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  WINDY CITY TIMES

2003: The Right Stuff
by TRACY BAIM
2002-12-25

This article shared 2466 times since Wed Dec 25, 2002
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Politics

As the country shifted right, Illinois offered a beacon of hope from the Midwest. Not only did the state House, Senate and executive office shift to Democrats--almost assuring a victory for the state GLBT bill in 2003--but several municipalities are about to add, gay-rights protections.

And not only did Larry McKeon win yet another term as the state's only openly gay legislator, but just before Christmas, Tom Tunney realized a lifelong dream when he was appointed the city's first openly gay alderman. Another gay man is also running for alderman in that ward, as is one in the 49th Ward.

Judge Sebastian Patti won his retention bid, while openly gay Hank Perritt lost his bid to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk in the northern suburbs.

Trans Rights

The fight for the rights of transgendered people took a giant step forward in 2003, as governments around the U.S. added protections based on gender identity. The City of Chicago quietly added those protections in the fall, and the Cook County government swiftly followed their lead.

More local and national organizations also seem willing to more fully embrace the fight for trans rights as part of the GLB community.

Race

Sen. Trent Lott isn't the only one who has some baggage.

The divisions caused by racism continue to haunt some local community groups. Allegations of racism plagued several organizations, including Howard Brown Health Center, Horizons Community Services, and Minority Outreach Intervention Project.

Racism, classism, sexism, ageism, and other "isms" are simply a reflection of those same problems in the larger society, and GLBT groups have dealt with these issues for decades.

Some of the organizations are pro-actively dealing with the questions raised by staff, board and volunteer diversity, seeking to train and educate in order to better serve an increasingly diverse community.

Economy

The GLBT community was not immune to the ramifications of the economy. Small businesses struggled through the year, thinking of innovative ways to live through the downturn.

Perhaps most impacted were community non-profits. Struggling for a larger slice of a shrinking pie, organizations had to be creative in order to survive. Fundraising was down from donors, and government funding was also being cut.

Some groups decided to merge to face the reality, and others were forced to lay off staff and cut programs.

With war on the horizon, and an unknown economic terrain ahead, small businesses and non-profits will likely continue to face tightened purse strings.

Health

AIDS continues to plague the gay community, with an increasing impact on men and women of color. Yet unsafe sex continues to run rampant, with low self-esteem, drug and alcohol abuse, and a "AIDS fatigue" causing people to slip unto unsafe behaviors. The drug cocktails are not a miracle cure, barebacking is not sexy, and the war years continue.

Cancer, smoking, and substance abuse also are top priorities for those working in the GLBT health field, with local and national funding being focused on trying to stop smoking in the GLBT communities.

The Left is Back

While the right wing continues to hold the power, the potential war in Iraq and the error-plagued death penalty have stirred at least some awakening of the progressive movement. In Chicago, Queer to the Left and Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, along with a few other GLBT groups, have come out publicly against the death penalty and the war, as well as linking with other liberal causes.

CABN has also been on the forefront of anti-violence work, helping secure high-profile victories for victims, organizing marches, and picketing. While they have alienated some, they have also gained friends in the mainstream liberal movement, especially on civil-liberties battles post-Sept. 11.


This article shared 2466 times since Wed Dec 25, 2002
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