Support Ralph Northam for Governor This Evening

Tickets are still available for the fundraiser this evening to support Raplh Northam's gubernatorial campaign.  Given the threat - at least in our view - that Donald Trump and a Republican congressional majority pose to LGBT rights and civil liberties in general, it is all the more important that we elect Ralph Northam as Virginia's next governor.  We need a firewall against some of the worse extreme policies that may be forth coming, especially given some of Trump's anti-LGBT appointees to date.  The husband (Barry D. Menser) and I know Ralph and his wife personally and we believe it is absolutely critical that we do all we can to support his election effort.  Hence, we are on the host committee for a fundraiser on December 8, 2016.  We encourage you to join us at the event (if you cannot attend, we will be hosting an event in our home at a later date).  The details are below:

Please join

Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam  

and 

Jimmy R. Chisman | Jerri & Frank Dickseski | Duncan & Diana Garnett  

Barry Menser & Mike Hamar | Jay & Tara Joseph | Mamie Locke

Monty Mason | Jim McNider | Ross & Martha Mugler

Leonard A. Bennett & Dr. Drina A. Northam

BJ Roberts | Molly & Forrest Ward

At the 

Northam For Governor Hampton Kick-Off

Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 6:00pm to 8:00pm 

At the home of Molly and Forrest Ward
801 Park Place | Hampton, VA 23669

Host - $5,000+ | Co-Host - $2,500 

Sponsor - $1,000  | Benefactor - $500 

Supporter - $250 | Guest - $100

To RSVP, please click here or email david@ralphnortham.com.

You may also call 804-397-9877 

Click to RSVP online >>

Norfolk Seeks to Promote Its LGBT Municipal Equality Index

With the Commonwealth of Virginia launching a new LGBT Tourism Task Force, it seems that at least one Hampton Roads city is trying to make itself more attractive to would be LGBT tourists by playing up its score on HRC's latest Municipal Equality Index for 353 cities across America.  The city?  Norfolk, which with a score of 59 out scores all other Hampton Roads cities.  What's left out of the City's press release is that the top scores in Virginia came in Alexandria and Arlington which scored 94 and 96, respectively.  Sadly, the City of Hampton where the husband and I live scored a pitiful 32 in part I suspect because when Molly Joseph Ward left the mayor's office, all meaningful efforts to regularly build a relationship with the LGBT community ceased (Molly Ward now serves as Virginia's Secretary of Natural Resources).  The irony for Hampton municipal officials is that they are lagging behind organizations like the Hampton Yacht Club which has a growing LGBT membership.  In contrast, Norfolk mayor Paul Fraim has gone from acting as if gays are radioactive to being a personal sponsor of this year's PrideFest.  Here are highlights from Norfolk's press release.

The 2014 Municipal Equality Index evaluates a city’s laws and policies then examines how inclusive city services are of LGBT people.  The MEI rated 353 municipalities of varying sizes throughout the United States.  Read the MEI http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/municipal-equality-index

Norfolk scored 59 points out of a possible 100.  The score equals the national average and put Norfolk fourth out of the nine cities scored in Virginia.   Norfolk significantly increased its 2013 score by raising the Human Right Campaign’s awareness of many policies already in place in Norfolk.  Those include:

• Equal employment opportunities
• Anti-bullying policies
• City of Norfolk as an inclusive workplace
• City leadership’s position on equality

Norfolk, along with all other Virginia localities, received recognition for marriage equality when the U.S. Supreme Court in October denied review of cases challenging state constitutional amendments which resulted in the recognition of same-sex marriage in Virginia.

Obviously, Hampton Roads has a long way to go in terms of making itself truly LGBT friendly and accepting.  That said, outside of the greater DC area, Hampton Roads is the bright center of the gay universe when compared to the ignorance embracing, Bible thumping regions of Southwest Virginia which not coincidentally find it difficult to attract new business and/or forward thinking entrepreneurs.    

Hampton Mayor George Wallace Signs Mayors for Freedom to Marry Resolution.

As readers may recall, former Hampton Mayor Molly Ward signed the Mayors for Freedom to Marry Resolution back in 2010.  At the time, Ward was only one of three Virginia mayors to have signed the resolution - the others were the mayors of Charlottesville and Alexandria were the others.  Subsequently, Ward resigned as mayor and took a position in the Obama White House before being tapped for a position in Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's administration.  In the interim, the number of Virginia mayors signing onto the resolution has climbed to eleven mayors.  Now, it just moved up to twelve mayors.  Hampton's new mayor, George Wallace (pictured at left), has signed the resolution after my partner and I asked him to do so and provided him with information.  Other recent cities joining the list are Lexington, Norfolk, Capron, Petersburg, Ashland, Blacksburg, and Fairfax. It goes without saying that Victori Cobb and her fellow Christofascists at The Family Foundation are likely not too happy that the tide is shifting against them..  Here is the text of the resolution:

As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.    

We are proud that at its 2009 annual meeting, the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimously approved a resolution stating that: “The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”  
 
Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part. Studies have shown what we know through our hands-on experience—that cities that celebrate and cultivate diversity are the places where creativity and ideas thrive. They are the places where today’s entrepreneurs are most likely to choose to build the businesses of tomorrow. Allowing same-sex couples the right to marry enhances our ability to build this kind of environment, which is good for all of us.        

We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.  We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life.

A glaring absence? Richmond mayor Dwight Jones who wants to be chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. 

Hampton Mayor Molly Ward Endorses Aneesh Chopra for Lt. Governor

The boyfriend and I count Hampton Mayor Molly Ward among our good personal friends.  She has been an outstanding advocate for LGBT issues locally and is one of only three Virginia mayors the last time that I looked who have signed the national mayors for marriage equality resolution.   I have yet to meet Aneesh Copra in person, although I suspect that will change now that Ward has endorsed him in the race in the lieutenant governor Democratic primary (we seem to frequently be invited to attend many politic events at her home).  Her endorsement cannot be good news for Chopra's opponent, Norfolk State Senator Ralph Northam who regrettably seems to be aligning himself with some of the most reactionary elements in the Norfolk political power structure, including Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim who I regard as a major homophobe who seems to act as if gays are communicable disease carriers.  I know Northam personally and historically he has been very gay friendly.  However, some of his alliances of late are very troubling.  Here are excerpts from Chopra's campaign website:

HAMPTON, VA - Today, Molly Ward, Mayor of the City of Hampton, endorsed Aneesh Chopra for Virginia Lt. Governor. Ward, who is currently serving in her second term as Mayor, praised Chopra's vision for Virginia's future.

"Aneesh's positive vision for Virginia is exactly what we need," said Ward. "He knows we must turn the page on the politics of the past and work to respect and empower all Virginians. He represents the future of politics in the Commonwealth, where we dedicate ourselves to finding innovative new ways to address our greatest challenges."

"As a Mayor in the Hampton Roads area, I am confident that Aneesh Chopra will be a Lt. Governor who represents all corners of the Commonwealth," Ward continued. "His experience working for Governor Kaine and President Obama have prepared him to be an effective leader on day one."

Upon receiving the endorsement, Chopra said, "I am honored and excited to have the support of Mayor Ward. She has been an incredible leader for Hampton and I am thrilled to work with her to move Virginia forward."

Ward joins a growing list of Virginia mayors in endorsing Chopra, including most recently Mayor Dwight Jones of Richmond.

Molly Ward has shown herself to be the most gay friendly mayor in Hampton Roads and has been instrumental in Hampton's close ties with HRBOR, the local affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.   It should be noted that Richmond mayor Dwight Jones also has a pro-gay rights track record.  I plan on digging more on this race between now and the primary on June 11th.   Stay tuned for updates.

HRBOR's “A Night to Remember” - November 15, 2012 at Tysinger Mercedes Benz

In what ought to be one of HRBOR's most amazing Third Thursday networking events ever, HRBOR members and guest will be gathering at the Mercedes Benz showroom of Tysinger Motors in Hampton, Virginia from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on November 15, 2012.  This will be an over the top event with Malvin, Riggins & Company, P.C., and Geneva N. Perry, Esq. of McDermott & Ward as co-hosts.  The event is FREE to all attendees, so for local readers this is an event not to be missed.  All that we ask is that those attending register at the HRBOR website noted below so that we can have a somewhat accurate head count.  Hampton Mayor Molly Ward, a signatory of the Mayors for Marriage Equality Pledge will be in attendance. There will also be a special prize drawing sponsored by Tysinger and a "signature drink" compliments of Malvin Riggins & Company.   Here are event details:

Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Main Showroom

2712 Magruder Blvd., Hampton, Virginia

Proudly Co-Sponsored by:

Tysinger Mercedes-Benz Hyundai

Malvin, Riggins & Company, P.C.

Geneva N. Perry, Esq. of McDermottWard 

 

You do not want to miss out on this spectacular event!Stay tuned for more details regarding this tremendous networking opportunity. 

 

Registration available through HRBOR’s website at www.HRBOR.org.

Member guests are FREE of charge for this event. 

 

www.tysinger.mercedesdealer.com

2712 Magruder Boulevard

Hampton, Virginia 23666

757.865.8000 (T)

www.MalvinRiggins.com

725 Middle Ground Boulevard, Suite 200

Newport News, Virginia 23606

757.881.9600 (T) 757.881.9617 (F)

http://www.mcdermottward.com/attorneys/geneva-n-perry/

Geneva N. Perry, Esq. of McDermottWard

2205 Executive Drive

Hampton, Virginia 23666

757.722.0611 (T) 757.722.1312 (F)

www.HRBOR.org

 

Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR) is a broad based coalition of LGBT owned and LGBT supportive businesses and professionals dedicated to the development, growth and advocacy of Hampton Roads and its LGBT community. By promoting an environment in which diversity can flourish, HRBOR is committed to the economic growth and prosperity of our members and our community.

Hampton Mayor Ward Signs Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Pledge

Mayor Molly Ward

Studies have shown that an openness to diversity and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT citizens enhances a city or state's economic vibrancy and is in the final analysis good for business and economic well being.  Indeed, such an atmosphere makes a city more attractive to the so-called creative class and there is a strong correlation between how a city or region scores on Richard Florida's "gay index" and how it does with attracting high tech companies.  Sadly, this reality is largely lost on most political leaders in Virginia, especially those in the Republican Party who grovel to the reactionary and theocratic dictates of The Family Foundation based in Richmond.  But things are changing - even in Virginia.  This week Hampton Mayor Molly Ward (pictured) joined mayors across America who have signed the freedom to marry pledge originated by the organization Freedom to Marry.  In doing so, she joins Alexandria, Virginia mayor, William Euille, and Charlottesville mayor, Satyendra Singh Huja, the only other Virginia mayors who to my knowledge have likewise signed the pledge.  Here are key excerpts from the Mayors for Freedom to Marry Pledge:

As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand together in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our communities, and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life.
  
We are proud that at its 2009 annual meeting, the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimously approved a resolution stating that: “The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”

Our cities derive great strength from their diversity, and gay and lesbian families are a crucial part. Studies have shown what we know through our hands-on experience—that cities that celebrate and cultivate diversity are the places where creativity and ideas thrive. They are the places where today’s entrepreneurs are most likely to choose to build the businesses of tomorrow. Allowing same-sex couples the right to marry enhances our ability to build this kind of environment, which is good for all of us.  

We stand for the freedom to marry because it enhances the economic competitiveness of our communities, improves the lives of families that call our cities home, and is simply the right thing to do.  We look forward to working to build an America where all people can share in the love and commitment of marriage with the person with whom they share their life.

Mayor Ward is a good friend and I am honored to know her.  She realizes that the City of Hampton's future is best served by supporting diversity and full equality of citizens under the civil laws in all their aspects.  Hopefully more mayors in Virginia will see this reality and have the courage to to refuse to continue looking backwards in time.