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

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Join us for the Transgender Day of Awareness ceremony, Saturday, November 22nd, 7 PM, at Billings Hall (UVM). There will be speakers, a memorial ceremony, an art exhibition and refreshments.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender violence and prejudice. Trans related violence has historically been under-investigated by authorities, and the perpetrators of such crimes often reamin at large or recieve lighter sentences than those for simlar crimes committed against other members of society.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 inspired the "Remembering Out Dead" web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Since then, the event has grown to encompass memorials in dozens of cities both nationally and internationally.

The Transgener Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgendered people and sex workers, an action that the current media doesn't adequately perform. DOR publicly mourns the deaths of people who might otherwise be forgotten. We express love and respect for transgendered people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance gives trans allies a chance to step forward along with trans people, memorializing those who have died due to transphobic violence.

RU12? Annual "Family" Harvest Potluck!

It is that time of year again! On Wednesday, November 26th from 5-7 PM at the Center we will be having our annual harvest potluck!! 

We'll provide the turkey(ies) you bring the fixin's!  Come early though, we have some speedy eaters around here!  RSVP's are helpful.  Let Ann know if you are coming so we can make sure that someone brings the mashed potatoes!! 

Feel free to call ann as well, 860-7812. 

We look forward to this annual festive gathering here at the Center, and look forward to seeing you all!

Proposition 8 Protest this Saturday 1:30 City Hall Burlington

Event: Demonstration Against Proposition 8 What: Protest Host: Vermont Freedom to Marry Start Time: Tomorrow, November 15 at 1:30pm End Time: Tomorrow, November 15 at 3:30pm Where: Burlington City Hall

We are in the news!

Tune in this week Wednesday,Thursday and Friday at 6pm on Channel 3 (WCAX) to check out a series on Transgender issues in Vermont, titled "Becoming".

Also this week, tune in to Vermont Public Radio's Morning Edition show at 7:49 AM Friday morning to hear Kara DeLeonardis, RU12? Executive Director, Robyn Maguire, Field Director of the VT Freedom to Marry Taskforce, and Shawn Lipenski answering questions about the LGBT Vermont perspective on Obama's election. You can also listen on-line at www.vpr.net.

Last but not least, check out the RU12? Public Service Announcement that won Second place in the CCTV PSA Contest!

A Historic Moment!

This is an historic American moment. As leaders in the movement seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, we celebrate the election of a President who believes that the United States Constitution applies to all Americans. LGBT leaders from every state played a significant role in the grassroots effort to elect Barack Obama. We look forward to a new day in American politics, where the law will treat all Americans fairly.  Yes We Can.

While we celebrate we also stand in solidarity with every family and community member in California, Arkansas, Florida, and Arizona whose rights were taken away. Eliminating rights is wrong, and we are all harmed when any of us are treated differently under the law. But we are not defeated. Millions of people from across the country and from all walks of life supported equal rights and marriage rights and we will continue to fight for justice.  Yes We Can.

We at RU12? are so proud of our friend Robyn Maguire from the VT Freedom to Marry Taskforce who spent the last weeks in California working countless hours with activists across the country to defeat the anti-gay, anti-equality Proposition. We thank you and all the other dedicated Vermonters who worked so hard this election season to uphold our values of equality and justice for all. Yes We Can.