Coming Soon... 2 Openings Lee Balterman Jerry Pritikin

The latest about Lee Balterman. He'll be the other half of a 2 man show at Chicago's Daiter Gallery this summer. Lee is picking out negatives for the exhibit. Daiter recently moved to new location. Lee hits 90 in July, and enjoys his new home at the Kenwood. He will be at my Opening, at Roosevelt University's Gage Gallery on Thursday June 3rd. It runs until July 30th. Michael Ensdorf the Director, and founder of the Gallery is selecting 40 images, b&w and color of the 1970s in San Francisco, with special attention given 1976, '77 1978, including Harvey Milk, the early gay rights movement and gay sports. The official announcement for the show will not be made until May. The story behind the show came about... and behind the images in the show will be featured on this blog in the near future. I hope to have a "Harvey Milk" Tribute ready for "Harvey Milk Day" on youtube.
If you are in the Chicago area during Pride Month(until July 30)... please take the time to visit the Gage Gallery, and tell your friends who maybe interested.

About the Winning entry...

When I found OUT that I was not the winner... I went back to play his entry. You Know what? It was a winner! So I sent Sam Sussman the following email, and then he responded. I am glad to also say we bonded,too.

Good Morning Sam,
I was one of the 5 finalist, and I wanted you to know that the best entry won!
Congratulations on your victory, and for your powerful message, and for those who voted for you. I have known for over 40 years, that gay rights,civil rights, human rights and equal rights, are one in the same. Your win reminds me of a Championship softball team that I played on, that won the right to represent San Francisco in the 1978 Gay World Series in New York, only to be kicked "OUT" for having too many "straights" on our roster! I am attaching a Citation given to our team by Mayor Moscone.... That praised our team for its diversity.

I was a friend of Harvey Milk, and Jewish like him too, but did not support him when he ran for City Supervisor...
because I felt Lawyer Terry Hallinan,was better qualified to represent most of the residents, and business owners in our district. There were those within the gay community, that felt I was a traitor in doing so. There will be some, who will not be happy with the OUTcome of this election, because you are straight, I am not one of them. As we get ready to march in Washington, I am reminded that President Eisenhower said " Taking a stance in the middle of the road politically, will open you up to the extremes of both sides of a political issue." Thank you for your courage, your message is a message of HOPE, for the future and NOW.

Cheers,
Jerry Pritikin

Here is his response...

Jerry,

Thank you so much for writing to me. Out of the hundreds of emails I've received over the past 10 days, yours is one that touched me like no other. When I first saw your video, it moved me. You have lived the fight that I am just beginning, and suffered unfairly the injustices I hope to prevent future generations from suffering. For that, Jerry, you are a hero to me.

The story about the softball team is really amazing, and its funny that you draw a parallel between that and this contest, and the fact that I'm not gay. It warms my heart to see that despite all the hatred, the bigotry and injustice that has been thrown in your direction, you still have the love and warmth to accept me and my message even though I'm not a gay man.

I envy you, deeply, for knowing Harvey. I wish I could have known such a profound leader as he. You must have amazing stories and experiences with him.

Boy, Jerry, I'd sure like to shake your hand in Washington. Can I call you and meet up with you at some point during the weekend? I know you'll be busy, but if you could give me ten minutes of your time, I'd be honored.

Thanks again, so much, for writing. I'm not sure if you really can know how much it means to me.

Sam.

AN EVENING WITH CLEVE JONES

Over the years, I have seldom joined any organizations, and operated as a one man army.
However, I am glad to say that I recently joined JOINTHEIMPACTCHICAGO.COM after going to a meeting.

They are c0-sponsoring "AN EVENING WITH CLEVE JONES" on August 29th.
On the 40th anniversary of the birth of the gay rights movement...As the fight over equal marriage and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" continues under the Obama administration...
Those of you here in Chicago, please join us. I first met Cleve in 1978, when he was a protégé of Harvey Milk. I tried talking him into writing a column for a new gay newspaper "The Gazette" as the "voice" of the younger gay activist... but he declined. (I took this photo of Cleve in 1978 at the meeting with the publishers of "The Gazette")

From the early days with Harvey Milk's activism, to the founding of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and today's struggle for equal marriage, veteran activist Cleve Jones (as portrayed by Emile Hirsch in the Oscar-winning movie"MILK") has been at the center of the LGBT rights movement for the last 30 years.

Now, as the promise from the Obama administration to be a "fierce advocate" of equality for gays and lesbians continues to go unfulfilled- with both the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell unchallenged since the administration took office- Jones and other activist from across the country are planing a National Equality March in Washington (Oct 10-11) as a show of mass support for LGBT rights and equality.

Please join us at this fundraiser for buses to the National Equality March. See Cleve Jones and performances by the Young Chicago Authors on the theme of LGBT rights.

Day of the event tickets will be available, but reservations are strongly encouraged as space is limited.
Reserve your tickets online at www.haymarketbooks.org.
$5 suggested donation

For information to make the "GAYHOUND BUS" trip to Washington from Chicago... Please join me for special upcoming fund raising events, visit: JOINTHEIMPACTCHICAGO.COM