Ten Percent Society

Prior to the spring of 1983 Madison was still one of the UW campuses without an organization for gay and lesbian students. But at long last such a group is getting off the ground. It’s called the Ten Percent Society after the Kinsey Report’s famous estimate that 10% of the population is gay.

Four students attended the first meeting—Larry Acherman, Matthew Alexander, Callen Harty and Mark Prestegard. They determined early on that the focus of the group would be social, with some political involvement when deemed necessary.

Political involvement turned out to be important in the group’s first semester. They assisted Rep. David Clarenbach’s office in securing passage of the state’s consenting adults bill, primarily through conducting a petition drive in cooperation with four other campus groups. A few things were done on the social level, but the group’s main concern was finding their way as a new organization.

Apparently they have found their niche. A number of events for this school year are already in the planning stages, and a pamphlet about the group is in the works. Fall semester will see a gay dance sponsored by the group, to be held at the Great Hall of the Memorial Union, on October 9, 1983. The dance, which will begin at 8:00 and last until 11:30, will be open to all gay men, lesbians, and friends. Ticket prices are expected to be $2 and will be available through various gay businesses and organizations.

Another special event Ten Percent is planning is a lesbian/gay pride and awareness week, to be called “Out and About.” Group member Matthew Alexander says, “We’ve made gains in the past two years and there has been no direct community celebration. We’ve had two important legal victories and it’s time we did something. It’s time we celebrated those and ourselves.”

The celebration, co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Union directorate, will consist of a week of activities, planned for April 1-7, 1984. Events will include films, speakers, forums—and possibly such things as a play, art show, or another dance. Planning for “Out and About” is just beginning and all individuals and groups are invited to participate.

Other social events will be held for students throughout the year, and new members—men and women—are needed. “I’m looking forward to the fall,” Alexander said. “I want to shoot for 25 members, at least, by the end of the semester. There’s no reason we can’t do that.”

The Ten Percent Society is hoping to set up a table at registration to encourage membership. If interested in becoming a member or participating in any activities, contact the group through: the Gay Center, 1127 University Avenue (257-7575); or the Campus Assistance Center, 420 N. Lake Street (263-2400).