Date: Fri, 5 Jan 1996 16:48:40 -0500 From: Virginians For Justice Subject: VJ Newsletter(long) The Voice of Virginians for Justice Jan-Feb 1996 Email Version LEGISLATURE TO CONSIDER REFORM OF HATE CRIMES & C.A.N. LAWS The apparent stifling of the extreme right in November's General Assembly election could afford supporters of equal justice with unprecedented opportunities to make significant progress during the upcoming legislative session. Virginians for Justice is optimistic about improved chances of adding sexual orientation and gender to Virginian's existing hate crimes law as well as making significant progress on the reform of the Crimes Against Nature (sodomy) law. However, we remain cautious because the election seemed to indicate Virginian's support of fiscal moderation rather than an unqualified rejection of the radical right's agenda. We will be counting on VJ supporters and allies to convey to their legislators that equal justice is neither a liberal nor conservative stance, but a legitimate claim of all Virginians. GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS JAN. 10 The 1996 legislative session convenes on January 10 in Richmond, adjourning sixty days later on about March 10. Despite the electorate's apparent rejection of Governor Allen's budgetary initiatives from last session, it is likely that the session will again be dominated by fiscal matters. Unlike last year, the 1996 G.A. will be charged with producing the Commonwealth's biennial budget, so it is even more probable that fiscal matters will saturate the headlines. As detailed below, VJ already has solid bill commitments so with your help, we expect more tangible successes than in previous years. HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION Delegate Jim Almand (D-Arlington) has agreed to submit a bill similar to 1995's HB2143 that will add hate crimes committed on the basis of "sexual orientation and gender" to Virginia's existing hate crimes penalty enhancement laws. Current laws provide a mechanism for additional penalties to be levied against those convicted of several types of crimes (simple assault, assault and battery, and vandalism) if the victim is selected only on the basis of race, religious conviction, color or national origin. Last year's attempt to make the law gay-inclusive (HB2143) failed to clear a House Courts of Justice committee when the committee- members took no action on the bill. VJ lobbyist David Perry has been working with Del. Almand to refine the bill's language, including replacing "sexual preference" with "sexual orientation" in this year's version. As detailed in the November-December issue of The Voice, VJ activated our Anti-Violence Task Force and membership to gain support for hate crimes legislation. Frankly, we were disappointed in the lack of response to our Action Alert. Apparently, very few VJ members contacted their legislators asking for their commitment. However, we were able to rely on a few activists and organizations to drum up some support while several key legislators were in their home districts. Legislators who do not support this change, can be charged with tacitly endorsing violence against a group of Virginians. VJ has been documenting hate crimes with our 1-800-JUSTIC reporting line for three years, so the problem is real. Anti-crime and anti-violence legislation should protect all Virginians, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. C.A.N. REFORM BILL READY VJ is also building support for Delegate Karen Darner's (D- Arlington) bill to override a portion of the Crimes Against Nature (CAN) law. Del. Darner's bill, her third try in as many years, will legalize non-commercial, private, sexual behavior between two consenting persons, 18 years or older. This could be the year that this bill finally progresses beyond committee level in the House of Delegates, so obtaining additional cosponsors and supporters is crucial. Our task is to convince legislators that the Crimes Against Nature law, reprinted below, applies to ALL Virginians, including themselves, and that it NEEDS TO GO! This is not just a cute anachronistic relic of long ago, but an insidious law that is used to repress lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians. For example: despite the Virginia Supreme Court's poorly disguised attempts to rationalize, Sharon Bottoms lost custody of her son because of her lesbianism and the existence of the CAN law. As with many pieces of controversial legislation, this bill will likely take several years to make its way through the legislature. However, in this our third year of pushing the bill, there is potential for a great leap forward. With sufficient contact from their constituents, legislators may decide that 1996 is the year that Virginia finally joins the 20th century. Section 18.2-361. Crimes against nature. A. If any person carnally knows in any manner any brute animal, or carnally knows any male or female person by the anus or by or with the mouth, or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge, he or she shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony, except as provided in subsection B. B. Any person who carnally knows by the anus or by or with the mouth his daughter or granddaughter, son or grandson, brother or sister, or father or mother shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent commits any such act with his child or grandchild and such child or grandchild is at least thirteen but less than eighteen years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony. Darner's bill will override a portion of Subsection A. ONLY REVISIT OF BOTTOMS CASE ON JAN. 12 On January 12, just two days after the G.A. convenes, a Richmond circuit court judge is scheduled to hear new testimony in the Sharon Bottoms child custody case. Sharon's attorneys at the Virginia ACLU have been granted the hearing to ascertain whether changes in both Sharon's and her mother's living conditions warrant a change in custody of young Tyler Doustou. Testimony is expected to focus on Sharon's improved stability and financial status as well as the decreased stability and income of Kay Bottoms. It is not yet clear how a judge will interpret last year's Virginia Supreme Court ruling, i.e., if Sharon's lesbianism, per se, will prevent her from obtaining custody despite her improved parenting abilities. The fallout from the Bottoms case continues to raise public awareness of the CAN law's existence, so the timing of this new hearing should assist in bringing attention to Del. Darner's bill. YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED NOW! Now that we have firm commitments from Dels. Darner and Almand, VJ supporters should contact both your delegate and senator asking them to cosponsor and/or support these bills. If the bills are to move forward, bipartisan support is needed as well as the support of legislators from across the Commonwealth. Darner and Almand have taken an important first step, but they will need the backing of a politically and geographically diverse group of delegates and senators -- that's where VJ supporters have their work cut out for them. As of press time, there were not yet bill numbers assigned to these two pieces of legislation. Nonetheless, you can ask for your legislators' vote. Personal visits are most effective, but a letter or phone call to their home office, or their Richmond office after the session starts, will help. By the time you receive this newsletter, bill numbers may be available. Phone our Richmond office for this information and to receive legislative updates throughout the session. We will be quite busy, but will get back to you as quickly as possible. The best time to reach us is between 9:00am and 1:00pm. If you are on the Internet, save time and money by subscribing to our email list to obtain legislative updates or email us directly: va4justice@aol.com Those on the World Wide Web can get up-to-date legislative information directly at http://www.state.va.us/dlas/br1996.htm Please phone or write your legislators before January 20 to have the biggest impact. With your help we can make The Commonwealth a safer and more just place to live. HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS If you do not know your legislators' names or phone numbers, they can be obtained from your local voter registrar or VJ before the session starts. During the legislative session, call: 1-800-889-0229 (in the Richmond area, 225-4973) and, what is more important, use this number to register support of or opposition to a particular issue or bill. Operators will be available 7:00AM until 7:00PM, but generally will record only your support or opposition. Be aware that the line is generally not staffed by state workers until the session starts and it is increasingly busy as the session progresses. Most effective is writing a personal note to your legislators during the session. Write to: The Honorable xxxx The Honorable xxxxx Senate of Virginia House of Delegates PO Box 396 PO Box 406 Richmond, VA 23203 Richmond, VA 23218 VJ recently purchased what is commonly known as a Precinct Locator. The Locator allows us to provide your House and Senate district numbers and to quickly locate all VJ members in a targeted legislator's district. Unfortunately, due to the Locator's high cost, we were unable purchase it in time to automate the process for the 1996 General Assembly. This spring, after this important new tool is integrated into VJ's membership database, paid VJ members will begin receiving quick reference materials with contact information for your legislators and relevant state government offices. FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) Fortunately, last year's attempts to eliminate or weaken FLE in public schools failed. Although these moves were not explicitly anti- gay, VJ believes that tinkering with sex education would have a drastic affect on gay and lesbian youth. If FLE is abolished or access is limited, young Virginians will be much more likely to be ignorant about HIV transmission and sexuality in general. Virginia's current state-mandated FLE program does require that students be taught about sexual disease transmission and human sexuality, but has no requirement for, nor prohibition of, the mention of homosexuality. Control of sex education in public schools has quickly become a focal point for the national radical religious right's agenda, so Virginia is not likely to escape homophobic attacks on FLE. Following the extreme right's lead in other states, and after being rebuked in the legislature last year, it is entirely possible that Gov. Allen and his anti-gay cohorts will attempt to use homosexuality as a wedge issue to instigate the dismantling of FLE. If FLE should come under attack, VJ encourages you to contact your legislators to oppose all attempts to water down FLE or to change to an "opt-in", rather than the current "opt-out", system. ANTI-GAY LEGISLATION If any anti-gay bills should materialize, we will be sure to sound the alarm by initiating phone trees and sending Internet action alerts. Action alerts sent through the U.S. postal service, while able to reach many people, are quite expensive and are simply not quick enough to be effective, so we will be relying on spreading the word electronically. VJ LOBBY DAY JANUARY 29 Virginians for Justice will hold our sixth annual Citizens Lobby Day on Monday, January 29, in Richmond. In addition to lobbying on legislative priorities, Lobby Day is a perfect opportunity to meet your legislators; to learn how laws are made (or disposed of), and to help guide VJ strategies. The impact of our message of equal justice will have a much greater impact if we can turn out in significant numbers on Monday, January 29. It is important that Lobby Day participants attempt to make advance appointments to see their state senator and delegate. See "How to Contact Your Legislators" to obtain your legislators' Richmond phone numbers. The General Assembly session is very hectic, so legislators are often difficult to meet without an appointment. In fact, the unpredictable nature of the G.A. can often cause legislators to cancel appointments. If you are unable to secure an appointment, or if your legislator is forced to cancel on Lobby Day, your legislators' aides are available and eager to meet with you. Aides are in many ways just as important to talk with. They help guide legislators in taking a stand on bills as well as tallying and reporting the pulse of their constituency. If you are a bit intimidated by the prospect of meeting with your legislators, don't fret because we will try to match citizen lobbyists in pairs. Visiting in pairs can be less intimidating and allows your lobby partner to reiterate important talking points while giving the impression that you are not just a rogue constituent. As you can see from the schedule below, you may be asked to sit in on committee meetings. It is in these meetings that anti-gay or anti- lesbian rhetoric is most prevalent, so we will be monitoring them throughout the session. It is also very educational to witness these meetings where lawmaking is most tangible. Lobby Day participants are encouraged to arrive early at our Lobby Day headquarters, Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel, just across from Capitol Square in downtown Richmond. The day will begin at 9:00AM, but our hotel suite will be staffed throughout the day if you are unable to arrive early. Lobby Day Schedule 9:00AM Gather at the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel in the VJ suite. for strategizing 9:30AM Lobby visits with legislators and their staffers. 10:30AM Committee meetings and more lobby visits. Noon Attend Senate and House of Delegates session. 12:30PM Lunch 1:30PM Gather for strategizing and more lobbying. 3:00PM Reception and debriefing -- VJ Hospitality Suite back in the hotel. VJ LOBBY DAY HQ Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel 901 Bank Street 804-343-7300 (Just south of Capitol Bldg. in Downtown Richmond) From I-64 Westbound: Take the 5th St-Downtown exit. Follow 5th about 9 blocks to Cary St. and turn left. Take Cary to 9th St. and turn left. After 2 short blocks, the hotel is on your right at the corner of 9th and Bank. Look for public lot parking. From I-95 SouthBound/I-64 Eastbound: Take the Broad St. exit turning right onto Broad. Turn left onto 12th St. and turn right when you reach Main Street. Follow Main to 9th St. and turn right. The hotel is on your right as described above. AIDS LOBBY DAY FEB. 7 This year's AIDS Lobby Day is particularly important because of the recent forecasts of budget shortfalls combined with the omnipresent threat that the homophobia of the Allen administration could filter into AIDS policies. We encourage you to attend AIDS Lobby Day and to voice your disapproval of cutting any AIDS education or treatment funds. State government has maintained a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude about HIV/AIDS and we would hate for that to change. For more information contact Fan Free Clinic (804-358-6343) or Jay Fissette (703-237-4900). LEGISLATIVE SUMMARIES ON INTERNET As during the past two General Assembly sessions, Virginians for Justice, will be distributing legislative action alerts and summaries over the Internet by using our e-mail list, "virginia-news". This list allows for virtually instantaneous distribution of information. Subscribers to the list will be provided with up-to-date summaries of legislation, committee meeting schedules and votes affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities. VJ also encourages all supportive individuals and organizations with Internet access to use the e-mail activist network to publicize their own news, action items and events of interest. The only requirements are that announcements should be of interest to supporters of equal justice for gay, lesbian and bisexual Virginians. If you are interested in receiving legislative updates via virginia- news, send subscribe virginia-news to: majordomo@vector.casti.com You will then receive electronic copies of all correspondence that is deemed relevant by the network's moderator. If you are interested in contacting VJ directly via the Internet, you may still e-mail us at: va4justice@aol.com NOTICE: We need help monitoring the General Assembly! Our primary lobbyist, David Perry, is strictly a volunteer due to VJ's budgetary limitations, so he also maintains a full-time job. If you can spare one day per week, or even one afternoon or morning periodically, please phone VJ's Richmond office. VHDA RECOMMENDS DISCRIMINATORY LOAN POLICIES On Tuesday, December 19, the Virginia Housing Development Authority proposed a reversal of a policy adopted in June 1994 that liberalized regulations so that "households" could qualify for affordable housing assistance rather than just "families". In a 6 to 1 vote, VHDA commissioners recommended that the regulation explicitly restrict VHDA loans for first-time low and moderate income home buyers to people related by blood, marriage or adoption with exemptions for elderly and disabled people living together who have a personal or financial hardship. The policy, if approved, has no effect on banks other private mortgage lenders. When the VHDA adopted the progressive policies in 1994, Gov. Allen attempted to reverse the change, claiming it promoted homosexuality, but his sphere of influence did not cover VHDA actions. During the 1995 General Assembly, Gov. Allen also requested legislation condemning the VHDA's action, but the bill failed. The Governor persisted and it has paid off for him: in the last year he has appointed six new members to the ten member board, including its Director, David Caprara of Richmond. After the Dec. 19 vote, Caprara was reported to have said that the VHDA's mission is to support hard-working families and gay/lesbian and unmarried couples are not families by Virginia's historical definition. VHDA PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 19 At this juncture, the VHDA has simply recommended the policy change. The new policy is not yet in effect because the VHDA is required to conduct a public hearing before a final vote is taken. VJ is requesting that supporters attend the Jan. 19 VHDA hearing and testify against the proposed change. The hearing will take place at 10:00AM at the VHDA office in Richmond. It is expected that the commissioners will not take their final vote on the policy until a subsequent meeting in January -- perhaps as soon as January 23. The vast majority of those effected by this change are unmarried heterosexual cohabitors, so gay and non-gay allies alike need to be vocal in rejecting the new policy. If you are unable to attend the hearing, we suggest that you write to all the commissioners of the VHDA, criticizing their proposal. However, Al Eisenberg of Arlington was the lone dissenter in the 6-1 vote, so he should be praised for standing up to Governor Allen's homophobic and regressive appointees. It is possible for your written statement to be entered into the hearing's record if you ask the commissioners to do so. VHDA Commissioners: Stephen J. Britt (DC) David L. Caprara (Director, Richmond) Pablo Cuevas (Mount Crawford) Tracey S. DeBoissiere (Arlington) Albert C. Eisenberg (Arlington) Sam Kornblau (Richmond) Michael G. Miller (Richmond) Gerald G. Poindexter, Esq. (Surry) Michael J. Schewel, Esq. (Richmond) Ronald L. Tillett (Richmond) Write: Virginia Housing Development Authority 601 S. Belvidere Street Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: (800) 968-7837 Fax: (804) 344-6790 Virginians for Justice representatives plan to attend the Jan. 19 meeting to monitor and to testify. FOCUS on HATE CRIMES: '95 Hate Crimes Reporting Forms Due As Virginians for Justice works to build support for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender in Virginia's hate crimes laws, we ask for your assistance in gathering year-end statistics. We need you, as supporters of equal justice, to take the lead by reporting hate crimes that may have gone unreported during 1995. Below you will find a Hate Crimes Report Form that is typically mailed to those who call our 1-800-2JUSTIC hate crimes reporting line. If you are aware of any incidents, whether or not you were the victim, that might be classified as a hate crime or even discrimination, we ask that you complete a form. Send the form to VJ and these incidents will be included in the statistics and case histories that will comprise our 1995 Report on Hate Crimes in Virginia -- to be distributed to legislators and the media during this winter's General Assembly session. If any organization or group in your area of the state collects information on hate crimes based on sexual orientation and/or gender, we ask that they forward their reports. The number of incidents reported to VJ has been slowly dropping over that past two years, but we do not believe this is an indication that hate crimes are lessening. In fact, we continue to learn of horrible incidents of violence and intimidation that go unreported. Because the legislature convenes on January 10, it is imperative that we quickly collect 1995's reports so they can be included in our annual report. We will be accepting 1995 reports until January 31, but reports returned before January 13 will also be included in the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Program's national hate crimes report. This new nationwide coalition of anti-violence projects, of which VJ is a member, will be releasing nationwide statistics in March. We also ask that you remind your friends and acquaintances about the reporting line. If appropriate, copy the reporting form and make it available to others that you suspect of being hate crime victims. For obvious reasons, we ask that valid incidents only be reported. Please keep this form handy in the unfortunate circumstance that you should be a victim or witness to a hate crime sometime in the future. Even if the legislature and Governor Allen should agree to modify Virginia's hate crimes law (not a certainty by any means), VJ plans to continue to collect discrimination and hate crimes histories. As always, you can also call 1-800-2JUSTIC Virginians for Justice Hate Crimes Reporting Form Witness//Caller Information Gender: Age: Race/Ethnicity: Relationship to victim(s) A) victim D) family B) friend E) witness C) partner F) organization How did witness/caller gain knowledge of line/reporting form? Incident Information Date: Day: Time: Location (street, home, bar, etc.): Address: Type of incident (circle all that apply): A) anti-gay/lesbian language G) arson B) verbal threats H) homicide C) punched, hit or kicked I) robbery D) sexual assault J) threatened with weapon or object E) chased or followed K) attacked with weapon or object F) vandalism L) held against will What was said or done to indicate bias based on sexual orientation or HIV status? Physical injury to victim? Police notified? Report taken? Arrests made? Suspect Information Perpetrator #1 Perpetrator #2 Perpetrator #3 Race/Ethnicity Age Gender Weapons Victim Information Perpetrator #1 Perpetrator #2 Perpetrator #3 Race/Ethnicity Age Gender Sexual Orientation Residence Please write a brief narrative of the incident on a separate sheet. Include incident specifics such as police notification and response, type of incident, type of bias, damage to property or person, relationship of victims and any other pertinent information. Optional Information: Is this information releasable for case history? Is caller/victim interested in media interviews? Caller/victim/witness name Address Phone VJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Members and the areas they represent: Gary Antonucci - Secretary 804-253-0789 (1st Congressional District, Williamsburg) Bob Greene 804-355-6218 (At-Large, Richmond) Patrick Heck 804-622-1695 (3rd CD, Norfolk) Penny Huggins 804-353-0517 (7th CD, Richmond) Bonnie Rabichow - Treasurer 703-360-1261 (8th CD, Alexandria) Sarah Richardson - Chair 804-932-8187 (At-large, New Kent) Heather Womer Ashburn 804-222-5802 (At-large, Richmond) NEW RICHMOND DIRECTOR APPOINTED The VJ Board of Directors is proud to announce the recent appointment of Bob Greene of Richmond to an At-Large Directorship. Bob is a longtime Richmond resident who brings a keen eye for grassroots activism, and a great deal of enthusiasm to the Board. Welcome! NOTE FROM THE CHAIR If you've been thinking you'd like to become more involved in working towards equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, Virginians for Justice has many different ways you can do just that. Come to VJ's board meetings. On the third Saturday of every month, we gather to discuss the work we are doing, plan for the future, and eat unusual forms of snack food. These meetings are open to any VJ members, and we welcome your thoughts on how to achieve the goals we are working towards. If you feel ready for the challenge of leadership, VJ is actively seeking new board members. In addition, VJ also has many different tasks that are waiting for willing volunteers. Since VJ's organization has three main branches-- the Anti-violence Task Force, the Legislative Task Force, and the Development Task Force -- you can choose the area that appeals to you most. Anti-violence work includes answering the "Hate Crimes Reporting Line" in our office, acting as an advocate for hate-crimes survivors, or helping to compile VJ's annual Hate Crimes Report. Legislative work includes lobbying, legislative research, tracking legislators, and monitoring court cases or the executive branch. Development work can include public relations, writing and designing educational materials, organizing fundraising events, writing grant proposals, or acting as volunteer coordinator. Besides supporting work that can improve your life in the long run, volunteering with VJ provides the short-term benefit of giving you great experience with organizational work. And, of course, you can meet some really interesting people! Pick up the phone and give us a call, at (804) 643-4816. BOARD OF DIRECTORS VACANCIES As we've mentioned, the results of the election and the increasing influence of gay-supportive Virginians is providing VJ with new opportunities to move forward in the fight for equal rights. However, VJ's Board of Directors is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain our efforts without ample leadership from our membership and supporters across the state. Frankly, we are spread a little thin. Although interested in all qualified candidates, we particularly seek Board members from the following areas: Northern VA Charlottesville Southwest VA Northwest VA The Eastern Shore Southside VA Suburban Richmond/Petersburg VA Beach/Chesapeake/Portsmouth Hampton/Newport News Roanoke Valley/Blacksburg As you can see, many areas of the state are not represented or are severely under-represented. If you might be interested in representing your area of the state call VJ and we'll fill you in. ANNUAL ELECTIONS ON THE HORIZON This year's annual VJ Board of Directors elections will be held in April/May. If you are interested in running for a Board of Directors seat, please contact our Richmond office as soon as possible. The nomination process is underway and will be completed in February. We seek a diverse Board free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, age, handicap or political affiliation. If you might be interested, or if you have a candidate to recommend, please contact our Richmond office or phone the chair of our board, Sarah Richardson, at 804-932-8187. Virginians for Justice ON THE ROAD If any group is interested in learning how to influence local legislators or learning more about the laws that affect the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Virginians, VJ is more than willing to travel to your part of the state. Contact our office for information. Here are some of our recent travels: Fairfax Lesbian and Gay Citizens Association November 13, Fairfax - VJ's Anti-Violence Task Force Coordinator, Rick Price, spoke on hate crimes penalty enhancement, advocacy, VJ's ongoing project to identify Virginia employers with gay-inclusive EEO policies, and made attendees aware of the upcoming General Assembly. Longwood College November 14, Longwood - David Perry and Shirley Lesser spoke to a sociology class at Longwood College, including lesbigay awareness and discussions of Virginia laws. Norfolk State Univ./Old Dominion Univ. December 6, Portsmouth - Legislative Coordinator, Patrick Heck addressed a social work class at the Tri-Cities campus of Norfolk State University. Discussion focused on the oppressive environment experienced by Virginia's lesbigays due to anti-gay laws and judicial rulings. MEMBERSHIP CONTEST EXTENDED TO MARCH 1 During VJ's recently concluded Fall Membership Campaign, we made important inroads in many areas of the Commonwealth. However, we did fall short of our goal of obtaining 100 new supporters of equal justice. In hopes of boosting our membership numbers during this crucial time of year, VJ has extended our Membership Competition until March 1, 1996. The annual campaign and the membership contest are focused on building our grassroots lobbying capabilities by gaining new members. THE PRIZE: The person that is able to recruit the most new paid VJ members before March 1, 1996, will win a $100 gift certificate to the Virginia restaurant of their choice. THE RULES: All current VJ members are eligible to participate, excluding VJ staff and Directors. Persons who are not up-to-date members must first pay their membership dues prior to becoming eligible. Their membership cannot be applied to the contest. If there should be a tie in the number of new members, the largest amount of money raised from the new memberships will determine the winner. Simply clip one of the membership forms included in this issue of The Voice, or use any other membership form you may have. If you run out, copies of the form are acceptable. Either you or your recruited members should send VJ the membership form with an annotation indicating the VJ recruiter to which the membership should apply. Membership dues should also be enclosed. We already have several entries who are combing their address books to find friends who should be Virginians for Justice supporters! VJ WISH LIST The following items are needed to keep our office operating smoothly: A ream or box of plain white copy paper. Fax paper rolls, 1/2" core diameter, to fit a Savin SX 1000. 32¢ stamps (books, rolls, sheets, ...) We can use any amount that you can send from 1 to 100. Laser printer supplies and/or service. Our printer, an IBM Laserprinter E, is still sick! Service for a Xerox 1020 Marathon Copier. Perhaps you know of a used copier elsewhere? If you are interested in volunteering, or underwriting or donating an item, please phone VJ. RICHMOND HOUSE PARTY DRAWS NEW MEMBERS On Friday evening, December 8, more than 40 Richmonders gathered in the home of VJ member Del McWhorter. Attendees were treated to sumptuous hors'douevres and a variety of beverages, as well as the opportunity to chat with VJ staff and board members. By the end of the evening, more than $450 was contributed to VJ and, just as importantly, six brand new members came on board as supporters of equal justice. If you are interested in a similar house party, contact VJ for details. We do virtually all of the work in preparing for the party, but do rely on the hosts to invite persons who might be interested in helping or joining VJ. The Richmond party was particularly successful because Del asked several friends to co-host the party with her. Thanks a bunch! CALENDAR OF VIRGINIA EVENTS Jan. 10 - General Assembly convenes Jan. 13 - Breaking the Ice Winter Pride Festival: Norfolk, call 804-587-0310 for info. Jan. 20 - VJ Board meeting: Richmond Jan. 29 - Virginians for Justice Lobby Day: Richmond Jan. 31 - NOW Lobby Day: Richmond, 804-353-3616 Feb. 7 - AIDS Lobby Day: Richmond - call Fan Free Clinic 804-358- 6343 or Jay Fissette 703-237-4900 Feb. 17 - VJ Board meeting: Richmond Mar. 10 - General Assembly adjourns VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VJ is searching for volunteers to work in our Richmond office and as volunteers in other areas of the state. Time commitments can range from a few hours per month to several hours each week. Available tasks include: Volunteering to lobby the General Assembly for several days during the 1996 session. Working on a research and data entry project that will identify our member's legislative districts. Hosting a House Party in your area. All you have to do is host a small party while VJ staff and Board members do the rest! Call for info. Answering phones or keeping records. The Voice is published bi-monthly by Virginians for Justice PO Box 342 Richmond, VA 23218-0342 804-643-4816 va4justice@aol.com Virginians for Justice advances equal justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and those affected by the HIV epidemic, through the state's legislative, administrative and judicial systems. For those who carry an Uncommon Clout credit card: Please consider voting for VJ in Uncommon Clout's annual balloting for distribution of their charitable donations! DOES YOUR COMPANY PROTECT IT"S EMPLOYEES? VJ's effort to document Virginia employers that have anti- discrimination protections in place is quickly coming up to speed. We request that our members send written copies of any employer policies or regulations that provide protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the workplace. To date, we have received several responses, but still are lacking written confirmation for most employers. We will periodically publish an updated list in The Voice. The list will become an invaluable tool not only for VJ's efforts in the General Assembly, but will become an important resource for anyone who wishes to influence their employer's Equal Employment Opportunity policies. Our experience tells us that many workers, both private and public, are often unaware that they are protected or, worse yet, may mistakenly believe they are covered. Please send us any information that you may have so we can accurately document the situation. Do you have any newspaper articles, video, research results, legal briefs or similar material that VJ might need in our issue archives? If so, give us call or send it to our Richmond headquarters. We are building a resource of documents that relate to hate crimes, child custody, Crimes Against Nature, gay-related research, anti-gay activities, etc.. We receive many requests from legislators, researchers and the media for this info. It will remain in good hands! USE THESE FORMS TO ENTER THE MEMBERSHIP CONTEST OR TO JOIN VJ! Feel free to copy them too. " - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you haven't yet, join VJ and we will keep you informed about our work to obtain equal justice for ALL Virginians Enclosed is my Annual Membership of: INDIVIDUAL $25 Regular $40 Family $100 Major Donor $200 Sponsor $400 Patron $ (other) Please make check payable to Virginians for Justice. Thank You. VJ's primary activity is lobbying, so contributions are not tax- deductible. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE VJ has compiled a list of Virginia attorneys who are willing to assist the lesbian and gay community. They are knowledgeable on issues of concern to sexual minorities, so please take advantage of their assistance. If you or someone you know is in need of legal advice, please call VJ at 804-643-4816. SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM VJ offers our organizational and corporate donors the opportunity to show their support by becoming Advertising Sponsors. VJ Advertising Sponsors can advertise in The Voice, thereby reaping the benefits of gaining publicity among VJ readers as well as securing a tax benefit for their business. Rates for a full year (six issues) of advertising sponsorship are: $125 - Bronze ($100 non-profit) $250 - Silver ($200 non-profit) $500 - Gold ($400 non-profit) The Voice reaches more than 1,500 Virginia homes, organizations, and businesses. Add yours to the list by contacting VJ at 804-643- 4816. Virginians Against Domestic Violence 2850 Sandy Bay Rd., #101 Williamsburg, VA 23185 Virginia Family Violence Hotline 1-800-838-8238 Virginia's Secret A Transgender Support Organization PO Box 7386 Richmond, VA 23221 804-222-6796 Fairfax Lesbian and Gay Citizens Assoc. Serving the Entire Fairfax County Area PO Box 2322 Springfield, VA 22152 703-451-9528 Dignity - Northern Virginia Gay and Lesbian Catholics and Friends PO Box 10037 Arlington VA 22210 703-912-1662 Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond 2501 Park Avenue Richmond VA 23220 804-353-9477 Nesbit Hair & Cetera 804-355-8775 Main Street Therapy and Fan Tan 804-355-9941 2215 and 2219 West Main Street Richmond VA 23220 The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance Serving the Arlington Area PO Box 324 Arlington, VA 22210 703-522-7660 The Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association PO Box 19401 Alexandria, VA 22320 703-684-0444 NORFOLK FLORIST "Hampton Roads' Finest" 8 locations throughout Hampton Roads charge by phone: 804-464-1515 out of town customers: 800-873-1550 ILLUMINESSENCE Special Event Lighting Norfolk, Virginia 804-588-0638 EFFINAR STUDIOS LTD. Haircare 2163 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22222 703-524-1940 THE TIDEWATER BEARS PO Box 2241 Denbigh, VA 23609-0241 804-622-8755 MacGraphics, Inc. Production of Brochures, Ads, Newsletters, Logos, Menus 198 S. Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 804-486-3546 804-431-1547(fax) American Express Financial Advisors, Inc. Gregory F. Smith, Certified Financial Planner Suite 190, Chadwick Bldg., 5029 Corporate Woods Dr. VA Beach, VA 23462 804-490-2705, 804-473-8678(fax) William & Mary Gay & Lesbian Alumni A nationwide organization of Wm. & Mary alumni PO Box 15141 Washington, DC 20003