MEPSI Board Vacancies in 2012 (BELLEVILLE)

MetroEast Pride of Southwestern Illinois

(MEPSI) is holding OPEN ELECTIONS for four (4) seats on the 2012-13 MEPSI Board. Are you wanting to become more involved with the LGBT community? Want to make a difference? Here's your chance!

We request that interested parties submit a bio and brief cover letter on why they would like to join the MEPSI family prior to the March 8, 2012 deadline.

We will schedule a follow up interview with the MEPSI Board on March 13th and notify new Board members on March 14th.
( Please send bios to metroeastpride@gmail.com )
By: Vital Voice

MEPSI Seeks Event Volunteers (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois)

Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) is currently looking for volunteers for upcoming fundraisers and our Pride festival held in June. If you would like to volunteer and support your local LGBT community please contact Metro East Pride through our gmail account at metroeastpride@gmail.com
For more information: www.MetroEastPride.com 

Southern Illinois AIDS Walk 2011 Dec 1, 2011

www.BellevillePride.Org

(CARBONDALE)

Southern Illinois AIDS Walk 2011
Thurs. Dec. 1, 2011 6PM SIUC Student Health Center

The Southern Illinois AIDS Walk has moved, and will be held at 6pm on Thursday, December 1 at the Student Health Center located on the SIU Carbondale campus. Volunteers will begin set-up at 3pm, and a health fair and registration will begin at 4:30pm. The event will end by 7:45pm.

Volunteer meetings will be held at 7:30pm at the SIUC Newman Center, 715 S. Washington Street, on the following dates: Thursday, Sept. 8; Monday, Oct. 3; Monday Oct. 24; Thursday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 30. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided at all meetings.

Volunteers are needed to help attract corporate sponsors, $50 t-shirt sponsors, and to motivate Southern Illinois to participate in the walk (the SIUC campus, high schools and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois, and communities throughout Southern Illinois).

Proceeds benefit the Southern Illinois AIDS Holiday Project, which serves 150 low-income households impacted by HIV / AIDS in the 19 southern-most counties of Illinois.

For more information, contact AIDS Walk founder Wally Paynter at 812-480-0204 or wallypaynter@aol.com, or AIDS Walk Chair Scott Ramsey at sramsey@siu.edu.

Please use this site to register or join a team, register yourself as an individual walker, sponsor a walker or make a general donation to the cause.

2010 AIDS Walk photo courtesy of Southern Illinoisan and staff photographer Alan Rogers.

Jaye Westermann Named To TransHaven’s Staff

www.BellevillePride.Org

Jaye Westermann Named To TransHaven’s Staff

10/30/2011
(ST. LOUIS)
TransHaven is pleased to announce that Jaye Westermann of Saint Louis, Missouri has been named Project Coordinator. Jaye will be reporting as staff personnel and has accepted the volunteer and uncompensated position.

Jaye is a graduate of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville and is employed by Planned Parenthood as a Clinical Instructor, Jaye identifies as Intersex and GenderQueer. Among Jaye’s primary duties will be to represent us in advocacy’s reflecting the Intersex and GenderQueer Communities and represent TransHaven as our laison to those Communities. We welcome Jaye to our Team, who will share in reflection of our diverse outreach to the entire Community.

TransHaven: Advocates for Trans Equality, the Homeless / Shelterless, the Disabled, Anti-Violence initiatives, and cross-sectional advocacy’s for all that are LGBTIQA

www.transhaven.org

Court rules transgender Illinoisans can update their birth certificates without genital surgery.

www.BellevillePride.Org

via Claire Louise Swinford

Court rules transgender Illinoisans can update their birth certificates without genital surgery.

lexiecannes.wordpress.com

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT -- A ruling from a Cook County (IL) Circuit Court judge has made it easier to obtain a gender change on one's birth certificate, but it is far from being certain for ever...

Illinois State Bar Assoc. to host Civil Union Seminar (CARBONDALE)

www.BellevillePride.Org
via Jennifer Shaw P.C.

(CARBONDALE)

A Roadmap to the Illinois Civil Union Act*

September 16, 2011  
1:55 – 3:45 p.m.
1.75 MCLE hours
Presented by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Co-sponsored by Family Law

Carbondale
SIU School of Law
1150 Douglas Drive
Room 204
(map and directions)

Learn to navigate your way through Illinois’ new Civil Union Act

with this informative Law Ed seminar!

 

This program provides an overview of the new Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act which became effective June 1, 2011. Topics include its form and purpose; the formation of civil unions, their recognition while intact, and their dissolution; the rights, interests, benefits and burdens to spouses under the Act; special considerations, including the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and its limitation on the new law; and federal/state law conflicts. Judge Nancy Katz, a long-standing Domestic Relations judge, provides her perspectives on the impact this new law may or may not have on the process and procedures applicable in domestic relations proceedings. Lawyers from all practice settings will benefit from attending this program, including family law, trusts and estates, business advice and financial planning, elder law, employee benefits, federal tax, general practice and more.

 

 

Program Coordinators/Moderators:

Richard A. Wilson, Law Offices Richard Wilson P.C., Chicago

Comments from June 17, 2011 Presentation:

Very nice overview of the new law and some of the complexities that raise unanswered questions and protect one’s self and clients.   --Anonymous

I thought it was a great update on a very relevant issue that affects our legal system.     --Anonymous

 Very good CLE, MCLE. --T. Yaur

Jennifer A. Shaw, Jennifer A. Shaw P.C., Edwardsville

Agenda

1:55 – 2:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions

 

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Overview of the New Law: Form and Purpose

This brief overview examines the new law, as well as how it’s structured and its stated purpose.

Richard A. Wilson, Law Offices Richard Wilson P.C., Chicago

Jennifer A. Shaw, Jennifer A. Shaw P.C., Edwardsville

 

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Forming an Illinois Civil Union: Who, How, When, and More.

This segment offers a roadmap to the formation of a civil union under the new law, including the application process, eligibility requirements, licensing, and much more.  

Richard A. Wilson, Law Offices Richard Wilson P.C., Chicago

Jennifer A. Shaw, Jennifer A. Shaw P.C., Edwardsville

 

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Civil Union Partners: Rights, Interests, Benefits, and Burdens

This presentation discusses the rights, interests, benefits, and burdens available to parties in a civil union – both while intact and upon dissolution – and introduces federal law issues and limitations on the new law.

Richard A. Wilson, Law Offices Richard Wilson P.C., Chicago

Jennifer A. Shaw, Jennifer A. Shaw P.C., Edwardsville

 

2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Special Considerations

This segment provides an overview of the special considerations in civil union cases, including conflicts between federal and state laws. Topics include: relevant tax concerns, estate planning issues, and other financial problems that may arise due to contention with the Defense of Marriage Act.

Hon. Nancy J. Katz, Circuit Court Cook County, Chicago

Raymond W. Prather, Prather Ebner LLP, Chicago

 

3:15 – 3:45 p.m. A View from the Bench: An Examination of the new Civil Union Law from a Domestic Relations Judge

Examine the new law from the point of view of a long-standing Domestic Relations Judge, which includes an overview of the process and procedures applicable in domestic relations proceedings. Special considerations in dealing with same-sex dissolutions are also discussed.

Hon. Nancy J. Katz, Circuit Court Cook County, Chicago

 

 

*Please Note: This program was originally presented on June 17, 2011 in Fontana, Wisconsin at ISBA’s Annual Meeting. Attorneys cannot receive credit for viewing the same program more than once within a 12 month period.

Q&A: (SWIC) First Meeting of Semester - AUG 30th

www.BellevillePride.Org - Belleville Transgender and Friends
Q&A: Alliance for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SWIC)
via: Naomi Warner President, Q&A Alliance (SWIC)- 



Our first meeting of the semester will be next week,
Aug 30 at 400pm in room LA 2218

Q&A Alliance is geared towards the students of Southwestern Illinois College but is open to anyone of interest.  This group has become an important advocacy in the MetroEast Region, offering  SafeZone Trainging with the faculty & staff, as well as on campus support to students.   Participants enjoy both outreach opportunities and safe-space for social connection.  For more information the Faculty Advisor is Barbara

barbara.hunter@swic.edu

Sex-Positive Social Movement Is Beyond the "LGBT"

www.BellevillePride.Org
by: Colby Kluthe, MetroEast NEWS

 
Thoughts from a Mouthy Saint:  
Sex-Positive Social Movement Is Beyond the "LGBT"



July 28, 2011
(ST. LOUIS)

Photo By: Robyn Carolyn Montague

In recent months, I have been refreshed to see the sex-positive movement beginning to take-hold in the Saint Louis Region.  The movement, and philosophy being simply that sexuality is everyone's birthright.  And my own personal thought that healthy sexual expression is not an "LGBT" issue but a human issue.  Attaching letters to, or pigeon-holes for, is a pastime better left in the past.

Slutwalk St. Louis

Photo By Missfits Magazine ·
In just a short time, a number of organizations, business owners, and events have really moved to the forefront of social change that empowers the individual expression, and responsibility we have to respect one another simply as we are, individually.

In July, SlutWalk St. Louis, joined the national demonstration with director Brennan Peters explaining:

"Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behavior creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim."

More than 200 attended the peaceful demonstration in the Grove Neighborhood by participants from every walk of life imaginable.  Event hosts included Atomic Cowboy and Novak's with educational workshops presented by Brennan Peters, Director of SlutWalk St. Louis 2011, Robyn Montegue, of TransHaven as well as a Q&A session hosted by AlphaWom.

SlutWalkSTL reminds each of us that we are a community of more than toleration, but a city that can truly celebrate all our diversity.  It also served as an educational forum for those who realize that regardless of how we identify, we have much to learn about each other, which can in fact be the source of the changes for equality we wish to see reflected in our city.

SlutWalkSTL may have been the high-profile event of the month, but it is far from being the only sign of the sex-positive social movement.

Sex Positive St. Louis is also a formalized group that recognizes the importance of accurate education and information about sexuality. Sex Positive St. Louis seeks to host a program of events and nurture a culture that accommodates sex positive communities in the St. Louis region. 

And yet another encouraging sign of traction of this social change, Shameless Grounds LLC, located in the  Fox Park Neighborhood offers patrons a good-vibe venue for more than food and coffee beverages.

Perhaps it's most unique feature is the sex-positive library, complete with the Shameless Grounds Library Card for those who wish to enjoy the lending service.  The Library is both quiet and comfortable to browse or study.  Gay, straight, trans, kinky, poly, queer or completely vanilla-this Shameless Grounds is a coffee shop for everyone!

Located on SIDNEY STREET just west of Jefferson. 10AM to 10PM and weekends 'till Midnight.

Shameless Grounds will celebrate its grand opening July 29th & 30th
with "Cherry Jubilee" , complete with an Artist Exhibit & Contest, and weekend  performances by an in-house DJ as well as a drag revue courtesy of Glitterbomb Productions.   Shameless Grounds opens at 10AM-10PM each day and until midnight on Friday & Saturday.
They are also available for private event space when booked in advance.

Our region also boasts a wide variety of publications that serve this ever-growing and progressive community.
Missfits Magazine, and  St.Louis/Seattle Sinner  offer the cutting edge in articles and features.  You may find the latest issue at locations around the city, and likely wherever you already are.

I welcome this movement, which in my mind allows our community to move beyond our traditional concepts of "LGBT" or the myriad of letters we continue to add in an effort to appear more inclusive.  I hope that we as an equality people will begin to think and learn of one another simply as individuals as varied as our region's people.

Comments:  danielmccreeorg@gmail.com 

SWIC Multicultural Festival - May 6th

www.BellevillePride.com
via SWIC Activities

 
Friday, May 6 
6-10 p.m.
Belleville Campus Quad  
(If it rains, the festival will be in the Varsity Gym.)
Admission to this family event is FREE.
No coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Anyone who is caught with these items will be asked to leave the grounds.
Parking is available in lots M1 and M3. For additional information, call the College Activities office at 618-235-2700, ext. 5561.
Sponsored by College Activities

Restaurants

Food samples will be sold for $2 or a full plate for $5. Some items sold will vary in price, including some food items. ARAMARK will sell nonalcoholic beverages.

Restaurant	Address
Castletown Geoghegan (Irish)	104 W. Main St., Belleville
Basil Thai (Asian)	327 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights
Saigon Vietnamese and Chinese Cuisine (Asian)	1636 Lebanon Ave., Belleville
Zapp Noodle and Market (Asian)	1407 W. Highway 50, Suite 106 & 107, O'Fallon
Joe’s Asian Cuisine (Asian)	Scott Air Force Base
Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopian)	3210 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis
Culinary Arts Program (French desserts)	SWIC

Any vendors or restaurants who wish to participate should call Rosalena Baez at 618-235-2700, ext. 5461.

 

Entertainment

Time	Event
6-6:30 p.m.	Middle Eastern dance by Lotus Art Center (Middle Eastern)
6:30-7 p.m.	Tropical hula dance by Belly Dance Mirage (Hawaiian)
7-7:30 p.m.	Guitar, vocal and flamenco dance performance by Los Flamencos (Spanish)
7:30-8:15 p.m.	Dragon and Lion Dance Team performance by the Shaolin Lohan Pai Lion Dance Troupe (Chinese)
8:30-9 p.m.	Aalim & Chuvani Belly Dance with Arabian Silk, accompanied by Scheherazade (Middle Eastern)
9-9:30 p.m.	African drummers and dancers (African)
9:30-10 p.m.	Funky Butt Brass Band

Activities

• Activities and crafts for children
• English as a Second Language students will have displays about their countries, and Adult Basic Education will have information for those interested in being part of the English as a Second Language program at SWIC. 
• The SWIC judo class will do demonstrations.
• http://www.swic.edu/mcf

 

CESJ to visit Illinois State Prison-Tamms, APRIL 22

http://www.bellevillepride.com/
on behalf of  Jessie Arms- CESJ

Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ) & Southern Illinois Prisoner Action Committee (SIPAC)and Faithful of Southern Illinois (FOSIL)WILL HOLD AN ANNUAL GOOD FRIDAY PILGRIMAGE TO THE STATE PRISON IN TAMMS ILLINOIS.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011, 2:30 p.m. till about 3:00 or 3:30

WE MEET WITH A GROUP FROM THE CARBONDALE AREA AT TAMMS AT 2:00 P.M.
QUESTIONS – PLEASE CONTACT:

Anneharter23@yahoo.com
 618 277-7594 or 618-593-7891

MetroEast Q's and A's Planned for April

www.BellevillePride.com   
on Behalf of: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE


March 2, 2011


(EDWARDSVILLE)
The student lead Gay Straight Alliance at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville has announced details for the community wide day of workshops and retreat for students and allies of the LGBTIQ communities of the Metro-East Region.
 The day-long event will offer multiple topics for discussion, as well as a diverse panel of civic leaders and experts to facilitate conversations about issues of gender diversity and sexuality.

In addition to the workshop day, GSA-SIUE has planned a number of events in the coming month, including Bowling for Equality Event for the MetroEast Area April 8th and a "Discussion about Marriage" (March 26th)

DETAILS~

Saturday, April 23 · 10:00am - 10:00pm

Light Breakfast & Lunch will be provided for FREE.


Workshop Topics:
GSA 101: Starting a GSA, Improving existing clubs, Getting things done at your school, and more.
Transgender Workshop
Homosexuality and Religion
Multi-cultural Perspectives on Sexuality
Queer People of Color
LGBTQ Issues in Law and Politics
Ally Training: Learn how to support LGBTQ/Questioning individuals in a non-judgmental setting.
Bisexuality Workshop
Mpowerment: Safe-sex practices, and free on-site HIV testing!
How to be Gay workshop
Growing Up Gay: Hear people of different ages and different experiences talk about their stories.
Get resources and information on careers for LGBTQ people!


PLUS, there will be a dance afterward s!
For more information, contact Keith Rose at MetroEastQsandAs@gmail.com

Elizabeth Ann Van Winkle (St. Louis, MO)

President Emeritus

Em Nosce (SIU Edwardsville)

President

Lukus Daniel Keeling (SIU Edwardsville)

Vice President

Same Sex Legal Seeks Couple- First Civil Union

www.BellevillePride.com
By: Colby Kluthe/ MetroEast NEWS

February 19, 2011

Same Sex Legal Seeks Couple -
First Civil Union in Madison County

(EDWARDSVILLE)
The Sivia Law Firm, better known as "Same-Sex Legal" (www.SameSexLegal.com) is actively seeking the first couple to be recognized under the new Illinois Civil Union Law.

As the law goes into effect, local courts are moving towards the implementation of the new changes. Principal Attorney Todd Sivia is committed to facilitate the first Civil Unions under the new rights of the LGBT communities in the Metro-East Region.

Under the new law, gender identity is truly equal, and becomes a non-issue.

Attorney Todd Sivia explains "It does not matter about transgender individuals because civil unions allow both same sex and men and women. If you know of anyone that wants to be the first couple to get hitched in Madison County. We are helping the County Clerk out."
(pictured above: Principal Legal Counsel, Todd Sivia & Erin Margaret)

For those couples who previously went to Iowa or other state, are now recognized under SB1716, the "Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act."

The bill allows both gay and straight couples to enter into civil unions, giving them some of the same benefits automatically available to married couples, including the right to visit a sick partner in the hospital, disposition of a deceased loved one's remains and the right to make decisions about a loved one's medical care.

Any couple who is interested can contact the firm about the procedure required under this new law. The Same-Sex Legal Law Firm is a member of both Missouri & Illinois Bar Association and operates a central office in Edwardsville and a secondary location in Alton, Illinois.

Since its establishment in 2006, Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C specializes in asset protection, and the specific legal issues that surround the establishment of non-traditional families and estate planning. They also handle employment law issues, in addition to divorce, child custody and child support issues.

Same-Sex Legal Services
SBLS
www.sivialaw.com
217 South Main Street
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025

| OFFICE 618.659.4499
FAX 618.659.4027
www.samesexlegal.com

Justice News (CESJ) Feb 2011

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of CESJ
FEB 2, 2011
(BELLEVILLE)

Justice News

Justice News is a project of the Coalition for Economic and Social Justice
Justice for All; Peace; Freedom; Democracy; and a Sustainable World

Vol.5 Winter 2011

Full Employment is a key to reducing crime, tension between races, domestic violence, homelessness, and the costs of welfare, food stamps and unemployment benefits.
Full Employment will stimulate the economy as people with jobs buy more things and pay more taxes. www.nationaljobsforall.org

Homeless Shelter Needed in Belleville: The Roundtable Discussion of Current Events has
temporarily shifted from discussion to action.

In January, CESJ convened a meeting of several leaders from the faith community and it was agreed that we would work to open a homeless shelter in
Belleville.

A shelter operated by the Salvation Army was closed two years ago; the reason for the
closure of that shelter is not clear at this time. Discussion of current events will resume in September.

Marin Luther King Day a Success: The second annual MLK Day, sponsored by 17th St. Corridor
Neighborhood Association and Belleville AmeriCorps and facilitated by Pastor Michelle Parsons was a huge success as 150 people, young and old, black and white---- talking, singing and dancing to
“un-learn” racism.

Interfaith Trip to Tamms Correctional Center: On Good Friday, April 22, an interfaith group will
hold a prayer vigil outside of Tamms correctional facility. Located in Southern Illinois, this prison was designed for the “worst of the worst” where 23 hours a day are spent in solitary confinement.

However, investigative reporters, George Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer with the Belleville News Democrat, learned that inmates were sent there for reasons other then being their criminal behavior.

There is concern that mentally ill people are imprisoned there and that solitary confinement creates mental illness. Fellowship of Southern Illinois Laity (FOSIL), a Catholic group, has gone to Tamms for the past 10 years.
This year FOSIL is asking people of other faiths to join them in the vigil.

Racial Harmony meets monthly to increase communication and understanding between races.
618-234-0508.

Venue for Southern Illinois Artists Opens in Belleville: Currently a consortium of 16 artists from
Southern Illinois display their work at The Galleries for Sole Survivors at 125 East Main St. Various mediums and price ranges are represented. The gallery is sponsored by Steve and Kay Ray and directed by textile artist Jacque Davis. The gallery is open Weds. thru Sat. from 11 am to 5 pm.
618-234-0214 www.solesurvivorleather.com

Be Prepared for Disaster! We need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our neighbors
before the official responders arrive (police, fire, and ambulance). Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches fire suppression, search and rescue, basic first aid and medical triage, and disaster psychology.

Those who complete the training receive a certificate, a CERT backpack containing basic supplies related to disaster preparedness and are encouraged to regularly participate in mock disaster trainings.

The next 20 hour CERT training is the evening of March 18, and
Saturday, March 19 and 26 at First Assembly of God, in Belleville. The training is open to all over 16 years of age. Enrollment is limited. To register contact Gwen Vicari 618-233-1177 or
GwenVicari@sbcglobal.net.

Gay Justice:
A new organization has formed which will give hope, reduce isolation and provide support to
gay people throughout Southern Illinois. The United Church of Christ (UCC) has 82 churches within Southern Illinois, and the executive board approved the establishment of Illinois South Conference (ISC) Pride. The next ISC Pride meeting is March 5, from 3 pm to 5 pm at St. Paul UCC in
Belleville; the topic is “Civil Unions”. The meeting in April will be held in O'Fallon; the topic is
“Leviticus 18:22”.

For more information contact Lois Gibson, ISC ONA (open and affirming) consultant, 618-466-0158
or ljgibson@charter.net.

Belleville PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets the first Thursday of
every month at 6:30 pm. Teresa Schmidt, President of PFLAG, insures that each meeting has
informative videos, speakers or educational materials available. There are lively discussions,
refreshments and tons of support. www.bellevilleilpflag.com

Club Escapades, at 133 W. Main St., Belleville, www.clubescapade.org has taken down the
“For Sale” sign. For several months there was concern that the bar would close or be sold to non-
friendly gay people. Owners Harold Schwartz and Rick Hembree, domestic partners as well as
business partners, recently decided to keep the bar and invest time and money to plan more fun events.
Rick and Harold were instrumental in establishing the annual Pride Festival in Belleville. Club
Escapade will host a fundraiser for Metro East Pride 2011 the evening of Saturday, February 26.

It will be an amateur drag show with a $100 prize for the performer with the most tips.
www.metroeastpride.com

Belleville Transgender and Friends Association meets the second Saturday of every month at
1 pm in downtown Belleville. Contact Jesse for more information: arms4justice@yahoo.com
618-719-1154.

Gay Student Associations:

Belleville West High School, Dale Zink, faculty advisor: dzink@bths201.org
Belleville East High School, Daniel Boyt, faculty advisor: dboyt@bths201.org
O'Fallon High School, Leann Riebold, faculty advisor: rubysl1ppers@yahoo.com
Southwest Illinois College (SWIC) faculty advisors: Barbara Hunter
barbara.hunter@swic.edu and Shauna Schribner shauna.scribner@swic.edu

The Vital Voice, St. Louis-based LBGTI magazine, celebrated its 30th anniversary, January
2011. www.thevitalvoice.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justice News is a project of the Coalition for Economic and Social Justice (CESJ), a 501c3, non-profit
organization. All work is done by volunteers. To support CESJ, send a check to PO Box 824,
Belleville, IL 62222 or by Internet—Pay Pal www.jobsandjustice.org.
Voice comments or suggestions at 618-719-1154.

Entertainers' Talent Demands Fair Compensation

www.BellevillePride.com
by: Musica Malone
on behalf of: MetroEast NEWS

Entertainers' Talent Demands Fair Compensation

January 6, 2011

(ST. LOUIS)

In a recent and timely statement, veteran entertainer Musica Malone expressed feeling often felt, but not often verbalized. In fact the issue has been around for many years, and while it has largely been accepted or at least tolerated as the "standard practice" of bar owners & show venues, it has become a issue of awareness today.

Ms. Malone explains:
"The day of bars paying title holding queens, $25 a booking is coming to an end. It is time to know you are taking advantage of people who bring drinking customers into your establishments.

Now to be fair, not all venues fall into this category, in fact one owner in particular (Nancy Novak) has a reputation for going above and beyond the issues brought forth here.

Trust, I'm not the only entertainer who feels that way. Remember that make-up, costumes, and wigs are EXPENSIVE!

If this does not apply to you as a bar, then disregard please, if it does, then get with the program."

The statement obviously struck a chord with many in our community, with more than 20 people who also had support for the statement. Malone expands on the comment, and offers a plan of action which includes solidarity for those who work in the industry and at venues who insist on counting performance "tips" as a base of income.

"It takes everyone who is an entertainer to have enough respect for themselves and our art form, to put a stop to it. But that can only happen if we all stand together.


Our tips are our tips.....a good performance gets a good tip....just like a good drink and good service gets a bartender or a server a tip. Every drink or food item on a menu has a price and that price must be paid in order to get it.

The tip has no relation to the cost of the item or in this case...performer. The tip is a reflection of the entertainer and their ability to get you to pry a tip out of your wallet or purse. At cost...we as queens that respect our art form and do it right....spend approx. 40 bucks per show. So we are already 15 dollars in the red when we accept a 25 dollar booking."

Ms. Malone hopes to bring awareness within our community of the issue, so that owners and venue managers can begin to make some progress in this area. As consumers and supporters of male and female impersonation, we should be just as aware of our money, as we are our host sites. By making our bar owners know that we are aware of the issue, will perhaps make them more cognizant to the compensation package for entertainers.

Comments may be made to: editor@bellevillepride.com
OR directly to Musica Malone

Or join our discussion at: BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

Rick Garcia parts from Equality Illinois, But not without a fight

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Windy City Times By: Yasmin Nair

December 18, 2010

(CHICAGO)
Rick Garcia,former Public Policy director with Equality Illinois, was suprisingly "let go" this week from the statewide organization with a reputation of working the trenches along side policy-makers in Springfield, and in every corner of the state.

[Garcia said that Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told him, "I am going to be very gracious and amicable," and Garcia said he looked at him and said, "Do you think for one minute that I'm going to be gracious and amicable?"] *

Without doubt, the communities of Southern Illinois are in shock at this development. Garcia who is a Metro East native, has a proven track record working closely in our region on issues of equality. Garcia was featured as the keynote speaker at Metro East Pride 2010, and recently coordinated the Civil Union Equality Summit, in Belleville along with MEGS (Metro East Gays & Straights).

When Windy City times writer Yasmin Nair asks, Garcia explains:
"[I went into the office for a meeting at 5 o'clock last night [ Dec. 16 ] .

I went into Bernard's office. There was one of our board members that nobody would know, hello, and I sat down and Bernard just looked at me and said, "Your services are no longer needed and we are terminating you now." Now, the state of Illinois is an at-will state and anybody can be fired at any time, so he just fired my ass at about 5 o'clock last night. Um, about 45 minutes before I was supposed to be over at [ Center on Halsted ] to give a talk.

So he fired me 10 days after we passed a civil-unions bill that only six states have. He fires me. Who has passed more civil-rights legislation in this country than that little nasty—I can't even think of the term—that he would even think of? And then he sits across from me and says, "I'm terminating you because we don't need you up here no more." And that's what he said to me. We're terminating you.] *

Garcia's contribution to the advancement of gay rights in Illinois is undeniable. He was a key figure in the passages of both the amendment of the state's human-rights act that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as well as the civil-unions bill that recently passed through the Illinois General Assembly.

READ MORE

OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=29843
http://hopeandhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2010/12/il-house-passes-civil-unions-act-senate.html
MetroEast NEWS abridged story by: Colby Kluthe
by: Yasmin Nair

US Senate votes to Repeal Dont Ask Dont Tell Policy

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Equality Illinois
MetroEast NEWS

BellevillePride~ MetroEast News

BREAKING NEWS: (3pm CST)

U.S. Senate Passes DADT Repeal
via Equality Illinois

RELATED ARTICLES:

via Colin Murphy (VITAL VOICE)

U.S. Senate Votes to End "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" | Vital VOICE Magazine

www.thevitalvoice.com

WASHINGTON, DC – Today the U.S. Senate voted on legislation that will allow for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). This historic action comes on the heels of the passage of an identical bill Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. President Obama has said that he will sign DADT

U.S. House passes stand-alone DADT repeal bill

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Equality Illinios

December 15, 2010
(Washington D.C.)
Equality Illinois

Dont Ask Dont Tell (DADT) Moves past US House and towards US Senate Wednesday.
It has been reported to us that Southern Illinois Congressman Jerry Costello DID vote to repeal DADT.

U.S. House passes stand-alone DADT repeal bill! Now on to the Senate. Please call Senator Mark Kirk (202-224-2854 / 312-886-3506) and urge him to vote in favor of repeal and to co-sponsor the legislation.

Remembering our Youth: Q&A-SWIC Gives Voice to Silence

http://www.bellevillepride.com/

By: Colby Kluthe

-Editor, MetroEast NEWS

December 9, 2010

(BELLEVILLE)

Students at Southwestern Illinois College, in Belleville who visited the Main Campus this week would have noticed a special display arranged by Q&A (Queers & Allies) Student group.

"We set up in the Main Lounge of the Belleville Campus. We had tombstones made of cardboard and a big wall with pictures and brief bios of victims of LGBT bullying and hate crimes." explains student advisor, Brennan Peters. "It went really well. A lot of people came through and read bios, looked at pictures, and all that. "

The Q&A student group began last year to bring awareness and support to students who identify as LGBT, and those who support them. As both a social support and educational group, participants find a supportive environment, as well as a calling to educate fellow students to equality rights issues and awareness to the ongoing issues that face our community.

This active group is made up of more than a dozen participants, and alumni who further the causes of the group. Q&A also participates in the Metro East Pride Festival, to raise funds for the Austin Mueller Q&A Activism Scholarship.

Austin Mueller was an participant of Q&A, and student at SWIC, who was lost to suicide in May of this year. Both this student group, and Austin's mother Joyce Coulter, as well as countless friends continue to keep his spirit alive to this day. Information about the scholarship requirements and eligibility can be found at the SWIC Foundation website.

Q&A-SWIC wrapped up this semester with a final meeting this past Tuesday, and will re-convene in the spring, when classes return to the Belleville Campus. The group meets each Tuesday, at 4pm. and is open to any student enrolled at SWIC.

Equality Illinois Sponsors Civil Union Summit - DEC 9th

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Equality Illinois & MEGS (Metro East Gays & Straights)


December 3, 2010 -
/re-published 12-6
Equality Illinois Sponsors Civil Union Summit - DEC 9th

(BELLEVILLE)
Please join Equality Illinois and Metro East Gays and Straights on Thursday, December 9th at 6:30PM for a discussion about the civil union bill
(SB 1716–the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act) and its recent PASSAGE!

Speakers Rick Garcia (Equality Illinois, Public Policy Director) and Brian Tiemann (McDermott, Will & Emery, Attorney) will discuss what the new law means to LGBT people, what happens next, and address any questions that YOU might have.

This discussion in Belleville is the first in a series that Equality Illinois will be holding across the State in an effort to educate our membership about this historic bill.

Where: St. Paul's United Church of Christ (St. Paul's Cinema) - 115 West B Street, Belleville, IL 62220
*Enter from C Street

When: Thursday, December 9th from 6:30 - 8:00PM
RSVP REQUESTED

If you plan to attend, please email me at cstaerk@eqil.org or call (773) 477.7173.
We look forward to seeing you in Belleville!

Sincerely,

Caroline Staerk
Field Director, Equality Illinois
Jesse Arms, MEGS coordinator
arms4justice@yahoo.com

IL House passes Civil Unions Act, Senate to vote Wednesday

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Windy City Times

December 1, 2010

(SPRINGFIELD)

IL House passes Civil Unions Act, Senate to vote Wednesday Below: groups release statements, Nov. 30, 2010

Rick Garcia, of Equality Illinois was the keynote speaker at Metro East Pride, 2010. Rick Garcia. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald

The Illinois House made history Nov. 30, approving a measure that would allow civil unions for gay and lesbian couples by a vote of 61-52, with one vote to spare. Before the vote, openly gay state Rep. Greg Harris, who sponsored the bill, urged colleagues to help make history: "We have a chance today to make Illinois a more fair state, a more just state, and a state which treats all of its citizens equally under the law. We have a chance here, as leaders have had in previous generations, to correct injustice and to move us down the path toward liberty." According to the Chicago Tribune, state Rep. Deborah Mell ( who plans to marry fiancee Christin Baker in Iowa next year ) tearfully urged her fellow legislators to pass the bill: "If God forbid something happens to Christin, and she cannot make a decision, by law the doctor cannot ask me anything. I am not able to speak for her wishes. Under the law the doctor has to go to her family and I'm not considered family." Almost immediately, advocates hailed the passage. Lambda Legal issued a statement saying it is "proud of the leadership of the bill's sponsor in the House, Representative Greg Harris, along with Representatives [ Sara ] Feigenholtz, [ Harry ] Osterman and Mell. We congratulate our colleagues at Equality Illinois and all the LGBT advocates and allies across the state who fought for this first victory." LGBT Change, which has been working with the Civil Rights Agenda ( TCRA ) to lobby lawmakers, also thanked several individuals and organizations, but added that it and TCRA "will now turn their efforts to marriage as a matter of full equality." Log Cabin Republicans cited the GOP representatives who helped make passage possible, including Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi ( Palatine ) , Mark Beaubien ( Wauconda ) , William Black ( Danville ) , Elizabeth Coulson ( Glenview ) , Rosemary Mulligan ( Des Plaines ) and Angelo Saviano ( Elmwood Park ) . U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley—an outspoken pro-LGBT ally—also cited the Pentagon's recommendation of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in saying, "From the statehouse in Springfield to the Pentagon in Washington, we saw equality take an important step forward today. Today's progress on both fronts shows all levels of government continuing to realize that full civil rights must be extended to all Americans." A couple mayoral candidates also weighed in with statements. Rahm Emanuel said, "This evening Illinois took a step forward on the path to equal rights for our LGBT neighbors. Promoting equality for gay and lesbian Illinoisans is nothing more than a question of basic fairness—history will leave no shred of doubt that this is the right thing to do." Gery Chico, who recently unveiled his LGBT platform, said, "Extending human rights and responsibilities to committed same-sex couples is not only a matter of justice and human decency, it is good public policy. However, while tonight is a step in the right direction, our work is not done. We must not rest until Illinois provides full marriage equality to all people." The state Senate is expected to also approve the measure, and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has already pledged to sign the bill. If the senate passes the bill, Illinois would join New Jersey as being the only states with a civil-union statute. Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont allow same-sex marriage. -Andrew Davis Lambda Legal statement: A big step forward was taken today when the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Amendment #1, The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act by a count of 61-52. The Senate is expected to vote on the civil union bill as soon as tomorrow. Call to urge your senator to support Senate Bill 1716. Click here to find their contact information. We are proud of the leadership of the bill's sponsor in the House, Representative Greg Harris, along with Representatives Feigenholtz, Osterman and Mell. We congratulate our colleagues at Equality Illinois and all the LGBT advocates and allies across the state who fought for this first victory. Civil unions will be a major step forward for same-sex couples and their families who need the protections they will provide while we are on the path to our ultimate goal of marriage equality. The bill allows any couple ( same-sex or different sex ) to enter a civil union with the same benefits, obligations and responsibilities of marriage under state law. It also recognizes marriages of same-sex couples, civil unions or domestic partnerships from other jurisdictions as civil unions within Illinois. One important vote has been taken one more important vote remains. Now is the time to let your senator know that same-sex couples deserve protections under the law. Statement from Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer, Equality Illinois: The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act with a vote of 61 to 52! However, the Illinois Senate has yet to vote on the civil union bill and has until Thursday, December 2nd to do so. We are almost there but need your help to make this bill a reality. Please: 1. Call your Senator NOW and tell him/her to pass SB 1716 ( If you do not know who your legislator is, you can look him/her up here ) . 2. Support our aggressive advocacy efforts with a contribution. Not only do we still need to pass the bill through the State Senate, but we will then need to protect the law from attempts to repeal it. We can only succeed with your support. Please donate now. We are extremely thankful to State Representative Greg Harris, chief sponsor of the bill, for his extraordinary leadership on this issue. Thank you for supporting us and we will keep you posted on the status of this historic bill. Original story