by Toni PizanieProprietress of Royal Tobacconist
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Policing Ourselves
Recently I was asked to read a manuscript and suggest changes/corrections. I'd read another of this author's books and knew it would be filled with little mistakes that out-of-town writers make when writing about New Orleans. Many think that after a year or two living in the Quarter, they are an authority and can write like a native. It just isn't true.
However, the glaring insult was not turning the world famous Antoine's into an Italian spaghetti and dance parlor or serving red beans and rice at Cafe Du Monde, it was a police officer referring to a victim as a "fag." When I suggested that this Lesbian, female to male Transgender writer consider changing the inflammatory slam, I was told that she would not compromise her art.
Now let me get this clear in my mind. It is OK to discredit your art by not knowing enough detail on the city upon which the book is set but you can defame the community that you are a part of. I don't think so. Needless to say I am no longer interested in working on this project.
If we as GLBT individuals don't think there is something wrong with perpetuating the hatred aimed at us, why should we expect heterosexual law makers to pass hate crime bills or ENDA. If we will misuse our Gay family in public, why shouldn't some intolerant right wing radical beat and kill us.
I don't think there is any excuse for abusing another human being but how many times have you heard someone say of a rape victim, "she asked for it." If that thinking is logical, then we ask for it every time we act with disrespect towards our Gay family.
I have found myself policing my own expressions. Casual remarks that I didn't think important at one time have become gross insults to our lifestyle. We need to think a lot about how we talk about our community. We should not be embarrassed to correct those who would demean us with vulgar slang. The way we communicate with the heterosexual world says much about who we are and how we feel about ourselves.
As we celebrate National Pride Month, thanks to President Clinton, and look forward to Pride Fest in New Orleans this September, let us take pride in speaking well of ourselves. Let's be aware that we are working towards legal and social acceptance. This is a time of great importance in our movement as we are on the edge of educating the masses and stand firm in our demands for equal freedom and respect.
Ooooh, You Animal!
Lions, tigers and lots of other exotic animals will gather on July 10 at 8pm to celebrate the Community Center's 4th Summer Safari at Rubyfruit Jungle. Come dressed as hunter or hunted to do the wild thing to native sounds. You need to support this event because the GLBT community needs the Center.
If you also attend the Gay Town meeting on Fri., July 9, you will hear more about why and how the Center is important to our lives. The meeting hosted by the MAC is scheduled to be held at MCC on St. Roch at 6:30pm.
Lesbian Videos
Lifetime, television for women, recently aired an intimate portrait of Melissa Etheridge. If you missed it, check the local listings and make plans to watch the replay with a few of your favorite Lesbian friends. It is an uplifting account of a talented woman with drive and a desire to succeed as an entertainer. Her professional life today is a childhood dream come true. Melissa's private life is a Lesbian's dream come true. If you are a fan, you'll enjoy this TV interview.
PBS aired Golden Threads by independent film makers Lucy Winer and Karen Eaton. The organization Golden Threads was founded by Elizabeth Burton when she was 80 years old as an international network for older Lesbians. In her 90's when she died, Burton embodied the maxim, "age is a state of mind." The film celebrates Burton's zest for life through the annual Golden Threads gatherings in P-town on Cape Cod. Information on the organization can be found online at http://members.aol.com/goldentred/index.htm.
P.O.V. (Point of View) has made this video available for sale through Women Make Movies, 462 Broadway, NY, NY 10013, 212.925.0606. For additional information, E-mail: connect@pov.org.
UN Declaration on Aging
The International Year of Older Persons has been set for 1999 by the United Nations. The call is for all nations to increase awareness about aging and the well being of elders. The theme is "Towards a Society for All Ages."
OLOC, Old Lesbians Organized for Change, has been the leader for justice, independence, dignity and care of older Lesbians in the USA. OLOC will be organizing and developing educational and celebratory projects during the year.
Forward Motion:
FTM Conference
FTM, female to male individuals, will gather in Los Angeles on Oct. 8 - 10 to celebrate cultures, meet new friends, share and receive support, learn their history and shape their future. For information and questions, send your requests to one of the following: FTMCLA, PO Box 922342, Sylmar, CA 91392-2342 or E-mail conf99FTM@aol.com. Volunteers should contact AGrasshppr@aol.com. Program ideas should be sent to ZeroboyJH@aol.com (Jake Hale).
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jake Hale, FTM conference coordinator, at FM Books recently. Jake was meeting with GGA President Diane Tanner and Past President Crystal Little to share information on the conference and meet some FTM individuals in the New Orleans area.
You may not be able to attend the California gathering; however, if you are a female to male Transgender and want information and support, please contact Jake at the above address.
Next Time
The much loved Mary Pappas has promised an interview before leaving for the wild, wild, Midwest. Watch for it.
