Out Words - The Western Montana Community Center

editors: Suzie Reahard
A.D. Seibel
127 North Higgins, Suite 202
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: 406-543-2224
E-mail: wmglcc@gaymontana.org
Website: www.gaymontana.org
contributors: A.D. Seibel, Ron Blake, Josh Davis,
Bree Sutherland, John Blake, Ashley
Brittner, Sara Rossi, Lindsey Doe, J.
Paranto
cover art: Joseph Kellogg
advertising: Suzie Reahard & Tim Adams
monthly circulation: 3,000 copies
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Acton Seibel acton.seibel@gaymontana.org
Bree Sutherland bree.sutherland@gaymontana.org
Linda Tracy linda.tracy@gaymontana.org
Kate Wenninger kate.wenninger@gaymontana.org
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This Edition of Out Words
News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Uptick in Hate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Theodicy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Empowering and Encouraging Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
First Day of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Domestic Violence and the LGBTIQ Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Montana Transgender Day of Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Credit Card Babies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Health and Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Calender of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Montana Cannabis
& Hemp Foundation
401 West Broadway
Missoula Montana
This October 2010 marks the 5th Anniversary of GLBT
History Month. “In just five years, GLBT History Month has
mushroomed into our community’s most collaborative project
with over 650 organizations having GLBT History Month links
on their Web sites,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director,
Equality Forum, and founder of GLBT History Month.
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher,
believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration
and teaching of GLBT history, and gathered together other
teachers and community leaders. They selected October
because public schools are in session and existing traditions,
such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur then.
GLBT History Month is endorsed by GLAAD, the
Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task
Force, the National Education Association, and other national
organizations. In 2006, Equality Forum assumed responsibility
for GLBT History Month.
This years honorees include Jane Lynch, Leslie Fienberg,
and David Sedaris to name a few. Every day the Equality Forum
will release a bio of one of our role models or historical
figures. Check in daily to learn more about our rich history
and current allies and activists at www.glbthistorymonth.com.
Part of Montana’s GLBT Community for over 30 years
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News
Briefs
by A.D. Seibel
september 2, 2010. The Third District Court of
Appeal declined to order Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Attorney General Jerry Brown to appeal the recent ruling
that overturned Prop. In fact, Judge Arthur Scotland didn’t
even explain why he turned down the request from the
Pacific Justice Institute, a Prop. 8 supporter. Brown has
stated that he cannot defend Prop. 8 because he thinks its
unconstitutional and Gov. Schwarzenegger has chosen to
remain neutral on the issue.
september 7, 2010. The Big Sky Tea Party Association
removes Tim Ravndal as their president after comments he
posted on his Facebook page reveal him to be an insensitive
moron who jokes about violence against gays and lesbians.
Let’s ignore the fact that Tim chose to play dumb about his
comments, stating with a straight face, “I had no idea it was
a reference to Mathew Shepherd (and his brutal murder).”
Let’s also ignore the gall of the man to insist that he is a
victim of a liberal media witch-hunt. Instead, lets just focus
on the lesson at hand i.e. DO NOT POST YOUR BIGOTRY
ON A SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE AND ASSUME NO
ONE WILL NOTICE.
september 14, 2010. The Office of Personnel
Management announces that gay and lesbian federal
workers who have same-sex partners may now take leave
without pay in order to attend to their families medical or
educational needs.
september 20, 2010. The fact that the Montana GOP
still has the criminalization of homosexuality on their
political platform finally reaches the AP wire, even though
the Montana GOP released their party platform, like
three months ago. Needless to say, GOP Chairman, Will
Deschamps, was a total douche during an interview in July
with The Independent, where he stated that the GOP had
no intention of changing its position on homosexuality. If
only Deschamps could have foreseen the future, for he
would see himself in September totally backpedaling on
the issue while other MT Republicans actively try to get
the outdated and completely bigoted statement off their
political platform. Thanks AP for shaming our politicians
into action!
september 21, 2010. DADT does not get repealed,
troops do not get a pay raise, and Tony Perkins, president
of the Family Research Council calls it a “win.” Democrats
failed to gather the necessary votes to push through a
major defense bill, which not only held the repeal of DADT
but also $726 billion for a pay raise to troops and support
for other popular programs. Republicans complained
of not having enough time to review the bill or even
offer amendments to said bill, which causes even some
Democrats to vote against it. Needless to say, it was kind
of a sh*t show.
september 22, 2010. Florida overturns its gay adoption
ban, finally, and we mean 31 years, finally. The Third District
Court of Appeal upheld a 2008 ruling in favor of Martin
Gill who sued to adopt his two foster children with his
longtime partner. The three-judge panel noted that gays
were allowed to foster and become guardians on temporary
or permanent basis, yet were the only group not allowed
to adopt. Supporters of the ban were apparently unable to
provide the judges with any rational basis as to why gays
should not be allowed to adopt simply because they are gay.
september 25, 2010. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” receives
another blow this week after federal judge, Ronald B.
Leighton, ordered the reinstatement of Air Force flight
nurse, Maj. Margaret Witt. Witt had been previously
discharged under DADT after the husband of her then
current lover outed her as a lesbian to the military. The
ACLU represented Witt during the trial and also stated that
this was the first time a judge has ordered a reinstatement
of a service member discharged under DADT.
september 27, 2010.
TV evangelist, Eddie Long,
says he’ll fight allegations
that he coerced young
male parishioners to have
sex with him blah, blah,
blah, blah… Long story
short, the guy’s got four
lawsuits pending against him,
watch the story constantly
repeated on CNN or watch
the new episode of GLEE?
You make the call.
september 28, 2010.
Bozeman gets a high five
for being the first city in
Montana to openly support
the ACLU’s current lawsuit
for domestic partnership
recognition for same-sex
couples in Montana. The
Bozeman City Commission
voted unanimously to pass a
resolution of support for the
lawsuit and plan to forward
the resolution to the
governor, attorney general,
and state legislators. Mayor
Krauss, who spearheaded
the resolution, stated that
even though he is considered
politically conservative
he also believes that the
government is intended to
protect individual rights.
september 22-29, 2010. A moment of silence for Seth
Walsh, 13, Asher Brown, 13, and Tyler Clementi, 18. All
three commit suicide after being bullied over their actual
or perceived sexuality, or in the case of Clementi, being
outed as gay after his roommate secretly webcasts his
sexual encounters with another man. As heartbreaking
as these stories are they only serve to point out what
has been happening for years within our LGBTIQ youth
communities and that something needs to change, now.
september 29, 2010. Michigan Assistant Attorney
General Andrew Shirvell reveals himself either to be a
mad man or have a serious boy crush on student assembly
president of the University of Michigan, Chris Armstrong.
Armstrong is the first openly gay president to preside over
the student assembly. It turns out that Shirvell has gone to
Ann Arbor to protest outside Armstrong’s house, gone to
meetings were he presides over, and has even gone as far as
start a blog about the guy called “Chris Armstrong Watch”
where Shirvell criticizes the student’s “radical homosexual
agenda.” Seriously, Shirvell’s rabid infatuation with
Armstrong is a little too “Fatal Attraction” for our tastes.
Shirvell defended his creepy behavior in an interview with
Anderson Cooper by stating his main beef with Armstrong
was his push for gender neutral housing at the University
of Michigan. WTF?
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Out Words 4

The UpTick in haTe
is noT LimiTed To
monTana parTy
poLiTics?
by John Blake
The other night I was sitting at Finnegan’s after
a night of carousing with friends in celebration of two
friends wining an election of Prince & Princess of ISCSM.
I was in an especially good mood as I spent the previous
two nights not having fun at various events around town
due to a bad migraine. I’d just been served my chicken
fillet sandwich, it seemed to take longer than should have
to make. Then I heard it, “Aww Amvets…” the speaker
says loudly, “I could never go there. It’s full of mega-soreasses.”
“Come on…” the girl sitting next to him, says,
“They’ve got danceable music and cheap drinks.” “Yeah,
and there’s really a lot more straight people down there
dancing.” The second girl chimes in. “No, I don’t care, I’d
have to cover my shit if I went down there,” he concludes.
Following this exchange occurring two booths behind me
come a slew of homophobic “jokes” most of which are
as inspired as “mega-sore-ass,” something I hadn’t heard
since middle school. Suddenly my hangover stopgap meal
seemed as appetizing as a pile of worms.
I thought that my experiences of overt bigotry were
over. That “post-activist life” consisted of systemic and
inferred inequality vs. targeted hate. This was not due
to some delusion that overt bigotry was not occurring
against the GLBTIQ community anymore. Rather, it was
due to my experiences of those that engage in overt
homophobic acts avoiding me by virtue of my activism. As
if some-how the work was making a wake in front instead
of behind me….
Even before I became an activist, my responses to
bigotry could never be called passive. Many times the
beatings I got on the school yard while lunch ladies
& administrators watched were a result of my witty
comebacks after being called an “Oreo” or a “homo.” It
is only the sophistication of my responses, and the aim
thereof moving from insult to education, that allow me
now to call myself an “activist.” And for a few moments I
thought that my flash backs to middle and high school, as
well as my buzz left over from a couple of Rum & Cokes
was going to get the best of me as I stood up. Luckily good
sense and years of training won out.
With a deep breath, I gathered my self and walked
toward the cash register. I addressed the manager
standing there, explaining that I was trying to “enjoy” a
casual meal with a friend after a night out, and instead
was being deeply offended by the continuous comments
of those at the table behind me. The manager responded
that she would handle it, and despite my lack of appetite,
I sat back down to finish my food. I didn’t know it at the
time, but my friend had spent the time I was speaking
to the manager, staring at the offending speaker. Once
he realized his comments had been noticed, he started
sliding down in his seat, his hat bill going from the back
of his head around the front, and finally so low that his
chin was barely visible. The manager walked over to their
table, and said something about inappropriate remarks
offending some of the guests. I missed most of what she
said as she was trying to be discreet, and I was trying to
pretend they no longer existed. We finished our food and
got up to leave. At the register I thanked the manager
for taking my comments seriously. She responded in a
genuine way that she found those kind of comments just
as offensive, and she was sorry that it had occurred.
Then the miracle happened. The offending
commentator came over and apologized. His body
language was dejected, and he couldn’t make eye contact.
He tried to state that he had no problem with gay
people, and that he had gay friends, which was quickly and
efficiently rejected by my friend. He immediately relented
saying that no we were right it was no excuse. “I’m sorry
about what I said. I didn’t mean to offend you,” he said.
I’d love to say that I am an optimist. That after
that exchange I have faith that he’ll never say those
homophobic things again. In reality, I’ll call it a victory if
he thinks about the people that are being hurt when he
equates them to rapists. Since that incident, I’ve heard
homophobic comments aimed at my friends and I three
other times. One of those times I was walking down a
dark street with friends and after the comments directed
at me they mused on what they’d do if “another faggot
looked at them.” Again I’d love to say that the space of
time between these was a period of years. Unfortunately
it was a period of days.
Something in the social environment seems to be
changing. I don’t know if we’re finally coming back down
from our “hope high” of ’08, or if those who advocate
against us are responding to the small gains we’ve had in
the last year, but the environment seems less safe then
before.
These incidents underscore our arguments for the
city ordinance in Missoula last April. My ability to enjoy
the same services, as any other patron of Finnegan’s,
was impaired not by overtly denied services, but by an
environment of hostility that forced me to relive passed
trauma, and question my safety. What if I’d complained, the
ordinance had not passed in April, and the manager had
been unsympathetic?
Kristi Allen-Gailushas threatened the GLBTIQ
community with a rhetorical war, and here we find
ourselves in the midst of it. Unfortunately Kristi, Tim
Ravndal, and many others underestimated the impact
such a war has on the physical safety of an already
marginalized population. Montana does not have to look
very far back into its history to remember the lessons of
what happens to marginalized members of society when
we allow a person’s safety and there worth, figuratively or
not, to be in question.
John Blake is currently the co-chair of Montana Equality
Now. He can be reached at mtequalitynow@gmail.com.
Theodicy
by Josh Dahal
I was browsing through the January 2010 issue of the New Yorker
the other day to see what I’d forgotten about. Our modern news media
cycles through stories so quickly, that even truly major events are sucked
down the memory-hole within a week or two, so occasionally I read
“out-dated” news, just to combat the collective amnesia a little. I noted
the artwork on the cover (a couple of skeletons standing in the doorway
of a building, drawn in a cartoony style that reminded me of Day of the
Dead), but it didn’t register until I opened the magazine: oh yeah, Haiti.
What, with the oil in the gulf and the floods in Pakistan and Lindsey
Lohan going to jail and all, I’d forgotten about Haiti. I wonder how they’re
doing?
It’s hardly an original thought, but it occurs to me that one positive
side-effect of natural disasters and other forms of social and physical
upheaval and hardship is that they bring people together in a way that
the normal course of daily affairs doesn’t seem to. When the excrement
really hits the oscillator, so to speak, we are forced to rely on one another,
to turn to one another for aid. We are compelled by circumstances into
the existential understanding that we must all work together to survive;
no one is an island.
Musician Greg Brown once said, “This whole idea of intentional
community is baloney...You have to need each other.” In the aftermath
of earthquakes and hurricanes, amidst the wreckage of tornadoes and
forest fires, we are brought to need each other. It’s a radical way to get
community, perhaps, but in the current age of unadulterated individualism
would anything less radical really be effective? Perhaps without these
kinds of massive human tragedy we would become totally calloused,
egoistic individuals. Our contemporary culture, sadly, seems to bear out
this conclusion.
I remember hearing a piece on KUFM about the little community
of Alberton. The story focused on the tight-knit character of the town,
created at least in part, it seems, by the general economic hardship faced
in the area. One resident was quoted as saying something to the effect
of, “People talk about recession, we’ve been having a recession here for
the last twenty-five years.” But when a new family arrives in town there’s
sure to be home-made baked goods delivered by at least one neighbor,
and the residents of Alberton, unlike those of our own fair hamlet, are
guaranteed to know their neighbor’s names and probably a lot more
besides. In Alberton they have community, which so many of us in the
city claim to desire, but they also have hardship, which none desire. But
what if hardship is necessary to build and maintain community?
It’s almost a sad thought, isn’t it, that we need difficulty and struggle,
hardship and pain to bring us together; that during prolonged periods of
peace and prosperity we all too often sink into egotistical selfishness?
But it seems to be the case, so far as I can tell, that strong community
bonds are best forged in the fires of crisis and general hardship. It being
the case that humans, like small children, may require a stern hand to
compel them to do what is in their own best interest, namely help one
another, we might actually be thankful that natural disasters continue to
occur. Without them, it seems, we might well devolve into a society of
totally narcissistic, self-centered consumers. Without some chaos and
economic hardship we might get lost in the myth of the self-sufficient
individual, forgetting that we are social creatures by our very nature, and
that no one can survive unaided, at least not for long.
Skeptics have often pointed to “natural evils” like the Haitian
earthquake to make the claim that an omni-Benevolent deity cannot
possibly exist. While I wouldn’t claim that natural disasters prove the
existence of some deity or other, it would appear that what have been
labeled “evils” are, perhaps, not entirely evil in their outcomes. Perhaps
they are necessary; perhaps, dare I say it, even beneficial.
You can reach Josh at mahankhal@gmail.com.
Out Words 5

y J. Paranto
Thinking back to summer camp I always seem to remember awkward confrontations, off the wall
campfire songs and stories, and a questionable menu at every meal. So, when I was asked to be one of the
small group leaders at the National Coalition Building Institute Train the Trainer for High School students,
I immediately began to get a minor sense of anxiety. With the help of Amie Thurber, Heidi Wallace and
many of my fellow trainers I became comfortable with the idea that I would be found at Camp Paxson,
outside of Seeley Lake with close to 70 high school students.
The minute everyone poured out of the buses the amount of energy changed throughout the entire
camp and my anxiety slowly became nonexistent.
During the introduction, everyone introduced themselves and what school they hailed from. The
roster looked something like this: an army of Hellgate students, a smattering of Big Sky students and
two very brave Sentinel students. There was a good representation of students who had returned to the
training from previous years to serve as co-leaders, but for the most part many of the students, this was
their first interaction with a workshop that consisted of the complexities of N.C.B.I. and social justice.
Camp Paxson was a perfect location for the 3rd Annual Train the Trainer with the students. Plenty of
outdoor activities, a lake, perfect accommodations (including the brilliant chefs who gave me no reason to
question a single item) and a campfire ring that would leave any camper dreaming of more marshmallows,
graham crackers and chocolate.
There was a great balance of teachable moments, laughter, a few tears here and there and all around
compassion for fellow campers. Everyone helped to create a space of understanding for one another.
Whether that person was having difficulties at school or home with homophobia, bullying, racism, sexism
or ageism, the opportunity was available for individuals to speak freely, either in the large group or in their
smaller groups with the co-leaders. In many cases, one could see a sort of light turn on in a camper when
listening to another camper’s story, recognition that they were not the only one that had those same
feeling while watching a fight occur at school or being bullied on or off school grounds.
During the time spent at Camp Paxson friends were made and allies were solidified.
Another brilliant opportunity at the training was the chance to introduce the Queer Youth Group
that N.C.B.I. was beginning to establish. With some of the campers identifying as queer, this was the
perfect time to get some feedback from the students about what they needed in a queer youth group.
These insightful individuals gave me quite a list to work with, from co-leading group sessions to finding
queer adult advocates, to becoming involved with other non-profit organizations found throughout the
community. The list goes on and on, but I will leave it at that for now!
With help from the Liberty Hill Foundation, who graciously awarded N.C.B.I. a grant to establish
and maintain the queer youth group over the next five years, there will finally be a void filled in Missoula.
N.C.B.I. wants to create a safe place for youth, between the ages of 13-17, who identify as queer, gay,
bisexual, lesbian, transgender, two-spirited, questioning, a-sexual and intersexed. This is not a Gay Straight
Alliance. I repeat, this is not a G.S.A. We love our allies, but this group allows for an individual to find
common ground with other youth who may being going through similar situations or may have insight on
how a fellow youth may approach a difficult situation that may directly affect their orientation.
During the course of the Fall and Spring Semesters the queer youth group will be discussing
homophobia/transphobia, oppression, gender stereotypes, violence and whatever else may be weighing
heavy on their minds during the session, for example how many awards do you think Lady Gaga actually
deserved to win at MTV’s V.M.A.’s? I will get back to you on that, because I really don’t know, but I am
sure someone will inform me.
Along with various hot topics, the youth will have many opportunities to talk and read about the
media, watch movies, listen to podcasts, express themselves through art and most importantly find a
connection with a community that cares for them.
If you are a youth in or around the Missoula area and interested in joining, please message us on Facebook
at Ncbi Missoula, call 406.541.6891 or email Jason Paranto at jason@ncbimissoula.org for meeting location and
additional information. The first meeting will start at 5 p.m. on October 7th!
The firsT day of school
by Lindsey T. Doe, DHS
Every autumn I stand in front of 200 students and orient them to my
human sexuality class. On the first day of class, we go over the syllabus and take
a group inventory. My intention is for students to gain a sense of the course and
of each other in the context of intimacy with strangers; indeed, we’re going to
learn about bodies and behaviors, theories, and taboos—all of which are sexual
and most of which are new to them – so a comfortable and judgment-free
atmosphere is a necessity.
The inventory works like this: Step 1: I ask them to set aside books and
prepare themselves to sit and stand; for those who can’t stand, they raise their
hands. Step 2: I then explain “constituencies,” people grouped together because
of commonalities in identity, values, etc. Step 3: “When I name a constituency to
which you identify, raise up, and if you don’t identify with that group, stay down.”
I serve this inventory rare, smothered in curiosity, and with a dash of
humor. This inventory of students quickly provides both my students and I two
things: first, a sense of who is among us, and second, that our similarities most
often out-number our differences. I list years in school, ages, majors, modes of
transportation, single, partnered, pet owners – whatever comes to mind. The
most risqué I might get is, “Who has a piercing, visible or not?”
I neglect sexual orientation, gender identity, and questioning. Every semester,
I wish these identities were as simple to run out my lips as “employed,” for I
hope for a day in which divulging one’s identity is as carefree as divulging one’s
birth order. I do not want to make speeches beforehand, I want to say “queer”
and have those who identity as such to stand.
Those are my ambitions. These are my fears: trapping students between
the choices to hide identity or reluctantly out oneself. Fear someone will harm
them, fear of a false inventory when people, with their own fears, don’t go public.
I believe fears do not simply evaporate. They are replaced with reason or
faith. When I took my stage in the lecture hall this September and introduced
myself and my course, I was talking to a different Missoula, one of security and
courage rather than fear. People were out and vibrant in all their colors. I could
see Gs and Ls and Qs and other Qs. Their heterosexual, cisgendered classmates
were smiling, too. They clearly wanted to, and enjoyed publicly claiming who
they are. So I was no longer a gatekeeper; I was merely a medium doing my job
to educate.
I’ve pondered for weeks how we all got here, on seemingly even ground,
the squares of sidewalk all aligned. How did I know that students would proudly
stand, that they wouldn’t be in harm’s way as a result of their membership? And
that most would understand an absence of representation does not equate to
a non-existence of diversity?
I asked my preceptor, an out gay man who had been a student of the class
two years prior, “What happened? Can you feel the difference?” I had never
before asked LGBTIQ students to identify themselves, but this year, I did.
What is different now? What inspired me to request that my LGBTIQ
students identify themselves proudly? I’ve thought of a multitude of reasons,
but I’m still not certain. If I were to pick one, though, it would be a train
that started when determined people wrote, rallied for, and passed the nondiscrimination
ordinance earlier this year. Thinking back to the ordinance-inwaiting,
I remember being asked for anecdotes of discrimination on the basis
of sexual orientation or gender identity. As a clinical sexologist, did I have an
accusation to warrant protection into writing? I didn’t. I can say though, direct
correlation or not, that with the ordinance instated, there is more pride and less
fear. The ordinance was not just an intervention or prevention strategy; it was
the stance of a community that believes in kindness. And LGBTIQ people have
responded with their pride.
I could see the difference in my students. I heard it in my voice when I
tried something new. Be it the ordinance or what it symbolizes, the purity of
expression without repercussion made it possible for me to belt “queer” on the
first day of school and for students to respond “That’s me!” As a sexologist, an
educator, and an ally, I am proud, too.
Out Words 6

y Sarah Rossi
Same-sex relationships mirror heterosexual
relationships in a multitude of ways: love, commitment,
family, spats, bickering, joint bank accounts, cold
shouldering because maybe you looked at the
server a little too long while out to dinner, etc.
Unfortunately, same-sex couples also experience
intimate partner violence
(IPV) at the same rate
as heterosexual couples.
While domestic violence in
opposite-sex relationships
is often the first thing that
comes to mind when we
talk about relationship
violence, attention needs
to be paid to the needs of
survivors who experience
IPV at the hands of someone
of the same gender.
Although IPV occurs
with the same frequency in
heterosexual and LGBTIQ
relationships, the forms of
abuse can be much different.
Physical abuse is physical
abuse, but mental abuse
like threatening to “out” a
partner or emotional abuse, such as telling the nonbiological
parent of the children that he or she will
never see them again, is specific to LGBTIQ couples.
Living in a small, conservative community can make
the threat of “outing” enough to completely control
an LGBTIQ individual. And in Montana, where the
non-biological partner in a same-sex relationship still
has only minimal parental rights, being permanently
separated from a child with no legal remedy can be
an insurmountable obstacle to seeking help.
With the 2011 Legislative session right
around the corner, it is important for progressive
organizations to focus on Montana’s gaping
statutory chasm in the area of LGBTIQ rights and
mental aBuse like
threateninG to
“out” a partner or
emotional aBuse, such
as tellinG the non-
BioloGical parent of
the children that he
or she will never see
them aGain, is specific
to lGBtiQ couples.
equalities. Along with many other inadequacies—like
the lack of Hate Crimes legislation and the need
for statewide nondiscrimination laws—Montana law
does not recognize LGBTIQ relationships in the
Partner/Family Member Assault (PFMA) statute. In
fact, the language of the law specifically includes only
relationships between members of the opposite sex.
This non-recognition of same-sex relationship
violence impairs LGBTIQ survivors in unacceptable
ways while they are attempting to navigate the
criminal justice and civil legal systems. For example,
when a heterosexual person abuses his or her
partner, every subsequent IPV offense “stacks” onto
previous offenses, thus increasing the penalty for
each new conviction. LGBTIQ offenders cannot
be charged under the PFMA statute and therefore
do not receive increased penalties for subsequent
violations. Additionally, although it is possible
for LGBTIQ survivors to be granted Orders of
Protection that keep their abusers at bay, courts
in Montana are much more reluctant to grant such
orders than in states where protections for LGBTIQ
individuals are equal to those of heterosexuals. This
lack of remedial avenues
in the criminal justice and
civil legal systems is called
“institutional abuse” and
is still very prevalent in
Montana.
There may be a
constitutional amendment
limiting marriage to one
man and one woman, but
LGBTIQ relationships
cannot be made illegal
(see Lawrence v. Texas).
Protection from abusive
partners should cross all
boundaries. Get involved
by contacting the Montana
Coalition Against Domestic
and Sexual Violence
through our website at
www.mcadsv.com. We
want to hear your stories and even have you testify
at the next Legislative session. Barring that, simply
get on the phone, the text messaging, the tweeter,
or the “myface”, or whatever it is you tech savvy
youngsters use nowadays, and ask your local
Representatives to take notice of this dangerous
inequality in Montana Law.
Sarah Rossi is the Membership Outreach
Coordinator for the Montana Coalition Against Domestic
and Sexual Violence in Helena, MT.
How about a quickie?
RAPID HIV TESTING
We offer a safe, confidential and anonymous environment for free HIV testing with gay men testing and counseling other
gay and bisexual men. Accurate results in 20 minutes.9am-5pm M-F (weekend and evenings by appointment).
Call 829.8075 or e-mail fdh@mtgayhealth.org, or just stop by127 N. Higgins, Suite 205.
A service of the Montana Gay Men’s Task Force, FDH & Associates, and the MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.
W O R D E N T H A N E P. C.
A T T O R N E Y S A T L A W
Shane A. Vannatta
Jane E. Cowley
Suite 600 The Florence • 111 N Higgins Ave
P.O. Box 4747 • Missoula, MT 59806
Suite 600 The (406) Florence 721-3400 • 111 N Higgins Ave
P.O. Box 4747 • Missoula, MT 59806
(406) 721-3400 • svannatta@wthlaw.net
Out Words 7

transGender day
of recoGnition
2010
by Bree Sutherland
A day of recognition, a day of education and outreach, a day of support, and a day of
celebration: these are many of the words used to describe the first Transgender Day
of Recognition (TDOR) in Montana history. This important event - geared toward
recognizing those of us in the trans community and our allies - provided a series
of activities throughout the day and well into the evening of November 20th, 2009.
November 20th marks a very somber moment in many lives. The date traditionally
marks the day of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time set aside to remember
those within the transgender community who lost their lives to suicide and antitransgender
hatred. Though it is very important to remember those who have lost
their lives in their personal battle for equality, the focus of this date is primarily on
death, which provides little, if any room for growth in the awareness and equality of
the transgender community.
The second year of an event unique to Montana and radically different from the
more traditional Transgender day of Remembrance will fall on November 17th of this year.
Instead of focusing on death, this day will be
a day of recognition and celebration for
everyone in and tdor is
around the transgender
community. The hope of TDOR is to
give a much more a day of positive understanding
of the transgender community by
providing a positive celeBration image of the everyday
lives of those living of those within the transgender
community.
Transgender Day of still livinG, Remembrance was
created after the “Remembering Our
Dead” project and and a time accompanying vigil
in San Francisco to rememBer in 1999, which was
an event, started after the November
1998 murder of Rita those lost.
Hester, a transgender
woman living in the Boston area. It was
an opportunity for communities to come
together and mark the passing of those who identified or were perceived to be transgender
who have lost their lives due to a great lack of understanding of their identities.
Although the day primarily memorialized those lost to hate crimes and suicide,
it also served as a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness
around the threat of violence faced by transgender people and continued presence of
prejudice that surrounds the transgender community. It is important to remember
those in the transgender community who have lost their lives, and to raise awareness
of the brutal hatred that continues to take place against transgender people, but it is
also very important to recognize that Transgender Day of Remembrance has one very
key fault. It leaves out a very important and significant part of the picture, those still
living in the transgender community.
TDOR is a day of celebration of those still living, and a time to remember those
lost. Those who have lost their lives have set important examples in their lives, which
continue to inspire those around them. Even though their lives were cut far too short,
it is important to celebrate the fact that the world was made aware of their humanity,
and the unique beauty and grace that took place in the face of deadly oppression.
TDOR 2010 is an event open to the entire community of Missoula and beyond, and
is a day to spread awareness to friends, family, coworkers, and allies of those within
the transgender community. MontanaTDOR, the primary organizer of the event,
welcomes everyone to attend our events on Wednesday, November 17th at the
University of Montana in Missoula, and on Saturday, November 20th at the Mayflower
UCC in Billings.
Our Missoula events are to include our annual Trans-Lives art exhibit at the
University of Montana University Center, a free screening of the award-winning film
Prodigal Sons, a meet and greet luncheon with Missoula Gender Alliance, an open
community forum and panel discussion in the 3rd floor conference center of the
UM University Center from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, and a candlelight Vigil of Awareness
at 8:00pm in the UM campus oval center. Billings TDOR events include a community
potluck, time of recognition and remembrance, and a vigil and open discussion.
As always, we encourage the general public to attend these important events in
both Missoula and Billings, and want to remind everyone that these events are all
free of charge. For more information about our events, please visit our website at
MontanaTDOR.org or find us on Facebook and Myspace.
Bree S. Sutherland is the executive director and support coordinator of MontanaTDOR.
She is currently a student at the University of Montana and a growing political activist
with the Montana LGBTIQQ community.
Out Words 8

credit card
BaBies
by Ashley Brittner
There comes a time in some of our lives when
we decide we’re ready to be parents. Truth be told,
I had never fully grasped the obstacles that stood
in the way of gay couples and their dreams of
parenthood until watching MEN recently at a show
in Portland, Ore. MEN, the newest project from Le
Tigre’s JD Samson and Johanna Fateman, came out
with a 12” this June that includes the track “Credit
Card Babie$”. “CCB” sheds light on some of the
obstacles faced by homosexual couples that want to
have a baby. Heterosexual couples can pretty much
wake up one day and decide to start “trying”. With
the exception of couples who do not struggle with
some variation of infertility, hetero couples make the
decision, perhaps go off birth control and hopefully,
at some point, conceive. It is just how biology works.
For queer couples, it is more complicated. “Credit
Card Babie$” explores the options gay couples have:
adoption, surrogacy, and artificial insemination. Yet
even with the bevy of avenues available, it can still be a
lengthy, expensive process. MEN’s solution, repeated
over and over in “CCB”: “I’m gonna fuck my friends.”
Sure, there is the option of impregnating your
female friend, being impregnated by your male friend
or asking your friend to sleep with you and carry
your child for you, but wouldn’t those alternatives
potentially carry a lot of emotional weight? “Is it
really so hard to make a new heart?” MEN asks. Well,
apparently, it is.
The website Love and Pride estimates that in
1990, between 6 and 14 million children had at least
one homosexual parent. This number is not qualified
with the means in which those individuals became
parents, but that is a large section of the population.
Let’s first explore the adoption option. Often, the
website elaborates, when gay and lesbian couples
seek an adoption, they are forced to obtain a singleperson
adoption because many states do not outright
allow gay couples to adopt. The second partner in
the same-sex couple can later apply for co-adoption
rights. Only two states, (formerly Florida) and Utah,
ban same-sex couples to adopt, Utah by way of
disallowing all unmarried couples to adopt (those
sneaky sonsofbitches). Adopting a child can take
years and with the stigma surrounding gay couples as
parents, it is possible that fully capable, loving samesex
couples could be excluded from adopting all
together. Many countries outside the US do, in fact,
exclude gay couples from adopting. Bottom line: it is
not as easy as Angelina Jolie makes it look.
So if adoption is out of the question, couples
can turn to surrogacy, an alternative used mostly by
gay males. However, surrogacy can be complicated,
too. Where do you find someone who will carry
your child for you? How does she become pregnant?
Which one of your sperm will be used in the actual
impregnating? In an ABC News article from 2008, it’s
argued that surrogacy is becoming a popular option
for gay men, and through the organization Growing
Generations, hundreds of couples are finding donors
and surrogates to make parenthood possible for
them. The article quotes a surrogate pregnancy
costing “$150,000 a year for a two-year process”.
Now we see where the dollar sign comes from in
MEN’s song. It goes on to say that these days, having a
separate egg donor and surrogate is wise, considering
the potential emotional and legal struggles that
could be involved. It begs the question of the kinds
of emotional and legal struggles that could result in
“fucking your friends”, as MEN suggests, although it
would alleviate that $300,000 price tag.
For the ladies, it is considerably cheaper for an
artificial insemination. Insemination is a two step
process; finding a donor and being implanted with his
specimen. Each try is estimated to cost $300-$500,
but since everything is left up to nature, the process
has a very low first-time try success rate, often
resulting in multiple tries, multiple $300-$500 rolls
of the dice. In vitro fertilization, the implanting of an
already fertilized egg into a woman’s uterus, has a 35%
success rate, but costs between $10,000-$15,000 per
try. Ouch. The clincher with surrogacy and artificial
insemination is that only half of the couple will have
genetic ties to the child conceived. Obviously, it takes
one man and one woman to make a baby, that’s just
science. Even with all the science fiction, smoke and
mirror tricks that can be pulled off these days, there
is still no way to fuse two men’s or two women’s
genetic material to make a baby. For some, that might
be painful, because how often do you hear a couple
that is pregnant say they’re so excited because it will
be half her and half him? That pesky biology, again,
makes that impossible for gay couples. But it’s more
complicated than science. Legally speaking, it also
means that depending on the situation, the nonbiological
parent could have a hard time attaining
rights to their child, regardless of the fact that it is
theirs, simply because they’re “not blood”. Which is
potentially even more painful when you think about
it. Guess we have to transcend science, too.
Any way you slice it; gay couples are going to
have hoops to jump through to become parents. But
that does not mean all hope is lost. “We want some
options,” as MEN puts it. It is ironic and maddening that
people who are so willing to jump through all those
hoops are actually barred from becoming parents
in so many states and countries in the world. They
are doing it, though. In all those states and countries,
there are also kids with two moms, two dads, maybe
kids who are being raised by multiple parents, such
as two gay couples, or kids whose “Uncle Bob” really
isn’t their uncle. Just like any other “normal” facet of
life (marriage, spousal benefits), homosexual couples
have to fight just a little harder to become parents.
But hey, how lucky are their kids, the product of that
fight? And really, the priceless ones at that.
Listen to “Credit Card Babie$” at myspace.com/MEN
column Green
by Ron Blake
How can you save the world and maintain your health and
wellness too? There are many ways to be environmentally friendly
while staying fit and trim. Find that box of Crayolas and grab the
crayon that is a mix between blue and yellow. Get ready to color
your fitness green as I take you through some organic suggestions.
Keep only one water bottle and use it when you need it during
those grueling workouts. Fill it with water from the kitchen faucet
and purchase a filter if you are uncomfortable with its quality
as it leaves the pipes. This should save on all the plastic bottles
manufactured and the energy to produce that ample supply for
the grocery shelves. Am I crazy or was water free back in the 80s?
Wear cotton or hemp clothing for your fitness routines. These
materials are natural and much better for the ecology. Clothing
made of these will cling to your skin when you sweat and will not
be as convenient as the synthetic blends that wick moisture away
from your body. However, you will be making friends with plenty of
spotted owls and the good folks at the Sierra Club.
Join one of the environmental groups. Volunteer your time
to pick up trash along a designated roadway. There are plenty of
organizations that clean up the debris from litter- bugging drivers.
You can get a couple of hours of exercise from working a one mile
stretch of asphalt. Hike up that pant leg and you might even elicit
some hoots and hollers from gawking motorists.
Ride your bike to work. I will not have to twist your arm as
much now as I would have two years ago. Four dollars a gallon
for gas and it’s a possibility on many people’s radar screens
today. Bike paths are everywhere these days. Call your city’s park
department and inquire about bikeways. Some workplaces can
even accommodate your showering and storage needs. Get out
the rubber band for that pant leg and get cycling.
Run outside and leave that treadmill to its game of solitaire.
Have fun with nature while you get that three mile run in on some
beautiful trail somewhere. Find your quiet location and run with
Bambi, Thumper, Flower, and the rest of the faunal gang. You will
save all of that electricity to operate the treadmill and power
those televisions in your health club. I’ll take five kilometers for
two in your alfresco section.
Use your towel more than once. I keep the same towel for
several days. I only use it to dry off after my shower and then hang
it to dry until I use it again for the next round of soap and shampoo.
You will give your washer and dryer a much needed rest and will
help the environment in the process. It is really recommended that
you change towels though after about a week. I had a roommate in
college once that tested the outer limits of this concept. My nose
won’t ever let me forget!
You can probably find more ideas just by analyzing your daily
habits and using common sense. Feel free to hang that picture of
Al Gore in your computer room if that will help with the flow of
ideas. Good luck with your efforts to go green!
This health and fitness column is brought to you by that guy
who revels in awkward pauses after party introductions. That guy
is Ron Blake and he can be jostled from his Walter Mitty moments
by surprising him at rblake5551@hotmail.com.
Out Words 9

Community ResouRCes
Missoula
kismif
Keep It Simple Make It Fun AA meeting for gay
lesbian transgender queer intersex and friends every
Monday 7 - p.m. at UCC 405 University Avenue.
Contact Randy at 406-726-3525
Gay men’s chorus
Meeting every Monday 7 - 9 p.m. at The Center,
127 N. Higgins Ave., Suite 202 - Contact Gary at
406-370-9876
Gay men’s task force
406-829-8075
imperial sovereign court of the state of
montana
Call Rosalinda de la Luna at 406-499-0078 or visit:
http://www.iscsm.org
keep it simple al-anon family Group
LGBT and friends meeting every Thursday 5:30 -
6:30 p.m. at 1st Methodist Church, 300 E. Main, alley
entrance, classroom 3. Contact Randy at 406-726-
3525.
living forward Group: men who are living with
hiv
Meet Wednesday evenings 7 - 9 p.m. Call Andrew
Laue at 406-327-9445
missoula aids council
406-543-4770
missoula aids council housing assistance
program
Short-term and long-term housing assistance is
available for HIV+ individuals living in Western MT.
Call Annette or Jordan at 543-4770.
missoula city health department
406-258-4745
missoula pflaG
pflagmissoula@gmail.com or 406-240-2881.
Officer Nicole Pifari
LGBTI Liaison Officer Missoula Police Department
435 Ryman Street • Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 552-6300 (main)
Outfield Alliance
A Coalition of LGBTI faculty, graduate students, staff
and their supporters at the University of Montana.
Email caseycharles@umontana.edu or call 406-243-
2762
transgender support Group
Contact the Clinical Psychology Center at (406)-
243-2367 and ask for Nick or Leslie..
u of m lambda alliance
406-243-5922
university congregational church
405 University Avenue, Missoula
http://www.uccmsla.org • 406-543-6952
MoNtaNa
Bozeman GlBtiQ resource center
www.BozemanRC.org, 406-600-3608,
info@BozemanRC.org
Butte men’s support Group
Last Monday of the month 406-491-1378 or 406-490-
6125
Butte aids support services
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Blaine
Center BASS office. Call Rick 406-491-1378 or 406-
490-6125. www.buttebassonline.org
flathead valley alliance
www.flatheadvalleyalliance.org • 406-758-6707
Gallatin valley human rights task force
www.EmbraceDiversity.org
Glacier unitarian universalists fellowship
www.glacieruu.org • 406-755-9255
hamilton pflaG
Monthly Chapter Meetings. Every 4th Thursday @
7 P.M. Contact Terry at 406-363-7656 for more
information.
hiv positive support Group - Butte
For information call 406-491-1378 or 406-490-6125
for time and location.
hiv positive support Group - helena
Meets monthly-Call Greg at 596-2013 for more info
lewis & clark aids project
530 S. Harris • Helena • 406-447-6030
metropolitan community church
1220 17th Street South • Great Falls
406-771-1070 • www. mccmontana.org
Rev. Gina L. Hartung, Pastor
Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.
E-mail: bishman59401@hotmail.com
montana department of public health &
human services
www.dphhs.state.mt.us/hpsd
open hands foundation - Great falls
www.openhandsfoundation.org • 406-868-8382
pflaG Great falls/Golden triangle
Meets on the 3rd Tue. of each month at the MCC
Church located at 1220 17th St. So. (406) 868-1064.
Qsa - msu
www.qsamsu.com •406-994-4636
seeker’s harbor faith community
Billings
www.seekersharbor.org • 406-661-1584
s.h.o.u.t aids (students helping others
understand teen aids) meets every Thursday
in BILLINGS at the yap office at 4pm ages 15-24. Any
questions contact Dustin (406)-591-0169
yellowstone aids project housing
assistance program
Becky Taylor • beckyt@yapmt.org
victorian – hiv testing
406- 245-4293
yellowstone city-county health
department
406-247-3376
yellowstone aids project
406-245-2029
Pacific Northwest &
NatioNal resources
advocates for youth
www.advocatesforyouth.org
aeGis: aids education Global
information systems
www.endAIDSnow.org
Gay men’s health crisis
www.gmhc.org
human rights campaign
www.hrc.org
out spokane
www.outspokane.com
Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association
www.pacificnwgra.org
pride foundation
www.pridefoundation.org
Queer core
www.queercore.org
stonewall news northwest
www.stonewallnews.net
wyoming rural aids prevention project
www.wrapp.net
Do you have LGBTI resources you want listed?
Email us by the 20th of each month for the next
issue!
The Western
Montana
CommunityCenter
Weekly Events
Thursday
7 p.m. -
Gay Men Together, A safe and affirming place for gay &
bisexual men to meet.
Saturday
10 a.m. -
Beginners Yoga Classes
Serving the
LGBTIQ
Community
Since 1998

ecurring events around montana
center Board meeting, 3 rd Wednesday,
6 p.m. at the Center [Missoula]
christian lGBti support Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month
7p.m. at the Center [Missoula]
lGBti community potluck, 3 rd Saturday every month, 7 p.m. at the University
Congregational Church - Fireside Room (405 University Avenue) [Missoula]
pflaG missoula / five valleys meeting, 3 rd Saturday every month prior to
potluck at the University Congregational Church, call 406-721-5013 or 406-541-0163 for
more information. [Missoula]
hiv+ monthly dinner, 3 rd Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the University
Congregational Church, call Mike or Annette at
543-4770 [Missoula]
Gay & lesbian aa meeting, every Monday 7 to 8:30 p.m., call Randy at 406-726-
3525 [Missoula]
keep it simple / al-anon family Group LGBT and friends meeting every
Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at 1st Methodist Church, 300 E. Main, alley entrance, classroom 3.
Contact Randy at 406-726-3525 [Missoula]
university of montana lamBda alliance General meetings, every
Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the UC (Room 330), call 406-243-5922 for more information. [Missoula]
living forward Group: men who are living with hiv, every Wednesday
from 7 to 9 p.m., call Andrew Laue, LCSW for more information at 406-327-9445.
[Missoula]
hot springs, montana, a Gay & Bisexual men’s support Group meets
on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.. Call 741-2810 for directions and information. [Missoula]
capitol city Gay men meet every Thursday at 7pm. Location: 80 East Lawrence
Street, Room 105, Helena MT 59601. For more information visit www.capitalcitygaymen.
org [Helena]
women’s coffee and chat meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Location: Fireside Coffee
House 1446 Euclid Ave, [Helena]
women’s potluck, 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Location changes.
Contact Sandy at 406-442-0200. [Helena]
GlBt open aa meeting Every Thursday 7:30 p.m.
1417 13 St. West. Call Duane Nez at 406-861-8478 [Billings]
cancer patient support Group Every Other Friday: 12 p.m. 2835 Fort Missoula
Rd., Ste. 301, Call Joni or Susie at 406-721-1118 E-mail joni@drjudyschmidt.com
[Missoula]
Billings aidspirit meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month at Holy Rosary Church, 521
Custer at 7:00 p.m. [Billings]
Billings pflaG meeting 2nd Wednesday of the month held at the UCC Church in
Conference office located at 2016 Alderson at 7:00 p.m [Billings]
client advisory Board meeting 4th Monday of the Month at YAP at 6:00
PM [Billings]
poZ night Monthly opportunity for socializing and fun! For more information contact
the Client Action Body at cab@yapmt.org or staff at (406) 245-2029. [Billings]
Qsa General forum meetings Every Monday In the Strand Union Building room
276 at 7 p.m. [Bozeman]
JavaQ coffee social - 7 p.m., every first, third, and fifth Thursday at International
Coffee Traders, 720 S 10th Ave. [Bozeman]
the Bozeman resource center bi-weekly meetings. At International Coffee
Traders, 720 S 10th Ave, the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Contact John at 600-
3608 or at info@bozemanrc.org [Bozeman]
Bozeman pflaG meeting 2nd Thursday of the month. Check out: bozemanpflag.
com for more information. [Bozeman]
Bozeman hiv/aids support Group meets the 1st Monday of each month.
Call Greg at 406-596-2013 for time and location. [Bozeman]
poz affected pot luck occurs on the 3rd Sunday of each month in
BOZEMAN. Contact AIDS Outreach at 406-551-1016 for details.[Bozeman]
flathead valley alliance monthly meeting, 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the
Flathead Count Library basement. [Kalispell]
pride committee meeting every Sunday – Call Dee or DJ at 756-0050 for time and
location – volunteers needed [Kalispell]
octoBer:
saturday, october 9: The Montana Human
Rights Network’s 2010 Annual Conference will be held
on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 10:00am-4:00pm, at
the University of Montana campus. Titled “Rage on the
Right: Combating the Politics of Fear and Resentment,”
the conference will look at the resurgence of right-wing
organizing in communities across Montana and how local
communities are responding.For information, contact
Carissa at network@mhrn.org or 406-442-5506. More
details can also be found at http://mhrn.org/events.html.
saturday, october 9: 9 am-3 pm, Missoula
Fairgrounds. Electronic Recycling event organized by
UM Environmental Studies students. Volunteers needed
If you can help, contact lauren.hipshear@umontana.edu.
saturday, october 9: Hellgate Rollergirls bring you
their first official bout, the Brawlin’ Mollies vs. The Dirt
Road Dolls. Doors open at 5:30pm, bout is at 7:00pm
there will be a full bar. Tickets are $10 and are available
thru: brownpapertickets.com, Ear Candy, Piece of Mind,
or your local rollergirl.
friday, october 8: Writers Fall Opus, a fundraiser
for The University of Montana undergraduate creative
writing program, “The Oval,” and “CutBank”. This event
takes place from 6:00pm-10:00pm in the Governor’s Ball
Room in the Florence Building and is graciously hosted
by Kevin Head and Charlie Brown. Must be 21 or older
to attend. For more information and to RSVP, contact
Karin Schalm at 243-5267. Tickets will also be available
at the door.
monday, october 11: National Coming Out Day
brought to you by University Center Student Involvement,
LAMBDA, Montana Equality Now, and UM Allies. Come
celebrate diversity on campus with your fellow students.
Art Display: UC S Atrium, UM Allies Training: 9:30-12pm
UC 326 For Faculty, Staff and Student Employees Only
Panel Discussion: 12-1pm UC N Atrium (Lambda), LGBT
and Straight Allies Speed Friending: 8-9pm UC 332
(Montana Equality Now)
friday, october 15 at 7:30pm - october 24 at
11:00pm: 15th Annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.
The largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the
festival features the latest and greatest in LGBT film and
video, from major motion picture premieres to emerging
talent. Packed with parties, events, and special guests,
it’s social and cultural event of the season. For detailed
information visit http://threedollarbillcinema.org/.
saturday, october 16: 1st Annual Breatsy Fest will
take place in Caras Park from 1:00pm-6:00pm. Help raise
awareness for breast cancer. For more information visit
www.fauxpink.org.
saturday, october 16: Come enjoy the PEAS Farm
harvest party from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Featuring apple
cider pressing, pumpkin carving, & a good time for all.
COST: $5. Apple donations needed (we’ll be happy to
send pickers to pick them). To donate apples, or for info
contact Kelsey at kelsey.redmond@gmail.com
friday, october 22 - october 23: The Rocky Horror
Show returns to the Wilma this October for another
weekend of fish netted, maniacal mayhem.Shows run
October 22nd and 23rd, 8:00pm and MIDNIGHT at the
WILMA. Tickets will are available on the MAT website:
www.mtactors.com.
saturday, october 23: The 2nd Annual Funky Junk
Fashion Show 5:00pm at The Green Light. All designs
must be made out of recycled materials -- for example
plastic bags or newspaper. All entries need to be
received by October 9. Proceeds benefit the YWCA. For
information email Kristin at kristin@greenlightmt.com
or call 541-0080.
wednesday, october 27: Dr. Paul G. Lauren, Regents
Professor of History will address “Human Rights in
Words, Images, and Sounds” as part of the Provost’s
Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series in conjunction
with Day of Dialogue. Reception to Follow. 7:00pm, UC
Theater.
thursday, october 28: 9 am-7 pm, University Center.
UM’s Day of Dialogue will feature lectures, classes and
interactive sessions open to the public. http://life.umt.
edu/dod/
friday, october 29: BASS Halloween Party starts at
7:00pm at Doug & Schylar’s 604 Utah Avenue, Butte, MT.
There will be dancing, a costume party and of course a
showing of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.
$7 suggested donation benefits Butte AIDS Support
Services. Call 406-490-6125 for more information.
novemBer:
friday, november 5: Trans-Lives Art Exhibit from
5:00pm-8:00pm at the Western Montana Community
Center. Montana TDOR has partnered with artists across
the nation and beyond to host an art exhibit that has a
whole new take on gender expression with a primary
focus on the transgender community. This exhibit will
include pieces from Bree Sutherland, Ali Pelletier, Axel
Baumgarten, among many others.
Trans-Lives is the primary fundraiser for MontanaTDOR
and for Missoula and Billings Transgender Day of
Recognition. Come enjoy wine and organic hors
d’oeuvres donated by Flathead Lake Winery, Ten Spoon
Winery and the Good Food Store, and leave happy with
an amazing piece of art from our exhibit.
first friday Bash
november 5th
time and location
a
comming soon!
check
www.gaymontana.org
for more info