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

Thursday, July 28, 2005

1. From the Executive Director... Our plan to defeat a constitutional amendment.
2. Listening Sessions with GLBT People of Color... Times and locations announced. 
3. Walk for Justice Update... Spotlight on our team's top fundraiser.
4. Legislature Once Again Takes Aim at Gender-Reassignment... Funding cut for state medical programs.
5. We are Everywhere... More regional Pride activities.

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From the Executive Director

Dear Friends:

After my last message 2 weeks ago, I ran into a woman who I have known for many years both as a neighbor and a sister community member. She asked me how things were going now that the legislature was finally adjourned. I told her that we were fatigued, but very enthusiastic about the next phase of work yet to be done. She had read our E-News from the week earlier and asked, “Don’t you people ever rest?” 

Sadly, the people who are so actively working against us never rest, and we won’t either. Even before this year’s legislative session ended, we had begun putting together a comprehensive plan to:

1. Keep the constitutional amendment off of the November 2006 ballot.
2. In the event that the constitutional amendment goes on the November 2006 ballot – Win at the ballot box.
3. And through our PAC – Elect GLBT supportive people to office.

We know from experience that the work we do can only succeed with careful planning. So, we are taking the time to make sure that we have a thorough, thoughtful plan that allows for flexibility.

We have been laying the groundwork for this stage for many years resulting in:

• No passage of the constitutional amendment which would bar legal recognition of same-sex relationships in two regular and one special sessions.
• No repeal or erosion of the landmark 1993 amendment which added sexual orientation and gender identity to the Minnesota Human Rights Statute.

We have not done this alone:

• We are active members of several coalitions including the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action, the Minnesota Voter Project, Gill Foundations Democracy Project, ACT, and the Equality Federation who work with us and support our work.
• Through working in communities all throughout Minnesota for the last 15 years, we have nurtured and sustained the development of a network of individuals and organizations who are mobilized, experienced and ready to go to work on behalf of GLBT rights.
• Most importantly, your response to our request for letters, phone calls, your time, your energy and your commitment. Our database, which includes thousands of addresses, grows by leaps and bounds every month.

Nor have we done this without resources:

• We have become the recognizable, “go to” place for legislators, the media, community leaders from a vast array of organizations and individual citizens through our website and personal relationships.
• We work with media from all across the state of Minnesota both as sources and spokespersons.
• We have built a staff force whose professional expertise in the areas of Public Policy, Communications, Development, Education, Organizing, and Administration is well equipped to put an action plan into place.
• Our board of 13 and our over 800 volunteers put countless hours into making sure that every base is covered.

Some of you in the last three weeks have expressed your opinions and asked about what we are doing to stop the constitutional amendment from moving forward. We have also heard you offer concrete suggestions, seen you volunteer your time, and listened as you shared with us your anxiety, pain, anger, worry, and powerlessness.

While these are difficult times for us and for the State of Minnesota - we are not powerless. In fact we have been tremendously powerful as a community. Recall for yourself the changes over the years. These enormous steps forward are one reason why ultra conservatives are worried and are pulling out all the stops. 

We want you to know that this is your plan too and it will be stronger with your input. 

Over the next several months, we will build a picture, through our E-News, that will help you understand what we are doing to stop the constitutional amendment and to further the rights of GLBT people. 

In September, you will have the opportunity to attend a community meeting in which we will unveil the whole plan. But why wait until then? If you have something to say now, we want to hear it. Send your ideas, concerns, information, and feedback to me at  so that we can integrate them into our planning process. 

Thanks to all of you for your stalwart commitment and for your thoughtfulness about the work that is yet to come.

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Listening Sessions with GLBT People of Color

Last week, we told you about our new interactive sessions that we hope will increase visibility, dialogue, and promotes change within the GLBT community for GLBT people of color in Minnesota.

You talk, we listen… we want and need to hear your voice! These two sessions will begin to help us better understand the needs of GLBT people of color and ensure inclusiveness in all our programs and services. 

With your participation and input we can:

• Identify barriers to GLBT persons of color to participating in OutFront Minnesota.
• Understand the needs of GLBT persons throughout the state.
• Provide insights and information on how OutFront Minnesota can better serve communities of color.
• Develop stronger relationships with individuals in communities of color. 
• Encourage volunteer diversity for OutFront Minnesota.
• Involve new stakeholders in shaping OutFront Minnesota. 

Session Details:

• Thursday, September 15, 2005 6:30-8:30pm
  Midtown YWCA, 2121 East Lake Street Minneapolis
  www.ywca-minneapolis.org 
  One block west of the Lake Street Light Rail Station
  Note: You must bring a Photo ID to get into the YWCA Community Meeting Rooms. (This requirement can be waived for youth attending this meeting who do not have a school ID)
• Wednesday, September 28, 2005 6:30-8:30pm
  Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis
  http://www.mul.org/
  Corner of Plymouth and Penn Avenues

To receive an electronic reminder a few days prior to the session, pre-register your participation at these free sessions on our website.

If you have further questions or comments please contact: 
Ann DeGroot 612-822-0127 x107
or Scott Fearing at 612-822-0127 x111

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Walk for Justice Update
Spotlight on the OutFront Minnesota Team's Top Fundraiser

When we announced that we’d be forming a team for the Headwaters Foundation Walk for Justice, an annual event designed to help social justice organizations raise money and visibility for their cause, George Hamm was among the first to sign up.

A long-time volunteer for OutFront Minnesota, George says he joined the team because “I believe this organization needs our personal and financial support. These folks work hard to stand up for us in the GLBT community and build bridges to those in the majority heterosexual community. And, I want future GLBT generations to have a better life with safe, supportive communities and legal recognition by our government.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. George’s commitment to equality is exemplified by his status as our team’s top fundraiser. Having already raised $350 for the Walk, George is leading the team and leading the fight for fairness for ALL Minnesotans. Congratulations, George Hamm! 

We want you!  Join the OutFront Minnesota Walk for Justice Team and help build support for GLBT equality in Minnesota.

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Legislature Once Again Takes Aim at Gender-Reassignment

On July 13, the Minnesota Legislature approved, as part of its omnibus health and human services bill (HF 139/SF 107), language that purports to end funding in State medical programs (primarily Medical Assistance and General Assistance Medical Care) of gender-reassignment surgery, effective August 1. The State has funded such procedures since the 1970s, when finding them to be medically necessary, at a cost far below the typical amount charged to such patients. 

The language appeared in at least five separate bills introduced in the House during the 2005 regular and special sessions. OutFront Minnesota had hoped that by working with allies in the Senate, the language could be defeated, but as the government shutdown continued, pressure continued to build to resolve the funding bills and get the State back in full operation, and the Senate ultimately went along with the House language. This is the first time the Legislature has directly addressed the subject since imposing restrictions in 1998 and 1995, following a failed attempt to do so in 1994.

The House estimated that the State would save $15,000 by denying care to approximately two people per year. The annual budget for the State is approximately $15 billion. 

OutFront Minnesota Legal & Policy Analyst Phil Duran () has been fielding inquiries from people affected by the change in the law. Currently, there is a possibility that requests for surgery submitted prior to August 1 might still have a chance at being approved; patients should consult their providers about whether this is a possibility in their particular case.

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We are Everywhere!

This fact becomes clear when you look at the schedule of REGIONAL Pride activities on the OutFront Minnesota website. While some of these events are Festivals with entertainment and vendors, others are local picnics and gatherings designed to bring family, neighbors and friends together. 

Coming events are clear examples of the variety of activities.

On Friday July 29, Soul Essence hosts their opening night event, Sol, at the Varsity Theatre. Sol, (Spanish for "Sun”) is a one-night event for GLBT people of color and their allies featuring the best in Hip Hop, Salsa, R&B and Dance Music.

The evening of August 4th the PFLAG in Park Rapids, Minnesota will host a community gathering and picnic. Not sure where Park Rapids is? Well it is the gateway to Itasca State Park and home of the Heartland Trail. Here you will find an active PFLAG, welcoming coffee shops and businesses, and a few blocks from Main Street, the wonderful hospitality of innkeepers Chuck and Eli who, when they are not building customized motorcycles, operate the Gateway Guest House. 

GET OUT and meet with GLBT and allies at either of these important community events. For more details see the OutFront Minnesota website.

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Looking for something to do?
Look no further than OutFront Minnesota's Community Calendar!

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

Check it out each week for more current events!

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