Pam Spaulding has a complete report on the Human Rights Campaign's weekend Carolinas Gala. The dinner was held in Raleigh, where native son and American Idol Clay Aiken was one of the celebrity guests, along with actress Meredith Baxter and Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first U.S. military service member wounded in the Iraq War.
Their speeches—Clay's is very strong, btw—WHEN YOU JUMP ...
Spaulding writes: "The celebratory mood here was kind of interesting, since the one thing that could be focused on (other than reaching fundraising goals) is that hate crimes legislation was passed at the federal level. Alas there is so much more to be done.... Did you know that the Carolinas gala is the second-largest fundraiser for HRC nationwide. When I see the room filled with so many people who clearly feel committed to LGBT equality at this gala, it is the kind of support that state and local organizations need to see as well."
Despite muddled and conflicting signals from the White House, the Pentagon and Congressional leadership, HRC President Joe Solmonese promised "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" would be repealed this year. Solmonese also agrees with the netroots that pro-gay legislation must be enacted before November. Said Solmonese: "And finally, finally this year we are going to bring down the discriminatory policy known as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'...once and for all. I also get that there is a drumbeat coming from our community to put more pressure on, to make more demands of the President and members of Congress to get it done this year because who knows what's going to happen at the mid-term elections and frankly they are right and our time is now."
The complete reports are at the Blend.
Watch the speeches WHEN YOU JUMP ...
"native son and American Idol Clay Aiken"
Clay Aiken did not win American Idol.
Never said that Clay Aiken won AI, dear, but bless your heart you're still trying to fact check this blog. Oh and please choose one name. -RM
Posted by: Ally/Gamera 87/Poochie | 01 March 2010 at 12:12
Petty much?
I read this post earlier and never did it say that Clay Aiken won American Idol. But I'm always glad when Rod calls out petty queens who try to play hall monitor who don't even have their facts straight.
Moving along ... I'm certainly not the biggest Clay Aiken fan and thought he was a total hypocrite all those years he claimed he wasnt gay but everyone knew he was.That said, Clay is more than making up for it now. I liked his speech. And kudo to HRC for getting a Raleigh native who made good to talk about the importance of coming out.
Posted by: Former COGIC | 01 March 2010 at 12:24
Daps to Clay. Come out when you're ready but please come out!
Posted by: FQ | 01 March 2010 at 12:55
ROFL @ Simon Cowell's intern.
You know what's really sad? At Pams House Blend, Towleroad, JoeMyGod, even at racebaiting Queerty they will have dozens of comments on Clay Aiken's history, Meredith Baxter's denials and HRC's about face and Joe Solmonese's effectiveness. Here, Rod does his damndest to bring the news, make it interesting or relevant to "us" ... and the first comments is some silly azz trifling queen with multiple identities who wants to argue how Aiken was identified. Just as bad as that queen the other day who wanted to quibble about Paterson's headline.
In a sad way, its a compliment bc it shows how fabulous this blog is and how black folk (and patronizing whites) try to find fault. On the other hand, it is sad,because we as black gay men could be discussing the issues.
smh
Posted by: Faison | 01 March 2010 at 23:00