New Website

If anyone still occasionally looks at this, I just wanted to let you know that Lambda has a new website that includes a blog!

http://wmpeople.wm.edu/site/page/lambdaalliance/home

New Year Started!!!

Hello all!
Just in case you've missed the listserve E-mail, Lambda's first meeting of the semester is tomorrow! Thursday at 7:30 in Blair 201!
There will be snacks and we will get to know one another a little bit... And for anyone that is interested, we will probably go for coffee afterwards!
Rainbows!
Kathy

Summer sun, something's begun, but oh oh the summer nights

Hey Everyone!

So, classes have been out for just over a month now and summer has started! I just thought I would update the blog a little in case anyone stumbles over it before August… Lambda is in the process of planning a lot of really cool things for next year, as always. It will all start with the Over the Rainbow Orientation Program and then the Student Activities Fair, keep your eyes open!

June has indeed begun today so I just want to say Happy Gay Pride Month! I know not everyone is into Gay Pride, but for those that are, have fun!

I also thought I would briefly post some links to the Advocate about some things that have been going on with LGBT-related news.

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid54422.asp

First, the California Supreme Court struck down a ban on same-sex marriage! Couples could wed starting June 17^th unless the court stays its decision to wait for November elections. Californians may get to vote on a constitutional amendment which would ban same-sex marriage and overturn the court’s decision. Either way, the ruling is expected to be appealed which would eventually take it to the US Supreme Court, which has never ruled on same-sex marriage.

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid54849.asp

Maryland currently does not have civil unions, but its governor signed to bills extending more rights to LGBT couples including tax benefits and hospital visitation.

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid55077.asp

New York Governor David Patterson said this past week that state agencies had to recognize same-sex unions performed outside the state. Massachusetts requires residency, but California should be performing them in a few weeks. Besides that, Canada is just next door to New York… So far, there’s a lot of the expected backlash.

http://www.advocategenq.com/2008/05/whoa--south-car.html

More info at http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8356379&nav=0RaP

Finally, just because I think it’s interesting and should be shared. A South Carolina high school principal is resigning because he has to allow the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. He says it conflicts with his personal and religious beliefs and then says, “I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High school implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes.”

Day of Silence

April 24th is Day of Silence this year at William & Mary. That means tomorrow! We have some cards that you can show to people that explain why you are being quiet. Come by the UC tables like right now :) The cards are also available at http://dayofsilence.org/content/getorganized.html

Come by the Sunken Gardens tomorrow for a Breaking the Silence ceremony at 5 pm where we will yell and discuss events of the day.

And afterwards Lambda is going to Sno-to-Go for a chance to hang out and everyone is welcome!

Have a wonderful Day!

Upcoming Events this Week!

Hey Everyone!
We have a fun filled week planned. Wow...

Tonight! Magdalen Hsu-Li is performing in Lodge 1 at 9pm. Lambda is co-sponsoring this event with the Chinese Student Organization and UCAB. Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23885147184

Wednesday! I don't have a F*cking Clue: A sex-Fest at WM! A really cool CAPS project about sexual openness. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7567049989

Friday: The ever-fabulous Drag Ball!!! It's definitly something to look forward to: Roberto's done a great job working on it! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=11285502238

Saturday: We are still working this out, but SafeZone will have the final training workshop of the semester. More details will be posted later!

DRAGBALL

Dragball, which is this 18th at 10 o'clock, has a facebook event!

Invite your friends!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=11285502238

CAPS Projects

Hey everyone!

This is going to be an annoyingly long post, but just scan through to check out some really cool events that are happening on campus soon!

Today, March 28^th: Rethink Pink T-Shirt and Bake Sale- “Stop by the UC anywhere from 11am-2pm or 5pm-7pm to purchase delicious baked goods and/or our cute, specially made t-shirts! Cash and Express accepted. All proceeds will benefit the EIF Women's Cancer Fund. We will also have information concerning consumer awareness of "pink ribbon" products and the amazing support group Students of AMF (Ailing Mothers and Fathers).” http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10121357444

Sunday, March 30^th: Sex Worker Rights Activist Jill Brenneman- “Jill Brenneman is a sex workers rights activist, sexual assault crisis counselor, and program coordinator for the Sex Workers Outreach Project East. She believes that sex workers should have equal access to the legal and health protections afforded to workers in other industries. Her vision of social change is about a world where people can choose their lives, choose what they do with their bodies, be able to freely express their thoughts and beliefs and be respected and honored for it so long as they aren't bringing harm to others or imposing their views on others.” The event is at 5 pm in Washington 201. Constance has also written a wonderful Editorial in today’s Flat Hat about this in response to the Sex Workers’ Art Show. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12154002212

Wednesday, April 2^nd: Self-Defense Workshop- “Come to this FREE self-defense course taught by Kinesiology Professor Robert Horvath. The workshop is designed as a practical approach to self-defense through empowerment and confidence building. Can't make it on the 2nd?! We'll be holding TWO more workshops on April 9th and 16th. Same time and place!” They are from 7pm-8:30pm in Fitwell Studio in WM Hall. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=27351015187

Thursday, April 3^rd: Fashion Shouldn’t Hurt, A Fashion Show for the Socially Conscious- “Fashion Shouldn't Hurt will present a brief documentary highlighting certain fashion aspects on the W&M campus. Dr. Camilla Buchanan will present a short presentation on the fashion industry and how it relates to women's health. Then, expect the fashion show we've always wanted. Cute clothes, that are comfy, practical and downright good for you! After the show, there will be giveaways, free make-up, raffles, t-shirt sales, etc.” It is 7:30-8:30om in Tidewater B in the UC. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9660208327

Sunday, April 6^th: Celebrating 90 Years of Women of the Alma Mater- “Meet and network with notable alumni, learn about women's contributions to the College and greater community, and eat some free food. Don't feel like you need to stay the whole time - we know that there are other cool things happening on campus, so feel free to come late or leave early! Tentative Schedule: 11:00 - Meet and greet 1:30 - Keynote address from Dr. Carolyn Whittenburg 1:40 - Panel discussion Guest speaker Dr. Carolyn Whittenburg will be enlightening us on the history of women at the College of William and Mary. Having graduated from the School of Education, she completed her doctorate in 2003. Dr. Whittenburg's dissertation research covered the first female faculty at the College, as well as early women alumnae who proceeded to teach at William and Mary. Currently, Dr. Whittenburg is the Director of the National Institute of American History and Democracy.” All of this is taking place in the Wren Courtyard. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8782683077

Wednesday, April 9^th: GenderBending Day- We are asking that WM students cross-dress or genderbend on Wednesday, April 9th. During the day we will have a table at the UC where we will be doing make up for those that want it. This is includes drag makeup and facial hair makeup! In the evening, there will be a forum in Washington 201 from 6-9pm to discuss the issues of sex and gender. The forum will include Dr. Camilla Buchanan, a local OBGYN, and WM students discussing the impact of gender in everyday lives. It will also include fun demonstrations and activities. We have chosen to do this because a strict gender binary and the idea that gender should correspond with sex is alienating to those who do not identify as the gender associated with their sex, those who do not always identify with only one gender, and those whose sex category is ambiguous at birth. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9823824078

Friday, April 11^th: I Don’t have a F*ckin’ Clue, A Sexfest at William and Mary- “A campus-wide event meant to promote sexual openness on campus. Our event, which will be held either on the day of April 11 or April 18, will consist of a series of booths that will provide information on a variety of topics and will encourage students to talk openly about sex/sexuality issues that they may not feel comfortable discussing in other spaces. The booths will be arranged in an outdoor, public area on campus. We have also created a blog for the WM community to submit questions, etc. concerning sex. Essentially, the event is meant to promote sex-positive perspectives among the WM community. Booth Menu-Everything Butt: Anal Sex; BDSM: Safe, Fun, and Sexy; Party of One: Sex Toys and Masturbation; Chastity's Fun Too!; Location, Location, Location: Sex Outside the Bedroom” http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7567049989

Wow, that was a lot… Anyways they all have Facebook Events which are linked above, I encourage everyone to check them out!

Have a Great Weekend!

Kathy