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

We're Here, We're Queer, and We Want the Census Bureau to Know About It!

If you are one of the 307,006,550 people living in the United States, it is likely that you recently received a medium-sized white envelope in the mail containing the 2010 US Census. Before getting the census you probably received a warning (in mail form) from the government that the US Census was coming and it was imperative that you fill it out immediately! On the glorious day that it finally arrived, did you find yourself asking, "What's so significant about this?"

Well, I asked myself that question and then I went on a mission to find out. It turns out that every ten years the US Census Bureau attempts to conduct an accurate count of every American and household across the country. The Census Bureau uses this information to form congressional district boundaries and to distribute billions of dollars for social services. Non-profit organizations use census data to plan services for individuals and their families, and the statistics are also used to influence the locations for schools, roads and hospitals (among other things). Clearly, the data that is collected during the census has a big effect on the funding that our communities receive, which is why it is essential for everyone to fill the survey out and stick it in the mail.

The US Census Bureau has good intentions in its mission of trying to get an accurate picture of what America looks like. But how accurate can that picture be when it doesn't include key components of personal identity, such as sexual orientation or gender identity (which isn't limited to the binary categories of female and male)? We are in agreement that a snapshot of America which doesn't include sexual orientation and gender identity is misleading in that it does not accurately depict the citizens of this country. That's why RU12? is supporting the message from CenterLink that it is time to "Queer the Census"! Click here to sign the petition to demand that the census ask the questions and count everyone in their data collection! After you sign the petition you can get a sticker to help spread the word about Queer the Census, which can also be used to seal your census envelope before you drop it in the mail. So let this be one last plea to you: Fill out the 2010 Census, and let the government know how important it is to you that LGBTQ questions be included the next time around!

 

Bumps along the way to Westboro's Supreme Court Case

Lawyers for the father of a Marine who died in Iraq and whose funeral was picketed by Westboro Baptist Church's anti-gay protesters say a court has ordered him to pay $16,500 towards protesters' appeal costs, despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case.

Many of us remember when Westboro came to our state and have watched as they spread their hateful message across the country. The outcome of this case in the Supreme Court will no doubt not only affect the movement of WBC as they continue their protesting, but also have ramifications for all grassroots protests.

Want more information? Read up on WBC's court case, or find out more about the costs associated with WBC's appeal.

*The L Word*

Since last Saturday's screening of "The L Word" was such a success we have decided to do it again! On Tuesday, April 6th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm the RU12? Community Center invites you to come and watch episodes 3 and 4 from the first season of "The L Word". For those of you that have never experienced the guilty pleasure of "The L Word" we'll fill you in on all of the scandalous things you missed during the first two episodes. We'll provide the popcorn and drinks, and feel free to bring something to share if you want to! The highly addictive nature of "The L Word" means that this event comes with a warning: you may find yourself totally hooked on show and wanting to rush home to put in on your Netflix queue! See you there!

Have questions about this event? Email alex@ru12.org 

Obama Appoints First Out Lesbian to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission!

Although Chai Feldblum was officially nominated for a commissioner position on the EEOC back in September of 2009, homophobic members of the political right have strenuously opposed her appointment, reasoning that she would use the office as platform for her radical views. Yesterday, Obama granted a recess appointment to Feldblum, citing that, ''The United States Senate has the responsibility to approve or disapprove of my nominees. But if, in the interest of scoring political points, Republicans in the Senate refuse to exercise that responsibility, I must act in the interest of the American people and exercise my authority to fill these positions on an interim basis.''

This appointment makes Feldblum the first openly gay Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She has developed legislation, analyzed policy on various AIDS-related issues, and played a leading role in the drafting of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and, later as a law professor, in the passage of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. She has also worked on advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and has been a leading expert on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. 

Want to check out more about Feldblum's experience? Check out her faculty page at Georgetown Law.

Thank you VT Legislature for passing resolution of support for Vermont's LGBTQ community!

On February 5th, RU12? led the successful organizing of the Annual LGBTQ Visibility Day at the Vermont State House. For the first time on record, RU12? also worked with the Vermont House of Representative to pass a resolution on Visibility Day in support of our community. We are thrilled that the Resolution to recognize and support our community and the organizations who support us passed unanimously. Below is an image of the resolution and the full text. Thank you to all our collaborating organizations and groups who contributed to the resolution and to Visbiility Day and who join us in the work everyday, especially to Outright Vermont, Vermont CARES, VT Freedom to Marry Taskforce, the Samara Foundation of Vermont, Pride Vermont, and VT TransAction. A special thank you goes out to Rep. Bill Lippert and to the other sponsors of this resolution: Rep. Grad, Rep. Head, Rep. Howard, Rep. Larson, Rep. Leriche, Rep. Lorber, Rep. Marek and Rep. Wizowaty. 

H.R. 26

House Resolution calling for full equal rights and treatment for all members of our diverse community

Offered by: Representative Lippert of Hinesburg, Grad of Moretown, Head of South Burlington, Howard of Rutland City, Larson of Burlington, Leriche of Hardwick, Lorber of Burlington, Marek of Newfane and Wizowaty of Burlington

Whereas, Vermont has a long history of welcoming and embracing all if its citizens, taking pride in a community where diversity is our greatest asset, and

Whereas, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is a vital and vibrant part of our state, playing an intergral part in Vermont's cultural, business, and economic health, and

Whereas, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Vermonters are our neighbors, family members, friends, coworkers, teachers, health care workers, police officers, business owners, policy makers, and community leaders, and

Whereas,  LGBT youth and adults continue to experience inequality, discrimination, and harassment on a regular basis, and

Whereas,  Vermont's LGBT youth and their allies are continuously working to make sure their schools and communities are free from bullying and harassment and accessible to all Vermont youth, and

Whereas, the LGBT community of Vermont has responded assertively and compassionately to HIV/AIDS for 25 years and continues to support prevention, education, and medical care services to all Vermonters, and

Whereas,  this House celebrates Vermont's making history in passing an equal marriage law through our legislative process, and

Whereas,  Vermont is proud that organizations and groups such as the RU12? Community Center, Outright Vermont, the Samara Foundation of Vermont, Vermont CARES, Vermont TransAction, the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, Pride Vermont, and the Vermont People with AIDS Coalition exist to provide important services to our citizens, and

Whereas, today, February 5, 2010, is the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allies (LGBTQA) Visibility Day at the state house, now therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives:

That this legislative body, on LGBTQA Visibility Day at the state house, calls for full equal rights and treatment for all members of our diverse community, and be it further

Resolved: That this legislative body calls upon all citizens of this great state to join in honoring members of our diverse community and the organization that serve them, and be it further

Resolved:  That the Clerk of the House be directed to send a copy of this resolution to RU12? Community Center in Burlington.

LGBTQ Family Event!

Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? As part of The Family Project, RU12? Community Center is partnering with Casey Family Services to host a social and recreational event for families on Sunday, April 18th. We invite you to join us in the Tarrant Center at Saint Michael's College from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for family playtime! During this time we will facilitate games and an arts and crafts activity. The basketball and racquetball courts will be available for use, as well as a pool table and television in the recreation room. The Family Project and Casey Family Services will provide food and drinks. This will be a great opportunity for LGBTQ birth, foster and adoptive families to meet each other and make connections, and we hope you will be able to join us! We ask that you please RSVP to this event by Wednesday, April 14th. For more information and to RSVP please email sharon@ru12.org or call 802.860.7812.

Florida's ban on gay adoption looks as though it is coming to an end!

Florida is the only state in the nation that openly bans adoption for same-sex couples, which is the reason that Martin Gill and his partner have spent the past five years of their lives encompassed in a legal battle. During this time Mr. Gill and his partner have continued to raise two boys, brothers ages five and nine, in their Miami home.

Gill and his partner are not the first couple to contest the state's inequitable law, and recently several Florida courts have made decisions to overrule the ban saying that it violates Florida's Constitution. Currently, the issue is before a state appeals court.

Although there are other states that restrict the rights of individuals that identify as gay to adopt children, Florida is the only state that has a specific ban written in the books. This ban dates back to 1977 and was inspired by Anita Bryant's crusade against expanded rights for gays. Remember Anita?  She will be remembered in history as the woman that led the 1977 campaign to repeal Dade County, Florida's ordinance that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has fought the law twice and has lost both times. The reason that Martin Gill's case has survived to this point is because it focuses on one constitutional issue: a violation of equal protection rights of both children and gay adopting parents. When speaking about the violation of equal protection rights, Rob Rosenwald, said, "The children, in that it permanently denies them the change to have a permanent home with their gay caretaker. So they will forever be in a state of foster care. It violates the rights of the parents by treating them differently than their straight counterparts without any rational basis."

There are positive signs that Floridians' attitudes toward gay adoption is shifting in both the courts and among the public. For example, a Quinnipiac University poll recently found that the majority of Floridians now oppose the ban. And the Gill case is one of three in which state courts have overruled Florida law and approved gay adoptions.

It looks as though this inequitable law is coming to an end, we'll let you know as soon as it is official!

Why LGBT People Benefit from Health Care Reform

From the National Center for Lesbian Rights

This week’s passage of historic health care legislation will improve the lives of millions of Americans, including many people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. To quote President Obama, “This isn’t radical reform, but it is major reform,” and while LGBT anti-discrimination provisions were not included in thefinal bill (pdf), the passage of health care reform is a momentous achievement that will save lives and will improve access to much-needed health care. Once reform is fully implemented, more than 95 percent of the country will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured. This matters toLGBT people because:

1. A disproportionate number of LGBT people are poor (pdf) and/or homeless due to pervasive discrimination. Extending health care coverage to an additional 32 million economically disadvantaged people will help a critically vulnerable segment of our community gain access to basic medical care.

2. Under the new law, adult children under the age of 27 will be allowed to stay on their families’ insurance policies, even after they leave home and/or graduate from college. Between 1 million and 9 million children are being raised by LGBT parents in the United States today and poverty rates for children of same-sex couples are twice as high as poverty rates (pdf) for children of different-sex married couples.

3. According to the Williams Institute , studies show that people in same-sex couples are more likely to be uninsured than are people in married different-sex couples. A 2006 survey of national data showed that 20 percent of people in same-sex couples were uninsured, compared with only 11.5 percent of married individuals.

4. A study analyzing the National Health Interview Survey found that women in same-sex couples were statistically significantly less likely to have health insurance than women in different-sex relationships.

5. Women will no longer be subjected to “gender rating,” a practice used by insurance companies to charge women more than men for the exact same policies—and under reform, maternity care will be covered.

6. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion (pdf), doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

7. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed (pdf) to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions. This provision will be a tremendous benefit to transgender people, people with HIV, and people with cancer, including the disproportionate number of lesbians who suffer with breast cancer.    

Given how many lives and personal economies have been ruined due to unaffordable health care, this legislation will prevent disaster for millions of people. But we recognize that this bill comes at a cost. There is no coverage of undocumented immigrants, which is shameful. There are restrictions on reproductive freedom, which are outrageous and must be remedied. And the failure to include specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people is unconscionable. The final package also did not include a provision which would have eliminated the tax paid on domestic partner health benefits offered by employers.

LGBT individuals are entitled to health care free of prejudice and we must continue our work to eradicate barriers faced by LGBT people in accessing health care. We must advocate for a woman’s right to choose, a physician’s right to provide the care that he or she believes is medically appropriate and necessary to his or her patients without unwarranted interference from the government, and full and equal access to health care for allpeople, including equal access to assisted reproduction. NCLR is working with other civil rights organizations to protect and advance these precious human rights.

While this legislation is imperfect—a product of compromise—it is a foundation upon which to build. And while there is much work to be done, including adding anti-discrimination provisions for LGBT people, this unquestionably is a historic moment. President Obama just signed one of the most significant progressive laws passed in decades. This is a tremendous, hard won victory, and we must continue our work to fill the gaps left by this bill.

There is much to be learned by the long journey to passing this legislation, which teetered on the brink of defeat on several occasions. Our nation remains deeply polarized, with opponents of health care reform resorting to familiar fear-mongering and hate-filled tactics. Members of Congress who supported health care reform were targeted in appalling ways, and Tea Party activists hurled racist and anti-gay epithets at African American and openly gay Representatives. Our community is all too familiar with these opponents, the very same who support anti-LGBT ballot measures. However, this week we rose to victory and trampled their campaign of scare tactics and lies. That victory reverberates across the nation, and we must sustain this momentum, stay true to our vision, and not fall prey to divisiveness.

In the coming weeks, we will be put to the test again. Already, the debate over the reconciliation bill rages on in the Senate. We will see similar debates as President Obama pushes for comprehensive immigration reform and as our community fights for long overdue workplace protections and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

We are in historic times and we are witnesses to and participants in groundbreaking, but still flawed, victories. We all need to engage, get active, be involved, and sacrifice like never before to make certain that the changes we seek and the gains we make include our community. This has to be our time.

"Sex not specified": norrie mAy-Welby is first to be legally recognized as genderless!

norrie mAy-Welby, a Scottish native living in Australia, has been the first person to legally be recognized as genderless! New South Wales government officials amended norrie's birth certificate to now read: "no specific sex". Originally born a male, norrie (who uses the artistic signature norrie mAy-Welby) underwent a sex reassignment surgery in 1990 but ceased taking hormones shortly after. After doctors determined that norrie was neither medically or psychologically male or female, Australia's NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages issued their decision to change the classification from one sex to not specified on legal documentation. norrie has been quoted saying: ""The concepts of man or woman don't fit me. The simplest solution is not to have any sex identification." RU12? congratulates norrie and her personal victory as well as the victory for intersex individuals everywhere!! For more information about norrie, you can access her blog at: http://may-welby.blogspot.com/

RU12? Article in VT National Association of Social Work Newsletter

RU12? Community Center

By Dawn A. Palladino, RU12? Intern and MSW student at UVM

            The RU12? Community Center is located in a small house on a one-way street in downtown Burlington.  A large rainbow flag waves proudly outside the front door—for some individuals, the only indication that inside is an organization created to be helpful to people who don’t fit into a traditionally normative gender or sexual orientation category.  If those individuals did ever enter the Center, they would find a wide range of services, a friendly and open group of staff and volunteers, and a space where all people are encouraged to be whoever they would like to be and to have a voice that will be heard.

                The mission statement of RU12? is to celebrate, educate and advocate with and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Vermonters.  The Center strives to meet these goals in a variety of ways.  To celebrate the LGBTQ community, RU12? houses a large (and growing) lending library, free community meeting space, the David Bohnett Cyber Center, the Dialogue Project (a a multi-generational, multimedia project that travels across the state) and, throughout the year, various social gatherings organized by staff and volunteers.

Education means a variety of different things at RU12?.  The Center participates in educating future service providers.  Sharon Moran and I are both interns at the Center this year.  We have spent a great deal of time so far learning how to collaborate and coordinate with service providers and community members.  We have had the opportunity to work on many different projects, such as organizing the Transgender Day of Remembrance, creating new groups at the Center, putting together a resource guide for the LGBTQ community, and in general learning about macro-level social work practice.  But education doesn’t end with students at RU12?.

The Center offers free, anonymous HIV testing.  People can obtain information regarding LGBTQ-friendly service providers, such as doctors and counselors.  The website is constantly being updated with the latest news about upcoming events around the entire region, current events in the state and federal government, and various resources that are available to the community.  The Center also attempts to help educate the larger community about LGBTQ specific issues.  Staff members are often active in training service providers about the unique concerns of the LGBTQ community. 

Hannah Hauser, the Director of Health and Wellness and a recent graduate of the University of Vermont Master’s of Social Work program, stresses the importance not only of educating the community, but also being educated by the community.  She discusses how vital it is to ask questions of community members about whether or not they are getting culturally-competent health care; what else they need to have good physical, mental and emotional health; and how the Center can support getting those needs met.  Hauser is also involved in increasing RU12?’s visibility in order to inform as many people as possible about what the Center offers.  Kara DeLeonardis, the Executive Director of RU12? and another graduate of UVM’s MSW program, mentioned that a big role of her job was education as well, but on a larger scale.  This role requires her to utilize some of her social work skills, such as meeting people where they are, building bridges, and finding common ground to start from in order to educate the entire community about the issues facing the LGBTQ community.  

Testifying to the growing need of the larger community to receive training around LGBTQ issues, the SafeSpace Anti-Violence program at RU12? (along with a committee of representatives from many organizations in the field) recently hosted a conference to provide LGBTQ training to staff of various agencies, such as correctional facilities, police departments and shelters.  The conference was a huge success with over one hundred attendees, and the planning for next year’s conference has already begun.

The SafeSpace program has been very active in advocating with and for community members who have been victims of violence or discrimination.  Brenda Pitmon, another MSW graduate from the program at UVM, is the Direct Service Advocate in the SafeSpace program.  Her role is to work with survivors of violence or discrimination to support them in whatever action they want to take—she is a strong proponent of self-determination.  Advocacy can take place in a hospital or with the police, or it can take the shape of discussing discriminatory practices with a local business.  Pitmon also facilitates a survivor of violence support group, one of the multiple support groups (many of them peer-led in attempt to empower people who are marginalized in an already marginalized community) offered at the Center to connect community members with each other. 

When asked how the social work training has helped in her work, Pitmon described how she is more aware of social justice and human rights issues.  She also pointed out that she often uses self-reflection to inform her practice.  As a person who does not identify as a part of the LGBTQ community, she works diligently to make visible heterosexist practices in society operating to marginalize the people she works with.  Pitmon also illustrated how important using a strengths perspective was in her role as a SafeSpace advocate. 

DeLeonardis commented about how important advocacy is in her work as well, but much of the advocacy she does is for the larger community of LGBTQ Vermonters.  She described advocacy as a long process in which you first have to learn about the community and their needs and then work with and for them in order to promote change.  DeLeonardis highlighted some of the other social work skills she thought were vital in her role.  She often uses her group and interpersonal skills whether she’s working with the board of directors on the vision and goals of the Center, hiring and supervising staff, fundraising or running programs.  DeLeonardis said that the most important parts of her job are meeting the needs of the LGBTQ community in Vermont and making the community visible in the larger community in order to let everyone know how to help support equality and improve the entire state.  When I asked DeLeonardis if there was anything she wanted readers of the NASW newsletter to know, she responded, “As an agency, RU12? is attempting to help improve the whole community.  We are always changing and responding to the needs of the community; therefore, if other organizations need information, training or resources that we have, we are happy to share.”

The RU12? Community Center is a small, grassroots organization.  Many of the principles guiding the Center’s work are closely aligned with social work values.  The Center is always changing and growing.  The group of people who staff RU12? are aware of how important it is to be responsive to the needs of the community as they define them.  The Center needs to know what those definitions are in order to respond to them, though.  Everyone is encouraged to stop in and chat.  This helps to contribute to the collaborative approach the Center attempts to take in carrying out its mission statement. 

     Please contact us if you need resources, information, client referrals, or to subscribe to our newsletter.  Or just stop by and check us out!  RU12? Community Center is located at 34 Elmwood Avenue in Burlington; the phone number is 802.860.7812, our website is www.ru12.org or you can email us at: thecenter@ru12.org.

 

Bluebird Tavern Fundraiser Next Wednesday, March 24th

Next Wednesday evening, March 24th venture over to Bluebird Tavern, a neighborhood gastropub that offers simple and refined food at a very reasonable price. Sue Bette, the owner of Bluebird Tavern, has generously agreed to donate 10% of the sales from the night to the RU12? Community Center! Come support the LGBTQ community and a locally-owned business, which serves dishes such as Maine mussels, double burgers and hand rolled garganelli. Bluebird Tavern offers customers a selection of regionally-brewed beers on tap, wine and an array of smaller dishes that are described as "pub food with a contemporary twist". So, if you are in the mood for a flavorful meal like roasted chicken or braised lamb shank , or just feeling like a pint of beer and a plate of mussels stop by the Bluebird Tavern next Wednesday night and support the RU12? Community Center!

The Bluebird Tavern is located at 317 Riverside Avenue in Burlington

For more information about this event please email thecenter@ru12.org 

The RU12? Community Center will be closing at 4:45 next Wednesday so the staff can head over to the Bluebird Tavern. Hope to see you there!

HIV Testing News

Free Anonymous HIV Testing is available every Thursday from 11a-5p at the center!!

Have any questions contact mike@ru12.org or just call the center at 802.860.7812.

RU12? Executive Director comments about VT funding for the Boy Scouts

Use of state money for Boy Scouts comes under fire

By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau - Published: March 16, 2010

 

MONTPELIER – Gay rights organizations are opposing a $7,500 appropriation to the Boy Scouts in Gov. James Douglas' fiscal year 2011 budget proposal.

The appropriation isn't new. Since at least 2003, Douglas has proposed, and the Legislature has approved, annual expenditures for the Vermont chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. Until fiscal year 2009, the amount was $15,000. Beginning in fiscal year 2010, the amount was cut in half to $7,500.

But gay rights advocates say the organization's "discriminatory" policies – it prohibits gay and lesbian adults from volunteering as troop leaders – should prevent the group from receiving any taxpayer money.

"To have state taxpayer money support an organization with anti-gay policies is deeply disturbing, particularly at a time when we're seeing so many funding cuts to our most vulnerable residents," says Kara DeLeonardis, executive director of RU12.

Officials at Outright Vermont, a Burlington-based organization that works to support gay and lesbian youth, issued a statement criticizing the appropriation.

"We are disappointed to learn that state funding is being appropriated to the Boy Scouts, an organization that refuses to recognize the legitimacy of all families," officials at the organization said. "Outright believes that all youth need positive role models and encourages lawmakers not to permit discrimination, and to consider the diversity of all Vermont families in future policy decisions."

Rick Stockton, head of the Green Mountain Council – the governing body of the Vermont Boy Scouts – says the money is used not for operating expenses or salaries but for an annual Veterans Day parade hosted by the Boy Scouts.

Last year's parade drew thousands of people to downtown Barre. This year's event will be held in St. Albans.

"If it wasn't for the money in the governor's budget, we wouldn't be able to host the parade," Stockton says.

The Vermont chapter of Boy Scouts of America, which has a membership of 5,364 scouts, allows children to join the group regardless of sexual orientation.

"Any male in the state of Vermont in first grade through age 21 is invited to join the program," Stockton says, noting that girls 14 and over also can join. "At no time do we ask about, nor do we do anything to investigate, one's sexual orientation."

However the organization's policy prohibits openly gay or lesbian adults from volunteering for the group. There are 2,200 registered adult volunteers statewide.

"The Boy Scouts of America has made a decision on what it takes to become a leader," Stockton says.

The appropriation is particularly concerning, DeLeonardis says, given Vermont's role as a leader in the gay-rights movement. The state Legislature last year became the first in the nation to approve a same-sex marriage law.

The Boy Scout's policies came under fire locally recently when a gay couple from East Montpelier was turned down as Cub Scout leaders because of their sexual orientation. The incident prompted U.S. Rep. Peter Welch and 25 of his congressional colleagues to call on the Boy Scouts of America to reverse what they called a discriminatory policy against homosexuals.

"These are parents and children and people who want to be involved in doing community service and contributing positively to the community and they're not being allowed to," DeLeonardis says.

The United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling in 2000, declared the Boy Scouts of America can bar homosexuals from being troop leaders.

Asked about the appropriation last week, some lawmakers said they were uncomfortable with the idea of providing direct funding to the Boy Scouts.

"I personally do not believe we should use taxpayer dollars to support organizations that aren't inclusive of all of Vermont's citizens," said Senate President Peter Shumlin, who spearheaded passage of the same-sex marriage law.

Others however said they were reluctant to pull funding from a worthwhile organization based on the policies of its governing body. Rep. Bill Lippert, a Hinesburg Democrat, is an openly gay legislator who also helped shepherd through the landmark same-sex marriage legislation. He is also an Eagle Scout who counts his experience in the Boy Scouts as a positive one.

Though he opposes the "discriminatory policy" on troop leaders, Lippert said, he doesn't want to target a group that he considers an otherwise "positive force in life development.

"I don't think we should necessarily at this point paint a target on Boy Scouts in Vermont because of a national policy," Lippert said.

David Coriell, spokesman for the governor, said the administration sees value in both the Veterans Day parade and the organization that puts it on.

"To the more philosophical argument of what state organizations receive state funding, it's not a practice of the administration to evaluate and comment on every organization's policies when deciding on where funds should go," Coriell said. "… This is really about supporting the Boy Scouts and their efforts as far as the parade."

Robert Appel, executive director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, said he's surprised the state would fund a private organization that, were it a public group, would be in violation of Vermont law.

"Personally I would see it as problematic given that this state has had protections against sexual-orientation discrimination on its law books since 1992," said Appel, noting that he was speaking personally, and not on behalf of the Commission.

Allen Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont-ACLU said he finds it hard to believe that "legislators over the years have helped fund an organization that discriminates against people who would otherwise be protected by state law."

Stockton says his organization works hard to improve and enrich the lives of young people in the state. And the parade, he says, is an important way to pay tribute to the thousands of veterans living in Vermont.

"All we're doing is the best we can for families who choose to join scouting," he says. "We're not a political organization and we don't want to be."

*The L Word*

Just a reminder that this Saturday, March 20th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm the RU12? Community Center will be hosting a social event for anyone and everyone who loves "The L Word". Come join us for the guilty pleasure that is "The L Word" and then for discussion about future social activities for women! We will provide beverages and popcorn, you bring the ideas for future events! Email alex@ru12.org for more information, hope to see you there! 

SafeSpace Looking for Your Input on Vermont's Gender Identity Protection Law...

We helped advocate for gender identity protections in Vermont law – we want to know what you think of it so far!  Has it helped you?  Is the law working for you?  What do you think SafeSpace, Vermont’s only anti-discrimination Program should know about how this law is making a difference in your employment?  Would you be willing to anonymously share your employment/ job seeking experiences since the law went into effect?     

If you are a Vermont resident, identify as transgender or know someone who does we are interested in hearing from you. 

If you could take a moment to fill out this very short anonymous survey we would appreciate it!     

The information gathered in this survey will be used by SafeSpace for grant writing purposes, to steer our work in a direction that is most helpful to Vermont's LGBTQ community, to better inform the work we do at SafeSpace such as education and outreach as well as an academic research project. This is an anonymous survey however if people want to talk about their experiences they can call 802-863-0003.

Click on the link below to get to the survey.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/52NJ2PD

Join RU12?, Outright VT& VT Freedom to Marry in St. Johnsbury THIS Wednesday, March 17th 6:30-8:30pm

Come plug in so you can stay engaged in Vermont's ongoing march to full legal and social equality for all!

Beth Robinson from the VT Freedom to Marry Task Force will speak about the freedom to marry struggle 1994-2009. Kara DeLeonardis, RU12?'s Executive Director and Michel DuBois, Outright Vermont's Interim Executive Director will talk about our important work around the state.
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 17
6:30-8:30 pm
WHERE:
Universalist Unitarian Congregation
47 Cherry St., St Johnsbury
On Rte 2 directly across from new Catamount Arts Building

Refreshments provided.

For More Info: kara@ru12.org 802-860-7812

Join House of Lemay, VT Pride, RU12? and GLAM

The gay/lesbian travel show, Bump!, was in Burlington last summer.

The show will air on the Logo network on Friday... but we'll preview it/premiere it the night before, Thursday, March 11.

It's a GREAT view of Burlington and Vermont!!!!

The hostess interviews Robin McGuire (former honcho from Vermont Freedom to Marry), Pierre from the Waterfront Diving Center, promoter Shawn Lipinski, cartoonist/author Alison Bechdel, singer/songwriter Gregory Douglass, Leunig's chef Donnell Collins, Willie and Greg of the Moose Meadow Lodge, Will from Old Gold and... our own Amber LeMay!

There will be two shows, 7pm & 8pm, in the largest theatre at the Roxy. Only $5 admission with proceeds going to Vermont Pride!!

Congratulations Outright Vermont!

In case you missed it we wanted to share Outright Vermont's news about their new Executive Director who starts this coming week. Congratulations to Outright VT and to Melissa Murray!

 

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2010
Contact: Michel DuBois (802) 778-0882

Outright Vermont Names New Executive Director

Outright Vermont is exited to announce Melissa Murray as the organization's new Executive Director. Murray will start on March 15th, succeeding Christopher Neff, who stepped down in December. Founded in 1989, Outright Vermont is the state's LGBTQ queer youth center and statewide advocacy organization. The Mission of Outright is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for LGBTQ queer youth (ages 13-22).  

Murray was selected after an extensive search undertaken by Outright Vermont's Board of Directors. Murray is "excited to help guide Outright into the future. I am especially excited to be working with queer youth, and look forward to getting to know the community in Vermont." 

Murray recently moved to Vermont from Columbus, Ohio. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Ohio State University, and comes to Outright Vermont with a variety of organizational experiences. While in graduate school, Murray worked for GLBT Student Services at the Ohio State University, and prior to that, she worked in an agency providing sober and mental health support services to LBTQ women. Murray has experience with advocacy, volunteer management, budgeting, fund development, and service delivery, and has worked on issues related to racial justice, safety, economic empowerment, and reproductive health.  

"The Board of Directors was thrilled to find such an amazing candidate right here among us in the Burlington area.  We have no doubt that Melissa is the right person to bring Outright to its next level of success," said Claire Giroux-Williams, Chair of the Outright Board of Directors.

For more information, please visit http://www.outrightvt.org/ or Michel DuBois (interim-ed@outrightvt.org) or 802.778.0882.

Outright's organizing strategy is based on a youth empowerment, social change model that tells us that youth power is an essential element in the fight for equal rights. We describe youth empowerment in two parts - providing the safe space and resources so that youth can do the heavy lifting themselves and adjusting the fundamental power dynamics so that their hard work can achieves results.

DOMA event this Thursday cancelled but fill out the GLAD survey!

Equal marriage in Vermont is a critical step towards reaching full equality, but did you know that even though you are legally married in Vermont the federal government says you are not married?

The federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) not only denies your marriage but denies you and your spouse access to more than 1,138 marriage-related rights, benefits, and protections. DOMA affects issues suh as taxes, retirement and health benefits, as well as property and parental rights.

This Thursday's GLAD event is cancelled, but to help out and learn more please click here and fill out this survey. Thank you!

Free Screening for Cervical Cancer

The Hicks Foundation invites uninsured and underinsured Vermont women to a free screening for cervical cancer. The screening will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and will be hosted by Affiliates in OBGYN at 96 Colchester Avenue in Burlington, Vermont. Please make an appointment by calling 802.658.0505.

Representatives from Ladies First  and Catamount Health Care  will enroll women in continuing healthcare programs. In addition to free cervical cancer screenings, pap tests, and breast exams, HVP vaccines are available as well. Interpreters, childcare and snacks will be provided. Appointments are recommended, but not required. Please specify translation language needed when making an appointment. For more information email emily@freepap.org or visit http://www.affiliatesobgyn.com for directions.

The Hicks Foundation thanks Affiliates in OBGYN, Ladies First and Seventh Generation for making this event possible.

 

Todd’s Peek For A March Review: “Being There” by Jerzy Kosinski

 Jerzy Kosinski is an American writer of Polish descent famous for his evocative style and writings.  He lived from 1933 to 1991 and his extraordinary writings live on.  Kosinski’s body of work includes twelve novels and three books of essays.

“Being There” tells the story of Chance who lives as  a gardener for years in a wealthy, old man’s estate.  Chance is by no ordinary terms, eclectic by himself as he knows very little of himself and being a gardener is his soul existence on this dying man’s estate.  He has never been told much about his true identity and what that really means because he was adopted as a orphan at a young age.  The story shares his own narrative in the third person which reveals the telling titling of “Being There” as apropos.  

Jerzy Kosinski creates Chance beyond the simplest description, almost beyond seeming believable to the reader. Shy and assertive at the same time, Chance is the hero and the protagonist of the novel.  He intentionally cares to see life in simpler terms with really loving to garden at the estate for years without knowing what life is like on the outside world or knowing more about his own life. Although for Chance deep down he is bothered by those eternal questions which again are so telling to the events of the novel, the story goes from the living on the estate to the world beyond.

The book is an epoch read for all communities of people.  Chance is unique and shows us the clarity and diversity of being human and it is his spirit that prevails throughout the novel.  Chance is to be overpowered by the world in a way, yet his/ours human spirit  is to remain in tact.  Chance’s hopes, dreams and fears turn into sheer nothingness for him as the story develops, and is likely to, as the story line really needn’t develop beyond the reader’s original feeling for Chance from beginning, throughout the novel to the end.  Chance is a man who ultimately needs to be loved and yet I believe the world does not give him or offer him that story or characterization, not ever.  If  only that were the actual case “to the paradoxically ‘Being There’”, then it would also be less poignant over time and also change the meaning of Chance’s story.

Jerzy Kosinski proves in this writing that concentric reality isn’t always what it seems to be as we know it in this doggie dog world of ours! Take your own chance to read this witty yet compelling fast read by stopping by R.U.12? to pick up “Being There” for yourself.  To see paradoxically read  it evokes the metaphor of  to chance life, not to Chance’s life at all!  To live out your life the way Chance did and did so well by assuming that read as important to life.  In doing so -- to find out as the reader -- that per chance the age of innocence for all people as we know of life on this planet could never die young if we were all as brave and spirited and courageous and admiring as is Chance himself in “Being There”! 

Today is International Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated around the world. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. Join us to make this year's March a celebration of women around the world and rededication to women's rights which are under attack globally and nationally.

This year the International Committee of the Red Cross is drawing attention to the hardship displaced women endure. The displacement of populations is one of the gravest consequences of today's armed conflicts. It affects women in a host of ways. Women displaced by armed conflict – often living alone with their children – are frequently exposed to sexual violence, discrimination and intimidation. Many face poverty and social exclusion as well. International humanitarian law therefore includes specific provisions protecting women, for example when they are pregnant or as mothers of young children.

Today's local events include a March on Church Street starting at City Hall in Burlington at 5pm to be followed by speakers and a play presented by Congo Umoja at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

*the L word*

 Hey ladies! Do you wish there were more social activities for women in the Burlington area? Are you looking for an opportunity to meet other women in the community? Or do you just love "The L Word" and want to watch it again? Whatever the reason we invite you to join us on Saturday, March 20th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the RU12? Community Center (34 Elmwood Ave) to watch the first episode of the Showtime hit "The L Word". You provide the audience and conversation, we'll provide the show, popcorn and beverages! Come join us to indulge in the guilty pleasure that is "The L Word" and for conversation about future activities for women! For more information please email alex@ru12.org. 

"Out" for the Oscars!

Enjoy an Oscar Day brunch or dinner at Leunig's to benefit Outright Vermont!

check out www.outrightvt.org for more details!

Hope to see you there!

Jim Collins Foundation Offers Financial Assistance for Transitions

As of this October, the newly formed non-profit organization, the Jim Collins foundation, is accepting applications for financial assistance to fund gender-confirming surgeries for those transgender people who need surgery to live a healthy life, but have no ability to pay for it themselves. The organization has undertaken a worthy mission to support healthy transitions through funding medical procedures that are inaccessible for most individuals. Their mission is assisted by an impressive advisory
board including well known transgender advocates Marci Bowers, MD and Jamison Green, MFA, among others. 
All those interested in requesting assistance should visit the organization's website which provides detailed instructions about the application process click here. People interested in supporting others in their transition process are encouraged to donate through the website via PayPal or by sending a check to the address provided here.

*The Family Project*

We are excited to announce the official launching of The Family Project at the RU12? Community Center! The Family Project is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents and their children. 

We are grateful for our first grant to support this important work from the National Life Group Foundation, Inc. based in Montpelier, Vermont - thank you for your support!

As part of the Family Project, RU12? hosts regular family related events, social events for adults and children alike and educational/discussion nights with guest speaker experts on topics such as: starting a family, co-parenting and relationships, parenting, financial planning, foster parenting, adoption, infertility, legal issues and more. We offer child care during these evenings and refreshments are provided.

We want to hear from you about what topics you would like to come talk about and also what your ideas are for social events so email thecenter@ru12.org or give us a call at 802.860.7812!

RU12? also offers one-on-one support, resources or referrals to parents or hopeful parents via phone, email or in person.

The goal we hope to achieve through the Family Project is that LGBT families will have more access to information and resources to have the healthiest, happiest and most protected families they can and deserve to have. The educational sessions and social events will result in increased social support so adults, couples, and children feel less alone, more supported and therefore better about being themselves and being able to be open about their family. The social events with parents and children together will accomplish similar goals, for families to connect with others like them, for children to make friends with other children with similar backgrounds, to be able to share common experiences and of course to build community and have fun!

On January 17th 2010 we kicked off the project with a family social event at Pizza Put in South Burlington as a part of Winter Pride week. We began recruiting parents and families there to add to our growing mailing list of interested people. Our first educational discussion group night is March 10th from 6 - 7:30 pm here at 34 Elmwood Avenue. And plans are underway for our next social event on April 18th.

We hope to see you and your family at one of our events soon!

An Update from the SafeSpace Office!

Hello everyone!  The SafeSpace Program has been one busy place lately!  We wanted to write and let you all know what we have been up to! 

This past week both Brenda and Ann were off to the Q&A (Queers & Allies) conference in Seattle Washington.  The LGBTQ program there, the Northwest Network for LGBTQ Survivors put on their annual Q & A and we went down jazzed up to learn some from them.  They are a great group of folks who provide amazing services to the LGBTQ community in Seattle.  We did get hung up with the weather....6 hours in the Newark, NJ airport but once we were there it was great! 

We have also been continuously offering our two support groups, one held on Tuesday's for survivors of violence, Brenda and Ella (from Outright Vermont) facilitate that group and they have been meeting for quite some time now - more than a year and going strong!  There is also a group for male identified survivors of violence that meets on Sunday's.  Damien facilitates this group and things are going very well for them,  If you or someone you know is interested in attending a support group please give us a call at the SafeSpace office to chat about that -863-0003.

On November 13, 2009 we hosted our first statewide conference at the Double Tree Hotel in South Burlington - what a HUGE success that was.  Avy Skolnik, formerly of the NCAVP (National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs) was our keynote and people just loved him!  There were about 110 people in attendance that day and we got some great feedback.  Yes, we are in the process of planning the next conference for the Fall 2010!  Stay tuned for information on what the next one will look like.  We were so fortunate to have an immense amount of Community Support and the BEST planning committee ever!  A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the conference - we were so successful and could not have been without your support!! 

As a result of the November conference came quite a number of smaller training requests.  So far we have been to the Franklin County Sheriff's Department in St. Albans, we have trained Court Staff at the Franklin County Court, and this month we will provide training to the Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division in St. Albans as well as the Guardian ad Litems in Chittenden, Addison and Franklin Counties.  If your office has training needs please contact Ann or Brenda to chat about having us come in and provide some training to you and your staff!!  

Please contact us if you or someone you know needs assistance.  We are here to provide support, information and referrals.  

A great big thank you to all of you who support the Center in a variety of ways.  We appreciate the support!