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by Toni Pizanie
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Election!!

Two of the three candidates endorsed by Ambush were elected to office on Mar. 7th. Our congratulations are offered to Bobby Jones, Traffic Court, Division B and Gasper Schiro, Register of Conveyances. We look forward to supporting and working with David Marcello in the future.

Got ya!!

When asked to support the transgender boycott of HRC, I really didn't believe that this column was so widely read that it would have any effect on the local community. I did believe as one of the fighters against the 1997 boycott that HRC would correct its omission. I was wrong on both accounts much to my surprise.

Rumors have begun-I am being touted as a post-op transgender and divisive. What a hoot!! Ok, let's look at some truths. Whether I am female or not, does not change the fact that no one should be left out of equal rights. This is a Civil Rights issue.

Divisive is about as ridiculous as the separatists who said I will cause every lesbian and gay man to lose their rights. This boycott or suspension of funding is justified and not aimed at anyone locally.

The local individuals that form the Black Tie VI Dinner Committee and Federal Club are some of the most concerned civil rights workers in the South. Some are taking this personally instead of realizing that the boycott is against HRC/DC.

It was the actions of the 1997 Dinner Committee that stopped that boycott. The Committee allowed transgenders and friends to circulate a petition on behalf of the issue at the dinner. Committee members wore buttons that read, "Transgenders are Human Too." The local HRC leaders made their feelings of inclusion known to HRC/DC. Could anyone ask for more? NO!

If you have been following these articles, you know that I asked Robert Ripley, Black Tie VI Dinner Co-chair, to grant me an interview. He spoke eloquently concerning the importance of inclusion. Neither Ambush nor I wish to cause these fine individuals, whom we have supported over the years, embarrassment or concern. After Robert's actions in 1997, I invited, encouraged and, in one case, begged transgender friends to attend the dinner. I was successful in getting three self-identified transgender activists to attend, and several non-identified tgs as well.

If HRC/DC is doing something so blantanly offensive, where do the people of New Orleans go to be heard? If Elizabeth Birch ignores our pleas for help or explanation, what do the people of New Orleans do to be recognized? I am witnessing my friends being discriminated against and I am going to discriminate against the offender the only way I have available. If I can cost the sending of even $1,000 to HRC/DC, then I have succeeded in being heard.

Every piece of mail that I receive from HRC/DC asks me for money. If I can keep money from them, I have been heard. I do encourage all people gay or straight who believe in equal rights to stand together and refuse to support any organization that claims to be for civil rights yet practices exclusion.

Another rumor that has reached me is that LAGPAC is a part of the boycott and has influenced me. Wrong, again!! It is true that I have served on LAGPAC's Board of Directors and will be financially supporting this organization with the funds I would have sent to the Federal Club. This action is taken because I know who has worked for my rights in Louisiana and who has taken our money out of Louisiana to assist other states with questionable results.

I don't expect everyone to be interested in politics or to work on the front lines for equal rights. I do expect everyone to join a local political organization. Every $25 membership, helps the giver and non-giver alike to realize the freedom we should NOT have to pay for.

Support the boycott-it will make HRC/DC a better organization in time.

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