[news] California Almost Let Gays Get Married

Arnold lived up to his promise and vetoed the gay marriage bill. Summed up succintly by our dear classmate William: "He officially sucks."


(link to article)


More to come...

[news] Wait and (The Holy) See

I've asked a theologian in our group to give reactions to the Vatican instruction to boot homosexuals from seminaries. He responded, "Wait and see."

Robert,

This is why I am waiting [before making any judgments], this is a quote from John Allen, National Catholic Reporter, CNN special expert:

Many readers undoubtedly have questions about reports concerning a new Vatican instruction on the admission of homosexuals to seminaries. I'll have analysis in the near future, though one note of caution is in order: we don't yet have the document, and as always with church texts, the devil is in the details.

(link to rather long article)

That's particularly true with this instruction, since the Vatican has already twice published documents indicating that homosexuals should not be admitted to the priesthood (a document from the Congregation for Religious in 1961 and another from the Congregation for Divine Worship in May 2002). To what extent the new instruction will mark a change in policy, and what its practical impact may be, therefore remains to be seen.

EDIT.

I don't know how accurate the following is, but John Allen also recommends that we take the Vatican's missive with a grain of salt. Italian jurisprudence, apparently, is very different from Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence. This has little to do with homosexuality, but might help you challenge your idea about what law is.

Although this is a difficult point for many Anglo-Saxons to grasp, when the Vatican makes statements like "no gays in the priesthood," it doesn't actually mean "no gays in the priesthood." It means, "As a general rule, this is not a good idea, but we all know there will be exceptions."

Understanding this distinction requires an appreciation of Italian concepts of law, which hold sway throughout the thought world of the Vatican. The law, according to such thinking, expresses an ideal. It describes a perfect state of affairs from which many people will inevitably fall short. This view is far removed from the typical Anglo-Saxon approach, which expects the law to dictate what people actually do.

...


As one senior Vatican official put it to me some time ago, "Law describes the way things would work if men were angels."

(link to article)

[resource] don't ask, don't tell

hey all, here are some great resources from the servicemember's legal defense network. they include a comprehensive history of the policy and recent press releases:

(link to SLDN resources)

[pics] JAG Posters

Here are the posters Steve and I came up with for JAG-tastic Wednesday. He'll be posting more soon about the details of the day, I'm sure.

(link to posters)

[event] JAG Dress Up

Don't forget - Jag is here on Wednesday. So, get dressed up in your best clothes. If we can't join them, we can at least least look good being rejected!

[note] Merch is great

I ordered two shirts from cafepress and, the Outlaws gear is actually pretty decent quality! I was impressed. So, get a shirt or somehting to wear on out event days. (link to merch store)

[news] don't ask, don't tell, don't matter.

Before you can talk about Don't Ask/Don't Tell, you first have to acknowledge that it's built on the idea that gays shouldn't be in the military at all. From digging around on the internet, I've noticed that there are two main justifications for keeping gays out.

(1) Proclivity. Sodomy is against the rules and gays are more likely to commit sodomy.

(2) Morale. Gay people make straight people nervous, which is bad for morale, and thereby makes the military weaker.

Which brings us to the latest news from the Don't Ask/Don't Tell front. Apparently you can get kicked out for being gay, but only if you're NOT on active duty. According to "FORSCOM Mobilization & Deployment Planning System: Volume III Reserve Component Unit Commander's Handbook," a title that says it all, if a discharge is requested for a gay soldier after his unit is put on active duty, he still has to go to war--they just deal with the gay thing when they get back.

If they get back.

Now, this doesn't speak much to the proclivity rationale, but it says a whole lot about the morale issue. If gay people make the military weaker by their mere open and notorious presence (legal jargon!), you'd think the military would keep them as far from the battle field as possible. Instead, we send them to war anyway.

So, what's going on here? The military says it has a third interest: not letting people fake their way out of service. Apparently they're worried about situations similar to M*A*S*H's Klinger, where soldiers will claim to be gay in order to be sent home (see Enabling Statute at (e); but see Catch-22 for the proposition that anyone sane enough to want to go home is not insane enough to be discharged). Therefore, don't immediately discharge gay people because it will encourage the less honorable to fake gay.

Some commentators have said that it is "in clear violation of the law" to make a gay soldier go into active duty, but I can't see anything in the enabling statute that I would call "clear." In fact, the Enabling Statute says, "A member of the armed forces shall be separated from the armed forces under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense if one or more of the following findings is made...." (Enabling Statute at (b), emphasis totally added). Considering deference to the executive branch, etc., I can't imagine any court saying that SecDef can't postpone the inquiry until after the tour is over.

The reason, I think, people want to call this "in clear violation of the law" is because it feels horribly unfair--and the law is supposed to be, on some basic level, fair. And maybe this part of the law is fair: making a soldier who signed up for duty serve out that duty does not offend the sensibilities. What feels unfair is shamefully discharging her, after she's risked her life willingly for her country, when she returns home.

If you want to argue policy, start right there.

(link to washington blade article)
(link to advocate article)

(link to FORSCOM Regulation 500-3-3 pdf)
(link to enabling statute)

[event] DyketoberFest (10/1, Aut Bar)

From our friends in Kerrytown...

DyketoberFest
[Beer. Dancing. Lesbians. Good times.]

Not only is this the HOTTest lesbian-run,
queer-friendly dance party of the year, but it's
also a fundraiser for Rainbow World Fund, benefiting
Katrina (and now Rita) victims through the LGTBQ
community.

Aut Bar
315 Braun Ct, Ann Arbor (link to map)
Sat. Oct. 1st
DJ Amy Spins

Get there early. Stay late. Dancing at 10pm.
50/50/50 raffle at midnight.

[pics] Student Org Open House

The law school student organizations all got together to show off our stuff. This is some of our stuff.

[event] "Riddle of Gender" (9/23 @ 7:30, Ruthven Museums Building)

[from denise]

I will be introducing Deborah this evening. If you're interested in gender issues or transgender issues, I think you will find this talk to be very useful and very informative.

Denise

Science Writer Rudacille to Speak about the "Riddle of Gender"

On Friday, September 23 at 7:30pm science writer Deborah Rudacille will discuss the science of gender and the human side of transgender issues.

In The Riddle of Gender, released in February 2005, Rudacille explores the complexities of gender variance including historical influences, scientific contributions, and current activism. Rudacille considers the social implications of scientific pursuits regarding gender, providing what Publishers Weekly has called research that is, "a good introduction for the educated lay reader and documented enough for the scholar."

Rudacille's talk, The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism, and Transgender Rights, will be held from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Hall of Evolution at the University of Michigan's Exhibit Museum of Natural History, Ruthven Museums Building, 1109 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor. A reception will follow Rudacille's talk.

Deborah Rudacille's talk is made possible by collaborative efforts between the University of Michigan's Exhibit Museum of Natural History and the Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. For more information about the event, please contact Jennifer Almquist at the Office of LGBT Affairs,

734.763.4186 or almquisj@umich.edu. For information about the venue, including parking and directions, please call 734.764.0478 or visit www.lsa.umich.edu/exhibitmuseum

[note] Solomon Amendment Amicus Filed

Dear UM OutLaws,

[Linked to below] is the final brief Gibbons, Del Deo submitted to the Supreme Court yesterday on behalf of the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association ("NLGLA") in the Solomon litigation, FAIR v. Rumsfeld. Nearly 40 LGBT law student organizations and state bar associations joined us on this important brief. You can see us listed on the front page of signatories!

Updates on the case and filings by other parties can be accessed at solomonresponse.org.

You should all take pride in the work that we have done at Michigan on this issue and in our participation in this historic moment.

Congratulations,
Nadine Gartner

(link to pdf amicus brief)

[event] University Wide Stuff

From our friends at the office of LGBT Affairs

Fall Coming Out Group Starting Soon
Our weekly coming-out support group will begin Wednesday, October 12 and will meet on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm. This eight-week group will help participants explore a variety of coming-out issues. People of all genders and ages are welcome. Before joining, all participants must arrange to have a brief pre-screening meeting with Kevin Correa to ensure the group is right for them. To set up a meeting, please contact Kevin at kcorrea@umich.edu or 734.763.4186.


Call for the Speakers Bureau!
Calling all LGBT students, staff, faculty and community members! Calling all allies! Fall Speakers Bureau training is Friday, 9/30 to Sunday, 10/2. For more info or to request an application, please contact Julica Hermann at julica@umich.edu or 734.647.2724.

Free, Anonymous HIV Testing at LGBTA
Every Monday, a counselor from HARC, the HIV/AIDS Resource Center, will be at the Office of LGBT Affairs from 6-7 pm offering free and anonymous HIV testing. The Office of LGBT Affairs is a welcoming and safe space for all seeking testing. For more information on HARC and testing, call 800.578.2300, 734.572.9355, email justin@r2harc.org or visit them on the web at comnet.org/harc/eo_testing.html

Anna Camilleri: Feminist Siren, Cultural Agitator and Fabulous Femme
On Tuesday, October 11 at 8pm, performer, author, and editor Anna Camilleri will present a one-woman, multi-media performance in celebration of National Coming
Out Day. Every October 11, thousands of transgender, bisexual, lesbian, and gay people and allies celebrate National Coming Out Day.

At the University of Michigan, the Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Affairs works with student groups to extend coming out events into a week-long celebration. This year's events are inspired by the national theme "Talk About It" and are intended to encourage tblg and allied individuals to live open and honest lives. The Office of LGBT Affairs is pleased to present Anna Camilleri in performance at 8:00pm in the Henderson Room of the Michigan League. For more information about the event, please contact Jennifer Almquist at 734.763.4186 or almquisj@umich.edu.

[note] Look Like a Duck!

You know you want it. Quack.

(link to our hot new merch line)

[news] Harvard Pansies Out

This is the last paragraph of a letter from the dean of the Harvard Law School to her student body. You can guess what the other paragraphs said.

I have said before how much I regret making this exception to our antidiscrimination policy. I believe the military`s discriminatory employment policy is deeply wrong - both unwise and unjust. And this wrong tears at the fabric of our own community by denying an opportunity to some of our students that other of our students have. The importance of the military to our society - and the great service that members of the military provide to all the rest of us - heightens, rather than excuses, this inequity. The Law School remains firmly committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all persons, without regard to sexual orientation. And I look forward to the time when all our students can pursue any career path they desire, including the path of devoting their professional lives to the defense of their country.

Best,
Elena Kagan

Seriously, I can't blame them. It is an awful lot of money that can go to an awful lot of good things. I just wish the military would let the gay folks serve. Other nations do it and they don't get their asses kicked any more often than we do.

(link to article)

[event] OutFest 2005 (9/24 @ 6pm-12am in Kerrytown)

From our friends at...somewhere.

Greater Kerrytown area, Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday September 24, 2005 6pm -12am.

Hi everyone, we are closing in on our annual reunion!

Come out & celebrate with 1000 of your closest friends & allies! Scan the crowd and bump into who knows who!!!

One big change for this year is an auction at the WRAP Resource Center [325 Braun ct.] which will feature really nice house wares, awesome & original artwork, spa packages, and dinners around the area!

Right outside Common Language Bookstore, the acoustic stage will have some of MI best unplugged talents:
Ann Doyle,
Dan Kaplan Band,
Jo Serrapere,
& Tracy Mack!

The Kerrytown Concert house will be featuring Children's interactive theatre group: Acting UP! and there will also be a younger focused section right outside with activities for everyone to enjoy.

WRAP will host Vendors from all walks in the Farmer's market venue: non-profit & political to allies and family merchants. Come check out the new issues on the horizon and support those who support us!

The main stage will Kick off at 6pm sharp with Bagpipers... don't miss these guys!

Emcees: Cristy Cardinal & Dan Burns will introduce Rich Merrit, telling his story. Then Jeremy Merklinger, WRAP President, and a few words from Alma Wheeler-Smith.

THEN kick back, enjoy a beer, while listening to:
Out Loud Chorus,
the Fundamentalists,
Jamie Register Band,
Tricrotic, and
Chrome Mali!

The evening will be rounded out with performers mingling with the crowd and NECTO providing dancing in the streets late into the night!

Of course, none of this would be possible without our sponsors, your continued support and everyone's help!

Look forward to seeing you there!
You don't want to miss this one!!!!

(link to more info)

[news] It Helps to be a Little Bit Crazy

Sometimes people who don't know me very well ask my opinion on how to succeed in law school. Honestly, I have no clue--you just do the best you can and cross your fingers. But, apparently some research has been done in the area.

"Functional psychopaths" make the best investment decisions because they can't experience emotions such as fear, a study by researchers at Stanford Graduate School of Business showed.

Fear stops people from taking even logical risks, meaning those who have suffered damage to areas of the brain affecting emotions, and can suppress feeling, make better decisions, the report showed. The ability to control emotion helps performance in business and the financial markets, the researchers found.

"Many CEOs and many top lawyers might also share this trait," Antoine Bechara, a professor of neurology of the University of Iowa, said in a statement on the Stanford Graduate School of Business Web site.

(from this article)

Now before you start hitting yourself in the head with a hammer, note this caveat at the bottom of the article. Seriously, they should put things like this at the top.

Still, Shiv said emotions aren't all bad. Those who can't experience feelings tend to make "disadvantageous" social decisions, losing their jobs and their friends, the report said.

Get the point? If you'd like to be successful at the expense of friends and career, you know what to do. Otherwise, just do your best and cross your fingers.

[news] New e-Board Members

Please join us in congratulating our newest e-board members. It's going to be a great year for Outlaws!

1L Rep: Brad
Alumni Admissions & Faculty Chair: Ashianna
Basement Group Relations & Special Events Chair: Priya
Political Action & Speakers Committee Chair: Steve
Social Committee Chair: Matt
Lavender Law Committee: Bayrex, Nadine, and Megan

[note] 3L Challenge!

Nothing says you're about to graduate like being asked for money you haven't even made yet.

From Wednesday, Sept. 21 - Thursday, Oct. 13th, you have an amazing
opportunity to help support Outlaws.

Third-Year Challenge

Pledge Drive begins September 21 through October 13.

Nannes Third-Year Challenge

Goal: 200

The Law School's Third-Year Challenge provides students with an opportunity for philanthropy while still in school. Over the decade-long history of the Third-Year Challenge program the name associated with the challenge has changed to reflect the program's alumni donor, while the goal has remained consistent. Alumnus John Nannes, '73, the current donor for the program, believes that students will increase their philanthropic support if they are giving to something that has impacted their Law School experience - such as funding for student organizations.

Third-year student participants of the Nannes Third-Year Challenge agree to contribute to the Law School Fund for the first three years after graduation. In previous years, the first 100 of these students have been able to allocate a portion of Nannes' gift to the student organization(s) of their choice. At its core, the program aims to simultaneously foster student group activity and alumni support.

This academic year, which is the eleventh year of the program, Nannes has decided to double his commitment to the program to $50,000. Also new this year, a student-lead executive committee is expanding the program to reach twice as many students - 200 rather than 100. John Nannes' increased commitment to student life coupled with the leadership of the student committee, will enable more student organizations to benefit from his generosity and will develop a greater commitment to philanthropy among a larger cohort of the student body.

Please consider pledging your support between September 21st and October 13th by downloading the pledge form and submitting your pledge to the box in the Law Library Reading Room or to any of the committee members:

Talia Dubovi
Kat Duffy
Collin Foulds
Jenna Goldenberg
Liz Lintz
Sarah Niemiec
Matt Nolan
Aaron O'Donnell
Matt Rojas
Jeannine Sims
William Tran
Bradley Wilson

(link to pledge form)
(link to UMLS Third Year Challenge Site)

[note] Minutes from First General Meeting (9/15)

Date: 9/15/05.
Attendance: ~45.

Announcements:

• If you're a 1L and you still don't have a mentor, email [us] and we'll fix that ASAP.
  
• There will be a social event soon, so stay posted--the Social Chair hasn't even been elected yet.
  
• Lavender Law (link to LavLaw) is coming up October 27-29. It's in San Diego this year, which should be amazing. The conference is also a career fair (firms, LBTG rights orgs, etc), so be sure to bring your suits, resumes, and best smiles with you.
  
• JAG (link to JAG) is recruiting on campus soon, and it will be the PAC Chair's job to come up with events and reactions to that. (Note: it has long been Outlaws position that we do not wish to block or interrupt the interviewing process. Instead, we focus on education and awareness for those involved.)
  
• Presentation on illegitimate voting practices in Michigan politics, by BAMN (By Any Means Necessary, link to site). Outlaws will vote on whether to sign onto BAMN's platform at a future general meeting, after more time has been given to discuss the issue.

Election Results:
(summing up a long process)

• 1L Representative: Brad
  
• Political Action Committee Chair: Steve
  
• Social Chair: Matt
  
• Basement Group Relations: Priya
  
• Lavender Law Committee: [didn't catch all the names--coming soon]
  
• Recruiting: Ashianna

Next general meeting: to be announced.

(link to more pictures)

[plug] Valuing All Families (9/28 @ 3:30pm in the Michigan League)

From our friends at IRWG, who seem to host an awful lot of events.

Valuing All Families: Marriage and More

A sequel to the October 2004 panel on Gay Marriage, including a discussion of the social construction of marriage in American society.


Wednesday, September 28, 2005
3:30-5:00 pm
Michigan League, Henderson Room

Free and open to the public

For more information contact: The Institute for Research on Women and Gender - The University of Michigan - 204 S. State Street, 1136 Lane Hall - Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1290 - 734-764-9537 - www.umich.edu/~irwg

[plug] A Fiction Reading: Neil Bartlett (9/29 @ 5:00pm, Residential College Auditorium)

From our friends at LGQRI and IRWG.

The Lesbian-Gay-Queer Research Initiative (LGQRI), a program of U-M's Institute for Research on Women and Gender, presents:

A Fiction Reading

By Writer/Director/Activist
from London

Neil Bartlett

As part of: "Queer Arts: Reflection in Action"
A year long, on-campus festival of humor, verve, style, imagination, daring, innovation, experimentation, and sheer queer genius.

Neil Bartlett is an English playwright, novelist, dramaturge, translator, historian, and essayist. ... He is a historian and public intellectual, as well as a performer, producer, and cultural activist. For more than a dozen years, Bartlett served as the Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. He is the author of two remarkable novels: Ready to Catch Him Should He Fall and The House on Brooke Street. Bartlett is also the author of Who Was That Man? A Present for Mr. Oscar Wilde, which is an inquiry into Wilde's significance, a fundamental archival work of gay male history, a brilliant example of creative non-fiction, and a profound meditation on the nature of gay male social and personal existence across time.

His most recent appearance in the United States was in the spring of 2005 in Boston, where he directed a controversial production of Christopher Marlowe's 16th-century play, Dido Queen of Carthage, for the American Repertory Theatre. Bartlett's U-M visit will culminate with a public reading from his novel in progress.

Thursday, September 29, 2005
5:00-6:30 pm
Residential College, Auditorium

Free and open to the public.

The Directors of LGQRI are David Halperin and Holly Hughes. For more information, please contact Holly Hughes (hahughes@umich.edu) or The Institute for Research on Women and Gender -- The University of Michigan -- 204 S. State Street, 1136 Lane Hall -- Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1290 -- 734-764-9537 -- www.umich.edu/~irwg/

[event] Regents' Meeting (9/15 @ 3:45PM in the Fleming Building)

Please attend the public comments section of the Regents' meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 PM in the Fleming building!

As many of you know, Denise has been active for the past year in a campaign to persuade the Regents of our university to amend its non-discrimination by-law to incorporate gender identity or expression. The idea to amend the by-law was first proposed by the TBLG task force of the Office of the Provost (chaired by Professor Bruce Frier).

IV. Recommendations for the University of Michigan

A. The Rights of Transgender Persons

A1. We recommend that the Regents amend Bylaw 14.06 to provide non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of "gender identity."

At present, Bylaw 14.06 bars discrimination on the basis of "race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status." The additional language would protect against discrimination (including harassment) because of a person's actual or perceived gender, including that person's appearance or behavior. There is today widespread agreement that because gender identity cannot be reliably protected through interpretation of "sex" or "sexual orientation," the issue must be addressed through a distinct policy statement.

All those with whom we have consulted, including not only many members of the University's transgender community but also the UM administrators who implement the nondiscrimination policy, agree that such a change in the Bylaw would be of great consequence both real and symbolic. By adopting this amendment, the Regents will send a forthright, unambiguous signal that this University is committed as an entirety to protecting its transgender members from arbitrary discrimination. Such a decisive signal is clearly preferable to the confusion and anger caused a decade ago by the University's lengthy, embarrassing delay in adopting the sexual orientation amendment. (link to report)

Many of the Fortune 500 have already adopted this approach, including companies such as Ford Motor and Ernst & Young as have many of our peer institutions, including Harvard and OSU. Yet the Regents of our university remain recalcitrant.

Last semester, the office of the Provost, with tacit approval from the Regents, released this:

Based on a recent opinion of the Sixth Circuit in Smith v. City of Salem, 378 F.3d 566 (2004), our General Counsel's Office has concluded that discrimination based upon gender non-conforming behavior, including gender expression and gender identity, is expressly included in and covered by the prohibition against sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution, 42 USC §1983.

Notwithstanding the flawed logic of the GC's interpretation, the University is moving far too slowly in implementing this policy shift. The policy, in and of itself, is completely useless without widespread promulgation. That promulgation is beginning, but is also flawed in some serious ways - most notably in the lack of support, vision and guidance from the Regents in their failure to modify the actual by-law.

As members of TransForUM have for every Regents Meeting since February several people will be speaking to the Regents again tomorrow. They would really appreciate your support by attending that meeting. It should only take 30-60 minutes of your time. The public comments section begins at 4 PM and lasts no longer than 1 hour. Please come to the Fleming Admin building (by the cube outside the Union) at 3:45.

If you have questions please comment below, or contact:
Denise Brogan
debrogan@umich.edu
Co-Chair, TransForUM
Treasurer, Outlaws

[plug] "Demystifying the Transgender Umbrella" (9/16 @ Noon, 3rd Floor Union)

From our friends at the U of M Office of LGBT Affairs:

Please join us this Friday 9/16 for our first fall brown bag:

"Demystifying the Transgender Umbrella"

MSA Commons, 3rd floor Michigan Union
12 noon - 1:30pm

After the brown bag on Friday there will be an additional showing of the specially edited 90-minute feature of Sundance Channel's original series "TransGeneration." For those who missed the pre-screening on Sunday, you can join us in the office from 1:30-3:00. The prescreening is a wonderful opportunity to get a preview of the new series; the first episode will be shown in the office on Tuesday, 20 September at 9pm.

[news] Gay Marriage Not the Worst that Could Happen

I read this quote in an Associate Press article (link to article).

"When you look at the world situation and all the terrible things that are happening, there's a lot worse things ... than allowing two people who love each other to be together."

Mass. state Rep. Anne M. Gobi, who will vote against amending the Mass. Constitution to ban gay marriage.

Which reminded me of this submission to McSweeney's lists (link to McSweeney's & lists).

Things My Family Prefers Over Gay Marriage.
BY WILL BILYEU
- - - -

Unhappy marriage (straight)
Sluttiness (straight)
Death penalty (electric)
Culottes
War

This is clearly the reason that direct democracy initiatives (like the ones in California and Massachusetts) irritate and terrify me so much. To allow someone to hide in a booth and anonymously dictate the future of a relatively small and decent minority purely out of antipathy is a ridiculous feature of a free society. When elected representatives vote, they do so on the record--they do so with their careers, lives, and legacies on the table for all to see. When direct democracy takes hold of a decision, it invites backyard bigotry--the kind that denounces fags and dykes by the barbecue pit but waves warmly from the mailbox to the same-sex family across the street.

(link to pdf Harv. L.R. note Judicial Approaches to Direct Democracy)

[note] JOIN THE LISTSERVE!!!

Hi Everyone:

In the midst of IT difficulties throughout the land, please make sure you are on the Outlaws listserve. E-mail: debrogan@umich.edu to get on the list. Please note that your subscription to this list is confidential.

Thanks!

[event] 1st Meeting and Elections (9/15 @ 5:30pm in 218HH

Hi Everyone:

Our first grand meeting with food (meat and vegetarian options), rabblerousing, and elections is right around the corner Thursday, Sept. 15 @ 5:30 p.m. in Room 218. As a result, we wanted to get this information out to everyone so that everyone can start planning, plotting, and dreaming about joining such an amazing e-board.

While we encourage everyone to run, we don’t want anyone to get the idea that a board commitment is somehow a prerequisite to playing a key role in Outlaws. We want and need everyone’s involvement throughout the year. Nonetheless, taking on a particular position is fun and rewarding. We hope everyone will consider spending time making Outlaws the best (and most fun) group around by running for a board position or just coming to hang out for a while!

Kyle & Collin

Below you will find: list of open positions, corresponding descriptions, and election procedures. Please take the time to read this information even if you do not anticipate running for a position!

NOTE: We need two or three non-running volunteers who will tally the votes etc. Please e-mail: [omitted] if you would be willing to help with the elections.

OPEN POSITION:

New Students (1L) Representative
The New Students Representative’s duties include, but are not limited to:

• Co-chairing the Social Committee and serving on any other committees of interest;
• Serving as a liaison between 1Ls, transfer students, LLMs, and the Outlaws Executive Board;
• Acting as Parliamentarian at Executive Board and General Meetings by deciding questions of parliamentary procedure and by ensuring that Outlaws functions under this Constitution.

OPEN STANDING COMMITTEE POSITIONS:

General duties of the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees include, but are not limited to:

• Informing the Executive Board of ongoing projects on at least a biweekly basis;
• Meeting with their respective committees at least monthly, or more frequently as needed;
• Reporting all expenditures to the Board and obtaining approval from the Executive Board before making expenditures over $100;
• Consulting with the Executive Board before setting dates for major events.

Alumni, Admissions, and Faculty Recruiting Chair
Alumni, Admissions and Faculty Recruiting Committee Chair Description:

• Composition: at minimum, one second-year student and one third-year student and one of the Co-Chairs;
• Contact admitted students and answer correspondence from prospective applicants;
• Organize Outlaws participation at Phone-a-Thons and other admissions events and update yearly the Outlaws information packet distributed;
  
• Organize, with the Social Committee, Outlaws’ Preview Weekends activities;
• Create and maintain an alumni database;
• The Chairperson of this committee will send an e-mail newsletter each semester to alumni;
• A member of the committee shall attend all faculty recruitment interviews and report results to the general membership;
• Identify scholars and practitioners to nominate for faculty and administrative positions at the Law School on behalf of the organization, with approval of the general membership.

Basement Group Relations and Special Events Chair
Basement Group Relations and Special Events Committee Chair Description:

• Composition: open, but includes the Treasurer;
• Serve as liaisons to the other Basement groups at the law school, fostering increased cooperation and co-sponsorship of events;
• Schedule, with the Political Action and Speakers Committee and/or Social Committee, at least one joint event per year with each race-based student organization and WLSA;
• Communicate concerns from the Basement groups to the Executive Board and the general membership;
• Plan, organize, and oversee an annual banquet, symposium, and/or other large events, including fundraisers and other activities necessary for supporting a special event, recognizing that planning for such an event may take multiple years.

Political Action and Speakers Committee Chair
Political Action and Speakers Committee Chair Description:

• Composition: open, but includes one of the Co-Chairs;
• Identify public education needs within the law school and develop relevant programming;
• Coordinate speaking events and solicit co-sponsorships from other organizations;
• Educate Outlaws and the broader law school community about LGBT issues at the local, state, national, and global levels, and solicit participants for appropriately related activism.

Social Committee Chair
Social Committee Chair Description:

• Composition: open, but this committee is co-chaired by the New Students Representative;
• Plan, organize, and advertise fabulous social events;
• Maintain a calendar of all social events and update the Executive Board and general membership as necessary;
• Schedule at least one event per year with supportive faculty and staff.

Lavender Law Committee (3 members will be elected)
Note: This committee is open only to those who do NOT anticipate either attending Lavender Law or do NOT anticipate obtaining Outlaws’ financial sponsorship to attend.

The annual Lavender Law Conference is an amazing opportunity to network with other LGBT attorneys. Unfortunately, funding constraints preclude sending all interested members of Outlaws. Recognizing that future budgets and bank balances cannot be anticipated, each fall an elected Lavender Law Committee will help the Executive Board determine the total funding available to send people to Lavender Law. With an eye towards maximum participation, the Lavender Law Committee will determine how many people can be funded and the priority by which funding is distributed.

The Lavender Law Committee shall be made up of three elected members to be chosen during the Fall Semester elections. Committee members will be ineligible to receive funding for Lavender Law attendance. Members of the Executive Board are eligible to concurrently serve on the Lavender Law Committee. After discharging its duties, the Lavender Law Committee disbands.

After consultation with the Treasurer, the Lavender Law Committee will present a funding proposal to the Executive Board to be approved by majority vote of the Board. The Lavender Law Committee will determine, within the approved funding limit, how many Outlaws members will receive funding to attend the Conference. In its discretion, the Committee may choose to fully fund and/or partially subsidize attendance. The Committee is encouraged to explore alternate housing and transportation methods that might enable greater numbers of Outlaws to attend. =

The Lavender Law Committee will determine recipients of Outlaws funding. The Committee may institute an application process for selection or, in making their decision, may use criteria including, but not limited to: members who have not yet attended the Conference, preferences for Executive Board members, or class year.


ELECTION INFORMATION

Eligibility to Vote in Officer Elections
Certified voters are automatically eligible to vote in elections. Attendance at the first meeting provides members with the opportunity to become eligible voters. Inlaws who are uncomfortable attending a General Meeting may contact a Co-Chair. The Co-Chairs will redact identifying information and pass the votes on to the Election Committee to be included in the tally.

Nominations
Outlaws members may nominate themselves for elected offices NOW or Outlaw candidates may announce intentions at the first meeting. Also, other members may nominate candidates provided that that candidate is also an Outlaws member.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[event] Transgenerations Screening (9/11 @ 7:00pm in UM Palmer Auditorium)

T R A N S F O R U M
(Transgender alumni, students, staff & faculty at the University of Michigan)


Free Preview Screening of "Transgenerations"

Groundbreaking new television series to preview in Ann Arbor, followed by panel discussion.

(Ann Arbor)- Transforum, the University of Michigan's group for transgender students, faculty, staff and alumni, is sponsoring a specially edited 90-minute feature of Sundance Channel's original series "TransGeneration." Two Michigan-based groups, Transgender Advocacy Project and TransGender Michigan, are co-sponsoring this event.

The pre-screening of "TransGeneration" is on Sunday, September 11, 2005 at the Forum Hall Auditorium, University of Michigan's Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, 7:00 pm.

For directions go to www.umich.edu/~palmcomm or call (734) 615-4444. The event is free and open to the public.

(link to Sundance information)

(link to Transforum blog)

[event] Ladies Night (9/14 @ 7:00pm at Sweetwaters Cafe)

Dyke? Lesbian? Femme? Bi? MtF? FtM with a feminist itch? Hate labels but dig women?

Questioning any or all of these?

Join the ladies of UM Outlaws for coffee and/or Tea at Sweetwaters Cafe this Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Come ask questions, get answers, and/or just hang out for a while.



Corner of Washington & Ashley (link to map)
123 W. Washington St.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
734.769.2331




Contact Kyle with questions.

[news] Is Texas Really Our Savior?

While Texas seems to have become NOLA's hero in the wake of Katrina, check out how these "other" people have been treated: Evacuated From New Orleans Transsexuals Jailed in Texas for Using Women's Shower in Shelter. (link)

[link] Michigan's LGBT History

This link comes from Cliff, who thought it was "cool."

From the "About the Exhibit" page:

The exhibit, "Artifacts & Disclosures: Michigan's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Heritage" represents the convergence of two dynamics: a desire of the Lavender Information and LIbrary Association to stage an exhibit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and the wish of the curators to assemble and share some wondrous artifacts which disclose an aspect of the state's history that has just begun to be revealed.

Drawing fragmentary evidence from repositories both local and national, we attempted to create a sort of giant scrapbook of Michigan LGBT life modeled after the pioneering 1994 New York Public LIbrary exhibit, "Becoming Visible: The Legacy of Stonewall." We hope we succeeded in documenting the diversity, complexity, and longevity of our various communities.

(link to Artifacts and Disclosures--Michigan's LGBT History)

[note] Meet and Greet Huge Success in Small Room

We have no pictures (yet?) of the meet & greet yesterday, so try to imagine: thirty to forty people--glbtq, allies, et al--with nametags and drinks, mingling around a steamy upstairs room at a local bar/outdoor cafe, with two ceiling fans pretending to work overtime, pizza, spinach quesadillas, 1Ls, 2Ls, even 3Ls, a lot of "hey--you're in my section!" and all around a good time.

This is definitely going to be an amazing year for Outlaws, because--not only do we have quality members, we also seemed to have been blessed with quite a quantity of members.

Best wishes, all.

[news] California Just Won't Stop

To recap a short but furious explosion of same-sex good feelings in California: first, they let Lesbians golf (link to post); then the Senate took gender specific phrases out of the marriage laws (link to post); and now the General Assembly has approved the Senate's action and passed the issue to the governor. The bases are loaded, and it's up to Arnold Schwarzenegger--his real name is distinctive enough that I see no need for cutesy nicknames--to either grand slam or strike out.

Apparently the floor debate involved incantations of the Pledge of Allegiance and Broadway musicals and other highly persuasive authorities, but the summary of the opposition to same-sex marriage was succinctly, and probably--at its core--accurately, posed by Assemblyman Dennis Mountjoy (R-Monrovia, link to site, bio):

"Marriage should be between a man and a woman, end of story. Next issue. ... It's not about civil rights or personal rights, it's about acceptance. They want to be accepted as normal. They are not normal."

He could have saved time and simply said, "I don't like gay people."

(link to article) (link to bugmenot.com for login name and password)

[event] Meet and Greet! (9/8 @ 5-7pm at Dominick's)

Are you feeling the stress of law school already?

Well, come relax with Outlaws at Dominick's (link to map) on Thursday from 5-7pm!

Come one, come all to a meet-and-greet hosted by Outlaws, a student group for the law school's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students and their straight allies.

There is no agenda for this event other than to meet new and returning students, enjoy the food, and talk about upcoming Outlaws events.

Membership in Outlaws is open to any law student interested in and supportive of LGBT equal rights. Allies are especially encouraged to attend.

For more information, comment below!

[pics] Saugatuck (Labor Day Weekend, 2005)

From what I've heard, the Saugatuck Retreat was a blast. Kudos to everyone who made it possible, everyone who went, and everyone who took PICTURES while they were there (come on, cough'em up). What a fun way to start a great year.

(link to more photos)

[plug] WANTED: new speakers for LGBTA's Speakers Bureau

Calling all LGBT students, staff, faculty and community members!

Calling all allies!

The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs at the University of Michigan is seeking outstanding, dynamic people for our Speakers Bureau!

If you have.

• comfort with your own sexual/gender identities;
  
• a strong desire and ability to educate others about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex issues;
  
• a willingness to speak personally and publicly about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity (especially as they relate to your own life);
  
• a commitment to being an ally to folks of identity groups other than your own;
  
• a commitment to learning about and promoting principles of social justice;
  
• an ability to commit to training time and participation as a speaker (time commitment for participation after the initial training can be minimal and flexed to fit your schedule, but frequent access to email is a must);

...then the Speakers Bureau is for you!

People of ALL identities, including allies, are invited and encouraged to apply.

To become a speaker, you must:

1. Attend ONE of three mass meetings:
   Thurs, 9/8, 7pm; Weds, 9/14, 1pm; Tues, 9/20, 5pm. All mass meetings at LGBTA, 3200 Michigan Union. (If you cannot come to any of these, I'm happy to schedule a time to meet 1-on-1.)
2. Submit an application (available by emailing julica@umich.edu).
3. Attend the fabulous and intensive training: Fri 9/30, 5:30-10pm; Sat, Oct 1 & Sun Oct 2, 8:30am-6pm each day. (This is not negotiable.)
4. Agree to uphold the goals, values, & expectations of the program.

For more information, or to receive an application, please contact Julica Hermann at julica@umich.edu or 734.647.2724.