Communitv e Gay and Lesbian communiw Center Spotlight Springfield, Missouri of ttie Ozarks February 2006 Vol 10 Issue 1 Published Monthly by GLO Community Center
In This Issue: GLO'S ANNUAL MEETING GLO's Annual Meeting will be held on March 5, 2006 at the GLO Center. This is in conjunction with the First Sunday Potluck so bring a covered dish if you would like to eat before the meeting. The potluck will start at 5:00 pm and the meeting will begin around 6:30 or 7:00.
Queer Art Members of GLO are encouraged to attend the meeting which Words 4 Love will include elections of new members to the Board of Directors. Focus Non-members are invited to attend and will have the Diversity Bowling opportunity to join GLO before the meeting or you can send in Brokeback Mountain your membership fee now at the address on the bottom of this BOS page. General Meeting Quincearneara It's an exciting time for GLO. You'll have a chance to hear about everything GLO has done this past year along with the many plans for the coming year. So bring your ideas, your enthusiasm Our Mission and your energy and get ready to join in on everything the GLO Community Center has to offer! The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks supports QUINCEARNEARA WINS AT SUNDANCE the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, With BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN on everyone's minds these days, and transgendered (LGBT) persons in the it's easy to overlook another gay themed award winning film. Greater Springfield, QUINCEARNEARA won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Missouri region by Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, only the second dramatic film to have achieved this honor. The movie focuses organizing and on a young Latino girl who is thrown out of her house when her sponsoring community activities and by father discovers she is pregnant. She takes up with her gay increasing public cousin, who was also thrown out, to try to find a place in a understand and seemingly vicious world. With another award winning movie featuring gay characters, it's beginning to feel like 2006 might appreciation of LGBT citizens. turn out to be a good year for the LGBTQ community. There is no distribution in place as of this writing for QUINCEARNERA, but with two big wins at Sundance, it's sure to be playing in theaters in the near future. Keep your eyes out for this one.
GLO The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks 518 E Commercial PO Box 225 Springfield, MO 65801 417.869.3978 www.glocenter.org GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 2
Letter from the Editor Queer Art '05 Welcome to the new GLO newsletter. It's In December of last year, Queer Art was held been a few months since our last publication, at Studio 405 during First Friday Art Walk. but thanks to some hard-working, dedicated Queer Art featured local gay and lesbian people, we're back and ready to roll. This artists. If you didn't manage to attend, here's issue was a bit rushed to get to the printers so some of what you missed: you'll have to pardon any exclusions, typos, or other mistakes. There's a lot going on in the LGBTQ community and we wanted to make sure everyone was in the know.
It seems that this newsletter has been taken for granted for awhile. When it stopped publication, there was this huge black hole in the community for information. I talked to many people that were shocked and dismayed that there was no more newsletter and they were at a loss as to where to find the information on the various organizations. The necessity of giving the newsletter a hiatus was a sound decision by the GLO board and it has caused some positive changes.
The biggest change is how the newsletter is going to be run. With the board sunk up to their collective necks in the daily running of the GLO center, additional help was needed to publish the newsletter. Some of us faithful, idealistic volunteers jumped in to fill the need and have reorganized everything. We're coming up with new ideas all the time and the subsequential issues should start reflecting these ideas. Of course we're always looking for additional ideas and help so don't be shy. Step forward and let us know you want to help. You can drop us an email at the newsletter address or call the center.
At the time of this writing, the new GLO website is not yet up, but should be very soon. We've changed the format to a "blog" look so we can post the latest happenings at a moment's notice. Keep checking glocenter.org. If it's not the new format, it will be soon. If you have an organization that needs to be listed on the website, or in this newsletter, drop us an email or call the center. Also, contact us if any information about your organization listed in this newsletter is incorrect.
The Editor [email protected] GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 3
FOCUS STARTS 2006 WITH Guests are always welcome at each meeting and Gideon goes out of his way to RENEWED ENERGY make certain that everyone feels welcome and Board of Directors Invites Everyone to a accepted. "I try to make sure that any new Meeting person has someone to talk to and that they are welcomed as a special guest tq our FOCUS, Inc is a group of gay and organization ." lesbian from across the greater Springfield area and parts of southwest Missouri who The February meeting for FOCUS falls gather monthly on the second Tuesday for a on Valentine's Day February 14th. The meeting dinner meeting at Mille's Cafe in historic starts promptly at 7pm. Members and guests downtown Springfield. The group has been in are encouraged to come early to socialize. At existence for nearly 10 years and is composed this February 14th meeting, Mille's is providing of men and women from all walks of life: a special appetizer buffet for dinner. Cost is business owners, teachers, bankers, farmers, $12 person and is payable at the registration realtors, cosmetologists and personal trainers table upon arrival. A special valentine dessert to name only a few. will be provided by the board and some valentine activities will be offered during the During the course of each year, FOCUS meeting. members raise money for area charities, provide a financial scholarship grant to For more information about the deserving college students and have a great Tuesday, February 14th meeting or about the time with food, fun and fellowship each FOCUS organization, you may contact month. Executive Chair, Mark Gideon at 417 773 8998 or by email at [email protected]. Over the years, FOCUS has been viewed by some in the gay and lesbian community as an organization that is not open or welcoming to all members regardless of employment or financial status. At times, the organization has also been viewed as not being open to YOUR AD HERE lesbians, but was only a "boys' club".
"Nothing could be farther from the .[L truth," states FOCUS Executive Chair, Mark Here's your chance to reach hundreds Gideon, "FOCUS welcomes everyone who of potential customers, clients, or wants to attend any meeting as a guest or join future members. Advertising in the the organization at any time. One of my major GLO Newsletter is an inexpensive way goals for 2006 is to make certain that to promote yourself and help support everyone in the greater Springfield area knows the GLBTQ community. All revenues that FOCUS is open to them if they want to from ad sales go directly to GLO. For join us at our monthly meeting or at any of our social events." ad rates and deadlines, contact Rick at 866-5658 or Todd at 866-2334 or email [email protected] Following the meeting on the 2nd for more information. Tuesday of each month, FOCUS also hosts their monthly Happy Hour at The Mud Lounge on Walnut Street from 5 to 7 pm. "This is a We can also help you design an ad for a small fee, contributed back to the GLO great time to be able to visit with FOCUS Center! It's a total win/win situation! members, to get to know them better and to learn more about our organization," Gideon says. GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 4
Promo's Words of Love
Don't miss out on theses two fabulous and fun events!
Words of Love Cabaret WORDS OF LOVE 4
Join PROMO for an elegant and festive A Valentine's themed brunch and silent evening of art, culture, and love in one auction with readings and performances of St. Louis' newest hot spots! We plan to celebrating all love. capture your heart this Valentine's Day Weekend with music, comedy, dancing, a Sunday, February 12th from 11: 30 to silent auction, and more. Enjoy savory 3:00 p.m. hors d'oevres from around the world with bar Natasha, 1911 Main in Kansas City your choice of wine, beer, or gourmet with emcee Missy Koonce coffee. Special Guests Friday, February 10th from 8:00 to 11 :00 p.m. bar Natasha Singers Belas Artes Coffee Shop & Multicultural Nancy Eklund & Angela Fritzsch Center, 1854 Russell Michael Henderson with emcee Ed Reggi and special guests Jim MacDonald & Andy Schuerman singer/songwriter Julie Schurr and ballroom dance instructor Elena Lyashenk Contact Promo for more information 314.862.4900 or [email protected] SYPHILIS A sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium that has currently infected several gay men in Springfield. SYMPTOMS Primary Stage: Small painless sore (chancre) where organism enters the body through genital, oral or anal sex. From ora' sex, the sore can be in the mouth and from anal sex can be internal and go unnoticed. Secondary Stage: Rash, usually on the palms of both hands or the soles of both feet; swollen lymph glands, fever and painless sores often found in the mouth. Third Stage: No symptoms. Syphilis gets into your central nervous system and spreads throughout your body. Years tater can caused insanity, blindness, heart problems and/or death. Syphilis is curable at any stage. If you have had any symptoms similar to these please get tested. Testing is free and confidential at AIDS Project or the local county Health Departments. AIDS Project of the Ozarks 1901 D E. Bennett 881-1900 Call and make an appointment today! GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 5
Diversity Bowling League and have had a lot of fun in the process. If you have any questions, would like additional Starts Soon! information, or wish to sign up, contact Dustin Dustin L. Scott at (417) 619-6950, or visit www.marthascomplex.com/bowl.htm. We began this adventure in September 2005 and have had a "ball" ever since. We have already begun organizing the 3rd round of Diversity League Bowling, which will be held each Thursday at 6:00pm, starting February th 9 , 2006. Practice begins at 6: 15pm; bowling Diversity League Bowling begins at 6:30pm. Enterprise Park Lanes, Thursdays 6:00pm But I'm not very good at bowling! I hear February 9th, 2006 - April 27th, 2006 this from people often. If you can at least hit $11.00 per person includes lane use and shoe rental the pins, come on out! We operate with the standard bowling handicap system. That helps put teams on the most equitable playing field as possible. The point is, your teams' improvement over the 12 weeks of play is more important that whether you bowl a 30 or a 300 game. Plus, it's about having FUN!
This will be a sanctioned league which requires membership with the USBC. Not complicated; just fill out a form with your name and sign a Annual US8C Membership of $10.50 (women) & $12.00 (men) is required as this is a sanctioned league. membership card. The cost is $10.50 for Have fun and raise money for the GlO center at the women and $12.00 for men annually. same time! Organize your own team of up to 6 Membership with the USBC offers many people, or come early on the 9th. There will be advantages which you can research on their teams who need additional people, so don't be shy! website at www.bowl.com. For more information or to sign up early, visit www.marthascomplex.comlbowl.htm The weekly fee per person is $11.00. This includes lane cost for all three games and your shoe rental. The remaining funds will be deposited into an account which will support the GLO center, provide operating funds, and possibly prizes, depending on the number of participants we have. l..aIky Roofs F... . RootIng. Furnace T....ups. Hot W... SetW:e. P1Iinting. Applianc... Door Installdons, Faucet & Sink Leab, ~ng, & so much more... We are encouraging everyone to organize 4 person teams. You may have a minimum of 2 ruct: McCarmick persons and a maximum of 6 persons on a 2731 W. LineoIa 866-5658 Springfidd. MO 6S802 Lea~ Mes..age team. If you are an individual who would like l.d 2OO1.o.B40 to bowl, but don't have a team of your own, come on out February 9th and we can put you with other individuals to form a team. You can also choose to be an alternate for absent team members, however to do so, you must become a USBC member as described above. Quote "I made this magic hole today so you could So join us Thursday, February 9th at Enterprise come inside and hide here with me and Park Lanes at 6:00pm to socialize, exercise, together we could look back out at you and raise money for the GLO center at the secretly," - Kohbunny same time. We've raised about $900.00 so far GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 6
FEAR AND LOATHING ON While my friends ignored the stares, I couldn't BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN help but look over my shoulder as we were Todd Reynolds leaving the restaurant. We may be working towards acceptance and tolerance, but we're not there one hundred percent. Just because I don't hear about bashings, doesn't mean they don't happen.
About three years ago, I was dating a man from the Truman Lake area. He was very closeted as he had a somewhat important position in his community. We would get together as often as we could, and much like Jack and Ennis in BROKEBACK, we would go camping in the wild to avoid prying eyes. As it was in the movie, those times were incredibly I've been finding it incredibly difficult to special and I remember them fondly. Due to express my feelings about BROKEBACK my work and commitments in Springfield, and MOUNTAIN. When I talk about it with anyone, his commitments in the Truman Lake area, our I generally focus on the craft of the movie, relationship ended. That's the easy praising Ang Lee for his enormous talent. This explanation. I did have difficulties in always is easy for me. I'm a movie fanatic and a big having to hide my relationship with him and Ang Lee fan. I can draw so many comparisons his uneasiness in being seen with me when we between BROKEBACK and Lee's SENSE AND were in town. Tolerance has not yet spread to SENSIBILITY in the style of directing. I've rural communities. I can easily believe that seen SENSE AND SENSIBILITY probably more there are many men that have met an times than I would care to mention, it being "accidental" demise in these rural areas in this one of my all time favorite movies. What I am day and time. My family lives in the Stockton loath to discuss, and haven't, is my emotional Lake area, which is where I went to high response to BROKEBACK. It's easier to focus school. I always feel uncomfortable in on the positive aspects of this incredible movie Stockton and other small towns because of rather than the negative. The negative aspect who I am. In high school, if I had been out, I of this movie is, of course, the hardships that would have been beaten up continually. To come with homosexual love and the fear of avoid suspicions, I even dated a couple of being discovered. I'm sure many of us have girls. Now we have gay youth groups in our seen a part of ourselves in this movie and high schools in Springfield, which is a sign of have had to deal with fear and the taboos. progress, but I doubt there would be one started in Stockton's high school any time Sometimes it feels that as a community, we've soon. To my knowledge, there still aren't any made leaps and bounds with acceptance. I'm black students there. Acceptance doesn't very open about my sexuality and no longer seem to be a word that's well liked in the feel the need to hide who I am. Really, Stockton area. though, how far have we come? Recently a gay couple, who are good friends of mine, With BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN having a success were in town from Atlanta. They have no at the box office, it would seem that many problem with displaying open affection in people that might never be exposed to the public. While we were out dining, they did fear that we as homosexuals have to live with mention the stares they were getting from the would have a better understanding of the other restaurant patrons. In Atlanta, I situation. That is what I hope. But it's only a suppose, it's not so unusual to see a gay hope and my cynical mind visualizes a couple kissing in public. In Springfield it still different scenario. Yes, there may be a few has some stigmatism. I don't usually hear that will gain more tolerance, but due to the about gay bashing anymore, but in the recent publicity BROKEBACK has received as being a past, it was a common occurrence and in gay cowboy movie, there are many people some ways I think I'm still a little paranoid. who will never bother a viewing. (cont.) GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 7
(cont. from Page 6) I can imagine a time when BROKEBACK is on In December, B.O.S. had its first Christmas the shelf in the video store and having to party at a member's house with over twenty overhear someone saying, "That's that fag members and guests attending. The club cowboy movie," then spit on the floor. That's presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing the kind of person that strikes the chord of President McCormick. for his years of fear in me. That's also the person who hates leadership, founding the club and his Blacks, Asians, Jews, and everyone else that friendship. The club also gave a donation of isn't exactly like himself. Those kinds of $100 to the Aids Project of the Ozarks. The people have always been around and will club also took a road trip in September to always be around. It angers me that there are Ree's in Joplin where the members socialized people out there who are so narrow minded and recruited prospects to join. About ten and how they affect us all. That's why I get so members went to the event in their club emotional as I watch Ennis and Jack endure shirts. their forbidden love. I silently weep that so many of us suffer in the same way. I Silently August, the club started the Diversity Bowling weep for those who do not get a chance to League with four teams bowling at Enterprise experience love out of their fear. I Silently Lanes. This activity has grown into a full weep for the human condition that tolerates fledged league now with work being done to hatred and bigotry but not us. get it sanctioned by the official bowling governing body and the gay governing organization.
Future activities include a road trip to Ree's Bar in Joplin in February, a movie night at the B.O.S. Leadership Changes with New Palace Theatre in March and Sunday afternoon Elections BBQ in April. Men from Southwest Missouri are encouraged The leadership of the area's largest men's to attend B.O.S. meetings on the first Friday social club was passed at the January 2006 of each month at the GLO Center at 8pm. We meeting of the Brotherhood of Springfield host a social hour with a small meal at 7pm (B.O.S.) to local resident Fred Hall. He was for a donation to benefit the club. If elected to the office by a vote of the interested and want more information, please membership. Former President Rick feel free to contact club President Hall at 417- McCormick said, "I feel good about the vote. 849-3441. It is kind of hard for me to let go due to all the work that was initially put into the club and the fact I was the first president. But I can see the club is headed to doing bigger and even better things for themselves and the local Diversity community." Christian Fellowship
Other officers elected were: Richard Proffer, Rev. Randy Hargis social chair, Dale W., treasurer, Keith A. Senior Pastor secretary, Jim Wooten and Patrick W. as board Rev. John Maness members at large. Associate Pastor 417-865-0032 [email protected] At the January meeting it was also decided to assist the GLO Center by cleaning the building on the second Saturday of each month. At our first second Saturday clean, we had eight members show up to help and make the GLO Center look better and more presentable to those that use it. GLO Community Spotlight February, 2006 Page 8
First Sunday Potluck Other Community Groups
First Sunday Potluck will be February 5 at 5:00 AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO) - 1901 E Bennett, Suite D, Springfield 881-1900 pm. Bring some food or non-alcoholic drinks ALLIES - Drury University Students and Faculty to share. Drinks, cups, ice, plates, napkins Meets Mondays at 2 pm in FSC. Contact Blair at and utensils provided. TV available for Super [email protected] Bowl fans! For more information call Charlie B.O.S. Brotherhood of Springfield - Social group of men from surrounding areas Contact Fred at 849- at 234-6826 or Randy & Doug at 877-8088. 3411 or [email protected] Bisexual, Gay & Lesbian Alliance (BiGALA) - MSU Students and Faculty Wednesdays in session 7 pm, A New Church In Town Student Union, MSU Campus DIVERSITY BOWLING LEAGUE @ ENTERPRISE LANES - Currently Thursdays at 6: 15 pm Contact News Flash!!! Dustin at 417.619.6950 or There is a new church in town starting www.marthascomplex.com/bowl.htm services February 5, 2006. We are welcoming DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Meets anyone who is interested in learning about Sundays at 11 am at the GLO Center. Contact Rev. John Maness at 865-6032 or [email protected] the unconditional love that God has to offer. FIRST SUNDAY POTLUCK - Gay & Lesbian informal We are meeting at the GLO Center, 518 E. potluck open to all. First Sunday of the month, Commercial. The phone number there is various locations. Contact Charlie at 234-6826 or 417.869.3978. Our church is Diversity Randy & Doug at 877-8088. FOCUS - Networking Group. Meets second Tuesday Christian Fellowship. We look forward to of the month at Mille's at 7 pm. Contact Mark Gideon seeing all of you 11: 00 am on Sunday at 417.773.8998 or [email protected] morning. GALAXGY - Youth group, 20 and under. Meets Tuesdays at the GLO CENTER 3-10 pm. Contact the GLO Center for more information MISSOURI GAY RODEO ALLIANCE (MGRA) Springfield Gay Bars Meets at Liquors & Kickers inside Rumors. Contact Rumors at 873-2225 The Edge - 424 N Boonville Springfield OZARK MOUNTAIN MEN (OMM) - Social group of 831-4700 men and women into levis/leather. Contact through Martha's Vineyard - www.ozarkmountainmen.com 219 W. Olive Springfield 864-4572 OZARK MOUNTAIN PEARLS - Women's social group. Contact Nick at [email protected] or www.marthascomplex.com 417.882.9507 OZ - 504 E. Commercial Springfield PARENTS & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS 831-9001 (PFLAG) - Support group. Third Sunday of each month, 3 pm at the GLO Center. Contact PFLAG, PO RoniSuz Corner Lounge - Box 1752, Springfield, MO 65803 or 417.889.1059 821 W. College Springfield 864-0036 PERSONAL RIGHTS OF MISSOURIANS (PROMO) Rumors - 1109 E Commercial Street - Advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and 873-2225 transgender equality in Missouri. Contact Don at 417.693.2341 SHOW ME MO PRIDE - LGBT Community Events Coordinators SPRINGFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH - 2434 E Battlefield, Springfield. Services NO [hWI1. 11 am on Sunday. Contact at 417.883.3922 or H t ~ Judith, [email protected] or ha.ve !:lOll J Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday I Thursday Friday Saturday ~ ~- -_.'._-- ! 1 2 3 4 BOS Meeting @ UNO GLO Center 8-10 pm 7:00 pm Dinner 8:00 pm Meeting 19 5 6 7 8 I 10 11 Church Service @ GALAXGY I Diversity Bowling UNO GLO Center 3-10 pm League Begins @ 8-10 pm 11 :00 am Enterprise Lanes 6:00 pm e------12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Church Service @ GLO Board of GALAXGY Diversity Bowling Focus Happy UNO GLO Center Directors Meeting 3-10 pm League @ 6: 15 Hour@ 8-10 pm 11 :00 am 6:00 pm Enterprise Lanes Mudlounge FOCUS 5:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00 pm @ Mille's -~ - ~-~.--.--.. -.-.. ---.. --."."".-" .. ----". ------_._-- --_... -.----.-.-.... -.----.--.-f--- --•.. ------.~------_ .. _--_._.,._._" 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Church Service @ GALAXGY Diversity Bowling UNO GLO Center 3-10 pm League @ 6: 15 8-10 pm 11 :00 am Enterprise Lanes PFLAG@GLO GLO Newsletter Center 3:00 pm Deadline -- 26 27 28 Don't Forget: Church Service @ GALAXGY GLO'S Annual GLO Center 3-10 pm Meeting March 5 11 :00 am @5:00pm CommunilV e Gay a Lesbian Community Center Spotlight Springfield, Missouri of ttie Ozarks March 2006 Vol 10 Issue 2 Published Monthly by GLO Community Center In This Issue: ' ',,!"." .,- . . . . General• Meeting Serve to Save PROMO Equality Day ACLU Event Foster Parenting Diversity Christian Fellowship Queen City Cabaret Our Mission The Gay and Lesbian C'est Magnifique! C'est Fabuleux! Community Center of C'est Les Filles de Mexicaines Villa! the Ozarks supports the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, Yes, it's the return of the fabulous Mexican Villa Girls and and transgendered The Queen City Cabaret! Mark your calendars for (LGBT) persons in the Sunday, May 7th. GLO is proud to present the annual Greater Springfield, Queen City Cabaret hosted by the unpredictable Cleo Toris Missouri region by and her Villa Girls. This year's event will again take place organizing and at Mille's Turn of the Century Cafe. There will be an sponsoring community appetizer buffet starting at 6 pm (cash bar) followed by activities and by the Cabaret show at 7 pm. Be sure to bring check books increasing public understand and to bid on the silent auction items. Tickets will go on sale appreciation of LGBT in March. Ticket price is $35 and we have 116 seats citizens. available - so don't delay. GLO The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks 518 E Commercial PO Box 225 Springfield, MO 65801 417.869.3978 www.glocenter.org GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 2 t. Letter from the Editor SERVE TO SAVE Time goes by so slowly for Madonna, as . she sings in her latest album, but for me, The first annual "Serve To Save" time goes by way too fast. A month is fundraiser to benefit AIDS Project of the already gone and here I am, rushing Ozarks is taking place in Springfield on around, trying to put this newsletter April S, 6 and 7th. Over twenty of the together again. As I sit here on the floor area's finest eating establishments have (my computer desk met with foul play) agreed to partiCipate. Each restaurant will writing this editorial, my mind keeps donate a $50 gift certificate and a $50 wandering over the multitude of topics cash donation. Servers at each of the that I have something to say about and restaurants will sell raffle tickets to their which would be the best to put in this customers for $5.00 each. The winner of page 2 column. It seems that everyday the raffle will win over twenty gift there are new headlines about something certificates worth $50 to each of the going on in our homosexual world. From participating restaurants. The servers that foster parenting, to gay marriage, hate sell the most raffle tickets will split the crimes, human rights violations, and even cash. AIDS Project will get the money paid celebrity gossip (is Tom Cruise really for the raffle tickets. 417 Magazine and gay?) there is always something I could Clear Channel Broadcasting are co comment on. There is always something I sponsoring the event, would love to express my opinion on. As Participating restaurants include a matter of fact, I could fill up all nine South Avenue Pizza, Millie's, Coyote's pages of this newsletter with news and my Adobe Cafe (Springfield and Nixa), views and still not get everything down Garbo's Pizza (Chesterfield and Midtown), that I want to say. Nearly Famous Deli, Metropolitan Grill, Nonna's, Gallery Bistro, Galloway Station, Alas, for me, this is not the place. This is Bijan's, Flame Steakhouse, Touch, a community newsletter. It's for everyone Longhorn Grill (Springfield and Nixa), who picks up a copy and reads. That's Arris' Pizza, Kremer's, Riad's, Hickok's and why I am now challenging you to express Aggrarios. yourself in this newsletter. Do you have So plan on eating out on one of those some exciting news you need to share? nights in April, buy a raffle ticket and Do you have some tidbits of information support AIDS Project of the Ozarks and you think would be important for our their over 500 clients in the area living community? Do you just love to write and with HIV want to get some feedback? Then, come on, send it in! We're looking for more diverse content for the newsletter and your contributions are most welcome. You can email your stories, articles, poems, pictures, or ideas directly to the newsletter via [email protected]. And don't worry about me not getting to express myself in these pages as much. I keep a couple of blogs which gives me Winny Tarbuttton and Baby Jane Hudson will ample room to rant and rave and carryon not be serving during this event. They are till my hearts content! taking their male drag show on the road. The Editor [email protected] GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 3 PROMO EQUALITY DAY Springfield Civil Liberties Rally Meet the New Executive Director PROMO will be conducting LGBT The Ozarks Chapter welcomes Equality Day 2006 on March 29 in Brett Shirk Jefferson City. This is a day of lobbying to Springfield our elected officials to promote legislation Thursday, March 2 favoring LGBT rights in Missouri and 5:00-7:00 working to oppose legislation with a goal Hickok's Restaurant of limiting our citizenship in this state. (Across from Patton Alley Pub, downtown Springfield) We will be discussing with legislators their Take the elevator to the 3rd Floor opinions on MONA the Missouri Non Remarks by Brett with Q&A Session at 6:15 Discrimination Act which offers Donation: $10 protections in employment, housing Snacks/Cash Bar and public accommodations across the Door Prizes! state and Anti-Bullying legislation that ACLU T-Shirts * Coffee Mugs * iPod Shuffle would offer protections to children in public elementary and secondary schools. In addition, we are opposing legislation that would remove sexual orientation YOUR AD HERE from Missouri Hate Crimes and legislation that would prohibit Here's your chance to reach hundreds participation in gay/straight alliances of potential c;ustomers, clients, or at school for some. future members. Advertising in the GLO Newsletter is an inexpensive way Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and to promote yourself and help support allied Missourians from across the state the GLBTQ community. A" revenues will descend on the capitol with one loud from ad sales go directly to GLO. For voice for equality. Past participants have ad rates and deadlines, contact Rick at overcome their apprehension to 866-5658 or Todd at 866-2334 or participate and come away energized and email [email protected] empowered. for more information. th We can also help you design an ad for a Please JOIN US on March 29 and LET small fee, contributed back to the GLO YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Center! It's a total win/win situation! PROMO is offering a skills building workshop on lobbying techniques and issues we will be addressing on Thursday, The editor and sales staff of GLO March 16 at GLO, beginning at 6:00 P.M. Community Spotlight Newsletter would like to thank our advertisers and Go to: www.PROMOonline.org to register contributors. Without the advertisement your attendance in Jefferson City. sales, this newsletter would not be possible. Your support does make a For more information, please contact Don difference! We always welcome contributions to the newsletter. If you Dressel in our Springfield office at . have a story, article, or other print media [email protected] or 417/869-4679. you would like included, send us an email at [email protected] GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 4 Missouri Judge Rules That was already rendered unconstitutional by Lesbian Can Be Foster Parent the U.S. Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas two years ago. In a 16-page ruling, Circuit Judge Sandra C. Midkiff responded, Decision in Harmony with Majority of "No moral conclusions may be drawn from Missourians, According to Recent Poll a constitutionally unenforceable statue." KANSAS CITY, MO - A Jackson County Johnston, a 40-year-old graduate of the Circuit Court judge overturned a Missouri University of Kansas who holds a degree Department of Social Services decision in Human Development and Family with a denying a woman's application to become special emphasis on child development, a foster parent because she is a lesbian. had applied to DSS in 2003 to become a The American Civil Liberties Union, which foster parent to a child that she and represents the applicant, Lisa Johnston, in Roginski hoped to raise together. The challenging the denial, hailed the ruling as couple underwent an extensive home an important move towards increasing the study and began attending a training pool of qualified foster parents for the program for prospective foster parents nearly 2,000 children in Missouri who until DSS notified Johnston that it would need foster homes. no longer consider her for placement because she is a lesbian. Although the "We're really relieved that the court has administrative judge found Johnston to be recognized that banning lesbian and gay "exceptionally" qualified to foster parent, people from being foster parents is bad he upheld the denial of her application in for Missouri's foster children," said March 2005. Johnston, who along with her partner Dawn Roginski had hoped to foster a Among the national groups that support special-needs child before her application parenting by gay and lesbian people are was denied. "We were saddened when we the Child Welfare League of America, the found out that our loving each other was American Medical Association, the the only reason the state had for denying American Academy of Pediatrics, the us the opportunity to give a child a American Psychological Association and home." the North American Council on Adoptable Children. Today's decision is in line with the beliefs of 58 percent of Missouri citizens, "The court found that none of the reasons according to a recent poll on their feelings the state gave for blocking an entire group about gay parents. The poll, which was of potential foster parents were conducted by Peter D. Hart Research justifiable," said Ken Choe, a senior staff Associates and commissioned by Human attorney with the ACLU's national Lesbian Rights Campaign for PROMO, Missouri's and Gay Rights Project. statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality organization, found "The Missouri Department of Social that a majority of people from all over the Services seems to think that making a state are opposed to categorically banning biased political statement is more lesbian and gay people from being foster important than finding good homes for the or adoptive parents. nearly 2,000 children in need of foster homes in Missouri, and the court didn't Part of the state's reason for the denial buy it," said Julie Brueggemann, Executive was based on a state law banning sexual Director of PROMO. intimacy between same-sex couples that (Continued) GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 5 Missouri Judge Rules That Lesbian Can Be Foster Parent (Continued) Diversity League Bowling Enterprise Park Lanes. Thursdays 6:00pm Under Missouri law, every potential foster February 9th. 2006 - April 27th. 2006 parent is already required to undergo $11.00 per person includes lane use and shoe rental strict screening before being qualified as foster parents. Ironically, Johnston and Roginski are far more qualified than most foster care applicants. Johnston works in child development and has a great deal of experience helping abused, neglected, and developmentally challenged children. Roginski is a chaplain at a psychiatric treatment center for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral Have fun and raise money for the GlO center at the disorders, working with children assigned same time! Organize your own team of up to 6 to the center by juvenile courts as well as people, or come early on the 9th. There will be children who have had difficulty with prior teams who need additional people, so don't be shy! foster care placements. The couple are For more information or to sign up early, church leaders and lead a peaceful, home visit www.marthascomp/ex.comlbow/.htm centered life. Johnston is represented by Ken Choe of DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN the ACLU's national Lesbian and Gay FELLOWSHIP Rights Project and ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri cooperating attorney Hello everyone from your brothers and Lisa Brunner of Husch & Eppenberger, sisters of the Diversity Church. This past LLC. month we maintained a 10 person congregation which may be small, but Additional information about the case, mighty. The goal of the church is to including biographical information about support our community yet more Johnston and Roginski, is available at importantly, to support you. If you want www.aclu .org/caseprofiles. a holy union, a baptism, funeral, or just spiritual support, "We're here when you need us!" We extend our gratitude to the center for Counseling Solutions the place of our initial meetings. for Adolescents Presently, we meet every Sunday at Brian C. Vega, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor 11:00 am at the Courtyard by Marriott lobby on west Kearny (out by the airport). Reverend John is leading our church. We encourage and accept each of us as who we are, perhaps differently than a mainstream church that has no interest in God's will, which is to enrich our souls. You can contact the church at 865-6032. GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 6 First Sunday Potluck St. Patrick's Day Parade First Sunday Potluck will be in conjunction Springfield's St. Patrick's Day parade is with GLO's Annual Meeting, Sunday, scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2006. March 5, 2006. The potluck will begin at Festivities start at 11: 00 am on the 5:00 pm at the GLO Center. square with food booths and vendors. At 12:00, the parade begins forming at The next Potluck will be April 2, 2006. For Commercial and Benton and at 2:00 pm more information call Charlie at 234- the parade begins. There is no 6826 or Randy & Doug at 877-8088. information available at this writing if any of the LGBTQ groups in town will have a FOCUS float. The parade is always great fun so turn out, turn green, and enjoy one of the best parades in Springfield. This month's FOCUS meeting will be Tuesday, March 14, at Millie's Restaurant PARADE RDIJTE in downtown Springfield. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm but you are encouraged Eo COMIrAERC\AL s1. H to come early to socialize. Happy Hour ~ will be Friday, March 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 W ~ ~ .. ~ :j pm at The Mud Lounge on Walnut Street. ;; This will be a great time to find out more gz i information on The Queen City Cabaret l Z and to get in line to buy those elusive tickets! Don't miss out on the biggest show in Springfield! CHESTNUT EXPWY. =~/:::::= PROMO This month's PROMO meeting is Thursday, March 16 at the GLO center. The meeting starts at 6:00 pm. Find out more information about PROMO's Equality Day For more information or to register for the in Jefferson City and all the other parade, go to happenings in our state government that www.springfieldstpatsparade.org affects our lives and rights. STEVE ROBINSON 417-823-2300 Fax : 4 17-823-9645 1625 East Primrose Springfield, MO 65804 MURNEY ASSOCIATES, REALTORS GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 7 States, but the Korean DVD should be available this summer. For more information on this movie or other Korean films, talk to our on staff Asian film nut, For all your adult Todd at [email protected]. needs and wants 3537 West Sunshine Open 24/7 DVD, VHS, Oils, Lubes, Condoms, and Adult toys. With a 63 channel arcade. THE KING AND THE CLOWN Diversity is always welcome. It is what makes the world go around. Must be 18 years old and able to prove it "ith a picture I D. • B.0.5. Brotherhood of Springfield Another Gay Movie Making F or club Information call F red Hall 417-849-3441 Box-Office Noise Jim Wooten 417-831-9938 Richard Proffer 417 -300-3185 Brolherhoodofspring field .ha vehnst . net It's becoming the BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN hoslfl)s hcglohal.net of South Korea. THE KING AND THE CLOWN is breaking box office records in South Korea and is bringing millions of viewers into the theaters. The last report is that over 10 million people have seen Quote of the Month: this movie and it has become a cultural "There is a 'Brokeback Mountain' in each and every one of us ... It motivates us ... to phenomenon in a conservative country, understand all of us are bound to make starting debates about changing values difficult decisions in life, yet we must strive to regarding homosexuality. The movie is dispel prejudice ... and seek ways to reconcile based on the popular play about the and cooperate with one another ... 1 deeply homosexual obsession of the tyrannical believe that the common pursuit of a 'great Prince Yeonsan for his court clown. Even new world' by both Taiwan and the United the president of South Korea, Roh Moo States will guide us to a place where universal Hyun, has seen the movie. (Can you values - democracy, freedom, peace and image President Bush sitting through prosperity - can be fully realized in the world BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN?) we share." The President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-Bian, Unfortunately, there will probably not be a Thursday, February 23, 2006 big release of this movie in the United GLO Community Spotlight March, 2006 Page 8 Springfield Gay Bars Other Community Groups The Edge - 424 N Boonville Springfield AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO) - 1901 E 831-4700 Bennett, Suite D, Springfield 881-1900 Martha's Vineyard - ALLIES - Drury University Students and Faculty 219 W. Olive Springfield 864-4572 Meets Mondays at 2 pm in FSC. Contact Blair at [email protected] www.marthascomplex.com B.O.S. BROTHERHOOD OF SPRINGFIELD - Social OZ - 504 E. Commercial Springfield group of men from surrounding areas Contact Fred 831-9001 at 849-3441 or [email protected] RoniSuz Corner Lounge - BISEXUAL GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE (BiGALA) - MSU Students and Faculty Wednesdays 821 W. College Springfield 864-0036 in session 7 pm, Student Union, MSU Campus Rumors and Liquors & Kickers- 1109 E DIVERSITY BOWLING LEAGUE @ ENTERPRISE Commercial Street LANES - Currently Thursdays at 6: 15 pm Contact 873-2225 Dustin at 417.619.6950 or www.marthascomplex.com/bowl.htm DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Meets Sundays at 11 am at Courtyard by Marriott Lobby. Contact Rev. John Maness at 865-6032 FIRST SUNDAY POTLUCK - Gay & Lesbian informal Want to Be an Actor? potluck open to all. First Sunday of the month, A local, independent filmmaker is looking for various locations. Contact Charlie at 234-6826 or an actor for a short movie entitled, Randy & Doug at 877-8088. "Something About Dead Cows." The movie FOCUS - Networking Group. Meets second Tuesday of the month at Mille's at 7 pm. Contact Mark Gideon explores a moment in the life of a young, gay at 417.773.8998 or [email protected] man who is lost and alone in a vicious world GALAXGY - Youth group, 20 and under. Meets and begins to think he is being stalked by a Tuesdays at the GLO CENTER 3-10 pm. Contact the mad killer from a movie. The part is for a GLO Center for more information MISSOURI GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (MGRA) man, 18-25 years old, who looks like an urban Meets at Liquors & Kickers inside Rumors 1st street kid. Acting experience is helpful, but no Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm. Contact Rumors required. There is no dialogue during at 873-2225 shooting, but there will be voiced narration. OZARK MOUNTAIN MEN (OMM) - Social group of men and women into levis/leather. Contact through The shooting will be 3 partial days. If you are www.ozarkmountainmen.com interested, contact Todd at the following: OZARK MOUNTAIN PEARLS - Women's social [email protected] group. Contact Nick at [email protected] or 866-2334 417.882.9507 PARENTS & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS (PFLAG) - Support group. Third Sunday of each month, 3 pm at the GLO Center. Contact PFLAG, PO "All my pleasures are now life-threatening. Box 1752, Springfield, MO 65803 or 417.889.1059 My sex and drugs have no rock 'n' roll. PERSONAL RIGHTS OF MISSOURIANS (PROMO) I'll pay the shrink's bill - Advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and so I'll never again have to face who I am. transgender equality in Missouri. Meets 3rd Thursday Cuz the kid who was going to change the world of the month at 6:00 pm at the GLO Center. Contact now watch it all from a distance. [email protected] SHOW ME MO PRIDE - LGBT Community Events Coordinators. Contact Connie at All my heroes have od'd [email protected]. And my enemies now hold the power. SPRINGFIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH - 2434 E Battlefield, Springfield. Services Ideology: I need one to live." 11 am on Sunday. Contact at 417.883.3922 or [email protected] or Ideologia by Cazuza www.SpringfieldUnitarians.org Translated from Portuguese (I found these lyrics interesting and thought I'd share.) - The Editor GLO Community March, 2006 Page 9 March 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 MGRA@ Diversity Bowling Bill's Birthday!! Uno 8-10pm Uquors&Kickers 7pm Leauge 6: 15 pm Enterprise Lanes BOS Meeting 7pm Dinner ACLU @ Hickoks 5pm 8pm Meeting 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Diversity Fellowship Galaxgy Youth Diversity Bowling Uno 8-10pm 11 am Courtyard by 3-lOpm Leauge 6: 15 pm Marriot Lobby Enterprise Lanes GLO Annual Meeting GLO Center 5:00pm 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Diversity Fellowship GLO Board of FOCUS @ Mille's 7pm PROMO Meeting FOCUS Happy Uno 8-10pm 11 am Courtyard by Directors 6pm 6pm @GLO Center Hour@ Marriot Lobby Galaxgy Youth St. Patrick's Day 3-10pm Diversity Bowling Mudlounge 5- Parade 2pm Leauge 6: 15 pm 7pm Enterprise Lanes Mr Missouri Contest @ Rumors 9pm , 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Diversity Fellowship Galaxgy Youth Diversity Bowling Uno 8-10pm 11 am Courtyard by 3-10pm Leauge 6: 15 pm Marriot Lobby Enterprise Lanes PFLGA@GLO Center 3:00pm 26 27 28 29 30 31 Coming in April Diversity Fellowship Galaxgy Youth PROMO Equality Day Diversity Bowling SERVE TO SAVE 11 am Courtyard by 3-10pm 2006 Jefferson City Leauge 6: 15 pm for APO April 5,6,7 Marriot Lobby Enterprise Lanes