National Advocacy Organization for Black Lesbians
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Monthly Newsletter November 2010
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| Donate to Zuna Institute |  |
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funders,
Arcus Foundation Gill Foundation Astraea Lesbian Foundation Horizon's Foundation,
and a thank you to all of our individual supporters.
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Greetings!
Zuna Institute is working with Affinity Community Services in Chicago to create a weekend of activities related to the Black Lesbian Matters report under the working title:
"Opening the Door: Shedding Light on the
(In)visibility of Black Queer Women" November 12-13, 2010 in Chicago. FREE EVENT
FRIDAY: Zuna Institute's presentation of the report, "Black Lesbians Matter: An examination of the unique experiences, perspectives, and priorities for the black lesbian and bisexual community." to a group of current and potential funders of LGBTQ issues and community and organization leaders late Friday afternoon followed by a reception.
SATURDAY: The presentation will be repeated for a broader audience, followed by a panel discussion consisting of researchers, policy experts, LGBTQ leaders, and others to be followed by a Town Hall meeting.
SPEAKERS: Consuella Brown, Woods Fund of Chicago Dr. Cathy Cohen, University of Chicago
| FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 - Club Quarters, 75 E. Wacker | |
3:00 - 5:00
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Presentation & discussion w/ area funders and community leaders
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5:00 - 7:00
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Meet & greet
| | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - First Presbyterian Church, 6400 S. Kimbark | |
10:00 - 12:00
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Presentation & panel discussion for broader communities
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12:00 - 1:30
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Town Hall Meeting
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Excerpt from "Black Lesbians Matters" Homophobia is closely linked to "intersectional invisibility," a term that refers to oppression LGBTQ individuals face as victims of sexism, heterosexism, and racism within both the dominant culture and varying racial and ethnic communities. For many in the LGBTQ community, disclosure of one's sexual identity is often accompanied by harassment, mental and/or physical abuse, as well as alienation and isolation from the dominant culture.
About Affinity Community Services Affinity Community Services is a Chicago-based social justice organization that has provided services to Black LGBTQ communities and queer youth of color, bridged communities, and increased knowledge about the needs of marginalized groups for 15 years. Affinity's core constituents have always been Black lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women and LGBTQ youth of African descent; however, much of our work has also addressed issues of concern to the broader LGBTQ and Black communities. |
 | Member Profile - Angela Amos | 
Angela continues to support Zuna Institute. In her words, here's why...
"Zuna is my voice for issues directly affecting the Black Lesbian Community."
Get to know Angela Amos
Angela's organization, Women of Distinction hosted the 2005 NBLC in Dallas TX. It was a great success and the first of its kind to be held in Dallas. Women of Distinction (a.k.a.), "The Family" is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1996 by a group of close friends. The organization consists of African American professional women who are committed to providing a networking and social forum for women in a non-business type atmosphere.
Women of Distinction Purpose:
Educate: Health, Finance, Family Planning
Empower: Acceptance, MotivationWomen of Distinction
Entertain: Host Events, Social Networking
www.dallasfamily.org
http://www.facebook.com/womenofdistinction
Thanks Angela - hope to see you in Florida next year.
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Happening on Capitol Hill
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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On July 2010, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis enacted the LGBT initiative, The Family and Medical Leave Act, which entitles an eligible employee to take up to 12 workweeks of job-protected unpaid leave for the birth or placement of a son or daughter, to bond with a newborn or newly placed son or daughter, or to care for a son or daughter with a serious health condition. The FMLA defines a "son or daughter" as a biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis. In loco parentis is commonly understood to refer to a relationship in which a person has put himself or herself in the situation of a parent by assuming and discharging the obligations of a parent to a child with whom he or she has no legal or biological connection.
This is just the beginning in providing the LGBT work force of this country protections for their children, biological or not. Although this initiative protects children and parents. It does not protect same-sex couples.
You will also find additional information by visiting the following links:
http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs28B.htm
http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs28C.htm
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| Black Lesbian Visibility |  Essence reports Bridal Bliss: Love At First Sight
Washington D.C. residents Aisha Mills and Danielle Moodie became one of the first same-sex couples to apply for a marriage license in March 2010. They tied the knot in a glamorous garden wedding on August 7, 2010.
http://www.essence.com/relationships/bridal_bliss/aisha_mills_danielle_moodie.php
Black Lesbian Matters in the news
Zuna Institute is in Bay Windows, the New England's largest GLBT newspaper.
Read the article by Rev. Irene Monroe
This story is featured @
Huffington Post
Pam's Blend
All Bronx News, All The Time
SheWired
Black Lesbian Suicide
Mourning at HowardFormer student commits suicide, seemingly related to sexuality, though father says she was not bullied directly
The President's "It Gets Better" video message about gay bullying.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/itgetsbetter
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| 2011 National Black Lesbian Conference
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Thank you for all your support!
Sincerely,
Zuna Institute
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Zuna Institute is a national advocacy organization for Black Lesbians that addresses such issues as health, economic development, education, and public policy. Zuna Institute brings about visibility and empowerment to the Black Lesbian community, and strives to eliminate barriers that are deeply rooted in public policies that encourage homophobia, economic and educational injustices, and other forms of social discrimination.
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