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Atticus Circle Happy Hour at Shagri-La
The other day, a newspaper reader, self-labeled as “liberal,” called my editor. Said the social columnist — that’s me — has a “gay agenda.” Yeah, I have a gay agenda. I’m gay. Get over it. That’s the extent of my agenda.
Anne Wynne and Ruth Gardner-Loew
A group that already embraces this attitude held a happy hour at Shangri-La on Thursday. The Atticus Circle was started by Austinite Anne Wynne and her husband in response to the round of state referendums that enshrined marriage inequality into constitutions. Instead of just steaming, she started a civil rights group composed of straight people pushing for complete equality.
Hillary Molinar and Kanishka Bhaghia
It has already spread to 70 college campuses around the country. Student Karla Gonzalez recently raised $5,000 in three weeks at Texas A&M selling equality-themed T-shirts. At the Austin happy hour, Austin businessman Tim McCabe pledged $2,500 if the attending University of Texas students could match that.
Michelle Gardner, Karla Gonzalez and Lowell Kane
Atticus Circle executive director Ruth Gardner-Loew also spoke at the party, as did UT students whose names I did not catch. Pretty uplifting stuff.
(Have I mentioned I’m pleased UT is going west, into the future, with the Pac-10, rather than east with the SEC? Do I have to enumerate the many reasons why? It would be nice if our good friends at Texas A&M took a step forward rather than back as well.)
UPDATE: A previous version of this post did not credit Karla Gonzalez with raising the $5,000 at A&M.
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By Tim Duda
June 12, 2010 7:34 PM | Link to this
I am very proud to know Karla Gonzalez and her wonderful parents Carlos and Miriella Gonzalez. They have raised a truly remarkable young woman who believes in real equality. The whole Gonzalez family including daugher Miriella, exemplifies the ideas of unconditional love, acceptance and compassion in a society where too little is found. Congratulations to Karla and her family.
By Eugene
June 12, 2010 10:09 AM | Link to this
I've been meaning to write about your gay agenda - jeez louise,a little more camp please!