CHALLENGE The Newsletter of the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County – Serving New Jersey’s GLBTI Communities Since 1972
Volume 36, Issue 5, June 2010
Activism Works! by Andy Skurna I haven’t worked (for pay) in an environment with any more than a handful of other people for many years, maybe 15 or more. But about a month ago I accepted a temporary position working for Census 2010 in one of their “local Census offices.” In my department we have about 60 employees, spread out over three shifts. Due to the sudden and temporary nature of the work, most people frequently change shifts to fit their other obligations. Outside my department, we’ve had another 400 to 500 employees working from the same location. This means I am in the company of more straight people in one place than since I worked for a hospital (1982-1984). I have mentioned my work with a “non-profit” and some have inquired further. I have mentioned that I volunteer, and some have asked for more details. Since I know this to be a short-term position, and I am much older and more secure in who I am than in years past, and since I know New Jersey’s got the strongest ENDA laws in the country, I have not felt the need to hide any part of my life in a Inside Challenge closet. And I happily report that not once has anyone recoiled when I mentioned my participation in GAAMC or the fact that I am gay. Not once! GAAMC Events........................... page 2 The Bulletin Board..................... page 3 My coworkers come from all walks of life, and range in age from 22 to 82. This Month's Contributors............. page 3 Most are white, but every race is represented. Most, but clearly not all, are Pride Weekend Event Checklist..... page 3 straight. My department is made up of intelligent folks that some would call Gleanings................................. page 4 nerds. I can’t say our department, or even the Census Bureau, is representa- Good Eatin'! ..............................page 5 tive of every type of work place. But when I say that I am the president of the Calendar .................................. page 6 Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County, most are shockingly supportive. I’ve Notes on the National even gotten a “that’s cool” from a young, macho type. And I have handed out Storytelling Festival.................. page 8 Pride Guides to a few of my (assumed straight) coworkers. Mature Men's Group Begins at GAAMC............................... page 8 My supervisors have been extremely accommodating and allowed my Census Birds...................................... page 8 schedule to yield to my GAAMC, professional, and personal schedules. Getting Personal........................ page 8 Dancing to Architecture............. page 10 These things may not matter very much to anyone else. But I choose to look at GAAMC Information................... page 12 it differently. Returning to this type of work environment after so long affords a unique perspective. I feel as though I have just returned to earth after an extended intergalactic trip. And I will gladly report to the mother ship that the environment in at least one New Jersey workplace is much improved. Things aren’t perfect, and I’ve heard a few comments (not directed at me) that I wish were never uttered. But overall I must say that I feel much more secure in my position. No longer do I fear that I have to filter every word, making sure not to accidentally out myself to someone who may be a threat. I never was much of a shrinking violet, but in the past I have tried to be careful since most of my professional life has been as a representative for someone else. I may not have given the subject a thorough examination here. But as an activist, I report to you that there is absolutely a vast improvement in the attitudes towards gays, at least from what I’ve seen. This will definitely be a great Pride month. Our accomplishments alone provide reason enough for pride. With the continued support of our straight allies, I have every confidence the improvements will continue, here in New Jersey and beyond our borders. Please do all you can to spread New Jersey’s successes nationwide. Call your friends and relatives in all states and ask them to contact their elected officials and support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I’d ask you to call your representatives, but I know you’ve done that already, right?.