Proposition 8 of California has been ruled unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit Federal Court!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/07/prop-8-california-appeals-court
But the fight isn't over. This ruling does not mean that Marriage Equality is going to return. Those against Marriage Equality have already started the appeals process to bring the case up to the larger panel of the 9th Circuit Court.
Even though we have some progress here in the USA, Internationally, we still have quite a ways to go. Russian Lawmakers are about to vote on bill that will make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian, bi or transgender. http://www.allout.org/en
"We are all pieces of an intricate puzzle that can fight against discrimination and our generation can be a leader in bringing about Equality but we must be active and fight for a better future."
Our General Meeting Time for this semester is 5pm Wednesdays upstairs in the Multicultural Center.
(If you can't make this time, send us an email for some more information and we can work things out)
Also the renewed LGBTQ Center is open, and on Thursday February 16th, the LGBTQ Center will be hosting a Town Hall meeting for the campus community. Please attend to share your thoughts and ideas.
Visit our website urigsa.weebly.com
Our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/URIGSA
and Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/179356889453/
Our Tumblr http://urigsa.tumblr.com/
Our Twitter @URIGSA http://twitter.com/#!/urigsa
So many ways to follow us! So there's no excuse not to!
Welcome Back: New things
- Better integration with the LGBTQ Center
o New Study space/meeting space
o Use of the LGBTQ Office stuffs
o Co-sponsoring activities or events
- More activism – It’s an election year!
o Working with Marriage Equality RI and political groups on Campus
o Informing students about issues and candidates
- Renewed focus on Social programs
o Parties and stuff
o Get-togethers
Day of Silence Stuff!
- Speaking/pledge cards
- Buttons or stickers?
- Fundraisers
o Shirts
o Food
o Merchandise
o Masks
- Awareness stuff – posters, information
o We need to make DOS more than just a time to not talk and wear buttons but make it a learning experience that fits with our Mission
Do we want a Dance?
- Get: advertising, funding, security, location. Drag Queens? DJ?
- Decorations & Setup (tables)
- Masquerade Ball - Black, White and Red(Rose)
o Mask symbolism
o Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera
- Mask making night @ LGBTQ Center
- Pizza & Soda & Cookies
Office – Coshare with the LGBTQ Office
Next Meeting:
Hoodies & Stuff for GSA – for events
Community Service
- Get shirts
- Sororities and Frats
- Clean up Campus
Special Events Committee for Day of Silence
Recruiting
Valentine’s Day