Betty Talk

Re2:

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Things are improving, thank you!
http://lbuchta.com/index721m--.php?rjzCID=17

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 19:19:34
____________
"If he got outside of all of that he was going some! declared Ted.Well, he did, and all of Gibbons Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, too.Holy cats! What stopped him? Ted queried.He didnt stop--never stopped." (c) Parriss xaa

2010-06-25T07:55:00.001-04:00

http://fs12.humanhealthworld.net/?camp=ms2

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2010-05-24T14:27:00.001-04:00

www.aht5.MEDICINE-CO.com

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2010-05-05T12:57:00.001-04:00

www.eoa6.healthpharmacy-co.com

The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Get started.

2010-04-04T16:24:00.001-04:00

http://yourevolutionfap0.webs.com?Zgwlge85t

The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. Get busy.

Re

2009-08-13T22:27:00.001-04:00

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Re:

2009-08-04T05:59:00.001-04:00

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Alternative Perspectives Radio for YOU

2008-06-22T22:23:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, I posted an episode to my podcast, glbtiq Podcast .

Click this link to check it out:
Alternative Perspectives T Talk Tuesday 617

- Betty

Rock, Rhythm and Rhyme Artist Explosion

2007-05-28T01:04:00.005-04:00

It is that time again;
With Rhythm and Rhyme;
To Rock to the Music;
The Lymrics and the Lyrics
Speaking from the heart, mind and spirit;
With a bit of Sass,
and lots of Conviction,
Our stories, loves and passions
The Essence
Rock, Rhythm and Rhyme Cafe

Our Fifth Anniversary
Celebration

;

Atlanta Pride Festival Information

Entertainment Schedule

Dyke March

ROCK, RHYTHM AND RHYME CAFE, IN ITS Fifth YEAR, began with the collaboration of Nghosibooks.com and Woman's World in 2003, with the first Literary Event in 2004. We have evolved and continue to grow...and because of the generosity of THE ATLANTA PRIDE COMMITTEE, STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS, inclusivity continues to be the vision, sharing our resources, our knowledge and our talents, enabling this event to continue to grow and providing a unique venue for all.

ROCK, RHYTHM, and RHYME CAFE

SATURDAY

JULY 5, 2008

2:15-5:15PM

BUD/BUD LIGHT STAGE

CO-PRODUCED by

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES

and

NGHOSIBOOKS.COM

Mistresses of Ceremonies

L AKARA FOSTER

IMANI EVANS

AFRICAN WOMAN
So straight you walk
so firm you step
so sure of yourself or so it seems
proud of your blackness
proud of your beauty
I have lived with you..and I know your fears, I have loved you...
and I know your fire...
skin soft...intoxicating scent...
chocolate flavors from creamy to dark....all exotic...delicacies... to handle with care...
AFRICAN WOMAN A BEAUTY SO RARE
B.COUVERTIER/COPYRIGHT/AUGUST/2003

PERFORMERS

GHETTO GOSPEL

Fiona Simone Hip Hop Artist

meeK, is an American poet, spoken word vocalist, motivational speaker, writer and photography artist.

KEN J
Acoustic Soul Artist

Queen Sheba Spoken-Soul-Hip Rock-Artist f/Tempo 160

PHOENIXYZ
POET PRIESTESS

LOLA

ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL
ROCK, RHYTHM, and RHYME CAFE
Performance

Artist PERFORMANCE TIME
(Hosts) Lakara & Imani
2:15-2:20

Fionna Simone
2:20-2:40pm

Lakara & Imani
(Hosts) 2:40-2:43

Ghetto Gospel
2:43-2:58pm

Lakara & Imani
(Hosts) 2:58-3:00pm

Phoenixyz
3:00-3:06pm

Lakara & Imani
(Hosts) 3:06-3:08

Ken J
3:08-3:28

Lakara & Imani
(Lakara Performs)
3:28-3:35

Queen Sheba
3:35-4:05

Phoenixyz
4:06-4:12

Lakara & Imani
(Hosts)
4:12-4:15pm

Meek
4:15-4:35

Lakara & Imani
(Imani Performs)
4:35-4:43

Lola
4:43-5:13pm

Look for performers at the Tent near the Stage where you will be able to purchase cd's, books and more...also RRR Artist Explosion will have a booth in the Market Place..near the Bud/Budlight Stage...booth number coming soon.

Following the RRR Cafe Artist Explosion join us for the ANNUAL DYKE MARCH
Kicking off just above the Bud/Budlight Stage on Pine Street.

DYKE MARCH
SECURITY NOTICE: Please be advised that the Atlanta Police Department is responsible for enforcing all applicable state laws and local ordinances during Pride events. Such statutes may include, but are not limited to: public decency, alcohol, controlled substances, public safety, and standard vehicle insurance requirements

What Is Diversity by Michelle E. Brown

2007-04-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

What does Diversity mean to you or a VERY GAY community

What does diversity mean to you? Really, to you, personally not some textbook definition, what you heard some diversity trainer say or what you’ve seen or read in the newspaper or magazine. What is diversity to you?

You don’t have to use fancy words, graphs, percentages or head counts. Just explain it to me. Break it down like you were telling a five year old. Just tell me in a way that anyone can understand. Don’t give me a solution or work plan. Let’s just find a place where we can begin a real authentic dialogue.

Sound like a difficult task? Well that’s the opening on-air host and GLBTQ activist Betty Couvertier gave me to begin our conversation on her program “Alternative Perspectives: The Voice of the GLBTQ community and our Allies. ” The program airs weekly on WRFG (Radio Free Georgia) 89.3 FM every Tuesday night from 7-8PM and is streamed at http://wrfg.org .

Couvertier, a Latina and native New Yorker, moved to Atlanta Georgia in 1995. After her arrival, she became active in gay organizations, including the “Atlanta Pride Committee” and “Georgians against Discrimination.” She was co-chair of the coalition of gay rights groups, religious leaders and straight organizations that formed after the Georgia General Assembly passed a gay marriage ban in November 2004. Couvertier also works with the Human Rights Campaign which is where our paths first crossed.

There we were, two sisters of color, working to build diversity not just within our respective communities but within an organization with the dubious reputation of being “a rich white boys’ club.”

One of the many things we agreed upon was the need for communities of color to act locally but also have a voice nationally. But what we were both seeing that despite all the trainings, goal setting and attempts at inclusivity, attaining real diversity was as difficult, if not more so ,than attaining full equality for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender and Queer community.

Betty and I often share thoughts, correspondence and even articles that reflect our concerns about a number of social justice issues, especially diversity.

So diversity, just what is it? This is by no means the “Gospel according to Betty and Michelle” but hopefully the beginning of a national, grass roots dialogue everyday people, just like you, will participate in at either of our blogs or maybe even on a future installment of “Alternative Perspectives: The Voice of the GLBTQ community and our Allies. ”

For Betty diversity is the humanity of each of us. It is the right to be free, to express who we are, and be who we are. It is the inclusion of our experiences, our environment, and finding the commonality of it all, based on the human rights that we all are entitled to and the value of each human being. It s finding our differences and transforming them into knowledge, that will enable all of us to understand, and communicate and build bridges of community.

For me it is the recognition, acknowledgement and celebration of our individual differences and uniqueness. It’s seeing each of us as an irreplaceable and invaluable resource in the sustainability of not just humanity/civilization but the earth itself. With this recognition and acknowledgement, especially in the United States of America, we must also come to terms with the truth that despite the wisdom and potential in a literal reading of the constitution for full equality, in reality, it is flawed document built on a patriarchal viewpoint rife with the politics of domination inherent in misogyny, racism, classism and homophobia.

Sitting at the Michigan Opera Theatre recently, I had one of those “Aha!” diversity moments. Here in Detroit, a rust belt city epitomizing all the challenges facing America – high unemployment, job loss, urban deteriorating, violence – I sat, a part of an audience of young, old, rich, poor, black, white, suburban and urban dwellers, enjoying a performance that at one moment brought us to tears and then to our feet in thunderous applause.

The opera, Turandot, by an Italian composer, telling a story of intrigue, passion, sacrifice and ultimately love in the legendary forbidden city of Peking was performed by an international and multi-ethnic cast. Oh beauty, Oh art, that every day life might one day imitate you.

Betty and I share the belief that the GLBTQ and ally community, as we grapple with our own internal diversity and struggle for equality, can be agents of change for a real paradigm shift moving society as a whole towards a country, despite the contradictions of its founding fathers, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all Americans/Human Beings are created equal.

In Betty’s words “Our Diversity is our Army, Inclusion our Weapon and Community our Victory. There is no other community on the face of the earth that brings the colors, religions, cultures, regions, economics, genders, ages, sexual orientations, and political affiliations together in one common cause. We must take advantage of that, and build the bridges that will take us to where we want to be.”

And so I ask again. What does diversity mean to you - Really, to you, personally? Join in our conversation at my website or at http://betty-talk.blogspot.com/. Better yet, start your own conversation. But let’s, at a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor, person-to-person level not just talk about diversity but live it.

The result, if we listen to each other and to our hearts, will be a truly diverse and (by Merriam Webster’s own definition for the word as keenly alive and exuberant) very GAY community.

"Age does not protect you from love, but love, to some extent,
protects you from age."--Jeanne Moreau

prose, poetry, essays, books
and new projects of
Michelle E. Brown

http://www.michelleelizabethbrown.com/

Happy New Year

2007-01-11T01:18:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
THE WOMAN'S WORLDONLINE WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING http://womansworldonline.net ...FROM THERE YOU CAN GO TO http://uniteandact.org for all the news by clicking on my pic.The Woman's Worldonline website has the calender...where you can clik and see...also on page is the current month' schedule for Alternative Perspectives. ..the Radio program for you and by you that airs on tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm...the voice of the GLBTQ community and our allies, on WRFG 89.3 fm...your station for progressive information. We stream @ http://wrfg.org.

Have you ever thought about being on the radio...well join the Alternative Perspectives Production Team...and learn about WRFG...the broadcast class...and how you can volunteer to help keep the airwaves of independent radio sending the message. Contact me at
betlear@yahoo.com if interested. WE HAVE A VOICE...LET' S USE IT.

We have some events coming up...
Talk OUT...Feb 22...6 to 9 pm...@ City Hall East...Sherry Lyons Auditorium.. .Our Youth, Our Future. A HRC sponsored event, produced my MYBROTHAZ KEEPER.

MLK March...march with HRC..Diversity Committee... meet us at the free breakfast on monday, Jan. 15, 10am...Postive Impact...139 Ralph McGill...from there we will walk over to Peachtree and Ellis, which is the meetup place for the GLBTQ organizations and marchers.

On January 18th...WRFG and Alternative Perspectives has been invited to have a info table at the AEN monthly meeting.. go to http://aen.org/ for more info...so if you are curious about WRFG...want to know more ...here is your opportunity. ..@ the Sheraton Midtown...all info is at the website for AEN.Mark the dates...

Final Four is coming, a free HRC diversity community event...and it will be either on April 1 or 3...check out the calender at
http://womansworldonline.net for updates...for time and location.

Gospel and Soul is coming again...an HRC sponsored event...July 21,,tenative date...and it will be held at the First Metropolitan Church...on Tullie RD...more info coming...soon

Now back to Alternative Perspectives:
The news is delivered each week by Dyana Bagby of SOVO (Southern Voice)at 7:05pm...she gives us the top local, national and international stories, provides some of the recreational highlights, and what you will find in the next publication. We highlight some of the key social justice activist, up and coming local artist in the literary world as well as the music world, and we want to include you...and you can do that by calling in @ 404 523 8989 and join the conversation, ask questions, and make comments during the show.

Currently, I am in need of folks who are active in the community to help me keep up with all that is happening. 2007 will be a busy year..so if you know or you yourself are involved in the community, especially in the Social Justice/Political issues, I want to hear from you or your friend, again you can contact me at betlear@yahoo.com and provide me with a brief description of the work that is being done.

For music and literary interviews, please provide me with a review copy of cd or book...for approval...again email me and then I will send you info to send. Music can be sent via email in the form of MP3 or Wav...remember that it is radio...and we follow FCC rules...so it must be clean...:)

Do you have a story to tell about being a GLBTQ individual? Do you have experiences to share from work, home, family, church...a personal discovery about your life? I want to hear from you.

My vision for my community is that we will share our knowledge, and our experiences. That in sharing we will recognize our commonalities, and that our differences are assets that will make us stronger as a community.

Woman's World came from that vision, of sharing..we evolved to Woman's WorldOnline, and I attempted to provide information, not only about the parties, but also of the activism that I had become embedded in...and the issues that affect us...as we evolve once again...to a voice for the GLBTQ community... we are at that next level...to be heard...to speak up...and get our message out beyond our niches and tell our stories, talk about how we feel, and to include...and for that I need you....

Don't forget to visit the website http://womansworldonline.net You can post here if you want to send me a message..or email me at betlear@yahoo.com

In Community
Betty
Founder of Woman's WorldOnline
Producer of Alternative Perspectives on WRFG 89.3 Tuesday 7-8pm

TALK OUT 2006..GOD, THE BIBLE AND YOUR SEXUALITY

2006-12-16T23:17:00.000-05:00

HELLO ALL...THE FOURTH TALK OUT 2006...TOOK PLACE THIS PAST THURSDAY, 12/14, SPONSORED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN.

The panel pictured, left to right..Elder Elliot Sommerville,of Vision Church, Bryan Endey, Author of 'Filling In The Empty Spaces', Pastor Paul Turner, of Gentlespirit Church, and Rev. Dr. Kathy Martin, MCC.

The next Forum is scheduled for Feb. 22...Our Youth, Our Future...is the topic..the forums are held at City Hall East, Sherry Lyons Auditorium, 6 to 9pm...with a meet and greet from 6pm to 7pm..with a light buffet..and there is free parking. Stay tuned for more info coming soon.

InterPride

2006-10-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

Spent 5 days in Portland, Maine...first time visiting Maine...it is a beautiful place aee pics..

I was in Portland, for the InterPride Annual Conference, and I must say it was a enlightening experience.

I was honored to be asked by Jill Barkley, the Dyke March Workshop coordinator for Portlant Pride...to join her in presenting the first ever Dyke March Workshop 101...it was educational for me and I hope that my information on the Atlanta Dyke March was helpful.

Inclusivity or Diversity seems to be what is most needed in the Pride across the country and globally..

First let me say that not only were national prides represented, so were numerous international prides, such as Moscow, Zurich, Poland, Brazil, SriLanka, Philipines, Belgrade, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, along with Atlanta, GA, South Carolina, Florida, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York and so many others...a true building of community, that goes beyond our own backyard...but alot more work is needed to include all prides, all around the world...

Back to Portland, Maine...on our first day in Portland we were able to do a bit of sightseeing..so we visited a couple of the light houses...much to my amazement...the rock ledges were extraordinary...beautiful...we were standing at the edge of the world....

Beautiful natural sites..that sometimes seem so far away from us in commercial cities...away from the waters that encircle us...where lights beacon to the ships to keep them safe...and sea gulls sit upon the waves that meet the land...and the sun meets the sea...

Loss of Founding Father of WRFG

2006-10-21T12:58:00.000-04:00

Last week, on Oct 12, WRFG 89.3 lost one of its founders, Ebon Dooley, Broadcast Director, and mentor to me and so many others. Ebon was instrumental in the approval of 'Alternative Perspectives' a radio program about the GLBTQ community and our Allies. In the last few days I have learned from many others who knew him for much longer than I, just how he touched all of us in the same way. Ebon was a Scholar, a Lawyer, a Poet, a Humanitarian, a man of the People who loved nature, mild mannered, soft spoken and wise. He taught me patience, with a smile, and offered encouragement to persue the vision, he stood by me and advised me, he knew the struggle and never relented.

Ebon, was the father of Public Affairs programming at WRFG...and 'Alternative Perspectives' is part of that programming. In the next 2 weeks, starting Oct 23, WRFG will be conducting their Fall Marathon, their major fundrasing event. This marathon will be the first for 'Alternative Perspectives' and I am asking for your support...by calling in and pledging your financial support, in any amount. Alternative Perspectives is a unique opportunity for the Atlanta GLBTQ community to have a voice...and engage with the listening audience in dialoque...about who we are.

We have 2 opportunities during the marathon, Oct 24 and Oct 31 to show our support for WRFG. So if you can please call 404 523 8989...and make a pledge...WRFG is a community supported radio station...

Oct 24th Program:
Donna Narducci, Ex. Director AtlantaPride
Jeff Graham, Senior Director, Advocacy and Communications, AidsSurvival

Oct 31 Program
Pastor Paul Turner, Gentlespirit Church
Greg Smith, Director Outreach, AidsSurvival

Peace
Betty

Clik on title of post for more information about wrfg 89.3
Visit my new website http://womansworldonline.net clik on pic for all the news

Protest City of Atlanta

2006-10-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

BREAKING NEWS:
City Policy under fire for banning HIV-positive massage
therapists. Read article at:
http://sovo.com/2006/10-20/news/localnews/direct.cfm

On Tuesday, Oct 24th..7pm to 8pm on WRFG 89.3
Jeff Graham Senior Director, Advocacy and Communication
for AidsSurvival will be interviewed on 'Alternative
Perspectives' the voice of the GLBTQ community. We will discuss the
recent SoVo article, link above.

You don't want to miss this program, learn the facts
join in the conversation, call in number 404 523 8989

It is primitive and a ridiculous notion that HIV can
be spread by touch.
It is unjust to prevent individuals from making a living
I am stunned at the ignorance of our City Officials.
Call the Mayor's office @ 404 330 6100

Mayor Franklin must take immediate steps to overturn
antiquated laws, that are so obviously discriminatory.

I speak from experience, as the one time President of
The Putnam Aids Task Force, 1982, in Putnam County, NY.
I dealt directly with the district Health Dept...and
we were educated then about the spread of HIV/Aids.
Where have our officials in Atlanta been for the last 25 years...

Informative second show

2006-10-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

The second airing of 'Alternative Perspectives' was extraordinary. Alice Lovelace, of the United States Social Forum, shared the progress of the planning for the first ever United States Social Forum, June/07. If you clik on the link of this article it will take you to the USSF website...

CausticDames, were present with all their love and talent...and their insights about entrepreneurship, and community service. Aislinn Cummings conducted the interview with the CausticDames.

Next week, Oct 17 on WRFG 89.3 7pm to 8pm EST, Shonia Brown of Nghosibooks.com will join me in the studio, along with LA of Famnation...Shonia has arranged for 4 interviews from across the nation, sharing their creativity and their activism...LA of Famnation will share information about the FREE DAY FAIR COMING OCT 25 TO ATLANTA...so make sure you tune in...we stream at http://wrfg.org

Alternative Perspectives, the voice of the GLBTQ community and our allies..is intended to give the GLBTQ a voice, to be heard, and to share our thoughts about all the issues and concerns that affect us. Become a part of the discussions, and call in with your questions and your support @ 404 523 8989..Marathon week starts Oct 23...so on Oct 24 and Oct 31 we will be asking you to support this new program and help us grow...and keep WRFG 89.3, your station for progressive information on the air. This will be the first Marathon for Alternative Perspectives, so help me make it a successful one, and keep me talking.

See you on the Radio
Betty

First Show...Success

2006-10-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

Hello...The first broadcast of 'Alternative Perspectives' happened on Tuesday, Oct 3..and we had a jammed packed program.

Larry Pellegrini..GLBTQ Lobbyist was with us, as was Traci and Willis of The World Can't Wait...2 members of the production team for Alternative Perspectives were with us.

We received a few callins..with comments, pro and con, about the subject we were discussing...the war, protesting, lobbying etc...and how it all affects the GLBTQ community and society.

Upon my arrival home last night...I had numerous emails from as far away as New York, and as close as Louisiana, and Florida in support of the program. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement, and participation of the GLBTQ community.

It is empowering to have a voice, and know that it is being heard.

Oct 10th show..Alice Lovelace...Southeast National Director for the United States Social Forum coming to Atlanta, June/07

CausticDames live in the studio...

and the Alternative Perspectives, production team.

We encourage your callins at 404 523 8989...your comments, and opinions are welcomed, dialogue is the key to community and building the bridges needed.

I have spent the last 3 years preparing for this...involved in my community, learning, talking, building relationships, that lead to the conversations, to cross those lines that intimidate, make us feel uncomfortable...but necessary.

This adventure, this journey that I have embarked on, is the next step, to events in my life that I view as destined, everything in divine order. I also know that none of us do anything alone, along the way individuals have crossed my path to encourage, and to help me move forward..others have actually joined and continue to do so...and are making the journey with me. I thank everyone that has had and have the vision of a world that can be just, fair to all, regardless of who they are, where they come from, there color, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, or socio-economic status.

My personal goals are to continue to learn, to find the answers to all that perplexes me and confuses me. It is a time for change, and we must do it together. Alternative Perspectives is a opportunity to be heard and to hear all of you. It is a blessing (ngosi) the African word for blessing. On Oct 17, you will learn how and when Ngosi, became a part of my life. So tune in on Oct 17, 7pm to 8pm to WRFG 89.3 and hear the story.

The previous post on this Blog has the Oct. schedule.

You can also keep up with the progress of Alternative Perspectives at
FamNation.com, link on sidebar, there you will be able to read some of the reviews of the program.

Peace
See you on the Radio
Betty

Talk Radio...Alternative Perspectives

2006-09-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Well the time is drawing near for the debut of 'Alternative Perspectives' the radio program about the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and our Allies Community. The date is Oct 3, 2006...tuesday from 7pm to 8pm on WRFG 89.3...your station for progressive information. Call in number 404 523 8989.

I am excited and a bit scared...though I have produced more than a dozen programs in the past couple of years...and most of them recently...thanks to the generosity of my fellow airshifters, Adam Shapiro and Brian Sherman...Alternative Perspectives will be my show...allowing for a voice...to be heard in greater Atlanta and beyond...we stream @ http://wrfg.org ..and I hope that we catch the ears of those outside our area...

My hopes are that we will be able to reach a listening audience...that may not know to much about who we are...I want to be able to give some identity to the GLBTQ community...and along with our allies who support our struggle for equality, become the voice that will provide real stories, real situations, and real issues...our perserverance and our determination for justice...speaking to the truth about who we are. We have for a long time been maligned...by those that claim to be christian...but have lost their way, in my opinion, judging what they know little about.

What has brought me here...my involvement in the community, starting mainly with my participation in the Committee that was born...in 2004...Georgians Against Discrimination, formed to fight SR595...the amendment to the Georgia Constitution banning same sex marriage...and any other form of union for same sex relationships. We lost that vote...in 2004...but it was declared unconstitutional in 2006...and challenged by Governor Perdue...and reactivated and now stands as law again...but the struggle is not over...though I had been involved in the community socially and than organizing...GAD lit the political spark for me...

We have realized as a community that more work is needed...and new insights have been learned..and we now have stratedgies such as the petition...'Beyond Same Sex Marriage'. We have learned that we need to organize in such a way that our common goals must be the road we take...and building community within the GLBTQ community and our allies is absolutely necessary.

By gaining a voice on WRFG...89.3...we have an opportunity to discuss on public radio the issues that affect us...we can come together to tell our stories...and why it is so necessary to gain equality...on our jobs, our personal relationships, how to protect our children and how to benefit from what we build together as a family....

I believe that Diversity is our Army, Inclusion our Weapon, and Community our Victory....We are the most diverse community on the face of the earth...and by including everyone...and reaching out to our allies we can form a community that will be victorious and live up to our most precious 'Inalienable Rights' in our 'Pursuit to Happiness'.

I hope that once the program begins that this forum will be used to express your thoughts about what you heard...to ask questions and make comments...though we will open the phone lines at each airing...the program is only 1 hour..and sometimes we will not have the time to take every call...so I have created this forum specifically for the purpose of staying in touch with you the listening audience, and in time will create a weekly 'Betty-Talk' segment on air to address some of the questions and comments that post here the following week of the referred program.

The success of the program will depend on the quality of the programs, in this area I plan to invite community leaders, from the social, political, entertainment, religious, and news updates about the GLBTQ community locally, nationally and globally. It will also depend on you the listening audience...to listen and support the program...WRFG is a community supported station..and depends on the support of the community to stay on air...

The program will also be a resource to clarify...and give information about organizations that are working for you...such as HRC (Human Rights Campaign) AtlantaPride the producers of the largest GLBTQ festival in the southeast, and Trans=Action...A transgender organization among some...I name these because I am a member of each. In the past I have interviewed members of these organizations and also, AidsAtlanta, PFLAG, Unity Fellowship Church, ITLA, AHLI, TAVA, YouthPride, the interviews were brief because of time, but I hope to bring these organizations back to have more intense and detailed conversations about the work they do...I have interviewed talented individuals who have shared their work with us...and they to will be back...

Alternative Perspectives will be a community public affairs program...offering updates on the GLBTQ community...it will be news for you, by you and about you...and our allies.

Preview of Programming:
Oct 3
Learn to Lobby...with Larry Pelligrini GLBTQ lobbyist
Learn about the National Political Action scheduled for Oct 5...Traci of The World Can't Wait will be with us
Lakara Foster...author and poet...of 'The Day The Truth Was Told'
Hear the intro song..for program...by Lilli Lewis 'Less Than Holy'
and hear the new cd by 'CausticDames'

Oct 10
Alice Lovelace...Southeast National Director for the United State Social Forum coming June/07
CausticDames live in the studio...hear about their feed the hungry program

Oct 17
Shonia Brown...founder and CEO of Nghosibooks.com
hear phone interviews from some of the upcoming stars of tomorrow...

Oct 24
Donna Narducci, ED. of AtlantaPride...speaking to us..about her humanitarian trip with the Rainbow Fund to Guatemala...plus a look at the Pride Conference coming up...in Portland, Maine

Stay tuned for more weekly lineups...

Clik on title of post and visit.. Woman's World Online

and please post...anytime...with comments...questions...and if you have news I can use...let me know...@ betlear_info@yahoo.com

Thanks see you on the radio...:)

Betty

Interview of 'Walk Like A Man'

2006-09-12T13:18:00.000-04:00

The interview on WRFG on monday sept. 11 with Laurinda D. Brown was awesome...as was the BlackPride wrapup with Zandra Conway. visit Laurinda' website and get more info on all her books..and books signing coming up.. Walk Like A Man release date Oct 14...clik on title of this post to learn more...

Walk Like A Man

2006-09-09T07:35:00.000-04:00

Monday Sept. 11..special interview on WRFG...Laurinda D. Brown...Author and Playwrite...of Walk Like A Man..will be interviewed on WRFG 89.3 from noon to 1pm...on Know The World..with Brian Sherman...filling in Betty Couvertier...also joining us will be Zandra Conway...of ITLA..and producers of BlackPride..with a wrapup of BlackPride...

Betty Talk: Betty Talk

2006-08-30T07:42:00.000-04:00

Betty Talk: Betty Talk

2006-08-23T00:26:00.000-04:00

New Zealand Human Rights Law ProtectsTranssexuals
365 Gay: "(Wellington) New Zealand has become thelatest country to provide protections for the transgendered. Transsexuals arenot specifically named in categories covered by New Zealand's Human Rights Act."

2006-08-23T00:25:00.001-04:00

Pair Charged In Deadly Blast Linked To GayPride Protest
365 Gay: "(Moscow) Prosecutors charged two people with hate crimes Tuesday inconnection with the bombing of a bazaar that killed 10 people and highlightedconcerns over the growing number of racially motivated attacks in Russia."

2006-08-23T00:25:00.000-04:00

'We Are Part Of You' Black Gays Tell NYCAfrican Americans
365 Gay: "(New York City) Black gay community leaders andNew York politicians unveiled a bold new transit and billboard campaign inHarlem Tuesday aimed at reminding African Americans that gays are part of thelarger Black population."

2006-08-23T00:24:00.000-04:00

Most NY Democrats Support Gay Marriage - ButNot A Clear Majority
365 Gay: "(New York City) A new poll showsthat 48 percent of likely New York State Democratic primary voterssupport same-sex marriage while 32 percent are opposed."

2006-08-23T00:23:00.001-04:00

LGBTSchool Bill Passes Calif. Assembly
365 Gay: "(Sacramento, California) Legislation banning materials and activities inCalifornia schools that are discriminatory towards the state's LGBT community orportray gays in a negative light was passed late Monday afternoon in theAssembly."

2006-08-23T00:23:00.000-04:00

Gay Foes Under Fire For Alabama CandidatesQuestionnaire
365 Gay: "(Montgomery, Alabama) A conservative groupthat orchestrated this year's amendment to the Alabama state constitution to bansame-sex marriage is under fire for a questionnaire asking candidates to thelegislature for their position on admitting gays the the Alabama National Guard."

2006-08-23T00:22:00.000-04:00

Gays All But Disappear From Network TV
365 Gay: "(Los Angeles, California) The number of LGBT characters on major networkprimetime shows continues to drop according to a study of the upcoming fallseason."

2006-08-23T00:20:00.000-04:00

CriminalProbe Launched Into Failed Cincinnati Anti-Gay Referendum
365 Gay: "(Cincinnati, Ohio) A criminal investigation has begun into allegations of election fraud in connection withthe collection of signatures on a referendum to repeal Cincinnati's LGBT rights ordinance."

Rainbow in Guatemala

2006-08-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

I have been a few days behind in posting...but here I am....

This blog is intended to keep you up on the progression of the new radio program 'Alternative Perspectives' due to air on WRFG 89.3fm on Oct 3. 7pm to 8pm. I will also be posting news that affects the GLBTQ on a daily basis.

In recent months I have been given the opportunity to produce several programs about the GLBTQ community, news and views and the issues that concern us. As the debut date for 'Alternative Perspectives' draws near...I have been able to bring news about the GLBTQ community and the issues that affect us, on a weekly basis, on 'Know The World' producer Brian Sherman, a GLBTQ ally, during the progressive news hour from noon to 1pm, on mondays. The progressive news hour airs from noon to 1pm, monday-friday, each day bringing you news that you do not hear anywhere else.
This coming week, monday 8/21, I am please to announce that Donna Narducci, Executive Director, AtlantaPride will be interviewed at 12:20pm on WRFG 89.3, about her trip to Guatemala, with the Rainbow Fund. If you clik on the title of this post you will go to the recent article written about this humanitarian mission by the GLBTQ community.

2006-08-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

Murder Probe Expands To Criminal ConspiracyInvestigation Of 3 In DC
365 Gay: "(Washington) The investigation into the murder of a Washington, D.C. attorneyin the home of a prominent gay couple reportedly has been expanded to includepotential criminal conspiracy charges."

2006-08-19T12:30:00.001-04:00

Anglican Leader Calls Episcopal Bishops toMeeting Over Gay Clergy
365 Gay: "(New York City) The spiritual leader ofworld Anglicanism has asked six Episcopal bishops to meet in New York next monthto try and resolve differences over homosexuality tearing at their church."

2006-08-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

WorldAIDS Conference Ends With Plea To Governments
365 Gay: "(Toronto, Ontario) World governments were exhorted Friday to step up to theplate and deliver on funding promises and the social change needed to stopspread of HIV-AIDS and provide lifelong treatment for current sufferers,regardless of their ability to pay."

2006-08-15T11:32:00.000-04:00

Four-Drug Cocktail 'No More Effective' ThanOne With Three Drugs
365 Gay: "(Chicago, Illinois) A four-drug cocktail isn't any better for treating newly diagnosedHIV infection than the standard three-drug regimen, according to a study thatfollowed 765 patients for three years."

2006-08-15T11:31:00.001-04:00

Clinton, Gates Discuss AIDS Priorities
365 Gay: "(Toronto, Ontario) The event was described as adouble-Bill: Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former U.S. president Bill Clintonshared the stage Monday at the International AIDS Conference, calling on theworld to make the fight against HIV/AIDS a priority."

2006-08-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

Criminal Probe Into Estonia Gay Pride Attack
365 Gay: "(Tallinn) The Tallinn Chief Prosecutor on Mondayordered a criminal investigation into Saturday's attack on marchers in a gaypride parade in the capital."

2006-08-15T11:30:00.001-04:00

China Gays Rebuff Websites
365 Gay: "(Beijing) The saying 'if you build it they will come' has been resoundinglydebunked by China's immense gay population. "

2006-08-13T23:01:00.000-04:00

Lesbian Principals Win Discrimination Case
365 Gay: "(Cheyenne, Wyoming) A federal court jury has awarded $160,000 to a lesbiancouple who contended neither was fairly considered for school administrativejobs in Sheridan because of their sexual orientation."

McKinney Challenges 'results'

2006-08-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

Electronic voting, no voter intent, no paper trail, no recount, our priviledge and our right to vote compromised, where are we headed? Is this part of the bigger picture and plan of this administration to transform this democracy to a Theocracy???? Please add your comments.

We are getting ready for Alternative Perspectives...a radio program that will bring you news of the GLBTQ community and all the issues that affect us...If you want your comments to be used on the air..please email me with your contact info...and if you want to be on the air...contact me so that I can provide you with the call in number, during the program.

Clik on title of this post for exclusive breaking news by APN...this news was an exclusive on WRFG 89.3 on thursday 8/10...on Current Events with Adam Shapiro, on the Progressive News Hour, Noon to 1pm.

Voting is the most important privledge and responsibility that we as citizens of the United States have. We must inform ourselves of the process and what it means...on Oct. 3, Alternative Perspectives will devote the majority of the program to Lobbying,with Larry Pelligrini, Voting, and Organizing. On the lighter side..we will also have a bit of spoken word, from one of Atlanta's newest and talented author/spoken word artist, Lakara Foster.

Oct. 10...Alice Lovelace, author, poet, activist, and GLBTQ ally, and one of the Southeast organizers of the United States Social Forum, ...A Global forum that will bring 20,000 social justice activist to Atlanta, GA. in June/07 listen in to WRFG 89.3 Tuesday, Oct 10 7pm to 8pm and learn more.

MediaAudit

2006-08-10T02:14:00.000-04:00

My first post... a study by the The Media
Audit...obtained by one of the media production team
for Alternative Perspectives, in preparation for the
debut broadcast in October. Giving us a preview about how well this new show will do...

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

NPR: An Oft Unreported, But Formidable Airwaves
Presence

According to a telephone study of 114,035 adults
across 84 cities in 2005 and early 2006 recently
released byThe Media Audit, National Public Radio is
the 4th most listened to radio format.

Bob Jordan, president of The Media Audit, commented
"Listening to public radio has been growing steadily
over the past 20 years.... Awareness of public radio's
growth as a format (though) has not been that visible
since data for public stations are not reported in th
primary audience ratings service. Today National
Public Radio garners an adult audience 75% as large as
News/Talk, the largest format in the nation."

Radio Weekly Audience

Rank Format Weekly Adult Audience (millions)

1 News/Talk 19.4

2 Country 18.5

3 Chr 17.2

4 NPR 14.7

5 Dance 13.6

6 Classic Rock 12.1

7 Rock 11.6

8 R&B - Urban 11.2

9 Religious 11.0

10 Talk 10.1

Source: MediaAudit/Ipsos, 2006

"Programmers of commercial radio stations need to know
who their competition is" says Jim Higginbotham,
Chairman and head of research at The Media Audit.
"Public radio stations are not a big factor in terms
of the ad dollars they take from commercial radio,
however public stations can be a big factor in
garnering audience. And ultimately that can cost
commercial radio revenue. National Public Radio
stations edged ahead of Country as the number two
format for adults' in "most listened to" stations."

Radio Listened To Most Often (millions)

Rank/ Format/ Audience/

1 News/Talk 11.1

2 NPR 8.6

3 Country 8.4

4 Religious 6.1

5 Talk 5.1

5 CHR 5.1

5 Dance 5.1

8 R&B - Urban 4.3

9 Rock 4.2

10 Classic Rock 4.0

Source: MediaAudit/Ipsos, 2006

Of the top 10 formats, National Public Radio is the
top format converting listeners into loyal listeners.

Conversion to Most Often Listener

Weekly Cume(MM) Most Often Listened To(MM) Conversion
Ratio(%)

NPR 14.7--- 8.6 --- 59%

News/Talk 19.4--- 11.1--- 57

Religious 11.0--- 6.1--- 55

Talk 10.1--- 5.1--- 50

Country 18.6--- 8.4--- 45

R&B - Urban 11.2--- 4.3--- 38

Dance 13.8--- 5.1--- 38

Rock 11.6--- 4.2--- 36

Classic Rock 12.1--- 4.0--- 33

CHR 17.2--- 5.1--- 30

Source: MediaAudit/Ipsos, 2006

2006-08-10T01:46:00.000-04:00

Anti-Gay Billboard Suit Likely To Go ToSupreme Court
365 Gay: "(New York City) A conservative pastor who isbattling Staten Island for ordering the removal of a billboard containing aBiblical condemnation of homosexuality says he is prepared to take the fight allthe way to the US Supreme Court. "

2006-08-10T01:45:00.000-04:00

Evangelicals Divided On Gays, Other Issues
365 Gay: "(New York City) University of Akron polling finds evangelical Protestants are thelargest segment of actively religious Americans, outnumbering Roman Catholics.But the definition of ``evangelical'' is open to dispute."

2006-08-10T01:44:00.000-04:00

IowaLawmakers Rebuffed In Gay Marriage Case
365 Gay: "(Des Moines, Iowa) An Iowa judge on Wednesday told a group of legislators -all but one Republicans - that they have no right trying to intercede in alawsuit over the constitutionality of same-sex marriage."

2006-08-09T14:43:00.000-04:00

Latvian Anti-Gay Protestors Not Part Of WiderMovement Government Says
365 Gay: "(Riga) A probe into a right wing militantgroup involved in last month's violent attack on the gay community shows that itdid not receiving funding or support from other organizations the governmentannounced on Tuesday."

2006-08-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

Backing Gay Measure Costs Fla. Politician KeySupporter
365 Gay: "(Orlando, Florida) Support for a fair-housing ordinance that prohibits discrimination against gays and lesbians has costOrange County Mayor Rich Crotty the support of his biggest re-election backer."

2006-08-09T02:06:00.000-04:00

Gay Sports Events Windfalls For Montreal,Chicago
365 Gay: "(Chicago) With only preliminary numbers inboth Chicago and Montreal say they raked in tens of millions of dollars from theGay Games and Outgames. Additionally both sets of competing sports events expect to show surpluses."

2006-08-09T02:05:00.000-04:00

Gay Accuses Canadian Officials Of DraggingFeet On Hate Crimes
365 Gay: "(Edmonton, Alberta) An Edmonton gay man saysgovernment agencies are not moving quickly enough to shut down a series of Websites that he believes promote hatred of gays."

2006-08-09T02:04:00.000-04:00

MilitaryCadet's Thesis Challenges 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
365 Gay: "(Washington) Alexander Raggio was just 16 when he became the first to learn thatone of his relatives was gay."

2006-08-08T19:22:00.001-04:00

HIV Ads Pulled After Gay Group Protests
365 Gay: "(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) An ad campaign aimed at African Americans on the"down-low" has been pulled after a Black LGBT group complained aboutthe images."

2006-08-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Pro, Anti-Gay Amendments Likely For ColoradoBallot
365 Gay: "(Denver, Colorado) Two proposed amendmentsfavorable to same-sex couples and one that would ban gay marriage appear likelyto make it onto the ballot in November."

2006-08-08T11:35:00.002-04:00

Calif.Gay Curriculum Bill Gutted
365 Gay: "(Sacramento, California) A bill that would have required California schools toteach LGBT history was watered down Monday in a last ditch effort to save itfrom Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's threatened veto."

2006-08-08T11:35:00.001-04:00

Married Lesbian Pastor Met WithOpposition In Canadian Anglican Church
365 Gay: "(Ottawa) Linda Privitera, an ordained priest in the U.S. Episcopal Church, has felt"marginalized'' ever since joining her spouse Melissa Haussman - a CarletonUniversity professor - last fall in Canada."

2006-08-08T11:35:00.000-04:00

VotersTurf Out Commissioners Who Tried To Criminalize Gays
365 Gay: "(Nashville, Tennessee) Voters in rural Rhea County have turned their backs onfive commissioners who voted to make homosexuality a criminal offense."

2006-08-07T20:10:00.001-04:00

WorldPride Anti-Gay Demo Fizzles
365 Gay: "(Jerusalem) About 90 LGBT youths toured the Kensett- Israel's Parliament - on Monday, part of WorldPride events being staged inJerusalem."

2006-08-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

ConnecticutSupreme Court Rejects Intervention In Gay Marriage Case
365 Gay: "(Hartford, Connecticut) The Connecticut Supreme Court on Monday denied amotion from a conservative lobby group to intervene in a lawsuit by same-sexcouples seeking the right to marry."

2006-08-07T20:09:00.000-04:00

FOFFunding Colorado Anti-Gay Amendment Drive
365 Gay: "(Colorado Springs, Colorado) The Colorado Family Action Council - theorganization behind a proposed amendment to the state constitution that wouldoutlaw same-sex marriage - has been found to be a front for Focus on the Family,the Colorado Springs group that fights LGBT issues across the country."

2006-08-07T19:29:00.000-04:00

GaysPacking Up & Leaving Virginia
365 Gay: "(Washington) As Virginia moves closer to approving an amendment to itsstate constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, civil unions and possiblybe used to void domestic partner benefits a sizable number of gays and lesbiansare reportedly leaving the state."

2006-08-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

Germany Refuses To Deport Lesbian ToIran
365 Gay: "(Berlin) A German court ruled on Monday that anIranian lesbian cannot be deported because she risks a death sentence because ofher sexuality."

2006-08-06T22:22:00.001-04:00

In 365 Gay: Priest Fired From AIDS Agency Because He's Gay

(Utica, New York) A central New York priestalleges that he was denied participation in a Catholic mission to help increaseH-I-V awareness in Africa because of his homosexuality.

2006-08-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

In 365 Gay: North Carolina Anti-Gay Amendment Thwarted

(Raleigh, North Carolina) For the third year gay foes in the North Carolinalegislature have failed to get traction for a proposed amendment that would bansame-sex marriage.

2006-08-06T22:21:00.001-04:00

In 365 Gay: Number Of PWAs Grows In Canada

(Ottawa) The number of people with HIV in Canadahas grown to 58,000, up from 50,000 in 2002 federal government report releasedMonday says.

2006-08-06T22:21:00.000-04:00

In 365 Gay: VirginiaGay Marriage Battle Counts On Ground Troops

(Richmond, Virginia) The dog days of summer are at their most dogged as an army ofclipboard-toting men and women fans out across Richmond's upscale West End.

2006-08-06T22:20:00.000-04:00

In 365 Gay: LesbianPrincipal Suit Goes To Trial

(Sheridan, Wyoming) A lesbian couple who contend neither was fairly considered for aschool principal job in Sheridan because of their sexual orientation did not getthe job because there were more qualified applicants, an attorney for the schooldistrict says.

2006-08-06T22:18:00.000-04:00

In 365 Gay: IndianPrince Speaks Out About Decision To Disinherit Gay Son

(New Delhi) For the first time the head of one of India's princely familiesspeaking out publicly about his decision to disown his only son and heir afterhe came out.