LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
A magazine that is published every two weeks is not the best source of information about breaking news stories, but last issue we tried. As we went to press, the fate of HB 99 in the Delaware State House of Representatives had us in constant communication with Dover. Fay Jacobs had two stories readyone if it passed, and one if it didn't. By Wednesday evening we could wait no longer, and Letters was sent to be printedstill with a question mark. On Thursday, June 25, HB 99 passed the State House with a vote of 21 to 18, with 2 abstentions. Our thanks to all who worked hard to get the bill passed, especially to our State Rep Pete Schwartzkopf. Now it's on to the Senate. June 25 was a big day not just for HB 99, but for gay activists around the country because of the important Supreme Court decision that overturned the sodomy laws in 13 states. The far reaching decision gives us new hope that real progress is being made in the area of gay rights. In the last issue of Letters I said that I thought that it might be a long time before America catches up with Canada in regard to gay marriagenow, who knows? At least victories like the Lawrence vs. Texas case remind us not to give up. Change can, at times, come swiftly and when we least expect it. Speaking of gay marriage (and in this issue, everyone seems to be), someone asked me last week if Murray and I would "tie the knot" if it were legal in the US to do so. We might, I suppose, for legal reasons, but we've always felt married. The first Sundance was, (as we've said so many times before), a celebration of our tenth anniversary. This year is our 25th, and thus the underlying theme of the event is Heartbeat of the Silver Rainbow. Murray's 2003 Sundance painting was unveiled at the recent opening of his new show Emergence at the Blue Moon. The painting, titled Heartbeats, features 25 hearts (including one that I had a hand in) and will be auctioned on the first night of Sundance 2003, Labor Day weekend, and will also be available as a limited edition print to benefit Sundance. The prints will be signed and ready within a few weeks, but if you want to reserve a specific number for your collection, call the CAMP Rehoboth office. Previous Sundance prints are also still available, though we are getting low on a couple of them. Heartbeats will be on display at the Blue Moon throughout July. By the time this issue hits the streets, sundance 2003 host, supporter, and Sponsor information will be in the mail. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to participate in this year's event call the CAMP Rehoboth office or visit the Sundance Website at www.sundancebenefit.com. Last year's Sundance cleared $175,000. We would love to top that figure this year, but we need help to do it. Sponsors, Supporters, and Hosts make the event possible, so please take time today to sign up for this year's festivities. Before Sundance, of course, is the second CAMP Rehoboth follies at the Rehoboth Convention Center. This outrageous night of amateur skits was very popular last year, and sold out early. Tickets for Follies 2003 are now available at the CAMP office, but don't wait as they are going fast. This year the show will feature bigger and better lights and sound, a runway, and a whole new lineup of skits. Preferred seating is available. Doors (and bars) open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8. In the immortal words of Mama Rose in Gypsy, "Curtain up! Light the lights! There's nothing to hit but the heights!" It's going to be a wild nightdon't miss it. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 13, No. 9, July 11, 2003 |