RA-news Newsletter of the Rainbow Alliance at the University of Florida November 2005, Vol. 4, No. 2

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Please contribute to the Rainbow Alliance Fund. Next Rainbow Alliance Dinner: Rainbow Alliance Members are invited to attend the Sixth Annual Pride Awards Dinner, Friday, October 7. Tickets are $25.00 and are available only in advance. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Elaine at elaine@gainesvillepride.org; or, at Wild Iris Books, from PRIDE Board members, or at the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida Upcoming Events 11/8 -- IBC and LGBT Affairs host "Brother to Brother" movie and discussion 11/10 -- UF Faculty Conversation about Faculty Diversity, Recruitment and Retention -- 9 am - 12 noon, Rion Ballroom 11/18 -- An Evening with Ronni Sanlo 11/18-20 -- Intercollegiate Pride Conference 11/20 -- Transgender Day of Remembrance 12/1 -- "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise." World AIDS Day The Rainbow Alliance is the organization for University of Florida faculty, staff, and alumni concerned with matters related to sexual orientation and gender identity. RA welcomes all members of the University community who share its goals.

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Contents Features Watch! Learn! Speak! Movie and Discussion Series presents Brother to Brother An Evening With Ronni Sanlo Intercollegiate Pride Conference Looking Back at October Florida Democratic GLBT Caucus Trans-Inclusive Hate Crimes Law Stalled Marriage Setback in Oregon Maine to Vote on Discrimination Texas Votes on Same-Sex Marriage Ban Same-sex marriage before New Jersey's Highest Court Departments Help us Build the Rainbow Alliance Contributing to the Rainbow Alliance Fund Resources How to Join the Rainbow Alliance Contributors to This Issue of RA-News

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Features

Watch! Learn! Speak! Movie and Discussion Series presents Brother to Brother The Institute of Black Culture and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs will be showing the award-winning movie Brother to Brother about a young black gay artist who meets an elderly homeless man who an happens to be an artistic literary legend from the Harlem Renaissance. The younger man learns that the challenges he faces in the early 21st century are not that different from those of the early 20th century. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 8th at 7:30 pm in Graham Gallery (2nd floor Graham Residence Hall). Free Popcorn and Drinks!! ""Brother to Brother is a fascinating and absorbing tale that takes a generational leap within the African-American community from present day to the glory of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s to confront issues of sexuality and identity that remain unresolved from that time to this."" - Kirk Honeycutt, Sundance Film Festival Learn more about the Institute for Black Culture and its programs. [top]

An Evening with Ronni Sanlo On Friday, November 18, Rainbow Alliance members will have a special opportunity to spend some time with Ronni Sanlo, director of the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Campus Resource Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. Ronni Sanlo will be in Gainesville November 18-20 to participate in Pride Student Union's Intercollegiate Workshop. Ronni has a special connection to Florida and to the University of Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida, and went on to earn advanced degrees at the University of North Florida. In 1994, Sanlo became director of the LGBT office at the University of Michigan, where she helped create the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education. Three years later, she became director of UCLA's LGBT center. Intertwined with this Ronni's remarkable career is the compelling story of coming to terms with her own sexuality, which began in deep denial but was catalyzed into activism. Ronni is a supporter of Rainbow Alliance and a founding contributor to the Rainbow Alliance Fund. Exact time and location of this event is to be announced. If your are interested in participating, please send a note to Charles Brown. Read more about Ronni Sanlo. [top]

Intercollegiate Pride Conference The University of Florida's Pride Student Union will host the 4th Annual Intercollegiate Pride Conference during November 18-20. The theme of this year's conference is "Learning, Growing, and Building Towards the Quest for Acceptance," and is described on the conference Web site as "an event designed to build stronger Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) leaders, promote safer campuses, and to bring LGBTQ students together. This three-day experience is about education, building leadership, promoting acceptance and having fun." The conference attracts attendees from campuses throughout Florida and around the Southeast. Get complete information about the Intercollegiate Pride Conference. [top]

Looking Back at October October was a big month for the the LGBT community and for Rainbow Alliance. It began on October 7 with the Pride Awards Banquet, which highlighted LGBT activities at the University of Florida. Phyllis MEeks gave the keynote address for the evening and gave an engaging and fascinating review of PGBT progress at the University of Florida. Phyllis spoke with her characteristic humor, passion, and optimism. Also, Rainbow Aliiance President Charles Brown was honored as Pride Man of the Year for his work in developing the Rainbow Alliance. The Award presentation was made by our won Linda Lamme. The next day, October 8, was UF Homecoming. Through the efforts of alumnus Kim Byrd, LGBT Affairs director Tamara Cohen and the Rainbow Alliance, the first LGBT Homecoming Event was held on the patio outside Graham Hall. It was a great occasion. The weather and the food were very good. But the best part was having students, staff, faculty and alumni all together at one time. Make your plans for next year! Rainbow Alliance also participated in the Pride Parade and Festival. Not so many people turned out to March with Rainbow Alliance, but many Rainbow Alliance members were marching with other groups. Turnout was good. RA shared a table at the event with the LGBT Concerns committee, and many new people signed up for Rainbow Alliance or stopped to talk and pick up some literature. Finally, On October 20, the Welcome Reception was held at Keene Faculty Center. This event was first held during the last School year. Dr. Bernie Machen, president of the University, came to visit early in the evening. Vice President for Human Resources Kyle Cavanaugh attended and spoke briefly to the group. Several faculty and staff signed up for Rainbow Alliance. [top]

Florida Democratic GLBT Caucus There are many ways to be active politically in behalf of LGBT equality issues, and one of these is the Florida Democratic LGBT Caucus. The Caucus is a group within the Florida Democratic Party whose mission is "to foster good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large.... [to] seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens." They plan to accomplish this mission by: Promoting the ideals of the Democratic Party Cultivating and campaigning for candidates from the GLBT community and those who support our community Lobbying for legislation and policies that recognize and strengthen our community. The Caucus has chapters in various locations around Florida, inlcuding Alachua County. They have a very good Web site, and you can sign up for e-mail alerts. [top]

Trans-Inclusive Hate Crimes Law Stalled In September, the U.S. House passed HR 2662, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005, which proivdes "Federal assistance to States and local jurisdictions to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes." The protected classes enumerated in this bill include "actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability." The bill had 133 cosponsors and passed the House by a vote of 233-199. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate (S 1145) by Sen. Ted Kennedy. Both bills are propsed as amendments to a Child Safety Act. Opponents of these bills claim that that provide special protections to selected groups and that they will inhibit free speech. On October 20th, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted not to add S 1145, onto the Children’s Safety Act, HR 3132. This effectively blocked further movement of the House version of the hate bill (passed as Amdt. 2662) toward a vote in the Senate. Read more about HR 2662 at GovTrack. "Hate crimes occur when the perpetrator intentionally selects the victim because of the type of person the victim is. Disturbing statistics indicate that in recent years, while serious crime overall has decreased, the incidence of hate crimes continues to rise. And statistics don't tell the whole story, since many of these crimes go unreported. The events of September 11th prompted a wave of bias crimes, clearly demonstrating the need for strengthened hate crime laws and reinforcing that these crimes target individuals based solely on immutable personal characteristics. [More..] [top]

Marriage Setback in Oregon On November 4, Marion County, Oregon Circuit Court Judge Joseph Guimond ruled that a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage that voters passed last year is valid, upholding the amendment. The case against the amendment was brought on behalf od 20 plaintiffs on the basis that it violated the ORegon constitution because of multiple provisions. Similar arguments have been made against gay marriage amendments in other states over the past year. The argument centers on provisions in most state constitutions requiring that constitutional amendments only address one issue. Judge Guimond concluded that he was unable to find against the ban because of Oregon Court of Appeals and Oregon Supreme Court precedent. Roey Thorpe of Basic Rights Oregon stated that the decision would be brought before the Oregon Court of Appeals for review. Read the full text of Judge Guimond's decision. [top]

Maine to Vote on Discrimination On Tuesday, November 8, voters in Maine will pass judgment on whether the state should bar discrimination in employment, housing and other areas based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Similar acts were overturned by voter referendum in 1998 and 2000. The law which will be voted on was passed this year by the state legislature and signed by the governor. Jesse Connolly, campaign manager for Maine Won’t Discriminate said that this time around the law’s supporters have several advantages, including bipartisan support and a “mainstream” campaign. And, the Associated Press reported that Maine Won’t Discriminate raised at least five times as much as its opponents, the Maine Grassroots Coalition and the Coalition for Marriage. “If you talk to the average Mainer on the street, they can’t believe Maine doesn’t already provide this protection,” Connolly said. Opponents of the law say it is not about discrimination. According to the law's opponents, this law will lay the groundwork for a claim to equal marriage rights by gay men and lesbians. Supporters of the measure point out that the law includes language addressing such concerns: “This Act may not be construed to create, add, alter or abolish any right to marry that may exist under the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Maine or the laws of this State.” Forty-six members of Maine’s legal community have analyzed the law and found that, “the addition of sexual orientation to the state’s non-discrimination law provides no legal basis for same-sex marriage.” Read the entire story in the Washington Blade. Summary of States, Cities, and Counties Which Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Laws that include gender identity and expression [top]

Texas Votes on Same-Sex Marriage Ban On Tuesday, November 8, voters in Texas will consider a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting any jusrisdiction in Texas from creating any "legal status identical or similar to marriage." Texas already has a law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, but supporters feel that a constitutional amendment will make the law unassailable by the courts. Opponents say that the law goes farther than prohibiting same-sex marriage, they claim that the law could be sued to invalidate many kinds of contracts between persons of the same sex. The amendment, as written, appears to allow individuals to use contracts and similar means to share property, etc. without violating the amendment. The complete text of the amendment follows: H.J.R. No. 6 A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing a constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 32 to read as follows: Sec. 32. (a) Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. (b) This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage. SECTION 2. This state recognizes that through the designation of guardians, the appointment of agents, and the use of private contracts, persons may adequately and properly appoint guardians and arrange rights relating to hospital visitation, property, and the entitlement to proceeds of life insurance policies without the existence of any legal status identical or similar to marriage. SECTION 3. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 8, 2005. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage." [top]

Same-sex Marriage before New Jersey's Highest Court On October 21, written arguments were filed with the New Jersey Supreme Court for same-sex couples fighting the state's ban on same-sex marriage. The arguments assert that the denial of marriage equality is unconstitutional. The case brings forward the suit filed by seven same-sex couples in 2002 for the right to marry. In June, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that the state constitution does not require the recognition of same-sex marriage. The court, in a split decision, said that it is up to the legislature to change marriage laws if same-sex couples are to wed in the Garden State. The case was immediately appealed to the state Supreme Court. The lawsuit is based solely on the New Jersey Constitution, which means the New Jersey Supreme Court will have the last word on the case. A heavily promoted rally earlier this month to pressure New Jersey lawmakers into passing a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage drew fewer than 200 people. Organized by two political action groups - the New Jersey Faith Alliance and the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve & Protect Marriage - the demonstration was held in front of the legislature. Despite weeks of promotion the small turnout is seen as an indication that most people in the state have little interest in the issue. Even the two candidates for governor of New Jersey have stated they would oppose a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, although neither will go so far as to endorse gay marriage. The Supreme Court is still waiting for a brief opposing same-sex marriage from the state. The court has given no indication when it will hear oral arguments in the case. --adapted from 365Gay.com [top]

Departments

Help Us Build the Rainbow Alliance 1) UF Faculty and Staff: We want every LGBT staff or faculty member and ally to be a Rainbow Alliance member. Tell interested friends and colleagues about Rainbow Alliance. They can check out the Web site at <www.ra-online.org>, or bring them along to a monthly dinner. They can join by sending an e-mail to <info@ra-online.org>. 2) Alumni: Our mailing list of UF alumni is growing. Alumni are a vital part of the University community. Anyone with an interest in improving the LGBT envrionment at the University of Florida should look into Rainbow Alliance. Working together with Pride Student Union and the Director of LGBT Affairs, we are working to keep alumni informed, to help them connect, and to draw on their expertise. 3) Contribute: The Rainbow Alliance Fund at the University of Florida Foundation (established March 2003) is the only one of its kind at the UF Foundation specifically dedicated to the support of the LGBT community at UF. The Fund needs continuing support if we are to realize our goals. As always, details about contributing to the Rainbow Alliance Fund can be found at the end of the newsletter. Details about payroll deduction will be e-mailed to RA members soon. A word to out contributions: Your donation is fully tax-deductible, and the RA Fund is not used to support operations of the Rainbow Alliance. Learn more below. 2) Statewide: Help us connect with staff and faculty on other Florida/Deep South campuses working on LGBT issues. We have some unique challenges in the South. Maybe we can support each other and collaborate on progress. [top]