PRIDE GUIDE 1998
GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE B-11
Come as you are to the annual Kaleidoscope Gay Prom
by Michael Volpatt
Columbus-"I am so excited because I get to ask who I want to ask to the prom this year!"
These words could come out of any high school senior's mouth. The difference with these words is that they came from a lesbian high school senior who is asking another female (that she happens to like) to the Second Annual Kaleidoscope Alternative Prom.
In 1997, the Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition held their first Gay Prom in Columbus. On the heels of cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, the board mem-
bers of Kaleidoscope wanted to give the youth participants an opportunity to experience the prom on their terms.
"Going to the prom is one of the most important rites of passage for any high school student," said prom chair and Kaleidoscope board member-elect Bob Eckhart. “And although it is true that increasing numbers of same-sex couples are finding the courage to
Are" to illustrate that anyone, whether they are gay or straight or questioning, can attend. The only requirement is that attendees are accepting individuals, open to the integration of all types of people into our culture.
"I was really nervous to attend last year, I didn't know what to expect. When I got there, I forgot about the world outside and
attend their own proms, we felt it was imporjust really enjoyed myself with all of the
tant to host an alternative prom-where samesex couples were the rule instead of the exception."
The youth and board members of Kaleidoscope chose the theme "Come As You
Ameritech group educates fellow workers over lunch
by Lori Selkowitz
Columbus-Beginning in June 1993, a group of gay, lesbian and bisexual employees of Ameritech began gathering for monthly dinners to discuss issues of common interest in the workplace.
Over time, a need was established for a gay, lesbian and bisexual employee group. After developing a mission statement and selecting a name, the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Employees of Ameritech announced itself to the telephone company's equal employment opportunity and diversity managers the following May.
GLEAM's mission is to provide a supportive environment for Ameritech lesbian, gay and bisexual employees to network with one another, encourage professional development, and promote a tolerant and diverse work environment in support of Ameritech's vision and values.
The group is made up of diverse Ameritech employees and retirees, both non-management and management, spread across the company's business units. GLEAM is primarily targeted at gay, lesbian and bisexual
employees, but is open to all Ameritech employees and retirees, regardless of sexual orientation.
With 23 members and growing, the Columbus office of Ameritech is striving each day to make this chapter of GLEAM the biggest and most productive of the chapters.
Meeting twice a month, the group's goals are to educate fellow employees through "lunch and learns” and increase membership throughout all of Ameritech's business units. The group also participated in AIDS Walk '98 and attended the fourth annual GLEAM conference, held at the Douglas Dunes Resort in Saugatuck, Michigan April 24-26.
If you have any questions regarding GLEAM, you may direct them to P.O. Box 252192, West Bloomfield, Mich. 483252192, or e-mail JOETOM1@Prodigy.net.
If you are an Ameritech employee or retiree and would like to join GLEAM, please obtain an application at the address above. Membership is $12 and we encourage all past and current Ameritech employees to join.
Lori Selkowitz is a member of the Columbus chapter of GLEAM.
other kids. It was a blast."
4th St. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased by contacting Kaleidoscope at 614294-7886. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the evening of the prom.
Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition is a notfor-profit organization that provides programming and services to gay lesbian, bisexual
"I forgot about the world outside and just really
enjoyed myself with all of Hearing these the other kids. It was a
words from the mouth of a young gay man further proves
that it is becoming
blast."
easier for our nation's gay youth and gay adults to comfortably speak out about their sexuality.
The prom committee plans to have music from Culture 7, dancing in a beautiful ballroom, and catering (including non-alcoholic beverages) provided by Special Moments.
Youth between the ages of 14 and 21 are welcome to attend. Kaleidoscope board members and certified volunteers will act as chaperones for this exciting event.
This year the prom will be held on Saturday, May 30 starting at 8 pm the YWCA in downtown Columbus (located at 65 South
and transgender youth of Columbus and surrounding ar-
eas.
The center is located at 203 King Avenue at the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Victorian Village, and currently offers drop-in center hours on Wednesdays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Fridays from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
A hotline is also available at 614299-8099 in Columbus, or toll free 800291-9109 if calling outside of the Columbus area. Kaleidoscope can be reached at 614-294-7886; or visit their web site at www.kaieidoscope.org; or write P.O. Box 8104, Columbus, Ohio 43201; or e-mail KYC@kaleidoscope.org.
Michael Volpatt is a member of the Kaleidoscope Youth Group board of directors.
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