LAMDA Legal Defense, HRC, NGLTF, riots, protests and proceedings ­ what has it gotten us? "Lifestyle" publications still get shunned to "special interest." Compromising civil unions ultimately get turned down. After 36 years of Gay Rights Activism advancing in all branches of government, it seems we're still fighting that good fight. Why is that? In recent times I have seen how both the LGBT and straight worlds can peacefully, as well as happily and productively, co-exist and those who strive to make it happen.

Did you see the OPEN HOUSE DANCE COMPANY's recent show R/Evolve like I told you to some issues back? If not, you not only missed an amazing local community performance but a pivotal opportunity to see how cultures can collide without conflict.

Founded by openly gay Artistic Director KEN GASCH, the purpose of OHDC, as stated in its mission, is to "include the community at large." With no gay agenda, the troupe's 10 dance professionals create unique and varied pieces incorporating dancers of all skill levels and backgrounds. One of which is a forty-something Catholic school teacher. Another extended her already expired visa in order to perform in the show while another was recently released from a Cambodian internment camp. These diverse dancers also pull a distinctive audience different than most concert attendants. As stated by Ken, "The right wing husband of one dancer [could be] sitting next to the gay partner of another dancer with no debates, no politics, no religion, just being there and being ­ people." At show's end, OHDC raised thousands not only for the Center on Halsted, but also for battered women and children, The American Cancer Society and The Shannon Hardy Project for teen suicide prevention. Per Ken, at OHDC, "Everyone gets the same chance regardless of who they are."

Hopefully you caught JP and YeastRadio.com's MADGE WEINSTEIN in their guest chaperone appearance in HELL IN A HANDBAG PRODUCTIONS' latest hit, SCARRIE ­ THE MUSICAL. To quote a local paper's reviewer, it was "gratuitous" good fun.

Dedicated to the "preservation, exploration and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture," Scarrie, based on the 1976 cult film Carrie, is certainly no exception. Yet you may be inclined to think this company, that features performers in drag and gay subtext, intends only to appeal to specific benefaction. Not so, according to Artistic Director DAVID CERDA. "Sure there's a lot of queer friendly humor [in their shows,] but that's all over the place now. It's not shocking anymore." David continues to account for the dissimilar range of HIAH's audience with the success of their original production, Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical, and a human desire to be entertained, "People like to sit together and laugh. In a darkened theater it doesn't matter what your sexual persuasion is."

HIAH have used their performances to raise money for Season of Concern, Tippi Hedren's Shamabala Preserve, GroceryLand and Vital Bridges.

From arts to action, as we continue to evolve and see beyond ourselves, hopefully all people will live as one community apart from personal background or interest. Perhaps with dance or maybe with laughter or by some other means entirely -- Regardless, let's all help ourselves and each other to one day make this happen.