LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
Though it has been several weeks since Jerry Falwell created the great Tinky Winky debate, the gay community is still enjoying its new found purple pal almost as much as we like watching Mr. Falwell with egg on his face. Of course, this being CAMP and all that, we couldnt resist having a little fun with the cover photograph, called Scandal on Aisle Three. Conservative opponents of gay people like to make the ridiculous claim that we recruit straight people into our gay ranks. Apparently, with enemies like Mr. Falwell, it isnt necessary (even if we could!) as he seems quite capable of doing it for us. Mr. Falwell has managed to take a sweet, innocent, asexual, genderless, and fictional character and make him gay. Last week a six year old friend of mine confidently explained to me that Tinky Winky is gay, and then went on to explain about the color purple and the meaning of the triangle. Mr. Falwell was afraid that Tinky Winky would be a positive role model for gay people, and in a strange twist of fate, that is exactly what he has caused him to be. Speaking of positive gay role models, heres your chance to be one. Thursday, March 25 has been designated as Lobby Day in Dover. Sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Project of the ACLU-DE, Lobby Day will take place at Legislative Hall in Dover, DE. It will give you the opportunity to learn about lobbying, to meet your representative, and to lobby for the employment non-discrimination legislation introduced by Bill Oberle and Margaret Henry. If passed, the bill (HB 11) will prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in Delaware. Lobby Day begins with the Lobbying Workshop from 11:00 a.m. until noon, and continues with an apple "pie for all" time from noon until 1:00 p.m. From 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., time will be provided for you to meet with your representative. To take part in the days events or for more information you should call 302-575-0660, ext. 239. Around town, two of our favorite new area happenings, The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Henlopen Theater Project both have events taking place in March. On Sunday, March 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m., the Film Societywho brought us last years wildly successful Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festivalinvites you to go "Oscar Wild" at Dogfish Head Brews & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Avenue. Tickets for the Oscar night celebration are $20. A silent auction will also feature more than 80 items with proceeds benefiting the Film Society and the 1999 Film Festival. On March 25, also at Dogfish Head, the Henlopen Theater Project will present the first in a series of lectures for persons interested in the theatre. The first program, "Classic Drag: Male Creation of Female Roles" by Ann Colwell, University of Delaware associate professor of English, will discuss classic 18th century theatrical "drag." The lecture series is free and begins at 7:00 p.m. Also, watch for information on the Henlopen Theaters spring benefit, An Evening With Cole Porter, scheduled for May 21 at the Rehoboth Country Club. Its always fun this time of the year to watch the area begin to wake up from its "long winters nap." Like the buds on the trees, businesses and restaurants that have been closed for a few months begin to stir with signs of life. Soon it will be spring. I look forward to this new season and to a new year of CAMP Rehoboth. I am more than ever convinced that positive change takes place on a grass roots level and that each of us has the ability to"create a more positive" world. Happy first day of Spring! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 2, March 12, 1999 |