University of Southern Maine USM Digital Commons

MLGPA News Periodicals

6-2001

MLGPA News (June 2001)

David Garrity

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Recommended Citation Garrity, David, "MLGPA News (June 2001)" (2001). MLGPA News. 41. https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/mlgpa_news/41

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HARD WORK, VIGILANCE PAYS OFF IN AUGUSTA SPECIAL PRIDE Several major victories move LGBT movement forward EDITION AUG USTA . MLGPA has been wicked single one of their bills has since been ANTl·GAY SEX EDUCATION BILL busy in the State House this session. killed or voted down, including: June 2001 Anti-gay forces from the Right, who The worst bill of the session was LD expected us to be weakened and helpless • A ban °0 gay people from child 1261 , "An Act to Promote Absti- adoptions and foster parenting · s Ed · " d after our loss last November, got a big nence ID ex ucat100, sponsore surprise. This session , MLGPA not only • A block of domestic partnership by Rep . MacDougall (R-Berwick) blocked a number of anti-gay efforts, but benefits for state employees; and Seo . McAlevey (R- York). This helped enact several measures that will • A repeal of all protected classes bill would have required schools to immediately benefit the LGBT commu - in the Maine Human Rights Act teach "abstinence only" and prohib- oity , while moving us closer to our ited the distribution of condoms in ultimate goal of full equality . ~ -·liliiiiiiimillsex education classes. The bill I also contained a pro vision ANTI·GAY MEASURES FAIL requiring all sexed courses to In January, energized by their have, "an emphasis, provided in a "victory" over Question 6, the Chris- factual manw and from a public tian Civic League and the Christian health perspective, that homosm- Coalition launched their most ambi - · ality is not alifestyle acceptable to tious anti-gay agenda in over two the general public." decades. But through the work of i..:· ~~··A•ua.n ,:I~ MLG PA advocates and allies, every I~ :rll~te£~]~

Youth advocates and staff from • Give gay couples the WITH HELP FROM OUTRIGHT , along with parents, same hospital visitation rights OUR FRIENDS teachers and public health officials as heterosexuals testified against the bill. The argued • Require insurance compa- MLGPA could not have 11 that requiring schools to teach homo­ nies to sell policies with domes- ""'·""'"" ' ""' accomplished much this phobia put LG BTQ students at greater tic partnership benefits to all 1,,,~~lfh~ffiil(~f,,i~ lj~j,~ session without the help and risk for suicide , substance abuse , de­ Maine companies that ask for support of many, including: them Republican and Democratic pression and disease . In partnership with the group Plain Truth For Maine • Fund a historic rn million ~--•-•••======II legislators and leadership ; the Youth , MLGPA convinced the Educa­ for civil rights teams and to address Maine State Employees tion Committee to vote down the bill, anti-gay violence and harassment in Safer Schools Coalition . The SSC Association , the AFL-CIO, the Maine I l to 2, and the House later defeated Maine schools explores ways to ensure that every Association of Non-profits ; civic and the measure 101 to 40. • Fund a much needed S:~ million student in Maine has safe and equal business groups ; health care increase in HIV prevention services access to education . This year, the advocates, as well as the HMO PRO·ACTIVE EFFORTS AND SUCCESS group has been working on policy Council ; the Maine Human Rights While MLGPA was determined to • Create a pilot proj ect to fully recommendations for preventing bias- Commission; the DIRIGO Alliance, implement the Maine Medical · d h and the Cho1'ce Coal1't1'00 . Most defeat the barrage of hate-filled initia­ Marijuana Act of 1998 motivate arassment and violence in tives , leaders were equall y determined our schools . Rather than seek new important were the many members to move forward with measures to WORK IN PROGR ESS legislation , the sec has agreed to and friends of MLGPA, who shared improve the lives of Maine 's LGBT Nearly five years ago , MLGPA support and closely monitor existing their stories, testified at hearings and citizens and secure our equal rights. joined with OUTRIGHT , GLSEN , p. programs like the civil rights teams lobbied their legislators. This year, MLGPA introduced , moni­ FLAG , the SpeakOUT Project and and the Attorney General's hates Many thanks to all of you . tored or supported new legislation to: other youth advocates to form the crimes unit. "Pride marches and LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT festival are about PRIDE: A TIME TO REFLECT AND RENEW more than just a good time. They offer each of us the Pride is an excellent time for us to take • We were active in the Safe Schools Choo se something to contribute and opportunity to make stock of who we are, what we 've done and Coalition , seeking solutions to the make a silent pledge to complete it in or renew a personal where we're going. I'm proud to report problem of harassment and violence the next year. commitment to the that MLGPA is strong and growing. against minorities in our schools Here are ways you can help MLGPA : struggle for LGBT • We received training in youth/adult Despite another near miss at securing • Sign up for a new membership or equality" collaboration from Portland Outright civil rights last Novern her , we 've accom­ renew an old one plished a great deal in the last year: to improve our outreach efforts to LG BTQ youth • Become a part of our legislative • We polled legislative candidates for • We established a legislative alert action network their views on LGBT issues, reviewed program to inform and mobilize • Ask 10 friends to join MLGPA s;come a. their voting records and made candi­ LGBT activists • Volunteer to work in our office date endorsements • loin one of our committees Pride marches and festivals are about .... '..•.~::~: .~!\i~.···;·····i .... ·•·· • We carried out a very effective legisla­ • Increase your financial support tive program , helping to pass important more than just a good time . They offer t•• Join ··· MiGPA (. new laws and defeating some danger­ each of us the opportunity to make or Whatever way you can , get involved . ous, anti-gay measures renew a personal commitment to the Stand up . Share your strength . Be ··········· >Today! ······ struggle for LGBT equality . • We began work on a permanent data­ counted . base of voters who support LGBT is- Please stop for a moment and think sues seriously about what YOU can give to Towards justice and equality, • We held another fabulous and success- this movement. David Garrity ful Great Pumpkin Ball President

MLGPA HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS

1 On Saturday , March 24 h, MLGPA vowed to continue work on issues The F.E. Pentlarge Award , for ex­ rn arked its seventeenth year of educ a­ important to the community . ceptional work that upholds and pro­ tion and legislative advocacy on be­ MLGPA honored some well known motes the family within our commu­ half of Maine 's LGBT community figures this year, all of whom were nity, went to Lois Gaigay Reckitt , with its annual gala awards banquet. long overdue for recognition : one of Maine 's earliest civil rights The event, co-sponsored by the activists , for her many years of work The Great Pioneer Award, for an to end domestic violence , and for edu­ Maine Diversity Alliance, MLGPA's achievement that embodies bold new educational wing, celebrates individu­ cating and addressing the problem in vision or represents a courageous LGBT families as well. als and organizations that have made breakthrough in our struggle for significant contributions to social jus­ equality , went to Michael Rossetti , This year 's Community Service tice and equal rights for Maine 's les­ who began 15 years ago with a few Awards, for outstanding direct service bian , gay , bisexual and transgendered lonely march ers on Congres s Street in to the LGBT community, went to : community . Portland and almost single-handedly Deborah Shields, for a long and full This year 's 200+ guests were joined developed it into an entire week of career of HIV/AIDS service as well as by many of Maine 's most important events that we now call Southern an unwavering dedication to LGBT elected officials . Congressrn en Tom Maine Pride . equality , queer youth and civil liber­ Allen and John Baldacci, Attorney The Cameran Duncan Award, for ties . ! MUGPA ····>·.· General Steven Rowe, State Treasurer extraordinary accom plishrn ent , corn - Michael Mayo , for his longtime po­ Dale McCormick , former Senate Ma­ rnitment and service within the HIV I litical activism in support of LG BT jority Leader Chellie Pingree , Senate ••·•··•••••••·•···~~;r::~: ··:;··~;~•t·• ...·I AIDS community , went to Ron King , civil rights , and for encouraging others ; .~=r~~t~;~d;iI· President Michael Michaud and re ce ntl y retired director of the Down to follow his exam pie through the Speaker of the House Michael Saxl East AIDS Network for his many organization be helped to found , Mid­ tSt~iy lc1t;; co~rit$'. < were just some of those to address the ..· lllld qqestjpjw ru:\t i!,l\\'jl years of dedi cated service and leader­ Coast for Human Rights . audience. Each spoke of the great ship in HIV prevention education and * •••···· iYeipo§erecteif to e•~#4Rick.Galena••• §~~·•··· ······,······· .•. strides that have been made for LG BT care services . 2 6 equality over the past two decades and ~l1~s:;;JZ~i/rl~~f ..MWP,A@j11y~t :C?J¥ / Page 2 MLGPA News MDA ANNOUNCES 2001 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN BRIEF Each year the Maine Diversity as one of her accomplishments being nacook , describes Abb i as the Alliance awards two scholarships the only completely "out" student in "young person most passionate to college-bound high school sen­ her entire school. Ellen will be at­ and effective in engaging other iors as a part of its educational tending College of the Atlantic in the young people in confronting and and leadership development ef­ fall. discussing issues of equity and forts . The recipients are chosen justice ." This fall Abbi will be based on their written essays ad­ attending Brandeis University. dressing the question of remedy­ ing discrimination in our society . Congratulations to Ellen and Abbi! Thank you for your excel­ This year 's award-winning es­ Ellen Stewert ent essays and brave activism. says were submitted by Ellen Abbi Sanders Stewart and Abigail Sanders. * Each received a $500 scholarship Anyone interested in making a to help them continue their educ a­ tax-deductible contribution to tion at a college or university of MDA 's scholarship fund may send a check payable to: their choice . Both were chosen ers is a 2001 graduate of Marana­ from among the eighty-one essays cook Comm unity School. At Mara­ Maine Diversity Alliance that were submitted this year. nacook , Abbi served as an important Scholarship Fund organizer in the Diversity Leader­ Ellen Stewert is a 2001 graduate PO Box 1951 ship Institute , a student-driven or­ Portland, ME 04104 of Freeport High School. Ellen ganization that educates youth on a "came out" as a sophomore and variety of diversity issues. Patricia took on the role of educator and Stanton , Dean of Students at Mara- leader for queer youth . She cited

MCCL P LANNING N EW A NT I-GAY R EFERENDUM

It 's true. Michael Heath and the Maine It would undermine efforts by Christian Civil League hopes to Christian Civic League (M CCL) will put "domestic partnerships" on Maine's small businesses and local soon be collecting signatures for a new November 2002 ballot government's to recruit and retain anti-gay ballot measure against domes­ qualified employees . And it would tic partnerships and health insurance impede our efforts to offer health MCCL 's new initiative, if passed, benefits. Their proposal, while targeted insurance to all Mainers . would repeal all three of these provi­ at gays and lesbians, would dramati­ sions, and much more . It would pro­ For these reasons, businesses, labor cally impact straight couples too . hibit any state, county or municipal unions and health care advocates are There have been three major successes government entity from ever spending already organizing to oppose this this year in recognizing and extending money, offering benefits, or recognizing measure. Leaders of past LGBT benefits to domestic partners: ANY relationship other than marriage. referendum organizations like Maine Won 't Discriminate and the Maine • Maine became the 8th state in the Maine already has a law limiting mar­ Coalition for Equal Rights, along with country to offer domestic partner ria ge to a man and a woman , but groups like Maine SpeakOUT Project health benefits to all state employ­ MCCL's initiative includes "civil un­ and MLGPA , have already met infor­ ees beginning July I, 2001 ions" and "domestic partnerships". mally to share information and are The City of Portland enacted a . Although this initiative could be dev­ Domestic Partnership Registry committed to seeking a unified LGBT which recognizes both gay couples astating to unmarried couples-gay or community effort to defeat this hate­ and unmarried straight couples straight-it would have other equally filled initiative . serious consequences . It would overturn Stay tuned for future developments . • As of January I, 2002 , all health collective bargaining agreements nego­ insurers and HM Os in Maine will be required to sell policies with tiated in good faith between the State, domestic partner benefits to any University of Maine, the City of Port­ Maine businesses that ask for them land and their respective employees .

Special PRIDE Edition Page 3 ' Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance

PO Box 1951 Portland, ME 04104

Phone: (207) 761-3732 Fax: (207) 761-8484 Email: [email protected]

Advocacy for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Communities since 1984

A NEW VOICE AND VISION AT MLGPA

There 's a new face at MLGPA-that of roots orga nizing, a strong commitment to 3. To further MLGPA 's legislative Ri ck Gal ena , the organization's new progressive political work , and a demon­ agenda executive director. In February, the strated hi story of building organizational 4. To keep the fight for LG BT equal­ Board of Directors picked Rick for the financial strength." ity mo ving forward job as part of a renewed commi tm ent to "MLGPA and th e LGBT community strengthening th e organization's out­ Rick's background makes him well are fortunate to hav e so meone lik e Rick reach, communications and legislative suited for the job. As a student, he Galena to step into a leadership role at advocacy programs , and re-building the worked as a legislative intern with the this time," said Vice President Maggie organization 's financial strength after governor 's HIV Advisory Committee . Allen . "Rick brings an amazing level of last November 's referendum . He also worked for the state Bureau of experience, vision and commitment to Health and interned with the Maine "I am honor ed to have been se lected as progressive change . Rick em bodies the AIDS Alliance . the first-ever executive director of best we have to offer. I'm looking for­ MLGPA ," Rick said , "and I have long ward to working with him ." Before he graduated in 1998 , Rick did admired its work on behalf of the LG BT grass roots organizing for the Maine Rick is an energetic, dynamic leader community. I am especially proud to be Choice Coalition . More recently, he and brings seve ral strengths to the job , joining the sta ff at this pivotal moment wo rk ed for the state Democratic Party as including fundraising , grassroots orga­ when MLG PA is taking a renewed and director of the House Democratic Cam ­ nizing and legislative advocacy. inclusive approach to our fight for equal paign Committee . Rick says he is excited about the op­ rights is so important." Rick grew up in Pennsylvania and ~\.11:?iilRW~~n titl portunity to work with MLGPA mem­ "What our movement needs now is moved to Maine in 1993. He holds a bers to achieve the following goals: MLG PA 's strong and progressive leader­ B.A in Human Ecology, with a concen­ ship. I'm delighted that Rick Galena has 1. To reach out and strengthen tration in public policy and law, from enthusiastically accepted the challenge ," MLGPA 'sties with other advocacy College of the Atlantic. He and his organizations partner, Bill Kinnane , li ve in Portland . llillilll said"Rick David represents Garrity the, MLGPAbest of thePresident. LG BT 2. To grow MLGPA 's membership ~ community: a proven record of grass - and build a strong team of activists