Quest Features:
PrideFest 2010 A Look Back
Dear Ruthie Interviews Comediane Devin Green

Fair Wisconsin’s Executive Director Discusses A Clear Path Forward After Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision on the Marriage Amendmant

On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the 2006 constitutional amendment banning marriage equality and civil unions in the McConkey v. J.B. Van Hollen et al. decision. In this case, William McConkey challenged the validity of the amendment, stating that it violates the single subject requirement for all constitutional amendments by addressing both marriage and civil unions.

This decision was not about public policy, but rather about legal procedure.
In the unanimous decision, liberal and conservative alike agreed that the amendment did not violate the single subject rule. Our highly politicized Supreme Court had the opportunity to use this case to make a statement, to undermine our 2009 domestic partnership victory and do irreparable harm to the fight for equality, but they did not.

Conservative Justice Michael Gableman was tasked with writing the opinion. While many of us disagree with the court about whether or not civil unions are the equivalent of marriage, Gableman’s words were clear: “…the question before us is not whether the marriage amendment is good public policy or bad public policy, nor its interpretation or application…”
These statements signal that the court was not weighing in on the merits of the amendment. They did not interpret the amendment. They did not discuss or include commentary on whether the amendment was the right step for our state or not. The justices took care to not legislate from the bench.

The outcome was not what we at Fair Wisconsin had hoped for. When we joined with the ACLU and Lambda Legal to file an amicus brief in the case, it was for the express purpose of preventing the court from doing irreparable harm to our current legislative victories and our future priorities.

So, where do we go now?

This decision is not a step backwards; it rather confirms the status quo. It does not change the amendment or domestic partnerships. Couples who have registered as domestic partnerships are not affected and couples can continue to register at their county clerk’s office.

Some have said that this decision may bolster the confidence of the anti-fairness conservatives who see an opportunity to challenge the domestic partnership registry. To those people I say, “Been there, done that.” The Supreme Court threw out the first challenge before they even decided the McConkey case. And if our opposition brings the case to a lower court, we are ready to once again swiftly and effectively defend the critical protections that so many couples are enjoying around the state.

What this decision does is clarify the path to full equality.

We’re going to have to push up our sleeves and do it the old-fashioned way. Putting boots on the ground, continuing to elect leaders who will stand with us in the fight for equality, educating people about the harms the amendment inflicts on caring, committed same-sex couples across the state every day.

Repealing a constitutional amendment is no easy process. Two consecutive sessions of the legislature need to pass the repeal measure and then we go back to the ballot with another statewide referendum. I have no doubt that we will accomplish these goals and more. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It will take time to get the right elected leaders in office. It will take time to change the hearts and minds of our friends and neighbors, to gain their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

So, we’d better get a move on.

For more information about how you can help build a fair Wisconsin, please visit www.fairwisconsin.com.

Katie Belanger has extensive experience in Wisconsin politics, campaign and nonprofit fundraising and grassroots organizing. Katie joined Fair Wisconsin as the Legislative Director to shepherd Wisconsin’s first pro-fairness legislation in over two decades, domestic partnership protections, through the 2009-2011 biennial budget process. In July 2009, Katie became Fair Wisconsin’s Executive Director.

PRIDEFEST PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO WISCONSIN GAZETTE EDITORIAL

After reading Wisconsin Gazette’s editorial entitled “PrideFest’s blank page”, I had to take a moment before responding. As President of PrideFest, I find myself having to be careful just how to react to anything that comes our way. PrideFest often finds itself the target of criticism by sundry people and groups. More often than not, these are out of petty self-absorbed interests, too many and too petty to respond to – here or anywhere.

I first would like to thank Wisconsin Gazette for their inclusion of PrideFest related articles in some of its editions before the festival, especially the one about our organization’s volunteerism. Another described the 12-month time line it takes our volunteers to put on PrideFest. This was restated in the editorial and I am very appreciative of that. There was also a mention of the LGBT entertainers showcased at PrideFest. Many come from around the country and the world simply for exposure at our festival. PrideFest needs these performers for all they put into it.

But, I take to task the editor’s view that PrideFest didn’t do enough or anything political. It also cited a blank website History page. PrideFest’s very presence at Henry W. Maier Festival Park is a political statement unto itself. Numerous people, from Milwaukee and from around the country, have personally told me that PrideFest should look at other venues to hold our event because of the costs incurred using these grounds. I have to educate them about PrideFest’s history. Our community came together to save the festival and the use of these grounds. By being there, PrideFest is a significant part within wider community of ethnic festivals. This is extremely important, socially and politically, because it places PrideFest and the LGBT community at an equal level with all the other diverse communities in our State.

However, having said that, PrideFest is not a political entity; the community has other organizations for that. PrideFest is an organization that through its work builds the platform for others to utilize and thus express the LGBT community’s full concerns and constructs. These include the political and historical.

The editor must have missed our Opening Ceremony, or simply neglected to mention it in his editorial. The Opening Ceremony included, among the many presentations, the unveiling of the US Postal Service’s “PrideFest pictorial cancellation” and the accounting of how it came about through the leadership of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s Executive Director, Dr. Maggi Cage. The fact that Milwaukee’s Post Master, Charlie Miller, was present to unveil the cancellation, and the USPS staffed a booth at PrideFest to cancel items to mail, were very important acknowledgements from a government agency. These recognized the importance and relevance of Milwaukee’s LGBT community. PrideFest also produced post cards and a unique postage stamp of our own. These are all political achievements.

In recognition of decades of service to our community’s health needs, the PrideFest Medal for Community Service was presented to the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin and BESTD Clinic. This recognition was also bestowed on Mark Mariucci, publisher of QUEST for his long-term service to Wisconsin’s LGBT community. The Castaways MC and the Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf received certificates for their many years of volunteer service to PrideFest.

During the Opening Ceremony, Diverse & Resilient’s Brenda Coley spoke about PrideFest’s Health & Wellness (H&W) area’s emphasis on HIV testing. She described the renewed outreach that PrideFest’s H&W area implemented this year in response to Milwaukee’s increase of HIV cases. This is a socially and politically important act. PrideFest is proud to be a part this mission with the assistance of the entire H&W committee: ARCW, BESTD Clinic, Diverse & Resilient, FORGE (editor forgot them), Milwaukee LGBT Community Center and, this year, the State Department of Health Services.

As for the History Project, it is an undertaking by individual community members under the guidance of SAGE Milwaukee. A history display has been part of our Pride celebration for years. PrideFest again stepped forward to make it happen this year. PrideFest purchased the materials needed to create the exhibit in the Arts and Culture Building. Numerous panels showed hundreds of photos of our past events. Included were images of Pride balls and parades, softball tournaments, AIDS Walks and much more along with the people who made them happen and participated in them. PrideFest thanks Jerry Johnson and Chris Lubus for their dedication, tireless efforts and determination in designing and constructing the exhibit.

A separate SAGE display with photos and biographical texts gave tribute to our early LGBT activists Sue Cook, Shirley Fitzpatrick, Ron Geiman, Eldon Murray, Si Smits and Karen Snider. Their contributions are part of our legacy and honored as such.

Also in the Art & Culture Building, the UWM LGBT Archive presented information about its holdings.
Apparently the editor did not walk through the entire grounds to see all of what was there. Had he taken the time to experience the full spectrum of PrideFest’s offerings, he may have better appreciated the vast diversity, impact and importance of this wonderful event, Milwaukee’s LGBT community’s PrideFest.

The blank page of the website was an unfortunate omission due to a change in web providers and developers. They are also volunteers. PrideFest will address this and find a solution that will best serve everyone involved and the LGBT community’s need and desire to claim and present its history.

Ultimately, 30000+ people attended PrideFest 2010. They enjoyed top comedy and musical entertainment, art, theatre, a volleyball tournament, belly dance, family programs, religious services, explored a Health & Wellness area, got tested, danced, and celebrated the great strides our Milwaukee LGBT community has made. That fact is worthy of an editorial.

Forward In Pride & Peace,
Scott D. Gunkel,
President PrideFest


6th Annual Rainbow Community Pot Luck Picnic

Racine - Burgers, Brats, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers, Buns are the main course for the commuity pot luck to be held at the Washington Park Senior Center 4420 W. Vliet Street ~ Behind the Building. The event in it’s 6th year is set for Saturday, July 17 from noon - 4 pm. Rain date is Sunday, July 18. This event is sponsored by Black and White Men Together, Brew City Bears, Lesbian Alliance, Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church, PFLAG, Plymouth United Church of Christ, SAGE/Milwaukee, & Wisconsin Rainbow Families.
Lunch will be served around 1 pm. Condiments and utensils will be provided along with the burgers and brats etc.

People are asked to bring the following: If your last name begins with
A-L ~ Snacks (Veggies and Dip, Chips, Appetizers, etc.)
 M-S ~ Side Dish (Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, etc.)
T-Z ~ Desserts (Cake, Pie, Melons, Fruit, etc.)

As you are able, please bring enough for six or more people. Also be sure to bring a lawn chair for yourself to sit on.

Fair Wisconsin PAC & Human Rights League PAC Endorse Pro-Fairness Candidates Statewide
LGBT Groups Join Together to Make Endorsements for 2010 Fall Elections

Madison - Fair Wisconsin PAC and Human Rights League PAC have announced joint 2010 fall election endorsements. Fair Wisconsin in a press release stated, “Fair Wisconsin PAC and Human Rights League PAC (HRL-PAC) are committed to advancing and achieving equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Wisconsinites through strategic electoral activity.” Quest does not intend to tell readers who to vote for. This information is made available so readers can make more informed decisions at the voting booth.

“We are excited to support so many pro-fairness candidates from across Wisconsin as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the passage of domestic partnership protections. These candidates have shown a commitment to advancing equality in Wisconsin and we look forward to working with them in the next legislative session,” said Katie Belanger, Fair Wisconsin Executive Director.
HRL-PAC Co-Chairs, Dennis Kohler and Laurie Guilbault agree that maintaining and expanding pro-fairness majorities in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate will allow us to continue taking important steps towards equality.
Below is a list of candidates receiving an endorsement from Fair Wisconsin PAC and HRL-PAC:

WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY
Rep. Fred Kessler AD12
Rep. Christine Sinicki AD20
Tom Michalski AD21
Rep. Sandy Pasch AD22
Liz Jones AD29
Rep. Kim Hixson AD43
Speaker Mike Sheridan AD44
Rep. Gary Hebl AD46
Rep. Joe Parisi AD48
Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber AD57
Rep. Robert Turner AD61
Steve Brown AD66
Rep. Kristen Dexter AD68
Janet Bewley AD74
Rep. Terese Berceau AD76
Rep. Mark Pocan AD78
Janis Ringhand AD80
Rep. Kelda Helen Roys AD81
Rep. Jim Soletski AD88
Rep. Mark Radcliffe AD92
Rep. Jeff Smith AD93

ATTORNEY GENERAL
Scott Hassett

WISCONSIN STATE SENATE
Sen. Tim Carpenter SD3
Sen. Jim Sullivan SD5
Sen. John Lehman SD21
Sen. Pat Kreitlow SD23
Sen. Jon Erpenbach SD27
Sen. Kathleen Vinehout SD31

These endorsements follow Fair Wisconsin PAC and HRL-PAC?s endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett this spring. We believe that Barrett will be the strong leader we need to continue advancing equality. He has shown a true commitment to equality with his vocal opposition to the discriminatory 2006 constitutional amendment banning marriage equality in Wisconsin and with his opposition in Congress to the “Don?t Ask, Don?t Tell” policy banning gays and lesbians from serving in the military. We are thrilled to call him a true partner in the quest for fairness.

For more information about Fair Wisconsin, please visit www.fairwisconsin.com. For more information about Human Rights League PAC, please visit www.hrl-pac.org.

LGBT Resource Center Seven Rivers Reagion Asks for Financial Support.

La Crosse - A a phonathon and messaging campaign has begun to help raise funds for the non-profit LGBT Center Seven Riveers reagion. To help inspire pople to give money, One board member has already pledged $1,000.00.
While the center has received limited funding through grants and foundations, the past six years the center has mainly relied on donations to remain open. “Many who utilize the Center on a regular basis refer to it as a safe harbor and place of refuge,” states a press release sent to Quest. The center provides one of kind services in the Seven Rivers Region for to the LGBT community, allies, professionals, and also the general community.  Since acquiring GALAXY, a youth program for 13-20 year olds,  they have served more than 80 youth at weekly meetings.  The Center is conveniently located downtown and is open six days a week.

Although a donation of $1000.00 like the board member provided helps cover programming costs that make GALAXY, Drop In Group, Transgender & Gender Queer Gathering, GLENDA, and more keep operating, any amount of a gift is appreciated by the center. Since it has been a non-profit since 2004, the Center is recognized as a charitable organization for tax purposes.

To find out more about the center, or to donate, check out thier website at www.7riverslgbt.org

NEW iPHONE APP IMPROVES ON YOUR BUILT IN GAYDAR!

Orlando, FL - On the heels of Grinder annoucing and upgrade to their popular gay dating app to allow straight people in on all the fun, ACME AtronOmatic, releases a new application, "Bandana - The Gaydar App" for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. This social networking application for the Gay and Bisexual community employs a patent-pending method that uses the device's Bluetooth radio to broadcast a special signal that can be picked up by other nearby users with a similarly-equipped device.  The end result turns your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch into an actual "gaydar detector" with a range of up to 100 feet.

"What gay man hasn't at one time thought, 'Wow, wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of gaydar detector that would tell you if someone was gay or not'," says Oscar Flemming, lead developer at ACME AtronOmatic.  "With this app in your pocket, you can have exactly that."

The app will work in areas without internet connectivity by storing contacts via bluetooth so they can be viewed when you are connected to the net. Privacy settings allow you to configure so that a gaydar signal is only detectable by other "confirmed gay" users.  In order to become a "confirmed gay" user, you must be approved by an already-existing "confirmed gay" user.
Bandana is a free app available now at the iTunes App Store. FMI goto http://netbandana.com.

“Finally something to fix my broken gaydar,” jokes Quest’s publisher Mark Mariucci.

Quest Searches For Wisconsin Writers

Green Bay - Quest Magazine, Wisconsin’s LGBT News and Entertainment magazine in its 17th year of publishing is looking to expand the state’s LGBT voice with more content outside Milwaukee. Writers from Madison, Green Bay and the Fox Valley, La Crosse and Duluth/Superior are being sought to contribute news stories for their area and feature writing of special interest to the LGBT communities in Wisconsin.

“We have always tried to give most of our magazine space to writers who are living and working in Wisconsin. Except for occassional promotional articles sent to us for consideration, the only regular column we run that is syndicated and from out of Wisconsin is the popular Dating Diet piece,” notes Quest Publisher Mark Mariucci.

“Quest relies on QNU (Quest News Update) on our website to run most of the national news stories that come out. In the past our readers have indicated they usually have read any national news online long before it appears in one of the local papers that aren’t daily but come out every other week.” comments Mr. Mariucci.

Students and non-proffessional writers will find this an especially exciting opportunity to get something published. A resume is not required, but samples of your writing are. Please contact Quest Publisher Mark Mariucci at (800)578-3785 or if using a cell phone, (920) 655-0611, or send an email to editor@quest-online.com. Together we can help grow our community stronger.