February 5-12, 2006: Volume I, Issue 17
News and Announcements
- Participate in the LGBTA Recognition/Awards Ceremony
The Office for LGBT Concerns will host its first ever Recognition and Awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally (LGBTA) students, staff and faculty. Allies are welcome to participate. The program will feature a hors d'oeuvres, slide show, a keynote speech, and the bestowing of awards for LGBTA undergraduates, staff and faculty. There will also be a procession of graduating LGBTA seniors, who will each receive a certificate of achievement. The Ceremony will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 1 in Illini Union, Room 314. All undergraduate and graduate students graduating in December '05, or May '06, can participate in the procession. If you are a LGBTA graduating senior or grad student who would like to receive a certificate of achievement, send an email to Khristian Kemp-DeLisser. Be sure to include the following info: your name as you would like it to appear on a certificate, the name of your college and major, and the type of degree you will be receiving (B.A., B.S., MA, etc). Rainbow tassels are also available. Let the office know if you would like to receive a rainbow tassel for only $5, which can be worn on your mortar board at graduation. - Date Auction
Q, the Allen Hall LGBT student organization, has begun organizing its annual Valentine's Day Date Auction, scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2006 at 8:00 pm in the Allen Hall Main Lounge. Q Will be raising money towards local LGBT organizations, such as GCAP, Lambda Legal, and local HS GSAs. They want to beat the amount they made last year, which was $1,100, but they need your help! If you're interested in helping with publicity, planning the event, or being auctioned off, contact Nick. - ExCEL Scholarships and Student Leader Awards
Seven $1,500 scholarships and fifteen awards of various amounts will be awarded by the Division of Student Affairs to outstanding UIUC student leaders for the 2006-2007 academic year. Additional awards of various amounts will be given to Registered Student Organizations which have made a significant impact to the campus community. The application must be received by noon on Friday, February 17. Undergraduates who will be of junior or senior standing and anticipate holding a major leadership role in a registered student organization during the 2006-2007 academic year may apply at www.vcsa.uiuc.edu/leaders/ExCELscholarships.
Students and Registered Student Organizations must be nominated for Student Leadership Awards. Awards are categorized by class standing and area of service. Award descriptions and the nomination form can be accessed online at www.vcsa.uiuc.edu/leaders/SLAwards. - Women's Self-Defense Courses
The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. The spring schedule is set for both basic physical defense and aerosol defense courses. All interested women can find out more information by visiting the Division Of Public Safety or by e-mailing Joan M. Fiesta. - Write for the Advocate Magazine!
Are you looking place to voice issues dealing with queer issues for an under-25 demographic? The Advocate, America's premier Gay and Lesbian magazine, has expanded its GenQ section and they want to hear from you! The magazine's editors are looking for local perspectives of big media events, innovate events, people to know, etc. For more information, contact Kevin. - PFLAG Offers GLBT Students and Supporters Scholarship: Application due by February 14
Do you know any graduating high school seniors? PFLAG's National Scholarship Programs for graduating high school seniors entering college in fall 2006 is open to self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students and students who are allies and supporters of the GLBT community. The closing date for applications is February 14, 2006. Application materials can be downloaded from PFLAG. For more information contact Judy Hoff, Scholarships Administrator, at (202) 467-8180. - April is LGBT Awareness Month!
LGBT Concerns is gearing up for April's Awareness Days again. If you are planning any or would like to work with us to develop a program that is relevant to the LGBT-Awareness, let us know so we can include it in the calendar. We are very excited about April and wish to develop a diverse set of programs and activities that will appeal to a wide audience. E-mail kkempdel@ad.uiuc.edu for more details. - Hearing Queer Voices?
Queer Voices, the area's only LGBT public affairs radio show, is moving to a new time 6:00 - 8:00 pm EVERY week starting the first of February. We have two awesome hours to fill. So tune in to WEFT on Wednesday nights. WEFT is a community radio station broadcasting at 90.1 FM. For more information about show topics and how to become a member or volunteer, e-mail Peter Normand.
Upcoming Events
If your campus group has an event you would like featured in "Upcoming Events," please e-mail Khristian.
Tuesday, February 7
- Rainbow Coffee House
6:30 pm, the Etc., Wesley Foundation (corner of Green and Goodwin)
Offers a welcoming, nonreligious, open environment to LGBT and ALLY communities to socialize. Open every Tuesday. If you or your organization is interested in hosting, contact Sara Clemons for more information. Sponsored by the Office of LGBT Concerns.
Black History Month Events
Monday, February 6
- The Known Unknown
7:00 pm, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Program
Come learn about the many things we use everyday that were invented by African Americans. Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Wednesday, February 8
- Lunch and Learn: You and Your Money
12:00 pm, Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Program
Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Thursday, February 9
- Make it Plain: A Documentary About Malcolm X
6:00 pm, Law Building Room D
Sponsored by Black Law Students Association.
Thursday, February 9
- 3rd Annual Black History Month Play
7:00 pm, Lincoln Theater
Sponsored by Campus Jams Entertainment.
Friday, February 10
- Racism In America Open Discussion
5:00 pm, Daniel Hall Lounge
Sponsored by Graduate and Professional Students Of Color.
Group Meetings
If your LGBT-related group or organization would like to be featured in "Group Meetings," please e-mail Khristian.
Sunday, February 5
- Ladies Loving Ladies (L3)
7:00 - 9:00 pm, LGBT Concerns Office, 323 Illini Union
THE NEW SEASON OF THE L-WORD IS HERE! Join L3, a social/support network for queer women, to watch the new episodes. After the show, we do a variety of activities, including playing games, watching films or having heated debates. All women are invited to come; bring your friends and ideas! For more information, contact Emily.
Monday, February 6
- MBLGTACC 2008 Planning Committee Meeting #4
5:00 pm, Office for LGBT Concerns (Room 323, Illini Union)
As some of you may know, the 2006 Midwest Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Ally College Conference is on its way, and the staff at the Office for LGBT Concerns has expressed an interest in hosting the conference for the year 2008. In order for this conference to be made possible, we would be required to submit a bid to this year's conference committee to be considered. The university has hosted the conference in the past, but we feel it would be a great opportunity to reintroduce such a large venue to our campus. We will be providing food and refreshments for you for attending this meeting. If you are unable to attend this meeting, but would like to be involved in whatever capacity or would like to be kept on the e-mail list, please inform Patrick at your earliest convenience. - Colors of PRIDE
8:00 - 9:30 pm, LGBT Concerns Office, 322 Illini Union
Provides a safe space and friendly environment for all LGBT students of color to share, listen, discuss and express themselves. All LGBT students of color and allies are welcome! For more information, contact Victor or Paul. - Q of Allen Hall
9:00 pm, Allen Hall Conference Room
Q, a group for LGBTQIA residence hall students, meets every Monday to explore issues of concern and provide support to students. To find out the new meeting time, contact Kim or Patrick.
Tuesday, February 7
- Among Women
5:45 - 7:15 pm, Room 249A Student Services Building
Among Women is an informal discussion group made up of lesbian and bisexual women students. It provides a place to meet other women who share your concerns and to form or broaden your social support network; an opportunity to decrease the alienation and isolation of being a lesbian or bisexual woman in a majority heterosexual environment; a great chance to exchange ideas, experiences, and opinions. Contact Anita for more information.
Wednesday, February 8
- PRIDE
8:00 pm, 388 Lincoln Hall
PRIDE provides educational, social, recreational and support programs to enhance the campus climate for LGBT students. Check the PRIDE website for information on events and activities.
Thursday, February 9
- MBLGTACC 2008 Planning Committee Meeting #5
5:00 pm, Office for LGBT Concerns (Room 323, Illini Union)
As some of you may know, the 2006 Midwest Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Ally College Conference is on its way, and the staff at the Office for LGBT Concerns has expressed an interest in hosting the conference for the year 2008. In order for this conference to be made possible, we would be required to submit a bid to this year's conference committee to be considered. The university has hosted the conference in the past, but we feel it would be a great opportunity to reintroduce such a large venue to our campus. We will be providing food and refreshments for you for attending this meeting. If you are unable to attend this meeting, but would like to be involved in whatever capacity or would like to be kept on the e-mail list, please inform Patrick at your earliest convenience. - Coming Out Support Group (COSG)
7:00 pm, LGBT Concerns Office, 323 Illini Union
COSG is a safe place to listen, talk and learn about sexual identity and coming out issues. For more information, e-mail comingout@uiuc.edu.
Sunday, February 12
- Ladies Loving Ladies (L3)
7:00 - 9:00 pm, LGBT Concerns Office, 323 Illini Union
THE NEW SEASON OF THE L-WORD IS HERE! Join L3, a social/support network for queer women, to watch the new episodes. After the show, we do a variety of activities, including playing games, watching films or having heated debates. All women are invited to come; bring your friends and ideas! For more information, contact Emily.
Around Campus
If you know of an event sponsored by another organization or program that you would like featured in "Around Campus," please e-mail Khristian.
Saturday, February 4
- Student Activist Conference at University YMCA
10:00 am - 5:00 pm, University YMCA, 1001 South Wright St. (Registration begins at 9:30)
All Events Are Free and Open to All Students. To register, please e-mail becca@universityymca.org with your name and e-mail.- Workshops: Fundraising and Event Coordination, Running Successful Meetings, Publicity/Media Outreach, Dealing with the (University) Bureaucracy
- Forums: Effective Lobbying, Dealing with Apathy
- Free Lunch: Roundtable discussions on various topics
Monday, February 6
- Lunch and Learn: Winter Activities
Noon - 1:00 pm, CRCE Meeting Room
Join Campus Rec Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures, Bob McGrew, and learn how you can get out and enjoy the Winter months and the many enjoyable activities that go with them! This event is free to students and Campus Rec members, and $3 for non-members. To register, email campusrec@uiuc.edu or for more information, email Janet Kroencke.
Monday, February 13
- Distinguished Lecture Series: Gender, Lies and Video Games -- The Truth about Females and Computing
Maria Klawe; School of Engineering and Applied Science, Princeton University
4:00 pm, 1404 Siebel Center for Computer Science, 201 North Goodwin Avenue, Urbana
This talk explores how girls and women differ from boys and men in their uses of and attitudes towards computers and computing. From playing computer games to pursuing computing careers, the participation of females tends to be very low compared to that of males. Why is this? Opinions range from girls wanting to avoid the math and/or the geek image of programming to girls having better things to do with their lives. We discuss research findings on this issue, as well as initiatives designed to increase the participation of females in computing. Reception after the talk in the 2nd Floor Atrium of Siebel Center.
Out and About
If you know of an off-campus community event that you would like featured in "Out and About," please e-mail Khristian.
Monday, February 6
- Debra Davis: Trans Activist
8:00 pm, Pilling Chapel, Millikin University, Decatur
Q&A of Millikin University in association with Amnesty International proudly presents Debra Davis, a high school librarian who changed from a man to a woman over a weekend, and changed the attitudes of her students and colleagues in the process! Debra Davis is an award-winning transgender educator and activist. Her dynamic, thought-provoking presentations move and inspire audiences throughout the country.
Friday, February 17
- Trans/Forming Knowledge: A Transgender Studies Symposium
University of Chicago
The emergence of transgender studies in recent years has raised far-reaching questions about the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of gender, women's, queer, and sexuality studies. This day-long symposium invites you to consider the significance and implications of these questions by engaging in a sustained, interdisciplinary conversation with four of the field's leading scholars. TRANS/FORMING KNOWLEDGE is being organized by the Center for Gender Studies with additional support from the Center's Lesbian and Gay Studies Project. It will take place on the University of Chicago campus; please check the CGS website for more detailed information as the date approaches.
Saturday, February 18
- Performance: Joni Laurence
7:30 pm, Unitarian Universalist Church
Joni Laurence, a Champaign-based nationally touring singer-songwriter, will perform a recording concert at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 309 W. Green Street in Urbana on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 7:30 pm. Joni will perform eleven new songs that will become her fourth solo recording -- a live CD -- to be released in this summer. She will be joined by a cast of outstanding local musicians including Matt Stewart on guitar, Josh Walden on bass, Jeff Magby on drums and percussion, and Ryan Groff on vocals.
Article(s) of Interest
Articles of interest are collected from a variety of online and electronic sources. They are intended to spark thought or general discussion about issues important to the LGBT community.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Mourns Death of Coretta Scott King
Source: www.taskforce.org
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force mourns the death of Coretta Scott King, widow of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who died in her sleep Feb 1, 2006, at the age of 78. Mrs. King worked tirelessly after her husband's death in 1968 to carry on his legacy of social justice activism. She was a steadfast ally in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, and was honored by the Task Force in 1997 for her support of the cause. In addition, Mrs. King was a featured speaker at the Task Force's Creating Change 2000, where she rallied hundreds of activists gathered for the country's largest LGBT rights organizing conference. In 2003, her son, Martin Luther King Jr. III, was personally responsible for inviting Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman to join Mrs. King to speak from the podium at the 40th anniversary of the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington.
"Our community has lost a dear and courageous friend, someone who was there for us when virtually no one else was," Foreman said today. "From the beginning, Mrs. King understood that homophobia is hate, and hate has no place in the Beloved Community that she and Dr. King envisioned for our nation and our world. Our hearts go out to her family and to Lynn Cothren, her 23-year assistant and a former Task Force board member."
In 1997, upon receiving the Task Force's Honoring Our Allies award, Mrs. King told the crowd, "I accept this award as a reaffirmation of my commitment to carry forward the unfinished work of my husband, Martin Luther King Jr. My husband understood that all forms of discrimination and persecution were unjust and unacceptable for a great democracy. He believed that none of us could be free until all of us were free, that a person of conscience had no alternative but to defend the human rights of all people. I want to reaffirm my determination to secure the fullest protection of the law for all working people, regardless of their sexual orientation ... it is right, just and good for America."
At the awards ceremony, Kerry Lobel, then-Task Force executive director, said, "Mrs. King has stood shoulder to shoulder with us as we work to envision and create a world based on social justice. She embraces the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as part of the continued legacy of Dr. King's brave work. Her progressive vision of peace and justice echoes around the world."
"Today we deeply mourn the loss of Coretta Scott King, who staunchly stood for the civil rights of all people, including the civil rights of our lesbigaytrans community of all colors, and who consistently challenged our own black community to understand that discrimination is wrong whether based on color or sexual identity. Civil rights is civil rights," said longtime activist Mandy Carter, executive director and a co-founder of the North Carolina-based group Southerners on New Ground.
"I'll forever cherish the day that I and Matt Foreman, representing our lesbigaytrans community, got to stand shoulder to shoulder with her on August 23, 2003, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington," Carter continued. "The 1963 march was organized by Bayard Rustin, a black gay pacifist who was instrumental in introducing Dr. King to concepts of Ghandian nonviolence, the hallmark of the civil rights movement. Thank you so much Mrs. Coretta Scott King. You've left an amazing legacy."
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