T h e R e s p e c t e d S o u r c e f o r G L B T N e w s
T H E C O M M U
LETTER
www.theletteronline.com
Newspaper Anniversary Dinner
Rescheduled: Friday, July 30
THE COMMUNITY LETTER’s Dave VanderPol doesn’t have good
timing when it comes to experiencing the occasional medical emergencies
that come his way. A pulse of 219 beats per minute necessitated the
52 year-old Executive Editor seek hospital care the weekend before the
newspaper’s 20th Anniversary Dinner was to be held last month.
Thankfully VanderPol did not suffer a heart attack. Rather he
experienced an episode of a condition known as Supra Ventricular
Tachycardia, the most common and easiest to treat heart rhythm
disturbance.
“The doctors who treated me ordered me to eliminate caffeine,
decrease my stress level and cut out fast food meals in order to control
and prevent repeat episodes. No caffeine?!? Its bad enough I have to
give up sweets, being a diabetic! That’s a tall order even for a Recovering
Catholic. It’s like Lent all year round!”, VanderPol jokingly protested.
With VanderPol personally handling many of the last minute
details pertaining to the dinner, upon his discharge from the hospital
VanderPol contacted ticket holders and sponsors to offer a refund and
to offer three alternative dates for the event. All but one ticket holder
was able to attend on Friday, July 30th, so that date was selected.
Rev. Todd Eklof and Kentucky Rep. Mary Lou Marzian will speak at
the dinner. Both are widely respected voices for GLBT equality. You can
read about the controversy created by Eklof’s recently published book,
A Gospel For Liberals, elsewhere on this page.
Musical entertainment for the dinner will be provided by popular
Louisville singer Christopher Raley. He recently was a finalist in a talent
contest hosted by Q bar.
The festivities will begin at 7:30pm (again, the rescheduled date is
Friday, July 30) at First Unitarian Church, 4th and York Streets, less
than one mile from the apartment building where the first issue of the
newspaper was produced.
Tickets for the 20th Anniversary Dinner of THE LETTER must be
purchased in advance and are now on sale for $15.00. Vegetarian and
non-vegetarian main courses will be available. Beer and wine will be
available for an additional donation.
For more information or to purchase a ticket, write editor@
theletteronline.com or leave a message at (502) 419-2597. Tickets may
also be purchased by sending a check, payable to THE LETTER, to Post
Office Box 7842; Louisville, KY 40257.
Tickets must be purchased no later than Monday, July 26.
S i n c e J U N E 1 9 9 0
N I T Y
VOLUME 21, ISSUE 7 • july 2010
Eklof Book “Too Controversial”
For Amazon.com To Promote
Rev. Todd Eklof was excited to find out he could publish
his new book, A Gospel For Liberals: Considering the Historical
Jesus in Light of Today’s Most Controversial Issues (www.
agospelforliberals.com), through CreateSpace (www.
createspace.com), an Amazon.com company. The minister
of the Clifton Universalist Unitarian Church in Louisville
(www.cliftonuu.org) even paid the company several
hundred dollars to help promote the book through its press
Todd Eklof release service.
Eklof was surprised, however, when the company
expressed concerns about the book’s suggestion that
Christians should vote Democrat, stating in an e-mail
message to him, “We try to stay away from controversial
subjects in headlines and also did not incorporate the
phrase Jesus’ followers.”
After several attempts, all parties agreed upon the
language for the release, and Eklof was assured it would
be distributed in early March. But after nothing happened
he sent an e-mail inquiring about the matter and received
a response saying, “You’re press release is currently
in the distribution queue and we will be distributing
within the next two weeks.” Two weeks passed and he
received another e-mail message stating, “Unfortunately,
Mary Lou Marzian CreateSpace is unable to fulfill the press release creation
and distribution service purchased. We apologize that this
notice is arriving at a late stage in the process, as well as for
any inconvenience this may cause.”
Eklof has made numerous attempts to find out why
his book is being censored. The Amazon.com subsidiary
explicitly refuses to give him their reasons.
“I feel my book is being singled out because of my
claim that Jesus’ followers are morally obligated to
vote Democrat,” Eklof says, “which is odd given that
Republicans have been making the opposite claim for the
past thirty years and nobody seems to mind!”
A review of Eklof’s book will be featured in the August
2010 issue of THE COMMUNITY LETTER and will available
for sale at the newspaper’s 20th Anniversary Dinner.
View pictures from the 2010 Kentuckiana Pride Parade
Christopher Raley
and Festival online: www.TheLetterOnline.com!
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THE COMMUNIT Y
www.theletteronline.com
Post Office Box 7842
Louisville, KY 40257
(502) 322-4632
Founded in June 1990 by
Jeffrey Goldsmith &
Humphrey Marshall
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/WEBMASTER
ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION:
Dave VanderPol: (502) 322-4632
editor@theletteronline.com
With an estimated readership of over 14,000,
THE LETTER is distributed throughout the
seven state region of Kentucky, Indiana,
Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, & Missouri
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Cubbie Britches
Marie Davis
Bryan Gatewood
James Hensley
Christy Ikner
Eric Jost
Michael Kimmel
Bryn Marlow
George Morrison
Beth Ann Rubin
Brian Rzepczynski
David Williams
Hazel Zimmerman
Publication of the name, photograph or
likeness of any person, organization, or
business in articles or advertising in
THE LETTER or on its companion
website is not to be construed as an
indication of the sexual orientation of
such person, organization or business.
THE LETTER assumes no
responsibility for unsolicited
materials submitted for publication.
THE LETTER reserves the right
to edit or reject any advertisement.
© 2010, The Letter News
All rights reserved.
AUGUST 2010 DEADLINES
Press releases and Regional
Calendar items must be received
no later than
Friday, July 16, 2010.
Advertising reservations must be
received no later than
Friday, July 23, 2010.
All items should be sent to
editor@theletteronline.com.
4 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010
Community Mourns Loss Of Two Long-Time Straight Allies
by Dave VanderPol, Executive Editor
Within the span of eight days this past month, Metro Louisville lost two
straight allies who had long been supporters of GLBT equality.
Rev. Dr. George Riley Edwards, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian
Church – USA, known for his peacemaking efforts and public leadership
against war and on behalf of Fairness and numerous other social issues,
died June 2, outside his home in Louisville. He had celebrated his 90th
birthday earlier this year.
“For generations, George Edwards has inspired all of us as a mentor,
who possessed a burning regard for justice and mercy. With prophetic
imagination, he touched numerous lives and ministered compassionately
to the hurting and tearing fabric of our social order,” said Louisville
Presbyterian Theological Seminary President Dean Thompson. Dr. "George was a justice teacher and a
Edwards was Professor Emeritus at the seminary, where he retired in 1985 peace preacher."– Carla Wallace
after serving 27 years as Professor of New Testament Studies.
“He was a profound teacher of the Biblical faith. He taught his students, and all of us, that Christ identifies mercifully with
every victim of injustice, and that they have been called to despise injustice as Christ despises injustice.” Thompson said in a
statement posted on the seminary’s website.
Fairness Campaign co-founder Carla Wallace released the following statement to honor the legacy of Rev. Edwards:
“With the passing of George Edwards, the peace and justice movement in Louisville has
lost one of its most persistent, consistent, and fiercely love-motivated voices for a better
world.
I was six when I first heard George speak, at a gathering against the Vietnam War outside
the old federal building on Broadway. And what a voice it was. For over half a century,
when it came to war, exploitation, occupation, discrimination, inequity – each and every
one of the various hypocrisies of US democracy – his booming bass of a preacher’s voice
was never silent.
And in the early-80's, when there were very few who would stand up for rights of one of
Louisville's most despised minorities, where some would brandish “God Hates Gays” signs
at City Hall rallies, Rev. George Edwards was a first in what would take decades to become
George Unseld a community of straight-but-not-narrows who support equality for all.
George was a justice teacher and a peace preacher. He was a conscientious objector, and
war tax resister, a human rights advocate, a challenger of police abuse, and a marcher for equality for all.
He believed in working, writing, speaking, and loving us towards an America that would not plunder the
nations of the world and wage wars that savage their people and our own.”
Just eight days after the passing of Rev. George Ewards, Louisville Metro Councilman George Unseld died after falling and
suffering a massive loss of blood in his City Hall office.
The 67-year-old Unseld was alone in his office on June 10 before a council meeting when colleagues say they heard him fall.
He was found covered in his own blood. Councilwoman Vicki Welch, a Registered Nurse, led CPR efforts until Unseld was
taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
It was widely known that in recent years Unseld had been receiving dialysis for kidney problems. Yet Mayor Jerry Abramson
says the councilman remained devoted to his work. “Every time there was a meeting, every time there was a reason to be at
City Hall, he was there,” says Abramson.
Unseld was first elected to the City of Louisville Board of Aldermen in 1998 and then was elected as one of the first
members of the Metro Council in 2002. He represented the sixth district, which includes, among other neighborhoods, Old
Louisville and California.
Like Edwards, Unseld had established himself many years ago as a supporter of equality for all citizens as one of the first
to add his support to Louisville’s Fairness ordinance
"Arguably, Unseld’s greatest citywide accomplishment will be the integral role he played in passing the Fairness Ordinance
in January 1999", noted Phillip M. Bailey in a news article he penned for the LEO weekly newspaper.
GLBT activists and allies had lobbied the Board of Aldermen for throughout the 1990s to pass legislation that would
prohibit discrimination. Leaders of the religious right were relentless in expressing their public opposition to Fairness.
In 1998, Unseld replaced then-Alderman Keith Allison, who vacated the seat to run for county clerk and had abstained
from voting on the proposed ordinance the year before. Unseld’s election and other key additions, however, soon changed
the board’s makeup.
Fairness Campaign director Chris Hartman says that Unseld was an early advocate for the ordinance and gay rights.
“When it wasn’t popular at all, he took a bold and firm stance that endeared him to the LGBT community, which has always
known he was one of our strongest advocates,” Hartman says.
First Inclusive Church Forms In Jeffersonville
New Beginnings and affirming church in
Church, a non- Indiana.
denomination Christian Pastor Tracy invites
fellowship, is the first everyone to visit New
GLBT/all-inclusive Beginnings. She states
congregation to be that she has never seen
located in Southeastern a congregation become
Indiana. such a united "family".
Pastor Tracy Patton Pastor Tracy credits that
is excited to offer a to everyone being totally
new church home on focused on serving God
the “Sunnyside of and God's people.
Louisville”. Located New Beginnings
in Jeffersonville, the Church meets Sundays
church is convenient for at 10:30am. Until a
those in Indiana, as well
Pastor Tracy Patton permanent building
as a short drive from can be found, worship
downtown Louisville. services are held at 1710 East 10th
New Beginnings began in March Street in Jeffersonville (two doors to
2010, when Pastor Tracy and worship the left of Big Lots).
director Alan Jones followed God's For more information call Pastor
calling on their lives to open a loving Tracy at (812) 595-0571.

Politicians Attending HIV/AIDS Fundraiser

by Wally Paynter

The Tri-State Alliance has scheduled Weinzapfel, and Indiana State

its 3rd Annual Celebrity Dinner for
Sunday, July 11 at 6:00pm. The event
will take place at the Evansville
(Indiana) Airport Marriott, located
on Highway 41. A popular jazz
ensemble will provide music, and
both a silent and live auction will be
held.
Proceeds from the event will benefit
the Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project’s
purchase of over 350 grocery store
gift cards for low-income households
impacted by HIV/AIDS within
the three-state area served by the
agency.
Among the Celebrity Servers are
US Congressman Brad Ellsworth,
Evansville Mayor Jonathan
Representatives Dennis Avery, Gail
Riecken and Trent VanHaaften.
Tickets, purchased in advance, are
$40.00 per person. While tickets for a
table of nine costs $360.00. The 10th
person at the table will be a celebrity
waiter.
Payment for tickets should be sent
to TSA Celebrity Dinner; Post Office
Box 2901; Evansville, IN 47728.
Payment may also be made online at
www.TSAGL.org/donations.html.
The Tri-State Alliance is a social
service and educational organization
that serves the GLBT community
of Southwestern Indiana, Western
Kentucky and Southern Illinois.
For more information about the
organization call (812) 480-0204

Fairness Fundraiser Overlooks Riverfront

Louisville’s Fairness Campaign is
hosting its 2nd Annual Fairness Over
Louisville fundraiser on Saturday,
July 24 from 8:00pm – Midnight.
Hopefully you don’t have a fear of
heights, as this year’s event will take
place on the rooftop of the Frazier
International History Museum. The
museum’s address is 829 West Main
Street.
Founded last year by Travis Lay
and Ren Scheuerman, Fairness Over
Louisville is a cocktail party designed
to celebrate the Fairness-friendly
city by overlooking it in a different
unique, elevated location each year.
Last year’s affair rotated guests high
atop the city in the Hyatt's spinning
tower.
Inclement weather won’t stop this
year’s event. In the case of rain, the
gala will take place in the Frazier
Museum's main lobby.
$20.00 is the suggested minimum
contribution. For tickets or more
information write fairness@fairness.
org or call (502) 893-0788.

JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 5


Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Coming out? Don’t face it alone!
PFLAG is for more than just for parents,
families and friends. We’re also here for you!
SUPPORT EDUCATION ADVOCACY
We meet the Third Sunday of the month at 3:00pm at
First Lutheran Church, 417 East Broadway.
Use the west entrance closest to the alley.
Questions? Leave a confidential message and
one of our members will return your call.
(502) 329-0229.
10 The LeTTer
6 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010
determining their sexual orientation was subjective and not regulated
by the prison system, although inmates were said to confirm their
homosexuality for their own safety. There were numerous reports of
violence against homosexual inmates, perpetrated by the wardens and
by other inmates, but few inmates sought recourse through the prison
system.
Homosexual men were hesitant to report incidents against them
because of fear for their physical well-being. Lesbian women were subject
to sexual assault as well as other physical attacks. Human rights NGOs
and government entities agreed that brutality against homosexuals,
primarily by private citizens, was widespread in the community.
No laws protect persons living with HIV/AIDS from discrimination.
Human rights NGOs reported severe stigma and discrimination against
this group. The ILO worked with the Ministry of Labor on a program to
reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and to assist employers
in designing policies for workers with HIV/AIDS. Although health care
facilities were prepared to handle patients with HIV/AIDS, health care
workers often neglected such patients.
Long-time activist Michael Petrelis reports stories the mainstream
media choose to ignore. Michael has appeared on The O'Reilly Factor,
CNN, ABC News, and National Public Radio. He has been quoted
by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Raw Story, The
Chicago Tribune, The New Republic, and Stars & Stripes. You can
visit Michael Petelis' blog at: mpetrelis.blogspot.com.
www.TheLeTTeronLine.com APriL 2009
 RegionalCalendar sponsored by Mark England
INCLUSIVE FAITH
COMMUNITIES
Items of interest to the GLBT community are listed for FREE from non-profit community
organizations, support and social groups. We also publicize events sponsored by businesses and Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal)
professionals currently advertising in THE COMMUNITY LETTER. Journeying Together In Christ
421 South 2nd Street (Downtown)
Please send details at least four weeks in advance of your event. Contact: Dave VanderPol: (502) 587-1354
editor@TheLetterOnline.com. Be sure type “Regional Calendar” in the subject line of your Sundays: 8:15am (Rite I); 10:00am (Choral Rite II)
message! Concert & Choral Evensong: 2nd Sundays at 5:00pm
www.christchurchlouky.org
3rd Sundays Wednesdays: July 7 & August 4
3:00pm. Metro Louisville chapter of Parents, Family 7:00pm. Crossport Crossdresser Support Group, Central Presbyterian Church
& Friends of Lesbians and Gays. First Lutheran Cincinnati. (513) 919-4850. Celebrating God’s Wildly Inclusive Love
Church, 417 East Broadway. For more information 4th & Kentucky Streets (Old Louisville)
call (502) 329-0229 or write pflaglouisville@yahoo. Tuesday, July 13 Church School: 9:30am
com . Confidentiality respected. 7:00pm. Cincinnati PFLAG meeting. Mount Auburn Sunday Worship: 11:00am (Nursery Provided)
Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Road. Pastors: D. Mark Baridon & Ann J. Deibert
Every Monday For more information call (513) 721-7900. (502) 587-6935 • www.CentralChurchKY.org
7:00pm. Movie Mania at Gay & Lesbian Community
Tuesday, July 13 Church of the Advent (Episcopal)
Center of Cincinnati, 4119 Hamilton Avenue. Free.
7:30pm Dayton PFLAG Monthly Meeting. 667 You Are Always Welcome at Advent
For movie titles click on the icon for the GLBT Miamisburg-Centerville Road (Centerville). For more 901 Baxter Avenue, Louisville (40204)
Calendar page at www.glbtcentercincinnati.com. information call: (937) 640-3333. (Intersection of Cherokee, Baxter & Broadway)
(502) 451-6066
Every Monday Mondays: July 19, 26, & August 2 Sundays: 8:30am & 10:30am
7:00pm. Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus practice at 7:15pm. Dave VanderPol facilitates a Single Gay Thursday Contemplative Prayer: 7:00pm
Eternal Joy Metropolitan Community Church, Men's Book Study & Journaling Group. Featured www.advent.episcopalky.org
2382 Kennedy Avenue. For more information write book: Finding The Boyfriend Within by Brad Gooch.
DtnGayMensChorus@aol.com. Registration: $5.00, pre-paid through PayPal. For First Unitarian Church
Louisville location and other information write: Where Reason & Religion Meet
Every Tuesday editor@TheLetterOnline.com. 4th & York Streets, Louisville
2:45pm. GLBT Mental Health Issues Support Group Sunday Celebration of Life: 10:55am
at The Recovery Center, 2340 Auburn Avenue, Wednesday, July 21 Wednesday Chalice Night: 5:30pm
Cincinnati. (513) 241-1411. 6:30pm. Indy Bi-Versity, confidential discussion (502) 585-5110 • www.firstulou.org
group. For more information, including the meeting
6:00 - 8:00pm. Louisville Fairness Campaign location, write: indybiversity@yahoo.com.
Metropolitan Community Church
Volunteer Meet-Up at 2263 Frankfort Avenue. For ALL People Are Welcome at the Table
Saturday, July 17
more information call Kyle (502) 893-0788 or write 1432 Highland Avenue (Louisville)
8:00pm. Monthly meeting of Sienna, transgender
fairness@fairness.org. support group in Louisville. For location leave a
(502) 587-6225 • www.mcclouisville.org
Rev. Dee Dale, Pastor
message: (502) 894-1048. For general information
6:30pm. Triangle Martial Arts Association: Tae about the group visit www.tg-sienna.org.
Sunday Morning Worship: 10:30am
Kwon Do training for GLBT community. Beginners Wednesday Evening Worship: 6:00pm
& experienced welcome. For location write: m_ Saturday, July 24
fearnow@yahoo.com. 8:00pm - Midnight. 2nd Annual Fairness Over New Beginnings Church
Louisville fundraiser to benefit Fairness Campaign. Defined By FAITH, Not Orientation!
7:30pm. Women’s Tuesday Night Coming Out Group Details, including downtown location, write laura@. 1710 East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN
at Off The Avenue, 1546 Knowlton Street, Cincinnati. fairness.org. Suggest donation: $20.00. Pastor Tracy Patton/ (812) 595-0571
Sunday Worship: 10:30am
(513) 535-2517.
Sunday, August 1 www.newbeginnings4u.net
1st & 3rd Thursdays 3:00pm. Monthly meeting of Owensboro chapter
7:00pm. Gay Men’s Support Group meets at of Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays. Trinity Open Door Community Fellowship
Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, 1432 Episcopal Church, 720 Ford Avenue. For information: Reaching Out to ALL People
Highland Avenue. pflagowensboro@hotmail.com or call (270) 929-1399. 3938 Southern Parkway, Louisville
(502) 893-6323 / Pastor Sherry Roby
August 13 - 15 www.opendoorcommunityfellowship.com
Every 3rd Friday Mr. Timberfell Competition at Timberfell Lodge, Sunday: 10:30am & Wednesday: 7:00pm
7:30pm. “Family-Friendly” Coffeehouse at Day’s Greenville, TN. Interested in competing for some
Coffee Shop, Bardstown Road at Edenside Avenue in great prizes? Call for information or reservations. Progressive Pathways Fellowship
Louisville. Music and readings, organized by Marie call (800) 437-0118. For details on this and other What Path Calls You?
Davis, cartoonist for THE LETTER. upcoming events visit www.timberfell.com. Mellwood Arts & Entertainment
Center / #208 1/2
1860 Mellwood Avenue, Louisville
Sunday Worship & Education: 5:30pm
Wednesday Book Chat: 6:15pm
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.progressivepathways.org
Friday, July 30 at 7:30pm. THE COMMUNITY LETTER’’s
20th Anniversary Dinner. First Unitarian Church. Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church
A Welcoming Congregation,
Advance tickets required: $15.00. For more information: Standing On The Side Of LOVE!
editor@theletteronline.com. 4936 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 425-6943 • www.tjuc.org
Sunday Service: 11:00am
Mark England www.LouisvilleGayInfo.com
Paid Listings
Selling Louisville's Most DIVERSE Neighborhoods

JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 7

 July 16 - 18
UNIFORM FETISH
WEEKEND
Military, Cop,
Fireman, Biker,
Latex or Rubber!

July 3 - August 1
DOMINATION 2010
Come Enjoy the
“Leather Experience”!

August 13 - 15
Mr. Timberfell
Competition
Interested in competing?
Call for information!
A big weekend with great
parties and music!

Bryan Gatewood
Attorney

Attorneys and Counselors at Law

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR NEARLY A DECADE.

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8 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010

 OUT  SPOKEN
Liberal Louisville?
Recently a friend of mine from high
school, who now lives in Los Angeles,
called me to tell me about a research
position she found advertised at the
University of Louisville. I said, “Great,
are you applying?” Her response was,
"No way in hell…I wouldn’t live in
Kentucky! I don't know how a liberal
person like you can live there."
The Louisville I know is progressive
and open-minded. Am I missing
something?
To add insult to injury, my partner
and I recently went to South Florida for
a couple of weeks. People were very
friendly, however not one person had
anything good to say about Kentucky.
All they knew of Kentucky was Mitch
McConnell and our new famous racist
Rand Paul. Oh and that we had some
“horse race” here!
Not one person that commented
on Kentucky had ever been to the
state. My friend from high school is
apprehensive about even coming to
visit me in Kentucky.
Do we really have a problem here? I
decided to start looking at the research,
as that would give me the statistics to
back up that Louisville is, in fact, a
progressive city.
I knew that the Louisville LGBT
community had protection in housing,
JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter
employment, and social services since
1999, which is longer than many cities
that claim to be highly progressive.
Yes, Atlanta I'm talking to you.
What did my research find? Not
much.
I did find several studies that ranked
the most liberal and conservative cities.
Did we make the top 25 of either? No.
Then, as I scanned the most liberal
list, who appeared as number 19?
Louisville? No. I was shocked to read
the words Birmingham, Alabama! Well
this confirms it, we have a perception
problem. I am from Birmingham,
and let me assure you it is highly
unprogressive. In fact, Birmingham
resisted even entering the 20th century.
It remains a very conservative place.
LOUIS PHILPOTT
4033 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY 40220
Mobile: (502) 836-1255
FAX: (502) 400-2796
louissellslouisville@gmail.com
by Ren Scheuerman
done on a large scale.
But what can you do? Remember
the cool people you met while on
“gaycation” from Seattle or New York
that you still keep in touch with? Invite
them to Louisville for the weekend.
Better yet invite them here Derby
Weekend.
What can I do? Check out Facebook,
I am now in the process of creating
a liberal advocate organization for
Louisville, called Lib Louie, which is
short for Liberal Louisville. It will be a
forum to share the progressive elements
of our city in fairness-related issues,
Very.
including projects that demonstrate
So what are we doing wrong here in
our willingness to grow and progress.
Louisville? Nothing I am aware of.
We know Louisville is great, now we
Then I thought about my friend
need to show the rest of the country
Caroline Knop, who owns the local
what Louisville is and where it is
public relations firm Simply PR. She
going.
always tells me that "perception can
be greater than reality." If this is so,
what do we need to do to change the Ren Scheuerman and
perception of River City to outsiders? his partner, Travis
To start with, the city needs to actively Lay, enjoy living in the
market itself to progressive people luxury of Indian Hills
(Northeast Louisville).
and we need to reinforce the positive where they enjoy
attributes of a progressive community building bridges of
to the people who market Louisville. understanding with
Print and TV ads need to enumerate their neighbors (the
why we are progressive and why it is a vast majority of
which are rumored to
good city to visit or more importantly, heterosexual).
consider relocating to. This needs to be
Century 21 Joe Guy Hagan
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated
9
 LIBERAL ON THE SAUCE

Junk Cars and Tea Parties by David Williams

If you want to know more about the
tea party movement, all you need do is
wander into my bathroom. OK, stop. I
know what you're thinking. Shame on
you! Let me explain.
My bathroom is rather small. When
the house was built during Grover
Cleveland's second administration,
it was probably a pantry. It wasn't
turned into a bathroom until around
the time Herbert Hoover was running
for president. But in the age of Obama
it's become more than just a bathroom.
It's like a little art gallery. Besides
photographs and objets d'art picked up
at various fairs, it showcases postcards
from Edgar Allen Poe's house in
Philadelphia, Bill Clinton's boyhood
home, a tattoo parlor in Savannah, and
on and on.
Sitting in a small carved giraffe dish
from Kenya is a news item I clipped
from the Louisville Courier-Journal of
June 25, 2004. Though it predates the
tea party movement by several years,
it shows how its philosophy has been
around for quite some time. "Ban on
junk cars voted down in Letcher," it
says. I found it so startling, I had to
cut it out. I see it every morning as I'm
applying my deodorant.
It seems Letcher County's solid waste
director was trying to get an ordinance
passed that would have prohibited
residents from parking junk cars on
their property. Besides wanting to
make the county safer, he figured
tourists driving up to Pine Mountain
Trail State Park would find the drive
more pleasant.
The county's judge-executive-
-highest elected official in most
Dr. Rand Paul and junk cars…the
connection should be obvious..
Kentucky counties--predicted it would
fail, and it did by a vote of 4-2. "People
feel like government shouldn't tell
them what they can do on their own
property," he's quoted as saying. A
Whitesburg resident agreed. If people
want to toss junkers and presumably
anything else on their front lawns, he
said, they should have every right to
do so. Wonder what that smells like.
I'm sure Kentucky's own tea party
candidate Rand Paul would feel right
at home.
That story brought back memories
of an editorial I read once in the Casey
County News around 1980. The federal
government was proposing higher
gas mileage standards, but the writer
would have none of it. Paraphrasing
him, he wrote, "If I want to drive a gas
guzzler, that ought to be my right as
an American." Yes, he really did think
that.
Despite what tea partiers charge,
few of us liberals want the government
running factories and shipyards.
On the other hand, most Americans
understand the necessity of regulation.
Hardly any of us want to return to a
time when meat isn't inspected, drugs
are sold without testing, smoking is
allowed in restaurants, and zoning laws
are abolished. A healthy marketplace
demands a healthy level of government
regulation. It's in the best interest of
both manufacturers and consumers.
We need only look at the disastrous BP
oil spill to understand that.
Fortunately, in the latest spate of
primary elections, the tea partiers
flexed their muscle and ended up
pinching a nerve. It appears a good
many voters are now flinching. One
new poll shows a significant drop in
tea party support.
It would be a mistake, of course,
to count these people out just yet.
America has been electing its fair share
of nuts for centuries, and it always will.
The best hope is that their opponents
run such successful campaigns that
their philosophy is laid to rest for good
or at least a while longer. The country
can't afford to return to the glory days
of yesteryear when lack of regulation
led to workplace tragedies, rampant
discrimination, and a pile of junk in
every plot.
David Williams is the founder of the
Williams-Nichols Institute and the Kentucky
Gay & Lesbian Library and Archives, which
are housed at the University of Louisville’s
Ekstrom Library.

HER MIND

"The loudest voices against homosexuals are self-hating closet cases.

They're greatest fear is that they will lose control and do what they masturbate to
when they are alone. The world is full of men who have sex with men but then beat
the hell out of that same gay man if he dares to suggest that he is in any way gay.
They just like to get their penis waxed or like to wax some male behind every now and then.
This is why AIDS/HIV in the heterosexual community is at an epidemic level."
-- Myrtle McDonald of Louisville is a community activist,
all-around rebel rouser and can frequently be found on Facebook.

10 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010

 GAY LOVE COACH
What To Do When Jaded By Gay Dating
Q
I’ve lost my faith in the dating
scene. I’ve become so used to
being hurt and ignored by men
for whom I’ve had genuine feelings.
It makes me feel utterly lousy about
myself and it’s even worse when I see
everyone around me (both gay and
straight friends) falling in love. I’m
tired of feeling lonely, and with the
summer upon us and being single
again, I’ve about given up hope.
A
Just because it may possibly
be more challenging in one
geographical spot than
another, it’s extremely important to not
allow yourself to get jaded by gay men
and the dating process and to always
try to keep the mindset positive and
optimistic. Easier said than done, I
know, but defeatist thinking will only
serve to make you feel more frustrated
and miserable and could even become
self-sabotaging from your being able
to accomplish what you want.
Self-fulfilling prophecies develop
out of negative thinking; if you
think it’s hopeless to find a quality
boyfriend, then this could actually be
just the scenario you’ll be creating on
an unconscious level. Try to remember
the law of attraction – what you put
out there is what you will typically get
back in return. No matter how hard
you to try to hide it, if you possess
feelings of hopelessness and disgust
about gay men and dating, you may be
exhibiting this in your body language
without your being aware of it and
Family & Medical Leave Guidelines Now Include Children of Same-Sex Couples
The Human Rights Campaign
(HRC) has expressed appreciation in
the wake of a Department of Labor
interpretation of the federal Family
and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that
permits an employee to take FMLA
leave for a child for whom he or she is
acting as a parent, even if the employee
does not have a legal or biological
relationship to that the child.
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender workers who serve as
parents should be treated as parents,
and be able to take advantage of
important federal benefits, like Family
and Medical Leave, that protect and
JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter
by Brian Rzepczynski, M.S.W.
looking for in a potential partner and
relationship and make a list of all your
needs for each. Identify those needs
that are negotiable (things you’d be
willing to bend on) versus those that
are non-negotiable (these are deal-
breakers, those things you absolutely
must have or cannot have to be in the
relationship). Your deal-breaker needs
represent your core values and these
will be the qualities and characteristics
that you’ll be using to screen your new
guy to make sure he matches your
vision for the ideal man.
No matter how hot he is or how
much you have in common, if a dating
prospect doesn’t align with your vision
and needs, you’ll be setting yourself
up for pain and disappointment the
more you invest in a future with him.
you will be repelling quality men from You don’t want just any guy; you want
approaching or wanting to be around the right guy!
you – the very opposite thing that you Living a full life is another important
want! coping strategy for managing the
So step #1 is to begin working on “dating blues”. By engaging in activities
developing a more positive mindset so that give you a sense of purpose,
that you begin to exude this energy that passion, and meaning, the emphasis
many people find quite attractive, even will shift to your having a blast living
if you have to “fake it to make it” in your life and finding a dating partner,
the beginning with the hope that your while still important, becomes more of
feelings will eventually catch up with a “bonus” than an “urgent need.”
your behavioral actions and positive Explore different ways you might
thinking. bring more richness and personal
Another thing you can begin doing reward to your life. Often times, men
is to fine-tune your vision of your ideal meet their life partner by doing such
partner and relationship to make sure purpose-driven activities because it
you’re screening and attracting the affords them the ability to meet other
right kind of guy. Make sure that you men who share their higher-level
have a very clear vision of what you’re values and vision…and these are the
strengthen all not extend FMLA leave to the same-sex
of America’s partners and spouses of employees.
families. “No one who loves and nurtures
We thank a child day-in and day-out should
Secretary be unable to care for that child when
Solis and the he or she falls ill,” said Secretary of
Department Labor Hilda L. Solis. “No one who
of Labor for steps in to parent a child when that
taking this child’s biological parents are absent or
step forward incapacitated should be denied leave
for LGBT by an employer because he or she is not
families.” the legal guardian. No one who intends
Joe Solmonese said HRC to raise a child should be denied the
President opportunity to be present when that
Joe Solmonese. He also point out that child is born simply because the state or
despite the recent ruling, the act does an employer fails to recognize his or her
types of relationships that have the
most success because of such existential
commonalities.
Being visible is important, so it’s
critical to immerse yourself in settings
where other gay men will be no matter
how disgusted you might feel at the
prospect right now. Make sure the
venues you select are aligned with
your interests and values and work on
honing savvy social skills and flirting
abilities.
So hang in there and keep the focus
on things that you have control over
and take stock of the things you are
grateful for and that are positive in your
life to stay centered on the affirmative.
Good men are out there everywhere;
they can just be hard to find sometimes,
and you can do your part to make sure
you’re at your own personal best so that
when your paths eventually do cross,
you’ll recognize him when he’s there
and your positive energy and mindset
will attract and draw him toward you.
Keep persevering and enjoy!
There’s always good coaches or
therapists out there to help partner
with you on your journey to help
provide support, accountability, and to
keep on track!
©2008 Brian L. Rzepczynski, All rights
reserved. To sign up for the FREE Gay
Love Coach Newsletter filled with dating
and relationship tips and skills for
gay singles and couples, as well as to
check out current coaching groups,
programs, and teleclasses, visit www.
TheGayLoveCoach.com.
relationship with the biological parent.
These are just a few of many possible
scenarios. The Labor Department’s
action today sends a clear message
to workers and employers alike: All
families, including LGBT families, are
protected by the FMLA.”
The Family and Medical Leave
Act, passed in 1993, permits eligible
employees to take up to twelve weeks
of unpaid leave to, among other things,
care for a spouse, son, daughter or
parent with a serious health condition
or attend to the birth or adoption of
(See Family & Medical Leave,
continued on pg 12)
11
 GAY & FEMINIST

Dueling Divas by Eric Jost

Poor Christina Aguilera (a/k/a
“Xtina”)
Despite a poorly-received first
single, "Not Myself Tonight", she
continues to assault the media with
talk of the futuristic new album and
her never-ending list of collaborators.
Unfortunately, the media and the
public are still obsessed with another
pop starlet: Lady GaGa. And despite
ten years under her belt, journalists
continue to insist that the veteran pop
star is jacking GaGa's style, musical
sensibilities, and even talent.
The manufactured feud goes back
to the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards
when Xtina performed her single,
"Keeps Getting Better", and critics
couldn't help but notice the similarities
between Aguilera's newfound
appearance and that of the then-rising
singer. The charges led to a rather
harsh comment from Aguilera, which
continues to haunt her today, "This
person [Lady Gaga] was just brought
to my attention not too long ago. I'm
not quite sure who this person is, to be
honest. I don't know if it is a man or a
woman."
Two years later and music critics
won't let up, with Aguilera forced to
comment on the comparison in every
interview she gives. Xtina finally took to
her blog to dispel rumors of resentment:
"I have absolutely nothing against
Lady Gaga or any other female artist in
this business. I think she is great, and I
Christina Aguilera
appreciate any woman fearless enough
to go against the norm." Aguilera goes
on to say, "This is not the first time I have
been unfairly pitted against another
female artist but it will be the last time I
comment on the matter."
Aguilera rightly points the finger at
sexist journalists working for a sexist
society in cultivating this feud. Sure,
Aguilera might have been inspired by
GaGa, but why do such similarities
result in a female artist being discredited
as inauthentic?
One needs to look no further than
the pool of male pop stars currently
dominating the airwaves as illustrative
of society's desire to cultivate hate
amongst successful women and clamor
for collaboration among successful men.
Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, will.i.am,
Lil Wayne, T.I., Jay-Z, Kanye West,
Lady GaGa
Usher, even Justin Bieber all regularly
collaborate in various combinations and
are met with overwhelming success.
When Usher goes on interviews, no
one dares accuse him of stealing Justin
Timberlake's style. All seemingly live
in musical harmony, aside from a
few minor squabbles and personality
clashes.
Women, however, must be competing
with one another -- I mean, how could
they not!? Lady GaGa is feuding with
Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera,
who in turn is a rival of Britney Spears,
whom Ke$ha is ripping off, who is
setting herself up as heir apparent to
Rihanna, who is gunning for Beyonce,
who is mimicking the grandmother of
all divas, Diana Ross. Phew, with all of
this feuding I don't understand how any
of these women get any work done.
The one thing that women in the
music industry can count on is being
rewarded for their staying power.
Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie
Minogue, and Janet Jackson are all
seemingly immune from the criticisms
and accusations. But why should
female performers have to wait until
they are "over the hill" by the music
industry to finally gain any respect or
recognition of originality? Art inspires
art, which male pop singers are well
aware of and gladly move forward in
solidarity without any hair-pulling or
accusations of imitation. And who's to
say that Justin Bieber is any more or
less manufactured and packaged than
Miley Cyrus?
Whether or not they hold any actual
resentment towards one-another, the
over-hyped feud between Xtina and
GaGa shows us that even if female pop
stars are currently outselling their male
counterparts, they can't escape the
sexism that exists and is fostered when
females achieve fame.
Eric Jost is a freelance
writer living in Washington,
DC. His work ranges
from embarrassing
firstperson narratives to
commentaries on queer
rights and sex positive
culture. You can check out
more of his work at www.
eric-jost.com.

Advisory Committee Opposes Family & Medical Leave, cont’d from pg 11

Ending Blood Ban a son or daughter of the employee. The definition

In a move that that has lead to a harsh response
from many GLBT community leaders, early last
month the Department of Health and Human
Services’ Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and
Availability voted against recommending a change
to the current policy barring for life any man who
has had sex with another man since 1977 from
giving blood, citing insufficient scientific data to
support a change.
The Committee did acknowledge, however, that
the current policy is imperfect and recommended
additional research to support a policy that would
allow low-risk gay and bisexual men to donate.
The Committee’s recommendations will now be
considered by the Assistant Secretary for Health.
“We are disappointed that after its meeting, the
Advisory Committee chose to preserve a policy that
turns away healthy gay and bisexual donors, one we
continue to believe is not scientifically justified” said
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
of “son or daughter” includes a “child of a person
standing in loco parentis.”
As with all federal statutes, however, the term
“spouse” is governed by the definition of marriage
under the Defense of Marriage Act, which is limited
solely to the legally sanctioned union of one man
and one woman.
HRC provided the Department of Labor with
a recommendation to clarify that the “in loco
parentis” language in the FMLA’s definition of
“son or daughter” explicitly includes the children
of LGBT workers’ same-sex partners, even when
those employees are unable to become legal parents
under the laws of the states in which they live. This
What Path Calls You?
recommendation was part of HRC’s Blueprint for
Positive Change, a series of policy actions that
would be benefit LGBT people and their families
which the Obama administration could institute
without congressional action, and HRC worked clamourunderbridge.typepad.com
with Department of Labor staff to move this
important change forward.

12 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010

 YOUR PEACE OF MIND

Of Orgasms (Or Lack Thereof), Guilt & Responsibility by Dr. Fred Schloemer, L.C.S.W.
[Author’s Note: It’s great to be back another individual is the ultimate
as a columnist for THE COMMUNITY “Fifty-Fifty Deal,” where no party is
LETTER, after writing for another responsible for more than fifty percent
publication for several years. During of either the good or the bad things that
my time away, I’ve appreciated the occur. It takes two equally involved
positive changes in this great paper, people to make good sex happen, and
including its new name and its when it doesn’t happen, no one party
stronger emphasis on voicing diverse should shoulder the blame.
viewpoints and topics. In answer to the reader’s other
Previously my column focused questions, yes, he should feel free to
solely on mental health questions, let his sex partners know when he’s
which I will always welcome. But I tired and wants to end the lovemaking.
hope readers will also write me with And I like the particular wording he’s
broader social, political, or cultural shared here for how to accomplish
questions, including suggestions for that.
film or book reviews, comments on Finally, I’d like to suggest to the
candidates, campaigns and elections, reader that he focus less on the goal of
or any other topic they’d like to see me getting his partners off, and more on
address. the goal of just helping each other feel
Now that I’m back, put me to work good. Sexual intimacy isn’t just about
for you. If you ask me a question I having an orgasm, but about being
can’t answer, I’ll do my homework and sensual and enjoying our whole selves
find out the facts, or consult with the and a whole experience with another
experts and get back to you with my person. There are a lot more ways to do
findings.] that than just having an ejaculation.
Whatever the reader does with these

Q I’m a single gay man with an

active sex life, and always try
to get feedback from my sex
partners about my lovemaking. The
suggestions, I wish him (and his sex
partners) “peace of mind.”

Fred Schloemer, Ed.D.,

problem is how to handle the rare issue is one of guilt, as I blame myself psychotherapist! LCSW, is a Louisville
occasions when my sex partner isn’t when he doesn’t climax. Is this guilt Starting with the reader’s last psychotherapist specializing
able to achieve orgasm? I wonder how appropriate? question first, my answer would be no, in gay issues. Write him at

long is “long enough” before accepting
he can’t get off? And is it okay for me
to say, “We’ve been at this for over an
hour, I’m kind of worn out, so why
don’t we just call it a night?” Another
A
I wish more people had such
sensitive and communicative
lovers -- or maybe not, since
then I might be out of a job as a
FredSchloemer@aol.com,
I don’t think it’s appropriate for him to
visit his website at www.
take responsibility for his sex partner’s schloemerservices.com,
inability to orgasm, especially when and order his book From a
he’s been so attentive to his lovers’ Land in Between at www.
needs during sex. Having sex with publishamerica.com.

DISCUSS!
Fairness Hires New Administrative
Should Anti-Gay Protestors Be Allowed To Coordinator
Promote Beliefs At Pride Events? Louisville's Fairness Campaign welcomes
Last month a federal judge ruled that the Twin Cities Pride Festival was not Laura Reece as its new Administrative
Coordinator. Laura is responsible for office
allowed to prevent a man from passing out Bibles and discussing his views
and database management, constituent
against homosexuality at the annual event that took place in Minneapolis.
communications, bookkeeping, and engaging
Festival organizers had asked Judge John Tunheim for a temporary
the community through volunteer recruitment
restraining order against Brian Johnson, of Hayward, Wisconsin. They had and social media.
argued that they should have the right to prevent Johnson from passing out Laura is experienced in graphic design and
literature or displaying signs during the GLBT pride event because they're video editing, which she hopes to incorporate
paying to lease a public venue, Loring Park, for the weekend. in her position at Fairness.
But Tunheim’s order stated the park is a public forum, so Johnson's free- As THE COMMUNITY LETTER goes to
speech rights must be honored. He says Johnson is entitled to speak and press, Laura would like to hear from community
hand out literature as long as he remains undisruptive. members and straight allies who would like
What’s your opinion? It was rumored that this year’s Kentuckiana Pride Laura Reece to volunteer to staff the Fairness Campaign’s
Festival had at least three anti-gay protestors spreading their homophobic booth at the Kentucky State Fair. Volunteers
views. Do you believe that these individuals have a right to promote their will receive free admission to the fairgrounds and training to work at this
anti-gay agenda at a Pride Festival or other gay-friendly public event? Send very public event. For more information call (502) 893-0788 or write laura@
your comments to editor@theletteronline.com and we’ll include them in fairness.org.
our August 2010 issue.

JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 13

 DINING OUT

Revisiting A Local Favorite: Ditto’s Grill by Beth Ann Rubin

[Ditto’s Grill; 1114 Bardstown Road; usually a special cocktail available each are one of my preferred items as well his plate.
Louisville, KY. (502) 581-9129.] month. Not being terribly adventurous as their Spinach Pizza ($8.99). Other I deflected from my habitual order
that evening, I decided on my usual tasty options are the Chinese Burrito of the Citrus Atlantic Cod ($11.29)
I have a repertoire of true and tried Chardonnay and settled in to peruse ($10.29), Pork Chop ($12.49) and New and opted for the complete opposite:
recipes that I resort to on nights when the familiar York Strip Kansas City Ribs ($14.99). The ribs were
my culinary imagination fails to menu. ($16.99). It fall off the bone tender with a succulent
inspire a unique dinner for my family. We started is nice that barbeque sauce that heightened the
The same applies to those evenings in with an most entrees senses. I had two sides from which to
which I am equally unmotivated to appetizer include choose and I opted for the Caesar Salad
cook and want to get a decent meal of Buffalo a dinner and the Creamed Spinach.
without too much thought as to where W i n g s salad, either Overall, Ditto’s is a restaurant you
to dine. When this does occur, my ($6.29 for ½ a Garden can enjoy without being surprised by
family usually finds itself at Ditto’s. orders) but Salad or your meal or its price. Once you have
Located in the Highlands on Bardstown could have Caesar Salad tried Ditto’s don’t be astonished when
Road, this restaurant always delivers opted for the My one you find yourself going back again and
consistent quality, reliable entrees and Crabmeat d i n i n g again and again...
good value. Quesadillas, partner has
The interior of the eatery can be Calamari or her usual
described as techno meets loft living. Mozzarella choice which
The dining room stretches all the way C h e e s e Blackened Chicken Alfredo. she again Beth Ann Rubin
to the back of the building (occupied Sticks as well. opted for that has been
by Stevens and Stevens, a delicatessen Appetizers evening. The reviewing
open during the day) with an elevated range in price from $5.99 to $9.99. We Blackened Chicken Alfredo ($10.29) is restaurants
bar area and exposed kitchen. Eclectic enjoyed our dish which consisted of a her favorite because she relishes the for THE LETTER
artwork adorns the walls and depicts platter of wings lightly doused with spiciness of the chicken breast against for nearly four
such scenes as a Louisville skyline and a not too spicy hot sauce and served the creaminess of the cheese sauce. In years. A Chicago
a sculpted mermaid floating out of with celery and ranch and blue cheese keeping with the noodle theme, my native, Beth Ann and her family live
the brick wall. Seating is both tables dressing. other companion selected the Chicken just south of Louisville's Highlands
and booths with some of the booths Although the monthly special with Pasta Carbonara ($11.29). The
neighborhood. A talented cook in her
spacious enough for eight. entrees offered by the kitchen sounded chicken and pasta was served with
Ditto’s has a full bar and drink options appealing, we ordered from the regular a creamy spinach sauce and tossed
own right, over the years her baked
include wine, specialty cocktails such menu selections. Ditto’s has something with bacon, green onions, tomato and goods have earned her numerous
as Martinis and Mojitos and domestic for anyone including chicken, beef parmesan cheese. He found the sauce awards at the Kentucky State Fair.
and imported beers. There is also and seafood. The Crab Cakes ($12.49) quite decadent but managed to finish

Marie Davis is an internationally syndicated cartoonist. Her lesbian cartoon strip is published in five languages. Her first novel, Hey Diddle Diddle — for Lesbians
and Other Grownups, can be purchased through Amazon.com. Her e-mail address is mmmarie1961@aol.com.

14 The COMMUNITY Letter www.theletteronline.com JULY 2010

 VIDEO REVIEWS
BY CUBBIE BRITCHES

Rag Tag
The world of Nigerian immigrants living in London comes
to life in this independent black gay drama. Childhood best
friends, Raymond/Rag (Danny Parsons) and Tagbo/Tag
(Damola Adelaja) are separated at the age of 12 when Rag
is taken to live with his grandmother in Birmingham. They
reunite ten years later as young men: the handsome Rag is
now a struggling high school drop-out who hopes to become a
fireman, while the scholarly Tag works towards being accepted
into a prestigious law firm.
After a mysterious business trip to Nigeria, complex
emotional and physical feelings grow between them, but
outside forces -- including everything from everyday racism
to a disapproving, Bible-quoting father -- conspire to separate
them. Evoking the multicultural, working-class London of
Stephen Frears' My Beautiful Launderette, Rag Tag is a touching
and earnest story of love.
Rag Tag is available for rent at Wild & Woolly, 1021 Bardstown
Road in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood.

Words seem so inadequate to express our SINCERE THANKS to every person

who has contributed so much to make THE COMMUNITY LETTER a huge
success over the past 20 years. All of your contributions are most appreciated!

Jeffrey Goldsmith Brenda Pitts Cubbie Britches

Humprey Marshall Carl Enoch Bryan Gatewood
Martin Mitchell Rodney Hord Rob Anderson
Marcelius Haynes Milton Carpentier Bryn Marlow
Darnell Wesson Carla Wallace George Morrison
Michael Bingham Natalie Reteneller Beth Ann Rubin
George Stinson Pam McMichael Hazel Zimmerman
Ed Lewis Edwin Hackney Nova China
Mike Coley Judy Dale Brian Rzepczynski
David Williams Rev. Dee Dale James Taylor
David DewBerry Darrell Hodges Richard Coomer
Randy McMillan Jer Perkins James Hensley
Paschal Brown Dave VanderPol Brad Hampton
Bill Svendsen Fred Schloemer Christy Ikner
Ron Matz Ryan Stultz Eric Jost
Ken Herndon Kelly Gream Michael Kimmel
Jack Kersey Robert Byrd Bill Byrd
Jeff Vesells Mary Byrd Rev. Greg Bullard
Travis Myles Mike Shouse John Lathrop
Jamie McPherson Carrie Hunter Robert Templeman
Jamie McDaniel Bronson Majors T. J. Bean
Mike Buford John Matthews Donald Palmore
A special word of THANKS to every reader, advertiser and subscriber for your support of THE COMMUNITY
LETTER! Your awesome support has made us one of the longest-running GLBT newspapers in America!

JULY 2010 www.theletteronline.com The COMMUNITY Letter 15

 It’s the
Experience! ®

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