Ralph Carter

V.P. Membership

Be Yourself.  Everywhere.

This is GALAXE’s theme for 2010.  Gets to the core of the matter, doesn’t it?  Thanks for promoting it by posting the GALAXe flyer on community bulletin boards in your office and inviting friends to join.  If you need more copies, download at www.GALAXe.org.  Many thanks for all your outreach to colleagues, straight and gay.  In the second quarter, we have added 70 members, including 4 from Affiliated Computer Services and 45 from Xerox Capital Services!

Here are some comments offered by new members about what joining GALAXe means to them:

Laurie Phipps- Campbell, Edmunton AB, Canada.  Joining GALAXe is my opportunity to support my sister who has always “Stood Revealed”. I am proud of her and anyone else who lives their life this honestly and openly even when that can sometimes present difficulties for them. This is how cultural bias is changed and I am honoured to be included in your ranks.

Shane Hart, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.  It is my pleasure to join and participate in an organization that promotes diversity and GLBT pride in our workplace. I have been a part of the Xerox family for almost 10 yrs.

As an Client Associate in the OK I having worked over 30 yrs in the Graphic Arts / Commercial Print industry. It was a nice change into the digital print arena and I have thoroughly enjoyed my Xerox life. My partner of 18 yrs. and I live in the downtown area in a historical neighborhood. We have been able to  witness the transformation of this any many other urban neighborhoods as my companion is a tireless worker for urban neighborhoods  and developing community awareness to areas in need. There are just not enough hours in the day for the work that needs to be done. That’s a little about where I’m from and I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the GALAXE group!

Jeffrey Mullins, ACS, Albany NY, USA.  I am happy to join Galaxe as an associate member, and am looking forward to being a part of the Xerox family.  I have been out at work for years and enjoy being my authentic self.

Scott Van Tussenbrook, Sherman Oaks, CA, USA.  I've been with Xerox since 1996, I'm an Account Associate and have always worked in the field.   I've always been aware that there was a gay employees group, but never having worked *at* a Xerox facility.  I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with some new people, and participating/contributing where I can.

Andy Rettig, Duluth GA, USA.  I just recently became aware of GALAXe through a link on the Webboard.

Events that have convinced me that complacency with the status quo is not an option:

• There have been funerals of service men which have been disrupted by anti gay protests. So the grieving families not only have to deal with the loss of a loved one but must also endure taunts such as “'God hates you,' [and]' 'Semper fi fags,'.  I’m all for free speech, but to disrupt the attempts of a family to bury their loved one is just wrong.
• Last year an eleven year old middle school boy in a neighboring county committed suicide. “His parents said he killed himself after facing anti-gay taunts from classmates.”

It is my hope that my support and participation in GALAXe will raise awareness about the importance of tolerance and the severe, sometimes deadly, consequences when people are driven by hate and prejudice.

Additional members who have joined in Quarter 2 are:

Chapter Presidents Convene First Meeting

The GALAXe board has worked hard this year to identify leaders throughout the company.  In June, we held the first conference call for the presidents of the current 13 chapters!  We discussed what’s happening in each of our chapters and shared ideas and resources, agreeing to meet bi-monthly.  Please welcome our chapter leaders!

We are looking for leadership for the following regions and would welcome referrals for: Portland, Dallas, Seattle, and Minneapolis.