Frontlines_v10.no1.2000.10.pdf
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Property of the Center
OUTFRONT
ront ines
NEWS FROM OUTFRONT MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA
Volume 10 Number 1 October 2000
Like many ofy ou, OutFront
Minnesota staff and board have
spent a great deal of the summer
talking to the m edia, parents, GLBT community
members, and allied organizations about the J une
Supreme Court decision which supports the Boy Scouts
ofAmerica in their policy to expel scout leaders who are gay. Following is a resolution
unanimously passed by the OutFront Minnesota 's Board of Director 's at the August 31
meeting. We encourage other organizations to sign on to this resolution or to pass one of
their own. We would like a copy ofy our resolution because it would be very helpful to us as
we continue to work further with individuals, community organizations, the United Way,
and the local Boy Scouts councils on this issue.
Resolution of the Board of Directors of OutFront Minnesota
Background
The United States Supreme Court in June 2000 decided (in Boy
Scouts of America, et. al., vs. D ale) that the First Amendment's
guarantee of freedom of association allows the Boy Scouts of
America to reject and expel scouting participants just because they
are gay.
Human rights laws forbidding such discrimination are unconstitutional in such circumstances, ruled the Court by a one-vote
magin, in that they intrude into a group's internal affairs by forcing
it to accept a member it does not desire. T he Boy Scouts, therefore, were allowed to reject gay scoutmaster applicant James Dale
despite his unchallenged, exemplary record of performance and
leadership within the Boy Scouts of America.
In the wake of the Dale ruling, well-meaning people and organizations are struggling to reconcile their support for scouting
with their belief that the Boy Scouts' anti-gay policy is ignorant
and intolerant.
RESOLUTION CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
LETTER FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GETTING THE BSA
"the Supreme
Court decision
upholding the
Boy Scouts of
America~ po/icy
to discriminate
. t
.
af!ams . gays IS
d1sturbmg and
dangerous . "
I have been talking a lot about the Boy Scouts lately. I've talked with the OutFront Board and the staff. I've talked
with GLBT community leaders and OutFront Minnesota members. I've talked with executive directors from other organizations and representatives of the United Ways of Minneapolis and St. Paul. I've talked with the media. I've talked
with other GLBT people. I've talked with my partner, my siblings and my friends. I've even talked with some Boy Scouts
about the Boy Scouts.
But my decision remains the same: the Supreme Court decision upholding the Boy Scouts of America's policy to discriminate against gays is disturbing and dangerous. It will have serious consequences for the young men and boys who
learn about honesty, bravery, and leadership through the Scouts. Instead of taking a leading role as the nation's largest
young men's leadership development organization, it is contributing to an environment where prejudice born of fear and
misinformation are the norm. As the head of an organization that confronts anti-gay violence, I can tell you that such an
atmosphere of hatred and ignorance has led more often than you think to violence and even murder.
Many people have asked if I support the United Way's stance to continue funding the Boy Scouts. My answer in the
long term is no, at least while this policy stands. The United Way has taken a strong stand to end discrimination and to
respect diversity, and that is exactly what it should do. By continuing to fund the Boy Scouts, funders like the United Way
are supporting an organization that cannot, in all good conscience, sign on to those basic principles.
But we need to distinguish between the Boy Scouts of America and its two local affiliates, the Viking Council based in
Minneapolis and the Indianhead Council based in St. Paul. Those two local councils are caught in a squeeze between a
national office that orders them to conform and a local community that, by and large, supports the GLBT community.
In it's decision, the Supreme Court addressed the Boy Scout policy concerning Scout Leaders. It said nothing about
the boys themselves. All of us know that there are boys who are gay or perceived to be gay and who are currently memhers of Scouting and there probably always will be. I am very concerned about those boys. Their safety needs to be
addressed now.
Given that the United Ways of both Minneapolis and St. Paul have decided for now to continue funding the Boy
Scouts, OutFront Minnesota is using this opportunity to pressure the local Councils. They must enact and actively
enforce policies and practices that deal affirmatively and proactively with the elimination of all anti-gay harassment within the Boy Scout organization. As an organization that joins them at the United Way table, not to do so at this point in
time would be irresponsible. However, if these issues are not addressed soon and the policy is not rescinded, there ought
to be additional consequences.
The OutFront Minnesota Board Resolution elsewhere in this issue of Frontlines does a great job of addressing the policy of discrimination in the Boy Scouts and the cessation of public support. It calls upon funders and other organizations
to be true to their values of non-discrimination and diversity. It is my hope that similar resolutions will be passed by organizations all across Minnesota with the result being a change in BSA policies and a reconciliation of the local Councils
back into the fold of leading community organizations.
Ann DeGroot, Executive Director
OutFront Minnesota is a not-for profit 501 (c)4 lobbying organization supported primarily by contributions from individuals. Donations to OutFront Minnesota are not tax deductible.
OutFront Minnesota Community Services in a not-for-profit
501 (c)3 direct service organization supported primarily
by funding from the l,Jnited Way, foundations, and select
government contracts as well as some fees for services
provided. Donations to OutFront Minnesota Community
Services are tax deductible as charitable contributions
as allowed under federal law.
OutFront Minnesota's mission is to eliminate heterosexism
and homophobia in Minnesota.
OutFront Minnesota Board of Directors
Marjorie Cowmeadow
Chair
Ju lia Classen
Vice chair
Donn Pol l
Secretary
Gus Ljungku ll
Tre asurer
Monica Bryand
PAGE 2
Gi l Kiekenapp
Lynn Moline
Larry M ontan
Jim Rickert
Barbara Satin
Al lan Spear
Robert Sykora
Phi llip Voight
Ame lious Whyte
Frontlines is published month ly by
OutFront Minnesota
310 E. 38th St., Suite 204
Minneapolis, MN 55409-1337.
Copyright 2000.
FRON TLI NES
News from OutFront Minnesota
Editor: Gregg White
Layout & Design: Lavender Media, Inc.
Copy Editor: Kathy Lee
On Sunday, November 5, OutFront
Minnesota is pleased to present the
event no one will want to miss! Fresh
from her smash Broadway appearance
and immediately following her regal
performance at the closing ceremonies
of the Sydney Olympic Games, it is
none other that Australia's answer to
Britain's royalty, Dame Edna! On her
first Royal Tour of the United States,
Dame Edna is the comedienne queen
that so many of us have always wished
we could be.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. in
the lobby of the LaSalle Plaza, adjacent to the State Theatre, with the
Possum Party, a Down Under reception for Dame Edna's fans from here
in the central hinterlands of the new
world. This private party for Dame
Edna's possums will feature a light
buffet; cash bar; entertainment; and
lots of see-and-be-seen opportunities
for everyone to experience.
Then, at 7:30 p.m., it's show time!
OutFront Minnesota has reserved the ·
entire main floor of the Historic State
Theatre for this outlandish GLBT
community event. Attendees will be
seated in only the best seats in the
house providing an intimate experience for Dames and Lords alike.
Possum Circle event sponsorship
costs $250 for OutFront Minnesota
members, $300 for non-members, and
includes two tickets in the exclusive
Possum Circle seating section, the
Possum Party and more. Koala Klatch
individual tickets are $75 for OutFront
Minnesota members, and $85 for nonmembers and include the Possum
Party and main floor, A-section seats
for the performance.
Seats will be assigned on a firstordered, first assigned basis. Don't
delay; order your tickets early as this
event is sure to sell out to sell out.
Tickets are available online at
www.outfront.org;
by phone at
612-822-0127
ext. 611 or
800-800-0350 ext. 611;
or at Rainbow Road
in Minneapolis. <)
Sponsors:
Julia ClassenrnALTOR
i~ ~~ f1~1
ly.\j@W-1 I-J_f.1~'! ~'I
~!. 1
R
BURNET
PAGE 3
COMMUNITY EVENT
OUTFRONT
OutFront Minnesota is once again
the major presenter of the annual
National Coming Out Day Luncheon,
being held 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, October 11, 2000, at the
Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown
Minneapolis. This year's featured
speakers are:
• Scott Mayer, renown organizer of
the famous Hollywood Parties here in
the Twin Cities and thereby successful
fundraiser of over $5,000,000 for
AIDS charities.
•Jason Schellack, Park Rapids resident and Hamline freshman
•Mary Olson, a Minneapolis writer
and PFLAG member with a 14 yr-old
son
• Reema Bazzy, recovering attorney
"OutFront Minnesota has reserved
several premier tables for this event
just for OutFront Minnesota members
and their guests. It is wonderful to
have them join us for this large community event," said Ann Marie
DeGroot, Executive Director of
OutFront Minnesota. As the presenting organization for the National
Coming Out
Day Luncheon,
OutFront Minnesota is able to offer its
members tickets at a reduced price of
$22 .50 per person. Members should
feel free to bring their boss, diversity
director, co-workers, friends or family
members to join them at the OutFront
Minnesota National Coming Out Day
Luncheon at this special price. These
tickets must be purchased through
OutFront Minnesota and be ordered
no later than October 1 in order to
ensure proper processing. Go to our
website, www.outfront.org or call 612822-0127, ext. 611 to order tickets.
Immediately following, OutFront
Minnesota, and its affiliated project,
the Workplace Alliance, are co- sponsoring the Lavender Career Expo just
one floor up from the luncheon in the
Minneapolis Hyatt Regency hotel.
This first-ever event is free and open
to everyone. Bring your resume and
meet with dozens of employers seeking
you as their next new employee. '©
proudlv presents the
Sixth Annual
National Coming Out Day Luncheon
Hosted by Robyne Robinson,
News Anchor, KMSP TV Channel 9
Speakers Include
Reema Bazzy, recovering attorney, Mpls
Scott Mayer, Marketing Manager
Community Relations-Daytons
Mary Olson, writer and essayist, Mpls
Jason Schellack, Hamline Univ. student
Presenter
Ann DeGroot, Executive Dir., Outfront MN
Wednesday, October 11
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
$25 per person • $225 per table of ten
For reservations &information
612-870-4943
NCOD@quotientgroup.com
See October 6 issue of la11ender for "Official NCOD Program"
NCOD luncheon i1 supported in part by Twin Citiet Quorum, The Travel Company, lavender M19ozine
PAGE 4
Prope rty of the Center
FIRST GLBT CAREER EXPO
Looking for acareer with acompany that cares about its GLBT employees?
(heck "out" your new career.
C~
'
0 UTF RO,NT
l
l
I
COMPANIES PARTICIPATING INCLUDE:
Accessible Space, Inc.
Adecco
American Express
Blue Cross & Blue Shield
of Minnesota
Dain Rauscher
Imation Corporation
Deluxe Corporation
Lifecycle Health Services
Fairview Health Services
Medtronic
Health Partners
Metro Transit
Hennepin County
Pro Staff
.. .and others to be announced
Prudential
The St. Paul Companies
StarTribune
State of Minnesota
Wells Fargo
(,
In the October 6edition of lavender, see the Lavender Career [xpo Guide, in which companies will list positions or types of positions available.
PAGE 5
OutFront
leads
the
response
•
•
to ant,-gay seminar
In early August a very unwelcome visitor
arrived in Minnesota: the Colorado-based
Focus on the Family brought to town its infamous "Love Won Out" seminar. The seminar, which tours the country, is widely advertised as being educational, promising to give
concerned parents, teachers, school counselors and nurses, and youth workers the
tools and information needed to spot the
"early warning signs" of homosexuality and
thus prevent it, and to help kids and
teenagers get out of the "lifestyle." It is packaged as if it is a loving and viable alternative
to being gay
OutFront Minnesota saw that a strong
response was called for, particularly because
of the seminar's target audience. "If it were
just a matter of a church group having a conference, we may not agree with the content
but we wouldn't necessarily fight it," commented Doug Federhart, OutFront's Deputy
Director, who worked with staff and community members to come up with a response
strategy. "But the 'Love Won Out' people
were trying to bring this insidious and dangerous message to an audience far outside the
private domain of church. That needs to be
strongly counteracted." OutFront staff then
organized a four-part -response.
A press conference, held on Tuesday,
August 8 at Sabathani Community Center
(where OutFront's offices are located), was
the first stage of response. Local media personnel had the opportunity to hear from several people, including Rev. Paul Tideman,
pastor of St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran
(ELCA), and Jeffry G. Ford, M.A. Since most
of the "Love Won Out" conversion process is
based on a so-called religious belief, Pastor
Tideman spoke to point out that many, many
faith-based communities strongly disagree
with those premises. In turn, Mr. Ford
brought an insider's view of what the socalled "change" ministries are all about: for
many years, he was the director of Outpost
Ministries, a conservative Christian program
that promises release from homosexuality by
applying "reparative therapy," prayer and
peer support. Mr. Ford eventually left that
organization when he realized it didn't work
and was in fact damaging. He has been happily together with his male partner, whom he
met at Outpost, for over thirteen years.
The second response, an educational
forum, followed right after the press conference and included presentations by OutFront
anti-violence program staff Rebecca Dreke
and Phil Duran, and once again, Jeff Ford.
Over 85 concerned individuals listened
intently as Mr. Ford went into detail about
his own attempts to change his sexual identity. Attendees were surprised to learn that, in
addition to enforced celibacy and other tactics intended to "cure" homosexuality, genital-shock therapy is still used as a deterrent
for same-sex arousal. After the presentation,
OutFront Minnesota hosted a reception for
all those in attendance.
Then on Thursday evening, August 10,
OutFront worked with a network of people
of faith to coordinate an interfaith event
called "A Celebration of Our Faith and
PAGE 6
Identities," held at St. Paul's United Church
of Christ in Saint Paul. "The generous outpouring of support from our religious allies
was great!" said OutFront Minnesota's
School Resources Coordinator, Rebecca
Hostetler, who is also a former ordained
Lutheran minister. "It was incredible to have
over 500 people, representing so many communities of faith, stand in solidarity with the
GLBT community."
Before 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, the
last event of the week began. OutFront
Minnesota staff members arrived at the intersection of County Road 96 and O ld Snelling
Avenue in Arden Hills to coordinate a community protest aptly entitled "Love Comes
Out." With the cooperation of Ramsey
County Sheriffs Deputies, one lane of the
busy highway for was closed off to provide a
safe place for demonstrators to walk. When
the pre-registered Love Won Out attendees
began arriving around 7:00 a.m. at the expansive North Heights Lutheran compound,
they were peacefully greeted by over 2 00
members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied communities. Signs carried
by the demonstrators, and some very creative
chants, brought a counter-message about
GLBT acceptance and understanding, letting
conference participants know that there is a
life-giving, affirming point of view.
Note: Mr. Ford's comments, an eye-witness report from Bob
Werner of Rochester, MN, who attended Love Won Out
and a statement from Senator Paul Wei/stone concerning
this event can all be found in the BibliothQue section of
OutFront Minnesota's website, www.outfront.org.
,0
.l
r
RESOLUTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
OUTFRONT M I NNESOTA
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Resolution of the Board of Directors of
OutFront Minnesota (continued)
We believe ...
We resolve ...
•The Boy Scouts of America's policy forbidding participation by gay people is
repugnant to the values of a pluralistic society.
•An individual's sexual orientation is
irrelevant to her or his ability to serve with
distinction as a role model and mentor to
youth. This truth is recognized by other
youth groups including such thriving,
multi-million-member organizations as the
Girl Scouts of the USA and Scouts Canada
(Footnote 1).
•Youth who are questioning their sexuality are often frightened and self-destructive. The Boy Scouts of America's anti-gay
message is dangerous and potentially
destructive to these young people.
•Some young people are especially cruel
to their peers if they sense that those peers
are questioning their sexuality. Such abusive youth hear in the Boy Scout's anti-gay
message a validation of their cruelty. In this
way, the Boy Scouts of America's anti-gay
message is dangerous and potentially
destructive.
•Organizations whose values forbid
unfair discrimination must remain true to
those values. Decisions to disassociate, disaffiliate and defund the BSA should be
made with the same certainty and confidence as would occur when responding to
an organization that advocates bigotry
against people based on their race, sex, or
their religious affiliation.
•We oppose taxpayer-subsidized benefits
that accrue to the Boy Scouts of America,
such as use of public meeting facilities and
tax-exempt status; taxpayers should not be
compelled to subsidize an organization that
advocates unfair discrimination. We will
work to educate elected leaders and candidates about this issue.
•Organizations whose purpose includes a
pledge to respect diversity and end discrimination must remain true to this stated purpose especially when it becomes inconvenient or unpopular. We will work to educate such organizations about the destructive and dangerous effects of the BSA's discriminatory policy.
•We will work to support healthy alternatives for youth interested in scoutingtype activities such as YWCA/YMCA,
Scouting for All, and Scouts Canada.
Twin Cities:
612-822-0127
Statewide:
800-800-0350
=z.t
Extensions:
(italics indicates available 24 hours a day)
Address Corrections . ..... . ... ... .616
Anti-Violence Program . .. . . . . ..... 210
Business Office ......... . . . . . . ... 108
Center Circle
...... . . ... .. . ..... 613
Citizen Q Network ....... . ....... 209
Cmte. for a Legislative Voice ..... ... 614
Community Organization
Support Services ......... .
.. .. 106
Community Resources Directory ..... 711
Crisis Counseling . . ... . ...... . ... 600
Deputy Director . . . . .. . . . ........ 106
PASSED on August 31, 2000 by unanimous vote of the Board.
Development Office . .. . . .. ... . .. . 110
Effective Educator Trainings . . . . .. . .618
Events Information .. ... ..... . .... 610
Event Registration ..... .. .. . ...... 611
Executive Director . ... . . . .. . . . .. . . 107
GLBT Domestic Violence Hotline .. . .702
GLBT Lobby Day.............
Marjorie Cowmeadow, Board Chair
. .617
General Offices ...... . ...... . . . .. 200
Harassment and
Hate-Crime Reporting .. . . . ... . . . . .614
Footnotes:
lnfoLine . . ............ .. . . .. . .. .700
Consider the following sampling of organizations that embrace participation by gay and lesbian people:
-Scouts Canada requires only that its members fall within certain age limits and take the
Scout promise. The promise does not contain phrases such as in the BSA's oath to be "morally straight" which could be interpreted as prohibiting gay people. Potential Scout leaders are
not asked to reveal their sexual orientation. Leaders who are determined to be gay or bisexual are not expelled. Individual Scouts who are bisexual or gay are also not expelled. See:
http://www.scouts.ca
-Girl Scouts of the USA National Executive Director Marsha Johnson Evans makes the
following simple statement about the Girl Scouts' openness to everyone regardless of sexual
orientation: "Girl Scout Membership is open to all girls between the ages of 5 and 17, and to
men and women over 18 who accept the Girl Scout law and make the Girl Scout promise."
See http://www.gsusa.org/
-Scouting for All "... believes that Federal, state, and local laws should require non-discrimination on the part of public facilities, including Scouting and youth organizations, based
on sexual orientation, gender, and religion." See http://www.scoutingforall.org/
Legal Program .... . .. ..... . .. . . .230
PAGE 7
Membership Registration ........ . .612
Night of 1000 Candles
.. . . .. . .. .609
OutFront Conference . ... ..... ... .608
Public Policy Department ... . . ..... 109
School Resources Program
...... . 11 3
Speakers Bureau . . . . . . .
. .. 124
Statewide Organizing . .. . . . .. . .... 111
Volunteer Program ....... . .. .. ... 104
Learn more at:
www.outfront.org
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PERMIT NO. 3913
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THE NEW SYMBOL OF
EQUALITY IN MINNESOTA
OUTFRONT
MINNESOTA
310 E. 38th St., Suite 204
-- M inneapolis, MN 55409-133.Z .
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11 ••• 1•• 11 •••• 11 ••• 11 •• 1.11 •• 1.1 ••• 111 •••••• 11 ••• 11 •• 1.11 ••• 11
IN
THIS
ISSUE
OutFront Minnesota board takes stand
on BSA
......... 1
Letter from the Executive
.2
Director
Minnesota's GLBT community
welcomes Dame Edna
... 3
National Coming Out Day
Luncheon
... 4
Lavender Career Expo .......... .5
Love Comes Out through
community action
.. 6
OutFront Minnesota Member
Benefits
. .8
SHOW YOUR
OUTFRONT MINNESOTA
MEMBERSHIP CARD
AND REAP THE BENEFITS!
**-******--*-****-******--AUTO**M IXED MDC 553
Pat Reaves
17
Chair
31
Herland Sister Resources
2312 W I 44 Service Rd
Oklahoma City OK 73112-8701
11 X LGBT Film Festival
October 20 through October 31
~~ i?~&'jj'(!JJ[Rl~ [?~[Lil~
Oct. i3-31
Wednesday, October 11 , 2000, Noon
at Oak St.
National Coming Out Day Luncheon
Discounted tickets for OutFront Minnesota members
Only at www.outfront.org or at 612-822-0127 ext. 611.
University Film Society and t
OAK STREET CINEMA
Friday, October 20 thru Sunday, October 29
Twin Cities GLBT Film Fest ival
$1 discount on individual tickets
$5 discount on festival passes
Show your card when purchasing
Wednesday, December 6, 2000, 5 - 8 p.m.
OutFront Minnesota Member's Holiday Party
Boom! Hosted by Miss Richfield 198 1 and Santa's helpers
Show your card at the door or make a $5 contribution
OutFront MN Members receive $1 off admission
and $5 off Festival passes. Call 612- 627-4430 for
info. Look for our Festival Progam in October!