Milwaukee Gay-Friendly Middle School Set
Milwaukee - In what appears to be a national first, the Milwaukee Public School System plans to extend its gay-friendly school program to a middle school in the city.
  According to an article posted online by U.S. News and World Report on December 17, the new school was approved by the Milwaukee Board of Education, and follows the establishment, four years ago, of the Alliance School, the MPS high school that offers a safe educational environment for LGBT students. Like the Alliance high school, the new middle school will also be open to straight students.
  Board approval for the new, LGBT-safe middle school was via a procedural process rather than by a specific vote. The school is expected to open next year; applicants are already able to sign up for enrollment.
  The move follows the recent failure of a similar proposal for LGBT high school students in Chicago. That plan, the article said, did not even make it to the school board, due to community opposition to a gay-safe school.
  Harvey Milk High School also attracted controversy, the article said, with demonstrators protesting the school’s opening in 2003. But the Alliance school in Milwaukee to date has not generated any significant controversy, and it is hoped that the new middle school will follow suit.
However, conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes has made the new school a recurrent topic on his daily program and published a story on the U.S News article on January 9, drawing subsequent attention by conservative bloggers and other right-wing talkers nationwide.
  According to the online article, Milwaukee Public Schools director of school innovation Marty Lexmond stated that a LGBT-safe middle school is warranted because gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth are asserting their identities earlier now than in the past.
  According to the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), more than 20% of LGBT students experience physical attacks while at school and  more than 86% endure name-calling or other verbal abuse. GLSEN studies also note that a significant fraction of LGBT students drop out because they are too afraid to continue attending school.
  Lexmond characterized the Alliance high school as “an invaluable resource for LGBT students,” affirming that without a gay-safe environment in which to learn, many lesbian and gay students would have left school altogether.

2009 Gay World Series News:

Sweat, Oil and Buns: SSBL Volunteers Serve Fans at Miller Park
By Paul Masterson
It's early on a Sunday summer morning and the temperature is already in the 70's. The forecast is for the upper 80's and high humidity. For most, this dog day of summer promises to be a lazy one  - sailing on Lake Michigan, a backyard barbecue, celebrating a fest somewhere or sitting it out in the comfort of an air conditioned home. But for SSBL's  Miller Park concession volunteers, it will be another  intense and grueling day serving beer, brats and fried cheese curds to appreciative fans.
  Volunteer training took place on January 15 at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center (MGAC). This year dozens participated. The majority are SSBL team players and managers but umpires, friends and fans attended as well.
  Each Brewers' home game requires at least a dozen volunteers. They'll work six hours - more if the game goes into extra innings. They'll staff the front service line with ten cashiers while others work in the kitchen cooking brats, kosher dogs, Polish and Italian sausages, waffle fries, baking pizzas and pretzels under a constant barrage of orders.
  Last year with the Brewers in contention for first place, the Miller Park usually had a capacity crowd of 45,000.  Volunteer and NAGAAAFest committee member Peter Nys said. "it's like Bunker Hill...they just keep coming. There may be a brief moment of calm but then the next wave comes…it's constant action. But everybody's in a good mood. After all, it's America's favorite pastime and the fans are up for a party and we're the perfect hosts."
  Brian Reinkober, SSBL commissioner and 2009 Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) co-director, is a permanent fixture. He covers all bases supervising, wrapping dozens of sausages (blue for brats, red for Polish, yellow for Italian and green for Kosher dogs), running to fix a transaction when the cash register balks and finally, counting up the night's tally for that magic number - SSBL earns 10% of the concession revenue.
  The motivation of this diverse group of SSBL player and fans, women and men, contributes to one of LGBT Milwaukee's most successful stories. Their effort raises money for the league and its tournaments. Last summer's income is already earmarked for NAGAAAFest 2009, the Gay Softball World Series to be held in Milwaukee August 29 through September 7.
  Beyond the benefit to the city's gay quality of life, SSBL serves an ambassador to the community at large.  Most teams are co-ed and mixed gay and non-gay, some with a 50% split.. "The straight teams take it all too seriously. I want to have fun playing. Gay teams are in it for the competition but they also have a good time. Errors happen and it's all part of the fun," said Will Pelfrey, co-manager of the MGAC Scream.
  Sharon from Miller Park Sports Services manages F4, SSBL's home concession. She readily admits SSBL is one of the top volunteer organizations. She's required to give a pre-game briefing to cover regulations - card anyone who looks under 30, two alcoholic beverages per ID and remember to say "Welcome to Miller Park!"
  Mona Garcia, SSBL secretary and GSWS co-director, is another regular. Her realm is managing the kitchen. 
  "Cheese curds!!!"
  Melinda Grabowski, aka Buns, Kathy's Nut Hut's team "voice" and pitcher ("hit and runs and hit and runs and hits and runs") can shout an order back to the kitchen without leaving her register. In fact, sometimes a confused Brewer will deliver a soy dog to her after hearing her echo in the dugout.
  As the fans file out of Miller Park in the joy of victory or agony of defeat, the SSBL crew is busy counting buns. There's another good hour of work to be done cleaning up the concession, polishing the stainless steel surfaces and washing out condiment dispensers.  It's real work but worth the sweat
  Not only does it raise much-needed funds but SSBL's relationship with Miller Park has even brought the Klement's Racing Sausages to the Dairyland Classic Softball Tournament and they'll be at NAGAAAFest as well.
  Volunteers can still join the crew. Training sessions are scheduled in the spring. For information on how you can help at Miller Park or during NAGAAAFest, go to www.series2009.org and click on the Volunteer icon.

SSBL Announces Launch of 2009 Gay Softball World Series Website
Milwaukee - Milwaukee's Saturday Softball League (SSBL), NAGAAAFest 2009 Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) host, announces the launch of its new website at: www.series2009.org
  At its world series bid conference in Seattle last February, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Association (NAGAAA) awarded  Milwaukee the 33rd annual Gay Softball World Series 2009. Since then, SSBL-GSWS committees have been hard at work preparing for the greatest gay world series ever held.
  "NAGAAAFest 2009 promises to put world class into the Gay Softball World Series. August 29 to September 7, 2009 will be nine days Milwaukee, the LGBT community and NAGAAA's 37 leagues will never forget," said
SSBL Commissioner Brian Reinkober.
  The website is up and running at:www.series2009.org.
  Mascots Ms. Ruthie and Velvetta are the site's featured guides. They'll be posting a series of video vignettes in addition to the ones already ready to view. 
  The site features complete coverage with dedicated Tournament, Party - Events and Visit Milwaukee sections. Each section features instant access to details about all event aspects including Sponsorship, Parties, Milwaukee Amenities, Volunteer Opportunities, Donating and  Media coverage.
  An extensive World Series section provides complete tournament information with maps and directions to fields, game schedule, host hotel descriptions and links for making reservations.  A special Hall of Fame page honors NAGAAA'a veteran softball heroes and report NAGAAAFest Hall of Fame event news.
  The "Party" button brings visitors to the Opening Ceremony at the lake front's Henry Maier Festival Park that will feature national name entertainment, NAGAAAFest Idol, the Talent Show at the Pabst Theater as well as all the other parties, the street bash and Closing Celebrations.
  Users can also register for email updates. These will be issued throughout the year leading up to the 2009 NAGAAAFest. They'll provide teams, player, fans and friends with the latest NAGAAAFest news and information.
  A special VOLUNTEER button connects to complete volunteer information and a volunteer registration sheet.
Go to www.series2009.org and sign up now!

NAGAAA Gay World Series Adds Kenosha Sites
Kenosha -  The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance will have part of its 33rd annual Softball World Series at Kenosha’s Poerio Park August 31 to September 4, following city parks commission approval here January 12.
   The commission approved the use of Poerio Park 3-0 for the softball tournament, with alderman Stephen Casey abstaining. Casey initially made a motion to defer the vote a week but it wasn’t seconded.
  Casey told SSBL organizers Peter Nys and Mona Garcia he was concerned about language in the proposal, political ramifications for the city and questioned them about the ratio of players, who are expected to be about 80% gay.
  “What caught my eye in (the paperwork) is that NAGAAA promotes athletic health in support of the gay lifestyle,” Casey said at the meeting, according to the Kenosha News. “I’m not gay, but my concern is from a political standpoint. Are we as a city making a political statement? The language of supporting the gay lifestyle, are we taking a position on the right to marry?
  “I’d like to look into this,” Casey continued. “Our city softball league doesn’t call itself a heterosexual softball league. I’ve got to digest this a little. I’m not comfortable supporting this tonight.”
  Alder Michael Orth countered that it wasn’t the commission’s job to make a political statement. “As the parks commission, it’s our job to approve organizations to rent our facilities, and that’s all. It’s not relevant to the parks commission if someone is gay or straight,” he said.
  “People use our facilities who are gay and straight,” Orth added. “We’re saying we’re a city that is welcome to all people. That’s our priority. We don’t ask disabled groups how many handicapped people are on a team. I’ll support this and any other group that comes forward.”
  Casey said he didn’t appreciate the 20-year old Orth’s comments, claiming he was “a little tired of having a freshman alderman with a different point of view talking to me in a condescending tone.”
  Nys told the Kenosha News that he was surprised at some of the comments. “Quite honestly, that’s the first time in putting this whole tournament together that something like that has happened,” he said. “We weren’t asking him to endorse our ‘gay lifestyle.’ We want to rent the field. We want to pay money to rent the field.”
  “We wanted him to know this is a business,” Nys continued. “This isn’t a party. I just think he didn’t know about us, and I can appreciate that. It’s a quiet organization, and we don’t shout out that we’re gay. We’re not trying to recruit people. This is a big national tournament. It’s like the Super Bowl of gay softball.”

Dear Ruthie Talks With World Series Planners
About this time last year, I escaped from the chilly streets of Milwaukee to the (even chillier) streets of Seattle. That's where a dedicated team of Milwaukee boys and girls were making a bid to NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) to bring the LGBT Softball World Series to Milwaukee.
  Lucky for everyone, the group's hard work paid off, and the softball Delegates voted Milwaukee as the city of choice for the big event! If you haven't heard, that means that hundreds upon hundreds of softball players from across the country and Canada will descend upon Brew Town THIS summer for a wild week of fun, partying and, of course, softball.
  In addition to throwing the games, the city will also play host to about 100 delegates from across the country in late January. To find out more about the meetings being held in January, the hotties flying into Milwaukee and what all the plans are, I asked to meet with a few members of the World Series planning committee: Brian Reinkober, Mona Garcia and Jeff Weigland. So move over, Katie Couric, this bitch is about to go journalistic on your ass! 

Dear Ruthie: Can you tell me who is coming to Milwaukee in January and why?

Mona Garcia: Because Milwaukee is hosting the Softball World Series this summer, we get to hold the winter meetings, too!

Brian Reinkober: It's going to be great! There will be people coming from all over...some from as far away as Ft Lauderdale and British Columbia.

Jeff Weigland: They're coming to Milwaukee for meetings and workshops. This also gives them a chance to familiarize themselves with the city, creating excitement for the World Series.

Dear Ruthie: Sounds great for anyone looking to meet friendly, new people. When will they get here?

Brian: Most will be here January 23rd thru January 25th. What is really cool is that people who have never been here before will experience what many of us take for granted…our cool city!

Dear Ruthie: Do people still say "cool?"

Brian: I do…and I'm cool! Gosh, you're pretty Ruthie.

Dear Ruthie: Thanks Sugar-Puss. What sort of plans do you have for the Delegates? How about a trip to my trailer park?

Mona: We'll see if we can squeeze it in; however, we're going to roll out the red carpet for the Delegates in hopes that they'll see that the hometown hospitality extended to them when we made our bid is truly what this city is about.

Jeff: We want the Delegates to experience the fun Milwaukee offers. The weekend kicks off with a Happy Hour at the Hyatt and then a Wisconsin-style fish fry at the Double Tree Hotel. Our goal is to create a positive experience for everyone, fueling excitement for the World Series.

Brian: And with the local gay bars and businesses being so close to the host hotel (The Hilton), our guests will have no trouble discovering what Milwaukee nightlife is all about. I'm sorry, Ruthie, but I just can't stop looking into your lovely eyes.

Dear Ruthie: You're sweet. But what you're telling me is than many of the Delegates will be out and about that weekend, huh?

Brian: I sure hope so! This group is a lot of fun! Keep an eye out for the delegates, and when you see them, please welcome them. Thank them for voting for Milwaukee!

Dear Ruthie: You can be sure I'll welcome them in my own special way. Tell me, since winning the bid for the World Series, have you heard any feedback on how the players feel about coming to Milwaukee this summer?

Brian: During a recent tournament, I overheard an Arizona player talking with a player from Florida. When one asked the other why the World Series was being held in Milwaukee, the Arizona man explained how incredible our Dairyland Classics were and that the softball players were "in for the time of their lives!" That story echoes what so many people think about our city.

Dear Ruthie: You're a fun group to be with. How can others get involved in planning and hosting the Softball World Series?

Brian: It's easy! Just check out our Website at www.series2009.org or www.nagaaafest.com. Both of these sites offer the latest information on NAGAAAFest, getting involved and sponsorship/donation opportunities. By the way, Ruthie, you're so sexy. Are you seeing anyone?

Dear Ruthie: Thanks Swizzle Stick, but I'm saving myself for the softball players. Thanks for meeting with me, and I'll see you all at the Fish Fry! And I'll see you, dear readers, out and about and mingling with our visitors January 23 through the 25!

State News:

No Hitches As Dane County Domestic Partner Benefit Ordinance Takes Effect
Madison - Dane County’s ordinance mandating contractors with the county offer employee benefits that include unmarried couples who have formally registered their relationships took effect January 1. According to county  Human Services Director Lynn Green,  the transition took place without controversy or other complications.
  “We were waiting to get calls from people who had concerns about it,” Green, told Isthmus reporter Vikki Kratz.  “Everyone has returned a signed contract.” Green had expected a backlash, possibly from faith-based organizations.
   The newly effective ordinance mandates that companies working for the county on contracts worth at least $5,000 must offer health benefits to their employees’ domestic partners, whether of they are same or opposite sex couples. Dane County already offered similar domestic partner benefits to its own employees.
  The Dane County chapter of the Salvation Army, which holds a $750,000 contract to provide services to the homeless, was among the groups signing their agreement without comment. In 2001 the national organization forced a number of chapters to cancel domestic partner benefits. The Salvation Army also later worked with the Bush Administration’s faith based initiative to seek exemptions from state and local nondiscrimination or equal rights laws in the hiring of gay people for religious groups receiving taxpayer-financed grants.
  The county partner registry which certifies couples as eligible for the new benefits became available on December 1. Domestic partners must be in a committed relationship for at least 90 days to qualify for registration, which costs $35. Partners who register and later break up also have to notify the county clerk and all benefits providers that the relationship has ended.

Property Battle Expected As Elm Grove Parish Breaks From U. S. Episcopal Church
Milwaukee - The New Year’s Eve announcement that a suburban Milwaukee Episcopal congregation has broken with the United States’ Episcopal Communion and join a still-to-be- approved conservative American diocese overseen by the Anglican Church of Nigeria has set the stage for a court fight over the ownership of the church property between the diocese of Milwaukee and the members of the Elm Grove church.
  St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church break came less than a month after a group of breakaway dioceses and parishes announced that they were forming a new, more theologically conservative North American province. Members of those churches have been angered by the so-called “liberal views” of the U.S. Episcopalian and Canadian Anglican churches on the priesthood and sexuality, particularly gay relationships.
  The Elm Grove church is the first in Wisconsin to break from Episcopalians. Three Wisconsin United Church of Christ congregations in Elkhart Lake and Sheboygan exited that national denomination in 2006 during the height of the fight over the constitutional amendment battle to ban legal recognition of civil unions and gay marriage.
  Though Edmund’s was founded in Milwaukee in 1874, it relocated in 1957 to Waukesha County, one of the most socially conservative regions of the state.
  While Milwaukee’s Episcopal bishop was disappointed by the Elm Grove church’s decision, he  noted that under church law a congregation cannot secede from its diocese. “Individuals may leave a parish, but that parish cannot leave the diocese,” Bishop Steven A. Miller told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel, signaling what could ultimately become a legal battle over church assets.
  Bishop David Anderson of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, the African church’s U. S. Diocese. Claimed that when it came to property “case law is all over the map.”
However, a review of court cases have shown that the Episcopal Church has been victorious as the cases have worked their way to higher courts. On January 5 in what is considered a landmark ruling, the California Supreme Court told several breakaway churches in that state that the church property belongs to the denomination not the congregation.
  An Elm Grove church spokesperson, claiming the congregation owned the land and the rectory building, advised that church members had already changed the locks.
  The U.S. Episcopal Church is one of the 38 provinces that make up the worldwide Anglican Communion. The 80-million member denomination traces its roots to the Church of England, which itself broke with the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th Century. A little over a dozen parishes in the U.S. Have aligned themselves with either the Nigerian or Latin American Anglican provinces since the ordination of Bishop Eugene Robinson in 2003.
  Any effort to create a new province recognized by the existing 38 provinces must be approved by the Anglican bishops and a broader body known as the Anglican Consultative Council. If the wider body approves the North American province, it will be the first ever based on theological rather than geographical criteria.

Ex-Brown County GOP Leader Bargains Away Child Enticement Rap
Green Bay - As part of a plea deal, the former head of the Brown County Republican Party pleaded no contest January 8 to four misdemeanor charges, thus avoiding prosecution on child enticement charges and potential prison time. Donald Fleischman was convicted of two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of encouraging juvenile supervision violations after a runaway teen was found in his home in November 2006.
  The former GOP chair was initially charged with child enticement, exposing himself to a child and contributing to the delinquency of a child. A plea deal with the District Attorney’s office resulted in the amended charges being filed. Brown County DA John P. Zakowski is also a Republican.
  According to a criminal complaint, Green Bay police went to Fleischman’s home on November 19, 2006, looking for two runaways from Ethan House, a nearby juvenile facility. They found a boy hiding in a closet wearing only underwear and a T-shirt, the complaint said. The boy, then 16, told authorities Fleischman also took him to a hotel in Appleton and to a cabin near Florence. The boy said Fleischman provided him with beer and marijuana, the complaint said. The boy also revealed that when he would go to bed, Fleischman would fondle him. Also, on one occasion he awoke to find Fleischman at the foot of his bed masturbating.
   Fleischman could receive up to three years in jail at his sentencing on February 13.

SAGE Food Forecast: Chili On January 24
Milwaukee - SAGE-Milwaukee will hold its traditional January Chili Feed on Saturday, January 24 beginning at 2 PM at the SAGE offices, 1845 N. Farwell Avenue, Suite 220.  The organization will provide the chili similar to the three varieties they cooked up last year. Attendees will provide the
appropriate toppings, side dishes, chips, dips, fruits, flans, or other fine flourishes. Following some social time, the meal will begin around 2:30 PM
  For more information about the chili feed contact the SAGE office by phone at: 414-224-0517 or by email at: sage@sagemilwaukee.org.

Smoking Cessation Group to Start at OutReach in February
Madison - Need a little room to breathe?  A new group is forming for LGBT individuals who are seriously committed to stopping smoking. The group will be a combination of education and support and will offer members strategies to help you become and stay a non-smoker. In addition, all group members will be offered two weeks of nicotine replacement therapy at no cost to assist in the journey to becoming a non-smoker. The group will meet one night a week for seven weeks and plans are to begin in February. A brief telephone screening is required with one of the group facilitators. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact OutReach, Inc. at 608-255-8582 or e-mail Harry at harrys@lgbtoutreach.org.

Quest’s Fitzpatrick On Madison Radio’s Queery
Madison - Quest News Editor Mike Fitzpatrick was the featured guest on Madison Community-Sponsored Radio WORT-FM’s LGBT magazine program Queery Wednesday, January 14. Fitzpatrick reviewed Quest’s annual end-of-the-year Top 25, that selected the top 10 Wisconsin and national gay stories for 2008 and has made 5 predictions for 2009. This was Fitzpatrick’s second opportunity to review with the Queery hosts what has become one of the newsmagazine’s most popular and most commented upon features. Quest’s Top 25 of 2008 is available in the December 25 issue or online at www.quest-online.com with the link found on the Archives page.
  Queery features local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender news & information in a news magazine format. Queery covers local and national news affecting Madison’s LGBT community. The show airs on Wednesdays from 7 to 7:30 PM. The first show of every month is music. For more information about Queery and WORT-FM visit the radio station’s website at: www.wort-fm.org. To listen to an archived recording of the show online, got to the QNU page on www.quest-online.com and click on the Queery story in the State News section.

New LGBTQ Support Group offered at UW-Madison
Madison - The Counseling Psychology Training Clinic, in conjunction with Outreach, Inc. will be offering a LGBTQ support and process group. The group will meet weekly for ten weeks with the day and time to be decided. OutReach and the clinic are looking for individuals from the LGBTQ community who may be interested, including students, professionals, etc. This therapy group will focus on being a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning person and will be safe place for discussions related to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Topics may range from coming out and being out, integrating a LGBTQ identity into other areas of life, self-esteem, connecting with family and friends, community, relationships, religion, and trans/bi/homophobia. A brief in-person screening interview will be required.
  For more information, please contact the Counseling Psychology Training Clinic at 608-265-8779.

WCCC Presents Award to Julie Magida
Milwaukee - The Wisconsin Cream City Chorus has announced the recipient of its 2008-2009 Audrey Award for enduring enthusiasm and dedication. This year's recipient is Julie Magida, a member of the chorus since 2001 and twice an Executive Board member.
  According to WCCC President, Emory Churness, "Julie was recognized in large part for her willingness to take on all sorts of jobs for the chorus, large and small – many of them behind the scenes or at least unknown to our audience." According to Churness, Magida has helped hone the group's pronunciation of several Hebrew language pieces, organized countless music files, run errands, and lent her guitar talents for accompaniment at several concerts. She has also given many a memorable performance at WCCC shows, where she has conquered solos and characters ranging from rambunctious to heartfelt. "Julie's voice has always offered a fresh perspective and keeps in mind the heart of the organization and its mission," added Churness.
  The Audrey Award was established and first presented in 1998 in Memory of Audrey Mixdorf, a long-time member of the WCCC (and its adopted "Ma"). Every recipient since that time has shared Audrey's love of the chorus and a willingness to step up to do everything they can to support the WCCC in its mission to celebrate diversity in the community.
  For more information about the Wisconsin Cream City Chorus, its history and upcoming concerts, visit creamcitychorus.org.

Broom Street Theater Announces Auditions
Madison - Broom Street Theater announces auditions for “The Birds That Are Your Hands,” a multimedia performance that will unfold a tale about walls and borders against the backdrop of occupied lands torn asunder. The play is written and directed by Sol Kelley-Jones. Performances will run from March 13 through April 19.
  Auditions will be held at Broom Street Theater, 1119 Williamson Street, Madison, at 7 PM on Tuesday and Thursday, January 20 and 22, and the following Monday and Tuesday, January 26 and 27.
  Producers are looking for actors of all races, genders, and ages for a highly political, collaborative, experimental, theatrical work. Actors of color, particularly Arab and Latino-Chicano actors, are encouraged to audition. No experience is necessary. However, be prepared to move.
  For more information contact Broom Street Theater by phone at: 608-244-8338 or online at: www.broomstreet.org.

Women’s Voices Milwaukee Seeks Singers
Milwaukee - Women’s Voices Milwaukee is seeking female vocalists. Auditions/rehearsal s will take place Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, January 20, from 7-9 PM at the Milwaukee LGBT Center, 315 W Court St. For more information contact the chorus by email at: womensvoicesmilwaukee@gmail.com or or by phone at:  414-841-3707.

“Vagina Monologues” Auditions Set
Milwaukee - An open casting call and audition for a production of Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues” to be performed in March 2009 has been set for Saturday, January 24, from Noon to 5 PM at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 S. 2nd St.  For information, call 414-383-3727.

Cupid's Arrow Strike Online Auction Lovers
Milwaukee  -From February 1 to 15, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center will hold its inaugural Cupid's Arrow online auction to celebrate the season of love and compassion. In addition, the auction will help the center to raise much needed funds programs and services, which include, but are not limited to: Project Q, the Anti-Violence Project, HIV support services, the Spiritual Wellness series, the Financial Literary project, the Environmental Awareness program, the David Bohnett CyberCenter and the Milwaukee LGBT community library.
  Center supporters can help in three ways. First, additional auction items are needed for the Cupid's Arrow catalog. To donate valuable merchandise, rare collectibles, business or personal services or access to unique events, contact Patrick Price, Director of Philanthropy, by phone at 414-292-3065 or or by email pprice@mkelgbt.org to receive a auction donation form. The last day donations can be accepted is Friday, January 23.
  Secondly, sponsors are needed. Contact the center by email at at mkelgbt@cmarket.org or by phone at 414-292-3065 to take advantage of promotional opportunities for business or to pledge individual support.
  Lastly, supporters can bid on items during the auction. To bid online go to to the center's website at: www.mkelgbt.org and click on the cupid image in the upper left corner of the home page.

Cream City Winter Get Away February 19
Milwaukee - Escape for a fun-filled night in Mexico without every leaving Milwaukee! The Cream City Foundation’s Winter Get Away will offer that opportunity on Thursday, February 19 from 7 - 10 PM at the Cafe El Sol, 1028 S. 9th Street here.
  The CCF event - co-sponsored by Bacardi, MMK Design, Karen Gotzler - Urban Strategies, Joe Brehm of This Is It!, David Cadle, Michael Lisowski, and Sodi Rivera - will benefit the work of Cream City Foundation, including GayNeighbor.org and LGBT Youth Homelessness programs.
  Ticket packages range from $35 to $1000. Reserve tickets online at: www.creamcityfoundation.org. Click on the Winter Get Away logo. For more information, call CCF at: 414-225-0244 or email the foundation at: director@creamcityfoundation.org.

Fur Flee Weekend Set For March
Duluth-Superior - The North Country Bears will sponsor their 2nd Annual Fur Flee weekend in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior on March 6-8.  The Minneapolis-based group is offering an “early bear” special to grow interest in what is quickly becoming a late-winter tradition. Buy your weekend “Flee Collar” online for $30 and receive several beer busts, one liquor bust at the Flame, access to the all-night hospitality suite at the host hotel (with liquor and snacks).
The special also includes an afternoon pool party.
  According to the group host hotel rooms at the Superior Inn are going fast. The special “Operation  Thaw” rate at the hotel is just $59 per night. However, the pool rooms are already sold out! Reservations may be made at 1-800-777-8599.
  For more details about this year’s Fur Flee weekend, check the group’s website at: www.ncbears.com. Legislation 2009: Helping Wisconsin Choose Fairness
Second Of A Two-Part Interview With Fair Wisconsin’s Glenn Carlson
Interview by Mike Fitzpatrick

Last November saw the take over of the state Assembly by a majority of legislators affiliated with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Gay activist participation and collaboration with other progressive interest groups during the last two election cycles - much of it behind the scenes in the most recent campaign - has helped bring about a political climate change that may result in the melting of barriers to full equality not just in the next two years, but for a decade or more to come.
  Quest’s news editor Mike Fitzpatrick sat down last December with the head of Wisconsin’s statewide LGBT civil rights organization, Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Glenn Carlson, for an interview that is being published in two parts, with the latter half presented in this issue. Part one is available online in the Archives section of www.quest-online.com (click on link to the December 22 issue). In part two below, Carlson looks forward to the 2009 legislative session and the role Fair Wisconsin hopes to play in in seeking full equality for the state’s LGBT individuals and couples in the coming year.

Quest:  With the change in Assembly leadership, what can the Wisconsin LGBT community expect in 2009? Is there a “gay agenda”? If so, what has happened thus far to implement any of the items on it? Can the gay community expect to see a coordinated effort like that seen in 2006 to defeat the so-called Marriage Protection amendment to the state constitution?

Carlson: We have a long way to go before we achieve the “gay agenda” - which in the long term is about achieving basic fairness – our ability to safely hold a job, protect our  families, and to serve our country. We will fight smartly to that end. 
  In 2009, with the help of our donors and supporters, Fair Wisconsin will be proactive. With their help, Wisconsin will become the first state in the Heartland to recognize the validity of our families and ensure that two people in a responsible, committed relationship can take care of each other. We are constrained by an unfortunate amendment to our state constitution prohibiting recognition of “marriage” or anything “substantially similar to marriage.” So in the short-term, we will advocate for select domestic partner protections, such as allowing domestic partner medical insurance for state employees, including UW employees; allowing health care providers or their employees (such as doctors, nurses or their receptionists and other support staff) to hold a health care power of attorney for their domestic partner; giving domestic partners the same “crime victim’s kin,” “killed-in-the-line-of-duty,” and “wrongful death” protections currently provided to other grieving families; and amending  the 1915 state law that criminalizes out-of-state same-sex marriages. We hope to add transgender protection to our state’s historic 1983 sexual orientation nondiscrimination law, but recognize that we have work to do in our own community on this issue.
  We hope to avoid the mistakes of the past, while reaping its rewards. Fair Wisconsin is committed to working with our allies to achieve social justice for Wisconsin’s LGBT community. This year, we brought together the executive directors of the state’s LGBT social service agencies to assist Fair Wisconsin develop its legislative agenda. There is clear synergy between Fair Wisconsin’s work at the Capitol and statewide and the needs seen by the regional LGBT social service agencies. Our statewide community is more unified than ever and together we will help educate lawmakers about the lives of LGBT people, the real needs we have for legal protection and access to social services.

Quest:  Do you see a potential conflict with the so-called Marriage Protection amendment now in the state constitution? Could this legislation set up a court test from the homo haters? (Sorry, but I’m tired of calling them the “religious right” since I find that they are neither.)

Carlson: It’s true that the amendment prohibits marriage or anything “substantially like marriage.” Wisconsin currently provides 200 benefits to married couples. We believe that proposing some fair but limited legal protections for gay and lesbian couples would not violate the existing amendment and yet would better enable committed couples to care for each other. If we do achieve any relationship recognition, we are sure opponents of our community would challenge this in court, so this may be decided by our state Supreme Court. Which is another reason our community should care about the Supreme Court Justice election in April!

Quest: Will Fair Wisconsin endorse a candidate in this race? And if so, can you tell me who?

Carlson: Fair Wisconsin will be endorsing someone in this race, once we are aware of all the candidates on the ticket and whether there will be a primary in February. (Editor’s Note: The filing deadline for the Supreme Court race had not passed at the time of this interview.) However, as Fair Wisconsin did in the general election cycle, we will determine the timing and placement of the announcement for maximum benefit. There is a balance between energizing our supporters without giving undue ammunition to our opponents.

Quest: President-elect Obama has signaled that on a federal level, “gay agenda” issues such as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” aren’t on the action items list until at least 2010. Has the economic crisis and recession impacted the LGBT civil rights movement? How do you respond to those who might say it is not wise for the gay community to “push the envelope” at a time when so many are hurting?

Carlson: Civil rights or the economy is a false choice. Our nation and its economy have grown stronger each time we’ve expanded our tent.  Civil inclusion for LGBT citizens is no exception.  A garage or basement is fine, but the closet is an awful place to try to start a new business.

Following the formal interview Carlson signaled that Fair Wisconsin will also be releasing more detailed information on its legislative priorities as the legislative session gets under way in 2009. Quest will continue to cover the LGBT community’s progress on equality issues throughout the coming year.

Quest Makes History, And Now Is Home To History
By Don Schwamb
Quest embarks on its 16th year of publishing in just another issue or two - surpassing the run time for Wisconsin Light newspaper. Only Wisconsin IN Step magazine/newspaper, which survived for 19 years, printed longer.
  As Quest thus makes history, this is a fitting time for Quest to become the new home of a regular History article.  With this issue, watch for a new regular feature, “This Month in History”, appearing in Quest about once a month.  This regular article will highlight notable LGBT events in Wisconsin from 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years ago.  Old issues of Quest will be an important resource in covering the news and happenings of the past 15 years, and we will delve into copies of other Wisconsin LGBT publications as well.
  Watch for these articles, a joint effort by Michail Takach and myself.  Both of us will also occasionally contribute other articles about historical events, people, places, and things throughout Milwaukee.  You can always find out more about any of the news and events we talk about at the web site, ‘www.wisconsingayhistory.org’. You can also see the actual old publications that we reference at this web site, as well as research your favorite bar or organization from times past- explore and enjoy!
  In the meantime, we are looking for help with two important efforts. First, we are spending considerable time trying to document the history of gay and lesbian life throughout Wisconsin. This is totally a volunteer effort, so we are seeking individuals throughout the state who are interested in helping to collect stories, photographs, and information about organizations, bars, businesses, people, and events from the past. If this interests you, contact me at ‘webmaster@mkelgbthist.org’ to discuss how you might be able to help. We are looking for people of all ages and interests - anything you can help with will be invaluable to the community.
  Secondly, we are looking for copies of old LGBT publications that help us document the past. We are especially looking for the following: Escape (bar rag, then newspaper, 1982-83); Out! newspaper (1982-87); RAGG magazine (1983-84); Q-Voice (any issues, 1996-98); and select copies of IN Step (need mostly issues from 2000-2003).  If you have any of these publications, we would like to at least borrow to scan them so they can be properly researched and indexed.
  Congratulations Quest on over 15 years of contributing to the historical record of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender life in Wisconsin. The past 15 years have been seen many changes, mostly good but some bad-- it’ll be interesting to see what the next 15 years bring. Make history with us, be proud to be a part of the LGBT community in Wisconsin!

End Of The Year Issue Enjoyed
I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading your magazine. I get information that I haven’t seen elsewhere and your current issue  has so much in it that it took me two sittings to read all that interested me. (Sometimes I have to allot myself reading time). It is a great issue as have been all the others this year. Keep up the good work.  Happy New Year.

William ‘Bill’ Serpe, Executive Director
 SAGE/Milwaukee

Who Owns The Word “Marriage”?
“Marriage”- what does this word mean to most Americans and what image pops up in their minds when they think of this word? Have the conservatives been successful in branding this word to their particular ideas and political agenda?
  With the tactics that were used to pass Prop 8, we were quick to learn that the conservatives wanted to brand the word Marriage to include fear, limitation and brutal misconceptions about the gay community. From their print ads and television commercials, conservatives injected an image that gay marriage would mean the tragic loss of their brand of “Marriage.” More than that, their message set out to convince voters that the loss of their definition of “Marriage” would surely lead to utter anarchy and ruin for our entire society.
  What a HUGE statement!
  In my opinion, the American conservative movement has absolutely been successful in convincing the general public that bringing equal marriage rights to the gay minority = the ruin of our nation.
  Does the average LGBT citizen realize just how expansive a task lies ahead?
  Realistically, how do we turn this around and instead brand our own vision of “Marriage” to the voting public, so as to avoid another Prop 8 or worse – the continuing ripple effect that Prop 8 could potentially create?
  First and most important, our community must decide together on a simple and concise meaning for our definition of “Marriage.” We must focus on a clear image of the word that embodies our own political agenda: Equality. And truly, a greater degree of Equality in our nation will only serve to bring the exact opposite of anarchy… instead it will serve to bring a stronger foundation of freedom and happiness for all our people.
  So how do we spread our message?
Here at Same Love, Same Rights our goal has always been to bring the community together for successful dialogue. We began Same Love, Same Rights three years ago to help bring the tools to our community so that we could indeed become more cohesive and rally around a central message.
  In fact, at that time we proposed a Gay Marriage Summit, inviting all the political and marriage rights organizations within the nation to join for one weekend to shape an effective and targeted campaign for equal rights in marriage, to find one cohesive voice to use not only to fight anti-gay amendments but to shape and brand our ideal (and non-threatening) meaning of “Marriage” to the public. This was three years ago, and I’m sad to report that not one LGBT equality organization replied to any of our invitations. Not one.
  Their reasoning? We’re not sure. …They are too busy. They do not take us seriously, as our parent company is RainbowWeddingNetwork.com which has been in existence now nearly a decade but is a for-profit company and that fact, unfortunately, has been scoffed at by such equality organizations. (They are willing to accept sponsorships and cash donations from other, straight-owned, for-profit corporations, but unwilling to sit at a conference table proposed by us – a very small lesbian-owned company working daily on behalf of the gay community. Hmm.) Or, more probably, there is another reason.
  I invite you to ask why. In your own town, with your own voice, week after week… Pose your questions!
  And at the same time, make use of our Forum, visit one of our Wedding Expos or utilize our other resources to communicate with like-minded LGBT citizens and advocates so that, at a grassroots level, we as individuals can decide the course of our journey to Equality.
It is, after all, our own individual responsibility. We must take the initiative and commit to promoting our own worth and our own human rights.
  I look forward to reading your posts. Let us know your thoughts on the subject, as well as the actions you are planning to undertake in 2009 to move our cause forward. Thank You.

Cindy Sproul, co-founder
RainbowWeddingNetwork.com