Volume 7, Number
2 (Summer 2002)
ssss Articles
sssss Because
2002
ssssssBisexual
Library
ssssssBi
Definition Positions: Filled & Vacant
ssssssBisexuals
of ColorB
ssssssMagic
Picnic
Calendar
ssssColumns
sssssssBi
the Editor
sssssssUpcoming
Discussion Topics
ssss
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.
BECAUSE 2002: Second Successful Year in Milwaukee
The Mid-west's eleventh annual bisexual empowerment conference BECAUSE
2002 was a big success! It was the second successful year being held in
Milwaukee, and the first conference held outside a university setting.
Conference goers seemed glad to have the conference and lodging
arrangements centrally located. The new venue, Milwaukee's Hospitality
Inn & Conference Center, did an outstanding job (with a few minor exceptions)
extending their "hospitality" and making us feel welcome. The kicker was
seeing our name scroll across the hotel’s outdoor sign: “Welcome BECAUSE
2002!”
Bisexuals throughout the Midwest (and beyond) came to the Hospitality Inn, the majority showing up on Friday before Dr. Fritz Klein kicked off the event with his keynote address. Fritz talked at length about diversity among the bi community and did his own "study" of Friday nights conference attendees, staying in tune with the theme, "Endless Possibilities."
Close to twenty workshops, on subjects ranging from Sexuality &
Size to Polyamory, Bi Activism to Feminist Approaches to Bisexuality took
place between Saturday morning and Sunday noon. In keeping with BECAUSE's
tradition of expanding the way we look at our lives, Hannah Miyamoto expanded
our awareness of gender and sexuality when she held her lunch-time plenary
on forming new paradigms and intersexed lives.
The Saturday evening keynote speaker, Hanne Blank, was fabulous as expected. Hanne spoke at length, challenging society’s misconceptions about the relationship between sex and size. She drew from her recent book, Big Love: A Sourcebook for People of Size and the People That Love Them.
With financial support from both Minnesota's Bisexual Organizing Project (B.O.P.) and The Cream City Foundation, Milwaukee should be proud of its efforts carrying the conference for a second successful year. In Sunday's 2003 Conference Planning meeting, there was a great show of support for holding next year’s conference in the Twin Cities, with Iowa possibly hosting the 2004 conference.
Bisexual Library
Under New Management
By Leslie
The Bi Definition Library is currently made up of 48 books on a wide range of bi and bi-related topics. Group member, Leslie, has agreed to act as librarian for the 2002 year. She is currently in the process of listing all titles with a brief description where possible. This list will be available at upcoming meetings.
Since giving up our office space at the end of March, the library materials are currently stored outside the center. Leslie is talking with staff at the center to complete plans made several months ago to move our collection into the center library. Hopefully, this will be completed in the next several weeks. Stay tuned for more details.
In the meantime, if you would like to borrow items, if you would like
to donate to the collection, or if you have ideas about titles to add (especially
bi male materials) contact Leslie via the bi-definition email: bidef@hotmail.com,
subject line "Attn: Librarian" or leave a message on the Bi Definition
phone line at
(414) 299-9612.
Some of the titles available are:
The Bisexual Spouse: Different Dimensions in Human Sexuality (ed.,
Ivan Hill),
Vice Versa: Bisexuality and the Eroticism of Everyday Life (Marjorie
Garber),
Bi Lives: Bisexual Women Tell Their Stories (ed., Kata Orndorff),
Bisexual Politics—Theories, Queries & Visions (ed., Naomi Tucker),
Best Bisexual Erotica (eds., Bill Brent and Carol Queen),
Queer Studies: A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Anthology
(eds., Brett Beemyn and Mickey Eliason)
Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith (ed., Debra Kolodny)
Happy Reading!
Bisexuals of Color
By Stefanie K.
I sometimes think back to a conversation with a friend over a decade ago. She was a member of our college’s Black Student Union (BSU). I did not understand the group’s mission. The BSU was open to all ethnic groups, however, it seemed only black students participated. Was there a place in it for me? Was racism a “white issue”? Do race issues even affect my life?
My friend explained to me her viewpoint on discrimination. She said, discrimination comes in many shapes and colors and is all-inclusive. To give it relevance in my life, she asked me if I had realized that I was a woman? Of course I did! But, had I realized that being a woman could lead to oppressive circumstances? Until that moment, I had never looked at it from this perspective. It opened my eyes to a different world.
The issue resurfaced during the workshop Bisexuals and Communities of Color at the BECAUSE conference. I had the good fortune of attending the workshop during both the 2001 and 2002 conferences. Participants explored the idea of race and its relevance in the bisexual community. Is racism a “bisexual issue”? Bisexuals experience the oppressive nature of a dichotomous environment first hand. In an “us or them” world, individuals deviating from a social norm are forced into the opposing category. Because bisexuals do not qualify as straight, we are classified as “gay”.
For bisexuals of color, the experience is compounded. Because they do not qualify as white, they are classified “black”. Is it accurate to categorize all non-heterosexuals as homosexuals? About as accurate as categorizing all non-whites as blacks. The irony in both instances is the majority of people fit in neither category.
By sharing the same oppression, bisexuals and people of color strive toward the same goal: Acceptance and awareness of the differences in all people. What can bisexuals do to help bridge the gap among racial communities? During the workshop, each person offered a suggestion. Suggestions, printed below, were both big and small and everything in the middle! There is something for everybody!
· Mistakes can be our best teachers. Learn from the past and
live for today!
· Start looking at “racism” in different ways. Discrimination
is not just about being black or being white. It doesn’t just affect communities
of color. It affects everyone.
· Reclaim your own culture! The Milwaukee community is rich
with many cultural origins. A notion discussed during the 2002 workshop
was that European-Americans overlook their own heritage when they simply
identify as being “white”. How can we support others if we do not understand
ourselves?
· Decentralize. Branch into local communities. The Milwaukee
LGBT Community has taken a positive step in relocating to a more accessible
location for the Milwaukee Community as a whole. Now, it is a matter of
spreading the word.
· Break the language barrier. This can be as simple as translating
printed literature to fit the needs of different ethnic communities. It
can also be recognizing different terminology within different communities.
A man at the 2001 workshop shared that the term “gay” was used only as
degradation within his community. However, the act of men having sex with
other men was known as “freaking”. We can ask what interest would his community
have in participating in the gay community? LGBT does not mean the same
thing for everybody!
· Invite members from organizations of color to attend or speak
at bisexual events.
· Attend an activity or seek information on an organization
that is representative of different communities. Individuals possessing
the desire to learn and to understand can become a great ally to any organization!
Some possible resources to explore in the Milwaukee area:
Black Gay Consciousness Raising
414-933-2136
BWMT (Black and White Men Together)
P.O. Box 100608
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
414-540-9437
Milw4BWMT@aol.com
Imani (Social and Support Group for Lesbian Black Women)
P.O. Box 92146
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-521-4565
LOC (Lesbians of Color/Women of Color)
P.O. Box 93594
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
414-263-1631
http://www.femmenoir.net/
Orgullo Latino (Latin Pride Club)
1532 N. Astor Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-276-8546
UJIMA, Inc. (Social and Support Group for African Americans)
1442 N. Farwell
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-272-3009
Want to know what's going on? Below is a list of all of the events
going on for Madison Pride MAGIC Weekend - 2002. Please note
that these events are subject to change without notice. Be sure
to do a reality check and call ahead if you're unsure.
19 July 2002 [Friday]
Outreach 10th Annual Awards Banquet
TBA PM Reception
TBA PM Dinner Grand Terrace, Monona Terrace Convention Center
RSVP tickets required, $TBD. For more information, phone (608)
255-8582, email outreach@outreachinc.com or visit
www.outreachinc.com.
Bi Definition Positions: Filled & Vacant
Below is a list of the people who have volunteered to fill Bi Definition 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.
FILLED:
Storage-Office & Library Manager
Steven & Leslie
Meeting Facilitators
Deirdre
Backup Facilitator
Deb
Treasurer
Joanne
Special Events Coordinator
Deb
Info Line Coordinator
Scott
BAM Newsletter Editor
Nikki Schlaishunt
BAM Newsletter Distributor
Stefanie K.
Web Site & Email Coordinator
John
Database & Greeter
Crystal Klinger
Secretary
Marti Huckstep
VACANT:
Fundraising Committee
Raise money, set goals, coordinate fundraisers such as rummage sales,
PrideFest, dances, etc.
Meeting Facilitator
Introduce meeting topics, facilitate group discussions, enforce “rules,”
attend meetings.
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 .
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.
Is racism a “bisexual issue”? Discrimination comes in many shapes and colors and is all-inclusive. By sharing the same oppression, bisexuals and people of color strive toward the same goal: Acceptance and awareness of the differences in all people. Come explore the idea of race and its relevance in the bisexual community as we discuss “Bisexuals of Color” on Saturday, August 3, and Tuesday, August 20.
For many of us, relationships are an all-or-nothing proposition. If you’re in a committed relationship, you can’t have any other romantic relationships—or can you? In September, we will explore the practice of “Romantic Friendships” as a way to have fulfilling relationships without endangering your current committed relationship. Join us on Saturday September 7 and Tuesday September 17 for this topic.
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.
Summer is here and bisexuals are coming out to play! About 12 people came to the Bi Dyed fundraiser and picnic, held June 1st at Hart Park. We had a wonderful day tie dying T-shirts in Bi colors, telling bawdy jokes, sharing food, and planning all sorts of fun events for the summer and fall.
All things go through cycles and Bi Definition is no exception. We go through times when mostly there is just work to be done. And we go through times when the group blooms into a place to hang out, a time to meet with friends and a chance to spend time with a group of fun, like-minded people.
It is wonderful to feel a social camaraderie blooming again in Bi Definition. While the regular meetings are critically important to those just coming out and the business meetings are necessary to getting things done, doing fun things together is the icing on the cake and the best reward for those of us doing the tedious work that keeps this group alive.
That is why I am looking forward to this summer. In addition to exciting meeting topics, we have everything from a night out dancing to camping to a spa party planned. So, mark your calendars and plan to come out and play this summer and fall!
Bye for now-
Nilli Schlaishunt
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 .
JUNE
Sat. 1 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Bi
Visibility” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Mon. 3 Bi? Shy? Why? Madison. Info: (608)
255-8582.
Sat. 8 @ 7 P.M. Gemini Gender Group meeting.
Info: 297-9328.
Fri. 7 to Sun. 9 Pridefest
Sun. 9 @ 2:30 p.m. Pridefest Parade
Tues. 18 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Bi Visibility” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Sat. 29 @ 10:30 P.M. Bi Definition “Bi Night Out” Dancing
at La Cage. $6 cover charge
JULY
Mon. 1 Bi? Shy? Why? Madison. Info: (608)
255-8582.
Sat. 6 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“How To Flirt” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Thur. 11 @ 6 P.M. Jazz in the Park.
Sat. 13 @ 7 P.M. Gemini Gender Group meeting. Info:
297-9328.
Tues. 16 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“How
To Flirt” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Fri.-Sun. 19-21 Madison Pride MAGIC Weekend. Info: (608)
255-8582.
Fri.-Sun. 26-28 Annual Bi Camping Trip. Info: 259-0203.
AUGUST
Sat. 3 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Bisexuals
of Color” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Mon. 5 Bi? Shy? Why? Madison. Info: (608)
255-8582.
Sat. 10 @ 7 P.M. Gemini Gender Group meeting. Info:
297-9328
Tues. 13 @ 7:30 P.M. Rainbow Summer “Love Monkeys” concert.
Tues. 20 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Bisexuals
of Color” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Sat. or Sun., 24 or 25 Mazo Beach.
SEPTEMBER
Mon. 2 Bi? Shy? Why? Madison. Info: (608)
255-8582.
Sat. 7 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Romantic Friendships” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Sat. 14 @ 7 P.M. Gemini Gender Group meeting. Info:
297-9328.
Tues. 17 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Romantic
Friendships” LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Sat. 21 @ 6:30 P.M. CBD “Bi Spa Night”
