Join LaRonda Zupp as she highlights the male point of view at a local fundraiser for DeafHope, a nonprofit organization established for and by Deaf women to end domestic and sexual violence against Deaf women and children through empowerment, education and services. (More highlights of this event will follow in the days ahead, so keep checking back.) Transcript provided below.

Transcript:

Hello! Wow, it’s an inspiring night tonight with the DeafHope fundraiser. The San Francisco bay area community have gathered together in this terrific spot. People here love to socialize and commune. Really, we’ve all come together to support this goal of protecting women and children from domestic violence.

Tonight, I will show you a different side of this event — from the eyes of men. We’ll look at the different thoughts, ideas or opinions from those men who have come here to support tonight’s fundraising event.

“You know, I’m a Deaf man who goes along in life, but really, I take many things for granted, like long walks in the moonlight or walks in the back allies of the city, etc. I feel like I never have to think about those things. As a man, I have no worries. But as I arrive home, I’m struck with the thought, ‘what if I was a woman?’ Hmmmm…. It would be an entirely different experience for me! With that thought, I find myself thinking: “That is WRONG!” We need to change that for women, so I’ve come here to support the goal to change that situation and make the world a more safe place to live.”

“I’m here for the fifth anniversary of Glimmer of Hope. It’s a full house here! Completely sold out! It’s being held at Park 55, a fancy, posh hotel smack in the middle of the best part of San Francisco! Just 1 block from BART. It’s a nice, beautiful place on the fourth floor. The reason why men come here is to support a good cause: to STOP sexual, physical and mental abuse toward women, and to become role models for other men. We know that this kind of behavior has to stop, and we will try to fight to make it end.”

“Hello, hello, hello! Congratulations on your anniversary, DeafHope! It’s a nice turnout tonight. Good people, good food, beautiful environment. Why am I here? To support your good work. Is it okay for men to be here? (Chuckle) I hope so! So far, I seem to have had no problem (smile). (Woman asking: “Why is it important for men to be here?”) Violence is wrong. Period. Doesn’t matter — anytime, anywhere, any place.”

“I’m very proud to be a part of this event. I’ve seen this organization grow from scratch to where it is now — a very powerful organization. This is just a wonderful, good cause.”

“Hello! Yeah! I’m enjoying waiting on people here tonight. It’s my first time as a VIP waiter here. It’s a wonderful way to support DeafHope. My name is Charles Farr and I wear 2 different hats. I’m the principal at CSD and DCARA’s board president. This is a wonderful organization with nice people enjoying themselves as we support a good cause. What’s most important: NO DEAF VIOLENCE! Understand?!”

“My name is Tony. This is the third time I’ve come to this event. I come often to support this cause. There are so many Deaf women like my old girlfriend, who I knew back at graduation. She was once a victim herself, but I support her. She’s just wonderful! All men should support women. Whatever problems women have, men should come to their side and support them.”

“I’ve gone to every Glimmer of Hope fundraiser since DeafHope began. I come here every year to support women who need help. It’s very, very important for men to be here. I’m a BIG supporter! We know that DeafHope was established because there are men out there in the world who don’t do what they should. Sometimes, they don’t treat women right. Some are not nice to any women. I’m here to show that not all men are like that. Most men are not like that.”

“I’m here to support ALL the women of DeafHope!”

“I’m here to support a good cause. I’m here, not only to support the organization itself, but also to help the community improve, through improved safety, awareness, and to feel good. Without that kind of movement, I wouldn’t know where we stand as a community. Thank goodness for DeafHope and their unique services that reach out and help the deaf community. It’s hard to imagine living without them.”

Men talking in overlap: “It’s my third time.” “It’s my fifth time here, my fifth time.” “I come here to help give money to end abuse. It’s important for men to participate too. We need to help women feel loved and connected to their husbands. Yes. Thank you.” “Why, I come here? To support a good cause. Men and women are in equal need of support.”

“I’m Chris Hamilton. I’m the photographer running around here tonight for DeafHope. Wow, this event has really expanded. It’s gets bigger every year. I heard about this event for DeafHope and I feel lucky that they asked me if I wouldn’t mind volunteering to help out. There are many wonderful people here tonight making great contributions for DeafHope. It’s a special agency that helps many people. Thank you for watching the show.”

“I’m impressed! You asked me if it is my first time here, yes! I’m really enjoying myself. This is an entertaining and wonderful event. Men have come here tonight because domestic violence is not just a female thing. It effects everyone! Women, men, children… Its right to be a role model. Right.”

“I’m Hank Klopping. We’re here tonight because we know the importance of having a wonderful place for women who are abused to find peace. And, we know of the wonderful work that Julie and her group has done. We strongly support DeafHope and we hope that all of the other people in the bay are will also show their support. Tonight, I have learned about their new building project and I’m very supportive of that. We hope that they will achieve that goal.”

“I wonder how… I mean, as a Deaf man… how can I help make the world more safe for Deaf children in the future?”

Woman: “How? It’s important to give children the knowledge of personal safety. Explain and let them know that… one by one… let them know that ‘your body belongs to you!’ Empower them to know that ‘no one can touch my body but me.’ Educate them! Don’t be embarrassed Go ahead and teach them, one by one. In the same way, DeafHope saves the lives of women, one by one. That’s the glimmer of hope… finding that, amidst the violence, our glimmering light inside still shines and we can bring it out into the open so it can grow bigger and brighter until it becomes powerfully radiant! And that light of hope is sent out to other women in the world!”

“So one by one, we talk with people, learn about these issues, discuss them among each other and stay open about it. Is that what you mean?”

Woman: “Yes. Right.”

“It’s really simple. Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing.”

I’m impressed with these men here tonight because they see themselves as role models. There here to show other men that they really care for and cherish women. Their respect for women touches me deeply! That’s our community here int he San Francisco bay area. It makes me proud!

Bye! (ILY Wave)

Posted by LaRonda on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 11:00 am.