CCLGBTCR Meeting July 12, 1999 Attending: Pura, Maureen, Ricky, Sunny, Leslie G., Dan, Carolyn, Bobbi, Alice, Tina, Jeri, Ann, Clint, Michelle.
Treasury Report (Carolyn from Paul): $3056.09 We will be getting $1000 from NGLTF joint membership drive. We still have $600 outstanding for the T-Shirts - look for other places to sell them: Sober Camel (Bobbi); Bloodroot? In the future, there is a company Alice has used where you can order as many or few as you need: Professional Promotions, 751 Goodwin St, E Hartford, CT 06108. Fax 860-282-1440; phone 860-282-1991. Domestic Partnership (Ricky) Three arbitration dates tentatively scheduled for October,with Roberta Golick (?). It will then go to the legislature in February. WE need to work on getting support for it, can't be overly confident. It's an up or down vote, no possible amendments. Legislature has 30 days to challenge the arbitrators decision, to support or challenge. A film is being put together to demonstrate the importance of domestic partnerships. This can be used as a tool to show legislators.
Co-parent Adoption (Maureen) Suggests a town or state meeting - perhaps at October conference to discuss, educate and get support for issue. There is also the New Haven Town meeting in September. (1) How to make sure this isn't going to happen again (2) educate our own community about what happened Maureen sent her clients a 6 page summary of what happened with this bill. Carolyn suggests we put it on e-mail ALERT. Maureen will make it available for anyone who wants it. Pura/ Alice will try to condense it for perhaps METROLINE, the LP. Also, Robin and Holly M., will be holding a family picnic in August - a good place to give info. Strategy meeting: THURSDAY Sept 16th, with Wed Sept 15th as a back up date - it will be in Hartford at CWEALF (YWCA) at 6:30pm. Coalition looking for legislative co-chair??
Statewide Clergy Group (Cyd and Bobbi) A group of clergy (Catholic, Jewish, UCC, Congregational, UU, Episciple) met, in response to the Adoption bill and anti-gay marriage amendment (specifically the statement about not be able to perform same gender ceremonies). They would like to be able to respond to issues that arise and give their voice and
support to counter the attacks from the Religious Extremists. Cyd, Rev. Kathleen McTigue (UU) and Rabbi Sonia Starr coordinated the meeting. Kathleen McTigue: 288-1807 (UU in Hamden) Sonia Starr: 288-38 77 (Work- Temple Mishkan Israel in Hamden); (h) 860-3468127 They have given themselves the name of Clergy United for Equality and have set a second meeting in September.
Coalition Building: (Bobbi and Cyd) The NATION had a lengthy article "Rebuilding the Gay Movement" by Doug Ireland. It speaks about the success in some states in Coalition building with other progressive organizations to build voter profiles and actual voting blocks (Article distributed). Carolyn spoke of LEAP in Connecticut, also part of New England Action, which focuses on electoral politics and interviewing candidates, and getting progressive candidates elected. They have a strong commitment to our issues. They are restructuring at this time. Cyd is interested in going to one of their meetings. Carolyn will let people know when next meeting is.
It's Time CT Ueri) Part of It's Time America for the gender variant community. Kentucky included gender variance in it's non discrimination laws. A similar attempt failed in Massachusetts. Michigan and MN include transgender but CT does not. Gender variance is how we present. Brochure distributed - Goal: open up discussion on gender variance and have laws adjusted to work with us. Need 1 or 2 people for the board; and research on current laws for gender variance. (Maureen) suggests speaking with Legal Rights contact Phyllis Frye. Also, CCLU who has dealt with issues of "freedom of expression." Discussion opened up about gender variant, transgender, transsexual, intersexual. Clarification on differences? We need strategy to look at gender issues. Get the feminist community involved. Is this an issue of gender or sexual orientation? Get CWEALF involved. Jeri is willing to talk with any group. (Ann) needs clarification on definition and goals of It' Time CT. - everyone is different in their experiences. Benjamin Foundation helps people live their lives out as their identified gender. Legitimacy and documentation -legal recognition. Pura suggests we continue this discussion at the retreat.
Marriage in Vermont (Maureen) Decision is said to come down before end of August when the clerk's terms end. Then there is a 14 day period to give the legislature time to act. It is expected that they will not. Let Maureen know if you do go and get married. Carolyn suggests having a press release prepared when the decision comes down. Also, put an ALERT on e-mail to inform people. Maureen will be getting information on what you will need to get married in Vermont. If the decision does not come down by August, we will need to be concerned if it comes up during our legislative session. /r.t f; ~-'i\.-{ Religious~ Protection Act (Maureen) HR 1691. Call your member of congress and support the amendment that states that this act does not supersede state anti-discrimination laws. If this is NOT tacked on, DO NOT vote for this bill. It would allow individuals to discriminate based on religious beliefs and could include discrimination on race, ethnicity, gender, martial status, sexual orientation. Amendment is essential.Cyd was concerned why we would support the bill at all, and wonders if it would effect ENDA or states ability to get civil rights laws. enacted. Pura will get clarification of bill from NGLTF and their political analysis.
PRIDE Wrap Up: (Ricky) Thanks to Volunteers! Raffle and film fest earned $800.
OUT Awards: (Ricky) October 2nd, at Elizabeth Park Pond House in Hartford - please fill out nomination forms.
Organizational Issues: (Ricky) PRIDE- not willing to share office space with us - too much on the edge of political. We did get donations of computers and printers. Secretary position needs to be filled. Jeri volunteered. CD Structure: 0 j/1/\ '""'-f.--- L..-rv--.. "'"' ,fv-.-. ~ fCD 1 -Leslie is retiring to law school and we need a replacement for her CD 2 -Sarah? CD 3-Cyd (and maybe Bobbi) CD 4-Sonny and needs co-chair. Bobbi and Cyd suggest Donna Risolo. Will Call Sunnywithhernumber. Sunny is 203-255-1747. CD 5-Donna S. CD 6-Pura?
RETREAT-September 18th Possible place is Killam's Point in Branford. Bobbi will check on availability. Get agenda items to Pura or Rick before meeting.
Haymarket Grant on diversity trainings- got verbal confirmation but nothing in writing. Pura will look into it.
Federation Annual Meeting: Pura will be attending the annual meeting in MN on july 29-Aug 1. Will get clarification on millennium march and the possibility of second EBAH.
Announcements: Stonewall Events: (1) Conference on celebrating relationships Sat. Oct 23rd. (2) Richard Nelson is curator for a LGBT his/herstory month at the Hartford Public Library. Opening night is Wed. Oct 27th from 5-7pm (wear a mask to the event ) and will run through November. Also, Ron Gould from Hilltop Productions is interested in a video documenting the very interesting gay rights struggle in CT (we are only 1 of 11 states with inclusion in the Civil Rights Law). We would submit the professional video to film fest, this year or next. Cost about $60,000. Raffle: 2 tickets to OUT awards goes to Bill Loehr of S. Windsor.