.5 I . r '1' cc u“v-' c‘ «- . in, q. — uuu IN ll'1t lV|UUNlAlN5 - IV\AY199d -jaw icllelaury lural H.045 Co‘op A full service, nafural foaJ5 star: specializiny in Isa/M}, wlo/c, oryania ‘ foods and proclusfs ~l~ou”< - produce ~ V;fAh'\il\S yrocery - spices - l>o4:lycAr¢ bakery ‘ Looks - yifts cL4Z\NZrA7¢$ - Shh-cks ~——J Queer Studies in Vermont Colleges —--M ' continued from front page some interesting questions that went beyond our genitals.” The queer theory panel at Goddard transpired outside of regular classes, which frequently include Queer Studies courses.» A professor of Gender Studies, Shelley Vermilya offers a course in Gay History, occasionally facilitated by graduate student .David Boyce. The actual curriculum is generated by both stu- dents and faculty; recent "studies have dealt with the Harlem Renaissance, ex—patriots in Paris and the Holocaust. Texts con- sist of numerous articles from myriad sources and individual novels by writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Gertrude Stein. In addition to actual history, classes often examine the lit- erature, art and music of a period. - * Bennington College is another which offers a course in Queer Studies. While no specific curriculum exists, students of— g ten create tutorials dealing with a wide array of queer-oriented issues. Occasionally, a regular studyjwill be offered, such as Gay ; and Lesbian Cultural History; however, enrollment remains small. A » , As a result of their liberal stance on education, both Marlboro and Goddard allow students to focus on Queer’Stud-' ies when pursuing a degree. Neither school uses the term ,,’ma- V jor;' consequently, individual ‘plans’ of study are initiated. At Goddard, a student must complete a ’SeniorStudy,7 which of- ten includes a lengthy paper resembling a Master's thesis as well as an oral presentation. Similarly at Marlboro, students conclude a two year ‘Plan of Concentration,’ dealingwith at least two interdisciplinary subjects." The topic of Queer Studies could be dealt with in the form of a lengthy manuscript, exhibit, video, QUEER, p6 Behind the scenes at T.l.P. continued from front page $9,000 that it cost to stuff the flier in five of Vermont's daily news- papers came from somewhere. Craig Benson, however, will not say where the money came from. The right has learned from other battles the importance of hiding how its money is being funneled into local fights. ' It also is clear that out-of-state interests have tried to help the Right as it organizes in Vermont. A meeting regarding oppo- sition to same—sex marriage, organized by the Catholic church, was held Dec. 9, 1997 at the Bishop Brady Center in Burlington. The featured speakers were Father Mark Alexander from Ho- nolulu and Dave Coolidge, who teaches at Catholic University. Among the Vermonters attending the meeting were TlP’s Craig Benson. According to a source who attended the meeting, Alexander focused on the similarities and differences between Vermont and Hawaii and drew the conclusionthat both states were targeted by well—funded and well-organized ”outsi‘ders.” ”One of the co-counsels is from Boston,” Coolidge said. The focus of the discussion seemed to be on how to moti- vate the "silent majority” to write legislation if the Supreme Court should decide the case in favor of same-gender marriage. ”Who gets to decide what marriage is?” is the question to be asked, speakers said. They also suggested: Shouldn't the people through their elected officials —— not the court — have that right? The idea is to give people talking points so they can be articu- late about their opposition to same—sex marriage and assure them that they are not bigots. People will be assured they have the 4 ; Q ‘ g ’ ‘.' g . ‘ta’, ' :5..:q.._I ‘L '- ‘:,..~.\:, ‘-1 u 3 \\-_j/‘fly; rfig, \. : V.‘ H gt \: ,t': /\§ ,\.\ Xx J1.’ 4;; g V§:%\_.} ‘K\ I It‘ P‘. \ i‘ ll‘ 5‘ ' 1’ \ '5‘! ~~~ v'- ‘-1 Pi it 3 x On April 15th approxi- mately 35 people joined the Co—liaisons for Visibility Day at the Statehouse. The intent of Visibility Day is to provide members of the Legislative body with a greater awareness of the issues and concerns for VT’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex com- munities. Representatives at- tended from Outright VT, OITM, GLEARN, Youth Aware, GSAS, PFLAG, Free- dom to Marry, in addition to Coalition members. This year the primary fo- cus was on youth issues. The day started with a legislative breakfast with members of the Judiciary, Health 8: Welfare 8: Education committees of both the House & Senate. Due to the . push for adjournment and ad- ditional committee work, the attendance was less than an- ticipated. However, all mem- bers were left with information packets outlining issues faced, by youth. ‘Legislators were struck by the youth risk survey re- sults indicating LGBTQ youth I - experiencea higher risk of sui- cide. Members in general were receptive to and support of the concept of a safe school model in VT schools. Next people" were formally introduced to the House of Representatives" by Bill Lippert, D, Hinesburg. Following this people were in- troduced to their individual 0 representatives and encour- ‘ aged to attend committee hear- ings. V An informal meetingwas held with Gov. Dean inhis cer- emonial office at the State- house. He voiced strong sup- port for youth issues and the safe school model. A tour of the Statehouse was given by David Schutz, Curator of the Statehouse. An information table was set up for the day with pamphlets from indi- vidual groups and candy to tempt legislators. The Coali- tion banner was hung above . , ‘; .,. .' --'0-, ~. ,3; ', ‘I I - v .i = I 1 I \ 1 \ \ ~ \\ \\ ‘\ -/l Taniiiiliildriitge, Execative.Dictor, Outz'ght.VTand Linsey Ke A Board of‘.Director‘s Outright V,T take lit, tao’tl1ecapital.‘‘—C_'g ‘ .-4, . -” .?“~-e’-5' f\ the display and prompted at least one state employee to stop and thank us for our pres- ence in the Statehouse. Legislators were im- pressed by the information provided and welcomed the Virginia and Gail, who had been hired as lobbyist by the AIDS Policy Committee, but also to members of the PWA Coalition who testified at pub- lic hearings and to Tim Palmer of VT CARES and Chuck ‘ Kletecha. The Conference/Our Town Meeting The Coalition has begun organizing for this year's Our Town Meeting and Coalition Conference. The next Cabot High School's Gay/Straight Alliance enjoyed the sunshine out side the Statehouse on ‘Visibility Day, April 15th. Palmer Legare, Rath Blackwell, Steph Kilian, Neal Clark. 7 ' opportunity to speak with con- stituents. The Coalition would like to takethis opportunity to thank Tammi Eldredge of O1_it—_g. right for her outreach to the youth groups, and to Dee &: Anneke of Red Clover Cafe at the Statehouse for donating the food for the legislative break- fast and reception. A ‘ The Legislative Session: As this column is being writ- ten the Legislature is still in session. A complete review of new legislation will be pro- vided in next month's Coali- tion Notes_. Of interest, at this time an additional $100,000 is still included in the State bud- get for direct services to people living with HIV and AIDS. When passed this will provide $300,000 in funding to ASOs and $300,000 for AMAP (AIDS Medical Assistance Program). Much credit goes not only to ”é -.:‘-"=-: - -~ . \’;.-3" . _ ,7/1, ~ I lgel, Cliairg, . planning meeting isischeduleld for May 20th beginning at 6:30 pm at the Fletcher Free‘Library in.Bu.r1iI1.gt.on, We-—,need. .-yo1.1.,1'«,. input and support to make a successful conference. If you have time to devote for public- ity, workshop organization or site planning, please contact’. Virginia (#496-4333) or leave a message via the Coalition toll free number #888-825-4989. Or 3 if you have ideas for work- shops you'd like to see, work-I shops you'd like to give or sug— . gestions for a keynote speaker. Sexual Assault/Domes- tic Violence The Co-Liaisons continue to talk with the VT Network regarding services for our communities. If you are interested in participating in this process please contact ' Keith (#454-8552) or leave a message via the Coalition's toll free number #888-825-4989. The Coalition Needs You The Coalition needs people who are interesting in serving on its Board of Directors and as volunteers. Since 1986 the Coalition has provided a strong presence within the main- stream political structure advocat- _ ing for the rights of ‘ _LGBTQ Vermonters. However, to main- tain this presence j‘ and continue our goal of equal rights for all Vermonters, we need your active support, your time 8: your energy. ., g . ‘,1’-,leas,e considerjoin- T Whifng us in this work.