OutFront Minnesota E-News
a collection of news, notices, and action alerts for people concerned with GLBT issues in Minnesota

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

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More Reporting from justFair Lobby Day

On Thursday, April 27th, something powerful took place at the State Capitol. Because over 5,000 thousand fair-minded Minnesotans participated in OutFront Minnesota’s annual justFair Lobby Day, the Legislature saw and heard how citizens are united to demand an end to anti-GLBT legislation. The day was a success because so many people from all over the state stood strong for equality in what was again the largest lobby day for GLBT rights in the nation. The faces at this year’s justFair Lobby Day were bright and varied, with nearly 300 arriving by the busload from various cities in Greater Minnesota, hundreds of straight allies standing up for fairness, and countless Metro-area GLBT citizens. Many of these faces were new to the Capitol, but overcame intimidation to find the words to speak from the heart. Minnesotans from nearly 90% of the districts of in Minnesota stood face to face with their legislators to speak out against the use of GLBT people as a wedge to divide voters.

Our supporters within the Legislature, of course, were pleased that so many Minnesotans came to the Capitol to take a stand for GLBT equality. Crowds from District 60 formed on the Capitol steps to greet Senator Scott Dibble, Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and Representative Frank Hornstein in a "love-fest" under the warm spring sun. Senator Sheila Kiscaden (DFL-Rochester), like many others, happily lingered outside the Senate Chambers with the 55 youth and adults who rode buses to the Saint Paul in Rochester’s largest showing ever at a justFair Lobby Day. Senator Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn Park) expressed continuing support, relating how the sweeping language of anti-GLBT laws would directly impact the lives of unmarried allies like her. Some, like Representative Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) were even moved to tears by the heart-rending stories of loss, obstruction, and discrimination that some constituents brought to the Capitol.

Of course, not every legislator supports GLBT rights and some, like Senator Nienow (R-Harris) found themselves called out of meetings to talk with constituents who expressed their disapproval of the anti-marriage amendment he introduced. Some remain firm in their ways, leaning on religion as a crutch to support the discrimination they endorse. This year, however, more legislators were open to talking about policies that could provide legal protections for same-sex couples. Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester), expressed concern that the bill's language sweeps too broadly by barring all legal protections for same-sex couples. Thanks to you – thanks to your stories and your presence and your letters – they are beginning to see. Together we are laying the groundwork for proactive, pro-GLBT legislation that will finally safeguard our families and our civil rights.

We at OutFront Minnesota know we cannot do it alone, and our sincere gratitude goes out to you. With your continued support – whether your time, your energy, or your resources – we know that we will eventually succeed over the forces of prejudice, to return our state to the progressive, tolerant, just society it deserves.

Because the Session is not over until the middle of May, OutFront Minnesota will continue working with legislators to ensure that the anti-marriage amendment is not added to any of the other ballot initiative bills. We will let you know immediately if there is any movement on GLBT-related amendments or bills.

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justFair Forum - Homophobia and Racism: Weapons of Community Destruction
Featuring: Clarence Patton, Director of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs

This justFair Forum will examine how the threats and reality of violence and hate-crimes are used to keep people closeted, invisible and isolated. Patton will discuss how coordinated responses to racist and homophobic violence build stronger and more unified communities.

Thursday May 11, 2006
7:00-9:00pm FREE
Metropolitan State University, St Paul Campus
Founders Hall Auditorium

For directions and to register your attendance at this free event:

OutFront Minnesota thanks our justFair Forum Co-Presenters:
Soul Essence, Lavender Bridge, and the National Coalition of Anti-violence Programs

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Out at the Movies

In February, over 350 people packed the Heights Theater for Out at the Movies, a Lavender Magazine event benefiting OutFront Minnesota. Be there for the next installment!

Out at the Movies: Eating Out

"Caleb is a hunky poli-sci major with an affection for aggressive girls. Gwen is an aggressive girl who falls for gay acting boys. It's a match made in therapy. In a plan hatched by his crafty gay roommate Kyle [Jim Verraros of American Idol], Caleb finds himself pretending to be gay to woo Gwen, but their scheme is thwarted when Gwen decides that Caleb would be the perfect catch for her own gay roommate, Marc--the object of Kyle's affection [Ryan Carnes of Desparate Housewives]. Caleb is faced with a confusing proposition. Gwen wonders if she'll ever find a straight guy. Marc can't tell why the new guy is so hot and cold. And Kyle watches the two loves of his life leave him behind." --Yahoo! Movies

Thursday, May 18
Doors open at 6:30pm, Movie begins at 7:30pm
Heights Theatre, 3951 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights

Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door
Includes a 2-for-1 discount on any dessert at the Columbia Heights Dairy Queen

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Workplace Alliance PridePower night

Friday, June 2, 2006

Join GLBTA employees and community members and groups at the second GLBT Workplace Alliance (WPA) Night with the MN Lynx.

Watch the Minnesota Lynx battle the Indiana Fever, or simply, visit the GLBTA suites and mingle! There is still time for your employee network, or GLBT group, to host a suite! Get all of the details and register for your suite.

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OutFront Minnesota on display

Throughout the month of May, OutFront Minnesota, along with many other GLBT organizations, is on display in an exhibit at the Hennepin County Government Center Gallery.

Organized by Laurie Rose Simon and Jean-Nickolaus Tretter, the theme of the gallery is GLBT history. Praise from Simon at the gallery unveiling was; “it certainly far exceeded my expectations! All of the exhibits are just exceptional!” The GLBT Gallery Exhibit will even play host to a reception for the International ALMS Conference (GLBT Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Special Collections) to be held in Minneapolis this year.

Visit the OutFront Minnesota display as we celebrate “20 Years of Progress” from our beginning as The Gay/Lesbian Community Action Council (GLCAC) in 1986 to the present as the state’s leading organization serving the GLBT community.

Located downtown Minneapolis at 300 S Sixth Street on Level A, the gallery is free and open to the public. Take some time to stop by the Hennepin County Government Center and see what a difference our presence can make!

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Looking for something to do?
Events of interest to the GLBT and allied community.

OutFront Minnesota's web-based community calendar is THE place to check for events and happenings. 

Are you planning an event that you want the GLBT and allied community to know about?  It's easy to submit your event!  OutFront Minnesota is proud to offer community organizations this opportunity to reach others.

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