Lambda Allies Faculty Staff Group (LAFS)
Newsletter
Spring, 2001
LAFS is planning a number of social and professional events this semester. First, the scoop on the social front. In case you haven’t heard, thanks to Dan Maxwell, we have established a schedule of dinner gatherings for the semester. We will meet at local restaurants on the following evenings to "chill and chat":
One person at the previous dinner will decide where we meet each month. Bill picked Yen Chengs for the next dinner, and has selected Craig to pick the next place. Craig will then select someone to pick the next place and so on. Even though not everyone will be able to attend all these events, hopefully we will get a good turn out each time. Several of the graduate students are also being informed of these dinners and are invited to attend. The are also plans to begin a series of weekend brunches. Dan has volunteered to host the first one–the date to be announced.
Craig thought the following theater performances might be of interest to LAFS members:
THE BALTIMORE WALTZ
By Paula Vogel (openly lesbian playwright)
Directed by Jefferson Fietek (BGLFA member)
Paula Vogel writes this about her 1992 Obie Award-winning play–"In 1986 my brother Carl invited me to join him in a joint excursion to Europe. Due to pressures of time and money, I declined, never dreaming that he was HIV positive. The Baltimore Waltz is a journey with Carl to a Europe that exits only in the imagination."
Performances: February 28 and March 1, 7:30 PM
Simpkins Theatre, 2nd floor of Simpkins
Admission is FREE
THE TEMPEST
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Craig Rich (LAFS member)
Performances: April 4 — 7, 7:30 PM
Hainline Theater
Admission is $10.50 / $8.50 for students & seniors
UPCOMING EVENTS
BLFA's Awareness Week is scheduled for April 1 — 7. Kate Bornstein will be the keynote speaker for Friday, April 6th. LAFS may sponsor a potluck during Awareness Week for members of LAFS and BGLFA and, like last semester, we may be able to hold this at the Unitarian Church. Dan has raised the issue to the BGLFA Executive Board and will let us know if the students are interested.
Other ideas have been raised about activities for Awareness Week. Beth has a contact in Peoria who is an intersexed person who is a good speaker and activist. She may be able to do a presentation during Awareness Week. Also the University Committee on Sexual Orientation (UCOSO) is planning to support Awareness Week with a possible speaker and maybe a panel presentation regarding legal concerns for g/l/b partners
Kathy Lawhon has spoken with Larry at Macomb Cinemas and he is trying to schedule a gay themed film for April 11th and 12th as part of the International Film Series. According to Kathy, Larry is trying to get "Aimee and Jaguar", a lesbian love story. There is another gay themed film that is confirmed for March 14th and 15th for the International Film Series entitled, "The Broken Hearts Club". So mark your calendars!
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Congratulations to Martin. He has received a contract from Peter Lang Publishing Company to publish his book The Politics of Rights in the Case for Same Sex Marriage. Martin says it will be available late in 2001 or early 2002.
Bill is participating in a writing project with the American Psychological Association creating manuals for high school personnel to use as guides for working with g/l/b students.
OTHER INFORMATION
Elections for officers for next year will occur in April. There are 3 positions-- 2 Co Chairs and Secretary/Treasurer. If you want your name placed on the ballot or if you want to nominate someone (please check with that person first) let Bill know and he will add names to the ballot.