UNiting for Justice for LGBTQ+

Martha Collins, WILPF US Development Chair

“… it’s very important to understand that there is not such a thing as special LGTBI [LGBTQ+] rights. There are human rights that are within a particular context because the person [who] is enjoying them or not happens to be LGBTI [LGBTQ+]. It should be that those that want to take part in government feel enabled to do so.”

—Victor Madrigal-Borloz,

UN independent expert on sexual orientation and discrimination

As we wind down LGBTQ+ month highlighting working toward a more diverse and welcoming community of peace seekers, we will continue to do it for the eleven more months!. For years I’ve advocated for human rights in our WILPF US Milwaukee Branch and in the United Nations Association, serving on the UNA/USA national board and the Women’s Affinity Group (unusa.org/una-women). And I’ve never seen a better time for local, national, and global WILPF US to join together “to use [our] moral energy to put a new sort of force into the world," as Jane Addams demanded.

One of the major goals of the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to “change the world” and, to keep that imperative alive, WILPF US needs your financial backing. Your donation supports those local, national, and global efforts and, like Helen Stephens, “we can all be Human Rights Champions.” I urge you to get online quickly and donate for the ‘first come, first served’ chance to receive a signed copy of Sharon Kinney Hanson’s brilliant book, The Life of Helen Stephens: The Fulton Flash for $75 on up donation (only 10 copies given out).

Additionally, here’s some helpful information to pass on to others who may be interested in making a difference: standup4humanrights.org/en/ and a UN initiative, “Free and Equal Equal” of the Pride Affinity Group.

THANK YOU for all your hard work and financial support –

GO CHAMPIONS GO!

When is a Woman Actually a Woman?

LOOK magazine, 1936

Helen Stephens, pictured on far right, in 1936 issue of LOOK magazine.

Does the above headline look familiar TODAY? Here’s your chance to read a success story of hard work, perseverance, and outstanding grit by a Missouri gay woman, who turned the state’s “show me” attitude into the “I’ll show you” attitude!                                                                                                                 

In 1936, Helen Stephens won two gold medals at the Berlin Olympics, yet little is heard about her. Sharon Kinney Hanson (St. Louis Branch), a fellow Missourian and a WILPF US member, wrote a fascinating and compassionate biography of a superb athlete, mentor, and humanitarian. The Life of Helen Stephens: The Fulton Flash (2004) “recounts [Stephens] international career and the personal obstacles she overcame as a poor farm girl on scholarship to an upper-class private women’s college, as a female athlete in the male-dominated realm of athletics, and as a closeted lesbian in the worldwide spotlight.”

“She sued Look magazine for insinuating she was a man and won [$5,000]! She was the first woman to own and manage a basketball team and went on to actively participate in the sporting world as a coach, a mentor, and a senior competitor. At the time of her death in 1994 she had set the record for the longest athletic career in the world."

A Special Offer

WILPF US member (St. Louis Branch)  Sharon Kinney Hanson, the only authorized biographer of Stephens, offered 10 signed copies to the members of WILPF US on a ‘first come, first served’ basis for a $75 or more donation! ALL donations will SUPPORT WILPF US to continue to create a welcoming and safe place for the courageous and persevering women who want to build a more peace-filled and effective organization. 

Thank you!

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section

Friends House | PO Box 13075 | Des Moines, IA 50310 | 617-266-0999 | www.wilpfus.org

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