I got this email from gay journalist Rex Wockner a little while ago and hope there are some HRC members here who can either confirmed or deny this rumor.

When I called HRC in DC, I was told to leave a message for the membership department, which I did, and that someone would get back to me with an answer.

If Jacques was indeed fired, it seems as though she lasted barely a year on the job. Would this qualify as cannabilizing our own?

Should the rumor prove to be false, why would Christian Grantham post the wrong information on his site? BTW, I can't access his site right now to see if he posted an update.

Here's what Rex sent out:


[Unconfirmed via any other sources. - Rex]

http://www.christiangrantham.com

EXCLUSIVE: HRC's Cheryl Jacques is Fired
November 30, 2004

Cheryl Jacques, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign, has
been fired. According to sources that wish to remain anonymous, HRC's
Board of Directors voted to replace Jacques with Hilary Rosen as interim
executive director. The vote took place in an emergency conference call
Monday night.

Rosen is the partner of HRC's former executive director, Elizabeth Birch,
who left HRC after eight years. Rosen also left her position with the
Recording Industry Association of America earlier this year to focus on
her children with Birch. Rosen recently worked as a political commentator
and media consultant.

HRC's board will meet this weekend in Las Vegas, and the HRC staff will be
told of the decision today. The board hoped an early vote would allow the
Las Vegas meeting to not be dominated by discussions on the decision.

Sources say some board members expressed deep misgivings with how HRC
presented itself during the 2004 elections. HRC Board member Bruce Bastian
was particularly upset with HRC spending money on bumper stickers,
t-shirts, billboards and tattoos that read "George Bush, You're Fired!"

Developing...

[ March 10, 2005, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: MPetrelis ]

As a member of the HRC myself I'm not all that surprised by this announcement....despite the record number of contributions and new members during her very brief tenure as Executive Director, Jacques clearly is serving as the "fall guy" for the disappointing results of Nov. 2nd....not to mention, following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Birch (who, not coincidentally, is the partner of the new interim exec. director), who oversaw such tremendous growth and progress within the organization was a difficult act to follow.

Would anyone be surprised to see former NJ Gov. James McGreevey hired to fill this position (or at least play a prominent and highly visible role in the future of the HRC)?

HRC website

~Joe

[ November 30, 2004, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]

I nominate gmgsfo to take over.

Inclusion wins!

Advocate's article about it:

http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=14...468&sd=11/30/04

I wouldn't be surprised. Unfortunately, I think McGreevey's ethically-challenged past makes him uniquely qualified - I've always felt HRC's main cause is HRC.

[ November 30, 2004, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Munson Man ]

LOL, well said MM! Ooh, not a good sign -- they must have left out the part about "kicking and screaming".

I wonder how many membership subscriptions HRC may have lost as a result of the campaign debacle just past.

This says a lot of what the problem is, as others have noted. As best evidenced by its monumental headquarters and the monumental egos inhabiting it, HRC has lost touch with its grassroots over the years, starting while Liz Birch was still at the helm. Not even a management- and grassroots-friendly Log Cabin lawyer could bring it back to what it's supposed to be: a non-partisan gay rights organization.

I'm waiting to see what the inevitable accounting of the outfit's finances will reveal. Methinks we'll see even more misspending there. frown

I thought it was interesting that Kweisi Mfume is leaving his post, too. Watched his retirement press conference on C SPAN, and he decried gay-bashing, saying it just ain't right (not his words), addressing classism and anti-Semitism, as well.

Re: Rosen, she's been a very controversial figure, especially from her time at RIAA. I don't think she's the main problem.

If you ask me (no one did, but I'm going to blather, anyway) David Gill or David Geffen or someone should read Larry Kramer's speech again and step the f--- up, with $$$ and with *sound leadership*, and try to de-institutionalize HRC a bit. Or what about the former president of LLEGO, which closed this fall?

Don't want to get too theoretical, but the comment about HRC's biggest cause being HRC is not only right on but also totally consistent with institutional theory, so it's not a huge suprise, but also not something that can't be addressed.

The proliferation of gay advocacy orgs has been confusing in years past. HRC...NLGTF...GLAAD? And there are more. Maybe they can all have a major pow-wow?

I'm all about GLSEN, myself, not exclusively, but also because I feel like they have targetted goals and a real, direct impact on gay and lesbian lives.

[ December 01, 2004, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: The B Man ]

Confusing? I guess so. The correct acronym is NGLTF.

For me, the best story so far about this latest HRC mess is the one posted today on the Blade's web site by Lou Chibbaro.

You can find it at www.washblade.com .

I always put lesbians first (re: NLGTF), partially because I was the former Coordinator of NYU's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services.

That's just what it was named.

I was making calls one day, I think to get gift certificates for an event, or I can't remember, but it was something innocuous, but I called this one organization and told them who I was, blah, blah, blah, and the man on the phone said to me, "Sorry, we only support organizations that put the G first. Gay and then lesbian."

No jokin'

Ever since then, I've made it a point to say "lesbian and gay" or "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or..." (if talking about anything effecting the entire LGBT community). In my academic writing, I always write lesbian and gay. Everything else, I alphabetize, (e.g., "an advocate who works on anti-semitism, heterosexism, homophobia, racism, and sexism").

Just an aside.

Hmmmm. With Rosen in charge, I wonder if HRC will start suing people who illegaly download gay porn from the internet.

Here's yet another good, fact-filled story about the mess at HRC, which broaches the topic of McGreevy!

Windy City Times

The man they should name is former Tempe, Ariz., Mayor Neil Giuliano - a charming red state mayor who is media savvy and can talk to both sides of the aisle!

I'll second that nomination. Neil is not only perfect for the job (assuming he'd want it), but he's also a great guy.

Why would we need that? I have found the "We want it, We want it now and we are going to shove it in your face" approach has been so beneficial to our goals in the past.


[Post modified for quote format. - Outsports moderator]

[ December 03, 2004, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Funny picture from this week's Blade

Memo to America's largest homosexual rights group:

"HRC, You're Fired!"

The editorial, photo and story in the Blade about the latest sorry mess for HRC will do much to bring about needed reform and accountability over our movement's largest lobby.

Here's a link to the editorial, required reading for anyone who presumes to anoint himself an "activist." La Empresa Desnuda

Read this update in the New York Times when you get the chance. We now have a straight person heading the HRC board of directors. Not sure that I approve of that, not that HRC asked me, but it does seem odd, to say the least, that a gay group's board is led by a heterosexual.

It's about what I'd expect from that bunch of social-climbing, self-important snobs.

A friend alerted me to a statement the HRC posted on their site after the Times piece hit. I don't know what makes them look worse; their cave-in on Social Security, the straight board cochair or their statement criticizing the paper of record for its reporting.

HRC alleges: "Today’s New York Times article was an incomplete and therefore inaccurate representation of the plans of the Human Rights Campaign."

Okay, but then why does HRC fail to cite something specific that was inaccurate?

The group is a mess.

[ December 09, 2004, 09:42 PM: Message edited by: MPetrelis ]

How about their endorsement of Bill Clinton in early 1996, before ANY of the other candidates had even been nominated - and after he'd broken his word on gays in the military and crawled under the rock of DADT?

Apart from their raising enough funds to build themselves a nice, new cushy HQ* in DC, this outfit has accomplished absolutely nothing of any lasting import.
_____
*Coming soon to an auction block near you!

Appears as though the troubles for HRC are not about to end anytime soon.

Wash Post article on reactions to the NYT piece.

Can someone please explain to me why the Human Rights Campaign announces its search process for a new leader, but can't tell the world who is on the search committee?

Maybe the committee members are embarrassed to be associated with the gay community. Perhaps they're not fully out of the closet, or they just don't want their names released.

Whatever the reason for the secrecy, it doesn't say much about HRC's commitment to transparency and accountability to the community it purports to represent.

HRC's release states the following:

"While the names of individual search committee members will not be publicly released, Basile characterized the group as diverse. Three staff members will serve on the committee and there will be broad geographic representation and viewpoints."

Guess we just have to trust Vic Basile and HRC that the search committee is diverse and represents many different viewpoints.

Frankly, trusting HRC on these matters is asking too much.

If only to bring about full transparency, something desperately needed at HRC, Basile and HRC should release the names of those on the search committee.

Anything less, in my opinion, borders on secrecy and closetry, two factors the group should do everything to avoid.

Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
^^^

http://www.hrc.org/




For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005

HRC BOARD ANNOUNCES SEARCH PROCESS FOR NEW LEADER

Broad, Diverse Group to Be Involved

WASHINGTON — A 25-member committee, chosen to reflect broad geographic representation and diversity as well as board and staff perspectives will form the search committee as the Human Rights Campaign officially opens its search for a new leader today. The announcement launches a national search that Board of Directors Co-Chair Gwen Baba said would be “aggressive in both its timing and its scope.”

The search will be guided by a committee structure led by Baba and Vic Basile, co-chair of the HRC Foundation board. The search committee will send its recommendation to both the full HRC board of directors and the Foundation board and the final candidate must win the majority support of the two boards.

“There is tremendous enthusiasm for this position of leadership in our community and beyond,” said Basile. “There is an understanding that leading HRC is a unique and special role in our movement. The stakes are high and HRC will be prepared to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.”

The search follows the resignation of Cheryl Jacques, who left after 11 months as president and executive director on Nov. 30, 2004. The search committee will be assisted by Isaacson, Miller, a Boston-based, national search firm that specializes in non-profits.

“Our very ambitious goal is to have a new leader in place this spring,” said Baba. “While HRC continues to make a difference every day, we're ready to bring a new leader onboard who brings vision, energy and passion to our work.”

While the names of individual search committee members will not be publicly released, Basile characterized the group as diverse. Three staff members will serve on the committee and there will be broad geographic representation and viewpoints.

Isaacson, Miller will post the position nationally and welcomes any candidate recommendations. Applications and nominations can be sent to 2959@imsearch.com.

I recently received a "Dialing for Dollars" call from HRC ( or their phonebank du jour) and I was very specific in saying " I no longer support HRC." The response was not an apology, but a dial tone. More useful, actually - get on to the next call.

I agree, HRC made a tactical error by allowing partisan politics to divide us rather than united us under the common cause of equality.

I , too, was disgruntled in reading in the WashBlade that a straight guy is in a major leadership position for the largest and best known major gay and lesbian organization. Sorry, there are WAY too many qualified people out there that are part of the 'family.'

Some of my staunchest critics have given me a hard time about my recent posts bemoaning the Human Rights Campaign's refusal to name the people on their search committee for a new executive director.

Since HRC forced out its last leader, Cheryl Jacques, at about the same time the executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Kweisi Mfume, announced his resignation, I checked the NAACP's web site to see if they had made a statement about who was on their search committee.

As you can plainly see in the release below, the NAACP bravely told the world the names and affiliations of the nine individuals on the committee. (On a side note, I find it interesting one of the nine is former GOP Congressman and VP candidate Jack Kemp!)

And because HRC likes to see itself as the NAACP of the gay and lesbian rights movement, I'm calling on them to follow the NAACP's lead and release the names of who is on HRC's search committee for its new leader.

That is, if HRC is willing to shed its closeted ways.

Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
^^^

http://www.naacp.org/news/2004/2004-12-10.html

CONTACT: NAACP Office of Communications 410.580.5125
December 10, 2004
NAACP Board Names Presidential Search Committee


Panel includes members of NAACP National Board and the business community

NAACP National Board Chairman Julian Bond announced today that an eclectic group of nine people have been named to conduct the search for a successor to President and CEO Kweisi Mfume, who announced his resignation late last month. Mfume’s resignation is effective December 31.

In addition to Bond, the Presidential Search Committee includes: Roslyn Brock, Vice-Chair, NAACP Board; Rupert Richardson, member, NAACP Board; former Republican Congressman Jack Kemp; Hugh B. Price, former president, the National Urban League and senior advisor to Piper Rudnick LLP; Alice Huffman, member, NAACP Board; Philip Murphy, Managing Director, Investment Management Division, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and member, NAACP SCF Trustee Board; Coleman Peterson, President/CEO Hollis Enterprises, LLC and member, NAACP SCF Trustee Board; and Nicholas Wiggins, NAACP Youth Board Member.

“We are flattered that this distinguished group has volunteered to serve in this important task,” said Bond. “Their diversity reflects the diversity of the NAACP and the United States. We believe they will help the NAACP Board find a suitable candidate to take us forward.”

Mfume is leaving after nearly nine years as president and CEO. The former Congressman from Baltimore said he is stepping down “to pursue other challenges both in the private and public sectors.” During a press conference on November 30, Mfume said: “My decision to move on should be seen for what it is; another choice to seek another challenge, and another chance to make a difference.” To help assure a smooth transition to a new administration, Mfume has agreed to serve as a consultant to the NAACP until July 1, 2005.

Dennis C. Hayes, NAACP General Counsel, will serve as Acting President and CEO until a permanent chief executive officer is selected.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are front line advocates for civil rights, social justice and equal opportunity under law.

One thing that *REALLY* bugs me about HRC is how they are more than willing to ignore the majority of gays and lesbians in America who are NOT earning beaucoup bucks and attending HRC dinners here in DC. I'd really like to see them start recognizing that while some are well-heeled and can afford to travel around the world and enjoy 'living large', MANY of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters cannot. I remember the days when people from other places came to march by bus!

Three snaps up for the Pumpkin-Fan!

Good call, MV. HRC might also live up to its oft-trumpeted claim of looking out for minorities by paying a little more attention to perhaps the most minor minority of all: gay GOPers. Either that or drop the pretense of being a nonpartisan organization and tell it like it is, like Log Cabin has from day one.

Why would HRC need to look after the Log Cabiners. Ya'll have Dubya for that.

Ahhhhhhhhh the poor widdle "gay GOPers", they're such an oppressed minority.

"Inclusion wins!"

So what to do? Do we abandon HRC? What other group is doing on a national level what HRC does? I have problems with them too, but there isn't much alternative. Shouldn't we wait to see if the reforms really do help, that the group becomes more nonpartisan and still pushes for the rights of gays and lesbians? I am not willing to take the bumper sticker off my car just yet. But I still have my Kerry/Edwards sticker as well. And besides, the HRC Equal Sign gets me a glance or two every once in a while in Raleigh or DC. ;-)

Seriously, if you guys have any other suggestions for a nonpartisan group that I should give my money to instead, I am open for suggestions.

BBR, Given that "all politics is local," I'd say focus on local and state-level politics until HRC lives up to its nonpartisan claim of "looking after" all gays and lesbians. As a lawyer, you've got the public speaking, writing and debating skills that will help you get things done. Get organized locally! It beats doing nothing or parrotting the same old phrases over and over - and you might find you've got a knack for politics along the way! :cool:

bballrob, you are exactly right not to abandon the hrc. first, warts and all, it is all we have, currently.

so, it's broken. we, then, have two choices: throw it away, or fix it.

and on this i'm sure gmg will agree with me 100%, there is no need to throw it away when we can work from within to fix it!

The GLSEN (and their local Gay-Straight Alliance clubs) may not be a national alternative to HRC, but an effective addition to the cause. When Oregon passed the anti-gay marriage amendment last fall, high school kids were the first and most vocal to protest. My partner and I donated to the local high school GSA club ... hoping that next generation will help reverse the conservative tide.

GatorJamie's Wine Fund: A Good Buzz is a Terrible Thing to Waste. wink

Seriously, I like the GLSEN action.

That I do, Thersis; but HRC isn't "all we have currently." There are LOTS of other groups out there, but most important, there are OURSELVES!

GJ - when the switch (slosh, slouch?) from Appletinis to wine??? You're becoming (too) mellow in your old age! You're right about GLSEN; as a Vet, I like SLDN too. :cool:

No switch, mon frere. 'Tis another item on the lush repertoire. Woman cannot live by appletini alone.

What a wonderfully risch tapeshtry you weave!

I have some suggestions for alternatives to supporting HRC ( and a fun way to get the message across to them!)

1. Write a letter and tell HRC what you think. Until people actually start addressing them and say "you are missing the boat," then they will continue to row their boat in a circle without getting anywhere. Fun idea: Take a some money from a boardgame (like Monopoly!) and enclose with your letter. "PS: This could have been a real donation, if I felt I could support HRC and maintain some integrity."

2. Try donating to a state equality rights group. In my case, Equality Maryland.

3. Support other facets of the community that mean alot but are not necessarily politically oriented. The Trevor Project is a good choice - battling gay teen suicide is always worthwhile.
http://thetrevorproject.org

4. Support a local Gay and lesbian organization that gives something back to the community - choruses, HIV/AIDS outreach, the list is almost endless anymore.

[ January 06, 2005, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: MarylandVol ]

Although I am as frustrated with HRC as the next person, I think assuming HRC can ever be truly "non-partisan" as long as the current state of affairs in government exists is a bit much. With the GOP turning ever more to the rabid anti-gay right for legislatures, and continunig in their attempts to impose rigid ideological purity on all GOP members, it will be difficult to find many GOP candidates, even at the state level, who truly support gay rights and are willing to buck the "gays will destroy society" attitude of the hard-core anti-gay arm of the GOP.

Perhaps the real change should be for HRC to abandon direct support of politicians and focus solely on issues, because the issues themselves should be non-partisan. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has that kind of a focus, and spoke out dramatically and quickly when HRC appeared to be compromising, but NGLTF is too wrapped up in the old 70s coalition of social progressives to be a truly representative organization.

Unfortunately, it may be too late for HRC, and I can't see supporting them any longer. It is not so much the tactics of the last election that got me - I mean, could they really even consider supporting Bush, with his increasingly homophobic agenda and debt owed to the Paulist right (aka the "Christian" right)? - it is their apparent inability to deal with their own miscalculations without appearing to implode.

Is it ever too late for any of us that want redemption? I think not. However, unless HRC folks are willing to recognize that they have lost their focus, and alienated people, they will be relegated to history before long.

One of my friends was especially angered when HRC lowered its flags to 'honor' Reagan during the big funeral show last year. I had to agree, it would have been better to have not flown a flag at all rather than honor a president whose was late in his second term before he ever even said "Aids." I can forgive, but I can't ever forget. It happened. Too many people died because that Republican Administration was so disinterested in any citizens that couldn't meet their litmus test of 'acceptable' Americans.

My, my, my.
HRC sure changed its mind mighty quick about informing their own community about who was on their search committee.
It's shameful the way they didn't copy the leadership of the NAACP and announce who leading the search for a new leader. What was the big deal for HRC about releasing the names? Shame of being associated with the group?
HRC really must rethink how it releates to the community and stop treating us like we're not worthy of information about how they operate.
Here are some important updates.
And if you're wondering about who to donate money to, don't forget about your favoriate activist in SF who brought about some major sunshine for the gay community this week.
PayPal is happily accepted on my blog!
^^^


http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/



January 6, 2004
Bay Area Reporter
(Not on line)

HRC Begins Search Process
By Bob Roehr

A 25-member search committee will select the next executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, according to an announcement made Tuesday, January 4. Both the HRC and the HRC Foundation boards of directors must approve the choice. HRC hopes to complete the process by the spring.

One provision that drew instant criticism was that the names of those service on the search committee would not be made public. HRC reversed course within 24 hours and said the name would be released.

HRC Foundation co-chairs Gwen Baba and Vic Basile will chair the search committee, which, according to HRC, has a diverse membership, including three HRC employees.

San Francisco activist Michael Petrelis quickly reacted to the initial news release with a widely distributed email.

"If only to bring about full transparency, something desperately needed at HRC, Basile and HRC should release the names of those on the search committee," he wrote.

Basile agreed. In a conversation the following day he grudgingly gave credit to Petrelis for sparking the debate. "There is a lot of confidentiality that goes into a process like this," he said. "But it ought to be as transparent as possible."

-


http://www.hrc.org/
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005

HRC ANNOUNCES SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

WASHINGTON — Based on numerous inquiries from Human Rights Campaign members and the community at large about the makeup of the committee which will lead the search process for a new president and executive director of HRC, the committee co-chairs announced the individuals who will serve on that search.

“We want this process to be as transparent as possible, while preserving the integrity of the search,” said Gwen Baba, the co-chair of the board of directors who is heading the search with Vic Basile, the co-chair of the foundation board. “We are pleased by the broad interest in the search and we decided to release the committee names. It is important to remember, however, that the final hiring decision rests solely with the full boards of the foundation and directors.”

The foundation board, board of directors and board of governors, staff and business council members who have agreed to serve are:

Gwen Baba, BOD co-chair, Los Angeles, CA
Vic Basile, FD co-chair, Baltimore, MD
Joe Barrows, BOD, Denver, CO
Bruce Bastian, BOD, Orem, UT
Terry Bean, FD, Portland, OR
Mike Berman, BD co-chair, Washington, DC
Ken Britt, BOD, Atlanta, GA
Lawrie Demorest, FD co-chair, Atlanta, GA
Amy Errett, BOD, San Francisco, CA
Anne Fay, BOG co-chair, Dallas, TX
Emily Giske, BOD, New York, NY
Julie Johnson, BOD, Dallas, TX
Kevin Layton, general counsel, Washington, DC
Marty Lieberman, BOD, Seattle, WA
Andrew Linsky, BOD, Palm Springs, CA
David Medina, BOD, Washington, DC
Cathy Nelson, development director, Washington, DC
Victoria Raymont, BOD, Chicago, IL
Henry Rosales, BOG co-chair, Denver, CO
Donna Rose, HRC business council, Round Rock, TX
Hilary Rosen, FD, Washington, DC
Winnie Stachelberg, political director, Washington, DC
John Sullivan, BOD, Minneapolis, MN
Tony Varona, BOD, Tuckahoe, NY
“We wanted to ensure that the staff representation reflected a broad breath of the organization as well as its history,” said Basile. “Cathy Nelson, our director of development, has been at HRC for 15 years. Kevin Layton, our general counsel, began as an intern and has been here for 17 years. Winnie Stachelberg, our political director, has worked at HRC for 10 years.”

Both Baba and Basile asked that anyone interested in the search process or in proposing candidates use the e-mail address managed by Isaacson, Miller — the search firm assisting the committee. That address is 2529@imsearch.com.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

-30-

If you live in the NYC area and have a complaint against HRC, you might want to attend this QueerFist demo.

So far, four peopole have emailed this message from the group, and if I were in NYC, I would sure show up to send a message to HRC.

I'd tell HRC to become more democratic, yes, small d even though HRC should also come out of the Democratic Party closet, get more input from the rank and file of the community, not just rich queens and dykes, and, most importantly, don't support Bush's plan to dismantle Social Security.
^^^

Subject: Queer Resistance to HRC, NYC, Feb 5th

While the Human Rights Campaign serves $350 plates of food at their
Tri-State Federal Club fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria, Saturday
February 5th, 2005, QueerFist will be hosting a free alternative
dinner to any passersby or HRC donors outside of the hotel. The funds
raised by HRC at the extravagant event will help carry the
organization through another year of suppressive policy and selective
rights campaigning. QueerFist will be present to ensure that
privileged, conservative lobby campaigns do not dominate the queer
voice or queer representation.

While many members of the queer community are concerned with finding
basic healthcare services, the Human Rights Campaign is more concerned
that the members of the gay middle class have the "right" to exchange
state sanctioned vows. Blinded by the right, the HRC has failed to
consistently represent the needs of the queer community, as made
obvious by the Tri-State Federal Club's Corporate Equality Award, to
be presented to none other than Pfizer Pharmaceuticals at their gala.
In December 2004, the group announced its willingness to support
President Bush's social security privatization in exchange for
benefits for same-sex couples.

Join us February 5th at 5:00pm at the Waldorf Astoria as queers and
allies to show the solidarity of the communities that the Human Rights
Campaign lobby ignores and sells out. Besides our free, vegan dinner,
you can participate in our avant-garde street performance by toasting
the HRC and their assimilationist agenda with our Human Rights
Champagne, or take our QueerFist Pop Quiz to see how well-versed you
are on HRC's questionable policies. The dress is "festive to
black-tie," so come costumed.

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is located at 301 Park Avenue. Meet at the
Lexington Avenue entrance between 48th and 49th Streets. Take the
4,5,6,7,S trains to 42nd St. Grand Central Station or E,V,6 trains to
51st St.

For more information on QueerFist, visit www.queerfist.org or email
info@queerfist.org.

Media Contact:
Jean Genet Ramsey (917-282-5595)

[ February 04, 2005, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: MPetrelis ]

Christian Granthem, who broke the story about HRC firing Jacques, now claims on his blog that the head of Emily's List has been offered the executive director position at HRC.

^^^


http://christiangrantham.com/


EXCLUSIVE: Joe Solmonese to Lead HRC?
March 02, 2005
A source that wishes to remain anonymous confirms tonight that the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has offered the position of President and CEO of HRC to Joe Solmonese, the CEO of Emily's List.

Since the departure of former President Cheryl Jacques, Democratic activists Hilary Rosen and Mike Berman led an internal restructuring prior to the appointment of the new President and CEO. According to HRC, the process to find a new President and CEO involved over 25 people and an outside firm.

A 25-member committee, chosen to reflect broad geographic representation and diversity as well as board and staff perspectives will form the search committee as the Human Rights Campaign officially opens its search for a new leader today. The announcement launches a national search that Board of Directors Co-Chair Gwen Baba said would be "aggressive in both its timing and its scope."
[HRC BOARD ANNOUNCES SEARCH PROCESS FOR NEW LEADER - HRC - 01-04-05]
After some activist bellyaching, HRC later listed those people.

[snip]

This was posted to my blog yesterday. I find it curious no one here has yet commented on the new HRC leader.

Anyone like him and think he's a good choice?


http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/



Dear Friends:

In looking over the Federal Election Commission records of Joseph Solmonese, the Human Rights Campaign's new leader, I wasn't the least bit surprised that all of his donations since 1992 have been to Democratic candidates and PACs closely affiliated with the Democratic Party.

But what was amusing was seeing that Solmonese had donated twice to his predecessor at HRC -- Cheryl Jacques!

Maybe he should call her up and ask for advice on how to avoid becoming a failed executive director of a gay and lesbian political action group.

Considering his strong Democratic leanings and donations, it will be fascinating to watch Solmonese reach out to work with the GOP, Greens and independent voters and politicians.

Michael Petrelis
^^^

http://www.tray.com/

SOLMONESE, JOSEPH
3/3/1992 $300.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
-[Contribution]
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE


SOLMONESE, JOSEPH
5/8/1996 $200.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
-[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF ROSA DELAURO


SOLMONESE, JOSEPH
6/23/2001 $500.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20009
EMILY'S LIST -[Contribution]
CANTWELL 2006

Solmonese, Joseph R.
8/17/2001 $250.00
Washington, DC 20009
-[Contribution]
CHERYL JACQUES FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE

Solmonese, Joseph
8/27/2001 $250.00
Washington, DC 20009
EMILY's List/Executive Director -[Contribution]
JULIA CARSON FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE


Solmonese, Joseph R.
9/7/2001 $250.00
Washington, DC 20009
EMILY's List/Executive Director -[Contribution]
CHERYL JACQUES FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE



Solmonese, Joseph
2/7/2002 $200.00
Washington, DC 20005
Emily's List/Executive Director -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF NANCY KASZAK

Solmonese, Joseph
3/10/2002 $250.00
Washington, DC 20005
Emily's List/Executive Director -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF NANCY KASZAK



Solmonese, Joseph R.
3/11/2002 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
EMILY's List/Chief of Staff -[Contribution]
RIVERS FOR CONGRESS



Solmonese, Joseph
1/30/2003 $250.00
Washington, DC 20009
Emily's List/Development Director -[Contribution]
GAY AND LESBIAN VICTORY FUND



Solmonese, Jospeh
3/27/2003 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
Emily's List/Chief of Staff -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC

Solmonese, Joseph R
12/14/2003 $250.00
Washington, DC 20009
Emily's List/Development Director -[Contribution]
LISA QUIGLEY FOR CONGRESS

SOLMONESE, JOE
8/12/2004 $500.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
EMILY'S LIST -[Contribution]
CAMPAIGN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE FKA BETTY CASTOR FOR U S SENATE

SOLMONESE, JOE
9/29/2004 $500.00
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
EMILY'S LIST -[Contribution]
CAMPAIGN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE FKA BETTY CASTOR FOR U S SENATE

Solmonese, Joe R Mr.
7/21/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
EMILY's List/Chief of Staff -[Contribution]
EMILY'S LIST