Saturday, June 30, 2007

nominations for this year's "Out 100."


Follow the link to nomination your fave queer or queer ally:

http://www.out.com/takeSurvey.asp?surveyid=7
UCLA Same-Sex Couples Study

We are a team of researchers from UCLA interested in better understanding the life experiences of same-sex couples.

In this research you will be asked to complete a set of online questionnaires regarding your relationship and your social interactions.

To participate, you must be:
- At least 18 years of age
- *_Currently in a same-sex romantic relationship_*
- Currently living in California

A donation will be made to one of several charities in return for participation.

To participate or to learn more about the research and the researchers, please go to the following web address: _www.same-sex-couples-study.com_**

If you have any questions, please email Adam Fingerhut, M.A. at awf@ucla.edu or Natalya Maisel at maisel@ucla.edu.

UCLA IRB #G06-06-097-01

Thursday, June 28, 2007

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I report on after Pride: “A relatively calm Pride, police say”; I covered an important case for transgender inmates: “TG prisoner sues corrections dept.”; I followed up on an HIV-positive man’s housing issues: “HIVer can stay in apartment”; and I reported on the city’s new campaign to educate about gay male rape services: “City launches 'Men Surviving Rape' ads.”

For more news and entertainment visit the Bay Area Reporter online or pick up an issue at your local independent or queer bookstore.
I found this interesting article on National Gay News...I hope you enjoy it.
We're All Gay -- The Only Question is How Much?
Posted Jun 28th 2007 2:53PM by Cenk Uygur

As usual Dinesh D'Souza is wrong. He sees the examples of the ancient Greeks and Romans practicing bisexuality as definitive proof that homosexuality is not innate. His theory is that since current Greeks and Romans don't practice rampant bisexuality (let's assume that's true for the moment being) and the ancient Greeks and Romans did, it must be a cultural thing. Not a genetic one.

What if it were both? Which it is. That the human animal is capable (and interested) in bisexuality on a large scale and that this does not manifest itself until society is open to it. This is ironically very similar to the Christian right argument that we must guard against homosexuality because if society is left unguarded, homosexuality, or at least bisexuality, will run rampant. I agree. And I would add -- so what?

What's funny about the Christian right argument is that they admit that they are powerless to stop feelings of homosexuality taking over if society opens up to it. What's going through their minds? Perhaps they're not so different from the ancient Greeks after all.

Of course, as Kinsey showed, the difference between homosexuality and heterosexuality is not a sharp divide (I used to take credit for this idea until I realized Professor Kinsey had written about this before I was even born). It's not a black or white, gay or straight issue. Everyone is somewhere along the gay-straight spectrum.And the further society opens up to homosexuality as permissible, the more people feel comfortable coming out as bisexual, homosexual, omnisexual or whateversexual.

Let me give a quick and absurdly simplistic example. Let's assume 100 is completely gay and 0 is completely straight on our gay-straight continuum. A person who ranks a 95 on the gay scale is probably going to act out on those innate desires no matter what societal rules there are, even at the risk of being put to death in closed societies.

A person who is a 5 on that scale might never act on any trace bisexual desires he or she might have no matter what the societal norms are. But the more open a society is, the more you will start to draw in people who score an 85, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35, etc. on our fun little gay-straight line.

In a very closed society some one who is "80% gay" might never come out and in a very open society someone who is even "20% gay" might try it. These are gross simplifications, but you get the point. In fact, this is in some ways exactly what the culture warriors on the right have been warning about.

The Christian right (and the religious and cultural conservatives of a great many societies) have been worried about this for a long time. They are right. As society opens up, we will likely be more "gay." Or in reality, be closer to our true nature, wherever that might lie on the bisexuality continuum.

Where the cultural right is wrong is when they make a value judgment on that. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with that all. In fact, since it allows us to be closer to our "real" nature without societal judgments on our natural sexual preferences, there is something very right about it.As it stands, our current culture doesn't yet appear to be fully comfortable with a truly and widely bisexual society. So, we inch toward progress or slouch toward Bethlehem depending on your interpretation.

Though it must be noted that we have already achieved a great deal of openness on the female side of the equation. Ask around and see if you can find a woman under 25 who hasn't made out with one of their girlfriends.

My informal study on our show indicates about 80% of girls under 25 have at least tried a sexual experience with another woman (I concede that I am no Alfred Kinsey and my so-called evidence is wildly anecdotal, but ask for yourself and you'll see my numbers are shockingly accurate).

D'Souza uses history as his guide. It's ironic because his argument is ultimately against the tide of history and the inevitability of our genes. We know what the future holds, it is our past. The American people are right, our sexuality is innate. We just have to have the courage to own up to it.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Bisexual Politics on KPFA
a discussion with authors
Jennifer Baumgardner and Ron Suresha

"Looking Both Way: Bisexual Politics" author Jennifer Baumgardner.
Ron Suresha, co-author (with Pete Chvany) of "Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way" and author of "Bears on Bears: Interviews and Discussion."

To listen to the episode, click on the link http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=20951 then click and drag the blue bar towards the middle of the program to listen to the segment.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Bay Area Reporter’s Pride Issue is on newstands!

This week the Bay Area Reporter celebrates Pride 2007. I wrote an overview of the Pride celebration: “Pride on parade!”; I covered Bay Area gay businesses not showing their Pride: “LGBT magazines tossed from local businesses”; I covered San Francisco’s premier women’s health clinic drops “women” from their name: “Lyon-Martin drops 'women' from name”; I discovered not much has changed for queer youth: “Youths find their way in uncertain world”; I covered life for queer crips: “Living the queer crip life”; I reported on the difference history makes: “Living to tell family histories”; I covered bisexual visibility: “Bisexuals show increased visibility”; and I covered mentoring opportunities for queer youth and adults: “Empowering the next generation.”

For more news and entertainment visit the
Bay Area Reporter online or pick up an issue at your local independent or queer bookstore.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007


Love is stronger than borders




If you ever doubted the strength of love then you haven’t seen Through Thick and Thin. This extraordinary documentary about nine gay and lesbian bi-national couples struggles to stay together in the face of United States immigration laws premiered this evening (June 20) at Frameline’s International LGBT Film Festival.

This exquisitely directed and filmed documentary is touching and heartfelt. It brings to life how unjustly the scales are tipped against LGBT individuals within and without the borders of the United States. And raises the question, “How free are we really?”

This documentary directed by Argentinean director Sebastian Cordoba, 37, who currently lives in United States courtesy of an artist visa, shouldn’t be missed.

For a sneak peak, visit http://www.throughthickandthin.net/htmlsite/video.htm.

Another screening of Through Thick and Thin at Frameline’s International LGBT Film Festival is tomorrow, Thursday, June 21 at 4:30pm at the Castro Theater. Tickets are $7 for members and $8 for general admission.

To learn more about Through Thick and Thin, visit
http://www.throughthickandthin.net/.
To learn more about immigration issues that affect LGBT individuals, visit
http://www.out4immigration.org/.
To learn more about LGBT American expatriates, visit Love Exiles Foundation at http://www.loveexiles.org/.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

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Deaf LGBTIQ Coming Out Stories Wanted
=======================================================

Share your coming out story and inspire other Deaf Queers who arestruggling with coming out.We are accepting both written and video submissions. Your written story may be up to three pages in length. Video submissions may beup to five minutes in length and must be submitted in Quicktimeformat. All submissions must include your real full name, age, city,state and occupation.If your story is accepted, it will be published on National ComingOut Day (October 11, 2007) and permanently archived on DQRC's DeafQueer Coming Out Stories website section. You can view some of thepreviously submitted stories at http://www.deafqueer.org/resources/support/coming_out/stories/index.html

Submit your story to: comingoutstories07@deafqueer.org

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Gender Public Advocacy Coalition
Gender Equality School Survey

In collaboration with students across the nation, the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition is coordinating a groundbreaking initiative to document affirmative and non-discriminatory campus policies concerning gender equality.

As this national index of policies is compiled, your input is necessary. Take a couple minutes to answer 10 questions about institutional policies and gender rights at your school. Simple as that. It's okay if you don't know all the answers, but we really want /some/ input. *Please share what you can with the knowledge available to you.

Take part now at:
http://www.gpac.org/genius/survey.html
Internship Opportunity
American Association of University Women


Job Title: Public Policy Intern
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: Unpaid
FT Temporary

Job Description:
Public Policy Internship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national membership organization, founded in 1881. Our mission is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. AAUW_s priority policy issues include education, Title IX, workplace issues, civil rights, and retirement security.

AAUW’s Public Policy and Government Relations Department seeks interns to work with both its legislative and grassroots teams each academic quarter or semester. Interns will learn about the legislative process and provide grassroots assistance to members. Interns monitor legislation, participate in lobby visits, attend Congressional hearings and press conferences, and respond to requests from policy-makers and members.

A minimum of 30 hours (four days full-time) per week is required. Internships are unpaid, but may be used for academic credit.

Responsibilities:
· Assisting with AAUW Capitol Hill Lobby Corps, drafting briefing materials on current legislation and issues; participating in lobby visits with congressional staff;
· Attending various coalition meetings, briefings, and conferences as a representative of AAUW;
· Drafting and updating fact sheets, correspondence to members of Congress, position papers, legislative updates and alerts, and articles for policy publications;
· Assembling and updating coalition meeting packets and mailings;
· Assisting with AAUW’s Voter Education Campaign - a non-partisan, issue-oriented capacity-building and voter turnout campaign;
· Answering requests from AAUW members regarding public policy issues, and tracking AAUW member activity on those issues;
· Other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:
· Interest in learning about advocacy and the national law and policy-making process;
· Competent written and oral communication skills
· Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and Outlook);
· Excellent interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, self-directed and independent, with a strong commitment to women’s equity;
· Good research skills;
· Good sense of humor.


How to Apply:
To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, 1-2 page writing sample, and two references to: Intern Coordinator American Association of University Women 1111 Sixteenth St., NW Washington, DC 20036

Organization Web Site:
www.aauw.org

Email replies to: votered@aauw.org

Employment Opportunity
Foundation for National Progress / Mother Jones


Job Title: Development Associate
Location: San Francisco
Salary: $30k -$35k
FT Regular

Job Description:
Do you enjoy working to support a mission? We are a 30 year old nonprofit media organization focused on a commitment to social justice implemented through first rate investigative reporting and we are looking for a dynamic person to join our development/fundraising team.

Benefits of working at Mother Jones:

· Health, dental & vision benefits for our employees and their dependents;
· Paid vacation starting at 3 weeks a year, and increasing to 4 weeks a year after 1st year anniversary, 5 weeks a year after 5th year anniversary, and 6 weeks a year after 7th year anniversary;
· Other benefits such as pre-tax commuter benefits, a cafeteria plan, and a 401(k); 37.5 hour work week with optional, summer hours, program;
· A supportive work environment; we like to promote from within.

Position: Development Associate, non-exempt
Supervisor: Associate Publisher of Fundraising & Communications

The development associate provides support for the 5-person fundraising staff by acting as a key point of contact for Mother Jones donor inquiries and customer service requests; by managing day-to-day fundraising data processing and gift processing; and by producing and distributing (and, working with the Associate Publisher) writing twice yearly fundraising appeals to our mid-level contributors, 7 times per year magazine issue mailings, twice yearly newsletter and media impact reports, and the organization's annual report.

The successful candidate will have:
· Solid working background with PC-based business applications software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Filemaker Pro). Experience with Raisers Edge fundraising software a plus;
· Previous use of Internet as a research and communications vehicle helpful;
· General non-profit business experience helpful;
· Ability to multi-task, set and reset priorities, and to do what it takes to get the job done;
· Possess a pleasant and professional phone manner, and a sense of humor;
· Demonstrated experience of persuasive short-form writing ability.

Major Responsibilities:
Development department duties:
· Manage the Raisers Edge database;
· Liaison with donor database consultant;
· Coordinate all in-house mailings;
· Process in-house gift acknowledgements;
· Logistical support for donor events and board meetings;
· Donor stewardship and customer support;
· Create and manage production of written Development department stewardship and marketing materials including newsletters, Media Impact Reports, donor acknowledgements, in-house appeals and bi-monthly stewardship letters and other written materials as needed; General administrative duties:
o Support for the Associate Publisher of Fundraising & Communication;
o Maintain and organize departmental files, records and community space;
o Correspondence (in & out), telephone calls and arrangements, filing, and related tasks;
o Assistance with board meeting materials, audit preparations and special projects;
o Involved in the preparation of simple spreadsheets, financial reports and finance department projects;
o Assist with research and data input;
o Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Salary range for this position $30,000 to $35,000 per year, subject to experience, skills and other factors.

The terms of this job are covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with Local 2103, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, AFL-CIO. Mother Jones and its parent organization, the FNP, are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and welcoming work place. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital or veteran status, union activity, physical or mental disability, on-the-job injuries, AIDS or HIV status, age, or any status otherwise protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

How to Apply:
Absolutely no calls. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (please limit to 1-3 pages) to Emma Logan, Human Resources Director via jobs@motherjones.com with Development Associate in the subject line. Organization Web Site: www.motherjones.com

Email replies to: jobs@motherjones.com
This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I announce SF Pride’s new global broadcasting: “Parade only live on cable, Web this year”; and I explore what make’s SF DA Kamala Harris run and work: “DA Harris kicks off re-election campaign.”

For more news and entertainment visit the Bay Area Reporter online or pick up an issue at your local independent or queer bookstore.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

CNN is looking for America's queer youth

Uncovering America: A focus on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community What is your perspective on gay life in the United States?

Do you think American society is now more accepting of homosexuality, especially in regards to issues concerning the workplace, religion, health and family? Or is the experience dominated by the politics that surround it?

If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, what was your “coming out” experience like and do you think it may be easier now than, perhaps, decades ago?

And would it matter to you if someone in your immediate community -- your neighbor, your boss, your pastor, your mayor, your doctor, your kid’s teacher -- was gay?

Write your thoughts below, or turn on your camera and send us a video response. Use the form on this page to send files from your computer. Send cell phone video and photos to ireport@cnn.com. Check the Toolkit for help.

Some of the videos, photos and audio submitted may be selected for use on CNN.com, in CNN television programming or other CNN programming services, so by sending information you are agreeing to our terms of use.

Click her to submit your perspective: http://www.cnn.com/exchange/ireports/topics/forms/2007/06/gay.pride.html

Friday, June 08, 2007

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS/PAPERS
New Trans/Gender Variant/ Queer Anthology

Please submit your writing via email to: captivegenders@gmail.com or mail to: Captive Genders Anthology, 1904 Franklin Street, Suite 504 Oakland, CA 94612

Deadline for submission: Extended to August 1 2007. We will also accept proposals for submissions.


Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial ComplexEdited by Nat Smith, Eric Stanley


At least 65% of transwomen and 29% of transmen interviewed in a 1999 study had been incarcerated in San Francisco, California(http://by103w.bay103.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_11.10.0000.0103.aspx?culture=en-US&hash=1245278327#_ftn1). Trans/gender variant and queer folks disproportionately experience the horrors of poverty, imprisonment, and systems of criminalization.


Along with race, sexuality, citizenship, class, and all other markers of difference, gender must be another central category for an understanding of the prison industrial complex (PIC). Captive Genders seeks to offer some frameworks, theories, and dreams for unthinking these cycles. We see this project as an important intervention in the emergent field of critical prison studies that will push discussion past men and women in prison, toward thinking how gender and sexuality are lived under the crushing weight of corporal captivity. Captive Genders will create a space to think the various ways the prison industrial complex prohibits trans/gender variant communities from thriving. Captive Genders will also explore ways in which we can challenge the very real cultures of violence trans and queer folks experience without relying on current state-sponsored systems that reproduce the same kinds of violence they allege to end, such as the current push for "hate crimes" enhancement legislation.


There is a specificity of survival and power inside prison walls that we want to be attentive to. However, we know the prison industrial complex involves all aspects of state surveillance, policing and social control and does not stop at the prison gates. So, we are also interested in work that explores the punishment of transgender and/or queer bodies outside traditionally understood spaces of incarceration.


Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Post 9/11 surveillance culture and queer / transgender lives
· HIV in prison and surveillance of positive folks outside of prison
· Cultural/social responses to violence against trans/gender variant and queer folks that rely on the State Ways of building power and challenging the PIC
· Queer sex and alternative gender formations in prison
· Policing sex, gender and sex work
· Social service/nonprofit denial of gender variance
· The culture of sexual violence in prison and its links to gendered power of the State

The marginalization of transwomen, particularly transwomen of color, by the mainstream gay and lesbian community The length of your work should be a minimum of 1,000 words. We would like works that are written for a wide audience. Essays, papers, and creative pieces are all welcome, but please no poetry. Also, please include a short biography with your work.

Eric Stanley is a graduate student in the History of Consciousness Program at UCSC and works with the radical queer direct action collective Gay Shame, San Francisco. Eric is also the co-director, along with Chris Vargas, of the film, Homotopia.

Nat Smith is a member of Trans/gender Variant in Prison Committee (TIP) and an organizer with the Oakland Chapter of Critical Resistance. Nat is also on the planning committee for Transforming Justice, the first ever conference focusing on imprisonment and poverty and the trans/gender variant community.

____________________________________
(
http://by103w.bay103.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_11.10.0000.0103.aspx?culture=en-US&hash=1245278327#_ftnref1) A study done by the Transgender Community Health Project, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 1999 _http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite.jsp?page=kbr-07-04-16&doc=2098.461e_ (http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite.jsp?page=kbr-07-04-16&doc=2098.461e) . Also, we know "trans/gender variant" cannot collect up all the ways we live gender, however we use it to signal the importance of thinking about non-normative genders in relation to the PIC.
Employment Opportunity
Women's Initiative for Self-Employment


Job Title: Regional Director for Development and Operations
Location: San Jose, CA
Salary: FT Regular

ABOUT THE WOMEN'S INITIATIVE FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT (WISE)
Since 1988, Women's Initiative for Self Employment (WISE) has provided a one-stop shop where high-potential, lower-income women receive training to start and grow their business. The business management training, technical assistance, and financing services we provide - in English and Spanish - improve the quality of life for the women we serve, their families and our communities. WISE has been a leader in the United States microenterprise movement for 19 years. Today WISE trains more clients than any other microenterprise organization in the nation, empowering women financially and personally through training, financial services and ongoing support programs. With current offices in San Francisco and Oakland, WISE has a staff of about 25 plus 15 contractors, and an annual budget of about $2,600,000. For more information, please visit http://www.womensinitiative.org/.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Regional Director (RD) will start up and lead WISE's expansion in the San Jose area. The primary role and the majority of time will be spent on fundraising. The RD will be closely involved in the creative process of building and leading the regional headquarters in San Jose. As the organization matures, the RD will have other operational and programmatic responsibilities. The RD will be able to utilize support from a local board and the close collaboration of the Executive Team of the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and fundraising for the San Jose regional office.
* Work with senior leaders to identify fundraising priorities.
* Manage the operations and staffing of the San Jose office.
* Work with the WISE Executive Team in providing leadership and ongoing strategic planning, particularly as it relates to fundraising.
* Provide ongoing fundraising information and education to WISE's key constituencies.
* Direct major and annual fundraising programs.
* Personally manage a portfolio of top prospects.
* Develop and implement public relations plans designed to enhance awareness of WISE and its programs including media contacts, publications and events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Demonstrated success in raising significant gifts from institutions and individual donors
* Previous success managing staff, especially in the context of fundraising.
* Experience with and desire to work in an entrepreneurial environment
* Demonstrated mastery of a wide range of fundraising techniques (foundations, major gifts, planned gifts, special events, marketing)
* Superior written and oral communications, interpersonal and presentation skills
* Enthusiasm for WISE's mission

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* College degree
* Ability to communicate in more than one language, especially in English and Spanish

HOW TO APPLY
Candidates should submit a letter of interest and a resume by e-mail to: wiseyn@pamelacook.com. Candidates may be subject to background checks. Women's Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, older candidates, and persons with disabilities to apply.


How to Apply:
Candidates should submit a letter of interest and a resume by e-mail to: wiseyn@pamelacook.com. Organization Web Site:
www.pamelacook.com

Email replies to: wiseyn@pamelacook.com

Thursday, June 07, 2007

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered eHarmony’s discrimination lawsuit: “EHarmony sued for discrimination”; I hobnobbed with the city’s political leaders as campaigns got kicked off: “Ammiano kicks off Assembly run”; and I announced SF’s queer youth prom: “First-ever queer youth prom in SF.”

For more news and entertainment visit the Bay Area Reporter online or pick up an issue at your local independent or queer bookstore.

Friday, June 01, 2007

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the
Bay Area Reporter I was on the crime beat with one gay bashing and one gay man attacked: “Gay teacher stabbed in the Mission” and “Gay man beaten in SOMA”; I wrote about Equality for All’s response to the anti-marriage equality and domestic partnership initiative: “Equality for All responds to anti-gay marriage initiative”; I explored gender-based sexual harassment: “Study spotlights sexual harassment of women who defy gender stereotypes”; and I profiled a community center’s executive director’s promotion: “Lighthouse center promotes executive director.”

For more news and entertainment visit the
Bay Area Reporter online or pick up an issue at your local independent or queer bookstore.