News Briefs

LOCAL GLBT GROUP TO BUILD HABITAT HOUSE

Spearheaded by local fundraiser Don Gill, a group of GLBT volunteers plan to build a house next month for the nonprofit group Habitat for Humanity. The effort—organized by Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in partnership with Maranatha Fellowship Metropolitan Community Church—is part of SuperBuild XXXVIII, a push by the local Habitat organization to build 38 houses in conjunction with the Super Bowl, to be played here on February 1.

The GLBT group and other faith-based organizations will construct Habitat houses January 10–16 in the Greensbrook subdivision in northeast Houston. On December 18, Houston Habitat for Humanity will hold a 3 p.m. orientation session for all volunteers at its office (3750 N. McCarty).

“With this project, we have the chance to work equally with heterosexual people side by side,” said Gill, who is leading the fundraising effort through his firm, Don Gill Productions. “I would love that we—the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community—could raise money for two houses.”

Resurrection member Debbie Maurelli is mobilizing the GLBT volunteers. “You do not have to have construction experience to help out or take part in the building,” she said. “There will be people there to help you.”

Interested individuals—who need not belong to either congregation—must register with Resurrection and can contact Maurelli through the church (713/861-9149, extension 112, or rmccfinance@yahoo.com).

Gill will produce a January 11 benefit for the project. The 5 p.m. event at Keys West will feature a number of entertainers. Individuals who want to contribute funds or materials can contact Gill at 713/521-0911.

Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas is also participating in the program.

News Briefs

LOVE ON THE GO

Nearly 1,100 Metro buses now display advertising signs advocating unconditional love for lesbians and gays and their families. Created and produced by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Houston, the signs went on display in November and will remain up at least through January. The John Steven Kellett Foundation, Krewe of Olympus, and the Hollyfield Foundation helped support the PFLAG project.

News Briefs

HOW FARED GAY/LESBIAN CANDIDATES?

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that works to elect gay and lesbian candidates to office, endorsed 24 individuals on the November 4 ballots across the country, including Annise Parker and Sue Lovell. Here, a report on how candidates fared, listed by state (incumbents marked with an asterisk):

California

WON. Keltie Jones*, school board, Davis.

WON. Ruth Atkin*, city council, Emeryville.

WON. Ron Oden, mayor, Palm Springs.

WON. Steve Pougnet, city council, Palm Springs.

WON. Ginny Foat, city council, Palm Springs.

LOST. Tom Ammiano, mayor, San Francisco.

LOST. Susan Leal, mayor, San Francisco.

Georgia

WON. Kecia Cunningham*, city commission, Decatur.

RUNOFF. Lance Rhodes, city council, East Point.

LOST. Mitzi Bickers, county commission chair, Fulton County.

Maine

WON. Stephen Spring, school board, Portland.

Michigan

WON. Craig Covey*, city council, Ferndale.

LOST. Seth Chafetz*, city council, Birmingham.

Minnesota

WON. Al Oertwig*, school board, St. Paul.

New Jersey

LOST. John Traier, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Passaic County.

New York

WON. Jon Cooper*, county legislature, Suffolk County.

WON. Christine Quinn*, city council, New York City.

WON. Philip Reed*, city council, New York City.

Ohio

LOST. John Farina, city council, Lakewood.

Texas

RUNOFF. Annise Parker, city controller, Houston.

LOST. Sue Lovell, city council, Houston.

Virginia

WON. Adam Ebbin, house of delegates, Arlington.

LOST. Doug Reimel, board of supervisors, Loudoun County.

Washington

WON. Tom Rasmussen, city council, Seattle.

News Briefs

DATE BOOK

The December 6 municipal runoff election decides the next mayor, city controller, five city council positions, and three school trustees. The political season continues. Get involved with one of the activist groups in the community:

• Houston Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus holds its general meeting on the first Wednesday of the month (December 3), 7 p.m., at the Houston GLBT Community Center. Details: www.hglpc.org.

• Stonewall Democrats of Houston meet on the last Monday (December 30), 6:30 p.m., at Biba’s One’s a Meal. Details: Mark Wood, 713/854-8773.

• Log Cabin Republicans of Houston skip this month and next meet on January 8. Details: shari2600@yahoo.com.

• River Oaks Area Democratic Women, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month, next holds a general meeting on January 20. Rice professor Dan Wallach will speak on “The Hazards of Electronic Voting.” Details: www.roadwomen.com, Dalia Stokes, 713/522-2224.

Montrose Counseling Center hosts an open house on December 7 in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Houston Outdoor Group holds its general meeting for members and interested individuals on the last Tuesday of the month (December 30), 7:30 p.m. Details: Bill Coxsey, billpctx@houston.rr.com.

On December 31, Greater Houston GLBT Chamber of Commerce throws a New Year’s Eve fundraising gala, “Boots, Black Tie & Boogie,” at the Warwick. Tickets: www.ghglcc.org.

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