March | Rainbow Pride of West Virginia

SB238 Update- Gazette Online Chat With Del. Webster (D) Kanawha

March 25th, 2009 · 7:38 am → blog

Hello,

At 9:30 this morning Delegate Carrie Webster held a interactive chat session on the Charleston Gazette. Below are questions posed to her and her responses. These are verbatim as they were posted to the Gazette.

9:37	[Comment From Charlie] We would like an update on SB238 and how Delegate Webster thinks this bill will help the West Virginia economy
9:39	Delegate Carrie Webster: I am lead sponsor on House side and I do think it is imp issue – non discrimination policies and laws are business friendly. To me, its a very important piece of legislation and I will push vigorously for its passage.

9:40

[Comment From Amanda]
Delegate Webster- First off, please accept my sincere thanks for your service to West Virginia. I appreciate and pray for you and all of our local, state and federal elected officials. A two part question…. Part One – More than 90 percent of West Virginians believe that they, not politicians or the courts, should define marriage. While you are welcome to disagree with me on the definition of marriage – I believe it to be one man and one woman – why do you oppose allowing a state wide referendum vote to define marriage, when clearly the citizens of West Virginia want to decide this moral issue? Part Two – I would like you to clarify recent remarks to the media. You recently referred to calls to your office regarding this subject as a “manipulation.” I’m among those who contacted you. How is a matter that I care about and express concern over to my democratically elected representatives a manipulation? I thought it was my duty as a citizen to actively voice my concerns to my representative? Secondly, you’ve said that allowing citizens to decide this issue would be a “disservice to the public.” How is the principle of self-governance a disservice? Thank you for answering my question.

9:44

Delegate Carrie Webster: Amanda, I sincerely apologize if my remarks, as depicted in media, offended you. Let me clarify. My staff was harrassed by many people, incl people from out of state, who said they were told [by outside group] to contact me to support issue. The manipulation to which I refer is directed at certain individuals [or groups] that have convinced voters that we do not have laws that already define marriage. We do. In my view, they are trying to defeat SB 238. The issue is not before my committee, but like Senator Byrd and many others, I do not believe our constitutions should be used to discriminate – its a progressive document that should only be amended in the most unique circumstances. Our law does what you want it to do.

10:03

[Comment From Deep Blue]
Delegate Webster, concerning efforts to amend the state constitution to allow only Straight couples to marry: Why not re-phrase the measure to grant “marriage” to Straight couples and “civil unions” to Gay couples? Both arrangements would have the same legal benefits and responsibilities, therefore law-abiding, taxpaying Gay couples in West Virginia would be afforded equal protection under the law. I’m willing to be diplomatic about this.

10:06

Delegate Carrie Webster: I give you credit – that concept is very creative. Given that George W. Bush publicly support civil unions (at same time he opposed gay marriage) you’d think there would be some middle ground. On the other hand, in addition to laws we have that only recognize marraige as between a man and woman, clergy can never be compelled to marry someone. In fact, you can get a certificate on line to marry people right now if you pay a fee. So, I am not sure why there is so much focus on a constitutional amendment.

10:11

[Comment From Chuck Anziulewicz]
As someone who has been actively involved with West Virginia’s Gay community for some 20 years, I find it dismaying that every year proposals to protect LGBT West Virginians from job discrimination gets beaten back. Admittedly we don’t have the political clout of the Religious Right. What do we have to do? Too many productive Gay people in this state continue to live in fear for losing their jobs if their employers find out.

10:16

Delegate Carrie Webster: Chuck, it literally breaks my heart and I do FEEL your pain and the pain of others. Words cannot describe the horror I felt during the member debate last year in my Judiciary committee room. We see President Obama and think, “wow, look how far we have come.” Then, you hear the comments and hatred we have seen these past few weeks and say “Wow, we have such a long way to go.!” In my view, and I have never really held back, legislators in many areas just do not want take the heat from constituents. I don’t think the majority are actually against 278. Rather, they get push back from groups that spew hatred and use scare tactics to convince their constituents these bills do things they do not. I give you my word, I will and have done all I can do to push this issue forward.

On a more humorous note, Delegate Webster did take up the issue of the Barbie ban at the legislature

10:07

[Comment From Derek]
Hello Delegate Webster. West Virginia has received international publicity for the recent proposal to ban Barbie. Is this a legitimate expenditure of time for you and other legislators to consider, and if so, aren’t there countless products on the market that should similarly be banned? Or is this really just a grandstanding gesture that brings unnecessary ridicule to our state? We have enough problems just fending off the negative stories about Corridor H from CNN and Fox.

10:10

Delegate Carrie Webster: I agree with you about other products that should be banned. However, I will point out, respectfully, that legislators, like citizens, are entitled to exercise their free speech, and in this instance, a legislator merely put a bill in that would ban something (i.e. Barbie). Truth be told, it probably took only 10 to 15 minutes to prepare that bill for introduction. No one ever planned to run it and it was the media that saw it and brought it to the public. If you look up bills that have been introduced, your jaw will drop. One requires a parenting class and certificate before one can get married, and that is mild compared to others. I regret the negative depiction but sexy sells these days..

Delegate Webster is the Chair of the Judiciary committee in the House of Delegates. She also represents district 31. Many consider district 31 to be the largest population center for GLBT West Virginians.

Meeting announcement

March 25th, 2009 · 4:37 am → Uncategorized

Mark your calendars! The next meeting of Rainbow Pride is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 PM. As Pride season approaches, we need everyone who can possibly come to the meetings to participate. Meetings are held in the Community Office in the basement of Asbury UMC, located at 501 Elizabeth St. in Charleston.

Speak Out-Talk to Delegate Webster

March 24th, 2009 · 6:37 am → OnlineAction

Carrie Webster, chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee and a Democrat from the House of Delegates 31st District in Charleston, will be online Wednesday morning with the Charleston Gazette to answer your questions about issues before the Legislature.
The live chat with Webster will begin at 9:30 a.m.

District 31 is commonly regarded as the “minority” district, as it was created to add racial and ethnic diversity to the legislature. Webster’s district is arguably the largest GLBT district in the state.

Come on out and ask Carrie a question.

The link is: http://www.wvgazette.com/Multimedia/chat/200903200356

Equality Night Hosted by Stephanie Michelle Williams 3/24

March 21st, 2009 · 9:17 pm → It's A Drag Morgantown Beat

Miss Pride of West Virginia, Stephanie Michelle Williams

Join Stephanie Michelle for Equality Night at the Broadway! On Tuesday 3/24/09 from 7:30 to 9:30PM. In addition to a wonderful show you can meet community groups such as Rainbow Pride, West Virginia Foundation for Equality and others! Entertainers include Michelle St. James, Lora Beth, and Vikki Williams. Come on out for a wonderful time!

Miss Pride Benefit Show 3/28@ The Polo Club

March 21st, 2009 · 4:18 pm → It's A Drag

: Miss Pride of West Virginia, Martina Dezerea

POLO PRIDE NIGHT!!

Miss Martina Dezera would like to announce that she will be performing with her girls at our Spring Huntington Benefit show! The funds from this show will go to the services provided by Rainbow Pride of West Virginia.

For a good time come out to the Polo Club on March 28th at 10PM!!

Entertainment includes Patricia Knight, Tearah Dezerea, Scottie Angel, Bubbles Beaucoup, and More!

The Two Virginias Unite For Pride at Benefit Show on 3/27

March 21st, 2009 · 12:34 pm → It's A Drag

Miss Pride of West Virginia, Jessica Jade

Hi All,

I got a report from Miss Pride of West Virginia, Jessica Jade, that there will be a benefit at The Park, Roanoke’s Premier GLBT nightclub this coming Friday at 10PM. Come on down to the Other Virginia for a night of fun, fellowship and a great show!!!

Jessica reports that former Miss Pride of WV Taylor Made, Destiny Storm, Enya Salad, Arcasia Xavier and

others will be there to give it their all to raise money for the 2009 Rainbow Pride of West Virginia Festival.

Remember Friday, March 27th @ The Park 10PM.

The Park is located at:

615 Salem Ave SW
Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 342-0946

Tonight at the Broadway

March 20th, 2009 · 8:51 am → CharlestonBeat

Covenant House is reaching out to the LGBT community this evening at The Broadway — encouraging LGBT individuals to stop smoking and offering them smoking cessation classes that are LGBT-friendly.

Throughout the U.S., people who are LGBT are more than twice as likely to smoke as the general population. Because of this – and because of its long history of addressing the health needs of the LGBT community – Covenant House is offering smoking cessation classes to the LGBT community and resources to stop smoking.

“When we think of the health risks that gay people face, we often just think of HIV,” said Amy Weintraub, Covenant House Executive Director. “But high smoking rates within the gay community pose a serious risk as well.”

Anyone interested in more information about this effort – or to sign up for smoking cessation classes – please call (304)344-8053 ext 35 or email jcrist@wvcovenanthouse.org.

Pride Crew Visits The Jackhammer

March 15th, 2009 · 6:53 am → Huntington Beat

The Jackhammer, Huntington’s newest gay nightspot, gets high marks from the Pride crew. We were there for the Fur Ball, sponsored by the Bear Men of West Virginia, and a fabulous time was had by all. Located at 2127 Manchester Ave, The Jackhammer features two floors (pool tables downstairs, dance floor upstairs, bars on both) and a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The staff couldn’t be more friendly and there’s never a cover charge, although you do have to be 21 to get in. Be sure to visit them on myspace to learn about their upcoming events and nightly specials.

On June 6, as part of Pride Week, The Jackhammer will be playing host to the 2009 Mr. West Virginia Bear Contest, also sponsored by the Bear Men of WV. Preliminaries will be held May 15 in Charleston and May 30 in Huntington. Click here for details. We hope to see you all there!

Want to stop smoking? Covenant House Can Help.

March 14th, 2009 · 12:29 am → Information

Did you know members of the LGBT community smoke at rates that are more than twice as high as the general population??? Tobacco causes more deaths in the U.S. than HIV, illegal drugs, alcohol, car accidents, suicides, and murders COMBINED.

If you smoke and are considering quitting, please let the Covenant House help.

Step one: Take a quick information survey. We can help you QUIT once and for all!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=YIAS_2faEU87THpNlTLxZ1WQ_3d_3d

Fight Discrimination- Tell the ACLU your story.

March 13th, 2009 · 1:12 pm → Information blog

Help fight LGBT discrimination in West Virginia

The American Civil Liberties Union is working with a coalition of groups to pass a bill that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the already existing West Virginia human rights law – and we need your help. We’re looking for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people in West Virginia with stories of discrimination. Real people with real stories will help us convince the state legislature to support this bill.

Being LGBT shouldn’t be a hazard to your employment or cause you to be denied housing or services from businesses like supermarkets or hardware stores. Help end unfairness by encouraging anyone you know who may have been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity to complete our online survey at: http://www.aclu.org/fairnessforwv.

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