Photo of the Day: Outing Equipment at Sewanee

I went to Sewanee for a conference on GLBT equality today. Before the session I was leading began, I passed by this door and laughed. Who knew there was special equipment for outing and that you can keep it in a closet? I just thought you needed a loud mouth and indiscretion.

It was a good session. I was particularly glad to learn that Maryville College has a Gay-Straight Alliance that was granted formal status last year. Thanks to the Sewanee Gay-Straight Alliance for inviting me.

Sewanee conference on equality

The Sewanee: University of the South Gay-Straight Alliance, in conjunction with the Peace Coalition and Young Democrats is hosting the 2nd annual Southeastern Conference on Human Equality. All events are free and open to the public.

Friday, February 27

5:30-7:00 Opening Reception/ Dinner: Kappa Sigma

7:00-8:30 screening, For the Bible Tells Me So: Gailor Auditorium

Saturday, February 28

9:00-11:00 TN Equality Project Workshop: BC Hearth Room

1:00-2:00 Panel Discussion of implications of Proposition 8: Womens Center

2:30-3:30 keynote, Elizabeth Birch- former executive director of Human Rights Campaign: Guerry Auditorium

For more information, contact Lexi Namer at namerav0@sewanee.edu

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This year we invite Elizabeth Birch, former President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), to speak with the Sewanee community. Birch revolutionized the HRC in her nine year stay. Along with her work with several political administrations, Birch has also been a significant influence in the current debate on the Defense of Marriage Act. Recognized for her powerful prime-time speech at the 2000 Democratic National Convention, we greatly anticipate Birch’s presentation at Sewanee entitled On the Razor’s Edge: LGBT Progress in an Obama Era. This presentation will take place in Guerry Auditorium, Saturday February 28^th at 2:30pm.

For the Bible Tells Me So (2007)

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/for_the_bible_tells_me_so/

This documentary explores the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families who exemplify how some insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, For the Bible Tells Me So offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. A public screening of For the Bible Tells Me So will be shown in Gailor Auditorium at 7:00pm Friday, February 27^th.

The Battle for Equality in Tennessee: How to Fight at the State Level

This workshop, lead by the Tennessee Equality Project’s Chris Sanders, discusses the attacks on the GLBT community's adoption, foster care, relationship, and educational rights in the State Legislature as well as successful strategies for advancing equality at the State level where many of the most important battles in GLBT rights are fought. Discussion includes citizen lobbying, traditional media strategies, new media tools, and organizing. This workshop will be held in the BC Hearth Room at 9:00am Saturday February 28^th, 2009. A light breakfast and Blue Chair coffee will be provided.

Here's to you, Bishop Robinson

The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of of New Hampshire and a class of 1969 Sewanee graduate, has entered a civil union with his partner of 20 years, Mark Andrew. Congratulations to them both!

“When your life is at stake, you learn that there are things in life that are much worse than death,” Robinson said on the Today show on Thursday. "That’s the great reward of being a Christian. Not living your life -- that’s worse than death. And if something were to happen to me, I would know that I am doing what I discern God is calling me to do.”

The civil ceremony performed by a justice of the peace was followed by a religious service of thanksgiving. Bishop Robinson has received many death threats prior to and since his consecration to the episcopate.

Would their union be recognized if he were in Tennessee visiting his alma mater and something happened to him or Mr. Andrew? Hard to say.

There was an attempt in the 104 General Assembly to make civil unions from other states void in Tennessee, but it was taken off notice in the House and Senate in 2005, the same year the marriage amendment passed the Legislature a second time before going to the ballot in 2006. Tennessee currently makes no provision for civil unions. I'm not aware of any court cases that have defined the matter for people visiting or relocating from out of state.