Rude Behavior at MSN Events

Subject: Rude Behavior at MSN Events

I have been attending and enjoying the MSN Potlucks for quite a while. Last night (9/6/08) for the first time I saw something I thought I would never see happen at an event of this nature.

Namely, RUDE BEHAVIOR.

We had an invited GUEST Speaker, he was commenting about the upcoming Wingspan Annual Awards Benefit Dinner. During his talk a fellow member spoke up, in essence telling the guest to shut up, as he was starting to conclude his speech. Most of us where appalled at such conduct by one of our members, it was very rude and not called for.

The evening progressed and good food and pleasant camaraderie was wonderful.

An added treat we heard two of our talented members one on piano and one with a great opraretic voice perform two songs. It was a splendid addition to the Italian Theme.

We also had Artie, a guest, that offered Line Dance instructions and some 10 to 15 of our members got up to “learn the steps”. We enjoyed the Line dance, too, either actually learning the dance or watching the performance.

Obviously many hands worked hard at presenting such a nice evening, especially the Kitchen and Setup Krew(s). It is terrific to see that the Monthly Potluck is no longer an EAT AND RUN event.

Entertainment was always something that was missing. Kudos go to the Steering Committee for the addition of dinner themes and entertainment.

During final announcements, another GUEST was making a short talk about the GAY Discrimination Proposition (the Marriage Bill), that is going to be on the November ballot. He was simply informing us about the Proposition's attempt to disallow constitutional rights to our community. The same member that made the rude remarks earlier to a guest, this time made a scene. He did not have the courtesy to let the second guest speaker finish their short talk as he stormed out of the hall yelling that MSN was NOT a Political organization. I was shocked by this second outburst of bad behavior and so where other members. Political awareness is as much a part of our social fabric as any other part of life, though our group is non-political and non-religious, information that affects our daily lives can not be ignored.

Many Steering Committee members and Chairman/Presidents have come and gone in our group but so have the times changed. It is important to be open minded. From time to time pressing issues and information should be brought to the attention of our members. Indoctrination should not be tolerated, however, advising/informing our members of a choice that we can make is something that I value. We have come out of the closet and deserve our rights. If we do not make our voices heard at election time who knows what will happen. At first even Hitler had SOME badly informed Gay & Jewish folks that thought he was good. And we all know of their tragic lot. I do hope that someone speaks to this rude person and informs him that his bad behavior at our events was uncalled for and not appreciated by the majority of the membership in attendance.

MSN is a wonderful organization that provides many varied events through the month and supports scholarships and other charitable events through the year. It allows new comers to Tucson to meet other Gay men away from the bar scene. It also helps older gents when needed, in numerous ways. I for one am extremely thankfull for MSN.

(Writer wishes to remain anonymous at this time.)