Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association

Reaching Out

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

Fall is Approaching!September, 2014
In This Issue
1. GLBTAA Scholarship Campaign
2. Camp Pride
3. Maurer LGBT Alumni Advisory Board
4. Facebook
5. GLBTAA Distinguished Alumni Award
6. Academic Scholarship Recipient
7. Mark Your Calendars
8. GLBTAA Scholarships
9. Membership
Connect with us!

   

 

 

 

   

   

IU Southeast
             

 

  

 

IU remains a leader among American colleges and universities for its policies, programs and practices toward LGBT faculty, staff and alumni. Recently, in recognition of our leadership, IU Bloomington was named to Campus Pride's "Top 50 LGBT-friendly Colleges and Universities" in the nation. For more information, please see listAnd, here is IU's release.
 
All of you, along with many others, have helped to create a campus where all our students can strive for their aspirations and learn in a welcoming and safe environment.

 

A heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you! We look forward to continuing to work together in carrying out our important mission "to improve the quality of life for GLBT students, faculty, staff and alumni of Indiana University on all eight campuses."  


 

Mike Shumate, GLBTAA 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. 

 

 

Suzanne Grossman, one of our current academic scholarship recipients, has commented: "Thanks to the GLTBAA Academic Scholarship I was able to spend my summer interning at a non-profit that works to build bridges between conservative Christians and the LGBTQ community by creating safe productive dialogues. Without the scholarship I wouldn't have been able to work unpaid for the summer and I wouldn't have been able to impact LGBTQ kids stuck in non-affirming, isolating faith communities like I once was. I am so grateful. Going forward I plan to continue to write on LGBTQ issues and hopefully bring more awareness to the groundbreaking issues of our time."  Suzanne is a junior in Bloomington majoring in Journalism.

 

 

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. Camp Pride 

 

2014 Camp Pride!


 

The GLBTAA, along with the GLBT Office, co-sponsored Ethan Jackson, a senior at IU Bloomington, in attending the 2014 Camp Pride LGBTQ and Ally Summer Leadership Camp at Vanderbilt University this past July.  Camp Pride brought together over 120 LGBTQ and ally students and advisors from colleges and universities across the nation for five days of student leadership, campus organization techniques, social justice advocacy and diversity education. The Camp is annually sponsored by Campus Pride, which is the nation's leading non-profit organization for LGBTQ and ally college students and campus groups working together to build future leaders and safer, friendlier campuses. This is the fourth consecutive year we have co-sponsored an IU student, and each year our students have returned to campus more poised and better equipped to emerge as leaders in our various IU LGBT student organizations.   Ethan is also one of our 2014 Fall Academic Scholarship recipients, and his profile will be in our October Newsletter. For more information about Campus Pride and Camp Pride, please see their main site at:

http://www.campuspride.org/  And, here is a wonderful video that captures the spirit of this year's Camp pride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okRDcOoqhE0&list=UUC8veJUxGPaWHTDprysoRHw


  

Ethan Jackson is fourth from right in second row


 

3. Maurer LGBT Alumni Advisory Board

 

 

 

Board and OUTlaw Officers and a few Others

 

The Maurer School of Law LGBT Alumni Advisory Board (Maurer Board) was formed in 2009 to provide support and guidance to the law school's LGBT students, sponsor professional and social activities for its LGBT and ally alumni, and raise awareness about LGBT issues in the larger Maurer community. 

 

Since it was organized, the Maurer Board has organized six major programs dealing with timely topics affecting the LGBT community. The first was held in March 2010 with panelists discussing marriage equality, including the history of same-sex marriage, key cases and ongoing litigation.  In April 2010, Maura Healey, Chief of the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, keynoted a symposium on the future of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage and filed suit against DOMA in 2009.  In November 2011, Judge Vaughn Walker, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, delivered a lecture at Maurer titled, "On the Bench and in the Game."  While on the bench, Judge Walker ruled in Perry v. Schwarzenegger that California's Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. A video of Judge Walker's lecture is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2TDWDHWpAg&index=31&list=PLYCbymO31n7BfrMWNxa7-QYuOTzUhew  In April 2013, retired Ambassador Michael Guest spoke on America's role in promoting LGBT equality around the globe in a lecture co-sponsored by the Maurer Board and the new IU School of Global and International Studies. A video of Guest's lecture is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY30qoILGWc In January, 2014, Evan Wolfson, founder and president of the national organization Freedom to Marry, spoke about HJR-3 and the State of Indiana's role in the larger national debate over marriage equality. Wolfson was introduced by IU Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel, who underscored IU's opposition to HJR-3. The event was co-sponsored with the Maurer chapter of the American Constitution Society and others. A video of the entire program is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iptwbeGmLPU&feature=youtu.be

And, in February, 2014, the Maurer Board co-hosted with Maurer's Black American Law School Association a panel discussion in recognition of Black History Month titled "Race, Sexuality, and Movements for Civil Rights."

Judge Vaughn Walker

 

"Maurer's LGBT Alumni Advisory Board has been tremendously helpful to the school and supportive of our students," said Austen L. Parrish, Dean and James H. Rudy Professor of Law.  "The opportunities they have provided are remarkable, and the school is grateful for their dedication and work as role models and mentors.  They've set a terrific example for how successful alumni can help cultivate the next generation of leaders."

 

In addition to speakers and programming, the Maurer Board has instituted a mentoring program for LGBT and ally Maurer students; sponsored students to participate in the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition at UCLA, the premier national moot court competition on sexual orientation and gender identity; hosted a table at the annual Lambda Legal dinner; hosted several luncheon meetings where students can discuss issues important to them with LGBT and ally alumni; and provided numerous net-working opportunities.

Evan Wolfson

 

On more than one occasion, Maurer alumni have met with law students to discuss questions associated with being out in the workplace, interviewing, job opportunities, preparing resumes and related issues. The Maurer Board makes a point of seeking input from OUTlaw, the Maurer LGBT student organization, and involving the students in all major decisions"OUTlaw's relationship with the Maurer Board continues to offer professional opportunities, build interpersonal relationships, and foster a culture of inclusiveness within the law school," says Matthew Showalter, former President of OUTlaw. "The Board members not only strive to advance our own professional careers but serve as excellent role models for the advocates we hope to become. The Alumni Board is truly a crucial part of OUTlaw and the Maurer community."

 

GLBTAA members Jerry Burgdoerfer, Nick Clark, Tina Clark, Erica DeSantis, Margaret Emmert, John Fischer, Tim Lemper, Jim Reed, Steve Sanders, Ryan Scott, Mike Shumate and Kathleen Sweeney are current, or former, directors of the Maurer Board.  Mike Shumate and Steve Sanders currently serve as President and Vice President, respectively.

 

Some OUTlaw Members and Allies


 

A Fun Pose!


 
 

 

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, a '14 recipient, with Doug Bauder, who presented the Award

   

 

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 Dean Goldsmith who presented the Award


 

   


 6. Academic Scholarship Recipient
 

 

CONGRATULATIONS are extended to Ash D. Kulak, one of our 2014 Fall Academic Scholarship recipients! Ash is a senior at IU Bloomington working toward a degree in Human Biology, French, and Gender Studies.  Ash has been accepted into IU Maurer School of Law's Direct Admission program and will work toward a degree in law following graduation before moving onto graduate work.  Ash has been a Resident Assistant for an Intensive Freshman Seminar program on campus and has devoted considerable efforts with gender identity initiatives on the Bloomington campus, particularly with Gender Warriors, IU's gender non-conforming student support group.  Ash co-founded Gender Warriors in 2012 and since has been a strong supporter and facilitator of the group's various programs and advocacy efforts.  Ash's video documentary about trans experiences on campus spurred a number of improvements in IU's trans-friendly housing options.   Ash reflects "Gender Studies has given me a new lens with which to view the world, and I hope to one day facilitate the same mind-blowing reactions to course material that I have had as an undergraduate." We're proud of you, Ash!

 

  

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].