How Did the
GLRC Begin?
GLRC
Traditions
What Has
the GLRC Accomplished?
Why the GLRC?
How You Can Help
The GLRC was created in 1992 by a
small group of committed individuals meeting in homes and discussing the needs
of the community. Within a few months, the GLRC had its name, a mission
statement and officers. Bylaws, IRS non-profit status, office space, and a
monthly newsletter soon followed. The GLRC grew to include support groups,
an informational phone line and resource library, and a state-of-the-art Web
page.
top
Did You Know...
- Only ten states and the District of Columbia
have anti-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation
- In the state of Iowa, only Iowa City, Ames,
Cedar Rapids, and Cerro Gordo county have anti-discrimination laws that
include sexual orientation
- In 1996, the administrator of a tax-supported
nursing home in Davenport, IA, fired a gay worker, for the stated purpose of
"weeding out employees who lack good moral character"; no action
was taken by state authorities
- A 1993 study showed that, after controlling
for age, education, etc., gays and lesbians had lower incomes than
heterosexuals
- A review of 21 surveys found that between 16%
and 46% of GLBT survey respondents reported having experienced some form of
discrimination in employment.
- Lesbian, bay, and bisexual youth are at four
times greater risk for suicide than their straight peers
top
The GLRC welcomes all people at
events. No alcohol is served inside the GLRC. Confidentiality is
maintained in order to allow individuals to choose how "out" they wish
to be.
top
In 1999, the GLRC:
- Fielded up to 40 phone calls per month,
providing referrals and information on GLBT issues to the entire community.
- Co-sponsored the Second Annual Cedar Rapids
PrideFest.
- Supplied magazines, books, and videos to
individuals and groups to facilitate education about GLBT issues.
- Received a grant from the Philanthro
Foundation to subsidize printing of the Resource Line, a community
newsletter distributed to 550 people monthly.
- Hosted regular support group meetings.
- Published the GLRC web site, providing
information about the GLRC, the latest edition of the Resource Line, a
regional resource list, and calendar of events.
- Co-sponsored the First Annual National
Coming-Out Day/Homecoming Dance.
- Received the Gay America Rainbow Award for
June 1999, featured on the Orange County Blade as City of the Month for
December 1999.
- Worked with a consortium of community agencies
to provide input to the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission and City
Council, resulting in the addition of sexual orientation to the Cedar Rapids
Civil Rights Ordinance.
- Sponsored community social events including a
Pride Picnic, Winter Carnival, Dinner Under the Stars, Progressive Dinner,
weekly open houses and movie nights.
top
|
