The Walls Line the Void

Exponent Opinion - Indiana Democrat Boycott

2012-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

I wrote another opinion letter to the Exponent, Purdue's student newspaper, and it got printed today. I don't see it posted on the website yet, but sometimes they take a while to do so. It will appear on the Purdue Exponent Opinions page when posted. Here is what I said:

I would like to thank the Indiana Democrats who are boycotting the Indiana General Assembly. The job of an Indiana representative, from my understanding, is to represent and serve their constituents and the people of the state. The Indiana Democrats are thus doing their job, regardless of the rhetoric saying otherwise. They are doing their job in the only way they have left – outright boycott.

The Republicans have been steamrolling the Democrats and the people of Indiana. They are advancing a divisive agenda that hurts Indiana residents, and I am glad that the Democrats are standing up against this agenda. Enough is enough.

Indiana Republicans have pushed their agenda to its edges. Bills they have worked on include trying to ban same-sex couples from any level of legal representation by amending the Indiana constitution. The legislature also had a broad immigration policy that has worried many people, not just undocumented immigrants but also legal residents and even citizens about potential profiling. The education reform bill will serve to undermine our already under-resourced schools. The abortion issue has been pushed so far as to threaten the availability of contraceptives and STD testing for some people. Republicans have proposed bills to threaten science education and also to allow schools to mandate saying the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of the day.

The Republican legislature has hit their full overreach – going after working people. Many people depend on unions, or benefit from their employers comparing pay and benefits to unionized businesses. Regardless of how you may feel about any one of these issues their summation goes to show that the Democratic representatives ARE doing their job. They are representing the people of Indiana who are being trampled.

Many of the bills I am referencing here I discuss in my post about Indiana's General Assembly hurting all of us.

The Exponent actually had opinion letters today, partially in reference to a horrible commentary yesterday by a climate change denier. Depending on how much attention that issue gets I may write another opinion letter (likely on how it is sad that it has become acceptable to deny science).

SOPA/PIPA

2012-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

A "Really?" Moment concerning a Tippecanoe Islamic Center

2012-01-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

I did not attend the meeting, but just saw this article on Tippecanoe County approving a rezoning for an Islamic Center. The article pretty much gave me a quick reaction of "Really people? Really?" I was glad the center was approved, but was surprised at some of the comments people made.

Currently there is an Islamic center near campus. I regularly walk by it to get between my dorm and academic campus. It isn't much, a two story building and a gazebo. It is clear they don't have enough parking at times, but I have not ever seen it rowdy. It is pretty much what you would expect from a religious center. To my knowledge the center itself is not a source of disruption.

The article shows one person worried about increased pollution, essentially an issue with any building being built in an agricultural area. Something I can understand, I have my own reservations about suburban sprawl, and I think we should generally encourage growth inside cities rather than development outside of them. That is understandable, and nothing to complain about.

The problem are the rest of the comments. Here is one that really irks me:

"They voted to rezone property for the Islamic Society to build a community center, an elementary school and a mosque," Hall said. "Shouldn't those 13 government members of the commission consider the implications of putting American citizens in harm's way?"

How in the world are American citizens being put in harms way by this? I mean I may be misunderstanding this quote, I wasn't there, and they could mean increased traffic or something, but I'm assuming that isn't the case. I think the implication is very anti-Muslim. I would like an explanation of how this puts American citizens in harm's way. Really, how? I really hope they mean something like traffic or the dangers of suburban sprawl.

I just don't get it. Sure, I dislike how many different groups' rights are treated in Islam. I think women having to cover their hair is archaic. I think the treatment of LGBTQ people by the Islamic religion is often appalling. I dislike the notion that there is only one correct way, that theirs is the only one correct answer, and I think those stem strongly from monotheism. Yet to think that the Muslims in the Lafayette area are in some way putting American citizens in danger is wrong. I may disagree heavily with the religion, but it has as much of a right to build a community center as any other religion. A right I firmly believe should be protected.

Another statement that bothers me is this:

"Bottom line, my concern about your position is why not pledge allegiance to the flag?" Davis said.

I know of a few people who belong to Christian groups that do not pledge allegiance to the flag because they won't pledge allegiance to anything but their god. Would one of these Christian groups be questioned on this point if they had been the ones wanting to build the center? I don't say the pledge of allegiance because I think nationalism is dangerous, if I wanted to have this rezoned to put a used bookstore there, would that be questioned of me? Just because somebody doesn't say the pledge of allegiance doesn't mean they hate America.

I am concerned that people would question the right of an Islamic community center to be built. It makes me very uncomfortable. On Hillel (the campus Jewish center), there is a sign stating that the property is under video surveillance. I worry that this says something about the campus community, and I don't like what it has to say. I think of the things that people yell at the Islamic center from their cars. I think of the vandalism that has occurred to the Society of Nontheists' display case, or to various organization's fliers that are frequently removed. I think of some of the experiences I have had (College of Ag, being shouted at, and of course fliers). I think of the Purdue Diversity Assessment. These events don't bode well for the religious (and lack thereof) inclusiveness of the Purdue community. It seems pretty one-sided to me. I hope the situation improves.

I also quickly want to make a plug for Purdue's online bias reporting form. If you personally feel that you have experienced religious bias (or any other bias for that matter), even if it is trivial, I encourage you to send in a statement on this form. You can report anonymously, and action does not have to be taken, but it is important for the administration to realize just how big of a problem these issues are. Maybe then they will be able to take action.

Occupy Purdue Press Release for December 10th

2011-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

For those interested I just received this in my email (note I have removed the phone numbers). I have only attended one General Assembly for Occupy Purdue, but I know that it has been working on some pretty awesome stuff:

###
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
###
December 8th, 2011
Press Contacts:
Occupy Purdue
Josh Iddings – [Removed]
Jubin Rahatzad– [Removed]
Lamise Shawahin – [Removed]
Benjamin Gehlausen – [Removed]

Occupy Purdue
Human Rights Day: Global Day of Action

West Lafayette, IN – A coalition of West Lafayette organizations and community members will hold a rally and march in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street movement and Human Rights Day on December 10th, 2011. The date corresponds with the Global Day of Action for Human Rights Day. The family-friendly rally will take place at 3:00pm in front of Lambert Stadium, followed by a march that will begin at 4:00pm. The march will be along Northwestern Avenue, turning right after MSEE and will conclude at the engineering fountain. Following the march, at 5:00pm there will be a general assembly (GA) meeting. Members of Occupy Purdue will explain the GA protocol and provide a few short speeches, then open forum where all present are welcome to speak

Global civil society is being threatened by a system based on ruthless exploitation and the violation of fundamental human values, a system which represses basic freedoms and consistently prioritizes the greed of the few over the needs of the many. The people at the helm of this system profit immensely from war, environmental disasters, and economic meltdowns, and they rely on brutal dictatorships worldwide to protect those profits Dr. Noam Chomsky, long time political activist and professor at MIT said, “The Occupy Movements are the first substantial popular response to a sustained assault on the general population that has been underway for 30 years.” Chomsky continued, “The movements have real promise for moving on to energize a major popular movement that will confront and reverse tendencies that are harming Americans badly today and are likely to do worse tomorrow. The Purdue initiatives are very welcome steps forward on this desperately needed path.”

April Burke, a member of the occupy movement described what attracted her to the movement, “I am a member of Occupy Purdue and the global occupy movement because I am dedicated to fostering social and economic justice for all persons. I see this as an opportunity for people to come together to discuss and change the failures of our current economic, political, and social systems.” Burke continued, “these systems prevent us from living together in peace and reaching our fullest potentials.”

For more information on the Occupy Movement, we encourage you to attend the general assembly meeting or visit http://occupywallst.org/ and http://occupytogether.org/.

The Global Day of Action rally and march will take place on Saturday December 10th at 3:00pm in front of Lambert Stadium. Lambert Stadium is located on the corner of Northwestern Avenue and Mackey Arena. The rally and march will be entirely family-friendly and inclusive.

###

*
Occupy Purdue is a group of community members and organizations responding to the ongoing financial, social, and environmental struggles in the United States through peaceful demonstration and community education.
*
www.facebook.com/occupypurdue
twitter: @purdueoccupy
purdueoccupy@gmail.com.
*

Richard Wilkinson: How economic inequality harms societies

2011-11-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Occupy Movement tries to address income inequality. I feel some people aren't sold on income inequality, but the link of quality of life and income inequality is strong. This is true for both the wealthy and the poor. Here is some evidence:

Occupy Wall Street Ingenuity

2011-11-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

The things that Occupy Wall Street has done is amazing me and I think it is fantastic. The fact that they set up a library, set it up quickly, and were so worried about it when the entire encampment was disrupted was unique by itself. The mic of the people is awesome, as is the fact that democracy is used to make decisions.

The movement keeps amazing me. I just saw that today that a Thanksgiving meal will be served at Occupy Wall Street. It flows so nicely from the idea! The fact that in the face of everything Occupy has been through, and our country has been through, that Occupy Wall Street has found a way to get food to its people and celebrate everything they are thankful for.

I think it is spectacular and shows the commitment to the cause. Occupy Wall Street gets another thumbs up from me! I also want to encourage everybody, regardless of your position, to remember all that we have to be thankful about. I also encourage people not to forget what we COULD have too. For today though, for Thanksgiving, let's remember even when it seems horrible we still have it far better than many people can ever hope for.

Occupy Wall St - The Revolution Is Love

2011-11-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Concealed Carry Failed

2011-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

For those interested in my last two posts, concealed carry failed to pass at Purdue Student Government (7-15-0 against).

I got worried with the ferociousness of supporters and the posts on the Twitter feed. I worried Purdue might be "conservative" enough to fall for this. Luckily, the senators thought it through tonight, and listened to ALL of their constituents.

Essentially, I remember why I feel Purdue Student Government is a powerful institution. They have worried me a few times this semester, but I think they are still very much going strong.

In Response to a Few Gun Comments

2011-11-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

Since I have already heard back on some of my post concerning guns on campus, I will add a few statements concerning those issues.

1) My case is primarily based on doubt. When you throw out statistics, some people will notice when they are flawed, or when you need to consider something further. Yes, a few campuses across the country allow this. However, the largest one made in the case for allowing guns on campus is Colorado State University. This campus is essentially half the size of ours. What is the impact of this scale different? Having lived in cities and towns of a few different sizes, believe me, the dynamics change as the size changes. Don't assume that because a small university or college can do it without repercussions that a large university can. When you increase the number of people in an area, a lot of the dynamics change.

2) I don't get why some people think guns have to be allowed everywhere. Sorry, there is plenty of reason to believe that reasonable restrictions (such as those involving public property) are allowed. No, the constitution doesn't explicitly say there can be exceptions, but it also doesn't explicitly say there can't be. In other spots it is clear about things. Look at religion. No room for exceptions. Second amendment, we get to go with the court there.

3) Just because residency will allow some additional people to have guns, that doesn't mean that everybody will, and people still have to get residency. You are thus still creating an unequal dynamic. Also, if people in the residence halls aren't allowed to have guns, you are partially surrendering your argument about reasonable restrictions not being allowed.

4) This is still a radical change. 32 universities out of hundreds does not make it common. Granted that doesn't make it wrong, but it makes it something new and still very uncertain. We thus have to approach it with a lot of caution, and thus my argument that the case must be airtight still stands.

5) Proponents say out of twelve universities there have not been any gun thefts. I find this a little hard to believe, but don't have the time to back check that so I won't argue that right now. What I will ask is where did your other 20 universities go? Did they have issues of gun theft, gun crimes, et cetera?

6) Finally, I still want to know what this will cost the university. That issue was not addressed at all.

Guns on Campus

2011-11-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

Since Purdue Student Government’s website is STILL down (at least when I try it), I will make a post along the lines of what I would have told my senators:

I urge Purdue Student Government to reject a bill that would allow concealed weapons to be carried on campus. A bill of this magnitude should only pass PSG if reasonable doubt of its benefits can be dissuaded. That doubt is still strongly there concerning the proposal.

We could argue all day as to whether or not allowing guns on campus would make people safer. To be honest, we do not know. Under certain circumstances guns do make places safer. Under other circumstances guns make places more dangerous. In a campus environment, we do not know. While statistics are presented about who commits gun crimes, where they are committed, and the presence of guns in certain environments, we do not have adequate knowledge on the university environment. We do not know how allowing guns on campus will affect the safety of our campus.

The fact that this is so strongly debated, however, shows that it would have a clear impact on the learning environment, and that impact is negative. People don’t need another cause for concern. In places where the free exchange of ideas is important, guns are restricted. Guns are not allowed in most public K-12 schools. Guns are not allowed in most universities. Guns are not allowed on the floor of the Congress. Guns are not allowed in court rooms. Reasonable restrictions on weapons are absolutely allowed constitutionally. Case law concerning the reasonable restriction of weapons is plentiful. The second amendment does not mean guns must be allowed on campus.

Guns are not guaranteed to make our campus safer. Guns will hurt the learning environment at Purdue. The second amendment does not mean guns must be allowed on campus. Yet the doubts about their presence still remain. What would the rate of gun theft be in an area such as non-official student housing? How will gun theft risk be reduced? What additional resources need to be available to handle gun theft? Remember, students often live in close confines and with a lot of people passing through their homes. What rights will certain entities have to restrict the issue of guns? What extra resources will the Purdue police need due to this policy (regardless of whether it increases or decreases the safety of students)? How much will this cost the university to implement? What safety precautions will the university be willing and able to undertake? What about the effect of the increases in weapons in a high alcohol presence environment? If you do assume guns will increase safety for those with one, what about the students who are unable to bring one due to their living arrangement or status as a foreign citizen?

Even if you support allowing concealed weapons on campus, I think this resolution hurts your case. You have to do a whole lot more than go to a gun range to convince the university that this addition will be beneficial. Due to the reasonable doubt, the case made to support concealed weapons must be flawless. If the case is not flawless, every doubt will wreck the campaign. This is a very serious issue, one issue that has a lot of people worried. This is an issue that frankly makes people worry about their safety on campus. In order to get around this, you have to be perfect, and this resolution and its case simply are not. If you do support the idea, and are unwilling to vote no, I urge you to at least table the resolution again or abstain from the vote.

Remembering Who We Are

2011-09-15T20:04:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite movies is, "The Devil Wears Prada." One line in particular stands out (though I would consider it a motif throughout human expression). When our personal life goes up in smoke, it means it is time for a promotion. That was sort of my life last year. The Queer Student Union zapped much of the life out of me. It was great, rewarding, and I would not take that year back. That said, there were times that I was an absolute wreck. People around me noticed my emotional downturn. It was rough. I held afloat (thanks to a few things like being told to retake an exam), but it was almost on the edge. I actually called Purdue's guidance services a few times and hung up, having a hard time committing to the call I should have made.

That being said, I have come to understand a lot of things far better than I ever would have thought, and life doesn't have to be lived the up-in-smoke way.

I am starting to get that fire back on my tounge, and to remember why I was doing it all in the first place. Part of that I get to place on Mortar Board. The decisions and discussions that I have been a part of by being on Mortar Board's ExComm, especially tonight, have reminded me why I have done what I do and why I must continue. It almost seems disconnected, but the meeting, the thoughts expressed by the leadership conference committee, and the talk I had in the car ride home just offered clarity I had lost.

Hopefully I keep that clarity. This year has been so much more enjoyable than last! Plus, it is reminding me of what is important - the supporting of other people. The supporting I can still do in all of my current positions (including freelance!). If supporting people isn't what it is about, then what is it? That is where I care. That is where I want to go. That is what I am doing. Flying Spaghetti Monster help those that won't accept that!

I was just plotting along before so I would not be mad at myself for falling too far behind. Let the fire reignite!

Vegetarian Claskets

2011-07-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

My family has a dish we call Claskets (I am sure it is a mumble of the original word, but it is what I know and am going to use). While here in Minnesota I have twice made bean patties, and I thought that these might work well as a vegetarian replacement for the meat in the claskets. In my opinion, they worked really well. They took a long time to make (3 hours) but it is all from scratch. The recipe is as follows:

1) Making the Noodle
3 Eggs
1 Medium Potato
Flour

Cook and mash the potato.
Beat eggs in a seperate bowl.
Combine the mashed potato and the eggs.
Add flour until it becomes a dough.
Put flour down and roll out the dough, roll thin and keep floured.

2) Making the Filling
⅓ cup black beans
⅓ cup white beans
⅓ cup red beans
1 medium onion
½ cup oats
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 egg
Salt and pepper

Soak the beans over night.
Boil the beans in water until well cooked.
Drain the beans.
Dice the onion.
Mix the diced onion, egg, chili powder, oats, and beans in a bowl.
Mash the mixture together until the beans are decently mashed.
Salt and pepper as desired.

3) Making the Claskets
Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
Make small balls of the filing, space them out on the dough.
Using a glass, cut circles out of the dough with the filing in the middle.
Fold over the dough and pinch the edges to surround the filing.
Boil the claskets in salt water until they float.
The claskets can now be stored for later (or even served now, and I enjoyed them at this stage too).
Fry the claskets, and serve (often with sour cream).

Changing Purdue's Nondiscrimination Policy

2011-07-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

We Won!

Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Genetic Information were added to Purdue's nondiscrimination policy. I am copying a portion of an email I made explaining how this was done:

Here at Purdue, we took advantage of Student Government. Through Purdue Student Government there are two senators representing the underrepresented through what is known as the "Council of Organizations for Respect and Equality." Based on talks, one of the senators ran with the idea, and took it to the full senate. We initially proposed adding Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation. We were shocked when it passed unanimously through student government, and part of that was probably that we packed the room. Anyway, nothing happened at the university level that time, so the next year we did it again but took advantage of PSG's ability to propose policy directly to the Board of Trustees. Obviously there were meetings with various administration before that. We included Genetic Information as there is actually a federal law that includes genetic information (http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/genetic.cfm) so it is something universities have to think about adding anyway. Political Affiliation was dropped to make it easier to pass the Board of Trustees.

Initial Reasoning for Work

The LGBTQ Advisory Board under the office of the Provost was charged with identifying areas that Purdue could improve to encourage more diversity especially in the area of sexual and gender minorities. One of the areas identified was the non-discrimination policy. The board suggested the addition of gender identity and expression into the non-discrimination policy. During my first semester as a student I heard of an instance of gender identity discrimination, when an employee blocked a transgender student from going into the bathroom. After that, I went to the 2009 Midwest Bisexual Gay Lesbian Transgender Ally College Conference (with support from the Dean of Students) and learned of the importance of gender identity and expression in non-discrimination policies. I also talked to students from schools with the policy, and became jealous of their protections, and embarrassed at Purdue’s lack of protections for a highly marginalized population. Due to this, I decided that Purdue needs to protect students on the basis of gender identity and expression.

Amending - Gender Identity and Expression

(Note some of this information may have changed as this was written Summer 2009)

Gender Identity and Expression is included in a growing number of nondiscrimination and equal opporunity laws (One example would be the leading corporations - link). Republican Governor Mitch Daniels, through executive order, added gender identity as a protected class to several laws affecting state employees, including the Indiana State Employee Harrassment Policy (link) and the Equal Employement Opportunies for State Employees Policy (link).

In Indiana, gender identity and/or expression are included as protected classes in Marion County (link), Bloomington (link), South Bend (just for city employees - link), and Depauw University (link). West Lafayette added the protection in 2011.

Some of the Lafayette area's important businesses also include Gender Identity and/or Expression in their policies, including Eli Lilly (link) and Toyota (link). Suburu (link) even prides themselves on their corporate equality index for transgender people.

One might also note that on the national level, the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which includes gender identity, has found success in Congress (link). Both Senator Lugar and Bayh of Indiana voted for this bill (link).

According to the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance, as of 5 July 2009, thirteen states and DC include gender identity and/or expression in their antidiscrimination policies (link). Three of these states are in the Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota).

Beyond the world of politics and corporations, universities have been taking up the issue with full steam. All of the Ivy League Universities include gender identity and/or expression (link), and all of the Big Ten Universities include gender identity and/or expression.

Amending - Genetic Information

(Note some of this information may have changed as this was written Summer 2009)

Genetic Predisposition and Carrier Status are the blaring trains of nondiscrimination policies. They just seem like they are obviously going to come up. Already, many states and even the federal government have anticipated the potentials of genetic discrimination and passed laws.

Federally, genetic information can't be used by employers or insurance companies to discriminate (link). Indiana also has a law, Code 27-8-26, but it only applies to insurance companies, though it does define genetic testing/screening (link).

In the world of academia, out of the Big Tens and Ivy Leagues, only Columbia University has taken the move to include genetic protections in its nondiscrimination policy (link). Purdue has now made the addition (occurring in 2011). Its inclusion, however, could very likely be a trend. One of Lafayette's important businesses, Eli Lilly, includes protections for its employees (link), and others are almost certain to follow, especially because the federal government has already stated this is an important protected category. President Bush issued two statements of support, before eventually signing a bill, in 2003 (link) and 2005 (link). The National Genome Institute also has information on their website why steps must be taken to prevent genetic discrimination (link).

Genetic discrimination has real potential as testing becomes cheaper and faster. Purdue should take steps, as the federal government has, to protect people from genetic discrimination.

Additional Resources
QSU Press Release on the Addition

A Note on Housekeeping

2011-07-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Due to the recent purchase of my domain, I am in the process of revamping this to not just serve as a blog, but also as my personal website. Due to this for a short while you might get a lot of posts discussing old things. These are going to be used as pages on certain issues, and so please don't think your RSS feeds will always be so bombarded with my stuff.

Thank you!
Nicholas

Just bought my domain

2011-07-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just bought genesjockey.com! I have thought about doing it for a long time, and finally made the leap (since blogger makes it pretty easy). I have been using the online alias genesjockey since early high school, and use it for pretty much everything. Now I just have to figure out how to set up Google Apps...

Edit: I figured out Google Apps. New primary email, though it forwards to my old email so it won't change anything you know, just gives me a cooler looking primary email.

The Indiana State Legislature is Hurting All of Us

2011-05-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, I am Nicholas Goldsmith, a 21 year old from Indiana and a Boilermaker - and the current Republican-controlled Indiana State Legislature is hurting me, my friends, and my family.

While I was born outside of DC, I have lived in Indiana for all of my living memory. My parents grew up in Indiana, and my grandparents grew up or lived out their days in Indiana. Yet I am afraid Indiana is slowly losing its home feeling. I can’t say I am planning my future to be in this state, because I am not. Not with the direction it is headed. That saddens me, but I suppose we all have to face reality.

While it has been against Indiana state law for some time now, the Indiana General Assembly feels the need to rub salt in our wounds and try to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage with HJR-6. It is crushing to see our elected representatives call us, our neighbors, our friends, and our families immoral and corrupt. Plus, it isn’t just marriage they are after. They want to block us from ever having civil unions or domestic partnerships. They feel any form of recognition for same sex relationships is too much to handle. It is crushing to see this happen. It makes me worry about my state. It makes me worry about its future. I have known I was Gay for a long time. I have been a committed relationship for two and a half years. But the Indiana State Legislature has decided that is wrong. They have decided that who I love is wrong, and that everybody should know it.

What is worse is myself and my LGBTQ friends and family are not alone. The Indiana State Legislature is on the attack. I have friends who were born in the United States, legally became citizens, are legal resident aliens, or even who are undocumented immigrants who fear for their safety because of the passage of HB 1402 and SB 590. One of my friends at Purdue from Columbia is worried that she will be subject to frequent police stops if this passes. I have friends who worry they won’t be able to get an education because of this law. I worry about my friends. I want them to have a good life. I want them to have opportunities, and I don’t want them to live in fear. Purdue is a major international university. How will it be able to attract the best and brightest if those from other countries are afraid of our laws?

I also worry about my teachers. How will they fare under all of this? Haven’t schools already given enough? How much more abuse can our educational system take? What will this mean to future Hoosiers? How will they compete in a globalizing society?

I worry about my friends who work. I have friends who work hard, long hours and depend on Union protections. How will they fair with the Indiana legislature?

I worry about many of my female friends. I have a number that depend on Planned Parenthood for their contraceptives. I have many friends who have taken advantage of Planned Parenthood’s STD Testing. What will happen to them? What will happen to the STD rate, and their treatments? I have even taken advantage of Planned Parenthood’s free HIV testing. The service was important to me. What will happen to these services if Republican control of Indiana’s legislature continues?

If we think of all of these issues as separate, we are fooling ourselves. The same people that seek to ban same-sex unions are also seeking to defund Planned Parenthood and their vital services such as STD and HIV testing. The same people seeking to pass a papers-please law are seeking to end the rights of workers to unionize. And these are the same people that are going after our schools. We can’t allow this to continue.

We have to put our hope into the Democratic process, and to do that we have to inform ourselves. We have to organize. We have to get people registered to vote, we have to let people know what the legislature is doing, and we have to vote. We can’t sit and wait for change. We have to be the change.

I am Nicholas Goldsmith, and I will vote against those who vote against me, my friends, and my family.

Queer at Purdue: Student Organization Fliers

2011-05-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Event posters are an important way for student organizations to get their name out. Unfortunately, the Queer Student Union and its sibling organizations have an almost constant battle to keep up fliers. QSU spends far more money than it should on posters just because of the need to frequently reflier those that are removed.

While I understand that it is easy for organizations to accidently cover up others fliers, there have been cases in the past when certain organizations were targeted. One of these stories was compiled by a Jen McCreight, who noticed that the Queer Student Union, Society of Non-Theist, and Delta Pi Rho fliers were being placed in certain configurations. You can read more of that on her blog at http://www.blaghag.com/2009/08/more-school-drama-flyers.html

The QSU president before me, Jessica Lee, often told a story of a flier she had seen that had been through quite a bit. After it had been posted, the flier was removed, torn in half, and left on the ground. This story luckily has a somewhat hopeful ending, with somebody picking up the two halves of the flier, taping them together, and reposting it.

Whenever QSU has complained about the difficulty of keeping our fliers posted, we have been told nothing can be done unless we catch somebody. This is especially frustrating when entire buildings are sometimes stripped of our fliers. It can also be quite clear when our fliers are selectively removed. We often joined forces to flier with Delta Lambda Phi, Gamma Rho Lambda, Ally Association, and NOGLSTP. It was quite clear when the QSU and NOGLSTP fliers (that boldly have an LGBTQ message) are missing while the DLP and GRL fliers remain (which often have a much more hidden reference to sexual orientation and gender identity in the fine print). Once, NOGLSTP even caught a janitor removing Queer Student Union, NOGLSTP, and Society of Non-Theist fliers claiming they contained objectionable material (merely because they included Gay messages and Atheist messages respectively). NOGLSTP did report this incident.

The removal of fliers has required the LGBTQ organizations (and Society of Non-Theists!) to devote extra time and money to advertisement. I hope one day these advertisements will not be so quickly removed, and that QSU can devote some of that wasted time and money to the events themselves.

Queer at Purdue Update

2011-05-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested, I have visited the Office of Institutional Equity about the College of Agriculture awards issue (due in part to the number of you who contacted me). While I am not choosing to report at this time, it is now on record with the university.

I also wanted to make a note here. While I have told many students how to report, and encouraged people to do what I just did which was to talk to the Office of Institutional Equity even if you don't choose to report, I had not done it until today. I was even being somewhat hypocritical as I had not talked about a situation I had felt. I have now gone to the office and talked even though I have not reported. I now feel it even more important to urge people to go talk to the Office of Institutional Equity. It is not difficult, and took me about a half an hour. The person I talked to was really nice, and she merely asked questions. It is not difficult, and once you start it is no longer intimidating. You can find more information on the Office of Institutional Equity at: http://www.purdue.edu/ethics/oie/

I also have to add that it is really cool to see the new Nondiscrimination and Antiharrassment policies laid out in front of you in an official capacity. I was given a booklet and several print-outs because they haven't been able to print the new booklets yet. The Nondiscrimination Policy was such a huge change here, and I am glad I could be a part of it.

Director of LGBTQ Affairs

2011-04-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

At Lavender Graduation it was announced that the search for Purdue's first Director of LGBTQ Affairs will begin this summer. It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, and I am excited to see things moving forward.

With that being said, our work still continues. We must continue to collect stories. We must continue to push for changes on campus. We still know the issues, and the Director has not been filled yet (and even once they are the students still play some role in activism). I also urge you not to think this thing is done. Purdue Student Government and Purdue Graduate Student Government both passed the Nondiscrimination Policy resolution unanimously, and it still took another unanimous passage, PSG invoking their policy proposing power, and several months to be achieved. I vote we celebrate and hold them to this.

For those of you who were around the last time we were close to a director, know that it is much more realistic this time than before. The accreditation report effectively said we need to hire one, and the students have built up a huge case for it. Dr. Exum has also joined Purdue, and she was part of the reason why the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill has theirs. Yet I also understand your skepticism, and will be joining you in a percentage of that until the position is filled and the person is on campus (btw, if the future director is reading this, schedule a meeting with me, please).

My advise is to celebrate this victory now. Then keep the work up. Confirm every step of the way that things are moving forward. Email them regularly until the job is posted and filled. I have great respect and trust for the people responsible for making this happen, but this is so hugely important to the lives of so many students that we have to keep track and make sure things move forward. I know I will on my own, and I hope QSU, NOGLSTP, and others will do so as well.

Queer at Purdue: Potential Students

2011-04-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

Support staff is not just for supporting students who are here, but also for prospective students. While I was Queer Student Union president I received a good number of emails from prospective students. One I remember involved a transgender student. They were going to the length of contacting every Big Ten university to see which would be the most supportive of them. Unfortunately that was at the beginning of this year before Purdue or West Lafayette included gender identity and gender expression in their nondiscrimination policies. They also were already somewhat dismayed that we did not have an LGBTQ center that they could contact, and thus had had to resort to contacting a student organization. Another student I remember was potentially coming from abroad, and wanting to know how Gay men were treated on campus and by the campus community. Not only were they potentially going to a new country, but they had no idea how their sexual orientation would be treated. Neither of these questions are uncommon to receive. I remember before I came to Purdue my high school councilor and I called the university and ended up getting forwarded to the Queer Student Union (due to lack of administrative knowledge) to talk about potential issues facing Gay people in the dorms. I, as an undergraduate, was even contacted by graduate students and postdocs wondering about the campus climate. I can also remember times when the Queer Resource Center has been visited by parents, wondering what it will be like for their children to attend Purdue (not to mention all of the questions when QSU is present at diversity-related events for prospective students).

I find it really odd that students have to offer this informational service. While I understand a student may want to contact other students to find out how the campus really is, when it comes to questions of policy, isn’t that where there should be support staff? Unfortunately, students can’t consistently offer information like this, and many may be unprepared and uninformed on the details a specific individual wants. Plus, with the turn-over rate of students, by time we know the university well enough to really talk to the climate or enforcement of policies, we are gone. Besides, while students will serve this role, shouldn't the university have an interest in distributing this type of information? Especially if it is linked in some way to recruitment (an area Purdue has recently come under fire for with how it is choosing to spend its advertising money).

Queer at Purdue: AIDS Shout from Meredith

2011-04-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

One thing I feel across the board people talk about at Purdue is getting yelled at from cars. If you are on Chauncey at night, regardless of who you are, it is going to happen. Even walking along State Street at night can often be like that. Getting yelled at from a car in the middle of the day is not nearly as common, as I think yet again most anybody would report. Being yelled at from dorm windows is even less common, and I have only experienced that once. Thus, I felt that would be appropriate for the second story I post about being Queer at Purdue.

Nathan and I were walking by Meredith holding hands. We frequently get yelled at when holding hands (I think we counted 11 times in less than two weeks and then we stopped keeping track). Most of them don’t really stick out in my head, but this one does. The people yelled from the window, “Have you got AIDS yet?”

If you have stories or anecdotes about being Queer at Purdue, consider passing them on. We can talk about a reasonable confidentiality in them. I will be collecting them, and I am pretty sure the Queer Student Union is starting to compile them. These stories are an important next step in moving forward on LGBTQ issues at Purdue.

Queer at Purdue: College of Agriculture Awards

2011-04-24T11:04:00.001-07:00

It is important in moving forward to begin collecting stories. It is important for people to see what it is like to be Queer at Purdue. The numbers speak volumes about why a staff member is needed, but they alone have proven not to be enough. What we need now are our voices. Stories on every topic, ranging from students being forced out of bathrooms to students asking about relatively common bits of information that Purdue just doesn’t have. I will start to collect these, as I am sure my successors in the Queer Student Union will as well.

So I have decided to start this process off, at least for me. I decided I would start with something I have personally been trying to figure out how it should be handled. I am of course one of the students who should be the most knowledgeable on how to handle something like this, yet I am not really sure (I am not sure what I am personally willing to do. That is the problem with issues like this, is we almost feel limited in what we do about it just because we already feel wronged this far). So I have decided to record this in this way.

For each of the past three years I have been my department’s outstanding student for my year. The first two years I went to the College of Agriculture Awards Ceremony. For everybody, they call your name and read through a short bio. This includes people’s involvement and other information. Yet both times I went, my involvement was cut short. All of my Queer involvement was conveniently left out. At first I just thought it was an accident. I mean I was only a first-year student, and was the secretary of QSU and had been on the LGBTQ Advisory Board, but both of those things were new this semester. I had listed them on the form the department had me fill out though, so I knew people were aware of it though. So the second year I waited. After all, I was Vice President of the Queer Student Union and that was a pretty cool thing to be. I also had the LGBTQ Advisory Board to the Office of the Provost, and Ally Association (where I had even done a panel for the College of Agriculture’s AGR 201!). Yet again, it was left off. I was frustrated, but I didn’t really think to do anything about it.

That of course means this year came around. I got the invitation to go, and of course was glad that my department again nominated me. But this year I decided not to go to the awards ceremony. I was the president of the Queer Student Union, I had been involved in some huge changes on campus, and I decided it wasn’t worth being insulted by having my involvement cut short again. I told people I was busy and couldn’t go, which was a lie (sorry to those of you finding that out now, but I hope you understand). I was just sick and tired of being insulted. It is sad that my lab, my department, the university, and Mortar Board can acknowledge that I have been involved in [successful] Queer activism, but my college can’t mention it when listing my involvement. I would love to find out it was all a mistake, that it was just an accident. Two (likely three) years in a row though, I am afraid I can’t feel that way.

I am also not the only one who has felt this. I now know of another student, involved in one of QSU’s sibling organizations, who is also having his Queer involvement left out of his bio. Why is it that the College of Agriculture refuses to acknowledge this involvement? Especially with the sheer number of students they list off with Cru and XA (those in the Queer community will understand why this is significant, if you don’t just email me and I will explain).

I am sure I should have said something. I know I could have gone and just talked to the Office of Institutional Equity, yet I have not. I don’t even know if they discussed it this year as I did not go (though I have a feeling they did not as a Queer organization was left off of one of my friend’s bios, but he left before the Outstanding Juniors were announced). If that person wanted to push things, then I would definitely step forth. For now, however, I will just start off the Queer at Purdue story telling with this story.

Purdue Diversity Assessment

2011-04-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Purdue's Diversity assessment was just brought to my attention (http://www.purdue.edu/ethics/contribute_pdf_docs/2007_diversity_assessment_000.pdf and bolding is my emphasis). Honestly, I am surprised nobody brought this to my attention earlier, but I guess that was because it would have been useful in pushing for a change. People might be surprised that people, on a survey, actually exposed what they might be uncomfortable with! Here are some reasons why I say that:

"Staff
Staff reported being very comfortable interacting with individuals from the eight different groups (more than 94% rated agreement or strong agreement that they were comfortable), with one exception. Although still very high in absolute terms, comfort levels were lower for interacting with someone different in sexual orientation. Given the number of respondents describing themselves as heterosexual in this sample (90.5%), this finding likely indicates less comfort interacting with GLBT individuals, regardless of whether they are a co-worker (87.1%) or one’s supervisor (84.7%)." (Diversity)

13-15% of staff surveyed would be uncomfortable with people who are GLBT? Really?! I think that alone should be a prime example of why we need better administrative support and reporting procedures. But wait, there is more!

"Faculty
Faculty members reported being very comfortable interacting with individuals from the eight different groups (percentages of agreement all in the upper 90s), with one exception. Comfort levels were lower for interacting with someone different in sexual orientation. As with staff, the high number of self-identified heterosexuals in the sample (95.5%) probably indicates respondents were less comfortable interacting with GLBT individuals, regardless of whether they are a co-worker (89.9%) or supervisor (88.2%). Still, these percentages remained high, in absolute terms." (Diversity)

10-12% of faculty surveyed would be less comfortable working with people based on their sexual orientation! One more category to go:

"Students
Students also described themselves as very comfortable interacting with individuals from the eight different groups (percentages of agreement all around 90%) with two exceptions. First, the percentage of students agreeing that they feel comfortable was lower for sexual orientation. Given the number of students who identified themselves as heterosexual in this sample (96.3%), this finding likely shows less comfort interacting with GLBT individuals, whether as a classmate (78.8%) or as an instructor (77.7%). Second, the percentage of students agreeing that they feel comfortable is lower for disability status. Given the number of students in this sample describing themselves as having no disabilities (97.3%), lower rates of comfort probably reflects somewhat fewer respondents being comfortable interacting with people with disabilities as a classmate (88%) or as an instructor (87.7%)." (Diversity)

That is like 22-23% being uncomfortable! That is over 1/5th of the student population based on these numbers. To make matters worse, LGBTQ individuals aren't to only ones. People with disabilities are also looking at 12-13% of the students who are uncomfortable working with them!

What is worse is I am kind of going easy with you on these numbers. They get worse. Go to the section about harassment and discrimination. Only 66.6% of staff say they have NOT experienced discrimination, and only 54.5% say they have NOT witnessed harassment! Faculty report worse numbers yet with only 57.1% NOT experiencing harassment. Only 40.5% of students are NOT concerned with being discriminated against. So wait, Almost 60% of our students are worried they may be discriminated against?! That is clearly a huge problem! I realize there are a number of categories here, but that doesn't sound good for saying we have an inclusive environment!

To sum it all up for this report, let's jump to the key findings, where we can find that, "Moreover, approximately one-half of the students report witnessing discrimination or harassment largely on the basis of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation" (Diversity). Clearly there is a problem on campus.

The question, then, is whether or not anybody with a voice notices. If nobody calls Purdue out on it, it is clear they won't do anything. But wait! People have. Not just Joe Shmoe either, but the Accreditation Report mentions the problem (http://www.purdue.edu/accreditation/PDF_Files/PurdReportMay062010.pdf and bolding is my emphasis)! Let's just look the section entitled "Aspects of Diversity":

"Purdue University should continue to make concerted efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive learning environment by integrating cultural competencies into the core curriculum and other learning opportunities across the institution; providing support for centers and other resources for underrepresented racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender and sexual orientation groups; partnering with community leaders to create an inclusive climate for diverse faculty and staff; tracking the progress of diverse students; and establishing or strengthening pipelines from various regional communities to the campus.
Attention to Lesbian, Gay Bisexual,Transgender (LGBT) issues were not well represented in the self study nor in conversations team members had on campus. When asked, campus representatives acknowledged the lack of organized and visible support for the LGBT community. A fully inclusive university would embrace the LGBT community and enhance the lives of all of its constituents.
Finally, as the nation experiences rapid growth among Latinos and retirements by the Baby Boomers, the economy will face major labor market changes. Latinos are projected to increase from 15% of the population to 30% and Latino youth are projected to surpass the number of White youth by mid-century. As the same time, they are one of the most marginalized and undereducated population segments in the nation. Taken together, these shifts present a major challenge for the nation, and Purdue University, like other institutions must begin to consider its role in addressing this challenge. In the current context, Purdue has to continue to embrace the important role that a public research university of this stature has in advancing educational opportunity and equity for all students." (Accredited)

Oh look, the people responsible for Purdue's accreditation notes it doing very poorly with LGBTQ issues. Purdue, we got a lot of work done this year. We got gender identity and gender expression added to the Nondiscrimination Policy. We got single-use bathrooms on academic campus updated. We got your survey's fixed. We moved you closer to online discrimination and harassment reporting (hopefully that can also get numbers on non-persecutory offenses like yelling from cars). We got the first university recognized National Coming Out Day celebration and will soon have the second Lavender Graduation. A foundation has even been laid for a strong safe zone program. But let's jump to the chase. Can you just do us all a favor (that includes yourself, Purdue) and finally hire a Director of LGBTQ Affairs? Somebody who can focus on these issues so the students don't have to keep doing it. Vice President Exum wants to make it happen, at least the last zillion times I have talked to her. Give her the power to do it. Please. For all our sake? If you want numbers, if you want an important group saying we need it, you have it. If you will keep being stubborn the students are going to keep moving on you. We might have high turnover but we are picking up steam and have fixed some continuity issues. The advice from IU is that you need stories. If stories are what you need, we will deliver.

A Semester of Progress

2010-12-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

This has truly been a semester of progress for the LGBTQ Community at Purdue.

The most important change to occur this semester for the Queer Community at Purdue is the addition of Gender Identity and Expression to the Nondiscrimination Policy. This was tried and failed in the past, but today became a reality. Purdue has joined its peers. This protection will go a long way in empowering Transgender, Intersex, and gender-nonconforming students, faculty, and staff to report incidents of discrimination and harassment. It also shows that Purdue stands for the inclusion of Transgender and Intersex individuals.

I can't mention the Nondiscrimination Policy without pointing out that Genetic Information (one of my pet categories) also got added. While this addition may seem odd, I think it actually is quite forward-thinking. But this is a post about the Queer Community, so I will add this for those it affects, but not go completely into my lecture.

Also, equally as important for Purdue and most important for West Lafayette, West Lafayette has expanded its Human Relations Ordinance to add Gender Identity and Expression. This reaffirms West Lafayette as an inclusive community. I hope that this makes people feel (and be) safer in West Lafayette.

Purdue has also been moving towards a more inclusive community in terms of surveys. The Housing Satisfaction Survey included the options "Transgender," and "Other," in addition to "Male" and "Female." Not long after this, and a battle that was also had in the past, was a change on course evaluations. Course evaluations no longer ask gender.

Purdue also had its first, university-sponsored, National Coming Out Day celebration. Dr Ronni Sanlo, a leading expert on LGBTQ issues on campuses, met with multiple groups to help move campus forward. World AIDS Day was recognized at Purdue, including the Bell Tower being turned red. Purdue Student Government sent a letter of support to a student body president on another campus who was harassed due to their sexual orientation. Gamma Rho Lambda became a part of the Panhellenic Association, and these are not even all of the progress that occurred!

There is still a lot of work that has to happen at Purdue, but we are several steps closer to a truly inclusive campus.

Purdue Board of Trustees Expands Nondiscrimination Policy

2010-12-17T12:24:00.001-08:00

Queer Student Union

Stewart Center Box 642

128 Memorial Mall

West Lafayette, IN 47907

pqsu.org

Contact: Nicholas Goldsmith, President

ngolsmi@purdue.edu

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Purdue Board of Trustees Expands Nondiscrimination Policy

On Friday, December 17th, the Purdue Board of Trustees voted to expand the nondiscrimination policy to include "gender identity and expression" and "genetic information." No votes were cast in opposition of the revision.

With this addition, Purdue joins the majority of its peer institutions and the city of West Lafayette in rejecting discrimination on the basis of "gender identity and expression." The amendment was proposed by Purdue Student Government, who voted unanimously to recommend the change.

The policy will now state, "Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran."

Purdue Queer Student Union President Nicholas Goldsmith, "I am proud to see Purdue move closer to being an inclusive community for all."

Jess Rombach, Purdue Student Government Senator for the Council of Organizations for Respect and Equality and author of the resolution stated, "This is a giant step towards a more welcoming environment, so that all Purdue students can equally enjoy their time at Purdue."

Purdue Student Government took up the issue after the Queer Student Union illuminated the gap in the inclusivity of the policies.

Tumblr

2010-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

I have been using my tumblr a lot lately (probably because I feel this is more formal). It is of course genesjockey.tumblr.com

I have especially been posting a lot about Google Chrome OS and the Cr-48 recently, if anybody is interested.

Exponent Opinion on Survey & Election tomorrow

2010-11-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

Another one of my opinions was published in the Exponent today. The Queer Student Union voted to make the opinion from us as an organization. It can be found here, just scroll down some.

I am proud to live in West Lafayette where Gender Identity and Expression is covered by the Human Relations Ordinance, and hopefully in December Purdue University will also include Gender Identity and Expression in its Nondiscrimination Policy. There is still a lot of work to be done beyond these policies though, and I hope things will continue to move forward. Purdue needs to fix its paperwork to stop suggesting that there are only two sexes/genders at this university. Purdue needs to hire a Director of LGBTQ Affairs (change.org even has a petition for it!). Purdue needs to have more gender neutral bathrooms (a map of single use bathrooms can be found here, notice the appalling number that are still segregated). Hopefully one day in the future it will be able to have gender neutral housing (I think it is a legal issue currently though :( ). If you want a list of the tip of the iceberg for Purdue to fix their policies, please read the LGBTQ Advisory Board's white paper here. Purdue also really needs to better advertise its Bias Reporting Procedures (and QSU is going to start trying to play a role here).

Anyway, I think that is enough of a rant now.

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I also want to quickly say a word about the election as well. Tomorrow are midterm elections, and I encourage all of those who are registered to vote to get out there and vote. I also urge you to consider voting Democrat. If you are here in Indiana, I think voting for Brad Ellsworth over Dan Coats is just a no-brainer. Overall though, I think the national discussion clearly shows the Republicans are going crazy. They are fighting for things like not letting the Bush tax cuts expire for the wealthiest Americans, yet say they are anti-deficit. How can one be anti-deficit along with pro-war? How is it acceptable to spend trillions on war but not on the well-being of the people in our country? What is even more laughable is how anti-stimulus Republicans are when a Democrat is president, but practically ignore it when a Republican is president. Also, by the way, the private sector has seen job growth, and a lot of the job loss is in the public sector.

While the Democrats may not have gotten through many of the policies that we would like to see (A climate bill, immigration reform, DOMA repeal, DADT repeal), many of these policies have been completely blockaded by Republicans, and Democrats have only been in power for around two years. Republicans even fought to blockage policies that were just no brainers like extending unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are one of the best forms of economic stimulus because it gives money to people who need it and are just down on their luck. Instead, Republicans want to put more money in the hands of the rich.

The Democrats also did cut taxes for many Americans, but they did not parade it like was done when the Republicans did so. Democrats finally got through an extension to bias crimes law to add sexual orientation and gender identity. Democrats got through the health care reform which a lot of misinformation is spread about, and many of the reforms most people probably support.

I won't go on much more, but seriously, we can't afford Republicans to gain more power.

Quick post on Gender Identity and Expression

2010-10-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted this earlier and won't have the lengthy post that will do this justice, but I want to post something. I also want to add that on this Wednesday, October 6th at 7:00pm in KRAN G18 Purdue Student Government will be voting a second time on a resolution urging Purdue to add Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Genetic Information to Purdue's Nondiscrimination Policy. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated (I also have the honor of proxying this meeting and thus voting yes on this resolution).

Last night West Lafayette made a historic move forward, becoming the third jurisdiction in Indiana to include Gender Identity and Expression in its Human Relations Ordinance. After nine speakers (myself included) and the large attendance at the meeting, I think it was clear why this was important and needed to pass (which it did, 5-2). The resolution was bipartisan, with the Republican mayor and Democratic city council president being the resolution co-sponsors. I feel this especially highlights how diversity and inclusion are issues affecting everybody, regardless of political affiliation.

If you want to watch a local media report, it was on the local television station (including a clip from my speech).

I will leave you with the text of my speech for now, until I have more time to discuss this topic.

"Thank you for letting me speak to you today. I am Nicholas Goldsmith, a junior in the college of Agriculture and the president of Purdue's Queer Student Union. Before attending Purdue I grew up just a hop-skip away in Frankfort, Indiana. I remember coming to West Lafayette for many different programs throughout school. I remember how much more open and inclusive it was than Frankfort. This was confirmed when I moved here and learned that sexual orientation was included in West Lafayette's human rights ordinance. Just crossing the county borders from Clinton to Tippecanoe makes me feel safer. I know this county cares about its people and wants them to be included regardless of sexual orientation.

You yet again have a chance to make the people of West Lafayette, the people of the surrounding areas, and the students of Purdue feel safer and more included in your jurisdiction. You have the chance to let people know you care. You have the chance to add Gender Identity and Expression to your human right's ordinance.

The students I represent sincerely care about this issue. We know the inclusion of Gender Identity and Expression will help move the West Lafayette community to be even more supportive and affirming. It will help to make this an even better city to live in.

I want to know that my friends are guarenteed by the city of West Lafayette to be protected from discrimination. I want to tell my family how glad I am that West Lafayette moved forward on an issue. I want to tell my organization that West Lafayette cares about them. I want to tell prospective students that they will be protected here.

Please, do this for your friends, your families, your neighbors, your city. Please expand your Human Rights Ordinances to include Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Veterans Status."

Exponent Opinion Letter

2010-09-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today I got my first opinion letter in the Exponent of the year. It concerned a PSG meeting (and is a response to this editorial), and can be read here.

Exponent on Prop 8

2010-08-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

I did not post a Prop 8 story because I kind of figured all of my readers were already celebrating Proposition 8 being ruled unconstitutional :D If you have not read the opinion, I definitely recommend it.

Anyway, the Purdue Exponent ran an article on the Prop 8 ruling, and I have been quoted. Check it out here. Now let's hope the stay is ended and people can be going back to getting married! Apparently LA and West Hollywood are preparing for a potential jump in the number of marriages if the stay is ended. Governor Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Brown also both filed briefs asking the stay be ended, so I am hoping that is a good indication that the stay will be ended.

My Weekend Project

2010-07-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have considered a number of different things to post over the summer, but really I have just used the summer as a break from the usual, which has meant paltry blogging. Not that I am anything more than a casual blogger, but the summer has still been rather void of posts.

First I want to post to the four videos I have made so far this summer. The Carl Sagan video (btw I am reading one of his books now) got me on a short Atheism video kick in which I made four videos ( Answering Questions for Atheists, My Questions for Theists, My Questions for Atheists from an Atheist, My Answers to My Atheist Questions ). I actually made more videos I did not release, including Questions of People Who Oppose Abortion (though that has nothing to do with Atheism), but unless begged they will probably remain soley on my harddrive.

Anyway, I want to make this post basically about one thing I did this weekend.

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When I was in middle and high school I had a usual desktop computer. One of those computers that got upgraded every year and such. Of course when I got to college I got a laptop. The desktop just proceeded to get old, and though Windows XP is the operating system that won't to die (probably Microsoft's masterpiece. This is a topic for another time but I think Microsoft is in decline and Apple is on the rise.) it was still clunky on the desktop. It just needed a refresher.

So I put Ubuntu on it (9 something back then) about a year ago. Ubuntu is a relatively nice, easier-to-use version of Linux. The old computer runs much better (and it has definitely prolonged its usability!). I like Mac OS X Snow Leopard (and my next computer almost certainly will be a Mac) but I still have a Windows 7 computer due to circumstance. Though I do have to say my current laptop is probably one of my favorite computers I have ever owned (not necessarily due to Microsoft, but rather the power of the computer's hardware and software like Google Chrome), but my opinions of Microsoft have been declining especially as I see Apple continue to innovate.

I did not take an initial screenshot, so here is one from Wikipedia of Ubuntu 10.04

Anyway, since I was not doing much with my desktop I decided that I wanted to try and make it look more like OS X (I don't go as crazy as many users do, but I do try and focus on some of my preferred features). I did a fresh install of Ubuntu 10.04 just to knock out anything I had done messing around on it before, and then got to work.

Desktop after first round of work

The first thing to do was to replace the bottom taskbar with a dock (which is one of my favorite GUI features of OS X, and I actually have RocketDock installed on my laptop). I used Avant Windows Navigator to do this.

After setting this up, I realized that since this was not my main computer, I should focus on the cloud more. Instead of using Open Office (a free alternative to Microsoft Office), I should just use Google Docs, and that sort of thing. Not everything is on the cloud, of course, but I did make a change of a few things.

Changed to somewhat of a cloud focus

I also went through the trouble of finding Picasa and Google Earth for Ubuntu. I also choose the Snow Leopard picture because for some reason it just looks fantastic on the desktop screen.

After that I worked on getting some UI interaction stuff set up with Compiz. Using it I set up another thing I really like on OS X, which is Expose (aka when I hit F3 it shows all of the open windows in a grid-like layout).

Expose

Anyway, I am sure this is not very interesting for people, so I won't really go into much of the details. Of course it does not have all of the functionality or features of OS X, but I wanted to at least do something about the total lack of content. Also, a feature of Compiz I like is that the windows wiggle as you move and resize them, which is rather fun.

I do have one question - does anybody know what the closest thing to iTunes is that will work on Ubuntu 10.04? I tried installing iTunes on Wine, but it is not very usable. I am a huge fan of iTunes, so any tips would help. I did not like Songbird because I did not think it was organized enough and none of the add-ons really helped.

And yes, this post was made on the Linux desktop.

Carl Sagan: A Universe Not Made For Us

2010-07-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

I feel this video describes how I think of Atheism in a simply beautiful way. People really have no idea what Atheism is, and so they are afraid of it. But it isn't scary. Anyway, enjoy.

A Bit on the Past Semester

2010-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

I just read a friend's blog post about getting through the end of the year. Most everybody I have talked to said that last semester was just crazy. It was a pure struggle for everybody. That blog post, beyond the cultural whammy I always get from things like it, just brought back what I had wanted to write when the semester ended (but instead opted for a much need break, which was definitely the right decision).

What I would have started the blog post as before was, "I can remember my freshman year, when I would explore buildings, hang out at Vienna with friends, and play plenty of Pokemon." Because really, I had felt like first semester of my freshman year had been a typified semester that I really enjoyed. Thinking back though, I really went through a lot. I can remember my very first class. It was Botany 210, and I was nervous, and then Prof Zanis began the lecture and I knew I would love it and if this was college I was more than ready for it. I can also remember Chemistry 115, and it seemed so hard that first day and their were so many people that I almost pooped my pants. I was sincerely scared. I can remember being worried when I found out Tina had switched majors, because I wanted somebody to get through CHM 115 with. After that first week, there were some fantastic times, but there was also the worry of my first exam ever (when I was told anything taught was fair game by a friend). I can remember the night I broke it off with the first guy I had ever dated. I can also remember the biting savage that is being single. I remember the horrible feeling of being lead on. Don't get me wrong, it was a fantastic semester, especially in perspective. But looking back I can see things that had me sincerely worried.

Then I look back on the past semester, and while I still stand by it was the hardest semester I had ever been through, and that I am sincerely glad it is over, it still had both its ups and downs. The time spent spinning my wheels on stuff was ridiculous. I was also really apathetic about all but a small portion of something I really cared about (and took pride in). All of the spinning my wheels often left me irritated, and it cut deeply into the time I wanted to spend with Nathan. Especially finals week. I studied my butt off, and got incredibly lucky!

But, even with all of the spinning my wheels and questioning (the only time I had really questioned my major) and everything, it turned out to be a semester that was rewarding. We are closer now than ever before at getting Gender Identity and Expression added to Purdue's Nondiscrimination. That is something that is truly rewarding. I built ties I never thought I would have with student government (btw, if anybody is wondering, I am considering a run for Senator for the year after next, so any advise there would be fantastic, lol). I really feel a part of the lab now (that was something that had bugged me first semester of this year). I got to spend time doing all sorts of things.

One event that I think typifies how the good parts of the semester was spent was Monday of finals week. Nathan, Asya, Sally, and I went to a local Russian store, got some Russian food, went back, cooked and ate it, chatted, and studied. The food and company was fantastic, and even the studying seemed to go really well. I feel that is typical of how the good times were that semester.

I am still amazed I pulled off everything I did that semester. I sincerely did not think I would be able to. Multiple times I felt everything would collapse, but those are the times I either buckled down the hardest, rechecked my perspective , or realized there just needed to be a time to relax (usually those decisions were guided by others, lol). It is people that had everything to do with that semester. People that got me through the hard parts, people that made up the fun parts, people that needed an important change, people that counted. And really, what could possibly be more powerful, more rewarding, or more worthwhile than people working, helping, and growing together? [Yes, this is the part relating to the other person's blog post that I had to add for my tongue's sake].

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So, I figured at the end of all of this you would like something totally different come at you. Today, I got to go out into the field with Asya to look at and collect different plants. It was a lot of fun, and we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Here are some pictures of me in the field :D

OMG! Evil Tree!

Skunk Cabbage :D!

Isn't that flower awesome?!

A typical day in the field, lol

Repeal DADT!

2010-04-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today the Human Rights Campaign visited campus and, with the help of the Queer Student Union, set up a demonstration supporting the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. It was a lot of fun, and very rewarding. Hundreds of people signed, and I was even able to convince a few people people wary of repeal (which made me very happy :) )!

For the repeal rally we set up 800 flags to represent the 800 specialists dismissed due to Don't Ask Don't Tell. Overall, over 13,500 people have been dismissed, but that was deemed a few too many flags to put up on the Memorial Mall! And now I get to stop before I go onto my now well rehearsed speech about why we must repeal DADT.

It was a lot of fun. A press conference was held at one, and members of the local media were present. So far I have seen one media story, by WLFI (the local news station). I am in the background in several of the shots for the video. The other group at the end of the clip stopped by after their event, and we got TONS of signatures from them. (I really want to thank FACT. You are amazing! Keep up the good work!).

If you want to help repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, please visit the Take Action on HRC's DADT Repeal site.

EDIT: The story made it into both the Journal and Courier (Lafayette's Newspaper) and the Exponent (Purdue's Newspaper). The J&C has an article (which I am quoted in) and a photo gallery. The Exponent just had an article.

Episcopalians and the LGBTQ Community

2010-04-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Mario Melendez (President of the Episcopal Student Association), Reverend Charles Allen (Episcopal Priest at Grace Unlimited), and myself (as Vice President of the Queer Student Union) wrote a Guest Commentary for the Exponent entitled, "Some religions do love, accept LGBTQ community." This commentary was partly a part of the dialog on how religion needs to come to accept the LGBTQ community, and an advertisement for our "Ask A Priest" event in which people could ask questions about the LGBTQ community and the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church is a very Queer-friendly church, and has instrumental in global LGBTQ rights (see Reverend Desmond Tutu's article). While I am personally an Atheist, I recognize the importance of the Episcopal Church, and really feel it is an open and uplifting place. I rather enjoyed the event, and thought it was very enlightening for myself as a Non-Christian as well as the Christians in attendance.

Anyway, today we got our first counter opinion. I think it hit Mario a little stronger than it hit me. Probably for multiple reasons (His church was pretty much called a wolf-in-sheep's-clothing, his beliefs are being corrupted into something evil by this person, I am somewhat desensitized to religious attacks on sexuality, et cetera). Anyway, I will add a link to the opinion when it is uploaded onto the Purdue Exponent's website.

I also want to comment that people need to be aware that as anti-LGBTQ sentiments become more fringe, those who hold them will become more radical (as they have been). These people are trying to protect their bigotry through any mode they have (religion, pseudoscience, lies, vandalism, hate crimes, et cetera). Do not feed the trolls. We must show what LGBTQ issues are about - our bodies, our rights, our dignity, our love.

It's a Boobquake!

2010-04-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

While I am certain almost everybody reading my blog is already familiar with Boobquake, I just wanted to make a quick shout-out to Jen on doing an awesome job. While a few of her things have gone viral (like Atheist Barbie), Boobquake has reached epic proportions.

Here is a link to Jen's original article. Just go search on CNN or some other news agency or wherever if you want to see more news about it. The coverage has gone global, and is especially a hit in Canada. You can also buy Boobquake T-shirts with the proceeds going to charity!

Edit: CNN's list of Monday's Most Intriguing People includes Jen!

A Peak at My Dreams

2010-04-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

There are certain commonalities in my dreams, and so I just wanted to give people a peak at them. The other night I had a dream that I remember somewhat well, and so I thought it would be a good example of one of my dreams. They tend to deal with some opposing force (often times societally apocalyptic), often with me and a group of people working to help advance society (even if it is in a small, underground form).

This dream, for some reason, had me on a quest to find out the primary sexual orientations (of which all others are derived). In order to figure this out I had to go find some drag witches (allusion to the Fates?). They lived across the town, in a huge marble house. I made it there, and they were sitting in a sort of marble, iron, and glass sun-room. There were three of them (yet again, strengthening the case that they deal with the Fates. Yes, I did see Clash of the Titans recently, so it may be from there). The drag witches were very clear to list the four of the primary sexual orientations - lesbian/gay, bisexual, straight, and asexual. They then began to argue over whether the fifth was a sort of complex, esoteric orientation, or if it dealt with humanity having three main genders hardwired into us, or if it was something like demisexuality. It was decided that gay/lesbian dealt with attraction to the same gender, straight dealt with attraction to a different gender (regardless of which one(s) it is), and bisexual deals with attraction to all genders. It was also decided that omnisexuality and pansexuality are derived from bisexuality and that demisexuality (no sexual attraction until one is in a relationship) is derived from asexuality and demiasexuality (loss of sexual attraction when one gets in a relationship) is merely a form of other sexualities. Finally there was some sort of magical epiphany that the fifth primary sexual orientation is autosexual (This dealing with a sexuality based around oneself).

For some reason knowing the five primary sexual orientations made me a target, and the drag warlocks (I am guessing this comes from watching Charmed). I left the drag witches' house, and crossed a bridge. The drag warlocks tried to get me running across their lawn from a fraternity-like brick building. I then woke up.

After Gender Identity and Expression

2010-04-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

A lot of work has been going on to try and get Gender Identity and Expression added to the Nondiscrimination Policy. And when I say a lot of work, I mean YEARS. This campaign for its addition also thought of the next big thing for discrimination policies (at least in my opinion) - Genetic Information. So, a lot of people are probably wondering what happens once Gender Identity and Expression and Genetic Information make it into the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harrasment Policies at Purdue? Is the Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harrassment Policy then inclusive, good, and we can pack our bags and move onto other issues?

It would be nice if this were the case, but it is not. Purdue's discrimination reporting procedures are a mess. I have read them and I still have no idea what one should do (my basic suggestion would be to go to the Dean of Students [excluding the call to the police if it is violent, etc] and have them direct you to the right place because it is SUCH A HUGE MESS). It is embarrassing that reporting discrimination is so complicated. To give you an idea, if discrimination occurs student-to-student, you go one place - unless it occurred in the resident halls in which case you go to another (unless that person is not a resident). If it is staff-to-student you go to one place - unless... professor-to-student... staff-to-staff... co-worker-to-co-worker... yeah, just a mess.

Now, to give you a quick idea (as I have class in a few minutes) of just how far behind Purdue is, here is it's archrival IU's reporting of harassment when Googled: "To report incidents of harassment based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin, either call 855-4463 or write to trust@indiana.edu" (http://dsa.indiana.edu/ethics.html). Guess what I find when I Google Purdue's... this. I think that speaks for itself.

PSG Elections, #2

2010-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

I want to say now that I am rather impressed with both presidential candidates after hearing both of their platforms on LGBTQ issues. Next year could be a really good year for the LGBTQ community in Purdue Student Government. I look forward to working with whoever is elected, and feel that great progress can be made.

Upcoming PSG Elections

2010-03-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Purdue Student Government elections are soon, and I thought I would make a quick statement (a more in depth one may or may not come later depending on if I feel it is needed).

At the moment, there are two people who have really shown support for the LGBTQ community and the development of Purdue as a whole. I thus I feel I should recognize these individuals.

I will be supporting Baldwin/VanBogaert for the President and Vice President. Eddie Van Bogaert was one of the Co-Sponsors of the unanimous PSG resolution to urge Purdue to add Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation to its Nondiscrimination Policy. Considering this currently my main focus in activism, it is HUGE. These revisions mean more than a lot of people can imagine. Empowering Transgender people on campus and helping to recruit and retain Transpeople is vital to Purdue's sustainability and continuing to be a leading university. It is truly sad that Purdue does not already include Gender Identity and Expression (really an embarrassment, we are after all the only Big Ten without it). Any candidate this supportive of transpeople and the LGBTQ community almost certainly have a lot to offer all students. You can learn more about the Baldwin/VanBogaert campaign at http://betterwithbaldwin.com/ . In order to better empower their ability to enact change, I will be supporting their supporters.

I will be supporting Nick DeBoer for the Liberal Arts Senator. While I can't vote in the College of Liberal Arts race, I will still encourage people to vote for Nick DeBoer. Yet again, Gender Identity and Expression play a huge part into this, because as I have already stated it is a BIG DEAL. He even attended the PSG meeting in which is was being deliberated, live-tweeting the vote! You can find out more about his campaign at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=104068222959357&ref=ts .

Remember elections are March 30th through Thursday, April 1st on GetInvolved ( www.getinvolved.purdue.edu ). Please consider voting.

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Disclaimer: I want to make a disclaimer that my opinions on the election may or may not represent the views of anybody/anything/etc other than myself. In particular, the Queer Student Union has a staunch position of remaining neutral in all elections, and the Voter's Guide produced by QSU will be neutral regardless of the position of any of the Queer Student Union.
This statement of support is strictly personal and a means of reaching out to other voters on my own time with my own resources.
I also look forward to working with whoever is elected, and hope supporting certain candidates will be viewed as a personal issue not to be involved with the work that must get done to improve Purdue for everybody.

Exponent Covers PGSG Resolution

2010-03-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

Yet again the front page of the Exponent has seen the Nondiscrimination Policy resolution and its passage. The article can be found here. They messed up on my class (I am a sophomore, not a junior), but other than that it is a fantastic article.

There was little reaction on the opinions page to the Purdue Student Government resolution, so I doubt that the Purdue Graduate Student Government resolution will garner much more, but I will certainly keep my eye open and everybody updated!

EDIT: The Exponent corrected the mistake in my class. I would like to thank Purdue Exponent for the correction.

PGSG Approves Nondiscrimination Resolution

2010-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

On the 10th of February, 2010, the Purdue Student Government (PSG) voted unanimously to urge Purdue University to amend its Nondiscrimination Policy to add "Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation." Today, the 1st of March 2010, the Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG) voted 32-0 on that same resolution.

It is stunning to see such an immensely important resolution continue through the system, and to be doing so well! I honestly am amazed that the resolution has done so well. I remember going into the PSG meeting seriously worrying that the resolution would fail (and I thank those who helped me keep my sanity!), and then we came out of it with a unanimous victory!

Then, today, I was in a total state of worry again that the resolution would fail, even though we had been told the resolution should do well. My worry peaked when the bathroom issue (a typical ploy by the forces of evil to kill transgender rights) was brought up. Do these people seriously think that all but two AAU Universities and every Big Ten University except for Purdue would pass these resolutions if it risked people's safety? This issue is one of providing safety, not losing it. Luckily Jess Rombach and the various senators were more than prepared for the question. She illustrated her point flawlessly when she used her change of roommates freshman year due to climate conditions to tackle the housing issue, and was well equipped for the bathroom question. She easily quelled the worry of the two senators posing the questions.

As an amusing aside, there was a several minute debate on whether the resolution should be amended to add something along the lines of "or lack thereof" with regards to religion. It was eventually decided that religion did cover the nonreligious (as the discrimination would be on religious grounds), although they may talk with certain leaders about clarifying the wording in the future.

I still held my breath when the vote occurred, and was stunned, again, to see people so strongly embracing equal rights. It truly makes me feel safer at Purdue just knowing that so many of our student leaders understand just how important this resolution is.

While we celebrate this victory, we also must not forget that the steps ahead are harder. Student governments move faster than the many others who will see when it comes to policy. Doubt and opposition may begin to manifest, and we have to be prepared for tougher questions and even ignorant people.

I STRONGLY urge you to support this resolution. It means more than you could ever imagine to a lot of people.

Pre-PGSG Statement on the Nondiscrimination Policy

2010-02-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Nondiscrimination Policy Amendment Resolution is headed to Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG). PGSG has a great opportunity to help countless Purdue students by following the lead of the Purdue Student Government (PSG) and passing this resolution.

While I could go on and on about why PGSG should pass this resolution, I decided it would be best to present a concise list of five reasons to support, "A Resolution Supporting the Inclusion of Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation to the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy."

1. Purdue University is the only Big Ten University not to include Gender Identity and Expression in its Non-Discrimination Policies in some way. This really is an embarrassment, and Purdue's ranking have been affected by the lack of its inclusion.

2. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Policy became law on May 21st, 2008. This act passed the House of Representatives 414 - 1, and protects Americans from discrimination on the basis of genetic test results.

3. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crime Prevention Act became law on October 28th, 2009. It should be noted that both of Indiana's Senators - Democrat Senator Bayh and Republican Senator Lugar - voted for this law. This act added gender identity to national Hate Crimes legislation.

4. Purdue University will produce some of the world's leaders, and those leaders need to be able to safely develop a political voice.

5. The addition of Gender Identity and Expression to the Nondiscrimination Policy would be a low cost way for Purdue University to enhance its reputation and regain lost ranking due to the lack of its inclusion. Adding Genetic Information and Political Affiliation will show Purdue University as a forward-thinking institution anticipating future problems and producing future leaders.

I have no idea what the PGSG meeting will hold, regardless, the good fight will continue. This resolution is important and means a lot to a large number of people. Support for the policy has been obvious throughout this effort, and I hope PGSG follows PSG's steps and unanimously supports amending the Nondiscrimination Policy. I can not stress enough how much this resolution means to some people.

With Hope,
Nicholas Goldsmith

Edit: The Purdue Graduate Student Government Meeting is March 1st at 6:00pm in KRAN G005.

Nondiscrimination Policy Tracking

2010-02-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Media about the Purdue University Student Government Senate unanimously approving a resolution to urge Purdue University to add to its Nondiscrimination Policy: Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation.

Exponent Articles:
[Purdue] Senate to Discuss Non-Discrimination Policy 10 February 2010
PSG Votesto Support Revised Policy 11 February 2010

Exponent Opinions:
Nondiscrimination Policy Must Include... 10 February 2010
Nondiscrimination Policy Discriminates 12 February 2010

Student Blogs:
Mine 1 10 February 2010

Newspaper
Students Toughen Bias Policy 21 February 2010

Nondiscrimination Policy

2010-02-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it, and it is so amazingly spectacular. The Purdue Student Government Senate has unanimously (yes, a 20-0 vote) approved a resolution urging Purdue University to amend its Nondiscrimination Policy to included Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information, and Political Affiliation.

I thought the vote would be close and we might even lose, but no, it was unanimous and we won! This is fabulous, and while I could go on and on about why, it really comes down to inclusion. Purdue Student Government just sent a message, which is going to get media attention, that Purdue University needs to be more inclusive.

I have no idea what is still to come. This issue is ultimately going to go to the Board of Trustees, and this unanimous vote is going to appear before them (and hopefully help this pass!). I know that each step will be harder, but this was a huge hurdle that was just jumped, and it is really energizing after seeing so much defeat in meetings. I truly have to commend Jessica Rombach. Her campaigning has been brilliant and she has no idea how much she has helped people.

Purdue University will hopefully join the rest of the Big Ten, and the overwhelming majority of the other high ranked universities, in including Gender Identity and Expression to the Nondiscrimination Policy.

Notes on the vote: The resolution came up, and a few senators spoke (nobody in opposition). There were a lot of spectators for a PSG meeting (and that did not go unnoticed). The vote was unanimous, and a huge applause followed. I teared up (had my tears of happiness a little later), and several other people did cry (and were very touched).

I don't know if people know how much these few words mean to people. How much it means to some of my friends that Gender Identity and Expression may be added. How much safer they will feel. I feel safer just with the knowledge that there was support for an addition that affects a lot of other members of the Queer community. This is also a huge retention and recruitment issue. The people who know to look do, and this will really help.

I will start another post tracking this issue as it develops.

(Sorry this is discombobulated, and that it really only talks about Gender Identity and Expression. I am SO excited that I just needed to get something down. I know we still have a long way to go, but I was not expecting to see this step so soon).

Change in Career Path

2010-01-31T22:07:00.000-08:00

May have a change of plans announcement soon (those with RSS feeds probably already know what).

Creepiest Elevator Contest Soon!

2010-01-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Recently, on my Twitter/Facebook status (the two are synced), I stated, "Nominates the elevator near the Lily greenhouses for 'Creepiest Elevator in the World.'" This status got a few comments along the lines of "it is," "it is not that bad," and other anecdotes. Due to this, I have decided that I should hold a Creepiest Elevator Contest right here on this blog. The problem is - I need to develop some rules.

So, ideas? So far one of my former classmates has commented that stairwells should be included or at least given honorable mention. This lead me to wonder about something such as a dumbwaiter. What do people think? Should I require pictures? Anecdotes? Quotes from others? Should this be open to stairwells and dumbwaiters (and if so where does this end?)? How should it be judged (me, poll, guidelines?)? Should this elevator have been seen in real life? etc?

So, please, blast me with ideas, information, and the likes. You can comment on this blog, my Facebook status, or email me ( Genesjockey (at) GMail (dot) Com ). I will then try to compile a list of rules. Also, please tell me if I can release your name with the idea/rule.

Wordle!

2010-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

One fun online tool I have found and just wanted to note is Wordle. Here is a wordle of my blog, the bigger the word the more common it is on the blog. Hope you like it! It is pretty fun, play around with it.

Spring 2010 - The Fourth Semester

2010-01-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Nathan and I have now been dating for a year! We celebrated by watching lots of movies and playing Digimon (Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver don't come out for a few more months, or else we would probably be playing that, lol). Break was long (I am in favor of really short breaks but every weekend is 3 days, who is with me?), but we were finally back together, and ready to start new classes.

I have 15 credit hours, so I figured I would go through my upcoming classes (and other things):

ANTH 204 (Intro to Human Evolution) - Yay social sciences! I am looking forward to this class, mainly because it deals with Evolution.

BTNY 390 (Microbiology Lab) - Botany changed its Microbiology requirement to a class I already took (BTNY 207), and added a lab component. In order to dodge the biology version of microbiology, I can take the micro lab by itself. The professor is hilarious, and I am quite looking forward to it.

CHM 256 (Organic Chemistry) - I continue on with the second part of Organic Chemistry. Joy joy (I take quite a bit of Chemistry for my Botany degree)! Lecture last semester wasn't too bad, and the professor is excellent, so I think this should be good, probably about the same as last semester.

CHM 25601 (Organic Chemistry Lab) - While I did well... Let's just say I only got one perfect pre-lab. I am not exactly looking forward to this lab to be perfectly honest, but I will get through it, hopefully without exposure to too many carcinogens.

CS 180 (Programming I) - CS 177 went well, though CS 180 is suppose to be quite a step up. I don't like CS exams though. I can code fine enough, but the exams are brutal (odd errors pop up in the questions). This class will be Java so that should be good.

STAT 503 (Statistics for Biological Methods) - The biology-focused version of statistics. I have no idea what to expect. Wish me luck!

Queer Student Union - This will be my second semester as Vice President of the Queer Student Union. Hoping this year goes well (maybe some movement on Gender Identity and Expression. HELLO PURDUE, we are a little behind our peers!). GAYpril should be a lot of fun. I am planning to do another talk on Asexuality. (Still thinking about names. Last year it was "Asexuality: The Missing Orientation").

Research - I am working in the lab of Dr Nancy Emery. We will see what all I have to do, but it looks like I will be in there several hours a week.

FEELS - I am in a National Science Foundation fellowship program in the College of Agriculture. For it I have to do a variety of things, and we will see what has to be done this semester.

Leadership Development Certificate Program - A program I am in because of FEELS, my last Personal Development Plan was rejected due to format (I did not follow the suggested format, and instead used flowcharts), we will see if I can get a new one to pass!

00s Out, 10s In

2009-12-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

New Decade, big changes.

The 2000s brought about big changes, and I predict even more changes in the 2010s. During the 2000s I turned 18, I graduated high school. I had my first date, first boyfriend. I started college, and I saw a lot of history (much of which affects me personally). I saw close elections, 9/11, the first Black American president, a huge leap in the deficit, same-sex marriage begin its rise, hate crime protection for LGBTQ, euthanasia become legal in three states (just today one joined!), and I saw computers LEAP.

Predictions that affect me personally for the next decade - marriage equality increases globally, creationist become fringe (like flat Earthers). I will get my BS, maybe a few more degrees.

And now to post this before the ball hits.

Langenese

2009-12-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Nathan likes to create languages, and so I have made a quick one with my understanding.

Langenese

Alphabet

Pronounced similar to English, with Жx being /sh/ and Ѳѳ being /th/

Aa Ee Ii Oo Uu Bb Dd Ff Gg Hh Jj Ll Mm Nn Pp Rr Ss Vv Ww Yy Жx Ѳѳ

Structure

TM-V-S

DO and IO have free word order

Prepositions precede their objects

Tense Markers

Past (simple)	Eon	Plus-Past (simple)	Plo
Present	Ivo	Command	Lom
Future (simple)	Loe	Plus-Future (simple)	Flo

Simple tenses are used in literature to simplify the number of tenses

Pronouns

Type	Subject/OP	DO	IO	Possessive
1^st singular (I)	O	A	I	E
2^nd singular (You)	Yo	Ya	Yi	Ye
3^rd singular (S/He)	Go	Ga	Gi	Ge
1^st plural (We)	Mo	Ma	Mi	Me
2^nd plural (You)	So	Sa	Si	Se
3^rd plural (They)	Wo	Wa	Wi	We

The vowels of pronouns all have their long vowel sound

Verb Conjugation

Infinitive	-ep	-ap	-io
Singular	-ed	-ad	-on
plural	-eps	-aps	-ios

Verbs are conjugated based soley on number of subject

Example Regular Verb Conjugations

Jaep (to Walk)	Parap (to talk in a conversation)	Manio (to eat)
Jaed	Parad	Manon
Jaeps	Paraps	Manios

Example Irregular Verb Conjugation

Vio (to be)

Example Sentences

Eon jaed o = I walked

Ivo jaeps mo = We walk

Lom jaed yo = Walk!

Sometimes I Feel Like I Live in Grand Central Station

2009-12-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, certain phrases just catch us. Lady Gaga has stated that her song "Telephone" is about the Suffocation Monster, and this semester is one where this monster just seems to hit me. This semester has been hard on me, in spite of everything pointing otherwise, and the reason for the difficulty is that it has caused me to question myself, specifically what I want. It seems that there are a lot of plans for me, and I almost feel that the rejection of my Personal Development Plan (A program rejected my plan for the program due to its format) was an embodiment of how I have been feeling. Blaringly good things have happened, but they all get drowned out.

The song "Telephone" repeats, "Stop calling, stop calling, I don't want to think anymore," and this brings to mind a lot of different issues. Mainly, it pulls up in my mind the setbacks that have overshadowed the positives. The radicals trying to impose their bigoted, anti-family ideas of a hetero-exclusive society know they are losing. Because of this lose, crazy people have come out of the woodwork. The fact that hate crime rates have risen is by itself an indicator of these crazies appearing. Watching the Queer Stream Media since the expansion of the hate crimes bill has been a painful chore. One of the most notable hate crimes is the murder of a Gay Puerto Rican teen. He was decapitated and burned because he was Gay. This incident is too sickening to really even discuss, as the details are like those in the Matthew Shepard murder. Nobody can doubt this was a hate crime.

Unfortunately, the Queer victories have been overshadowed by huge losses. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" repeal problems and the lack of action by the Obama Administration on DADT and DOMA have overshadowed the hate crime protections. The passage of Referendum 71 ("All but Marriage" in Washington State) was a huge victory showing that domestic partnerships can win, but it was overshadowed by Question 1 (outlawing equal marriage in Maine). Now, marriage equality in Washington DC is overshadowed by the lose in New York. (Going to toss in a link to Jen's blog post over at Blag Hag because I feel it is worth reading).

Here at Purdue, rhetorical statements against LGBTQ people have expanded. Beyond the whole Bert Chapman incident, a person from Illinois feels it is warrented to write in to the Exponent and call same-sex/gender attraction a disorder! Yet these people are being combated, as more people step up and state that these bigots are wrong. A commentary was recently published discussing how Purdue is behind the other Big Ten Universities in Queer issues. Yet, at least I know I, have let these great steps be overshadowed by the radicals. I forget that the radicals know they are losing, and thus lashing out. I also forget that the radicals know, deep down inside, that what they are doing is wrong.

Last night, Nathan and I watched the movie Latter Days. The movie concerned a gay Mormon. What was done to this guy because he was gay was atrocious, and difficult to watch. It was difficult knowing that in a few decades time the Mormon Church will have opened its doors to Gays and Lesbians (I believe the Catholic Church will as well and is already taking silent steps in that direction, but that is a statement for another time). The mother of the Gay Mormon knew what she was doing was wrong (in looking down upon her son being Gay). One could tell in how she acted that she knew she was wrong, yet she kept doing it. I think a lot of those crazies are like that now. American Churches are endorsing a bill in Uganda that would execute Gays and Lesbians. How crazy can they be? How much more radical and wrong could a person possibly be? Yet these people feel that they are violating god if they question this religion. To be honest, if there is a god, she is sick and tired of these bigots doing this in her name! (Brings to mind the Lily Allen song "Him").

The victories of 2009 have been overshadowed by the loses. We (society) must remember that these crazies are not gaining power, they are just losing. They are backed into a corner and are being faced with a mirror. And for that they will murder, and for that they will fight, but they will lose. They will lose because they are wrong.

Third Letter to the Exponent Published

2009-11-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Yay! My third letter to the Exponent has been published. Basically, I am responding to Lydia Williams compare reading blogs to eavesdropping.

Stand by the Queer Community Statement

2009-11-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Bert Chapman story has gained media attention in a variety of places. LGBTQ readers of a variety of blogs have seen the story. So have readers of various newspapers, listeners of some radio stations, and television watchers.

Unfortunately, some feel the story has to keep growing. This has already haunted Bert Chapman. Maybe he will learn that he is wrong, but I doubt it. Let's not make this haunt the LGBTQ population at Purdue. Bert Chapman posted comments. It has been shown that he was wrong. He has felt the backlash. There is no harassment case, and it should not be made into one. It is an issue, as the local LGBTQ organizations have stated, of free speech versus community standards. Bert Chapman has the right to say what he said. Equally, we have the right and obligation to say that he was wrong. Bert Chapman has heard that he was wrong; that his statements are false, that he is hiding behind false claims. Let's not move this beyond acceptable free speech. Let's not take this into the realms of harassment or anything else. Don't let this move into territory where everybody loses. Purdue has distanced themselves from him, which is all that one can expect.

I just want to make this statement - Bert Chapman posted a blog post on his private blog. What he said in that post was wrong, malicious, and offensive. It was not, however, breaking a Purdue policy. His speech in this sense has to be protected, just as my speech to write this blog post has to be protected. The Purdue community has done what it needed to do - show people that they disagree with Mr. Chapman. The librarians of Purdue did a wonderful move when they made their statement.Let's not devalue a huge gesture like that. People know Mr. Chapman hurt Purdue's image and that what he said was inaccurate. Our job here is no longer to point this out. I worry that now, I will have to defend Mr. Chapman as others go parading against his right to free speech. What then, of my activism? Will it be protected?

If speech is not protected, who is going to get silenced? A fair percentage of the Purdue community still doesn't accept Queer people. Do we want to create backlash against the work that has been done? Purdue is far behind the other Big 10 Universities in LGBTQ issues, do we want to make it worse?

Let's stop while we are ahead. The local LGBTQ organizations, the voice of the Queer community, has made a statement. Let's rally behind that statement, and leave it there. The Queer Student Union has distanced itself from all statements but this one for a reason. Let's not backtrack the work that has been done (or that is being done).

---
Side note on Progress:

Promising things are happening at Purdue. Gender Identity and Expression may be gaining ground for its addition to the nondiscrimination policy. I am hoping that Genetic Predisposition and Carrier Status, and Political Affiliation, will also make it on to the list of items to be added. Gender Identity is including in federal hate crimes legislation and featured in some way in all Big 10 nondiscrimination policies (except Purdue). Genetic Information is the next obvious area of discrimination, and steps at the federal and state level have been made to protect one from discrimination on this basis - hopefully Purdue will add to that effort. As for Political Affiliation, I think this one speaks for itself in a time like this.

As for the complicated reporting procedures here at Purdue, there may be change coming. Maybe, students will actually understand how to report real incidents of harassment and discrimination. If a solid system could be made that is easier to understand and use, Purdue would have made a HUGE step towards diversity and inclusion.

As for a Director of LGBTQ Affairs, Purdue still remains the Big 10 without one, but the case for one is growing. I won't go into this as it deserves WAY more attention, and I have quite a bit of information to cover on it.

Bert Chapman Official Queer Community Statement

2009-11-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

As Vice President of the Queer Student Union and an active member in the Queer Community of Purdue University, I thought I would pass on the joint statement of the local LGBTQ organizations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Local LGBT Rights Groups Denounce Chapman Blog As Offensive
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A recent personal blog post by Purdue librarian, Professor Bert Chapman, has raised the conflict between free speech and community standards. The undersigned groups support free speech, but that does not mean there are no consequences for such statements. While it is clear that all individuals have the right to print anything they wish regardless of the lack of value or research, it's also true that statements in print (or in this case on-line) should be rejected and called out when they misstate the facts and cause damage to a segment of the community. In this case, "An Economic Case Against Homosexuality, " is a mishmash of anti-gay rhetoric denouncing immorality and a pseudo-factual analysis of the economics of HIV infection. But the poor quality of research and the obvious bias against gays undercuts any serious consideration of his thesis, let alone the obvious conclusion, which Chapman does not seem to have the courage to state. Since he argues that money spent to fight HIV/AIDS (which is more prevalent now in the heterosexual community than the GLBT) is wasted, he is, in effect condemning all infected regardless of orientation to a death sentence. Such a poorly researched and sourced statement as this is shocking enough from a university staffer, let alone a tenured professor responsible for library research in the field of political science.

The Lafayette-West Lafayette community has taken years to develop a standard of respect and support for our GLBT citizens. Support for this part of the community is clear in the attendance at OUTfest 2009 and the strong backing of the Pride Lafayette Community Center. The Tippecanoe County area is one of a very few in Indiana where sexual orientation is included in non-discrimination ordinances. These advances were hard-won and require effort to maintain the community standards once established. Purdue has also made considerable effort to promote diversity and inclusion. In fact, the university has created a position of Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, which is tasked specifically with creating an inviting campus environment. The current climate on campus was difficult enough to achieve. This level of respect is threatened when staff members so blatantly disrespect and publicly disparage a whole subset of the university body.

Purdue Queer Student Union, ALLY, Delta Lamda Phi, and community organizations Citizens for Civil Rights and Pride Lafayette support anyone's right to speak freely about any topic. But we reject the gross mischaracterizations and untruths contained in Professor Chapman's blog. We urge the campus and community to join us in this condemnation.

Jessica Lee
President of the Purdue Queer Student Union
Senior in College of Liberal Arts

Adam Wright
President of Ally Association
Senior in College of Liberal Arts

Sean Samocki
President of Delta Lambda Phi
Senior in College of Technology

Jo Ann Mullen
President of Citizen for Civil Rights

Bryan Bell
President of Pride Lafayette

Bert Chapman - Growing

2009-11-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Note - If you want a quick, balanced statement, I would advise the Indy Star article or the FOX 59 video. Also, the local LGBTQ Organizations have issued a statement.

Earlier Updates: 2:34-12Nov, 10:13-12Nov, 10:30-12Nov, 11:05-12Nov, 11:13-12Nov, 11:59-12Nov, 12:03-13Nov, 4:45-13Nov, 9:17-13Nov
Edit @ 11:55am on 14Nov - Queerty Article #2
Edit @ 10:12am on 16Nov - 365 Gay (maintained by LOGO), Exponent Commentary 1 and 2, statement of local organizations
Edit @ 4:08pm on 16Nov - NYU student newspaper and QSU blog
Edit @ 6:04pm on 16Nov - Academic Librarian
Edit @ 12:42pm on 17Nov - Exponent printed LGBTQ Organization statement, Politics and Puck, and Phi Beta Cons

I don't have time to type up all of what is going on, but know that the Indy Star and Fox 59 have both been doing interviews. QSU board media ban has stopped me from talking, but statements have been made by others. Also, QSU signed onto CCR's press release which will occur soon.

Other than that, I thought it best for all those blogging about this situation to bring all of the links I know of together.

The Blog That Started It All
Original
Changed

Student Blogs
Me 1
Me 2
Boilercrat Junction 1
Boilercrat Junction 2
Boilercrat Junction 3
Boilercrat Junction 4
Politics and Puck 1
Politics and Puck 2
Politics and Puck 3
Politics and Puck 4
Politics and Puck 5
Politics and Puck 6
The Dark Matter Effect
Blag Hag
Waking Up Now
Justin Harter

Academic Blogs
Academic Librarian

National LGBTQ Media
Queerty 1
Queerty 2
Joe My God
Victoria Advocate (Texas)
LGBTLife on twitter
Back 2 Stonewall
Towleroad
The Advocate
365 Gay

National Media - Other
Everyday Christian
Phi Beta Con (National Review Column)

National Higher Education Media and Other University Newspapers
Inside Higher Ed
NYU Local

National Newspapers
Chicago Tribune (AP article)
United Press International
USA Today (National)
Baltimore Sun (Maryland)

Indiana Newspapers

Journal and Courier (Lafayette)

Indy Star (Indianapolis)

The Republic (Columbus, IN)
Journal and Courier Opinion

Television
WTHR (Indianapolis)
FOX 59 (Including QRC in the video)
WSBT2 (South Bend, IN)

Exponent
Opinions 1
Opinions 2 - 1
Opinions 2 - 2
Opinions 2 - 3
Opinions 3 - Librarians support all members of Purdue Community (I would like to note that the College of Agriculture Librarian is on that list - Marianne Stowell Bracke. Plant Biology is in the College of Agriculture, so I wanted to note that!)
Commentary 1
Opinions 4
Opinions 5
Unpublished Opinions 1
Unpublished Opinions 2
Commentary 2
Commentary 3

Facebook
Protest Event
Facebook Group

Official Statements
LGBTQ Organizations of the Lafayette Area (on QSU's blog here) (in the Exponent) (in Politics and Puck)

Bert Chapman Opinion

2009-11-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to not undermine any actions being taken by anybody dealing with Bert Chapman (see my previous post on the topic here), the QSU board has decided against having any board member submit an opinion to the Exponent on the topic, however we are allowed to use our own private blogs. Here is what I would send in (trimmed to the 300 word limit) were I to send in an opinion on the topic. Note that this is a response to the second set of opinions on Bert Chapman which state that he was fine in what he did (this opinion and this opinion).

---

Professor Chapman's blog post was inaccurate. He starts his argument with HIV-AIDS. Unfortunately, he never got the memo that HIV-AIDS is not an exclusively gay disease. HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, not the Gay Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV-AIDS is also spread by more than just sexual contact. As for the tainted blood supply comment, Gay men have been blocked from donating blood in the US since 1983. Whether or not gay men are able to donate is not going to stop HIV blood testing, precisely because HIV-AIDS is not a gay disease.

It is also interesting that Professor Chapman was unaware of the ease of finding prison rape statistics. I am kind of curious how a professor of library science is unable to find this information. This rings bells of Kevin Casimer's economic argument against librarians.

As for arguing that domestic partner benefits are a further example of how gays and lesbians hurt the economy, I would like to bring up the recent event of an interracial couple being denied marriage. I am certain that money could be saved by not allowing interracial couples to get family insurance benefits, but that does not make that denial acceptable. One could save a large sum of money if all Christians were denied family insurance benefits - does that make it okay?

It is interesting that Professor Chapman chooses to argue against gays and lesbians based on an economic case. Commissions studying the potential economic impact of same-sex marriage in New Jersey and New York have concluded that the economy would benefit from equal marriage. Massachusetts has also claimed an economic gain from equalizing marriage.

Professor Chapman's blog might be using sarcasm to point out why gays and lesbians should be afforded equal rights, as his claims are inaccurate and overstated.

---

Somewhat in relation to this, Sunday, November 15th, starting at 1:00pm will be an AIDS walk. The walk is starting at the Gold Fields (across from the Co-Rec) on Third Street, and will be a 2 mile walk. $5 is the minimum donation, and there will be free snacks and refreshments. This is hosted by the African Student Association.

Here is a map of the world distorted by HIV-AIDS. I think it has quite an impact on its own.

Sometimes, lots of things happen! Part III

2009-11-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

As lots could go into the next three posts, the following are the contents:

- Bigoted Purdue Professor

- Lady Gaga

- Humans versus Zombies

-------------------------

ZOMBIES! OMFG!

Humans versus Zombies (zombie tag) has made it to Purdue's campus! The game started Tuesday and goes until Saturday (when the final mission occurs).

Of course, I had to get converted into a zombie on the first day. I was turned near SC and CL50, on my way from WTHR to Smith.

The Exponent has, of course, included a comic for the occasion:

You see, humans wear their bandanna around their arm, and zombies around their forehead (or neck if they are stunned - which occurs when shot with a nerf gun or clean socks). When a human is converted, they have to give an ID number to the zombie, who enters it into the computer. Zombies then have to feed ever 48 hours, and each human feeds 3 zombies.

It has been a lot of fun. The final mission is to stop the people who have hidden in their rooms the entire time. Basically, humans have to get to an extraction point to get airlifted to safety as the idea is the invasion will be bombed.

Zombies have finally passed humans in numbers, but it has gotten really hard to get humans. Luckily, most zombies have been fed so that we won't starve our by Saturday. More later, but here are a few pictures.

Sometimes lots of things happen! Part II

2009-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

As lots could go into the next three posts, the following are the contents:

- Bigoted Purdue Professor

- Lady Gaga

- Humans versus Zombies

-------------------------

A Celebration of Queer Culture to Ensure:

Lady Gaga

Yes, that is from today's Exponent. It is official, Lady Gaga is coming to Purdue!

Of course, her visit means a complete and total celebration of Queer culture. Camping out in the Stewart Center under the Pride Flag, singing all of the songs a zillion times, and general enjoying the amazingness that is Lady Gaga.

Also, in honor of this occasion, here is my favorite Lady Gaga video. My favorite outfit she has worn is of course the gyroscope:

Anyway, Lady Gaga's shocking style has resonated in many here in Purdue's Queer Community. She has also taken many steps in helping the fight for Queer Equality, claiming that one of the biggest events of her career was speeching at the National Equality March. She often thanks god and the gays for where she has gotten. Lady Gaga even posed for a major Gay magazine - OUT:

Seeing Lady Gaga will be AMAZING, and I am super pumped!

Sometimes, lots of things happen! Part I

2009-11-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

As lots could go into the next three posts, the following are the contents:

- Bigoted Purdue Professor

- Lady Gaga

- Humans versus Zombies

-------------------------

Bigots for Professors

Bert Chapman, a "professor" of Library Science, has posted a very homophobic blog post about his supposed "economic case against homosexuality." Several student blogs have picked up on this story, and basically point out how the professor is a) not using facts at all, b) bigoted, and c) out of line. You can read some of the other posts at Blag Hag, Boilercrat Junction, The Dark Matter Effect, and Politics and Puck. The blog has also been picked up on national gay blogs, most notable Queerty. LGBTLife on Twitter had multiple tweets about this incident.

The professor is blatantly incorrect. The information is incredibly easy to find. And besides, even if some of his points are true that doesn't make them right. I am sure companies could save money if they didn't give insurance benefits to interracial couples or non-Christian couples, but that doesn't make it okay.

Three Opinions Page of the Exponent has printed three so far (1, 2, and 3 are all listed in that one link).

Stay tuned for the next posts today!...

And then Maine happened.

2009-11-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

"In a disappointing defeat for advocates of freedom, choice and limited government everywhere, voters in Maine overturned a state law allowing Mainers to choose who they marry." (source). But then again, how could we compete? I mean a veteran and happy family against people with big signs claiming gays and lesbians are possessed by demons? I mean come on, these "Yes on 1, No on Equality" things just wanted to protect marriage*.

*But only if you are a couple composed on one Christian man and one Christian woman, Christian being defined as any church believing in the teachings of Jesus Christ except the love, hope, and acceptance that he preached.

Anti-Religion, Christian-Endorsed Board

2009-10-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs241.snc1/8827_1246225679032_1331100509_697149_6364643_n.jpgToday, on the way back to the Queer Resource Center from lunch, I saw the sign above (with a lot fewer words then). The sign of course states, "I hate religion because..." I wrote, "because love between adults should not be looked down upon." Apparently, a few of my other friends have also written pro-gay messages on the board now, which makes me happy. Anyway...

I walked back by the sign a few times (and added, "evolution is undeniable."). I then proceeded to talk to one of the people with the board for about half an hour. It is for a Christian organization (not a church like I previously thought). I got a flier for the event they are doing around this. It is called "Jesus Without Religion" (Will occur October 15 @ 7:00pm in Mathews 304). [He also gave me his contact information to talk more. We of course talked about my religious background, and how they have small groups that sit and talk about what Jesus himself said. I will probably email him asking what translation of the Bible he prefers.]

Anyway, apparently they want to learn more about the qualms people have with their religion. They expected the hypocrisy, oppressive, and hate messages. I think this is a very noble idea, as trying to improve one's community is important. I commended this project multiple times, and wanted to know more about follow up on it (there is not going to be too much though :( ). The Exponent did not send a reporter, but I am sure this will decorate the Opinions page (in which I will certainly send my input! In defense of asking for criticism to improve one's community. Of course I will defend the pro-gay statements too).

---

As a side note, there was a protester for a very short while. He had a sign saying, "I love Jesus because..." I added, "It's okay to be gay." Anyway, he was gone before I could look back :(

Addition:

Edit: There is a picture of the counter protester. You see the marked out bit, that is my comment ("It is okay to be gay"). That makes me sad that it was marked out :( Really? Why? To confirm the many comments about disliking religion because of its anti-gay aspects?

Also, Jen has a GREAT post, check it out!

Anti-Religion, Church-Endorsed Signs

2009-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL :D

A church on campus has a sign on the Memorial Mall (here at Purdue) asking people what they hate about religion. I added the first gay line, "Love between two adults should not be looked down upon," and now there are a few more. There are also a lot of others about being judgmental and such. Another I kind of want to add is, "Evolution is real," or "The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the one true god."

You might want to know that a church is doing this to better understand why people dislike religion. Maybe another pro-gay ministry will occur on campus (So far there are the Episcopal Church, Wesleyan Foundation, and the Unitarian Universalist Church that I know of.). Anyway, I love the idea. I hope it goes well and hope lots appears in the Exponent.

Of course, somebody has now shown up to protest. He has a sign stating, "I love Jesus because..." I of course added, "It is okay to be gay." Later I will see what else is added :D Anyway, I LOVE it. (I think I just love religious protests).

The Tenth Letter on Jed

2009-10-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

Today, I open up the Exponent to find the last opinion on the Non-Theist Society's protest. It presents the same kind of arguments the other anti-Brother Jed protesting opinions presents. There is just one problem, it is in response to Jennifer's argument published the same day as mine. So, Michael Ebert feels hurt that Brother Jed's version of Christianity was mocked, even if that Christian message was homophobic, racist, et cetera? Is a homophobic, racist, prejudice message then okay if it is masked as religion? Is racism and homophobia exempt from criticism if it is under the guise of religion?

Apparently Blasphemy Day was also wrong (which is the first bad response to it I have heard yet). During this event, ANYBODY could write on some posters whatever they liked without fear of censorship. For some reason this alienates theists (I clearly remember many theist messages on those posters, but you can see for yourself here). I don't understand how it alienates theists (could somebody explain?). Sometimes I think the people writing these letters don't know what is going on, they just react to what they see the Exponent publishing.

This series of letters has hit the maximum. It does say something about checking online though, and so I probably will watch that some. Sad that epople clearly missing the reason for the counter-protest was the last letter.

I think we need a reminder of what occurred, so here is the video. Note the very homophobic slurs caught on film here. (I am the one in tye dye).

Brother Jed Blitz II

2009-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Yet another opinion of mine has gotten into Purdue's Exponent (my first, and by far stronger of the two here). Compared to my last it is not very strong, and I honestly only wrote it because my last one had not gotten in yet and there seemed to be TONS of Anti-Non-Theist opinions. Also today were two other Pro-Non-Theist article (here and here).

Of course this further expands the response tree (Note, after reading a blog one of the connections were rerouted). I am pretty sure that only one or two more letters will be allowed on this subject (there is a ten letter limit, and according to my arrangement there have been nine [not counting the one relating to missing Brother Jed's appearance]).

More to come when more occurs!

Brother Jed Blitz!

2009-10-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday I got published (my article here) in the Exponent (Purdue's Student Newspaper) for a piece I wrote in response to this letter. A lot of responses to the Josh Phillips article have started to be published, two more editorials being published (here and here).

My editorial has been meantioned on two blogs that I have seen (here and here). In the QRC I have a response tree detailing all of the responses so far to these articles, which is the picture on this post. I am wondering if a response to my article will be published - we shall see!

Below is an explanation of the response tree:

Two articles started this - one that Brother Jed came and the other about the Society of Non-Theist's Pastafarian Preaching. There was one response directly to the Brother Jed article, which was because they were sad for missing Jed. Three responses were directly to the Pastafarian Preaching, all negative. One of these, by Josh Phillips, has had three responses (including mine) all positive.

2009-10-05T10:09:00.001-07:00

http://blaghag.blogspot.com/2009/10/another-letter-to-editor.html
http://purdueexponent.org/?module=article&story_id=18101

My letter to the editor

GIDEONS and Vernal Pool Plants, OH MY!

2009-09-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly building a religious text library. While I have the one true religious book - The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster - I have decided to show that the best way to show that Pastafarians are probably right is to have a ton of religious texts. Those religious texts must also be free (so that we can call them pillaged).

Earlier this week the Gideons came to campus, and I played the Gideon Bible game. I ended up with 21 of the Gideon Bibles. They are the New King James translation. I will probably end up bulk donating them to Purdue's Non-theist Society so I can make sure they go for something moral and secular (I will of course keep one).

The other texts in the collection include a New International Version Bible, which I got from the freebiblenow.org guys when Brother Jed (hate-preacher. See the counter-protest accounts here and here) was here. I also have a translated copy of the Quran, and a Book of Mormon. Nathan's interlinear Greek Bible is included, though he will take it back sooner or later.

All of these religious texts will go to good, moral, secular use.

---

I have been helping Dr. Nancy Emery do some research here at Purdue. Today I measured the leaves of the vernal pool plants which are living in a glorified fridge. Thought people would like to see their cuteness :D One of the plants has a REALLY deep purple color, though the camera on my phone fails to capture it.

First Ever Hair Dying!

2009-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today Nathan colored my hair. It is the first time I have ever had my hair colored. I have to say I absolutely love the new color (Burgundy)! These pics aren't the best, so you will just have to see me in person, but this should give you somewhat of an idea :D

Before:

During:

After:

I am super excited about it!

Computer Conversion

2009-09-10T06:11:00.001-07:00

Oh computers, and how much they change. I can remember my first computers. My Dad was into gaming on computers way back when, and so ever since I was little there have always been computers in the house. When I was in preschool I used to play on an old MS-DOS machine, and sometimes the Windows 3.0 machine. The first computer that was actually mine was the Windows 95, and it was great. Lasted FOREVER until I got an XP tower, which then became one of those computers that gets upgraded every year for Christmas (Sidenote, this desktop is in the process of dying. I am pretty sure the harddrive is going out, and it is just too old to be worth replacing the parts that would have to be replaced).

During my senior year, around April, I got an Acer TravelMate 5720 (running XP, a real OS) as an early graduation present. It has been a great computer. I have done some upgrading (Memory from 1 GB to 4 GB being the main one). It has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor that is 2.00 GHz, and it has treated me well.

Unfortunately, Microsoft produced this trash called Vista (I think it was too many big named software developers trying to outdo each other so much they made trash. And while you personally may not think it is trash, it undeniably flopped). Anyway, Microsoft stopped selling their best OS ever - XP. Now, Windows 7 has come(ing) out. While Windows 7 is not as clunky as Vista (What was it - twice the computer to do half as much with Vista), it is still clunky and Microsoft is going in the wrong direction. This is the same thing Apple did when Microsoft got big, and there is definitely a trend to Mac now (I think it is good that they pass back and forth though).

Anyway, I knew this Acer would be my last PC, but I did not realize that Microsoft would so actively try to kill XP (trying to kill a good thing? What is wrong with them! They should enhance their amazingness with XP and ditch this new direction). So, now I have decided that I finally need to take the plunge and buy a Mac. Honestly, the only thing stopping me is money. While Macs have become comparable to PCs in price (The only reason it doesn't seem so is that Mac does not produce a lower end computer, and there is a slight surcharge but I call that environmental protection), it still takes money, which I don't have. I am hoping that between Christmas, Scholarship/Loan money, and maybe a little savings from working for Dr. Emery I will be able to make the switch.

Currently I am thinking about a 13.3" MacBook Pro. I found one for $1299 that has a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, dedicated video card, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, etc. A picture of this gorgeous machine appears in this article.

Now, for all the doubters of Mac, I have to make some statements. 1) Walk around my department (Botany and Plant Pathology). Look at all of the computers, and tell me what you see. With Mac I can visualize Windows if necessary, and so compatibility is not an issue. In fact, my problem is comparability the other way around. I have run into cases where my PC (even with 3rd party software) can't do simple things (like show highlighted icons) that was done on a Mac. 2) With Windows 7, Microsoft is going to cut off compatibility for Windows XP, so I can't just go with XP again. 3) I have used Macs for years. I know how to run one, I know how they work, and I know how their owners love them.

Anyway, since I am talking about a PC-Mac switch, I felt it only appropriate to post the following. Really, both operating systems are viable:
We Didn't Start the Flame War (Note: May be offensive)
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Now on a random note, I have to post my Facebook friend analysis done by some third party software.

BUSY!

2009-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wow have the past three weeks been busy!

One less credit hour and yet I have more work to do. Really, that is no surprise, and the only one that bugs me is the ridiculous work for organic chem lab. The class is great, but the lab has been a bit of a drag. Honestly, all of my class classes are great (HONR 299 - Insects in art literature and music is obviously going to be fun, and the prof is awesome! CLCS 237 - Gender and Sexuality in Greek and Roman Antiquity is also a fantastic class, lots of reading but still great! CS 177 - Programming with Multiple Objects is not bad at all, and I like starting into the ways of thinking with programming. CHM 255 I have already discussed).

QSU is another place where A TON of time goes. Events to plan, a CRAZY number of emails (You would be AMAZED the number of emails I get for it - I was!), etc. I didn't know the work level jump it was going to be (Sec to VP). Not that it is a bad thing, I like doing it a lot. Honestly, my work in the Queer field is my most rewarding at the moment (research is, but since they are just sporadic pilot experiments the time investment isn't enough to feel the reward/sting). I have noticed my interest is more on the internal when it comes to QSU work. Running and managing the internal parts of the organization, but that is just a sidenote.

Nathan and I have had most of our time eaten by outside activities (He has ALLY, I have QSU. He has more credit hours, but I have Organic Chem Lab), and we have not necessarily done much beyond that. Hopefully Friday and Saturday (before the homework barrage that is Sunday comes).

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Btw, have to note the aeration poops. Purdue aerates its various lawns often, and it leaves a lot of funny looking soil plugs everwhere. Picture is to the left, taken with my LG Lotus (which is an awesome phone - full keyboard flip! - but it needs a battery life improvement! Hopefully in Gen II, or else I am thinking of the Reclaim.)

The Walls Line the Void: In the Beginning

2009-09-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

The Walls Line the Void: In the Beginning

In the Beginning

2009-09-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

The first blog post is like the first page of a new journal. What in the world does one write on such a thing?

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So (Yes, I start a lot of sentences with so, deal with it), the day started off in what is probably a bad way - 7:30 Chem Lab (Why did I schedule that thing?!). Of course, I have to spill chemicals on me and fill out an accident form, but at least we finished (and it only took two and three quarters hours! /sarcasm).

After Chem Lab I got to see my boyfriend for a few hours :-DD! (This smiley is refereed to as the "Ultra-Happy Face of DOOM"). It was his birthday, which was great (I got him 700 Russian Rubles). I didn't have much time though as I had to print off a paper, and then run to my honors class - Insects in Art, Literature, and Music (which is fantastic by the way!).

Then, I got to play battleship - botanist style. My professor thought it would take two days, but it only took three hours (The plants are tres cute, I may have to post pictures). After which I went to FEELS (Food, Environmental, Engineering, and Life Science Fellowship by the National Science Foundation) class.

Then, it was time to put on my Vice President of the Queer Student Union hat. I did a lot of the coordination for the Big Gay Callout (Nicholas means "Chicken running around with its head cut off" in some language, I am certain!). It went great. We had almost one hundred fifty people, and the Coffee Night following blew our previous attendance figures out of the water (I still don't know a final count, but 71 was the last number I heard). I have to say that our officers this year are fantastic. I only have to ask them to do something and they will, which is excellent because VP is more work than it sounds!

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All of the above comes together to finally form this - the blog I have been saying I would start. You see, I was a little worn out, and after a shower I finally felt the urge to start. I knew that my blog would be named, "The Walls Line the Void," because I feel that is what I do. The world is chaotic, but out of the chaos we have found order (pseudo-order? culturated order?). We have built up our lives, our societies, our cultures, and our ideas. We have essentially lined the great void with walls (and don't take this in a negative sense. We humans have plenty of room to add on in the void!). This house that we have built in the void has plenty of work to be done, and we humans will have to get hopping, but that is why we are all on this ride (that we call life?).