From: KDRLPN@aol.com
Subject: Thank You...
Dear Mr. Rip Naquin-Delain,
My name is Kevin Rauls and I am currently King-elect for Capitol City Royal Order of Unicorns. I wanted to thank you and your staff for all of the support that our organization has received over the last couple of months.
This being our first year, it is very hard work to try and get the support that we need here in Baton Rouge. Thanks to the positive comments that have appeared in your magazine, people are learning that we are here. We hope to offer the gay community as a whole an opportunity to participate in a Mardi Gras krewe, not only gay men. Thank You,
--Kevin Rauls, Vice President, King-elect
From: Warren J. Blumenfeld
Subject: Concerns Over Beer Ad
Editorial/Letter to the Editor
Major Concerns Over Beer Ad By Warren J. Blumenfeld
I have looked into the ways that some tabacco and alcohol companies specifically target marginalized or stigmatized communities (communities of color, working class and poor, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and others)-communities due to their stigmatization often have higher rates of tobacco consumption and alcoholism.
I, therefore, have mixed reactions to the announcement that Anheuser-Busch is targeting the "gay community" by depicting two men holding hands in its Bud Lite ads-and I use the word "target" quite deliberately. While it is extremely important to increase our visibility, I have enormous misgivings and am extremely uncomfortable over any company or industry that markets these substances to our communities.
And exactly what type of "visibility" are we talking about? Since the ads are geared to the "gay community," they will most likely primarily appear in "our" newspapers and magazines, and not in mainstream media. They might also appear on billboards in predominately gay and lesbian neighborhoods.
I, therefore, ask us all the critical question: "At what cost visibility?" I conclude that the cost is far too great a price to pay.
--Warren J. Blumenfeld, Northampton, Massachusetts
From: Michael Collins
Subject: National Activist Conference Update 5-15-99
ATTENTION: POTENTIAL CONFERENCE REGISTRANTS
Please send in your $15 registration NOW to assure your participation at the conference. Make checks out to: American Radical Gathering; Mail to: 1999 American Radical Gathering, c/o Michael Collins, 1137 South Milledge Avenue #9, Athens, Georgia 30605
UPDATE: The 1st Annual Edward Wright Memorial Festival will take place September 18 in downtown Athens, Georgia. The free Afrocentric event will feature prominent African-American leaders and music including gospel, jazz, blues, soul, and other contemporary African-American music.
Edward Wright was a 20 year old unarmed, naked African-American who was fatally shot by local police on October 12, 1995. Also taking place the same weekend as the American Radical Gathering in the Athens area is the Athens Folk Festival on Friday, September 17 & Saturday, September 18. Camping is available.
Cathy Chang of the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization, has been confirmed as a presenter at the conference.
Andrew Hoffman, son of Abbie Hoffman and Founder of America's Soup Kitchen On Wheels, has also been confirmed as a presenter. Alison Green, Coordinator of the College Action Campaign, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; Deneen Sparks, Editor of the Great Speckled Bird and Coordinator of the Liberal Party of the United States has also been confirmed.
The Radical Cheerleaders, a protest pep squad and performance activist group from Florida, will be participating at the Gathering.
Melodie Malfa, Florida college activist & community organizer has also been confirmed as a presenter. Check out the website - www.homestead.com/amradgathering. Sincerely,
--Michael Collins, Conference Organizer
