Open letter from a Target employee

Earlier today, I received word that local LBGT groups plan to protest at the newly opened Wilson Yard Target Store over the retailer’s recent corporate donation made to MN Forward. As a Wilson Yard team member, I feel torn between my job and my lifestyle. While I cannot in good conscience insert my raw opinion either way into the matter as I have a personal stake with both sides, I do feel my unique position allows me an opportunity to bring in a third perspective that until now has remained fairly silent over this unfortunate situation.

By “third perspective,” I mean the perspective of the LGBT Target Team member.

Open letter from a Target employee

Train to the future

Fear is something we all have to face in our lives. Whether it is fear of not having a job, being discriminated against for your race/religion/sexual orientation or just being afraid of the dark, we all have fears that we hope to overcome one day.

I am tired of being afraid of where our transportation system has taken us. Over the last few years our country has faced a devastating oil spill, has watched terrifying images of our bridges falling apart and has sat in fear over the changing price of gas and when it will run out.

Train to the future

Plea for equality

The following is part of a letter signed by 19 Dane County supervisors and sent to President Obama and the members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation:

We respectfully request your immediate support for a set of federal civil rights measures that would help ensure equal rights for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.

Dane County is home to  many citizens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and others who are not represented in policies designed to benefit the heterosexual majority. Our society actively and passively supports and maintains policies that discriminate against sexual minorities, including in the areas of employment, immigration, marriage rights and military service.

Plea for equality

AIDS Ride returns less than stated

I am writing in reference to your article on the ACT 8 Ride.

The Wisconsin Gazette article on the AIDS Network ACT Ride stated, “There are still critics who contend the rides do not return as much as promised, but coordinator Melissa Kruser contends that every dollar netted is essential to AIDS Network’s operating budget.”

I am one of those critics. I served on the AIDS Network board of directors from March 2007 until May 2008.  I also served as a member of the executive committee as the elected secretary. My tenure on the board ended when I resigned due to fundamental concerns regarding the management and direction of the agency, particularly the disparity of HIV/AIDS services provided to clients of AIDS Network compared to services provided to those living with HIV/AIDS in other areas of the state.

My concerns regarding the annual ACT ride are borne out of frustration over the agency’s refusal to provide verifiable information regarding the direct and indirect expenses of the ride. The ride has been built on the myth that the bulk of dollars raised go to fund direct client service. This is simply not the case.

AIDS Network ACT Ride returns less than stated