The Fourth of July always sneaks up on me. One day we’re celebrating Memorial Day, then suddenly the summer season is a third of the way over. All the more reason to enjoy it while we can! This, if the cover does not make it obvious enough, is our Fourth of July edition of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. We are especially excited about this issue because of our feature on the Drag Performers of Rehoboth Beach. From what I understand, this is the first time in Rehoboth’s history they have been gathered together, photographed, and interviewed as a group. The photoshoot was awesome, by the way, and a joyous occasion for all involved—how could it not, with all that red, white, and blue fabulousness in one room. My thanks to the performers, the writers, the interviewers—and to Chris Beagle for assistance and champagne for all! ▼
CAMP Rehoboth has joined with other organizations in an immediate call for action. In the last issue we reported our opposition to the revisions to Regulation 225. That opposition has now been expanded to include the original version, as well. In all forms, Regulation 225 violates nondiscrimination protections guaranteed by federal law under Title IX. That position was made clear by the opinion issued recently by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Even though it is clearly in violation of Title IX, the Department of Education has not rescinded its proposal. It is very important that everyone (Delaware resident or not) take the time to send an email opposing Regulation 225—and it needs to be done by the end of the day on Friday, July 6. We need a strong response on this. Email DOEregulations.comment@doe.k12.de.us. A copy of Regulation 225 is available on the Delaware Registrar of Regulation’s website. Read more on the next page, or call CAMP Rehoboth if you have questions. ▼
Fortunately, there are still positive things happening in Delaware. SB-65, the bill to ban conversion therapy for young people in Delaware, was passed in the Delaware Senate last year, and has now been passed by the House. Our champion, friend, and CAMP Rehoboth Board member Mark Purpura says it well, as he always does: “This sends a message to all children and parents in Delaware that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is normal and need not be ‘fixed.’ The practice of conversion therapy has been widely discredited by every major medical and mental health organization, and we look forward to Governor Carney signing the bill into law.” ▼
On July 6, the boys (after all this time, I guess I better say men) of 6 Futcher Avenue in Rehoboth Beach are once again hosting their annual—and by now infamous—pool party to raise money for CAMP Rehoboth. Suggested donation for this very popular event is only $15. Donations can be made on the CAMP Rehoboth website prior to the event or at door. This year’s theme is Candyland. Hot and sweet! Dress appropriately. Once again we are grateful to our amazing CAMP Rehoboth Premier Annual Sponsor Smirnoff and our friends at Breakthru Beverage for their special support of the Pool Party and of Sundance. ▼
As we head into the heart of the summer, our plans for Sundance really get underway big time, and at this stage of production our attention is focused on signing up Hosts, Supporters, and Sponsors. Please take time to sign up now. From the first Sundance 31 years ago, Hosts (and now Supporters and Sponsors) have made the event possible. We are very excited about this year’s Sundance—now including a Sundance Disco Twilight Tea with legendary DJ Robbie Leslie (Studio 54 and the Saint) as well as our amazing headliner DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux. Plus, we want to make it a truly extraordinary weekend in memory of co-founder Steve Elkins. ▼
Happy Fourth of July! Have a safe and fun holiday! And try the Sea Dragon at Funland —the back seat! That always livens up a holiday for us and makes us laugh like crazy. ▼