Mission:
OUTstanding Amarillo promotes empowerment and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population of the Texas Panhandle by initiating dialogue, providing education, and creating support systems with the ultimate goal of social change.
NALGBTCC Member
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November December 2006
FRUITBOWL TURN-OUT A SUCCESSFUL BLAST
by Joseph Holmes
Saturday night, October 7th, gave us a luscious full moon. Spirits were high, and bowling balls glowed in the dark. And then there were the bowlers.
If you didn't attend this year's fun fun fundraiser at Western Bowl, you missed an opportunity to be an openly fabulous, generously participating, contributor to OUTstanding Amarillo—and have a ball throwing your bowling arm out, keeping your ball out of the gutters, and laughing and jumping around in general. There were 12 teams of four in all. None of us were anywhere near professional bowlers, and no one cared. We were there to have great fun and be with one another. There was an air of ease and safety, some of us probably just now getting used to feeling, realizing we were ok to be ourselves in public for at least one night as we are anywhere else. There really is a safety in numbers, and we cashed in on that to the hilt. As any of you know who have had that feeling, the moment is miraculous in its healing.
The folks at Western Bowl made it very clear we were welcome and treated us with the utmost respect. (Thanks again, Western Bowl folks!) The other visitors (and I mean straight, of course) who were there didn't pay attention to the Fruits in the last 12 lanes of the bowling alley. Some non-FruitBowlers even went so far as to by raffle tickets! (They didn't win, though—bless their hearts.)
On behalf of OUTstanding Amarillo, I would like to thank Simara Stone for once again being the most delightful Mistress of Ceremony. I have to say congratulations to the Davis brothers who won the best costume. That talented little Charles designed and hand-sewed the red and blue bowling shirts complete with a rack of rainbow pins on the back. Kudos goes to the "Fruit Flies" whose shirts (a suggestively rendered peach with wings) drew the biggest smiles. I have to applaud my team, the "PinPricks", who probably "unofficially" won the tournament based on scores alone. But don't quote that…
Anyway, I want to encourage our community to continue to support Western Bowl, and I want to encourage you to keep supporting OUTstanding Amarillo. If you bowled this year, then the biggest THANK YOU goes to you. And if you didn't win best costume or got the highest score, then there's always next year. We'll see you there!
Stuff We Need:
• LCD Projector
• PA system
• Digital Video Camera
Because you support them, they support us.
Zach's Club 54 is offering OUTstanding members $10/month memberships beginning September 1st. All interested persons should call our office 337-1688 to sign up.
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Parents of Prodigals — This group is intended to support family members affected by the use of Meth by a loved one. Group will meet from6-8pm in the OUTstanding Community Center group room. |
Anti Meth Forum —
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The Life We Choose
By Peter McWilliams
Here's the premise: We are all, right now, living the life we choose.
This choice, of course, is not a single, monumental choice. No one decides, for example, "I'm going to move to L.A., and in five years I will be a waiter in a so-so restaurant, planning to get my 8-by-10's done real soon so that I can find an agent and become a star," or "I'm going to marry a dreadful person and we'll live together in a loveless marriage, staying together only for the kids, who I don't much like, either."
No. The choices I'm talking about here are made daily, hourly, moment-by-moment.
Do we try something new, or stick to the tried-and-true? Do we take a risk, or eat what's already on our dish? Do we ponder a thrilling adventure, or contemplate what's on TV? Do we walk over and meet that interesting stranger, or do we play it safe? Do we indulge our heart, or cater to our fear?
The bottom-line question: Do we pursue what we want, or do we do what's comfortable?
For the most part, most people most often choose comfort - the familiar, the time-honored, the well-worn but well-known. After a lifetime of choosing between comfort and risk, we are left with the life we currently have.
And it was all of our own choosing.
And every day offers opportunity to choose differently.
Screaming Queens
explores the reverberations, both large and small, of the rise of transgender activism, a story in which the riot at Compton's Cafeteria plays a pivotal role. Sgt. Blackstone tells of singing "We Shall Overcome" with Tenderloin activists who successfully fought for new social services for their community. Suzie Cooke recounts her job as a transsexual counselor in one of the new agencies founded after the riot. Ching connects the Tenderloin transsexuals' new activism to the rising Gay liberation movement. And St. Jaymes explains that although the queens from Compton's were "wild as the wind," they were "determined to make something of themselves, and be something other than prostitutes."
The film ends on a high note. It shows how in just two short years transgender activism helped transform San Francisco culture in subtle and profound ways and presents reflective comments from the Compton's Cafeteria subjects who bravely ushered in a controversial revolution that continues today.
Showing Monday, November 20th at 7pm
In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance
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When we're incomplete, we're always searching for somebody to complete us. When, after a few years or a few months of a relationship, we find that we're still unfulfilled, we blame our partners and take up with somebody more promising. This can go on and on--series polygamy--until we admit that while a partner can add sweet dimensions to our lives, we, each of us, are responsible for our own fulfillment. Nobody else can provide it for us, and to believe otherwise is to delude ourselves dangerously and to program for eventual failure every relationship we enter. - Tom Robbins |
Many corporations have matching donation programs for their employees who make contributions to 501(c)3 organizations. What an easy way to double your donation to OUTstanding. Contact your human resources or benefits department to obtain the necessary forms. Mail us the paperwork along with your donation, or for the donations you’ve made this year, and we'll take care of the rest! This is also a great time to remember OUTstanding for your United Way contribution. |
WHEN YOUR BATTLE IS NOT YOURS
by Joseph Holmes
For most of us, there are two battlefields. One is literal. We march on Washington, we boycott corporations, we write our congressmen. But is the other battlefield, the one of the mind, where the real casualties lie. Like the literal battlefield, the one of the mind also wants to gain ground. But here, there is no surface to scratch, no button topush for clean-up, no target within sight to gun down. Something may feel carved into your heart, but you feel to unworthy to throw out the knife still grasped within yourhead. With each self-deprecating thought or self-abusive feeling, you sharpen a knife.
We were conditioned to exist within the category of The Unacceptably Different. Ignorant individuals who collectively formed ignorant factions of our society created it. Not you; not me. Any platform can sound plausible when presented in ear splitting, repetitious proclamations. After a while, plausibility becomes accepted as fact, and soon belief replaces common sense. After a while, some of us believed we were unworthy of love-from others, from ourselves, from God. These were lies.
Think of who you are. You were taught your language, but you learned to compose literature on your own. You were taught how to hold a fork, but no one could make you like asparagus. You are unique. Imagine what your life-our world-would be like, can be like, if the ignorant factions had not programmed in our heads the self-loathing. Do you think you would have tormented yourself with disrespect and hopelessness and emotional mutilation? In your truest depth of logic and vaguest of awareness, you know the answer is no.
If you hesitated and considered yes, then begin your sacred reclamation with this fact: God does not hate fags-or anyone else. Scripture of any religion in any religion announces God's love (Higher Power, Goddess, Significant Ultimate Other) as self-evident. Who you are is not the result of evil possession; evil cannot feel love. (Do you love?) You are not a faulty result of genetic mush. Really smart people called 'scientists' have discovered that. They have no reason to lie otherwise.
Your beautiful self-your very soul-is meant to be as it is right this second. And that voice you have heard-and you know what I'm talking about-has whispered its truth in greater, gentler strength than whatever sham portray himself/herself on television. Trust someone, and talk. Need something stronger? Give yourself the precious gift of safe and healing counseling. I know this from firsthand experience, and I thrive as a result.Wisdom is not learned, but willingness to learn leads us to it.
When two warring parties cease fire, land becomes quiet with potential for growing life yet again. Take back the meadow that has been a battlefield in your head far too long.Grow from this sentence onward, and put down your knives.
Join us on Thursdays in November to learn more about how to put down the knives with westab at ourselves. Explore the opportunities awaiting us on the other side of freedom. Building our personal self-esteem helps to move us from The Unacceptably Different to The
HERE'S SOMETHING YOU CAN DO FOR FREE!
by Joseph Holmes
It's called VOTING! And on November 7th, you have full reign to show up at your designated fabulous voting palace and exercise your freedom to anonymously pencil-in one or more tiny little circles which will count toward whomever you wish to represent you--us. And those who can potentially represent us do exist. (I heartily encourage you to do some homework.)
Voting is important, period. But for the GLBTetc. community (and our support
ers), it is especially important. Keep in mind that our community has not made tremendous political and social strides simply by sitting on our collective booty and praying to a Higher Power. En masse, we can make certain our Constitution gets worn to the fullest so that everyone gets an equal and fare share of being a citizen of the United States. I believe this.
I also believe it is too easy to fall into complacency and take for granted the reaped benefits thus far. We really do walk far more freely than we used to, and I believe each of us should want to honor those who've gone before us and made it possible for us to have something as innocuous as a community center, complete with a rainbow flag. Keep in mind that all of this is happening right here in Amarillo, Texas, a place perhaps many parts of the world erroneously see as a wasteland of narrow-minded hicks.
Well, because we live here, we know the ratio of narrow-minded hicks to the enlightened is shifting; the meekly enlightened are inheriting. It bears repeating— we didn't get here by luck or accident.
We have a mayor who cares. That's a historical leap. We have allies from places you wouldn't expect, and I believe the number will grow. But it will grow much faster if you get thee to a voting line.
You matter and you count. And so does your vote.
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Do you sometimes feel like your life is out of control? 2. What does a driven person look like? 3. Where do "Called" people come from? 4. Disorganization 5. Wisdom and Knowledge 6. What does a perfectionist look like? 7. Thinking 8. Meditation 9. Prayer 10. Rest Where: "The OUThouse" When: Every Thursday at 6:00pm Starting: November 16, 2006 By: Sherry Deviney Diploma in Christian Ministry |
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Introducing OUTstanding’s Leadership
Bekki McQuay
Many of you know me because I’ve been around Amarillo most all of my life, and been involved with OUTstanding Amarillo since 2003ish. My background is in corporate training and taxidermy (I was finding myself). I previously owned Washington Square Café & Bookstore. I have a Masters Degree in Communication (which just means that I can talk a lot!) I serve on the Executive Board of Camp-Fire Panhandle Plains Chapter; United Way Steering and Community Investment Committees; and the Advisory Board of Mothers-Against-Meth. I’m involved in !mpact Futures!; Amarillo Area Foundation Leader Circles; Teen Pregnancy Coalition; Panhandle Twenty/20, and various other community networks that impact youth. I currently serve as the Executive Director of OUTstanding Amarillo and I am proud to introduce all of the following board members.
Terre Moore
Born and raised in Amarillo. As a political activist I have worked in local, state and national campaigns since the late 1960's. Yes I am really that old. Joined OUTstanding Amarillo’ board in 2003, served as president since 2005. I truly believe in the mission of OUTstanding Amarillo and we are making a difference in people's lives. I support the LGBT community because that is the community I belong too. Please feel free to contact me at OUT-standing Amarillo. This is your Community Organization!
Cyndy Walton
Lifetime Girl Scout, starting in 2nd grade; Lamaze Teacher 7 years; Nurse in Labor & Delivery 10yrs; Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner 15 yrs; Pagan—Earth- & Goddess-centered Beliefs 10years ; raised 2 daughters. Looking back at all the parts of my life that are almost exclusively about women, it’s interesting that I was 50 before it occurred to me that I might be a lesbian. I’ve been involved with OUTstanding almost as long as I’ve known that. Having come through all those Feminist years, it only seems logical that I would work for equality for all LGBT’s in the same ways I’ve supported feminist ideals.
Lance Goforth
Born and raised in Amarillo. A graduate of WTAMU, I have been in the computer programming field for 20 years. I have worked in Amarillo in a variety of positions all within the computer information technology field. I have served on the board of OUTstanding Amarillo for 3 years and during that time have created, renovated, and maintained the OUTstanding Amarillo website. I also do various other behind the scene work with all OUT-standing programs, graphic design, program development, meeting minutes, technical assistance, building and equipment upkeep. I enjoy my work with OUTstanding, it keeps me busy and involved with the community.
Rex Lusk
Rex has given of his time, resources, and talents for the last year most graciously. He will be leaving the OUT-standing board this month, and will be sorely missed. Rex has served as Vice-President and been of great assistance in planning and chaperoning youth activities. His first project as a member of our group was to complete the 6 sided, rainbow striped group room that we continue to enjoy. His competence in many areas has been a great gift to our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Rex in a volunteer capacity from now on.
Troy Williams
I work for Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle as the Business Manager. I attend the International Institute of the Americas, were I am completing my Bachelors. I have been a member of the Board of Directors since early 2003 and was previously a Youth Rep. I currently Chair the Policy and Procedure committee and have been a previous editor of OUTspoken. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and dogs. I enjoy developing websites, reading, drawing/painting and watching movies.
Joseph Holmes
I was transplanted to Amarillo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1995. My son followed suit a few years later. He's gay, 28, and one of my greatest joys in life. I received a Masters Degree in Studio Art from LSU in 1992. I taught art both at LSU and Amarillo College. I have served on the Board of Directors for the American Indian Cultural Center. I believe my greatest contribution to OUTstanding, since joining the board in 2005 has been writing articles for our newsletter. It is my hope our readers glean some entertainment or insight and perhaps feel a bit closer to their community.
Russell Reed
Hi Y'all! After spending my childhood in two very backward areas of these United States, I spent the major part of my high school career navigating the maelstrom that most openly gay high school students experience. I am proud to be able to say that I changed quite a few minds and hearts while serving my time. After graduation, I was seemingly guided to Outstanding by divine providence, and ever since, I have felt completely at home among the wonderful people who give life to the organization. I plan to help in any way I can, specifically by improving our library system, among other goals. As I have said before, this organization kicks butt, and I want to help it kick harder!
Mark Sellers
Greetings Amarillo! Originally from the Panhandle area, I have recently returned after 18 years of living in Los Angeles. In LA I had a career as a dancer, choreographer, director, television production coordinator and recently started a new career in Internet advertising. I helped create the well-known Midnight Cowboys Dance Troupe in the LA area which raised money for such organization as the Gay Rodeo Association, children's benefit, Liz Taylor Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and many more. I look forward to working with Outstanding Amarillo and help to increase a sense of fun and focused goals to the organization. I ALWAYS appreciate feedback and invite you to introduce yourself to me via email at dancntex@aol.com. Glad to be home Amarillo.
Thomas Nicholson
Native Texan, born in Houston, raised in Los Angeles, California. He is 27. Thomas is a senior mass com student at WTAMU, focusing in public relations, with a minor in political science, also certified in event management from Cal Poly Pomona. As a freshman, Thomas spent a semester abroad studying at Oxford University in England. Thomas has worked as an event planner for the past ten years, specializing in fundraising, before returning to school to complete his bachelors. A long history of community involvement has led him to work with nonprofit organizations, having overseen special events, fundraising, community outreach, media and public relations and board and donor relations, and volunteer management. Thomas continues to work to refine his knowledge of community involvement and activities. In his spare time, Thomas is an avid reader enjoying all genera of literature, is a confirmed news junkie and is an ardent student of life.
David Perez
Raised in Borger, I have a clear sense of what it’s like growing up alone and gay in the Panhandle. I have a long history in customer service and enjoy meeting every person who drops by the Out House. I enjoy learning new things, helping people, and making new friends, OUTstanding allows me many opportunities for all. I’m interested in ideas that you may have to help further the mission of OUTstanding, and what we can do for you. You can contact me at the Out House or at davidperez@outstandingamrillo.org.
Sherry Deviney
Born in Amarillo. I have been back several times especially in the last 3 years to visit family. I have lived in Texas, Colorado, and the last 22 years in Long Beach, California. I just moved back to Amarillo in June ‘06. I have worked multiple including waitressing, corporate training, doctor’s office, EMT, restaurant manager, drug / alcohol and psychiatric disorder counselor, and the latest accounting. (Okay, I like a wide variety). I have several certificates in different fields and subjects. The last one that I received is a diploma in Christian Ministry. I believe that I can help bridge the gap within the Christian community. Right now I am working at Camp Fire USA working as a Financial Director. I have written articles for the OUTstanding newsletter. I am looking forward to helping in any area that I can…I believe in OUTstanding’s mission.
Sheryl Barron
Born in Atchison Kansas, and have spent most of my life in Texas. I began my connection with the GLBT community when I attended Austin College in Sherman (as a classics major, of all things). My very best friend was gay. In fact, most of my friends in college were gay. I always felt that my connection with my college friends was preparing me for something. When my beautiful daughter came out to me, I finally understood why that feeling was so strong. I also have two incredible sons. As I passed the PTA, Cub Scout, Girl Scout, Kids Inc. years (yes, I did them all), my volunteer interests have lead me in other directions. I have been involved with Family Support Services for the past six years as the Volunteer Chair for the Harley Party, joining the Executive Board in 2006. Because I believe in the power of volunteering as a way to initiate positive social change, I am very excited to be involved with OUTstanding Amarillo. What positive energy! When I am not volunteering, I am sleeping. Seriously, I love talking to my kids, traveling, books, computers, and working out. Traveling to London and Paris a few years ago would definitely be among the high points of my life.
Keith Jones
I was born and raised in Amarillo and spent my high school years in Laramie, Wyoming. I graduated from law school in 1974 and, after three years getting burned out on big cities in Dallas, have been back in Amarillo since 1978. My practice has evolved into an elder law practice, which is more like social work than a law practice - a very welcome evolution. I have a large number of gay friends as well as a gay sister and feel very attuned to the wonderful people, by and large, that they are and to the difficulties they encounter daily. My primary civic activities before now have been with High Plains Public Radio, the Better Business Bureau and the Amarillo Little Theater. I believe OUTstanding Amarillo is a wonderful organization that is doing great work. I look forward to contributing where I am able.
Christy Ford
Born and raised in Amarillo. Graduated from WTAMU with a MA in counseling. I have previously worked with several different nonprofits in the fields of social work and counseling. I have a son and a dog. I began volunteering for Outstanding earlier this year by providing individual and couples counseling. I was very excited when presented with this opportunity for many reasons. Outstanding does a great job of recruiting great volunteers, organizing fundraisers and providing much-needed services. I hope to contribute to this great endeavor of working with people to enhance our community.
Libby Rhoades
I am fairly new to both Amarillo and OUTstanding. I was recruited 2 years ago by WTAMU to develop a new graduate program in school psychology. Academia is my third career - after 10 years as a McDonald's manager and seven years as a psychologist in public schools. I lived in North Carolina most of my life which is where I got my last degree (a PhD in school psychology with an emphasis in addictions). After working as faculty in Chapel Hill, I went to West Virginia where I headed their school psych program. I am active in causes from substance abuse recovery to pet rescue. I have worked in various ways to make public schools safe and affirming places for gay kids which is what attracted me to OUTstanding.
Wrapping up 2006It seems like 2006 flew by. But glean the good bits of the year, and you'll discover acres of territory OUTstanding Amarillo has pioneered. We are more visible than ever, making contact with local counselors, and teachers, social workers, attorneys, our schools--so many others--in an outreach program designed to bring enlightenment everyone.The fabulous OUTstanding Amarillo locomotive is gaining momentum. But more steam can be cranked into it. Fullfledged donors are encouraged to broaden contributions. First-timers are always welcome and always needed. Sign up for the way-low $10-per-month membership to Zack's. Help your body by helping OUT. Be a volunteer, an hour or more a week. You will enjoy it! Campaigning for bucks is a necessary pain in the butt, but it's the funds that keep our center open and our programs humming. With no OUTstanding, resources specific to our community would not exist. When you get the annual campaign drive stuff in the mail, please don't throw it out; give something. 10 more bucks from 10 more people per month promotes miracles. Miracles for our center--your center--is a miracle for Amarillo. |
OUTstanding Amarillo Needs Your Support
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Draft my checking account in the amount of $____ each month. (Voided check attached.)
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OUTstanding Amarillo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Your gift and annual membership are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Mail completed form to: OUTstanding Amarillo PO Box 33561 Amarillo, TX 79120
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