By Alice Board member Joel Engardio

LGBT youth should care about what Eisenhower did to gay people.

The students at San Francisco’s Lowell High School weren’t entirely bored with my guest lecture on the history of media and political campaigns last month. They laughed at the vintage TV ads, especially the“I Like Ike” cartoon from 1952.

But they had no idea who President Dwight Eisenhower was. Hormones and a warm, spring day can explain the lack of interest in dead presidents. Two boys in the front row held hands the whole time I spoke.

I wanted to stop the lecture and tell the affectionate boys they should thank Eisenhower if they’re going to prom together. The Glee-era high school experience they enjoy today is connected to Eisenhower’s purge of gay people from the U.S. government 60 years ago.

Fired for being gay

It was May 27, 1953, when Executive Order 10450went into effect, banning anyone engaged in “sexual perversion” from federal employment. Frank Kameny was fired from his job as a government astronomer. Thousands of gay and lesbian civil servants quietly accepted the shame of losing their careers. Some chose suicide. But Kameny was the first to fight back. When the courts wouldn’t take his case, he picketed in front of the White House with a sign that demanded “first class citizenship for homosexuals.”

Hand-holding boys might hear about 1970s gay pioneer Harvey Milk if they stream the Oscar-winning movie that recreates his political rise and assassination. A progressive textbook might mention the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City as the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. But Kameny came earlier. Eisenhower’s war on gays sparked the outrage and courage needed to begin the long march to equality that many young people now take for granted.

The story of the government’s mass firing of gay workers is told in the new documentary The Lavender Scare by former CBS 60 Minutes producer Josh Howard.

Howard, 58, is a gay man of his generation. He remained closeted to many co-workers during his career.

“I worked for Mike Wallace, and those old guys came from rough and tumble newsrooms,” Howard says. “The word ‘faggot’ got thrown around.” That would never happen at CBS today, Howard says, which explains why he had a hard time convincing funders of his film’s relevance.

“Hollywood is making movies about Lincoln and Jackie Robinson, so it’s frustrating when people don’t value gay history,” Howard says. “This film matters because it honors the people who sacrificed everything to get where we are now. And it reminds us that we’re not done. You can still get fired in 29 states just for being gay.”

LGBT struggle continues

While Congress is again considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers, the legislation has a long history of failure and continued hurdles.

Life in a San Francisco high school might look good for two boys holding hands. But it can get them fired in a state like Texas, Georgia or Florida. And there are still 38 states that won’t marry them. Next month’s Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage are unlikely to grant any sweeping national rights.

That’s why all LGBT youth should care about what Eisenhower did to gay people and the way Kameny reacted. It will give them an idea of how to carry on the fight.

Joel Engardio is on the board of directors of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club.

Source: USA TODAY

Alice Board Co-Chair Ron Flynn

By Ron Flynn
Alice Board, Co-Chair

Almost every month it seems the LGBT community takes another step forward toward full equality. And almost every month we are reminded that we have a lot of work to do. That people will continue to try to tear us down by raising suspicions and fears about us, by mocking us. As we move toward Pride Month, let’s be thankful for the gains we are making, and remain diligent in seeking equality for all.
In March, the Supreme Court spent two full days discussing our lives. It was clear that at least four Justices believe that we are entitled to full equality under the law. But we need five votes. As we wait, I have gone back to read the transcripts of those hearing. The snarky gratuitous comments sting each time I read them: Alito and Scalia wondered what unknown harms will befall the children. They both ignored the fact that in the Perry trial there was overwhelming evidence that no harm comes to the children of LGBT couples (outside of their parents being discriminated against), and absolutely no evidence the other way. Nevertheless, the Justices took the opportunity to toss in comments suggesting that we are dangerous in some unknown ways. A step forward, a shove back. Of course, more and more states are getting the work done – most recently Rhode Island – again steps forward. Next month we will know how big a step forward, or a shove back, we have taken on the marriage front.

In April, Jason Collins kicked open the closet door on male professional sports. Huge step forward. Both President and Michelle Obama congratulated him. Much of the media swooned. Again, a sea change. But others went out of their way to make clear that he should have just kept quiet. There was the ESPN commentator who said he “is not a Christian.” I don’t know if Jason considers himself a Christian or not, but I do know that there are many LGBT Christians who do not deserve to be dismissed so easily. Our community includes people of all faiths, as much as some of those faiths would love to deny it. And then there was the Daily Beast columnist who took Jason to task for “hiding that he was engaged – to a women,” and then mocked him for “playing both sides of the court.” Of course, Jason had revealed that he had been engaged to a woman in his article. So what was the point? It was a not-so-subtle threat to those still in the closet. You see, life in the closet is full of deceit. It includes self-denial, and sometimes attempts to be or appear straight. This often involves dating a person of the opposite sex. The closet hurts them as well. The Daily Beast commentator was essentially saying, if you live in the closet, we will dig up your past when you come out. We will find out that you dated a woman, or lied about being straight, or whatever else you had to hide – and we will tell the world. But these threats will not stop the tide. Jason is said to be walking in Boston Pride next month, he is one of us now. More and more athletes will come out. We will win this battle.

What will be the next big step? I hope it is LGBT inclusive immigration reform. For too long, Republicans have scapegoated immigrants. During this last election, they paid the price, and are now seeking to reach out – a bit. Of course, the radical right is going crazy. What are Republicans to do? Throw us under the bus: “We would love to help immigrants, but the LGBT community ruined it all by wanting to be included.” We have to stand tall, push Democrats and Republicans alike to do the right thing. One way in which we do that is to elect more Democrats interested in our issues.

We took a big step forward on that issue last November when Democrat Mark Takano was elected to Congress. The first out person of color in Congress, he has taken a strong stance on immigration reform. He is calling for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes the Dream Act and family reunification for all, including LGBT families. Congressman Takano is going to be a featured guest at Alice’s Pride Breakfast on June 30, 2013. Come be part of it. It is a great way to start Pride Sunday and to be among the political movers and shakers – the ones who care about our issues.

Next month as the flags go up along Market Street, remember to be thankful for all of the great strides we are making, and to continue to push forward toward full equality for all.

San Francisco — On June 30, 2013, Congressman Mark Takano is headlining the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club’s annual PRIDE breakfast and fundraiser. The event, which consistently draws 400 people, is attended by nearly every San Francisco elected official and marks the largest political affair of PRIDE weekend.

Takano, elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, represents California’s 41st Congressional District, which includes the city of Riverside and surrounding cities in western Riverside County. Takano, a teacher by trade, has served on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees since 1990 and narrowly lost a 1992 bid for Congress in California’s then 43rd District.

“As the first openly LGBT person elected to Congress from California, the Alice Club recognizes the historical significance of Takano’s victory,” said Co-Chair Martha Knutzen. “The election of an LGBT person to federal office outside of one of our traditionally LGBT-friendly metro regions speaks to the monumental shift in attitudes in support of our community. The Alice Club is thrilled to have Congressman Takano speak at our annual Pride Breakfast.”

The breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. and takes places at Yank Sing–Rincon Center, 101 Spear Street in San Francisco. For more information about the event or how to sponsor the breakfast, please visit http://www.alicebtoklas.org/breakfast/.

The Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club was founded in 1971, making it the first registered LGBT Democratic Club in the nation. Forming only two years after the Stonewall riots in the infancy of the LGBT civil rights movement, Alice has grown to become a vibrant organization, making a profound impact on San Francisco through the advocacy of issues important to the LGBT community.

For media inquiries, please contact Co-Chairs Martha Knutzen and Ron Flynn at info@alicebtoklas.org.

Episode # 153
Monday — Friday, August 27-31 11:30 am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2, 10:30pm
David Perry interviews Nathan Purkiss, Board Member of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, the oldest such political group in the country.

Reese Aaron Isbell, Immediate Past Co-Chair

By Reese Aaron Isbell, MPP

Homophobia is actually well-named because it is the fear of us that drives so many of the beliefs related to our lives. Despite being continually discriminated against, growing up in conditions where we were told we were evil and continually made to be afraid to simply live our lives, having society’s majorities pretend we don’t exist by pushing us out of homes and neighborhoods and states, by bashing and pummeling and bullying and killing us over and over again, and more, the larger society’s fears of us actually being ‘powerful’ allow the majority to feel better about themselves while driving many ludicrous widespread rumors and reasons to hate. Justice Roberts doesn’t even realize his own self-rationalized fear of us with his statements about our supposedly being ‘powerful.’ One day soon, perhaps, he and others will start realizing we’re all just simple regular human beings, have no secret powers, and are not plotting to take over the world.

• an online 20-25 minute survey, with hard copy versions available for those lacking online capability;
• a way to gather personal experience in the areas of: discrimination, abuse, health, mental health, housing, social services, support network, identity and sexual behavior; and collects a range of demographic and attitudinal information as well;
• involving extensive outreach to a range of demographic groups including: Latino, Black, API, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals;
• in English, Spanish, and Chinese, Tagalog and Russian.
• funded by multiple public and private sources.

Marriage is not the only issue facing our community.  To the contrary, we have so much work to do.  Until men and women are truly treated equally, until the income gap is closed, until the glass ceiling is shattered, Lesbians will continue to be disproportionately impacted.  We have so much work to do, within and without our Community, to end the disproportionate discrimination faced by the Transgender Community.  Men of Color are disproportionately at risk in the AIDS/HIV pandemic.  Our young people are at greater risk of suicide; our seniors – who paved the way for us – are often excluded entirely in our discussions of our Community.  Yes, there is much work to do.

But this year, Marriage will take center stage.  If we get the big win – DOMA declared unconstitutional in Windsor, and the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage – nationwide – declared unconstitutional in Perry, what a party we will have.  If we win in Windsor, some of us, those of us lucky enough to be in marriages recognized by the States, will have the federal rights and benefits, and dignity, afforded our straight counterparts.  What a huge victory this will be for binational couples facing the harrowing choice of deportation or separation.   A “narrow” victory in Perry, one that recognizes that the unique harm done by Proposition 8 in California such that it is unconstitutional, will be a huge step toward full equality.  But anything short of a complete victory will result in a short-lived celebration.  We will be called to get back to work.  To secure the fundamental right to marriage equality for the LGBT Community throughout the country.  Working to gather signatures to get something on the ballot.  Or building coalition to pass a proposition placed on the ballot by the legislature.  Doing everything we can to secure the rights as broadly as possible.

Marriage will take over the year, one way or another.  2013 will be the year we won.  Or it will be the year we get back to work on marriage in full force.  This is not because Marriage is more important than the issues I mention above, or many others.  Marriage is important not just for the rights and benefits it bestows, but because of the message it sends – we are equal in the law, we deserve dignity and recognition.  But the reason marriage will take over if we do not get a full victory is because we have momentum.  Marriage equality is coming. Our enemies continue to work – to work hard – to convince people that we are intolerant, and that we are evil, that we are undeserving, that we are taking away their rights, and that we will ruin their marriages.  And each day, we need to continue to work to beat them back, and to win over new supporters.  It is happening.  Everyday, someone who opposed marriage equality comes out in favor of it.  Everyday, another heart, another mind, is won.  The President of the United States has joined us.  The only thing that can stop this is if we stop working.  So we have to continue.

2013 is going to be a great year.  It is going to be historic.  But I, like you, wait to find out in what way.  Those two decisions, Windsor and Perry, will shape the year’s activities.  Alice will celebrate.  Alice will get to work.

Come join us at our next membership meeting.  Our new District 7 Supervisor, Norman Yee, will be there to meet you and introduce himself to those who do not yet know him.  Our City Attorney, Dennis Herrera, is coming to share with you our City’s efforts on marriage equality, including a discussion of the upcoming Supreme Court arguments.  Our new District 5 Supervisor, London Breed, will be there.  Come, be part of the conversation.  Then come back and be part of the celebration, the work, and the history.

Ron Flynn, Co-Chair Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club 

Martha Knutzen, Co-Chair Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club

When I heard those words from President Obama, I knew I had worked a lifetime for them. For all of us who have been actively fighting for our LGBT rights for a long time, the Inauguration ceremony on January 20th was an historical moment. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to have those become the most beautiful political words we have heard in decades.

2013 will be a great year. I am really looking forward to working with Co-chair Ron Flynn and our fabulous board of 35 active, and 30 emeritus board and former co-chairs who make up the full Board of Alice this year. We will have met on Saturday, Feb 2nd for a full day retreat and I look forward to working on some really exciting ideas for programs and policy work this year. Everyone on the Board is a talented and dedicated activist in the LGBT political community. I am honored and excited that I get to work with each one of them.

Ron and I have been very busy from the first week, writing letters supporting Supervisor Scott Wiener to the BAR and stating our support for a Harvey Milk Airport. Before we move any further in our advocacy of renaming our airport, the board invited Supervisor Campos to address our club at our General Meeting on Feb 11th at 6:30 in room 301 at the LGBT Center. We appreciate Supervisor Campos taking the time to come to address the Club and we hope to see you all at this important meeting.

Otherwise, we look forward to a year where we can build membership, connect all of you to key events, and produce great programs every month. We have an election for City Attorney and Treasurer in November. Some say it should be a quiet year politically in San Francisco, but I know this city too well to believe that !

Finally, I want to acknowledge the great work of our previous co-chair, Reese Isbell. It is always difficult to get a club through our Mayor and Supervisor races. Reese navigated those treacherous waters with a special genius. He is a gifted manager of people and one of the hardest workers in our community. I learned so much from him last year. Thanks for everything you did for us, my friend.

Martha Knutzen
Co-Chair

• Date/Time: Mar 23,2013  7:00 pm
• Address: SF Design Center Galleria, 101 Henry Adams St., San Francisco California
• Website: http://studio11.eventbrite.com