HRC & New York's GOP Senator:
Back Room Power Politics

The fact that as policy the organization refused to allow the New York members to actively participate in the endorsement process is a simple, clear fact that proves this organization exists purely for the backroom power politics of its leaders.

Winnie, Elizabeth and the HRC leadership have betrayed thirty years of Lesbian and Gay political history. They have endorsed an anti-woman, anti- choice candidate whose actual record betrays his campaign rhetoric of real support for our community. Talk is cheap; actions are what matters.

I do think there are well-intentioned people within the membership and the staff. I feel people like New York's local committee head Tim Smith have been betrayed by the leadership's imperial action.

I think it is important to reach out to HRC members and not demonize all supporters because of the insensitive, politically expedient endorsement by the HRC leadership. In this time or renewed commitment to fighting hate crime and those who oppose the full, equal participation of gay and lesbian people in all aspects of public and private life, we must help people take the next step in participating in the political process for equality and freedom.

I suggest we talk to people on an individual basis on what this kind of action by HRC fundamentally means in how a community exercises its own power. We need to fight the feeling of powerlessness this cynical action of HRC may have on individuals.

All of us must publicly declare that this organization does not talk for the entire gay/lesbian community. And we must encourage people to vote.

Aside: you do know that Giuliani captured the Chelsea voters in the last city election?

I am encouraging Andy Humm to consider running for City Council for the Duane seat. The current field of candidates while sincere is lackluster and will under serve both out community and the city. Leadership that is responsive to the grass routes base of our community is what is needed. I think Humm could win.

Jim Fouratt
New York City

I was watching Elizabeth Birch this evening on CNN news. She was so eloquent addressing the nation on the subject of "human rights". When it comes down to it, there is a fine line between her and Mr. Falwell......

My partner and I tried to get involved with the HRC in San Francisco....we tried to appeal to the organization when in a crisis....what did we get? A big "zero"!

As a gay man, how disappointed and disillusioned am I to see "lip service" being paid by gay organizations! This goes to you too, the gay media. Why bother having fancy computers with lots of e-mail features if you're not going to respond, or even acknowledge correspondence! Evidently "money does make the world go 'round'...to get your attention anyway.

Sincerely,
Roger M. Silva
Oregon

I'm a producer working on a new magazine show with documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. For a segment on the Sodomy Laws, I am looking for stories where gay men or lesbians have been arrested or harassed by law officials in their HOME or other "non-public" places. The focus of this piece is the debate over privacy rights. While I am interested in stories about arrests in public parks and rest rooms, they are most relevant if they include situations where people lives, careers, etc. have been damaged as a result. For example, the newspapers often publish the names of those arrested and the charges, i.e. "sodomy" and this causes problems for many men. I have heard of one incident where man committed suicide because his name was published. Please send me more information on this and other related stories.