I AM SO HAPPY TO REPOST THIS INFORMATION-
RALLY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Monday, February 7 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location On Monday February 7th, 2011 at 6:00 pm, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd, 90069, the West Hollywood
is the Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair no longer welcome in West Hollywood??!
The Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair was told it will not be endorsed by the West Hollywood Arts and Cultural Heritage Commission. The Commission listened to a presentation from the Tom of Finland Foundation and then voted unanimously against endorsement of the fair, breaking eight years of previous support.
On Thursday, January 27th, 2011 the Arts and Cultural Heritage Commission of the City of West Hollywood met at City Hall and rejected a request for endorsement from the Tom of Finland Foundation in support of the Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair.
The art fair has been held in the City of West Hollywood since 2003, receiving the City’s endorsement each year. This action was an unexpected and radical departure from the City’s previous backing of the event.
The chair of the Commission, Whitney Weston, appointed by Councilmember Jeffery Prang is reported to have called the event, "Distasteful" and "offensive to children.” She went on to say that it makes her "uncomfortable" and it "always has made me uncomfortable" and that West Hollywood "would not support it."
The Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair is scheduled to be held in a fully enclosed auditorium at 657 N. San Vicente. As always, the doors will be monitored and no one will be admitted without showing identification showing that they are at least 18 years old. The site of the event is on West Hollywood Park property, but it is fully enclosed. It will be impossible to enter the event without having full knowledge of the content of the event and being of age.
By all reports the West Hollywood City Council is prepared to vote in favor of allowing the fair to go forward, but it is important to note that it is doing so without the endorsement of the City’s official body guiding the Art and Culture of the City of West Hollywood.
We must speak out now if we want these attitudes to change.
There are three ways to do it:
1) email the City Council ccouncil@weho.org
2) snail mail the City Council 8300 Santa Monica Blvd, WH, CA 90069
3) attend the City Council meeting and/or speak at the meeting.
647 N. San Vicente Blvd, 90069 – Mon 2/7/11 6pm.
On Monday February 7th, 2011 at 6:00 pm, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd, 90069, the West Hollywood City Council will vote on an item prepared by staff reportedly supporting the Tom of Finland Erotic Art Fair. Ask them to support the item. The Council Agenda will be posted on www.weho.org Thursday 2/3/11 after 4:00 pm.
It is important to let the City Council know that the actions of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Commission are offensive and inconsistent with the City’s number one stated core value of
“Respect and Support for People. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of our community by treating all individuals with respect for their personal dignity and providing a wide array of specialized services.” http://www.weho.org/index.aspx?page=464
The City of West Hollywood officials do not understand that we are family and that many of us see this as an attack on a family member. Let them know that.
The City of West Hollywood officials do not understand that Tom’s art has been shown all over the world including New York, Madrid, Paris, Berlin, and Finland. Let them know.
The City of West Hollywood officials do not understand that what we do as leather/kinky people is as sacred to us as the rites practiced by religious people. We deserve the same respect. Tom’s illustrations gave voice to those rites. Let them know that.
The City of West Hollywood officials do not understand that we live and work in the West Hollywood Community. Let them know that.
The City of West Hollywood officials do not understand that the leather code is “Trust, Honor, and Respect.” Let them know that.
Louie Pacheco Saenz
President, Los Angeles Band of Brothers
American Leatherman 2010
Mr CSW Leather 2010 & 2011
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