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by Toni Pizanie
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Accountability

When are we going to demand accountability? Recently, I received a call from two victims of an alleged hate crime perpetrated by the barker of a straight bar on Bourbon St. and the New Orleans police of the 8th District. A Gay man was beaten on the street for responding with a vulgar remark after being told that fags were not welcome in the bar.

The victims had been cocktailing during the afternoon and had stopped in that evening for just one as they made their way from the Pub to the Corner Pocket. Being new to New Orleans, they didn't know, nor were in any condition, to understand the danger of walking into a "tourist" bar holding hands--a mistake that I hope no one in our community will make again.

No, they didn't ask for it. Striking another person for name calling is never appropriate. Beating someone because you don't approve of their sexual orientation, is criminal. And when the police refuse to arrest the offender, what do you do?

Foolishly, one of the victims demanded to be arrested so that he would have a written record of the incident. He was not prepared for the horror he and his partner would have to endure for the next three days. The New Orleans police did not call medics to the scene to allow the beaten man to receive needed attention although he was bleeding from the nose and chin where his face had been slammed into the sidewalk.

Are we going to do anything about this crime? Can we do anything? The victims have spoken with an attorney. They have been advised that without a witness there is little that can be done to the barker or the bar.

The two Gay men were advised to contact the police internal affairs. As of press time, I do not have a report on the investigation. The Mayor's Advisory Committee and the LGCCNO will be working together on this and other cases of Gay bashing.

How many acts of deception and hatred are we going to endure before we stand together and say "enough"? Have you written or called Oliver Thomas about his ridiculous attack on the law that affords Transgenders equal rights under the Hate Crimes and Anti-discrimination Ordinances? You should because if Transgenders are used as a political pawn and their rights to protection threatened, are we Lesbians and Gay men safe from a similar act?

Within our community, there are workers, leaders and those that do nothing but criticize. I know your freedom of speech is protected and I don't want to take it away. I do want responsible people to say to these irresponsible gossip stirrers, STOP. If you could have done a better job, why did you quit again in the middle of a project or not take a project on at all?

Within our community, there are con artists who prey on our businesses and organizations. Do we say STOP to them? Do we refuse to allow them back into our businesses? No, we hang our heads and whine, "I don't want any trouble."

There are some bitter old queens in our diverse community who should be made accountable for their words just as the police, the basher or the councilman should be accountable. I don't think that will happen until we take our noses out of the air or out of the bars and show that we are our brothers'/sisters' keepers.

Cheers Grand Opening

Sat., July 11, Pat and Jeannie celebrated the Grand Opening of their Gretna neighborhood bar, Cheers. By 9:30pm, the attractive and friendly bar was packed with well-wishers. An hour later the Sherreece Band got the "joint jumpin" and the dance floor filled. Cheers is the place to meet old and new friends as the bar was filled with men and women of all ages and interests. Friends were greeting friends and singles were meeting singles. Gee and Pat, former owners of I-beam, had front rows seats. Madame X, former owner of X-is, was looking dapper. There was a bevy of attractive adopted daughters of Pat.

Bartenders Kay and Suzie were giving the quick and friendly service that Cheers is known for and Marti, Keni and Lynn were welcoming revelers at the door. Friday and Marlett spent most of their evening at the video machine while Cheryl and Sheila visited newcomers at the bar. It was good to see Rita out again. Judy drove over from Metairie with her honey, Lynn.

All in all the grand opening was just another great Saturday night at Cheers.

Gay Financial Network

Walter B. Schubert, Chairman and CEO of the Gay Financial Network is the first openly Gay member of the New York Stock Exchange. Wanting to help his Gay and Lesbian brothers and sisters in securing their financial future, Schubert's company affords the GLBT Community with information through their Internet site.

The site includes: From The Floor - Market update and a commentary by Schubert geared to educated GFN investors; The Street.com - Breaking financial news which is refreshed three times a day; Per Larson - Author of Gay Money, provides personal consultations; Human Rights Campaign - political updates; PFLAG - Family voice of the GLBT community; PlanetOut & Gay Wired - GLBT networks providing unmatched marketing and linkage resources.

There is more to come and you can see it all at www.gfn.com.

Scudder Funds

Recognizing the value of the GLBT dollar, Scudder has recognized same-sex domestic partners with a benefits program. They also see the potential in small Gay owned businesses and offer a free fact kit on how they can help your business. Call 1.800.SCUDDER.

Out Vote '98

If we're ever going to build one America, then all Americans have got to be a part of it," said President Bill Clinton on Nov. 8, 1997. Towards that end, Out Vote 98 is the Lesbian and Gay Political Convention which will take place Sept. 17- 20 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D C. The cost of the event is $105. for early registration before 8/1/98. On-site registration is $150. Second Annual National Dinner tickets are $250.

Workshop sessions will include Activist Track, Workplace Track, Youth Track,Candidate/Electorial Track and Universal Electives. For tickets, call box office tickets at 800.494.TIXS. For travel arrangements, call Travel-On at 800.333.1225 (reference acct. 410). For more information, Call Michael Grantham at 202.628.4160.

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