Dallas Principles: AIDS is Over?
Confusion With Denver Principles

This note was sent to Pam Spaulding, the creator of PamsHouseBlend blog, who, up until now, I would never have associated her with an invitation-only, closed-door strategy session organized by disgruntled former employees of HRC and the DNC, and A-gays who have lots of bucks.

To bring folks up to speed, last weekend in an air-conditioned hotel conference room, 24 LGBT consultants and bloggers, with nary a street organizing activist among them, met in Texas to create the Dallas Principles. These principles are designed to motivate the White House , Congress and political institutions, oh, and the LGBT community, into action for equality.

If you have an addy for the other Dallas meeting attendees, please share this with them:

Hi Pam,

I'm addressing this note to you, since you're the one organizer of the Dallas Principles and last weekend's meeting who I'm familiar with and have an addy for.

As you must know, HIV/AIDS cases, new infections and deaths in America are primarily among gay men, and this health crisis for a significant portion of of the LGBT population, is far from over.

The CDC reported in December the good news that HIV transmission rates in the United States have dramatically declined, and these excerpts from the agency's study need to be repeated today:

Declines in HIV transmission rates reflect the success of prevention efforts across the US, on a national, community, and an individual level ...

These findings add to several recent signs of success in HIV prevention ...

Despite these successes, we must remember that the fight against HIV is far from over ...

HIV continues to take a severe toll on multiple communities in the US, with gay and bisexual men of all races, African Americans, and Latinos bearing the heaviest burden. Waging a continued battle against HIV will take a continued commitment across the country to address HIV among these populations ...

I'm quite disappointed you and the other leaders at the Dallas meeting didn't see fit to mention HIV/AIDS and its continuing impact on the gay male community in any of the papers you've issued.

The omission of HIV/AIDS from all of your documents and demands sends a not-so-subtle underlying message to the community and all of America that is over, and not worth even a passing reference in the Dallas Principles.

Why are HIV/AIDS issues not included in your call to action?

The second thing I wish to raise with you is the confusion some PWAs, persons with AIDS, have mentioned to me regarding the Denver Principles and the Dallas Principles.

What are the Denver Principles? The National Association of People With AIDS explains:

In 1983, a group of people living with AIDS got together in Denver and wrote a manifesto of self empowerment—known as the Denver Principles—for those living with HIV. The Denver Principles demanded that the voices of people living with HIV be heard. It asserted the right of people living with HIV to participate in the decision-making processes—at all levels—that would fundamentally affect their lives.

A concerted effort by PWAs, NAPWA, HIV groups, gay and women's health advocates, recently launched a campaign to modernize the Denver Principles, an effort I fully endorse.

I wonder if you and your colleagues have plans to clearly distinguish your principles' project from the Denver Principles. Maybe you can amend your effort's name to the Texas Project for LGBT Americans. Have you considered a name change?

Finally, I want to share with you a note from a widely-respect reporter at a California gay paper, which raised vital accountability and transparency concerns:

I don't see much new in the so-called Dallas Principles (besides being confusing with the PWAs' Denver Principles project. Also, I find it somewhat arrogant that 24 gay leaders (mostly from the coasts) can secretly meet in Dallas and come up with something the community is supposed to automatically buy into. Definitely not very transparent, when that's what everyone's complained about re: No on 8 campaign, etc.

It is generally accepted among lots of CA gay marriage advocates, that a huge problem with the losing strategy of the No on 8 committee was that it was a bunch of self-appointed LGBT leaders, with an invitation-only, closed-door meetings, A-gays only, way of operating.

This lesson from the No on 8 debacle doesn't appear to be something the organizers and attendees of your meeting in Dallas have learned. I hope that quickly changes.

I hope you or your Dallas meeting colleagues will address my concerns.

Best regards,
Michael

SF Chron: Obama in LA the Day After
CA Supremes Rule on Prop 8

Over at the San Francisco Chronicle's political blog, veteran reporter Carla Marinucci wrote yesterday that the president is coming to Southern California on Wednesday, which, as we now know, is the day after the state Supreme Court renders its decision on Prop 8.

I wonder how big a demonstration the LA gay community will organize in conjunction with Obama's appearance next week:

Just days after the California election highlighting the state's dire budget troubles, President Obama is making his second trip to the state -- to star in a $3 million fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the Democratic National Committee.

Wednesday's trip is Obama's first to the Hollywood vicinity. And the stars will be out: powerhouse singer Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar and Grammy winner, will perform along with Earth, Wind & Fire, says LA Observed.

The $30,400-per-couple event -- hey, who said the economy is in trouble? -- will be preceded by a $1,000-per-person ($2,500 VIP) reception, reports Wilshire & Washington, the Variety blog.

It's still not clear if Obama will do any public events in the Southland during his state stop; the White House says there's no information on that available yet.

I'm sure with the announcement this morning from the state Supremes that they're issuing their ruling early next week, the White House is factoring that, and the potential for large-scale LGBT street actions, into their decision about those public events.

Global Equality Still Waiting
for State Dept Reply on Gay Iraqis

The Human Rights Campaign on April 23 reported on its advocacy, in conjunction with the Council for Global Equality, on behalf of LGBT Iraqis:

The Council for Global Equality, of which HRC is a member organization, has been in communication with the State Department in Washington, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, calling on them to investigate this critical situation and to intervene with the Iraqi government.

A few days later, I contacted the executive director of Global Equality, Mark Bromley, to gather details about his communications with the State Department, which, were only verbal. Bromley relayed in emails that he had not written any letters to the department about the torture and murder of gay Iraqis, but that he soon would:

I will try to start writing and posting more once State has a little more time to reply. I do think they are trying to find an appropriate response, so I want to give them some room to maneuver – but not too much. I will try to push with more than phone calls in the coming weeks.

This week, I followed up with Bromley, and his colleague Julie Dorf, and received these replies. From Bromley:

Sorry, Michael, I was out of the country all last week. Based on further phone conversations, we have reason to believe that the State Department is following up on our request to investigate. Will continue to follow this now that I’m back in Washington.

Yes, it's good to know Global Equality is still in verbal communication with the department, but I find it quite strange, given all the horrors suffered by LGBT Iraqis and reported by the press and NGOs, that the group has yet to write a single letter to State about it all. No, phone calls are not enough, given the severity of the torture and killing of Iraqi gays. And note that Bromley says he believes the department is following up on their push to investigate, because of phone talks.

Interestingly, Dorf, in her email to me, says they're waiting for a reply:

Yes, Mark has been traveling and is just getting back today. Sorry for the delay. We don't really have much to say yet about State's response to our requests for further investigation into the abuses in Iraq. We are still waiting to hear back from them. Sorry there isn't more to report yet.

Let's give Bromley and Dorf the benefit of the doubt, and trust that the hadn't checked in with each other about a response from the department, before they separately wrote to me.

I'm also curious if their communications with our embassy in Baghdad, as reported by HRC, were just verbal, and what, if any, reply they've received from the embassy.

Hoping to find anything on their web site about LGBT Iraqis and Global Equality's phone calls to State, I checked their site and found nothing related to the gay Iraqi problems.

However, I learned that Bromley was at a world congress on human rights in Paris recently, something Bromley and Dorf omitted in their emails, giving me reason to think they're not very forthcoming with basic info. They seem dedicated to keeping info close to their vests, rather than just saying Bromley was at a human rights conference in Paris.

By the way, the Global Equality site hosts a PDF of remarks made by the State Department's Atul Keshap, director of the Office of Human Rights, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, at the Paris meeting.

Nice of Global Equality to promote the State Department official's comments on the UN LGBT declaration and related matters, but I think the group needs to be much more assertive about showing some tangible proof their oral communications with the department are moving State to investigate anti-gay human rights abuses in Iraq.

Frankly, as we're about to enter the third month of reports about the current atrocities being suffered by LGBT persons in Iraq, I think Global Equality ought to finally write a letter to the State Department, post the text on their site, and tell us what they're doing to move the department to respond.

Blade: Gays Need Liaison at State Department

I'd like to express my gratitude to Keven Naff, the editor of the Washington Blade, for working his editorial magic on this column of mine, and for running it this week.

This idea may be quite unrealistic, at least in the short term, but I believe now is a good time to put forward creative ideas on how our State Department becomes more responsive the human rights abuses happening in too many parts of our planet.

How do you feel about the State Department creating a liaison for LGBT issues unfolding abroad?

Here's my Blade column:

WHEN SECRETARY OF State Hillary Rodham Clinton was on her European tour this spring in her new role as our country’s top diplomat, she held a town hall and asked the audience of average citizens for questions. A young gay Moldovan wanted to know what changes she would implement to aid LGBT persons beyond America’s borders suffering human rights violations. Clinton’s answer was succinct.

Mincing no words, she said, “Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy, and in particular the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that right now in unfortunately many places in the world, violence against gays and lesbians — certainly discrimination and prejudice — are not just occurring, but condoned and protected. We would hope that over the next few years, we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes.”

After eight years of tremendous personal dismay and anger over President Bush’s State Department too often ignoring foreign LGBT matters, Clinton’s words raised much hope on my part. And I’m a longtime, staunch critic of hers.

AS AN ACTIVIST who has engaged State’s human rights division since 1991, when the annual human rights report contained a mere single LGBT citation, and applauded the department expanding the reports to include hundreds of such citations in recent years, I will do my part to make sure Clinton keeps her promise to the gay Moldovan.

Delivering tangible results will happen more rapidly, and have more of an effective impact on the lives of LGBT persons internationally, if Clinton heeds this advice: Create a liaison for our community and our diverse human rights issues.

An LGBT program specialist at the State Department would have many duties and functions, all directed at making U.S. foreign policies more aware of and responsive to the suffering our brothers and sisters face daily, and the advances being made in a good number of nations.

What would some of the liaison’s responsibilities entail? She would coordinate the flow of news stories and reports from local media and LGBT organizations to the public affairs office, the human rights division and the desks for each country.

After evaluating the stories and reports, the liaison would determine how the department should respond — for example, releasing statements from the secretary or press office, ensuring inclusion in annual reports, maybe directing our ambassador or embassy to respond at the local level.

The liaison also must serve as the initial point-person for LGBT persons abroad seeking redress or attention for their problem from the U.S., and assist them in reaching the appropriate desk or diplomat to devise a solution.

ADDITIONALLY, I’D LIKE to see this program specialist help activist bloggers like myself, who regularly write on global gay issues, or advocate within the department on behalf of foreign LGBT citizens of the world. My time and energy for global advocacy is quite limited. Having a specialist at State would make it easier for me to quickly find the departmental information I need to write about global matters.

Then there’s the matter of LGBT issues and the United Nations. The liaison must keep apprised of our issues across the U.N.’s vast bureaucracy and commissions, and press the international body to do more for us.

We’ve waited long enough for America’s State Department to go beyond simply recording the increasing numbers of abuses in yearly surveys. I see no reason why this important federal agency should lack an LGBT liaison.

If Secretary Clinton is serious about transforming her words into actions and deeds that recognize and challenge the serious human rights violations of LGBT persons abroad, and I fully believe she is, then she will embrace the liaison idea and direct her top staffers to create the position, and fill it in four or five months’ time.

SF Gays to Pelosi:
Condemn Torture of LGBT Iraqis

My good friend and political artist Clinton Fein has made a terrific video of the May 17 solidarity rally and fundraiser for gay Iraqis at Harvey Milk Plaza, in Nancy Pelosi's congressional district.

For me, the most relevant and emotionally moving speaker was community organizer Gary Virginia, who demanded our member of Congress, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, speak out against the torture of LGBT Iraqis.

It's unacceptable that Pelosi, who represents the most energized gay political district in the nation, is getting a free ride about the abuse and gruesome murder of gay Iraqis from Democratic gay leaders at HRC, NGLTF and GLAAD, at a time when she is mired in controversy over torture.

I'm proud to associate with Virginia and other San Francisco voters who want our Congressmember to use her voice to bring attention to the plight of the gay community in Iraq.

After you watch Fein's video, give Pelosi's speaker office in DC a call and leave a message, demanding that she forcefully condemn the torture and killing of LGBT Iraqis. Let Pelosi hear your voice on behalf of justice for our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Her number is 1-202-225-0100.

And big thanks again to everyone who turned out for Sunday's important rally, and to Clinton Fein for creating the video.

Look at this tape, and spread it far and wide:

SF: 100 Protest LGBT Iraqi Murders, $5K Raised;
Pelosi Criticized for Silence

Never doubt that a handful of pissed off queens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that has ever moved the queer movement meaningfully forward.

At least one-hundred people came out in today's heatwave over the course of a one-hour rally and participated in San Francisco's first action for IDAHO, International Day Against Homophobia, Sunday afternoon at Harvey Milk Plaza. We rallied against the killings and torture of LGBT Iraqis, and expressed unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the U.S.-occupied country.

Thanks to the efforts of my organizing colleagues, Gary Virginia of Gays Without Borders and Jeff Cotter of Rainbow World Fund, and several members of the ever-fabulous Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, over the past week and today's bucket brigade, slightly more than $5,000 was raised. The funds will go to direct-relief aid for the LGBT Iraqi community. Tax-deductible donations can be made at http://rainbowfund.org.

My favorite moment came at the end of the rally. Gary Virginia criticized our very own Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who, he pointed out, is also Speaker of the House, and whose district includes the possibly gayest neighborhood in all of America, was recently in Baghdad and she was silent during her visit about the LGTB murders.

"She's said nothing about the atrocities and that has to change," explained Virginia, to boisterous applause and cheers.

How the hell is it possible our Congressional rep is 100% mute about the murders of homosexuals in Baghdad, is the great unanswered question of the day.

Artist and activist Clinton Fein is editing and preparing a video of today's demonstration, which will be made public tomorrow. Look for it here and on his site Annoy.com.

Let's look at photos from today and see a few of the fine people who showed up. On behalf of the organizers, we thank you. Most photos, except where noted otherwise, were snapped by me.

From the left, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, SF Police Commission president and transgender leader Theresa Sparks, political artist Clinton Fein, MCC Rev. Lea Brown, State Senator Mark Leno, and with the microphone, community organizer Gary Virginia. (Credit: Bill Wilson Photos.)

Theresa Sparks speaking to the crowd, about her son in the military who just returned for another tour of duty in Iraq.

Lesbian leader Debra Walker questioned America's continuing presence in Iraq, and restoring our moral authority on human rights and torture.

Holding the mic, Iranian-American Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, who is straight, talked of the necessity to demonstrate, even if the corporate media ignores us.

Under my umbrella hat, I thanked everyone for coming out for IDAHO, and led a short chant: "Gays and lesbians under attack. What do we do? ACT UP! Fight Back!" (Credit: Bill Wilson Photos.)

On the left, Jeff Cotter from Rainbow World Fund, I don't know who the man in the middle is, and on the right is Japanese-American humanitarian advocate with RWF, Karen Kai. (Credit: Bill Wilson Photo.)

One of our posters on a lamppost. (Credit: Bill Wilson Photo.)

One of the Sisters, in her own shade, sending a message to the universe.

Is this eye candy to you? Not my type at all, but who the hell cares. They were there and gave a few bucks. "Are you wearing sunblock?" I asked them. "Yes," said the one in the hat. "And torture is wrong." Out of the mouths of young hairless hunks oft times come gems.

Rep Polis: Iraq Feels Pressure to Act
on Violence Against Gays

As San Francisco prepares for the May 17 rally at Milk Plaza for LGBT Iraqis, I wondered what openly gay Congressmember Jared Polis had done lately about this matter, on top of the many avenues he's already pursued to help the LGBT community of Iraq and keep their desperate needs in the news.

Thanks to an interview in this week's edition of Washington, DC's Metro Weekly, I know Polis is keeping in touch with the State Department on behalf of LGBT people in Iraq.

Excerpted from Metro Weekly:

MW: From what you learned during your trip to Iraq, from your interviews with Doug Ireland and speaking with the State Department, what is your assessment of the situation for GLBT Iraqis? And what can you do about it?

POLIS: There's certainly a very serious problem with the level of dedication that the Iraqi regime has toward human rights. This is being felt most urgently in the human rights of the LGBT population of Iraq, which in Baghdad and many other areas lives in fear. There have been several killings [and] imprisonments.

I think [the Iraqi government is] beginning to feel the pressure to do something about it. Our efforts have been to encourage the American government to emphasize the importance of protecting human rights, including protecting all minorities, whether they're gay or Christian or atheist or Jewish. The real test of whether Iraq is dedicated to protecting human rights is whether they protect some of the less-popular minority groups in their country.

We are currently circulating a letter to Secretary of State [Hillary] Clinton and there's been great support from my colleagues here in Congress. We had a couple good calls with Ambassador Karen Stewart, the head of the human-rights division of the Department of State. They've addressed it at the human-rights level. But we need to make sure we, through normal diplomatic channels, try to get the Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki and the civilian leadership to more broadly condemn this practice. They have issued a condemnation, stating that people have to follow the law, basically. But they need more specific actions to combat this anti-gay violence.

I raised the issue with a member of the Iraqi Parliament, the chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. Part of the problem is that their committee doesn't have very much authority to actually protect human rights, but she was generally receptive to the arguments. I think that there are allies within the Iraqi government, but the prime minister needs to take these allegations more seriously and really promote more of a culture of tolerance, of diversity.

Keep up the terrific advocacy, Representative Polis.

[Solidarity Rally With LGBT Iraqis.
Sunday, May 17, Noon - 4 PM.
Harvey Milk Plaza, Castro and Market Streets
San Francisco, CA, USA.
JOIN US!]

Gays Organize Rally for LGBT Iraqis;
Leaders Want End to Torture and Murder

(At least three suspected homosexuals were murdered March 20, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraqi. Photo by Bilal Hussein/AP.)

(San Francisco, CA) – A broad united coalition of human rights advocates and politicians will hold a spirited rally this Sunday, May 17, in solidarity with the LGBT citizens of Iraq, who face surging violence and killings. Recent reports out of Baghdad document the gruesome gluing of anuses of gay men, who are forced to swallow laxatives, leading to death by diarrhea, come amid continuing genital mutilation of gays.

Responding to the atrocities, lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender community organizers will hold a demonstration to support LGBT Iraqis:

WHO: Human rights activists and elected officials

WHAT: Rally and fundraiser

WHERE: Harvey Milk Plaza, Castro and Market Streets

DATE: Sunday, May 17

TIME: 12:30 – 1:30 PM

A diverse array of leaders will speak at the rally, including Sen. Mark Leno, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, SF Police Commission President Theresa Sparks, Karen Kai of the Rainbow World Fund, Rev. Lea Brown of the Metropolitan Community Church, Debra Walker of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, political artist Clinton Fein, and community organizers Michael Petrelis and Gary Virginia of Gays Without Borders.

There will be also a “bucket brigade” at the rally and circulating through cafes and restaurants of the Castro soliciting donations for groups working with LGBT Iraqis. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a social advocacy organization, have donated $1,000, and will supply volunteers for the brigade.

Rainbow World Fund, a LGBT international humanitarian relief charity, is serving as the fiscal sponsor, and donations made through it are tax-deductible. The fund’s colorful and eye-catching school bus will be parked at Milk Plaza, to serve as a welcome-wagon full of banners, posters and donation buckets. Donations will be used to provide direct aid to the Iraqi LGBT community. More at http://rainbowfund.org.

Speaking for Gays Without Borders/SF, a group focused on global issues, Gary Virginia explained the motivations for the May 17 actions.

“We San Franciscans have a solemn duty to denounce anti-LGBT hatred in Iraq. Our demands to President Obama, the State Department and Congress are simple and doable – condemn the torture and slayings, investigate the human rights abuses, and create a sizeable number of asylum slots for LGBT Iraqis to enter and reside in America,” said Virginia.

Contacts:

Michael Petrelis Phone: 415-621-6267 Email: MPetrelis@aol.com

Gary Virginia Phone:415-867-5004 Email: MRSFL96@aol.com

# # #

Gay Jamaican Questions Boycott Opponents;
So Does Sapphocrat Blog

Over the past few days, I've corresponded with a gay Jamaican who gave me permission to use his emails here, as long as I didn't reveal his name or addy. He raises many interesting concerns about the complex problems facing LGBT Jamaicans, while supporting the boycott and pushing JFLAG to be more assertive about changing the situation.

As if it weren't enough to trade emails, this gay Jamaican called today to chat. What a pleasure to hear this young man's voice express a strong desire for JFLAG to take action, something more than just trying to stop the boycott. His is not the only voice asking for more leadership from JFLAG.

Check this out from the Lavender Liberal blogger Sapphocrat, posted yesterday:

And while we’re “tolerating” the violence, and what passes for Jamaican “law enforcement” that not only turns a blind eye but actively encourages (and often participates in) that violence, what does anyone — including JFLAG — suggest be done to stop the madness?

Certainly count me in the crowd with Sapphocrat who would like to know what JFLAG wants to do about the violence. It's not enough for JFLAG to put energy into opposing the boycott, while offering no alternative plans.

Here is the message from the gay Jamaican, who chooses to remain unnamed at this point:

I am an artist, who happens to be homosexual, born and raised, and living in Jamaica. For quite some time, I have heard calls for a boycott of Jamaican products, etc., and in my reading this morning, I came upon your website.

The state of affairs in Jamaica concerning GLBT citizens and their rights is a dire one, as you know. However, in some spheres of society (particularly the upper classes), one's real or perceived orientation is often considered inconsequential, particularly among artists.

The major problem really lies with the more disadvantaged Jamaicans; those who have not been very exposed to individuals who are gay or lesbian, who have fundamentalist Christian beliefs, and who have not necessarily had access to structured, formal education.

The responses of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Orett Bruce Golding, in last May's BBC HardTalk interview were a personal attack to me, and many other GLBT Jamaicans who desire to see change in our country; the kind of change that affords us the basic freedoms of self-expression that our heterosexual counterparts often take for granted. He refuses to take on the issue, as many political analysts have referred to the tackling of this issue as "political suicide" for quite some time now.

The Bruce Golding administration is unlikely to tackle this issue any time soon, considering the fact that this is the first time in 18 or so years, that the monopoly of the People's National Party (PNP) has been broken by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Our politicians are now certainly more concerned with securing another victory in the next elections, than being seen as a party promoting social and moral decay. The country desperately needs politicians who will use their power and influence to advocate for the equitable treatment of all Jamaicans, and not just mainstream, heterosexuals.

Concerning your boycott of Myers Rum and Red Stripe Beer, whereas I may understand Gareth Henry and Jason MacFarlane's views, they are incorrect in their assessment.

JFLAG is not as vocal as it could be (or should be, for that matter). I do understand its disinclination to put faces in the spotlight, but at this pace, it might take another century or more to get anything done in Jamaica. We need action now (which is what you are doing)! JFLAG needs a swift kick in its behind! :)

Admittedly, Red Stripe and Diageo have a high rating with regards to their policies, etc., but if they feel the pinch of the boycott, then perhaps they can attempt to do more. I believe that in an attempt to restore confidence in their brand, they will possibly be forced to put more pressure on the government and other corporate partners to do more.

It is painful for me to see the economy that has been decimated by the PNP tyranny fall into further despair, but the truth is that the pain I feel when an attack is made on me personally by schoolmates, the society at large and, even more so, the government that is supposed to protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals, is even greater.

I would urge you to take your fight on an even larger scale. The endorsement of one Australian politician is not enough; the encouragement of a boycott by American citizens is certainly not enough. For this strategy to be most effective, a boycott would have to be made of Jamaican dancehall artistes and other performers who use their medium to promote violence; the food; the Jamaican brand, particularly the tourism product (you can use your imagination for other ways to increase the effectiveness of your campaign), by many, many more countries.

Jamaica was once a leader in the Caribbean; many of the other territories looked to Jamaica for inspiration and direction with their own policies, etc. Now, Jamaica is more or less at the bottom of the food chain. Other Caribbean territories have been making much more progress. I am particularly impressed and encouraged by the work of Ms. Castro in Cuba. [Referencing Castro's pro-gay niece.]

I wish you the strength, courage, and resolve that you will need in this battle to help GLBT Jamaicans be established as worthwhile citizens in a country in which we give so much of ourselves with very little in return. The battle will be long, and hard; but victory is ours for the taking if we use the right strategies. This is not a war of centuries ago with swords being brandished on a large battlefield; it is one of might and will. The army in Jamaica has suffered many losses; but you, and other well-thinking individuals like yourself are our reinforcements, and we need you more than you may realize. Godspeed...

DC Ex: AIDS Group Losing Govt
Grant Because of Executive's Salary

(You'd be smiling too, if you were earning $382K. Craig Shniderman in a recent Blade photo. Credit: Henry Linser.)

Do you recall the Washington Blade's recent survey of compensation packages for gay and AIDS executives running our advocacy and direct-services organizations? Not easy to forget what was uncovered. The paper found that the salary paid to one local director was inching closer to the $400,000 mark:

Craig Shniderman, executive director of Food & Friends, which provides meals and nutritional services for homebound people with HIV/AIDS in the Washington, D.C. area, had the highest salary among the heads of the nation’s most prominent LGBT advocacy groups and groups that provide AIDS-related services in Los Angeles, New York and D.C.

A survey of the compensation paid to heads of 30 LGBT and AIDS organizations, conducted by the Washington Blade, shows that Shniderman had a total salary and benefits package of $382,200 in 2008, the latest period for which the organizations’ salary and annual revenue data could be obtained for a completed fiscal year.

Well, the public relations nightmare for Food and Friends, got a little worse in the past few days. That's because a DC suburb is cutting back on their grant to the group, all due to the outrageous sky-high level of pay for greedy Shniderman.

Let's look at the story from today's Washington Examiner, about the decision made by the suburban government, and the reaction from Food and Friends:

The Montgomery County Council is withholding funding for a local charity in an effort to send a message that the charity pays its director too much money.

The council voted to remove $55,000 in county funding for Food & Friends, a D.C. nonprofit that delivers meals to people living with HIV/AIDS and cancer, because its executive director, Craig Shniderman, made $357,447 in salary and benefits in 2007.
“This situation appears abusive,” said Councilman George Leventhal, D-at large, who spearheaded the effort to remove funding for Food & Friends.

According to Internal Revenue Service records, Food & Friends’ budget was more than $9.7 million in 2007. In 2006, the organization’s budget was $7.5 million and it paid Shniderman $334,551, tax records show.

What a minute here. The Examiner should have Googled "Craig Shniderman, salary, Food and Friends," and learned that the Blade reported this executive's pay was actually $382,200 for the most recent fiscal year. Okay, details on his current pay aside, it's still good to see the Montgomery County officials taking action.

“What we have here is the recommendation that 8,000 specialized meals and nutrition counseling will not be funded by the Montgomery County government on the strength of Mr. Leventhal’s personal objection to compensation determined after careful study by the board of directors of Food & Friends,” Robert Hall III, president of the board of directors at the charity, wrote the council in an e-mail.

Leventhal said he recognized that Food & Friends was entitled to set its own compensation levels, but said he wanted to “send a clear signal” that Shniderman’s pay was unacceptably high.

“They can keep paying him, but we’re not going to contract with them,” he said. ...

Oh, hogwash to what the nonprofit's board president says. The problem is not an elected official upset with Schniderman's salary; the relevant issue, in this economy is one HIV executive's big take home pay.

Thank you, Mr. Leventhal, for doing the right thing and sending a much-needed message to Schniderman and his board.

Will the people running Food and Friends ever develop some shame over how much Schniderman earns? Only if they keep getting bad press and donors object to how much of their donation is not making it to ill people in need of hot food.