Metropolitan State University will host several Women's History Month
events during the month of March and on Monday, April 5.
The April 4 event will be a book discussion by Literature and Language
Professor, Dr. Carolyn Whitson, on the novel,"Kindred (1979)" by Octavia
Butler. Not many African-American women authors have ventured into the
genre of science-fiction and fantasy novels, but Butler is the most
famous and successful among them. Her novel, Kindred (1979), allows the
reader to explore what being of mixed-race ancestry and having a family
history of slavery has meant to modern black women.
The Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office graciously purchased several
copies of the book which are in reserve at the university library for
your reading pleasure before the presentation.
Date: Monday, April 5
11:30 Am to 1:00 PM
Library, Ecolab 302
The complete Women's History Month event calendar will be distributed as soon as possible.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Women's History Month 2010: Book Discussion - April 5
Lavender Bridge News
I wanted to pass along this wonderful news to let everyone on the listserve know that Lavender Bridge (our GLBT and Allies group) is an official student organization again. We have 4 offers that are serving until the end of the semester:
President: Kathryn Blankinship
Vice President: Amy Hales
Secretary: Katie Rhodes
Treasure: Teresa Manzella
Co-Advisors: Aureliano DeSoto and Sidney Smith
A huge congratulations goes out to these people for their hard work and commitment to seeing that this organization becomes officially recognized by the university. Also, members of our new leadership team attended the Senate meeting on Friday and we now have a small budget to work with for the rest of the year. This is exciting news!
Hope to see you all on March 4th-
Speaking of funding, we will have a Lavender Bridge meeting on March 4th at 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm in LB 218. This meeting will be spent working on our budget request for next year and planning out what we want to do in the 2010-2011 school year. This meeting may run over, but please come no matter if you can stay the whole time or just a short time. We would love to have your input. There will be food available at this meeting.
Friday, December 11, 2009
OPEN CALL FOR GLBT PERFORMERS IN 2010!
OPEN CALL FOR GLBT PERFORMERS IN 2010!
PATRiCK’S CABARET is now taking submissions for the following shows in 2010:
- TRANSGENDER CABARETMarch 19-20th
- BISEXUAL CABARETApril 23-24th
We’re looking for 5-15 minute sets of performance art:
Dance, Comedy, Music, Spoken Word, Poetry…whatever!
If you have some work ready for the stage, LET US KNOW!
Please send submissions to Arturo Miles at: arturo@patrickscabaret.org
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September Happenings
Zuna Institute National Survey of Black Lesbians
Zuna Institute would like to request your participation in a national survey of the black lesbian community. The survey examines the attitudes, needs, and priorities of black lesbians and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. All of your answers will be completely anonymous.
As the LGBT movement gains momentum around the country, it’s important to ensure that the perspectives and priorities of black lesbians are represented. Unfortunately, little data currently exists to help us gain insight into the experience of the community. That’s why your participation in this survey today is incredibly important.
After you have completed the survey, Zuna strongly encourages you to forward this on to other black lesbians so that their perspectives can be captured as well.
The data captured will assist program managers, organizations, and policy makers alike in developing strategies to best serve the community. Zuna Institute has partnered with Synergy Strategy Group to conduct this study.
If you have questions about the survey, please email survey@zunainstitute.org
Please forward to your networks. Thousands of Black Lesbians need to complete the survey in order to obtain a healthy sample of the community.
Survey Link: http://blacklesbiansurvey.questionpro.com
OutFront Minnesota Public Perception Survey
OutFront Minnesota is conducting a survey on your perceptions of the organization. The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete, but your input is invaluable.
Please act now, the survey closes September 10th.
Click here to take the survey!
Coming Out Group for Women
Coming Out Group for Women Who Identify as Lesbian, Bi-Sexual or as Attracted to Other Women:
14 week psycho-educational support group. Discuss feelings & thoughts about ‘coming out’ to self and others, sexuality, gender and sexual identity continuum, internalized homophobia and heterosexism, queer culture, and meeting & dating women.
Starting: October, 2009
Meets: Thursday evenings for 75 minutesI
ntake appointment required.
Cost: $55/session. $130/Intake appointment. Sliding scale negotiable.
Facilitator: Irene Greene, Psychotherapist. 25+ years doing individual, couples & group therapy, education and trainings.
Call or email for flyer and more information:612.874.6442
irenegreene@earthlink.net
100 West Franklin Avenue,
Minneapolis, MN 55404
More than skin deep: uprooting white privilege and white supremacy one cell at a time, Oct 3
“More Than Skin Deep: Uprooting White Privilege and White Supremacy one cell at a time”
Overview All it takes is a small upset, a new situation to deal with, or a tough task at hand, and suddenly your stomach tightens, your heart beats faster, and you find it hard to sleep. Behind this anxiety lies a biological mechanism that is part of how we are wired to be human. Any disturbance to the environment, whether it’s physical (cold, hunger, infection, etc.) or emotional (fear, mourning, deadlines, etc.), triggers a response from the body aimed at guaranteeing its survival by maintaining its internal balance. At issue is not that we react, it’s what we do with these reactions. And then it’s about the institutions we create to help us control or alleviate or hide these reactions, to maintain our “internal balance”. This process is as true for something as seemingly benign as stubbing one’s toe, to the more complex, complicated and intense responses we have to issues of racism and white privilege. And while dramatically different in their intensity, impact on society and import in our lives, their physiological roots are the same; thus, to understand this root is to begin to find a deeper, and hopefully more effective, pathway in responding to issues of racism and white privilege in our lives.
This workshop is for white people who already have an understanding of white privilege and white supremacy (WP/WS) and want to learn more about how to dismantle WP/WS through embodiment work, education, visioning and practical action.
The intention of this training is to use critical race content and embodiment exploration to uproot ideologies of white supremacy and systems of white privilege in our lives. This will be done through becoming more conscious around the presence of WP/WS at our deepest selves as well as in our work to end racism. To be clear, this is not about subtly re-centering whiteness, but instead is work we as whites must do in the service of ultimately dismantling the structures of racial oppression in our society, in our work places, in our communities, and in ourselves.
There will be a mixing of critical race and embodiment content delivery and practical application in this workshop. So, white folks who are used to doing this work through a typical analytical workshop lens will be asked to lean into playing with personal transformation and likewise those who come to this work from a framework of personal exploration, will be asked to engage in deeper analysis via the critical race content presented.
Presenters Susan Raffo is a writer, community organizer and craniosacral therapist currently studying with Suzanne River in Global Somatics. Her interest is to bring together embodiment work and experiences with political work and experiences to end oppression and further social justice. Heather Hackman teaches courses in social justice and multicultural education, heterosexism and homophobia in the US, race and racism in the US, and oppression and social change. While we have been doing this work individually and together for a number of years, we feel it important to note that we are not positioning ourselves as “experts” on the issue of race, racism, white privilege or white supremacy as white supremacy would have us (and any whites doing this work) subtly do. Instead, we are simply attempting to share some of the experience we have gained in doing our own work and working with others around these issues and welcome your contributions to this workshop as we grow together.
Logistics Advance registration is required for this workshop – space is limited to 40 participants. The workshop will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 10-5 (there will be a 1.5 hour “working” lunch) at the Midtown YWCA in Minneapolis. Registration is $50 and there is a sliding fee.
Call or email Susan at 612-245-4056 or raffo95@gmail.com or Heather at 612-599-1221 or hwhackman@stcloudstate.edu and we will send you a registration form.
Food Lunch: A vegetarian lunch and some snacks throughout the day will be provided. Please let us know if you have any additional dietary needs.
Preparation
1. Wear comfortable clothes – there will be some level of movement, but that will be determined by your level of comfort and not by any directive from us. Plus, it’s a long day and so we would like you to be comfortable.
2. Please bring paper and pens for writing, notes, and journaling.
3. Please bring your response to the question below.
4. And of course bring an open heart, an open mind, a willingness to lean into your edges, and an acceptance of inevitable change.
Preparation question: What does being white mean to you? Please include any history, stories, images, thoughts, concerns, concepts, fears, and/or feelings that come up in response to this question. This is not an “assignment” but rather a way to help us enter into the content before we all get there. What you write will be shared only to the extent that you choose to disclose it in the workshop.
Patrick’s Cabaret Open Call for GLBT Performers
Patrick’s Cabaret is now taking submissions forUPCOMING SHOWS IN 2010
TRANSGENDER CABARET:March 19-20th
BiSEXUAL CABARET:April 23-24th
QUEER GiRLS NiGHT:June 25-26th
QUEER BOYS NiGHT:July 23-24th
We’re looking for 5-15 minute sets of performance art:Dance, Comedy, Music, Spoken Word, Poetry…whatever!
If you have some work ready for the stage, then let us know!
Please send submissions to Arturo Miles at: arturo@patrickscabaret.org
Monday, August 31, 2009
Twin Cities Black Pride Weekend, Sep 11-13
Twin Cities Black Pride Weekend, Sep 11-13
[facebook event page]
Friday, September 11, 2009
Opening Night w/ Color Coordination
Where: Guthrie Theatre
Time: 6:00pm-8:45pm
Join Color Coordination and Twin Cities Black Pride for a night of elegance and artistic expression. Featuring renown writer and novelist Alphonso Morgan and his very special guests Lisa C. Moore and G. Winston James and a number of aspiring young writers from a workshop Morgan facilitated this summer.
1st Annual BLoW uP Tha Mic Singing Competition
Location: Gay 90s
Time: 9:00pm-1:30am
Who will be the last standing? Come and support our local LGBT talent as the 9 contestants compete for the grand prize in this ultimate singing competition.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Color Coordination Interaction 2009
Location: South High School
Time:10:00am-5:30pm
Red Party
Location: Patrick’s Cabaret
Time: 9:00pm-1:00am
Come and celebrate being Red! Being HIV aware and knowing your current HIV status. Featuring DJ Lady L. on 1 and 2’s, special performances by Kevin “Kaoz” Moore, Miss Gay 90s Genevee, Miss Spirit of the Lakes Shamika Dupree, Mahogony Blue, Victoria Gotti, Taz and many more surprises. Oh and DON’T forget to wear your RED!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Twin Cities Black Pride Church Service: “Unity is the New You!”
Location: Parkway United Church of Christ
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Join us as we reclaim back one of the most influential institutions in our community: the church. An institution that has traditionally been a place tainted by religious-based homophobia and perverted by homonegativity and abuse. The Twin Cities Black Pride Community Choir will be making their debut this service so you definitely DON’T wanna miss it!
Park Festival and S’more Cook-off
Location: Boom Island
Time: 4:00pm-10:00pm
Have a famous dish that nobody on God’s green earth can make quite like you? Here’s your chance to showcase it at this potluck extravaganza. There will be music, relaxation, games, great company…and later on a s’more cook-off! What does the ultimate s’more consist of??? Come and find out!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Allan Spear Forum on Wednesday, September 9
What Is HIV Prevention? Does it Even Work?
What do YOU Think?
B.R. Simon Rosser, Ph.D., M.P.H., L.P.
Wednesday, September 9 at 7pm
At the Minnesota AIDS Project
1400 Park Avenue
25 years following the news that this deadly virus was rapidly spreading around the world, we have seen a number of HIV prevention programs come and go. Governments have supported, or not supported, these efforts. Some have blamed those who have become infected as being “careless” and “reckless” – even worse. Others have questioned why we educate people about HIV risk.
Hear from an expert about if these programs are making a difference – and importantly what steps you and others can take so that HIV can be stopped.
Bring your questions, concerns, comments and ideas to this groundbreaking forum.
Guest Speaker will be B.R. Simon Rosser, PhD., M.P.H., L.P.
B. R. Simon Rosser, Ph.D., M.P.H., L.P., is professor and director of the HIV/STI Intervention and Prevention Studies (HIPS) Program, in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He is an award winning author of 5 books and numerous scientific articles, serves as a reviewer for NIH on the Behavioral and Social Consequences of HIV/AIDS, and is best known for his research in the areas of HIV prevention, male homosexuality, homophobia, sexual health, Internet sex, and structural level interventions.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saint Paul Domestic-Partner Registry Opens September 2nd
Saint Paul Domestic-Partner Registry Opens September 2nd!
From OutFront Minnesota.
Following a unanimous vote of the Saint Paul City Council on July 22nd creating the states third domestic-partner registry, and being signed that evening by Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, the Saint Paul Domestic Partner Registry comes into effect on Wednesday, September 2nd.
Couples wishing to register with their community as domestic-partners may do so by obtaining forms from City Hall and paying a nominal fee. “While largely a symbolic move by the City, the fact that our states capital has joined Minneapolis and Duluth in doing what it can to promote fairness for same-sex couples represents another sign of progress toward full equality,” says OutFront Minnesota Legal Director Phil Duran.
If you plan to participate in the Saint Paul domestic-partner registry, and would be willing to speak publicly about your experience and why you chose to register, please contact OutFront Minnesota Public Policy Director Monica Meyer at mmeyer@outfront.org.
[stpaul.gov: Domestic Partnership Registration]
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rebuilding Lavender Bridge
I have had some great responses to the call for interested students to help rebuild Lavender Bridge. This is exciting! I want to set up a planning session for our group so I am sending this out to all people on the Listserve.
If you are interested, please follow the link below to let me know your availability for a planning session right before the Fall semester starts:
http://www.doodle.com/fdcq9h67dw66x32q
Sidney R. Smith
GLBT Student Services
Women's Services
Retention SpecialistMetropolitan State University700 East Seventh StreetSaint Paul, Minnesota55106-5000(651) 793-1544glbt@metrostate.edu
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Pride Events
We would love to have you join us for some or all of the GLBT Pride month events. These events are free and open to all regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Come Join the University Activities Board (UAB) for their Pride Month Kick-Off Showing Two Films:
Academy Award Winning Film Milk and the comedy But I'm a Cheerleader
This Thursday, June 18th starting with Milk at 6:00 pm in Founder's Hall Auditorium
*Films are rated R, so no one under 17 will be admitted without a parent.
Represent Metropolitan State in the 2009 Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade
Sunday, June 28th
11:00 am
Parade goes down on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis Metropolitan State's Office of GLBT Services welcomes ALL (regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity) university staff, faculty, students and administrators to walk in the 2009 Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade which will be held on Sunday, June 28, beginning at 11 a.m. along Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis. According to public estimates, the Parade again drew over 125,000 spectators last year, making it one of the largest parades in the Upper Midwest, and the largest in all of Minneapolis according to Mayor R.T. Rybak.
Click on link for more information and for parade route: http://www.tcpride.org/pride_events/2009_Parade.php
Please register at cultural.events@metrostate.edu or call 651-793-1270.
Summer Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Ally Training
Metropolitan State University
July 14, 2009
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
St. Paul Library 310
An ally is a person who works toward combating homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexism, on both a personal and institutional level. Members of the Metropolitan State community who wish to become recognized allies are invited to attend the Ally training workshops. Ally training is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to go through formal training on how to effectively provide a welcoming space for GLBT and questioning students, faculty, and staff.
RSVP to GLBT@metrostate.edu or call (651) 793-1544
Other Ways to stay informed on GLBT Services and Lavender Bridge activities:
· Twitter
· Facebook
· Blogspot
· Website
· Listserve: email glbt@metrostate.edu to get added to the list
*These events were graciously sponsored by the following areas: The Admissions Office at Metropolitan State, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office, University Activities Board (UAB), GLBT Student Services and Lavender Bridge Student Group
Sidney R. Smith
GLBT Student Services
Women's Services
Retention SpecialistMetropolitan State University700 East Seventh StreetSaint Paul, Minnesota55106-5000(651) 793-1544glbt@metrostate.edu
women.services@metrostate.edu
www.metrostate.edu/glbt
www.metrostate.edu/women
Monday, June 8, 2009
One Voice’s family-friendly concert celebrating the environment is this weekend!
June is Pride Month and to celebrate, One Voice is offering a special, limited time offer:
Order tickets before June 10 and receive $5 off!
Just use the code word PRIDE when ordering on our website, www.ovmc.org (press "update" in the shopping cart to make the discount appear) or place your order by calling 651-298-1954.
Sorry, offer does not apply to already discounted student and senior tickets.
Lavender Green: Thinking Globally, Singing Locally
June 13, 2009 at 7:30 pm
&
June 14, 2009 at 3:30 pm at the History Theatre
30 E 10th St. in downtown St. Paul
Throughout the program, the chorus blends humor and thoughtfulness to celebrate nature, honor the work of GLBT environmentalists and explore ways we all can live a little greener.
As part of its commitment to “singing locally,” One Voice highlights a number of recent works by St. Paul-based composers, and in a special treat, a children’s choir joins One Voice onstage. Interactive lobby displays by Eureka Recycling add to the fun!
Ticket prices for the concert range from $18 to $25 or $10 for students and seniors
For tickets and information, visit www.ovmc.org or call 651-298-1954
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
GLBT Happenings from The Dish
The following events were taken from The Dish newsletter. The Dish is a free, grassroots service to provide information about things of interest for queer women, especially queer women of color and friends, and to build community and connections:
LGBT Family Faith Curriculum -
From Family Equality Council.
May 19, 2009
Dear Families and Friends,
Over the last few years, we've asked you what areas of family life you want Family Equality Council to focus our work on. Time and again, making faith communities more welcoming and affirming of LGBT families has topped your lists. That's why I'm very excited to share with you the release of a new LGBT family-inclusive faith curriculum, All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families.
Developed by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources, Family Equality Council and COLAGE, this multimedia resource engages faith communities and faith leaders in conversation on how best to embrace our families.
Faith is an important part of many of our lives. All in God's Family provides a guiding hand to those who seek to make their faith communities more knowledgeable about and inclusive of LGBT families, from lessons on scripture to activity suggestions and more.
In the months and years to come, we will expand on this work. To do that, and to encourage faith communities to adopt the curriculum now, we need to hear from you. Tell us how your faith community makes your family feel welcomed and included and/or what makes you feel less included. Click here to read a sample story and get started.
I look forward to hearing from you and your family as you share your stories and provide feedback on this new resource for LGBT families.
All my best,
Jennifer Chrisler
Executive Director
Family Equality Council
Hip Hop Against Homophobia 2 -
Queers in/and Hip Hop: Open Discussion Forum
Saturday June 13th
7-9p.m. (Before the show!)
Bedlam Theater, Back Room
Grab dinner and a drink from the Bedlam's delicious menu, and pull up a chair at the table. The Twin Cities has massive, intertwined, and beautiful progressive hip hop, political, queer communities. We'll use this time and space to eat together and talk together. Conversation starters will be provided to discuss the issues of queers in/and/with hip hop, how hip hop can make social change, how to be a hip hop ally, and about queer movements for liberation and justice, anything we want! Bring your own questions, thoughts, ideas, and start your own discussions.
June Twilight Events
Twilight is the second Friday in June at the Kitty Cat Klub!! This event is the first of two June Twilight events and will be on the second Friday of the month. DJ Shiek will be on the decks spinning the hottest music all night long.
$7 21+ Drink Specials until 10pm
Pride Twilight will be at KARMA Nightclub on Friday, June 26th! We are changing up venues this year so be sure to tell your friends! Karma is the one of the hottest venues in town and has a fantastic patio! You will not want to miss this party!
We will be selling a limited # of VIP tickets/tables. All proceeds will benefit Foundation IX which enables low-income girls to participate in team sports and athletics. They do this by granting money for equipment, paying for athletic fees, etc. This is a REALLY important way in which we impact the lives of young girls in our own community and support the upcoming generation of women! I will be sending out details on how to purchase VIP tickets soon!
Check out the link to Foundation IX below:
http://www.foundationix.org/
$10 21+ Drink Specials until midnight!
"Buddy, can you spare an evening?" at Patrick’s Cabaret, June 5-6 -
Patrick's Cabaret presents
The Buddy, can you spare an evening?
goodtime, trip to faraway minds
Cabaret! at Patrick's Cabaret
Friday June 5th and Saturday June 6th
3010 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Tickets $10 at the door
Celebrate the beginning of summer at Patrick's Cabaret, enjoy a new and eclectic mix of performances by Erin Sheppard, Philip Low, David Amdur, Khary Jackson, Tom Steffan and Cathy Wright.
Erin Sheppard performs The Undead Can Dance! an exploration of popular dance and tuneszombified! Erin Sheppard is a choreographer/theatre artist from Minneapolis. Her current dance project, Inimitable Feets strives to project the idiosyncratic worlds in her head onto the stage with a sense of humor and an appreciation for each dancer's unique style of movement and rhythm.
Philip Low, the found of Maximum Verbosity, co-founder and Chair of the Rockstar Storytellers, performs The Rise of General Arthur, a retelling of the early years of King Arthur, set during the first Gulf War, told from the point of view of Pellinore as a Lance-Corporal in the Marine Corps.
David Amdur, as Professor Damon Rudman, performs: THE PROBLEM OF THE BODY: How did our society arrive at the conviction that bodily urges are debased? Combining the deportment of Sir Kenneth Clark with subject matter redolent of John Waters, Prof. Damon Rudman deconstructs contemporary American attitudes concerning bodily urges by juxtaposing recent media coverage with imagery from history and diverse cultures.
Nationally ranked slam poet Khary Jackson (currently ranked 3rd in the country) will amaze the audience with his words.
Comedian Tom Steffen looks like a sane person, but don't judge a book by its cover. His off-kilter outlook on life keeps audiences laughing for more. After almost two decades as a successful radio personality and total theatre geek, Tom decided to plunge into a new area of show business and began his comedy career in 2002. He has performed in numerous clubs in the upper Midwest, was a semi-finalist in Acme Comedy Company's 2003 Funniest Person in the Twin Cities contest, and more recently, a 2007 regional contender in Comedy Central's Open Mic Fight Contest. On stage, Tom shares the goofy adventures he finds in everyday living, from toiling away in his cubicle at his day job, to the absurd and bizarre things to be found in the seemingly ordinary art of conversation. All the while, Tom always manages to find a fresh take on the world around us that is sure to entertain any audience.
New work by choreographer Cathy Wright, who describes her work as highly emotional and occasionally disturbing work. It has been described as haunting, evocative, vivid, and mythical. My choreographic process is a journey into the darker corners of the mind. I do not shy away from the unspeakable and have used art as a healing process in recovery from incest, domestic violence, drug abuse, suicide, loss and fear. I incorporate technology with dance performance through the means of various media, and I return the human element back into a multimedia theater environment through art as a healing process. My work is rarely literal, but typically dramatic!
Grand Old Day, June 7
Grand Old Day 2009
Sunday, June 7
Summer of Pride
Join us at the Lavender Stage featuring:
DJ Red Richard
The Roxxy Hall Band
High and Mighty
http://www.grandave.com/
Lavender Green: Thinking Globally, Singing Locally; June 13-14 -
One Voice Mixed Chorus season finale concert.
June 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
June 14, 2009, 3:30 p.m.
History Theatre
30 East 10th Street, Saint Paul
Accessibility, directions and parking Download (pdf)
Tickets prices: $18-25, $10 student and senior
ORDER TICKETS!
Lavender Green: Thinking Globally, Singing Locally
CONCERT FLYER (pdf)
One Voice’s season finale is the Lavender Green: Thinking Globally, Singing Locally concert in June, which explores ways that the GLBT community can take a strong role in environmental movement. The program celebrates the majesty of nature, honors the accomplishments of GLBT environmentalists, fosters understanding of how our actions affect the delicate balance of nature and urges better stewardship of the world around us. As part of our commitment to "thinking globally and acting locally," the concert includes environmentally-themed works by local composers such as Steve Heitzig, Abbie Betinis and Peter Berryman. In a special highlight, three local children’s choruses will join One Voice on stage. Also, Earth-friendly organizations will offer information in the lobby about ways we can all live greener lives.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Fw: Ten Days Left to Apply for Soulforce Q Camp - Free LGBTQA Activist Training
Dear Friends:
There are just about ten days left to apply for Soulforce Q Camp, a free summer retreat that will assist grassroots LGBTQ and allied activists in their work for justice and collective liberation.
Dates: July 14-23, 2009
Location: Austin, TX at the Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change
Website and Application: www.soulforce.org/q-camp
Application Deadline: May 15, 2009
Cost: Soulforce Q Camp, including travel, is free to its participants
If you are working in a rural or conservative area of the world, this camp is for you. If you are doing underecognized or controversial local activism, this camp is for you. If you have a great idea and want to make it happen with collective support, this camps is for you. If you are outside the mainstream institutional support but have passion to create change, this camp is for you.Our 10-day training course is a time of learning, skill-sharing, studying, practicing and planning.
Topics include:
nonviolent activism from the youth perspectivescriptural skills for doing work with conservative religious communitiesanti-oppression organizing skills with a focus on anti-racist workgender and transgender awareness and involvementmedia and fundraising workfacilitation and community leadershipnetworking and community buildingand more!
Soulforce Q Camp is not only the time we spend together - Soulforce Q will provide a stipend and continued staff support to assist you in leading your local projects and events.
We welcome applicants age 18 to 30 (as of July 14, 2009) of all genders, orientations, faith or non-faith backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, education and class backgrounds, abilities, nationalities, and intersectional interests.
Feel free to forward this information.
Please contact Q@soulforce.org with any questions.
Peace,
Haven Herrin--
Director of Soulforce Q2000
Grand Avenue, #2
Minneapolis, MN 55405469-867-5725
Haven@soulforce.org
Monday, March 30, 2009
District 202 Yard Sale
Starting Saturday April 4th, District 202 will be holding a weekly Yard Sale in order to raise money and to clear out some of the stuff we̢۪ve accumulated over the past 16 years. Many of these things are old donated items from wonderful folks like you, but that have outdated their use to us.
YOU CAN HELP by donating items for us to sell at our yard sale! Just bring your gently used items (please no junk) to District 202 any day but Thursday.
We will gladly receive drop-offs between 11am and 4pm (if these times do not work call us to make another arrangement (612.871.5559). As a non-profit we are able to give you letter acknowledging your donation which you can use for tax purposes
Items we are hoping to acquire for sale include:
o Clothing/Shoes
o Furniture
o Books
o Music
o Housewares
o Collectables/bric-a-brac
o Pictures/art work
o Gardening/Yard equipment & tools
o Bikes
o Baked Goods
- PLEASE NO OLD COMPUTER MONITORS, TVS OR OLD ELECTRONICS
- (we can̢۪t use or sell them and then they charge us to dispose of them)
Thank you very much, and don̢۪t forget to tell your friends!
DISTRICT 202
Mailing Address:
District 202
1601 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
Contact Name: Jon DeVore
Telephone Number: 612-871-5559x12
To prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Jon DeVore, add jon@dist202.org to your address book.
Remove yourself from this mailing.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Grassroots Solutions Intern Job Description
Grassroots Solutions Background
Grassroots Solutions is a national consulting firm based in Minnesota, specializing in grassroots advocacy, organizing, training, targeting, and political field consulting. Since 1999, we have helped nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, labor unions, companies, government agencies, and political campaigns achieve their grassroots objectives. Our services include grassroots targeting, developing customized grassroots plans, training, ongoing strategic consulting, and troubleshooting.
Overview
Grassroots Solutions has internship openings for motivated individuals interested in learning about grassroots strategies, training, and politics.
There are a number of administrative and data management projects that would be part of the intern program such as: Organizing, filing, and maintaining training materials (in paper and electronic formats); Working to create an archive system for past and present project files; Assembling training and presentation materials; Helping to implement a new database coding system; Providing data quality control; Inputting data gathered from research.
Marketing & Research
Grassroots Solutions marketing activities are varied to reflect the nature of the product or service. Examples of marketing-related intern tasks are: Putting together marketing packets and keeping stock of brochures and inserts; Writing drafts of content for the web site; Drafting phone scripts for client projects; Researching issues, candidates, races nationwide;
There will be opportunities – depending on current priorities – to take part in client-related grassroots organizing projects. Intern responsibilities may include turnout phone calls for events, phone bank coordination, volunteer recruitment, and assistance with logistics for events.
Requirements
Working knowledge of MSOffice, flexibility (we are a small outfit and wear different hats!), good written and oral communication skills, 20-hour/week commitment during the summer (schedule is flexible, but hours must be completed between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
grassroots solutions
2929 university avenue se,
612-746-6727 (direct)
612.465.8565 (fax)
http://www.grassrootssolutions.com
Trans Participants Needed for Research to Improve Therapy Experiences
Thursday, March 26, 2009
National Bisexual Empowerment Conference at U of MN
Bisexual Empowerment Conference (A Uniting Supportive Experience)
April 17-19, 2009
Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
Register NOW, as seating and meals are limited!
Register online at our website (www.becauseconference.org). Registration fees are based on free-will donations, we encourage you to give as you are able (Suggested: $30 students, $45 others).
What do you get with your registration?
An exciting and packed weekend of social and educational programming , including keynote speaker Robyn Ochs, mid-day performer Erika Kate MacDonald, and Minnesota premiere screening of documentary “Bi the Way”
Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks on Saturday
Dessert and Drag Show/Cabaret Entertainment on Saturday Evening
Free parking on campus (You will receive directions with registration confirmation)
Conference bag filled with info and goodies from local and regional organizations
And much more!
Contact kimberlyjorgensen@gmail.com with questions!
Thank you,
Kim Jorgensen & Teri Kline
BECAUSE 2009 Co-Chairs
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Transgender Diversity Dialouge
Transgender Commission member J.B. Mayo forwards us the following
information about the upcoming Department of Curriculum & Instruction's
"Diversity Dialogue" featuring David Valentine (who was a guest at our
most recent Trans Commission General Meeting):
Transgender and the Trouble with "Diversity":
A Dialogue with David Valentine
Tuesday, February 17
Noon - 1:00 PM
Peik Hall, Room 40
http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/PeikH
In his ethnographic fieldwork in NYC's transgender communities, David
Valentine discovered quickly that many of the people identified by
others as being transgender did not accept, or did not even know about,
this category of identification. Moreover, many of those same people
took on other names for themselves, most significantly, the term "gay."
However, since the early 1990s, a good deal of work has been done -- in
activist, social service, and scholarly settings -- to insist on the
differences between homosexual and transgender identification. As such,
Valentine's data raise a range of questions about the nature of this
difference, and how the claims to this distinction is complicated by
the complexity of gendered and sexual identity as it is refracted
through class, racial, and cultural differences. In this presentation,
Valentine will map out the complexities and politics of these
identifications, and explore the questions raised by them about the very
concept of "diversity" (and its sibling, "inclusion") in contemporary
activism and social service provision.
david valentine
assistant professor, department of anthropology
university of minnesota
http://www.geocities.com/davidvalentine2002
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction's Diversity Dialogues last
about an hour (noon-1pm). Invited guest presents for 20-30 minutes; the
presentation is followed by a lively conversation between the guest and
audience.
---
Ross Neely
Co-Coordinator, Transgender Commission
GLBTA Programs Office
612-626-3064
TransCom@umn.edu
http://www.glbta.umn.edu/trans
Come to Minnesota's Freedom to Marry Day Rally
Come to Minnesota's Freedom to Marry Day Rally
Thursday, February 12th
2:30-3:30pm
Location: Rotunda of the State Capitol 75 Constitution Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota
Come to the Capitol to show your support for ending discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.
Freedom to Marry Day celebrations began over a decade ago in Minnesota and across the country to encourage people to be vocal about their support for marriage equality. This year's celebration in Minnesota is a rally at the Capitol in support of the "Marriage and Family Protection Act", which would render all Minnesota statutes dealing with marriage gender neutral, allowing equal rights for same sex and same gender couples to marry in Minnesota.
As part of this week, OutFront Minnesota is encouraging Minnesotans to be vocal about their support for legal protections that bring stability to all families. Join us at the Capitol, write your legislators and talk with co-workers or family about why you support marriage equality.
Ideas for signs
Sponsors of this event include Join The Impact - Twin Cities, Marriage Equality Minnesota, OutFront Minnesota, Rainbow Families, MN Lavender Greens, Stonewall DFL, Green Party of Minnesota, and more on the way!
And don't forget to attend OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day on Thursday, April 23rd.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
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