Now, more than ever, it is most important that we support businesses owned by LGBTQ+ and friends/allies, especially those who have a strong record of supporting and giving back to our LGBTQ+ organizations and civil rights campaigns. You know who these businesses are who have been outstanding supporters…many for decades. I have talked to many small business owners and sad to say, many tell me they are losing their business, especially those that are specialty stores. Some of our bigger LGBTQ+ businesses/bars are still giving back to the community during this time.
Getting a COVID-19 Test
A few weeks ago, I wasn’t feeling that well, so I went to see my doctor and he gave me a COVID-19 test. He put a 6-inch Q-Tip up my nose that felt like it reached my brain! One of the most painful tests I have ever taken and I screamed my head off. Now I hear they are doing tests without the 6-inch Q-Tip. If youβre feeling like you have the flu, please go get tested.Β Thank the Lord I just had a very bad case of the flu and thank you all for your concern.
Emergency Food Voucher Fund
As many of you know, the Imperial Court de San Diego in March launched this emergency fund and have given out now more than $25,000 inΒ Ralphs/VonsΒ $50 vouchers and food supplies. This fund has helped many people, families in and outside of our LGBTQ+ community. We thankΒ Mayor Kevin FaulconerΒ for spotlighting our fund on one of his daily COVID-19 reports aired on San Diego news stations.
This fund was set up as an “emergency” food project and we are on our last waiting list and after itβs completed (probably by next week), we will be finished as many are and/or will be getting unemployment checks, etc. The Imperial Court’s Emergency Food Fund was supported by you, the community. We are especially grateful for:Β Chris Shaw/MO’s Universe,Β Bill Ash,Β Tom Hebrank,Β Ryan Bedrosian/Richβs San Diego, Councilman Chris Ward, Assemblyman Todd Gloria,Β Senator Toni Atkins,Β Emperor JerryΒ ofΒ San Francisco, etc.
Also, I wish to most sincerely thankΒ Emperor Mikie Lochner,Β who came to me with the idea of establishing the emergency food fund,Β Big Mike Phillips,Β Emperor Robert RodriguezΒ andΒ Scott Parman,Β the Reigning Monarchs Emperor RandyΒ andΒ Empress Pepper, and theΒ board of directorsΒ of theΒ Imperial Court de San Diego.
Congratulations, Paris!
Did you know that popular designer, entertainer and managing partner ofΒ insideOUT,Β Paris Quion (aka; Paris Sukomi Max) has sewn more than 4,000 masks and donated them to hospitals, children’s centers, HIV/AIDS agencies, etc. Last week, her outstanding service was honored and recognized with two awards:Β The International Betsy Ross CitationΒ from theΒ International Imperial Courts of U.S., Canada and MexicoΒ and the “I Love San Diego” award by Assemblyman Todd Gloria β congratulations and so well-deserved!
