Hurrah!

Third Wednesday will be among the periodicals featured in next year's Poet's Market. This pleases me greatly. (Getting our info to PM was one of the major tasks I have undertaken since assuming the role of Managing Editor.)

Next on my ambitious list is to generate possible subscriptions from libraries. This is not high priority compared to other aspects of my life (such as making a [paying] livelihood) but, once accomplished, I will feel like I've truly contributed to the magazine.

Speaking of contributing, TW is accepting poems, short shorts, short stories (up to 1500 words) and artwork (color cover, B&W throughout) for its Winter 2010 issue. Submit up to 5 poems or short shorts (or 2 short stories) to submissions at thirdwednesday dot com. Deadlines are rolling.

LT & ABRM

Literary Tonic showcases "Not Now, Biology" while (A Brilliant) Record Magazine presents "Confession #12", "Inventor's Glee", "On Being Human" and "Your Odds".

This makes my blood boil.

Some voters say Kalamazoo's anti-discrimination vote doesn't address 'bathroom issue'

When you cut away equality arguments and lay aside the Bible, some Kalamazoo voters say it is the "bathroom issue" that will influence their Nov. 3 vote on Kalamazoo's anti-discrimination ordinance.

Pictures of men lurking outside female restrooms appear on campaign fliers from the opposition group Citizens Voting NO to Special Rights Discrimination, which claims the measure would allow individuals born one sex to dress as the other to gain improper access to a restroom.

Supporters of the ordinance call that a "red herring" and a "scare tactic." They say there are no criminal reports of transgender individuals committing bathroom crimes. But they say people in sexual transition are threatened when they are forced to use their biological, rather than gender-identity, restroom.

Two local residents say they have experienced the dilemma from both sides of the issue.

Mary Ann Stark, a Western Michigan University associate professor of nursing, said she experienced "emotional upheaval" when she learned a man who was transgendered presenting as a woman shared her locker room at a local health club.

Chris Boger, a 38-year-old biological male who considers herself a transgender female, struggles daily with the question of which public restroom to use. Boger fears being attacked if she chooses a restroom for men while wearing feminine garb and full make-up.