Challenge in West Bend

Posted on June 23, 2009 by kyle

West Bend Library Board Says ‘No’ to Relocating YA Books
There’s a showdown in West Bend over ‘questionable materials’ in the ‘young adult’ section of the library. The original challenge began with books with LGBT themes, with a couple asking them to be moved to the ‘adult’ section of the library. The back-and-forth has escalated with more groups joining each side, and it has even received the attention of the national media (ABC News picked up the story last Friday).

I may be slightly biased towards this story given its subject matter, but I think that it’s still interesting nonetheless. I’ve been following the story for several weeks now, and personally, I can’t understand why people think burning the books would do any good.

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DP Benefits Almost a Reality!

Posted on June 18, 2009 by kyle

The Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate have passed their respective budgets, and domestic partnership benefits are still part of it! Now we just have to wait for them to work on a compromise plan to send onto the governor. Let’s just hope they don’t take more than one hundred days this time around.

The Fair Wisconsin blog has more information about the current situation.

As a side note, I’m surprised about how little media attention is being given to the DP issue – maybe that’s a blessing in disguise.

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June 2009 Meeting

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Susie

The LGBT Task Force met Wednesday (10 June) – here are the highlights:

  • LGBT 2008-2009 Annual Summary – Accomplishments/Goals will be shared with Chancellor.
  • Nominations identified for System Board of Regents Diversity Award.

You can also read the full minutes (PDF) if you’d like.

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It’s That Time of Year Again

Posted on June 10, 2009 by kyle

That’s right. It’s time to get out your rainbow flags and marching boots because we’re taking streets and cities by storm over the month of June.

Milwaukee’s PrideFest 2009 begins Friday and runs through Sunday – Cyndi Lauper, Brandy and others will be performing at the three-day party on the lakefront.

Chicago started celebrating at the beginning of the month and won’t be stopping until the end. The annual Chicago Pride Parade will be held on 28 June at noon on the north side of the city. Having gone in years past, it’s definitely worth the trip.

This post was actually inspired by Susie’s daughter, whose band played in Austin Pride this past weekend (and almost made the local news!).

UPDATE
How could I forget Wisconsin Capitol Pride, scheduled to take place on 15-16 August at the Alliant Energy Center? Oh, that’s right – I didn’t know about it. Thank you, Facebook.

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Number 6 – New Hampshire

Posted on June 3, 2009 by kyle

New Hampshire became the sixth state today to legalize same-sex marriage. John Lynch, the governor of the state, signed the bill into law, which will take effect at the beginning of next year.

So this begs the question, “What’s your problem, Rhode Island?” They’re slacking by New England standards.

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