HerlandVoice-2003-10-v21-no10_ocr.pdf
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October 2003
Volume 21, Number 10
Ce1ebrate Diversity ·Stop The Hate!
A
Her1and 20th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion Planned
D
ccording tD FBI statistics, there
were over 9,000 hate crimes reported in 2001. Several incidents
involved Oklahoma individuals and groups.
Celebrate Diversity - Stop the Hate is an
annual national event designed tD give people the opportunity tD show they will not
tolerate hate crimes in their communities.
Oklahoma City University is hosting this
year's event, "Diversity thru Music Celebration & Candlelight Vigil" at 7:30 pm on October 9, 2003. It will be held at OCU's
Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center, NW 25th and
Blackwelder.
Dr. Robin Meyers, minister at Mayflower
Congregational Church and sometimes quite
controversial columnist in the OKC Gazette,
will be the keynote speaker. Musicians from
Morocco, Israel, and Oklahoma will be featured. A candlelight processional tD remember those who were victims of hate crimes
during the past year will follow.
o you remember the year when 150 women attended a Herland Retreat? The
Winds Tape? Women Who Kill? Hawkins and Delear? These are just a few of
some of the fun and the serious moments from Herland's 20 year histDry.
The Herrand Collective was organized in 1983 and the women's bookstore, started as a
private venture at NW 19th and Blackwelder, was "handed over" tD the Collective in 1984.
The first few years saw Herland host many a coffeehouse featuring local women perfonners. After several Herrand women attended a retreat in Arkansas, the idea of the semiannual Herland Retreats was born and continues to be a cornerstDne of Hertand's programs to this day. A lending library, workshops, concerts, lectures, potlucks, movie nights,
and many other activities were added through the years tD round out Herland's offerings
to the Oklahoma women's community.
In honor of our 20 years, Herland is having a celebration and reunion on Saturday, November 15, 2003. The festivities begin with an open house/reception at Herland from 1
pm - 5 pm. We will have pictures, posters, mementDs, Hertand T-shirts, retreat videos,
and much more on display. You can also pick up your ticket for the evening concert's door
prize by coming by Herrand during the afternoon. Former board members and volunteers
are invited tD pick up a name tag that will identify them and the years they served.
The day's activities will conclude with a concert by Tret Fure at 7:00 pm at the City Arts
Center, 3000 Pershing Blvd. on the State
Fairgrounds. Arguably one of the most
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multi-faceted artists in the contemporary
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ff'E
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sesses an uncanny mastery of musical tech-~_:· @:/
nology. Over the years, her wit and intrin- f//' t J
sic sense of musicality have endeared her
to longtime fans and critics throughout the
world.
Opening for Tret will be local spoken
word artist, Lynnsey Weber. Lynnsey is a
wonderful poet and budding activist that we
were fortunate tD hear for the first time at
the OU Women's Outreach Center Women's
Equality Day program on the campus.
All former Herrand board members, volunteers, and anyone who has participated
in Herrand events through the years are
especially invited back for this 20th anniversary celebration. We will be recognizing
former board members and volunteers at a
short program during the concert intennission. Tickets for the concert are $15 in
advance and can be purchased from any
board member or at the bookstDre on Saturdays or online at www.ok.ctickets.com.
::r
ANSWER March on Washington
On Saturday October 25, 2003, hundreds of thousands of people will be back in the streets
in WashingtDn DC and in capital cities of other countries to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq. Over 2,000 organizations and individuals have signed on as sponsors of the
Act Now tD StDp War and End Racism (ANSWER) March. See www.intemationalanswer.org
for more details about the march.
www.herlandsisters.org
Email: herlandsisters@cox.net
Herland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 521-9696
Bookstore Hours: Saturdays 1-5 pm
Herland Book Club Reads
Alice Walker
In Search of Our Mother's Gardens by Alice
Walker is the October selection for the Herland Book Club meeting at 7 pm on October
6th.
In this, her first collection of nonfiction,
Alice Walker speaks out as a black woman,
writer, mother, and feminist, in 36 pieces ranging
from the personal to the
political. Among the contents are essays about
other writers, accounts of
the civil rights movement
of the 1960s, and the antinuclear movement of the
1980s, and a vivid memoir of a scarring
childhood injury and her daughter's healing
words.
In this work, Walker introduced the word
womanistto the American lexicon. As
Walker describes her, a womanist is bold,
brassy, "universalist," "committed to survival and wholeness of
entire people, male and
female," "a woman who
loves other women,
sexually and/or nonsexually" and "Loves music.
Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves-the
Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness.
Loves struggle. Loves-the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless."
Sound intriguing? Copies of this book are
available at Herland or your local library.
Newcomers are always welcome at Book
Club and there is lots of good conversation
and, of course, refreshments.
Womyn of Color Club
T
he 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.
Native American Women
0
KC Two-Spirit Society is having
meetings for lesbian and bi-sexual
women of Native American descent. The next meeting is at Herland on
October 23 at 6:30 pm. The OKC TwoSpirit Hotline number is (405) 317-7283.
Saint Sybil
She was a waif, a wraith, a rail, nearly as slim as Karen Carpenter. She wore a long wraparound skirt and a long-sleeved sweater, many too manv clothes on a hot summer afternoon in Norman, Oklahoma; stili she hugged herself tightly, as if never quite warm enough.
It was the OU Women's Outreach Center Celebration of Women's Equality Day. She eased
past the Herland table, far enough away we couldn't snag her, close enough she could read
our wares with a stretched body and inclined neck. She smiled wanly and caught my eye,
"Feminism," she acknowledged, nodding. She moved on, turned, "I'm a feminist in the
c/assicsense," she murmured. Another step, another beat, and the punch line: "not the
mean sense."
Ouch. The mean sense? Like, I guess I'm a feminist in the mean sense? A ballbreaking,
castrating, mean, with-no-sense-of-humor feminist?
Well, actually, I used to be, but I've lightened up a bit. I even tell Blond jokes sometimes.
Q. Why are blondjokes- so short? A. So men can remember them.
Sorry, that was mean. So let's see if we can figure out what she meant by classic, and
what she meant by mean.
Classic Feminism, I'm thinking, has a lot to do with economics - equal access for women
to law school, medical school, Harvard and Princeton and Yale. Mean would be - affirmative action to force the above?
Classic: equal pay for equal work; Mean - affirmative action and wage equality studies
and pay equity implementation?
Classic: girls can aspire to be anything they want, firefighters, police officers, Senators;
Mean - affirmative action, and suggesting that only racism and sexism keep an AfricanAmerican woman Senator from being just as qualified to run for president as her white
male counterparts?
Classic: conditional support for Title IX; Mean- supporting Title IX even if it means some
wrestling teams will be cut by universities who choose to protect the 4th-man-deep at each
position in football?
Classic: hyphenating your name when you get married; Mean - keeping your own name?
Asking him to hyphenate his?
Classic: Having it all, a family, a career, time for Starbucks and the gym; Mean - noticing
that you also have all the work at home all to yourself?
Classic: equal rights for women; Mean- anything that inconveniences or discomfits any
man, any time, any where, any how?
A friend of mine gave her mother a refrigerator magnet back in the 1980s. Her mother
looked at it, shook her head sadly, and said, "I can't put that up on the icebox, darling; it
would hurt your father's feelings." The hurtful words on the magnet were:
Women, their rights and nothing less.
Men, their rights and nothing more.
If this is mean, let's embrace meanness.
I believe our friend at OU, like many others, is trying to cope, without rocking the boat or
getting hurt, with the reality that sexism and patriarchy are still dominant in the 21st century. I think she's afraid she will lose privilege or safety if she speaks up, if she were to be
a mean feminist. I think she needs to consider Audre Lorde's observation, "I write for
those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so
terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught
that silence would save us, but it won't."
And so, sisters and brothers, I say Up the Revolution! Go forth and be Mean for Feminism. In radical sisterhood,
Sybil
Herland Hiking Club To Camp at Wichita Mountains
This month, the group will have a weekend camping/hiking trip to the Wichita Wildlife
Refuge near Lawton on October 17-19. call Jane at 521-9815 for more details or visit
www .members.cox.net/herlandhiking/.
The Herland Hiking Group will also have its regular monthly outing to Martin Nature Park,
5000 W. Memorial, at 10 am on Saturday, October 11th. Meet for coffee beforehand at
Panera's, corner of Memorial & Meridian, at 9:30 am.
By Hook or By Crook
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Do you want to see something unique and inspiring come to
the Oklahoma City community? Are you interested in the portrayals of gay/lesbian subjects in an atypical format? Do you
just like a good ole night at the movies? Well, so do I! And, I
am in the process of bringing an opportunity for all of the
above to the University of Oklahoma.
I am a student of sociology at OU and am in the process of
bringing the phenomenal film, By Hook or By Crook, and its
writers/directors/producers/editors, Harry Dodge and Silas
Howard. Harry is of theatre and spoken word fame, while
Silas lays claim to playing for years in the lesbian punk band,
Tribe 8.
Their film is an absolute work of art. It portrays gender
variant/ butch women in a non-imposing way that neither
makes explanations for nor lectures about, but rather just puts
them out there to be seen as the humans they are. Following
the lives of two eccentric and extremely real characters, the
film creates thread after thread of issues in the lives of these
characters, ranging from gay/lesbian existence and gender
identity to psychological issues and just making it by in society.
A beautiful and poetic exposition, this film will touch your
heart and ignite your mind. And I need help to make it happen. The screening is tentatively scheduled for November 5th
at 7 pm in the Union Ballroom at OU, followed by an interactive discussion with Harry and Silas, and an open reception
with them is planned for November 6th.
The total cost for this program is relatively inexpensive but
university backing is not available. Donations and sponsorships are being sought and will receive credit in all publicity.
I look forward to bringing this unique and mind-opening event
to our community and hope to see you there! For information,
donations, sponsorship, and suggestions please contact me,
Lynnsey Weber, at (405) 408-4881 or email
justsomegrrrl@yahoo.com.
Repairing a wall is fun at work day!
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Monday. October 6: Herl;:ind Book Club, 7:00 pm
Thursday. October 9: Stop the H;:ite Vigil, OCV, 7:30 pm
Friday. October 10: Dr. Leis;:i Meyer lecture entitled "The Politics of lntim<icy: Why G;:iy, Lesbi;:in, Bisexu;:il, <ind Tr;:insgendered Histol"V M;:itters" ;:it All Souls Vnit;:iri;:in Church, 2952 S.
Peori;:i in Tuls;:i ;:it 7 pm
Saturday. October 11: Herl;:ind Hike ;:it M;:irtin N;:iture P;:irk,
5000 W . Memori;:il, 10 ;:im
Saturday. October 11: Herl;:ind Supper Club ;:it J;:ir;:imillo's in
Shepherd M;:ill, 5:30 pm
Sunday. October 12: Womyn of Color Meeting
Monday. October 13: OGLPC Monthly Meeting ;:it The Center, 2135 NW 39th, 7:00 pm
October17-19: Herl;:ind (;:imping Trip, Wichit;:i Wildlife Refuge
Thursday. October 23: Women's Two-Spirit Meeting ;:it Herl;:ind, 6:30 pm
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November 5: By Hook or By Crook, OV, 7 pm
• November 6-8: Out OK Film Festiv;:il, Northp;:irk Cinem;:i
• November 7-9: IRIS ;:it Chelse;:i 's for Diversity Weekend,
: Wednesday.
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• Saturday. November 15: Hetland's 2oth Anniversary Open
: House, 1-5 pm at Hetland, and Concert 7:30 pm at City
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: Saturday. November 22: Pe;:ice Fest, Civic Center, 10;:im - 4pm :
• November 1-30 (weekends): Louise, Elyse, <ind M;:ity in the
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: Poll;:ird The;:itre's Little Shop ofHon-ot5, Guthrie
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The Rainbow Ride Across America
Ruthie Foster - Runaway Soul
The First Annual Rainbow Ride Across America got off to a soggy start as lesbian civil
rights activists carrie Stone and Elisia Ross began their cross country bicycle journey on
March 1st in St. Augustine, Florida. The rainy weather led them to wonder if their Rainbow Ducks logo was responsible for the inclement weather -- after all, ducks do love the
rain and the cyclists were doused with it for 13 straight days!
Undaunted by the wet weather that later became intense heat and steep mountains, the
couple arrived in San Diego on May 18th. Along the way, Ross and Stone stopped in
towns and cities to speak to the LGBT community about the need to put their wishes in
writing and to get more involved in the struggle for LGBT equality.
Ross and Stone hope their efforts have inspired the men and women they met to register to vote, educate themselves about federal, state, and local legislation, and to use the
power of their vote to elect candidates who wholeheartedly support LGBT equality. 'What
we really wanted to do," explained Stone, "was to shed some new light on the confusing
legal predicament facing the LGBT community today." Stone and Ross are of the opinion
that the law is "schizophrenic" in states where legislators have passed both a hate crimes
bill and an anti-gay marriage law. The couple believes contradictory laws send a mixed
message because hate crimes legislation makes it wrong for individuals and institutions to
mistreat gay men and lesbians on account of their sexual orientation. Meanwhile, anti-gay
marriage laws permit institutions to treat gay men and lesbians like second-class citizens
and deny them civil rights and liberties.
''The irony," according to Stone, "is that anti-gay marriage laws are themselves a form of
a hate crime because they deprive same-sex couples a right that is considered sacred and
fundamental to every American." "And," Stone continued, "the laws are clearly motivated
by hatred of gay men and lesbians." As a result, Stone and Ross believe anti-gay marriage
laws violate a State's own hate crimes legislation.
As the first Rainbow Ride progressed, Stone and Ross learned a lot about the LGBT community in America. "Across the board," they claim, "the communities we visited no longer
see themselves as victims." "Contrary to the myth of the apathetic gay voter," said Ross,
"the LGBT community is hungry for information about their legal status and is ready to do
whatever it takes to achieve legal equality for their relationships."
Stone and Ross plan to do the ride again next year, this time traveling across the central
U.S., beginning on May 1st, 2004 in San Francisco, califomia and ending on July 16th in
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The couple, who own and operate Rainbow Law, a relationship planning information resource for the LGBT community, are recipients of OUT Magazine's 2002 OUT 100 Award for their contribution to gay and lesbian society. They present
relationship-planning seminars across the country and offer affordable legal document
packages so that every LGBT person will have access to vital legal protections.
If you are interested in contacting Stone and Ross or helping with the 2004 Rainbow
Ride Across America, log onto www.Rainbowl.aw.com or email info@Rainbowl.aw.com or
call (716) 435-0965. An email campaign to get them to come through Oklahoma City the Heartland - next time couldn't hurt.
by Jill Gamer
Probably the first thing you'll notice about
Ruthie Foster is her voice. It's big. And
powerful. And amazing that it can come
out of one person. She's frequently compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin which I guess are fair comparisons. All
I know is her voice will blow you away.
The latest collection of songs by Ruthie on
Runaway Soul are a great mix of blues,
gospel, R&B, roots, and folk. It includes
mostly originals as well as covers of tunes
by Brownie McGhee, Big Maybelle, and
one of my favorite Texas songwriters,
Terri Hendrix. She also does a couple of
traditional songs, Death came a Knockin
and Woke Up This Momin'. Ruthie's manager and partner Cyd Cassone performs
with her.
Not surprisingly, Ruthie came from a
musical family and was surrounded by a
lot of gospel and blues. She said in an
interview I read that, "I thought my mom
was Aretha Franklin. She'd be singing and
then put on an Aretha Franklin album, and
I couldn't tell the difference."
I got the opportunity in September to
see Ruthie and Cyd perform at the Austin
City Limits Music Festival. She's an excellent performer and kept the crowd enthralled with her stories and in awe of her
voice. She also had us all singing along
with her! It honestly felt like a southern
church service with a totally amazing soloist in the choir. She was truly the highlight of the festival for me. And that's
saying a lot because I left Patty Griffin's
show a little early to go hear Ruthie, and
Patty Griffin is amazing.
I highly recommend you search out
Runaway Soul and get it however you can.
I bought it in Austin, but you can easily
get it from her website or from
www.milesofmusic.com. See for yourself
why everyone is raving about Ruthie Foster.
Red Dirt Book Festival
The Pioneer Library System is pleased to announce the Red Dirt Book Festival to be held
on the campuses of Oklahoma Baptist University's Geiger Center and St. Gregory's University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, October 17 and 18, 2003. More than 100 authors, publishers, storytellers, illustrators, scholars, and book lovers will gather to look at contemporary
literature from an "Okie" perspective during this unique event. Featured author at the
festival will be best-selling novelist Tony Hillerman.
Festival goers will also have the opportunity to contribute original, unpublished manuscripts to be considered for publication in the Red Dirt Anthology. Registration is free.
You may register on-line at 222.reddirtbookfestival.org, where you will also find information about the authors, workshops, and activities.
The Voice is published by: Herland Sister Resources,
Inc. 2312 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. The
Voice is offered as an open forum for community
discourse. Articles reflect the opinions of the author
and not necessarily those of Herland Sister Resources. Unsolicited articles and letters to the editor
are welcomed and must be signed by the writer with
full name and address. Upon request, letters or
articles may be printed under a pseudonym or
anonymously. Subscriptions to The Voice are free
upon request although a donation is requested to
meet publication and distribution costs.
Cimarron Alliance Group Launches New Focus
"g,ooR.v-votes.
The Cimarron Alliance Group (CAG) held a town hall meeting August 23, 2003.
Acting President, Mark Bonney, said the meeting's purpose was to evaluate the
future of CAG and its mission.
A quorum of the membership voted to elect a new five member Board of Directors. The directors elected are: Ben Collum, Margaret Cox, Terry Gatewood,
Rob Howard, and Richard Ogden. The charge of the new Board will be to substantially streamline, reorganize, and re-focus the organization.
Over the next few months, the new Board of Directors will be meeting to organize the Cimarron Alliance Group into a leaner, more vital political voice for the
gay and lesbian community. It is the goal of the Board to introduce the new
structure of the Cimarron Alliance Group to its existing members and to the
greater community by the end of the year.
The new Board released this statement: 'We intend to work diligently to uphold the original intent of the Cimarron Alliance Group, working within the political structure of our city and state, as a political voice to which our community
may tum for support, ideas, and leadership. We also will work hard to build and
rebuild membership and appeal to greater numbers in our community".
All current memberships will be honored during 2003 under the new structure
of the Cimarron Alliance Group. Additional announcements will be released over
the next few weeks and months in anticipation of the introduction of the new
Cimarron Alliance Group. Call Margaret at (405) 842-3206 for more information.
BUSWHACKED, LHe in George Bush's
America by Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose, is
worth a read. Three-time Pulitzer finalist Ivins
rakes W's administration over the coals for such
moves as trying to kill language at a world summit last year that would have included female
genital mutilation as a human rights violation.
Trace Elements of Random Tea Parties by
Felicia Luna Lemus tells the story of a good girl
who falls for bad chicas. Set in the Los Angeles
dyke youth scene, the novel examines modem
gender-bending as it is found in the bars and
barrios of LA. Lemus is following in the footsteps of two other lesbian California writers,
Michelle Tea and Lynne Breedlove, who have
popularized San Francisco's dyke/queer street
scene.
Real-Life Retreat Adventures
35 women were treated to nature's beauty at the Herland Retreat at Osage
Hills State Park. One of the highlights of the weekend was when Diane B.
talked Marcia, Ginger, and Peggy into trying out the rope swing over Sand
Creek. Once she had them in the cold water and interested in the challenge
of the swing, Diane quietly slipped off to the safety (and warmth) of the
shore. Peggy Johnson had the best "swing form" as she developed the "lean
back" technique and swung a wide, graceful arc over the creek before releasing at the prime moment and dropping easily into the water. Marcia handled
the swing easily and Ginger took first prize for bug bites with over 200 in
countable places!
Hammering is my thing!
Classifieds
Keep the Voice Coming
The monthly cost for printing and mailing The Vok'e is approximately $300. If you enjoy reading The Vok'e each
month, please consider making a donation to help cover
these costs.
D
Please add me to the mailing list for The Voice.
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Please change my address (new address below).
D I'd like to contribute $ _ _ toward continuing to
bring The Vo.Ce to our public.
Lawnmower 8t Microwave Wanted: Herland is seeking the donation of a used but working lawnmower for groundskeeping and a used
microwave for Herland.
Duplex For Rent: 1 BD, 1 Bath with CH&A near Paseo area. Prefer
no pets. $350/month + bills+ deposit. Call Ginger at (405) 942-1535
for more details.
@
PHONE: 943-1467
CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2910 N.W. 23
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73107
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
State_ Zip _ __
N. WORLAND DVM
D. TRAVIS DVM
D.M. HAWKINS, DVM
Herland Sister Resources
2312 NW 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
NonProfit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861
Return Service Requested
M Coleen Woody
Attorney at Law
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Stonewall Democrats
&
Eleanor Roosevelt
(405) 245-1626
GENERAL PRAffiCE OF LAW
LIVING TRUSTS, HEALTHCARE DIREffiVES,
WILLS, PROBATE, CONSUMER LAW, CONTRACTS
Invite you to her l l 9th Birthday Party
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003 at 7:00 pm
Krumme Center, 4100 N. Lincoln, OKC
www.oklahomastonewall.org
(405) 843-3651
mystery guest to be announced
REBECCA R. HOLT, Ph.D.
Julia Irwin, M.D., P.C.
Clinical Psychology
(405) 321-2148
Box 5119
Norman, OK 73070
Individuals - Couples
Family Therapy, Retreats
Psychiatrist
Doctor's Park
500 E. Robinson, Suite 600
Norman, OK 73071
(405) 321-3719
DOROTHY E. HEIM
Attorney at Law
(405) 691-4949
Sandy Ingraham, JD., M.S.W.
Attorney-at-Law
Ingraham & Associates, PLLC
dheim033@yahoo.com
Call me with your legal questions:
estate planning
personal injury
contract issues
small business
Young
And Older Adul.ts
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Adoption, Contracts
Route 2, Box 369-B
McLoud, OK 74851
Tel. (405) 964-2072
Ingraham@mcloudteleco.com