James and Kim,
I have included a copy of the e-ballot sent to the 2003-04 paid members who
were not present at the Annual Meeting. Thirty-one e-ballots were individually e-mailed,
with 15 members casting their votes:
(9) ‘yes’ votes were cast
(6) ‘no’ votes were cast
The following are comments by some of the members included with their votes.
The color changes indicate a different voice:
PS This vote is difficult. My no vote should not be interpreted as
opposition to Queer as much as a recognition that Queer is a very
specific political / theoretical point of view. Designating the
caucus as Queer potentially narrows the focus of the caucus
substantially. At the University of Oregon this issue is handled by
the student group by calling itself L,G,T,B,Q
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As you see below, I'm casting a 'yes' vote as you have no category for 'yes, with reservations."
As a straight supporter of gay rights, I have no real way of knowing if those who are LGBT feel adequately represented by the label, "queer." If it is indeed a resounding, "yes," then I think I still have some concerns... LGBT has a certain anonyminity about it. For those who have concerns about correspondance that arrives with the Queer Caucus label, would that create concern or hardship for some? It would be great if everyone could be out and proud of it, but unfortunately some are not able to be there yet. I'm lucky to work in a district that is very supportive of gay issues, but at the same time, the safety net is not in place for teachers to be out and although many gay teachers are open with staff members, teachers feel compelled to keep their identities private when it comes to students (something I'm personally dedicated to change in our district during the lifetime of my career-- our LGBT students desperately need good roll models.) And then there's the community at large...
The advantages of the new change are that it's sure a lot less cryptic than LGBTIC -- we have way too many acronyms in our midst anyway. It flows off the tongue much easier and it makes a very direct, bold statement and seems to have the element of pride built into it. That's all good.
just my two cents... ~=^)
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Jessie; At this point, I do not understand the need for a name change for LGBTIC; Hence, I would vote "no". Thanks for your communication.
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I am strongly in favor of the name change. It is in accord with many
other arts/cultural organizations and I think sends a profound and
radical message to a stuffy institution, the NAEA. Instead of being
hidden in the alphabet, the orientation of the group comes across
loud and clear.
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I do not feel that a change to the Queer Issues Caucus will help our image
or aide our cause in any positive way.
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Queer is just fine with me. That's my vote.
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Dear _____________: (I included the member’s name.)
As you know from our earlier membership mailing and email,
members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues
Caucus (LGBTIC) of the National Art Education Association
(NAEA) voted on the question of changing the group's name at
our annual meeting April 18, 2004 in Denver. A majority of
members present approved that change and the
by-law amendment has passed. Nonetheless, your leaders
elected to delay action on the change (i.e.: notifying the
board of the NAEA)until ALL 2003-04 dues paying members had
ample opportunity to complete their ballots (thus
confirming all voices were heard). I am asking
that you return the ballot below to me NO LATER than August
15 so we can post not only the results of the official vote,
but also the follow-up opinions of those members not present
and not casting a ballot in Denver.
The passage of the amendment was by a narrow margin,
suggesting that ongoing dialogue about the name change and
its implications is needed.
We need everyone's support as we continue in our important
work for social justice, and this requires our talking
through our differences and listening closely to even our
own self-oppressions and fears. While believing in
democratic process and respecting the actions already
determined, it is nonetheless important to hear the voices
of opposition and understand our divergent concerns. Our
group's name change and its implications will be a
discussion topic on our soon to be released new LGBT/Queer
website, and is also sure to be a focus of
next year's NAEA Boston sessions.
As Secretary, it is my obligation to ensure that only one
vote is cast by each member -- thus I'll have to know who is
sending the ballot.
Please be assured that in reporting! on the outcome and
follow-up ballots cast, no individuals' names will be
disclosed. Thanks for your immediate response.
Jessie Whitehead,
LGBT/Queer Issues Caucus Secretary/Treasurer
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PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED
BY-LAW AMENDMENT:
I am in favor of the NAEA Affiliate Group name
change from the LGBT Issues Caucus to the Queer
Issues Caucus.
Yes _____ No_____
