University of Wisconsin Madison CAMPUS ASSISTANCE CENTER Information and Referral Housing Listing Service The Wheat and the Chaff DIAL June 8, 1979 608/263-2400 420 North Lake Street Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Barb Constans WSA 510 Memorial Union Dear Barb: I am currently in the process of updating the DIAL tape library for the fall semester 1979. Please take this opportunity to make any corrections or additions on the file copy of your script. Also let me know if you have ideas for new scripts. If I have not heard from you by June 25, 1979, I will call you to review the material and make necessary changes. In the meantime we will have to have final comfirma- tion on titles the week of June 25. In the meantime, if you wish to be in touch with me about changes, please call me at 263-1711. Sincerely, Steven R. Jaffa Steven R. Saffian Assistant Dean of Students SRS: cas 3333 HOMOSEXUALITY - JUST THE BASICS --- Gay Community Guide THE GAY CENTER 1001 University Avenue 257-7575. Located in the basement of the St. Francis Church. The Gay Center offers the following services: peer counseling; information about Madison's gay community; legal referrals; speakers bureau; support and special interest groups; literature. The Gay Center is open daily from 1pm to 5 pm, 7 pm to 10 pm and by appointment. The center is closed weekends. Pre-recorded information is available contin- uously. LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD 306 N. Brooks 257-7378. Lesbian Switchboard offers in- formation about Madison's lesbian community; peer counseling; legal refer- rals; lending library; speakers bureau. It is located in the University YMCA and is open Monday through Thursday from 7 to 10 pm. Appointments can also be arranged. GAY MEN'S VD CLINIC 913 Spring Street 262-5889 (Lab results) 262-7330 (Medical information) VD screening and treatment is given Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 pm at the Blue Bus Clinic. A physician is usually present. Donations are accepted but not required. BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND BUSINESSES (Bar time in Madison is 1:00 am) GOING MY WAY? 111 W. Main 256-4144 Men's Bar (street level) M-Th. 4 pm-1 am, Fri.-3 pm-1 am, Sat., noon-1 am, Sun., 3 pm-1 am Women's Bar (lower level) 8 pm to 1 am DJ Fri. & Sat, 10 pm-1 am) Disco Dancing (upstairs) 9 pm to 1 am THE PIRATE SHIP 116 Fairchild 256-9248. The Ship is open until 1 am. Say hello to Patty. THE CARDINAL BAR 418 E. Wilson 251-0080. Watch the local press for special events. The Cardinal's hours are: Tuesday through Friday, 4 pm to lam; Saturday 2 pm to 1 am; Sunday 10 am to 1 am. Spaghetti special on Sat- urdays, serving from 6 pm to 9 pm (all you can eat for $2.25). Sunday Brunch served from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Disco dancing Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 1 am. There is a 50¢ cover Thursdays; one dollar on both Fridays and Saturdays. The Cardinal is closed Mondays. LYSISTRATA 325 W. Gorham 255-0675. Lysistrata is a cooperatively owned feminist center. The bar is open until 12:45. Lunch is served from 11:15 until 1:45. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 9 pm. CAFE PALMS 636 W. Washington 256-3302. The Palms is located in the Washington Hotel. Lunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm. The after- hours cafe is open from 11 pm to 3 am. Sunday Brunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm. LOCAL PUBLICATIONS BREAD AND ROSES 111 E. Gilman 53703 257-8922. A non-profit feminist journal which includes material of interest to lesbian/gay readers, Bread and Roses appears quarterly at 75¢ per issue or $5 per year. Bread and Roses is. open to participation by lesbian and gay writers and is seeking volunteers. MADISON PRESS CONNECTION PO Box 2099 53701 255-4712. Madison's community cooperative newspaper, published Monday through Saturday, the Press Connection has given favorable coverage of gay/lesbian related issues. 53701 PO Box 962 FREE FOR ALL 255-2798. Free For All is one of Madison's alternative newspapers. It has been very open to covering lesbian/ gay issues and news. Free For All is published biweekly. BOOKSTORES A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN 317 W. Johnson 257-7888. A Room of One's Own has feminist, lesbian, and gay men's literature. Nonsexist children's books are also featured. Hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Women's music is also available. GILMAN STREET BOOKS 525 University Avenue 251-5853. Gilman Street Books has a selection of lesbian/gay and socialist/feminist books and periodicals. Hours are: Monday, 10 am to 6 pm; Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm; Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Stop in for 10¢ coffee and Oak House cookies at the Joe Hill Cafe. MARCH 394 1979 ORGANIZATIONS THE UNITED 306 N. Brooks 255-8582. The United is a coalition of lesbians, gay men, and supporters from the community at large. It is dedicated to the cause of securing equal rights for homosexuals and to maintaining oper dialogues with other local organizations. To this end, the focus of the United is both political and educational. The United is comprised of six standing com- mittees: Community Education; Legal; Religious Relations; Research; Media and Finance. Meetings of the general membership are held the first Wednes- day of each month at 306 N. Brooks (the University YMCA) beginning at 7 p.m Membership for a year is one dollar. NATIONAL LESBIAN FEMINIST ORGANIZATION 306 N. Brooks, NLFO was found- ed to continue the advances made at the International Women's Year Con- ference. NLFO fights discrimination against lesbians in all its manifestations through women working together. Political activities to protect and advance the rights of lesbians are being developed. Support groups are also being formed. For information on meeting times, call A Room of One's Own 257-7888, or Lysistrata 255-0675. INTEGRITY/MADISON. All Christian men and women are welcome. Call the Gay Center for more information. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES WSA GAY AFFAIRS PROGRAM Created by the Wisconsin Student Association, the program provides assistance to those students who are gay or may be questioning their sexuality. Students interested in getting involved in the pro- gram or in helping to organize a week long Gay Arts festival, please contact the WSA office or call 244-5354. POLICE/COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER 266-4052. Ed Forbes, the Com- munity Relations Officer for the Madison Police Department, has shown himself to be a friend of the lesbian/gay community. If you have a police related problem, or one which the police might be able to help with, please feel free to call Ed. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION 351 W. Wilson 256-1133. Do you suspect that your sexual orientation may have been the cause for discriminatory treatment in housing, credit, employment, (hiring, promotion, firing, etc.) or public accommodations (bars, restaurants, hotels, etc.)? The EOC is there to help. The EOC offers alternatives to the traditional court system, trying to set- tle disputes more quickly, less formally, and at little or no cost to the complai- nant. Commission members particularly sensitive to concerns of the les- bian/gay community are Jim Yeadon (256-2174) and Simi Litvak (256-1133). You may also contact the EOC office directly. FALLEN WOMAN PRODUCTIONS 306 N. Brooks 244-8561. Production of women's cultural events is emphasized, best known for concerts of women's music. COMMON SENSE COALITION PO Box 3191 53704. Common Sense is a political organization which has drawn the attention and participation of members of the lesbian/gay community. Common Sense has incorporated a few of the gay community's concerns into their platform. Lesbians and gay men are en- couraged to participate in CSC's district committees, work groups, or gay caucus. It should be remembered that CSC is the only political organization which has sought participation by openly gay men and women. WORT-FM PO Box 3219 53704 249-0111. WORT is a listener sponsored radio sta- tion which has been responsive to the needs of the lesbian/gay community. WORT gives airplay to women's music (such as Olivia artists) and includes les- bians and gay men among its creative forces. You may find WORT at 89.7. Listener participation is encouraged, welcomed, and necessary. UW GAY ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to respond to and assist with varying kinds of discrimination or "special" treatment within the University system. The com- mittee will listen, be supportive, intervene and help in any way it can. Conver- sation with the Committee is confidential, and any intervention or assistance by the Committee will occur only with the Gay person's approval. The Com- mittee includes representatives of the gay community and the Dean of Students Office. Interested persons may contact the Gay Center, 257-7575, or Paul Ginsberg (Dean of Students), 263-5700. GAY/LESBIAN ARTS FESTIVAL When: March 3rd and 4th Where: Memorial Union Who: YOU = If you are interested in displaying your artworks or performing in the festival, contact: Barb Constans at 255-5354, evenings Produced by WSA Gay Affairs Program Victor Lara ARoom OfOne's Own GALLERY BOOKSTORE 317 W. Johnson Street - Feminist Books - Lesbian Literature - Selection of Gay Men's Literature - Records - T-Shirts Hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm J M & Th 'til 8 pm 257-0070 --- (1) (2) (3) 53703 1202 WILLIAMSON Maine LIST LANGDON AREA GROCERY Co-Op 606 HOWARD PLACE. MADISON, Wisc 53703 WSA Community PHARMACY 666 STATE ST MADISON WILLIAM ST. Grocery MAIN Course (10) E 306 N BROOKS MADISON, Wisc 53715 (") LysiSTRATA RESTAURANT 325 MADISON W. GORHAM Wisc 53703 (12) THE 312 SOAP STATE OPERA ST MADISON Wisc 53703 COOPERATIVE (13) The MADISON 53703 10 GAY MENS CENTER 1001 UniVERSITY AVE MADISON, Wisc 5509 53715 LESBIAN SWITCH BOARD (14) 306 N. BROOKS MADISON Nisc 53715 HIFFLIN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER N. BASSET Nisc (4) 32 MADISON (5) MIFFLIN ST 32 53703 COMMUNITY Co-Op N. BASSET MADISON, NISC 53703 (6) NEAR EASTSIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER (7) (8) (9) 1133 WILLIAMSON MADISON, Nise 53703 A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN 317 W MADISON JOHNSON Wise 53703 WOMENS STUDIES DEPT 209 N. BROOKS MADISON, Wisc 53703 GILMAN STREET BOOKS 525 University Wisc 53703 426 W GILMAN MADISON --- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON THEATRE AND DRAMA Vilas Communication Hall 821 University Avenue Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Telephone: 608/263-2329 Nov. 20, 1978 Ms. Susan Finman Office of the Secretary of the Faculty 133 Bascon Hall --Campus-- Dear Sue: At the request of Barbara Constans of WSA, I would like to sponsor the following resolution and have it included in the agenda of the December 4 Faculty Senate meeting: Moved: That the University of Wisconsin-Madison add the words "sexual preference" to its current non- descrimination policy. The policy will then read: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers equal employment and educational opportunities to all qualified candidates. All educational programs and services, including admissions, and all employment opportunities conditions, and benefits, including recruitment, selection, and assignment, are administered without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual preference, color, national origin, age, religion, physical handicap or veteran status. I have also agreed to move the motion that will allow Ms. Constans or another WSA tepresentative to address the Senate for a total of not more than five minutes. Thanks for your help in this matter; please call me if you need nore information. Sincerely, B Helool Robert Skloot, District 75 Associate Professor --- GAY AND LESBIAN PLATFORM PROPOSALS FOR COMMON SENSE [1978] Homophobia: feelings of fear and revulsion toward homosexuals Heterosexism: assumption of heterosexual superiority Basic to the rights of all people is the right to participate equally with others in the life of the society. When the right to participate is not accorded to all, it is time for government to act. It is time for government to act through elected representatives pledged to a program ensuring equal opportunity for all. The program itself must be direct, concrete, and effective. Otherwise, equal opportunity will be no more than a vague sentiment unrelated to the material conditions that shape people's lives. Recent attempts to limit participation of the homosexual community in Madison life have made clear how far city government has yet to go before full homosexual participation can be ensured. Toward this end, Common Sense urges implementation of the following program through the election of city officers pledged to its support. A. Civil Rights. To allow any one group to be excluded from equal oppor- tunity in Madison is to weaken the concept of civil rights and leave each group more and more vulnerable as, one by one, homosexuals, then women, then students, then AFDC recipients, then dishonorably discharged veterans, for example, are removed from the City's protection. Common Sense therefore fully supports: 1) maintaining the city's Equal Opportunities Ordinance without dele- tion, emendation or addition that would in any way limit the civil rights of any group listed therein to have equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accomodations, City facilities, and credit; 2) hiring of an advocacy officer for the homosexual community to aid implementation of Sec. 3.23 (10) (1) (2) of the Madison General Ordinances mandating the EOC "to study the existence, character, causes and extent of the denial of equal opportunity," and "to informally recommend solutions to individual problems;" and to further the City of Madison's declared policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by providing an advocate for homosexuals; qualifications for the position to include long-standing commitment to, and understanding of, the homosexual community; --- 45 Seconds 2 Minutes Minutes 3 TENTATIVE PROGRAM OUTLINE -- The program begins with a series of photographs classical sculpture and paintings -- portraying a homosexual theme. The title and a few credits appear. Music: undecided. As this seg- ment ends, the camera fades in on a busy downtown scene in Madison. -- Narrator: "If Americans have had to relearn one thing about themselves over the past decade or more, it is that we are a diverse people diverse racially, ethnically, politically, and sexually. This program is about one aspect of that diversity and how the community has responded to it. It is about gay people -- homosexuals, to use the clinical label -- a largely invisible minority which has begun to demand its rights to be seen and heard and treated equitably. "In recent years, largely because of a more broad-based sexual revolution, homosexuality has at last become an approach- able subject, and that in itself may be a major breakthrough for gay people. Because when we have approached it, it has proved to be something other than what most of us have been lead to believe. "The first thing we have had to learn is that gay people are to be found everywhere -- both men and women in communities of every size, in every walk of life and profession, in every social level. And they are not an insignificant minority, even if their invisibility has lead many to that conclusion. Kinsey estimated that 37% of the total male population had at least some overt homosexual experience to the point of orgasm, and that about 10% considered themselves more or less exclusively homosexual. (Are there corresponding figures for women?) For the total adult population in any community we can then estimate that % have had a homosexual experience and that % of us are predominantly homosexual now. So we are talking about a quite large minority, and one with a long if not always very visible tradition in our society." Cut to interview with Harvey Goldberg. He describes homosexuality in an historical and cultural perspective, includ- 1 1/2 ing treatment by Greeks, increasing repression of Christian era, changing perspectives of more recent times, and noting that some of our society's most respected men and women have been gay, including.... Minutes Narrator: "If most of us have had little conception of who gay people are and what they are like, it is partially because our notions of homosexuality have been intimately bound up with stereotypes, myths, and fears that have rarely been challenged. Until quite recently the mass media simply chose to ignore homosexuals, except for an occasional scandal reported in the evening news. Television and the movies chose not to portray gay characters, fearing adverse audience reaction, or chose to portray them stereotypically, thus reinforcing fears and prejudices. In the 1930's Hollywood...." [Narration continues, leading in to film clips describing Hollywood's evolving treatment of gay people. Film clips may include: Footlight Parade, Bringing Up Baby, Easy Living, Advise and Consent, Boys in the Band, A Very Natural Thing, and The Killing of Sister George.] Photographic montage Madison down- town crowd scene Percentages flashed on screen over crowd scene. Crowd scene freezes. sections of crowd, corresponding to percentages, are blocked out. Alternately, have Dr. Roberts discuss Kinsey data. Photographic gallery of famous gay people noted by Harvey. Voice over film clips 8 Minutes 8 Minutes 5 1/2 Minutes as also begun to react more favorably to Sf gay people, even if stereotypes are still common. TV movies such as "That Certain Summer,' in which Hal Holbrook plays a gay father with sympathy and understanding, and series like 'The Family' which this season explored the relationship between a leading character and his gay friend, have helped challenge stereotypes. "These changes in media depictions, however, would not likely have occurred outside the context of a more broad-based struggle by gay people themselves to be treated equitably as individuals just like everyone else, except for their sexual preference." Psychology Dr. Lee Roberts begins this segment by describing homo- sexuality as a valid sexual alternative. Homosexuality is not a mental disorder, nor can sexual orientation be changed. Comment will also be made of changing attitudes within the psychiatric profession. A spokesperson from 'Moon Tree' -- a women's counseling service -- and Bill Handy who does counseling at the Gay Center will discuss the problems gay people face in accepting their own lifestyle as legitimate. A woman from Lesbian Switchboard or elsewhere might describe the barriers she faced in accepting her sexuality and what positive insights she has gained about sexual oppression. Religion Bill Landram and Friar Terry Connors or Pastor H. Gerard Knocke could present the general argument that homosexuality is consistent with religious life. Bill will describe his own experiences in the church. A spokesperson opposed to the religious acceptance of the gay lifestyle as a valid alternative will present the traditional argument, refering to Biblical texts which supposedly condemn homosexuality. Bill or someone elso will argue that Biblical texts have been used to defend slavery and the subordinate role of women, that selective interpretation should not be used to justify oppression of gay people. Film of an MCC service in Milwaukee may be included to convey the message that for some gay people, 'straight' churches are too oppressive to work within for change. Law. Religious teachings have often been used to justify laws against homosexuality. John Gower may speak to this viewpoint, or alternately, a conservative religious leader. Mary Lou Munts and David Clarenbach will argue for the end of discrimination against gay people and the de-criminalization of sexual relations between consenting adults in private. Miriam Ben-Shalom may describe her own fight with the army. Mary Alice (or Carla Dobinski) will discuss the difficulty Lesbian mothers face in obtaining custody of their children. A map will depict those states nationally which have revoked sodomy laws. interviews. Some filmed at Gay Center and the Lesbian Switchboard, also Moon Tree. Interviews. Film of church service conducted by Bill Landram. Film of MCC service in Milwaukee. Biblical quotes flashed on screen. Interviews. Use of map to depict national changes in sex laws. --- 3 one Minute Conclusion Narrator: "The psychological, religious, and legal mazes gay people confront are formidable, as this program has graphically demonsrated. The gay rights movement is still but a few years old, and below the surface level tolerance it has achieved among many heterosexual liberals, deep fears and prejudices remain. They will not be overcome quickly. Perhaps the most important achievement of the gay rights movement so far has been in its impact upon the self-image of gay people. Increasingly, more and more gay people are 'coming out' to their families, friends, and co-workers. They are accepting their life- style as valid, and are becoming proud of it. Like so many other minority groups in this diverse society, they are learning that pride in self is an essential prerequisite to social change.' --- CITY OF wordandru NICOSOO city-county building, madison, wisconsin 53709 MADISON DYKMAN LAW OFFICES Attorneys at Law- CHARLES P. DYKMAN March 16, 1978 139 WEST WILSON STREET MADISON, WISCONSIN 53703 TELEPHONE 251-5513 AREA CODE 608 March 8, 1978 Dear Candidate for County Board: I am writing to you on behalf of the Madison Committee for Gay Rights. There are many Gay people in the Madison area who are interested in your views on the many issues concerning their lives. Therefore, enclosed is a questionnaire we would like you to fill out and return in the envelope we've furnished. Please respond candidly to the questions. The results of this survey will be published in the Rennaisance Gay Newsletter that is sent out to many area residents. Please reply by March 17th. Sincerely yours, James D.Yeadon James D. Yeadon Alderperson, District Eight James D. Yeadon Alderperson, District Eight Room 107-B, City-County Building Madison, Wisconsin 53709 Dear Mr. Yeadon: Thank you for expressing your interest in this election. Rather than responding to your questionnaire with what I believe would be a simplistic "yes" or "no" responses, I would prefer to meet with you personally to discuss these issues. If this is agreeable to you, contact Erika at my office, and she will set up an appointment as soon as possible. CPD/cs Sincerely, Charles P. Dykman JDY:gr Authorized and Paid for by Citizens For Dykman. Sandra Warren. Treasurer --- 0++++++ΣO+El+~+ΣO+El+~+ΣO<+El+~+E+El+~+E+El+++++ RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS POSED IN GAY/LESBIAN WORKSHOP 10/25077 Lesbian group: Page 1 Question #1: Sometimes I find it difficult to work with gay men because/when: --Men insensitive to emotions. More inerest in physical things. 2-01d behavior patterns sufface when men are around. Men dominate, talk fast, cut other people off, speak a different language. 3-Alienated, businesslike atmosphere impedes working well. Women internal, different when men around--can-t ignore it. 4-Men think I should be "cute," never witchy--want me to see things their way. 5-They aren't concerned with "my" issues. Women's rights--condescend to me on these. 6-They react differently to sitaations than we do--don't understand how we react. 7-I don't like the way they seem to feel about personal relationships. 8-They fool around--waste too much time. 9-Men assume their authority--over me personally, political actions, over other men. 10-Men's authoritarian, hierarchical way of proceeding is not mine. 11-Transvestites and queens imitate the "wоBst" stereotypic aspects of women. Interest in material trappings not spirit. 12-Men are rarely enlightened about feminism. 13-Men's structure is an overstructure--formal. 14-They expect me to co-operate in discussions pertaining to their tricks and sexuality but refuse to understand mine. 15-They lack dedication and seriousness 16-They don't understand our double problems as women and as lesbians--and they aggravate both. 17-They have by birthright a key into societal resources denied women 18-They take constructive criticism as personal attack and tend to strike out, get waspish when called on something. 19-Sometimes they treat me as invisible, don't realize my importance, take my thoughts as their own. (Don't listen to what I say and later introduce it as their idea 20-Most men are not feminists-w different philosophical framework-- explaining gets tedious 21-Men grab for the glory, don't do the shit work--assume women will. 22-They cast me into roles as much as they are and they slight me physically 23-I don't feel like being open about anything personal with men around 24-It is hard to make the transition between choosing not to be with men when I have that choice and then trying to work with them politically 25-They don't teach things they know about that I don't--or offer to--or support me when I'm trying to do something I've little experience at--they watch & judge 26-Men don't meet experiences collectively--don't have a living experience of collectivity to take into political action. 27-They try to tell me what I really mean or feel--aren't sensitive listeners. 28-They don't understand when I'm being serious or facetious and don't see relation between facetiousness and truth. 29-Some 66 their goals, particular to their culture, are morally repugnant to me, not important to me and counter-productive politically--e.g. Trying to pass fourteen-year-old age of consent. 30-Condescension--trying to be nice 31-Don't allow me a full range of behaviors--sarcasm, facetiousness. GAY/LESBIAN WORKSHOP 10/25/77 Lesbian group: Page 2 they feel: Questian # 2: Sometimes men find it difficult to work with us because 1-that we're irrational-hormones 2-that we want to castrate them--threatening tone of voice 3-we don't like them 4-we-re just a bunch of dumb women 5-we put a damper on their sexual games 6-we're too emotional-- they fear and envy this 7-we'll fareethem to deal with feminism 8-we're ugly, boring and impotent 9-we're idealistic, not realistic and haven't reached their supposed intellectual level 10-they can survive without us 11-our purposes aren't theirs e.g. lesbian mother cases 12-threatened by our sisterhood--sense of shared existence and purpose 13-threatened by our articulated philosophy (lesbian/feminism) and they have nothing analogous 14-we're humorless, uncompromising 15-getting consensus a waste of time 16-I shouldn't insist on my importance 17-that I'm wasting their time 18-that I'm not articulate 19-that I don't know how to do things right 20-I don't "understand" (meaning, agrce.) 21-I need a good lay 22-they feel women as a group can't agree on anything GAY/LESBIAN WORKSHOPS 10/25/77 Gay Men's group: Page 3 Question #1: Sometimes I find it difficult to work with lesbians because/when: 2-they can be cliquish 1-The opportunities to do so haven't been very high on my list of priorities 3-they tend to be dogmatic on the things which are important to them--without listening to the other side 4-they are domineering 5-they are monopolizing my time for their ends 6-when I'm bored by what they think is important 7-I spend so much energy being concerned about offending, about being insensitive to their point of view 8-I feel I have to fight their negative stereotype of me as a man or a gay man 9-they are no interested in me as a person when I'm working with them on issues-- I don't get the personal rewards I want to get. 10-I sometimes feel threatened by women who are particularly dykish--a caricature of macho male characteristics. 11-I feel I'm not being treated with dignity and respect--like a human being. 12-I have less respect for the objectivity of "politicized" lesbians then for my own 13-When they have a fight to fight they'll talk to men, but when they have something positive to say they won't bother to say it. 14-the separatist platform negates men Question #2: Sometimes lesbians find it difficult to work with us because they feel: 1-we tend to be cliquish 2-we can't get involved in issues that we might be interested in (we're flighty). 3-personally threatened by men when they think the men will try to dominate 4-men cannot be led 5-they often expect men to be bigoted and insensitive 6-I can't get involved in issues that don't interest me 7-we have a well-developed male gay culture and they don't Added: Working with them has been easy: 1-When organizational gaxt work was being done and goals superceded ideological differences. 2-when I'm in the position of leader. CAY/LESBIAN WORSKOPS 10/25/77 Lesbian group Question # 3: Some of our most critical coneenns are: 1-dialogue with straights 2-non-discrimination--housing, etc. 3-bar alternatives 4-index of services in community--repair, etc. 5-promoting awareness of lesbian/gay issues: films, speakers Page 4 6-more overt actions together, demonstration of affection, ZAPS--quick action, a make out-in, protesting sexism and heterosexism at sex shops, prono movies 7-lesbian mothers' custody 8-legalizing lesbian sex 9-get gays into public office 10-lesbian couples to have same rights as straight married couples-- inheritance, nationality, custody 11-place for independent lesbian culture where men can be excluded 12-improved relations in general between all women--wahh to see women together, open lesbians everywhere, everywhere 33-want men to commit themselves to greater understanding of our thoughts and strategies 14-get rid of splintering and stereotypes within our own community 15-get lesbians and gay men into power, political and economic, especially women 16-tapping into resource bases, into media, money--and then running 17-watchdog committee--to address issues of gay concern 18- build genuine cohesion with social change groups 19-form coalitions 20-change negative images in the media 21-human rights 22-right to choice on abortion issue 23-forum for gays under 18 to make contact with lesbians and gay groups 24-change in sex education programs 25-right to adopt 26-changing political, economic and social structures 27-research into problems relating to women's health and health delivery-- women MD's 28--accurate information and education about homosexuality on all levels 29--funding on our own terms--end of volunteerism. 30-Lesbian resources--counseling, legal, mediacl, etc.--center prioritization--1-woman's space, physical housing, center 2-civil rights, property rights 3-ZAPS--quick actions 4-education immediate priorities--AB 323, getting into schools and textbooks, getting lesbians into political office, defeat AB 231 (abortion), marital property reform, zaps, contact with other lesbian groups, film In the Best Interests of the Children shown to all judges, rape--assist Rape Crisis Center, endorse whistlestop Question #2 5: Men can help by: 1-committing themselves to understanding of our thoughts and strategies and demonstrating this by working for them in areas where their help is requested 2-doing their own educating about sexism. --- GAY/LESBIAN WORKSHOP Gay men's group 10/25/77 Page 5 Question # 3: Some of our most critical concerns are: Question # 4: should be concerned because: Lesbians Question #5: Lesbians can help by: (prioritization: the first seven items were prioritized) 1-eliminating self-oppression 2-recognizing gay marriage as legal(tax, etc.), housing, adoptive, employment rights etc 3-sodomy laws 4-Increasing the gay/lesbian community's quality of living 5-diminishing stereotypes-- gay/lesbian (others too) 6-more men becoming feminists 7-Grid Hall being elected to County Board ******* 8-development of gay male culture 9-gay speakers in the schools promotes quality of life for all in community they are affected equally us all 11 "1 behaving as a caring, loving individual actively working for legislative reform " not remaining separate promotes community--benefits not responding to us as stereotypes & by educating us about their diversity it's a direct benefit to them educating rather than castigating--participating in productive and positive relationships with men benefits us all, demonstrates campaigning and voting solidarity they have same needs-- mutual support affects them equally remaining separate (unity happening when we are strong separately) actively working for policy change GAY/LESBIAN WORKSHOPS Lesbian Group: Question #2 6: together are: 10/25/77 Page 6 Some of our strengths that could enhance problem-solving 1-a political framework in which to work. 2-women are more willing to be candid and bulnerable about dangerous things 3-aware of oppression (historically, politically)--feel the need to act. 4-have less vested interest in system--less fear 5-capable of creating--not trained to respond habitually 6-energy, care, support 7-don't have to get rid of the urge to be aggressive 8-need less organizational structure to reach consensus 9-can admit mistakes 10-less sexual objectification 11-greater sense of self 12-used to having to fight hard for success Question # 7: solving bogether are: Some of the strengths in men that could enhance problem- 1-contacts (social/political) 2-inside, technical knowledge of the system to get results 3-money and ways to get money 4-men know how to get and handle success 5-not afraid of winning 6-know how to use people/things 7-receive respect in community Gay Men's Group: together are: Question # 6: Some of our strengths that could enhance problem-solving 1-more money/better jobs 2-may not have a political framework in which to wokk 3-knowledge of institutions 4-more visible, aware of a gay male history--gives security and direction 5-persistent in tasks 6-sense of humor solving together are: Question #23 7: Some of the strengths in women that could enhance problem- 1-objective 2-visibility of the issue 3-sensitivity to the needs of others 4-women are not complacent 5-single-mindedness 6-energetic 7-not competitive --- Office of the Dean of Students 117 Bascom Hall 500 Lincoln Drive Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Telephone: 608/263-5700 MEMORANDUM To: Deans, Directors, Departmental Chairpersons UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON During the past year, a Gay Assistance Committee composed of representatives of the Gay Center (Renaissance), the Lesbian Switchboard, and the Dean of Students Office was formed to explore and discuss issues of concern regarding We hope that the work of the Committee being gay in the University community. will lead to greater understanding and acceptance of differences in sexual Further- orientation; we believe some progress has been made in these areas. more, it is our intention to provide assistance to those students and staff in the community who have experienced discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation. The purpose of this statement is to call the attention of the University faculty and staff to the treatment of homosexuality in all areas, particularly The Gay Assistance Committee teaching and research relating to sexuality. would like to assist faculty and staff with resources such as films, books, and speakers to aid in understanding sexuality and in helping students with sexual identity and conflict. The Gay Assistance Committee asks University faculty and staff to join us in initiating necessary steps to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in all areas of student life and interests (e.g., employment; housing, police relations, counseling services, academic evaluation, etc.). We are also vitally concerned with those gay persons in the community who face multiple levels of discrimination because of their race, sex, religion, etc., in addition to their sexual orientation. We also hope that there will be consultation with recognized gay community organizations if policy statements and/or staff and student sensitization programs are being considered after any evaluation of current practices and procedures. Both this office and the Gay Assistance Committee are eager to serve as a resource to members of the University community and to provide assistance to those members of the Gay community who have encountered problems because of their sexual orientation. Please call us if we can help. Paul Ginsberg Dean of Students For the Gay Assistance Committee October 21, 1977 --- news rom The University of Wisconsin-Madison / University News and Publications Service, Bascom Hall, Madison 53706/Telephone: (608) 262-3571 elease: Immediately CONTACT: Paul Ginsberg, 263-5700 10/29/76 meb COMMITTEE FORMED TO HEAR DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCES FROM GAY STUDENTS MADISON--A committee formed recently through the Dean of Students office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will hear grievances from gay students who believe they have been discriminated against because of sexual orientation, Dean Paul Ginsberg said Friday. Ginsberg said a committee assisting students who have been discriminated against because of sexual orientation is consistent with the expectation in the University that decisions affecting employment, housing, and grades should be on factors based on merit and ability. Such decisions should not be based/totally unrelated to performance or the ability to fulfill responsibilities, he said. The committee, comprised of six representatives of the Gay Center (Renaissance), Lesbian Switchboard, and the Dean of Students office, will hear from individuals and groups about cases of "perceived discrimination," act as liaison between those with complaints and the University, and try to increase University sensitivity to the problems and issues facing gay people. Any student who believes he or she has been discriminated against can bring grievances to the committee. Conversations with the committee will not become a matter of record, and any intervention or assistance by the committee will occur only with the gay person's approval, Ginsberg added. Anyone wishing to meet with the committee can contact the Lesbian Switchboard, 257-7378, the Gay Center, 257-7575, or the Dean of Students office, 263-5700. # # # ---