Taking Difference Back to the Homo-front
Presenters:  Mandy Carter, Ana Maurine Lara, Hema Sarangapani, Titi Yu

Engage in a discussion about the intersection of personal differences and larger political issues and about the impact of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and class. Facilitators will address being visible, doing community work, and integrating cultural issues into life experience and the larger feminist as well as LGBT action frameworks. Room: Columbia Foyer/Ballroom  Level

Transgender Issues: Gender and Sex Role Stereotypes
Presenters:  Bear Atwood, Jennifer Levi

Transgender and transsexual communities confront oppression daily and are systematically mistreated because of artificial gender constructs in our society.  This workshop will encourage education and dialogue on gender and sex stereotypes, including issues of those who are transgender and transsexual people. Room: Congressional B/Lobby Level

Kids/Siblings/Parents/Friends: Building Networks of Support
Presenters:  Rebecca Kirkpatrick, Susannah Northart

Upon learning of a lesbian/gay family member or friend, many heterosexuals begin a coming out process of their own.  This roundtable will focus on this process and how allies must confront their own feelings.  For many who come out, the support of friends and family is the most important part of the process. Room: Lexington/Ballroom Level

Stepping Up and Stepping Out: Visibility on Campus
Presenters:  Diana Adair, Angela Arboleda, Julie Eisenhart, Charlotte Hernandez, Erin Clare Quinn

Hear firsthand experiences about organizing on campus and the successes and challenges faced when addressing issues concerning the LBGT community in educational institutions. Explore ways to gain visibility and recognition among campus staff, faculty, student government and the student body.
Room: Columbia A/Ballroom Level

Recruiting and Running for Office
Presenters:  Kathy Austin, Grethe Cammermeyer,  Letitia Gomez, Sabrina Sojourner

Join experienced candidates in a discussion on the challenges and rewards of running for elective office.  We’ll talk about strategies on how to get feminist lesbians involved in the political process, how to win with our issues, and how to turn on and turn out your voters.  We need more of us on the inside. Room:  Yellowstone/Everglades/Level C
 

Terrorism in the US: Hate Crimes
Presenters:  Jan Erickson, Mary E. O’Gorman, Pat Reuss

Activists are working hard to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 in Congress and to urge similar legislation in the states.  In addition, community groups are organizing for effective hate crime prevention, education and intervention.  Get involved in a strategy discussion about passing and enforcing these laws. Room:  Congressional CD/Lobby   Level

Films for Thought

•  "Ruthie and Connie: More Than A Love Story"

Ruthie and Connie's story is a true portrait of an older lesbian couple who find each other later in life. This documentary lovingly and laughingly depicts the activism and life story of two Jewish women who are fighting for the freedom to love and worship in their captivatingly unique way.

•  "NO! A Work-In-Progress"
Written, directed and produced by Aishah Shahidah Simmons

NO! is a film in the making, exposing the collective silence in the black community when black women and girls are raped by black men and boys.  NO! delves into how the act of raping and sexually assaulting black women and girls, physically and/or verbally, are race, gender, class and sexual orientation issues. Room: Congressional E/Lobby Level