Comments on: S.C. Governor demands personnel and procedure changes in tourism fracas

By: Uncle Zoloft

Uncle Zoloft — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:35:55 +0000

@atswim2boy: I know quite well about the money situation. I was totally offended that our state LGBT organizations received little to no national funds to help defeat the Amendment. Why? Because “it would be a waste of their resource.” So, no more donations to HRC, Lambda Legal, or other national groups who refused to lend a hand. My partner and I raised $10k from family and friends around the country to fight the amendment ~ and all I got was some lousy t-shirt.

Bitter? You bet your a$$. Not by the passing of the amendment but by bringing in out of stater’s to run the campaign.

Here’s a link to a project we created about the amendment, which is still being used in college courses around our state.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3E_oQKE37c

By: atswim2boys

atswim2boys — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:45:00 +0000

Uncle Zoloft… I think it is great you volunteered you time and your efforts to help against Amendment 1. Did you know that the amount of money all gay groups have COMBINED greatly pales in comparison to the billions spent by radical right groups? Money is tight. We’re the minority. Work is hard, as it should be. Nobody is ever given their rights; they have to fight for it.

By: Uncle Zoloft

Uncle Zoloft — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:46:55 +0000

@SouthCarolina,
I was involved in the battle against Amendment 1. My partner, his family and our friends all joined us on that line. I almost volunteered myself out of work. The one thing I have learned about volunteer organizations is that they will use your time but after they dole out $$$ to consultants, volunteers are left in the dust.

By: Sean S.

Sean S. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:59:39 +0000

While I too think the ad itself is kind of odd, and a little dumb, I generally think that of most states and countries attempts to advertise themselves. They almost always have a kind schlocky feel to them.

That said, I don’t think its an inaccurate ad, and especially considering the need for South Carolina to attract more tourist dollars, its a necessary one. Like I said in another post, Columbia is quickly becoming a tolerant city, with great overtures from city politicians and the community in general. I think its ridiculous for people to only reward or go places that are “obviously” gay friendly, and leaving cities in the dust that have a mixed track record. Without gay tourism and spending in Columbia, we will never get to the point of other cities, especially if others keep insisting on punishing the South, and consequently the communities that live here, by refusing to spend money in the state.

The one thing we learned here is that the gay-friendly businesses must do more to advertise themselves as a package to potential gay tourists, and must not be reliant upon state or city tourist boards.

By: South Carolina

South Carolina — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:34:02 +0000

And to Patrick,

Where have you been???? Columbia, SC has become one of the most supportive cities in the South. Passing the HRO and giving $10,000 to Pride this year and another $15,000 to the Center for education programs. These people work hard and don’t get payed for it!!!! So give them a little credit, I think they know what they are doing. They are doing an AMAZING job!!!!!!! Thank you to everyone involved with SC Pride!!!!!!!!

By: South Carolina

South Carolina — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:26:44 +0000

I love all the people that complain about the gay organizations in South Carolina that live in the state. I mean WTF….get involved please, if you can do better?! Most are volunteer, nobody is in your way.

I am so tired of people that criticize publicly but are on the SIDELINES!!!

SC Pride you are amazing!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!

By: Uncle Zoloft

Uncle Zoloft — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:35:44 +0000

I too live in South Carolina – by choice.

First off the copy and design of the original ad sucks and is not true.

Secondly the slogan “South Carolina will be So Gay” really, honestly and truly sucks. WTF does that mean?

Third: It’s time to start outing, and revealing the many past indiscretions, of the State’s politicians.

By: a. mcewen

a. mcewen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:48:21 +0000

one more thing. no one is paid to be a board member of sc pride. the leadership consists of volunteers.

By: a. mcewen

a. mcewen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:36:45 +0000

Sorry guy but I love my state and I support SC Pride.

What they are doing is what needs to be done to bring attention to the South Carolina lgbt community.

By: Patrick O

Patrick O — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:35:36 +0000

Whoever conceived that ad deserves to be fired – to claim that SC is “gay friendly” is fraud and does no favors to European gay tourist who have choices of destinations like Provincetown instead.

THe leadership of SC Pride deserves to be fired too – instead of campaigning for equal rights they are raising money for fraudulent ads and seem to think that hosting RuPaul Concerts is the way to fight discrimination.

If that’s the best leadership SC GLBTs have, they really should consider moving