Director's Column: Center News

What a juxtaposition of events today (4/30/09) has proven to be here at the Center. I was blessed to visit with a loving committed lesbian couple from Iowa who stopped in looking for rainbow decorations/favors for their upcoming wedding on May 30. They have been together for over twenty some odd years and are now finally after all this time able to be legally wed in their home state-amazing! Not only do I love planning events and decorating-it was an honor that they chose to stop in to the Center and see what we have to offer the community. In complete contradiction to what this loving couple represented to me was a letter to the editor in the La Crosse Tribune stating that the front page article on two loving lesbian couples from Wisconsin planning on marrying in Iowa was offensive and ruined her day this past Sunday. I met the couple and I read the letter. I saw a lasting loving connection between two beautiful souls that have waited their lifetimes for the honor of legally marrying one another. I do not see how that can ruin anyone’s day. In fact it made mine!

It is because of stories similar to the one above that the Center strives to bridge connections throughout our communities and make equality a reality not just a dream. We are fortunate to have great community support and have a steady stream of individuals interested in helping the Center fulfill its mission and do the work. Thank you to everyone who has contributed financially, given of your time and talents, and for believing in the importance of having a thriving visible LGBT Center in the tri-state area.

GALAXY, as you know, became a program of the Center in March. We have had 13 different youth attend GALAXY, some being past youth wanting to check out the program, and new youth to GALAXY. It has been enjoyable getting to work with the youth and meeting future leaders for social justice. We have made collages, played games, shared about ourselves, and more. Currently, we are making linoleum carvings for ink prints. The theme was something that makes you feel prideful. We will finish carving them on May 5th and begin printing our carvings. If you have craft materials, items, or ideas please feel free to share them with GALAXY. We would love to help you remove clutter and be able to make beautiful projects in the process.

This weekend is GALAXY’s first trip to attend the Young Womyn’s Empowerment Conference hosted by Project Q of the Milwaukee LGBT Center. I am taking four young women to attend this event. It is a three day weekend filled with programming, workshops, and more. My partner, Dee, is presenting on how to change oil and a tire and I will be presenting on Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships. I am excited for our first field trip and look forward to more opportunities for the youth.

Please mark your calendars and save the following dates:

As we make progress we will experience back lash for our successes. It is the nature of the work, but if we stand side by side as equals we can and will make it through this historical time. Thank you for all you do everyday by simply being you.

Belief,
Rosanne