talking about “How they don’t usually do this sort of thing” and “I’m recently divorced and painfully shy.” But then I read on and there are a few straighties who are naughty. I found a couple of swingers looking to hook up with a couple that seemed like they also might be swingers. You go straight people - rock it out! I may not be a technology genius, but I am quite the scholar of the human heart. My advice is that if you see somebody in public who is obviously dating or married to somebody else, leave them alone. If you are supposed to have them, they will come to you. If you can’t muster the courage to speak to somebody face to face when you see them, then you don’t get to meet them. Go home and practice in the mirror. Grow some balls and take the chance to rock that person’s world. There’s no such thing as a missed connection… only missed opportunities. Live and Love Equally!

www.theletteronline.com

Nashville, TN resident Christy Ikner is a published author. Her book, Packers & Poodles, contains 35 short stories examining female relationships. To purchase her book visit www.scp-inc.biz.

APRIL 2009

THE SIENNA FEATHER

The Search For Mr./Ms. Sienna Transgender 2009

by Tina Storm

This year Sienna, Louisville’ transgender support group, embarks on our search for a spokesperson. Mr. or Ms. Sienna Transgender 2009 will be officially the first race in which our group will be searching for a member of the transgender community to represent Sienna and the transgender community at-large for various public speaking opportunities. Over the past year, our president, Christine, has held the position via an impromptu vote, to set the pace for upcoming contestants as a guide to what they will need to expect. The recipient of this award can expect to play a larger role in the GLBT community, as well as Sienna. Our title holder will be responsible for public speaking engagements when requested from community active groups such as P-flag, Fairness Campaign, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, activities with the Office of LGBT Services at the University of Louisville, Kentuckiana

Pride Festival events, as well as Transgender Day of Remembrance events. As a member of Sienna, the recipient must plan to not only attend most meetings, but also must plan to join our moderators committee that meets before each group meeting. The winning recipient will also act as a liaison between the president of Sienna and the outreach coordinator of Sienna. This position will be open yearly and competed for in an annual gala event during which contestants will display his or her ability to dress appropriately for day and evening, knowledge of our diverse community and his or her political stance and display his or her social graces on stage in front of a live audience. Eligible contestants will be given questions for written essay answers to identify his or her strengths, knowledge, goals, direction, and writing abilities. Each eligible contestant will be given

the chance to provide an essay answer to a question from our judges live on stage during this annual gala event. Eligibility requirements and qualifications include the following. The contestant must be a member of Sienna, attend Sienna group meetings regularly, participate in group meetings and the group’s various social events, display efforts at recruiting new members, participate in many community events. All contestants must be nominated by a member of Sienna verbally during a group meeting and in a written letter personifying why they are nominating each individual. If not already a member of Sienna, but you are interested in becoming an active member and becoming a contestant, you can become an annual member by paying the annual dues and attending the upcoming meetings prior to the May 22nd contest deadline. The Mr./Ms. Sienna Transgender Contest will be held in the auditorium

at Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville on Saturday, June 6 starting at 7:00pm. This event will include a panel of judges as diverse as the community we live in, but the audience will have a voice. Our judges committee will make up 90 percent of the vote, but the audience will make up that other 10 percent. Prizes include the Sienna Crown and sash, $200 cash award, speaking engagements, floral bouquet, and others to be determined. If you feel qualified to meet these requirements to fulfill this position, please go to the Sienna website (www.tg-sienna. org) for further details and application requirements. Tina Storm, Outreach Coordinator for Sienna is a nurse who lives and works 24/7, serves on the Transgender Day of Remembrance Committee and the advisory board of U of L’s Office for GLBT Services.

GLAMOUR UNDERBRIDGE

Equal Opportunity Haters: The Short List

by James W. Hensley

While it seems that Rev. Fred Phelps and the gang of bigots who are affiliated with his Westboro Baptist Church get all the press, they are not the only antigay hate groups out there. The Southern Poverty Law Center (www.splcenter.org) has compiled a list of eleven extremist groups, including Westboro, who excel at slander, fabrication and hysterical homophobia. Here’s the list. * Traditional Values Coalition (www.traditionalvalues.org). * Abiding Truth Ministries (www.abidingtruth.com). * Chalcedon Foundation (www.chalcedon.edu). * Family Research Institute (www.familyresearchinst.org). * American Vision (www.americanvision.org). * Illinois Family Institute (www.illinoisfamily.org). * Heterosexuals Organized for a Moral Environment (www.home60515.com). * Westboro Baptist Church (www.godhatesfags.com). * The School of Christian Activism (www.ngteam.org) (yes, a website in Russian).

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* Mass Resistance (www.massresistance.org). * Watchmen on the Walls (www.watchmenonthewalls.com). Why should you care? It’s not like venom, spleen and rumblings from bigots is new news. I’ll tell you. You should care because other groups, groups that don’t make the hate groups list, use publications and information from the Hateful 11. Right here in Kentucky we have C.R.A.V.E. (Christians RevivingAmerica's Values (www.christians4america.com) and their Pastor Don Swarthout in Lexington. They work with Abiding Truth Ministries. And then there’s my personal favorite, Answers in Genesis (www.answersingenesis.org), the creationism museum in Boone County. Evidently staff trades between Answers in Genesis and American Vision are routine. You should also care because groups like the American Family Association of Kentucky (that’s the notorious Frank Simon MD’s group: www.afaky.com) and the Family Foundation of Kentucky (Kent Ostrander, Martin Cothran, David

Edmunds, et al.: www.kentuckyfamily. org) routinely spout the lies and distortions of the Hateful 11, often without attribution, in order to sell their bill of goods. It’s all snake oil mixed with a little bait and switch. What can you do? First, when you hear these groups cited point out that they’re extremist hate groups. No one considers the KKK “just another opinion” when issues of race, ethnicity or religion are being discussed. Yet lobbyists for anti-gay legislation such as the amendment to the Kentucky consitution defining marriage and the recently defeated No Gay Foster Parents bill will use Scott Lively (Watchmen on the Walls and the Center for Christian Activism) and his truly outrageous tome Seven Steps to Recruit-Proof Your Child: A Parent's Guide To Protecting Children from Homosexuality and the "Gay" Movement as well as Paul Cameron’s (Family Research Institute) discredited and mostly fabricated “research” to give lobbyists and legislators cover when they spout hair-raising bigotry. Second, don’t get trapped into trying to rebut arguments rooted in hate. You can’t discuss creationism rationally

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with the Answers in Genesis or the Flat Earth Society (www.theflatearthsociety. org/. NARTH (National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (www.narth.com) doesn’t care that “gender disorientation pathology” is a fiction that has never appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association. It’s useful when there’s gay bashing to be done. Third, if NAMBLA is mentioned it’s already too late. There is nothing that can be done or said that will derail a bigot once they land in pedophilia territory. The fact that the vast majority of abusers are heterosexual makes no difference. Smile stiffly and walk away. While he is co-pastor of Progressive Pathways Fellowship in Louisville (www.progressivepathways. org), opinions expressed by James Hensley do not represent the official policy of the church. The Letter

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OUTLOOK WITHIN

A Square Of Bright Blue Sky “I woke up 42 years ago,” she said, looking me dead in the eye. “I woke up and all I could see was a square of bright blue sky.” I had no idea what she meant. She leaned in, eager to talk. I leaned in, too. Her speech was hard to understand. Her top teeth protruded from her mouth; her bottom teeth were missing. Her words came out fuzzy. I listened carefully. It took time to untangle her story. With no one to corroborate or clarify her narrative, I had to sort out the details for myself. She is now 83. A month ago she moved into the nursing home where my fatherin-law resides. Her husband, at age 42, lost his life in an automobile accident; that was 42 years ago. She was in the car, too. She lost her memory in the collision, had to start over from scratch at age 41. When she woke up she recognized no one, not even her children. She had no recall of her past or her purpose in the world. “I woke up 42 years ago and all I could see a square of bright blue sky. I said, ‘thank you, Lord, for that square of bright blue sky.’ That was all I knew.” As she spoke, she brushed her white hair back from her neck and I saw a small praying hands pin attached to the collar of her purple velour dress. Her Sunday best, I surmised. She had listened to a Catholic television program that morning, she said. “It helps me, you know.” It was a challenge for her, reconstructing a life from thin air at age 41. It still is. After the car accident, she was transferred to a Veterans Administration hospital, evidence she had once served in the armed forces. She has been in and out of VA hospitals ever since, most recently when she fell this past winter and broke one hip, then fell and broke the other. She was transferred from a VA hospitalto this nursing home. Her daughter lives in the next county over. “It’s not easy to wake up at 41.” She said this several times throughout the course of our conversation and laughed each time in apology. It seems she takes personal

by Bryn Marlow

responsibility for having misplaced four decades of her life. Here’s another phrase she often repeats: “You just never know.” “Things change. You just never know.” “I lived with my son down in Florida until he passed away. You just never know.” “I’ve lived too long. I don’t want to be here anymore. Maybe the Lord has some reason for keeping me around, but I don’t know what it is. You just never know.” I nodded and agreed with her each time. No, you never know. She sums up her life with this one phrase. And no wonder. I don’t know what it’s like to lose 40 years of memory; I hope I never find out. But I do know that what she says resonates with my experience of coming out. I felt as if I were waking up at age 35. It was upheaval and it was exciting; it was terrible and it was wonderful; it was life and blue horizons and I was grateful. My husband recounts a similar awakening experience at age 48. He and I often voice regret and sadness over lost decades, lost opportunities, lost life. We also recount joyful memories, our present happiness. And I usually voice anger. I feel angry to see my former self reflected in several people who I see sleepwalking through their lives. I want to shake them, wake them up, shine blue sky square in their faces. Of course, I can’t talk. I can barely keep my own eyes open. My husband just reminded me that income taxes are due in a matter of days. This came as a complete surprise. No, I have not the wisdom, wit nor authority to take responsibility for another’s awakening. But what I can do is tell my story. I can lean forward, look you – or anyone who will listen – dead in the eye, and in words that may or may not sound fuzzy say, “I woke up 15 years ago. It’s been hell. It’s been heaven. I woke up and saw a square of bright blue sky, and I said, ‘Thank you, world. Thank you for that square of bright blue sky.’ I’ve been looking up ever since.”

Bryn Marlow lives with his husband Dave on a 1930s Indiana farmstead where they raise chickens and flowers. THE LETTER salutes Bryn on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of his coming out!

RADICALLY SERENE THOUGHTS

Taking Pride In Being A "Total Faggot" I honestly can't recall what I said or did to prompt such a judgmental comment, but one day Rick (a high school classmate) looked at me and declared, "VanderPol, you're a Total Faggot!" I was embarrassed. I felt ashamed. Keep in mind that I didn't exactly have a "Gay-Straight Alliance" available to give me support at my ROMAN CATHOLIC high school in the “enlightened metropolis” of Terre Haute, Indiana! And lest I out myself as being an "old fart", keep in mind that I attended high school between 1972 - 1976 and (being from Terre Haute) I didn't exactly have a Gay Hotline, gay websites (let alone the Internet) to turn to when my classmate verbally gaybashed me. My coming out journey began in December 1976 (this was in-between my first two semesters of college). My first year of college was spent studying to be CELIBATE Roman Catholic priest. You guessed it: my journey hasn't always been smooth or easy. I don’t ask for your self-pity. After all, precious few are those of my generation who can claim to have had an "easy" time coming TOTALLY out to ourselves and to others. Despite my less-than-gay-friendly background, last month something just snapped. This was NOT the kind of "snap" a bitchy queen makes with his fingers. This was the "snap" that allowed me to LISTEN TO and EMBRACE the "Faggot Within" myself. This “Faggot Within” concept is similar to what best-selling author Brad Gooch calls every gay man’s “Boyfriend Within” in his bestseller Finding The Boyfriend Within. Our “Inner Faggot” or “Faggot Within” is the voice within our head -- and NOT that "head", silly queen! – that is the proud, courageous and self-accepting part of our personality that gives voice to the unashamed part of our sexual orientation (whether we are gay or bisexual). My Inner-Faggot said words to me to the effect, "Honey, it's about time to OWN and EMBRACE the fact that you ARE a "Total Faggot". My “Faggot Within” bitch-slapped my “Inner Homophobe” and almost instantly mountains of internalized homophobia seemed to vanish!!! 20

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by Dave VanderPol

I felt pride. I felt joy. I felt relief. In fact, I felt (and continue to feel) a greater sense of self-acceptance that I didn't realize was even possible for me to feel. Part of my journey toward BEing and LOVing the "Total Faggot" that I am has lead me to do some gender-bending things I've wanted to do for YEARS (OK, maybe even decades). So I went out and had both of ears pierced (a can of Coor’s Light helped me face that fear), I’m wearing ear cuffs and I’ve started wearing lipstick (no “slutty” colors – OK maybe sometime I wear a shade that makes me look “trashy”) and "guyliner" both in public and in private! Did I mention that I’ve been fitted for my FIRST BRA?!? A fitting that took place in – of all parts of Metro Louisville that you would NOT expect it to take place – the socially uptight suburb of SAINT MATTHEWS (Saint Matthews is to Metro Louisville as Carmel is to Metro Indianapolis)! Men get fitted for bras in the Highlands or Old Louisville neighborhoods is believable, but NEVER in Saint Matthews! I am such a pioneer! (RADICALLY SERENE THOUGHTS continued on page 21)

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Milk Our favorite film of 2008, Gus Van Sant's best effort to date and containing what is possibly Sean Penn's best performance ever, Milk is entertaining, illuminating and riveting from the first frame to the last. I am 52 years old and know the story of Harvey Milk quite well. I remember Dianne Fienstein's choked-up announcement of his assassination. I remember the dark night after the trial. None of this meant anything as I sat in the dark theater and watched Dan White (Josh Brolin) crawl in through the basement window and my heartbeat raced. I wept several times, laughed frequently and joined in the cheers as the film ended. Gus Van Sant has created cinematic magic with Milk. The story begins with Harvey Milk in 1972 (Sean Penn) as a closeted insurance salesman picking up a trick in the NYC subway. That trick was Scott Smith (James Franco), a hippie boy instantly charmed by the Jewish closet-case, who urged him to create a new life for the two of them. Off they went to San Francisco to change the world, and have fun on the way. Harvey opened a camera store on the still-straight Castro St which soon became a drop-in center for gay boys helping to create what became a gay mecca. Inspired to make change Harvey and his buddies launch a politically-naive first campaign for the SF Board of Supervisors. Harvey had a pony-tail and populist stump speech. He came very close for a firsttimer. The buddies became a campaign organization that launched two more runs for the Board of Supervisors and a run for the California State Assembly. With all this politicing Harvey's relationship with Scott crumbled and he was left to his own devices. Harvey met and nurtured a young politico Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch) who went on to found the AIDS Quilt organization. His next boyfriend was the tragically unbalanced Jack Lira (Diego Luna) who never gelled with Harvey's friends. With superb performances, set design that appeared to reconstruct Castro St in the '70s and a score by the brilliant Danny Elfman, Gus Van Sant has created an essential film for your collection. Not stinting on the gay romance, intimate scenes and kissing, Milk is the story of a legendary gay hero told in legendary style. Milk is available for rent at Wild & Woolly Video, 1021 Bardstown Road in Louisville. (RADICALLY SERENE THOUGHTS continued from page 20) Talk about contrasts: Feminists get thrilled about burning their bras, while we drag queen-wannabes get moist about being fitted for our first bra. By the way, my size is 64-B (yeah, I’m a “fuller-figured lady”). Deal with it. I don’t necessarily believe that my (or your) Inner Faggot is “100% Screaming Queen 100% of the time”. What I do believe is that this inner voice is totally authentic and has much integrity. No Inner Faggot would even think about including the phrase “Straight Acting” within a personal ad. That kind of wording comes from the Homophobe Within part of one’s personality. I don’t need that voice running my life, let alone writing my personal ads. My Inner Faggot never has to “act” to gain someone else’s approval. My Faggot Within is capable of being masculine without needing to “act” masculine. I’m sure a good number of gay and bisexual men are far more masculine that me. I just hope that none of us are carrying around a facade of masculinity in order to protect ourselves from the homophobic, redneck nonsense that is part of our Red State reality. I hope our masculinity is genuine and not a product of shame, fear or denial of our authentic selves. To give you, my dear readers, a safe place to express your Inner Faggot, I’ve founded a new organization and hope to have our first social event (“Lipstick & Skirt Night”) in May. For more information about the Sisterhood/Brotherhood of Total Faggots, LLC write to [email protected].

Dave VanderPol, Executive Editor of THE LETTER, currently owns four tubes of lipstick, an eyeliner pencil, two ear studs, numerous ear cuffs and is looking forward to buying his first bra ("Where can us bigger babes buy a size 64-B bra?"). You'll find him trolling for values in bigger gal’s clothing at Louisville area thrift stores most Saturday afternoons. APRIL 2009

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Tasteful Culture DINING OUT

Start The Day Off Right: Breakfast Done Louisville Style

by Beth Ann Rubin

One of the great joys in life is eating. And an even greater joy is eating out for breakfast. There is something about not having to get up and face that same bowl of cereal or oatmeal or heat up another Pop Tart that truly excites me. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there is usually a wide range of meal options beyond my pantry and preparation and clean-up is left to the professionals. And the benefit of eating breakfast out is that it gets you up, dressed and out of the house when pajama lounging is your default weekend activity. Because I have heard so many positive comments about Toast on Market, I decided to try Sunday breakfast at the aptly named East Market Street eatery. We had previously tried to secure a table at the restaurant earlier in the year but were short on time and did not have the option to wait. This is how I learned about the call ahead seating of which I took full advantage on my last visit. This enabled our party to be seated within minutes of arriving at the restaurant. The short wait allowed me to peruse the interior of the space and note the general ambiance. The loft inspired room consists of exposed brick on both walls with a cool “toast” color painted on the back wall. Large portraits of people I feel I should know but don’t adorn both sides of the room and iron chandeliers illuminate the space. The front is made up of full length windows which allow the diner a view of the ever changing Market Street and these open in fairer weather for al fresco dining. Toast on Market offers breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday until 3:00 p.m. We were all in breakfast mode the day we visited, although some of the luncheon sandwiches sounded extremely tempting. Toast has a variety of coffee and chocolate drinks including Candy Cane Latte, White Chocolate Mocha (both $4.50), Raspberry White Chocolate ($3.50) and the special of the day, Caramel Swirl Hot Chocolate ($3.50) which was served with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and drizzled with luscious caramel. My partner and I wanted to save the calories for our meal so we both enjoyed cups of the full-bodied house brand coffee. There is also a full selection of wine, beer and cocktails for those who prefer to indulge with an alcoholic libation with their breakfast. The breakfast menu is comprised of pancakes, eggs, omelets, French toast and extras. Prices range from $4.50 for Banana Nut Oatmeal to $9.00 for Steak and Eggs. Some of the items are traditional breakfast fare served with panache. For example, the Toast and Eggs consists of fried eggs served on toasted brioche with mozzarella cheese and harissa hot sauce ($5.75). The Bacon and Egg Sandwich is made up of bacon, fried egg, gorgonzola and frisee tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette on a toasted ciabatta roll. As our server was fairly new, he was unable to make any recommendations. I think we were having trouble deciding what not to order! My one dining companion selected the Gingerbread Pancakes which was served with whipped cream and cherry compote ($7.50). Another friend remained in that category and picked the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes ($7.50), accompanied by vanilla custard sauce and blueberry syrup complete with whole blueberries. Both of them adored their meals and I did steal a bite of the lemon pancakes which were light and airy and packed with a lemon punch. She enjoyed a glass of homemade lemonade with her pancakes which only enhanced her pleasure with her citrusy breakfast. Another diner opted for the Elvis special or “The King” as it is known on the menu. This consists of Brioche stuffed with bananas, peanut butter and mascarpone cheese and served with syrup. Rich, you ask? My friend loved it but felt more like the ‘70’s Elvis after eating! I ordered the Chorizo and White Cheddar Omelet ($7.75) which was delicious. The spicy sausage filled the eggs and the sharpness of the cheddar infused the dish. Both Elvis and I enjoyed the hash brown casserole with our breakfasts. Interestingly enough, my least favorite part of my meal was the toast. I didn’t get brioche or ciabatta; just ordinary bread. In keeping with our downtown Louisville theme, we ventured over to Old Louisville the following week for our next breakfast adventure. This too 22

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was word of mouth from someone who had never eaten at the restaurant. I guess we were the guinea pigs. We dined at Juanita’s Burger Boy at the corner of Brook and Burnett. A farer cry from Toast could not be imagined. This is a cozy diner whose appearance seems not to have changed since its inception. Open 24 hours, it looks to specialize in late night eats as evidenced from our cook who was finishing up her evening shift that morning. What Juanita’s lacks in ambiance it certainly makes up in character and the affordable prices. There is no menu; just a board on the wall above the fry station listing the items available and cost. We were promptly served coffee (no decaf available) from our server who took our order and shared it with our cook. There were only three other diners, and one gentleman who came for coffee and a table outside to smoke. My one friend ordered the Buttermilk Pancakes 3 for $3.99 – one of the more expensive items). Two others tried Two Eggs and Toast ($1.99) with meat ($1.00). I picked the Cheese Omelet ($2.99) and was able to choose my cheese. I was pleased to note that the cheese options went beyond Kraft. Ham Omelets ($3.79) and Western Omelets ($3.99) are also available. Everything was cooked to order and tasted good. This is certainly not gourmet fare but just good cooking. And it is almost cheaper to dine here than purchase your breakfast items at the grocery store. The restaurant is under new management so we will have to see what changes, if any, will be made in the future to Juanita’s. We were unable to make it back for lunch at neither Toast on Market nor Juanita’s Burger Boy but both are definitely in the cards. Besides, we have to try a famous “Burger Boy” (just $2.49) at some point. It is fun to compare the two from a price perspective. You can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich or grilled chicken at Toast for $8.00, $8.50 and $8.25 respectfully. Or you can order all three at Juanita’s for under $7.25. Now the ingredients and preparation are certainly distinct and I am not recommending one over the other. It is simply interesting to compare how differently one can eat in Louisville while eating the same thing. Make your next breakfast one to remember!

Toast on Market; 736 East Market Street; Louisville. (502) 569-4099. Juanita’s Burger Boy; 1450 South Brook Street; Louisville. (502) 635-7410

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Beth Ann Rubin has been reviewing restaurants for THE LETTER for nearly four years. A Chicago native, Beth Ann and her family live just south of Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. A talented cook in her own right, over the years her baked goods have earned her numerous awards at the Kentucky State Fair. So excellent is her cooking, last year the publisher of this newspaper nearly proposed marriage to a Pumpkin Cheesecake she had whipped together from scratch! APRIL 2009

We Wanna’ Make YOU A Drag Queen!!!

KENNETH C. PLOTNIK Attorney at Law

607 West Ormsby Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40203

So you think that you’re “Straight Acting”, huh?

(502) 636-0361 Fax: (502) 634-0576

Well we believe that you would make a stunningly beautiful Drag Queen!

Go ahead and contact THE LETTER if…

What Path Calls You?

* You have never done drag, but have a secret desire to try it.

clamourunderbridge.typepad.com

WEDDING INVITATIONS BUSINESS CARDS PAGE LAYOUT MARKETING DESIGNS PRINT ADVERTISEMENTS NEWSLETTERS AND MORE EMAIL: [email protected]

INFORM YOUR PARTNER StopTheSpreadOnline.org

(502) 290-5047 APRIL 2009

To stop the cycle of STD’s growing in our community, sexual partners need to be tested and if necessary treated. www.theletteronline.com

* You are totally turned off by the thought of being a drag queen – but are willing to try it just one time to see what it’s like. * You think you would make awful drag queen, but would face your fear and try it anyway. If Hazel Zimmerman can do it, then so can you!

Write to Hazel by Friday, April 24, 2009 for more information: [email protected]. We Wanna’ Make YOU A Drag King Coming This June! The Letter

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APRIL 2009