It's a family thing...

Hey! Guess who was on the radio this time?! My dad! A Thousand Moms is an organization I've worked with a lot in the past few months (& written a few blogs about), and they have developed their own radio show. At one point, they nicknamed it "the Buffie radio" because one week, I interviewed on my way to Miss New York ... the following week, my sister Sarah and my mom were on ... And now it's my dad, speaking about his resolution to the Indiana State Medical Association. You can listen to all 3 at the links below. My dad's is particularly interesting, delving deep into the medical research and the validity and impact of marriage equality on a person's health. He's one smart cookie. If you are moved by his conversation and would like to know more or would like to support him in his presentation to the state medical association, please contact me.

Bill Buffie, MD - August 2010

Sarah and Jo Ellen Buffie, family perspective - July 2010

Claire Buffie, Miss New York - June 2010  (Proud FM before the BlogTalkRadio launch)

In other news, there are some fun photos from last week...

- my interview with OutQ radio
- the End of Prop 8 celebration with Broadway Impact
- Haiti Fashion Show with the Michael Masoy Agency and Alison, MNYOT

...all on my photo gallery HERE

And then it was time for another radio interview.  On Wednesday night, I spent some time with This Show Is So Gay and spoke with Ken & Becca about the pageant and my platform, of course.  You can listen to the show HERE.  (I start around 22 mins)

Children's Miracle Network

As you all have read and supported, my personal platform has received great press and media attention, getting people talking about equality. In order to officially compete at Miss America, I need your help.  In addition to our individual platforms, the Miss America Organization has a national platform: The Children's Miracle Network.  Through our partnership with CMN, each state contestant is a goodwill ambassador of CMN who fundraises (at least $500) for the organization.  I have so far raised $630 for my local and state competition, but now it's on the big show.  I've set my goal for $1000 which means I have $370 to go.  Please help me reach this goal that raises money to benefit the kids in children's hospitals around the country.  CLICK HERE to go to my donation page and contribute $1, $20, $50 or more!

Miss New York's Children's Miracle Network Donation Page

About Children's Miracle Network
Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Countless individuals, organizations and media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that save and improve the lives of 17 million children each year. To learn more go to www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

GLAAD to be on the Red Carpet!

The GLAAD Manhattan event the other night was fantastic and allowed for a few interviews on the red carpet.  Check them out here!

OurScene TV



Miss New York Claire Buffie @ GLAAD Event on Changing a Friend's Mind on Gay Rights!

The video plays automatically - so I took it down - but click on the link above to view it!

More photos in my Photo Gallery > August Events

Fashion Show tonight!

The Michael Masoy Agency | House of Masoy presents...

Haiti Relief Charity Fashion ShowTuesday, August 10, 2010 at 7:00
Art Auction at 6:00
Rogue Space Chelsea
508 West 26th Street 9th floor (btwn 10th and 11th)

Tickets:
$30 at the door
$25 if you RSVP by sending your full name to info@themichaelmasoyagency.com

I walked in the inaugural House of Masoy show last year, which benefitted Keep A Child Alive, the AIDS Organization. This year though, I will be hosting the show while Miss New York's Outstanding Teen, Alison Stroming, will be walking in it along with another friend, Erika Grace Powell, Miss South Carolina 2005.

Last year...

Catch up with Claire!

Tonight!  On the Derek and Romaine Show on SIRIUS XM

Miss New York Claire Buffie is scheduled for a live in-studio interview with Derek and Romaine of Sirius XM Satellite Radio on Monday, August 9th at 7:30 pm ET. The interview will last about 15-20 minutes. This will broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio channel OutQ, Sirius 109 and XM 98. Listeners and fans are welcome to participate by calling 866-305-6887. For those who don't subscribe to Sirius, a free online trial is available at www.Sirius.com.

And then it's off to the Broadway Impact celebration of the repeal of Prop 8 at Therapy NYC!

Monday August 9th from 7-9pm at THERAPY, 348 West 52nd street in Midtown NYC.

Broadway Impact is proud to be partnering with the American Foundation for Equal Rights to bring you a night of celebration and entertainment, featuring television and Broadway performers including, Tony nominee Hunter Bell, Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell from [Title of Show], Sirius Radio host Seth Rudetsky, Cast members from the Tony award winning musical La Cage aux Folles, Actors Nick Adams, Will Taylor, Jason Tam, Jose Llana, Shayna Steele, also Richard Socarides (Former Advisor to President Clinton) and me! Miss New York Claire Buffie.

Join us!  (details)  (facebook)

More photos in my Photo Gallery > August Events

overturned. equality wins.

The highly anticipated announcement yesterday about Proposition 8 definitely came as something to celebrate! In this historic decision, the federal court ruled Proposition 8 — California’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples — to be unconstitutional. Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, declared that the amendment to the California Constitution adopted in November 2008, violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.”

We already have social stigmas to eliminate; we don't need the law enabling inequality and discrimination. Judge Walker added, "Proposition 8 places the force of law behind stigmas against gays and lesbians, including: gays and lesbians do not have intimate relationships similar to heterosexual couples; gays and lesbians are not as good as heterosexuals; and gay and lesbian relationships do not deserve the full recognition of society."

Love prevailed, and equality won yesterday.  But the fight is far from over.  Yesterday's vote overturned an amendment that took away rights that had already been granted - and should already be naturally equal - and reinstated marriage equality, specifically for the 18,000 people who married under California's legal same-sex marriage laws.  We still need to move forward to legalize gay marriage in the state of New York...and Illinois...and Colorado...and and and.  But in order to do that, we have to reflect on what marriage is and what it is not.  Marriage is the state sanctioning of two people as a single unit. Marriage doesn't have to be achieved through the white dress, black suit, flowers, cake and first dance tradition in a church.  You are married by the state; you are recognized and blessed by the church, if you so choose.

As expected, an appeal has already been made by the opposition.  Although I'm hopeful for the future, one thing is certain: People are talking. Voices are being heard. Our laws our changing. We are on the road towards equality.

MSNBC...and beyond!

I sound like Buzz Lightyear.

Anyway.  Wow - this past week has been exciting and overwhelming and motivating and busy, all at the same time!  Each time I check my email, the average has been about 63 emails (I check my email about every 2-3 hours).  This is because of the support that has been pouring into my mailbox from people around the country who have seen the MSNBC video (I edited that post below to include a bit about the experience) as it has been posted on many many blogs and websites. The comments overall have been positive and supportive.  I think a few extra people are going to be tuning in to Miss America this year, and I hope I can make them all proud.  Thank you ALL for posting and sharing this video, supporting it, and for your messages of encouragement.

Last week, I did an interview with Gay.com actually before the television interview, but it was posted yesterday.  It was one of my favorite articles thus far.  Read it HERE.

Also Change.org did a write up.  You can read it HERE.  It's neat to see this writer's reaction from someone who has been in pageants and has a bit more insight to the Miss America Organization.

Last night, I went to the GLAAD Manhattan Event where I was an Honorary Host.  And who did I run into?  Thomas Roberts (who did my MSNBC Interview).  I hear "Claire?"  I turned and did a double-take. "Thomas!?"  I'm not used to this concept that people know who I am...Sahara Davenport from Ru Paul's Drag Race, among others, wanted a photo with me. What?  I also got to meet Johnny Weir - he didn't ask for a photo of me, but you better bet Leigh-Taylor and I asked for one with him!

More photos in my Photo Gallery > August Events

I'm meeting with Jody Huckaby, the executive director of PFLAG National and the national Straight for Equality organization.  (I found them after I named my platform) Excited to see what partnerships we can foster.