Sen. Ted Kennedy

The team fighting for equal rights lost one of its co-captains this week in the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Not only was he in the forefront of equal rights in general, but he was outspoken in his support of gay rights, justice and HIV/AIDS awareness. There has been a comparison of Kennedy to Obama, wondering if his legacy will live on through our current President. Obama has promised to not leave these issues untouched, but now, I hope that the death of such a strong fighter for equality challenges President Obama to bring issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," The Matthew Shepherd Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to the table and deal with them finally, positively and equally. Here are some excerpts that reveal Sen. Ted Kennedy's dedication and impact.

Kennedy was our 'greatest champion,' says gay activist
from CNNPolitics.com, August 27, 2009

"Thank you Sen. Kennedy, for making a future for us all that is more compassionate, more equitable, more just -- for LGBT people, for immigrants, for people of color, for those living in poverty, for every one of us. Your passion for justice and your fight burn on in us all." - Marc Solomon, marriage director of Equality California

Kennedy co-sponsored the 1990 Ryan White CARE Act, which passed the same year. Later in 1996, he co-sponsored a bill to reverse the discharge of HIV-positive members of the military.

Kennedy was a key sponsor of the 2009 Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, named after young gay man who was killed. The bill was approved by the Senate in July.

If you're not as much of a reader, here is a VIDEO of Ted Kennedy's life to fill you in...

FOR SALE!!

In pageantland, girls tend to spend a lot of money on their wardrobes, wear it once and hang it back in the closet. At National Sweetheart last year, there were some exchanges going on backstage. Think about it... girl #1 paid $x.xx for your dress in Alaska and girl #2 paid $x.xx in Pennsylvania. Why not trade or buy? No one will have seen it in your state yet!

So I have put together a little book for you to take a look at. Contact me or each of the girls to buy [or RENT] dresses! Happy shopping!

Open publication - Free publishing

Open publication - Free publishing

Kirsten Haglund Foundation

And if you are a Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 fan, check out her Kirsten Haglund Foundation for Eating Disorders print and web design that I did! I didn't do her website, but I did do her blog, logo, letterhead, greeting/thank you cards, tshirts, hats, and now birthday and fundraiser invitations! View KHF design

A blog is a great way for titleholders to update their family, friends, sponsors and fans as to how their year is going. And after the crown is passed, it's a fantastic social networking tool :) I like to customize the blogs though rather than just the standard blogspot template. Follow Kirsten - misskhaglund.blogspot.com

Miss New York Photoshoot

Rather than just posting the exact same blog here, I'm just going to direct you over to my PHOTO|DESIGN blog where you can see more from Leigh-Taylor's photoshoot. Yay! This was a grrreat day!

Go to Miss New York 2008 Photoshoot

PFLAG NYC Annual Dinner

This has kind of become my baby. In addition to serving as a new board member of PFLAG NYC, I am also on the dinner committee, working on the planning, fundraising, decorating and designing the print materials for our annual dinner coming up in October. The dinner is especially unique this year for a few reasons. First and most importantly, the focus of this year's dinner is our Safe Schools Program that I have blogged about previously. Basically, we are trying to educate people that PFLAG is more than just a support group; we are being proactive in getting into schools and talking to kids about respect in order to put a stop to the homophobia. In addition, a special note for me is that Kate Shindle will be emceeing the evening. If you're reading my blog about Miss New York, or a pageant in general, you probably know who she is - Miss America 1998, Broadway Actress and strong advocate and ally. The dinner, October 12, will be a celebration and fundraiser to move Safe Schools forward. Tickets range from $200-$350 with an early bird special. So check it out now! ** Early Bird Special extended through Monday, August 24**

Visit www.pflagnyc.org/dinner to learn more about the evening and purchase tickets. Please email or contact me if you are interested in going and we can make arrangements.

Highlights include:
Honoree and Featured Speaker: Bishop Gene Robinson
Benefit Performance by Barbara Cook
Program Emcee: Broadway actress, activist and former Miss America, Kate Shindle

PageTurners - Here it is!

Ok the video is up! In reference to the blog I wrote a few weeks ago, PageTurners, the video is now online. Nirvanna and my interview is about 9 minutes into the show. Enjoy!



From malvernepubliclibrary.blogspot.com

Miss Long Island USA

This weekend, Keelie and I jumped on the LIRR to head out to Patchogue to cheer for Marina Montes (Miss Suffolk County 2009, MAO) as she competed for a preliminary to Miss New York USA. It was a different scene in that the USA system, as many know, is more truly a "beauty pageant." All contestants competed in swimsuit and evening gown, while only Top 5 did on-stage question. It was wam-bam quick, but I kind of missed the talent and getting to know the girls a bit more. Marina looked awesome. For those who know her from Miss New York (2009 2nd Runner Up), she wore her same wardrobe, but hair down, looking beautious!! In Top 5, on-stage question actually leveled the playing field quite a bit. Everyone did a really nice job. And then there were two. It was Row E vs Row D -- E behind us cheering for Jamie (who was a Kelsey Cartwright, Miss OK 08 dead-on look-alike & 4th RU to Miss NY USA 08) and us, Marina's mom and boyfriend Dan, Keelie and myself, of course cheering and waving our light up fake candles for Marina :) 1st Runner Up: Marina Montes! We were really proud of how well she did her first time in a new system. You never know what to expect! Congrats to Jamie, the new Miss Long Island USA and Good Luck to BOTH at Miss NY USA -- I think Marina will be back, regardless! :) Gotta say, I really enjoyed our Columbian dinner and drinks afterwards as well as time with my road-trip/train buddy, Keelie! Photos to come....