Accounts sought of bias against gays

Meeting draws people who support addition to city's discrimination ban.

By MARGARET FOSMOE
Tribune Staff Writer
10/14/04

SOUTH BEND -- Some local residents are working to ban discrimination in South Bend against people who are gay or transgendered, and they want to hear from individuals who have experienced such bias firsthand.

The challenge in gathering personal stories is the fact that many homosexuals in the community keep their orientation hidden, said Rhonda Redman, a gay South Bend resident.

"There are so many people in this area that are in the closet, that are afraid to come out," she said during a meeting Wednesday night at the LaSalle Area Neighborhood Association.

The meeting was scheduled to gather public opinion about a proposal to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the ordinance governing the South Bend Human Rights Commission. The current ordinance prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability and national origin, but does not prohibit discrimination against homosexuals or transgendered individuals.

Common Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer, D-2nd, is gathering input from community residents in order to determine the extent of such discrimination.

The measure would apply to bias against people "because of who they are or because of who they appear to be," Pfeifer said. That means it also would protect people who are straight but are treated unfairly by others who think they are gay, she said.

A local group called South Bend Equality is conducting interviews with local residents who wish to provide evidence of such discrimination. Information is being accepted from residents throughout the region, not just in South Bend.

To volunteer for an interview, call Saint Mary's College psychology professor Catherine Pittman at (574) 284-4533.

Wednesday's meeting drew an audience of nine people. No one spoke in opposition to the measure.

"My biggest concern is we aren't getting any opposition. I think this is going way under the radar," said Tricia Bayman, a gay woman who lives in South Bend. She wonders why opponents haven't spoken out.

Pfeifer wants to hear from individuals or local groups who think the measure is a bad idea. She can be reached at (574) 235-5983 or via e-mail at: cpfeifer@ci.south-bend.in.us.

Another public meeting about the proposal will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Near Westside Neighborhood Partnership Center, 205 N. Sadie St.

Pfeifer said the effort then will take a break through the Nov. 2 election, but that more community gatherings will be scheduled in the future.