Volume 7, Number
3 (Fall 2002)
ssss Articles
sssss BiCamp
2002
ssssssMazo
Beach Memoir
ssssssBi
Definition Plans ‘Spa Night’
sssssWinter
Preview
ssssCalendar
ssssColumns
sssssssLetter
from 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.
Bi Definition's annual outing took place the weekend of July 26-28th. Once again, the weekend was a mix of hot sun, cool rain and scantly clad bisexuals, doing their level best to enjoy the outdoors in the Northern Kettle Moraine.
A half dozen of us showed up at varying times on Friday to set-up camp at what seems to be our favorite site - Group Site #9. Between us, we had piles of firewood and lots of good food to share. Deb and Scott took a bicycle ride in the afternoon then cooked chicken shish kebabs for our first group meal. Just as we were about to clean up, a quick but heavy rain shower passed through the area.
Saturday we all ventured out to our favorite camp store for ice cream and supplies. We had a cool picnic lunch at Mauthe Lake. We got back to the campsite and unfortunately missed Nikki who came by to visit.
We had lots of firewood left and ate dinner anticipating a long relaxing
campfire. We built a roaring fire only to be interrupted by intermittent
rain showers. It soon became a battle between fire and rain. We would re-stoke
the fire each time it cleared up and cheer on the campfire when the showers
returned.
Sunday came soon enough and by mid morning it was sunny and dry enough to pack-up camp. Some were feeling the effects of "Hot Sex," the beverage consumed the night before. Afterward we had lunch at Long Lake then headed home.
There was some discussion around the campfire about drawing more people for the annual camping trip and reasons why people are reluctant to attend. We also talked about ways to encourage people to attend.
From that conversation, we came up with a list of questions that has been made into a brief survey that will be available at upcoming meetings. Please take a minute and fill one out, this will help us better understand WHY people are reluctant to go camping.
Our group headed out on an August Sunday morning. Being my first trip to Mazo Beach, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the day ahead. We ventured about two hours into the heart of Wisconsin. The countryside was in bloom. The forecast had predicted sun; the sky was overcast and threatening. Finally, we arrived at the site.
To my relief, the protesters decided to take the day off. Mindful of this, I focused on our next obstacle: An insect-ridden forest. The sun broke out on the mile hike to the beach. At the end of the trail was a newly formed tributary separating the forest from the beach. Preoccupied with crossing the small creek, I did not mentally prepare for what awaited us on the other side. I trudged through the water and arrived to a sea of dark, lustrous flesh! I quickly noticed the ratio of men to women was about three to one. You'll never guess what gave it away?
Our group staked out an area in the sand and began to strip down. I was feeling modest and decided not to take off my complete ensemble…yet. Fortunately, I was not alone. We headed for the river. The water was chilly and the current was strong. I clung to the little bit of clothing I decided to keep on while others floated about freely in their birthday suits. During a brave moment, a semi-clad being removed his swim trucks and placed them over his shoulder. The river snuck up and swept the trunks away leaving him exposed for the world to see.
A friend and I thought it was funny to attach the adjective "nude" to all the activities we encountered at the beach. Remember those t-shirts popular in the early Nineties? Nude beach volleyball (yes, it's true, diving and everything!), nude jet skiing, nude canoeing, nude sun bathing, and, our personal favorite, nude Zen smoking. Some unclothed patrons played fetch with their dogs along the river's edge. I wondered if the dogs were as nervous as I was about getting naked on the beach?
People continued to arrive by foot and water until late in the afternoon. Bodies of every size, shape, age, and color were present. Some families came with their children. Back on the beach, the group shared snacks and chatted until the early evening. We then called it a day and headed for the trail.
I left with mixed feelings about my Mazo Beach experience. On the one hand, I had a difficult time letting go of the guilt associated with public nudity. On the other hand, the beach served as a subtle means in refining my body image. Since the visit, I have become a little bit more accepting of my body. Moreover, there seemed be a heavenly component at play that day on the warm, sunny beach. It's a hard thing to explain to you in words. My recommendation would be to experience it at least once for yourself. I guaranty you already have the perfect outfit for the occasion!
Bi Definition Plans 'Spa Night'
The 4th Annual International Celebrate Bisexuality Day is coming and Bi Definition folk are celebrating with a spa night on September 21! Come enjoy an evening of sensual delights as we take turns giving and getting: facial massages, hand and/or foot massages, and nails painted. Relax and enjoy chocolate, teas and flavored waters while watching movies selected especially for this occasion.
If you plan to attend, please take note:
Everyone is asked to bring a clean towel and $3.00 to cover cost of supplies;
Polish is provided, but feel free to bring a color of your choice;
For the comfort and health of everyone, please bathe and remove old polish before coming;
For more information, or to RSVP, call: Leslie at 444-1918, or Deb at 259-0203.
Bi Definition will have been successfully running for a total of seven years this January. Seven years! This is an accomplishment to be proud of and to celebrate.
We will be having our annual Anniversary Party on Saturday, January 4th, 2003 during our regular meeting time. Plans for this event will be discussed during the monthly business meetings (third Tuesday at 6:15 before the regular meeting). Feel free to bring your celebration ideas.
The third Tuesday in February 2003 will be our annual Year In Review meeting instead of the regular discussion group. We hope to have a strong showing at the meeting this year. The only reason Bi Definition is still around is through the generous volunteer work of many different individuals. Please consider helping in 2003.
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 .
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.
“There is no such thing as being bisexual." "They are just experimenting." "They know what they really prefer." "Bisexuals are just plain greedy." Ever heard comments like these? Come share your anecdotes as we discuss the legitimacy of our sexual orientation. “Bisexual Politics: Science or Science Fiction” will be the topic on Saturday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 15.
How do you deal with the issues of being bisexual and having kids? This presentation will explore the different issues that arise when there are children involved. Tina will share her personal experiences and insights about being bisexual and a parent. We will also explore whether or not and when to tell kids, and talk about parents with same sex partners and other thoughts and issues. Come join us as we discuss “Bi With Kids” on Saturday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 19. This discussion will have something of interest for everyone, even if you don’t have children of your own.
As bisexuals, the concept of polyamory may seem to be a natural fit. We can have partners to fill our different needs and interests, keep our love of different individuals alive without having to leave another person, and minimize the serial monogamy relationship roller-coaster . . . . Well, maybe . .. if you can handle it and yourself . . . And knowing and managing yourself is more than half the battle! We will discuss what makes the work worth the effort, poly ethics vs. etiquette, how to evaluate your own capabilities, and what it means for the long haul as we discuss “Polyamory—Not for the Faint-hearted” on Saturday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 17.
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.
The days are growing shorter and cooler signaling time to put away summer schedules and begin to plan for winter.
It has been a challenging year for me, full of changes, transitions and transformations. Now, more than ever, I need to spend time with supportive groups like Bi Definition. And yet, like most of you, I always seem to be too busy to make the time to do the things that nurture my heart and my soul.
For this year's Celebrate Bisexuality Day, a group of us decided to have a Spa Night. What better way to begin the transition from summer to fall than spending an evening of comfort and pampering? Especially when that evening will be spent in the company of open-minded people with generous and warm hearts.
I am looking forward to the slower pace and vibrant colors of autumn. I am remembering how important it is to care for all of myself-for my heart, my mind, my body and my spirit. For me, Bi Definition is part of that care, and I thank all of you for being there.
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 .
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”
OCTOBER
Sat. 5 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
"Bisexual Politics: Science or Science Fiction” LGBT Community Center,
315 W. Court St.
Tues. 15 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
"Bisexual Politics: Science or Science Fiction” LGBT Community Center,
315 W. Court St.
NOVEMBER
Sat. 2 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
"Bi With Kids" LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
Tues. 19 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
"Bi With Kids" LGBT Community Center, 315 W. Court St.
DECEMBER
Sat. 7 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Polyamory—Not for the Faint-hearted” LGBT Community Center, 315
W. Court St.
Tues. 17 @ 7 P.M. Bi Definition Social/Discussion. Topic:
“Polyamory—Not for the Faint-hearted” LGBT Community Center, 315 W.
Court St.
