HerlandVoice-2004-03-v22-no03_ocr.pdf
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- HerlandVoice-2004-03-v22-no03_ocr.pdf
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march 2004
volume 22, number 3
From La Salle De Femmes to Herland
Gay Marriage Update
Why not the same name or same direction?
By 8. Wahru Cleveland
hen I took on the bookstore project I only took
on a building and some boxes of books and a
dream of having a bookstore in Oklahoma City.
To be clearer, the dreams may have been similar, but my
dreams were not the same.
It first starts with definitions of community . I am a
black woman, womanist, feminist, diverse sexual orientation person. My life's experiences are deeply connected to
culture and struggle, as well as my woman identity. I
identify with strong women who may or may not be lesbian. They are smart, articulate, handy, self-assured, of
strong will, able to get up when knocked down, women.
My mother is such a woman, as are many minority women
leaders. I could not imagine a successful lesbian bookstore at the time in Oklahoma. And it would not have included all of me and my identity, or all of my women
sheros. I would have supported a lesbian bookstore, and
did lend my support to the women whose idea it was to
start La Salle De Femmes, but I would have supported it
more as an alternative bookstore.
Many of those who helped me get Herland open seemed
to share my vision and change of direction. So, Herland,
in fact, opened as a woman's bookstore that addressed all
issues, pertinent to women, including lesbianism. I am
he issue of gay marriage, thrashed out in Vermont four
years ago, is now a national issue, and Massachusetts is
the central battleground. The Massachusetts Supreme
Judicial Court has put the state on course to become the first to
make gay marriage legal by deciding that a proposed civil unions
bill for gay couples would establish "an unconstitutional, inferior,
and discriminatory status for same-sex couples." During a chaotic,
two-day constitutional convention in February, state lawmakers
rejected three proposed constitutional amendments banning gay
marriage; two of the three also would have created some form of
civil unions for gay couples. Surveys show an increase in opposition to legalizing gay marriage after a strong campaign by the
Catholic Church and other opponents.
In what has been called a city-supported massive civil disobedience action, San Francisco has issued more than 3,000 marriage
licenses to same-sex couples. Mayor Gavin Newsom, in open
contravention of state law, ordered city officials to issue the licenses and two judges have thus far declined requests for court
injunctions to stop the city's actions.
And in Oklahoma, SJR 38, a proposed amendment to the state
constitution banning gay marriage, died in committee when Sen.
Bernest Cain, committee chairman, refused to bring up the measure ahead of a legislative deadline. Senate President Pro Tern,
Cal Hobson, calling the bill a "wedge issue", deemed it unnecessary since Oklahoma already has a law prohibiting recognition of
same-sex marriages from other states. On Feb. 17th, while conservatives staged a "traditional" marriage rally at the capital in support of SJR 38, Interfaith Diversity and Equality Association (IDEA)
hosted a Civil Marriage Equality Rally at the same time across the
street in direct view of the other rally. Several other anti-gay proposals have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and
await action.
W
(continued on page 4)
Put On Your Dancing Shoes!
H
T
erland and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political
caucus (OGLPC) are joining together to host a dance-a gala evening, a spring fling, an April Fool's Ball to
chase away the late-winter blues-on Saturday, April 3, 2004
from 8 - 11 pm. It will be
held in Daniel Hall, First Unitarian
Church, NW 13t11 and Dewey,
OKC. We
are keeping the
ticket price
at a ridiculous $5,
because we
want you there!
The fabulous band Miss Brown To You, with Mary Reynolds and Louise Goldberg, will rock (or
socks off singing Elvis, Patsy Cline, Cole Porter, and romantic, jazzy, rock 'n' roll.
croon) your
Dress is whatever you want to wear! Be as casual, funky, dressy, or creative as you like.
Masks are allowed but not mandatory. We11 have Party Pies available, a cash bar, and a Silent Art
tured will be a collection of tastefully-suggestive, mildly erotic, and very handsome art
Auction. Feadonated to Herland by two of the founding members; and supplemented by donations from other
Friends of Herland. OGLPC will also have some items in the Silent Auction. AND, bring a few pennies
to cast your vote for your
Wsweetie for King and Queen of the Ball, and ... Fairy Princess. No gender stereotyping allowed, women as well as men will '' be eligible for Queen! Tickets are available at Herland, from any Herland or OGLPC Board
member, and at the door. We hope to see you there, it11 be a Ball!
www.herlandsisters.org
herland sister resources, 2312 nw 39th, oklahoma city, ok 73112
(405) 521-9696
email: herlandsisters@cox,net
bookstore hours: saturdays 1-5 pm
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The Deep Root Community Center,
Unity Church and Gather The Women
Proudly Present
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A Weekend with Lisa Thiel
~ Internationally recognized LISA THIEL, a talented vocalist, shamanic teacher and ceremonialist, will perform in concert
0 on March 13th. On March 14th Lisa will conduct a workshop and facilitate a sacred ceremony in honor of Kuan Yin, the
o Mother of Compassion, to culminate local International Women's Week activities.
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A popular artist in the women's spirituality movement, Lisa collects, creates and sings music with global influences that
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credit, her work spans two decades and is a source of inspiration, empowerment and deep healing for all audiences.
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~ celebrate the Sacred Feminine found in all traditions in one form or another. With seven CDs and cassettes to her
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Traveling from Southern california in support of and to help raise funds for the Deep Root Community Center, Ms.
Thiel's appearance is sure to be one of the highlights of 2004, and definitely one not to be missed.
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Location for both events:
Unity Church 5603 NW 41 st, OKC
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Concert- Saturday, 3/13/04 7 pm $25
Workshop - Sunday, 3/14/04, 4-7pm $30
0 (Note : the workshop is limited to 50 participants)
° For more information or to purchase advance tickets go to www.deeproot.org or by mail to DRCC-Lisa Thiel, 1609
~ Downing St. Oklahoma City, Ok 73120. Please make checks payable to 'Deep Root Community Center'. Online tickets
o can be purchased through Paypal (MC/Visa/debit card). Tickets at the door will be cash or checks only.
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For more Information: Rev. Kathy Mccallie - 525-9555 or openarmsok@aol.com
March 5 & 6
2004
Homosexuality & Scripture Conference
Gender, Identity, and Sexuality
Sponsored by:
Cathedral of Hope - OKC
Church of the Open Arms UCC
Epworth UMC
First Unitarian Church
Mayflower Congregational Church
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Clegg Memorial UMC
Scriptures have often been distorted to condemn LGBT persons, but increasingly faith communities are speaking out for justice, inclusion and affirmation of all persons. This conference reflects our faithful understandings of scripture and the Spirit as
well as our desires to faithfully relate to one another.
These six congregations have made a commitment to be welcoming and affirming of the GLBT community. In order to facilitate a continuing dialogue each of these sponsoring congregations is helping to organize this conference. The conference will
include a discussion panel composed of ministers and scholars as well as workshops designed to explore the connections between homosexuality and sacred scripture. Though heavily focused on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, the conference
welcomes other faith traditions and seeks to engage their understandings of homosexuality.
Friday evening, March 5, a panel of religious leaders and scholars will participate in a discussion on their respective understandings of homosexuality and the scriptures of their tradition. The audience at the panel will have an opportunity to submit
questions to the panelists. Saturday, March 6, religious leaders, scholars and others will host a variety of workshops. Topics
include: Marriage: What is the Biblical Model?; Sexuality in the Hebrew Scriptures; Coming Out Young; Lesbians: Identity and
Relationship Issues; Gay Men: Identity and Relationship Issues; Gender Queer - People Who Don't Fit; Sexism and Homophobia; Jesus: Humanity and Divinity; Bisexuality; Clobber Passages: What does the New Testament Say about Homosexuality?
-----------------------Herland Video Night
After a successful run, the Herland Book Club is turning into Video Night.
Join us at 7 pm on Friday, March 26th, for
the movie Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis @
100. In this film, first aired on the Sundance Channel, Director Yvonne Welbon
uses interviews, photographs, archival
footage, and dazzling dramatic re-creations
to weave a touching tale of Eilis's long life
and rich times: her first crush, her 30 years
with a companion called "Babe," and their
move to Detroit. There Ellis became one of
the first women in the United States to own
her own printing business, and their home
became a popular Midwest party spot and
haven from racism for African-American
lesbians and gays long before Stonewall
and the modem civil rights movement.
Berland Supper Club
This month we head to downtown OKC for
dinner and a movie on Saturday, March 13th. First, we will eat at a great
Mexican restaurant, La Luna's, 409 W. Reno. Then we will go to see the film
The WeatherUndergroundat7:30 pm at the OKC Art Museum, 415 Couch
Drive.
Outraged by the Vietnam War and racism in America, The Weather Underground organization waged a low-level war against the U.S. government
through much of the 1970s, bombing the Capitol building, breaking Timothy
Leary out of prison, and evading one of the largest FBI manhunts in history.
This Academy Award nominated documentary explores the rise and fall of
this radical movement, as former members speak candidly about the idealistic passion that drove them to "bring the war home" and the trajectory that
placed them on the FBl's most wanted list.
Tickets to the fiim are $7 and you are encouraged to get tickets early by
going by the box office. Meet at Herland at4:30 pm if you wish to carpool.
Join us for a great evening! For more info, call Ginger at 942-1535.
Drumming Workshop
Herland is proud to host Barbara Wahru Cleveland, for a drumming workshop at 2 pm on Saturday, March 27th at Herland. If you are an experienced
drummer or just getting interested, this workshop is for you.
Wahru has been a member of the Columbus, Ohio based drum, song, and
dance group, Sistah Ngoma and was the 2003 National Women's Music
Festival's "Drum Mother." Drumming with Wahru is a magical experience and
you won't be able to resist the pulsating passion and energy.
Bring any drums you have and we will have a few extras for those that
need them. Suggested donation for the afternoon workshop is $15 (more if
you can, less if you can't).
Herland Hiking
The Herland Hiking Group will have its regular monthly outing to Martin Nature Park, 5000 W. Memorial, at 10 am on Saturday, March 13. There is also
an optional coffee gathering beforehand at Panera's, corner of Memorial &
Meridian, at 9:00 am.
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• HERLAND EVENTS CALENDAR
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•March
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• Match 5 & 6: Homosexuality and Scripture Conference,
•• Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Penn, $15
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Ftiday. Match 5: Mary Reynolds and Louise Goldberg CD Release Party, Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, $15
Saturday. Match 6: Sisters of Swing in Benefit Concert, CocaCola Events Center in Bricktown, 6:00 pm, $25
Monday. Match 8: OGLPC Monthly Meeting at the Center,
2135 NW 39th, 7 pm
Saturday. Match 13: Herland Hike at Martin Nature Park,
5000 W. Memorial, 10 am
Saturday. Match 13: Herland Supper Club, La Luna, 409 W.
Reno, 5pm followed by movie at OKC Art Museum, 7:30 pm
Sunday. Match 14: Womyn of Color Meeting, call 842-3464
for details
Wednesday. Match 17: Women's Issues Lobby Day at State
Capital
Match 14-20: Second Annual LGBT Health Awareness Week
Thmsday. Match 18: Miss Brown to You, Galileo
• Saturday. Match 20: Spiritual Walk for Peace
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Sunday. Match 21: Herl and Potluck, 3 pm, followed by Herland Board Meeting, 4 pm
Friday. Match 26: Herland Video Night, 7 pm
Saturday. Match 27: Herland Drumming Workshop with Barbara Wahru Cleveland, Herland, 2 pm, $15
Saturday. Match 27: Mary Reynoids and the So & So's, Benefit Concert, St. Thomas More, Norman, 7 pm, $10
: Looking Ahead
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Saturday. April 3: Miss Brown to You at the Her/and/
OGLPC April Fool's Dance, First Unitarian
April 3 & 4: IRIS at Chelsea's in Eureka Springs for Diversity
Weekend
Saturday. April 17: Herland Supper Club at Grand House 5
pm followed by OKC Lightning Football Game at Taft Stadium 7 pm
Sunday. April 25: March for Women's Lives, Washington DC
May 14-16: Her/and Spring Retreat at Roman Nose
•• May 19-22: Third National Lesbian Health Conference, Chi•
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cago, IL
May 19-23: Midwest Wimmin's Festival, Lake of the Ozarks
State Park, Mo (see midwestfestival.com)
June 4-6: Texas Pride Weekend and Festival in Austin
Native American Women
OKC Two-Spirit Society is having meetings for lesbian and bi-sexual women
of Native American descent Please call the OKC Two-Spirit Hotline number
at (405) 317-7283 for information about the next meeting.
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Womyn of Color
Womyn of Color group meets the 2nd Sunday of each month. Please email
womynofcolor@gay.com or call (405) 842-3464 or (405) 947-7691 for more
information.
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Website of the Month
www.womens-projert.org
Returning Division Champs OKC
Lightning Start New Season
T
he 2003 Midwest Division Champion OKC Lightning
women's football team of the National Women's Football Association open its 2004 season on Saturday,
April I 7th at home against the Austin Outlaws. All home
games are played at Taft Stadium, located at NW 27th and
May, and begin at 7:05 p.m.
The Lightning consists of 4 I women dedicated to bringing
an NWFA Championship to Oklahoma City. The team is lead
by twenty-two returning players and I 9 who are new to the
roster.
A potent offense that averaged over 30 points a game features a bruising running attack lead by tailback Iliana
Calderon and fullbacks Holly Seales and Sunshine Sass. However the passing game is just as effective under the direction
of quarterbacks Kim Mitchell, Tammy Raiber and Christy Poage throwing to sure-handed wide receivers Lameshia Roland, Christen Lozano, Ashley Gothard and tight end Lacey
Schulz. The offensive line is anchored by Rochelle Ware,
Dana Combs, Kris Williams, Mary English and Tammy Bowden.
Leading a defense that surrendered points begrudgingly
will be linebackers Shannon Ford, Bo Stefanik, and Brooke
Newburn. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be defensive
linemen Bendee Zuck, Shonna Jones, Deanna Jones and
Mary Arbuckle. Lead by free safety Lisa Rorick, the defensive
backfield makes up in speed what it lacks in size. Lisa is joined
by speedsters Jessie Worthy, Erika Briseno, Kristie Smith,
Tammy Raiber and Phoebe Thurman.
The OKC Lightning also boasts one of the premiere coaching staffs in the league. Head coaches, Coco Bulock and Mike
Harris are joined on the sideline by position coaches Bo Dobson, Calvin Bishop, Les Worthen, and Jim Davis. All of these
coaches bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the game.
Last year, the Lightning averaged 375 fans per game. This
year we want to put I ,000 fans in the stadium and there's
no reason we can't do that. Ticket prices are affordable, and
the entertainment this season will be nonstop. We will have
cheerleaders, halftime contests and entertainment, music and
top rate football. It's the best deal in town.
The Lightning plays an exciting a/I-out brand of football and
is intent on bringing a championship home to OKC. Jump on
the bandwagon and go for an exciting ride.
And we still need volunteers to work the games. We are
still signing up halftime and pre-game entertainment and we
need businesses to become our partners in marketing. Anyone interested should contact Donna Morris at 642-9846 or
visit our website at www.okclightning.com The league website is www.womensfootballcentral.com.
(continued !tom page 1)
wanting this to be clear because some members of the
lesbian community have felt left out of Herland
"herstory." This need not be the case. Her/and is still
alive and there is still more to be done.
Why non-profit women's center instead of a bookstore? I still remembered the women's center on Western, and the great work of those women, and, I was not
in it for the profit anyway. Although, sometime later, I
did get some of the money from the original fundraisers,
I used money from my regular job to open Herland and
to keep her open. I also continued with the music productions and returned any profits to Herland. There was
so much to be done. I needed more help and Herland
was pushing for growth. The non-profit approach
seemed to be the way to get volunteers and the funds
needed for expansion.
The non-profit women's center approach, I think, is
why Herland is still going. I feel that the initial attempt
to reach into the women's community for diversity is
what held her up. When I started looking for board
members to initiate the non-profit process I asked
women who were in the Women's Political Caucus and
NOW if they would serve. I thought that a merger of
members from Herland, NOW, and the Political Caucus
would represent a powerful force in Oklahoma. I still
feel that, in addition to those who identify as lesbian,
more feminist, womanist, woman-caring, non-lesbian,
women who are not willing or ready to declare, and
women who don't care what you want to label them, is
what is needed.
I love you Herland and I love this journey. May your
future be bright and strong. May your leaders be wise,
and may you live long.
Proposed Herland By-Laws Revision
At our Board meeting on Sunday, March 21, 2004, Herland will consider amending our by-laws to add the following, and anyone who wishes may come to the meeting and speak for or against these amendments.
Article VIII: DISSOLUTION: In the event of dissolution
of the Corporation for any reason, its assets shall be distributed, in a manner determined by the Board of Directors, to non-profit organizations which have goals consistent with the goals and objectives of the Corporation.
AMENDMENTS: These bylaws may be amended, altered,
changed, or repealed by the consensus of the full Board
at any regular or special meeting of the Board if notice of
the proposed amendment, alteration, or change or repeal be contained in the Her/and Voice published immediately prior to said meeting.
Strong Woman
Participants Wanted for Research
S
esearchers at the University of Memphis are asking
lesbian, bisexual, women-loving-women, or transgendered women who are or have been in a same-sex
relationship to complete two surveys that will generate an
appreciation of the complexity of same-sex relationships and
gender expression. This research team is LGBT-positive and
interested in furthering an understanding of the representative experiences of women's diversity in sexual and gender
orientation. The online survey can be accessed at:
he can pull a jeep, carry a 140-pound rock and flip
a 5-ton tire. But that is nothing for Capt. Vernice
Armour, one of the base's Strongest Warriors.
The quietly confident Super Cobra attack helicopter pilot
is the first black female combat pilot in the Department of
Defense. "The harder the challenge, the bigger the drive,"
said Armour, 30, who hopes to be an example and motivate others - just as others have inspired her. Back in
1994, when she was in the Army Reserve and attending an
ROTC career day, she met a black female Army pilot and
became interested in aviation.
After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University
in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science, Armour joined the Marines in 1998. "I joined the Marine
Corps because I wanted to be in the most disciplined hardcore fighting machine out there," Armour said. By mid2001 she had earned her wings, and last April she was
promoted to captain in Marine Light Attack Helicopter
Squadron 169. Armour recently returned from deployment
in Iraq.
She never considers herself done studying, or training,
but physical training is the fun part for Armour. Several
years ago, she started working out in the 13 Area gym
with the powerlifting and bodybuilding team. She entered
the female division of the base's Strongest Warrior contest, which includes such requirements as jeep-pulling and
tire-flipping. She was named a Strongest Warrior in both
2001 and 2002. Armour won the base's Female Athlete of
the Year Award in 2002, the same year she played running
back for the San Diego Sunfire women's professional football team.
But ask Armour what she is proudest of, and she does
not talk about awards. Instead she tells about the time her
young nephew was deciding which of his relatives to visit
on the West Coast and chose her. "He asked my dad, 'Isn't
Aunt Vernice a Marine? I want to be a Marine when I grow
up."' To Armour, that was a proud moment. "You can accomplish your dreams," Armour said.
R
https: //www. psych data. net/users/4218survey. asp
This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional
Review Board at the University of Memphis (#E03-250,
phone (901)678-2533). Responses are encrypted and stored
on a secure server; answers are anonymous and no identifying information is asked. We appreciate your help in promoting this work by sending this information
on to others who might be interested.
~---------------------------Don't Lose Your Voice!
Did you know it costs over $300 each month to publish and
mail the Voice? Just $12 a year (a mere $1 per month) will
help us keep your Voice coming each month. Please help
with a donation today!
D
Enclosed is a contribution for $ _ _ __
D Please add me to the mailing list for The Voice.
D Please change my address (new address below).
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Spiritual Walk for Peace
0
klahoma's Spiritual Walk for
Peace is planning an action, in
solidarity with people all over
the world, on Saturday, March 20,
2004, to memorialize and mourn the
one year anniversary of the start of
the Iraq war.
The event will start at noon at the
Episcopal Center, NW 9th and Robinson, in Oklahoma City. Plans are still
being finalized, but there will be
speakers, music, and a silent march
which will be about one mile, down to
and around the Murrah Memorial and
back to the Center. Speakers are
unknown as we go to press, but we do
know that the music will be provided
by Mary Reynolds. Signs are discouraged, the mood will be one of reflection and peace - "we must be the
peace we seek" - rather than protest.
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ Zip _ __
Spiritual Walk for Peace
Mission Statement:
We are a community of diverse individuals and organization energized by
spirit and conscience to build non-violently a lasting culture of peace with
justice and to offer opportunities for action in Central Oklahoma.
www.okpeacemakers.org
Herland Sister Resources
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861
2312 NW 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Return Service Requested
Cassia Mealor LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
(405) 410-2900
Norman, OK
REBECCA R. HOLT, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology
(405) 321-2148
Box 5119
Norman, OK 73070
Individuals - Couples
Family Therapy, Retreats
©
PHONE: 943-1467
CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2910 N.W. 23
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73107
N. WORLAND DVM
D. TRAVIS DVM
Julia Irwin, M.D., P.C.
Psychiatrist
Doctor's Park
500 E. Robinson, Suite 600
Norman, OK 73071
(405) 321-3719
DOROTHY E. HEIM
Young
And Older Aduks
Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S.W.
Attorney-at-Law
Ingraham & Associates, PLLC
Attorney at Law
(405) 691-4949
dheim033@yahoo.com
Call me with your legal questions:
estate planning
personal injury
contract issues
small business
D.M. HAWKINS, DVM
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Adoption, Contracts
Route 2, Box 369-B
McLoud, OK 74851
Tel. (405) 964-2072
ingraham@mcloudteleco.com