Dustin Lance Black as featured on the cover of May 8 Echo magazine

Yes, the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast set for next Friday, May 24 is sold out! More than 1,200 tickets have been sold, which will make this the biggest breakfast/lunch/dinner event in the history of our GLBT community in San Diego.

Gov. Barbara Roberts and Academy award winner, the handsome Dustin Lance Black (author of the play 8) will be the major keynote speakers and 2013 honorees.

As the founder and co-chair of this civil rights event (along with my co-chairs, City Commissioner Robert Gleason and Dr. Delores Jacobs) I wish to thank everyone for their continuing support, especially the staff and volunteers of The LGBT Center. See you at the Breakfast.

Private reception set for Thursday night

With more than 1,200 people in one room it will be pretty hard to meet and talk to the Harvey Milk Breakfast 2013 honorees, Gov. Barbara Roberts, Dustin Lance Black and Stuart Milk. So, on the evening before, Thursday, May 23 there will be a private invitation-only reception at the Weiss family estate sponsored by the Harvey Milk Foundation and the GLBT Historic Task Force and hosted by Mayor Bob Filner and his first lady, Bronwyn Ingram. A donation for the Milk Foundation is being requested. For further information: 619-692-1967.

Why is the Tea Party nonprofit?

Let’s see now, the Red Cross, United Way, community centers, etc., etc. are all nonprofits and to me the real “IRS scandal” is that Tea Party organizations get to have nonprofit status. Bullcrap, everyone knows that the Tea Party organizations are political and right wing groups. They should never receive any nonprofit status.

About Jose Julio Sarria

Many of you have been asking me about the ongoing health problems of 91-year-old World War II veteran and gay icon Jose Julio Sarria, who in 1961 became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in North America.

Jose, in 1965, also founded the International Court System which has chapters in more than 68 cities in the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico. The Imperial Courts are like the gay Shriners or Elks, and in 2007 Jose stepped down and I became this international organization’s chairman and executive director.

Well, Jose is not doing well so I ask you to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Going to L.A.

The Great Gatsby

Well, this weekend I’m off to Los Angeles for Harvey Milk Day events with the mayors of L.A., Long Beach and West Hollywood.

It’s great that Harvey’s birthday is now an officially recognized day in California (signed into law by then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger) and that so many cities celebrate it with numerous events.

And in the future, I see a postage stamp and naval vessel in honor of Harvey Milk as I read my tea leaves!

Nicky Awards: Aug. 25

The Nicky Awards have been called the gay Academy awards of San Diego by the mainstream media and hailed by the governor of California as one of the oldest GLBT awards ceremonies on the West Coast.

Now, with more than three decades of honoring outstanding achievement in the GLBT community, the 2013 Nicky Awards will be presented Sunday, Aug. 25 and, once again, Allan Sphere is the producer and president of the board of governors. Part of this year’s proceeds will benefit The LGBT Community Center. For information: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

The Great Gatsby is fabulous

As someone who has read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel and seen the Robert Redford and Mia Farrow version of The Great Gatsby this 2013 movie gets five stars and a big fabulous. I love this movie!

Leonardo DiCaprio deserves at least an Academy award nomination.

According to recent surveys, this film is a big hit with older movie patrons (older than 25); and let me tell you it’s one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen.

These people are not just rich but super billionaires and live like ones.

Go see it and tell me what you think, my darlings.

Toni Atkins at Emory and Henry College

She doesn’t talk about it a lot but Toni was born to very poor working parents in the rural South with no electricity or running water; (yes, an outhouse in the back). But she got an education and this past Saturday she was asked to deliver the commencement address at Emory and Henry College, her 1984 alma mater.

The title of her speech was I have dreamed on this mountain. And, indeed, one of San Diego’s most hard working and beloved public servants is living proof of the American dream and success story.

Both Toni and her partner, Jennifer LeSar, were introduced at the ceremony by the college president. Needless to say, Toni has become an inspiration and role model for not only GLBT students but women and all students.

“You make a difference by who you are,” she told the 2013 graduating class which included the elected senior orator who had just come out to his parents and was quickly disowned.

An older Southern lesbian couple told Toni how proud they were of her. Former deputy mayor, now state Assembly Majority Leader, Toni Atkins has never forgotten where she came from and she has given a voice to the voiceless and is, indeed, not only the pride of San Diego, but of the South.

San Francisco Pride did the right thing

I most respectfully disagree with the recent stand of SAME/San Diego and wholeheartedly support the decision of San Francisco Pride revoking the nomination of Pfc. Bradley Manning as one of its 2013 grand marshals.

I agree with San Francisco Pride that Manning’s actions “placed in harm’s way the lives of our men and women in uniform.” National gay veteran leader, George Garhart told me that a vast majority of GLBT veterans consider Pfc. Manning a traitor to his country.

People, politics and opinions

This past weekend, the Republican Party of San Diego held its annual “Lincoln/Reagan Dinner” and word is that Carl DeMaio got one of the very few prolonged standing ovations as talk that evening was about DeMaio’s plans to run for Congress next year.

By the way, congratulations to Johnathan Hale and Carl DeMaio on their 4th anniversary.

Last week, I had dinner with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis who is facing a “ Donald Trump-like” wealthy attorney as an opponent. This guy flies on a lot of private jets, owns houses and drives expensive cars. His first run for office, this guy, like Mitt Romney, is out of touch with the average hard working San Diegan.

Susan Atkins is taking the lead in getting a beautiful stained glass window in our new downtown library (opening in Sept.) to be sponsored by our GLBT community … great idea!

While Nathan Fletcher became a new “Clinton Democrat” his equally popular wife, Mindy, recently attended the new Bush Presidential Library in Texas, as she served as his national press secretary of his 2000 campaign.

Top council aide Anthony Bernal will try to succeed his boss, Todd Gloria in 2016 and this race could also include Stephen Whitburn, Chris Ward and Laurie Coskey.

Oceanside’s popular ex-Marine state Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, a conservative Republican came out for marriage equality!

Nicole with Cleve Jones

I say Olga Diaz for mayor of Escondido in 2014!

Let’s support the efforts to name a court house in honor of the late district attorney, Ed Miller who I got to know better when we served on the “Kitchen Cabinet” of former City Attorney Mike Aguirre. Ed was a great man.

Check out the May issue of Pacific magazine and the Todd Gloria interview.

Fred Maas: for decades a fighter for equality

Can’t we move on from the 2012 mayoral race? Various media outlets continue to run stories about the supposed shady backroom dealings of both campaigns.

Hello world! There isn’t a campaign or media outlet that does not do background checks on candidates and their spouses, period.

For one media outlet to accuse Fred Maas of “gay bashing” is so way off base and ridiculous. Maas has been a longtime and respected supporter of GLBT equality and many GLBT candidates. He puts his money where his mouth is and writer Scott Lewis should wash his mouth out with soap for his recent psycho attack on Fred Maas.

Supporting women with HIV-AIDS

Every year the good people of Christie’s Place hold a retreat for women living with HIV-AIDS. This is a badly needed chance for them to step back from everyday life, reflect and re-energize.

Now this 5th annual event is badly in need of financial support if it’s going to happen. Bonnie Dumanis was one of the first to write a personal check and the Imperial Court has made a pledge. Let’s support these women. Contact Christie’s Place or Carolina Ramos at The Center 619-692-2077.

‘Red Dress Party’ coming to San Diego!

Finally, the super-popular and outrageous Red Dress Party is coming to San Diego. (Via Las Vegas, New York etc.) A totally fun event where every man and woman comes in a red dress to the HIV-AIDS event or you can’t enter.

A big list of San Diego VIPs will be hosts of this event that is being organized by Rich’s and the Imperial Court.

Cleve Jones

On the subject of heroes, I attended a reception in Phoenix, Ariz. this past Sunday at the beautiful home of M.C.C. pastor, Rev. Brad Wishon for international human rights activist Cleve Jones who founded the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and was the historic consultant to the Academy award winning film, Milk.

As many times as I’ve heard my good friend speak these last decades, Cleve remains inspiring and so eloquent as he always speaks from the heart. Yes, I consider myself blessed to have met people like Rev. Troy Perry, Cesar Chavez, Harvey Milk, Loretta Scott King, Morris Knight, Robin Tyler, Stuart Milk, Jose Julio Sarria and, yes, Cleve Jones. I’ve gotten to work with and know many of them and for me, a gay Latino activist for more than 45 years, these are some of my personal role models and heroes.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Barbara Roberts

Recently, when a high-profile civic leader came out more openly as bi-sexual many of you ask me questions about their bi-sexuality and how this could be.

The truth is I’ve always found that many gay people do not understand or believe that a person could actually be bi-sexual!

Most of my longtime partners were bi-sexual. Yes, they had girlfriends and me and I had no problem with it.

There are people who love both sexes and often are in a male relationship, then female one and continue to go back and forth. Among our younger generation bi-sexuality is indeed growing and very common.

The cold hard facts are that we do have a “B” in GLBT and should all be more accepting and supportive of our bi-sexual brothers and sisters instead of being so uncomfortable or doubting as many gays are.

Stuart Milk

Three of my ex-partners went on to marry women who accepted their bi-sexuality.

It seems that bi-sexuality in our GLBT community is never talked about or spotlighted. It’s kinda ignored.

Colorado and marijuana

Recently, I visited Denver, Colo. Let me say since the voters of this state voted to legalize marijuana this indeed has become the “mile high state.” More than 50,000 people were in town for a “pot festival” and honestly you could smell marijuana everywhere, including in the halls of my hotel. Yes, one could get a “contact high” very easily.

Now I do believe that marijuana should be made legal, but I must honestly say that there has to be better ways to control how and where it is smoked because it was a little crazy and loose in Colorado.

Dustin Lance Black

Arizona and Cleve Jones

This weekend I am heading to Phoenix, Ariz. where I will meet up with my old friend Cleve Jones who will be a guest of honor at the home of Rev. Brad Wishow and Andy Hollingsworth for a fundraiser for the Human Equal Rights Organizers of Arizona (HERO).

As many of you know, Cleve Jones is the founder of the “AIDS Quilt” and was the historic consultant for the movie Milk. Word is that Dustin Lance Black will also be in Phoenix for the opening of his highly acclaimed play 8.

Women’s HIV-AIDS Retreat fundraiser: May 8

Coming up next Wednesday, May 8, is a fundraiser for the annual “Women’s Empowerment Retreat.” This important fundraiser will be held at Jake’s Wine Bar, 3755 Sixth Ave. from 6-11 p.m. with 100 percent of all food and drinks being donated to Christie’s Place which is sponsoring this fifth annual retreat which offers educational and motivational workshops to HIV-AIDS women.

Candi Samples and James

I’ll be stopping by and I hope you will too. Thanks!

Get your Milk Breakfast tickets today!

Yes, there are now just a few tables and tickets left for the sixth annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast set for Friday, May 24 at the Hilton Hotel on the bay.

With more than 900 tickets being sold this event is always a sell-out and this year is no different with stirring remarks set to be made by the first woman governor of Oregon and an Academy award winner along with Harvey Milk’s nephew! For more info: 619-692-2077 ext. 246.

Happy Birthday Candi Samples!

This week is our reigning Empress XLI Candi Samples’ birthday and she has been doing a great job along with her Imperial Court members.

Candi has been a wonderful fresh and new face of leadership within the Imperial Court de San Diego and has become a hard-working empress for the community. A special thank-you to her Prince James!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Harvey Milk Street sign in Hillcrest

Recently, I was saddened to read some of the attacks and, yes, hate expressed by many GLBT bloggers, writers etc. against religious right-wing leader, the Rev. Rick Warren over the recent tragic suicide of his son, who suffered from depression. My heart goes out to any parent who loses their son because of suicide, bullying, murder etc.

America has witnessed the rise of suicides and more people with depression problems now more than ever, especially in our GLBT community.

Some years ago in my weekly column I candidly wrote about my own personal depressions and how, at times, I couldn’t even get out of bed and would shut everyone out.

In my more than four decades of writing a column I have never to this day gotten such a response and hit such a chord within people. More than a hundred people emailed, wrote and, yes, called me to tell me about their depressions and even thoughts of suicide and thanked me for being so honest and open about my depressions.

Many of these emails told of their heartache, hurt and loneliness. The people who reached out to me about their battles with depression came from all walks of life in our GLBT community.

As I said then, try to be there for your friends; be compassionate and understanding; talk to them about going into counseling.

Believe it or not, a friend in deep depression that seemingly is shutting you and everyone out, under it all, needs to know that you care and love them and needs to know that you will always be there for them.

Laurie Coskey to run for 3rd District

Almost everyone in the progressive and civil rights movements knows and values the decades of leadership, compassion and integrity that is Laurie Coskey.

This past Monday night we went out to dinner and she informed me that after talking to many people who have urged her to run for the City Council she has decided to throw her hat in the ring for the 3rd District.

Currently Dr. Laurie Coskey is on the board of our City’s Convention Corp. and is chair of the Trustee Advisory Council of the San Diego Community College District. But she is best-known as the executive director of the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice as she gives voice for the voiceless and her compassion for the poor and those being discriminated against and marginalized is almost legendary.

Laurie Coskey

Laurie has lived in San Diego for more than three decades and has two sons. Being bisexual, Laurie Coskey joins other potential candidates Stephen Whitburn and Chris Ward as three possible strong candidates to keep this council seat within the GLBT community.

I personally like all three of these people and they would do our community proud but I wish two would drop out so this time around we could be united in this most important council race.

The Judy Shepard Family Values Award

Oct. 12, 1998 our nation focused on Wyoming and the brutal hate crime of 21-year-old student Matthew Shepard. His grieving parents vowed to themselves that they would do all that they could to make sure no other parent would have to go through what they did.

Now, almost two decades later Judy Shepard has become a most beloved icon in the GLBT community and her Matthew Shepard Foundation has become one of the most respected GLBT organizations in the nation.

This past Saturday night in Denver I had the honor to make the first presentation of the newly established Judy Shepard Family Values Award to Mrs. LeAnna Weston who has two gay sons and has devoted her life to PLFAG.

I have the honor to sit on the board of governors of the Judy Shepard Family Values Award (as the founder/honorary chair) and Dr. Rosie Valdez is the current chair. For further info: drrosie.satx@yahoo.com

2013 Harvey Milk celebrations

Finally the Harvey Milk Street sign in Hillcrest stands alone – after a year the City took down the old Blaine Street signs.

This year’s annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast only has a few tables left and it will be sold out again with more than 1,000 people.

The night before, Thursday May 23 the Harvey Milk Foundation and Stuart Milk will host a private reception in honor of Gov. Barbara Roberts of Oregon and Oscar-winner (and very handsome) Dustin Lance Black at the Hillcrest estate of the Weiss family. More info: 619-692-2077. And word is a U.S. postage stamp in honor of Harvey Milk could be being issued in the near future!

(L-R) His Excellency David Huebner, the United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa with City Commissioner Robert H. Gleason

And, the Harvey Milk All American Diner will be opening in Hillcrest in 2013.

Today is “Nite-Out”

Join thousands of San Diegans going out for lunch and dinner today (Thursday April 25) at any participating restaurant as it’s “Nite-Out” day in San Diego. Let’s erase HIV/AIDS from the world!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Commentary: Conversations with Nicole

BY NICOLE MURRAY RAMIREZ

The facts are that a major earthquake will, sooner or later, occur in California according to all the experts. Also the FBI and Homeland Security have in the past named San Diego as one of the top cities for a possible terrorist attack.

San Diego is right next to the Mexican border and has one of the largest military complexes in the United States.

Do you have an emergency kit? A first aid kit? Even a flashlight and radio? You can buy emergency kits at Ace Hardware, Target, etc.

I urge you to get one today. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Happy Birthday to County Commissioner Frank Lechner PHOTO: BIG MIKE

More than 900 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast tickets sold!

The Friday, May 24 annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the Hilton by the Bay will certainly be sold out as usual with 900 tickets already having been sold!

Gov. Barbara Richards and Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black will be honored and Mayor Bob Filner and his first lady Bronwyn Ingram will be the special emcees. Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation will be in town and for the first time a Navy Honor Guard will present the national anthem along with the award-winning San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.

There have been Harvey Milk Breakfasts in San Francisco, Palm Springs and all over California but San Diego was the first and still is the biggest!

So get your tickets/tables today, before it is too late. Call The LGBT Center for more information 619-692-2077.

Royale Gala raises $8,000

The annual Royale Ball and Investiture of the members of the 41^st reign of the Imperial Court de San Diego held at The Center raised more than $8,000 for the ongoing programs of the Imperial Court.

Congratulations to Blue Montana the outgoing prince who is a leader in the transgender community and Mama Cass, who is a long time fundraiser and popular personality in the Filipino community.

‘The People’s Empress’ Candi Samples invested her new court members and Allan Spyere, president of the board of directors, presented a financial grant to Border Angels and announced that the Court would be official financial sponsors of the children’s gardens of both North County Pride and South Bay Pride. The Imperial Court will also, once again, co-sponsor the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast.

The Imperial Court de San Diego is an all-volunteer organization and is a chapter within the International Court System which was founded in 1965 and has chapters in more than 68 cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

First lady Bronwyn Ingram and Mayor Bob Filner attend the Royale Ball at The Center Saturday night to thank the Imperial Court for their community service. PHOTO: BIG MIKE

Mayor Bob Filner and his first lady Bronwyn Ingram stopped by and commended the Court members and GLBT community for the recent successful 10^th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. The president of the San Diego City Council, Todd Gloria presented an official proclamation naming it “Imperial Court Day.”

Congratulations to the new prince and princess royale, Mikie Lochner and Jaeda Reign. For more information visit impcourt.org or call 619-300-1232.

Dillingham Fund provides funeral costs

The Ben F. Dillingham III Community Grant was established in 2000. Did you know it has provided the last dignity in the lives and memory of dozens of GLBT San Diegans, families and friends who could not even afford this last dignity?

This past Thursday night I stopped by The Center for a memorial service in honor of a young man who died of AIDS. The Dillingham Fund provided his cremation and has done so for many of our brothers and sisters, some whose families had refused to help and abandoned them and others who could not afford this cost.

Thank you for your continued support of this fund. Almost all of the cases are referred by The LGBT Center.

DIG honors founding sponsors for their support during the last 7 years, at an event held at 1202 PHOTO: BIG MIKE

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: May 4

The Latino community continues to grow in our state and city and coming up Saturday, May 4 at The Center will be one of the biggest fiestas. Carlos Silva and Friends annual Cinco de Mayo event at Numbers (3811 Park Blvd.) with a Mr., Miss and Ms. Cinco de Mayo contest, entertainment and traditional buffet.

Everyone is invited. For further information: 619-540-8727 or grinsil@yahoo.com.

See you all at Numbers May 4 … Olé!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Mayor Bob Filner and San Diego First Lady Bronwyn Ingram at the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

The elephant in the City Hall room is the talk going around about a possible recall campaign being launched against Mayor Bob Filner. Now, by elephant I do mean conservative Republicans, some who are distributing “Recall Mayor Filner before it’s too late” stickers. KGTV-10 News premiered these car stickers a few weeks ago. No mayor has ever been recalled. (Two have resigned.)

But in 1991, then closet-case lesbian conservative Republican Linda Bernhardt was recalled from her 5th District City Council seat by 70 percent of the voters.

For our Mayor Bob Filner to be recalled 101,596 San Diego voters must sign petitions within 39 days after the intent to circulate these petitions is filed with the City clerk.

This is a very hard hill to climb; just ask Carl DeMaio who led petition drives that cost thousands of dollars with some getting the needed signatures and some failing.

Mayor Bob Filner has not broken any laws and yes there are those who are upset with him and others who are behind him 100 percent. People don’t recall someone just because they don’t like them; it would cost citizens thousands of dollars for a lot of special elections. If the 101,596 signatures were achieved, and all were verified, the City Council would call for a special election within 60-90 days.

Voters would have two questions on their ballots: should the mayor be recalled and, if he is, which “nominee” on the ballot should succeed him?

The mayor would need 50.1 percent of the vote to remain in office but if he did not achieve this the nominee voted to replace him would just need a simple majority.

The recall talk is being led by right wing/Tea Party leaders and downtown big business interests. Arch-conservative City Attorney Jan Goldsmith is already whispering that he wants to kick Filner out and become mayor and, of course, Carl DeMaio is among possible nominees being mentioned.

The recall petitions can actually begin in June but word is some Republicans can’t make up their minds whether to attempt this now or in later months.

All I know is that our city does not want to go through another ugly, divisive mayoral election and many of us will do all we can to stop any recall of our mayor. We have just begun to fight!

Lorena Gonzalez for Assembly, Myrtle Cole for City Council

There hasn’t been a more qualified candidate for public office in a long time since Lorena Gonzalez. Her election to the state Assembly will give us another true champion of social justice and a voice for all Californians.

Myrtle Cole has the support of the majority of the leaders and community activists in the City Council’s 4th District. Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins and I know about her principles and passions. She will make history as finally our city’s first female African American elected councilmember. Long overdue.

First lady of San Diego and mayor attend Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

More than 800 family members and children attended the 10th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt held at Trolley Barn Park and sponsored by the Imperial Court, The LGBT Center/Family Matters, Team First Lady and the 3rd District City Council office.

It was a wonderful event with our 2013 Honorary Chairwoman Bronwyn Ingram, Mayor Bob Filner, Council President Todd Gloria and School Board Vice President Kevin Beiser.

As the founder of this annual children’s event I want to most sincerely thank: Rich’s, Urban Mo’s, The Caliph, Bourbon Street, Carl’s Rentals, San Diego Pride, The Firefighters Association and The Municipal Employees Association, Ben Dillingham, Rick Ford, Sherman Mendoza, Kiki of Lips, Essential Support Services, Jackie-O, Mikey, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Big Mike, The Eagle, Prince Robert, Jane and many others, especially Empress Candi Samples, the leather community, and hardworking chairs, Allan Spyere, Regina, La La and everyone who donated.

By the way Team First Lady delivered more than 40 baskets to children at homeless centers/shelters. God bless you all.

New York City

Twenty-seven years ago I was the guest of honor at the first Night of a Thousand Gowns at the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel and crowned New York’s first emperor and empress. This now annual gala charity event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV-AIDS and GLBT causes. It was great to see actor/activist Wilson Cruz, Russell Royball (N.G.L.T.F. deputy director), Dr. Marjorie Hill, writer Michael Musto and three of my favorite Housewives of New York TV reality stars!

It seems that the Washington Blade and the Bay Area Reporter recently ran articles about me stating I was 91 years old! Needless to say I had a lot of questions asked of me … hum.

The almost 800 people in attendance raised the roof for San Diego’s own Chad Michaels and singer Taylor Dayne. It was also the legendary Co Co La Chine’s 20th anniversary and she received a loud standing ovation as empress VII.

The Democratic Party’s nominee for governor of New Jersey gave a most boring and flat speech. Everyone I talked to was excited about leading New York mayoral candidate Christine Quinn (she’s fabulous and the frontrunner).

Among the restaurants I got to taste were Carnegie Deli of course, Benoit (French) and El Quijote (Spanish, now in its 82nd year). Thank you to Nick Moede, Rick Ford and Co Co!

I don’t recommend the Hilton Hotel on the Avenue of the Americas … awful.

I did catch a great review on Phil’s BBQ of San Diego on the Travel TV channel!

I was interviewed by Dr. Dan and “In Focus” WVOX 1460 AM Radio but mostly had a lot of social time.

A special thank you to Stonewall Inn bartender Tree, Emma, Russell Royball, Gary Della Notte, Tony Monteleone, the lovely Suzanne, Florence Nightingale and Just Jack for making my 5-day trip so nice.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

18-year-old and HIV

Recently, an 18 year-old-friend of mine told me his doctor told him he had HIV. This young gay man was upset but then told me he hardly ever used condoms and none of his other young friends used them either.

What the hell! It’s unbelievable, but many of our younger generation I find really has this carefree attitude. Everyone should practice safer-sex because HIV/AIDS can happen to you. Just ask my friend.

Cesar Chavez

In the 1970s farm workers leader and now civil rights icon Cesar Chavez became the first civil rights leader to come out for homosexual equality.

Chavez and the late Harvey Milk became friends and Milk supported the grape boycott and Latino causes.

In the 1980s I asked Cesar Chavez to come march and speak at the March on Washington for gay rights, and he did and I had the honor of introducing him at the rally where he spoke to hundreds of thousands of people. Later Chavez would say it was the biggest crowd he ever spoke to.

Supporting gun control

It’s time that all Americans stand up to the bullying of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and support more gun control laws. It’s unbelievable and very disturbing how much power and influence that the NRA has over our Congress and Senate.

The growing gun violence and murders of innocent people makes headlines almost every week and yet it seems no one cares enough to try to stop the madness.

When will Americans finally wake up and take action and speak up for more gun control?

Women’s health issues under attack

Now more than ever, the radical right wing conservatives have taken aim at women’s rights to choose Planned Parenthood.

Many states are introducing new legislation in attempts to cut funding for Planned Parenthood and stop women’s right to choose and decide on their own personal health issues.

These new proposed laws especially affect poor women and those of color. It is important that we support women’s rights to choose and make their own personal decisions on health issues.

Happy Birthday Pastor Dan!

The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) has been a most important foundation for the GLBT community of San Diego since the 1970s and its church pastors have all become very important and respected leaders for social justice and equality for all people.

The MCC has always welcomed all Christians and made everyone feel welcomed.

This week Pastor Dan celebrated another birthday and he has indeed become a role model for us all. Kind, giving and always a smile for everyone he meets.

I wish him a most happy birthday and thank him for all he has done for so many. God bless you, Pastor Dan.

Nicole’s quickie movie reviews

Oz the Great and Powerful: Best ever movie that truly continues the Wizard of Oz story in a believable and exciting way.

The Croods: These cartoon-like movies are really getting out of hand. A very stupid movie.

Olympus Has Fallen: a must-see movie! But it’s so real, especially with the North Korea current headlines. It kinda hits too close to home for comfort.

Jack the Giant Slayer: You would rather go to the dentist than see this movie!

Many of us knew, loved and supported Auntie Helen’s founder Gary Cheatham and I know he must be rolling over in his grave over the public scandal that continues to plague his beloved dream.

Auntie Helen’s has had to admit financial mismanagement and has been forced to return San Diego County funding and grants because of mismanagement, including its executive director using a debit card at a casino, repairs for his car, expensive restaurants and other unauthorized use.

And yet the entire board of directors remains the same and so does the executive director.

This awful waste and misuse of HIV-AIDS funding has played out in the mainstream media for months and now many have called upon the district attorney and state attorney general to launch an official investigation.

Yet Auntie Helen’s has not issued one official statement to the community. No explanation (there isn’t any really) or apology or changes being made or why they have not fired their executive director.

It seems they hope this will all go away and be swept under the rug or they don’t owe the community any explanation. Well, they are wrong and in time they will all be held fully accountable.

Voice and Viewpoint should be boycotted

The recent homophobic statements from the Voice and Viewpoint newspaper isn’t their first time with anti-GLBT lifestyle stands.

It’s time that we organize and get advertisers to stop supporting this homophobic publication and there will be a meeting about this soon. I’ll keep you in touch.

When we come out … America changes

For those of us who have lived through the 1960s and ‘70s, when homosexuality was illegal and we were shunned and considered “deviants,” it’s been a blessing to witness the changing of America toward GLBT equality.

But, trust me, it’s been the “coming out” of all of you that has changed and will change America.

Once a family, friends, co-workers and neighbors find out that someone they personally know is gay attitudes and feelings change and this is what will change America. The continuing opening of those closet doors.

First lady of San Diego to host children’s Easter egg hunt

Ten years ago I approached a wonderful grandmother who had a gay son; her name was Linda Chiders. I told her about my idea of the Imperial Court putting on a children’s Easter egg hunt at Trolley Barn Park and the first year about 50 children and their families showed up.

Last year almost 600 children came out along with their families. Now on our 10th anniversary of this annual children’s event the first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram, will be our official hostess as well as honorary chair. Council President Todd Gloria will be there, as he always has been, and so will be our Empress XLI Candi Samples, Family Matters of our LGBT Center and the leather community who always bring children’s bikes to give away. Thousands of Easter eggs were stuffed by Imperial Court volunteers and many businesses, bars and organizations donated.

As I’ve said so many times before, I may come up with these different ideas or projects but you the community make them happen through your always caring and giving wallets.

We still need children’s Easter egg baskets (1-12 years) so please drop them off at The Center by Saturday. Further info: 619-692-1967. And thank you for ten wonderful years that has brought so much joy to hundreds of children.

Arrivederci … it’s No. 1

Yes, there are hundreds of Italian restaurants in San Diego, but there is only one Arrivederci Ristorante.

In my almost half a century living in San Diego the No. 1 Italian food for me has always been Arrivederci, period.

Best food, best service and winner of every award. I love this place at 3845 Fourth Ave. in Hillcrest.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Pope Francis

Many of us Catholics feel that our church has left us. We have not left the church. The last two popes, especially, have used very hurtful and ugly words when talking about homosexuality, divorce, adoption, women’s rights, etc., etc.

I truly believe if Jesus came down to Earth he would weep when he would see how so many Christian leaders use his name and teachings to hurt people and turn them away.

I’ve been a Catholic all my life and when I was an altar boy I dreamed of becoming a priest. (Well actually a cardinal.) Even in my youth I truly remember the “rumors” about our parish priest being “strange.” The facts are that we all know now that the Catholic Church has been corrupt and full of scandal for decades, especially in America.

The Church has sent so many mixed messages to us Catholics: you could not eat meat on Fridays and now you can. Some of the saints you worshiped as a child were later regarded as not really saints.

I know I was born a homosexual and I know that we are all God’s children. But my church has attacked me and yet many of us GLBT Catholics have and will hold on to our faith until the day we die.

For me some of the biggest hurt from my church came right here in San Diego when the still current local bishop and the Catholic Church refused to bury two good friends of mine named John. I will never ever forget the pain and suffering the Johns’ family and friends went through. And we all know that it was only because of the public pressure and media that this bishop finally granted them Catholic funerals.

Another deep hurt for me and other Catholics was during the early dark years of AIDS when I and former state Assemblyman Peter Chacon called upon this very same local San Diego bishop to say a mass for people with AIDS. He refused.

So after I let it be known to this bishop that I was prepared to organize a silent peaceful vigil protest on Christmas Eve at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where he was scheduled to say mass … that parents, families and friends of those who had died of AIDS and were in fact in those days dying from AIDS would join me … this same San Diego bishop agreed to say a mass.

This year this San Diego bishop is finally retiring. He has hurt so many in his flock and I pray that our new bishop will be more compassionate and loving of all his flock.

Our new Pope Francis has also said some hurtful things when he was a cardinal in Argentina; but now he is our pope and what I’ve seen and heard so far I have hope that he will be more compassionate and loving when it comes to us homosexual Catholics.

I know in my heart that Pope Francis and my Catholic Church will not change their views on divorce, homosexuality, birth control, etc. in my lifetime, but I have hope that our new pope and new San Diego bishop will be more loving and caring of all of us Catholics.

Many of us pray for a kinder, gentler and caring pope and church and in my heart I hope and, yes, believe Pope Francis could be that bishop of Rome who truly loves all his flock and will not speak with words of hurt and harm.

I pray for our new pope and now, no matter what, know that I have been and will always be a Catholic.

The Iraq War

It has been said that “those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it.” Many of us have witnessed both the Vietnam and Iraq Wars and they are, in all reality, the same.

This now marks the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War and almost 5,000 American soldiers have died and more than 30,000 wounded. More than $2 trillion has been spent on the Iraq War while thousands of Americans go to bed hungry every night.

We lost the Vietnam War and, yes, we have lost the Iraq War. These two countries’ people dislike Americans and this will never change.

I have known young men who have died in both wars. I know families who will grieve forever. I know veterans who are suffering … all for what?

We now know that our presidents and government lied to its citizens about the facts about both wars.

America seems to always have tried to buy friends and change foreign governments with money and the blood of our young soldiers.

Nothing has changed these last decades and we have not learned from history.

We should always be proud of all of our veterans and treat them with the dignity and respect that they all have earned and deserve.

It is our government, when it comes to the Vietnam and Iraq Wars that I am not proud of. Period.

The Republican Party

As long as I’ve written a weekly column in San Diego (since 1973) anytime I write about GLBT Republicans I have always gotten negative and ugly attacks.

I was a life-long Republican until AIDS and President Reagan’s administration of silence.

In the 1980s, then San Diego Democratic Party Chairwoman Irma Munoz re-registered me as a Democrat and the first Democratic presidential candidate I voted for was Jesse Jackson. I worked on his campaign and met him many times.

To this day I support both Democrats and Republicans and vote for the man or woman, not the party.

Yes, I have had the honor to serve and advise the last six mayors of San Diego. (Four Republicans and 2 Democrats.)

I believe that a true two-party system is best for our nation and both my GLBT and Latino communities. Yes, this recent Conservative Republican Conference, held just outside Washington, D.C., continues to have major party leaders who are anti-gay and anti-immigration reform.

But we would never have gotten Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell changed without the votes of Republican senators and many states that have passed marriage equality would not have done this without Republican votes. Period.

GLBT Republicans deserve our respect and support as they are on the front lines of activism to change their party. They face negativity and hate by some of their fellow Republicans. Do their GLBT brothers and sisters also have to be so ugly and negative too?

I believe that both a Republican and Democratic Party supporting GLBT rights and being supportive of people of color concerns would make for a better America and be better for both my GLBT and Latino communities.

Bourbon Street Bingo next Tuesday

Please join Candi Samples, Allan Spyere and me for a one-night only return of fabulous and outrageous Charity Bingo this coming Tuesday, March 26 at Bourbon Street, starting at 8 p.m.

Lots of great prizes and all the proceeds go to the 10th annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.

Hope to see you all there. Thank you.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Rich’s General Manager Ryan Bedrosian, state Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins and City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez

When Bob Filner was running for mayor last year the Republican Party, the Tea Party and the downtown millionaires establishment let it be known and did all they could do to defeat Bob Filner. One right-wing Republican leader told me that if Bob Filner won it would be like Vladimir Lenin taking over City Hall and we would become a more socialist-leftist government. (The very same ugly, vicious attacks on Obama were made against Filner.)

And when Bob Filner did get elected mayor, immediately these same people started planning a recall campaign starting in June. (A meeting about this was held in the state capitol by some delegates at the Republican State Convention.) The “good old rich boys” downtown establishment have made it clear that they and the Republican Party will do everything they can do to get Bob Filner out of City Hall.

Has Bob Filner become the mayor with the best manners and been a gentleman … hell no! But then no mayor has had such a bull’s-eye on his back … ever!

Yes, we all would like a “kinder and gentler” Bob Filner but remember trying to change City Hall back to the people and fighting for the common man … trying to stop the good ole rich boys network after decades of control isn’t easy.

Log Cabin Club to host Carl DeMaio

The Log Cabin Republican Club of San Diego will have as its guest speaker former Councilmember Carl DeMaio. The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. March 21 at the Diversionary Theatre. This will be Carl’s first major speaking engagement with a GLBT organization.

The Log Cabin Club, under the leadership of its new president, long-time gay/political activist Susan Jester (founder San Diego AIDS Walk) has become more visible and certainly re-energized.

Many in Washington, D.C. and locally are talking about DeMaio taking on Scott Peters in 2014 and he certainly has a good shot in this congressional “swing” district.

DeMaio still has a very bright future ahead of him but has to be very careful which race he decides to enter. While the mayoral race was indeed the most negative and nasty in our city’s history I believe Carl’s mistake was not being his true moderate self. His Arizona vote did him major harm and his statement that he would not lead on “social issues” upset his very own GLBT community, though his GLBT civil rights voting record on the City Council was near perfect.

Carl DeMaio needs to rebuild his relationships with the people of color and GLBT communities.

He needs people to get to meet and know the real Carl DeMaio not the political consultant-driven campaigner (who gave him real bad advice). Voters do give some candidates a second chance and now it’s all up to Carl on how he decides to re-introduce himself.

Future scheduled speakers for the Log Cabin Club include City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, Councilmember Kevin Faulconer, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Supervisor Ron Roberts. These are all great San Diegans except the uptight conservative Jan Goldsmith who someone should be honest enough to tell him how badly he needs a new hair piece!

The Maureen O’Connor I remember

Maureen O’Connor made history when she was elected mayor of San Diego. The first woman and the youngest. In her 8-year term she forever changed the image of City Hall, appointing more people of color, gays and lesbians and women in her administration than any mayor before her.

She was the first mayor to walk in our Pride parade and to appoint the first GLBT Advisory Board. She fought for the homeless and others in need.

Maureen O’Connor was one of the best mayors of our city and after she left office she still kept in contact with many of the communities that she loved.

When she was introduced, along with other public officers at Eddie Conlon’s memorial the applause almost tore the roof off!

She gave a big financial donation to Stepping Stone and the last time I spent with her was at the 25th annual Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner. (She was at the first.) It was a wonderful afternoon and we all had such a good time. Many of you have asked me what I think about the latest news stories about her.

All I have to say is, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

It was my honor to serve Mayor Maureen O’Connor and she remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave Roberts: Lei Lounge, March 17

Dave Roberts made history when he was elected to the County Board of Supervisors. This proud gay father of five children beat the odds and all the political pundits and won a hard-fought campaign.

Dave had to loan his campaign some money and now we need to help him pay off his campaign debt (after all he is not a millionaire and has kids to feed).

So I hope you all attend this St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 17 for this fun event at Lei Lounge, 4622 Park Blvd. in San Diego from 1-3 p.m. (Cohosted by the Victory Fund.)

You are all invited. Info: 619-239-1721. Thanks!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Nicole Murray Ramirez, Bronwyn Ingram and Todd Gloria

There were more GLBT Republican delegates at this past week’s state party convention in Sacramento than ever.

San Diego’s Republican delegation was led by Susan Jester (president of the local Log Cabin chapter and AIDS Walk founder) and “Mr. Gay Republican” himself former state Assembly candidate Ralph Denny.

For the first time all the candidates for state party offices stopped by and spoke at the GLBT Republican Caucus.

The state party’s new Republican vice-chair, Ms. Harmeet Dhillon is a woman of color from San Francisco who is very pro Log Cabin clubs. If there is going to be real changes in the Republican Party nationwide it will begin in California and all my statewide Republican sources tell me that things are really changing and the input of the gay Log Cabin Republicans is being welcomed and, yes even more importantly, sought after.

The Republican Party needs more members like Jerry Sanders, Kevin Faulconer, Ron Roberts, Bonnie Dumanis, Bill Gore, Carl DeMaio and Dan McAllister etc. And just this past week rising star, former Marine and a devout Catholic Republican Latino state Assemblyman Rocky Chavez came out for marriage equality and I say good for the popular officeholder in Oceanside. He is truly the hope and future of the Republican Party.

Many are saying that freshman Democratic Congressman Scott Peters will have a very tough re-election race with DeMaio and Faulconer being the top GOP names as possible challengers. I’m surprised to hear Carl DeMaio wasn’t at the Republican convention as he could become a state leader.

On that subject former Republican nominee for governor, Meg Whitman also recently came out for marriage equality. (I say better late than never for this millionaire businesswoman.)

Now the biggest topic of discussion I hear among San Diego Republican delegates was organizing a re-call campaign against our mayor, Bob Filner. Some people cannot accept defeat, be it by Filner or Obama. If you are interested in the Log Cabin Republicans San Diego check them out on Facebook.

Auntie Helen’s forced to repay misused grant money

The San Diego U-T Watchdog media reported that last week Auntie Helen’s was forced to return a majority of its County issued grant because it lied about how it was used.

The report called Auntie Helen’s a “troubled North Park charity” and I also quote from the report, “Auntie Helen’s has a history of questionable spending including more than $20,000 on dental work for Executive Director Michael Dudley and numerous meals, gas, groceries and one inflight movie.”

I’ve talked to some state officials who are also conducting an investigation.

Chelsea’s Walk

Council President Todd Gloria picked me up this past Saturday morning at 7 a.m., yes 7 a.m., then we went on to pick up the first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram to participate in the third annual Chelsea’s Walk in Balboa Park.

Popular San Diego Empress XLI Candi Samples and her Prince Consort James

We three then hooked up with members of Team First Lady and it was great to see such a huge crowd.

Balboa Park hosts most of our city’s numerous charity walks and I don’t know how Todd Gloria attends most of them.

RuPaul’s ‘untuck’

Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race has become one of its most highest rated shows since the GLBT TV network was launched.

The competition between drag queens from around the country crowns a winner who now wins $100,000!

San Diego living legend Chad Michaels of the DreamGirls Revue (which I proudly started around the 1980s at then “Mr. Dillions,” now Rich’s) won the first “all-star” competition and his already international fame as a Cher impersonator has grown even more.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is an outrageous reality show which is lots of fun to watch but it is the half hour “after” show that has been getting very real in coming out stories, bullying and family rejects. And I mean getting very real with emotional and personal stories of pain and rejection that will get any viewer to cry and many I’m sure, to relate to these gay and transgender contestants.

This week’s story of a Texan drag queen was probably the most emotional and down to earth story ever aired and was at times hard to watch for any of us rejected by our fathers.

Yes, at times, RuPaul’s shows can be pretty outrageous, petty and, yes, bitchy but these special “untuck” moments take it to the best and highest levels.

Bourbon Street Fabulous Bingo returns March 26

Yes, once again, for one night only Fabulous Charity Bingo returns to Bourbon Street with Candi Samples, Allan Spyere and outrageous me as your hosts, Tuesday night March 26 starting at 8 p.m. sharp with more than $2,000 worth of prizes.

It will be like the good ole days but I won’t be a “nun” just an old crazy queen. Bring a children’s Easter basket as this will be a benefit for the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. See you at Bourbon Street March 26.

Harvey Milk Diner opening soon

Word is that the final paperwork is being handled for the first opening of a possible nationwide chain of Harvey Milk Diners with the first opening in Hillcrest by this summer! I know the super-popular location and what’s great is that part of the proceeds will always benefit the Harvey Milk Foundation.

Newly elected vice chair of the California GOP, Harmeet Dhillon

So keep your eyes and ears open and soon you will know the location.

Oklahoma, New York, Denver then Washington, D.C.

Yes, I know I’m out of town a lot so please forgive me for not being able to accept your many invitations to events, parties etc. I’m off to Oklahoma this week!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Nicole Murray Ramirez at the rally to rename SFO Harvey Milk San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco City Hall, Feb. 22

Feb. 22 GLBT elected and community leaders gathered on the steps of the San Francisco City Hall to hold a news conference and rally in support of the campaign to get San Francisco International Airport renamed as the Harvey Milk San Francisco International Airport.

Among the speakers were California state Assemblymember Tom Ammiano; City Supervisor David Compos; Stuart Milk, founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation; former San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty; the Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church; John O’Connor, executive director of Equality California; Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, co-founders of the NOH8 campaign and Rebecca Rolfe, executive director of the San Francisco LGBT Center.

I was honored to speak at this momentous occasion and the following is a transcript of my speech.

“This afternoon I stand before you to give a message to the good citizens of this great city: San Francisco.

You are so much more than just ‘The City by the Bay.’ You are that shining city on the hill that so many dream about. A city of social justice, a city of true diversity and equality.

A city that so many of us came to in the 1960s and ’70s and still come to feel free, to feel accepted. To feel like ‘family.’

In the 1970s I was blessed to meet and work with César Chávez, Harvey Milk and Jose Julio Sarria.

It was in the 1970s that homosexual Americans across this nation were faced with the homophobic crusade of Anita Bryant.

It was during those dark times that I saw many homosexuals sent to state hospitals; some subjected to electric shock treatment only because of whom they chose to love. We were thirsty for a true leader; one who could speak for us and our emerging civil rights movement; one who we could believe in; who was not perfect but was human and could give us hope. And you San Francisco gave us Harvey Milk.

He stood tall for all of us. He fought for all of us. Gays, straights, seniors, working families, small business people. Harvey stood with César Chávez, Delores Huerta and against the cruelty that farm workers suffered. So today I humbly stand here for him.

It’s my honor to chair the national campaign to get the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Harvey Milk stamp and to also be the national chair of a campaign to get a naval vessel named after Lt. Harvey Milk who was stationed in San Diego. (milkship.org and milkstamp.org)

And yes, I am proud to be the city commissioner that led the successful effort that last year made history, when San Diego became the first city in the nation to name a street after Harvey Milk.

These past two years I’ve also had the honor to work with Stuart Milk and the Harvey Milk Foundation, to travel to foreign countries and to learn and see first-hand how Harvey Milk has indeed become a global human rights icon and symbol.

For countless millions of people still oppressed, shunned and yes murdered Harvey Milk has become their hero.

I’ve been at Robert Kennedy High School in Los Angeles where mostly young students of color gather on Harvey’s birthday to volunteer and do community neighborhood service.

I’ve been in a high school in Rome, Italy where I saw the faces of young students eager to learn about Harvey Milk and his times.

I’ve been in Mexico where for one evening Mexican GLBT leaders and activists put aside their differences to come together to hear the story of Harvey in the words of his nephew Stuart.

I’ve talked to Canadian members of Parliament who have been inspired by the life of Harvey Milk.

San Francisco, your son Harvey Milk has truly become a global human rights icon and is most worthy of The San Francisco Harvey Milk International Airport.

In closing I leave you with this last message.

As we all get ready for this Sunday’s Academy Awards once again, loving history as so many of us do, it is so good to see a movie like Lincoln and it draws interest in his life and words.

I thus remember the immortal words of the secretary of state when Abraham Lincoln died: ‘Now he belongs to the ages.’

I say to you San Francisco that indeed your son Harvey Milk, ‘Now belongs to the world.’

Thank you and God bless.”

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

In her column last week in San Diego LGBT Weekly (issue 113, Feb. 14) Ms. Autumn Sandeen went off on RuPaul and others for using the word “tranny.” Ms. Sandeen even actually attacked RuPaul as “trans-negative” and that the word “tranny” was offensive. To whom, Ms. Sandeen?

The facts are that our GLBT community uses a lot of names and words to identify us and not all of us like or use the words and some do.

Let me give you a history lesson, Ms. Sandeen.

In the 1950s we were “homosexuals.” Around the 1960s we became “gay.” As gay men and women then in the 1970s we became “gay and lesbian.” Now, not everyone liked these names and labels while some did.

Many females like being called “gay women” and fought the name lesbian. To this very day Susan Jester (founder AIDS Walk, San Diego) does not like to be called a lesbian, but describes herself as a “gay woman.”

I remember serving on the national executive boards of the Marches on Washington and the debates and votes if we should add bi-sexual and transgender.

'Tranny' Nicole

Now about transgender. It is a relatively new word for our community. I was a pre-operative transsexual during the late 1960s and 70s. The word transgender was not around.

All of a sudden a group of people organized and came up with the word “transgender” and a “transgender umbrella” that included everyone from drag queens to transsexuals.

The facts are that not everyone is even comfortable with this “trans-umbrella” and almost 100 percent of “drag queens” consider themselves “gay men.”

A lot of transsexuals consider themselves either women or men and hate to be called transgender, as they want to pass and consider themselves “heterosexual” after their complete operations, while others remain in the gay community and want to have the “trans” label added.

I have fought for “transsexuals” and yes, transgender people for decades as I’ve walked in their shoes and I am proud of the progress and visibility the trans community has accomplished in such a short time.

But you, Ms. Sandeen, don’t and can’t speak on behalf of the entire trans community and nor can I. And I do know this, that many of us use the word “tranny” with love and good meaning and have done so since the 1960s and 70s. Long before you began your activism.

I have worked with RuPaul on the Marches on Washington and Stonewall 25, which I was a national chair of in New York. RuPaul is, and has always been a big supporter of our entire GLBT community and you, Ms. Sandeen, are very much off-base.

“Queer.” When that word became used by the younger GLBT generation it made us of an older generation very uncomfortable. But we have learned to accept it, though it reminds us of hateful attacks by heterosexuals.

Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, pan-sexual etc., etc. are names that some accept and use and others in our community don’t.

Surveys of our community and studies show that a majority long for the time we were all called “gay.”

But we know it will never return.

Trans people call each other “tranny” in a positive, loving and, yes, fun way. So did RuPaul who is according to the “trans umbrella” under it.

What RuPaul has done for more understanding and acceptance of all of our community through the media, television and entertainment should be applauded and praised. “Drag” has always been the “fun” and “campy” side of our community and RuPaul’s show has many times put the spotlight in a positive and sensitive way to transsexual/transgender contestants who have in their own words told their “coming out” story to the world.

Ms. Sandeen, your column and attack on RuPaul was petty and uncalled for. Queer and trans, tranny etc. are names that, yes, are embraced and loved by many and not liked by others.

In closing, Ms. Sandeen, it is in the way and spirit and, yes, meaning that these names are used and spoken … period.

And who made you, Ms. Sandeen, the judge of RuPaul and us all. You need to chill out. As for me I love the word “tranny” and embrace all of my “tranny” sisters as I have since the 1960s.

Welcome to the 21st century of “labels and names.” I prefer to look at us all as God’s children and human beings.

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: March 31

Last year almost 600 children and their families showed up at the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Trolley Barn Park in University Heights.

Sponsored by the Imperial Court, the District 3 City Council offices, and The LGBT Center (Family Matters) and supported by the GLBT community, organizations and businesses we once again need your help with donations of children’s Easter baskets or contributions.

This year the first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram and her Team First Lady are major co-sponsors and she is the 2013 honorary chair and hostess of this year’s event.

So please start thinking about collecting and donating Easter baskets. Drop them off at The Center. Last year every child (1-12 years old) left with a basket and let’s make sure once again they all leave with a smile. Further info: 619-692-1967.

Seattle, Wash.

What a great time I had; and this is one beautiful city with a very progressive outlook.

I’ll report on it in my next column. I’m off to San Francisco, Oklahoma, Sacramento, New York and Washington, D.C.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Christine Kehoe

As a Latino I can look proudly at schools named after Latino heroes, role models and civil rights leaders … as can Latino youth and other students. But there are no schools named after outstanding GLBT citizens; however this may change, as this week the GLBT Historic Task Force of San Diego County began the official process to get a school named or renamed after former state Sen. Christine Kehoe.

Yes, this is the same Historic Task Force that successfully got the City of San Diego to name a street after Harvey Milk and is looking into establishing a San Diego AIDS memorial.

Indeed, state Sen. Kehoe is a historic figure as she is the first elected gay official in San Diego. (I often refer to her as San Diego’s very own Harvey Milk.)

When Kehoe ran and was first in office she received a lot of hate mail and it wasn’t easy for this true pioneer and her life-long partner Julie Warren.

State Sen. Kehoe has served all San Diegans with distinction and honor in the City Council, state Assembly and state Senate and the GLBT Historic Task Force will keep the community informed of our progress.

We would like to thank Kevin Beiser (vice president, San Diego Unified School Board) for his assistance in our goal.

A sailor re-enlists

Petty Officer 1st Class Duncan Stewart has served our nation in the Navy these last 13 years and recently re-enlisted for another six years.

I have had the honor to be one of his mentors and this past weekend Gregory Swales and I were his civilian guests at his swearing-in ceremony on his naval base.

It was great to see so many of his fellow sailors also show up for his re-enlistment ceremony as it’s good to see in person and up close how one’s sexual orientation has no bearing on one’s duty to country and friendships with fellow soldiers.

Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza honored as ‘Local Heroes’

Long-time social justice advocates Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza were recently honored by KPBS and Union Bank at their 15th annual Local Heroes of San Diego honors at the Natural History Museum.

Black, Latino, Asian Pacific American, Jewish, women, disabled and Native American heroes are recognized every year and 2013 became only the second year that two individuals from the GLBT community were honored.

Among this year’s Heroes, along with Dilno and Baza, was a Holocaust survivor (her entire family was killed), a bishop, a survivor of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan, a founder of San Diego Hospice and a Native American tribal chief and chairman.

Both Jeri and Larry spoke movingly and did our community very proud.

I had some great conversations with Police Chief Bill Lansdowne, Mayor Bob Filner, County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Frank Robinson (vice president, Union Bank), Mike and Patrick (anotetomykid.com), Sharon Gorevitz (executive, KPBS), City Commissioner Bruce Abrams and Fentress Ott.

Thank you KPBS and Union Bank for another outstanding and wonderful event.

Petty Officer 1st Class Duncan Stewart at his re-enlistment ceremony

Victory Fund Brunch draws more than 300

The annual Victory Fund Brunch most certainly draws the most powerful and influential GLBT San Diegans and their allies every year and this past Sunday was no exception.

Former state Sen. Christine Kehoe was honored for her decades of public service and among the speakers were state Assembly Leader Toni Atkins, who looked smashing in a beautiful business suit. Our new county supervisor, David Roberts (very good speech), District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis (love your hair), Council President Todd Gloria, City Commissioner Robert Gleason (in a fabulous-looking suit and tie), Victory Fund National President Chuck Wolfe (a truly unsung hero of our equality movement) and the keynote speaker, Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims who was the best guest speaker – ever!

San Diego is proud to be the home of the Victory Fund’s national chair and vice chair, Commissioners Susan Atkins and Robert Gleason.

Fourth District City Council candidates Myrtle Cole and Dwayne Crenshaw were in attendance as were Mayor Bob Filner and the first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram.

While I believe this is one of the most important events and political fundraisers of our community, I have only one question: why is the food, almost always, so bad?

SOHO is wrong

The leaders of Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) are wrong when they say that most San Diegans support their obstructionist campaign to stop the plan to remove traffic and parking from the heart of Balboa Park. A vast majority of us supported this plan and are very appreciative of philanthropist Irwin Jacobs’ outstanding commitment to this effort and City Council President Todd Gloria’s leadership.

SOHO destroyed many of us long-time San Diegan’s dream of a permanent pedestrian-friendly, traffic and parking free esplanade in Balboa Park.

Shame on SOHO.

First Imperial Court meeting: Feb. 20

San Diego’s newly-elected Empress XLI Candi Samples invites everyone to the first court meeting of her reign next Wednesday, Feb. 20 7:30 p.m. at The LGBT Center. Further info: 619-360-1232.

Great Maple Dinette opening

The whole town is talking about an exciting new restaurant opening next week: The Great Maple Dinette located at the old Brian’s on Washington Street.

Handsome owner Johnny Rivera gave me a pre-opening tour of this newly-designed place and it’s one of the best looking restaurants around with a fabulous menu including old-school pies.

Owner Rivera is also a restaurant partner of the super-popular Hash House and Tractor Room, both on Fifth Avenue.

Trust me, you’ll love this place. Further info: the greatmaple.com

Well, I’ll be off to Seattle next week, then San Francisco and Oklahoma. I recently spoke at a women’s conference and Texas activists and fundraisers from throughout the Midwest in Houston. But I’m here in San Diego this weekend … hooray … as I’ve gotten to hate flying.

Last week, District 4 openly gay City Council candidate Dwayne Crenshaw failed to get the official endorsement of the GLBT Democrats for Equality club. This is Crenshaw’s third campaign for this seat and two political powerhouses spoke at the club in favor of another candidate, that being Myrtle Cole. They were popular State Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins and National Democratic Councilmember and past Democratic County Chair Jess Durfee.

Both Cole and Crenshaw were rated “acceptable,’’ but Crenshaw did get the endorsement of the “gay” Victory Fund.

Todd Gloria will probably not make an endorsement in the primary which has drawn nine candidates, but rumors are he is leading toward long-time friend Cole.

In a recent Union-Tribune article on the District 4 Council race it was reported that one of the campaigns were using words like “drag queen” and “fraud” when referring to gay candidate Dwayne Crenshaw. Many of us find this very unacceptable and will not tolerate these types of attacks.

Word is that popular City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer is looking at running against Congressman Scott Peters. He would most certainly be a strong candidate as would Carl DeMaio who is also being mentioned as a possible Peters opponent.

The final number is in; Carl DeMaio spent $756,000 of his own money in his recent race for mayor and if you add the other personal money he put into his Council race and City propositions campaign in the last four years this amount would be close to $2 million. DeMaio is a self-made millionaire who still has lots of money left for any future campaign.

I met gay closet case Mayor Ed Koch, who recently died, a few times. Many AIDS activists and Act-Up leaders attacked the “queeny” Koch for his lack of leadership in the 1980s when it came to AIDS. When Ed Koch ran against Gov. Cuomo there were signs that read, “Vote for Cuomo not the homo!” Koch never came out of his closet but it was one of New York’s best kept secrets. Sure, it was just like Richard Simmons’ big secret has not been discovered … hum!

Will Marti Emerald not run for another Council term in the new District 9? If she doesn’t many would like to see Robert Gleason become a candidate.

Word is the Harvey Milk All American Diner could be opening in Hillcrest within a few months or so.

Gay community icon and businessman Chris Shaw is visiting India.

Future state Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez has already raised $126,723 for her campaign!

The annual Victory Fund brunch will be this coming Sunday and this San Diego event always draws a huge crowd … see you all there.

A big reception/fundraiser for the historic election of County Supervisor Dave Roberts is being planned for March.

Sincere condolences to former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk who recently lost her beloved husband U.S.D. law professor C. Hugh Friedman.

The 41st Coronation Ball

It was standing room only for the 41st annual Imperial Court de San Diego’s“Military Ball” at the Marriott Hotel.

Visiting GLBT royalty from all across the USA, Canada and Mexico were in attendance.

Mayor Bob Filner and San Diego first lady Bronwyn Ingram both spoke to the crowd and stayed a long while as did Council President Todd Gloria.

Special awards for staying ‘til the end go to: City Commissioner Robert Gleason,Pride Executive Director Stephen Whitburn, and The Center’s representatives! They witnessed Candi Samples being crowned “Empress XLI.”

It was a full weekend of events and happenings for the visiting court chapters. Almost 100 of them got together and raised nearly $4,000 for the Tijuana AIDS Fund in under 2 hours!

(In the last three decades the courts have raised more than $200,000 for Tijuana.)

Longtime political powerhouse Ms. Nancy Chase was given a royal title as was Marc Matys, Big Mike and Stephen Whitburn.The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus performed the national anthems, once again perfectly.

The cast of the Laramie Project also performed and “RuPaul superstar” winner Chad Michaels, as usual, brought down the house.

Outgoing Emperor Tom Dickerson and Empress Ajax’s last walk brought tears to many eyes and they looked like the perfect royal couple the entire evening.

Pernicano’s must go!

Good for U.T. writer Matt Hall who recently wrote a column about that forever (since the 1970s) eyesore Pernicano’s Restaurant in Hillcrest should be torn down and demolished.

Owner George Pernicano who is now in his 90s and has always been a homophobe and hated that his beloved Hillcrest turned into a homo neighborhood has refused to sell it and even stated he would never let it become a gay nightclub.

Well, word is his sons are now looking to sell and that this big space could end up like the Atlas complex on Fifth Avenue which is condos on the top and small businesses on the bottom.

I don’t care what this space becomes – just tear this haunted house down!

The Laramie Project in town

Yes, the award-winning and super-popular play The Laramie Project about the murder of Matthew Shepard is opening this weekend in San Diego with performances at the Swedenborg Hall, 4144 Campus Ave. This very moving and important play is being performed by the new Trinity Theatre Company (Feb, 8,9,15 and 16).

For tickets call 619-269-9283 or trinitytheatrecompany@gmail.com

Creative Futons Hillcrest grand opening

Well, mark your calendars for Tuesday, Feb. 12 as it is time for another crazy and fun Hillcrest Mardi Gras that promises to be bigger than ever! Bill Hardt Productions which brings you the super-popular annual Zoo Party is the new producer and you all better be ready for a really big wild blowout!

Together with more than 3,000 activists in Atlanta!

Yes, I was in attendance at the 25th annual Creating Changeconference, sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) this past weekend in Atlanta, Ga.

More than 3,000 GLBT activists and leaders showed up for one of the biggest conferences ever … including more than 26 GLBT activists from Communist China and Taiwan.

This gathering of so many fellow activists absolutely would give anyone a wonder shot in the arm and re-energize your activist blood cells!

It was so great running into so many people I’ve worked with since the 1970s! Stuart Milk and Lt. Dan Choi helped me man our International Court System and Harvey Milk Foundation booth in the exhibit area. It was nice bumping into and talking to Georgia state Rep. Simone Bell whose partner Jane Morrison was recently elected a state court judge (now this is a real power couple); County Commissioner Joan Garner, Anthony Aragon (top aide to the mayor of Denver); Terry Stone (national director of Center Link); Sara Beth Brooks– now living in Sacramento; Dr. David Kilmnick, director of the New York Center; Shawn Shao, president of the China Rainbow Network;Randy Stephens, director of the Orlando, Fla. Center and friends I have worked with in the past five “GLBT Marches on Washington!”

It was a great gathering and one conference I’ll never forget. A special thank you to my “son” Russell Roybal (deputy director of the NGLTF) who rolled out the red carpet for Stuart Milk and I.

The next Creating Change national conference will be in 2014 in Houston, Texas and in 2015 in Denver, Colo. I’ll be heading to Seattle next week.

Will the 3rd Council seat remain gay?

Now comes word that yet another straight candidate is looking at a possible candidacy for the 3rd City Council seat in 2016. This seat has been held by a GLBT councilmember for more than 20-years, just like the 4th District has been by an African American and the 8th District by a Latino.

Unless we GLBT voters rally behind one strong gay candidate we could lose this seat and for the first time not be at the “table” at our city government.

Last time around our community was split between two gay candidates with only token candidates that happened to be straight.

In 2016 this looks like it will not be the same as the straight candidates being mentioned are strong and viable in their own right.

This is why so many GLBT leaders, activists and businesspeople are now getting behind and committing to 3rd Council District frontrunner Stephen Whitburn who has already bagged many of Todd Gloria’s top supporters and donors.

Thank you Community Housing Works

Recently, I attended a meeting with officials from the Community Housing Works who are working on a GLBT senior housing project!

Our community’s seniors are some of the most isolated and ignored people around. We need to be more supportive and nicer to our GLBT seniors and elders.

I am blessed to have so many friends that are from different generations and being an activist keeps me busy with a ton of people from all walks of life.

Cesar Medina, the popular owner of Pet Palace

But so many of my fellow GLBT seniors are not so lucky; many of you out there ignore and dismiss our seniors and don’t even smile or converse with them. You act like they’re invisible!

Why not try to be nicer to our GLBT seniors as we are all going to get old. A big thank you to Susan Reynolds and all the good and hardworking people at Community Housing Works.

The Pet Palace is the best!

Those of us who have pets … well, they’re like our children in so many ways. I’ve had my beautiful big black cat (with green eyes) for more than 15-years (a gift from Atty. Rick Kerman).

My cat is named Nixon (yes, after the president). He is my roommate at my senior living apartment complex in Hillcrest that I call Shady Pines. We pet owners don’t trust turning our children over to just anybody so when I say something is the best you know I mean it. My poor Nixon caught some fleas (probably from me) and was going crazy so I took him to Pet Palace (3827 Ray Street) in North Park.

Popular owner Cesar Medina is fabulous and his store is a totally full grooming service and pet supplies headquarters for all your dogs and cats with the best prices in town.

I dropped my Nixon off and hours later picked him up and he was just purring away with happiness.

They do everything at Pet Palace from teeth cleaning to nail trims, flea cleaning, baths etc., etc.

Thank you Pet Palace for making my Nixon feel like a real queen! For more information: 619-291-6565 or thepetpalace@aol.com

Big Mike’s birthday raises more than $4,000

One of San Diego’s most cherished local landmarks … yes Big Mike Phillips celebrated another birthday this past Sunday at award-winning Wang’s and a huge crowd showed up for great food and fab entertainment (Chad Michaels who is Cher … period). Mayor Bob Filner stopped by and presented Big Mike with the City’s very first “Neighborhood Heroes” award!

State Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins also came by as did City Council President Todd Gloria, who proclaimed it “Big Mike Day” in Hillcrest/North Park. Schoolboard Vice President Kevin Beiser also turned out to wish him the best.

As usual Big Mike turned his birthday bash into a fundraiser which this year benefitted the Harvey Milk Foundation with more than $4,000 being raised!

Who doesn’t love Big Mike? He has one of the biggest hearts in town.

Will Candi Samples become empress XLI?

Yes, this Saturday night, Feb. 2 at the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel at 8 p.m. will be the 41st annual Coronation Gala of the Imperial Court de San Diego and you are all invited!

Popular personality Candi Samples (manager Revivals store) is a candidate for empress and she needs your vote to win.

It will be a fun night of pageantry and wild entertainment with GLBT royalty from all over the USA, Mexico and Canada. Tickets are $45 and $65 at the door. 619-300-1232.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

The AIDS Memorial in Vienna, Austria

This is the official statistic from the San Diego County Health Department. But we who have been involved with this HIV/AIDS epidemic since its early dark days of the 1980s (when indeed AIDS = death was true) know that countless people died of AIDS and they were not reported as such but as cancer, heart conditions etc. Many cities have AIDS memorials like San Jose, Key West Fla., New York, San Francisco,Las Vegas and including states like North Carolina. Thus I am happy that the GLBT Historic Task Force of San Diego County – the organization that brought you our nation’s first Harvey Milk Street –will be making an AIDS memorial in San Diego its major priority.

The Task Force will also be looking into a public school to be named after Chris Kehoe.

Citizens from all walks of life will be on this special task force and there will be wide community input.

I don’t have any idea where this memorial will be located (maybe Balboa Park or the Embarcadero, etc.) nor what it will look like as this will take a process. But the good news is that the offices of the mayor and Council president have been informed and they are indeed supportive.

The general public will also be informed as this important project gets underway and be kept in knowledge throughout the process.

For further info or ideas contact 619-692-1967, glbthistorictaskforcesd.com or P.O. Box 33915, San Diego 92163.

Gloria Johnson and Terry Cunningham = true heroes!

Mayor Bob Filner announced the first recipients of the newly-established San Diego Legends honors at the annual State of the City address and among the honorees were Father Joe Carroll and Padre baseball great Tony Gwyen and our community’s very own Ms. Gloria Johnson.

Mayor Maureen O’Connor was the last mayor to give out such special recognitions to citizens during her annual address.

Ms. Johnson has been a tireless activist and leader with so many issues such as: GLBT civil rights, pro-choice, women’s equality, HIV/AIDS, the Democratic Party etc.

Gloria very much deserved this high honor (she has also been inducted into the Women’sHall of Fame) and it was indeed my deep honor to have nominated her as I will do as well for Chris Kehoe next year.

Terry Cunningham will retire after 14 years serving as chief of the AIDS/HIV, STD’s and Health branch of the public services for the County of San Diego; but most important, being a tireless advocate for people with HIV/AIDS for more than 30 years. Yes, 30 years working with this issue and truly an unsung hero who the HIV/AIDS community could always count on.

The Indiana AIDS Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery

Can you imagine being with this, at times, most draining, frustrating and emotional issue every day of your life since the beginning of this epidemic? Thank you does not even seem enough, so I’ll say to Terry Cunningham… please know your leadership is so very, very appreciated and job so very well done. God bless Gloria Johnson and Terry Cunningham.

The people’s mayor and his populist agenda

I’ve attended State of the City addresses since Mayor Roger Hedgecock and never have I heard such a progressive and populist agenda set forth as did Mayor Bob Filner Jan. 15. Yes, the birthday of Martin Luther King for this “1960s Freedom Rider” mayor to give his first address was not lost on many of us and history was indeed madewhen beautiful and brainy Bronwyn Ingram became the first-ever first lady to give remarks at this event.

Starting Feb. 2 Mayor Filner will be in the lobby of City Hall every first Saturday to talk to San Diegans from all walks of life, 9:30 a.m. – noon. The last mayor to do this was Mayor Maureen O’Connor.

When Mayor Filner gave this address to the people he had been in office for only six weeks … and I believe this was his “finest hour.”

Yes indeed, there has been a major “changing of the guard” at City Hall.

Among the City Councilmembers who got the biggest ovations from the huge crowd were Marti Emerald, David Alvarez and Council President Todd Gloria.

All eyes were on Nathan Fletcher and his humor was fabulously fun.

Bravo Bob on an outstanding address. Now, if only you and Todd would get along better this old queen would be so very much happier!

People, politics and opinions

Are rumors true that our first lady, Bronwyn Ingram and Nathan Fletcher will emcee the 32nd annual Nicky Awards this summer?

Dr. Joel Trambley defeated Dr. Pat Washington to become the new vice chair of the City’s Human Relation Commission.

Bill Kelly and Bob Taylor celebrate their 34th anniversary

Frank Lechner was elected vice chair of the County’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board and Stampp Corbin is the new chair of the City’s Equal Opportunity Commission.

Word is that Supervisor Ron Roberts is working to get Bill Beck on the County Senior Advisory Board.

Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins and many GLBT leaders and activists have endorsed Myrtle Cole for the District 4 Council seat. This has to do with Cole’s longtime friendships with us and her solid pro-GLBT equality stands. One of her major opponents is former San Diego Pride executive director, Dwayne Crenshaw who many of us respect and wish the best.

Popular Stephen Whitburn is the new interim director of San Diego Pride.

Our local U.S. attorney, Laura Duffy continues her crazy witch hunt against compassionate medical marijuana health stores and tells our Mayor Filner, whose orders to stop these senseless and waste of time raids, she will not. As well we all know Laura Duffy attacked Filner during the campaign and gave money to his opponent. Duffy, who is openly lesbian, continues to ignore the pleas of the HIV/AIDS and cancer patients who need medical marijuana with a “let them eat cake” attitude.

I had a two-hour breakfast recently with the mayor’s chief of staff, the popular and well-respected Vince Hall. He said that Mayor Filner will indeed consider bringing back the GLBT and other communities’ mayoral advisory boards that were dropped for the first time by our last mayor.

And Sheriff Bill Gore is working on establishing the first such GLBT advisory board to the Sheriff … a commitment he made during his campaign and one that he plans on keeping. Sheriff Gore continues to get high praise by many members of our County’s diverse communities.

Just got back from Houston, Texas with word that Mayor Annise Parker’s future may include a run for Congress. Off this Thursday to Atlanta, Ga. for the 20th annual Creating Change Conference.

$45 Imperial Court Coronation tickets on sale

While the VIP dinner tickets/tables have almost been totally sold out for the upcoming Feb. 241st annual Imperial Court Coronation at the Mission Valley Marriott Hotel the general tickets and tables are now on sale for $45.

Visiting GLBT royalty from all across the USA, Canada and Mexico will be in attendance and a spectacular and entertaining evening is being planned … so get your tickets today and go show your appreciation to the continuing hard work and service of court members. Say bravo to our outgoing “monarchs” Tom Dickerson and A.J. Ajax and see if popular Candi Samples will be crowned empress de San Diego.

For tickets info: 619-300-1232 or 619-254-6372.

Big Mike’s birthday bash this Sunday Jan. 27

“Lifetime Award” recipient, the one and only Big Mike will celebrate yet another birthday (Big Mike is a proud cancer survivor and continues to live openly with HIV) this coming Sunday, Jan. 27 at the award-winning Wang’s Chinese restaurant in North Park and you’re are all invited 1-4 p.m.

This year’s non-profit service organization birthday benefit is the Harvey Milk Foundation.

Just follow the crowds to Wang’s this Sunday!

Well-known gay artist Jimmy Long designed the Team First Lady logo. More info: teamfirstladysd.com

Stuart Milk (Harvey’s nephew), founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation has said that when Harvey Milk was stationed in San Diego as a naval officer “he fell in love with California;” and as we all know the rest is history.

As you know this week’s announcement that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will vote to rename their international airport after Harvey Milk has made global headlines.

This month marks the 35th anniversary of the swearing in of Harvey Milk by Mayor George Moscone to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

San Diego is like a second home for Stuart Milk as he has visited us frequently. San Diego and the GLBT community have much to be proud of. Our city’s Human Relations Commission was the first governmental body that endorsed then Assemblymember Mark Leno’s bill to make May 22 a state holiday in recognition of Harvey Milk.

Our city council, not only also gave its support but went on record supporting the national campaign to name a naval vessel after Harvey Milk.

San Diego also has the distinction of launching the first Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast in the state, which five years ago drew 900 people. I spoke at the first San Francisco Milk Breakfast which drew about 150 people. Now Palm Springs and other cities have annual breakfasts.

The national letter writing campaign to get the US. Postal Service to issue a U.S stamp in honor of Harvey Milk was launched in San Diego and the Harvey Milk Foundation held its first meeting and retreat in San Diego at the Park Manor Hotel.

Nicole Murray Ramirez and Stuart Milk

Former Mayor Jerry Sanders, Lisa Sanders and businessmen Nick Moede and Robert Gleason were the first citizens to be honored by the Milk Foundation.

The San Diego GLBT Historic Task Force along with the Harvey Milk Foundation, the International Imperial Court System and then-Congressman Bob Filner launched the letter writing campaign to the secretary of the Navy to name a ship after Milk in our city.

And, of course, San Diego became the first city in the nation to name a street after Harvey Milk – led by the San Diego GLBT Historic Task Force. Some San Francisco media blasted their city officials for not being the first city to name a street after Harvey.

As many of you know I have the honor of serving on the board of directors of the Harvey Milk Foundation, being the co-chair of its international advisory board and the national chair of Milk Holiday Celebrations.

Stuart Milk and I have become very close friends and I have seen him move crowds and people in foreign countries as well as cities across America. Stuart and I will be in Atlanta next week for the Creating Change conference.

While the global GLBT community is celebrating and excited by the efforts in San Francisco to rename its airport after Harvey Milk, Stuart Milk told me Tuesday morning that San Diego indeed has played a very large role in keeping Milk’s legacy alive.

I want to at this time thank some people who have helped Stuart and I as well as the Milk Foundation in our quest to keep Harvey’s torch burning: the San Diego City Council, the Human Relations Commission, Dr. Delores Jacobs and The LGBT Center, City Commissioner Robert Gleason, Allan Spyere, A.J. Turner, the Imperial Court de San Diego, Ben Dillingham, Chris Shaw, Nick Moede, Michael and Bill Weiss of Bourbon Street and Lei Lounge, City Council President Todd Gloria, Big Mike, state Assemblymember Toni Atkins, Chris Kehoe, San Diego LGBT Weekly, Gay San Diego, Rage Magazine, Live Magazine, Bruce Abrams, San Diego Pride, and so many others … thank you all for your continuing support in keeping Harvey Milk’s legacy alive.

In 1979 the Imperial Court named its student scholarship after Harvey Milk and that same year the Nicky Awards established the first named Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone civil rights awards.

In the 1980s we dedicated a Balboa Park bench in memory of Harvey Milk and for about five years there was a San Diego Harvey Milk Democratic Club – with such past club presidents as Al Best, who was the first openly gay candidate in San Diego to run for office and also Jim Cua.

About Bob Filner and Todd Gloria

Well, my phone and email has been on overload with questions and comments on the relationship of our Mayor Bob Filner and City Council President Todd Gloria.

We all want them to both succeed and they will naturally not agree on all issues and have both held personal meetings to work things out.

Let’s remember that Bob Filner has spent the last 20 years in Congress, which at times has been like a “war zone” and controlled by the right wing Tea Party nuts.

I agree with Carl DeMaio … let’s give our new mayor a chance to adjust from D.C. to San Diego.

Bob Filner, like all of us, is human and makes some mistakes but he is man enough to acknowledge and apologize for them.

We all know Council President Todd Gloria is a native San Diegan who loves his city and as the Union-Tribune has stated could be a future mayor of San Diego.

We all want Bob and Todd to succeed in their respected offices and our continuing support of both of them is important. Let’s give them the time and space they need to get adjusted and work things out; and they are both doing that as they both genuinely like and respect each other.

Get a grip folks; it’s only been about a month!

Well, I’m in town this weekend but will be in Houston, Texas next weekend, then off to Atlanta, Ga. with Stuart Milk to attend the 20th annual Creating Change conference, sponsored by the N.G.L.T.F. and with more than 3,000 GLBT activists and leaders from all across the USA expected.

It’s been a month for Mayor Filner

Bob Filner

In just one month our new mayor, Bob Filner and our first lady, Bronwyn Ingram have brought major changes at City Hall just by their actions, visibility and commitments to make San Diego a better place to live and a city that truly celebrates its neighborhoods and diversity … and gives voice to the voiceless.

This is the first time in the history of San Diego that the mayoral staff is half women and one third Latino. To know Bob Filner as I have for more than three decades is to know Mayor Filner will indeed walk his talk!

Filner’s mayoral staff is getting lower salaries than those of our last mayor.

Hard-working Vince Hall has been welcomed by almost all civic and business leaders as an outstanding choice as “chief of staff.” (Love this guy.) And, of course, the ever-popular Donna Frye as “director of open government” is most welcomed back to City Hall.

GLBT community activist Linda Perine, who worked especially hard on the Filner campaign, deserves her appointment to Filner’s 24-member staff.

We all look forward to Mayor Filner’s “State of the City” address next Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the Balboa Theatre.

As for me, I will be continuing to advise our new mayor, as I have his last five predecessors, and serve him as a city commissioner; but my major priority will now be, as it has been this last month, to support and advise my good friend, Bronwyn Ingram, the “first lady of San Diego.”

Will Carl DeMaio run for Congress?

Carl DeMaio

This column was the first one to bring up the possibility that former Councilmember Carl DeMaio could take on freshman Congressman Scott Peters in two years.

Now other media sources are also mentioning this real possibility.

After all, Scott Peters spent about two million dollars of his own money to first defeat primary challenger, former state Assemblymember Lori Saldana, by only 300 votes. (Yes, I endorsed Saldana.)

He then barely beat his general election opponent. Peters’ district is considered a tough “swing district” with a lot of Republican and Independent voters.

Scott Peters

Many believe that Peters will do what his party leaders tell him and will try to keep a low profile while trying not to give his opponent too much of a two year voting record that will be controversial. But Scott Peters will be forced to toe every aspect of his party’s lines as a freshman.

The next congressional election will not be during a presidential one which usually means a lower Democratic voter turnout.

If Carl DeMaio returns to his true self as a “moderate” and repairs some damages he has made in the GLBT and Latino communities, most political analysts agree that DeMaio could give Peters a run for his money and could be elected to Congress.

Yes it’s true; I did not endorse either Peters or Bilbray this past election.

Is there now a possibility that I would endorse DeMaio in the future? No comment.

Will Dwayne Crenshaw’s campaign succeed this time?

Dwayne Crenshaw

This will be Dwayne Crenshaw’s third campaign for the 4th District Council seat and this is the No. 1 question that I am being asked.

And the answer is that indeed he has a solid shot to win this time in a “snap election” with a possible 11 candidates and an expected lower turnout in this special election called to replace the popular Tony Young.

Will Crenshaw being a very visible LGBT activist help or hurt him in District 4? Well, though a majority of this council voters went yes on Prop. 8 he still has high name recognition that made him get into the past District 4 general election run-offs.

I have been busy meeting with many of the possible candidates.

Emperor Tom and Empress Ajax invite you to the 41st Anniversary Coronation Gala Feb. 2.

41st Coronation Gala: Feb. 2

For more than 40 years the GLBT community has been able to count on the Imperial Court de San Diego and all they ask is that organizations and causes that its membership has helped to attend their annual Coronation Ball set for Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel.

Representatives from Imperial Courts from Canada, Mexico and across the United States are expected to attend and the entire community is invited to attend an evening of pageantry, outstanding entertainment and thank Emperor Tom Dickerson and Empress Ajax for a productive year of fundraising.

For more information and tickets: imperialcourtsandiego.com or 619-300-1232 or 616-254-6372.

In memory of Murray Galinson

Having lived in San Diego now for almost 50 years and, yes, having the honor of advising and serving the last six mayors of San Diego I have met countless of our city’s “movers and shakers” and civic and political leaders.

Murray Galinson, who recently passed away, stood above almost all of them in so many ways; a decent, honest man whose integrity was unmatched.

A former president of San Diego National Bank, he was a most respected leader and most influential force in our city’s political, business and philanthropic worlds for many decades.

He always made a stand against racism and homophobia. Our GLBT community could always count on Murray Galinson and every time I’d interact with him he always had a smile. If you looked up the word “gentleman” in the dictionary I’m sure you would find his picture right next to this word.

Both Democrats and Republicans loved and respected this man and as City Commissioner Robert Gleason so rightfully told me, “Leaving his memorial made you want to be a better person.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his children and the entire Galinson family.

Nicole’s quickie movies review

Les Misérables: It should be called “More Miserable” as this is how you will feel after this long 3-hour boring movie.

Hitchcock: Outstanding and a sure Oscar contender. Anthony Hopkins becomes Hitchcock 100 percent and finally Mrs. Hitchcock gets her rightfully-earned credit in movie history.

Hyde Park on Hudson: Well I didn’t like one of our most beloved and only three term elected presidents getting a “hand job” by his cousin in the first 20 minutes of this film!

It seems this movie was more concerned about the president’s sexual affairs. The British royals were funny but Bill Murray did not remind me of Roosevelt – even 1 percent. He belongs back on TV’s Saturday Night Live than the big screen.

Django Unchained: Authentic and very real portrayal of the South and its treatment of its black slaves. One of the best movies of the year and while it’s both humorous and dark at times, you soon start rooting for Django to get the better of all those hateful and cruel white masters.

Not Fade Away: You’re better off staying at home and straightening out your sock drawer – it will be more entertaining for you than this bomb of a movie.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Nicole Murray Ramirez

Congratulations to Susan Jester, founder San Diego AIDS Walk, who was recently elected president of the San Diego Log Cabin Club. She is pictured here with former New Jersey governor, Christie Todd Whitman (left).

Well, on New Year’s Eve Big Mike and I went over to popular businessman Wayne Becks’ home for his fabulous party benefitting Stepping Stone. It was fun and everyone had a great time.

GLBT community has big hearts

For more than 45 years I have witnessed the love, compassion and concern of our GLBT community and its allies and families.

Especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, because so many of you hundreds of children receive toys; dozens of families were fed and given grocery vouchers; and blankets and warm clothing is still being collected for the homeless and many living below the poverty level.

Trust me, it’s not just the Imperial Court and The LGBT Center that organizes many of these projects, it’s also other organizations and businesses.

But all the credit goes to you, the community, who never lets us down and makes sure every year that those less fortunate, many who have lost their jobs and even their homes, are reached out to and helped. God bless you all for your compassion and generosity.

“Team First Lady”

As I’ve written before, keep your eyes on San Diego’s new first lady, the wonderful Bronwyn Ingram, who started helping with our homeless problems within days of Mayor Filner’s election.

She also made a wreath for Martini’s annual holiday auction for the Eddie Conlon Youth Fund and attended the benefit.

Bravo to Luis Fitch who organized a toy drive that made more than 500 children from Tijuana, Mexico very happy.

She has met with San Diego icon, Rachel Ortiz who gave her a tour of Barrio Station which is a community center that attracts almost 300 youth a day, from 6-18 years, as well as helping families in need.

She is not meeting with the normal “society ladies” and wealthy, but those running social service agencies for the poor, veterans, homeless and youth.

She is not issuing press releases or asking for news coverage. Our new first lady Bronwyn Ingram is doing all of this quietly and without fanfare.

You will not see our first lady in high-end label outfits, that’s not her style. She will soon launch her all-volunteer supporters of her social issue causes: Team First Lady who you may soon see in your neighborhood helping those who paint over graffiti on buildings, volunteering at local senior homes or youth centers, visiting veterans in hospitals and much more.

Yes, Bob Filner is indeed the “people’s mayor,” but finally San Diego will have a true first lady who will spend the next four years rolling up her sleeves and extending her hand and position to help those in need. All without a staff and without her being on the City payroll. She will do these noble deeds from her heart and the hearts of her “Team First Lady.”

Yes indeed, this last election will be bringing major change to our city and its first family.

Dear “Sister” Nora Torious 13

First of all, I deeply appreciate any group or person who tries to help our community. Secondly, I did not “attack” you; I just asked how you could continue to raise money for Auntie Helen’s after this organization is under investigation for its misuse of community-raised funds, donations and government grants.

In the spirit of the New Year, I do not want to engage in a slanging match across these pages, as I’m sure you don’t. As the saying goes, it will all come out in the wash.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

(L-R) San Diego School Board members

My heart is full of pride for our community … always there for the Imperial Court’s annual toy, food and blanket drives. Among the many children who received toys and food vouchers were 200 children of GLBT parents. Thank each and every one of you. You make our holiday drives the success they have been since the 970s. God bless you all.

The true meaning of Christmas

I hope all of my many Jewish friends had a very happy Hanukkah. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and this has got lost in the season which is all about commercializing the holiday.

There are many churches that welcome GLBT Christians. Take some time to thank Him for all you have because, believe it or not, there are many people worse off than you are.

Remember the real reason for the season.

Gun control now!

For decades I have been writing about the need for tougher gun control laws. But you have to get involved by writing to your state and federal elected officials.

I lived in a time when you could leave your doors unlocked and your churches and schools were safe.

We must all get involved in this issue and not let it drop after all of our tears dry up over those who were recently massacred. Thank you.

Auntie Helen’s must repay part of County grant

The mismanagement of AIDS funding of Auntie Helen’s continues to grow as I now know of two official investigations going forward.

A 00 grant for replacing “washers and dryers” was instead used for new carpets, staff car repairs and other items.

The chairman of the board of the County Board of Supervisors, Ron Roberts informed me this week that any money that is returned because of misuse would be given to an AIDS organization in good standing.

This growing Auntie Helen’s scandal is getting more mainstream media headlines and I have learned from the former manager/bookkeeper, who blew the whistle on this scandal and was then fired, that many times cash was missing from the register including petty cash. Around $2,400 in the last year alone.

City Commissioner

That the $500,000 Joan Kroc grant is down to 00; that the board is made up of about only four to six people – all close friends; that staff ate at the Red Lobster with an Auntie Helen’s credit card … and the media already reported that its executive director, Michael Dudley used the same credit card at a casino in Florida and charged more than 00 for his smiling and lying teeth.

While I cannot say, at this time all that is being discovered, after private meetings with top law enforcement and government officials, I can say that they have just touched the tip of the iceberg.

As I said, my appreciation and respect goes to all of the unpaid volunteers and good-minded donors, but the entire board needs to resign and the staff fired. Period.

People, politics and opinions

A freshman congressman is the most vulnerable when seeking re-election, especially when he won just by the hair of his skin (and two million dollars of his own money). Now comes word that many are urging Carl DeMaio to take on Scott Peters. This race would become one that I could not predict the winner as both are very bright and focused candidates and DeMaio has moved more to the middle.

Movers and shakers are also urging school board member, Richard Barrera to run for the state Assembly in 2014 when Toni Atkins is termed out.

Word is also that Richard may take over Lorena Gonzalez’ labor/union director job when she is elected to the state Assembly. Richard Barrera is a bright young Latino with a big heart and a passion for public service. Keep your eyes on this Latino golden boy.

County Commissioner Bruce Abrams hosted a $1,000-a-plate dinner at his historic home for Lorena Gonzalez. (A businessman paid for my ticket.) It was like a state dinner at the White House.

After getting strong support to go after a seat on the Port Commission, Bruce Abrams decided against it. This guy is like a father to his young nephews and nieces and they need his time more than ever.

I had lunch with Nancy Chase and our new first lady, Bronwyn Ingram. Look out for a first lady like the kind our city has never seen as she isn’t into “title” but she is into helping people and public service.

Will popular Nathan Fletcher be a co-emcee of the 2013 Nicky Awards?

Once again, SDGLN media got it wrong. I am not a board member of the GSDBA Charitable Foundation. I served one term then supported Stampp Corbin to be elected president five years ago.

I meet this week to discuss GLBT inmate conditions with Sheriff Gore and Council President Todd Gloria. I had a very enlightening tour and discussion with inmates at the Bailey County jail.

My doctor has ordered me not to travel until the end of January, so I hope to attend more local events.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

It was in this column that the scandal of the old Pride board was first broken and the mismanagement of money and the no input from the community over the purchasing of their new million dollar offices.

The then highly respected intern Pride board made many commitments and promises to our community, the most important one being that they would continue to hold community townhouse meetings and get public input.

Well, many people are rightfully upset that this last townhouse meeting resulted with no public input on their agenda.

Worst of all, they announced that San Diego Pride would now be known as America’s Pride with, once again, no activists, leaders or community input.

As a co-founder of our first San Diego Pride march in 1974 I find this all very upsetting and agree with those voicing their objections, and indeed anger, on blogs and Web sites.

Also, many in our community want to know more about the status of the lawsuit against Pride over a young man being kicked out of the festival because of his leather outfit. This may end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and it could have ended a long time ago if Pride would have just apologized to this nice young man who ended up in jail with, of course, all charges dropped.

While we appreciate that the board is all-volunteer they know that the controversy and secretive nature of the last board almost destroyed San Diego Pride.

Well, while I wait for the two new elected chairs to be put in place, many are beginning to lose confidence and are getting concerned with the Pride board and I must say I can’t blame them.

Jose Julio Sarria: ‘Rosa Parks of the GLBT movement’

I was in San Francisco for about 30 hours to give a keynote speech for the 90th birthday banquet in honor of World War II veteran, Latino entertainer and the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the world (1961), one of my personal heroes and role models – Jose Julio Sarria.

The sold-out event was a hotel ballroom full of love and respect for this historic figure and homosexual civil rights activist from the 1950s.

While I have spoken to almost a million people at the March on Washington and about 500,000 at Stonewall 25 in New York, this speech had me very nervous as I am also set to be his eulogist at his memorial and he is like a mother and hero to me.

In 1965 Jose founded the International Court System which now has chapters in 68 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. (I succeeded Jose seven years ago as its international chairman and CEO.)

The room was full of dignitaries, public officials, royalty and media with many flying in from as far as New York, Kentucky and Hawaii.

I sat with my longtime friend Cleve Jones (founder of the AIDS Quilt and historic advisor for the Oscar-winning movie Milk), also Russell Roybal, deputy director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF).

It was good to see longtime friends from the 1960s and 70s. We could not believe we were still alive!

It was nice talking to Sen. Mark Leno, Supervisor Scott Weiner, city treasurer, B.A.R. publisher and one of the most respected San Francisco citizens, Mr. Tom Horn among others.

Well, I prayed that I would do a good speech that truly would honor Jose and I was humbled to be the only speaker to receive a standing ovation as I called Jose Julio Sarria the “Rosa Parks of the gay rights movement,” as indeed he is.

I also recognized former supervisor and mayoral candidate and my “son” Bevan Duffy who helped me get a San Francisco street named after Jose (right by the Harvey Milk Library in the Castro).

Though I was tired and not feeling well I would not have missed Jose’s 90th birthday gala celebration for anything in the world!

People, politics and opinions

The Center recently received 00 from the estate of a past board president. It will help make up for the loss of funding and donations during the years of our down economy.

Please think of The Center or another GLBT organization in your will.

This coming Sunday County Commissioner Bruce Abrams will be hosting a 00-a-plate dinner at his stately home for state Assembly candidate Lorena Gonzalez. Among the main co-hosts are Congressman Scott Peters and City Commissioner Robert Gleason.

Our popular state Assemblymember Toni Atkins is now not only the new majority leader of the Assembly but rumors are many want her to be the next “speaker.”

I had a great lunch this week with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and City Commissioner Stampp Corbin.

Well, the very final votes in the mayor’s race were finally all released and what looks like a close race the day after the election was really a rather comfortable win by Filner, who won by almost 5 percent (so says the Union-Tribune).

The final results: Filner 52.49 percent (245,092 votes); Carl DeMaio 47.51 percent (221,870).

Indeed, word from my Republican leadership friends is that San Diego politics have changed forever!

By the way, Mayor Bob Filner made gay civil rights icon Jose Julio Sarria the first “Honorary Citizen of San Diego” of his administration.

This week a representative from the City Council president’s office, two LGBT Center officials and I, as a city commissioner, will be visiting the transgender/GLBT tank in the county jail over some inmates’ accusations and complaints.

I thank Sheriff Gore for his quick response to these concerns.

I have been receiving calls about another March on Washington concerning the upcoming 2013 marriage decision. I want them to see the concern and faces of real Americans whose lives and future they hold in their hands.

Congratulations to the newly-elected vice president of the San Diego School Board, our very own Kevin Beiser.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Bronwyn Ingram and Bob Filner

Our new mayor made history visiting five high schools after his inauguration and stopping by five different neighborhoods to celebrate with the people.

His last stop, at 11 p.m., was at Martinis Above Fourth for the annual Christmas Wreath Auction which raised nearly $20,000 for the Eddie Conlon Youth Fund (5-18 years). First lady, Bronwyn Ingram, was by his side the entire time.

The inauguration ceremony was overflowing and Mayor Filner gave an outstanding speech and received two standing ovations and many “Viva Filners.”

City Attorney Jan Goldsmith gave the most long-winded and boring speech of the day. Big ovations for Donna Frye, Sherri Lightner, Marti Emerald and Chris Kehoe.

I sat with City Commissioner Bruce Abrams and Laura Finks, a long-time advisor to our new mayor who said that this is the happiest she has ever seen Bob Filner … and, indeed, Bob is at peace, happy and ready to lead us all.

It was good to see and talk with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, Nathan Fletcher and Police Chief Bill Lansdowne among others.

Later that evening I was honored to be the chair of the District 3 Neighborhoods Mayoral Celebration Committee. A big thank you to everyone, especially Nancy Chase, Ed Clancy, Ben Nicholls, Jamie Fox, Allan Spyere, Alma Rosa Vasic, Sherman Mendoza, Cindy Lehman, Dr. Delores Jacobs and The Center staff, Stampp Corbin, Linda Perine, Dale Kelly Bankhead, Bruce Abrams, Jess Durfee, Doug Case, Stephen Whitburn, Vince Hall, Toni Atkins, Dwayne Crenshaw, Tom Dickerson, Caroline Ramos and so many more (all the great restaurants). You people did it all. It was my deep honor to be one of the five chairs of the five neighborhood celebrations. What a birthday present for me that you all made the events the success they were.

Indeed, Bob Filner has now become “the people’s mayor.” God bless him and Bronwyn and their staff as they begin this new journey.

President Todd Gloria

Former Mayor Jerry Sanders once told a crowd that Todd Gloria was a future U.S. senator or president. Well, indeed, history was made as our Councilmember Todd Gloria returned to City Hall (not the White House yet) to be unanimously elected the first openly gay president of the San Diego City Council.

Todd, the son of a hardworking and loving mother and father who were a maid and gardener will most certainly give voice and attention to many in our city and neighborhoods that have been ignored.

He gave one of the best speeches at the mayor’s inauguration ceremony and was the only councilmember to receive a standing ovation.

Todd Gloria has, indeed, become one of the most popular and loved councilmembers in the entire city and there is already talk of him being a future mayor or congressman.

Even the Union-Tribune stated that, “Gloria, 34, is a rising star in the Democratic Party and often the most eloquent public speaker on the Council.”

Todd is like a “son” to me and I’ll never forget how at the time he thought it wasn’t time for him to run because some in our community thought he was too young and wanted other older candidates.

I had a long lunch with him and urged him to run and said that he would win because once people met him and knew his core family values, young, yes, but how super smart he was and how for years a true public servant he had been, they would vote for him.

Even some gay elected officials tried to talk me into getting him out of his first race. Well Todd, you did it on your own merits and proved a lot of people wrong and now you have on your own (along with a dedicated staff: the Todd Squad!) become one of our city’s most respected leaders.

Our community, your city is so proud of you and I know you will not let us down. Congratulations Mr. President!

Ron Roberts to run for re-election

Last week, I had lunch with the chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Ron Roberts and his hardworking chief of staff, Sal Giametta, who used to work for former mayor, Maureen O’Connor.

Ron will indeed be running for re-election and this will be his last because of term limits.

He is already getting major Democratic, Republican and Independent endorsements in this non-partisan office.

Ron Roberts has been a friend and strong supporter of the LGBT community since his Council days. He was the deciding vote on a major gay civil rights bill and has endorsed and supported Chris Kehoe and Toni Atkins. In fact, at a major event gay political pioneer Bill Beck presented him with an “Honorary Gay Citizen” certificate which Ron’s wife and family had a good time with.

While some are talking about running against Ron Roberts, don’t ever underestimate this dedicated public servant – he is ready for any challenger.

About Carl DeMaio

Many of you have criticized me or asked me why I called Carl a “brilliant man who still had a political future ahead of him” and felt he should take the chair of the Republican state Party. Many of you have said I should say a lot of negative things about Carl in my column and in my recent KPBS TV and radio interviews.

Some of you want him to move out of town and stay out of our community and I say to you all, bullshit!

The election is over, it got ugly and nasty on both sides and I was angry with Carl over his Arizona immigration “no vote,” that he said he would not lead on “social issues” like Mayor Sanders did and he received support from homophobes and Tea Party people – and some other personal issues that I will not go into.

I feel DeMaio made such major mistakes and blew a good chance to become mayor, but it’s over. Now he has learned a lot and his speech at Monday’s inauguration ceremony was one of his best.

He talked about a 17-year-old gay student who wrote to him and thanked his life-committed partner Johnathan Hale – who is doing a good job as vice president of the Hillcrest Business Association.

I know some of you feel he has still been cold to you or ignored you but time heals all wounds and so give him a chance and time to digest this past year.

Even Mayor Bob Filner thanked him for his public service to our city and being a “reformer.”

DeMaio received a solid positive response from those at Monday’s inauguration. So let’s all move on. Life is too short and I for one believe that when a campaign/election is over, it’s done. Now let’s all try to work together for a better San Diego and community. Thank you.

Lunch with first lady Ingram

and Mindy Fletcher

During Mayor Bob Filner’s inauguration address he told San Diego that they had “elected a team,” that our new first lady would take an active and visible role on social service, charities and the homeless (unpaid).

Last Sunday I had lunch with our new first lady, Bronwyn Ingram and Mindy Fletcher, the brainy and beautiful wife of former state Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher. During the campaign just like Bob and Nathan became friends so did Bronwyn and Mindy.

We discussed Bronwyn’s passion for the homeless issue, military families, wounded soldiers, etc. Mrs. Fletcher gave her a world of sound advice and her experience being in the public spotlight.

While I wouldn’t go into full details on all of our discussions, I can tell you all that we will see the most visible and hardworking first lady of San Diego ever in our city.

Trust me, keep your eyes on Bronwyn and I believe all San Diegans will grow to love her as I have. And thank you, Mindy, for all your great advice and support for our new first lady.

David Copley

Thank you for all your positive comments on my and Stampp Corbin’s political and civil rights interview on both the KPBS radio and TV shows.

David Copley turned his back on HIV/AIDS and his gay community

When President Ronald Reagan died almost all of his good accomplishments were hailed and praised, but almost all of the media did not mention how he and his administration refused to do anything about the growing AIDS crisis.

Reagan never mentioned the word AIDS until six years into his administration and because of him thousands died and we lost eight years of valuable time when he purposely ignored this then-deadly health crisis.

But if Reagan has blood on his hands regarding the AIDS crisis then the late David Copley has it up to his neck.

The best kept secret in our city was that this man, who Forbes magazine put on their “America’s Richest List” worth $1.2 billion (yes, $1.2 billion!), was gay.

He wasn’t just gay, but just picture Divine with Donald Trump’s hair in a business suit.

I met him in the 970s and let’s say I provided him with a service … hmm, how can I put it … I was like “Dolly Levi” introducing him to Marines and other nice young men.

The media coverage about David’s recent death makes him out to be the most beloved philanthropist in our city who gave millions to the arts and animal shelters.

After reading all this I expect the Union-Tribune to petition the Pope for a Copley sainthood.

They talk about his unbelievable and glitz charity fundraisers at his estates. Honey, the infamous parties I went to at David’s were near wild orgies.

David, at times, could be seen drunk at the Caliph trying to meet nice young men and, of course, give them nice “party gifts.” (Good for him as he was clean and sober for the last decade.)

David loved visiting Monte Carlo and going to Europe and would often call and ask me about private, discreet bathhouses and gay clubs.

David Copley led a double life and the media’s obituaries call him a “confirmed bachelor.” Oh please, he had a few lovers/partners that he kept privately.

The Reader magazine “outed” David when they ran a story about David and me, and a fight we had. The news article was entitled “The Queen who Slayed the Copley Press.” It was written by Paul Krueger who is now the senior producer of NBC News in San Diego.

David and I parted ways (I threw a drink in his face) over his refusal to help his gay brothers who were dying of AIDS. His paper was very anti-gay and even ran a political cartoon of three skeleton men in a hot tub inferring that AIDS came from men at bathhouses.

In the early dark years of AIDS no one would help us. We could mostly count on our bars, lesbian drag show fundraisers, leather community, Democratic Club and The Center. The F St. Corp. gave the AIDS Assistance Fund a total of 00 during our first years. (I was the founder/president.) The bathhouses of Vulcan and Club San Diego (Frank Stirriti and Darl Edwards) printed our first AIDS education materials.

David Copley refused to help and told me people would know he was gay.

I said to him, “Yeah, just like no one in San Diego knows that Richard Simmons is gay.”

David refused to help our community when police were beating the shit out of us and raiding our clubs in the 970s. I begged him to help us and our AIDS food bank and it was always “no,” no matter who asked him.

Yes, this big ole queen gave $6 million to UCLA’s costume design program but nothing to clothe and feed his dying brothers. Yet he gave millions to animal shelters.

So I say, praise David Copley if you must for all he did for the arts and culture, but he stood silently by during our early gay rights struggles and AIDS crisis.

May God forgive him and may he rest in peace – but I will never forgive him.

My own past street life and drug addiction has always been a matter of public record and many media articles. I have no problem talking about David and his secret life and I haven’t touched on near half of David’s real other secret lifestyle. It will all be in my book.

Being Alive should take over Auntie Helen’s

First of all, I was a good friend of Gary Cheatham but the recent media investigation concerning Auntie Helen’s is no surprise to many of us. After Gary died Auntie Helen’s wasn’t ever the same.

I say God bless all the wonderful good-hearted volunteers and supporters of Auntie Helen’s, but many “directors” have used this agency for their own gain for years.

At times they had three paid staff members for a laundry service where volunteers did the work. Auntie Helen’s in its heyday had 800 clients – now they have 87.

Michael Dudley has always been a controversial figure in our community and his using an Auntie Helen’s credit card to buy lavish meals, things for his car, inflight movies … Dudley even used this non-profit credit card at a gambling casino in Florida!

Bravo to bookkeeper Hank Ivey who raised his voice over this disgusting use of HIV/AIDS money. Because Ivey raised his voice he was fired by the board.

I and many know that at times beautiful and expensive items were donated to Auntie Helen’s thrift store only to end up in the homes of some staff members and board members.

The entire Auntie Helen’s board and staff need to resign and I have called upon government officials to launch an official investigation.

I believe that Being Alive could easily take over Auntie Helen’s before they blow the $158,339 that heiress Joan Kroc left them.

Last year Auntie Helen’s reported a revenue of $164,442 against $232,008 in expenses which included 00 to get Michael Dudley’s teeth nice and pretty.

It’s time our community raised its voice. The Imperial Court de San Diego long ago stopped giving contributions to Auntie Helen’s.

I salute the Union-Tribune and their charity watchdog for reporting this scandal.

Christmas Wreath Auction: Dec. 3

The fabulous people at Martinis Above Fourth will be holding one of their most fun and popular events that draws hundreds, this coming Monday. Their annual Christmas Wreath Auction which all goes to the Eddie Conlon Youth Fund that helps hundreds of children and GLBT youth in need.

Please attend this coming Monday night Dec. 3 from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Stop by after Mayor Filner’s inauguration neighborhood celebration at The Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

See you at both events!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Bronwyn Ingram and Bob Filner

I give thanks to God for all of my dear friends who have helped me during some recent very difficult times. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Exclusive

When you first meet Mayor-elect Bob Filner’s fiancée and San Diego’s next first lady you are struck by her natural beauty, calm demeanor and captivating, warm, welcoming smile. She takes the time to talk to everyone who approaches her.

Trust me, she is the perfect partner for our new mayor.

We went out to lunch this past weekend for a short exclusive first interview.

Bronwyn is of Irish and Finnish descent and will proudly tell you she is 48-years-young! She is a rare California native born in Orange County. She attended Cal State Fullerton where she received a B.A. in psychology.

“We hope to get married in October,” Bronwyn told me. “I currently spend four days working in Los Angeles and three days in San Diego, but I will be moving permanently to San Diego around January or February at the latest.”

Bronwyn Ingram has possessed a love and commitment for social justice and social service all her life and was even the co-founder of Americans Against War with Iraq. She worked with the John Kerry presidential campaign and currently works for the Social Security Department.

“It was in this capacity that I met Bob,” she said. “You see me and some of my fellow workers joined together to try to stop the waste of tax-payers money and the bad treatment and all the endless red tape confronting veterans, the elderly, homeless families with children and people with disabilities.

“We tried to get meetings with almost every Southern California congressman and they were all too busy but one: Congressman Bob Filner. Bob met with the 8-member delegation which included myself and as they say the rest is history.”

Bob asked her out for dinner and they soon discovered that they were true soul mates in love and in their love for social justice and giving voices to the voiceless.

Filner, as a chair of a Social Security subcommittee made sure there were changes made in dealings with those in need and Bronwyn and her fellow workers helped change this department.

Though Bronwyn is 5’ 3” and size O, don’t expect her to ever be wearing Oscar de la Renta, Versace or any designer clothing. That’s not her style, nor does she like wearing fancy jewelry.

“I plan to be a most visible and active first lady for San Diego,” Bronwyn states.

Our future first lady has already visited the Neil Good Homeless Center and the Rescue Mission.

“I am establishing an all-volunteer Citizens Advisory Council to the first lady, who will advise me on projects, charities and causes close to my heart,” she said. “I hope to put the spotlight on military families left behind, children’s causes and the homeless. I am excited to be named the honorary chair of the eighth annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, held in Trolley Barn Park that helps many families living below the poverty line.”

While Bronwyn admires the humanitarian work among the poor, those with HIV/AIDS and the elderly done by the late Lady Diana, I believe Bronwyn Ingram could go down in our city’s history as “the people’s first lady.”

Richard Dreyfuss

City celebrates Mayor Sanders

Thousands of San Diegans turned up for a big block party in front of the new downtown library for a big thank-you and job well-done for our outgoing 34th mayor of San Diego.

It was one big love fest with rock bands, drinks and food – all to benefit Barrio Logan College Institute, Public Library Foundation and Balboa Park.

Every mover and shaker attended including Mayor-elect Bob Filner and Councilmember Carl DeMaio who were both having a good time with their partners.

I had a nice talk with Council President Tony Young and his wife, who are looking forward to his new executive job with the Red Cross. Young asked Stephen Whitburn for some advice as Whitburn spent about 10 years with the Red Cross.

Dave Roberts = family values

Newly-elected County Supervisor Dave Roberts has been a public servant all his life, serving the people in many government positions – most recently as the popular deputy mayor/councilmember of Solana Beach.

I recently caught him speaking at a GSDBA luncheon and what struck me was his down-to-earth honesty and sincerity.

He and his proud military veteran partner have five, yes five, adopted children and may soon get a sixth!

On election night Roberts was at Chuck E Cheese with his small children. You see, Dave Roberts’ passions are family and public service.

I believe he will be a moderate voice on a very conservative board of supervisors. He wants to cut the growing red tape facing small businesses and as a father Dave Roberts, who has five kids in four schools right now, wants better schools for all of our children.

I remember when Roberts, a Democrat, endorsed some good Republicans for office and the chair of the Democratic Party attacked him and threatened to withhold money and support. Dave Roberts stood his ground and I was proud to defend him in this column.

Dave Roberts’ election hasn’t gotten the headlines and media spotlight his unexpected victory deserves but, trust me, this devoted father and true public servant has a very bright career ahead of him, as Dave Roberts has now truly become, “the people’s supervisor.”

8 play: a smash hit

Within days the Birch North Park Theatre was sold out for Monday night’s one-night-only staged benefit reading of the highly acclaimed 8. The ensemble cast received long standing ovations from the almost 800 in attendance. Popular actors who stood out were most certainly Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss, Emmy-winner Bruce Vilanch (my favorite comedian of all time), super-handsome Ryan Rottman star of the TV hit 90210 and his gay partner, superstar Lance Bass of *NSYNC fame.

Lisa Sanders can never do “no wrong” and she was great as ever. The entire cast was excellent and I especially loved the lesbian mothers and their two boys. Gregory Cruz and his Production and Celebrity Entertainment Company did an outstanding and professional job producing this play, as well as Cruz’ partner, San Diego businessman Tom Brown.

I had the honor to be the moderator for a Q&A session after the play which included Mayor Jerry Sanders (who received a loud, long standing ovation), City Councilmember Todd Gloria, City Commissioner Stampp Corbin, Richard Dreyfuss and Lance Bass. But the main spotlight and the man who raised the roof with prolonged standing ovations was Oscar-winning writer and 8 playwright Dustin Lance Black, who has become one of our nation’s most articulate and passionate civil rights speakers. Bravo to everyone involved with this production!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

County Supervisor Ron Roberts and Congresswoman Susan Davis at the Benjamin F. Dillingham III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans’ Wall of Honor induction ceremony at The Center

It’s a great day for our nation and city as both our president and mayor are the most progressive and pro-equality ever elected.

LGBT Veterans’ Wall ceremony

A great crowd showed up to The Center to honor the 2012 inductees to the Ben F. Dillingham and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans’ Wall of Honor.

Chair Joseph Rocha and his hard-working fellow councilmembers did an outstanding job. Among the VIP’s in attendance were Congresswoman Susan Davis, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors Ron Roberts, former state Assemblymember Lori Saldana and City Councilmember Todd Gloria.

Also, the award-winning San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus sang the national anthem and the California State San Marcos ROTC Color Guard presented the flags.

Many LGBT veterans were in attendance including two Pearl Harbor survivors of World War II.

Among the 2012 inductees were gay pioneer Robert Lynn, Luke Terpstra (who moved us all when he repeated his military oath); also gay icon Jeri Dilno who courageously fought her discharge. And, of course, the tireless civil rights advocate Lisa Kove.

Other LGBT veterans honored were George Haverstick, Donald Kambic, Ben Fowler, Harvey Milk, Stan Berry, Jim Woodward and August Provost.

Though I had the honor to speak at this ceremony, as the founder of this LGBT Veterans’ Wall, all credit for this great event and the hard work must go to our LGBT Center and the LGBT Veterans Council.

Thank you all for giving my vision life … and a special thank you to Col. Stewart Bornhoft.

Alano Club gets $15,000 from Ron Roberts

Great news for our recovery community … Ron Roberts, chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, made sure that $15,067 was allocated from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant for the Alano Club, so it can replace old carpeting with vinyl tile, replace ceiling tiles and purchase 318 chairs and three chair dollies to better serve and help our GLBT community members recovering from alcoholism and addiction.

Our community has always been able to count on Ron Roberts since his City Council days and as a county supervisor he made the first GLBT appointments to the County’s Veterans Board, Alcohol and Drug Advisory Commission and the County Social Service Commission.

Dear Ben Cartwright …

After reading yours and Ken Williams’ posting on SDGLN, it’s sad that you are not following the lead of your candidate Carl DeMaio who has called for San Diego to unite and heal after the most negative and ugly mayoral race in our city’s history.

DeMaio’s concession speech was one of a man who loves San Diego and wants our city and new mayor to succeed. Ben Cartwright, your attacks on the labor unions, LGBT Weekly and accusing Congressman Bob Filner of “gay baiting” just continues this negativity and division.

There were nasty TV ads and attacks by both sides during the campaign, but now it’s over … the fat lady has sung … so get over it.

As for the Balboa Park lily pond incident and Johnathan Hale, I not only defended him in my column, but also informed our police chief that I knew Johnathan had nothing to do with this shameless event.

City Commissioner Stampp Corbin, the first openly gay keynote speaker at the recent Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association’s 36th annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner

Sad to say, politics and campaigns can be pretty dirty and ugly and Carl and Bob’s supporters got down, at times, to some really low levels; but now both of them have reached out to each other. You, both, are the only ones to continue with the negativity.

People, politics and opinions

Rumors all over town are that Tony Young may be stepping down from the City Council to go into the private business sector, as he has children to send to college.

When Tony Young steps down, word is that Dwayne Crenshaw is looking to become a candidate to replace him in the 4th District.

San Diego pays its councilmembers some of the lowest salaries in the nation.

I’ve heard that people are urging Lori Saldaña to run for the City Council … great idea!

Supervisor Ron Roberts’ gay appointee to the County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Commission, Frank Lechner, has been nominated to be vice-chair by his fellow commissioners.

San Diego’s first openly gay candidate to run for City Council, 75-year-old Al Best went through some major surgery this week; please keep him in your prayers.

Hooray, Donna Frye is coming back to City Hall to work for our new mayor!

The day after the election I spoke with our police chief, Bill Lansdowne and he was very happy that Bob Filner was elected and, thank goodness, will stay for a while.

More good news is that Filner’s campaign manager, Ed Clancy, who moved here from back East will now stay in San Diego to join Mayor Filner’s new administration.

As to who will be the first mayor from the GLBT community, all bets are either Toni Atkins or Todd Gloria. They both have a bright future ahead of them.

8 tickets selling like hot cakes!

The whole city is talking about the play 8 and who is coming to town to perform.

Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, former *NSYNC boyband singer Lance Bass, TV star Annette O’Toole, Emmy winner and one of the most popular comedians Bruce Vilanch, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Councilmember Todd Gloria and, of course, writer and Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black.

It’s all a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights and tickets are going like hot cakes for the Nov. 19 event (7:30 p.m.) at the Birch North Park Theatre. It’s going to be a sell-out!

There will be a panel and Q&A with the stars after the play. For more info: 619-239-8836. See you all there next Monday night!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Gov. Barbara Roberts to be keynote speaker at 2013 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

Let us all move forward and, yes, accept the decisions made by the majority of the 2012 election voters. I turn in this column before Tuesday night not knowing any election results.

Dear Mayor Filner:

I’ve known you since the 1970s. We all know you have some really rough edges. Our city now badly needs a “kinder and gentler Filner.” Do bring Nathan Fletcher into your administration as you said you would and, yes, reach out to Carl DeMaio and his supporters.

Be fair, balanced and supportive of working families and unions but extend your hand and meet with our business establishment.

Leave all the political baggage and attacks behind you. You won. You’re the mayor. Look forward not into the past. You have the chance to unite us. Be more of a gentleman. In electing you, San Diegans have decided to continue to be a more progressive city and to continue to celebrate all of its diversity. Become the great mayor we, who supported you, know that is inside of you.

Dear Bob: If you have lost, thank you for your decades of public service and being a leader among leaders when it comes to civil rights for all. I look forward to your marriage to Bronwyn Ingram. (Love her!)

Dear Mayor DeMaio:

Congratulations and I was glad to see in this past Sunday’s Union-Tribune under your family: “in a committed relationship with Johnathan Hale.”

That being said, it seems that our city’s community of families: Latinos, blacks, police and firefighters’ families etc. and your very own GLBT family did not support you.

The Union-Tribune has stated that “DeMaio matured more during the campaign.”

You have a chance to prove everyone wrong by being a uniter, not a divider, and bringing and welcoming everyone and every community to the table.

I believe everyone and, yes, every community will give you a chance.

As you know, this is not a conservative Republican city, so become a role model for a new generation of San Diegans.

Dear Carl: So you lost. You’re young and you ran a focused and brilliant campaign.

I see a Republican congressional seat in your future and a dream come true for you … marrying Johnathan.

Gov. Barbara Roberts at 2013 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast

It is with great pleasure that I announce the keynote speaker for the 2013 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, not only one of the first ten female governors in the nation, but the first elected governor of the great state of Oregon: the Honorable Barbara Roberts.

She has become a nationally-recognized and respected leader and advocate when it comes to women’s and civil rights.

Gov. Roberts led the fight opposing anti-gay initiatives in the 1990s and has served on the national board of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Roberts also served as Oregon’s secretary of state and lieutenant governor.

I had the sincere honor to present Gov. Barbara Roberts, state Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and state Treasurer Ted Wheeler national civil rights awards last month and can tell you she is one inspiring and outstanding public speaker and she is also just absolutely fabulous and fun.

One of the most down-to-earth and true governors of the people I’ve met.

So, mark your calendar: Friday, May 24 2013, the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast.

Bonnie Dumanis

Many of us remember when Bonnie became not only the first openly GLBT elected superior court judge, but the first elected GLBT district attorney in the nation.

We remember how she was attacked by the “radical right” as a “suicidal lesbian.”

Dumanis has not only been always open and proud to make history as a Jewish woman and lesbian but married her wonderful partner Denise.

As a judge she started the special “Drug Court” which became a national role model and most welcomed by the recovery community.

The office of district attorney has always been about “law and order” and Bonnie has never hidden her views and stands – some that I have publicly disagreed with, including some of hers, and yes, Mayor Sanders’ endorsements.

But to say she is like Mitt Romney, and that she has not supported GLBT equality issues is totally untrue as her decades of civil rights stands and leadership, when it comes to our community, people of color and women, is unmatched in the history of the office of district attorney of San Diego County … period.

Anti-Defamation League 2012 dinner

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary and, personally, I have loved, respected and admired the work and dedication this human rights organization has been doing this last century, as the ADL has indeed made a difference for all Americans.

County Commissioner Bruce Abrams and I attended their annual dinner at the La Jolla Hilton Hotel and keynote speaker, World War II veteran Leon Bass, was truly inspiring.

As a young 19-year-old African American soldier, his experience helping liberate the Buchenwald camp changed his life forever.

It was nice seeing and talking to Congressman Brian Bilbray, Assemblymember Marty Block, Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins and her partner Jennifer Le Sar, Airport Authority Chair Robert Gleason, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, mayoral candidate Bob Filner and many others.

Border Angels’ awards dinner

It has warmed my heart to see how Border Angels has grown in love and respect since 1986. The Barrio Station’s community hall was packed with almost 1,000 supporters this past Saturday night.

Border Angels’ truly Christian mission is to reduce the number of deaths of children along our state’s border through the simple placement of life-saving water stations in the hot desert where thousands have died.

For many of us the true “hero” of Border Angels is its founder/director, Enrique Morones whose devotion to saving lives has been recognized by countless well-deserved human rights honors and awards, including one of Mexico’s highest presidential recognitions.

It was great to see Border Angels supported by the Coca-Cola Company, Assemblymember Toni Atkins, AT&T, the Catholic Church and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

It was also great seeing and talking to college Sen. Juan Vargas, college Boardmember Maria Senor, Steven Whitburn, A.J. Turner and many more.

GSDBA mixer: Nov. 15

Those good people at the GSDBA have a special mixer coming up Thursday Nov. 15 at West Elm (Mission Valley West), 5080 Mission Road.

They urge you to bring a new blanket or children’s toy for the gay community’s oldest holiday toy drive, “Toys for Kids” (founded in 1974).

Special thank you to the GSDBA boardmembers and its hard-working executive director, Tom Luhnow.

Dear Ann Garwood and Nancy Moors

I wear many community hats: gay and Latino activist, columnist, fundraiser, political advisor, drag queen, city commissioner and, yes, an emcee – for more than 45 years.

Everyone knows that my drag emcee-style is like Don Rickles, Joan Rivers and Lisa Lampanelli. Most of my emceeing is for benefits, charity fundraisers, political and civil rights events – which I do 98 percent for free!

I’ve been doing Nightmare on Normal Street for more than a decade and, once again, you have attacked me, but this time called me a “racist.”

It is interesting that in one of the issues of your Hillquest Guide you profiled me and called me the “gay community’s best orator.”

I’ve decided not to go negative and attack you … so I’ll see you next Halloween night with your usual video recorder. Have a nice day!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Cleve Jones marching at the 2009 National GLBT March on Washington.

Yes, I wasn’t such an “R-rated” emcee at this past Saturday’s Nightmare on Normal Street and it was because the Police Department expressed their concern.

People, politics and opinions

County supervisor candidate Steve Danon has committed to work on bringing back the San Diego County Human Relations Commission as he shares many San Diegans’ concerns that a majority of hate crimes against people of color, religious churches, temples and the GLBT community are outside of the City of San Diego.

Many of us agree with former Sen. Steve Peace and other Democratic leaders that U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy should resign. Duffy, who is an open lesbian, has hurt our HIV/AIDS community by doing all in her power to close down every medical marijuana outlet. She is a disgrace.

Sherri Lightner’s re-election is the most important Council race in decades.

If the City Council remains in Democratic control, contrary to a story in CityBeat, Third District Councilmember Todd Gloria will not challenge President Tony Young.

After Juan Vargas is elected to Congress next Tuesday look for state Assemblymember Ben Hueso to announce for Vargas’ state Senate seat and popular Democratic leader Lorena Gonzalez to announce for the state Assembly’s 80th District seat.

Nigel Mayer has moved to Las Vegas after selling his video bar Flicks and we wish him the very best.

Congressional candidate Scott Peters has spent more than $2 million of his own money in his campaign … hmm!

Word is that Todd Stevens is no longer San Diego Pride’s attorney in the upcoming lawsuit concerning the leather clothing apparel of a gay young man at the festival.

Cleve Jones endorses Bob Filner

One of America’s most respected and well-known national gay leaders, Cleve Jones endorsed Congressman Bob Filner for mayor this past weekend.

Cleve is the founder of the world-renowned AIDS Quilt, worked for Harvey Milk and was the gay historic consultant for the Oscar-winning Milk movie.

Cleve Jones has traveled around the globe and met world leaders, spoken at major events and is considered to be a true gay hero and icon.

Cleve was also a leader in the Doug Manchester Hotel boycott and has been in San Diego countless times.

Cleve was the main organizer and director of the 2009 National GLBT March on Washington and I had the privilege of serving as a national co-chair of the successful march along with him.

Bob Filner told me he is humbled and grateful for the endorsements of such high profile gay civil rights national leaders such as Cleve Jones and Stuart Milk.

Filner has also been endorsed by GLBT office holders such as Sen. Chris Kehoe, state Assemblymember Toni Atkins and Councilmember Todd Gloria.

Will it be Mayor Filner or Mayor DeMaio?

Joseph Rocha

More than $13 million has been spent on the 2012 race for mayor, which has not only been the most expensive, but the most negative and ugly.

I have joined the vast majority of GLBT, Latino and African American activists and leaders in supporting Bob Filner for mayor.

Yes, he has some rough edges and is very blunt but I have known this public servant since his school board days and Filner’s heart and soul has always been about equality for all people and to fight for the poor and the middle class.

This will be a close election and if Carl DeMaio is elected it will not be with the support of his very own community. (DeMaio came in last place in the Third District and gay neighborhoods.) He will have a lot of fence-mending and reaching out to those who did not support him and he has stated that he will do as such.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis kept her promise to me that she would call me before making her final decision to endorse Carl and she did as such this past weekend.

They say it’s all fair in love and war and politics and campaigns but after the election the people have made their choice. We must all respect and accept their decisions … period.

Whoever wins, it will be the sixth mayor I will serve as a city commissioner; my term ends 2016.

Thank you, San Diego Press Club

The San Diego Press Club held its 39th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards recently and the San Diego LGBT Weekly, once again, was the only gay media to win awards.

My column, “Conversations with Nicole” was recognized with an award and I am sincerely honored, especially in view of San Diego Press Club president, Nicole Sours Larson stating, “With a record number of entries this year, winning a Press Club award is no small feat.”

LGBT Weekly was nominated in categories with other nominees, all non-gay media, and they won. Congratulations to my fellow winners: Stampp Corbin, Thom Senzee, Jeff Jungblut, Steve Lee, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, Ian Stokell, Andrew Printer and Jonathan Young.

I salute the good people of the San Diego Press Club and their board of directors for long ago including San Diego’s GLBT media in their award categories and presentations.

GLBT Veterans Wall ceremony: Nov. 9

Coming up next Friday, Nov. 9 is a ceremony in observance of Veterans Day at The Center at the new “Ben F. Dillingham and Bridget Wilson GLBT Veterans Wall of Honor.” You are all invited to attend and as the founder of this first such wall in the nation I want to sincerely thank and recognize Dr. Delores Jacobs, the board of directors and The Center staff for their leadership and dedication to this project, along with the Imperial Court de San Diego for the financial seed money.

For more info on the ceremony and event which is open to all contact GLBT Veterans Wall committee chairman Joseph Rocha at 951-415-6126.

Freedom Awards: Nov. 17

This year’s annual Freedom Awards, held by San Diego Democrats for Equality will be extra special as it will be a tribute to San Diego’s own Harvey Milk – Sen. Chris Kehoe, along with other such high profile and Democratic leaders as Jess Durfee, Craig Roberts, Eric Issacson, Brian Polejes and John Lockhart. All outstanding and dedicated activists who have dedicated their lives to the battle for equality for GLBT citizens.

The Freedom Awards were founded in 1981 by local gay icon Attorney Bob Lynn. I was at the first Freedom banquet and I will join everyone once again Nov. 17.

For more info: democratsforequality.org

Lisa Lampanelli, who will be appearing at the Birch North Park Theatre, Nov. 19.

Well, one of our community’s biggest holidays – Halloween – is coming up so be sure to play and party safe and don’t drink and drive.

Romney/DeMaio and Obama/Filner

In a few weeks, Americans will vote and decide if our country continues to go forward or backward. At the same time, San Diegans will be deciding the same thing for our city.

Mitt Romney and Carl DeMaio are both millionaires who are supported by the right-wing Republican and Tea Parties.

President Obama and Bob Filner are both Democrats with solid civil rights records.

Romney and DeMaio are both being supported by big business, homophobes and have hardly any support within the black, Latino and GLBT communities.

Obama and Filner have both received huge votes in past elections from the GLBT and people of color communities.

Both Romney and DeMaio are being supported by huge “PACS” funded by billionaires and millionaires and are both outspending their opponents.

Both Obama and Filner are being supported by working families.

The facts are that both the presidential and mayoral races are very much the same. Now, which ticket will you support: Romney/DeMaio or Obama/Filner?

Honoring a governor and state leaders of Oregon

Recently, I had the honor of presenting a civil rights award to the first and only elected woman governor of Oregon, Barbara Roberts, as well as Attorney General Evelyn Rosenblum and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, who rumor has it will be a future governor.

Yes, I was in Portland, Ore. and it was truly a gala affair.

Gov. Roberts and I had a great time and she may well be the keynote speaker at next year’s annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast.

This super-popular governor has been a longtime supporter of GLBT rights and is one of the most down-to-earth governors I’ve ever met. It will be great to have her in San Diego next May.

Openly gay Mayor Sam Adams of Portland is not running for re-election and though he had a bumpy road I still think he was a very productive and successful mayor and I will always cherish my “Key to the City” and being named an “Honorary Citizen” of Portland.

I stopped by The Grotto, which is world-renowned. It is 62 acres of beautiful trees, rivers and, of course, a magnificent rock cave carved into the base of a 110 feet cliff and is the model replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. This place truly takes your breath away.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

There are more than 62 languages spoken in this Canadian city and so many great ethnic neighborhoods.

I was the guest of businessman John Ribson who owns numerous Wendy’s restaurants and UPS stores.

Big Mike and Fifi, who raised more than $4,000 for the Autism Society, at Glamfest.

More than 1 million people turn out for Toronto’s Gay Pride parade and in 2015 the city will be hosting World Pride and 2 million are expected to attend.

Toronto is one of my favorite Canadian cities and its GLBT community is a very powerful and visible one.

I was filmed for an upcoming documentary on the life of one of its most respected activists, 81-year-old Robert Durel.

By the way, our very own Rev. Kenny Freeman just moved to Toronto.

Jose at Pasadena Playhouse

This week, I’ll be traveling to Los Angeles for a special screenplay reading on the life of Jose Julio Sarria, who will be turning 90-years-young in about a month.

Jose is a World War II veteran who in 1961 became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in North America and of course in 1965 founded the International Court System which has chapters in more than 68 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. (Which I am the president of.)

The world-renowned Pasadena Playhouse will preview this first film script reading and it is written by Joseph Castel, directed by Danny De La Paz, with music by Giulio Barioni.

It’s very exciting that Jose’s life could be in movie theaters within a few years.

Rev. Troy Perry

This past week, I had a great conversation with one of America’s most prominent gay civil rights leaders, the Rev. Troy Perry. (Founder of the Metropolitan Churches of the world.)

Troy and I have been friends for decades and we talked about fellow long-time activists who are still with us and those who have left us.

Troy Perry has been one of our movement’s most important leaders and has given hope and comfort to millions of GLBT Christians just by being who he is and being so visible and outspoken.

I believe when the history of our GLBT civil rights movement is written, Troy Perry will stand tall as one of our most important leaders.

Hottest ticket in town: Nov. 19

The Birch North Park Theatre will have live on its stage, for one night only, Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black of Milk/J. Edgar movies fame, actor Richard Dreyfus, Lance Bass of NSYNC teen idol group fame, comedian Lisa Lampanelli, the infamous Emmy-winning Bruce Vilanch and many other superstars for a gala benefit live reading of a landmark marriage equality play, 8.

Funds raised will go to the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER). Tickets are already going like hotcakes and there are some VIP seating tickets available. Get your tickets now for this Nov. 19 event. For more info, call 619-709-1867.

See you at Nightmare on Normal Street this Saturday

Yes, I will be returning once again as your “Mistress of Ceremonies” for the annual Nightmare on Normal Street Halloween street party in Hillcrest with $1,000 in cash for winners. Yes, I will be the usual “potty-mouth” pig-in-a-wig drag queen on stage announcing all those wild contestants.

It’s a night of outrageous fun for adults only and it benefits our LGBT Center. Just follow the thousands of people to Hillcrest this Saturday night.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Mayor Jerry Sanders (center), with his daughter Lisa and his wife Rana Sampson, waves to the crowd during the 2012 Pride parade.

LGBT WEEKLY EXCLUSIVE

Having served and worked with the last five mayors of San Diego, my relationship and friendship with each of them has been different. I first met Jerry Sanders when he was serving as the San Diego police chief in the mid-1990s.

Sanders was a very progressive Republican who extended his hand to the LGBT community in an effort to build better relationships, as well as encourage gay and lesbian officers to come out.

Chief Sanders met with leaders in the community regularly and proudly walked in our annual Pride parade. Once Sanders left the police department, he served as the executive director of the United Way where he continued to include the LGBT community in his efforts to bring all San Diegans together.

Many LGBT businesspeople and I supported Jerry Sanders in the 2005 mayoral primary and special run-off election. We not only endorsed Sanders, we hosted many fundraisers on his behalf.

Mayor Sanders was considered a moderate and that often put him at odds with the conservative San Diego Republican Central Committee. In fact, Sanders was not always endorsed by his fellow Republicans on the central committee.

Over the course of the campaign, I had the pleasure to meet Sanders’ strongly independent and wonderful wife, Rana Sampson, as well as their two beautiful daughters. I had also become good friends with his top aide and advisor, Fred Sainz, a gay Cuban-American Latino. I always privately referred to Sainz as the “real deputy mayor of San Diego.”

It was during Sanders’ first mayoral administration that marriage equality became front and center in the political debate. A case before the California Supreme Court led Mayor Sanders to make news worldwide with his infamous press conference where he announced his support of same-sex marriage. A direct contradiction to statements he made when he was running for mayor.

In September of 2007, Sanders’ announcement was made with tears in his eyes as the collected media watched with astonishment. In just a five minute press conference, Sanders helped to change the political landscape around marriage equality in the nation. Many political pundits deemed Sanders’ announcement his finest hour.

Almost immediately, the media attributed Mayor Sanders’ change of heart to the fact that he has an openly lesbian daughter, Lisa Sanders. Lisa and I know that this is far from the truth and the real story has never been told.

Lisa and I developed a close relationship because her father asked me to help Lisa maneuver the complexities of coming out while being a public figure. I felt like her fairy godmother as I have watched Lisa blossom into an LGBT activist and leader in her own right.

Almost every major city mayor in California submitted amicus briefs to the California Supreme Court supporting marriage equality. Popular City Councilwoman Toni Atkins created an opportunity for the San Diego City Council to express their support of marriage equality by a formal vote.

Then City Attorney Mike Aguirre also got involved and we had endless phone conversations about the overall marriage equality strategy from a City of San Diego point of view. Ultimately, Jerry Sanders could veto the City Council resolution in support of marriage equality.

Mayor Sanders was in a quandary. Sanders was under political pressure to veto the City Council’s resolution from within the Republican Party, plus Sanders was up for re-election. His opponent was millionaire Steve Francis who took a public stand against same-sex marriage.

I will never forget the confidential phone call I received from Sanders’ aide, Fred Sainz. Sainz informed me that the mayor had decided to veto the City Council marriage equality resolution. Sainz asked that I arrange a meeting with LGBT leaders so the mayor could personally explain his decision.

Sainz suggested that I pick ten LGBT leaders from a list that he submitted to me. In addition, he requested commentary space for the mayor in the Gay and Lesbian Times to explain his veto to the entire LGBT community.

I was not happy to be the person to arrange the meeting that promised to be so devastating to our community. So, I suggested that we have the meeting in a setting more intimate than City Hall: the mayor’s home in Kensington.

The mayor immediately agreed to the change in venue; now the task was to pick the attendees. Since I was not a big proponent of same-sex marriage personally, I decided to pick LGBT people who could speak passionately about being in long-term relationships, as well as those with close relationships with Mayor Sanders and some couples who were his neighbors in Kensington.

Dr. Delores Jacobs, Robert Gleason, Bob Nelson, Kevin Tilden, Marci Bair, Richard Valdez and former marine Sgt. Bob Lehman attended and told their stories. Gleason said “it was one of the most difficult evenings of my life,” as he spoke about his partner and their little son.

Bob Nelson spoke passionately against what he thought was a “done deal” after being encouraged by Kevin Tilden to speak honestly and openly. Each speaker poured their heart out, telling their personal stories about being a member of the LGBT community and what marriage equality would mean to them.

For once in my life I sat silently by as others, who were much more appropriate, described the love and joy they experienced from their relationship and children. My fellow LGBT brothers and sisters did not disappoint and by the end there was not a dry eye in the house. I knew only these stories and relationships with Mayor Sanders had any chance of changing the mayor’s mind.

Would the mayor be as moved as everyone else by our personal stories? Sgt. Bob Lehman, who served in Iraq, told Mayor Sanders and his wife about his service to the country to guarantee our freedom, yet he could not marry the man he loved when he returned home.

These are some of the unsung heroes who helped convince Mayor Sanders to change his mind about marriage equality and to step forward as a national leader on the issue.

Everyone left the mayor’s home deflated because we assumed that nothing had changed. We were sure the mayor would announce his anti-LGBT stance the next morning. As I left, I was handed the mayor’s commentary for the Gay and Lesbian Times explaining his anti-marriage equality position.

A few of us gathered on the street in front of the mayor’s home to debrief the meeting. I did not have the heart to tell them about the envelope I had in my pocket. I simply said, “Pray tonight.”

Bob Nelson later said that as he looked toward the mayor’s house from the street, he caught a glimpse of the mayor and his wife hugging each other tightly. Lisa Sanders says that her father called her after the meeting and spoke about the personal love stories he had heard that evening; from his friends, neighbors and supporters.

Lisa and I agree that it was that special meeting in September of 2007 at the mayor’s home that changed the heart and mind of Jerry Sanders. Our community owes those in attendance a debt of gratitude for being so open, honest and real about their lives. They spoke of love, family, and their truth. The result is they touched the very soul of the 34th mayor of San Diego and changed our city forever.

Editor’s Note:

The next morning Mayor Sanders and Fred Sainz called the attendees to inform them that the mayor had changed his mind.

Nicole Murray Ramirez still has the envelope with the mayor’s explanation of his “veto” that never happened. It will be donated to the Lambda Archives upon Ramirez’ death.

Nathan Fletcher

All this month, I’m out of state every weekend except for the last one when I will return as your emcee at Nightmare on Normal Street in Hillcrest. Join thousands of people at Normal Street and University. I will be the “pig in a wig” on the mic.

Is the 3rd Council seat the gay seat?

Yes it is. Just like the 4th Council seat has been held only by an African American and the 8th Council seat always held by a Latino. Someone from the GLBT community has held this City Council seat for more than two decades! Now comes word that a young, bright, straight Latino, aide for popular City Councilman Todd Gloria, maybe entering the race in 2016.

I had lunch with him and urged him not to. I asked him how would the Latinos like it if a gay white man entered the 8th District race.

Of course, we all know that anyone can run for office and can be of any ethnic background or sexual orientation, but we got “district elections” to empower San Diego communities that were not represented at City Hall. What I found interesting is that this possible Latino straight candidate does not have roots or relationships with his own Latino community leaders and activists!

The new 9th District was supposedly cut up for another Latino district, (yea, which worked out just great – huh, Linda Perine) and I believe he would be a suitable candidate there.

Yes, we need to always have representation and a voice on our City Council and the 3rd District is our only hope. Right now it seems most of the GLBT leaders, activists, business people, etc. are lining up behind Stephen Whitburn.

But with this new drawn map, the 3rd District is different, with now downtown added (thanks again, Linda) and the Republican downtown establishment is looking for their own candidate.

Our community does not need another Gloria/Whitburn battle. We need to unite behind one candidate if we’re going to keep this seat.

By the way, Todd Gloria is not supporting his council aide’s campaign.

Lunch with Nathan Fletcher

Last week, I had lunch with state Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, who many hoped would have been one of the final candidates for mayor. Fletcher is still very popular in San Diego and everyone agrees he has a very bright future ahead of him.

Elaine Graybill, Nicole and AIDS Walk San Diego founder Susan Jester

While Nathan Fletcher may remain as an Independent for now, I believe he will become a Democrat in the near future, as I urged him to at our first meeting years ago.

One thing I know positively is that he will not be endorsing Carl DeMaio for any office … period. This handsome, young ex-Marine is super-intelligent and remains one of our city’s most popular figures and still wants to be a public servant for all citizens.

During his campaign, Nathan and his family received countless emails and letters from right-wing bigots that were very ugly and nasty over Nathan Fletcher’s support of full equality and rights for GLBT Americans.

I and many others look forward to a future run for public office by Nathan. Right now he is spending more quality time with his two little boys.

Glam Fest: Oct. 21

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 21 for fabulous Fi Fi’s Glam Fest III at Lips. It’s always a sell-out and all for the Autism Society of San Diego. Your co-hosts are Jim Christiansen and Big Mike. Show time is 8 p.m. and this includes an appetizer buffet. For more info: 619-295-7900.

Drag Queen Rummage Sale: Oct. 17

On the subject of fabulous drag, there is going to be a big rummage sale Wednesday, Oct. 17 at The Center. Just in time for Halloween, some of San Diego’s most popular drag divas will be selling their goods, and I mean some unbelievable stuff! Part of the proceeds will go to The Center. If you are an interested drag queen who wants to sell her stuff or for further info: Erika 619-808-9529. And yes, I’ll be selling some of my stuff, too!

2012 AIDS Walk rocked!

It was a bright and early Sunday morning when the founder of San Diego AIDS Walk, yes Republican and lesbian Susan Jester, picked me up to go to AIDS Walk in Balboa Park. Susan and I remembered the first years and how small it was then to what it has become now.

And all credit goes to our outstanding LGBT Center, staff and volunteers. Thank you all and you’re the best!

Yet another drug overdose

(L-R) Nick Moede of Rich’s/Numbers; Chris Shaw of Mo’s, Baja Betty’s and Gossip Grill; and Michael Weiss of Bourbon Street/Lei Lounge

Recently, another young, popular, gay bartender overdosed and died of drugs. This problem is still a major one in our community and has been taking more young lives than ever before.

Trust me: I know about drugs and I know the lifelong struggle it is for any alcoholic or drug addict. It’s a problem that many more in our community leadership should be addressing and putting more focus on.

Thank God we have the Alano Club, The Center and Stepping Stone. But you, yes you, can do your part by talking to friends you know have this problem and get them help. You just might save a life. Thank you.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Bob Filner and Chris Shaw

Well, I’m off to Canada this weekend (more on that in an upcoming column).

Just ugly

This has been one of the most ugly and negative mayoral races in our city’s history and no candidate for mayor has been so disliked or rejected by GLBT, Latino, African American and Asian leaders and voters as Carl DeMaio.

Disappointment, not anger should be aimed at Jerry Sanders

Many GLBT San Diegans are expressing their anger publicly and privately over Mayor Sanders’ endorsement of Carl DeMaio. I can understand great disappointment but not anger and not even dislike. We should all look at Jerry Sanders’ total record and life as a police chief, head of the United Way and Red Cross and mayor. He has always been there for us, the GLBT community. I cannot begin to tell you the pressure that the Republican Party and downtown millionaire establishment developers and the Tea Party, etc. are putting on Republican-elected officials … and, yes, the many threats. While I do not believe this is the reason Sanders endorsed DeMaio (I will keep that to myself) I have received calls from elected Republican officials who really hate Carl DeMaio and yet endorse him because of the pressure of the Republican Party, downtown establishment and those so afraid of having a mayor who is a progressive Democrat for the first time in decades. I also know that District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is under unbelievable pressure to endorse Carl DeMaio. Very big pressure from the conservative Republican establishment.

Because of your endless comments, calls, emails etc about Sanders’ endorsement I have decided that in next week’s San Diego LGBT Weekly I will give the real story about Mayor Sanders’ change of heart about “gay marriage.” A story I promised one of his top aides I would never reveal until he left office, but feel now is the time to remind you all why we love this man and his family. Look for this exclusive story in next week’s issue of LGBT Weekly.

Why I am not supporting Carl DeMaio for mayor

Yes, there was indeed a time when I would have supported Carl DeMaio for mayor. Yes, maybe even over Bob Filner. Many of you know that Carl and I, at one time, had such a very close relationship that he even called it like “mother and son.” We were so close that at times we talked ‘til 3 a.m. I was at his new home when he “cooked” his first dinner for a few of us that included Tom Blair and former Marine Sgt. Bob Lehman – it was awful and we laughed all night.

I helped decorate his new council office and gave him religious gifts and his first book on the life of Harvey Milk. Yes, at times, it seemed to the community that Carl and I were inseparable and many of you warned me that he was “using” me as I helped him come out of the closet before he ran for City Council and introduced him to our GLBT community, its leaders, organizations and “mentor” him.

I remember, one time, I told Carl what a “big basket” this guy had at a bar we were at and Carl didn’t even know what “basket” meant! I took Carl to his first Center gala dinner, children’s toy drive and Easter egg hunt. Yes, I loved him like a son and, believe it or not, one cannot have had such a close relationship without your heart still having a little piece still there.

Carl was a very lonely gay man and wanted a relationship so very badly. I met some of his lovers and “flings” and many just used him. I wanted so very much for Carl to find true happiness. At times, Carl wanted to “write off” and leave our community and never come back to Hillcrest and I would talk him out of it, because many liberal gay Democrats treated him like “sh-t.” Many of you know that I defended Carl DeMaio in this very column for years and, in fact, stopped dead in its tracks a tenth floor City Council rumor that was spreading all over the place that Carl was allegedly involved in some kind of sexual act. To me, it was an ugly situation and I intervened and put an end to it quickly.

Carl was very honest and told many of us, even before he ran for City Council that he was aiming to become mayor, and this was his main goal.

The Carl DeMaio I knew is not the Carl DeMaio of today. He has sold his soul in his effort to achieve this office. Many of you have written to me and said that I must be a really “old dumb queen” not to see that Carl used and played me.

At this time, I have decided not to grant that interview to tell the complete story on the Carl DeMaio that I know, but I feel I owe you, my community, an explanation of our past relationship and an answer to your endless questions.

You see, all my life I have been like a “mother” and “mentored” gay leaders like, Russell Roybal, Susan Jester, Tony Zampella, Todd Gloria, Joseph Rocha, Big Mike and many, many more.

Some say that Carl DeMaio used both the conservative Republican establishment and the GLBT community, telling some in Hillcrest that we should wait and see when he becomes mayor that he will marry his lover, Johnathan Hale on the steps of City Hall and take a bold stand against the Boy Scouts anti-gay position and that he will advocate the gay agenda after he becomes mayor. Then he tells the radical right and Tea Party people and his fellow millionaires that he will not take a stand on “social or gay-rights issues.”

I am not supporting Carl DeMaio because we … San Diego does not know who this man really is. He has two political and social issue faces and is doing anything and everything he can to win. Also, the facts are that Carl DeMaio and Johnathan Hale will be the Ronald and Nancy Reagan of San Diego and we all know that Johnathan has a lot of influence and control over Carl. And Hale is a very mean-spirited and evil man.

This is Carl DeMaio’s real first love and relationship and we all know how our “first loves” make us blind to anything negative about them.

Carl DeMaio has only been in San Diego for about 7 years and he has always had an agenda for power and influence and, sad to say, my “son” has become like that child in the movie The Bad Seed. He has lied and used us all and may indeed have the last laugh as the citizens of San Diego do not know the real Carl DeMaio and his psycho, drama queen lover Johnathan Hale that we, his community and his “mother-mentor” knows.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Don’t miss Nikno’s Going Away Party this Saturday at Rich’s

Yes; at times, I have to use a cane to get around. I also sometimes use a broomstick to fly around. Any more endless questions I can answer for you, my darlings?

Police and movie: End of Watch

Everyone should see the movie, End of Watch. That’s not because last week it was the No. 1 film at the box office, but because it is the most outstanding police movie based on reality ever made. Trust me, you will laugh, cry and get very angry and give deserved appreciation to our police forces more – especially those who patrol dangerous neighborhoods.

I think most of us don’t really think about police and their families. Yes, there are some “bad apples.” And, I am not too happy about how an SDPD captain’s son was to be given special treatment, but looking at things from the perspective of someone who lived through the times of hostile police forces during the 1970s, we now have the best police chief in Bill Landsdowne and police force in our city’s history. They deserve higher salaries. Carl DeMaio has a long record of not supporting our police force. In fact, the president of the Police Officers Association blasted DeMaio for Tweeting during a slain officer’s funeral service.

During the primary, Carl DeMaio would not commit to rehire Chief Landsdowne (even D.A. Bonnie Dumanis did). That was just another slap at our communities.

The GLBT community raised money for the police memorial downtown, and has given to the Police Widows Fund. See the movie End of Watch and you will understand why.

This is our 27th, not 23rd AIDS Walk

When AIDS first came about, people thought you could get it by touching and kissing; that it was in the air as there was even talk about putting AIDS patients in special camps (like Cuba). It was in this dark and fearful atmosphere that Susan Jester founded our city’s first AIDS Walk, “Walk for Life!” No community in the U.S. would use the word AIDS within the title. People were too afraid. Some would not even write the word AIDS on their donation checks. I know this as the founder of AIDS Assistance Fund and from my experience sitting on the Regional Task Force on AIDS (appointed by Mayor Susan Golding).

Why does not AIDS Walk San Diego at least acknowledge this history and early “Walk” executive directors, Gary Reese and Albert Bell (both of whom died of AIDS)?

Last year, Dr. Delores Jacobs and The Center honored, for the first time, AIDS Walk founder, Susan Jester, an act that touched many of our hearts. But let us not forget or change our history. Let’s remember those upon whose shoulders we stand … Put an article in your annual program.

People, politics and opinions

Well, I’m glad I spent about a week in Washington, D.C. And I would like to sincerely thank the so many of you who let the Victory Fund hear your voices. The refusal of this highly respected civil rights GLBT organization to endorse Carl DeMaio for mayor is a huge setback, especially since DeMaio and his lover, Johnathan Hale heavily lobbied for the Victory Fund’s endorsement.

Meanwhile, the local Log Cabin Republican Club, which endorsed Nathan Fletcher in the primary, has also refused to endorse DeMaio.

Jeff Wickland of Omar’s Consignment gave me this copy of “Gay Bob,” one of only 1,000. Gay Bob was the first gay doll ever made (New York, 1977). I will be donating it to the Lambda Archives.

Military veteran and current San Diego Pride co-chair, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, who lives in the new 9th Council District, is on a short list of future candidates in this heavily Latino district. Stephen Whitburn continues to gain more financial support and endorsements for his for the 3rd District council seat.

Allan Spyere is the new interim president of the Imperial Court de San Diego. Word is that Commissioner Stampp Corbin (publisher of San Diego LGBT Weekly) could become the next chair of the city’s Equal Opportunity Commission.

I will be heading to our state capitol and among conversations I’ll be having is one about the governor appointing a GLBT judge. I was disappointed to see the big U-T commentary by Bonnie Dumanis against Prop. 34. I say yes on Prop. 34, which would end the death penalty.

Remember, DNA evidence has released hundreds of innocent “murderers” from death row. Besides, it costs more to keep prisoners on death row than it does in the general population.

Social justice activist and popular military veteran, Joseph Rocha is moving to Michigan to become director of a grassroots nonprofit agency.

Stuart Milk will be in San Diego Friday, Sept. 28 to endorse Congressman Bob Filner for mayor.

World Alzheimer’s Day passed last week. My father died of this horrific and crippling disease … we never came to an understanding and acceptance of my homosexuality.

Well, you read it here first. I do agree with Carl DeMaio’s recent stand on compassionate medical marijuana use, as it has gotten out of hand. Let’s help those with cancer, AIDS, etc., who really need it. But I also stick to my position that the voters should make a decision and support the legalization of marijuana – period.

I attended the reception of the League of California Cities’ GLBT Local Officials Caucus. It was great to see that my long-time friend, Councilman Greg Pettis is still chair. It was good to see the cofounder, our very own former Coronado City Councilman Frank Tierney rightfully honored. We love you Frank!

Bourbon St. and Lei co-owner, Michael Weiss recently received a big civic appointment from the district attorney of Philadelphia. Congratulations.

About John Travolta

Well girlfriends, I was recently at a posh party in Beverly Hills with some “A-list” gays and power brokers. I’m so poor; I should have been hired to be some of the help! Anyway, I met this guy who I would say definitely dated John Travolta … These rumors started decades ago and have endlessly been printed in many magazines, (starting with that infamous masseur call boy and his pictures). When these rumors started in the late 1970s, Travolta immediately got married and joined Scientology. Allegedly, Travolta is a bad bedmate and pretty kinky – this according to the guy, who I believe, who told me he dated the actor. Well, I believe Travolta may be bisexual. When will he stand up and help his GLBT community?

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

U.S. Armed Forces personnel in Washington, D.C. stage show of support for naming a naval vessel, U.S.S. Harvey Milk

Well, I just got through what must be my 1,000th trip to Washington, D.C. in these last four decades.

The Victory Fund and Carl DeMaio

The Victory Fund, headquartered in Washington, D.C., endorses and financially supports GLBT candidates across the country. I am a proud founding member of this most outstanding and important organization.

In 1961, World War II veteran Jose Julio Saria became the first openly-gay candidate to run for office and I will be speaking at his 90th birthday banquet, Dec. 8, in San Francisco.

Now, there are more than 500 elected GLBT officials and the Victory Fund has played a major role in this empowerment of our community. I can say that probably never in the history of the Victory Fund have they faced such a highly controversial and explosive decision as to endorse or not to endorse Carl DeMaio for mayor. I have had discussions with its board of directors and executive director and they have received a lot of communication from very prominent and respected San Diego leaders NOT to endorse DeMaio. It’s interesting that all the GLBT “establishment” in our nation’s capital know how disliked and non-supportive DeMaio is in his own community – from him being booed at GLBT Pride and other events; anti-AIDS needle exchange vote to his statement that he will not follow in popular Mayor Sander’s footsteps on social issues, to his spending millions of his money on campaigns, but no major contributions to GLBT and AIDS organizations.

The HRC made the wrong endorsement years ago and as a past HRC national boardmember I warned them it would cost them dearly, and indeed, it took more than two decades for San Diego to once again support an HRC presence in San Diego.

DeMaio wants gay money badly, but does not want to “lead” when it comes to our gay civil rights issues.

A very respected San Diegan said it best recently, “Carl DeMaio is just a ‘homosexual’ while Kehoe, Atkins, Dumanis, Gloria, Beiser are all proud GLBT citizens.”

Six days in Washington, D.C.

The Marriott Hotel hosted me for a very hectic schedule of meetings and speeches. Everywhere I went GLBT leaders talked about our Harvey Milk Street naming and our campaigns for a Harvey Milk U.S. postage stamp and naval ship naming.

We have a lot to be proud of in San Diego and recently the state Senate and state Assembly passed official state resolutions in support (thank you to authors Kehoe and Atkins and, yes, Nathan Fletcher gave his full support.)

I was given a tour of the unbelievably massive estate of the late billionaire Marjorie Merriweather Post. It’s now called the Hillwoods Estate Museum and Gardens. (Yes, the Post cereal company family.)

Her third husband was the U.S. ambassador to Russia during the 1930s and thus to the royal court of the Czars. Trust me, this estate is a true palace and among the notable art collection are 80 Fabergé objects including two imperial Fabergé eggs!

While I was attending meetings in Washington, D.C. the arch-conservative, anti-gay Values Voter Summit was being held blocks away.

By the way, I had the best steak and crab in the world at Bobby Van’s Grill. And, young actor-activist Wilson Cruz, who hosted the recent Equality California San Diego dinner, was just hired by GLAAD.

I was very honored to be the recipient of the first annual Dr. Frank Kameny civil rights award and the Victory Fund received the international award at the same fundraising gala dinner. (Commissioner Robert Gleason and Executive Director Chuck Wolfe accepted the honor.)

Dr. Kameny’s home was recently made a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. government – a fitting tribute to this gay rights icon from the 1950s.

I also received a handsome Emperor Napoleon “general’s hat” because the way I chair meetings … hmm!

My most sincere appreciation to the businessmen and gay leaders in Washington, D.C. who hosted me and, yes, I stopped by Secrets – the all-nude male dancers club – and I did not leave ‘til 3 a.m. Lucky me, I know the general manager! I will be returning to our nation’s capital again next month along with upcoming speaking engagements in Portland, Hawaii, Seattle, San Francisco and Toronto, Canada.

Stuart Milk to endorse Bob Filner

Global GLBT rights activist, Stuart Milk, and other prominent civil rights activists will be in San Diego for an event Friday Sept. 28, at which Milk will endorse Rep. Bob Filner for San Diego mayor. LGBT Weekly will have an exclusive interview with Milk about what made him decide to endorse Filner.

Chris Ward for state Assembly

As I’ve often said, we must be ready and plan for future elections. When popular Assemblywoman Toni Atkins is re-elected in November, GLBT San Diegans will be looking for someone to succeed her and everyone is urging Chris Ward (chief of staff to Assemblyman Marty Block) to become a candidate. Ward has an outstanding record of public service and civic involvement. We recently had lunch and when I asked him about a possible run for the Assembly he acknowledged Democratic leaders and San Diego community leaders are urging him to run, but that he respects Atkins and will wait ‘til her election is over to make any comments … I say Ward in 2016!

September: national suicide prevention month

September is national suicide prevention month in the USA. We, all of us, should take this rising rate of attempted and death by suicide most seriously.

Just in our military, affected by more than a decade of war, it has resulted in an unprecedented rate of suicides.

GLBT suicides are high, especially among youth.

Did you know that 42 percent of GLBT youth nationwide state that their community is not accepting of them.

Seventy percent of GLB youth in Utah alone feel this way.

Our alcohol and drug problems have also resulted in suicides, as well as the loss of jobs, homes etc.

Indeed, I have written about this before and I urge you to check out your friends … ask questions … take more notice of their problems and moods. In San Diego alone we have seen more frequent GLBT suicides … let’s watch over and reach out to each other. Be more sensitive. You could, just by caring, save a friend’s life. Thank you for listening.

Nick Moede moving to New York

One of our community’s most popular and respected businessmen, Nick Moede of Rich’s and Numbers fame, will be moving to New York in a few weeks to pursue a music production career.

He will have residences both in New York and San Diego, but will be living most of the time in New York.

An award-winning DJ/VJ, Nick is one of the most generous and giving-back persons to any and all important causes and organizations in San Diego.

A going-away party for Nick will be held Sept. 29 at Rich’s. I’m sure it will be a mob scene!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

A headstone in the “gay section” of Anchorage Community Memorial Cemetery

I’m in town for about a week, and then I’m off on another trip to Washington, D.C. While I was gone I heard almost $6,000 was raised for Being Alive at this past Sunday’s pool party.

“Conversations with Nicole” going live on the Internet!

Yes you read right. I am working with some producers to do a weekly live show on the Internet: A 45-minute Conversation with Nicole will cover everything from politics, gossip, interviews to scandals and, of course, my opinions on many subjects. Keep your eyes on thatssogaylive.com for my premier show … and fasten your seat belts because it’s going to be a very bumpy ride!

Six days in Alaska

The 1970s were the last time I was in Anchorage, Alaska and I returned for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of its GLBT community and first organizations. There are about two gay bars in Anchorage and Mad Myrna’s is No. 1. Phyllis Rhodes, who is the executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage, gave me a tour of this wonderful place. I also got a tour of the “gay section” of the Anchorage Community Memorial Cemetery where many GLBT citizens are buried and rest in peace together. (I love this idea). Let me tell you, I gained at least 10 more pounds eating all this great and endless seafood. Yes, it was the usual speeches, meetings, receptions, including one fun outrageous “roast”, which ended up with me being a target. But I truly got back at them when it was my turn. Probably my biggest honor was when I gave some awards out to former Sen. Arliss Sturgulewski (who was also a Republican candidate for governor in 1986 and 1990) and former assemblymember and NAACP leader Elvi Gray-Jackson. Both these straight former elected officials were staunch supporters and allies when it came to GLBT civil rights. As usual, I had a busy schedule but I did stop by the Holy Family Cathedral of Archbishop Roger Schwietz and I must say it was the most plain and simple looking Catholic cathedral I’ve ever seen. I was the guest of businessman Kevin Majors, Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Paula Butner and the GLBT community. Boy, did I come home with a lot of gifts: Honorary Alaskan citizen, big beautifully made rainbow quilt, a Russian military hat, a fox fur, salmon and a private part of a walrus among other things …

What has the Republican Party become?

As I tuned in for three days of the 2012 Republican Convention it struck me on how the entire convention and delegates were almost 100 percent white and older. The Republican Party does not reflect our changing nation and its rich diversity. Their anti-choice, anti-Planned Parenthood, anti-gay marriage stand is not the voice of the majority of Americans. Their vice presidential nominee Congressman Paul Ryan is a Tea Party radical who wants to bring back Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has taken stands not allowing women who have been raped to be given a “choice” when it comes to their very own body. Yet they say Ryan is the future of the Republican Party. In fact, CNN reported that some Republicans on the convention floor had to be removed when they threw peanuts at a black person saying: “This is how we feed animals.” The Republican Party is totally against almost any new gun laws and has no compassion for undocumented low-paid farm workers. The Republican Party is now in the hands and leadership of the extreme radical Christian right and the Tea Party. This is the Republican Party that mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio has committed to, been endorsed by and, yes, Carl DeMaio has stood with and supported its candidate, Mitt Romney, on the same stage – proudly. Think about it.

Lambda Archives gala: Friday, Sept. 7

This coming Friday is the 25th anniversary of the Lambda Archives of San Diego and the gala event will be held at MCRD, San Diego. Yes, the first GLBT event held on a military installation. In many ways we have been losing our history here in our GLBT community and the Lambda Archives has been struggling for years to preserve and archive it without major support from our community. Let’s please support the Archives. For more information: 619-260-1522 or info@lambdaarchives.org

Allan Spyere deserves all the credit!

Many of you have reached out to say that the 37th annual Nicky Awards were one of the best yet. But trust me; all credit should go to Allan Spyere, who is totally responsible for all its success.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Carl DeMaio with his then “mother and mentor” Empress Nicole

Well I’m off to the airport for another speaking engagement … this time in Alaska! Don’t forget the “Diving for Being Alive” benefit this Sunday, Sept. 2.

“The Carl DeMaio I know:”  yes or no?

Many media outlets, mostly straight and some gay have asked me for months to write or be interviewed about my past close relationship with Carl DeMaio, who once referred to me as his “mother and mentor.”

During the primary, I refused all media requests, but now, many GLBT leaders and activists are urging me to grant these interviews or write this article … I want your opinions: nmrsandiego@yahoo.com

EQCA event … the pride of San Diego

I’ve been to countless GLBT civil rights brunches, lunches, dinners, etc. But Saturday’s San Diego Equality California event, held at the breathtaking Rancho Santa Fe estate of Joyce Rowland and her partner Pam Morgan, was one of the best fundraisers ever. Great food, entertainment and the most fabulous silent auction.

“Fashion” was all over the place. Popular actor Wilson Cruz was emcee and was in top form. He should have his own TV comedy show! Congratulations to deserving honorees: Rev. Albert Ogle, Dr. Joel Trambley and San Diego School Superintendent Bill Kowba … as a past state president of Equality California, I’ve never been so proud of our hard-working and commtted San Diego EQCA board members; Joyce Rowland, Randy Clark, Susan Guinn and Scott Paine. It was great to see former state executive director, Geoff Kors, who I always lovingly called “the Elizabeth Birch of California.”

But a most sincere thank you to Joyce and Pam, who underwrote the entire cost of this gala dinner. Thank you for your kindness.

GLBT event raises more than $20K for Filner

The historic Bankers Hill home of City Commissioner Bruce Abrams was the site of a GLBT fundraiser for mayoral candidate, Congressman Bob Filner. More than $20,000 was raised at the $500-a-plate brunch. Among the VIPs in attendance were gay elected officials, such as Sen. Chris Kehoe, Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, Councilman Todd Gloria and School Board member Kevin Beiser. Councilman Todd Gloria gave the best speech, when he said, “I’ve worked closely with Bob Filner’s opponent for four years, and I’m not supporting him.”

A big bravo to this fundraiser’s main organizer, Commissioner Abrams. And, I was honored to be a cohost along with Doug Case and San Diego Democrats for Equality, as well as Linda Perine of the Victory Fund. (And a special thank you to the businessman who paid for my ticket!)

About Pete Wilson’s endorsement of Carl DeMaio …

Many of us will never forget that in the 1970s, when the police were raiding our bars and beating up gay people under what was then a reign of terror led by Police Chief Ray Hoppler, who was a racist, sexist and homophobe. A group of GLBT activists, including me, requested to meet with then mayor, Pete Wilson, who refused to meet with “homosexuals.” Pete Wilson was a homophobe, just like Charles LiMandri, Larry Stirling, Roger Hedgecock and Doug Manchester, who just gave more than $52,000 to the Republican Party and its platform of anti-marriage equality and anti-women’s choice policy positions. All of these right-wing archconservatives have endorsed and given money to Carl DeMaio, who has sold out and turned his back on his very own GLBT community.

Dinner with Bonnie Dumanis

At this past Sunday’s Nicky Awards, the district attorney of San Diego County, yes our very own Bonnie Dumanis got one of the loudest and longest cheers from the hundreds of people in the ballroom at the Marriott Mission Valley. Bonnie is one of the most respected public officials in the region. (No. 1 in almost all surveys.) And we of her GLBT community will always be proud of her. While most of our almost two-and-a-half-hour dinner-get-together at Lei Lounge was “off the record” she did tell me that I could stop all those rumors … she is not endorsing a candidate for mayor.

In memory of “Ran” and Kurt’s mom …

Ran O’Dell was not only a beautiful-looking man, but had a most beautiful soul … His eyes and smile would make anyone melt. But I loved his kindness and warmth. And, in my years of conversations with him, he never had anything bad to say about anyone. This past Monday’s “celebration of life” for Ran held at Martinis Above Fourth was classy, wonderful and joyful … just like Ran would have wanted it to be … he will be missed by many.

San Diego community activist and popular blogger, Kurt Cunningham’s mother, Lisa Cunningham also passed from our world this past weekend. I met this beautiful and classy mother many times and admired her unconditional love for her son and support for his community and friends. This most wonderful woman not only walked in our AIDS Walk, but gave donations to many GLBT causes and charities. Our hearts go out to Kurt , who is like a son to me.

… In memory of the mother of our Empress XXVII de San Diego Summer Meadows (aka Kurt Cunningham) The Imperial Court will donate all money they raise for AIDS Walk 2012 in memory of Lisa Cunningham … I will miss her wonderful Southern accent and seeing one of the most loving and beautiful bonds between a mother and her gay son. v

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Handing out school supplies at The Center

Congratulations to Big Mike Philips, who this past weekend marked his 24th anniversary of moving to San Diego from Texas … their loss; our gain.

Carl DeMaio and Johnathan Hale = Ronald and Nancy Reagan

The entire GLBT community laughed its head off when Carl DeMaio told the San Diego media that his lover, Johnathan Hale would “have nothing to do with my administration” if he wins the mayor’s race. (All polls show Bob Filner ahead of DeMaio.) Well, what plain bullshit and a whopper of a lie – because we all know that first gentleman of San Diego-hopeful, Johnathan Hale has made it very plain that he will be the Nancy Reagan of San Diego to DeMaio’s Ronald Reagan.

Hale has told people who they both will and will not welcome to City Hall (yes, a Nixon-like enemies list has been drawn up). Word is that Johnathan Hale and DeMaio are letting GLBT city commissioners know if they support Bob Filner, they will not be reappointed. (Sorry boys; my term is not up until 2016.)

Everyone knows that Johnathan Hale is bragging all over town about what clout he will have and use if he becomes San Diego’s next “first lady.” He has told some he will marry Johnathan Hale on the steps of City Hall if he wins, while he tells others he will not push any GLBT civil rights issues. Hell, that Johnathan Hale even left a recording on my home phone threatening to run a story on his media site accusing me of being a child molester! He, of course, backed down from this lie and tried to apologize. Johnathan Hale and Carl DeMaio don’t just live together; they plot together.

We are tired of DeMaio’s two faces and his lies. Oh, how he loves his fellow queers in Hillcrest and then denies us in Rancho Santa Fe. It’s only a matter of time until all San Diego will know what we know: If you elect Carl DeMaio, you will also be electing Johnathan Hale as “deputy mayor” along with his coveted title of “First Lady of San Diego.”

Dinner with Police Chief Lansdowne and the lily pond issue …

Last week, I had dinner with San Diego Police Chief William Landsdowne at Lei’s Lounge. The chief and I have become good friends since he and I were sworn into our city positions the same day in 2003 at City Hall. I am also the first chair of the police chief’s GLBT advisory board. While most of our dinner conversation was “off the record,” I can say that the chief and I agree that the recent “lily pond water fight” organized by Ken St. Pierre and supported by other gay activists, such as Benny Cartwright, started off as a fun event for a steamy hot night, with no planning or idea that hundreds of people would show up and cause more than $20,000 worth of damage to our beloved Balboa Park.

But vandalism did happen; and laws were broken. Those who did it will be held accountable and the police chief told me that his investigation will be complete in a few weeks, and then handed over to District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, who I will also be having dinner with this week.

As for Johnathan Hale’s involvement, the facts are that his media outlet and his and Carl DeMaio’s closest gay friends, campaign supporters and some of Hale’s staff were organizers and pushed the water fight event from the beginning. And, while I feel Hale was not directly involved, he should take responsibility for his media outlet’s cheerleading of this event and he and Carl should make a donation to help cover the damage done. As for those who are trying to portray Bob Filner as “gay-baiting,” Filner has a longer and stronger record of supporting the GLBT civil rights movement since the 1970s than DeMaio and Hale combined. But did I like the way Bob Filner handled this “Lilygate” issue? No – period.

HRC Dinner … the good and the bad

Though it was mistakenly stated last Saturday night that it was the first-ever Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner in San Diego (actually, it was the second one; the first was held in Coronado and then mayor, Susan Golding was a special guest speaker). But many of us were very happy to see an HRC dinner finally come back after almost two decades.

Sincere Congratulations to Victor Ravago, Lisa Mata, Dr. Joel Trambley and the entire hard-working committee and volunteers for their putting together this second dinner. But please do not try to erase the true history of HRC in San Diego and the leaders and the fellow hard workers of the first HRC dinner upon whose shoulders you all stand. I thought the food was fabulous and, as usual, Marine Sgt. Eric Alva gave a good speech. I also give kudos to Fred Sainz who in his speech praised his former mentors, Dr. Delores Jacobs and Jerry Sanders.

It was great to see Congressman Bob Filner and his stunning fiancee Bronwyn in attendance, along with state Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, Councilman Todd Gloria and School Board member Kevin Beiser, and of course Mayor Jerry Sanders and his lovely family. But please never hold this black tie event at the Hard Rock Hotel in the middle of a hot, steaming August on the night of a baseball game a few blocks away with no parking to be found, and the room at times as hot as a sauna.

Also, the Washington D.C. and National HRC presence was overpowering at our local dinner … but for many of us in San Diego, it was very upsetting to see former HRC national board member and the one person majorly responsible for bringing a strong HRC presence back to San Diego never even mentioned, much less recognized or presented with a very well deserved award or honor. Yes, we are talking about City Commissioner Stampp Corbin. I write all of this as a proud past founding HRC national board member and a strong supporter of HRC, since it was first established in Washington D.C. I look forward to the third HRC dinner next year.

More than 45 children get school supplies

A very big “thank you!” to all of the many of you who supported the annual Martini’s Above Fourth’s Christmas Wreath Auction and other benefits of the Imperial Court and LGBT Center’s Eddie Conlon/Queen Eddie Youth Fund that supports GLBT youth and students all year long.

This past weekend I stopped by The Center to help give badly-needed school supplies to more than 45 students, ranging from 5-14 years old. We also gave five young students some new school clothes. A big, big “thank you” to Jane and Frank of Family Matters, Caroline Ramos of The Center, Emperor Tom and Empress Ajax and the Imperial Court, Big Mike and Martinis Above Fourth.

Nicky Awards this Sunday, Aug. 26

Just follow the live red carpet show to the “Pavilion” of the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel, this coming Sunday, Aug. 26 for the 37th presentation of the Nicky Awards, one of San Diego’s most fun and Oscar Awards-like nights with everyone invited to attend.

The Nicky Awards program will begin at 7 p.m. sharp and producer Allan Spyere told me that this year’s winners will be allowed to say a few words … good change.

For more info or tickets, tables etc: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

Hopefully, there might be some tickets sold at the door!

Oh yes, there will be a “Best and Worst Dressed List” in next week’s issue of San Diego LGBT Weekly!

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

I will not comment on the Johnathan Hale Media-pushed “Balboa Park lily pond” vandalization incident until after my meeting with Police Chief Lansdowne and other city officials.

Next mayor and city council to be right-wing?

When I first arrived in San Diego in the early 1970s our city was controlled by a conservative right-wing mayor and City Council. We have come a long way these last decades where our city government has become more moderate and progressive. This coming November’s election will be the most important election in our city’s history. Will San Diego continue on its current progressive and diverse road or return to the control of a conservative right-wing Tea Party-supported mayor and City Council majority of white men who will not support marriage equality, the Boy Scout issue and other “social issues?” Carl DeMaio has made it clear that he will not follow Mayor Sanders’ leadership and stands on social issues and is supporting conservative Republican City Council candidates who think like him.

The election of Bob Filner for mayor and Sherri Lightener to the City Council should be the GLBT and other progressive and minority communities’ top priority. Filner and Lightener’s election will continue San Diego’s journey of becoming one of America’s most progressive, diverse and welcoming cities.

Shame on U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy

The recent American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) harsh criticism of local U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy’s continuing one-woman crusade against allowing medical marijuana dispensaries is right on target. Ms. Duffy, who is openly lesbian, should be especially understanding of how compassionate marijuana use has helped so many of her gay brothers who have HIV/AIDS and sisters who are suffering from cancer. Laura Duffy has turned her back on her own community in her continuing fanatically-obsessed destructive crusade against all medical marijuana dispensaries.

In my opinion, U.S. Attorney Duffy’s actions are shameful and a disgrace to her own GLBT community and all San Diegans and I thank the ACLU for its strong stand against Ms. Duffy. She needs to go … period.

Highest suicide rate in 23 years

As a city commissioner, I have received and read recently-issued official reports and statistics concerning the growing number of local suicides – now the highest in 23 years. Men still outnumber women more than 3 to 1 with 76 percent of local suicides committed by men last year. The economy, depression and drugs/alcohol problems are greatly responsible for this rise.

Let us all become more sensitive and supportive of our friends and take more seriously their depressions and reach out to them. Many are suffering and depressed over lost jobs and drug/alcohol problems. Take their moods and words more seriously; pay more attention to them and their problems; your concern, support and kindness could just well save a life. Thank you for listening.

“Diving for Being Alive:” Sept. 2

Please mark Sunday, Sept. 2 on your calendar as our biggest HIV/AIDS organization, Being Alive, need all of your help as it could close its doors because of government funding cuts. So, a great, fun and sexy summer pool party is being held at the beautiful estate of Mike and Billy Weiss, owners of Bourbon Street and Lei Lounge. There will be hot models, swimsuits, sexy mermaids and mermen, food and drinks at what promises to be the last and biggest pool party of the year. And you are all invited. For more info: Big Mike at 619-807-7324.

37th Nicky Awards next Sunday, Aug. 26

You are all invited to the “Gay Academy Awards of San Diego,” the 37th presentation of the Nicky Awards at the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel. It’s like being at the Oscars with outstanding entertainment, dancing, red carpet and, yes, gold statues being given out. The entire GLBT community, family, friends and allies are always welcomed and have a great time. For more info: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

Get your tickets and tables today as they’re selling like hot cakes!

A big “Thank you” to Tom Blair and Bill Hardt

San Diego’s most-read and popular columnist, Tom Blair, has left the Union-Tribune. Our city’s No. 1 writer for decades is already being sorely missed. His support of all of our community’s events and causes will always be appreciated. We should be proud that Tom Blair was “family” and a role model for all. San Diego’s No. 1 events promoter, Bill Hardt, as usual presented a gay non-profit organization a financial donation after his highly successful and popular Pride events. Bill has for decades quietly, but constantly, given back and supported his community.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Bob Filner and Nathan Fletcher

Well, I got onto a train to Los Angeles to get away from it all (and to see a heart specialist). I stayed at the estate of a world-renowned scientist: Dr. Danne Montague-King. He was a perfect host. But honestly; I slept most of the time.

Conversations with Nathan Fletcher and Tom Shepard

Not only is Bob Filner leading in the polls for mayor, but now comes word that popular Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher may well endorse him soon. And, the man who has been the campaign manager for at least four successful mayoral campaigns has joined the Filner campaign.

I talked to both men last week and Fletcher told me he wants to continue to serve the public any way he can, and will continue to be visible and active in our diverse city and its neighborhoods. He is spending more time with his two little boys and beautiful wife. Wherever he goes, the former Marine is always well received.

Tom Shepard turned 60 last week; so I called to wish him a happy birthday.

Shepard is one brilliant political strategist who has an outstanding record of running successful campaigns. Bob Filner is building a strong team of Independents, Republicans and Democrats to work to bring all San Diegans together.

Come out for Ben Gomez’ birthday party at Wang’s North Park Friday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m.

American and Rainbow Pride flag together?

Recently, I have had many veterans and gay and non-gay people tell me that they would like the American flag to fly with our rainbow flag in Hillcrest. I agree 100 percent! We are indeed America’s Finest City and we are proud of all of our military personnel and veterans.

There will soon be launched a major petition drive by veterans to get the Hillcrest Business Association to add the American flag to the rainbow flag, and they have my full support … I know about the hard work the committee did just to get the rainbow flag up and we are all proud of their dedication, but the American flag belongs with the rainbow Pride flag. Flying both together is the right thing to do.

Why Eden closed

Times have changed in the GLBT community as more people are using the Internet to meet and socialize than are going to bars and nightclubs. We have successful bars because they go out of their ways to have exciting and different and events and because they are friendly and welcoming to all. Sad to say, that both Universal and Eden had some attitude problems … that is a lot of their staff were cold and not friendly. Many bragged that they had the most elite club in town for “upper-class gays.” Also, both establishments’ restaurants’ food got pretty bad. It’s sad when any GLBT business closes, but sometimes it’s their own fault. Just down the street, Rich’s has been successful and popular for decades. But we do thank the owners or Eden for their financial contributions to GLBT causes.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Daniel Sanchez, Gordon Ramsay and Juan Carlos Ortega at Ortega’s

Well, my doctor made me cancel my Texas trip last weekend and so I got to enjoy some of our Pride, but the heat made a lot of participation impossible.

GLBTs boo, turn their backs on DeMaio

It was so noticeable that even the Union-Tribune, among other media, reported that people all along the Pride parade route booed or turned their backs on radical right-wing homophobe-backed gay Republican Tea Party favorite Carl DeMaio, who is in a run-off for mayor against Congressman Bob Filner – who received huge applause and cheers.

Never in the 37-year history of our parade has any candidate been booed (DeMaio was also booed at the flag raising rally). Word is DeMaio had to hire extra security. Wake up San Diego, as they say – who knows you better than your own community.

NABWMT and Bayard Rustin

Last week, City Councilman Todd Gloria and I had the honor of officially welcoming the national convention of the National Association of Black and White Men Together (NABWMT), one of our community’s oldest organizations for more than 3 decades with chapters in more than 30 cities. Everyone, and I mean everyone, should see this film or read the books on him.

During one of their events they showed the award-winning documentary Brother Outsider, the life of Bayard Rustin.

People, politics and opinions

Word is that about six San Diegans have applied to become the next state executive director of Equality California (And no, Delores Jacobs isn’t on of them.)

Linda Perine has recently moved into the 3rd District and rumor has it that she has illusions of running for City Council. Well, all I’ve got to say is I know and have worked with Chris Kehoe and Toni Atkins, and you, Linda, are certainly no Kehoe or Atkins.

Is it true that Carl DeMaio is letting some gay city commissioners know that if they support Bob Filner he will make sure they are no longer commissioners if he gets into office? (My city commission term ends in 2016.)

Look for Carl DeMaio to drop another million dollars of his own money into his campaign. He once told me he would blow up to $4 million of his money to win, and he sure wasn’t kidding.

Look for a future ceremony adding more people to our community’s Wall of Honor at The Center.

The event honoring Pioneers, Trailblazers and Heroes will be announced soon.

A young man, who weighs almost 300 pounds, won the Mr. Gay Pride San Diego contest, and I say, bravo to him!

Check out Vito, the documentary now playing about the life of gay icon Vito Russo.

Chef Ramsay loves Ortega’s

World-renowned and acclaimed popular chef, Gordon Ramsay, of Hell’s Kitchen fame is famous for going into restaurants and not liking the food and going off and yelling at everyone in the place telling them why their food is such a mess. Well recently, Chef Ramsay stopped by, unannounced, at the super-popular Ortega’s Mexican Bistro, 141 University Ave., and loved the place.

From the table-made guacamole to the enchiladas, chicken mole and Mexican-styled lobster … he even used such words as “brilliant, fantastic, delicious,” and thanked Ortega’s great owners, John and Juan, for such a fabulous meal and cooking.

Info: ortegasbistro.com

Big Mike’s dad dies

Two days ago, popular community activist and super personality Big Mike’s dad died peacefully in his sleep in Alabama. His loving dad was in his 90s, and lived a good solid Christian life.

Big Mike got his big heart, compassion and love for community and family from both his parents and our community is a better place because of him. Big Mike, you have all our love and prayers.

Nicky Awards specials end this week

The earlybird special ticket prices for the Nicky Awards end this week, so get yours today.

The 37th Nicky Awards are set for Aug. 26. More info: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member

of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Women leaders, Marty Emerald, Donna Frye, Chris Kehoe and Toni Atkins have endorsed Bob Filner

Sad to say, I’ll be out of town, because of a speaking engagement in Texas, but it’s looking like our biggest Pride ever.

San Diego’s first Pride march: 1974

Our nation’s first Prides were really marches, not parades. The late Jess Jessop and I had participated in Los Angeles’ first marches in the early 1970s and became friends with some of its founders, the late Morris Knight, Rev. Troy Perry and Pat Rocco. So in 1974, Jess Jessop, Atty. Tom Hommon (both who died of AIDS) and I went to the San Diego Police Department (I was in drag as I was then a pre-operative transsexual.) The Police Department refused to give us a permit and said, “There will never be a homosexual perverts march in downtown San Diego.”

It wasn’t ‘til 1976 that homosexual acts were legal in California. So we didn’t care and marched anyway, and it was our first Pride march with about 200 participants. Our first marches found people marching with paper bags over their faces: “the unknown gays.”

The major organizations first participating in our early 1970s marches were the MCC, Imperial Court, The Center, Dignity. The bars and Imperial Court shows raised the money to put on our first Pride events along with both houseowners and adult businesses.

We marched from downtown to Balboa Park and I was a speaker at our first rally in 1975 along with Rev. David Ferral, George Raya, Barbara Gittings and Alan Spear among others.

In the 1970s the police were very hostile to us during our parades, barely anyone lined the streets (most sidewalks were empty of people) and a lot of people and military did shout and curse at us along the march route. These were the days of Anita Bryant and John Brigg’s anti-homosexual hate campaigns. As a proud co-founder of San Diego Pride, I have lived to see us grow from 200 marchers in 1974 to almost 200,000 participants in 2012. We have come a long way and stand on the shoulders of many who are no longer with us. I’m blessed to still be alive to witness the growth, strength, political power of not only my GLBT community, but my Latino community. Viva Pride!

About booing Carl DeMaio

Many GLBT people have told me that they will boo mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio at the parade, rally, etc. The fact that Carl DeMaio is a gay right wing Conservative Republican, who has accepted the support and endorsements of almost every homophobic leader and Tea Party activist, and has stated he will not follow our current Mayor Sanders’ leadership role on “social issues” including gay marriages, has understandably made many GLBT community members angry. Some have told me that they are not only going to boo DeMaio, but throw a pie in his face or water balloons, etc. I want to make it very clear that I do not support any of these actions and feel the best thing to do is be silent when he passes by, or is introduced, if you’re that upset.

As you all know Carl DeMaio did not carry one GLBT voting precinct or Latino, or African American … not one!

Gavin Newsom, Nicole, Bob Filner

Every GLBT elected official and almost every major GLBT leader has endorsed Congressman Bob Filner for mayor, who is leading in the polls.

Yes, Carl DeMaio is indeed the “Mitt Romney of San Diego.” Millionaire DeMaio has poured millions of dollars into campaigns, but hardly a dime to charities and non-profits.

But, we will have a lot of out-of-towners at our Pride events, so let’s show them San Diego’s best sides. Thank you.

Harvey Milk St., Milk postage stamp and naval ship

Yes, San Diego is the very proud home of the very first Harvey Milk Street in the entire USA But we are also the home of the national campaigns to get the U.S Postal Service to issue a stamp in honor of Harvey Milk. The great news is that Harvey Milk is now being considered for a future U.S. stamp. San Diego is also the home of the national campaign to get the Navy to name a ship after Harvey.

It was Navy Lt. Harvey Milk who was stationed in San Diego during the 1950s. I met and worked with Harvey Milk in the 1970s and with the anti-Briggs statewide campaign. Now I serve as chair of the Harvey Milk Foundation’s International Advisory Board. For more information on how you can get involved in the two national campaigns for a Harvey Milk postage stamp or the Harvey Milk naval ship letter-writing campaigns: P.O. Box 33915, San Diego, CA 92163 or 619-692-1967 or glbthistorictaskforcesd.com

Lorena Gonzalez for state Assembly

There will be a state Assembly seat opening up in the near future in a heavy Latino San Diego district. Already, there is mounting pressure being put on the popular executive director of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Lorena Gonzalez to run for this seat. Already major Democratic officeholders and leaders are urging her to run, and I say go, Lorena, go! Last week, she was at my table for dinner at Lei Lounge along with City Councilman Todd Gloria, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, future City Council candidate Stephen Whitburn, Viejas Casino Tribal Councilmember Ruben Barret, F. St. Corp. CEO Mrs. Alma Vasic, Nicky Awards Producer Allan Spyere. We tried to get Lorena to comment on this and she kept her lips tight and said she was focusing on Bob Filner’s campaign and other campaigns at this time. Well, we still say go Lorena, go!

My plastic surgery nightmare

Really do check out all of your plastic surgeon’s background, as 50 years after one of my facial jobs I am having major serious problems, and it turns out that the top Beverly Hills surgeon I had 50 years ago was a fake! He has since died, but I found out that other of his patients also had problems. Of course, the worst part is that I’m still as ugly-looking as ever!

37th Nicky Awards: Aug. 26

Earlybird special price tickets/tables are already going for the upcoming “Gay Academy Awards of San Diego.” Yes, the Nicky Awards are our own golden “Oscars” event and will be held at the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel Sunday, Aug. 26. This 37th annual charity red carpet event promises to be spectacular! More info: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

Community activist Big Mike, County Supervisor Bruce Abrams and mayoral candidate Bob Filner

Summer is here and some of the best patios are at Bourbon Street, Pecs, #1 Fifth Ave., Babycakes, The Caliph, Gossip Grill and The Hole. Stop by and have a cold drink and enjoy their great outdoor patios.

AIDS Quilt coming to San Diego

Word is that the Names Project/AIDS Memorial Quilt may be coming back to San Diego, with panels to be displayed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.

My good long-time friend, Cleve Jones, founded the AIDS Quilt in the 1980s and he has traveled the world with it.

I was chairman of the committee that brought the AIDS Quilt to San Diego the first time; it was displayed at Golden Hall, downtown. Then county supervisor and future mayor, Susan Golding, played a big part in its presentation. Now it’s too huge to be displayed in its entirety, but panels continue to be sent around the world. San Diego’s first presentation of the AIDS Quilt was made possible by a $10,000 donation by the late Mr. Greg Vasic of F Street Corporation. For more information: 619-252-9711.

It’s Nicky Awards voting time

This week the nominees were officially announced for the 2012 Nicky Awards … the gay Academy Awards of San Diego. The Nicky Awards are one of the oldest GLBT community awards shows on the West Coast; founded in the early 1970s, the Nickys have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for countless non-profit agencies and charities. Allan Spyere is serving as chairman of the board of governors of the Nicky Awards for the third year; he promises some exciting changes and outstanding performances. The 37th annual Nicky Awards will be held Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Mission Valley. Get your tickets and tables early as there will be an early purchase price special, so that you can save some money.

You can start voting for the 2012 Nicky Awards starting July 15. For more information: 619-300-1232 or nickyawards.com

Congratulations to Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza

KPBS and Union Bank have announced this year’s “Local Heroes” honorees for this years GLBT Pride month. This is the second year that they have included our community and established GLBT honorees.

Congratulations to this year’s “2012 Local Heroes,” that being long-time activists (since the 1970s) Jeri Dilno and Larry Baza; and I am proud to say I nominated both of them.

Last year’s emcees for the 36th annual Nicky Awards, Allan Spyere and Lisa Sanders

New Lei Lounge is awesome

Last week, I got a sneak peek of the now-reopened and remodeled Lei Lounge, and it’s more awesome than ever.

The Weis brothers and managers gave me a tour; it’s not only beautiful, but I felt like I was in an aquarium or in the rainforest. The designers should be given an award for this great new-looking venue.

New look, new menu, new and former popular staff members … I predict this place will become a super-popular summer spot to eat, dance, drink and party. Welcome back Lei Lounge, and get ready for the return of your loyal fans and big crowds. Put this on the top of your must-check-out list.

Tijuana is safe; Club Fusion is over the top

Stuart Milk and I went to Tijuana to address a meeting of almost 100 GLBT Mexican leaders, and then to have him be given the honor of being the grand marshal of Tijuana Pride.

Let me tell you, that Tijuana is very safe for any American tourist; and as for Club Fusion, which is walking distance from the border; this club is wild, exotic and over the top. About a dozen nude dancers, private lap dancing rooms etc; I’ll be stopping by anytime I can.

Popular owner, Oswaldo Casares pulled out the red carpet for us and I will leave the names of my VIP guests anonymous.

For more info: clubfusion.mx or Facebook clubfusionmx

LGBT Weekly, its publisher and editor have no opinion or advice regarding the safety of Tijuana, Mexico as a tourist destination. –Ed.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com

I’ve been enjoying my stay in San Diego with lots of rest and catching up with friends. In a few weeks I’ll be off to Fort Worth, Texas, but I’m loving our San Diego; it’s good to be home for a while.

Mr. Luhnow, why GLBT over LGBT?

I was truly taken back, when I read the recent issue of the GSDBA’s monthly business newsmagazine. I have the highest respect for its executive director, Tom Luhnow, who has done an outstanding job in taking the GSDBA to the next level of professionalism with one of the largest memberships ever.

But, in Mr. Luhnow’s editorial page, he stated that he tried to get me to use LGBT instead of the now GLBT Historic Task Force of San Diego County. He said I would not budge. With all due respect, Mr. Luhnow, why haven’t you gotten your organization to change its tagline as, and I quote, “San Diego’s Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce” that you have used for decades. Since this is so important to you, have you ever tried to get your board to change this or have they, too, refused to “budge?”

Our nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization is still called “The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.” In the 1970s, the first civil rights organization was called the National Gay Rights Lobby. (I was elected to both national boards in Washington, D.C.)

I’ve been an activist, now, going on more than 45 years. First, we were “Homosexuals;” then, “Gay;” then “Gay and Lesbian;” then “Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender.”

I use GLBT because of its historic value. In your editorial, you never even mention that I explain this at our meeting and, in fact, one of our members, Susan Jester, founder of San Diego AIDS Walk and the first mayoral appointee, calls herself a “gay woman.” You say, Mr. Luhnow, that you have studies and data that prove your point. Well, there are many other studies and surveys that state a lot of our community just want to be called “Gay.” Some call themselves “Queer” and “Questioning.” There is no disrespect, in my usually using “GLBT.” It’s my personal choice, and I respect others’ different choices. You, sir, have portrayed me in a false light and get your own organization to change its name before you start preaching to others.

To me, we are one family and the GLBT Historic Society will continue to do its work in preserving our community’s place as other communities do. Thank you.

Why did Carl DeMaio lose the gay, Latino and black vote?

The saying goes, “Who knows you better than your own community.” Well, Carl DeMaio lost the vote of every gay, Latino and African American. In newspaper article after newspaper article, DeMaio has been called, and I quote, “Divisive, liar, psycho, bully, etc, etc.”

Even our popular mayor, Jerry Sanders, has stated that Carl DeMaio is “all bullshit.” Every GLBT elected official has refused to endorse DeMaio.

But, Carl DeMaio did carry 80 percent of the Tea Party voters and 90 percent of the radical religious right-wing.

What’s wrong with this picture? A vast majority of our GLBT leaders, including Todd Gloria, Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins, etc have endorsed Bob Filner for mayor. Why? Because, as president of the school board, Filner brought people together; just as he did as deputy mayor of San Diego and as chairman and now ranking member of the Congressional Veterans Committee.

Some people have told me, they feel that it’s a race between Mussolini and Richard Daley. Well, we need a mayor who will bring us together and will be a mayor for all San Diegans.

Carl DeMaio has poured millions of dollars these last few years on politics and ran some of the ugliest and most negative ads ever. Carl DeMaio is Mitt Romney. Do your homework before you vote.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Well, I’ve been grounded again for a month; so, I’ve canceled all my out-of-state traveling. Now maybe, I can enjoy our community and its many events.

Cheering your parents/family relationships

Every Father’s Day has very mixed emotions for me. Coming from a very Latino, Catholic, conservative family my parents were not happy, at all, with my being gay.

My father died before we could even really sit down and have a conversation. Our relationship was a very cold, distant one and I can never ever forget how he physically beat my mother up and how, at times, I would try to step in between them as a then-little boy.

When my very religious grandparents found out I was gay they would hardly ever acknowledge me again.

My father did teach me about history, politics and community involvement and that part of what I am today is because of his politics and interest.

My family was never warm or close. My mother and I love each other and she has accepted my gay activism – she even rode with me as grand marshal of Pride’s 30th anniversary parade – but we are not as close as we should be. I love her deeply and I know she does me.

As for my only brother; we really have no relationship and he can’t be bothered with me. I have much closer love with my friends and “gay family,” which I’ve made throughout these decades.

Yes, the cold, hard facts are that I don’t, and never have had a relationship with most of my family.

The reason I write about this today is to tell those of you who have accepting parents or relatives that you are truly blessed, and be grateful and cherish them. I have had many friends go to their grave without any family caring or reaching out to them.

My friends, don’t ever take your accepting and loving parents for granted as there are so many of your GLBT brothers and sisters who will never in their life feel that unconditional love and acceptance. Know that you are truly blessed.

Art & Soul this Saturday, June 23

Being Alive, San Diego’s largest HIV-AIDS agency is holding its annual gala benefit this Saturday, June 23 at the Sunset Temple, 6-9 p.m.

Being Alive has helped thousands of people living with HIV-AIDS. It is one of our most outstanding and respected AIDS agencies. Please support them. Info: 619-291-1400.

National Milk ship campaign launched

(L-R) Nicole Murray Ramirez, West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang and Stuart Milk

A national letter writing campaign has been launched to get the U.S. Navy Dept. to name a vessel after civil rights icon Harvey Milk.

Recently announced honorary chairs of the campaign were Iraq war veteran Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Zoe Dunning, Congressman Bob Filner, ranking member of the Congressional Veterans Affairs and Stuart Milk, president of the Harvey Milk Foundation. So please, get your family and friends from all over the country to write to Hon. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, 1000 Navy Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20350-1000.

The GLBT Historic Task Force is involved in this national campaign. More information: 619-692-1967.

HRC dinner: Aug. 18

San Diego will be host to a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner, Aug. 18 at the fabulous Hard Rock Hotel.

The HRC is one of the most influential and powerful GLBT organizations in Washington, D.C. and has been an important voice for all GLBT Americans.

As a past HRC national board member I am glad to see San Diego joining other major cities in hosting an HRC dinner. For more information: 619-857-3931 and 619-886-7977.

About plastic surgery/silicone

It’s no secret that I have had more plastic surgery done than Joan Rivers and I’m still looking ugly!

Well, more than 50 years after one of these surgeries, by a then-top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, I’ve begun to have major problems and had to go to the hospital and it’s continuing. It turns out; this top plastic surgeon was a quack and had no diploma or anything.

My advice to those thinking about plastic surgery is to make a serious background check on your doctors’ and never put silicone in your body. Period.

Stuart Milk to be Tijuana Pride grand marshal: June 23

Global human rights advocate Stuart Milk will be in Tijuana, Mexico next Saturday, June 23 as their honorary Pride grand marshal. Milk will be holding meetings with Mexican GLBT civil rights leaders, government officials and AIDS-HIV agencies.

Recently human rights icon Bishop Desmond Tutu of Africa hailed Stuart Milk as the only American gay rights leader doing global work and giving hope to countless thousands of people around the world, receiving many death threats from radical right wing and fascist groups. Carolina Ramos and I will be going to Tijuana, June 23, with Stuart Milk.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Gavin Newsome, Nicole and Bob Filner

The first mayoral poll came out this week and its Filner ahead by four points over DeMaio. While this will be long campaign, never have I witnessed a mayoral candidate so disliked and divisive as Carl DeMaio.

Prominent national minority leaders to endorse Bob Filner

Leaders and activists from the Latino, African American, Native American, Asian and GLBT communities are organizing and getting together to endorse and support Bob Filner for mayor.

Many San Diegans have been getting calls from some very respected and prominent civil rights leaders who are planning to endorse longtime civil rights leader Bob Filner for mayor … some even willing to come to San Diego and get their communities involved. Recently more than a hundred San Diego Latinos formed a group called “Latinos Against DeMaio.” Two very respected national gay leaders called me within 24 hours of the primary to inform me that they are very concerned about DeMaio’s right wing agenda and will endorse Filner.

Low-key campaigns for District 3 beginning

Councilman Todd Gloria’s re-election without opposition proves how popular and pleased people are with his tireless work ethic. But many in the new-drawn 3rd District are concerned about who will follow him into this office.

Out of respect to Gloria’s final four years low-key campaigns have already begun by some and there are already some frontrunners.

Hell, Todd and I were talking about his run for office six years before he announced!

Currently, the name most mentioned is Stephen Whitburn, who is definitely one of the very early frontrunners.

Now comes word that some business people are urging Dr. Joel Trambley to run for the City Council. Dr. Trambley is a city commissioner (nominated by Todd Gloria and approved by Mayor Sanders and the City Council.)

Friends of Trambley tell me he is, indeed, giving a look at a City Council race.

Another top name being mentioned is former Republican, now Independent and a strong Fletcher backer, Andrew Poat who is well-connected with the newly-added downtown business establishment. Word is also Todd Gloria would like to see one of his top aides succeed him.

My advice to Todd, as I told Toni Atkins, (and she did) is to stay out of a rough primary fight.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Look out for a battle of battles for our next mayor. Right wing conservative Carl DeMaio vs. progressive Bob Filner. You have to give it to DeMaio, as he was talking about running for mayor to many of us even before he ran for City Council.

Bob Filner has served our city on the board of education, City Council, deputy mayor and Congress, and obviously is the most experienced candidate during these difficult times. Even Carl DeMaio himself, said yesterday on NBC 6 a.m. news that he had “great respect for Bob Filner’s work ethic” and that Filner was a very “genuine” person. DeMaio led Filner in the primary by only two points in a crowded field, and as history shows the winner of the past three primaries has gone on to lose the November election. The GLBT community is, and should be concerned, especially after the strong leadership of Mayor Jerry Sanders when it comes to gay marriage and other social justice issues. DeMaio says he will not get involved in these civil rights issues, while Filner says he will.

Carl DeMaio stated that he will reach out to those who did not support him and try to bring San Diegans closer together, though he has a more divisive reputation. Meanwhile Bob Filner stated he will run a focused campaign – and be a gentleman. We will all be watching.

Many of us in the GLBT community are very concerned about a nasty, negative and ugly campaign. Already there is talk about a “recall” campaign if DeMaio wins and these “discussions” that were held even before this primary are dead serious … as I was invited to them, though I did not go. Both Carl and Bob were true “gentlemen” on yesterdays NBC news show. Let’s all pray that it continues.

Thank you Bonnie and Nathan

I agree with yesterdays Union Tribune editorial: “We’re happy Bonnie Dumanis still serves the public trust as district attorney.” Dumanis has been the very best DA in the nation and will continue to be so. Nathan Fletcher is young and bright and has a great future ahead of him. Many of us would like to see him run for another office in the future and would support him. Thank you Bonnie and Nathan and God bless you and your families.

Primary election, etc

I’m happy that congressional candidate Juan Vargas, state Senate candidate Marty Block and state Assembly candidates Shirley Weber and Brian Maienchein, all of whom I endorsed, came in first in their primaries. As for the District 52 congressional race, well, it looks like Scott Peters bought with his millions of dollars a run-off spot. The people’s candidate Lori Saldana lost, which leaves us upset. I’ve supported Brian Bilbray in the past and may do so again. My longtime friend Steve Danon came in first for supervisor with Dave Roberts coming in a very close second. Hooray for Mary Salas, coming out a very strong first for Chula Vista City Council. We must all make Sheri Lightner’s city council race a no. 1 priority, period. Will Todd Gloria’s next step be the state Assembly or Congress? Well, I’ve been getting phone calls by the dozen from candidates (some who I did not support) and will be meeting with many.

Nickyawards.com

Get your nominations in for the 37th annual Nicky Awards 2012 categories at nickyawards.com. “San Diego’s gay Academy Awards” have been set for Aug. 26. Check out some of the new categories and get your tickets and tables early as they are always a sell-out. Further info: 619-300-1232.

It’s true; I’m back after weeks in and out of hospitals; extensive travel; finding out that, after 50 years, some of my plastic surgery is shifting (a story in itself – stay tuned). Still, some days I’m in great shape; and other times I need to use a cane. Well, this golden girl is just trying to live every day as it comes. I thank so many of you for your concerns, emails, cards, calls, etc., etc.

As for you who have made voodoo dolls of me; you’re going to need a hell of a lot more pins, my darling fans.

The mayor’s race

As many of you know, I’ve had the honor to have served the last five mayors of San Diego and will be serving the next one, whomever he or she may be (my commission term does not end until 2016). I have not officially endorsed a candidate because of my friendship with three of them. I have helped all three when, separately, they asked.

For me, this has been a most difficult and painful campaign, as I’ve seen my friends attack each other in some ways that have crossed the line. This will indeed go down in history as our city’s most dirty and ugly campaign ever. Congressman Bob Filner is a longtime friend and champion of our community since the 1970s. If you look up the terms “civil rights,” you’d probably find his picture next to the definition.

But many do have concerns about Filner’s most relaxed, low-key, low-budget, low-energy campaign. Still Filner would be the most progressive mayor our city has ever had. Yes, I love and respect the man, though he drives me crazy.

Bonnie Dumanis cleaned up the district attorney’s office after a decade of controversy and corruption. She is a combination of Hillary Clinton and Margaret Thatcher. She would make a tough, get-the-job-done mayor if she is elected. She is indeed our own Iron Lady. I’ve become very close to her these last decades and love her like a daughter. If she were to be elected as our city’s first lesbian mayor, we could all be proud. She isn’t a politician, but a true public servant. Her campaign has not caught fire and the energy and the drive she had in her DA’s race has not been seen in this race.

It is Nathan Fletcher’s generation that can change the world. A world and society without wars, racism, homophobia, etc. I know that in this former Iraq war Marine’s heart beats a true Independent that would change San Diego politics forever. A good and true Christian and family man, once he started reaching the top of the polls all three opponents unleashed some of the most ugly, smearing, lying attacks on this young state assemblyman that I’ve seen in decades. I just hope that this has not continued to turn off young people from entering public service.

Then there’s Carl DeMaio, a young man who used to call me his “mother and mentor,” and someone I used to care about like a son and as people always remind me, broke down doors to introduce him to a sometimes reluctant GLBT community. One of San Diego’s most popular civic leaders, Donna Frye, has called Carl DeMaio a “political sociopath” and a “bully.”

Carl’s community has booed him. DeMaio has embraced and accepted endorsements and money from our region’s most hateful homophobes. Just this past weekend, he stood tall with pride on a stage with Mitt Romney. Carl DMaio, the only millionaire in this race has spent more than $2 million on campaigns, ballot initiatives, political action committees (PACs), attack ads and contributions. Yet sadly, he never gave even a $10,000 check to any AIDS agencies; our GLBT Center; the Prop. B marriage equality campaign, etc.

Hon. Nicole Murray Ramirez, appointed mayor of La Villita

The Carl DeMaio I knew and, yes, loved like a son, is not the Carl of today and that is because of his lover, Johnathan Hale, who is the most dangerous, mean, negative, unbalanced and, yes, influential partner, wife, fiancé of any mayoral candidate to ever run for our office in our city’s history and this is Carl’s first love so that’s that. The good news, and listen to me well, is in every last mayoral race without an incumbent the candidate who wins the primary always goes on to lose the November election. I honestly, no matter what, pray for Bonnie, Bob, Nathan and Carl and their families, but most of all I pray for the city we all love.

My primary endorsements

For Congress: Lori Saldaña (D-District 52); Juan Vargas (D-District 51); Susan Davis (D-District 53)

State Senate: Marty Block (D); Assembly: Shirley Weber (D-District 79); Toni Atkins (D-District 78); Ben Hueso (D-District 80); City Council: Sherry Lightner (District 1); Marti Emerald (District 9); Todd Gloria (District 3); Matt Kostrinsky (District 7); Democratic Central Committee (78th A.D.): Gloria Johnson and Stephen Whitburn; School Board: Richard Barrera (District D); San Diego city propositions: No on “A” and no on “B”

From my heart, thank you!

As many of you know, there is a deeply spiritual side of me. I feel that community activists and leaders who have gone from this world have become angels who whisper into my ears. Though, yes, I have been founder or cofounder of the Harvey Milk Breakfast, AIDS Assistance Fund, the Center Gala Dinner, GLBT Walk of Honor, Harvey Milk Street campaign, Tijuana AIDS Fund, Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, Nicky Awards, Crime Stoppers’ Hate Crime Fund, Harvey Milk Ship Campaign, GLBT Wall of Honor, Holidays GLBT Family Dinners, International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico, the First GLBT student scholarship, etc. etc. etc., I may only be a vessel to deliver the words and ideas of those who now watch over and protect our community.

My “angels” and God have blessed me with many ideas, but most importantly; these kinds of things could never ever happen without my friends and supporters. You know who you are, and I am so grateful and humbled by your decades of support of my (at times) crazy visions.

During these last few years, my health and my battles have been like a rollercoaster ride. I would like to especially give my deep appreciation to Big Mike, Allan Spyere, Ben Dillingham, Carolina Ramos, Bruce Abrams, Sherman Mendoza, A.J. Turner, Alma Rosa Vasic, Rob Surreal, Mike Toney Monteleone, Nick Moede, Zarbo, Delores Jacobs, Robert Gleason, Stampp Corbin, Kurt Cunningham, Chris Shaw, Stuart Milk and so many others …

All my doctors, hospital emergency rooms

Well, I just returned from Italy, and Texas. Now I’m on my way to Kentucky this weekend. I’ll keep being an activist for the communities I love. I will continue to make mistakes, but hopefully God is not through with me yet and will let me finish my journey. (Thank you Rick Ford for more than 40 years.) I have truly been blessed with the friendship and support of so many of you. God bless you all and thank you.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Joseph Rocha and Lori Saldaña

Well, I’ll be out of town for about six days for the Harvey Milk Foundation and a religious pilgrimage.

Will Walters vs. San Diego Pride

I recently read the lawsuit filed in federal court against the City and San Diego LGBT Pride by 30-year-old Will Walters and I’m concerned. First of all, Will is represented by the powerful and successful law firm of Mike Aguirre. San Diego Pride’s attorney is Todd Stevens (partner of popular Judge David Rubin). This is going to cost Pride some money to defend this case and all this could have been avoided if San Diego Pride would have issued an apology to Will.

Will Walters was in a great-looking leather outfit and walked all over the parade route and no police officer said a word. Then, wearing the very same outfit to the festival Will gets harassed and arrested because his leather outfit was now too revealing. The charges against Will Walters were, of course, dropped and San Diego Pride assured him that this incident will never happen again as it seems that Pride security not only overly cooperated with the uptight police officers but “banished” him. While I agree that there should be no “weenies, tits, butts” showing at our Pride events Will’s outfit was in no way lewd. Our Pride festival should especially be a place we can all express ourselves. I don’t think San Diego Pride handled this situation well at all and now, instead of issuing Will Walters a simple, deserved apology, they refused and now have a lawsuit against them. After all, Will Walters was harassed and subjected to some homophobic treatment at the county jail and its high-ranking “commander” personally apologized to Will on behalf of the Sheriff’s Dept. and that’s why they aren’t being sued. San Diego Pride’s refusal to also apologize will cost the organization thousands of dollars to now defend this lawsuit or settle it or lose it. A gamble that San Diego Pride should not have taken. Period.

Five days in the state capitol

I love their new airport. I presented some awards to veterans and GLBT leaders at the West Sacramento City Hall (their mayor is gay). Nice to see city council candidate Steve Hansen and Thelma Harris formerly of San Diego and now with Glaxo Smith Kline. The Waterboy continues to be my favorite restaurant. Yes, when I got back to town I, once again, had to check into the hospital, but I’m doing fine now.

Why Lori Saldaña over Peters

All of San Diego loved the late Junior Seau.

It seems all that Scott Peters and his supporters talk about is that he has lots of personal money to win. This has become the verbal “No. 1” talking point of the Peters campaign. Well, good for him that he, like Romney, is another “Mr. Money Bags,” but this congressional district is a lot about average families and blue collar workers.

Don’t forget that Lori Saldaña won her assembly race against two powerful establishment candidates who both out-spent her. Saldaña is a “bold progressive fighter.” Don’t we have enough rich businessmen in Congress? Let’s send a very qualified woman who can relate to the average struggling American. The choice is very clear. If you really want change in our nation’s capitol: Lori Saldaña for Congress!

About the Rainbow Flag issue

Many of you have been asking me questions and are concerned about the Planning Commission voting down, not once but twice, the Rainbow Flag project. First of all, we should all appreciate the very hard work the Hillcrest Business Association and others have done on this important project and we must continue to support it when it comes before the city council. I do feel that bringing up the huge Rainbow flag in the “Castro” of San Francisco is a mistake. We are San Diego and are “America’s Finest City” and our community stands on its own. I do wish that huge American and Rainbow flags could fly together in Hillcrest in honor of our military personnel and veterans. At any rate, this great project needs all of our support, so let’s get behind the Rainbow Flag project!

F.Y.I.

More than 950 tickets have been sold for the annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast (May 25). There are only a few tables left, so contact The Center today as it will be soon sold out again. Hey all you Latinos and Latino lovers out there, this coming Saturday (May 5) is the 14th annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Show time is 6:30 p.m. Your host: Carlos Silva. Video stars Brent Everett and husband Steve Pena of San Diego are on the cover of Just Us Boys magazine. North County’s new LGBTQ Center will be having their annual gala We are Family May 19 at the Oceanside Museum of Art. For more info: 760-672-1848. Russell Roybal, the deputy director of the N.G.L.T.F. in Washington, D.C., was in town this past weekend. San Diego hopes to host another Creating Change conference in the future. Stuart Milk will be in San Diego May 22 for the Harvey Milk Street dedication. Joseph Rocha tells me the recently established GLBT Veterans Advisory Council is in place and soon names will begin to be placed on the Ben F. Dillingham and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor of San Diego County. Word is that Lei’s Lounge will reopen in June. Look for many San Diego civic and community leaders to drop their voter registration as Republicans and Democrats and become Independents in support of the new group “Move to the Middle” and Nathan Fletcher after the primary. Yes, plans are coming along for the first Harvey Milk American Diner to open in Hillcrest and soon to sweep America!

Super-popular Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom will be in Hillcrest May 23 campaigning for Bob Filner to be held at Rich’s (5 p.m.). The Ben F. Dillingham Community Grant recently paid for yet another cremation of a gay father of two who died of AIDS. This fund also paid for many cremations for those who could not even afford this last dignity in ones life. Look for the return for one night only of The Dating Game at Flicks for a charity fundraising event.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Police Officers’ Widows/Orphans Fund charity event

Well, I’m off to our state capitol for five days of meetings and some speeches. Our governor could be naming a new gay or lesbian judge for San Diego soon.

Police Officers’ Widows/Orphans Fund gets GLBT support

Not long ago Police Officer Jeremy Henwood was shot and killed after stopping by a McDonald’s to buy some cookies for a little boy. Whenever a police officer is killed in the line of duty, and we see the TV news reporting families, funerals etc., all San Diegans weep. Recently, the San Diego Police Officers Association held a fundraiser at that same McDonald’s for their Widows/Orphans Fund so I turned to some in our community to put together a contribution to this important cause … $1,600 was raised in a few hours from Rich’s, Numbers, Caliph, Bourbon Street, City Commissioner Bruce Abrams, Big Mike, Allan Spyere, Imperial Court, Ben Dillingham Community Fund and the San Diego LGBT Weekly. S.D.P.O.A. president, Brian Marvel, Police Chief Bill Lansdown and dozens of officers in attendance expressed their deep appreciation to our GLBT community when Nick Moede, Allan Spyere, Big Mike and I attended the fundraiser. Of course, our popular councilman, Todd Gloria and his staff were there after Officer Henwood’s awful murder happened in the heart of District 3. One of the first times we supported the SDPOA was in the 1980s when we presented more than $4,000 at the Nicky Awards for a police memorial which now stands at police headquarters in downtown San Diego.

People, politics and opinions

I’m endorsing former assemblywoman, Lori Saldana for Congress. We badly need more qualified women in our nation’s capitol; and Saldana’s voting record for equality has always been rated 100 percent by Equality California.

Councilman Todd Gloria raised the $51,000 to keep the AIDS- prevention syringe program alive thanks to both Republican and Democrat contributions of Councilmembers Young, Faulconer, Emerald and Alvarez. Gay Councilmember Carl DeMaio refused to not only contribute a dime but also was the lone vote (7-1) against supporting this most important AIDS-prevention program. Shame on you DeMaio. But I’m sure your lack of support pleased your Tea Party and radical right wing base of supporters.

Openly lesbian and national Democratic activist, the wealthy Hilary Rosen really put her high heel in her mouth when she blasted Ann Romney and truly did give her a great “birthday present!”

I recently had breakfast with Congressional candidate John Brooks. While this up-and-coming African American Democrat is considered a long-shot against Vargas and Denchney, he’s a fighter; and you have to give him respect.

Openly gay state assembly speaker, the powerful and influential top Democrat John Perez praised ex-Marine Nathan Fletcher’s decision to become an Independent.

Republican County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price’s endorsement of popular former mayor, Dave Roberts (a Democrat) has helped him rise in the polls to succeed her.

I am so very proud of the many national GLBT organizations who came out in support of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, who was shot to death by a “wanna-be cop.” Now they should come out against that state’s insane “stand your ground” law.

Super-popular Mayor Jerry Sanders and Sheriff Bill Gore have been seen frequently volunteering at Bonnie Dumanis’ campaign headquarters. Now that Councilman Todd Gloria is unopposed for re-election, the talk is about who will succeed him after his last term. The top name being mentioned in this heavy Democratic district is Steven Whitburn. Interestingly, Andrew Poat, who registered as an Independent not long ago has endorsed Fletcher for mayor; hmm … But Poat’s many past endorsements of arch-conservative Republicans may hurt him as another possible candidate to succeed Gloria. Mayoral candidate Bob Filner was received like a conquering hero at this past weekend’s annual Democratic Party dinner. Look for a possible announcement next week about Filner’s involvement and support of another big national effort to honor Harvey Milk’s legacy. The annual Harvey Milk San Diego Breakfast (May 25) has already sold almost 900 tickets, so get your tables/tickets today because it will be sold out again.

City Commissioner Robert Gleason recently had breakfast with General Daniel Yoo, commander of the MCRD.

Joseph Rocha is the new chair of the GLBT Veterans Wall of Honor Advisory Council at The Center.

Chad Michaels, RuPaul … San Diego native superstars!

No one is surprised that San Diego’s award-winning entertainer, Chad Michaels has made the top three finalists of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Logo TV’s top-rated show. Chad Michaels has been a superstar long before this show and will continue to be one no matter the final outcome. Executive producer, RuPaul was born in San Diego and Chad has become the pride of, not only San Diego, but fans all over the world. He has been classy, smart, sensitive and proven that many female impersonators are, indeed, smart and articulate. Chad has made it clear that she is a “professional” to quote her more than a dozen times over! Yes, she has been humorous, smart and played the game well. I first met Chad when I was the founder/producer of the Dreamgirls Revue (Wednesdays at Urban Mo’s and Saturday’s at Bourbon Street). Trust me, he was a mini “hot mess” and very new to the business and his drag mom, Hunter, convinced me to give him a chance and hire him. As Chad’s drag “granny” I’m so very proud of him as, I’m sure, his partner of eight years Adam is. Yes; at times Chad Michaels has had a healthy ego but to know him is to love him; and to see him entertain just once is to become a fan for life. By the way, I just fell in love with Latrice Royale … an old-school queen who is fabulous!

Wang’s is No. 1 Chinese restaurant!

Move over P.F. Chang’s there is a new king of all Chinese restaurants. Wang’s (3829 University Ave.) has taken over the throne and is now No. 1. Last week, San Diego businessman Sherman Mendoza and I had another fabulous dinner at this super-popular classy place. Everything, and I mean everything, on the menu is outstanding and you just can’t go wrong. I do wish they would add their “Duck Sliders” on their menu. Handsome co-owner Tom Eads makes everyone feel welcome and their entire staff is friendly and great (lots of handsome men and beautiful women). So, for the best Chinese food in town it’s now definitely Wang’s.

37th annual Nicky Awards: Aug. 26

The “gay academy awards of San Diego,” yes, the 37th presentation of the Nicky Awards has been set for Sunday, Aug. 26. This annual charity fundraiser is always fun and fabulous with outstanding entertainment. The producers have informed me there will be some new exciting changes for 2012. Did you know that current American Idol top finalist Jessica Sanchez performed and sang at a past Nicky Awards show? For more information on San Diego’s gay Oscars phone 619-300-1232.

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.

Emperor Tom Dickerson and Emperor Allan Spyere at the annual Easter egg hunt at Trolley Barn Park

Sunday morning, I started getting really early phone calls from back East as my picture made the New York Times society page and was done by famed photographer Bill Cunningham who caught me at a gala GLBT charity event.

Laura Duffy has let us all down

When openly lesbian Laura Duffy was appointed a United States attorney for this region I was very proud and still am, though I’ve disagreed with some of her decisions. But this recent “plea deal” with that murdering monster Benjamin Arellano Felix who headed the most ruthless and murdering Mexican drug cartel is a disgrace.

For more than two decades this man has been responsible for the murders of countless families and innocent children. U.S. Attorney Duffy sentenced him to only 25 years in prison. Even the sentencing U.S. District Judge Larry Burns said that if he could have he would have imposed a longer sentence but Laura Duffy’s deal with this monster stopped him from being able to do it. Interestingly, Laura Duffy sentenced some of Felix’s top aides to “life sentences” but not the head monster whose bloody rule over the Tijuana drug world included more than 1,000 killings which included victims tortured and even their bodies dissolved in acid.

Yet this is the same U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy who has gone nuts and been fanatically obsessed over closing down all of our city’s medical marijuana stores.

Ms. Duffy, you have sent the wrong message to the real drug world leaders with your deal-making and shame on you. There is no excuse … period.

Harvey Milk Street … Jess Jessop Avenue … Chris Kehoe Library?

Things are going well and as planned for the possible dedication of Harvey Milk Street in San Diego, next month. Our city has named hundreds of streets after prominent civic leaders and prominent Americans, but this would be the first street named after an openly gay American hero who served in the Navy while stationed in San Diego. Harvey Milk fell in love with California, and then moved to San Francisco; but it was our city that made this Navy veteran fall in love with the Golden State … and the rest is history.

It is our hope to continue to get outstanding citizens honored in San Diego as other civil leaders, people of color community leaders etc. have been. It is our goal to some day have a street dedicated in honor of Jess Jessop, Gloria Johnson, Jeri Delino and Ben Dillingham … all who have served, not only our country (three are veterans), but our community and city (many in official capacities). State Sen. Chris Kehoe will be retiring from office this year and I believe, someday, a public school should be named Sen. Christine Kehoe Elementary or High School!

We GLBT citizens of San Diego have just the same outstanding civic and community leaders and it is time they are recognized and honored as others have been. Interestingly, there is a Neil Good Homeless Shelter in downtown San Diego named after the second openly gay candidate to run for public office. (Al Best, our first candidate should also be recognized.) As chairman of this GLBT History Task Force I want to thank you all for your support for our Harvey Milk Street campaign, especially our hard-working members and San Diego LGBT Pride.

We now need donations to cover the new changed Harvey Milk Street signs … please send your contribution to LGBT Pride, P.O. Box 34366, San Diego 92163 or for more info. call 619-692-1967. Thank you. A special shout out and thank you to Councilman Todd Gloria and his great staff.

And, by the way, I think it’s time to get a campaign going to get a U.S. Navy ship named after Harvey Milk.

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt another success

A very big hug and thank you to everyone who made our Ninth annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt another huge success with hundreds of smiling children and their families having a great Easter Sunday at Trolley Barn Park. Co-sponsors of this annual event were the Imperial Court, The LGBT Center/Family Matters and the offices of Councilman Todd Gloria, who made this all possible and brought so much joy to hundreds of these children. Thanks as well to: The Caliph, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Promenade Apts., Rich’s, Lips, Bourbon St., Numbers, San Diego Rodeo, Leather Pride, Redwing D.J. Melo, William Oyos, Ben Dillingham, Nick Moede, Chris Plato, Sherman Mendoza, Michael and Billy Weiss, Tom Ketelaar, Lambda Archives, Big Mike, Allan Spyere, Erika Odessa, Kaiden, the Bears, Robert Rodriguez, Joseph Grienenberger, the Firefighters Local Union 145, the Eagle, Jackie-O, Robert Gleason, Charles Haggis, Sandra Lawhon, Frank Noblietti, Evans Hotels, Meldon Miller, Maureen Steiner, Camille Davidson, SDMEA, Rick Ford, Municipal Employees Association, Fred Townson, San Diego LGBT Weekly, Gay San Diego, Lorena Gonzalez, and big hugs to all the volunteers, especially from Family Matters (kisses to Jane and Carolina), the Imperial Court members and chairs: Empress A.J. and Emperor Tom … please forgive me if I’ve forgotten anyone … as the founder of this event it warms this old queens heart to see such love and generous outpourings of support from both the GLBT and straight community.

Comedian Robin Tyler’s special show: April 19

One of North America’s most famous, legendary and hilarious comedians will be doing a one night only show at the American Comedy Company, Thursday April 19. Yes, the one and only Robin Tyler will do her outrageous show to benefit our popular district attorney, Bonnie Dumanis who’s running for mayor … for reservations or more info. Americancomedyco.com

Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for well over 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last five mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com.