Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association

Reaching Out

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

A New Semester!August, 2014
In This Issue
1. GLBTAA Scholarship Campaign
2. Positive Link
3. IUPUI LGBT Faculty Staff Council
4. Facebook
5. GLBTAA Distinguished Alumni Award
6. Academic Scholarship Recipient
7. Mark Your Calendars
8. GLBTAA Scholarships
9. Membership
Connect with us!

   

 

 

 

   

   

Crossroads at IU South Bend
             

 

 

 

 

 

 

We look forward to the new school year and continuing to work together to fulfill our critically important mission "to improve the quality of life for GLBT students, faculty, staff and alumni of Indiana University on all eight campuses."  Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your tireless support and commitment.   

 

 

 

 Mike Shumate, GLBTAA Immediate Past 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. We have awarded eight academic scholarships for the 2014 fall semester. Each recipient will be featured in one of our Newsletters. One is covered in paragraph # 6 below.  After reviewing another heart-breaking story, we also awarded emergency funds to an IUB student. Since 2005, we have now granted 48 scholarships (36 academic scholarships and 12 emergency scholarships) to IU students. Because of your generous support, we will be able to continue providing scholarships well into the future. 

 

 

Jason R. Sprinkle, one of our former academic scholarship recipients, has commented: "I was incredibly honored to be awarded an academic scholarship and I sincerely appreciate the GLBTAA's generosity. As a student member of the IU GLBTAA Board, I remain committed to helping GLBT students and alumni of all Indiana University campuses." Jason received his BA in English and Political Science from IUB in 2012 and is now a third-year student working toward his JD at IU's 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. Positive Link 

 

By: Jill L. Stowers, MSW, LSW, Clinical Lead Manager 

 

HIV.  What images do you see?  The AIDS Memorial Quilt laid upon the national mall?  We were there.  The loss of nearly an entire generation of gay men?  We were there.  Photos of men who lay dying in an AIDS hospice?  We were there.  Ryan White?  He lived only a few hours from us.  We were there.  The funerals?  The candle lighting ceremonies?  The bedside with a man whose family would not come?  We were there.  The introduction, in 1996, of the first antiretroviral medication?  We were there.  We celebrated.  We cried.  We watched our clients return from the brink of death, given the chance to live.  We watched our clients become more than their diagnosis once again.

 

Positive Link, a program of IU Health Bloomington Hospital Community Health, has been walking this path with our community since 1991.  Positive Link is the preeminent provider of comprehensive prevention and holistic social services for those impacted by HIV in south central Indiana. As such, we provide a continuum of services, at no cost, to the community to address the health and well-being of those infected with or at risk for HIV infection, predominantly in the rural region of south-central Indiana.  Our staff includes 15 individuals who are divided between a Prevention Services Team and Client Services Team, as well as a program manager.  

 

The Prevention Services Team at Positive Link offers a wide variety of programs designed to reach individuals at risk for HIV infection throughout our region. Early intervention of HIV infection can make a drastic difference in the health outcomes for the individual infected. By promoting education and testing in high-risk populations, Positive Link assists individuals in determining their HIV status and educating the community on ways in which risk for infection can be reduced.  Case managers can provide additional support to either individuals who are currently HIV negative but are engaging in behaviors that increase their risk for HIV, or individuals who are currently HIV positive and are engaging in behaviors that increase their risk of spreading the disease to others.

 

The Positive Link Client Services Team offers support and care services to those in the community infected with HIV. While HIV infection is a life-changing diagnosis, for many individuals it is just one of many issues they face. Using a comprehensive and client-centered approach, Positive Link provides a continuum of services to assist in increasing quality of life for those infected. Care coordination is a holistic service initiated by the client identifying their barriers.  This client centered approach allows the clients to control their own life and well-being, with our understanding that as the clients' priorities are addressed and resolved, their HIV and health gradually become a higher priority.  To supplement, we also offer several housing programs targeting those who are homeless or precariously housed, nutritional supplements either through prepared meal delivery or grocery delivery, financial assistance from private foundations for medication, dental, optical, and quality of life enhancement, and a series of support groups, social events, and community-building activities funded by donations.

 

Positive Link's story began over 20 years ago fighting a disease that many did not want to talk about.  While our history has moments of sadness, anger, and prejudice; it also has moments of triumph, celebration, and unity.  We have been there through it all, and will continue to fight this disease until a cure is found.  Positive Link provides free, anonymous and rapid HIV testing at the GLBT Office on the Bloomington campus at 705 East Seventh Street. For more information, please visit Positive Link's main web site at http://iuhealth.org/bloomington/about/community-health/hiv-aids-positive-link/ and its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PositiveLink And, here is a moving video capturing the spirit of Positive Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuQXrX2-Rfw

 

 


Receiving National Hospital Charitable Service Program of Excellence

 

A more festive staff during PRIDE month!

 

 

3. IUPUI LGBT Faculty Staff Council

 

 

Professor Sheila Seuss Kennedy presiding at past Harvey Milk Dinner

 

 

 

In its seventh year now, the IUPUI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Faculty Staff Council (FSC) is one of five affinity councils recognized by the campus to address the specific issues of faculty and staff, who identify as members of the greater LGBT community and those allies who share its common concerns. Membership is also open to all faculty and staff, as well as graduate students in any of the academic programs offered through IUPUI. FSC's mission includes: providing networking and social opportunities; sponsoring educational activities and hosting speakers for a wide range of programs and symposia; providing information about the activities and legal developments of the IU LGBT and related communities; advocating to the administration regarding the issues which matter to the LGBT community at IUPUI; and keeping our alumni engaged with IU once they leave campus. Annually applauded as one of the most active councils at IUPUI, the FSC works closely with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and actively supports a number of programs annually to help improve diversity, tolerance and understanding.  

 

During the 2013-14 academic year, the FSC hosted a series of events to educate the campus community on HJR-3 and its potential impact on the IU LGBT community, which included a presentation to the IUPUI Staff Council, the campus's first ever open forum discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, and most recently in collaboration with the IUPUI Office for Intergroup Dialogue and Civil Community, a sustained dialogue series between LGBT and straight faculty and staff. The FSC hosted its second annual Lavender Graduation in May during which Chancellor Charles Bantz individually recognized our newest alumni for their accomplishments; the keynote address was offered by IUPUI's recently appointed Senior Associate Vice Chancellor Melissa Lavitt. Initiatives for the upcoming year include increasing outreach to graduate and professional students, expanding LGBT student support services, and collaborating with campus offices to enhance trans-inclusive policies and practices for faculty and staff.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.iupui.edu/~lgbtfsc/  and "Like" FSC on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/IUPUIMilkDinner

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on October 11 at the Downtown Marriott in Indianapolis for the Fifth Annual Harvey Milk Dinner. Once again, the GLBTAA will be hosting a table at  this year's dinner. More information about the dinner, including online reservations, is in paragraph #7 below.

 

 

 

4. 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 follow our Facebook posts regarding news, updates and information about our events.

 

Like us on Facebook

5. GLBTAA Distinguished Alumni Award 
 
Kim Davis (left) a '14 recipient with partner Nancy Kalina

   

 

We are seeking nominations for the 2015 GLBTAA Distinguished Alumni Award. The Award is available to members of the LGBT community and individual allies or supporters of the LGBT community, regardless of sexual orientation. Only living alumni of Indiana University are eligible. Nominees shall have made significant contributions benefiting Indiana University or his or her community, state or nation. Nominations must be submitted by September 30. For more information, please contact Jennifer Gentry at [email protected] or 812-855-0067.

 

 

Bill Shipton (left) a '14 recipient with husband Jack Rhodes

 

   


 6. Academic Scholarship Recipient
 

 

Congratulations are extended to Jeremiah Y. Fuller, one of our 2014 Fall Academic Scholarship recipients!  Jeremiah received his BA in Spanish, with a minor in Business, magna cum laude, in 2009 from the University of Miami in Coral Gables. He is now working toward his MBA at IU's Kelley School of Business in Bloomington. He aspires to starting a career in finance, specifically investment finance or venture capital. Following his undergraduate degree, he has worked and interned for a number of private equity and full-service investment firms, including Oppenheimer & Co. Inc and Patagonia Financial Holdings.  He also worked as a financial consultant for a land development company in Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2011. He was a professional tennis player on the International Tennis Federation professional circuit from 2006-2008 and played for the University of Miami and University of Wisconsin division I tennis teams. He  recently served as session director for the 2013 ROMBA Conference (Reaching Out LGBT MBA Conference) in New Orleans, where he organized and helped to create presentations for a series of LGBT speakers.  He is co-founder and currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for the Kelley Direct Consulting Club, which is a student organization providing other Kelley students information about various consulting and networking opportunities in management consulting. He has accomplished all this while maintaining a 3.8 GPA at Kelley.  We're proud of you, Jeremiah!

  

7. Mark Your Calendars
   
 

Bloomington's first annual PRIDE Summerfest, will be held September 5 and 6 on Fourth St. at College Ave. and is being planned with an intent to create an inclusive space where all people can celebrate and participate in LGBTQ culture. Bloomington PRIDE and The Back Door are organizing this fabulous weekend with a group of volunteers to present a two-day celebration. The festival will feature, among other events, live performances of music, drag, comedy, and dance; booths with rainbow arts and crafts, safe sex workshops, a dunk tank, body art, drag workshops, a town scavenger hunt and much, much more; "How I Show My Pride" exhibition; and, of course, dance parties in the street and at The Back Door. For more information, please see

http://www.bloomingtonpride.org/summerfest.html

 

 

Quarryland Men's Chorus is set to kick off their 13th season. If you're in the Bloomington area, please join us for an Open House on September 8th. The chorus will start their rehearsal at 7:30, and you are welcome to sit in or sing along if you're interested. Artistic Director Barry Magee will have a special preview of the upcoming season at 8:30 for visitors. All are encouraged to join in the social starting at 9:00 p.m. All events will be at First United Church located at 2420 East 3rd Street. If you can't be with us, please "Like" the Quarryland Facebook page, so that you can get updates about the Chorus https://www.facebook.comQuarryland

 

 

 

  

This year marks the fifth year for IUPUI's annual Harvey Milk Dinner, and they're going big!  The campus will take over the Downtown Marriott in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 11 for a celebration befitting a fifth anniversary.  The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner.  The keynote address for this year's event will be Lea DeLaria.  DeLaria is a comedian, actress, and jazz musician and plays the role of "Big Boo" in Orange Is the New Black. She was the first openly gay comic to break the late-night talk-show barrier with her appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993. DeLaria has performed stand-up comedy for more than 25 years and is a prominent figure in the world of LGBT comedy. She began her career billing herself as "That [expletive] Dyke," explaining that when she walked down the street, people would yell that at her. DeLaria integrates musical performance into her stand-up comedy, focusing on traditional and modern be-bop jazz. In 2001 she released a CD of jazz standards called Play It Cool. This was followed by the album Double Standards in 2003 and by The Very Best of Lea DeLaria in 2008. DeLaria has appeared in a number of TV and film roles, including Edge of Seventeen, The First Wives Club, and One Life to Live. She has appeared in a number of on and off-Broadway shows, including: The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and On the Town.

Registrations are available online at www.myiupui.com/2014MilkDinner

Alumni, faculty/staff, and community tickets are $55 and $25 for students.  Table and corporate sponsorships are available for campus and community groups; please contact Jayme Little at [email protected]  for additional information. 

 

 

Our GLBTAA Celebration Weekend will be held in Bloomington January 30 - February 1, 2015. We hope to visit with as many of you as possible. More information, of course, will follow in the coming months.  

8. 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 Spring 2015 semester is November 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

 

9. 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].