May 8, 1976 Miriam ben Shalom Foundation for Minority Rights For general release With approximately two years' experience with the 84th Training Division of the United States Army Reserves of Milwaukee, Miriam ben Shalom is being considered for discharge as unfit for military service due to homo- sexuality. The formal elimination board hearings will be conducted in July, 1976 and at that time Sgt. ben Shalom will exercise her legal rights by asking for an open hearing to which the public and media representatives will be invited. Ms. ben Shalom enlisted in the Reserves in order to illustrate that women can assume equal responsibilities and duties as men, and that homosexuals can serve with respect, candor, and dignity. Candid about her lesbianism from the beginning, she believes that the discharge proceedings were begun as a result of public statements and publicity she has received as a spokesperson for homosexual civil rights. After completing the same training program as her male co-workers, Ms. ben Shalom graduated as the only female drill sergeant with the 84th Training Division, on December 1, 1975. Because her graduation received local press coverage, she was notified on December 11, that formal discharge pro- ceedings were being initiated and that she was to report for medical and psychiatric examination on January 7, 1976. On advice of legal counsel, she declined to undergo the psychiatric examination, maintaining that she is homosexual, or "gay," not sick, and the military agreed. However, on January 10, she was verbally notified that because of her refusal to submit to a psychiatric examination, a "flaging action" had been obtained against her, which prohibits any further active duty, pay raises, or increments in rank. Because these actions constitute a denial of her legal and civil rights, Sgt. ben Shalom will contest the discharge proceedings, filing suit with the civil courts and pressing her case as far as is necessary--even to the Supreme Court. --- Miriam ben Shalom is an open, active, and articulate representative of the Gay community. In 1973, she became a member of Gay Peoples' Union, Inc., of Milwaukee and has served the organization as a leading member of the police liason committee, the speakers committee, as a crisis-line councelor, as past president of the total organization, and she currently sits on the GPU Board of Directors. In constant demand as a public speaker, she has appeared before: Marquette University Medical School, the Schools of Nursing at Alverno College and the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, the Milwaukee County Health Ser- vices Department, Lakeland Counseling Center, the University of Wisconsin-- Extension Continuing Education in Mental Health, South Side Community Health Clinic, the University of Wisconsin at Farkside, the University of Wiscon- sin at Stevens Point, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, women Helping Women at Stevens Point, to name a few. In addition, she has appeared on WOKY and WTMJ radio talk shows and in a television program, entitled "Another Face of Love," on WITI, Milwaukee. Born on May 3, 1948, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, she is the eldest of six children. Her primary education was received at Catholic Memorial in Waukesha and she is an honors graduate of East Troy Community High School. After her conversion to Judaism, she went to Israel in 1968, at the age of nineteen, to live as a Jew with her year-old daughter, Hannah. There, she liven in Jerusalem, and worked in a bank and teaching English. During the 1969-70 War of Attrition, she was a victim of several terrorist explosions and served as a driver of an armored personnel carrier on the Heights of Golan. In 1971, she returned to the United States with her husband, who was seeking medical treatment. Following her divorce, she enrolled in Hebrew studies and counseling at the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee. Because of her talents as a writer, she was persuaded to enroll full-time in English to develope her potential as a poet. Currently, she is a senior and an undeclared English major at UW-M. As a member of IMPACT, a professional poets' organization, she is a recognized and published poet. She has held poetry readings at John Hawkes' Pub, Taycheda, Fox Lake, Marquette University, Alverno College, the University of Wisconsin-- Milwaukee, at the Milwaukee Freforming Arts Center, and the Lesbian Women's Feminist Coalition in Chicago. As a result of her involvement with various consciousness raising experiences, the women's movement, and the process of growing and maturing as a woman and as a person, Ms. ben Shalom came to accept a fact she had known for some time: That she is a lesbian. It is the conscious, open awareness and acceptance that is the impetus behind her challenges to outdated pre jucides against women and homosexuals. And, one of these challenges is and will continue to be found maintaining her legal and civil rights in her discharge proceedings with the United States Army Reserves. --- Resume FOX RIVER BOND Fo Miriam Ben-Shalom page 3 PUBLICATIONS con't 20% COTTON Gorey Detail #2 from Ireland, "Anne Sexton's Satyricon" WomanSpirit, Spring Equinox 1978, "The Axe Sequence" Cream City Review, April, 1978, "Rage" None of the Above, Spring, 1977, "As A Stranger To Her Heart" Cream City Review, November, 1976, "Cantaloupe Woman" Third Coast Archives, May, 1976, "In The Quiet" Third Coast Archives, December, 1975 "Yitgadal v' Yitkadosh" Wisconsin's IMPACT Magazine, 1974 "ya Get It In The Putz" Bird Two Review, 1974, "Elegy To An Idiot In Army Coat & Pink GPU News, 1973, "Council Bluffs" and "Selections" Also two broadsheets of poetry, Gayly Forward But Never Straight Ahead and Love Poems To A Redheaded Bitch pub- lished through private patronage. Current submissions: Works in progress: AWARDS AND HONORS, Neuter in a Green Velvet Suit, book Dear Anonymous: The Noodle Documents, Experimental novel; and several articles involving communication and teaching Channel 10 Fatent Contest Award, 1981, with Panusch and Benish Dance Co. for improve dense, "Σ Circles" based on sign /ASL. Nominated Summer Fellowship, 1979 Nominated AOP Fellowship, 1979/80 AOP Fellowship, Summer Semester, 1978 AOP Fellowship, Semester II, 1978 Awarded, Jay Garland Memorial Scholarship Fund, Semester I, 1978 National Talent Incentive Grant, 1974, 1975 Knapp Grant, 1974 1983, 1982, 1981: Shades & Grey (Impro. Theater COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS AND SERVICE Panushank Bnish Dance Co. Signer for the Deaf 1981: 1980: 1979: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Signer for the Deaf Signer for the Deaf Signer for the Deaf Signer for the Deaf Signer for the Deaf and psychodrama for MPS and other community groups signer Gay and Lesbian Pride Week Michigan Women's Music Festival National Women's Music Festival Michigan Women's Music Festival Concert, Rochester, N.Y. "Take Back The Night" march Segner for the Deaf - Nuchgan " H - addendum! 1992: Signer f " " 2 " 1981 " - И И - Homen's Music Festival Milwaukee, Wi Seg Morgan no use textual Michigan Margie Adam, Milwaukee Wi --- Resume Miriam Ben-Shalom page 4 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS AND SERVICE con't 1978: 1977 1976: 1975: 1974: 1973: Member, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Feminist Center President, Gay Peoples' Union Member, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Greater Milwaukee Developer of "Gay Roots Lecture Series" for Gay Peoples' Union Lecture Series, Sociology Department, Univer- sity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, "The Inhuman Perspective: Homosexuality and Lesbianism in America" President, Gay Peoples' Union (assumed after previous resigned) Board of Directors, Gay Peoples' Union Member of "Hard Rollers," trio of women poets Member of staff, Bugle American Member of staff, Cream City Review Member-at-large, N.O.W. President, Gay Peoples' Union Research Assistant (without pay) to Mrs. Linda Adams-Stich, research on Milwaukee's Lesbian Community Paraprofessional Crisis Line Counselor, Gay Peoples' Union Member, Police Liaison Committee, Gay Peoples' Union Chairperson, Speakers' Committee, Gay Peoples' Union Poetry Director, Fine Arts Festival, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Human Interreaction Training Group Leader, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Member of IMPACT (poets' organization) Member of Grapevine (Lesbian organization) SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS I am a veteran of more than two hundred and fifty speaking engagements across the country. For the sake of brevity, I shall list the major engagements and also a sampling of other colleges, universities, etc., where I have spoken. Because of the length of the list, I shall be willing to supply a portfolio of letters of response upon request only. --- Resume Miriam Ben-Shalom page 5 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS con't 1980: 1979: 1978: Keynote address: Gay and Lesbian Pride Week, June 20, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lecture: Milwaukee Urban League Keynote Speaker, Anchorage, Alaska. Statewide Human Sexual Orientation Conference: Also workshop on Lesbian Motherhood, Gays and the Military. Television: "Tempo 24" News program (TV 24, Milwaukee) Television: "The Baxters," Audience response (TV 6 Milwaukee) Television: "By-Line" Anchorage Alaska, PBS Radio: Herb Schienlin Show, Anchorage, Alaska Keynote address: State Networking Conference, Stevens Point, Milwaukee Panel member, Lecturer, Labor and Minorities Conference, Kenosha, Wisconsin Lectures to the Milwaukee Urban League, Wisconsin Medical College, Wisconsin School of Nursing. Television: Action Newsmakers, (TV 12, Milwaukee), August Gay Pride Week Celebration, 1977 (with Leonard Matlovitch) Lesbian Pride Celebration, 1976 (Chicago) Daynote Address: University of Illinois, Dekalb, 1977, "Gays and the Military" Sample List of other places: Alverno College (Milwaukee), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Pewaukee, LaCrosse, Kenosha and Milwaukee, Marquette University (Milwaukee), Milwaukee County Welfare Department, Univer- sity of California-Los Angeles, San Jose State University (California), Kent State University (Ohio), Youngstown State Univer- sity (Ohio), and the University of California, Berkeley, to mention but a few. Also available: I made two video tapes on sub- ject of Homosexuality and Lesbianism. One was made through University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Sociology Department, 1978, contact Professor Jose Hernandez. The other through Channel 12 (Action) Addendum: 1982: Keynote Address, Not Jay and Lesbian Network Con Conferenc 1983! Columbus, Ohio. Also Women's Spirituality Workshop. Keynote Address, May and Lestern Pride Week Celebration St. Louis, Mo. Also stomen's Spirituality workshop Keynote address May and Lesbian Pride Celebration Huston, Jo --- Resume Miriam Ben-Shalom page 6 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS con't 1977: 1975: 1974: Keynote Address: Kent State University, May 6, "Gays and the Military" Keynote Address: Lawrence College, November 13, "The Gay Political Struggle" Television: Good Morning America (out of San Francisco) Television: Another Face of Love (Milwaukee, TV 6 WTMJ) cassette available at Milwaukee Public Library POETRY READINGS 1980: 1979: 1978: 1977: a 1976: 1975: 1974: 1973: 1966: MILITARY University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Womens Resource Center, Anchorage, Alaska Metropolitan Community Church, Anchorage, Alaska 8th Note Coffee House, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee South Bend Women's Coalition/Feminary, South Bend, Indiana The Jazz Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Petra Howard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisconsin Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Youngstown State University, Ohio Star and Crescent Cafe, Sonoma, California Chess Mate Coffeehouse, Berkeley, California 13th Moon Coffeehouse, San Francisco, California University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Marquette University, Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (with IMPACT poets) many readings at John Hawke's Pub, both in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Avante Garde Coffeehouse, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1973-1976, U.S. Army Reserves. Highest rank earned: Sgt. Position Held: Drill Sgt. (TAC Sgt) with 84th Division, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Honorable discharge, October, 1976. Re-instated to service May 20, 1980. --- 14 92 TUE 1648 WIS YENIK MIRIAM BEN-SHALOM 1350 North Thirty-seventh Place Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208 414/933-6233 PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE A teaching position at the college level in all areas of English, with an emphasis on working with minority students in a professional setting, Creative Writing, 20th Century Pocts, 20th Century Women Authors, Ethnic Literature, and Science Fiction, with a progressive teaching institution. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS · Plus 32 Credits beyond MA in "content areas," i.c., teaching emotionally disturbed students, learning disabled stu- dents, at-risk students, and other content areas. M.A. in English. B.A. Cum Laude in English. Internationally published author. Ten years experience in teaching minority students. Extensive experience in community scrvice. Para-professional crisis line training, Twenty years experience in dealing with counseling minoritics. A scasoned, professional public speaker. SAMPLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1991 Humanitarian of the Year Award, Metropolitan Community Church, Long Beach, California 1989 Pace Setter Award, Lambda Rights Network " 1988 Soldier of the Year Award, New York Gay Veterans Association • . 1988 Soldier of the Year Award, San Diego California Veterans Association 1988 Human Rights Award, San Diego, California Democratic Club 1988 Civil Rights Award, State of Wisconsin Equal Opportunity Council • 1987 Public Service Award, Horizons • 1987 Citizens Award of Merit, Milwaukee Police Department 1987 Block Club Captain 1987 Block Club of the Year Award from Special Advisory Committee on Crime Prevention, City of Milwaukee 1986 Community Service Award, Cream City Business Association, Milwaukee Wisconsin 1985 Mayor's Commission on Beautification, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1979 Wisconsin Poets on Videotape Series, UW-Milwaukee · 1979 Summer Fellowship • 1979 AOP Fellowship . 1978 AOP Fellowship Summer Semester II . 1978 Jay Garland Memorial Scholarship Fund ' 1975 National Talent Incentive Grant • 1974 Knapp Grant 1968-1972 Lived abroad in Middle East for four years, acted as English Tutor TEACHING EXPERIENCE 1990-Present 1990-Present Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Teacher Outpost Program: In a separate school setting, teaches at-risk students (conduct disordered, habitual truant, gang member, etc.). Teaches over 40 subjects. Challenges students to learn and live to the fullest within their potential. Works with parents, P.O.'s, other community agencies. Helps students utilize GEO, ESL and adult literacy texts as well as standard text books. Milwaukce Public Schools, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Teacher In regular classroom setting, teaches all content areas of High School English such as Freshman English and University Prep American Literature. --- E 16:48 WIS VENTR NTWRK P.03 MIRIAM BEN-SHALOM Page 2 1988-Present 1986-1987 1978-1980 1975-1976 and 1987-1990 Milwaukee Arca Technical College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Part-Time Instructor In a continuing education program, teaches a variety of subjects including Science Fiction Literature, Multicultural Literature, Psychology and English Language Communication and Arts. Milwaukce Technical High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Student Teacher University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Contract Teacher Taught composition and creative writing, Spring semester poetry section at St. John's School for the Deaf, Summer semester contract in English Department. Taught beginning college composition. Leadership Academy Drill Sergeants School Instructor Taught all areas of military customs andcourtesy, drill and ceremonics, combat arms, race relations, stress management and other military/content arcas. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Master of Arts, Major in English Minors in Sociology and Women's Studies Milwaukee Arca Technical College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Three non-credit semesters of Signed English University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, Major in English Minors in Hebrew Studics and Psychology CERTIFICATION Wisconsin Secondary Certification in English, July, 1987 (Middle School, Junior High School and Senior High School) Provisional Certification; Secondary Exceptional Education, E.D. --- MIRIAM BEN-SHALOM References & Credentials REFERENCES & CREDENTIALS University of Wisconsin Department of Placement & Career Development P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201 Ms. LiLiana E. Gutierrez Educational Coordinator Aurora Weier Educational Center 2669 North Richards Street Milwaukee, WI 53212 414/562-8398 Ms. Trinka Hodges 1221 Riverpark Circle #5104 Mukwonago, WI 53149 414/363-4096 Dr. Terry Boughner, PhD 1843 North Palmer Street Milwaukee, WI 53212 Annabelle Havlicck Havlicck & Associates 823 North 2nd Street, Suite 605 Milwaukee, WI 53203 414/271-5819 Dr. Linda Grant DePauw, PhD The Minerva Center 1101 South Arlington Ridge Road, #216 Arlington, VA 22202 703/892-4388 --- SSG. MIRIAM BEN-SHALOM Will you not return this soldier who stands before you back to her country? Being a Gay "I haven't lost. A woman from Wisconsin was Ps the first to win, the first to get back in. I fought for those who came after." Being an O Milwaukee Magazine, June 1990 G. "When you take off the soldier and put on the citizen, you don't lose the responsibility to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." America Bisexual Vetera Milwaukee Sentinel, March 7, 1990 "Does it take a gay person to teach America about the value of truth? What kind of teacher am I if I require my students to be truthful and honest and challenge discrimination, but I run and hide." Volunte Proaction ndamentalist Photo by Pat A. Robinson About Miriam Ben-Shalom . . . Sergeant Miriam Ben-Shalom, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was honorably dis- charged in 1976 (under the D.O.D.'s administrative policies pertaining to ho- mosexuality) for truthfully answering questions from superior officers about her sexual orientation. The Army admitted that there was absolutely no evidence of misconduct whatsoever, and that she was an exemplary Drill Sergeant. After years of success in the courts, Miriam and other soldiers challenging the military's policy against gays have won significant appellate victories. Her right to free speech was upheld in an historic decision rendered in 1980. The court ruled that her rights had been violated under the Army regulation osexuals in service. rohibiting rotantion of Words From a Woman Warrior "Because I told the truth, I have lost a job I loved; I lost a profession. If I had lied: I would have lost my soul... My soul, my heart is too high a price to pay merely for work or a profession." "I don't need anyone's approval or validation; I don't need society to affirm who I am: I refuse to run, hide, crawl into the dark be- cause I am a lesbian. It is not that society al- lows me to 'survive,' rather, I take that right, demand it... I validate myself." "In a society which seeks to silence difference and dissidence, I will not be silenced, nor put aside." ethnic Literature "Education is dangerous: It makes people think. I am educated; I am an educator. I shall continue to be dangerous..." " "I refuse to back down, back out, give in or give up." --- equently, the Army fought her reinstatement for seven years. Available Topicsments e won several favorable rulings in 1987, forcing the Army to allow her to serve out her original term and to re-enlist. Commu nity Church, Long Beach, California As a result, Miriam was the only soldier challenging the military to win actual reinstatement and the right to re-enlist. On October 18, 1989, Ben-Shalom was promoted to staff sergeant and was nomi- nated for her battalion's "Soldier of the Year" award. San Diego, California Vet- Miriam is an excellent speaker on many issues. In the lecture set- ting she is warm, witty and well versed. At times she adds different stories about our Proud Gay past, and ties these stories into why she is fighting... and why we should Never Be Silent Again. Ben-Shalom currently supports herself by teaching special needs kids who are considered "at risk" students in the Milwaukee Public School System. To help defray legal costs, she lectures at university student activities, community rallies, Gay Pride Week functions, not-for-profit organizations, general forums and community organizations on a broad spectrum of topics. She is not limited to gay issues. Ice She's been spotlighted on various talk shows in addition to being fea- tured in many local, national and international newspapers and magazines. Her struggle is outlined in Profiles Encourage by Pam Johnson and is featured in My Country, My Right to Serve, a 1990 book by Mary Ann Humphrey. Gay Issues SUN artland thlinois University rn University College Gays in the Military Being a Gay/Parent ckford, Illino Psychology of Coming Out chigan University Being an Openly Gay Teacher Gay Liberation AIDS in the Military ersity ford University The Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America The Legal Struggle of the Homosexual Minority in the United States Community Concerns Volunteerism ison kosh niversity an-Lansing ། Proaction, not Reaction to the Fundamentalist Right ▼Grass Roots Organizing University bondale hts Council portunity Council Center Issues of Importance to Women Minorities and the Law Women and Weapons Women in the Military nces It's Your Life: Self-esteem for Incarcerated Woman Ge ing The Classroom & More Raphael atch Smith Co. (PBS) Science Fiction Poetry Readings Tri-Cable Tonight Multi-ethnic Literature Sex Variant Women in Literature EC▾ Developing Curricula for at Risk Students 1977-198 The 10% Classroom Milwaukee 1977 --- • • • • • ards 1991 Civil Rights Award, Metropolitan Commu- nity Church, Long Beach, California 1989 Pace Setter Award, Lambda Rights Network 1988 Soldier of the Year Award, New York Gay Veterans Association, San Diego, California Vet- erans Association 1988 Human Rights Award, San Diego, California Democratic Club 1988 Civil Rights Award, State of Wisconsin Equal Opportunity Council 1987 Public Service Award, Horizons 1987 Citizens Award of Merit, Milwaukee Police Department Block Club Captain Block Club of the Year Award from Special Advi- sory Committee on Crime Prevention, City of Milwaukee 1986 Community Service Award, Cream City Business Association, Milwaukee Wisconsin • 1985 Mayor's Commission on Beautification, Mil- waukee, Wisconsin 1979 Wisconsin Poets on Videotape Series, UW- Milwaukee 1979 Summer Fellowship • 1979 AOP Fellowship • • 1978 AOP Fellowship Summer Semester II 1978 Jay Garland Memorial Scholarship Fund 1975 National Talent Incentive Grant 1974 Knapp Grant Speaking Engagements SUNY-Courtland Northern Illinois University Northwestern University Kalamazoo State College Rockford, Illinois PFLAG Western University-Michigan Johns Hopkins University Haverford College Chicago 35 U.C.L.A. Columbia University Stanford University University of California-Berkeley Kent State University Boston University Northwestern University University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh son Western Michigan University University of Michigan-Lansing University of California-San Diego San Jose State University University of Illinois-Carbondale Lawrence College Alaska Human Rights Council State of Wisconsin-Equal Opportunity Council Horizons Kineheart Women's Center TV/Radio Appearances Phil Donahue Geraldo Rivera Milwaukee's Talking (WISN-TV-Milwaukee-ABC) Veterans Sally Jesse Raphael Nightwatch Smith & Co. (PBS) Sunday Night (WTMJ-TV-Milwaukee-NBC) Tri-Cable Tonight National Public Radio Ba Education Hampton Road Fightin 1977-1981 MA Degree University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 1972-1977 BA Cum Laude --- BEN-SHALOM Photo by Pat A. Robinson GAY, LESBIAN & BISEXUAL VETERANS OF AMERICA The Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America is a national veteran's organization dedicated to serving gay, lesbian & bi- sexual veterans and active duty personnel; challenging the discriminatory policy of the D.O.D.; eliminating UCMJ restrictions on private, adult, consensual sexual activities; and working on issues of importance to veterans, especially gay, lesbian and bisexual vets. On May 15, 1990, Miriam Ben-Shalom was unanimously elected as National Chairperson for the Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Vet- erans of America by six veteran's organizations. The GLBVA is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, please call (414) 342-6543. Veterans Lectures Capitol Region GLBVA Organizing at the Grass Roots Level Central Indiana GLBVA Organizing & Networking: A Practicum Baltimore GLBVA Minorities, the Military and the Law Hampton Roads GLBVA Fighting Military Discrimination Havlicek & Associates, a Milwaukee-based advertising & public rela tions firm, proudly represents Miriam Ben-Shalom. To secure Miriam a speaker, contact Annabelle Havlicek, Havlicek & Associates, 82 North 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203; (414) 271-5819, Fax: (41- --- 5. RESUME Ms. Miriam Ben-Shalom 3331 N. Fratney St. Milwaukee, WI 53212 Phone: (494) 265-8086 [1980] EDUCATION 1972-1976: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. BA cum laude Major: English Minors: Hebrew Studies and Psychology 21977-May, 1979: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. MA Degree Major: English, Plan C Minors: Sociology and Women's Studies 1979/80. Verbal Acceptance received for Doctoral Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Formal acceptance pending 1978-1979-3 non-credit semesters of signed english at Milwaukee Area Technical College COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS AND SERVICE 1973: Human Interreaction Training Group Leader, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Member of IMPACT (poets' organization) Member of Grapevine (Lesbian organization) 2) 1974: Paraprofessional Crisis Line Counselor, Gay Peoples' Union Member, Police Liaison Committe, Gay Peoples' Union Chairperson, Speakers' Committe, Gay Peoples' Union 1975: 1976: Poetry Director, Fine Arts Festival, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin President, Gay Peoples' Union Research Assistant (without pay) to Mrs. Linda Adams-Stich, research on Milwaukee's Lesbian Community Board of Directors, Gay Peoples' Union " " Member of Hard Rollers, trio of women poets Member of staff, Bugle American Member of Staff, Cream City Review Member-at-large, N.O.W. --- SA 2 resume of Miriam Ben-Shalom, p. 2 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS AND SERVICE Con't a 1977: © 1978: President, Gay Peoples' Union (assumed after previous resigned) Member, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Feminist Center President, Gay Peoples' Union Member, Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Greater Milwaukee Developer of "Gay Roots Lecture Series" for Gay Peoples' Union Lecture Series, Sociology Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, "The Inhuman Perspective: Homosexuality and Lesbianism in America" 1979: Signer for the Deaf- National Women's Music Festival Signer for the Deaf- Michigan Women's Music Festival Signer for the Deaf- concert, Rochester, N. Y. Signer for the Deaf- "Take Back The Night" march Gay and Lesbian Pride Week- 1980: Signer for the Deaf- Milwaukee, Wis. Signer for the Deaf- Michigan Women's Music Festival TEACHING EXPERIENCE F) 1973: Poetry Workshop, First annual Celebration of Women's Suffrage Creative Writing Workshops with IMPACT at Fox Lake Correctional Institute and Taychee day Correctional Institute, both in Wisconsin e) 1975: Developer of first weekend series of workshops and D 1977: seminars on the subject of homosexuality ever in the State of Wisconsin (UW-Extension Services). Workshop leader: "Lesbian Mothers, "Gays and Counselling," and was on panel which discussed Gay Rights Issues Seminar: Gays and the Law, University of California, Berkley Seminar: The Military and the Gay, Stanford University, California Seminar: Lesbians and Gay Liberation, University of California-Los Angelos Workshop: How to Set Up a Hotline, Indianapolis, Indiana Workshop: Poetry, San Jose State University, California Workshop: Lesbian Mothers: How to Come Out to Your Children, Kent State University, Ohio Workshop: Organizational Strategies for Gay Groups Gay Sexuality: The Myths and the Reality The Psychology of Coming Out Lesbian Motherhood, all at Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin --- 4 3. resume of Miriam Ben-Shalom, p. 3 TEACHING EXPERIENCE con't c) 1978: Two-semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Composition and Creative Writing 1979: Two-semester contract renewed with English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Composition and Creative Writing a) 1980: Spring semester- Poetry section at St. John's School for the Deaf Summer semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Beginning College Composition Two-semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Composition and Creative Writing Summer Semester contract with English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Beginning College Composition AWARDS AND HONORS Knapp Grant, 1974 National Talent Incentive Grant, 1974, 1975 Teaching Awarded, Jay Garland Memorial Scholarship Fund, Semester I, 1978 JAOP Fellowship, Semester II, 1978 AOP Fellowship, Summer Semester, 1978 Nominated AOP Fellowship, 1979/80 Nominated Summer Fellowship, 1979 PUBLICATIONS Forthcoming Book: The Coming of the Axe, New Women Press, Oregon Forthcoming Anthology, Boozing: 20 Milwaukee Poets Forthcoming Anthology, Women Loving, Women Writing, "I Give You" Women: A Journal of Liberation, Spring 1980 Survival Issue "The Neutering" Forthcoming Paper: "Homosexuality As A Topic For Discussion in the University Class Room" (sometime in 1980) Mothers In Mud "As A Stranger" (fiction) Spring 1980 WomanSpirit, Spring Solstice, 1979 "The Signer" Gorey Detail #22 from Ireland, "Anne Sexton's Satyricon" WomanSpirit, Spring Equinox 1978, "The Axe Sequence" Cream City Review, April, 1978, "Rage" None of the Above, Spring, 1977, "As A Stranger To Her Heart" Cream City Review, November, 1976, "Cantaloupe Woman" Third Coast Archives, May, 1976, "Inn The Quiet"man" Third Coast Archives, December, 1975 "Yitgadal v' Yitkadosh" Wisconsin's IMPACT Magazine, 1974 "ya Get It In The Putz" Bird Two Review, 1974, "Elegy To An Idiot In Army Coat & Pink" GPU News, 1973, "Council Bluffs" and "Selections" --- resume of Miriam Ben-Shalom, p. 4 PUBLICATIONS con't Also two broadsheets of poetry, Gayly Forward But Never Straight Ahead and Love Poems To A Redheaded Bitch published through private patronage. Curent submissions: Works in progress: Neuter in a Green Velvet Suit, book Dear Anonymous: The Noodle Documents, Experimental novel; and several articles involving communication and teaching SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS a) 1977: I am a veteran of more than two hundread and fifty speaking engagements across the country. For the sake of brevity, I shall list the major engagements and also a sampling of other colleges, universities, etc., where I have spoken. Because of the length of the list, I shall be willing to supply a portfolio of letters of response upon request only. Keynote Address: Kent State University, May 6, "Gays and the Military" Keynote Address: 1977: 1975: I) 1978: Television: 6 Television: 1974: Television: Lawrence College, November 13, "The Gay Political Struggle" Good Morning America (out of San Francisco) Another Face of Love (Milwaukee, TV 6 WTMJ) cassette available at Milwaukee Public Library Action Newsmakers, (TV 12, Milwaukee), August Gay Pride Week Celebration, 1977 (with Leonard Matlovitch) Lesbian Pride Celebration, 1976 (Chicago) Daynote Address: University of Illinois, Dekalb, 1977, "Gays and the Military" Sample List of other places: Alverno College (Milwaukee), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Pewaukee, LaCrosse, Kenosha and Milwaukee, Marquette University (Milwaukee), Milwaukee County Welfare Department, University of California-Los Angelos, San Jose State University (California), Kent State University (Ohio), Youngstown State University (Ohio), and the University of California, Berkley, to mention but a few. Also available: I made two videontapes on subject of Homosexuality and Lesbianism. One was made through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Sociology Department, 1978, contact Professor Jose Hernandez. The other through Channel 12 (Action) 1999 Lectures to the Milwaukee Urban League, Wisconsin Medical college, Wisconsin School of Nursing. --- L resume of Miriam Ben-Shalom, p. 5 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS con't 1980: Keynote address: b) Gay and Lesbian Pride Week, June 20 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lecture: Milwaukee Urban League Keynote Speaker, Anchorage, Alaska. Statewide Human Sexual Orientation Conference; Also workshop on Lesbian Motherhood, Gays and the Military. Television: Television: "Tempo 24" News program (TV 24, Milwaukee) "The Baxters", Audience response, (TV 6 Milwaukee) Television: "By-Line" Anchorage Alaska, PBS Radio: Herb Schienlin Show, Anchorage, Alaska Keynotedddress: State Networking Conference, Stevens Point, Milwaukee POETRY READINGS Panel members Labor and Minorities Conference, Kenosha, Wi 1966: 1973: 1974: 1975: a) 1976: d) 1977: Seituner Avante Garde Coffeehouse, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Performing Arts Center (with IMPACT poets) many readings at John Hawke's Pub, Both in Milwaukee, Wiscons Wisconsin University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Marquette University, Milwaukee Star and Crescent Cafe, Sonoma, California Chess Mate Coffeehouse Berkley, California 13th Moon Coffeehouse, San Francisco, California Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Youngstown State University, Ohio University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisconsin 1978: Century Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin b) 1979: a) 1980: Petra Howard House, Minneapolis, Minnesota 8th Note Coffee House, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee South Bend Women's Coalition/Feminary, South Bend, Indiana The Jazz Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Womens Resource Center Anchorage, Alaska Metrpolitan Community Church, Anchorage, Alaska 8 MILITARY 1973-1976, U.S. Army Reserves. Highest rank earned: Sgt. Position Held: Drill Sgt. (TAC Sgt) with 84th Division, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Honorable discharge, October, 1976 Re-instated to service May 20, 1980 --- Following her graduation from Drill Instructor's School as the only female Drill Instructor with the 84th Training Division of the United States Army Reserves, Sgt. Miriam ben Shalom was notified on December 11, 1975 that formal discharge proceedings were to be initiated against her as a "practicing homosexual." After nine months of inactivity, the Army has notified Sgt. ben Shalom that the charges against her have been reduced to that of a person "with homosexual tendencies and inclinations" and that a formal elimination board would be convened within fifteen days. Ms. ben Shalom enlisted in the Reserves approximately two years ago in order to illustrate that women can assume equal responsibilities as men and that homosexuals can serve effectively, and if necessary to challenge current military practices. And, for two years she has been an open lesbian. It is this fact that makes her case unusual, in that the Army has been aware of her sexual preference from the beginning--her enlistment papers list several organizations as personal references: during her basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Mo., she insisted, as a lesbian, that the topic of homosexuality be discussed in a human relations class; and, she described herself as a "lesbian-feminist" in an interview with a military newsletter. At the time of the elimination board, Sgt. ben Shalom will exercise her legal right to have an open hearing, with members of the public and media representatives invited to attend. The initial meeting of the elimination board will be held on Saturday, September 18, 1976, at 11:00 A.M., in Room 17, Building 307 on the Army Reserve Headquarters, at 4828 West Silver Spring, in Milwaukee. --- RESUME Ms. Miriam Ben-Shalom BOND 3331 North Fratney Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 Telephone: (414) 265-8086 EDUCATION Verbal Acceptance received for Doctoral Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1979/80. Formal acceptance pending 1977-1980: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Major: English, Plan C MA Degree Minors: Sociology and Women's Studies 1978-1979: 3 non-credit semesters of signed english at 1972-1976: Milwaukee Area Technical College University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Major: English BA cum laude Minors: Hebrew Studies and Psychology TEACHING EXPERIENCE 1980: 1979: 1978: Teaching Two-semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Composition and Creative Writing Teaching Summer Semester contract with English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Beginning College Composition Two-semester contract renewed with English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Composition and Creative Writing. Spring semester Poetry section at St. John's School for the Deaf Teaching Summer semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Beginning College Composition Two-semester contract in English Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Teaching Composition and Creative Writing --- Resume Miriam Ben-Shalom page 2 TEACHING EXPERIENCE con't 1977: 1975: 1973: Workshop: Lesbian Mothers: How To Come Out to Your Children, Kent State University, Ohio Workshop: Organizational Strategies for Gay Groups, Gay Sexuality: The Myths and the Reality The Psychology of Coming Out Lesbian Motherhood, all at Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin Developer of first weekend series of workshops and seminars on the subject of homosexuality ever in the State of Wisconsin (UW-Extension Services). Workshop Leader: "Lesbian Mothers," "Gays and Counselling," and was on panel which discussed Gay Rights Issues Seminar: Gays and the Law, University of California, Berkeley Seminar: The Military and the Gay, Stanford University, California Seminar: Lesbians and Gay Liberation, University of California-Los Angeles Workshop: How to Set Up a Hotline, Indianapolis, Indiana Workshop: Poetry, San Jose State University, California Poetry Workshop, First annual Celebration of Women's Suffrage Creative Writing Workshops with IMPACT at Fox Lake Correctional Institute and Taycheeday Correctional Institute, both in Wisconsin PUBLICATIONS Forthcoming Book: The Coming of the Axe, New Women Press, Oregon Forthcoming Anthology, Boozing: 20 Milwaukee Poets Forthcoming Anthology, Women Loving, Women Writing, "I Give You" Women: A Journal of Liberation, Spring 1980 Survival Issue "The Neutering" Forthcoming Paper: "Homosexuality As A Topic For Dis cussion in the University Class Room" (sometime in 1980) Mothers In Mud, Spring, 1980 "As A Stranger" (fiction) WomanSpirit, Spring Solstice, 1979 "The Signer" Addendum Sex, Gender and Communcation Conference Lestranism and Homosexuality University Classroom, и as a 1981 1981 2 2 Fall, 1981, Milwaukee Road Review mothers. In Mud With pours, "Dealing Topic for escussion in the Biology & Homen "Never Maind " ---