Quest Magazine Volume 17 Issue 1
February 11 - 24, 2010

Please check out Our Cover Feature on Quest Journalist Mike Fitzpatrick

Two Arts Features Including Milwaukee Gay Arts Center

NATIONAL & WISCONSIN NEWS is BELOW

Hawai'i Legislators Kill Civil Unions Bill- Lambda Legal and ACLU Plan to Sue

Honolulu - Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i Foundation (ACLU) today announced they are planning legal action against the state of Hawai'i following last Friday's failure by the Hawai'i Legislature to enact a law providing broad legal rights and duties to the state's lesbia — by a veto-proof 18 to 7 majority the week before, sending the bill back to the House for a conforming vote.  Although the House had passed H.B. 444 by an emphatic 33 to 17 margin last year, House members used an anonymous voice vote to kill the bill last Friday.

"Enough is enough. Infinite patience in the face of discrimination is irresponsible,"said Jennifer C. Pizer, Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal.  "Our clients suffer every day from unfair taxes and denial of basic legal protections that every family in Hawai'i' needs. Because the Legislature has ducked its responsibility multiple sessions in a row, we have no choice now but to bring our clients' legal claims to court."

Hawai'i's constitution was amended in 1998 to allow the Legislature to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples, which it has done.  This means same-sex couples cannot sue for full equality through marriage.  Although civil unions are a lesser status, they would provide a full range of state law protections and duties to gay and lesbian couples, such as relief from unfair state taxation of job-provided health insurance for family members, clear duties to pay child support and alimony as spouses must, protection of the family home against nursing home costs as spouses receive, and other vital protections.   The current "reciprocal beneficiaries"system not only fails to provide many basic rights but also sends a harmful message that the state views same-sex couples as less worthy of rights and protections.

"Civil unions offer essential protections but they are old news these days,"said Lois Perrin, Legal Director of the ACLU of Hawaii.  "It's shameful that Hawaii again validates discrimination — another blot on our history of diversity and fair treatment of all people.  Once again, lawmakers' continued failure to support what's fair and right will leave many constituent families vulnerable under the current reciprocal beneficiary laws.

Members of Congress Tell Boy Scouts to End Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians

Washington DC - 26 Members of Congress urged the Boy Scouts of America to end its discriminatory policy of not accepting gays and lesbians in a letter sent to the Chief Scout Executive of the organization.

The correspondence, initiated by U.S. Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), was sent in response to the Boy Scouts’ rejection of Cate and Elizabeth Wirth, a couple in Vermont who were told they could not volunteer for their 10 year old son’s Cub Scout pack after it was revealed that the women are lesbians. In explaining the Boy Scouts’ national policy of excluding gays and lesbians as volunteers, their district director suggested that the Wirths would “push their lifestyle on the boys.” 

“Regrettably, the current, discriminatory policy of the Boy Scouts of America has denied opportunities for young scouts, community-oriented citizens, and loving parents,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter to Robert Mazzuca, the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. “As you celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, it is long past time that the Boy Scouts finally provide the opportunity for all Scouts, Leaders, and volunteers, to share in the joys of Scouting, regardless of sexual orientation.”

Ackerman, a proud Eagle Scout, continues to salute the tireless contributions of Scouts from throughout the nation but contends that the discriminatory policy of the organization must change.

“I’ll always be a proud Eagle Scout, but this discriminatory policy must end” said Ackerman. “Rejecting a Cub Scout’s mothers from volunteering just because of their sexual orientation doesn’t comply with the Scout law I recited at Scout meetings.”

“Scouting is a proud and honorable tradition in this country, but discrimination is not,” said Congresswoman Baldwin, Co-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus. “Children with same sex parents deserve the same opportunities to have their parents involved in their scouting experience as their classmates do and I urge the Boy Scouts of America to end this discriminatory policy,” Baldwin said.

Point Foundation Now Accepting Applications For LGBT Scholarships

The Point Foundation, the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students of merit, has announced the opening of its 2010 application season. Students who will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2010-11 school year are eligible to apply for the prestigious multiyear scholarships.

The average amount of annual support devoted to each scholar is between $25,000 and $33,000. A Point Scholarship award includes financial support as well as programmatic support in leadership training, community service, and mentoring.
The rigorous selection process requires candidates demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and financial need. Particular attention is paid to students who have lost the financial and social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance, attend Point's various leadership forums, participate in press interviews, and give back to the LGBT community through the completion of an individual community service project each year. They are matched with mentors from the professional world through Point's Mentoring Program; mentors lend their professional expertise and career guidance and become important role models to scholars.
FMI http://www.pointfoundation.org/instructions.html

WISCONSIN COMMUNITY NEWS

CDC TO PRESENT FINDINGS ON INCREASED HIV INFECTION RATES FOR YOUNG GAY MEN IN MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee - On March 2, CDC investigators will present findings from the on-site investigation conducted last fall regarding the increase in HIV infection in Milwaukee among young men who have sex with men (MSM), especially young African American MSM.

Two presentations are scheduled- for public health professionals March 2, 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon (continental breakfast at 9:00 AM; presentation at 9:30 AM) at the African American Women's Center, 3020 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208. All are welcome but the presentation will be geared towards a professional audience and will be followed by discussion of next steps. A second presentation for community members and geared towards an audience of young MSM will be held March 2, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (food served at 5:30 PM, presentation to follow) at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 315 West Court Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3842 Again all are welcome and will be followed by discussion of next steps

FIRST EVER WISCONSIN REPORT ON GAY AND TRANSGENDER HOMELESS YOUTH IN MILWAUKEE TO BE RELEASED
STUDY FINDS 23% OF HOMELESS YOUTH IN SURVEY IDENTIFY AS GAY AND TRANSGENDER
Milwaukee - Cream City Foundation is releasing a first-ever report and research on LGBT youth who are homeless in Milwaukee. Of those surveyed in this initial research, 23% identified LGBT.  In addition, LGBT youth report being "thrown out" at triple the rate of heterosexual youth and are more likely to report abuse/violence as a reason for homelessness.

"This initial Milwaukee pilot study echoes the findings of national studies that show that 20-40% of all homeless youth identify as LGBT - and that is pretty alarming," stated Maria Cadenas, Executive Director. "It points to the need to include an LGBT lens if we are serious about addressing youth homelessness."  

Cream City Foundation, along with our grantee partners, has been working to address this important issue. Over the past year, researchers at the Center for Urban Initiatives and Research at UW-Milwaukee have collected data from several Milwaukee area agencies that serve homeless youth. For a full copy of the results visit www.CreamCityFoundation.org and click on "LGBT Youth Homeless Report" on the home page.  

The general public and members of the media are invited to a Community Meeting hosted by Cream City Foundation regarding this report and the initial research results Wednesday, February 24 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm at Renaissance Place, 1451 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or fmi, please call 414.225.0244.  

Sing-a-Long Wizard of Oz benefit For Skylight Opera Theatre
Milwaukee - Skylight Opera Theatre will present a limited engagement of the popular Sing-a-Long Wizard of Oz as the third such fundraising event. Two screenings are scheduled: February 19 at 7:30pm and February 20 at 7:30pm in the Cabot Theatre of the Broadway Theater Center. Proceeds from the screenings will directly support the Skylight’s productions and education programs.

This is an audience participation event that encourages fun costumes and lots of singing. Sing-A-Long Sound of Music was the first attempt at re- working a well known family classic into a roudy fun  audience participation event. The Wizard Of Oz sing-a-long version came next. This version is based on the new 70th anniversary edition and is complete with lyric subtitles so the audience can join in.

Things start with a vocal warm-up led by the evening's host, Skylight's own Associate Artistic Director and Education Director, Ray Jivoff, last seen as Roger de Bris in Skylight's hit The Producers. Next there will be a costume competition in which contestants are invited onstage. Prizes will be awarded to the top three costumes at each screening.
Tickets are $25 and include admission to the movie, the pre-show event, and a $15 tax-deductible contribution to the Skylight Opera Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Broadway Theatre Center box office at 414-291-7800 or online at www.skylightopera.com.  

Breakfast Change Makes a Difference for Gay Youth
Milwaukee - Front Runners/Walkers, a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) runners/walkers and their friends, meets for breakfast every Saturday after their weekly run or walk. The breakfast is more than a chance to catch up with each other, it is also their way of giving back. After the bill and tip are paid, the group collects the left over dollars and cents. Overtime those saved funds add up to support a variety of Milwaukee causes.

January 16th the group voted to honor Cream City Foundation's work by presenting them with a gift of $500. "This is a tremendous honor," said Maria Cadenas. "The members of Front Runners/Walkers took something as simple as collecting change from a joint outing, to make a donation five-times our average gift size possible!" Thier plans are to use the funds to impact the child welfare system and help create a more supportive and responsive environment for all youth - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Our LGBT Youth Homelessness Initiative is only made possible from the many donations of generous individuals and foundations," said Stacey Herzing, President of Cream City Foundation, "An estimated 24% of all homeless youth identify as LGBT, a donation of this size is invaluable in helping us get that message out."

"We hope this helps Cream City as they continue in their efforts to create equality for all LGBT people, including our youth." said Dan Lagerman, member of Front Runners/Walkers.

Since 1996, Front Runners/Walkers has been meeting every Saturday morning at 9am at the far-east end of North Avenue for a 35 min run or walk through Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.  After wards, they head off to a nearby restaurant for a friendly breakfast. All are welcomed and there are no fees or dues to participate.  For more information visit http://ullrwolf.com/frontrunnersmke/welcome.html or call 414.443.0379.

Cream City Foundation, the second oldest LGBT foundation in the country and serves as a catalyst for social change on behalf of LGBT communities. FMI call 414.221.0244 or visit www.CreamCityFoundation.org.

Milwaukee SSBL Announces Miller Park Volunteer Training @ MGAC
Milwaukee Saturday Softball League (SSBL) invites all volunteers to its annual Miller Park Concession Volunteer Training session. The one-hour session begins at 6:30pm, Tuesday, February 23 at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 South 2nd Street (one block north of National Avenue). Players, fans and friends are encouraged to attend. Training is required for all stadium volunteers.

Each year SSBL volunteers staff a Miller Park concession stand at Milwaukee Brewers’ home stands in order to raise funds. This season SSBL will work at 32 games. Revenue raised by this venture supports SSBL softball and the Dairyland Classic Tournament.

For added incentive, volunteers who work 13 games may attend the gay softball world series in Columbus, Ohio, with their transportation and accommodations subsidized by SSBL.
Please arrive early to mix and mingle with your teammates, friends and fans. Session begins promptly at 6:30pm

Dance for Your Health - Milwaukee Clubs Offer Lessons
Two Long running LGBT social clubs in Milwaukee are offering dance lessons. Cream City Squares, Milwaukee's square dance club offers lessons beginning Sunday, February 14 from 1-3 pm at Lake Park Lutheran Church on Milwaukee's  East Side. Meanwhile, Shoreline-Milwaukee will offer partner dances and contemporary line dance lessons for beginners at Hot Water/The Wherehouse, 818 S. Water Street in Milwaukee, on the 2nd and 4th Friday each month, from 7:30-8:30 pm. 
Shoreline makes this dance opportunity available to those with absolutely no previous dance experience required.  Likewise NO partner is required.   Instructors will teach the 2-step and basic swing using both country music and and pop music.

Dancers rotate partners during lessons. FMI call Laura (414)747-0388 or visit www.shoreline-milw.org.
Although most people dance for the fun of it, regular dancing has significant health benefits. Laura from Cream City Squares says, “This isn't your grandparents' dancing!  There is no dress code--blue jeans and a Tshirt are OK-- dancers can dance either the boy or girl role, it's high energy, and NO partner is needed!” The Square Dance lessons are smoke and alcohol free. FMI James (414)461-5359 or Shari at (414)526-5055. www.iagsdc.org/creamcity

MGAC Presents a Dramatic Reading of Neil Haven’s Pink Champagne

Milwaukee - In spring 2007 members of the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center board of directors attended a performance of Get a Life by emerging local playwright, Neil Haven. They decided to approach Haven to write a play relevant to contemporary LGBT life.

The MGAC commission, with partial funding made through the Washington Heights Rainbow Association, resulted in a gay themed comedy, Sugar Daddy. It dealt with LGBT family issues from late term coming out to gay marriage. A dramatic reading with Milwaukee theatre personalities Angela Iannone and Richard Carsey took place. When attempts to find funding for a full production through the Milwaukee Arts Board and a local LGBT foundation were unsuccessful, the project had to be shelved.

Haven is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, working towards a Master in Fine Arts. Meanwhile, he reworked the play into a new version, Pink Champagne. It was produced at UNLV in fall of 2009.

Back in Milwaukee for a production of another of his plays at In Tandem Theater, Haven has enlisted the support of professional actors for a dramatic reading at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. The cast features Angela Iannone, Kurt Ollmann, T Stacy Hicks, Dan Katula and Dylan Zalewski

A talk back after the reading will be lead by dramaturge KC Davis.

The reading takes place Monday, February 22 at 7:30pm at MGAC, 703 South 2nd Street in Historic Walker’s Point. A $10 donation is requested at the door. Advance reservations are suggested and may be made at
414-383-3727.