Sunday, July 19, 2009
National LGBT Cancer Network Seeks Survey Participants
First, we need to find out what people know about anal cancer. We are asking gay and bisexual men to complete a brief (5-minute) anonymous online survey to assess their knowledge of anal cancer. We are particularly interested in hearing from men of color and hope that you will publicize this request through your blog, listserves, websites and mailing lists. The more respondents we have, the more we learn.
In the general population, anal cancer is a rare disease, but among men who have sex with men (MSM), the incidence of anal cancer is 40% higher and increasing annually. However, the majority of gay men know little about the disease, have never been tested for it, or even know that screening tests exist. Health care professionals, too, remain divided on how and whether to screen for it. In fact, a standardized screening protocol for anal cancer does not yet exist.
To participate in the survey, click here.
To learn more about cancer in the LGBT community and the work of the National LGBT Cancer Network, please visit our website, www.cancer-network.org

RIO GRANDE THEATRE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST 2009
Friday, August 18
Peachcake & The Crush
Two fun-loving bands for the price of one, from the cultural wasteland of
Friday, August 21
Namoli Brennet
Singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet describes herself as an over-achieving multi-instrumentalist with a composition degree. Her technique draws on a wide range of influences, including Shawn Colvin, Jonathan Brooke, Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell. She is equally at home on the guitar, the piano or the mandolin and even plays a mean harmonica. Brennet’s innate understanding of the language of music allows for a skillful ability to communicate insights that are both poetic and powerful. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Saturday, August 22
Chris Mitchell
Magician Chris Mitchell has entertained and delighted audiences from around the world, captivating audiences from the very young to the young-at-heart. He has served as Magic Consultant for the USA Network’s “The Big Easy” and has toured
Friday, August 28
SWEC presents “Lords Of Nature”
The Southwest Environmental Center (SWEC) joins the New Mexico Wildlife Federation,
Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
August 11 – Dr. J. Albert Carlile: Master of Mirth, Music, Magic & Medicine
August 25 – Sue & Paul Smith: Musical Duo
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public.
On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Carolene de Mesilla Galleries
Monday Studio Group
The works of a dozen plus ladies, ranging in age from the late fifties to the early nineties will be on display throughout the month of August 2009, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on August 7, at 5pm. Working in watercolor, colored pencils, oils and pastels, the artists of the Monday Studio Group explore many styles of expression and have found that they need all of their energy and enthusiasm as they tackle the difficulties involved in portrait and figure painting. The exhibit will run through August 31, 2009.
Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - Call For Submissions
Deadline is Friday, July 24, 2009 (Needs to be postmarked by this date)
Competition (Audience awards) for best feature, documentary and best boys and girls shorts are awarded at closing night ceremony.
Please fill out the official entry form completely and sign it. A separate entry form is required for each title. Please feel free to photocopy it or download it in PDF form from our website. Entry form and submission guidelines can be downloaded at http://www.closetcinema.org/
Also, you can submit using the withoutabox.com link located on our website.
Mail Your Entries To:
Closet Cinema
2009 Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
1209 7th St NW Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Lori Gordon "Stories" Opens at Sumner & Dene

Sumner & Dene is proud to announce our August show "Stories" by Lori Gordon, August 7-29 with the opening reception Friday, Aug 7, 5-9pm. Lori was originally a landscape painter on the Gulf Coast when Katrina destroyed her home and studio. Since then Lori has created recycled art from the rubbles of Hurricane Katrina. Then Hurricane Gustavo hit flooding the trailer she was living in while rebuilding her home. Never one to complain, Lori says the hurricanes have given her a new way to see art. On her "Stories" exhibition, Gordon says "Art communicates stories in a fashion much different from the spoken or written word. In this series, I have used art to explore and embrace the story. I am particularly drawn to the expression of the spiritual in our experience, and the manifestation of religious stories in our lives." Sumner & Dene, located in Downtown Albuquerque at 517 Central NW, is open weekdays 10-6, Saturdays 10-5. For more information go to www.sumnerdene.com or call 505-842-1400.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gay men claim discrimination in El Paso
EL PASO -- A group of gay men say they were discriminated against by security guards and El Paso police officers because of their sexual orientation.
It was a late Sunday night when Carlos Diaz de Leon and a group of his friends decided to stop by Chico's Tacos for a late-night dinner.
They said they were minding their own business when security guards inside asked them to leave.
"Two of my friends wereactually were kissing," Carlos said. Two of Carlos' male friends, that is.
"We went, sat down to eat our food and security guards came and said that if they kept doing that, they were going to throw us all out of the restaurant."
Carlos said he then asked them why? Their response, according to Carlos: "They said 'we didn't allow that gay stuff to go on here.' "
Read the whole story here at http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=10659225
Sunday, July 5, 2009
NM Gay Mens Chorus Summer Fling July 18th
You’ll have the opportunity to do all of these things by attending the Summer Fling on Saturday, July 18.
Our Summer Fling will be the major fundraising event this year to support the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus, and we would love to have you there.
Saturday, July 18, 7:30 PM
National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
601 Eubank Blvd. SE
$10 admission (free for dinner attendees)
Entertainment • Dessert • Silent Auction
The evening will be great fun with music by Deian McBryde and the Pretty Girl Orchestra. A silent auction will include a wide range of offerings at a great value. A few of the items include season tickets to the Santa Fe Opera; Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival tickets which includes lodging at the Black Mesa B&B and dinner with the artists; pottery by the incomparable Barbara Knutson; a private concert in your home by one of New Mexico’s up-and-coming opera singers. There will also be dinners, massages, spa days, piano tuning, get-away nights, and the list goes on and on.
The 2010 Season for the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus is going to be one of the best in its 27-year history. Come help us kick off that season by attending the Summer Fling and showing your support.
Please visit our website for more information at
www.nmgmc.org/summerfling
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pride Month Wraps With Las Cruces & Santa Fe
Saturday June 27th marked the end of the 2009 Pride season with record setting events in Santa Fe and Las Cruces.
Nearly 2000 people enjoyed a sunny, breezy day in Pioneer Women’s Park. This years Southern New Mexico Pride included several new events making for a weekend long celebration. The celebration began Friday with Drag Bingo at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse and concluded with a Pool Party at the Desert Hills Pool Sunday evening. Southern New Mexico Pride has grown every year for the last five years and is the largest GLBTQ event in the southern part of the state.
Santa Fe Pride moved from the Plaza to the new Railyard Plaza which allowed for more vendors and a first time beer garden. The larger area lead to the creation of family areas and an area for adults only allowing everyone to create their own experience. Officials report the crowd was one of the largest in recent memory. Attendees report the new location was a success and they were looking forward to next year.
The weekend events also served as commemorations of the Stonewall riots which occurred 40 years ago on June 28th.
Friday, June 26, 2009
FTMI New Mexico Chapter Commends Lawmakers for Introduction of Inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act
FTMI Albuquerque President Adrien Lawyer stated, "We urge our Congressional representatives to co-sponsor this important worker protection legislation."
Currently, 12 states have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, covering nearly 40 percent of Americans. And, according to numerous surveys, large majorities of likely voters in the U.S. support federal employment non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people. Polling data from 2006 shows that voters are more likely to support a candidate who votes for an LGBT discrimination law than they are to vote against.
FTMInternational President Rabbi Levi Alter added, "For all who want to contribute to America through gainful employment and hard, honest work, it is vitally important to ensure that all employees have access to a fair and equitable workplace."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
ABQ NPR Station to Air Local GLBTQ Radio Show
It will also discuss the hour long on Sunday June 28th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. This show will feature Shannon Minter, lead counsel on Prop 8 and many more local LGBTQA advocates.
EQNM is working throughout the state to have full recognition of all LGBTQ relationships. Without marriage equality or domestic partnerships, LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples are forced to pay expensive legal fees in order to create a patchwork of basic legal protections, like durable power of attorney and living wills. Domestic partnerships are one step to providing legal protections necessary for families to care for their loved ones.
While not everyone in our community wishes to marry, everyone deserves the freedom to make this choice. As a community, LGBTQ individuals and families deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and to have equal protection of the laws. Being excluded from this right not only deprives same-sex couples of critical legal protections, it also demeans and stigmatizes same-sex couples and encourages discrimination.
Please listen to these show and call KUNM afterwards 505.277.4806 to encourage them to support a local GLTBQA show.
For more information about Equality New Mexico, please contact Jordon at jordon@eqnm.org.
Southern New Mexico Pride to Feature Local Musicians
Randy Granger is a singer-songwriter, composer, independent recording artist and workshop presenter. He has earned recognition for his songwriting, flute playing, composing, production, published poetry and is a winner/nominee in several New Mexico Music Industry Awards including “Best Flutist,” Traditional” and “New Age” recordings. “You hear in the music of Native American Randy Granger – elements of New Mexico...sage and mesquite, deserts and canyons, the Rio Grande River and stunning sunsets. The Southwest is in his blood and in his soul.” (Notes and Chords Magazine) Randy Granger is scheduled to perform from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Alister M is an indie rock band consisting of members Steve MacIntyre, Reed Elliott, Janelle Borsberry, Sam Greene, and Ian McNiel. The band’s current album is “The Year of Independence”. Some of the songs on this album were recorded in the summer of 2008 in a recording studio in Phoenix, Arizona. The tracks were then mixed by recording/mixing guru Mike Major who has worked with such bands as: At the Drive In, Sparta, and Sleepercar. Alister M is scheduled to perform from 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Belle is a local musician who lives in the Las Cruces area, and has played on KRWG, performed at Earth Day 2008 and various local coffee houses. Belle is scheduled to perform from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All three performing artists can be found on MySpace.com. The performances are free and open to the public.
The parade and picnic are from 10:00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m., and are part of a weekend of scheduled events, including Drag Bingo on Friday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse; a Pride Dance Saturday, June 27, 8:00 p.m. at Eddie’s Bar & Grill; a PFLAG-sponsored film (Were The World Mine) on Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Fountain Theater; and a Pride Pool Party Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Desert Hills Pool.
RainbowVison Santa Fe Celebrates Three Years

The last week of June marks many special events including worldwide Gay Pride and the birthday of RainbowVision Santa Fe, the world’s first full service Community for the Second Fifty Years.
This year marks RainbowVision Santa Fe’s third birthday, an occasion for much celebration. RainbowVision is the only full service LGBT and allies “Community for the Second Fifty Years” offering an active social environment for members who live completely independently through assisted living. The 146 residences are centered around the El Centro clubhouse where members and their guests enjoy fine dining at Garbo’s, incredible events at the acclaimed SilverStarlight Lounge and a top of the line fitness experience at the Billie Jean King Fitness Center and Spa.
RainbowVision Santa Fe has become a leader for the senior housing industry, in addition to providing groundbreaking services for the LGBT and allied community. Moving away from the entry fee model, so prevalent in past decades, RainbowVision properties has found success in a no fee model. This gives the Baby Boomer and beyond population greater flexibility in determining their futures. In addition to ground breaking services like Functional Fitness, A Matter of Balance© training, MS support groups, etc., RainbowVision has redefined the language and services offered in a way that is reflective of the self image experienced by this demographic.
Upcoming at The Rio Grande
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY 2009
Saturday, July 18
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “Robinson Crusoe”
Hula-dancing Chameleons and other wacky characters from Friday’s Seaside Resort will take center stage as Missoula Children’s Theatre brings their annual production to Las Cruces, starring local children ranging in age from 5 to 18. Showtimes for Robinson Crusoe are 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Thursday, July 16
Benefit Screening “The Sharp End”
Early in June of this year, the rock climbing community was rocked by news that three American climbers had been lost in an avalanche in an isolated part of Southwest China. After several days of search and rescue, two bodies were recovered, while the third remains unfound. To help fund the continuing search, as well as the memorial services for the three climbers, NMSU Outdoor Recreation will screen Sender Film’s “The Sharp End,” an adrenaline-soaked journey up the world’s most challenging walls. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $10. For more information call 575-646-4746 or visit www.AdventureFilm.org
Friday, July 24
Las Cruces High School Theatre Arts presents “The Odd Couple”
In Neil Simon’s Broadway masterpiece, fastidious neat freak Felix and habitual slob Oscar find themselves unexpectedly sharing an apartment together, leading to inevitable conflicts and good-natured laughs. A one-night-only performance for the entire family. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
July 14 – Doug Randle: Guitar & Vocals
July 28 – La Cella Bella: Women’s Cello Quartet
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public.
On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Caroline de Mesilla Galleries
Marie Siegrist (Watercolors) and Joe Dominick (Photography)
The works of two very different artists will fill the El Paso Electric and the Caroline de Mesilla galleries, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on July 3, 2009, beginning at 5pm. Siegrist’s paintings encompass a wide variety of subjects, including up-close nature studies, floral themes, landscapes, doorways, windows and candid moments of life. Dominick works in the black and white silver print medium, using a 4x5 large format camera. His works have been seen as far afield as Chicago, Houston and Santa Fe. The exhibit will run through July 31, 2009.
For clarification, photos or additional information, please contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.
From the New York Times - Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader
Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader
By JEREMY W. PETERS
Published: June 21, 2009
Many of the battles were fought by local activists close to home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/weekinreview/21peters.html
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Community Leaders and Activists Create Movements Future at Summit
By David Stocum
Approximately 100 LGBT community leaders and activists assembled at the
The morning was devoted to assessing where the LGBT rights movement in
Havens Levitt facilitated an interactive presentation of the history of the New Mexico LGBT movement to lead the day off. One striking point of this history is that
Andrew Gans and Sonia Bettez facilitated the afternoon session which focused on the future of the LGBT rights movement in
The summit was followed by a rally on
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Southern New Mexico Pride – “40 Years After Stonewall: Partners in Pride” on June 27th
The afternoon will include a DJ and dancing, live entertainment with local performing artists Randy Granger, Belle and Alister M in the WIA building across the street from the park beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Join the Queer bake-off from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to enter their favorite recipes in select categories which will then be auctioned off.
Various vendors, crafts and food will be available. And, kids can play in the Rainbow Rugrats area with games and jumping balloon.
The parade and picnic are part of a weekend of scheduled events, including Drag Bingo on Friday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse, a Pride Dance Saturday, June 27, 8:00 p.m. at Eddie’s Bar & Grill, a PFLAG-sponsored film on Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Fountain Theater, and a Pride Pool Party Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Dessert Hills Pool.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
LGBT Rights Summit Adds Events

More events have been added to June 6 - it will be a full day. Organizers are expecting over 100 participants at the Summit from 25 communities (as of now) throughout NM.
10:00am - 4:30pm - Summit - UNM Law School (details below)
5:00pm - Press Conference to report on outcomes of Summit - Civic Plaza, Downtown Albuquerque
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Rally to protest California Prop 8 Supreme Court Ruling. Civic Plaza, Downtown Albuquerque
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Equal Rights Champions Reception
Saturday June 6th – following the Summit
4th Street Nightclub – 109 4th St. NW (about a block south of Civic Plaza)
Suggested Donation $20
(All summit registrants will receive one complimentary ticket)
All New Mexico Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allied Organizations are encouraged to participate by sending a representative. Individual activists are also encouraged to attend! A facilitated community discussion will take place in order to build support around next steps for our community.
Learn about current and future efforts in regards to LGBT Equality:
Domestic Partnership Legislation
Marriage Litigation
Putting the focus on Marriage Equality in New Mexico
What we have accomplished so far...
The Summit on LGBT Rights in New Mexico is being hosted by an ad-hoc steering committee of activists who wish to engage the larger LGBTA community in a conversation about our future.
They have secured a discounted room rate at Sandia Courtyard Hotel and Convention Center starting at $54/night plus tax. You may contact the hotel directly at (505) 296-4852 and reference code LNOP.
For more information, or to RSVP—please contact:
summitlgbtNM@gmail.com or call (505) 266-3578
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Santa Fe Lesbian Summer Evening Gayla! 6-20-09
Address:58 S Federal Pl
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone:505)986-5858
Host Lino Pertusini of Lake Como invites you to experience authentic cuisine, extensive wine list and world class service in an elegant setting. Italian h'osteria's are known for authentic cuisine and homelike atmosphere. Osteria d'Assisi uses the time honored Mediterranean approach to preparing food with olive oil and fresh ingredients - fresh seafood, locally grazed beef, veal and lamb, house made pasta, fresh bread, gourmet pizza and creative desserts.
Saturday June 20th 6 p.m.
Santa Fe Lesbian Summer Evening Gayla!
We have reserved seating for 15+ women. Ask for Ginna's group with the host so you can be seated with our group.
Rsvp to Ginna or Bev at b2schwrtz@.. . or 505-250-2913/ 3818.
PHD Realty,L.L.C.
Employing Brokers in New Mexico & Colorado Bilingues Whether you are thinking of buying, selling or relocating remember to contact the #1 PHD real estate experts. "We Will Move Mountains For You!" Residential, Commercial,Property Management.
Bev Schwartz 505-250-3818
Ginna Fahrenkrog 505-250-2913
website: bevschwartz. point2agent. com
Sponsors of the New Mexico Lesbian Business Directory http://finance. groups.yahoo. com/group/ NMLesbianBusines sDirectory.
List your business for free or use the list as an individual member to search for a business service!( You do not need to be a business
owner)Email: b2schwrtz@yahoo. com to join now.
Endorsing and supporting our GLBTQ small business owners
****Everyone is responsible for paying their own bill directly to the server. Please make sure you have taken care of your check with the server prior to leaving the restaurant. Do not leave your money on the table. Thanks!****Your cooperation is appreciated! ****
Randy Granger to perform at Southern New Mexico Pride fundraiser June 6, 2009, 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.
The concert, which includes libations and prizes, will be held at a private residence in
Randy Granger is a singer-songwriter, composer, recording artist and performing musician. His unique “
Notes and Chords Magazine said of Randy’s music, “You hear in the music of Native American Randy Granger – elements of
Volunteers and vendors are now being accepted for the celebration, “40 Years After Stonewall: Partners In Pride,” on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at Pioneer Women’s Park.
For more information or directions, call 575-496-8070 or e-mail Jeff Stevens at jffrystevens@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Court upholds Prop 8; State continues to recognize 18,000 marriages
From Lambda Legal
(San Francisco) May 26, 2009 —Today, in a 6 to 1 decision, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the ballot measure that eliminated the right of same sex couples to marry. In the ruling authored by Chief Justice Ronald George, the Court stated "We emphasize only that among the various constitutional protections recognized in the Marriage Cases as available to same-sex couples, it is only the designation of marriage — albeit significant — that has been removed by this initiative measure." At the same time, the court unanimously ruled that the more than 18,000 marriages that took place between June 16 and November 4, 2008 continue to be fully valid and recognized by the state of California. The decision reaffirmed the Court's prior holding that sexual orientation is subject to the highest level of protection under the California Constitution.
In a strongly worded dissent, Justice Carlos Moreno stated, "The rule the majority crafts today not only allows same-sex couples to be stripped of the right to marry that this court recognized in the Marriage Cases, it places at risk the state constitutional rights of all disfavored minorities. It weakens the status of our state Constitution as a bulwark of fundamental rights for minorities protected from the will of the majority."