It's hard to believe it's time to start a new year for CAMP Rehoboth. It's also hard to believe that this is our eleventh seasonand while I'm expressing disbelief, what about the fact that it's 2001! We've heard that date for so long2001, A Space Odysseybut it's supposed to be in the future, right? Not anymore! I do wonder how many times during this year we'll have to go to parties or events with "a space odyssey" theme. For us queer folk, maybe it should be "a space oddity" instead.
Speaking of queer folknot the Showtime series, that's another storyall the family stuff that happens around the holidays reminds me of the role that gay and lesbian people play in the lives of our families and communities. Most of us can sense it, but we don't talk about it very much. The experience of dealing with AIDS, our own outcast status, the small victories of coming outall have given us a unique window on the world. Gay uncles and aunts, gay parents, gay youthwe've got something to share with the world. Some families embrace it, others fight it, but it's still there. Our families need us, whether they know it or not.
With the possible exception of the Log Cabin Republicans, most of the gay world is not exactly celebrating the election of our new Presidentthough at least there's a gay daughter in the Vice-President's family. Here in Delaware, many of us chose to go to the Governor's Inauguration instead. Our new Governor, Ruth Ann Minner, reached out to include the gay and lesbian community in the Rehoboth area during her campaign, and it paid off. The next step is to make sure campaign promises turn into reality with the passage of ENDA, the Employment Non-discrimination Act. There was certainly a gay presence at the Inaugural Ballmore than one "fairy godmother" so to speakbut no one turned into a pumpkin at midnight, at least as far as I know.
This issue of Letters comes out just in time for the annual Beach House Rush Party in Washington. The Rush Party is designed to provide not only a good time, but a place where Rehoboth's summer residents can find new housemates or new houses for the upcoming season. Homeowners, leaseholders, and real estate agents all join in the fun. The CAMP Rehoboth event, produced by our own Tom Minnuto, is Sunday, February 4, from 5 - 8 p.m, at D.C.'s Lizard Lounge, 1520 14th Street, NW. For more information visit www.BeachHouseNetwork.com.
The 2001 season promises to be an important one for CAMP Rehoboth and the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project. The next big meeting of the Project Advisory Committee will be more of a social event to kick off the new Capital Building Fund Campaign and is planned for later in the spring. In the meantime, much of the work will be taking place in smaller sub-committees. The newly formed Women's Project of CAMP Rehoboth is planning its first event for March 24. The event will be a half day conference for gay women covering legal, financial and health issues, and will conclude with a luncheon. For more information on that event, or the support groups for men and women, or any of the other events or projects of CAMP Rehoboth, call the CAMP office at 302-227-5620.
Work at CAMP Rehoboth never stops, but the best thing about living in a resort town is that it does slow down a little in the winter. I love the busy rush of the summer months, but I also love this time of year as well. Judging from all the out-of-town faces I keep seeing on the weekends, others are also discovering that Rehoboth is more than just a summer place. I've said it many times before, but Valentine's Day always seems like the first day of the new season. Watch out for Cupid's arrowlove is in the air!