An Essay on Gay Pride, Stonewall, Harvey Milk, and History – Tymm Conner

Tymm Conner is a valued and uniquely valuable contributor to the Give ‘em Hope Campaign and as an administrator for the Give ‘em Hope group on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/), he has brought an abundance of kindness, wise and supportive words of guidance and inspiration. Here, he shares his perspective on Gay Pride, Stonewall, Harvey Milk, and History.

Oil on Canvas, 2002 by George Towne

During a particularly loquacious and prolific time a couple years ago, I wrote this little essay after Gay Pride. I’d heard a rather alarmingly large amount of the LGBT Community complain that Pride was a time of shame for them because of the debauchery of the weekend. Yes, I was a little pissed off. In fact, I can honestly say that the attitude still, indeed, sticks in my craw and I can’t believe that folks don’t want to be a part of the weekend when it commemorates some incredible steps toward equality. I was told, once, that if one wants to affect change, one must become a part not stand apart, (Tymm Conner paraphrase, and I like it better!! ). I share this with you, the Give ‘Em Hope Campaign, now because we are just a few short weeks from the time that Pride festivals the world over will begin. I share with you the history of Pride and the great history of the last forty years. Young people, this is why you are able to come out MUCH earlier than many of us in our forties, fifties, and sixties. These are only a few high, and low, points in history that led to eleven states and many nations to have marriage equality. Know that you are the inheritors of a grand legacy, even with the periodic debauchery. Remember, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are replete with debauchery as well.

Coming out of Gay Pride Month, I have some observations. I just finished watching “Milk”, again. Of course, I cried. I always do. Do I cry because an explosive powerhouse for the Gay Community was shot down, senselessly, by a jealous politician, before his time? Yes. Do I cry because while we have come so far since 1978 yet have so far to go? Again, yes. Do I cry because it was SO well written and acted? DUH!!!

However, there is SO much more to cry about.

I think of those who have gone before me and the crap they went through to give me and my peers, as well as the younger generation, the freedom to walk hand in hand down the street without fear of being arrested.

The reason behind our Pride celebrations dates back to 1969 in a little bar in New York. Stonewall was a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall where drag queens performed and drank; businessmen went to find a trick or simply to hang out and have a cocktail; hustlers even plied their trade, (c’mon! You DON’T think THAT didn’t happen, do you?); and everyday, common queers went to be free to be themselves without fear of retribution. Yet, there was retribution. The police raided Stonewall regularly. Then one warm evening in June, the drag queens had enough. The police raided ONE too many times. AND WIGS WERE FLOWN!!!!!

Yes…National attention on a little dive bar in New York. But the spark began the flame that burns brightly to this day. And, every year, we honor those queens and the others in the bar who said, “THAT’S ENOUGH!!!”

Then…we have Arthur Ashe and Rock Hudson. Heroes in my book. Too lately honored and not nearly honored enough. One great athelete infected through a transfusion and one gay man, who had to stay closeted, until it was discovered they had “The Gay Cancer”. Two men, who in the prime, when they should have enjoyed life, FOUGHT for life. They, mournfully, lost the fight. But, their strength lives. Again…NOT honored enough.

Harvey Milk and supporters children along with his openly GLBT nephew Stuart Milk.

Harvey Milk was a man who, at 40, decided he didn’t want to die without having “done something”. Politics literally fell into his lap. Why? He was confronted with some horrible hate-filled homophobia in his own neighborhood. But, he fought. He ran for City Supervisor three times…losing…and for a State Senate seat…again, losing. But won when the political climate was correct and the districts in San Francisco shifted so that the votes were his.

He pushed for, and won, equal rights for homosexuals in San Francisco. At the same time, many of us remember, Anita Bryant and her group were taking rights away from gays faster than an oversexed whore on the docks. (How’s that for an analogy?) Prop 6 was on the ballot in California, threatening to take jobs away from teachers who were gay. The Governor, Jerry Brown, Former Governor, Ronald Reagan, and even the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, were against Prop 6. Harvey Milk, and others, pushed for the defeat…AND WON!!!

Today, state by state and VERY slowly, we are winning our right to marry the one we love, whether or not they are opposite gender. But the fight is difficult. The climb is uphill. But, if we remember those who have gone before us, we will realize that we CAN win.

I am weary of the ones who say that Gay Pride is foolishness. I am weary of those who say that during that time they are ashamed. I am saddened they seem to think they are “above it all”. Gay Pride is not something to be ashamed of. It is something to celebrate. Mardi Gras has a tendency to be VERY vulgar and “In-Your-Face”. It is a time to party and let one’s hair down. The same for Gay Pride Weekend, whichever weekend it may be in June for your area.

We struggle through the year. We fight for rights. We battle the homophobes at our workplace and within our families. We hear the religious rhetoric from pulpits and, yes, even legislature. So…our ONE weekend where even the MOST conservative among us appear in public in ass-less chaps or in a dress and wig SHOULD be celebrated. It is a time when politics, fun, history, present-day, and personalities come together in a conglomeration of spaghetti noodles and make for a delicious treat.

If you have spent the time to read this entire rambling, I thank you. If you have, I also ask that you take a step forward with your thinking and a step back with your cynicism and remember those drag queens of Stonewall and Arthur Ashe, Rock Hudson, and, especially, Harvey Milk, and do something for our community. I don’t know what I will do. I only know that I am contemplating ALL of my options and will do what I can, when I can, where I can, to make our country what it was built to be…FREE!!!!

I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign; an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.

The purpose of the campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. We should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.

Make us a video or write about this. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/

Please Check our UPDATED WEBSITE HERE for INCREDIBLE VIDEOS OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html

SEEKING A PUBLISHER NOW! EXCLUSIVE CELEBRITY ROLE MODEL INTERVIEWS

NEVER BLEND IN How to live unlimited by labels DAVID E. WATTERS FOREWORD: STUART MILK NEVER BLEND IN is an accessible book about achieving personal authenticity, a groundbreaking and vital book of exclusive celebrity and deeply personal non-celebrity interviews, which is aimed primarily at a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning audience. The book, however, is also of value to educators, parents, family and mental health professionals seeking insight into the LGBTQ experience. Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and to illustrate that living a life unlimited by labels will lead to personal, professional and spiritual fulfilment. These candid stories and wise words are a powerful toolkit to encourage, inspire, uplift and give hope to those who need it most; those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief. STALKING ALAN CUMMING Inspired by the life of Harvey Milk and with a foreword by his nephew Stuart Milk, this book includes original and insightful interviews with actors Alan Cumming OBE (Cabaret, Spy Kids, The Good Wife), Stephen Fry (Peter’s Friends, Wilde), Anthony Rapp (Rent), Colton Ford (The Lair), Marcus Patrick (My Wife & Kids, CSI: Miami, Passions and Dancing With The Stars), Scotch Ellis Loring (Frasier, Malcolm in the Middle, 24, Alias, Touched by An Angel) and Adele Anderson (Fascinating Aida); key equality advocates, educators and influencers of policy Sue Sanders (Schools Out), Charles Robbins (CEO, The Trevor Project), Stephen Williams MP, Jack MacKenroth (Project Runway, Queens of Drag: NYC), Rabbi Denise Eger, Lt. Dan Choi and veteran human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell; filmmaker Parvez Sharma (A Jihad for Love); musicians Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) and Levi Kreis (Tony Award winner for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet) ; sporting greats, NBA star, John Amaechi (author of Man in the Middle) and Olympic swimmer Bruce Hayes; transgender trailblazers Calpernia Addams, the Rev David E. Weekley (author of In from the Wilderness) and Jamison Green (author of Becoming a Visible Man); Mental Health professionals, Gladeana McMahon, Antoine Spiteri and Dr. John Shafer; writers Tom Robb Smith (Child 44, The Secret Speech), Leslea Newman (A Letter to Harvey Milk), Linda Goldman (Coming Out, Coming In), Michael Musto (The Village Voice);  Del Shores (Sordid Lives) and Stephanie Silberstein (Shades of Gay); representatives from organizations including The Trevor Project, The Harvey Milk Foundation, PFLAG, FireFLAG, The Gay Police Association and Schools Out and colleagues of Harvey Milk; Anne Kronenberg, Daniel Nicoletta and Tom Ammiano. with Stuart Milk 2009 These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will help readers to understand how self esteem determines the path they choose and that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, eliminate self imposed limitations and cease dependence on others to provide validity. David E. Watters Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!” Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity. David is currently promoting a youtube campaign “Give ‘em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity. http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out and The Harvey Milk Foundation. CONTACT INFORMATION EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk David E. Watters was recently profiled on 10,000 Couples as Someone You Should Know ENDORSEMENTS COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine ALAN CUMMING http://www.alancumming.com/ Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!” I have worked with a myriad of Harvey Milk related researchers in recent years and I wish they were all as thorough and considerate as Mr. Watters. I trust him and his workmanship implicitly. He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way. If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way. For me as a care professional, working in chem-dependency, to have any kind of guidebook that talks about self-esteem or how to keep people from committing suicide…I’m all for it. The few kids that have shown up that had suicide ideation, quite honestly, I didn’t have a template for what to tell them so I had to rely upon my intuition but I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing. I definitely feel that the therapeutic community, the psychological therapeutic community has a role to play in LGBT civil rights and I applaud you for doing this. I was reading some of your pages on your website and I thought, “This is the antidote to my suicidal friend. If he could just read this, it would help him rephrase what he is defaulting to now.” DAN NICOLETTA PETER TATCHELL http://www.petertatchell.net/ For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream. There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way! It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely. TRISHA GODDARD …some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in the world.” STEPHEN FRY http://www.stephenfry.com/ Role models are described as those individuals who we ‘aspire to’ and who provide strong and achievable targets that we can emulate in pursuit of our career or personal aims. This book breaks down the common stereotypes of gay people and unveils a more realistic perspective, chronicling the success of many gay role models that others aspire to. Be inspired by the successful members of the gay community; real men and women. Read about the challenges they faced along the way, what helped to keep them going, and what it takes to make a small business, a life, a success. This book illustrates the breadth and creativity of gays everywhere.  It is a pioneering work and the success stories of inspirational gay role models from a wide variety of backgrounds should be made available in every library, every school.  These are men and women you can aspire to but who have all shown just what it takes to become a role model – determination, courage and an unwavering desire to succeed. “Never Blend In” brings you some amazing candidates all of whom have succeeded in very different ways. They each have inspiring stories to tell about their achievements and future ambitions, yet I noticed they all had one thing in common they were passionate about what they did. So in reality gays are still struggling for acceptance and to reach the top of the ladder. However, I think for the gay who enters the celebrity arena or who decides to do his/her own thing - they no longer have to do it at the expense of their happiness- they can do things on their own terms. For many it will provide them with the work/ life balance that wasn’t available for them in the past.  It’s vital we have gays in big business and we need more gays to be there. I think companies need to realize they can’t operate without gays. But they do need to provide the very thing we all tend to take for granted – the basic right of being given the same opportunities and earning power as str8 men.  We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, and friends. We are like you. Anthony Spiteri, BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology) I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity. DR JOHN R. SHAFER,Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services Gladeana McMahon, As one of the leading personal development and transformational coaches in the UK, Gladeana was instrumental in founding theAssociation for Coaching for which she now holds the positions of Life Fellow and Vice President. “David is a rare individual. Someone with a cause but also someone who is pragmatic. He understands his area but also the way the world thinks and is not judgemental but someone who looks for a ‘win/win’. This is rare but is the measure of the man. I would heartily recommend him for his intelligence, people ability and pragmatism. The Book that David Watters is proposing is long overdue as there is little written on the topic of LGBT issues. Positive role models are important to individuals whether they be LGBT individuals talking about their experiences or the family and friends of such individuals who can model acceptance and positive affirmation.  Therapists are likely to be interested in such a book in a bid to understand the specific needs of those who identify as LGBT considering the best ways to work with such individuals and/or their families.  Academics are likely to find the book useful in considering issues around diversity and, of course, the general public will also benefit as a book of this sort educates the reader. This book will also help LGBT individuals to understand their situation and consider how to develop a deep and meaningful sense of self-worth.  It will also help such individuals understand how best to help those around them to understand their situation as much as it will educate family and friends. The LGBT community has often been portrayed in a less than favorable light – NEVER BLEND IN rips that inaccurate veil off, and offers a face and portrait of today’s LGBT community, its leaders, history, accomplishments and potential. Herb Sosa, Editor|Publisher – Ambiente Magazine & President – Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida http://www.ambiente.us/HerbSosa.html http://www.herbsosa.com/hjs.html “David Watters is a hard-working, tireless advocate for social justice and I recommend him highly in any capacity! Lesléa Newman http://www.lesleanewman.com/ We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today. As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us. JACK MACKENROTH http://www.jackmackenroth.com/ This project authored and edited by David Watters will help certainly reach out and touch a generation of young people who will be the ones to carry on his legacy by helping transform our perceptions of the LGBT community and lay the foundation for a healthy and whole sense of self. Rabbi Denise L. Eger Congregation Kol Ami West Hollywood’s Reform Synagogue www.kol-ami.org David Watters is a highly motivated author and freelance writer. He is passionate in his work, inspiring others to become their best selves, and to value themselves and others. His considerable writing skills help create and promote inclusivity and equality for all people, and offers another positive role model for youth and others on the margins. Rev. David Weekley (Minister at United Methodist Church ) …we are in the fight for our very lives. NEVER BLEND IN says that we are committed to living out in the open, as we have a right to do. NEVER BLEND IN, means never settle for second best or the notion that we are “second class citizens” I will NEVER blend in. SIMONE CAMPBELL http://www.myspace.com/funnyladysimone I always feel inspired by someone everyday. I think we should learn something new each day from anywhere or anyone. I’m inspired right now, by you, answering your intelligent questions Mr. David Watters. It’s not often I get to answer some great meaningful questions. So Bravo!!! MARCUS PATRICK http://www.marcus-patrick.com/ There’s plenty of times in this world where we can feel isolated and alone and anytime we can find a source of community, a feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves; that can provide tremendous inspiration and solace, then that’s invaluable. ANTHONY RAPP http://www.myspace.com/anthonyrapp http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710829/ “David is a person of unrivalled integrity, who has great passion for his art and for whom I have the greatest respect.” Matthew Kolakowski, Curriculum Leader, Greenwich Community College “David Watters is a tireless advocate of social justice and engaging writing. Working with David on a community service project in San Francisco, with him in England, was a breeze, fun and highly effective. I recommend his services, charm and, most importantly, passion for any advocacy needing to be done.” Melton Cartes, Chief Ad Guy, AnAdGuy.com “I had the opportunity to work with David as part of his team in the performing arts department. During that time David had a great leadership styles that enable his staff to develop at their own pace, while maintaining a high standard for his team. His advice and support for CPD has been extremely beneficial which has resulting in me writing development programs. Furthermore, David’s passion on the subject of equality and diversity was very inspirational. With this in mind, I recommend David as a leader who can write about our unique experience’s in and outside the working environment. Hope to work with him in the near future.” Michael Noble, Owner, IyPSchool “I can highly recommend David for his ethics, his talent, and his dedication to nurturing individuality and originality through his fine writing. David uses the gift of the written word to inspire leadership by preserving the memory of historical visionaries who dared to be different. His essays on Harvey Milk and his determination to “never blend” preserve an important man and time in history while encouraging all of us to realize that we all have the power to change history ourselves on a grass-roots level with community outreach and activism.” Joe Mannetti, Contract Clinician, Waterford Youth Services Bureau “DAVID WATTERS is not a relative, although I’d be proud to be in his family. David is a fine writer and passionate advocate, a man who boldly uses his intellect, wit and sense of fairness to every project he undertakes. If you are looking for the spark to ignite your plan, call DAVID WATTERS.” Willie Watters, attorney/author “…all that David does involves assisting people – any and all people – to live authentically, to no longer accept the judgments and limitations imposed on them by others, and to believe in themselves as valid individuals. To that end, he has recently undertaken two new endeavors: NBI Associates, an organization which empowers people to make personal and professional transformations, and the “Give ‘em Hope” video campaign on YouTube.” Extract from a profile of David Watters on 10,000 Couples  by Rev. Heidi Mann. FULL PROFILE:http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/april-2011/article/someone-you-should-know-david-e-watters

RECIPROCAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FREE PUBLICITY

I’d like to invite you to write a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. You will need to be a member of Linkedin to do this.

MY PROFILE IS HERE: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/david-equality-watters/23/371/95b

 

Alternatively an endorement for my website would be appreciated and this can be emailed to DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk

I will gladly reciprocate and endorse the work that you do. Top quotes will also be featured on http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk with a link to your site.

Thanks in advance for helping me out. DAVID EQUALITY WATTERS

YOU CAN ENDORSE ME AS A WRITER, PUBLIC SPEAKER OR WORKSHOP PROVIDER – HOWEVER YOU KNOW ME BEST.

LINKS:

WRITING: http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html (JOHN AMAECHI)

http://www.ambiente.us/010011Trevor.html (THE TREVOR PROJECT)

PUBLIC SPEAKING: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Motivational-Speaking.html

WORKSHOPS: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/default.html

 

David was recently profiled on 10,000 Couples as Someone You Should Know:

http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/april-2011/article/someone-you-should-know-david-e-watters

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.  He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which supports and is supported by the Trevor Project and theHarvey Milk Foundation, features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community including Stephen Fry, Colton Ford, Mike Ruiz, Calpernia Addams, Alan Cumming, Darren Hayes, Lt. Dan Choi, LGBT Olympic athletes, actors, politicians, military, firefighters, Harvey Milk colleagues (Anne Kronenberg, Tom Ammiano and Dan Nicoletta) and has a foreword by Stuart Milk.

This groundbreaking book aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-belief or who question their validity.

David is also currently promoting a youtube campaign, “Give ‘em Hope”, and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Harvey Milk Foundation and has great admiration for the WHOF initiative and all the brave members of this group who speak out against the prejudice and bigotry in our society.

ENDORSEMENTS

COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES

I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine

ALAN CUMMING

http://www.alancumming.com/

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way.

If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way.

DAN NICOLETTA

PETER TATCHELL

http://www.petertatchell.net/

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely.

TRISHA GODDARD

…some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in the world.”

Links to MORE of my writing:

AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES:

http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html

http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html

http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html

http://www.ambiente.us/06010CrossBurning.html

http://www.ambiente.us/101510PeterTatchell.html

http://www.ambiente.us/110010EqualLove.html

http://www.ambiente.us/021511EqualLove.html

POLARI ARTICLES:

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=794

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=4818

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=5404

MANCHESTER MOUTH (INTERVIEW APRIL 2010):

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=27

aechi opens-up on gay issues

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=101

10thousand Couples LLC (ARTICLE MAY 2010):

http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/may-2010/article/never-blend-in

 

 

THE NBI “GIVE ‘EM HOPE” VIDEO INITIATIVE

 

THIS IS YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO BE A PART OF OUR EVER EXPANDING AND DELICIOUSLY DIVERSE NBI FAMILY.

PLEASE JOIN THE NBI “GIVE ‘EM HOPE” VIDEO INITIATIVE.

WHETHER YOU ARE L.G. B OR T…OR ANY OTHER LETTER OF THE ALPHABET, MAKE AND SEND ME YOUR VIDEO ABOUT LIVING WITH AUTHENTICITY.

IF YOU LIVE UNLIMITED BY LABELS, THEN TELL US HOW IT’S DONE.

HELP US TO VALIDATE THE DISENFRANCHISED BY SHARING YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE (NBIAssociates), NBI WORDPRESS (http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/) AND THE NBI ASSOCIATES WEBSITE (www.nbiassociates.co.uk)

Harvey Milk was a pioneer, a visionary, a tenacious, tireless and determined advocate for social equality but he was also a man who only found his calling when he found himself. His journey towards self-efficacy is what makes Harvey interesting and, to know that he struggled before finding his authentic core, demystifies the man and gives hope to us all that somehow in someway we too may be capable of great things.

Harvey famously said: And you have to give them hope.

Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great.

Hope that all will be all right.

Without hope, not only gays, but the blacks, the seniors, the handicapped, the us’es, the us’es will give up.

 

MAKE A VIDEO AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

EMAIL IT TO DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk

 

JAKE GALLEON IS…

“I’m a tattooist working out of South East London. If you want any tattoo’s or just to discuss some ideas and get some advice, don’t hesitate to email me or message me here:  colouryourbody@hotmail.com”

Jake is more than willing to help draw any custom work that’s floating around in your head but can’t get it out on paper!

Last October, it was my 40th birthday; I know, hard to believe that such a handsome and youthful (dare I say boyish?) face can be 4 decades old?

As a gift to myself I decided to get a tattoo; something personal, something significant and definitely something that I wouldn’t regret.

Now, even if your idea is awesome, even if it is utterly symbolic and meaningful, much can go wrong between concept and creation.

It is vitally important to take your idea to someone who is not only artistically creative and technically skilled but to someone who is sensitive to your needs, your fears even.

Jake is the son of my very dear, creative and sober friend Karen. She is also an artist, a photographer; something clever, in fact, like social anthropology…ANYWAY, I DIGRESS.

Jake has also been incredibly supportive of my Equality Advocacy work and totally understood my desire to permanently place my, well Harvey Milk’s, mantra on my arm: NEVER BLEND IN.

Having these words so beautifully emblazoned on my forearm has opened the door to so many incredibly inspiring conversations.

People, often students (who are also people), ask “why these words?”

I love that this gives me the opportunity to explain about Harvey, about equality and ultimately connect on a deeper level than I could if I were wearing say a suit and tie (or anything that didn’t distinguise me from the masses).

Tattoos, as far as I’m concerned, should be individual, unique and a personal statement to reflect identity. I’m no expert and I imagine that there are many theories on the significance, cultural history etc of tattoos but, for me, this is what they are;  a symbolic use of language and/or imagery to define or express individual identity, perhaps even to reclaim ownership of one’s own body. Or is that getting too deep?

Anyway, Jake and I talked as he worked on my tattoo – we talked about anything and everything and, despite the slight discomfort, the afternoon was joyful, enlightening and has left me scarred (BUT IN A GOOD WAY).

I can’t begin to express my gratitude to this talented, highly professional, creative, artistic and fascinating young artist but what I can do is recommend him to you.

If you have any questions, comments then ask Jake.

email: colouryourbody@hotmail.com

 

COPYRIGHTED IMAGE

///Jake Galleon///

Colour Your Body is the alias of up and coming independent tattoo artist Jake Galleon.

Jake is a tattooist who mainly specialises in large scale, Japanese inspired tattooing, also working in other established tattoo styles such as traditional western and black & grey. while also putting a fresh twist into every piece.

Although he is self taught, he learned and continues to learn a great deal from the people he works with, the people who have tattooed him and ultimately from the customer’s themselves.

Tattooing out of South East London where he was ‘born and bred’. Jake finds a lot of inspiration from his surroundings in his artwork and is proud of his heritage.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THE PROPERTY OF KAREN RAWLINSON. PLEASE DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT PERMISSION. MANY THANKS. DAVID E. WATTERS (NEVER BLEND IN)

 

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk

DEADLIEST OF SINS SPEECH – DAVID E. WATTERS

photo - Karen Kodish http://karenkodish.com/

 

FIRST DELIVERED IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON AS PART OF THE VIGIL AGAINST HATE CRIME ORGANISED BY MARK HEALEY AND 17-24-30

My message tonight is that Somehow in some way YOU are capable of great things.

This is not a time for silence but a time to take personal responsibility, to speak out and to share our humanity; because the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of the spirit and YOU, as much as anyone, can influence real social change.

Harvey Bernard Milk, and others of his generation, fought for social progress with intelligence and creativity.

Harvey talked of breaking down the closet doors, yet for many these doors remain firmly locked; bolted both inside and out.

On the surface, it seems that society has grown more “accepting”, note the inverted commas, of the LGBT community but this, in itself, still suggests that  “acceptance” is required, that we are “less than” and that our VALUE is based upon the judgment of others. (?)

ALL the “ism’s” still exist and, YES, ALL prejudices have equal importance, require of us to remain vigilant and ALL must be actively challenged.

Bigoted behaviour occurs in many different ways and can range, as YOU know, from subtle to malicious and even if Bigotry is, in theory, being addressed in the law, in policy and in procedure within schools and in the workplace, culturally the progress is much slower.

We must not allow ourselves to be defined and judged solely by sexuality or gender identity any more than we should be defined or judged by our cultural heritage, the colour of our skin, our profession, our income or even… our taste in music.

For us to effectively tackle any of the “isms”, we all must engage in actions which address discrimination and prejudicial attitudes in every area of our society; our schools and universities, our workplaces, our communities and our shopping malls.

Each and every one of us has an obligation to take responsibility for making our society safer, fairer and more inclusive and we should not rely on the good will and hard work of others to secure that just and equal society, whilst complaining that we ourselves are powerless.

Whatever YOUR strengths, whatever YOUR core character traits, there is something that YOU can do to influence change in the world.

It’s not about waving a placard or marching in a parade, unless that’s your style. Instead, it’s about finding the correct method of communication for YOU.

Sign that petition, tweet and retweet your views, repost a powerful YouTube video or an article you’ve found, Facebook or MySpace it, write to your MP, talk to, write to, email if you have to political leaders, police forces, health services, broadcasters and employers so that they too can all positively influence the way that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are perceived.

We can no longer wait for another Harvey Milk to follow or rely on the Peter Tatchell’s of this world, the pioneers, the visionaries, to fight our fight; but instead must learn ways to be tenacious, tireless and determined advocates for social equality ourselves.

We must, ourselves, find the strength, resolve and determination to lead and influence the change we want to see, to bring hope to those who have none.

Somehow in some way we too can be capable of great things.

HERE’S MY SPEECH FROM SATURDAY’S VIGIL.  FROM 3MINS ON

Invite DAVID To Speak!

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.

As a teacher, David has worked in both the public and private sectors. His focus has been on inclusion with regard to Special Educational Needs and the development of Creative Partnerships.



David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

His background in the arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT and his passion for Equality Advocacy make him a creative and innovative program planner, facilitator and public speaker.

FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

AVAILABLE NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

FOR MORE ON DAVID’S BACKGROUND CLICK HERE

VIGIL – Saturday 23rd October 2010: ORDER OF EVENTS

 

 

 

I will be speaking at VIGIL 2010, Trafalgar Square, London 23rd October, 7pm – 9pm, 2 minute Silence: 8pm.

 

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: PAUL BURSTON, PETER TATCHELL AND STUART MILK. PLEASE BE THERE AND JOIN OUR commUNITY

   

 

    

 

 

 

“This is not a time for silence but a time to take personal responsibility, to speak out and to share our humanity; because the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of the spirit and YOU, as much as anyone, can influence real social change.”

 

  

       

RUNNING ORDER

19h Monteverde Vespers – Choir & LGSW

19h04 Introduction

19h10        Mark Healey, Jenny Baynham, Lynne Featherstone, Peter Tatchell, Rose Simkins

19h22        Londonderry Air – LGSW

19h28 Rikki Beadle-Blair, Anthony Townsend, Fiona Harvey, Lou Hart, Debbie Gold

19h40 Paul Harfleet, David Watters,

19h45        Outline silence / Roll call / Music Nimrod – LGSW

20h00        2 Minutes silence

20h03        Roll call of victims: Jonathan Simpson

20h07        Deep River – Choir

20h15        Stuart Milk

20h25        Richard Barnes, Tessa Havers-Strong, Sue Sanders, Paul Burston

20h35        Here’s where I Stand – Choir & LGSW       

20h40        Anne Novis, Claire Dimyon, Emma Peat, David Watkins, Caroline Lucas

20h50 Final announcements & Poem

20h55        Make your own kind of Music – Choir & LGSW

21h00 End

  

LAST YEAR’S VIGIL WAS ATTENDED BY APPROXIMATELY 10,000 PEOPLE:

  

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE TOMORROW.

In light of all the recent suicides, this is an event which is hugely important and also relevant to ALL COMMUNITIES. Your support for our event is vital and will go a long way towards helping the public to show solidarity and a commitment to embracing diversity, tackle  all forms of bigotry and create real social change.

Could you please post this press release wherever you can; on your website, myspace etc and help make this year’s No to Hate Campaign even more successful than last year?

ORGANISERS:

Website: www.17-24-30.com

Mailbox: Facebook group 17-24-30, Studio 151, 77 Beak Street, Soho, W1F 9DB

17-24-30 was founded by Mark Healey in the 2009 in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary of the London Nail Bomb attacks.

Mark wanted to provide a space on-line where as many people as possible could come together to mark the anniversaries of the three London nail bomb attacks in 1999.

“17-24-30″ represents the three dates that the nail bombs were left in Brixton (17th), Brick Lane (24th) and Soho (30th) targeting the black, Asian and gay communities of London.

The campaign has four objectives – to bring people together, to build relationships between communities, to support those who have been attacked and to challenge all forms of hate crime.

Many thanks in anticipation

Best wishes, David Equality Watters

 www.nbiassociates.co.uk

 

 INVITE DAVID TO SPEAK:

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html

 

 

 

 

David has worked internationally as both a singer and director for more than 20 years and has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings.

 

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. 

 

As a teacher, David has worked in both the public and private sectors. His focus has been on inclusion with regard to Special Educational Needs and the development of Creative Partnerships.

 

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

 

His background in the arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT and his passion for Equality Advocacy make him a creative and innovative program planner, facilitator and public speaker.

 

 

FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

 

EQUALITY ADVOCACY EVENTS ARE FREE

 

AVAILABLE NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

FOR MORE ON DAVID’S BACKGROUND CLICK HERE

 

INSTITUTIONALIZED HOMOPHOBIA….A PERSONAL STORY

A letter to Watchdog…a last ditch attempt to ask my housing association to accept responsibility for 3 years of homophobic harassment by a drug dealing neighbour.

Institutionalised homophobia DOES exist and we should NEVER  be complacent….we have a long way to go before we see a cultural shift in the perception of the LGBT community.

On the surface, it seems that society has grown more “accepting”, note the inverted commas, of the LGBT (QI) community but this, in itself, still suggests that  “acceptance” is required, that we are “less than” and that our VALUE is based upon the judgment of others. What?

ALL the “ism’s” still exist and, YES, ALL prejudices have equal importance, require of us to remain vigilant and ALL must be actively challenged.

Bigoted behaviour occurs in many different ways and can range, as YOU know, from subtle to malicious and even if Bigotry is, in theory, being addressed in the law, in policy and in procedure within schools and in the workplace, culturally the progress is much slower.

Those who hold beliefs about any specific group in society will not change those perceptions because of any law or policy.

Our physical safety was disregarded and our property stolen and damaged, yet our housing association took no real effective action.

YOU HAVE TO LAUGH AT THE HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS LOGO:

CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE

 

THE EMAIL TO WATCHDOG

I am writing to ask for an investigation into the failure of London and Quadrant to deal with drug dealing, homophobic neighbours who continually harrassed my partner and I for over 3 years.

 

Specific complaints are about Housing Officer, C McF.

 

Failure to deal with mouse infestation caused as a result of neighbours living in squalid conditions has meant damage to property costing over £2000.
 
In short, it is agreed, with MP Nick Raynsford, that an offer of £250 as “a gesture of good will” does not begin to cover the 3 years of torment (theft of mail, damage to property, daily verbal abuse, rodent infestation, criminal activity – 2 armed robberies)endured by my partner and myself, the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of certain staff (C McF in particular), the very real and serious risk to our physical safety, the impact upon our mental health as a result of this drawn out procedure and, if the neighbours had decided to stay we would still be in the same circumstances.

 

MENTAL HEALTH

 

I have been diagnosed with Depression.
 

First diagnosed as anxiety/stress on 31/5/08 when neighbours began abusive behaviour, having escaped consequences of stealing mail.

 

I have now been prescribed Paroxetine tablets (20mg) to tackle sleeplessness, social anxiety and panic attacks.

 

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

 

The damage to property alone is more than £2000 and this in the first instance should be addressed since L&Q were aware of the rodent infestation but made no real effort to help. We live on the first floor and it is only because of our neighbours squalid living conditions that we became infested. Damage includes: sofa and chair (approx £1500), pure wool carpet (£400), new bed (£250).

 

We did everything in our power to eradicate the problem (wire wool, wood filler, environmental health) but our efforts were futile since the neighbours did nothing to deal with the problem below.

 

There were 3 months where the neighbours did not live at their address and L&Q were notified of this; giving them the right to access the property and deal with the mice.

 

PHYSICAL RISK

 

The time that Miss McF took to implement safety strategies in our home did not follow correct procedures since, after a second armed robbery at the neighbours due to their drug dealing, Miss McF took 21 days to have any work done to make us feel secure. The neighbours were clearly in fear of their safety as they immediately left the property (May 1st 2010) yet we were left vulnerable and unprotected.

 

I was informed by Operations Manager, Mr F that this should have been dealt with in 24 hours and that we should have been viewed as vulnerable tenants.

 

I have attached an extensive document of all emails sent and the few responses received over the past 2 years.

 

The offer of £250 in compensation as a “good will gesture” is frankly insulting and further compounds our belief in L&Q’s lack of care for tenants.
 
My concern is that London and Quadrant employees fail to take homophobic behaviour and anti-social behaviour seriously; lip sevice is paid and boxes are ticked but the process has taken longer than necessary considering the considerable log of evidence we have provided, the numerous occassions we have met with, emailed or spoken on the telephone with L&Q.
 

This indicates, to my partner and I, a level of institutionalised or, at best, personal homophobia within the Housing Association which needs to be addressed.

 

I can send images of mice running freely in our living room damage to property and photographs taken of the neighbours home after he had left the property (some included in the attached document).

 

I also have a voice recording of neighbour admitting theft and one of the son admitting knowledge of who had attempted an armed burglary on their property (and ours) which C McF refused to listen to.

 

We have been continually disrespected and disregarded by London and Quadrant and are again insulted and bemused by the offer of £250 to compensate; they refuse to take any responsibility and call this a “good will gesture”.

 

David Watters 

 

HOW THE NEIGHBOURS CHOSE TO LIVE

  

  

  

  

CROSS SCRATCHED ON OUR LETTERBOX AND DOOR

 

 

 

MICE IN OUR HOME…ALL TAKEN IN ONE EVENING

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can no longer wait for another Harvey Milk to follow or rely on the Peter Tatchell’s of this world, the pioneers, the visionaries, to fight our fight; but instead must learn ways to be tenacious, tireless and determined advocates for social equality ourselves.

We must, ourselves, find the strength, resolve and determination to lead and influence the change we want to see, to bring hope to those who have none. Somehow in some way we too can be capable of great things.

As Harvey Milk said, “I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you… And you… And you… Gotta give em hope.”

 

IF YOU LIVE IN THE UK AND HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ACCOMODATION YOU CAN CONTACT THE INDEPENDENT HOUSING OMBUDSMAN:

Write to
Housing Ombudsman Service
81 Aldwych
London
WC2B 4HN

Telephone
0300 111 3000

Minicom
020 7404 7092

Fax
020 7831 1942

Email
info@housing-ombudsman.org.uk

Simone Campbell is SERIOUSLY funny…

SIMONE CAMPBELL

My early life….funny how we block out what we THINK does not define us. I am an East Coast gal through and through. Originally from New York. I’m the youngest of four children, and as I like to remind my Mother, the only “planned” child. My parents had two girls and a boy…so…they were hoping for another boy. I used to tell my Mother..”Meh…you got half your wish”.

Simone Campbell brings humor and humility to every aspect of her personal and professional life.

A committed advocate for true social equality, Simone models behaviors and character traits such as diligence, determination, personal authenticity and a sincerity which can only serve to encourage, inspire and motivate those who are fortunate enough to know her.

As a major supporter and vital contributor to the book, NEVER BLEND IN: THE LEGACY OF HARVEY MILK, Simone reflected on her position as a role model, “Every time I show up at an event, every time I get up in front of a classroom of kids and tell my story (I was on the Speaker’s Bureau for Community United Against Violence for about 10 years), every time I walk on stage and pick up a microphone I am keenly aware of the position I am in.

As an entertainer…and an OUT one, I have a moral responsibility to hold myself up to a higher standard. To live…above the fray. I am not sure where comedy will lead me. I’ve tried to separate being a comic and being an activist…and failed miserably, so I figured why fight it. I embrace it everyday. And I am thankful for it everyday”.

Change is often slow but it is inevitable. Change will come when social perceptions are informed by those who live with authenticity, by those who acknowledge the stereotypes but also present a wider palate which illustrates the true diversity of our wonderful human race.

In truth, it’s really quite simple and perhaps a little clichéd (clichés are clichés because often they are true)…Love will always conquer hate, courage will conquer fear and with her warm, wise and witty words, Simone Campbell will change the world…one mind at a time!

Our society, in all its grandness is flawed, and like individual people, is slow to change. It can change with people championing the cause, voting until it hurts. People need to tell their stories. Shout from the rooftops that we will NOT go quietly into that good night, and to lead with the one thing we know is universal….LOVE.

DAVID WATTERS
AUTHOR OF NEVER BLEND IN: THE LEGACY OF HARVEY MILK

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk

http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/

—UPCOMING SHOWS—

8/6- The Comedy Store, LA
8/7 -The Riviera Palm Springs
8/8- NONSTOP FLIGHT COMEDY. Spitfire Grill, Santa Monica
9/7 Castegnola’s in SF 8PM
9/16 Castegnola’s in SF 8PM
9/18 Castegnola’s in SF 8PM

More Glitter ‐ Less Bitter

More Glitter ‐ Less Bitter  Photographs by Daniel Nicoletta  1975 – present   WHEN: June 4 – July 10, 2010   Artist reception: Friday, June 4, 6 – 8 PM  WHERE: Electric Works 130 8th Street San Francisco, California 94103 415 626 5496 phone 415 626 2396 fax http://www.sfelectricworks.com

 

Electric Works is pleased to present More Glitter – Less Bitter, a poignant romp through Dan Nicolettaʼs vigilant documentation of San Franciscoʼs gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender communities.  Dan Nicoletta at Castro Camera, by Denton Smith, Fall 1976 In 1975 Dan Nicoletta was hired by Harvey Milk to work in Milkʼs Castro Street camera store and there at age 19, Danʼs life path as a documentarian for that emerging scene began. Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the world and he became a symbol of hope to the LGBT civil rights movement after he was assassinated in 1978.  The photographs in the exhibit will highlight significant moments along the way including still photos taken by Nicoletta on the set of Gus Van Santʼs Academy Award winning film MILK in which actor Lucas Grabeel portrayed Nicoletta.  Lucas Grabeel (as Dan Nicoletta), February 11, 2008, photo by Dan Nicoletta Through the last 38 years Nicoletta has remained a key point person for LGBT Community related research. The title of this exhibit More Glitter – Less Bitter, takes its cue from Nicolettaʼs penchant for the ebullient and theatrical in life.  In his article about Nicoletta’s 1996 retrospective in San Francisco, art critic David Bonetti wrote:  “…it has been Nicoletta’s conscious choice to photograph the more, shall we say, theatrical members of a community that has been famous for putting the pizzazz in theater since the first fabulous costume was worn on that stage just East of Eden. (Who, after all, invented sequins?) … if you love flamboyance, drag queens, discos, alternative theater, pretty boys, powerful women and the in-your-face politics of Queer Nation, you’ll probably find Nicoletta’s photographs just your cup of tea… San Francisco is lucky that Nicoletta has been there with his camera recording it through all of its changes.”  Interviews with Dan Nicoletta can also be scheduled directly with Dan @ 415.665-5930, cell 415.310-3072 or info@dannynicoletta.com or through Judith Selby 415-626-5496 judith@sfelectricworks.com

Gallery Hours:   Tuesday – Friday 11- 6  Saturday 11-5  Electric Works  130 8th Street  San Francisco, California 94103  415 626 5496 phone  415 626 2396 fax  http://www.sfelectricworks.com

More Glitter – Less Bitter is an official San Francisco Pride Event.http://www.sfpride.org For downloadable press images for Daniel Nicoletta  http://dannynicoletta.com/press.shtml  additional press photos about Electric Works Gallery here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/electricworks

http://www.dannynicoletta.com       Dan Nicoletta, 2001, photo by Matthew Madrigal Dan Nicoletta is a San Francisco based photographer who began his career in 1975 as an assistant to the late Crawford Barton who was then a staff photographer for the Advocate. During that time Dan also worked in Harvey Milk’s camera store in the heart of the burgeoning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, mecca in San Francisco’s Castro district. He was involved in several of Milk’s political campaigns including Milk’s victorious election to public office as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the world. Nicoletta has continued to document the reverberations of Milk’s legacy for over thirty four years serving as a key point person for LGBT civil rights and Milk related research.  Dan’s work has been featured in numerous settings, including the Academy Award – winning film Milk by Gus Van Sant, the Academy Award-winning documentary The Times Of Harvey Milk by Rob Epstein and Richard Schmiechen, and the award-winning documentary Sex Is by Marc Huestis and Lawrence Helman. (Berlin Film Festival – Best Gay Documentary 1993).  His work has also appeared in numerous periodicals and books including: Randy Shilt’s Mayor Of Castro Street, Susan Stryker and Jim Van Buskirk’s Gay By The Bay and Harold Evans’ The American Century and also the ten year anniversary catalog Out At The Library – Celebrating The James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center and the book Flight of Angels, by Adrian Brooks, about The seminal theatre group The Angels of Light, and MILK A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk which includes a section of unit photography from MILK the film.  Dan’s work has been in numerous group shows and he has had featured exhibitions at Overtones Gallery (Los Angeles), and Mace Gallery, Electric Works Gallery and the lobby of Levi Strauss & Company, (San Francisco).  His work has been collected by the Wallach Collection of Fine Prints and the Berg  Collection at the New York Public Library, the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center at the San Francisco Public Library and the Schwules Museum in Berlin and by many private collectors.  He is a graduate of San Francisco State’s Bachelor of Arts program and was born NYC in 1954 and raised in Utica, New York.

PUBLICATIONS – BOOKS Camerawork – An Autobiography of the SF Bay Area – Part 1,edited by Chuck Mobley (2010)     MILK A Pictoral History of Harvey Milk – Texts by Armistead Maupin & Dustin Lance Black (2009)     Flights of Angels, my life with the Angels of Light – by Adrian Brooks (2008)  Out at the Library – Celebrating the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center (2005)  The Fabulous Sylvester - by Joshua Gamson (2005)  Midnight At The Palace – My life as a fabulous Cockette – by Pam Tent (2004)  Tracking Choreography in the Age of AIDS - by David Gere (2004)  The Beat Generation – A Gale Critical Companion (2003)  Forging Gay Identities - by Elizabeth Armstrong (2002)  American Century - by Harold Evans (1999)  Long Road to Freedom – History of the Gay & Lesbian Movement  by Mark Thompson (1994)  Uncommon Heroes - edited by Phillip Sherman (1994)  REsearch – Modern Primitives - edited by V. Vale and Andrea Juno (1989)  San Francisco Observed - edited by Ruth Silverman (1986)  The Mayor of Castro Street – The Life and Times of Harvey Milk by Randy Shilts (1981)  And also work published in books by ruth weiss, Strange de Jim, Bruce la Bruce, etc.  PUBLICATIONS – MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS     N. Y. Times, New York Daily News, Village Voice, L. A. Times , S. F. Chronicle, S. F. Examiner, S. F. Bay Guardian, Bay Area Reporter, S. F. Bay Times, The Advocate, Instinct, Out, Windy City Times, X-tra West (Canada), Drama Logue, Theatre Communications, Dragazine, Müncher Merker, Germany, The Guardian, UK, Akademikern, Sweden

 

RELATED LINKS:

http://flavorpill.com/sanfrancisco/events/2010/6/4/more-glitter-andmdash-less-bitter-photos-by-daniel-nicoletta

http://sf.funcheap.com/artist-reception-glitter-bitter-soma/

https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp?ievent=420856&en=kmJRJ9MVIbJXIdMRIiI4JrO5IkKYLcMYIqK2IfO1ItKfG

http://www.sfelectricworks.com/newsletter/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/electricworks/