Presented by the UUI Social Justice Committee and partially underwritten by the UUI Beacon Fund, the proceeds from VDAY 2010 (www.vday.org) will benefit INTRAA.

Show dates: Thursday, February 25, Friday, February 26, and Saturday, February 27, at 7 P.M. at UUI.  (ASL interpretation on Feb. 26 and 27.)

Location:  Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, 615 W. 43rd Street (www.uui.org)

Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 students/seniors. Buy tickets from cast members; at UUI on Sunday, Feb. 21, 10 A.M. to 12 noon, or e-mail vdayuui2010@yahoo.com for reservations. Cash or check only. Also available at the door!!!

Directed by Jenni White, The Vagina Monologues features the following fabulous women: Diana Asberry-Ferber, Emma Bennett, Susan Boatright, Jordan Brooks, Ali Curtis, Kelsey Didion, Tatjana Gordon, Kelly Graham-MacDonald, Ruth Hinkle, Lesley Meier, Casey O’Leary, Pat Pontis, Stephanie Robertson, Emma Said, Shannon Samson, Danna Sheridan, Grace Starke, Kim Stroup, Lia Treffman, Michele Turner, Malia Vanaman, Becca White, Jenni White, Marguerite Winslow and Tasha Zaroui.

http://events.vday.org/2010/community/Indianapolis_(TVM)

“Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the resolution amending the rules and regulations to change ‘handicap’ language to ‘disability,’ add voluntary mediation for age discrimination, and include voluntary mediation for sexual orientation and gender identity,” stated Arlette Cooper Tinsley, the Director of the Columbus Human Rights Commission.

For the past six months, the Commission has solicited input from the community on the scope and type of discrimination that is occurring in the Columbus area. INTRAA’s Discrimination Story Collection Project has participated in this effort to raise awareness about discrimination faced by transgender and gender variant people. Also, at the December 20 public hearing, INTRAA Board Member and Instructor at the Kelley School of Business, Deanna Lahre, testified about her experience teaching as a transgender woman Indiana University-Purdue University at Columbus (IUPUC).

INTRAA extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Lahre for sharing her story at the hearing as well as to the Commission sub-committee headed up by Ian Kohen, with members John Roberts and John Stroh for their efforts in responding to community concerns by compiling and submitting these recommendations to the full Commission.

“Even though the remedy is currently voluntary mediation, we are nonetheless encouraged that a municipal entity has recognized that discrimination is occurring and should not go unchecked,” commented Vivian Benge, President of INTRAA. “We commend the Human Rights Commission for its diligence in this matter and for taking this step to help improve the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Columbus.”