Report from the SIG Chairs

The last six months have passed in the blink of an eye. During that time, the Lesbigay SIG has undergone both a name and mission change, thanks to the contributions of the Advisory Board and the Membership. Our new name and mission reflect the Members’ desire to make it apparent that we are inclusive of transgendered persons. Our new name is Rainbow SIG. The mission of the Rainbow SIG is to bring together NAFSANs who share the following goals:

• to counsel international students and U.S. students who study abroad who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered
• to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered professionals in international education
• to combat homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia within NAFSA

NAFSA’s leadership quickly conveyed its acceptance of the name change.

Now the SIG is in the throes of updating the web site and the SIG literature to reflect this revised name and mission. These changes are expected to be complete by NAFSA’s Annual Conference in Utah next May 2003.

10th Anniversary Celebrations

As active Rainbow members know, this academic year marks the 10th anniversary of the Rainbow (formerly know as the Lesbigay) SIG. There are several activities planned for the NAFSA Utah conference, including a larger, high-profile SIG reception, a proposed slate of GLBT-focused poster sessions, and much more! It will certainly be the year our membership does not want to miss.

To provide assistance with the 10th Anniversary celebrations please contact: Scott King at sking@odu.edu

Those interested in coordinating fundraising please contact:

Kevin or Jacqueline at morrike@earlham.edu or jbedard@eap.ucop.edu.

We have one volunteer but always welcome more.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2003 National Conference!