Dear Editor:
It is important for you and your readers to know that Greater Fort Lauderdale remains a warmly welcoming destination that is safe, unbiased and gay-friendly. We stand proud that our destination has long been enjoyed by gay visitors and supported by the local gay community.
We believe the actions and hospitality reputation of this destination speak far louder than do the words of one man. The Mayor's colleagues on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, as well as all of the members of the Broward County Commission, and numerous other elected officials in our county, have rebuked the comments he has made. They were speaking on behalf of the 1.7 million residents of our community who celebrate the diversity of our residents as well as our visitors. Ten years ago, our tourism industry rolled out the Rainbow Carpet to GLBT travelers. All of us are shocked by the Mayor's tone. The County Commission unanimously removed him from the Tourist Development Council. We are committed to providing 'SUNsational Service' to everyone who comes here for business and leisure—gay and straight.
There are more than 150 gay and lesbian owned businesses who rely on tourists for their existence. We encourage you and your readers to reward a destination that has passed a 'partner benefit' ordinance requiring partner health benefits to be provided by any business which seeks to do business with Broward County government. The county commission has also included GLBT residents and visitors in the protection of all of our human rights ordinances. Greater Fort Lauderdale appreciates your support now more than ever and looks forward to seeing you along our sun-kissed shores.
With warmest wishes,
Nicki E. Grossman
President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Dear Editor:
While the Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus appreciates media interest and coverage of our full-body meeting held Aug. 9, we would like to add a few observations to ensure clarity and accuracy.
The meeting's focused discussion 'You and Youth—Healing and Teaching' was indeed in response to ongoing concerns about organizations and individuals who provide services to young Black gay men. The individuals and organizations in question are usually well-meaning, compassionate men and women who often and unwittingly place themselves and their organizations in difficult legal and or ethical dilemmas involving young people.
Shortly before the meeting, caucus members learned that a widely circulated e-mail invited the public to the meeting to 'out' a particular individual for alleged inappropriate behavior with youth. The e-mail circulated did not originate from us and did not reflect our meeting goals. However, we appreciate that it prompted people to attend the meeting and discuss their concerns.
In spite of the varied reactions and responses to the meeting's structure, especially from those with different expectations, all of the meeting's attendees ( approximately 100 ) participated throughout the meeting. People who expressed concerns about certain agencies, individuals or situations where able to ( and did ) discuss those concerns confidentially with experts.
The caucus is a thriving but relatively new organization and, as such, will continue to strengthen our mission and efforts to decrease HIV infection rates among Black gay males. We are a proactive group assembled to strengthen Black gay men and their allies. We believe that attendees left with a better understanding of youth-related issues, the complexities of serving these youth, and how to file a concern related to the care of youth.
That your report focused on an ex-caucus member's perspective was, in our opinion and with all due respect, a gross misrepresentation of the meeting. The vast majority of the conference participants came to the meeting to help endangered Black gay youth live better lives.
In addition, as stated several times during the caucus meeting, concerned individuals who suspect child abuse or neglect can call the Illinois hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE. Also available for questions are Wendi Wright, CDPH attorney at 312-747-9435 and Vernita Gray at the Cook County Attorney's Office at 312-603-8722.
If people are interested in learning more about the caucus they may visit our Web site at www.lovethybrotha.com or contact us directly at 773-552-4935.
Sincerely,
Chicago Gay Black Men's Caucus
NOTE: Letters may be edited for clarity, length or consistency.
