NOISE Magazine December 2010

DECEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

4 | Noise

vieux

December 2010

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C O N T E N T S December 2010 A Season of Giving and Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4-5 World AIDS Day Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 My Odyssey with AIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... or at least a Gay Holiday! . . . page 8 Dont Ask, Dont Tell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 A Blueprint for Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8 D.J. Derek’s Top Ten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page11 On Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 Halloween Flashbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 Teedle’s Tidbit - Thanks God for Turkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15

Staff Managing Editor:

Don Mills

noise.magazine@gaybham.com

Contributing Editor:

Rebecca Haack

Columnists:

Miss Majesty Divine, DJ Derek Johns

Contributing Writers:

Marty Shelley, Joe Openshaw, Teedle Jones, Jonathon Barnes, John Dunnam, Jariol, Steven Jones

Photo Contributions:

Don Mills, James Robinson, H.B Hatton, Krewe of the Druids

Noise Magazine is a publication of GAYBHAM. Copyright GAYBHAM 2010.

The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual’s name or photograph in the publication implies nothing about that individual’s sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc. appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of NOISE Magazine.

Publisher’s Corner I always seem to wait until the last minute to write this and never really know what to say. It has been a frustrting month and once again we struggled to make ends meet... but somehow it happened. We welcome several new advertisers and are constantly on the lookout for more.

This publication is a labor of LOVE. Those of us writing, editing and doing all the graphic work do it because it SERVES our community. We might as well be a non-profit, because none of us are getting paid.

It interests me to discuss with our advertisers why they advertise. The vast majority of the dedicated advertisers say that it is to support the community... not necessarily to increase their business. Then there are those who reply, “We don’t need to advertise... everyone knows who we are!”

YES, everyone knows who they are... and in most cases everyone feels like they are the exact ones that need to be showing their support for the community. If you don’t see an ad for a business you think ought to be advertising... say something to them...

MAKE SOME NOISE!!!

That’s one of the exact reasons we settled on the name NOISE... for by making NOISE we can make a difference. We are not here to entertain you with fluff about your favorite soap stars, porn stars or any other icons. We are not interested in who was with whos boyfirend at what bar.

We are here to make a difference in our community. We are here to honor our history and hopefully inspire the future.

Please keep sending in submissions, but please keep articles to 800 words. Please send in your events for the calendar. Please encourage your friends with businesses to advertise. We can’t make NOISE happen without you.

4 | Noise

December

A Season of Giving and of Hope

by Rebecca Haack The holidays are here and our thoughts are turning not only to the pretty packages we will exchange with family and friends, but also to helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Is it coincidental that “ourself” ends in “elf” (or “elves,” for the plural)? Probably not, or we wouldn’t have that Jolly Old Elf Santa Clause buried so deeply in our psyches. Yes, there are “Grinches” out there as well, so I challenge those who are, shall we say, “holiday challenged,” to take the first step and make a donation (of any size) to help someone in need. You may be surprised at how big your heart will grow!

This month we highlight holiday programs throughout our community with the hope that everyone will find their “inner Santas” and provide assistance to those in need.

Speaking of hope, World AIDS Day is December 1st and the theme is Universal Access & Human Rights.

According to UNAIDS estimates (www.avert.org), an estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV, including 2.1 million children. Together we can raise money for research, fight prejudice, and improve education. Help give the gift of hope this season by donating not only time or money, but also by educating others.

STATEWIDE ALABAMA AIDS Alabama’s 2010 Holiday Wish Program is underway!

We have begun matching children with generous sponsors and you can help, too! We are seeking sponsors to help make the holidays brighter for the children supported by AIDS Alabama programs and services. You can choose to be a partial sponsor by fulfilling a deserving child’s Needs or Wish list, or become a full sponsor and fulfill both lists.

There are several easy ways to participate in this worthwhile program. Holiday Wish trees are currently on display at Silvertron Café, Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, and The J. Clyde. By visiting these generous restaurants, you can enjoy great food and drink and choose a card off the Holiday Wish tree that corresponds to a child in need of a sponsor. If you choose a card from a Holiday Wish tree, please contact AIDS Alabama directly to let us know which child you have chosen and at what level you will sponsor.

You can also contact us to be matched with a child in need by calling Amanda Miller at (205) 324-9822, or e-mailing her at amanda.miller@aidsalabama.org. If you would like to contribute to the program without committing to a sponsorship, you may make a general donation to the Holiday Wish Program through our website, www.aidsalabama.org.

We are also accepting donations of gift wrapping supplies, such as wrapping paper, gift boxes, tissue paper, ribbon, tape, bows, etc. Get together with your family and friends to make a difference in the life of a child affected

by HIV/AIDS today!

For 10 years Integrity Alabama has conducted a winter fund-raiser to collect money to provide blankets to the poor. More than 3,000 blankets have been distributed, primarily to Birmingham-area homeless, the working poor, and disabled people. We also provide blankets to people living with AIDS and lagniappe (New Orleans lingo for “a little something extra”) for these individuals and their families.

Financial contributions of any amount (or offer of assistance with procurement, preparation, and distribution) are greatly appreciated. Please consider donating to this project and indicate “blanket drive” in the “for” line of your check made to Integrity Alabama.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with blanket and gift basket preparation and distribution, please contact David Gary at (205) 595-3159. Mail checks to: Integrity Alabama c/o David Gary, 5016 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35212.

Thanks to the following for their contributions to this article: Amanda Miller, AIDS Alabama; David Gary, Integrity Alabama; Amanda Meisner, Birmingham AIDS Outreach; Kai Mumphfield , Montgomery AIDS Outreach; H. B. Hatten, Arts for AIDS Awareness; Bronwen Murray, AIDS Action Coalition; Billy Kirkpatrick, West Alabama AIDS Outreach; Tyloria Crenshaw, South Alabama Cares.

BIRMINGHAM Each December, Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO) brings a bit of holiday cheer through the Adrian R. Daniels Holiday Gift Box program. This project provides individuals and their families with food, personal items, and gifts, which for many of them, these are the only gifts that they will receive during the holidays. In addition, low-income families with children are available for sponsorship and in 2009 sponsors brightened the holidays for 101 children with gifts, clothing, and toys.

In order to make this project a reality, BAO is in need of nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, paper products, and sponsors for the children.

Please consider donating or sponsoring a child in need this holiday season or purchasing items for the adult gift boxes.

For more information, contact the agency at 205-322-4197 extension 22, or Amanda@birminghamaidsoutreach.org.

As a thank you to the community for your continued support of BAO and those we serve, BAO will hold its 7th Annual Open House on Thursday, December 2nd, from 4:30 PM p.m. – 7:30 PMp.m. The Magic City Choral Society Chorale will perform at 7:00 PMp.m.. BAO is located at 205 32nd Street South and everyone is invited.

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MONTGOMERY

TUSCALOOSA

Montgomery AIDS Outreach (MAO) provides comprehensive specialized HIV/AIDS treatment through its medical clinics in Montgomery and Dothan as well as through its five satellite (rural) sites in Greenville, Selma, Troy, Clayton, and Auburn. We also have licensed social workers on hand to assist actively enrolled patients with needed resources such as medication assistance, specialty referrals, linking with compassionate medication assistance programs, risk reduction/healthy living education, and other services as needed and available. In addition, MAO has a full service Education and Outreach Department that educates the community, including local corporations, community agencies, institutions of higher education, grade schools, churches, social service agencies, and other community groups on health education topics related to HIV/AIDS and other STDs. MAO is committed to providing quality services that will enhance the quality of life for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. During the holiday season, MAO collaborates with local agencies to provide clients with referrals to community agencies and local churches such as the Christmas Clearing House (Volunteer Information Center/211), Frazer United Methodist Church, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, and others who provide gift assistance to our clients and their families.

Each year WAAO provides Christmas “boxes” to its clients.

Each client receives one huge bag of non-perishable food items, one huge bag of personal hygiene items, and a box of useful household items (blankets, pajamas, etc.) donated by the community.

The community donations come from local church members and are called “Mac D” boxes — named after the late son (who passed away due to AIDS) of one of WA A O ’s board m e m b e r s . WAAO board members also contribute items or money to this Christmas box project and The Mystic Krewe of the Druids donates money. This year, in addition to their usual donation, the Krewe donated a special monetary gift in order to assist a WAAO client who was danger of losing his mobile home.

MOBILE

In keeping with the spirit of Light of Hope, we are offering a limited edition, commemorative candle during the month of December. Light this candle throughout the year to remember a loved one while keeping the hope alive for a cure.

This beautifully packaged soy candle has the soft fragrance of freshly baked gingerbread cookies with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg. It’s the perfect scent for the holidays and an irresistible aroma for the entire year. The Light of Hope candle has an approximate burn time of 60 hours. All proceeds go directly to the AIDS Action Coalition general fund.

To order call 1-800-728-3603 or visit our online store at www.aidsactioncoalition.org/get_involved/shop.html.

MAO

It’s that time of year again! For the past 16 years, South Alabama CARES has been sponsoring the Holiday Gift Box Project to provide gifts to people living with HIV/ AIDS and their families, many of whom have little or no income and cannot afford the things we take for granted.

During these tough economic times, we are calling on our friends and supporters once again to help us make the holiday season brighter for others. These gift boxes not only ease financial hardship, but also send a message of love and support. Many of the items donated help clients stretch their budgets to meet the costs of winter expenses and make it possible for them to enjoy some holiday gifts for themselves and their families. Please consider adding a few of the items on our wish list to your purchase or make a donation and we will purchase those items requested.

Last year, South Alabama CARES collected donations and wrapped, packaged, and delivered holiday gift boxes to 13 counties in South Alabama, serving more than 300 people, 90 of whom were children. While they are diverse, they share a commonality of either being infected or affected by HIV disease. Their average monthly income is $548, 41 percent are on disability, 59 percent are women, and 61 percent are under the age of 35.

As you make your holiday shopping list this year, please consider some of our clients.

Your gifts are tax deductible, much appreciated, and greatly needed. Some of the items needed include anything that cannot be purchased with food stamps, hygiene items, and high calorie food items. For more information, please visit http://www.masshelps.org/HGBWishList.pdf.

HUNTSVILLE

PENSACOLA The Arts for AIDS Awareness is a 501(c)3 charity whose mission is: To raise awareness, support education, promote advocacy and equality for all individuals affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. While they do not sponsor a specific Holiday Proiject, they are raising funds for their programs by offering the 2010 HOPE Christmas ornament designed by glass artist Tim Holder Glass priced at $20. You may contact The Arts for AIDS Awareness on Facebook, by email at a4aainc@yahoo.com, or by phone at 850-748-9723.

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December

World AIDS Day Events ANNISTON:

MOBILE:

World AIDS Day Celebration of Life 2010 Theme - Universal Access/Human Rights Wednesday Dec. 1, 2010, 5:15 p.m.

Anniston City Meeting Center,17th and Noble St. Evening begins with the Karen Morris Memorial AIDS Walk through downtown Anniston @ 5:30 (meet at the Meeting Center around 5:15)

Lights for Rights/World AIDS Day Event Wednesday, December 1 · 5:30 p.m.

William Chastang Mobile, AL City/County Building The Mobile AIDS Coalition in conjunction with the Retirement System of Alabama will sponsor the lightning of the RSA Tower and the Renaissance Hotel with Red Lights in recognition of World AIDS Day and the Lights for Rights Campaign. There will also be a program held at the Mobile City/County Building that evening to commemorate World AIDS Day. The event will host numerous singing groups, a jazz band, speakers, and a consumer panel. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Shannon Tyler, an HIV specialist doctor from the University of South Alabama Hospital Systems.

For more info call or email Julie Hope: Health Services Center, Dir. of Education/Outreach 256-832-0100 ext. 124 - Office 256-831-3461 - Fax jhope@hscal.org

BIRMINGHAM:

MONTGOMERY:

World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil Wednesday, December 1, 5:30 p.m. - 6:3 0p.m.

Brother Byan Park, 2100 Magnolia Avenue The Magic City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will present a Candlelight Vigil in memory of those who have died of AIDS. Come join us as we remember friends and loved ones this devastating disease has taken from us. If you would like to have your friend/loved one’s name listed on the program, please send the name to Sister Gretchen Gitaround.

If you would like to help us sponsor this event, please contact SisterGretchen@yahoo.com. All donations are welcomed.

MAO Presents: A SOCIAL THEATER “BEFORE IT HITS HOME” by Cheryl West December 1, 2010 RSA Activity Center , 201 Dexter Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Program starts promptly at 7pm Admission: Tickets are $25.

Seating is limited so get your tickets in advance!

For additional info contact: Marxavian Jones 334.280.3349 or mjones@maoi.org AUM: 230 Taylor Center 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Interfaith Montgomery: Special Service Sunday, Dec. 5th, 5 p.m.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

HUNTSVILLE: Candle Light Vigil and Celebration for World Aids Day Wednesday, December 1 · 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Partners Bar and Grill, 631 Meridian Street North Hosted by UCAP, United Community Action Partners in conjunction with Partners Bar & Grill. Participating organizations include AAC (Aids Action Coalition of Huntsville), UAH, UNA, Calhoun Colleges, and Grissom High School GSA’s (Gay-Str8 Alliance), GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, and Huntsville P-Flag.

For More information, contact UCAP: ucapsite@yahoo.com or contact a UCAP board / committee member or Partners Bar and Grill.

TUSCALOOSA:

PENSACOLA:

FT WALTON:

World AIDS Day Pensacola 2010 Wednesday, December 1 · 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pensacola Little Theatre Inc, 400 South Jefferson Street Join us for a program of remembrance. World AIDS Day 2010 will include a cocktail hour from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Pensacola Little Theatre along with an art show and a remembrance program from 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

For more information e-mail: keelealejeune@hotmail.com

World Aids Day Luncheon Wednesday, December 1 OASIS Contact OASIS for more inforation. 850-314-0950

World AIDS Day Commemoration Wednesday, December 1, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m. Candlelight Vigil and March Denny Chimes, UA Quad 6:30 p.m. Service Capstone Church, 1907 University Boulevard HIV infection and AIDS-related illness remain a worldwide healthcare concern. Education and safe practices help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, but they do not return those we have lost to this pandemic. Join us in commemorating World AIDS Day in West Alabama.

PANAMACITY: Candlelight Vigil Wednesday, December 1 Contact BASIC for more inforation. 850-785-1088

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My Odyssey with HIV an excerpt from the book “HIV/AIDS North America” by Steven Jones I am quiet person; a little shy, a little private. I never dated much and pretty much stayed to myself. I have always been gay, but years of celibacy left its mark. It was not that I was anti-social, but rather that I was reserved.

In 1986 I took a commission in Quebec City to restore a major church. My career had led to me to architecture and to the building and restoration of churches. In this very charming city I met quite a few nice fellows at very formal, yet convivial, dinner parties. At one of these parties there was a man I was introduced to. I was polite, but I had no interest. That was not the case with him.

I am not fluent in spoken French, but he aggressively pursued me. Since he was a second grade catholic schoolteacher to the institute affiliated with the church, he was all too nearby. I continued to be polite, but firmly made it clear that I preferred not to get involved. This did not go down well. He took matters in his own hands and, hopped up on drugs and alcohol, cornered me one night in the old city. He overpowered me and raped me. I still remember the smell of the icy cobblestones, the heat of my tears, and the warmth of the blood running down the back of my legs. It was February 15th, 1986. Valentine’s Day will never be a holiday for me. I went home. I did not speak French well and I am an American in a city that, at the time, was not too fond of us. I did, however, speak with a couple of acquaintances about it. I was so shaken. They both told me right off that I

should get tested. They had heard that my attacker was positive. The job was almost finished and when I got back to the States I got tested. I had been tested as part of a routine physical just before I went to Quebec City and was negative.

That was six months previous and I had been with no one.

This test came back negative, too, but when I explained to the doctor what had happened he recommended I get tested in three months. Three months and an agonizing two weeks later I got the news: Positive.

I was devastated. It was the mid-80s and I had my home in the Adirondacks far from any in-touch medical staff. No one knew what to do. My dentist dropped me. I was treated by doctors as if I was radioactive or a leper. The difficult thing was telling my parents. It did not go well. It was, according to my father, very much my fault and I deserved it.

Mom just cried. I seemed to be always looking over my shoulder, waiting for the man with the scythe. There was no counseling at that time and no agencies to guide me. I basically gave up and became a hermit. I couldn’t handle it.

It was during this time that I learned that my attacker had died. I thought I was next.

The rest of the article can be found at http:// hivaidsnorthamerica.webs.com One dollar from each book sold in the month of December will be donated to Birmingham Aids Outreach.

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December

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ... or at least A Gay Holiday by Marty Shelley I was an only adopted child and the baby of the family for the first nine years of my life. Every Christmas Eve, Dad would take my Mom and me to Big Mama’s house for the largest part of our Christmas celebration and then to my Aunt Lil, cousin Allan, and Mammaw’s place. Afterward we would go riding around Birmingham looking at Christmas decorations and such. We lived in West End, Big Mama lived in Woodlawn, and Aunt Lil lived downtown.

By the time I was about 12, I heard of a little nondescript place called “Tito’s.” It was on First Avenue North, which used to be the main artery from one end of town to the other. I heard that Tito’s was a place where “queers” went.

So there I was, riding in the back seat of my Dad’s ’65 Galaxy 500 trying to sneak a good look every time we went by there. I did espy two guys going in one night ... big thrill ... at least I thought they were “guys.” Guess I’ll never know for sure. Anyway, that was my first inkling of a deep difference about myself in connection to other people. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t the only one.

My parents always lavished me with gifts and made sure Santa Claus did, too! I never had the nerve to ask for a girlfriend though. That’s what I wanted most! As the years went by, I did get a girlfriend ... a few, actually, but not at the same time. By the time I was 18, I had experienced the “comLibby Rich of

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ing out” and “of age” process. Considering the life my parents tried to give me, the best of everything they had, ever how misguided at times, I loved them so very much. This was my year to do some giving back. We did our usual “family rounds” and when we got home, I took that ’65 Galaxy 500 and went to the Gizmo.

I had never been in a bar of any kind on Christmas Eve and was amazed at how many people were out that night. It didn’t occur to me that some gay people were down there because their families had long disowned them and didn’t want them around ... not at Christmas ... not ever! I remember somebody saying that some people were bringing Christmas dinner the next day for whoever would like some food and fellowship. That touched me so deeply and so permanently! As I made my way home that night, I was filled with so much gratitude for my life and love for my family ... it had just redefined everything I was ever taught about Christmas.

I got home, pulled out the gifts I had for my parents, decorated the living room with special things just for them, and that included a visit from “Santa Closet.” That was the last year that the entire family was together for Christmas.

They just seemed to start dying off, one after the other. It was never the same again and became harder for me to embrace the Season each year. I spent many a Holiday season in the bars drunk and very sad. This is the first in many years that I feel happiness again. I got in my truck last night and heard Christmas music and didn’t cuss or change the station.

I am finally at peace with myself and have come to realize what it means to have that special spirit all year long. I am looking forward to this beautiful Christmas Season and embrace it! If you are having a sad time right now or anytime, the best thing to do is to get out of yourself and help somebody else. It doesn’t have to cost anything or be time consuming. You never know how something as simple as a smile, a hug, or just listening to someone else can make all the difference between joy and tragedy. Here’s wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year with all that I am and all I hope to become! PEACE!

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2010

Noise | 9

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

by Joe Openshaw Joe is a free lance writer, novelist and blogger who also serves on the board of directors for Equality Alabama as Interim Chair. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx A recent editorial in an Alabama weekly (written by its out-of-state owner) urges Congress and the military to keep the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in place. The writer bases his position on the errant belief that military chaplains would have to leave the service if they could not preach against homosexuality. As the acting chairperson of Equality Alabama, I believe that this issue should be addressed, but it was another statement in the editorial that motivates me to respond.

“Homosexuals call themselves gay, but that is only an attempt to cover up their misery. Gay lifestyles can never produce peace and happiness in their hearts,” the writer says.

Across this state gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals are leading happy and fulfilled lives, some in partnered relationships and others as singles. To assume that all gays are trying to “cover up their misery” is ludicrous and stems from outdated mid-20th century beliefs that homosexuality is a mental disease, which we now know it is not.

It is true that some gays suffer from low self-esteem and depression, but so do some heterosexuals. Many of the problems that those gays have

stem from the uneducated and hateful rhetoric they hear from people like this unnamed editorial writer.

At a time when anti-gay bullying and LGBT teen suicides are in the news, one would think that an editorial writer would show more compassion and sensitivity toward his or her gay readers.

As for the issue of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” 75 percent of Americans (ABC News/Washington Post, 2010), including 60 percent of churchgoers (Gallup, 2009) are in favor of repeal.

The recently leaked military survey reveals that those currently serving are also comfortable with lifting the ban and that there will be little, if any, effect on the operations or effectiveness of our military.

Let’s base our support for repealing the policy, or lack thereof, on whether it would affect military readiness and on the wishes of the American people, not on hateful rhetoric based on decades-old research.

LGBT soldiers are serving and are dying for our country now. If they can die for our country, they should be able to do so without being asked to lie about who they are. Where is the honor in that? “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should be repealed now.

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10 | Noise

December

A Blueprint for Us I’ve been reading about Blueprint Birmingham and its potential to transform the region. I’ve also visited the new Railroad Park in Birmingham which, as beautiful as it is, is even more important to many as a symbol of what “can be” in the region. Let me say here that I have no connection with Blueprint Birmingham or any of the groups who produced it. I don’t even live in the sevencounty region that it covers.

However, I do, like many closeted or semi-closeted individuals in smaller towns and counties further out, consider Birmingham as my “gay” home. We live in towns where we can’t go to Barnes & Noble for a gay magazine, don’t have gay clubs, and wouldn’t dare think of starting a gay social organization. We depend on cities like Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, and Pensacola to give us a place where for, at least a while, we can truly be ourselves.

I know many of you who live in one of those cities may consider your own city boring compared to Atlanta, Nashville, or New Orleans and choose to visit them for their livelier social/arts scene if you are within a reasonable distance.

What does all this have to do with Railroad Park and Blueprint Birmingham, you ask?

Well, what I propose is that it is time for all the parts of our gay community to come together to transform our

by Jariol

major cities into places with thriving GLBTQ communities.

GLBTQ-owned businesses, a lively social scene, and an active mentoring component to help our GLBTQ youth live better lives. At the same time, this will create cities where we are just not tolerated, but valued as an integral part of the community.

Why do I suggest the major cities rather than the state(s) as a whole? I believe it is more feasible to concentrate our efforts on the places that will attract new residents and have more political strength. If our major cities lead the way, then in time the change will spread to the smaller cities and towns.

I see a few areas that I believe are important as starting points. In brief: 1) Bringing the races together. Even though race relations are better than they once were, we tend to segregate ourselves by race still. Our youth do a far better job of integrating than their elders in this regard.

We can celebrate our diversity and our similarities while still bettering our GLBTQ community as a whole. It’s going to take all of us to make this work.

2) Supporting our GLBTQ business community. The more they thrive, the more likely they are to be able to provide more jobs. Just think: Who would be more likely to hire us than one of our own? A side note – we have to know who and where you are before we can support you.

2010

“Blueprint” Continued

3) Identifying what attracts us to spend our money supporting another area’s social scene. Our clubs, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and performing arts groups need the money we so willingly throw at other cities. Our musicians and artists provide the same high quality (if not better) food, art, and entertainment that are found in other cities.

4) Become an integral part of the community as a whole. Yes, it’s our goal to build up our own community and gain the equal rights we are currently denied, but we also live as part of a greater community who sees us as different because they see us as outsiders. There’s an old saying that “Familiarity breeds contempt,” but it also breeds acceptance and understanding.

I would like to see us have our own LGBTQ Blueprint in place to start reaching our potential. Some of the things that have been mentioned can be accomplished in part by choosing to support projects that arise from Blueprint Birmingham (if you live in that region).

If anyone has any comments or would like to help begin such an effort, please contact me at jariol.pvt@gmail.com. Let’s make this work and let 2011 be the beginning of a Renaissance for us all.

NOTE: I use the name Jariol here since I am still semicloseted. I respect my sister’s wishes for her children not to know I’m gay until they are older, as well as my parents who are still coming to terms with it.

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12 | Noise

December

ON CAMPUS The UAH GSA

By Jonathan Barnes A few weeks ago, I was sitting in class when one student turned to another and asked why we needed a GayStraight Alliance at our college. He added the ever popular, “I don’t care if anyone is gay, I’d rather not know about it,” and continued to gripe about the people who felt the need to form such a group. I wouldn’t label the griping individual as hateful, but I wouldn’t think twice about calling him ignorant. As someone who has attended UAH for the past two years as an openly gay student, I’ve found that this young man’s attitude is pretty reflective of a large portion of the campus. Outwardly expressed hatred is an extremely rare thing, but there seems to be a general cloud of unawareness looming over my peers that manages to smack me in the face at least several times a week. Some might read that and argue that ignorance and unawareness in the place of hate and violence is an extreme step up and that the young man I mentioned at the start of this article is com-

pletely justified in questioning the reasoning behind having a Gay-Straight Alliance in such a “safe” institution.

I feel compelled to tell them, like I did to the young man whom questioned the necessity of the group I’ve come to love, that “a step up” isn’t the same as having an equally fulfilling college experience. “A step up” isn’t the same as being able to talk about your gender identity with your friends without fear of losing them. “A step up” isn’t the same as not having to worry about discussing your boyfriend/girlfriend without fear. The “step up” is an extreme improvement from 20 or even 10 years ago, but that “step up” does not negate the necessity of a Gay-Straight Alliance on a campus where LGBTQ individuals are simply tolerated and “put up with.” Every college student needs a place where they will be embraced and I’d like to think that UAHuntsville’s GSA does that for its members (well, when we’re not lovingly making fun of one another).

UAB Gay-Straight Student Alliance

by John Dunnam [The following is part two of last month’s interview with Elizabeth Caswell of the UAB GSSA.] John: What are some of the events that the GSSA at UAB will sponsor for the 2010-2011 school year?

Elizabeth: In the spring we hope to get guest speakers to come to campus and talk with students about national and local LGBT issues and events. Mervyn Sterne Library is allowing us to post a display in the library for LGBT history month. We are in the process of finalizing and setting up the display now. You should come check it out!

We are currently in the process of working with the UAB Alliance for Equality and raising money to establish an Alliance Scholarship for UAB’s LGBTQ students.

I have also spoken in the student forums held at UAB. I have noticed many changes around the UAB campus from people that speak at the forum. At the forum, Dr. Carol Garrison, president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, agreed to meet with me about creating a President’s Commission on LGBT issues.

John: With the recent gay teen suicides around the country, what can the GSSA do to raise awareness and prevention?

Elizabeth: We have the administration available that can help us stop teens from thinking that they need to end their lives. We can help get them into counseling at UAB and provide support through networking and our website.

We are also in the process of getting resident advisors and students who live in the dorms at UAB civility training, including how important it is to treat each other with respect. Not just LGBT students, but all students. It will cover a host of topics, including, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.

We are also in the planning stages of creating a new program at UAB called “Courageous Connections.” We are building alliances with other student organizations that let us come speak to them and work together to provide a safe experience in all of UAB’s student organizations. We will label each student organization that partners with the UAB GSSA as a “safe space” and will help advertise their organization. We are hoping that it will reduce the feeling of isolation that some “not out” students have and will eventually make the entire UAB campus a “safe space.”

Visit our website: http://www.uabgssa.org. Help GSSA get the word out that UAB does have a student organization for LGBT students. Join UAB’s GSSA on Google Groups.

Donations can be made to UAB’s GSSA from this website.

Happy Birthday

jynX!

Party at Our Place Tuesday Dec 21st - 7 pm light whores d’oeuvres & cake

2010

Noise | 13

HALLOWEEN FLASHBACKS Halloween saw numerous Costume Celebrations throughout the area. Here are just a few photos submitted by West Alabama AIDS Outreach’s “HallowQueen” in Tuscaloosa, GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services Party in Huntsville, and Arts for AIDS Awareness in Pensacola.

a r t • f l o w e r s • e v e n ts

205.879.7673 2518 18th Street South • Birmingham, AL 35209

’

Beloved Community Church

God is still speaking,

Where All People Are Celebrated As Precious Children of God

131 41st Street South Birmingham, Alabama 35222 http://www.belovedcommunitychurch.org

14 | Noise

December

Teedle’s Tidbits

by Jean”Teedle” Jones

Thanks God for Turkey’s “Yes” This tidbit is about thanking God for turkeys…..I ... have “You want to talk about the miracle of the wine turning known quite a few. In fact, some of my best friends fall into this category. But with the Holidays holidays looming, I into water?”

Silence, followed by much groveling, apologies, and reguess we ought to talk about the edible kind.

Last year in UNBUCKLED, I told how I cook a turkey by gret that we had returned before he had been able to replace dousing it with a cup or so of white wine, then a small bottle it along with pleas to not tell his parents. Rumor had it that of Soya soya sauce, putting it in a covered roaster or wrap- it was the best college age party of the year, and I was ping with foil, and forgetting about it until I get the urge to thankful they didn’t burn down the house..

The beautiful lady minister who teaches the bible study do some basting. This turkey cooking bit goes back a long way —… as do most of the events in my ancient life —, and my Bill and I attend said that eating was the second most it came from a most unlikely source. The friend in question rewarding physical activity we had….. ... no, we did not ask was a petite and pretty lady in her sixties 60s who looked about number one, nor did she volunteer the information. I guess there are more outlandlike she could still do the kickish eating and cooking disasing she had done in her career TEEDLE’S SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE ters on Thanksgiving than any as a Ziegfield Follie’s girl. She We never have a holiday meal without this. other day. We’ve had our did not give the impression Usually have two since daughter Pat doesn’t do share of both that she had ever darkened the cocoanut.

We were newly married, door of a kitchen. I’ve used her buying a house, refrigerator, system for years with good re2 or 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes and stove. Since marriage was 1 stick margarine or butter sults, and the fact that there 1 ½ cup sugar not in my life plan, cooking must be a sipping glass of the 1 cup milk or I small can of evaporated milk was something I never conwine handy during the prepa1 teaspoon vanilla sidered important, so why do ration, makes it even better.

2 eggs, beaten you suppose that I was stuOn one of my turkey cook1 cup Angel Flake cocoanut pid enough to invite both sets ing, wine sipping episodes, it of parents and sister and husTOPPING became evident that some½ cup plain flour band for Thanksgiving dinthing had happened to the 1 cup brown sugar ner? The refrigerator arrived wine. Upon After checking the 1 stick margarine — -the stove did not. Thankswine cabinet it became appar1 cup finely chopped pecans giving dinner was cooked with ent that I was cooking my tura hot plate and a portable key with 2 cups of water and a Place potato filling in greased, oblong pan. Mix oven. I can’t remember if any topping together and sprinkle on top. Bake at 275 bottle of Soya soya sauce. degrees for 45 minutes thing was edible, but at least Even my Mother‘s Mogen no one died that day. For that David wine was a delicate pink.

The only untouched bottle was the bottle of Scoresby I was, I was extremely grateful, (and somewhat surprised).

There are two saying-grace episodes that stick in my scotch. (The culprit at least knew how to save his life).

Said culprit, the grandson of a cousin in Illinois whom I memory. I have always said my Bill was the finest man I barely knew, had been deposited in Montgomery in a church have ever known, and his Dad dad was a close second. He sponsored college, in hopes that this handsome, smart, and was always asked to return thanks before we ate. On one personable young man would straighten up and fly right. occasion, everyone was seated before the rolls went into We accepted him into our family warmly, gave him a key to the oven, ready to come out just as we started to eat. Dad’s the house in case he needed to stay there while we were in prayer was eloquent and LONG! Right in the middle of a Mississippi running a campaign for the governor. Too bad sentence, the timer on the stove let out a loud squeal. We all jumped and giggled at the quick, mid-sentence AMEN! he chose the turkey cooking morning to call me.

Our thanksgiving table was always full of food and “Hey Teedle, this is Scott. I didn’t expect you to be back friends, so there were twelve 12 hungry people present when from Mississippi. How are you doing?”

I suggested we each say something for which we were most “Not worth a darn!” grateful. Son Billbo, around eight8 years old, was on my “What’s the manner?”

“Scott, you go to a Church of Christ college, so I assume left. When it came his turn, with downcast eyes he said, “Lord I am so thankful I am sitting at the end of the table you know the bible pretty well. Right?” where this is going to end, ’cause I think I am going to “Yes, I think I do.”

“You’re familiar with Jesus turning the water into wine?” starve to death.”

2010

Noise | 15

ALABAMA COMMUNITY CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 WORLD AIDS DAY see page 7 for events in our area THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 B.A.O. OPEN HOUSE 5pm - 7pm 205 32nd Street S., Birmingham www.birminghamaidsoutreach.org BAGSLY (Birmingham Area Gay Lesbian Straight Youth) 6:30 pm - Unitarian Church 4300 Hampton Heights Dr., Birmingham FREEDOM LEAGUE BOWLING 8 pm - Riverview Lanes Hwy. 280 - Birmingham www.gaybham.com/freedomleague FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 PFLAG Montgomery 7pm - Ken Baker Center 821 S. Perry St., Montgomery, AL pflagmontgomery@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 APOLLO HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 4:00pm to 8:00pm Tickets $10.00 from any Apollo member Day Of: Crestwood Coffee, 5512 Crestwood Blvd. www.mkabirmingham.com A Very Merry MISS VULCAN Christmas Revue & AIDS Alabama Benefit 11 pm - Joes on Seventh SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 APOLLO HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 1:00pm to 5:00pm Tickets $10.00 from any Apollo member Day Of: Crestwood Coffee, 5512 Crestwood Blvd. www.mkabirmingham.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 B.A.O. B I N G O Doors Open at 6pm - Games begin at 7pm 205 32nd Street S., Birmingham www.birminghamaidsoutreach.org WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 CENTRAL ALABAMA P R I D E ! - Monthly Meeting 7 pm - BAO Building 205 32nd Street S., Birmingham www.centralalabamapride.org THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 PFLAG - Huntsville 6:30 pm - Huntsville-Madison Co. Library www.pflag-huntsville.intelec.us FREEDOM LEAGUE BOWLING 8 pm - Riverview Lanes Hwy. 280 - Birmingham www.gaybham.com/freedomleague SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 EQUALITY ALABAMA 2nd Sunday Pot Luck 7pm - Ken Baker Center, 821 S. Perry St., Montgomery, AL www.equalityalabama.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 PFLAG Birmingham 7pm - Unitarian Church - 4300 Hampton Heights Dr. www.pflagbham.org WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Rainbow Ramblers - Monthly Meeting 7 pm - Birmingham www.rainbowramblers.com Magic City Sisters Big Girl BINGO 7pm - Our Place 2115 7th Avenue S., Birmingham www.magiccitysisters.org THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Stonewall Democrats 6:00 pm - Logan’s Roadhouse Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham BAGSLY (Birmingham Area Gay Lesbian Straight Youth) 6:30 pm - Unitarian Church 4300 Hampton Heights Dr., Birmingham PFLAG Anniston / Gadsden 6:30 pm PFLAGAnniston@aol.com FREEDOM LEAGUE BOWLING 8 pm - Riverview Lanes Hwy. 280 - Birmingham www.gaybham.com/freedomleague SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Magic City Choral Society Hollywood Holidays Concert 6 pm - Alys Stephens Center www.magiccitychoralsociety.org An updated calendar can be found at www.gaybham.com

PANHANDLE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 Arts for AIDS Awareness - 12th Avenue Christmas Trolley 1:00pm to 5:00pm 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL A4AAinc@yahoo.com

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