LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Every year those of us who work on the Black and White Beach Ball are amused by the fact that our event always coincides with a big NASCAR weekend in Doverespecially when Murray and his decorating crew use a black and white checkered pattern as they did this year. With NASCAR fans sharing the Atlantic Sands with the hundreds of Beach Ball attendees (all dressed in black and white, by the way), and the giant black and white checkered swags sweeping over the ballroom visible from the street, it was as Murray was overheard saying, "like a great big nellie NASCAR explosion." It was also a very successful event that honored all the members of the CAMP Rehoboth Founders' Circle; unveiled the latest plans for Phase Two of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center construction scheduled to begin in the fall of this year; and raised $29,900 from the sale of the 2007 HeART of the Community paintings. For more about the Black and White Beach Ball see In Brief, and CAMPShots.
With the end of the Delaware legislative session fast approaching, activists all over the state are keeping a watchful eye on the progress of (or lack of) SB 9the latest version of the Delaware non-discrimination bill that has frustrated so many of us over the last few years. On a positive note, on June 5 the House overwhelmingly passed SB 57, the bill that protects gays and lesbians who are in an abusive relationship. Senator Blevins was the sponsor of SB 57. Recently, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch signed a bill establishing civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. In January, when the law goes into effect, New Hampshire will join New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont, becoming the fourth state to allow civil unions. Its neighbor Massachusetts is the only state to allow gay marriage. Even as I rejoiced in the good news from New Hampshire, I was saddened by its reminder of the inequality that exists between gay and straight couples. For years and years now, Murray and I have worked side by side, trying to keep up with all the work of CAMP Rehoboth and all the other activities in which we are involved. Though he is a successful artist in our community, he continuesat his insistenceto be a full time, unpaid volunteer for CAMP Rehoboth, and thus his income is much less than my salaried position. If we were married or lived in a state that recognized civil unions, he would be protected in the event that something happened to me. As it is, when I die, so do my benefits and social security. In the eyes of our state and federal government, the soon to be 30 years we've spent together mean nothing. I care not what it's calledmarriage or civil unionsI just want the most important relationship in my life to be recognized for what it isand for Murray to be protected if I am the first to die. With the big Love weekend looming on the horizon, we are very excited about some of the additional features of this year's eventespecially the Love Sponsor party at the home of Bruce Miller and Dean LaVigne. Their house was recently pictured on the front page of the Washington Post, and it's worth the price of a sponsor ticket just to see the gorgeous spiral staircase that runs from the first floor to the rooftop deck. Sponsor level tickets for Love, which includes admission to the Love Sponsor Party, begin at $300. Also new for Love this year is the private Love Lounge at the Love Remixed: One Night Only dance party. A private bar and seating make it the perfect place to relax after working up a sweat on the dance floorplus, it's a great way to help benefit CAMP Rehoboth and SCAC. Looking ahead to July, don't forget about the CAMP Follies. The theme this year is Fruit Cocktailneed I say more? On with the show.... |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 7 June 15, 2007 |