The Floodgates Have Opened!

Posted on August 3, 2009 by kyle

Today is the first day in which domestic partners in the state can sign up for the registry that was created with the signing of the budget a few weeks ago. There have been reports of a potential challenge, but it wasn’t filed in time to stop the county clerks from beginning to issue signing up same-sex couples.

As always, Fair Wisconsin is looking out for the citizens of the states and has provided a reference guide for registering (PDF) – good information to know before signing your name on the dotted line.

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Fixing Sex

Posted on July 15, 2009 by kyle

Last week, I featured Fixing Sex on the University Library Blog as part of a weekly column called New Stuff Tuesdays. I figure that anyone that has gone through a Safe Zone training with me knows that I like to bring up intersex, as I believe that even the most seasoned LGBT community members may not know much about the I in LGBTI (usually used in the medical field). If you have an interest in this particular topic, then I would recommend checking out this book.

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We’re Not Meeting Today…

Posted on July 8, 2009 by kyle

I heard it was because some people actually like to take vacations or something like that. What’s up with that? =)

Anyway, if we WERE meeting today, one of the big topics of discussion would be the after-effects of the state budget. It was a major victory for the LGBT community in Wisconsin, as the state will now recognize domestic partnerships. With Doyle’s signature, we’re now the first state in the Midwest to have enacted such legislation with a constitutional ban against same-sex marriage already in place.

However, the bigger news is that the UW System is now authorize to extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners (we finally did it, PB!). Once we have more information about its implementation here on campus, we will be sure to share that on the blog.

While it’s not full equality, we’re getting closer.

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OUT in the Real World

Posted on June 25, 2009 by kyle

Getting that first job after graduation can be nerve-racking experience. The resumes, the cover letters, making sure everything is perfect down to the last detail. For many LGBTQ grads, the extra stress of their identity comes into play. How do you handle your sexuality or gender identity in the workplace? Do you hide in the closet or do you wear your rainbow on your sleeve (literally or figuratively)? Should you include your involvement in groups like IMPACT on your resume?

The real questions, and many more, are the focus of Out for Work‘s annual conference, which will be held 25-27 September 2009 in Washington, DC. There will be panel discussions, speakers and workshops that center around workplace issues for LGBTQ individuals. There’s even a career fair to network with LGBT-friendly employers! For more information, check out the conference website.

I know that Whitewater students have attended this conference in the past and really found the experience to be well worth it!

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National Women’s Music Festival

Posted on June 25, 2009 by kyle

If you’re looking for something to do over the Fourth of July weekend, may I offer the following suggestion? The National Women’s Music Festival will be taking place in Madison (well, technically Middleton) starting next Thursday (2 July) and running through Sunday (5 July). The festival is sponsored by Women In the Arts, a non-profit organization that has grown to “promote and affirm the creative and technical skills of women in the visual, performing and fine arts.” It will feature performers such as Lisa Koch, Ubaka Hill, Alix Olson and many more! Online registration has already passed, but you can still buy tickets at the door.

National Women’s Music Festival
2-5 July 2009
Marriott Madison West, Middleton, WI

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