Letters to the Editor
Out in the Mountains welcomes your letters. Although we will withhold names from printing upon request, the letter must be accompanied by a verifiable name and address in order to be considered for publication. We try to print every letter we receive, but reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. Letters are also subject to the editorial policy stated in the masthead.
This month, the Vermont Historical Society in Montpelier will begin serving as official archivist of Out in the Mountains. The Vermont Historical Society recognizes the unique role Out in the Mountains has played in recording and facilitating the development of a GLBT movement in Vermont, and will be featuring our community newspaper in its extensive 20th Century Collection.
The Historical Society’s interest in OITM coincides with the 15th Anniversary of the founding of the paper. In February 1986, OITM was started as a means of disseminating information to GLBT Vermonters, particularly information on and education about the expanding AIDS pandemic. Since that time, OITM has chronicled the founding and/or development of not just our AIDS Service and related organizations (ACoRN, BAAP, Vermont CARES, Vermont AIDS Consortium, Vermont PWA Coalition), but also the Vermont Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Outright Vermont, Lavender Visions Productions, the R.U.1.2.? Community Center, the Samara Foundation, the Freedom to Marry Task Force, the Vermont Pride Committee and many social and activity-oriented groups including the VGSA, the Green Mountain Freedom Band, the Vermont Gay Men’s Chorus, and scores of others. By serving as an essential resource, Out in the Mountains helped bring people together to form the community from which these groups developed, the very community that came together to imagine and realize historic Civil Union legislation. From the germs of a social movement to Civil Unions - it has been an amazing 15 years.
As Vermonters compare our own advances against the struggles in neighboring states, we see demonstrable evidence of the impact of a vibrant statewide paper, chronicling and promoting the development of GLBT community. As a common touchstone for all those active in our community, Out in the Mountains helps bring GLBT Vermonters together. Mountain Pride Media is proud of the role Out in the Mountains has played in the advancement of GLBT civil rights, and with the help of many dedicated Vermonters, OITM will continue to play a crucial role in social change by being a stable, dependable forum for the exchange of ideas and information.
Out in the Mountains was founded with high hopes and aspirations, and the original vision of the paper was realized and exceeded only because of the incredible devotion and perseverance of a number of individuals, especially the Editors of OITM: Terje Anderson, Deb Lashman, Hugh Coyle, Fred Kuhr, Chris Moes, and Barbara Dozetos - each has left a permanent impression. And as we celebrate OITM’s 15th Anniversary, Jason Whipple begins his tenure as its 7th Editor. Mountain Pride Media Board of Directors asks you to join us in welcoming Jason to this leadership position.
Jason’s promotion to Editor ensures the introduction of new energies and perspectives, and with your help, as writers, volunteers, and financial contributors, Jason will keep Out in the Mountains a strong, vital resource for all of us. Out in the Mountains is gearing up for the next 15 years, and given the strength and commitment of the community it serves, it promises to be another 15 years to remember.
Bennett Law, President
for the Board of Directors
Mountain Pride Media
Outright Vermont Correction
Recently, the State Department of Education moved a $12,000 grant from Outright Vermont’s school-based programs to the Department’s Safe and Healthy School’s Division. Along with this move of financial resources, implications have been made that Outright is no longer conducting workshops and trainings for school staff, faculty, and students on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Our Safe Schools Program still exists. We will continue to do programs in Vermont schools on the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. More than ever, our work with the staff, faculty, and students of Vermont’s schools is critical to creating a safer and more positive learning environment for all students.
This past year, we have seen a rise in anti-gay related incidents in schools. More students are being harassed more openly. Teachers are also finding themselves targets of homophobic slurs and harassment. We know this because we hear from the youth in your schools every week at our drop-in and at our support groups. Teachers have even become the focus of harassment because they tried to stop some of the anti-gay slurs flying around in their classes and hallways.
We know this is not the type of atmosphere you want present in your schools and communities. We have spent eleven years supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth who felt isolated, harassed, and even persecuted in their own schools and communities. We desperately need to continue this work: it is good work and it saves lives! That is why Outright Vermont was created and that is why we still exist today.
To that end, we pledge to continue our Safe Schools Program. We will provide as many staff and faculty trainings and classroom presentations as our staff and resources will allow. We will continue to be a safe harbor for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and for all youth who desire to see an end of homophobia in our society. We will continue to be a stalwart supporter of all those educators who are also working to end homophobia in their schools and in their communities.
If you have any questions about our programs, or you wish to schedule a staff/faculty training or general presentation at your school, organization or place of employment, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-GLB-CHAT (452-2428) or info@outrightvt.org.
Sue Wilson
Educational Development Coordinator