LETTERS (WEB ONLY)/February

This statement in your January publication ["LookOut"] was totally uncalled for:

"Sources remain mum on whether the Imperial Court of Houston, the breakaway, so-called 'rebel court' led by Sean Carter, will stage a sneak attack. All we are saying is give peace a chance."

I am very disturbed that you make such a statement thinking that it was cute. If you knew anything at all about the community, you would have gotten both sides of the issue before printing one word. So much for respectable journalism.

I would expect an apology to the members of ICOH The Space City Empire and to the members of the Houston community. Who else is next with some slap in the face comment that you "think" is cute. An apology in the February issue would be the honorable thing to do.

I, for one, have lost a lot of respect for you and your magazine. I would hope that you get out in the community more so when you publish an article, you know more of what you're are talking about and all the organizations and clubs that are the backbone of our great community.

I understand that a statement was sent to Sean Carter regarding this issue. I trust that this issue will be resolved and any further "cute" comments be thought about more carefully before being printed.

This is my opinion and does not represent the membership of the Colt 45's. Other members have responded separately.

Jerel McNeil
President

The Colt 45's of Houston

Tim Brookover responds: The sentences that Mr. McNeil references in his letter I intended as light-hearted remarks. The comic intent would be made clear, I believed, through my use of the obviously outlandish languge, which I never imagined that any readers would take seriously.

Humor is of course subjective. Still, I would hope that readers could tell from the context of my column that "LookOut" celebrates nonprofits and individuals involved in community service. The tone is often whimsical, with an individual point of view. The column is not a venue for investigative journalism. In no way did I set out to imply any malfeasance or possible misconduct on the part of the Imperial Court of Houston or Sean Carter.

I would like to address the brief write up you made in the January issue ["LookOut"] about the Imperial Court of Houston.

First of all, I would like to say that I understand you meant the statements in a humorous way, and I know that at some point in time they will be looked back upon with laughs. But I believe with the current "climate," it was just bad timing. I also understand that you meant to be positive by placing mention of us in your magazine, but in this case the cliché "Any press is good press" really didn't fit our situation.

The membership of Space City have been called "rebels" by some because a group of people chose to take our fund-raising efforts down another path and begin our work as the Imperial Court of Houston. (Note: Our "official name" by virtue of our by laws has become "ICOH - The Space City Empire.")

Because of your write-up, I have had people come up to me and ask me if I plan on crashing the RSICSS [Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star] party. I have had phone calls and e-mails at home and at work asking the same. Most that know me, or the members of Space City, know that we would never think of doing anything negative to any group raising money for charity (especially the same charities for which we have been raising money). But unfortunately many who don't know us took your humorous words as gospel.

I would like to state for the record that ICOH - The Space City Empire has been very supportive of RSICSS fund raising efforts and will continue to do the same. We have also passed a policy stating that we recognize that RSICSS is the "only Court within Houston that is recognized by the International Court Council (ICC)." We have not proclaimed to be a member of that International Group nor do we wish to. We want to focus our efforts on the Houston community. We have chosen to play the "Court Game" in all its "camp" pomp and circumstance in our own way and because it is a "game" that many of us have grown to love.

On that note: We have played our "game" quite well in the past six months as we have raised over $10,000 for Houston charities, have received awards from numerous organizations, and have become an auxiliary member of the Houston Council of Clubs. That is not usually heard of from a brand-new organization. Our reign beneficiaries this year are AFH Camp Hope and AssistHers, and we have and will continue to raise money for dozens of other local charities.

Our members include active leaders within the community, as we have presidents and past presidents, officers and members of organizations such as the Colt 45's, National Leather Association:Houston, The Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard and many more. We have four past Pride Parade grand marshals in our membership and many more Houston titleholders.

As stated on our website: "Our members hold true to the fact that we can ALL do something good for our brothers and sisters in need, have fun and serve as role models in the process."

I know that the small statement printed last month has caused some controversy, but we live, learn and move on. I hope that for many it has been a learning experience, and I encourage anyone who wants more information to contact the members of ICOH - The Space City Empire (www.spacecityempire.org) or me personally at icohemperor1@aol.com.

I applaud you and Outsmart on your commitment to the community and thank you for giving ICOH - The Space City Empire the opportunity for "exposure."

Sean Carter

"His Asian Oneness - The Wasabi Emperor"

Apollo Emperor I

ICOH - The Space City Empire

As a native and fifth-generation Houstonian I have had the pleasure of watching our community go from one that was fragmented and disjointed to one that was united. Numerous community individuals who recognized that even though organizations in the community had different agendas [realized] there was a common tread that ran through them-the desire to make our community a better place to live in.

I was saddened when an article that was published in your recent OutSmart ["LookOut," January] was brought to my attention while attending the benefit at the re-opening of Mary's. The article reminded me of stories my parents told me of the McCarthy era. Information that had limited or no substance and was only meant to harm others. I have had the pleasure and honor of knowing the good deeds of both organizations that were referred in the article. Even though their agendas are different, they share the community objective of giving back to the community. Your article only fueled and perpetuated false information that one organization was out to get the other. My hope is that future articles will be researched more thoroughly prior to publication.

To a community united rather than divided,

Marc Cohen

Houston

This is in response to your comment against Sean Carter in your recent issue ["LookOut," January], which I find uncalled for! This kind of journalism is unprofessional. A professional journalist would have researched this situation more thoroughly by getting the full story from both sides.

To really know what the ICOH Space City Empire is all about you must come to our events and visit www.spacecityempire.org.  Or you can speak to any member of our organization since it is our membership that truly runs The Space City Empire!

Rene Perez
a.k.a. Alexis Nicole Bowen (Lexy)
Empress I
ICOH The Space City Empire

I take great issue with the snide comment ["LookOut," January] made about an organization to whom I belong, and work diligently with, to support the GLBT community as a whole. In the January 2003 issue you alleged that ICOH The Space City Empire would possibly launch a "sneak attack" on the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star of Houston, Inc.'s elections and/or coronation. You have subsequently stated that this was meant in jest.

I can assure you, the things that have come about following your little "joke" are NOT a laughing matter. You find it funny to cause further conflict in a community already beaten down by HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, etc.?

You have stirred a pot, that as of late we all thought might stop boiling, and finally cool down.

The members of ICOH The Space City Empire are a hard working group of individuals that have shown devotion to the GLBT community, even while others in that same community make disparaging comments about them. ICOH was formed on the principles of community service, fiscal responsibility and ALL members having a voice in how their organization was run.

Houston is a large city, and I do believe it's big enough for two "courts," if all will let us work peacefully together. It's strange that in a community that encompasses several leather and Levi organization, only one camp monarchy should hold court. These same leather and Levi clubs come together to work, play and raise money cooperatively. If only this could happen with RSICSS and ICOH. You appear to be woefully in error as to whom to point a finger. ICOH has bent over backwards to make it clear that WE feel that there is room for two, and have made numerous efforts to show support to RSICSS's fundraising activities.

I was, for a short time, a member of RSICSS, and was proud to serve the community with that group of individuals. A time came where several of the membership desired to have a greater voice in the running of the operations, and withdrew from RSICSS. Others decided to try an approach to bring about a method of continuing the existing work, but re-organize for the purpose of a better chance to achieve among other things, the membership's desire of 501(c)(3) status, and gain that voice in the running of their organization.

This attempt to bring about the re-organization was seen by some as an attack on the current leadership. A generous act was taken out of context, and two valuable members of the fundraising community were basically kicked to the curb. One of whom has been lauded many times of late, in publication after publication for his work in this community. The other has served this community in many capacities and was even one of their reigning, community elected monarchs. These gentlemen were respectively Rusty Mueller a.k.a. Crystal Rae Lee Love and Sean D. Carter.

They decided that the intent they had formed was still a valid one. Several members of RSICSS withdrew their membership, and followed Rusty and Sean to form this new organization (ICOH), because it offered the things they had asked of RSICSS.

Sadly, I was not offered the opportunity to choose. In this time of turmoil, I was serving in the capacity of Viscountess XVIII of RSICSS. As I am also the reigning Ms. Gay Pride Houston, I felt it my obligation to the community to give of my time and talents at every opportunity that was made available to me. ICOH scheduled and held their first official show at the Brazos River Bottom. I attended and performed at this show. Since there was a known conflict of feelings by many, I was announced at this show, only by my Ms. Gay Pride Houston 2002 title.

As their was a great deal of distain for the actions of ICOH, several members of RSICSS attended this show, but chose to watch from the back of the bar. I found out the next day what my giving to the community could cost. A letter was sent to the membership of RSICSS, ImpCourt and ImpChat that I, among others was to no longer be considered a member of RSICSS. as I was "now a member of a rebel Court." At that time, I had made no affiliation of membership with ICOH, but I chose to follow the old adage that "If you lie with dogs, you get up with fleas." and officially resigned my membership and my title of Viscountess XVIII. Not that my resignation made any difference, since they had already thrown me out. Hmmmm. Who needs to give peace a chance?

Enough has been said negatively about both of these organizations, but a publication such as yours should never put themselves as judge and jury of either. You said to Mr. Carter, that your comment was meant to be humorous. Neither the membership of ICOH, and it appears the membership of several organizations saw it as such. In a day and age where facts can be checked easily, and often very quickly, you have chosen to perpetuate not just rumors, but lies. I never expected OutSmart to stoop to "Yellow Journalism."

You find humor in starting rumors that could cost a man his job, and jeopardize his livelihood? Do you realize what you may have done to this man? Easily enough he can file suit against your firm if your actions do cause him to lose his employment. I suggest you contact your attorneys and say a little prayer that his employers can see beyond your little "joke".

If you consider yourselves journalists with a shred of dignity, you will print a retraction to your "humorous" comment, and make a public apology to the membership of ICOH The Space City Empire. You may use this letter, if you see fit, in protest of your recent issue.

Thank you.

Kimberly Trotman

a.k.a. Treasure Rae Summors Carter

Grand Duchess I,

ICOH The Space City Empire

Ms. Gay Pride Houston 2002

In reference to your comment on page 9, January 2003, OutSmart magazine ["LookOut"]:

Since you decided to make your comments public before getting the facts, let me fill you in a few of them. I am a native Houstonian and have been active in this community since I came out in 1976. I have been in the forefront of the fight for the cure and care of people with AIDS since I lost my best friend in 1984. I, myself, have lived with the virus for 18 years.

I was a member of the Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star for 12 years, including serving as Emperor 14 in 1998. Last year I was the first (read carefully) FIRST member to leave RSICSS. (Incidentally, I was also the person who persuaded Woody Stiner to become a member of RSICSS.) My leaving was not a hasty or easy decision. For 12 years, I had dealt with a self-appointed and inept board of directors and decided my time and money could be better used through other outlets. My resignation had NOTHING to do with Sean Carter or anyone else. If you're going to blame someone for leading the revolution, I guess that would be me.

The term "rebel court" was first used in this instance by Nicole Ramirez-Murray (Nicole the Great of San Diego) weeks before the Imperial Court of Houston was formed. Let's give credit where credit is due. Nicole is the chairman of the International Court Council. Since none of the courts are franchises, that Council has no real authority.

The Imperial Court of Houston/Space City Empire was formed as a camp theatrical fundraising organization in HOUSTON. We have never sought affiliation with the Imperial Court System or the United Courts of Texas. Some folks in RSICSS have let their imaginations get the best of them. ICOH has achieved everything we set out to do in record time.

As for Coronation, as far as I know, most ICOH members will not be attending because we want their party to go off without unnecessary drama. We were well own our way to cooperating with each other until your ill-timed and ill-advised comments.

I think the hard-working, community-minded members of ICOH/SCE deserve an apology.

Thank you.

Buddy Thompson
Member, National Leather Association/Houston
Member, Colt 45's
Member, Human Rights Campaign/Houston
Board Member, ICOH/SCE

Tim Brookover's full response, sent on January 14, to the members of the Imperial Court of Houston who had contacted OutSmart:

Sean and friends,

The sentences that you object to I intended as light-hearted remarks in my January "LookOut" column. The comic intent would be made clear, I believed, through my use of such obviously outlandish phrasing as "sources remain mum," "breakaway, so-called 'rebel court," and "sneak attack," which I never imagined that any readers would take seriously. To punctuate the nature of the paragraph, I polished it off with the wildly out-of-place quotation from a very sober John Lennon song.

Humor is of course subjective. Still, I would hope that readers could tell from the context of my column that "LookOut" primarily celebrates nonprofits and people involved in community service. The tone is often whimsical, with an individual point of view. The column is not a venue for investigative journalism. In no way, therefore, did I set out to imply any malfeasance or possible misconduct on the part of the Imperial Court of Houston.

I also believed that the reference to ICOH would serve as a way to bring positive attention to your group and my friend Sean Carter. As I was preparing my January column, I did contact Sean by e-mail and ask him about ICOH elections, with the plan to mention those in the magazine at the appropriate time.

Obviously, I unintentionally stepped into a controversy involving the Imperial Court of Houston and the Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star of Houston. I suggest that some of the issues addressed in the several letters I received have less to do with some innocent words in OutSmart than with enmity between your organizations.

At OutSmart, we earnestly support organizations that work for our community. Anyone who knows me personally realizes that I subscribe to the importance of that mission-reflected, I trust, through my work on the magazine and my service with groups including the Houston GLBT Community Center.

I salute the work ICOH has does in the community. Indeed, I had already included a photo of Lexy Bowen and Sean Carter (from the November event at 1415 Grille) on the "SceneOut" page in the February issue.

I plan to include as many of your letters to me as possible in the "Letters" column in the February issue. (Because of space constraints, some editing for length will be necessary.) If you prefer that your letter not appear in the magazine, and on the web site, please let me know by Friday.

Thank you for contacting us. I wish all of you with ICOH great success in 2003 and ask that you keep me posted on your many activities.

Sincerely yours,

Tim

CORRECTIONS

We misspelled Alton LaDay's name in the January issue ["People To Watch."]

OUTSMART ACROSS TEXAS

In January, OutSmart launched a pilot project to distribute magazines at select sites in other Texas cities. In addition to distribution points in Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, and College Station, the magazine is now also available at the Resource Center of Dallas, the GLBT Agency at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Gay + Lesbian Center of San Antonio. OutSmart will add sites over the next few months. Check www.outsmartmagazine.com for a list of distribution points.