RU12? Community Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Vermont

Vermont Freedom to Myspace

"Vermont Freedom to Marry has given into the hype of social marketing and now has a Myspace!" declares Matt Kimball of VT Freedom to Marry. Follow the link to get connected, learn more about the same-sex marriage movement, and, most importantly, to beef up your friends list.  Make friends!

Lesbian Activist Del Martin Dies at 87

We are sad to hear of activist Del Martin's passing today in San Francisco. From the San Francisco Chronicle:

Del Martin, a lesbian rights pioneer who took part in one of California's first same-sex weddings, died today in San Francisco after a long period of declining health. She was 87.

   

Ms. Martin's political activism began more than five decades ago when in 1955 she co-founded a ground-breaking lesbian rights organization, Daughters of Bilitis, named after a book of lesbian love poetry. On June 16, she and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon, were married at San Francisco City Hall by Mayor Gavin Newsom.

       

"Her last act of activism was her most personal - marrying the love of her life," said Kate Kendell, a long-time friend of the couple and executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Ms. Martin died this morning at UCSF Hospice, nearly two weeks after she was admitted with a broken arm.

"Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side," Lyon said in a statement issued by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "I am so lucky to have known her, loved her and been her partner in all things.

"I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married," Lyon said. "I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed."

Read the whole San Francisco Chronicle article here.

Hate Crime Assault on Church Street

How many times have you heard “Oh Vermont is liberal, they support the LGBTQ community, nothing bad happens there” Well once again a member from our community was targeted and assaulted solely because of his sexual orientation- a hate crime. This was a serious assault which required 17 stitches to his face.

We need to publicize this hate crime.  Did you see this assault reported in The Burlington Free Press…..no?  Well write a letter to the editor. Get the word out, put the pressure on the news media to report these crimes. The public needs to know that this type of crime is happening in Burlington on Church Street.

Currently the Burlington Police Department is investigating the assault which took place shortly after 2:00 am on Wed. August 20^th outside the Half Lounge on Church Street.  They need help from the public to identify the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20-25 years of age, approximately 6 feet tall with shaggy, dark blond hair wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt with a light-colored liner in the hood or a white t-shirt underneath, and dark shorts or jeans. 

Police are requesting that any persons who witnessed, or have information regarding this incident to call Officer Berti at 540-2279.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of crime please call us at SafeSpace- 863-0003.

Hepatitis A&B Clinic: Thursday, August 7th

RU12? will be hosting another Hepatitis A&B Vaccination clinic this Thursday, August 7th, at 4:30 PM!

Whether you came to our clinic in June and need the next shot in your series, or haven't and are interested in starting the process, stop by RU12? any time between 4:30 - 6:30 PM. The vaccination is free, and a good way to protect yourself against these infections.

For more information on the clinic and on Hepatitis, visit this post from the previous clinic date. Also, feel free to e-mail Chase with any questions, or call the center at 860-RU12.

Hate Crime Charges to be Filed in Anti-Trans Murder Case

Please read this excerpt of a Press Release from the Colorado Anti-Violence Program:

Community and Zapata Family Applaud Decision to File Hate Crime Charges

Denver, CO

The Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) applauds Weld County District Attorney, Kenneth Buck, prosecutors and law enforcement for filing hate crime charges against 31-year-old Allen Ray Andrade in the beating death of 18-year-old Latina transgender woman, Angie Zapata.

The Zapata family expressed their relief that both first degree murder and hate crime charges have been filed. Angie’s sister, Monica Murguia, added, “Unfortunately, it’s not getting any easier. I thought we’d be done after we buried my sister. It feels like we have to relive it every day.”

“It seemed apparent from the information provided to the public that the factual scenario surrounding the vicious murder of Angie Zapata fell clearly within the language of Colorado’s bias-motivated crime statute,” said Mindy Barton, Legal Director at The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado.  “The support of law enforcement has been key in the expansion of hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity.  It is vitally important that the suspect is now formally charged with a hate crime as it shows the Weld County District Attorney’s Office and the Greeley Police Department are strongly committed to enforcing this law.”

“The bias-crime designation sends a message to not only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, but also the greater Greeley and Colorado communities that this type of violence is not acceptable,” said Kelly Costello, Director of Victim Services at CAVP. “This is vital in ensuring accountability and validating the concern and fear of community members.”

The Zapata family has been astonished by the support of family, friends, local and statewide community members and organizations. Many have been instrumental in rallying people together to honor Angie’s life and to raise awareness of how violence impacts transgender people.

Colorado’s Bias-Motivated Crimes statute “… finds and declares that it is the right of every person, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, harassment, and physical harm caused by the activities of individuals and groups…” Sexual orientation is further defined as “…a person’s actual or perceived orientation toward heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or transgender status.” The statute was revised in 2005 to include physical or mental disability and sexual orientation.

Community members may support the family by making contributions to Angie Zapata's memorial fund. Contributions may be made at Academy Bank in Wal-Mart, 60 W. Bromley Lane, Brighton or checks made payable to Monica Murquia may be mailed to CAVP at P.O. Box 181085, Denver, CO 80218.