Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference
February 16-18 University of Minnesota
PROGRAMGUIDE
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Dear Alphabet Soup Attendees: Welcome to the Fifteenth Annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference here at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities! This conference is a unique forum for discussion, education, and celebration of our diverse community. Because of this diversity, this year’s conference is known as Alphabet Soup 2007: No Matter The Letter, We Stand Together. Alphabet Soup encompasses all of the unique individuals that make up our community, and in fact, no matter how each of us identify, we stand together in our shared experiences. Since preparations began in February 2006, Alphabet Soup has strived to create a memorable conference that would inspire and empower attendees, leaving them motivated to make a difference on their campuses and communities. Alphabet Soup was determined in highlighting communities within our own whose voices need to be empowered, as well as focusing on the collaboration that is needed in our shared fight for social justice and equality. This need was a constant reminder while choosing workshops, speakers, and entertainment. One important addition to this year’s conference is the establishment of an Oversight Committee. The formation of this committee will ensure the continued success of this conference, as well as maintaining the archives the conference as it changes and travels around the Midwest. Alphabet Soup invites you to engage in over 130 workshops, 4 keynote speakers, and countless entertainment events with fellow attendees, both in and outside of your respective organizations, to make this conference an experience that we can all share. Once again, welcome to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and Alphabet Soup 2007! Sincerely,
Michael Grewe 2007 MBLGTACC Co-Director
Luciano Patiño 2007 MBLGTACC Co-Director
Registration Coffman Great Hall Annex Friday, February 16 12p – 10p Saturday, February 17 7a – 7p
Friday 4:00p
to
5:00p
Workshop Session 1
5:00p
to
7:00p
Dinner (on your own)
7:00p
to
7:30p
Opening Ceremony
Coffman Great Hall
7:30p
to
9:00p
Coffman Great Hall
9:00p
to
10:15p
Loren Cameron Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe
10:30p
to
1:00a
Talk Soup!
11:00a
to
1:30a
Homocore Minneapolis
Various locations
Coffman Great Hall Coffman Cube Coffman Great Hall
Saturday 8:00a
to
9:00a
Mandy Carter
Coffman Great Hall
9:15a
to
10:30a
Workshop Session 2
Various locations
10:45a
to
12:00p
Robyn Ochs
12:00p
to
1:30p
Lunch (on your own)
12:00p
to
6:00p
Tabling & Vendor Exhibition
1:30p
to
2:30p
Regional Caucuses
Various locations
2:45p
to
4:15p
Workshop Session 3
Various locations
4:30p
to
6:00p
Workshop Session 4
Various locations
6:00p
to
8:00p
Dinner (on your own)
8:00p
to
10:30p
Margaret Cho freaturing Ian Harvie
11:30p
to
1:00a
Dance & Drag Show
Coffman Great Hall
Northrup Auditorium
Coffman Great Hall
Northrup Auditorium
Sunday 8:30a
to
9:30a
Workshop Session 5
Various locations
9:45a
to
11:15a
Workshop Session 6
Various locations
11:20a
to
11:40a
Rainbow Jeopardy
Coffman Great Hall
11:45a
to
12:45p
Faisal Alam - Potbelly’s Lunch Provided
Coffman Great Hall
12:45p
to
1:00p
Closing Ceremony
Coffman Great Hall
Information Booth Coffman Corridor Friday, February 16 9a – 12a Saturday, February 17 7a – 12a Sunday, February 18 8a – 3p SPIRITUALITY ROOM Coffman 319 Friday, February 16 9a - 2a Saturday, February 17 7a - 2a Sunday, Feburuary 18 7a - 3p TRETTER COLLECTION DISPLAY Coffman Mississippi Annex Friday, February 16 3p – 12a Saturday, February 17 7a – 7p Sunday, February 18 8a – 3p Open House Queer Student Cultural Center Coffman 205 Friday, February 16 9a – 10p Saturday, February 17 7a – 7p, 10p – 1a Sunday, February 18 8a – 3p HAPPY HOUR sponsored by Queer Graduate and Professional Association Kitty Cat Klub - 315 14th Ave SE Friday, February 16 5:00p – 7:00p
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People of Color SAFE SPACE Coffman 211 Saturday, February 17 8a - 7p Sunday, Feburuary 18 8a - 3p
PROGRAM GUIDE CONTENTS 2
Schedule At A Glance
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Mission Statement and Statement of Diversity
Open House Women’s Student Activist Collective Coffman 202
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Conference History
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Oversight Committee
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All About The Queer Student Cultural Center
Friday, February 16 3p – 6p Saturday, February 17 2:45p - 4:30p
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All About the GLBTA Programs Office
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The Planning Committee
15
Welcome Letters & Proclamations
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Keynote Biographies
Open House Disabled Student Cultural Center Coffman 203
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Entertainer Biographies
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Featured Presenter Biographies
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Alphabet Soup Interviews Margaret Cho
Friday, February 16 9a – 6p Saturday, February 17 Open as available
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Maps of University Facilities
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Conference-Long Events
50
Tablers & Vendors
51
Regional Caucus Listings
Screening of Imagine Me & You Coffman Theatre
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Schedule Of Events
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Workshop Session 1
58
Workshop Session 2
Friday, February 16 7p, 9:30p, 12a Saturday, February 17 7p, 9:30p, 12a
64
Workshop Session 3
72
Workshop Session 4
78
Workshop Session 5
82
Workshop Session 6
88
Our Sponsors
90
Volunteers
91
Thank Yous
Havdallah sponsored by Keshet 1521 University Ave SE Saturday, February 17 6:15p – 7:45p
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MISSIONSTATEMENT Alphabet Soup 2007 strives to: • Celebrate the diversity and culture of Alphabet Soup communities; • Collaborate across the spectrum of our identities and experiences; • Provide a safe and supportive forum to discuss challenges, issues, and ideas pertinent to students, staff, and faculty; • Educate participants on issues facing the collegians of today; and • Empower individuals, student groups, and progressive grassroots organizations throughout the Midwest and central Canada.
Statementof Diversity Alphabet Soup 2007 is committed to promoting diversity and respect in our communities, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or identity, gender identity or expression, sex, affectional preference, race, ethnicity, culture, ability, age, religious affiliation, class or socio-economic status, residential status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, marital or familial status, or openness of any of the aforementioned. The 2007 Planning Committee is steadfast in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and respect for all persons in attendance, and is dedicated to empowering the voices of those who are underrepresented and underserved in our communities. The conference name, Alphabet Soup, epitomizes what our communities represent: a mosaic of different backgrounds and cultures working together to achieve equality, justice, peace, and respect for all persons in society.
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A TIMELINE OF ALPHABET SOUP 2007 Alphabet Soup: No Matter The Letter We Stand Together University of Minnesota Twin Cities 2006 Painting The Rainbow: Celebrating Unity Through Diversity University of South Dakota 2005 Building The Bridge To Bring It All Together Saint Cloud State University 2004 Speak Up! Speak Out! Celebrating The Power Of Communication To Fight Hate And Fear Iowa State University 2003 Loving With Pride The Ohio State University Columbus 2002 Still Moving Forward Michigan State University 2001 Out And About: Breaking The Silence, Breaking The Boundaries, Breaking The Labels University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2000 Making Waves Into The New Millennium Saint Cloud State University 1999 Moving Forward, Looking Back University of Wisconsin Madison 1998 Across The Fruited Plain University of Illinois at Chicago 1997 We’re Here! We’re Queer! We’re Fabulous! Indiana State University 1996 Building Queer Success In The Midwest Beloit College 1995 Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay College Conference Southern Illinois University at Carbondale 1994 Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay College Conference Earlham College 1993 Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay College Conference Drake University & Iowa State University 1992 Planning Conference Emporia State University 1991 Initial Discussions Des Moines, Iowa
Alphabet Soup 2007 proudly recognizes
Boston Scientific for their support of this year’s conference.
Alphabet Soup 2007 proudly recognizes the
Women’s Student Activist Collective for their support of this year’s conference.
Alphabet Soup 2007 proudly recognizes
TCF Bank
for their support of this year’s conference.
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ConferenceOversight Committee This year, Alphabet Soup 2007 is establishing the firstever Conference Oversight Committee. Until a formal Constitution is ratified, the 2007 Planning Committee has setup a provisional structure for its makeup and governance. Here are the details: What will the Oversight Committee be in charge of? Minimally, the Oversight Committee will be in charge of picking the college or university that will host future conferences, be responsible for archiving conference materials, and be in charge of intellectual property. How does one get involved? Attend your state or provincial caucus from 1:30pm – 2:30pm on Saturday. Each state and province attending
this conference will get up two representatives, to be elected by a majority vote. What are the requirements for being a representative? A representative must be a student, staff, or faculty member at an institution of higher learning (at the time of election) from the state or province in which one is representing. Those from the University of South Dakota, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are ineligible to be elected by their state caucuses, as each university will already have representation on the Oversight Committee.
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How long is the term for a representative? One year. What does a representative have to do? Attend the Oversight Committee meeting at the conference, and participate in several teleconferencing meetings throughout the year, as needed. When is the Oversight Committee meeting? There are two sessions. The first is on Saturday from 2:45pm – 4:15pm, and the second immediately afterwards from 4:30pm – 6pm.
second session will discuss a permanent archiving location for Conference materials, a possible Conference name change, and a vote for the 2009 Conference host, which will take place by secret ballot and be announced on Sunday at the Closing Ceremony. Is the meeting open to the general public? Yes, everyone is welcome!
What will be discussed at the meeting? The first session will have members discuss and pass a Constitution for the Oversight Committee. The
Alphabet Soup 2007 proudly recognizes
Best Buy
for their support of this year’s conference.
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All About The Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC) is an umbrella organization for many of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and ally student groups on the University of Minnesota campuses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Its history goes back to May 1969, when two University students, Koreen Phelps and Stephen Ihrig, founded Fight Repression of Erotic Expression, or FREE. It was the first official GLBT organization in the state of Minnesota, and the first completely student-run gay and lesbian organization in the country. Its purpose as an organization was “to free people from outdated, damaging moral restrictions” and “to abolish any law or prejudice that prohibits any sexual activity between consenting persons.” In October 1969, the University of Minnesota Senate Committee for Student Affairs officially recognized FREE as a registered campus organization. After several name changes over the years, the organization became the QSCC in 1998. The mission of the QSCC is to celebrate the diversity and culture of the queer community; educate the University of Minnesota on issues pertinent to the lives of queer students; advocate for inclusion and equality of all persons regardless of sexual or gender orientation; provide a safe space for
queer students to meet and form a sense of community; and empower queer individuals, groups, and organizations. The QSCC is made up of fourteen student groups, including the 2007 MBLGTACC Planning Committee, Arch (a coming out group), Biversity, the Delta Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity, Friends and Allies, the GLBTA Network, GLBTQ Asian and Pacific Islanders, Keshet: Queer-Jewish Student Alliance, the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, Queer Graduate and Professional Association, Queer Men, Queer Saint Paul, Queer Women, and Tranarchy.
The QSCC is honored to be hosting the 15th Annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference, known this year as Alphabet Soup 2007. It wishes all of those in attendance have an amazing experience, and that conference attendees go back to their respective college campuses motivated and empowered to fight for equality, respect, and justice for everyone.
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The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office provides advocacy, information and referral, training, education, and support services for the entire University of Minnesota community. In the fall of 1990, the President of the University of Minnesota established a Select Committee to investigate “the campus climate as experienced by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.” The Committee found that lesbian, transgender, and gay people at the University faced discrimination, violence, and harassment. The committee made five recommendations, including the establishment of the then-GLBT Programs Office, which was finally realized in December 1993. “Ally” was added to the name in 2006. The mission of the GLBTA Programs Office is to improve campus climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people at the University of Minnesota and to address the harmful effects of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification. By hosting this year’s conference, the GLBTA Programs Office will extend out this mission further than the University of Minnesota campus. Committed to diversity and equity in operations and programming, the GLBTA Programs Office recognizes differences within lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay communities along lines of race, age, ethnicity, religion, economic status, language, health status, national origin, gender, and disability. The GLBTA Programs Office has been instrumental to the success of Alphabet Soup 2007. Offering support, advice, and insight, the GLBTA Programs Office was a key partner in the organization and implementation of this conference.
All About the
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ALPHABETSOUP2007COMMITTEE MEMBERS co-directors
finance subcommittee chairs
speakers and entertainment
Michael Grewe Luciano Pati単o
Michael Grewe Justin Jagoe
subcommittee chairs
conference coordinator
hospitality and information
Kimberly Arps
subcommittee chairs
technology and design
Heidi Hackbarth Ezekiel Montgomery
Kimberly Arps Ezekiel Montgomery Sara Schwermer stuff subcommittee chair
Sarah Stackley
coordinator
Tim Connolly conference theme and logo
outreach and diversity
volunteer subcommittee chair
subcommittee chair
Elysa Hays
Anne Phibbs
subcommittee chairs
Jennifer Mohnkern Becky Saltzman
workshop and programming oversight committee
subcommittee chairs
subcommittee chair
Becky Saltzman
Sarah Choy Owen Marciano
program and advertising
interim conference coordinator
subcommittee chairs
Sarah Feingold
decorations subcommittee chairs
Jeff Merkel Abby Sneed drag show subcommittee chair
Tim Connolly Eric James
Parker Rogers
interim co-director
Stace Vonderhaar program designer
evaluation subcommittee chair
Matt Crockett
Tina Cassler
historian
Bryan Poling scholarship subcommittee chair
facilities subcommittee chairs
Ryan Kroening Owen Marciano
Ryan Kroening
planning committee members
Daniel Alberts Mark Annis Andy Birkey Anna Brauch
Tyler Damico Joe Dirkswager Michala Eberline Rhea Grundl Anne Hodson Kate Johnson Ruth Johnson Michael Lent Kelly Lewis Drake McDougall Annette Michaels Sarah Miller Ross Neely Karen Pierce Jonathan Popko Nick Rosencrans Di Schempp Danielle Schuler Vincent Staupe Rabbi Sharon Stiefel Nicole Susuki James Tedrick Rhiannon Thrasher Sarah Trapp Molly Underwood Emily Vance Cassie Van Houten Alex Walter
ALPHABETSOUP2007EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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ANNEPHIBBS
KIMARPS
MIKEGREWE
KIMARPS is the Conference Coordinator for Alphabet
Soup 2007. She started working with the conference in the summer of 2006 as a way to get more involved in the University of Minnesota’s GLBT community. Kim works as a registrar and accountant, among other random jobs, for the conference. Kim is currently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, pursuing a graphic design degree with a minor in sociology.
LUCIANOPATIÑO
TIMCONNOLLY
MIKEGREWE is the Co-Director for Alphabet Soup
2007. Mike is also the Communications Coordinator for the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, a facilitator for Arch, a student-run coming out support group at the University, and the Chair of Student Affairs on the University Systemwide Commission on GLBT Concerns. He was Co-Chair of the Queer Student Cultural Center during the 2005 – 2006 academic year, and was part of the planning committee for the first annual Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference in November 2006. He is currently studying mathematics and statistics at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
LUCIANOPATIÑO is a member of the QSCC since
starting at the University of Minnesota in 2002. He was cofacilitator for Queen Men, is a past co-chair of the QSCC, and has been the co-director for Alphabet Soup 2007 since planning began in February 2006. He has also done organizing outside of the university community, most notably with the Human Rights Campaign as a volunteer on their dinner committee in 2003. He is a member of The Outtakes, the showcase troupe for Stevie Ray’s Improv Company, and is committed to bringing levity through humor to situations appropriate and otherwise.
TIMCONNOLLY is the Technology and Design
Coordinator for Alphabet Soup 2007. He is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and also serves as co-chair of The Queer Student Cultural Center. Alongside design, Tim also has worked as a disk jockey at various radio stations in the Twin Cities. He currently works weekends on Drive 105 FM. Tim is currently in the process of setting up his own design and voiceover business, where he can combine his passion for music as well as design.
ANNEPHIBBS
earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy and Feminist Studies at the University of Minnesota (U of M). She served as GLBT Student Services Director at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota for eleven years before becoming the GLBTA Director of Systemwide Programs at the U of M.
Intersex Society of North America
BOYNTON H E A L T H
S E R V I C E
OUTFRONT MINNESOTA
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A welcome letter from
RobertBruininks
President of the University of Minnesota
UNIVERSITY
OF
MINNESOTA Office of th e President
202 Morrill Ha ll 100 Church Street S.E . Minneapolis , MN 554550110 612-626-1616 Fax: 612-62 5-3875
February 16 , 20
07
To Alphabet
Soup 2007 co
nference part icipants: Welcome to the University 2007, the Fi of M innesota! W fteenth Annua e are plea l Midwest B Conference. isexual Lesbi sed and honored to host As you may Alpha an G kn Congratulatio ow, this conf erence is entir ay Transgender Ally Col bet Soup ns to the Uni versity of M lege Lesbian, Bis el y st ud en t-organized innesota Que exual, Transg and st er St en and executio n of this impo der, Ally Programs Offic udent Cultural Center an udent-run. e for its outs rtant event. tanding effo d the Gay, rt in the plan As the confer ning ence theme su identity and ggests, Alpha experience, be t So up 2007 strives and to provid faced by stud to e a safe and ents, staff, an supportive en promote collaboration ac d faculty can atmosphere vironment in ro that is welco be di sc us se which challe ss d. m in Our sex, race, ethn g of every pe nges rson, regardle commitment to fosterin icity, age, cl ass, socio-ec Minnesota an onomic status ss of sexual orientation, g a campus eminently su , or ability, m gender identit itable host fo akes the Uni y, r this confer versity of ence. Your activis m, dedicatio n, energy, and improve our le campuses an d our society. adership in the fight for social equalit Thank you, y and have an Sincerely, amazing conf and respect erence! Robert H. B ruininks President
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A welcome letter from
ScottDibble
Minnesota State Senator
al Lesbian est Bisexu w id to M 7 0 0 the 2 pportunity take this o ome you to o lc your e ls a d w n e I fi t m a u t nce. Le h that yo re at honor th is fe re w n g o re h e C it c e n w y si It is Colleg aul. It is m ender Ally s and St. P li o Gay Transg p a e n in ou to M few welcome y spitable. way in the ble and ho a me a long y o c , s e a v h ie y h visit enjo it c portun ch to a ice and op e have mu st w ju h , g e u ss g o e e n ll th co ent for fair tivist. And rward from Our movem ce I was a college ac s to step fo e u n ti n o n c t si tha short years leadership ned by the e rt a e h m a I any of you me when m rtant ti e th to campuses. ard po d make im I look forw l office, an timistic as a p c o nt and ti e li re o m o p e m v ld n ie ho ve an ach m u H I become e ur major institutions, . fe li But as last ltural po ach of us. ivic and cu e c f d o will head u re d a e d sh n r a m ed. ns to ou much is de e is reward contributio inevitable— ard work and courag r e v e n is progress showed, h Lesbian s elections d the Gay n a r r te n November’ e C innesota fo ltural ersity of M Student Cu iv n r e U e u e Q th f e o ce tions to th grams Offi Congratula er Ally Pro d n e . g sg n n ri e ra Bisexual T portant gath n behalf of ether this im ture, and o la is g tive e L ta pulling tog inneso and produc successful ies in the M a ll a r r fo u o s e d h n wis of myself a esota, best On behalf ity of Minn n u m m o c the GLBTA . conference
Dear Frien
ds,
yours, Very truly
ibble D. Scott D inneapolis tor, DFL-M a n e State S
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A welcome letter from
KarenClark
Minnesota State Representative
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A welcome letter from
KeithEllison
United States Representative
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A welcome letter from
BettYMcCollum
United States Representative
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The 2007 MBLGTACC Planning Committee contacted Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office asking that she write a welcome letter to those attending this year’s conference. This invitation was declined. Senator Klobuchar can be reached by calling her Washington office at 202-224-3244 or by calling her Fort Snelling office at 612-727-5220.
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The 2007 MBLGTACC Planning Committee contacted Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman’s office asking that he write a welcome letter to those attending this year’s conference. This invitation was declined. Senator Coleman can be reached by calling his Washington office at 202-224-5641 or by calling his Saint Paul office at 651-645-0323.
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FaisalAlam KEYNOTEPRESENTER
Faisal Alam is a long-time queer-identified, Muslim activist. He is the founder and former director of Al-Fatiha (a word which means “beginning” or “opening”), an international organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Muslims who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender identified. Alam has been extremely involved with issues regarding the intersection of queerness, spirituality, race, and ethnicity. He has been a member of the National Religious Leadership Roundtable, an interfaith network of more than 45 queer leaders in the United States and has been a member of the national advisory board for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Alam has also been a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; the National Minority AIDS Council; the LGBT Program at the Human Rights Watch; the Families of Color network for PFLAG National; the Fellowship for Reconciliation LGBT Network; Asian Queers United in
Action; Khush, an organization for queer-identified South Asians; and OUTFront, a program of Amnesty International, USA. In response to his commitment to these intersectional issues, he was recognized as an “Innovator” by Advocate magazine in 2001. Alam has spoken at several major events across the United States, including Youth Pride Day in Washington in 2000, the Millennium March on Washington in 2000, the San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival in 2001, Amnesty International’s Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern Regional Conferences in 2001, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Creating Change Conference in 2001, and the University of California Systemwide LGBTQIA Conference in 2003. Alam now tours the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa to speak about the intersection of personal identities and queerness. He currently resides in the District of Columbia.
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LorenCameron KEYNOTEPRESENTER
Loren Cameron is a self-taught photographer and artist, producing candid portraits of transgender persons. He began this work in 1993, and nearly two years later, his images had been shown in solo exhibitions in several major cities, including Minneapolis, where “The Genders That Be” and “Heterogeneous” were shown at the Walker Art Center and the Katherine E. Nash Gallery at the University of Minnesota, respectively. In 1996, Cameron published his first photographic book, Body Alchemy: Transsexual Portraits. The book won two Lambda Literary Awards, including Inaugural Transgender Category and Small Press Category 1997. In 2001, he published a second book on the Internet, Man Tool: The Nuts and Bolts of Female-to-Male Surgery, and in 2003, published a three-volume collection, Cuerpos Fotografiados Por Cameron 1 and 2, and Correspondence 1997 – 2001. The volume collection is currently touring internationally within an exhibit entitled “Taller Experimental Cuerpos Pintados”, produced by Roberto Edwards of Santiago, Chile. Cameron is celebrated for his seminal work of transgender self-representation in the photographic arts. His historical
contribution has acquired the distinction of being preserved and archived by Cornell University Library. As an honored guest speaker, Cameron lectures extensively throughout the United States, having toured over sixty colleges in the past decade. Cameron’s works have also been shown on television, including CBS’s 60 Minutes, The BBC Channel 4, SBTV Brazil, Globo TV Brazil, and TV Japan, and in several movies and documentaries, including Boys Don’t Cry, You Don’t Know Dick: Courageous Hearts of Transsexual Men, Sex Files III, Boy I Am, and TABOO. His works have also been shown in the magazines Advocate, Gay Times UK, Girlfriends, Marie Claire, and Out. Cameron continues to photograph the transgender nude, creating a comprehensive and diverse representation of transsexual body modification. Concurrently, he is producing an intimate, photographic essay depicting homosexual Female-To-Male transsexuals, also known as gay-identified FTMs. He currently resides in San Francisco, California.
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MandyCarter KEYNOTEPRESENTER
Mandy Carter is a leading lesbian activist who works on a range of critical social issues, including women’s rights, racial equality, queer rights, and peace. She has dedicated most of her adult life to social justice advocacy. Carter began her activist work in the late 1960s through the American Friends Service Committee, the War Resisters League, and the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence. She was a founding member of the National Black Justice Coalition, the only national organization of black gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. She has been a board member of the International Federation of Black Prides. Carter was one of the founding members of SONG (Southerners on New Ground) in 1993. She also served as the organization’s Executive Director from 2002-2005. SONG works at the intersection of race, class, culture,
gender and sexual identity in the traditionally conservative South. Its work mirrors Carter’s commitment to fighting for people who are sometimes forgotten, including people in rural areas, women, young people, people of color, and the poor. An advocate for marriage equality, Carter has ties to the Freedom to Marry Project and the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, a Massachusetts-based organization fighting for equality in legislation across the Northeast, named her its 2006 Spirit of Justice Honoree. Mandy Carter’s work in joining social justice movements is destined to leave a legacy of more effective partnerships; stronger, multi-issue movements; and better representation for the most-forgotten members of our community. She currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.
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RobynOchs KEYNOTEPRESENTER
Robyn Ochs has been a decades-long activist for bisexual rights, bisexual visibility, and sexual fluidity. She is the founder of the Bisexual Resource Center, an international organization that provides education about and support for bisexual and progressive issues. She is also the editor of the Bisexual Resource Guide and the anthology Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World.
(Weise, ed.); Homophobia: How We All Pay The Price (Blumenfeld, ed.); Bisexuality: Identity and Politics of an Invisible Minority (Firestein, ed.); Women: Images and Realities: A Multicultural Anthology (Kesselman, McNair, & Schniedewind, eds.); Lesbian Histories and Cultures: An Encyclopedia (Zimmerman, ed.); and Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (ed. Adams, et al.).
Ochs is a professional speaker, workshop leader, and instructor on topics regarding gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history and politics in the United States; the politics of sexual orientation; and the experiences of those who transgress the constructed binary categories of queer and straight, masculine and feminine, black and white, male and female. Her main fields of interest include those of constructing identity and coalition building.
Ochs has appeared on numerous television shows across North America as an expert on bisexuality, including Donahue, Rolanda, Maury Povich, Women Aloud, Real Personal, Hour Magazine, and the Shirley Show. She has also appeared in Seventeen magazine and in the periodical Newsweek.
Ochs’ writings have been published in numerous bisexual, feminist, multicultural, and queer anthologies, including Bi Any Other Name: Bisexuals Speak Out (Kaahumanu & Hutchins, eds.); Closer to Home: Bisexuality and Feminism
Ochs is currently a Technology and Publications Specialist in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard University. She resides in Massachusetts with her long-time partner, Peg Preble, whom she legally married on May 17th, 2004 – the first day same-sex marriage became legal in that state.
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MargaretCho FEATUREDENTERTAINER
Comedian Margaret Cho has been delivering strong messages in her distinctive style since she was 16. Over the years, she has tackled controversial issues like images of women in the media, self-esteem, eating disorders, feminist issues, minority concerns, Asian awareness, gay and lesbian rights, and discrimination of all kinds. She has been honored by organizations such as American Women in Radio and Television, AALDEF, GLAAD, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, NGLTF, NOW, and PFLAG for speaking her mind and “making a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity.” Margaret Cho has embarked on four nation wide tours during her career. In 1999, Cho performed in the one-woman show called “I’m The One That I Want”. After the success of her first show, Cho launched “Notorious C.H.O.” in 2001
that culminated in a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. Cho started her third sold-out national tour, “Revolution”, in 2003. The CD of “Revolution” was nominated for a Grammy for best comedy album of the year. In 2004, her fourth tour, “Assassin”, toured the US, Canada and Australia. Besides her tours, Cho has published two books; the national best seller I’m The One That I Want (1999) and I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight (2005). She has also starred in her first narrative film, Bam Bam and Celeste (2005). Currently, Cho hosts a variety show with burlesque, comedy, and bellydancing called The Sensuous Woman, while continuing to perform around the US. Alphabet Soup 2007 is proud to present Margaret Cho on Saturday, February 17 at 8pm.
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IanHarvie FEATUREDENTERTAINER
Stand-up comic Ian Harvie wants to make audiences laugh, but only if s/he can humanize Trans people at the same time. Harvie contends that s/he’s the only Trans comic on the circuit. Today, Ian’s material draws from personal experiences and pokes fun at adolescence, family, sexuality, and substance abuse. Ian’s sharp wit and hilarious punches give insight through a different set of lenses. Using expressive, quick misdirects, Ian’s well-crafted humor has been seen in Outlaugh Festival 2006, The Improv in Hollywood, The World Famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip, and was a finalist in the 2006 LA’s Gay Mafia Comedy Contest.
StevieRay’s Comedy Troupe FEATUREDENTERTAINMENT
Executive Director Stevie Ray and Artistic Director Pamela Mayne first partnered to run a comedy club in 1988. In 1989, they took over the club and formed Stevie Ray’s Improv Company. They have been entertaining Twin Cities audiences ever since. The comedy shows offer a fast-paced, “Whose Line Is It Anyway”-style of comedy. The troupe bases their skits on audience suggestions, often resulting in wild and unbelievable situations. Stevie Ray has opened for Paula Poundstone, Marsha Warfield, Rich Hall, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. He is also a highly rated keynote speaker and corporate trainer, an award-winning harmonica player, holds four black belts in the martial arts, and has his own brand of honey. Aside from conventions and corporate shows, the company runs a weekly Comedy Cabaret at the Bloomington Sheraton, “Improv In The Park” at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens (June to August only), and Stevie Ray’s School of Improv.
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Homocore Minneapolis is a volunteer organization that books and promotes shows in Minneapolis, bringing in queer and queer friendly bands from all over the US.
For Alphabet Soup 2007, Homocore Minneapolis presents Scream Club, Central Standard, and Gay Beast.
Central Standard and Gay Beast both reign from Minneapolis, while Scream Club comes from Olympia, Washington.
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DJRedRichard J GALLUS PHOTOGRAPHY
FEATUREDENTERTAINER
Join us for an evening of spoken word, storytelling, slam poetry, stand-up, and other assorted rants and tirades on life, love, and the world around us! Continue the celebration of all of the ingredients in our Alphabet Soup with a diverse cross-section of the Twin Cities’ queer and ally spoken word and storytelling community. Featured performers include stage veterans Amy Salloway, Allegra Lingo, Lane McKiernan, Wonder Dave, Laura Bidgood, Curt Lund, Kevin Moore, Michael Lee, Brian Ness and Jason Poirier. Have you got your own stories stewing? Stick around after the featured performers and take part in our Open Bowl Open Mic! Bring your poetry, comedy and stories of your own experiences in the big bowl of queer life. Hosted by Wonder Dave, emcee of the Tuesday night Open Mic and Poetry Slam at Kieran’s Irish Pub in downtown Minneapolis. He’d love to see you there.
A native of South Africa, DJ Red Richard brings an international flavor to the turntables and gets the blood pumping as only he can. His sound is an energetic fusion of funky house, progressive beats and vocal club anthems, with music sourced from the dance floors of the top clubs and DJs in Europe and the USA. Red Richard regularly spins his magic at local and international clubs and private events. Come early and party in style to the music and vibe you love and expect.
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Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barceló is the Vice President and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota. The position oversees Disability Services, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, the GLBTA Programs Office, the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence, and the Office for University Women. From 2001 to 2006, Barceló served as the Vice President and Vice Provost for Minority Affairs and Diversity at the University of Washington. Before that, she served as the Associate Vice President of Multicultural and Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and from 1999 to 2001, she was the chair of the Department of Chicano Studies. Barceló holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Iowa and has more than 20 years of experience promoting diversity and multiculturalism in higher education. She also has done extensive research and activism in Chicana Studies and the Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social.
RustyBarceló FEATUREDPRESENTER
Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff, Ph.D., L.P., L.M.F.T. is a staff psychologist from the University Counseling and Consulting Services at the University of Minnesota. She graduated from Alfred University in New York in 1985 and received her degree in Counseling Psychology from Indiana State University in 1996. Beckham-Chasnoff is queer identified and focuses on issues in her field relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender psychology; feminist psychology; clinical supervision; and parenting issues. She has also worked outside the University providing counseling to the community for a number of years, and she has conducted research on homophobic attitude change. She resides in Minneapolis with her partner, Candice, and her daughters.
SarraBeckham-Chasnoff FEATUREDPRESENTER
Elected to the House in 1980, Karen Clark represents an inner city district in South Minneapolis, the lowest income legislative district in Minnesota. Karen is a frequent speaker on her innovative and “cutting edge” legislation to local, national, and international audiences. She is known among her colleagues for her coalition-building skills and her persistent community-based advocacy on behalf of her inner-city constituents and of low-income and minority-status Minnesotans throughout the state. Clark is the longest-serving openly lesbian state legislator in the U.S. Karen has won numerous awards, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Leadership Award for anti-violence legislation and the Stonewall DFL Caucus Advocacy and Leadership Award.
KarenClark FEATUREDPRESENTER
Named Lavender Magazine’s Person of the Year in 1999, Debra Davis is an award-winning, nationally known speaker on transgender issues and is the Executive Director of the Gender Education Center.
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Founded in 1991, the Gender Education Center is a Minnesota-based organization promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for the GLBT community, with an emphasis on transgender issues. In the spring of 1998, Debra Davis came out as a transgender person at her job at Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This highly publicized transition was one of the first in the nation of a transgender person working with children in secondary education.
DebraDavis FEATUREDPRESENTER
Ann DeGroot has been the Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota, the state’s premier advocacy and public policy organization for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied community, since its founding in 1987. In this leadership position, Ann was instrumental in the organizing and lobbying that led to an amendment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act in 1993, which protects citizens from discrimination regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Most recently, she has led OutFront Minnesota’s efforts to prevent, for three years in a row, a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage from appearing on the ballot, including in the 2006 legislative session. Since 1994, Ann has served on the board of the National Association of LGBT Community Centers, most recently serving as its co-chair. She is a founding member of the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action and is currently on the board of the Greater Minneapolis Girl Scouts.
AnnDeGroot FEATUREDPRESENTER
Senator D. Scott Dibble first became involved in politics in the mid-1980s working on issues concerning the civil rights of GLBT communities that led to organizing on issues of social and economic justice—especially transportation, housing, and healthcare. In 2000, he ran for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Scott won the race and became the third openly gay legislator to serve in the Minnesota Legislature. Senator Dibble ran for State Senate in 2002 and won his current seat. He was reelected again in November, 2006. Dibble works on issues critical to the GLBT community, and he has been a key leader in the fight against the so-called “Defense of Marriage Amendment.” Early in 2003, he fought to prevent the repeal of a section of the state’s human rights law that extends to gays and lesbians protection from hate crimes, as well as discrimination in employment, housing, and public services.
ScottDibble FEATUREDPRESENTER
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OutFront Minnesota Legal and Policy Analyst Phil Duran has served in his current capacity since 2000. His prior experience includes work with the Minnesota AIDS Project and the Chicago office of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Phil holds his law degree from the University of Minnesota and his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Phil serves on the board of the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, and previously served as a member of the executive council of the Minnesota State Bar Association and of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission. Phil received a Community Service Award in 1997 from the Human Rights Campaign for his work in his native Michigan. As OutFront Minnesota’s Legal and Policy Analyst, Phil focuses on legal information, referral, and education; state legislative research and analysis; state administrative agency and local government public policy; school-related issues; and direct representation in selected public assistance and human rights cases.
PhilDuran FEATUREDPRESENTER
Since 1995, Candace Gingrich has served as a key advocate for issues of importance to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Her 1996 autobiography, The Accidental Activist, was a best seller in the GLBT community. In addition, Gingrich has been profiled in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Newsweek, and has appeared on Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Prime Time Live and other television shows. Her involvement in the movement for equal rights began when her brother, then-Rep. Newt Gingrich, was elected House speaker. In 1995, Gingrich traveled to more than 50 U.S. cities on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to encourage Americans to raise their voices for GLBT equality. In 1996, Gingrich toured the country again to spearhead HRC’s voter mobilization project, urging Americans to register to vote and participate in the political process. She has also contributed to HRC’s seminars on political training. As senior youth outreach manager, Gingrich works to empower and engage GLBT and allied youth in the fight for equality.
CandiceGingrich FEATUREDPRESENTER
Richard LaFortune has been a GLBT & Two Spirit community organizer for over 20 years. He is a past executive director of Honor the Earth, an environmental justice foundation, and served as director of training for National Native American AIDS Prevention Center. In 1991 Governor Rudy Perpich appointed him to the Governor’s Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Minnesotans. From 1991-93 he served on the founding board of The OUTFund of The Funding Exchange and he was an opening speaker for New York City Gay Pride in 1991.
RichardLaFortune FEATUREDPRESENTER
He is the legislative chair for the statewide Dakota Ojibwe Language Revitalization Alliance, 2005 Grand Marshal for the Twin Cities Pride Festival, serves on the development committee of Philanthrofund, and is a co-founder of Two Spirit Press Room, a national GLBT Native cultural and media literacy project based in Minnesota.
Dr. Cheryl Maloney is the Executive Director of Twin Cities GLBT Pride, the third largest Pride celebration in the United States. Her degrees include: BA in Theatre from the University of Minnesota, an MA in Theology from the College of St. Catherine, and Doctor of Ministry from UCS, in Oakland, CA. While she was in graduate school Cheryl co-founded the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation in Fremont, CA. Dr. Maloney brings over 25 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate community from both her native Minnesota and from ten years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a strong background in executive management, development, corporate sponsorship, large-scale event management, and creating special events that honor the needs of the community. She is an avid photographer, loves to travel, and enjoys the arts and various outdoor activities.
CherylMaloney FEATUREDPRESENTER
Lynnell Stephani Long is an intersex woman, educator and activist. She has been working with the Intersex Society of North America since 1999. Since then, her intersex activism has taken her across the USA and Canada, educating people about intersexuality and intersex genitalia mutilation. Lynnell’s short-movies, My Body Is My Body and Momma And Them Call Me James, have been shown in film festivals in the USA and Canada, and has recently finished a short-movie called Still the one. Lynnell has spoken publicly on the subject of improving treatment for people with intersex conditions, as well as their families, including an appearance on the Montel Williams Show in 2002. Currently, she works as a licensed EMT-B and is also a paramedic student. Lynnell is also a columnist and freelance photographer for Windy City Times Magazine, a poet, and a graphic designer. Her hope is to prevent what happened to her, other intersex people, and to babies, as well as letting other intersex adults know that they are not alone.
LynnellStephani Long FEATUREDPRESENTER
Jacob Reitan is the founder and co-director of Soulforce’s Equality Ride, which in 2006 was a two-month-long journey that not only empowered activists but challenged discriminatory policies against GLBT-identified persons on college campuses across the nation. The Equality Ride protested at 19 schools that banned those that were openly queer, including North Central University and Bethel University in Minneapolis, and Arden Hills, Minnesota, respectively.
JacobReitan FEATUREDPRESENTER
A native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Reitan received a degree in both Political Science and Communication Studies from Northwestern University in 2006. He is currently seeking a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard University and is readily planning for Soulforce’s Equality Ride scheduled for March and April 2007.
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Barbara Satin is a transgender activist involved with both local and national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organizations. She serves on the boards of a variety of groups including PFLAG of the Twin Cities; OutFront Minnesota, the state’s GLBT advocacy organization; and the Aliveness Project, which provides direct services to those living with HIV-AIDS.
photo by Sophia Hantzes
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Barbara is one of the founders of GLBT Generations, a group that since 1999 has been working to educate people about the needs and concerns of GLBT persons as they grow old. Retired for 17 years, Barbara returned to the work world in 2006 to become the Interim Executive Director of PFund, a Minneapolis-based foundation for and by the GLBT community in the Upper Midwest area. She currently is serving as a marketing consultant to PRG, a Minneapolis based non-profit developer which will build the GLBT senior housing cooperative.
BarbaraSatin FEATUREDPRESENTER
Jean-Nickolaus Tretter grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota in a family that first settled in Morrison County in 1848, before Minnesota was a territory. Born in 1946, Tretter had sensed since childhood that he was attracted to men but assumed he had to hide his attraction. However, the Stonewall Riots signaled a new chapter in his life. By April 1972, he was out of the closet and out of the Navy where he had served during Vietnam as a decorated linguist. Tretter began collecting GLBT materials in response to the lack of such materials existing in libraries, archives and materials at that time (1972). In 1993, he was named Co-Marshal of the Twin Cities GLBT Pride Parade. He donated his collection to the University of Minnesota Libraries in 2000 and has been employed as the Libraries’ GLBT Collections Specialist since that time.
Jean-NickolausTretter FEATUREDPRESENTER
The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies houses over 35,000 items in a wide variety of media. The collection is international in scope and has materials in approximately 58 languages. It covers all time periods, from a 4,000-year-old phallic statuette from Egypt, up to current editions of GLBT periodicals. Although books are the core of the collection, substantial sections include textiles, glassware, film, music, art works, and three-dimensional objects such as event buttons and furniture. The collection includes unpublished manuscripts, vertical files, and periodicals from all over the world.
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OutwardSpiral Theatre Company FEATUREDPERFORMANCE
Outward Spiral is a Minneapolis based theatre company dedicated to producing theatre from a Queer point-of-view. Founded in 1995, their mission has been to entertain, educate and act as a catalyst for social change through inclusive, multicultural, provocative artistic expression. Outward Spiral has put on productions such as “The Well of Horniness”, “Why We Have a Body”, and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”. Ever changing, Outward Spiral strives to serve the Queer community with outreach programs such as Empowered Expressions, Minnesota’s only Queer Youth performance troupe.
a v H d t alah e h s e K When? Saturday, February 17
6:15 – 7:45 pm
Where? Hillel: The Jewish Student Center at the University of Minnesota, 1521 University Avenue SE. Keshet, The Queer Jewish Student Alliance at the U of M, welcomes the Alphabet Soup Conference participants to celebrate the end of Shabbat with havdalah and refreshments.
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Margaret Cho B y V incent S t a u p e
Conference headliner and comedienne Margaret Cho originally hit the college circuit in her early twenties, where she immediately became a hit
University crowd and was nominated for Campus Comedian of The Year. Currently, she can be found on the Fox show ‘Til Death, as well as hosting her own monthly burlesque, comedy
with the
and bellydance showcase called
The Sensuous Woman.
She talks candidly about
her role in college activism, transgender politics and what
Minnesota means to her.
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even worse and then to grow up gay and really isolated from other gays and lesbians or any kind of community, is near impossible, I feel like doing different kinds of work that will bring me into somewhat rural communities somewhat isolated spaces, to talk to people and sometimes younger people just about gay and lesbian and transgender identity and life. And I think that it’s a very affirming thing and a way to kind of get together and find community where there is none. I think that’s really wonderful. VS: Would you say you have a young gay following? MC: I hope so. I don’t really even know, but I hope that I do and I know that there are a lot of kids that grew up with me and have been I remember 2003 been whenaware you of walked around for a long time, and sointhey’ve me for onto a longstage at Orchestra Hall and said you were probably the time and that’s great too.
first Korean-American on stage without a violin. Though you gotenmeshed everyoneinlaughing, it circuit was sadly VS: Some people say you were the college true. Has anything changed for Asian-American for a time. What did you get out of your experiences performing at colleges? visibility since then? more of a presence, especiallya in MC: Well, it wasI think a greatthat waythere’s to be around a progressive community, television where there’s more of a presence Asianprogressively thinking community. Like now, LGBT is now LGBT of and American actors like Yunjin Kim from Lost, Sandra Oh, “Q” for questioning, and “A” for ally, it’s like LGBTAQ! It’s gotten Masi Oka on Heroes. I just joined cast of a so long and it’s and incredible how that has come about. And the younger people are nowshow so much more andon sensitive to certain called ‘Tilaware Death, Fox. Every onceissues. in a while And of course not all younger people, but there is so much of a surge of that way of thinking and it’s really nice to see. VS: Hence the Alphabet Soup title of the conference. MC: Yes exactly. VS: You have had the opportunity to view the college culture from a distance; have you noticed if there is a change in GLBT activism at college over the past years? MC: There’s a lot more sensitivity towards gay and lesbian issues, transgender issues and there’s a lot more awareness. I mean, kids are amazing because now there’s so much more work about (activism) and talk about it, I mean it’s really getting so great. Vincent Staupe: I remember in 2003 when you walked onto stage at Orchestra Hall and said you were probably the first Korean-American on stage without a violin. Though you got everyone laughing, it was sadly true. Has anything changed for Asian-American visibility since then? Margaret Cho: I think that there’s more of a presence, especially in television where there’s more of a presence of Asian-American actors like Yunjin Kim from Lost, Sandra Oh, and Masi Oka on Heroes. I just joined the cast of a show called ‘Til Death, on Fox. Every once in a while you’ll see a little bit more of a presence, it’s not great but I think it’s getting a little bit better. VS: Was there ever an “aha” moment when you realized that not all girls or boys in the U.S. had the opportunity to grow up like you did, being in the liberal environment of your parent’s bookstore in the gay mecca of the Castro? MC: I guess when I got a little bit older, that’s when it became interesting. Where I came from, it became an interesting thing to talk about, a good thing to write about. I never thought of it as being special when I was in it because I didn’t know it was special. But when I grew older and became more interested in writing and wanting to present my life as a work of art, that came to realization. VS: In a former interview, you mentioned that being a gay icon for kids in rural areas was a lot like being a missionary, how so? MC: Well I think it’s really hard to grow up anyway. To grow up gay is
VS: Is there still a need for activism in the days of Queer as Folk, the L Word and, well, you? MC: Absolutely, absolutely, because there’s still terrible homophobia, there’s still no equality for the gay community at all in terms of gay marriage. There’s still so much homophobic thinking out there still in so many areas, it’s still terrible. And it’s not much better in the mainstream community. There needs to be tons more activism. It’s better in these academic circles, it’s gotten a little bit better. VS: What social or political issues are on your radar these days? MC: Well, they’re really almost not changing. They’re kind of just evolving, like talking about gay marriage, talking about this idea of self-empowerment, and going and getting what you need from our world. And feminism and racism, all these things that are really important to talk about. VS: You have Ian Harvey, a transgendered comedian, opening your show. Is this a big deal for trans activism? MC: I think so, it could be. I think that the transgender community, within the gay community, has the biggest challenge because trans people have a really hard time, they’re like a minority within a minority. And Ian’s great at answering so many of these questions about trans identity and a great example of female embodying masculinity. And I just love butches.
VS: Would you say that trans visibility is becoming a more important issue for the GLBT community? MC: Oh definitely. And trans identity and merging is a really important one, because transgendered people also received the biggest share of violence directed toward gays. They are the recipients of the most homophobia because their appearance signals homosexuality probably more so than anybody else in the gay community. But at the same time they are the least protected by the gay community also. So it’s a very marginalized group and a very difficult situation to be in. VS: What is really pushing this trans activism movement? MC: I think that it’s just a signal that the gay community is growing up and I feel like I’m growing up within it too. And just learning more about the different faces of who we are. VS: So tell me about this burlesque show, the Sensuous Woman, I keep hearing about. MC: It’s a lot of fun! It’s a comedy show, it’s a burlesque show, it’s belly dance, it’s lots of different kinds of performance. And there’s a lot of music in it. I do music in it, I do dance in it and I do comedy in it. It’s a big part of a lot of my performance lately and about having a lot of fun and traveling with a group of people. We’re going to be in Miami in two weeks, performing there and we do a regular show in Los Angeles. VS: And you also portray a man? MC: Yes, well I actually have many male characters doing dance. I portray a lot of different men. It’s fun, it’s drag! I mean I love drag shows and I have come from a long tradition of drag performers and know lots of drag performers and have performed with the best and so I’ve learned a lot and I do a lot of drag myself. VS: Where does your belly dancing and tattoo fit in with this?
Illustration: Marian Bantjes
MC: Um, you get to see a lot of it, and I do a lot of dancing too, and so it all connects, it’s all my work and I’m just doing different kinds of work. VS: How will this performance at the U of MN differ from a performance say for the general public? MC: Well this will be directed at all our community, telling our story. And for me, the general public is the gay and lesbian community and it is the transgender community. This is more for soul work in a lot of ways, because I really want to make an impression on queer activists and that’s how my work becomes incredibly important.
directed by
Artistic Director
Joe Dowling starriNg
VS: So can you divulge a little about what folks might expect at your performance, like for instance will your famous mother impression make an appearance? MC: I think so, although things change a lot. I’m writing a lot and so I don’t know what exactly I’m going to do, but it should be fun.
joNas goslow
harriet harris
raNdy harrisoN
VS: Okay, quick, name the first three things that pop into your head when you think of Minnesota. MC: It’s cold. Prince is there. Oh, and I remember (Minneapolis burlesque dancer) Foxy Tan once called it the Twin Titties! Vincent Staupe is a student at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He was also the immediate past Co-chair of the QSCC. He has written for several University publications including the Minnesota Daily and The Wake Magazine. He is currently an intern at a Minneapolis-based magazine.
tracey MaloNey
bill M c calluM
Now – March 25, 2007 McGuire Proscenium Stage
612.377.2224 | WWW.GUtHrietHeAter.OrG SPONSORED BY
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CONFERENCE-LONG EVENTS Information Desk Coffman Corridor Times: Friday, February 16, 9a - 12a Saturday, February 17, 7a - 12a Sunday, February 18, 8a - 3p
Do you have a question? Are you trying to find a building? Want to know where the nearest ATM, bank, or restaurant is? Come to the Information Desk located in the corridor of the ground floor in Coffman Union.
Facilitation 101 will be held in the QSCC from 4p - 5p on Friday, February 16. Spirituality Room Coffman 319 Times: Friday, February 16, 9a - 2a Saturday, February 17, 7a - 2a Sunday, February 18, 7a - 3p
Queer People of Color Safe Space Coffman 211
This room is a quiet space for those who wish to pray, reflect, and relax. Alphabet Soup 2007 asks that those who visit this space remain respectful of others in this room and keep any noise to a minimum.
Times: Saturday, February 17, 8a - 7p Sunday, February 18, 8a - 3p
“Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tsu” will be held in Coffman 319 from 9:15a = 10:30a on Saturday, February 17.
Open to all queers of color throughout the conference. Come by and join us for conversation, snacks, or just to hang out. Queer Student Cultural Center Safe Space and Open House Coffman 205 Times: Friday, February 16, 9a - 10a Saturday, February 17, 7a - 7p, 10p - 1a Sunday, February 18, 8a - 3p
The Queer Student Cultural Center is opening its doors to conference attendees. Come and check out its office and safe space, and feel free to read a book from its queer-themed library, surf the web, socialize, or just relax!
Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies Coffman Mississippi Annex Times: Friday, February 16, 3p - 12a Saturday, February 17, 7a - 7p Sunday, February 18, 8a - 3p
The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies will have a small sample of its enormous archives on display. Women’s Student Activist Collective Open House Coffman 202 Times: Friday, February 16, 2p - 5p Saturday, February 17, 2:45p - 4:30p
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Tabling&VendorExhibition Saturday, February 17th from 12p – 6p Coffman Great Hall. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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A Field Guide To Gay And Lesbian Chicago Alive & Well AIDS Alternatives Amazon Bookstore Cooperative Being & Loving ME Best Buy Bi America: Myths, Truths, & Struggles On An Invisible Community Boston Scientific Campus Pride Caucus for Marriage In ‘08 Cargill City of Lakes Crossgender Community Color CoordiNATION Conference Debra Davis & Gender Education Center Deloitte Delta Lambda Phi, National Greek Fraternity Fairview Health Services Gender Public Advocacy Coalition General Mills GLBT Pride / Twin Cities Human Rights Campaign Inver Hills Community College, Gay-Straight Alliance Lavender Greens MBLGTACC 2008 Medtronic, Inc. Metropolitan State University o GLBT Student Services / Lavender Bridge o Urban Teacher Program Minnesota AIDS Project Minnesota College Personnel Association Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance / Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference Minnesota LGBT Soul Essence Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition Minnesota Women’s Press
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OUT For Work OutFront Minnesota P-FLAG Saint Paul / Minneapolis PrideAlive PRIDE Institute Prudential Financial Quatrefoil Library Queer Student Cultural Center Quorum: The Twin Cities GLBTA Chamber of Commerce Rainbow Families RBC Dain Rauscher Religious Friendly Resources Scarlet Letter Project SK-C2 Publishing The Gay? Fine By Me T-Shirt Project Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Two Spirit Press Room University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Office of LGBT Afairs University of Minnesota Crookston University of Minnesota Duluth, GLBT Student Services University of Minnesota Twin Cities o Dance Program, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance o Department of Chicano Studies o Department of Educational Psychology o Department of Family Social Science o GLBTA Programs Office o Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs o Human Rights Center, Law School o Human Rights Program o School of Social Work University of Nebraska Medical Center / University of Nebraska at Omaha, College of Public Health Masters Program Women’s Student Activist Collective
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WORKSHOPSESSION ONE FRIDAY 4 - 5PM Activists Out Of The Closet
How You Can And Should Be Active Politically On Campus And In Your Community
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Creating Community Celebrations Coffman Mississippi
Ford 130
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach
HRC is committed to playing a larger role in aiding and assisting college LGBT groups in their programming and presence – political and otherwise. Often a campus LGBT group is unclear on whether or not their organization is allowed to get political and in which ways they are able to do so. Come hear from some experienced agitators on how to flex that political muscle without breaking the law. Eric Hoff is an employee at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. Jen Mohnkern is a recent college graduate of the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. Using her skills learned from being a student leader, she was selected for a position with Human Rights Campaign Minnesota PAC, and America Votes as the GLBT Organizer, to play a key role in showing how GLBT people can be influential in politics. Toby Quaranta is a recent Virginia Tech grad, where Toby co-founded Virginia OUT – a statewide coalition of LGBT student groups. Toby was also very active in Residence Life. Toby has served on the board of the Virginia Gay Democrats and the Virginia Young Democrats, and is currently an Assistant in HRC’s field department. Toby worked in Colorado this November. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Aging
More Than Just A State Of Mind Ford 150
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
Aging issues tend to be something that most people – queer or straight – don’t want to talk about. They would much rather put them aside than deal with them head-on. This seems particularly true in the GLBT community where many see “old” as a pejorative term and things that are youthful and cool are celebrated. This workshop will explore aging and aging issues for the GLBT community. Barbara Satin’s biography can be found on page 36.
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs • Arts, Culture, & History • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Coming Out • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations
Celebrating community is vital to our GLBT friends and family. There are many opportunities to create special events that build community, educate the public, promote important information, build strategic partnerships, foster allies, fund raise and empower individuals. Drawing from over twenty years of experience creating celebrations that foster community building, honor individuals, and custom designing commitment ceremonies, Cheryl A. Maloney, D.Min. will share her enthusiasm for creating meaningful celebrations of life and love. Cheryl A. Maloney’s biography can be found on page 35.
Deconstructing Anti-Gay Religion
Protecting Yourself From Anti-Gay Religion Ford B80
Tracks: Spirituality & Faith • Violence & Bias
This workshop will look at ways to protect oneself from religious bigotry, prejudice, and violence, and will take a look at the ways that religious leaders use LGBT people. Katie Hochstedler is a member of the Brethren Mennonite Counsel for LBGT Interests in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a recent graduate of Goshen College, where she graduated with a degree in Social Work and Women’s Studies.
Facilitation 101 Coffman 205
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coming Out
Are your student group meetings disorganized? Are you having a difficult time bringing in new membership because no one feels welcome? Are your meetings plagued by chaos or boredom? This workshop is here to help! Learn basic, group, and interpersonal skills in a fun environment that will help you make your meetings more manageable and more likely to build and retain membership in your student organization. Michael Grewe is the Co-Director for Alphabet Soup 2007. Mike is also the Communications Coordinator for the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, a facilitator for Arch, a student-run coming out support group at the University,
55 and the Chair of the Student Issues Working Group on the University Systemwide Commission on GLBT Concerns. Vincent Staupe is a student at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. He is the former co-chair of the Queer Student Cultural Center for Fall 2006, and has facilitated a group called Queer Men. He has written for several University publications including the Minnesota Daily and The Wake Magazine.
Genderqueer Through The Ages Ford B29
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History w Bodies & Gender Freedom
This workshop will explore the history of genderqueer individuals in various cultures throughout history. This will include India’s third gender; Native American Two Spirits; the cross-dressing kings on England, Greco Roman, genderqueer, and religion; and transgender culture in modern times. Finally, we will open the floor to discuss if any why modern culture seems to only accept two genders. Rhiannon Thrasher is a third-year at Michigan Technological University (MTU) studying Applied Ecology & Environmental Science, and Forestry. She has served as President of MTU’s Keeweenaw Pride and its Presidential GLBT Issues Review Committee. She is currently on exchange at the University of Minnesota, where she helps out in the Queer Student Cultural Center and serves as facilitator for Tranarchy.
Gender, Sexuality, And Teaching
Expanding Our Understanding(s) Of Social Education Coffman Board
Tracks: Career Planning & Workplace Issues • Curricula & Studies • Faculty & Staff
This presentation focuses on research conducted on the lives of gay teachers in a politically conservative, southern state. Gay teachers’ curricular decisions, classroom management, and the level of acceptance among (straight) administrators, colleagues, parents, and students are the major foci. This research has compelling implications concerning the hidden curriculum found in secondary schools and interrogates the social education that students receive. Dr. James B. Mayo, Jr. is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Social Studies Education at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. He facilitates student-teaching seminars in secondary social studies. His research includes GLBT issues, diversity, gender, and multiculturalism within the Social Studies. His writing focuses on the lives of gay secondary teachers and the role(s) Gay-Straight Alliances play in schools.
M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Is It A Boy Or A Girl? (2000) Ford B15
Tracks: Accessibility • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Health
From the moment of birth, everybody wants to know is it a boy or a girl? Is It A Boy Or A Girl? explores the possibility of a third option: those who are intersexed. One out of every two thousand children in America is born intersexual. Sometimes biology malfunctions and children are born with mixed sexual characteristics, in what is called an intersexual birth. Many argue that the standard practice of sexual assignment by surgery in infancy should be discontinued, giving the intersexual the right to choose or not to choose surgery once that person reaches adolescence.
Justice For All
Using The Law To Fight For Equality Ford 115
Tracks: Curricula & Studies • Activism, Leadership, & Policy
Many in the movement see the courts as a route to victory, but what are the connections between the courts and equality? Should the courts be making those decisions? And what about the “backlash” against “activist judges.” Discuss this (and law opportunities specific to LGBT issues) at Justice For All. Chris Edelson is an employee of the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, DC.
Layers Of Moments
A Multi-Dimensional Journey From The Artistic Mind To Social Justice Coffman 323
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Spirituality & Faith
Kimberly A. Blanchette will take you on a very intimate journey to challenge your values, ideas, and emotions. Her poetry and photography represent many periods in her life, which compels her to share these many layers of moments with you. Her deep passion for the social and artistic side of humanity is effectively expressed through her poems. Her natural love of writing is well exhibited in her unique style of poetry. Make no mistake, her dynamic word play captures every aspect of the human spirit, even those as a society we tend to hide or forget. Kimberly A. Blanchette has a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin at Parkside. Blanchette is a board member of “Spotlight on Kids” in Janesville, Wisconsin. She has performed her poetry throughout Wisconsin, including being a presenter at the 2006 Writers Conference at the University of Wisconsin at Baraboo-Sauk County and the 2006 Milton Fine Arts Festival.
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WORKSHOPSESSION ONE FRIDAY 4 - 5PM (CONTINUED) Pride @ Work
How To Build A Successful LGBTA Employee Organization Coffman 326
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Faculty & Staff
The purpose of this workshop is to provide participants tools and ideas to replicate an organization like the University of Minnesota’s Pride @ Work on their own campuses. The workshop will present a case study of a successful LGBTA employee organization, opportunity for dialogue, and a group role-playing task to provide participants concrete ideas and next steps to bring back to their own campuses. Stephanie Lawrence is an academic adviser in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota (U of M) at Twin Cities campus and co-chair of Pride @ Work, the U of M’s GLBTA employee network. Prior to this, Stephanie was a composition instructor and ESL instructor. She earned her MA degree from the University of Iowa in 1992. Michael Kiesow Moore is the Communications Director for the National Center on Educational Outcomes. He founded the University of Minnesota (U of M) Pride @ Work and serves as co-chair of the U of M Systemwide Standing Commission on GLBT Concerns. He has a MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University and is a longtime activist.
sex industry and sex trade. Currently, he is working to get his Masters of Public Health and hopes to graduate at the end of this spring. He also works as a Research Assistant with the American Indian Community Tobacco Project. Brett Chin is half Chinese and half Japanese, and was born and raised in sunny Southern California. He is currently working on his Masters at the University of Minnesota in Youth Development Leadership and currently works at the University of Minnesota as the Assistant Residence Director for Pioneer Hall. Victor Keli’ikinolua Kelekolio Cole identifies as a raised-poor, Hawai’ian native-Chinese-White gay man. He has worked for human rights and social justice for over 20 years as an organizer, NGO delegate, teacher, “Joker”, and uncle. He is currently a Field Experience Coordinator and Community Faculty for the Urban Teacher Program at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Sara Hagestad is a transnational adoptee from Seoul, South Korea. Coming to Minnesota as an infant, Sara grew up in Oakdale. Last May, she received her Masters in Social Work in Community Practice from the University of Minnesota and now works for Family & Children’s Service as a Community Organizer, specializing in tenant and GLBTQA youth organizing.
Smart Consumer
How To Be A Confident Sex Toy Shopper Ford 151
Queer People Of Color
Tracks: Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Health • HIV / AIDS Prevention & Research
A Roundtable Discussion With Campus And Community Activists Coffman Presidents
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Faculty & Staff • Networking & Caucuses • People of Color
Join this committed group of activists and academics as they talk about their identities & experiences as queer people of color. This will be an open-ended conversation, covering topics such as how our cultures view GLBTQQIA folks (traditionally and contemporarily), the objectification and fetishizing of people of color in queer community, and coming out via our cultural contexts. Matthew Antonio Bosch: Queer. Multiracial. Latino. Athlete. New Yorker. Harvard Alum. Three years along his Midwest journey, Bosch serves as Director of Diversity and Multiculturalism at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He is a fan of reality television, divas, and Taco Bell; talk to him about “MCPA” if you need a job. Isaiah Brokenleg is Sicangu Lakota. He has worked with homeless and targeted at-risk youth, focusing on youth in the
Learn how to make smart decisions in an adult retail environment. • • • •
Decipher complicated materials printed on retail packaging. Confidently utilize the “Smell Test” to determine toy quality. Understand how to find safe toys, often mingled with toxic toys. Learn the best questions to ask of retail staff.
Jennifer Pritchett, MS, and business partner, Jessica Giordani, founded The Smitten Kitten in 2003 and have, through their ownership roles, developed myriad opportunities for activism within the adult retail industry. Pritchett considers herself not only a dedicated feminist entrepreneur and sex educator, but also a passionate social change agent. Laura Rad has been a sexuality educator since 2003. She is currently working for The Smitten Kitten in Minneapolis as director of their Pussy Party home education program. Rad is always eager to learn about new subjects in the wide world
57 of sexuality and aspires to achieve AASECT Certification as an educator within the next four years. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
The Personal Is Political
Celebrating Our Queer Selves To Change The World! Ford 110
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Health
In this interactive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to meet and learn about each other. Participants will explore how to maintain personal balance while being an activist in an unbalanced world. They will also learn to identify positive aspects of who they are as individuals, and how they can build on these strengths to become more effective activists. Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff’s biography can be found on page 32.
Wake Up! We’re Still Affected! Building Community And Stopping HIV Ford B10
Tracks: Getting The Word Out / Media Relations • HIV / AIDS Prevention & Research
This workshop will provide you with: up to date information on the HIV epidemic, an overview of the HIV prevention model called empowerment, and then an in-depth look at the inner workings of an effective HIV prevention program with a presentation from the PrideAlive volunteers. At this workshop you will learn skills you can use to support community level HIV prevention and health services and how this relates to caring for yourself, others, and your community. Andy Birkey has been active in Minnesota’s LGBT community for six years, and has worked with and volunteered for LGBT rights, HIV prevention and care, transportation issues, and environmental research. He has been writing www.eleventhavenue-south.com, a blog about Minnesota LGBT news, issues, and politics for three years, is a contributor to Minneapolis Metroblogging, and is a beat reporter for MinnesotaMonitor. com. Keith Pederson joined Minnesota AIDS Project’s PrideAlive program in October 2004. Keith’s professional background is community-based mental health services where he worked with clients using an empowerment model called the Clubhouse. Keith also owns a design and consulting business and volunteers with a number of local non-profit community-based organizations. Aaron Brosier joined Minnesota AIDS Project’s PrideAlive program in January 2007. Aaron graduates from Macalester College in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s,
Gender, and Sexuality Studies. There, Aaron was an active member of Queer Union serving as a Co-Chair, and served on its LGBT Task Force to improve the college climate for all GLBT students.
What’s Normal Anyways?
Queering And Disabling Embodiment Coffman 324
Tracks: Accessibility • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
Both queers and people with disabilities fall outside of the social definitions of normalcy. Here, the body becomes a site of contestation between medicalization and identity, where bodies are pathologized and stigmatized when they fall outside of the “natural”. This workshop will explore the intersections between queers and people with disabilities, working to form alliances around the issues of accessibility, gender, and embodiment. Jessica Giusti is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Feminist Studies Program at the University of Minnesota. Her research includes Queer Studies, particularly the intersection of queer lives with the Internet and the queering of femme identity. She is also a board member of the Queer Graduate and Professional Association. Emily Smith is a second-year graduate student in the American Studies Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota. Within American Studies, her research draws from the emerging field of Disability Studies to examine the relationship between people with disabilities and the cultural meanings of assistive technology. She is also a board member of the Disabled Student Cultural Center.
You’ve Come Out! SO WHAT! Coffman 325
Tracks: Coming Out
This program looks at life after the coming out process. It took years of sleuth skills. It took years of acting lessons. It took years of hiding yourself from everyone you loved. Now what? Life after coming out is rarely explored. People aren’t prepared for the new challenges to what it means to live a gay life outside of the closet. Both humorous and serious, this program is designed to explore the serious and not-so-serious woes that come with living the “out” life. Jason Ruel is a passionate advocate for the GLBT community and seeks to dispel myths and stereotypes through education via his writing and editing for the HIV/AIDS and Gay/Lesbian sites at BellaOnline.com. Jase teaches HIV/AIDS awareness, safer sex practices, and other GLBT issues through panels, and classes, and is a proponent for equal rights.
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WORKSHOPSESSION TWO SATURDAY 9:15 - 10:30AM Being A GLBT Activist
Inside And Outside Our Movement Coffman 324
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
The goal of this workshop will be to discuss activism and organizing in terms of coalition building. It will look at the fact that most individuals have cultural pluralism and will approach the topic of seeing GLBT activists both in and out of the movement. It will provide examples from the America Votes Coalition and how students can use this information to play a role in their activism. Jen Mohnkern is a recent college graduate of the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. Using her skills learned from being a student leader, she was selected for a position with Human Rights Campaign Minnesota PAC, and America Votes as the GLBT Organizer, to play a key role in showing how GLBT people can be influential in politics.
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Confessions Of An Optimist
Thoughts On The GLBT Legal Landscape And How To Affect It Tate 166
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Arts, Culture, & History • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Families, Marriage, & Adoption
At times, it can seem like progress of GLBT legal concerns is moving at lightning speed, while at others, it seems glacially slow or non-existent. This session will incorporate a basic survey of the status of current legal protections and problems, discussion of possible directions for what comes next, and personal observations, drawn from more than 20 years of experience in the GLBT movement, about how activists can move us forward while (basically) keeping their sanity. Phil Duran’s biography can be found on page 33.
Creating Maximum Impact Campus Advisors’ Caucus Ford 115
Tracks: Faculty & Staff • Networking & Caucuses
HRC is proud to host a roundtable for LGBT and Allied campus group advisors and LGBT / Friendly Faculty and Staff. At this caucus / roundtable, HRC will be looking to engage advisors, hear concerns & criticisms, brainstorm on which resources HRC can develop, and further develop our relationship with campus groups. This caucus will also be an opportunity for advisors to share best practices, and network with other advisors and HRC staff. Eric Hoff is an employee at Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. Toby Quaranta is a recent Virginia Tech grad, where Toby cofounded Virginia OUT – a statewide coalition of LGBT student groups. Toby was also very active in Residence Life. Toby has served on the board of the Virginia Gay Democrats and the Virginia Young Democrats, and is currently an Assistant in HRC’s field department. Toby worked in Colorado this November. Sultan Shakir is a native of Philadelphia and began his organizing experience in low-income neighborhoods working to organize neighbors to address community concerns, from public dumping to school improvement. Sultan is now a Regional Field Director for HRC – his work this November focused on the multiple races in Pennsylvania.
Ford 127
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
This workshop answers the question of how you can find and utilize change agents to make lasting organizational changes. Examining the needs of your organization or your campus,, this session is an idea brainstorming session where you will have the opportunity to not only learn from the corporate world, but also share ideas that have made change successful on your campus with other MBLGTACC participants. Erick Lybeck, Senior IT Technical Analyst with Cargill, has been a member of the Cargill Rainbow Alliance (CRA, Cargill’s LDBGT-focused employee diversity counsel), for seven years. Eric has worked on global IT projects in London, Sao Paolo, and Singapore. A native of North Dakota, he attended the University of North Dakota.
Genderations
Exploring The Experiences Of Youth And Young Adults With Regard To Gender Tate 170
Tracks: Bodies & Gender Freedom • Youth What is gender identity and how is it lived and experienced in our daily lives? How have concepts of gender changed from generation to generation within the queer community? How do the other identity factors in our lives such as race, class, biology, spirituality, and sexual orientation contribute to how we experience and understand gender? Join youth and adult staff from District 202 as we explore these questions and more
59 in an interactive community dialogue. Kay Adams has been part of District 202’s Youth Development Leadership Program for just under a year. In that time he has worked in the Empowered Expressions Theatre Troupe. He attends school at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Ashlee Lohrke has been a part of District 202’s Youth Development Leadership Program for just under a year. She has become a member of the Board of Directors and participated in Empowered Expressions Theatre Troupe. She attends school at Second Foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shiney Shapiro has coordinated Second Hand Smoke Prevention and Education efforts at District 202, and is currently the Program Manager of the center. He has been involved with GenderBlur, and founded PRISM, a support group of LGBT Youth in Missouri. Julian Siwek has been a part of District 202’s Youth Development Leadership Program for almost two years. He is a member of the Board of Directors, and helped write and perform a play for Q-Quest Youth Fest. He attends high school in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Grassroots Organizing In Queer Communities Of Color Ford 150
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • People of Color
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
How To Influence The Legislature Through Queer Activism Coffman 325
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
Representative Karen Clark will provide an overview of the best techniques for lobbying legislators at the Capitol. Her workshop will include ample opportunity for participants to ask about the most effective strategies to gain support for queer issues. Representative Karen Clark’s biography can be found on page 32.
How The Tobacco Industry Gets You To Pay For Your Own Oppression And How You Can Kick Their Ash Tate 133
Track: Health
Did you know that in Minnesota, 41% of LGBT people smoke, compared to only 18% if the total population? Did you know that Big Tobacco specifically targets LGBT people in advertisements and bars? Did you also know that Big Tobacco contributes funds to right wing politicians who discriminate against us? Organizing is happening right now to counter this health menace. Come learn how you can work on this new social justice issue.
Topics covered will be grassroots organizing in queer communities of color, organizing in communities of color around queer issues, and bridging the gaps to the broader GLBT community through outreach, leadership development and relationship building. Come and learn about community engagement or share your ideas and experiences of organizing with us.
Antonio Cardona has been active in community organizing for the past ten years, working primarily with GLBT communities and communities of color. He is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Fellow, and is also a coach for the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco Fellowship, Leadership, and Advocacy Institute to Advance Minnesota’s Parity for Priority Populations.
Sara Hagestad is a transnational adoptee from Seoul, South Korea. Coming to Minnesota as an infant, Sara grew up in Oakdale. Last May, she received her Masters in Social Work in Community Practice from the University of Minnesota and now works for Family & Children’s Service as a Community Organizer, specializing in tenant and GLBTQA youth organizing.
I’m Gay, I Love, I Get Angry, And I Want God To Get Angry
Sewella Mike is a Willow Cree from Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan. She is the Two Spirit Coordinator for Indigenous Peoples Task Force. She and her partner Christina Fowler were married in Canada in December 2006.
Coffman 323
Track: Spirituality & Faith
Love is the source for much anger, often a profound and prolonged part of GLBT spirituality. Perhaps part of our anger is the human expression of the Holy Other’s anger demanding justice. How can we experience healing and peace while being active in justice issues? Topics include: love; anger; internal homophobia; and unity of body, mind, spirit, and universe including God. Rob Gamble is a retired pastor at United Methodist Church (UMC). He is a member of Hennepin Avenue UMC in Minneapolis, Evangelicals Concerned – Twin Cities, Reconciling
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WORKSHOPSESSION TWO SATURDAY 9:15 - 10:30AM (CONTINUED) Ministries, and the Faith Family Fairness Alliance. Gamble has made presentations in 2006 at the Redefine the Rainbow Conference at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and at MBLGTACC 2006 in Sioux Falls.
I’m Gay/Lesbian/Bi And Greek And Proud To Be Both Tate 210
Tracks: Coming Out • Other
Being a gay, lesbian or bi member of a “straight” fraternity or sorority can be a rewarding, but challenging experience. This interactive program will consist of the sharing of the unique experiences of a panel of men and women who either are current undergraduate members of a fraternity or sorority, or alumni of one. Michael Azen is an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota and is currently president of Phi Gamma Delta. Gavin Berg is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota is was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Brett Chin is a graduate student and an Assistant Residence Director at the University of Minnesota and an alumni member of Lambda Chi Alpha at California State University, Northridge. TR Corey is a graduate student and an assistant residence director at the University of Minnesota, and an alumni member of Phi Kappa Tau at Youngstown State University. Adam Engelman is an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota is a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Dave Jennings is a University of Minnesota alumni, and former President and alumni of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Becky Saltzman is an undergraduate the University of Minnesota and is an alumna member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Sorority. Bryan Taylor is an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota and is a former member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Amelious Whyte is the Chief of Staff to the Vice Provost for Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and has been an advisor for Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity since 1998. He has degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of Minnesota, and until recently was Vice Chair of the OutFront Minnesota Board of Directors.
Jesus, Buddha, Lao Tzu Coffman 319
Track: Spirituality & Faith
Experience the teachings of the masters. Discover the shared truths of Christian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought. Part one of the workshop will provide a brief history of each spiritual path. Part two will consist of space for meditation and reflection on the words of Jesus, Buddha, and Lao Tzu. The Rev. Dr. Gail M. Simonds has worked as a dairy farmer and a forest scientist. After receiving her Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, she was ordained in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. A church planter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she resides with her girlfriend, their four dogs, and cat. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Justice Or Just Us? Coffman Mississippi
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Networking & Caucusing • People of Color
Our lesbigaytrans movement is at an amazing “moment” as we see the continuing cultural, societal, and legal momentum toward full equality. So, do we see our LGBT movement as a civil rights movement that stands alone? Or, is our LGBT movement actually part of a broader civil rights movement for equality and justice inclusive of race, class, culture, gender, and sexual identity? Or are we about justice or just us? This workshop will look at practical ways we can create and build transformative models of organizing that make these connections with a special focus on campus LGBT organizing. Mandy Carter’s biography can be found on page 26. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Reading Rainbows
A Conversation With Transgender High School Librarian, Debra Davis Coffman Theatre
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Curricula & Studies
What would have happened at your high school if your librarian changed from a man to a woman over a weekend? What was it like to work as a completely out transgender woman in an urban and multicultural public high school? To be sued in federal court by “extreme right” staff member? Or have the Vice Squad in her school investigating her for a day? Join this award winning, nationally renowned educator and activist, for this inspiring and uplifting story with a unique opportunity to
61 learn and ask questions about a community often hidden from our view. Debra Davis’ biography can be found on page 33.
M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Screaming Queens: The Riot At Compton’s Cafeteria (2005) Ford B15
Remove The Blindfold
Issues Seen Through Leather Tate 131
Track: Sexual Freedom
You’ve seen it on CSI. Heard about it on the evening news. Read about it in the tabloids. Fantasized about it in the dark. What is the Leather/SM Community? What is “playtime” vs. Leather as a “lifestyle”? How does BDSM differ from that represented in the media? What are some challenges facing the Leather Community? Do these issues differ from those facing the mainstream LGBT community? If you’re curious about this increasingly visible segment of our community or a practicing member grappling with the challenges facing Leatherfolk, these are some topics to be explored during this interactive panel discussion. David Coral is a nationally recognized BDSM practitioner, and has represented Leatherfolk as Mr. Olympus Leather 2000 and a member of the American Leather Family. He is a charter member and officer of the Knights of Leather, Minneapolis. Currently, he is on the local organizing board for the Leather Leadership Conference XI, coming to Minneapolis in April 2007.
Safe, Sane, Sober Game On! Ford 110
Tracks: Health • HIV / AIDS Prevention & Research • Youth
Debuted at MBLGTACC 2002, back and better than ever! The same fast-paced, competitive game that compared men to dogs, women to cutlery, and brought you face-to-face with the facts and facets of sexuality and STD’s has returned! Participants will team up to see who knows best in this edutainment extravaganza! Mikhail Tatrin is currently completing his M.Ed. in Science Education at the University of Washington at Seattle, and is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Architecture and Recreation Administration. He served as a Governor for the Queer Student Cultural Center, co-founded the coming out group Arch, and facilitated the University Bisexual and Transgender Community.
Track: Arts, Culture, & History
Three years before the famous rioting at New York’s Stonewall Inn, there was a riot in San Francisco at Gene Compton’s Cafeteria. On a hot summer’s night in 1966, in the city’s Tenderloin district, a group of transgender women and gay street-hustlers fought back for the first time in history against everyday police harassment. This act of resistance was a dramatic turning point for the transgender community, and is documented in Screaming Queens: The Riot At Compton’s Cafeteria.
Social Justice Leadership Retreats
Building Allies For All Areas Of Oppression Coffman Board
Track: Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
In January 2005, the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities followed in the footsteps of Colorado State University, the University of Vermont, and many other institutions and started the Social Justice Leadership Retreat. This three-day, two-night experience is designed to help students understand issues of privilege, oppression, and what it means to be an ally. The retreat involves large and small group activities, movies, and extensive sharing of personal narratives. This presentation will provide the history and philosophy of the retreat, some of the considerations for starting a retreat of this nature, and the impact the retreat has had. Grant Anderson is a Coordinator of Residential Life at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. He is the Co-Coordinator of the Social Justice Leadership Retreat and has extensive experience with facilitating diversity and social justice discussions and training. He has his Bachelors degree from Hamline University and Masters degree from Colorado State University. Anthony Bettendorf is a Residence Director at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. He is the Co-Coordinator of the Social Justice Leadership Retreat and has extensive experience with facilitating diversity and social justice discussions and training. He has a Bachelors degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters degree from Western Illinois University. Rebecca Roberts is a student leader at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. She has been heavily involved in diversity and social justice issues including leadership roles in the GLBTA Network, working as a Community Advisor, and facilitating at multiple Social Justice Leadership Retreats. Her academic focuses are on Youth Studies, Child Psychology, and Family Social Science.
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WORKSHOPSession TWO SATURDAY 9:15 - 10:30AM (CONTINUED) Stitches Ain’t Just For Bitches Coffman 202
Track: Arts, Culture, & History
Taking Pride In Your Work Coffman 326
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
Crafting is more than just a fun hobby. It is a vehicle for grassroots activism and an alternative to mass-consumerism and globalization. Women have long been crafters, and activist crafters can now become aware of the high skill level of crafts as an art form, giving validity to what is considered women’s work, while also opening up the art to people of all genders in order to bridge the gender gap in art and craft. This workshop will give mini-lessons on knitting, embroidery, jewelry-making, sewing, and beading.
How do you include LGBT organizations or jobs on your resume? What is the best way to find an LGBT-friendly employer? Is it ever ok to come out in a job interview? This workshop will focus on how to find an LGBT-friendly career path by answering these and other important questions. Using interactive activities, role plays, PowerPoint, handouts, and group discussion, we will cover basic information about resume writing and job interviewing, while also focusing on specific questions that many LGBT people may have.
Anna Brauch is an officer of the Women’s Student Activist Collective, and is studying Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. She uses her skills in embroidery, sewing, and knitting as an approach to grassroots activism and community building for women and queer folks.
Patrick Hale is a senior at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign majoring in sociology and women’s studies. He currently works as the team leader for Multiculturalism and Diversity at the campus Career Center and has interned for a year at the Office of LGBT Resources. He is also a co-coordinator for the 2008 Midwest conference at UIUC.
Kelly McCarthy is a member of the Women’s Student Activist Collective and is skilled in the areas of embroidery and jewelry making, as well as sewing. She has sold her crafts at such arenas as the Jack Pine Craft Fair, and wears her own creations everyday.
Kevin Otten is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Masters degree in Human Resources, and an undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has created Safe Zone training focused on LGBT issues, and has created original workshops from scratch covering anti-oppression programs for dozens of different campus audiences.
Surviving The Hot Seat
Protect Yourself And Present Your Story Tate 157
Tracks: Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Coming Out
How many times has someone asked you, formally or informally, to discuss your identity and how it influences your life? We share this information publicly in order to educate people about the queer community. We talk about our shared history, provide tips for supporting queer people, or talk about our negative and positive experiences. This workshop is for those who want to share their stories more effectively, including ways to answer questions, respond to intolerant audience members, and provide a clear message to our listeners. All experience levels welcome. Jes Berndt holds a degree in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and will soon complete her master’s degree. This presenter works in residence life at Grand Valley State University and is Secretary for the Allies and Advocates network. Jes is often called to train people about queer topics and oppression.
The Administration Is Key Tate 143
Track: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Campus Education & Outreach
The Administration Is Key will teach the importance of having the administration backing the Safe Spaces program. Black Hills State University’s Diversity Awareness Resource Manual will be discussed as well as the strategic plan. With this we will discuss how beneficial it is to have a program like Safe Spaces tied to the University’s strategic plan. Scott Luikart is a Junior Speech Communication Major at Black Hills State University. He is currently involved in Student Senate and working with administration on their diversity goal of the Strategic Plan.
The Bisexual Eye (I) Ford 130
Track: Bisexuality & Fluidity
This workshop will explore bisexuality both as an experiential perspective/worldview and a personal identity. Audience
63 members will learn about the joys and challenges of being bi, how bisexuality compares and contrasts with its GLBTQ counterparts and finally what bisexuality is and what it isn’t. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the least visible and possibly most misunderstood letter in our Alphabet Soup spectrum. Dr. Marge Charmoli has been a bisexual activist for over 25 years, and was a member of the 1989 St. Paul Human Rights Commission. Dr. Charmoli is a psychologist in private practice and has taught at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota. She currently co-hosts BiCities!, a Twin Cities cable television program about bisexuality.
Volunteering
Building GLBT-Friendly Partnerships In Your Community
and counter-recruitment activism. Megan currently helps coordinate special events at a community center in Lansing and is chairperson of the Alliance of LBGTA Students. Roberto Reyes is a Professional Writing student at Michigan State University. His current research deals with identity construction in various spaces - whether in the political rally or in digital space. In spite of evidence to the contrary, he is NOT a cyborg fueled by consumption of obscenely caffeinated beverages, but he will never turn one down if offered. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Why Should Anyone But GLBT People Care About GLBT Rights? Coffman Presidents
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
Ford B10
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Curricula & Studies • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations • Networking • Spirituality & Faith
Do you want to get more connected to your community? Come learn how to take the first step in finding, developing, and maintaining GLBT-friendly community partnerships through volunteering. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join in and learn about how to integrate GLBT-focused service learning into their courses. Alisa Dean is an AmeriCorps VISTA for Michigan Campus Compact at Alma College in Alma, Michigan. She serves as the Director of Volunteer Services in the Service Learning Department. Dean graduated from Northland College with a B.S. in Psychology in 2006. She is currently working with Alma College PRIDE to develop a new service learning initiative for the group.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting… The Police, Queer Radical Organizing, And Preparation Tactics
Ford B80 Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
Do you know what to do in a protest? In this workshop, we will discuss strategies and tactics for before, during, and after an action to make sure that you and fellow protestors are prepared and safe. Topics include the use of affinity groups, protection against chemical weapons, issues involving police brutality, queer identities in jail, and more. Megan Gallagher is a Political Science senior at Michigan State University with a specialization in Women, Gender, and Social Justice. Megan has been involved in radical organizing for a couple of years, especially pro-choice, queer, anti-racist
Join in a conversation about how GLBT issues connect to other progressive community issues like health care and immigration. We will also be talking about how working to end homophobia can contribute in a broader context of working to end all forms of oppression such as racism, sexism and classism. Ann DeGroot’s biography can be found on page 33.
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WORKSHOPSession THREE SATURDAY 2:45 - 4:15PM F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Alphabet Archives
Saving Our History And Culture While Making It Available Anderson Library Givens Conference Room
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Campus Education & Outreach • Curricula & Studies
Toby Quaranta is a recent Virginia Tech grad, where Toby cofounded Virginia OUT – a statewide coalition of LGBT student groups. Toby was also very active in Residence Life. Toby has served on the board of the Virginia Gay Democrats and the Virginia Young Democrats, and is currently an Assistant in HRC’s field department. Toby worked in Colorado this November.
The workshop will explain what a “Special Collection” is and how to make use of such collections for student, faculty, and general research projects. The workshop will also explain how to start a Special Collection, including developing a contract, setting up a board of advisors, developing collection policies, and the problems and solutions associated with resistance to such collections.
Sultan Shakir is a native of Philadelphia and began his organizing experience in low-income neighborhoods working to organize neighbors to address community concerns, from public dumping to school improvement. Sultan is now a Regional Field Director for HRC – his work this November focused on the multiple races in Pennsylvania.
Jean-Nickolaus Tretter’s biography can be found on page 36.
Campus Organizing
M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Call Me Malcolm (2005) Ford B15
Tracks: Bodies & Gender Freedom • Spirituality & Faith
Call Me Malcolm follows the story of Rev. Malcolm Himschoot. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Malcolm realized in his early twenties that it was God’s will for him to live as a male-bodied person; he turned to his faith to help him integrate his transition process into his relationship with his family. A deeply spiritual person, Malcolm felt called to the ministry. When he asked his pastor for guidance, she explained to him that, based on scripture, being transgender — holding both the male and female experience in one body — may be the closest that humans can get to holiness. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Campus Leaders’ Caucus Tate 133
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Networking & Caucuses
HRC is proud to host a roundtable for LGBT and Allied campus group presidents and/or leaders. At this caucus / roundtable, HRC will be looking to engage campus leaders, hear concerns & criticisms, brainstorm on which resources HRC can expand and further develop our relationship with campus groups. This caucus will also be an opportunity for leaders to share best practices and network with other leaders and HRC staff. Eric Hoff is an employee at Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. Candace Gingrich’s biography can be found on page 34.
Tate 210
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach
College organizing around GLBT issues connects students, faculty, and staff to issues affecting a campus and to larger political issues including anti-marriage amendments, legal protections for same-sex couples, and comprehensive sex education. Campus communities provide unique opportunities for organizers and organizations to build the power for the GLBT movement. This workshop will focus on developing individual skills and acquiring tools for campus organizing. Monica Meyer has done grassroots organizing for over thirteen years, and has been with OutFront Minnesota since 2001. As OutFront Minnesota’s Public Policy Director, Monica coordinates political strategy and grassroots organizing. Monica received her Masters degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute in 1999. Becky Smith is part of OutFront Minnesota and focuses primarily in the East Twin Cities Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Counties. She is currently a Community Representative on the Minnesota Campus Alliance Executive Board. Becky earned a Masters degree in Public Administration with an Executive Leadership emphasis at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Can You See Me Now? Coffman Presidents
Tracks: Accessibility • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Coming Out
Can You See Me Now? will focus on the ways in which sighted
65 GLBT persons can effectively interact with blind and visually impaired persons in social settings. We will explore the challenges faced by visually impaired and blind persons as we attempt to insert ourselves into the somewhat closed-off GLBT community, and ways in which you can get to know some really great people by widening your circle to include us. Prepare to have fun!
trainings on LGBT issues, or improve ones you already have. Whether you are interested in raising awareness in student organizations, residence halls, or the Greek system, you will learn effective ways to tailor your workshop to your audience. You will also experience and learn how to facilitate a variety of interactive activities to make your LGBT programs meaningful and informative.
Connie David is a natural teacher and presenter. Blind since birth, she is concerned about issues of accessibility and inclusion. She has worked with business and with community groups on accessibility issues, taught in Minneapolis Public Schools, and has served on the Board of Directors of Blind Friends, Lesbians, and Gays, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
Kevin Otten is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Masters Degree in Human Resources, and an undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has created Safe Zone training focused on LGBT issues, and has created original workshops from scratch coving anti-oppression programs for dozens of different campus audiences.
Coping In Corporate America How To Act-Out And Create Change Ford 130
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Crossing Lines
Identity And The Sexuality Spectrum Tate 150
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs • Career Planning & Workplace Issues • Families, Marriage, & Adoption • People of Color
This workshop will take a look at corporate America and challenges faced by companies to find the meaning of diversity, with pressure from outside organizations. It will focus on racial and social injustices, religious and political influences that companies encounter, and the struggle that employees face to create an ideal work environment while trying to meet the expectations of their organization. Cevin Jefferson is an employee at Best Buy, Inc., in Richfield, Minnesota. Ada Okolue is a recent recipient of a B.A. in Journalism-Public Relations with a minor in African/African-American studies at the University of Minnesota. Okolue was also vice president of Black Student Alliance while attending Normandale Community College. Currently, Okolue works in Consumer Relations for Best Buy Co., Inc. Mark Paragi has a dual Bachelors degree in Philosophy and German and is currently studying for an MBA. He has worked in restaurant management, as a computer technician, and as an English teacher in the Peace Corps. He has been with Best Buy since 2003 and currently addresses customer concerns on behalf of the company’s executives.
Creating Powerful And Effective LGBT Workshops And Trainings Vincent 6
Tracks: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Campus Education & Outreach
This workshop will help you either create new workshops and
Track: Bisexuality & Fluidity
How do we assign labels to our complicated and unique experiences? At what point on the sexuality spectrum does heterosexuality turn into bisexuality, and bisexuality into homosexuality? We will discuss uses and limitations of the Kinsey scale and other measures of sexual orientation, and factors such as sex/gender, time, and much more. This engaging workshop will transform your thinking! Robyn Ochs’ biography can be found on page 27.
Gender, Race, And Hip-Hop Tate 166
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Bodies & Gender Freedom • People of Color
Gender, Race, And Hip-Hop will screen segments of Byron Hurt’s new documentary film Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes that explores the director’s love of hip-hop culture and his simultaneous conflict with its marketing of hyper-masculine images of men of color, violence, materialism, homophobia, and misogyny. Using an intersectional approach, the workshop highlights the complicated connections between race, class, and gender in media and the larger American culture. Interactive role-playing and skits challenge workshop participants to explore their own racialized and gendered stereotypes, followed by an open dialogue about ways to challenge these structures through petitions and public education. Tyrone Hanley currently volunteers with a number of local organizations, including DC OUTfront, Youth Pride Alliance, and the Children’s National Medical Center’s Outreach Program for Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors and their
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WORKSHOPSession THREE SATURDAY 2:45 - 4:15PM (CONTINUED) Families. A graduate of the University of Richmond, he has served as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the National AIDS Fund at Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive. Brittney Hoffman received her Masters of Arts in Women’s Studies and Public Policy at George Washington University (GWU). While studying at GWU, she was co-editor of Queer, a national academic journal. She was awarded the 2006 Graduate Prize in Feminist Scholarship for her seminar paper on policies concerning mother-to-child transmission of HIV/ AIDS in South Asia.
How To Follow Your Heart Without Giving Up Your Hopes Creating A Career In The Social Justice Field Coffman 325
Tracks: Activism, Policy, & Leadership • Career Planning & Workshop Issues
The focus of this session will be on how students who are currently working for social justice through environmental activism, anti-racism, anti-oppression, human rights and equality, as well as other related causes, can explore, plan, and act to create a future where they can continue to follow their passion in their post-college career plans. Through a combination of panel dialogue with advocates currently working in the social justice field and practical and interactive exercises, participants will have the opportunity to work on their own goals for a successful job future. Chad Bolstrom is a graduate student studying counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. He is currently working at the GLBTA Programs Office. Through his graduate study he is exploring how to work for social justice through the practice of counseling, leadership coaching, and advocacy. Monica Delaney Elsner is a graduate student in the Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology Program at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. She is currently working as a counseling intern at the GLBTA Programs Office.
LGBTA Panel Training Thanks For Coming Out! Coffman 326
Tracks: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Coming Out • Getting The Word Out / Media Relations
LGBTA floor panels are a great way to reach out to campus with your own personal experiences. Panels can be held in residence halls or given campus-wide, and they consist of several people telling their coming out stories and holding a questions and answer session afterwards. Learn how
to effectively tell your story and educate the rest of your campus! Michael Lane is a junior Biology major at Carleton College in Minnesota, and is originally from Ormond Beach, Florida. Michael is a Center Associate at the Gender and Sexuality Center on campus. Justin Smith is a sophomore English major at Carleton College in Minnesota, and is originally from Crossville, Tennessee. Justin is a Center Associate at the Gender and Sexuality Center on campus. Dominic Vendell is a sophomore History major at Carleton College in Minnesota, and is originally from Tucson, Arizona. Dominic is a Center Associate at the Gender and Sexuality Center on campus.
OUT For Work
Transitioning From Academia To The Workplace Ford 150
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
Transitioning from college to the workplace is an exciting and challenging time for many. For an individual who is LGBT that transition can even be more challenging. A combination of a presentation and panel discussion made up of LGBT professionals, this session will provide a toolbox of resources for participants to call upon during their own transition. Brooks Beaudoin is a Staff Consultant at Ernst & Young. Riley B. Folds is the founder of OUT For Work and a Certified Diversity Practitioner. With over eight years of professional experience, Folds is committed to helping organizations create inclusive work environments. Folds is a graduate of Cornell University’s Diversity Management Program and received his undergraduate degree from La Roche College in International Business Management. Nikko Kandhari is the Assistant Director for OUT For Work. Kate Karasmeighan is the Senior Manager for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Lori Kluber is a Senior Recruiter for Fannie Mae. Brad Salavich is a Global GLBT Program Manager at IBM.
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Out Seminarians, Out Ministry
Transgressing Alphabet Soup Barriers To Theological Education, Ministry Formation, And Traditional Religious Work
Dykes Do Drag, where he takes the stage as Puss Puss. Lusiak is currently working for Project SUCCESS as a Facilitator/Artist in Residence.
Coffman 323
Track: Spirituality & Faith
In an open-forum, community story telling setting, two out seminarians will share stories about the barriers they faced in pursuing religious vocation and education. This workshop will explore the importance of story telling as a social witness as participants listen and share their own stories. The meaning of being queer and being “called” to do religious work will be discussed. Matt Eichler is completing his Ph.D. in adult education at the University of Minnesota, currently writing his dissertation on the lives of ally-activists. Matt is a gay-identified man and also currently seeking ordination as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Matt describes himself as a scholar-activist, a writer, a teacher, and a proud farm boy from Central Minnesota. Shai Wise is currently working as the Lilly Intern for Religious Life at Grinnell College. He is a male of transgender experience who has been actively involved with the LGBTQA community for over ten years. In addition to this workshop he has presented on a variety of topics including transgender inclusion in faith communities and nonviolence as a vocation. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n Outward Spiral Theatre Company & Empowered Expressions Present:
No Matter The Letter We Stand Together! Coffman Mississippi
Track: Arts, Culture, & History
Participants will join a highly interactive workshop, develop an understanding of the power and place for theatre as an agent for social change and celebrate personal stories using performance art as a method for expression. Members of Empowered Expression, a queer youth troupe who will showcase pieces of their work, will join participants. Come prepared for an exciting journey! Louisa Hext has been President of Outward Spiral since 2001. She has performed with several theatre companies in Columbus, Ohio, and is extremely passionate about using theatre as a medium for social and systems change. She currently serves as a Commissioner with the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights and works as a mediator and diversity consultant. Jeffry Lusiak currently serves Outward Spiral as Artistic Director. Luisak has also worked on numerous shows with Illusion Theater and performed as a company member of
Oversight Committee Meeting
Approval Of Constitution And Bylaws Coffman Board
Facilitators: Michael Grewe, 2007 MBLGTACC CoDirector • Luciano Patiño, 2007 MBLGTACC Co-Director After years of discussion, the 2007 MBLGTACC Planning Committee is setting up an Oversight Committee to administer basic conference functions such as maintaining archives of previous conferences and deciding future conference hosts. The provisional Oversight Committee will consist of up to two elected representatives from each regional caucus. It will also consist of up to two representatives from the previous, current, and future conference hosts, which include University of South Dakota, University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, and University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, respectively. This meeting’s goal will be to approve a Constitution and Bylaws to setup the minimal framework for a permanent Oversight Committee. This meeting is open to all conference attendees. To keep discussion moving and to maintain order, the meeting will be administered using Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
Post-College Money Skills Ford 155
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
If you’re like thousands of recent college graduates, one of your biggest challenges may be achieving financial independence. Between the student loans and credit card debt, how is it even possible to start thinking about retirement planning and budgeting? This seminar will provide the basics for saving, budgeting, and learning to love within ones means. Darla J. Kashian is a Financial Consultant with Royal Bank of Canada Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Queer Eye, Queer Wallet
The Evolution Of “Homo-Promo” Advertising Ford 110
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Curricula & Studies • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations
Using images from decades of LGBT and mainstream media such as magazines, TV commercials, event sponsorships, and even TV programming, we trace the origins and development
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WORKSHOPSession THREE SATURDAY 2:45 - 4:15PM (CONTINUED) of the queer community as a commercially viable market, as well as some of the controversies that come along with it all. Queer Eye? Only if it’s followed closely by the Queer Wallet. Come ready to laugh, interact, and share your opinions. Curt Lund is a writer, designer, and storyteller from Minneapolis.
Queer Studies, Queer Research
Connecting Intellectual Work To Social Movements Ford B29
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Curricula & Studies
Members of the Twin Cities GLBT Oral History Project (OHP) will reflect upon the changing nature of the academic field of queer studies and its relationship to movements for social justice. The OHP has conducted over 100 interviews with queer Minnesotans since 2003, exploring the ways the sexuality has informed Midwestern political, cultural, and economic lives over six decades. Each panelist is currently authoring a chapter of the edited volume Queer Twin Cities: Spaces, Histories, Politics, and will discuss the scholarly discussions that make their work possible, and how they hope this work will shape ongoing queer politics. Caley Horan is a PhD Student in the Department of History. Horan’s work considers anti-pornography feminist activism in Minneapolis in the 1980s, examining efforts by University of Minnesota professors Catherine MacKinnon and Andrea Dworkin to shut down Minneapolis adult bookstores, and their unlikely alliance with corporate and religious fundamentalist institutions. Ryan Murphy is a PhD Student in the Department of American Studies. Murphy looks at the role of gay identity in the condominium boom in Minneapolis, arguing that elite, white, consumerist versions of gay life have perpetuated the displacement low income people of color from urban neighborhoods, driving a wedge between GLBT movements and broader struggles for social justice. Alex Urquhart is a PhD Student in the Department of American Studies. He examines the role of corporate funding in the changing nature of HIV prevention movements. Urquhart looks at the role of the Target Corporation in the annual Minnesota AIDS walk, and the way it has perpetuated a gradual shift in AIDS activism to corporate branding.
Remember Who Made You
A One-Man Play Exploring The Myths, Fears, And Joys Of Being Queer And Christian Ford B10
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Coming Out • Spirituality & Faith • Youth
Remember Who Made You is a one-person play exploring the perspectives of a minister, a father, a teenager, a transwoman, and even Jesus regarding the issues surrounding Queer identity in today’s church. Following the performance, the audience has the opportunity to discuss their own view and experiences with the playwright and each other. Jeffrey Barnes is an Indianapolis-based actor, director, & playwright. Employed at the University of Indianapolis’ Department of Theatre, he is also the advisor for the university’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Helping to bridge the gap between the GLBT and Christian communities, he performs his one-person play, Remember Who Made You, at numerous universities, churches, conferences, and GLBT organizations throughout the country.
Safer Sex, Safer Kink Vincent 16
Tracks: Health • HIV / AIDS Prevention & Research • Sexual Freedom
Kink is a fun way to explore in your sexual relationships. Staff from The Smitten Kitten will teach how to keep your kink safe and find the best tools for the job! Learn about basic safety, and the tools and equipment used for exciting activities like percussive/impact play, bondage, sensory deprivation, and roleplaying and/or powerplay. Jessica Giordani infused her feminist politics into career in 2003 when she opened a feminist sex toy store, The Smitten Kitten, in Minneapolis with her friend and cohort, Jennifer. Their dedication to quality and education is unique in the adult industry. She is also a founding member of Coalition Against Toxic Toys. Jennifer Pritchett, MS, and business partner, Jessica Giordani, founded The Smitten Kitten in 2003 and have through their ownership roles developed myriad opportunities for activism within the adult retail industry. Pritchett considers herself not only a dedicated feminist entrepreneur and sex educator, but also a passionate social change agent. Laura Rad has been a sexuality educator since 2003. She is currently working for The Smitten Kitten in Minneapolis as director of their Pussy Party home education program. Rad is always eager to learn about new subjects in the wide world of sexuality and aspires to achieve AASECT Certification as an
69 educator within the next four years.
Saying Yes To God After Saying No To Religion Tate 157
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Spirituality & Faith
What do you do when your spirit is saying yes to God after you’ve said no to religion? Too often LGBTQ people find themselves sidelined by the spiritual abuse of their past, shunning God in the process of shunning church. This workshop seeks to open a conversation that could move us beyond woundedness and rebellion, to new forms of spiritual activism, integration and transformation; applying our queer gifts in service to our aching world. Our goal is to move beyond our traditions and toward a rediscovery of the sacred. The Rev. Paul A. Eknes-Tucker is Pastor at All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Minneapolis. A graduate of Birmingham Southern College and Chandler School of Theology, receiving a B.A. and M.Div, respectively, Rev. Eknes-Tucker served as Pastor of Congregational Care at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas, a 3200-member predominantly GLBT church, before coming to the Twin Cities. The Rev. Robyn A. Murphy is Pastor at All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church in Minneapolis. She is a second career clergywoman, having been a corporate trainer and marketer for over twenty-five years. She is a passionate GLBTQ activist who also volunteers as a jail chaplain. She is the former national media director for SoulForce.
Statewide Campus Organizing
How The Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance Is Working To Create Welcoming And Affirming Campuses Throughout Our State Ford 115
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Networking & Caucuses
This year marked the first official year of the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance and the launch of the Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference. Come join this exciting discussion of how a small, but committed group of students, faculty and staff launched a statewide organization that is truly making a difference for GLBTA students, faculty, and staff in Minnesota. You will learn strategies that you can use for organizing the colleges and universities in your home state. Ross Neely has been doing work around gender, sexuality, and race for the last seven years. He currently works for the GLBTA Programs Office at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, coordinates the Transgender Commission and the GLBT Systemwide Commission, and is a member of the
Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance Executive Board. Sidney Smith is the GLBT Student Services Coordinator at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the 2007 Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance. Sidney graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato (MSU–M) with a Masters Degree in Women’s Studies, where she was Program Advisor for the LGBT Center at MSU-M. Alfonso Wenker is studying Justice and Peace Studies and Public Relations at the University of Saint Thomas (UST). Alfonso is the Co-President of UST Allies, Co-Chair Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, and Co-Chair of the 2006 Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference, and a Development Intern for OutFront Minnesota.
Tending To Your Emotional Well-Being In The College Environment Ford 127
Track: Health
This workshop will identify important ways to be proactive in maintaining optimal mental health in the face of all the stresses of college life. Learn about when it is appropriate to seek out professional help with depression, anxiety, or other emotional distress. Discuss mental health concerns unique to LGBT students. Mark LaChapelle, MSW, LICSW, LMFT, BCD has been providing mental health services to LGBT clients since 1978 in agency and private practice settings. College students have always been one of his favorite populations to see in his private practice because such dynamic developmental tasks are unfolding. Roni Ahern, MA, LP is a licensed psychologist from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“That Is So Gay”
Understanding Our Violent Times And Their Impact On Our GLBT Communities Vincent 20
Track: Violence & Bias Prevention
This highly interactive presentation is designed to provide participants with a general understanding of impacts of violence on the GLBT communities, common barriers to service often faced by GLBT crime victims and, finally, how to create safety and support for all community members. Rebecca Waggoner Kloek has worked extensively with antiviolence focused community based programs for over10 years. With her expertise in sexual assault and domestic violence,
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WORKSHOPSession THREE SATURDAY 2:45 - 4:15PM (CONTINUED) Waggoner Kloek has worked at every level of program development and management. Currently, Waggoner Kloek is the Anti-Violence Program Manager at OutFront Minnesota, the state’s leading organization serving Minnesota’s GLBT communities.
The ALPHABET Family
Parenting In The Queer Community Tate 166
Track: Families, Marriage, & Adoption
Come and learn ways that you can become a parent. Hear from LGBT parents about how they created their families and some of the successes and challenges they have experienced. Have the opportunity to ask questions and start thinking about how you may want to become a parent in the future. Deb Leavitt is surviving parenting a teacher and a “tweener” with her co-parents, two gay men, Gerry and Kevin, and her partner, Anne. Two moms, two dad, two kiddos, two houses, and two dogs – it’s a story of twos. Chuck Stroebel is a single gay father who lives in South Minneapolis with his son, Jacob. Chuck explored many paths to fatherhood, including adoption, surrogacy, and co-parenting with a lesbian couple. Ultimately he decided to have Jacob through surrogacy, and he maintains regular contact with Jacob’s birth mother who lives in another state. Chuck hopes to expand his family someday. Peter Vitale is a stay-at-home father as well as an actor/ musician. He and his partner, Stephen, are the lucky parents of three beautiful children adopted through the United State Waiting Child Program. Sidney is a 59 year old lesbian post-op MTF. She is the parent of one very healthy and happy - and heterosexual - son who is a Junior at the University of North Dakota. She is very active in a number of queer organizations: WPBP, QMatch, Rainbow Families and NARAL Pro-choice MN.
The Big Pink Toolbox
Resources Every LGBT Student Leader Needs To Ensure Success When Starting, Growing, Or Reviving An Organization Tate 131
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations
If you are a student leader interested in learning how to inform, involve, and inspire LBGTA students, this is mustattend workshop! You will leave with a “big pink toolbox”
full of resources and ideas that will increase the visibility and effectiveness of your organization, boost your membership, generate funds, create buzz and excitement about your events, and support your individual development. Bryan Bowen is the President of OUTinBusiness and holds leadership roles in several other organizations on The Ohio State University (OSU) campus community. Bryan founded Resource10, a national consulting firm specializing in LGBT recruiting and retention, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development. Bryan will graduate from OSU in 2007 with a Masters of Human Resources and a Masters of Higher Education. Robyn Bowers is a Graduate Administrative Associate with the GLBT Student Services Office at The Ohio State University (OSU). Robyn earned a B.A. from Denison University in 2002 and is in the second year of OSU’s Masters Program in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
The LGBT Experience Overseas
With A Special Focus On The Peace Corps Ford 170
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Career Planning & Workplace Issues • Coming Out • Other
This session will cover issues such as when to be open about your sexual orientation overseas, how to respond when asked why you are not married yet, and the rare times when being gay in Africa is easier than being straight. It will also provide an opportunity for questions from those thinking about working, studying, or traveling overseas. Jessica Cushion is a senior majoring in Broadcasting at Marquette University, President of the Gay/Straight Alliance, and former intern for Fair Wisconsin. Jessica also serves as a Youth Advisor for Diverse and Resilient, a capacity-building program for Wisconsin LGBT youth. While Jessica has never been overseas, she has extensive experience guiding people, especially teens, through difficult coming out situations. Joan Mergillano is currently a sophomore and Treasurer of the Gay/Straight Alliance at Marquette University, and is studying English and Education. Though she has not done service work abroad, she has spent several years outside of the mainland United States, including South Korean, Japan, the Philippines, and Guam. Abigail Stamm is a Masters student in Health Communication at Marquette University. She spent a semester in Kenya as an undergraduate studying Anthropology, three years as a health teacher in the Peace Corps in southern Africa, where she was also the secretary for Peace Crops Malawi’s Diversity Committee, and has traveled in East Africa and Eastern Europe.
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We Got Issues
and Advocates network. Jes is often called to train people about queer topics and oppression.
Ford B80
Liz Holterman calls Wisconsin home. She completed an undergraduate degree in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and completed a master’s degree in College Student Affairs Leadership at Grand Valley State University. She is a Hall Director at Northern Illinois University and likes to read and visit with friends and family in the Midwest.
Queers Of Color And White Queers/Organizations Doing The Work Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • People of Color
This workshop will include queers of color and white queers within queer organizations analyzing their experience – the goods, bads, and uglies of doing race work. Join us as we frame and discuss the issues, move into separate space and come back together to process and complete next steps together. Lupe Castillo Morales co-envisions opportunities to bridge People of Color and allied communities together in doing “the work”. She has presenting on Queer POC organizing and facilitates dialogues that intersect and engage and at times challenge barriers to understanding. She has presented with Diversity Programs at Universities and within her community. Ryan Li Dahlstrom is the Education Youth Advocate at District 202. He coordinates the anti-racism and oppression workshops and trainings, co-facilitates the transgender discussion group, and works with youth to develop engaging educational programs that foster youth empowerment and leadership development. Lisa Sass Saragosa has worked in the educational arena for the last 15 years in both rural and urban settings as a youth worker, teacher, community organizer, school administrator, and consultant. Currently, she works as the Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Chicano Studies at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities.
What Field Are We Playing On?
An Introduction To Power And Privilege Vincent 1
Track: Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
Have you ever wished you picked your parents? We pick our parents about as much as we pick our gender, race, or sexuality. We are born with predetermined characteristics, and the inherited structure assigns value and privilege to some identities while oppressing those outside the “in group.” This session will help you understand your own experiences with privilege and oppression as well as empathize with others. Activities and interactive discussion will arm you with information needed to begin bridging the gap between identity groups. Ask yourself – what is my role in the privilege and oppression experienced by others? Jes Berndt holds a degree in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and will soon complete her master’s degree. This presenter works in residence life at Grand Valley State University and is Secretary for the Allies
Whole Brain Teaching From A Half Brain Perspective Tate 143
Track: Curricula & Studies
Daniel H. Pink (2005) contends that we are quickly moving from the information age to the conceptual age. Further, he identifies six essential right brain-directed aptitudes necessary to meet the demands of the new, conceptual era. This program will review one instructor’s teaching, initiated in the 1990s, of GLBT content related courses, affirming the application of these six right brain-directed aptitudes. In addition, an evaluation, used to encourage discussion, will ensue regarding right and left brain-directed attributes in the conduct of teaching. William J. Goodman received his doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University and teaches in the Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota. He is the Program Chair for Undergraduate Studies, a licensed psychologist, and family therapist. Along with Dr. Cynthia Meyer, in 1993, they offered the first course in the state of Minnesota on GLBT families.
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WORKSHOPSession FOUR SATURDAY 4:30 - 6:00PM Bisexuality
Invisibility And Erasure
Deafness In The GLBT Community Coffman Presidents
Tate 133
Track: Bisexuality & Fluidity
Where are all the bisexuals? It turns out pretty much everywhere. Bisexuals travel invisibly in the straight world, as well as the lesbian, gay, and transgender communities. Bisexuality is labeled as a pathology on Jerry Springer, and as non-existent in the New York Times and at the movies. But when have we heard from bisexuals in the community? When do we hear “bisexual” used in a positive manner, in any context? This workshop will explore how bisexuality is at once forgotten and at times actively omitted from the discussion – any discussion. William Burleson, a long-time Twin Cities bi activist, is the author of Bi America: Myths, Truths, and Struggles of an Invisible Community. Current projects include a regular column for Minneapolis’ Lavender Magazine, reviewing books for the Lambda Book Report, writing essays about bisexuality for various GLBT publications and electronic newsletters, and producing a weekly Minneapolis cable access television show, BiCities!
Business = Power
A Panel Discussion On How And Why Business Is At The Cutting Edge Of The LGBT Equality Movement Ford 115
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
This panel of leaders from the LGBT Business Movement will discuss the importance of business in the drive for LGBT equality. They’ll cover the accomplishments of the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and their innovative work to build economic power for the LGBT community. Kate Karasmeighan is the Senior Manager for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
Tracks: Accessibility • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Coming Out • Health • HIV/AIDS Prevention & Research
This workshop will focus on the range of diversity within the Deaf Community. Through hands-on simulations, they will discuss the perspectives of the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind community members. Discussions include the barriers encountered by the Deaf Community regarding services, information, and resources as well as necessary accommodations. The presenters will describe the interconnections between the Deaf and GLBT Cultures. Sheila Faricy is currently working as a Manager at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in Saint Paul. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Gallaudet University and is studying Education at Hamline University. She has been treasurer for the Minnesota Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf and Disability Coordinator at Twin Cities Gay Pride. Ingrid C. Hofmann, who is deaf, disabled, and gay, is currently a Ph.D. student in Child Development at the University of Minnesota. She grew up as a multilingual global nomad in a number of different European countries. Her research and teaching interests include Disability Studies, Deaf Studies, GLBT Studies, Child Psychology, foreign languages, research methodology, and cross-cultural research. Daniel “Dann” O. Trainer IV currently is a Disability Specialist in Disability Services. Dann received his B.S. in Business Administration at Rochester Institute of Technology, and a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Gallaudet University. He is one of three deaf HIV Testing Counselors in Minnesota. He was a Co-Chair of Minnesota Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf. M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Do I Look Fat? (2005)
A Documentary On Gay Men, Body Image, And Eating Disorders Ford B15
Sam McClure is the President of Quorum, which is the Twin Cities GLBTA Chamber of Commerce. John Sullivan is the Senior Vice President of Imation, headquartered in Oakdale, Minnesota, and is a founding member of the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Advisory Council.
Tracks: Bodies & Gender Freedom • Health Do I Look Fat? is a feature-length documentary with fat on the brain-fat that we feel, fat that we think, and all sorts of fat problems that manifest from fat-phobic thinking inside the fat-wary gay community. From the personal stories of seven diverse men who have struggled, or continue to struggle, with eating disorders and body image issues, “Do I Look Fat?” uncovers reoccurring and interconnecting themes that support this “self-esteem disorder.”
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Dude, That’s So Gay!
Equality Talks
Ford 150
Tate 170
An Examination Of Gender Violence And Heterosexism In Media, Language, And Attitudes
Using Everyday Conversations And Teachable Moments To Advance LGBT Equality
Tracks: Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Violence & Bias Prevention
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Getting The Word Out / Media Relations
Dude, That’s So Gay! examines violence in cultural slang, the media, and narrow definitions of gender to understand why rape and abuse are so prevalent. Current research indicates that 1 out of 3 women are raped, 1 out of 6 – 10 males are sexually abused, and that relationship violence occurs in same-sex relationships at about the same rate (25%) as straight couples. This presentation is focused on the connections between sexual assault, relationship violence, and heterosexism. Participants learn how gender violence is normalized, tolerated, and reinforced, and how homophobia makes it difficult for victims of relationship violence to come forward.
Talking about GLBT equality is the most effective way to educate others. Equality Talks offers an in-depth, practical look at how to communicate issues of GLBT equality to others in your life – at school, at work, at home. Participants discuss strategies, practice having sometimes-difficult conversations and gain the knowledge to confidently advocate for GLBT equality. Candace Gingrich’s biography can be found on page 34.
Face-Off
Queer Versus Ally
Jill Lipski is the Violence Prevention Education Coordinator for the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities’ Aurora Center. She draws from eight years of experience in victim / survivor advocacy and undergraduate studies to develop gender violence education. She also trains student Violence Prevention Educators. Jill plans to attend the Humphrey Institute for a Masters in Public Policy in 2007.
Effectively Advising To Empower Queer Student Leaders Ford B29
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Faculty & Staff
Advisors play an important role in facilitating the growth and development of individual queer students, as well as queer student organizations. Advising can be challenging, rewarding, and fun all at the same time. This session will give advisors an opportunity for dialogue with other professionals regarding effective advising strategies, ways to navigate conflicting roles, to foster student growth, and to discuss how to negotiate difficult situations. Gabriel Javier is the Assistant Director of the Office of LGBT Affairs of the University of Michigan, where he coordinates outreach efforts for the Office. He is also the Director of Education for the Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness of the American College Personnel Association. Carrie Kortegast is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing and Residential Life at Denison University. She also serves as the Advisor for Outlook, the GLBTA student organization at Denison, and as the National Co-Chair for the GLBT Issues Knowledge Community for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Ford 130
Tracks: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
Been dissed by the queer community because you’re an ally? Had issues with pushy allies who just don’t get it? Come to Face-Off and explore ally acceptance and the role of allies in the community, consider ways to be an effective ally, and discover how the queer community can help facilitate this development. Come prepared with questions for discussion. Felicia Anderson is a junior at Michigan State University and currently serves as the President for one of the LBGTA on-campus caucuses. This diva is fierce and will defend her ally-ness with glitter and kisses. Erik Green is a graduate student at Michigan State University and a seasoned activist in the progressive community. This radical is cool and collected and happy to articulate what it really takes to be a part of his community.
GenderYOUTH
Activist Training Tate 166
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Campus Education & Outreach • Youth
The GenderYOUTH Activist Workshop is an interactive workshop that focuses on how to translate theory into activism and seeks to empower students to educate their campuses and communities about the harms of gender stereotyping and to improve their mobilizing techniques. The workshop concludes by outlining practical and concrete activist skills and coalition building strategies which students can use to
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WORKSHOPSession FOUR SATURDAY 4:30 - 6:00PM (CONTINUED) create diverse and inclusive issue-based movements in their own communities. Tyrone Hanley currently volunteers with a number of local organizations, including DC OUTfront, Youth Pride Alliance, and the Children’s National Medical Center’s Outreach Program for Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors and their Families. A graduate of the University of Richmond, he has served as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the National AIDS Fund at Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive. Brittney Hoffman received her Masters of Arts in Women’s Studies and Public Policy at George Washington University (GWU). While studying at GWU, she was co-editor of Queer, a national academic journal. She was awarded the 2006 Graduate Prize in Feminist Scholarship for her seminar paper on policies concerning mother-to-child transmission of HIV/ AIDS in South Asia.
Homosexuality And The Bible
Why The Religious Right Is Wrong And Queer Christian Is Not An Oxymoron Ford 127
Track: Spirituality & Faith
Read the Bible with 21st century queer eyes. Explore the passages used to marginalize queer folks within their broader historical and cultural contexts. Learn to defend your faith and to claim your rightful place within it. Revisit queer-affirming Biblical stories. The Rev. Dr. Gail M. Simonds has worked as a dairy farmer and a forest scientist. After receiving her Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, she was ordained in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. A church planter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she resides with her girlfriend, their four dogs, and cat. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Intersex 101 Tate 150
Track: Bodies & Gender Freedom
What is “Intersex”? Intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in-between the usual male and female types. Or a person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and XY chromosomes.
Lynelle Stephani Long’s biography can be found on page 35.
In The Bonds Of Brotherhood
Gay, Bisexual And Progressive Men In Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity Vincent 6
Track: Campus Education & Outreach
Delta Lambda Phi, a fraternity for gay, bisexual, and progressive gentlemen, has become one of the fastest growing fraternities in the country. This session will provide a look at the history of GLBT Greeks, the importance of the concept of brotherhood for gay, bisexual, and progressive men, and how Delta Lambda Phi and other GLBT-inclusive fraternities and sororities benefit colleges and their communities. Randy Hubach, MPH, currently serves as the Vice President – Outreach on the National Board of Directors of Delta Lambda Phi National Social Fraternity. A graduate of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, Hubach served as President of SMU’s GLBTA group for two years and was the founding President of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Justice Or Just Us? Coffman Mississippi
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Networking & Caucusing • People of Color
Our lesbigaytrans movement is at an amazing “moment” as we see the continuing cultural, societal, and legal momentum toward full equality. So, do we see our LGBT movement as a civil rights movement that stands alone? Or, is our LGBT movement actually part of a broader civil rights movement for equality and justice inclusive of race, class, culture, gender, and sexual identity? Or are we about justice or just us? This workshop will look at practical ways we can create and build transformative models of organizing that make these connections with a special focus on campus LGBT organizing. Mandy Carter’s biography can be found on page 26.
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Oversight Committee Meeting
Presentation Of 2009 Host Bids, Permanent Archiving Location, Conference Name Change Coffman Board
Facilitators: Michael Grewe, 2007 MBLGTACC CoDirector • Luciano Patiño, 2007 MBLGTACC Co-Director Colleges and universities interested in bidding for MBLGTACC 2009 should attend this meeting and present their host bids to the Oversight Committee. Elections will take place by secret ballot, and the 2009 host winner will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 18th. Other business to be discussed at this meeting includes whether to house conference materials at a permanent archiving location and a possible conference name change.
Queer Research
Exploring GLBT Gender And Sexuality Issues Within Academic Disciplines Ford B10
Tracks: Curricula & Studies • Faculty & Staff
Five graduate students from the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities lead a discussion about doing research at the intersections of queer issues and the social sciences, negotiating resistance to such project topics, and how such research can be used in the larger fields of queer communitybuilding and queer advocacy. Matthew V. Desing is pursuing a Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese Studies and has done queer-themed work in his field. Last year, one of his papers won a Steven j. Schochet Ward for Excellence in GLBT Scholarship. Jesse Field is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Asian Languages and Literatures. His main research interests are the contemporary literary scenes of China and Taiwan. Kevin Schwandt is a Ph.D. student in musicology, and also holds a Masters of Music in composition. His research focuses on how music both contributes to and reflects queer identity constructions. Kevin’s dissertation will examine Rufus Wainwright’s activation of the European musical past to construct a particular “type” of American gay male identity.
Rendered Invisible
LGBTQ Youth And Homelessness Tate 210
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Youth
Why are such a high percentage of homeless youth LGBTQ identified, and why do they remain largely invisible? This workshop will highlight key factors leading to youth
homelessness, the experience of being homeless and queer, and the challenges of transitioning out of homelessness. It will also provide information on groundbreaking legislation and opportunities to take steps toward ending youth homelessness. Kay Adams has been part of District 202’s Youth Development Leadership Program for just under a year. In that time he has worked in the Empowered Expressions Theatre Troupe. He attends school at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Ryan Li Dahlstrom is the Education Youth Advocate at District 202. He coordinates the anti-racism and oppression workshops and trainings, co-facilitates the transgender discussion group, and works with youth to develop engaging educational programs that foster youth empowerment and leadership development. Alex Nelson is from District 202, a LGBT youth organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sara Olson co-facilitates a GLBTQ youth support group and helps coordinate queer and transgender programming at Face To Face in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She also coordinates an Independent Living Skills Program at Safe Zone Drop-In center for homeless/at-risk youth.
Resume Writing Ford 110
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
Marketing yourself to future employers can be challenging, especially for recent college graduates. Employment recruiters from RBC Dain Rauscher will outline effective strategies for translating work and volunteer experience into a concise marketing piece that will sell your skills and talents to managers, with the goal of getting an interview. You will learn to create a first impression, focus on your specific job search goals, and identify selling points through your resume and cover letter. Tracy Bernard is a Recruiter for Royal Bank of Canada Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. David Olivero is a Recruiting Manager for Royal Bank of Canada Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sue Richey is a Recruiting Manager for Royal Bank of Canada Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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WORKSHOPSession FOUR SATURDAY 4:30 - 6:00PM (CONTINUED) F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Soulforce Young Adults Vincent 16
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Spirituality & Faith
Soulforce Young Adults will discuss the importance of building a nationwide youth and young adult movement for GLBT equality. In every major justice movement youth and young adults have been on the forefront of the struggle for freedom. Now it is time for GLBT and straight allied youth and young adults to make their mark. Included in the workshop will be a discussion of last year’s Soulforce Equality Ride, Right to Serve Campaign, as well as, next summer’s nationwide Marriage Equality Ride. Jacob Reitan’s biography can be found on page 35.
bring you peace of mind and body. All methods are nonstudio based, so that participants may take a great deal of experience away with them, and use at home, work, school, and elsewhere. Mikhail Tatrin is currently completing his M.Ed. in Science Education at the University of Washington at Seattle, and is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Architecture and Recreation Administration. He served as a Governor for the Queer Student Cultural Center, co-founded the coming out group Arch, and facilitated the University Bisexual and Transgender Community.
This Is Gender Justice
Translating Gender Studies Curriculum Into Workable Advocacy Education Programs Tate 131
The Ally-Activist Experience
Towards A Description Of The Experience Of Becoming An Ally-Activist, A Research Project Vincent 1
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs
Matt will share his dissertation research and lead discussions about the role of ally-activists in creating social change. Ally identity will be explored and developed through discussion, sharing, and storytelling. The importance of storytelling will be emphasized among participants as a way to create change. Matt will illustrate ally-activist identity along a spectrum of ally identity through the words of the allies who he interviewed for this project. Matt Eichler is completing his Ph.D. in adult education at the University of Minnesota, currently writing his dissertation on the lives of ally-activists. Matt is a gay-identified man and also currently seeking ordination as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Matt describes himself as a scholar-activist, a writer, a teacher, and a proud farm boy from Central Minnesota.
The Pilates Principle
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Campus Education & Outreach • Curricula & Studies
This workshop uses trainings developed by the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center at Iowa State to engage students in difficult dialogues about gender and identity. Participants will get the chance to see trainings modeled, followed by interactive instruction on how best to perform these activities. Assessment data that illustrates the program’s effectiveness in a variety of settings will also be shared. Michael Brown is an Equity and Social Justice Educator in the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center at Iowa State University. He works primarily on issues of gender identity, sexuality, and curriculum development, as well as coalition building in campus environments. He has a Bachelors of Economics from New York University and will complete his Masters of Education in May 2007. Kris Olds is the Story County Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator and works at the Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University. She is also one of the advisors to the LGBTA Alliance. She has a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology for Saint Cloud State University and is working toward a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration.
Coffman 324
Tracks: Health • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Campus Education & Outreach
There are few methods of exercise that address all genders as equally as those developed by Joseph Pilates. More specifically, the PhysicalMind School of Pilates emphasizes not only the mind-body connection; it emphasizes exercise as a way to manage stress. This session will introduce the Fundamentals, build upon participants’ experience, and
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Tours Of The Tretter Collection In GLBT Studies Anderson Library Givens Conference Room
Tracks: Arts, Culture, & History • Campus Education & Outreach • Curricula & Studies
Tours of the Collection are limited to groups of fifteen or less, and include the archives building (traveling 120 feet
77 underground) and highlight unique items from the Collection. Preference will be given to Archives Workshop attendees. The last tour starts at 5:00pm. Coats, bags, and food items including gum are required to be left in the staging room.
What’s So Great About Alphabet Soup?
Jean-Nickolaus Tretter’s biography can be found on page 36.
Living in a world that doesn’t embrace, and at times is hostile to, GLBTQ (Alphabet Soup) people can create challenges to our emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. This workshop will discuss mental health and substance abuse issues from the perspective of minority stress in the GLBTQ communities. Workshop participants will learn practical strategies for developing resilience and strength to counteract and rise above those challenges and to appreciate what is so great about Alphabet Soup.
What If God Was One Of Us?
A Workshop Tapping The Power Of Thousands Of Alphabet Soup Affirming Communities Vincent 20
Track: Spirituality & Faith
This workshop will use story telling and resource sharing as a method of healing the harm that religion has brought to many individuals, family, and friends because of misunderstanding and bigoted attitudes around human sexuality. All presenters have invested themselves in making major religious groups open and affirming of all folk represented in the Alphabet Soup mixture. Come prepared to involve yourself in your own story and questions. The Rev. Paul Allick grew up in Montana and on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he received his B.A. in Political Science, and Seabury Western Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where he was ordained an Episcopal priest. He is currently chaplain at the University Episcopal Center. The Rev. Doug Donley attended Denison University, receiving a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology. He received his M.Div from Union Theological Seminary in New York. A heterosexual ally, Doug was denied ordination twice because he refused to say homosexuality was a sin, but was eventually ordained in 1989. He has been pastor of University Baptist Church for the past six years. The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot grew up as a child in Colorado with a female name. He attended Amherst College in Massachusetts. After receiving his B.A. in Cognitive Science, he went to seminary at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, where he transitioned to a male gender expression. He is now serving at Plymouth Congregational Church. Jerie Smith has been an ally since 1964, the year her elementary school best friend came out to her. She has been involved in many groups and organizations within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that have worked to shake lose bias and bigotry. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Queer Student Cultural Center.
Ford B80
Track: Health
Dr. Marge Charmoli has been a bisexual activist for over 25 years, and was a member of the 1989 St. Paul Human Rights Commission. Dr. Charmoli is a psychologist in private practice and has taught at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota. She currently co-hosts BiCities!, a Twin Cities cable television program about bisexuality.
White Privilege Coffman 202
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • People of Color
Members of the Women’s Student Activist Collective have been discussing why their collective is currently composed of mostly white folks. They are living on a floor that houses a bunch of student cultural centers, many of which are defined by race. What does this mean? As a collective, they decided to confront these issues of race within their organization, their members, and the University as a whole. What is white and class privilege? How does it affect peoples’ daily lives? What can people do as a singular and as a collective dedicated to undoing racism along with other –isms? Crystal Spring is a member of the Women’s Student Activist Collective at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities.
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WORKSHOPSESSION FIVE SUNDAY 8:30 - 9:30AM African American, Male And Gay
Surviving The Challenge Of Higher Education On Predominantly White Campuses Ford 155
Tracks: Campus Education & Outreach • People of Color
Problems facing African Americans at traditionally White colleges and universities have been clearly documented. However, very little research on the experiences of African American male homosexuals at these institutions is available. Most of the current information is about white gay males. Using a variety of data sources, this workshop will address issues facing Black male homosexuals enrolled at these colleges and universities. The four areas explored in this workshop are campus-climate, the double burden phenomenon, down low issues and programmatic concerns. Recommendations for improvement are offered. Whitney G. Harris, Ph.D. is executive director of the diversity and Multiculturalism office for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Prior to assuming his current appointment in 2005, Harris served as the director of diversity and affirmative action at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. He also served as an adjunct in the Department of Women and Gender Studies.
Building Coalitions With Hillel And Jewish Student Organizations Ford 150
Tracks: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Spirituality & Faith
The Queer Jewish experience doesn’t begin and end with Trembling Before G-d. This workshop offers participants practical information to begin a campus dialogue about sexuality in the Jewish community. Participants will gain an understanding of the different forms of Judaism and how activists can begin a process of ally development with particular attention paid to transforming and engaging campus Hillels. Michael Brown is an Equity and Social Justice Educator in the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center at Iowa State University. He works primarily on issues of gender identity, sexuality, and curriculum development, as well as coalition building in campus environments. He has a Bachelors of Economics from New York University and will complete his Masters of Education in May 2007.
B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Behavior)
Effective Leadership Behaviors To Increase The Success Of Your Student Organization Ford 151
Blogging for Change!
New Media: Using Blogs And The Web To Create Change Tate 170
Track: Getting the Word Out / Media Relations
The GLBT community uses the Internet at vastly higher rates than the general population. This workshop will provide an in-depth view of New Media (blogs, MySpace®, web sites) and how we can use it to create safer, healthier, stronger communities, and influence the system of inequality pervasive in many areas in the Midwest. Posted by Andy at 9:23am Trackbacks (1) Comments (5) Andy Birkey has been active in Minnesota’s LGBT community for six years, and has worked with and volunteered for LGBT rights, HIV prevention and care, transportation issues, and environmental research. He has been writing www.eleventhavenue-south.com, a blog about Minnesota LGBT news, issues, and politics for three years, is a contributor to Minneapolis Metroblogging, and is a beat reporter for MinnesotaMonitor. com.
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
Are you frustrated with the student organization that you lead because you believe your organization can make an impact on campus, but you just can’t quite get there? Try this: Transformational Leadership! Participants will be introduced to effective leadership techniques proven to increase organization success. Leaders will create a leadership development plan to implement both personally and within their organizations. Greg Gifford is a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He earned a Masters Degree in Leadership Education and has Bachelors Degrees in Political Science and Communications. Greg’s research interests include GLBT workplace issues, leadership theory, and leader-follower relationships and motivation.
Coming Out To Children And Adolescents Ford 127
Tracks: Coming Out • Youth
Want to tell your niece that you are lesbian? Need to tell your son that you are transitioning from F2M? Don’t know how to begin? That’s okay! Come to this workshop! Books and resources, which can be used to aid in this process, will be
79 explored. There’s no need to go it alone. Lisa A. Shanklin is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Dakota. She holds an M.A. in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a National Certified Counselor. Shanklin has over ten years experience working with children and adolescents. As a lesbian, she is interested in GLBT issues across the lifespan.
Content Infusion
A Framework For Integrating LGBT Content Into Undergraduate Arts And Humanities Courses Ford B29
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Curricula & Studies
Students are faced with a college curriculum that is Eurocentric, male-dominated, and heterosexist. This renders the contribution of various members of LGBT communities as invisible and with no disciplinary voice. This workshop will provide discussion of possible strategies for content infusion and how the academic community can move towards full inclusion of all its members. Dr. Harold Cowherd is a freelance composer, a composerin-residence at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Michigan, and as assistant coordinator for the department of student life at Michigan State University. A Specialist in Experimental Sacred Music Composition, Dr. Cowherd also has interests in the diagnosis and remedy of the abuse of rank (rankism) in institutional hierarchies.
Foundations And Instructions For LGBTAQ Awareness And Education Ford 115
Track: Allies & Safe Space Programs
Due to the vast variety of safe space workshops models, Foundations and Instructions for LGBTAQ Awareness and Education can be tricky when trying to standardize the course. Many aspects of safe space presentations need to hold true in this course. These topics will be communicated through an assortment of media and subject matters related to the LGBTAQ community. This course creates a stronger and more sophisticated way to educate individuals about the LGBTAQ community. Nicky P. Damania is a second year Masters student in Career and Technology Education at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). He currently works in the Center of Multicultural and Academic Initiatives for the LGBTA-Q Programs and Services. He opened and currently runs BGSU’s LGBTA-Q Resource Center. He went to Colorado College where he doublemajored in biology and drama.
Gay For Pay
Internships And Careers In LGBT Activism Tate 166
Track: Career Planning & Workplace Issues
You plan programs, volunteer for pro-LGBT candidates, and build coalitions on your campus – why not make it into a job?! An activist – turned intern – turned HRC staffer gives you resources, hints, and tips on how you can make it happen! Toby Quaranta is a recent Virginia Tech grad, where Toby cofounded Virginia OUT – a statewide coalition of LGBT student groups. Toby was also very active in Residence Life. Toby has served on the board of the Virginia Gay Democrats and the Virginia Young Democrats, and is currently an Assistant in HRC’s field department. Toby worked in Colorado this November.
Gay Pop Culture And The Alienation Of Race Coffman Presidents
Track: People of Color
Does the gay media portray the LBGT community accurately? Do you feel that racial issues are discussed in gay pop culture? The purpose of this workshop is to show how media shape the LGBT community in ways that alienate people of color. Participants will be asked to analyze gay TV shows, advertising, and magazines for representations of race, gender, and class. Jared C. Collins works at the Center for Democracy in a Multiracial Society at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he creates diversity programs to construct dialogue between different groups of people. He also volunteers at the LGBT Office. Both jobs work together to create opportunities to work with students and the community. Khristian Kemp-DeLisser is Assistant Director of the Office for LGBT Resources at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, where he is enrolled in the Educational Policy Studies Ph.D. Program.
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WORKSHOPSSession FIVE SUNDAY 8:30 - 9:30AM (CONTINUED) F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Is Pelosi Italian For Equality?
What The 110th Congress Can And Will Be Doing To Advance GLBT Rights Coffman Theatre
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Career Planning & Workplace Issues
The 2006 mid-term election results brought new life to the fight for GLBT equality. Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress. Nancy Pelosi is elected the first female Speaker of the House. HRC and the LGBT community played a pivotal role – what does it all mean for Equality? Come get a sneak peak at LGBT issues on the national stage. We’ll dissect the ‘06 elections, and share some of what’s in store for Equality in the 110th Congress. Candace Gingrich’s biography can be found on page 34. Sultan Shakir is a native of Philadelphia and began his organizing experience in low-income neighborhoods working to organize neighbors to address community concerns, from public dumping to school improvement. Sultan is now a Regional Field Director for HRC – his work this November focused on the multiple races in Pennsylvania.
PMS
Ellen Vessels is the acting president of the Student Health Advocacy Group and a former member of the Executive Board of Students Against Sexism in Society. She has personal experience with alternative menstrual products.
Red Letters And The Rainbow
Why Religious Involvement Is Vital For The GLBTQ Community Tate 133
Tracks: Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Spirituality & Faith
While leaving organized religion behind is an attractive option for many GLBTQ people, it may be one of the worst things we can do. For the sake of the equal rights movement, it is vital that the GLBTQ community no longer be labeled as irreligious, anti-family, and unethical. Participation in a religious community may have far-reaching personal and political effects. Christina Black is an undergraduate in English and Diversity Studies at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has found her studies in diversity very enlightening and hopes to continue learning about every walk of life. She loves to travel, and is pleased to be making her first trip to the Twin Cities. This is her first MBLGTACC.
The Politics Of Menstruation And Sex Ford B10
Track: Bodies & Gender Freedom
This workshop will discuss the attitudes, customs, and taboos surrounding menstruation in our society and relate them to the detail and oppression of deviant sexual and gender identities. It will explore the specifics of the menstrual taboo as well as sharing stories and discussing alternatives – including alternatives of traditional menstrual products. Whether you love your period, think it’s weird, or have never even had a uterus, you’re welcome to come learn and join the discussion! Mercedes Klein is a McNair scholar whose research stemmed from interviews with adolescent girls regarding how they feel about their periods. She is also a longtime member of Students Against Sexism in Society and has worked with Ellen Vessels on period-related education/discussion events, including an upcoming period party and the Gender Conference. Graham Troyer-Joy is an anthropology major at Knox College, and has taken a variety of classes on deviance, gender, queer theory, sexuality, and the social theories surrounding each. He is also the president of Alliance for Peaceful Action, and a member of Students Against Sexism in Society, where he is planning their upcoming Gender Conference.
Holly Toensing is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies in the Department of Theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her particular interested is in combing readerresponse criticism with various hermeneutics of liberation, using perspectives from feminists, queers, African-Americans, among many other communities. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Toilet Training (2003) Ford B15
Tracks: Bodies & Gender Freedom • Health
Toilet Training is a documentary video and collaboration between transgender videomaker Tara Mateik and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an organization dedicated to ending poverty and gender identity discrimination. The video addresses the persistent discrimination, harassment, and violence that people who transgress gender norms face in gender segregated bathrooms. Using the stories of people who have been harassed, arrested or beaten for trying to use bathrooms, Toilet Training focuses on bathroom access in public space, in schools, and at work.
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Twinks, Tomboys, And Trans Gender Fluidity And Sexuality Tate 131
Tracks: Bisexuality & Fluidity • Bodies & Gender Freedom
Does gender exist? If so, how is it defined? Can sexuality exist without gender? Can it be defined? Is there a connection between sexuality and gender? This workshop takes a hard look at gender and sexuality, the connection between in the two in the past and present, and explores the freedom of gender and sexual fluidity. Sinduja Sathiyaseelan is a Sri Lankan American student at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL). She is pursuing duel English and Marketing degree. In addition to co-founding Spectrum at her high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she has served as Cultural Awareness Chair of the Residence Hall Association and is currently Membership Chair of the Queer Student Alliance.
Will I Loose My Dignity? The Other Side Of Positive Ford 130
Tracks: Health • HIV/AIDS Prevention & Research
This program is about the other side of being HIV+. Presented from a first-persons experience of going through HIV without ever having HIV, this program explores what it is like to find out you don’t have the “dreaded AIDS,” what it is like to live with a partner who does, and what it is like to just live. Both serious and humorous, this program will both captivate and educate. Jason Ruel is a passionate advocate for the GLBT community and seeks to dispel myths and stereotypes through education via his writing and editing for the HIV/AIDS and Gay/Lesbian sites at BellaOnline.com. Jase teaches HIV/AIDS awareness, safer sex practices, and other GLBT issues through panels, and classes, and is a proponent for equal rights.
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WORKSHOPSession SIX SUNDAY 9:45 - 11:15PAM F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Alphabet Soup In The Mess Hall Or GLBT People In The Military
Authenticity, Same-Sex Love, And Spirituality Vincent 6
Ford 150
Track: Spirituality & Faith Track: Military & Veteran Issues
Two veterans, one Vietnam (Jean-Nickolaus Tretter, Navy) and one Iraq War (Anonymous, National Guard / Army), talk about their experiences as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military personnel. The workshop will also present a brief history of GLBT military service from ancient to modern times and update attendees on what is currently happening in the US armed forces. Jean-Nickolaus Tretter’s biography can be found on page 36. Anonymous is a veteran of the Iraq War, serving for over a year in Iraq and collateral areas in a transportation unit and now works for the Tretter Collection.
“aMORe”
A Mixed-Orientation Relationship: How Does That Work? Ford 110
Tracks: Bisexuality & Fluidity • Coming Out • Families, Marriage, & Adoption
Recently, mixed-orientation marriages have been brought to the forefront of the American consciousness. But are we seeing a balanced view? Using personal experiences, as well as ideas and passages from literature by Timothy Gardner, PFLAG, and Amity Piece Buxton, we will discuss several challenges common to mixed-orientation marriages, as well as strategies for maintaining a healthy mixed-orientation relationship. Keith Piskur is a Social Work Major who is pursuing a minor in Human Relations at Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. In his non-collegiate life, Piskur volunteers as a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate, and presents seminars on the topics of disability awareness, sexual assault prevention and intervention, sexual assault prevention for people with disabilities, GLBT Allies, and mixed-orientation marriage. Tracey White is a Community Psychology Major at Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota. In her spare time, White volunteers as a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate. She also presents seminars on sexual assault prevention and intervention, disability awareness, sexual assault prevention for people with disabilities, women and disability issues, married lesbians, and mixed-orientation marriage.
This workshop will offer an opportunity for small groups of two or three individuals to pursue insight, through a series of conversational exercises, into the relationship between samesex love, spirituality, and the quest for personal authenticity. Recognizing the spiritual nature of the inner impulse to become one with a same-sex partner is the heart of such authenticity. Keith Schrag, M.Div, LMFT, an out gay man, formerly married, former pastor, is a marriage and family therapist in Ames, Iowa. Throughout this 68 years authenticity and spirituality have been aspects of his quest to be fully human, healing the earth and championing human transformation, beginning with himself. Peace, justice, and human interconnectedness are central to his understanding and work. John Stirling Walker is the institutor of the Symposium of Philadelphia, a group of men dedicated to philosophical conversation about male sexuality and economics. With a background in political activism on both the Right and the Left, he has committed himself to bridging the chasm that divides them. He collaborates frequently as poet and librettist with San Francisco composer David Conte.
Conference Focus Group Coffman 326
This workshop is by invitation only. Select respondees from the pre-conference survey have been invited to attend this session to share their impressions of the conference and provide conference planners with feedback. Tina Cassler is a graduate student in Comparative & International Development Education & Evaluation Studies and employed by the Office of Measurement Services at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. Nicole Cueno is in her second semester as a graduate student in Evaluation Studies at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities. Justice and empowerment issues underlie her academic and career paths. Jeremy Grey is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. A longtime participant in GLBT organizations, he hopes use his degree in Evaluation Studies to improve programs designed to educate and empower queer persons.
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Crossing Lines
Identity And The Sexuality Spectrum
Do YOU Belong Here?
How To Create An Inclusive LGBT Campus Community Ford 115
Tate 150
Track: Bisexuality & Fluidity
How do we assign labels to our complicated and unique experiences? At what point on the sexuality spectrum does heterosexuality turn into bisexuality, and bisexuality into homosexuality? We will discuss uses and limitations of the Kinsey scale and other measures of sexual orientation, and factors such as sex/gender, time, and much more. This engaging workshop will transform your thinking! Robyn Ochs’ biography can be found on page 27. M o v i e P r e s e n tat i o n
Daddy & Papa (2002) Ford B15
Track: Families, Marriage, & Adoption
Daddy & Papa is a one hour documentary exploring the personal, cultural, and political impact of gay men who are making a decision that is at once traditional and revolutionary: to raise children themselves. Taking us inside four gay male families, Daddy & Papa traces the day-to-day challenges and the larger, critical issues that inevitably intersect their private lives—the ambiguous place of interracial families in America, the wonder and precariousness of surrogacy and adoption, the complexities of marriage and divorce within the gay community, and the legality of their own parenthood.
Disabled And GLBT In The Medical World Coffman Presidents
Tracks: Accessibility • Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Families, Marriage, & Adoption • Health
This presentation will focus on the issues disabled members of the GLBT community encounter within the medical field. Disabled GLBT individuals face barriers specific to each minority status, plus unique ones. Topics covered include historical perspectives, discrimination, accessibility, legal concerns, barriers, and unique health concerns faced by disabled GLBT individuals. Come participate in role-plays and discussions about recent issues! Ingrid C. Hofmann, who is deaf, disabled, and gay, is currently a Ph.D. student in Child Development at the University of Minnesota. She grew up as a multilingual global nomad in a number of different European countries. Her research and teaching interests include Disability Studies, Deaf Studies, GLBT Studies, Child Psychology, foreign languages, research methodology, and cross-cultural research.
Tracks: Bisexuality & Fluidity • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • People Of Color
When was the last time a transgender student came to your LGBT group? Is your membership mostly men? How many leaders in your organization are people of color? Do your meetings, groups, and social events truly reflect the diversity of your community? If the honest answers to these questions leave you dissatisfied or frustrated, this workshop is for you. Through interactive activities, honest and powerful dialogue, and hands-on role plays, this workshop will help you identify ways in which you can make your LGBT campus community more inclusive both within and outside of your organizations. Kevin Otten is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Masters degree in Human Resources, and an undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has created Safe Zone training focused on LGBT issues, and has created original workshops from scratch coving anti-oppression programs for dozens of different campus audiences.
Equality In Your Own Backyard
Statewide LGBT Issues, Progress And Opportunities Tate 133
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
While the Democrats very visibly took control of the U.S. Congress, pro-equality forces made gains in many state governments as well. HRC and the LGBT community were involved in the battle for control of over 20 state legislatures and 12 governorships in 2006 and we’ll be working to mobilize our members to capitalize upon those gains. Where are the hot-spots in 2007? How can you help? Come find out! Eric Hoff is an employee at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. Sultan Shakir is a native of Philadelphia and began his organizing experience in low-income neighborhoods working to organize neighbors to address community concerns, from public dumping to school improvement. Sultan is now a Regional Field Director for HRC – his work this November focused on the multiple races in Pennsylvania.
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WORKSHOPSession SIX SUNDAY 9:45 - 11:15PAM (CONTINUED) Homosexuality
Student Identity And Development On Campus Ford 130
Tracks: Campus Education & Outreach • Coming Out
Find out about the stages of gayness, which can be helpful to you and to leaders on your campus. Dr. Vivienne Cass identified six stages that describe the process of gay identity formation. We will walk you through the stages in an interactive workshop that will allow plenty of room for discussion and ideas. Elizabeth Navarrete is the Vice-President of DeVry University’s Student Government Association. She was the first in her family to receive a GED and the only one to attend college. Being a single mother of three, she has an Associates degree in Electronics and Computer Technology, and is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Electronics Engineering. Jeremy Valdes is the President of DeVry University’s Student Government Association. Having a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and pursuing a degree in Electronics Engineering, he has accomplishments ranging from the Governors Hometown Award(s) to conducting independent theoretical studies in intellectual development amongst higher education. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Intersex Alliance Coffman Mississippi
Track: Bodies & Gender Freedom
Through alliances with existing organizations, the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) can better leverage the limited resource to make information and peer support available in all communities. LGBT organizations are the most resourceful organizations with which the ISNA to develop such relationships. Through the relationships that we develop, we can enhance both the work of the ISNA and that of LGBT organizations working at the national and local level. The more people are aware about Intersexuality and the issues it encompasses, the less likely they will accept surgery when they or someone they know have an Intersex baby. Lynelle Stephani Long’s biography can be found on page 35.
Opening The Door At Home Ford 151
Track: Coming Out
Coming out to the parents is probably the most courageous thing a son or daughter could do. Unfortunately, parents’ reactions are based on instilled myths and misinformation.
Opening The Door At Home will give insight on why parents act as they do when their child comes out. Tom Flaherty is a senior at Winona State University (WSU) and parent to two college age children. In 2004, his daughter came out. Since that day Tom has been an advocate for his daughter. Tom has been a guest diversity speaker for 22 years for the military and businesses and for sociology classes at WSU for the last two years.
Queer In College Athletics Tate 170
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Coming Out
Where are all the GLBT Athletes? Martina Navratilova. Esera Tuaolo. Billy Bean. Greg Louganis. The list of prominent out gay and lesbian athletes is small. A decade into our struggle for equality, and after many public and private victories, organized sport is largely unchanged. Why has the shell around athletics been so difficult to crack? How do GLBT athletes deal with homophobia in the locker room? How can we make college athletics more hospitable to GLBT people? Join us for a discussion of these issues, and an exploration of some possible solutions. Luciano Patiño has been a member of the Queer Student Cultural since starting at the University of Minnesota in 2002. He was co-facilitator for Queen Men, is a past co-chair of the QSCC, and has been the Co-Director for Alphabet Soup 2007 since planning began in February 2006.
Silent Struggle Tate 131
Track: Health
This program will dive into the cold hard facts about GLBTidentified people and their struggles with mental illness. However, the ultimate goal is to discuss how to bring welcoming support to campuses all around the Midwest, and how to support other GLBT people in their own very personal struggles with mental illness. Cameron Venier is a senior at Michigan State University. His major is Psychology and Psychoanalytical Theories with emphasis in both GLBT Mental Health and Personality Disorders. His current work is on the ramification of gender on diagnosis and prognosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Grace Wojcik is a junior at Michigan State University studying Public Policy and Women’s Studies. After graduation, she plans to earn her Masters Degree in Public Policy and attend law school. Eventually, she hopes to work for a large non-profit
85 LGBTIQQA organization or work as a civil rights attorney.
Social And Emotion Strengths, Needs, And Educational Preferences For Artistically-Talented Gay And Bisexual Males Ford B80
transformed campuses across the country. We’ll tell you why the program works and how students in over 200 communities have launched successful t-shirt drives on their campuses. Lucas Schaefer is a founding member of the “Gay? Fine By Me” T-Shirt Project at Duke University.
Train-The-Trainer
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Arts, Culture, & History • Coming Out
There are many talented GLBT youth, but their “gifts” are too often blocked by violence, discrimination, and a focus on the “problems” of GLBT students. Using a postmodern perspective (Foucault, 1977; Kumoshiro, 2000), this session describes six categories of strengths seen in four artisticallytalented, college-bound high-potential gay and bisexual male interviewees at a Midwestern state arts high school. It also explains youths’ social and emotional needs, and how educators and student themselves dealt with obstacles in meeting student needs. Implications for college-level youth will be discussed. Terry Friedrichs, Ph.D., Ed.D, a Saint Paul area native and current resident, has taught, taugh about, and research highpotential students (including high-potential GLBT youth) for over 20 years as a K-12 and University educator. He is the recipient of the National Association for Gifted Children’s Dissertation of the Year for the work presented in this workshop. F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
State Of The State Of Alphabet Soup Politics Coffman Board
Track: Activism, Leadership, & Policy
This workshop will take a look at the state of Alphabet Soup politics in the state of Minnesota. It will also give participants a chance to learn about how to actively engage their state legislatures on issues of social justice and protecting those within Alphabet Soup constituencies. Scott Dibble’s biography can be found on page 33.
The “Gay? Fine By Me” T-Shirt Project Vincent 16
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs • Campus Education & Outreach • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Coming Out • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations
Come learn about this unique program to help allies publicly come out as supporters of equal rights. The T-Shirt Project has
An “Ally Training” How-To Ford B10
Tracks: Allies & Safe Space Programs • Campus Education & Outreach
You’ve got allies on your campus, but you aren’t sure how to help them help you? The Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance provides you with the tools to create “Ally Trainings” to empower the allies on your campus. This interactive workshop will give attendees a chance to learn the parts of “Ally Trainings” and how to successfully facilitate one on their campus. Ross Neely has been doing work around gender, sexuality, and race for the last seven years. He currently works for the GLBTA Programs Office at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, coordinates the Transgender Commission and the GLBT Systemwide Commission, and is a member of the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance Executive Board. Anne Phibbs earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy and Feminist Studies at the University of Minnesota (U of M). She served as GLBT Student Services Director at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota for eleven years before becoming the GLBTA Director of Systemwide Programs at the U of M. Sidney Smith is the GLBT Student Services Coordinator at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the 2007 Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance. Sidney graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato (MSU–M) with a Masters degree in Women’s Studies, where she was Program Advisor for the LGBT Center at MSU-M. Alfonso Wenker is studying Justice and Peace Studies and Public Relations at the University of Saint Thomas (UST). Alfonso is the Co-President of UST Allies, Co-Chair Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance, and Co-Chair of the 2006 Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference, and a Development Intern for OutFront Minnesota.
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WORKSHOPSession SIX SUNDAY 9:45 - 11:15PAM (CONTINUED) Transgender Activism
Negotiating Inclusiveness In Queer And Feminist Movements Tate 166
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Bodies & Gender Freedom • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression
Have you ever felt that the T in LGBT is missing in action? Or wished that the feminist movement could adopt a more inclusive view of gender activism? This workshop is a chance for interactive discussions and activities regarding the importance of transgender and genderqueer inclusion in both the queer and feminist movements. A Flunker is a third year student at Luther College who is a complete dork and reads gender theory for fun. When not a nerd, A is active on campus in PRIDE, LC Feminists and the Student Diversity Action Coalition, among other groups. A also likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, in addition to fairly traded coffee. Cary Jean Sojka is a fourth year student at Luther College, double-majoring in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies. Co-Leader of LC Feminists and of PRIDE, Cary strives to connect theory with activism. Cary waits the day everyone will look back and say “Hey! What was the deal with all that sexism, heterosexism, and transphobia? Those people were idiots!” Allan Welter is a senior Biology major at Luther College who gets pissed about injustice, and has founder a recent love for a person referred to as Judith Butler. She’s pretty much amazing. Allan is involved primarily in PRIDE and Student Senate, loves having long walks on the beach, and hopes you enjoyed reading this short biography.
F e at u r e d P r e s e n tat i o n
Two SPIRIT
LGBT-B.C. (Before The Common Era) Coffman Theatre
Tracks: Activism, Leadership, & Policy • Allies & Safe Space Programs • Arts, Culture, & History • Bisexuality & Fluidity w Bodies & Gender Freedom • Coalition Building / Fighting Oppression • Curricula & Studies • Families, Marriage, & Adoption • Getting the Word Out / Media Relations • Health • Networking & Caucuses • People of Color • Sexual Freedom • Spirituality & Faith • Violence & Bias Prevention • Youth
Before European contact and eventual colonization, Indigenous people across the hemisphere possessed sophisticated models of gender identity, inclusive governments, and institutionalized relationships. These cultural beliefs and practices have seen a powerful movement of revitalization, against all odds. Richard LaFortune’s biography can be found on page 34.
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ALPHABETSOUP2007SPONSORS
Gold Sponsors
Activities Council
General Mills Foundation
Office for Equity and Diversity
Lavender Magazine
Office for Student Affairs
University of Minnesota
OutFront Minnesota Prudential Financial
Silver Sponsors Best Buy PRIDE Boston Scientific
Royal Bank of Canada Dain Rauscher
and Administration Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
U Card Office
Office for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
$500 Level
$250 Level
College of Liberal Arts
American Indian Student Cultural Center
Human Rights Campaign TCF Bank Women’s Student Activist Collective
Bronze Sponsors Auxiliary Services Boynton Health Service Cargill Rainbow Alliance Deloitte Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Hillel Intersex Society of North America MBLGTACC 2006: Painting the Rainbow
Curtis L. Carlson School of Management Disability Services
College of Food, Agricultural, and Food Science Resources
Housing and Residential Life
Department of Chicano Studies
Law School
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
Midwest Center for Life Long Learning in Public Health, an HRSA Training Center Minnesota Journalism Center
Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies Graduate School Office for University Women
$300 Level College of Education and Human Development
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota Morris
Medtronic Triangle Alliance
Department of Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
Office of University Relations
Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance
Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel
$200 Level
Minnesota Programs and
Department of Educational Policy
Department of Communication Studies
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Department of Educational Psychology
Office for Student and Community Relations
Department of English Department of Family Social Science Department of Geography Department of Philosophy Department of Political Science Department of Speech-LanguageHearing Sciences Department of Theatre Arts and Dance Institute of Advanced Study Institute of Global Studies Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Support and Student Life at the University of Minnesota Duluth Pride @ Work: Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Ally Employee Network School of Social Work
$150 Level Center for Early Education and Development
$100 Level Center for Spirituality and Healing College of Biological Sciences Department of American Studies Department of Architecture Department of Art History Department of Asian American Studies
of Minnesota Crookston The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Studies, Department of Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries
$50 Level Center for Jewish Studies Department of Anthropology
Department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Human Rights Program, University of Minnesota
Department of German, Scandinavian, and Dutch
Institute on Race and Poverty
Department of Public Safety
Quorum, Twin Cities GLBTA Chamber of Commerce
Department of Rhetoric
Tina Cassler
Disabled Student Cultural Center Institute of Linguistics, English as a Second Language, and Slavic Languages and Literature Provost of the University of Minnesota Rochester
Department of Sociology
Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff, University Counseling and Consulting Services
Human Rights Center, University of Minnesota
Student Conflict Resolution Center
La Raza Student Cultural Center
Student Services at the University
In-Kind Sponsors Flag Importers, Inc. Persistent Visions Print Craft Potbelly Sandwich Works University Bookstores Big Print Will Enterprises Nelson Sound Electronics
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ALPHABETSOUP2007VOLUNTEERS Scott Anderson
Brooke Johnsen
Tim Salyers
Kevin Brown
Carmen Johnson
Katie Mae Sanders
Nguyen Bui
Brian Kelley
Alia Scheirman
Casey Buss
Aaron Kraemer
Tisha Schmidt
Caitlin Cave
Nathan Koenig
Ali Serrioz
Stella Collier
Michelle Larson
Sidney Smith
Amanda Conway
Deb Leavitt
Wendy Stubbs
John Czyscon
Michael Lent
Susan Tanabe
Brandon Dandl
Kaitlin Lindsey
Bryan Taylor
J. Michael Edwards-Toepel
Emily Lindstrom
Jean Tochalauski
Thomas Evers
Kimberly Loper
Liz Vieira
Ben Faltesek
Brian Andrew Loy
Andrea Walker
Grant Flatgard
Micah Ludeke
Terry Wasti
Megan Hayden
Katrina Mayer
Patricia Weitemier
Anne Hodson
James Meyers
Alfonso Wenker
Corrie Halladay
Hannah Myhrom
Mike Wicinski
Jessica Holloway
Anna Norstedt
Tom Williamson
Will Hoover
Brenda Olson
Aez Ziemer
Gabrielle Hurd
Toby Quaranta
Jenna Zurn
Ashleigh Huxsahl
Anthony Reuter
Cassie Janke
Phil Rooney
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ALPHABETSOUP2007 would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their outstanding support of this year’s conference:
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Programs Office, including Anne Phibbs, Owen Marciano, John Czyscon, Ross Neely, and their wonderful staff Queer Student Cultural Center Keynote speakers Faisal Alam, Loren Cameron, Mandy Carter, and Robyn Ochs Entertainers Margaret Cho, Central Standard, DJ Red Richard, Gay Beast, Go Go Pimp Tif, Ian Harvie, Scream Club, Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret, the Spoken Word performers, and our drag performers Our Featured Presenters Our Workshop Presenters All community leaders who wrote welcome letters to conference attendees
Jason Howard, Print Craft Carmen Johnson and Wendy Stubbs, MBLGTACC 2006 Kathryn Johnson, Curtis L. Carlson School of Management Lynelle Kennedy and Jaron Roering, RBC Dain Rauscher Erin Keyes, Law School Justin Klatt and Jennifer Martin, Best Buy Catherina Wong Kipper, College of Biological Sciences Barry Leavitt and John Townsend, Lavender Magazine Mia Ljung, Women’s Student Activist Collective Curt Lund, the Spoken Word Julie Lund, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs Eric Lybeck, Cargill
Coffman Memorial Union facilities
Erich Martin, Minnesota Programs and Activities Counsel
Disability Services
Sam McClure and Adam Robbins, Quorum
University of Minnesota Classroom Management
Theo Moll, Keppler Agencies
Rusty Barceló, Barb Chapin, and Chris Lockhart ,Office for Equity & Diversity
Joe Otto and Terry Wasti, Deloitte
Alison Blomster, U Card Office
Toby Quaranta, Human Rights Campaign
Stacy Bonn, College of Liberal Arts
Heidi Schreiber, Prudential
Bill Burleson and Marge Charmoli, BiCities!
Becky Smith, OutFront Minnesota
Steve Carnes, College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences
Andrew Summersby, First Student Bus Service
Matt Cohen and Keri Smith, Bill Silva Management Sally Dischinger and Holly Radis, Northrop Auditorium Molly Gale, Jason Hancock, and Joe Thoen, University of Minnesota Student Unions and Activities Lisa Ganser and Shannon Borschedt, Homocore Minneapolis Maggie George and Ellen Lugar, General Mills Foundation Lois Harrison, Midwest Center for Life Long Learning in Public Health
Jeannette Polkinghorne, Boston Scientific
Rabbi Sharon Steifel, Hillel Amy Thompson, Medtronic Kendra Webber, University of Minnesota at Rochester Amelious Whyte, Office for Student Affairs Patty Mattern, University Relations Steve Pauling, University Facilities District 202
OUTFRONT MINNESOTA
Stand Up – Be Heard – Be Seen Join the biggest Lobby Day for GLBT rights in the country! OutFront Minnesota’s justFair Lobby Day Thursday, April 19th, 2007 On the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul Join other GLBT and allied people for a capitol steps rally, meet one-on-one with your lawmakers, join the political movement for GLBT rights! We cannot do our annual justFair Lobby Day without the college voice!
Boom! Showgirls Valley of the Dolls The Opposite of Sex The Women Tongues Untied Mommie Dearest Dog Day Afternoon Fight Club Go Fish What Makes a Movie Gay? The Boys in the Band Saved! Funny Girl Mahogany Scary Movie Swoon All About Eve Female Trouble South Park Bound Hedwig and the Angry Inch The Lonely Lady Jackass We know what makes The Boys in the Band a gay movie. But why is Mommie Dearest gay? Or Fight Club? Or Jackass? Author and journalist Alonso Duralde provides a glimpse into the process that went into crafting the list for his book, 101 Must-See Movies for Gay Men. Through clips and discussion, Duralde will demonstrate that there are many different reasons why certain movies are embraced by queer moviegoers.
Sunday, February 25 at 1pm
The Heights Theater, 3951 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights Tickets $10, available at the door, Query Booksellers, Amazon Bookstore, or the Quatrefoil Library. Sponsors: The Heights Theatre
Benefiting: Your GLBT Community Library
1619 Dayton Ave, #105, St. Paul www.qlibrary.org | 651.641.0969
To sign up or learn more:
www.outfront.org
612-822-0127 ext. 103 or 115 / 800-800-0350
In the year 2008, a critical year for LGBT communities across the nation, let us formulate a mission to create political and social change on our campuses, in our communities, and...IN OUR COUNTRY!
Featuring Keynote Speakers:
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Angela Davis Leslie Feinberg Barney Frank (D-MA) Helen Zia
Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference 2008
February 22-24, 2008 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign w w w.mblgtacc2008.org Website coming soon! - Contact mblgtacc@gmail.com for details and more information!
Commercial Print and Solutions Jason Howard Printing Consultant P r i n t C r a f t, I n c . 651-582-6031 jthoward@printcraft.com