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

Hate Crimes Against the LGBTQ Community on the rise....

Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ on the rise....

Hate Crimes Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Individuals

Reported hate crimes committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation increased in 2007 to 1,265, the highest level in five years. Of all hate crimes reported in 2007, the proportion committed against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals rose to 16.6 percent, also the highest level in five years. According to the FBI's HCSA reports, gay men and lesbians have consistently been the third most frequent target of hate violence over the past decade.

The result of this increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation is heightened fear and insecurity among LGBT individuals. Says Candace Nichols of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, "Every time I get into an elevator with people, if I'm not by myself, I make sure I'm with a friend. When I go to the bathroom, I always make sure someone is with me, and that's not something I used to do."⁵²

"Until we address the root causes of bias toward (LGBT) people, we'll continue to have hate perpetrated against us," says Shawna Virago, a program director for the San Francisco advocacy group Community United Against Violence.⁵³

Examples of high profile hate crimes committed against LGBT individuals that have heightened fear and insecurity and perpetuated hate against them include:

• In Richmond, California on December 13, 2008, an openly gay 28 year-old woman was attacked and gang raped by four men, including two juveniles, on a street outside her parked car. The perpetrators took her to a second location and assaulted her again, all the while making slurs about her sexual orientation. As Shawna Virago noted, "The only way we know about (the Richmond) case is because of the bravery of the survivor coming out. Hatred and bias are a routine occurrence for many LGBT people." Two men and a teenager were charged on January 6, 2009. Thirty-one year-old Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 21 year-old Josue Gonzalez, and 16 year-old Darrell Hodges were charged with kidnapping, carjacking and gang rape. A 15 year-old boy was also arrested in connection with the attack.⁵⁴ Hate crime enhancements were added to charges against Salvador.⁵⁵

  "What you get is this kind of immature desire to display power," said Jose Feito, a psychology professor at St. Mary's College in Moraga, California. "And so they go looking for easy victims, or suitable victims." "Suitable" in the Richmond case, according to Feito, meant a victim who the perpetrators could marginalize in their minds due to her sexual orientation and gender nonconformity. "That all ties into blaming the victim, who's seen as flaunting their homosexuality."⁵⁶

• In Oxnard, California on February 12, 2008, 15 year-old Lawrence King was sitting in a computer lab at his junior high school when Brandon McInerney, 14, shot him twice in the head as their fellow students watched in horror. "Even before his death, Larry King was notorious," according to press reports. "He was the sassy gay kid who bragged about his flashy attire and laughed off bullying, which for him included everything from name-calling to wet paper towels hurled in his direction. King was an easy target — he stood 5 foot 4 and was all of 100 pounds."⁵⁷ In McInerney's bedroom, investigators discovered a "trove" of white supremacist literature and drawings, depicting a "racist skinhead philosophy of the variety espoused by Tom Metzger, David Lane and others," according to a prosecution filing with the court. McInerney is being tried as an adult on a murder count, plus a hate crime allegation.⁵⁸

• In Greeley, Colorado on July 16, 2008, Angie Zapata, 20, was fatally beaten by her date after he discovered she was transgender. Zapata's killer, Allen Andrade, told police that after he discovered Zapata had male genitalia, he hit her twice in the head with a fire extinguisher thinking he had, in his words, "killed it." Andrade was reportedly a member of a Colorado gang that is reputed to have a zero-tolerance policy on homosexuality. He was charged with first degree murder and a hate crime.⁵⁹ Andrade was found guilty of these crimes on April 22, 2009.

• In Greenville, South Carolina on May 21, 2007, Sean Kennedy, a gay man, died of injuries sustained after he was attacked outside a bar. While making derogatory comments regarding Kennedy's sexual orientation, the assailant fatally beat and punched him until he fell, hitting his head on the pavement. The killer was originally charged with murder, but his charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to five years in prison, which was suspended to three years with credit for the seven months he had already served. He was also ordered to attend both anger management and drug/alcohol management classes. No hate crime was charged as South Carolina is one of only five states (along with Arkansas, Georgia, Wyoming, and Indiana) that do not have a penalty-enhancement hate crime law.⁶⁰

If you or someone you know has been the victim of violence please call SafeSpace, the anti-violence program of the RU12? Community Center, there are advocates who can help. 863-0003

Hate Crimes Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Individuals

Reported hate crimes committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation increased in 2007 to 1,265, the highest level in five years. Of all hate crimes reported in 2007, the proportion committed against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals rose to 16.6 percent, also the highest level in five years. According to the FBI's HCSA reports, gay men and lesbians have consistently been the third most frequent target of hate violence over the past decade.

The result of this increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation is heightened fear and insecurity among LGBT individuals. Says Candace Nichols of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, "Every time I get into an elevator with people, if I'm not by myself, I make sure I'm with a friend. When I go to the bathroom, I always make sure someone is with me, and that's not something I used to do."⁵²

"Until we address the root causes of bias toward (LGBT) people, we'll continue to have hate perpetrated against us," says Shawna Virago, a program director for the San Francisco advocacy group Community United Against Violence.⁵³

Examples of high profile hate crimes committed against LGBT individuals that have heightened fear and insecurity and perpetuated hate against them include:

• In Richmond, California on December 13, 2008, an openly gay 28 year-old woman was attacked and gang raped by four men, including two juveniles, on a street outside her parked car. The perpetrators took her to a second location and assaulted her again, all the while making slurs about her sexual orientation. As Shawna Virago noted, "The only way we know about (the Richmond) case is because of the bravery of the survivor coming out. Hatred and bias are a routine occurrence for many LGBT people." Two men and a teenager were charged on January 6, 2009. Thirty-one year-old Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 21 year-old Josue Gonzalez, and 16 year-old Darrell Hodges were charged with kidnapping, carjacking and gang rape. A 15 year-old boy was also arrested in connection with the attack.⁵⁴ Hate crime enhancements were added to charges against Salvador.⁵⁵

  "What you get is this kind of immature desire to display power," said Jose Feito, a psychology professor at St. Mary's College in Moraga, California. "And so they go looking for easy victims, or suitable victims." "Suitable" in the Richmond case, according to Feito, meant a victim who the perpetrators could marginalize in their minds due to her sexual orientation and gender nonconformity. "That all ties into blaming the victim, who's seen as flaunting their homosexuality."⁵⁶

• In Oxnard, California on February 12, 2008, 15 year-old Lawrence King was sitting in a computer lab at his junior high school when Brandon McInerney, 14, shot him twice in the head as their fellow students watched in horror. "Even before his death, Larry King was notorious," according to press reports. "He was the sassy gay kid who bragged about his flashy attire and laughed off bullying, which for him included everything from name-calling to wet paper towels hurled in his direction. King was an easy target — he stood 5 foot 4 and was all of 100 pounds."⁵⁷ In McInerney's bedroom, investigators discovered a "trove" of white supremacist literature and drawings, depicting a "racist skinhead philosophy of the variety espoused by Tom Metzger, David Lane and others," according to a prosecution filing with the court. McInerney is being tried as an adult on a murder count, plus a hate crime allegation.⁵⁸

• In Greeley, Colorado on July 16, 2008, Angie Zapata, 20, was fatally beaten by her date after he discovered she was transgender. Zapata's killer, Allen Andrade, told police that after he discovered Zapata had male genitalia, he hit her twice in the head with a fire extinguisher thinking he had, in his words, "killed it." Andrade was reportedly a member of a Colorado gang that is reputed to have a zero-tolerance policy on homosexuality. He was charged with first degree murder and a hate crime.⁵⁹ Andrade was found guilty of these crimes on April 22, 2009.

• In Greenville, South Carolina on May 21, 2007, Sean Kennedy, a gay man, died of injuries sustained after he was attacked outside a bar. While making derogatory comments regarding Kennedy's sexual orientation, the assailant fatally beat and punched him until he fell, hitting his head on the pavement. The killer was originally charged with murder, but his charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to five years in prison, which was suspended to three years with credit for the seven months he had already served. He was also ordered to attend both anger management and drug/alcohol management classes. No hate crime was charged as South Carolina is one of only five states (along with Arkansas, Georgia, Wyoming, and Indiana) that do not have a penalty-enhancement hate crime law.⁶⁰

If you or someone you know has been the victim of violence please call SafeSpace, the anti-violence program of the RU12? Community Center, there are advocates who can help. 863-0003

*Lots to be thankful for*

This Thanksgiving as you gather around a table with friends and family take stock of all that you have to be thankful for. Here in Vermont we have a lot to be appeciative of! This year Vermont was ranked the number one healthiest state in the country, there has recently been a decrease in the unemployment rate, and we have been enjoying some beautiful weather this month!

As a community we have made some significant progress this year, which is something we can all be thankful for. So far 2009 has seen quite a few accomplishments, such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the development of a national resource center to help provide services and support to LGBTQ elders, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 was signed into law, the inclusion of same-sex couples in the census survey, domestic partner rights were extended to same-sex couples in the state of Washington, Kalamazoo (Michigan) banned discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and we are currently on the brink of having sexual orientation and gender identity added to the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Wow! And we still have a month left before 2010! What else can we accomplish before the year is over?

Enjoy the holiday!

The center will reopen Monday, November 30th at 10:00 am.

What we are thankful for

Hello wonderful RU12? and LGBTQ Community supporters!

We are thankful for you first and foremost! We could not do our important work without the time, energy and resources you generously give to our Center and community, so thank you so much for all your support!

It was wonderful to see many of you last night at our Annual Harvest Potluck - thank you to everyone who helped set up, clean up, brought delicious food, and shared your presence with us, we are so grateful for you!

Last but not least we at RU12? are thankful for our newest staff member, Mike Cartier, our new HIV Prevention Program Director, welcome Mike!

Have a wonderful, relaxing and fun time with family and friends this Thanksgiving!

From all of us at RU12?

Hello from Mike Cartier:

I am like the energizer bunny when it comes to decreasing the transmission rate among young gay and bi men! I am really excited to  create a cohesive community among young gay and bi men. This is also a change for me from the other HIV Prevention Programs I have worked with in the past. I have been working for the last two years with the New York State Department of Corrections facilitating a variety of programs around HIV/AIDS Education.  I have an extensive background in most aspects of harm and risk reduction work. It has always been a passion of mine to reduce the amount of new HIV cases that occur each year, and to give individuals different choices in reducing their risks of transmission.

 

 

A John Waters Christmas

Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 7:30 pm

$40 / $32 / $23

(Children under 17 and students with ID save $4 off top two ticket prices.)
Like a wayward Santa for the Christmas-obsessed, legendary filmmaker and raconteur John Waters  (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Female Trouble) rides into town this December spreading yuletide cheer with his critically acclaimed one-man show. Waters' rapid-fire monologue explores and explodes traditional archetypes as he shares his compulsive desire to give and receive bizarre gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true-crime holiday horror stories. "The Pope of Trash" gives you a Joyeux Noël like no other.
This performance includes adult content not suitable for children.

*For more information, visit Flynn Center.*

RU12? Supporters can save 15% off the top two ticket prices – just call the FlynnTix Box Office at 86-FLYNN or visit in person at 153 Main Street and mention the promotion code VGSA.

RU12? Harvest Potluck

Just a reminder that the RU12? Community Center Harvest Potluck will be taking place this Tuesday, November 24th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the center. We will be serving the turkey and can assure you that rolls, pumpkin bread, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and chocolate cream pie will be part of the meal. We would love to have salads, more mashed potatoes, and vegetable dishes to feast on as well! Please email ann@ru12.org to confirm that you are coming and/or to let us know what you are bringing. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fort Worth beefs up non-discrimination policy

On Tuesday, November 10th more than 200 people attended Fort Worth's city council session to make their voices heard regarding whether or not gender identity and expression should be included in the city's anti-discrimination ordinance. Fort Worth's ordinance already barred discrimination based on race, sex, religion or sexual orientation. We are happy to report that the council voted 6 - 3 in favor of expanding the anti-discrimination law to include gender identity and expression!

In June a raid at Fort Worth's Rainbow Lounge left an individual with head wounds and spurred protests from the LGBTQ community. As a result of this a task force was created to improve the relationship between the city and the LGBTQ community. The Diversity Task Force has been instrumental in the mission to have gender identity and expression added to Fort Worth's anti-discrimination law.

 An estimated 100 LGBTQ community members showed up to speak in support of adding gender identity and expression to the law, and clearly these voices made a difference. The city will begin to place this in new contracts and is hoping to ensure that those doing business with the city will also protect the rights of the LGBTQ community.

New Group Starting for Trans Guys over 35

There's a new group starting for Trans Guys over the age of 35 at RU12?. The regular Trans Guy group will continue to meet every Monday from 6-7:30pm and is open to any male identified trans guy. This new group was created by and for guys over 35 to discuss their unique experiences.

The new Trans Guy 35+ group starts Wednesday, December 9th at 6:30-8pm at RU12?, 34 Elmwood Avenue, in Burlington. The group will meet monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

For more information or to sign up for the group please contact Kara@ru12.org, 860-7812.

HIV testing hours today

The RU12? Community Center will be offering HIV testing from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm today. If you are not able to come to the center during those hours you can access testing services at Outright Vermont from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. We will resume our normal testing schedule next week.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

This Friday, November 20th the eleventh annual Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held in the Chittenden Room at Burlington College from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. This is an occasion for us to come together as a community and memorialize the people we have lost in the past year due to transphobic violence. We hope you will join us as we honor and celebrate the lives of trans people in our community. This memorial will include speakers, an art display and project, as well as refreshments.

*Burlington College is a wheelchair accessible location. Please contact sharon@ru12.org if you have any questions or accommodation requests.

RU12? Harvest Potluck

Just a reminder that next Tuesday, November 24th the RU12? Community Center will host it's annual Harvest Potluck! Join us at the center from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and enjoy a delicious feast prepared by staff and community members. We will provide the turkey and invite you to bring a favorite dish to share. This is a great opportunity to take a break from your busy schedule and connect with others while enjoying some home-cooked fare! For more information please contact the center. We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

*Please RSVP and let us know what you're planning to bring*

Dialogue and Desserts

This Tuesday, November 17th, will be our last installment of dialogue and desserts! Last Tuesday community members met at the RU12? Community Center to discuss location and enjoy dessert together. This week the topic for discussion is futures. We invite you to join us for a delicious treat while we talk about the hopes and dreams we have for our community and what we can do to accomplish these! Please join us from 7:30 to 8:30 at the center for our final discussion of the year! If you have any questions or would like more information please email sharon@ru12.org.

Todd's Peek in Review: "the funny thing is" by Ellen Degeneres

You probably wouldn’t believe it, but this month’s read was about five different choices of  the read at first. Still, in the end, Ellen won out.  She’s funny, in my opinion, and so I read befittingly (to me), “the funny thing is . . .”  Her books are light and refreshing.  She also wrote the book,  My Point and I do have one.

 Because Ellen is the consummate human being and comic at large, I also found “the funny thing is . . .”,  her own write as her second book, of total quality and enjoyment.  I also looked forward to reading “the funny thing is” and found this book to be of delight and very witty indeed.  The capacity to sense life’s human foibles as told from Ellen’s point of view as a gifted writer is to experience life to the fullest which is always a good thing.

This book parallels Ellen’s dry wit by speaking to the commonality of the lives we share and that is; our lives are as naturally funny, amusing to each of  us – what you make of life, all in all.  Through our likes and differences in that commonality we all share, we all live out our lives as best as can and strive to be the best you, you can be!

She creates comical happenstance and circumstance in her books.  She writes with jest and good humor, as always to life in real terms and to the proverbial laughter of the experience, most of all!  That is not easy for any writer to do, because that kind of humor is difficult to write and write well; yet “the funny thing is” sweeps me into the laughter and tears of the solidarity to life’s experience for one and all.  So you, the reading audience, prepare to be swept away yourselves and swing by RU12? to read “the funny thing is” in the library/Reading Room.

Once again, I found myself turning the pages of Ellen’s book with her humor and imagination cohesive to the entire read, “as Todd the gay man to share in the read besides!”  That means to me, to read Ellen, in any ole way that is twofold! As I imagine that to be so:  the funny read it is, the funny write it is, to be the affirmation for the RU12? Reader.  There is no time like the present for each of us once again, whenever it strikes our fancy to enjoy this “the funny thing is” by Ellen!

Memorial for Guen Gifford

RU12? joins many others in our community to mourn the loss of community member Guen Gifford. We extend our deepest sympathy to her friends and family. The following is a note from one of her many friends describing ways to remember Guen and honor her life.

Dear friends, As you know, Guen had many circles of friends and connections in her life. We are counting on these networks to let people know about the memorial service so that these various communities can come together to celebrate Guen's life and amazing impact on each of us. Please forward this message to anyone you know whose life was touched by her in some way. PHOTOS: There is a compilation of photos of Guen being put together for a CD. * If you have photos to include, please email them to me at jen@optimysticinstitute.com no later than the evening of Wed., Nov. 11. Please send no more than 10 photos.* If you have any that are not digital, it would be most helpful if you scanned them in rather than offering hard copies. Thanks.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: *The memorial service for Guen will be on Saturday, November 14 at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society *on upper Pearl St., Burlington, VT, followed by a reception. There will be an opportunity for people to share stories or tributes to Guen at the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Peace & Justice Center or the Caroline Fund (both in Burlington) if you are so inclined.

SILENT VIGIL WALK: To honor her involvement in the local community and Vermont, there will also be a silent vigil walk to the UU church service for those wishing to participate. *The walk will leave at 1:30pm from Law Line Legal Services*, where Guen worked for over a decade, which is located at 274 No. Winooski Ave. and end at the UU church.

Feel free to email if you have any questions. In loving memory of our dear Guen, Jen Mathews

Do Ask (what can be done), Do Tell (enough is enough) this Veterans Day

Today ceremonies and memorials took place across the country to honor the individuals that serve in the United States military. Cities held parades, schools presented speakers, and museums displayed special exhibits to recognize the significant contribution that military members make to our nation.

With all of the attention that members of the military have been receiving from the media recently, I can't help but think about how shameful it is that our country continues to uphold Don't Ask, Don't Tell. How is it possible that the LGBTQ community has attained so many victories in the past few years, and yet we are still not allowed to openly serve in the military? How can it be that we are on the verge of being included in the federal employment non-discrimination act, can be legally married, are lawfully protected from hate crimes, and yet still unable to be true to our identities while serving in the military? 

Don't Ask, Don't Tell was passed by Congress in 1993 to mandate the discharge of openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual service members. It is the only law in the country that authorizes the firing of an American simply for coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Since Don't Ask, Don't Tell was introduced the military has discharged more than 13,500 lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals (according to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network). A report that was released in 2005 stated that an estimated 800 of these individuals possessed skills deemed "critical", such as engineering and linguistics, and that it cost the military about $200 million to recruit and train their replacements. Hhhmmm, I can think of a few other programs that could benefit from $200 million, and I'm confident I could find lots of veterans who would agree that the money could have been well-spent elsewhere.

This November take time to honor and thank the individuals that serve in our military, engage them in conversation regarding this deplorable policy, and find out what veterans think can and should be done to make Don't Ask, Don't Tell a policy of the past.

Tell President Obama "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" needs to end

Interested in learning more about language and its impact on you?...

Participate in a focus group looking at the impact of heterosexist language!

RU12? has partnered with local researcher Jen Phillips to reach out to the community for her study, which looks at how people use language that excludes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered, and queer individuals. Participants will be asked to share how heterosexist language impacts them. It will look at how LGBTQ individuals gain an awareness of the role that language plays in their lives and how it has shaped the understanding of oneself over time.

Compensation:          $5 Gift Certificate to Muddy Waters in Downtown Burlington   

Qualifications:           This study is open to LGBTQ individuals 18 years or older

When:                         Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Time:                          6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Location:                    RU12? Community Center, 34 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT

Contact Inf.               Jennifer Phillips, MA

Email:  Jennifer.phillips@email.myunion.edu 

Phone: 802/734-0272

At the end of the session, Jen will be asking participants to voluntarily answer one question in writing as well as complete a small survey.

Please contact Jennifer Phillips in advance if you are able to attend or for further information.  Participants will remain strictly anonymous in all documentation and data collected.

Fax machine is on the fritz!

Our fax machine is being picky about what it receives! If you are having difficulty faxing your SafeSpace conference registration brochure please call the RU12? Community Center at (802) 860-7812 or email Ann@ru12.org or Brenda@ru12.org. Registration for the conference is still open and we look forward to seeing you there!

Dialogue and Desserts

Tuesday, November 10, the seventh installment of Dialogue and Desserts will be held at the RU12? Community Center from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Last week community members came together to discuss the topic of intersection and enjoy baked goods donated by Nunyuns Bakery and Deli. We considered how sexuality interacts with our identities and which identities shape how we see our sexuality. This week we invite you to join us for dessert and conversation about location. We will look at how our identities shift depending on where we are, as well as whether or not our understandings of who we are change when we move. Come and join us at the center! If you would like more information or have any questions please email sharon@ru12.org.

*These discussions are nonsequential, and all newcomers are welcome*

ENDA Within Reach!!

The federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act is incredibly close to being passed, and your voice is needed to push it through! A House committee has already taken testimony, a Senate committee held a hearing yesterday, and another House committee will be working on the bill in the coming weeks. This means it is possible that we may see a floor vote in the House this year!

Currently there is no federal law that consistently protects LGBTQ individuals from employment discrimination. A federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act that includes sexual orientation and gender identity will mandate that individuals whom identify as LGBTQ will be afforded the federal employment discrimination protections currently provided based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. With the passing of this law public and private employers, employment agencies and labor unions will be prohibited from using a person's sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation. Adding both sexual orientation and gender identity to the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act is a crucial step in advancing civil rights for all individuals, and it is imperative that we keep EDNA inclusive. Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) is a co-sponsor of the House version of EDNA, and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)  and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) are co-sponsors for the Senate version. We urge you to pick up your phone and call these politicians and let them know how important this is to you! While you're on the phone remember to thank them for all of the hard work that they are doing!

  Contact Senator Leahy

Contact Senator Sanders

Contact Congressman Welch

Does anyone still have a phone that looks like this?!

Disappointment in Maine

Earlier this week it was announced that voters repealed the state of Maine's equal marriage law by a 52- 47 margin. In the words of Sheryl Rapee-Adams, the Field Director of Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, "We decry this hurtful and unjust outcome that harms Mainers in every community, in every family, and in every walk of life."

Earlier this year Maine enacted the "Act to Promote Marriage Equality and Affirm Religious Freedom" law, which granted same-sex couples the right to legally marry, as well as the ability to file taxes jointly and access health insurance as a family. The law was scheduled to take effect September 12, 2009, but it was derailed by opponents of same-sex marriage via the Maine Same-Sex Marriage People's Veto. Members of the group behind this effort collected a sufficient number of signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. This meant that the law would not go into effect until and unless a statewide vote of the people approved it. The vote took place on November 3rd, and it did not take long for the word to get out that the decision had been repealed.

While it is easy to feel disappointed by this news, it is important to recognize the tremendous progress that has been made. The margin was close, and this reflects how many residents of Maine have come to understand the importance of civil marriage and civil rights. Advocates for marriage equality will continue to work for equal rights for same-sex couples and all families in Maine. We would like to recognize and give a big thank you to Vermont Freedom to Marry, the Protect Maine Equality campaign and all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly on this effort, and we urge you to keep going! 

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 awaits Obama's signature

At the end of October the House and Senate passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 by a unanimous vote in the Senate and a large majority in the house (408-9)! Once the President signs his name this legislation will guarantee appropriations will be designated for the program for the next four years.

Ryan White contracted HIV through blood-based products that were used to treat his hemophilia. Soon after Ryan was diagnosed with AIDS he became internationally known as he fought for his right to attend public school while he battled his illness. Unfortunately, Ryan's school and community reacted with fear and ignorance, and as a result of this the White family moved to Cicero, Indiana. It was there that Ryan and his family were welcomed with open arms and understanding. For millions of people, Ryan was the first person with AIDS that they "knew", if only from television or magazine stories, and he opened their hearts and minds to what it means to have AIDS.

The Ryan White program provides critical health care and related services to people living with HIV/AIDS that are either uninsured or underinsured. The program works with cities, states, and local community-based organizations to provide services to more than half a million people every year. The majority of the program's funds support primary medial care and essential support services. A smaller portion is used to fund technical assistance, clinical training, and research on innovative models of care. 

According to information obtained from the Center for Disease Control (2007) an estimated 1.1 million people are currently living with HIV in the United States, and approximately 53,600 new infections occur each year. With this many people in our country being diagnosed and living with HIV/AIDS it is obvious how critical the need for health care assistance is. Click here to learn more about the program.

RU12? HIV Testing Unavailable Today

RU12? is unable to provide HIV testing today. However, Outright Vermont will be offering free and anonymous HIV testing today from 1 pm - 5 pm. Call (802) 865 - 9677 for more information. RU12? will resume HIV testing next Tuesday, November 10th.

2009 Transgender Day of Remembrance

The 2009 Transgender Day of Remembrance is an occasion to memorialize the people we have lost in the past year due to transphobic violence. The event is held each November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28, 1998 spurred the "Remembering Our Dead" web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. We invite you to join us on Friday, November 20th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm for the eleventh annual Transgender Day or Remembrance as we honor and celebrate the lives of trans people in our community. The memorial will take place in the Chittenden Room of Burlington College, which is located at 95 North Avenue in Burlington. This event includes speakers, an art display and project, as well as refreshments. All people, regardless of their gender identity, are welcome to participate. For more information contact the RU12? Community Center.

LGBTQA Elder Group

LGBTQ Elder's Group Rejuvenated! 

Come together on Sunday November 15th for a potluck brunch at 1:00!  Bring your favorite dish to share or join us for some great food. This is a wonderful opportunity for socialization!  There will also be a discussion about revitalizing the Elder Group and taking it in new directions (where you want it to go!)  Please help us pass the word! 

For more information contact Dawn at dawn@ru12.org or call 802.860.7812.

Harvest Potluck

On Tuesday, November 24th the RU12? Community Center will host it's annual Harvest Potluck! Come join us from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm as we celebrate fall and enjoy a delicious feast prepared by staff and community members. We will provide the turkey, and we encourage you to bring your favorite dish to share! If you would like more information on this event please contact the center. We look forward to seeing you there!

*Please RSVP and let us know what you're bringing*