Newsletter Vol. 7 No. 1 April 2002

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Health Science Librarians

Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Medical Library Association

Editors: Sally Harvey and Bill Karnoscak

CONTENTS

1. Welcome Message
2. Member Whereabouts
3. Visibility
4. 15 Questions w/... Jerry Perry
5. SIG-Sponsored Program
6. Business Meeting
7. Lodging (AmeriSuites, Dallas West-End)
8. Queer Guide to Dallas
9. SIG Social(s)
10. Miss Gay USofA

A message from Mitch Walters and Bill Fleming (current SIG Co-chairs):

In just under a month, it will be time to meet again...for many of us, it will have been two years since we've seen each other, and it will be nice to see so many SIG members in Dallas. It will also be a chance to meet new members, and welcome them into a group that has been so important to all of us.

One of the purposes of this newsletter is to give all of you insight as to what to look forward to during your stay in the "Big D." Mitch has been working furiously on a grand social for Saturday the 18th. This is a perfect time to get together and get acquainted before the annual meeting hits "full-tilt boogie." A second, smaller social is being informally planned for later on during the week, to give SIG members a chance to reconnect, especially if they are not staying at the SIG's hotel of choice, The AmeriSuites.

But don't fear: there will be nightly outings (wrong choice of words ... we're picturing a big spotlight and a bunch of people pointing and chanting, "You! You! You!") for those who crave good food and good times. How wonderful for Bill that the Miss Gay USofA Pageant is being held in Dallas that same week!

We want to thank Sally Harvey and Bill Karnoscak for jumping in and taking over the newsletter for us. We truly appreciate the work that this entails. Also thanks in advance to Richard Klein who arranged our lodging with AmeriSuites. Unfortunately, Richard will not be with us in Dallas, so it is even more appreciated that you did this for us. It is this spirit of giving which has made the SIG such a success!

The SIG business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21st from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Please make every effort to be there. It is important that we discuss plans for the upcoming year, as well as plans for the 2003 annual meeting in San Diego. Please forward any agenda items to Mitch (Mitch.Walters@UTSouthwestern.edu) or myself (Bill_Fleming@rush.edu). This would include ideas for a 2003 program.

The SIG program is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. More on the program to follow in another article!

Also included are some fun tidbits, some of which is pertinent to the annual meeting, some of which is not. This newsletter introduces the segment of "15 Questions" which allows us to get to know a member of our own. Our inaugural segment introduces us to newly elected Board of Directors member, Jerry Perry!

We're looking forward to seeing you in Dallas ... and working to make the SIG pertinent and successful all year long!

Mitch and Bill

The "Unofficial" guide to Who's Where When at MLA Dallas 2002….

And to quote Karen Zundel, "Ooh-la-la.....a fitness center! And a coffee maker! I'm in heaven! :-)"

http://www.amerisuites.com/hotels/ajdw.shtml

To quote Lisa Douglas, "The Stores..."

How do I find "my people" once I am at the conference??

The LGBT Health Science Librarians have a long-standing protocol of wearing a tasteful (we wouldn't have anything garish, now would we?) rainbow sticker on their office paper name badge that is issued at the MLA Registration table. Several SIG members have volunteered to help pass out stickers to SIG members and their allies. But it is up to you to seek them out. Yes, this can be a little tricky as a person with a sticker on their badge may not have a stash of stickers to give out themselves. But this is a good way to start up a conversation with complete strangers…

15 Questions with…. Jerry Perry

1. Who is Jerry Perry?

Only his hairdresser knows for sure. His name is Tony Tovar, at Congress Street Hair. Dial 520-624-4599 for an appointment.

2. What is the last good book you've read?

Robert Fagles' translation of Homer's The Iliad. But before that was The Paris Cookbook, by Patricia Wells. I enjoy reading cookbooks, even if I never cook anything in them. I will, however, cook from this one - it's wonderful.

3. What is the last good movie you've seen?

The last one...? The Man Who Wasn't There. Brilliant. And, I saw it for $4!

4. Now that you've been to a MLA Board of Directors meeting, what do you see as your "purpose" as far as the Board is concerned?

My purpose, I feel, is to try my best to keep the organization "real" for the membership. That's why I'm so interested in our creating a truly virtual association via MLANet. It could be such a great way for everyone to engage at whatever level they decide, and get worthwhile benefits, without having to attend the annual meetings or belong to a committee, etc. Doing those things are great, but not everyone has the time or wherewithal.

5. If you could pick one person to be on the board with you, who would it be and why?

So many to choose from! Christina Aguillera is always a good choice for such things, though I would prefer Pink. Or maybe that guy who runs the Kitchen Stadium for The Iron Chef.

6. Alicia Keys or India.Arie?

Absolutely Alicia.

7. Does Queer as Folk help the gay community or hurt it?

Having only seen one episode [where the crystal meth guy was lying on his sick-bed meaning he'd been sick on it and his lover or whatever shows up at the crystal meths guy's drug den or whatever having been waiting for him at home for days or whatever and he goes to kiss the crystal meth dude or whatever and the crystal meth guy say hey, I can't kiss you because my mouth tastes bad because I was vomiting, but they kiss anyway and that's because they're really in love] I would say it definitely helps. But it would be even more useful to our visibility if they would ask Pink to join the cast. She could work at the restaurant and just be bad. I really like Pink. But seriously, the show is sexy and all that, but I really hope that it doesn't matter whether it helps or hinders. I hope we're past looking to Showtime for validation.

8. Toilet paper roll.....over the top or from underneath?

Always over the top.

9. What would your drag name be?

Cumova M'house

10. What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

A former hairdresser steered me away from blue haircoloring. I am grateful. But seriously, Rachael Anderson, my former director, always gave me the best advice just by being encouraging. She was never discouraging, no matter how bad the idea. So, it was advice in a round-about sort of way. I hope that I can be that generous.

11. What is the worst advice someone has ever given you?

In my first post-graduate job I got some very bad advice about how to be a librarian from some very ambitious but mean-spirited folks. I don't remember now what was said, but the gist was to just always watch your ass and to avoid commitment. I think they meant well, given where they were working and what had happened in their lives to get them into the mindsets they held. But hey, it was still stupid advice.

12. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

If I were wealthy beyond belief, I'd say New York City. If I were wealthy almost beyond belief I'd say San Francisco. If I were "just" wealthy I'd say Marvao, Portugal. If I were "comfortable" I'd say Chicago in the summer and San Diego in the winter. If I were doing OK and saving hard, I'd say Tucson. I give this question a lot of thought each time I buy my Powerball ticket.

13. What is your favorite MLA memory?

"Gently gliding" down the stairs at the Kalorama in D.C., but saving the sherry bottle. Remember, it did NOT break or spill.

14. What does the SIG mean to you?

Empowerment.

15. Who should be asked 15 questions in the next newsletter?

Dorrie Slutsker. I find her fascinating and would really like to learn more about her life. I hope she likes Pink.

Annual Meeting SIG-Sponsored Program

Bill Fleming, 2002 Program Chair, has assembled what is certain to be a most informative program on health care delivery to under-served populations, named the Transgendered community. More information about the program is available at the SIG website: http://tigger.uic.edu/~shaffer/mlalgb/2002program.html

For general information about the LGBT Health Science Librarians Special Interest Group (SIG) click here: http://tigger.uic.edu/~shaffer/mlalgb/

SIG Business Meeting

Tuesday
May 21, 2002
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Agenda Items:

• Approve Minutes from 2001 meeting (http://tigger.uic.edu/~shaffer/mlalgb/2001minutes.html)
• SIG Board Vacancies
• San Diego, MLA 2003
• Other ??

Lodging Update, Dallas 2002 (and a sneak peak at San Diego for MLA 2003)

Chicago - April 4, 2002

As of this writing we are just under 50% capacity for our room allotment at the Ameri-Suites, West End, Dallas, tel: 214-999-0500. For instance for Sat., Sun., and Mon. evenings we have booked 10 out of the 20 rooms allotted. Fewer people and fewer rooms for the nights before and after. Rooms are still available if SIG members are still need to make reservations.

However, on May 3, we lose the remaining allotment (those rooms not booked) back to the hotel. Rates then will not be guaranteed at the $125.00 per night (plus tax) rate. One might be able to secure the rate upon request, if available after May 3.

In any case, when making reservations, remember to advise you are part of the "Special Interest Group" to get our group rate. Also, it is advisable to reconfirm reservations for those of you who have already booked. Feel free to contact me at the email or phone below for any questions, clarification needs, etc.

http://www.amerisuites.com/hotels/ajdw.shtml

Richard S. Klein
Director of Library Services/Instructional Media
Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at
Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School
1001 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
tel: 312-280-2486
fax: 312-280-2495
email: rklein@scholl.edu

Bill... With San Diego coming up in just over a year, I have done some hotel investigating near the Town and Country (the conference hotel). I don't know what the conference rate will be at the Town and Country. There is a Days Inn, which is within "easy" (less than 5 to 10 minutes) walking distance from the Town and Country. It is considered one of the better quality Days Inn with pool, and other amenities. And we should be able to get rates for under $100.00 a night (or less). My only concern is that you have to negotiate the Freeway to get to the Town and Country. The Town and Country is directly north of the freeway, and the Days Inn is directly south. My understanding is there is an underpass which links the two places. And it is important that the underpass be pedestrian friendly: decent sidewalks and well-lit at night. People should feel comfortable coming and going, obviously. My colleague at Scripps Mercy which is very close to this area, Penny Ward, will check out the area including the underpass. And she will advise. What's also good is the Days Inn is even closer to the Hillcrest area of San Diego (less than a mile and about a $4.00 cab ride away) which is the LBGT central of San Diego. Should all be kosher, would you like me to pursue this? (You may want to include this in the newsletter). Editor's note: Indeed, we did want to include this…

Remember the Q++ Guide to Chicago (MLA'93)?

Even if you don't, Jon Crossno, and Mitch Walters UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas) and Sally Harvey (Banner Health, Phoenix, AZ; ex-officio UT Southwestern Medical Center) drew up a comprehensive guide of fun things to do to escape the tortures, I mean, rigors of the Annual Meeting.

http://mlanet.org/am/am2002/dallas/lac_faq/lg_connections.html

SIG Social Event - Dinner at the Bronx

The SIG Social Event will be Saturday, May 18, 8pm at the Bronx Restaurant and Bar (3835 Cedar Springs Road, 214.521.5821) We will provide private cars to transport SIG members to the restaurant.

I need a head-count for the dinner. The Bronx is a relatively small place and in order to provide comfortable arrangements, we need to know how many people to expect. So please let me know ASAP if you plan on attending.

Email - mitch.walters@utsouthwestern.edu

The Bronx has Southwestern-influenced bistro food in a friendly neighborhood pub atmosphere. It's located in the middle of Dallas's busiest lesbi-gay entertainment area, so you should plan to stroll the neighborhood after dinner. Please read on to see the menu.

Vegetarian Alert

On the menu following, the Black Bean Ravioli is a vegetarian entree. You may also ask our waiter to have the Potato Skins, the [Chicken] & Spinach Nachos, or the Spinach Angel Hair Pasta prepared as vegetarian dishes. Is this enough vegetarian choices? I want to be sure you have pleasant dining experience.

*****************LGBTHSL SIG Social - Menu*****************

Appetizers

• Potato Skins topped with bacon, pico de gallo, Monterey jack, Cotija and cheddar chesses served with sour cream (6.95)
• Chicken & Spinach Nachos with a yellow corn-black bean pico and feta cheese, topped with guacamole and sour cream (7.95)
• House Salad: assorted greens with garlic croutons, tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing (5.50)

Entrées

• Grilled Rosemary Salmon Fillet over garlic-parsley pasta, served with fresh vegetables (15.00)
• London Broil with a Madeira wine and mushroom sauce, served with a dressed baked potato and fresh vegetables (14.00)
• Spinach Angel Hair Pasta with shrimp, bacon and pine nuts in a roasted garlic cream sauce (14.00)
• Lemon Grass-Roasted Pork Loin with a mango-chilé glaze, served with a rice stix eggroll & fresh vegetables (14.75)
• Baked Chicken Breast stuffed with cheddar grits, topped with a cilantro-lime cream sauce & served with gorgonzola-scalloped new potatoes & fresh vegetables (16.50)
• Black Bean Ravioli with fresh yellow corn, black beans, fresh spinach and red bell peppers in a chipotle cream sauce (12.00)

Desserts

• Chocolate mousse
• crème brulée
• fresh pear pie
• apricot cobbler

Cash Bar Available

************************end of menu****************************

Please let me know if you have questions or suggestions about the menu or anything else.

Mitch Walters
mitch.walters@utsouthwestern.edu

Other Social Events (Potential)

I don't know how y'all want to arrange the "after-hours socials/fun" part of the newsletter. But here's a list of activities (with annotations) I'd be happy to help organize:

Fri (5/17) - Informal Dinner for early arrivals (those teaching/taking CEs; anyone who had a hankering to get to Dallas before the meetings begin, etc.) Be in touch with Bill Karnoscak regarding details. He will be staying at the AmeriSuites.

Sat (5/18) - SIG Dinner and Cedar Springs bar crawl. Of course, the SIG dinner is already set up. It's only natural to continue on to the other establishments on Cedar Springs.

Sun (5/19) - Dallas Museum of Art (afternoon), art-films at Magnolia or Angelika (evening) Ken (Mitch's partner) will be happy to lead customized tours of the DMA; it's also a nice place to have lunch. It's very easy to take the train to either of these brand-new theaters which specialize in art- and independent-type films. Both are in shopping areas with up-scale but inexpensive eateries. I think it would be a pleasant outing.

Mon (5/20) - Informal Get-Together at Mitch's (early evening) Everyone in the SIG is invited to my house. We'll have a picnic in my backyard, relax, gossip, whatever.

Tue (5/21) - Country/Western (beginners) dance lessons at Roundup Saloon. This is where Ken and I learned to two-step. Anyone can do it in one easy lesson, and no one minds if you just stand and watch. Cowboys and cowgirls welcome. We can also have dinner on Cedar Springs somewhere before the dancing.

As I said, I'll be happy to lead a group on any of these excursions. I wonder if we should have some way for people to express interest or "sign up" for the various activities.

Of course this doesn't exhaust the list of things people might want to do in Dallas. Did I hear someone mention shopping? What else can you guys add to the list?

Mitch

The Drag Goddesses have smiled down upon MLA…

Have you heard the news yet? It's true! The USofA pageant system will be crowning Miss Gay USofA 2002 right at the Adams-Mark hotel on Friday 24 May 2002, the very weekend after the MLA festivities have wrapped up. Coincidentally, the preliminaries will be held during the entire week we'll be in Dallas for MLA's annual meeting. So if you're not exhausted by all of the "gayiety" to be had at MLA proper, follow this link (or talk with Bill Fleming, pageant maven extraordinaire)

http://www.usofa.org/MissUSofA/

MLALGBT Home
This page was last updated on September 15, 2004. Credits