QUEER MONTCLAIR / OUT IN ESSEX:
A GAY & LESBIAN VIRTUAL COMMUNITY IN THE MONTCLAIR AREA
Crosswicks House
Post Office Box 1974
Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003-1974
Telephone: 973-776-3901, Ext. 8686
E-Mail: [email protected]
WEB: www.geocities.com/QueerMontclair/index.html
NOVEMBER 2001 - MONTCLAIR AREA L.G.B.T. NEWS & EVENTS
November 3, 2001
Dear Friends and List Members,
As every one of you undoubtedly already know, New Jersey's LGBT community is facing an election this month (in fact ,in less than a week) that - more than in any election in recent years - affords New Jerseyans a choice amongst starkly differing candidates with opposing social visions. More than in any political contest since the 1970's New Jersey's LGBT citizenry is faced with an election in which our friends and those who
are not our friends are easily discernable.
The race may be a close one in spite of the predictions of the professional pollsters, and our votes count for more this time around than at any point over the past three decades.
So I'm beginning this month's newsletter with an appeal: it is in your interest to vote next Tuesday, and to make sure that your family, friends and allies vote. It's in the interest of future generations of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people in the Garden State that you vote also.
There is no reasonable excuse for anyone not to vote; absentees and the differently-enabled are accomodated, and there are many, many volunteers to help you get to the polls, if you need help.
If you need help to get to the polls or assistance in voting in any way, contact your municipal or county League of Women Voters, who are ready, willing and able to assist you.
On another tack, this past September 11th changed all of our lives - so much so that several days thereafter I'd sent out to you all a 'special edition' of the QM newsletter that attempted to detail the impact of
the horrific attack on the World Trade Center on all of our lives: as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, as New Jerseyans and as citizens and residents of the USA.
I'd like to ask all of you that if you have a story to share in connection with that tragic event, you please send it to us ([email protected]) if you would like to see it in a future edition of the newsletter or on a 'memorial page' on the QM/OIE website.
As you know, work on our new website proceeds apace. Take a peek, and please make suggestions! it's at:
http://www.geocities.com/QueerMontclair/index.html.
On this note, I'll close and wish you all a safe and a healthy month of November, a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Ramadan.
Warm regards to all!
In solidarity,
Bill Courson
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CONTENTS:
1. LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE 2001 NEW JERSEY EVENT
2. OUTBIKE NEW JERSEY - 11/2001 RIDES
3. WORKSHOP ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & HOMOPHOBIA 11/17-18
4. FEMININE CONNECTION/OUR QUARTERLY SCHOLARSHIP
5. NJ LUTHERAN BISHOP SAYS "BLESS QUEER UNIONS!"
6. NEW JERSEY STONEWALL DEMOCRATS MAKE ENDORSEMENTS
7. EGYPT IMPRISONS CHILD BECAUSE OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
8. GROUP CONDEMNS ANTI-GAY GRAFFITI WRITTEN ON U.S. BOMB
9. APARTMENT NEEDED
10. ROOM/STUDIO NEEDED
11. SPECTRUMS at MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
12. BRET SCHUNDLER's RADICAL RIGHT WING CONNECTIONS
13. OSCAR WILDE: A LIFE IN SIX ACTS
14. BLOOMFIELD'S FIRST 'DIVERSITY DAY' - 10/27
15. TEST: HOW GAY ARE YOU?
16. TREMBLING BEFORE G-D
17. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN on SEPTEMBER 11th ATTACK
18. OUR SUPPORTERS!
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1.LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE 2001 NEW JERSEY EVENT
On Saturday, November 3, 2001, LLDEF's Eighth Annual New Jersey Event will be held at the Hilton Parsippany, at One Hilton Court, from 7-11pm. The 2001 New Jersey Event will feature a full evening of entertainment including casino games and prizes, a silent auction, open bar, dancing with DJ Michael Rosselli, a lavish buffet, and more!
Hundreds of New Jersey's Gay and Lesbian Community members will once again join together to champion the work of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund on behalf of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men and
people with HIV/AIDS and The Pride Center of New Jersey, NJ's own GLBT Community Center!
For further information or to buy tickets, call Tina Alexander, Event Coordinator at 212.809.8585, ext. 268, or go to https://www.digitopia.com/lambda/NJ-Event.html
(TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE AT THE LOW PRICE OF $75! )
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2. OUTBIKE NEW JERSEY - 11/2001 RIDES
Outbike will host a beginner's ride on November 4th to the Great Swamp at 1pm starting from Loantaka Brook Park and a full club ride on November 10th at Allaire State park: Mountain and road bike rides including a picnic if weather permits. Check out the Outbike-New Jersey website at
http://www.outbikenewjersey.org or call (973)748-9368 for more detailed information.
"Outbike NJ - The Gay and Lesbian Bicycle Club of New Jersey: Friends don't let friends ride without HELMETS!"
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3. WORKSHOP ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & HOMOPHOBIA, 11/17-18
"Examining Sexual Orientation and Homophobia" is a two-day workshop of the Institute for Human Relations, a project of the New Jersey State Office of Bias Crime and Community Relations, offered on November 17-18 from 9AM to 5 PM (both days).
The training is open to participants of all sexual orientations and gender identities. A telephone interview will be part of the application process.
To register, contact the OBCCR in Trenton at (609)896-8967.
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4. FEMININE CONNECTION / OUR QUARTERLY SCHOLARSHIP (deadline 11/15)
The Feminine Connection and Our Quarterly Publications offer a college scholarship to lesbian students and/or the college-bound children of lesbians. The scholarship is funded entirely by tax-deductible donations and proceeds from fundraising events, and amounts are largely
determined by funds raised and donations received. For an application, or to donate to the scholarship fund, call (201) 337-6943 or (973) 893-0455 ext. 7.
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5. NJ LUTHERAN BISHOP SAYS "BLESS QUEER UNIONS!"
From The Bergen Record, (Hackensack, NJ), 10-28-2001
Lutherans were urged Saturday to welcome homosexuals into their congregations, bless their unions, and perhaps even call them as pastors.
The New Jersey Synod, with nearly 200 congregations, is holding a year-long series of meetings to explore its approach to gays and lesbians in the church, said Bishop Roy Riley, who heads the synod. Saturday's meeting, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Summit, leaned heavily on the positive side of accepting gays and lesbians in the church, he said.
Future meetings of clergy and others and observers say a split in the church is nearly inevitable if it moves closer to approving ordination for homosexuals.
Non-celibate gays and lesbians have been ordained in Lutheran churches,but the national denomination considers the ordinations illicit and has disciplined
congregations that call such pastors, sometimes ousting them from the denomination.
Jim Cleary, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Tenafly, said he is glad to know of the program to reconcile gays and churches. "I didn't know this work was going on," he said, "it's good for people to know
these things."
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6. NEW JERSEY STONEWALL DEMOCRATS MAKE ENDORSEMENTS
PRESS RELEASE - OCTOBER 30, 2001
The New Jersey Stonewall Democrats
Post Office Box 506, Montclair, New Jersey 07042
Telephone: (973) 744-3217 EMail: [email protected]
Internet: www.welcome.to/njsd
New Jersey Stonewall Democrats Endorse McGreevey: Watson-Coleman, Weinberg and Gusciora Backed for Assembly
Montclair, New Jersey - The New Jersey Stonewall Democrats organization has awarded its gubernatorial endorsement to Mayor Jim McGreevey of Woodbrige and has officially endorsed candidates for the State Assembly for the fifteenth (Bonnie Watson Coleman and Reed Gusciora) and thirty-seventh (Loretta Weinberg) legislative districts.
The endorsements were announced yesterday in Montclair by the organization's President, LaQuetta C. Nelson, a board member of the National Stonewall Democrats organization. The New Jersey Stonewall Democrats is the only statewide organization that focuses on the Democratic Party to ensure the equal rights of all Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered New Jerseyans.
According to Ms. Nelson,"As the political voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered New Jerseyans in the Democratic Party, we evaluated all of the Democratic candidates on a range of issues, including equal rights
and opportunity." But efforts to obtain a complete poll of all of the party's candidates in the state were hampered by the tragic events of September 11th. "This year, our candidate appraisal and selection for
endorsement processes were irremediably disrupted by the horrific tragedy in New York City on September 11th. Candidate responses to our appraisal questionnaries
were lost in transit. We were able to officially endorse only those candidates for public office who had returned such questionnaires as we possess," said Nelson, adding "But because we've had sufficient personal
contact between our organization and such candidates to form a judgement as to their characters and committments, we encourage all lesbian and gay, bisexual and transgendered voters in the state along with their
allies to vote a straight Democratic Party ticket in all of the elections taking place across the state in November."
The organization detailed Mr. McGreevey's positions on a variety of issues of concern as the basis of their endorsement, spelled out in detail in answers to questions put to candidates earlier in the year, including:
* HISTORY OF INVOLVEMENT IN GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDERED ISSUES:
"In the State Legislature, I sponsored the Ethnic Intimidation Act, which attaches fourth-degree penalties to simple assaults motivated by discrimination. I voted for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1990, which grants abused individuals of same-sex couples the same protection as married couples. Moreover; I supported the legislation that prohibits discrimination against those infected with HIV and AIDS. In addition, I publicly called upon the field of gubernatorial candidates to reject John Ashcroft's nomination for United States Attorney General, based upon, among other reasons, his opposition to civil rights."
* SUPPORT FOR MEASURES PROMOTING EQUALITY
"I support the protection of equal rights for all of New Jersey's citizens."
* INCLUSION OF OPENLY GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDERED PERSONS IN GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS:
"As Governor, I will work to ensure that the diversity of my administration reflects the diversity of the entire State, and will welcome the input of all communities."
* EFFORTS TO PROTECT LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDERED YOUTH FROM SCHOOL BULLYING AND DENIAL OF EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY:
I will work to ensure that the principles of New Jersey's existing anti-discrimination laws apply to the victimization of any youth. Moreover, I support the intent of programs aimed at sensitizing teachers and
administrators to the difficulties faced by our youth. I also support mandatory character education programs in our public schools to teach,among other things, respect for each other and tolerance of our differences.
* EXTENDING OF RESOUCRCES TO STATE'S FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS:
The spread of HIV and AIDS is a critical issue for every citizen in New Jersey. The recent evidence of the disproportionate rate of infection among the African-Americans and Hispanics, two of the State's fastest
growing populations, deserves serious attention from our leaders. At the very least, I support an increase in funding for the Division of AIDS Prevention Control to address the disease more aggressively.
For further information, see the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats' website at www.welcome.to/njsd (on which the candidates' responses to topical question will be posted shortly) or call LaQuetta C. Nelson at (973) 744-3217.
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7. EGYPT ARRESTS, TORTURES, CONVICTS AND IMPRISONS CHILD BECAUSE OF HIS SEXUAL ORIENTATION
From: International Network on Juvenile Justice
PRESS RELEASE - 30 October 2001
Amnesty International, Defence for Children International, Human Rights Watch and International Federation for Human Rights deplored the conviction
and jailing of a 16-year-old Egyptian boy on charges of "obscene behaviour".
The four international human rights organizations urged for his immediate and unconditional release.
On 31 October Cairo Juvenile Court will hear the appeal case of 16-year-old Mahmud. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on 18 September following his arrest in May for alleged homosexual behaviour. During the
initial two weeks of detention he was denied the fundamental right to meet his family or be seen by a lawyer. Confessions extracted from Mahmud during that period were used as evidence in a trial leading to his
conviction. His lawyer claims that these confessions were extracted under pressure and they were later withdrawn.
"We are extremely concerned about the conviction and harsh sentencing of a child for his alleged sexual orientation", Amnesty International, Defence
for Children International, Human Rights Watch and International Federation for Human Rights said today. The Organizations said that disregard for basic safeguards in detention is extremely dangerous and put Mahmud at serious risk of human rights violations.
"We are seriously concerned that this child was intererrogated in violation of international standards. Such confessions should not have been allowed as evidence before the court."
Amnesty International, Defence for Children International, Human Rights Watch and International Federation for Human Rights have sent a trial observer to Egypt who will attend the hearing before Cairo Juvenile Court on 31 October 2001.
For more information, contact: Defence for Children International, attn.Ms. Helen Bayes, Secretary General
1 Rue du Varembe, P.O. Box 88, CH- 1211 Geneva 20,
Switzerland (Tel: + 41 22 734 05 58; Fax: + 41 22 740 11 45)E-mail: [email protected] (Website: www.defence-for-children.org)
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8. LEGAL AID GROUP CONDEMNS ANTI-GAY GRAFFITI WRITTEN ON AMERICAN BOMB
Associated Press Photo Clearly Shows 'Highjack This, Fags' Scrawled on Weapon
WASHINGTON DC - Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) called on Navy leaders today to condemn and hold accountable military personnel aboard the USS Enterprise for anti-gay graffiti scrawled on a United States bomb used in Afghanistan. The British newspaper Metro today released a photo of the bomb, which clearly has the message "Highjack This, Fags" written across the side. The photo was taken by the Associated Press.
"The message is insulting and inappropriate," said SLDN Legal Director Sharra E. Greer.
"It is also in clear violation of the United States military's stated policies on harassment and morale."
Historically, American service members often write essages on bombs before they are used. For example, some of the first bombs dropped in the offensive against terrorism carried messages of remembrance for the victims of the September 11th attacks on the Pentagon
and World Trade Center.
"The United States Navy would never allow racial epithets or derogatory graffiti based on gender or religion to be scrawled on American property," Greer said. "Messages like the one presented in this photograph only reinforce the ideas of hatred and division that our nation seeks to defend against. We must not emulate the intolerance of our enemies."
Copies of the photo are available on SLDN's website: http://www.sldn.org.
You can register your objections by contacting Secretary of the Navy Gordon England. Secretary England can be reached at: The Honorable Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy, 1000 Navy Pentagon, Washington DC 20350-1000
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9. APARTMENT NEEDED
Our friend Rose is looking for an apartment with a gay/ gay friendly landlord. She seeks a one bedroom apartment in the $800-$850 price range somewhere in the Essex or Union County area. If you have or know ofthe
availability of such accomodations, please call her at (908)688-0893.
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10. ROOM/STUDIO NEEDED
Another friend (middle-aged professional gay man, quiet, neat, and of what might be called 'scholarly' habits) desires to rent a room in Montclair or Bloomfield, preferably in a home convenient to public transportation.
He seeks something in the $400.00-$500.00 price range, and desires to obtain such accomodations by December 1st. If you have or know of such accomodations, give QM:OIE a ring at (973) 776-3901, ext. 8686 and leave a
message which will be returned in short order.
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11. SPECTRUMS at MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
SPECTRUMS - the GLBT community on the Montcliar State University campus meets on Tuesdays from 7:30-9:30pm at the MSU Student Center, 4th Floor (Room 417). For detailed information on programs, events, etc., please
e-mail either [email protected] or [email protected] (Students from the community and from nearby cmapuses are welcome!)
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12. BRET SCHUNDLER's RADICAL RIGHT WING CONNECTIONS
Spread the word about gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler's close ties to the Religious Right by forwarding this message to New Jersey voters,and
reading it yourself if you are a New Jersey voter!
On November 6, New Jersey will elect a new governor to lead the state through a time of immense uncertainty. Every New Jersey voter needs to know the complete story about Schundler's firm embrace of the radical right
agenda. Visit:
http://www.pfaw.org/issues/right/schundler_10-29.pdf
to read the new report by People for the American Way (PFAW), "Bret Schundler and the Radical Right:
A Closer Look at the Candidate and His Agenda." Read about Schundler's connection to right-wing televangelist Pat Robertson, his radical views on education, and his extreme philosophy on state Supreme Court justices.
Forward the report to your New Jersey friends, family, and colleagues--so that every New Jersey voter has the information necessary make a clear and informed choice this November 6.
http://www.pfaw.org/issues/right/schundler_10-29.pdf
***Report Reveals Schundler's Right-Wing Ties***
Recent campaign ads for Bret Schundler have sought to redefine the gubernatorial candidate as a moderate and non-confrontational leader who, in the words of one ad, will "focus on working together" to solve problems.
Another Schundler ad has warned that his opponent "would take us back to the intolerant days..." Ironically, Schundler himself has nurtured close ties to many extreme and intolerant groups.
The PFAW report, Bret Schundler and the Radical Right: A Closer Lookat the Candidate and His Agenda, examines these allies and how their agendas mirror Schundler's positions.
"Schundler's ties to the far right and the nearly identical agendas they share raise serious questions about whether Schundler might lead New Jersey down an extreme and divisive path," said PFAW President Ralph G. Neas.
"These are issues that the people of New Jersey should explore very carefully."
Specifically, Bret Schundler and the Radical Right includes information on:
* Schundler's connection to right-wing televangelist Pat
Robertson. Schundler has addressed students at the Virginia Beach, Va.,law school founded by Robertson and activists at a conference of the Christian Coalition, a group started by Robertson. In addition, Schundler's campaign has received the maximum contribution under state law from Robertson. These close ties may explain why Schundler has refused to repudiate statements by
Robertson and Jerry Falwell that blamed in part civil liberties groups, gays, feminists and many other Americans for the September 11 terrorist tragedies.
* how Schundler's positions on a range of issues firmly embrace the radical right's agenda-a fact that prompted one moderate Republican to tell The New York Tmes, "Bret Schundler hasn't stood up and told the far right 'no'on
anything."
* the radical education views that Schundler has embraced, including his call for shutting down the U.S. Department of Education, his support for a tuition tax credit plan that a nonpartisan analysis found would drain $199 million from the state treasury, and his opposition to a school construction bill that passed the state legislature with broad bipartisan support.
* Schundler's extreme philosophy on justices who serve on the state Supreme Court. The Star-Ledger recently summarized his view that in cases in which legal or constitutional precedents are unclear, a justice should "refuse to act, even if it led to an unjust result" in these cases.
Every New Jersey voter needs to know this information--please forward to friends, family, and colleagues.
http://www.pfaw.org/issues/right/schundler_10-29.pdf
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13. OSCAR WILDE: A LIFE IN SIX ACTS
As part of a commemoration for the centennial of the writer's death (1900), the Morgan Library, which is located at 29 East 36th Street in NYC, is currently running an exhibit entitled "Oscar Wilde: A Life in Six Acts."
The materials take a look at the man who is remembered as a writer, dramatist, and Gay martyr. The items presented show, in a six room gallery, the various stages of his life and how he lived through those times.
It begins with his heritage by giving looks at portraits of his ancestors and Oscar as a young child. The collection moves through his life with daguerrotypes, drawings, and other memorablia which serve to humanizehim
and prepare the viewer to see how unhuman his eventual legal situation proved to be. This chronological format not only lets a person learn about Wilde but to also watch him grow and decline before one's own eyes.
In addition to seeing Wilde be very human, rather than just a caricature, one also gets a opportunity to see his works on a personal basis. While his plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest" always show, even today, to full houses, the exhibit lets us see Oscar's personal correction notes written upon a draft of that masterpiece. The indivdualization of this gigantic
personality through this show is something not to be missed. Details like this make the Gay demi-god humanized and lets us see him as real person rather than just an icon. That is not to say that the fame and glory of him, at the pinnacle, is ignored or passed over but we do get a chance to learn more about him as a real person. There are numerous articles that show him almost as average as the person viewing the exhibit. Needless to say, there are also various original photos, notes, and other documents which highlight him with all the fame and adoration he deserves. In other words,
to see this presentation is to look at all aspects of Wilde's personality, life, pinnacle, collapse, decline, and end.
Included in the collection, which was drawn from various sources, are original drawings by Aubrey Beardsley, copies of "The Yellow Book," correspondence letters of a deeply personal nature, and other thingsthat are being shown in the US for the first time. There are even various and finely done drawings made by Wilde, when he wanted to be become an artist, in the days before he knew he would have a career in writing.
This presentation is one that has had a longtime in coming and must not be missed by anyone who claims to be a fan of Wilde or a lover of Victorian Culture. The materials are currently being shown until January 13, 2002 on Tuesdays through Thursdays 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, Fridays 10:30 am to 8:00pm, Saturdays 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays noon to 6:00 pm. The facility is closed on Mondays and holidays. Admission is $ 8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children.
In closing, the exhibit truly epidomizes one of Oscar's great comments:
"I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works."
The materials selected for "Oscar Wilde: A Life in Six Acts" fully illustrate this comment and his ideals.
This is an exhibition not to be missed.
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14. BLOOMFIELD'S FIRST 'DIVERSITY DAY' - 10/27/2001
Bloomfield celebrated its first annual observance of 'Diversity Day' on October 27th, and reportedly the event was a huge success notwithstanding somewhat spotty publicity, with a very large number of LGBT folks and allies participating and Rainbow Flags much in evidence in the parade markling the occasion.
Among the groups taking part were both Democrats as well as Republicans, the Shop-Rite supermarket, the Elks Club, Bloomfield's Police and Fire Departments and the Bloomfield High School marching band (which was reported
to be very accomplished at their art). A number of LGBT groups had an official presence including the Human Rights Campaign's local affiliate, Christ Episcopal Church's LGBT group, PFLAG, the Bloomfield College Gay/Non-Gay alliance, and something called 'ENSEN' (Anyone know what this group is about? Please appraise us, if you do!).
Hearty congratulations are due for a job excellently done to Bloomfield and that town's nascent LGBT organizations! No doubt, we'l be hearing much more
about them in the near future!
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15. TEST: HOW GAY ARE YOU?
This is really a lot of fun. Ever wonder "how gay" you are? There is only one way to find out. I think you'll be surprised.
Take the "GAY TEST" at http://www.thespark.com/gaytest
Take the test, and discover your inner (or outer) queer.
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16. TREMBLING BEFORE G-D
"Trembling Before G-d" is an unprecedented feature documentary that shatters assumptions about faith, sexuality, and religious fundamentalism. Built around intimately-told personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay or lesbian, the film portrays a group of people who face a profound dilemma - how to reconcile their passionate love of Judaism and the Divine with the drastic Biblical prohibitions that are seen by some to forbid homosexuality. As the film unfolds, we meet a range of complex individuals - some hidden, some out - from the world's first openly gay Orthodox rabbi to
closeted, married Hasidic gays and lesbians to those abandoned by religious families to Orthodox lesbian high-school sweethearts.
Many have been tragically rejected and their pain is raw, yet with irony, humor, and resilience, they love, care, struggle, and debate with a thousands-year old tradition. Ultimately, they are forced to question how
they can pursue truth and faith in their lives. Vividly shot with a courageous few over five years in Brooklyn, Jerusalem, Los Angeles, London, Miami, and San Francisco,
Trembling Before G-d is an international project with global implications that strikes at the meaning of religious identity and tradition in a modern world. For the first time, this issue has become a live, public debate in Orthodox circles, and the film is both witness and catalyst to this historic moment. What emerges is
a loving and fearless testament to faith and survival and the universal struggle to belong.
"Trembling Before G-d" is showing in New York from October 24th to November 6th and at the Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, Westchester on November 15th.
Check out their website for more details: http://tremblingbeforeg-d.com
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17. HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN on SEPTEMBER 11th ATTACK
HRC is working to help the surviving partners and other family members of GLBT victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The Human Rights Campaign is actively working at the federal level and with private relief agencies. Already, they have been able to assist some families who have had difficulty receiving the proper benefits from the Red
Cross.
HRC is advocating for GLBT families, working directly with: a) relief funds such as the American Red Cross to ensure GLBT-inclusive policies and procedures; b) federal agencies to promote inclusive treatment of GLBT
partners and children affected by the Sept. 11 tragedy; c) Congress to attempt to have GLBT families included in any benefit packages. HRC is actively engaged in the education of private agencies involved in the
distribution of relief to family members of victims of the attacks on September 11th.
As a direct result of their efforts, the American Red Cross has confirmed in writing that it will use an inclusive definition of family in dispersing funds and offering assistance.
HRC has an ongoing effort to ensure that our families are treated equitably in all federal and state policies, particularly in the areas of tax, survivor benefits and employee benefits.
To learn how you can aid HRC's efforts in this very important endeavor, log on to their website at http://www.hrc.org/actioncenter.
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18. A BIG 'THANK YOU' TO OUR SUPPORTERS!
We ask that you patronize the following businesses whose cooperation and friendship help make this newsletter possible:
THE WORKSTATION
"An Internet Cafe without the Cafe!"
344 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair NJ 07042
Tele: (973) 783-1777
Visit their website at
www.geocities.com/theworkstation2001/index.html
MY GRANT WRITERS!
"Professional grant writers and program developers working with progressive community organizations"
344 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair NJ 07042
Tele: (973) 783-1777
Visit their website at
www.geocities.com/mygrantwriters/index.html
JAAN HENRY REAL ESTATE
"Montclair's Premier Realtor & Relocation consultant"
Tele: (973) 746-9200; Toll-free: (800)442-9668
Visit Jaan's website at
http://www.jaanhenry.com
CROSSROADS RELOCATION
"Find a Gay or Lesbian or LGBT friendly realtor near you ... serving the community's needs without charge"
Toll-free Tele: 1-800-4 GAY-RELO (1-800-442-9735)
Visit their website at
http://www.crossroadsrelocation.com/
PARALEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATES
"Manage your own legal matters for a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney with an Independent Paralegal Practitioner."
Tele: (973) 776-3902, ext. 3251
Visit their website at
http://www.geocities.com/uslaw2001/index.html
COURSONWEB WEBSITE DESIGN & PROMOTION
"Affordable, attractive and effective websites - crafted by a graphic design professional and promoted to assure you a global, 24/7 target demography. Our websites work!"
Tele: (973) 776-3901, ext. 3351
Visit their website at
http://www.welcome.to/coursonweb
THE ARTICULATE GARDENER
"Attractive Gifts for Gardeners: Whether You're Just a Little sprout,Ripe 'n Ready, or Completely Gone to Seed, You'll Love Our Gardening-Themed T-Shirts. Weed 'em and reap!"
Visit their website at
http://www.articulategardener.com