Being Young and Lesbian
Presenters:  Vanessa Brocato, Suzanne Dakessian, Charlotte Hernandez, Maryana Zubok

The unique identity and the particular problems, politics and priorities of young lesbians are the focus of this roundtable.  The discussion will include coming out to your family, school and community, living with a partner, finding allies and making change for this generation's lesbians. Room:Columbia Foyer/Ballroom  Level

Lesbian Visibility in the Media
Presenters: Cathy Renna, Suzanna Walters

How are lesbians portrayed in the media?  Why is there little racial, ethnic, age or other diversity in lesbian and bisexual representations?  Focusing on the social and political context in which such images emerge, we will explore how the explosion of images is both opportunity and obstacle for substantive social change. Room:  Congressional B/Lobby Level

Partner Violence in Lesbian Relationships
Presenters:  Jan Collins, Denise Johnson, C. Nicole Mason, Chris Myers, Lois Reckitt

Lesbian battering is a complex issue to address in a community where unity and solidarity among women is espoused.  Panelists will present the programs currently operating in their communities.  Participants will learn the additional challenges that face battered lesbians, and how they might be better served. Room: Lexington/Ballroom Level

Movement Politics: Pitfalls and Rewards
Presenters:  Patricia Ireland, Vanessa Salinas

Feminists must acknowledge that how we treat each other and how we feel about how we are treated affect the direction and effectiveness of our movement.  One of the most important assets of any campaign or action is the coalition of allied groups working together toward victory.  Learn how to put the knowledge and resources together for winning strategies. Room:Columbia A/Ballroom Level

Parenting, Child Custody, Adoption and Foster Care
Presenters:  Leslie Cooper, Christine Hwang, Susan Mackenzie

In the fight for full equality for lesbians and gay men, the current flashpoint in state legislatures is our right to be foster parents and adopt children.  In the courts it is our right to define our own families and to be a parent to our children.  Learn where we are, where we are going and effective strategies for countering the radical right and protecting our families. Room: Congressional CD/Lobby Level

Equal Marriage and Domestic Partner Benefits: Where Do We Go From Here?
Presenters:  Dan Hawes, Jennifer Levi, Patty Penalosa, Irene Snyder

What are the movements' short-term and long-term strategies for equal marriage rights and domestic partnerships? Information will be presented on the current equal marriage case in Vermont and the various partner bills introduced in state legislatures. Strategies will be discussed on how to defeat anti-gay marriage initiatives. Room: Yellowstone/Everglades/Level C

Bisexual Politics
Presenters: Latifa Lyles, Kimberlee Ward

How do bisexual women confront and change the systematic and institutional exclusion in both the feminist and LBGT movements?  Recognize the politics of bisexuality, and help develop strategies to address the challenges of this under-represented identity in many lesbian and gay contexts and frequently in the mainstream heterosexist world. Room: Congressional E/Lobby Level