Another Queer World is Possible!

Another Queer World is Possible!:

Queering and Reclaiming Urban Space in NYC"

Thurs, Oct. 28th, 5:30-7, CUNY Grad Center, Rm C205

The CUNY Grad Center is located at 365 5th Ave (betw. 34th and 35th St).

• Jack Waters, artist, educator, Le Petit Versailles Garden/Allied Productions.Inc.
• Matilda, Gay Shame
• Sharonann Lynch,   ACT UP and Health Gap Coalition
• Dominic Wetzel, CUNY (City University of New York), Queeruption Barcelona
• Mervin Mercano, member   FIERCE (Fabulously Independent Educated Radicals For Community Empowerment)
• Audre Lorde Project, (invited)
• BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College) LBGT Coloros of Diversity
• (invited)

"That's Revolting!  Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation"

Sunday, Oct 24th at 5pm
Book Launch at Housing Works Used Book Cafe, 126 Crosby Street, NY (212-966-0466 ext. 1104) with Mattilda and several of the books' contributers including Benjamin Shepard, Rocko Bulldagger, Stephen Kent Jusick, Jesse Heiwa, Stephanie Schroeder, Justin Rosado.

Friday, Oct 29th at 7pm
Labyrinth Books, 536 West 112th St with Mattilda and "That's Revolting" contributers:  Jennifer Flynn, Jesse Heiwa, and Cleo Woelfle-Erskine

Wednesday, Oct 27th, 7pm
Bluestockings Bookstore, 172  Allen St.
"Dangerous Families  Queer Writing on Surviving," also edited by Mattilda, published by Harington Park Press  

For more info on these events and publications:  http://www.mattbernsteinsycamore.com

A Benefit Reading of TONY KUSHNER’S New Play

Only We Who Guard the Mystery Shall Be Unhappy

Featuring

John Cameron Mitchell and Patricia Clarkson

Hosted by

Kristen Johnston

An anti-war fundraiser for MoveOnPAC

MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2004 at 8:00PM

Josh Wood, in association with Marc Huestis, is proud to invite you to a special one night only benefit reading of Scene One of Tony Kushner’s new play, Only We Who Guard the Mystery Shall Be Unhappy.   Writer-director-actor John Cameron Mitchell will portray the First Lady of the United States, Laura Welsh Bush.  He is joined by Patricia Clarkson (Oscar nominee for Pieces of April), who is typecast as an angel.  Emmy winning actress Kristen Johnston (Third Rock from the Sun) will host the evening. Following the reading, Tony Kushner will join Kristen, John and Patricia for a lively roundtable discussion and audience Q&A.  

Scene One of Only We Who Guard the Mystery Shall be Unhappy was featured on the cover of The Nation in March of 2003, was dissed on Page Six of the New York Post, and has been performed at anti-war rallies all over the country.

The one-night benefit reading will be held on Monday, August 2 at AMERICAN AIRLINES THEATRE, 227 W. 42ND Street, 10036 .  General admission tickets are $25.00 and may be purchased at www.boxofficetickets.com <http://www.boxofficetickets.com>  or by calling 1-800-494-TIXS.  

COLOR ME QUEER on the PIER

The BIGGEST LGBTST People of Color Dance Party on the
Eve of Manhattan Pride brought to you by SALGA (South Asian Lesbian
and Gay Association), ALP (Audre Lorde Project) and Restless Produxns.

5 DJs playing Hip-Hop, House, Soul, Old School Classics, Bollywood, Bhangra & everything in between by DJ IZ, DJ Ang, DJ Squeak, DJ Ayden and DJ Billy Bailey.

Date: Saturday, June 26th, 2004 (The pier has a roof so come rain or shine!)

Time : 9:00 p.m. - 4 a.m.

Venue: THE FRYING PAN - Pier 63 - 23rd Street and Westside Highway

Directions: THE FRYING PAN  is located on Pier 63, one
pier north of the Chelsea Pier Sporting Complex / Behind BasketBall
City. Enter at West 23rd Street and Westside Highway.

Subways: Take the A or C to 23rd street and walk west.

Cost: $10 before 11 PM and for Students with valid ID and $20 after 11 PM.

Must be 21 and over with ID

All proceeds will benefit ALP, SALGA and Restless Produxns.

*******
The Audre Lorde Project
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender People of Color communities
85 So. Oxford St. * Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: 718-596-0342 * Fax: 718-596-1328
Web: www.alp.org * Email: alpinfo@alp.org

NO SURRENDER:

A Book Party for the New Collected Writings of Political
Prisoner DAVID GILBERT

Thursday, June 10, 2004, 7:00 pm
Columbia University Law School
Jerome Greene Hall, 435 West 116th, Room 104
West 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue

Ashanti Alston, Chesa Boudin, Suzy Day, Juan Gonzalez, Naomi Jaffe, Jeff Jones,
Monifa Akinwole-Bandele, Susan Rosenberg, Barbara Smith & Laura Whitehorn

David Gilbert is one of America's longest-held political prisoners, and
one of the most politically active. A founder of Columbia University
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), and a veteran of the Civil
Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, Gilbert joined the Weather
Underground Organization (WUO) in the late 1960s. After more than 10
years of clandestine resistance, he was captured in the course of an
armed action in 1981. Since that time, he has worked inside the New York
State prison system as an AIDS activist, prisoner rights organizer, and
author.

No Surrender is the first collection of David Gilbert's writings, and
provides a unique contribution to our understanding of the most
ambitious and audacious attempts by white anti-imperialists to build an
underground movement "within the belly of the beast." With unsparing
honesty and unfailing humor, he discusses the errors and successes of
the WUO and their allies; the pitfalls of racism, sexism, and ego in
revolutionary organizations; and the possibilities and perils facing
today's growing anti-war and anti-globalization movements. Native
American author and activist Ward Churchill wrote: "Given the strength
of David's character, his writings are offered as tools-nay, weapons-in
the ongoing struggle for liberation. They are of incalculable value to
each of us who aspires to the attainment of freedom, justice, and
dignity for ALL people."

Ashanti Alston, former Black Liberation Army political prisoner and
current coordinator of Critical Resistance Northeast; Chesa Boudin,
student activist, Rhodes Scholar, and son of Kathy Boudin and David
Gilbert; Juan Gonzalez, co-host of Pacifica Radio's Democracy Now!,
New York Daily News columnist, president of the National Association
of Hispanic Journalists, and old SDS friend of David's; Naomi Jaffe and
Jeff Jones, former WUO activists; Monifa Akinwole-Bandele, Director of
Malcolm X Grassroots Movement; Susan Rosenberg, former political
prisoner, noted PEN author; Barbara Smith, noted poet and author,
founder of Kitchen Table Women of Color Press; Laura Whitehorn, former
political prisoner, current POZ editor and human rights activist. Also
featuring some of David?s other friends-Matt Meyer, Teresa Agrillo, and
elana levy.

50% of No Surrender book sales from this evening's event will be donated
to Malcolm X Grassroots Movement Commissary Fund for NY State political
prisoners. Signed book plates will be available for the first sixty
books sold!!

Suggested donation $6/$8/$10

The Audre Lorde Project Announcements

(Forwarded information of events organized by LGBTST People of Color organizations/individuals - to request that an event be added to future listings, please email: :tdeb@alp.org. For info about specific events, please contact the organizers directly with the contact info provided below.)

In this email, you will find info on:

1.      Las Buenas Amigas – May events

2.      Black Pride NYC– April/May/June calendar of events

3.      GAPIMNY Update - Following up on the Details protest

4.      AALUSC - May events

5.  Descendants of Freedom - Dates and times of upcoming performances

6.   Latino Gay Men of NY - First Friday Forum

7.  Quisgleya - "Carribean Heat" benefit dance party

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Las Buenas Amigas

LBA Volunteers - Interested in participating on one or more of our various committees? Have skills in: editing communication, translation, writing grants, web site management? Have time to help with event prep & planning, making phone calls, creating and distributing flyers? We need your talents and help! Please volunteer and help make OUR organization stronger and more visible. Email LBAmigas@aol.com to sign up or for more info.

LBA awarded Working Grant by Heritage of Pride (HOP)

We need YOU! LBA will receive a $1,500 working grant to help fund our 20th Anniversary Gala in November 2006. To earn this grant, we need 40 Buenas Amigas to work the ticket lines in two shifts (15-20 people per shift) at the Rapture Party, the first ever Lesbian Dance to be offered at Pier 54 by HOP and Shescape. LBA will be working from 4PM to midnight. If you are interested in volunteering for 4 hrs. on Sat. June 26/04

(4-8pm or 8-12am), please email <mailto:LBAmigas@aol.com>LBAmigas@aol.com or call Lehilany Labarca, Outreach Chair @ 718-597-5919, for more information.

May Calendar

May 6 - Bronx Same Sex Marriage Event: @ Hostos Community College, 6 - 9 PM. A community forum & press briefing, "Equality for all our families" (Igualdad para todos nuestras familias). Join us @ 120 Walton Ave, 2nd floor, Bronx. Take 2, 4 or 5 train to 149th St. & Grand Concourse.

May 14-16/04 LBA ANNUAL Retreat  - This year's LBA retreat will be held at Jeromino's Resort. SOLD OUT!Talleres de Las Buenas Amigas Domingos de 2-4 PM

LBA workshops Sundays 2-4 PM

En el Centro/at the Center
208 W 13th St.
New York, NY 10011 
(718) 596-0342 x 44

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ABSOLUT BLACK PRIDE IDOL

Wednesday May 12, 2004 at 7pm 
Langston Lounge – 1073 Atlantic Avenue – Brooklyn, NY 
Live Band-“LGBT” TALENT”-Guest Host Keith Price-Hot Music-Celebrity Judges 
www.blackpridenyc.com/madamalberta

FACE OFF IV 
STORIES OF OUR SENIORS

Saturday MAY 15, 2004 at 1pm 
Long Island University- Brooklyn Campus

DeKalb & Flatbush Ave- Brooklyn, NY A once in a lifetime event. Join Black Pride NYC, Inc. and its community partners when we explore the lives of 8 “LGBT” seniors. Mark Fowler of “The Words of My Mouth Consulting” discusses with the lives of 8 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender seniors about the era before Stonewall, Education, Coming Out, Nightlife, Surviving Aids, Prejudice and the “DL” concept. This is a discussion for the youth to engage. Come and see what is possible for your future. Donations appreciated.

www.blackpridenyc.org

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GAPIMNY Update on the Details Magazine Action

Yesterday Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men New York (GAPIMNY) co-chair John Won and members Jih-Fei Cheng and  Alain Dang, APIHR  advisory board member Pauline Park and GLAAD's POC Media Manager Riley Snorton held an extremely successful editorial meeting with Details Magazine. Dan Peres, Editor-in-Chief, Claudia Chung, PR consultant for Fairchild, Patrick McCarthy, Editorials Editor and Chairman of Fairchild Publications, and Andrea Kaplin, Fairchild’s Communications Associate  were present.  

In our meeting, we made very clear the damaging effects the "Gay or Asian"  feature had on the LGBT API community, explaining how the piece made gay  APIs feel like they had to choose between the two communities, how it made  them feel invisible, and how it exacerbated homophobia in the API community  while playing on racial stereotypes in the LGBT community and mainstream  society at large.  

We spent the bulk of the meeting discussing solutions and presented a national effort, a letter signed by LGBT API organizations across the country including [see below] story ideas for future fair, accurate and inclusive coverage.  Dan Peres, the Editor-In-Chief was actively engaged and expressed a real interest in some of the ideas we presented to him.  He assured us that:

1) Details Magazine will move forward in a more sensitive manner and that there will be TANGIBLE results for our community to see in the next 6-8 months.

2) He shared that Details will be running a full page apology as well as many letters from organizations and individuals that expressed concern with the piece in their June/ July issue.

3) He also told us that we can look at the section "The Next Big Thing" in upcoming issues as a place where our story ideas for features and profiles of gay API entertainers and artists may appear.  

4) He also felt that our specific concerns and demands for more
inclusive images could be addressed in the "Power Issue" when they discuss
the 30 most powerful men of the year, coming out in October.  

5) Lastly, he encouraged us to "call him out" if he does not follow through on his commitment to more sensitive, inclusive coverage, and suggested a possible follow-up meeting in 6-8 months to hear feedback about Detail's coverage.  

We are confident that Dan Peres & Details Magazine have an understanding of the "line that was crossed." However, be assured that we will be continue the dialogue to ensure that there is fair and accurate coverage of the API LGBT community.

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African Ancestral Lesbians United For Societal Change,   
Contact us at 212.741.9110, x18 or info@aalusc.org

May 6 – Why Should I Vote
Join us in a discussion about democracy and the power of your voice.

May 13 – Womyn Wellness
The prevalence of Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Hypertension is affecting our community at an alarming rate. Lets have a discussion surrounding the warning signs and prevention methods.

May 20 – Tribute to Femmes
Calling all Femmes! From high femmes to femme-aggressive to femme-tops, from lipstick to locks, and all femmes in between. Come talk, laugh and celebrate the power of the feminine.

May 27 – Movie Night “Set It Off”
Four friends, Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith), Cleo (Queen Latifah), Frankie (Vivica Fox) and Tisean (Kimberly Elise), desperate after various bad breaks up embark on a bank-robbing spree. 

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Descendants of Freedom: a futuristic queer hip hop odyssey presents a triumphant theatrical drama of hiv+ queer youth of color livin' w/risk + hope

May 15  &  16

www.descendantsoffreedom.info
more info on show times + location info + tix reservations
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Latino Gay Men of NY (LGM/NY) First Friday Forum (FFF)

This Friday, May 7, 2004 8-10:30pm 
Este Viernes, 7 de Mayo de 2004 de 8-10:30pm

@ The LGBT Community Center 
208 W. 13 St. (7-8 Avenues), Manhattan. 
Subway trains: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, F to 14 St., L to 8 Ave. or the PATH train to 14 St. & 6 Ave.

Domestic Violence in the LGBT communities. 
A discussion on HIV/AIDS related violence, General characteristics of same sex partners in an abusive relationship (victims vs.perpetrators), Power and control, Myths about LGBT victims of same sex intimate partner violence.

La Violence Domestic en las comunidades LGBT. Una discusi˜n de como puedes ser victima de Violencia Dom⁄stica basado en tu estatus de VIH o SIDA.  Caract⁄risticas generales de relaciones del mismo sexo en una relaci˜n abusiva. ( victimas vs.. abusador)

Poder y control, Mitos y misconcepciones de victimas de abuso dom⁄stico en relaciones gays. Refreshments, educational materials, referrals and other interesting incentives will be provided to all participants.

Facilitated by: 
Mr. Alejandro Beltr⁄ 
Health Educator 
Settlement Health 
212.360.2678 
Abeltre@settlementhealth.org

Miembro de GLADE (Gay & Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization)  In order to assure community support & honest dialogue, this event is open to all self-identified Latino gay, bisexual & questioning men only. 

Este event es para hombres gay, bisexuales y dudosos Latinos solamente. Gracias.

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QUISGLEYA - Dominican Gay and Lesbian association invites you to a...

Summer kickoff "Caribbean Heat" benefit dance party

When: Saturday, May 15th, 2004  
Where: the LGBTCommunity Center 
Address: 208 West 13th Street [off 7th ave.]  
Time: 8pm to 1am  
$8 advance tickets - on sale now! 
Low-priced drinks 
21 and over - ID required  
For more information or tickets, please contact  
Quisgleya headquarters: 718-681-1612 
Or e-mail info@quisgleya.orginfo@quisgleya.org

En espaˆol:

Quisgleya, la Asociacion Gay Lesbica Dominicana Les Invita   
A darle la bienvenida al verano"Caribbean Heat" fiesta bailable a beneficio de la asociacion 
Cuando: Sabado, Mayo 15 del 2004 
Donde: El Centro LGBT Comunitario 
Direccion: 208 oeste de la calle 13 (cerca a la 7ma ave.) 
Hora: de 8pm - 1am 
Tickets: $8.00 con anticipacion - de venta ahora! 
Bebidas a precio reducido 
Mayores de 21 aˆos - id requerida

Para mas informacion or para tickets comunicarse con:  
Quisgleya: 718-681-1612 o enviarnos un e-mail a: info@quisgleya.org

*******
The Audre Lorde Project
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender People of Color communities
85 So. Oxford St. * Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: 718-596-0342 * Fax: 718-596-1328
Web: www.alp.org * Email: alpinfo@alp.org

_______________________________________________
ALP-announce mailing list
ALP-announce@mediajumpstart.net
https://secure.mediajumpstart.net/mailman/listinfo/alp-announce

Meditation
The Great Stress Reliever

– Refreshments will be provided –

Meditation
The Great Stress Reliever

Wednesday, May 5, 2004
6:30-8:30pm

Presented at:
*The Audre Lorde Project

Presented by:
The Health & Wellness Working Group

Facilitated by:
Eva Yaa Asantewaa - Eva Yaa Asantewaa studied Community Health Education at Hunter College School of Health Sciences. She maintains a private practice including Tarot-based psychic counseling, dreamwork, energy healing modalities and meditation coaching. 

A simple, daily practice in meditation can increase your self-awareness, clarity, confidence, creativity and sense of spiritual connectedness. Even “tuning in” for as little as five or ten refreshing minutes per day can help you become less reactive and more thoughtful in your interactions. This workshop teaches basic meditation skills including breathing, imagery and grounding. Participants are asked to dress comfortably and bring a notebook & pen.

This FREE workshop is open to LGBTST People of Color.

For more information, please call 718.596.0342, ext. 14.

*Directions: The Audre Lorde Project is located at 85 S. Oxford Street, Brooklyn, between Lafayette Avenue & Fulton Street. Take the C train to Lafayette, the G train to Fulton or the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, N, R or Q train to Atlantic/Pacific, exit at Hanson Place. Walk up Hanson Place to S. Oxford, make a left, cross Fulton, and walk to the middle of the block. 

*******
The Audre Lorde Project
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender People of Color communities
85 So. Oxford St. * Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: 718-596-0342 * Fax: 718-596-1328
Web: www.alp.org * Email: alpinfo@alp.org

Rachael Corrie Protestors to Be Sentenced

Activists convicted of blocking 5th Avenue March 26th 2003 in protest of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Iraq will be sentenced April 19th. The activist group, which is largely gay, lesbian and bisexual as well as Jewish and Palestinian, is asking supporters to fill the courtroom on Monday April 19th at 9:30am at 100 Center Street on the 5th floor. Go to www.m26.org for more details. Click HERE to listen to a report about the action.

Long-time AIDS activists Steve Quester, Kate Barnhart, Staci Smith, and 13 others protested Rachel Corrie's death (the peace activist who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer in Palestine) and the U.S. occupation of Iraq by blocking traffic at 47th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan a year ago.

They have been convicted of disorderly conduct and obstructing government administration (a Class A misdemeanor). Now the DA has asked for them to be sentenced to jail time plus years of probation, a punishment far beyond the norm for this type of "crime."

Besides being a major horror for the defendants, it would set a dangerous precedent for anyone who protests in New York City. We are being warned not to speak up when the Republicans come to town nor about the current death and violence in the Middle East.

1. Please show up for sentencing on Monday, April 19, at 9:00 a.m. (to get through the metal detectors in time), Manhattan Criminal Court, 100 Centre Street, Jury Part 5, fourth floor. (Do not bring sharps, cameras, food, etc.) We need to PACK the courtroom so that the judge knows the world is watching!

2. Distribute this message widely.

For more information, please call me. Elizabeth Meixell, 212-995-8963 (no e-mail on the weekends)

Manhattan Criminal Court, Jury Part 5, 4th floor
100 Centre Street (between White and Leonard)
[two blocks south of Canal, one block north of Foley Square]

Subways (check the schedule)
Canal J M N Q R W Z 6
City Hall N R W
Bklyn Bridge 4 5 6
Chambers A C 1 2 3 9
Park Place 2 3

AIDS Action in Harlem

Planning Meetings

Tues. April 20, 6pm

Tues. May 4, 6pm

Tues. May 18, 6pm

at St. Mary's Church 521 W. 126th St. Between Amsterdam and Broadway

ACT UP meets in Harlem to plan direct actio and learn from Harlem's fight against AIDS, racism & prison abuses. All are welcome.

Snacks and Metrocards provided

for info call 212-831-1247

Direct action to end the AIDS crisis:

www.actupny.org

ACT UP also meets every Monday at 8pm at the LGBT Center 208 West 13th St. @7th Ave.

A,C,2,3,1,9L trains to 14th St. (and 7th or 8th Ave stops)

University-Wide Conference

Affirm This:

Diversity Adds Value

Friday, April 16th

At Rutgers Student Center, College Avenue Campus, New Brunswick Begins at 8:30am. Come Throughout the Day

Featured Speakers:

Rutgers University President Richard L. McCormick

Former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Scott, a Rutgers Alum

Free Workshops, Entertainment, Food

Register at http://rudiverse.rutgers.edu

Questions? Email us at rudiverse2004@yahoo.com

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes, and diverse coalition of RU students

Qunity

Out + Gay + Live

At

CBGB's Lounge

313 Bowery - Doors 7pm - $10

April 17th- Kris Landherr- Ron Morris - Leha Zicari -Yolanda and the Plastic Family - Steel Pier Sinners + More

Info

freddy@freddyfreeman.com

www.mediateck.net/qnity

2.      Las Buenas Amigas – April/May calendar of events

3.      African Ancestral Lesbians United For Societal Change (AALUSC) – April/May/June calendar of events

4.      Poetry Slam in honor of Sakia Gunn, hosted by Yvonne o! Etaghene, Friday, April 9 @ 5pm, Washington Square Park South

5.      Protest Details Magazine's Racist, Homophobic, Classist "Gay Or Asian?" Feature,  co-sponsored by Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY) and Asian Media Watchdog, Friday, April 16, 12pm to 1 pm, Conde Nast building, 7 West 34th Street (at Fifth Avenue), Manhattan

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The National Latina Lesbian Health Summit
The National Latina Lesbian Health Summit presented by – LLEGO, the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization – is the first of its kind, organized specifically to meet the growing public health needs of Latina lesbians and develop a sustainable lesbian health agenda. The LLEGî Latina Lesbian Health Summit is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on April 22-25, 2004 with sexual minority women from across the United States and Puerto Rico. Women attending the summit are encouraged to join the National Latina Institute for Reproductive health’s delegation at the March for Women’s Lives on April 25, 2004. The summit will focus on three specific areas of women’s health—Health Research, Family Choice & Reproductive Rights and Violence Prevention.

For a registration or scholarship forms please visit www.llego.org. For general information on the LLEGî Latina Lesbian Health Summit, contact Odette Nemes at 888-633-8320 ext. 122 or e-mail lesbianhealth@llego.org or visit us online at www.llego.org for the latest updates.

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Las Buenas Amigas — April/May calendar of events
Contact us at 718.596.0342, x44 or LBAmigas@aol.com

April 16 – LBA Spring Fundraising Party – Come dance with Las Buenas Amigas on Friday, April 16, 2004. LBA is sponsoring an Spring Fundraising Party in Chueca's from 10 PM to 3 AM. Entrance is $10. Funds collected will be use to offset the cost for the retreat. Come supports us and make a difference!

April 18 – LBA Sunday Social (videos) – "Con el Alma Herida" -- Recent images of Latina lesbians on TV and Latin American cinema; @ The Center from 2 - 5 PM. Facilitated by Patricia Meoˆo-Picado, producer of Dyke TV, film reviewer and former LBA Steering Committee member.

April 25 – LBA goes to Washington D.C. for March for Women's Lives – Come and join us at this VERY IMPORTANT march. FREE BUS - GMHC will be facilitating the buses to take us there. Join us and be visible! To sign-up contact Cathy Chang, lachang@earthlink.net or 212 828-8712.

May 2 – LBA Workshop - Aging & You - Growing Older presented by Antonieta Gimeno from SAGE, @ The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., NYC, from 2 - 4 PM.

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African Ancestral Lesbians United For Societal Change, Inc.

April/May/June calendar of events
Contact us at 212.741.9110, x18 or info@aalusc.org

April 8 – A talk About The Candidates
Lets talk about why voting is so important, and why we choose who we choose to vote for.

April 15 – Giving: The Three W’s
What is giving (financial or otherwise)? Why should we give? Who should I give to? Maybe you think: you can’t give, you won’t give or you want to give but don’t know how. Come discuss what it all means and get some questions answered.

April 22 – Ain’t I A Lesbian
Are you tired of people saying that you ain’t a “real” lesbian, because you do not consider yourself a femme or a butch? Are you tired of others trying to put you in a box? If you are a non-label wearing lesbian come share your story. Come celebrate the fact YOU ARE YOU! All lesbians are welcome.

April 29 – Game Night
Come out and enjoy a night of board games, card games, light refreshments, and good conversation.

May 6 – Why Should I Vote
Join us in a discussion about democracy and the power of your voice.

May 13 – Womyn Wellness
The prevalence of Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Hypertension is affecting our community at an alarming rate. Lets have a discussion surrounding the warning signs and prevention methods.

May 20 – Tribute to Femmes
Calling all Femmes! From high femmes to femme-aggressive to femme-tops, from lipstick to locks, and all femmes in between. Come talk, laugh and celebrate the power of the feminine.

May 27 – Movie Night “Set It Off”
Four friends, Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith), Cleo (Queen Latifah), Frankie (Vivica Fox) and Tisean (Kimberly Elise), desperate after various bad breaks up embark on a bank-robbing spree.

June 3 – Civil Rights
Some of us think marriage is very important, tonight we will discuss other priorities such as: Are we safe?, Coming out in the work place, What if I am the best friend of someone who is hospitalized?, Lesbians in prison, and much more.

June 10 – Tribute to Butches
Dykes, AG’s (Aggressive), Doms, Studs, Bull-dagger. However you identify, this is your night. Come join us as we celebrate living is a so-called “Man’s world”.

June 17 – Juneteenth: African American Emancipation Day
June 19, 1865 is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed, two and a half years the Emancipation Proclamation became official. Join us for a barbecue picnic, music and red “pop” as we honor the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery.

June 24 – Lez Sex Talk
Do you talk to your partner during sex? How do you get your partner ready for sex when she’s been working all day? Come and learn/talk about positions/activities you can do to add more pleasure. Bring your unique safer sex barriers (if you like).

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Poetry Slam in honor of Sakia Gunn, hosted by Yvonne o! Etaghene, Friday, April 9 @ 5pm, Washington Square Park South, Contact: yvonnelovely@nyu.edu

This slam is humbly dedicated to SAKIA GUNN, a 15 year old Black lesbian, stabbed to death in Newark, NJ on May 11th, 2003 in the middle of the night at a bus stop because she and her friends rejected the sexual advances of a 29 year old man. This slam is for SAKIA GUNN because our sheroes live on within us.

My name is Yvonne o! Etaghene, I perform poetry passionately, loudly, boldly, with force and with tenderness—an I guess that’s my resume. I am a Nigerian fierce femme dyke poet diva warrior who wrecks shop on and off stages, on and off pages—yes, that is how I identify, (but the census don’t make boxes I can check.) the rest is this: there is no rest for us oppressed, stressed, overworked children of GODDESS and performing is an exercise of ecstasy for me, it is my church...and in this church, I want to grab up hold of you and remind you of why you live!

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Protest Details Magazine's Racist, Homophobic, Classist "Gay Or Asian?" Feature. Cosponsored by Gay Asian & Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY) and Asian Media Watchdog

When: Friday, April 16, 12pm to 1 pm
Where: Conde Nast building, 7 West 34th Street (at Fifth Avenue), Manhattan

In its April issue, Details Magazine published a feature "Gay or Asian?" which stereotypes Asian Pacific Americans, hypersexualizes gay men, and caricatures the working class and immigrants. We demand: (a) A real apology from the editors of Details and writer Whitney McNally; (b) A retraction of the "Gay or Asian?" feature; (c) Diversity sensitivity trainings for all editors and writers, (d) Diverse and complex representations of LGBT, APA, and LGBT APA peoples in Details. Join GAPIMNY and Asian Media Watchdog in protesting this racist, homophobic, and classist representation of our communities.

Download GAPIMNY's flyer:
http://homepage.mac.com/johnwon/Details_Flyer_1f.pdf
http://homepage.mac.com/johnwon/Details_Flyer_1f.gif

For more information, contact: gapimny@gapimny.org
or visit our web site: www.gapimny.org 

*******
The Audre Lorde Project
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender People of Color communities
85 So. Oxford St. * Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: 718-596-0342 * Fax: 718-596-1328
Web: www.alp.org * Email: alpinfo@alp.org

Black Pride Call for: Art, Performance, Actors

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is hosting a multi-borough art exhibition during its seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba” meaning creativity, June 20-27, 2004. New York artists from the five boroughs may submit work in any medium (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and mixed media.) Work must fit into one of the following categories; The Black Gay Family, Lesbian Mothers, The New Face of AIDS, Before Stonewall, The World of Seniors or Youth Power. All applications and submission materials, including a self addressed stamped envelope, must arrive at Greco Art Studio, 149 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 on or before May 1, 2004 to be considered. All requirements are available online at <http://www.blackpridenyc.com/art>www.blackpridenyc.com/art or you can email <mailto:art@blackpridenyc.org>art@blackpridenyc.org for more information. 212-613-0097

Call for Entries II PERFORMING ARTS – OPEN MIC

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is hosting the “Black Pride Idol” Talent competition, sponsored by ABSOLUT VODKA for its seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba” meaning creativity, June 20-27, 2004. The semi finals for this open mic competition will be held at Langston Lounge in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 2004 from 7pm-10pm and at Lenox Lounge on May 25, 2004 from 7pm-10pm. The winners will be invited to perform at the “ Black Pride Idol” Finals which will be held at Splash Nightclub in NYC on June 22, 2004 from 7pm-11pm. All must register in advance. Call 212-613-0097 or go to <http://www.blackpridenyc.com/prideidol>www.blackpridenyc.com/prideidol or email <mailto:prideidol@blackpridenyc.org>prideidol@blackpridenyc.org. Must be 21 or older to enter.

Call for Talent PERFORMERS FOR “CULTURAL CELEBRATION & YOUTH DAY:

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is seeking talent to perform at the Riis Beach Cultural Celebration & Health Fair on June 26, 2004 & for the Verizon Youth Agenda Youth Day on June 25th at Riverbank State Park during Black Pride NYC’s seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba.” Please send tapes or other promotional materials to Black Pride NYC, Inc. 692 Fulton St. #3, Brooklyn, NY 11217 or email <mailto:talent@blackpridenyc.org>talent@blackpridenyc.org for more information.

Casting Notice – ACTORS FOR “Happy Birthday Madam Alberta” 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADAM ALBERTA examines complex issues within the black gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered communities: macho bisexuality; lesbian love; male to female transformation, gay marriage and the threat of HIV infection. This cutting edge play with drama, comedy and life lessons will be an excellent actor's showcase and will rehearse for 4-5 weeks with performances at the Studio at the Cherry Lane Theater June 22-26. The play is a part of the Black Pride NYC, Inc. Gay Pride Week events and explores four friends who gather to celebrate the birthday of one of New York City's most legendary drag performers, Madam Alberta. All goes well until they play a dangerous game of "Truth or Dare" then all hell breaks loose!

Billy: Seeking strong, African American non-union actress for role of Billy. Billy is butch African American -Lesbian social worker, 45-60, Alberta's best friend, excited about her new romance with Keesha. Comedic time important for this role. Billy is a wise cracking and sometimes shady with her repartee-but unaware of it, she’s just “keepin it real”.
Keesha: Seeking strong, African American non-union actress for role of Keesha. Keesha is feminine African American – Bisexual, sexy, street wise, feisty, project mother of three, 25-30 yrs old, traumatized by the possibility of being HIV positive.
Cougar: seeking strong African American male non-union actor between 19-24 years old for role of Cougar in upcoming production of “Happy Birthday Madam Alberta”. This role requires a strong actor to convey strength, vulnerability and innocence without appearing too soft or feminine. He's articulate, passionate about his work as an artist, seeking answers to life's many questions. Cougar is a virgin but feels in his heart he might be gay. Masculine but boyish, physically fit/sexy and edgy, he has many admirers both male and female. Painting and art is his life and soul.

Ray: Seeking strong, African American non-union actor for role of Raymond. Raymond / Daddy Ray is a mafia hit man in love with Alberta and father figure to Cougar, 40-55, macho "Bear" type, guilty about being estranged from his three children. Ray is handsome but physically intimidating character (Tall and or Large Man).

Production Dates: June 22-26, 2004 (six performances-one matinee included) – The Studio at The Cherry Lane Theatre, New York City. Must committee to 4-5 week rehearsal schedule (mostly evenings) Non-Union actors only. Stipends Given. Audition Dates TBA.


For Immediate Consideration, send picture and resume to: <mailto:Madamalbeerta@aol.com>madamalberta@aol.com or
via mail to J. Onwubere c/o Jackson Anubis Productions,
517 West 150th Street, #4 New York, NY 10031

For Questions/More Info: 212.613.0097

<http://www.blackpridenyc.com/madamalberta/production.htm>http://www.blackpridenyc.com/madamalberta/production.htm

###

Founded in 1997, Black Pride NYC, Inc. is a 501 c 3 non profit organization that serves Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (“LGBT”) people of African descent by providing, on a year round basis, educational seminars and cultural events that are vital to the resilience and vitality of the community it represents. These human service programs seek to arm participants with the tools to respond to and withstand the stresses of prejudice, discrimination, bigotry, violence and poor health prevalent to LGBT community

Black Pride NYC Issues Call for Art Exhibition

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is hosting a multi-borough art exhibition during its seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba” meaning creativity, June 20-27, 2004. New York artists from the five boroughs may submit work in any medium (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and mixed media.) Work must fit into one of the following categories; The Black Gay Family, Lesbian Mothers, The New Face of AIDS, Before Stonewall, The World of Seniors or Youth Power. All applications and submission materials, including a self addressed stamped envelope, must arrive at Greco Art Studio, 149 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 on or before May 1, 2004 to be considered. All requirements are available online at www.blackpridenyc.com/art or you can email art@blackpridenyc.org for more information. 212-613-0097

Call for Entries II:

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is hosting the “Pride Idol” Talent competition, sponsored by ABSOLUT VODKA for its seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba” meaning creativity, June 20-27, 2004. The semi finals for this open mic competition will be held at Langston Lounge in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 2004 from 7pm-10pm and at Lenox Lounge on May 25, 2004 from 7pm-10pm. The winners will be invited to perform at the “Pride Idol” Finals which will be held at Splash Nightclub in NYC on June 22, 2004 from 7pm-11pm. All must register in advance. Call 212-613-0097 or go to www.blackpridenyc.com/prideidol or email prideidol@blackpridenyc.org. Must be 21 or older to enter.

Call for Talent:

Black Pride NYC, Inc. (www.blackpridenyc.org) is seeking talent to perform at the Riis Beach Cultural Celebration & Health Fair on June 26, 2004 & for the Verizon Youth Agenda Youth Day on June 25th at Riverbank State Park during Black Pride NYC’s seventh annual celebration, “Kuumba.” Please send tapes or other promotional materials to Black Pride NYC, Inc. 692 Fulton St. #3, Brooklyn, NY 11217 or email talent@blackpridenyc.org for more information.

###

Founded in 1997, Black Pride NYC, Inc. is a 501 c 3 non profit organization that serves Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (“LGBT”) people of African descent by providing, on a year round basis, educational seminars and cultural events that are vital to the resilience and vitality of the community it represents. These human service programs seek to arm participants with the tools to respond to and withstand the stresses of prejudice, discrimination, bigotry, violence and poor health prevalent to LGBT community

BLACK PRIDE NYC “KUUMBA” is sponsored in part by:

ABSOLUT VODKA, VERIZON, ANHEUSER-BUSCH, HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, UMEN ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, GLAAD, CALLEN-LORDE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, BROADWAY CARES, DUGGAL VISUAL SOLUTIONS, WBLS/WLIB – FM, POWER 105.1-FM, LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, NEW YORK BLADE, GO-NYC MAGAZINE, HERITAGE OF PRIDE, CASSWOOD INSURANCE GROUP

The Northeast Radical Faeries Present
Kwazy Quilt Cabaret

A Flamboyant Faerie Fundraiser for
Faerie Camp Destiny, Grafton, Vermont

Saturday, February 28th, 2004 at 8 PM Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York City Nearest Subways: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 9 to 14th St or L to 8th Ave Event tickets are $20 for show, or $25 for show and quilt raffle ticket.

Special guests include John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Lavinia Co-op of Bloolips, Justin Bond of Kiki and Herb, Radical Faerie performance artist Agnes de Garron, performer/singer John Kelly, downtown poet Brandon Olson, Robert LaFosse of the New York City Ballet, rock guitarist Robert Urban, drag diva Yolanda (best musician, Out Music 2003), the never before seen Destitute Destinettes and other Radical Faerie artists and performers.
Inspired by the Cockettes, the legendary San Francisco performance troop, the New York Circle of the Radical Faeries presents a wild and wacky evening of entertainment, performance and hoopla to benefit Faerie Camp Destiny, a Radical Faerie Sanctuary in Grafton, Vermont.

Come to support this inclusive non-profit Radical Faerie Sanctuary at a darn good kooky evening of song, dance, performance, and audience participation. Door prizes, handmade quilt raffle, refreshments, drumming, dancing and more.
Faerie Camp Destiny (FCD) is a rural sustainable development dedicated to fostering stewardship of the land, honoring our natural environment, providing residence for Faeries and managing the camp as a center for retreats and gatherings of the larger community. We are committed to caring for and nurturing elder Faeries and those incapacitated by illness or grief.

FCD, the newest of six sanctuaries in the United States, is a not-for-profit, consensus-based cultural learning center and spiritual oasis for Radical Faeries and the larger Northeast queer community. The sanctuary is located on 166 acres of forested land in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, and attracts hundreds of visitors to numerous gatherings each summer.
FCD sponsors creative projects that reflect and support the Radical Faeries, their culture and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community including sponsoring and assisting with the creation of other faerie sanctuaries. FCD revels in diversity and is open to all who support the goals of the organization, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, physical ability, economic status or ethnicity.

Today, FCD is a campsite with a small camp kitchen and temporary shelter for gatherings. In 2004, FCD will initiate the first phase of our construction project at the sanctuary. We hope to complete a wastewater management system, a new access road and a new well in the first year of this phase. 2005 will see construction of the sanctuary kitchen, dining pavilion and bath house.

http://faeriecampdestiny.org

http://radicalfaeries.net
--
--

New Queer and Transgender Reading Series to Kick Off at Cornelia Street Café

Transistor, a new reading series devoted to supporting published and unpublished queer and trans poets, writers, and performance artists begins on February 22nd at famed literary and music venue, Cornelia Street Café. Transistor seeks to fill a gap in the literary community by providing a forum that explicitly encourages the artistic voices of transgender, genderqueer, and queer writers and performers. The series will cross reference the literary scene and the transgender and queer communities.

The kick off event will feature poet and novelist Douglas A. Martin (Outline of My Lover and Haiku Year), Michelle Esther O’Brien (fiction writer and transhealth and harm reduction activist) and Robin Pickering (novelist and member of the popular dyke band Triple Crème). The event is hosted and curated by Carolyn Connelly (A Brooklyn Diary) Tennessee Jones (author of the forthcoming Deliver Me From Nowhere).

The event will be held every fourth Sunday from 6-8PM at Cornelia Street Café (29 Cornelia Street, F to West 4th Street). Admission is $6 and includes a free drink.

QUEER ASIAN PACIFIC LEGACY

Renowned activists URVASHI VAID and JOO-HYUN KANG will give keynote address
at QUEER ASIAN PACIFIC LEGACY
a historic regional conference LGBT pan-Asian Pacific Americans to
network, organize, agitate, educate, and build capacity
-------------
New York University, NYC
March 5 to 7, 2004
************************************************
www.QueerAsianPacificLegacy.org

HIGHLIGHTS:
* More than 250 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pan-Asian Pacific
Americans
* Keynote address by Urvashi Vaid (former Exec.Dir., National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force) and Joo-Hyun Kang (former Exec.Dir., Audre Lorde
Project)
* Cultural and Spoken Word Performance Night
* Pan-Asian Dance Party Hosted by the South Asian Lesbian and Gay
Association
* More than 20 workshops on politics, identity/culture, organizing, and
skills-building
* Community-wide discussion on ãAdvancing the LGBT APA Agendaä
* Networking caucuses for Women, South Asians, Transgender, Youth, and
regional groups.

BACKGROUND:
More than 250 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pan-Asian Pacific
Americans from across the nation will convene for ãQueer Asian Pacific
Legacy,ä the first-ever multigender and pan-Asian conference to network,
organize, agitate, educate, and build capacity. Central constituencies are
South Asians, women, transgender, and young people ö those who have been traditionally underrepresented.

APAs are among the fastest growing minority groups in the nation. More and
more are coming out, yet they still face invisibility, isolation, and
stereotyping. After 9/11, immigrants, particularly South Asian immigrants,
have come under attack. The lives of LGBT APAs involve a complex web of
issues arising from being sexual, racial/ethnic, linguistic, gender,
immigrant, and economic minorities.

Organizers hope the conference will be a catalyst for LGBT APAs to
collaborate, build a political agenda, and ultimately advance social change.
We also hope to develop the infrastructure of LGBT APA organizations and
increase awareness on current issues confronting our unique and often
overlooked community. The last gatherings of LGBT APAs on the East Coast
were held ten years ago.

REGISTRATION and COST
The conference is FREE of charge, but donations are appreciated.
Make donation checks payable to "GAPIMNY: QAPL" and mail to GAPIMNY, P.O.
Box 1608, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113.

To register, send your name, organizational affiliation (if any), mailing
address, phone and email address to <gapimny@gapimny.org> and write "QAPL
Registration" in the subject line.

You may also request a paper brochure and registration form by emailing
<gapimny@gapimny.org> and write "QAPL Request Brochure" in the subject line.

HOUSING:
For NYU Guest Accommodations, call 212-443-4700. Deadline Feb. 6. Rates
range from $50 to $130. For other locations, go to
<www.QueerAsianPacificLegacy.org>

For Free Community Housing, email requests to <gapimny@gapimny.org> with
number of persons, allergies, and preferences (e.g., smoking, women-only,
couple), and write "QAPL Community Housing" in the subject line. First
come, first served.

TO HELP:
To assist with providing free community housing to out-of-town guests or to
volunteer with the conference, email <gapimny@gapimny.org> and write "QAPL
Help" or "QAPL Community Housing" in the subject line.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
(or to request a brochure and paper registration form)
email <gapimny@gapimny.org>
call 212-802-7423.
go to <www.QueerAsianPacificLegacy.org>

SPONSORS:

* South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA)

* Asian Pacific Lesbian, Bisexual Women, and Transgender Network (APLBTN)

* Gay Asian and Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)

* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Policy Institute

* Asian Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (APICHA)

* NYU Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program and Institute

* NYU Office of LGBT Student Services, OASIS, and Asian American Womenâs

* Alliance

* Amnesty International OUTfront Program

* Asian American Writersâ Workshop

* Asian Queers United in Action (AQUA-DC)

* Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF)

"No War At Home and Abroad"

To: Operation Homeland Resistance Supporters and Endorsers.
Hello all,

It has been a hectic few months doing follow up on the very successful Operation Homeland Resistance Actions of May 5, 6, and 7, and we apologize for not having
been in touch in a while.

We are writing to update you on the success of the action, and to urge you to take immediate action to support Operation Homeland Resistance participants.

Operation Homeland Resistance is a coalition of racial justice and immigrant justice organizations from throughout New York, and is endorsed by over 56
organizations.

On May 5,6 and 7, a total 83 protesters ¯ New Yorkers from all walks of life, including teachers, mothers and students ¯ were arrested for civil disobedience actions in front of 26 Federal Plaza, home of the I.N.S. The actions were a coordinated resistance to the Bush administration?s war program both inside this country AND outside with leadership coming from people-of-color led community organizations.

The Homeland Resistance legal team is currently in negotiations with the District Attorney?s office. The final offer that Rick Costello, Deputy Chief of the Trial Divison, agreed to was to give ACDs to 76 of the defendants, allow 5 others to plea to violations and have their open cases dismissed, and to allow
2 defendants to plead to a misdemeanor charge and have open cases dismissed.

This is a crucial time for us because on October 1st, in a move that defense attorneys have said is unprecedented, the DA went back on what he had offered to two of the defendants who were supposed to plead to violations and have open cases dismissed. Despite that the offer was seriously flawed in that no one should be receiving higher charges for participation in this action, over 50 defendants had already accepted plea offers under the impression that the DA was bargaining in good faith. Now the two defendants whose offers the DA reneged on are going back to court on October 14th. So we urgently need your help in holding the DA to his word.

Fax the DA easily (and for free) through the web (a copy of the letter is included below) to urge the DA to keep his word. The address is:

http://homelandresistance.org/index.php?name=fax

Please take the few seconds to send a fax today, and ask folks you know to do the same.

If you know any politicians religious leaders, famous people, rich people or anyone else who has political power in this society please contact Ian at ian24hour@riseup.net (Ian is coordinating our political strategy). We have a sample letter to the District Attorney on behalf of the Operation Homeland
Resistance Defendants arrested on May 5, 6, and 7th.


For more information, endorsers and photos please visit:

http://www.homelandresistance.org

//////////

"Occupation is a crime from Iraq to Palestine."
"Stop the U.S. war machine, from Iraq to Flushing, Queens."

//////////

--
Operation Homeland Resistance - Legal Committee
Email: legal@homelandresistance.org

OPERATION HOMELAND RESISTANCE CLOSES OUT WEEK

ONE OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ACTIONS

Protesters Vow to Escalate “Homeland Resistance”On Thursday, May 8, Operation Homeland Resistance, which organized three consecutive days of civil disobedience actions at the Jacob Javitz Federal Building this week, held a press conference to announce its next steps.

Organizers say they organized the series of protests to send the message that New Yorkers oppose the Bush administration’s war program both here at home and abroad. “The Bush administration spent billions of dollars on a war abroad, allegedly to destroy weapons of mass destruction; none have been found,” said organizer Collette Carter. “Meanwhile, here at home, the cost of war on our communities is that we now face budget cuts, massive lay-offs, rent hikes, fare hikes, and tuition hikes.”

A total of eighty-three protesters – New Yorkers from all walks of life, including teachers, mothers, and students -- were arrested for civil disobedience actions over a period of three days. Chanting "No more profiling, no more war," they linked arms and blocked the entrance to the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza before they were arrested and dragged away by police. All have been released after being charged with obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Although the demonstrations were peaceful, the police were aggressive in their treatment of the protesters, who charged the police of excessive force and racial profiling. According to organizers, a protester was kneed in the head by an officer, and women were assaulted and subjected to homophobic remarks by officers while being searched. Also according to organizers, a higher percentage of women, the majority of people of color, and the majority of queer people were detained overnight while others were released only after six hours. In addition, they say police intimidated protesters with questions about their political beliefs and affiliations. “This is yet another example of the NYPD’s abusive treatment of anti-war protesters to punish those who don’t share their political beliefs,” said Rafael Mutis, who participated in the protest and was released after 24 hours of being in police custody.

“The illegal invasion and illegal occupation of Iraq should be continuously protested,” said New York City Councilmember Charles Barron in support of the protesters. “I support the movement and the efforts of Operation Homeland Resistance, and I call upon law enforcement to allow New Yorkers to peacefully exercise their rights.”

Organizers say they hope this week’s protests will spark increased “homeland resistance” throughout the city, and vowed to escalate protests in the upcoming weeks. “The fighting in Iraq may be over, but this is only the beginning of a long war,” said Monami Maulik. “We will see continued U.S. aggression abroad as well as increased repression of our communities here at home. We must escalate our resistance.”

Operation Homeland Resistance is a coalition of racial justice and immigrant rights groups in New York City and is endorsed by fifty-six organizations throughout the city.

More information and photos:
http://www.homelandresistance.org

Call to Action:Demand an End to the Occupation of Iraq -

Bring the Troops Home Now!

Money for Jobs, AIDS & Housing, Not for War and Occupation!

Free Asian & Gay War Resister, Stephen Eagle Funk!

Help Us Build „Freedom For Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents!

Worldwide, the anti-war movement is gearing up for

Saturday, Oct 25th.

Hundreds of thousands of protestors are expected in Washington DC, San Francisco and in other major cities around the world to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq and the slashing of social services. The demonstrations will connect the decline in money for housing; AIDS and heath care with the increasing cost of the occupation.

As with all previous national marches, lesbian, gay, bi and trans activists from across the country are mobilizing to build contingents, feeder marches and providing leadership for October 25th.

Now more than ever, the anti-war movement has the opportunity to make a powerful link between the oppression and discrimination faced by LGBT communities and the struggle to end war and racism.

Stephen Eagle Funk, a 21-year-old, gay Filipino US Marine Reservist has taken a heroic stand against the most powerful military force in the world. Stephen refused to deploy when his unit was called to active duty. Instead, he engaged in anti-war work, including speaking at several anti-war rallies. For saying, "I refuse to kill," he was court-martialed and sentenced six months in jail. Stephen‚s case is under appeal but it will take an outpouring of support to free him from the military brig.

Stephen‚s determination is an example to the 49 other war resisters and thousands of potential war resisters in the U.S. military who see the occupation for what it is and experience the racism and homophobia of the armed forces first hand. It is for this reason that Stephen received a draconian sentence and for this reason that we call on LGBT activists to unite on October 25th to call for an end to the occupation and freedom for Stephen Eagle Funk. The military anticipates that Stephen will be alienated from society because he is gay and Asian. We will not let this happen.

As the military seeks to use Stephen as an example to potential deserters, let us use our struggle to free Stephen as an example to the U.S. Occupation. Let us unite in resistance and in a struggle for freedom in response to racism and an illegal, brutal occupation.

As Stephen Funk said "I refuse to surrender my dignity... the military demands obedience, but I will not obey." We also must not obey. For more information about „The Freedom for Stephen Funk LGBT Contingents

For DC Contingent: 212 633-6646, ext 35 or email noprideinwar@yahoo.com.

For SF Contingent: 415 821-6545 or email leilani_dowell@yahoo.com or mecca44@aol.com

To connect with thousands of LGBT anti-war activists join the national QPJ listserve at:

QueersForPeaceAndJustice-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

For updates on Stephen Funk‚s case and how you can help go to:
http://www.join-snafu.org/enlisted/funk.htm

NO PRIDE IN WAR/ NO PRIDE IN OCCUPATION