Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Gay

Queer Eye for the Straight Bible Reader

2010-01-17T21:12:00.004-05:00

Rev. Dr. Miguel de la Torre returns to West Michigan this Tuesday, January 19, to present "Queer Eye for the Straight Bible Reader" to our OnGoing LGBT Conference: LGBT and Spirituality.

Former Hope College professor and current Associate Professor of Social Ethics at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, Dr. de la Torre's work focuses on how religion affects race, class, and gender oppression.

Please join us this Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the LGBT Resource Center at (616) 331-2530 or visit our website.

Arcus Foundation Awards GVSU LGBT Resource Center $150,000 Grant

2009-12-18T15:44:00.008-05:00

From GV Now:

The Arcus Foundation of Kalamazoo has awarded a $150,000 grant to Grand Valley’s LGBT Resource Center to enhance its social justice training efforts, build statewide resources and increase community collaborations and partnerships.

The 20-month grant will start in January and continue through August 2011. Colette Seguin Beighley, LGBT Resource Center assistant director, said the purpose of the grant is two-fold. "We wanted to enhance our efforts to build student leaders who are civically engaged and include the greater Grand Rapids community in that effort," Seguin Beighley said.

The center will use part of the grant to fund a six-session Social Justice Training Series that would bring in nationally known speakers to train participants in effective advocacy. Other plans for grant monies are detailed below:

• Create statewide consortiums for both LGBT college centers and LGBT faculty and staff associations to share resources and create a unified voice for policy changes. The consortium for state LGBT centers would be co-hosted by GVSU's LGBT Resource Center and the University of Michigan's Spectrum Center.

• Partner with Grand Rapids Community Media Center's Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids to sponsor LGBT Monthly Film Series; collaborate with WGVU for programming during LGBT History Month (October); and collaborate with Grand Valley’s theater department to produce “Coming Out Monologues.”

• Hire a graduate assistant to support programming efforts.

• Send staff members and student leaders to national higher education conferences for networking, presentations and advocacy.

Johnny Jenkins, program officer at Arcus Foundation, said the grant comes from the foundation's Michigan LGBT Rights Program. "Our ultimate goal is to advance rights for the LGBT community in Michigan," Jenkins said. "GVSU and the LGBT Resource Center have stepped up to the plate and have served as a tremendous resource in West Michigan."

Seguin Beighley said the Arcus Foundation grant greatly helps support Grand Valley’s diversity efforts. "We’re so appreciative of the faith Arcus Foundation has in our center and our university," she said.

What Does It Mean to be Transgender?

2009-11-10T20:36:00.001-05:00

The term transgender remains steeped in misconceptions, stigma, and ignorance. At the same time, people who don't necessarily conform to traditional gender stereotypes have never been more visible or active.

The LGBT Resource Center is proud to present our OnGoing LGBT Conference: LGBT Gender and Sexuality featuring Donna Rose - a nationally-respected post-operative transsexual woman. Donna lived successfully for 40 years as a man in a man's world. Today she is a well-known educator, author, advocate, and spokesperson on transgender and transsexual issues. Donna will be speaking on "Transgender: Myths, Stereotypes, and Realities."

Join us Wednesday, November 11, 2009: 4 p.m., Pere Marquette Room, 2204 Kirkhof Center, Allendale campus. For more information and additional resources, click here.

Is Gay the New Black?

2009-10-12T07:23:00.002-04:00

Join us today at 3 p.m. for our OnGoing LGBT Conference: LGBT and Race

In November 2008, controversial words, "Gay is the New Black" were on the cover of the Advocate Magazine. Billy Curtis' letter to the editor the following month addressed these divisive words. Please join us as we continue this national conversation.

Today, October 12, 2009: 3 p.m., Pere Marquette Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale, MI

For more information, click here.

Two Skinned Knees and a Declaration of Independence

2009-09-22T13:07:00.005-04:00

As a little girl, I constantly had skinned knees. My crashing and burning took many forms and I was sure that when I grew up I would carry hideous scars from my misadventures. I've recently had some skinned knees of a different sort.

Many of you know that at the beginning of Summer '08, my 27-year relationship ended. Suddenly my life had a completely different context. As I made my way through the labyrinth of newness, there was much to learn and once again the possibility of crashing and burning existed at every turn. Risk of skinned knees: HIGH.

While some of these skinned knees can be devastating, others have been northern stars for me. Case in point: You learn much about yourself living on your own. I did anyway. One of the things I learned, as basic and absurd as it sounds, was that I did not know how to make coffee. I limped along for 8 1/2 months mainlining each morning at our local coffee house. Then a very special person sent me a gift box of Peet's coffee. (Peet's -- Berkeley, CA -- is a beloved Bay Area treasure). I stared at that box. The best coffee in the world must be consumed. This was a defining moment. I had to learn how to make coffee.

I went out and bought a coffee maker that does it all (or so I thought). It grinds the beans, has a timer, and looks hot -- the Testarosa of coffee makers!

Now I'm not one to read directions. I mostly just charge forward (hence the skinned knees, I suppose). But this time, I sat down and read the how-to manual cover to cover. I cleaned up the coffee maker, set the clock, and set the timer. I kept the book on the counter all week as I attempted to climb this Mt. Everest of skill sets.

Day One: Not bad. Good coffee. A little weak. (Note to self: Add more beans.)
Day Two: Still weak. Maybe, weaker than yesterday. (Note to self: This is tricky business.)
Day Three: Something's wrong. This is bad coffee. (Note to self: RED ALERT! I'm wasting my Peet's coffee!)

Revelation (aka: skinned knee #1): You have to EMPTY the grounds from the filter each day.

When I finally figured this out and opened the magic door behind which the filter hides, coffee grounds poured out everywhere! This was very embarrassing to me and, in fact, the is the first time I've admitted what I perceived as my incompetence. I cleaned up the mess and learned more about the process of coffee making.

All went well for the next eight months... until this morning.

Last month in Seattle, friends gave me some Seattle coffee -- not whole beans as I'm used to but ground coffee. Being out of whole beans this morning, I decided to brew a pot Seattle-style. I carefully measured, waited, and then poured the first cup. It was water.

Revelation (aka: skinned knee #2): I had put the grounds in the grinder instead of directly into the filter!

As I juggled hot coffee maker parts to correct this error, I thought, "I'm not going to be embarrassed or beat myself up. I'm learning." Noted child development psychologist Jean Piaget said, "A child's mistakes are natural steps to understanding." I think this piece of wisdom is true for all ages. It certainly is for me. I hope to always be trying to understand more and more and that means making mistakes. I also hope that I am kind to myself when, as a natural step to understanding, I fall once again and skin my knees.

My coffee escapades have been a pretty good word picture of the tricky navigation the past year and a half has presented. Now, 18 months later and at a view of 30,000 feet, I see things differently. I see skinned knees as a badge of courage. And I realize that, almost always, the scars fade away and only the adventure, the memory, and the understanding remains.

The "Queer" State of the Union

2009-09-19T23:41:00.001-04:00

The LGBT Resource Center kicks off our fall programming with the first of our OnGoing LGBT Conferences this Monday, September 21. We are thrilled to have Sean Kosofsky joining us to talk about "The Queer State of the Union"! I guarantee Sean will rock the house as he brings us up to speed on LGBT politics!

Much has happened at the state and national level since Obama's inauguration. Sean will be discussing issues impacting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and taking your questions as well!

Sean is the Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina and is former Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation -- Michigan's anti-violence and advocacy organization serving the LGBT communities. For more info on Sean, click here.

Monday, September 21, at 4 p.m. in the Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center. LIB 100 APPROVED! This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Please contact our office if you need special accommodations: (616) 331-2530.

I Want the World to Know

2009-07-19T11:05:00.002-04:00

Beautiful coming out stories at the website
www.iwanttheworldtoknow.org!

GVSU's LGBT Resource Center has Star Power!

2009-07-04T17:15:00.011-04:00

This spring the LGBT Resource Center updated Grand Valley's LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index profile. The goal of this national assessment tool is to help create respectful and welcoming environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff as well as their allies. Fourteen different campus offices participated in this evaluation.

We are happy to report that,

as a result of recent policy changes at GVSU,

our campus has moved up in rank

from 3 of 5 stars to 4.5 stars of 5 stars!

We can be very proud of our 4.5 star rating. Only 18 campuses across the nation have achieved 5 of 5 stars. We are confident Grand Valley State University will be among the next to receive a 5 of 5 star rating.

The Grand Valley LGBT Resource Center is happy to participate in this national assessment in an effort to continue to look for ways our campus can provide the safest, most supportive and welcoming environment for our LGBT students, faculty and staff.

While this evaluation process served to update how we currently rank after significant policy changes such as our household member benefits and expanded EEO policy, it also served as a consciousness-raising tool to continue to make explicit ways in which we can constantly improve and better meet the needs of our LGBT faculty, staff and students as we pursue our continued commitment to a fully-inclusive campus.

Community Conversation Has Begun!

2009-06-12T16:52:00.010-04:00

Thank you to the nearly 400 participants who attended “Religion and Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community.” The evening was a great success! The LGBT Resource Center extends its thanks to our presenter Wayne Besen of “Truth Wins Out” as well as our amazing panel members.

Our Director, Dr. Milt Ford, will be attending Focus on the Family’s “Love Won Out” conference tomorrow in Grand Rapids.

Don’t forget the Grand Rapids chapter of the National Organization of Women will be hosting a protest to the “Love Won Out” conference tomorrow (Saturday) at noon, Calder Plaza, GR. Mayor George Heartwell will be speaking at that event.

SAVE THE DATE: Join us on September 21st as Sean Kosofsky, former Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation and current Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, will present “The Queer State of the Union” for our OnGoing LGBT Conference. For more information, visit our website.

To keep up on all the happenings at our center, join the “Grand Valley State University LGBT Resource Center” Facebook group.

Follow “gvsuLGBTcenter” on Twitter!

We thank you for your support and hope to see you at our future events!

The Impact of Spiritual Violence

2009-06-01T10:46:00.001-04:00

Many factors have led to my becoming an advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. One of the most devastating events was the disappearance of my beloved friend Liz.

In college I was involved in a nationally-known, campus-based Christian organization. I found this group provided some structure for my life as well as deep, loving friendships. One of those friendships was with Liz.

Liz and I were the same age. She was bubbly, fun, animated, caring, and a great sister to me. Liz was one of my best friends and I loved her.

One Friday night, I went to our weekly meeting and Liz wasn't there. I asked the leadership and was told Liz was sick. That week I tried to reach Liz by phone but was unsuccessful. The following Friday night, no Liz. Once again I asked and was told that Liz would not be returning to the group and that I was not to ask anymore questions. Needless to say, I went ballistic. The head female group leader took me upstairs to a secluded room and sat me down. She then proceeded to tell me that that Liz was no longer part of our group and then informed me that I was forbidden to try to contact Liz because . . .

Liz was "a homosexual."

Of course, I did not respond to this news nor the directive in the manner to which I had been instructed. I was enraged!

I searched for Liz in the limited non-Internet ways that were available to me at the time but she was gone. I was both heartbroken and incredulous. Was this not the same Liz we had loved? Her being a lesbian had zero impact on my feelings for or commitment to her. That revelation was barely a blip on the radar for me. I just wanted my friend to know that I was not a part of the horrifying message she was receiving. I never got a chance to tell her. I never saw or spoke to Liz again.

My heart continues to break for Liz as I wonder how that rejection and alienation impacted her life. I search for her online periodically. Being connected to the devastating spiritual violence that Liz experienced is unfinished business in my own life. When the dominant group in society demands assimilation from the minority group, they not only oppress their target but also diminish their own humanity. I felt diminished. I feel diminished. I am diminished.

On Thursday, June 11th, Grand Valley State University will host a forum to examine the impact of homophobia in faith communities. I hope you will join us and add your voice to this continuing conversation.

Religion & Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community
Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 7 p.m.
GVSU downtown campus - Eberhard Center, Room 215

This event is sponsored by the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, Dean of Students Office, LGBT Resource Center, Women's Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Allies & Advocates, LGBT Faculty and Staff Association, Department of Liberal Studies, and Department of Women and Gender Studies.

For more information, visit the LGBT Resource Center website. Also, follow us on Facebook: Our fan page is "Grand Valley State University LGBT Resource Center" and join the group "Religion & Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community." You can track this event and others on Twitter by following "gvsulgbtcenter."

We hope to see you on Thursday, June 11th at this important event!

Out of Step on Gay Rights

2009-05-09T16:46:00.005-04:00

Grand Rapids Press featured Guest Commentary from HRC’s Trevor Thomas in response to Kent Country GOP Party Chair Joanne Voorhees’ punitive action of rescinding “an invitation for a Republican governor who had expressed support for gay rights to address a Kent County GOP reception.” The following is my response:

For too long, West Michigan has allowed itself to be defined by conservative voices. We, as a community, have come to believe that those views reflect majority opinion. No longer! The last election demonstrated that shift and we can now proudly say that progressive voices are the MAJORITY.

Look at our own Grand Valley State University -- leading the way in showing West Michigan that an economically vibrant global community values diversity. GVSU has recently demonstrated its commitment to inclusion in the following ways:

• Created a department and hired a Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

• Opened the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center to support LGBT and allied students, faculty and staff

• Included life partners in "household benefits" for faculty and staff

• Expanded its EEO to included gender identity and expression

• Trained faculty and staff through their Allies & Advocates program on how to effectively support and advocate for the needs of their LGBT students

The voices for equality and justice are no longer the minority in West Michigan. Richard Florida's research on "Cool Cities" names DIVERSITY as a cornerstone for economic viability. In a state that the New York Times names as "ground zero in the economic downturn," we can no longer afford to be anything but inclusive.

Change has come to West Michigan and will only continue. We ARE the majority now and we own it.

Speaking Truth to Power

2009-02-18T13:30:00.003-05:00

Last week we blew the roof off the LGBT Resource Center!

On Monday we received a letter that was written by the American Family Association (AFA) to its local members. This letter stated that in conjunction with the launch of the website http://www.silencingchristians.com/, the AFA had produced an hour-long infomercial entitled "Speechless: Silencing Christians" decrying advances in equality for the gay community. The show was set to air that night -- Monday, February 9th -- at 7 p.m. on WOOD TV8.

The following were high points from the AFA letter informing its members of the content of "Speechless" and why they should tune in:

"The TV show will reveal the truth about the claim that homosexuals are born that way and cannot change; the negative impact on children resulting from schools promoting the gay lifestyle; protected minority status for homosexuals.

The AFA letter went on to say "it will attack the major lies of militant gay activists head-on; alert viewers about what's at stake for the family if they get what they want; present helpful information to stop the radical homosexual political agenda.

Quickly the students and I set up a Facebook group entitled “Tell WOOD TV8 to Stop Hate!” and we sent an invitation to all our friends asking them to please contact WOOD TV8 to let them know this kind of irresponsible broadcasting is biased, unprofessional and leads to hate violence.

Melissa Pope, Director of Victim Services for Triangle Foundation – Michigan’s leading anti-violence organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities – states, “There is a direct connect between this kind of anti-gay programming and violence against the LGBT community.” It is especially important to acknowledge this potential risk considering hate violence against the gay community in Michigan increased 133% last year!

In a lightning fast response, WOOD TV8 pulled the programming for the evening and announced “Speechless” would be rescheduled later in the week. But we didn’t stop there.

We continued to work with hundreds of campus allies as well as eleven local, state, and national organizations to let WOOD TV8 know that we value the diversity, as well as the safety, of our community.

On Wednesday afternoon, after two reschedules of the program, WOOD TV8 rescinded their offer to air the show stating, “Our station is being bombarded with calls and messages, and we find ourselves in the middle of someone else’s fight.”

GVSU’s “Do Something Guide” states the following:

“Students also need to become active participants in making a difference outside of the classroom. Applying what you know to real life situations will help you better understand and educate others on the need for awareness and diversity.” (Fall 2008 p. 42)

The students of the LGBT Resource Center certainly put that into practice and received an electrifying education in the power of using their voices to address injustice and create change. The cancellation of the anti-gay infomercial “Speechless” by WOOD TV8 was a victory for fairness and safety. By the end of the week, our Facebook group had over 1,100 citizen activist members! Our grassroots effort received national media attention and changed the course of West Michigan history.

I encourage all of you to join us, whether LGBT or ally, as the LGBT Resource Center works to educate and develop student leaders who are empowered to create social change. Join our Facebook group “Friends of the GVSU LGBT Resource Center” to follow our work and become involved in the equality and justice community.

“When will justice ever come to Athens? Only when those who are not injured are just as indignant as those who are.” ~Thucydides

Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight!

2009-02-08T11:24:00.003-05:00

Last week LGBT Resource Center Director Milt Ford and I were in Denver for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change conference. This event was attended by over 2,300 activists from around the country who pursue equality and justice work on behalf of the gay community. This was my second Creating Change conference and no less life changing than last year’s event. The opening plenary for this conference always features the Executive Director (ED) of the Task Force delivering “The State of the Movement” address. This year new Task Force ED Rea Carey shared her perspectives.

Understanding the state of the movement is particularly important at this time in history. The November elections were politically significant for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. The election of Barack Obama marked many firsts for our nation including the fact that his acceptance speech was the first of its kind to acknowledge the gay community. As leaders in the movement, we celebrate the election of an LGBT-friendly President who believes that the United States Constitution applies to ALL Americans.

There were other substantial victories that bright November day. Representing Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, Jared Polis became the first openly gay candidate to run for the U.S. House of Representatives where he handily won victory! A new day also dawned in Michigan. Our citizens voted in record numbers and loudly rejected the divisive and discriminatory politics that have polarized this state. In an exhilarating rout, Barack Obama won Michigan with 57% of the popular vote changing the political landscape of our state! Additionally, a significant upset occurred when Judge Diane Marie Hathaway unseated Clifford Taylor on the Michigan Supreme Court! The impact of Judge Hathaway’s victory is immeasurable, considering Judge Taylor’s longstanding opposition to LGBT equality. Judge Hathaway’s election provides renewed hope for justice and equality in the LGBT community.

However, the losses were profound. Sadly, Hamtramck no longer has a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy. Additionally, equality suffered devastating blows in California, Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona.

In her “State of the Movement” address Rea Carey commented on these losses, “As we look back on this year, our confidence has been shaken and our anger has been roused — but now is the time to turn our anger into action and our action into long-lasting change. We must now refocus on regaining marriage equality in California and winning across the country. But we need to remember that these anti-marriage ballot measures are fundamentally about the larger right-wing assault on the ever-expanding diversity in the United States, our freedom to live openly and to create and define our sexuality, ourselves and our families. . . As the magnet on my grandmother's fridge says, ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight!’”

And so we brush ourselves off and renew our commitments. As we remember President-elect Obama’s acceptance speech and his acknowledgement of our community, we remain hopeful that this new President will bring the values of inclusion and equality to our broken nation and help us in the continuing journey on the road to equality.

GVSU -- Creating Social Change in West Michigan

2009-01-18T10:16:00.007-05:00

Shortly after Ari came out and we were experiencing the consequences of misinformation and fear, I decided I wanted to work within the LGBT equality movement to help educate the greater community, dispell myths, and create safe spaces. The first place I looked was Grand Valley State University.

Since 1971, the University of Michigan has had an office dedicated to serving the needs of LGBT students and their allies. I was hopeful that when I checked out GVSU, I would find this same kind of resource. When I discovered Grand Valley did not have such an office, I felt overwhelmed with the work that needed to be done. Why, 35 years later, did our local institute of high education not keep pace with the largest university in the state? Little did I know all that had been going on at GVSU for the past ten years!

It wasn't until I was on the ground with Triangle Foundation in West Michigan that I had the opportunity to meet members of the GVSU staff and faculty to learn of the great work that the LGBT and allied community had been and was continuing to accomplish at Grand Valley.

This fall, Triangle Foundation recognized the work and vision of Grand Valley State University by honoring them with a Catalyst award for their equality and justice work on behalf of the LGBT community. I had the honor of presenting this award to GVSU at the Triangle Foundation State Dinner. I have included the text of my presentation below to share how the university has worked to create such immense cultural change. I am so honored to now be a part of this visionary community!

"Eight years ago, Grand Valley State University had the doors slammed in their faces regarding domestic partner benefits. Large private donors with high name recognition threatened to withdraw financial gifts unless the university closed the chapter/closed the book on this issue. It was a devastating blow to the many advocates for equality at GVSU, including Milt Ford and Kim Ranger, who had labored tirelessly for years around this issue.

This left the community in a powerless situation. In order to find their voice once again, the community came to the administration with something that would get their attention … money. Under the direction of Gary Van Harn, the faculty and staff developed the LGBT Scholarship Fund. This fund, which quickly became the fastest growing scholarship on campus, was the first time the term LGBT was published in university materials. Today that endowment has grown to over $82,000 and serves LGBT youth who, as a result of coming out, are asked to leave their homes and find themselves in need of housing and financial support to continue their studies. The LGBT community is now working with partners such as West Shore Aware to continue to build this emergency fund which provides for students in this transitional period. As a result of working with students who receive these necessary funds, the university has become increasingly sensitized to the special needs of their LGBT students including making special accommodations for transitioning transgender youth.

Grand Valley’s commitment to the LGBT community can be seen in their development of a new position – Vice President of Equity and Inclusion – as well as their Allies & Advocates program which trains approximately 75 faculty and staff per year on how to reach out to their LGBT students and advocate on their behalf. In an additional step forward, Grand Valley extended their anti-discrimination policy this year to include “gender identity and expression.”

The GVSU LGBT Faculty and Staff Association, under the direction of Neal Rogness, reopened the conversation about domestic partner benefits. Working with University President Tom Hass; Tom Butcher, University Legal Counsel; Scott Richardson, Director of Human Resources as well VP Equity and Inclusion Jean Arnold, this year Grand Valley State University opened that slammed door and began offering “household benefits” to the faculty and staff.

And finally, this week I attended the grand opening of the new LGBT Resource Center on the Grand Valley campus. This large office occupies a beautiful space and represents a dream that took many years of work and planning to come to fruition. Since this office opened its doors weeks ago, it has served over 300 students!

For the tireless work of three generations of LGBT activists on the Grand Valley campus, for the many strides forward for equality that have been created as a result of that work, and for the many lives that will be not only saved but also enriched and empowered, it is my great honor to present Grand Valley State University with the 2008 Triangle Foundation Catalyst Award!"

GVSU Adds Colette Beighley as Administrator of LGBT Resource Center

2009-01-04T17:33:00.003-05:00

ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP -- After a gay student was spat on two years ago, Grand Valley State University administrators vowed to make gay, lesbian and transgender students feel welcome on campus.

This fall, the university opened its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center where students, and those who want to support them, can spend time in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe.

Come January, the center also will have a full-time administrator to help coordinate its programs, which have touched about 2,000 people this year. "For many years, LGBT students have not felt that they were treated equally," said GVSU professor Milt Ford, the center's director.

He recently hired Colette Beighley to become its full-time presence. Read more.

Read entire Grand Rapids Press article

Read Muskegon Chronicle article

Colette Beighley to Leave Triangle Foundation

2008-12-20T11:58:00.005-05:00

With bittersweet feelings, Triangle Foundation announces the resignation of our Director of Communications, Colette Beighley. Colette joined Triangle almost two years ago and was instrumental in the opening of the West Michigan field office. Her role then expanded to that of Director of Communications. Colette came to the attention of the Triangle Foundation when her 16-year-old son came out and the family made a decision to be a completely "out" family. Her son experienced some anti-gay abuse at school and Colette and the entire family was ready to support him.

"Colette is the kind of mom that the community needs. She's also active in PFLAG, and I'm glad she will remain active in the movement. We have an ally in West Michigan who will continue to spread the mission of anti-violence and equal rights," stated Alicia Skillman, Executive Director of Triangle Foundation.

Colette has accepted a position with Grand Valley State University as the Assistant Director of their new LGBT Resource Center. "Colette will be an immediate asset to the Resource Center. She will be missed at Triangle; however, we look forward to working with her in her new endeavor," stated Skillman.

"It has been my great honor to work for Triangle Foundation and with such an incredible staff. I look forward to continuing to work within the movement at Grand Valley -- an institution which constantly renews its commitment to equity and inclusion," said Colette Beighley.

Please take a moment to thank Colette for her service to our community. Help us to honor Colette's dedication to equality and justice by making a year-end gift to Triangle Foundation

today.

Kalamazoo Unanimously Passes Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

2008-12-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

The city of Kalamazoo has stepped beyond existing state and federal laws, making it illegal to use sexual orientation to discriminate in housing, public accommodations and employment.

The Kalamazoo City Commission voted 7-0 Monday night to adopt an expanded anti-discrimination ordinance that makes it a municipal civil infraction to discriminate against gays, lesbians and transgender citizens.

The concept was brought to city leaders by the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality and was modified by City Attorney Clyde Robinson to pattern similar language adopted by Ann Arbor and 15 other Michigan cities. Read entire story.

Hate Crimes Legislation Passes Michigan House!

2008-11-14T09:32:00.004-05:00

This morning Triangle Foundation Director of Victim Services, Melissa Pope, testified before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee to advocate for passage of the Michigan Anti-Bias Crime Statute (HB 6340 and 6341).

We are thrilled to report that this evening, the Michigan House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed this hate crimes legislation!

As a result of Triangle Foundation's 17 years of direct work with victims of anti-LGBT violence, our organization has seen the need for these kinds of protections, and we have advocated for hate crimes legislation for over ten years. This evening's passage is a huge victory for our community and for our state!

This legislation enables law enforcement and the judicial system to appropriately charge and prosecute offenders when their actions are aimed at creating a climate of fear and intolerance. Michigan ranks third in the nation for the highest number of hate crimes. With Triangle Foundation reporting a 133% increase in anti-LGBT crime in 2007, the need for this legislation is imperative to send the message that hate is not a Michigan value.

We thank our partners who joined with us to make this victory possible including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the ACLU of Michigan, and Michigan Equality.

Please help support our work as we support victims of anti-LGBT violence and work for policy change in Lansing by making a donation today.

Triangle Foundation is dedicated to promoting equality and securing freedom from violence, intimidation, and discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons throughout Michigan.

Michigan's Proposal 2 -- It's About Hope

2008-10-30T10:08:00.004-04:00

Vote Yes on Proposition 2 and bring hope to many who suffer including my friend Julielyn Gibbons. Here Julielyn and her Mom share their story:

Groups supporting Proposition 2:
Alliance for Aging Research
ALS Michigan
American Association
American Civil Liberties Union
American Diabetes Association
American Federation of Teachers
Americans for Cures
B'nai B'rith International
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Californians for Cures
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
Danny Heumann Foundation for Spinal Cord Research
Detroit Urban League
Hadassah
HIV/AIDS Alliance of Michigan
International Society of Stem Cell Research
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National and Michigan
Karmanos Cancer Institute
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan Nurses Association
National Association of Social Workers, Michigan Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Organization of Women, Michigan Chapter
Parkinsons Action Network
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Research for Cures
Research!America
RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association
Student Society for Stem Cell Research
Students for Stem Cell Research
The Genetics Policy Institute
United Spinal Association

David Sedaris on Undecided Voters

2008-10-24T12:54:00.005-04:00

David Sedaris writes about undecided voters in the current issue of the New Yorker:

"I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."

Read entire article.

MARRIAGE VICTORY IN CONNECTICUT!

2008-10-10T15:31:00.001-04:00

October 10, 2008 -- Detroit, MI -- The Connecticut Supreme Court issued an opinion today overturning the state's ban on same-sex marriage. The justices voted 4-3, declaring that, according to Connecticut's state constitution, "same sex couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry."

This historic ruling will provide additional security and protections to the thousands of loving, committed same-sex couples and their children living in Connecticut. Marriage has meaning, both as a word and as an institution. Couples who have been together for years -- in many cases for decades -- will now have access to the dignity and respect that come with being legally married.

Connecticut becomes the third state, after Massachusetts and California, to provide marriage equality for its gay and lesbian citizens. "While Connecticut's civil union law provides many rights and protections for same-sex couples, the Supreme Court today recognized that which has always been true: 'separate but equal' is never equal," stated Bernadette Brown, the Director of Policy at Triangle Foundation. Brown continued, "It is unfortunate that loving, committed same-sex couples and their families in Michigan still live without these important protections."

It is the mission of Triangle Foundation to promote equality and to secure freedom from violence, intimidation, and discrimination for LGBT persons throughout Michigan.

Matthew Shepard: A Decade of Pain, A Call to Action

2008-10-06T11:42:00.003-04:00

Guest Blogger: Melissa Pope, Director of Victim Services, Triangle Foundation

Ten years ago, the nation was stunned, shocked and horrified by the news that a young man, barely alive, was found tied to a fence in Laramie, Wyoming. We learned that this young man’s name was Matthew Shepard and that he had been beaten and left to die because he was gay. While the nation kept vigil, praying that Matthew would live, Matthew succumbed to his injuries and left this earth on October 12, 1998.

Having been actively involved with the social justice movement for several years, I was all too aware of the hatred that infests some in our society, spreading like a disease until the symptoms become fatal – for someone else. This infestation was painfully clear as the hate mongers stood outside the hospital praising the murder of Matthew as a testament to God. I remember tearfully asking my mother what was different now as compared to when lynchings were a part of American life. She replied with prophetic words, “Now, at least, we find it appalling.”

And so this became the quest of so many people and organizations – to make sure that we all found such heinous violence appalling and to oppose it with a message of tolerance. We have seen the formation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation which, through its work, has touched thousands of lives, spreading the message to erase hate. We have seen increased efforts by well-established organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center which itself has been the victim of a bombing motivated by hate. And there are statewide organizations, like Triangle Foundation, that provide direct services to victims of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender violence while working to change laws to protect all of America’s citizens. It is through my work at Triangle Foundation that my heart becomes the heaviest as I search for progress in the decade that has followed Matthew’s murder.

Despite the outrage expressed over and over again regarding Matthew’s murder, we have yet to see The Matthew Shepard Act signed into law. Most in America do not realize that it still is not a hate crime to brutalize a person because they are gay. In Michigan, we have yet to see the Ethnic Intimidation Act amended to include crimes motivated by bias against the gay community. We continue to see individuals attacked throughout the country because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Equally disturbing is the use of the gay panic defense. Put simply, the gay panic defense argues that the accused was so revolted by a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity that they were provoked to violence. This defense is often successful in that assailants are convicted of lesser offenses and receive lighter sentences. These cases are happening all over the country, including here in Michigan. On July 29, 2007, Steven Scarborough beat 62 year-old Victor Manious, placed him in the trunk of his car and left him to die. At trial, Scarborough used the gay panic defense. The fact that the jury found that an alleged sexual advance justified the beating to death of a 62-year-old man by a 21-year old man demonstrates how deeply rooted homophobia is in our American society.

Ten years later, we have yet to pronounce that hate is not an American value. It is far past time to build the foundation for tolerance in America. We must pass hate crime legislation that includes violence against another because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Without the demand that tolerance and acceptance are American values, we will continue to see lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans brutalized. As we remember the murder of Matthew Shepard as well as many others who have been victims of hate, let us make a commitment to banish intolerance and embrace inclusivity so that we may live as a society of humanity where all people are truly created equal and valued as such. Let us come to a time when such violence is not only appalling, but absent from our society.

From the GLAAD Blog: Triangle Foundation’s Colette Beighley

2008-10-02T22:01:00.011-04:00

From today's GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) blog:

Triangle Foundation’s Colette Beighley

October 2, 2008 -- In our work at GLAAD, we know the power that personal stories have to shape perceptions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Today we are privileged to have Colette Beighley, the new Director of Communications for the Triangle Foundation, answer some questions and share her story. The Triangle Foundation is Michigan’s oldest statewide LGBT organization. We’ve been lucky to work closely with Colette as we advocate for fair, accurate and inclusive media coverage across the state.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Michigan’s LGBT community has seen you go from PFLAG mom to a full-time organizer for the Triangle Foundation, to now, Triangle Foundation’s Director of Communications. What inspired you to first become an advocate for the LGBT community and what has motivated you to take on these increased responsibilities?

Colette Beighley: There were several events that really propelled me into this work. Continue Reading.

Where the Wild Things Are ... Gay!

2008-09-15T21:18:00.013-04:00

Brilliant children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak (80) came out in this week in the New York Times.

"Was there anything he had never been asked? He paused for a few moments and answered, “Well, that I’m gay.” “I just didn’t think it was anybody’s business,” Mr. Sendak added. He lived with Eugene Glynn, a psychoanalyst, for 50 years before Dr. Glynn’s death in May 2007. He never told his parents: “All I wanted was to be straight so my parents could be happy. They never, never, never knew.” Children protect their parents, Mr. Sendak said."

Though Maurice Sendak is most well known for Where the Wild Things Are, my favorite book of his growing up was Little Bear's Friend. I read that story countless times and then read it to my children. The illustrations were so beautiful, you couldn't help fall in love with Little Bear.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Sendak! Thank you for continuing to share beautiful stories with us -- like your 50 year relationship with your partner, Eugene Glynn.

Familiar Face, New Role

2008-09-13T16:53:00.004-04:00

Triangle Foundation Names Colette Beighley
as New Director of Communications

Triangle Foundation is pleased to announce that Colette Beighley has been named Director of Communications. Colette has been serving the organization for nearly two years as West Michigan Field Organizer. In that position, she helped established Triangle’s first field office in Grand Rapids and will continue to work out of our West Michigan office in her new role.

Triangle Foundation is proud to be able to bring a director-level position to Grand Rapids. This new appointment further demonstrates our work as a statewide organization and our commitment to West Michigan.

“It is an honor to serve the community and to work with this team of talented individuals. I look forward to both the new role and the new challenges that lie ahead,” said Colette Beighley.

“Triangle Foundation is proud of the work Colette has done in West Michigan. Her new position will further build and enhance the many relationships she has formed there. Colette will bring her unique and respectful style to our written and online communications helping us to bring our message forward, reach out to our constituents, and build bridges within our many communities,” said Kate Runyon, Interim Executive Director for Triangle Foundation.

The communities of West Michigan have responded to the new Grand Rapids office with strong financial support recognizing our work to promote equality for LGBT persons throughout Michigan. Join us by becoming a member today!