T U O h S Volume 4, Issue 1 Mizzou's LGBTQ Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Letter Fro m the Editor
2
The A, B, C’s of LGBTQA
3
The Heat is Rising 4 “I Like Barb ies” 5 Social Just ice 6 Spotlight LGBTQ Spri ng Programmin g
6
Allies in Ac tion The Right to Work Free ly Event Photo s
Resource C enter On-Going P rograms SHAPE
7 8
9 10
11 A Word fr om Our 11 Sponsor
Mizzou hosted a special guest as part of the 2007 National Coming Out week, Peaches Christ. Peaches is a well-known drag queen from the LA area. Her short film festival was a huge success. The event was held in Allen Auditorium, and was sponsored by
the LGBTQ Resource Center & The Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs. GRL was responsible for the decorations, and refreshments. Congratulations to all who were a part of this event! Peaches Christ Sings “Idol Worship”
Dear Mizzou LGBTQ students, faculty, staff and allies, Nathan Gerth- Is a Senior Political Science major with a minor in Sociology, originally from rural northern Missouri. After graduation, he hopes to obtain his Master's and become an elementary school teacher. He enjoys social justice, volunteering, working with children, music, movies, and spending time with family and friends. Bradley Schlemmer- is a freshman this year. A native to Connecticut, he moved to Missouri around 2001, and he recently moved to Wheaton, Illinois. Bradley enjoys Japanese culture, Romanticism and Classics. Some of his hobbies are writing, playing video games, listening to music, sharing and discussing, and hanging out with friends. He is currently dual majoring in Journalism and English with a minor in Classical Humanities. Rebecca Wodzak- Was born in England, but has been living in Columbia MO since she was a baby. She grew up interested in the social justice movement. Now, She is going for a bachelor‘s degree in sociology at the University of Missouri. After her undergraduate, she plans to attend law school, and eventually work in civil rights policy. She considers herself an ally of the LGBTQ community, and is a current staff member in the LGBTQ office.
Volume 4, Issue 1
I am so very excited to be a part of returning ShOUT magazine to campus. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself. I grew up in a small town North of Kansas City called Cameron. In my school there was not much support for a young person coming out of their shell, not to mention trying to discover their sexual orientation. I came to Mizzou with the hope that I would be able to learn more about the community and myself. Even in just one semester, so much has changed for me, as have for many MU Freshman. I feel truly honored to be able to work at the LGBTQ resource center, and especially to be able to be the Editor-In-Chief of the ShOUT magazine. Although we are running slow this semester, I want you all to know that it is the goal of the ShOUT staff to “hit the ground running” next semester, putting out editions of this publication monthly. There will be some really great stories from our staff who is working together to bring you the most accurate news about the LGBTQ community. Also the publication will be available on our website: http:// web.missouri.edu/~umcstudentlifelgbt/shout.html So now the question is, what do you want ShOUT to be? The staff and I are all hoping for your input, so write me an e-mail, I will do my best to address it in the next edition. Also, our staff is always looking for new writers, editors, designers, and proofreaders. You don’t have to have a degree, or any experience, just send me an e-mail! Keep Reading! Sincerely, Editor-In-Chief Zach Rose-Heim zachrose-heim@mizzou.edu
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Bradly SchlemmerShOUT Staff Writer
Karyotype: the number and visual apA– Asexual: Free from or unaffected by sexual- K– pearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of S– Sex: the biological division of male ity.
Ally: A person or organization that actively helps another with a specific issue
an organism or species
female
L– Lesbian: a homosexual female M– Male: relating to the sex that can fertil-
B– Bisexual: Sexually attracted to both men
ize or inseminate the female to give rise to offspring
Androgynous: Being both male and
and women
C– Cisgender: a neologism referring to people who identify themselves by matching biological sex and cultural behavior deemed appropriate for one’s sex.
D– Drag Queen/King: An individual who dresses as the opposite sex for entertainment
E–
Equality: the state of being equal in regard
to status, rights, opportunities, and treatment
F– Female: referring to the sex that can bear offspring or produce eggs
G–
Gynephilia/gynophilia: Attraction to adult
females Gay: a homosexual male Gender: the state of being male or female ( with reference to social and cultural differences)
H–
Heterosexual: attracted to the opposite
sex Homosexual: attracted to people of the same sex Hermaphroditic: an individual in which reproductive organs of both sexes
I– Intersex: an individual displaying sexual characteristics of both male and female
J-Justice: fair, equal, and reasonable treatment
O–
Out: openly acknowledging one’s sexual
orientation or gender identity
P– Pansexual: a term of choice for people who do not self-identify as bisexual, finding themselves attracted to people across a spectrum of genders.
26 letters… 26 different terms relating to LGBT
Privilege: special rights, advantages, or immunity granted to, or assumed by certain groups and considered by them as their right; for example in the US, white heterosexual males are extremely privileged
Q– Queer: formerly an exclusively derogatory
term for all LGBT people; now proudly used by some as an umbrella term for the entire LGBT community; also used by those who see their own gender identity, sexual identity, or sexual orientation as not fitting the widely recognized pattern of traditional terms associated with sexual orientation. Questioning: being unsure of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity; feeling uncomfortable with or unwilling or unable to selfcategorize within traditional labels.
R– Respect: a feeling of regard for the rights, dignity, feelings, wishes, and abilities of others
and female on the basis of reproductive functions
Sexual Orientation: which sex one is attracted to Safe Space: a place where anyone can relax and be fully selfexpressed, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe
T– Transgender: an umbrella term for
all who feel that they are outside the boundaries of biological sex and culturally determined gender expression; may include transsexuals, cross dressers, drag performers etc. and people who do not identify with their biological sex
U- Unisexual: of one sex V–
Vagina Monologues, The : a
prominent book written by Eve Ensler, it explores female sexuality topics—namely intimacy, vulnerability, and sexual selfdiscovery. This was taken on Broadway, internationally and on a television production featured Ensler on HBO
W-Wilde, Oscar: famous gay writer, and activist for an egalitarian society
X– XXXY chromosomal hermaphrodite: a
hermaphrodite with a mosaic karyotype. A predominant theory maintains two ovum are created and fertilized as twins, one male & one female, and they both merge into a single fetus during gestation
Y–
Y chromosome: determines the sex of
humans and most other mammals
Z-Z –Magazine: a monthly publication
dedicated to topics precipitated by social justice
without regard to a person’s color, sex, gender, age, health, background, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity (especially with regards to law ) Volume 4, Issue 1
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Rebecca WodzakShOUT Staff Writer
As the first semester comes to a close, some might see the 2007 fall semester at MU as a tremendous success. Our football team is There is a question raised as to why indiranked higher than it has since the 1960‘s, and viduals in the LGBTQ community do not continues to win. The bar marking money raised feel comfortable coming forward and reporting crimes ―For All We Call Mizzou‖ continues to inch from white to committed against them. It can be assumed that MU‘s gold. It seems like there is no better time than now to campus climate is not one where LGBTQ students feel call yourself a ―Tiger‖. Unfortunately, for some students comfortable and open. It is hard to say if LGBTQ stuthis doesn‘t seem to be the case. Word is spreading dents are afraid to report crimes because they do not around campus about numerous hate crimes, or ―a crime, feel their LGBTQ status is accepted, or if they do not usually violent, motivated by prejudice or intolerance report crimes because they have experienced that retoward a member of a gender, racial, religious, or social porting crimes in the past hasn‘t adegroup (Random House Unabridged Dictionary)‖ quately addressed their concerns. A that have taken place on or near MU campus. Two “In addition to 2002 Campus Climate Study researched cars have been vandalized, a LGBTQ student had by the Chancellor‘s Diversity Initiative this data, on a “5 rocks thrown at them, and those are only three Office of the University of Missouri -star” scale examples. The trouble is most of these events Mizzou scored a found through anonymous surveys that have gone unreported to the authorities of eiLGBTQ individuals on campus who did file ther campus or the city. 3.5 overall, but an official report were not satisfied with only got 1 star in Dr. Worthington, the Chief Diversity the responses they received. In addition Officer of the University of Missouri spoke with the area of LGBT to this data, on a ―5-star‖ scale Mizzou me about these offences, and helped to give me campus safety” scored a 3.5 overall, but only got 1 star in insight on how he believes hate crimes on campus the area of LGBT campus safety (―Campus can be stopped. Unreported crimes cannot be Climate Assessment for Lesbian, Gay and addressed. It can be frustrating for faculty, because no Transgender Persons‖ ). It is hard to interpret the data. amount of second hand information can effectively comThere has not been a Campus Climate Study for the last bat criminal offenses. During our discussion Dr. Worfew years so it is difficult to tell if the data found in the thington voiced his concern on the lack of consistency of study is still accurate among LGBTQ students. It is also LGBTQ student victims reporting hate crimes. difficult to interpret data because no further questions ―I would like to raise awareness on campus that in order for us to be responsive we need people to come forward and make official reports.‖ Dr. Worthington wants students, faculty and staff on campus to know that he is an ally of the LGBTQ community, for personal and professional reasons, and he is adamant that LGBTQ students, as well as all other students, should be able to feel safe on campus. He believes MU should be a place of encouraged diversity, not one where people are sacred to be open and honest. Individuals are encouraged to contact Noel English in Memorial Union S303 to report problems, address concerns, and make suggestions on how to end hate crimes on campus.
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were asked in the survey to better understand why those individuals were not satisfied, but one thing is clear: LGBTQ students with crimes committed against them are not being adequately helped. There needs to be an atmosphere on campus where LGBTQ students feel comfortable reporting, and talking about, crimes committed against them. MU should not only encourage a climate of open discussion, but should also find ways to better combat the crimes being committed against these individuals.•
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Nathan GerthMost of us have probably heard the stereotypical remarks that correlate gender identity and sexual orientation. For example, if a woman exhibits masculine characteristics, she must be a lesbian and any man who enjoys shopping and facials is obviously gay. For most of our country‘s history, people have been forced to choose a sex and behave accordingly to the gender roles assigned. It wasn‘t but a mere thirty-five years ago that Title IX was passed, guaranteeing equal access to public educational institutions on the basis of ―gender‖1. Gender roles and socially acceptable behavior is so engrained in our society that we routinely clothe baby boys in blue and baby girls in pink. In fact, the color pink can continually be thought of as a threat to masculinity, even including a term ―pink -collar‖ jobs, meaning occupations expected to be held by women. But what if a person does not feel as they are a man or women as defined by the society they live in? In my opinion, being forced to choose ―male‖ or ―female‖ on a survey, application, or any other form can have serious and unnecessary repercussions for the individual. Sociology major and one who identifies as transgender, Dakota Harvel, feels the way our society is structured influences the way people view sexual orientation and gender identity. He expresses, ―We live in a binary structured society that causes one to automatically correlate the two. There‘s no question that sexual orientation and gender identity are bi-directionally influential upon each other. Capitalism and the division in the labor force in our country have probably been the greatest influence.‖ He continues,
ShOUT Staff Writer
Glick then quotes Havelock Ellis from his work Studies in the
Psychology of Sex, Volume 2: Sexual Inversion explaining ―sexual inverAmerican culture with its ‗twospirit‘ recognition and India which has a third gender entirely.‖
sion‖, which is ―sexual instinct turned by inborn constitutional abnormality toward persons of the same sex.‖
So what is gender? AccordDakota explains that in certain ing to the American Heritage Dictionsocial situations where he feels to be a ary, gender is defined as "sexual sexual minority, the interaction changes identity, especially in relation to socibetween his girlfriend and himself. ety or culture." Many people confuse ―When I feel that I am in a pregender with sex. Sex is defined as dominately heterosexual environment, I "the property or quality by which take the role of a man in their eyes, beorganisms are classified as female or cause when they look at me they see a male on the basis of their organs and man. When we are in a queer-friendly functions." (American Heritage Dicenvironment, I appear to have the identity tionary) It is important to of a lesbian. It‘s just the realize that gender is not way people subconsciously the biological function of group people and that‘s why “...she must be a male and female, but rather lesbian...” it happens.‖ Thoughts what an individual feels about about same-sex relations themselves. and relation to gender idenNo matter the reasons why tity have a scholarly influence dating back people may correlate gender identity a century and a half ago. When asked to and sexual orientation, it should be clarify why this is such frequent correlarecognized that we do. In my opinion, tion between gender identity and sexual there are negative consequences for orientation, Assistant Professor of correlating the two and making asWomen and Gender Studies, Elisa Glick, sumptions about another individual. acknowledges that this is very large and Throughout campus you may hear complex issue. comments and see gestures that corIn a simple explanation she relate the two whether with harm states, ―From the late nineteenth century, intended or not. But why not stop and the category of the homosexual has been challenge the correlations? Why not defined in terms of a deviation from genthink pause, question, and think? dered norms. In the history of sexuality in Once we are able to look at people for modern Western culture, doctors and sexwho they are, rather they how they ologists who invented ‗the homosexual‘ (or act, we have a better chance of ‗sexual invert‘) as an identity category breaking down barriers.• claimed that gender deviance (or gender 1 National Women‘s Law Center inversion) was a hallmark of same-sex desire.
―Most other societies in history have been binary and very few haven‘t correlated the two. There have been a few notable exceptions such as Native
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Bradly SchlemmerShOUT Staff Writer
During the Fall 2007 semester, the MU Women‘s Center has especially been up and roaring. Staff and volunteers have an active role within the Center itself and the Social Justice team as well. The MU Cultural Discovery days, spanning Oct. 10—19, was a particular function for the Women‘s Center to shine. On a weekly basis, the Women‘s Center holds three events. Kicking off the week is Monday Breathing Space for a half hour between 12:15 and 12:45 for, ―mindful meditation,‖ according to the Center site. A hump day occasion is the Stitch ‗N Bitch. For two hours starting at 4, participants practice or learn knitting and crocheting skills while sharing every day‘s ups and downs. The Center imparts Social Justice knowledge and philosophy during the Friday Film Series at noon. Films come from the Center library. The Women‘s Center presented two additional events exclusive to the institution. A pertinent discussion stole the focus concerning Butts, Hips, Thighs, & Lips: Black Women and Body Image, delving into the personal views of black women and their own bodies, and tracing the origins to media, society, and African American culture‘s outlook of how a black woman‘s body should be. To break the mold and continue the body image theme, Love your Body Day! provided avenues to discover ways to protect our bodies from negative content in the media. This event was co-sponsored by the MU Women‘s Center and the Feminist Student Union. Most recently, auditions for the 7th annual MU Vagina Monologues Production ushered women to demonstrate their passion to end violence against women. V-Day is the official event, created for Eve Ensler‘s famous book The Vagina Monologues. The date is to be announced, but will take place some time in the Winter 2008 semester. Already, the Women‘s Center had and is looking forward to an exciting semester, and further into the following year.•
Drag Show April 5, Jesse Auditorium Come out for a fun and exciting gender-bending night as MSA sponsors the annual Drag Show. Former performers have included: Miss Gay US of A At Large, Kitty Litter, Missouri Entertainer of the Year, Alexis Principle, and international drag sensation Coco Peru.
LGBTQ Resource Center Spring Programs Lavender Grad May 15, Stotler Lounge
For More Information Contact: The LGBTQ Resource Center 216 Brady Commons
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes 573-884-7750 LGBTQ and ally students of all races and ethnicities. This celebration acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who survived the college experience. Join us as Mizzou will celebrate its Inaugural Lavender Catalyst Awards Graduation with the 2008 class. April 23, Mark Twain Ballroom
The Catalyst Awards recognize individuals from the MU campus or the Columbia community, who are Pride Prom April 12, Empire Roller-Rink working on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transShow off your rainbow moves on roller skates at our annual Pride gender, & queer individuals and the issues close to Prom! Free food, great music and good times! This event is open them. We realize that catalysts work in a variety to all Columbia members of the LGBTQ and Ally community! of forms: public displays, private conversations, Dress up, dress down, dress in drag, wear a costume – come large initiatives, small programs, new research, dressed however you want! patient teaching, passionate artwork, visionary leadership, and dedicated following. The march towards equality requires all of these contributions.
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Rebecca WodzakShOUT Staff Writer
When most students think of the LGBTQ community, they often think of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer students who are in a group where they are around people who can relate to their lifestyle choices and sympathize with the discriminations they deal with. When I think of the LGBTQ community, I prefer to add an A to the end of the acronym, with the A standing for allies. According to the LGBTQ Resource Center an ally can be defined as ―a person who presents themselves as a member of the dominant social group and who takes a stand against social injustice directed at a target group(s)—for example, white people who speak out against racism, or heterosexual individuals who speak out against heterosexism and homophobia. An ally works to be an agent of social change rather than an agent of oppression.‖ Unfortunately, it is still taboo in our society to be a straight individual who is active in the LGBTQA community, perhaps because there are still biases against the LGBTQA community as a whole, in written law, and in practiced discrimination. Individuals who do not identify themselves as LGBTQ might worry about the implications associated with becoming an ally to the community. As an ally of the LGBTQ community, I believe it is detrimental for everyone who believes in equal rights for LGBTQ individuals to be active in supporting their community. Non LGBTQ individuals, including myself, take for granted the advantages we have.
Perhaps once these advantages are realized it will motivate none LGBTQ individuals to become involved with LGBTQA organizations on
- I can tell people my sexual orientation with no fear that everything I do from then on will be attributed to my sexual orientation or gender.
campus, and throughout the community. A sociologist by the name of Peggy McIntosh published an article entitled ―White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of Coming to See Correspondences Through Work in Women‘s Studies‖ where she brings to light some of the advantages she experiences from living under the same roof with someone of the opposite sex:
As a straight member of society, it is easy to forget the discrimination and biases that effect the LGBTQ community on a daily basis. Luckily on campus it is easy to get involved. The LGBTQ office is located on the second floor of
―- I have no difficulty finding neighborhoods where approve of our household. - Most people I meet will see my marital arrangements as an asset to my life or as a favorable comment on my likeability, my competence, or my mental health. -I can talk about the social events of a weekend without fearing most listeners‘ reactions. - I will feel welcomed and ―normal‖ in the usual walks of public life, institutional and social. (Anderson & Collins, Race, Class and Gender- An An-
Brady in room 216 and offers many different organizations to help LGBTQA students get involved. Another way, as an ally, to become specifically involved is through ―Allies in Action‖ which meets 5-7 on Tuesdays in 109 GCB. When debating joining these and other LGBTQ organizations consider that allies can help tremendously in ending unfair discriminatory practices against LGBTQ individuals. With every student that gets involved we continue to strengthen in the fight for equal rights for all individuals on our campus, in our community, and in this country.•
EXTRA EXTRA!!!
thology.).‖
Need a work study job?
I decided to add a few of these advantages I have noticed specific to my campus experience:
Why not work for the LGBTQ Resource Center, they have many open positions, including writing for ShOUT! Contact John
- I can be open about my relationships with fellow students and teachers with no fear of disapproval or ridicule. - I can work for the University of Missouri and be confident that I will qualify for partner benefits if I choose to get married.
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Since early childhood, I have been taught a person‘s work should be judged by their effort, ability, and contribution. Therefore, it confuses and saddens me that there is still no federal protection for employment discrimination based on one‘s sexual orientation and gender identity. We all are aware of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was the first federal protection of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Now, our Congress has the opportunity to bar this type of employment discrimination forever with one simple act: The Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA currently has two versions in Congress, one being HR 2015 which provides protection for both gender identity and sexual orientation and the other HR 3685 which only protects the latter of the two. The first version was introduced on April 24th, 2007 by Representatives, Barney Frank, Chris Shays, Tammy Baldwin, and Deborah Pryce, with the second following on September 27th by Frank alone. Representative Baldwin, D-WI, temporarily added an amendment to the bill to bring back gender identity, but it was withdrawn shortly after. HR 3685 passed the House of Representatives on November 7th, and now awaits debate upon the Senate floor.1 John Griesedieck, Chairman of Mizzou‘s Lambda Legal Society, offers an explanation as to why there may be two versions of ENDA now, stating, ―There is a theory in political science called incrementalism that says a goal is reached slowly, in increments. I understand why many activists in the LGBT community have been vocal in their criticism of ENDA in failing to
protect gender identity, but it can make sense to take smaller steps.‖ And critical have many been, according to the Gay and Lesbian National Task Force2, who has issued formal statements announcing only sole support for a transgenderinclusive bill. Other prominent social justice organizations reflecting the same view are the national branch of Lambda Legal, National Black Justice Coalition, Equality Federation, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Out and Equal, and over 300 others. Sections 6 and 7 of HR 3685 contain exemptions for religious organizations and the armed forces. If the ―corporation, association, educational institution, or society‖ is exempt from the religious discrimination provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, then they will not be forced to comply with ENDA. The armed forces are exempt in their employment practices and pre-existing laws will not change in regards to veterans of service.3 In my opinion, there has been a barrier between religion and the LGBTQ community that needs to be healed. If one religious view doesn‘t seem to support expression outside of the heteronormative and homophobic society we reside in, is there any reason the two cannot come to mutual understandings and tolerance? I think we all can understand that beliefs are important and sincere to people, as there are many other aspects in life. But is it not unacceptable to actively discriminate? It has been argued and falsely
ShOUT Staff Writer couldn‘t be farther from the truth and in my opinion, is nothing more than a scare tactic of oppression. It appears unknown how the courts would respond to a challenge that pitted ones religious views against sexual orientation and gender identity in the realm of the religion‘s institutions. Griesedieck expresses, ―I‘ve heard that people can be afraid of employing individuals who are against their religious creed. There is indeed a free exercise clause in the Constitution that allows freedom of religious expression. However, I don‘t know how the courts would reconcile the two in this kind of situation. ― So now we all sit and wait for the fate of ENDA, something in my opinion that is vital to the LGTBQ community and those fair-minded individuals with high regards for equal protection. I think it is worth noting that in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the term ―sex‖ was added as an amendment in order to kill the bill instead of aiding in its passage. Griesedieck comments, ―I think if supporters of ENDA have an ‗all or nothing mentality‘, this could hurt them by failing to see other options.‖ 1GovTrackUS, HR. 3685: Employment Non-
Discrimination Act of 2007
stated that ENDA will cause great harm
2The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,
to the religious communities of America.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act
However, as Section 6, clearly entitled,
(ENDA)
―Exemptions For Religious Organizations‖ explains, this
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Nathan Gerth-
3 GovTrackUS, HR 3685: Text of Legislation
Page 8
Sammuel Laurie, transgendered speaker, visits Missouri to speak to a number of staff and student organizations about transgender equality on college campuses. His presentation ―Trans-U‖ is traveling across colleges nation-wide, MU was pleased to welcome him to Missouri.
GRL Poses for a picture after helping set-up for Peaches Christ.
Staff members Abby & Zach pose for a picture Resource Center Coordinator John Faughn poses with Peaches Christ. Staff and GRL set up for Peaches Christ
Naomi Lahiri talks to Peaches Christ after the show.
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Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are members of often invisible minority groups and so are their allies and friends. The Safe Space Program is designed to help LGBT people identify supportive people and offices. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to become Safe Space allies in order to make the allies of the LGBT community more visible so that LGBT students, faculty, and staff can easily identify places where they can feel at ease because they know that they will not face discrimination due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Participants in the training learn about the challenges of homophobia, campus resources, and how to be supportive to members of the LGBT community. At the conclusion of the training, participants have the option to display a Safe Space symbol as a signal to LGBT individuals that they maintain a safe and affirming environment. Homophobic and heterosexist comments, language, and actions will not be allowed in a Safe Space, but they will be addressed in an educational and informative manner. For more information, or to schedule a training contact: Dustin Neff– dsn25c@mizzou.edu
The insideOUT Program seeks to provide a forum for discussion on a multitude of issues affecting LGBT individuals and their allies. This includes a safe space for consciousness-raising and a starting point for change and advocacy. InsideOUT encourages the use of one relatively over looked educational resource, each other. We recognize that each individual has their own unique standpoint, inside and outside of their sexual or gender identity. Through listening, sharing stories, and coming together on a common ground we can learn, grow, and advocate positive personal and societal transformations together. Discussions are facilitated by LGBT Resource Center staff members in 216 Brady Commons every other Monday at 6pm. For more information contact: Abby Rowe—acrwv5@mizzou.edu
OutReach panels are educational interventions in which volunteer gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and supportive heterosexual allied people share their personal stories and respond to questions and comments from an audience. These panels are frequently used on campus to reduce homophobic/heterosexist attitudes while also serving as an outreach program of the LGBT Resource Center. Often these panels are used in a classroom setting to provide personal experience in addition to course material. For more information contact: Dustin Neff– dsn25c@mizzou.edu
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Zach Rose-Heim ShOUT Editor-inChief Dr. Heather Eastman-Mueller will be teaching a sexual health class next semester. The course is open to all students and is offered from 2:00pm3:15pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course offers students the opportunity to critically investigate sexuality as it exists within a cultural context including topics
such as religion, politics, social justice, familial, and societal influences. Through assigned readings, reflection, experiential activities, and small group presentations, students will increase their awareness of sexual health issues, enhance self awareness and learn how to effectively educate their peers surrounding issues of sexual health.
This course counts as an elective and is cross listed through Women‘s and Gender Studies, it has a service learning designation. To register: Interdisciplinary Studies 2960, Section I (reference #73130) For more information visit: http://studenthealth.missouri.edu/ SHAPE/index.htm
Hello everyone! The staff in the LGBTQ Resource Center has been busy with programs this past fall and is already planning programs for the spring semester (some you will see noted in this issue). Dustin, our student coordinator for Education & Advocacy, has updated and revised our Safe Space Program and OUTreach Panel programs – look for opportunities to become a OUTreach panelist and/or a Safe Space trainer early in the spring semester. Abby is leading Inside Out discussions on Mondays and is looking for YOUR feedback and ideas for topics, while Zach (aka ―Pete‖), our student library coordinator, has put a lot of work into this issue of ShOUT. Nathan, Arnie, Becky, and Nikki have been doing everything from hosting Peaches Christ and Transgender speaker Samuel Lurie, to creating bulletin boards and coordinating our other events. This spring we will add Brad to our staff, as well as a graduate intern, and hopefully YOU! The Resource center has work positions and volunteer opportunities available so let us know if you want to join our team. Good luck on finals and have a great semester break! Peace, John Faughn
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ShOUT
MU Student LifeLGBTQ Resource Center 216 Brady Commons Phone: 573-884-7750 E-mail: zachrose-heim@mizzou.edu
If you want to write, edit, or help ShOUT in any way, please contact Zach, at the e-mail listed above!
MU’s LGBTQ Resource Center Miss ion The University of Missouri Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center seeks to prov ide a safe environment that is welcoming to all students , staff, faculty, and community members. In this environm ent, we actively support student learning through program ming and leadership opportunities. The Center encourages understanding by providing a broad range of resources on LGBT / Ally issues and by advocating for the crea tion of
We’re on the Web… i.edu/ http://web.missour t.html u o h s t/ b lg e if tl n e d ~umcstu
an inclusive MU community.
We Need Your Help We want this publication to belong to its readers. If you have any suggestions please contact us at the above e-mail address. Also you can become a part of the ShOUT team. ShOUT is always looking for people to write, edit, and design our publication. We do not require any experience, just a positive attitude! Also if you are looking for work-study hours, the LGBTQ resource center is a great place to work. Help out with programming, and /or be a ShOUT staff writer. If you are not eligible for workstudy, VOLUNTEER! Sincerely, ShOUT Staff
Pick up the next issue of ShOUT at any of the following locations: MU LGBTQ Resource Center 216 Brady MU Women‘s Center 229 Brady Multi-Cultural Center Downstairs Brady Rape Education Office 205 Brady