Eric Goldston
President
Network Gold Productions
On The Hill
Denver, Co. 80218
cell: 720-231-4861
http://www.starflight7.freeyellow.com/index.html
https://www.angelfire.com/fl2/starflight/index.html
starflight7@excite.com
Special Gay Pride issue
POWERZINE (TM)
NewsZine 14, Volume Two
NETWORK GOLD PRODUCTIONS (TM)
ERIC GOLDSTON, PRESIDENT
RON ADAMS, PRODUCER
Star date (c) 061600.5760-063100.5760
"THE GOLDEN PROMOTERS OF CHARITY"
FREE-TAKE ONE!-FREE-TAKE ONE!-FREE
NGP is a non-profit organization dedicated to "bringing
out the gold in your hearts" with music, song and dance.
We perform locally, in the gay community, doing benefits
and enjoying ourselves. Email us if you'd like to book us
for a show at: starflight7@excite.com
Eric here:
It is hot outside. Be sure to drink lots of water and watch on the elderly, because they are
susceptible to heat strokes.
Are we really family? Or is it just a sham?
I was just thinking the other day that it is a sham to raise money and public opinion around
equality, when prejudice still rears it's ugly head.
I feel that we have a long way to go before we can stop the hate that is in this, or
any, community.
Not only do we have to contend with the hate in the straight society, we also have to deal with
the hate in the gay community. I've said it before, hate is still alive.
Most of all of the events that are gay oriented are so expensive that most people can not afford
it. And where is all of this money going? Right into somebody's pocket. This year Stonewall
will be 31 years old. Not much is being said about it. This year in Denver, Colorado we
celebrate pride 2000 and to most straight's it is a freak show. Pride used to mean so much
more back in the early days. Now it's how much money you can make off of someone and to
hell with the true meaning of pride. In the beginning, the riots started because people became
tired of the cops harassing them in the bars. The bars were poor and people could not dare
touch each other. Even a hand shake was threatening. People celebrated for time after the
riots because of new-found freedom all people felt that they were included. Today we've missed
the whole point because all it is about is money. Sure, our centers need financing, but they also
get plenty of State funding. I do think that it's far time that we put our energies into peaceful
measures and stop political agendas.
Have a good time, peace.
Ron here:
A lot of you may glance over the anger expressed here and miss the point, there are some good
ideas, too. Conflict is inevitable in any group, and the inner critic can come out in us all. We
must pay heed to this critic, not because of the bitchiness, but because it is pointing to
something that needs to be addressed. Take all the fuss made over younger gay people. Do
you think that maybe older gays and lesbians might be a tad bit jealous? We don't want to be
thought of as trolls or over the hill. We still have a lot to offer. Why isn't there a mentor
program, big brother or big sister program for younger gay and lesbians? Why aren't bisexuals
included in Youth programs?
Also what is the use of raising money, if not everyone benefits? I remember when I was
breaking up with a past lover, and I could not find any support in the community. This was
1996. I remember that I was even turned away from counseling because I didn't have my $20
processing fee right then and there. The money was more important than my well-being in
coping with this breakup. In fact, I got the attitude that "guys break up, face it and get over it!",
instead of people feeling that two guys should work things out. We don't even pressure
men into staying in monogamous relationships, as friends or as a community. (at least my 1996
experience felt that way, I hope things are changing).
I think that gay people know all too well we live in a disposable society, for we too have been
put down and cast aside. This is what we are fighting, in trying to have equal rights. I think
especially we need to think in terms of recycling, especially feelings and thanks. It doesn't take
much to acknowledge someone for what they contribute or advice and insight that they offer.
Gay people especially should be extra tolerant of each other, since "we've all been there" when
it comes to disrespect and negative attitude. If you'd like to find out more about gay history, visit
our web site : Loving the Same Sex at:
www.delphi.com/samesex69/start
I was delighted to see my "We Are Family" printed on page 47 of the Pridefest issue.
Since space was limited in the issue here it is in its entirety:
"We Are Family"
by Ron Adams
"We are diverse, each coming from different backgrounds. We are lawyers, teachers,
preachers, secretaries, in politics and sports, we are everywhere. We are each seeking
different goals. Some of us, particularly white gay males, may seek equality in status at the
work place. Black gay men may seek protection in equal housing. Lesbians may seek
protection in child adoption laws. As you can see, the gay movement is different for each of us.
It started out with Stonewall, 31 years ago, and many were seeking sexual liberation.
Some saw gay sex as just another form of sexual expression. Later, others say being gay as
minority status and pushed for equality. Then we had to deal with the A.I.D.S. crisis, which is far
from over.
We take pride in our relationships, independence, sexual freedom, and hopes to one day blend
in and lead regular lives. Some believe our movement is about civil rights and the end to
prejudice. No matter what, we are family. We are called the human race!"
Psychic Readings, by Ron Adams. Ritual is important for change. Email me at
q.psi@excite.com for private reading or group reading!
Eric Goldston, President of Network Gold will be performing at the Community Stage, Sunday
June 25, 2000, scheduled for 4:00 pm. Come and listen to Eric do what he does best, sing and
dance!
HealthFest 2000 will kick off the week of celebration, leading up to PrideFest, 8:00
am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 17, 2000. Theme for this year's HealthFest is "A Celebration
of Our Healthy Community". There will be many things, such as: Health Expo 2000,
GLBT-Friendly Health Providers, Cutting-edge Health Program on the Main Stage, Healthy
Haven, Volleypalooza, Women's Rugby, Muscle Beach, We are Family Picnic and Games.
Radio Stations ALICE (105.9 FM) and JAMMIN (92.5 AM) will provide music and entertainment
and willl broadcast directly from Cheesman Park. See you there!
The 2000 Pride Parade will start in Cheesman Park on Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 10:30 am.
The Parade will proceed North on Franklin Street to Colfax Avenue. Then West on Colfax to
Broadway. At Broadway, the Parade will proceed South. The "Broadway Community Stage" at
the corner of Broadway and 14th is considered the end of the Parade Route. There will be
reviewing areas, one between Colfax and 14th and another at Emerson and Colfax.
Family Interactive Area, sponsored by CLIP and P-FLAG, the Family Interactive Area (located in
the South East corner of Civic Center Park) will be a great place for the smallest members of our
comunity to get the most out of PrideFest. No alcohol will be permitted in the Family Interactive
Area.
Support Equality Colorado. Their 24 hour crisis line is 303-852-5094. Five Ways to Be
Involved:
1. Volunteer with Equality Colorado.
2. Donate to Equality Colorado's Programs.
3. Vote for Fair-Minded Candidates.
4. Speak Out in the Speakers Bureau.
5. Connect to our email Action Network: equality@equalitycolorado.org
www.equality@equalitycolorado.org
Get involved in stopping Hate Crimes. Anti-Violence Project of Equality Colorado
1. Confront behavior based on bigotry: homophobic jokes, racist comments.
2. Report all hate crimes.
3. Be safe. Be street smart.
4. Vote for candidates who believe in justice.
5. Get involved! Volunteer your time at a community organization or hotline.
Pridefest Mainstage featuring Chablee Tucker, Brandi Roberts, ZU Kings, Nina Montaldo,
Crystal Towers, Dear Marsha, Hazel Miller, The Cast of When Pigs Fly, Jambalya, Danielle
Roberts and Kiera Sexton.
Be sure to visit all the vendors that will be supporting the community at PrideFest, especially
E.A.G.R. Project, Women's Bean Project, & Rainbow Alley (groups Network Gold has raised
money for this past year).
Category Six Books, 42 S. Broadway (303)777-0766, 10 to 6 pm Mon-Sat. 11- 5 pm Sun.
Celebrating 19 years in business. They have Gay Literature, New and Used Men's Magazine,
cards and calendars, DVD's and New and Used Videos, T-shirts and other accessories.
"Description of the flag
by António Martins, 20 Apr 1999
The Alyson Almanac: A Treasury of Information for the Gay and Lesbian Community describes
Rainbow Flag as follows:
In 1978, Gilbert Baker of San Francisco designed and made a flag with six stripes representing
the six colors of the rainbow as a symbol of gay and lesbian community pride. Slowly the flag
took hold, offering a colorful and optimistic alternative to the more common pink triangle symbol.
Today it is recognized by the International Congress of Flag Makers, and is flown in lesbian and
gay pride marches worldwide. In 1989, the rainbow flag received nationwide attention after John
Stout successfully sued his landlords in West Hollywood, when they prohibited him from
displaying the flag from his apartment balcony. Meanwhile, Baker is still in San Francisco, and
still making more flags.
In San Francisco, the Rainbow Flag is everywhere: it can be seen hanging from apartment
windows throughout the city (most notably in the Castro district), local bars frequently display
the flag, and Rainbow Flag banners are hung from lampposts on Market Street (San Francisco?s
main avenue) throughout Pride Month. Visiting the city, one can not help but feel a tremendous
sense of pride at seeing this powerful symbol displayed so prominently.
Although the Rainbow Flag was initially used as a symbol of pride only in San Francisco, it has
received increased visibility in recent years. Today, it is a frequent sight in a number of other
cities as well ? New York, West Hollywood, and Amsterdam,
among them. Even in the Twin Cities, the flag seems to be gaining in popularity. Indeed, the
Rainbow Flag reminds us that ours is a diverse community ? composed of people with a variety
of individual tastes of which we should all be proud.
Sources used for this article were found at Quatrefoil Library in St. Paul, and include:
?Vexed by Rainbows? by Paul Zomcheck, in Bay Area Reporter (June 26, 1986)
?Rainbow Flag? in The Alyson Almanac (1989)
?The Rainbow Flag?, in Parade 90: San Francisco Gay / Lesbian Freedom Day Parade and
Celebration (June 24, 1990)
Christopher Pinette, 12 Jun 1996
Which Side is Up?
by António Martins, 12 Jan 2000
There is no ?right side up? for this flag. It may be flown either red up or purple up. This
information comes directly form Gilbert Baker, the gay artist who conceived of the ?The Rainbow
Flag? as a symbol of Gay Pride. James Ferrigan, 26 Jul 1999
I guess that this applies to the plain rainbow flag and to the horizontally symmetrical variants
(pink triangle at hoist etc.).
However, things like the white lambda on a rainbow background or rainbow smiley flag can?t be
freely hoisted upside down, meaning that they may be produced either with red up or with purple
up. However, I?d say that most of those variations are more often with red stripe up, as well as
plain rainbow flags, especially those that are produced with such a hoisting device that
they cannot be inverted.
António Martins, 27 Jul 1999
True enough, and yet it somehow underscores that very point, each gay person is free to be
?oriented? in any direction, the freedom it give to groups is likewise unique. A survey we
conducted in San Francisco showed that the ratio was about 4 to 1
for red to purple up. We used to tell customers fly red up if you?re in a good mood! The rainbow
with the lambda did come
both ways in the 1980?ies, also we would also give the customer a choice when mounting the
flag on poles. The ?red up?, so far as I know, came from an incorrect handout from Lambda
Rising in Wash D.C.
James Ferrigan, 28 Jul 1999"
------------------------------------------
"Why Are Gay Men So Feared?
"Gay men are the victims of insults, prejudice, abuse, violence, sometimes murder. Why are gay
men hated by so many other men?
Some maintain that homosexuality is unnatural or a threat to
the family. But celibacy is also unnatural, yet nuns and priests are not regularly attacked. And
there is also a good cause to be made that homosexuality actually strengthens the family by
liberating some adults from childbearing duties and so increasing the pool of adults available to
look after children.
But the real objection to homosexuality (and lesbianism) is undoubtedly more deep-seated: It is
threatening because it seems to challenge the conventional roles governing a person's sex, and
the female and male roles in society. The assertion of homosexual identity clearly challenges
the apparently naturalness of gender roles.
Men are particularly prone to use anger and violence against those they think are undermining
their masculinity. And it is here that we can find at least some of the roots of homophobia and
gay-bashing.
As Freud understood, most societies are built upon a set of relationships between men: Most
powerful institutions like parliaments and business corporations are male-dominated. And this
`male-bonding' demands a certain degree of sexual sublimation.
In many society, the links between men are much stronger than the relations that link them to
women. But these bonds are social rather than individual, and for this reason need to be strictly
governed.
Armies, for example, depend upon a very strong sense of male solidarity, though this does not
allow for too close an emotional tie between any specific pair of men.
Thus the most extreme homophobia is often found among tightly knit groups of men, who need
to deny any sexual component to their bonding as well as boost their group solidarity by turning
violently on `fags' or `queers,' who are defined as completely alien. This is a phenomenon found
among teenage gangs, policemen, and soldiers.
A particularly prominent example of this was Germany's Nazi Party, which shortly after coming to
power purged those of its members who were tempted to turn the hypermasculinity of Nazism
into an excuse for overt homosexual behavior.
Many observers of sexual violence have argued that the most virulent
queer-basher is attacking the homosexual potential in himself -- a potential that he has learned
to suppress.
Because homosexuality is `un-masculine,' those who struggle with feelings of homosexuality
(often acknowledged) will be particularly tempted to resolve them through `masculine'
expressions of violence. In court cases involving violence against gay men, the idea of
preserving one's male honor is often pleaded as a defense.
Homophobia has effects that go far beyond those individuals against whom it is directed. Like
racism and sexism, it is an expression of hatred that harms the perpetrator as well as the victim;
the insecurities, fears and sexual hang-ups that lead young men to go out looking for `fags' to
beat up are dangerous to the entire society.
Those societies that are best able to accept homosexuals are also societies that are able to
accept assertive women and gentle men, and they tend to be less prone to the violence
produced by hypermasculinity.
--by Dennis Altman, of The New Internationalist
excerpted in "Utne Reader" magazine, May/June 1991"
reprinted from http://www.webcom.com/bri/BRIBRAIN.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"From: Gary, Sent: Sunday, September 05, 1999 11:19 PM, Subject: Division of the Gay
Community
"Black Gay Pride Day? Whatever happened to just Gay Pride? Are we now going to split our
community into Black Gay Pride, White Gay Pride, Asian Gay Pride, Hispanic Gay Pride, etc.
Are we so comfortable that we think the hatred and bigotry directed toward all gay people has
been eliminated and that we do not need to come together and work towards a common goal?
Are we now promoting the creation of bigotry within the gay community itself? Are we taking
giant steps backward? This opens the door to the people and groups focusing their whole
existence on the elimination of the gay people and/or any rights afforded them to use this
against us. I am a 43 year old white male who is sharing his life, hopes, and dreams with a 37
year old black male. It greatly disheartens me to discover that the gay
community has broken into several racial groups each apparently pitted against the other under
the guise of racial bigotry, diluting the overall influence of the gay community. As an inter-racial
gay couple we have faced all kinds of bigotry. There are white bigots and black bigots that
express there opinions that we should not be together because we're are gay and there are gay
white and gay black bigots within our own gay community that do not want us together. This
kind of mentality splits the gay community along racial lines. Bigotry in this country has roots
that go as far back as the beginning of this country. We cannot affect the events of the past
rather we must shape the path to the future. By dividing the gay community along racial lines we
cannot direct that path toward any form of equality. The path becomes many, many roads like a
freeway where many secondary roads branch off until sooner or later we loose site of the main
freeway and are lost.
As a gay community how can we possible hope to achieve any goals for equality if we promote
and maintain racial bigotry within our own community? United we stand, but divided we will fall.
The formation of groups within the gay community is great. This kind of diversity provides a
source for people who wish to contribute and focus toward the goal of gay equality. Why not
promote Gay Pride (all races and nationalities) and bring all the groups of people within the
community together providing a better understanding of each race and culture by simple
exposure. As long as gay people segregate themselves into groups, how can they gain an
understanding and friendship towards each other and eliminate bigotry? Do not let a few bigoted
people within the gay community dictate or influence decisions for the whole. If they can do this
then they have promoted their bigotry and have split the gay community. Do not give up and
form separate groups, rather continue to strive to bring that bigotry to light. This will inevitably
cause this bigotry to fall. We must stand together to keep bigotry from forming in our own
community. Perpetuation of bigotry in the gay community will surely cause us all to loose.
People are not born bigots rather it is taught to them throughout life with the actions, examples,
and opinions of people around them. A great man, once had a great dream. It is up to us as
future generations to promote that dream or kill it. I do not remember Mr. King saying that dream
had several choices of paths to achieve realization of the dream. Please do not destroy what
people in the past have fought so long and hard for. Sincerely, Gary" reprinted from
http://www.blackstripe.com/discussion/division.html
