Achievements throughout the Years
Graffiti wrote "Hats off to the Terry Awards" 2007
Hello darlings. Well, well. I had a new discovery this past week and I want to share it with everyone. No, I haven't found the secret to the fountain of the youth, although I certainly could use it, but I have found a new web site for the entire West Virginia family.
While most of the copy is for men, there is a little something for the ladies. I'm sure Terry Urban, who developed West Virginia's Queer News at http://www.wvasqueernews.com , would love to have more lesbians and transgenders participate on the site. But, most of all, it is a great site with up-to-date information on news, dating, personals, and the gay scene in the Mountain State.
The Terry Awards were held March 18 at the Dils Center in Parkersburg honoring many writers for the site, as well as those who view its pages every day. This was a great evening, although I heard the real fun began after I left.
I had to leave before the Divas performed and I'm sorry I missed the show.
Terry must have a heart of gold, as well as a lot of talent to pull off this site. It also sounds like he has great support from people around the state. Terry's dream is to get the West Virginia gay community together more without it always having to be in the bars.
My hats off to you Terry, there is no reason to be hiding in the darkness of the bars anymore. Sure, I love a good party and we have some wonderful alternative clubs in the state. The music in these clubs is the best anywhere and the great atmosphere is obviously bringing many people in because I see as many straight people in the clubs these days as I see family.
We all support some wonderful causes and our dollar spends just like anyone else's. The Charleston Aids Network was in the house to receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Thanks to them for all their help.
Speaking of helping communities and making a difference. I was chatting with some of the writers from the site. Stacey Gabriel, who writes Lesbian Limbo and keeps up with the "L" Word," was sitting at a table of women ready to have a good time. Stacey's sister Candice was out for the evening to show some support for her sister. You go firl. It is hard when there is no family support, so when there is, it really helps.
The girls tell me the best place to find some companionship these days is on the golf course. I would take up the sport, but my heels get stuck in the grass. I get very excited looking at those long shafts and playing with those balls, well do I need to say more.
It was nice to meet everyone and find out what is happening around the state. We have to keep the clubs open, yet Terry has it right - we need to be more visible in the daytime in our communities fighting our battles. No one else will fight them for us.
By Picabo Pucker
Received an award from the Gaylife Newsletter, 9/23/2006 at the Reader's Choice Awards and Editors Achievement Awards for Best Gay Publication.
Received an award from the Gaylife Newsletter, 4/22/2008 at the Readers Choice Awards for Best Gay Publication.
Grafitti Writes
February 2008
WVA's BIG LGBT Pageant
One of the premiere evenings in West Virginia "gay" dom is almost here and I want to send a hurray to Terry and the annual Terry Awards along with the second annual Miss West Virginia Queer News Pageant.
The Parkersburg event will be held this year at 8pm, March 14th, 2008 at the Woodstarr, alternative club on Fifth Street. The evening starts with handing out the awards (best writers are chosen by readers) and ends with the pageant. The place will be packed with the stars of West VIrginia Queer News divas, writers, and long-time participants in the website that keep the pride community together in the state.
The site www.wvasqueernews.com has been an ongoing strength in the state in keeping LGBT and anyone wanting to be a part of an alternative lifestyle updated and informed.
Picabo
March 26th, 2008
Grafitti writes
What an evening! The Third Annual Terry Awards for WV Queer News was by far the best evening I have had in a great while. A thanks goes to anyone who was involved in the awards presentations and the wonderful pageant that took place afterwards.
Mimi and Ginger, owners of the Woodstarr in parkersburg, were hosts for the evening and they held back nothing. The drinks were flowing, the dancing was fabuous, and I dont know of anyone who didn't have a good time. This was my first time at Woodstarr and I highly recommend seeing their shows and checking out the bar.
West Virginia's gay community is lucky to have www.wvasqueernews.com Now in its third year, the gay community has a place to chat, get to know one another, find out what is goin on in the commmunities and stay in touch with world events. The awards are nominated and voted on by members of the site. For Grafitti to win an award from the state's gay community is a wonderful gift. Thanks to all for the music, arts, and politics. And, please enjoy the photos from the Terry Awards on Grafitti's CU site.
Picabo