By Crystal Proxmire
In the early 1990s there were not many places where lesbians could get together and have fun without worry about being harassed or outed. That's why the Annual Women's Golf OUTing is so important to Myra Waldman.
Waldman has been helping organize the event since 1992, working hard to secure sponsors and donors to make the day possible. The annual event raises money for Ruth Ellis Center and Equality Michigan. Ruth Ellis Center serves homeless LGBT youth, and Equality Michigan provides legislative advocacy and victim's services. "These are two important organizations and they deserve to be supported," Waldman said.
The event not only raises money for charity, it gives women a chance to bond and enjoy a day out together.
"St. John's Golf Course in Plymouth is great to us. There are about 120 golfers and I think it's a good event for them. We clean up after ourselves and we tip well, so it's a win-win for everyone," she said. "It started out as a HRC event and it's changed a few times over the years. Back in the 90s, and even some today, many lesbians were closeted so events like this one gave safe spaces for us to get together and be ourselves."
Thanks to Waldman's work, Ernest and Young stepped up as the headline sponsor for the event and several other businesses have given support as well.
The Women's Golf OUTing takes place Saturday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. The cost for the day is $99 and for those who just want to attend the dinner, the cost is $50. Sign up online at https://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/o/35018/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=2298/.
