STONEWALL UNION
Stonewall Union was born on the streets of Columbus in 1981 when members of the Lesbian/Gay community organized to protest Jerry Falwell's plan to establish a local chapter of the Moral Majority. Falwell never realized his goal, and the Moral Majority is now defunct. But Stonewall remained, and has
grown into the largest lesbian/gay advocacy and community service organization in Ohio.
Stonewall Union is a vehicle by which Lesbian/Gay people of Central Ohio strengthen, support, and defend each other. It is unique among organizations in its successful consolidation of civil rights activism with education and service. Stonewall Union maintains an active membership, nurtures leadership, and strives to reflect the diversity of the community in all its activities. Membership is open to all who believe in a strong, free, healthy lesbian/gay community.
Education and Outreach
Lesbian/Gay Speakers Bureau
Each year, the Stonewall Union Speakers Bureau reaches hundreds through engagements at universities, law schools and civic organizations. By providing individuals with the opportunity to meet openly gay and lesbian people, the Speakers Bureau enables them to question values, destroy myths and explore the personal and political aspects of homophobia.
32 THE OHIO GAY GUIDE
Ohio State Fair Lesbian/Gay Booth:
For seven years now Stonewall Union has insured a vital lesbian/gay presence at one of the largest state fairs in the country. During the course of the fair, more than 200 volunteers provide thousands of visitors with information on lesbian/gay social and political life as well as AIDS. The booth is especially important for reaching out to lesbian/ gay youth and lesbian/gay people from small towns and rural areas.
The Lesbian/Gay Pride Report:
Since 1982, Stonewall Union has produced this news and public affairs program which airs twice weekly on ACTV. The show provides news about the local, state and national lesbian/gay communities, and explores issues as varied as coming out, gay arts and culture, discrimination, gay parenting, racism, choice, gay youth, and anti-gay violence.
Stonewall Union Reports:
This monthly newsmagazine reports the activities of Stonewall Union as well as providing a survey of state, national and international events affecting lesbian/gay lives. Five thousand copies are circulated each month through the mail and at over 40 business and organization sites around Columbus.
Service
Information and Referrals:
Stonewall Union serves as a central clearinghouse for information about resources available to the lesbian/gay community at the local, state and national level. Several hundred callers each week are put in touch with gay and gay-supportive counselors, attorneys, doctors and businesses. Callers can get informa-
tion on pending legislation and court cases, AIDS services, lesbian/gay social and support groups, as well as information on where to go for fun.
Lavender Listings:
This lesbian/gay "yellow pages" is an important way of keeping Lesbian/ Gay money among family and friends. The latest edition featured over 100 businesses and organizations.
Dropping In:
From 9 to 5 on weekdays, anyone can come to the Stonewall office at 49 West Fifth Avenue to sit and talk, read a magazine, have coffee, collect literature on organizations and events or find a roommate or business contact from the Stonewall bulletin board.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Pride:
Through Stonewall Union's annual Pride celebrations in June, the lesbian/ gay community renews its commitment to self-determination, and celebrates its ability to transcend adversity born of homophobia. The event grows considerably every year and includes musical and theatrical performances, films, poetry readings, a candlelight vigil, march and festival. Close to 10,000 people participate each year.
Anti-violence Project:
Stonewall Union works closely with officials in the police department and city attorney's office to insure an effective response to anti-gay assault and harassment. Stonewall conducts police sensitivity training, assists victims with filing complaints, monitors court cases and works with other agencies in gathering statistics on anti-gay violence in central Ohio.
Lobbying:
Stonewall Union works hard for changes in public policy affecting lesbian/gay people. Stonewall provided grass roots support for the Hobson Comprehensive AIDS Bill. We convinced Columbus mayor Dana Rinehart to issue a statement of policy banning discrimination in city employment. We W organized lobbying, phone-banking and letter-writing campaigns to insure that lesbian/gay people would have protection under the Ethnic Intimidation ordinance, the city's hate crimes law. Direct Action:
Stonewall Union does not seek so much to represent a silent community as s to make sure that community's voice is heard. When the need arises, Stonewall organizes protests, letter-writing campaigns, and phone banks to insure that the lesbian/gay voice is heard in Ohio.
Stonewall Union is nothing more nor less than what its members and volunteers make it. You can make it stronger by joining today or if you're already a member, by making a generous pledge.
STONEWALL UNION 49 West Fifth Avenue P.O. Box 10814 Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614.299.7764 Hours: 9 am 5 pm Monday Friday
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