Table of Contents:

• Manhattanites March on Washington
• Quote of the Month
• Al Gore on Gay and Lesbian Marriages
• George W. Bush takes a stance on Lesbian and Gay issues
• Letter from the Former FHA President
• Letter from FHA Co-President, Angela C.
• Letter from FHA Co-President, Jerry Marcoe
• Inspiring Manhattan Moment
• Will the Longer Finger Please Stand Up?
• The Consequence of Being Positive
• Letter from the Editor: Xena Speaks
• Fabulous Rice Pilaf Recipe
• Summer Flint Hills Alliance

Articles:

Manhattanites March on Washington
by Lisa "Buffalo" Nichols
(To view pictures of the Millennium March on Washington, click here.)

By driving crazy, staying with friends, and sharing expenses, partner Holly, friend Cyndy and I managed to represent the Little Apple at the Millennium March on Washington over the weekend of April 30th.  The trip was a queer adventure all the way.  As early as Missouri, we encountered fellow travelers with rainbow stickers, most waving excitedly at us. In Ohio we came upon a black Honda SUV with rainbow flag, Kansas plates and a K.U. sticker; for some 15 miles we played tag with the cowboy-hatted woman and two men within, exchanging scribbled messages.  And the closer we got, the more the rest areas were gayly populated.

But when we hit D.C., the homos became the majority-in the streets, on the Metro, everywhere. It was a thrill, though this time the mood seemed more casual than in '87 or '93-a matter-of-fact feeling that, of course, there are so many of us, and, naturally, we might gather in huge crowds.

It's worth noting that many radical queers, alienated by the sponsoring Human Rights Campaign's mainstreaming strategies and reported rebuffing of local grass roots organizers, boycotted the weekend's events.  Criticism of the HRC included the apparently right-on assertion that people of color were not included in the planning and thus did not participate in large numbers. Indeed, the turnout seems to have been much lower than organizers had hoped.

Despite the controversy, the weekend's activities were a kick. "Equality Rocks" offered the anticipate entertainment of k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Garth Brooks, and others-plus such tidbits as George Michael's revelation of having his first affair with a man  at age 27 and Tipper Gore's spirited guest appearance on the drums. At the next day's gathering for the March, our Manhattan contingent, after being left behind by the eight or ten others in the Kansas delegation (we hadn't gotten through the bathroom line), watched a good half the parade before joining in.

Sunday afternoon we walked past a woman wearing an oddly familiar straw cowboy hat. Could it be? Yes! The Kansans from the Honda! We stopped and met Becky, Matthew, and Chris.  They'd missed the march, having been up until 6 the night before at one of the dances (at which Chris had danced with-and even touched the butt of-Grace Jones herself). We put aside any contempt for Jayhawks and enjoyed a little Sunflower State solidarity.

We left D.C. exhausted but please with our uppity queer selves. The next morning, on I-70 outside Columbia, MO, that little black SUV passed us with a tired wave from its driver-whose passengers were sound asleep. Obviously we weren't the only Kansans who'd had a grand time...

Quote of the Month

"Dr. Laura has the right to express any opinion she wishes, however incorrect and hateful it may be. However, nowhere in the Constitution does it say that TV stations need to provide a forum for such inflammatory rhetoric just to make a buck," said Ryan Clary, the San Francisco organizer of www.stopdrlaura.com.

Al Gore on Gay and Lesbian Marriages

During a recent presidential debate, democratic presidential candidate Al Gore was asked about his stance on gay and lesbians being granted the right to marry. Gore replied: "[Bradley] and I have the same position on that. I'm for domestic partnerships having legal protections, but not the same sacrament, not the same name, because I favor protecting the institution of marriage, as it has been understood between a man and a woman. But I think that a partner should have legal protection and contractual rights and health care and the rest."

George W. Bush takes a stance on Lesbian and Gay Issues

Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush spoke some definitive words last month: He is opposed to same-sex marriage.  As far as letting gays work in his administration, if he is elected president, Bush clarified last week that he did not say he would not appoint them, he said he would not fire them. Bush apparently has some confusion on whether he would appoint an openly gay person to a high post in his administration "as long as they can do a good job, as long as their political agenda was the same as mine." Then Washington Times columnist Cal Thomas reported that former U.S. Senator William Armstrong said Bush told him and other right-wing politicos that he would not "knowingly" appoint a gay person to a high position.

Letter from the Former Flint Hills Alliance President
by Jen Bame (jensfog@hotmail.com)

Greetings Friends of the Flint Hills Alliance,

During this past year, I have enjoyed serving the lesbigaytrans community of Manhattan as the president of FHA. While this experience has helped me grow as a person, it has also reconciled my faith in what we, as a community, can accomplish together.

For example, in the past year FHA has experienced enormous developments in events and vitality.  Our organization has grown from meeting only for educational speakers and potlucks to also having Walks on the Konza Prairie, Coffee Talks for Women, and Just for Men Socials and Game Nights.

And starting with June 2000, Flint Hills Alliance continues its growth with the birth of our community newsletter, "thetriangle."  I hope our community will use this fantastic opportunity to reach out to one another sharing our interests and knowledge by submitting articles, artwork, and stories to our community newsletter.

I believe it takes the strength of each and every one of us to make the community grow, and that is why, I will continue to be an active member, advocate and volunteer to the Flint Hills Alliance. I hope that you will find a way that you, personally, can help FHA become a stronger Alliance.

With the birth of our community newsletter, "thetriangle," our new Officer Team, and most importantly, YOUR contributions, FHA will continue to grow into a fun, informative and welcoming community.

THANK YOU for allowing me to serve as president for a year. I'll see you at the next FHA event!

Letter from Flint Hills Alliance Co-President, Angela C.
(angelica115@excite.com)

Hello everyone! My name is Angela C. and I will be your Flint Hills Alliance Co-President for June 2000-2001. Jerry M is also Flint Hills Alliance Co-President for June 2000-20001.  FHA Officers decided to try co-presidents this year.  By having co-presidents, we hope to better serve the wymyn's and men's communities.  I am so excited about this next year adn we have some fun activities planned!!!  :)  Come show your support for FHA!!  If anyone wants to e-mail me personally with suggestions or comments, please feel free to do so.

Letter from Flint Hills Alliance Co-President, Jerry M.

I want to thank everyone that has supported me in the past year as vice-president under the  guidance of a very dedicated president, Jennifer. Jen has done a wonderful job for us in the last year with her great leadership.

I am looking forward to working with Angela as co-president this year. We will be striving to make FHA the best organization for forwarding information and having programs that will be very informative for our members and supporters.  Anyone having any suggestions for programs or some fun things to do this summer please let me or Angela know and we will try to work them into our plans.

I want to thank you once again for the opportunity to help with the leadership of FHA.  We are only as strong as our members and friends are, so remember that you are welcome to contact me with any problems or ideas. Thank you.

Inspiring Manhattan Moment
by Jen Bame (jensfog@hotmail.com)

On the evening of Thursday May 4th, I had the opportunity to attend "Stop the Hate Vigil" which featured Rev. Dr. Mel White as the address speaker.  I was pleased to discover that several different denominations, local community organizations, and student groups came together to co-sponsor the event.

Although we got off to a late start, the atmosphere in the room continued to be one of support and love.  Participants entered the room while soft background music helped set a loving tone. I was delightfully surprised to find the Indigo Girls was a song among the selection.

Pastor Jayne, from Lutheran Campus Ministries, began the evening by introducing readings and songs filled with strength, leadership, insight, compassion and diversity. Shortly after, Mel White took me by surprise when he said that we shouldn't put so much precious energy into changing the views of hateful people, as whatever we say to them will never make them change. It is more useful to help others to heal and grow, in addition to working on changing oneself. Stopping the Hate, begins with stopping the hate inside.

If you didn't attend on this wonderful event, you should have!! This evening renewed my belief that there is space enough for all living beings on our beautiful, but tiny planet; And that there are people of many spiritual paths that can come together and create a welcoming and loving environment for all beings.

Will the Longer Finger Please Stand Up?
by B.W. (bdwaters@flinthills.com)

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley published a recent study about finger length differences between gays and straights.  Men normally have longer ring fingers than index fingers. In women, the length of the two fingers is usually nearly equal.  Scientists believe that this trait is produced by the higher levels of prenatal androgens, such as testosterone, in men than women.  The researchers found among lesbians a tendency to have the typical male pattern.  They also found that the male trait may be even more pronounced in gay men, despite the stereotype of gay men being effeminate.  The findings provide support for the theory that prenatal exposure to higher levels of androgen can contribute to a person's sexual orientation.

The finger difference are very small, and the Berkeley researchers caution that the differences only hold as averages in large populations and not for individuals.  However, a similar study at Rutgers University found considerable overlap between lesbian and straight women, calling into question the statistical significance of the Berkeley results.  Conflicting and unrepeatable results have been a constant problem in the search for the biology of being gay. For every study there is another that contradicts it or criticisms of the research methods used.

So, what does it all mean? Probably nothing other than homosexuality is a complex issue.  Many researchers, including those at Berkeley, think that homosexuality results from a complex interaction of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.  These factors are not the same or equal for all gays and lesbians.  The genes and other factors that make one person gay or lesbian may be completely different from that of another.

Most researchers, and 75% of gays and lesbians, agree that homosexuality is in part genetic. In coming years, science is sure to provide more definite answers.  But for now, the only think everyone does agree on is that in both men and women, gays and straights, the middle finger is the longest.

The Consequence of Being Positive

Please take a few minutes to visually fill in the matrix below with some activities or situations that fit into each category. Then select the section you would most often place your actions. (Gay is used inclusively.)

Many polls show that an increasing majority of people support equal rights for the gay population, placing them in the two Pro-Gay sections of the bottom of the matrix.  However, experts claim that individuals that fit in the Passive/Pro-Gay section are actually perceived to be in the Passive/Anti-Gay section. The same can also hold true for racial and other prejudices.

Anti-gay leaders, such as Fred Phelps and Gary Bauer, assume the silent masses follow their rhetoric.  Silence equals validation for their work.  It allows them to generalize what the masses believe and want.

Balance is maintained by an opposite and equal reaction to every action.  If change is going to happen, then our actions must be larger and more effective (not meaner or louder) than the anti-gay actions.  We must act to ensure diversity.  We must act to ensure respect.

You don't have to give speeches or march in parades to be active. Come out to the people around you. Ask someone to not tell offensive jokes instead of walking away.  Use inclusive language.  Challenge stereotypes. Write letters or send email to the local newspaper, legislature, etc. Ask others to publicly state pro-gay affirmations. Ask for domestic partnership benefits. (Administrators may not realize there is a demand for benefits.) Donate your time or money.  Often your time is more important.  Seek to understand a situation, rather than react to it.

Letter from the Editor: Xena Speaks
by P.Cullers (deadletterfile@hotmail.com)

I have the soul of a warrior. I have a flame that burns within me. Here I am in the year 2000. After the march in Milwaukee for civil rights in 1967, the candle light vigils of the 1980's, and the marches to Washington and New York in the 1990's, you'd think that my feet would be tired by now. You'd think that I'd be tired of stomping out oppression like Lucy stomped on grapes in that grape stomping episode and got all pooped out. But not me. I've been stomping and marching a long time and I'm going to stomp and march all over this planet and even to Mars if I have to in order to get a little justice and respect for the fact that I am queer as all mother f-ing get out. I will shout until my lungs burn that I am a GAY human member of this race. I am going to kiss my girlfriend in public and hold her hand until every mother f-ing hateful Nazi stare dissolves away. I am going to kiss my girlfriend and march and kiss my girlfriend and march and kiss my girlfriend and march all the way to Pluto until I am given the respect I deserve not to be called names for doing it.  I am going to have the right to marry my girlfriend, to own property with her, and to share our lives as a family. No one is going to stop me or my need to march for it. I will have these things that I desire in my lifetime. I hope that you will march with me. March on with your bad self.

Jennifer's Fabulous Rice Pilaf Recipe

Hey Gang! I know many folks these days are on no-carb diets, but my Rice Pilaf is worth taking a bite of. Try it out at your next potluck! Jen Bame (jensfog@hotmail.com)

¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup shredded carrot
¼-1/2 cup almonds
1-2 tablespoon minced garlic
3-4 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon sunflower oil

In a large skillet, sauté bell pepper, onion, and carrot with sunflower oil. After contents of skillet are warmed and softened, add rice, garlic and almonds. Cook over medium to medium-low heat until warm, stir often.

Summer Flint Hills Alliance Events
(For location information about events listed below, write to fha.kansas@usa.net.)

June 9 & 23 Coffee Talk for Women
June 17 Women's Minifest/BBQ at Angela's at 8pm
July 14 & 28 Coffee Talk for Women
July 21 Pool Party for Men and Women, 9-10:30pm
August 11 & 25 Coffee Talk for Women, 8pm