Volume 7, Number
1 (Spring 2002)
ssss Articles
ssssssAnnual
Review Meeting
ssssssBisexuals:
Mislabeled or misunderstood?
ssssssBi
Definition Positions: Filled & Vacant
Calendar
ssssColumns
sssssssBi
the Editor
sssssssUpcoming
Discussion Topics
sssssssBi
Definition 2001 Finances
ssssOdds
and Ends
sssssssPoetry
Disclaimer
Bi All Means! is a publication of Bi Definition, a bisexual social, support and activist organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. BAM is published quarterly and is offered to those on our mailing list on a subscription basis. To subscribe simply fill out this form.
Opinions expressed by writers in BAM are not necessarily those of the editors, publisher, advertisers nor the philosophy of Bi Definition. Any reference made to any individual or organization should not be construed as an indication of the same's orientation.
We reserve the right to edit any submission at our sole discretion.
Those who wish to contribute letters, articles, stories, poems or artwork
are encouraged to do so, and may have their names withheld if so desired.
Please provide text submissions typed double-spaced. Send all submissions
to: Bi All Means!/Bi Definition,
c/o Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Suite 101, 315 W. Court St., Milwaukee,
WI 53212 ,
or e-mail bidef@hotmail.com
The unauthorized use of the ‘Bi Definition’ name is strictly
prohibited to members and nonmembers alike, except when written permission
is received from the current organizational leadership.
Vision Statement
Bi Definition shall provide a social, support and
activist organizational resource for bisexuals, people who do not like
labels and their allies residing in and visiting metropolitan Milwaukee,
WI. It shall work for equal rights and the liberation of all area bisexuals
and others who refuse strict heterosexual and/or homosexual personal identification.
Bi Definition will also collect and distribute information
on bisexuality.
Governance Statement
In order to insure that all minority opinions are
considered at business meetings, Bi Definition will use the consensus process
of decision making for governing.
February 9th was the date of the Bi Definition 2nd annual Review Meeting. Eight people attended the early Saturday meeting. Several options were discussed, the least favorite being -raising membership dues. While it was decided this was essential to stay in operation, many members voiced concern. It was decided that the rates would increase, with the provision that anyone was eligible for a reduced membership. All that needs to be done is to explain your present circumstances (full-time student, un-employed, etc.)
Leasing shared office space at the Community Center has cost us $75 per month. We had a hard choice to make and the group decided that rent was a major part of our annual budget and a drain on our expenses. What we really needed was a small storage area. With the $900 a year expense removed we all breathed a sigh of relief. It was also decided that we would not sell merchandise or man a booth at PrideFest this year. We had a hard time getting enough volunteers to cover the shifts. There are plans to walk in the Pridefest Parade on Sunday, June 9th.
Members stepped forward and accepted the following responsibilities: Office Manager/Librarian, Group Facilitator, Social Events Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Newsletter Distribution, Web Page/E-mail Groups, Database/Greeter, Bus. Mtg. Secretary, Treasurer and Info. Line Coordinator.
In December, January and February our meeting attendance has increased and some new faces have shown up! We are all excited about Bi Definition's 2002 year! We had many fun activities last year including the 5 Year Anniversary Party, PrideFest, walking in the PrideFest Parade and mug booth sales! The annual camping trip was lots of fun (as usual) and in the fall Celebrate Bisexuality Day and a fundraising rummage sale took place. Several members showed up for the LGBT Film Festival and BECAUSE 2001 Conference was held for the first time in Milwaukee. It is also worth mentioning that we reduced our overall debt from $1,300 to $160.
We still need a Fundraising Coordinator. Contact Scott (259-0203) or speak up at the next business meeting if you are interested in coordinating a late summer/early fall rummage sale or other fundraiser. Just a reminder, the monthly business meeting is now the third Tuesday of every month one half hour before the regular social/support meeting. Feel free to come early (6:30pm) and sit in on the business meeting. Get active, stay involved. Come join the fun!
Deb Bascom
Annual Review Meeting Facilitator
Bisexuals: Mislabeled or misunderstood?
Early morning on February 16th, two members of the Milwaukee Bisexual/Transgender Community brushed against a potentially harmful aggressor. An angry man, among a small group in a local restaurant, initiated a verbal assault. Ill-natured statements like, “I hate faggots” and “God hates them, why can’t I?” were made. The men eventually volunteered to leave, wishing not to share the diner with who they referred to as “Adam and Steve.” Although they made a scene while vacating the premises, the situation did not elevate.
On this occasion, the aggressors were African-American men. An issue raised by one of the involved victims was why would one minority group attack another? Wouldn’t it be fair to assume that these men possess an understanding of the challenges posed by the privileged classes of conventional society? Does the need exist to create even more opposition?
Perhaps in this case, the aggressor refuses to recognize “non-heterosexuals” as a true minority group. Based on the views they shared, these men were apparently taught to hate “faggots" because they are sinful, subhuman beings. And, until they can accept members of the LGbt Community as legitimate human beings, they will not feel compassion for them.
In similar, it seems that we as bisexuals are not always taken seriously as an underprivileged lot. In the microcosm of the LGbt Community, bisexuals are often questioned of their credibility. To some, bisexuals are believed to be in a “transitional stage” of sexual identity, to be unrestrained sexual creatures, or simply to be experimenting with the same or opposite sex.
As members of the LGbt community, we need not just focus our efforts on the ignorant, close-minded, and sheltered. We must also continue to educate one another of our differences. We can raise awareness levels by remaining visible and continuing to accept each other for who we are. It is a slow process, but progress continues to be made none-the-less.
In my life, I have been physically threatened simply for being me. It has even made me afraid to go out in public. It is hard to imagine the transgender population facing this challenge everyday! Among the LGbt Community, I believe they experience the greatest hardship of public ridicule and judgment. They are “out” with nowhere to hide. And yet, they continue to get up in the morning, walk out the front door, and face their aggressors.
By accepting this challenge, transgendered people raise the levels of awareness for themselves and anyone who does not cleanly fit into the definition of what is “normal”. Everyone benefits. I for one applaud them for the brave act. Otherwise, we could not be where we are today!
Bi Definition Positions: Filled & Vacant
It takes a lot of time and energy to run Bi Definition. There
are a multitude of little tasks that need to be done in a regular and consistent
manner. And all of these jobs are filled by generous people volunteering
their time, energy and expertise.
Below is a list of the people who have volunteered to fill the various
positions for the 2002 year. Most of the slots are filled, but there
are still a few vacancies. If you have the time, this is a great
way to get involved.
Storage-Office & Library Manager
Leslie & Steven
Route mail, make room reservations, organize supplies, file, keep library
organized
Meeting Facilitator
Deirdre
Meeting Facilitator
VACANT
Backup Facilitator
Deb
Introduce meeting topics, facilitate group discussions, enforce “rules,”
attend meetings
Treasurer
Joanne
Balance checkbook, reimbursements, attend business meetings, give financial
reports, pay bills
Special Events Coordinator
Deb
Coordinate and organize annual and one-time social events
Info Line Coordinator
Scott
Update recorded information, check messages and respond, mail literature
if requested by callers
BAM Newsletter Editor
Nikki Schlaishunt
Layout and design, edit, gather articles, write articles, word processing
BAM Newsletter Distributor
Stefanie K.
Print newsletter, label and mail newsletters, collate if necessary
Web Site & Email Coordinator
John
Set up, update and maintain site and links, read and answer email and
egroups lists
Database & Greeter
Crystal Klinger
Run the check-in table, update member info, maintain database, collect
fees, print labels, membership renewal
Secretary
Marti Huckstep
Take and type minutes at business meetings, put minutes in office binder
and email to business address
Fundraising Committee
VACANT
Raise money, set goals, coordinate fundraisers such as rummage sales,
PrideFest, dances, etc.
Bi Definition meets on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 P.M. for discussions about specific topics pertaining to bisexuality. All discusions are held at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Suite 101, 315 W. Court St., Milwaukee, WI .
The May discussion topic will be “Relationships With Non-Bi’s.” Come join us as we explore the unique issues of relationships where one person is bisexual and the other is not. Misunderstandings from bisexual stereotypes can cause tension and conflict. How do we deal with these and other issues relating to sexual identity in relationship? This topic will be explored on Saturday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 21.
As June brings yet another PrideFest Celebration, bisexual visibility or invisibility becomes an obvious question. How are bisexuals visible in the larger queer community and in straight society? What can we do to be more visible? What are the problems with bi invisibility? What are the possible gains with bi visibility? Join us as we explore “Bisexual Visibility” on Saturday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 18.
July and mid-summer are a time of lightness and carefree-fun, begging for a light and carefree topic—“How to Flirt.” We will share ideas and techniques on flirting. We will also talk about what it means to flirt, and where the boundaries of flirting begin and end. The fun will happen on Saturday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 16.
An annual Bi Definition membership includes discreet newslatter mailings and free admittance to all events. Cost of a single gathering for nonmembers is $5. We also ask that you please refrain from wearing scented products at the meetings.
I walked out of my new home the other evening and was struck by how the neighborhood had changed. Weather not-with-standing, spring had sprung!
People were out sweeping their porches, walking dogs and babies, hauling broken furniture and old rugs out to the street-side. The sounds of different music came clearly out of windows, open to clear out the old stale winter air. People were walking with a bounce in their step and a smile on their lips. It was infectious.
The weather still held chill winter in the air, in the sky, but it is
time for spring and we will not be stopped!
Bi Definition, too, will not be stopped, it seems. Sure, we have
had to make more readjustments this winter, and make more changes.
But Bi Definition holds a special place in the hearts and minds of its
members. We will continue to do spring-cleaning—to open up the windows
and let in fresh, cleansing air.
There are many new, fun and exciting things going on at Bi Definition. Come join us at the regular meetings or at one of the other upcoming events. Spring is here!
Income Sources:
Membership Renewal
330.00
Donations
443.00
PrideFest Mug Booth
300.00
PrideFest Bonus (8/15/00) 63.62
Fall Rummage Sale
139.69
Rent Supporters (3)
75.00
BECAUSE Reimbursements 56.40
Other
120.00
Total Income
$1,677.71
Expenses:
Office Rent
900.00
Phone
51.99
Newsletter (3)
490.05
Moving
100.00
Reimbursements
634.54
Total Expenses
$2,176.58
For information or confirmation on any Bi Definition event listed,
contact Nikki at (414)299-9612
or write: Bi All Means!/Bi Definition
c/o Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Suite 101, 315 W. Court St., Milwaukee,
WI 53212 .
Bi Definition socials/discussions are held on the first Saturday
and third Tuesday of each month @ 7:00 p.m.
at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Suite 101, 315 W. Court
St., Milwaukee, WI 53212 .
April
Mon. 1 Bi? Shy? Why? Madison. Info: (608) 255-8582.
Sat. 6 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: "Let's
Talk About Sex!"
Sat. 13 @ 7 p.m. Gemini Gender Group meeting. Info: 297-9328.
Tues. 16 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:"Let's
Talk About Sex!"
Sat. 27 @ 11 a.m. Bi Dyed T-Shirt Fundraiser, followed
by cookout at Scott & Deb’s
May
Sat. 4 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: “Relationships
With Non-Bi’s.”
Fri. 17 to Sun. 19 BECAUSE 2002 Conference
Tues. 21 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: “Relationships
With Non-Bi’s.”
June
Sat. 1 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: "Bisexual
Visibility"
Fri. 7 to Sun. 9 Pridefest
Sun. 9 @ 2:30 p.m. Pridefest Parade
Tues. 18 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: "Bisexual
Visibility"
July
Sat 6 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic: "How
to Flirt"
Tues. 16 @ 7 p.m. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
"How to Flirt"
Fri. 26 to Sun. 28 Camping Trip
August
TBA Mazo Beach Trip
Living in Clumps
Living in clumps instead of singles or pairs
Something about it makes people stop and stare
“How odd,” say some. “How obscene,” say others
But living in clumps is as normal as dyads
Look at nature - how it ebbs and it flows
In twos, threes and fives; in blues, greens and golds
Out of the chaos, life grows thriving alive
Without the diversity, life stagnates and dies
People need variety with room to change and grow
There is no one way; one size does not fit all
So bring on the puppy piles, the triads, the singles
The pairs and the daisy chains, all mix and mingle
Composting together, our fears transform
To the rich soil of hope, from which love can be born
~ Nikki Schlaishunt ~
