Open Forum

Recently the area's first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied (GLBTA) citizens statewide conference was held at one of Brainerd's premier resorts. The success of this event has ushered in a new consciousness within the area. Approximately 180 citizens came together for this weekend event to gain new skills in community building and organizing; to learn of new legislation and policies affecting GLBTA persons; as well as to bring together professional individuals from areas of law enforcement, education, medicine and clergy, in an attempt to create an open dialog between GLBTA citizens and the community in which they live.

An event of this size would not have been possible were it not for the assistance and generosity of many throughout the Brainerd Lakes area.

Several businesses were instrumental in providing conference participants with excellent lodging, prize donations and entertainment. Many businesses also generously donated memorabilia for conference presenters that reflects our great lakes area with all it has to offer. Expectations of the event were met as well as exceeded. The conference committee of Out & Beyond would like to thank every merchant, organization, and individual who assisted in making this a most grand and memorable event.

Jeremiah Trnka

Remer

The United Way Citizens of Winona area.

So, Mr. Peter Walsh is withholding your contributions to the United Way from the Boy Scouts of your area, because they refuse to knuckle under to Mr. Walsh's request that they accept homosexuals as role models for your kids. Mr. Diamond and Mr. Good, stick to your guns. Also you people in that area, have the right and I would think the responsibility, to withhold your donations from the United Way if you disagree with Mr. Walsh's decision.

Walter Fischer

Baxter