Community Matters

(Community Matters) NSFW– Recommend only for gay friends

(Community Matters) My friend says if you listen to someone, you cast out his demons. . . . You can’t come back if you won’t try.  We can’t take space from people who want to get better. . . . So I decided to show them.  I took the medicine.  I walked two miles everyday until I was sore all over.  I’m going to kill myself, and it’s their fault.

THE PATIENT

©2011 Steven Tomlinson

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(Community Matters) One more reason Steven and I plan to contribute as sponsors to the Feb 11 Austin Human Rights Campaign dinner

Billy Wilkinson & Kathrin Kersten are co-chairing this year. Really terrific honorees to be announced soon.

(Community Matters) Thank you Occupy Wall Street – “The move is rather remarkable for GOP lawmakers, who have previously tried to completely disqualify the Occupy protests and stamp out any discussion of wealth distribution or equity as “class warfare” or socialistic.”

(Community Matters) no, it’s not about partisanship, it’s about income & opportunity inequality – David Brooks

(Community Matters)

Billy Wilkinson & John Kerrigan are hosting an LGBT fundraiser for Joaquin Castro’s run for Congress on Wed., Nov 16.  Joaquin is a close, personal friend and an important Texas leader.

When the Texas legislature gerrymandered new districts, the 35^th Congressional District was drawn connecting San Antonio & Austin as a new Hispanic district (63-65% Hispanic). Joaquin Castro, currently a state representative, immediately announced his intention to run in the district. Because it includes a portion of what was previously Lloyd Doggett’s 25^th Congressional District and Lloyd declared his intention to leave CD-25 and run in the new district, this pitted Joaquin against Lloyd. All that aside, the current court case is likely to result in redrawn districts – hopefully with Lloyd’s 25th district given more Ds, so a safer seat and CD-35 still stretching into Travis County so Joaquin will represent the evolving super metropolitan area of Austin – San Antonio. Continue reading →

(Community Matters) Always amazed how many children trick or treat through Hyde Park – especially at Michael Mitchell’s G-spot at 43rd and Ave G. Hundreds come through – just eyeballing, I’d say 400 – 500 last night (down from 800ish in previous years).

Lots of us regularly gather at MM’s to celebrate – some of us even now with kids. Martha Lynn with Hen, Mikal and Zella – examining the fruits of their own trick or treating. Betty & Senior Mitchell joined us from Sherman, TX this year.

(Community Matters) Retooling in anticipation of continued droughts

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(Community Matters) By E.J. Dionne Jr., Washington Post: October 30

(Community Matters) RIP – dad’s baby sister; our aunt Nana

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(Community Matters) admittedly, I haven’t done my own, on-the-ground fact finding, but I have spoken with people who’ve spent the night at city hall. Proud of how the protestors and City of Austin leaders have worked together so far.

(Community Matters) Celebrated our god daughter’s birthday last night with family and about 20 of her friends. Her stepsister, Kelly Sooch, and Alexandria Coe (Kevin’s gf), helped her plan and execute the party at the W. Way fun – food by Maudi’s 🙂

Lauren’s working on two film projects at St Stephens, even co-wrote the scripts.