LGBT History: Meeting Our Pioneers....Jim Foster

 

 

Often the real mover and shakers from our glorious history live in the shadows of our legends like Harvey Milk or Elaine Noble. Many of them died during the AIDS epidemic and no one was left to tell their story. As we move forward this week making great progress on marriage and a host of other LGBT issues, let us not forget a silent hero from our past - Jim Foster.

Jim Foster, along with Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, was one of the founders of the modern day LGBT political movement in San Francisco. He was so successful that the became a role model for many of us still struggling to come out of the closet. Foster was among the founders of the first LGBT political club in San Francisco. At first he worked through the Society for Individual Rights (SIR) where he was a major player in assisting a young Dianne Feinstein to be elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1969.

In 1972, as a McGovern delegate, he became the first openly gay man ever to speak to a national political convention. While speaking very late at night, his speech is still remembered by those of us who couldn't believe a gay man was speaking to the National Democratic Convention. His speech electrified the small activist LGBT community in 1972. Among the lines of his historic address were:

"We do not come to you begging your understanding or pleading your tolerance. We come to you affirming our pride in our lifestyle, affirming the validity of our right to seek and to maintain meaningful emotional relationships and affirming our right to participate in the life of this country on an equal basis with every citizen."

At that very same convention, it was the first time the LGBT community was able to maneuver and bring a 'gay rights plank' to the floor where it was voted down. Foster was the key force and floor leader in that battle.

One of the sad aspects of Foster's career is that he supported a liberal straight Democrat over Harvey Milk when Milk ran for Supervisor. It led to an intense rivalry in the city.

In 1980, Foster became a key supporter of Senator Edward Kennedy in his primary challenge to President Jimmy Carter. Foster used personal funds to keep the campaign running in San Francisco when money was short and earned the love and respect for the senator the rest of his life.

Foster died of HIV/AIDS in 1990. Like many who died in this epidemic whose contributions are unknown today, Foster left his mark for good and enabled us to make it this far.

LGBT: Jeremy Bernard Among "50 Most Powerful People In Washington"!

 

 

GQ.com has released their "50 Most Powerful People in Washington" list and among the names is openly gay White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard. He is both the first male and member of the LGBT community ever to serve as Social Secretary. Bernard keeps company on a list that includes such illumanaries as NBC's Chuck Todd, Republican Eric Cantor, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, CIA Director David Petraeus and others.

The history making White House Social Secretary Bernard was Number 44 on the prestigous list. GQ.com, who said Bernard was both 'cool' and had serious access, wrote:

The first man to hold this position, Bernard oversees all social functions at the White House, from the President's Passover Seder to giant State dinners. There's actually a lot riding on this job—just ask Desirée Rogers

LGBT: Do You Care About Our Seniors As Much As You Do Our Youth?

 

 

That is the great moral question facing the LGBT community. Our Seniors are living in fear, being abused, dying alone and being forced back into the closet in order to receive care and treatment. After years of working to come out and blaze a path for the next generation, they are quickly becoming forgotten by the very generation they helped be freer. Not only are our seniors losing the battle to spend their later years with dignity and honor, we are losing their stories and our history.

For are LGBT seniors, simply put, "It Gets Worse".

Those who are still able to live on their own are having to sell pocessions in order to pay the rent. This is the last generation that was forbidden by law to have children. Many of our seniors were rejected by their families. Almost all of them have lost many of their friends to HIV/AIDS over two decades ago. Some with increasingly health issues await that call or visit from someone as they sit and read or watch television alone night after night in their apartments. LGBT older generation yearn to have someone to share their life journey who will treat their stories with respect, awe and interest.

Those forced into assisted living facilities are often forced back into the closet in order to avoid abuse, being ignored or punished for their sexuality or having people constantly visit them to 'save them' for Jesus. Almost no one visits them from the community and there is little outreach to this generation. Sadly no one hears their plea for attention and assistance.

As Tom Brokaw would say, "This is one of our greatest generations". They have paved the path to freedom. They deserve to be treated with honor in their last days and not neglect.

History on Film: CBS Reports Mike Wallace's Documentary on "The Homosexual" (1967)

 

 

 

 

When CBS Reports announced they were doing television's first ever documentary on homosexuality, there was both excitement and apprehension. In the 1960's CBS News had a reputation as a proud, professional and somewhat progressive news division. After all, this was the home network of Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow.

When aired on March 7, 1967, the press praised CBS News for its courage and the program - "The Homosexuals".   The LGBT community was devastatingly disappointed and appalled. While there were positive aspects within the program it played to most stereotypes and perpetuated the concept that we were suffering from a mental condition.

In closing the program, Wallace said:

The dilemma of the homosexual: told by the medical profession he is sick; by the law that he's a criminal; shunned by employers; rejected by heterosexual society. Incapable of a fulfilling relationship with a woman, or for that matter with a man. At the center of his life he remains anonymous. A displaced person. An outsider

Author and activist Wayne Besen said of the program:

"['The Homosexuals'] not only had a devastating effect on public opinion but also was a nuclear bomb dropped on the psyches of gay and lesbian Americans, who, prior to this show, had never been represented as a group on national television."

The following is about an eight minute video of excerpts from the show. You can see the entire forty-five minute plus program by clicking here.

David Mixner's Review of 2011 and the LGBT Community

 

 

This week begins a series of looking back at 2011 and giving my thoughts on the year in a number of different ways. Today we begin with the LGBT community and what a year it has been for us. The list could go on and on so please feel free to add your recollections of the year in the comment section! Here goes:

The Year's Biggest Victory: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" officially becomes history.

The Best Speech on LGBT Issues: Secretary Hillary Clinton's Geneva Speech

Best Presidential Order: President Obama's Presidential Memorandum interlocking American Foreign Policy with LGBT human rights.

Best Victory In The States: New York becomes a marriage equality state.

Best Change of Heart: The Justice Department calling for an end to DOMA.

Most Effective Organization: The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund for an astounding success rate in electing openly LGBT candidates.

Emerging Powerful LGBT Leader: Mayor Annise Parker of Houston

News in 2011 that makes us look forward to 2012: Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin announces she is attempting to become the first openly LGBT person in history elected to United States Senate.

Most Surprising Political News: Congressman Barney Frank announces he is leaving Congress.

Most Effective Straight Allies: Two New Yorkers with Governor Andrew Cuomo directing the successful marriage equality campaign and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for staying on top of the effort to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Another Historical Appointment:  Jeremy Bernard appointed as the first man and first LGBT person as White House Social Secretary.  They are still talking in Washington,D.C about his famous Rose Garden Dinner.

Best LGBT YouTube Moment: The Australian marriage equality spot plus the wonderful videos of long term couples getting married in New York!

Requiring the Most Patience: The slow pace of the case to repeal Proposition 8. The California Supreme Court, most likely deliberately, took its time getting a simple opinion back to the Federal Court. Thank God for the Foundation for Equal Rights in keeping everyone's eye on the prize. Thanks again and again Chad Griffin.

The Most Outrageous Villains: The entire field of Republican Presidential candidates who take outrageous positions against LGBT rights while all Americans want are jobs, not hate.

Most Disturbing Trend of the Year: The epidemic of hateful and dangerous legislation sweeping Africa against the LGBT community. Death is now on the table as an option for handling LGBT citizens.

People Who Never Disappoint: Alan Cumming, Judith Light, Rory O'Malley, Gavin Creel, Neil Patrick Harris, Elton John , Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Cohen, Dustin Lance Black, Cheyenne Jackson and so many others.

Most Fun Unforgettable Moment: Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Tony Awards!

Most Persecuted LGBT American Citizen: Bradley Manning who has been in isolation and without a trial for seventeen months.

Most Unexpected Supporters: The massive amount of Wall Street, Republican and major donor support from conservatives that was organized by Ken Mehlman and Mayor Michael Bloomburg and was a major factor in the passage of marriage equality in New York.

Wow Moment: An openly gay man became the Prime Minister of Belgium for the first time in European history.

The Most Heart Warming Moments: Seeing American LGBT soldiers come out of the closet and marching in Gay Pride Parades, going to events with partners and for the first time being honest with those they serve with in the military. It went flawlessly without a major incident, as the Democrats insisted it would and the Republicans insisted it would not.

The Wait A Minute Moment of the Year: The United States Marines were the most vocal opponents of repeal of DADT and the best implementers of the repeal once it happened.

The Best "About Time" Moment: Witnessing our Transgender brothers and sisters being taken seriously as an issue, the first appointment in Federal Government and becoming more and more visible. It has been inspiring and long overdue.

Five Things To Look Forward To In 2012:

1. Winning the Proposition 8 Case.

2. Senator Tammy Baldwin

3. An active major league gay male jock coming out of the closet.

4. Winning in Maine, Minnesota, Maryland and North Carolina on marriage equality.

5. The Republicans and their hate based approach are defeated at the polls in November

"At Home With Myself" Picked Among Notable Books of 2011

 

 

Forgive me my dear readers for taking space to share my smile about the reception of my third book "At Home with Myself: Tales from Turkey Hollow" In some ways to share this with you is taking advantage of your trust but in another way it is simply sharing my happiness that the book is being well received. Having put enormous energy into this writing project it sure feels great to read the words of praise for the book by others. Want to publicly thank them and especially you for your support. Much love

kenneth in the (212)

"At Home With Myself" is David Mixner: In his long-awaited follow-up to "Stranger Among Friends," the legendary activist, presidential adviser and Africa expert writes from and about his country home in Turkey Hollow, an upstate New York town so small and remote that it has just 10 residents, there's no cable TV, the nearest airport is a three-hour drive, and deer and bear are his closest neighbors. However, these bucolic surroundings provide an ideal setting for observation and reflection

GLBTQ.com' Notable Non-Fiction Books of 2011

In At Home with Myself: Stories from the Hills of Turkey Hollow, David Mixner writes from and about his country home in a remote upstate New York community. In these anecdotes and essays, Mixner, who might be described as the conscience of the glbtq movement for equality, tells stories about the satisfactions of country life, but also reflects on his experiences as an activist and political operative and recalls the harrowing days of the AIDS pandemic. Some of the essays recount the losses and disappointments attendant upon aging, but they all reflect Mixner's unfailing good humor and generosity of spirit.

Lambda Literary Review

by Nels P. Highberg

Ask anyone of any sexual identity about David Mixner, and there is a good chance they will discuss his political work. Whether it has been his activism to end the Vietnam War, to call for global nuclear disarmament, to challenge California’s Proposition 6 (which would have made it illegal for gays and lesbians to work as schoolteachers in California), to raise awareness of the larger social and political forces affecting those living with AIDS, or to object to the enactment of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” people usually know Mixner because of his extensive, public involvement in our political history. His current blog, Live from Hell’s Kitchen , reinforces his relationship to activism and politics even today. His new book, At Home with Myself (Magnus Books), certainly does not contradict that image, but it does complicate it in ways I was not expecting and ultimately found fascinating.

In 2007, Mixner left his two-thousand-square-foot apartment in Manhattan for a newly-built, two-bedroom home a few hours outside the city in the Catskills. For the next three years, the small town known as Turkey Hollow became his home until he returned to the city. Mixner cites turning sixty as a turning point that pushed him to think about his life, including how lucky he was to have his life but also how isolated he felt having lost so many friends his own age to AIDS. The book is organized seasonally, starting with spring before moving to summer, fall, and winter. From there, Mixner produces a pastoral panorama complete with photographs of the deer, bears, and–yes–turkeys that fill his new life. Much that he encounters in the present of Turkey Hollow reminds him of growing up on a farm in New Jersey, whether it is ads for prom dresses in a local store making him think of dances from his own prom to gay discos or how sitting on his porch reminds him of the forts, frogs, trees, and leaves of his youth.

This does not mean politics is absent from the book. This is David Mixner we are talking about, after all! Besides discussing how AIDS influenced his decision to move in the first place, Mixner ruminates on the “No on Proposition 6″ campaign and working with Harvey Milk. He remembers how her first learned Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., were assassinated. He even presents a unique eulogy for Paul Newman, calling him “an outstanding citizen.” Some say it is in nature that we can find the quiet and solitude necessary for deep reflection, and At Home with Myself may support this argument. The politics and the pastoral mesh well, and Mixner moves easily from one to the other.

Reading Mixner’s collection of essays made me think of Josh Kilmer-Purcell’s The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers , which I reviewed for LLF in 2010 . Do we have a new sub-genre of memoir emerging? For decades, scholars and memoirists have written about the importance of city life to the development of queer communities and individual lesbian and gay identities. Now, these two books chronicle why some gay men who spent much of their adult lives in those cities may feel the need for a more rural life. Perhaps it is just coincidence, but these two books have gotten me thinking–and looking–at the world outside the city a bit more deeply.

Hell's Kitchen Journal: Going To The White House...

 

 

One of my first meetings at the White House at 23

This week I was fortunate enough to be invited one more time to the White House. On the train ride down and back, there was time to reflect on my previous visits and interactions. What was so dramatically different this visit than any other was the ease and comfort level with the members of the LGBT community who were at the party. No censoring of the hugs, the kiss on the lips or having to prove we were good guests.

The simplest way to state the difference was that it was just no longer any big deal for LGBT Americans to be included in guest lists at the Executive Mansion. Besides, for the first time we had an openly gay White House Social Secretary (and dear friend...) in Jeremy Bernard. The event couldn't have been any more perfect.

That always hasn't been the case.

My first visit to the White House was when President Lyndon Johnson was in power. Author Doris Kearns Goodwin was working in the White House to organize the President's papers and she greeted me warmly. For a young man of just 23 it was the ultimate 'pinch me' moment. All you had to do back then was show your driver license, they would check the list and buzz you into the long driveway that leads to the West Wing. My memory is that I took tiny baby steps leading to the entrance for fear of missing any part of the experience. Never did it dawn on me that I would walk that same path in six other Presidential administrations

In the early Nixon years, there were numerous White House visits. The President's team had seen the power of the students in bringing down Johnson because of the Vietnam War and they were felt they could 'handle us' and diminish the possibility of more protests. Obviously, it didn't work. One of those visits they had about a dozen of us to a meeting in the West Wing and then we boarded Marine One helicopter for a flight to Airlie House in Virginia for an all day meeting with the likes of Haldeman, Erlichman, John Dean and crew. Remember sitting there and wondering if they knew I was a homosexual.

Jumping head to Clinton there was no question when he was elected that I felt that I would have total access to the building. Not wanting an appointment, I looked forward with excitement to finally having a President that I personally knew in the Mansion. That ended quickly when I got arrested outside the edifice over the DADT policy.

Not until later years in the second term did I finally get invited to a Christmas Party and a State Dinner. The dinner was for the President of India. Afterwards the Marine Band played dance music in the East Room and for the first time for me there was dancing by LGBT couples. Looking on in amazement, there was Melissa Eltheridge cutting a mean rug with her then partner.

Yesterday was the first time I was invited for a social event in this administration. There was such comfort among us all. Couldn't help but reflect on all the times that were different. The times I went terrified and in the closet. When couples were not allowed to be invited. Then there were those times we couldn't acknowledge each other as LGBT citizens or touch in any way let alone dance in celebration.

An enormous amount has changed from that first walk up the driveway except one important factor: Over the years, I have been there dozens of times and never, ever has it become common place. Each and every time I walked into that building I took in its beauty and magnificent history and I was in awe and had chills.

I still am and I still do.

International LGBT Activists Praise Secretary Clinton's Speech

 

 

International Activists with Secretary Clinton in Geneva

At the historic speech in Geneva on International LGBT rights were fourteen LGBT activists from around the world. They were flown to Geneva by the Council for Global Equality. The very fortunate activists got to hear in person the historic speech. Here are the reactions from those activists - all who much go home and fight extremely tough battles. If anyone doubts the impact of the speech, these words should help answer the skeptics.

Arvind Narrain from the Lawyers Collective in India: "The Secretary made a passionate case for LGBT rights as gay rights while being very culturally sensitive. The generosity of mentioning the gains in South Africa, Brazil, India, and Nepal conveyed a wider sense of ownership of these issues."

Sass Rogando Sasot from Society of Transsexual Women of the Philiipines: "The sincerity and courage of Secretary Clinton is an invitation for us to make the dignity of our common humanity the center and goal of our politics. Her speech is another step towards a world that's more inclusive, fair, and compassionate."

Polina Savchenko from the Russian LGBT Network: "Secretary Clinton's point about 'honest discussion' is particularly important for Russia because we suffer from extreme ignorance. Discussion is shut down in our country. Her message about decriminalization was also very important in our country right now."

Santiago Eder from Colombia Diversa: "It was extremely important that the Secretary of State of the United States of America introduced the concept that 'gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.' It was a very symbolic and historic moment for the gay liberation movement."

Pauline Kimani of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya: "I really appreciated the speech. I loved the introspective parts and believe that the consultative process with these activists on the ground that was started today will continue for a lifetime!"

Adrian Jjuuko, Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Uganda: "It was a very powerful speech - which very relevant in the context of Uganda. Coming from the stature of HC, it amplifies our voices for equality much much further. I'm sure its impact will be felt for years to come.

Rev. MacDonald Sembereka of the Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS: "First and foremost, thank you Hillary Clinton and the U.S. government for starting a global discussion like never was done before. To me this has been a speech that touched all aspects of a discussion that we need to have globally. She covered all the pros and cons - and now the global discussion begins. I hope that the rest of the world takes it up."

Anastasia Danilova of Gender DOC-Moldova: "It was very important speech for Moldova because we have no political will or support in our country for the human rights of LGBT people. That is why it is so important to have the high level of Hillary Clinton's support for LGBT rights and freedoms. Personally, it was very empowering for her to talk about the importance of us - the LGBT activists."

Alice N'kom of ADEFHO, Cameroon: "I am so honored and privileged to be a part of this historical message. As a defender of women's human rights, it felt like it did after the Beijing conference on women -- the Secretary had the same impact on LGBT human rights today as she did with women's rights in Beijing. This makes our struggle a success. We will win, as we won in Beijing. And I hope my country and I will be a part of this side of history."

Sanja Juras of Kontra, Croatia: "It was certainly a very important speech and crucial that such a high official sent the message that LGBT rights are human rights. This makes a difference for people all over the world. For us in Croatia, the mention of freedom of assembly was very important, since these rights are violated, as during gay pride demonstrations this year."

Zoryan Kis of Fulcrum, Ukraine: "It was very exciting to really witness the history that Secretary Clinton said we are on the right side of. For the Ukrainian LGBT community the message that 'we are not alone' was so important to hear. The other message about the evolution of opinions and how Clinton's own understanding has developed was really helpful to our work. We cannot persuade people through accusations, but we have to work to help our society understand and accept LGBT rights."

J-FLAG Representative, Jamaica: "I was so honored to be a part of this moment in history. The central thing that stuck out for me is that progress begins with honest conversation. That is key for us at home in Jamaica to begin more rational, honest conversations about the rights of our people, including LGBT."

Vladimir Simenko of the Lithuanian Gay League: "Personally, as a human rights watchdog for two decades, I sometimes feel frustrated. But when I heard Hillary Clinton say that we have friends and partners abroad, I really felt that we are not alone. I truly feel motivated and inspired. We will use this message for our struggle - and hope that our government does too."

Hell's Kitchen Journal: An AIDS Christmas

 

 

At the height of the dark period of HIV/AIDS, the holidays were a particularly difficult time. There were two basic challenges that faced people with AIDS: One was that many were just too sick to travel and wouldn't be able to make it home to their families. The other was many families did not want their gay sick son to return home at all for the holidays. The stories I could tell of families abandoning their sons because they were gay and had AIDS would fill a book. The spiritual and physiological toll it took on young men fighting for their lives is impossible to describe with mere words.

Being a Christmas nut, it broke my heart to see such sadness on such a beautiful holiday. So I started an 'Orphan Christmas' where I would host guys who either were too sick to travel or not welcomed by their families to come share Christmas Eve with all the trimmings, music and laughter that they deserved to have at that moment in their lives. That first Christmas it was about twenty to thirty guys jammed into my small West Hollywood apartment to eat a full Christmas Eve buffet. Each of them had a wrapped gift from Santa Claus to open as carols played.

The next year several friends joined to help prepare for the evening and almost 50 guests showed up. There was a big tree, tons of music, laughter and hanging around until Christmas Eve turned into Christmas Day. Some left to attend midnight services and others were secular or did not 'officially' celebrate Christmas. We would clean up and stay up late sharing stories of our families and how we celebrate the various holidays growing up.

The third year my dear friends Dr. Scott Hitt and Alex Koleszar sensed it was getting too big for my home and suggested they host it with me at their Hollywood Hills home. The location was perfect since it overlooked Los Angeles and the hundreds of thousands of lights sparkled below us like one giant Christmas light show. That year drew over a 100 people. From that point on the event kept growing and others joined in as we gathered each year at Scott and Alex's home.

There was always a massive dinner, always music and always a gift from Santa Claus. At every single "AIDS Christmas" people were joyful and not victims. We all were family not only in this struggle together but in taking every moment we could to celebrate life, joy and laughter. Each and every one of those evenings were simply beautiful.

Most of the men who had HIV/AIDS during this dark yet joyous time have passed away from the disease. And each and every one has left me a special gift of wonderful memories at Christmas time.

LGBT History: Seven Gay Major League Jocks

 

 

The LGBT community is getting closer and closer to obtaining our 'Jackie Robinson' - meaning an active major league jock in football, basketball or baseball. With the coming out of major league soccer player David Testo, the time is long passed for a major league male jock to come out while still playing ball.

The pressure from agents and team owners must still be intense for players to stay in the closet. Also working against coming out by a successful player is the fear of losing major endorsements. My guess is if a player in baseball is hitting .350 or a quarterback is taking his team to the Super Bowl, then the endorsements will be there. Moreover, major league baseball just added 'sexual orientation' to their non-discrimination policies for the first time. Here are seven major league players in basketball, football or baseball players who came out after they retired from major league sports.

John Amaechi: The NBA basketball player was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995 and 1996. He then played in the European league. In 1999, he returned to play with the Orlando Magics. In 2000, he turned down a $17 million dollar contract with the Lakers to stay in Orlando. Eventually he ended his career with the Utah Jazz. Recently Queen Elizabeth appointed Amaechi as "Office of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)."

Billy Bean: This handsome outfielder in professional baseball played in the majors from 1987 to 1995. Among the teams that used his talents were the Detroit Tigers, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Bean came out after leaving the Padres and wrote a book.

Glenn Burke: He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A's. Was semi-out while he played baseball in the sense that management and his teammates knew he was gay but not the public. The teammates were fine but management was another issue and Burke was forced to retire early. He was one of the first major African American sports stars to come out. He passed away of AIDS in 1995.

David Kopay: This All-American running back is the ultimate pioneer in coming out in sports. Playing in the National Football League (NFL) from 1964 to 1972 playing for five teams. Kopay's coming out in 1975 not only was an act of unbelievable courage but most likely cost him endorsements and the ability to coach in the NFL.

Roy Simmons: Playing offensive lineman for both the New York Giants and Washington Redskins from 1979 to 1983, he played in the Super Bowl in 1984. He came out on the Phil Donahue show in 1992.

Jerry Smith: While not officially out to the public, it was well known in football circles that the was gay. Smith played for the Washington Redskins as tight end from 1965 to 1977. He was named "All-Pro" twice and broke some National Football League Records. Smith died of AIDS in 1986 without ever coming out publicly. He was the first professional athlete to die of the disease. Later it was revealed that Smith had an affair with teammate Dave Kopay.

Esera Tuaolo: In 1991 Tuaolo was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. For nine years he played in the National Football League. In 1999, he played in the Super Bowl for the Atlanta Falcons. He came out three years later on HBO's "Real Sports."