Saturday, May 16, 2009

Waiting

The following is a message from Pride@State:

"As we continue to await the CA Supreme Court's ruling on the Proposition 8 case, preparations are in place for the "Day of Decision". The court must rule by June 4, and only hands down decisions on Mondays and Thursdays. The court will give just one business day's notice before issuing a ruling (so if the decision will be on a Monday, we'll find out on the preceding Friday around 10 a.m.; and if they will rule on a Thursday, we'll know that a decision is coming the preceding Wednesday at 10 a.m.).

If you received any notifications today through sources like Perez Hilton (who has since retracted his report) or others, NO DECISION has yet been released... Articles from one year ago today were recirculating. Today is the anniversary of the overturn of Prop 22, which was legislation (passed in 2000) that made marriage in California be only recognized between a man and a woman. That was overturned a year ago today, BUT then Prop 8 was put on the ballot, and sadly, passed. Again, NO DECISION HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN YET.

Status updates are available on the state court's website at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme#forthcoming

We are getting down to the line and know that within the next couple weeks, we will have a decision. Undoubtedly, it will be a very emotional day, no matter which way the decision goes. Please be prepared to participate in "Day of Decision" events within a day's notice. Win or lose, San Diegans will gather at the corner of 6th & Laurel on the "day" at 5 p.m. Check out www.dayofdecision.com for more information. Please spread the word and be ready to celebrate or protest (fingers crossed for celebration!)."


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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Milk is good for kids (and grownups)!

Although The Harvey Milk Story, by Kari Krakow is ostensibly a children's book, it serves as an excellent, albeit brief, introduction to Harvey Milk for adults. Unlike the film, Milk, which focuses on the brief political career of Harvey Milk, The Harvey Milk Story gives a broad, yet personal overview of Milk's entire life. Krakow's text, along with David Gardner's charming illustrations, show Harvey as an adorable big-eared baby, a sensitive yet energetic child, a popular and athletic teenager, a deep-sea-diving Naval officer, and a closeted school teacher. The book, like the film, also describes Harvey's life after he moved to the Castro, when he was out and proud and campaigning for city supervisor. Although the book is merely 32 pages (and less that 1400 words) Krakow manages to portray Harvey as more than an important figure in the struggle for gay rights - as a unique, complex person whose life was taken too soon. Amazon.com classifies the book as appropriate for children ages 4-8, but I believe The Harvey Milk Story also serves as a valuable resource for older children and adults, particularly through the Author's Notes at the end which expand on some of the issues the author touches on only briefly in the book, as well as the bibliography which lists books, films, and periodicals to consult for more information about Harvey Milk. My book, checked out from CSU San Marcos through The Circuit, also has a sticker in the front of the book listing San Diego-specific LGBTQ websites. The book's website provides ideas for teachers on how to use the book to teach about concepts such as: bullying, belonging, discrimination, hope, and non-violent activism. The Harvey Milk Story is available directly from the publisher, Two Lives Publishing. You can also order new and used copies from Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

Monday, May 11, 2009

See Daniel Nicoletta's Photographs in Santa Monica

DANIEL NICOLETTA
Harvey Milk and the San Francisco Scene

May 9 – June 20, 2009

12703 Venice Blvd. 90066

"OVERTONES gallery is pleased to present the first solo exhibiton in Los Angeles by San Francisco-based photographer DANIEL NICOLETTA. Nicoletta will exhibit photographs from his extensive body of work, including some of his favorite iconic images from his documentation of the vibrant lesbian gay bisexual and transgender civil rights movement, as well as photographs Nicoletta made on the set of the Academy Award-winning film Milk."


Artist’s talk and booksigning for Milk: A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk SUNDAY, June 7, 2009; 2 - 4PM. (RSVP to gallery by June 3rd.)



Honoring Harvey Milk in California


Panel OKs honors for Harvey Milk

By: STEVE LAWRENCE
Associated Press




Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Announcing... The talented and dedicated cast of Dear Harvey!

Tom Ammiano: Ken Hodges
Toni Atkins: Bailey Neill
Nicole Murray Ramirez: Anthony Simone
Jackie Grover: Kristin McReddie
Robin Tyler: Crystal Brandon
Cleve Jones: Derek Smith
Anne Kronenberg: Emily Davenport
John Laird: John Alspaugh
Stuart Milk: Jon Wat
Daniel Nicoletta: Berlyn Weiland
Alan Pettit: Shane Blackburn
Christine Kehoe: Jacqui Yawn
Mary Stockton: Courtney Howard
Dottie Wine: Patty Hite
(Peter, Amanda, Tawnya and Juan casting the show. Photo by Lauren Beck)