by Toni Pizanie
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Mayor Honors LAGPAC

T he recently formed Capitol Club branch of LAGPAC celebrated the addition of their new director, Melinda Shelton, at a gala hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Marc Morial. The guest list included all Capitol Club members, MAC members, members of the Gay press and potential Capitol Club members. The setting was the lovely patio garden of the Mayor's home where the guests enjoyed mint juleps or wine with their tasty finger foods. Chris Daigle, co-chair, spoke about the need for the club to have a paid director. He spoke of the dreams of the founders, several of whom were in attendance. Ms. Shelton was introduced and she outlined her intentions for the coming year. Shelton promised to be on call at all times to assist the GLBT community in achieving their civil rights in the Louisiana Legislature.

Jack Sullivan reminded us all of the importance of joining the club and supporting the work that is being done statewide. I, too, would like to encourage everyone in our community who can afford $1.64 a day ($50 a month) to contact LAGPAC and join the Capitol Club. Since LAGPAC is the only state-wide organization working for Transgender civil rights, I charge all Transgenders to consider this membership. As one man said, it's like giving up a cup of fancy coffee a day for your freedom or for us bar girls, a beer.

NOPD Training
The Mayor's Advisory Committee recently completed an extremely successful sensitivity training class with fifty-eight NOPD recruits who will graduate from the academy in June, 2001. I had the satisfying experience of teaching the first hour of this training. Dr. Jamie Buth did an outstanding job of teaching the second hour. We were ably assisted and supported by Rev. Laurie Reed.

It is unusual for any instructor to speak for more than thirty minutes; however, this outstanding group of recruits had many interesting and important questions for the lecturers. Of the five sensitivity classes that have been taught this year, I find this to be the most rewarding.

The MAC is still looking for instructors. Two PFLAG mothers, Julie Thompson and Sandra Pailet, have volunteered to work with the MAC as well as LAGPAC's co-chair, Chris Daigle. I encourage the community to take part in this worthwhile effort to build a bridge of respect between the NOPD and the GLBT community. If you are interested, please contact me at the e-mail address above.

GLSEN Prom
The Disco Ball is hosted by PFLAG. The event will take place on May 11, at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at Jefferson Ave. and S. Claiborne from 8:30pm to midnight. If you are between the ages of 17 and 25, you are cordially invited to attend the 20001 GLBTQ Prom. ID will be checked. The dance is free and security will be provided. For more information online visit discoball.

PFLAG Reception
The Annual PFLAG Reception will be held in the home of Anne Rice, the converted St. Elizabeth's Home for Girls, on Napoleon Ave. on May 12. For many in the GLBT community, this is a "must" each year as GLBT students receive scholarships for the coming year. The additional attraction is visiting the home's chapel and experiencing Ms Rice's doll collection.

For complete information on how to make your reservations, please visit the Web site.

Lesbian News
The Women's Network is an educational and social group for Lesbians. The meetings are the fourth Tues. of each month from 6pm until 7:15pm at 620 N. Carrollton Ave. For information, call 504.488.9924.

GL Tennis News
The New York Liberty Open is July 4th weekend. This tournament is held at the US Open site. For local information, please contact Sharon at 504.943.4807 or visit the new GLTA Web site.

The Bayou Women's Tennis Club has openings for memberships. An annual individual membership is $20. An annual household membership is only $25. Levels of play begin with non-players to competitive players. You can reach the Bayou Women's Tennis Club at PO Box 19797, New Orleans, LA 70179-0797.

The Bayou Women's Tennis Club is very social. If you are new in town and wish to meet other female tennis players and enjoy social events, this is a good contact to assist you in making New Orleans your home.