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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2001)
, r t was a good political year for gay and lesbian Americans. Perhaps with time 2001 even will come to be seen as a pivotal milestone in the struggle for full equality. -. January found many apprehensive about the pending inauguration of President Bush; some feared a rollback of gains achieved during the Clinton administration. His symbolic ges tures provided a balm to soothe the often more limited accomplishments. Many gay organizations joined with liber al allies in vigorous opposition o f John A sh croft’s nomination as U .S. attorney general. Although most Democrats in the Senate voted against him, they were not willing to mount a filibuster. The Log Cabin Republicans, who saw the controversy as an opportunity to open a dia logue with Ashcroft, became the first group to meet with him officially after he was sworn into office. That was seen as a sign of inclusiveness by the White House. Michael E. G uest (right, with Romanian President Ion Uiescu) was sworn in as U .S . am bassador to Rom ania in September Much of the fear of the Bush administra tion largely dissipated during the ensuing months. Although the photo opportunities have disappeared, the door has remained open on issues of substance, albeit often at a lower level. Perhaps the most visible acknowledgment o f the com m unity cam e with the April appointment o f Scott Evertz to head the Office of N ational A ID S Policy, the first time MAI une House Majority Leader Dick Armey announced his retirement in December bill contained a provision ex empting religious organizations from complying with state and local civil rights laws when they hire staff under contracts to pro vide social services. A revolt of G O P moderates was headed off only when conservative U .S. Rep. J.C . Watts, R-O kla., the legislation ’s lead sponsor, promised to “more clearly address this matter [of a religious exemption] in conference” with the Senate. He indi cated that the Sen ate version of the bill likely will not in clude this language an openly gay man has led that agency. his remarks. T h e 43- and that the House (Other gay and lesbian appointees have cho year-old career diplomat will accept that. sen not to make public statements of their is only the second open The religious orientation.) Vice President Dick Cheney’s ly gay person to serve as right wing was able lesbian daughter, Mary, was highly visible at a U .S. ambassador. to get some of its pet the inauguration but since has disappeared The Senate changed anti-gay provisions from public view. hands in June when Jim adopted by C o n In September, Michael E. Guest was sworn Jeffords, R-Vt., became gress, such as an in as U .S. ambassador to Romania in a cere an Independent and affirm ation o f the mony conducted by Secretary of.State Colin voted with the Democ Boy Scouts o f Am er Powell. At his side was teacher Alex Nevarez, rats to organize that ica. But its successes who has accompanied his partner of six years body. It was the first were largely symbol overseas. time in history that such ic, with few real Powell acknowledged their relationship in a switch occurred dur teeth. A nd it lost a ing a legisla big one in Septem ber as its nine-year tive year. Vermont Sen. Jim Jeffords broke the G O P effort to block im firestorm e'mpt- s,ro" Bhold in D C ' when he switched plem entation of do i i i I ties last summer ed in July when mestic partner legis the Washington Post reported that the lation in W ashington, D .C., crumpled in a White House had made a "firm com House vote of 226-194- mitment” to revise regulations allow In the wake o f Sept. 11, N ew York Gov. ing the Salvation Army and other George Pataki issued an executive order religious groups to practice hiring including gay and lesbian partners as qualify discrimination against gays when ing for survivor benefits and other govern using federal funds. The adm in m ent program s. K enn eth R. Feinberg, istration denied the report, and the appointed as special master to distribute $11 organization later said it must have billion in federal funds, issued regulations misunderstood. Dec. 20 indicating same-sex partners will be It all was tied in with Bush’s eligible claimants. “faith-based initiative,” rammed Three archnemeses decided to take a through the House later that month First lesbian Mary Cheney has disappeared from public Continued on Page 28 view— along with her father by the Republican leadership. The for ray equality just Out compiles the year's most memorable quotes ky Hex Wockner "You faggots can vanish to volcanic ash and reappear in hell with a can of gas and a match.” — Lyrics from rapper Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP. "If a person writes a novel and there’s a homophobic scene in it, you don’t say that the novelist is homopho bic.... I don’t think he’s hateful.” — Elton John on Eminem, his duet partner during the Grammy Awards, to V H 1, Oct. 11. “1 think Elton John would sing with a toilet-roll holder if he thought it would get him more publicity.” — Boy George, to “What is the big deal about Eminem? Since when is offensive lan guage a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W. much more offensive.” — Madonna to the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 18. “I believe that some one’s sexual orienta tion is their private business. I mean, I view someone’s pri vate lifestyle as ex actly that, private. So I don’t— 1 try to Eminem (right, embracing Elton John): judge a person based brilliant, bigot or both! upon their heart and soul and conscience and talent, when it comes PeopleNews.com, June 28. Continued on Page 28
