The President’s Commission on LGBT Concerns held its first meeting of 2001 at the home of member David McClurkin. The casual atmosphere, however, did not detract from a full agenda.

To lead off, commission members provided updates on the essay contest—prizes will be awarded at the Pride Banquet in March—and the effort to update the wording of Emory’s discrimination policy (using the terms “sexual orientation” as opposed to the occasionally seen “sexual preference”) and its varied department catalogs and brochures.

The Pride Banquet is set for March 2 from 6–8 p.m. in the Carlos Museum reception hall. Alternative folk musician Angela Motter will speak and provide entertainment. For the first time an entry fee will be charged: $5 for students and $10 for faculty/staff. Proceeds will go toward LGBT programming on campus.

Chair Jennifer Gossett announced that Emory will not be participating in the Campus Climate Diversity Survey. The first surveys had been completed in November and December. The chairs of the president’s commissions are working with University representatives to create a new internal survey.

The commission unanimously voted to provide funding for an event to be held on campus, Oct. 19–21, called “Return to Queer Iberia.” The title of the upcoming conference refers to a book, Queer Iberia: Sexualities, Cultures and Crossings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, that contains essays outlining the sexual diversity of the Iberian peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) between the 10th and 16th centuries.

Emory professors Mark Jordan (religion) and Michael Solomon (Spanish) wrote articles contained in the 1999 book, and conference organizers hope to convene several of the book’s contributors on the Emory campus for further discussion on the subject.

“This seems like a very appropriate use of funds,” Gossett said.

The commission also agreed unanimously to fund the eighth annual LGBT film festival. Filmmaker Barbara Hammer will attend the festival and hold a colloquium, March 5.

The commission is split on the subject of its meeting time. At the start of the academic year, the meeting time was changed to 5–7 p.m. once a month. The original time was 4–6 p.m. Each time proved difficult for some commission members, and Gossett said the best way to resolve the issue is by majority vote over e-mail.

In closing, the commission outlined its open officer and representative positions, the most vital of which is chair-elect. This is a continuing issue, and possible nominees for all positions will be investigated.

The next LGBT meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20, in 400 Administration. The time is to be
determined.

If you have a question or comment about the LGBT Commission, send e-mail to Gossett at gosset@emory.edu