In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Ten Percent Society we took a moment to check in with Co-President Kia Block about the history and mission of the organization.
Tell us a little bit about the history of Ten Percent Society:
The Ten Percent Society was formed in 1983, shortly after the state legislature passed a law banning the discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual employees in job hiring. TPS was originally devoted to both social and activist organization for LGBTQ students on the UW campus and when it was first founded, also had a large community component. Over time, the goals of TPS have changed to accomodate a change in student organizing. The Queer Student Alliance has taken over most of the more activist oriented organizing while the Ten Percent Society has focused its efforts on social organizing and community building.
Has the mission changed along with cultural trends in the last 25 yrs?
Yes, the new trend has occurred in student organizing with separate organizations forming to recognize the multiple facets of identity within the community. Organizations like Queer People of Color, Gender Avengers, and Queer Student Alliance are growing to address specific facets, and so the Ten Percent Society has turned towards creating an inclusive and welcoming community on campus through social organization and collaboration with other LGBTQ-related groups.
Please explain the gay rights legislature that passed in 1983 and spurred the creation of TPS…
In 1981 Wisconsin passed Chapter 112 in the 1981 Wisconsin Laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Wisconsin was the first state, by nine years, to enact such a statute. It is mainly due to one legislator, Clarenbach, who worked tirelessly to get the bill passed, almost single-handedly. The statute covers both discrimination in housing and employment as well as adding “sexual oreintation” as one of the categories in the lists of non-discrimination categories. This list included categories such as race, sex, color, national origin, and religion.
What are some of the most significant changes that have occurred since 1983 on university campuses?
Some of the most significant changes have been the increase in the number of the LGBT oriented groups. This reflects a general change in the climate towards acceptance of diversity. This change can also be seen in the increase in the number of LGBT-related programming, for example the LGBT Certificate program being offered here on campus.
What should we as a culture be striving for in the next five or ten years in terms of LGBTQ issues and rights?
As a culture we can strive for a better sense of understanding and acceptance of the differences between people. We live in very politically correct times in which people are too afraid to say the wrong thing or appear racist, homophobic, or intolerant. Consequently they do not say anything at all, or just pay lip service to messages of acceptance and tolerance. It is important to create safe spaces where dialog is welcomed and encouraged. People won’t learn and won’t develop attitudes of acceptance unless they can talk, ask questions, and get real answers rather than PC non-answers.
Why is TPS choosing to move the 25th anniversary dance off of the university campus for the first time?
The Ten Percent Society is moving our 25th anniversary dance off the UW campus for the first time this November in order to get back to our roots and to help to bridge the divide between the campus LGBTQA community and the city community. Originally TPS had a big draw for community members and we regret that due to increasingly strict university policies it has become more difficult for community members to attend TPS events. We’re hoping that moving off campus will help strengthen and renew our ties.
The 25th Anniversary TPS Dance Party is this Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre on State St. Doors are at 10 PM and admission is 5$ for all.
- MJ Hecox
Filed under: Music Shows This Week in Madison, Sounding Board Blog
You give good interview.
I mean that as a compliment…nice job.
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