Outfront MN Email Blast: The 2008 Elections from a GLBT Perspective

The 2008 Elections from a GLBT Perspective

State Elections: Yesterday's election preserved a fair-minded majority in the Minnesota House, which means that in 2009 and 2010 the legislature will remain in the hands of those who generally support GLBT-friendly legislation. Unfortunately, House elections did not produce a veto-proof majority and some strong GLBT allies lost their races for re-election.

OutFront Minnesota Action endorsed 64 candidates. 54 of them won - for an 84% success rate! We look forward to working with new and returning House members in the coming 2009 session who support equality.

OutFront Minnesota Action is disappointed about the lawmakers who strongly supported justice and equality for all -- who lost their races:

Representative Shelley Madore (DFL) from Apple Valley
Representative Ken Tschumper (DFL) from La Crescent
Representative Sandy Wollschlager (DFL) from Red Wing
Representative Ron Erhardt (Ind) from Edina

Here's the breakdown of the landscape at the legislature:

51% of the current make up of the House votes for GLBT equality over 50% of the time.
43% of the House votes for GLBT equality 100% of the time.
24% of the current make-up of the House votes against GLBT equality 100% of the time. In 2006, 33% of the House voted against GLBT equality all of the time and in 2004 that number was near 50%.
Minnesota worked with TakeAction Minnesota and choice, labor, economic justice and environmental groups to get fair-minded candidates elected to the House.

Coalition work that was successful:

Mike Obermueller (DFL) defeated incumbent Representative Lynn Wardlow (R) in Eagan. Representative Wardlow never voted to maintain or enact GLBT rights legislation.
Gail Kulick Jackson (DFL) defeated incumbent Representative Sondra Erickson (R) in the Princeton area. Representative Erickson never voted to maintain or enact GLBT rights legislation and worked to promote discrimination.
Jerry Newton (DFL) won the seat vacated by Representative Kathy Tingelstad (R) in Andover.
Representative Jeremy Kalin was re-elected for his second term. Representative Kalin voted for legislation to help end discrimination against same-sex couples and has the dedication, knowledge and leadership to continue working to improve our roads, schools, health care, and the economy so that all Minnesotans do better in the years to come.
Judicial elections: Both of the Minnesota Supreme Court candidates which OutFront Minnesota Action rated as acceptable won their re-elections - Justices Paul Anderson and Lori Skjerven Gildea....as well as a Minnesota Court of Appeals judge rated acceptable - Judge Teri Stoneburner.

For more information on the district judicial races, visit OutFront Minnesota Action.

Ballot Initiatives: Sadly, anti-equality measures in a number of states have passed. But while supporters of GLBT equality around the country mourn the losses, we must be vigilant in continuing the work for justice in our communities in Minnesota and beyond.

California – A constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples is winning 52% to 48% with 92% of the precincts reporting. GLBT equality supporters are asking the state to continue counting the over three to four million votes that have not been counted before issuing the results of the election.
Florida – A constitutional amendment banning marriage and all legal protection for same-sex couples passed 62% to 38%
Arizona – A constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples passed 57% to 43%
Arkansas – A ballot initiative banning adoption and foster care for all unmarried couples passed 57% to 43%
Connecticut – A ballot initiative to call a constitutional convention failed 60% to 40%. Convening a constitutional convention was seen as an attempt to re-write the constitution to include a ban on marriage equality, in light of last months' favorable court ruling allowing same-sex couples to marry. Connecticut has set November 12th as the first day same-sex couples can marry in that state.
In Iowa, the state Supreme Court hears oral arguments December 9th on that state's marriage equality case.
Presidential Election: While OutFront Minnesota Action does not endorse candidates for federal office, we believe President-elect Barack Obama will be a positive elected official for GLBT people. President-elect Obama included GLBT people in his acceptance speech and supports federal legislation including hate crime and employment protections as well as other measures that will help our families do better. He plans to keep GLBT people and families in mind when creating policy solutions for our country.

As with every election, supporters of justice and fairness must celebrate the wins and mourn the losses for a couple of days before we continue our organizing work for change. As we look ahead to the next few years in Minnesota, we know that with your dedication and hard work, we can make Minnesota a more just state for GLBT people. Please join OutFront Minnesota in making the dreams of a better future for GLBT people a reality in our communities and throughout the state. Together we can move the movement for GLBT equality ahead!

For more information: Visit OutFront Minnesota Action for a complete rundown of results


For information on GLBT candidates' races across the US: Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund


For detailed information on all Minnesota races: Minnesota Secretary of State's office

Statewide Photo Contest Announced by MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities

Living Tobacco-free LGBT: A Picture of Health

Statewide Photo Contest Announced by MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities

According to recent studies, members of the broader LGBT population are 40-70% more likely to smoke than non-LGBT persons. And, LGBT youth are taking up smoking at an alarming rate. In fact, a recent national survey found that 45% of females and 35% of males smoke compared with 29% of straight youth surveyed.

Why? Many psycho-social factors figure into the trend. First, LGBT persons, especially youth, find themselves part of a consumer niche tobacco companies target with advertising. Second, they face higher levels of social stress which can lead to the desire to smoke and many LGBT organizations and events gain much needed financial support and funding from tobacco companies which stipulate that their products be promoted in exchange for funding.

“But there is another untold story. It is one that’s more positive and affirming,” Rainbow Health Initiative’s [RHI] Director of Programs, Loretta Worthington—the lead agency for MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities [TLC.] “Often times, LGBT persons are portrayed as a community more at-risk for substance abuse, hate crimes, depression, STDs and so forth. And while those statistics are very real and cannot be ignored we also are a community filled with positive role models for tobacco-free, healthy lifestyles,” she adds.

That’s why TLC is announcing—in time for the annual Gay American Smoke Out held in conjunction with this year’s American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out. November 18—a photo contest called, Living Tobacco-free LGBT: A Picture of Health. “We want LGBT Minnesotans to submit photos depicting healthy living in our communities so that more of us will see positive role models that reinforce a more affirming narrative about us as individuals and as a larger community,” says Worthington.

Judges will then select winning entries to be used on the organization’s website, in a photography book and other products and publications. For more information on the contest visit, www.MNTLC.org and click on the photo contest page.

*Rainbow Health Initiative is the lead agency for MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities.

This project is funded by MN Tobacco-free Lavender Communities

PFUND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR 2009-20010 SCHOOL YEAR

PFUND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR 2009-20010 SCHOOL YEAR

Leading Upper Midwest LGBT foundation makes $50,000 available to LGBT students

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 20, 2008 – PFund, the only Minnesota foundation dedicated exclusively to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality, today announced it has more than $50,000 for scholarships to be awarded for the 2009-2010 school year. This marks the largest annual award pool in PFund’s over 20-year history.

Scholarships are available to high school, graduate and undergraduate students in both public and private schools, who are LGBT or allies. Awards are based on the students’ efforts to advance awareness and support of LGBT issues and their ability to spur visibility and dialogue in their communities. Service to their LGBT and allied communities is a key consideration.

Interested students can access the application form online at http://www.pfundonline.org/pdf/PFundScholApp.pdf. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2009. Following are some of the available scholarships:

• The Gilligan Pospisil scholarship for a student who has experienced homelessness and/or is working to alleviate homelessness, or a student in the field of social and economic justice
• Miriam Weinstein peace and justice education award for a student from a religious, racial or ethnic minority who has shown a commitment to peace and social justice issues. Preference given to someone majoring in education.
• Manahan-Bohan award for a lesbian student from Madelia, Minn. area or from rural Minnesota.
• PF Engineering scholarship for a LGBT student in the fields of engineering, physics or chemistry.
• Wellness award for a LGBT student studying chemical dependency counseling or in recovery.
• Meuwissen-Werb award for an out LGBT or intersex student with demonstrated leadership abilities in fostering respect between LGBTI and straight communities.
• Southeast Minnesota LGBT student award.

· Mankato State University Award for an outstanding GLBT student attending Mankato State University.

• Carey/Taylor award for a student pursuing a degree in instrumental music performance.
• Haynes/Hettinga scholarship for an African-American or Native American student.
• Howard Liebhaber Human Rights award for a student committed to alleviating oppression, and who works for social change.
• Linde-Ostrander Leadership scholarship to a GLBTQ student demonstrating leadership in bridging differences between GLBTQ and straight communities.
• Holland-Federhart scholarship for an openly GLBT student in performing arts or the arts
• Dr. Tom Knabel scholarship for a high school student who excels at choral singing or musical instrument performance.
• Blue Earth Area High School scholarship for graduating seniors.
• Quorum scholarship for a student leader with entrepreneurial spirit who works for equality.

Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000.

“More than just money, PFund scholarships are a vote of confidence, encouragement and appreciation,” said Gregory Grinley, executive director of PFund. “Can any of us have too much of that?”

As a foundation doing community based philanthropy, PFund scholarships are determined by a committee made up of the broad range of LGBT and allied communities it supports. The 25 member committee consists of both PFund trustees and community members; each offering a unique perspective to contribute to the process.

About PFund

Established in 1987 as Philanthrofund Foundation in Minneapolis when four friends pooled $2,000, PFund is now supported by thousands of individuals in dozens of states who have created a vibrant and vital community foundation that is a catalyst for equality. PFund is one of only a handful of foundations in the nation created specifically by and for LGBT communities. It provides grants to emerging non-profit organizations, awards scholarships, develops leaders and inspires giving. Today PFund manages $1.3 million in assets, enjoying the support of committed donors and dedicated volunteers from LGBT and allied communities.

http://www.PFundOnline.org.

SUZANNE PHARR LECTURE & RECEPTION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 pm

Author and political activist Suzanne Pharr will deliver the Spear
Lecture in Public Policy at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 2 at the 3M
Auditorium in the Carlson School of Management. The Auditorium is
located at 321 - 19th Ave South in Minneapolis, on the West Bank of the
University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. This lecture is free and
open to the public. The Steven J. Schochet Endowment will host a
dessert reception for Pharr and the public following the lecture.

Now celebrating it's 20th year in print, Pharr's book "Homophobia: A
Weapon of Sexism," was groundbreaking in its analysis of homophobia in
the context of the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, racism, and
equality (www.suzannepharr.org). Pharr sees her work as building a
broad-based coalition so that everyone can be wholly themselves, i.e.
"to have self-determination, to be treated with dignity and respect, and
to have access to material necessities as well as joy."

During this historic 2008 presidential campaign, it is important to hear
from activists like Pharr who urge us to think broadly about issues of
GLBT empowerment, racial & economic justice, and social transformation.
For more information, contact Beng Chang at beng@umn.edu or 612-625-0537.

Left Out Party: Supporting a fully inclusive ENDA

Left Out Party
Supporting a fully inclusive ENDA
(Employment Non-discrimination Act)

Pi Bar
2532 25th Av. So., Minneapolis
Sept. 13th
7pm to 10pm

Join us as we show the Twin Cities' support for an ENDA (federal legislation) that includes gender identity and gender expression protection. We recognize that only a fully inclusive ENDA will protect all people from workplace discrimination!

Sponsored by
Minnesota Gender Advocates

Minnesota Gender Advocates is a group for Trans, Intersex, gender Queer, and gender Questioning – TIQQ people. Our mission is to raise awareness of TIQQ issues and advocate for TIQQ people.

*For more information about this event or Minnesota Gender Advocates,
contact Leigh Smythe, Chair (wleighh111@yahoo.com)

Free Showing of For the Bible Tells Me So

Wednesday, August 20
7:30 p.m.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
700 Snelling Ave. S.
St. Paul, MN

Friday, September 12
6:30 p.m.
Grace Community UCC
986 Forest St.
St. Paul, MN

Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles gay and lesbian sexuality and Biblical scripture and in the process he reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-GLBT bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible.

He offers a compelling story about the real lives of families with gay and lesbian sons and daughters, and how they have reconciled their faith with love for their children.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can the love between two people ever be an abomination?

Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross?

Is the Bible an excuse to hate?

Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture.

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child.

For more information about this special documentary, please visit www.forthebibletellsmeso.org

IDKE.X CONFERENCE CALL for SUBMISSIONS papers/presentations/workshops/roundtables

IDKE.X ROUNDTRIP HOME: Cultural Depots and Queer Destinations
More than a decade of grassroots networking will have passed when IDKE.X ROUNDTRIP HOME kicks off its first event on October 16, 2008. The original purpose of the IDKE conference was a critical examination and insider’s view on female-to-male (FTM) drag as a subculture. Examining the intersections and junctures of every day lived experience pushed the original organizers to create an event dedicated to scrutinizing these moments of connection and disconnection.

2008’s focus is set to expound upon and illuminate the topic of CULTURAL DEPOTS & QUEER DESTINATIONS. We are looking for proposals that critically address issues related to gender, including documented accounts of our historical presence as gender-queer beings; gender performance beyond the scope of the stage; gender and queer theory; mass popular culture and critical race theories; gender-queer community viability; the function of familial relations both past and present; King community health & wellness. If this sounds interesting to you, then share your thoughts, work, and energy with the IDKE.X King community.

Whether it is a response paper, term paper, thesis draft, panel presentation, roundtable discussion, workshop, or demonstration, we want you! Please consider these questions as points of departure for what is certain to be a fantastic conference. Where they take you, we can hardly wait to see!

Where role have drag kings had in the queer/lgbt community in the last decade? Who have we seen/become and how does this impact our future and our youth? Where/what are the cultural depositories for our “drag king community” memoirs? What role does (or should) documentation have in the gender-queer and drag king community? What is our collective gender-queer legacy? What roles do politics and feminism have in the drag king community and what roles do they have on the stage? How is king community maintained off stage? What sustains it and what purpose does it serve? What happens to butch identity in the king community? What is the role and effect of femininity (both FTF and MTF) in queer spaces? How do transmen negotiate the LGBT and king communities and the stage? How does appropriation (racial, ethnic, religious, etc) affect the king community and expectations and understandings of diversity in the community?
The above list is not exhaustive, but is certainly contains some of the most important questions and situations currently facing the gender-queer and king community.
The workshops/presentations will be featured during the daytime sessions of the Academic portion of the conference on Friday, Oct. 17, 10am- 3pm and Saturday, Oct. 18, 9am-4pm, 2008. There are 28 sessions, & session is 50 minutes long.

Proposal Timeline:

We will accept proposals May 1st – August 20st or until full. You will receive notice of acceptance August 2008
Please Email your proposals to: idkexcolumbus@yahoo.com.
Or mail to:

FFP – Attn: IDKE X Academic Conference 
1160 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201
Be sure to put “Academic Proposal” and your name in the subject line or lower portion of the front of the envelope.

Guidelines
1) IDKE.X Roundtrip Home: Cultural Depots & Queer Destinations is the theme to keep in mind.
2) If there are multiple submissions about the same topic, we may approach you about participating on a moderated panel.
3) Be specific in your proposal. What specifically are you offering IDKE.X?
4) Proposal length: 300 words or less.
Contact us: For more information please contact Miz Ginger Jones at miz_ginger.jones@yahoo.com

TRANS HEALTH MATTERS

A free Community Health Forum for trans and allied communities
Presented by the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
6:30 -- Social time with refreshments provided
7-9 -- Facilitated community discussion
Location: Spirit of the Lakes UCC, 2930 - 13th Avenue South (at East
Lake Street), Minneapolis, MN 55407

What's on your mind when it comes to transgender health care?

• Getting and maintaining insurance coverage?
  
• Finding the right surgeon?
  
• Learning how to be your own best health care advocate?
• Locating a doctor?
  

MTHC invites you to join with other community members for the first Trans Health Matters, an ongoing forum to discuss issues and concerns surrounding health care for ourselves and
for our communities.

Everyone is welcome: transgender, genderqueer, intersex, transsexual, M to F, F to M, crossdresser, partner, family, friend and ally. Be sure to come and bring a friend!

Spirit of the Lakes is wheelchair-accessible with free parking lot.

This event will be ASL interpreted.

So that people with multiple chemical sensitivities can participate, please refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.

This event made possible in part through a grant from PFund.

For more information, please contact us:
612-823-1152
mntranshealth@yahoo.com
www.mntranshealth.org

Two Cities One Love Black Pride!!!

The Planning Committee has an event Theme:

Two Cities One Love Black Pride!!!

Agenda is subject to change and we hope to have the final layout to you by next week so stay tunned!

If you wish to volunteer please contact Kelly Lewis at: KLewis@outfront.org

WEEKEND AGENDA

Friday, 8/1

7pm -2am

Opening Ceremonies

Pi Bar and Restaurant

2532-25th Ave S Minneapolis

Indoor/Outdoor

Food – Entertainment – Dancing – Giveaways!

Appetizer Buffet (FREE 7-8pm only)

Catfish, Chicken Wings, Corn on the Cob, Veggie Egg Rolls, Hush Puppies, Chips/Salsa, Hummus

Music

Lady L – Nykkee – Guest DJ

Cover

FREE til 7-8PM, $5.00 Cover after 8pm

Under 21 not admitted

Pi Bar Menu Cost is Extra

Saturday, 8/2

Noon - 6pm

Family Gathering Cookout

Minnehaha Falls Park

4801 Minnehaha Ave. S - Minneapolis

(Shelter D - E side of park)

Bar-b-Que – Games – Music - Entertainment - Children’s Activities - Special Guest Performances – Open Mic

Sunday, 8/3

10am - Noon

Family Worship Service

Kwanza Community Church

2100 Emerson Ave. N – Minneapolis

Pastors Alika and Ralph Galloway

8/3

430pm - 630pm

Skating Party

The Roller Garden

5622 W Lake St - St Louis Park

R&B, Mowtown, Soul, Oldies, Hip-Hop

$4.00/Person

(Roller Blades &3.00 extra)

Allan Spear Forum, Featuring Gloria Reuben, on July 29

The Minnesota AIDS Project presents an annual Allan Spear Forum Series. The purpose of the series is to highlight leading voices in the fight to stop HIV and engage the community in a dialogue. The forums are free and open to the public. Our first speaker this year is Gloria Reuben, an actress and HIV advocate who is best known for playing an HIV positive character on ER. Please find attached a flyer for this forum.

Check out Gloria's official website. In particular, check out the first post on the blog link and two videos in the videos section. These will provide you with a greater understanding of Gloria's passion and commitment to HIV prevention and services.

Click here for more information and parking information.

Gloria Reuben

Tuesday, July 29

7 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1200 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis

Mary Kirk's exciting Fall 08 topics class: WMNS 300 Topics in Women's Studies: Partnership Perspectives on Leadership

New course on women’s leadership!
WMNS 300 Topics in Women's
Studies: Partnership Perspectives on Leadership Organization
WMNS 300 Course

ID: 000831
Dr. Mary Kirk 4 credits
Thursdays, 6 to 9:20 PM on the St. Paul Campus
**MEETS Gen Ed GOAL VII: Diversity in the United States**
LEARN

• About many women leaders, including recent Nobel Peace Prize winners
• How our socially-constructed beliefs & behaviors have contributed to women’s underrepresentation in leadership
• How you can contribute to a shift from dominator to partnership beliefs & behaviors
• How to use nonviolent communication to engage in partnership & reshape language as a social institution
• How to be a leader that exemplifies partnership in your daily life
  

DID YOU KNOW:

• Over 770 Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, but only 34 were to women?
• Over 192 countries are United Nations members, but only 19 have female heads of state?
• Women have held the highest office in Argentina, Iceland, Haiti, the Philippines, Ireland, Mongolia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Latvia, and India?
• Only 10 Fortune 500 companies & 20 Fortune 1000 companies were run by women in 2006?
  

Rare National Volunteer Oppurtunity

I'm writing to ask your help with a major event that Quorum is taking part in: the 2008 NGLCC National Business & Leadership Conference. We're going to need a great many volunteers to make it a success and I wonder if you could help gather some from Metro State.

The conference is held June 5-7 at the Minneapolis Hilton and we're expecting to welcome hundreds of visitors from across the country. Many will be seeing Minnesota for the first time and we want to make a good impression. We're looking for dozens of volunteers to help greet, register, and direct the attendees. A number of great volunteers will also get together on Tuesday, June 3, for a swag bag assembly party.

Contact info@twincitiesquorum.com or 651-646-1029. All volunteers will be welcomed to join us in conference sessions and other conference events.

Thank you in advance! I look forward to hearing from you -
Adam

Adam Robbins
Administrative Director
Quorum, The Twin Cities GLBTA Chamber of Commerce
Connecting, Building, Strengthening Community
ph.651.646.1029 fax.651.646.1931

Find out what Quorum is up to:http://www.twincitiesquorum.com/?p=events

Color CoordiNATION in partnership with Pi Bar is sponsoring the ”Pride Kick Off Weekend” 6/27/08!

There will be a full day of activities for the whole family and a night of fun and entertainment for the adults.

If you are a performer of any genre and are interested in performing on 6/27/08 please contact Shannon at the Pi at Shannon_blowtorch@bust.com for more details.

Everyone else….keep posted on the weekend schedule to come, you don’t want to miss it.

Color CoordiNATION looks forward to meeting all of you and hope to bring you and exciting pride weekend for people of color.

Join Me in the 2008 Minnesota AIDS Walk

Join the fight against HIV in Minnesota! I'd like YOU to join my team for the 21st Annual Minnesota AIDS Walk presented by ING!

Every dollar we raise takes a giant step toward stopping this disease in our state. The Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is leading the way through education for those most at risk for infection, advocacy for sound public policy, and social services that support and enhance the lives of people living with HIV. All of these programs are made possible by the money you raise for the Minnesota AIDS Walk.

I invite you, your friends, and your loved ones to join my team as we commit ourselves to stopping HIV in Minnesota. In the coming months, we'll raise money to keep vital resources alive and well. Collectively, we can make the community a healthier and stronger force for good. And when we come together to walk on May 18 in Minnehaha Park, we will celebrate the success of our dedication and hard work.

To learn more, visit http://www.mnaidswalk.org/, and to join my team, you just need to click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Thanks for your support, and I can't wait to have you on my team!

Call for Pride Revue Performers

We’re having a Pride Revue on Friday, June 27 from 8:00–11:30pm! This event will be 16+ and will be an option for youth and those not interested in bar-centric events. It will take place at the Minneapolis campus of Metropolitan State University, near Loring Park where the Twin Cities Pride is held. We need people willing to perform at this event. We’re looking for all types of performances, including, but not limited to: drag, poetry, spoken word, comedy, music, interpretive dance, and juggling. Each performance should be between 5-10 minutes in length.
To submit your performance for the Pride Revue, please send your name, contact information (phone, email, etc.), and a brief description of your performance to clut0004@umn.edu. Feel free to send files or links of your performance video or audio, though this is not required. Please submit this information by Friday, May 16.
Nick Rosencrans
--
Communications Coordinator Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance
communications@mncampusalliance.org http://www.mncampusalliance.org

MN GLBTA Campus Alliance Spring Dinner

(We have 2 tables, please let Sidney know ASAP by emailing glbt@metrostate.edu if you are interested in attending)

The 2nd Annual Spring Dinner will be held on April 4th, 2008

The MN Campus Alliance Spring Dinner is an annual gathering of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members from college and university campuses from across the state. Held at a different campus each year, the Spring Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of those doing GLBTA campus work, to share best practices, and to network with one another.

Social Hour & Tretter Collection,

6:00pm - 7:00pmDinner & Program, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Keynote: Farheen Hakeem

• Educator, community organizer, and advocate for social justice, Farheen Hakeem joins our MN GLBTA Campus Alliance event with a strong "Get Out the Vote" message promoting inclusive and progressive politics with a pro-GLBT stance in this important election year. Born and raised in Chicago, Farheen Hakeem moved to Minneapolis in 1999. Farheen has worked as a teacher and previously she was a strong third-party candidate for both Mayor of Minneapolis and Hennepin County Commissioner. Community advocacy is vital to Farheen's pro-inclusion stance, as she is affiliated with the Muslim Girls Initiative for the Girl Scout Council, policy advocacy with Grasstops Inc, and the MN Adoption Resources Network. We thank Farheen for serving as our keynote speaker for this event.
  

Entertainment: Tori Fixx

• A Minneapolis treasure, Tori Fixx is one of the first openly gay national hip-hop recording artists. A member of the pioneer hip-hop group, Rainbow Flava, Tori's success has launched in the Midwest with 6 solo albums, including "Black.Out," "Marry Me," and "Code Red." Tori has headlined the national HomoRevolution Tour for GLBT hip-hop artists. Media credits include the Tyra Banks Show, CNN with Paula Zahn, and he was selected as a featured pioneer in the homo-hop documentary, "Pick Up The Mic" regularly shown on Logo. Tori gives back to the GLBT community, serving as a member of Minneapolis' Gay & Lesbian Amateur Sports Society and the Twin Cities Goodtimes Softball League. Every attendee at the MN GLBTA Campus Alliance Spring Dinner will receive 1 of 300 Limited Edition CDs solely created for this statewide college event, courtesy of Tori. These CDs will feature some of his more political songs, in accordance the theme of 2008 as an election year. Listen to his hits at www.myspace.com/torifixx!

Featuring a display from the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota

Location:

North Hennepin Community College 1st Floor,

Campus Center

7411 85th Avenue North

Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Driving DirectionsMaps

Sponsors:

• North Hennepin Community College
• GLBT Alliance
• Diversity & Multiculturalism
• Diversity Council
  

There will be gender neutral restrooms available at this event.

Opportunity to Get involved in Planning National GLBT Conference

Hello friends, activists and educators,

Some of you may know that I am involved with the planning of a 2009 queer college leadership and social justice Summit. The Stonewall Campus Leadership Summit will be held June 2009 at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus. The Summit is a program of the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, a group that works for equality and justice on issues of gender and sexuality on college campuses in the state of Minnesota helping to create welcoming and affirming campuses for GLBTA students, staff and faculty.
The Summit was born out of momentum following the 2007 Midwest BLGTA College Conference here in Minnesota. Many of us felt we needed more; we wanted to take our activism to the next step. We envisioned a space where student activists, the future of our social justice movements, could come together and polish our leadership and activism skills. The Summit will not be just another queer campus conference; it will be a 4-day activist community that prepares leaders to take action in their community.
40 years after Stonewall, college leaders will have a chance to revitalize the movement by honoring the past, looking to the future and preparing ourselves to organize at the intersection of our many identities. Our hope is that participants will leave The Summit as stronger campus leaders who are prepared to continue their social justice work in broader communities after graduation.
Initial planning conversations have taken place during the last year, but now is the time to get the details set. I am seeking to create a programming committee who can help to prepare curriculum and programs for The Summit. I highly respect the work you all have done and would love for you to be a part of this process. Are you interested in helping to plan The Summit? The Summit needs experienced educators and activists like you to create the strongest programming possible.
Once I have compiled a list of folks interested in helping with this process I will send out a meeting survey to schedule the first programming committee meeting. I hope you will be able to help with this effort. Please let me know by April 1 if you are interested in being a part of the programming committee. Feel free to forward this to anyone you know who may be interested in this work.

Thank you very much,
Alfonso Wenker
Director of Programming
Stonewall Campus Leadership Summit
Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance
www.mncampusalliance.org/summit

Volunteer Oppurtunity

Dear Friends at Metro:

I was hoping that we could get interested staff and students of Lavender Bridge and Metro State to serve this year as ambassadors for our upcoming Dining Out for Life, April 24, 2008. We have 134 restaurants that are participating this year with some doing breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. We will need nearly 400 ambassadors that day.

An ambassador serves as a representative of The Aliveness Project at the restaurant performing the following tasks:

invite all your friends, faith community, work, school, etc. to dine at your restaurant (thereby filling it)
welcome all diners that day
work about 4 hours (plus a mandatory 1 hour training)
help the restaurant have a smooth and exciting time (I’ve bussed tables, greeted people, poured water, etc to help the restaurant)
register diners for the prize drawings while asking them to donate
Answer any questions someone might have about The Aliveness Project or Dining Out for Life.

We find that about 85% of folks know it’s Dining Out for Life and that’s why they came out. It makes the job very easy. As mentioned above there is a mandatory training so that you feel like you’re prepared for the task. Those times can be seen where you register to become an ambassador (http://www.aliveness.org/dol-volunteer.htm). We have a variety of times and dates available over the next couple of weeks.

Please let me know if you have any questions. If nothing else, eat out that day at one or more of the restaurants. Dine Out. Do Good.

Thank you,

Tim


Mark your calendarfor DINING OUT FOR LIFEon Thursday, April 24, 2008.ALL YOU HAVE TO DONATE IS YOUR APPETITE!Invite your friends and family to dine out at one of over 100 participating restaurants--for breakfast, lunch or dinner,and a portion of the proceedswill be donated to The Aliveness Project! Tim Marburger612-822-7946, extension 204

Come to OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day

If you don't have time to volunteer but do have time to come to the Capitol - register for OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day here!

OutFront Minnesota makes it easy for you to attend.

See carpool and bus schedule here.

OutFront Minnesota makes it easy for you to talk to your lawmaker.
OutFront Minnesota makes it easy to get educated on the issues.
OutFront Minnesota makes it easy and fun to be part of the Rally for Fairness.

OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day
Stand OUT. Live OUT. Speak OUT.

Lavender Bridge Meeting Notes 3-19

Here are the notes that I compiled from today's meeting.

In order to help rebuild the organization and to attract more members we have decided to pursue the following options:

• Will approach The Metropolitan to find out about the possibility of doing an article or press release about the organization
• Will continue to pursue sending and HTML email to all currently enrolled students about changes in office structure and student organization.
• Will talk to Student Senate about helping to get the word out about Lavender Bridge
• Start Blogger Page as an alternative to static website that is difficult to manage
• Schedule a Potluck for April 9th @ 4:30 pm
• Look at starting group for MN AIDS Walk on May 18th

Lavender Bridge Has a Blog!!!

This is the 1st ever Lavender Bridge Blog. We will be using this space to help connect GLBTA students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends with Metropolitan State Univeristy and beyond.