David Mixner Reveals Having Helped Eight Friends With AIDS Commit Suicide

Noted activist and former Clinton White House aide David Mixner made a startling revelation during the premiere of his show here in New York City. Via the Daily Beast:

It is the morning after. We are speaking about Mixner’s emotional on-stage confession—unelicited by anyone but himself—Monday night to the assisted suicides he oversaw of friends dying of AIDS in the 1980s. As Mixner bluntly revealed during Oh Hell No!, his one-man autobiographical stage show: “I killed eight.” One of those eight was his beloved partner Peter Scott, who—along with the seven others—was in the debilitating final stages of the disease and had asked Mixner to help him die. Mixner revealed that he had been part of an underground euthanasia network, aided by medical professionals, who were now “all gone” and could therefore not be punished professionally or prosecuted. Mixner, whose activism spans 40 intense years, himself consulted lawyers before confessing on stage and says he feels a legal prosecution is “unlikely. I am not worried, and what I did was right. In the end I wanted people to know about these decisions I had to take in my 30s that no one should have to take in their 30s.”

Mixner says he would insert a morphine drip into his friends' IV and then call their loved ones so they could be there at the end. Hit the link for much more about Mixner's work in the early years of the movement.

NEW YORK CITY: Rally For Homeless LGBT Youth Shelters On Monday June 2nd

Via press release:

National Campaign for Youth Shelter calls for 22,000 beds for homeless youth: The Ali Forney Center and the National Coalition for the Homeless have released the list of speakers for the LGBT Rally for Homeless Youth, to be held in Washington Square Park at 6pm on Monday June 2nd. The National Campaign for Youth Shelter New York City rally will launch the campaign as a priority within the LGBT movement. LGBT youth are disproportionately over-represented in the homeless youth population, with as many as 40% of the nation's homeless youth being LGBT, while only 5% of the overall youth population is LGBT. Currently, there are only approximately 4,000 youth shelter beds in the United States, yet as many as 500,000 unaccompanied youths experience homelessness each year. The Master of Ceremonies for the rally will be ballroom legend, star of Paris Is Burning, and former homeless LGBT Youth Junior Labeija.

The list of speakers includes Edith Windsor, David Mixner, Cathy Marino-Thomas, Carl Siciliano, and two veterans of the Stonewall Rebellion: Martin Boyce and Danny Garvin.  Facebook event page.

David Mixner On Christine Quinn

"The attitude that it is no longer important to elect our own and that it is just 'gender/orientation' politics could not be more wrong. Our work is not done and we need powerful and unyielding openly LGBT candidates in office from school board to eventually President. That includes electing Speaker Christine Quinn.

"The Speaker has been there for the LGBT community time and time again. She has used her powers and connections to pass marriage equality. Time and time again she showed up in Albany and at rallies to make sure it passed the legislature. Often she was the ONLY elected official who bothered to make an appearance.

"When the hate crime epidemic hit the city she was out front on the issue before anyone else and used the resources of her office to organize a massive protest march demanding justice. She was visible, angry and show up to be counted. Her passion was from in her guts and not a position on an issue paper." - Former Clinton White House advisor David Mixner, denouncing the "shrill, angry and offensive rhetoric" used by supporters of mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio.

David Mixner On DOMA Hearing

Clip description:

Gay rights activist David Mixner, transgender activist Laverne Cox and Huffington Post Gay Voices Editor Noah Michelson join “Say Anything!” guest host Judy Gold to consider how attitudes toward marriage equality are shifting. The Supreme Court heard arguments relating to the Defense of Marriage Act on Wednesday.

Worth your time.

Nigel Barker To Make David Mixner Biopic

Photographer, author, and former model Nigel Barker, who is best known from his 17 seasons as a judge on America's Next Top Model, has announced that he is working on a film about legendary gay activist David Mixner. Paper Magazine asked Barker about his relationship with Mixner and the upcoming film:

 "First of all I always loved a great, true story. Whenever [David and I] meet I ask him questions about his life. He's an incredible raconteur. I basically sit like a child and get whacked into this story, transformed and taken there. All of a sudden I'm in another era and another moment, and I can feel for the people. And he has a very visual way of describing. I realized [his stories] had the ability to become a film. I asked for consent for a screenplay and eventually a film of his life. He said he'd been approached in the past but never felt there was the right person. Then he said to me, "I would love you to do it."

When did you first meet David?
"I first met him at an Alan Cumming salon event. Alan Cumming has these salons where he does interesting things with about 30 people. That time Susan Sarandon was talking. I knew of David Mixner but I didn't know what he looked like. When I was introduced to him he said "Hello, I'm David" and was sitting in a wheelchair. I asked him if I could get him a drink, and he said that he didn't drink. He didn't know many people in this group and we just started talking. Later I realized, 'My god, this is David Mixner. I know his story.'"

How far along in the film-making process are you?
"We questioned him for ages and wrote down the stories. He also produced this one-man show called "From the Front Porch" which we recorded and made transcripts of. The screenplay's like a hundred pages over what people like screenplays to be. We're trying to write, get control of it and bring it down. We're hoping to have our screenplay in a good state by the next month or so and really start the process of making the film."

Barker declined to say who he has in mind to play Mixner. Hit the link and read the rest of the interview.

RELATED: I chatted with David several times in Philadelphia this weekend without him once mentioning the movie. Probably because he knew I'd have been tempted to blog the news immediately.

Mixner & Jones: LGBT Community Should Also Demonstrate At Supreme Court

As we learned on Saturday, the National Organization for Marriage is planning a "march on the Supreme Court" on the day the Justices begin hearing arguments on their two same-sex marriage cases. Legendary gay activists David Mixner and Cleve Jones are suggesting a demonstration for the LGBT community too. The pair has co-authored a column for The Advocate.

We have discussed this with some of the smartest and most dedicated activists we know, and, based on those conversations, we offer the following recommendations for action as the court considers our aspirations for equality.  We do not believe it makes sense to attempt a mass march on Washington at this moment, given the short amount of time remaining, the cost, as well as the uncertainty of weather in Washington, D.C., in March. We do believe it makes sense to push hard on many fronts in the weeks and months ahead.

As we are on the verge of victory, our tone and actions are critical.

President Obama himself set the tone for this effort in his inaugural address when he spoke so movingly of Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall, linking forever the struggles for women’s rights, civil rights, and LGBT rights. We encourage all LGBT advocates and all fair-minded Americans who believe in equality and justice to take part in public actions during the last week of March.

- If you can be in Washington, D.C., there will be peaceful and civil demonstrations of support for the cases at the Supreme Court on March 26 and 27. While there, you can also visit your members of Congress to lobby for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Uniting American Families Act as well as marriage equality. Our opponents will be marching — ignore them.

- For those who cannot travel, there will be local organizing opportunities and plans under way in all 50 states that will mirror the events before the Supreme Court. Stay tuned. Visit your representatives' local district offices. Hold teach-ins, campus rallies and town halls. Involve our allies in women’s organizations, the labor movement, racial and ethnic minorities and immigrant communities.

Read the full article.

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"Let's not kid ourselves the debate was not good for our President. But before we start wringing our hands and wishing things were different it is important to remember one thing. [snip] Never have we as a community been so close to full equality and never have we been so close to losing it all in this election. No matter how we would want the world to be this morning, it makes no difference. Our lives, our future and our freedom are at stake in this election. Don't play with it. Don't be high and mighty about it. Don't blame someone else about it. As a dear friend always reminds me, 'It is what it is'.  Just do what the courageous and noble LGBT community have always done in the times of adversity. Fight back. Fight hard. Ignore the odds. Show others how it is done. Most importantly take this nation to a new place in its politics, hearts and values. Let's get the job done." - Former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner, writing on his personal blog.

NEW YORK CITY: Ali Forney Center To Hold Annual Gala On October 26th

Via press release:

This October 26, the Ali Forney Center (AFC) - the nation’s largest services and advocacy organization working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth - will hold its annual A Place at the Table benefit dinner at Capitale. This year’s event, hosted by MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, will celebrate the tenth anniversary of AFC’s work to protect and empower homeless LGBTQ youth, and to support them in becoming safe and independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood. The 2012 dinner comes as the AFC prepares to expand its shelter facilities by an additional twelve beds, as well as to open the nation’s first-ever 24-hour drop-in center for homeless LGBTQ youth.The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception including passed hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner with an awards show, live auction and entertainment. The night continues with a speakeasy-style VIP after-party. The 2012 honorees - chosen for their for their work in the LGBTQ community and their support and advocacy of homeless LGBTQ youth - include: David Mixner, leading LGBTQ author and activist; Chris Salgardo, President of Kiehl’s Since 1851; Time Warner Cable; and recent graduate of AFC’s programming, Chris Bilal. Presenters include Jeremy Bernard, the first openly gay White House social secretary, who will present Mixner with his award, and actress Ally Sheedy, who will present Salgardo.

Tickets are now available. It's always a great night.

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"It is not enough just to vote for Obama/Biden but we must turn out our vote. Reflect on the the results of last Friday's CNN Poll to have all the proof you need to get busy now. When all voters were polled, President Obama defeats good ole Mitt by 52% to 43%. That is a nine point huge victory. However, when just those 'likely to vote' were polled, the election becomes a toss-up with 49% to 47%. Every damn voter we get to the poll from our community is going to count.

"Every single person we can get to the polls will make a difference. No community, none, loses more than the LGBT community if the right-wing Tea Party Republicans become the dominant force in our American politics. LGBT Americans have died, been beaten and have paid terrible prices in order for us to get this close to full equality. What a shame if we honor their memory by not completing this battle." - Former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner, writing on his personal blog.

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"The man [Obama] has done an enormous amount and I’m supporting him for president. But I would be more than delinquent if I didn’t say that I’m more disappointed than I thought I would be with his handling of marriage tonight. I didn’t come with any expectations that he would support marriage. But it was awful, it was embarrassing, and as soon as he reached that point, it was like he couldn’t wait to get off the stage. [snip]

"This is one of our big nights of celebration – I mean, we’re going to win this I think tomorrow, but we know this issue could go either way. This was a room full of people waiting to be jubilant. I knew he wasn’t he going to support marriage, but there were so many different ways he could have let us know that he understood this moment for us and how happy he was for us. I support him. After all, who wants President Bachmann?" - Longtime activist David Mixner, speaking to Equality Matters at last night's Obama fundraiser in NYC.

The Night Of 1000 Gowns

Last night I attended the Imperial Court of New York's 25th annual Night Of 1000 Gowns, which this year benefited the Ali Forney Center and the Trevor Project. Swirling amidst all of the winking pomp and circumstance were empresses, emperors, duchesses, dukes, viscountesses, dowager empresses, and probably a dozen other royalty titles unknown to me. Also in the room were 100% of all the rhinestones and tiaras to be found in North America.

Among the bold-face names in attendance were the evening's honoree, longtime activist David Mixner, the cast of Logo's A-List, the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, director Chi Chi LaRue, "JMG addict" Wilson Cruz, and actress Ally Sheedy, who cracked up when I asked her to say "No disassemble!" Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie spoke eloquently about her LGBT rights platform during the Miss America pageant, gay pop star Ari Gold arrived with two slave boys on leashes, Dan Choi walked in on the arm of a statuesque attendee he "met on the escalator," and My Princess Boy author Cheryl Kilodavis worked the room with a handsome man in one hand and a stack of her books in the other.

This was my first Imperial Court event and I found the entire evening simultaneously spectacular and spectacularly silly. But one got the distinct impression that everybody there was totally in on the joke and folks, this group has raised buckets and buckets of money for LGBT causes over the decades. Check out the slideshow at the bottom of this post for many, many photos of the glamor, plus lots of celebs not mentioned above. Full-screen versions of the photos can be found here. You'll also enjoy Matthew Rettenmund's coverage at Boy Culture, where you'll find many red carpet video interviews.

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"No one has been more gravely disappointed and, at times livid, with the practically non-existent record of President Obama on LGBT equal rights. Over and over again I have held this administration's feet to the fire in an effort to force them to move forward in our struggle for freedom. As we all know by now, those pleas often have fallen on deaf ears. Our disappointment, anger and frustration is totally justified. What is not justified is to allow those emotions to intrude on our ability to be intelligent voters this election day. We cannot and should not shoot ourselves in the collective foot because of the administration's actions.

"Why is it important to vote? Let's get right down to it: If the House and Senate fall into Republican Tea Party hands on November 2nd, the LGBT community will be facing the most hostile United States Congress in our history. The election of these bonafide Teabagging wing-nuts could cause chaos, fear and intimidation in our political process. Their ascendancy to power would validate some truly dark and despicable forces operating in American politics. If we think it is hard to achieve equal rights now just try and do it in a Tea Party dominated Congress." - David Mixner, writing on his personal blog. That's just the first two paragraphs, hit the link and read the rest.

SLIDESHOW: Victory Fund Brunch NYC

Today I attended the first annual Victory Fund brunch in NYC, where headliner Rep. Barney Frank talked at length about the difficulties we face in the repeal of DADT and even getting ENDA to a vote. Comedian Alec Mapa hosted, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn spoke, anti-Quinn activists protested outside, and a literal who's who of political homorati mingled over mimosas.

In the house: all the gay NYC council members, activist and event co-chair David Mixner, activist Corey Johnson, early DADT activist Joe Steffan, comedian Kate Clinton and her partner Urvashi Vaid, Reichen Lehmkuhl, actor Jack Noseworthy, former GLAAD head Neil Giuliano, and a boatload of probably similarly famous people that I don't know. I'll let you name them in the slideshow below, since I can't. Lots of ridiculously handsome men within. Full-screen versions of the below photos are here.

HomoQuotable - David Mixner

"First of all, lets be extremely clear. Public Option was not a fringe issue. The desire for human rights and freedom for the American LGBT community is clearly rooted in the Constitution of the United States. Wanting our young not to die in useless foreign wars doesn't appear to me to be radical. Not wanting 14% of America's children to go to bed hungry at night seems like a reasonable expectation. And yes, waking up in the morning and knowing you have the dignity of a job is essential for the soul of America.

"These issues are not fringe, not left and not unreasonable. President Obama promised us if we believed again he would take us there. Maybe it is time in the White House and in the Obama administration to seriously examine their behavior, let some people go and try and start anew." - Former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner, responding to Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' denouncement of the "professional left" to The Hill.

Gibbs says of America's progressives: "These people ought to be drug tested. They will be satisfied when we have Canadian healthcare and we’ve eliminated the Pentagon. That’s not reality. They wouldn’t be satisfied if Dennis Kucinich was president."

David Mixner: DADT Repeal Can Be Done Without Help Of White House

"I have spent the day visiting on the phone with extremely reliable sources on Capitol Hill in both the Senate and House. With over twenty calls, I have been able to determine that the revolt is perhaps much larger than the media realizes. There is a sense of total frustration with the administration. They just don't understand why the White House won't move on this issue. Many of persons on the Hill that I spoke too are from states with large urban populations, including in the South. They feel the failure to vote this year on DADT will have a 'chilling effect' regarding voter turn out in the Fall elections. Those interviewed think that not only will many LGBT citizens stay home but also other progressives.

"One high ranking staffer said, 'We are going to get creamed in our district since we need the gay vote. It is just only a matter of time that what is happening to Pelosi in San Fran works it way down to our districts. We don't fucking need it. For God sakes, lets get this out of the way.' An elected official in DC told me, 'If the President digs in, he then guarantees that the debate will be ugly and divisive. I am really concerned about their intransigence.' Another Chief of Staff confided to me that this is a 'huge mistake' since it was the President himself that set the expectations." - David Mixner, saying that despite the White House's plan to wait for the Pentagon's implementation study, there is still a strong will among some in Congress to get DADT repealed on their own.

British Prime Minister And Wife Send Congratulations To Activist David Mixner

On Monday, gay activist and former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner was honored in NYC by the Point Foundation. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife couldn't attend (volcano!) but sent the below message.

April 22nd: LGBT Leadership Town Hall

SiriusXM radio host Michelangelo Signorile will host a national LGBT leadership town hall in Washington DC on Thursday, April 22nd. The show will aired live nationally.

The Panel: National Gay & Lesbian Task Force executive director Rea Carey; Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese;National Center for Transgender Equality executive director Mara Keisling; Servicemembers Legal Defense Network executive director Aubrey Sarvis; former Clinton White House adviser on gay rights Richard Socarides and blogger and activist Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend.

When: Thursday, April 22, 2-4 ET, Sirius 109, XM 98.

Where: XM studios, Washington DC. (Listeners can enter a drawing to win tickets to be part of our studio audience, must be in by Friday at the end of the day to win). Will be aired live on The Michelangelo Signorile Show, 2-4 ET, Sirius 109, XM 98 and streamed online.

Signorile reports that activists David Mixner and GetEQUAL's Robin McGehee will be among the special guests asking questions from the studio audience. Solmonese vs. McGehee, that should be very interesting.

David Mixner's 20 Most Powerful Lesbians

For those you who have issues with yesterday Out Power 50 list, former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner has his own list of the 20 most powerful lesbians in politics. Mixner's top ten: Rachel Maddow, Tammy Baldwin, Hilary Rosen, Pam Spaulding, Randi Weingarten, Christine Quinn, Annise Parker, Rea Carey, Urvashi Vaid, Dr. Marjorie Hill. Hit the link for the complete list and Mixner's explanations.

Mixner: Obama's Silence Is Hurting Us

Citing witnesses at Perry vs. Schwarzenegger who are quoting President Obama's words about same-sex marriage, activist and former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner says it's about time that our fierce advocate speak up on our behalf.

But this is not the first time Obama's words have been used against us. They were used by the evil forces pushing Proposition 8. They were used against us in Maine while the President remained totally silent doing the election. They were used against us in New York and New Jersey doing the debates on marriage equality. How much longer is Obama going to remain silent while the bigots use his own words against our struggle for freedom?

The President's silence is now hurting us and hurting us often. He can either chose to make clear that these advocates of oppression do not express his personal views or he can continue his silence which in essence at this stage endorsing the forces opposed to the struggle for LGBT freedom

David Mixner's Rules For Giving

Activist/author and former Clinton White House adviser David Mixner has posted five rules on political giving.

1. Do not contribute to Democratic party committees like the DNC, DSCC and DCCC. They will use the funds to not only elect our allies but also Blue Dog Democrats. Even if they set up a 'special committee' for us that will enable them to loosen funds for candidates who are opposed to our freedom.
2. Contribute directly to only those candidates who have proven by either by vote or sponsorships of legislation their commitment to our issues.
3. Contribute to LGBT candidates who most often know how to fight like hell for us. The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is one of the most effective groups in Washington,DC.
4. Contribute to our own community and its battles for freedom especially as our young resort to more traditional civil rights tactics.
5. Contribute to defeating our enemies at the local level which is a very powerful message to send those that oppose us.

Mixner: "Do not be charmed by fancy appeals, hot parties, invites to special places and personal attention. Hold strong and let them know your five guidelines for giving. For nearly two decades we have poured money into the political process only to be ignored or betrayed time and time again."