“It is the only name that I use to refer to myself (L. W. Michael)”
WEEZIE’S PUB & CLUB ™
3148 University Avenue
(304)-598-0088
Morgantown, West Virginia
http://www.myspace.com/weeziespubandclub
Weezie, 43, was born in Buchannon, WV and was raised in West Virginia, Ohio and Virginia. “My father was a football coach, so we traveled.”
She is a 1995 graduate of WVU, with a BA degree in Special Education. She moved to Morgantown in 1991.
Weezie’s opened in May, 2005.
Jim: How do you feel it serves the community?
Weezie: It gives Gays and Lesbians a safe environment in which to meet and socialize, without fear of discrimination. Additionally it affords them the opportunity to sponsor/host events of all kinds.
Politics:
Jim: What do you consider top priority for the LGBT community equality agenda and why?
Weezie: First, let me say I cannot and do not speak for the entire community. These are my personal views. I believe the Hate Crime Bill needs to be a priority in the WV senate; they have yet to pass this bill, and Partnership recognition, also, should be a priority.
Jim: Do you feel that gay men and women have the same political agenda?
Weezie: Yes, I believe that they are more sensitive towards inequality issues.
Jim: What differences standout to you and what issues would you address if running for a political office and representing the GLBT community?
Weezie: First and foremost, the recognition of sexual orientation with regards to the hate crime bill.
Secondly, passage of a law providing partner benefits.
In addition, the 4th Amendment needs to be reviewed in order to guarantee equal protection for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation and of course gay marriage.
Weezie: The changes in how we can be more open in public.
Jim: When did you come out and how?
Weezie: 1984, my twin sister outted me at Thanksgiving dinner; it’s a long story–very funny though.
Jim: What charities are you affiliated with?
Weezie: The Betty Puskar Breast Cancer Center and the Elizabeth Glasier Pediatrics Aids Foundation and Martin-Lyons Women’s Health Foundation.
Jim: What events are coming up at Weezie’s?
Weezie: We have been remodeling and making a lot of changes to the bar. We are now having karaoke every Thursday as well as drag king and queen shows, live musicians and one theme party monthly. We are building a web site soon.
Jim: Daily specials?
Weezie: $3 Long Island Iced Teas everyday. Specials change everyday, our kitchen is now serving–full-service kitchen.
Jim: Who would you most like to meet in the GLBT community?
Weezie: Ellen Degeneres
Presidential race:
Jim: Do you support Hillary? How do you feel the country and women in general would benefit from a female president?
Weezie: Oh yeah,I believe that Hilary has empathy for the gay community and would effectively and accurately represent us to the country and the world as a whole. This empathy will offer a stronger, more accepting social system dealing with inequality, as she herself is fighting a similar fight; being a woman in a man’s world. She looks at the issues on hand with a democratic eye.
Jim: What obstacles would you predict for her in that role?
Weezie: I hope none, but I’m sure she will have many.
Jim: Tell us about the atmosphere of Weezie’s? What might one expect the first time at Weezie’s?
Weezie: You feel at home. That was my goal, that you can come there and feel welcomed.
Jim: Are men welcomed?
Weezie: I get asked this question all the time; since being here, I have been known as just the lesbian bar, but if you were to see my staff, it is made up of four females and seven males. We are very much for the gay men as well.
Jim: Are you currently partnered? If not, what do you dream of in a partner?
Weezie: I am not currently with anyone. I haven’t been for sometime. I like to hope that I am waiting for the right one to come into my life, but this type of job does make it a little hard to settle down. They would definitely have to be a very patient person.
Jim: What is your most memorable experience at Weezie’s yourself?
Weezie: My birthday and New Year’s Eve. I can’t wait for these events.
Jim: What about yourself are you most proud of?
Weezie: My family.
Jim: Who are your own role models?
Weezie: My father, he was a great man.
Jim: Thank you for taking the time to Speak Out with us today Weezie. We love you in the community and applaud your efforts and dedication.
Interviewed by: Jim Lawson
bravenet.com