Mission:
OUTstanding Amarillo promotes empowerment and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population of the Texas Panhandle by initiating dialogue, providing education, and creating support systems with the ultimate goal of social change.
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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE - NOVEMBER 1999
-------------------------------------------------The Trial Heard 'Round the World
A jury proclaimed Aaron McKinney guilty of second degree murder on Nov. 3. McKinney was convicted in the Oct. 12, 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming. As of press time, no decision had been made concerning McKinney’s sentencing but the death sentence remained a possibility.
National and world-wide followers of this case include pansexuals (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered) in Amarillo. The death of a mild-mannered college student in Wyoming has moved people throughout the nation.
The tragedy of Matthew Shepard’s death (he was beaten, tied to a fence and abandoned in freezing temperatures) has captured the attention of many. Melissa Ethridge’s latest CD includes the song “Scarecrow,” telling the tragic story of Matthew’s death. The song’s title was inspired by the fact that the individual who first discovered Matthew considered not stopping because, at a glance, he thought Shepard was a scarecrow tied to the fence. During McKinney’s trail, Judge Barton Voigt denied defense attorneys the use their intended “gay panic” defense. Attorneys had planned to justify McKinney’s actions in beating, robbing and leaving Shepard for dead as a reaction to an alleged sexual advance by Shepard.
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Lesbians meet thesbians First Gay Night at Stage Right Enjoyable
OUTstanding Amarillo continues cooperative efforts with the community theater, Stage Right, in providing social opportunities for Amarillo’s gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered (glbt) community. The first Gay Night at Stage Right was held Oct. 22 with the performance of “Complete History of America, Abridged.”
Glbt attendees had the wonderful dilemma of blending beautifully with the general audience, making it difficult to identify who were “us” among those bombarded with both humor and water guns during the course of the evening. As the monthly Gay Night at Stage Right continues, those attending from “the community” may wish to include pink triangle or rainbow pins or buttons as a part of their attire.
Gay Night at Stage Right in November will be held Friday, Nov. 19, with the performance of "Einstein," a play about the famed mathematician. In December, Stage Right will present the "Rocky Horror Christmas" with Friday, Dec. 10, designated as Gay Night at Stage Right. Please call for reservations at 353-7888.
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Community Calendar Anyone wanting to include listings in the calendar can call 383-0165.
Friday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m. -- Gay Night at Stage Right. "Einstien." Call early for reservations at 353-7888. Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. -- Gay Night at Stage Right. "Rocky Horror Christmas." Call for reservations at 353-7888
Ongoing: PFLAG -- Second Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., call 358-4810 for information OUTstanding Board Meeting -- First Thursday of every month. Call 383-0165 for information.
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When Pigs Fly an editorial by Kay C. Peck
In hotbed of idealism, OUTstanding Amarillo was born out of a concern for the young ... a hope that young adults just dealing with their sexuality would not need to face many of the trials and tribulations so many of us old folks went through in our own youth. What's more, we remembered too well those of us who weren't there ... who didn't survive the doubt, the fear, the oppression and suppression, both external and internal. I would that someone could develop realistic records concerning the suicide rate for young pansexuals.
Anyway, I initially entered this effort with the intent of helping the young. Surprise! The unexpected happened. They're helping me. Please note the business pig above. It was drawn by Rebecca, a young friend whom I met through not only my activities with OUTstanding Amarillo but in other community organizations. She a teenager and totally at ease with herself and her sexuality. She is also among the courageous young people who support with their time, talent and caring the continuation of the memory of Brian Deneke, the young man killed in a fight between "punks" and "white hats" in December 1997. They work for the end of the violence. Then there's Jonathan ... a young man who came to OUTstanding some months ago seeking help because of persecution at his school. We did the best we could for him, and there was a resolution of sorts in the end. What inspired me the most out of the whole episode was Jonathan's courage. Despite threats from classmates, even death threats, the rainbow flag never left his window at the front of his house. Jonathan is proud of who he is. So am I. I'm proud to call that young man friend.
Oh yeah, don't forget Sam. The young woman from way the heck off some place who just sent an email because of some quote she'd read on the web about something to do with OUTstanding. Young in years or not, this woman expresses a peacefulness with herself and others that is wonderful to read. She is one of the many young people I know who give me hope for the future. Oh yeah, Rebecca gave me another source of inspiration -- in addition to the business pig ... Rebecca and a case of being tongue tied. In a recent conversation, my ability to speak clearly was somewhere in orbit around Mars. In talking of the gay/lesbian community, I called it the "gaesbian" community. What do you think? Could this be an answer to the ongoing search for a single word to call ourselves?
Nah! That's probably just another problem we'll have to leave to the young. Thing is, I think they can handle it.
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Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby Fund Raiser A Hair and Fund Raising Experience
Approximately 100 costumed gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered (glbt) ... the community in all its variety ... crowded into the home of Joseph Madrid on Saturday, Oct. 30, for the annual costumed gayla fund raiser benefitting the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby (LGRL) of Texas. John Hintz, one of the event organizers, reported that approximately $2,500 was raised to benefit an organization that strives to serve every glbt in the state. “It is always an honor to host a benefit for the Lesbian, Gay Rights Lobby. I hope the Costumed Gayla will bring awareness about the Lobby to Amarillo in addition to raising funds,” Madrid said.
LGRL has led the fight in a number of key issues including the right of gays and lesbians to adopt children or be foster parents, the support of the James Byrd Hate Crimes Act and much more.
Glen Maxey, the first full-time lobbyist for LGRL and the first openly gay legislator in Texas, attended the Amarillo fund raiser as guest of honor. The food and fun of one of the major social events of the year was interrupted briefly as Maxey spoke about the work of LGRL. As has been the case in previous years, sponsors paid all expenses for the event, and every dollar raised through attendee tickets benefitted LGRL.
The event was successful not only as a fund raiser but also as a social evening. Hosts served more than ample quantities of food and drink including smoked salmon, shrimp, brisket, vegetables and more. The open bar and beer bar certainly added to the festiveness of the evening as well.
Costumes, as usual, reflected the creativity of Amarillo’s glbt community. While costumes were light on the traditional Halloween terror, they were strong on humor. Whether it be the walking Crown Royal bottle or the male couple dressed as Symphony Belles, the guests certainly provided a strong portion of the entertainment for the evening.
“This year’s event was definitely the largest Costumed Gayla we have ever had, and it was even more profitable than last year’s,” Hintz said. “We were honored to have Glen Maxey attend the party as our honored guest.”
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