Queer as Folks

BECAUSE Marks 15th Year

On April 17-19 at Coffman Memorial Union on the University of Minnesota campus, BECAUSE (Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Uniting, Supportive Experience) marked the 15th year of the premier Midwest weekend event for bisexual, queer, trans, bicurious, and questioning persons. Turnout was greater than had been expected, making it a huge success in the eyes of organizers. This year’s keynote speaker was Robyn Ochs, a speaker, teacher, writer, activist, and workshop leader, who was the recipient of the 2009 Susan J. Hyde Activism Award presented by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.Charles Nolte Makes Significant Donation to U of M Libraries

Dr. Charles Nolte, distinguished and beloved teacher, actor, and author, donated all his papers, journals, playbills, and photos—to be known as the Nolte Collection for the Performing and Cinematic Arts—to the Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies at the University of Minnesota Libraries. To celebrate Nolte’s donation, which allows students and scholars to benefit from his remarkable legacy, the U of M Libraries, Tretter Collection, and Department of Theatre Arts and Dance held a reception at the Elmer L. Andersen Library on May 18. Portions of the collection were on display. Nolte most recently acted in Exit Strategy at Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis.

District 202 Hosts Queer Prom

District 202—which recently announced that it is going on hiatus—hosted Queer Prom 2009 on May 15 at La Escuelita in Minneapolis. This organization gave GLBT youth a place to go and be themselves, ask questions, and take part in community activities. District 202 offered a variety of different programs, including House of Colors, a supportive community group for Transwomen of Color and allies, and Queer Sex Ed, which educated youth about health issues pertaining to them.