Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association

Reaching Out

An e-Newsletter by the IU Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association

Spring!April, 2014
In This Issue
1. GLBTAA Scholarship Campaign
2. Vice Provost Martin McCrory
3. Rachael's Cafe
4. Member Notes
5. Facebook
6. Mark Your Calendar
7. Academic Scholarship Recipient
8. Lambda Law Society
9. GLBTAA Scholarships
10. Membership
Connect with us!

   

 

 

 

   

   

Spring!
             

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the change of seasons and warmer weather and please be reminded how grateful the GLBTAA Board remains for your support.  Thank you.

  

 

Mike Shumate, GLBTAA President

[email protected]   

 

 1. GLBTAA Scholarship Campaign

 

 

 

Please continue to "spread the word" about our ground-breaking Campaign, which will help to endow our GLBTAA Scholarship Program. Since 2005, we have granted 39 scholarships (28 academic scholarships and 11 emergency scholarships) to IU students. Because of your generous support, we will be able to continue providing scholarships well into the future. 

 

Marcus A. McGhee, one of our academic scholarship recipients, has commented: "These scholarships not only bring comfort and assistance to those in need but it also forces others to become more cognizant of prevalent issues facing the LGBT community. I am confident that this campaign will only foster greater vigilance so that we can safeguard not only the educational aspirations of our LGBT students but also the principle of equality for all individuals irrespective of sexual orientation." Marcus is a second-year student at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis.

 

 

 

 

Contributions can be made online at:

http://alumni.indiana.edu/affiliates/glbt/supporting-community/index.html

If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Shumate at [email protected]  or 858-922-6105; or IUAA Alumni Relations Officer Jennifer Gentry at 800-824-3044. Again, heartfelt gratitude to everyone for supporting our Campaign.

 

THANK YOU, IU alumni, faculty, staff, students, allies and our many friends!

 

 

 

 2. Vice Provost Martin McCrory 

 

As a child, Martin McCrory knew he wanted to one day be an attorney like television's "Perry Mason," with a stalwart passion for justice. Eventually, to pursue his goals, McCrory attended Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in forensic studies as an undergraduate and then earning his doctorate of law from the IU School of Law, now the Maurer School of Law. 

After law school, McCrory took a job as assistant corporation counsel for the City of Indianapolis, specializing in civil rights and human resources. He moved to a position as an Indiana Deputy Attorney General, where he transitioned from civil rights to environmental enforcement, continuing to fight for the rights of Hoosiers -- usually those who lacked the expertise, resources or power to fight for themselves. 

McCrory then moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a litigation attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in the Environment and Natural Resources Division. He continued his environmental enforcement career as a senior attorney and later as the Director of the Public Health division with the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the top five environmental non-governmental organizations in the U.S. In that position, McCrory was able to combine his work in civil rights with environmental enforcement by working in environmental justice and sustainable development.  He continues to work and research in these fields.

After leaving D.C., McCrory accepted a faculty position at IU Bloomington in the Kelley School of Business as a professor in Business Law and Ethic. Nineteen years later, in 2013, McCrory was named Vice Provost for the Office of Educational Inclusion and Diversity and the Associate Vice President for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs. 

"I am honored by the trust that is being placed in me, and I look forward to the opportunity to further serve the university," McCrory said. "I have personally experienced living the role of both a disadvantaged minority undergraduate student and graduate student on this campus. In those roles, I have seen this campus when it has been extremely inclusive, and when it has been unbelievably insensitive and exclusive."

With his unique perspective as undergraduate alumnus, graduate alumnus, faculty member and administrator, McCrory is excited to again have the opportunity to help people gain equal access to public education and to feel welcome and included in a public institution.

He agrees with Vice President James Wimbush, who said IU should be recognized as "a place where a diverse community of faculty, staff, students and postdocs feel they have the opportunity to thrive."

McCrory said these essential concepts, diversity and inclusiveness, are too important to be expressed solely by spreadsheets and graphs. He also believes that the challenge of becoming a more diverse and inclusive campus cannot be met by mere changes in population density; without connecting the notions of respect and acceptance, the terms "diversity" and "inclusiveness" are meaningless, he said.

"For diversity and inclusiveness to become real, they must become a way of life; they must become a part of the campus spirit," McCrory said.

"I want IU to become a beacon for diversity and inclusiveness. When people think of IU, I want them to think of diversity and inclusiveness; when they think of college diversity and inclusiveness, I want them to think of IU."  McCrory aspires to make this vision a regional, national and international reality.

 

 

 3. Rachael's Cafe 
     
 

 

Rachael's Caf�, a biographical play about GLBTAA member Rachael Jones recently premiered at the Old Red Lion Theatre in London to rave reviews. The play is about Rachael's self-discovery and inspirational journey from Eric to Rachael and the Bloomington caf� she established. The play was written by Lucy Danser, who studied drama at IU and frequented Rachael's Caf� while a student in Bloomington. "This is an outstanding 'tour de force' of research, writing and direction by Lucy Danser. It is not just a portrayal of a true story, but a multi-layered presentation of a human condition which slowly peels away layers to reveal the complexities and nuances of a brave lady called Rachael," observes reviewer Michael Darton. The play captures the spirit of the message of a sign in Rachael's Caf� that reads "Come as you are ~ everyone is welcome at our table." Here is a wonderful video that served as a theatre trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlutdapgbc  

 

 

 

4. Member Notes

 

Jamie Brazel

Last winter, Jamie Brazel joined the GLBT Student Support Services office (GLBT office) as the Office Assistant. Among her many responsibilities, she will be involved with budgeting and related financial matters, staff training, administration, public relations and, of course, mentoring and counseling young people. For over 19 years, the GLBT office has provided support to countless of our students and other young people and has served as a "home away from home" for many. While the GLBTAA collaborates with many organizations and groups, we work especially closely with the GLBT office in carrying out our important mission. Congratulations, Jamie, and welcome aboard!

 

Erick Janssen

Erick Janssen, PhD, Senior Scientist and Director of Education & Research Training at The Kinsey Institute, Adjunct Professor in IU's Departments of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is one of the few scholars in the world who has studied the psychophysiology of male bisexuality. In a recently published study, he examined, together with Jeremy Cerny, if self-identified bisexual, heterosexual, and homosexual men show differential sexual arousal patterns to video presentations of bisexual, heterosexual, male homosexual, and lesbian sexual interactions.  A sample of men were presented with a series of 4-min sexual videos, while their genital and subjective sexual responses were measured continuously. Bisexual men did not differ significantly in their responses to male homosexual stimuli (depicting men engaging in sex) from homosexual men, and they did not differ significantly in their responses to heterosexual (depicting women, without same-sex contact, engaged in sex with a man) and lesbian (depicting women engaging in sex) stimuli from heterosexual men. However, bisexual men displayed significantly higher levels of both genital and subjective sexual arousal to a bisexual stimulus (depicting a man engaged in sex with both a man and a woman) than either homosexual or heterosexual men. The findings of the study by Janssen and Cerny indicate that bisexuality in men is associated with a unique and specific pattern of sexual arousal.  A recent video summarizing the findings is now available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZiRZrVUWc&feature=youtu.be

 

 

5. Facebook

 

The GLBTAA has had a Facebook page for some time now, but some of you may not be aware of it.  If you haven't already done so, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/iuglbtaa.  "Like" our page and then you will automatically get our Facebook posts regarding news, updates and information of our events.

 

Like us on Facebook

 6. Mark Your Calendar 
 

   

 

The Circle City IN Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 14, starting at 10:00 a.m. The GLBTAA once again will have a booth to welcome all who wish to share in the celebration of this spectacular parade and related activities. We will also be spreading the word about IU's "five stars" as one of the top LGBT-friendly universities and colleges in the nation. Hope to see you downtown Indy on June 14! The entire preceding week is full of fun LGBT-related events.  For more information, please see:  http://www.circlecityinpride.org/

 

 

 

Dr. David Satcher

The IU Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention (RCAP) will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on the evening of April 17 at the Tudor Room in the Indiana University Memorial Union featuring an address by U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, MD, PhD and a complimentary dinner. "Dr. Satcher is a highly praised Surgeon General who released the acclaimed report, "The Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior," said Dr. William L. Yarber, senior director of RCAP.  Dr. Satcher will also receive the Ryan White Distinguished Leadership Award, which will be presented by Jeanne White Ginder, Ryan's mother.  Reservations are required for the April 17 celebration event and dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Please contact Bill Yarber at [email protected] to receive a reservation form.  This event is a part of the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington Public Health Lecture Series.

 

 

The Gay-Straight Alliance at IU is hosting a Diversity Ball on Sunday, April 13 in the Frangipani Room of the IMU in Bloomington from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. This event is open to any IU student who wants to celebrate diversity in any way. It is intended that the Diversity Ball will serve as a collaborative social event to bring together diverse groups of people with diverse types of wisdom to share. There will be food, music, dancing, a fun service project, and other activities to get everyone acquainted. Dress is casual. For more information, please see:

http://www.facebook.com/events/805574549456774/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcominh

 

 

 

IUPUI will host its second annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony on May 2 at the IU Advancement Center in Indianapolis.  The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and Chancellor Charles Bantz will attend to congratulate the graduates.  This year's event is being hosted by the LGBT Faculty Staff Council with support from the IUPUI Multicultural Center, the undergraduate group Advocates for Sexual Equality, the Gay Straight Medical Alliance, and Lambda Legal.  For more information, contact the LGBT Faculty Staff Council at [email protected]

 

  

 
7. Academic Scholarship Recipient
 

 

Congratulations are extended to Jeffrey T. Chapman, 

one of our 2014 Spring Academic Scholarship recipients! Jeffrey is a junior working toward a BS in Nursing at IUPUI. Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Jeffrey aspires to working on his Masters as quickly as possible to become a Nurse Practitioner. "As I have matured, I have seen first-hand how the GLBT community has a need for professionals within Infectious Disease. I hope to use my education to help educate others and offer treatment, with respect, to those needing help," says Jeffrey.  While his course work is rigorous, Jeffrey still has found the time to benefit the LGBT community, principally by volunteering with Advocates for Sexual Equality at IUPUI and Freedom Indiana. Prior to IUPUI, Jeffrey was the president of CoExist at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis. We're proud of you, Jeffrey!  

 8. Lambda Law Society
 

  

The Lambda Law Society at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law hosted its 6th annual charity drag show on February 15 in the atrium of Inlow Hall on IUPUI's campus. This year's fundraiser was another huge success, raising proceeds for the Indiana Youth Group (IYG) and The Damien Center (Damien). The IndyPride Bag Ladies emceed the event. Three McKinney students performed as well, competing for the title of Ms. Indy Law. Dan Jones, a second-year student at McKinney, took home the crown for the second year in a row! IYG provides safe places and confidential environments where self-identified LGBTQ youth are empowered through programs, support services, social and leadership opportunities and community service. IYG advocates on their behalf in schools, in the community and through family support services. As Indiana's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization, Damien is a leader in HIV prevention and care. Lambda Law Society would like to thank the students, faculty, staff, Indy Pride, and all those in the community who came out to support this great cause! Additional thanks also go to all the local businesses that generously donated prizes this year.     

 

 

 

9. GLBTAA Scholarships

 

GLBTAA Academic Scholarships  Academic Scholarships are awarded to IU students enrolled at any IU campus, who are academically strong, as well as active in promoting diversity, tolerance and social justice. Scholarships are awarded to students based upon academic achievement, career goals, financial need, leadership experience, community service and extracurricular activities. Involvement in activities promoting diversity and raising awareness of GLBT and related issues on the student's campus or in his or her community is carefully reviewed by the Board. The maximum award for an Academic Scholarship is $1,000 per semester. An individual student may not receive more than $2,000. The deadline for the Fall 2014 semester is April 15, 2014.

  

IU GLBTAA Emergency Scholarships
Emergency Scholarships are awarded to those students who experience the loss of financial support when they make the courageous decision to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to their families. Emergency Scholarships help to ensure that students need not choose between their education at IU and living life openly and honestly. Emergency Scholarships are awarded to students attending any IU campus. The maximum award for an Emergency Scholarship is $1,500 per semester, and a student may not receive more than $3,000.
  
You can learn more about the GLBTAA Scholarship Program and apply online at: http://alumni.indiana.edu/affiliates/glbt/supporting-community/scholarships.html

 

10. Membership

 

Encourage your friends to join the GLBTAA. They can visit our website here  and join.  There are no membership dues, and you do not have to be a member of the IUAA, or an IU degree-holder. We are approaching 1,600 members nation-wide, and we're growing! We appreciate your continued commitment! It is because of you that the GLBTAA is in existence, continues to grow and continues to serve our important mission on all eight of IU's campuses. If you are a member and wish to continue receiving our e-Newsletters, please make sure we have a current e-mail address for you.   You can visit https://alumni.indiana.edu/my-iu/index.html to see if your official record, including your e-mail address, is current.  Thank you for your support through your membership. We look forward to serving you now and in the years to come. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Gentry, Alumni Relations Officer, at: [email protected] or Mike Shumate at [email protected] .

 

If not already a member, please consider joining the IUAA by visiting https://alumni.indiana.edu/membership/index.html, by [email protected]  or calling (800) 824-3044. By joining the IUAA, among many other things, you help fund the various GLBTAA programs, along with gaining access to IUAA member-only events.

 

If you would like to unsubscribe and terminate future communications from the GLBTAA, please respond to:  [email protected].