[plug] Dyketoberfest

2nd Annual Dyketoberfest: Dancing, Drinks, and Girls . . .
Friday, October 13th 8p.m. - close.
325 Braun Ct., A2

[news] An Unfortunate Happening

My friend at another school had an interview today, not with a small or undistinguished firm. After the formalities were settled, he asked about "LGBT diversity."

"I think we have some partners...of that type of diversity," was the response.

"Well," he said, "I don't have any questions for you. Do you have any for me?" And he left. No handshakes, no looking back.

[note] Thanks to Denise, Outlaws, You, Me, Us!

from paul...

Friends,

I just wanted to take a second to extend our gratitude to Denise Brogan. Today Denise lead a very informative and engaging discussion about Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which coincided with JAG's on-campus recruiting. As we all know, this is an issue that is very near and dear to all of our hearts, so it was particularly effective for our fellow law students to hear about this policy from one of our own. Denise lead this important discussion with passion and a wonderful sense of humor. We had just over 50 people attend, including many new faces. I've already gotten a lot of positive feedback about Denise's talk. Please join me in thanking Denise for a job well done.

I also want to thank our Political Action & Speakers Committee Chair, Mary. In addition to supplementing Denise's discussion with helpful background reading, Mary had letters to Senators/Representatives ready and waiting to be signed. And people were ready to take action and make their voice heard.

Props should also be extended to our Social Chair, Jordan. Jordan grabbed a handful of the letters, ran to the ACLU meeting, and had them signed there. Between Mary & Jordan, we had over two dozens letters signed by the end of the meeting.

And of course, a special thanks goes to our Secretary, Robert. Robert helped set up today's discussion and bravely cut up burritos for our eating pleasure :).

Thanks to everyone who came and helped out with this event! We look forward to many more important discussions in the future.

~Paul

[plug] Conversations with David Myers

from a friend at the First United Methodist Church...

From the poster blurb:
David Myers, co-author of What God Has Joined Together: The Christian Case for Gay Marriage, is a social pychologist and John Dirk Werkman Professor of Psychology at Hope College. Author of 15 books, David explores the intersection of faith, spirituality, and various aspects of the human and psychological condition. What God Has Joined Together is an effort to bridge the divide betwee marriage-supporting and gay-supporting people of faith by showing why both sides have important things to say.

Schedule:
Thursday, October 5, 7pm.
First United Methodist Church, 120 s. State St.
Talk & Reception hosted by the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry

Friday, October 6, 12 noon.
MSA Chambers, 3rd Floor Michigan Union, 530 S. State St.
Brown bag lunch & talk hosted by Office of LGBT Affairs

Friday, October 6, 2pm.
School of Social Work Education Conference Center, 1080 S. University Ave.
Talk & Reception hosted by U-M's Difficult Dialogues Program.

for more information:
www.crlt.umich.edu/DD

[plug] QueerZone Kick-off Event

QUEER/TBLG YOUTH AND ALLIES:
Build an exciting & supportive space for transgender/bi-attractional/lesbian/gay/queer/questioning youth in YPSILANTI. Bring your energy & ideas to the QUEERZONE KICK-OFF EVENT.

SEPTEMBER 29TH 7pm. – 10pm.
102 N. Hamilton St. Ypsilanti (street parking available)
Free for youth / $10 Donation for 25+

PEFORMANCES BY
Detroit-based emcees: Invincible & Miz Korona
Spoken Word Artist: Blair
Gender Performance Troupe: DRAG KING REBELLION

TBLG Adults & Allies are encouraged to attend this event and show support for queer youth in our communities. This is a substance-free event.
www.ozonehouse.org/734.662.2222

QUEERZONE is an Ypsilanti based program that provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies to congregate, socialize, build community and access support services as needed. Beginning October 6th, QUEERZONE will be at the Ozone House Drop-In Center on Friday nights, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

[plug] Keith Wetmore speaks

from our friends at the office of career services...

"Will this Law Firm Eat my Brain? Or, How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Thrive in a Large Firm"

Tuesday, 10/3/06 at 12:15 p.m. in 220HH.

Keith Wetmore '80 is the Chair of Morrison & Foerster (MoFo), a law firm that ranks sixth in the American Lawyer's A-List of Top 20 Law Firms.

As Chair of a firm of 1,000 lawyers with 19 offices worldwide, Mr. Wetmore takes the lead in setting policy and providing strategic direction to the firm. He previously served as Managing Partner of the firm's San Francisco office, the first openly gay man to head an Am Law 100 firm. He also led the firm's 50-lawyer Finance and Infrastructure practice.

[plug] Royal Oak Film Festival

The Film Festival is Back... And Bigger Than Ever!

(Royal Oak)-Triangle Foundation and the Reel Pride Michigan Host Committee are proud to announce the highlights for the fifth edition of REEL PRIDE MICHIGAN, the state's largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied film festival.

Reel Pride Michigan is scheduled for October 13 - 20, 2006 at the Main Art Theatre, located at 118 North Main Street, Royal Oak, Michigan, 48067, and promises to be yet another festival filled with films that celebrate the love, lives and diversity of the GLBT and allied community.

Over the eight-day festival, Reel Pride Michigan will play host to 22 screenings, over 40 films, an Opening Night Gala, a Closing Night Extravaganza, a Sunday Brunch, after parties, and several guest star-studded events. There will be an amazing Youth Film free to youth 24 and under and a youth afterparty, panel discussions, Q&A's, and opportunities to meet directors and stars from select films.

Among the highlights of this festival is the opening night Gala on Friday October 13, at 8:00 pm featuring the exciting BOY CULTURE. This opening feature adapted from the outstanding novel by Matthew Rettenmund, Boy Culture is the charged with sex and filled with laughter story of X (Derek Magyar), a high-end prostitute, and his two roommates Andrew ( Darryl Stephens from NOAH'S ARK) and Joey (Jonathon Trent), who together have created one-heck of a family for the 21st century. Then join us after the film as the evening continues at a private reception following the film to mingle with the stars.

But wait - the Opening Night Gala is just the beginning! Reel Pride Michigan is packed with some of this year's most dynamic films including: the sequel to last year's weekend centerpiece, EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS ; the campy CREATURES FROM THE PINK LAGOON, sure to be the next cult classic; the every popular OUT! In Boy's Shorts and Girls' Night OUT!: a collection of short films that usually are a sell-out; SAVING MARRIAGE the story which identifies with the work of the Triangle Foundation; and the rivoting documentary SAINTS OF 9/11 in which a Fr. Mychal Judge, FDNY chaplain, was one of the first casualties of the 9/11 attack.

Closing Night is sure to please from the director of The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love with PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS, a hilarious tale about a girl who can't say yes - to love. The Closing Night Extravaganza and Afterparty includes special guests!

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to see the festival guide, visit Reel Pride Michigan (here) or call 313-537-3323 x107.

[event] DADT -- Its Policy & Its Future

Outlaws Presents...

Denise Brogan (3L)

Don't Ask, Don't Tell
The Policy & Its Future

Thursday, Sept 28th @ 12:15 in 120HH


All are welcome, lunch will be served (and it won't be pizza!)

Denise is a Vietnam War Veteran and spent the summer working for the Servicemembers' Legal Defense Network (SLDN). She is very familiar with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and its effects on members of the military from her varied experiences. Come hear her perspective on the policy and efforts to overturn it.

SLDN works to end the discrimination and harassment that members of the military face as a result of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and represents discharged service members. This policy is the only law in the United States that mandates the firing of personnel because of their sexual orientation. Over one million veterans
identify as lesbian, bisexual, or gay, and tens of thousands of active duty military fall under this policy today. More than ten thousand service members have been discharged under the policy. As JAG recruitment happens this week, come find out how YOU can be part of the growing movement to overturn this policy - whether you are interested in working for JAG or not. You will also have the opportunity to write
your Senators to urge them to sponsor legislation to overturn the policy, which has already been introduced in the House.

[plug] 7 Sisters Mixer / Outfest

from our friend and 1L Rep, Stacy...

Hi everyone,

There's a GLBT mixer this Friday at Aut Bar from 7-9pm for Ivy League, 7 Sisters, and UM alums, and their partners and friends. Here's the link for more info and an RSVP form: http://tigernet.princeton.edu/~ffr-gala/Events2006/060929AA.html

It might also serve as a good kickoff to Outfest, which is this Saturday (the 30th) at 4pm, N. 4th St between Catherine and Kingsley.
http://www.wrap-up.org/index.html

Stacy

[event] AIDS Walk Michigan

Help Outlaws & the Michigan Journal of Gender & Law
Raise Money in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

AIDS Walk Michigan - Ann Arbor
Sunday, Oct. 1st @ 1 p.m.
3.2 mile walk around downtown Ann Arbor

Want to walk with us?
email at info@umoutlaws.org

Want to make a pledge?
Outlaws AIDS Walk Donation Page.

[note] Pictures from LavLaw 2006

Ok, I only have one so far. Come on, people--cough'em up.

[news] CDC says HIV tests for everybody!

Imagine you go to the doctor and you sign in, and they call your name, take your temperature, height, weight, HIV screening, and blood pressure check. "Ok," says the doctor, "what are we seeing you for today?"

[Bernard] Branson of the CDC said some of the inspiration for the new recommendations came from recent studies of routine HIV testing at Stroger Hospital of Cook County and other public health-care centers. Those studies have found that about half of the patients who tested positive had no risk factors that would have prompted doctors to give them HIV tests under the old guidelines.

"We thought that was striking," said Dr. Robert Weinstein, a professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center, who led the studies. "It suggested that universal testing is imperative to control this epidemic, and bring health care to patients before they're critically ill."

link to article.

[note] Outlaws' J.A.G. Recruitment Philosophy

Outlaws, as a group (through its e-boards and in consultation with its members), has developed a particular approach to J.A.G. responses over the years. Since this approach's philosophy is not always known to our members, nor is it universally adopted at our peer schools (though many expressed interest in exploring it further at our Peer School Meeting at Lavender Law), I've been asked (as Secretary, and thus also Historian of Outlaws) to write up the reasoning and philosophy behind our approach, so that it is not forgotten that we did not happen up this policy arbitrarily, and so that there is no mistaken idea that we do not revisit our reasoning each year during J.A.G. recruitment season.

The first point of our philosophy is that ending military recruiting on campus is not ultimately our goal. Our purpose in responding to J.A.G. recruitment is to put pressure on and bring to light the real issue, which is Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT). We welcome military recruiting, as long as it is not done under a policy of discrimination. It is that policy which we want to see changed, and that policy derives itself from DADT.

The second point of our philosophy is that military recruiters have very little say over DADT or the Solomon Amendment, which are both implemented through federal statute. We believe any pressure on them directly will have limited effect.

Which makes such pressure misplaced, considering our third point: that military recruiters do have a tremendous amount of say over who gets hired from Michigan. This is the focus Outlaws has decided to take: we WANT Michigan people hired, and we encourage and support our peers in the application process.

Why do we want Michigan people hired? Because we get three years with them to show them that GLBT folks are not unicorns or monsters. They then carry that three years of experience into the military where they can mix it around and share it with others. We hope such experiences will change military culture, and have a positive effect for the chances of gays and lesbians to serve openly.

To that end, Outlaws has adopted a policy of education and encouragement for our peers interviewing with J.A.G. Our past efforts have involved spreading information on people discharged under DADT, handing out cookies with "Ask" and "Tell" written on them to generate conversation, and the wearing of suits by our members also as conversation starters. There are members of our law school who don't really understand or don't really know the details of DADT. Our efforts are aimed mostly at helping everyone see this law as irrational and based purely on animosity towards gays and lesbians.

This is not the only approach we have considered, however. Other schools have held protest rallies which are far more disruptive of the interviewing process and far more confrontational with regards to expressing the issue. Speaking with those schools, they have reported strong responses from their peers and very animated conversations with their administration over the continuation of policies allowing military recruiters on campus. Over the years, this is an approach that Outlaws as a group has decided against pursuing.

We believe, and have reaffirmed the belief with each new e-board, that traditional civil protest techniques are effective only to the extent they reach a wide audience and attract the moral attention of people in a position to demand change. Repeatedly we have decided that civil protest techniques would not be effective against military recruiting (or, further, that civil protests against military recruiting would have little appreciable effect on DADT), and such protests may likely have adverse consequences for our position.

First, whatever act of protest or diversion we adopt will have very limited exposure. As an example, the most recent idea has been to submit resumes to J.A.G. so that they are forced to face the students that are silently rejected by the DADT policy--a protest that, I admit, carries a lot of symbolic weight. Such a protest, however symbolic, would have very limited effect on the conversation in our school. Those resumes, just like the resumes of other unqualified applicants, would be forever lost in a file, or--more likely--thrown in the trash.

Second, we are very concerned with the negative consequences of our actions. By being seen to disrupt the interview process, we risk increasing the stress level of our peers who are genuinely applying for J.A.G. They could reasonably see our protest and intervention as influencing their chances of acceptance, and would likely carry any resentment generated by such perceived interference with them for the rest of their careers.

Weighing the symbolic and practical worth of interfering with the interview process, the risk of creating resentment among our peers is one that Outlaws has traditionally decided not to take. Outlaws' position has always been that it is better to educate our peers and send them into the world with the right ideas than it is to irritate them and send them into the world resenting people in our community.

We hope that those who submit resumes to J.A.G., if chosen for an interview, will interview. And we hope that, if you are offered a position with their organization, you will give that offer as much consideration as you would any other. If you choose not to interview with them, we hope that you will find someone who is and encourage and support that person in their endeavors. We need as many friends as we can get.

While this email is not an invitation to debate--as I am merely reporting the policies and arguments made, not attempting to personally defend them--it is definitely an invitation for discussion. In a group of intelligent, creative, and caring individuals there will inevitably be differences of opinion, and the group can only benefit by hearing those opinions out.

With best wishes,
Robert.
Outlaws Secretary, on request of the E-Board.

[edit 3:44pm]

As expected, this email generated a lot of response from our members. I'll attempt to keep up with the main ideas here...

From someone who has served in the military...

The only hesitation I have with endorsing Outlaws' historical approach 100% is that I believe we fail to educate our peers effectively about this law. I sometimes think that some form of civil protest (restrained, to be sure) might raise the awareness further.

This is the only federal law that mandates discrimination -- and firing -- on the basis of sexual orientation. It is hateful, it is hurtful and it is expensive. Whatever we can do to further the objective of repealing this law is a step in the right direction. Personally, I agree that the more "gay-friendly" lawyers we have in JAG, the better. Hell, I think that the more gay lawyers we have in JAG the better. But, there are things that we can do -- and things that our allies can do -- right NOW to make a difference. Note the post I put up on the Outlaws blog a few weeks back: http://www.umoutlaws.org/2006/08/plug-calling-law-student-activists.html.

A call for middle ground.

There is a serious underlying assumption here. Is it really true that those who are going in to JAG are open and loving toward the gays? I think assuming so may make us feel better but may not comport with reality.

Not that my 2 cents were asked for, but I have long thought that we are on one extreme of the do and don't do equation. Our tame response does not sit well with me nor would signing up for interviews.

Is there a middle ground approach?

A response to impressions about those who join the military...

In response to [the previous] question: Many of my friends from Michigan undergrad are serving in the military now. They are abundantly reasonable people, and they are our biggest supporters. They hate DADT and cannot wait for it to be changed, but it isn't their call. Similarly, I have a friend here at MichLaw who is considering JAG and is similarly-minded. If we want the military to change internally, we need to be very clear that we support allies who choose to serve in JAG.

From a nosey alumni (who we're always glad to hear from!)

Sorry to be "that alum" who pipes in, but the Daily Show just did a skit on DADT with a gay Arab linguist who had been discharged, basically making fun of how ridiculous it is. Perhaps not coincidentally, they aired it the same night Clinton was on promoting his foundation. If you do another info table this year, you might catch a few eyes if you have the skit playing on a TV. I wouldn't be suprised if the Show were willing to send you a tape.

Or you can watch it on youtube right here.

From a pragmatist...

I appreciate everyone's comments. I'm hesitant to bother the entire list with this, and I definitely do not intend to misconstrue anyone's arguments. I think the real problematic assumption is that the military is behind DADT. Personally, I think that if our political institutions - President, Congress, etc. - wanted an end to DADT, the military would grumble and then do it pretty fast. Increasingly, the military is not the basis of the opposition. The basis of the opposition is the Republican Party & their base, which has a great distaste for gay people.

I don't think there's any reason to focus our energies on the military at all - if we won over the public and then the congress & president, everything else would follow. We should still protest DADT, but I definitely see no reason to interview with the military or try to change the military. The focus needs to be changing our society, so the focus should be all our students. I honestly doubt that the handful of Michigan students who enter the military will have any greater impact on DADT than those that enter the regular workplace. The supremacy of the civilian, elected
leadership over the military is crucially important to our democracy, and so we should focus on changing the civilian leadership.

I would also argue that focusing on the military is counter-productive because it suggests that our problem is with the military. Many Americans revere the military, and they assume that University Leftists hate it. I don't see any reason to fall into that frame. Further, I revere the military. They serve their country for relatively low pay and risk their lives for all of us. Because of the leaders we as a nation elect, many of them die, others are tortured and imprisoned for years, and many more are permanently disfigured. People are innately defensive of the institution, particularly when the criticism is misplaced. Basically, everything wrong with the military right now - DADT, torture, indefinite detentions,
occupation of foreign nations - isn't wrong with the military. It's wrong with the President, the Congress, and the American people. The military is just doing the job that the American people want it to do. We may all be sad about that, but we should make sure we don't place our anger on the military as an institution. These crimes rest on all of us.

Now, this is just my viewpoint, and my empirical analysis could be completely wrong. But given these views, it should come as little surprise that I don't agree that an LGBT ally can only serve through JAG if they agitate for an end to DADT. (1) I don't think they have much power over DADT, particularly in comparison to their power over other things, and (2) I respect them for serving their country. It makes sense for Outlaws to focus on DADT, but DADT is not the only important issue that Michigan grads joining JAG may face. Early in 2003, JAGs expressed opposition to the
redefinition of torture in interrogations. JAGs play an important rule prosecuting and defending American military personnel, and they serve in numerous other ways. Americans need good lawyers with good values serving in those capacities. DADT is so hurtful and unfair because it denies us of that opportunity to serve, but I think we should remember how much all Americans benefit from having the best possible people serving in our armed forces.

None of this means we shouldn't protest, but I think there is a good argument against interviewing with recruiters to make a point. I really feel uncomfortable with people interviewing with recruiters if they wouldn't have interviewed if not for DADT (i.e. if you wouldn't actually want to be a JAG if DADT didn't exist, it's questionable to interview to make a point) (further, the lack of real desire might be completely apparent and thus confirm any prejudices we were hoping to defeat). I would much prefer we focused on pointing out how unjust this is to our entire class in a passionate but respectful way. Personally, I respect anyone who chooses to
serve their nation despite the imperfections of the institution in which they serve, as long as their contribution is a net good. To the degree they're doing wrong, it's mostly on the orders of the American public.

A call for a clear moral stand.

I don't think we need to be clear that we support allies who choose to serve in JAG ... unless, of course, outlaws as an organization formally takes that stance.

I don't think it is safe to assume that people are our "biggest supporters" when they choose this career path, unless and until they demonstrate agitation once within the military once they're in. i mean, seriously, if a law firm comes to OCI that has a policy that they don't hire South Asians, i would not think that my contemporaries interviewing at that law firm are anywhere near my "biggest supporters" no matter whay they say. their actions say otherwise. if, subsequent to that, they take a leadership role in forming an agenda to change the policy, then yeah -- they're a big supporter.

in terms of moving forward: i think that a committee should get together to really discuss what types of effective action can be taken in preparation for september 28th. it doesn't seem that there is consensus re: signing up for interviews as something the organization supports. so the question is: what does the organization support and why? how will we be effective in communicating our message and effecting change?

i think a good plan can be made in the 1 week that we have.

[edit: 9/22 -- 8:18pm

From Denise.

I have served in our military (4 years, during the Vietnam War). I have also worked for ServiceMembers' Legal Defense Network and understand the impact of DADT in a very real sense. I personally know gay JAG officers currently serving. (Does all this lend any credibility at all to my opinion?)

I am in (nearly) complete agreement with Robert's thoughts below. Personally, I do not revere the military as much as he does. Nevertheless in my opinion the problem is not, for the most part, with the military or its leadership in this case (some important exceptions aside). I believe that it WAS with the military at one time, in particular during the time that DADT was being formulated and then passed by Congress (during the Clinton administration). And I assure you that anti-gay sentiment is alive and well in the military. But, many significant military leaders (and former administrators) have come out in favor of overturning the ban and many commanding officers would rather not lose qualified soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines just because they're gay. No, the significant problem IS with the apathy (antipathy?) of the American public and the (predominantly Republican) Congress. Of course we know there is no leadership in the White House on this issue.

Changing the military isn't the answer (though again I say that it doesn't hurt to have queer friendly (or queer) lawyers in JAG). Changing our own apathy is.

Denise

[news] Round up, Round down.

Listen, I only read conservative Christian odd-ball publications for my gay news because I know that anytime we do something important, they'll be right there to predict the end of the world. Or, as is their new trend, to take credit for falling automobile sales.

Yes, they do that. They boycotted Ford and sales dropped 10%. Therefore, according to them, their moral indignation was the cause. Locusts would have been more impressive, given the current car market, but they do what they can with what they have to work with.

Which brings me to the first news item: Homosexual Benefits in Workplace Now Widespread, Report Claims (link). The article starts normally enough, by saying that HRC reports that more companies are including domestic partner and health benefits for their GLT (I don't know about the B) employees. You have to get toward the bottom before they start saying crazy stuff.

It starts off simple. "The rise of so called GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender) non-discrimination policies in major American companies will continue, according to Robert Knight of the conservative group Concerned Women for America." It would go against my liberal training never to judge if I were to bring up the disconnect of a concerned women's organization that speaks through a man. I suppose the women are home being concerned.

And then the culture war. Mr. Knight says further, "I think this trend will continue until pro-family Americans come together and show that they are an economic force to be reckoned with and do not think companies should promote behavior that's not only immoral but in many cases deadly." Working for an oil company is deadly. In fact, dating a man is relatively harmless in comparison to rolling pipe or off-shore drilling. Let us not even begin to question the morality of American oil companies.

Then they take credit for falling car sales.

But, back to morality. You may not have heard from mainstream news sources, but my survey of the crazy Christian right news buzz has led me to learn that Harvard's Homosexual Mafia Shows Hypocrisy With Iranian Thug (link). Two inches above that headline are the words, "Islam has never been peaceful nor is it a religion," in case you had any doubts about this site's credentials.

Apparently President Khatami of Iran spoke at "ultra-liberal Harvard." Ultra? Liberal? Homosexuals, to their moral disgrace, did not protest--even though Iran has executed people for homosexual conduct. Homosexuals did, however, protest when Colin Powell spoke there--you know, for that DADT thing. The conclusion? Homosexuals are terrorists. Or, at the very least, Iranian.

Since when are Christians trying to steal back the moral high ground? And since when did Christians forget how to google? There were protests. Here's a video (link) of some lady with questionable makeup talking to reporters, and then an ultra-liberal protest of some Iranian guy with a book (a liberal's greatest weapon). I'm willing to bet there were gays there. In fact, a question about the executions was asked and Khatami replied that criminal execution was not a form of violence against gays--it was a process of the legal system, and that is not violence. See, makes perfect sense. No reason to protest at all.

But you can't take everything someone says at face value, at least that's the lesson being spread by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (link). Mental Hygiene? Apparently men who refuse to say or answer to the word "gay" are still having sex with men. This is no surprise to me or anyone else who's ever been in the gay dating pool, but apparently doctors didn't know. Why would any man pretend to be straight, you ask? If you asked, you're probably not gay.

Now that we've got it out in the open (that labels aren't nearly as important as behavior), we should probably begin thinking about how this affects arguments for gay marriage, partner rights, health initiatives (these straight men apparently are using protection at much lower levels than openly gay men), and social acceptance in general. If 10% of straight guys are gay, then what changes? Are we fighting our way out of the closet while some people are holding the door shut from the inside?

Not a ridiculous proposition, considering ex-Governor McGreevey confessed to doing just that (link) during his time in office. Of course, he confessed to Oprah. If we somehow got pictures of Oprah in every doctor's office in America, maybe straight men would feel more comfortable with the word gay. Or maybe she'd give them a car, which would up auto sales, which would lead the crazy Christian right press to scratch their heads a moment before self-righteously claiming, "We did that too!"

[note] Election Results

We'd like to welcome and congratulate our newest e-board members:

• 1L Representative: Stacy.
  
• Alumni, Admissions, & Faculty Recruiting Chair: Jennifer.
  
• Basement Group Relations & Special Events Chair: Foz.
  
• Political Action & Speakers Committee Chair: Mary.
  
• Social Committee Chair: Jordan.
  

We'd also like to thank our out-going members for their hard work and ideas over the last year. Brad, Ashianna, Priya, and Chioma, and Matt--thanks for everything.

[note] First Meeting Highlights

Hello!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Monday night's meeting! It was great to see so many new faces as well as our awesome 2Ls & 3Ls - we are so excited about this year!!

Just to recap, here are some important upcoming dates/events:

1. Thursday, Sept. 21st - Student Organization Fair
5:45 - 7 p.m., 1st floor of Hutchins. Come find out about the Law's School student groups and stop by the Outlaws table.

2. Friday, Sept. 22nd - OUT of Class LGBT Grad Mixer
4:30-6:30 @ Rackham Hall. Come meet fellow LGBT Grad students! We'll meet on the Law Quad @ 4:15 and walk over together.

3. Sunday, Sept. 24th - Basement Group Volleyball Tournament
12:30-4:30 @ Elbel Field (Hill St. & S. Division). Come play on the Outlaws team! Email Priya if you'd like to play!

4. Thursday, Sept. 28th - JAG Recruiting
It's that time again - military recruting on campus. Email Paul or Steve with suggestions about how Outlaws should approach this year's military visit.

5. Sunday, Oct. 1st - AIDS Walk Michigan
1-4 p.m., starting at Detroit Edison Park (Main St. & Williams). Join Outlaws as we walk to raise money and awareness about HIV/AIDS. Email Paul if you'd like to participate. We already have a group of 10 signed up!

6. NOW through October 11th - NANNES 3L Challenge
3Ls, please help support Outlaws by participating in the Nannes Challenge. It's easy and you can do it here: http://www.law.umich.edu/alumnianddevelopment/thirdyearchallenge/.

That's it for now everyone. We look forward to an amazing year!!!

~Paul & Steve
[and robert, who's posting this]

[plug] Two Groups at CAPS

from our friends at CAPS:

Lesbian, Bisexual, and Questioning Women's Support Group

This supportive and therapeutic group is designed for women who love women, regardless of identities or labels. Lesbian, bisexual, queer, or questioning women are all welcome. We will work together to create a safe and confidential place to discuss identities, communities, coming out, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, the "isms" and other topics of interest to group members. Pre-group interview required. Mondays, 4-5:30 pm, beginning Oct. 2nd. Facilitated by Vicki Hays, Ph.D. (vhays@umich.edu; 764-8312).

Victoria L. Hays, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Counseling and Psychological Services
University of Michigan
734.764.8312


Gay, Bisexual, Questioning Men's Discussion and Support Group

Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 Facilitators, Mark Sampson, Ph.D. and Matthew Wadland, psychology Intern. This confidential group is for men (registered U of M students) who are oriented towards other men, regardless of identities or labels. Gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning men are welcome. It is designed as a safe place to discuss identity, community, coming out, self-esteem, relationships, homophobia/biphobia and other issues of relevance. If interested, please schedule a screening appointment with Mark and Matt. A commitment to regular attendance for the semester is required. Group begins September 26th.

Mark Sampson, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Counseling and Psychological Services
734-764-8312
marksamp@umich.edu

[plug] Out Loud Chorus

Come support the Out Loud Chorus at our Fundraising Brunch to be held
Saturday, September 23, 2006, 10 am - 1 pm at the Aut Bar on Braun Court
in Kerrytown!

Here are the important details:
--Seating times are every half hour, beginning at 10 am i.e. 10 am, 10:30 am, 11 am, 11:30 am etc.; there will be seating both inside and outside (weather permitting)
--Breakfast includes St.Julian Raspberry Champagne or Mimosa, your choice of one of ten delicious entrees, and coffee
--The Chorus will be performing during the brunch
--New this year, we will have a raffle with items donated by local
merchants such as Selo/Shevel Gallery, Dogma Catmandoo, Sixteen Hands, Footprints, and others
--Tickets $25 and are available from Chorus members, on our web aa.outloud.org or you may call 734 973-6084 for more information

[plug] The LGBT Community: A Harmonious Whole, or Splintering Parts? (Brown Bag Discussion Lunch)

Often, the LGBT community is presented as a single community. The very acronym “LGBT” suggests as such. But is that the case? Is there one inclusive LGBT community, or are there separate and exclusive communities for lesbians, for gay men, for bisexual people, and for transgender people? How do identity politics factor in, and what about people who don’t identify with one of the letters of the acronym? Is there a place for them? What is it that connects us in the first place? Should we be united? Bring a lunch and join us for this discussion where we’ll address these important questions and more.

Date: Friday, September 29

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: MSA Chambers, 3909 Michigan Union

Sponsored by The Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Affairs and University Housing, Division of Student Affairs. The Office of LGBT Affairs and University Housing reserve one day each month to conduct noon-hour educational in-services. The brown bag series is intended to provide continuing education and to further the personal and professional development of the campus and community. Each semester, Housing and LGBTA select relevant topics to be addressed by guest speakers and discussed by participants.

[plug] OUT of Class

from our friends at the university proper...

OUT of Class: The reception for LesBiGayTransQueer graduate and professional students

Welcome (back) grad students! Take a minute to meet new and returning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer graduate and professional students from Rackham, the Law School, Ross B-School, Med school, and UM's other schools, colleges, and grad programs.

Mix, mingle, and make plans for later! Light food and refreshments will be served.

Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rackham Graduate School, Assembly Hall, 4th Floor
*for more information, contact Gabe Javier - javiergc@umich.edu

Sponsored in partnership with:
Rackham Graduate School
Office of Student Services

Office of LGBT Affairs
Division of Student Affairs, University of Michigan

Creating Community Grants
Student Activities and Leadership
Division of Student Affairs, University of Michigan

[plug] Nannes Challenge

Hi, Outlaws 3Ls:

It's that time of year again and we are on tap. As many of you may know, a nice chunk of our operating budget comes from the Nannes Challenge. With a refreshed board and some new board members about to be installed, having money to carry out new ideas would be . . . well, rather nice. Plus, we are always at the top of the student org. list when the Nannes dollars are tallied, which is a nice reflection on us. Your pledge makes all the difference to Outlaws! So, please consider pledging to the challenge.


Learn more about the program by:

* Visiting the Law School Web site (here);
*Stopping by the Third-Year Challenge table near Hutchins Room 100 on Monday afternoon (9/18);
* Contacting one of the committee members.

Best,
Kyle, Nannes Co-chair

[note] Outlaws Meeting For Real This time

The first Outlaws mtg. is TOMORROW,
Monday, Sept. 18th at 6 p.m.

Food will be served. Room 150HH.

We will be electing:

• Alumni, Admissions & Faculty Chair
  
• Basement Group Relations Chair
  
• Political Action Committee Chair
  
• Social Chair
  
• 1L Represenative
  

[note] GENERAL MEETING RESCHEDULED!

Our previously scheduled meeting for today at 5:30 has been CANCELED due to scheduling conflicts.

The new meeting time is:

Monday at 6:00pm. The room is TBD.

I'm terribly sorry for any plans this screwed up.

-robert.

[news] UM Given 18 out of 20 Gay Point Average

"The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students" (Alyson Books) profiles 100 of the country's "best campuses" for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, and it arrives at a time when gay students are more vocal and visible.

"It's looking more like half or most gay and lesbian Americans are coming out before they get to college," said Bruce Steele, the guide's editor in chief. "Unlike in the past, the experience they will have on a campus is something they can think about before they go to college."

from this nytimes article

While the University isn't mentioned directly in the article, I have it on good faith from someone who knows that we received 18 points out of 20 for non-straight acceptance. I'd believe that. As soon as I get my hands on a copy, I'll let you know where we fell short those two points.

I expect a "Conservative Goon's Guide to Places to Never Let Your Kids Go To College" in 3, 2, 1...

[event] First General Meeting

Outlaws will have it's first meeting on Thursday, Sept. 14th @ 5:30 pm in 218 HH.

Food will be served. All welcome.

We will also elect four members of our executive board:

• Alumni, Admissions & Faculty Chair
  
• Basement Group Relations Chair
  
• Political Action Committee Chair
  
• Social Chair
  

[plug] Upcoming Events

Here's a list of upcoming events y'all might want to check out (esp. Gayz Craze and the Open House).


1. OUT AND ABOUT UM/ANN ARBOR
SUNDAY, September 3, 2006 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Michigan Union Office of LGBT Affairs,3200 Michigan Union: New to UM or Ann Arbor? Wondering where to go and what to do as an lgbtq person? Come here some wisdom by some returning students, hear where the 'friendly' places are and meet some great people. All are welcome. FREE FOOD!!!

2. GAYZ CRAZE
MONDAY, September 4 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM; Palmer Field (the side that's *not* under construction): Music, food, arts/crafts, sports, group competitions, an information tent and lots of fabulous people! Free food!

3. OFFICE OF LGBT AFFAIRS OPEN HOUSE
TUESDAY, September 5, 2006 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Michigan Union 3rd Floor: Have you seen the Office in it's new fabulous-ness?! Come one and come all! It's time to celebrate a new academic year with old friends and new faces. Join us for a reception on the 3rd Floor of the Union that will mix faculty, staff and students in an air of community that is UM LGBTA! FREE FOOD!!!!

4. COLORS AND CONNECTION: A RECEPTION FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE OF COLOR
September 6, 2006 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Michigan Union: See the University of Michigan LGBTQ Community through the lens of LGBTQ and same-gender loving students of color. We will dialogue about the concept of safe and home and make meaningful connections - all while having a bit of fun. FREE FOOD!!!