This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I report on Pride’s biphobic media coverage: “Biphobia claimed in Pride Parade Web, TV coverage”; I follow up on the anti-marriage equality and domesic partnership initiatives: “California looms as marriage equality battleground”; I cover a city employee’s biblical harassment: “DPT employee accused of preaching on the job”; and I report on the city’s new transgender services: “City provides new trans services.”

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

Transgender Woman rape survivor sues california state prison SYSTEM

Community United Against Violence (CUAV) and the Transgender, Gender Variant & Intersex Justice Project (TGIJP) are encouraging community individuals, groups, and social justice organizations to show their support for Ms. Alexis Giraldo. Ms. Giraldo is a young Latina transgender woman in the California prison system. For three months Ms. Giraldo repeatedly sought protection from prison staff after her cellmate threatened to rape her. After numerous denied requests for assistance, Ms. Giraldo’s cellmate raped her in early 2006. She is suing the state of California for failing to protect her. Ms. Giraldo is asking the court to require the State of California to develop guidelines to better protect transgender people in prison. Unfortunately, the State Attorney General lawyers representing The Department of Corrections continue to refer to Ms. Alexis Giraldo as “he” and “him.”

CUAV and TGIJP are requesting community presence and attendance at Ms. Giraldo’s trial. Community presence in court will demonstrate our belief that the state must be held accountable for continually placing our community in life-threatening danger.

Ms. Giraldo, who will be present to give her own testimony, and her attorney Greg Walston, are requesting that the community attend the court proceedings and wear RED. RED has been chosen as a symbol of the hurt and pain caused by the violence and discrimination against our communities, as well as a way to express power in loving solidarity. On the behalf of Ms. Giraldo CUAV and TGIJP are also requesting that community members sit in silent solidarity in the courtroom. For more information about trial times and dates please go to: www.tgijp.org.


When: The trial is tentatively set to start on Thursday July 5th, 2007 and a press conference is set for Monday July 9th, 2007 from 8:00am-9:30am outside the courthouse
Where: Civic Center Courthouse at 400 McAllister Street @ Polk, Room 206, in San Francisco
Time: The trial will continue every day from 9:30am to 5 pm until approximately July 11th.

Please Wear RED!

Please let CUAV & TGIJP know which dates and times you are able to attend by emailing Tina D’Elia, the Hate Violence Survivor Program Director at CUAV, or by calling Alexander Lee at TGIJP.

For more information:
Court Watch Coordinator (inquiries about participating in the court watch):
Tina D’Elia, Hate Violence Survivor Program Director at CUAV - tina@cuav.org

Court Case Coordinator (inquiries about the case):
Alexander Lee at TGIJP (510) 677-5500 for updates go to: www.tgijp.org

To learn more about the case also see last week's Bay Area Reporter for the article "TG prisoner sues corrections dept." that I wrote about this case.

OUT magazine is looking for

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

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

Filed under: Pop Culture, Young Turks, Religion, Gay and Lesbian, Christianity, History

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.

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.

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.

Love is stronger than borders

Ravneet and Kiran (California – UK), Tom and Emilio (New Jersey – Venezuela), Tammy and Sally (Philadelphia – UK), Mark and Fred (Harrisburg – France), Aileen and Suzie (Seattle – Peru), Charly and Terry (Idaho – UK)

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/.

=======================================================

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Employment Opportunity

Women's Foundation of California

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Location: San Francisco
Salary: FT Regular

Job Description:
The Executive Assistant to the President and CEO provides general administrative support including scheduling and calendar coordination for the President and CEO to ensure that the Foundation’s goals are achieved. The person in this position is a member of the Administrative Team and works closely with the Management Team and its support staff. The Executive Assistant will schedule appointments and meetings for the President and CEO, organize her incoming and outgoing communication, maintain her files and office systems and assist her with projects and activities as needed while coordinating the activities of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

How to Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to:
Judy Patrick
Interim President and CEO
Women's Foundation of California
340 Pine Street, Suite 302
San Francisco CA 94104

Materials may also be emailed in care of johnp@womensfoundca.org, include "EA Search" in the subject field. No phone calls please. Organization Web Site: womensfoundca.org

Email replies to: johnp@womensfoundca.org

Employment Opportunity

National Center for Lesbian Rights

Job Title: Legal Assistant
Location: San Francisco
Salary: FT Regular

About Organization:
NCLR is a national legal organization with a primary commitment to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through a program of litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. NCLR's legal and policy victories set important legal precedents that improve the lives of all LGBT people. Our community and public education broadens public support for LGBT civil rights. Our free legal assistance empowers individuals to assert their own legal rights. NCLR’s work focuses on the following program areas: Family (including Marriage Equality), Youth, Immigration, Elder, Transgender, and Sports Law. For more information about NCLR, visit www.nclrights.org.

Job Description:
The National Center for Lesbian Rights seeks a highly skilled, enthusiastic, articulate and motivated individual for a full-time legal assistant position in our San Francisco office. The legal assistant will work closely with attorneys and law clerks.

Responsibilities:
The legal assistant’s duties will include:
_ Assisting senior legal assistant with maintenance of the litigation docket;
_ Maintaining case files in paper and electronic form;
_ Organizing the law clerk hiring process;
_ Editing and formatting pleadings;
_ Cite-checking briefs;
_ Assisting with court filings, including compliance with court rules;
_ Copying;
_ Maintaining legal web content; and
_ Updating NCLR publications.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
_ Minimum education: Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university;
_ Very strong technology skills. Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access, including maintenance of Access databases. Experience with ProLaw and Word Perfect strongly preferred; and
_ Excellent research and writing skills.

Personal Qualities:
The ideal candidate will be:
_ Committed to social justice and enthusiastic about NCLR_s mission and programs;
_ Well-organized, able to multi-task, a fast learner, and detail-oriented;
_ Able to take initiative and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines;
_ Flexible and able to function independently and as a member of a team;
_ Willing to work late hours when necessary; and
_ Able to interact well with clients, co-counsel, and outside callers.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of NCLR's scale. Benefits are highly competitive.


How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 19, 2007. To apply for the position, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Shannon Minter
Legal Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights
870 Market Street, Suite 370
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fax: (415) 392-8442
Email: info@nclrights.org

No telephone calls please.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBT persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Organization Web Site: www.nclrights.org

Email replies to: info@nclrights.org

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered trans discrimination at a leather club: “Chicago SM club under fire for anti-trans policy”; I covered the settlement of the Adoption.com case I previously wrote about: “Gay couple settles adoption bias case”; I covered another installment in the only suspect in the Castro Halloween shooting: “DA adds another gun charge in Halloween case”; I reported on the decrease in violence against the LGBT community: “Reported violence against LGBT community decreases”; and another installment in MCC-SF’s story, the church is moving in a brighter direction: “MCC-SF finds new interim home.”

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

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered controversy over UCSF and two trans projects: “UCSF gives up nearly $1M in trans funding”; and I reviewed 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother: “The wonderful world of motherhood.”

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

Bi Camp 2007 - Registration Info

On-line registration will open around June 1 at http://www.biversity.org/bicamp.html and will close on July 5.

Registration for camp is $60. Or attend camp at a discounted rate or free! If you volunteer to work up to 1-3 hours at camp, you will earn a discounted rate or 4 hours will earn you a free registration to this year's camp. More information will be available during registration. Register early to get the volunteer option you desire the most.

Camp will be held from Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15.

The location of camp is near Northampton, MA (Lesbianville USA). Campers must provide their own tent, food, and transportation (sharing is encouraged). BiCamp includes showers and flush toilets. And we have the space all to ourselves! Basically, what you get is a place to pitch your tent, a fire pit, fresh water, beautiful wilderness, and the company of a few dozen bisexual and bi-friendly people for a fun summer weekend. Clothing-optional swimming is just a short walk through the woods.

BiCamp is open to all bisexuals and friends at least 18 years of age (or accompanied by a parent or guardian).

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered the joys and trials of lesbian moms: “Lesbian moms face challenges amid joys of parenthood”; and I covered the proposed Calirfornia anti-marriage and domestic partnership initiative: “Anti-gay groups looking at 2008 ballots.”

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

Big Bi Book Weekend! in New York City

Main Event!

Bi Lines: A Celebration of Bisexual Writing in Reading, Music and Culture

Authors of the bisexual books that took top honors at this year's Lammy awards, will read from their works. They will be joined by other published Bi Writers Association authors and musical performers in a celebration of bi writing. Your chance to meet bi authors from all over the country! Co-sponsored by The LGBT Community Center, Lambda Literary Foundation, BiNetUSA, The Bi Writers Association, Billy's Bakery and The Dish Restaurant-Chelsea.

Readers:

Mike Szymanski and Nicole Kristal The Bisexual's Guide to the Universe: Quips, Tips, and Lists for Those Who Go Both Ways; Pete Chvany Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way; Ron Suresha Bi Guys: Firsthand Fiction for Bisexual Men and Their Admirers; Clarence Nero Three Sides to Every Story; Rachel Kramer Bussel Glamour Girls; Wayne Bryant Bi Men: Coming Out Every Which Way; Serena Anderlini-D'Onofrio Eros: A Journey of Multiple Loves; William E. Burleson Bi America: Myths, Truths, and Struggles of an Invisible Community; and Ann Herendeen Phyllida and the Brotherhood of Philander: A Bisexual Regency Romance; Michael McColly The After-Death Room: Journey into Spiritual Activism.

Musical Performers: Rorie Kelly, Louisa Light, Skylar, Abby Smith

Date: Friday June 1st, 6-9PM
Location: NYC LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street, 7-8 Aves
Admission: Free
6-7 Reception: Beverage Bargains! Tasty Snacks on Sale! Cultured Conversation!
7-9 Bi Culture Extravaganza!
Raffle, auction and food sales benefiting the Bi Writers Association.
www.biwriters.org

Big Bi Book Weekend

Thurs, May 31: Lammy Awards

Friday, June 1: Bi Lines: A Celebration of Bisexual Writing

Saturday, June 2: Free Day to Explore NYC

Sunday, June 3: Bi Perspectives



Lammy Awards

This is the first year we have a bisexual book award and we're ready to rock. Dont forget to "Scream real loud!" when the winner is announced. This is Lambda Literary Foundation's fundraising event of the year. For info and hotels see Lambda's website: http://www.lambdaliterary.org/awards/annual_llf_awards.html

Free Day to Explore NYC

People will be hooking up and making plans at Bi Lines on Friday. Buy a copy of Time Out NY on Thursday or Friday or pick up a Pride Guide at the LGBT Center and you'll have a panoply of NYC events at your fingertips to suggest for outings.

Bi Perspective

Discussion on Bisexuality in Literature and Film.

3-4:30 PM at the LGBT Center followed by snacks at a local restaurant.

There has been a bi discussion group on Sundays at the LGBT Center since the mid 80's ...more than 20 years. Become part of history and join us.

http://www.nyabn.org/BiPerspective/

Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

Invites Entries for the Writers Fund

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation's Lesbian Writers Fund seeks to support the work of emerging lesbian poets and fiction writers within the United States.

To be eligible for an award, applicants must be a lesbian-identified writer of poetry and/or fiction who resides in the U.S. Applicants should have published at least one piece of writing (in any genre) in a newspaper, magazine, journal, anthology, or professional Web publication; and should have not published more than one book, including a chapbook, in any subject or genre with a publisher. The submission must be a poetry or fiction sample in English that includes some lesbian content (e.g., lesbian desire, identity, and/or perspective).

First-place awardees and two runners-up in the poetry and fiction categories will receive cash awards ($10,000 for the awardee and $1,500 for runners-up). With support from Skip’s Sappho Fund, at least one grant will be awarded to a lesbian writer who is based west of the Mississippi.

Visit http://www.astraea.org/Main.php4 for complete program requirements.

Berkeley City Council Votes for Transgender Equality
Council’s measure is first step towards eliminating discriminatory health insurance exclusions for city employees and retirees

May 8, 2007 San Francisco, CA – Last night the Berkeley City Council took an important step forward in improving the work environment for all city employees and retirees. By a unanimous vote, the Council directed Berkeley’s City Manager, Phil Kamlarz, to create a proposal for removing exclusions in their current health plan that deny coverage for medically necessary, transition related procedures. The motion, sponsored by Council members Kriss Worthington and Darryl Moore, could lead to changes that will make Berkeley a more competitive employer that better takes care of the health of all its employees.

“This vote makes me very proud of my hometown,” said TLC attorney and Berkeley-native, Ben Lunine. “The Council’s vote increases Berkeley’s reputation as a city and an employer that values inclusivity and equality. And, if improvements to the health plan follow, Berkeley will be a more attractive employer in the competitive Bay Area job market.”

Last night’s motion began as the idea of Berkeley city employee Lynn Riordan. “I was motivated by my desire to make sure that everyone who comes to work for this great city is treated fairly and equally,” said Riordan. “It feels wonderful to have an idea for lessening discrimination and to get so much support in making that idea a reality. After last night, we’re halfway there and I look forward to Mr. Kamlarz’s report in a month.”

“Creating health care equality is good for business,” said TLC Director Christopher Daley. “Other government employers and top corporations have found this to be true over the last decade. As Berkeley moves toward joining their ranks, they are proving themselves to be an employer who invests in the long-term health and vitality of the people who make the city such a great place to live.”

Transgender Law Center (www.transgenderlawcenter.org) TLC is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities through direct legal services, education, community organizing, and policy and media advocacy. TLC receives support from the California Endowment, the California Wellness Foundation, and the Liberty Hill Foundation, among others, to increase access to health care throughout California.

Employment Announcement

Job Title: Executive director
Organization: National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary:
FT Regular

Job Description:
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) is seeking an experienced executive director to take the helm of this thriving, Washington, DC-based, national organization and to lead it successfully through a period of dynamic changes in the news industry.

Founded in 1990, NLGJA is committed to working with industry leaders and professional associations within the news industry for fair, accurate and comprehensive coverage of the gay community, and ensuring equal benefits and workplace conditions for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) journalists. The association has 1,300 members in 25 chapters throughout the U.S.A. Its expanding initiatives include on-site newsroom seminars and diversity workshops, a high visibility national convention and regional programming, a quarterly newsletter and a close working partnership with other industry organizations.

NLGJA is governed by a 23-person elected board of directors. Current staffing includes a full-time staff of six and one intern (seasonal). The organization_s current budget is about $1 million. More information on NLGJA may be found at: www.nlgja.org. A detailed position profile is available at: www.transitionguides.com/nlgja.htm.

Ideal candidates will share NLGJA_s goals of accurate coverage and workplace equity and will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to the organization, including:

· Experience in management, staff supervision/development, program development and fundraising;
· Strong fiscal management experience with excellent budgeting and financial reporting skills;
· Strong communications skills with a record of coalition-building success;
· An appreciation for the importance of effective media and public relations in achieving NLGJA_s goals; and
· Familiarity with journalism, and with the LGBT community and its issues are pluses but not required.

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. The relocation of an exceptional candidate to Washington, DC, is open to discussion.


How to Apply:
To apply: E-mail resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: NLGJA@transitionguides.com (e-mail applications are preferred). Inquiries may be addressed to NLGJA Search Committee, c/o TransitionGuides, 1751 Elton Rd, Suite 204, Silver Spring, MD 20903, Voice: (301) 439-6635,
Fax: (301) 439-6638.

NGLJA is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity and national origin, age, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, religious affiliation, etc.

Resume reviews begin immediately.

Organization Web Site: nlgja.org

Email replies to: NLGJA@transitionguides.com

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered 14 new California LGBT bills: “Lawmakers move forward on 14 LGBT bills”; I covered the award for the SFPD Endup anti-gay incident: “Supes approve Marconi settlement”; and I announce more Pride marshals: “More Pride grand marshals named”; and I review Peggy Munson’s book: “On being genderqueer and ill.”

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

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered a homophobic incident at City College of San Francisco: “Anti-gay incident at CCSF”; I covered queer on queer censoring: “Queers complain of censorship at SF event”; I announce a gay Catholic broadcast: “BBC to broadcast gay Catholic service”; I covered JROTC getting an award: “DignitySF to honor JROTC.”

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

Looking For People To Interview

I'm working on an article for the EdenFantasys web site. I'm looking for gay, lesbian, bi, and trans people to tell me about the kinds of sex toys they enjoy. I also would like to know if your sexual orientation influences the kinds of sex toys you use.

Please write to me at elizabethablack AT aol DOT com if you are interested in contacting me. Also feel free to send this message around to people you think may be interested.

Thank you!Lizzie Black

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered the dropping of an important off-label drug used to treat AIDS-related wasting: “AIDS activists upset by dropped wasting drug”; I covered Ruby Ordeñana’s viewing: “Body of trans woman dressed as boy at viewing”; I interviewed Roberto Hernandez: “Once outed, man hosts gay Spanish-language radio show”; I covered the Spanish version of “faggot” that was heard around the world: “GLAAD gives Latin media homophobia lesson” and I covered a decade of free vegetarian meals in the Castro: “Simply Supper marks 10 years.”

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

Employment Opportunity

Lavender Seniors of the East Bay
A Project of the Tides Center

Management Job Description
Title: Outreach Specialist Job Status: Exempt
Reports to: Project Director Salary Range: $20 per hour
Dept.: n/a Work Schedule: 20 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY
Lavender Seniors of the East Bay is seeking an Outreach Specialist who will work as part of our staff and volunteer team. The role of the Outreach Specialist is to enhance Lavender Seniors’ cultural competency in working with the East Bay’s diverse LGBT senior population and increasing access to effective and culturally competent senior services and facilities for Oakland’s LGBT seniors, especially those in communities of color.

Major Responsibilities
The Outreach Specialist will act as the Lavender Seniors point person for outreach to the East Bay LGBT community. (S)he establishes relationships with LGBT seniors in the East Bay’s priority populations of the African-American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American communities and reports on gaps and barriers to needed services. The Outreach Specialist manages the Lavender Seniors Speaker’s Panel and Cultural Competency Training Program that educates mainstream service providers and urges them to change policies and practices to make services more accessible to LGBT seniors. The Outreach Specialist also manages the Lunch Bunch developing programs for seniors residing in Oakland to reduce isolation and provide a means of creating natural support networks among peers. (S)he will assist with Lavender Juniors an group of younger LGBT’s who support Lavender Seniors activities.

Specific Responsibilities
Specific tasks are as follows:
• Works independently, as a member of the Lavender Seniors staff and volunteer team under supervision from the Project Director.
• With Project Director, organizes and plans to ensure compliance with the goals and administrative requirements of grants that provide funding for the Outreach Specialist position.
• Makes and documents contact with key individuals and organizations LGBT populations, as well as their allies.
• Establishes sustainable connections between Lavender Seniors and at least one agency or group of organizations in the priority populations.
• Collects, documents and communicates information about gaps and barriers to needed health and human services and to participation in Lavender Seniors’ programs.
• Manages the Lunch Bunch for the agency, coordinating the monthly lunches funded by the City of Oakland. (S)he designs each month’s program activities to meet the interests and culture of the group.
• Manages the Speakers Bureau and Cultural Competency Training Program which educates mainstream service providers and urges them to change policies and practices to make services more accessible to LGBT seniors.
• Manages other outreach projects as developed, such as the Lavender Scrolls Project.
• Prepares written reports and makes oral reports to Lavender Seniors staff and volunteers, City of Oakland officials and others.

Organizational Relationships
The Outreach Specialist will make contact and develop working relationships with organizations and key individuals who will assist in accomplishing the tasks described above.

Qualifications
• Experience
- Prior experience in community organizing.
- Prior experience working with any or all of the identified populations.
- Prior experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Prior experience setting up new projects.

• Education
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s degree preferable.

• Knowledge
- Knowledge of the LGBT community
- Knowledge of any or all of the priority populations.

• Skills and Abilities
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent people skills – ability to quickly establish working relationships with diverse people.
- Ability to travel to various locations in the East Bay.
- Computer competence to document the work and prepare reports.
- Commitment, reliability, good judgment, flexibility, enthusiasm, and humor.
- Self-starter.

• Physical Requirements of the Job
- Requires sitting, talking, and listening for five or more hours per day; standing or walking for up to three hours per day; reaching with hands and arms and keying for up to three hours per day; and lifting up to 15 pounds.

The Outreach Specialist position is funded by foundation grants. Funding renewal beyond one year is not guaranteed but might be sought based on successful completion of the one-year project.

The mission of Lavender Seniors of the East Bay is to improve the quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors in Alameda and western Contra Costa counties through community outreach, advocacy, and education.

Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities.

Please submit cover letters and resumes by May 2, 2007, to Christina Cappelletti, Outreach Specialist, Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, 1395 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577.

The Center for Sex and Culture Community Survey

This is a survey put together by Nikole Pagan and her colleagues at SF State, who is using CSC as a class project in non-profit administration, and this is part of that large project. From it, we will get a case statement for our use in fundraising and other public representation, which should be very valuable to us. Your thoughts about CSC will be useful as she develops it.

Please try to get this to her this week if you are able. As of next week she will be trying to pull elements together, so she will still find it useful to receive, but sooner is better for her.

Thank you! And stay tuned for more CSC news and events calendar soon. xox--CQ

The Center for Sex and Culture treasures the community of people who attend our events and utilize our programming and services. Your support makes our mission possible. We would like to gather stories for inclusion with fund raising materials that talk about the events and services we are providing to/for you, our community. This will help us be a more effective voice for Sex-Positivism in our community and beyond. In capturing your stories and suggestions, we will also be able to better honor you and your contributions, record and learn from our 13-year-old history, and plan more wisely for the future. We don’t want this to feel cumbersome for you, so please just answer the questions below that resonate with you and return your responses by email to cscvolunteersurvey@gmail.com. Your answers mean a lot to us. Feel free to write as little or as much as you like. ________________________________________________________________

1. Your name and phone/email (please indicate how you wish to be credited if your responses are included in published materials, i.e.: first name only, first and last initial, etc.):
2. What city do you live in?
3. Have you utilized CSC library materials? If yes, for what purpose?
4. Have you donated money or volunteer time to CSC?
5. Have you participated in any of the following at CSC ? (please indicate yes or no):
· Special Events:
· Classes:
· Workshops:
· The Masturbate-a-Thon:
· Cultural Events:
· House Parties:
6. Please indicate the titles of any of the above you have attended.
7. What does “Sex Positive” mean to you?
8. When did you first learn about CSC?
9. Why do you participate in CSC events/programs/services?
10. Do you have a special moment you remember about your experiences with CSC?
11. Is there a “back in the day” story about CSC, Robert or Carol, or some Sex Positive sex education/activism issue/organization that has always stuck with you?
12. Is there any other story that you’d like to tell?
13. Please tell us a little of your autobiography.
14. Do you have any suggestions for CSC?

Thank you so much for your thoughts, commitment to The Center for Sex and Culture, talents and precious time. We value your voice and contribution. Please email your responses to cscvolunteersurvey@gmail.com.

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered the National Center for Lesbian Rights’ victory to sue Adoption.com for discrimination: “Gay couple can sue adoption site”; I cover Page Hodel’s split with Velvet: “All is not smooth at Velvet”; I announced the second of 2007’s individual Pride grand marshals: “Newsome named marshal”; and I followed up on the Baker’s Dozen case: “Suspect pleads not guilty in choir case.”

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

This week's Bay Area Reporter is on newstands!

This week in the Bay Area Reporter I covered the National Center for Lesbian Rights 30th anniversary: “NCLR still has an edge at 30”; I announced the first round of 2007’s Pride grand marshals: “First Pride marshals named”; and I investigated a possible eviction of a man with AIDS: “HIVer fights to save home."

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