Harvey Milk Day 2012
---
"All men are created equal. No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words." Harvey Milk
---
Each year, Texans gather in Austin to celebrate the birthday of Harvey Milk and to learn about the past, present and future of our movement toward full equality in all matters governed by civil law.
It is a time to reflect on civil rights leaders of the past but, also a time to learn about the issues of our day, how we can overcome them and how we can effectively achieve the full equality that we are looking for.
This event is aimed at empowering justice seaking communities to take bold action and demand full equality in all matters governed by civil law. As such, attendees will walk away with the tools and knowledge to act in their local communities to gain it.
We believe that these tools should be freely shared and that lack of funds should not be a cause for someone not to attend. The person who has no money to contribute will gain the same exact training as the person who donates $100.00
This is a 4 day event where food is provided as well as necessary supplies and fees that are attached. We ask that everyone donate what they can to help offset the cost.
We also require registration in advance as we need to know how much food to provide and how many supply kits to put together.
Pre-register: http://hmd2012.eventbrite.com
View workshops: http://getequaltx.org/harvey-milk-day-conference/workshops
See the Schedule: http://getequaltx.org/harvey-milk-day-conference/schedule
Below the Belt: A Sex Positive Approach to Fighting HIV in Gay/Bi/Queer Males
Bio: Daniel Holland - The Q Austin
Daniel Holland is the Lead Mpowerment Coordinator for AIDS Services of Austin and supervises the Q program. Q Austin is a queer space dedicated to promoting the solidarity, wellbeing, and awesomeness of Austin’s dynamic queer communities. He is a public health Social Worker with 5 years experience in the field of HIV/AIDS. Daniel is a State certified in prevention-based counseling and has experience both in HIV testing-prevention as well as direct practice in communities living with HIV/AIDS.
Workshop: Below the Belt: A Sex Positive Approach to Fighting HIV in Gay/Bi/Queer Males
Daniel Holland will lead a workshop aimed to build sex positive dialogue around reducing the HIV transmission rates in communities of gay/bi/queer identified men who have sex with men (MSM). The latest findings of the Center for Disease Control show that, while HIV continues to spread across many communities, the rate of transmission continues to rise in only one group- male bodied MSM. In Below the Belt, folks of all identities who wish to make an impact in this population will learn how to spread safer sex norms to peers and clients by cultivating skills in three stages: 1. Building a “kamasutra “of sex along a risk continuum, 2. Cultivating comfort talking frankly and positively about male to male sex, 3. Enhancing knowledge about HIV transmission and resources. Below the Belt utilizes dirty talk, role plays, sex toys, games and discussion for an interactive and FUN, fast-paced track toward becoming a risk reduction “sexpert”.
Read more: Below the Belt: A Sex Positive Approach to Fighting HIV in Gay/Bi/Queer Males
Gender in Politics
Bio: Megan Rue - ACC Center for Student Political Studies
Megan Rue contributes to advocacy efforts for women and queer students within Austin Community College through efforts such as: childcare expansion initiatives, petitioning for development of women’s/gender studies classes, and promoting campus awareness of queer issues through the Gay-Straight Alliance. As President of the GSA, she has contributed to forging organizational connections within the local queer community. She co-founded the Steel Vaginas feminisms discussion group, which operates out of the Q Austin. The group engages participants in bi-weekly discussions about different topics related to feminism, queer theory, and intersections of oppression. In particular, the group works to incite debate and exhibit issues through various feminist lenses. On the weekends, Megan slays pasta and is generally a badass.
Workshop: Gender in Politics
As Charlotte Bunch once stated, “Feminism is an entire world view or gestalt, not just a laundry list of women’s issues.” Through a brief historical overview, we will attempt to display the masculine bias that has perpetuated throughout everything just about ever. We will discuss in which ways institutions and cultures still maintain a masculine bias, and how this bias has contributed to the development of a masculine/feminine dichotomy and has undervalued the feminine in all aspects of the public sphere – in particular, politics. From there, we will use Bunch’s framework of problem analysis as an alternative structure to examine and solve social problems that have persisted through masculine institutions. In doing so, we will be challenging and reconfiguring the very values and structure of contemporary politics and modes of problem solving.
Story of Self
Bio: Caterina Victoria - GetEQUAL Florida
Caterina is a lead community organizer with GetEQUAL Florida. She is a strong advocate of direct action, non-violent civil disobedience, and unapologetically holding accountable those in power as needed, regardless of political party affiliation. Caterina is equally dedicated to the pursuit of ethical and comprehensive immigration reform as an active member of Students Working for Equal Rights, a state-wide organization representing undocumented youth. She is passionate about bridging minority movements through solid coalitions and general education, as demonstrated through “Out for Equality,” a campaign she created to open this dialogue and remove social and cultural taboos geared towards queer immigrants. Caterina strives to emphasize the absolute importance of complete social justice, inclusion, and acceptance in every area of our lives, beginning with complete acceptance and love of ourselves.
Workshop: Story of Self
Who are you? Why are you? In a world where constant justification of our dignities as humans is demanded of us as LGBTQ-identifying individuals, we are repeatedly confronted with these questions in a variety of formats and volumes. Story of Self focuses on the importance of reflecting on ourselves and our story in order to find the exact answers to these questions. The workshop will explain what this kind of process entails and how to shape your story into a valuable tool. Story of Self will address why this process and the sharing of our stories is crucial to both ourselves and the general advancement of our movement.
Occuping Queers-Homelessness and class among the Queer 99%
Bio: Mac McKaskle - OccuQueers
Mac is a long time social justice activit in Austin, Texas.Veteran of the Gay Liberation, Anti War and Envioromental movements. Mac has been involved in groups including Act-Up, Queer Nation and Austin Against War among others. He now is working on issues of hunger and homelessness. Carey Dunn came to Austin in 2006, fleeing the prejudices of Beaumont and the East Texas area. Since coming to Austin he's been active in the local community even while struggling with employment and housing. Carey has been through the conventional homelessness services here in Austin and can speak to their usefulness and shortcomings, especially in regards to LGBT individuals. Hehas been involved with The Q Austin, Metropolitan Community Church Austin, Queerbomb and Occupy Austin
Workshop: Occuping Queers-Homelessness and class among the Queer 99%
Cary will discuss being homeless and queer in Austin. Mac will discuss working with queer youth homelessness In Austin. Conversation will include how class defines community among GLBT people.
Read more: Occuping Queers-Homelessness and class among the Queer 99%
Sexuality and Socialism
Bio: Katie Feyh - International Socialist Organization
Katie Feyh is a longtime member of the International Socialist Organization and activist for LGBTQ rights. She is also a Visiting Professor of Communication Studies at Southwestern University.
Workshop: Sexuality and Socialism
This workshop will delve into the roots of sexual oppression and discuss how to fight for full sexual liberation for all.
The Accidental Activist
Bio: Sami-di Williams - Grrlz will be BoiZ
Principle songwriter, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for regional rock band, Grrlz will be BoiZ
Workshop: The Accidental Activist
A discussion about the journey from everyday local musician to activist. We'll discuss the subject matter of our more socially conscious songs, the true life events that inspired them and how they came to be written. We'll also discuss how those songs affected those who heard them and how they inspired us as a band to put our own words into action. None of us started out with the plan to be activists. Now it is an integral part of who we are as musicians and people. We hope to inspire others to find ways to shape whatever it is they do into their own form of inspiration and activism as well.
Transgender Rights Toolkit: A legal guide for trans people and their advocates
Bio: Omar Narvaez - Lambda Legal
Omar Narvaez – Regional Community Educator for Lambda Legal South Central Regional Office is responsible for reaching out to various areas in order to promote Lambda Legal’s mission. Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. A background of corporate training, human relations, public policy work, grassroots organizing and community education has helped him to build many relationships among a large diversity of organizations and people. Originally born and raised in Houston, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he met his partner 15 years ago. Narvaez is committed to his work of civil rights and social justice for the LGBT community, and specializes in immigration, youth services, HIV, marriage equality and public policy work.
Workshop: Transgender Rights Toolkit: A legal guide for trans people and their advocates
A variety of toolkits will be presented to attendees which will include Transition Related Healthcare, Workplace Rights and Wrongs, Equal Access to Public Restrooms, & Transgeder Parents. This will be a know your rights presentation.
Read more: Transgender Rights Toolkit: A legal guide for trans people and their advocates
Making It Better: Inclusive policies at Texas school districts, public colleges & universities.
Bio: Omar Narvaez - Lambda Legal
Omar Narvaez – Regional Community Educator for Lambda Legal South Central Regional Office is responsible for reaching out to various areas in order to promote Lambda Legal’s mission. Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. A background of corporate training, human relations, public policy work, grassroots organizing and community education has helped him to build many relationships among a large diversity of organizations and people. Originally born and raised in Houston, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he met his partner 15 years ago. Narvaez is committed to his work of civil rights and social justice for the LGBT community, and specializes in immigration, youth services, HIV, marriage equality and public policy work.
Workshop: Making It Better: Inclusive policies at Texas school districts, public colleges & universities.
Lambda Legal & Resource Center Dallas will present the tools necessary to empower a community to add fully inclusive LGBT language to governmental agencies non-discrimination policies like school districts, universities and colleges.
Immigraton Reform: Is it an LGBT issue?
Bio: Omar Narvaez - Lambda Legal
Omar Narvaez – Regional Community Educator for Lambda Legal South Central Regional Office is responsible for reaching out to various areas in order to promote Lambda Legal’s mission. Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. A background of corporate training, human relations, public policy work, grassroots organizing and community education has helped him to build many relationships among a large diversity of organizations and people. Originally born and raised in Houston, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he met his partner 15 years ago. Narvaez is committed to his work of civil rights and social justice for the LGBT community, and specializes in immigration, youth services, HIV, marriage equality and public policy work.
Workshop: Immigraton Reform: Is it an LGBT issue?
attendees will be presented with tools specific to Uniting Families American Act (UAFA) and the necessary need to repeal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Better Blogging Bootcamp
Bio: Daniel Villarreal - Dallas Voice
Daniel Villarreal has worked as an e-journalist for the last six years on such sites as MetroWeekly.com, DallasVoice.com, Queerty.com and Bilerico.com.
Workshop: Better Blogging Bootcamp
This intensive, hands-on bootcamp will teach you how to create quality blog and Facebook content that'll get people talking. Starting with basic story-finding tools (RSS feeds, Google Alerts, etc.), we'll develop a breaking Texas-based news story into attention-grabbing blog posts that incorporate sound research, expert interviews, digital photography and interactive multimedia to add context and authority. This class is intended for those who know the basics of blogging but desire additional journalism and electronic media training to create polished work
LGBT Power + Union Power = Equality
Bio: Rachel Melendes - UNITE HERE!
Rachel Melendes is an organizer with UNITE HERE
Workshop: LGBT Power + Union Power = Equality
UNITE HERE, a union representing over 250,000 hospitality and manufacturing workers across North America, is committed to full equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) people. Our union was the first to ratify a comprehensive statement in support of civil and economic rights for LGBT people, and we contributed significant funds and organizing resources to defeating Proposition 8 in California. In both the United States and Canada, members of our union have worked to build a powerful coalition between the LGBT and labor communities in our quest for fair and equal treatment of all individuals. Sleep With The Right People is a collaboration between UNITE HERE and the LGBT community, working jointly to use our power as consumers to ensure that hotels respect their workers. LGBT travelers spend over $60 billion a year on business and recreational travel, and major hotel chains like Hyatt spend millions of dollars annually on advertising that specifically targets the gay market. Our coalition is calling on members of the LGBT community to “Sleep With The Right People” by honoring picket lines, respecting boycotts at various Hyatts and other hotels across North America, and whenever possible patronizing unionized hotels when traveling. We are stronger together than alone when combating wealthy individuals and corporations, who stand in the way of us achieving full civil and economic equality.
Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 2
Bio: Daniel Cates - Limehouse Theatre - GetEQUAL TX
Daniel Cates serves as the North Texas Regional Coordinator for GetEQUAL TX and is a Resident Creative Director with Limehouse Theatre in Dallas Texas. Daniel also writes for the Huffington Post's Gay Voices and contributes occasion opinion pieces to the Dallas Voice.
Workshop: Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 2
In this 2 part workshop, participants will learn the power of performance art to create radical change and inspire communities. We will learn how to create and convey a clearly defined message, properly plan and execute a street performance and together create and perform a piece on the steps of the Texas Capitol.
This workshop will take place in 2 parts, both Saturday and Sunday- participants must commit to both sessions and the public performance Sunday evening. Participants should bring a solid color plain t-shirt (please make sure it is not the shirt you are wearing) A limited number of shirts will be provided for those who are unable to provide their own. Arrive on time and wide awake! This will be a very physical workshop- wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move and have fun!
Read more: Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 2
Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 1
Bio: Daniel Cates - Limehouse Theatre - GetEQUAL TX
Daniel Cates serves as the North Texas Regional Coordinator for GetEQUAL TX and is a Resident Creative Director with Limehouse Theatre in Dallas Texas. Daniel also writes for the Huffington Post's Gay Voices and contributes occasion opinion pieces to the Dallas Voice.
Workshop: Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 1
In this 2 part workshop, participants will learn the power of performance art to create radical change and inspire communities. We will learn how to create and convey a clearly defined message, properly plan and execute a street performance and together create and perform a piece on the steps of the Texas Capitol.
This workshop will take place in 2 parts, both Saturday and Sunday- participants must commit to both sessions and the public performance Sunday evening. Participants should bring a solid color plain t-shirt (please make sure it is not the shirt you are wearing) A limited number of shirts will be provided for those who are unable to provide their own. Arrive on time and wide awake! This will be a very physical workshop- wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move and have fun!
Read more: Street Theatre: Creating Revolutionary Acts of Hope part 1
Building Power & Closing Bank Accounts
Bio: Dave Cortez - Occupy Austin
Community organizer from El Paso, Texas. Speaking today about the Occupy Austin Bank Action team.
Workshop: Building Power & Closing Bank Accounts
The Occupy Austin Bank Action team formed a week before the first day of Occupy Austin. To date, the team has tracked about $1.57 million dollars moved out of Wall St. banks and into local credit unions. Learn how the team is working to identify, train, and support new organizers in Austin, and why we all have a stake in kicking these banks out of town.
Engaging the Conservative Religious Community Effectively
Bio: Kathy Baldock - Canyon Walker Connections
I am a straight Evangelical Christian and leader in the advocacy for inclusion of the glbt Christian community in the church. I have been doing this work since 2007 and became a non-prof last year and do this now full time. I write on this topic regularly and speak often. last year, I was the first speaker of faith to speak at the PFLAG National conference. I was awarded one of four "Woman Ally of Faith in 2011" a few weeks ago. Check out my website www.canyonwalkerconnections.com
Workshop: Engaging the Conservative Religious Community Effectively
OUTLINE:
How and why I came to be an advocate
Overview of welcoming denominations and programs
Landscape of acceptance of same sex marriage, lgbt youth in churches, divided views on the morality of same sex relationships and perceived commitment of lgbt commitment to God
Ten top myths about lgbt people and responses
Overview of Bible verses used in condemning same sex attractions
How to have an effective dialog and who to target
Resources Questions and Responses.
Read more: Engaging the Conservative Religious Community Effectively
Trans Agendas: The Politics of Transsexuality
Bio: Lily Connor
Lily Connor is a 2012 graduate of Southwestern University. While a student there, she transitioned from male to female and has been involved in campus activism and advocacy around LGBTQ, feminist, and interfaith issues. She has worked both with campus organizations on these issues as well as national groups like the Interfaith Youth Core.
Workshop: Trans Agendas: The Politics of Transsexuality
Drawing on both LGBT activist traditions and the presenter's academic research into transsexual history, theory, and politics, this workshop analyzes the social and political history of transsexual communities in terms of the feminist and queer movements and situates trans politics today in relation to LGB advocacy and academic gender studies. Emphasis is placed particularly on the sometimes-distinctive nature of transsexual and other trans concerns within a broader rubric of feminism, LGBT politics, and social justice. Specifically, this workshop asks: What are the particular causes important to transsexuals? Where do these overlap with those of cisgender feminists and queer activists? Is anything missing from the dialog surrounding transsexual issues?
iDesign for non-profits, activism and advocacy.
Bio: Isaac Brown - GetEQUAL TX
Isaac Brown is a Graphic Designer for GetEQUAL TX and GetEQUAL. His design methods for non-profit organization comes from a parallel experience as an organizer, executive and advocate in LGBTQ, and childcare community. Former Co chair of Project Embrace a organization dedicated in bettering the disparity of LGBTQ youth in the state of Texas, which during his term began working alongside Lambda Legal and Child Welfare League of America and the Texas Department of Family and Protective services in training caseworkers, LGBTQ advocates and CPA agencies on how to assist and educate LGBTQ youth. Isaac is a big promoter of creativity and design is essential to making or breaking a successful event, campaign and even an organization.
Workshop: iDesign for non-profits, activism and advocacy.
You ever wondered what the "i" stand for in various Apple products? It used to mean "internet" but then it reinvented it's self made the "i" a mandatory lowercase and is seen on every product. Steve Jobs stated that the new meaning is "innovation." The whole idea of this workshop is to help rethink and "i" your views on design when it comes to non-profits, activism and advocacy. A good design effects your supporters, donors, and how well are you establishing your goals while staying on track on your overall mission.
Keys to being intentionally inclusive of transgender persons.
Bio: Katy Stewart - Transgender Education Network of Texas
Katy Stewart is chair of the Transgender Education Network of Texas.
Workshop: Keys to being intentionally inclusive of transgender persons.
Katy Stewart and Rifka Reichler will lead a workshop for those who are or want to be supporters and allies to the gender diverse community. The gender diverse community is the least understood and discussed community in the LGBTQ alphabet. This workshop will introduce attendees to the gender diverse community and will offer suggestions on how to advocate for this community.
Read more: Keys to being intentionally inclusive of transgender persons.
On Being a SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies)
Bio: Rifka Reichler - Transgender Education Network of Texas
Rifka Reichler is a board member of Transgender Education Network of Texas and is dating a transwoman.
Workshop: On Being a SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies)
Rifka Reichler will lead a workshop for and about being a SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies) of those who identify as gender diverse. People who identify as gender diverse have to deal with many issues and those who love them can help by offering practical and emotional support and acceptance to the individual. In addition SOFFAs can play important roles as organizers of events and support groups for the gender diverse community, as developers of community resources and as educators and advocates. This workshop will allow those who are SOFFAs to honestly and openly discuss the rewards and challenges of loving those who identify as gender diverse. Please attend only if you are a SOFFA.
Read more: On Being a SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies)
Bisexuality: Caught in the Middle
Bio: Alex Rangel - GetEQUAL TX
Alex is the State Campus Coordinator for GetEQUAL TX, as well as a community organizer and student at Sam Houston State University. Passionate about a wide variety of social justice issues, Alex has worked to build and strengthen a number of organizations with particular attention to the diversity of the Queer Community.
Workshop: Bisexuality: Caught in the Middle
A scientific look at the effects of bias against bisexual identity, followed by a discussion on ways to counter biphobia in everyday life by comparing and contrasting biphobia with homophobia.