To Our Loving Queer and Queer Friendly Community:
This has been a very eventful few weeks, and not necessarily all in the positive. I apologize for being on hiatus while dealing with these various incidents, on top of being a student as well.
On Sunday November 9, the Purdue chapter of the NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People] held an open discussion of recent hate crimes which had occurred in and around Purdue. The original intent of the discussion was to inform the Purdue and West Lafayette community of two incidents, which were racially based, that had occurred that week. However, the president of the Purdue chapter of the NAACP, Ronard Black, was informed of an incident against the Queer Student Union during Homecoming weekend (October 25).
First off, allow me to explain the Homecoming incident in detail, as it is chronologically first, and most relevant to our community. Also, this event has not been chronicled very well in the local media. Information on the other two incidents, which were the vandalization of a tree, and an incident involving the restaurant Triple XXX, can be found in the Exponent and the Journal & Courrier. I personally recommend the J&C.
The Queer Student Union decided to take part in Homecoming events this year to show our school spirit. One of the events we decided to take part in was Window Painting. In the Window Painting event, we paint the window of a local business with a sports theme, which was sponsored and organized by PSUB [Purdue Student Union Board]. We applied for Hotbox Pizza but were assigned Purdue Wrestling as a theme by PSUB.
Early that week, we painted the Hotbox Pizza window with the theme of Purdue Wrestling. It included the title “Big 10 Champions”, years in which Purdue Wrestling had won Big Ten, an image of two generic wrestlers ready to attack each other, and the words “Purdue Queer Student Union” and “All Allies Welcome”. We received many compliments, and overall the atmosphere was very welcoming.
On Saturday afternoon [Oct 25], a group of individuals took offense at the QSU window decoration. Some of them identified themselves as members of Purdue’s wrestling team. The group proceeded to scratch off the name “Purdue Queer Student Union”. Also, a small group of them also went inside to harass the employees of Hot Box. To prevent damage to the window, Hot Box employees provided the group with materials to remove the paint safely.
By the next day [Oct 26], the executive board of the QSU was well aware of the incident. Hot Box promised (and later gave) a written report of the incident. QSU’s president, Clare Ford, emailed the Dean of Students, the Athletics Department, PSUB, Provost Woodson and the LGBT Advisory Board. By Monday we had received enough responses, including a list of names from Scott Henkle, the head coach of the wrestling team, that we comfortable enough to approach the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
There are clearly two violations: 1) a damaged window decoration, and 2) the targeting of an organization due to sexual orientation. QSU requests that apologies be made to us and to Hot Box, and that perhaps the team or the athletic department as a whole make some sort of statement condemning homophobia**. Also, the team could also consider undertaking some sort of diversity training in order to learn from this experience.
QSU will be taking part in an anti-hate crime rally on today (Tuesday November 11). It will be at the tree outside Recitation and Class of 50, at 3 pm. I will speaking about the Hot Box incident, and other speakers will explain the Triple XXX and tree incident as well. Please come out and pledge your support against hate crimes.
Your friendly (except when she’s being activist) queer librarian,
Jessica Lee
Edit 11/16 used the word "condoning" when I meant to use "condemning". Um, can I use the excuse that English is not my first language?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
OUToberfest Recap
Dear queer and queer-friendly community,
OUToberfest was a BLAST!! I was absolutely ecstatic by the numbers and the people who showed up. Lots of gay couples, lots of gay singles, lots of straight couples, lots of straight singles, and so many kids!! Granted, most of these kids had leave before the drag show... which was awesome. M yfavorite part of the drag show... I can't decide between a very pink fairy MC waving a wand at the crowd "I make you all gay friendly~~!!", or the Dream girls performance.
I definitely had a lot of fun at all the booths, bought some really cool stuff as well [waves her new ring]. PQSU sold a whole bunch of t-shirts, and mucho fliers were passed out. Totally, a success. Queer friendly vendors in full force!!
We did, however, have two protesters show up. In the words of my friend, "2 protesters to 3000 attendees? I think we're doing quite well :) "
Luv you all!
Your ecstaticly happy bisexual crazy librarian,
Jessie Lee <3
OUToberfest was a BLAST!! I was absolutely ecstatic by the numbers and the people who showed up. Lots of gay couples, lots of gay singles, lots of straight couples, lots of straight singles, and so many kids!! Granted, most of these kids had leave before the drag show... which was awesome. M yfavorite part of the drag show... I can't decide between a very pink fairy MC waving a wand at the crowd "I make you all gay friendly~~!!", or the Dream girls performance.
I definitely had a lot of fun at all the booths, bought some really cool stuff as well [waves her new ring]. PQSU sold a whole bunch of t-shirts, and mucho fliers were passed out. Totally, a success. Queer friendly vendors in full force!!
We did, however, have two protesters show up. In the words of my friend, "2 protesters to 3000 attendees? I think we're doing quite well :) "
Luv you all!
Your ecstaticly happy bisexual crazy librarian,
Jessie Lee <3
Monday, October 6, 2008
Welcome to OUTober!!
Dear Queer and Queer-friendly community,
We've got a busy month ahead of us! It is very appropriate, considering that October is considered LGBT History month. Recap of last week: Walleyball last week to kick of OUTober, followed by Politics 101 the next day.
On Tuesday October 7th, there will be a volunteer callout to help with OUToberfest. It's at 8, right after QSU's weekly meeting, in the QRC [STEW G20].
On Wednesday October 8th, the Panhellenic Association is organizing the Take Back the Night March. Take Back the Night is a chance for you to show your support and take a stand for all those who have been involved in a sexual assault or abuse incident. The march starts off in MSEE following some speakers, and then will follow a path to Slayter Hill.
Thursday is going to be a busy day. From 7 to 9, Ally will be co-sponsoring an event with DRO [Diversity Resource Office], the National Coming Out Day Panel. This multicultural and multi-generational panel will discuss the issues of coming out, in Forney G140. Also, at 8, PQSU will be having it's monthly coffee night at Vienna. Feel free to drop by after the panel as well.
Finally, the event we've all been waiting for! Saturday, October 11th, from 4pm to midnight will be OUTober fest!! It'll be in downtown Lafayette, between 6th and 7th streets on Main Street. Pride Lafayette, Inc. and partners are hosting Greater Lafayette's first-ever Pride celebration. The event will feature live bands and DJs, food, information booths, a family area, dancing, drag entertainment, extended hours for local downtown businesses, and much more! Admission is FREE. Also, if you haven't gotten your OUToberfest shirts yet, they're $10 and available in the QRC.
Upcoming Events
Tue 10/7 Volunteer Callout for OUToberfest @8 in QRC
Wed 10/8 Take Back the Night @7 start MSEE
Thu 10/9 Ally NCOD panel @7 STEW322
Thu 10/9 Coffee Night @8 Vienna
Sat 10/11 OUTober fest @4 Lafayette Main St between 6th and 7th
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessie Lee
We've got a busy month ahead of us! It is very appropriate, considering that October is considered LGBT History month. Recap of last week: Walleyball last week to kick of OUTober, followed by Politics 101 the next day.
On Tuesday October 7th, there will be a volunteer callout to help with OUToberfest. It's at 8, right after QSU's weekly meeting, in the QRC [STEW G20].
On Wednesday October 8th, the Panhellenic Association is organizing the Take Back the Night March. Take Back the Night is a chance for you to show your support and take a stand for all those who have been involved in a sexual assault or abuse incident. The march starts off in MSEE following some speakers, and then will follow a path to Slayter Hill.
Thursday is going to be a busy day. From 7 to 9, Ally will be co-sponsoring an event with DRO [Diversity Resource Office], the National Coming Out Day Panel. This multicultural and multi-generational panel will discuss the issues of coming out, in Forney G140. Also, at 8, PQSU will be having it's monthly coffee night at Vienna. Feel free to drop by after the panel as well.
Finally, the event we've all been waiting for! Saturday, October 11th, from 4pm to midnight will be OUTober fest!! It'll be in downtown Lafayette, between 6th and 7th streets on Main Street. Pride Lafayette, Inc. and partners are hosting Greater Lafayette's first-ever Pride celebration. The event will feature live bands and DJs, food, information booths, a family area, dancing, drag entertainment, extended hours for local downtown businesses, and much more! Admission is FREE. Also, if you haven't gotten your OUToberfest shirts yet, they're $10 and available in the QRC.
Upcoming Events
Tue 10/7 Volunteer Callout for OUToberfest @8 in QRC
Wed 10/8 Take Back the Night @7 start MSEE
Thu 10/9 Ally NCOD panel @7 STEW322
Thu 10/9 Coffee Night @8 Vienna
Sat 10/11 OUTober fest @4 Lafayette Main St between 6th and 7th
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessie Lee
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Catchup, Current Events, and Upcoming Events!
To our loving Queer and Queer Friendly Community:
A big THANK YOU for those of you who attended the Date-a-Queer Auction! And a special thank you to those who had bidded [especially on me :) ]. It was hilarious, and a great amount of fun! We made over $400, a portion of which was shared with Ally Association.
Outoberfest T-shirts! T-shirts are $10, and proceeds will be to benefit Pride Lafayette and Purdue Queer Student Union. We're selling all week in the QRC (STEW G-20). There will be officers available to sell shirts from 4:30-6pm Tuesday through Friday, and also from 1:30-4pm on Wednesday and Friday. Other times as officers are available!
Twice this week Purdue University played "host" to evangelist speaker Brother Jed Smock. The Purdue Queer Student Union made an appearance to demonstrate that Purdue has other views. We passed out many fliers, calendars, key chains, and even sold T shirts for Outober Fest while we were out there. A big thank you for the support from the greater Purdue community! We raised over $100 in donations!
Onto exciting upcoming events!! Walleyball will be on Wednesday October 1, from 7-9 in the RSC (Recreational Sports Center). Bring your competitive side! Also, Politics 101 will be on Thursday, October 2 at 6pm in LWSN 1142. We'll speak about LGBT issues in the upcoming race, and help people register.
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
A big THANK YOU for those of you who attended the Date-a-Queer Auction! And a special thank you to those who had bidded [especially on me :) ]. It was hilarious, and a great amount of fun! We made over $400, a portion of which was shared with Ally Association.
Outoberfest T-shirts! T-shirts are $10, and proceeds will be to benefit Pride Lafayette and Purdue Queer Student Union. We're selling all week in the QRC (STEW G-20). There will be officers available to sell shirts from 4:30-6pm Tuesday through Friday, and also from 1:30-4pm on Wednesday and Friday. Other times as officers are available!
Twice this week Purdue University played "host" to evangelist speaker Brother Jed Smock. The Purdue Queer Student Union made an appearance to demonstrate that Purdue has other views. We passed out many fliers, calendars, key chains, and even sold T shirts for Outober Fest while we were out there. A big thank you for the support from the greater Purdue community! We raised over $100 in donations!
Onto exciting upcoming events!! Walleyball will be on Wednesday October 1, from 7-9 in the RSC (Recreational Sports Center). Bring your competitive side! Also, Politics 101 will be on Thursday, October 2 at 6pm in LWSN 1142. We'll speak about LGBT issues in the upcoming race, and help people register.
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Date-A-Queer Auction
To our loving Queer and Queer Friendly Community:
The Purdue Queer Student proudly presents the Date-A-Queer fundraiser! Takes place on Friday, September 26, from 7pm – 8pm in MTHW210. Come make a bid for a date with an awesome member of the LGBTQ community!
If you wish to apply to have a date with you auctioned off, please come to the QRC to pick up an application form. It must be turned in, with a current picture, to any of the board members by this Thursday, by 5pm.
Note that dates to be auctioned, and bidders are limited to Purdue students only. PUIDs will be checked. But community members are welcome to come watch, and cheer!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
The Purdue Queer Student proudly presents the Date-A-Queer fundraiser! Takes place on Friday, September 26, from 7pm – 8pm in MTHW210. Come make a bid for a date with an awesome member of the LGBTQ community!
If you wish to apply to have a date with you auctioned off, please come to the QRC to pick up an application form. It must be turned in, with a current picture, to any of the board members by this Thursday, by 5pm.
Note that dates to be auctioned, and bidders are limited to Purdue students only. PUIDs will be checked. But community members are welcome to come watch, and cheer!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
Monday, September 8, 2008
First Coffee Night of the Year!!
To our loving Queer and Queer Friendly Community:
It's the third week of school, and I hope everyone has been finally settling down into their classes. We have a small event scheduled for this thursday: the first coffee night of the year! Come join in and hang out with us, we promise we won't bite! Come to Vienna Espresso Bar and Bakery at 8 to take part. They're located at 208 South St in West Lafayette... it's right across from Chase Bank, and right next to the international market. Check our facebook event for details, or drop by the QRC! Come ooh and aah at our new layout!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
It's the third week of school, and I hope everyone has been finally settling down into their classes. We have a small event scheduled for this thursday: the first coffee night of the year! Come join in and hang out with us, we promise we won't bite! Come to Vienna Espresso Bar and Bakery at 8 to take part. They're located at 208 South St in West Lafayette... it's right across from Chase Bank, and right next to the international market. Check our facebook event for details, or drop by the QRC! Come ooh and aah at our new layout!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Big Gay Callout Followup
To our loving Queer and Queer Friendly Community:
I hope everyone has had a great first two weeks of school! Your QSU board has been working really hard on making the QRC [Queer Resource Center] more friendly for hanging out! We spent a weekend before school reorganizing the center, which was unveiled at the Open House. Drop by, STEW G20, and tell us how much you love it!
Also, the Big Gay Callout was today, September 4th. We announced many upcoming events [from coffee nights to board game nights to video game nights to Date-a-Queer!!], and had many organizations present.
A BIG THANK YOU to the people who attended the callout, and the organizations who presented. The organizations included Delta Lambda Phi [DLP], Power, National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals [NOGLSTP], Citizens for Civil Rights [CCR], Indiana Equality [IE], Pride Lafayette, Diversity Resource Office [DRO], Driven, Bible Study, Get Real About Discrimination and Zeta Sigma Chi.
Please check our calendar, and come to our events!!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
Edit: In the original post I forgot to mention Get Real About Discrimination. That is my fault, and not that of PQSU
I hope everyone has had a great first two weeks of school! Your QSU board has been working really hard on making the QRC [Queer Resource Center] more friendly for hanging out! We spent a weekend before school reorganizing the center, which was unveiled at the Open House. Drop by, STEW G20, and tell us how much you love it!
Also, the Big Gay Callout was today, September 4th. We announced many upcoming events [from coffee nights to board game nights to video game nights to Date-a-Queer!!], and had many organizations present.
A BIG THANK YOU to the people who attended the callout, and the organizations who presented. The organizations included Delta Lambda Phi [DLP], Power, National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals [NOGLSTP], Citizens for Civil Rights [CCR], Indiana Equality [IE], Pride Lafayette, Diversity Resource Office [DRO], Driven, Bible Study, Get Real About Discrimination and Zeta Sigma Chi.
Please check our calendar, and come to our events!!
Your friendly neighborhood queer librarian,
Jessica Lee :)
Edit: In the original post I forgot to mention Get Real About Discrimination. That is my fault, and not that of PQSU
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)