Miss Jubilee 2009

This blog has moved

2010-03-11T11:31:00.001-05:00

This blog is now located at http://missjubilee2009.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://missjubilee2009.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Respect for All Week

2010-03-11T11:01:00.003-05:00

Inside City Hall: Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Joel Klein discuss "Respect For All Week" from Kim Thai on Vimeo.

Last week, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced that the Department of Education is launching its first-ever “Respect for All Week” in New York City. Respect for All Week is designed to focus each school’s attention on sustaining safe, supportive, and inclusive environments, providing an opportunity to highlight and build upon their existing efforts to combat bullying and harassment based on ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics.

“Students should have the right to pursue, and we have an obligation to provide, an education without the fear and distraction of bullying,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said. For some, home is not a safe place. School is and should be.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) has been a huge partner in the launch of this week. “We believe that Respect for All Week is an opportunity for all of us to focus on very specific ways that we can build a culture and climate of respect in our schools,” said Mark Weiss, Education Director of Operation Respect. Now, if you've read my blog at all, those words probably sound familiar. That is exactly what we are trying to do with the Safe Schools Program of PFLAG NYC.

The response from schools reaching out to PFLAG NYC for speakers during this week was so overwhelming, we could not even accommodate all during this week (but don't worry, we'll catch up next week). I spoke at Bronx Community HS on Tuesday and will speak at the United Federation of Teachers Conference on Saturday. Tuesday, I had an experience much different than I had last year at the same school. This year was a classroom full of girls who already supported and embraced their gay and lesbian friends. My focus was to praise them, thank them, and encourage them to continue their vocal support. It seems as though they didn't even understand how radical they and their views are - that's a neat characteristic of this generation. I'm looking forward to sharing with the teachers because teachers and guidance counselors need to be armed with the correct tools and language to use in supporting their LGBT youth and the bullying that can be associated.

I'm proud of the City Council's incredible initiative in this 1-week dedication to "Respect for All." My hope is that the teachers and community members can help sustain these attitudes far beyond March 8-12, 2010.

Indiana Youth Group Art Auction

2010-03-05T09:14:00.001-05:00

I know some Indianapolis folks read my blog, so I wanted to share a great event with you.

My younger sister, Hannah, is an intern for Indiana Youth Group where my parents also serve on the committee/board (?). They are having a fundraiser and art auction next weekend!

IYG Art Auction

Saturday, March 13, 2010

7:00-10:00 p.m.

Wheeler Art Center in the historic Fountain Square

This year's event promises an evening packed with live entertainment, our favorite artists, autioneers and friends. * I have 5 pieces in this event (below), so please - go bid!

One day left of Early Bird Tickets: VIP for $40 and General Admission $15
Prices at the door are VIP $45 and General $20

The VIP social hour will start at 7:00 p.m. New features for our VIPs include a private auction, complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres and VIP surprises throughout the evening. All proceeds from the event go to support the programs and services of IYG.

indianayouthgroup.org

Light for Haiti - UPDATES

2010-02-26T15:26:00.001-05:00

Yay!! We are on/in:

Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com

This is great publicity, but PLEASE continue telling your friends!!!

PRESALE TICKETS $40 at http://canalroom.com/event_detail.php?id=236

GENERAL ADMISSION AT THE DOOR $50

VIP TICKETS (Open top-shelf bar, sit with performers) $150

* The bar is cash only....bring lots! :)

Light for Haiti

2010-02-23T09:09:00.006-05:00

I have your weekend plans ready for you. I've been working hard with friends from college, Terra and Marcie, to produce a benefit concert for Haitian Relief. We have had some amazing people jump on board, namely the cast of Broadway's RACE, singer/songwriter Scott Alan, my dear friends Leigh-Taylor Smith (Miss NY 2008) and Jen Corey (Miss DC 2009), and many of the rising stars and voices you'll see in Broadway soon, but we need YOU to finish our circle. So here goes:

In light of the recent disaster that has devastated Haiti, a group of New York artists are coming together to produce a benefit concert to fund medical relief. The music and voices of Broadway, the passion of spoken word and slam poetry, the rhythm of Indie rock, R&B and reggae will all come together in one night at The Canal Room in New York City. Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm, please join us in celebrating our gifts of song, word and laughter to benefit the Haitian people.

Purchase tickets at www.canalroom.com -- PRESALE DISCOUNT $40, At the door $50
Make donations by contacting me 646.469.7559 or emailing lightforhaiti@gmail.com
An for more information, a complete (and incredible) list of perfomers, and to see exactly where our money is going, the GHESKIO Medical Center, go to www.lightforhaiti.net

Celine Dion - Minis!

2010-02-16T12:33:00.003-05:00

So, this is not a traditional post in my blog...but you have got to see these dresses! Last Tuesday, the PFLAG Executive Director invited me to attend a private screening of CELINE: Through the Eyes of the World, a movie/documentary of Celine's Dion's tour. My roommate Matt and I went, not really knowing what to expect. It was great! - Private screening room at Sony Headquarters on the UES. The movie really humanized the "celebrity" of Celine Dion...she's a nutcase and has a beautiful relationship with her family. But really the point of this post is just fashion-oriented. LOOK AT THESE MINIS!!! Girlfriend looks amazing - hello 40+ with a bod like that, has amazing hair, and I wanted to wear basically EVERYTHING that she walked on stage in ... ok and off!

She had some fantastic long dresses as well. That's all.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T01:35:00.003-05:00

Celebrate LOVE in all forms.

Perfect love cannot be without equality.
- Scottish Proverb

The entire law is summed up in a single command, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
- Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.
- Eric Fromm

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
- Peter Ustinov

and for some...
Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate!
- Sandra J. Dykes

Miss America 2010!!!

2010-02-01T22:57:00.008-05:00

Weeeee!!! Miss America time!! 3 am wake up call? Whyyyyy???? (ok enough punctuation.) Thursday morning, bright and early, The Trio (Megan, Ashley and I – the Trio that cheered Katie Stam all the way to Miss America together last year) headed out to Vegas for the Miss America pageant. I spent Thursday catching up with friends whom I haven’t seen forever, shopping around at the trade show, visiting my friends at Regalia and Red Carpet Pageant & Prom, and making our predictions for the competition. Thursday night brought an interesting night because I only got to see the girls in 1 phase of competition each, so I really didn’t have a good prediction for the pageant. I was very excited to watch this year though because I knew many contestants – from DC, NM, IA, MA, UT from National Sweetheart, IN, VA through LT, and of course SS prelim winner NY! (2 years in a row, baby!)

There are some things I learned about going to Miss America last year:
Tip 1: Stay at Planet Hollywood
Tip 2: Buy your tickets the day of – we saw in the front center section row Q and had better seats than those who preordered!

Friday was an exciting day! A bit more shopping, perhaps a purchase of an evening gown (!!!) and we were ready for Evening of Dreams. This was a great night – a bit long, to be honest, with a lot of talking with not so much audience attention…but the food was great! The contestants all looked amazing and it was fun to see them up close and personal. It was incredible when Katie began talking about her experiences this year with the US Military. She address the wives and children who were named honorary Miss Americas at EoD and thanked them for their sacrifice. Through her tears, she captivated an entire room of 800 people to the silence that you could hear a pin drop. The room had not been that quiet all night – that’s why she was Miss America. Ok so you’ve probably heard, but then came the best part of the night. Something we knew was going to happen, but just not at what point during the night. The engagement. Brian Irk deserves so much admiration and respect for the commitment he has made to Katie this past year. And vice versa. Their relationship is inspiring and beautiful. The proposal was perfectly planned and executed, and I feel so special to have been a witness to it! I know Katie was ready to pass on the crown, job and lifestyle, but now it is even that more exciting!! Infinite congratulations, Katie and Brian!

Tip 3: If you know someone is going to propose to Miss America in front of 800 people, buy the ticket for Evening of Dreams ☺

And it’s the big day!! Miss America 2010. First of all, we lucked into something this year, which leads me to another tip.

Tip 4: If you want to support your friend in Miss America, but can’t necessarily afford the $150 and have a few extra hours to wait, be a seat filler!

Ashley and her boyfriend Mike, Miss Lisa Smith and myself stood in line just an extra hour before the pageant before being escorted into a secret hallway backstage and into the theatre where we were directed to our front and center FREE seats to Miss America LIVE! We were just behind the screaming Outstanding Teen contestants who were full of energy and love for their state contestants. After an awesome introduction by Katie Stam from the rooftop of the Planet Hollywood, the 53 contestants performed a great opening number and introductions – New Jersey took the cake for best intro... “And no, I don’t know ‘the Situation!’ ” Alyse, Miss NY definitely stood out with her fantastic stage presence (and hair tosses!) in the opening number! Top 3 People’s Choice based on America’s votes, Top 11 from the judges and then SURPRISE! The remaining contestants had to vote 1 girl into the Top 15 of Miss America. This was a tough Top 15 because I felt that there were a few (5-6) girls in particular whom I thought would be definite Top 15ers…but there wasn’t really anyone whom I would have taken out of the Top 15! With so many prelim winners not making Top 15, I think this shows the wonderful quality of objectivity that the judges showed. They truly chose the best girl in each category, each night rather than succumbing to the pageant politics of throwing points to girls in all categories.

The cut to Top 12 lost Miss IN, Nicole Pollard, of whom I am soooo proud! She really lit up on stage and was a good example of truly living in the present and making the most of every moment on stage. Great swimsuits, beautiful evening gowns, but wow --- TALENT! You know how one big difference emphasized between Miss America and Miss USA is talent? Well this year they really proved it! Top 10 talent was just spectacular. Woman after woman graced the stage with flawless performances. A special shout out to Nicole Miner, Miss New Mexico, who has grown immensely in the past year. At Sweetheart so small and timid, and at Miss America soooo huge and expansive with her talent presentation, captivating all 7,000 people in the PH theatre. And Miss DC, Jen Corey – that was your moment, girl! You sang on national television and shared your beautiful voice and emotion with everyone. “Who makes Top 10 at Miss America? Who does that?” “YOU DO!”

Top 7 On Stage Questions were amazing, but in my opinion, this is where Caressa Cameron, Miss Virginia, won it all. Woooowwww. (Granted if you check my phone, I do have a log of text messages from the minute she introduced herself in the opening number to Lisa and Leigh-Taylor Smith saying “Hey VA, I think ya’ll may have a Miss America this year” Yet another extremely successful Miss Arlington…can I be Miss Arlington?) 4th RU Kentucky, Mallory Ervin (vocal), 3rd RU Louisianna, Katherine Putnam (piano), 2nd RU Tennessee, Stephanie Whittler (vocal), 1st RU California, Kristy Cavinder (ballet en pointe), Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron (Virginia, vocal)!! Caressa is talented beyond belief, an incredible activist for her platform about AIDS in America, and from the couple hours we spent together at Miss DC this year, quite a spitfire and a real girl. Good choice, judges! Watch Caressa's first press conference HERE.

Congratulations to all on an amazing pageant. Thank you to all of the people who made this trip a blast! And I’d be crazy not to thank Katie Stam for her dedication to this year of service, one that has been incredible, selfless, inspiring and admirable with immeasurable success. To the future and your return to normalcy (non-existent), your wedding, and our friendship – cheers! You'll never be a “has-been” to me!

View all my photos here!

Miss America 2010!

For all Miss America Photos become a fan of Miss America on Facebook
and view the entire album HERE

"Joy" of Life

2010-02-01T22:39:00.003-05:00

I sit down to write two completely different blogs: One of sadness, one of happiness, but both of celebration. The Miss America Organization lost an amazing woman this past week. Joy Robbins, the contagious personality that completes the duo of the incomparable Jim and Joy Robbins, passed away after an incredible battle with cancer. Jim and Joy have coached, mentored and prepared the past 3 consecutive Miss Americas in addition to 2 others. Their interview preparation is unique and thorough, but more importantly, their amazing support and the honest and loving bond they form with contestants is a beautiful thing.

I was so fortunate to work with Jim and Joy in preparation for Miss Indiana and for National Sweetheart as they simultaneously worked with Katie Stam in preparation for Miss America, which changed her life. I could not imagine missing this opportunity. Joy was selfless; she was beautiful and enthusiastic, and a little bit of a spitfire. ☺ She lived her name, “Joy” in the most perfect way. Throughout her battle with cancer, we all learned so much: to live in the moment and embrace the present whole-heartedly, to find what’s important in life and celebrate it daily, to smile and to mean it.

Of course Joy wanted more than anything to see Miss America this week, for the completion of Katie’s reign and to witness the outcome of their 8 contestants of this year’s class. They did pretty well – LA and KY in Top 5, DC in Top 10, IN in Top 15! We know that she was watching though with VIP seats, sending good vibes and prayers to everyone on that stage. Joy will be missed, but the way we are to celebrate her life is to share her compassion with others and to really pay it forward. She has touched so many young women's lives in addition to all of the other aspects of her life as a teacher, friend, wife, and coach and the world truly is a better place because of her.

Katie Stam, Megan Meadors and myself will be starting a scholarship in her memory called the "Joy of Life" Award, given to someone who embodies the characteristics of selflessness, love, spunk, and genuine joy with which Joy lived every day. Stay tuned for details and contact me if you would like to donate to the scholarship. cb.clairebuffie@gmail.com

Televise the Trial!

2010-01-05T21:50:00.002-05:00

The Prop 8 Trial begins on Monday, January 11. U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker -- who will be overseeing a federal court challenge to Prop 8 starting this Monday (January 11) -- is considering whether or not to open the court room to TV cameras.

The court just announced that it is seeking public comment on the proposal to televise the trial -- and that all comments must be submitted to the court by a Friday deadline.

The interest in this case is unprecedented. And not surprisingly, supporters of Prop 8 -- who eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry -- do NOT want the trial to be televised.

Opponents of Prop 8 -- led by attorneys David Boies and Ted Olson -- are seeking to televise the case in the interests of full transparency. They want this historic trial to be watched by as many Americans as possible. And, of course, we agree.

The Courage Campaign has made it easy again. CLICK HERE to submit your vote and encourage Judge Walker to allow this event to be televised. We all need to hear why.

Have a "Courageous Conversation."

2009-12-30T17:38:00.003-05:00

The Courage Campaign, Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfield) have a special message for you. I love when they say, "This isn't about winning someone over, it's about having the conversation." It is exactly how I feel and how I approach this subject of marriage equality.

Have the conversation.

Happy Happy Holidays!!!

2009-12-28T16:20:00.003-05:00

To all who have celebrated holidays in the past month, I hope they were full of cheer, friendship, good food, rest and happiness! While I had planned to be in NYC for Christmas (with a roadtrip to one of my surrogate families' homes), Saturday brought a change of plans. Bad news was that I wasn't working extra through the holidays (which I kinda needed to do), but good news was the reason why. I am happy to share that I am a new team member of Apple as a Family Room Creative Specialist! But I don't start until mid-Jan/early-Feb, so I was able to be with my family for the holidays. Yipee!! I came home to construction on our house, knocking out a wall, and lots of painting and table/chair, bathroom fixture/sinks/tile shopping with my mom :) It was a great time. We will celebrate our Buffie version of Christmas later when my sister returns from the Peace Corps and her additional travels on January 15!!!! WOW 2 1/2 years without seeing someone!! Makes you even more thankful for your family around the holidays!

As we enter the new year, so many like to make resolutions of habits. Of course I have those, but this year I want to focus on living some of these quotes I've collected over the past few months...

"Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement." - Unknown
"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." - Yogi Bedtime Tea (which is really good)
"What you say, you speak into existence."
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Peace in the Holidays and 2010 ~ Claire

Important Votes & Statements

2009-12-17T12:03:00.004-05:00

Both in DC and here in NY, there have been incredible steps taken and inclusive statements made for the LGBT community.

In the District of Columbia, Council passed the marriage equality bill by a vote of 11 to 2. (Take a hint, NY) This second successful vote now sends the bill to Mayor Fenty who has pledged to sign it. It is so important to have support of this bill in our nation's capitol, making a statement for the entire United States. Congratulations to all of the advocates who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this historic day.

And right here in NY, I couldn't attend because I was in a job interview, but Governor Patterson came to the LGBT community center in Manhattan yesterday where he delivered great news. He issued an executive order extending anti-discrimination policies to gender identity for state employees. This is a step towards the passage of GENDA (Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act) which will protect private employees as well. It is interesting to compare the states that have established the same executive order - they aren't necessarily the states that have marriage equality. "New York joins eight other states in which an executive order, administrative order, or personnel regulation prohibits discrimination against public employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity: DE, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, OH, and PA. In addition, twelve states and DC prohibit full employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity: CA, CO, IL, IA, ME, MN, NJ, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA." So that gives us a total of 20 states + DC in which you cannot be fired for being gay, simply put. But that's still less than half. And not acceptable.

OH. and. Dec 12, Houston, Texas elected its first openly gay mayor, Annise Parker. Annise will be in charge of the fourth largest city in America, and is the second woman elected Mayor in Houston's history. Many people in New York helped raise money for her campaign, and obviously those funds were needed to beat her opponent. Annise's campaign fought off very anti-gay attacks, and won with 53.6% of the vote.

Parker, 53, has never shied away from, nor made an issue of, her sexual orientation. She has been with her partner for 19 years and they have two adopted children. "I have always stood up for the fact that I am gay. It's part of the resume that I bring to the table, but it's just a piece of the package," she said. Congrats.

What's worse? AIDS or the NY Senate Vote?

2009-12-09T01:33:00.003-05:00

Yeah. That's a harsh question, isn't it? Well, I mean it.

Let's start with something a little, not happier, but more hopeful. World AIDS Day was last week (sorry I didn't post closer to it.) Leigh-Taylor, my roommate Matt and I went to City Hall just a 5 min walk from my apartment to read names of those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The book I read from, of three total, was maybe 1/3 of the way through the giant three-ring binder and it was already 10:00pm, many hours into the vigil. We were there among NYC Public Allies (my sister was a PA) and a few independent people just like us, people who wanted to honor and remember those who have lost the battle and stand with hope that someday, preferably in my lifetime, we will see the end to this devastating disease. And this is in the US. My sister, Sarah, just left Namibia, Africa after 2 1/2 years in the Peace Corps. You want to talk about AIDS? No one, myself included, can wrap their head around what an awful epidemic HIV is. But we can all hope and pray for a future without it.

The vote. Ok I did not post about the NY Senate vote on Marriage Equality immediately because I wanted to be appropriate. The energy and emotional disappointment I felt following the hours I spent glued to the computer watching the live stream would not have made a good combination with public blogs and social media. Why, NY, why? And a 24-38 vote? We put so much effort into the Republican and conservative vote - but we still have many Democrats voting against this civil right. The senators who proudly spoke during the stream were insightful and passionate. The people who voted against this act proposing deserved equality cowardly said "no" with no explanation. Some things I took away from the debate:

Why is marriage so important? (among the 1,324 rights that marriage grants)

Access to employer-provided health insurance for partners or adopted children
Ability to sponsor your partner for immigration
Denied rights to non-biological adoptive parents
Joint insurance for home auto and health insurance
Hospital visits and questions

Sen Diane Savino, 23rd Distrtict, brought up a brilliant, yet kind of disgusting point about our society. "Watch reality tv shows – they’re giving away husbands! 25 women can compete to win the heart of a 40 year-old man who hasn’t been able to hold a serious relationship or a man can choose between 25 beautiful women and love or $1,000,000."

Rather than asking yourself how can you vote yes? Ask yourself how could you vote no? As a senator who believes in our constitution, as a woman, as a Jew, as anyone who has experienced discrimination themselves or in their family/friends, how could you vote no?

Reflecting on his own recent wedding– the most important and moving day in his life – Sen Daniel Squadron of the 25th (my) district said he was empowered to speak up about the importance of this decision today to allow every person to equally and rightfully experience what he did on his wedding day. Think about your wedding - the one you had, maybe the second one you had, the one you want to have.

"History has shown that extending civil rights to all people has made our nation whole, held up the constitution of the US, and improved our society." - Jose Serrano, 28th District

So what's next? We have to keep going. In January, we could see this bill proposed once again. Thank your senators who said "yes." Remind them that they are voting in the right. Write your senators who said "no." Share a personal story with respect. When you get defeated about it, just think, "Iowa did it."

United Nations International School and a bonus

2009-12-02T11:17:00.003-05:00

Monday morning, upon my return from the holiday week, I did one of the best school presentations I've been a part of with PFLAG NYC Safe Schools Program. The United Nations International School is an incredible school of diverse students who are truly ahead of the game. Because of their rich blend of ethnicity, race and religion, they have a level of acceptance and celebration of differences that is admirable and inspiring.

On top of that, I was honored to be speaking with Kate Hathaway, a proud mother of 3 children: a writer, an actress, and a college student, one of whom is gay. We shared our stories of our family members who have come out and brought attention to the normalcy of my sister and her son - that coming out did not change WHO they are. We emphasized that this is not a choice and were able to expand on that when asked "Is there such a thing as a gay gene?" We discussed how different cultures dealt with homosexuality as the 9th grade students shared insight into their communities in the Middle East, Kuwait for example. We told about our emotions of pride and love, but also tears of sadness, never wanting to see someone you love struggle for the rights that PEOPLE should naturally have. We congratulated these students and their mentor Dennis Lacey for building their GSA program. On their website, the executive director, Stuart Walker, writes, "Additionally, the school seeks to prepare students for the leadership that this world so urgently needs." So I thanked these kids for being the leaders who embrace diversity and challenged them to continue that, outwardly accepting diversity in matters of sexual orientation and gender identity as well.

Even at the end, when Kate revealed that her son Michael, the writer, who was an assistant to a film star...Anne Hathaway, his sister---aha! get it? They were excited and anxious, but immediately got back into the discussion asking about the "gay gene." The amount of focus and respect that these kids had was just amazing. This was the best experience I have had speaking at a school and I definitely want to make a yearly habit of it.

The Hathaways have made a big impact with PFLAG, but especially other LGBT organizations, namely the Empire State Pride Agenda. In my Equality and Justice Day blog post, I explain meeting this family for the first time. They are true leaders in this fight who strongly stand up for marriage equality, especially in the state of New York. They are also a family who humanizes this fight and fame simultaneously. For this, they were honored at the Empire State Pride Agenda 2009 Dinner. Their incredible speeches are below. In Mr. Hathaway's speech you will also hear a bit of the story that I witnessed Kate tell at UNIS...a coming out story about pride and love.

Anne Hathaway

Gerald Hathaway

GUYS & DOLLS | Hewlett High School, Long Island

2009-11-29T23:10:00.003-05:00

For the past 2 ½ months, I’ve been doing something pretty amazing. I have been choreographing Guys & Dolls for G.W. Hewlett High School, under the direction of Walter Lastowski and Eric Williams. Walter was one of my judges in Miss Jubilee and after supporting me in Miss New York, he thought “Ah she didn’t win – she’s gonna need a job!” And the rest is history. These kids have worked so incredibly hard and it was inspiring and motivating to be a part of. 10 weeks ago, the boys were having a rough time with coffee grinders and cartwheels, and now they’re seamlessly jumping in each other’s places in absence and adding their own humor and flairs to the choreography.

After rehearsals and rehearsals, I sat in the audience on opening night and witnessed something so beautiful. To observe the parents in the lobby gushing over their kids and to see the pride on not only their faces, but the smile-streaked faces of the 80 kids in this production was just soooo neat. And their directors/teachers. I was in musicals in high school, so I get it. There is just something uniquely special about the relationship that is built between people in theatre. Walter and Eric give these kids a gift they love now, but may not completely understand until they are 23 and they return to Hewlett (or another high school) to watch a production, or even more, help choreograph or direct one. Hewlett HS and MS are so fortunate to have the blessing of these two teachers who genuinely love and care about every student who graces their stage, classroom, or office. And I’m so thankful to have been a part of the musical, yes, but more importantly, their lives. This was made possible by a relationship that formed from the Miss America Organization. You never know what you're going to get out of something. Expect the unexpected.

Stepping off the soap box and putting on my entrepreneurial cap… I wanted to give something else to the show and the kids besides dance, so I photographed their final dress rehearsal. Approximately 750 pictures later, fajitas cooked by Eric, and a moment of sleep-deprived slap-happiness with Walter, I present to you, Guys & Dolls, in photographs. HERE – we narrowed it to 500. Look closely -- you'll see Miss Jubilee's OT, Nirvanna, as well as some future Miss Jubilee & OT contestants!!

Taking a stand...by sitting down.

2009-11-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

As I stood for the Pledge of Allegiance before the overture of Guys & Dolls at Hewlett High School last night, I was reminded of the CNN story from Arkansas of the 10 year old boy who refused to stand and say the pledge at his school until there truly was “justice for all.” This boy is intelligent and courageous, and his father is proud. That’s such a cool part about it. Listen to what Will has to say.

Miss Staten Island

2009-11-17T13:00:00.003-05:00

After a long day at Dress Rehearsal for Hewlett High School's production of Guys and Dolls, it was off to Staten Island for the Miss Staten Island Pageant. As far as local pageants go in NY and beyond, this one is crazy! Yes, it was almost 5 hours long, however, it was so entertaining!! The Star Struck Dance Company brought much excitement to the show with their hard-hitting, fast-paced performances to open each act.

From the first 4 steps she took on stage, I leaned over to Sharon, Arnie's daughter, and said "There's your Miss Staten Island." A while later, the same girl, Jennifer Scacco was named Miss Staten Island 2010! Two teens were also awarded titles and every person on stage was awarded part of the $14,000 scholarships they gave out that night. Way to go SI!

It was great to see Kim Cantoni and the hundreds of people who can to support her -- congrats on your return to Miss New York 2010 as Miss Richmond County! Nirvanna and I also got to catch up with Kara Kolwaski, Miss New York's OT 2009, Ali Stroming, Miss Manhattan's OT, Alex Mazzucchelli, Miss NY OT 2008, and we met Miss Hawaii 2009, Raceen Woolford - beautiful!

Marriage vote to NY on Tuesday!

2009-11-07T11:31:00.002-05:00

Gov. Paterson has put the marriage bill on the State Senate’s agenda for next Tuesday, November 10. Now as many know, we've said this many times before - especially this summer before the Senate coup paralyzed change in Albany. It's the time for you to call your Senators and share your belief and your story. Ask them to say "YES" to marriage or thank them for supporting the LGBT community and equality. Click HERE to find your senator's information.

It only takes 2 minutes to call your senator, but if you need some motivation and have 9 minutes to spare, watch this video about all the progress and work that has been done by Empire State Pride Agenda this year.

Miss Jubilee 2010!!

2009-11-06T15:27:00.008-05:00

Hello there future contestants! Miss Jubilee 2010 details have arrived!

Miss Jubilee and Miss Jubilee's Outstanding Teen
March 14, 2010 at 2:00
George W Hewlett High School
Hewlett, NY (Long Island)
Contestants will arrive at 9:00 am for Interviews followed by a 2:00 pageant.

Miss Contestants (18-24 yrs old or senior in high school) and Teen Contestants (13-17 yrs old) who live, attend school or work in the Five Boroughs of New York, Long Island, Westchester County or Rockland County are eligible to compete.

Email Executive Director, Arnie Berkins for more information or download an application HERE. Please return your application to Arnie Berkins. And of course, feel free to email me with any questions: missjubilee2009@gmail.com We will once again have a Miss Jubilee Workshop in mid-February in Manhattan. Keep your eyes out for more details on that event.

Obama signed the Hate Crime Bill into LAW

2009-11-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act has now been signed into law.

The FBI reported 7,600 hate crimes in the US in the past year. Over the past 10 years, 12,000 hate crimes were committed based on sexual orientation. These are only the reported crimes. The new law will provide inclusion for gender, disability and sexual orientation bias in hate crime legislation. "Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hand of the person they love." -Obama

"At root this isn't about our laws, this is about who we are as people. Whether we value one another. Whether we embrace our differences rather than using them as animus."

The government can change a law, but it's the people that have to change the climate. Sure, I'm thankful that this gives legislation tools for punishment after the fact, but it makes me sad that we even have to have such a law. And what about prevention? It is going to take the charge of people - people who recognize similarities that unite us, and celebrate the differences that make us unique - to change our society into one in which we don't even need such legislation. You cannot only talk with or to like-minded people. We haveto step beyond the comfort of agreement and speak to those who need a reminder of humanity and that we should value each person equally.

In case you do not know who Matthew Shepard is, let me share with you. Matthew Shepard was a student at the University of Wyoming who was tortured and murdered near Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. He was attacked by two men on the night of October 6–7, 1998 - robbed, pistol whipped, tortured, tied to a fence in a remote, rural area, and left to die. He was found 18 hours later, mistaken for a scarecrow and died on October 12 from severe head injuries. During the trial, witnesses stated that Shepard was targeted because he was gay.

PFLAG NYC Dinner

2009-10-23T23:31:00.002-04:00

On Monday, October 12, about 250 people gathered at the Tribeca Rooftop to celebrate the Safe Schools program of PFLAG NYC and support the growth of this amazing organization. Hannah was already in town and my parents were able to join us for the dinner, Monday. Everything looked beautiful and it was so exciting to walk into a space and event that the dinner committee, volunteers and I spent so much time and effort planning. The night was a success to say the least!

Beyond AMAZING food for dinner and dessert, we had intriguing speakers and honorees. Bishop Gene Robinson, an openly gay Episcopal bishop, spoke to the ideas of –isms and their negative effect on society – racism, sexism, and now heterosexism. A principal and teacher from a school in the Bronx spoke about the positive effect that the Safe Schools had on the climate of their school – the kids’ attitudes, tolerance, respect – and shared with us that they were having their first Gay-Straight Alliance meeting this week! Incredible!

Kate Shindle (Broadway actress/Miss America 1998) did an amazing job as the emcee for the night, so fantastic in fact, that in leading the live auction/live call for people to donate in increments of $1000, $500, $250, and $25 she brought us great success! In a room of 250 people who have already paid up to $350/ticket to come, 11 donated $1000, 24 donated $500 and someone matched that $12,000 total! By the end of the auction, everyone had donated at least $25. The night concluded with a benefit performance by Barbara Cook, Broadway legend who at 82 sounds as beautiful as she did when she won the Tony for Marian the Librarian in The Music Man years and years ago.

We by far had the coolest table – my parents Bill and JoEllen, sister Hannah, roommate Carlie, childhood friend Chad, great friends Leigh-Taylor, Paul and Keelie (Miss Brooklyn), and Susan from the Union Theological Seminary. Thank you to those who volunteered – Kaitlin and George, Seth and Goura. You all played an important part in this night and made it very special for me!

Peace. Love. Equality.

2009-10-22T09:32:00.007-04:00

“Peace. Love. Equality. That’s all we want.” This was Hannah’s caption on a Facebook photo from our weekend in DC at the Equality March. My little sister, Hannah, flew in a few days early for the PFLAG dinner (post coming soon) so that we could go together to be a part of history in our nation’s capital. For an early bus ride to DC from Chinatown, Hannah and I rolled out of bed to put on our tshirts that her boyfriend, Joel, made for us with the words “Peace Love Equality” on the front and “Let Us Dare” on the back. The day started out pretty fantastic when we casually met Kristen Chenoweth as we were walking towards the march – soo cool! I don’t know what the final turnout was for the march, but let me just say THOUSANDS. So many people gathered with signs, shirts, flags, and determined hearts and minds to make the same statement for equality – that means marriage equality, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Defense of Marriage Act, Employment Non-Discrimination Act and more.

We walked past the White House where people were saying “Obama Obama, let mama marry mama!” And a woman in a dress walked by in a dress and bouquet of flowers with a sign that read “I caught the bouquet….now what?” She’s a lesbian who cannot marry her partner. We ended at the capitol building on the lawn for the rally that featured speakers who included politicians, activists, non-profit organizers, Lady Gaga, Julian Bond (Chairperson of NAACP), Dustin Lance Black (screenwriter for MILK), Judy Shepherd (Matthew Shepherd's mom), Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City), and the cast of HAIR.

Julian Bond, Chairperson of the NAACP, compared this movement to that of civil rights in the 50s-60s. It was a gay man who organized the March on Washington years ago for civil rights, and Julian Bond said that now he is the black man organizing the march for gay rights because this too is an issue of CIVIL RIGHTS. "When others gain their rights, my rights are not diminished in any way."

I only posted one live video because this is the one you should watch. It takes a bit to load - but do something else and come back to it.

Lt. Dan Choi says that "LOVE is worth it."

Lady Gaga - by far the crowd favorite - speaks to our YOUNG generation that is making a difference and challenges Obama to listen.

All of the videos can be viewed HERE on the Equality March Blog as seen on CSPAN.

It was a powerful day full of celebration, happiness and sincere grassroots efforts to make a difference in the future of LGBT equality. At the end of the march stood a couple, a biracial couple, just standing peacefully with a sign that read “Years ago, we couldn’t get married. The time WILL come for you.” Powerful. We have come so far, but the rights of marriage need to be equal on the federal level, not just state by state. However, that doesn’t mean that we stop our efforts here in NY. NY is so close and the marriage equality vote is reappearing in the Senate next week. Call/write your senators and encourage them to make the right decision.

And of course always powerful, the cast of HAIR, who canceled their Sunday matinee to be a part of this day. "Let the Sunshine In"

zero time - listen to Obama.

2009-10-15T18:41:00.003-04:00

Ok - I fully admit - I have zero time to write a blog and I have so much to catch up on. SO I'm going to leave the control to you. Watch this:

President Obama's address at the Human Rights Campaign 2009 Dinner
October 11, 2009

Read and view more videos HERE. Lady Gaga, Judy & Dennis Shepherd (Matthew Shepherd's parents), the cast of GLEE, Gavin Creel....and more.

I'll be back soon with more...it's been quite a weekend!

CALL OUT!!!

2009-10-05T11:22:00.005-04:00

Hello blog readers (all 6 of you). :-) I just wanted to make a call out through yet another medium of social networking for 2 things:

VOLUNTEERS for the PFLAG NYC Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
Monday, October 12 at Tribeca Rooftop (2 Debrosses Street, NYC), 6pm-10pm

We need volunteers to work the silent auction, the VIP cocktail reception, greet people, etc. You get a free GOURMET meal!! (I've been on the tasting committee...wow, you're in for a treat - email me for a menu) There is a volunteer training meeting on Wednesday, October 7 6:30-8 at the PFLAG NYC Office at the GMHC Building 119 W. 24th St. (between 6th and 7th Avenues) 9th Floor Board Room. Please RSVP by contacting Kara at 646-403-3682 or via email ks@pflagnyc.org. Even if you cannot attend the meeting, but can volunteer for the dinner, we need you! Email Kara (or me).

IN-KIND DONATIONS for the PFLAG NYC Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
If you are a local business owner, or have any services you'd like to donate to the dinner auction, please contact me with details or Drew Tagliabue dt@pflagnyc.org

Silent and Live Auction Contributions
Past auctions have covered the range - from a week in a Tuscan villa to theatre tickets and dinner for two to goods and services of many local businesses. Donors will be recognized at the auction, in the dinner journal, in the PFLAG NYC Newsletter. If you are not able to make a donation in-kind, consider also making a tax-deductible gift to PFLAG NYC for the purpose of the auction and we'll do the shopping for you! All donations with a retail value about $500 will be entitled to a journal ad.