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HOUSTON
VOICE
May 31,1996
ISSUE 814
A Weekly Community News Publication
I
*&t
Mission: Impossible
Review Page 21
State GOP Rejects Log Cabin Ad, Says
No to Booth
In an unprecedented move to stifle dissent within the party,
Texas GOP leaders have rejected a Gay Republican group's
request to have an exhibit booth at the state Republican
convention, according to a letter from the state GOP organization
released by the group, the Log Cabin Republicans of Texas. The
state GOP has also refused a full-page advertisement for the
convention program submitted by the Log Cabin Republicans.
The party's decision comes just days after a landmark ruling by
the United States Supreme Court that Gays and Lesbians could
not be excluded from the political process simply because of their
sexual orientation.
"The party's decision to deny a Republican group a display booth
at the state convention is an unprecedented act of exclusion." said
Dale Carpenter, noting that even pro-choice groups who disagree
with the party's stand on abortion are permitted booths at the state
convention. Carpenter is the President of Log Cabin Texas.
"We're not asking for 'special rights.' We're Republicans asking
for the same opportunity to be heard that other Republicans have.
The party must make room for those who disagree. That's what
the democratic process is all about." Carpenter noted that exhibit
booth applications have been routinely accepted from oilier
political groups and commercial vendors with no relationship
whatsoever to the party.
"If this is the first shot in a renewed 'culture war' against ga) s and
lesbians, it has badly misfired. It comes at the worst possible time
for the party, in the middle of a presidential campaign in which
our party is already seen as intolerant. This action indicates that
some part officials have no patience for those who disagree \\ ith
them regarding the ci\il rights of gays and lesbians." said
Carpenter.
On April 1. Log Cabin applied for an exhibit booth at the state
GOP convention. The group sent in their application along with a
check for $400 to cover the booth fee. Carpenter confirmed
acceptance of the booth application in a telephone call to
Jonathan Gurwitz several days later. Gurwitz is exhibits
chairperson for the party. Subsequently, the state party cashed the
check submitted along with the booth application. "As far as Log
Cabin is concerned, we had a deal." said Carpenter, an attorney in
Houston. "Now the part is backing out on its word." Log Cabin
also submitted a full-page advertisement for inclusion in the state
convention program. Again. Carpenter confirmed receipt and
acceptance of the ad the next da\ with a party official.
In spite of the agreement and inclusion of other groups, stare GOP
executive director Barbara Jackson sent a letter to the Log Cabin
{Continued on Page 17)
'Voice Welcomes New Editor
Deborah Moncrief Bell, aclivisl and writer
has been named as editor of the Houston
i'oice. Bell succeeds Sheri Cohen Darbonne
who has left thc Voice after over 6 years as its
editor. A welcoming reception in honor of
Bell's appointment will be held on Friday.
May 31 at the Houston I'oice offices, 811
Westhemier, Suite 105 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Everyone is invited to stop by to meet
Deborah and enjoy refreshments with the
staff.
A history of activism in both paid and
volunteer positions in community and nonprofit organizations has provided Bell with
well-proven abilities in writing, editing and
media relations. She has worked as an
fe^t
Deborah Rett
assistant to an editor for a technical journal
for an international professional organization,
edited a bi-annual report of contributors to
elected officials, and has worked on countless
newsletters for the National Organization lor
Women (NOW). One of the founders of
WOMYNSPACE in 1984, a feminist
collective working to provide space and
aclivities for women in a chemically-free,
safe and supportive environment, she helped
develop and name their newsletter. The
WAND (WOMYNSPACE Activities and
Networking Directory). She served on it's
editorial board for a number of years.
Bell also has been a popular radio co-host
and commentator for the community affairs
programs, "Wilde 'n' Stein" and "Lesbian and
Gay Voices," on KPFT radio, 90.1 fm.
Community involvement has included
serving as co-chair of Houston's Lesbian and
Gay Pride Week in 1987 and 1988. serving
on the boards of the Montrose Counseling
Center, the Montrose Activity Center and the
Women's Lobby Alliance. She has been an
officer of Houston Area NOW, a State officer
of Texas NOW and a member of the
Women's Group at the Unitarian Church
since the late seventies. Aside from the
volunteer activities. Bell's impressive talents
have benefited Mother's Against Drunk
Driving and the Bering Community Services
Foundation in employed positions. Not the
least of her accomplishments has been the
upbringing of two sons, Jason and John, both
grown and "Out of the house, lhank
goodness!" exclaims Bell.
The 1993 March on Washington tor Lesbian.
i( 'ontinued on Page 20)
Bering Care Center is presented with a $41,000 check raised by this year's
Soiree Aubergine. Shown here are (hr) are John Gonzales, Bill Kersten. Lee
Davis, Robert Meyer and Barry Petree.
Soiree total exceeds $40,000 again!
B o o s: e d hy ;i significani contribution
from TGRA—Houston Chapter for the second year in a row. Soiree Aubergine's 1996
fundraising efforts on behalf o! Bering
Community Service Foundation have
exceeded $40,000 once again. This
total of $41,000 is the' second highest in the
groups five year history, and brings the community's total contribution to Foundation programs through Soiree io over
$159,000. In addition to underwriting all
food costs associated with the Bering Aduli
re Center nutrition program for the
year, funds raised through Soiree V will also
purchase the remaining equipment needed
to complete the recently renovated Care
Center Kitchen and assist in a renovation
Offices; KM Westlicimcr Suite 105. Houstoa TX 77006
Phones' Houston (713) 529-8490 Nationwide (800) 729-W90 Fax (713) 52**9S31
Hours Mon-da" llii\»idi l-'nttts 9:00am. to5 30p.m Daidhiie: Monday noon
PROUDLY TELL *EM VOU SAW IT IN THE HOUSTON f DICE!"
and expansion project being planned for ihe
Bering Dental Clinic.
Soiree V, which officially kicked off with a
Super Bowl Barbecue on Jan. 28 and culminated wilh La Soiree Grande on March 10.
d .i number of other fundraising
efforts including a silent auction, raffle.
personal and corporate contributions
campaigns and benefit performances by a
host of local titleholders and entertainers. In addition to the support of TGRA—
Houston. Soiree V received significant
support from community organizations
including RSICSS and Montrose Softball
League, and from corporate sponsors Bistro Cuisine. City Streets. Continental
Airlines. Gentry. House of Coleman, and
Leather by Boats. As in previous years, fundraising costs were underwritten by Soiree Aubergine Host Committee fees and
sponsors' in-kind contributions, allowing 100 percent of monies raised to be contributed djifectly to Bering Community
Service Foundation.
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