Vancouver SIG Activities '97

Peter Voeller

NAFSA's Lesbigay SIG enjoyed a homey conference at the Nelson House, a gay-owned bed and breakfast a brisk 15 minute walk from the convention site. The week started off with a Tuesday evening reception at the house, hosted by the SIG, with over 30 members in attendance. We advertised in the conference daily bulletin and put an announcement on the bulletin board. The SIG business meeting was on Wednesday and over 80 members were in attendance at that meeting. A group of us went out for dinner and martinis at Delilah's restaurant and we arranged another evening reception on Thursday, which drew another 20 members, most of whom did not make the first reception. The general feeling was that it was good for people to meet earlier in the week and it was definitely a plus to have an off-site, homey location in which to socialize. The SIG leadership of Kathleen Sideli, Peter Voeller and Susan Carty were the hosts and organizers of the receptions and meetings. Peter took on the role of 'cruise director' for many members new to the organization so they could get to know the ropes and get their neophyte conference feet wet.

We had some conference exposure in two sessions, one on sexual orientation done by Kathleen Sideli and Susan Carty (attended by over 150 NAFSAns) and one on exploring personal prejudices chaired by Peter and featuring three SIG members on the panel (this was attended by over 60 people even though it was in the last time slot on the last day!)

All in all, we felt it was a very successful and supportive conference for those involved in our special interest group. We hope to do the same in Washington D.C. next year. If anyone out there knows of a good off-site home base that we could use, a bed and breakfast or a European-style hotel, please let Peter or Kathleen know if you'd be willing to set it up.