A Conference for and by Young LBTQ Women and Their Allies
By Bob Kecskemety
The Aqua Foundation for Women and Safe Schools South Florida is presenting their second Outlet: Plugging Women into the Arts conference this Saturday, June 12, 2010 at GLCC/Pride Center starting at 9 p.m. The conference is by and for young LBTQ women and is the second conference, the first having been held in April 2009. The purpose of Outlet for Young Women is to inspire, empower, support and encourage all women, but
in particular women in the LBTQ community through arts and education.
“We’re really excited about this year’s conference,” said Dee Palazzo, board member and treasurer and “Outlook” coordinator for Safe Schools. “We have 12 workshops and a presentation from key note speaker, Rachel Robinson [from MTV’s “Road Rules”], we’re closing with Dr. Marilyn Volker and have a final performance by Drag it Out.”
Outlet: Plugging Women into the Arts is dedicated to ensuring that women (in particular young women, but all women in general) gain awareness about what violence is and how to take a stand against violence and for inclusivity and peace-filled relationships and communities. The organization defines violence as “any action or structural arrangement that results in physical or non-physical harm to a human or living thing.”
They give examples of “violence” such as verbal and physical abuse in relationships, sexual harassment and homophobic comments, hate crimes, war and violent conflict, and even environmental destruction. They also include policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, prohibitions on gay marriage and adoption and the failure to enact legislation prohibiting discriminatory hiring and firing practices.
Some of the workshops include: “What to Say to Homophobes”, “Dance & Don’t Die, Stay Alive: The Art of Kicking Ass” and “What’s Eating You, Our Bodies, Our Selves, Our Love”.
For more information on Outlet: Plugging Women Into the Arts and to register, visit www.outlet4youngwomen.com