QUEER MONTCLAIR / OUT IN ESSEX:
A GAY & LESBIAN VIRTUAL COMMUNITY IN THE MONTCLAIR AREA
Post Office Box 1974 , Bloomfield, New Jersey
07003-1974
Phone: 973-776-3901, Ext. 8686
E-Mail:[email protected]
WWW: http://www.geocities.com/QueerMontclair/index.html
October
3, 2001
Dear
Friends and List Members,
This
past September 11th was a day that changed all of our lives – so much so that
several days thereafter I’d sent out to you all a ‘special edition’ of the QM
newsletter that attempted to detail the impact of the horrific attack on the
World Trade Center on all of our lives: as gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered people, as New Jerseyans and as citizens and residents of the
USA. Since then, as the day slowly recedes into history, the emotional,
social, economic and political dimensions of the deaths of nearly seven
thousand of our friends and neighbors grows ever clearer and – for many of us –
ever more ‘real’ as we try to repair our lives and get on with the ‘business of
living.
So
it is that autumn begins this year with a tragic event, one which may or may
not mark a change in the way we live our lives. Whichever the case, we
cannot allow ourselves – individually or collectively - to be discouraged from
continuing our efforts to make our town, our state, our country and the world
safer, happier and more just places to live. Life is fragile and precious, and
the appreciation of that fact ought impel us to even greater undertakings to
promote peace, justice and cooperation.
As
you already know, work on our new website proceeds apace. Take a
peek! For the moment, it's at: http://www.geocities.com/QueerMontclair/index.html.
Also, my own new online bookstore, Queer Spirit Rising! is within weeks of a
launch! Over the next three or four weeks both ought to be fully
operative. As always, your suggestions, observations and contributions
are heartily encouraged and welcomed.
October
is LGBT Pride Month, and a host of events are scheduled locally and throughout
New Jersey and the region. If I’ve overlooked anything, please do advise
me!
Also,
New Jersey’s LGBT community is facing an election in November that more than in
any recent years affords New Jerseyans a choice amongst starkly differing
candidates with opposing social visions. More than in any political
contest since the 1970’s New Jersey’s LGBT citizenry is faced with an election
in which our friends and those who are not our friends are easily
discernable. The race may be a close one in spite of the predictions of
the professional pollsters, and our votes count for more this time around than
at any point over the past three decades.
On
that note, I’ll close and wish you all a safe and a healthy month of October.
Warm
regards to all!
In
solidarity,
Bill
Courson
======================================================
PAUL HENNEFELD'S "GAY HISTORY ON STAMPS"
COLLECTION ON DISPLAY AT MONTCLAIR PUBLIC LIBRARY through 10/31/2001
As
I write this, I've just come from the Montclair Public Library's main branch
(50 South Fullerton Avenue) to view our dear friend Paul Hennefeld's incredibly
complete and fascinating topical collection of postage stamps honoring LGBT
individuals and events or otherwise pertinent to LGBT history. Paul and
his collection are the winners of numerous national and international awards,
and the collection will be on display at the Montclair Public Library through
the end of October.
======================================================
FOR M.S.U. STUDENTS - SPECTRUMS ON TUESDAYS
SPECTRUMS,
the GLBT student presence on Montclair State University's campus has held its
first official meeting of the new academic year and we're informed and it went
extremely well. Attendance was high.
SPECTRUMS
has a lot of ambitious plans for this year, and with community support, they
will be the Student Government Association's Class III Organization of the Year
for the third year running.
SPECTRUMS
meets TUESDAYS in room 417 of the STUDENT CENTER from 7:30pm-9:30pm.
SPECTRUMS
is a safe space environment where hatred of any kind is not tolerated.
Confidentiality is respected.
======================================================
RUTGERS-NEWARK FALL EVENTS - 10/2001
The
following events are scheduled at Rutgers Newark during Fall, 2001. You
are heartily welcomed and strongly encouraged to attend and urge others to join
us as well.
Tonight,
WEDNESDAY, October 3 @ 6:30pm an evening with Councilman Corey Booker-Newark
Central Ward-RCC-MPR-East
WEDNESDAY,
October 10 @ 2:30pm Sherman Alexie, Native American, "Smoke Signals"
movie, award winning author, writer, actor and fabulous speaker around issues
of diversity (all of our community, including those unfriendly to lgbt's
should hear him speak) PRCC-MPR
THURSDAY,
October 11 @ 6:30pm "Youth Out Loud and Proud" with Becky
and Kathy, sharing information about lgbt youth MPR-West
SATURDAY,
December 1 @ 11:00am World's AIDS Day with featured speaker, Al
Cunningham of San Francisco sharing information and current status of AIDS
issues in our area as well as around the diverse areas of the world.
Sections of the AIDS quilt can be viewed.
ALL
EVENTS will occur at the Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), Rutgers Newark--350
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, New Jersey. Should you
require parking at our deck, please confirm your attendance and receive a
"free" parking voucher at the event...Contact:973-353-5300 or
973-353-5881.
======================================================
ABC NIGHTLINE TO AIR SERIES ON GAY LIFE, October 2-5
ABC
Nightline will broadcast a five-night series on gay life in America. The
series, which will air on 28 Sept and 2-5 October, is called "A Matter of
Choice?" because, as host Ted Koppel explains, America's central concern
is about choice. Because of possible programming changes following September
11, ask you local ABC affiliate when it will be broadcast in your area.
Question
mark or not, gay-rights groups oppose the mere mention of choice ... although
those same groups eagerly anticipate the series as a "groundbreaking piece
of journalism." Koppel believes it wil be the most ambitious report on
American gay life ever presented on network television.
======================================================
GLSEN NNJ UPDATE: SPECIAL EDITION - October 4th Forum
On
September 11, 2001, our world was dramatically and painfully changed. How, at
this time of national tragedy, can we protect children at school and in society
from the effects of prejudice and hatred?
GLSEN
Northern New Jersey encourages all area youth, parents, educators and other
interested community members to participate in an important event.
On
Thursday, October 4, from 7 to 9 PM, GLSEN NNJ will sponsor a Forum for School
Safety and Equality in the Auditorium of the Montclair Public Library, 50 South
Fullerton Avenue, Montclair NJ.
Speakers
from distinctly different backgrounds will address the current climate for
racial, religious and other minority communities, the rights and needs of
children, and the role of educators, school personnel, clergy, parents and youth
in creating learning environments in our schools which are safe and free of
discrimination.
Please
come and share your insights with other concerned members of your community,
hear about the standing committees of GLSEN and have the chance to get involved
in their work.
Best
of all, by joining us and bringing your ideas and spirit of commitment, you
will help to protect children from discrimination and physical harm, and you
will help determine the direction of a mission that is, if anything, more urgent
than before.
This
free community event is sponsored by GLSEN Northern New Jersey. GLSEN, the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national organization
working to end anti-gay bias and hate-motivated violence in schools.
Please
contact Cindy Sherman or Sheryl Goldstein at (973) 233-0912 for further
information -- we look forward to seeing you there!
======================================================
8th ANNUAL LGBTI CULTURAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 10/07
The
8th Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexed Cultural Heritage
Festival will take place on Sunday, October 7, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the
PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.
======================================================
HOLLY NEAR TO HEADLINE JERSEY PRIDE'S 8th ANNUAL GAY
FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
In
celebration of National Coming Out Day, Jersey Pride is hosting the 8th Annual
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersexed Cultural Heritage
Festival. This statewide event will be held at one of NJ's premiere
venues, the PNC Bank Arts Center, on Sunday, October 7th. National Coming
Out Day is officially celebrated on October 11th, and is a project ofhe Human
Rights Campaign. The date was chosen to coincide with the second March on
Washington for gay and lesbian equality and the first national display of the
Names Project Quilt. National Coming Out Day was founded on the principal
that the gay community needs to be visible, because equality cannot be achieved
in the closet.
This
year, an estimated 10,000 celebrants from around the state will gather under
big top tents and along the mall at the PNC Bank Arts Center on Sunday, October
7th. The event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM. The festival will feature
New Jersey's largest outdoor display of the Names Project AIDS Quilt, a
marketplace with over a hundred vendors, live entertainment, a food court,
games, clowns, and a children's area.
Holly
Near is a unique combination of entertainer, teacher, and activist. Her
strength as a performer has lead to creative collaborations with such artists
as Ronnie Gilbert, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Mercedes Sosa, Bernice Johnson
Reagon, Inti Illimani, Bonnie Raitt, Cris Williamson, Jill Eikenberry, Michael
Tucker, and Linda Tillery. In 2000, Near received The Legends of Women's
Music Award for her pioneering work in lesbian and feminist music. To date, she
has released 20 recordings and has appeared as a guest on many others.
Holly is frequently invited to sing with choruses
around
the world and was the recipient of the first annual GALA Legacy Award. A peace
activist and advocate for human and civil rights, Holly has linked the
multitude of issues that are our lives, refusing the idea of separate
"causes", calling for lesbian and gay issues to be part of the larger
world peace addenda, encouraging the gay and lesbian community to have a world
consciousness and end racism and sexism within the community. When asked how
she keeps her energy for this work, she smiles. "I am selfish. I reach for
the world I want to live in. And I believe in leaving our best we can do to our
children".
Near
is the headline performer at this year's festival. Joining Holly Near on the stage will be comedians Jeffrey Johns,
Sharon Williams, Jodie Wasserman, Deidre Sullivan, Danny Cohen, and Keith
Price. Deidre Sullivan is a stand up comedian and writer based in New York
City. She is the host and producer of Gotham Comedy Club's weekly
alternative comedy show. Deidre has appeared at Jazz Fest 2000 in New
Orleans and performed at gay and lesbian events including Women's Week in
Provincetown, the Gay Men of African Descent Gala and Brooklyn's Black Pride.
Keith Price is often described as "a comedian who moves well and carries a
tune." He is the featured performer and co-executive producer of Tati's
Manhattan Follies, one of NYC's most popular gay and lesbian variety shows. He
is first place winner at Stand Up New York Comedy Club's Funniest Gay Comic
Contest. Backstage named him one of the "Top Ten Stand Ups to Watch"
in the year 2001. Sharon Williams is rapidly making a name for herself as one
the country's top lesbian comics. She has appeared at numerous Pride events
including Washington, D.C. Pride and New York City Pride. Jodie Wasserman
is quickly rising to become one of the hottest new young comics on the scene
today. Jodie most recently returned from a European Tour where she appeared on
Holland's hit television show The Comedy Factory. Danny Cohen is the host
and co-founder of Spin City Comedy. He was recently the first runner up
in America's Wackiest Comedian Contest sponsored by Kraft Foods. In addition to
comedy, the stage will feature critically acclaimed "Jammin'Eggs", an
African/Carribean drumming ensemble; Elif Savas, a soprano who sings opera from
19th and 20th century gay composers; the MCC Chorus; a poetry reading; and much
more.
======================================================
WOMEN & THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURES - October 10th
A
seminar sponsored sponsored by WomenVision, Inc.
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 10th at 8pm
WHERE:
First Lutheran Church, 153 Park St.,Montclair, NJ
Come
listen and discuss future financial possibilities with representatives from
Primerica Inc., a subsidiary of Citicorp there is no obligation to purchase
anything or to participate...this seminar is a complimentary offering to our
organization by members of Primerica
Please
rsvp and let the organizers know if you will be attending. Call 201-572-9519 or
973-709-0455
or
write to WomenVision, PO Box 3017, Memorial Station, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
======================================================
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY at M.S.U. - October 10th
The
Montclair State University community will celebrate National Coming Out Day
beginning on Wednesday October 10th along with the rest of the community and
the country. Events are scheduled as follows:
WEDNESDAY,
October 10th - 12:00 noon
Flag
Pole outside the Student Center: Rainbow Flag Raising ceremony (Sponsored by
GLFSA - Faculty & Staff)
THURSDAY,
October 11th - 11:00 am
Student
Center Room 419
Gastory:
What History Does Not Tell You!
THURSDAY,
October 11th - 2:00 PM
Student
Center, Ballroom C
THE
INs & OUTs OF CLOSETS: Workshops Presented by John Velasco (Co-sponsored by
SPECTRUM - Students)
======================================================
GAAMC HARVEST FESTIVAL, 10/21
The
Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County announces a Harvest Festival and Silent
Auction, to raise funds for Gay and Lesbian Youth in New Jersey (GALY-NJ), the
Anti-Violence Project and the Gay Helpline of New Jersey. Queer Montclair
urges you to support these important initiatives, either through a
tax-deductible donation to the silent auction, or by attending the October 21
event at the Westin Hotel in Morristown, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Comedian
Bob Smith will perform and one of the honorees is our own LaQuetta Nelson,
president of New Jersey Stonewall Democrats (http://www.welcome.to/njsd).
Tickets are $38. Contact Pat Bannan at (973)334-5382 or [email protected].
======================================================
WITH ABUSE OF GAY & LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS RAMPANT, AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL TARGETS PERSECUTION OF GAYS
Homosexuals,
bisexuals and transgender people are tortured and mistreated in at least 30
countries, including the United States, Amnesty International said in a recent
report.
It
said same-sex relations are illegal in 70 nations and 17 US states. The human
rights group said government inaction and occasional provocation drive the
violence.
"There
is an overriding tolerance of abuse because of the social stigma attached to
homosexuality and [because of] defined gender norms,'' said William Schulz,
executive director of Amnesty International USA.
More
information can be gotten on this serious issue of global dimensions at:
http://community-2.webtv.net/reconcilingkans/RK/
======================================================
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
Our
friend Susan Perez has 2 apartments for rent in the beautiful Forest Hill
section of Newark which she's asked that I let list members be aware of! The
first is a large 2 Bedroom, large living room, Kitchen, Nice size bathroom with
all utilities included and parking included. Available for a monthly rent
of $750.00.
The
second apartment is a large one-bedroom Studio for rent with a walk-in closet,
storage space and Kitchen with all utilities included for a monthly rental of
$675.00.
Susan
can be contacted by email at: [email protected]
or by phone at
(973)
350-1240
======================================================
JANET VILLAS PERFORMS! - October 21st
Our
dear friend Janet Villas will be performing a new "cabaret" show at
Oakside Cultural Center in Bloomfield on Oct. 21st at 3 pm.
Titled
"I always wanted to be a Fifth Dimension ( and other musical
misdirections...)", Janet will sing
songs
from the 60's, 70's and 80's and Broadway hits as she searches for the perfect
song, despite what other people think she should sing! It will be funny and
touching, and reservations are available through Oakside at 973 429 0960.
======================================================
RIVER SPLASH - SECOND TIME AROUNDLDC Dinner & Dance Boat
cruise Saturday, October 6, 2001, from 7-10PM.
Due
to popular demand there will be another Boat cruise on the Delaware on October
6th sponsored by LDC, a social club for lesbian professionals.
This
private chartered boat holds up to 150 people. See historic Philadelphia from a
river view. Sail past Penn’s Landing, the New Jersey State Aquarium, the USS
United States and the ever-developing Camden Waterfront.
Please
be at the boat by 6:30PM as we sail off promptly at 7:00pm. Rain or
Shine!
Dine
on a hot buffet dinner with soft drinks, beer and wine included all for only
$35.00 per person in advance. A cash Bar serving well drinks will be available
for those who would like something other than beer and wine.
Reservations
are limited to 150. Your reservation should be received no later than
Wednesday, October 3, 2001.
Dance
on both the lower and upper decks to a variety of dance tunes. Come mix and
mingle with other professional like minded Lesbians and our Gay friends.
Singles and couples ages 35-60 years young are encouraged to attend.
It
is a great way to meet some new friends while dining, dancing, and enjoying the
sunset view and shorelines. . For those of you who are the shy type, don't
worry LDC has mixer games that start the mingling from the moment you step
onboard this cruise, just so everyone is able to easily meet one another.
Special
note: There will be an additional $5.00 cash surcharge at time of boarding per
person.
Here
is how to reserve your seating onboard this fun ship today! Do not delay the
last event quickly sold out.
Send
either a check of money order for the sum amount of $35.00 per person payable
to: Holiday Boat Tours, 401 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
On
the check please make sure and write LDC 10/6 Event and how many in your party
with their names.
In
order to make sure the event isn't overbooked or oversold please make sure to
notify via email to [email protected]. Once LDC receives your request for
reservations you will be issued a confirmation number of email receipt pending
your check arrival to Holiday Boat tours. Please check LDC's website for
additional information.
======================================================
WOMENVISION FALL FILM FESTIVAL - October 27th
WomenVision
will begin it's film festival on OCTOBER 27th, 8pm at the First Lutheran
Church, 153 Park Street Montclair, NJ.
The
first feature shown will be THE CHILDREN'S HOUR
(based
on the play by Lillian Hellman, starring Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn).
Also, Barbara Kahn, lesbian playwright will be our guest speaker. Tickets are
$10.00 (includes snacks and refreshments)...ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN
ADVANCE, AS THERE IS LIMITED SEATING. Call 201-572-9519 or 973-709-0455
or
write for tickets at WomenVision, PO Box 3017, Memorial Station, Upper
Montclair, NJ 07043
(Sponsored
in part by Our Quaterly Publications )
======================================================
QUEER VICTIMS OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER TRAGEDY SHARE A COMMON
BOND: DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY NEW YORK STATE LAW
from The BERGEN RECORD (Hackensack, NJ) 9/25/2001
A
gay man whose partner was lost in the World Trade Center disaster. A
22-year-old woman whose father, a victim, paid her rent. A group of Windows on
the World dishwashers and busboys whose workplace is in ruins.
Those
people share a common bond: Under New York State law, they do not qualify for
emergency funds earmarked for crime victims and their families.
Because
of that, a private charity has become the first recipient of the massive
September 11th relief fund to help those indirectly affected by the disaster
who do not meet state criteria.
"We
found that there were some gaps," said Elizabeth McCarthy, a vice president
at Safe Horizon, a not-for-profit agency based in New York. "New York
State does not recognize a lot of people who were affected by his."
Victims
injured in the World Trade Center attack, or those who depend on them, are
eligible to receive up to $1,500 in immediate assistance from the New York
State Crime Victims Board for needs including rent and mortgage payments , and
expenses for food, medical care, transportation, and burials. Other assistance
includes funds to replace part of victims' lost salaries. Safe Horizon received
$1.2 million from the September 11th Fund, which already has raised more than
$250 million for relief.
The
agency began to issue checks this weekend to hundreds who waited at its makeshift
headquarters at Pier 94 at 12th Avenue and West 54th Street. Most needed money
to cover rent and pay for medicine, food, and transportation.
The
agency was expected to interview as many as 400 people Tuesday who could
receive as much as $1,500 over two weeks.
Those
who apply must bring documentation that may include anything from employment
records to birth certificates, depending on the situation. Each person is
interviewed by the agency's staff.
"There
are a lot of people who just need cash in their hands," said Becky
Michaels, a Safe Horizon spokeswoman. "It's a desperate situation."
Some of the recipients were those who were not the sole dependent of a victim,
but relied on them financially nonetheless, agency workers said.
This
included a 22-year-old woman whose father was a victim in the trade center
attack. The father was paying the woman's rent because she had just graduated
from college and was looking for work. Because her step-mother is eligible to
receive the emergency money from the state, the daughter was not. Others who
were helped include a number of dishwashers and busboys at Windows on the World
who were off-duty at the time of the disaster. Because unemployment benefits
take weeks to kick in, they were given checks to cover their rent.
New
York State does not recognize same-sex or domestic partners. Because of this,
they are not eligible.
======================================================
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!