Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Strategic Plan 2008-2010
A1. Membership: Grow the total number of members through increased recruitment and more active commitment to current members.
A. Increase membership to 400 in 2008 and an additional 20% in each additional year.
B. Retain 85% of members.
C. Increase diversity of membership—age, geographic, familial status, ethnic background, non-gay, etc.
D. Increase percentage of members who are active (attendance/leadership).
E. Develop membership recruitment plan, including revision of membership application and other materials.
F. Expand outreach to businesses and organizations.
G. Improve connections with neighboring communities.
H. Improve Web site.
B1. Social: Provide opportunities for all LGBT persons in the Oak Park area to socialize in various venues and types of events.
A. Review effectiveness and purpose of current events—are they fun, fundraising, or both.
B. Increase attendance at events.
C. Increase diversity of attendees at events.
D. Evaluate events—is each event meeting its objective.
E. Develop programs focused on specific populations, especially families, African-Americans, singles, etc.
F. Add at least one new event per year if enough volunteers to plan/spearhead/support these event(s).
B2. Cultural Arts: Promote/showcase the talents of OPALGA members and the wider LGBT population and provide opportunities for exposure and participation in the general cultural arts.
A. Increase public performances, such as OUTspoken, gallery walks, etc.
B. Evaluate and possibly continue current activities, such as coffeehouses, book club, and theater outings.
C. Revive Peripheral Visions and/or 708.
D. Add or change one event each year.
B3. Public Policy: Continue to advance the LGBT agenda throughout the western suburbs, the state, and the nation.
A. Establish leadership in public policy for LGBT issues.
B. Identify areas of focus for the coming year, such as civil unions/gay marriage, domestic partner benefits in additional local communities, etc.
C. Identify geographic foci.
D. Involvement with Oak Park non-LGBT civic issues, such as political caucuses, get-out-the-vote campaigns, and organizations.
B4. Education (Members and Community): Provide education for the community-at-large about LGBT issues, and support the LGBT community through educational programs to support healthy and successful living in our community.
A. Reactivate speakers bureau.
B. Reactivate workshops and panels on topics such as parenting, blended families, financial, legal and health issues, etc.
C. Add “Health Tips” column in Empower.
D. Publicize social services resources.
B5. Program Services: Provide services to special populations—youth, young adults, and seniors.
A. Continue youth and young-adult service programs.
B. Evaluate need for special programming for seniors.
C Evaluate need for special programming for singles.
C1. Executive Director: Create position and hire individual.
A. Develop job description and performance expectations.
B. Identify funding sources and salary goals.
C. Complete strategic plan.
D. Develop recruitment plan.
C2. Organizational Structure: Develop systems to increase capacity of OPALGA.
A. Redevelop committee structures outside of yet directly connected to Board.
B. Establish Board committees.
C. Develop management procedures.
C3. Marketing and Public Relations: Increase community awareness of OPALGA and promote its activities.
A. Increase communications to members.
B. Develop print materials and distribution system within communities.
C. Promote all OPALGA events in newspapers and flyers.
D. Increase contact with general community organizations in western suburbs—churches, human services agencies, social clubs (Rotary, Elks, VFW, etc.).
E. Increase links to other LGBT organizations.
F. Develop promotional materials.
D1. Finance: Assure financial viability and growth of OPALGA.
A. Diversify sources of income.
B. Increase membership rates and create special categories and privileges.
C. Increase net revenue by $20,000 each year.
D. Develop major donor campaign, challenge grants, and focused appeals.
E. Identify and seek additional grants.
F. Evaluate charges and costs for best net return on all fundraising activities.
G. Continue to grow OPALGA.
Message from the Co-Chairs
Miscellaneous items of interest to the LGBT community and OPALGA members:
• It was with great sadness that we noted the recent death in California of Del Martin, longtime lesbian rights activist and a co-founder of the pioneering lesbian rights group the Daughters of Bilitis. Martin, 87, had been in the news when she married her partner of 55 years in California’s first legal gay union earlier this year. In an extremely sudden development, Martin died from complications from a broken arm. Such a sad twist to an otherwise wonderful story.
• At the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese divers had totally dominated and won seven gold medals in the seven completed events and seemed on their way to the eighth and final gold. However, one of those amazing moments in sports then occurred—openly gay diver Matthew Mitcham of Australia absolutely nailed his final two dives to beat the Chinese (and everyone else) in the men’s 10-meter platform diving competition. Mitcham, who won the gold by earning four perfect 10s on his final dive (due to its highest degree of difficulty, it became the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history), had earlier made news by bringing both his partner and his mother with him to Beijing. Reflecting upon his calmness in front of the wildly pro-Chinese crowd and his ultimate win, Matthew credited his struggles in coming to terms with being gay and publicly coming out as preparing him for his high drama at the Olympics. His triumph represented an outstanding accomplishment for LGBT athletes everywhere and, hopefully, sent a message to the entire athletic community.
• Shortly after Beijing, the Democratic National Party held its historic convention in Denver. Nearly lost among all of the Obama and Clinton hoopla was the fact that 374 delegates were identified as LGBT individuals. This stunning number not only represented the largest LGBT caucus in U.S. political history by far, but also caused even the most liberal Democratic officials to take notice of the growing political power of this group.
• Elsewhere in this issue of Empower, readers will notice a flyer for an upcoming production of “The Laramie Project.” As many of you know, this groundbreaking play is based on the events of October 7, 1998, surrounding the brutal torture and subsequent death of Matthew Shepard who was tortured solely because he was gay. The Center on Halsted’s Anti-Violence Project recently called Chicago’s attention to hate crimes. Among their conclusions was that such crimes are decreasing in number, both totally and in those directed solely at LGBT individuals. Further, the Center pointed out that such crimes range from physical attacks to verbal ones, as each carries with it different kinds of damages. OPALGA joins the Center and others in urging its members to report hate crimes of any nature. We must remember Matthew Shepard and be vigilant that such a scenario never repeats itself. Only by our voices, individually and collectively, can we raise everyone’s awareness and let it be known that we will not tolerate hate and ignorance of any nature directed at the LGBT community and/or any of its members.
• Finally, during this LGBT History Month, October 11 is National Coming Out Day. If you know of anyone struggling with this decision, offer any help you can, and keep OPALGA in mind. Call us if we can assist in any way.
For over a year now, readers of Empower have been reading about the efforts of the Board of Directors as they worked in conjunction with Dr. Carol Goldbaum, Ph.D., on a long-range planning project. The final work product, a three-year strategic plan, will guide the Board as it makes plans to position OPALGA to be able to hire its first executive director. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, and with our thanks to Dr. Goldbaum, we are pleased to publish an outline version of that strategic plan for your perusal. We hope you will find it to be interesting reading, and we welcome your comments and suggestions. We would also like to thank those of you who took the time to respond to our OPALGA Friends and Members Survey earlier this year. We had a very healthy number of respondents, and we will be considering your responses in our future planning.
Around The OPALGA Center
HIV Testing
Don’t forget, you can get a free, anonymous rapid or conventional HIV test through OPALGA. If you are in need of a test or know of an event at which you would like testing to be available, please call The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273. We are able to provide testing that fits your schedule.
Prism
Prism, our weekly drop-in group for LGBT youth, took a break during September so that we could reach out to youth in their schools. Prism will resume on Thursday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. at The OPALGA Center.
Educational Outreach
Did you know that OPALGA’s trained professional staff is available to provide technical assistance at your school or workplace on issues affecting the LGBT community? If you or anyone you know is looking for a speaker for your next workshop or staff in-service day, please call The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273.
Happy LGBT History Month and National Coming Out Day!
Recipe Corner
Several years ago, OPALGA talked about putting together a cookbook containing our members’ favorite recipes. Now, in anticipation of our organization’s 20th anniversary, we have decided that the time is right for this tasty project!
Talk to your family, your friends, and your neighbors to find those recipes that you really enjoy and want to share with other OPALGA members. Please feel free to submit any of your favorite recipes, and be sure to give a credit for the originator of the recipe, if applicable.
All recipes should be submitted to jeziebarth@comcast.net. Please include the word “RECIPE” in your subject line, and be sure to attach your recipe to the e-mail as a Microsoft Word document. Thank you!
In the meantime, we plan to publish a few of the recipes that we have already received in upcoming issues of Empower. Bon appétit!
Caribbean Spiced Salmon Steaks
Submitted by Gayle Weiss
4 1-inch thick salmon steaks
½ c. brown sugar
½ tbsp. allspice
½ tbsp. dried mustard
½ tbsp. ginger
Combine dry spices with brown sugar; mix well.
Clean and dry salmon steaks and coat well with spice mix. Rub mixture into the salmon flesh and refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight is okay, too).
Broil for approximately five minutes per side. Delicious and easy!
Looking Across the Lines of Gender
“Mask,” “cocoon,” “closet” . . . all are metaphors to describe how we choose to hide ourselves before coming out and being free to be ourselves. On this National Coming Out Day, October 11, one Oak Park area resident will be able to celebrate being free for the first time after over 35 years of hiding in a physiological cocoon.
At the age of 11, with pains in his chest, Shawn Baggett went to the doctor. The diagnosis, not unusual for a pre-teen, was puberty. What was unusual was that chest pains (also known as breast tenderness) are a common symptom for puberty in girls. The doctor confirmed his diagnosis in an x-ray that revealed an ovary and a partial uterus (hidden within Shawn’s clearly male exterior) and in blood tests that showed lower than normal levels of testosterone in Shawn’s blood.
The information made a lot of sense and explained why Shawn was so different from his brothers: less competitive, less aggressive. Shawn had even earned the nickname “Sis” from his father because he was reluctant to fight. Even so, in fearing for his safety, Shawn and his mother decided that they needed to hide his feminine side from the world. Shawn would continue to hide for 35 years, until April, 2008, when Shawn came out to his family and to the world as Shauna.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Shauna at George’s for breakfast. During our meal together, she talked openly about her life, the process of coming to accept herself, coming out, and the journey ahead of her. She has led a complex life where even the question “What is your name?” does not have a simple answer.
Q: Name?
A: My legal name for now is Shawn Eugene. Shauna Elizabeth will be my name in April.
Q: Age?
A: 47.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Brookfield.
Q: How long have you been in Brookfield and the Chicago area?
A: 35 years I believe.
Q: What were some early indications of your being transgender?
A: As others can, I cannot say that I was born in a male body and have a female mind. I do have an 89% female and 11% male body, and the same goes for my soul. How can someone with one ovary, one testis, and a partial uterus be classified in female and male gender roles? I have no answer for that. I am an intersex person, and that is all I know.
Q: After the medical appointment that resulted in the discovery of your ovary and uterus, how did you decide to continue identifying and dressing as a male?
A: I was 11 years old, and being a boy was all that I knew. Also, my mother believed that I would be safer if I never told anyone about my intersex. She was right. I was more effeminate than I was manly, but I tried to hide that the best I possibly could so as not to be beaten or worse.
Q: When did you come out?
A: April 8, 2008.
Q: At what age?
A: 46.
Q: What support systems do you have/have you had?
A: I have a wonderful family, which includes my sister and three brothers. My friends, who are in the hundreds, have sent me e-mails and expressed their utmost happiness at being friends with someone like myself. Even though my outside appearance will change, it is the person on the inside with whom they will always be friends.
Q: Are there organizations in the area specifically for transgender individuals?
A: There are so many: Tri-Ess, CGS, Island Girls, Transend, Transitions from the Inside Out. These are for transgender people. And then I also belong to OII (http://www.intersexualite.org), Bodies Like Ours (http://www.bodieslikeours.org), and AIS (http://www.aissg.org). I belong to about nine or so different organizations ranging from intersex to transgender to LGBT groups.
Q: 35 years is a long time to be in the closet. Did you want to come out and embrace your female side previously?
A: I have wanted to change a couple times in my life, but each time I talked myself out of it. It is so confusing at times because there were times in my life when everything was working out. I’ve learned that to be intersex isn’t a sexual mishap. My gender is balanced between the female and male sides. I just think I will be much happier with my female gender.
Q: Do you have a significant other?
A: No, I have been divorced now for eight years.
Q: What are some problems and issues specific to the transgender/intersex community?
A: There is not enough help or enough ways of finding help.
Q: How can OPALGA help or what can we do to raise awareness of intersex and transgender issues?
A: I am so new to this. Can we work together on this? I think mostly it is making children and teens aware that there are people like us to help them. I was hidden for 35 years because no one was there for me. I don’t wish to see anyone live that kind of life.
One evening in April, 2008, Shawn dressed up as Shauna and went out for the first time. Her blog describes the anxiety and excitement of coming out as herself, of being Shauna for the first time in public after over 35 years of hiding as a man.
Shauna writes, “I felt more comfortable tonight than I have in 46 years. As it washes over me, I now know where I belong. Being Ms. Shauna B has given me more happiness than anything I have ever felt or had before.”
We all want to be comfortable and to be accepted as ourselves. National Coming Out Day is a chance for us to celebrate who we really are. While many intersex individuals remain conflicted and in hiding, this year, October 11 will hold a special significance for one Brookfield resident. Congratulations, Ms. Shauna B, and we wish you well!
Message from the Co-Chairs
On July 2, the Wednesday Journal printed a letter from Ms. Hannah Phillips in which she expressed outrage over the fact that the paper saw fit to publish a separate section the week before in celebration of gays and lesbians. She went on to say that it disgusted her that her village was happy with “this vulgar affair.” Needless to say, her letter was extremely offensive, and I am pleased to say not only to the gay and lesbian community. Many straight friends were amazed by the prejudicial language of the letter. Since the letter coincided with OPALGA’s participation in the annual 4th of July parade, I wrote a letter to the Journal editor. The letter read as follows:
On July the 4th, a day that is quite special to most of us, I had the privilege again this year of driving a vehicle for OPALGA (Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association) in the Oak Park parade. The outstanding job done by the Community Relations Commission and the Village in putting on this parade is obvious. What was even more amazing to me and everyone else in the vehicle was the absolutely tremendous reception afforded us again this year by the residents of Oak Park. Every possible sign of affirmation is present—high-fives, loud applause, peace signs, louder applause, raised fists, whatever. From senior citizens to young kids to the policemen and policewomen on duty, it is truly a sincere way of saying that it does, indeed, take a village, and we are glad you are a part of our village. From our point of view, nothing could be more affirming as to the pride we share in living in Oak Park and participating in events like the parade that bring us together.
Hannah Phillips, however, has different thoughts. She was “discomfited” to see the “insert thing” about gay pride in the Journal. Imagine her outrage—a local paper that actually sees fit to give coverage to a very large and active segment of the population. A paper, moreover, that finds many advertisers who want to be a part of such coverage. Why, the next thing you know she might be buying a different paper—now, there’s a thought. She then goes on to say that we in Oak Park are happy with “this vulgar affair.” On behalf of every gay and lesbian resident of this village, and many, many straight ones as well, I am outraged by her choice of words. The only vulgar thing I see displayed here is her hatred and ignorance. Out of courtesy and respect I will not use her word of “disgust,” but it truly saddens me that in 2008 an individual who lives in Oak Park would think in this manner. I have been a resident of Oak Park since 1991, and every day something about Oak Park reminds me why this village is such an exceptional place in which to live. Now, here’s another thought—if Oak Park is causing such strong feelings for Ms. Phillips, perhaps she might want to consider living in another location.
Ms. Phillips then complained about coverage of “dog weddings.” Well, only if they are same-sex dogs—she seems to get the humor if male and female dogs marry. That she actually is spending time worrying about this gives me a perverse sense of enjoyment. Why worry about the price of gasoline when Fido and Rover may be tying the knot? That entire paragraph of her letter just floored me, and I won’t even bother to respond. I guess the world really is going to the dogs.
Finally, she mentions that she doesn’t see the Oak Park parade, as she is usually in a parade portraying Civil War veterans. Here, I must tip my hat to her—she finally has gotten something right. I don’t know how she did it, but she found a parade whose portrayal of time is right in line with her thinking. You go, girl!
Mike Cochran
Oak Park
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, it was decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member David Steven Rappoport.
Empower: How long have you lived in the Chicago area?
David: I have lived here for one year.
Empower: What town, village, or city do you live in?
David: I live in Oak Park.
Empower: What is your professional background?
David: I am a consultant, working primarily with safety net health care systems. Previously, I was the senior program officer of a large health care philanthropy, managed AIDS clinical research, worked as a hospital administrator, and was a housing consultant.
Empower: Tell us about your family—are you single, dating anyone special, or do you have a partner? Do you have children and/or pets?
David: I am presently single, and everyone I date is special or I don’t date them. No kids, no pets. I hope to get one or two dogs at some point over the next year or two.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
David: One year.
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA, and in what capacity do you volunteer?
David: I am on the Board and I am the chair of the Social Committee.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA?
David: I moved to Oak Park from Maine in the summer of 2007. I joined OPALGA as a way to meet new people and to become established in the community.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
David: Yes—Twin Spirit Tribe, which is primarily an LGBT spiritual group.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying or rewarding about your OPALGA involvement?
David: It’s very community-focused and full of smart and interesting people.
Empower: What is your favorite color?
David: Any that mimics lichens and moss.
Empower: What are you listening to on your iPod?
David: Everything from Bach to Bettye Lavette.
Empower: What is your favorite restaurant?
David: Ethiopian Diamond. I love Ethiopian food!
Empower: If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
David: I’d like to have dinner with any or all of the following: Voltaire, Casanova, Gautama, Rasputin, Hesse, Marlowe, and Kinsey. Unfortunately, they’re all dead.
Empower: What is the greatest music video of all time?
David: I don’t pay much attention to music videos.
Empower: What is your greatest accomplishment?
David: Enduring.
Empower: If money were no object and you could do anything you want, what would it be?
David: Just what I’m doing now—only I’d have a fabulous house to do it in.
Thank you, David, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
Nominations Solicited for OPALGA Board Positions and Nominating Committee
Each year, the OPALGA Nominating Committee is charged with soliciting written nominations for the upcoming open positions on the OPALGA Board of Directors. Members of this year’s Nominating Committee are Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams. OPALGA encourages you to become involved in the decision-making process of our great organization, and this year, we thank those who have served on the committee.
For 2009, the Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Female Co-Chair, Secretary, and four Member-at-Large positions. Each of these positions requires a two-year commitment.
In addition, the Nominating Committee must fill three positions on the Nominating Committee for 2009. Each of these positions requires a one-year commitment.
All nominees must have been OPALGA members for at least six months prior to October 31, 2008. You are encouraged to nominate yourself. If you nominate others, please first check with your nominees about their interest in serving.
The solicitation for nominations letter and form were mailed to the entire OPALGA membership in mid-August. Please return the form in the envelope that was provided to the Nominating Committee, The OPALGA Center, 947 Garfield, Oak Park, IL 60304 by September 15, 2008.
Once the nomination process has been concluded, the candidates’ biographies and election ballots will be mailed to the membership. The ballots will be opened and tabulated at the start of the OPALGA Annual Meeting in November.
In Memoriam
OPALGA acknowledges with sadness the passing of Mary Jane Beech, 68, on August 6, 2008. A celebration of Mary Jane’s life was held on August 16 at the Oak Park Conservatory.
As an advocate for women’s equality, Mary Jane was active in several organizations in Oak Park, including OPALGA. Many of us remember her participation in the semi-annual membership meetings, the book club meetings, the monthly potlucks, and other OPALGA programs.
Mary Jane received her Ph.D. in anthropology and sociology from Michigan State University in 1972 and then began a wide-ranging professional career. Part of her doctoral work was done at the American Institute for Indian Studies in Calcutta, and prior to that she was awarded a Hayes-Fulbright Scholarship to study the role of women in Bengali society. She returned to Bengal and other parts of India several times during her career. Over the course of her career, she taught anthropology, sociology, and women’s studies at several colleges in the Chicago area. She also worked part-time at the Lisle Public Library. In the later years of her career, she returned to her early interest in child development and taught children at Green Tree (later renamed Bright Horizons Esplanade) in Downer’s Grove.
Mary Jane shared a love of cooking, gardening, learning, and books with her many friends and her family.
OPALGA was fortunate to be among the numerous organizations that Mary Jane chose to support. On behalf of OPALGA, the editors of Empower extend sincere condolences to the many friends and family members whose lives she touched.
Message from the Co-Chairs
At its meeting last month, OPALGA’s Board of Directors approved a Nominating Committee consisting of five individuals: Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams. Anderson, Kelly, and Salotti are the non-Board members, while Hefner and Williams are the two representatives from the Board of Directors. Together, these five will seek and present candidates for the various Officer and Board positions that need to be filled this year. In other words, they will be looking for candidates for Female Co-Chair, Secretary, and four member-at-large Board of Director positions.
Some members may wonder—why a Nominating Committee? Not only is the provision for a Nominating Committee found in our by-laws, but virtually every not-for-profit organization uses some form of a committee or a very similar process. At OPALGA, the Nominating Committee looks for candidates who have the appropriate background and experience, have a willingness to devote the time necessary to serve, and will project a positive image of OPALGA. In addition, the Nominating Committee must do this while also considering male/female balance, diversity, and other necessary considerations.
It is no surprise, then, that this year’s Nominating Committee is something like OPALGA’s own version of a “Dream Team.” These five individuals (which include two former Co-Chairs) possess a wealth of knowledge of OPALGA and its history and have records of accomplishment in serving our organization. Moreover, they are of impeccable integrity and share a common goal of finding the best available candidates for the positions.
There can be no better way to serve an organization than by sitting on its Board or serving as an Officer. So, if you are interested, please submit the form you will receive from the Nominating Committee. If you receive a call from a member of this committee, we likewise urge you to step forward. OPALGA will only continue to grow and strengthen itself as a result of the participation and involvement of those individuals most qualified to do so.
On a somewhat related note, most of you know that OPALGA is approaching its 20th anniversary next year. As the times have changed, so has the organization, with one glaring exception: our by-laws. Governing the organization has faced additional challenges with a document that has now become somewhat outdated. We are pleased to tell you that Bruce Broerman, a member of the Board of Directors, agreed at the July Board meeting to lead a committee that is going to study the by-laws and make appropriate recommendations for revision. This is a lengthy and detailed process, and the revisions will not be submitted to the members until the fall of 2009 for approval. Nevertheless, it is important that you know the process is under way, and you will be hearing more about it in the coming months.
Finally, elsewhere in this issue, you will see an article that describes OPALGA co-sponsoring the Wright Ride with the Oak Park Cycle Club, the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Oak Park. It is very important in the fulfillment of our mission that we work closely with other individuals and groups as appropriate. Some things we do you are probably aware of; and others possibly not. To give you a few examples, we co-sponsor a float in the Chicago Gay Pride parade with the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. We jointly worked on pending legislation with the ACLU and Equality Illinois. We annually participate in “A Day In Our Village” and the 4th of July parade here in Oak Park. We frequently talk to BUNGALO and its members about items of shared concern. We co-sponsored a brunch at Hemmingway’s Bistro last year with the Center On Halsted. We have joined with Steppenwolf Theatre and the Village Players Theatre to bring you top-quality events. Each year, we have our own “Donut Day” at the Pilgrim Congregational Church. These events are merely a sampling, but you get the idea—in order to be an integral part of the community, OPALGA needs to reach out throughout the community and work with others whenever possible. Sometimes we ask, and sometimes we are asked—in either case, the result is usually the same: we stand stronger together than if we stand alone. This month we are riding bikes, so grab your helmets and join us on the Wright Ride on Sunday, August 17. If you don’t want to ride, come on out to our booth and say hello.
