www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com
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December 18, 2009
GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE
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News Briefs
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same-sex couples," according to the Associated Press.
He expressed his support of Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, agreeing that same-sex marriage is a civil rights matter.
Republican Gov.-Elect Chris Christie, who has said that he would veto the legislation, is reported to be a big Springsteen fan. The bill was delayed while Democrats in the state senate tried to shore up the 21 votes needed for passage. They were also concerned that Corzine's loss in the general election may have been a signal from voters that they are more concerned with fiscal matters than social ones.
'Kill gays' singer busted for cocaine
Miami-Buju Banton, a reggae star whose lyrics contain violent anti-gay messages, is in federal custody on drug charges.
He was arrested on December 10 on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine.
The street value of that quantity of cocaine would be in the neighborhood of $1.25 million.
Banton's management has argued that criticism of the star over the lyrics in some of his songs is unwarranted, as he stopped singing those particular songs years ago. However, DJs still play the song "Boom Bye Bye," which calls for shooting gay men in the head, and a series of concerts earlier this
year faced widespread cancellations due to protests against the singer.
California Assembly gets gay speaker
Sacramento, Calif.-After a tumultuous history with same-sex marriage last year, California has presented itself with another LGBT first: the first state with an openly gay top legislator.
Assemblyman John A. Pérez was unanimously supported by the California Democratic Caucus on December 10 to be the next Speaker of the Assembly.
The position will become official when it comes before a floor vote after the Assembly convenes in January.
"Under his leadership and the continued
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leadership of Assemblymember De León [the other finalist for the position] and his supporters I look forward to another year of being made proud by my colleagues as we work to improve the quality of life for the people of California," said exiting Speaker Karen Bass.
"I want to thank the members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus for the faith they have placed in me. It is a humbling privilege. I will work every day to justify that faith and to earn the enormous honor of having been drafted to serve as speaker," Peréz said.
Compiled from wire reports by Brian DeWitt, Anthony Glassman and Patti Harris.
ROBERT OLAYAS
A change of scenery
Around 300 gay men descended on Ultra on West 6th Street in Cleveland on November 20 for the latest installment of G2H2.
G2H2 stands for Gay Guys' Happy Hour. It's actually just that, pure and simple. On the third Friday of every month a collections of guys descend upon a prearranged straight bar to have a drink and socialize.
"The bars and the bartenders love us," said co-chair Ted Wammes. "The straight bartenders have said it's a lot of fun. The bars love the extra business and the tips are good."
The roving happy hour started in Cleveland about five years ago and has spread to Pittsburgh, Tucson, Erie and southern Michigan. Soon it will get going in Columbus. They bring their own DJ, so the music is good. Everyone is welcome to this social happy hour event.
To find the location of the next event see the web site www.g2h2.com or their Facebook page.
-Robert Olayas
communitygroups
Franklin Circle has two Christmas Eve services
by Rev. Allen V. Harris
Cleveland-Franklin Circle Christian Church is offering not one, but two worship services for Christmas Eve, the first time they have done so.
The earlier service, at 5 pm on Thursday, December 24, will be casual, contemporary, family-friendly, and particularly lively. A
complimentary staffed nursery will be provided for infants six months to three years.
The second service will be at 7 pm This service, a more meditative and classic worship, will include the traditional candlelight communion service. The nursery, as well as special children's programming, will be available at the later service.
Both services, while encouraging us to
"Rediscover Christmas," will offer lessons and carols, one from a contemporary viewpoint, the other a more traditional perspective. All are welcome. There will be light refreshments between the two services.
Franklin Circle Christian Church is at 1688 Fulton Rd. at Franklin Blvd. on Cleveland's near west side. The congregation is an open and affirming, anti-racist/
pro-reconciling, and accessible congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
For more information, go to www.FranklinCircleChurch.org or call
216-781-8232.
Rev. Allen V. Harris is the pastor of Franklin Circle Christian Church.
Network election to be at Lemon Grass dinner
by Jan Held
Cleveland-As 2009 draws to an end,. the new year brings with it yet another Network annual event, the most important one of our calendar year.
On Sunday, January 10, the group will have a general meeting to elect board officers and members to steer the Cleveland Women's Network through 2010. And we want all of our paid and future members to be a voice in these decisions. Bring event ideas, be an officer, volunteer for the board, or volunteer to host or plan an event. Have computer or artistic talent? We welcome creative concepts.
STONE
GRAPHIC
DESIGN
-C Artwork
Ads Postcards hirts
tness Cards
Stone Graphies. 116-701-7711.
On hand will be your 2010 membership forms. The group has eliminated the $5 general event fee when you become a paid member. As in kickoff meetings past, there will be a drawing for a chance to win a free one-year individual membership to the Network. The winner will be announced at the end of dinner, and must be present to win.
The meeting will be at 4 pm and will start by approximately 5 pm at the Lemon Grass Restaurant, 2179 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., a few stores south on the same side as the Cedar-Lee Theater. Metered parking is in front and back, where there is also a metered three-level garage.
Before the lesbian, gay, community
packs their bags to visit Cleveland,
they rend the
MAY PEOPLES
Chronicle
to find out
where to
eat, where to
stay. what to see.
Advertise in the Gay People's Chronicle and tell the lesbian, gay community about your restaurant, bar, hotel, gallery, theatre
Call 216.631.8646 and talk to David or Ginger.
The Network will be taking care of iced tea, water, and coffee during the meeting. You will be ordering and paying for your own dinner. The menu has a broad range of Thai and other dishes, and prices from which to choose.
Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, January 5. Call the hotline at 440-962-3662 or e-mail info@clevelandwomensnetwork
.com.
Interested in being involved but can't come on January 10? Please feel free to reach us by the above methods we look
Uptowne Grille III
forward to all thoughts and suggestions.
The Network is an organization whose members represent a diverse cross-section of the lesbian community. The group's purpose is to increase lesbian networking opportunities, both professional and social, to strengthen lesbian-owned businesses within the Network and the greater Cleveland area. The Network provides a safe and fun environment for social activities and business networking.
Jan Held is the current president of the Cleveland Women's Network.
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