In intense heat and humidity on a Sunday in June 2009, a picnic in Little Rock, Arkansas for LGBTQ PRIDE. Here are some sights and sounds:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With Lyrics)
YouTube brings us Susan Boyle. Amazing talent!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ode to Sandra Wilson
The woman that ran a federal AIDS housing program in Arkansas with an iron fist for 16 years says the war is over and she gives up. Sandra Wilson (aka Bit**, as*****, Fu***** bit**, Fu***** As*****)initially told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that her non-profit, Arkansas Supportive Housing Network, could not raise necessary matching funds for grants in this bad economy. A lie. Now the reporter knows how many of her clients, past and present, feel. Sandra apparently loves to play the victim and twists truth when defending herself against accusations.
In the '90s, her non-profit was known as AIDS Outreach of Arkansas. With a federal grant, she'd take homeless people with HIV and put them often in drug-infested apartment complexes. Horror stories were regularly heard from clients about ASHN employees popping in, going through clients' trash cans, and tossing their apartments looking for any hint of a beer can, other alcohol or drug use. Random drug tests were often frequent and abusive. Someone would show at the door and drive the client straight to the testing center without concern for the client's obligations or health. Want to lose your shelter? Then go NOW. This was a practice not used in every state, so clearly it was a policy of her own design.
As an AIDS activist, I spent ungodly amounts of time on the phone with dying clients on the verge of homelessness, about abusive treatment by Sandra's agency. Several times I'd set up meetings with supervising agencies so that they could hear what I was hearing. Homeless clients don't think about documenting abuses as they happen, so necessary supportive evidence was often lacking. Truth was also often lacking in the response of Sandra's agency, just as it was in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article.
Turns out that Sandra's agency didn't shut down due to the bad economy after all. Sunday's paper included a details about grant money mismanagement. Sandra and her board members might have been liable for well over $ 100,000 inappropriately spent.
Sandra now says Little Rock HUD office employees have been out to get her since she helped send Lola Thrower to jail, convicted of stealing grant money intended for state HIV services. Sandra said they've been on this hideous campaign for years; they had it in for her. They must have been randomly going through her trash, and tossing her agency searching for something. She failed in a pissing match with HUD, and now she's out on the street, so to speak. I'll bet she's hardly homeless with AIDS, but it seems like karma nevertheless.
Sandra was not the only one seeking justice for Lola Thrower's actions, but I guess the only one victimized for it. You know, a martyr.
HUD says 3 years of financial mismanagement caused this, and if the agency would have signed a repayment agreement, all would have been fine. How can over $100,000 in housing funds be misspent, and no one be held accountable? I say go after Sandra and her board personally for the money owed.
As for people with HIV in her program, there was a seamless transition to other agencies. Their housing assistance continues. Surprise! No complaints from clients!
Farewell Sandra. Angels in heaven rejoiced at your departure.
In the '90s, her non-profit was known as AIDS Outreach of Arkansas. With a federal grant, she'd take homeless people with HIV and put them often in drug-infested apartment complexes. Horror stories were regularly heard from clients about ASHN employees popping in, going through clients' trash cans, and tossing their apartments looking for any hint of a beer can, other alcohol or drug use. Random drug tests were often frequent and abusive. Someone would show at the door and drive the client straight to the testing center without concern for the client's obligations or health. Want to lose your shelter? Then go NOW. This was a practice not used in every state, so clearly it was a policy of her own design.
As an AIDS activist, I spent ungodly amounts of time on the phone with dying clients on the verge of homelessness, about abusive treatment by Sandra's agency. Several times I'd set up meetings with supervising agencies so that they could hear what I was hearing. Homeless clients don't think about documenting abuses as they happen, so necessary supportive evidence was often lacking. Truth was also often lacking in the response of Sandra's agency, just as it was in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article.
Turns out that Sandra's agency didn't shut down due to the bad economy after all. Sunday's paper included a details about grant money mismanagement. Sandra and her board members might have been liable for well over $ 100,000 inappropriately spent.
Sandra now says Little Rock HUD office employees have been out to get her since she helped send Lola Thrower to jail, convicted of stealing grant money intended for state HIV services. Sandra said they've been on this hideous campaign for years; they had it in for her. They must have been randomly going through her trash, and tossing her agency searching for something. She failed in a pissing match with HUD, and now she's out on the street, so to speak. I'll bet she's hardly homeless with AIDS, but it seems like karma nevertheless.
Sandra was not the only one seeking justice for Lola Thrower's actions, but I guess the only one victimized for it. You know, a martyr.
HUD says 3 years of financial mismanagement caused this, and if the agency would have signed a repayment agreement, all would have been fine. How can over $100,000 in housing funds be misspent, and no one be held accountable? I say go after Sandra and her board personally for the money owed.
As for people with HIV in her program, there was a seamless transition to other agencies. Their housing assistance continues. Surprise! No complaints from clients!
Farewell Sandra. Angels in heaven rejoiced at your departure.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Blog Endorsement: Go See Milk!
When I was a young man afflicted by puberty, my sources for information about being gay were primarily through impressions left by sexual abusers, peers, religion, and the newspaper. Initial impressions became the building blocks of my developing self esteem, sexuality, and spirituality.
I remember reading through a Sunday Arkansas Gazette as a boy about 40 guys being arrested in a mall's public restroom. I know the things done to me at an early age didn't give me a positive introduction to sex with a man or what "being gay" meant. There was some uproar about a gay character on a network comedy series. I also recall Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News occasionally referring to Harvey Milk, an elected official in San Francisco. His life as it publicly infolded did give me hope. Hope that I could live a full normal happy life as a gay man. There was little evidence in my rural religious culture to suggest it could happen, so Milk directly impacted my life in rural south Arkansas.
In searching for what I could do to make a difference, I came across the documentary The Life & Times of Harvey Milk, which I believe to be a must-see viewing for all the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer community. Randy Shilts, himself a gay icon, has a book on Harvey's life. Shows what courage can do.
Milk the movie, opened November 26 staring Sean Penn. It's the 30th anniversary of Milk's assassination. It will open in Little Rock at the Col. Glenn 18 this Friday. It is an important film. Penn is deserving of the Oscar Buzz. Go see it!
Milk is an icon and inspired so many to do something to improve the lives of those gay kids being raised in life-threatening circumstances. I'm amazed almost daily how much better the circumstances seem for rural gay teens. At least there's more hope for happiness. Spend the money for a well-directed, well-acted, well-scripted, important life in world history.
It will not only be seen in Arkansas, it'll be seen in 19 countries across the world. You go Harvey! Since AIDS hit soon after Harvey's assassination, I don't think Milk's life ever got the recognition it deserved. There wasn't time.
Years ago local artist Stephano (who now has a fine arts gallery in the Heights—5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 501-563-4218). asked for "less than obvious" gay icons for his line of "Pop" art. My dying partner and I talked about it and told him about Harvey Milk and suggested maybe a milk moustache with a "Got Milk?" theme.
Here he is on a former couch under the glow in the dark oil painting of Harvey Milk that was given to me.
I remember reading through a Sunday Arkansas Gazette as a boy about 40 guys being arrested in a mall's public restroom. I know the things done to me at an early age didn't give me a positive introduction to sex with a man or what "being gay" meant. There was some uproar about a gay character on a network comedy series. I also recall Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News occasionally referring to Harvey Milk, an elected official in San Francisco. His life as it publicly infolded did give me hope. Hope that I could live a full normal happy life as a gay man. There was little evidence in my rural religious culture to suggest it could happen, so Milk directly impacted my life in rural south Arkansas.
In searching for what I could do to make a difference, I came across the documentary The Life & Times of Harvey Milk, which I believe to be a must-see viewing for all the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer community. Randy Shilts, himself a gay icon, has a book on Harvey's life. Shows what courage can do.
Milk the movie, opened November 26 staring Sean Penn. It's the 30th anniversary of Milk's assassination. It will open in Little Rock at the Col. Glenn 18 this Friday. It is an important film. Penn is deserving of the Oscar Buzz. Go see it!
Milk is an icon and inspired so many to do something to improve the lives of those gay kids being raised in life-threatening circumstances. I'm amazed almost daily how much better the circumstances seem for rural gay teens. At least there's more hope for happiness. Spend the money for a well-directed, well-acted, well-scripted, important life in world history.
It will not only be seen in Arkansas, it'll be seen in 19 countries across the world. You go Harvey! Since AIDS hit soon after Harvey's assassination, I don't think Milk's life ever got the recognition it deserved. There wasn't time.
Years ago local artist Stephano (who now has a fine arts gallery in the Heights—5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 501-563-4218). asked for "less than obvious" gay icons for his line of "Pop" art. My dying partner and I talked about it and told him about Harvey Milk and suggested maybe a milk moustache with a "Got Milk?" theme.
Here he is on a former couch under the glow in the dark oil painting of Harvey Milk that was given to me.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
World AIDS Day 08 in Little Rock
On December 1, World Aids Day, my day began with a 10am movie then on to the Clinton Center:
I know Dr. Elders spoke at UALR, which I couldn’t cover. Fayetteville hosted a showing of the Quilt. The World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil was held inside the State Capitol Building, where candles aren’t welcome…,
I know Dr. Elders spoke at UALR, which I couldn’t cover. Fayetteville hosted a showing of the Quilt. The World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil was held inside the State Capitol Building, where candles aren’t welcome…,
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Yard Sale Therapy
I missed a march to repeal Arkansas’ Act 1 while focused on our yard sale.
The yard sale advanced us in many ways. The house, closets, and storage areas aren’t cluttered anymore. A financial want was met. Items let go in a moment for a few bucks to a stranger are often little pieces of your heart. Music boxes, garments, old computers or televisions are recycled to folks you briefly meet.
A young lady of a gothic persuasion, somewhat like NCIS ‘ Abbey, pulled up in a Hurse and searched our sale. A motorcycle-styled leather jacket belonging to a late partner caught her eye, and it became obvious to me that part of him was in her. As she shopped and considered the jacket, I got to enjoy her personality and easily found that part of her that was a part of him. I enjoyed the visit like a visit with my lost partner, and made sure that jacket found a home with her.
I’d often find Michael, in 23 degree weather, standing smiling at a small shirt or a music jewelry box, with a tear at a memory of his sister LaDonna. Grief is the art of letting go with love. It can take an hour or a lifetime, but it’s a process. I still visit with old departed friends and loved ones nearly everyday once anything triggers a memory.
The yard sale advanced us in many ways. The house, closets, and storage areas aren’t cluttered anymore. A financial want was met. Items let go in a moment for a few bucks to a stranger are often little pieces of your heart. Music boxes, garments, old computers or televisions are recycled to folks you briefly meet.
A young lady of a gothic persuasion, somewhat like NCIS ‘ Abbey, pulled up in a Hurse and searched our sale. A motorcycle-styled leather jacket belonging to a late partner caught her eye, and it became obvious to me that part of him was in her. As she shopped and considered the jacket, I got to enjoy her personality and easily found that part of her that was a part of him. I enjoyed the visit like a visit with my lost partner, and made sure that jacket found a home with her.
I’d often find Michael, in 23 degree weather, standing smiling at a small shirt or a music jewelry box, with a tear at a memory of his sister LaDonna. Grief is the art of letting go with love. It can take an hour or a lifetime, but it’s a process. I still visit with old departed friends and loved ones nearly everyday once anything triggers a memory.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Little Rock's ' "Join The Impact" rally: YouTub'ed
I took in an event at the State Capital Building that reminded me several anti-gay measures passed, not only in Arkansas, but also in California & Florida while Obama was elected. . Took the camera, here it is in five parts:
It should also be noted that hundreds marched in Fayetteville, Arkansas as well.
It should also be noted that hundreds marched in Fayetteville, Arkansas as well.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Farewell Election ’08: CHANGE
Delivering Mom & Pop to new their home and new lives is good for us. Lots of change in the air.
I was reminded by a friend as we head to Georgia that "it's not safe for gay people in the Deep South", and that holding hands could get us killed. I feel safe in our "People's Republic of" Hillcrest bungalow in Little Rock, but it's true I'm more careful outside of my liberal hub. It's a damn shame. Given time, our society evolves. Generational change. It's happening right now.
In an odd twist of fate, I may not have access to a television on election night. I do have peace about the candidates and issues I support, and expect better government in the future. Today, one of my favorite artists allowed the Obama campaign to use one of my favorite songs in a campaign ad. By the time I return, perhaps I can remember life without Barak, McCain and the Clintons. I leave the topic with hope and with a commercial with Paul Simon's "American Tune":
I was reminded by a friend as we head to Georgia that "it's not safe for gay people in the Deep South", and that holding hands could get us killed. I feel safe in our "People's Republic of" Hillcrest bungalow in Little Rock, but it's true I'm more careful outside of my liberal hub. It's a damn shame. Given time, our society evolves. Generational change. It's happening right now.
In an odd twist of fate, I may not have access to a television on election night. I do have peace about the candidates and issues I support, and expect better government in the future. Today, one of my favorite artists allowed the Obama campaign to use one of my favorite songs in a campaign ad. By the time I return, perhaps I can remember life without Barak, McCain and the Clintons. I leave the topic with hope and with a commercial with Paul Simon's "American Tune":
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter Opposes Initiated Act 1
One moment of many at Friday’s Obama Rally struck me to be particularly inspiring. Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter took a few moments to project an impassioned mainstream appeal against Initiated Act 1.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
President Clinton & Arkansas Dems rally 4 Obama
My friend Trey and I went to the River Market in Little Rock Friday afternoon and caught the trolley to the Obama Rally featuring several Arkansas Democrats leading to President Bill Clinton. With 11 days to go until the General Election, it seemed a great time to rally. Here in 6 -10 minute segments, are most of the speakers and what they had to say. Enjoy & VOTE EARLY:
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