June 2009

Maybe it’s just us but didn’t the various PRIDE events this year seem more celebratory than in previous years? Now, we know they are always a good time, but we can’t help but think that the more positive attitude of acceptance coming from our federal government is contributing to an increased sense of self worth and perhaps giving us some promise for a better future. It helps that 5 more states have legalized same sex marriage with the promise of a couple more doing so in the very near future and that discussions about benefits, immigration issues, health care, hate crimes protection, job protection and military discrimination are being held at all legislative levels. It just seems that while we still have a long way to go in achieving total equality, our issues are finally reflecting more prominently in the various debates and that we are being taken seriously as living, breathing individuals and families and as citizens of not only this country but the world. Aren’t you glad you voted for Obama???? We certainly are.

OK, politics aside, we’ve been having a fantastic time talking with our brilliant guests and immensely talented artists on bloomingOUT. Just when we think we’ve tapped our resources dry along come more folks who offer their insights and expertise in just so many areas. It’s simply amazing how smart and clever we all are. No wonder we are finally being taken seriously – what would the world do without us!!!??? We recently learned how much economic power we have as a community during a conversation with Lee Badgett, Research Director of the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law & Public Policy at the UCLA School of Law and Director of the Center for Public Policy & Administration at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst about the significance of data from recent studies on the economic effect of marriage equality for same sex couples. An economist, Badgett was clear about the millions of dollars that Massachusetts alone has seen flow into their economy since same sex marriage was legalized and in correlation with the influx of highly qualified employees benefiting their companies and organizations it’s a win-win for everyone!

Award winning film producer and director Johnny Symons talked with us about his important new documentary film “Ask Not” that examines the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. The film has been screened in various cities across the country, was aired on PBS’ INDEPENDENT LENS on 16 June and has received rave reviews with it’s personal and emotional look into the lives of those adversely impacted by this ill-conceived policy. We chatted with the National Manager of Membership & Development for CenterLink Guido Sanchez who informed us about this member-based coalition organized in 1994 to support the development of strong, sustainable LGBT Community Centers across the US. With well over 150 established centers these organizations are rapidly becoming the backbone of the queer movement and in celebration CenterLink is launching a new web site on 30 June and is hosting LGBT Center Awareness Day 15 September.

We considered ourselves most fortunate to have a special conversation with Director, filmmaker, writer and photographer Wendy Jo Carlton about the World Premiere of her latest production “Hannah Free” on Pride Sunday 28 June at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Featured for the Closing Night of the Frameline Film Festival, with an introduction by Rosie O’Donnell and starring longtime LGBT rights advocate and noted actress Sharon Gless, “Hannah Free” is a lesbian love story that endures a generational life span of history, emotion and conviction. Produced by Chicago-based Ripe Fruit Films Production Company the film is scheduled for distribution later this year with showings around the country including the Midwest.

And, last, but certainly not least, we talked with folks from Indiana Youth Group, Indiana Equality, Positive Link and Planned Parenthood; all of whom provided updates about their activities and services. Indianapolis therapist and show regular Michele O’Mara explained to us about how important boundaries are in a healthy relationship and blamed the lack of traditional “Rites of Passage” (access to engagement, marriage, legal parenthood) available to LGBT couples with instances of decreased emotional stability and delayed personal development. Lylanne Musselman shared her own unique perspective about the early LGBT pride movement in “1969: Pride, Prejudice and Pop Culture” on her latest edition of L WordS. And, as if we weren’t busy enough on air, we also organized and sponsored a musical gathering and fund raiser that show cased musicians A J Shanti and Kelly Zullo -- both of whom also talked with us on air and Kelly even performed live on air.

Now that was an update of our live shows -- but don’t forget about our podcast show b OUT 2 News, Views and More!! Our podcast is becoming increasingly popular and folks are literally clamoring to get a booking. If you haven’t checked out this addition to our regular show we suggest you put that on your ‘to do’ list. PODCAST RULES!! YIPPEEEE!! In the more laid back, less time restrictive atmosphere that podcasting affords we have in depth discussions about current issues and events and some great guests stop by. Most recently we talked with National Leather Association, Indianapolis Chapter President Sarah Battista and Chair of Domestic Violence/Community Service Committee Veronica Pejril about their organization for the Leather/BDSM/Fetish community. They explained the differences between agreed upon relationships (that may involve bondage & discipline, dominance & submission and sadomasochism) and those that are defined as domestic violence wherein someone is involuntarily controlled and/or harmed by another. They also provided a historical perspective of the current leather community as it exists today, a result of some individuals incorporating military discipline into their socio/sexual lives and relationships following the post-WW II era. Earlier BDSM practices are also recognized and many trace their beginnings to some early religious practices of flagellation and exorcism of evil with pain for pleasure. Sarah and Veronica stressed the fact that their Indianapolis chapter is active in community outreach and offers educational sessions, fundraisers as well as social parties for consenting adults.

Indiana Equality (IE) Secretary Vivian Benge joined us on podcast to discuss IE’s reasons for not supporting the non-inclusive federal ENDA legislation. It is their stance that ENDA must include gender identity in order to be completely effective in overall employment protection for the LGB and T community. Former State representative, long time LGBT ally and retired Unitarian Universalist Minister Phil Hoy alerted us to the concerns of some at the recent vote by the Community Planning Group of Indiana to remove white gay men from the list of priorities for public health and HIV/AIDS funding objectives in the state. AND, Executive Producer and Director of the documentary film “Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender and the Murder of Fred Martinez” Lydia Nibley related her reasons for producing and promoting this film that interweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a look at the traditional Navajo values of gender fluency. 16 year old Fred embodied the masculine gender with a feminine essence and was one of the youngest hate crime victims when he was brutally murdered by a boastful young man who said he had ‘bug-smashed a fag.’ In another time, prior to the dominant influence of western religious traditions Fred would have been seen as a gifted Nadleehi, deserving of special status instead of viewed as someone with unnatural tendencies. “Two Spirits” offers a unique perspective about gender and sexuality and while it mourns both the loss of a vital young person and the fading of the two-spirit tradition it also offers hope in the enrichment offered by the acceptance of multi-gendered individuals.

Another most interesting cultural perspective was provided by Puerto Rican born performance artist, writer, film director and producer of the audience choice award winning documentary “Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen” Awilda Rodriguez Lora. Lora shared her insights with us about film making, racism in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and shared some unique thoughts concerning gender identity, sexual orientation and ‘appropriate’ imagery in the US.

May 2009

Coming up in May listeners can anticipate more political insights from Indiana Equality with Brandon Monson; Jamez from the Tranny Roadshow will tell us about their latest performances; we will have music (and local concert) from AJ SHANTI and Kelly Zullo, and transman Ethan Bluestein will be back with some personal updates. We will chat with author Linda Goldman about her new book about LGBT youth for families, teachers and other professionals and the Bleeding Heartland Roller Derby Girls will tell us more about their wins and losses. And listeners can look forward to new editions of L WordS, Critical InQueery, The Soul of Us and the newly revised segment It’s Only Sex. And, oh yes, we will talk with Mary Frances Duffy from the World Gay Games and receive some insights into the anti-lesbian/gay discrimination that occurred (still occurs?) in sports at Penn State when independent film maker Dee Mossbacher chats with us about her coverage of Coach Rene Portland.

And don’t forget about our podcast show b OUT 2 News, Views and More!! If you haven’t checked out this addition to our regular show we suggest you put that on your ‘to do’ list. We have in depth discussions about current issues and events, some great guests stop by and musicians share not only their music but inspirations as well.

Listeners can always anticipate new editions of many of our regular segments and correspondents reporting on issues of polyamory, transgenderism, women and politics and just so much more. Our programming is both entertaining and informative and we have fun bringing the latest in news and events to our listeners. We hope you will tune in and become one of our regular listeners. And we’re certainly a good alternative to the persistent vrooooom from the race track throughout the month!! (no offense meant to race fans).

April 2009

Now, before we highlight what’s coming up in April, we want to share some exciting news about our podcast show which we have renamed b OUT 2 News, Views and More!! If you haven’t checked out this addition to our regular show here’s what you’ve missed: an informative political and economic discussion with The Word columnist Ric Sutton; a conversation with Bisexual rights activist, author, editor and poet Lani Ka’ahumanu who provides an in depth historical over view of events and legislation related to bisexuality during the past 40 years; and conversations with Helen, Sean and Victor about various topics on each podcast.

Ok, enough about the past--coming up in April we will talk with our regular poet extraordinaire Abigail Sewell about all things creative and political; Chair of the Open & Affirming group at the Bloomington First United Methodist Church Jim Andrews will discuss the congregation’s dialogue about what it means to be open and affirming and specifically issues around homosexuality; noted Cuban author and current Sor Juana Visiting Writer at DePaul University in Chicago Achy Obejas will discuss her career; and, in addition to some surprise guests, we will have new editions of Critical InQueery, Deviant’s Closet, Youth in Peril, L WordS, It's Only Sex, Transformation Station, Report from Indiana Equality and Michelle O’Mara will be back with further words of wisdom. As always our programming will include many artists and musicians, including Levi Kreis, and astute political analysis and current event updates. Listeners can anticipate new editions of many of our regular segments and correspondents reporting on issues of polyamory, transgenderism, women and politics and just so much more. Our programming is both entertaining and informative and we have fun bringing the latest in news and events to our listeners. We hope you will tune in and become one of our regular listeners. Join us as we celebrate spring!

As we like to say, that isn't all of our planned programming, but we want to surprise our listeners too. And sometimes we do have unexpected visitors who show up last minute! We hope you will tune in and become one of our regular listeners. We are educational, informative and have fun too!

January 2009

Do you make new year’s resolutions? Some folks do and some don’t and while the intention is always good most of us seem to have trouble sticking to our self improvement promises for more than a few weeks. However, we have a suggestion for a resolution that is easy to do and not only benefits you, but the community as well. Here it is: Ta da!! Become a regular bloomingOUT listener!! Just program your radio to one of our 4 regional call numbers or store our web site in your computer’s list of favorites and the rest is easy. Whenever you want to know what’s happening in your area, or in the national or international arenas push your radio button or click your mouse and there we are; on the air available 24/7 for your listening pleasure.

While our exuberance over prospects for change abound we are realistic too and our conversation with Vietnam Vet and member of Veterans Against the War Tim Bagwell is testament to how slow some institutions are to make any change. Nothing is probably more change resistant than the military and Tim will present a good insider’s view of ROTC, the educational environment and how Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is inherently discriminatory to students as well as those serving in the military. Some of our more lighthearted conversations will be with the entertainers and student organizers of the upcoming Midwest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Conference to be held at IU Bloomington in February.

Other scheduled guests during January include “pioneer of Women’s Music” Chris Williamson. Chris paved the way for today’s independent women artists and helped foster the birth of an entirely new genre of music. There is perhaps nothing more enjoyable than listening to her tunes both old and new. We will have critically astute political updates from the new Chair of Indiana Equality Brandon Munson and political analysis on “Critical Inquiry with Helen Harrell and Mark Brostoff. Dine’ Wesley Thomas will be back in studio and we will talk with Hawaiian native, author, activist/organizer and educator Lani’ Ka’ahumanu. Folks from Bloomington’s PRIDE Film Festival will stop by the studio and actor/playwright, educator Sharon Bridgforth will tell us about her latest projects. Listeners can anticipate new editions of many of our regular segments and correspondents reporting on issues of polyamory, transgenderism, women and politics and just so much more. Our programming is both entertaining and informative and we have fun bringing the latest in news and events to our listeners. We hope you will tune in and become one of our regular listeners. Help Us Make a change for the better!!

August 2008

Seems like we were just celebrating the arrival of summer and here it is August already and the students are all headed back to school. Eeeeks! Where does the time go?! This has been an exceptionally fun summer for all of us at bloomingOUT. We took much pleasure in observing and participating in the ever expanding pride celebrations held around the state, country and on the international front as well. Not only are there more events but the number of participants in parades and activities are growing by leaps and bounds. And, maybe its just us, but we sensed a more familial representation among the crowds this year which could be due to the ever increasing acceptance of LGBT families by their relatives and peers or the fact that California made us all rejoice by declaring lesbian/gay marriage a constitutional right. And, not only did those progressive west coasters join east coast Massachusetts in allowing us to legally marry, they further determined to recognize our marriages performed elsewhere as legal in their state (Massachusetts is working on this now too). Oh, yes, they also believe that we have a right to equitable health care just like other folks. Imagine that! These decisions are certainly precedent setting and cause us to have hope that other states will follow suit.
Of course our rejoicing has been tempered a bit by the fact that we don't live in either California or Massachusetts; and we have to anticipate the reorganizing efforts of the likes of Eric Miller and the American Family Association who continue on their archaic and self righteous path of resistance to not only our civil rights but our very existence. We know they are preparing for another legislative battle in attempt to negatively amend the IN state constitution and prevent any hope of lesbian and gay marriage. Never mind that this is irrelevant legislation because lesbian and gay marriage is already illegal in our state. But persist they do. We get it already! They don't like us and want us to go away. Well, we don't much care for them either and we aren't going away. So there! And as tempting as it is to just relocate to a more welcoming environment it doesn't seem feasible to pack up the entire state so changes must be made in our favor. We know it won't be easy but we must demand equity.

Each month you will hear wonderful music and selections from our ever expanding bloomingOUT cd collection; coming up in August we have "Red Molly," "Sister Funk" and "Nekked" scheduled for your musical ear. We will have some new editions of regular features like "Coming Out of the Deviant's Closet", "It's Only Sex," "Critical InQueery" and MCC Church founder Troy Perry will join us on "The Soul of Us." Abigail Sewell will be back with more of her cutting edge poetry on "Road for the Roadless" and health educator Robin Meleski will discuss HIV status and employment law. We will talk with Paul Gates from the ACLU and rumor has it that the editor of this very paper, Ted Fleischaker will join us in studio on the 14th August show.

July 2008

Moving on into midsummer here are some of the highlights of our line up for your listening pleasure: Dark Rain Thom will join us for a discussion on our monthly edition of The Soul of Us, President of Trans Youth Family Allies Shannon Garcia will begin her regular bi-monthly segment about various trans youth issues; Professor, author, actress Sharon Bridgforth will be back to discuss being black and lesbian; Director of Advocacy & Training for SAGE (services & advocacy for LGBT elders) Karen Taylor will inform us of issues and difficulties specific to LGBT seniors; New Jersey Equality Outreach Coordinator Matt Brunner will talk to us about New Jersey Equality; we'll have new editions of Critical Inqueery with Helen Harrell and Mark Brostoff, Youth in Peril with Sean Lemieux and Greg Chaffin and more special heartfelt words from Lylanne Musselman on L WordS. Listeners can also anticipate political updates from Indiana Equality Chair Randy Studt, health updates from Positive Link as well as interviews with musical artist Naomann and some wonderful musical selections from our ever expanding bloomingOUT cd collection.

June 2008

Here it is time for Pride celebrations again and the bloomingOUT crew is excited!! There's nothing like a great pride parade celebrating each and everyone of us and if this year's Indy Pride celebration and parade are anything like last year's (and we just know they will be), we know it will be stupendous!! And this year, bloomingOUT is going to be in the parade along with a cast of thousands (well lots anyway) from IU's undergraduate student association OUT. Yes, it's true! We will be appearing in person, the old and the young united in the spirit of equality. So, everyone do a chant, anti-rain dance, pray, whatever works for you, to make this long drawn out spring weather turn to sunnier climes and come join the crowds of fun in Indy on 14 June. There are other activities too throughout the preceding week and the following day and if you tuned in to bloomingOUT during the months of April and May you should already be informed about all of the events…..because Indy Pride President Scott Van Kirk and other pride representatives will and have called in at various planning stages with updates and to keep us informed about their plans.

Summer is our favorite season and we await the arrival of warm temps along with the slower pace. But never fear, we are always planning ahead and anticipate even more great programming. We will hear from our regular correspondents such as Victor Kinzer with "Coming Out of the Deviant's Closet;" wonderful lesbian tales from Lyleanne Musselman on "L wordS;" further health updates from Emily and Robin and an interview with Buddhist Shodo on "The Soul of Us." We will have conversations with lesbian playright Carolyn Cage, GLAAD Media Field Strategist Sarah Kennedy, Forney Center Executive Director Carl Siciliano, transgender performer Scott Turner Scofield and too many others to list here. We anticipate further political updates from Randy Studt with Indiana Equality, HRC, and 'way down south' grassroots activism news from Tri-State Alliance Director Wally Paynter in Evansville IN.

April 2008

Please consider what is coming up for your listening pleasure during the month of April. We have a new monthly segment especially for lesbians (and other open minded women) called L wordS by Indy's own Lylanne Musselman. We will have a conversation with Jodi from (animal) Rescue Farm in Poland IN about how volunteers from the LGBT community provide help and support in caring for the many abandoned pet friends in southern Indiana; author, poetess, teacher, activist Sharon Bridgforth will make a return visit; we'll hear some updates from Emily Brinegar about the Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls; Bloomington Hospital's Positive Link will provide more HIV/AIDS health education information; Greg and Sean will be back with more concerns about youth in education; a representative from the Ali Forney Center will talk about their commitment to provide safe shelter and a nurturing environment for LGBT youth; Shodo will talk about Buddhism and we will hear music from NYC singer/songwriters Maxine and the Oracles and an interview with songs from singer/songwriter Joshua Harrell (no, probably not a relative). We hope you will tune in and join us in our leap into spring. And, oh, yes, we have a new co host too but we'll talk about that next month.