North County LGBT Coalition
Uniting North County LGBT Communities
A501(c)3 Non Profit Organization
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Giving activism a chance: the results are in! If 30 years ago someone had told me that one of my future heroes would be a federal judge, I would have implored that person to end my misery right then and there and spare me the boring life that surely laid ahead. Fortunately, things have turned out differently. This month’s celebrations are still echoing in my head, along with all the possibilities Judge Walker’s historic decision may entail. Am I still dreaming or is this—at best— just another five-month window of opportunity for marriage that the California Supreme Court once gave us and then took away? A few hours after the decision, a reporter from the North County Times called to inquire how the North County LGBT community felt about the overturning of Prop 8. I was stunned, and I could not find the right words to describe the joy I felt about a victory we’ve all waited so long for. “We regained our dignity,” I said, “and with that our trust in a judicial system that has finally recognized the existence of our families.” Aside from the important legal significance of this deliberation, the political battles around it or the alliances created within the marriage equality movement, at the end of the day it all came down to humanizing our love, restoring dignity and regaining self-determination and self-respect. In places like North County, Judge Walker’s decision is even more empowering: it reaches the households of Ramona where our LGBT youth have no place to go to feel safe. It echoes in the corridors of an Escondido charter school where just a year ago the principal was threatening to “out” a couple of middle school teens to their parents. It encourages the students who belong to gay-straight alliances at schools in Vista and Oceanside, where being gay is still a struggle. The news of marriage equality makes its way to Camp Pendleton, where it will hopefully ease harassment and discrimination of gay and lesbian troops. Those of you who have worked on the “No on 8” campaign may already know about the extensive amount of time and energy the North County LGBT and allied community contributed to the fight against Prop. 8. We were home to the largest hub for phone banking in Southern California, thanks to Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad and Chalice Unitarian Universalist congregation in Escondido! Many successful events have been held since then, such as the North County LGBT Coalition’s July 30 barbecue social on the beach in Oceanside, attended by more than 50 LGBT people. On that occasion we received a surprise visit from 49th Congressional District candidate Howard Katz, a Democrat running against Republican incumbent Darrell Issa. We always welcome politicians willing to show their faces at our events in support of our LGBT community. There are many heroes here in North County who make victories both large and small possible with their positive activism. Self-proclaimed “lesbian soccer mom” Jennifer Schumaker led and organized peaceful, inclusive and powerful demonstrations in Escondido that still linger in the memories of many. Cal State San Marcos’ LGBTQ Pride Center lent its creative ideas while educating students on discrimination and prejudice, and Palomar College’s LGBTQ Alliance set an example by taking a stand against hate crimes and intimidation on its campus. I also must thank that mother who told me during a Prop. 8 march in Oceanside how bigotry and ignorance took her son’s life, and asked me to always remember his struggle. Finally, I thank my fellow North County LGBT Coalition board members for dedicating their time and resources to helping others—showing that soon and together we will make the dream of a North County LGBT Center a reality for all to enjoy. Give your activism a chance, and great things will happen, including the right to legally marry the person you love. — Max Disposti is the founder and president of the North County LGBT Coalition, a human rights activist and a real estate broker. He resides in Oceanside with Robert, his husband of 10 years. He also serves on Oceanside’s Community Relation Commission. He can be reached at maxrome@cox.net or through the coalition website at www.northcountycoalition.org/ Northern Exposure: Is North County becoming more tolerant? Only a month has gone by since my last column, but so many interesting things have already happened in North County. However, there are some events that deserve the attention of all our readers, especially when their significance may change the way we perceive our lives in North County. A unique scenario unfolded during the Fourth of July celebrations this year that perhaps only three years ago would not have been possible to imagine. A contingent of more than 70 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals marched and was well-received in Oceanside’s historic Freedom Days Parade. The Parade is an annual event that brings together military from Camp Pendleton, Oceanside city officials, local businesses and citizens to march in celebration of Independence Day and in support of our freedom and troops. When I first applied to participate at the parade in the name of the North County LGBT Coalition, I did not know what to expect. My last few years of work in the community have encouraged me to try to open any possible doors, even when they appear to be slammed shut. Supported by those in the LGBT community that have been serving our country in silence, sometimes with the fear of being caught under “don’t ask, don’t tell,” we decided to bring this contradiction into the open by visibly marching in a very traditional parade. In organizing the march Lisa Kove of DOD Fed Globe contributed greatly to our success, as did the support and participation of San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria, San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez, former Democratic congressional candidate Tracy Emblem and groups such as Empowering Spirits, Equality California, Veterans for Peace and the Imperial Court. Our message of supporting the troops, including LGBT service members and their families, was in the spirit of celebrating our freedom, and the belief that equality for all under the law should be cherished and respected. The cheering crowd, by their enthusiastic welcome of our contingent, seemed to have understood this message—perhaps even more than the Oceanside City Council members that, once again, could not be seen or found within our LGBT contingent. Has our long-held perception of North County as conservative and intolerant finally come to an end? I hope so, and it is happening faster than any of our local political leaders could have ever comprehended. Tragically, change did not come fast enough for Raymond Portillos Leon, a 22-year-old North County resident and LGBT rights activist who, just a few short weeks ago, took his own life. Ray, as have many others who live here, tried to escape the solitude of North County and find hope and more acceptance in San Diego. I still remember his determination while working in the recent campaign against Proposition 8. Ray’s end is a tragic loss and a shocking wake up call for all of us. He is a reminder that the isolation that our LGBT youth still experience in North County could be life-threatening for some. Anything that can be done to protect and encourage our youth should be done, such as the work of Nicole Kent, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of “Our Circle” (www.ourcircle.org), a free LGBT support group for youth ages 14 to 24. Our Circle serves the North San Diego County and “provides a safe and positive environment in which to socialize and get to know other young people in the same situation in life.” For 10 years Nicole has been making a difference in our community, and I encourage you to support her efforts, even if you don’t have children of your own. The efforts of Nicole and many others like her in our community are like tiny beacons, able to shine light on the indifference and silence of too many. — Max Disposti is the founder and president of the North County LGBT Coalition, a human rights activist and a real estate broker. He resides in Oceanside with Robert, his husband of 10 years. He also serves on Oceanside’s Community Relation Commission. He can be reached at maxrome@cox.net or through the coalition website at www.northcountycoalition.or From Courage Campaign 5/28/2010 Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee could make history. Behind the leadership of Chairman Carl Levin, the Senate committee is on the verge of passing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would remove "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" from federal statute and set the stage for eventual repeal. That's the good news. The bad news is that this is far, far, far from over. Roll Call is reporting that Sen. John McCain will "without a doubt" support an unprecedented filibuster of the entire defense budget to stop the repeal of DADT if the bill comes to the floor of the full Senate. It gets worse. According to the New York Times, McCain also solicited letters from the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines -- that object to the repeal amendment supported by President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen. McCain's shocking obstructionism is being amplified by the right-wing Family Research Council, which released a video on Wednesday attempting to drive a wedge between the Joint Chiefs and the President, claiming Obama is trying to "force open homosexuality on the military." This is absolutely outrageous. John McCain and the notorious Family Research Council are declaring war on us. The only way we can stop this Republican filibuster -- and win this war -- is with your support. Please contribute $25, $50, $100 or more now and help us fight back: http://www.couragecampaign.org/FightBack Fortunately, we've got an equality army ready to go to battle. To date, 280,192 Americans have taken action on DADT through the Courage Campaign. Just this week, thousands more called Congress and more than 15,000 Courage and DFA members committed to hand-delivering Gov. Howard Dean's open letter -- signed by nearly 100,000 Americans -- to Senate offices in all 50 states. Two weeks ago, the chances of repeal this year looked slim to none. But because of your relentless activism -- and the people power fueled by more than 30 organizations working to repeal DADT -- the Senate Armed Services Committee is on the verge of passing this historic amendment today. Now John McCain and the extremist Family Research Council are vowing to stop at nothing to crush this movement -- even though a new CNN poll shows 78% of Americans support gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. Only you can help us defeat them. Please make a contribution of whatever amount you can afford now to help us fight back: http://www.couragecampaign.org/FightBack Thank you for fighting back today. We can't do this without you. Rick Jacobs
Courage Campaign Equality is a part of the Courage Campaign's multi-issue online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country. To get involved in Courage Campaign Equality, visit "Testimony: Equality on Trial" -- our new campaign to bring the Prop 8 trial into the lives of Americans.
June 30, 2009: Soldier believed to be gay murdered at Camp Pendleton Please make sure that this information from Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is shared so that LGBT service members stationed in Camp Pendleton are aware to contact SLDN prior to talking with anyone. By talking to SLDN first, they know that they are being Latest News 07-02-09 On June 30th a sailor was found dead on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Diego, CA. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is calling the death of 29-year old Seaman August Provost an apparent homicide and that the case is a homicide investigation. A "person of interest" is in custody. News reports indicate the victim could have been targeted because he was gay. This may, or may not, be true. All the facts in this case are unclear or unknown. But we, as an organization that represents LGBT service members, expect NCIS to thoroughly investigate all leads and to actively pursue a full investigation no matter where the evidence leads. SLDN encourages all service members who have knowledge helpful to the investigation to come forward - but LGBT service members should contact SLDN's legal department for a free confidential consultation prior to speaking with military authorities, to ensure the safe reporting of any information relevant to the ongoing investigation. To speak with an attorney, contact SLDN's Legal Department by either calling (202) 328-3244 x 100 or e-mailing us at legal@sldn.org. Original article: On June 30th a sailor was found dead on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Diego, CA. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is calling the death of 29-year old Seaman August Provost an apparent homicide and that the case is a homicide investigation. A "person of interest" is in custody. News reports indicate the victim could have been targeted because he was gay. This may, or may not, be true. All the facts in this case are unclear or unknown. But we, as an organization that represents LGBT service members, expect NCIS to thoroughly investigate all leads and to actively pursue a full investigation no matter where the evidence leads. SLDN encourages all service members who have knowledge helpful to the investigation to come forward - but LGBT service members should contact SLDN's legal department for a free confidential consultation prior to speaking with military authorities, to ensure the safe reporting of any information relevant to the ongoing investigation. To speak with an attorney, contact SLDN's Legal Department by either calling (202) 328-3244 x 100 or e-mailing us at legal@sldn.org. Dear All, In the article below it describes what we know at this point pertaining to Seaman August Provost's murder. It is our intent to honor this young man whose life was needlessly taken. This will be a very somber occasion with chanting, preferably signs with his picture and the words "In the loving memory of Seaman August Provost" or "one life taken is too many." Candles will be lit. No matter what the actual charge will be from the investigation; all know that Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) does cause a stereotyping and dehumanizing of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) people within the Department of Defense. Had it not been for DADT Seaman Provost and others could have felt safe enough to complain about harassment without fear of job loss. DADT creates for all LGBT employees of the Dept of Defense a hostile work environment. More details on the specific location to come. Gay US sailor found dead after alleged harassment By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • July 2, 2009 - 18:59 A gay US Navy sailor who was found dead had been harassed by another person, his family said this week. Seaman August Provost, 29, of Houston, was found dead early on Tuesday morning at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He joined the Navy in March 2008. A suspect is currently being held in connection with his death but no information has been released regarding a motive. Gay activists have suggested he was killed in a homophobic attack. Ben Gomez, head of the San Diego chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, cited unnamed sources suggesting Provost had died during an argument with another sailor over his sexuality. Provost's family told the San Diego Herald-Tribune he had been openly about his sexuality with those he trusted but mostly kept his private life to himself. His sister Akalia said he had been harassed by someone else and his family had urged him to report it to a supervisor. However, it has been noted that the sailor may have been unable to report the bullying if it was motivated by homophobia, as the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' rule prohibits openly gay personnel from serving in the US military. It has also been reported that Provost's partner Kaether Cordero found out about his death from a journalist. Nicole Murray-Ramirez, chairman of San Diego's Human Rights Commission, has called for an inquiry into whether Provost was killed because of his sexual orientation. He said: "We respect the military, but we want to ensure that there is full disclosure, to see if this was a hate crime. A member of our community has been killed." A post-mortem examination has been performed but authorities are awaiting the outcome of toxicology reports to determine how the sailor died. OPEN LETTER TO Mr. GIBSON ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH, TOLERANCE AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY Open Letter to the LGBT PeopleI find it suspect that the Federal Government is considering the Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. I suspect that “Gay Blood” is needed for the current wars. LGBT Blood spilled on the battlefield is now to be deemed acceptable? However, the granting of basic rights for the LGBT people is not deemed acceptable! LGBT people cannot be expected to fight on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan if their families are not legally recognized and provided housing, medical, and death benefits equal to the heterosexual soldiers. Where is the outcry of Rick Warren and other to-the-right groups? Where is “The Prediction” of the end to the heterosexual society? I can only opine that our religious “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin” friends find no objection to “Gay Blood”. I request that the LGBT people begin an open discourse. Write me your thoughts on this subject. I will answer. Stand Up, Speak Up, And Be Heard. Linda Sanders ************************************* About: boycott supporters of prop 8 Letter: With a new year I hope supporters of gay marriage will remember to boycott the supporters of prop 8. Some of the biggest contributions in San Diego county came from the Caster family ($693,000) who owns A-1 Self Storage and Doug Manchester ($125,000) whose holdings include the Manchester Grand Hyatt and the Grand del Mar Hotel. Also, Robert Hoehn ($25,000) who owns Hoehn Motors in Carlsbad. My source for these figures is www.californiansagainsthate.com which provides information on contributions that supported prop 8. Please think about where you spend your money because it could be used to take away civil rights. Curtis Fitzgerald, North County LGBT Coalition Board Member *************************************
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